Christmas: Buhari, Saraki, other preach peace, love

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62657

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015

Fuel scarcity: DPR begins 24-hr surveillance on depots, filling stations 8

CHRISTMAS: Buhari, Saraki,

others preach peace, love

By Sam Eyoboka, Clifford Ndujihe, Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

•Change slogan a promise that must be kept — Buhari •Saraki, Oritsejafor, Obiano, others call for peace, unity •Pray for Nigeria, PDP urges Christians, Muslims

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B U J A —

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki and the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, yesterday, preached peace and love as Christians all over the world today celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

The president in his goodwill message urged Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the virtues of peace, love, honesty, justice, equity, piety, Continues on Page 5

Army cautions shiite against inciting comments 8

Mr & Mrs

MERRY CHRISTMAS—Christmas hats on sale at Oshodi, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Akeem Salau.

DELTA GOVERNORSHIP POLL: Appeal Court 12 dismisses Ogboru's suit against Okowa SOUTH WEST VOICE Exchange OWEI DONU rate falls on LAKEMFA KOGBARA SOUTH WEST IN temporary 2015: The issues, Finally, the Christmas personalities (2) supply boost world woke up prayers See inside •P.19 COLUMNISTS:

P.19

P.17

SWEET & SOUR

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2—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015

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POCKET CARTOON

SWEARING-IN— Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State (L)

congratulating the Caretaker Committee chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Mr Michael Amadi during his swearing in as the caretaker Chariman on Wednesday. Photo: NAN.

CHRISTMAS: Let's embrace peace, love — BUHARI Continues from Page 1

humility and service to others. He assured that his government was determined to change the fortunes of Nigerians for the better because “our change slogan is not a campaign gimmick but a promise that must be kept.”

He said: “I felicitate with all Nigerians, especially our Christian brothers and sisters, on the joyous occasion of this year’s Christmas. On this occasion of the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, let us all rededicate ourselves to the virtues of peace, love, honesty, justice, equity, piety, humility and service to others which he taught.

There can be no doubt that a greater manifestation of these virtues and ideals in our lives will immensely help us to become a more united, peaceful, secure

and progressive nation.”

Buhari also enjoined Nigerians to reach out in love and compassion to fellow Nigerians who were in distress at this period of the nation’s history.

He, particularly, urged them to remember victims of terrorism and insurgency in the country, especially Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

According to him, the Federal Government will continue to collaborate with state governments and other stakeholders to ease the harsh conditions in IDP camps.

He said his administration’s ultimate objective was to quickly end insurgency and return the IDPs to their homes.

“We must never again allow any group to hold the nation to ransom under whatever guise. Let us also not allow current socio-economic and security challenges to

IT'S UP TO YOU

BY AYO ADIO OU have not lived until some persons can say that if not for you their life would have been worthless. It’s up to you.

Y

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

A problem is a chance for you to do your best —Duke Ellington

T

HE hardships you face are not things to run from. It isn’t that we are looking for a hard life, but when difficulties come despite our best efforts, it could be an indication that life is telling us to look on the other end of the scale. You may find that the degree to which you are having outer hardships matches the degree to which you’re unfolding in a much higher level in life. Remember, doing the best at the moment puts you in the best place for the next uplifting experience.

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE There is no how a bird can fly without people seeing its belly.

dampen our expectations for a better Nigeria,” he added.

The President stated that his administration had taken a number of measures to restore hope to the people, adding that the 2016 Budget defines his administration’s commitment to giving Nigeria a new lease of life.

He further expressed the determination of the Federal Government to bring about tangible changes in the lives of all Nigerians. In this regard, efforts will be intensified to recover stolen funds, block revenue leakages and enthrone due process, transparency and accountability. Public office is a public trust that must be held to the highest ethical standards.

I wish all Nigerians a Merry Christmas. Please drive carefully,” he said.

Saraki, Ekweremadu, Obiano preach peace, love

In like manner, Senate President Bukola Saraki; Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, urged Nigerians to ensure that their actions were predicated on peace, love and unity which they said, were the virtues needed to rebuild the country.

The two leaders of the National Assembly, in separate goodwill messages to Nigerians, noted that such virtues were necessary if Nigeria must progress to the expected level.

Saraki’s message, conveyed through his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, said these virtues were crucial to the developmental drive of

the present administration and to ensure that the country takes her rightful place as a proud member of the international community.

He noted that the economic challenges facing the nation as a result of dwindling revenue inflow into the Federation Account was a passing phase which would surely give way to a better future.

Saraki said: “Our President has just presented to the National Assembly the proposed estimates of 2016 budget of hope. We in the National Assembly have resolved to throw our weight behind the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and to collaborate with him in the execution of his policies of Change aimed at enhancing the living standard of our people and for a brighter prospect for our dear nation,” Saraki said.

He urged Nigerians to renew their faith in God and remain dedicated to the course of national development in the true spirit of Christmas which epitomizes love, perseverance, patience, brotherly kindness and the spirit of sharing.

Similarly, Ekweremadu, in his message through his Special Adviser, Media, Uche Anichukwu, urged Christians to follow the footsteps of Christ and pursue peace, unity and love towards all men.

Senator Ekweremadu stated that a nation divided against itself would never be able to realize its full potentials, adding: “As we celebrate Christmas, I call on Nigerians to emulate the forgiving spirit and selflessness of God who sent his only begotten son to save mankind from eternal damnation. We must also imbibe the humble, peaceful, and caring natures of Jesus Christ and do away with the vices of recrimination, nepotism, ethno-religious intolerance, and political inconsideration, which have held the country down over the years”.

Let’s unite Nigeria with love —Obiano Also, the governor of Anambra State urged Nigerians to strengthen the bonds of the nation’s unity with love this Christmas.

In a Special Christmas Message from Awka, the state capital, Governor Obiano observed that the feast of Christmas offers Nigerians a chance to reflect on the imperatives of national unity and the need to reach out and touch one another with love.

“Nigerians should use the opportunity of Christmas to reflect on national unity and seek new approaches and solutions to the numerous problems that beset the nation. If we seek hard enough, we will all come to the conclusion that most of the challenges we have with regards to unity can be solved with love.

With love, we can consign our differences to the margins of our existence.”

Reflecting on the many difficulties the country has faced in recent times, Governor Obiano observed that the incendiary rhetoric among Nigeria’s many ethnic nationalities and the frequent bloodbath occasioned by religious and tribal hostilities would all take the backseat, if Nigerians chose love as their defining ethos.

“We must replace the language of war with the language of love. We must reach out and touch one another.

We must demonstrate love for one another, for family, for friends and for Nigeria.

That, to me, is the message of Christmas,” the governor declared.

CAN fetes Christians, Muslims

National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, has felicitated with the nation’s Christians and Moslems, saying that the dual celebration has offered the nation another unique opportunity to imbibe the lessons associated with the different celebrations.

In a personal goodwill message the CAN president said: "On behalf of my family and the entire Christian community in Nigeria under the auspices of CAN, I wish to congratulate all Nigerians on the occasion of Christmas and Eid-elMaulud celebrations.

“Fellow compatriots, this season offers us another unique opportunity to imbibe the lessons that come with the season. For the Christian and Muslim

communities, the messages of the two celebrations are clear and key to our collective existence as a nation.”

He, therefore, urged all Nigerians irrespective of creed or tribe to imbibe and demonstrate the virtues of peacefulness, care for one another and sacrifice that the birth of Christ Jesus and the holy prophet Mohammed preaches.

“The season presents us a great opportunity to reflect on the challenges confronting our nation.

Let us use this occasion to strengthen our collective resolve to fight vices such as ethnicity, sectionalism and economic hardship that threatens to tear us apart. Let’s give our unalloyed support to the military as they fight to defeat insurgency in the North-East of Nigeria.”

Pray for Nigeria, PDP urges Christians, Muslims

On its part, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, called on Nigerians to use this year’s Eid-el-Maulud and Christmas to offer special prayers for the unity, peace and stability of the country.

This is contained in a statement signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, yesterday.

The party also charged Nigerians to recommit their individual and collective security as well as their economic welfare into the hands of God. “The two important celebrations, coming at this time, offer the citizens an opportunity to put aside every political, religious and ethnic difference and unite against their prevailing common challenges.

“The PDP called on all Nigerians to use the occasions to reflect on those things that bind them together as a nation.

The party is calling on Nigerians to also show love to one another and commit the nation into Gods’ hands. We continue to charge the political class to be conscious of divine accountability in all their dealings.”

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25 , 2015

5 feared dead as bus plunges into Oji River O

ALL FOR XMAS: A man with the goat he bought at Gwagwalada Goat Market in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

Laywer killed in Enugu over land dispute E

By Emeka Mamah

NUGU—THE former Secretary of the Enugu State Committee on Adada State Movement, Mr Ejiofor Ozongwu, was Wednesday killed at Okwojo Ngwo, following a land dispute.

Ozongwu, a lawyer, who was in his late 50s, was reportedly killed over a disputed piece of land in his village, Ngwo, near Enugu at about 2pm.

A version of the story had it that the late lawyer had gone to inspect the disputed land when he sighted his opponents in the dispute and fired some gun shots to scare them away.

Ozongwu was said to have in the course of scaring them, wounded the PresidentGeneral of the town's union, whose supporters then pursued him and killed him.

Another version was that a group of youths in the area sighted him while inspecting the land and pursued him and killed him before over running his corpse with a vehicle to make sure that he would not be revived.

Some members of the homicide detectives that arrived

the scene around 5pm were said to have taken the corpse of the killed lawyer to an unknown hospital mortuary for autopsy.

Enugu State Police Public

Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Ebere Amaraizu could not be reached for comments on the story, but reports from Okwojo

Ngwo said that the whole area had been deserted over fear of possible arrest by the police for questioning.

17-year-old burnt to death as Lagos records 14 fire outbreaks

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

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AGOS—A 17-year-old girl, identified as Miss Sefinatu Arowofela, was burnt to death in a fire disaster that engulfed a twostorey building in Allen Avenue, Ikeja Local Government, Lagos, even as 14 fire disasters were recorded in the State on Wednesday.

Vanguard gathered that the fire started ragging in the building located at 11 Ladipo Kuku Street, behind the popular Oshopey Plaza, Allen Avenue at about 7:45pm on Wednesday from the deceased's parent’s three bedroom apartment.

Sources said that the late Sefinatu was a physically challenged person and was resting when the fire started in the apartment.

It was learned that the effort of the official of the Lagos State Fire Service helped in curtailing the fire from extending to other flats

in the building.

Confirming the incident, Mr. Rasak Fadipe, of the state fire service, lamented that the call came late, noting “a woman was found dead in the building after the fire was put out.”

Explaining how the fire was curtailed, Fadipe said: “We met the fire well alight. We could not

get to the flat through the staircase because it was smokelocked. We had to break the window to gain entrance to the flat. Through this, we were able to put out the fire.”

He noted that 14 fire disasters were recorded on Wednesday, saying “in fact, we are battling with fires in different axis of the state.”

JI—FIVE persons lost their lives early Thursday morning on the Onitsha-Enugu express way, as a commuter bus heading towards Enugu plunged into Oji River, near Anambra.

Mr Sunday Ajayi, Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Anambra Command, who confirmed the accident said that the incident occurred about 1:25 a.m. on Thursday.

Ajayi said there were 15 passengers in the vehicle, out of which 10 were rescued and taken to hospital, while five were killed in the incident.

He said the timely rescue operations led by the personnel of the FRSC minimised the number of casualties.

“The rescue at Oji River is still going on, we have been able to rescue 10 people alive and taken them to hospital, five were confirmed dead and the bus has been recovered,” he said.

The commander said it was a ‘lone accident’ and blamed it on drowsiness of the driver, poor visibility and other dangers associated with night driving.

He urged people who wished to travel to do so during the day time, and set out on time for journey that may stretch into the night.

Police arrest man for defiling 7 minors in Ebonyi

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By Peter Okutu

BAKALIKI—A middle aged man was yesterday arrested by the EBONYI State Police Command for allegedly defiling seven female children at Onueke in Ezza South Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s spokesperson, Mr George Okafor, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Abakaliki.

Vanguard learned that the Command took up the matter

following a petition to the Police Headquarters by the Family Law Centre, Abakaliki.

Narrating their ordeals, some of the victims between the ages of 6 and 10 alleged that the man, a father of three, had on several occasions lured them to his vehicle and other isolated places where he repeatedly perpetuated the dastardly act.

The parents of the children, Mrs Elizabeth Nweke and Mr Monday Obaji said they

became aware of the development when their children started complaining of pains within their private parts, adding that the accused admitted committing the offence when confronted by members of his community.

Reacting, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Okafor, said the matter was under investigation but claimed that the affected families were yet to bring the victims for medical test.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015—7

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015

DPR begins 24-hour surveillance on depots, filling stations As NUPENG blames NNPC, marketers for unabated fuel scarcity

By Victor Ahiuma-Young with agency reports

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AGOS — THE Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) says it has set up a 24-hour special task force to supervise and monitor petrol sales at depots and stations.

It said the task force would sanction depots and stations selling above the recommended price.

Assistant Director, Public Affairs in DPR, Mrs Dorothy Bassey, disclosed this in telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, yesterday.

Bassey said the special team was set up purposely for the Yuletide with powers to take over the sale of the product from those selling above the approved price.

She said the agency had met with stakeholders to convey government’s displeasure on illegal sale of petrol above the stipulated price and the long queues at the filling stations.

The DPR warned that those involved in the criminal act would henceforth lose their licence under the new steps being taken by agency to enforce discipline.

She said: “We have instituted 24hour surveillance by special task force which we are not going to disclose their identity because we don’t want them to be harassed."

Bassey said those selling petrol above the pump price were doing so at night. She said any station caught would be forced to sell at the official price “so that we don’t seal them to compound the scarcity.”

She said the agency had some dedicated numbers on its website through which Nigerians could send their complaints.

Meanwhile, some marketers, who preferred anonymity, told NAN that the ongoing petrol scarcity would persist as government had failed to address issue of foreign exchange hindering fuel importation.

They said that marketers were willing to import fuel, but scarcity of foreign exchange remained a serious challenge.

NUPENG blames NNPC, marketers for unabated fuel scarcity Meanwhile, the Nigerian Union of Petroleum Workers, NUPENG, has accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and the oil marketers of conniving to bring untold hardship to the populace, demanding that they tell Nigerians the truth about the cause of the fuel scarcity.

The union warned that the scarcity will not ease soon until the government holds a roundtable meeting of stakeholders to address the matter squarely.

NUPENG in a statement, yesterday, by its President, Mr. Igwe Achese, insisted that it found it difficult to understand the continued scarcity of products, as its members were taking fuel to their destinations from the depots.

While debunking insinuations that members were involved in product diversion, the union

called on the Federal Government to convoke a stakeholders’ conference to address the problem of product scarcity for Nigerians to know the truth.

According to the statement, “NUPENG debunks the insinuation that its members are involved in fuel diversion, resulting into fuel scarcity. The allegation is false as its members

are loading petroleum products to their destination.

"The persistent scarcity of fuel is being caused by the NNPC and oil marketers who are conniving and collaborating to bring untold hardship to the populace. We saw this prolonged scarcity of petroleum products coming and called for a stakeholders meeting of all bodies to brainstorm and proffer solutions to the challenge, but the NUPENG outcry was just in vain."

VISIT: From left, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo; Special Adviser to Awolowo, Mr. Taofeek Owoseni and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo during courtesy call at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Exchange rate falls on temporary supply boost

By Emeka Anaeto, Economy Editor

T

HERE appeared to be a significant respite for Naira as it strengthened against the US Dollar in the unofficial currency market a day to the public holidays after suffering severe depreciation daily for three consecutive weeks.

As at close of business yesterday, the local currency gained 3.64 per cent relative to the greenback, USD, to close at N265/USD1.0 from N275/ USD.0 in the preceding week at the Bureau De Change, BDC, market segment.

Similarly, the local currency appreciated by 3.57 per cent of its value relative to the USD at the parallel market segment to close at N270/USD1.0 up from N280/USD1.0 in the previous week.

Currency dealers told Vanguard that the development came on a temporal supply boost by homecoming diaspora Nigerians for the festive season.

However, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, clearing rate and interbank rate closed steady at N196.97/USD1.0 and N199.1/USD1.0 respectively.

Army cautions Islamic Movement of Nigeria against inciting comments

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IU (BORNO)— The Nigerian Army has warned members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria to desist from making misleading comments, capable of breaching public peace and order.

This is contained in a statement issued by Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, saying: “The Army is aware of clandestine campaign of calumny and misinformation on the incident of Dec.12, 2015 in Zaria.”

He said that “a group of high ranking members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), led by one Dr Abdullahi Danladi, a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria,” had misrepresented facts about the incident.

“He was at the university on Wednesday soliciting support and telling lies about the circumstances surrounding the incident and the incident itself.

He also went further to make false and unfounded allegations of casualty figures and desecration of burial grounds.

“Dr Abdullahi Danladi and like minded individuals should be

warned to desist from telling lies and misrepresentation of facts capable of misleading the general public.”

The statement said the actions of Danladi was preposterous and showed lack of concern and respect for peace and tranquility.

It said that the Army would

not sit back and allow some mischievous elements in the society to further create unnecessary tension and disaffection in the society.

It urged the public to disregard the misleading campaign by the sect.

“This attitude will not be tolerated where people abuse

their privileged position to mislead the public and create disaffection.

“Nigerians and indeed all well meaning people are please enjoined to be patient and await the outcome of the various enquiries instituted by various government and nongovernmental agencies.”

Crude oil swap probe: Reps set 127 questions for oil marketers Vow culprits 'll refund stolen money with interest

By Emman Ovuakporie & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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BUJA—MEMBERS of the adhoc committee on Crude Oil Swap deals have prepared 127 questions for oil marketers with oily fingers to answer.

Also, agencies and marketers found wanting will be made to cough out such ill-gotten monies with interests paid into the coffers of the Federal Government, according to a source privy to this development.

According to a member of the committee, “we’ve concluded all our investigative hearings on

crude oil swap and the revelations are earth shaking, particularly in the volumes of swaps and outrageous gaps in receipt of payments during this oil swap regime.”

Asked whether there is any pressure from the oil marketers, the source said: ”Yes, of course, some of the marketers are trying to use legal weapons to truncate a job we painstakingly investigated. But members of the committee are resolute and for their threats we’ll go the extra mile by ensuring that every kobo stolen must be returned with interests”.

“We will not even stop at that,

immediately we conclude the public hearing next month those found wanting will be invited by all the anti-graft agencies.

“The pressure on us is enormous to bend the rule to favour those who think they are untouchable but we’ll surprise them beyond their expectations as all the questions must be answered.”

The Adhoc committee was set up following a motion promoted in June 2015 by Rep Michael Enyong, Akwa Ibom PDP, who alleged that the country has lost considerable revenue from the oil traders involved in the crude oil swaps and Offshore Shore Processing Agreements (OPAs).

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015—9

C M Y K

10 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25 , 2015

Ambode condemns low pace of work on Okota road •Issues Feb completion deadline to contractor

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

L

AGOS —GOVERNOR Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, yesterday, paid an unscheduled visit to Ago Palace Way in Okota, Isolo where he expressed dissatisfaction over the slow pace of construction work on the road which he said was vital to the economy of the area.

The governor, who was accompanied on the inspection tour by top government officials, ordered the contractor to work day and night so as to ensure the completion of the road by February 2016.

“We cannot afford to be slow on this road. It is a very strategic and important road to our people. I have directed the contractor to ensure that this road is completed between now and February next year,” the governor said.

He also inspected the ongoing rehabilitation of Okota road where he assured residents that the work on the road will be completed soon.

The governor, who also inspected the newly rehabilitated Alfa Nla and Oke Koto roads in Agege, said the completion of the road was in fulfillment of the promise he made to the people.

The governor said: “During the campaign, I came here and I said if you vote for me, I will fix this road which is Alfa Nla-Oke Koto roads. I said I will come back to do it and I did promised that before Christmas, this road will be motorable.

“In fulfillment of our promise, we are here today inspecting the completion of this road. What I want to tell you as part of the Christmas gift to you is that we are going to put street lights on this road.”

Earlier, at POWA Shopping Complex, Falomo, Ambode frowned at the poor state of the environment and indiscriminate parking of cars on the road.

He directed the Commissioner for Environment to immediately ensure that the state sanitation rules are enforced in the area, just as he ordered the evacuation of vehicles parked by the roadside.

C M Y K

Holidays: Lagos airport witnesses passenger traffic boom

By Daniel Eteghe

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AGOS — PASSENGERS in their hundreds were, yesterday, seen arriving and departing the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos ahead of the Christmas celebration coupled with the Eid-el-Maulud public holiday.

A visit to the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, Domestic Terminal 2, MMA2,

by Vanguard showed queues by intending passengers at most of the airlines’ counters.

Among the airlines in operation for the day were FirstNation Airways, Aero Contractors Airline, Dana Airline, AZMAN Airline and, Medview Airline with a lot of passengers patronising them, who were either booking their tickets or proceeding to the various aircraft for boarding.

Vanguard further observed that the arrival hall was also filled up with guests awaiting the arrival of their loved ones

while car hire operators were also smilling to the banks.

Destinations mostly booked were Lagos-Abuja, PortHarcourt, Kano, Kaduna, Owerri, Enugu, Yola, Kaduna and Asaba among others.

Vanguard also observed that there were some security officials at the terminal building who were ensuring that passengers' transfer were seamless.

However, there were some delays and flight dearth to Port-Harcourt at the General Aviation Terminal, GAT, MMA1 where Arik Airline, Overland Airways, Air Peace Airline were operating from.

One of the passengers on Aero Contractors Airline to Abuja at 8:00am, Mr. Johnson Adekunle, said he was travelling to spend the holidays with his family in Abuja.

According to him, “I am travelling to Abuja to spend the holiday with my family. The

passenger traffic is quite huge today but I thank God, I was able to get a flight anyway” Contacted, General Manager, Public Affairs, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati, said the agency had put all the necessary measures in place to meet up with the increase of passengers traffic during the season.

Dati said among the measures were the scanning machines to prevent passengers from carrying foreign objects with them as well as provision of adequate security by the Aviation Security Personnels, AVSEC. He also said all the airlines had been encouraged to ensure seamless flight operations and passengers vacillation across all the airports in the country.

REMEMBRANCE EMBLEM: From left, Secretary to State Government, Mr Tunji Bello; Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule; Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State and Commander, 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ikeja, Maj-Gen. Ahmed Sabo, during the launching of Armed Forces Remembrance emblem in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

‘Justice, panacea for peace in Nigeria’

By Olayinka Latona

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HE Federal Government has been asked to hold justice in high esteem if it is to solve the problem of corruption and other challenges confronting the nation.

This assertion was made by the President of Sacred Heart, Apostles of Prayer, Lagos Archdiocese, Mr. Geoffrey Nebolisa during the annual prayer day for the nation, with the theme: "Heart of Jesus Full of Justice and Love,” at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, Agboju, Lagos.

Nebolisa said there was need for justice and love in the countr y, adding that absent of justice is the cause of most challenges confronting the country. He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to listen to the plea of the masses and work for the betterment of Nigerians, avoid ethnicity or religion but rather put the country first.

According to the cleric, since year 2000, members of the Sacred Heart Apostles of Prayer Nigeria had decided to set aside one day to pray for good governance, God’s protection and peace in the country.

