PDP CRISIS LATEST: Tukur to expel Oyinlola, Baraje, Jaja, others

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62022

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

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INEC official docked for negligence of duty PDP CRISIS LATEST:

How my kidnappers were arrested 6 — GUO Motors boss

Tukur to expel Oyinlola, Baraje, Jaja, others

BY HENRY UMORU

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•G-7 Govs, nPDP beg Obasanjo, others to save PDP

ABUJA INTERNATIONAL CARNIVAL

BUJA—STRONG indications emerged, yesterday, that the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has concluded plans to expel the suspended former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola. Oyinlola was recently re-instated as National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP through a judgment by an Appeal Court sitting in Abuja.

Also to be expelled by the Bamanga Tukur-led National Working Com

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COLUMNISTS:

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Mr & Mrs

CARNIVAL—Contingents from Akwa-Ibom, Rivers and Niger states (top, left, right) at the Abuja International Carnival Day, yesterday in Abuja. Photos: NAN

FG condemns ASUU's new demands

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2 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

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4— Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013—5

POCKET CARTOON

AWARD—From left,President, Institute of Directors (IOD), Chief Eniola Fadayomi; President/CE, Pearl Awards, Mr. Tayo Orekoya; GMD, Dangote Cement, Mr. DVG Edwin and Chairman of the occasion, Rtd General Theophilus Danjuma presenting the award to the overall winner, Dangote Cement.

PDP CRISIS LATEST: Tukur to expel Oyinlola, Baraje, Jaja, others Continues from page 1 mittee, NWC with Oyinlola are chairman of the splinter group of the party and former acting National Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje; the group’s deputy chairman, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja; and the National Vice-Chairman of the PDP, North West, Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure who were suspended penultimate week by the NWC. Vanguard gathered that the NWC would carry out the action tomorrow, following their refusal to appear before the Disciplinary Committee headed by second Republic Minister of Transport, Dr. Umaru Dikko.

Save PDP now, G-7 Govs, nPDP beg

Meanwhile, the Abubakar Kawu Baraje splinter group of PDP, yesterday, appealed to former president Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former vice president Dr. Alex Ekwueme; chairman, Board of Trustees, BoT, of PDP, Chief Tony Anenih; former information minister, Professor Jerry Gana, former PDP national chairmen — Dr. Ahmadu Ali; Barnabas Gemade; Okwesilieze Nwodo; Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, and other elders of the party to, as a matter of urgency, res-

cue PDP from what it described as imminent doom.

A statement, yesterday, by the National Publicity Secretary of Baraje's nPDP, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze said: “After a careful review of developments in our troubled party, PDP, the New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) wishes to make a passionate appeal to PDP Elders to take urgent steps to rescue the party from imminent doom. We are forced to cry out because of the unbelievable silence of our revered party elders in the face of the chain of developments instigated by factional National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, which has put the party at the edge of the precipice.

“Tukur ’s latest act of impunity is the illegal suspension of four pillars of the party in the persons of Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, erstwhile National Chairman of PDP; Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, the incumbent National Secretary of PDP; Dr. Sam Sam Jaja, immediate National Deputy Chairman of the party; and National ViceChairman, North West, Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure. What is more, Tukur did not stop at that, but asked them to appear before an illegally constituted Disciplinary Committee under the Chair-

manship of Alhaji Umaru Dikko, a non-party member who is currently National Chairman of another political party, the United Democratic Party (UDP). What a fallacy!

“Tukur has vowed that even the Supreme Court cannot force him to reinstate Prince Oyinlola as the National Secretary of PDP, not to talk of any member of the party including the National Leader of PDP, President Jonathan!

“He has also boasted that nothing would stop him from ensuring that the G-4 comprising the alleged suspended party chiefs enumerated above are expelled as he has concluded plans with his hawks that these four must be thrown out of the party by Wednesday, November 27, on a phantom excuse alien to the constitution of PDP. “As if that is not enough, Alhaji Tukur has also told whoever cares to listen that the proposed peace meeting of President Goodluck Jonathan and the G-7 Governors cannot see the light of the day as long as he is the National Chairman of PDP. Instructively and shockingly, the meeting which was scheduled to be held last night was put off at the last minute by Mr. President, who is the PDP National Leader, despite publicly announcing that he was fit again and set to resume work last night (Sunday)

upon his return from his London trip. God help us all!

“We ask: Why are the founding fathers of PDP keeping mum while Tukur and his misguided collaborators are hell bent on destroying our party and making it vulnerable before the 2015 general elections? Where is Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, erstwhile Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who recruited this man into the PDP through Chief Nath Yaduma? Why is he keeping quiet while the party he sacrificed all to establish is being destroyed by his kinsman?

“Where are the Dr. Alex Ekwuemes, Prof. Jerry Ganas, Chief Audu Ogbehs, Chief Barnabas Gemades and all those who risked their lives to ensure that PDP was formed to challenge the military? Why are these greats allowing a single man to ruin PDP, once touted as the poster boy of democracy in Africa?

Where is General Abubakar Abdulsalami, who under his watch this great party was born?

Where is Chief Tony Anenih, the longest serving BoT Chairman of PDP? Where is erstwhile President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who prepared PDP to rule Nigeria for the next 100 years? Why are they maintaining grave and grievous silence and allowing this great institution to be reduced as an opposition political party in their life time? We weep for our dear party that has become a laughing stock in the comity of nations!

Oh! What an unspeakable tragedy!

“Today, our party has been reduced to a laughing stock. PDP is now known as the party that does not know the supremacy of figure 19 to 16 following the strange refusal to recognise Governor Chibuike Amaechi, who roundly defeated Governor Jonah Jang during the last Nigeria Governors’ Forum election. By the same token, Tukur and his cohorts chose to identify with minority members of the Rivers State House of Assembly (only five members) over and above the greater 27 members. And our leaders are all keeping quiet as if we all are under a spell!

“Tukur's’ desperation to illegally expel the G-4 is yet another manifestation of the impunity which started with the unjust, unfair, and unconstitutional dissolution of the Adamawa State Executive Committee of the

party, followed by series of other unjust acts of impunity including the dissolution of the Rivers State PDP Executive and the suspension of the Governor of Sokoto State for allegedly not receiving Alhaji Tukur’s phone call.

“Yesterday it was the governors of Adamawa, Rivers, Sokoto and Kano and their colleagues in G-7. Today it is the G-4.

Who will Tukur’s vindictive and visionless leadership consume tomorrow? If we all don’t stand up to these people we shall all be victims of their impunity and injustice. Beyond that, they may even destroy, not only the PDP but, indeed, the very fabric of our democracy.

“We therefore call on our revered party elders and other well-meaning Nigerians to rise up with one voice and one purpose to put a stop to all forms of impunity and injustice by the group that parades itself as the National Leadership of the PDP located at Wadata Plaza in Abuja.

The battle should not be left to the New PDP alone because, as the ruling party since Nigeria’s return to democracy in May 1999, the country’s fate is also tied to the fate of PDP.”

Oyinlola, others to shun Dikko committee Oyinlola and others have all said they will not appear before the Dikko Committee, describing it as illegal against the backdrop that its composition was not ratified by PDP National Executive Committee, NEC and Dikko presently chairs another party, the United Democratic Party (UDP).

It will also be recalled that on August 31, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and six aggrieved governors stormed out of Eagle Square, venue of the Special National convention and later joined

by Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers addressed a press conference which took place at

the Yar’Adua Centre with Baraje leading the briefing where the Baraje-led splitter group came up.

Dr. Sam Sam Jaja became the Deputy Chairman and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, the group’s National Secretary.

The seven governors otherwise known as group of seven (G-7) who are leaders of the Barajeled group and not suspended are the chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, NSGF, and Governor of Niger State, Dr. Babangida Aliyu; governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State; Dr. Rabiu Kwakwanso of Kano; Sule Lamido of Jigawa; Murtala Nyako of Adamawa; Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto, and Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara.

According to a statement signed by Secretary, National Disciplinary Committee and PDP Deputy National Secretary, Onwe Solomon Onwe, the affected persons will appear tomorrow, with the PDP Presidential Campaign Office, Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja as the venue at 12 noon, adding, “the National Disciplinary Committee of our great Party has received from the National Working Committee cases of anti-party activities against the following: Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje ; Dr. Sam Sam Jaja; Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Amb. Ibrahim Kazaure.

The National Disciplinary Committee which is Chaired by second Republic Minister of Transport, Alhaji Umaru Dikko, has former Minister of Transport, Chief Ebenezer Babatope as Deputy, with Alhaji Shauibu Oyedokun; Hajia Nana Aisha Kadiri; Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; Barrister Hussaini Duraki Kazaer as members while Onwe Solomon Onwe will serve as Secretary.

6—Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

Hoodlums beat school principal to pulp in Osun

BY GBENGAOLARINOYE

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SOGBO — THE Osun State Po lice Command yesterday prevented what could have lead to a religious crisis between Christians and Muslims in the sleepy town of Ejigbo in Osun State when a secondary school principal in the town was beaten to pulp by some hoodlums in the town.

The hoodlums who were said to have been hired by some Muslims in the town stormed the Baptist High School, Ejigbo as early as 8.00 a.m and walked straight to the office of the Principal, made some enquiries from the principal before he was beaten.

It was gathered that the school authorities had last Friday sent a female student home for allegedly using veil (hijab) while in the school, a situation which reportedly generated controversies in the town, as some Muslims were said to be angry with the development.

Our correspondent also learnt that the Muslim youths in the town mobilised and moved to the school to demand an apology from the school principal and his refusal to grant their demand resulted to his beating.

It was learnt that dangerous weapons such as axes, cutlasses and charms were freely used by the irate youths on the Principal who in the process sustained injuries.

Also, it was learnt that some teachers in the school who attempted to rescue the principal were seriously beaten by the mob who descended on some members of staff of the school.

The traditional ruler of the community, the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Omowonuola Oyesosin, was said to have prevailed over the situation and ordered the Principal and other affected teachers to be taken to his palace for security reason.

Until recently, the Baptist High School, Ejigbo was a missionary school, but the schools reclassification programme of the state government affected its nomenclature as students from other schools were merged with those of the school.

Court restrains tipper drivers from trespassing on land

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BUJA — AN FCT High Court, yesterday, restrained members of the Abuja Tipper Drivers Association of Nigeria from trespassing on a plot of land at Dawaki Layout Abuja, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

Giving the order, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf said the interlocutory injunction would restrain the association and its agents from trespassing or generally interfering with the land.

The judge gave the order after listening to the submissions of the plaintiff ’s counsel, Mahmud Magaji (SAN), and defendant’s counsel, Mrs Christiana Okaro.

How my kidnappers were arrested — GUO Motors boss

BY OKONKWO EZE

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NITSHA — THE Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of G. U. O. Motors Limited, Chief Godwin Ubaka Okeke, yesterday, told an Onitsha High Court in Anambra State, presided over by Justice Chudi Nwankwo how his kidnappers were arrested one after the other, after they released him on payment of N30 million ransom.

He said of about 16 of them that kidnapped him on August 23, 2009, 12 were arrested by men of the Special AntiRobbery Squad, SARS, with the assistance of the local vigilante operatives on various dates, while nine were charged to court after thorough investigations and screening by the police.

Okeke who stated this at the conclusion of his evidencein-chief, yesterday, said of the nine charged, six were granted bail while awaiting trial in prison custody because, according to the court, their trial was unduly delayed by the government lawyers, but they jumped bail and refused to appear in court till date, even after the incumbent trial judge had issued a bench warrant for their re-arrest.

Okeke told the court that Emeka Eze, the first defendant on the original list and one of the gang leaders who was among those that jumped bail, was first to be arrested and brought to Central Police Station, Onitsha.

After he was granted bail, he went to their base in Asaba, Delta State to celebrate his freedom with a lavish merry making, before he finally disappeared to an unknown place till date, even as the bench warrant is still hanging on his neck.

Weapons found buried inside bush According to Okeke, “after his arrest, the police invited me to come and identify him. When Emeka Eze saw me at the station, he knelt down and asked me for forgiveness, which I promised him on condition that he would assist the police with necessary information that could lead to the arrest of others.

“Emeka Eze later took the police to Nando community in Anambra East Local Government Area of the state where their operational weapons, including the rocket launchers, general purpose machine guns, GPMGs, AK-47 riffles and other sophisticated weapons were found buried inside the bush and covered with plastic containers. The arms were recovered and taken to the state SARS Headquarters at Awkuzu.

Some suspects nabbed in Nsugbe “Because of my promise to Emeka Eze that he would regain his freedom if he offered assistance for the arrest of others, he now took the police to Nsugbe where some of the suspected gang members were arrested and taken to SARS at Awkuzu, adding that some of them were arrested in Awka and Asaba, their operational base.

“The third defendant, Alexander Onyinanya, was arrested two years after the kidnap saga because he had been on the run, adding that it was through the assistance of Chinenye Ihenko (a.k.a. Okpompi) the vigilante leader in-charge of Onitsha North, Onitsha South and some other local government areas that Onyinanya was eventually tracked down.

Relationship between me and Onyinanya “On the relationship between me and Onyinanya, he was a vigilante operative attached to my personal residence in my country home, Adazi-Ani. While Onyinanya was at Adazi-Ani, he was not always at his duty post and besides, he lived a flamboyant lifestyle that was beyond his income.

“I suspected that Onyinanya could have a direct relationship with the gang of criminals who were perpetrating incessant kidnappings and robberies that took place between 2008 and early part of 2009, which were more pronounced at Adazi-Enu, Adazi-Ani, Adazi-Nnukwu, Obeledu and other neighbouring communities. I requested Okpompi, the vigilante leader to redeploy him and he was

Chief Godwin Okeke, GUO Motors boss replaced with another operative with immediate effect.

How I identified Onyinanya “The motorcycle accident Onyinanya had in 2008 while serving in my home at AdaziAni, for which I paid his hospital bill, made him to limp, which was why I was able to identify him as the tall member of the gang who was wearing a mask during and after my abduction.

“After their arrest between October and November, 2009, crime rate in the state dropped by 80 per cent till the end of 2010, since they were the main gang of robbers and kidnappers that terrorized the state then.

“They kept calling me on phone, telling me that I was the only victim fighting them, unlike other victims who usually told them about others to kidnap and get handsome ransom. They even made attempts on my life on three occasions which failed.

This prompted me to apply to the police authorities for an escort which was approved by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

My younger brother's kidnap “In January 2013, some of the fleeing gang members regrouped and kidnapped my younger brother, and in mid October 2013, the same gangsters attacked one of my private Toyota SUV and riddled it with bullets, thinking I was inside the vehicle.

“More arrests have been made in respect of the kidnap of my younger brother and attack on my vehicle and very soon, the arrested suspects will be brought

to the court.”

Cross-examination At this stage, the prosecution counsel, Chris Ajugwe, who was leading Okeke in his evidencein-chief, rested his case and Oliver Oduma, counsel to the first accused, Kelechi Okafor, crossexamined Okeke briefly on the level of Okafor’s involvement in his kidnap, to which Okeke replied: “Okafor himself told me that it was the gangsters that gave him my vehicle to sell and return the proceeds to them but when he wanted to sell the vehicle and the buyers discovered that it was GUO’s vehicle, they refused to buy and even advised him (Okafor) to abandon the vehicle before he would be arrested, and he abandoned the vehicle in Badagry, Lagos State and fled.

“It was when Okafor went back to Asaba, their operational base, to narrate the development to the gang members that they arrested and handed him over to the police on framed up charges. They suspected that Okafor might have sold the vehicle, pocketed the proceeds and came to tell them lies.

“I could not identify Okafor throughout my kidnap saga until on information, I met him in police station and he personally narrated to me how they gave him the stolen vehicle to sell.”

Justice Nwankwo adjourned further hearing till December 2, 3, 4, 5 and 9 when the matter is expected to have been concluded, starting from the crossexaminations of Okeke, by both counsel to Ifeanyi Okafor, the second accused, D. U. Nwafor and counsel to Onyinanya, the third accused, Mrs. J. N. Okongwu.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013—7

2 in court over alleged rape

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Gridlock from West Minster to Second Gate bus stop on Mile 2-Apapa expressway due to indiscriminate parking of articulated vehicles on the road. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

Vanguard’s GM testifies in fraud case against ex-accountant

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

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AGOS — TRIAL of the former Chief Accountant of Vanguard Media Limited, Mr Yhisa Badmus, formally commenced, yesterday, with the company’s General Manager/ Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, testifying to how the company detected the alleged stolen money and petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for investigation.

Adefaye, who was led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Mr. Abba Mohammed, said the trial came after the anti-graft body carried out investigation into the petition the company wrote through him.

He said he only wrote a oneparagraph petition dated November 2, 2009 asking the EFCC to examine the report of an auditor of the company’s account, to establish if there was a case of fraud, and assist to recover money stolen from the com-

pany, if any.

Mr. Badmus and a senior regional officer with the company, James Unoka, are standing trial for alleged forgery and defrauding Vanguard Media Ltd to the tune of N7.9 million.

There were two separate cases filed against the former chief accountant.

In his evidence before Justice Atinuke Ipaye of an Ikeja High Court, Adefaye said he was not in a position to know if any of his managers or staff was indicted by the report prepared

by Ajayi & Co, an external auditor for the media organisation on the allegation of financial fraud by its former staff.

He further told the court that he was, however, instructed by Mr. Sam Amuka, Chairman of Vanguard Media Limited sometime in 2009 to write a petition to the EFCC following an alledged fraud.

He said the chairman also invited the auditors to look into the books of the company and the auditors submitted a report.

He added that beyond being asked to write the petition, he did not know about the alleged fraud.

Under cross-examination by Mr O. Ganiu, the first defendant's counsel, Adefaye said he was not aware of names of staff indicted by the report, though he read through it but did not pay attention to details of the report.

Also under cross-examination by lawyer to James Unoka, the second defendant, Mr. Samuel

24-yr-old farmer nabbed for beheading toddler

BY WOLE MOSADOMI

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INNA — NEMESIS has caught up with a 24-yearold farmer, Danladi Abubakar, who allegedly beheaded an 11month-old girl for rituals.

Danladi, after being arrested by the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, confessed

Five injured in Ondo NURTW clash

BY DAYO JOHNSON

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KURE — AT least five persons were injured in Akure, the Ondo State capital, yesterday, as factions within the state chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, engaged in a bloody clash over leadership.

The crisis within the union deepened last week when a mock coffin was carried round the state capital by a faction of the union against the return of the suspended state chairman, Obayoriade Obadutele.

However, Vanguard learnt that trouble started when some union workers resumed

for their normal duty around 6.30 am to collect tickets and sign the daily register.

One branch officer, Mr Samuel Ademeko, said to be one of the supporters of the embattled chairman, was prevented from collecting and signing the register.

In return, Ademeko also insisted that if he was denied, no one else would sign the register.

While this argument ensued, some leaders reportedly mobilised some thugs who stormed the office and there was a bloody clash The atmosphere was charged and there was confusion as the suspected thugs used short guns, ma-

Aeweh, the witness also stated that the company has two general managers.

He disclosed that beside him, there is another general manager of the company, Mr. Godfrey Amuka-Pemu, who is currently indisposed.

Meanwhile,the court admitted the original copy of the petition dated November 2, 2009 and marked it as exhibit 1. The matter was adjourned till November 29, 2013 for further trial.

chetes and charms.

Those injured were rushed to police hospital and state specialist hospital for treatment.

An unconfirmed report alleged that yesterday’s clash had to also do with the surprise return of the suspended chairman to the office located along Akure-Owo road.

Police image maker, Wole Ogodo, said he had not been properly briefed by the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in the area.

A faction of the union protested to the Governor's Office, Government House and round the major streets with various placards last week.

that the deal was to fetch him N20,000. He was allegedly contracted by a man in Bida, Niger State, who is said to be on the run.

The incidence happened in Fujeregi village, Gbako Local Government Area of the state recently.

The farmer was said to have sneaked into the room of the baby’s father, Malam Mohammed Worogi, where he smuggled the baby to a hidden place and beheaded her. He also severed her private parts.

The sudden disappearance of the child soon aroused the parent’s curiosity. The villagers then constituted a search party but their efforts did not immediately yield any dividend until a special prayer was organised.

After the prayers, Danladi came out and confessed to the crime.

The incidence was immediately reported at the police divisional office in Lemu town leading to Danladi’s arrest.

He was immediately charged to Minna Magistrate Court 7 on one-count charge of culpable homicide punishable under Section 222 of the panel code law.

When the charge was read to him by the presiding magistrate, Maryam Ladidi King, he pleaded guilty.

BEOKUTA — TWO men, Muyideen Jubril and Lanre Sofela, who allegedly raped a teenager, yesterday, appeared before an Abeokuta Magistrate's Court sitting at Isabo, Ogun State.

The police charged Jubril and Sofela, aged 23 and 22 respectively, with raping a 17-year-old.

The prosecutor, Inspector Sunday Eigbejiale, told the court that the accused committed the offence on November 8 at Ago Oko in Abeokuta.

He said: “They convinced the girl that they will take her home on their bike.

On their way, they blindfolded her with a piece of cloth and raped her.”

The court did not take the pleas of the accused because they did not have legal counsel.

The Magistrate, Mr Matins Akinyemi, however, granted them bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties each and adjourned the case to February 13, 2014.

Estate valuer docked for impersonating landlord

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BUJA —THE police, yesterday, arraigned an estate valuer, Festus Joshua, before a Wuse Zone 2 Senior Magistrate’s Court for impersonating a landlord, and defrauding an accommodation seeker of N500,000.

The accused, age 48, was said to have presented himself to one Alfred Nwoke as the owner of House at 1, Close 7 Drive, Prince and Princess Estate, Abuja.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Monday Akor, told the court that the accused posed as the owner of the house and collected N500, 000 as rent.

He said that the complainant lodged a report against the accused on September 14 at the Police Area Command Metro, Maitama, Abuja.

Akor said that after the complainant paid the money as rent, he discovered that the house did not belong to the accused.

Meanwhile, the accused pleaded not guilty.

The Senior Magistrate, Ms Binta Dongoyaro, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N200, 000 with a surety who must have a definite address within the court jurisdiction.

8—Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

2014: Sanusi warns against supplementary budget

BY BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

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HE Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mallam Lamido Sanusi has warned against supplementary budget in 2014, saying it would portend a risk to hardearned stability.

He said: “In anticipation of public spending ahead of the 2015 general elections in the country, politicians the world over tend to spend money in election years.

“Although the 2014 budget as proposed to the National Assembly is prudent, a supplementary budget would portend a risk to hard-earned stability.”

He gave this warning in an interview with Bloomberg TV at the weekend in Abuja.

A statement by the CBN, yesterday, containing excerpts of the interview stated that, “the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has commended what he described as the prudent fiscal spending of the Federal Government in 2013.

“Speaking on Bloomberg TV at the weekend in Abuja, Mr. Sanusi noted that Federal Government’s overall spending in 2013 has not been significantly higher than it was in 2012 due to tight controls in spending in the second half of this year.

“This situation, he stressed, has aided in moderating the rate of inflation in the country, bringing it down to a fiveyear low.

“He noted that with this trend it is hoped that the stability anchored in key macroeconomic indicators like inflation, exchange and interest rates, will be sustained.

“He, however, cautioned against future spending owing to the decline in oil revenue despite the relative stability in oil price and output when compared with preceding years.”

LAUNCH: From left, President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State, Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, Finance Minister, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and the MD BHG Farms, Mrs. Gertrude Basorun, during the launch of the 3rd Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: Abayomi Adeshida.

2015: Minister fingered in plot to blackmail Buhari, Amaechi

BY OUR CORRESPONDENT

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PLOT by top government agents to portray Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State as working with the North to stall the reelection of President Goodluck Jonathan was uncovered in Kaduna yesterday.

Under the scheme, which is being financed by a serving minister in the present administration, N11 million has reportedly been paid to two Kaduna-based printers to produce different sizes of posters bearing the images of former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.), and that of Amaechi as presidential candidate and running mate in the 2015 poll, respectively.

The contract, allegedly awarded to two printing firms (names withheld) is for the production of no fewer than 10,000 copies of the posters with the logo of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and display them at strategic points in the northern part of the country.

The copies, according to sources close to the printing companies, are to be delivered and displayed in selected Northern states before the end of the week.

“The posters will hit the streets of some states in the North at the weekend,” a source close to the printing firms confirmed yesterday.

The plot, however, hit the rocks when one of the staff of the printing company called the governor and asked if he was the one that authorised the printing job.

Amaechi, according to a source, reported the plot to the security agencies and gave the names of the printers to them for verification.

However, Amaechi also raised the alarm that he was being set up for blackmail by

a minister from the SouthSouth and appealed to Nigerians to be wary of the antics of the said man, who claims to be working for the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Amaechi's reaction

Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tony Okorocha, Amaechi described the antics of the minister and his cohorts as criminal and an attempt by him to gain undeserved attention from the Presidency and the people of Nigeria.

Okorocha said that Amaechi had not made public his next political ambition and warned

those plotting to drag his name in the mud to desist from such devilish act or face the wrath of Rivers people, whose mandate he is holding in trust till 2015.

He said: “We want to call on Nigerians to plead with the minister to leave Amaechi alone and face the arduous task of his ministry.

“What the minister is trying to do is to deceive the undiscerning minds in Rivers State and Nigeria so as to gain undue attention and continue to stay on in his post when he is nothing more than a mischief-maker and an expert in frivolity.”

Sexual assault centre treats 124 cases

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

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total of 124 victims of sexual assault and domestic violence were attended to in the first five months of operation of the Mirabel Centre for Rape Victims, the first sexual violence and referral centre in Nigeria, located at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos.

Disclosing this, yesterday, in Lagos during the official opening of the centre, Executive Director/Managing

Partner, Partnership for Justice, Mrs. Itoro Eze-Anaba, said Oshodi, Mafoluku, Ikeja, Mile 12, Ketu and Ojodu areas of Lagos, were flashpoints for assault and sexual violence because the highest number of incidents reported at the centre, were recorded at these places.

“Most of the clients we have attended to were young girls between 11 and 15.

“We also had cases of age 011. About 80 per cent are minors referred to us by the Family Support Unit of the Police.

“When someone is raped, that person is sent to us to carry out the medical examinations and tests and the result is sent back to the Director of Public Prosecution’s office for advice.

“We monitor the process and provide support.”

She said the idea for such a centre was first mooted 10 years ago, adding “the Centre is meant to be a place where people will not be judged or discriminated against on the basis of their experience as a victim of sexual violence.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013—9

Swiss govt ready to assist Nigeria on alleged N1.1trn NNPC fraud

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WITZERLAND is ready to assist Nigeria in the ongoing investigations into the alleged more than 6.8 billion dollars (N1.1 trillion) fraudulent oil deals involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and Swiss oil trading

companies.

Mr. Hans-Rudolf Hodel, the country ’s ambassador to Nigeria, made the pledge in Abuja yesterday.

Hodel told reporters that though no formal request for assistance had been made to his government on the issue by

any representative of the Nigerian government, both countries had an existing mutual legal assistance.

This, he said, entails providing banking information and freezing of bank accounts, “if such accounts are identified in the

criminal proceedings.”

Hodel said that the report issued by the Swiss-based NGO, Berne Declaration, which highlighted the transactions between NNPC and Swiss companies, did not represent the official position of the Swiss government.

FG condemns ASUU's new demands

BY LAIDE AKINBOADE & PETER OKUTU

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AWARD: From left— Executive Director, Retail Banking (South), FBN Holdings Plc, Mr. Gbenga Shobo; President/ CEO, Pearl Award, Mr. Tayo Orekoya and CEO FBN Holdings Plc, Mr. Bello Maccido, during the presentation of Financial Services (Other Financial Institutions) Award to Mr. Maccido at the 2013 edition of Pearl Award in Lagos.

ANAMBRA: INEC official docked for negligence of duty zAs Gov Obi denies rigging guber election

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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N Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, official for Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, in the last gubernatorial election in the state, Mr. Chukwujekwu Okeke was, yesterday, arraigned before a Wuse Zone 2 Chief Magistrate's Court, Abuja, on a one-count charge of dereliction of duty.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Usman Shuaibu, has however ordered that the accused be remanded in police custody till December 2, to enable the police complete its investigation on the matter.

He also said that the application for bail filed on behalf of the accused would be considered on that day.

Earlier, the prosecutor, DSP Stanley Nwodo, from the Force CID, said that on November 16, the accused unlawfully breached his official duties at Idemili, where he was deployed.

Alleged offence

Nwodo informed the court that

the accused deliberately withheld electoral materials designed for the elections, thereby, breaching electoral procedures.

He then prayed the court to give the Police 14 days to enable it complete investigation into the matter.

‘Not guilty'

Nwodo said that the accused, who pleaded not guilty, was standing trial on a one-count charge of dereliction of duty contrary to Section 123 (1) (2) and (3) of the Electoral Act, 2010.

Counsel to the accused, Mr. Daniel Nwogbodo, applied for bail for his client under Section 341 of the Criminal Procedures Code and Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

The sections, which highlight bail as a right of a citizen, say that an accused is considered innocent until otherwise proven.

Nwogbodo told the court that his client was a senior civil servant and a responsible family man and would not jump bail.

He also said that his client had a health condition (high blood pressure), which started deteriorating in Awka where he

was held in Police custody before being transferred to the force CID in Abuja.

Nwogbodo also told the court that his client would not jeopardise police investigation.

Governor Obi

Meanwhile, Governor Peter Obi of Anambra said, yesterday, that neither All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, nor himself rigged the November 16 governorship elections in the state.

Obi spoke to journalists after the launch of the third phase of the Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria, YouWiN, programme by President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa.

He said: “In the election in Anambra State, I can go to any where as a Christian and tell you there was no issue of rigging.

Those who wanted to rig were prevented from rigging and they are crying.”

The governor said APGA as a popular and acceptable party in the state would defeat any opposition party in any election.

He also faulted the calls for the

cancellation of the elections by the opposition parties, saying "If you repeat that election 10 times, they will never win.

“Why are they even talking about cancellation? The regulation, the rules or the law says that you have to win at least 25 per cent in two-third of the local governments “In the Anambra case, it is 14 local governments that make up the two third and only APGA can boast of that because we won in 18 local governments.

“The nearest, which is PDP, won in nine local governments, APC is seven, and I can tell you that it is their own results that are doubtful.”

