War in House of Reps over leadership posts

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62436

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

N150 AWARD — From left: Iain Pitt, Co-founder and CEO, Oil & Gas Council; Adewale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive, Oando PLC; and Drake Lawhead, Managing Director, Oil & Gas Council, following the conferment of the “Africa Executive of The Year Award” on Mr. Tinubu at the Oil & Gas Council’s 2015 Africa Assembly Award Dinner in Paris, France, recently.

OSHODI-APAPA TRAFFIC GRIDLOCK:

Ambode visits, sets up task force >>10

War in House of Reps over leadership posts

By Johnbosco •Reps go after mace, tear shirts, Speaker blasts them Agbakwuru BUJA—BAD blood •Call your party members to order, PDP caucus tells Buhari Aflowing from the unresolved leadership •APC list is appropriate; party supreme — Supporters tussle in the House of Representatives literally in the chambers of •Saraki names Ndume, Na'Allah as majority leader, deputy >>8 flowed the House, yesterday, as members charged on one another for supremacy.

For about one and half hours, members were in riot mood following an

Continues on Page 4

COLUMNISTS:

Addicted to drama! •P.17

The Black Church •P.19

Mr & Mrs

THE FRACAS—The mood during the fracas in the House of Representatives over appointment of principal officers in Abuja, yesterday.

S-West election tribunals: Much motion, little e insid t u o l movement Pul C M Y K

Osun Assembly asks Aregbesola to respond to judge's petition >>11

2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015—4

Imo Assembly bans distilling of Ogogoro without NAFDAC approval

By Chidi Nkwopara & Chinonso Alozie

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WERRI—APPARENTLY alarmed by the huge death toll trailing the recent consumption of locally made gin, (Ogogoro) Imo State House of Assembly, IMHA, yesterday, passed a motion urging the Governor Rochas Okorocha to direct the State Ministry of Health to trace and prosecute anybody producing locally made gin without the approval of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC. The motion was sponsored by the member representing Ideato North state constituency, Mr. Arthur Egwim, and seconded by the member representing Onuimo state constituency, Mr. Chinedu Offor.

The prayers of the motion also compelled the Ministry of Health to trace the locations of the distilleries and prosecute those producing the locally made gin without the approval of NAFDAC. While calling it the motion for the ‘’prohibition, sale and distribution of locally made gin without the legal approval of

NAFDAC,” Egwim recalled that ethanol which found its way into Ogogoro was responsible for the reported death of those who consumed the product.

Speaking also, Mr. Offor said

that the motion, if approved by the House, would serve as a preventive measure against any similar case in the state.

Supporting the motion also, the member representing Isu

stateconstituency, Ngozi Obiefule, reasoned that the motion would not only bring sanity to the society but also define the way things should be done.

DINNER: Hajiya Aisha Buhari, wife of the President; Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, wife of the Vice President, and Mrs. Gimbia Dogara, wife of Speaker, House of Reps, on arrival at the venue of the interactive dinner hosted by President's wife for governor's wives and other VIPs, at the Presidential Villa, State House, Abuja.

Gov Ikpeazu'll pay your arrears, NULGE assures members

By Anayo Okoli

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M U A H I A — PRESIDENT of Abia State chapter of Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Ijioma Onyenaucheya, has allayed the fears of local governments' employees in the state on payment of salary arrears owed them, assuring that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu had promised to pay.

He said the governor had assured the union that he would clear the arrears and the current salaries.

Onyenaucheya said the clarification became necessary to reassure council workers and urge them to disregard rumours that the three months salary arrears were gone with the previous administration.

He said the governor promised to clear the arrears in 60 days, starting from where his predecessor stopped.

He said the governor ’s assurance came at a meeting NULGE leadership held with him on June 2, shortly after his inauguration.

According to him, the governor has not only agreed to clear the arrears but also ensure that salaries were C M Y K

never again accumulated.

Onyenaucheya said the governor was highly disturbed by the plight of the workers, quoting him as saying that it was against his faith to owe workers who had earned their wages legitimately.

“I want to use this opportunity to assure local government workers in Abia State that we have a commitment from Governor

Ikpeazu that "as soon as the state receives allocation or even the bail-out from the Federal Government, the arrears will be paid.

“In our meeting with the governor in June, we were among the first group to meet with him, he said he will pay bit by bit until all the arrears are cleared and we have no reason to doubt his sincerity, so council employees should disregard the

rumour that the arrears will not be paid,” Onyenaucheya said.

The NULGE boss, who also applauded the governor for appointing Dr. Vivien Uma as Head of Service, HOS, noted that even from the governor’s body language, workers were encouraged that they would no longer be owed.

He urged council workers in the state to give the governor a little time to sort out the issues.

Petroleum tanker drivers partner FRSC to minimize accidents

By Godwin Oritse

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HE PETROLEUM Tanker Drivers, PTD, branch of the National Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUGENG, has concluded plans to partner the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, to reduce accidents on the roads.

Disclosing this at the end of national summit on haulage operations held recently in Sokoto, President of the group, Salimotu Oladiti, said a resolution was reached to work in partnership with the FRSC to find a lasting

solution to or reduce minimally the rate of tanker accidents on the road.

According to Oladiti, a plan to have both tanker drivers and the leadership of the union to get continued training on how to manage haulage business had been put in place.

He said: “There will be an on-the-job training and retraining of our members on wheel as well as a continuous leadership training for our leaders at home and abroad to acquire more skills and knowledge to meet up with the changing techniques of haulage business.

“Also, a special enlightenment programme will be occasionally organized for the tanker drivers at strategic locations across the country, where the drivers concentrate to rest or load.”

Oladiti appealed to tanker owners to ensure proper maintenance of their trucks, adding that the union now had zero tolerance for night driving of any tanker truck.

Speaking in the same vein, the national public relations officer of the union, Atanda Adebayo, said that a cooperative operation between the FRSC and the union would save lives and property.

LAND DISPUTE:

Okwuosa family seeks Obiano’s intervention

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ONCERNED INDIGENES of Iruebenebe-Ndiabor, a village in Ojoto-Obofia town, Idemili-South Local Government Area of Anambra State, yesterday, called on Governor Willie Obiano to immediately wade into a land dispute already tearing the community apart.

In a petition addressed to office of the governor, by Nnamdi Okwuosa, on behalf of the sons of Messrs Isaiah Okwuosa and Emmanuel Okwuosa, the community alleged that some land grabbers (names withheld) had trespassed on their family’s parcels of land spread at different locations on MmiriOpkontu (Okpontu River) axis up to the upstream of the river, erecting beacons to lay claim to the lands.

The Okwuosas, who alleged that the land grabbers had connived with some youths to threaten their lives should they ever visit the contentious parcels of land, appealed to Governor Obiano to quickly intervene in the matter to avert imminent bloodshed which characterised similar situations at Umuleri, Aguleri, Obosi, Nkpor, Umuoji and Ogbunike towns in state.

The petition read: “On December 15 and 18, 2013, we, the sons of Messrs.

Isaiah and Emmanuel Okwuosa, visited our parcels of land at Udide farmland. ‘’The parcels of land in question are an expanse of land spread at different locations at MmiriOkpontu (Okpontu River) axis up to the upstream of the said river. On getting to some of the parcels of land, we discovered that beacons had been erected on them by some unknown persons, which after inquiries was discovered to have been done by a group of persons, led by the unnamed land grabber.

“On our attempt to see other lands in different locations of this Udide farmlands, we came across a group of men numbering 25, who told us to stop visiting the parcels of land or they would endanger our lives.

"They threatened us, wielding several dangerous weapons, such as machetes, raw acid, jerk-knife, among others.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015 —5

POCKET CARTOON

The MACE leaving the House after the rowdy session, yesterday.

War in House of Reps over leadership posts National Secretary, Alhaji several national newspaContinues from Page 1 attempt by allies of the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to compel Speaker Yakubu Dogara to announce the list of principal officers of the House as dictated by the party.

Speaker Dogara’s rebuff and bid to steer the House into a closed-door session was equally challenged by supporters of the APC national executive who apparently came prepared for a showdown.

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in its reaction apologised on behalf of the House to Nigerians but called on President Muhammadu Buhari to call his party men in the House to order.

Meanwhile, the APC was unapologetic over its intervention as it last night stood by the list of nominees for principal offices of the National Assembly. The party in a statement issued by its

Mai Mala Buni nevertheless, condemned the riot on the floor of the House.

Also, Presidency sources said, yesterday, that the President would not intervene in the issue to avoid being seen as supporting any of the contending sides in the House.

Following opening prayers and other formalities, yesterday, Speaker Dogara had at about 11.08 a.m. announced that the House would go into closed session to discuss some issues of concern to the House.

He hardly finished speaking when a member of the APC in a flowing gown rose up, shouting that the Speaker should announce the list of principal officers sent to him by the national chairman of the party.

The list from APC That list as published in

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

There is a thin line between the impossible and the possible - that is determination -David Emenike

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F you really want to achieve a goal, you would have to classify your long and short term goals in the process of actualizing your objectives. You will determine if this goal actually is a real possibility.

For example, if you really want to be a professional basketball player, yet you’re 30 years-old and 5’0'’ tall, maybe you need to bring yourself back to reality.

Or if you feel destined to be an actor yet you aren’t willing to move to a location or large city where the film industry thrives, then you may need to rethink things.

Be honest about your limitations. You absolutely don’t need to know exactly how to make “it” happen step-by-step yet, but just be truthful about whether it’s actually feasible. If it is, move forward with your vision. Be around people who will help you achieve this goal.

Be honest with yourself regarding the influence of others on your mindset, confidence and actions.

Please note, if you need to stay away from people who may cause you to slip back from achieving your goals, by all means, do so.

pers, yesterday, had directed the speaker to announce Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila from Lagos State in the South-West Zone as House Leader; Alhassan Ado Doguwa from Kano State as Deputy Leader; Mohammed Monguno from the North-east as Chief Whip and Pally Iriase from Edo State in the South-South as Deputy Chief Whip.

The demand of the party as articulated through the letter by the National Chairman of the party, Chief John OdigieOyegun was, however, said to have violated the principle of federal character as it left the North-Central and Southeast geopolitical zones out of the ranking, while giving two positions to the North-east and SouthWest.

At about 11.05 a.m. just after Rep. Orker-Jev Emmanuel Yisa, stood up to move the motion for the House to move into closed door session, some members rose up and started chanting Party is Supreme!

They demanded that the speaker should read out the letter from the national chairman. Some of the members raised placards with inscriptions that read: “Party is supreme.”

Vanguard learnt yesterday that supporters of the Gbajabiamila group met up till 3.00 a.m. during which they resolved that they would not allow any other thing to be done except the letter from the party is read.

The decision of the group, it was gathered, was to pre-empt the House going into a closed door session where Dogara was expected to fetch the names of the leaders as elected by the various geopolitical zones in the House.

As the protesters started

descending towards the floor, officers of the Sergeant-at-Arms formed a protective cordon around the mace of the House.

The presence of the officials of the Sergeantat-Arms, however, did not deter the chanting APC members. While they were at it, loyalists of the speaker also descended towards the table leading to shoving here and there.

Inevitably, the fracas drew out supporters of the speaker who also rushed to form a protective cordon around him.

A member from CrossRiver State butted a member from the Southwest with his head, while the attire of a loyalist of the speaker from the SouthWest was torn to shreds in the melee.

Meanwhile by the table, it was a ding-dong affair for the mace as opponents and supporters of the speaker struggled for the mace, and eventually, supporters of the speaker got the upper hand and the mace was taken away by the Sergeant-at-Arms.

With the mace out of the table, officially signalling an end to deliberations, Speaker Dogara vacated his seat on the upper dais and descended to the seat of the clerk, a chair otherwise reserved for the chairman of the Committee of the Whole House. There was a protective cordon mounted by several members around him as they dared the rioters to come near. The speaker was not in any way physically ruffled and from time to time he looked down at the bedlam around him.

Around the chambers, some members shouted APC Shame! Others shouted Party Supremacy.

A handful of those chorusing party supremacy now and again raised up their placards to buttress their cause. The speaker ’s loyalists also time and again shouted Dogara! Dogara!!

About one hour into the riot, the speaker’s main rival for speakership, Gbajabiamila, who had not been visible for most of the time, came to stand by those near the speaker and shared some things with him. To many, that was a signal that peace would soon reign.

Gbajabiamila was soon joined on the rostrum by Rep. Leo Ogor, the unofficial leader of the opposition PDP, a strong backbone for the speaker.

By 12.34, with the energy of the legislators well dissipated after about 90 minutes of uproar, an unidentified member started shouting order, order. In another three minutes, full order was restored as members had returned to their seats.

Following the restoration of order, the mace was returned to the table, and the speaker lifted himself to his elevated chair from where he upbraided the members on their action.

Dogara scolds Reps

Dogara said: “We are very fortunate, let me remind us of the fact that, we are very, very fortunate. In a nation of 170 million people only 360 of us are selected or elected to represent the people and we should be grateful to our constituents for sending us here.

“To be candid, we have promised so much in the course of our elections and even the very party I belong to, the APC we have promised change and Nigerians expect us to really talk about those matters, those issues that bother them most.

“They want to hear us talk about unemployment, poverty. In my region they want us to address insecurity and as long as this House is divided and not united we cannot achieve that.

“We have been down this tedious road before so I plead of us, I plead of us honourable members as leaders, all hands must be on the deck to enable us achieve the desired unity that we need in order to move this house forward; that is the responsibility we owe."

Following that, he approved the votes and proceedings of the previous day and promptly adjourned the House till July 21, 2015.

Briefing journalists after the sitting, Chairman, House ad-hoc Committee on Media, Rep. Sani Zoro flanked by Rep. Jarigbe Agor Jarigbe said that the members who disrupted the session acted on a premeditated script, as some of them carried placards with inscriptions on them.

“These members attempted to seize the mace, which is the symbol of authority of the House and other sundry acts of fighting, fracas, misconduct, disruption and committed unparliamentary actions

unbecoming of the status of honourable members.

“The House therefore sincerely apologizes to Nigerians for the ugly events of today.

However, some APC members blamed the speaker for the crisis saying his refusal to read out the nominees for principal office positions triggered the riot.

Spokesman of the group, Rep Nasiru Sani Zangon Daura representing Zango/ Baure Federal Constituency, Katsina State said: “We are aware of a letter sent by our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) dated June 23, 2015 conveying the approval of the Party’s Principal Officers vis-à-vis the APC House Leader, the APC Chief Whip, the APC Deputy House Leader and the APC Deputy Chief Whip for the House of Representatives.

“This letter by the Party is in compliance with the expressed wish and mandate of the majority members of the APC Caucus in the House of Representatives.

President Buhari should call his party members to order —Ogor

Meanwhile the PDP caucus in the House in its own reaction called on President Buhari to call members of the APC in the House who he described as rioters to order.

Addressing journalists after the melee, leader of the PDP caucus, Ogor said: “A very embarrassing and unpleasant action took place from the APC group, they decided to take laws into their hands, turned the house upside down and went as far as even carrying the mace which is the symbol of authority.

“I think we are starting on a wrong footing coupled with the fact that crisis created in this scenario by the ruling party, I sincerely on behalf of my colleagues want to apologise to Nigerian people and our constituents."

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

Man, 31, kills estranged wife in Lagos zSays it was the work of the devil

By Esther Onyegbula

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AGOS—A 31-year-old indigene of Delta State, Michael David, who reportedly murdered the mother of his son and subsequently reported himself to the police for arrest, has confessed that his actions was the handiwork of the devil.

The suspect was involved in a fight with the victim, Oyinyechi Dennis, and allegedly stabbed her to death at Ojoku area of Lagos.

It was learned that Michael, a carpenter, was scandalizing and making ugly remarks about Onyinye in their environment which led to a confrontation between the duo.

The suspect, who attributed his action to the handiwork of the devil, said his action was not intentional.

The suspect recounted what happened on the fateful day: “Oyinye is the mother of my son, although I did not marry her legally but when she became pregnant for me, I went to her aunty and uncle who she was living with for introduction. ‘’We then started living together.

But we had a misunderstanding and then she packed out of my house.

“On Tuesday morning, Onyinye came to my house, I thought she just came to visit me but I later saw her mood and knew something was wrong. She confronted me with an issue she heard. She said I was spreading rumour about her living a wayward life style and not sleeping at home. ‘’She asked me if I was behind the rumour and I told her yes, that I had noticed it since she left my place. ‘’Out of anger, she picked up a bottle, broke it and threatened to deal with me and we began to fight. While we were fighting, I overpowered her and took the

broken bottle from her. She rushed again to where the knife was and picked the knife. ‘’Out of anger, I collected the knife from her and mistakenly stabbed her in the stomach with the knife, shortly after she

died.

“After my action, I sat for sometime thinking of what to do, whether to run away or go to the police station to report myself. I then decided to report myself at Tolu Divisional Police Station.

The suspect; Michael David.

Jilted DELSU student commits suicide

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By Godwin Oghre

BRAKA—THERE was pandemonium in Abraka recently as a female student of Delta State University, Abraka, Evelyn

Mogekwe, aged 26, allegedly jilted by her lover of seven years, committed suicide.

Vanguard learned that the abrupt end of the seven years relationship traumatized the

‘Soldiers killed my husband to protect their oil bunkering business'

By Emma Amaize & Godwin Oghre

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G H A R A — M R S Endurance Ogedegbe, widow of chairman of Oghara Vigilante Group in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, Mr. Benson Ogedegbe, who was shot dead on Tuesday by soldiers of the 19 Battalion, Nigeria Army, Koko Barracks, said yesterday that soldiers killed her husband because he constituted a stumbling block to crude oil bunkering business.

She fingered an infamous criminal in the area (names withheld), who she alleged contacted his accomplices in the army to eliminate her husband.

A sister to the deceased who gave her name as Chika, claimed that the issue that led to her sister’s death started since the victim moved back to the family house.

She explained: “When Onyinye moved her things back to the house. I asked her what was wrong, and she said nothing, that she does not want to continue leaving with Michael.

“Even a week before this incident, when Michael came to visit his son in the family house, immediately he entered, Onyinye walked out of the house. But I was surprised when he called me on Tuesday to inform me that Onyinye is dead and that he was at the police station. ‘’I immediately rushed down to the police station to find out if it was true and that was where I heard the whole story.

“What was even more surprising is the fact that on that same day, after the incident, he called one of our neighbours to tell my other sister to bring his son which she did but after sometime, he returned the boy. ‘’Maybe he was thinking of running away with his son but God did not give him the courage to do so. All I just desire now is for the police to complete investigation into the matter and let the law deal with him accordingly.”

Mrs. Ogedegbe, who spoke with Vanguard at Oghara, said: “My husband had skirmishes with a notorious hoodlum (names withheld) who is a dangerous criminal in this community. He aids armed security men in a thriving crude oil bunkering business in this area, a crime that my husband severally frustrated, being the head of vigilante in the area.

“The hoodlum, who got irritated by the hard stance of my husband against the illegal business he is doing here with soldiers would stop at nothing to eliminate my husband, and eventually sought the assistance of soldiers, his

cohorts. ‘’They promptly shot him dead in broad day light on Tuesday. I want the federal and state governments to bring the killers of my husband to book.”

The bereaved wife called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the Inspector General of Police to bring the killers of her husband to book.

She asserted that since the incident, life had become unbearable for the family of 12 left behind by the deceased, saying he was the breadwinner.

Mrs. Ogedegbe, who shed tears as she spoke, said the premature death of her husband had thrown the children and the entire family into suffering.

lady as all plans to work down the aisle failed to materialize.

Sources said she was in high spirits in her hostel but her mood changed dramatically after her lover called her on phone to declare that their relationship was over.

She was said to have bought some drugs, claiming she was having headache and went into her room, leaving a message for her room mate (identity withheld) that they might not see her again.

It was learned that a few minutes later, her room mate who sensed danger, raced into the room and found her lying lifeless on the ground.

The room mate then raised alarm which attracted other students to the room, but before help came her way, she had given up the ghost.

Confirming her death, the State Police Public Relations officers, DSP Celestina Kalu, said police recovered particles of drugs on the ground beside the deceased.

Uduaghan ‘bails' stranded DELSUTH quadruplets with N.5m

By Perez Brisibe

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G H A R A — IMMEDIATE past governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has come to the rescue of the first quadruplets delivered at Delta State University Teaching Hospital, DELSUTH, Oghara in Ethiope West Local Government Area, by clearing their bills, following appeal for funds to the general public by their father, Mr. Ejike Anyanwu.

Mr. Anyanwu, an indigene of Enugu State had appealed for funds to enable him clear the hospital bills of his babies delivered on May 15 through caesarean operation.

The former governor, who had given N100,000 to the mother of the quadruplets during an earlier visit to the hospital two days to his exit from office, explained that having come across the report in the social media, he decided to render his assistance.

Man lured to acid bath in Enugu

By Francis Igata

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NUGU—ENUGU State Police command has commenced investigations into the acid bath allegedly suffered by Sunday Uche from Amuri, Nkanu-West Local Government Area of Enugu State in the hands of a friend.

The victim was allegedly lured to a hotel along Enugu-Port-Harcourt Expressway by his friend where he was bathed with acid and forced to drink same on June 23. He is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Enugu.

Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the incident in a statement, said the victim had issues with his friend over unidentified business transactions.

He said the victim was lured to a hotel at Gariki,Awkunanaw where he was bathed with acid and forced to drink same.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015—7

Soldiers, policemen in free-for-all over uniform

By Ugochukwu Alaribe

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BA—HELL was let loose yesterday in Aba, Abia State, as soldiers and a team of mobile policeman engaged themselves in a fierce shoot-out over alleged assault on a policeman in the city.

Vanguard gathered that soldiers of the Forward Operation Base of the 144 Battalion, stationed at Ngwa

High School, Aba, had confronted a MOPOL officer, who was riding on a motorcycle, on why he wore a camouflage, which they claimed did not belong to the police.

Eyewitnesses told Vanguard that the soldiers, not satisfied with the response of the policeman, attempted to pull off the camouflage, but the police officer sprayed tear gas on the soldiers and a fight

ensued.

The policeman, attached to the MOPOL 55, Aba, returned to his base where he mobilised his colleagues and stormed Ngwa High School to engage the soldiers.

In the ensuing melee, there was exchange of gunfire and one of the policemen sustained a gunshot injury.

A soldier, who declined to have his name in print, told

Vanguard that the policeman refused to properly identify himself, when asked to do so, and a fight started.

Spokesman of Abia State Police Command, Onyeke Ezekiel, who confirmed the incident, said the injured policeman was receiving medical attention.

He said senior officers of both agencies had commenced investigations the fracas.

Ogun police parade 22 suspected murderers, cultists, others

By Daud Olatunji

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BEOKUTA—OGUN State Police Command, yesterday, paraded 22 suspects for alleged murder, cultism, kidnapping and armed robbery across the state within the last one month.

The state Commissioner of Police, Valentine Ntomchukwu, while parading the suspects, disclosed that 15 persons, who were believed to be members of Aye confraternity, were arrested for killing one Gbenga Kofowora.

Ntomchukwu also paraded three suspected kidnappers, who allegedly kidnapped a 97-year-old man, Amos Samaye, along Ijebu-Ode/Benin expressway.

The Commissioner of Police also paraded four suspected armed robbers, who dispossessed one Ngozi Oyelade of her Toyota Highlander SUV with her personal valuables, in Sagamu.

While explaining how the 15 suspected cultists were arrested for killing Kofowora, Ntomchukwu said the alleged victim was a member of Eiye confraternity, a rival group.

He said the cultists invaded Pepsi Junction, New Garage, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, and killed Gbenga Kofowora.

The suspects were said to have been caught with two locally-made guns, one sword, assorted charms and other paraphernalia.

On the kidnapping, the police boss said the suspects were arrested with one Beretta pistol, one locallymade single-barrelled pistol, two live cartridges and assorted charms.

PARADED: Some of the suspected criminals paraded by Ogun State Police, yesterday.

Ibadan NURTW members on rampage over alleged extortion by leaders

By Ola Ajayi

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BADAN—COMMERCIAL banks in some parts of Ibadan, yesterday, hurriedly shut their gates to prevent invasion by hoodlums who might capitalise on the protest by members of National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, over alleged extortion by their union leaders.

The protest, which started at Sango-Ojoo Road, later spread to other parts of the city, compelling several commuters, including workers in the private and public sectors, to resort to trekking to their places of work.

During the protest, several commercial vehicles were vandalised.

Vanguard gathered that the drivers had long been complaining about excesses of their leaders, who wait at every bus stop to extort outrageous levies.

Destruction

At the University of Ibadan axis, windscreens of vehicles of some of their colleagues in the union, who did not heed their calls to withdraw their services, were broken and the occupants, except passengers, were severely beaten.

The ones the drivers saw as dissidents among them were

forced to drop their passengers.

They also caused stampede in some parts of the city, especially at the Veterinary Hospital, Mokola, where there was a minor accident.

Motorists also had a hectic time as they were held up in traffic gridlock for hours.

The protest brought out policemen and men of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps who manned strategic points to ensure it does not degenerate further.

They patrolled the city with blaring sirens, urging the aggrieved drivers to ensure they did not allow the protest degenerate to a breakdown of law and order.

‘We’re fed up’

One of the drivers, who only gave his name as Isiaka, said they were fed up with the illegal fees, which their leaders allegedly collect on daily basis.

According to him, after paying some mandatory fees at Ojoo end, another set of fee collectors will stand at the University of Ibadan, Sango, Mokola and Dugbe to collect theirs He said: “We have made several complaints and entreaties to them, but they refused to yield. There is no way we can continue like this.

“What do we tell owners of the

vehicles we drive when we stop work in the evening? We are going now to make formal complaints to the police at Eleyele, Ibadan, to help us call the union leaders to order.”

Telephone calls made to the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, and state chairman of NURTW, Mr. Taofeek Oyerinde, did not connect because their phones were switched off.

However, an ex-chairman of the union, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed the alleged extortion of the drivers by the current leadership of the union.

Man docked for allegedly damaging N6m car

By Jane Echewodo

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AGOS—A 38-year-old man, Lukman Ayoade, has been arraigned at a Lagos Magistrate’s Court, Ikeja, on a two-count charge of false pretence and unlawful and wilful damage of a Ford car worth N6 million.

The defendant was alleged to have obtained N130,000 from one Chief Abiola Ogundokun under the false pretext of repairing his Ford car with number plates LAGOS FST 209 CU. Ayoade was also said to have wilfully and unlawfully damaged the car.

He allegedly committed the offences in September 2014 at 76, Marine Road at aforesaid magisterial district.

However, the suspect, who was arraigned by the police before Chief Magistrate A. O. Komolafe, pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him.

The prosecutor, Mr. Eranus Nnamonu, a Superintendent of Police, informed the court that the alleged offences were contrary to Section 312(1)(b) and punishable under Section 312(3) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

The magistrate granted him bail in the sum N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

He said the sureties must have paid their taxes for three years and ordered that their addresses be verified.

The matter was adjourned till July 23 for mention.

Deserter arrested for robbery in Benin

By Gabriel Enogholase

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ENIN—AN alleged deserter of the Nigerian Army, simply identified as Lance Corporal Adegoke, has been arrested for armed robbery in Benin, Edo State capital.

Adegoke, said to have served in 29 Battalion, Nigeria Army in Port Harcourt, said he deserted the Army after he was posted to Maiduguri to fight Boko Haram.

The Army deserter, who was arrested along with two

members of his gang, were alleged to have been terrorising residents of Ikpoba Hill, Upper Mission and environs.

Adegoke was said to have abandoned his unit and left with military rifle and uniform with which he formed the robbery gang.

Edo State police spokesman, DSP Stephen Onwochei, said the suspects would soon be charged to court.

He said since the suspect had left the Army, he would be treated as a civilian.

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

Saraki announces Ndume, Na’Allah as majority leader, zSays it's no longer business as usual deputy A

By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

BUJA — SENATE President, Bukola Saraki, yesterday, announced Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno North Senatorial District on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, as the Senate Majority Leader.

He also announced Senator Ibn Na’Allah, representing Kebbi South on the party’s platform, as the Senate Deputy Majority Leader just as he announced Senator Francis Alimikhena, APC, Edo North, as the Deputy Majority Whip.

But the Senate President, who said he merely announced the three principal officers of the Red Chamber, following their nominations by senators of their various zonal caucuses, failed to announce the occupant for the position of Majority Whip.

Saraki’s action appeared to be in defiance of his party, the ruling All Progressives Party, APC, which had in a written letter to him a week earlier, directed that he announced Senators Ahmad Lawan, representing Yobe North and George Akume, representing Benue North West, senatorial zones as Majority Leader and Deputy Majority Leader respectively.

The party had equally directed the Senate President to announce Senator Olusola Adeyeye, APC, Osun Central, from the South-West and Senator Abu Ibrahim, APC, Katsina Central, as Majority Whip and Deputy Majority Whip respectively.

While Ndume hails from the North-East, Na’Allah, who had served in the House of Representatives between 2007 and 2011, hails from the NorthWest.

Ndume assumed office immediately after Senate President Bukola Saraki announced his name as the candidate for the North-East where the position of Senate leader was zoned to.

Also, Senator Bala Ibn Na’allah, Kebbi South, assumed office as Deputy Senate leader while Senator Francis Alimikhena, Edo North took the seat of Senate Deputy Chief Whip, just as the office of Senate Chief Whip was not read following the inability of South West to produce a name.

In announcing the new principal officers, Saraki said: “I received a letter from the NorthWest APC Caucus nominating for the position of Deputy Majority Leader, Bala Na’Allah, in line with its standing rules.

APC North-East Caucus also elected Ali Ndume as Majority Leader. APC South-South

zAs Senate suspends plenary till July 21

CONSULTATION: Speaker House of Representatives Hon. Yakubu Dogara consulting with Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Hon. Monguno and other members of the House of Representatives during the rowdy session of the House caused by positions for principal offices of the House, in Abuja yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Caucus, Francis Alimikhena, APC Edo-South, Deputy Whip.” He then remained silent on the position of Majority Whip.

Marafa challenges Saraki

Saraki’s action was not left unchallenged, as Senator Kabiru Marafa, a frontline advocate for the pro-Ahmed Lawan group, otherwise known as Unity Forum, raised objection through a Point of Order, that the Senate cannot override the position of the party as regards the sharing of the Senate leadership positions.

Marafa, representing Zamfara Central on the platform of APC, argued that it was inappropriate to read letters from any caucus when the Senate president could not read a letter from the party leadership on

Wednesday. He insisted that the letter from the leadership of the party nominating principal officers should have been adhered to.

He said: “If you cannot read the party’s letter, you cannot read any letter from any caucus as no caucus is bigger than the party.”

Marafa’s point of order was countered by Senator Danjuma Goje, APC, Gombe Central, a proSaraki senator, who also cited Senate Order 53 upon which he stated that,” standing by the same order and the ruling of Wednesday, that the issue has been ruled and settled by the senate and therefore should not be brought up again”.

Also speaking on the issue, Saraki referred Marafa to the Senate Order 53 (6), saying it would be out of order to attempt to reconsider a specific issue which the Senate had already ruled on.

He also explained that in the Senate Order 26 (j), interpretation of any Senate Rule was at the discretion of the Senate President and on the strength of this, he ruled Marafa’s point out of order The Senate, thereafter, suspended plenary till July 21.

Recall that the APC senators from the North-East, had on Wednesday, at the National Assembly complex, conducted mock election, where Senator Ali Ndume defeated Ahmad Lawan by nine to two votes.

It's no longer business as usual —Saraki

Meanwhile, the Senate President said, yesterday, that as Senators settle down for the 8th Senate, it would no longer be business as usual and they must be prepared to make sacrifices for the growth and development of the country, just as he stressed the need

for reduction in running cost and effective legislative support system.

Speaking while inaugurating two separate Senate Ad-Hoc Committees on Finances and Legislative Agenda, Saraki who noted that the present dwindling economic situation of the country was worrisome, stressed that the 8th Senate will be more transparent regarding all public funds spent for the purpose of paying salaries and allowances of legislators.

Members of the two ad-hoc committees have one week each to work and submit their reports as that would help overhaul the entire system.

According to him, the Senate would ensure that distinction was sufficiently made between what a legislator actually earns and what was spent to run and implement legislative business and committee activities.

Senator Saraki said, “The subject of reduction in cost of governance has been a sensitive matter on the front burner of national issues in the polity especially with regards to the Legislature. While much of this could be due to an underlining ambiguity in the monthly salaries of legislators and their allowances, there still persists the need to project clarity, accountability and transparency in all legislative matters and legislators’ welfare.

“The 8th Senate under our watch recognises the concerns raised by Nigerians about the cost of running office most especially with the economic challenges facing our nation.

“The Senate will be more transparent regarding all public funds spent for the purpose of paying salaries and allowances of legislators and ensure that distinction is sufficiently made between what a legislator actually earns and what is spent to run and implement legislative business and committee activities."

Jega, 6 INEC commissioners bow out Tuesday

BY Joseph Erunke & Jude Opara

A

BUJA — FOLLOWING the expiration of his fiveyear tenure, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, is set to vacate office Tuesday.

A statement issued by the Public Affairs Department of INEC said that Jega, who hails from Kebbi State, is to bow out of office with six National Commissioners who were appointed the same day with him by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2010.

They are: Col. M.K.

Hammanga (rtd), Adamawa State (North East); Dr Ishmael Jikiri Igbani, Rivers State (South South); Prof. Lai Olurode Osun State (South West); Dame Gladys Nne Nwafor, Abia State (South East); Mrs Thelma Amata Iremiren, Delta State (South South); and Engr. Dr. Nuru Yakubu, Yobe State (North East).

Similarly, four other National Commissioners will equally leave the commission in July and August this year. They include: Dr. Abdulkadir Oniyangi, Kwara State (North Central) and Mrs. Amina Bala Zakari, Jigawa State (North

West). Their tenure will expire on July 21 while Dr. Chris Iyimoga, Nasarawa State (North Central) and Dr. Mohammed Wali, Sokoto State (North West) will complete their tenure on August 11.

In a related development, the tenures of 16 Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) have expired and they have already left the commission last week.

They are: Ahmad Makama, Bauchi State; Haliru Tambuwal, Sokoto State; Abdullahi Danyaya, Niger State; Abubakar Wara, Kebbi State; Mr. Mike Igini, Delta State; Prof. Selina Oko, Ebonyi State; Hussaini Mahuta, Katsina State.

Others are Dr. A. L. Ogunmola, Oyo State; Alhaji Ibrahim Zarewa, Kano State; Prof. Tukur Sa’ad, Adamawa State; Dr. Emmanuel Onucheyo, Kogi State; Kassim Gana Gaidam, Yobe State; Mr. Timothy Ibitoye, Osun State; Amb. Rufus Akeju, Lagos State;Prof. C.E. Onukaogu, Abia State; and Ibrahim Bagobiri Marafa, Zamfara State.

The statement further reassured that despite the depletion of the commission as a result of the progressive expiration of the tenures of National Commissioners, its operations will continue normally because it can always form a quorum.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015—9

HOUSE OF REPS' COMMOTION: Stakeholders express disgust, worry

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By Dapo Akinrefon, Charles Kumolu & Gbenga Oke

AGOS— ANGRY reactions, yesterday, greeted the uproar which resulted in members of the House of Representatives engaging in a free-for-all over the election of House principal officers.

Notable Nigerians, who expressed disgust over the commotion in the Green Chamber included a Professor of Law and human rights, Professor Itse Sagay, SAN; former deputy speaker of the House of Reps, Mr Austin Opara; a retired Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav; two former members of the House of Reps, Messrs Halims Agoda and Bitrus Kaze; a Second Republic lawmaker, Dr Junaid Mohammed; a member of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Ebenezer Babatope and National Secretary of the Labour Party, LP, Dr Kayode Ajulo.

APC should sanction Saraki, Dogara —Sagay

Constitutional lawyer, Professor Sagay, SAN, called on the leadership of the APC to sanction the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and the Speaker of the House of Reps, Mr Yakubu Dogara, for allegedly flouting party directives.

Sagay said: “Honestly, I think Dogara and Saraki should be sanctioned. If the APC does not sack them from the party, they will drag the APC down. If they continue to mix with other APC members, they are going to affect them. Likewise, the whole of APC will be affected. So, the earlier they are clearly cut out in a surgical operation, the better for the country, the better for the APC.”

External forces should remove their hands — Opara

Mr Opara expressed worry over the influence of external forces in the business of the House.

He said: “It is not healthy for external forces to have interference in the parliament matters. They are elected by the people, so they should be allowed to pick whoever leads them because what we have seen so far is the battle between external forces and internal forces.

“The sanctity of the parliament is very important and they should have allowed them to pick their leaders. It is very unfortunate that less than four weeks, serious crisis has enveloped the House, how will they pass bills? So the earlier those interfering remove their hands, the better for this nation.”

NASS crisis may lead to implosion of APC—Tsav

Also speaking, Alhaji Tsav said the crisis in the National Assembly could lead to implosion in the APC.

early and if this continues, this assembly might not be able to do anything at all.”