Yuletide: Ambode preaches love, peaceful co-existence

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S Christians in Nigeria join the rest of the world to celebrate Christmas, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has enjoined Nigerians to embrace the virtues of love and peaceful coexistence that the season symbolises, just as he urged them to refrain from activities that could trigger unrest and disunity.

The governor, in his Christmas goodwill message, said as the nation continues to anticipate the change promised by the All Progressives Congress (APC), it is only through peaceful coexistence and atmosphere that any positive change can materialise.

“The season of Christmas is

one that exemplifies the virtues of love and peaceful coexistence. We must continue to extend a hand of love and live as one family irrespective of our creed or colour. We must also continue to respect each other’s right to live freely and peacefully,” the governor said in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna.

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

Ambode said Nigeria, over the years, has continued to draw strength from its diversity, saying Nigerians must, therefore, stand together and

resist any attempt by any individual or group of persons to exploit such ethnic differences to further their selfish ends.

He urged residents to be safety and security conscious, especially during the festive period and refrain from habits that could endanger their lives.

Ekiti Speaker wants Christ’s virtues emulated Meantime, the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Kola Oluwawole, has admonished Nigerians, particularly the people of Ekiti State, to imbibe the

virtues of the Lord, Jesus Christ, as they celebrate this year ’s Christmas and New Year.

Oluwawole gave the admonition in a Yuletide message signed by his Special Assistant (Media), Stephen Gbadamosi.

He said the most profitable way the Christmas and New Year seasons could be celebrated was to imbibe the virtues of humility, love, worship and giving that Jesus was known for.

He added that this time in the history of the country particularly call for acceptance of all the Saviour stood for.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015—11

Aregbesola dissolves councils' caretaker c'ttees O

SOGBO—STRONG indications have emerged that the tenure of the interim management committees administering the councils in Osun State in the last five years is set to end, as Governor Rauf Aregbesola has concluded arrangements to dissolve them and replace them with fresh candidates before December 28, an informed source has hinted.

The interim administrators, all of whom are either members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, or associates of the governor were on February 17, 2011 inaugurated to oversee all the 30 local governments and the area councils in the state, despite contravening the Nigeria Constitution, that expressly stipulated that those who administer local councils emerges through elections.

It was learned that Governor Aregbesola who has faced strong criticisms both within his party, APC and the opposition parties for the prolong administration of the interim management committee, at a recent meeting with a caucus of the governor’s leadership declared his intention to sack them and replace them with fresh faces within the party.

He, however, urged them to make available their nominees for

specified slots.

The overture by some members of the interim management committee to be re-included in the yet to be constituted committee is not been entertained, as the governor was emphatic that fresh candidates will only be considered in the new interim management committee.

The governor, it was further gathered, may put into effect the newly created councils to shore up revenue and extend more political patronage to members of his party who have been protesting their purported exclusion from political gains.

The newly councils will also be made to benefit from funds accruing to the 30 local governments and area office from the federation coffers, while

renewed efforts will be made at revenue generations to ensure efficient and robust administration to the people.

“Hopefully, by December 28, the governor would dissolve the caretaker committees, he had made that known to some leaders. You know, those (caretakers) have by far extended their limit and it is a good news that new people will also have their chances," the source said.

LAUNCH: From left: Principal, Federal Government Boys College, Apo, Mr. Jonathan Mbaakaa, Business Manager, Education Vertical, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Matthew Iwundu, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Folashade YemiEsan, Corporate Social Value Manager, Samsung Electronic West Africa, Mrs. Abosede George-Ogan, and Director, Information Communication Technology, Ministry of Education, Mr. Ikechukwu Orji, during the Samsung Smart School launch at the college, Apo, Abuja.

HOLIDAYS: Fayose tasks Nigerians on justice, equity •As Bamidele urges them to be optimistic

A

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

DO-EKITI—EKITI State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has called on Nigerians and the nation’s leaders to imbibe the teaching of justice and equity for all men that the Lord Jesus Christ and Prophet Mohammed taught all men to observe.

This was just as a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, felicitated with Nigerian Christians as they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, urging them to continue to have unwavering faith in President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to take Nigeria to the promised land.

Fayose, in his Christmas and Malud Nabiyy message to the people of Ekiti and Nigerians issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, said without being fair to all, Nigerian leaders would not be able to take the country to the promised land.

He opined that social justice and equity were vital to maintaining orderliness in the society and to give everybody a sense of belonging.

“Both the Lord Jesus and Prophet Mohammed, whose birthdays we are celebrating at the same time, emphasised justice C M Y K

for all and equity in their messages and preaching.

Though they were born in the same geographical area, their messages were universal and they never saw themselves as being for a section of the society alone.

While Bamidele, in his congratulatory message to

Christians across the nation, exuded confidence that year 2016 would be a year of renaissance for the country, considering the well patterned economic policy to be rolled out

by Buhari’s government in the new year. He described the 2016 budget presented by President Buhari as a budget of change and

realism which would enhance infrastructural development, job creation and far reaching social intervention.

The member of the 7th House of Representatives appealed to Christians to continue to live harmoniously with their Muslim brothers, describing this as panacea to ethnoreligious upheaval.

Ogun to build affordable houses in 2016

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BEOKUTA—IN a bid to check housing deficit, the Ogun State Government is to begin the construction of mass affordable houses across the state in 2016.

Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Housing Development, Arch. Jumoke Akinwunmi, who made this known in Abeokuta, assured that the state would witness massive turnaround in housing development.

She disclosed that the Ogun State Housing Corporation would partner housing development firms and the Federal Mortgage Bank on public/private collaboration to achieve this objective.

Defending the 2016 budget of her agency before the state

House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation at the Assembly Chamber, Akinwunmi stated that N3,556 billion would be spent in the 2016 fiscal year with the recurrent expenditure of N415,000,000.00 and capital expenditure of N3.141 billion against N906,961,050.77 spent in the outgoing year.

“It is noteworthy to say that the corporation is confident in making houses available to the residents of the state as the proposed budget estimate for 2016 is all encompassing to make it a reality”, she added.

According to her, more professionals, such as land surveyors, electrical engineers and quantity surveyors, would be engaged in the core areas of building construction in order to deliver

quality housing units with essential facilities that would make them withstand the test of time.

Akinwunmi said the agency would vigorously pursue the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, target for 2016 so as to enable the state government meet up with the aspiration of the people.

In his remarks, Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon. Akanbi Bankole commended the corporation for its efforts towards making housing available for the people in spite of dwindling resources, advising it to always consider the low and middle class residents in its projects.

TOMPOLO:

Group urges EFCC to change prosecutor

A

KURE—THE Niger Delta Anti-Corruption Group NDACG, has called on the leadership of Economic and Finance Crimes Commission, EFCC, to get a more courageous and dependable prosecutor to handle the trial of former militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a. Tompolo and his cronies allegedly involved in fraudulent activities in the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA. In a statement issued in Akure, Ondo State, yesterday and signed by Comrade A. Effiong and Sylvester Ebiowei, the group also commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s fight against corruption, urging Nigerians to cooperate and support the President.

YULETIDE: Sen

Adeleke calls for unity

By Gbenga Olarinoye

O

SOGBO—THE first executive governor of Osun State, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, has called on the people of the state, to continue to live together in peace and harmony, in order to ensure accelerated development of the state, no matter the odds.

Senator Adeleke in his Christmas message to the people of the state by his media adviser, Olumide Lawal emphasized that the cooperation and unalloyed loyalty of Osun citizenry for Rauf Aregbesola’s government at this time of economic downturn was very crucial, stressing that; “Tough times don’t last, tough people do”.

Senator Adeleke assured that despite the lean financial resources all over the country, APC – led government at all levels, will continue to deliver on all its cardinal programmes including the projectsembarkeduponbyOsun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for the everlasting benefits of the people, as against the wrong insinuation been peddled by the opposition party.

He appealed to Osun citizens, to take their destinies in their own hands, by not allowing evil to thrive in their midst.

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015

Delta gov poll: A-Court dismisses Ogboru’s appeal against Okowa

By Festus Ahon & Ikechukwu Nnochiri

By Tom Moses

A

BUJA—THE Court of Appeal, Abuja, has dismissed an appeal against the election victory of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, by candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Chief Great Ogboru, in the April 11 governorship election in the state.

Meanwhile, Governor Okowa, yesterday, described the Appeal Court judgment, which upheld his election as a perfect Christmas gift for the people of the state.

Similarly, it was jubilation galore yesterday when news of Okowa’s victorty at the Court of Appeal filtered in from Abuja with prominent Deltans describing the judgment as victory for democracy and the rule of law.

Those who spoke to Vanguard include Olorogun John Oguma, Chief Emmanuel Aguarivwodo, Olorogun Taleb Tebite, Chief Dennis Omovie, Chief Solomon Ighrakpata, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, Mr Steve Ovedje, Mr Reuben Izeze, Olorogun Amos Itihwe and Mr Emmanuel Okoro.

In a unanimous judgment, a five-man panel of Justices led

by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, upheld the verdict of the Delta State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal which had on October 24, affirmed Okowa’s election.

The appellate court said the tribunal was right when it held that the petitioner failed to prove that the governorship election was characterised by overvoting and manifest corrupt practices.

The court maintained that Ogboru could not prove that the election was not conducted in substantial compliance with both the Electoral Act, 2010, and the Election Guidelines and Manual that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, issued for the purpose of the election.

“Where in election petition, there are allegations of irregularities and corrupt practices, the allegation must be proved beyond every reasonable doubt,” the court said.

It stressed that a petitioner challenging the outcome of an election on ground of irregularity, must show that such irregularity substantially affected the outcome of the election, adding that Ogboru failed to prove that but for the alleged corrupt practices, he would have won the Delta State governorship election.

Consequently, the appeal was dismissed for want of merit.

Ogboru had approached the appellate court, praying it to set

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Eket people kick against Abia's removal as NDDC MD

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VISIT: Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State (3rd right), sympathizes with one of the victims of the Dec. 5 governorship election violence in Southern-Ijaw, Mr. Prince Williams from Opuama community, when he visited them at the Gloryland Hospital, Opolo, Yenagoa.

With the governor are the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Young Dede (left), Speaker, BYHA, Kombowei Benson (2nd left), and other staff of the hospital. Photo: Michael Owi. aside the judgement of the tribunal.

He contended that the total number of votes recorded at the end of the election, far exceeded the number of voters accredited by the card reader machines.

Refusing his prayers, Justice Abba-Aji, who read the lead judgment, held that Ogboru merely relied on records of the card reader accreditation, without demonstrating the documents through credible evidence.

Justice Abba-Aji noted that the LP candidate never challenged the evidence of the respondents laid before the tribunal.

A-Court verdict perfect Christmas gift —Okowa

Okowa, who spoke to journalists in Asaba shortly after a thanksgiving service sequel to the judgment that was delivered in his favour at Abuja, enjoined his opponents to join hands with him in the task of developing the state.

He said, “This is a perfect Christmas gift for Deltans. I believe that Deltans must be very excited because the truth is that they trooped out on April 11 to cast their votes for me and the courts have continued to uphold their wishes. By God’s grace, we will not let Delta State down.”

Ogboru and his All Progressives Congress, APC, counterpart, O’tega Emerhor, had in separate appeals, approached the appellate court after the lower tribunal dismissed their petitions, seeking nullification of declaration of Okowa of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,

by the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, as winner of poll.

Okowa, who was overwhelmed with joy, thanked the people of the state for their kindness and support through prayers, saying, “It has been a spiritual battle and physical struggle .”

Noting that there was a lot of pressure as a result of rumours about the likely outcome of the Court of Appeal judgment, he said the judgment was a reinforcement of the wishes of the people of the state.

He said, “We appeal to our opponents to come on board and reconcile for us to move the state forward. There is room for reconciliation, there is room for peace, there is no bad blood between us. I call on my brothers, Ogboru and Emerhor, to embrace peace because our time will come and go but our children will continue to be there.

“They know evidently that they were not prepared for the election. They know that we won the election, so why continue on this track?”

Jubilation in Delta

Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Mr Monday Igbuya, congratulated Okowa on his victory at the Court of Appeal.

He also praised the judiciary for remaining the bastion of democracy and the hope of the electorate, especially the good people of Delta State.

“This is the best Christmas gift to Delta State and Deltans,” he said.

In his reaction, Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Friday Osanebi, said that Governor Okowa's victory at the Appeal Court is the best yuletide gift for Deltans. He said the time had come for all Deltans to rally round Okowa as opposition does not exist in the state.

Olorogun John Oguma, on his part, said the victory was God at work, following the serious prayers by all Deltans who trooped out enmass to vote for Okowa in the April 11 governorship election.

Chief Aguarivwodo on his part, said: “God has done it again and we have always known that Governor Okowa won the election free and fair.

I appeal to my brothers to accept the judgment in good faith and call the governor to congratulate him. They should also accept the olive branch which the governor has extended to them.”

Olorogun Tebite, who also spoke, congratulated Okowa on his victory at the Court of Appeal and commended the judiciary for remaining the hope of the common man.

Chief Omovie, who spoke in the same vein, said the judgment has increased the joy of Deltans in this yuletide season, adding, “It is a special Christmas gift from God to Delta State and the people of the state.”

Also speaking, Chief Solomon Ighrakpata said the judgment was anticipated “because Governor Okowa won the election free and fair; the judgment therefore is incisive and fair.”

KET—THE Eket Federal Constituency Elders Forum, yesterday, vowed to resist the truncation of the tenure of Mr Dan Abia as the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC and by extension, the tenure of Akwa Ibom State.

The forum also decried the annulment of the Akwa Ibom State governorship election by the Court of Appeal, describing the development as a desperate march by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to conquer the state.

The Eket people, who reacted to these developments during a media parley by its Chairman, Brigadier-Gen. Anthony Etukudoh (retd) in Eket, urged the Supreme Court not to succumb to the perceived pressure by the APC to conquer the oil-rich Akwa Ibom State, Bayelsa and Rivers States, in its dispensation of justice in the cases pending before it.

He said: “We are gathered here to express the position of this federal constituency on the vexed issue of the annulment of the Akwa Ibom State governorship election wherein our son, Governor Udom Emmanuel won. It was a mandate that was freely given by the majority of Akwa Ibom people but for untenable reasons, have become subject of the shenanigans of agents of the ruling party, the APC, in their desperate march to capture by force, the oil-rich states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers.

“We have faith in the judiciary and trust that the Supreme Court will not bow to this desperation in the dispensation of justice.”

The people also expressed worry that their brothers from Uyo and Ikot-Ekpene senatorial districts, who they supported when they were on the governorship seat, were now grandstanding in the thinking that justice and equity should be sacrificed now to the detriment of Eket senatorial district, warning that they would resist any attempt by any senatorial district to scuttle their God-given mandate.

They urged Governor Emmanuel to remain focused on his well-thought out plans of infrastructural development and industrialization dotting the landscape of the state including the Ibom Sea Port, the Automobile Assembly Plant in Itu Local Government Area, Meter Manufacturing Company in Onna, among others.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015—13

Xmas: Oshiomhole thanks Edo people as workers rejoice

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has thanked the people of the state for their love, support, best wishes and prayers in the last seven years as he celebrates his last Christmas as governor of the state.

Also, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in the state has thanked the governor for his “unflinching commitment in the payment of workers’ salaries up-to-date,” adding, “You have clearly shown that you are a man of distinction who sees workers as assets and not a liability.”

In his Christmas message to the people of the state, the governor said: “We started the year on a very difficult note and I am happy that we are finishing the year on a happier note.

“Of course there are challenges in the economy, there are challenges in the country, our main source of national resources has dropped to an 11-year low, slightly above $30 and one is not yet sure if it will not go lower than that.

“The good news is that Edo State Civil Servants received

their December salaries on the 21st of the month and for me, that is important to ensure that those who truly live on salaries and wages get paid.

“So, I thank the good people of Edo State for the

trust, confidence, friendship, and the spirit of conviviality that characterized our walk.

I believe we have all made enormous sacrifices to keep this state going.

“That we are able to pay salaries and still meet our

obligation to contractors is a result of our collective creativity, resourcefulness, doggedness and more importantly, the will to readily make sacrifices in order to keep the Edo project going.”

LAST MINUTE SHOPPING: Sale and dressing of chicken on Obagi Street, G.R.A Phase II Port Harcourt, ahead of the Christmas festivities. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

Dickson warns against minimum wage reduction

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

E N AG OA — B AY E L S A State governor, Mr Seriake Dickson, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of civil servants, assuring that, he will not subscribe to any move for the downward review of the present minimum wage, despite the financial hardship facing the state.

Dickson, who spoke, yesterday, in Yenagoa maintained that rather than reduce the minimum wage, as being advocated in some quarters, his administration would do everything within its reach to create a more enabling environment for them to discharge their duties effectively.

He restated his commitment to the training and re-training of public servants in 2016, to promote human capacity building, which, according to

him, was one of the cardinal points of his administration.

On the delay in the payment of December salary, he empathized with workers on the development, explaining

that up till the time of the briefing, the state was yet to receive its monthly allocation from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, FAAC. He, however, said that the

government was working round the clock to ensure the payment on or before next week by exploring other means.

SEC, NSE to commence direct cash settlement, Jan 4

By Nkiruka Nnorom

T

HE Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, in conjunction with the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, yesterday, said that effective January 4, 2016, the direct cash settlement initiative will take off in the Nigerian capital market.

This was made known by the Steering Committee on Direct Cash Settlement, DCS, in a statement yesterday. The committee maintained that with the effective take-off of direct cash settlement,

investors in the Nigerian capital market would be credited directly with the net proceeds of stock market transactions which would address the illegal sale of investors’ securities.

Direct Cash Settlement is a process where cash proceeds from trades executed by brokers on the Exchange s e t t l e s directly into investors’ nominated b a n k accounts.

DCS is

aimed at improving transparency, entrenching investor confidence, reducing market infractions and improving trading velocity.

Basically, the process starts when a client gives his broker the mandate to sell his or her shares. Once those shares are sold, payment is made directly into the client’s account.

Xmas: Okowa tasks youths on prudence

G

O V E R N O R Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has admonished youths in the state to refrain from extravagant acts such as spending their hard earned money on fire crackers.

He said it was of no use to work and save money only to waste the money on irrelevant things such as fire crackers, and excessive consumption of alcohol and hard drugs just to socialise wrongly.

The governor who was represented by the Special Assistant on Political Matters, Chief Okiemute Akigho, told the youths from Ethiope East that the reason of Christmas is to share, love and support one another.

He admonished them that the harmattan season is a period of frequent fire outbreaks, warning of the danger of storing fuel at home because of scarcity.

Using fire crackers during this season, he said, can set houses, churches, shops, and other structures ablaze.

Chief Akigho, begged parents to monitor their children and wards during this festive period.

Chief Umunna for burial

C

HIEF George Umunna of Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, is dead, aged 85.

Burial rites begin on December 29, 2015 with service of songs at his Umuodafe quarter residence, Ibusa to be followed the next day with funeral mass at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Ibusa.

Internment and entertainment of guests will follow immediately after at his residence.

He is survived by a widow, relations and many children.

Late Chief Umunna

C M Y K

14—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015

IMF predicts oil price slump to $20 in 2016 •Negates OPEC’s projection of rebound next year

By Ediri Ejoh with Agency report

T

From left: Divisional head, Retail Bank, Fidelity Bank Plc., Richard Madiebo, regional manager, Anglophone West Africa, MoneyGram, Kemi Okusanya; executive director, Lagos and South West, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe and regional bank head, Apapa Regional Bank, Obaro Odeghe at the unveiling of Brand New KIA RIO (Grand Prize) for the MoneyGram Scratch and Win promotion at the Head office of Fidelity Bank Plc in Lagos.

HE days ahead may just be harder than envisaged as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday, said crude oil prices may slump to as low as $20 per barrel in 2016.

Following the release of the “IMF Executive Board Concludes 2015 Article IV Consultation with Iran” report, the body highlighted that the price of crude oil could drop to between $5 and $15 in 2016. Following the release

of the “IMF Executive Board Concludes 2015 Article IV Consultation with Iran” report, the body highlighted that the price of crude oil could drop to between $5 and $15 in 2016.

According to IMF, the dwindling oil prices would not have an overtly negative effect on Iran, whose gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to rise four to 5.5 percent by 2017.

“Prospects for 2016/17 are brighter, owing to the prospective lifting of economic sanctions. Higher

oil production, lower costs for trade and financial transactions, and restored access to foreign assets, are expected to lift real GDP to about 4–5.5 percent next year,” IMF said.

The same cannot be said for Nigeria, whose 2016 budget is benchmarked at an oil price of $38 per barrel for the 2016 fiscal year.

With Nigeria expected to produce 2.2 million barrels of crude oil per day in 2016 and sell at $38 per barrel, the country expects to generate $83.6 million per day in 2016 – $30.514 billion in the year 2016.

Going by IMF’s predictions at $20, Nigeria would generate $44 million per day in 2016, amounting to $16.060 billion in the year.

This would mean that Nigeria would get at least 47.4 percent less revenue from oil than what is already projected, consequently adding more pressure to the nation’s need to go borrowing in 2016.

According to President Muhammadu Buhari, oil related revenues are expected to contribute N820 billion to the economy, while the budget deficit which stands at N2.22 trillion would be funded by foreign and domestic loans.

If the N820 billion expected from oil revenues is cut by 47.4 percent – the IMF projected decline in oil prices – the nation’s budgetary deficit would move from N388.68 billion to N2.59 trillion.

As at November, Iran, with the world’s fourth largest oil reserves, had 36 million barrels of oil stored in offshore tankers for sale in 2016 – sure to drive oversupply.

This is against the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) projections that the global crude oil prices at seven-year low will not continue to fall, as it could swing upwards soon.

The Secretary-General, OPEC, Abdullah al-Badri, made this disclosure at the first OPEC-India Energy dialogue in New Delhi.

It will be recalled that oil prices fell by about twothirds since mid-2014, with Brent crude on Monday flirting with its lowest level since 2004 at just above $36 a barrel.

According to him, “I’ve been in the oil business all my life. I saw six cycles – I saw very high price, I saw low price, and this is one of them. This will not continue.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015 —15

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16—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015

Igbo community in Diaspora calls for release of Kanu on Xmas day

By Dotun Ibiwoye

M

ORE REACTIONS have continued to trail the detention of the Director, Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu and leader of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, as Ohaneze Diaspora, an Igbo group, comprising Igbo in the Diaspora has called on the Federal Government to unconditionally release him and other detained activists today, Chismas day.

The group noted that the failure of government to holistically address the underlying issues of marginalisation and restructuring to true federalism gives life to the separatist agitations.

President of the group, Biafra Buchi Diboh, in a statement, said that the continuous incarceration of Kanu by the Department of State Security, DSS, after a Federal High Court granted him bail was undemocratic and illegal.

According to the Diboh, the Nigerian constitution guarantees freedom of speech and association, the right to self determination which is an inalienable right of all indigenous people by virtue of which they can freely determine their political status and freely

pursue their economic, social and cultural development.

“It is weird and intolerable that the Nigerian state won independence from the British Colonial Government in the first instance on the basis of the right to self determination such that Dr

Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and other self determination agitators were never arrested by the British colonial authorities in the course of advocating self rule,” he said.

Continuing, Mr. Obuh said:“The Nigerian state has

oddly chosen to maim, detain and kill those seeking self rule on the same premise as the founding fathers did. We warn that no nation can ultimately be built or held together by force just as no marriage/association should be by force."