It will be recalled that the election conducted on November 16 was declared inconclusive by INEC. The national electoral body had also fixed November 30 for the conduct of supplementary election in the state.

INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, had admitted irregularities in the conduct of the polls and apologised on behalf of the commission.

BUJA— THE Federal Government, yesterday, condemned the new conditions which Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, insists must be met before the five-month old strike could be called off.

The three conditions were payment of four months salaries, which accumulated during the period of the strike; i m m e d i a t e implementation of the N1.2 trillion offered by the government to public universities, starting with the release of N100 billion this year and the balance of N1.1 trillion to be spread over five years from 2014.

The union also demanded that the salary arrears must not be paid in piecemeal.

These were some of the resolutions reached by members of the National Executive Council, NEC, of the union that met in Kano on Friday.

Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, condemned the new conditions but assured that he would present them before President Goodluck Jonathan.

EBSU breaks ranks, recalls students

Meanwhile, the management of Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, EBSU, yesterday ordered lecturers and students of the institution to return to classes following the inability of ASUU to end its strike.

A statement by the Registrar of the institution, Mr. Sam Egwu, stressed that the institution had resolved to resume academic activities regardless of the ASUUFG dispute, adding that academic activities would resume in all the campuses of the institution from today, Tuesday, November 26.

EBSU chapter of ASUU however, said that lecturers would not return to classes until their demands were met in line with the position of its national body.

10—Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

Catholics mark Corpus Christi

BY OLAYINKA LATONA

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AT H O L I C S FAITHFUL worldwide have marked this year’s solemnity of Christ the King (Corpus Christi) with processions in all dioceses and parishes across the country.

In Lagos, the procession was held last Sunday led

by Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins from the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, to St. Gregory’s College, Obalende.

The Catholic faithful left their different parishes on procession to St. Gregory’s College, chanting, singing and proclaiming the kingship of Jesus Christ.

Exclude C of O in building plans approval — Expert

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AGOS — A Town Planning Consultant, Mr. Ayo Adejumo, yesterday, suggested the exclusion of Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) from the documents needed for approval of building plans in the state.

Adejumo, who is the General Secretary, Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria, ATOPCON, gave the suggestion in Lagos.

He said that the procedures of getting the C of O were too cumbersome, time consuming and expensive.

Adejumo said that the cumbersome procedure was the cause of many illegal structures in the state.

NIBSS goes on ‘cashless’ campaign

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S PART of its initiatives to support and reinforce the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, policy on the emergence of a ‘Cashless Nigeria,’ the Nigeria Inter Bank Settlement System, NIBSS, is set to embark on a mass sensitisation on alternative payments and settlement solutions.

The event, which will be a road-show, has been slated for today and tomorrow, November 26 and 27, 2013.

meeting: From left, Mr. Abiodun Kuye, Secretary, Mega Progressive Peoples Party, MPPP; Mr. Mufutau Dawodu, Chairman, MPPP, Surulere Local Government; Hon. Temitope Shitta Bay, member, and Mrs. Clementica Fasindar, member, during the meeting of MPPP’s leaders for All Progressives Congress, APC, in Surulere, Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

PDP CRISIS: G-7 govs tackle Akpabio over rebellion

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH

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HE seven aggrieved governors of the People’s Democratic Party, yesterday faulted Governor Godswill Akpabio over his claim that the governors could face possible rebellion from their followers if they moved to the All Progressive Congress.

Akpabio told state House correspondents in Abuja after an official engagement with President Jonathan that it was wrong for the rebel governors to threaten to leave the PDP for another party without showing respect to the President.

Akpabio said, “I believe that you cannot be a good leader

unless you’re a good follower and I believe also strongly that leadership comes from God. So the question of rebelling against leadership does not occur because if I rebel against the leadership at the federal level, I should expect somebody also to rebel against my leadership at the state level, maybe from my own local government or thereabouts. ”And it is expected that as a state governor, I should be expected to respect the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. So it is not important who occupies the position. I think what is important is to give respect to the institution of the presidency

Don’t sell refineries, PENGASSAN warns FG

BY VICTOR AHIUMA YOUNG

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ETROLEUM and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, yesterday, in Lagos vowed to shut down the nation’s oil industry should the Federal Government go ahead with planned sale of its four refineries.

PENGASSAN argued that instead of outright sale, the Federal Government should adopt the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, model with the National Oil Company, NOC, as owners of the four refineries holding a substantial minority share, while core investors/local participation hold the working majority with the staff, trade unions, and the host communities hold minority shares.

President of PENGASSAN, Babatunde Ogun claimed government advertently underfunded the refineries and deliberately refused to carry out Turn Around Maintenance, TAM, and supply crude to the refineries so as to have reasons for selling them to their cronies. Since the government’s planned sale of the refineries was made public, Nigeria National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, has also

threatened similar action should the refineries be sold.

According to him: “Why is the government proposing sales of these national edifices without doing the needful to ensure that the refineries work at their optimal capacity? “Nigerians and the general public deserve to know more on the desperate reasons for the spate and row of proposed privatisation, even when the selfish motives of these proposed national assets sales can spell doom for the country.”

in Nigeria,and that way, the international community can also respect Nigeria. ”I don’t see a problem in the issue of certain politicians wanting to change party, it is a normal thing in politics that people move from one political party to the other. ”But what is important is that we move on and the country moves on,and as PDP is very big and robust enough, with its branches in 774 local government areas in Nigeria, if you have five persons moving away from PDP, you have 10 to 50 moving into PDP. ”You know, there are so many APC members who are approaching me on a daily basis that they want to move into PDP but I keep telling them that it is not yet time, let us resolve this issue of G7 governors and then you see the big fishes that will come out of the APC. They are ready to come out and when they come out, it is going to be a boom. It is something that the entire country will shout.

But the G-7 governors said the declaration by Akpabio, who is the chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, amounted to an incitement of Nigerians against them and asked Mr. President to take note of the statement.

The governors, who spoke

through the Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako, noted with dismay the declaration of war on them by Akpabio and wondered who made him lord over them. Nyako said, “Mr. President should be wary of people like Akpabio who wants to chase away other Nigerians from him so that he alone would be seen as a loyalist. ”Mr. President should note the outburst by the Akwa Ibom governor and call him to order before he causes more people who would have been of help to him to ditch him,” Nyako said. The governors restated their aversion to the leadership of the PDP, saying that what the party has been doing amounted to a disservice to the members and Nigerians. ”PDP as presently constituted does not promote justice and equity but constitutes a major setback to democracy.

Indeed, the current PDP can best be described as the enemy of democracy. ”The leadership started by substituting its Anambra governorship candidates’ names in Abuja and ended up disowning it’s own candidate even after INEC had owned up to a dismal election that was seriously sabotaged.

The PDP has lost its voice in democracy and now constitutes an enemy of what is just and honest,” the governors noted.

Society tasks FG on maternal mortality reduction

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

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HE Society of Gynaecolo gists and Obstetrics of Nigeria, SOGON, yesterday, urged the Federal Government to adopt effective measures in ensuring the reduction of maternal mortality in Nigeria. This came as Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, tasked health practitioners, especially gynaecologists, to live up to their responsibility and arrest the high tide of maternal mortality rate in the country.

He gave the charge during a courtesy visit by the mem-

bers of the executives of SOGON, led by its President, Dr. Fred Achem, at the State House, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, saying there was need for the health practitioners to create internal reward and sanction for members who defaulted in their responsibilities.

Achem, made his call while speaking on the highlights of programmes for SOGOM’s 47th Annual General Meeting in Lagos, which kicked off today. He said the current rate of 545 deaths per 100,000 live births was unacceptable, pointing out it was one of the

highest in the world. The Annual General Meeting of the society holds on November 27 while its scientific conference holds on Nov 28.

The governor, during the courtesy call, noted that if there was adequate concentration on issues affecting mothers and children, the country would be responding to such matters.

According to him: “There is a lot of work to be done through advocacy and by the professionals. As the head of government, we can only provide the required structures and facilities.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013—11

We’ve lost confidence in INEC — APC

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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BEOKUTA — THE All Progressives Congress, APC, has said it has lost confidence in the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega over the controversies trailing the conduct of November 16 governorship election in Anambra State.

The interim National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed disclosed this yesterday, in Abeokuta, during the 2013 annual lecture of the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters’ Association of Nigeria, Ogun State chapter.

The APC spokesman who delivered a lecture on ‘Nigeria, 53 Years After: Pproblems and Prospects,’ however, accused the Presidency of employing means to ensure that the APC lost the Anambra governorship elections.

He described the Anambra election as very important election and a dry run to Ekiti, Osun and 2015 elections, saying, ”if we don’t get it right now, it portends trouble for Nigeria.

“No amount of mobilisation or registration you do will help you if the umpire remains the INEC. If the treatment you are going to get is the one you got in Anambra.

As of today, if INEC chairman can admit that somebody tried to compromise the register in

Idemili North, then how are we sure any register anywhere is save?

“If they can compromise election in Idemili North, so they can do also in Ekiti or Ondo. Actually we should be more concerned about INEC than political parties.

Political parties are like football teams, they want to win matches

but it is for the referee to ensure that every team follows and obeys the rules.

“This is why I think Nigeria has a problem because INEC as we have today, we do not believe has the integrity to conduct any further elections in Nigeria.

“For us in APC, the matter is

very clear. Anambra election is not about APC versus PDP or APGA, it is about APC versus the Presidency. Otherwise, how do we explain that PDP, whose candidate was not allowed to vote in that election, will rush to the press and say the election was free and fair?

BIRTHDAY: From right, wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun; Mama HID Awolowo, Amb. Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu, Master Olatunde Badmus, wife of the Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Mrs. Seun Adekunbi, during the 98th birthday ceremony of Mama HID Awolowo, in Ikenne, yesterday.

N77m fraud: Oyo ex-commissioner has case to answer — Court L AGOS — A Federal High Court in Lagos, yesterday, dismissed an oral application made by counsel to Kazeem Adedeji, former Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Cooperative in Oyo State to

discharge him of alleged N77 million fraud.

Adedeji is standing trial alongside Yinka Fatoki, a former director in the ministry and Kolawole Adewole, a member of staff. They are facing a six-count

charge on conspiracy and N77 million fraud.

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, dismissed the application, after Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), counsel to Adedeji, informed the court of a letter written by the

Ilase tragedy: Osun Speaker tasks security agencies

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

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SOGBO — THE Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Kareem Salaam has tasked all security agencies in the state to get to the

root of the burnt palace of the Ilase monarch which consumed the life of the 80 years old traditional ruler of the community, Oba Fashina Anibijuwon.

The Speaker in a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Goke Butika, said the ugly incident in Ilase, and the abduction of the Ilesa-based industrialist, Mrs. Yinka Oba had caused serious security challenges in the state.

Mr. Salaam charged all communities, towns and cities in the state to assist the security agencies with a view to halting the disturbing trend that could be exploited by unscrupulous politicians if left unchecked.

According to him: “Election is drawing nearer, and some unscrupulous people of low virtue could not be ruled out of the game, for they may try to toy with the security arrangement in the state. What matters is for an individual in the society to be watchful, and be ready to assist security agencies for collective benefit.”

Salaam expressed displeasure of the lawmakers on the Ilase and Ilesa scenarios, asserting that the culprits should, be fished out to face justice.

prosecutor, Mr. Effiong Asuquo, stating he was indisposed.

Aneke, in his ruling, refused to dismiss the charge, saying he would give the prosecution one more chance before reaching a decision.

Earlier, Oyetibo told the court that the reasons adduced by the prosecutor for his absence, were flimsy and a deliberate attempt to evade conducting trial.

“My lord, when this case came up on October 11 for argument of the bail of the accused, the prosecutor also deliberately refused to appear in court even though he was seen in the court premises.

“This court also ordered that the prosecution furnishes the defence with proof of evidence within seven days, but up till this moment, no response has been received from the prosecution.

“The prosecutor claims he is indisposed, but there is no medical certificate to that effect before your lordship.

“I therefore urge this court to invoke the provisions of Sections 80 of the Criminal Procedure Act, and dismiss the charge against the accused,” Oyetibo said.

The court granted them bail in the sum of N10 million each with two sureties each in like sum.

Oni, Adeyeye eulogise HID Awolowo at 98

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O R M E R GOVERNOR of Ekiti State, Chief Segun Oni and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship aspirant in Ekiti State and Afenifere chieftain, Prince Dayo Adeyeye have eulogised the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty and the Yeye Oodua of Yorubaland, Mama HID Awolowo on her 98th birthday.

Oni, in his congratulatory message to Mama HID Awolowo on her birthday said, “Mama’s untiring efforts at building and sustaining the unity of the Yoruba nation and ensuring its worthy pride of place within the context of Nigeria’s federal structure is commendable.

“We are particularly happy that in spite of all challenges, Mama has remained undaunted in her commitment to the unity and wellness of the Yoruba race.”

Adeyeye on the other hand said in his goodwill message that Mama’s husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo would be happy where he might be, that he left behind a worthy matriarch, who had remained “a jewel of inestimable value to the entire Yoruba race and Nigeria in general.”

Reps to compel bakers to add cassava to bread

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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BEOKUTA — CHAIRMAN, House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology, Abiodun Akinlade has disclosed that the House of Representatives will soon come up with a law to compel flour millers across the country to add at least 10 per cent cassava content to wheat flour for bread production.

Akinlade, who represents Ipokia/Yewa South Federal Constituency in Ogun State, stated this after he was conferred with the Patronship of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ogun State Council at its Awards and Gala Night, in Abeokuta.

12—Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

Court reinstates sacked Obio/Akpor LG exco zWe’ll respect court verdict —Rivers Govt

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME & EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

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ORT HARCOURT—A RIVERS State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, yesterday, reinstated the Timothy Nsirim-led executive in Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area of the state, suspended and replaced by a caretaker committee in April by the state government.

Justice Adanma Iyayi-Lamikaran, in her ruling on the suit by the sacked Nsirim cabinet, held that the state government, particularly the state House of Assembly, did not give Nsirim, his vice and all the 17 councillors of Obio/Akpor council, which they sacked, fair hearing.

The judge also ordered the Rivers State Government to pay N50,000 as damages to Nsirim and the other plaintiffs and restrained the state government from interfering the activities of the council under Nsirim.

The court also nullified the appointment of the Chikordi Dike caretaker committee, which has been running the council since April.

The reinstated Chairman, Mr Timothy Nsirim told newsmen that he would move into the council after all necessary quarters had been served the court judgment.

Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, shortly after the ruling, said though the trial judge erred in law to have ruled on the matter that was already before the Court of Appeal, the state government would respect the judgment.

She said: “The attention of the Rivers State Government has been drawn to the pronouncement of a court presided over

by Justice Adanma Iyayi-Lamikanra, in which the judge held that the action of the Rivers State House of Assembly in respect of the suspension of the former Chairman and councilors of Obio/Akpor council for alleged fraudulent practices

was flawed and unconstitutional.

“As a responsible government which respects the rule of law, we have noted the ruling and in our usual manner would abide by the pronouncement.

However, we are constrained to note that the judge acted in total disregard to the Court of Appeal, which at the moment is entertaining an appeal in respect of the matter. We are aware that under the rules of court, where there is a subsisting ruling essentially from the court above, lower courts are, as a rule, expected to stay action pending the determination of the appeal.

“In this instance, we wish to

state without equivocation that the trial judge erred in law when she failed to adhere to age-long principles upon which the rule of law draws inspiration and strength. For the avoidance of doubt, the Rivers State Government has filed an appeal for a stay of execution of the judgment while the ongoing matter that is being heard by the court above is billed for November 28, 2013.

“In the meantime, we appeal to all Rivers people, particularly the good people of Obio/Akpor, to remain calm and be law abiding. We wish to assure our people that we shall pursue the cause of justice through constitutional and judicial means until the people secure justice.”

We’ll abide by verdict Meanwhile, the state government has said it would abide by the verdict of the state High Court reinstating the suspended chairman of Obio/ Akpor council and the 17 councilors.

The state Commissioner for

INAUGUARTION: From left: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State; Dr. Osagie Obayuwana (Chairman) and Mr Peter Ekhator, after the inauguartion of a committee to investigate the suspended Executive and Legislative arms of Orhionmwon Local Government Council, yesterday.

Owie, Accord Party differ on Anambra guber poll

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

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ENIN—FORMER Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Roland Owie, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on its successful conduct of the governorship election in Anambra State.

Meanwhile, the Accord Party, at the end of its emergency meeting, called on INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, to resign over his poor handling of the election.

Senator Owie, in a statement in Benin, Edo

State, yesterday, wondered why a party that allegedly dispatched over 200 thugs to Anambra State with the aim of rigging and causing mayhem at the election, could now turn round to blame INEC for its failure in the election.

He said: “That INEC and security agents were able to conduct the election without violence is a plus for them. I only pity my friend and brother, Senator Chris Ngige, a good man who went to a wrong platform to contest the election.”

He advised INEC to go ahead and fix a date to conduct the election in the remaining booths.

However, the Accord

Party, rising from an emergency meeting on the outcome of the Anambra State governorship election, said INEC had compromised on its earlier stand to conduct a free and fair election in the state as it did in Edo and Ondo states.

It said: “We, therefore, call on Prof. Jega to resign or face expulsion, if he fails to hand in his resignation letter. Besides, we will boycott the purported supplementary governorship election even as we are prepared to challenge INEC in court if he goes ahead with the election because his action is a threat to the country’s nascent democracy.”

West-Idahosa dumps PDP

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN—MR. Ehiogie West-Idahosa, a former House of Representatives member, has resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. He cited what he described as ideological differences with key leaders of the party in the state as the reason for his decision.

It will be recalled that West-Idahosa represented the people of Ovia federal constituency in the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2011 on the platform of PDP. However, in a letter addressed to the Ugbogui ward chairman of the PDP in Ovia South West, and the state PDP Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, dated November 8, 2013, West-Idahosa said: “My resignation is purely predicated on my well known ideological differences with key leaders of the party in Edo State.”

Though West-Idahosa is yet to pitch tent with any of the political parties, there are indications that he might be joining the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state.

Chevron assures on commitment to quality education

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HE General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr. Deji Haastrup, has said that the oil company was committed to improving the quality of education in the country.

Speaking in Warri, Delta State, at the 2013 edition of Award Ceremony of the National Chemistry (Awokoya Memorial) Competition, Haastrup stressed the importance of education in the development of any country.

Speaking through the Warri Area Manager of Chevon, Mr. Tunji Idowu, he said “The NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture is committed to contributing towards improving the quality of education in Nigeria be-

cause education is important for the development of the country.

“Over the years, we have demonstrated commitment to qualitative education through investments in education infrastructure, sponsor-

ship of manpower development programmes and provision of scholarships. Our corporate belief is that education remains a veritable tool for personal and societal growth and sustainable development.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013—13

POLLUTION: Ex-militant leaders give Chevron 5 days ultimatum

Absence of Council: Lawyer wants BPP activities declared illegal

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HE Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, has been asked to declare that the operations of Public Procurement Bureau, BPP, were illegal without a supervising council.

According to the suit, the BPP activities and operations since 2007 without the existence of its superintendent body, the National Council on Public Procurement, was an exercise in gross illegality.

The plaintiff, Yunus Abu, who instituted the action through his counsel, is contending that the appointment of the Director General of BPP, Mr. Emeka Ezeh and other principal officers without the recommendation of the Council as mandated by the Public Procurement Act 2007, was illegal, null and void.

Joined as defendants in the suit are President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bureau of Public Procurement, Director General of BPP, Mr. Emeka Ezeh and the Attorney General of the Federation.

The plaintiff is contending that the failure of the President to constitute the Council, which has the responsibility to recommend, through a competitive selection process, the Director General and other Directors of BPP was a gross violation of the Constitution which he swore to protect and defend at all times.

According to the plaintiff, failure to comply with and obey the condition precedent of constituting the Council as mandated by enabling law of Bureau of Public Procurement Act 2007, renders all the activities of BPP manifestly illegal, null and void.

The plaintiff is asking the court to determine, among others, whether in view of the extant provisions of Section 1 and 2 of the Public Procurement Act 2007, a person can be appointed as Director General of BPP without recommendation from the National Council on Public Procurement to the President through an open, transparent and competitive selection process.

C M Y K

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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VISIT: Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State (right) exchanging pleasantries with the Amayanabo of Twon Brass, His Majesty, King Alfred Diete-Spiff shortly on his arrival to pay a courtesy call on the king during a thank you tour to Brass Local Government Areas, Twon Brass.

Mixed reactions greet Jonathan’s NDDC nominees

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

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BUJA—REACTIONS have been trailing the two nominees for the position of Chairman and state representative on the board of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, from Cross River State.

President Goodluck Jonathan had, last week, forwarded the names of Senator Bassey Henshaw and Mr. Paul Adah to the Senate for the position of Chairman and state representative on the Board of NDDC, seeking the approval of the upper legislative chamber for their nomination.

But the President’s nominees have attracted reactions from the people of the state.

While people from the Southern part of the state view the nomination as a slap on their face, others from the Northern zone have commended the President for what they described as perfect choice.

Special Assistant to Governor Liyel Imoke on Youths, Dr. DornKlaimz Enarhme told Vanguard that “Governor Imoke is a man with a history of putting together a good team.

Recall that as third Republic Senator and son of a first Republic Minister, he had a better chance to run for governor, but he put his friend Duke (Donald Duke) from the South.

“It is also on record that it was he that came to the late deputy governor, Chief John Okpa and asked him to join forces with him, appreciating the value of the Central. The

selection of Senator Henshaw and Adah, is a round peg in a round hole.”

But some influential individuals from the Southern senatorial zone, especially from Bakassi, felt that the President’s nominees were a slap on the face of the oil producing communities of the South, arguing that the selection contravened the Act that set up NDDC. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, one of them told Vanguard that “Adah is from Northern Cross River State and by reason of the NDDC Act, he does not qualify. We heard the speculation before now that most likely it was going to be Adah and we were thinking, what is the rationale, what is the justification?

“If it were to be the chairmanship position, nobody would say anything. Chairmanship is the prerogative of

Mr. President, it is more a national issue, even though they zoned it to Cross River State, but for the state representative, the NDDC Act is very specific. Section 2 (1b) states that the person representing the state must come from an oil producing community.

“When things like this happen, there are a lot of stories that fly around and one of the stories was that our governor was hoping to give the chairmanship slot to somebody outside the Southern senatorial district in the person of Prof.

Ivara Esu, but unfortunately, somewhere along the line, Senator Ewah name was mentioned.”

Explaining that about five local government areas of the Southern senatorial district produce oil in the state, he said “How can somebody be telling us that we don’t have people competent enough to be taken from there?”

ORT HARC O U R T — FORMER militant leaders in the Niger Delta, have handed a five-day ultimatum to Chevron Nigeria Limited, to state when it would clean up pollution arising from its operations in its host communities in the region.

The ex-militant leaders, in a letter to the Chairman/CEO, Chevron Corporation, California, USA, said they were worried about the company ’s disinvestment plan particularly when it had allegedly not made adequate effort to compensate communities and those affected by its K.S. Endeavour gas blow out incident in January last year.

The ex-militant leaders, under the aegis of Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiative, said that they would not hesitate to disrupt activities at the company’s offices all over the country, if it failed to come up with a concrete statement on its plans for the communities and those affected by pollution from its operations.

National president of the group, Pastor Reuben Wilson, said that they would resist moves by the oil company to sell off its oil blocs, if it failed to adequately compensate those affected.

Uduaghan in London, tackles international community on crude oil theft

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ELTA State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and Chairman, National Economic Council on Crude Oil Theft, has urged the international community to give maximum support to Nigeria in the fight against crude oil thieves.

Governor Uduaghan, in a chat with journalists after his address at Nigeria’s Honorary International Investor’s Council meeting in London, weekend, requested for support in the areas of sophisticated surveillance equipment, tagging,

identifying final destination of the stolen crude and proceeds.

He urged the international community to block the inflow of small arms into the country.

Uduaghan said that the committee approved by President Goodluck Jonathan, which comprises of six state governors, members of the country’s security agencies, the Petroleum Minister, National Planning, Justice, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC officials, NIMASA and all the IOCs, has been working tirelessly to reduce crude oil theft

which stands at about 40, 000 barrels per day.

He said that the committee was laying a lot of emphasis on prosecution, assuring that all cases were being streamlined by the legal task force headed by the Minister of Justice adding that some cases would be starting soon.

He also appealed to the IOCs to be alive to their social responsibilities and commended Chevron for the initiative of regional development councils, which was giving its host communities a sense of ownership.

14—Vanguard , TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

Anambra to complete rehabilitation of N1.8bn Onitsha water scheme March 2014

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BY VINCENT UJUMADU

WKA—THE rehabilitation programme of the Greater Onitsha Water Scheme in Anambra State, with contract value of N1.8 billion, being handled by Peterson Candy International of South Africa is to be completed in March next year.

The three major water intakes located in MCC Onitsha, Army Barracks and Nkisi, with a combined storage capacity of 135,000 cubic liters, have been refurbished and water being pumped into them such that residents of Army Barracks, Awka road and some parts of Onitsha and Ogbaru are already getting pipe borne water in their homes.

The Anambra State commissioner for public utilities and water supply, Chief Emeka Nwankwu said in an interview in Onitsha that ultimately, the main source of water supply to the water scheme would be Ogbunike Lake in Oyi local government area.

He said that as soon as the equipment ordered for the project arrives, work would speed up to enable the contractors meet the completion deadline.

He said: “The state government has secured a letter of credit for $700 million for the procurement of equipment for the project.

The manufacturers of the equipment are set to import the equipment into Nigeria and hopefully, they will come into the country by December this year.

“Presently, the contractors are doing search and fix to ensure that all the broken down pipes and leaking ones are properly fixed before the commencement of the installation of the equipment.”

AWARD: From left: President, United States African Development Foundation, USADF,, Shari Berenbach, winners of the GE-USADF Off-Grid Energy Challenge, Afe Babalola University, and President/CEO, General Electric, GE, Africa, Jay Ireland, at the GE-USADF Off-Grid Energy Innovation award and dinner ceremony in Lagos, Photo: The Quadrant Company

Imo govt revokes licences of motherless babies homes

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA WERRI—APPARENTLY worried by activities of owners of ‘baby homes or factories,’ in the society, the Imo State Government yesterday revoked the certificates of all motherless babies and foster homes in the state.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Nma Onyechere, who announced this yesterday in Owerri, said that buying and selling of human beings were not part of Igbo culture, adding that the heat generated over the issue was enough to get government react to the ugly situation.

Onyechere also warned that any staff of the ministry found to have established such homes would be summarily dismissed from service.

According to her, although the issue of ‘baby factories’ or sale of babies was not only an Imo State affair, it had sadly turned into a national problem that must be tackled urgently.

She said: “Government has revoked the certificates of all foster homes in the state with immediate effect. Similarly, any staff found to be operating any such establishment or in the habit of aiding or abetting ‘baby factories’, would be summarily dismissed from service.

“As at the last count, only 36 homes were registered in the state. Our interest in the recertification exercise is to save lives and preserve the corporate image of the state.”

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According to the commissioner, the issue of ‘baby factories’ had done serious damage to the image of the state, hence the government decided to tackle it frontally.

“In line with the current

revocation of the certificates, government has planned fresh re-registration and recertification of all such homes.

Anybody or group of persons found to have defied this policy will be arrested and prosecuted,” the commissioner

said.

Answering a question, Mrs. Onyechere said the re-certification had nothing to do with the current commercialisation policy of the state government, as the new fees to be charged would be affordable.

I’ve no problem with Nwoye —METUH

BY HENRY UMORU B U J A — N AT I O N A L Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh said yesterday that he had no problem with the governorship candidate of the party in the November 16 Anambra State election, Comrade Tony Nwoye.

Nwoye’s campaign organisation had lampooned Metuh, following his statement that PDP accepted the result of the election which it said was

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characterised by fraud, pointing out that the national publicity secretary was neither at home to vote nor mobilise for votes for his party’s candidate.

Metuh however, explained that he participated actively during the campaign preceding the election.

In a statement by his Special Assistant, Media, Richard Ihediwa, Metuh said that his attention had been drawn to infantile remarks against the person and office of Chief Metuh,

in a veiled attempt to attack the national leadership of the party, by some reprobate characters purporting to be directors of the Tony Nwoye’s campaign organisation.

The statement read: ‘’We wish to state categorically that there is no problem between the National Publicity Secretary and the PDP candidate in the Anambra election, Comrade Tony Nwoye. Chief Metuh participated actively in his campaign and was physically present at Awka to coordinate the situation room on the day of the election.”

DPP candidate wants Anambra guber poll cancelled cancellation, not disenfranchisement, corrupt

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

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W K A — T H E Governorship Candidate of Democratic Peoples Party, DPP, in the November 16 Anambra election, Mr. Chijioke Ndubuisi has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to cancel the election and conduct a fresh one next year.

Dismissing the election as “ a total disaster and a complete fraud,” Ndubuisi said outright

supplementary election is needed now and vowed to judicially stop the November 30 election unless INEC heeded his call.

His words: “The November 16 governorship election in Anambra State is irredeemably and incurably defective and must be nullified in accordance with law. The INEC itself accepted that the election was flawed. The election was characterised by u n p r e c e d e n t e d

inducement, disappearance of ballot boxes and late arrival of election materials.

“INEC officials sabotaged the process; elections were not held at all in most parts of Anambra and in particular in Idemili North and South, strongholds of my party.

Massive and unprecedented plus scientific irregularities and rigging were witnessed just to deny us victory. Elections were held on Sunday, the holy day of Christians in a Christian dominated area.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26 2013—15

Senate orders NAMA to suspend new charges on private jets operators

BY OHNBOSCOAGBAKWURU

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&JOSEPHERUNKE

BUJA——THE Senate Committee on Aviation yesterday ordered the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, to suspend the recent charges it imposed on local and foreign registered private airline operators, on non-scheduled flights in Nigeria.

The Committee in a tripartite meeting with NAMA management and private aircraft operators on non-scheduled flights said what was required at the moment was consultations and advocated for a stakeholders’ retreat immediately to iron out the cause of the current dispute between the operators and regulatory agencies in the aviation industry.

Chairman of Senate Committee on Aviation, Hope Uzodinma advised private airline operators and NAMA to choose a date for the meeting to take a position on the matter but asked that the new charges be suspended until after proper consultations.