They should embrace peace — Agoda

BRIEFING: Caucus of All Progressives Congress (APC) addressing newsmen after the House of Representatives free-for-all over the leadership positions, at the National Assembly, in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Accroding to Tsav, “what is happening in the National Assembly is shameful. APC will fail if the party is not careful. I am afraid, the party may eventually implode if the crisis is not tackled. Most of the people responsible for the current crisis are defectors, who came from the PDP. They found themselves in APC because they only wanted to win election.

“They are not fighting because they sincerely want to serve this country. Their fight is as a result of what they expect to get from the various positions they aspire to occupy.

The APC crisis, if not resolved, is likely to affect the performance of President

Muhammadu Buhari. However, Buhari’s non interference with the matter is commendable and wise because doing that could as well stain his impeccable integrity. It is good that he allowed them to sort themselves out after all he belongs to no body.”

APC is confused — Mohammed

On his part, a Second Republic lawmaker, Dr Mohammed said: “I think APC is confused and I would not want to comment more than that."

It's a show of shame — Babatope

For a chieftain of the PDP, Chief Babatope, the crisis that engulfed the lower chamber is a show of

shame.

Crisis started too early — Kaze

Reacting to the issue, Rep Bitrus Kaze, who represented Jos East/Jos South federal constituency in the 7th Assembly, said it was unfortunate that the crisis started too early.

Kaze said: “Honestly, the Buhari administration will have a problem managing its relationship with National Assembly with the way things are going and attempt by the ruling party and Presidency to hijack the 8th National Assembly has really compounded the problem. The crisis in the National Assembly started too

Also, former member of the House of Representatives, Mr Agoda, said the crisis could hinder development in the country.

He said: “I think the leadership of House of Representatives should preach peace, ensure some level of compromise and ensure that the integrity of the House is sacrosanct. I can say boldly that they need themselves at every point in time and since a speaker has emerged, everybody should support him and the speaker should also ensure he sees the whole house as his own by bringing everybody together so that they can engage in the process of nation building.”

It's a shameful act —Ajulo

On his part,LP scribe, Dr Ajulo, described the behaviour of the lawmakers as shameful.

Ajulo said: “It is shameful.

When you talk of party supremacy, there should be a divide. There should be a line where that party supremacy should be drawn. Party supremacy should not be taken to the floor of the House.

The APC should know that they are not the only ones in the House. The PDP has members, APGA has members. Anyway, this is the first time they got the victory and it is getting to their heads.

We cannot use that one as an excuse.”

Buhari’s ADC formally writes to withdraw DSS personnel from villa

By Ben Agande

A

BUJA — CONTRARY to denial by the Presidency that operatives of the Department of State Services were not ordered out of the villa, Vanguard can authoritatively reveal that the Aide-de-Camp, ADC, to the President has formally informed the DSS that its personnel would no longer provide close body protection for the President as they are being replaced with men of the Nigerian Army and Police personnel "who were trained as Presidential Bodyguards.”

It will be recalled that Vanguard reported, yesterday, that ADC to the President, Lt. Col Abubakar Lawal, ordered personnel of the DSS out of the villa and replaced them with men of the Nigerian Army.

However, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina said: “President

Muhammadu Buhari has given no such order. While it is true that a reorganization of security at the Presidential Villa which involves the realignment of personnel from various services is underway, the exercise does not translate to the expulsion of DSS personnel from the premises in any way. The changes being made are routine adjustments which are not unexpected in any dynamic environment from time to time."

But in a memo sighted by Vanguard, written by the President’s ADC, he stated that DSS personnel have been withdrawn from close body protection of the President and are being replaced by members of the Nigerian Army and the Police, adding that he was acting "sequel to directives."

7 areas to be taken over

The memo listed about seven areas which the military and the police are to take over from the DSS operatives "with

immediate effect."

Some of the areas listed in the memo which are no-go area for men of the DSS were Admin reception/passage; Service Chiefs gate; residence reception, office reception among others.

It, however, noted that "personnel of the DSS in conjunction with other security forces are to man other duty beats/locations within the immediate outer perimeter of the Presidential Villa.”

From 1999 till the recent incidenct where DSS operatives were ordered out of the villa, it was the service that provided close body protection and manned sensitive positions within the villa while soldiers and the police manned the outer perimeter of the State House.

Already, the memo appears to have come into effect as only a handful of DSS operatives were seen at the outer perimeter of the Presidential Villa as military men in mufti,yesterday, took

over all the other positions inside the Presidential Villa.

From the Administration reception gate, where visitors are first screened before they get into the main villa building to the council chambers gate, there were no officers of the Department of State Services as only soldiers in mufti were seen in those places.

Also, within the residence and the office of the President, the DSS body guards who were usually at the gate and the entrance were absent as they were replaced by men of the Nigerian Army who were, however, in mufti.

Some few officers of the DSS were, however, seen under trees discussing in hushed tones as they awaited further directives from their superior officers.

It was learnt that senior officers of the DSS, including the CSO to the President, were trying to resolve the matter amicably.

10—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

OSHODI-APAPA TRAFFIC GRIDLOCK: Ambode assesses situation, sets up task force

By Olasunkanmi Akoni & Monsur Olowoopejo

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AGOS—GOVERNOR Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, yesterday visited major traffic points in Apapa area of the state to get a first hand experience of the gridlock which has defied solutions in recent times, just as he appealed to the Federal Government to mobilise the contractor awarded the construction of Apapa road networks to immediately return to site.

Ambode, who was accompanied on the tour by top officials of the state government and security agencies, said he was particularly disturbed about the traffic commuters and motorists are condemned to on a daily basis, which he said was largely due to the indiscriminate parking of articulated trucks attempting to access the port and tank farms located within the axis.

“What we have done in the last three hours is trying to find out what are the issues that partain to Apapa. We’ve all seen that the gridlock in Apapa is multi-faceted.

We have examined things that relate to activities of trailer and tanker drivers”, the governor said in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna.

Alluding to the fact that the network of roads in Apapa belongs to the Federal Government, he lamented that the Tin Can Bridge, which has been under construction for about six years was abandoned, which makes tankers park

indiscriminately on the road.

“It is totally unacceptable that we would be having tankers and trailers on our bridges. It is also not acceptable that they would decide to block all lanes that lead to Apapa. We’ve also seen that we must do something immediately to alleviate the challenges that the residents and business owners are facing.

“But again, you’ll also realise that the roads that lead to Apapa Wharf and Tincan Island actually belong to the Federal Government. We’ve come to this Tin Can Bridge, it has been under construction in the last six years, we’ve also seen a trailer park that can actually contain about 500 trailers at a time that has been abandoned by the Federal Government.

“What we want to do now is firstly to appeal to the Federal Government and most especially Mr. President that the contractor working on this particular bridge should come back to site and once we are able to open the trailer park, we would be able to allow other trailer and tankers to use the park.

The governor also expressed concerns about the activities at the 57 tank farms in the area, saying they constitute great security challenge for the state government, adding that owners of the farms will be summoned for a meeting soon.

“The greater part of this challenge is posed by the tank farm owners. As we speak we have 57 tank farms around Apapa alone, that’s a major

AMBODE INSPECTS TRAFFIC POINTS: From left: Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State; Commissioner of police, Lagos State, Mr Kayode Aderanti; Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tunji Bello and former Lagos Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Mr Babatunde Balogun, during Ambode's visit to some traffic flash points in Lagos yesterday.

security challenge for the state government.

“We have to start to look at the security issues relating to these tank farms. All trailers across the country come to these tank farms and the tank farm owners, we are going to direct them in the next few days, they would be summoned to a meeting and they have to tell us what their remedy is to this menace that we are having in Apapa.

As a palliative measure towards ensuring free flow of traffic, Governor Ambode said a task force would be immediately set up to ensure 24 hours surveillance of traffic flow while stressing that the

Airtel boss calls for Mobile Money model review

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AGOS—CHIEF Executive Officer and Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya, has called for a review of the current mobile money model, saying a telco-led model

will help expand retail banking, thereby driving financial inclusion in the unbanked segment.

Currently, telecoms companies are not permitted to provide their own mobile money services as the

Tribunal rules on Ambode’s objection today

By Wahab Abdulah

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HE Lagos State Governorship Election Tribunal sitting in Ikeja has slated today to decide whether or not to hear the preliminary objection filed by the state Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode against the petition filed by Peoples Democratic Party, PDP candidate, Jimi Agbaje in the April 28 election.

The PDP candidate, is praying the tribunal to declare him the winner of the April poll, while

challenging the declaration of Akinwunmi Ambode by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC as the winner of the election.

When the matter came up yesterday, the tribunal stated it would take all preliminary objections alongside with the petitions.

The tribunal presided by Justice Mohammed Ibrahim Sirajo however subjected the issues to argument asking parties in the matter to make their submissions.

current model approved by the financial regulator, Central Bank of Nigeria, empowers banks to provide mobile money services while telecoms companies play only a supporting role.

Speaking recently, at the annual lecture of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Nigeria in Lagos, Ogunsanya said for the mobile money market to reach its full potential, restrictions on telco activity in m-money must be lifted.

According to him, Agency/Agent Banking as well as mobile money can help deepen penetration in retail banking in the country, suggesting that the mobile money sector is rather slow at this time because they are led by banks.

“The overwhelming majority of the adult population is unbanked; however, mobile penetration is approximately 78%. The market opportunity for mobile money is therefore vast. The number of mobile money transactions has increased at a rapid rate over the past 3 years - further adoption will be driven by increased awareness.”

Lagos Road Traffic Law will be enforced to the letter.

“Right now on our part, the immediate palliative is that we will set up a task force that would involve most of our security agencies including the police and to do a 24/7 monitoring of the traffic.

“We would pay more attention to enforcement. From this evening you would see that there would be more attention on enforcement and we would also fund that enforcement which we will fund. We are going to give incentives to our law enforcement officers to ensure that the Lagos Traffic Law is obeyed.

The governor also assured that road networks in deplorable state in Apapa will also be given attention.

Governor Ambode, who also visited traffic points in Ajah Roundabout assured that a joint task force will be immediately deployed to ensure free flow of traffic.

“We’ve all agreed, we need a flyover here, but we can’t deliver a flyover until maybe about 12 to 18 months.

In his remarks, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti, observed that the Apapa road network and the activities of tanker drivers call for great security concern, expressing optimism that with improved road network, there will be little room for hoodlums to perpetrate crime.

“What we have observed in the last one year is due to the road network, the resultant effect is that most of these trailers always collapse and when this happens, you see a lot of hoodlums coming around to steal most of the items meant to be shipped to different parts of the country.

Commodore Ikoli,

Commander, NNS Beecroft, Apapa Naval Base said, “For us in NNS Beecroft, the enforcement we are running under OP MESA, we are supporting the state government and the police in ensuring security within Apapa Area. Under that same apparatus, you would agree with me that we have also been present in ensuring the traffic gridlock in Apapa, we try to ensure that everybody that moves into Apapa has free flow of traffic. But, we are going to increase our efforts to ensure that every Nigerian that comes into Apapa has a safe and secure environment to work in.”

Bolaji Dada, Executive Secretary, Apapa Local Government also added, “We had a stakeholders meeting few days ago where we came up with resolutions on how to fix this menace. One of the resolutions was to visit the Governor and we have him here already. He has seen it and has first hand information and I'm sure from now, sanity will be brought back to our roads.”

21-day ultimatum to tricycle, okada riders

Meanwhile, the Lagos State government has issued a 21 day ultimatum to motorcyclists and tricycle operators in the state.

The state government made this known during a meeting with the unions in Lagos at the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.

The state government said the move was imperative on the need for their members to vacate the restricted roads.

Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mr. Tunji Bello explained the 21-day ultimatum was for the unions to sensitize their members to vacate the restricted routes before the enforcement commences.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015 — 11

Osun Assembly asks Aregbesola to respond to Judge's petition

By Gbenga Olarinoye

Oyedepo canvasses quality tertiary education

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SOGBO—OSUN State House of Assembly has asked the state governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola to forward his response on the allegations raised by Justice Oloyede Folahanmi of Osun State High Court, accusing the governor of mismanaging the state's resources.

Similarly, barely 24 hours after the state House of Assembly received the petition the house also received yet another letter from a human rights group demanding that the governor be probed.

Receiving the letter from members of Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice ,CHRSJ, a rights group yesterday, deputy chief whip of the assembly, Adeyemi Taiwo, said the letter will be passed to the Speaker, Mr. Najeem Salaam.

The speaker had earlier admitted that a copy of the petition by Justice Folahanmi. Oloyede had been made available to him on Wednesday through his office.

In the letter attached to the petition sent to the governor, the parliament demanded comments on the content of petition without delay.

He said, “the onus of proof lies

By Dayo Adesulu & Tare Youdeowei

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VISIT: From left; President-elect, West African College of Surgeons, (WACS), Prof King David Yawe; President, Prof Akinyinka Omigbodun; Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State; Commissioner for Health, Dr Dayo Adeyanju, and Deputy Governor, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo, during a courtesy visit by the members of council of the West African College of Surgeons to the governor's office, in Akure, yesterday. on the petitioner who has expressed her readiness to defend her allegations before the parliamentarians, while Governor Aregbesola’s response would also be awaited for the sake of fair hearing.

Salaam noted that the legislature has elected to give Jus-

tice Oloyede’s petition a critical attention, “because she is a serving judge In the state, and justice demands that her allegations be given a look, for she holds a prime position in the judiciary, an arm of government in the the state”.

The speaker then appealed to

Obasanjo laments non-celebration of worthy Nigerians

By Kolade Larewaju

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ORMER PRESIDENT Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday bemoaned the non-recognition and celebration of worthy Nigerians until foreigners begin to see the good in such persons.

Speaking at a send-off lunch he organized in honor of Most Reverend Josiah Idowu-Fearon on his appointment as the Secretary General of the World Anglican Communion at the Obasanjo Presiden-

tial Library, Obasanjo said Nigerians should see the good things in themselves.

Addressing the gathering which included the Catholic Bishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan and Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga, Obasanjo said God has been using foreign bodies to recognise and celebrate worthy Nigerians.

He said “one of the things we don’t often do is that we don’t

SUSPENSION: Members drag Ogun PDP to court

By Daud Olatunji

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BEOKUTA—THREE suspended members of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun, yesterday, dragged the party and two others before an Abeokuta High Court , sitting at Isabo, Abeokuta.

The embattled executive members described their purported suspension as illegal and uncon-

stitutional.

The three affected PDP members were the Public Secretary of the PDP in the state, Waliu Oladipupo, Chairman Ogun Central Senatorial ,Isiaka Amusa, and the party’s state youth leader, Taofik Osundara.

They were suspended by the party in the state for alleged antiparty activity December 22, 2014.

see the good in ourselves but God has been gracious enough that others see good in us and celebrate us.

“We have treasures in our hands and I pray God continue to help us to appreciate what we have and use it for the honour and glory of the country” He explained that the Lunch held at the Green Legacy Resort Hotel within the Presidential Library was to honour Bishop Idowu-Fearon who he said was a worthy person who has been recognised and appointed by he Anglican Communion, He expressed regrets that some Muslims invited across the country could ot make it for the lunch because of the Ramadan.

In his own remarks Bishop Idowu-Fearon said that with his new appointment, he would be based in the United Kingdom where he would be working with the Archbishop of Canterbury, coordinate the Anglican Consultative Council comprising of 38 Provinces and coordinate the Primates meeting.

Also present at the lunch were the Alake of Egbaland; Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Olubara of Ibara; Oba Jacob Omolade, the publisher of Leadership newspaper; Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah, the General Manager of Vanguard, newspapers, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, Capt. Toju Ogisi and Chief Yemi Ogunbiyi among others.

the opposition and critics of the government to always channel their grievances peacefully, saying the way and manner some people were blackmailing the state over the delayed salaries in the media did not speak well adding that “If the delayed salary matter is settled, the affliction of the false image would still be there”.

He said that the state parliament was more than ready to interface between the people and the government at all time without compromising the independence of the legislature as guaranteed by the constitution of the federal republic.

However, Salaam asserted that the parliament under his watch would not be stampeded on any issue before it, reiterating that thoroughness would be deployed into the facts presented without prejudice, for House of Assembly is a Shrine of democracy, where democratic value and ethos must be upheld.

Another letter demands gov’s probe

Osun State House of Assembly, yesterday received yet another letter demanding probe of Governor Aregbesola.

This is coming barely 24 hours after the house had received the petition from a serving judge in the state judiciary, Justice Oloyede demanding probe of Aregbesola Receiving the letter from members of Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice, CHRSJ, a rights group, deputy chief whip of the assembly, Adeyemi Taiwo, said the letter will be passed to the Speaker, Mr. Najeem Salaam.

He said the lawmakers are also feeling the pains of the workers over the issue of unpaid salaries and assured that measures are being taken to resolve the matter.

HE Chancellor, Cove nant University, Ota, Bishop David Oyedepo has said the only solution to the problems bedevilling Africa is quality education, noting that it is the foundation for nation building.

Oyedepo, who disclosed this at the institution’s 10th convocation lecture yesterday said: “There is no political solution to African problems, except for the governments to invest largely in higher education.”

Lamenting the yearly drop in education funding in Nigeria and other African countries, he said if any government must get it right in its ramifications, investment in education must be paramount and massive.

Meanwhile, former Secretary, National Universities Commission, NUC, Professor Peter Okebukola while delivering lecture on: ‘Higher Education and Africa’s Future: Doing What is Right’ lamented that in spite of vast natural resources, Africa remains one of the world’s most underdeveloped. He described it as a direct consequence of a miscellany of factors which include high level of illiteracy and corruption.

Ekiti APC insists Fayose got N24bn refunds

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has asked Governor Ayodele Fayose to stop lying about refunds made to him on federal projects executed by former governor, Kayode Fayemi.

It challenged the governor to explain how he spent the N22 billion refunds on federal projects executed by former Governor Kayode Fayemi.

A statement by the Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatubosun, also faulted the governor’s claims on the cost per kilometer of roads constructed by Fayemi.

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

Delta to contend with N636bn debt —Okowa A

By Festus Ahon

SABA—DELTA State governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, yesterday, decried the financial position of the state and disclosed that the government had over N636 billion debt, including contractual obligations, to contend with in the next three years.

Addressing the state legislature, Okowa said: “A total monthly deduction of N4.60 billion will be made from our FAAC receipts with effect from this June through to March 2017, and thereafter N1.098 billion monthly until September 2018. ‘’This leaves us with a balance of N3.4 billion assuming the FAAC allocation stays at N8.03 billion.

“The receipt from Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, is about N2.0 billion monthly, after deducting cost of collection.

that we face as we strive to deliver on our campaign promise of prosperity for all Deltans. ‘’I have gone into this much detail regarding the state of our finances to put the legislature on the same page with the executive, so that we can think together, plan together and tighten our belts going forward.

“We must muster the resolve and political will to boldly and decisively confront the challenges that we face, right the ship of our state and lay a solid foundation of prosperity both now and for future generation of Deltans. ‘’It won’t be easy. It is not supposed to be easy. But there is no gain without pain, no prize without a price.

Sacrifices

“A good place to start is for us to reject the old ways of doing business. First, beginning with me and this honourable House, we must be ready to make the necessary sacrifices to reduce the cost of governance. ‘’Secondly, the endless turf battles and approach to legislative action would need to give way to civility and respect for each arm of government.

Thirdly, the House must make laws that protect and promote the interest of the state and our people. ‘’Fourthly, we must act with the sense of urgency that our current situation demands, and navigate the ship of state aright.

“I have already directed the

Ministry of Finance and the Accountant-General to restructure the Irrevocable Standing Payment Orders, ISPOs, on contractors’ guarantee and overdraft facility over a period of 42 months as a first step to reduce our monthly exposure.

“We are frantically working at putting the necessary machinery in place to boost our IGR, and steps will be urgently taken to plug the loopholes in our revenue collection process. In our land resource management, action will be taken to re-certify Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) beginning with our urban settlements, while MDAs will be made more accountable in the generation of revenue."

Implication

“The implication of the above scenario is that the funds available to run the state is N5.40 billion monthly in the next two years, except there is a significant rise in oil receipts and therefore FAAC earnings, as well as our IGR. “Unfortunately, the available fund of N5.40 billion is insufficient to offset our monthly wage bill, let alone fund overhead costs or for government to embark on capital projects. The state workforce as at May 28, 2015 stood at over 60,000 persons with a monthly personnel cost of N7,437,940,015.38 inclusive of the N678m state government’s support to local government councils for the payment of primary school teachers’ salaries.”

The governor lamented that the 2015 budget of N409 billion as passed by the legislature, was no longer realistic in the wake of current realities which clearly showed that their expected revenue was now far below what was projected.

While calling for a review of the budget, Okowa said: “It is obvious from available statistics that the state will run a monthly deficit of about N2 billion, and would need to borrow to pay salaries of its workers and finance the running cost of government.

“Prior to my assumption of office, the state government had been hard put to pay workers’ salaries. Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government have been running at half steam due to the inability of the state to provide money for their operations. ‘’The staff of most local governments in the state have been on strike due to nonpayment of salaries.”

Continuing, the governor, who was accompanied by his deputy, Mr Kingsley Otuaro, SSG, Mr. Festus Agas and the State Head of Service, Mr Patrick Origho, said further: “This is the dilemma

OKOWA AT DTHA: Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State (left) and Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya during his address to members of the House in Asaba, yesterday. Photo: Nath Onojake.

Osaigbovo's certificate authentic —AAU Registrar

By Gabriel Enogholase

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ENIN—FOLLOWING allegations of fake certificates levelled against a member of Edo State House of Assembly, Mr. Osaigbovo Iyoha, by Mr. Okoro Osadebamwen of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the Registrar of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Mr. Folaremi Adeojo-Malaji, yesterday, appeared before Edo State Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Benin to testify in the case.

Iyoha represents Oredo West constituency in the State House of Assembly.

It would be recalled that the petitioner, Okoro Osadebamwen, contested against Osaigbovo of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the last State House of

Assembly election and lost.

The complainant had alleged in the petition that all the credentials presented by Osaigbovo to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, were forged.

The Registrar was subpoenaed to testify on whether Osaigbovo attended and graduated from the institution.

He confirmed to the court that he signed the certificate presented by Osaigbovo, assuring that the certificate was authentic and not forged.

The Registrar said the name of the institution had been changed three times from Bendel State University to Edo State University and now Ambrose Alli University.

He said: “I did not come here to lie. I have been

employed in the university for the past 33 years.”

Head Teacher of Oba Akenzua II Primary School, Esther Izevbuwa, presented the school register where Osaigbovo’s name was listed as a pupil.

Counsel to Osaigbovo, Ken Mozia, told the court that a subpoena was yet to be served on the Registrar of West African Examinations Council, WAEC. Before the petitioner closed his case, he told the court that he did not visit AAU and WAEC to verify the authenticity of Osaigbovo’s certificates.

He said he could not go to INEC office where the credentials of Osaigbovo were publicly displayed because he was busy campaigning.

The case was adjourned to July 15.

Etteh emerges Secretary, Ibom Deep Seaport Tech C'ttee

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OVERNOR Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has approved the appointment of Mr. Enobong Ikpong Etteh as the Secretary to the Technical Committee on the Realization of Ibom Deep Seaport.

Etteh, who hails from Ukpenekang, Ibeno Local Government Area is a foremost Labour Law expert with over two decades experience.

He graduated from the University of Cross River State (now University of Uyo) in 1988 with LL.B (Hons) and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1990.

He worked with M.O Awoyemi & Co. for 7 years before establishing Enobong Etteh & Co. (now Rocheba Solicitors) with branches in Uyo and Abuja.

His areas of expertise include Labour Law, Banking and Finance, Investment Law, Commercial Law, among others.

He is currently the chairman, Labour and Employment Committee, NBA-SLP. He is a member of the Standing Conference of Mediation Advocates, SCMA, Nigeria, and the National Coordinator of the Campaign for Labour Lawyers and a member of the Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria.

He is passionate and committed to the development of Labour Law in Nigeria and was the publisher of the first-ever law report on labour law in Nigeria-The Nigerian Law Reports which is now the first specialized weekly law report in Africa. He was also the arrowhead in the campaign for Labour Justice Reforms drive for the Third Alteration to the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. He has, since 2002, prosecuted reforms in labour law practice and in the national industrial court.

Etteh, who is widely travelled, enjoys preaching, praise and prayer.

It would be recalled that Governor Emmanuel, in his determined effort to fulfill his campaign promise of rapid industrialization of the state, had on June 11, inaugurated a 10-man technical committee for the Realization of Ibom Deep Seaport.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015—13

Wike restores Omehia's rights as ex-gov

By Jimitota Onoyume

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as governor of the state by a Supreme Court verdict which installed Amaechi as the governor of the state.

The court had said in its ruling that Amaechi was the rightful candidate of Peoples Democratic Party in the eye of the law that brought in Omehia as governor.

The event was witnessed by the Secretary to the State Government, Kenneth Kobani, Rivers State Housing Commissioner, Barrister Emma Okah, and the State Attorney-General, Chinwe Aguma.

Meanwhile, Governor Wike has

assured investors that Rivers State was a safe place for investment Wike, who spoke yesterday while formally opening a South Africa Visa Application centre operated by VFS in Port Harcourt, enjoined investors to come to the state, assuring that it was peaceful for business.

He lauded the South African government for its move in the state, saying that it would send the right message to other investors that Rivers State was a safe business haven.

He said: “I wish to commend the South African government

for letting the world know that Rivers State is safe for local and international businesses.

“We will continue to work with the South African government and other investors to ensure that the business environment is improved. We will continue to improve on the security of the state to attract more investors."

While promising to collaborate with the Federal Government to further develop the Port Harcourt International Airport, the governor said other countries are free to come and invest in the state.

ORT HARCOURT— GOVERNOR Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, yesterday, restored the benefits and entitlements of Mr. Celestine Omehia as a former governor of the state.

This came on a day the governor, at the opening of South African Visa Application Centre, in Port Harcourt, assured investors that Rivers State was a safe place for investment Wike, who performed the exercise at Government House, Port Harcourt, said though Omehia later lost his seat to Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, he functioned as a governor between May 29, 2007 and October 25 of the same year.

The governor further ordered that the official portrait of Omehia be mounted among former governors of the state at Government House.

He said: “I, hereby, put back his official portrait among those of former governors. He is now entitled to the benefits of all former governors. “ Wike said the era of bitter politics was over in the state, wondering why Omehia, who discharged the functions of a governor for about four months, would be denied his benefits as a former governor.

An elated Omehia described yesterday as his happiest day, thanking the governor for UNVEILING: Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (middle), flanked by wife, Dolapo, and restoring his rights as a former Cross River State governor, Sen. Benedict Ayade, during the unveiling of a book, The Nigerian governor of the state.

Judiciary, the Departing Glory by late Justice P.O.E Bassey, shortly after a lecture in memory It would be recalled that of the author in Calabar.

Omehia was relieved of his office

Okowa’s 5-point agenda'll stabilise Delta economy —Okonta

By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief

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BUJA—AN Abujabased Chartered Accountant and a former Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abuja District Society, Chief Fred Okonta, has posited that effective implementation of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s five-point agenda would stabilise the state’s economy.

Speaking at an interactive session with journalists in Abuja, Okonta said that SMART, the acronym for the five-point agenda, would engender prosperity and high productivity among Deltans.

SMART stands for Strategic wealth creation projects and provision of jobs for all Deltans; Meaningful peace building platforms aimed at political and social harmony;

Agricultural reforms and a c c e l e r a t e d industrialisation; Relevant health and education policies; and Transformed environment through urban renewal.

The chartered accountant described the agenda as “a bold attempt by the governor to revolutionise entrepreneurship in the state through the provision of jobs, especially for the teeming unemployed youths.’’

He said the agenda also sought to encourage peace building platforms, with a view to fostering political and social harmony, boost industrialisation through reforming agriculture in line with global best practices, improve health and education policies and transform the environment through strategic urban renewal.

Okonta is excited that

emphasis would be placed on urban development, considering the fact that “despite the huge capital allocations to the state in the past 16 years, Asaba and Warri have remained glorified villages.”

The two foremost cities in Delta State, he said, require special attention from the new administration, with a view to making them the pride of all indigenes of the state.

He also urged all Deltans to bury all political and

ethnic differences to form a harmonious and peaceful environment necessary for the governor to succeed.

Buhari urged to implement recommendations of final report on confab

By Samuel Oyadongha

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E N A G O A — NIGERIA’S former Ambassador to Cote D’Ivoire, Dr. Lawrence Ekpebu, yesterday, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to implement key recommendations of the final report of last year’s National Conference in the interest of Nigeria.

Ekpebu, who served as deputy chairman of the Conference Committee on Foreign Policy and Diaspora Matters, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Yenagoa.

According to him, it is imperative for Buhari to look at the final report of the conference objectively, with a view to implementing necessary sections for the good of the people.

The former envoy said delegates to the conferences were made up of some of the best minds in the country and expressed confidence that the President would not abandon the final report of the national confab.

He said the recommendations were arrived at after quality debates and decisions on issues bordering on the nation’s socio-economic and political existence.

14—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

Kano Sharia court sentences woman, 8 others to death for blasphemy

By Abdulsalam Muhammad

procedure.

An Islamic cleric, Abdul Inyas, Hajiya Mairo Ibrahim and 10 others were accused of making ANO—AN Upper Sharia blasphemous statement against court Rijiyar Lemo has the Prophet of Islam, on May 5th sentenced a woman and eight at a religious gathering in others to death for blasphemy. honour of Sheik Ibrahim Inyass A statement by the Registrar, at Dala general area of Kano AGM: From left, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, Chairman Emeritus; Mr. Babatunde Savage, Chairman; Kano Sharia court of Appeal municipal.

The controversial Sheik Abdul Chief Raymond Ihyembe, Vice Chairman, and Mrs. Olubunmi Osuntuyi, Secretary General, all of signed by one Alhaji Nasiru stated that 8 persons were found Inyass is of Haqiqa (Realist) International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria, during their 2014 Annual General Meeting, yesterday, guilty in accordance with section group, a mystical branch of at Metropolitan Club, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi 110 and 302 of the penal code Tijjaniyya movement with its headquarters in Senegal.

When the accused persons appeared in court on May 22nd thousands of youths who stormed the court to witness the proceedings burnt down the Sharia court. plenary to the 21st of By Henry Umoru & deliver as at when due.

HIS TOPIC is in response to the a couple of questions This development may July, barely four days Joseph Erunke A statement from sent in by our readers a few days ago about exemption have forced government to after resumption from Saraki’s office yesterday of pregnant women during Ramadan fast. Islam is another break, saying read, “The adjournment conduct the trial in secret. absolutely a complete religion. It has all the answers to the break would enable of Senate’s plenary to But while the accused were any question about what affects us and could later in life in detention irate youths BUJA—SENATE the two ad- hoc July 21, 2015, was meant affect us as human beings. stormed and demolished It is clear that women have the permission to leave President Senate committees on Finances to give the Senate Ad- Sheik Abdul Inyass out fasting during Ramadan due to issues such as Bukola Saraki has given and Legislative Agenda Hoc Committees on residence located at Gaida, pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and breast feeding. In an insight into why the to effectively carry out Legislative Agenda and Kumbotso local providing an insight into the matter,the permission on red chambers suspended their assignments and Review of the Senate’s government area of the pregnant and nursing women is slightly different from Finances time to municipality. that of the terminally sick persons or the aged. To the conclude their work and The statement further pregnant women, the rule is that if they can’t bear the submit their reports. The disclosed that Al Qassim rigours of fasting, they should not fast but they have to Yahaya two committees were Abubakar, pay back after delivery or when they become free from the given one-week to Abubakar, Isa Abubakar impediments before the next Ramadan. It should be noted and Abdullahi Abubakar submit their reports. that they are not exempted, they are to pay back the number were discharged and “However, the Senate of days missed as a result of menstural circle, pregnancy acquitted by the court in assured that it will or breast feeding. Most women mix up these issues and HE OXFORD originated in the mid-20th reconvene at any time tandem with sec 404 of go on to feed the poor as a replacement for Ramadan fast English Dictionary, century in the U.S. but was before the adjourned Sharia criminal procedure. instead of paying back the fast at a later date. No sound OED, yesterday, added no longer used there.

Muslim is permanently exempted from fasting unless the 'twerk, carnap, FLOTUS' He said another word date to consider aged and the terminally sick persons. The pregnant woman and scores of other new from the Philippines was any matter of or nursing mother still has the opportunity to fast at a later entries, including many presidentiable, “a person urgent national date, and therefore the ruling by most scholars is that she introduced from Asia and who is a likely or confirmed importance or to pays back her missed fast at a later date. Ibn ‘Abbas (r.t) from online slang, to its candidate for president.” attend to any Salazar said throughout n a t i o n a l said: Concession to feed the poor refers to old men and latest edition.

OED Editor, Danica the years, Filipino English a s s i g n m e n t old women who cannot fast, so they should feed one poor Salazar, said in London that speakers have been person for each day. —– Narrated by al-Bukhari, 4505. requiring its The Quran injuction explicitly states: “and whoever is the word twerk, a dance adapting the vocabulary of attention. popularised by music stars this once foreign tongue, ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one “The Senate’s did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from and Internet memes, using it to express their own Ad-hoc Committee actually dated back about identity and way of life. other days.”

Financial “Many additions refer to on The situation of a pregnant or breastfeeding woman is 200 years as a combination of twist and jerk first spelled “specific elements of review is the first no different from that of a sick person or person on a as “twirk.”

Philippine culture, such as time the Senate is journey who have to make up their fasts. An hadith says: He said the use of twerk greetings and terms of setting up a body Allah has waived half of the prayer and fasting from the to describe a type of dance, address. to review its own traveler, and from pregnant and breastfeeding women.” which emphasises the “The boundless optimism s a l a r i e s , Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 2274; classed as hasan. performer’s posterior, has of Filipinos and their In most cases, two scenarios apply in the case of a its roots in the early 1990s unshakeable belief that allowances, and pregnant woman. The first is if she is healthy and strong, in the New Orleans things will work out in their the overhead cost Late Godwin Odogwu and does not find fasting difficult, and it does not affect ‘bounce’ music scene. favour in the end is of running the R. GODWIN Odogwu, a her fetus. In this case the woman is obliged to fast, because Salazar said the word reflected in the phrase, Senate with a view native of Ogwashi-Uku to realigning them she has no excuse for not doing so when she is fit to do itself seems to originate 'bahala na.'” it. The second is where the pregnant woman is not able from more than 170 years Katherine Martin, the to reflect the in Aniocha South Local OED’s Head of U.S. present economic Government Area of Delta, is to fast, either because the pregnancy is advanced or before that.

“Joining twerk in the dictionaries said the term situation in the dead, aged 74. because she is physically weak, or for some other reason.

He died on June 14, 2015.

In this case, she should not fast, especially if her fetus is updated online OED is the 'Batchmate,' a member of country.

According to the family, late likely to be harmed, in this case, it may be obligatory acronym FLOTUS, or First the same graduation class “It could be for her not to fast. If she does not fast, then like others who Lady of the U.S. - a term as another, was used in recalled that the Odogwu will be buried on July do not fast for a valid reason, she has to make up the days that the First Lady, Michelle both Philippine and South National Assembly 4, 2015, at his compound, No. 6, Hunyekoh Street, Ajara Dokoh when that circumstance no longer applies. When she Obama, felt obliged to Asian English.

She noted that among the had slashed its Bus-stop, Badagry, Lagos. gives birth, she has to make up those fasts after she becomes explain to London 2015 budget to Before the interment, there will pure from nifaas. But, again, sometimes, the excuse schoolgirls last week when latest words popularised N120billion from she mentioned her via the Internet are be a funeral talk at the Kingdom may now be ‘breastfeeding’. The breastfeeding mother FLOTUS Twitter handle,” 'crowdfunding,' 'Internaut,' N150billion as a Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, No. may need food and drink. So, she may need not to fast, he said. 'webisode' and 'photobomb.' result of dwindling 14/15, Fagbele Street, Off Tejuoso but all the same, it is not enough to immediately embark The editor said Philippine Martin said some words F e d e r a l Street, Yaba, Lagos. on feeding the poor, what is appropriate is the look for a word 'carnap,' meaning to and phrases are so wellHe is survived by wife, children better period to pay back the missed fast. Allah knows “kidnap,” or steal, a car, used that their inclusion in G o v e r n m e n t ’ s revenue. and grand-children. best. Ramadan Keree the list of new entries was

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Women and fasting at Ramadan

Saraki explains suspension of Senate Plenary till July 21

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A

Oxford dictionary adds twerk, presidentiable, carnap, FLOTUS to English lexicon

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Godwin Odogwu is dead

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015— —15

16—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

‘EDSTMA to be restructured'

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DO STATE Commissioner for Transport, Saturday Uwuilekhue, has said that the State Traffic Management Agency, EDSTMA, would be reorganised to meet the yearnings of people of the state.

Uwuilehue, who dispelled insinuations that the agency had been disbanded, said Governor Adams Oshiomhole decided to dissolve the former one because of the many complaints of extortion and corruption levelled against its members.

It will be recalled two weeks ago, the governor scrapped the Edo State Youth Empowerment Scheme, Edo YES, under which many youths in the state were employed as casual workers in the past six years. Members of the traffic management agency were recruited under the scheme.