SERVICE: From left, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State; Speaker, Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Francis Nwifuru, and wife of the Deputy Governor, Nnenna Igwe, during the 2015 Thanksgiving Service by the state government, Sunday.

Enugu: Executive, Legislature synergize

By Francis Igata

E

N U G U — GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, has assured that the executive council will continue to work in synergy with the state legislature.

Speaking at a civic reception in honour of the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Edward Ubosi by the people of EnuguEast Local Government Area, Ugwuanyi thanked the Speaker and the members of the House of Assembly for their commitment in moving the state forward.

The governor equally commended the people of Enugu-East council for their support to his administration, adding that they should not relent in their efforts to move the state forward.

In his remark, the Speaker, Ubosi assured Governor Ugwuanyi that the House will not delay any executive bill that was in the interest of the people.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015 —17

Christmas prayers

Kirsty McNeill

D

URING this season of goodwill, let those of us who are luckier than most remember the millions in Nigeria and across the globe who will suffer or die during this festive season and won’t enjoy special meals or receive nice Christmas gifts.

A couple of examples: According to Madame Leila Zerrougui, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Representative on Children and Armed Conflict, many of the girls (some as young as 11 years old) whom Boko Haram terrorists send on suicide bombing missions in NorthEastern Nigeria, Northern Cameroon, Chad and Niger are probably not aware that their handlers will activate remote control devices and blow them up.

Meanwhile, there are 20 ongoing and protracted conflicts happening in today’s world; and thousands of children (some as young as 4 or 5) are being used as soldiers and human shields by groups like the Anti-Balaka Christian militias in the Central African Republic and the Islamic State thugs who are wrecking Iraq, etc.

Refugee crisis and tragedy As Zerrougui so eloquently puts it: “Childrens’ bodies are being used as weapons.”

Many of these vulnerable kids are dying - or being forced to kill other people - while I am writing this column. And many innocents will not live to see 2016. So let us please pray for them, their victims, their families and their victims’ families.

We also need to remember those who are caught up in the enormous European migrant/ refugee crisis and tragedy.

Over 1 million people have entered Greece, Bulgaria, Italy, Spain, Malta and Cyprus illegally this year. This figure represents a fourfold rise on last year’s total.

Half were escaping from Syria. 20% were fleeing from Afghanistan and 7% from Iraq.

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Merkel, the German Chancellor, who has just been honoured by Time Magazine – she won the PERSON OF THE YEAR award “for throwing open Germany’s doors to a pressing throng of refugees and migrants; a total of 1 million…are expected [in Germany] by the end of December. It was an audacious act [and] the most generous, openhearted gesture of recent history.”

But I think it is fair to say that

Madame Leila Zerrougui

Angela Merkel The rest were from North Africa and other locations, including Nigeria.

34,000 made the arduous journey via Turkey into Bulgaria and Greece by land, often trekking hundreds of miles on foot with heavy luggage, frail elderly relatives and sick babies in tow.

But most (972,500) braved perilous Mediterranean and Aegean Sea crossings in unsafe boats and awful stormy weather. And 3695 have drowned so far.

Europeans are too civilised to allow those who survive these

terrible ordeals to die of hunger or do without basic shelter in freezing cold climates; and philanthropically-inclined Europeans are very eager to help and have called on their governments and compatriots to do everything possible for the foreigners.

Kirsty McNeill, the British Campaigns Director of the Save The Children charity, for instance, has said that: "This is the test of our [compassionate] European ideal…we need to take bolder action. There can be no bigger priority."

And let’s not forget Angela

On a happier note

L

ET me seize this opportunity to warmly congratulate my charming and super-smart friend and sister, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, who has just been appointed Acting Managing Director (MD) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Her appointment is a very pleasant Christmas surprise.

Ibim is the daughter of Chief G.T.G Toby, a former DeputyGovernor of our state, Rivers, as well as the wife of Henry Semenitari, a former MD of Unity Bank and a devoted mother of 3; and she has impressive professional credentials.

Mrs. Ibim Semenitari

One can only pray for a) migrants who are currently stuck in refugee camps, feeling homesick but unable to retrace their steps and go home for all sorts of reasons and b) migrants in transit who will spend Christmas trying to stay alive in painful conditions and yearning for simple pleasures like a decent meal and a hot bath She was a courageous and highly effective Commissioner for Information when Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi (now the Minister of Transport) was the Rivers State Governor and being relentlessly attacked by a gaggle of powerful political enemies, including former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan. And long before Ibim took up this post, she was a well-known journalist who owned a successful publication.

I’m 100% sure that she will do an excellent job for her Niger Deltan “constituents” and tidy up the NDDC, which has myriad problems that need to be solved asap.

Mr President has certainly chosen well on this occasion.

the majority of Europeans – especially those who live in host communities - feel swamped and bitterly resent these “visitors” because taking care of them is costing taxpayers a fortune, even when they are accommodated in dingy camps and only provided with minimal welfare benefits.

So, after undertaking the huge risk of perishing in treacherous waters and miraculously reaching their destinations in one piece, the migrants frequently encounter hostility and hardship on arrival. But it would appear that nothing can stem this impoverished, desperate, never-ending tide of human misery.

Economic migrants When they get to Europe, they request asylum. And some are indeed real refugees who are entitled to asylum because their lives were in danger in their countries of origins. But a large chunk are economic migrants who just want better existences in affluent nations that can provide them and their offspring with job opportunities and perks such as free housing, free healthcare and free education.

One can only pray for a) migrants who are currently stuck in refugee camps, feeling homesick but unable to retrace their steps and go home for all sorts of reasons and b) migrants in transit who will spend Christmas trying to stay alive in painful conditions and yearning for simple pleasures like a decent meal and a hot bath.

Responses to: donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk or to 0802 747 6458 OR 0811 675 9752 (texts only).

PLEASE KINDLY NOTE THAT UNLESS YOU REQUEST ANONYMITY, YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE PUBLISHED, WITH YOUR NAMES AND CONTACT DETAILS ATTACHED.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015 THE Muhammadu Buhari administration has started making good its pledge to probe the big-time financial transactions of the previous administration with the on-going investigation of arms deals between 2007 and May 29 2015. Already, a 13-man committee constituted to examine the transactions has unearthed what it described as large-scale scams totalling N643.817 billion and $2.193 billion after a preliminary inquiry.

These sums are mind boggling, and no responsible and accountable government will fail to bring take all those connected with the deals to say what they know about them.

Already, the administration, which had put the immediate past National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Col Sambo Dasuki under arrest, has reportedly caused the security agencies to a number of former service chiefs, some officials of the former President Goodluck Jonathan regime and some

Unravelling the arms deals prominent businessmen into custody.

We strongly believe that anyone or group of persons entrusted with the power and duties of public office must stand ready, at any time, to give account whenever the need arises. To this end, we are in full support of this and other probes that may follow in the days ahead.

This is more so because the nation suffered heavy losses as a result of alleged lack of relevant military equipment to suppress the Boko Haram insurgency, which started like a joke and blew up within months to become a major threat to the nation and the West Africa sub-region.

We lost thousands of innocent citizens, including our gallant and heroic soldiers, policemen and other security personnel. Schools, hospitals and communities were destroyed and defenceless men, women, girls, children and the aged abducted by the terrorists. We lost a large tranche of territories, which are just now being recovered through military operations. Indeed the losses are unquantifiable.

If it is established that people given the sacred duty of spending public funds to protect the nation and its people actually diverted some or all

of the funds to private uses, then the culprits must be brought to face the full weight of the law and proceeds of their criminal activities must be recovered. This should be the beginning of the conscious culture of putting public officers and their collaborators on notice that no one can toy with the vital interests of the nation and get away with it.

However, because these probes and prosecutions have the potential to be politicised both by elements in government and their opponents, we insist on full disclosure of all facts to the public, and the transparent, due process conduct of all probes and trials.

If the involvement of the media, civil society and international stakeholders as observers will ensure a total depoliticisation of the process, then so be it.

OPINION Christmas

and

By Bobson Gbinije “Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned/ Nor Hell a fury like a woman scorned.”

(The Morning Bride - William Congreve) ESUS Christ is the authentic Messiah and unblemished signet on all Christians. He is the generalissimo. Although the exact date of his birth remain scripturally hazy, but the commemoration of the birth of the great son of the living God, the Prince of Peace is fundamentally obligatory and critically crucial for all Christians. The total veneration of the messianic quintessence on December 25th, January 6th by some and 1st October by others is in recognition His birth which has spiritual significance for all who believe..

But the unthinkable licentiousness, exuberance, moral depravity, and hideous consumerism which has characterised Christmas celebrations for ages, glaringly shows that, there is the complete demonisation of Christianity and Christ.

Hence, the Indian and Hindu statesman Mohandas Gandhi said: “I have never been able to reconcile myself to the debaucheries of the Christmas season. They have appeared to me to be so inconsistent with the life and teaching of Jesus Christ”. Yet, Jesus Christ remains the reason for the season, Some hypocritical but wealthy Christians carry their Christmas theatrics so far that they go as far as Bethlehem or Jerusalem to celebrate and back it up with a pilgrimage

J

the

demonisation

later. Jesus lived a humble and self-effacing life. He told a Samaritan woman who centred her worship at Gerizim, a mountain north in Jerusalem: “Believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will people worship the father”.

Nevertheless, the hour is coming and it is now, when true worshippers will worship the father in spirit and truth, for indeed the father is looking for such to worship him” (John 4:21-23). Christianity and Christmas are completely sunken in the ways of secular humanism and wickedness. They incarnate satanic idiosyncrasies that have completely demonised Christ and all what he stood for.

Christians can no more vouch for their faith and have no moral locus standi to parade themselves as soldiers of the cross. What a shame!

Under gruesome catechisation by Pontius Pilate, Jesus Christ firmly asserted that “my kingdom is not of this world, if my kingdom is of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be delivered up to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from this source”, but so called Christians proclaim the heavenly kingdom and still

The ethos of Christmas is lost in the thicket of hypocrisy Fri Pg 18,

of

Christ

embody all the rat race of demonic sortilege, spiritual wickedness, pride, envy, greed, oppression, treachery and covetousness.

Christians in position of authority and leadership do not know what it is to serve and be servants of the people, like Christ demonstrated. They are cocooned in the shameful craft of corruption and graft.

Christians in the churches, business places, politics, professions and evangelical mission have successfully watered down and demonised Christ and his teaching. The ethos of Christmas is lost in the thicket of hypocrisy. There is utter christlessness in man. Hence, the essayist William James (1842-1910) position that “man biologically considered that whatever else he may be into the bargain, is the most formidable of all the beast of prey and indeed the only one that preys systematically on its own kind.” What a shame that God’s own creation man has become a treacherous and degenerate beast to man and his creator.

Jesus Christ is the first born of all creation and the only begotten son of Jehovah God. He is the second greatest authority in the universe. This son of God was sent by His father, God Almighty to give life as a sacrificial ransom for mankind thus opening the way to eternal life for Adam’s offspring that will exercise faith in God. The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is the legality of the indemnity. After the crucifixation of Jesus Christ, He ascended into Heaven and is now restored to heavenly glory and rules as king

Dec 23

with authority to destroy all the wicked and to fulfill God’s original plan on earth. Does he not deserve true honour?

In Hebrew the word Jesus means “Jehovah is salvation”, whilst Christ called, Mashiach or Messiah means the “Anointed one”. Jesus Christ the anointed one is not just a vague sham. He is a historical, spiritual and vibrant personality who existed amongst men and carried out palpably tangible acts for all to see. There is no personality and no name that transcends the totality of the universe than the name of Jesus Christ. He is worthy of honour and commemoration. He is truly really deserving of praises and adoration. He is indeed the height of all glory and the finest thing that ever happened to mankind. He deserves all the glory.

But, are men really giving Him all the glory? Has He not been consigned to the cesspit of nothingness by our depraved conduct, through the apotheosization of the money, the worshipping of power, certificates and titles? Do we still appreciate his sacrifice and abnegation for us? How do our debaucherous proclivities during Christmas tell on his integrity? Is Christmas a season for Godlessness and Christlessness? Are our Christian leaders now the contemporary antichrist and apostle? Will the gospel of Jesus Christ survive given the dwarfishness of our evangelical zeal? And will mankind survive the libidinous holocaust?

Finally, we are running against time. We must make a great dramatic turn around.

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

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015— —19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

Finally, the world woke up

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HE world woke up on Friday December 18 to the calamity that is the proxy war in Syria. The war began four years ago. Over 250,000 killed.

Cities destroyed, 7.6 million, internally displaced. Over four million are refugees with an increasing number pushing into Europe. Most of the refugees are children; too young to have started the bloody conflict, but not too young to be victims of the senseless war.

The popular fiction of what triggered the war, is laughable; on the back of the Arab Spring, there was a protest in Syria; the high handedness of the Syrian security forces triggered the war. If it were a mere protest, how come within weeks, heavily armed fighters were pinning down the Syrian armed forces, taking and holding territories?

This is still the kindergarten rhyme parroted in leading world newspapers. The fact that “protesters” like the al-Nusra and Islamic Front (ISIS) had previously been trained long before the ‘protests’ does not usually make the headlines.

There are a number of reasons why the ‘international community’ sat down under the United Nations Security

Council and agreed on a Road Map to peace in Syria. I am not sure the human tragedy was a strong enough motivating force.

Rather, the fact that the Syrian refugees have entered Europe in large numbers threatening its demography; the forceful and decisive entry of Russia in October 2015 and the possible collision between the latter and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) forces which can spiral out of control, are some of the main factors.

The Road Map; UN Resolution 2254 is simple and straight forward. It provides for UN – facilitated talks between the government and opposition as early as next month; January, 2016. The talks is to agree on the outline of a nationwide ceasefire. The road from this is expected to lead to “credible, inclusive and non-sectarian governance” in six months, then the production of a new constitution which should lead to free and fair elections. This journey is planned to last about two years.

The intention is salutary, and the wording great. Given the fact that the war is part of the wider Sunni-Shiite global battle fuelled by the Christian-

dominated Euro-American alliance, the idea of a process which is inclusive of the minorities, especially Christians, and which is not along the sectional divide led by Saudi Arabia and Iran, is the best road to take.

But among the fifteen nations that endorsed the Road Map are its grave diggers; whereas the UN Resolution 2254 states that the Syrian people will decide the future of Syria, some nations are imposing conditions.

France declares that the peace talks have to be hinged on the removal of President Bashir alAssad. Its Foreign Minister, Laurent Fabius argues “How could this man unite a people that he has in part massacred?

The idea that he could once again stand for elections is unacceptable to us.” The French thought that Assad should simply have handed over Syria to ISIS and walked away. For standing and fighting, he is a ‘mass murderer’. Does it matter

But among the fifteen nations that endorsed the Road Map are its grave diggers; whereas the UN Resolution 2254 states that the Syrian people will decide the future of Syria, some nations are imposing conditions

Who profits from lack of trust among Nigerians?

By Clement Udegbe

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IGERIANS fought together for her independence 55 years ago from the British, with contributions from all tribes.

She had three major tribes, the Hausa of the north, Yorubas of the West, and Igbos of the East running their respective regions, and they prospered.

They were happy as a country, where everyone contributed their best for the development of the young nation irrespective of their region, but their Master had planted a seed that would grow to hinder the country's optimal development.

Their master gave, the north the idea that they owned the country, and must dominate the rest. In the government they helped to fashion, they gave the North the post of Prime Minister, titular or ceremonial President to the East, while to the West, they gave the economy to manage.

Thus politically at the Federal Centre, there was a subtle power tussle between the three regions, breeding lack of trust , and dissatisfaction, which led to rise in ethnic sentiments that forced each region back to their geographical areas for political and economic development, and power.

Their Colonial Master sold the goat of independence to them, but held the rope using divide and rule. The North was seen as one entity or block galvanised by one religion, Islam, while the West had Christians and Muslims, the East remained Christians, and that made them appear very different from others, and assisted their Master to further

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increase the gulf of distrust between the East and the rest.

Soon after independence they created the Mid-West Region out the South of Nigeria, targeting the crude oil in the bowel of the land in that region, giving the nation four regions, namely the Northern, Eastern, Western, and MidWestern Regions of Nigeria. The influence of the spread of Christianity had hit some regions in the north creating religious divisions all to the advantage of their Master, the British, to whom the political and economic leaders had to consult for major decisions and counsel.

The Country had a weak Federal Government and economically strong regions, run by very powerful political leaders.

Ethnicity and religion had crept into the national political decision making system, breeding more distrust among the people causing more frictions especially between the North and the South, with the East and Mid-West, both from the South, as the pawns of the system, but they did not know it, and whether they realise it today, remains a matter for argument.

So, corruption, nepotism, ethnicity and religion became entrenched early in the new country's national life.

Dissatisfied with the situation, a group

They use national honours, oil well allocation, money, and power to keep the lack of trust within and between the conquered regions alive

whether the idea of Assad contesting elections is acceptable or not to the French?

Are they Syrians; do they have the vote in Damascus.

Of course David Cameroon’s Britain has its own reasons why the Peace plan must fail. Its Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond rules “This process necessarily involves the departure of Bashar al-Assad, not only for moral reasons because of the destruction that he has unleashed on his own people, but also for practical reasons – because it will never be possible to bring peace and unity to Syria as long as he remains in office” The Road Map does not make the removal of the Syrian government a pre-condition.

Pray, what morals can Britain, which under Tony Blair lied to destroy Iraq, teach? The same Britain that helped to establish ISIS which is eating up the world; what morals can it teach?

The same morals of land grab, deception, duplicity, naked exploitation and mass murders that characterised its bloody history of colonialism? Give me a break!

Of course a British position cannot be complete without its legendary duplicity. Hammon tells the world “But we must and will protect the institutions that are necessary for the future governance of Syria and that will be possible with a representative transitional governing body.”

What institutions are left to be protected in Syria; the armed forces, civil service, political, religious?

To be sure, the Americans are in this peace derailment work gang. Secretary of state, John Kerry announces magisterially, “If the war is to end, it is

of young military officers lead by an officer from the East who wanted to arrest the continued slide of the country staged a Coup in 1966, to create a strong Federal Government, with weaker Regions but unfortunately, the political and religious Leader in the North was killed, along with others in the West and Mid-West, without the intended casualties from the East.

This was interpreted by another set of Army officers from the north as an affront from the East, and West, and they quickly staged their counter coup which truncated the history and destiny of this country.

The federal government that followed the counter coup of 1966, did three things that left Nigeria supine till date. First, they reshaped the face of the Federal Government thickly in favour of the North, with the West as their allies, and naturally, where ever you find the West today, there you will find the Mid-West.

Second, they invested time and money in spreading a campaign of hatred against the Eastern Region in the North, blaming them for killing their political and Religious leader.

Third , they re-instated the idea that Nigeria was for the North to rule, while others will take whatever the north gave them from the national pie. The North became the new Master of Nigeria, profiting from the divide and rule game masterfully guided by their mentors, the British.

The result of these was the 1966 genocide against the Easterners in the north, which led to the declaration of Biafra by the Easterners and the 30 months civil war in which Biafra was defeated in 1970.The British was happy, that the North prevailed, the Easterners felt betrayed by the West, the West claimed that they were disappointed by the East for rushing into the War, and while they bickered the victorious North

imperative that the Syrian people have to agree on an alternative” to the Syrian government.

First, who appointed Kerry the spokesperson of the Syrian people? If the UN Resolution says Syrians must determine their future, how does Kerry arrogate that power to himself or his country?

The Americans argue that Assad can no longer remain Syrian President because he “bombed his people”. If there is a civil war in US who will the government be bombing? In the American Civil war, who was President Abraham Lincoln bombing?

Nigerians or Japanese?

If so called protesters seize New York and New Jersey by force of arms and move towards Baltimore, Washington and Maryland seizing territory and declaring a different Republic, will President Barack Obama simply pack his baggage and move to resettle in Kenya?

As President and Commanderin-Chief, will he not order the American armed forces to retake lost territory. Will Americans not be killed or bombed in the process?

What are these countries afraid of? That in a free and fair election supervised by the UN, Assad, like Charles Taylor in Liberia, might sweep the polls?

When they argue that the previous elections won by Assad were flawed; assuming this were the case, are they not better than Saudi Arabia, the main ally of the West ruled by an unelected monarchy that reject women and minority rights?

The peace process will lead to war mongers losing their battle field puppets and arms . But if that be the will of Syrians, so be it.

devoted quality time to estrange the East from all her neighbours from the present day South South Region, some of whom also suffered terrible casualties from Nigerian Army during that war.

They manipulated the situation to their best advantage, by creating and empowering leaders from the East, West, and Mid-West to disagree with the East on almost every front of human reasoning and endeavour, and did not stop there.

They created an addiction to money, driven by avarice, selfishness, extreme pride and ego in these leaders and used them to hold the rest down in their new Nigeria, while they and these new leaders profited from the common wealth of the people. These leaders abound today.

With the war over, they created new states, namely the North Eastern, North Western, North Central, South Western, Mid-Western, East Central States, and Lagos State, and descended on the East Central State to ensure that they remained permanently subdued as long as Nigeria remained, using sons and daughters of that zone too to build extensive lack of trust among the people, till date.

To ensure a very powerful federal government with the advent of oil, they broke up the zones into very tiny weak and even non-economically viable states, restructuring the country in such a way that the north remains on paper, greater than the entire South put together in number and all.

They use national honours, oil well allocation, money, and power to keep the lack of trust within and between the conquered regions alive, such that when you speak out loud, there will be someone from among your leaders to shout and put you down for a pot of porridge. Can this lack of trust be broken?

*Mr Udegbe, a lawyer, wrote from Lagos.

20—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015

Dangote buys back former subsidiary to save over 3,000 jobs

By Naomi Uzor

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From left, Distribution Business Manager, English West Africa, HP Incorporations, Emmanuel Asika; Microsoft Nigeria, Partners Channel Marketing Manager, Bunmi Bialose; and Marketing Manager (Personal Systems), East, West and French Africa, HP Incorporations, Tolulope Lawani at Microsoft/HP’s celebration of stars event, in Lagos.

ANGOTE Industries Limited (DIL)’s decision to buy back its former subsidiary, Tiger Branded Consumer Goods (TBCG) was informed by the need to prevent the company from going under and save over 3,000 jobs of Nigerians.

DIL was approached by Tiger Brands to acquire its 65.7 per cent shares of TBCG Limited. While some stakeholders have questioned the rationale behind the investment decision by DIL, sources close to the Dangote Group said the company had to consider the repurchase of TBCG so as to keep the company as a

NEPC seeks removal of regulations impeding non-oil exports a result of not well considered regulation especially foreign HE Nigeria Export exchange regulation.