Uzodinma also asked NAMA to immediately convey a stakeholders meeting in collaboration with the Ministry of Aviation for the purpose of consulting with the operators and adopt a levy that would be mutually acceptable to all parties.

NAMA had recently introduced

a new pay-as-you-go charge regime whereby foreign registered airline operators were expected to pay a flat levy of $3, 000, while their indigenous counterparts were levied $2, 500 on each flight embarked upon by their aircraft.

It was gathered that before the new levy, the operators were charged based on their routes, navigational terminal and weight of their aircraft and the various amounts were paid to different aviation agencies operating at the nation’s airports.

Spokesperson of the private airlines operators on nonschedule flights in Nigeria, Alhaji Bala Ibn Na’allah, had described the new levies introduced by NAMA as discriminatory because the arrangement was not applicable to airline operators on scheduled flights.

Ibn Na’allah agreed that the Civil Aviation Act 2006 section 30 (2) gives power to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to charge levies but argued that such should not be imposed without adequate consultations with relevant stakeholders.

He said, “We want to be led by the rule of law. NCAA did not consult us before imposing levies on us. We are urging the senators to impress upon the NCAA to always carry us along through consultations because section 70

(1) C of the act did not allow them to do whatever will be detrimental to the nation.

“For every take off, we are paying $2,500. Why are we paying in dollars when it is not our local currency in the country and NAMA did not see anything

bad in implementing such discriminatory policy?

“It is discriminatory for NCAA to charge different levies for scheduled and non-scheduled flights. The law recommends payments either in local or hard currency but NAMA does not

collect naira.”

But Director General of NAMA, Mazi Nnamdi Udoh, noted that airlines operators were very crucial to the nation even as he corrected the assumption that his agency forced the operators to pay in dollars.

OPENING OF MIRABEL CENTRE FOR RAPE VICTIMS IN LAGOS. PIX: BUNMI AZEEZ

From left:Dr. Bob Arnot, National Programme Manager, Justice for All, J4A, Ms. Fagboyo Margaret, DFID, Regional Programme Officer, DCP Felix Ogundeji, representing Lagos State Commissioner of Police and Mrs. Itoro Eze-Anaba, Managing Partner, Partnership for Justice and organiser, during the opening of the Mirabel Centre for Rape Victims and Seminar, at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday.

Judiciary workers sue govs, NJC over disbursement of funds

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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BUJA—THE Judiciary Staff Association of Nigeria, JUSUN, an umbrella body of workers in the justice sector, has dragged the National Judicial Council, NJC, to court, alleging lack of transparency in the way funds allocated to the judiciary are disbursed across the 36 states of the Federation.

Consequently, the plaintiffs, yesterday, sought an order to compel the NJC, the Federal Government and governors of the 36 states to, henceforth, regularly publish funds standing to the credit of the states and the disbursement schedules, to enable the public to also scrutinise how the funds are being properly managed or mismanaged.

Equally cited as defendants in the suit were FG and the 36 States of the Federation.

Besides, JUSUN urged the court to among other things, determine, whether having regard to the provision of sections 81(3), 212(3) and 162(9) of the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, funds/ amount standing to the credit of the judiciary in the federal account/

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consolidated revenue fund of the federal and states shall not be paid directly to the heads of courts concerned.

As well as, “Whether the said funds, ought to be paid to judiciary piecemeal through the states’ ministries of finance as and when governors so desire or at their whims and caprices.”

More so, JUSUN applied to the court for a declaration that the defendants’ failure, neglect and or refusal to pay the funds/amount standing to the credit of the states’ judiciary in the federation/ consolidated revenue funds directly to the heads of courts in the various states’ judiciary is a constitutional breach which has to be abated forthwith.

In an originating summons filed pursuant to Order 3 Rules 6 and 7 Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules, 2009, the plaintiffs, further want the court to declare that the piecemeal payment/allocation of funds through the states’ ministry of finance to the states’ judiciary at the defendants’ pleasure, is unconstitutional, un-procedural, cumbersome, null, void, and has to be abated forthwith.

From left: Mrs. Omotilewa Ibirogba,, Director, Citizens Rights, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Jeff Ansell, Component Manager, Justice for All, Professor Adewale Oke, Chief Medical Director, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, chief host and Mrs. Risikat Akiyode, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Lagos State, at the event. See story on page 8.

Health sector needs revolution, says minister

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BY VICTORIA OJEME

BUJA—MINISTER of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu said yesterday that Nigeria’s health sector needs revolution in order to address health challenges in the country.

Chukwu made this known during the formal inauguration of the Health Professional Regulatory bodies in Nigeria in Abuja.

He said, “if you see the kind of letters I receive from people who should be respected health professionals, you will weep

for this country. The health sector is losing its respect. I repeat, the health sector has lost its respect; it is not only losing. Right now, I have on my table three threat letters, among groups in the health sector, to proceed on strike.

He said: “One threat is to proceed on the 28th. Another one is to start on the 13th of December. For me, they can go ahead. People should stop sending these threats to me for goodness sake.

Look at ASUU; we’ve not had any school for four months. If that is what

Nigeria needs from me, I like it.

Let’s close everything. Maybe what Nigeria needs is revolution.

It may be better for this country to start afresh. If all these people go to the private sector they run back because they won’t get half of what government is paying.

“It is only in Nigeria we have the abnormality where government is paying better than the private sector; it shouldn’t be so. Private sector ought to pay better. When I graduated as a doctor, the private sector was paying two to four times what we earned in government. But, it has changed.”

16—Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

Plane crash: 3 Kwara aviation college staff, students escape death

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

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LORIN—THREE people on board of one of the aircraft in the fleet of Kwara State government-owned International Aviation College narrowly escaped death, yesterday, when the aircraft was involved in air mishap .

Acting Rector of the college, Captain Abdulkarim Nuhu, who confirmed the story during an interview with journalists in Ilorin, said the three people on board did not suffer any injury.

Nuhu explained that the incident happened at about 11:33 a.m in the vicinity of the aviation college, adding that the aircraft; Diamond DA40, single-engine with number plate 5N-BRD, was “seriously damaged.”

He explained that those involved in the incident which occurred during a training course included an instructor and two students.

Nuhu further said that the victims had received medical attention at the college clinic after the incident and had been discharged, having been certified okay.

The Rector said the college had established contact with the Nigerian Civil Aviation

Authority, NCAA, and the Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, which he said were the

only regulatory bodies competent to brief the press on how the incident happened.

Gombe plans equipment upgrade for security agents

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OMBE— GOVERNOR Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe has said that upgrading of equipment and welfare of security agents are imperative for the security personnel to counter the emerging insurgency in the country.

Dankwambo said this when he spoke at a Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on the development of National Policy on Public Safety and Security for the North-East in Gombe yesterday.

He said the insurgency in the North-East would be surmounted only if all stakeholders put in efforts in their respective capacities.

The governor said, “the most outstanding pattern of crime in the North-East sub-region is the prevailing insurgency that has regrettably claimed lives and displaced many people.

“In addition, property worth

millions of Naira have been destroyed. This social unrest is indeed surmountable through the efforts of the security agencies, the will of the people and constructive dialogue.

“It is imperative to mention that there is the need to upgrade the equipment of the security agencies and provide them with enhanced welfare packages in order to enable them easily counter the challenges posed by insurgents and callous hoodlums who use sophisticated weapons.”

Dankwambo urged traditional rulers, religious leaders and other critical stakeholders in the state to ensure peace and security.

The Speaker of Gombe State House of Assembly, Alhaji Inuwa Garba, identified economic, social and political

problems as factors responsible for insecurity in the country.

Garba said corruption and other vices in the country were seriously affecting development in the country and called for special intervention funds to cater for the problems of the North-East.

The Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar, called for the training of security agents as well as motivation to enable them to cope with the challenges of insecurity.

Prof. Femi Odekunle, Lead Facilitator of Formulation of National Policy Document on National Safety and Security, advocated holistic approach to fight the security challenges.

He said all stakeholders in the society were important in ensuring safety and security, and that if a section was not carried along, it would affect the whole system.

Kaduna to buy pure water bags for recycling KADUNA—THE Kaduna State Government, yesterday, said it would purchase used pure water bags, nylons and plastic containers from residents for its plastic recycling plant.

Director of Environment, Ministry for Environment, Alhaji Ahmed Salihu, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Kaduna, that the recycling plant, located along Kaduna-Abuja highway, had reached 80 per cent completion as the needed machinery had been installed.

He assured that the plant would soon be inaugurated, adding “Used plastic and nylons will be used as raw materials for the plant.

This will complement government effort in ensuring free flow of water during rainy season.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013 — 17

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Made-in-Nigeria There are too many things that make Nigeria exceptional and without equal. If Nigeria were not so wonderful, there would not have been 170 million Nigerians.

Because Nigeria is such a great country, we are determined to give birth to as many children as possible so that even more people can partake of the pleasures of living here. We manufacture babies by the thousands and the millions because we are in love with the country. Nigerians don’t commit suicide. Neither do Nigerians ever desert Nigeria. The very worst thing that can happen to a Nigerian is to be exiled from the country.

Remember this: Nigeria is nobody’s colony. We refuse to be subject to nobody. We are not under the thumb of the British, the Americans or anyone else. Nigeria is the one African country that can be said to be truly independent. We have nationalized all the nationalize-ables. We own the land. There is no foreign settler-community in Nigeria that holds us captive. We are the kings of our castles. Our very best products are made in Nigeria.

We make our own mistakes; make our own choices and make our own beds.

We rig our own elections. We forge our own passports. We buy our own lies. We deceive our own people. We choose to live in the middle ages and not in the 21st century. We choose to eat in “bukas” and not in restaurants.

We choose to eat with our hands and not with forks and knives.

We choose to walk rather than fly.

Organised chaos Nigerians are natural-born revolutionaries. We like to struggle. We are always fighting something or someone. We don’t like the easy life. That is way too boring. We thrive when there is chaos. We make a profit, where there is confusion. We rise up to the challenge, where everything is upside down. If something is well-organised, our first assignment is to scatter it. That gives us room to maneuver.

We can handle chaos, but order is another problem entirely.

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Why Nigeria is the best country in the whole wide world Nigerians hate progress. It does not agree with us. Some smart Alec decided to introduce traffic-lights on our roads. But when there are too many cars on the road, the last things you need are traffic-lights preventing people from going where they want. Traffic-lights make drivers wait, when they should be going. That is such a waste of time. The same goes for traffic-wardens. When you have them obstructing the roads, there are going to be tailbacks.

But if you want the traffic to flow, let it be a free for all. Then you will see the ingenuity of Nigerians. We will climb up any and every possible place, and convert it to super-highways.

Moreover, our roads are theaters where drama is always enacted. That means passers-by don’t have to spend money buying tickets in order to watch our plays. You can watch a very interesting TV series just by sitting on your balcony and watching Nigerians negotiate their way every day. In one afternoon, you will see David killing Goliath.

You will see Mohammed Ali fighting Joe Frazier. You will see Arnold Schwarzenegger terminating his opponents. You have to admit this kind of free theater is not readily available abroad.

NEPA problem

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an you imagine a country where there is 24 hour electricity? That is Nigeria’s worst nightmare. For years, many nincompoops have tried to convince us to improve the electricity situation in the country, but we have wisely refused to be taken in by such deception. Why would we want good electricity when most of what we do is done under the cloak of darkness? Why should NEPA work when there are things that need to be hidden, including the rubbish that have taken over our roads. Any right-thinking person knows there are serious criminal issues in Nigeria that should not be brought to light for the sake of national security.

Just think about it: 24 hour NEPA. How boring that would be? Nigerians would have nothing to talk about. We would have nothing to complain about. We would not be able to have tales by the moonlight. We would spend too much time

from the government; the poor steal from the rich; and everyone is happy. If there were no corruption, there would have been a violent revolution a long time ago.

You can pocket a few monies from work illegally because nobody in his right mind expects you to be able to afford even your transportation costs from your meager salary. If you are caught and prosecuted, all you need to do is ask your mother to come to work to plea-bargain for you. Thanks to corruption, we can put food on our tables. We can send our children to school.

We can pay for the aso-ebi. We can keep up with the fashion trends.

Traffic jams

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Corruption is the glue that holds the fabric of the country together.

It ensures that, one way or another, we get paid

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WO weeks ago, I paid a visit to Dubai for the very first time. Dubai is everything Lagos is not. Dubai works: Lagos does not. Dubai is spotlessly clean: Lagos is filthy. Dubai is bathed in gleaming electricity. Lagos is shrouded in darkness. Dubai is organized. Lagos is disorganized. After a few days in Dubai, I longed to be back in Lagos.

What is the attraction of Lagos relative to a city like Dubai? The answer is actually very simple.

Lagos is the very best city in Nigeria; the very best country in the world. I have traveled all over the world. I have been to the Far East, to the Middle East, to North and Latin America and to Europe. I have been to over 30 African countries. This qualifies me to make this assessment. Nigeria is the very best country in the whole wide world.

watching television. The economy would suffer because generator sales would plummet. Those of us making ends meet by selling diesel would be in trouble. Generator repairmen, major contributors to the economy, would go out of business. Spare-parts sellers would not be able to sell even good spare-parts, how much more fake ones. Let’s face it; should Goodluck Jonathan succeed in improving the problem of electricity in Nigeria, it will lose him the next election for sure. He will not even be able to secure the nomination of PDP, which we all know is a party of diesel-sellers and generator repairmen.

Valuable corruption There is so much talk about corruption. But if there were no corruption in Nigeria, there would be social upheaval. Can you imagine a corruption-free Nigeria? Don’t even bother. It would be disastrous. Millions would die of starvation. How can a man sustain his family if he cannot lie, cheat and steal?

As Nigerians, it is high time we come to terms with who we are, instead of pretending to be what we are not.

We are a corrupt people. It is

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not just our leaders: we are all corrupt. We are thieves. We love to steal. We celebrate thieves and give them national awards. We recognize that stealing is an art. To be a successful thief, you have to be skillful; you have to be ambitious; you have to be imaginative; and you have to be courageous. We are criminals because we are smart. We bring innovation to everything.

Nigerians know that successful thieves are men of destiny: renowned statesmen; famous politicians; erudite managing-directors. Therefore we eulogise thieves. We sing their praises.

We give them chieftaincy awards. We give them our daughters as third wives and concubines. We prefer them as our presidents, governors and legislators. Who wants an honest man as his representative in Abuja? That is a sure way to ensure you will not get your share of the national cake.

Had it not been for corruption, Nigeria would not have survived. Corruption is the glue that holds the fabric of the country together. It ensures that, one way or another, we get paid. It provides a social security system. Corruption helps us to redistribute wealth between the rich and the poor. The rich steal

here is one fundamental reason behind the traffic situation in Nigeria. Nigerians are a wanted people. Therefore, we are always on the run.

Somebody somewhere is after us and we need to make quick getaways. We are on the run from our wives. We are on the run from our children. We need to get away from our extended families. But even more urgently, we are on the run from the law. We are on the run from the state government. We don’t want to be caught by the friend we borrowed some money from last year.

Thank God for traffic jams.

Isn’t it wonderful that you can do all your shopping while driving on the road? How many countries do you know where you have that kind of facility?

You can even get your car washed while on your way to work; without having to stop or park. And if there is any problem with your car while you are on the road, you will be grateful that you are in Nigeria. One out of every two Nigerian pedestrian is a London-trained mechanic. In case you are wondering, there is London; and then there is Osapa-London.

You also don’t need any GPRS in Nigeria. Every pedestrian knows exactly the way to where you are going. So if you are lost, simply ask for directions and then you will really get lost.

Conclusion All this explains why, in spite of everything, Nigerians are the happiest people in the world. We are deliriously happy. Don’t believe the lie.

Nigerians complain a lot about Nigeria. But that does not mean we would have Nigeria any other way. We complain because we love to complain.

If everything was alright about Nigeria, we would be miserable. Let’s face it, Nigerians love Nigeria. Nigeria is the way it is because Nigerians love it so. If it were not so, we would have made amends in over 50 years of independence.

One last thing of the utmost importance: Nigeria is the very best country in the world because in Nigeria you will find Nigerians.

18 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013 UNDING of “mass weddings” by state governments appears to be gathering popular appeal in Northern Nigeria. In 2010, the Yobe State Governor, Ibrahim Geidam, offered to sponsor weddings, which were contracted in a particular mosque every Friday in his state. In Kano State, mass weddings are regularly funded by government to address the high incident of widowhood. And now, the Sokoto State Government has earmarked N30 million to sponsor a mass wedding exercise, a pilot programme that would become a quarterly event after the first edition is held within the next fortnight.

The details of the sponsorship includes the screening and selection of 120 males and 120 females, according to the Commissioner for Youth and Social Welfare, Alhaji Zubairu Yaro Goronyo. Government would pay the N20,000 bride prices, while the grooms will be given N20,000 “take-off” grants. The couples will also benefit from the donation of bedding materials, a set of furniture, two wrappers for each of the brides as well as 10 yards of brocade for each of the grooms. The primary reason always cited for this mislaid magnanimity is

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Government's funding of weddings

the need to curb social vices such as fornication and adultery.

We see this as a gross misplacement of priorities and misapplication of government funds to dabble into matters of private concern of individual citizens. It is obvious that those being targeted for this strange social largess fall into poor, perhaps, even destitute citizens. They do not need to be encouraged to carry the burden of starting families at government expense. How long will government continue to spoon-feed such couples after the government handout is exhausted?

These people do not need to be given fish.

They need to be taught how to fish. They need capacity building or skill acquisition and assistance to start their own business-

es, trades or profitable economic activities, which will enable them to make money.

They can then marry and settle down. Government should channel the handouts to building human capacity in both the needy male and female groups. That is the civilised and sensible way of tackling social problems.

Besides, who says that people always engage in fornication and adultery because they are not married? How much are the various governments willing to spend to curb adultery among married people, especially the men who abandon their wives at home in search of new “conquests”?

Government's funding of weddings is a wasteful way of spending federal allocation, which is meant to help in the even development of the country. It is like government sponsorship of pilgrimages, which many governments are now gradually backing away from.

It is this manner of frittering away public funds that results in unmanageably high population, mass poverty and destitution, which are prevalent in those same societies.

OPINION

BY BOBSON GBINIJE

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HEN Orwellian duplicity is theatricalised in any collectivity, it precipitates a neurological obsession with recondite divisive spirit. Is this what is wrong with ambitious politicians, kings and kingdom mongers in Urhoboland?

The Urhobo people hail from Delta State and have numerical superiority over every ethnic group in the state. They are the fifth largest ethnic group in Nigeria, 15th largest in Africa and consistent with statistical data, they are the 51st largest ethnic group in the world. One of the largest oil producing in Nigeria, the 21st in Africa and the 45th in the world.

But the Urhobo people are hewers of wood and fetchers of water in a state and nation where they hold numerical superiority and such a great fiscal height. They are in government, but not in authority and power. Are they even really in government? This is as result of a Neanderthal brand of placebo Republicanism that has made the Urhobo people their own worst enemies as brothers are turned against brothers befuddled by psychotic treachery, the dog eat dog syndrome.

In the midst of power and fiscal drought in Urhobo land the people have turned against themselves. A kind of implosive Paleolithic eviscerality and power acquisition by hook or crook. This is compounded by the manipulative political shrewdness of our state government in the politics of creation of new kingdoms, kings and selective handing over of staff of office and the official seal of the staff of office to political stooges and surrogates masquerading as traditional rulers.

Is it the state government that should pick our traditional rulers through its political acrobatics or C M Y K

Urhobo kingdoms and political staff of office the people of that kingdom? This politicisation has led to the balkanization of the kingdoms and the wanton proliferation of kings in Urhoboland and Delta State. Once the laid down kingship procedure, historical precedence or tradition is jettisoned, it stimulates splinter groups who create their own kingdoms and kings. It is clear that the Ibori/ Uduaghan administration have given more staff of office to traditional rulers and created more kingdoms in Delta State than any other administration. Indeed, there are more political kingdoms in Urhoboland than traditional kingdoms.

At the last count we have 24 kingdoms in Urhobo land approved by the Delta State Government, namely: Agbon, Agbarho, Aravwarien, Agbarho-otor, Olomu, Udu, Ogor, Uwherun, Evwreni, Ughievwen, Ewu, Okparabe, Effurun- otor, Oghara, Ijerhe, Mosogar, Oruarivie-Abraka, Umiagwa- Abraka, Okpe, Orogun, Okere-Urhobo and Uvwie. But some of the kingdoms and their kings are no longer at ease as they frequently resort to litigation and press wars.

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he political implications are too gruesome to contemplate. In the 1953 elections the vast majority of Urhobo people pitched their political tent with the NCNC, whilst some major tribal groups in the Western Region pitched their political tents with the Action Group, AG. The devastating political consequences before and after the elections are still with the Urhobo people till today as the Itsekiri monarch became the traditional ruler of Warri Kingdom. We pitched our political tents at various levels with the MDF, NPN, SDP, and PDP. But now

the Urhobo political machine is now between Scyllas and Charybadis, between the Devil and the deep blue sea and in schismatic political entropy torn between the PDP/DPP/APC, etc.

With the Urhobo political structure and interest dichotomized along political, monarchical, kingdoms, kingship lines, how can we move forward? The death of the legendary Senator Pius Ewherido has brought out the political beast in the Urhobo politicians in their knack for a ‘no compromise’ approach to politics.

Some of our kingdoms and kings that are supposed to call the politicians to order have been compromised by the government that gave them staff of political office and not traditional kings . Some of them have become surrogates, stooges and fifth columnist to the government. We expect our Urhobo people to be proud of themselves and shun low self-esteem that is the cause of shameful receipt of base bribes and fighting to balkanize kingdoms and carryout profane quest for power.

As we approach 2015, let our politicians and the totality of the Urhobo nation say ‘No’ to disunity, shameless quest for kingship and proliferation of kingdoms. The people of the Great Ughiewen Kingdom are one and nothing on earth should divide them. Let our Urhobo people learn from the Edo Kingdom, Itsekiri Kingdom and from our own Okpe Kingdom, etc. We must note that the balkanization of kingdoms and the proliferation of kings is of our making.

*Chief Gbinije, founder of the Mandate Against Poverty, MAP, wrote from Warri.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013—19

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HE Lekki-Epe express road concession project may yet to have its fair share of accolades as well as disapproval. The recently announced plan to re-acquire the concession rights on the project by Lagos State Government opens up a new vista of debate on the continuing controversies over the project. The buyout which has already passed legislative approval and perhaps conceded to by the other parties suggests the failure of the much ailed project among the bourgeoisies. It has remained difficult for the common man, particularly those that are directly affected by the additional tax on their hard earned income, to understand the project as structured.

The reasons why the Lagos State Government decided to buy out the private parties in the concession include the request by the Lekki-Epe Concession Company, LCC, the concession company, to raise the tolling rate on the first toll plaza by 20% from a minimum of N120 to N166 for a car at the minimum; to commence toll collection at the second toll plaza- 10km from the firstat the new rate; and insisting that toll must commence at the second toll plaza to be able to raise fund for further construction, despite the obvious public opposition to such. According to LCC, the costs of construction have risen as a result of rising interest rate. There are also unconfirmed reports that the concessionaires wanted to increase the number of toll points to four from three in the concession agreement. The government perhaps thought it wise to step in early and rescue

an already bad situation.

The concession right on the road is to be bought at an estimated sum of N25.3 billion; N15 billion would be expended for the buyback of the right; N6.8 billion to service existing debt obligations and N3.5 billion for thirdparty liability. This is after an estimated N35 billion has been expended to construct only 30% of a road, five years into commencement in 2008. The estimated total cost of construction of the entire road at financial close in 2008 was N55 billion with an estimated construction time of four years. At the end of the buyback, the LCC would become a quasi-private investment company fully owned by the state government and would continue to manage the concession.

In addition to the obvious failure of the project with the attendant implications for public private partnership projects in Nigeria, the decision leaves a number of questions unanswered.

The first is, what the government paying for as assets, when it buys back the concession right from the private partners and what liabilities will it inherit?

The second is how much of the tax payers’ money would be further expended to complete the road and at what costs in toll fees to the people? Finally how much has been generated in actual revenue from toll collection thus far and how was it shared between the parties? The answers to these questions should show whether Lagosians are better off with the decision of their government to reacquire this concession right or whether the government has acted on its own interest and its patrons.

Unfortunately, the Lagos State Government has not been forthcoming in providing clear and detailed information about the project since inception and on the current decision. It therefore leaves the public with conjectures and rooms for misinterpretation of its intention. There exists no current official information on the Lekki-Epe Concession project in public domain. Both the Lagos State Government and the LCC have refused to make available such information. It appears that the governance is carried out in secrecy and Lagosians are fed the information the administration wish them to know.

The 49.4km road starting from Ozumba Mbadinwe in Victoria Island through Lekki and Ajah to Epe was conceived for reconstruction through public private partnership arrangement via concession in 2006. The project involves the upgrade, expansion and maintenance of the expressway (Phase I), and construction of approximately 20km of the coastal road (Phase II) on the Lekki Peninsular. The project is designed as a Build-Operate-Transfer, BOT, model of infrastructure delivery, under a 30year concession agreement, after which the assets was to be transferred to the Lagos State Government in good condition.

Revenue from toll collection would provide the concessionaire with the cash inflow required to

The democratic journey in Nigeria: Learning from the American experience

By JEFFREY HAWKINS

T

WO years ago, in April 2011, Nigerians began casting ballots in the first of what would be four days of voting for legislators, governors, and a president. Tensions were high. Voting that had been scheduled one week earlier was abruptly canceled just hours before polls were to open. It was not known for certain whether months of careful election preparations would result in a process Nigerians considered fair and credible or a rerun of the deeply flawed 2007 presidential elections. Skeptics were everywhere and many said good elections could not be held.

Nigerians had a different idea. They waited in line for hours. They stuck around after the polls closed to ensure that every ballot was counted. They monitored polling places and compilation centers by the thousands, and they sent text messages reporting any irregularities they observed.

The result was clear. Nigeria had conducted its most successful and credible elections since its return to multi-party democracy in 1999. Despite obvious imperfections, these elections have given the country a solid foundation for strengthening its democratic institutions in the years ahead.

C M Y K

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The April 2011 elections were clearly a giant step forward in Nigeria’s democratic journey, but more remains to be done to improve Nigeria’s electoral procedures and more importantly to strengthen the country’s democratic institutions and governance.

We all need to see a strong, vibrant and growing Nigeria — because what happens in Nigeria affects us all – the United States, Africa and the global community. Nigeria is probably the most strategically important country in sub-Saharan Africa. At about 160 million people, Nigeria is home to over 20 percent of sub-Saharan Africa’s population.

It is the largest oil producing state in Africa, it is the fifth largest supplier of crude oil to the United States, and the tenth largest global producer. It is home to the sixth largest Muslim population in the world, and it’s by far the largest country in the world with approximately equal numbers of Christians and Muslims. In the United Nations, Nigeria is the fifth largest peacekeeping contributing country in the world. It is a crucial continental power broker in dealing with African institutions and in resolving armed conflict. It is a vital player in the war on terror.

Despite Nigeria’s progress, and our optimism about Nigeria’s future, serious chal-

recover the cost of investments, service and repay the debts whilst meeting capital and operating costs.

The LCC as a special purpose vehicle for the management of the concession is made up of the Lagos State Government representing the interest of the Lagos citizens, the Asset and Resource Management Company, ARM, as the key investor, and Hitech Construction Company, Hitech, as the engineering, procurement, and construction management, EPCM, partner. In addition to financial contribution in the form of a mezzanine loan, Lagos State, who owns the road,also provided public guarantee, backed by an irrevocable standing payment order, ISPO, over its statutory revenue, on all debt incurred to construct road. ARM is the key sponsor and strategic technical investor with equity shareholding in the project. Hitech also holds a ‘tied’ equity shareholding.

In 2008, when the project was brought back to life after a two years lull, the total costs of the project for which fund was raised was estimated at US$460m (N55 billion at 2009 exchange rate of N118/$1). Funding for the project was principally through a combination of debt and equity, obtained locally and overseas. At financial close, US$370m (N43.6 billion) was gotten in financial commitment from the investors and financiers made up of seven lenders and three equity providers. N11 billion was immediately drawn down. The Lagos State Government committed to N5 billion mezzanine loans over a 20-year period in addition to providing a N6.5 billion abridged works guarantees as enablers to other financiers. The tenor of the debt portion of the funding ranges between 12 and 15 years with a combination of fixed and floating interest rate terms. Thirty per cent of the senior debts are at fixed rate while the remaining 60% are at floating rate.

Five years into the project,

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BY MUSILIU OBANIKORO

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Lekki-Epe Expressway concession buy-back: Begging posers

At the buy out costs of N25.3bn, the state government would have incurred a total of N30.3bn on the road, including the N5bnofficially committed at inception

Despite Nigeria’s progress, and our optimism about Nigeria’s future, serious challenges remain; some of them are based on decades of ineffective governance

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lenges remain. Some of them are based on decades of ineffective governance and lack of accountability of elected officials, lack of integrity in the electoral process, continued pervasive corruption, security challenges, deeply entrenched poverty and escalating youth unemployment. In order to address these problems, free, fair and transparent elections need to be held and the institutions established to ensure transparency need to be reinforced.

Office seekers need to respect the will of the people and concede defeat without violence and undue protracted protests.

Of course, democracy and human rights are about much more than holding elections.

As President Obama said in Ghana in 2009: “Africa doesn’t need strong men, it needs strong institutions.” This means independent courts, legislatures, and electoral commissions. It means a free press, rule of law, and local civil society organisations with the room to operate and speak freely without intimidation from government authorities. And it means respect-

which was scheduled to be completed in four years, only about 15km of the 49.4km road has been completed. Two toll gates have been erected 10km apart with collection being made in one since January 2012.Although no statistics is available yet on the number of vehicles plying the uncompleted Lekki-Epe Expressway and the figure for users of the toll plaza, over one million vehicles are believed to ply Lagos roads every day with about half of that number commuting between the Lagos Mainland and Lagos Island on a daily basis.

Lagosian, especially those living in and commuting through the Lekki-Epe corridor, were practically forced, in a military style, into paying toll on the uncompleted road and are about to start paying twice, 10km apart within 15km of the road.

Lagosians are yet to come to terms with the realisation that there would be about four toll points, where road users would have to part with an average of N150 per toll, on a 49.4km road at the completion of the project.