However, the commissioner, while speaking in Benin City, maintained that the agency had not been scrapped but being restructured.

“We are only talking about restructuring the agency to meet the yearnings of the people and the expectation of government," he said.

Police display weapons used by alleged kidnappers of GUO Motors' boss O

NITSHA—CORPORAL Victor Edet, a policeman attached to Anambra State headquarters of Special AntiRobbery Squad, SARS, Awkuzu as at 2009, yesterday, at an Onitsha High Court, displayed the weapons used by a gang of armed robbers/kidnappers who abducted the chairman of GUO Motors Limited, Chief Godwin

Ubaka Okeke, on Sunday, August 23, 2009.

Chief Okeke was kidnapped at the All Saints Anglican Church Cathedral, Onitsha, but was released the next day after payment of N30 million ransom by his family.

Testifying before the court, presided over by Justice Alexander Okumah, in the on-

going trial of three accused persons suspected to be members of the kidnap gang that abducted Okeke, Edet, who is the fifth prosecution witness, and currently attached to SARS, Kano State police command, also told the court how the police arrested some of the gangsters who kidnapped Okeke and recovered their weapons of mass destruction

NUEE employees kick against arrest of 15 senior staff

By Austin Ogwuda

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NUGU—NATIONAL Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, South East zone, has threatened to call out workers on strike, following the arrest and detention of no fewer than 15 senior managers and storekeepers in Onitsha Business District over allegation of sharp practices in electricity billing.

Briefing newsmen in Enugu yesterday, the Senior Assistant General Secretary of the union, Comrade Cyprian Ndubuisi Akoh, said that NUEE leadership met in Enugu to review the problems confronting its members in the zone, describing the arrest as unwarranted and dehumanizing.

According to him, the arrests and long detention of the electricity workers by the owners of EEDC is on the ground

revenue drops in the face of money being pumped into the electricity business.

He said: “We, therefore, call upon the relevant authorities, including EEDC management to halt this management recklessness and effect the release of all those detained.

Failure to do so, the union should not be blamed if our members withdraw their services.

“We are yet to see where new transformers are brought into the network.

Instead, old transformers that go out of service or vandalized remain unattended to for months, except the host communities task themselves or their wealthy sons come to their rescue.

“The above, notwithstanding, this union will never support acts of wrongdoings or illegalities in the field. What we frown on is the unscrupulous nature of the arrest and detention for upwards

of two weeks and neither family members nor co-staff allowed to see them and know the reason for the arrest and detention. ‘’This is inhuman and slavish.

This act of victimization and intimidation should stop forthwith.’’

The NUEE Senior Assistant General Secretary, however, advised the EEDC management to establish an internal administrative machinery to investigate and establish fact of any given allegation and take adequate disciplinary action where the staff involved was found guilty.

“A situation where staff is arrested, detained and treated like a common criminal or armed bandit is nothing but a display of wickedness, highhandedness, despotism, tyranny and dictatorsh8ip in a country we are now celebrating democracy.

which were displayed before the court.

Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Chris Ajugwe, who is prosecuting the case with Anambra State Attorney-General’s fiat, Edet told the court that after the kidnap, a report came to the then state Commissioner of Police on October 17, 2009, that one Emeka Eze, a notorious armed robber/kidnapper who had been on police wanted list, was sighted in Asaba, Delta State.

He added that on getting the report, the police commissioner quickly set up an investigating team of policemen from SARS, including himself, and deployed them to fish out the wanted criminal sighted in Asaba.

He said in the process, a combined team of policemen and vigilante operatives, led by the late Emmanuel Ochiobi, the then Officer in-charge of SARS unit, Onitsha, swung into action and arrested Emeka Eze, a native of Nando in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State and took him to SARS headquarters, Awkuzu, where he was interrogated.

He said Emeka Eze made a confessional statement to the police, admitting that he and his gang members usually carried out armed robbery and kidnapping operations within Anambra and neighbouring states.

Sent-forth lunch for Most Rev Josiah Fearon

From left, Cardinal Onaiyekan, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, Alake Egbaland, and Most Rev Josiah Idowu Fearon, during Most Rev Fearon's sent-forth lunch on his appointment as the Secretary General of the World Anglican Communion, at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, yesterday. Photos: Wunmi Akinola

From left, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, and Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, Alake of Egbaland.

From left, Nda Isaiah, Publisher, Leadership Newspapers; Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, Chairman Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, Editor-in-Chief/GM, Vanguard (left), and Mr. Clem Baiye. TANUS Comunications (left), and wife, Chief Sade Ogunbiyi.

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015 —17

Addicted to drama!

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AST week, Nyesom Wike, h e Governor of Rivers State, orderedtheforcibleconfiscation of official vehicles that had been allocatedtoIbimSeminatari,his predecessor Rotimi Amaechi’s CommissionerforInformation.

Needless to say,newsreports (and accompanying photographs) relating to this dramatic vehicle seizure hit the headlines and are being hotly discussedbynewspaperreaders andpeoplewhofrequentonline websites like facebook.

Then, earlier on this week, it was announced that Wike has setupapaneltoprobeAmaechi.

And another print/broadcast/ social media frenzy ensued.

Several responsible and respectable Rivers indigenes have contacted me in recent days to say that they are tired of –andembarrassedby-theneverending theatricals that have turnedourstateintoacircusthat providestherestofNigeriawith livelyentertainment.AndIknow exactly how they feel.

For the past couple of years, Rivers State has been in perpetualturmoil,largelythanks to the former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, a native of the state.

HergrudgeagainstAmaechi andtoxic,confusionistassaults onhisadministrationcausedso much grief, destroyed her husband’s relationship with a Governor who had helped him conclusively win the 2011 election and attracted a vast amount of unconstructive attention, globally as well as within Nigeria.

She persuaded Mbu Joseph Mbu,thethenCommissionerof Police, to side with her; and he enthusiastically threw himself into the war against Amaechi and gleefully inflicted several well-publicisedindignitiesand illegalities on him.

Dame Patience also secured the support of Wike – who had once been Amaechi’s bosom buddy and Chief of Staff. Wike wasbynowtheMinisterofState for Education; and when he decided to turn on his ex-Oga and partner with other antiAmaechi elements, the wahala escalated alarmingly.

In2013,abunchofMadame’s t

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sidekicks invaded the State House of Assembly building in PortHarcourtinabidtoimpeach the Speaker and Governor.

Videos of the terrible fight that ensued were beamed around theworldtomillionsoffascinated viewers.

And I will never forget the day I attended an APC rally in Mrs Jonathan’s home town (Okrika) and nearly lost my life when thuggish PDP/Jonathan fans, who strongly objected to our presence, shot at the crowd of Buhari supporters.

I fell over and was trampled on during the desperate stampede to escape from the bullets that were ricocheting around the venue. And I only survivedtotellthistalebecause a very kind Somebody I didn’t know dragged me to safety.

But others were not as lucky as I was. Casualties included a policemanwhodiedduringthe fracas (I still have nightmares about seeing the poor man’s cold corpse stretched out in the backofapickup).Andajournalist was stabbed.

Needlesstosay,thisshocking incident generated a lot of horrified media coverage; and I added fuel to the publicity machine by expressing my anger about the violence to which I was subjected in this column and granting an interview to Al Jazeera, the international TV station.

Meanwhile,thanksyetagain to the Amaechi/Jonathan quarrel and bitter disagreements about whose candidate shouldor should not beappointedasourChiefJudge -courtsinRiversStatewereshut down for more than a year.

Now Wike has finally (following elections that were nowhere near free and fair) achieved his ambition of succeeding Amaechi. But the drama is far from over.

The APC is planning to challenge his victory at an upcoming tribunal; and he is

If I were in Wike’s shoes, I would forget about victimising my opponents, calmly concentrate on governance and prove my critics wrong by performing well

retaliating by lashing out at Amaechiandharassingsomeof his loyalists.

When will this warped, depressing, tumultuous, longrunningNollywoodmovieend?

WhenwillRiversStatequitbeing a source of feverish gossip and avoidable controversies…and cease to be a cause celebre for the wrong reasons?

Amaechi is my friend. And a real friend tells you the truth.

And, to his credit, he never complains when I say that he is not a saint and has made mistakes.

But Wike is also not the Archangel Gabriel by a long

•Gov Nyesom Wike

*A forklift moves an SUV away from the residence of former commissioner, Ibim Semenitari shot! And I wish he would ditch Dame Patience’s destructive script and resist the temptation toplayapoisonousandchildish tit-for-tatgamethatwillnotonly keepourstateinthespotlightfor negativereasonsbutaddnovalue tohisexistenceoranyoneelse’s.

I and many other Riverians havehadenoughoftheconstant commotion! And our distress about the recent past and status quo is not linked to our political affiliationsorpersonalinterests.

Some of us are PDP and chums ofWike.SomeofusareAPCand close to Amaechi. But such divisionsdonotmattertouswithin this context. We are all in the same camp when it comes to simply wanting the best for Riversandprayingthatourstate can move forward peacefully.

If I were in Wike’s shoes, I would forget about victimising my opponents, calmly concentrateongovernanceand prove my critics wrong by performing well, so that if the tribunaleventuallydecidesthat the guber election was flawed and must be re-run, I can stand a chance of winning the re-run fair and square.

A reader’s response

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AST week, I told you about a pal who cheated me and said that we should stop delegating full responsibility for corruption eradication to our leaders and punish dishonest folks whenever we encounter them in our day-to-day lives.

I received several responses but only have the space to publish one: From: “sparks99@hotmail.com” sparks99@hotmail.com You referred to your former friend’s underhand behaviour, which sadly to a large extent mirrors the crass misdemeanours inherent in Nigeria as a whole.

And I keep telling people that corruption is a grass-root vermin.

Corrupt leaders started out as “followers” who may have hidden their corrupt tendencies until they assumed positions of power.

And there are many others who just haven’t been given the opportunity to showcase their corrupt tendencies. Does this make them any less corrupt?

The mechanic who removes component(s) from your car to make sure you come back for

additional repairs is what? The domestic housemaid who nicks her boss’ change when sent on an errand is what? The businessman who inflates his contract tender for multiplied gains is what? The black marketers tripling the price of petrol to cash in on the recent scarcity are what? The list is endless.

And the common denominator here is that all of the above are the normal everyday people we deal with on a regular basis. So it’s not just the Nigerian leadership that’s corrupt. The followership is just as soiled, if not worse.

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, JUNE 26, 2015

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HE national identity management scheme has been a subject of controversies since it was first muted in 1976. Ministers have been jailed for allegedly accepting bribes over its implementation, contracts awarded and cancelled, but most importantly, it has never been concluded. The previous attempt over 10 years ago ended with heaps of undistributed cards at local government offices.

It is therefore important that the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, does not allow the current exercise – which we hope ends multiple identity cards for Nigerians – to fail. NIMC appears unprepared for the enormity of the task. It laid more emphasis on frequently mouthing the security importance of the national identity card than getting its work done.

The past few months saw NIMC enrolling high profile personalities in the scheme. Media images of the cards being delivered to past presidents, traditional rulers and ministers created the impression that NIMC was on target to deliver the cards – it was not.

A couple of factors are against NIMC and it

Our Final Identity Card should be the first to admit it. Nigerians have been inundated with identity cards in the last four years. They are no longer sure which card they should obtain. They are card fatigued.

In those years, Nigerians have changed passport, driver’s licence, banks captured their identities twice, telecommunication companies carried out similar exercises and many have not recovered from the bruises of obtaining the voter’s card. These have drained their resources and interests in identity cards.

More issues that lower interests in the exercise include the difficulties associated with obtaining the identity card. An indeterminate number of trips are required to obtain the card.

NIMC staff are either not available, or when they are, they may not be ready. Electronic enrolment suffers from associated challenges of using the internet, from electricity to literacy levels, in addition to the fact that a capturing of the applicant’s picture at an NIMC facility is still required. Rural Nigeria is hardly part of the exercise.

By last February, NIMC had enrolled six million people, less than six per cent of more than 100 million Nigerians (above 18 years) who qualify for the identity card. With the transition programme that occupied Nigerians since January, and the immediate demands of bank enrolment, it is unlikely that NIMC witnessed any dramatic changes in the number of Nigerians it has enrolled. We were therefore surprised to learn of NIMC’s decision to close the exercise in September. NIMC made the further pronouncement that by the end of September the national identity card would be the official identification document for Nigerians.

NIMC needs a more realistic deadline. Its major challenge would be to re-activate interest in the project.

OPINION In support of Innoson's revolution

By Chukwudi Enekwechi

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NNOSON Nigeria Ltd as many Nigerians know the company is the first indigenous company to start motor manufacturing, and today has become a source of pride to all Nigerians. Initially, many skeptics thought it was impossible to realise that dream until the company began to roll out different brands of vehicles such as buses, cars, trucks and refuse bin collectors.

Indeed they have become the pride of the nation to the extent that the revolution they led in the automobile sector helped to revive the whole sector. Presently, most world auto manufacturers like Nissan, Hyundai, Honda, Peugeot to name but a few are falling over themselves in trying to set up their manufacturing plants in Nigeria, rather than the former practice of merely using Nigeria as a marketing outlet.

There is no doubt that with the manufacturing which INNOSON pioneered, thousands of jobs have been created in those plants and more will come.

It is therefore disheartening that the Guarantee Trust Bank, GTB, will needlessly enter into a running legal battle with INNOSON over issues that many observers consider straight forward and not complicated. While I admit the legal right of GTB to institute legal action wherever it feels aggrieved in any matter, yet due to the compelling reasons of fast-

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tracking the country’s industrialisation, and helping government at all levels to create jobs, certain issues ought to be resolved with utmost dispatch without unnecessarily using delay tactics to frustrate the overall development of the nation.

For example, it is on record that there has been a running legal battle between INNOSON Nigeria Ltd and Guarantee Trust Bank over a garnishee order absolute granted by a Federal High Court, Lagos ordering GTB to pay INNOSON over N 2 billion from the account of Nigerian Customs. Regrettably since 2006 when the judgement was delivered, GTB has not complied, rather they have embarked on endless rigmarole of litigations with INNOSON. From my point of view this approach as legal as it is, does not augur well for the Federal Government’s objective of supporting local industries, and ultimate by

A situation where we use our privileged position to thwart the course of justice should no longer prevail as it portrays Nigeria as a lawless society

creating jobs for our teeming youths.

Furthermore, there is ample evidence that GTB had excessively overcharged INNOSON on his account with the bank.

In fact, in four court cases between both parties, in Lagos, Enugu and Awka, respectively INNOSON had floored GTB and in our collective desire to move the nation forward through industrialisation, it is expected that all hands should be on deck in supporting indigenous industrialists.

From available information, INNOSON has broken the jinx as far as motor manufacturing in Nigeria is concerned. In the past, it appeared as if this was impossible but with the determination of one man Nigeria has joined the league of motor manufacturers, and all they need is our support. INNOSON is a pride to the nation and all public institutions are duty bound to support the company. By doing so, the much talked about technology acquisition will happen in Nigeria.

A company that has created over 15,000 jobs for Nigerians ought to be given required incentives to continue to grow and expand the frontiers of our national development.

GTB on the their part should sheathe their sword and realise that as a bank they owe it as a duty to their numerous customers and clients. Constant bickering with their customers and clients will only create a bad image and cast them in bad light amongst the people.

They are expected to uphold certain sacred virtues as a responsible corporate body and at all times promote patriotic and nationalistic objectives.

In this era of rule of law and with the

emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerians are beginning to heave a sigh of relief that both government institutions, corporate bodies and private individuals will begin to obey the rule of law. A situation where we use our privileged position to thwart the course of justice should no longer prevail as it portrays Nigeria as a lawless society .

Due to the innovative moves of INNOSON, Nigerians can today buy a brand new car with only one million naira, whereas the foreign brands are in the range of three to four million naira. In this regard, we must ensure that such dream is not allowed to die; rather all efforts should be geared towards sustaining this singular attainment by INNOSON. Government on its part ought to support indigenous manufacturers by banning the importation of vehicles, and secondly by compelling all government institutions to patronise only locally made vehicles such as INNOSON. By so doing, jobs will be made available locally, capital will reduce, and Nigerians will begin to have practical knowledge of technology transfer and manufacturing.

Obviously, an import-dependent economy will do more harm than good to our economy and in this era of sharp drop in oil prices the only alternative which we must resort to revive the economy is industrialisation all well meaning people and institutions can only but support, and not undermine their growth.

Mr. Enekwechi, a public affairs anlyst, wrote from Abuja.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015— —19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

The Black Church

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WATCHED the video of a young African American lady in a Black Church in the United States waving a gun above her head like an American flag. I do not know whether the gun was loaded. But it was a clear message that she was ready for a shootout with any would-be mass murderer who might want to take on her congregation. She might also not be the only member carrying a gun in Her Father’s House Of Worship which may soon become an arsenal. I shudder at the possibility of accidental discharge of weapons in the House of God. A House of love and peace; a sanctuary for the heavily laden; a temple of worship and contemplation is becoming in ‘God’s Own Country’ a battle ground where as a black person, you have to ‘Stand Your Ground’ I wondered if 87-year old Susie Jackson, one of the nine victims of the June 9, 2015 shooting at the Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Charleston, South Carolina might have been alive, if she carried a gun. Would 21-year old white racist and terrorist, Dylan Storm Roof who shot the

nine, have picked the Black Church if he knew worshipers were armed? I doubt it because cowards like him fear for their lives. But should civilized people surrender their way of life because savages are on the prow?

I don’t think so.

However, the reality of the Black Church is an indication of deep crises in America as it exposes the great country as being quite racially segregated despite an Obama in the White House. It is incredible that only five percent of the churches in this largely Christian country, is racially integrated. The whites have a history of control, while the blacks fear a white take over were they to integrate churches.

It is an historical issue; White Americans who seized, bought and maintained Africans as slaves, were Christians. How could they sit in the same room for worship when the Holy Book says all humans are the children of the same God and that they are equal before the Father?

That automatically would have ended slavery. So the slave masters used portions of the Bible to justify slavery, while blacks used the Bible for salvation. How

does the priest preach one humanity for the slave and the slave owner? Certainly, blacks could not be contented when Christianity is interpreted in Eurocentric perspectives; so while many slave owners conceived of a white Jesus, the comprehension of many slaves was a black God that answereth

by Fire. The God that will come take them Home.

So during slavery, the Church became a refuge for the slave; it was both a religious, social and cultural sanctuary where he could be in control of his affairs even if only for a few hours. The Black Church became a place where they could reclaim their dignity and humanity and even develop their political strategies.

Booker .T. Washington, a great advocate of racial equality, in his 1909 book, “The Story Of The

The Black Churches became the centre of development and mobilisation for African Americans as they built schools, hospitals, recreation centres, shelter for the homeless and discussed the politics of their country. They became the bastion of Black Power

The International Criminal Court and Nigeria

By Clement Udegbe

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HE International Criminal Court (ICC),came as a result of calls and actions spanning over a century ago, with a proposal for a permanent court in response to the crimes of the FrancoPrussian War, which was followed by another call for an internationalised system of justice, to try the Kaiser and German war criminals of World War I, and following World War II, the Allies set up the Nuremberg and Tokyo tribunals to try Axis war criminals.

In 1948, the United Nations General Assembly (UN GA) adopted the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The conflicts in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia as well as in Rwanda in the early 1990s and the mass commission of crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide led the UN Security Council to establish ad hoc tribunals to hold individuals accountable for these atrocities, further highlighting the need for a permanent international criminal court, which culminated in the convention in June 1998, that established the ICC in Rome, Italy, creating the world's first permanent international court to prosecute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.

Some members, including America, United Kingdom, Russia, Korea, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Quatar, have withdrawn from the treaty. African heads of states stayed on like fools, while Charles Taylor of Liberia is serving a jail sentence from the ICC. Katanga the commander of the rebel group Front for

Patriotic Resistance of Ituri of DCR was found guilty of genocide recently. Laurent Gbagbo of Cote D’ivore, and Jean Pierre Bemba of the Central African Republic are facing trial at the ICC.Uhuru Kenyata of Kenya faced the humiliation of trial at the Hague, but overcame on technicality.

The ICC in pursuit of President Al-Bashir of Sudan,over Dafur,had issued an order for his arrest during an African Summit last week in South Africa, where a Court Order was procured to arrest the Sudanian President, but he sneaked out of the country before the Order could be enforced.

Who really would believe that South Africa would allow itself to be used to harass and embarrass an A U member president? Except perhaps in Nigeria where politicians have capacities to turn simple logic upside down, for their own gains and to please their western allies. If it were in Nigeria, they would have deployed all means to arrest the accused person, in over zealousness, to please their

Majorly, the ICC officials, with due respect have plans and strategies which serve only the purpose of their masters

Negro: The Rise Of The Race From Slavery” traced the official rise of the Black Church to Richard Allen and Absalom Jones, two slaves who had purchased their freedom.

They became preachers, and attended the St George’s Church, Philadelphia where the white congregation kept the blacks in the galleries.

But the two pastors were allowed to sit in the main church.

Washington narrates the breaking point: “The crisis was reached one Sunday morning when the attempt was made to move Jones and Allen from their accustomed places in the body of the church into the gallery, whereupon they and their followers rebelled and walked out” He described what happened next “On April 17, 1787, the coloured portion of this congregation formed, under the leadership of Allen and Jones, what was known as the Free African Society” In 1790, Allen and some of his followers established the Independent Methodist Church while Jones and his followers went to the Episcopal Church from which blacks, especially in New York and Baltimore soon withdrew to found their own churches. In 1794, some of the earliest Black Churches; St Thomas Church, Philadelphia and Bethel Church, were built.

By 1800, the break between the White and Black Churches became virtually irreversible.

The Black Churches became the centre of development and mobilisation for African Americans as they built schools, hospitals, recreation centres, shelter for the homeless and discussed the politics of their country. They became the bastion of Black Power.

Oyibo friends. They would have gone to the meeting venue or tried to ambush the accused or lay siege at his hotel or guest house, without passing through proper legal processes.

They would belch power, arrogance and lack of respect for the laws of the land, with threats that no court would stop them from arresting and extraditing the man accused by their foreign lords.

That was what they attempted to do to Senator Buruji Kashamu. I don’t support any form of crime, but we must respect the laws of our land, in the fight against crime.

They forget that our own courts are able, capable and must be respected and honoured by our law enforcement agents, and politicians.

Our politicians fail to learn from our neighbours in the African comity of nations. They and their lackeys are so selfish. When a court judgment is their favour, the judiciary becomes ' the last bastion of hope for our democracy' yet in defiance to the constitution , they run a whole term of their tenure without conducting local government elections.They, pay only lip service to the rule of law, like in Imo state, where the Governor is about to pull the state down in a blind but determined effort to continue to frustrate a final judgment of the highest court, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, over a matter involving a traditional ruler, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya.

This ICC was the same place that GMB was to be dragged to as we recall after the 2011 election results. Today, the man is our President. During the last campaigns some opposition politicians at that time invited or petitioned the ICC to investigate the wife of the sitting and ruling President, because she made a incendiary comment against them. One wondered that if her husband was not a man of peace who loved even his own enemies, he would have caused them to be arrested when

So when on Sunday mornings, Americans with their national motto: In God we Trust, carry their Bibles, they are conscious of their race; they head for the church their race attends. But for the white supremacist, the Black Church is a challenge to white power, therefore, a legitimate target.

It needs to be pointed out that not all African Americans accept Christianity; some see it as the religion of the white man.

Malcolm X, whose father, the Reverend Little was murdered on a railway track by white supremacists, said “The greatest miracle Christianity has achieved in America is that the black man in white Christian hands has not grown violent” Roof in carrying out the terrorist attack was trying to put fear in the African American people. He is reported to have shouted at his victims “You’re taking over our country” This is ironic as both white and black America are immigrants even if one came in the Mayflower and the other on the slave ship.

America is in dire need of salvation. A country where a man like Adam Lanza wakes up in the morning, shoots his mother in bed and walks to an Elementary school, Sandy Hook, to kill twenty children and six adults, is in urgent need of rebirth.

After the church shooting, President Barrack Obama lamented “this type of mass violence doesn’t happen in other advance countries”. But which other country has three hundred million guns in private homes? It is not military might, technological advances or economic power that makes a great nation; but the worth of every life in it.

they made seditious statements, about forming parallel governments if they lost the elections. What else other than chaos would have visited Nigeria if the wife of our president was arrested, or being investigated, for a campaign comment, when people were being killed in certain areas controlled by the same opposition party? If we are to go to the ICC for campaign comments, where should we go for broken campaign promises?

Majorly, the ICC officials, with due respect have plans and strategies which serve only the purpose of their masters.

Today, our President Buhari is going round seeking help from our so called allies, and they are promising heaven and earth, in support of fight against Boko Haram. These are the same people who refused to assist us, when their help would have been so useful. If they rendered their help when it was timely, we would have found the Chibok girls, and all the people and property destroyed and lost would have been saved and much damages averted.

If I sat back and watched armed robbers visit my neighbour’s house, I did nothing for my own reasons, and they robbed him, rapped his wife, carried away his virgin daughters after killing him , what kind of neighbour am I ? Should the family of my neighbour trust me thereafter? We should think deeper in our rush to find help from our allies.

The help and truth our politicians are looking for from overseas, is inside Nigeria. Former President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan,GEJ, has shown us that the peace some of our politicians were looking for from foreign allies is here in Nigeria. He gave Nigeria peace, by placing the value of Nigerian lives over his own ambition. Like this Otuoke son, we must learn to look inwards.

*Mr Udegbe, a legal practitioner, wrote from Lagos.

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20—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

Awka prison inmates cry out: Save us from starvation • Say: ‘Most of us are here for no just cause’

By Nwabueze Okonkwo, Onitsha

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HEY readily, albeit regrettably, acknowledge their unenviable status as prisoners, persons who have been found wanting by their action or conduct under the law and therefore condemned to live under confinement. But that has not stopped them from pressing for their right to continued existence. This obviously explains why inmates of the Awka prison in Anambra State have cried out to both the federal and Anambra State governments as well as private and public spirited individuals to come to their assistance before they die of hunger and penury while under the prison custody.

A self-acclaimed General Provost of the inmates who made the appeal on their behalf, identified hunger and starvation as one of their major problems.

He spoke at the weekend when a philanthropist, Mr Godwin Ezeemo, visited them to mark his 59th birthday anniversary with them.

They also listed lack of electricity supply, non-functional water bore-hole, lack of accommodation, and medical facilities as some of their problems, adding that some of them die for lack of proper care.

He regretted that most of the inmates were either jailed for an offence they did not know anything about or were thrown into prison because they had nobody or money to speak for them in minor counts. While thanking Ezeemo for choosing the prison yard as venue for his

birthday, they added that people like him deserve to be at the helm of government.

Earlier, Ezeemo had donated N250, 000 for the medical upkeep of inmates in Awka and Aguata prisons in Anambra State and promising to do more for their welfare.

Ezeemo, leader of Anambra State chapter of Progressive People’s Alliance, PPA and Publisher of Orient Magazine and Newspapers, noted that he chose to celebrate his birthday with the inmates of the two prisons in order to share with the down-trodden in the society.

According to him: “I feel fulfilled being here with you to celebrate my 59th birthday and also to know how you people are faring. Besides, I always like to add a new thing to my life. I came with a message of hope; that you can be the best you can be learning any trade or handiwork you can to better your chances of contributing positively to the society when you leave here.

“It is never the end of life, but

They also listed lack of electricity supply, nonfunctional water bore-hole, lack of accommodation and medical facilities as some of their problems

*Entrance gate into the Awka Prison a place to re-mould your character and refine you to become better and useful to the society,” he said.

The PPA leader also assured the inmates and authorities that he would look into their demands and see the little he could do as an individual.

“As an individual, I do not make promises, but I would take time to study your needs and see the little I could do as an individual.

And I know and pray that it would not be long the authorities (Federal Government) would remember these prisons and do the needful to make it a real reformation centre as it is found

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Dangerous crossing...Pedestrians, including a pregnant woman, dashing across the expressway instead of using the pedestrian bridge Photo Lamidi Bamidele C M Y K

*Ezeemo flanked by his children, Akachukwu(r) and Sochima in developed World,” he added. for fueling of their official vehicles The Anambra State Chairman for the conveyance of the inmates of PPA, Comrade Matthias to various courts and a lot of Ameke, who felicitated with other problems are affecting the Ezeemo, thanked him for his inmates adversely, adding that humanitarian gestures in as a result of lack of Anambra as well as his love to accommodation, some inmates help the down trodden. would go to sleep by 6 p.m. and In his response, the Deputy wake up by 12 midnight to give Comptroller of Prisons incharge others chance to sleep from 12 of Awka prisons, Matthew Kalu midnight to 6 a.m. in the thanked Ezeemo for his morning. He therefore urged philanthropic acts and urged Ezeemo and other publichim not to relent as God loves a spirited individuals and groups cheerful giver. Kalu informed to come to the assistance of the Ezeemo that the prison which inmates, since government does was built in 1904 with a capacity not have much to give. of hosting only 238 inmates, is Highlights of the occasion were currently hosting over 450 the cutting of the birthday cake, inmates, to the extent that the eating and dancing with inmates inmates sleep turn by turn as a in the two prisons as well as result of lack of accommodation, presentation of Paul Harris adding that lack of food and Fellow Award to Ezeemo by the accommodation, acute shortage President of Rotary Club of Awka of water and and poor electricity Metropolis, Dr Dennis supply have become their major Ekemezie, at the Awka Prisons. constraints in the prison .

He also identified lack of funds

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

Announcement: From left, Lufthansa PR Manager Sub-Sahara Africa, Hakeem Jimo, Lufthansa Vice President Sales and Services Africa, Southeast Europe and Middle East, Tamur Goudarzi Pour (middle), and Managing Director Sub-Sahara Africa Lufthansa German Airlines and Swiss International Air Lines, Claus Becker,during the announcement of Lagos as the center and regional headquarters of its Sub-Saharan sales, station and administration organization in Lagos .

Agents, Customs officials circumvent fast track cargo clearing process

By Godwin Oritse

CUSTOMS agents in connivance with officials of the Nigeria Customs Service are circumventing the fast track cargo clearing process at the nation’s sea ports.

Vanguard gathered that the issue of flying containers without recourse to paying accruable duties is being perpetrated mainly by some Customs officials at the Customs

$129.30

1. 60

$3,272.00

-18. 00

This crime is being car ried out on daily basis and even as I speak to you now it is going on

CBN okays Zinternet

$11.41 0.16

$64.03 -0.42

60.60 CURRENCY

BUYING

-0.41

CENTRAL

DOLLAR 195.9 196.4 196.9 POUNDS 308. 6992 309.4971 310.275 EURO 219.6627 220.2233 211.2202 FRANC 210.148 210.6844 211.2208 YEN 1.5809 1.5849 1.5889 CFA 0.3155 0.3255 0.3355 WAUA 275. 0427 275.7447 276.4467 RENMINBI 31.5546 31.6356 31.7166 RIYAL 52.2372 52.3705 52.5039 KRONA 29.4352 29.5103 29.5854 SDR 275.5138 276.217 276.9202

CBN Exchange Rate as at 25/ 06 /15

By Jonah Nwokpoku

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN has approved the acquisition of Nigeria’s mobile payment operator, Zinternet Nigeria Limited by online marketplace, Konga.com.

The transaction, concluded Tuesday now sees konga owning 100 per cent of Zinternet’s assets including its mobile money licence.

Konga did not disclose how much the acquisition cost.

This acquisition comes on the heels of the online marketplace’s strategic entry into electronic payment processing.Recall that barely a

Investigations Unit CIU and select staff of some terminal operators at the main gate said to be responsible for signing the Terminal Delivery Order TDO for these agents.

Recently, several containers were intercepted by some patriotic eagleeyed Customs officers and upon interrogations; the suspects claimed they belonged to a courier firm. It was further learnt that this fraud is mainly carried out at night.

Sources close to the command hinted that this daily fraud at both Ports has constituted a major source of leakage in the nation’s revenue generation drive; advising the federal government to reshuffle the officers at the main gate with a view

Konga’s

to checkmating this unpatriotic act.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a licensed agent who spoke to Vanguard, said if the government of President Muhammadu Buhari was actually out to fight corruption to a standstill, it should urgently beam its searchlight on both Ports adding that there is dire need to put a final stop to offloading ships at night. The source also opined that the federal government should revisit containers that had been flown out of the Ports via illegal fast tract in recent times saying that large sums of money could have been lost. “This crime is being carried out on daily basis and even as I speak to you now it is going on. This is strictly between some Customs officials at the CIU at the terminal, main gate and staffers of some terminal operators who write the Terminal Delivery Order for them; using the illegal fast track to move without paying duties on them. What is now obtainable is that genuine clearing agents no longer have business at these ports any longer because importers patronize those who could get their containers out as quickly as possible without paying the normal duties on them.”

The source therefore, wants the Comptroller-General of Customs, Alhaji Muhammed Dikko to constitute a discrete investigation committee to this effect assuring that within days, the committee would have unravelled those behind these shady deals at the ports. But in a swift reaction, the Public Relation officer in charge of Apapa port , Emmanuel Ekpa said the fact that containers leave the port at night does not mean that they were leaving illegally.He also told Vanguard that the Apapa Area one Command was already putting rejoinder to counter the report.

Speaking in similar vein, the Public Relation officer of the Tin-can Island port Mr Chris Osunkwo said that the report has shown that there is a need to educate the public on fast track procedure adding that some Customs agents does not understand the procedure of releasing cargoes through fast track.

He explained that with the fast track procedure, it is impossible to move any container out of t he port illegally.

acquisition

fortnight ago, Konga entered into partnership with seven commercial banks in the country to launch the KongaPay, an e-payment solution that allows users of the platform to pay directly without subscribing to internet banking.

In a statement, Konga said the acquisition of Zinternet is one of its ways of constantly seeking to facilitate trade and commerce in line with its motto of being the engine of commerce for Nigeria.

Speaking on the acquisition, Chief Executive Offcer of Konga.com, Sim Shagaya said: “We are excited to work with our banking partners to extend

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of

the reach of their services in driving the adoption of cashless payment solutions. As merchants ourselves, we know firsthand the frictions involved in transactions processing and we look forward to exploring how our banking partnerships could eliminate this friction not just for Konga, but also for SMEs around the country.”

He added: “Konga hopes to play a major role in realizing the central bank’s vision of driving Nigeria towards a cashless society. Konga plans to bring its high levels of innovation and energy to advancing the Nigerian financial services landscape.”

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

•SEMINAR: From left, Head of Investments, Vetiva Fund Managers Ltd, Oyelade Eigbe; Head, Equity Biased Funds, Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Ltd, Efe Omoduemuke; Head, Product Management, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Dipo Omotoso; Portfolio Manager, Lotus Capital Limited, Mr. Ndako and Executive Director, Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Ltd, Shuaib Audu at the Exchange Traded Funds (ETF) seminar at the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Shareholder panies’ Shareholderss raise alarm o ovver com companies’ un wholesome activities with NOTAP unwholesome Stories by Peter Egwuatu

S

HAREHOLDERS under h e aegis of Proactive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, PROSAN have raised alarm over some companies unwholesome activities with National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion, NOTAP. The National Coordinator, PROSAN, Mr. Oderinde Taiwo, who confided in Vanguard that a company quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE (name withheld) has been involved in these kinds of unwholesome activities by using its foreign partners to siphon funds meant for all shareholders of the company and the country in general under the guise of technology advisory and support services.

In a statement made available to Vanguard, Taiwo said “With the coming of new regime of President Muhammadu Buhari, the local investors in Nigeria would like the presidency, Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, Securities and t

Exchange Commission, SEC and Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN to pay closer attention to the activities of the NOTAP because they can serve as a conduit pipe to our national economy.”

The shareholders’ group

Every year, some dubious companies will make claims of purchase of large amount of equipment and spare parts from the government, without proper verification by NATOP

stated that they have observed that genuine companies with their foreign partners have to pay for management fees, technical fees, and support charges among others to carry on their businesses, stressing that some

Capital Bancorp shareholders okay N61m dividend zReturns to profitability

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HAREHOLDERS of Capital Bankcorp Plc have endorsed the proposed N61 million dividend proposed by its Board of Directors for the financial year ended December 31, 2014, just as the board assures of growth prospects given improved operating environment.

The shareholders of company at the 27th Annual General Meeting held in Lagos on Thursday commended the Board and Management for

Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund rated Aa(f) for 4th consecutive year

I

N recognition of its steady performance and prudent management, Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund, one of the six mutual funds managed by Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited and regulated by the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) has been assigned a fund rating Aa(f) for the 4th consecutive year.

The evaluation by foremost Nigerian credit rating agency, Agusto & Co., is based on the quality of the prudent investment guidelines and risk management approach adopted in the management of the Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund with respect to interest rates and

credit risks. This is the highest rating so far conferred on a mutual fund managed in Nigeria by Agusto & Co. The Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund is currently the largest open-ended mutual fund managed by Stanbic IBTC Asset Management. The fund invests its assets in low risk money market securities with financial institutions in Nigeria rated “A” and above by a local rating agency recognized by the Securities & Exchange Commission.