Promotion Council, NEPC, has To this end, he said that the called for removal of regulations exporters need pre-shipment that are hindering the growth of incentives to getting their non-oil exports. products to the global market, Executive Director/CEO, stressing that small businesses in NEPC, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, the export business must be who made the call during the encouraged by incentives to be presentation of certificates to the competitive at the global arena. second batch of ‘Zero to Export’ “There is what we call the project in Lagos, stated that non export development fund which -oil export is not growing due to is more like an incentive which government regulations. we are trying to develop to assist Represented by a director, small businesses to make them NEPC, Mr. Olajide Ibrahim, he stand in the export market said that the impediments to non- because without that kind of oil exports have to be removed support, it will be very difficult for to improve export because them to export their goods couple exporters are losing business as with the fact that the cost of doing business in Nigeria is very high and other infrastructural -1.55 $119.40 challenge will not allow their product to $3,221.00 -39.00 be competitive enough.” ý $15.19 0.04 He disclosed that the Council has built the capacity of about 41 indigenous $37.84 0.48 exporters in the 37.80 0.30 country with required skills and knowledge for CURRENCY BUYING SELLING exporting their 196.5 197 US DOLLAR 196 products to the 291.5108 292.2545 292.9981 POUNDS international markets 214.4632 215.0103 215.

5574 EURO 197.8 198.3046 198.8092 with a view to putting FRANC 1.6205 1.6246 1.6288 an end to the YEN 0.3046 0.31146 0.32346 CFA rejection of Nigerian 270.457 2701. 146 271.8359 WAUA exports to the 30.2353 30.3129 30.3904 RENMINBI European Union 52.2165 52.3497 52.4829 RIYAL 28.7356 28.8089 8.8822 (EU) and other parts KRONA 271.4012 272.0936 272.7859 SDR of the world.

“The only thing CBN Exchange rate as at 24/12/2015 they need now is

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By Providence Obuh

support to go into export, they have form a cooperative and have been given some amount that they will use to start the export business.

“The only thing now is to provide the necessary logistic support that will help them actualise their dreams.

For NEPC we will continue to provide capacity building in terms of quality for our export.

If necessary procedures are followed, our exporter will not fall into any problem in export,” he said.

Explaining, he said that this is the second batch of trainees, stating, “we had the first batch

some months ago and because of the interest shown by participants and other people, we decided to enlarge the number to get more exporters on board,” he said.

On Zero to export initiative, he explained that it is all about bringing people to the rudimentary aspect of exportation and exporters that do not have any knowledge about export to a pedestal and height where they have all the knowledge required in accessing the export market, it is also targeted to train and establish in the first phase; 100 participants in various area of export; agro-commodity, solid minerals and manufacturing.

going concern, which preserves value for the minority retail shareholders. The move also secured direct employment for over 3,000 employees.

“Going by every indication, the future of the company was very doubtful and that was risky for the employees which are over 3,000 Nigerians apart from others who benefit from the company’s services through other ancillary services. The return of DIL is therefore a big relief and good decision to save the jobs of the staff of TBCG,” a market operator said.

Repurchase agreement According to the repurchase agreement, subject to regulatory approvals, DIL will provide TBCG with an immediate cash injection of N10 billion. In return, Tiger Brands will divest its 65.7 per cent shareholding in TBCG to DIL for a nominal consideration and write off its shareholder loans to TBCG. In addition, Tiger Brands will assume and settle outstanding debt guaranteed on behalf of TBCG. Already, the former directors of TBCG, Alake, Ekpe and Ighodalo have agreed to rejoin the board of TBCG and have consequently been reappointed with effect from 10th December 2015.

The companies have explained that the transaction will ensure that TBCG is maintained as a viable going concern, able to retain its employees and meet its obligations to its stakeholders.

Traders fault plans to relocate fuel tankers to trade fair complex

By Chinweoke Akoma

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RADERS at Interna tional Trade Fair Complex along Lagos-Badagry Expressway have rejected the proposed plan by the State Government to relocate fuel tankers and trucks to the market.

Speaking at a briefing, spokesman for the market unions at the complex, Dr. Jude Ringo Okeke, stated that the move would cripple business activities in the area.

“The Trade Fair Complex has been concessioned to private investors for 20 years, and since then more than 100,000 shops of various capacities and over 500 plazas have been built by individuals which has cost traders trillions of Naira in

investment.

This is the sole international market serving Nigeria and the West Coast, as such the capacity of the market has been overstretched thus leading to heavy traffic in and out of the market daily.” he said.

Okeke, wondered why a government that says that the private sector is the engine of growth in the economy, should carry out a policy that would cripple investment and already established private-sector enterprises.

He noted that commercial activities in the Apapa area where these tankers and trucks are currently located have remained at very low ebb, making it impossible for meaningful investments.

“We have been faithful to our lease agreement with the Federal

Government. The various market unions in the complex have been law abiding. That is why we are seriously worried by the recent newspaper publication on plan by the Lagos state government to relocate the trucks to this place.

Presently, over 1,000 trucks come here either to deliver or carry goods from this place. You can imagine what would happen when these trucks and tankers add to the number given the fact that we have one entry and exit to the complex. ‘’This obviously, is a deliberate attempt to cripple our businesses.

Millions of Nigerians largely depend on us for their livelihood; therefore a government that says it wants to tackle unemployment should not encourage policies that would shut down businesses.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015 —21

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22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015

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VOL. 1: NO. 17

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25 , 2015 The Igbos insisted that the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi had no power to dethrone one of their own.

The Deji had accused the Eze Ndigbo of insubordination and disrespect.

But Iloehike, in his defense, said he was not rude to the Deji, adding that he contributed immensely to the monarch’s installation.

SOUTH WEST IN 2015

The issues, personalities (2)

By Dapo Akinrefon

Continues from last week Fulani men abduct Falae Another episode that played out in the South West, was the kidnap of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Chief Olu Falae, which happened in September.

What ought to be a day of merry making turned sour for Falae, who was kidnapped by suspected Fulani herdsmen on his 77th birthday.

Falae, who is also a chieftain and leader of the Yoruba Socio-cultural group, Afenifere, was abducted on his farm in Ilado, along Igbatoro road, in Akure, the capital city of Ondo State.

The news of Falae’s kidnap drew the ire of groups from the region.

A note of warning was sent to the Federal Government to do all within its powers to ensure that “Baba Falae is returned to his family safe and sound.”

Though the former SGF was eventually let off by his abductors, he described his ordeal as unpleasant.

Providing shocking details of his ordeal at the hands of his abductors, Falae narrated how he was deprived of food and made to trek several kilometres to freedom.

HID Awolowo’s death

By October, crisis erupted in the The South West geo-political zone was notably in the ancient town of Akure when news for so many noteworthy reasons this year.

Igbos shut down their businesses The zone had its high and low moments. to protest the planned The South West and indeed, the nation was thrown into mourning in September by the passing away of the Awolowo matriarch, Mrs HID Awolowo died at the age of 99 just over 2 months short of her 100th birthday.

Popularly known as HID, she was married to the late sage and premiere of the old Western region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

President Muhammadu Buhari among other eminent Nigerians attended the burial ceremony of late Chief HID Awolowo in Ikenne, Ogun State.

South West succession threat The backlash of Falae’s abduction was the threat by elders and leaders of the South West to secede following allegations of incessant, unprovoked attacks and invasion of their farmlands

by Fulani herdsmen.

This came to the fore in October.

The declaration was reached at

a summit entitled, “National Insecurity and the Menace of Fulani Herdsmen in Yorubaland”.

The meeting, presided over by former Governor of the Western Region, General Adeyinka Adebayo, warned that the Yoruba will no longer tolerate the present structure of the country, which they claim undermines self actualization of the people of the South West.

Reports from the summit said failure to restructure Nigeria using the 2014 confab report might force the Yoruba people to review their place in a political arrangement that cannot guarantee the protection of her citizens.

The participants also decried the continued oppression of the Yoruba in their homeland by some Fulani herdsmen.

Akure Eze Ndigbo eyeballs Deji

dethronement of their EzeNdigbo, Sir Gregory Iloehike.

Shops belonging to the Igbo were locked in all major markets in Akure just as; they withdrew their services from the markets.

By October, crisis erupted in the ancient town of Akure when Igbos shut down their businesses to protest the planned dethronement of their Eze- Ndigbo, Sir Gregory Iloehike

IN THIS EDITION

EKITI: Opposition state awaiting trouble ahead?

•Page 25

YORUBA SUMMIT: Most significant gathering in Akure •Page 26

Fasoranti’s resignation Another interesting episode that played out in the South west was the resignation of leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti in November.

Fasoranti’s resignation jolted members of the organisation to the marrow.

The action of the octogenarian, did not go down well with members of the group, who felt such decisions should not have been made public.

Fasoranti, who became the leader of the group after the death of Chief Abraham Adesanya, declared that with the statement, he has since stopped being the chairman of the foremost Yoruba organisation formed in 1951 under the leadership of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

He, however, noted that as events have been unfolding in the past few years, the focus and goals of the founding fathers of the great organsation, Afenifere, were gradually eroding.

New Ooni of Ife crowned Five months after the death of Oba Okunade Sijuwade at the age 85, Oba Babatunde Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja 11 ascended the Ooni stool becoming the 51st Ooni of Ile-Ife in December.

Remarkably, the ancient city of Ile Ife stood still as the 51st Ooni was presented with the staff of office and instrument of appointment.

Interestingly, the coronation came exactly 35 years and one day after the immediate-past Ooni, Oba Sijuade was presented the staff of office.

Prior to his installation, the process of choosing the Ife Monarch proved to be a protraded one for kingdom.

Also, crisis enveloped one of the ruling houses following the selection of candidate for the vacant stool.

Contestants from all the four ruling houses, namely, Giesi, Osinkola, Ogboru and Lafogido, showed interest to occupy the exalted stool.

Concluded C M Y K

24 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015

OYO STATE student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, was alleged to have raided a female hostel in the institution where he allegedly raped and stole some of their property.

As the year comes to an end, the crime rate reduced drastically. The success, according to the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Leye Oyebade, was as a result of effective policing and the competent officers that surrounded him.

As the police recorded huge success, other security agencies like the Department of State Services, DSS, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, moved swiftly to curtail pipeline vandalism and civil disobedience.

The Oyo/Osun area command of Nigeria Customs Service led by the Abdulsalam Hassan, the Acting Customs Area Controller, made a lot of seizures.

He said the command generated a total of thirteen billion, two hundred and one million, nine hundred and eighty seven thousand, three hundred and twenty two naira, seventy seven kobo( N13, 201,987, 322. 77 ).

The controller also hinted that a total of 166 seizures with a duty paid value of over N395million were made.

Sweet, sour events in Oyo winds up, some AS the year 2015ts happened in the year in memorable evenstate. While some are the Pace-setter rs are not too pleasant. favourable, otheever made the year very The events how e anals of the ancient city interesting in th Oyo state in general. The of Ibadan and in politics, crime, events range from d many others. development an

•Ajimobi: Broke second term jinx

It was harvest time for the Oyo State Police command as it paraded hundreds of robbery suspects , kidnap gangs, suspected fraudsters, rapists and others

By Ola Ajayi Ajimobi becomes first to get second term in Oyo INCE the inception of the populous city of Ibadan, no governor had ever governed the state twice. No wonder, the state has been dubbed the political hotbed of the South West.

Before the commencement of the 2015 election, there was palpable tension in the state as political gladiators slugged it out in a very keenly contested election.

The key players in the election were Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Former Governors Adebayo Alao-Akala, Rashidi Ladoja, Accord Party candidate, Mr Seyi Makinde, an engineer governorship candidate of Social Democratic Party, SDP, Senator Teslim Folarin, PDP candidate, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, former Minister of State, FCT and many others.

The deep political difference between Ogbomoso and Ibadan city actually came into play on one hand, while the inability of the likes of Chief Alao-Akala, Senator Ladoja, Senator Folarin and Oloye Jumoke Akinjide determined the results of the election which was in favour of the incumbent governor.

When it was evident that the ruling All Peoples Congress would clinch victory for two successive administrations, a meeting was held at the Bodija residence of Senator

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•Ladoja

•Akala

Ladoja where it was suggested that other parties should vote for a joint candidate. But, when the issue of choice was put on a negotiating table, it was gathered that Otunba AlaoAkala distanced himself from the plot because it was decided that Ladoja, being an Ibadan indigene should emerge as a consensus governorship candidate.

Also, Akala and Folarin were both planning how to settle old political scores at the election.

When all these political machinations were going on, the ruling APC was busy strategising and breaking the

suddenly.

By the time the dust settled, many of the politicians bit their fingers in regret, while some boasted of their victory.

PDP, a once vibrant party kissed the dust in defeat, while APC won the election with Ladoja coming second and Alao-Akala’s Labour Party third.

ranks of the opposition.

Another factor that led to the victory of APC in the election was the perceived controversial international electio process within the Accord Party. The process of selecting candidates for the election in the party could be described as the undoing of the party as many of its chieftains defected to the ruling party.

Mr Deji Aboderin left Accord with his supporters while Mrs. Bola Amole who was a very popular politician was on the verge of defecting to the APC when she died

Crime It was harvest time for the Oyo State Police command as it paraded hundreds of robbery suspects , kidnap gangs, suspected fraudsters, rapists and others.

During one of the several parades by the command, a

Infrastructure In Oyo, the state of infrastructural development which was highly commendable in the first year of Governor Ajimobi did not witness much progress.

Without mincing words, many of the roads within Ibadan metropolis and its environs are presently in a state of disrepair.

While some repairs were made on some roads, some roads are still begging for attention of the governor. The roads that readily come to mind are Ologuneru-Eruwa road, Akobo-Asi road and others. In fact, the situation is so bad that some youths now use mud to fill countless potholes and get money from willing road users.

Civil Service and education Workers in the state no doubt went through a turbulent year due to government’s inability to pay their salaries and allowances.

Before the bail out, the workers were owed as much as five month which forced them to go on strike.

When the Federal Government released the bailout fund, the governor did not renege on his promise as he settled the workers.

Governor Ajimobi complained bitterly about the huge amount that the state

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015 —25

EKITI STATE AS we head for the end of the year, events in Ekiti State in the last two weeks, will definitely define the shape of what to expect in the new year.

In Ekiti state government action and inaction determine the direction and shape of the state, socially, politically and economically. The only business in Ekiti is government and every other person in the state depend, on government directly or indirectly for survival.

EKITI:

Opposition state awaiting trouble ahead?

By Rotimi Ojomoyela 2016 Budget IGNS of what to expect in the new year started with the presentation of 2016 appropriation bill of N67.044bn, christened ‘budget of reality’ to the state House of Assembly, by Governor Ayo Fayose, with a promise that 10,000 indigent citizens across the state would be paid N5,000 monthly from January next year.

Fayose, who described the proposed budget as 83% of the 2015 budget of N80.78billion, said the reduction was informed by the desire to live within the means of the state and provide on achievable estimate rather than decorate the budget with unrealistic figures.

In the budget three capital projects were mentioned and they are, construction of an overhead bridge, ultra modern market and an airport.

These projects are not only expected to generate revenues, as the contractors handling them are expected to pays certain percentage as taxes into the government coffers, they are also expected to generate employment.

Certain percentage of the labour force for these project are expected to be sourced by the contractors handling these projects locally.

Financing of these projects, according to Governor Fayose, would be sourced from the much expected disbursement of the excess crude account.

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Salary arrears and inherited debt Another issue that has dominated the space in the last two weeks in Ekiti state is the issue of workers salaries. As at now the Ayo Fayose administration is owing workers in the state, two months salary arrears. But this did not come by design, it was a result of consensus between the government and the leadership of the workforce.

•Fayose Since the heavy short fall in the federal allocation to the state, from an average of N3 billion to an all time low of N1.4billion, per month, payment of salaries has been in bits and pieces. Selective method of payment was adopted by the Government but with the advice of workers that all workers should be paid at the same time, allocations of two months are now being merged to pay one month salaries.

For now, salaries of October and November are yet to be

•Fayemi: Leader of the APC in Ekiti paid, but Fayose had promised to effect the payment of October before the Christmas, which invariably means that December and November would be carried over to 2016.

As at now the Ayo Fayose administration is owing workers in the state, two months salary arrears, but this did not come by design

Effects of unpaid salaries The inability of the government to pay salaries of workers, even at the Yuletide season is already affecting commerce in the state capital, as the usual buzz and flurry that surrounds the major markets in Ado-Ekiti, especially in this season have been very low.

Markets and shopping malls in the state have been shadow of theirsves, since patronage by the Civil

Servants have diminished.

Govt’s tax drive Another vexatious issue that has attracted attention in the last days of this year and which is bound to raise a lot of dust in the new year is tax.

Recently, the government had light skirmishes with tipper owners association over the introduction of a new tax regime by the government, they not only vowed not to pay the new tax, they also pulled out their services. But this has since been settled between the two parties. With government shifting ground that instead of N1,000 earlier imposed per trip, they should now pay N500 effective from January next year. The association, in

conjunction with the state government fixed a new rate per load of sand and gravel, which would now make the later to go for N14,000 from N12,000 and the former from N24,000 to N28,000 respectively.

The same applied to the butchers association, whose members were asked to pay a tax of N1000 per cow slaughtered in government abattoirs across the state.

Their protest against the policy led to the closure of all the abattoirs in the state, but like that of tipper owner association, the matter was resolved but with a resultant consequence on the consumers. The butchers now shift a kilo of meat from N1000 to N1200.

Local Government election Another issue that is expected to shape political activities in the state in the new year is the local government election, scheduled for this Saturday.

This tier of government has been without elected officials for sometime now, precisely six years.

Legal hurdles had been the encumbered attempts by the Kayode Fayemi administration to conduct elections into the council areas. The Peoples Democratic Party had gone to court to challenge the composition of the State Independent Electoral Commission, accusing the government of populating the SIEC with card carrying members of the APC. Caretaker Committees were put in place by Fayemi to administer the 16 Local government areas.

The PDP led government of Ayo Fayose, however inaugurated another SIEC, vowing to conduct election into the local government area, but his action was challenged in court by the All Progressive Congress, who accused him of appointing his party men into the electoral umpire.

But an Ado-Ekiti High Court struck out the APC case, therefore clearing the way for the election which held on Saturday, December 19.

2016 promises to be an interesting year in the state, most especially now that the signs from every angle, seem very ominous. How the state wriggles out of the financial mess and stabilizes the economy of the state which is already beleaguered with huge debt profile would be very interesting.

Another political issue that may cause hiccups in the state, would be the much expected report of the military panel on the involvement of his men in Ekiti June 21 2014 Governorship election.

26— Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015

ONDO STATE

By Dayo Johnson

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ORUBA leaders who converged on Akure, the Ondo state capital early this month itemized some national issues that needed to be urgently addressed by the present administration so as to continue to guarantee the unity of the country and equally give a sense of belonging to all constituent units in the country.

The second summit which came barely two months after its maiden edition was held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital was an indication that the leaders are uncomfortable with some development in the Polity hence the need to lend their voices on the present state of the polity, economy and security of Nigeria.

They were unanimous in their submissions at the meeting under the auspices of Yoruba Summit.

Conveners of the summit are the Chairman of the Yoruba Unity Forum, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, Chairman of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, leader of Oodua Peoples Congress, Otunba Gani Adams and Chairman of Yoruba Council of Elders Gen Adeyinka Adebayo ,Chairman of the Summit Planning Committee Dr Kunle Olajide.

The event which was held at the 5,000 capacity sitting International event centre christened “the Dome” was full and witnessed delegates from across the South West states. The Akure edition was an improvement over its maiden edition.

Former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr Yemi Farounbi delivered the summit lecture entitled “ Economic Downturn and unemployment in Yorubaland” Of special interest to the leaders of the Yoruba socio-cultural groups include the dwindling economy, menace of the fulani herdsmen to their host Communities, the 2014 implementation of the report of the national conference by President Muhammadu Buhari, the agitation by the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) and inconclusive elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states They also deliberated on the need for Yoruba State governors to meet with leaders of the nation to fashion out an agenda for cooperation that would leverage on the economic strength of each state to create a conducive atmosphere for entrepreneurs to tap into the resources across the states that would empower the people to float businesses that can engage millions of youths in the states.

First to fire the salvo was the Chairman of the occasion, the leader of Afenifere group, Pa Reuben Fasoranti who lamented the activities of the Fulani herdsmen across the South West states and other states. “ A case in point is the one which affected Chief Olu Falae, when Fulani herdsmen abducted him from his farm and was kept away

YORUBA SUMMIT:

Most significant gathering in Akure

•Some Yoruba leaders at the summit for four days under very harsh condition s day and night. “ He was finally released by his captors as a result of public outcry and had to find his way back to Akure in tattered clothes, exhausted and manhandled. “ This is not becoming of a civilized society to treat a man of Chief Falae’s stat ure the way he was treated before his captors succumb to the public outcry that led to his release.

“There are many similar cases of kidnap by fulani herdsmen in the Yoruba sector of the Country, which the authorities did not do anything about, perhaps the law enforcement agencies are expecting the victims to take the laws into their hands and that would be jungle justice," he said.

Fasoranti submitted that “ a solution to this fulani menace is to restrict the fulani herdsmen to

The aim is to enable the rainbow coalition of the leadership of yoruba Organisation to speak with one voice on matter of interest to the Yoruba nation

specific areas as its done in other Countries.

“By so doing, grazing will be restricted to such areas designated for that purpose. We shall then have the necessary peace for good living. “ By restricting the herdsmen to designated areas we shall be combating the problem of unemployment and curb unnecessary wandering and create good neighborliness and understanding among Nigerians."

Speaking on the summit lecture, Ambassador Farounbi suggested ways of creating jobs in the region and the need to move from what he called ornamental education to technical.

He said that “ we have graduates of mechanical engineering that have probably not seen a piston before, graduates of marketing that cannot do a proposal for an advertising agency.

Dr Farounbi who described Yoruba nation as the economic hub of the nation in the pre and post colonial era.

He noted that Yoruba land has been relegated to the background and the need for Yoruba leaders to wake up to their responsibilities in repositioning the region.

While advocating for vocational education and training which should go side by side with education he noted that this will go a long way to create employment opportunities for the unemployed youths in the region.

He urged the people of Yoruba nation to go back to the drawing board to remain in its vintage position saying “ the best part of Yoruba nation should not be in its yesterday but should be in its tomorrow” He noted that Yoruba nation has

been relegated to the background and the need for Yoruba leaders to wake up to their responsibilities in repositioning the region.

He urged the people of Yoruba nation to go back to the drawing board to remain in its vantage position.

According to him “ the best part of Yoruba nation should not be in its yesterday but should be in its tomorrow” Chief Olu Falae, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, Chief Gani Adams and Chief Olanihun Ajayi harped on the need for the present administration to urgently implement the 2014 report of the national conference. They argued that the panacea for true federalism and the “ trouble “ in the polity is the implementation of the report.

They also stressed the need for other Yoruba leaders to attend the summit and the coming together of the south west governors for the development of the region irrespective of political parties.

Chief Adebanjo said anyone who cherishes the unity of the country should not oppose the confab report. “ If President Muhammadu Buhari is sincere about the peace and unity of this country he should implement the recommendation of the confab

report he asserted.“ On his part, the summit planning committee Chairman Dr Kunle Olajide said that the “ yoruba summit is still evolving. It is work in progress. Yoruba Socio political and socio cultural groups are welcome to the club of conveners.

“The aim is to enable the rainbow coalition of the leadership of Yoruba Organisation to speak with one voice on matter of interest to the Yoruba nation.

Olajide who pointed out that most prominent Yoruba leaders of the ruling party have not been very visible in the summit, said the summit will be meeting periodically to appraise the position of Yoruba land in the Country.

He was quick to add that some members of the ruling party were in attendance at the last summit held two months ago at Ibadan, Oyo State.

Governor Olusegun Mimiko in his address at the summit said; “For Nigeria to make a quantum leap in economic development and meet up with the rest of the world, the country must be restructured.’’