Although the total cost of the completed section include the hurriedly put together alternative roads remained shrouded in secrecy, information from various media sources suggests that about N35 billion in total may have been expended to construct the completed 15km. that represents N2.3 billion per km in construction costs. In other words, about 70% of the estimated total costs of the project, five years ago, have been expended to construct only 30% of the project.

If the project continues in this manner, with the new demand from LCC, it would not be long before it becomes clear that the project has become a fraud and negates the interests of Lagos tax payers.

Continues tomorrow

•Obanikoro is a former High Commissioner to Ghana.

ing opposition parties’ ability to hold peaceful public protests and openly criticize those in power. It means voting for candidates based on their political agenda and what benefits they hope to bring to the people rather than what part of the country they come from.

It is essential to understand that a democratic government does not necessarily lead to good governance, even though it provides the basis for it. Good governance is characterized by accountability, transparency, combating corruption, participatory governance, political equity, the rule of law, due process, as well as free and fair elections. An engaged electorate and active civil society and strong institutions trump strong men. The political and economic success of Africa depends a great deal on the effectiveness, sustainability, and reliability of its democratic institutions. That means a focus on people, process and progress, not personalities and personal gain.

I wish I could stand before you today and cite the U.S. as a perfect model to to follow.

Since no country is perfect and all democracies are emerging works in progress, what I would like to cite is what NOT to follow in the U.S. example. As you all know, we just went through a two-week government shutdown where civil servants were forced to sit at home while all but essential government services ground to a halt.

Continues tomorrow on page 18

*Hawkins, US Consul General, presented this at the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria's annual lecture

20—Vanguard, TUESDAY,

NOVEMBER 26 , 2013

KOKORI: A deafening cry of neglect by leaders

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

Chiefs, elders question Federal neglect and Delta State’s culture of abandoned projects in oil-producing and volatile Kokori community

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ITH over half a centu ry of noticeable oil production contribution to the nation’s economy and growth, Kokori, a rural community in Ethiope East locality of Delta State, has hardly gained prominence in terms of commensurate returns, particularly federal presence.

When it did gain public attention lately, it was for all the wrong reasons, particularly for the capture of “most wanted” Kelvin, leader of armed insurgents, self-identified as Liberation Movement of the Urhobo People.

Shortly before and since Kelvin’s capture, emotions have been high as to whether Kelvin’s anger over perceived underdevelopment of his native Kokori was enough justification to declare armed struggle against the Federal Government. Among those who thought there is no correlation between Kelvin’s violent disposition and the agitation for Kokori’s development was the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, to Delta State, Ovuzuorie Macaulay.

Condemning Kelvin’s activities, Macaulay contended that Kokori has had its fair share of development from the State Government. “I know that Kokori has network of roads. We have a housing estate, close to former Commissioner Ojakovo’s house, also in that area,” he submitted.

The Delta SSG further held that as part of the larger Agbon clan in Ethiope East locality, Kokori has equally enjoyed robust political appointments and represen-

Erhoike-Kokori gas flaring Avwunudiogba; Secretary of the Kokori Council of Chiefs and Elders, Chief Pleasure Ogbe; Chief James Eyefia; Chief Fredrick Eumofo; Chief Pleasure Ogbe; Chief Sunday Onochodjare; Chairman, Community Development Committee, Chief Ochuko Umukoro; Chief John Irikefe and Chief John Oghenjobor.

According to them: “The reality in Kokori is that the SSG’s claim to fair share of development is prejudiced by widespread non-completion and abandonment of most of the projects on which that conclusion was drawn”.

They expect Kokori, considering what government gets from its over 36 oil wells and other key oil production facilities, to reflect a city with marked government presence, with laudable infrastructures, and that the reverse

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We have so much oil, rated among the best brand in the world but we are spectators in the sharing of the returns from tapping of that resource

tation as it has “produced people in virtually all the administrations.”

However, in pointed reaction, some elders and chiefs in Kokori have said “aspects of Macaulay’s appraisal harping on the Delta State Government’s fair share of infrastructural development to the community are tainted with half truths that we cannot deafen our ears to”. The community highlighted this disposition after a media tour of development projects within the area.

The protest tour was led by the community leaders, including President General of Kokori Progress Union, Chief Gabriel C M Y K

Abandoned Ofuoma, Anaka, Kokori Road

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has been the case.

Secretary to Kokori Council of Chiefs and Elders, Chief Pleasure Ogbe, said: “The major projects said to have been awarded by Delta Government or its agencies were either left at the foundation stage or abandoned without completion. He cited the construction of Ofuoma/Anaka/ Kokori Road awarded to Workson Construction Company where two aged women returning from farm reportedly drowned in attempt to cross a wooden bridge improvised by the community because of the bad road following its abandonment by government.

Chief Gabriel Avwunudiogba Ogbe continued that pipeborne water as the least basic amenity every community should enjoy does not exist in Kokori as none of the three water projects initiated for the people dispenses a drop of water, adding that widespread abandoned projects is one fate the community has suffered through the years.

Among the projects the community complained about are construction of Oria-Abraka, EgboKokori/Eku-Imodje Road, concrete drain along Kokori/Eku Road, Kokori/Ugono/Orogun Road, Emeyese Crescent; renovation/fencing of Kokori Grammar School, renovation/fencing of Egbo Grammar School, construction/equipping of public li-

brary in Kokori, Ofuoma/Anaka/ Kokori Road, installation of street lights, rehabilitation/ extention for water scheme in Kokori.

The list numbering over 50 of such uncompleted projects inspected also include installation of transformers and replacement of electricity poles, modern markets, construction of Ring Road as well as construction of Kokori/ Oshesheri/Okpara lnland Road.

Others include construction/fencing of Youths Development and Skill Acquisition Center, Women Training Center and Township Roads. Other projects inspected were the fencing of Ibruvwe Grammar School, Samagidi Kokori, Delta State Integrated Rural and Industrial Programme,

Co-operative Shopping Center and reinforcement of electricity/ installation of transformers from Egbogho to Ikhukhu.

President General of Kokori Progress Union, Chief Gabriel Avwunudiogba, a lawyer, was rather concerned at the environmental and health challenges affecting the community through gas flaring and oil pollution. “We have so much oil, rated among the best brand in the world but we are spectators in the sharing of the returns from tapping of that resource.

And from the associated pollution, our people who depend mainly on subsistence farming suffer the double pain of poor harvest on the polluted lands and rivers where aquatic lives have drifted to safer waters. Government’s plan to relocate the people because of the heat wave from the flow station remains a dashed hope,” he said.

“We appeal to the State and Federal Governments to come to our assistance. We need a College of Agriculture and other tertiary institutions. We need a standard hospital. We need a new Boys Secondary School. We have provided land as requested by government. We had Kokori Boys Grammar School but since government retuned it to the Catholic Mission, our children trek about four kilometres every day to farther Egbo for studies because the majority peasant parents can’t afford the hiked fees by the new owners.

“We can’t continue to play the goose that lay the golden eggs but live in deprivation. We can’t forever live by the river and perpetually wash our hands with spittle”, the President General lamented.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013 — 21

By GODFREY BIVBERE

M

INISTER of Tr a n s p o r t , Senator Idris Umar has said that the Federal Government is set to develop a new National Dredging Programme that will address the challenges of flooding in the country as well as to ensure continuous maintenance of the nation’s water channels.

The Minister, who disclosed this in Lagos, explained that the new programme will involve the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers and the private sector. “ As parts of Federal Government’s efforts to ensure the sustainability of the dredged channel of the inland waterways, government is developing a robust National Dredging Programme (NDP) that will involve the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers and the private sector with a view to ensure a continuous sweeping of the channels and undertake maintenance activities. The NDP is equally expected to address the challenges of flooding,”he said.

Additional efforts to curb the problem of flooding in the country, the minister pointed out that the processes for the award of contract for the dredging of the lower River Benue and the construction of Makurdi Port will be completed before the end of the year.

He also noted that the federal government is intensifying efforts to ensure a Public Private Partnership

FG to develop new national dredging policy programme in intermodal project financing in the country. In line with the above he continued, the federal government through the ministry of transport is collaborating with Lagos state government to develop Lekki

2,797.00

-3.00

17.42

0.02

109.72

-1.33

93.99

-0.85

CURRENCY BUYING

SELLING

DOLLAR STERLING EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

155.23 251.4726 251.4726 170.47 1.5325 0.31 237.0757 25.473 41.3811 28.1305 237.3001

154.73 250.6626 250.6626 169.9209 1.5276 0.3 236.312 25.3905 41.2478 28.0399 236.5358

155.73 252.2826 252.2826 171.0191 1.5375 0.32 237.8393 25.5555 41.5145 28.2212 238.0645

CBN Exchange rate as at 25/11/2013 C M Y K

development of Ibaka deep sea port, also with the involvement of private investors.

On human capacity development in the transportation sector, the minister said that his ministry has made concert efforts in empowering agen-

cies like Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Institute of transport Technology (NITT) and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) to provide the required services needed for policy formulation and administration.

From Left: Minister of Transport, Sen. Idris Umar and governor of Lagos state, Babatunde Fashola, at the just concluded 13th National Council Transport meeting in Lagos.

0.4

107.5

and Badagry deep sea ports in conjunction with the private investors.

Similarly, the former Senator noted that the federal government is also collaborating with the Akwa Ibom state government for the

Arbitration will attract foreign investments to Nigeria —says Uwais A

former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Muhammadu Uwais has identified arbitration as a critical element for attracting foreign investments into Nigeria.

Uwais made this known when he delivered a keynote address at a dinner organised by the International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria (ICCN) in Lagos.

The dinner was organised to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the International Court of Arbitration.

According to Uwais, most foreign investors often insist on international arbitration as the resolution mechanism to be adopted when disputes arise from their investments.

“The importance of international arbitration as the preferred choice of settlement of commercial and investment disputes cannot be over-emphasised. The world today is a global village and international arbitration has become the world’s commercial court,’’

he said. He said that there was the need for nations to inculcate arbitration in their trade policies, adding that Nigeria was one of the trail blazers in that area.

“Nigeria’s principal investment statute, the Nigerian Investment Commission Act, Cap. N117 LFN 2004 as well as all the Bilateral Investment Treaties provide for arbitration where amicable settlement fails in business conflict resolution.” Earlier, the Chairman of ICCN, Mr Babatunde Savage, said that arbitration was good in terms of the promotion of peaceful existence of trade in the country.

Mr Tunde Ogunseitan, Counsel, International Chamber of Commerce Court of Arbitration, expressed optimism that other African countries would emulate Nigeria as it propagates arbitration. He said that the 90 years existence of the court was an attestation of its relevance in Bilateral Trade Relations in the world.

22— Vanguard, TUESDAY,NOVEMBER

By BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

26, 2013

Why you can’t sell those shares NOW!

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HE above is typical of a lot of retail investors. They have urgent need for money, and in the absence of any immediate source of cash, they decide to sell their shares.

Their expectation, based on lack of understanding, is that they can go to the stock market hand over the shares to a broker, who will immediately give cash in return. For some, they don’t even have any clue about how to sell their shares.

They never bother, until there is urgent need for money.

Selling shares is not like selling ‘akara’ or any other commodity. There is a process for selling shares. That process can take up to four months, depending on the circumstances. While it is a fact that efficiency or inefficiency of stockbrokers and registrars contribute to the length of the process, it is also true that the ignorance or misunderstandings of investors aggravate the length of this process.

To sell your shares, the shares must first be in a CSCS account. For investors with share certificates, it means you have to take the shares to a stockbroker, who will send it to the registrar of the company that sold the shares. Among other things, the registrar will com-

SUMMIT: The General Manager/Head, Listings, Sales & Retention, the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, (2nd right) and other panellists at the 2nd Annual Africa Investment Summit, in Hong Kong. pare the signature in the share purchase form, signed when you originally bought the shares, with the one you signed in the form you completed for the verification.

Most times, the registrar will request that you get a

Bankers Confirmation letter. In the letter, the bank will confirm that you are the owner of the signature you are claiming, and that you are a known customer.

Once the registrar confirms this, the shares are confirmed to your broker, who then send the re-

quest to CSCS, where an account is created in your name, and the shares are deposited.

Now this alone can take up to four months, depending on the efficiency of the broker and the registrar. This is reflected in a complaint received from a

Top 10 performing stocks O

N the list of top 10 performing stocks last week were Transnational Corporation of Nigeria, Transcorp Plc, Eterna Plc, Livestock Feeds, Unity Bank Plc, Oando Plc and Portland Paints & Products Nigeria Plc. The rest were Wapic Insurance Plc, NEM Insurance Co (Nig.) Plc, National Salt Co. Nig. Plc and UBA Capital Plc. Transcorp Plc recorded 61.71 percent or N2.24 price increment to close at N5.87 from N3.63 at the start the week. It was also the most active in terms of price appreciation the previous week. The company last week announced a couple of strategic plans to boost its operation and deliver more value to its shareholders. These include increased capacity of the recently acquired Ughelli Power Plant from 160 mega watts to 1,500MW over the next five years; and the development of a 300 room five-star hotel in Ikoyi, Lagos to complement the flagship Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, and is set to

take off in first quarter of 2014.

The company also said that it has completed the acquisition of a site in Port Harcourt for the development of another 300 room five star hotel.

The agreement is expected to be signed in Q1, 2014, while construction will commence by the second quarter of 2014. The nine month financial statement for the period ended September, 2013, showed a growth of 30.39 percent and 41.67 percent in profit before tax and post tax profit respectively. While the profit before tax rose to N5.148 billion from N3.948 billion as at December, 31st 2012, the post tax profit increased to N3.580 billion from N2.527 billion. It, however, recorded dec line in revenue to N11.780 billion for the nine month period as against N13.244 billion for the period ended 31st December, 2012.

Eterna Plc advanced by 51.01 percent or N1.51 to close at N4.47 from N2.96 per share.

Listed on the petroleum and petroleum products distribution sector of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, Eterna engages in

the manufacturing and sale of lubricating oils, importation and bulk/retail sale of petroleum products including PMS, AGO, LPFO, base oils, bitumen and export of lubricants/fuels, bunkering among others. The company recently won a N2.2 billion contract for the supply of fuel oil to Egbin Thermal Station belonging to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) as part of the efforts of the government to find viable alternatives to supplement gas supply to the plant for electricity generation.

The financial statement for year ended December 31, 2012, showed that revenue grew to N90.488 billion as against N40.082 billion in corresponding period of 2012. However, profit before tax and after tax profit nosedived with profit after tax declining to N1.413 billion from N1.784 billion in 2011, while PAT stood at N946.356 million down from N1.039 billion in 2011. Basic earning per share decreased to 0.73kobo compared with 0.80kobo posted in 2011.

Livestock Feeds Plc emerged the third with 39.57 percent or N1.46 price appreciation to close at N5.15 from N3.69 at the beginning of the week. UACN recently acquired 51 percent stake in the company, a bid that was meant to unlock value for both companies. It is believed by both companies that further benefits will accrue from the attractive synergies in the supply chain as well as in distribution chain.

Livestock Feeds Plc is the third largest producer of animal feeds by market share in

Nigeria.

Unity Bank’s share price rose by 35.29 percent or N0.18 from N0.51 to N0.69. The acquisition of majority stake in the bank by one of the three venture capitals that were seeking partnership with the bank is said to be nearing conclusion. It was earlier indicated that Lagos-based Verod Capi-

reader, Oyewole Olusoji Samson, last week. He said, “Please help me to investigate delay in my GTBANK shares verification with Datamax since March 2013.”

A lot of time, investors too contribute to the delay, by act of omission or commission.

This can be due to irregular signature, change of name e.t.c. This is also reflected in the complaint from another reader. “I sent a GT BANK PLC share certificate for verification through my stock broker (Security Swaps Limited) since 1st February 2013. They told me that there was discrepancy in the name on the share, this has been corrected in another stock transfer form filled by me in May 2013, but till today (almost a year now) my stockbroker can’t access the shares for sale”.

The above is that if you have shares, which have not been verified and deposited into a CSCS account, you must be ready to wait for up to four months, before you can sell the shares. That is why, if you depend on your shares to solve emergency cash needs in the future, the wisest thing to do is to begin the process now.

By NKIRUKA NNOROM tal Management, Development Partners International, DPI, based in the United Kingdom and Bank of Africa, an intercontinental banking and investment conglomerate were the venture capital companies keen on investing in the company. Already, the bank has finalised plans to raise about N35 billion to develop the structure needed to drive its retail business through rights issue.

Oando Plc gained 32.25 percent or N3.87 to close at N15.87 from N12.00; Portland Paints & Products Plc advanced by 21.84 percent or N1.02 to close at N5.69 from N4.67; Wapic Insurance rose by 16.67 percent or N0.14 from N0.84 to N0.98; NEM Insurance added 15.79 percent or N0.09 to close at N0.66 from N0.59; NASCON went up by 15.39 percent or N1.81 to close at N13.57 from N11.76, while UBA Capital appreciated by 14.29 percent or N0.18 from N1.26 to N1.44 per share.

Vanguard, TUESDAY,NOVEMBER 26, 2013 — 23

Effort should be made to curb activities of fraudsters

By WILLIAM JIMOH

C

HIEF TIMOTHY ADESIYAN, Executive President, Nigeria Shareholders Solidarity Association (NSSA) The regulatory authorities are trying their best, but one thing I will tell you about Nigerians is that immediately a law is made, some people will sit down to study the loopholes and will start taking advantage of weak points in it.

I tell you with all sincerity that with what the regulatory authorities are currently doing, they meant well for the market, investors and the Nigerian economy. Most especially to ensure that the capital market take its rightful position in the scheme of things in Nigeria.

We are in a moment in the market where anything that can be used to sanitise the market must be a welcome ideal. This is because we have cases whereby as the regulators and other concerned persons are trying to grow the market to ensure that it fully recover from the downturn, there are some unscrupulous elements that are always trying to go through the wrong channels to sabotage the effort of the good ones. Therefore, all hands must be on deck to ensure that their efforts to impair the improvement that we all admire and look forward to is frustrated.

So, if any crime control agency of the

INVESTORS SPEAK performance. Another progress we have seen in recent time is reduction in transaction cycle. The whole transaction now take just three days and even in some cases reduced further.

M

•Chief Timothy Adesiyan

government is invited and they are going to do a good job, at least to bring sanity to the market, it is a welcome idea.

I talked briefly about the effort of the regulators the other time; they are really trying their best. If you look at the market today, you find out that they have done a lot of good work to promote the development of the market and to ensure that investors’ confidence is regained. You can see that investors’ confidence is gradually, but steadily

•Mr. Rotimi Blaice

coming back.

You can see the way the prices of the shares are increasing, and you can see how the index is rising on daily bases.

And those are good indications that we as minority investors and others have growing confidence in the fact that tomorrow will be better in the capital market.

If you consider for instance, the introduction of the OTC market you will find out that it has been very helpful towards improving the market

R ROTIMI BLAICE, Minority Shareholder On my part, I think the attempt by the regulators to bolster activity in the market is a step in the right direction.

It is very good for us as investors because encourage diversification of portfolio, as well as increase in returns.

It is also good for the market and the economy. Like we all know, the capital market’s contribution to the economy now is far from what it ought to be, and to get to where we should be, we will need to continue to move forward.

To me, doing everything possible to improve attractiveness of the market is the most important issue that needs to be focused on now. Ordinarily, if you are in business, you need patronage and as a good business person, you will always be looking for ways to ensure that you retain your customers.

You will also want to increase your sales by introducing more products, which will bring more customers. The same applies to the Nigerian Stock Exchange. One of their major tasks, which is very cogent to the development of the market, is boosting the capitalisation. There is a lot of wisdom in emphasising it at this particular time.

COMPLAINTS & INVESTIGATIONS Datamax is delaying my share verification Please help me to investigate delay in my GTBANK shares verification with Datamax since March 2013 (Oyewole Olusoji Samson) Investors Forum You need to contact the company directly to know the reason for the delay. If you have supplied an acceptable Bankers Confirmation of your signature, there should be no delay and if there is, the company should explain.

The contact of Datamax is 7, Anthony Village Road, Anthony; 01-2716090-4, 8419257-8, 7101216 Allstate Trust Bank where is my money?

I bought Allstate Trust Bank’s shares during their last public offer but till date no certificate, and my money has not been returned. Please Investors Forum your urgent advice is needed. (Musa) Investors Forum We advise you write a petition to SEC and the CBN. Investors Forum had done a special article on the case of investors who are yet to get the money they invested in the bank. Till now we are still expecting any cogent action from the two regulators I need update on my Fidelity Bank shares I bought shares of Fidelity Bank since 2006. When I inquired about the

certificate I was told to get it in Lagos.

Up till now, I have not been able to get any update concerning the shares. No dividend since then, nothing to show for it. Please help me out.

Investors Forum We hope you have not made a “one chance” investment. To confirm if indeed you have shares in the bank, contact First Registrar via Plot 2 Abebe Village Road, Iganmu or call 08033018295, 08191410456 No share certificate from Oceanic/ Ecobank I purchased the first and only shares and public offer of former Oceanic bank now Ecobank in 2007 at market road branch Ughelli. Up till now I have not seen my share certificate. Please investment Forum kindly assist by directing me how to go about getting my certificate. (Bedeware Nickson, Ughelli) Investors Foru m We advise that you contact the registrar of Ecobank (ESL Registrars Ltd) to ascertain if you are indeed a shareholder. If the registrar said that your name is not on the list of shareholders, it may mean that you payment for share purchase was not implemented. The contact of the registrar is ESL Registrars Ltd, 16/A Rauf Taylor Close, Off Idego Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. 08034550924, 07042952312

No share certificate from Finbank I bought a public offer share from Finbank since 2008 and am yet to receive my certificate or dividend from them.

Gbadeyanka Shakirat Abisola

Investors Forum The bank has been acquired by First City Monument Bank. Contact City Securities (the registrar) to ascertain your shareholding in the bank. The contact is City Securities Primrose Tower, 2nd Floor, 17A Tinubu Street, Lagos. Tel: 234-1-2641298, 234-17924462.

Suspension of stockbroker and fate of my shares My stockbroker was recently suspended by SEC. I am wondering what the implications are for investors.

I hope this does not mean that I have lost my stocks. What are the wise steps to take? Godwin Investors Forum The suspension of your broker will not affect you shares in as much as the shares are in a CSCS account. But if you have given the broker money to buy shares, and he was yet to buy them when the company was suspended, the possibility of recovering that money is slim.

Share verification delayed for 10 months I sent a GTBank share certificate for verification through my stock broker

(Security Swaps Limited) since 1st February 2013, they told me that there was discrepancy in the name on the share, this has been corrected in another stock transfer form filled by me in may 2013, but till today (almost a year now) my stock broker can’t access the shares for sale.

Investors Forum There are gaps in your complaint. We need to know if the shares were eventually verified by Datamax Registrar Limited (registrar of GTBank) and deposited in a CSCS account created in your name. If this has been done, we need to know if the broker gave any specific reason why he can’t sell the shares. If the shares have not been verified, it can’t be sold, and if the shares have been verified, then somebody is playing games with your shares.

COMPLAINTS AND INVESTIGATIONS Do you have any challenge with your investment in the stock market or with any company (stockbroker, Registrar Company etc), write to vanguardinvestorsforum @gmail.com OR send text to 07043855187. We will INVESTIGATE AND REPLY

24 — V anguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26 Vanguard, 26,, 2013

U

NITED States-based, CAMAC Energy Inc. is concluding plans to acquire the remaining economic interests that it does not currently own in the production sharing contract covering Oil Mining Leases 120 and 121 offshore Nigeria.

CAMAC announced last week that it has entered into a definitive agreement for the assets, which include the currently producing Oyo Field, from Allied Energy Plc. Allied is a wholly owned subsidiary of CAMAC Energy Holdings Limited CEHL, the 57.2% majority stockholder of the Company.

To acquire the interests, CAMAC Energy said in a statement that it will issue 497,454,857 shares of common stock, pay $170 million in cash and issue another $50 million convertible subordinated note.

CAMAC also said it had entered into a definitive agreement with a South Africa firm to fund the cash portion of the consideration for the transaction with Allied.

The company said a portion of the anticipated capital expenditures for development of the Oyo Field, will be funded by the Public Investment Corporation (SOC) Limited of South Africa.

The investment is for a $270 million equity investment through a private placement of 376,884,422 shares of common stock, representing an approximate 30 per cent ownership interest in the Company after completion of the transactions.

CAMAC Energy to acquire interests in Allied Energy blocs ... Announces $270m equity investment

BITS Brief

AMAC hails community light up initiative

BY CHRIS OCHAY I

T •Filling station In connection with the investment by the PIC, the Company has agreed to list its common stock on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, JSE. These transactions are subject to stockholder and regulatory approvals and are each conditional upon the closing of the other transaction and listing on the JSE. “We are honored that the PIC has placed their trust and con-

fidence in us by investing in our organization,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CAMAC Energy, Dr. Kase Lawal.

He added: “The Allied acquisition, investment by the PIC and secondary listing on the JSE will completely change the complexion of our Company, and we look forward to beginning 2014, as a stronger organisation with increased produc-

tion, revenues and scale. Being dual-listed on the NYSE and JSE will provide increased liquidity and transparency for our shareholders.

“With 100 per cent economic ownership of our high-impact, deepwater offshore assets, we will be well positioned to pursue our goal of producing approximately 14,000 barrels of oil per day once Oyo-7 and Oyo8 are completed next year.”

Why petrol stations are sited in illegal places —DPR

By SEBASTINE OBASI

T

OWN Planning Authorities in the var ious states of the country have been accused of giving approvals for the citing of petrol stations in illegal locations, thereby jeopardising the work of the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR. Mr. Oliver Okparaojiako, Deputy Director/Head Downstream Monitoring and Regulation, DPR, stated this last weekend in Lagos, at the First Downstream Forum organised by the Energy Institute.

According to him, “One problem we have at DPR is that while we monitor the construction and operation of petrol stations, Town Planning Authorities approve where retail outlets are cited. If town planning authorities have already approved cites that do not meet our requirements, we run into problems.

“You see waivers. You get calls from highly placed individuals and so on. So, in this process, what we do is to send our staff to the town planning authorities, to buy into their system and let them consider our own parameters in their grant of approvals.”

Okparaojiako also said that Nigeria needs modular refineries as the four currently in use are bogus and have not supported the yield of products.

He said, “In Nigeria, we have refineries that are bogus, producing large volumes of residue that must be cracked before you get petroleum products. And these units are in most cases not functioning, and so the size has not really supported the yield of products.

“We are looking at these barriers and as well looking towards modular refineries, that is refineries that are small and produce to its maximum, not trying to produce to the Nigerian specifications.

If we are to be a hub in bunkering, we are not going to expect our diesel to meet the international specification.

“And so, we need to have a refinery that will produce all the specifications and not the one that are typical with Nigeria. And these refineries are not supposed to be too big. The world is now talking about managing the volume you can handle.

Start with the little volume and progress.”

Also speaking, Mr. Dayo Adeshina, President, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas,

LPG, Association, said the consumption level of LPG in the country is at a low level due to unfavourable government policies. According to him, “The consumption level of Liquefied Natural Gas, LPG, should be about five million tonnes a year because of our population size, but Nigeria exports four million tonnes instead.

“To achieve that tonnage, government policy should encourage citizens to make use of LPG in place of kerosene. For example, cars should be running on LPG. LPG should be the household cooking fuel of choice as well. Lagos State for one has made it a policy that LPG should be the cooking fuel of choice. They do not want to see kerosene or firewood. Those are dirty fuels. LPG is a cleaner fuel. The same thing should happen at the federal level.

Adeshina explained that kerosene should be used principally for aviation purposes and not for domestic use as was obtainable in the past. “Kerosene is aviation fuel. Let’s divert kerosene to the aviation industry and not to households.

That’s what used to happen,” he said.

HE Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC has commended the management of Ministry of Power for installing a set of new Photovoltaic Solar Power Systems for generating electricity in some villages within the Area Council.

It will be recalled that the Minister of Power, Prof.

Chinedu Nebo, had last week, flagged off a special Federal Government Rural Electricity Project tagged: ‘Light-Up Nigeria - for villages without access to the national grid, with the inauguration of the solar-powered electricity facility in the FCT. The Chairman of the Council, Hon. Micah Jiba, in a letter of appreciation to the minister, described as amazing, the execution of the prototype lighting technology in Durumi community recently.

He said the people of the area were grateful to the Federal Government for efforts to provide access to electricity to all Nigerians.

Jiba promised to support the Ministry with necessary logistics to enhance the smooth running of the ‘Light Up-Nigeria Project in the Council, as well as support other means of alternative energy to complement the national grid.

The Durumi pilot project is expected to cover at least 1050 households, while also providing refrigeration for delicate hospital supplies and other ancillary points for charging of phones and street lights for the village square.

Also the major inlet roads and the roads leading to the Chief’s palace and the community school will be provided with street lights.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013 — 25

•NNPC Refinery PH

Mixed reactions trail proposed sale of refineries M

IXED reactions have continued to greet last week’s announcement by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke that the four government-owned refineries would be privatised before the end of the first quarter of 2014.

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, cautioned the Federal government over the proposed sale to private investors.

According to the Union’s General-Secretary, Isaac Aberare, stakeholders in the country must be involved, if the plan will see the light of the day.

He also said that the sale of the refineries is not the solution to the massive importation of petroleum products into the country as the problem is government’s inability to carry out the Turn-Around-Maintenance, TAM, of these refineries over the years to make them function optimally.

He blamed the rot of the refineries on intrigues, power play, selfish interest and inordinate desire to protect the cabal importing fuel.

Aberare explained that the refineries are key institutions of the nation’s economy, which should remain in government’s C M Y K

control, for security and strategic reasons. He insisted that they should not be allowed to be sold to government cronies as was experienced in the power sector.

He reasoned that more refineries should be established in the model of the NLNG strategic partnership, and more investors given tax holidays and land. This is to enable them construct new ones just like the initiative of the Dangote refinery, instead of selling the nation’s assets as scraps to people.

According to him, ”We warn that the proposed plan should be done with uttermost care, because the Union will not fold its hands to allow its members to be thrown into the unemployment market that is already saturated.