According to Agusto & Co., the rating denotes a fund with “minimal exposure to downside risk (i.e. impairment of the net asset)”. The rating for the fund, which was established in 2009,

other dubious companies who do not have any genuine arrangements with foreign partners and ratified by shareholders are using the same means to siphon money meant for the companies.

According to the group “For example, every year some dubious companies will make claims of purchase of large amount of equipment and spare parts from the government, without proper verification by NATOP.” To this extent, PROSAN stated “We want NOTAP operation to be closely monitored for transparency, betterment of our economy and for the protection of local investors in our quoted companies.

In India, you cannot just take out a dine from that country anyhow without thorough screening unlike in our country where we have porous and inefficient system. A porous and inefficient NOTAP will result to a continous leakage of our resources if not properly checked.”

It should be noted that Nigeria requires identification of her researchers and inventors; creation of an enabling environment and to initiate strategies to protect all the stakeholders and their creative works. The Federal Government of Nigeria, in recognition and appreciation of the above facts, established the Science and Technology Ministry with its various parastatals and agencies. The NOTAP is one of the parastatals.

NOTAP’s mission and, statutory mandates include: Evaluation/ Registration of Technology Transfer Agreements; Promotion of Intellectual Property; Technology Advisory and Support Services.

was also supported by the good quality of the underlying assets which are in line with SEC guidelines for money market funds.

Chairman of Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited, Mr. Yinka Sanni, said the company will continually leverage its robust risk management framework to safeguard its investments and ensure optimal return for investors in the company’s mutual funds. This, he said, is anchored on strict adherence to global best practices by the fund manager.

“We are excited at Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited that the Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund has been rated Aa(f) for the fourth consecutive year by Nigeria’s leading credit rating firm.

returning to profitability in spite of the harsh operating environment it operated upon during the period under review.

Capital Bancorp declared a gross dividend of N61, 308 million after posting a profit after tax of N78, 011 million in its 2014 financial year as against a loss of N132 Million in 2013. The new dividends translate into eight kobo per share.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr.Aigboje Higo attributed the impressive performance to consistent and focused implementation of the company’s strategic plan, dynamic board and innovative management team and effective and efficient management of resources among others.

Higo explained thus: “These attributes which revolve around provision of innovative professional financial services are consistent with our mission statement and would continue to sustain the company’s competitive edge irrespective of the nature of the operating environment in the current financial year”.

Addressing the shareholders at the company’s Annual General

Meeting (AGM) in Lagos ,the Chairman of the company, Mr. OlutolaMobolurin explained that the company’s performance is better appreciated against the background of the inclement operating environment characterized by high operating cost and weak purchasing power.

According to him “The Nigerian stock market performance in 2014 was lackluster.

The high guaranteed returns in the money and bond markets did not serve the interest of the stock market as many investors stayed off the market. The market recorded a net outflow of about N154.14 billion in December 2014 as against N20.48 billion net inflow in December 2013.”

Mobolurin said.

Explaining some of the positive developments in the company during the review period, Mobolurin noted that in line with the regulatory directive to operate a finance house business under a separate entity, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has transferred the company’s finance house license to its wholly owned subsidiary, Bancorp Finance Limited.

Also, another subsidiary is fully operational.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015 — 23

By Leke Adeseri

Revamp cassava processing companies, AFAN tells FG

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IGERIA is receiving more positive global attention.

Beginning from the immediate past regime, one sector stood out in global reckoning about Nigeria: that is agriculture. In the June 20, 2015 edition of the Economist magazine, an article on Nigeria was titled ‘After Oil’. The article stated amongst other things that falling oil prices have left a deep hole in the government’s finances, but the economy is beginning to diversify. Furthermore, the magazine argues that investment in agriculture carries more promise compared to other sectors.

It is no news that Nigeria’s agriculture is on the rise and the average Nigerian sees the sector as one that is working and a bright spot of former President Jonathan’s government. Even the prestigious Economist in the aforementioned article recognized that ‘although the Naira has fallen sharply against the dollar, food inflation has not speeded up as it usually does when the currency weakens because Nigeria has vastly expanded its own food production over the past few years.’

To further quote the Economist ‘to be fair to Mr Jonathan’s government, his agriculture minister, Akinwumi Adesina, one of the few stars in a generally lacklustre cabinet… pulled the government out of the corruption-ridden business of distributing fertilizer and seeds to poor farmers, introducing smart cards and electronic vouchers distributed through mobile phones. Almost overnight he (Dr Adesina) eliminated a major source of corruption and created booming private markets that attracted investment by big agricultural suppliers’.

There is no gainsaying that Nigerian agriculture found a champion in Dr Adesina, who has moved on to become President of the African Development Bank, whose legacy has to be sustained.

Under Dr Adesina’s watch, national food production grew by 21million MT between 2011 and 2014. As a consequence, there was a sharp reduction in food imports. According to National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s food import bill fell from an all-time high of N3.19 trillion in 2011 to N635billion in 2013; a 403% reduction. Direct farm jobs rose by 3.56 million in the period 2012 to 2014 due to interventions in Agriculture.

For the first time in the country’s history, a farmer database of over 14.5million farmers was amassed and used to efficient deliver inputs and services to farmers. Total number of verifiable farmers – complete with address, phone number, crop grown, etc, that redeemed farm inputs from 2012-2014 was 14.3million farmers. The north-western region of the

D

A farmer at work

Agriculture: Buhari needs to sustain Adesina’s legacies country accounted for the highest redemption, 30% of the total, followed by the north-east (22%), north central (17%), south-south (12%), south-west (11%), and south east (9%).

The efficient delivery of inputs to farmers combined with other interventions in commodity value chains has led to a sharp growth in productivity, primary production, processing capacity, and net value going to farmers. An estimated additional N778billion has gone to rural farmers as a result of increased productivity from the use of improved seeds and fertilizer. Seed companies have grown in number from 11 in 2010 to 134 to 2014, while $5billion new investment has gone into the fertilizer sector.

The seed and fertilizer sector leveraged loans worth N40billion from banks in 2014 alone who now see the agricultural sector as an area of worthy investment.

With the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA), the country’s agriculture began an

The efficient delivery of inputs to farmers combined with other interventions in commodity value chains has led to a sharp growth in productivity, primary production, processing capacity, and net value going to farmers

unmistakable path to greatness that has to be sustained at all costs. Input distribution under ATA rose from 1.5million farmers in 2012 to nearly 7 million farmers in 2014 and reached 14.5million farmers in three years; Nigeria can easily reach another 32 million farming households by 2019, at a rate of 8 million farming household per year.

Besides, the input delivery programme, the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme, is transitioning from cell phones to smart card technology (Near Field Technology) that enables farmers combine access to inputs with bank cards and linkage – for financial inclusion and delivery of inputs, micro credit and loans to farmers, and identity management. Farm inputs, credit, and markets will greatly expand food and nutrition security of Nigerian farming households with the concomitant effect on improved livelihoods of farmers nationwide.

But perhaps the most spectacular story of ATA that needs to continue has been in the production of seeds of improved varieties; seeds of high yielding varieties that have been described as the engine of modern agriculture. Nigeria, a country with a farmer population exceeding 50 million farmers, produced and sold a pittance 14,788MT of seeds in 2011. By 2014, this had risen to 170,692MT, a 1,054% increase, emanating from 134 seed companies, including the returniing two largest seed companies in the world, Monsanto and Syngenta.

ATA has set commodity value added chains of key staples in Nigeria on a path toward recovering our enviable position of the 1960s. To take a few examples: the NBS had it that

rice paddy (raw material for milled rice) production was 5.3millionMT in 2011, rising to 7 million MT in 2014 and poised to rise to 12 million by 2019 if ATA continues.

Besides, rice mills are expected to add another 2 million MT of milling capacity by 2017 and end rice importation.

It is shameful for a country like Nigeria to import rice.

Wheat production was 80,000MT in 2011 before ATA but peaked at close to 235,000 in 2014. If ATA continues, the target is for Nigeria to produce 600,000MT of wheat grain by 2019, drastically reducing our wheat imports and bringing back life to the violence and poverty-ravaged wheat producing areas of Borno State and north-eastern Nigeria.

Same also applies to cash crops: before ATA, Nigeria produced a mere 125,000MT of cotton lint. By 2014, production had risen to 240,000MT and set to rise to 500,000MT by 2019 should ATA be sustained.

The story is the same with cocoa, oil palm, soybean, maize, and many other crops.

In concluding, continuing Dr Adesina’s reforms is good for the current administration headed by President Buhari. It will help him deliver quick wins to Nigerians with respect to food security, employment, and diversification of the economy away from oil. Furthermore, if he appoints somebody who is conversant with the ATA programme and who has confidence and respect of the private sector investors, banks, donors, and the farmers, the country will seamlessly continue the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme in the 2015 wet season by July 2015 – ensuring that farmers get enough seeds and fertilizer to maintain the same acreage planted last year and ensure

r Tunde Arosanyin, the National Technical Adviser, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), has advised the Federal Government to revamp the abandoned Cassava processing companies spread across the country.

Aronsayin, who gave the advice in an interview in Abuja during the week, said cassava is a main source of carbohydrate for dietary requirement needs and a regular source of income for most rural dwellers and should not be neglected.

“If the processing companies are not urgently revamped to boost the subsector, Nigerians may have to face imminent scarcity of cassava in the market soon.

“We have the Nigeria Starch Manufacturing Companies producing below 30 per cent capacity across the country while some processing centres have been completely shut for a long time now.

“With this development, there will be no more cassava for consumption next year and the price for the little available would increase; this is not good for our agricultural growth,” he warned.

Arosanyin explained that the price of the commodity in the market had already dipped by about 30 per cent, forcing farmers to sell their produce at a loss and take a break from production.

He said that the crash in the price might be as a result of low quality of the commodity and unstable market price of cassava in the open market.

He said many farmers had chosen to plant alternative products that would sell having been discouraged from planting cassava this farming season due to the unstable price of the commodity in the market.

“Presently, the cost of cassava production compared to the price the commodity is being sold in the market is not encouraging.

“The market price for cassava per kilogramme is around N7 whereas the cost of production is about N10; this has left many cassava farmers in great loss.

“By this time last year, a kilogramme of cassava was sold for N20 (twenty two naira) and the cost of production then was much less,” he said.

Arosanyin appealed to all relevant authorities to urgently look into the challenge being faced by farmers and address such in good time to enable them to remain in the farming business.

24 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

head of the OPS, we will ensure that our feasibility and advocacy role would be enhanced and we would ensure that the interests of all business operators in the country are taken care off.

How govt can make rubber industry bounce back —Bassey Edem

By Franklin Alli

O

n June 4, 2015, Chief Bassey Edem was elected the 55 th National President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA. In this inter view, he explained what he hopes to achieve for the body; the main challenge the Organised Private Sector is facing, among other issues of economic importance.

Following are the excerpts: Congratulations on your recent election as president of NACCIMA. Thank you very much.

What motivated you to join the membership of NACCIMA; when and under which category - individual or corporate?

I have been a corporate member of the Chamber of Commerce Movement for almost three decades now.

First as a member of the Calabar Chamber of Commerce in the early 1980’s then I was the Managing Director of PAMOL Nigeria Ltd, a subsidiary of Dunlop Nig. Plc. I rose to become the President of the Calabar Chamber of Commerce in 1996.

The Chamber of Commerce movement is a platform for Business Advocacy and Networking and business organisations should of necessity long to be a part of the Chamber movement otherwise they would be short changing themselves, missing out on Networking, and even some government policies and initiatives might not be possible for them to connect with.

These were the reasons for PAMOL joining the platform.

This passion continued even after my retirement from PAMOL. Looking at your background-chartered accountant, administrator, industrialist, how would you bring your expertise to bear on NACCIMA over the next two years?

Let me quickly point out here that I have been on the hierarchy of the highest decision making organ of NACCIMA for quite some time, therefore I have been involved in the programmes C M Y K

•Chief Bassey Edem, National President NACCIMA and activities of the Association; this is also in addition to my being at the top management levels of several multinational companies in the country. Combining these experiences would aid my aspiration in moving the Chamber movement to its enviable heights of being ‘The Voice of Business in Nigeria.’

A

re you satisfied with the level of NACCIMA’s advocacy with the public sector?

If so, what government policies you have influenced to improve the fortunes of local industries and indeed the private sector in the last four years; what are your priority areas for the Association?

The NACCIMA as a Business Membership Organisation (BMO) has done fairly well in its advocacy role in recent time, although we can always do better. The Association has played a leading role in the initiation of some of the intervention funds of the Federal Government, and through our Pre Budget memorandum to the Federal Government we have been able to influence some budgetary decisions over the years.

We observe that the Organised Private Sector, OPS, of which NACCIMA is a member, is not active as a body on issues affecting the economy and the private sector. This is despite the enlargement of the body from three to five. What is your take on this; now that NACCIMA is the Secretariat of the OPS, how are you going to address this?

The OPS has been actively involved in the economic programmes of the Federal Government, it is important to note here that NACCIMA and some other OPS members are members of some of the Federal Government Board and Parastatals and through this we have been able to influence some decisions. The complexity of Nigerian system which had led to the proliferation of several groups being referred to as “Organised Private Sector ” with different agenda and interest has hampered some of these efforts. Let me emphasise here, that the real OPS comprises of N A C C I M A , M A N , NECA,NASSI and NASME, and we have been representing the interest of the generality of the Nigerian Business Community. At this time that NACCIMA is the

The complexity of Nigerian system which had led to the proliferation of several groups being referred to as Organised Private Sector with different agenda and interest has hampered some of these efforts

We heard that the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission is coming out with new tariffs to be effective July 2015 to 2018; What is your reaction to this, having in mind that consumers are not getting value for power supply?

N A C C I M A’ s position on this issue is that the Electricity Provider must justify the tariff being levied their consumers, while the regulatory commission ensures that due process are followed for increase in tariff. In as much that the investors in the Power Sector should not run at a loss, there should be value for what consumers are being asked to pay for. All I am saying in clear term is that electricity consumers must enjoy a sustainable degree of regular power supply.

Y

ou once presided over the natural rubber association of Nigeria and a council member of international rubber study; what is the current state of the rubber industry in Nigeria and what is Nigeria’s share of the global rubber industry?

The rubber industry in Nigeria is actually underutilised, considering the abundance of the cash crop in the country. This situation arose from the total neglect of rubber industry since the discovery of oil in the country.

Rubber which used to be the fourth largest foreign exchange earner for Nigeria after crude oil, hide and skin and cocoa, has since been neglected by previous governments.Nigeria’s share of the global market has actually dropped significantly away from what it used to be in the 80s.

Equally due to some previous policies some of the rubber related industries relocated from Nigeria but is room for improvement, especially now that the Federal Government is keen on diversifying the economy.

It is our firm belief that the present government would create an enabling environment for the rubber industry to further find room to operate in the Nigerian economy.

BRIEFS Lagos international trade fair to hold at three locations

By Naomi Uzor

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agos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, has concluded plans to host this year’s edition of Lagos International Trade Fair at three different locations in the state.

It will hold from Friday, 6th to Sunday, 15th November.

The Chairman Trade Promotion Board, Dr. Olawale Cole, stated this during the public presentation of the prospectus tagged, ‘Enhancing Value Addition in the Non oil Economy.’

According to him, in response to the requests, aspirations and yearnings of their exhibitors and customers, the trade fair will this year, wear a new look with the plan to present three different venues, within the same period.

“The chamber has taken another bold step this year, by expanding the scope of the LITF and for ten days, we will turn the heart of Lagos Island into a retinue of business festivities, with events holding simultaneously at Tafawa Balewa Square, which hosts the general interest business -tocustomers fair and exhibition ; Muson centre, will host the corporate and business-tobusiness exhibition while Freedom Park on Broad street will host the Lagos Creative Industry Fair, tagged, “Eko Akete”, “ he disclosed.

Mantrac warranty used Caterpillar products

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antrac Nigeria Limited said it has secured six months warranty for used Caterpillar products.

In a statement, Used and Rental Equipment Sales Manager, Greg Obioha, disclosed that customers can now purchase and rent a widerange of Caterpillar machines at affordable prices with special discounts, adding that the equipment now comes with a six month warranty.

Commenting on the quality of the used equipment on sale, Obioha stated that the fact that the used machines are coming with a six months warranty “shows that we are very confident of the standard and quality of the machines we are selling. When it comes to reliability, Caterpillar machines are top-class performers.” He stressed that one of the aims of displaying the equipment is to educate Nigerians on the rudiments and choices that are available in the used equipment market, pointing out that when buying used equipment, there are certain indices that need to be put into consideration to determine that the buyer is not taking so much risk.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015—25

•Saraki: Senate President

•Dogara: Speaker, House of Reps

HOW APC’S PROPOSALS DISTORT FEDERAL CHARACTER PRINCIPLE

•Buhari: Under pressure to name aides

How APC is drifting and drifting YESTERDAY’S nauseating rumpus in the chamber of the House of Representatives again brought to the fore questions about the unity and preparedness of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC for governance.

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

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HILE Nigerians continue to wait with patience as President Muhammadu Buhari comes to grips with the process of governance, not few are amused by the incoherence of the ruling party in getting its majority in the two chambers of the National Assembly to settle down to the process of governance.

Reflective of the disarray in the ruling

party, the APC has been unable to come up with its full complement of principal officers in the two chambers of the National Assembly.

It is the longest time since the advent of the Fourth Republic that the National Assembly has not been able to showcase its principal officers. Even when the Senate came up with its Leader in the person of Senator Ali Ndume from Borno and his deputy, Senator Bala Ibn Nallah from Kebbi, it was another humiliation for the

SENATE The APC’s stance on George Akume as Deputy Leader will mean the North-Central getting two positions and the South-South nothing.

HOUSE The stance on Gbajabiamila as House Leader will mean the Southwest getting two positions and the NorthCentral and Southeast getting nothing.

The humiliation was in the sense that the party had insisted on proclaiming the leaders for the two chambers, something that has not been done before

articulated by the leadership would have meant that the South-South geopolitical zone would be missing in the body of principal officers of the Senate, a fact many senators had pointed out to the national leadership, albeit to no avail.

That was essentially because Akume, who was proposed as deputy leader comes from the same North-Central geopolitical zone as the Senate President.

In the House the Chief John OdigieOyegun led leadership had also written requesting the nomination of Femi Gbajabiamila, who lost to Senator Yakubu Dogara in the race for speaker as House Leader.

Like the choice of Akume, the proposal for the election of Gbajabiamila from the Southwest would have meant that the region would have produced two members from the party in the leadership with the North-Central and the Southeast being denied an office.

The inclination has inevitably led to suggestions of marginalisation from some sections of the party, particularly from the areas sidelined.

The North-Central caucus in the House led by Rep. Ahman Pategi from Kwara State at a press conference on Wednesday fumed that the party took the decision to name persons to the various positions without consulting them expressing shock in the action of their party which they claimed should not be seen to be preferring individuals or zones over another.

Pategi who was flanked by about 20 other members from the zone said: “We are also amazed by the directive of the party to the leadership of the House to take necessary action on the purported choice by the party, which we see as a clear usurpation of the powers of the zonal caucuses and their members as guaranteed by the constitution and the standing rules of the House of Representatives.

“We, therefore, strongly reject the

national leadership of the ruling party.

The humiliation was in the sense that the party had insisted on proclaiming the leaders for the two chambers, something that has not been done before.

While the chaos was ongoing in the House yesterday, the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki announced Ndume and Nallah as the leaders presented by the Northeast and Northwest caucuses of the party. The APC caucus in the Senate had earlier zoned the office of the Senate Leader and Deputy Leader to the Northeast and Northwest and in voting among the senators from the two zones, the two names emerged.

However, the party had preferred its poster boy, Senator Ahmad Lawan who vied with Saraki for the senate presidency for the office of Senate Leader, a move that was rejected by Lawan’s own zone who voted Ndume by nine votes to the two votes scored by Lawan.

Besides, the party in a letter to Senator Saraki had also demanded that another loyal senator, Senator George Akume be returned as Deputy Senate Leader and Senator Sola Adeyeye (Southwest) as Chief Whip and Senator Abu Ibrahim (Northwest) be returned as Deputy Chief Whip. The zoning permutation as

Continues on page 28

26—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

After four elections, Buhari should've hit the ground running — Agada, former minister

By Peter Duru

PROF. Jerry Agada was a former Minister of State for Education in the immediate past administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Adviser to former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Secretary of the party’s Elders Committee in Benue State. In this interview, he spoke on why his party suffered a massive defeat at the last general elections and several other issues. Excerpts:

W

HAT is the fate of your party, the Peoples Democratic Party after its poor showing at the last elections?

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is not dead. The party will bounce back. If not for the manner we practice our democracy in this part of the world, for a party to have been in power for a period of 16 years, to me it is long enough. There is nothing strange about it.

We’ve noticed defections from the PDP to the APC. Why? This is democracy where you have freedom of virtually everything; you are free to associate, to move and all that. So people are moving in line with the dictates of their hearts. But I do not understand why people will start moving because an election has been lost then somebody wants to move to the party that won.

Maybe such persons may have forgotten that the party that won had been in opposition for 16 years while the PDP held sway. Why did they not abandon their opposition stance and drift into the then ruling party to establish a one party state? This thing depends on principles. You have to be principled to be able to be focused and also know what to do at a time.

In the first place, opposition is also good because you are contributing to the governance of the country and state. When you keep the ruling party on its toes to deliver, it means as an opposition politician you are also contributing to good governance. So anybody who is defecting is doing so based on his understanding of politics.

I as a person I cannot defect, because we were in power for 16 years and went to an election but suffered defeat.

•Agada: PDP is not dead

How would you rate President Buhari thus far?

Ordinarily, with the mantra of change that brought in this administration, my thinking was that by now we would have taken some steps that would have been far reaching in terms of talking about change.

That is in terms of hitting the ground running. Buhari is trying, at least he has made journeys to Chad, Niger and so on, in trying to arrest the issue of insurgency. He has also directed that the military command should move to affected areas.

These are good steps. But on the other hand, this is somebody who has in the last 16 years contested elections. So, one was thinking that with his determination to rule the country, he must have articulated things as they affect this country and have it at the back of his hands so that as soon as the power is entrusted on him, he moves with the speed of light to tackle them.

We thought that he would have hit the ground running. But that is not the case at the moment. When we talk about security, it is one of the barrages of problems we have in this country. I’ll give you an example of what I’m saying, during the campaigns, much was spoken about the APC’s blue print and Nigerians

were given high hopes that the moment he becomes the President, things would start falling into place.

We thought that apart from the pursuit of the Boko Haram matter, so many other things would have come. But unfortunately that is not the case at the moment.

We were thinking that by now, after the approval the Senate gave for the appointment of Advisers, the President would have made the appointments of these people who should help in the administration of the country but that is not the case.

As far as I’m concerned the President has not hit the ground running. This does not mean that he is not doing his best. Though individuals have their peculiar ways of tackling issues. But it is said that to whom much is given, much is expected.

Don’t you think that the expectations from Nigerians are too high?

If the expectations are high, well it said that as you make your bed so you lie on it. If you had created an impression before the people about your capabilities, they would have no option but to expect much from you given the impression you had already created.

The expectation cannot be too much because we know that he was

prepared for this assignment. Don’t blame Nigerians for the high expectations. We wanted change and he also promised that change, it is that change that we are expecting.

There should be no blame shifting and excuses because Nigerians would not listen to that. We all want action

The APC is a party of strange bed fellows. As far as I’m concerned, the PDP is the only formidable party in this country

as promised Nigerians.

Nobody would back down on the expectations arising from the promises that had been made. Take for instance, you said every unemployed Nigerian would be entitled to a stipend of about N5,000, we will certainly applaud it if you are able to do it.

But if the change didn’t actually come and things remain as they were, then what is the change mantra that we are talking about.

Let there be change; no excuses.

Because you must have done your analysis before embarking on promises. The belief of the average Nigerian is that these promises were not said for nothing. The party must have done its homework in one way or the other. It is now the result of that home work that Nigerians are eagerly awaiting.

Indeed I’m looking at them as change agents, people who are very creative in their ability to turn things around, in line with what they made us believe.

Do you fear that the APC could crumble upon the crisis arising from the National Assembly leadership contest?

The APC is a party of strange bed fellows. As far as I’m concerned, the PDP is the only formidable party in this country. Over the years parties tried to wrestle power from the PDP and they couldn’t. So people of different political beliefs, principles and ideologies decided to assemble themselves together in order to wrestle power from the PDP no matter the method used. So CPC, ANPP, APGA, ACN and the rest of them gathered to wrestle the power, but the problem is how do they sustain it?

See how they could not organize themselves properly during the elections of the National Assembly leadership. That clearly tells you that more crises would still come. So they should know that it is not just enough to wrestle power.

How would you react to the allegation by the ruling APC in Benue state that the out gone PDP administration led by Gabriel Suswam ran the state aground leaving unpaid salaries and huge debts.

Such allegations are everywhere across the country, that is definitely not what Nigerians what to hear at this moment. We expect that our new leaders would rather use their ingenuity to right the wrongs rather than lamentations and blame shifting. It is a question of translating the lamentations to concrete action.

Our local proverb says a woman who craved to wear beads on her waist should have a big enough waist line or buttocks to carry the beads.

So if you want to govern you must be ready to face the challenges and obstacles.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015—27

•Umana: APC governorship candidate in Akwa

Ibom State

•Peterside: APC governorship candidate in Rivers

State

•Aisha: APC governorship candidate in Taraba

State

RELOCATION OF TRIBUNALS:

Seeking justice from home THE relocation of Election Petition Tribunals from Akwa-Ibom, Rivers and Taraba States to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja is currently generating controversy in the affected states.

By Gbenga Oke

V

ARIOUS reasons have been adduced as being responsible for the development, which some argue was done in bad faith.

The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, had cited security concerns for the relocation.

Deborah Musa, secretary of the tribunal had said that Justice Ishaq Bello, acting Chief Judge

of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, approved the FCT High Court, Apo, as the secretariat and trial court for the tribunals.

In Rivers and Akwa Ibom, insecurity was cited as being responsible.

Rather than addressing the fears of the people, the supposed rationale only ignited fresh round of antagonism between the leading political parties, All

Progressives Congress, APC, and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The APC which lost elections in the three states is leaving no stone unturned at ensuring that they upturn the elections they claimed were massively rigged by the PDP. Since the relocation saga began, both parties have been throwing tantrums at each other with the PDP accusing the ruling party of planning to wrestle key

decision remained lawful given the reasons cited.

“Once violence is threatened or there is likelihood of break-down of law and order, there is no reason why the safety of its members that the tribunal cannot sit elsewhere. Don’t forget that by sitting in Abuja it does not lose its nomenclature or its character. It remains the state’s election tribunal; it’s only that there is a sitting somewhere else for the purpose of security. There is nothing wrong about that” he said.

But another legal practitioner, Mr. Armstrong Chinagorom, who is a senior Legal and Advocacy Officer, International Centre for

South-South states from the party.

The APC had maintained that the PDP is afraid of its shadows having allegedly rigged the elections.

Lawyers are not also left out in the argument.

In his submission, human rights activist, Mr Festus Keyamo, said since it was the Chief Justice of Nigeria that ordered the relocation, the

Zoning saved A’Ibom from succession crisis — BASSEY

By Charles Kumolu MR. Bassey James was a member of Dr. Goodluck Jonthan’s presidential campaign committee. He is also the Chancellor, Akpabio Centre for Leadership and Founder, Southern Youths Development Forum. In this interview, he calls on the people of Akwa Ibom State to eschew bitterness and support the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel. He also spoke on other issues. Excerpts:

D

o you think that zoning arrangement of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was partly responsible for Udom’s victory in Akwa Ibom?

The zoning system represents equity. If you look at Delta, Akwa Ibom, and other states where people wanted change and justice zoning was used to ensure that every one was carried along.

All these worked in favour of

•James

the PDP. So, zoning was useful to the PDP in Akwa Ibom and other states because it allowed for justice and equity.

Can we know how zoning really addressed the concerns of the electorate in Akwa Ibom?

If you look at Akwa Ibom State again, you will discover that just like all the states in Nigeria, we have three senatorial districts.

Uyo which is the capital,

produced Victor Attah in 1999.

He ruled for eight years. Sen Godswill Akpabio who is from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District ruled from 2007 to 2015. The natural thing based on justice and equity was for power to shift to Eket. And Eket people in collaboration with Akwa Ibom leaders agreed, because it started from Attah who wanted power to shift to Ikot Ekpene and the whole people said, yes, power must shift to Ikot Ekpene. Afterwards, power shifted to Eket. It will interest you to know that Eket is the basket that carries the wealth of the state and the wealth of Nigeria.

The natural thing that must happen is that Eket should produce the governor. And Eket has produced the governor. I think our brothers from Uyo and Ikot Ekpene should also wait because power is coming back to Uyo. That is how it should be.

We are from Eket and are not slaves. We are also entitled to produce the governor. It is our natural right.

The governor is not the governor of Eket, but the entire Akwa Ibom. Akpabio was right to have insisted on zoning in the state. And that ensured that we the transition in the state was peaceful.

But there are strong arguments that Udom was handpicked by Akpabio for personal reasons rather than the interest of the state. How do you react to that?

Udom Emmanuel was a banker and he has been part of the success story of Zenith Bank. And coming into governance, he is bringing in the experience of human management. He is bringing so many things to bear in the state. For us, Udom Emmanuel is a gift. But he can’t work alone. No tree can make a forest. So, the people of Akwa Ibom State must rally round him.

We are going round the world.

We are talking to people.

Development & Budget Advocacy, said section 285(2) of the 1999 constitution (as amended) provides that “there shall be established in each state of the federation an election tribunal to be known as the governorship election tribunal which shall to the exclusion of any court or tribunal, have original jurisdiction to hear and determine petitions as to whether any person has been validly elected to the office of governor or deputy governor of a state.”

He further said: “The section reads that there shall be established in each state of the federation, not that there shall be established for each state of the Federation. This shows that the tribunal shall be established in the state in question and not outside the state”.

PDP rejects tribunal relocation Governors elected on the platform of the PDP also rejected the development, saying they have harmonised their positions on the issue and will present it before President Muhammadu Buhari.

The governors are insisting a reversion to the status quo.

Speaking after their meeting, the newly elected Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State said, “The governors of the 13 PDP controlled states condemn the relocation of the governorship election tribunals of Rivers, Taraba and Akwa-Ibom states to Abuja”.

Continues on page 28

28—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

How APC is drifting and drifting Continues from page 25 purported selection by the party which we see as being in conflict with the principle of the federal character as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic.”

“It will be inconsiderate of the party to consider North-East and South-West that had produced the Speaker and Deputy Speaker for other positions. The exclusion of two zones is not acceptable,” he said.

Party members from the Southeast also upbraided the party on its inclinations.

Rep. Austine Chukwukere, representing Ideato South/Ideato North and Rep. John Chike Okeafor, Okigwe South of Imo State, who spoke at another press conference flayed the party saying “We can’t stand here and allow the party sweep us out.”

But the party is also faced with its own problems; to wit affirming its authority over the legislators who were sponsored on the platform of the party.

It is particularly difficult for the party given that the majority of those stoking the rebellion including Senator Saraki and Speaker Dogara were dissidents of the former ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP who moved into the APC from the PDP after helping to crash their former party.

The two men ironically were helped to office by the PDP which paid back the APC for the insidious effort of the former Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN in frustrating the PDP’s zoning arrangement that helped to enthrone the Aminu Tambuwal leadership on the House of Representatives in 2011.

Given the background of how it catalysed the breakup of the PDP in the period leading to the 2015 election, many are surprised that the APC has allowed itself to be boxed into this avoidable cul de sac.

Even more dangerous for the party is the fact that a sizeable proportion of those who had been heeding the party’s voice are also coming round to the side of the speaker

The party’s attempt to stamp its authority has, however, been badly managed with allegations of cronyism and dictatorship in the running of the party.

Many of the nominees preferred by the party as principal officers are known associates of a prominent national leader of the party, a decision some claim would mean locking out those not close to the leader from top positions.

Yesterday, as some members of the APC raised bedlam in what was obviously a pre-planned riot, it was remarkable that a sizeable proportion of those who rallied in support of Speaker Dogara were members of the PDP. The import was that the APC was just like the PDP with Speaker Tambuwal after 2011, pushing the speaker out of the party into the embrace of the opposition party.

Even more dangerous for the party is the fact that a sizeable proportion of those who had been heeding the party’s voice are also coming round to the side of the speaker.

One state caucus after another have come to pledge allegiance

•Tinubu and Oyegun: Want NASS leadership to toe party's path

to the speaker. One of the most telling examples was the case of the Jigawa/Kano delegation who overwhelmingly voted by about 90 per cent against Dogara.

When the delegation paid a courtesy call, and as Rep. Ado Doguwa spoke on behalf of the joint delegation, it was obvious that the national leadership was increasingly losing influence over the party members in the

House.

Not hiding the fact that they voted against the speaker, Doguwa said: “Members of the Kano and Jigawa caucuses did what they did because of the party’s position, but now that you have emerged as the speaker we have nothing but to concur with the will of God and to pledge our loyalty.”

He said that for the next four

years that they hoped to accord Speaker Dogara an unalloyed loyalty.

Such pledges of loyalty are not surprising given the speaker’s powers and entrenchment.

Many other members are also alleged to be taking turns to pledge loyalty in the light of the fact that the speaker has the final say on what committees the members may belong to.

RELOCATION OF TRIBUNALS: Seeking justice from home Continues from page 27 Filing its petition, the APC had alleged that the elections in the state were marred by widespread i r r e g u l a r i t i e s , disenfranchisement of its supporters and declaration of votes for the PDP. Members of the legal team of the APC maintained that the party has not been granted access to the materials and documents required to prove its case at the tribunal. The legal team also said they had to seek for relocation because of threats of insecurity as well as to guarantee fair hearing and justice.

The division among elders of the state has further introduced another dimension in the relocation of the tribunal. While former Minister of Petroleum, Chief Don Etiebet is embittered over what he described as disenfranchisement of voters during the election his long time friend, Senator Aniete Okon is strongly supportive of the mandate of Governor Emmanuel.

At a press conference in Uyo recently, the elders under the auspices of Concerned AkwaIbom State accused the APC of conspiring to strip the PDP of the election it clearly won.

Among the leaders were Senators Anietie-Okon, Effiong Bob, Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, Engr. Larry Esin and Hon. Nduese Essien. They said the

Recently, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, alleged that President Buhari is part of a plot to influence the election petition tribunals in Akwa-Ibom and Rivers States and other states to reach a verdict in favour APC. Metuh who maintained that PDP worked very hard to get victories particularly in the Niger Delta states will not watch the APC take away its victory.

According to him, “We are aware that there are moves by the APC to cause the doctoring of the membership of the gubernatorial elections tribunals in some PDP states, particularly Akwa-Ibom, Rivers and Delta with the aim to bring in friendly officers possibly to push through their agenda against our great party. We question the so called security reasons adduced for the decision to relocate the tribunals out of the state and wonder why these few states are singled out”.

Akwa-Ibom state The battle which is between the governorship candidate of the APC, Umana Okon Umana and the incumbent, Governor Udom Emmanuel has taken a new dimension since the relocation.

Leaders of both parties have been attacking themselves over the relocation while the APC have been claiming that INEC and the PDP have been colluding together to frustrate its petition.

movement of the election petition tribunal from Akwa-Ibom state to Abuja is uncalled for as the state is relatively peaceful.

“The spurious, baseless and false advance of so-called security concerns by the APC who lost the elections in the state and the subsequent glee with which her sympathizers have celebrated the movement of the tribunal smacks of forum shopping by the petitioners,” they alleged.

That assertion was quickly dismissed by Etiebet.

“The argument that the tribunals could not be moved to safer grounds in the face of persistent security threats to both the tribunal members and witnesses for petitioners before the tribunals reflects gross ignorance of the law.

the PDP whose governorship candidate Nyesom Wike was declared winner.

Remarkably, the Rivers Election Petition Tribunal now sitting in Abuja said that it had so far received petitions from 2015 general elections from the APC in Rivers state.

The assertions that he won through a rigged election have been dismissed by Wike who boasted that if elections are held 100 times in Rivers State, that he will win.

Responding to the Governor, Chairman of the APC in Rivers State, Mr David Ikanya said, “The mandate stolen by the PDP in connivance with the Independent National Electoral Commission and the police will be retrieved.

Rivers State The Rivers State Election Petition Tribunal was also relocated to Abuja over security concerns in the state.

Before the governorship elections, Rivers State had been labelled one of the most volatile states. The fears eventually came to light with revelations that more than 30 persons were killed during the election.

The APC alleged that there were no presidential and National Assembly polls and that the governorship and House of Assembly elections were marred by irregularities orchestrated by

Taraba state After the election, the candidate of the APC in Taraba State, Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan protested that the election was rigged in favour of the PDP candidate, Mr. Darius Ishaku.

She as such welcomed it when the Election Petition Tribunal for Taraba State was also transferred to Abuja over security concerns in the state.