He pointed out that the country would not move forward unless it is restructured in line with the resolutions of the 2014 national

THE TEAM EDITOR: Adeleke Adeseri 08054682557 (sms only) CORRESPONDENTS: Ola Ajayi Gbenga Olarinoye Dayo Johnson Dapo Akinrefon Daud Olatunji Olasunkanmi Akoni Rotimi Ojomoyela Monsuru Olowoepejo

Ibadan Osogbo Akure Lagos Abeokuta Lagos Ekiti

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015 —27

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28 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015—29

LG cooks up new appliances for Christmas meals

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How twitter is making Nigerian traffic more bearable

By Prince Osuagwu

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OMEONE once said that you could spend three hours in Lagos traffic only to finally discover that it was caused by something a small as a palm kernel. The same is true for many parts of the country. For a country ranked as Africa’s most populous region, it is no surprise that traffic in Nigeria is a budding issue for its citizens.

Apart from the mystical palm kernel, the growing volume of traffic could be attributed to a plethora of issues such as the high numbers of privately owned vehicles and poor infrastructure.

Although knowing the reason for the traffic won’t get you out of it, it seems Twitter on the other hand, can help you plan your movement away from the traffic prone areas. To accomplish that, here are some twitter pages to follow:

Twitter pages · @Gidi_Traffic provides Nigerians with live updates of areas in the country experiencing high levels of traffic, through crowd sourced updates posted on its Twitter page. With over 400,000 followers and over 500k Tweets, @Gidi_Traffic has been providing live traffic updates to Nigerians around the country since 2011 through follower updates.

The main aim of @Gidi_Traffic is to alert drivers of high traffic areas, it also lends itself as a platform for answering inquiries from anyone who requires information on any subject of

interest.

Although @Gidi_Traffic relies largely on crowd sourced updates, the page provides videos of gridlocked areas. These videos are very useful to individuals looking for real time validation of the traffic situation. @Tsaboin is a traffic monitoring Twitter account that was developed to help Lagosians beat traffic. @Tsaboin provides links to its main website for users to view traffic cams and up to date updates on traffic in Lagos.

· Through its Twitter feed, @TrafficChiefNG provides followers with traffic updates. @TrafficChiefNG provides its followers with updates on pending issues pertaining to traffic.

Recently, @TrafficChiefNG launched a petition#NoMoreTrafficRobbery to help curb the issue of traffic robberies. The aim of the #NoMoreTrafficRobbery is to garner government intervention in eradicating traffic robberies.

By Laju Iren

N every nook and cranny of the country and perhaps the world at large, something is cooking today.

Although some people may consider sweat and hassles to be among the necessary ingredients for tasty food, many now realize that hassle-free cooking tastes not just as good, but even better. LG’s new gas cooker range comprising of the LF98V 00S and LF68V 00S comes with avant-garde features aimed at enhancing cooking experience in households, enabling them enjoy tasty, easy and safe cooking.

Each model comes with a “Dual Heater” so both grill and oven work together at the same time, ensuring that food cooks faster and evenly inside out. Cooking time is shortened because of hot air circulation with a special fan, the surface of food would be more crispy, with minimum loss of moisture from inside.

Commenting on the product, General Manager, Home Appliances division, LG Electronics West Africa, Mr. Hyunwoo Jung said: “The Gas cooker is an indispensable appliance in Contemporary kitchens; their popularity stems from the fact that they provide users ease of use and a better controlled environment for cooking delicious meals. LG Gas Cooker offers excellent cooking performance; it comes with an impressive power convention which shortens cooking time making foods taste even better.”

Easy Cleaning is another distinguishing mark of the LG Cooker as it comes with a removable glass; cleaning the oven door after cooking is not an annoying job anymore. Users do not require any tool to take off the inner glass as this can be achieved by simply pulling the glass a little bit against the body and lifting it off.

Regarding safety, the cooker comes with Flame Failure Device (FFD); is a device designed to stop flammable gas going to the burner of the gas if the flame is extinguished due to overflow of food on the burner, temporary interruption of gas supply, gas under-pressure or wind, it also prevent dangerous buildup of gas within the appliance, its chimney or the room. This unique feature addresses worries stemming from the concern that gas leakage might cause a fire in the house. It guarantees the safety of user’s house from the fire. LG Cooker also has Closed Door Grilling as well as soft touch. The Closed door grilling function makes it possible to emit the smoke and odor through only way, so that the hood could suck them in easily. Odour and heat produced while cooking cannot come out of the cooker, so that users’ kitchen becomes more convenient and clean; on the other hand, the Safe Touch feature allows users to keep the front door and its components cool, using special ventilation system of LG freestanding cooker.

Xiaomi rrolls olls out R edmi 2, MI 4 smar tphones Redmi smartphones

By Laju Iren

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OBILE phone manufacturer, Xiaomi, has announced its arrival into the Nigerian market with the launch of the Redmi 2 and MI 4 Smartphones. Valued at $45 billion, Xiaomi has now positioned itself among the smartphone giants of this world, becoming the world’s fifth-largest smartphone maker in just five years. It creates high- quality smartphones with remarkable software at amazing prices.

Xiaomi’s parent company, the MIA group believes that tech fans and connoisseurs will surely appreciate Redmi 2 for its fully laminated 4.7-inch HD screen and 8-megapixel camera, which comes for an entry-level price.

Xiaomi’s flagship phone, Mi 4, has a gorgeous design with a precisely engineered stainless steel frame. It comes with a 5" IPS Full HD display that is incredibly sharp, a 13MP f/1.8 rear camera for beautiful pictures, and a frontfacing 8MP camera for great selfies. With its excellent pricequality ratio, Mi 4 will surely appeal to users in Nigeria.

RJ van Spaandonk, President of MIA Group, the distribution group for Xiaomi in Africa stated: “We see Nigeria as a key country for smartphone growth and we are excited to offer consumers in Nigeria Xiaomi’s high-quality smartphones at amazing prices.”

At a media demonstration event for the Mi 4 and Redmi 2 , Rutger-Jan Van Spaandonk, Chairman Of MIA said “Everybody thinks they are using a smart phone, but the question that should be asked is: how smart is your smart phone?

To be able to tell the quality of every smart phone in the market, to all, he recommended a handy antutu benchmark app that reveals products specs and durability.

He reiterated, “ most Nigerians are taken away by the body features, screen size and shape of the mobile device but with

antutu benchmark app, buyers would be able to know the genuineness and uniqueness of their device. In order to properly evaluate the worth of a phone and confirm how smart it truly is, buyers have to look at both the body and mind of the phone.”

For example, navigating through the info column of antutu app on mobile device, buyers

would find out that for almost every smart phone sold below N30,000 in Nigeria, most vital sensors (direction, G-sensor, light, e-compass, gyro, temperature, pressure, linear acceleration, rotation vectors) are not available.

On what to look out for while purchasing a mobile device RJ, advised Nigerians to be vigilant and stop wasting money but take note of special features like Density, Chipset, internal memory and camera.

Density (PPI), does a lot in terms of enhancement of the picture quality. The Chipset is considered the brain of the phone. Manufacturers of most of the cheap smart phones in Nigeria would never talk about the chipset. Internal Memory: (RAM) is also a vital performance indicator. Buyers need to look at the internal memory of the phone before buying. Anything less than 1gb RAM may not function well as a smartphone . “A truly smartphone should serve far beyond being a mere social media messaging and gaming.

30—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015

AFMW kicks against anti-human vices impeding growth of mothers, children

Osinbajo’s wife sets agenda for women at Oyo summit

By Ola Ajayi, Ibadan

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IFE of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, has said that Nigerian women should be proud of themselves because they possess indispensable intrinsic values crucial for human and societal development. Besides, she said that there was possibility of a systemic collapse in the country should all women professionals and traders decide to down tools for even an hour.

Osinbajo made the remark as the special guest of honour at the 4th national women’s summit organized by the Oyo State Official’s Wives Association, led by the Wife of the Governor and Chairperson of OYSOWA, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, in Ibadan, on Wednesday. She commended the Oyo First Lady for constantly bringing women issue to the front burner through this annual women’s summit and her other empowerment and enlightenment programmes.

Also at the event were the Governor of the state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode; former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Sarah Sosan; wife of the Minister of Solid Minerals, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; former Minister of Industries, Mrs. Onikepo Akande, wives of heads of security and other federal agencies in the state as well as scores of delegates from across the country.

Parental neglect As homemakers, the vice president’s wife also admonished parents not to shirk their responsibilities to their children and husbands, in order not to mortgage the futures of their respective families.

Recalling her encounter with a former armed robber, Shina Rambo, Mrs Osinbajo said the experience was “was an eye opener to me about how parental neglect drive children into criminality. Rambo shared the experience of how he was abused and traumatized as a child. He showed me his back and I saw marks from caning. This, he told me, sent him to the streets. “We must show love to our children.

God can use you. There was a time I was going under the bridge to preach to gangsters to change their ways. With my small frame, God used me on a particular occasion to avert bloodshed among rival cult group spoiling for war.

The vice president’s wife also emphasized that women were indispensable members of the society, without whom the men could not function, urging women

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From left: Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode (3rd left); Representative of Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Hon. Adetoun Adediran; former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Sarah Sosan; Wife of the Minister for Solid Minerals Development, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo; Governor of Oyo State, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi; his Wife, Mrs. Florence and Vice President, Lagos Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Chief (Mrs.) Onikepo Akande, during the 4th Oyo State Officials Wives Association (OYSOWA) National Women Summit, Mauve 21 Event Centre, Ring Road, Ibadan in Oyo.

to “laugh your laugh, dance your dance, make merry and be happy.

In his remarks, Governor Ajimobi urged women to brace for elective and appointive leadership roles in the country, expressing optimism that the Taraba governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Mrs. Jumai Alhassan, would eventually be inaugurated as governor.

Applauding the organisers of the event for their consistency in the last four years, he said that the gains of the two-day summit would impact on the social

consciousness and political awareness of the womenfolk.

Ajimobi said, “The earlier summits had been significant and quite effective in moulding

Some of our women believe that to be seen as a successful leader, they need to be not only more intelligent than men

women in our society to adopt and adapt styles of leadership to suit the tasks and the situations that arise in everyday life and business.

“Some of our women believe that to be seen as a successful leader, they need to be not only more intelligent than men, but must be seen to be strong and perhaps authoritarian in approach to earn any respect or credibility. History has shown that many women leaders are usually perceived as aloof, cold, tough, stubborn, unfeeling etc.

FMW (Annmom Foundation for mothers welfare) a non governmental organization recently opened a new vista in charity, thereby taking it to the door step of mothers welfare all over the world.

This was made known by the Founder and Chief Executive Officer, CEO of the group, Princess Ann Ehigiator Johnson, in an interview with our correspondent recently. The Nigerian -American born stated that the Foundation was brought about by the need to alleviate what she described as the prevailing global poverty.

According to Johnson, she was irked by the scourge of poverty across the globe noting that citizens of the world especially women and children were more vulnerable to poverty and deservedly should be aided in a conscious attempt at stemming the tide and pains of failing standard of living.

The group which stormed General Hospitals in Lagos recently armed against poverty with gift items for mothers and babies said it was ready to sustain the tempo to ensure that concerns are shown more for the vulnerable in all societies of the world. At Mushin General Hospital, it was a carnival of sort when AFMW officials gave out food items to mothers and children and further stormed the shanty settlement of Idiaraba.

What inspired Oriki Spa —Joycee Awojoodu

By Anozie Egole

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ETERMINED to give lovers of an-all natural body clinic both men and women the satisfaction they deserve, one of the country’s leading skin experts and entrepreneur, Joycee Awojoodu, has joined the long list of spa owners when she unveiled luxurious spa & Showroom, named, Oriki Spa &Showroom recently in Lagos.

With a flagship store situated in Victoria Island, retail spaces are conceived to express a unique blend of vibrancy, style and education.

In a chat recently with the Founder of Oriki group, Joycee Awojoodu, on what inspired the brand, she said: "ORÍKÌ was inspired basically because of two reasons, first and foremost was because the brand believes in empowering farmers and utilizing the plethora of raw materials and natural

ingredients to create a leading luxury brand and secondly because of the keen passion and persistent vision to create a proudly African brand with international standards that can compete on a global stage.

"ORÍKÌ is also a lifestyle, an attitude, and a way of life. The ORÍKÌ philosophy is borne from the notion that natural skin, hair & body products work better simply because they are made with superior ingredients.

The abundance of natural resources across the globe, coupled with our expertise and commitment to all natural ingredients provide easy, smart solutions from head to toe.

Botanically based, we use potent plants, organic ingredients and 100% natural essential oils and source majority of our ingredients from the continent of Africa,” she said

Joycee Awojoodu

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015—31

Exploring femininity in the contemporary African society life, and in turn communicate that awareness through the images they create.

Art curator, Christina Middel stated that “Making a plan is designing your future, crossing your fingers or praying. By questioning our concept of creative design and day to day design and blurring the line between the two, the exhibition presents photography that forces the viewer to reconsider and reconcile what design is, has become and will be in the future.

Joana Choumali, an Ivorian

•Choumali

By Chris Onuoha & Anino Aganbi

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HE age long profession of Art has consistently evolved despite the influx of technologically advanced gadgets that tends to conflict with its professional purpose.

Lagos Photo Foundation in its 6th edition of the annual photo festival, organized an exhibition featuring both local

and international artists to strengthen this art of lens with purpose, entitled ‘Designing Future’.

Designing future is intended to explore contemporary dialogues surrounding designs in Africa.

Photographers across the continent and beyond display deft but also awareness of the cultural and socio political landscape that influence daily

On the contrary, I am just going through the process of accepting myself in every aspect of my life. Through this process, I realize that my feminity can be in my way

photo artist in her interpretation employed digital photo imagery to depict her inept conviction of how design has affected humanity. In her works titled ‘Awoulaba/Taille Fine’, she explores the complex notion of feminity, beauty and body image in contemporary African society.

She observed through her documentary that recent phenomenon in mannequin production has pushed design further by idealizing African shapes with seductive contours, which placed feminity with sudden world obsession of enhanced anatomy features.

Seductive contours Although, seen as a creative innovation, yet, she still feels gender equality is prejudiced.

Choumali stated, “People may say I am a feminist that I am focusing on women. That’s not right because I am focusing on identity more than gender. I have a tendency to speak about subject that affects me directly and it shows in my work.”

“On the contrary, I am just

going through the process of accepting myself in every aspect of my life. Through this process, I realize that my feminity can be in my way.

What I am trying to do is especially to explore, accept and embrace it. I like to make parallel comparison between different cultures, accepting each aspect of my identity and trying not to apologize with one side of my personality to another. Women are going through many influences from the western and it affects their identity”, she said.

Expressing cultural conflict with his unique black and white shots, Ima Mfon said, “For me, I wanted to focus more on the diversity and uniqueness of individual to promote Nigerian identity and unity.”

Other exhibitors, Owise Abuzaid Gloria Oyarzabal (Spain) Vicente Paredes (Spain) Patrick Selemani (Congo) William Uko(Nigeria) Mehdi Sefrioui (Morocco) Nobukho Nqaba (South Africa) and many others depicts in their work the socio-cultural diversity of Africa and how design has and will affect progression and developments in the continent.

Nigerian women do not promote themselves – Aisha Bagudu

By Funmi Olasupo & Leo Uriri

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HE wife of the Governor of Kebbi State, Hajiya Aisha Bagudu said that the Nigerian women do not promote themselves and need to talk more positively about themselves to one another and the world at large.

Hajia Bagudu made the statement at the Female Business Sessions (FBS) conference which was held at the National Centre for Women Development, (NCWD) Abuja.

She maintained that Nigerian women do not promote themselves and do not have to go to media to make announcement.

“We the Nigerian women find it very difficult to promote one another, we do not promote ourselves and i don’t mean we have to go to the media for advertisement, we can help each other by talking and spreading our good deeds, business and activities.

“I know we talk a lot and we should use this gift to help each other. We need to look after each other, let’s not depend on someone to help us let’s help each other.”

Aisha also added that the Nigerian women should also be active in the growth of the economy and also be supportive to their husbands and the children.

“How do we help our economy? Our country and the world generally are going through hard times economically. So how do we

help the economy of our great country? Do we fully and helplessly depend on our husbands or do we support them and our children by doing something to support ourselves?”

She further urged women to networking better and charged them to fill in the gaps in their society around them.

“We have a lot of potentials and we should learn to ask the person next to us; our neighbours what they do. The Nigerian woman needs to ask questions like what can i do for my community? What gap can i fill that is yet to be filled by the government?”

In her remark, the Director General, National Centre for Women Development, NCWD,

Wife of Kebbi State Governor, Hajiya Aisha Bagudu (5th from right); Onyeka Onwenu, DG, NCWD, (5th from left) with organizers and speakers at the Female Business Sessions (FBS) Conference held at the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD), yesterday.

Lady Onyeka Owenu gave the assertion that Nigeria is made up of 50 percent women and if women don’t do well the country is at risk of not progressing.

Land of opportunities “Your attitude to work is the difference between those that are successful and those that are not and as we know women makes up 50 percent of the population of Nigeria so if we the women don’t do well the country doesn’t do well.”

The DG further pledged her alliance and support to the growth and development of the Nigerian woman.

“Nigeria is a huge market, the land of opportunities and I don’t care what anybody else has to say. I specially want to congratulate Female Business Sessions (FBS) on this wonderful innovation and thank you for coming together.

I will always support the growth and development of the Nigerian woman and will always support FBS when invited because if we do well Nigeria will do well.” she stated.

32—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015

Our hope does not disappoint us

By Matthew Hassan Kukah

FRACTURED World: Amidst so much pain, injury, war and death, what can we say today about Christmas and its message of Joy and Peace to a fractured world?

Everywhere we turn, blood is being spilled in the name of God and Religion. There are no more grey areas. We believers all seem to be at a total loss as to how to explain the clouds of doubts that hover over our horizon.

Last year, I issued an Easter Message titled, Do not let our enemies ask, where is your God? We might be tempted to say things are worse today.

However, as Christians, we are men and women of Hope and we know God is on His throne.

Struggle for power: Today, the path to peace is still littered with so much debris of human pain. The excesses of Boko Haram still haunt the landscape. The Chibok girls are still not found and we will still spend another Christmas without any hope that their laughter will soon return to our homes. The engine of political God chose to bring Jesus into the world change has still not gathered the steam through His own command and a biological we had hoped for. mother. This distinguished Jesus from The political calendar continues to Adam; it makes him special, unique. shift as we witness a domino effect of For Christians, that Jesus was “conceived overturned elections across the States. by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin All in all, new anxieties, new battles Mary” unites the divinity and the humanity for power among the elite will likely of Jesus more clearly than any other way that lead us to loss of more innocent lives Jesus could have come into the world. For and blood. The contest for power Christians, the virgin birth has an added continues to take its toll and yet we significance. It speaks to the question of continue to pray for the stability of the whether or not Jesus is the Son of God ship of state. We call on our leaders to whether or not, indeed, Jesus is God. use the power in their hands for The Importance of the Incarnation: For service. the Christian, sin is the cause for the Has religion failed us? Amidst so incarnation: “The Son of Man came not to much pain, injury, war and death, what be served but to serve and to give His life as can we say today about Religion? a ransom for many” (Mk.10:45). Both Some people think that Religion has Muslims and Christians accept that sin failed and others claim that Religion produces an unfavourable state of ‘being’, is to be blamed for the woes of the one that we should be ashamed of, no less. world. Neither of these positions is “Sin is that which causes discomfort within correct. However, we believers cannot your soul and which you dislike people to turn our eyes become informed of” (Sahih Muslim). from the fact that we must Vicarious take a substantial atonement part of the blame for Who pays off the debt of sin? Obviously, w h e r e the debtor is to pay off the debt; the sinner Religion finds pays the debt of sin. This is why Muslims MATTHEW KUKAH itself in our have a problem with the idea of vicarious society. What has gone wrong? For us atonement, with the idea of original sin, with as Christians, what has become of the the idea that someone other than the sinner messages of Jesus Christ, Our Lord pays off the debt. What the Christian is saying and our Saviour? is that once the relationship with God is Where is the laughter, the joy, the broken, it cannot be restored by man alone. peace that was promised in the words Man simply does not have enough resources. of the different Christmas carols we all God in His infinite mercy and love wants to continue to sing be involved in restoring the relationship. year in and year Christians believe that the Word became out? Where is the flesh (Man) and that Man is Jesus. Whatever light that Jesus else He may be, this Jesus is fully human We brought and and, at the same time, the visible image of entrusted to us to believers God. He came to earth to save drive darkness cannot turn humanity.“Since the children share in flesh from the world? and blood, he himself likewise partook of the Today, more than our eyes same nature that through death he might ever, we from the destroy him who has the power of death” Christians must (Heb.2:14). rise up and take fact that we In other words, the reason Christ took on full responsibility must take a human flesh was so that he could die and in for what we have dying pay a ransom and free humanity from done or not done substantial the power of death. This is what Christians in our societies. part of the celebrate at Christmas: that God became Man When we and came to earth to save humanity, that blame for Catholics confess Jesus is the Word of God, and that “In the our sins during the where beginning was the Word, and the Word was celebration of the Religion with God and the Word was God” (John 1:1).

Holy Mass, we The Most Rev. Josiah Idowu-Fearon (Ph.D) accept and plead finds itself is Secretary General of the Anglican with God to forgive in our Communion St Andrew’s House, Tailstock us our sins for; Crescent, LONDON W11 1AP what we have society

Christmas: The Word became flesh/a book? some reflections (2) The first part of this piece was published in yesterday’s edition of Vanguard

By Josiah Idowu-Fearon

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HE concept of ‘begetting’ is a very sticky issue in Islam and for the sake of reducing tension between the Christian and Muslim communities in light of the current reactions by Christians to the behaviour of extremist Muslim groups in some parts of our world; it may be helpful if we had a few words on this concept.

The Arabic word “beget” in Qur’an 112:3, where we read, “He begetteth not nor is begotten” is walada, which clearly means ‘the sexual act of begetting or bearing a child’. The Arabic word for “beget” in Qur’an 19:35, on the other hand, is ittakhadha (to make). Combined, as it is, with the word “son”, it could have a sexual meaning, but it also might not. Most scholars believe that it is ambiguous. The important point here though, is that most Muslims, and I would add Christians, would agree that Jesus’ conception was not the result of a sexual act on the part of God and the Virgin Mary, but rather as a result of a command on the part of God. The virgin birth is something that transcends our normal understanding of things. Of course, there are many other things that we do not understand scientifically, but we believe anyway. Somehow, the virgin birth of Jesus is different, harder for some to accept.

As well-informed world Christian and Muslim leaders seek for ways of reducing tension and hatred, this is a good place to begin dialogue among the two communities because the main stream of both traditions believes that Jesus was conceived solely by the will of God. Interpretations of the Event: Where Christians and Muslims will disagree on the virgin birth is why the concept is so important.

For Muslims, the virgin birth is testimony to God’s infinite creative power. God can, and in this case did, create by a sheer act of will.

He said, “Be”, and so it was (kun fayakun).

This was infact the second time, according to the Qur’an, that God created a man by a simple act of His will.

The first time was when He created Adam without the intervention of a father or mother. It was simply an act of God’s creative will.

Additionally for Muslims, the purity of Mary is of the The reason highest importance.