“NUPENG and PENGASSAN must be involved in wide consultations on issues like this before going on air to pronounce their sales, in order to avoid industrial disharmony. ‘’The Union wants the government to focus on how to curb oil theft in the pipelines and consider our proposal for the creation of a Pipelines Protection Agency that will be fully saddled with the protection of the nation’s over 3,570 trunk lines crisis-crossing the landscape.

‘’NUPENG also calls for the speedy passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) that is before the National Assembly to address these challenges facing the oil and gas sector to bring about transparency and accountability and stop chasing the shadows.”

Similarly, Mr. Folorunsho Oginni, the Chairman, Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior

,

By SEBASTINE OBASI

NUPENG and PENGASSAN must be involved in wide consultations on issues like this before going on air to pronounce their sales, to avoid industrial disharmony

,

Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, Lagos Chapter, also said the Union was opposed to privatisation of the refineries, as it would lead to increase of the pump price of petroleum products.

“More workers in the sector will be disengaged and this will not solve the problem of

importation. What we need now is building of more refineries to boost production and not privatization of the existing refineries,” he said.

According to him, a country consuming more than 32.8 million litres of petroleum products per day could not depend on only four refineries; adding that more refineries would provide employment opportunities for the jobless Nigerian youths.

However, the Organised Private Sector under the aegis of Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, NECA, has expressed full support for the planned privatisation of the refineries.

The Director-General of NECA, Mr Olusegun Osinowo, argued that privatisation of the refineries was necessary to stop the deluge of petroleum products importation into the country.

He said the move will also check abuse of subsidy payments, which has no positive impact on the lives of Nigerians.

According to him, selling the refineries will put an end to the huge sum of money expended on their turn around maintenance. He added that the ills besetting the nation’s downstream petroleum sector would be addressed if the private sector is allowed to maintain the

refineries.

Adewunmi Ilori, Managing Director, Metib Oil and Gas, said that the privatisation of the refineries would create more jobs for Nigerians.

“It is very sad that only two out of the country’s four refineries are functioning. When they are privatised, they will be more productive. With the success recorded in the privatisation of telecommunication and power sectors, we hope that if our refineries are privatized it will boost socio-economic activities in the country,” he said.

The Petroleum Minister had taken the nation by surprise when she said last week that Nigeria’s four refineries would privatised in the first quarter of next.

“We would like to see major infrastructural entities such as refineries moving out of government hands into the private sector,” Alison-Madueke said in an interview with Bloomberg TV Africa in London.

She also said, “Government does not want to be in the business of running major infrastructure entities and we haven’t done a very good job at it over all these years.

“We are right now undergoing a major turnaround maintenance program of the refineries.”

Towards the end of former President Obasanjo’s administration in 2007, the refineries were sold to companies owned by billionaire businessman, Aliko Dangote, and Femi Otedola, but the sell was reversed by the President Musa Yar’Adua government that took over from Obasanjo.

26 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

New power investors to end CAPMI scheme ...As low response hits scheme

By KUNLE KALEJAYE

N

EW investors in the power sector are contemplating ending the Credited Advance Payment for Metering scheme, CAPMI, on account of the low response by electricity consumers.

Recall that the scheme was designed by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, to fill the gap created by the old metering system as contained in the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) II. The operators allege that inadequate funding of the programme led to shortage in supply of the prepaid meters, thus boosting the continuation of crazy billing.

NERC said the scheme would ensure that electricity customers who were ready to make the advance payment would get prepaid meters within a maximum of 45 days.

For instance customers could pay N25,000 for single phase or N50,000 for double phase meter. He is expected to get the prepaid meter within 48 hours or maximum of 45 days.

This interval includes days of inspections of where the meter will be installed by the Distribution companies, DISCOs. Meanwhile, NERC said it had already accredited nine, (9) pre-paid meter manufacturers, and 15 importers to implement the metering scheme.

In addition to the list of manufacturers and importer, are also 38 vendors, 11 individual installer and 61 corporate installers were also accredit-

ed by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) without any objection.

NERC acclaimed that due process was followed before the final list of certified Vendors/Installers for the CAPMI Scheme were made public.

However, stakeholders in the sector argued that importation of pre-paid meters would hinder the growth of domestic manufacturers stressing that local content initiative should be allowed to strive in the power sector apart from the oil and gas industry.

The implementation of local content initiative in the sector according to some expert

required federal government’s prompt intervention, adding that they are capable of meeting local demand in the country.

Therefore, the successful launch of the CAPMI scheme by various DISCOs across the country seems to have hit the rocks, as electricity consumer’s responds have not been encouraging, thereby leading to over production of pre-paid meters by local manufacturers.

Due to the low response, some of the manufacturers lamented that their production capacities had dropped below 50 percent, a development they blamed on the DISCOs, for not doing enough to sensitise the public

about the scheme.

They said, “Business Managers in some DISCOs are not doing enough to sensitise the public about the scheme. They expect meter manufactures to take the campaign to electricity consumer.

“They complain that they don’t have money to do jingles on radio, television and newspaper advert to drive the growth and sustain the scheme and now new investors are trying to do away with the scheme.”

Attempts to get the NERC and any of the new investors to comment on the development proved abortive.

T

HE Minister of Fi nance and Co-ordi nating Minister of the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, has said that Nigeria has made significant progress in its shift away from oil and enhancing the development of the non-oil sector Okonjo Iweala in an interview with the CNBC, monitored by Vanguard, also said that Nigeria must work faster to reduce its dependence on oil for greater economic growth.

“Nigeria is one of the fast-

Ghana Electric Company to bring improved service to customers

T

HE Electricity Com pany of Ghana (ECG), Accra West Region, has embarked on transformer cleaning and maintenance to serve customers better. The transformers, due to the harsh weather conditions, develop faults, accumulate filth and dust, with weeds and plants growing round them.

Some of the fencing surrounding the transformers over the period have collapsed, posing a threat to human life, especially children.

To rectify these anomalies, the ECG, every three months, awards contracts to interested and qualified companies to clean, maintain and report on the conditions of the transformers.

A staff of Arirochangina Electrical Works and Services explained to The Chronicle that transformer cleaning and maintenance was a quarterly contract published in the dailies and awarded to interested and qualified companies which win bids to render the service.

Canada sets aside $90m for Quebec clean-up

T

•Pre-paid meter

Nigeria intensifies development of non-oil sector

By ONYEGBADUE AMAMDI

BITS Briefs

est growing countries in the world, we just saw third quarter GDP growth of 6.8 percent and we expect to end the year at 6.75 percent - and the IMF is forecasting higher growth rate, but we think we need to grow faster,” Okonjo-Iweala told CNBC last week.

“We are making progress [moving away from oil] but we want to do it faster,” she added. “At one point 90 percent of our revenues came from oil so we’re making progress.”

Nigeria’s oil reserves, production and exports generate around 70 percent of the government’s revenues, but Okonjo-Iweala said the country had many untapped

growth opportunities it needed to explore in order to maintain a high growth rate.

Agriculture, which accounts for 40 percent of Nigeria’s economic output, and the housing and manufacturing sectors were “still largely untapped” sources of growth, she said.

“We have a demand for 70 million [housing] units that are unfilled so there’s certainly a possibility there and of course that creates jobs for carpenters and plumbers and all the linked sectors,” she said.

She noted that manufacturing could thrive given Nigeria’s “huge domestic market” and population of 170 million.

The minister further said that the government was aware of

the need to create more jobs for young people and wanted to make the labor market “inclusive.”

She added that the government was implementing reforms to the energy and agricultural sectors, which would help Nigeria, maintain its high growth rate.

“I think with that progress you will see improvement in the power sector and that will allow small and medium-sized enterprises and households to benefit and the economy to move much better,” added.

HE Canadian govern ment has allocated C$95 million ( US$90 million) to help clean up contamination caused by the disastrous derailment in July of a train carrying crude oil through the small Quebec town of LacMegantic.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper said the amount represents half of what the Quebec provincial government estimates will be needed to clean up soil and water contamination resulting from the rupturing of oil tanker cars in the disaster, which killed 47 people.

He said the response to the tragedy could well require further federal funds, according to a Reuters report.

Ottawa has already set aside C$60 million to help with Lac-Megantic’s economic recovery and the physical clean-up of the town.

TUESDAY Vanguard, NOVEMBER 26, 2013 —

C M Y K

27

28— Vanguard ,

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

By Theodore Opara

Coscharis unveils most powerful Jaguar C

OSCHARIS Motors, has launched one of the world’s most powerful sport car into the Nigerian market. The Jaguar FType which was recently unveiled in Abuja drew notable Nigerians to Coscharis showroom where they hard the opportunity of test-driving the powerful Jaguar range of automobiles.

Speaking at the unveiling, Coscharis presdident, Dr. Cosmas Maduka disclosed that Coscharis was among the first dealers in Africa to unveil the new sport car, adding that Nigerian sport car freaks will find the sensational sport car irresistible.

According to him, the choice of Abuja as the launch venue was informed by the fact that a car like the Jaguar F-type requires an event location that will resonate equal excitement among special audience.

He explained that the Jaguar F-type has been in high demand across the globe since its launch few months ago due to it amazing and exceptional design.

“Jaguar F-type was initially previewed as the CX16 concept at the Frankfurt Motor show in September last year. However, the positive reactions to the concept from the public hastened the production earlier than initially planned.

The Jaguar F-type comes in two engine variants including a supercharged 3.0 litre V6 engine which churns out 340 horsepower and 380

horsepower as well as a 5.0 litre V8 supercharged engine with output of 495 horsepower.

According to a representative of Jaguar Land Rover South Africa, Paul De Vos, the F-Type is Jaguar’s most driver-focused sports cars in generations. In terms of driving dynamics, the base F-Type will offer a similar level of precision as the Jaguar XKR-S. While the F-Type is very similar to the concept car and it is a beauty to behold, its engineering comes first as a convertible but to be followed as a coupe in 2014. The reason is that the convertible poses the biggest engineering challenge and investment. According to Jaroslaw Wro-

Jaguar F-Type

bel, the Team Leader from Land Rover Experience SSA, several other variants will also be launched throughout the F-Type life cycle - including a hybrid version.

A discount of one million naira was offered by Coscharis Motors on any on-

the-spot purchase and to the delight of everyone present at the launch, the challenge was grabbed by one of the guests, who paid for the 5.0-Liter V8 engine F Type. A part deposit was also made for one of the Jaguar XF variants.

their Ride and Drive experience prior the launch as well as their ownership experience of the Jaguar Land Rover variants vowing never to switch loyalty given the luxuries and capabilities offered by the brands.

VW Centre gets interactive with own website T

HE Volkswagen Cen tre Nigeria has launched a new website to assist prospective customers to access the dealership showroom in their privacy and comfort without the stress.

Also as part of the launch, the company is offering three years or 30, 000km free service with parts to visitors who take advantage of the website to order Volkswagen Jetta just as it promises special rollover prices for the Volkswagen Tiguan.

A comprehensive adaptation of Volkswagen AG website, the German makers of the brand, the VW Centre Nigeria website: www.volkswagen.com.ng

is user-friendly, interactive and incorporates the entire dealership network with model specifications that are available in the Nigerian market.

Mr. Manish Daryanani, head of sales and marketing, Volkswagen Centre who gave this hint at the launch of the website in Lagos said the initiative is imperative to the growing challenges of interfacing with customers in a complex market.

He described the website as an essential compendium for the bridging gap and enhancing interactive communication and purposeful relationship between customers and the dealership.

“This website will allow customers including owners of grey import models to log on and fill-out a form while simultaneously logging-in their requests for either service information, model specifications (especially those limited to the Nigerian market) and product highlights,” he said.

Also adding that the website ensures two-way communicative marketing at all time, Mr. Daryanani said, “we wouldn’t stop at ensuring our customers derive maximum satisfaction and experience from

driving Volkswagen engineered cars.”

The website which is linked to Facebook social media via has already attracted significant numbers of admirers.

A subsidiary of Stallion Motors, Volkswagen Centre earlier this year unveiled three exciting VW variants (entry level Polo, B-segment Jetta and Csegment CC), promising to rekindle the image of VW in the country’s automobile market.

The trio of Polo, Jetta and Passat CC are VW’s newest sensation in a fervently competitive ‘A’, ‘B’ and

‘C’ segments of the global passenger car market.

While also saying the Golf, Beetle and Passat models rank among world’s top 10 lists of best selling cars of all time, Mr. Daryanani said Volkswagen is yet unrivalled among automakers that spend the most money on R&D (Research and Development).

“Today, Volkswagen is the original and top selling marquee of the VW Group and of course the biggest German automaker and second largest automaker in the world,” Mr. Daryanani affirmed.

Equus, Santa Fe earn awards

T

HE Hyundai Equus and Santa Fe have earned awards from ESPN Deportes Radio’s Ruedas ESPN, having been named “Best Luxury Sedan” and “Best Large SUV,” respectively. The awards were presented at the 43rd annual Miami International Auto Show, recently making it the third year in a row that Hyundai vehicles are being received recognition.

The Equus and Santa Fe join the Veloster and Veloster Turbo which were named “Best New Product 2011” and “Best Sports C M Y K

During the launch, guests were taken through the entire Jaguar Land Rover line up in the Showroom by the Kylami Jaguar Land Rover Experience team from South Africa.

Some guests also gave positive testimonies on

Car 2012” respectively.

“Hyundai has built two vehicles that perfectly represent their segments.

The Equus is pure luxury at a value while the Santa Fe has everything a growing family needs,” said Jaime Florez, Ruedas ESPN director and host.

For the 11th annual Ruedas ESPN awards, an executive committee of leading Spanish-language journalists decided upon the best representations covering a total of 12 automotive segments. Each nomination is eligible for

the ”Ruedas ESPN Car of The Year” award. “ We are very proud of both Hyundai Equus and Santa Fe for earning awards from Ruedas ESPN,” said Chris Hosford, Executive Director, Corporate Communications Hyundai Motor America. “This is a significant accomplishment and proves that our vehicles are strong performers across numerous markets and have the ability to appeal to a wide variety of demographics, including Hispanics.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013—29

By Theodore Opara

Before the national auto policy finally takes off NCE again, the Federal Government has come up with a policy for the nation’s auto sector. For too long, stakeholders in this sector have waited for this policy which they believe would help move the sector forward.

There is no doubt, however, that the Federal Government meant well for Nigerians and the auto sector by finally coming up with the policy to guide its development.

But experts have argued that poor implementation of the policy could be its bane.

The nation’s auto sector has suffered so much in almost three decades leading to non performance and death of the earlier auto assembly plants like Peugeot Automobile Nigeria Limited, ANAMMCO, Volkswagen of Nigeria, Styre, etc.

These plants in the 1970s and 1980s were producing over 100,000 vehicles annually and meeting the nation’s automotive need before they went under.

Part of the reasons for their death include poor patronage from government and Nigerians, lack of infrastructure, lack of protection by government

C M Y K

against foreign made products, inconsistent government policies, high foreign exchange rate, among others.

Under the new policy, as released by the Federal Ministry of Finance, entitled “Fiscal policy measures for the automotive industry,” President Goodluck Jonathan granted approval that “with effect from October 9, 2013: Form ‘M’ and letter of credit must be established and last shipment date evidenced by bill of lading dated on or before January 10, 2014.

The policy states: •Fully Built Unit (FBU) cars shall attract a duty of 35 per cent and 35 per cent levy.

•Fully Built Unit (FBU) commercial vehicles shall attract 35 per cent duty without levy.

•Local assembly plants shall import their Completely Knocked Down (CKD) at zero per cent duty while Semi Knocked Down (SKD) attracts five per cent duty.

•Local assembly plants shall import Fully Built Unit (FBU) cars at 35 per cent duty and 20 per cent duty for commercial vehicles without levy respectively in numbers equal to twice their imported CKD/SKD kits.

,

O

Vanguard Motoring investigations reveal that the automobile franchise holders in the country welcome the policy but feel that the implementation will be the problem

On used car, the policy states: To provide a transparent benchmark to determine the value of used vehicles, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) shall use the value of a new vehicle depreciated by 10 per cent per annum implying a 10-year period of cars and by 7 per cent per annum implying a 15-year period for commercial vehicles.

In either case, depreciation should never be below 30 per cent of the value of the new vehicle equivalent. The government submitted that these measures were aimed at creating enabling environment aimed at supporting existing assembly plants and attract other Original Equipment Manufacturers who have expressed interest in Nigeria.

Also duty payable on tyres have been harmonised and attracts 20 per cent duty and five per cent VAT.

,

This means that as much as 70 per cent duty and levy is payable by any car importer that does not have an assembly plants in Nigeria, while the ones with assembly plants pays between 20 to 35 per cent duty.

The implication of this is that prices of automobiles will skyrocket while the car dealers will have to retrench their staff. Also, there is the tendency that vehicles will be scarce and people will spend more on maintaining their old vehicles, and there will be hardship and inflation.

Vanguard Motoring investigations, reveal that the automobile franchise holders in the country welcome the policy but feel that the implementation will be the problem. For instance, they believe that government ought to have put certain facilities in place before

the policy take off to ensure it success. Presently, there is no regular power supply, which is key to the setting up of an assembly line.

The Ajaokuta rolling mill is not functioning while the existing local assembly plants are not producing to prevent the hardship that would have arise from the policy.

Also, the government should ensure that the assembly plants being proposed should be of world class and not just a ploy to import vehicles at reduced duty.

They should ensure that the local plants to be set up should not just be on batch bases whereby the assemblers would just pack up in just few years, after using the opportunity to import vehicles from the parent company. It is important to ensure that the mistake which led to the death of the earlier plants does not recur.

The Federal Government also should properly investigate why the earlier plants in the seventies and eighties packed up. It should not just be a matter of high duty and levies on imported vehicles but careful investigation on what killed the old plants and how to get it right once and for all.

The issue of power must be carefully looked into because Continues on page 30

30— Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

By Theodore Opara

NAC tours auto assembly facilities nationwide

B

Porsche 918 Spyder

918 Spyder: Super car of tomorrow, gets faster E

VEN before delivery of the first vehicles, the Porsche 918 Spyder continues to evolve, breaking its own records for searing pace. The Porsche super sportscar now betters its already outstanding sprint capabilities thanks to the weight-optimised Weissach package. The lightweight option helps the vehicle accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 2.6 seconds (-0.2 seconds), from zero to 200 km/h in 7.2 seconds (0.5 seconds), and passes the 300 km/h mark after an astonishing 19.9 seconds (-2.1 seconds).

Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, Senior Vice President 918 Spyder, highlights the significance of these results: “We have now used all options available to electrify the 918 Spyder, working right up to the last minute to do so.”

The enhancements

also bring benefits in terms of the electrical performance delivered by the hybrid super sportscar. The two electric motors on the front and rear axle allow the 918 Spyder to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds without producing any emissions.

Such a performance marks a reduction of seven tenths of a second on the previous time.

sion figures, the model is certified to efficiency class A+. With the Weissach package fitted, the vehicle’s total NEDC fuel consumption amounts to 3.0 l/100 km (3.1 l/100 km without the Weissach package). That equates to CO2 emissions of 70 g/km (72 g/ km without the Weissach package). The level of energy consumption was determined to be 12.7

kWh/100 km during the approval cycle.

Set for release next year, the company’s interpretation of the super sports car of tomorrow, the 918 Spyder, represents a pioneering step into the hybrid segment as Porsche continues to push back the boundaries of E-mobility.

BKG boss commends FG on auto policy

T

HE managing di rector of BKG Exhibitions, organisers of the annual Abuja and Lagos Motor Fairs, Mr. Ifeanyi Agwu, has commended the federal government on its move to revamp the the nation’s automotive industry.

Mr. Agwu who spoke recently at the Abuja

Before the national auto policy finally takes off Continues from pg 29 automobile industry cannot thrive where regular power supply is lacking.

The examples of countries with solid auto sector abound worldwide and they all boast of regular power supply. They prepared for it and are reaping the result.

Nigeria can join the automobile world super powers if we take our time to implement the policies. Three years won’t be too long as long as we get the right result.

In fact, there is hardly any country of the world

With the Weissach package fitted, this electric sprinting time is reduced to 6.1 seconds.

The 918 Spyder complete with Weissach package currently holds the lap record for road vehicles on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, boasting a time of 6:57 minutes. At the same time, as a vehicle delivering particularly low consumption and emis-

that has thriving economy without thriving auto sector.

The United States, Germany, Japan, United Kingdom, South Korea, France and Brazil, to name a few, all have thriving automobile sector. The auto sector is the catalyst for economic growth as an automobile is made up of over 3000 components.

If the policy is properly implemented, the duties on imported models could even go higher like in India and South Africa.

Motor Fair noted that Nigeria is very important to the global automotive business as virtually all auto brands are striving to capture market."

He noted that the country needed to have internationally recognised auto shows to help in showcasing and opening this important market and its potentials to the much desired investments to develop the sector, adding that no investment in auto sector is a waste.

The BKG boss urged stakeholders in the industry to support government efforts in seeing to the success of the policy, and cautioned that “government on its part must ensure that the aims and objectives of these efforts are not sacrificed at the alter of political expediency and or policy inconsistencies.”

Speaking on the exhibition in the last 15 years, the BKG boss explained that “coming so far has not been so easy

as the challenges have been quite daunting.

According to him, “we strongly believe that one of the most effective ways of promoting the growth and development of the potentials in a developing economy such as ours is by organising trade fairs and exhibitions which, besides giving local producers and other participants the avenue to exhibit their products also helps to foster and stimulate entrepreneurship in relevant industry.

“This is why despite the choking challenges we have been facing in organising this annual event, we resolved not to take the easy way out which is to quit.

Through sheer commitment and passion for the industry, we have been marching on,” he said.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Vice President, Arc Namadi Sambo, commended the management of BKG for nurturing the fair to what it is presently.

“I wish to commend them for believing in Nigeria and contributing to its economic wellbeing by sustaining this fair in the past 14 years in spite of the challenges posed to the auto industry by the prevailing global economic challenges."

Continuing, he said, “I also commend the foresight of the organisers in starting the event which has become one of the growth and development of the potentials of the automotive, industry as well as giving local producers and other participants the avenue to exhibit their products and also helping to foster and stimulate entrepreneurship in the automotive industry.

The vice president also noted that the federal government has been investing heavily in the transport sector and recently came up with blueprint on how to develop the Nigeria automobile industry which most of the auto manufactures are supporting.

OARD members of the National Automotive Council (NAC), accompanied by some management staff of the council, recently toured some assembly facilities in Lagos and Ogun states as part of its efforts to sensitise the auto assembly plant on the new government plan to encourage the revival of the auto plants.

Led by the board Chairman, Alhaji Abdulkadir Saleh and the Director General of the Council, Engineer Aminu Jalal, the team visited the Takol Limited factory in Ibafo, Ogun state and the NAC testing centre in the Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Ogun State. The team had earlier toured the eastern and northern states for similar reasons.

At the Takol Limited factory which produces tricycles, its Managing Director, Mr. Ben Faleke, commended the resolve of NAC to assist small and medium scale industries in the auto sector achieve their aim.

He equally took the team round its facility where it specialises in the assembling of motorcycles and tricycles, with the brand nameNewdawn. He equally revealed that his company is into production of asphalt as well as other non-automotive products.

Fadeke recalled that his company has been adversely affected because the rates charged by commercial banks are too high on loans. According to him, “ with the margin on tricycles, it is very difficult to repay the loans”.

The DG of the National Automative Council, NAC, encouraged the Mr. Faleke not to relent as the tricycle venture is an avenue to create jobs, even as he advised him to seek loan from the Council. The Council’s Fund is being managed by the Bank of Industry and is open to all who are into auto and auto related businesses, which Takol Ltd is entitle to.

Vanguard Vanguard,, YOUR LUCK TODAY

SCORPIO; Positive things are happening from (and around) you. The more enterprising you are the better for you today. And some of you will be mixing business & pleasure without harm. Lovers can have their way moderately.

SAGITTARIUS; This is your day when things’ll go according to your plans. And you’re advised to hit very hard not minding minor pressure from your base.

CAPRICORN; Once again success would come if you experiment with good ideas rightly at the right time. Those of you travelling are in for an exciting day.

—

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

Declaring your uniqueness

D

O you know no two individuals are exactly the same in anyway, whether biologically, psychologically, physically or otherwise? In this world we are living in, you are the only

one that is you. No one is like you, precisely. The way you talk is distinct, the way you laugh is peculiar and the way

TERROR MUDA

you walk is your trademark alone.

Can’t you see you are unique?

Declare your uniqueness today.

in “Never say goodbye”

Say you are wonderfully made. Be a caring person. Always put on a pleasant personality for that is God’s intention towards you. Identify the goodness in you in order to enrich humanity with it.

By Lanre Kehinde

AQUARIUS; Early part of the day may bring you good opportunity along your business/business lines.

Work and your health must be taken very seriously PISCES; Like yesterday the Moon will operate from your Star sign again to the betterment of your cause.

Think of both your immediate and far future now.

ARIES You can still count on the supports of your tried and trusted friends. But it’s imperative you keep secrets as much as you can positively do.

TAURUS; The more receptive and willing you are to give and take co-operation the better for you today.

It’s wrong of you to neglect your friends in need now.

GEMINI; You’ll have the needed opportunity to consolidate on progress you have recorded yesterday along your career/business lines. Try to work harder.

CANCER; Element of luck will work favourably for you. Therefore you’re advised to expand the scope of your tentacle for better results. It’s another fairly favourable day for lovers who are more enterprising today.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

LEO; Joining forces with other people is not a sin but it’s important everybody knows the clear term of the venture , be it of short or longer duration. Be very practical.

VIRGO; Many of you’ll travel either physically or within your mind; whichever one you’re involved with the out come will be favourable. Be more receptive, especially if your priority is commercial success. Take your new ideas more seriously today.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

Basic characteristics of Aquarius Aquarius is ruled by freedom loving Uranus-the planet of unpredictability, eccentricity and genius.

Aquarius is friendly, loving, hopeful and very altruistic in nature. That is why they are nice persons who truly care for others, especially the less fortunate ones.

They are loyal friend willing to belong to powerful social clubs or reasonable community.

The quality of Aquarius is fixed. That means it is important for them to watch the way they change their minds on important issues; Uranus factor makes all Aquarius natives freedom loving and whoever tries to impose any idea on you will be resented The element of Aquarius is the air. That makes you an intelligent person with fair share of sense of humour. Aquarius is the star sign that rules considerable social influence, and the natives of this star have better chances to have at least some influential friends. Then, Aquarians are truly good friends and bad enemies; it is not in the best interest of anybody to frustrate an Aquarian..

Aquarius being a scientific sign. Aquarians can be inventive. Any Aquarian who falls to take his sudden flashes of ideas seriously is doom (to fail eventually) because, Uranus the ruler of Aquarius, usually bring success to Aquarians unexpectedly through ideas that come suddenly, and unexpected luck usually accompany their sudden inspiration and/or ideas.

The most dangerous weak points of Aquarian are the tendencies to procrastinate things and willingness to take opponents or enemies for granted I mean you must not believe that some body you might have had heated argument with will not try to undermine your progress after what will look like intervention of peace makers.

31

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

LIBRA; Similar to yesterday but, today more emphasis’ll be on money. Thus those of you who are more financially ambitious’ll have better and rewarding day than others. However that is not to say you should neglect your health.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD Lawrence Akapa

dadadekola@yahoo.com

by

32—Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

Whither Ogboru?

Delta:

He was once the face of hope for the opposition in Delta State who followed him through thick and thin. Are the masses now abandoning the Peoples General?

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR & FESTUS AHON

T

HE Democratic Peoples Party, DPP, the party which once threatened the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP on all fronts in Delta State is set on an unscripted path of implosion.

After the 2011 elections, Delta State became the only state where the party, remained a force to be reckoned with.

Former Governor Attahiru Bafarawa who founded the party had deserted it to return to the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, and across the north, many others had moved to other more politically viable platforms.

However, in Delta State, the Great Ogboru magic wand became the party’s saving grace. Added to the Ogboru mystique was the entry of the late Senator Pius Ewherido.

Ewherido with his political network helped to transform the party he met into a political force that fought the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to a standstill in most parts of Delta. In Ewherido’s base in Delta Central, he overcame political and human institutions in Urhobo land to win the Delta Central Senatorial contest in 2011, and by that, became the only DPP senator in the country.

Political permutations However, by the time he died, Ewherido was already planning to do to the PDP in the two other senatorial districts, Delta North and Delta South, what he did to the ruling party in Delta Central. But death took away the powerful senator away last June and by that changed all political permutations in the state.

By the time he died, Ewherido and those he came along with into the DPP were already plotting fresh strategies as concerning a fresh platform to actualize the 2015 project.

Ewherido’s plans for a fresh platform were partly brought about by the reconfiguration of political alliances in other parts of the country, following the merger plans of the country’s major political parties into the All Progressives Congress, APC. Ogboru who had been the bastion and banner for the political opposition in Delta State, it emerged, was not favourably disposed towards the APC option.

Some alleged that Ogboru preferred to be a small fish in a small river rather than allow himself to be swallowed up in the APC. C M Y K

The late Ewherido was, however, determined to move forward and hence a cleavage emerged in the DPP just before he died.

Besides the division, it was alleged that Ogboru was also not comfortable with suggestions that Ewherido was himself planning to run for the governorship in 2015, a thought that some alleged, troubled Ogboru who some believed was already planning another run.

Remarkably, many of those in the party believed that Ewherido was in a better position to win the governorship for the opposition. Even chieftains of the APC were in serious talks with Ewherido and it had come to be assumed that he was the APC governorship candidate in waiting. His chances were unarguably bright, given not just his political linkages, but also the family linkages.

Born of an Urhobo father and an Isoko mother, the late senator’s wife is from the prestigious Bozimo family in the Ijaw area of the state.

However, all such permutations disintegrated with the death of the senator last June.

If the loss of Ewherido is not enough, Ogboru and the DPP have also lost support from hitherto political associates of the opposition politician.

Others that have left DPP and Ogboru include his uncle, Chief Julius Ogboru whose defection to the PDP was greatly

•Ogboru: The Peoples General helpful in the PDP’s victory in the recent Delta Central Senatorial re-run.

Chief Fidelis Tilije who had campaigned with Ogboru as his running mate in three previous elections has also left him. Tilije went to the APC instead of the PDP. The member representing Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu Federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Austin Ogbaburhon who went to the House on the banner of the DPP, had on the 10th of October 2013 led his supports in the party to the PDP in a well organized reception that was attended by the State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and other top politicians in the State.