Responding on behalf of Ishaku, a group within the PDP called Southern Taraba Forum for a Just Society (TFS) urged Alhassan to allow the election petition tribunal do its job.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015—29

Fidson Healthcare bags Frost & Sullivan Award

B

• Cross section of persons living with sickle cell disorder during a walk organised by Genotype Foundation to mark the 2015 World Sickle Cell daty

‘Have sickle cell disorder without it having you’

By Jennifer Aladetan

P

ERHAPS what could be worse than living with Sickle Cell Disease, SCD, is being a parent of a person living with the disease. Based on the existence of so many myths surrounding SCD in the country, persons living with the disorder, especially childen, are usually not expected to live a fufilled life.

As part of efforts to put the records straight through public education and enlightenment, towards creating the right atmosphere, Genotype Foundation, an advocacy for victims of sickle cell anemia disorder, held a walk to mark the 2015 World Sickle Cell Day, designed to touch and save lives on the theme “Having Sickle Cell, But Sickle Cell Does Not Have You.” During the walk, the organisation that also mirrors the plight of children with the disorder, featured panelists from different units of the health sector.

In her keynote address, Gbemiloye who spoke on the theme: Nigeria has the highest number of people in the world living with the disorder, yet ignorance, poverty and adequate health policies in sickle cell are its bane.

“Sickle Cell Anemia is an inherited red blood cell disorder, and has been defined by the World Health Organisation, WHO, as a "public health problem" is a hereditary disorder that

affects the offspring of parents who both have the S gene or Sickle Cell trait, AS. "'We have medical doctors, lawyers, and a number of professionals who are living with sickle cell, all we need to do is to give full support to those living with the disorder.

“We don't need to stigmatise our children because they were born with this disorder, many parents stigmatise their children due to the inherited disorder, which is wrong; we also task government at all levels to increase awareness on the disease to curb its spread in the country,'' she added.

Also speaking, Dr. Oyenuga who represented the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Mrs. M.S Saseyi, pointed out that the theme becomes relevant and has built great significance.

Inherited disorder She explained that sickle cell disorder is a permanent inherited genetic disorder, with Nigeria having the largest group of affected persons.

“Apart from Lagos state being the most populous state in the country, each awareness programme compliments the efforts given by the state government. She also said that the state government has renovated and minimised the incidence of the disorder.

“It is a well known fact that this abnormal disorder can result in

serious infections, tonic anemia to the body of the infected person, and these complications may however vary from person to person'' she alleged.

Giving an account of her experience with the disorder, Dr. Niniola Philip Adeleye, 53, said: " I have been living with this disorder since I was a teenager, but I had the mindset that I was going to be alive. Although I did not expect to live to my 50s because at 16, doctors told my parents that I could only survive through a miracle, which made those years agonising for me "As a parent, wondering how far your child can go with this disorder, I assure you that your child can go as far as you want. I don't feel like someone living with this disorder because I am sure I would get rid of it; though I was discouraged by my relatives and

As a parent wondering how far your child can go with this disorder, I assure you that your child can go as far as you want

others that I wouldn't get married, but God, in his goodwill saw me through."

Adeleye said was told she could not have more than one child medically, but God blessed her with three more children.

Also speaking, Ms. Kafaya Jimoh, an auxiliary nurse has been iving with the disorder since she was six years old. ''I have been visiting Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, ever since I was six, and my late father supported me. Jimoh lamented the threat posed by the disorder ws a burden on her mother.

Her life changed when she lost her dad, she was discouraged by her mother and grandmother about her chances of survival. ''Even when I had the chance to further my education, my mother discouraged me, telling me I would die if I went to school."

In a reaction to Jimoh's situation, Oyenuga revealed that most parents get false information about this disorder, and they however tend to believe their child would die young.

“Some people think that children born with this disorder are unusual, and the reasons are not far-fetched. They get to think of how often that child falls sick, but we currently have standard information that has corrected Missconceptions of the disorder and there have been advances in curing this disorder with the modern technology'' she said.

ASED on its recent perfor mance in the Nigerian pharmaceutical Industry, Fidson Healthcare PLC has emerged winner of the 2014 Nigerian Frost & Sullivan Award for Growth Excellence Leadership. The award recognises Fidson’s definitive vision and strong management, which stoked a growth rate of 26 percent in 2013, cementing its leadership in the Nigerian pharmaceutical market.

Fidson is building a N7.5 billion biotech plant that will add a new product line – intravenous fluids – to its product portfolio while doubling its production capabilities of existing product lines by 2015, thereby facilitating economies of scale.

It will also enable Fidson to invert its manufacturing capacity and imports ratio from 40:60 to 60:40. Fidson is one of five local manufacturing companies shortlisted for the WHO Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) compliance.

Frost & Sullivan’s Best Practices Awards recognise companies in a variety of regional and global markets for outstanding achievement in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and product development.

Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Danielle de la Mare,said Fidson has forayed into the IV infusions market, as it expects to increase its turnover by 20-25 percent in the next two to three years from this product pipeline.

“It also plans to expand geographically into West Africa within a few years, after it further entrenches its presence in the Nigerian market, which constitutes approximately 65-70 percent of the West African market.”

Significantly, Fidson prices its products at retail value and leverages its economies of scale to compete with cheaper imports.

The company has reduced its factory overheads, passing on the savings to customers and simultaneously building its reputation as a company that is compliant with global standards, such as ISO 9001.

Frost & Sullivan Global President and Managing Partner, Krishna Srinivasan said “the most exciting companies to partner with, or invest in, are those that have an inspirational zeal for growth. Fidson Healthcare has demonstrated such a focus in the Nigerian pharmaceutical market by investing smartly, competing effectively, and carving out a unique, sustainable market position.”

30—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

Charly Boy’s stunning revelation:

‘I don’t really know my age’ By

Chris Onuoha

M

AVERICK musician, Charles Oputa popularly known as Charly Boy who celebrated his birthday anniversary last Friday in Abuja, has declared that he does not know his actual age.

“I don’t really know my age. How people came about 64 is still a surprise to me. I am not particular about how old or young the number is, what I’m concerned about is the age of my mind and the age of my body. From my physique and my energy, I feel like I am 35 years younger. However, going by the age of my mind, experiences, my responsibilities and wisdom I should be about 87 years of age," Charly said.

The controversial Area Father who is the first son of the late famous and iconic Nigerian legal luminary, Justice Chukwudiofu Oputa said, the lessons he learnt so far in life has made him to be open-minded and stay true to himself.

According to him, experience has taught him to be strong, master his art of contentment and clean living with moderation to life without stress.

On his relationship with his family, Charly Boy said, “My family is my rock, my children are my joy and pride. Family is what I have known all my life. I love all my children in different ways and I see a bit of me in all of them. And my strongest principle in life is ‘live and let

Okoroji wants Dan Maraya Jos immortalized!

C M Y K

live’, because you can’t live your life judging or labelling others when you don’t know the stuff they are made of.”

Speaking further, the weird musician who stunned the Nigerian music scene in the 80s with his peculiar fashion style like that of late Michael Jackson and British born pop singer Boy George said, despite his age, his fashion culture has not changed, adding “it depends on my mood.”

He, however, confessed that he has simmered down with less adventures than before because there’s nothing much to prove in the pop culture again.

According to him, he tends to focus more on nurturing the peace and calm he feels within.

“When my usefulness is engaged, when I see the influence I bring in people’s lives, when I’m able to add value and make measurable contribution to individuals and society.

When people who come in contact with me tell me am not what they thought or expected I would be. A lot of these testimonies form my very happy moment,” he added.

On the things that pricks his emotions, the Area Father said, he hates to say goodbye and usually find it difficult to see friends or loved ones off when they Continues from page 50

Twitter goes to mosque:

Twitter accounts that keep Ramadan information on fingertip

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015—31

Synopsis

N

ewly wed couple Ted and TamiLynn want to have a baby, but in order to qualify to be a parent, Ted will have to prove he’s a person in a court of law.

‘I don’t really know my age’ Continues from page 30 are travelling. Talking about his regrets over the years, he said, “As an adventurous person, I goofed many times but if I had to live it over again, I wouldn’t change anything. I mean, I don’t have regrets. I live life on the edge and to change would mean doing things in a conventional way. If it is not

daunting and scary, it is certainly not for me. I want to think I scare myself too,” Charly said, adding “Expect to see more exciting things as I reinvent myself, my brand and as I go a notch higher in shocking conventional and unintelligent minds, more creative inspiration abounds.”

Ini Edo, Dumas to battle for Best Actress award again!

... as AMAA moves award night to South Africa

TOP MOVIES OF THE WEEK · · ·

PITCH PERFECT 2 JURASSIC WORLD FAST & FURIOUS 7

Schedule commencing from Friday 26th – 2nd July , 2014.

SILVERBIRDCINEMAS, VICTORIA ISLAND Ted 2 : 1:00pm,4:50pm,7:00pm,9:10pm Everly : 11:50am,5:20pm,9:05pm Jurassic World : 11:30am,1:50pm,4:15pm,6:40pm,9:00pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, IKEJA Ted 2 : 10:40am,2:00pm,4:40pm,8:30pm Everly : 2:55pm,6:40pm Jurassic World : 11:20am,4:00pm,6:15pm,8:40pm Oops Noah is Gone : 12:20pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, SEC Ted 2 : 12:40pm,2:50pm,5:00pm,7:10pm,9:20pm Everly : 2:50pm,7:00pm,8:50pm Jurassic World : 1:40pm,4:00pm,6:25pm,8:50pm Pitch Perfect : 1:50pm,4:05pm,6:15pm,8:30pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS CEDDI PLAZA , ABUJA Everly : 2:50pm,7:00pm Jurassic World : 2:30pm,6:40pm,9:00pm

•Jocelyn Dumas • Ini Edo

By Benjamin Njoku

N

OLLYWOOD actress, Ini Edo and her Ghanaian counterpart, Jocelyn Dumas are once again set to battle for the Best Actress category in this year’s edition of the prestigious African Movie Academy Award, AMAA. Ini and Dumas are among the five actresses that were nominated for the award at the nominations gala night which held last weekend in Los Angeles, United States. Others nominees include, Lesliana Pereira(Njnga:Queen of Angola), Queen Nwokoye(Cheetenah), and Aida Wang(Juliet and Romeo).

The two leading actresses are nominated for their roles in “While You Slept and Silver Rain.” They were also nominated in the same category last year.

Interestingly, as announced by the 2015 AMAA Jury chaired by the Zimbabwean, Mr. Keith Shiri’s Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, Angola and Mauritius are leading the pack in the numbers of films from the countries in competition while United States led the pack in the films from the Africans in Diaspora.

Films from Nigerian film makers such as “October 1”, “Cheetanah, Iyore”, “Dazzling Mirage” are very prominent on the nominations list while Triangle Going to America from Ethiopia, Timbuktu from Mauritius and Queen of Angola from Angola are very strong in various categories of the award.

Two new revelations in the Most Promising Actor/Actress category are Demola Adedoyin for his role in Kunle Afolayan’s October 1 and Kemi Lala Akindoju for her role in Tunde Kelani’s Dazzling Mirage.

C M Y K

Announcing the nominees at the event which was attended by the cream of top Hollywood filmmakers and their Nigerian counterparts, the Chairman of the College of Screeners and member of the Jury, Mr. Shaibu Husseini noted the improvement in the quality of films coming to AMAA every year since inception 11 years ago. ‘’It is gratifying to note that filmmakers from the continent and beyond are investing more into their trade and the evidence of their investments are the quality films we see even though there will always be room for improvements,” said Mr. Husseini while giving details of the nominations.

Some of the Nollywood practitioners who attended the event and other African counterparts were Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Faithia Balogun,O.C Ukeje, Patience Uzokwor, Kingsley Ogoro, Paul Okoli, Chioma Chukwuka, Kunle Afolayan, Emem Isong, Doris Simon, Eniola Badmus, Aki and Paw Paw, and Ghana-born Lydia Forson, who is also AMAA brand ambassador The Chief Executive Officer of AMAA, Dayo Ogunyemi said that the leadership of the award body decided to take the nominations event to Hollywood this year to begin the concrete step of taking African cinema to the home of global cinema for a mutually and economically viable cooperation.

It will be recalled that the AMAA 2015 College of Screeners received over 800 entries from over 50 countries of the world within and outside Africa covering feature films, short films, animations and documentaries. AMAA main event which is the award night will hold in South Africa in September and it will be the first time the continental awards will take place outside Nigeria in its 11 years having held 10 previous editions in Nigeria.

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT Ted 2 : 12:05pm,3:55pm,6:-05pm,8:00pm Everly : 6:00pm,7:50pm Jurassic World : 12:30pm,3:00pm,5:25pm,7:45pm Pitch Perfect 2 : 4:15pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, WARRI Everly : 11:50am,5:15pm,7:00pm Super Star : 3:55pm,8:35pm Oops Noah is Gone : 10:00am,11:40pm,1:20pm,3:00pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, UYO Super Star : 11:45am,2:25pm,5:10pm,8:00pm Last Knight : 12:45pm,3:45pm,5:30pm Iyore : 11:50am,1:45pm,3:50pm,5:50pm,7:50pm Paul Blart Mall Cop 2 : 11:30am,1:25pm,3:20pm,5:15pm,7:10pm,8:05pm Son of Gun : 11:45am,6:10pm,8:20pm GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS LAGOS Everly : 11:30am,11:50pm Oops Noah is Gone : 10:30am,12:20pm GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT Everly : 9:20am,11:10pm GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, ENUGU Everly : 109:20am Super Star : 1:50pm,6:30pm GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, CITY MALL LAGOS Oops Noah is Gone : 10:00am,12:00pm, FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, LAGOS Everly : 12:00pm,3:40pm Oops Noah is Gone : 10:05am FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, KANO Everly : 10:20am,12:10pm,7:05pm Oops Noah is Gone : 10:50am FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, APAPA Everly : 10:10am,12:00pm, Oops Noah is Gone : 10:00am,11:35am FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT Everly : 10:20am,12:10pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS SAMONDA Oops Noah Gone : 10:20am, FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, CALABAR Super Star : 10:00am,2:15pm,6:45pm

32 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

Okoroji wants Dan Maraya Jos immortalized!

C

HAIRMAN Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Chief Tony Okoroji has expressed profound sadness at the passing away of the iconic composer, instrumentalist and performer, Dr. Adamu Dan Maraya Jos. Dan Maraya Jos died last Saturday evening in Jos, at the age of 69 leaving behind a wife and one adopted daughter.

Okoroji who is away in Europe sent condolence message saying that he was shattered at the news of the death of the great musician celebrated across the country and beyond.

According to Chief Okoroji, “For many years, I have had a special relationship with the great Dan Maraya Jos. I remain a fan of his, mystified by his stupendous talent. He was my friend in all seasons.

Throughout my tenure as president of PMAN up to my

present period as Chairman of COSON, Dan Maraya was an unflinching supporter always urging me on. The news of his death has left me numb. Dan Maraya was not just a great talent but an incredibly polished gentleman, humble beyond belief. His yes was his yes and every word of his was a bond.

‘The last time we were in each other’s company was at the COSON Extra Ordinary General Meeting at Lagos Airport Hotel in December 2014. He was hale, hearty and happy. After the meeting, I saw him to the car and we discussed my paying him a visit in Jos. My previous visits to Jos had been very memorable as the great Dan Maraya would be my chauffer, driving me everywhere and making sure I did not lack anything. Dr. Dan Maraya rarely came to Lagos without bringing me fresh

fruits and fresh farm products from the plateau.

We had a unique likeness for each other.

‘Nigeria has lost a prodigious talent who for many years held millions spell bound with a voice that caressed different octaves like that of a nightingale. His simple one string instrument from which he created unique rhythms and melodies and the unforgettable lyrics of this incredibly gifted poet will live in our hearts forever. I hope that both the Federal Government and the Plateau State Government will take steps to immortalize this extraordinary Nigerian who brought happiness to many across our nation’ Meanwhile, Sympathizers have continued to besiege the late musician’s residence at Dr. Dan Maraya street, in Jos. •Dan Maraya Jos

Day AFRIMA, AU, ONE celebrated African Child in Soweto A

LL Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in partnership with Africa Union Commission, AUC, and ONE commemorated the Day of the African Child

(DAC) on August 15 with a special event as part of the programme of events of the 2015 Africa Union (AU) Summit held from June 7 to

June 15.

The DAC event which came up at the Soweto Hotel, Soweto, South Africa took place under the theme “Ending Child

•Cross Section of participants at the AFRIMA -ONE event in South Africa.

When Ebon ylif eT V honoured Jega Ebonylif ylifeT eTV

By Anozie Egole

I

t was a day of celebration as Africa’s first global black entertainment and lifestyle network, EbonyLifeTV, honoured Professor Attahiru Jega, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as “A Champion of our collective aspirations for free, fair and violence-free elections”. The star-studded event took place penultimate Saturday at the prestigious Wheatbaker Hotel, Lagos.

The event which was moderated by Ebuka Obi-

Uchendu, a co-host of the highly rated The Spot on EbonyLife TV, was tagged, “ Afternoon Tea with Professor Attahiru Muhammadu Jega”, and brimmed over with invited young professionals, media practitioners and social influencers from various sectors of economy.

Talented gospel singer, Nikki Laoye, opened the stage with a sonorous rendition of the National anthem. The Executive Chairman and CEO of EbonyLife TV, Mo Abudu, gave a powerful opening address on the event, while Yemi Adamolekun of the

Enough is Enough fame gave a rousing opening remark as the conference kicked into the reading of Professor Attahiru Jega’s highly inspirational citation and a flurry of questions and answers.

In her opening speech, the convener of the event who is also the CEO, EbonylifeTV, Mo Abudu, said, “We put this together for two reasons: to honour and celebrate the respected Professor Jega for being a role model to especially the youth who could find themselves in his position one day.

Marriages”. It was attended by South Africa’s Minister of Social Development, Ms. Bathabile Dlamini; Director of Social Affairs of the AUC, Ambassador Olawale Maiyegun; Representative of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to the AU, Jane Okello; and Commissioner, Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistics Communities, Sheila T. Khama, among other delegates.

Nigerian film star, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, who is also ONE’s “Poverty is Sexist” campaign ambassador, took part on the panel of an intergenerational dialogue on the theme. In line with the AU declaration of 2015 as the Year of Women Empowerment and Development, “Poverty is Sexist” is ONE’s global

campaign to push African leaders to step up with a clear set of policy reforms and budget commitment in their declaration at the 2015 AU Summit. The main digital asset of the campaign is a song titled “Strong Girl” which ONE produced in collaboration with some of the continent’s top female artists namely; Yemi Alade (Nigeria); Waje (Nigeria); Gabriela (Mozambique); AFRIMA 2014 winner of Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa, Vanessa Mdee (Tanzania); Victoria Kimani (Kenya); Arielle T (Gabon), Judith Sephuma (South Africa) and a new teen rapper known as Blessing (South Africa). After the plenary session, ONE in partnership with the AUC, South Africa’s Department of Social Development, and the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) hosted a cocktail at the same venue. The cocktail was opened by Ambassador Maiyegun, while Regional Director of Plan International, Roland Angerer; AFRIMA Jury member (representing Southern Africa from Zimbabwe) Delani Makhalima and Mr. Thabiso Pule from South Africa’s Department of Social Development also spoke at the event.

In his speech delivered on behalf of the International Committee of AFRIMA, Mr. Makhalima reinforced AFRIMA’s commitment to working closely with ONE and the AUC to achieve the social change through creative arts.

The cocktail culminated in a performance of ‘Strong Girl’ by Yemi Alade, Selmor Mtukudzi and AFRIMA 2014 winner, Vanessa Mdee.

C M Y K

VOL. 1: NO. 15

FRIDAY, JUNE 26 , 2015

•Agbaje: Governorship candidate, Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos State

•Ladoja: Governorship candidate ,Accord Party in Oyo State

•Isiaka: Governorship candidate, Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State

S-WEST ELECTION PETITON TRIBUNALS:

Much motion, little movement

By DAPO AKINREFON

W

ITH the conduct of the 2015 general elections over, the losers have sought redress at the respective Election Petition Tribunals set up across the federation.

It has been argued that the electoral process in Nigeria is generally characterised and fraught with fraudulent practices.

Political parties in the country have been fingered as been the culprits of the fraudulent antics.

In an effort to check the ugly menace, the National Assembly enacted the 2010 Electoral Act with special provision on election timeline for voting, counting, and declaration of results.

The National Assembly also ensured redress is gotten through expeditious trial.

The move was aimed at nipping in the bud the unabated delay, by petitioners, in getting redress in court.

Though, former President C M Y K

Goodluck Jonathan, who conceded defeat following his defeat by President Muhammadu Buhari at the March 28 Presidential elections ruled out the possibility of litigation.

But, other candidates, who contested on various platforms are optimistic that the outcome will be in their favour.

Interestingly, the various tribunals across the six geopolitical zones of the country have been receiving petitions filed by aggrieved candidates in the governorship, national/state assembly elections.

Section 285 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, specifically provided for petitions to be entered before the tribunal, 21 days from the day the final result was declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. As a matter of fact, no fewer than 297 petitions arising from the recent 2015 general elections have so far been filed before the various

election tribunals across the country.

In the South West geo political zone, aggrieved candidates have besieged the election tribunals with their petitions.

In the region, petitions are presently being heard on

In the South West geo-political zone, aggrieved candidates have besieged the election tribunals with their petitions

governorship elections conducted in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States.

In Oyo State, the candidate of Accord Party in the state, Senator Rasheed Ladoja decried the outcome of the governorship election.

He has since approached the tribunal to upturn the victory of Governor Abiola Ajimobi and declare him winner of the election.

At the inauguration sitting of the National and state Houses of Assembly election tribunal in the state, the Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice J.G. Abunsaga said that the tribunal received 36 petitions in respect of results of elections into the National Assembly and state House of

Assembly in the state.

Breaking it down, Justice Abunsaga said that two and 10 petitions were received for senatorial election and House of Representatives respectively, while 24 were for the state House of Assembly.

For the Lagos State governorship candidate of the PDP, Mr Jimi Agbaje, he is seeking the nullification of Governor Akinwumi Ambode’s election over alleged irregularities.

Though Agbaje was not keen on pursuing the case at the tribunal, the state chapter of the PDP felt it was imperative it took the case up, perhaps to fulfil all righteousness.

National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly candidates of respective political parties, who hold the view that the outcome of the elections was fraught with irregularities have

Continues on Page 2

IN THIS EDITION

Ondo Election Petition Tribunal faces accommodation challenge •Page 3

Plot to sack Amosun thickens, as PDP, MPPP head for tribunal •Page 4 C M Y K

2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

LAGOS STATE

*Federal High Court Headquarters.

ELECTION PETITON TRIBUNALS:

Much motion, little movement Continues from page 2 approached the courts for redress.

So far, the petitioners in the region have submitted their requests but the entreaties seem not to be getting much attention.

Section 285(6) and (7) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) provides that (6) “An election tribunal shall deliver its judgement in writing within 180 days from the date of the filing of the petition.”

A similar restriction placed by subsection (7) of Section 285 of the Constitution provides that “An appeal from a decision of the election tribunal or court shall be heard and disposed off within 60 days from the date of the delivery of judgement”.

Also Section 134(2) and (3) of the Electoral Act 2010 can be construed to mean that while an election tribunal has no power whatsoever to sit beyond 180 days from the date of the filing of the petition; the Appeal Court in an election matter has no C M Y K

jurisdiction to entertain an appeal beyond 60 days from the date of the delivery of judgement of the tribunal

appealed against.

Thus, by implication, once an election petition is filed, or an appeal is lodged against the

decision of an election tribunal, both the petitioner/appellant, the respondents themselves as well as the tribunal itself

would be counting days and dates because the matter should be determined on or before the expiration of the duration prescribed by, Sections 285 (6) and (7) of the Constitution and 134(2) and (3) of the Electoral Act. The huge cost of prosecuting cases at the tribunal, has made some drop the idea of heading to court to seek redress.

O'odua Investment resuscitates brick Industry

By OLA AJAYI

A

fter 10 years of being abandoned, the new management of Oodu’a Investment Limited has resuscitated a brick making industry, Ire Clay and Burnt Brick Industry which is located in Ekiti State.

This came just as the conglomerate raised the hope of the people in the South West on the moribund Sketch Newspaper as it assured that by the end of this year, the newspaper would hit the news stand.

“Sketch is a rested newspaper and recently, knowing its importance to the South West, we have been talking about it. It is not just resuscitating the title, but coming back on a sustainable basis.”

This was disclosed by the Group Managing Director, Mr. Adewale Raji while speaking with newsmen as part of activities marking the one year anniversary of the assumption of office of the GMD. Mr. Raji who was flanked by

Attention is also focussed on our reentry into manufacturing and agro-allied businesses which are all in alignment with the strategic thrust of the federal government

Mrs. Abiola Ajayi, the company’s secretary and Mr. Babajide Oyebola, Principal Assistant (Strategy) said, “It is my special pleasure to announce the successful completion of the Ire Clay and Burnt Bricks project in Ekiti State. I am delighted to share with you the exciting news of the rolling out of the first set of fired bricks on Tuesday June 16, 2015, after about 10 years of the abandonment of the factory. It is indeed a big relief that many years of toiling and perseverance, we were finally able to see finished blocks roll out from the factory. We will never be complacent. Rather, we shall champion the articulation and implementation of strategies that will drive the long term growth, profitability and social relevance of the project in

conjunction with our partner, the Ekiti State Government”.

He further said “the company has also commenced search for credible local and foreign technical investors as partners in its target sectors of the Nigerian economy”.

He added that the leadership of the company was working towards “stimulating growth and enhanced profitability in our existing subsidiaries in real estate, hospitality and insurance brokerage. Attention is also focussed on our re-entry into manufacturing and agro-allied businesses which are all in alignment with the strategic thrust of the federal government as we attempt to diversify the economy and liberate it from the cynical shocks of global crude oil pricing.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015 — 3

ONDO STATE

*High Court, venue of election tribunal sitting.

Ondo Election Petition Tribunal faces accommodation challenge •As legal battle expected to

begin next week

the Election Petition Tribunal uses the premises of the State High Court for

By DAYO JOHNSON

D

espite the initial challenge posed by the venue of sitting of the Election Petition Tribunal, in Ondo State, owing to the five months old strike by judicial workers, leading to the closure of all its courts, legal battle between warring political parties is expected to begin next

week.

After waiting for weeks with the hope that the state chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) would suspend its strike action, the panel members opted for another venue.

The tribunal had to relocate to the premises of the Industrial Court, when the strike dragged more than necessary. Normally,

However, with the call-off of the strike, the tribunal has not relocated to the State High Court premises which has always been the venue of the tribunal sitting in the past

its sittings.

However, with the call-off of the strike, the tribunal has not relocated to the State High Court premises which has always been the venue of the tribunal sitting in the past.

Vanguard gathered that at the moment 17 petitions have been filed before the Election Petition Tribunal by candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, which lost in the last general elections. It was also gathered that while the APC filed 12 petitions, the

PDP had filed five.

The APC is challenging the four National Assembly seats won by PDP and eight of the seats won in the state House of Assembly.

Candidates of the APC in the national assembly election who filed petition include Olabamide Olanubi (Ondo East/West federal.

Constituency), Lucky Ayedatiwa (Ilaje/ Ese Odo) and Victor Olawole Akinmoyero (Okitipupa/ Irele) Federal constituencies.

They are challenging the victory of the PDP candidates in their various Federal constituencies.

The APC senatorial candidate for the Southern area, Morayo Lebi is challenging the victory of Pastor Yele Omogunwa.

Two other candidates of the APC, Senator Ajayi Boroffice was returned to represent Ondo North while a former Finance Commissioner, Tayo Alasoadura won the senatorial seat in the central area of the state.

The APC is challenging the results declared in favour of PDP in Ilaje 1 and Ilaje 11, Ondo West, Ondo East, Idanre, Akure North and Akoko North East.

Results of elections declared in favour of the APC in five house of assembly seats in Akure 11, Owo 11, Akoko North West 1, Akoko South West 1, Akoko South West 11 and Akure South 11 are being challenged by the PDP candidates in the tribunal.

Vanguard gathered that the aggrieved parties had already spent 60 days out of the required 180 days the tribunal is expected to seat.

Presently, the tribunal has gone on recess to enable the parties to visit INEC to inspect the electoral documents and report to the tribunal next Monday, their findings.

The presentation of their report will round-off the pretrial session , while experts are expected to accompany both parties to inspect the electoral document used during the National and State Assembly elections.

Copies of the INEC electoral document may be scanned if any of the parties dim it fit. Immediately, the pre-trial session is concluded, the parties are expected to go into the legal battle next week.

Meanwhile, while human rights lawyer, Dr. Tunji Abayomi is leading the APC legal team, former Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Remi Olatubora and Banjo Ayenakin lead the legal team of the ruling PDP. C M Y K

4 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

OGUN STATE

By DAUD OLATUNJI

T

here is palpable anxiety in the camp of Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, following the two suits brought before the state’s Election Petition Tribunal by the state chapter of Mega Progressive People’s Party, MPPP and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Vanguard gathered that both Amosun and members of the APC have lost sleep over the two suits which seek to upturn the victory of Amosun.

At the moment, it was learnt that there are a total of 14 petitions filed by aggrieved candidates before the tribunal. These petitions include two for governorship, one senatorial seat, one House of Representatives seat and 10 state House of Assembly seats.

It was also gathered that APC has 12 petitions against the candidates of the PDP, including Senator Buruji Kashamu who was declared the winner of the Senatorial election in Ogun East.

Interestingly, the other two petitions which were filed by both the PDP and MPPP were believed to be the mother of all petitions.

They sought for the removal of Amosun who was declared the winner of April 11 governorship election and had on May 29, 2015, been subsequently sworn in as executive governor of the state.

What triggered the anxiety in Amosun’s camp, it was learnt was the nature of the petition of MPPP which asked the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun State to nullify the re-election of Governor Amosun for excluding the party and its standard bearer in the state from the April 11 gubernatorial polls.

The MPPP is seeking an order of the Tribunal directing INEC to conduct a fresh governorship election in the state.

The MPPP in a petition dated April 24, 2015 and signed by its National Chairman, Hamisu Santuraki and counsel to the party, Dayo Solaja (SAN), is seeking the nullification of Amosun’s reelection at the tribunal on the grounds that its governorship candidate in Ogun State, Mrs. Iyabode Ogunmefun who was validly nominated was “unlawfully excluded” from the April 11 gubernatorial election by INEC. The party in its petition before the Tribunal sued INEC and joined the APC, Governor Ibikunle Amosun and his running mate, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga as respondents.

C M Y K

Plot to sack Amosun thickens, as PDP, MPPP head for tribunal *Judge warns parties against bribery

*Gboyega Isiaka, PDP candidate

*Governor Ibikunle Amosun

Other reliefs being sought by the MPPP include an order of the Tribunal setting aside the election of Governor Amosun conducted by INEC on April 11.

It is also praying the Tribunal for an order setting aside the result of the election conducted by INEC on April 11 which returned Governor Amosun and his running mate, as well as the withdrawal of the Certificates of Return issued to them.

The MPPP is further asking the Tribunal for an order directing INEC to conduct a re-run election for the governor of Ogun State.

The MPPP further averred that the name of its governorship candidate, her running mate, the name and logo of the party were “conspicuously excluded” from all the INEC election result sheets used during the April 11 polls.

The party averred that subsequently at the end of the governorship election, INEC declared Amosun and his running mate winners and returned as re-elected for a second term.

The MPPP added that it would be relying on the INEC ballot papers and other relevant documents during the trial of the petition.

PDP’s case The PDP and its governorship candidate, Gboyega Isiaka in a petition

marked ‘EPT/GOV/ABK/001/ 15,’averred that they won the governorship election.

The chairman explained that the Judges have a feeling that some people were putting themselves out as agents of the tribunal and thereby collecting money to reach them

The PDP in its petition which joined Amosun and 127 others as respondents is challenging the governor ’ s victory, averring that he was not duly elected by a majority of lawful votes cast in the election.

The petitioners averred that voter cards belonging to deceased people were used by some supporters of the respondents to vote during the election.

Bribe allegation The 3-member election petition tribunal for governorship is headed by Justice Henry Olusiyi, alongside Justice Abbazih Saddeeq and Abdullahi Usman.

The tribunal which is sitting at the premises of Ogun State High Court, Isabo,

Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital in its inaugural speech, said the tribunal can not be compromised or corrupted by anyone.

Its chairman who did not mention the name of any party, warned that whoever might have given out money to reach members of the tribunal should go back and retrieve his money.

The chairman explained that the Judges have a feeling that some people were putting themselves out as agents of the tribunal and thereby collecting money to reach them.

He maintained that the integrity of the judges for which they were found worthy for the assignment would not be compromised .

He warned counsels to talk to their clients against attempting to bribe them.

He said, “We are here to undertake an assignment which we have sworn to do with our clear conscience. We have reputation that God has given us and that is why we were found worthy for this assignment.

“We can’t be compromised, we can’t be corrupted, we can’t be influenced by anybody. We have a feeling that some people may be putting themselves out as being able to reach us with money.

“All parties should warn their clients, we would not tolerate anyone going behind Continues on page 5

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015 — 5

OGUN STATE

Plot to sack Amosun thickens, as PDP, MPPP head for tribunal •Judge warns parties against bribery Continues from page 4 us to collect money to reach us. If anybody has given anybody money, he or she is on his own. We have unblemished record and nobody can dent our image, all the forces in hell can’t do anything about that.

“If you have given anybody money, you are on your own.

If you have given anybody money, go and collect your money, if anybody is collecting money, that person is on his own and they will be exposed as time goes on, we don’t want to talk much.”

Meanwhile, the tribunal has granted an application by the Mega Progressive Peoples Party, MPPP seeking to inspect the materials used for April 11 Governorship election in the state.

At the sitting of the tribunal, counsel to MPPP, Kayode Akinsola called the attention of the Court to a motion on notice seeking to examine the electoral materials used for the election.

Meanwhile, Dr. Olumide Ayeni, counsel to Governor Ibikunle Amosun and his deputy, Yetunde Onanuga who are the 3rd and 4th respondents in the matter, opposed the application, arguing that a motion has been filled challenging the substantive petition before the court.

He argued that the petition was filled outside the time and that the petitioner failed to apply for issuance of prehearing notice within the mandatory period of time saying that the whole petition was dead on arrival.

After insisting that his application was to further evidence his application, Justice Olusiyi granted Akinsola’s application to inspect the electoral materials and that ‘any of the respondent who so desire shall be allowed to be present during the inspection’.

Another petition filled by the PDP and its candidate in the election, Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka was stalled after the petitioners informed the court that they were changing the lead counsel to the matter.

Olawale Ogunlewe, who appeared for the petitioner told the court that “the petition is fixed for hearing of motion but there’s a challenge on our part as petitioner. A firm of Abdulahi Ibrahim & Co. has just been briefed to lead the counsel on record for petitioner. Adetunji Oyeyipo (SAN) will be on the lead but he was at the supreme court

Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).

*Senator Buruji Kashamu yesterday and the matter continues today.”

Justice Olusiyi however adjourned the case till July 1, 2015 for hearing on applications, while another day has been fixed for prehearing.

Amosun’s reaction Governor Amosun and his party, the APC have filed a motion on notice before the Ogun State governorship election petition tribunal challenging the competence of petition brought before it by the MPPP. Both MPPP and PDP and its candidate in the last election, Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka have filed separate petitions challenging the outcome of the last governorship election which returned Governor Amosun elected.

The lead counsels to Amosun and APC, Fagbemi Lateef (SAN) and George Oyeniyi respectively told the tribunal that a motion on notice requesting the tribunal to strike-out the petition of MPPP had been filed.

According to the motion signed by one Azeez Soboyejo dated 13th May, 2015, a copy of which was obtained by Vanguard, the petitioner sought for an order dismissing and/or striking out the petition for being statute barred, having been filed outside the mandatory statutory period of 21 days after the declaration of the election result.

This, according to the motion, was contrary to section 134(1) Electoral Act No 64, 2010 (as amended) and section 285(5) constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

Citing grounds for the application, both APC and Amosun said the tribunal lacks jurisdiction to entertain and determine the petition as same failed to disclose any reasonable cause for action.

The application also stated that the petition was filled in gross violation of the provisions of section 134(1) of the electoral act, 2010 (as amended).

It however prayed the tribunal to dismiss the petition “for reasons that same is frivolous, speculative, golddigging, and unmeritorious, with substantial cost.”

Kasamu, PDP face fierce battle for soul in Tribunal For the March 28 National Assembly election held in Ogun State, there is only one

Virtually all the APC petitioners claimed that the election of their opponents did not meet or satisfy the requirements of the law

petition, emerging from the Ogun East Senatorial District.

It is marked ‘SEN/ABK/001/ 2015.’

The petitioners, Mr. Adedapo Abiodun and APC, joined Prince Buruji Kashamu, PDP, INEC and the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Ogun State as respondents in the petition. Abiodun stated that Kashamu did not score the highest number of lawful votes as required by the law to be returned as winner of the senatorial election.

The petitioners are praying for an order of the tribunal to nullify all the results from polling units or wards where the requisite forms were not completed, dated, signed or stamped by the concerned officials.

The petitioners prayed that the election be vitiated for substantial non-compliance with the mandatory statutory requirements which has substantially affected the validity of the election.