Since Jesus was a Christ took prophet unlike the on human others, the purity of his mother needed to flesh was so be established. that he could Adam, being the die and in “first human”, could not have come into the dying pay a world with two ransom and biological parents.

Jesus, on the other free hand, assuming that humanity God can do whatever He wants, could from the have, if God had power of wanted to do it that way. But He did not. death

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done and also what we have failed to do. Often the sins of omission can be as serious as the ones we commit by actions. Let us not be bystanders. We must all commit ourselves to doing some good today. This is why Pope Francis has asked Christians to wake up the world.

Blame government but take responsibility: We have learnt to blame the government for everything as an excuse for our own sins of omission.

True, we have not been the luckiest people in the world with the quality of leadership we have had. But that is not an excuse. How for example is a government responsible for men whose irresponsible lifestyles lead to their children being sick or out of school?

How is government responsible for men who decide to marry and bring children into the world when they have no means of bringing them up?

How is government responsible for domestic violence? How is government responsible for the collapse of family values? How is government responsible for students who decide to cheat in their examinations? How is government responsible for men who choose armed robbery rather than hard work? How is government responsible for women who decide to choose a life of prostitution? Government can and must create conditions, but we must all become instruments of change. If we take our responsibilities seriously, we can compel government to serve us better.

Christians, show the way and be like Christ: Like the Greeks who approached Philip, the world is saying to Christians, We want to see Jesus (Jn.12: 21). However, increasingly, many of us have shielded Jesus by our arrogance, blind quest for power and worship of new but false gods. I am reminded of a poor man who kept coming to Church on Sunday but each time the warders would not let him in because he oozed some ordour and looked unkempt.

Prayers and worship The Warders feared that his presence could offend some of the big shots in the Church or dirty their clothes. The poor man got fed up with trying and, sitting in his shack by the roadside one Sunday, he cried to Jesus: Lord, I heard your message and have tried to enter the Church to worship you, but the people in the Church will not let me in.

Please, forgive me but kindly accept my prayers and worship here on the streets where I am since I cannot enter the Church and this is my home. Jesus whispered to him: Sorry, my son, my fate is not different from yours. Even I too have tried to enter their Church, but they have refused to le me in!

Religion is not for profit: The word of God and its living blessings are free.

Isaiah said that much when he said: Come all of you who are thirsty, come to the water and you who have no money, come and eat. Buy wine and milk without money and without cost (Is 55:1). St Paul reminded us: What is my profit? It is this: that in preaching the word I might offer it free of charge (1 Cor. 9:18). This is what led Jesus to express His only visible show of anger and violence when he whipped the moneychangers and accused them of; turning His Father’s house into a den of thieves (Matt. 21:13).

•Matthew Hassan Kukah is a frontline cleric and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015—33

Chevron rig explosion: Bayelsa communities seek redress in US court

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OASTAL communities in Bayelsa State, impacted by the January 16, 2012 KS Endeavour Rig Explosion in Chevron’s oil field, have dragged the oil firm before a San Francisco court in the United States.

The representatives of victims visited Bayelsa State Commissioner for Environment, Mr Iniruo Wills, yesterday, in Yenagoa.

Speaking during the visit, Mr Alagoa Morris, Coordinator of the lead plaintiffs, said that the team’s advocacy visit to the commissioner was to solicit the support of the state government in the legal action.

He told Wills that the group commenced the legal action against Chevron in San Francisco on December 9.

Morris, an environmentalist, noted that the efforts of Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment were commendable, and urged the government to assist the victims in their quest for justice.

“The lead plaintiffs thought it wise to pay you this advocacy and courtesy visit, to formally inform you about the on-going cases in the US. We also want to interact with you especially as your ministry also carried out

some investigations on the incident.

“Governor Sariake Dickson of Bayelsa State visited Koluama 2 Town Hall on February 27 and made a pledge to set up technical and legal committees on the rig explosion to ensure that Chevron was held accountable for the

disaster.

“It is the belief of the lead plaintiffs that the government meant well and made those laudable pledges in good faith.

We are here to seek assistance from the state government through your ministry.“ Morris said.

Responding, Wills noted that it was a matter for regret that four years after the incident, the victims were yet to get justice.

He commended the steps taken by the impacted communities and pledged the support of the state government to the plaintiffs.

VISIT: From left: Deputy Managing Director, Skye Bank Plc, Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu; Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Timothy Oguntayo; Chief Executive Officer, COPE Foundation, Mrs Ebun Anozie and a Director of COPE Foundation, Mr. Dapo Abe, during a courtesy visit to Skye Bank by officials of COPE Foundation.

How Nigeria lost 16,000 to violence —Aniele

By Jimitota Onoyume

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ORT HARCOURT— DIRECTOR, National Crime Prevention, Abia State, has urged Nigerians to shun violence as it has claimed over 16,000 lives in the country in the last one decade.

Adiele, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during the conferment of World Ambassador for Peace award on some Nigerians by Positive Living Award Centre of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO, said it was high time Nigerians started promoting the values of peace at all levels.

Speaking on Global Peace, Panacea for Sustaining Development and Security, he harped on the role of peace in nation building, noting that records from the 1999 massacre in Odi, Bayelsa State, the Kaduna riots in 2000 and several other religious riots in Jos, including the bomb blasts in several parts of the country between 1999 and 2014, showed that the nation had lost over 16,000 persons to violence.

Awardees, Mr Godwin Ezeemo and Dr Peter Egenti, stressed the significance of peace. Mr Ezeemo enjoined pro-Biafra agitators to embrace peace, saying that dialogue should be promoted above violence.

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According to him, “I want to advise both Biafrans and those that are yet to raise their heads to

realize that we are one Nigeria. ‘’Our forefathers had a goal and that is what we are singing in our

national anthem that the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain,’’ he said.

Environmental degradation: Ijaw going through gradual extinction —INC

By Egufe Yafugborhi

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ARRI—THE Ijaw nation has said that its people and environment are going through gradual extinction due to inability of the Nigerian state to address the negative impact of oil and gas exploitation in its domain.

A communique at the end of a two-day stakeholders' workshop in Warri, Delta State, where delegates from 78 Ijaw clans across Nigeria converged under the umbrella of Ijaw National Congress, INC, said: “The environment remains the most valuable physical resource for development and survival of the Ijaw nation.

“Summit resolved that urgent steps be taken to implement the UNEP report on Ogoni and clean up other degraded communities.”

Dissatisfied with the present constitutional and legislative arrangements for resource control and allocation in Nigeria, the summit stressed the need for communities bearing resources to control same and pay taxes to the centre.

Pledging its preparedness to

work peacefully with the President Mumammadu Buhari administration, INC said, “Violence or restiveness is a new

phenomenon foisted on the Ijaw by circumstances of oppression and frustration including militarization of Ijaw territory.”

I'm at peace after leaving PDP —Ndoma-Egba

By Emma Una

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ALABAR—FORMER Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, has said that since his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the party under whose platform he was elected to the Senate for three tenures, the issues he aggregated that caused him agitation have ceased and he now has peace of mind.

Senator Ndoma-Egba told Vanguard in Calabar, Cross River State, yesterday, that he was sidelined in the PDP for three years but had to stay on in the party since he was the Leader of the Senate till the end of his tenure to make sure the Senate continued to function normally till the end of the session.

“For three years I was ejected from the PDP and before making

any move to another party at the time, I had to think of my position as the Leader of the 7th Senate which is a historic responsibility and if I had left six months to the end of that Senate, it would mean my leaving that position and who then would take responsibility for the success or failure of that session which I had led. So I had to stay on because I was ready to take responsibility for the failure or success of the Senate which was why I did not leave the PDP at the time I ought to have left,” he said.

He said the political traffic in the country was now only towards the direction of the All Progressives Congress, APC, because PDP had not learned any lesson from the issues that led to its failure in the last elections.

Zone H Welders Association in Edo gets new exco

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DO State chapter of the Nigerian Welders Association, NWA, Zone H, has elected new executives to lead the body for another four years.

At the election held in Benin, Osaro Enoma defeated his opponent, Godfrey Ediale, to emerge as Chairman.

Others elected at the election that was witnessed by the National President, Pius Itama, include Akin Alumyo, Vice Chairman; Peter Agbonah, Treasurer; Valerian Imoisili, P.R.O; Godwin Agbokhan, Financial Secretary; Jeffery Loore, Auditor I and Ikpoba Solomon, Auditor II.

Ndokwa Vanguard holds 10th anniversary lecture

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HE 10th anniversary celebration of Ndokwa Vanguard will take place December 28 at Utagba Ogbe, Delta State. The event which will feature awards presentation and launching of a book entitled Ndokwa Tourch Bearers, will be chaired by Chief Ogbuiji Fidelis Onyema.

Madam Ogbevire for burial

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RS Hannah Ogbevire (nee Ogbor), of Ogbor Ositejovwo family of Okpara Waterside, Ethiope East Local Government Area, Delta state, is dead, aged 75.

Funeral service holds at St. Matthews Anglican Church, Okpara Waterside, on January 22, 2016, followed by interment at her compound, near Okpara Girls School.

She was blessed with three children, including Jonathan Igburuke of Conoil Nig., Lagos.

Late Madam Ogbevire

34 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015 — 35

Yuletide: PAC urges security consciousness

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PASSING OUT PARADE: From left; Cdre O.O. Nesiama, Brig Gen MS Danwalis, representing Commander Corps of Artillery, Cdre MS Garba, representing FOC Western Naval Command, Gen. Usman (Rtd), Former Commandant, NACOL, Maj. Gen. Isidore Edet, GOC 81 Division, Maj. Gen Adeku Saliu, representing the Chief of Army Staff, Brig. Gen. Julius Olusola Oni, Acting Commandant, Nigerian Army College of Logistics (NACOL), Gen. Abidoye, Former Commandant, NACOL, Air Cdre Aliyu Istifanus, representing Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, Maj. Gen. Augustine Okoh, GMD, Nigerian Army Welfare Limited Guarantee and Cdre F.O. Ezeugwu, representing Commandant, Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, NAFRC, during the passing-out parade of the Logistis Management Course 13/2015 of the Nigerian Army College of Logistics, in Lagos.

We've paid our N17bn bond —Kwara govt

By Demola Akinyemi

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LORIN — THE Kwara State Government has disclosed that it has paid off the N17 billion infrastructure bond obtained in 2009, stressing that this has enabled it obtain a fresh N20 billion bond

for new projects.

In a statement released yesterday by Dr. Muyideen Akorede, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, the state government explained that the N17 billion bond was fully paid

Kabba community cries out over incessant kidnap attacks

By Boluwaji Obahopo

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OKOJA—THE residents of Kabba, headquarters of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State have cried out over the incessant rate of kidnapping of its people, as they called on the Inspector- General of Police to immediately come to their aid.

The residents who spoke through the Kabba Development Union (the socio cultural umbrella body of the community) said, peace has eluded the ancient town since the kidnappers have laid siege to the community, terrorising and abducting innocent citizens in broad day light without any challenge from security agents.

KDU President, Mr Molomo Olorunfemi in a statement said, over the last few weeks no fewer than 10 prominent people in the town have been brazenly abducted by these Kidnap syndicate with several millions of naira demanded for their release.

The statement read, “This development has created morbid fears to residents in the areas while citizens and visitors wishing to come home for the Christmas celebrations are scared to do so in the fear that they may be abducted by these heartless gangsters.

“Most of the victims

kidnapped were abducted in the broad day light while the police and other security agency in the area appear helpless as none of the perpetrators has been brought to book.”

Aside from this, the statement said, all roads leading to the community have been taken over by armed robbers who kill and maim innocent citizens.

on August 5, 2014 following prompt payment to subscribers throughout the bond’s five-year tenure.

The government noted that the repayment of the N17 billion bond obtained by the previous administration of Dr. Bukola Saraki did not impose any undue burden on the state’s finances.

The statement contained that the bond maintained at issue rating of A and issuer rating of BBBwhich signified the superior credit profile of the Kwara State Government.

While noting that long term borrowing such as bonds are cheaper and more reliable means of funding major capital projects, the statement listed projects executed with the N17 billion bond.

Some of the projects include the Kwara State University, Harmony Advanced Diagnostic Centre, International Aviation College, remodelling of Ilorin Stadium Complex, phase one of Ilorin

Water Reticulation Project, the Ilorin Cargo Terminal, as well as various urban and rural road and electrification projects.

The state government also stated that the proposed N20 billion will finance innovative projects such as dualisation of Michael Imoudu to Gamo Road, part completion of Kishi/ Kaiama Road, indoor sports Hall of Ilorin Stadium and the new campuses for Kwara State University at Osi and Ilesha.

Other proposed projects are new secondary school classrooms across the state, equipment for the International Vocational Centre, Ajase Ipo, remodelling of General Hospital, Oro as well as cottage hospitals, the state’s counterpart funding for an Industrial Park which will generate 3000 local jobs, provision of electricity transformers and take-off of contributory pension scheme which is a precondition for accessing other infrastructure funds

KOGI POLL: INEC yet to pay ad-hoc staff

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By Kingsley Fanwo

OKOJA — FIVE weeks after the November 21 governorship poll in Kogi State, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is yet to pay the Assistant Polling Officers who were deployed across the state for the election.

Vanguard learned that the commission had paid the National Youths Service, NYSC, members that served as Polling Officers during the election, exempting the Assistant Polling Officers.

Three polling officers were deployed to each polling units for the election.

Some of the Assistant

Polling Officers, who spoke to Vanguard in Ugwalawo, Ofu Local Government Area of the state on condition of anonymity said they are worried about the delay in

payment.

One of the officers told our reporters that INEC’s action is tantamount to poor planning and maladministration.

HE Police Assistance Committee (PAC) has urged Nigerians to be security conscious and be extremely watchful for strange movements in their neighborhoods and at all public places including motor parks, shopping malls and hotels as the nation goes into celebration moods.

Addressing members during PAC end of year sensitization workshop in Lagos, Director General, Dr. Martins JohnOni called on members to work closely with the police and other security agencies by passing useful information to them that could assist in prevention and combating of crimes during the celebration season.

PAEI assembles economic think-tanks to discuss Nigeria

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HILIP Asiodu Economic Initiative, PAEI, a non profit organisation, recently assembled economists, technocrats and administrators to discuss matters of national importance concerning the country.

The economic think-tanks were drawn from the private and public sectors to the inaugural session of the initiative entitled: "Oil subsidy and budget restructuring," which took place in Abuja.

The initiative was to articulate data and recommend same to the President and key government officials.

It will also make the data available to the public to create a better informed and supportive constituency for the difficult decisions which these and successive administrations must make use of in order to put Nigeria back on the trajectory of sustained and inclusive rapid growth and development.

Present at the session were Chief Philip Asiodu, Mallam Ahmed Joda, Godwin Emefiele, Yayale Ahmed, Ebele Okeke, Dr. Shamsudden Usman, Prof Akpan Ekpo, among others.

Nigerian Muslims preach unity, understanding at Xmas

By Abdulwahab Abdulah

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HE Nigerian Muslims, yesterday, called for more understanding, unity and love among Muslims and Christian faithful in Nigeria to move the nation and humanity forward.

In a Christmas message by the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji

Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, he felicitated with Christians on the occasion of the Christmas celebration.

The message by Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, Secretary-General of the council stated: “As you celebrate this important event, the Muslim community in Nigeria wishes you God’s guidance and abundant blessings embedded in the festive season.

“We have every cause to

celebrate and thank the Almighty God for the opportunity of life and the privilege of survival. At this time last year, Nigeria was under a lot of tension with the national conscience being tormented by the apocalyptic prediction of 2015 being the end of our corporate existence.”

NSCIA noted that this year Xmas was significant as it almost coincide with the December 24, being the birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammed.

36—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015

THANKSGIVING: From left: General Overseer, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, and his wife, Florence, during the state's Christmas Carol and thanksgiving service, held at Agodi Gardens, Ibadan.

RETREAT: From left:Mr Bolaji Okusaga, MD,The Quadrant Company, Ms Clara Okoro, Vice Chairman, BJAN, Captain Vicenzo Orlandini, guest speaker, and Mr Goddie Ofose, Chairman, BJAN, at the inaugural executive committee retreat in Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau.

TRAINING: From left: Mr. Tunde Olagunju, Coordinator/Facilitator, Mr. Razak Ayinla, representating the Director, Graduate Internship Scheme, GIS, Ministry of Finance, and Mr. Ademola Aderibigbe, Facilitator, GIS, during the GIS Orientation and Employability Skill training in Abakaliki.

DONATION: Hon. Desmond Elliot (middle), his wife, Vicctoria (2nd right), and others, during the donation of Christmas gifts to constituents in Surulere, Lagos, yesterday.

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UNVEILING: From left: Director General, National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, President of the Republic of Ghana, Mr. John Mahama, Chief Executive, Institute for Government Research Leadership Technology, Ambassador Moses Essien, and Group Chairman & Founder, Kasapreko Company Ltd, Dr. Kwabena Adjei, at the unveiling of the new factory in Ghana.

XMAS PARTY: Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Mrs. Feyisetan Fayose, wife of the Deputy Governor, Deaconess Janet Olusola, wife of the Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mrs Moji Oluwawole, state PDP Women Leader, Mrs Yemisi Afolabi, flanked by children, at the cutting the 2015 Xmas party cake at Government House Ground, Ado Ekiti.

FESTIVAL: President, Wesley Cathedral, Olowogbowo, Lagos, Sir Fola Awobo Pearce (right), Rev. Tunde Oniyide (left), and Rev. Bola Oyeledun, at the Thanksgiving Service of the 2015 Annual Choir Festival of the church.

XMAS CAROL: Professor Adebiyi Daramola, Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA (3rd left), his two deputies, Professors Olatunde Arayela and Tolulope Akinbogun and other members of the Elders Choir, performing at FUTA Christmas Carol service in Akure.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015—37

Buhari’s Education plans:

Good, but can be better — Senator Emodi •The joy of Christmas is in sharing SENATOR Joy Emodi’s sterling legacy in public service evokes fond memories especially in the nation’s education sector. For her efforts she was awarded doctorate degrees by the University of Abuja and the Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

Now on a sort of sabbatical from public service following her memorable stint as Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Mrs. Emodi has taken to her first love, education with the establishment of the co-educational school in Abuja, The Brickhall School.

Mrs. Emodi, an educationist turned lawyer and politician in this interview on the sidelines of her school’s Christmas outreach programme, speaks on the administration’s education programmes, the joy of giving during this season, among other things.

By Laide AkinboadeOriere

W

HAT is your reaction to the about N400 billion allocation to the education sector in the administration’s budget proposal?

Considering where we are coming from, it is a good start but still a far cry from what is needed to move the sector forward. So, I think the government has done good because if we get it right with education, then it would open a major channel for the overall development of the nation. So, I commend the government for giving such recognition to the sector, but a lot of funding is still needed.

Rigorous supervision I would also call on the committees of the National Assembly to please ensure rigorous supervision to ensure that the funds are put to good use. In this light, the committees should also pay special attention to the National Teachers Institute, NTI because the quality of teachers I see coming out from our schools are still very suspect.

What is your advice to the new administration on education?

My advice is in one statement: they must declare state of emergency on education. No going back or forward because there is serious rot in our educational system to the extent that some people still study under trees and some under dilapidated buildings. There is no way you can roll out well rounded students from such schools and the teachers are poorly motivated especially in public schools.

A state of emergency setting up standards that must be met by private schools, because some of

them operate without any curriculum, they establish schools to get money. And some schools don’t even update their curriculum!

What informed your visit to the less privileged homes?

Donating to the less privileged is in line with the spirit of the season and we have to show gratitude to God. We discovered that there are less privileged ones in our midst and for one reason or the other they might not be able to have anything to eat especially the orphans. So the school management decided to visit some orphanages and offer them things that would make their Christmas a memorable day.

And today we did Christmas concert and exhibited some of the art works of the students. And we had a carnival for both adults and children for everybody to be happy. Christmas period is a time everybody look forward to.

Considering where we are coming from, it is a good start but still a far cry from what is needed to move the sector forward.

So, I think the government has done good

but to also ensure that the best is being brought out from our schools.

As a former law maker do you think there is enough legislation to back the supervision?

Well there are policies, they have well articulated policies, the problem is implementation.

How did the vision of Brickhall School start?

Well when I was chairman Senate Committee on Education, I was able to travel the world and see what education and schools in other lands look like. I was also able to pick piece and pieces from all these places and I was able to put them together.

Brickhall School is not as expensive as the service and •Emodi: Buhari must declare state of emergency on education environment may indicate. I was able to By giving out to the less Well private schools are doing gather experiences as a teacher privileged, it would also improve well but many also see it as a and as Chairman Senate the perception of the children to means of making money. Committee on Education and I life, it would help them to give Education is not a money making just want to give back to the and they will learn that there is venture, it is a social venture that society. After going round this joy in giving and also learn that is changing the lives of the nation and seen the wrath in our there is grace in giving. Even children; bringing up the education sector and travelling more, they would also learn that children for the good of the round the world I was able to they must learn to share, that is society. Some private schools cut know the difference and I prayed one of the policies of the school. corners in order to make money, to God to give me the opportunity It is something we have been so their curriculum are not strong so I decided to do something that doing and we even visited some at all, some are even confused would reflect what I saw in all Internally Displaced Persons IDP about what they are teaching and these countries. camps. In our classes we teach some of them employ very low One thing I discovered is that them not to be selfish, that life is quality teachers. we don’t place enough attention At the Brickhall we ensure all to education in this country but not only about you but also imparting positively on the lives our early years and nursery countries all over the world pay teachers, play group, and pre- attention to education. It is the of other people.

Were the parents also involved primaries are all graduates of system that would train the future early child education because leaders and top business men in this programme?

Some parents when they heard they have a psychology of and women and they make up we were going to the orphanages dealing with those children. the society. If you don’t have very contributed something, but most But in most cases, most of the strong education system and of the items were put together by private schools operate in an train the pupils well, that is why the school. environment not suitable for we have lot of crimes in the learning and even teaching. society and no more moral values What do you think the Federal and co. but right here in Brickhall Traditional Government should do?

School we lay a lot of emphasis values I believe that the Federal on moral values.

And the children fully Government should be more participated in the handing over serious in of the items to the less privileged. inspecting And this would help the children p r i v a t e to know that life is all about schools. humility and also it teaches them You see about kindness and being some of t h e m humbled.

In this school we resorted to our operating traditional values for children to f r o m know that life is not only about shanties them. You know most schools are a n d now so relaxed and so permissive b a c h a s , and some schools treat children so there is like eggs but at the Brickhall, we need for don’t do like that. We use p r o p e r traditional methods involving our supervision not traditional values to take care of of only the our children here.

What do you see as the future teaching environment of private schools in Nigeria?

38—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015

meant that n o t h i n g should be left to chances.

“We don’t want to be c a u g h t napping. It is better to be proactive. If things turn out in our favour, good Given the uncertain fate of Governor but the major Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and thing is that most members of the state we are legislature, last week’s smooth plugging change in leadership of the State every hole”, House of Assembly was a strategic he said. move by the Peoples Democratic Owaji-Ibani Party, PDP in self preservation. was not forced to resign he lose at the Court of Appeal.