Presently, out of the nine members of the State House of Assembly that were elected on the platform of the DPP in

the 2011 general elections, only Mr Abel Oshevire representing the Ethiope East constituency seems to be the only one remaining in the party, the others have either moved to the PDP or the new APC. Only recently, Chief Philip Adheke a two-term chairman of Isoko North Local Government Area left the DPP for the PDP with about 5,000 of his supporters.

It was as such not surprising that the Secretary to the Delta State Government, SSG, Comrade Ovuozorie Macaulay, who is himself from Isokoland was on hand to receive Adheke and his followers back to the PDP. The PDP it seems is determined to mobilize every support it can get and to bleed Ogboru everywhere and anywhere it can.

Awoniyi: As constant as the northern star

BY ABU MICHEAL

T

HE life and times of late Chief Sunday Bolorunduro Awoniyi, the Aro of Mopa, who died in November 28, 2007, in a London hospital from injuries he sustained in an auto crash on Abuja – Kaduna road, will again readily come to mind as many of his associates will be using his sixth year memorial anniversary to reflect on the state of the nation.

By his death, a very big vacuum was created in the nations leadership spheres. Awoniyi was no doubt a very great man.

Late Awoniyi, in his life time demonstrated the highest level of integrity and was accountable in both public and private life in the tradition of the late premier of the Northern region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto under whose tutelage he (Awoniyi) honed his leader-ship skills.

With the crisis rocking the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a party Awoniyi co- formed, the leadership crisis

in the country as well as the planned national conference, his views would have gone a long way in addressing these key issues.

Several commentators are of the view that, the man died too early - for them this is the time Nigeria need him for his forthrightness and patriotic ism. He never called a spade by any other name.

He stood truth on the head.

Awoniyi, who would have been 81 this year, would be remembered for his various contributions towards the building of the Northern Nigeria Civil Service and a network of friends and political alliances, that still endure many years after.

A Yoruba of Okun extraction from North Central Nigeria; a Christian and minority, who led the Muslim and majority Hausa/Fulani dominated Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Awoniyi’s imprints, his ideals, positive contributions to national development and his insistence for the entrenchment of internal democracy are those things

he would be remembered for.

Delivering a spell binding 5th Arewa lecture some years back, Awoniyi’s comment on leadership, just like it is today, remains relevant. He had stated: One statement on which there is hardly a dissenting voice in Nigeria is the political clichés that “what Nigeria lacks is leadership”, implying that, the day the legendary leader appears from that day onward, Nigeria’s problem will begin to disappear rapidly.

Danladi (Sunday) as he was fondly called by the detribalized Sardauna of Sokoto (Ahmedu Bello), sees the North like the Sardauna as “One North, One People, One Destiny” On his views of what a united, strong and self- reliant nation ought to be, Awoniyi had this to say, “to unite this country, require better knowledge of ourselves. Our unity has to be looked at as a deliberate choice rather than chance. “it has to be achieved incrementally – one group removing

Continues on page 33

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013 — 33

2014 budget: Has PDP lost control of the House?

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

T

HE presidency and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may be heading for a fresh row with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal over what sources referred to as “Tambuwal’s lukewarm attitude” to issues that concern the party.

The latest anger is not unconnected with the presentation of the 2014 budget proposal by President Goodluck Jonathan which could not hold last Tuesday.

The presidency blamed teh failure on the mix-up on the benchmark for oil revenue between the two chambers of the National Assembly.

However, many other sources blame the failure on the alleged plans by some elements in the House to boo the president in revenge for the embarrassement caused to the G7 governors aligned to the Kawu Baraje led faction of the party when they visited the House last September.

Smooth entry Vanguard gathered that penultimate Monday that the PDP members in the House met to pave way for a smooth entry for the president last Tuesday. The reverse, however, became the case as old issues between the mainstream PDP and nPDP reared its ugly head and truncated the process. And hence, the critics say, the president was adviced to call off the budget presentation.

The implication of the deadlock is that the House is no longer under the firm grip of the PDP. The same is also said of the House Leader, Hon. Mulikat Adeola Akande, who was said to have lost control of the members elected on the platform of the PDP. It is even worse for the PDP that Senator Joy Emodi who in the past would browbeat and persuade the members to push through party policies, programmes and proposals was unceremoniously removed despite what many acknowledged as her positve works for the administration.

A source who was privy to one of the meetings on the issue told Vanguard that it is now clear that the there is a sharp division among the members.

He continued that the PDP

has lost its grip on the leadership provided by the party.

He regretted that opposition members in the House were now more organized than the ruling party. “With what happened at the meeting, it is clearly obvious that the leadership of the House has lost control of the PDP members”, the source said.

It was thus not surprsing that some PDP members in the House helped by some administration officials formed recently formed a group of pro-Jonathan lawmakers known as “PDP Unity Forum.”

The main objective of the group is to ensure that the concerns and interests of the PDP-led Presidency get the support and protection of PDP members.

The group is to also work to establish the influence of the party in the House against the emerging opposition led by the All Progressives Congress (APC). But from every indication, it appears that the group has lost steam in its pursuit.

•Tambuwal Our party has drifted -- Rep Azubuike A member of the Group and Chairman of the House Committee on Public Petitions, Hon. Uzo Azubuike who spoke to Vanguard

further shared the aim of the group. “We saw a certain drift in our party and we saw the difficulties of some leaders in steering certain programmes and policies through because of the composition of the

House itself and the incoherence among PDP members in the House. So we floated what we called the PDP Patriots Forum. In that forum, we came together and said we had a duty to protect the policies of our party in the chambers.

We're partners in progress - Gulak Commenting on the face-off between the Executive and Legislature arising from the benchmark, the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Ahmed Gulak said both the President and the National Assembly were doing their constitutional duties even as they needed not to agree at all times.

“The President doesn’t have to be happy with the action of any player. All the president will do is to play his constitutional role and those other statutory arms of government should also play their constitutional role."

However, given the firm grip of Speaker Tambuwal on the majority of the members, it remains a doubt on how far the Unity Group can go.

Awoniyi: As constant as the northern star Continues from page 32 causes of dissention within it and then reaching out to achieve accord with the next and the next and the next.

Still on late Sunday Awoniyi’s concern about the nation’s unity,he said it is slow and tedious but he maintained it merits a determined effort adding that it will not happen with the kind of national conference being proposed, but it will only happen if as a people, we work at it consciously and continuously and with the greatest of determination to succeed.

A great man of Okun descent,he would be remembered for his politics of decency. Late Awoniyi while alive would always, insist on a just and egalitarian society where a leader must ensure the rule of law, and provide a level playing ground for all competing interests. Making Nigeria “a land bright” and full of opportunities for all citizens” and a free and democratic society was his major prooccupation.

Late Awoniyi,a one time ACF Chairman Board of trustees in 2000 and chairman of the

forum’s central working committee in December 2004, saw transparency of the electoral process as what the nation needed, He believed that once an electoral process is faulty, the entire ‘edifice’ will be faulty and unacceptable.

As the nation approaches 2015, Late Awoniyi would have naturally called for a considerable improvement in the quality of Nigerian politicians by deliberate actions.

For late Awoniyi, “Even if we achieve the miracle of sanitizing the electoral process, the Nigerian politician will continue to fool us so long as his quest for high office is a case of neck or nothing for which he is prepared to sacrifice the good of his country.

A simple man by nature, described by many as father of modern Okun politics,he also while alive was tolerant.

Though a christian,he embraced people of other faith without any acrimony.

Late Awoniyi has since gone,but the issues he felt about religion have not changed. All his life,he wished Nigerians could out grow the

•Awoniyi: Constant in truth petty sentiments attached to their faiths. He believed in one indivisible Nigeria. His religion was Nigeria - one Nigeria.

Late Awoniyi’s disposition to public office and politics today stands him out in a country where leadership, politics, disunity and religion have become the issue.

At the 5th Annual lecture in honour of Sir Ahmadu Bello,while speaking on the harmonious co-existence of the country, his suggestion would certainly assist in the National conference being proposed, where he said let us not forget

that we owe our past achievements in no small measure to our ability to compromise and make friends of former foes readily comes to mind.

Late Sunday Bolorunduro Awoniyi, got involved in politics after a successful Civil Service career when he represented his people of Kogi West in the Senate on the platform of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC).

He also participated in the constitutional conference organized by the regime of the Late General Sani Abacha.

With the political process that followed the conference, Awoniyi, joined forces with politicians of like minds to form the defunct All Nigerian Congress (ANC).

He was the pioneer Chairman of ANC and in 1998 played a prominent role in the formation of the PDP and in the emergence of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as PDP candidate and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. *Abu Micheal is Chief Press Secretary to the Kogi State Deputy Governor.

34 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

Students of Ajangbadi Junior High School, Iba

.....taking lessons sitting on the floor.

sitting on windows for lessons

with poor school furniture

Lagos schools: Parents, students lament lack of basic furniture

BY OUR REPORTERS

P

ARENTS and their wards in Lagos public secondary schools are daily groaning under the acute shortage of basic furniture in the schools. Some affected students say they either sit on bare floor, windows or stand during lessons.

When Vanguard visited some of the affected schools, the sign of stained trousers and skirts showed that the students were sitting on bare floor in their classrooms. Early in the year, Governor Fashola awarded the construction of several block of classrooms to different contractors, aimed at increasing the number of classrooms.

But according to reports there was no complementary awards for supply of furniture.

The United Nation Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO, while explaining the importance of furniture in schools said; “Furniture is an integral component of providing an appropriate learning environment.”

On the health implication of lack of furniture, the organisation said: “Uncomfortable and unsuitable furniture can cause problems varying from backache to writing difficulties, thus reducing learning opportunity.

When developing educational furniture, the size of the student, the educational function, availability and affordability of materials and the culture of the user have to be taken into consideration.”

A Junior Secondary School, JSS student of Ikeja Grammar

School, Oshodi Local Government, simply called Rasheed, lamented that there are no seats in their classes.

Even those available in the 51year-old school were already in state of disrepair.

State of disrepair According to him, “when we resumed, there were no adequate furniture in the classes compared to our population. That was why those who gained admission early took the available furniture while those who came later, whose parents could afford furniture, bring theirs from home while indigent students sit on the floor.”

The story was the same for James Oluchukwu, a student of Ajangbadi High School, Iba

Local Council Development Area, LCDA, who sits on the floor to take his classes.

Oluchukwu said; "we don't have enough desks and benches in our classes. Those whose parents could afford to buy, brought theirs from home.

For me, my parents said they didn't have the required N6, 000 for such.”

Miss Rofiat Ademola of Aganju Aka Junior Secondary School, Okokomaiko, Iba Local Council Development Area, LCDA, whose school was built less than four years ago, lamented that such scarcity should not have occurred in a school that is still a baby.

She noted that furniture should have been provided before the government gives the school approval to admit students.

Ademola said; "for our school,

we were the first set and there wasn't adequate furniture for us. In fact, I sat on the floor for one session before the state government distributed desks and benches to us."

Mrs. Olateju Adekunle, a petty trader said: “I paid the furniture fabricator beside my house to provide desk and bench for my son when I discovered that whenever he returns from school, he looked dirty.”

Adekunle complained that the government was only busy erecting structures without providing adequate desks and benches for the students to aid their learning.

According to Mrs. Oby Solomon, “the government has successfully reduced the congestion in classes but has failed to supply required furniture which is an essential learning material.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

Drivers’ working hours split Lagos executive, legislature •Implementation must start Jan 1, 2014 – Transport Commissioner •It can’t work – House Transport Chairman

BY DOTUN IBIWOYE

T

HE implementation of a section of the road traffic law which will stop commercial bus drivers from driving for more than eight hours might set the executive against the legislators.

At the commencement of the National Council on Transportation conference a fortnight ago, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, said enforcement of that aspect of the Transport Law must start on the first day of 2014 But contrary to Opeifa's disclosure, Chairman, Lagos state House of Assembly Committee on Transport and Industry, Mr Bisi Yusuf, weekend, debunked the claim that the state government would reduce the operational hours of commercial vehicles in the state.

Yusuf said that the claim that operational hours of commercial

vehicles would be reduced to eight hours was a misconception stressing that it was not in the policy of the government to do so.

The lawmaker added that more efforts were in progress to improve the transport system in the state and many roads have been constructed while others were still under construction, adding that effective transportation system could not be achieved without good roads. ‘’I don’t think that is right; it is not the policy of the Lagos State Government.

It is a misinterpretation of the whole thing. I don’t think they can reduce the operation of commercial buses to eight hours, when you consider the transport situation in Lagos, This cannot work. The state Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Kayode Opeifa, did not tell me anything of such,” he said.

According to Opeifa, who represents the executive arm of

government; “Many commuter bus drivers operating in Lagos State do not know that a provision that restricts their operation in a day to eight hours exists in the traffic law. Apart from that, all commercial bus drivers must have been registered in the state so that they could be monitored effectively to ensure compliance with the eight hours

Gov. Fashola

work rule and other aspects of the traffic law.”

He warned that by January next year, the government would not have mercy on any bus driver who failed to register, as his vehicle would be impounded for breaching the traffic law.

“With the development, no driver would be allowed to drive beyond eight hours at a stretch,

Kuforiji: Speaker LSHA

— 35

while owners of the commercial vehicles would be made to get insurance that will cover their passengers. “Commercial drivers and their conductors would also begin to appear in registered uniform and badges for proper identification by the public.” he said He affirmed that this development is to sustain security and safety already established in the state by the state traffic law.

He also added that the accreditation of the owners of the commuter buses was to ensure that all operators were captured in government’s database with a view to curtailing crimes committed with the use of unregistered commercial vehicles.

“With these moves, we want to curtail kidnapping, robberies and other forms of crimes perpetrated by the continuous usage of unregistered vehicles for commercial purposes. We are out to tackle the issue of ‘one chance’ headlong, “The situation where the drivers and their conductors dress shabbily would be checked with the introduction uniform and badges for them. We are also reintroducing routine system for them. They will only ply only route boldly written on their buses,” he said.

Motorists recount experiences with fake LASTMA officials

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

C

URRENT events in Lagos have shown that fake Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, officials are on the prowl in the state. Recounting their experiences, some of the motorists reveal some of the antics of the criminals Mr. Obi John, a media practitioner, said; “About two weeks ago, on a Sunday, I fell into the hands of two fake LASTMA officials operating at Berger Yard bus stop along Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.

“I was about to negotiate the bend to my office when I was stopped by two hefty men, claiming to be LASTMA officials.

“They did not have any uniform on. They charged me for running one-way but all my explanation that the major road had been blocked due to ongoing construction work fell on deaf ears, as they ordered me to drive to their yard at Berger Suya.

“The officers refused to reveal their identity and on our way to the yard, one of them started demanding for a bribe let me

off the hook.

“I insisted that I had no money to give. When we got to a junk yard, the fake officers pointed to some miscreants loitering around saying that if I should stay longer than necessary the guys could disposes me of my belongings as it was already getting dark.

“At this point, I thought of

LASMA officials on parade

safety first in any situation, I had to part with N1.500 before I was let off the hook, because the fake LASTMA men could harm me.”

Mr. Alonge Oluwalogbon, works on Lagos Island and leaves for work as early as 5 am. He raised alarm on the illegal operation of two LASTMA men and two

policemen at Gbagada\Oworosonki Bridge, where they lay siege to extort motorists who are trying to connect the Third Mainland Bridge, even before the resumption time for genuine LASTMA men at 6 am.

According to him; “The officers always cover their name tags with another clothe,

apparently to hide their identities.

“I see them every morning at the same spot. Their activities, often lead to traffic gridlock, even as early as 5 am, because some of the arrested motorists would be made to park on the road. The officers will only let go after collecting at least N200.”

Confirming the increase in number of fake LASTMA officials which has prompted his task force on Environment and Special Offences to intensify efforts to curtail their activities, the Chairman, Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, Bayo Sulaimon, said six fake LASTMA men were arrested after they had swindled hundreds of unsuspecting motorists and residents.

“We got the information about the people who have been parading themselves officials of LASTMA in the Lagos Mainland Local Government.

They even printed fake stickers and copy of the traffic law which they were using to threaten the unsuspecting motorists.

“They formed parallel LASTMA and Taskforce. On getting the information I moved my men there to arrest them"

36—Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

‘Bini language in danger of extinction'

Delta Bursary scribe bags award

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

BY FESTUS AHON

B

ENIN— THE Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief

U

G H E L L I — EXECUTIVE Secretary of Delta State Bursary and Scholarship Board, Asaba, Mr. Peter Amromanoh, has bagged the 2013 National Wavers Newspapers/ Magazine Achievers Award.

P r e s e n t i n g Amromanoh with the award, weekend, Editorin-Chief of the newspaper, Mr. Jimmy Enyeh said: “You have been identified as a very resourceful and innovative personality.

“You have impacted tremendously on the people around you through your n u m e r o u s e m p o w e r m e n t programmes.”

Receiving the award, Amromanoh thanked the organisation for finding him worthy of the award and dedicated the award to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, the state Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Hope Eghagha, the board chairman, Monsignor Buchi Aninye and the entire people of the state.

David Edebiri, yesterday, raised alarm over what he described as the likely extinction of the Bini language

in the nearest future, if urgent steps were not taken to address the problem.

Chief Edebiri, who is referred to as the ‘Oracle’ of the Benin Kingdom, said it was in recognition of the problem

S'South stakeholders demand more heritage sites

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

E N A G O A — STAKEHOLDERS in the South-South geo-political zone have called on the Federal Government to increase the heritage sites in the zone.

The appeal was made at a five-day stakeholders’ sensitisation workshop for the proposed national monuments in the South-South zone held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The event, organised by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments in collaboration with the state government, is aimed at creating a single collective national heritage and cultural identity to commemorate the country ’s centenary anniversary.

Speaking at the event, Governor Seriake Dickson, who lend support to stakeholders, stressed the need to increase the heritage sites in

the zone, saying that the monuments would help create different empowerment programmes that would benefit the states economically.

Represented by the Commissioner for Culture and Ijaw National Affairs, Dr. Felix

Tuodolo, the governor expressed appreciation to the commission for recognising the different monuments and cultural sites, noting that a lot would be gained from communities yet to be explored.

Edo community to invoke FoI Act over alleged council funds looting

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

B

ENIN— WORRIED by the poor performance of past local government chairmen in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State, the people of Ehor, the administrative headquarters of the council, have vowed to employ the provisions of the Freedom of Information, FoI, Act to bring to book all those that have looted the council’s

funds.

Meanwhile, the traditional ruler of Ehor, HRH David Igiehon, has blamed the underdevelopment of the town and the entire council area on past chairmen, who he accused of coming to the council to amass wealth for themselves at the expense of the people.

Chairman of the Ehor Development Forum, Mr. David Uduebor, while speaking at the first Ehor

Wetland communities honour policeman

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AGOS Wetland Community, comprising Owode, Idera, Ajewole, Ajegunle, Ekitan, OdoOgun, Itowolo, Majidun, Ogunlonto and Agboyi 3, has honoured Sergeant Adesuyi Alonge, Station Officer, Owode Onirin Division, Lagos State

Police Command.

Mr. M. Rabiu, Chairman of the Wetland Community, said the Police officer was honoured for his selfless, humanitarian and community development services. One of the youth leaders in the community and

National Coordinator of The Ambassadors, a pressure group, Mr. Opeyemi Ahmed, said the officer was a role model for other men of the force.

At the event were Alhaji Lawal, representing Senator Gbenga Ashafa; Mr. Thomas, represen-

ting Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos State Commissioner for Works; Head of Operation, Owode Onirin Division, Alhaji Muhammed Yusuf; Bale of OdoOgun, Chief Esinloku; Bale of Ajegunle, Chief Moyosore Oladunjoye, among others.

National Day, weekend, lamented that billions of naira accruing to the council from the Federation Account over the years had not been utilised for its development, but stolen by those that were elected by the people.

He said: “With the creation of Uhunmwode council by the General Ibrahim Babangida administration in 1991 with Ehor as headquarters, all sons and daughters of Ehor were happy, believing that at last our sufferings and neglect by the Orhrionmwon council had come to an end.

“It is sad to state here that virtually all previous administrations at the council headquarters have neglected the development of Ehor town. One wonders where the billions of naira allocated to the council have gone to since 1991.”

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

that the Benin Forum, an umbrella body of all Benin people, had decided to hold a summit next month with a view to address the problem.

Briefing newsmen on the presentation of his book, A Compendium of some memorable statements, scheduled for November 30 in Benin, he explained that the book will give historical background about the true story of Benin histories.

He added that the proceeds from the book presentation would be used to set up a nongovernmental organisation, called “A Clinic for the Bini Historical Development,” which according to him will help sustain the language and history of Benin Kingdom.

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On Anambra election

C

ORRUPT leadership is rooted in its emergence. How the ballot box is handled is how the treasury is handled. The legitimacy of any government is derived from the credibility of the process of its election. A nation that can’t count vote will count crises endlessly.— Mr. Valentine Ogbani, Businessman.

T

HE Anambra gubernatorial election lacks credibility and had too many logistics problems. Some governorship candidates did not exercise their franchise as citizens of this great country. It was not what some of us expected.— Mr. Henry Nnopu, Student.

I

T is time for the Police and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to be truly independent. What is the use of ‘restrictive movement’ if INEC papers could easily be ‘hijacked’ selectively and voters registers doctored?— Mr. Kazeem Aremu, Administrator.

J

EGA needs to resign, simple. Nigerians are tired of his antics.

Clearly he is one of the greatest threats to Nigeria’s democracy. If election in one small state cannot be smooth, what would happen at the national level?— Mr. E m m a n u e l Oghenechuko, Student.

I

NSTEAD of us to look for someone that can remove Anambra State from its current slow developmental pace, we are talking of APGA and PDP. I pity Anambrarians. Some of us had not made it a point of duty to see how APC states are developing.— Mr. Jerome Samson, Worker.

I

T created doubt in the minds of Nigerians for the credibility of 2015 elections. I wonder at the kind of organisation Jega runs. Besides, what has happened to the people caught in various electoral malpractices during the 2011?— Mrs Rosemary Anaeto, Businesswoman.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013—37

2015 GUBER: Delta North leaders to partner other zones

NIBSS storms Lagos, Abia, others with Go Cashless campaign

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EADERS from Delta North senatorial district have pledged to engage their counterparts from other zones towards making the emergence of the governor of the state in 2015 from the zone a negotiated exercise as they identified agriculture and a strong industrial base as critical factors for sustainable development of the state.

At a strategic conference in Lagos, weekend, stakeholders from the academia, political class and royal fathers, outlined the road map to the election of a governor of Delta North extraction in 2015, noting that a large array of competent, educated and experienced leaders were available to take the state to greater heights.

Noting that equity dictates that governorship of the state should shift to the zone, concerted efforts, they said, must be made to negotiate a consensual emergence of an Anioma candidate as governor of the state.

At the conference organised by ASDEV 81 Club, the leaders also agreed that the process of the emergence of a governor from Delta North must not be acrimonious, adding that they would endorse whoever emerges as the candidate from the zone, while same person should be backed unconditionally by all persons in the governorship race.

Recalling the virtues of late Chief Dennis Osadebey, pioneer premier of the then Midwest Region, who laid the foundation for the modern Edo and Delta States, the Anioma leaders vowed to give Delta State a leadership that will be fair, progressive and unwavering in weaning the state from dependence on oil revenue under the Delta Beyond Oil initiative of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, governor of the state.

Governor Uduaghan, who was represented on the occasion by Chike Ogeah, Commissioner for Information, called for support for the national conference proposed by President Goodluck Jonathan, noting that the current constitution has stifled competitiveness among the states and stunted the country’s growth.

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COMMISSIONING: From left: Prof. Etiebet Nduka, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, University of Port Harcourt, UNIPORT; representing the Vice Chancellor; Mr Adeyemi Fakayejo, Manager, Public/Government Affairs, Mobil Producing Nigeria, Port Harcourt and Dr. Lambert Akhiovbare, Chairman, Ehimade Nigeria Limited, during the Commissioning of laboratory equipments at the Department of Geology, University of Port Harcourt by ESSO Exploration and Production, Nigeria weekend. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

JTF dismantles militant camp in Bakassi

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

ENAGOA—THE Joint Task Force, JTF, in the Niger Delta, Operation Pulo Shield, has said that it had dismantled a militant camp in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State.

A statement by the Media Coordinator of the JTF, Lt.-Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, said that various arms were recovered from the camp.

He said: “During the clamp down, the troops recovered 24 x 7.62mm round cartons, five Browning Machine Gun, ammunition, 3 x 7.62mm round special and seven live cartridges.

“Other items recovered from the camp include four machine

gun belts and one passport fibre boat, belonging to the Inland Water Ways Agency.”

According to Nwachukwu, the camp known in local parlance as Efut Esighi Militant Camp, served as operational base for pirates and militants from where they attacked their victims.

“JTF operatives destroyed three illegal crude oil distillation camps concealed in a forest at Agbede village and Egwua 2 general area of Esako West and Warri SouthWest Local Government Areas of Edo and Delta States,” he said.

In a similar operation conducted in Bayelsa and Rivers sectors, JTF troops shut down 56 illegal crude oil dis-

tillation camps.

The troops destroyed 16 Cotonou boats, 22 pumping machines, a power generator, 25 zinc plates used for fabricating local crude oil distillers, a welding machine and 32 sawed pipes used by oil thieves.

The troops also impounded four metal barges and a speed boat caught engaging in illegal oil bunkering activities in the operation which took place between November 11 and November 22.

Nwachukwu stated further that seven suspects were arrested for oil theft-related offences and currently undergoing preliminary investigations.

Delta traditional ruler quizzed by Nigerian Navy officials

W

ARRI—THE traditional Head of Ugborodo Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief Benson Dube, was reported arrested by a detachment of the Nigerian Navy stationed in the Excravos River.

Chief Dube, who is the OlajaOrori of Ugborodo Community, was said to have been invited, weekend, by a Navy Captain attached to the Chevron oil facilities located in Ugborodo.

Also invited along with the traditional head were the youth leader of the clan, Mr Mike Lodge, and a youth activist, Mr Joseph Uwawah.

Reports further had it that on arrival at the Naval base located within the Chevron facilities, the trio were immediately put in a naval gun boat and taken to the Naval base in Warri and were said to have been moved into the bar-

racks at 7pm on Friday.

According to our source, Ugborodo clan has, for the last few years, been affected by different communal crises, including tussle for the leadership of the Community Trust in which two factions are contending for legitimacy.

Added to this causal factor of the community’s crises is the allegation of massive fraud to the tune of over N4 billion allegedly put into the Ugborodo New Town project by the government of Delta State, with not a single building standing on the project site.

According to the President of Ugborodo Integrity Group, Mr. Femi Uwawah, “one of the petitions that is being investigated by the Nigeria Police Special Fraud Unit, Lagos, is over the New Ugborodo Town

project in which the government of Delta State is said to have paid over N4 billion to a contractor handling the project, but with no single building standing on site.”

This includes the $6 million donated to the project by Chevron Nigeria Ltd. Speaking to Vanguard on telephone, yesterday, Mr. Uwawah, while calling for the immediate release of Chief Dube, appealed to the leadership of the Nigerian Navy to avoid making themselves willing tools in the hands of political office holders, whose desires include silencing those condemning the diversion into private pockets of the over N4 billion released by the state government, with no single block standing in the site for the proposed Ugborodo New Town.

S part of its initiatives to support and reinforce the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, policy on the emergence of a “Cashless Nigeria,” the Nigeria InterBank Settlement System, NIBSS, is to embark on a mass sensitisation on alternative payments and settlement solutions.

The event, a road show, slated for November 26 and 27, is being coordinated by Kunden Services Limited, a financial inclusion and electronic payments consultancy.

Already, experts and volunteers draw from the banking industry and ITsolution firms have signified their interest to be part of the event.

The team will visit major markets and other densely populated areas in Lagos and Abia states.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of Kunden Services Limited, Ms Abiola Bashorun, the event, the second of its kind being organised by the firm, will concentrate on Point of Sale (PoS) and mobile money transactions.

Aguariavwodo eulogises Delta LG boss

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—SENATOR Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, weekend, said the death of Mr. Austin Oboba, former chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, was painful and shocking.

Senator Aguariavwodo, representing Delta Central senatorial district in the National Assembly, when he paid a condolence visit to the family to commiserate with them, said Oboba was a politician who stood by his words.

Meanwhile, determined to give a befitting burial to the late former chairman, the late Mr Oboba, former Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, yesterday, setup a 16-man committee to organise the burial ceremony.

Oboba, aged 56, died last Thursday in Lagos after a protracted illness.

38—Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

Aninri LG boss wins SUV as best performing chairman

E

BY ENYIM ENYIM

NUGU—THE chairman of Aninri Local Government in Enugu State, Chief Christopher Nwobodo, weekend, smiled home with an SUV as reward for allegedly being the best performing chairman in the South East by a nongovernmental organisation, Exemplary Leadership Accolade International Inc. Speaking on the occasion, the country Director of the organisation, Mr. Emeka Okafor said the event was put together to spur council chairmen not only in the South East zone but in the 774 council areas in the country.

His words: “The mission of our corporation is to give recognition to persons who have distinguished themselves in their various positions of leadership.”

Nsukka women protest alleged killing of 30-yr-old woman

BY CHINENYEH OZOR

N

SUKKA—OVER 300 women, weekend, demonstrated at the Enugu Ezike Magistrate’s Court, Ogurute over the alleged killing of one Mabel Udaya, 30, by ritualists between Okpo and Amaja Communities in Igboeze North Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The women who were all dressed in black, with palm fronds tied on their wastes and heads, chanted songs cursing Mabel’s assailants as two suspects were arraigned in the court for allegedly threatening the life of one Rev. Sister Martha Oforka of the Okpo Catholic Church for championing the campaign by women in the area for the arrest and subsequent prosecution of the killers of Mabel Udaya.

Udaya was said to be returning home from the market when she was pushed down from her ladies motorcycle and killed by her attackers who later removed her tongue, private parts, eyes, brain and breast among other parts for ritual purposes.

One of the deceased’s

relations who was alleged to be the mastermind was, however, said to have run to Lagos after the incident.

The two suspects who were said to be native doctors, Ifeanyi Ogbonna, 42, and Ukachi Ogbonna, 35, were later

arraigned on a two-court charge of conspiracy to commit misdemeanour and to kill Sister Martina Oforka, prompting the demonstration by the women.