Similarly, there is only one petition for House of Representatives seat in Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency.

The petitioners, Biyi Ismail and APC, dragged Adesegun Adekoya of the PDP and three other respondents to the tribunal.

The petitioners stated that the first respondent (Adekoya) was not duly elected and/or returned as the winner of the election having not scored the majority of the lawful votes cast at the poll.

They alleged that the election was not in compliance with provisions of

House of Assembly There are 10 petitions filed by aggrieved candidates for the Ogun State House of Assembly elections. While nine was filed by the APC, one was filed by the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

The APC candidates/ petitioners include M r s .

Sewande Felicia TowakennuOlatunde (Ipokia S t a t e Constituency); Mr. Bola Akeem Badejo (Ijebu East); Mr. Adebayo Adebola Adekoya (Ijebu North I); Mr. Omotola Peter Banjo (IjebuOde); Hon. Samuel O. Solarin (Sagamu II); Mr. Oluwatosin E. Adeluyi (Imeko-Afon); Mr. Falola Gabriel Ayinde (Egbado North II); Mr. Abayomi J. Fasuna (Ijebu North East) and Hon. Edunjobi Babatunde (Egbado South).

Virtually all the APC petitioners claimed that the election of their opponents did not meet or satisfy the requirements of the law.

They alleged that the elections were invalid by reason of corrupt practices and electoral malpractices and therefore sought relief ranging from nullification to fresh conduct of election in the affected state constituencies.

The PDP candidates/ respondents include Mr. Adebowale Viwanu Ojo, Mr. Adejuwon O. Oyenuga, Mr. Olayinka S. Bowale, Mr. Wale Hassan, Mr. Mojeed Olusesan Soyebo, Mr. Jemili Adigun Akingbade, Alhaji Oduntan Atanda Razak, Mr. Olujimi James Otukoya and Mrs. Akintayo Julianah.

On the other hand, the UPN and its candidate, Mr. Olaofe Dolapo Olayinka, are seeking the nullification of the election of Mrs. Akintayo Julianah of PDP in Egbado South State Constituency due to the omission and exclusion of the name and logo of the UPN from the ballot papers.

The petitioners prayed the tribunal to order the conduct of a fresh election with the petitioners’ names, logos and other emblems of identification to be placed on the ballot.

C M Y K

6 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

LAGOS STATE

2015 Senatorial Polls: Aeroland battles Yayi again at polls tribunal •Matter for hearing today

By OLASUNKANMI AKONI

T

he old rivalry between the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Mr. Segun Adewale, popularly known as Aeroland and Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Lagos West Senatorial District has been reopened.

In the fresh battle, Adewale, candidate for the Lagos-West Senatorial election under the umbrella of PDP, has asked the Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ikeja, Lagos to nullify the declaration of Senator Adeola of the APC as winner of the March 28, 2015 election.

It will be recalled that in the Lagos West Senatorial District, of which Alimosho is part, Adewale, a young astute grassroots politician was believed to have won the Alimosho Federal Constituency for the House of Representatives in 2011 but later lost the case in court where he vehemently contested the result of the election.

But the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, insisted that the candidate of the then Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Adeola, won the election.

According to Adewale, the result announced by INEC was “fictitious and an open robbery.”

Ironically, in 2003, both politicians were members of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) before Adewale defected to PDP. Now, the dice is cast for another historic moment.

Adewale, in his petition before the tribunal presided over by Justice Sylvanus Oriji, alleged irregularities in the conduct of the election, adding that the results submitted by various wards did not correspond with the number of voters accredited by the card readers.

He also alleged that election did not hold in some wards among other irregularities.

However, moving a preliminary objection filed by APC, Dr. Muiz Banire contended that the petitioner does not have the locus standi to institute the action.

Banire argued that the petitioner did not specify the law under which he brought the petition and also failed to state the votes scored by the C M Y K

*Segun Adewale (Aeroland) PDP Senatorial candidate

candidates.

He argued that “By provision of Electoral Act, the petitioner is expected to specify the scores of all the candidates in the election. He only specified his own score and that of APC candidate which is respondent.”

Banire cited the case of Ikeh Vs. Njoke 9 NWLR Pt 59A at page 263 and emphasized that Adewale’s failure to do that eroded the validity of the process, adding that where such happens, the petition becomes incompetent and urged the court to discountenance it.

Moving a similar preliminary objection, Yayi through his lawyer urged the court to dismiss the petition on the ground that it lacked merit.

Yayi, who is currently in the Senate, contended that there was a material contradiction with the petitioner ’s prayer

asking the court to declare him as winner whereas he claimed that the election was

Yayi further contended that it was wrong for Adewale to ask the court to declare him winner in an election he claimed was marred by irregularities

*Senator Solomon, (Yayi) Adeola of APC

marred by irregularities.

He further contended that it was wrong for Adewale to ask the court to declare him winner in an election he claimed was marred by irregularities.

On his eligibility to contest the election, Yayi argued the eligibility to contest an election is a pre-election matter and does not fall within the jurisdiction of the tribunal.

Counsel to INEC, Kunle Abass also aligned himself with the argument of APC and Yayi and stated that the petition was fundamentally defective as the list of witnesses and other accompanying documents were not properly signed.

Abass asked the court to strike out the petition on that basis, arguing that the defect is a fundamental issue and not a technical matter.

Dr. Yemi Oke, Adewale’s lawyer, while responding

separately to the three submissions, insisted that the petition was properly brought before the court with clear demands.

He stated that the list of witnesses and documents accompanying the petition was personally signed by him and urged the court to discountenance the arguments of the respondents.

Oke also insisted that his client has the right to institute the petition, saying that there was no ambiguity in his claims.

He subsequently urged the court to disregard the preliminary objection which he claimed were meant to frustrate the matter from being decided on merit.

Meanwhile, the matter which was on Monday, adjourned till Tuesday was again adjourned until Friday, today for further hearing.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015 — 7

OSUN STATE 25 Ife youths graduate in Agricultural entrepreneurship from IITA *As Osun donates land for youth agricultural programme

By GBENGA OLARINOYE

T

he Ife Development Board IDB, Ile-Ife has sponsored the training of 25 youths from the community in agriculture at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture IITA, Ibadan to reduce youth restiveness and unemployment.

Speaking at an interactive session with the youths in IleIfe , the Chairman of IDB, Professor Muib Opeloye stated

Chief Commisioner Scout of Nigeria, Olusoga Sofolahan in a boyscout greeting with the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mrs Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, in Osogbo, Osun state capital.

After 100 years, Boys Scout lives again

By LATEEF DADA

B

oys Scout is one of the oldest voluntary organisation that has been in existence for 100 years. As a non-governmental organisation, Boys Scout has suffered neglect due to little or no participation of young boys and girls as it used to be, when the organisation was established.

The organisation which was mostly seen in primary and secondary schools then, usually train children to be disciplined and exceptional in behaviour. Every child in school then, irrespective of their religion wanted to be a Scout.

But recently, Scouts are rarely seen in the community, a development many experts have said contributed to the rampant misbehaviour and indiscipline in the society.

However, the revival of Scout has been described as one of the best ways to curb indiscipline and social vices apparent in the nation.

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting to commemorate the 100 years of Scouts in the World, Osun State governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, described the revival of Scouts and other voluntary organisations as a panacea to ending indiscipline among the youths.

Represented by his Deputy, Mrs Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, the governor described the Scouts as an organisation with

discipline and exceptional behaviour that trains the youth for exceptional behaviour in schools and the society.

Speaking on his efforts to resuscitate Scouts and other voluntary organisations in the public primary and secondary schools, Aregbesola said he has established a club that would train the youth for better future in Osun state.

He said, “It is the Scout example that fired our imagination in Osun for the establishment of Omoluabi Boys and Girls Club. We want to bring back the culture of volunteerism, selflessness, character building, exceptional leadership in our youths, with the formation of this club. It is my hope that voluntary youth association that will rebuild the youth with moral, character and leadership, will bounce back.

“The time has come for men of goodwill and especially those who had opportunity of being influenced by voluntary organisation, to come to the aid of our youth and give them proper orientation in life, and guide them for responsible adulthood, protect our youth from the voluntary influence of the world and make them to be the change agent that we crave for. I am therefore calling for the revival of the scout and other voluntary youth association and club in all our schools in the state of Osun.”

However, the Chief Commissioner, Scout of Nigeria, Mr. Olusoga

Sofolahan, described the building up of young boys and girls into good citizens as a panacea for the problem of insecurity bedevilling the country, describing lack of proper training of young boys and girls as part of the causes of insecurity.

He said “Youths are part of the causes of insecurity in Nigeria. Scout is to develop the youth positively, so that they can make them leaders of

positive change within their society.

“So, part of dealing with insecurity is building young boys and girls into good citizenship”.

Sofolahan also stressed that if the youth can imbibe scouting culture, processes and procedures, insecurity would reduce drastically.”

He explained that efforts were in top gear to introduce scouting back in all schools.

that the board from the unset was “to embark on youth agricultural empowerment programmes to combat unemployment that is making our youth roaming about the street.” “As a community that is basically agrarian, we consider it appropriate to develop the interest of our youths in agricultural business”.

He said that with the commitment of IITA with the board, there was a commitment to develop an agricpreneur scheme which would train and empower about 100 youths of Ile-Ife annually on agriculture business.

The IDB chairman stated that the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Development Studies IFEDS, at Obafemi Awolowo University OAU, Ile-Ife, has been mobilized by the board to prepare the feasibility study and study plan to attract Bank of Industries BoI facility to procure the needed equipments for the proposed cassava and maize processing industry at Onikoko.

According to him, Osun state government has also donated 40 hectares of land to the Board, under which youths are being trained in agriculture and entrepreneurship.

Opeloye said under the programme tagged “agricprenuers” interested unemployed educated youths were being exposed to training while land and funds will be provided for them to establish cassava and maize farms.

According to him, the IDB through the assistance of Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, has also secured a 200 hectares of land in Onikoko village, in addition to 40 hectares the state government donated, where youths trained under the programme will be settled.

•Members of the Ife Development Board C M Y K

8 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

ONDO STATE

By DAYO JOHNSON

C

ommercial and vehicular activities were completely grounded in Akure, the Ondo state capital last week when hundreds of commercial motorcycle riders popularly known as Okada riders, trooped to the streets, protesting against the high rate of extortion by men of the Ondo State Police Command.

For hours, the Okada riders grounded activities at Oke-Ijebu area of the metropolis as they protested the high-handedness of the men of the command.

The protest also caused traffic logjam on some major streets of the ancient town.

Vanguard learnt that demonstration was sequel to an alleged beating of one of the Okada riders by the policemen attached to ‘A’ Division Police station, Akure for his refusal to play ball.

The Okada man was said to be on a top speed when one of the policemen at the plaza junction, Oke Ijebu flagged him to stop.

He was said to have obeyed the traffic policeman who allegedly requested for settlement.

All efforts by the Okada rider to plead with the policeman, that he was not financially buoyant, as he was just beginning the day ’s business, it was said fell on deaf ears. The policeman it was said insisted on being settled.

An argument ensued and this led to the policeman struggling to seize the key to the bike which he was resisted by the okada rider.

Other policemen reportedly rushed to the scene, allegedly beating up the Okada man.

Irked by the development, other Okada riders mobilised and stormed the area in their hundreds causing a rowdy session.

They barricaded the road by sitting, vowing to deal with any policeman in sight.

Sensing that the Okada riders may lynch them the affected policemen took to their heels within a twinkle of an eye .

This development irked the Okada riders who went wild and threatened to match on the Ijapo Police station if the affected policemen failed to show up to answer for their “sins” Speaking with Vanguard, the unit leader of Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Riders Association of Nigeria,

C M Y K

*Protesting okada riders.

Okada How okada riders paralysed commercial activities in Akure over alleged Police extortion ACOMORAN, Mr. Oluwaseun Adesina alleged that the policemen from’ A’ and Ijapo police Divisions, were fond of extorting members of the association in the unit as much as N150, 000 on daily basis for committing any offence.

Adesina alleged that “On daily basis, the policemen from ‘A’ Division and ‘Ijapo’ police stations will seize our motorcycles and take them to the station for just no cause. It’s becoming rampant whether your particulars are correct or not, you have to pay them between N1,000 and N5, 000 before your motorcycles is released to you.

“Everyday, this is what we go through here in Ijomu, Oke-Ijebu,Alagbaka and Ijapo estate in the hands of this policemen. Some of them will dress in mufti just to make sure they arrest us.

They are making life unbearable for us.

“This has been going on for months. Whenever we complained, they will arrest us and take our motorcycles to their stations for no just cause. We have decided to protest against the police because enough is enough

*Ondo CP Isaac Eke

Irked by the development, other Okada riders mobilised and stormed the area in their hundreds causing a rowdy session

the wall, that is why we decided to protest these high-handedness from the Police here. There is no job for us, Okada business is our only source of livelihood, but the police won’t allow us to work, so as to fend for our family.

“Many of our members have to pray to God that they would not fall into the net of the policemen whose only business on the road is to extort the little money we make on daily basis.

CP denies allegations However, the state Police Commissioner, Isaac Eke has denied the report that the protest staged by the

commercial motorcyclists was as a result of the extortion from his men.

Eke said the ugly incident was as a result of the brawl that ensued between a policemen on duty and the Okada riders at Oke Ijebu area of Akure and not extortion.

The police Chief in a statement made available to Vanguard explained stated that a policemen attached to Ijapo police station had a brawl with the commercial motorcyclists over an obstruction of duty.

According to the statement which was signed by the Command’s image maker, Wole Ogodo, “The policemen were on official duty when an ‘okada’ man obstructed them on their way. In the course of the melee occasioned by the brawl, the okada man sustained injury as a policeman was applying minimum force to bring him to the police station.

“Later, the Area Commander, Akure, Edward Ajogun immediately prevailed over the matter and appealed to them and they were dispersed . To further consolidate the peace accord, he invited all the parties involved in the imbroglio where amicable settlement was finally reached and all parties went on their various ways satisfied. So the issue of extortion did not arise at all.”

Eze therefore appealed to the people of the state to report any policeman who extorts money from them to the nearest police station.

The police chief assured that the command would continue to work harmoniously with everybody in the state to ensure peace reigns supreme.

According to him, the Police authorities has zero tolerance for such vices and would not hesitate to deal decisively with men of the force caught engaging in it.

Eze vowed that any policeman caught in any act that disparages the force will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

THE TEAM and this extortion must stop.”

Another member of ACOMORAN, Anifowose Temitope, alleged that the policemen arrested and impounded as many as 40 motorcycles per day while the owners bailed them each with N2, 000 before they were released.

“We have been pushed to

Editor: Adeleke Adeseri

Correspondents: Ola Ajayi Gbenga Olarinoye Dayo Johnson Dapo Akinrefon Daud Olatunji Olasunkanmi Akoni Monsuru Olowoepejo

Ibadan Osogbo Akure Abeokuta Lagos

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015—33

With PRINCE OSUAGWU princeosuagwu@gmail.com 08050498513

Twitter goes to mosque: Twitter accounts that keep Ramadan information on fingertips

By Prince Osuagwu

I

f the belief that the Ramadan month is a holy one that provides an opportunity for people all over the world to set their minds towards a higher state of being, through continuous reflection and self-sacrifice is anything to go by,then there must be a way social media can keep that fact evergreen in the minds of people.

Ramadan is the 9th month in the Islamic holy calendar. It demands the over 1.6 billion faithfuls worldwide to fast strictly from dawn until dusk, and are expected to abstain from other earthly pleasures as well.

Now, Twitter has designed accounts which can help them express themselves and talk about activities surrounding this time.

Some of the handles include: *@ATweetforAllah focuses on Tweeting messages of goodwill and positivity to his 38,100

followers. * @RamadanTips gives tips on the benefits and fasting regulations for the month of Ramadan, which are viewed by over 25,000 followers. * @HadithoftheDay is an account dedicated to sharing Prophet Muhammad’s quotes as well as providing inspirational Islamic content to its over 476,000 followers. * @SunnahHealth is an

account dedicated to promoting the well-being of Muslims through healthy diets. The account handler merges the latest nutrition concepts of the modern science with Islamic traditions to create a customized cuisine for faithful followers. * @NSCIAng, the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, is on hand to send through news on happenings

within the Nigerian Islamic community. * @MuslimVoices is an account dedicated to promoting understanding and dialogue between Muslims and nonMuslims.

Using the hashtag feature is also an excellent way to keep up with the general conversation around #Ramadan. Twitter users can use the #Ramadan or #Eid hashtag and use it to describe how observing Ramadan is helping them change how they view the world.

Whether you’re near or far from your family, feel free to

share your thoughts and feelings with your followers by using the @Periscope app to livestream your observations on Ramadan. Periscope, Twitter’s live-streaming app, was recently released on Android devices, and also released a recent update for the Apple iOS devices, ensuring everyone with a Twitter or Periscope account to glimpse the world through the eyes of someone else.

However you choose to observe Ramadan, make your experience more meaningful with Twitter.

Maths-made-easy app targets Nigerian students

LG sets pace for companies to be environmentally responsible

By Laju Iren

W

ITH so many challenges facing the world today, not many people are thinking of the environment. However, this does not remove the pressing need for individuals and organizations to be environmentally responsible.

LG electronics says that it has a track record of producing energy conserving products that help users cut down on their energy consumption. By reducing the energy consumed, these products not only save consumers money in the long run through lower energy bills, but the decrease in power demanded helps eliminate pollution as well.

In 2014, an incredible 300 LG models were named to the U.S. EPA’s ENERGY STAR certified products list. The company additionally increased sales of ENERGY STAR certified products by 18 percent since

C M Y K

2013. LG has pledged itself to reducing hazardous substances such as heavy metals and chemicals in its products. This is part of the company’s vision to increase the recyclability of its

Compared to conventional models, the 6 Motion Direct Drive reduces acidification by 9 percent, resource depletion by 23 percent, greenhouse gas emissions by 12 percent and ozonedepleting substances by 34 percent

products and allow for easy, ecofriendly disposal at the end of the product’s lifespan. This sustainable approach leads to an overall 29,650 K ton reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2012. LG leads the way in designing competitive washing machines that do not compromise performance for efficiency. LG’s 6 Motion Direct Drive is the most efficient washing machine in the world. Its energy usage figures make it 40 percent more efficient than is required for the EU’s A+++ grade, the highest level of certification given to home appliances. From its construction to eventual disposal, the 6 Motion Direct Drive creates minimal ecological impact over its lifespan.

Compared to conventional models, the 6 Motion Direct Drive reduces acidification by 9 percent, resource depletion by 23 percent, greenhouse gas emissions by 12 percent and ozone-depleting substances by 34 percent.

LG’s OLED TVs also received UL Environment’s GREENGUARD certification at CES 2015. The 55, 65- and 77-inch class 4K Ultra HD OLED models all received the certification which was only awarded after extensive testing to confirm low emissions. This is just one example in LG’s leadership in developing products with health and the environment in mind.

By Laju Iren & Ikenna Asomba

I

F there is a subject students have a phobia for, it is definitely Mathematics. Some students see numbers and formulae as daggers out to get them. Math anxiety seems to be a worldwide phenomenon as according to a 2005 research, approximately 20% of the US population is highly maths anxious. According to another study, 6 out of every 10 Spanish students, get anxious when it comes to mathematics.

The figures in the Nigerian terrain are alarming as well, in the last West African Senior School Certificate Examinations, WASSCE, only 31.28 percent of the country’s students, obtained credits in five subjects and above, including Mathematics and English Language.

It is as a result of the Mathsphobia, that the Mathematics Laboratory Limited, MLL, recently launched the Naija Mathematics Olympiad, an online platform for mathematics practice and testing for junior and senior secondary schools in Nigeria.

At the launch in Lagos, Director of MLL, Andrew Akhigbe, disclosed that ‘’The problem we seek to address is the perennial problems associated with mathematics anxiety and the

general phobia for numbers by students of junior and senior secondary schools.

“Our ultimate goal is to replace mathematics anxiety and phobia for numbers with a love for the subject and numbers in general for increased problem-solving skills in the digital age.”

Akhigbe who said the online solution is a practice, test and reward model, explained that “Firstly, students go online and learn every aspect of Mathematics. Secondly, students can take the test under strict examination conditions and monitor their progress through continuous assessment. Thirdly, students can schedule themselves to take a Mathematics Olympiad and determine where they stand in relation to other smart students at the local government , state and national level.

Winners, schools and their teachers would be rewarded at the end of the exercise.

“At the moment, national exams like WASSCE, UTME and others are now Computer-Based Test (CBT). So, if a child knows how to take test at age 10, when he starts taking CBT exams like WASSCE and UTME, it won’t be an issue to him or her. In this exam, there are three things at stake.

34— Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

Child marriage: Practice, consequences and remedy

...as WACSOF calls for legislation in W/Africa …pegs age limit at 18 yrs

By Caleb Ayansanya

A

BUJA — THE cultural practice of early marriage is one of the most potent threats to the rights of children in modern times with its cyclical effects being very prevalent in many parts of West Africa.

Article 1 of the Convention of the Rights of the Child describes Child / Early marriage as the marriage of a child below 18 years of age.

Although this affects boys and girls, girls are disproportionately more affected.

Every year, more than 1.5 million girls from all over the world - many just starting their adolescent years become child brides. West Africa contributes the highest number to this statistics with 49 percent of girls married before they clock 18.

The Secretary General of WACSOF, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani said their sensitization and dialogue programme in six West African countries; Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, Nigeria and Mali revealed that poverty was a critical factor contributing to child marriage phenomenon in the continent.

“It is a common reason why parents encourage a child to marry. Poor countries and families often have few

resources to support healthy alternatives such as schooling for girls. Where poverty is acute, a young girl may be regarded as an economic burden, and her marriage to a much older - sometimes even elderly - man is believed to benefit the child and her family both financially and socially.

“In uncertain times, poor harvest conditions or war, a family may see it is necessary to ensure the economical ‘safety’ of their daughter and family by giving her hand in marriage. The girl becomes

The act is wicked and it is criminal, it should not be allowed to happen in a civilized society, not in this 21st century that Africa will be practicing this type of dastardly act to our own children

therefore a social and economic burden to be disposed of.

“Moreover, early marriage keeps girls and women in a cyclical poverty with lifelong consequences.

“Sometimes, girls are pulled out of schools or other training centers to be married to older men; who are already sexually active, heightening, therefore, their risks of contracting HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

“Girls are also exposed to early pregnancy and its attendant ramifications, including high maternal health risks due to their young age. They miss out on economic empowerment opportunities, and, most times, are victims of spousal abuse and violence.

“Because of this, the tremendous cost of the practice of Early Marriage cannot be overstated, as it thwarts the future of young girls whose contributions to the well-being of the family and the community, if properly harnessed, can bring about sustainable development. The girl then becomes a social asset rather than a liability.”

Addressing this issue effectively and proactively becomes a high priority in the overall efforts for the development and progress of

the West African region.

Although several international instruments have come up to form part of the framework to address the problem, the problem still persists as a major contributor to the various challenges which young girls and women in general face within West Africa.

Rafsanjani attributed the main challenge in the process of addressing the matter to “an acute lack of political will among policy holders in the various countries. This, however, does not preclude the work that civil society and other categories of Non State Actors have been playing in this regard.

“WACSOF’s aim is to ensure that the serious social problem of Early Marriage is pushed out into the public domain using innovative multi-actor oriented strategies.”

To realize this, WACSOF is currently working with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to set age limit for marriage through legislation to address problem of child marriage in the West African region.

Consequently, the group during a visit to the ECOWAS Parliament to deepen their collaboration on ways of child marriage issue in the subregion, in Abuja, maintained that it would be appropriate to at least let a girl child clock

18 years before giving her out for marriage.He maintained that having a regional voice on the matter would go a long way in resolving the problem and give girls in the region their desire future, adding that giving them out early for marriage did not only ruin their lives, but having negative consequences in the society.

According to him, “We are here on the issue of early marriage, we will like to call for the support of the parliament to have a regional voice on a minimum age limit for marriage in West Africa, as we all know, this is a very serious issue that is having serious negative consequences among our children, especially young girls, who had been taken out of school for marriage. ” We did not think that hardship or financial challenges should be the reasons for us to be taken our children out of school for early marriage. Many of them end up having problem of VVF or abandoned. So, we thought it is important in the region to agree on certain minimum age limit for children to be given out for marriage.”

Responding, the Secretary General of the ECOWAS Parliament, Dr. Cheick Dansoko said issue of child marriage should be treated as criminal offence, describing it as evil to denied girl child of her rights enshrined in the law of the land by giving her out for marriage at a tender age as a sex slave to a man.

The Secretary General, represented by the Director of Administration and Finance, ECOWAS Parliament, John Azumah, maintained that leaders in the continent must go beyond rhetoric, and take action on the matter, promising to look into it with keen interest.

He said: “The act is wicked and it is criminal, it should not be allowed to happen in a civilized society, not in this 21st century that Africa will be practicing this type of dastardly act to our own children, especially the girl child.

“The constitution recognizes rights of a child to health, basic education among others; all these are enshrined in the constitutions of member states.

We have to look into these provisions. We are here to represent the interests of the people of the West African countries, and we will work assiduously on this matter.

“As a father, I can’t stand that for my daughter, I treasure my daughters, and I believe in girl-child education. African should begin to change our attitude and mentality, our thinking of female child. I want to believe, I may be naïve, if we begin to have women leaders at the highest political level, we will overcome some of these problems.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015 — 35

Nigerian woman: Oluyemisi Alatise made First African Vice-President for International Inner Wheel ...Seeks end to female genital mutilation

By Tare Youdeowei

W

ith the renowned objectives of promoting friendship, encouraging the ideals of personal service and fostering international understanding, International Inner Wheel is an association of Wives and direct relations of Rotarians United in the ideas of service. This worldwide organization which is entirely philanthropic in nature and prides itself in its services to the less privileged and the society at large has had its first African Vice President in its 93 years, in the person of Mrs. Oluyemisi Alatise of the Inner Wheel Club of Lagos, District 991, Nigeria. In this light, the National Governing Body of Inner Wheel Clubs in Nigeria has held a reception in her honour as International Inner Wheel Vice President 2015/2016.

She stated: “One of my dreams and what I want to propagate most is creating awareness that female genital mutilation is dangerous.

Fortunately, recently the bill was passed by President Jonathan making female genital mutilation illegal, so we will go out and create awareness. Mothers should not allow their husbands to mutilate their children, because it is the mothers that will hold the legs of their daughters to be circumcised.

We are going to educate women to know that they can say ‘No’ and be supported by

Mrs. Oluyemisi Alatise Law. They must not harm their children; they must not support their husbands or brothers to harm their children.

“My plan to raise awareness on the dangers of gender mutilation is lecture women, go out and visit women in market places, churches in the East, West, all over Nigeria, to let women know that female genital mutilation is an abuse on women and the

child. It is wrong and has no significance other than to promote the selfishness of the Man, wanting to subdue the Woman and sadly they are supported by the women themselves, the mothers. We have to educate them to stop destroying their children.

She further disclosed that “It is agreed that gender mutilation is part of some cultures, we should educate mothers that it is medically

harmful, most of these mutilations are poorly done and any woman that is badly mutilated is not able to give birth naturally, they have to go through caesarean section and before the operation became efficiently done there were a lot of deaths during child birth. The belief that the child’s head must not touch the clitoris of the mother because it will bring bad luck is all a myth. The Ijebu’s do

From left: Past Board Member, Mrs Bisi Solaru; National President /Representative Mrs Osenike Ajadi, International Inner Wheel Vice President 2015 /2016, Mrs Oluyemisi Alatise and Proprietress Chrisland Group of Schools, Mrs Winifred Awosika, at the inaugural ceremony held by the International Inner Wheel Clubs of Nigeria in honour of Mrs. Alatise as the first African Vice president of International Inner Wheel.

not circumcise yet their children are very successful, Ijebu people are very successful. They also say it is to keep women from being promiscuous, but it is a lie, circumcision or not who will be promiscuous will be promiscuous.

Alatise said; “I feel very excited and grateful to God because it is not all merits that are awarded. It has always been a passion for me to help any way that I think I can. In 1972 I got married, in 1978 my husband took me to a rotary meeting, I was invited to the Inner Wheel and I have not looked back ever since.

“I was presented to over 2500 delegates from 56 out of 103 member countries. 57 countries were represented in the congress. I feel very proud to be a black woman, a Nigerian, to have been presented to the delegates and I was received with a very loud applause.”

In gratitude, she expressed; “I am happy about how far I have come, I participated in many international conferences but I didn’t go alone. I want to thank all Inner Wheel members that joined me in this journey and all international trips. We carried the Nigerian flag for positive things. Part of the projects that brought us to the limelight were successful joint international projects. We were very honest and we gave account to the last kobo. The reputation that Nigerians are thieves, we changed that because we rendered money to the last kobo. We kept straight books. I want to thank all members, collectively we did this job, I did not do it alone. We all contributed and I want to assure you that I will not let you down.”

The newly elected International Vice President counseled other women about her motivations and stated; “What kept me going was my love for giving service. I enjoy helping the less privileged.

My point of fulfillment is to see smiles on the faces of the less privileged and people in general I am helping. Service does not necessarily mean money; a pat on the back for a job well done, a smile on the face of the down trodden, is service. If I am able to put a smile on somebody’s face, it gives me joy.

“I advise women to be committed in everything they do or you have passion for, do it with all honesty, are kind, and know that there is karma; what you sow, you reap.”

36 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

Women are invaluable elements of social transformation — Funto Ibuoye, President,The Beautified Network

F

unto Ibuoye is a purpose driven young woman who is passionate about helping women live their dreams and fulfil their God given assignments. Thegraduate of Accounting from Covenant University and a Chartered Accountant authored her first book in 2013-Bbeautified, every woman’s guide to true beauty, exquisite style and pure inspiration. This visionary damsel is the co founder of LACE(Ladies After Christ’ Example)a faith based initiative for young girl .In this interview, she opens up on what true beauty means, why she is hosting the Becoming conference, how women can be change agents, among other issues.

By Kehinde Ajose

What inspired your book Beautified?

After I graduated from Covenant University I went to a make-up school while awaiting NYSC. During this period, I read a lot of books on beauty and all of them talked about physical beauty. It was hard to find a single book that talked about holistic beauty- in and out beauty. So I started with sending out BBM broadcast messages on beauty tips that focused on both inner and outer beauty. The feedback I received after each broadcast was very encouraging and so I got inspired to put all the tips into a book; hence, beautified.

What is your definition of true beauty?

True beauty to me is being beautiful on the inside so much so that it reflects on the outside.

True beauty is not just about having a beautiful face; it’s about having a beautiful heart and a beautiful soul. There is this very profound definition of true beauty I love- “True beauty emanates from a woman who boldly and unabashedly knows who she is in Christ.” I feel like the author of that definition took the words right out of my heart.

How long did it take you to write the book?

It took me about 3 months to compile all the broadcast messages on beauty tips I had sent out and edit them to be suitable for publishing in a book as well as include additional content. However, it took 9 months to edit and publish the book, because it was quite a challenge finding great pictures

we could use to depict each topic in the book. So that’s a total of 12months altogether.

What is the most inspiring testimony you have gotten from the book?

I have received a lot of inspiring testimonies as regards the bookbeautified, but one that really got my heart was from a mother who read the book and told me she was so blessed by the book she was going to keep it for her daughter who is about 6/7 years old to read it as well; she also said she would like me to mentor her daughter. That was quite inspiring for me.

Funto Ibuoye difference in this world. So it’s like God drives me. He drives me to want to be a better person.

He drives me to want to help others be better. He drives me to becoming all He created me to be.

What exactly inspired Becoming conference The Bible talks about older women teaching the younger

How can women become agents of change?

Women can become agents of change simply by discovering who God created them to be and stepping out in courage to be just that. I believe that God has given each of us an assignment and it’s our duty to find out what that assignment is and fulfil it. It’s only when we walk in purpose that we truly can be change agents, rising against the norms, breaking barriers and blazing every trail.

What drives you?

Honestly, I think God Himself drives me. The mere thought of knowing that this God who created the whole world knows every single detail about me, drives me to want to know Him more and discover all he has created me for, and just go ahead and fulfil His purpose for my life. I do not think that I am self-driven; left to myself, I do not like stress and I like to live life simply and easily without any hassles; but when I think about God and how fickle life is, I know that I cannot afford to just sit still and not make a big

I want young women to come together toworship God who created us and empowers us to live out the kind of life He has planned for us

women but I realized that in this age, most of the older women are busy pursuing their own dreams and careers and leaving the younger women at the mercy of house helps, friends who do not know any better and the internet; learning all sorts because no one is really taking the time to teach and mentor them. I started organizing gatherings in our sitting room for teenage girls from my church back in 2011 and then it metamorphosed into LACE (Ladies After Christ’s Example) which I co-founded with a friend of mine. I see a lot of young women who are just living life passively with no sense of purpose and it just makes my heart ache. There is so much more to life than just going to school, getting married and having children. That’s why I founded The Beautified Network, a for-purpose and faithbased initiative for young women. The sole purpose for Becoming is to bring together, women who have ‘become’ i.e. achieved a decent level of success and significance in their respective endeavors, and have these women share the stories of their journey to success as they inspire the younger women towards pursuing their own purposes and living up to their full potential. I strongly believe that women are an invaluable element for social transformation and there is no better time to empower them than now, especially in this dispensation of a new Nigeria.

What do you intend to

achieve through this conference?

Through this conference, I want young women to come together to-worship God who created us and empowers us to live out the kind of life He has planned for us. Without Him, our lives would definitely have no meaning.

Listen to and be inspired by the stories of older women who have ‘become’ so they also go out and work towards ‘becoming’ all God created them to be.

Network with other young women towards building purposeful friendships and encouraging each other on the journey to ‘becoming’.

What is the greatest price you have paid for your passion?

This would be giving up my career as a Chartered Accountant and pursuing a career which is closer to what I am passionate about.

How do you create the balance between pursuing your passion and your day job?

During week days after I get home from work, it’s like I take off my 9-5 hat and put on my passion hat, so most of the time at nights or early in the mornings before work and most weekends , I’m working on my passion projects and then during the week, I’m at my day job. It definitely hasn’t been an easy task but I’m determined to keep at it until my day dream (passion) finally becomes my day job.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015 — 37

By Funmi Olasupo

A

s Nigeria joins the rest of the African countries to commemorate the Day of the African Child (DAC), the need for Nigeria to recognize its child by loving it and protecting it cannot be over emphasized.

The DAC further presents an opportunity to focus on the work of all actors committed to the rights of children on the continent, to consolidate their efforts in addressing the obstacles for realizing these rights.

The 25th anniversary of the African Union Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, which has been dedicated to ending child marriage on the continent, could not have come at a more auspicious time in our country.

Recently, the Office of the Attorney General of Kano State last week withdrew the four-count charge of culpable homicide punishable with death against a child bride named Wasila. She was 14 at the time she committed the crime for which she was being tried.

The story of Wasila was a pathetic one without any foreknowledge of her responsibilities as a wife, she was compelled by her father to marry a 35-year- old married man.

The agony she endured when her husband forcefully had sexual relations with her compelled her

L-R Director-General, National Centre for Women Development (NCWD), Abuja. Lady Onyeka Onwenu,with the children of Day Care Centre (NCWD), during the celebration of the African Child Day in Abuja.

Child marriage going to sleep in Nigeria to begin plotting how to stop him from further hurting her.

When the senior wife prepared the meal on her behalf (as is the practice with a new bride), she

allegedly laced the meal with poison before serving her husband who ate the food with three friends, all of who later died.

Commemorating the day in Abuja, Director General, National Centre for Women Development, NCWD, Lady Onyeka Onwenu said it is important that the country puts

Improving access to justice for victims of sexual, domestic violence ...as Justice4All partners NPF to upgrade Isokoko divisional police

By Esther Onyegbula

I

n a bid to improve access to justice for victims of domestic and sexual violence in Lagos State, Justice4All in collaboration with Nigeria Police Force (NPF), have upgraded Isokoko Divisional police station into a Model station with necessary facilities to boost crime

fighting in Agege and its environs.

Despite the heavy down pour of rains residents, community leaders trooped in their droves to the station to inspect the facilities put in place to facilitate access to justices.

Speaking at the open facility tour at Isokoko Division, Julie North, a consultant with Justice4All said the upgrade of the division to a model police station was part of the project to

From left: Julie North, consultant with Justice4All; Divisional Police Officer, Isokoko, SP Olabajo Olufunke, Maltida Ibaronye, 2/IC Lagos State Police Public Relations .

develop the practices and procedures of the Nigerian Police Force.

“The project is all about community policing, we are encouraging the police to get to know the community that they serve. Here at the station, we have improved procedures and practice in several areas like the Family Support Unit referred to as Juvenile welfare center; the Family Support Unit carters for domestic violence and crimes against women, children and men sometimes”.

“We have trained police officers in basic policing skills; basic investigative skills and how to handle sensitive issues from the Family Support Unit (SFU) which deals on sexual and domestic violence. The officers have been specially trained now to be sensitive towards victims of domestic violence and investigate cases effectively; using the Mirable center to ensure that victims of sexual violence are given justice and treated

sensitively”.