Owaji-Ibani resignation as The worry of the PDP is speaker was undoubtedly well compounded by the fact that arranged. Before he stepped Governor Wike also lost at the down, he presided over the tribunal and has also lost at the Court of Appeal. The Though all those problems of the PDP are also compounded by the fact that affected have all three senators and twelve appealed the tribunal members of the House of Representatives on the verdict but there is platform of the party also lost still serious concern at the tribunal.

“So you can see why we among PDP should all be worried. “, a stakeholders over member of the House of Assembly on the platform of who could succeed the PDP confided in Ibani-Owaji should Vanguard. he lose at the Court The member said the governor ’s decision to of Appeal approach the Supreme Court

Rivers House:

How PDP is preparing for the storm

•Wike

By Jimitota Onoyume

T

HE change in the leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly was shocking to many given the warm relationship between the former Speaker, Rt. Hon Ikuinyi Owaji-Ibani and members on one hand and Governor Wike on the other hand.

This cordiality was seen in the speedy way the House attended to requests from the governor. Not too long ago, the opposition All Progressive Congress, APC even accused the House of allegedly granting the governor approval to secure a N10 billion loan in a manner it considered to be abnormal.

Nullification of the election According to spokesman of the APC in the state, Mr. Chris Finebone , the lawmakers allegedly granted the request at about 6 a.m. on November 18 after an unusual meeting with the governor in Government House where they were told to keep sealed lips on the issue.

However, apprehension by the ruling PDP in the state arose following the nullification of the election of the erstwhile speaker and 19 other House members all elected on the platform of the PDP where the PDP controls 30 of the 31 seats. The APC which was the former ruling party in the state has only one seat.

Though all those affected have appealed the tribunal verdict but there is still serious concern among PDP stakeholders over who could succeed Ibani-Owaji should

ONDO 2016: Our plans to bury carcass — Abraham, gov aspirant

W

HAT are the challenges facing the Ondo APC, ahead of next year ’s governorship election?

Like any institution, there are challenges. The challenge is to ensure that all the interest groups unite to avoid division. This is common to all political parties.

In any institution or organisation, there are diverse interests. They need to be protected. We are now solving the problem, using the experience of the last election to resolve it and we are making progress.

There is the feeling that the activities of APC aspirants in Ondo State are also polarising the party. What is your reaction?

The opposite is the answer.

The more you have the aspirants, the more activities you have in the party. It becomes more exciting. More people are involved. A lot of people are coming out with different ideas, vision and programmes. On the economic aspect of it, there will be boom in the economy of the state. Printers will be busy. People will be more engaged in political activities.

It increases the awareness of the people politically. There are some of these aspirants who just want to be known. They are not spending money. They may be using it to negotiate for other positions. These are nice political activities. We also had rumours that some of them may be moles for other political parties. The party exco is aware of these

Lower tribunal “With the way the Appeal court ruling has been going, nobody can say who will be swept off. Some of us have already lost at the lower tribunal. So we were just being proactive in case, you understand me so that we will still be in charge. Hon Ikuinyi was not forced to resign and there was no problem in the House,“ he said.

Adams Dabotorudima emerges new Speaker Hon Adams from Okrika State Constituency was elected new Speaker of the House. Vanguard gathered that the PDP dominated House settled for him because he reportedly does not have any election petition related matter in court.

the PDP

THOUGH the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is yet to lift the ban on electioneering campaigns in Ondo State, some aspirants are getting set to occupy the Alagbaka Government House in 2016. Dr. Segun Abraham is a governorship aspirant seeking to fly the flag of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State. In this interview, Dr Abraham spoke on his ambition, the challenges facing the party and preparations for the 2016 governorship elections in the state. Excerpts:

By Dapo Akinrefon

presentation by the governor of the 2016 N307 billion appropriation bill. The proceedings started at about 5.25 p.m. that Friday.

Shortly after the bill was passed into law he stepped aside as Speaker.

Members who spoke to the Vanguard off camera said he was not forced to resign.

Though Owaji-Ibani gave personal reason for his action but Vanguard gathered that it was a proactive step to ensure the party was firmly in charge of the House.

•Abraham activities in the party and they are very experienced. Since they know the intention of some of the candidates, it is easy to know those candidates that are serious, competent and fit to be the governor of the state. They know the candidates that are qualified to contest and the governor will

emerge from among them.

Is it not confounding to you that some of these aspirants are building personal structures, instead of building the party?

Well, what you refer to as personal structures are groups, which must be integrated into the party. All over the world, there are interest groups that must be formed. The only thing is that the leadership of the groups must subject the interest of the groups to the interest of the party and that is in conformity with the principles of democracy.

The lesson we have learned is that we must not sacrifice the interest of the society or the party at the altar of the group. At our level, we build the party politically, socially, psychologically and financially, in all ramifications.

That is why our group is called the Unity Forum. It is the only group in the state that is reaching out the other groups so that we can have a united front to drive away the PDP government from the state. The leader of the Unity Group is the only person that has n grouse against any other group, but I have been organising other Continues on page 39

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015—39

God’s will in Akwa Ibom Assembly

The public impression about the election of Luke as speaker is that he will be a committed leader with independent mind and who will be able to carry his colleagues along in the course of discharging his legislative duties

THE election of a new speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly may not be a game changer for the opposition, but it reshuffles the deck in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Some say it is the hand of God

By Chioma Onuegbu

O

NIOFIOK Luke representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency had aspired to the position of speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on the inauguration of the legislative body last June, but powerful forces in the state stopped him.

Among those said to have stood against him at that time was the immediate past governor of the state and now Senate Minority leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

In the face of the alleged opposition, Aniekan Uko was elected speaker to the dismay of enthusiasts of Luke. Uko’s chapter, however, ended last week when the Court of Appeal voided his election as a member of the State House of Assembly.

Promptly, last Monday, the state legislators rediscovered themselves and to the dismay of many elected Luke as speaker.

Luke, who was a onetime speaker of the Nigeria Youth Parliament comes on board as the 11th Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

Akwa Ibom people view the development as most deserving, and the best thing to happen to the sixth assembly and by extension an

•Udom: Akwa Ibom governor asset to the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in view of the current political situation in the state PDP where the party is strategizing to ensure it does not lose the state to the opposition party.

Besides his track records during the immediate past

•Luke: Elected Akwa Ibom Speaker administration as a member of the state House, the public impression about the election of Luke as speaker is that he will be a committed leader with independent mind and who will be able to carry his colleagues along in the course of discharging his legislative

ONDO 2016: Our plans to bury the PDP carcass — Abraham, gov aspirant Continues from page 38 groups for unity. This can be described as the bride without spot as quoted by the holy book.

None of the groups have anything against our groups.

Therefore, they all find it easy to work with us. That is why the Unity Forum is growing fast and rapidly.

What do you want to do differently, if elected as governor?

First and foremost, we will work hard to restore our lost virtue and value. We will develop technological and managerial capability in order to harness our various resources, with little dependence on foreigners. We will develop organic food that is now the new paradigm shift in economic returns, apart from IT, so that Ondo State can become the hub for organic food globally.

We will avail them of various opportunities offered by our international connections, from African Pacific Funding and Management and other multilateral institutions. Ministries of Industry, Trade and Investment will be established, with offices

in Europe, America and Asia.

This will increase our international profile, export drive and employment generation. We should be able to generate about 500,000 employment through this drive. We will set up Government Demand Industry (GDI). Through this, a lot of industries will be set up to complement the major industry that will support the government policies and programmes.

Policies and programmes For example, if we are rehabilitating schools, industries will be set up to provide roofing sheets and other education infrastructure. We are going to set up People Demand Industry (PDI). Right now, 80 percent of what our people need are brought in from outside.

We will set up small scale industries along under PPP. We will provide part of funding, training and good and services depot that will supply the populace at a very reduce rate

so that they can have economic value on their income. We will integrate our secondary schools with international schools through the World wide libraries.

What is your position on the agitation for power shift by the people of Akure and Akoko?

The agitations are legitimate.

Our party will promote equity, fairness and justice.

What is the assurance that you will beat other aspirants during the primary?

My good work will speak for me. With God’s support and my work speaking for me and the people that God will use, my victory at the primary is assured.

What gives the APC the boldness that it can sack the PDP from Ondo State?

The PDP is dead in Ondo State.

It only needs to be buried. The PDP is in comatose. People are leaving the PDP for the APC. The former deputy governor is now in the APC. Commissioners, special advisers, former governorship aspirants are defecting. What remains is the carcass. People are leaving the PDP in droves.

duties.

A former Minister for Land, Housing and Urban Development, and one time member in the House of Representative (Eket Federal Constituency) Chief Nduesse Essien commended the state lawmakers over the decision to elect Luke as their Speaker, even as he noted that Akwa Ibom people initially expected it but for some reasons it was scuttled.

Essien’s words: “It is a very good decision. That actually was the initial expectation but it was scuttled somehow.

Onofiok Luke is articulate, he flows very well with the youths, and he has had the experience in presiding over such forum, so we believe that he will be an effective speaker. Also he is a highly principled person t h a t looks to a brighter future.

So we salute t h e house of assembly for taking that step to elect him as speaker of Akwa I b o m s t a t e house”.

T h e failure of t h e house to elect him then as

the Speaker following the stiff opposition and alleged interference on June 8, 2015 from key political players in the state did not sit well with the indigenes of the state.

That, however, explained why some people in the state still appear baffled over his recent election into the same position without any interference even as some legislators said the election of the speaker of the house is not a situation where an individual decides rather that it is the popular wish of the members of the house to decide who should be in the position.

But a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who did not want his name mentioned described the election of the new speaker as a welcome development noting that the members did well by election someone who will not be stooge to the Executive.

“I think the election of Onofiok Luke is actually what the sixth assembly needed.

They need some one that will carry them along; someone who is independent minded that will work in their interest and not always relying on every decision of the Executive. It is the best step and decision and a welcome development in Akwa Ibom state house of assembly” he said.

40—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015

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ADEGBOYE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Iyabo Eunice Adegboye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Iyabo Eunice Ofoge.

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ERUBA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eruba Josephine Nnenna, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eze Josephine Nnenna. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AKAMIKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ezinne Dora Iheoma Akamike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ezinne Dora Iheoma Emerue. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ANIEDI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Glory Aniedi Okpon, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Glory Abumere Ekoh.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MAINA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Rejoice Joshua Maina, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Gapani Rejoice Yaga.

All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

IYERE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Iyere Odufa Ruth, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ebrugba Odufa Ruth. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

Confirmation of name This is to confirm that the names Uche K. Amadi and Amadi Wenendah Ken refer to one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Amadi Wenendah Ken. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

OMOTOSO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Omotoso Omolara Abisola R., now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Omolara Abisola R. Hassan. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EKWUEME—I, formerly known as Princess Ekwueme Nkechinyere, wish to be known as E k w u e m e Nkechinyere Stella henceforth. All former documents remain valid. Eco Bank, please take note.

CHUKWUKERE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Queen Jacinta Chukwukere, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Queen Jacinta Sorochi Konyeke. All former documents remain valid. General public and whom it may concern should please take note.

B A B A N I J I — I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Elizabeth Bukola Babaniji, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Elizabeth Bukola Okeke. All former documents remain valid. General public and whom it may concern should please take note.

SOLOMON—I, formerly known and addressed as Chukwu Solomon, now wish to be known and addressed as Chukwu Godwin. All former documents remain valid. General public and whom it may concern should please take note.

EBITONMOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Ebitonmor Christian, now wish to be known and addressed as Badidi Christian. All former documents remain valid. U.B.A Bank, general public and whom it may concern should please take note.

IVUONGBE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ivuonbge Faith Ese, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Imadebgbelo Faith Ese. All former documents remain valid. General public and whom it may concern should please take note.

EKPOKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ekpoke Ajokpenogene Kristel, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ekokor Ajokpenogene Kristel. All former documents remain valid. General public and whom it may concern should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME: That some of my documents carried Udeh Victor Osinachi, others carried, Udeh Victor Chukwudi. Both names as they appeared above belongs to one and the same person. Now wish to be known and address as Udeh Victor Osinachi Chukwudi.

All former documents remain valid. General public and whom it may concern should please take note.

MADUABUCHI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Maduabuchi Chinwe Rita, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Muojiuba Chinwe Rita. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Confirmation/Addition of name I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Osuji Helen Ndidi is also the same person known as Mrs. Ajayi Helen Ndidi. I now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ajayi Helen Esther. All former documents remain the same. General public, please take note.

AKACHI—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Akachi Akajiaku Ujunwa Otibe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Gabriel Ujunwa Otibe. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

USIGHO —I, formerly known and addressed as Usigho Lawrence Ewoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Usigho Lawrence Samuel. All former documents remain valid, any authority it may concern and the general public to take note.

AMAYO —I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Amayo Patience Ufuoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Ugbobor Patience Pearl Ufuoma. All former documents remain valid, and the general public to take note.

Confirmation of name This is to confirm that the names Ogenerukevwe Onailpofure and Israel Onailpofure refer to one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Ogenerukevwe Israel Onailpofure. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

JUMAH—I, formerly known and addressed as Jumah Rodeeyah Olabimpe, now wish to be known and addressed as Adebimpe Raliat Olabimpe. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Confirmation of name This is to inform the general public that in my UBA Bank my name was wrongly written as Austine Chukwuka Odozi and in Zenith Bank it was written as Austin Chukwu. The names refer to one and the same me.

All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

42— VANGUARD,

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015

Rabiul-Awwal 13, 1437 A.H.

Warri 2015 Jalsa:

Religious leaders brainstorm on way forward •Let's unite to demand good governance —Amir Fashola •We need respect not tolerance —CAN

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EADERS of various religious groups rose from 2015 Jalsa Tarbiya, the 3rd annual conference on Islamic education and moral teaching held in Warri, Delta State with a resolve to come together in order to achieve peace and sustainable development in the country.

The events which was attended by representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria, leader of the Judaism, Harish-Krishnan, and Muslim communities was held at Federal Government College, Ogunu road, Warri, Delta State with different papers and lectures on peaceandsustainabledevelopment delivered.

Sustainable development Whilethechiefhost,Dr.Mashuud Fashola, Amir Ahmadiyya Jamaat, Nigeria espoused the possibilities of achieving sustainable development, through unity, peace and tolerance, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, said respect for each other’s beliefs instead of tolerance remained the only sure path to peace and sustainable development.

Commenting on the theme “Religious Tolerance and Cooperation: A Catalyst for Peace, Unity and Sustainable Development”, the Naib Amir, Eastern region said: “This is in realization that we have not yet surmounted the needless insurgency battles that are daily being fought by our Nigerian Armed Forces in the North East and the need to decontaminate its attachment to religion.

“Innocent persons are being killed with recklessness through

suicide bombing. We pray that almighty Allah will expose the sponsors and promoters of the evil insurgents and remove them from our midst, and put an end to this mayhem soon.

“We consistently repeat that whoever kills another unjustly and creates disorderliness in the land is not of God. Q5: 65. “Allah loves not those who create disorder”. As a nation, all the religions must consciously continue to interrelate, as we have introduced through the Inter-faith seminars.

Those who fan the embers of destruction exist all around, regardless of the faith they profess.

They are our enemies and we must unite all the times to weaken their resolve. If we do anything otherwise, they would have achievedtheirobjectives,”Enahoro stated.

How religious bodies can promote sustainable devt— Dr Fashola, Amir Sahib Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim

We consistently repeat that whoever kills another unjustly and creates disorderliness in the land is not of God

Jamaat, Nigeria, Dr. Mashuud Fashola said peace, religious tolerance and sustainable development can be achieved if religious bodies come together to fight their common enemy – insurgents that are killing people irrespective of religious and ethnic background.

Dr Fashola stated this while delivering a lecture during the inter-faith conference organised by Eastern region of the group, held in Warri last weekend.

Religious tolerance Fashola said: “Religious organisationsneedtocometogether to brainstorm and develop strategies that can be employed for thepromotionofreligioustolerance, cooperation among all religious bodies, peace, unity and socioeconomic development of the country, in a sustainable development.

“First, we should agree to a general document on the principles of working and coming together for the benefit of all mankind and service of the Gracious Lord and God of all Creation. The basis of the genera) document should be a commongroundandprinciplesthat cut across and unite all religious organisations.

“Secondly, we need to agree on having annual conference of all religious organisations for the purpose of articulating collective views on issues of the state, especially national unity, justice, good governance. and sustainable development. A committee for this purpose could be appointed from representatives of major religious bodies, whose venue of meetings

would be rotated by geographical zones, in neutral conference centres.

“The areas of deliberation would include all aspects of the polity and economy since many members of religious bodies are experts in various disciplines and belong to various professional bodies.

Critical among areas that would need to be deliberated upon are issues of equitable regional development to stem the tide of excessive continual migration to urban areas that spell doom for sustainable development in the near future. Other important areas are security to life and property, job creation for poverty alleviation, affordable medical care, and free basic education.

It should thus be possible ultimately for all religious bodies to form a formidable front to demand good governance, especially regarding equal opportunities. justice, security, and prosperity for all citizens,” Dr Fashola stated.

Find, tackle root cause of violence, by Dr. Abdulmajeed Bello We certainly live in a world where individuals, groups, and governmentscommitvariousforms ofviolenceandterror.Suchviolence is committed in the name of ideology, narrow forms of nationalism and religion.

Counteracting violence with more devastating violence enhances that vicious cycle. Huge resources have been devoted to fighting violence, usually by equal or even worse violent means. Little attention has been paid to finding out the root causes of violence, such as gross

injustice and dehumanization of others. A fraction of these resources, coupled with a sense of honor, justice, and human equality would deal with most violence in a more constructive way. While religion has been abused to justify senseless and unnecessary violence, they can be constructively invoked to stem the tide of violence.

The common values of revealed religions, in particular, can contribute immensely in that endeavor.

Revealed religions It is the duty of religious clergies and scholars to clarify these values and clarify misinterpretations of scriptures not only to others but also fortheirownreligiouscommunities.

We need respect, not tolerance —CAN ThePresidentofChristianAssociationof Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor reiteratedthatrespectforother’sfaithand religious beliefs instead of tolerance remainedasolutionforpeaceandunity.

Pastor Oritsejafor who was represented by Pastors John Ukpeowe and Ochuko Abeke at the forum said: “You will recall that in the paper presented by me during in 2014 conference, I elucidated on the need to change the subject matter from Religious Tolerance to Religious Respect.

This point cannot be overemphasised in the face of today’s religious trends and threats where different groups and sects are contending for supremacy and control even within the same religion.

Lagos launches contributory scheme for Hajj, Jerusalem pilgrims

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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AGOS State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has set another pace in his drive towards makinglifeeasierforresidentswhen he launched a contributory scheme for Hajj and Jerusalem pilgrimage for prospective pilgrims in the state.

The governor while addressing audience at the lunch on Monday, explained that the scheme was part of his administration policy to make everyone participate in the holy pilgrimage irrespective of the financial status and class, Ambode who also honoured the ManagingDirectoroftheMedview Airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole for partnering with the state

government in the airlifting of the pilgrims in the state, reiterated his commitment to make life easier for residents in the state.

Speaking after the launch of the contributory scheme also known as, “PaySmallSmallScheme”,Ambode, represented by the state Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, said with the scheme, petty traders and other low income earners would be able to fulfill their religious obligations in a more convenient way.

He said:”It is a contributory schemeforallpilgrimages.Whether it for Jerusalem or Mecca. The allinclusiveadministrationofGovernor Ambodeismeanttocarryalongeven the less privileged in the society to ensure that even with N50,000, you canbegintopayforyourpilgrimage to Mecca, Medina, Rome and Jerusalem.

“We have partnered with Micro Finance firm that will allow people to choose either three, two years or one contributory scheme for the pilgrimagedependingontheability of such a person. In fact, there is a packageofN1,500dailycontribution schemeforthepilgrimage," he said.

The government wants to ensure that people are carried along and they are able to discharge their religious duties without stress. So, to the ordinary trader, it is an avenue to fulfill their obligations.

One way of alleviating poverty is to carried the people along and assure them of place in the heart of government.”

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015 — 43

AHMADIYYA EASTERN REGION JALSA

Rabiul-Awwal 13, 1437 A.H.

Ahmadiyya visits Olu of Warri, tasks leaders on agriculture •As Imam wants Jamaat Hafiz school in Warri

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MIR of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Nigeria, Dr. Mashuud Fashola has appealed to leaders and politicians to revive agriculture in order to ensure food sufficiency in the country. He made this plea during a courtesy visit to the palace of Olu of Warri, HRM Ogiame Ikenwoli Emiko ahead of the 2015 Jalsa Tarbiya/Education conference in Warri, Delta State recently.

The delegation which arrived the magnificentpalace12:25Fridayalso visited the Chief Imam of Warri CentralMosqueshortlyafterJumaat prayers. Stating the purpose of visit, Dr. Fashola said: It is our tradition to pay homage because we recognise our traditional rulers. We also use the opportunity to congratulate your Majesty on your coronation and we

pray Allah to protect you and the entire kingdom.

“As a group, we do not impose religion on anybody just as the Prophet did not compel anyone to be Muslim. Our slogan is ‘Love for all,hatredfornone’.TheProphetwas sentonlytobeamercytoallmankind but unfortunately, people have misunderstood the religion.

“We always advocate that everybody must be given the right to worship. We also advocate empowerment of people in order to eradicate poverty. Out of 80million employable Nigerians, only 10million are employed.”

Amir Fashola appealed to the traditional ruler to use his good office to put pressure on appropriate authorities to revive agriculture as it remains the only way of ensuring

Eid-il-Maulud: NACOMYO urges tolerance, peaceful co-existence

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S Muslims in the country join their counterparts world over to celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Id-ul-Maulud), National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations (NACOMYO) has urged the Muslim faithful to imbibe the virtues of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) for harmonious relationship with other Nigerians and for the bettermentofthesociety.

The apex Muslim youth group enjoinedthemtolivealifeoftolerance, patriotism and good neighborliness, traceable to prophetic traditions and the provisions of their sacred book, “Al-Quran”.

NACOMYO opined that Nigeria would only attain its naturally endowed greatness if every citizen embraced the principles of religious tolerance, hardwork, love and peacefulco-existence,justasiturged our political leaders to ensue equity, fairness, justice and fear of God in discharge of their duties and our

collective effort to move the country forward.

TheumbrellabodyofMuslimyouth also gave thumps up for President Muhammad Buhari for the all embracing budget, noting that an accelerated consideration of the budget by the National Assembly (NASS) will reduce the hardship presently being experienced by Nigerians and bring hope to them.

It noted that a realistic budget like that presented by Mr. President has potentials for infrastructural developmentandwillbringsuccorto Nigerianhomes.

food sufficiency for Nigerians.

RespondingthroughChiefEmma Jones, HRM the Olu of Warri thankedmembersoftheAhmadiyya Muslim Jamaat for their visit and prayed for a successful conference in Warri, adding that despite that the day was not a visiting day to the palace, he adjusted his programme to receive the Jamaat.

Copies of the Holy Qur’an and other literatures were presented to the royal father by Dr. Fashola.

ThedelegationlatermovedtoWarri Central Mosque, where they were received by the Chief Imam, Alhaji AbdulRasheed Aroyewun Ajisafe.

Receivingthegroup,AlhajiAjisafe notedthatcontrarytomisinformation abouttheJamaat’sbelieveinProphet Muhammad, “Ahmadiyya have shown they believe and love the prophet and they have also visited us.” “I have seen a number of things theyhavedone;theyhavedonevery wellinareasofeducationandhealth sectors by building and funding several schools and hospitals; these are very laudable achievements.