The Chief Magistrate, Alfred Ugwu, said that the court was not comfortable with the presence of the woman dressed in black

attire and pleaded with them to disperse, leaving their representatives in court.

Ugwu granted bail to the two accused persons in the sum of N100,000 each with a surety of repute before adjourning the matter to January 21, 2014.

BRIEFING: From left: HRM Obi Martha Dunkwu, Public Relations Officer/Chairperson, Media Relation, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, President, and Dr. John Isemede, Director General, at the NACCIMA media briefing on State of the Nation in Lagos, yesterday.

Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

NTI boss lauds teaching practice students in S-West, S-South

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A G O S — DIRECTORGeneral of the National Teachers’ Institute, Dr. Aminu Sharehu, said weekend, that he was satisfied with the conduct and o u t s t a n d i n g performance of the Institute’s PGDE and NCE teaching practice students.

Sharehu who spoke during his monitoring exercise of teaching practice being conducted by the Institute’s NCE and PGDE students at some schools including Dairy Farm Senior Secondary School, Agege in Lagos, said the visit provided him the opportunity to assess the teaching practice students while in action.

The NTI has made it mandatory for all its students who are being tutored through the Distance Learning Mode to undergo teaching practice as part of the requirements for the award of its certificates.

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The DG hinted that all the directors in the institute had gone out for similar exercise across the country as part of his administration’s policy to adequately monitor all activities of the institute to enhance the quality of academic programmes and pointed out that such exercises would further assist in keeping them abreast of things in the field.

At the Agege Junior Secondary School, the vice principal, Mrs. Justina Olaleye had told the DG that the innovative techniques and resourcefulness exhibited by the NTI teaching practice students were highly commendable.

Similarly, the DG who was at the NTI SouthSouth Zone for the same exercise also visited Ruomokuta Secondary School in Port Harcourt metropolis.

Grace Cole, the NTI South-West Zonal Coordinator said that Dr. Sharehu was the first chief executive of the institute to go round

from school to school to monitor teaching practice students and other academic programmes as well as activities of the institute.

Those who accompanied the DG during the visit to the schools included the NTI South-West Zonal Coordinator, Mrs. Grace Cole and the NTI Lagos State Coordinator, Mr. Moses Akinrelere.

The schools visited were District Junior College, Agege, Lagos and Dairy Farm Senior Secondary School, Agege, Lagos, among others.

Harvest

T

HE ANNUAL harvest and thanksgiving service of St. Brigid’s Catholic Church, Ijeshatedo, Immam Thani Street, comes up on Sunday December 1, 2013. The service which will commence with Mass by 10.00am, will be celebrated by the Parish Priest, Rev. Father Chris Echewodo.

Bazaar sales which will be under the distinguished chairmanship of Chief Echike Ezuka, follows immediately at the church premises.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013—39

,

AWARDS: Mr. Mahmud Abdullahi, first prize winner flanked by Mr. Oscar Onyema, CEO, Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE (left), and Mr. Abubakar Inah, first prize winner teacher, at the NSE MEETING: From left, CEO, GE Health Care Nigeria, Mr. Lazarus Angbaso; MD/CEO, Annual Essay Competition Awards 2013 with the Theme, 'Building Bank of Industry, BOI, Ms Evelyn Oputu, and President\CEO GE Africa, Mr. Jay Ireland, a Financial Savvy Generation,' in Lagos. during a meeting between BOI and GE Africa, in Lagos.

RECEPTION: From left, Mr. Olufemi Daramola, new chairman, Standard Chartered Bank, and secretary, Igbimo ure Ekiti, Sir Remi Omotoso; group president and former Minister of Health, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi; special guest of honour's wife, Lady Ebun Omotoso, and Mr. Dele Adesina, during reception for Sir Remi Omotosho by the group, Igbimo ure Ekiti, in Lagos.

CONFERENCE: From left, Mr. Francis Orbih, Global President, Federal Government College Old Students Association, Ogbomoso; Mr. Odi Okundaye, Chairman, End of Year Event Planning Committee, and Mr. Adeyemi Komolafe, Social Secretary, during the press conference on the forth-coming end of year dinner for the association.

CULTURAL DAY: From left, Mr. Wahab Shittu, Chairman of the occasion; Mrs. Clementina Doregos, Proprietress, St. Bernadette Educational Service; Mr. Olayiwola Olasupo,Vice Principal, Academics, and Mrs. Rebecca Ojapa,Vice Principal, Administration, both of Doregos Private Academy, during the school's 2013 Cultural Day, at the school premises, Ipaja, Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau

BRIEFING: From left, Head, Corporate Communications, Unity Bank Plc, Mrs. Theodora Amechi; Acting Executive Director, South, Mr. Mahmud Elems; Senior Account Director, Group Co-ordination and Business Development, The Quadrant Company, Mrs. Tosin Adefeko, and Acting General Manager/ Divisional Head, Quality Management, Unity Bank Plc, Mallam Aliyu Ma’aji, during press briefing by Unity Bank on quality service to the customers, at Protea Hotel, Isaac John Street, Ikeja, Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi C M Y K

AWARD: From left, Governor Godswill Akpabio, being presented award as Patron of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria, OAAN, by the association's President, Dr. Charles Chijide, in Uyo.

COMMISSIONING: From left, Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. S.O. Olagundoye; Founder, La Roche Leadership Foundation, Mr. Akin Ambode, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Omolara Erogbogbo, during the commissioning of project, at Eko Akete Grammar School, Lagos.

FORUM: American motivational speaker, John Foppe; Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Yinka Sanni; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Soft-Skills Management Consultants Ltd, Mrs. Wunuola Adetayo, and Foppe’s wife, Christine, at a forum organised by Stanbic IBTC, in Lagos.

40—Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

45-man committee for installation of new Hama Bachama

Plateau Govt to send lecturers for doctoral studies in S-Africa

BY TAYE OBATERU & BERNARD LUCAS

BY UMAR YUSUF

J

OS—THE Plateau State Government is to send lecturers of the state university to South Africa for doctoral studies to boost the manpower needs of the institution.

Governor Jonah Jang who announced this while laying the foundation for some capital projects at the university said the administration was committed to taking the institution to a global standard.

“It has been our deliberate effort to not only improve the learning environment through the employment of permanent academic and nonacademic staff, but by ensuring that our facilities are in line with the best practices world wide.

“For better academic activities in the school, a memorandum of understanding has been signed with South African universities for lecturers’ doctorate training”, he said.

FG disburses N217.9m loan to 1, 453 cassava growers in Katsina

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AT S I N A— T H E Federal Government, yesterday, disbursed N217.9 million as loan to 1, 453 members of Cassava Growers Association in Katsina State, to boost cassava farming.

The loan, secured from the Bank of Agriculture, was disbursed to some of the beneficiaries by the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Musa Adamu in Dutsinma, Katsina state.

Adamu said the loan was in recognition of the state’s position as one of the leading cassava growing areas in the country.

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OMO OMORUYI GOES HOME—Elder’s Statesman, Late Prof. Omo Omoruyi was committed to mother earth on Friday November 22, 2013 at his home town in Benin City.

Top: From left: Mr. Karl Omoruyi consoling his mother, Mrs. Joan, the widow, with others at the event. Below: From left: Pastor Ize-Iyamu chatting with Pastor Eghosa Omoruyi.

Photos: Barnabas Uzosike

Sokoto Govt plans mass wedding for 250 widows, widowers S

OKOTO—THE Sokoto State Government said on Sunday that it would give out in a mass wedding, 250 widows and widowers across the state to give them a new lease of life.

Alhaji Zubairu Goronyo, the state Commissioner for Social Development, who announced this at the screening of the beneficiaries in Sokoto, said that the venture would gulp N30 million.

According to him, a date will soon be fixed for the exercise.

A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, who witnessed the screening that was done to establish the health status of the beneficiaries, reported that it was han-

dled by various committees.

Alhaji Zubairu said that beds, mattresses, sets of chairs, curtains and two sets of female wrappers would be given to each of the 125 brides.

He said that similarly, the grooms would be given two sets of guinea brocade, N20,000 each as dowry to formalise the marriage agreement, and another N20,000 each to boost their businesses.

The commissioner said that the state governor, Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, would serve as guardians to the brides and grooms at the ceremony.

‘The exercise is going to be on a quarterly basis, so as to

enable more potential brides and grooms to benefit,” he said.

OLA— ALL is now set for the presentation of staff of office and coronation of a new Hama Bachama, Homun Honest Irmiya Stephen as the Adamawa State government has fixed December 7, 2013 for the ceremony.

The new monarch will replace the former Hama Bachama leader, Homun Asaph Zadok, who died over a year ago.

Towards this end, a 45member committee has been constituted over the ceremony.

Inaugurating the committee at his palace weekend, the new Hama Bachama, urged members of the various sub committees to work extra hard to ensure the success of the coronation considering the limited time at their disposal.

He told the committee members to discharge their responsibilities keeping in mind that whatever sacrifice they make in the course of the success of the event would go a long way in portraying their love for their culture.

The traditional ruler told all sons and daughters of the Bachama kingdom to contribute to the success of the event regardless of their political leanings and other differences as he was ‘’a father to all’’ and would not discriminate against anyone.

Borno opens training programme for more "Civilian JTF"

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AIDUGURI— GOVERNOR Kashim Shettima of Borno weekend opened a training programme for the second batch of security operatives, called “Civilian JTF” at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Maiduguri.

Shettima, represented by his Deputy Alhaji Zanna Mustapha, said that the training was aimed at re-orienting youths toward realis-

ing their potential.

He said that the trainees were selected from all parts of the state to ensure even spread of the programme.

Shettima said that some of the trainees would be recruited directly by the government at the end of the training.

Others, he said, would be retained for future recruitment into the armed forces, the police and other para-military organisations.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013—41

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42— Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013—43

A hurdle called ‘tenure’ T

HIS is a personal story. As I write, I am going through something known as the ‘tenure and promotion’ process in the lexicon of the US university system. It is an academic initiation rite for every university teacher. Once you are employed, you are given the guidelines for tenure and advised to take them seriously. The consequence of a misadventure is always unpalatable.

In ordinary parlance, tenure is a vetting process to judge one’s suitability to earn promotion, and to continue teaching at the university.

Each university has its criteria for tenure. But, it is generally based on three categories: (a) Teaching: How effective you are as a teacher? Among other things, this comprises students’ evaluation of your teaching; peer evaluation, which means how your colleagues evaluate your teaching; and other things you do to enhance the quality of your teaching. (b) Research. This, essentially, is your level of research productivity. Each university has a requirement on the number of published articles in reputable peer-reviewed journals. Your conference paper presentations also

or against the process. And, from there, the file goes to the office of the university provost where the final decision on tenure and promotion is made. In all, this process takes about eight to ten months.

As I write, I recall that none of my teachers at the Universities of Benin and Lagos had to walk through this academic minefield. Once employed, a university ‘don’ as they were called in those days, and even now, had guaranteed employment until retirement, all things being equal.

Teaching and service credentials As far as we knew, nobody asked for their research, teaching and service credentials. But, there were some outstanding teachers with very credible intellectual accomplishments and we knew them. As students, it would have been suicidal to evaluate our teachers. But, we knew those of them who were academically worthy of their titles. As far as we knew,

,

Every new entrant into the university teaching fraternity in the US knows that tenure is the compulsory rite of passage to academic adulthood. I wonder if I would have had to pass through this proverbial eye of the needle if circumstance had placed me in a university somewhere in the motherland

count. This, perhaps, is the toughest aspect of tenure in a research institution. Professors involved in ‘production’ work are judged differently but on no less stringent criteria. (c) Service to Community: This is based on non-strictly academic contributions to your department, college, university and the community where your school is located. It also incorporates service to your discipline outside your university e.g. helping to review conference and journal papers.

For tenure, I had to prepare a dossier that incorporates all activities in the three areas identified above. A committee of academic seniors (professors in my case) in my department has been set up to examine my file. Before then, some external reviewers had been contacted to evaluate my research. This department committee can vote for or against me.Then, my dossier will go to my head of department who will write his evaluation, independent of the committee’s decision.

Next, my file will proceed to the college (or faculty in Nigeria) committee which again reviews it and votes in favour or against tenure. The dean, like my head of department, is mandated to write her report in support

,

there was nothing to compel our teachers to ‘sit up and do your work’ as they used to counsel us. Salaries were guaranteed. Tenure was an alien word. Once employed as a university ‘don’, the good Lord has answered your prayer for permanent employment.

Now, here is my fate. Should my tenure process go awry, my employment will be terminated.

That is the rule. But, I will be given just one more academic year to ease myself out of the system and look for a job elsewhere, which might not be easy, given the fact that I failed to make it past tenure in my current school. That ugly reputation of not making tenure will become a component of my academic DNA. Here is my concern: In how many universities in our continent do we have such rigorous tenure and promotion process? Every new entrant into the university teaching fraternity in the US knows that tenure is the compulsory rite of passage to academic adulthood. I wonder if I would have had to pass through this proverbial eye of the needle if circumstance had placed me in a university somewhere in the motherland.

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44— Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

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Vanguard, TUESD AY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013 — 45 TUESDA

Nigerian, Indian doctors collaborate to improve patient care and management

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

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S part of the efforts to stem the tide of Nigerians jetting overseas for specialised medical treatment, a Continuous Medical Education, CME, series aimed at helping Nigerian medical doctors including cardiologists acquire up-todate knowledge on management of severe dilated cardiomyopathy - a pre-condition to end stage heart failure -is being held in Lagos and Abuja in December.

The doctors would be learning from specialists in renowned institutions, newer techniques to help Nigeria bridge the wide heart treatment deficit due to the non-availability of the technologies for surgical heart problem intervention.

The CME, to be coordinated by an India-based Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, would enable the doctors understudy experts at the specialized institution about treatment of similar cases among Nigerians and earn valuable CME points for their annual medical practice certificate evaluation.

A method to be showcased is the implantable Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy Device, which is only available in hospitals nin the United States and a few other hospitals in the world.

The Manager, International Marketing, Deepak Chawla, said Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani is hosting the CME in Nigeria in response to requests for the medical team, which has saved many Nigerians, to come over to the country.

“Most of the calls are from patients who are inviting them to visit Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, Ondo and other states. Encouraged by the overwhelming response we got from both the medical fraternity as well as our old patients, we have now decided to bring the

best of our medical professionals to meet and interact with physicians here in Nigeria.

“All in all, we see this visit as the beginning of a long term relationship between medical professionals of two friendly countries. In the course of time, we see ourselves inviting some of the Nigerian doctors to In-

dia and Indian doctors coming to Nigeria often, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship,” Chawla said.

Kokilaben Hospital is organizing multispecialty CMEs in Lagos and Abuja bringing top specialties such as comprehensive cancer care, robotic surgery, state of the art neurosurgery, minimally invasive spine

surgery, adult cardiac surgery, complex pediatric cardiac surgery, organ transplants, and reconstructive urology/ andrology to share their expertise and knowledge with their Nigerian counterparts.

Dr. Suresh Rao, one of the most successful figures in pediatric cardiac surgery, would share his 20 year experience in sav-

• The Tijani quadruplets shortly before they were discharged from the neonatal unit, LUTH, on Friday.

IPAN seeks speedy implementation of food safety policy

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

T

HE Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria, IPAN, has urged the Federal Ministries of Health, Agriculture and Rural Development and trade and Commerce, to fast track completion of the NationalFood Policy.

The Ministries were urged to ensure prompt inauguration and empowerment of the National Food Safety Committee with its

secretariat domiciled at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC. Making the call in Lagos last week during the 18th Mandatory IPAN training workshop, Past IPAN President, Dr. Dahiru Adamu, regretted that although the institute is tasked with the power to regulate the profession of the Public Analyst in the country, the body is yet to register a single laboratory in 21 years of

existence. At the event with the theme: Food Safety: An Imperative for National Development”, Adamu stressed that issues of food safety must be based on findings of laboratory analyses.

“Issues of food safety, quality and nutrition sufficiency become crucial where there is poverty, and ignorance which are brother and sister as they mostly coexist.

In this case, substandard and unwholesome products are

NAFDAC labs obtain international accreditation

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HE Mycotoxin and Pesticides Residues laboratories of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, at Oshodi, Lagos, have obtained the ISO 17025 accreditation of the American Association of Laboratory Accreditation.

The accreditation project sponsored by the United Nations Industrial Development, UNIDO, launches the laboratories into the league of internationally recognized and respected laboratories.

ing lives, while Dr Ram Narain, the man behind the Institute would share how the best evidence based medical practices bring about best in class outcomes.

He would highlight how, small but important decisions can go a long way in improving quality of life for patients.

• Dr. Paul Orhii.

The ISO 17025 is the global yardstick of accreditation for

testing and calibration laboratories. It covers testing and calibration performed using standard methods, nonstandard methods, and laboratory-developed methods.

Director-General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii who dropped the hint said with the ISO 17025 accreditation of the two laboratories, value-added agricultural exports tested and certified by the Agency will now be accepted worldwide without query.

Orhii described the development as a major boost

to the country’s image and agricultural transformation agenda. He said all products analysed for export by the laboratories will now carry a special logo of acceptance all over the world.

There are some other NAFDAC laboratories undergoing the process of international accreditation to greatly boost current efforts to get pharmaceutical companies to obtain requirements of the World Health Organisation on pre-qualification.

patronised because quality is sacrificed and the consequences on our health is unimaginable,” he remarked.

Adamu said IPAN was greatly worried by the trend whereby Nigerian products are usually rejected on the international market as a result of low quality and standards.

“Therefore, to safeguard our public health and global competitiveness, the issues of food safety, quality and nutritional sufficiency must be tackled head on.”

In his contribution, Registrar / CEO of the Institute, Professor David Oluleye, described the chosen theme as a contemporary matter of major concern in the nation’s socio-economic and security considerations. A subtheme was on Food Safety Standards and Regulations for Exports and Imports, presented

by Mrs. S. A. Denloye, Director, Laboratory Services, NAFDAC, and Mr. M. O. Ibrahim, Director, Product Development, Nigeria Export Promotion Council, NEPC, Abuja.

The keynote address was presented by Professor Odutola Osilesi, of the Biochemistry Department, Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State.

46—Vanguard, TUESD AY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013 TUESDA

Set up special diabetes centre, Maebe urges govt

BY VICTORIA OJEME

F

EDERAL government has been tasked to focus more attention on tackling the prevalence of diabetes amongst Nigerians by creating a special centre for the testing and treatment of the disease across the country.

Senator Lee Maeba who gave the charge in Abuja at the kick-off of a free diabetes screening exercise for diabetes to mark this year’s World Diabetes Day, expressed worry over the apparent neglect of the disorder while urging government at the top and other relevant stakeholders to commit reasonable resources to diabetes to reduce its spread.

Maeba, who is President, Senator Lee Maeba Foundation, enjoined Nigerians to be diabetes-free by eating balanced diet, reducing alcohol intake, avoiding cigarettes, exercising regularly and by reducing sugar intake.

Earlier, Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu said the Ministry is partnering and collaborating with wellmeaning organisations to minimise the impact of the disorder. He explained that more than three-quarters of diabetes deaths occur in low and middle income countries including Nigeria Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Sani Bala, Chukwu said 21 percent of persons (225,000) were aware of their condition while 18 percent (198,000) were on treatment.

The Minister maintained that the striking figures showed that millions of Nigerians have diabetes and many more are at the risk of developing it in the future.

• Cross section of participants during activities of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria, PAN, to mark the 2013 World Pneumonia Day, at the OAUTHC, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

SOGON prioritises maternal health in Lagos STORIES BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

T

OWARDS improving maternal health goals in Lagos and environs, the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, SOGON, Lagos Chapter, is partnering the Lagos State Government to document cases of maternal death and morbidity in the State.

Chairman, Lagos SOGON, Dr. Olurotimi Akinola, warned that henceforth, every case of maternal death will be documented and reviewed at every health facility and the data transferred to a statewide committee for further review it.

The Maternal Mortality ratio, MMR, in Lagos is estimated at 555 per 100,000 live

births - higher than the national average put at 545 per 100,000 live births.

Akinola, who spoke on activities outlined for the Society's upcoming 47th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Lagos, said the Committee will thereafter come up with recommendations to stop recurrence of such deaths.

"The Society has partnered the Lagos State government and we have established a maternal death register that will confidentially look into all the causes of death amongst pregnant women with a view of preventing such occurrence. This has already commenced in Lagos hospitals.

"Also, gynaecologists and obstetricians have adopted primary health centers

around their areas of convenience to render free specialist and professional services in order to achieve our goals in greatly reducing maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality," he said.

The SOGON Annual Scientific Conference is the largest single assembly of gyneacologists and obstetricians to discuss issues bordering on improving the health of women, and to review foetal/neonatal health. Theme for this year's scientific conference is “Family Planning and Development' with sub-themes such as “Ethics in Women and Reproductive Healthcare”, “Improving maternal and new born health- Role of primary health care” among others.

COMMON SEXUAL PROBLEMS AND THEIR NOVELTY BASED SOLUTIONS (ADVERTORIAL)

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ELLO everybody and welcome to our unveil ing of more new products. Today, we will start with a new supplement for erectile dysfunction called Rock Hard Weekend. Like many of our top supplements, Rock Hard Weekend is an all-natural erection enhancer for men who experience partial or total erection loss. Men of all ages can use it and in addition to giving you very firm erections, it also increases your sex drive and the stamina to have sex several times within a short while.

Rock Hard Weekend also ensures that you don’t have to wait for too long after ejaculating the first time before another erection comes around. Within minutes of ejaculating, you will get another erection. One pill of Rock Hard Weekend is fast acting and starts working as early as 30 minutes after taking it. One pill remains active in your body for three days so it is a wonderful formula that you only have to take every four days or twice a week. Rock Hard Weekend also comes in different packages so that if you cannot afford to buy the pack that will last you for a month, you can buy half a pack that will last you for two weeks. This is good news for all men that want a more affordable but effective erection enhancer.

Next on the list of new products is Sex Shots Black Cherry, a sexual performance drink for men who simply lack the energy to go the distance. Sex Shots Black Cheery is fruit flavored, all natural and safe.

It will give you the energy for hours of sexual performance especially after a long day at work.

As you all know, we always stress the importance of sex education. Nigeria as a country does not have the necessary structures through which comprehensive sex education can be taught to adults who need it. So we always try to bring in books that we can all learn from. Two of such books that just arrived are Sex Positions you never thought were possible and the G Spot and Female Ejaculation book. Both books are well done, easy to understand and full of

images that properly illustrate the points being made.

Sex is after all very practical in nature. Let us now answer a few questions from our readers.

I need a solution to premature ejaculation. I cannot satisfy a woman and I also lose my erection during sex sometimes – Moses Moses quick ejaculation is a common experience that haunts a lot of men. But it can be brought under control with a variety of means. You can solve it with e delay cream like the Rock Hard Delay Cream or with a penis sleeve such as the Nasstoys Penis Extender.

And then to avoid losing your erection, wear a Cockring during intercourse. A Cockring is a simple but effective device that prevents erection loss. An example is the new O Wow Cockring. But since you are experiencing weak erection as well, I recommend one product that handles all these problems and that product is Rhino 5. Rhino 5 gives strong erections, delays ejaculation, enlarges the penis and gives performance stamina. One capsule works for four days.

So it is perfect for you and adult men of all ages – Uche I have received my Power Stud vibrator. I am not a loud mouth but I had my first orgasm last night and I just had to testify. I like it – Grace Hello sir. Please what will you recommend for a newly married couple that want to have a long lasting successful romantic relationship? Thanks – Isaac Isaac I recommend the educational movie How to be a Better Lover by Wicked pictures. It will help both of you in many ways – Uche I took Rhino 5 last night. Good stuff. I want three more bottles. Well done - Mark That’s it for today. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 08027901621 or 08051924159 or any other number here. They can also order them online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. We deliver to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries, email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013 — 47

Why we are partnering NLC to build N960bn workers’ housing estates — Madawaki THE leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and its local partner Kriston Lally Ngeria EPC, recently visited Athens, Greece to meet with their foreign partners, Kriston-Lally Enterprises and Attikat on the NLC/Kriston-Lally N960 billion Workers Housing Scheme in Nigeria. The NLC was led by its President, Mr. Umar Abdulwaheed.

Managing Director/Chief Executive of Kriston Lally Ngeria Alhaji Mustapha Umar Madawaki spoke to Vanguard Homes & Property on the outcome of the visit and other related issues. Excerpts:

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG

W

E understand that you are having a partnership with a foreign company and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). What is the partnership about?

The relationship is with a Greek consortium Kriston Enterprises and Attikat. We have been partners for about 15 years and they own 40 per cent of our company.

We have been doing very well in construction management and we believe the relationship facilitated the contract to be signed with the Nigeria Labour Congress which is all about affordable housing for the Nigerian workers.

What was the purpose of your recent trip to Greece?

We signed the contract for the housing scheme in April 2013.

Ever since, the technical partners and ourselves have visited the NLC severally but at individual and committee levels. We are now at the close of starting the construction works in various sites, especially in Abuja. So, the leadership of NLC felt that it was proper for them to also come to Greece, and to see the people they are dealing with and to look at what they have done in the past. Although, this should have happened earlier but thanks to information technology, they have been able to do a lot to communications back and forth via the internet. But also, the physical presence of NLC officials here to look at them, to meet with them physically is very also important.

What is the level of Nigerian workers’ interest in this project?

When we started we thought it was something that will grow gradually over a period of time but because we did our home work very well, the level of acceptance is extremely high. In fact, right now we have closed our doors to workers because we don’t have land which could occupy more houses but we hope to resume phase two by the middle of next year.

Is the first phase only in Abuja ?

It is not supposed to be in Abuja alone, it is supposed to be na-

tionwide but right now the only land available is in Abuja, so we are to start in Abuja. Meanwhile in other states, the governors have co-operated; a lot of them have approved the land allocated to us through the NLC. Naturally, there are procedures and these procedures are so bureaucratic. However we believe that in a couple of weeks , some of

the certificates for these lands will come up. We will move to these areas and if you want to subscribe even for phase one, it will be available.

Approximately, how many people have subscribed for the scheme?

Roughly 5,000 people for phase one, most of which is in Abuja alone. But by the time you put together Port-Harcourt, Lagos we should be looking at 100, 000 houses.

I mean specifically for now.

How many people have subscribed?

As I said, 5,000, mostly in Abuja because we don’t have land yet in other states. Although they have been approved we don’t have the certificate yet. The moment we receive the certificate we will mobilise to the site, and be-

gin work immediately.

Will there be a second phase in Abuja?

Absolutely. There will be Phase II, III, IV, and V not only in Abuja but nationwide for as long as there are subscribers. You can’t compare the rush in Abuja, Lagos and Port-Harcourt to other states. May be in some states, when we do only phases I and II but I’m absolutely sure that in Lagos, Port-Harcourt and Abuja, we will do phase I, II, III, IV, and V. When do you think the second phase can come up in Abuja and when will you deliver the keys to the subscribers?

Like I said we are looking at the first and second quarter of next year.

We have said it before, we have advertised, it is there in our fli-

L-R Comrade. Promise Adewusi, NLC Dep. President, Mr. Ochia Cheng Hai Gang representing the funders of the project, Comrade. Abdulwahed Omar, NLC President, Mr. Attikat S.A, the Chief Executive of Kriston Lally Enterprises and Attikat , Alhaji Mustapha Umar Madawaki, CEO Kriston Lally Nigeria and another representative of the funders in Greece.

ers, on our website, it is December, 2014 and by the grace of God we will deliver it by December, 2014.

Are you assuring the subscribers?

Yes! Unless something beyond our control happens and right now we do not envisage any problem. Delivering 5,000 houses in 12 months, to us is not really a problem. It’s something we believe we can achieve.

Like I said we are expecting the initial funding to flow by second week of December and if that happens, we are expecting also that the president will launch the program in January.

And before he launches it, we would have been on site, we must have cleared and activities must have started. We are not expecting the President to come and clear bush or launch bushes. What we want is for the President to come and see that the work is in progress and give his blessing.

How will you ensure that there is no default by subscribers when the programme eventually takes off?

It is a difficult question and the best we can do is to put measures in place to ensure that every subscriber pays but we have also put in checks and balances if there is a default. Note that we will not give the house papers to subscribers until the full payment is completed and if a subscriber defaults for three months, then his agreement with us would be null and void. Whatever you must have contributed will be paid back to you less administrative charges and another person will take over that house. The beautiful part of it is the house is ours, you cannot take the house from your bank and run away, once you default we will have legal right to eject you because we will only issue you a final certificate of ownership only when you have completed the payment.

FG flags off construction of Zaria Water Project

BY FUNMI OLASUPO

A

BUJA – The Federal Government has commenced the construction of Zaria Water Supply expansion project.

The project located in Zaria and Kaduna states was started in 2006 with the construction of Galma multipurpose dam by the Federal Government mainly for supply of raw water to various communities, as well as irrigation and power generation.

The Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe who launched the construction of the project in Kaduna, said the project is a partnership with Kaduna State Government, African Development Bank and Islamic

Development Bank.

She said; “Our gathering here today is yet another milestone that will build on the effort of the Federal and State Governments through the support of our development partners.”

A statement signed by the Deputy Director Press, Boade Akinola quoted the Minister as saying that “the transmission mains, reservoirs and distribution networks to be constructed with the facilities being provided by Islamic Development Bank and African Development Bank will enhance the vision of providing sustainable potable water and adequate sanitation to the Zaria Township and surrounding villages”.

She said “phase one of the

project which comprises construction of dam, the civil work for the hydropower component and the intake pipe for the irrigation component have been completed, adding that efforts had being made to ensure the completion of the second phase that will include supply and installation of turbine, development of 400ha of farmland, contraction of irrigation canal, land leveling and water conveyance headwork. Ochekpe explained that the Federal Government through her Ministry has embarked on several initiatives that involve collaborative approaches in investment by different levels of government.

The Minister urged the imple-

menter of the project to ensure effective and efficient delivery of the programme to the intended beneficiaries of the project in particular and Nigeria in general.

She further thanked African Development Bank and Islamic Development Bank for supporting the Zaria Water Supply Expansion and Sanitation Project.

She urged other state governments to learn from Kaduna experience and join hands with Federal Government in collaborative efforts that will speedily turn the current situation of our water sector in the Country for the better.