According to the Divisional Police Officer, Isokoko, SP Olabajo Olufunke the event allows the public to come into the division, feel the pulse of the station, know what is happening and see for themselves the features that makes Isokoko police division different from other division.

“We want the community to know that we are partners in progress this will allow people to provide useful information and intelligence for the police. We are not their boss, we here are to serve them which is why the counter is called the reception here in Isokoko, as we want complainants to feel free”.

Among the facilities that were inspected include: Family Support Unit, SFU (office for trained officers who deal with victims of sexual and domestic violence), the cells, (where suspects are kept) Intelligence Unit, (record of crimes, crime hot spot are kept), conveniences for both officers and visitors.

an end to child marriage.

She said Nigeria must keep recognizing its children by protecting them and loving them dearly.

The DG maintained, “This society must keep recognizing its children, protect and love them because that’s what this day is about.

“We remember what happen in Soweto, South Africa, the massacre of hundreds of children who were demonstrating for their basic rights to a decent education. Since then, the day has been used as an opportunity to focus a global spotlight on the injustices African children face, and on the actions we all need to take to ensure they can realize their rights.”

“The DAC also provides an occasion for Governments, International Institutions and Communities to renew their ongoing commitments towards improving the plight of children by organizing activities aimed at including them. She said.

The Day of the African Child is commemorated every year on 16th June by Member States of the African Union (AU), and its Partners in accordance with Resolution CM/Res.1290 (XL).

The theme for this year’s celebration is “25 Years after the Adoption of the African Children’s Charter: Accelerating our Collective Efforts to End Child Marriage in Africa.”

38—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

I'm still in LP but having discussions with APC —Ogboru

By Perez Brisibe

U

GHELLI—DELTA State Labour Party, LP, governorship candidate in the 2015 general election, Chief Great Ogboru, has said that though he was still a member of the LP, he was having discussions on a likely defection to the All Progressives Congress, APC. Ogboru, who spoke during the commissioning of a fuel station belonging to the Ughelli North/Ughelli South/ Udu Federal Constituency House of Representatives candidate of the Labour Party, Julius Akpovoka, at Ughelli yesterday, said: “I am still in Labour Party but we are discussing with the APC.” Applauding the people of the area for their support over the years, Ogboru urged them to be resolute, noting that the change that had started in the country would soon visit Delta

A-Ibom First Lady tasks women on economic activities

By Chioma Onuegbu

A

KWA Ibom First Lady, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel, has urged women to always engage in economic activities that would provide proper reorientation, rehabilitation, and empowerment of all women of the state.

Mrs. Emmanuel gave the charge yesterday when she received a delegation of executive of National Council of Women’s Societies, NCWS, Akwa Ibom chapter, which paid her a courtesy visit in her office in Uyo. She told the women leaders that they needed to do more in the area of creating programmes that would change the status of womenfolk.

She said the task of developing and empowering women remained the collective responsibility of all and urged the group to be more active in the discharge of their duties, including inculcating good moral values in teenage girls.

“This government is ever committed to meeting the yearnings of women in the state," she assured.

State.

He said: “I am believing God for victory at the state election tribunal because we have confidence in the word of God that when he says something, it would come to pass.

‘’We know what the people of Delta State did with their votes during the last election and we would reclaim the mandate at the appropriate time.”

On his part, Akpovoka,

while appealing for calm from the people, said: “A lot of irregularities trailed the election but we have taken our cases to the court and the court would decide on the true position of things.”

CHURCH SERVICE: Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State (right) and Elder Udo Asam Udo, Presiding Elder of Qua Iboe Church, Uyo, during a church service.

Saraki’s emergence, betrayal to APC —Okpozo

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN—SECOND Republic senator and Niger Delta leader, Senator Francis Okpozo, yesterday described the manner Senator Olusola Saraki emerged as Senate President as intolerable in any disciplined democracy.

He urged the Senate President to step down and listen to his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC. Okpozo, who also is the leader of the APC in Delta State, described Saraki's action as a betrayal to his party and urged the leadership of the APC to mete out strict sanctions against him and his supporters in the APC to serve as deterrence to others in future.

He said: “Saraki betrayed his party and he betrayed his people, but he forgot that his party is still in power today and they have a way to make him pay for his sins. ‘’In a normal democracy and what obtains in Presidential and parliamentary democracies, the party that wins elections, elects the officials of the National Assembly, it is a conventional

matter. ‘’So it is totally an aberration for a minority party to occupy the position of the Deputy Senate President which Saraki did due to his desperation.

“Even though there was a contest between Saraki and others in the same party, it should not have led to his aligning with PDP senators to scuttle the position of his party. It is totally an aberration

of proper democracy. ‘’ He should either resign or go back to contest election for the position with his colleagues or he will stay idle because the party will abandon him.

“Even when there is crisis in APC, he should not have conspired with PDP senators to stampede the Clerk of the Senate to go ahead with the inauguration."

Delta SUBEB boss vows to stop fraud in primary education sector

By Festus Ahon

A

SABA—CHAIRMAN of Delta State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Comrade Elijah Ologe, has vowed to put a stop to all forms of fraud in the salaries of primary school teachers in the state.

Ologe, who stated this during meetings with the 25 local government council chairmen and board members, management staff of the Board and Education Secretaries of the 25 Local Education Authorities, expressed the determination of the board to uncover all forms of fraud in the primary education sector.

He said the meeting became

imperative, following reports and allegations of chronic fraud in the salaries and appointments of teachers in the primary education sector.

Ologe said: “The accusations are embarrassing. A situation where people will allege that SUBEB is conniving with people to manipulate payments in the computer centre is not acceptable at all. ‘’We have to look at issues together and see how to address this increasing wage bill because some of them are mechanical.”

He said the move was not to witch hunt anybody, adding that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa abhorred all forms of fraud in the state.

Edo govt assures on completion of all road projects

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN—EDO State government yesterday vowed that despite the financial crisis in the country, Governor Adams O s h i o m h o l e ’ s administration would complete all on-going road projects in the state.

This was declared yesterday by the state Commissioner for Works, Mr Osarodion Ogie, while inspecting road and flood control projects at Abudu, Upper Sakponba and 2nd East Circular roads in the state.

He noted that while some states were unable to meet up with their salary obligation to their workers, the state government had continued to pay workers, while contractors were all on site across the three senatorial districts.

He said: “This was made possible due to the prudent management of the little resources we have by the governor. ‘’He has, over the years, made conscious efforts to cut down on recurrent expenditure to beef up our capital expenditure and that is why you observe that work is still on going, despite the financial crisis in the country.

“As a responsible government, we will ensure that no ongoing project embarked upon will be abandoned. You will notice that our contractors have not left the site at all ongoing projects, in spite of the cash crunch that has hit most states of the federation. ‘’Edo is not owing any worker while several states of the federation have been unable to pay salaries for months now.

“We are not saying we are not being affected by the cash crunch because there are many projects the government would have loved to execute.

What we are saying is that we have ensured that the ongoing ones do not suffer in the face of the financial challenges in the country.’’

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015— 39

We're owed N17bn —Imo pensioners

By Anayo Okoli

retired primary school teachers and staff of tertiary institutions in the state.

“Primary school pensioners are owed 18 months pension, Alvan Ikoku College of Education pensioners are owed N388 million, while their counterpart from Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo are owed almost the same amount.

“Pensioners who retired under the civil service are owed five

O

WERRI—IMO State chapter of Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, said yesterday, that its members were owed over N17 billion arrears of pensions and gratuity by the state government as at May 2015.

According to the state secretary of the union, Mr. Livinus Asiegbu, the debts are mainly for

months arrears, Local Government retirees are owed six months arrears,” Asiegbu said.

He explained that what pensioners were currently asking for was monthly pension and not arrears of gratuity.

According to him, so many retirees in Imo State have not received their gratuity for more than 15 years.

He lamented that what pensioners were craving for now

APGA chieftain calls for half pay for lawmakers with cases at tribunals

By Anayo Okoli

He alleged that it was an open secret that PDP rigged most of its candidates into offices in the state in a vain effort to strengthen former President Goodluck Jonathan’s election, but noted that the true situation of things in South East was that PDP lost the election due to imposition of unpopular candidates.

Onuoha advised the leadership of the National Assembly to resolve its leadership crisis

U

M U A H I A — A CHIEFTAIN of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in Abia State, Chief David Bourdex Onuoha, has called on the management of National Assembly to place lawmakers with cases at tribunals on half pay, pending the resolution of their cases.

According him, the financial profile of the nation does not need to be further spent on lawmakers facing court cases over electoral offences.

He argued that some of them who might lose their seats would have no way to refund all the money they would have collected.

He added that since it might not be possible to have the members with disputed mandates to refund unmerited wages and allowances, the ideal thing to do was to leave the embattled legislators with half pay, pending the determination of their cases.

Onuoha, who is also at the election tribunal in Umuahia to contest the election of Mr. Mao Ohuabunwa as the senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, said it was apparent that many people already in the National and State Assemblies would lose at the tribunal and that recovering funds given them would be difficult.

amicably, saying there was a high probability that lawmakers who cheated their way into the federal legislature could be among those fuelling the ongoing leadership crisis in the National Assembly.

He also expressed the hope that before the six month allotted to election petitions expired, the people of Abia North senatorial district would begin to reap the benefits of their popular choice.

was monthly pension to enable them eat and stay alive.

Describing the debt owed pensioners in Imo State as outrageous, Asiegbu said the pensioners were agitated to come out to the streets of Owerri to demonstrate but were restrained by the leadership of the union.

“The leadership of NUP in Imo State has been dissuading the aggrieved pensioners from coming out to protest because most of them are fragile and sick, but they keep saying it was better for them to demonstrate and face whatever consequences.

“But we are being cautious in bringing them out because of the obvious danger of some of them fainting and dying on the road in the process of the demonstration,” the union scribe said.

Asiegbu lamented that NUP leadership had sent an SOS letter to Governor Rochas Okorocha on the matter but regretted that no serious attention had been given to the matter.

Customs denies alleged criticism of FG’s proposed monthly youth stipend

By Ifeyinwa Obi

T

HE NIGERIA Customs Service, NCS, has dismissed reports that the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dikko Inde Abdullahi, allegedly kicked against the removal of printed textile materials from import prohibition list during the recent forum between the Service and Textile Value Chain stakeholders.

The NCS dismissal is contained in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Wale Adeniyi, Adeniyi stated: “The attention of the Nigeria Customs Service has been drawn to a story published in a newspaper

which misrepresented the Comptroller-General of Customs Dikko Inde Abdullahi as having criticised the Federal Government’s plan to pay a monthly stipend of N5,000 to unemployed Nigerian youths. ‘’ The report also insinuated that the CGC kicked against the removal of printed textile materials from import prohibition list during the forum between Nigeria Customs Service and Textile Value Chain stakeholders.

“The Comptroller-General was quoted out of context and grossly misrepresented, hence the need to make clarification in the interest of those who may have been misinformed. ‘’The CGC never criticised the proposed stipend payment as recently announced by His

Excellency, the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo. ‘’As a loyal public servant of proven experience, he could never have criticised an idea that seeks to bring welcome relief to the teeming unemployed youths in this country. Contrary to what was reported, the ComptrollerGeneral welcomed the idea as a medium term strategy with the ultimate goal of encouraging our youth to embrace the production sector.”

Adeniyi explained that while proffering options to revamp the ailing textile industry, the Customs had lamented the neglect of agriculture, especially cotton production, which had in the past created huge employment for the youths.

NBA charges Anambra govt to renovate court rooms, offices

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

N

NEWI—THE Nigerian Bar Association,NBA, Onitsha branch, has appealed to Anambra State government to start renovating the court rooms and offices in Onitsha courts to make them look like modern court rooms.

Chairman of the branch, Mr. Chudi Obiezemade, made the call when he led members of Onitsha bar on a solidarity visit to the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Peter Umeadi, on his forthcoming birthday.

He said Onitsha bar was in support of the state chief judge’s vision to transform Anambra judiciary to make it compete favourably with other state judiciaries.

“We want to assure you that we will always stand by you and will make all necessary inputs to help you succeed in all your projects,” he said.

Responding, the Chief Judge, Justice Umeadi, disclosed that court service charges in Anambra would soon be increased to shore up revenue from the courts.

Justice Umeadi also stated that all stakeholders in the judiciary would be consulted on the issue.

According to him, it will be done with some moderation since the judiciary provides social service to the people.

“You people would be duly consulted and your inputs considered before the decision on the slight increase in the court service charges would be done. We know that the judiciary provides social service to the people.

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

Should subsidy on fuel stay or go?

W

hat Dr. Jonathan saw in subsidy years ago was not seen by his acclaimed intelligent opponents. I am yet to hear from Femi Falana, Wole Soyinka, and the so-called Lagos human right groups that mobilised musicians to Ojota three years ago. -Mr. Emmanuel Obolu, Worker

N

ow that the issue of whether subsidy on fuel should stay or go is on the front burner, what is the labour union saying? Is it part of the Nigerians seeking to end fuel subsidy? Let it speak out now and not when the decision is made.

-Marcel Onwuasoeze, Entrepreneur

W

here are those who piloted the subsidy strike nationwide when GEJ wanted to take away subsidy from fuel? This time, if they call strike, Nigerians will not take them seriously because they are not saying anything now. Mr. Joseph Ubiagba, Administrator

I

t is obvious, the subsidy itself is not so much the problem, but the corruption within is the main problem.

I am not exactly against the removal of the subsidy.

What has changed in Nigerians who protested against the subsidy removal? -Miss Chika Dike, NYSC member

R

emoving fuel subsidy will not benefit ordinary Nigerians, it will only create more avenue for these politicians to continue looting our treasury. Who are these cabal we are talking about?

Are they not human beings?

Let government prosecute them. -Miss Chioma Ani, Model

T

his will look sectional, out of some individuals who likely protested the removal of the subsidy in 2012 but are now supporting the removal. This is where I turned completely against All Progressives Congress, APC, that intend to remove subsidy now. -Miss Ukogu Chinasa, Musician

40 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

Gang-up against Tinubu'll spell doom for APC — RAJI

I

MMEDIATE past Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, Mr. Lateef Raji has called on the members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to resist any attempt at rubbishing the image of the party ’s National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Briefing newsmen in Lagos, he said such move if not nipped in the bud is capable of jeopardising the desire of President Muhammadu Buhari to offer the required leadership that will impact on the well being of Nigerians.

His words: ‘’The history behind the merger that later culminated in the APC is well known and well documented. The role played by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is also known to all, in whatever terms, his contributions cannot be quantified, so efforts by anyone to rubbish his contributions will spell doom for the fortune of the party if not now but later.” ‘’It is known to all that the shadow elections that were conducted indicated that certain individuals emerged as preferred candidates of the party but these two members decided to go against the will of the party by openly defying the will of the party to contest the offices.”

Poverty level in Nigeria intolerable — OSINBAJO

By Emma Una

C

ALABAR—NIGERIA’S Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo says no decent nation can tolerate the level of poverty currently ravaging the country and unless there is a functional social system where the highly vulnerable are assisted to survive, vast majority of the population would die before long.

Professor Osibanjo who stated this in Calabar yesterday while delivering a keynote address on the 10th anniversary of the Late High Court Judge, Peter Bassey Foundation lecture, said those against the Federal Government’s policy of Conditional cash Transfer where those without jobs would be given the sum of N5,000 each to assist them are only being callous and ignorant of the pitiable plight of large numbers of the population in the country.

“Social protection system is absolutely essential to assist the highly vulnerable in our society but I hear some critics say that people should work to earn money but the only way out for now is to ensure that people who earn nothing can eat to avoid preventable deaths” He said while the government is working towards creating jobs and enabling the private sector to revamp and build industries to provide employment, government has a responsibility to ensure that the vast majority of Nigerians who are extremity poor are catered for through the conditional cash transfer system to enable them eat and take care of their health needs.

“If we have to wait until the industries are functional and the government is able to provide jobs for everyone, most people would be dead by the time we get to that stage”

PARLEY: From left: Amit Sagar, Executive Director, Midcom Group; Paul Okeugo, Senior Business Manager, Microsoft Mobile Devices and Services; Joseph Umunakwe, General Manager, Microsoft Mobile Devices and Services and Kabelo Makwane, Managing Director, Microsoft Nigeria exchanging pleasantries during “A Night of Business Unusual” held recently.

The Vice President who also spoke on the poor values in the country said, development has eluded the country this long because of the lack of values in the society.

“The justification of stealing, cheating and corruption is because we have not adopted the values for doing the right thing. The biblical injunction, ‘thou shall not steal is not only to stop stealing but attuned to a just and right way

I

NSPECTOR-GENERAL of Police's crack team deployed to Kogi State to checkmate the upsurge in banditry, kidnapping and activities of social miscreants, has arrested 31 suspects few days after its arrival in the state.

The team which was saddled also with the responsibility of checking the excesses of criminals along major highways in the state also smashed several kidnapping/armed robbery rings.

The IGP directed the Special Anti-Crime Task Force led by CP Chris Ezike of the Federal Special Anti-robbery Squad, to relocate to Kogi State about 3 weeks

ago with a task to quickly address the situation.

Consequently, the team arrived Lokoja on 27th May, 2015 and supported by a strong Force of 300 personnel of the Police Mobile Force drawn from across Nigeria and complemented by the Kogi State Command work force, swung into action.

The task given to the team included identifing all criminal syndicates, their leaders/foot soldiers, sponsors and arresting them with operational precision; carry out sporadic raids of their houses/homes, hideouts, rendezvous and other tabernacles and recover arms/ammunition, dangerous weapons, dangerous charms and all other items/properties reasonably suspected to

formula which is skewed to favour where someone comes from and not what he can offer. “We have the chaos we have in the country today because people want to get away with anything and this is because federal character is the first rule where people are appointed into positions based on the zone or state he comes from and not on merit, until there is a reverse, development will continue to elude us”.

Niger Delta leaders task FG over fuel pipelines

By Caleb Ayansina

A

BUJA—LEADERS from the oil-rich Niger Delta region, yesterday called on the Federal Government to give them necessary support required in safe-

Police arrest 31 suspects, smash kidnappers’ den in Kogi

By Emma Nnadozie, Crime Editor

of doing things because if you are supposed to report for work at 8:00 am but you show up at 11:00 am you are stealing your employers three hours and should therefore be paid for the time you reported and not a whole days work”.

He said development can come only be witnessed in the country owing if the right people are appointed into the right position on merit not via federal character

be proceeds of the crime.

The operatives were to also identify kidnappers’ safe havens, hideouts and warehouses and liberate victims.

Consequently, between 4th and 19th of June, a total of 31 robbery, kidnapping and arms suppliers/ receiving suspects were arrested by the crack police team from different parts of the state.

The suspects included one kidnap suspect who killed a Police Corporal, Apogu Dzakwa, on 18 May 2015 at Ayere/ Ajowa in Ijumu LGA of Kogi state and snatched his rifle - number BA360834; suspects terrorizing the Okpella-Okene highway and other highways leading to the East Ondo State and highways from Abaji to Lokoja.

guarding oil pipelines across the country.

The group under the auspices of the Niger-Delta Amnesty Leaders Progressive Change for Buhari noted that communities were better placed to protect those pipelines from vandals, if they were properly assisted.

Citing the Nigeria Extraction Industry Transparency Initiative report, the group said “Nigeria lost a $10.9 billion to oil theft between 2009 and 2011, and over $12 billion between 2011 and 2014 with over 20,000 people killed and property worth billions of naira destroyed.”

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, Bibi Oduku, who spoke on behalf of the group, noted that consequences of oil pipeline vandalism is both human and environmental, therefore, “these situations need communities’ effort and reporting strategies, as Nigeria security operatives cannot abet the situation alone.”

He maintained that they had developed a strategy known as ‘Community Participation and Advocacy Plan against Vandals’ to assist the Buhari-led administration against vandalism.

“We have strategies in place, the best solution so far to abet the activities of pipelines vandalism in Nigeria. It is called ‘Community Participation and Advocacy Plan against Vandals’.

“This initiative has a total fullproof methodology to reduce and totally eradicate these unpatriotic activities, if given the support necessary by the government.

“We have included measures that foresee local interest that has served as springboard for vandals and communities, where the activities are likely, which include; Jesse in Delta, Boyatta Ijaw community, Akute Odo, Ekakpame Ugheli, Gatta, Ogwe, Umugbede, Uzo community, the South Western part of the country.

“Our resolve is to help the government of President Muhammadu Buhari in an effort to contribute our qouta as ex-militants, to block all leakages in the Nigeria economy,” he said.

Odudu explained that they had trained anti-sea private corps, and that, they were fully in touch with the communities, therefore, “ what we need are equipments, financial assistance and military backing” to do the job.''

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015—41

TOUR: From left— Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State; Bola Olumegbon-Lawal, Executive Secretary, Yaba Local Government, and Idris Asunmo, Managing Director, MRI Investments, at Tejuosho Shopping Complex, Yaba, during the governor's facility tour, yesterday.

WEDDED: Former Miss Amarachi Okere and Mr. Ezekiel Njor (middle) flanked by Mr. and Dr (Mrs) Fintan Ibegwam during their wedding in Port Harcourt.

SEMINAR: From left— Chinasa Oriaku, Legal Officer, Vibrant Ventures Ltd; Mr. Paul Uduk, Managing Director, Vision and Talent; and Edokwe Olive, Customer Service Officer, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, during the service excellence seminar for executive officers of some corporate organisations, organised by Vision and Talents Ltd in Lagos. PHOTO: Lamidi Bamidele.

RETREAT: Alhaji Hakeem Danmola, Founder and member of the Board of Trustees, Liberty Foundation(sitting 3rd right); Dr. Sakiru Onasanya, Badagry Zone Coordinator (sitting 4th right); Mr. Siji Ayantuga, Eredo-Epe Zone Coordinator (sitting 2nd left) and others, at the Liberty Foundation retreat in Lagos.

DONATION: From left— Rotn. Omale James, Project Director, Rotary Club, Lekki Phase I; Abieyuwa Emokpae, Medical Director/CEO, Massey Street Children Hospital; Eme Agha, President; and Sunmade Agbe-Davies, past President, of the club, during the donation of incubators to the hospital in Lagos.

BURIAL: Mr. Ezinwa Ukonu, widower (2nd right), and his children, during the burial ceremony of his late wife, Patricia.

HEINEKEN GOLF: From left—

MISS TOURISM: From left— Mr. Jeff Geofrey, representative of Qhue Concept; Mrs Toyin Adepegba, Public Relations Manager, Recare Limited; Miss Tomi Salami, winner, Miss Tourism Nigeria 2012, and Mr. Moses Umanah, Head of Media, Miss Tourism Nigeria 2015, during a courtesy visit to Natures Gentle Touch Hair Institute in Lagos.

Mr. Isaac Nwabuzor, Public Affairs Manager, South Region, Nigeria Breweries Plc; Kalio Isoboye, overall winner of the Heinekensponsored SPG Open, and Kolawole Akintimehin, Assistant Brand Manager, Heineken, during the awards presentation at the just-concluded golf tourney in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

42 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015— —43

44 —Vanguard, FRIDAY 5 FRIDAY,, JUNE 26, 201 2015

Ogogoro: Growing anxiety as consumers defy ban despite deaths(2) Continues from yesterday

By Jude Njoku, Jimitota Onoyume, Samuel Oyadongha, Dayo Johnson, Davis Iheanachor & Imem Idio

V

ANGUARD Features, VF, started the first part of the Ogogoro deaths saga yesterday.

The story continues today with the chilling accounts of how some persons died after taking the drink and the growing protests against its ban.

“Later that same Friday, the late Odohi and Udeh began to complain of stomach ache and eye problem. The next day, both of them died. The same Saturday May 30, Ogbubula died.

Monday the next week, Philomena died. Before they died, they all went blind. The community was thrown into confusion because we saw the whole thing as mysterious,” the paramount ruler said.

Kaikai now nocturnal business “I am worried that in spite of news of death from consumption of Kaikai vendors still sell at night,” lamentated the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Heath, Rivers State , Mr Somiari Isaac-Harry, as he spoke to the VF on effort by his Ministry, NAFDAC, the Ministry of information and security agencies to put a halt to further death from consumption of the locally brewed gin.

He said the death toll still remained at 71, one week after this figure was released.

According to him, some of the 11 who survived had visual impairment while a few others were very sick.

Mr Isaac-Harry said the Federal Government had directed that the survivors should be treated free of charge at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

He further explained that the deaths were traced to methanol, a chemical substance that is very harmful to the body. According to him, when methanol dissolves after consumption it destroys several organs in the body.

He said the producers had to turn to methanol because there was scarcity of ethanol which they had been using.

“The only thing we noticed is that some of the dealers still sell at night. I wore shorts to Nembe waterside area to see if they still sell. I saw a boy who looked like he drinks the stuff and I asked him if I could get it. He told me that the dealers only sell at night.

I observed that they covered all drums used for the business.

“The Kaikai issue for now is under control; since last week

Monday till now we have not recorded any incident. The death toll still remains 71. We had 80 cases . Nine survived. Some of the survivors have visual impairment, some are very ill.

The Federal Government directed that all those who survived should be treated free of charge at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

Distinction between original and fake Ogogoro “The original Kaikai or Ogogoro is said to be distilled from palm wine. Some distillers also use ethanol. But we heard suppliers say there was shortage of ethanol so they went for methanol. Methanol is dangerous to our health. it forms different compounds that destroy our organs after consumption,” Mr Isaac-Harry said.

He also said his Ministry was already working with the Ministry of Information, the Police, NAFDAC and security agencies to thoroughly sensitise

*Ogogoro dealers attending to a customer

*Ogogoro depot

Mr Somiari Isaac-Harry the people and enforce the ban on the sale and consumption till further notice.

Isaac-Harry advised against importation of ethanol and methanol from India at the moment because of about 100 deaths traced to consumption of alcoholic liquor in Mumbai recently.

Stop importation of ethanol, methanol from India “We import a lot of chemicals from India. They should not import any ethanol or methanol from India. I can’t say what killed the people in India but going by media reports that some people died from poisonous alcohol, I advise against importation of ethanol and methanol from India for now.

Methanol is for industrial use only. It degrades into Formaldehyde and other components that destroy organs in the body, “ he said.

He said his Ministry had

intensified sensitisation and enlightenment programmes and is liaising with herbal medicine practitioners to also help spread the news.

“The Ministry can’t enforce . So what we do is regular sensitisation. We have been sensitising the people . We have agreed that they should also sensitise at the grassroots level.

We have spoken to the traditional rulers council and association of traditional medicine practitioners as part of the sensitisation program, “ he said.

Protests trail ban in Bayelsa State Expectations that the reported high death toll of persons who took contaminated local gin otherwise known as ‘Kaikai’ in neighbouring Rivers State would trigger panic in Bayelsa State which is about one hour drive from the troubled state, have turned out to be unfounded.

Rather, the ban slammed on the

*Plastic bottles containing herbal drinks prepared with Ogogoro product, regarded as an integral barricaded the Ijaw House axis of part of the Ijaw way of life, by the Sani Abacha expressway in the Federal Government and frustration over the ban slammed alleged police harassment of on the product by the Federal the locals who deal in Kaikai, a Government. thriving industry in the state and by extension in Ijaw nation, Free Kaikai for all has provoked anger in the land.

Free Kaikai was served Though the sellers of the residents who joined the protest product have had to contend by the local producers and with alleged police harassment, distributors, ostensibly to send a the producers and distributors strong message to the Federal of the local gin in their Government and NAFDAC that hundreds last week, took to the Continues on page 45 streets of Yenagoa and

Vanguard, FRIDAY 5 —45 FRIDAY,, JUNE 26, 201 2015

Ogogoro: Blind survivor happy to be alive Continued from page 44 the product does not kill and that the source of the contaminated gin in troubled Rivers State should be investigated and the masterminds tracked down and made to face the wrath of the law.

Motorists and commuters were stranded on the usually busy road for hours. The quick intervention of the State Commissioner for Culture and Ijaw National Affairs, Dr. Felix Tuodolo, however, prevented policemen who thronged the scene from swooping on the protesters as he ordered them to vacate the road to allow free passage for the stranded motorists.

The protesters carried placards, some of which read: “Kaikai does not kill, Bayelsa Police stop harassing us”, “We use Ogogoro to train our children in school, local gin doesn’t kill, Gamalin 20 kills”, “Kaikai is used for medicinal purposes,” “Ogogoro is the only legitimate industry in the Niger Delta, banning Ogogoro is like passing death sentence on us.”

The Ogogoro or Kaikai dealers in the state, under the aegis of “Izon Otu keniwemo Oru yo ogbo” through their Publicity Secretary, Jackson Boubara, said they were compelled to stage the peaceful protest on the Sani Abacha expressway to voice out their frustration over the Federal Government ban on the local gin, the only legitimate thriving industry and means of livelihood of the Ijaw and people of the Niger Delta region.

Police highhandedness He specifically decried the high handedness of the police and the arbitrary extortion of Ogogoro dealers in the state.

Boubara, a 2008 university graduate noted with sadness that the Federal Government’s blanket ban on the production and consumption of the local gin amounts to condemning families involved in the business to death and may push others into criminality.

“The police are capitalising on the ban on Ogogoro to harass and extort money from our members.

Every Nigerian knows the product has been in existence even before the Europeans came to our shores. It is on record that it competed favourably with the white man’s gin in terms of quality and acceptability. Hence placing a blanket ban on the product because of the Rivers incident is a disservice to the people of the Niger Delta. Our members cannot bring the products to town again because of the excesses of the police. We are suffering, we cannot meet our bills. Our children in higher institutions that came home for money cannot return to school because of the ban on production and sale of the product,”he fumed.

Boubara appealed to the state government to come to their aid by prevailing on the Federal Government to rescind its decision on the ban of the

product. Another protester, Madam Bolouebi Samuel, a mother of six told VF: “I have been in this business for 28 years and that is what I have used in training my children. My last son is a 200-level medical student and as I speak with you, he is stranded because I cannot raise money for him to return to school due to the ban on the production and consumption of Kaikai by the government.

Policemen are feasting on us by way of harassment and extortion at checkpoints whenever we are transporting the product to Yenagoa. The proper thing for NAFADC to do is to subject our product to laboratory test to ascertain its safety for public consumption instead of the ban which is designed to take away our source of livelihood.”

In his remarks, Dr. Tuodolo pleaded with the protesters to vacate the expressway promising to take their grievances to the state governor for necessary action. Identifying with the plight of the local gin dealers, he said it was wrong to place a blanket ban on the product.

Govt should identify source of contaminated ogogoro He recalled the resistance of the people of the Niger Delta against attempt by the British colonial government to ban the production of Ogogoro due to the stiff competition faced by foreign gin. According to him, several families in the Ijaw nation had relied on the production and sale of the local gin to train their children both at home in the diaspora.

Describing the local gin business as means of livelihood for the people he called on the Federal Government and its agencies to identify the source of the contaminated gin with a view to stopping its distribution instead of visiting the greed of a few on majority of the innocent and law- abiding producers of the product who over the years have not been found wanting.

His words: “I know the economic impact of the ban on our people. It is something our

We use Ogogoro to train our children in school; Ogogoro(production and sale) is the only legitimate industry in the Niger Delta, banning Ogogoro is like passing death sentence on us

*Some fellows enjoying their ‘shots’ of Ogogoro in defiance of its ban parents have been using to train our children over the years. I remember even the White people tried to stop Ogogoro because of the competition with their own imported drink, but they did not succeed because our Ogogoro is good. But to place a blanket ban on Ogogororelated activities I don’t think is fair to our people. From the stories we have heard, there was a source of contamination from somewhere and they should stop that source from producing. I recalled that in 2011, six persons died from eating poisonous beans in Adamawa and beans was not banned completely. The source was identified and stopped. Also in Plateau in 2008, it happened. There was even a story in 2004 about a contaminated brand of noodles; so a blanket ban on Ogogoro is not fair to Ijaw people. As a government we will look into your plight. I will take up your complaint to our governor and the authorities so that the good industry of our people is not affected.

Sellers, consumers defy ban VF investigations revealed that for sellers and consumers of the local gin in the state, it is still business as usual in spite of the ban. Several kiosks and drinking joints where the local gin is sold continue to bubble, apparently oblivious of the ban.

The consumption rate of Ogogoro is high in Bayelsa and remains a favourite liquor patronised by people of all ages.

Besides, the gin is also distilled in the state, which makes the product readily available and cheap.

A popular Ogogoro dealer in Azikoro town, a suburb of Yenagoa, Madam Abua, claimed ignorance on the ban of the product even as she dutifully went about her daily routine of preparing the different herbs and concoctions for her customers who had started thronging her outlet as early as

One of the closed Ogogoro pubs in Rivers State 6am.

She spoke in pidgin English: “I don’t know whether they ban Ogogoro or not, and I no want know, na my business I dey do wey I dey take feed my family.

So, if they ban Ogogoro, na wetin them want make we take survive?” .

On the death of people in Rivers and Ondo states from the consumption of Ogogoro, Madam Abua retorted: “Ogogoro no dey kill person, since the time where our forefathers dey drink, how many people die. The one where they say kill people, I believe say na some people poison the drink.”

Pa Eniesekume, a 70-year-old man and a regular customer of Madam Abua, who said he has been drinking the local gin since his youthful age, said he could not imagine staying a day

without taking Ogogoro, adding that in this part of the world, the local gin is a part of their “daily diet”.

The old man who maintained that the illicit drink is the favourite of people of his age bracket, noted that they prefer it to other alcoholic drinks, including beer.

“Which time they ban Ogogoro? Why them go ban am? Na this thing (Ogogoro) dey keep us alive, for me if I no drink am for one day, I fit die o! As a fisherman, we dey take am pursue cold for river. Abeg make government no ban ogogoro because na poor man drink,” he said.

To be continued

46—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

NPPPF holds oil, gas, power forum

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HE National Petroleum and Power Policy Forum, NPPPF, will hold a two-day conference on Oil, Gas and Power Economic: Policy Issues, Prospects and Strategic Options.

The forum, slated for June 29 and 30, will hold at the Emmanuel Egbogah Auditorium, Emerald Energy Institute, EEI, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The event is put together by the EEI in collaboration with the Centre for Petroleum, Energy Economic & Law, CPEEL; Nigeria Association of Energy Economics, NAEE; and International Institute for Petroleum Energy Law & Policy, IIPELP. Confirmed speakers for the forum include the Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Emerald Energy Resources Limited, Dr. Jude Amaefule; former Director, Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, Mr. Osten Olorunsola; and Director, CPEEL, Professor Adeola Adenikinju.

NIM honours Aimiuwu

E

VENING of tributes in honour of the immediate past president of Nigerian Institute of Marketing, NIM, Chief Lugard Aimiuwu will hold today at the Centre for Management Development, CMD, Magodo, Shangisha, Lagos.

The event, according to the Acting Registrar, Mr. Sidney Ogodo, will hold from 4p.m. to 6p.m.

INSPECTION: Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (middle) addressing the site engineer of Greylines Company, Engr. George Skayrak (2nd right) and residents of Emene, during the inspection of Emene Road, yesterday.

With them is the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo (right).

Industrial Court to NLC: Pursue reconciliation or be run by trustee zWe should be fighting debtor states, selfish lawmakers— AREMU

By Oboh Agbonkhese

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AGOS—THE President of National Industrial Court, NIC, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, has counselled stakeholders in the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, leadership crisis to seek outof-court reconciliation, instead of litigation, or face the possibility of the congress’ affairs being run by a trustee.

Justice Adejumo gave the counsel when the Mr. Ayuba Wabba-led faction of NLC’s case against Mr. Joe Ajaeroled faction came up for hearing. He warned that Section 20 of the NIC Act gives the court powers of conciliation, which may warrant it to appoint a trustee

for NLC. Meanwhile, speaking at a briefing on the industrial court’s counsel, Mr. Issa Aremu, General Secretary of National Union of Textile Garment & Tairloring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN, and Vice President of the Ajaeroled faction of NLC, said workers needed a united body to confront debtor states and lawmakers that he said had forgotten their campaign promises and had focused on sharing offices.

Earlier at the briefing, President of NUTGTWN, Mr. Oladele Hunsu, commended the intervention of labour veterans in the crisis and NIC President’s advice.

He said: “We call on labour leaders to take advantage of the NIC admonition to resolve all outstanding issues and forge a common front to defend Nigerian workers against

worsening economic crisis.”

Both factions had been at loggerheads since the controversial 11th delegates’ conference of March 12 in Abuja, which produced Wabba as President, and the special delegates’ conference of March 19 in Lagos, where Ajaero emerged President.

Wabba’s faction is asking the court to, among others, declare that the conference where Ajaero and others

were elected as officers of the congress was unconstitutio-nal and therefore illegal, null and void, and of no effect whatsoever.

However, in a 45-minute ruling, Justice Adejumo tasked the team of counsel representing both parties to work with stakeholders towards reconciliation, adding “with the likes of Issa Aremu and others, who are respected labour leaders, reconciliation should not be ignored.”