Ajisafe however appealed to the grouptoestablishIslamicbankwhich willservetheinterestoftheUmmah.

“I want you to consider establishing AhmadiyyaBankfortheUmmah.We alsowantyoutogiveusArabicschool in this area. Your Hafiz schools are concentrated in the South West, we willreallyappreciateifyoucanlocate one in this area for the benefit of our teeming youths who want to learn andmemorisetheHolyQur’an."

From left: Sadr, Majlis Ansarullah of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Alhaji Babatunde Odukoya; Amir, Dr. Mashhudi Adenrele Fashola; Olu of Warri, HRM Godfery Emiko; Missionary-inCharge of Ahmadiyya Nigeria, Maulana AbdulKhalique Nayarr; Naib Amir, Eastern Region, Dr. Abdul Ganiyyi Enahoro and General Secretary,, Alhaji Abbas Iromini, during a courtesy visit to HRM, Olu of Warri before the 3rd Jalsa Tarbiyya Eastern Region in Warri, Delta State.

From left: Amir of Ahmadiyya Muslim Nigeria, Dr.Mashhud Fashola; Missionary-in-Charge, Maulana AbdulKhalique Nayyar; National President, Initiative for Judaism Development and Chief Rabbi El- melek Synagogue, Dr. Israel Abido JP and Naib Amir,,South West, Barrister AbdulAzeze Alatoye, during the occasion in Warri.

Oba Akran, Commissioner laud Muslims on free health programme

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By Lamidi Bamidele

HE Oba Akran of Badagry, His Majesty, De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi and the Lagos State commissioner for

Commissioner for Home Affairs, Abdulateef Abdulakeem, (2nd left) presenting an award to Medview Airline MD, Alhaji Muneer Bakole at the event held in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, recently.

Health, Dr Jide Idris have commended the Muslim Community of Lagos State under the leadership of Professor Tajudeen Gbadamosi for providing free health services for people of Badagry and its environs recently.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the delegation of Muslim Community of Lagos State to the Palace, His Majesty urged the Muslims to continue the good work and service to humanity.

Flagging off the programme, Dr Jide Idris, Lagos State Commissioner for Health ably represented by Dr Abdul-Salam Ibrahim emphasised the importance of being in good health. According to him “Our health should be taken seriously and this is why Lagos State has provided various health institutions like General Hospitals, health centres and wellness screening in various parts of State’.

Frm left: Coordinator Hare Karishna Movement, Bibhatsu Days; Chief Imam Central Mosque Warri, Alhaji Abdul Rasheed Ajisafe; Representative of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), President, Pastor John Ukpeowe and Naib Amir, Eastern Region, Dr. AbdulGaniyyi Enahoro, at the occasion in Warri.

Young Muslims quitely displaying information to the audience during the conference in Warri.

44—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015

Vanguard CLASSIFIED OJOBOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ojobr Evewero Darlington, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Darlington Evewero Ehijator. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BAZUNU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Bazunu Elohor, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Owarume Elohor. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OFUOKU—I, formerly known and addressed as Ofuoku Sweet Nyerhovwo, now wish to be known and addressed as Aganbi Sweet Nyerhovwo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

N WAC H U KW U— I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Ifeoma Enwelikwu Nwachukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ifeoma Olaoluwa Aruwayo. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

UKAVBE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Marvellous Obaro Ukavbe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Marvellous Obaro Ekpeki. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

WA N O G H O — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Wanogho Juliet Idjirhevwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Affe Juliet Idjirhevwe.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UWEDJOJEVWE—I, formerly known and addressed as Martina Uwedjojevwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Martina Boma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONYEBUCHI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyebuchi Joy Nnenna, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ikechukwu-uzor Joy Nnenna. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

O G A N W U — I , formerly known and addressed as DR. Miss Ifechukwude Veronica Oganwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Dr Mrs. Ifechukwude Veronica OganwuMokogwu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

PETER—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Peter Ogechukwu Promise, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. M a d u e m e z i a Ogechukwu Promise.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

TUWON—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Tuwon Oge, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Orugha Oge Vivian.

All former documents remain valid.

Ecobank Plc and general public please take note.

EZE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eze Adaora Eunice Princess, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okolie Princess Adaora Eunice. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

U WA G W U N A — I , formerly known and addressed as Confidence Ifeanyi Uwagwuna, now wish to be known and addressed as Nwabueze Confidence Ifeanyi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Reconciliation of names The names Stephen Kelly and Osakwe Onyekachukwu Martins refer to one and the same person.

I now wish to be known and addressed as O s a k w e Onyekachukwu Martins. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Xmas tragedy: 4 killed, 4 injured as Chikason gas plant explodes

By Nwabueze Okonkkwo

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NITSHA—THE industrial town of Nnewi, Anambra State was thrown into mourning yesterday as an industrial Gas plant suddenly exploded killing four persons and injuring four others.

The explosion occurred at the Inter Corp Oil limited (LPG Gas Plant) a member of Chikason Group at about 11 am.

According to an eyewitness, the fire incident started when a truck was trying to discharge its contents without waiting for the mandatory cooling time. It was gathered that the tanker was discharging at a

time when customers were said to be refilling their gas cylinders.

The source stated that all the customers who went to the gas plant to get a refill were allegedly burnt to ashes while some of the victims who were in the neighborhood and passers-by also got caught in the inferno.

It was gathered that the rescue workers had difficulty in gaining access into the factory where majority of the victims were trapped.

The charred bodies of the victims and other badly affected burnt persons in the vicinity of the gas plant were taken to Nnamdi Azikwe University Teaching Hospital, NAUTH, Nnewi.

All efforts made to alert the Anambra state fire service of the fire incident did not succeed until damage had been done but a fire officer, Mrs Mary Ofia defended the fire service personnel in Nnewi when she claimed that the Nnewi fire truck was vandalized by angry mob when they went for an operation at Nkpor.

Apart from lives lost to the inferno, many buildings and over fifty vehicles around the gas plant were equally affected.

In his account, one of the survivors, Ikechukwu said: “My mother was preparing pepper we wanted to use to cook tomorrow after she re-

Glo felicitates with Christians, Muslims

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SM SERVICE provider, Globacom, has called on all Christians and Muslims in the country to see the twin festivals of Christmas and Eid el Maulud as an opportunity to close ranks, promote religious tolerance and harmony and work together for a better Nigeria in 2016 and beyond.

In a goodwill message issued from its headquarters in Lagos, Globacom stated that the coincidence of the celebration of the two momentous events which incidentally too, commemorate the birth of the leaders of the two major religions, Jesus Christ and Prophet Mohammed is very significant and instructive.

“That the two birthdays are celebrated about the same time in line with the existing Christian and Muslim calendars, im-

mediately instructs the adherents of both faiths to take advantage of the pleasant coincidence to forge closer relationships as citizens of the same country,” the statement said.

The company urged the Christian faithful in the country to use the season of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ to spread the joy of the season and pray for the progress of Nigeria.

Similarly, the message called on Muslim faithful to remember that the birth of Prophet Mohammed was heralded with peace and goodwill to all men. It therefore called on Muslims to take advantage of the season to promote the same peace, love, and goodwill in their individual homes, communities and the country at large.

turned from the market, the next thing we heard was the explosion that rocked the entire vicinity.

"I ran for my life and escaped with minor injury but my mother was not lucky. She was not as fast as myself and when the fire subsided a little bit, the next thing I saw was her dead body. Look at the chicken we planned to kill tomorrow for Christmas. A similar thing happened at another residence where a woman and her daughter were lucky to remain alive after suffering some degrees of burn”.

The Vice chairman of Anambra state Red Cross, Prof Peter Katchy who headed a team of Red Cross rescue operations, said that he was extremely worried about the presence of many filling stations in residential areas in the state.

He pointed out that the situation would have been worse if the affected gas plant was situated in thickly populated areas, pointing out that the Red Cross and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA would declare war on owners of filling stations sited at residential areas in the new year.

FIDAU: Dr. Abubakar Ayodeji Ajisegiri, elder brother to late Hajia Hamdalat Aremu, Habibi Aremu, first son to the deceased, and Femi Falana (SAN), during the 7th day Fidau for late Hamdalat Aremu, wife of former Vice President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and General Secretary of National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN, Mr. Issa Aremu, at their family house, in Shogunle, Ikeja, Lagos.

Correction

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n page 15 of December 24, 2015 Vanguard , we wrongly published a picture tagged Hon. Justice Paschal Nnadi as the Chief Judge of Imo State.

The error is highly regretted.

-Editor

Lagos Commissioner dialogues with youths

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AGOS State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, has concluded plans to hold an interactive session with all voluntary organizations, societies and youth leaders in the state.

The meeting is slated for December 29, 2015 at the Onikan Youth Centre,

Lagos.

In a statement, the ministry said: “The interactive session will be between the Commissioner, Princess Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf and organized youth organizations and societies across 57 local government and council development areas in the

state.

“The deliberation will centre on ways to remove misguided youths from our streets and make them responsible citizens and pride to the state while employment and empowerment opportunities would also be discussed at the meeting.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015—45

C M Y K

46—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015

Why Nigerians should reject anti-social media bill Dear Sir,

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HE social media censorship bill currently at the Senate is obnoxious and condemnable. The “bill for an Act to Prohibit Frivolous Petition and other Matters Connected therewith”, which is sponsored

by Senator Bala Ibn Na’allah of All Progressives Congress, APC, is an attempt to suppress free speech and protect public officials from scrutiny. This bill, if passed, proposes as much as a two-year jail term or N2million fine for posting “abusive statements” against government and political office holders through text messages and on WhatsApp, twitter and other social media platforms.

Also the bill is proposing that anyone who writes a petition against a public office holder or government institution must obtain a duly sworn affidavit at the courts so they can be liable for libel trial should their petitions be found to be false. This raises the question of who would determine whether a petition is false or not. Of course no one would dare expose corrupt political office holders when they know they could land in jail while doing so. Thus politicians are further protected from the public so they can continue to loot and impose anti-poor policies without fear of any consequence.

So far, the bill qualifies as one of the most brazen attempts to gag Nigerians, especially young people, from freely expressing themselves, criticizing government, resisting anti-poor policies and exposing the corruption and sleaze of political office holders. The bill also exposes just how inconsistent the anti-corruption drive of the government is. The implication of the bill is that while government is allegedly going after high-profile former political office holders mainly from the former ruling party, those currently in power are further protected from public scrutiny and opprobrium so they can loot in peace.

The Buhari-led Federal Government had better be prepared to build more jails.

Nigeria’s working masses and youth have always, even in the period of military dictatorships, defied unjust laws and shall do so with all vigour in the current circumstance. Any law that goes contrary to the eternal principles of freedom and justice shall be defied.

We call for protests and demonstrations across the country until this anti-people bill is defeated. The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Trade Union Congress TUC, students unions and youth groups, communities, promasses organisations and civil societies must organise mass actions including protest marches and possibly strikes to show to the proponents of this bill that their attempt to take the country back to the era military dictatorship will be resisted. As military head of state from 1983 to 1985, Buhari introduced a repressive press law called Protection Against False Accusation Decree 4 of 1984 which saw to the jailing of two journalists, Tunde Thompson and Nduka Irabor, for writing newspaper articles critical of his government.

The current “democracy” was fought for and won by the working masses and youth of Nigeria under some of the most extreme and difficult circumstances. To then ask the people who fought for this hard-won but limited freedom to submit their liberty is akin to playing with fire.

It is particularly shameful that the very samepoliticiansoftherulingAPCwhoduring thelastgeneralelectionbenefitted immensely

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from the vibrancy of the social media, which was one platform through which people freely expressed their anger at the failure of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP which had held power since 1999, are the same people now rooting to censor social media. Senator Dino Melaye, representing Kogi West is an active social media user and before he came to the Senate is known to have used social media, twitter especially, to subject the immediate past administration to scathing criticisms. The same Senator, who proudly flaunts expensive automobiles is one of the most vocal proponents of the social media censorship bill. The likes of el-Rufai, now Kano State Governor, openly upbraided Jonathan’s government on social media including exposing the monumental sleaze and corruption of the government. In doing all of these, they also made many claims and accusations against the government, some of which could have been inaccurate yet they were not imprisoned for it. Now having used the power of the social media to clinch political power, they are not prepared to be subjected to the same criticism. The fact that the PDP senators also spoke in support of the bill when it came up for the second reading shows that there is no fundamental difference between them and APC. Indeed, Senator Ben Bruce of PDP who apparently speaks more on social media than in the Senate did not object to the bill as he kept mute.

And the reason is simple. The current elements in power only talk about change, in reality they are committed to preserving and running the same capitalist system and anti-poor policies that are responsible for Nigeria’s alarming inequality and backwardness.

Hassan Taiwo Soweto & Michael Ogundele Education Rights Campaign

Fayose‘s unwarranted outbursts Dear sir

I

AM always ` disturbed when those who are expected to be examples to others, become destroyers by their characters and outbursts. Gov.AyodeleFayoseistheGovernor ofEkitiStateandisexpectedto engageinonly thosethingsthatwilldevelopthestateandmake itacynosureofalleyes insteadofdabblinginto ungurded outbursts against the presidency.

ShouldGov.Fayosecommentoneverything?

Heshouldratherfocusondevelopingthestate and using same to prove a point. I am not a politician although it is said that everybody is a politician in his family. I cherish good governancethatwillchangethefortunesofour great country rather than crying wolves when there is none.

Gov. Fayose should remember his case with theEFCCandlearntobemoreobjectiveinhis outburstswhichareusuallyontrivialissues He should concentrate on making Ekiti State a better place for his people.

Heshouldnotcopytheexampleof Mr.Oliseh Metuh who does not see anything good in Buhari’sadministrationbutsaweverythingright during PDP’s reign of corruption. If I were in Gov. Fayose’s shoes, I will fulfil my campaign promises to the people of Ekiti and leave all these campaign of calumny against the presidency.AllNigeriansshouldprayforBuhari tosucceedintransformingNigeriaintoaviable country.

OgodoClement, 08182594181

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015—47

Oliseh undecided on U-23 stars for Eagles Players ‘fighting’ for Van Gaal, says Rooney C A OACH Sunday Oliseh has yet to give his approval for the invitation of U23 stars Oghenekaro Etebo and goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel to the Eagles training camp for CHAN, it has been gathered.

Etebo was top scorer at the U23 AFCON in Senegal with five goals, while Enugu Rangers goalkeeper Daniel also shone at the championship and they have subsequently been recommended for the country’s CHAN buildup on the back of their recent exploits.

However, Oliseh has yet to sanction their callup, insisting with working the 26 players he has invited for next month’s championship in Rwanda.

“It’s only Oliseh who will decide on the two U23 stars and so far he has not done so,” a top source informed.

Even though he is still in his sick bed in Belgium, Oliseh has constantly kept in touch with the Eagles training camp, dishing out daily training schedules and other relevant instructions.

S pressure mounts on Louis van Gaal’s position as Manchester United manager, Wayne Rooney insists players are still fighting for the manager to turn their season around.

United have failed to win their last six games in all competitions, which have included crashing out of the Champions League at the group stage and slipping out of the Premier League top four, while the Dutchman has been criticised for a lacklustre style of play.

The 69-year-old cut a press conference short on Tuesday following suggestions that sacked Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is being lined up as his replacement, but Rooney is adamant that

•Daniel

New Nigeria League kicks off Jan31

T

HE new Nigeria league season will kick off on January 31 with a fixtures’ draw slated for January 15, officials have announced.

Enyimba won a seventh Nigeria championship in November and along

with runners-up Warri Wolves will represent the country in the 2016 CAF Champions League with the preliminary rounds of the competition fixed for February.

Third-placed Nasarawa United and Federation

Cup winners Akwa United will feature in next year ’s Confederation Cup. Bayelsa United, FC Taraba, Kwara United and Sharks were relegated.

Niger Tornadoes,

Plateau United, MFM FC and Ikorodu United have been promoted to the Nigerian top flight from the lower Nigeria National League (NNL).

Guardiola to become highest paid coach in history

M

ANCHESTER City have won the race to land Pep Guardiola after putting together a recordbreaking wage packet that will make him the highest paid coach in history, according to Bild.

The salary of £18 million (•25m) per season will make Guardiola the best paid coach not just in football, but in any sport in the world.

In fact, Guardiola will

also be the highest paid person at the club, with his salary far outstripping the £220,000-aweek (£11.4m a year)

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the Red Devils and other suitors were blown out of the water by City’s offer, who have finally got their man.

•Guardiola

NFF: Lagos SWAN cautions on fresh crisis

T

HE Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Lagos chapter, has called on the sports establishment and stakeholders in Nigerian football to be wary of any fresh crisis in the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, warning that it will

Arsenal Continues from BP the Gunners are ready to meet the central midfielder’s 3.5 million euros (N752.5m) asking price.

However, it is understood that Arsenal will only offer the Golden Eaglets star a contract should he impress during trials.

Nwakali’s bonafide intermediary, Klay Ekeocha, said that he had contacted the Londoners but there was no positive feedback from the club as

picked up by Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure.

Guardiola had also been linked with Manchester United, but

at late November.

The 17 - year - old has been linked with possible moves to Chelsea, Olympiakos and Sporting Lisbon after emerging the Most Valuable Player of the 2015 Fifa Under 17 World Cup but the interest from Udinese is the most concrete.

The Italian Serie A club had earlier made a bid of 800,000 euros which was rejected but they have been told to increase their offer to •1.2 million.

constitute a drawback on the development of the subsector.

The Lagos SWAN statement is in reaction to recent statements credited to followers of club owner and former contestant for the NFF presidency, Chris Giwa, and purportedly to the office of the Minister of Sports, both seeking the dissolution of the current NFF board and the reinstatement of a Chris Giwa board.

The statement by Lagos SWAN chairman, Fred Edoreh, reads: “We note with curiosity recent statements credited first to members of the Chris Giwamandate group threatening to upturn the management structure of the Nigerian Professional Football League and sack the League Management Company, and also to return to take over the NFF in the new year. Equally alarming was another press

Osimhen Continues from BP substantial offer from Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg, but remains hopeful that Arsenal will also make an official bid shortly.

“I spoke with the [Wolfsburg] coach who also made several promises and if I eventually choose to

sign for them, I hope they ’ll keep their word,” he said.

“But I have not decided where to go yet because Arsenal are also showing strong interests and perhaps after my visit to the club, I will have a clear view of where I want to go.

release falsely credited to the office of the Honourable Minister of Sports which allegedly directed the NFF to honour the purported mandate of Chris Giwa.

players are still behind Van Gaal.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the captain said: ‘In the last few weeks results haven’t been great for us and its been frustrating as a player to deal with. We have to be strong and stay together to get the results that we need.

‘Obviously, there are a lot of people talking about things they believe are happening when in reality people writing that stuff and don’t really know what’s happening. We are working hard, we are fighting for the manager to try and turn the season around. It’s important we all stick together.’

Rooney has also come under scrutiny himself this season following a series of ineffectual displays that have garnered only two league goals, although the England international accepts his form has been poor and he must improve.

‘I know that I have not been playing well and I’m working hard to try and improve and do my best for the team,’ he said.

‘It’s not nice when yore getting criticised after every game. It’s tough for the players to deal with but we are proud to play for Manchester United and when it’s not going right its hard to take.

‘The way the last few weeks have gone, it’s not the way we wanted it to go but we are working hard to try and make things right and hopefully we can do that,’ he added.

In a an effort to reverse the team’s fortunes, Rooney admitted that talks have taken place between the players to discuss solutions to their problems, although he insists that is common practice.

Ighalo Continues from BP Premier League appearancessofarthisseason and returns to the Hornets on a high after helping his nation into the third round of WorldCup2018qualification.

With Louis van Gaal’s United blunted in attack due to Anthony Martial’s injury and Wayne Rooney’s illness and Ighalo is targeting Watford’s first win over the Old Trafford side since 1986.

“I’ve been working hard and giving my best, there’s nothing new since I’ve played against Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea,” Ighalo told Goal. “I’m looking forward to the game on Saturday and I just want

to go back and relax for a day or two before the game and train.

“Manchester United are a big team, so I’m not going to say I’m a threat. Its teamwork, you know, I cannot play against 11 players alone. My team has been pushing in every game.

“We’re going to push Manchester United and give our best. As a striker I want to score goals and I hope to score on Saturday by God’s grace.

“If I don’t score, if we win the game, that’s the most important thing. I’m looking forward to the game and hopefully we’re going to have a good game.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015

Arsenal invite Osimhen V

ICTOR Osimhen could be the latest young player to be swayed by Arsenal’s state-of-the-art London

Arsenal table N752.5m for Eaglets captain E

NGLISH Premier League club Arsenal have reignited their interest in Nigeria Under 17 international Kelechi Nwakali.

Jonathan Barnet’s Stellar Group has informed Diamond Academy Umuahia that Continues on Page 47

Colney facilities after he was invited to the club for a trial.

The Nigeria Under-17 starlet made his mark at the U-17 World Cup earlier this year, scoring 10 goals in 7 games to help the Super Eagles win the tournament, while also picking up the Golden Boot trophy himself.

Speaking to footballlive.ng, Osimhen revealed that he has already received a

Continues on Page 47

•Osimhen

Ighalo eyes victory over Man U

O

DION Ighalo is high on confidence that his side can defeat a depleted Manchester United side in Saturday’s early game at Vicarage Road.

The Nigeria international, 26, has scored seven goals in 12 Continues on Page 47

Guardiola to become highest paid coach in history

•Ighalo

Oliseh undecided on U-23 stars for Eagles — Pg.47 •Guadiola

JOYFUL••• Eaglets’captain Kelechi Nwakali celebrates after scoring.

QUICK CR OSS WORD CROSS OSSWORD

T OD AY'S PUZZLE ODA

FRI DAY'S ANS WERS FRID ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Support (4) 4 Top (3) 6 Moan (4) 9 Help (3) 10 Unusual (8) 11 Loose (4) 14 Pass (3) 16 Sincerely (5) 19 Perplexed (8) 21 Spree (5) 23 Demote (8) 24 Last (5) 27 Untruth (3) 31 Rescue (4) 33 Sufficient (8) 34 Can (3) 35 Respect (4) 36 Attempt (3) 37 Halt (4)

DOWN 2 Dress (4) 3 Penniless (4) 4 Song-writer (8) 5 Tablet (4) 6 Biscuit (5) 7 Tune (3) 8 Perfect (5) 12 Sneer (5) 13 Recognised (5) 14 Dog (3) 15 Flat (5) 17 Of towns (5) 18 Rustic (5) 20 Liberation (8) 22 Shelter (3) 25 Angry (5) 26 Correct (5) 28 Gasp (4) 29 Yank (4) 30 Staunch (4) 32 Strive (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Slight 5, Demean 8, Convince 9, Told 10, New 12, Stall 15, Ass 17, Eat 18, Oar 19, God 20, Attic 21, Ore 22, Gem, Aim 24, Tie 26, Peril 29, Ask 33, Itch 34, Disagree 35, Groped 36, Engulf.

DOWN: 2, Loose 3, Give 4, Tenet 5, Dwell 6, Mate 7, Atlas 10, Night 11, Wedge 12, Stamp 13, Actor 14, Local 15, Aroma 16, Speak 25, Inter 27, Ended 28, Issue 30, Spell 31, Shop 32, Agog.

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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