48 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

Common Sense unveils 100–unit Lagos Signature Estate

BY PROVIDENCE OBUH

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OMMON Sense Estate Limited, a subsidiary of Common Sense Group, CSG, last week, unveiled a 100-unit housing estate that would be used for both commercial and residential purposes.

The estate which is sitting on 70 acres of land along Igborufu Road, Imagbon, Ita-Oluwo, off Ikorodu/Ishagamu Road, was christened Signature estate. It comprises one, two and three bedroom bungalows in detached, semi-detached and terraced plans.

The Chief Executive Officer, CSG, Mr. Olumide Emmanuel who spoke at the estate launch in Lagos, said the vision of the company is to make genuine and affordable lands and houses available to interested subscribers for residential and commercial purposes.

Emmanuel revealed that the estate is 40 minutes drive from Ikeja; it would also be about 40 minutes drive to Lekki after the completion of the proposed fourth mainland bridge.

“The entire estate known as

Dreamcity comprises 70 acres with over 500 plots. We have a separated section where we are building houses for sales and those houses are called Signature Estate,” he said.

The estate would be covered with a global certificate of occupancy and an approved government layout. The Common Sense boss boasted that all the facilities that would

make the estate worth living, are readily available. “Street lights, boreholes, transformer, estate shuttle, among others, are also available. For the road network, we have expended over N10 million on roads leading to the estate, as part of our contribution to

UN sounds alarm over ozone damaging nitrous oxide

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Unveiling of Signature Estate, Ikorodu.

LAWMA boosts PSP operations with 100 mini trucks

By KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE

T

HE Lagos State Waste Management Authority, LAWMA has acquired 100 Tata mini trucks for effective management of refuse in the state. The acquisition was informed by the need for proper coordination of refuse or domestic waste in some areas where heavy duty refuse disposal trucks cannot access.

The refuse disposal mini trucks which targets are the low income group in their respective areas, will operate as pay as you drop your refuse bag on daily basis, and charges are negotiable between PSP operators and refuse generators. Cart pushers formerly operating in such areas who have now been integrated into the PSP operations will work with PSP operators depending on agreement between the Handing over of the trucks to PSP operators at Ogudu, Lagos office of LAWMA last week, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello said the identified lapses encountered from the use of heavy duty trucks for waste collection by the PSP operators in the suburbs led to the introduction of the pilot scheme

development, without government support. We are doing what we can do, but we can only do the little we can, we can not do it alone because of the magnitude of the investment needed to do it,” he said.

Continuing, he said: “As at today, we have been able to sell over 300 plots to individuals, right now we still have over 100 plots available at the commercial level”, he said. The company ventured into real estate in 2005.

of mini garbage trucks in these areas to ease accessibility and ensure efficient services.

Bello added that the marked improvement recorded in waste collection in the pilot areas informed the need to extend the services to other areas. The TATA mini trucks have a 2.2 litre engine capacity and a four

stroke naturally aspirated indirect injection diesel engine.

Bello said they were built to easily navigate narrow alleys and enhance their capability to access tropical terrain.

“These mini trucks are also equipped with self-canceling turn signals and hazard warning switch with motorised

round-shaped built-in packing lamp. It is rear driven, it can tip and has easy accessibility to poor communities. It can run one kilometre radius, and can also be used to provide community waste depot which is an integral part of communal waste collection services for low income areas.

ICE Country rep decries poor utilisation of civil engineers

By KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE

T

HE Country Representative of the Insti tution of Civil Engineers, ICE in Nigeria, Mr. Joshua Egube has decried the nonutilisation of civil engineers in Nigeria.

Egube, also a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE made this observation in Lagos at a meeting and cocktail organised for members of ICE. Explaining that Nigerian civil engineers should be more engaged in designs of civil engineering projects, he regretted that many of them do not know that their services include canal, bridge, navigation, port, harbour and road designs.

The Country Representative who advocated the creation of jobs for Nigerian civil engineers to keep them busy, wondered why a civil engineer does not know that canal, bridge and such engineering project designs are aspects of the civil engineers’ job. Egube said the meeting was called to expose and educate Nigerian civil engineers on global civil engineering projects

and to be abreast with what obtains in advanced countries of the world.

“After today, we shall still continue to support initiatives and programmes to enlighten engineers and the general public about the roles of civil engineers, creating awareness in such a way that will improve the understanding of the public about Civil Engineering.

“With time we hope to get everyone to understand that in project conception as it affects roads, bridges, buildings, costing, valuation, water resources, sub-structures, superstructures, engineers should be consulted first to provide credible guidance to clients and developers because of their superior knowledge in Soil Engineering, Engineering Geology, Water Resources, Hydrology, Hydraulics, Structural Engineering, Costing, Bill of Engineering Measurements and Evaluation and Engineering Valuation, Engineering Laws and Project Management amongst others”, Egube who said he played a major role in the supervision of Asaba International Airport, Delta State, said.

EVELS of nitrous oxide, a gas that both depletes the ozone layer and stokes global warming, could nearly double by mid-century, the UN warned on Thursday.

“We need all hands on deck to combat the serious and significant increases in N2O [nitrous oxide] levels in the atmosphere,” UN Environment Programme, UNEP Chief Achim Steiner said in a report coinciding with the world climate talks in Warsaw.

Analysis by scientists from 35 organisations found that NO2 is now the most important ozonedepleting gas and the third most powerful greenhouse gas being emitted into the atmosphere, UNEP said.

On current trends, NO2 concentrations will rise by 83 percent by 2050 compared to 2005, the experts found.

NO2 exists naturally in the atmosphere in trace amounts, released as part of the exchange of nitrogen between the land and the air.

But levels of it have zoomed in the past decades, driven mainly by industrially-made nitrogen fertiliser in agriculture, pollution from road transport and emissions from the chemical industry.

The gas damages protective ozone molecules in the stratosphere, which help shield Earth from dangerous ultraviolet light. It is not one of the substances included in the 1987 Montreal Protocol designed to phase out a range of ozonedepleting chemicals.

NO2 is also a potent greenhouse gas, being more than 300 times more effective than carbon dioxide CO2, in trapping solar heat. A molecule lingers in the atmosphere for around 120 years before it degrades. With agriculture accounting for two-thirds of manmade NO2 emissions, there is plenty of potential to reduce emissions through more efficient use of fertiliser, UNEP said.

V anguard Vanguard anguard,, TUESDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2013 — 49

B-R-I-E-F-S

Syria gets January date for UN peace talks

Iranians hail Rouhani, welcome easing of sanctions I RANIANS turned out in large numbers to welcome their President, Hassan Rouhani for brokering a deal that that would see the US and European Union ease sanctions on the Persian nation. Infact, the European Union could ease its sanctions as soon as December, EU officials said yesterday.

The deal, which was sealed on Sunday, has been hailed as a potentially history-shaping deal that gives Tehran six months to increase access to its nuclear sites in exchange for keeping the core components of its uranium programmme.

The sanctions were in response to fears that Tehran is using its nuclear programme to build atomic arms. Iran denies it wants such weapons. But the sanctions have been crip-

pling the country’s economy.

“A Europe-wide decision is necessary ” to ease EU sanctions, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius told Europe 1 radio. “That’s expected in several weeks, for a partial lifting that is targeted, reversible.”

“It could be in December, it could be in January, it depends on how long the legislative process takes,” EU foreign affairs spokesman Michael Mann told reporters in Brussels.

A cross section of Iranian students welcoming President Rouhani yesterday.

Angola bans Islam B

Y popular demand, Angolan authorities have taken pre-emptive action and decided to ban the Muslim religion, which they consider a cult, NOT a religion. They see what Muslims are doing to nonMuslims, especially in Af-

rica, and are taking steps to prevent the same from happening in Angola.

In early October 2013, Muslims living in Luanda in the municipality of Viana Zango were shocked to see the minaret of their mosque dis-

POLL: More Americans doubt Obama’s ability to run government

A

growing number of Americans doubt President Barack Obama’s ability to manage the nation, according to a CNN/ORC poll released yesterday that reflects the possible larger impact of his administration’s fumbled rollout of its healthcare law.

The poll also found

that 53 percent of those polled said Obama is not honest or trustworthy, marking the first time that the CNN/ORC polling found a clear majority questioning the president’s integrity, CNN said.

Forty percent of the 843 U.S. adults surveyed in the telephone poll early last week said Obama

can manage the government effectively, down 12 percentage points from June.

The poll was conducted November 18-20 amid ongoing problems plaguing the president’s signature domestic policy achievement, the healthcare law widely known as Obamacare.

mantled into pieces on the ground without permission. On Thursday 3 October in the morning, Angolan authorities decided to destroy the mosque located in the urban district of Viana. The governor of Luanda, Bento announced in a radio spot that radical Muslims are not welcome in Angola and the Angolan government is not ready for the legalization of mosques in Angola.

Last Tuesday, November 19, the Minister of Culture, Rosa Cruz e Silva said.

“Regarding Islam, the legalization process has not been approved by the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights. Therefore all mosques would be closed until further notice. “ It should be noted that the Angolan government has made closing of all mosques a priority.

Scotland fixes March 24 as independence day

S

US President, Obama at a meeting

COTLAND will be come independent of the United Kingdom on March 24, 2016 if a majority of Scots vote to end their 306-year-old union next year, with the Scottish government saying it is naming its “date with destiny” for the first time.

Scotland’s devolved government, which is con-

S-Arabia, Kuwait tighten control on clerics

S

AUDI Arabia and Kuwait have been quietly reining in their clerics on concerns that preachers could use their influence to stir up trouble and inflame sec-

tarian divisions at a time of high tension over the crises in Syria and Egypt.

Authorities in Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam and home to a

powerful conservative clergy, have declined to respond to local media reports in recent months which said nearly 20 clerics had been sacked or suspended.

trolled by the Scottish National Party (SNP), made the announcement as it prepared to release today what it said would be the most detailed blueprint for an independent country yet.

Trailing in the independence debate by about 10 percentage points, the SNP hopes to seize the political initiative with the publication of the prospectus, which it says will shift the dynamic and the momentum of the debate in its favour.

Naming a precise date is part of a plan to try to make the idea of a breakaway more tangible in voters’ minds.

T

HE United Nations has set a date for talks between the Syrian government and opposition, in an attempt to push through the first such meeting since the start of the country’s 32month-old war.

The UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, said yesterday that the conference, to be held in Geneva on January 22, was “a mission of hope” to end the civil war and agree a transitional gov-

ernment “with full executive powers”.

However Laui Safi, a spokesman for the opposition Syrian National Coalition, said shortly after the announcement that the group would only attend if the Syrian regime met its preconditions: the release of prisoners and relief for besieged towns, and that the current president, Bashar al-Assad, has no part to play in the new transitional government.

Fresh Supreme Court challenge for Obamacare

I

N a private confer ence on Tuesday, the nine Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court will consider four potential challenges to the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare.

Experts believe at least one case will be accepted by the court, to be argued and decided in its current term next year.

Some court watchers believe the case that has the best chance of getting its day in front of the

Justices is Sebelius v.

Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. In the Hobby Lobby case, the national hobby and crafts chain store has petitioned the Court to take on the Obamacare birth control mandate that applies to for-profit companies.

The Obama administration also has asked the Court to take up the Hobby Lobby case.

Brazil’s beach robberies on the rise

A

HEAD of next years World Cup finals, Brazil is facing an increase in the rate of Beach robberies. With the tropical sun blazing from a near cloudless sky and waves lapping at golden sand, it seemed like a perfect day at the beach in Rio de Janeiro.

Then dozens of marauding youths descended en masse, snatching beach bags and cellphones, ripping gold chains from necks and setting off

sandy stampedes by panicked beachgoers.

Such mass beach robberies were once a hair-raisingly frequent occurrence, but they had largely disappeared in recent years as this notoriously dangerous city got markedly safer — a trend credited to a galloping economy and police operations that wrested control of more than 200 “favela” hillside slums from the drug-dealing gangs that controlled them.

Filipino prisoners return to jail

N

O fewer that 600 prisoners who escaped on November 8, when Typhoon Haiyan touched down in the Philippines have decided to return to the Leyte Provincial Jail from where they escaped. They didn’t have a choice—the winds tore the roofs clean off the tiny complex, which was then almost instantly flooded by water gushing down from the mountains.

But since then, about half of those inmates have returned, willingly, to face their upcoming trials. And

according to Agence France-Presse, many spent their time outside helping their families recover from the typhoon’s destruction. “I just wanted to make sure that my family was safe,” Renato Comora told the AFP. “After that, I returned on my own because I don’t want to live the life of a fugitive.” Comora, who’s on trial for attempted murder, traveled 18 miles from the jail to his home to check on his wife and kids, before turning himself back in to authorities.

50— Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013—51

L-R: Vice President, School of Media and Communications Alumni Association, SMCAA, Mr. Peter Nwaochei; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Inspiration FM, Mr. Soni Irabor; Executive Council Member, SMCAA, Maria Okorejior and Mr. Dan Oshodin, Secretary of SMCAA during a working visit to Inspiration, weekend.

nPDP suffers major setback •as Bauchi leaders dump Baraje for Tukur

BY HENRY UMORU

A

BUJA— THE Abubakar Kawu Baraje led splinter group of the Peoples Democratic Party, yesterday, suffered a major setback as leaders and members from Bauchi State chapter have dumped Baraje and immediately pushed its allegiance to the PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

Before announcing their decision to dump Baraje, the former nPDP members in Bauchi State who commended what they described as “the resilience, forthrightness and prompt response to all seemingly daunting challenges by Alhaji Tukur," stressed that they were strongly behind him and will surely work hard to reconcile with all other PDP members in the State.

Loyalty and solidarity In a letter dated November 19, 2013 and signed by Mohammed Lawal Isa, Chairman, Comrade Ishaq Umar Kafi, Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Doma, Youth Leader, and Hajiya Khadijia Baba Fika, Woman Leader, they said, “now we are better informed. We wish to extend our unflinching loyalty and solidarity to you (Bamanga Tukur). We know that within this short period, you have introduced programmes aimed at rejuvenating the party towards success and victory in 2015.”

The returnee party members who explained that they were not unaware of the gesture which the present administration has extended to Bauchi State through the appointment of one of their own, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed as the FCT Minister,

said, “The State (Bauchi) has never had a kind-hearted, generous, pragmatic and astute leader of this kind at any other time before now. He has consistently and succinctly made it clear to us that he believes in Mr. President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the ingenuity you have brought to bear since your assumption as the National Chairman of our great party.

The former rebel PDP members who described the FCT Minister as somebody who believes in oneness of Bauchi State, stressed that Bauchi State has no reason to join any faction of the party, adding that the FCT Minister has

continued to preach that the entire Northeast should support the Federal Government under President Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP under the leadership of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

They said, “Senator Bala Mohammed has continued to spread this good message to anyone who cares to listen. He recognizes the efforts of Mr. President to transform various sectors of the economy and all states of the federation and we are supposed to take good advantage of all the good policies/programmes of the Federal Government instead of engaging ourselves in selfish exercise that is against good governance.”

Stella Oduah's driver in assassination scare

BY OKEY NDIRIBE

M

INISTER of Avia tion, Stella Oduah's driver was, weekend, involved in an assassination scare. He was reportedly attacked by armed hoodlums in Abuja.

The attack was confirmed, yesterday, by the minister's Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Joe Obi, in a telephone interview he granted to Vanguard.

Obi told Vanguard that the incident occurred at Minister’s Quarters, near Mabushi Area of the Federal Capital City.

He said, “The incident occurred last Friday at about 10.30 pm. The Minister’s driver was driving her private car, an Escalade Saloon somewhere at the Ministers’ quarters within Mabushi. He was suddenly confronted by armed hoodlums who opened fire on the car.

They fired three shots but only one of the bullets pierced the boot of the car."

Obi added that case had been reported to the Federal Capital Territory Police Command.

However, the Commissioner of Police incharge of FCT, Mr Femi Ogunbayode has denied knowledge of any attempt on the life of the Minister.

He said, “What happened was that the Minister’s driver was going home in a private vehicle after closing from work when he ran into some gun men on the way. The driver was not driving the Minister’s car when the incident happened.”

The Police PRO, Abuja, DSP Daniel Atine, told Vanguard that they found a metal in the car and that the forensic test of the metal will be carried out.

52— Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

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Vanguard, TUESDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2013 — 53

Nigerian Sports Award: Uduaghan, Imoke, Fashola battle for honours

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BY JACOB AJOM

A

LL roads lead to the Muson Centre Onikan, Lagos as the longawaited day for the emergence of winners in the various categories of the 2013 Nigerian Sports Award is here. Prominent sports men and women who have excelled in different aspects of sports will be honoured today in a grand presentation ceremony billed for the Muson Centre.

Except there is a sudden twist in the voting pattern, Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi is in strong contention for the coach of the year award. Keshi is nominated for the revered award alongside Coach Manu Garba who led the Golden Eaglets to the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup triumph in UAE recently.

Similarly, Nigeria and Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel is in a pole position to bag the Footballer of the Year Award. On loan Chelsea striker, Victor Moses and Sunday Mba are the other nominees for the footballer of the year category.

Perpetual Nkwocha, Stella Mbachu and Ebere Orji are contenders for the female category The biggest battle, however is the Sports Governor of the Year category where Governors Babatunde Fashola of Lagos, Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta and Liyel Imoke of Cross River State are contenders. It was hard to pick who the likely winner will be as the three

Imoke

Uduaghan governors were running neck-to-neck in the race for the award. Imoke has a strong youth athletics programme in his state aside hosting Eagles and Golden Eaglets matches.

Fashola has embarked on development at youth and community levels.

Uduaghan was the pillar to Delta’s victory at the last

proved beyond reasonable doubt.

In a related development, the Emergency Committee also upheld the recommendation of the investigative committee into an allegation of impersonation against the Chairman of Enugu State Football Association, Mr. Chidi Ofo Okenwa, to the effect that Okenwa, i n d e e d , has a case to answer.

The Committee has referred the case to the

Sports Festival and he has started a special track and field programme in Delta State after he revived football in secondary schools. He supports Nigerian athletes who compete internationally and sponsored the training of Blessing Okagbare to the last World Championships in

Fashola Moscow where she won two medals. He has also taken care of her training for the next Olympics and enlisted other athletes for similar sponsorship.

Delta’s Ogedegbe, a primary school in warri axis won the national U 13 Soccer Championship sponsored by Channels Television.

NATIONAL SCHOOL SPORTS FESTIVAL

Kwara beats Oyo to gold medal in U-13 girls’ handball

H

OST – Kwara State beats their Oyo State counterpart 24-4 to claim gold medal in the girls’ U-13 handball event at the ongoing Sterling Bank-sponsored National School Sports Festival holding in Ilorin.

Both teams had to play the final as the only team registered for the event.

Coordinator of handball in Kwara, Peter Jimoh said the victory was well deserved as the players showed understanding.

Dike Continues from BP US-based striker in the pecking order.

He missed the final cut for the 2013 Africa Cup of

NFF Continues from BP

GOLF: Olaitan wins First Bank Open

Inspector General of Police for full police investigation. In the meantime, Mr. Ofo Okenwa is to step aside as Chairman of Enugu State Football Association pending the conclusion of police investigation.

Present at the meeting were NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, Vice President, Chief Mike Umeh and other Members, Chief Emeka Inyama, Alhaji Muazu Suleyman, Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed Fresh and Alhaji Ahmad Muazu Kawu.

Nations.

“Playing at the World Cup is what I have dreamt of since I was a little boy. I will do my best to make the squad for Brazil 2014 and I will remember it for the rest of my life,” Dike told MTNFootball.com He also said Nigeria are capable of making history by winning the tournament.

“We can win the trophy, that’s our goal and that’s what we are striving for. We want to go as far as we could at the World Cup. We must push each other as teammates to past our limits to achieve this,” he said.

On his performance for Toronto FC in the just concluded MLS season, the former Portland Timbers forward said he hopes to improve in the coming campaign.

Continues from BP sacked and replaced by Adegboye Onigbinde before the showpiece in South Korea and Japan.

Four years later Keshi experienced a similar fate when he was sacked by Togo ahead of the 2006 World Cup in Germany despite having guided them to the finals for the first - and to date only time in their history.

Keshi could therefore be forgiven for feeling nervous history could repeat itself once more, but the 51-year-old is philosophical about the nature of football.

“This job is all about hiring and firing,” Keshi told BBC Sport. “When I was sacked in 2002 it came as a terrible shock but that is life, we all moved on because you can’t keep living in anger and disappointment.

“We are talking about Nigeria here, so you never know what may happen.

“But what is important right now is that we are only focusing on what lies ahead which is preparing my players and nothing else.

“You can’t distract yourself with what might happen or could happen.

We’ve achieved beyond

MATEUR Golfer Olaitan Muyideen of Ikeja Golf Club over the weekend beat over 80 competitors from all the nook and crannies of Nigeria to win the prestigious First Bank Lagos Amateur Open.

Olaitan total gross was 155. Bawa Umur of Kaduna Golf Club gross of 157 ensured that he placed second, while Ajah Millu of Dolphins Golf Club was third.

In the Ladies Guest tournament Samuel Bella won, the runners-up was Hall Ellen. In the Men Guest event, Tunde Oremule and Charles Idowu were winner and runner-up respectively.

The new champion, Olaitan was on cloud nine when he was declared the overall winner on Sunday.

Many golfers were taken aback by his exceeding joy considering that he has won the tournament twice

Keshi some people’s expectations but the rebuilding exercise continues.

“I don’t live in fear [of getting the sack]. To be honest, it is just a waste of energy, it is energysapping.”

Keshi has had a stormy relationship with his employers, the Nigeria Football Federation, since leading an inexperienced side to the Africa Cup of Nations glory in South Africa at the start of 2013.

Back in February he decided against resigning from his post only hours after leading the country to their first Nations Cup title since 1994.

He and his assistants are owed seven months’ salary and Keshi has been paid only two months’ salary since he led the Super Eagles to that title 10 months ago.

Keshi feels the situation is disrespectful, unacceptable and has publicly criticised the NFF for failing to pay him his salary arrears.

While the Nigeria sports minister Bolaji Abdullahi has chastised him for taking the matter to the media, the former Togo and Mali coach has decided to focus on the task

before, but Olaitan sees this win as important and if not more important than the two previous successes, “First Bank Open is the biggest and the most prestigious amateur tournament in Nigeria. To win the first time, second time and now the third time is a big feat that means I am the road to being a legend. I intend to participate in this tournament and win again and again; this victory is sweet, better than the first and the second one” In his message to the guests and golfers at the award that rounded the tournament on Sunday night, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank PLC Bisi Onasanya commended Ikoyi Club 1938 for ensuring top-notch maintenance of its golf course.

ahead.

“We have the CHAN tournament in South Africa to prepare for as well as focus on improving the team in friendlies,” Keshi said.

“You have to keep looking forward. We are building a team that Nigerians will be proud of and there is still room for improvement.”

Keshi is the first black African coach to have won the Nations Cup trophy in 21 years and the only African coach to have qualified two nations to the World Cup tournament.

Meanwhile, Keshi says he is stunned to hear top officials proposing to employ a foreign coach to assist him during the World Cup. “I don’t need any foreign technical assistance to guide the Super Eagles to perform well at the World Cup so if one is suggested I will politely reject the offer because I already have capable assistants working with me,” Keshi said.

“Let them (those clamouring for it include the NFF) provide us an enabling atmosphere and requirement and we shall get the job done in Brazil.

We are not saying we shall win the World Cup but we shall make an impact.”

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54 — Vanguard, TUESDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2013

Red alert as Dortmund battle Napoli B

ORUSSIA Dortmund face their most difficult challenge of the past three years tonight when they host Napoli in a make-or-break Champions League encounter.

Without a win, Dortmund could well be out of the Champions League, or at best, no longer in control of their own destiny, and coming into such a game after a 3-0 defeat to bitter rivals Bayern Munich makes it particularly challeng-ing.

“I’ve told my players they can be depressed for

Atlético get boost ahead Zenith tie

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TLÉTICO de Madrid landed in St Petersburg boosted by the news that they are officially the best team in Europe this season, at least according to the UEFA coefficients, which the ‘Rojiblancos’ top with 13,857 points.

Diego Simeone’s side are currently the only team to have wrapped up first place in their Champions League group. Though Bayern have also won all of their games in the competition, Atlético have the lead overall because ‘La Liga’ has a much higher coefficient than the Bundesliga.

Costa

Higuain

Wenger keen to top UCL group A RSENE Wenger has stressed the importance of Arsenal finishing top in their Champions League group, and says he would “feel guilty” if the club were again handed a difficult draw in the last 16 as a consequence of dropping to second.

Wenger, though, is intent on reaching the 12 point tally after the game at the Emirates Stadium against Marseille tonight, giving his side the best chance of both qualification into the next round and claiming top spot.

“It is in our interests to finish first. Don’t forget, we won’t neglect that if we have the opportunity to do it, but first let’s go step by step, let’s first qualify and, if we can, of course finish top of the group.''

Lewandowski

C

ELTIC will not underestimate outof-form visitors AC Milan in today ’s Champions League clash, according to manager Neil Lennon.

Milan have won only three of their 13 Serie A matches this season, but Lennon has warned against complacency.

The Scottish champions are bottom of Group H, but victory against the Italians would keep alive their hopes of reaching

Wenger

Balotelli the last 16.

“If anyone thinks we’re underestimating them then think again,” said Lennon.

Torres returns to banish Basel blues C HELSEA travel to Switzerland for a European tie against FC Basel today knowing a draw will secure their spot

A

Messi We always think more offensively than defensively and this is similar. I am used to

situation for us. We just need to draw the right conclusions, add a bit of clarity and then we can be confident about Tuesday.”

Celtic wary of Milan threat

De Boer: Barca still strong without Messi JAX boss Frank de Boer has warned that Barcelona have proven to be a force to be reckoned with even when they have been without Lionel Messi this season.

“I hope we can get the best out of ourselves, play well and get a good result. But for me it is always about the football and if you do that well than you can get a good result. I expect it to be a spectacle because both teams like to attack and play forward. ”We have the same philosophy as Barcelona, we play technically, we want to play offensively.

five minutes, but then things move on,” said coach Jurgen Klopp.

“We’ve got to think about our next game.

“This is an unusual

playing like this as a player and as a coach. I want to show that tomorrow.''

in the Champions League knockout stage.

The Blues can at least guarantee second place in Group E with a draw but victory over Basel. Chelsea responded to that early defeat by going on to win their next three European fixtures and are now on the verge of reaching the tournament’s latter stages, one year on from becoming the first Champions League winners to fall at the first hurdle.

Striker Fernando Torres has been named in the squad after recovering from a muscle problem quicker than was anticipated.

However Brazil international defender David Luiz has not travelled and is expected to be ruled out for one week with a bruised kneecap.

Torres

Vanguard, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013—55

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VANGUARD, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013

NFF slams 10 -year ban on Adepoju T

I’m not afraid of sack — Keshi S

TEPHEN Keshi insists he is not worried he could be sacked before the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Under Keshi’s guidance Nigeria reached next year ’s finals after a 4-1 aggregate win over Ethiopia in the play-offs.

But the former Super Eagles captain has twice before missed out on the tournament after a successful qualification campaign.

In 2002 Keshi was assistant to Shuaibu Amodu when Nigeria qualified for the World Cup, but the pair were Continues on Page 53

•Keshi

HE Emergency Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has upheld the recommendation of the investigative committee into bribery allegation against a member of the Committee, Barrister Olaleye Adepoju, placing a 10-year ban from all football-related activities on the former chairman of NFF Disciplinary Committee.

Following a meeting of the investigative committee headed by

Dike aims to make World Cup cut

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ORONTO FC striker Bright Dike has said he will fight to make Nigeria final squad to next year’s World Cup. Dike scored his second Eagles goal in the recent friendly against Italy in London but competition for places in attack will again be fierce as the likes of Emmanuel Emenike, Brown Ideye, Ahmed Musa, Obinna Nsofor and Shola Ameobi are ahead of the Continues on Page 53

Barrister Chris Green at the NFF Secretariat in Abuja on Monday, the Emergency Committee was convened to look into its recommendations with a view to treating the matter with dispatch.

Apart from Barrister Adepoju, the former Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Oyo State, Mr. Dapo Lam-Adesina, also bagged a 10-year ban.

It was the unanimous position of the Emergency Committee that the case against Barrister Adepoju was Continues on Page 53

Champions League Today matches Group E V Chelsea 8:45 S/Bucharest V Schalke 04 8:45 Basel

Group F Arsenal V 8:45

Marseille

Dortmund V Napoli 8:45 Group G Zenit V 6:00

A/Madrid

FC Porto V Austria Vienna 8:45 Group H Ajax V 8:45 Celtic V 8:45

Barcelona Milan

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Hairless (4) 4 Mournful (3) 6 Sagacious (4) 9 Mineral (3) 10 Discern (8) 11 Mask (4) 14 Jewel (3) 16 Deduce (5) 19 Prodigal (8) 21 Teacher (5) 23 Influence (8) 24 Sticky (5) 27 Immerse (3) 31 Statuette (4) 33 Watchful (8) 34 Resin (3) 36 Askew (3) 37 Look (4)

DOWN 2 Mimicked (4) 3 Harbour (4) 4 Malicious (8) 5 Regimen (4) 6 Plaited (5) 7 Anger (3) 8 Grab (5) 12 Contort (5) 13 Savoury jelly (5) 14 Obtain (3) 15 Muffled (5) 17 Drift (5) 18 Carouse (5) 20 Affectionately (8) 22 Material (3) 25 Mature (5) 26 Boat (5) 28 Affirm (4) 29 Flutter (4) 30 Formerly (4) 32 Bag (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Squall 5, Stuffy 8, Disaster 9, Neat 10, Web 12, Grind 15, Set 17, Lea 18, Urn 19, Ado 20, Focus 21, Inn 22, Off 23, Kid 24, Had 26, Early 29, Ewe 33, Sure 34, Nobility 35, Betray 36, Loathe.

DOWN: 2, Quite 3, Away 4, Later 5, Siren 6, Ulna 7, Flake 10, Wrath 11, Blood 12, Gafe 13, Incur 14, Dusky 15, Snide 16, Tinge 25, Azure 27, Annoy 28, Label 30, Witch 31, Gear 32, Plea.

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.

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-8944295. Advert Dept: 01-7924470; Hotline: 01-8737028; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: MIDENO BAYAGBON. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.