The case has been adjourned

NGO targets 5,000 jobs for youths

T

HE UPYA Leadership and Skill Acquisition Institute, a youth empowerment and human capital development non-governmental organisation, NGO, in the Niger Delta region, has unveiled plans to train 5,000 youths annually on relevant skills.

The areas of training targeted by the institute include welding and fabrication, automobile mechanics, electrician, heavy

duty machine operation and repairs, hair dressing and barbing, catering services, fashion and designing, scaffolding, carpentry and wood finishing, laptops and GSM repairs, basic computer training, among others.

While addressing the ‘Batch G’ new intake of the institute’s School of Information Technology last week, the President of the institute, Marcus Ekure, said participants would also undergo leadership and entrepreneurial training.

Okowa fufilling election promises—UFU

U

KWUANI Foundation Union, UFU, has congratulated Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on the appointment of Chief Festus Ochonogor and Mr. Friday Osanebi as Chief Political Adviser and Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, respectively.

They also commended the governor for nominating their sons for the post of commissioner.

UFU, in a letter by its President, Chief Joseph Olise, said: “During your electioneering campaigns, you made promises that compelled UFU to declare and mobilise for you. You have shown you are a man of your words.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015 — 47

IKORODU ROBBERY: Uneasy calm as

banks begin repairs of affected property zPolice move to ascertain owners of operational vehicles

L

By Evelyn Usman

AGOS—UNEASY calm pervaded Ipakodo area of Ikorodu, yesterday, scene of Wednesday ’s bank robbery operation which was led by a lady, during which everyone was held spell bound in a shooting spree that lasted close to two hours.

Consequently, the affected banks were not open for business transactions, as repairs were being carried out on the damaged property. One of the banks had its affected areas like the Automated Teller Machine gallery, its doors and roof covered with planks as repairs were ongoing. Some bank staff were also sighted between 8 and 9am but later left. No customer visited either of the ATMs. Some shops around the area were also under lock and key while residents expressed fear over the incident which they described as a theatre of war.

However, life has returned to the jetty operated by Origin Gardens, which served as escape route for the robbers, with canoe operators conveying passengers from one end to the other.

The jetty owner, Mr. Fehinti Adeola Kosoko said the incident did not hinder the day-to-day activity at the jetty .Another operator who simply gave his name as Lekan said: “Life has to go on. We are happy that no life was lost yesterday (Wednesday).

The fact that they took this route to escape does not mean we facilitated their escape because we all fled with our canoes in order not to be seen as being on their way. So, the incident does not hinder us from conveying passengers “.

Another resident who identified himself as Mr Chigozie Onyeka, blamed lack of security on the waterways as cause for the spate of robbery in Ikorodu..

A visibly angry Onyeka said:

“What are the Marine Police and Navy doing?

Whose responsibility is to patrol these waters. Last month, a similar attack on two banks happened at Ijede area of Ikorodu , with the bandits escaping through the lagoon. Yesterday’s was the same thing, as the jetty also served as their escape route . Are the security operatives waiting for people to die before they will take necessary action?"

Residents, including those at the jetty were heard giving different versions of how the robbery attack which they described as movie-like occurred.

At the Ipakodo Police division,

AGOS—THE leadership of Eko Foundation, a nonpolitical, socio cultural group, has appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the new administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, states governors, as well members of the National Assembly.

The group in a statement by Aramide Noibi, congratulated the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and other APC chieftains for their doggedness in wresting power from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and urged Nigerians to support the new

Nissan Serena car reportedly owned by a lady police officer was seen in the premises. Its windscreen was shattered by bullets from the robbers and its body also riddled with bullets during the exchange of gun fire.

The walls of the station were also perforated by bullets. Police sources hinted that a policeman injured during the ensuing gun battle was recuperating at the Ikorodu General Hospital where he was rushed to alongside two others. It was also gathered that the injured commercial motorcyclist had been discharged from the hospital.

VISIT: Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, exchanging pleasantries with the Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, when the governor paid him a courtesy visit at the Force headquarters, Abuja, yesterday.

STAKEHOLDERS TO PRESIDENT:

Don't sign

sexual offences bill yet

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By Sola Ogundipe

AGOS—FOLLOWING the outcry trailing the 2015 Sexual Offences Bill or anti-rape bill recently passed by the National Assembly, President

Be patient with Buhari, govs, Eko Foundation begs Nigerians

L

armed policemen were sighted manning their respective positions. A patrol van from Shagamu Road Division, later joined by a convoy from the Area ‘N’ command were sighted in the division’s premises, inspecting the level of damage.

Although there were no signs of immediate repairs going on at the station but the two operational Sports Utility Vehicles, SUV, said to have been set ablaze by the robbers after removing the number plates, apparently to avoid giving out any clue, had been removed from the Ipakodo division. Only one vehicle, a

administration in achieving the much desired change.

According to the group, “Nigerians should assist the new government of change at the state and national levels, for God’s continued guidance and aspiration to give Nigerians the much desired change that the APC has always amplified.

"Since Nigerians should not expect miracles overnight, it therefore, behoves on all hands to be on deck for a worthy, successful realization of this noble project to bring back the nation to her rightful place of stardom.”

Muhammadu Buhari has been urged not to sign the bill into law until the identified grey areas are addressed.

Making the call on the President yesterday in Lagos, a group of concerned stakeholders, who spoke at a media forum entitled “Discourse on New Sexual Offence Bill & NAPTIP ACT 2015: Clearing the controversies”, organised by MediaConcern for Women and Children, urged the President to ensure the controversial clauses in the bill were properly addressed before assenting to it.

Executive Director, Partnership for Justice, Mrs Itoro Eze-Anaba, said although the bill was laudable, it contained too may grey areas that could be manipulated.

Eze-Anaba who faulted the Sexual Offences Bill on the age of consent for sex, argued that a child cannot give consent.

Noting that the bill is very silent about the age, she asked whether there was a

compromise and why the authors did not bring people who are also knowledgeable about the issue on board.

“It is a laudable bill. Senator Chris Anyawu has fought tenaciously for it, but what we are saying is that there are certain clauses in the bill that opens it up to manipulation by those who allow their sexual desires to get the better of them.

“We want there a distinct separation. It says defilement attracts life imprisonment, we are saying that there is no need to categorise a child into three different ages. Although it is said that in the new bill, that is being harmonised, it has been taken out and that the age to be referred to as established laws.

“This is where there is so much controversy. This is a very sensitive area, and they need to stipulate categorically what the age of a child is in the new bill, and not to transfer us or refer us to the Child Rights Act,” she said.

Ericsson, Smile sign pact on 4G/ LTE managed service

By Emeka Aginam

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AGOS—GLOBAL leader in telecommunications services, Ericsson has signed a five-year multicountry managed services agreement with Smile Communications.

Under the new agreement, Ericsson will manage Smile Communications’ 4G/LTE network operations in countries including Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC. Ericsson has 40 per cent of the world’s mobile all high-traffic LTE markets, including US, Japan, and South Korea, and is ranked first in the handling of the most global LTE traffic.

However, the managed services contract extends Ericsson’s relationship with Smile in Nigeria, where Ericsson is Smile’s sole vendor for 4G networks.

The agreement also leverages Ericsson’s more than 15 years of experience in managing multivendor, multi-technology networks in Tanzania, Uganda and the DRC.

PSN, Edo govt to partner in fight against quackery

B

ENIN CITY—THE Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, Edo State chapter has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the state government in eradicating quackery in the profession and fake drugs.

This was disclosed in Benin City yesterday when members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria led by its chairman, Christopher Iyare led other members of the group on a familiarization tour of medical facilities in the state in company of the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Ibieyuwa Eregie.

He noted that it was as a result of the activities of quacks in the profession and damaging effects of fake drugs, that the PSN decided to set up a task force to clamp down on the perpetrators and sensitize the people against the use of illicit drugs.

The commissioner said: “We have put in place a task force team on fake and counterfeit drugs, we need to revive it."

48 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JUNE 26 , 2015

Putin vows to strengthen Russia’s military

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Obama hails U.S. Supreme Court over healthcare decision U S president Barack Obama yesterday hailed the U.S. Supreme Court for upholding the nationwide availability of tax subsidies that are crucial to the implementation of his signature healthcare law, President Obama described it as a good day for America as he addressed the country after the Supreme court handed a major victory to the president.

The court ruled on a 6-3 vote that the 2010 Affordable Care Act, widely known as Obamacare, did not restrict the subsidies to states that establish their own online healthcare exchanges. It marked the second time in three years that the high court ruled against a major challenge to the law brought by conservatives seeking to gut it.

Chief Justice John Roberts was joined by fellow conservative Justice Anthony Kennedy and the court’s liberal members in the majority.

“Congress passed the

•President Obama Affordable Care Act to improve health insurance markets, not to destroy them,” Roberts wrote, adding that nationwide availability of the credits is required to “avoid the type of calamitous result that Congress plainly meant to avoid.”

Shares of hospital operators, health services providers and insurers rallied broadly following the court’s decision to uphold the subsidies. Top gainers included hospital companies Tenet Healthcare Corp., up 8.8

percent, and Community Health Systems Inc., up 8.5 percent.

The decision means the subsidies will remain not just in the 13 states that have set up their own exchanges and the three states that have statefederal hybrid exchanges, but also in the 34 states that use the exchange run by the federal government.

The case centered on the tax subsidies offered under the law, passed by Obama’s fellow Democrats in Congress in 2010 over uni-

fied Republican opposition, that help low- and moderate-income people buy private health insurance. The exchanges are online marketplaces that allow consumers to shop among competing insurance plans.The Obama administration has hailed the law as a success, saying 16.4 million previously uninsured people have gained health insurance since it was enacted.

There are currently around 26 million people without health insurance, according to government figures.

Leading up the high court’s ruling, Obama warned of far-reaching consequences of overturning a law that he said had become “woven into the fabric of America.”

In a June 9 speech, Obama said taking away health insurance provided under the law to millions of people who need it the most “seems so cynical.”

... upholds broad discrimination claims under housing law

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divided U.S. Supreme Court yesterday embraced a broad interpretation of the type of civil rights allegations that can be made under the landmark Fair Housing Act by ruling that the law allows for discrimination claims based on seemingly neutral practices that may have a discriminatory effect.

On a 5-4 vote in a major civil rights case, the court handed a victory to civil rights groups and the administration of President Barack Obama, which had backed a Texas

nonprofit that claimed the state violated the law by disproportionately awarding low-income housing tax credits to developers who own properties in poor, minoritydominated neighborhoods.

Justice Anthony Kennedy, a conservative who often casts the deciding vote in close cases, joined the court’s four liberals in the majority.

The court was considering whether the 1968 law allows for so-called disparate impact claims in which plaintiffs only need to show the discriminatory effect of a particular practice

Queen Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II (l) is greeted

by German Chancellor Angela Merkel (r) at the Chance …

and not evidence of discriminatory intent. There is no dispute over the law’s prohibition on openly discriminatory acts in the sale and rental of housing.

The case was closely watched by lenders and

insurance companies, which say they are unfairly targeted. Industry groups say that companies use neutral criteria when assessing risk. The existing law allows challenges to legitimate business practices, they argue.

USSIA needs a mighty military to fend off threats near its borders, President Vladimir Putin said yesterday, in a stance that reflects soaring tensions with the West over the crisis in Ukraine.

The Russian leader, whose approval ratings reached an all-time high this month despite a bruising recession, said a “powerful army equipped with modern weapons is the guarantor of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Russia.”

Speaking at yesterday’s

Kremlin meeting with graduates of Russian military academies, Putin also vowed to continue a sweeping military modernization effort that envisions the purchase of large numbers of new weapons.

Despite the fact that oilrich Russia is now in a recession, Putin’s plan aims to spend 22 trillion rubles (over $400 billion) through 2020 to give the armed forces dozens of navy ships, hundreds of new planes and missiles and thousands of tanks and other weapons.

Another Church torched by hate group in US

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fire that engulfed a church with a primarily African-American congregation in Charlotte, North Carolina early on Wednesday morning has been ruled as arson, fire officials said.

The fire, at the Briar Creek Baptist Church, was estimated to have caused

more than $250,000 worth of damage, the Charlotte Fire Department said in a statement.

“We completed our work on the scene and determined this was intentionally set,” Charlotte Fire Department Senior Fire Investigator David Williams said.

The UN envoy calls for Ramadan truce in Yemen

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HE UN special envoy for Yemen has warned that the nation is “one step” from famine, as he called for a humanitarian ceasefire during Ramadan as the first step towards a more sustainable truce.

Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed said after briefing the UN Security Council that 21 million people were in need of humanitarian assistance compared with seven million two years ago.

The crisis is a result of

fighting between Shia Houthi fighters and allied troops loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh against forces loyal to exiled President AbdRabbu Mansour Hadi and an allied Arab coalition.

Ould Cheikh Ahmed said that all parties to the conflict were responsible for the suffering of the Yemeni people until there was “a true ceasefire” that could be monitored by “an international, impartial mechanism”.

Pakistani morgues overflow as heat wave claims 1,000 lives

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HE worst heat wave to hit Pakistan’s southern city of Karachi for nearly 35 years has killed more than 1,000 people, a charity said on Thursday, as morgues ran out of space and residents rushed to supply overstretched public hospitals.

Tents offering iced water and rehydration salts have mushroomed on street corners, run by rival political parties and the military. Residents in one neighborhood hacked into a main water pipe and then danced delightedly in the spray.

The heat wave in the city of 20 million people coincided with severe electricity cuts, leaving many without fans, water or light, and the

beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, when many Muslims do not eat or drink during daylight hours.

Some shops have refused to sell ice or water during the day, citing religious laws that

mean they can be fined.

It is also illegal to eat or drink in public from dawn to dusk.

Temperatures shot up to 44 degrees Celsius (111 Fahrenheit) at the weekend, the hottest since 1981, although they dipped to 38C (100F) on

Medical workers helping a victim of the heat wave

Thursday. Forecasters have been predicting rain for days, but there has been no significant fall.

No fewer than 1,000 persons have died from Pakistan’s heat wave which has has not spared any one.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JUNE 26 , 2015 — 49

Obama to host Buhari on July 20

U

S President Barack Obama will welcome his Nigerian counterpart to Washington next month, the White House announced yesterday, a symbolic show of solidarity after the country’s first ever democratic transition.

“President Obama will host Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari at the White House,” on July 20, the White House said.

The visit will mark “our support for the Nigerian people following their historic democratic elections and peaceful transfer of power,” a statement added.

Obama’s administration had faced criticism for not

•President Muhammadu Buhari planning to visit Nigeria during a two nation Africa tour, also slated for July.

That trip will take in

Kenya and Ethiopia, countries which have held highly questioned elections in recent memory.

South Africa may quit ICC over South African opposition Bashir row for failing to detain Bash-

S

OUTH Africa said yesterday it may withdraw from the International Criminal Court after an outcry over Pretoria’s refusal to arrest Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on genocide charges.

Bashir, who is wanted by the ICC on charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, left South Africa last week after attending an African Union summit despite a court in Pretoria barring

•President Omar alBashir his departure while it ruled whether he could be arrested.

The government — which came under fire from the ICC, rights groups, other governments and the

ir — said it had decided to review its standing with the international court.

“South Africa may as a last resort... consider withdrawing from the ICC,” Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe told reporters.

“Such a decision will only be taken when South Africa has exhausted all remedies available to it in terms of the Rome Statute,” he added, referring to the court’s founding treaty.

Burundi vice president flees days before election

B

URUNDIAN President Pierre Nkurunziza’s controversial bid to stand for a third consecutive term in office was dealt a fresh blow yesterday after one of his top deputies fled the country and urged him to step down.

In a letter addressed to Nkurunziza, whose reelection bid has already sparked weeks of civil unrest, a refugee crisis and a coup attempt, second vice-president Gervais Rufyikiri urged the president to “put the interests of the Burundian people before your personal interests.”

“Withdraw your presidential bid, because it violates the constitution,” the letter said.

Rufyikiri told France 24 television he had sought refuge in Belgium.

“I left... because I was not able to continue to support the attitude of the president, his desire to lead the people

of Burundi on the path of illegality,” he told the broadcaster late Wednesday from Belgium. In the Burundian capital Bujumbura, the reaction from Nkurunziza’s camp was defiant — wishing Rufyikiri “good riddance” and accusing him of having had links to coup plotters who tried but failed to force

•President Nkurunziza

Pierre

the president from power in mid-May.

Zuma seeks full probe into police killing of Marikana miners

A

South African commission has called a 2012 police operation that led to the deaths of 34 striking workers at the Marikana mine “defective” and recommended a full investigation to determine the criminal liability of the officers involved, President Jacob Zuma said yesterday.

“The commission found that the police operation should not have taken place on the 16th August because

of the defects in the plan,” said Zuma in a public broadcast.

He said the commission of inquiry “recommends a full investigation under the direction of the director of public prosecutions... with a view to ascertaining criminal liability on the part of all members of the South African Police Service who were involved in the incidents.”

50— VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

T

HE Qur ’an says: Wazhakir faina zhikra, tanfau-l-Mumineen: “And remind, for indeed, the reminder benefits the believers.” When it comes to approaching our Islamic duties/ obligations we do so little in advance, especially for Ramadan. We have to remind ourselves that there is no better time than now to prepare for the month. In fact, our preparations should have reached crescendo, bearing in mind that it is less than two weeks from now.

The companions of the Prophet began preparation for the glorious month six months in advance.

Some of us deceive ourselves into thinking that within the month of Ramadan, we will suddenly change and do all the acts of worship. But if we fail to internalise the acts, we may not be doing ourselves any good. That is why some people after the first week, or so, they return to their former self. The mosques which are always filled at the beginning of the month become scanty after a couple of weeks into Ramadan especially during Tarawih.

Recitation of Qur’an One important act is the recitation of the Qur’an. But for many of us the Qur’an has gathered a lot of dust since the last Ramadan. So, we must clean it and start to build a close relationship with the Qur ’ a n .

You need to constantly read the Qur’an if you are not the type that makes the Qur’an your daily companion. If possible read to test yourself with the speed and accuracy in order to know how fast you can complete the Qur’an in the month. Some can complete the Qur’an two or three times over within four weeks.

So, let us get into the habit of reciting the Qur ’an now than to begin it in the month of Ramadan. We should recite the Qur’an with its meanings and try to understand and implement it into our daily lives.

Ramadan 9, 1436 A.H.

Ramadan: Your ibadaah, inner self We should set ourselves realistic targets for how much we should begin to recite each day for e.g. we will recite 1 or 2 pages a day, half a juz, or 1 juz etc. We should recite however much we can manage and then build up gradually.

Superrogatory prayers: Then endeavour to always perform some superrogatory prayers, (nafil). In order for us to take advantage of these immense rewards we should start begin now by praying all of the daily Sunnah and Nafil prayers so by the time Ramadan comes we will already be in the habit of praying all of our Sunnah and Nafils and so we can increase our voluntary prayers even more so during Ramadan.

This would be difficult if we were not in the habit of praying Sunnah and Nafil prayers before Ramadan.

By increasing our voluntary worship, we can also give more attention and

We must start controlling our tongues now.

Bad habit can not be controlled in an overnight process

concentration to our regular daily salat and thus gain closeness to Allah.

Making Dua: We can also get into the habit of making Dua’a. What better time than now for us to get into the habit of regular communication with Allah via Dua’a. So, by the time Ramadan arrives, we would have already got into the habit of making the long and intense Dua’a which will readily be accepted during this blessed month especially whilst we are fasting and in the latter part of the nights during Tahajjud.

Generosity: Ramadan is a time for generosity and giving. It is a time when we think about the less privileged and also show gratitude to Allah for everything he has given us.

Ramadan is an honourable and blessed month, and the rewards for generosity are multiplied in it. Bearing that in mind, we should set aside part of our wealth to fulfil this act of ibadaah. It will not be nice if we are caught in the web of ill preparation for this profitable act.

Moderation in eating: Some erroneously believe that a few weeks before Ramadan, they will have to eat voraciously to make up for the period of fasting in the month of Ramadan.

This is antithetical to the teachings of the Prophet. One hadith says: ”No human ever filled a vessel worse than the

Gawat: No clue af aftter three years!

stomach. Sufficient for any son of Adam are some morsels to keep his back straight. But if it must be, then one third for his food, one third for his drink and one third for his breath.”

(Ahmad, At-Tirmidhi, AnNasaa’I, Ibn Majah) Besides, by controlling what we eat now we will not only benefit our health in the short and long term, but moderate eating will make us less heavier and enable us to maximise the amount of worship we do everyday during Ramadan and the rest of our lives.

Change your sleeping habit If you are an individual who is used to staying up to the late hours of the night, it may be wise to alter your sleeping

patterns in order to ensure that you can wake up for suhoor as well as attaining the benefit of Qiyaamul-Layl. You know what works best for you; just make sure that you take the necessary precautions.

There are probably other wisdoms that one can derive from this special month and recommendations that can be given, but these should hopefully be sufficient for a reminder inshaa’Allah. Feel free to share a reminder of your own in the comments below!

Controlling your tongue and character.

We must start controlling our tongues now. Bad habit can not be controlled in an overnight process. We must make a start now so that by the time Ramadan comes we would have achieved the necessary changes in our manners and characters. Let us begin to feel that Ramadan is here and anything we want to do must be in consonance with what is permitted in Ramadan.

May Allah gives us the grace to witness this forthcoming Ramadan, observe it and grant us the strength and ability to maximise the reward therein.

O’ Allah save us from the punishment of the hereafter.

Amin.

NACOMYO commends uniform commencement of Ramadan

T

HIS year ’s uniform commencement of Ramadan has been described as a good omen and adherence to divine injunctions by leaders, just as it also symbolized ‘unity’, the hallmark of Islam.

National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations (NACOMYO) in a statement lauded the initiative of the leadership of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) under the Sultan of Sokoto, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar for breaking the jinx of disunity in the commencement of fasting amongst the Nigerian “ummah which the group said had been embarrassing in the last three decades.

The group described the involvement of the National Space Research and Development Management Agency (NSRDMA) in the sighting of the new moon (or

crescent) to determine the commencement of Ramadan fast as a proactive initiative and a step in the right direction, noting the inventiveness as an enduring legacy which must be sustained for unity and advancement.

NACOMYO charged Muslim bodies and groups to remain committed and be dedicated to the unity of the Ummah as an essential ingredient for national development. It reiterated that Islam emphasized unity, spelt out in Qur’an Chapter 3:103 “And hold fast, all together, by the rope which God (stretches out for you) and be not divided among yourselves…”

The Youth Muslim group also advised Muslim families to be moderate in their expenditure in view of the austerity, stating that such restraint has become inevitable in the wake of current economic realities.

T

•Alh Aremu Gawat: Three years after, his whereabouts still unknown

HREE years after Alhaji Aremu Gawat, the ace presenter was declared missing, the police and other security agencies have no idea about his whereabouts.

Although authorities still maintain they have not reached a dead end as investigation continues on his whereabouts, however, his abductors, family members, friends and well wishers have not relented in offering prayers for his safe return.

Gawat was abducted three years ago, (about 11 days to Ramadan 1433 A.H) 2012 in the night on Apongbon Bridge, Lagos Island after meeting a business appointment in Ikeja.

His whereabouts nor his assailants till date remain mysterious.

Miss Akinwunmi Aishat reciting Holy Quran during theTunfast Communication Int’l Under 15 Quranic recitation competition at NUT hall. PHOTO: WUMI AKINOLA

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015 — 51

CHILE 2015 COPA AMERICA

Chile down 9-man Uruguay to reach semi C

HILE bundled reigning champions Uruguay out of the Copa America with a 10 victory in a fast-paced quarterfinal that ended in controversy and kept alive the host nation’s dream of a maiden title last Wednesday.

Uruguay furious as Chile enters semis

•Cavani

C

HILE sent nineman Uruguay crashing out of the Copa America on Wednesday, winning a bruising quarterfinal 1-0 as controversy over lurid provocation tactics rocked the tournament.

An 81st-minute strike from Juventus defender Mauricio Isla settled a pulsating encounter at Santiago’s Estadio Nacional as holders Uruguay saw striker Edinson Cavani and defender Jorge Fucile sent off.

Fucile’s dismissal for a second yellow card in the closing minutes triggered a mass confrontation involving players and officials from both sides, with even Uruguay ’s veteran coach Oscar Tabarez coming onto the pitch.

But the post-match commotion focused around the dismissal of Cavani, who flicked a hand into the face of Chile defender Gonzalo Jara after a clash midway through the second half.

Uruguay were reduced to nine men by the end of the game with Edinson Cavani sent off for a second yellow card after 62 minutes and Jorge Fucile also shown red for a second booking with two minutes remaining.

After Fucile’s exit, the match was halted for several minutes as Uruguay ’s players surrounded the referee and officials and players from both sides scuffled on the field.

The holders looked hard done by after video evidence showed it was Gonzalo Jara who first gave Cavani a friendly slap and then poked him behind the referee’s back.

When Cavani touched Jara’s face with the slightest of taps, he fell to the ground to provoke a second yellow for the Paris Saint Germain striker.

“There’s a bitter taste in our mouths,” Uruguay manager Oscar Tabarez told reporters.

“I’ve seen the television and photographs, that’s where the truth is.”

Mauricio Isla scored the only goal in the 82nd minute when he fired home from 15 yards after Galatasaray’s Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera had weakly punched away a cross.

C

CELEBRATION . . . .Chile’s Gary Medel and Arturo Vidal (8) celebrate at the end of their 2015 Copa America championship quarterfinal match against Uruguay, in Santiago. Photo: AFP

Argentina v Colombia: Mascherano keeps the faith

A

•Maschernano controls the ball

Copa loss bitter end for transitional Uruguay — Coach

RGENTINA’S Jav ier Maschernano acknowledged his teammates’ frustrations at failing to hit the heights thus far in the Copa America as they prepare to face Colombia in the last eight on Friday.

Gerardo Martino’s side scored just four goals on their way to topping Group B, despite boasting arguably the tournament’s finest forward line, but face a Colombia side who have found the target just once in three outings.

With defending champions Uruguay bowing out and Brazil shorn of suspended captain Neymar, Argentina’s hopes have been bolstered in

recent days.

A potential semi-final meeting with Brazil awaits Martino’s men, although the former Barcelona coach will be keen for the World Cup finalists to find top gear against the competition’s tightest defence.

OACH Oscar Tabarez was disappointed to see his Uruguay side eliminated from the Copa America but believes they are on the right path for the future.

Uruguay kept Wednesday’s quarter-final game scoreless for the first half but then had Edinson Cavani dismissed shortly after the hour mark, and Mauricio Isla’s strike nine minutes from time gave Chile a 1-0 win at the Estadio Nacional stadium.

It brings an end to Uruguay’s defence of the title that they won in 2011, but Tabarez believes there are some positives to take away.

“I have a bitter taste in my mouth because the Copa ended for us,” he said in a news conference after the match on Wednesday.

“We’ve shown a rebuilding process. I believe we played a good match when you consider the rival we had to face. We didn’t have attacking chances. When we went down to 10 men, it made it a little harder.”

Tabarez and Jorge Fucile also were sent off early as referee Sandro Ricci disciplined Uruguay for a confrontation late in the match.

The coach said he regretted his role in the incident and was pleased nothing more serious occurred.

“I apologise because I don’t have to leave the technical area, I went out there,” he said. Luckily, more things didn’t happen.”

Brazil remain scarred by World Cup — Taffarel

B

RAZIL goalkeeping coach Claudio Taffarel be lieves the scars of their infamous exit from the 2014 World Cup remain with his side as they prepare for their Copa America quarter-final versus Paraguay.

The Selecao have won 12 of their 13 fixtures since finishing fourth at their hosting of the World Cup which saw them ship 10 goals in two matches, including the 7-1 semi-final rout at the hands of Germany.

52 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015 — 53

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Eto’o signs for Antalyaspor H

E’s one of the most prolific journeymen in European football and Samuel Eto’o is on the verge of adding another country to his CV after undergoing a medical at Turke y side Antalyaspor.

The newly-promoted Turkish Super League club confirmed via their Facebook page that the striker had arrived in Antalya.

Eto’o has enjoyed a trophy-laden career and had spells in Spain, Italy, Russia and England, while also making 118 appearances for the Cameroon national team.

The 34-year-old began his career at Real Madrid before various loan spells gained him a move to Mallorca.

An impressive strike rate in La Liga caught the eye of Spanish giants Barcelona, where he won six major trophies in five seasons.

In 2009 Inter Milan

agreed a deal with the Catalans to swap Zlatan Ibrahimovic for Eto’o plus an additional £33m. After winning Serie A twice, the Coppa Italia and the Champions League at the San Siro it was time for Eto’o to move on again and he completed a £21m transfer to Russian money men Anzhi Makhachkala making him the world’s highest-paid player with a salary of £14.2m.

In the summer of 2013 the former Cameroon international switched Russia for the Premier League, where he had stints with Chelsea and Everton, before signing for Sampdoria in January.

However, after only six months with the Serie A club, Eto’o has decided to move on and is expected to complete his switch to Turkey on Friday.

28 countries to jostle for N3m at Lagos Classics

BY JACOB AJOM

P

LAYERS from 28 countries have confirmed their participation in the 2015 Lagos I n t e r n a t i o n a l Badminton Classics billed for the Sir Mobolaji Johnson Sports Complex, Rowe Park, Lagos, July 15 through 18.

The tournament, regarded as the biggest in the history of Badminton in Africa has $15,000 (N3m) as cash prizes and will be shared among winners in five categories; the men’s singles, women’s singles, men and women doubles and the mixed doubles.

According to Chairman of the Lagos State Badminton Association,

Francis Orbih, players from Britain, France, Russia, USA and 24 other countries have confirmed their participation in the International Badminton Federationsanctioned tournament.

“This shows an increase in the number of countries coming for the Classics,” Orbih said, recalling that “last year we had 15 countries in attendance.”

A proud Orbih remarked, “Last year when we had only 15 countries in attendance, the International Badminton Federation observed that the 2014 Lagos International Classics was the biggest Badminton tournament ever held in Africa.

Higuan Continues from BP out on qualification for the Champions League.

Napoli have no interest in cashing in on one of their prized assets however, releasing a statement informing potential suitors that they must meet a release clause of €94.7m

(£67m) to sign the 27year-old.

Higuaín is currently at the Copa América with Argentina, where he scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory against Jamaica to book his side’s place in the last eight of the tournament, where they will play Colombia.

54 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015 — 55

Ahead of Wimbledon••• Ahead of Wimbledon•••

Murray trains with Nadal as Henman claims he’s in ‘form of his life’ A

NDY Murray can capitalise on ‘the form of his life’ to claim a second Wimbledon title in three years, according to Tim Henman.

Former world No 4 Henman has tipped fellow Brit Murray, who has been training for Wimbledon alongside rival Rafael Nadal, to add to his 2013 crown, after winning a fourth Queen’s Club title and reaching the French Open semi-finals.

World No 3 Murray is also the No 3 seed for today ’s Wimbledon draw, and could end up with Nadal in his half.

The 14-time major champion has dropped to 10th in the world rankings, and could meet any of the top four seeds as early as the quarterfinals.

‘This first six months of the year is as good as I’ve ever seen him play,’ said Henman.

‘He’s in the form of his life and is definitely in the best shape to fight for the Wimbledon title again.

‘He’s won everything before on grass, so he will really fancy his chances.’

World No 1 Novak Djokovic is the top seed for Friday’s draw, with Roger Federer, still chasing that record eighth singles title at Wimbledon, is second.

New French Open champion Stan Wawrinka completes the men’s top four, with 2014 Queen’s winner Grigor Dimitrov seeded 11th.

Murray became the first British men’s singles champion for 77 years with his 2013 triumph at SW19, and now Henman believes the 28-year-old is ready to do it all over again.

Sweden’s Jonas Bjorkman and former French Open champion Amelie Mauresmo have added variety to Murray’s play, and the Scot is now fully over nagging back problems.

The after-effects of back trouble held Murray back last season, leading C M Y K

British No 1 Murray trained with rival Rafael Nadal as he geared up for this year’s Wimbledon campaign to a frustrating quarterfinal exit at the hands of Bulgaria’s Dimitrov at Wimbledon.

Now though Henman believes Murray has built up the right amount of confidence through winning momentum to provide a serious SW19 title challenge.

‘His form was really emphasised by his performances and results on clay, which is still the toughest surface for him,’ said Henman, speaking to launch the Great Robinsons Ball Hunt.

‘Winning in Munich, winning in Madrid, beating Nadal in the final of a Masters Series, the way he played reaching the semis of the French, that’s a great foundation moving forward.

‘That all really makes a difference; Andy will be going onto the court feeling that if he does all the right things, as he has been, then he will have a great chance against anybody.’

Murray and Nadal were not the only ones to be put through their paces ahead of Wimbledon as Djokovic, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Serena Williams were among the stars to train on Thursday

•Serena

Sharapova well-rested

A

•Tsonga

wellrested M a r i a Sharapova beamed a healthy glow as she posed for a photoshoot with Wimbledon sponsors Evian.

The 28-yearold has used the extended grass-court swing to train and recover from the flu that she was suffering from at the French Open, and following her early exit at Roland Garros, she has had nearly four weeks to prepare for the upcoming tournament.

This could prove hugely beneficial for the World No 4 who often has to deal with a quick turnaround between the Grand Slams, because of her usually deep runs in Paris.

However, the defeat by Lucie Safarova earlier this month which saw her duck out of the French Open’s fourth round, could turn out to be a blessing in disguise, with the Russian star looking

•Sarapova fully refreshed.

Sharapova won her maiden Grand Slam title at Wimbledon when she was still a teenager in 2004, but has only reached the final again once since then, in 2011.

L ast year, she was knocked out by Angelique Kerber in the fourth round.

Nevertheless, Sharapova retains an impressive 41-11 winloss record at the famous contest.

This year ’s Wimbledon takes place between June 29 and July 12.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

Napoli put £67m price tag on Higuan N

APOLI have put a £67m price tag on the Argentina striker

NFF ‘ll sack Keshi if...

T

OP official Iyke Igbokwe has disclosed that the NFF disciplinary committee will recommend for the dismissal of coach Stephen Keshi if it were proven he applied to handle African champions Cote d’Ivoire.

Keshi, who appeared before a disciplinary hearing in Abuja Tuesday, has denied ever applying for the Cote d’Ivoire post, but the NFF have since launched a probe that may take them to Abidjan to uncover the truth of the matter.

NFF president Amaju Pinnick had already said it would be “suicidal” to apply for another post

when the football federation are up to date with the payment of his salaries.

Disciplinary committee vicepresident Igbokwe said: “If it were proven that he indeed applied to coach Cote d’Ivoire when he is still coaching the Super Eagles, then that is a breach of trust.

“We will then recommend (to the executive committee) that he be relieved of his job so that he could go and coach Cote d’Ivoire.” Keshi has a two-year contract after his first three-year stint in charge of the Super Eagles during which time he guided the team to the knockout rounds of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and winning a third Africa Cup of Nations the previous year.

•Keshi

Gonzalo Higuaín to ward off reported interest from a host of Europe’s leading clubs including Arsenal, Liverpool and Milan.

Higuaín was among Rafael Benítez’s first signings in the summer of 2013 and has enjoyed a prolific two seasons at Napoli, scoring 50 goals, but despite two on the final day of the season against Lazio as well as a missed penalty, his side missed Continues on Page 53

•Higuan

Eto’o signs for 3 e5 g a Antalyaspor P

Eto’o underwent a medical after arriving in Antalya

Tomorrow’s Copa America Q-final Matches Argentina Brazil

v v

Colombia Paraguay

12.30 a.m.

12.30 a.m.

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

FRI DAY'S FRIDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Moist (4) 4 Seed-case (3) 6 Manufactured (4) 8 Angle (6) 9 Maintain (6) 10 Summit (3) 12 Capture (5) 14 Stream (5) 15 Greeting (5) 18 Strict (6) 20 Garland (6) 24 Singer (5) 26 Hamper (5) 28 Delete (5) 30 Vitality (3) 32 Acrimonious (6) 33 Hidden (6) 34 Spoken (4) 35 Gain (3) 36 Gang (4)

DOWN 2 Fragrance (5) 3 Style (7) 4 Divide (4) 5 Ooze (4) 6 Skinflint (5) 7 Deform (7) 11 Lubricate (3) 12 Lettuce (3) 13 Girl’s (3) 16 Permit (3) 17 Possess (3) 19 Sooner (7) 21 Fish-eggs (3) 22 Wandering (7) 23 Colour (3) 25 Sheep (3) 27 Sum (5) 29 Because (5) 30 Bow (4) 31 Scheme (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 2, Stern 7, Quota 8, Agate 10, Abhor 12, Are 13, Pupil 15, Musical 17, Ironed 19, Men 20, Tempest 23, Over 25, Tire 26, Decreed 30, Due 31, Decamp 34, Prowess 37, Money 38, Ado 39, Strip 40, Endow 41, Sever 42, Greed.

DOWN: 1, Augur 2, Stain 3, Tablet 4, Room 5, Against 6, Steam 9, Arc 11, Rumpled 13, Pilot 14, Poked 16, See 18, Depress 21, Titan 22, Weepy 24, Redwood 27, Cue 28, Demise 29, Frank 32, Coped 33, Meter 35, Odd 36, Stir.

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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