N29BN ARMS PROBE: EFCC detains ex-Chief of Air Staff, Amosu

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62682

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016

I won't devalue Naira, says Buhari 9

$3BN LOSS: Senate probes power projects sale by Jonathan, 43 queries BPE

N29BN ARMS PROBE:

EFCC detains ex-Chief of Air Staff, Amosu

By Soni Daniel, Kingsley Omonobi, Clifford Ndujihe & Dapo Akinrefon

•Buhari fighting insurgency with arms I bought — Jonathan •Says PDP'll bounce back •Jonathan bought junk weapons—Presidency

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B U J A — FOLLOWING his alleged indictment in the N29 billion arms probe, former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Adesola Amosu, was, Wednesday, invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, grilled on his role and detained because all issues pertaining to his alleged indictment were

Continues on Page 5

Obasanjo's letter misdirected —REPS •He introduced bribery to NASS — Melaye 43

Mr & Mrs FIRE—MRS filing station gutted by Fire at Lawanson, in Lagos, yesterday. Photos: Akeem Salau.

COLUMNISTS: Royal rumble over Olubadan stool See inside C M Y K

Ethiopia can still be saved from bloodshed •P.19

No money!

•P.17

Nigeria imported 16.03 MT of fuel in 2015 43

2— Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29 , 2016

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POCKET CARTOON

CELEBRATION—Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, celebrating his victory at the Supreme Court on the streets of Port-Harcourt, yesterday.

EFCC detains ex-Chief of Air Staff, Amosu Continues from Page 1 not concluded.

This came as former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, said President Muhammadu Buhari's government was prosecuting the war against the Boko Haram insurgency with arms his administration procured.

Operatives of the EFCC were said to have continued the interrogation of the former Air Chief, yesterday, at EFCC headquarters and at press time, Amosu was still with the anti-graft agency.

Sources disclosed that Air Marshal Amosu arrived EFCC premises in the evening of Wednesday, but was later joined by some other officers of the ranks of Air Vice-Marshals, some of who served under him as Principal Staff Officers or Directors at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force.

Asked if the former Air Chief will be granted administrative bail since he honoured his invitation, a source said that depended on the level of the interrogation.

NAF under Amosun, was alleged to have

admitted receiving nonexistent ammunition and aircraft, a development which a presidential panel frowned at.

P r e s i d e n t Muhammadu Buhari ordered the probe of arms procurement and the panel indicted top military and political actors who are being tried in court.

Many other top military officers named in the arms scam have had their property sealed as a first step towards confiscating them.

Efforts to get the spokesman of EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren to confirm the interrogation of the former Air Chief proved abortive.

IT'S UP TO YOU

Buhari fighting insurgency with arms I bought — Jonathan

TAKE HEART

Meanwhile, former President Goodluck Jonathan, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari’s government was prosecuting the war against the Boko Haram insurgency with the arms his administration procured.

Insisting that he laid a solid foundation for terrorism to be defeated, Dr Jonathan expressed hope that very soon, the new government would defeat the insurgency.

Jonathan, who spoke in an interview with France 24 as quoted by The Cable , said that insurgency caught the

BY AYO ADIO HE challenges of life could bring you down.

However, the choice to stay down is absolutely yours. It’s up to you.

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BY ELLA RANDLE

As we express our gratitude, we must remember that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them —John F Kennedy

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RATEFUL people have a higher sense of selfworth. I think that’s because when you’re grateful, you have the sense that someone else is looking out for you. Once you start to recognize the contributions that other people have made to your life, once you realize that other people have seen the value in you, you can transform the way you see yourself. Just because gratitude is good doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Practicing gratitude can be at odds with some deeply ingrained psychological tendencies but if we focus on gratitude, we’ll attract our heart desires.

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE

If an animal runs a dangerous race, the hunter will take a dangerous shot.

country unawares but noted that his government laid a solid foundation for terrorism to be defeated.

His words: “The new government is working hard and I believe they are still using the equipment we procured.

Though the budget is still being debated, no new equipment has been bought, so even those equipment the President is using to prosecute the war against Boko Haram are those equipment we procured.

“When Boko Haram started in Nigeria, we had no terror experience.

Yes, we had armed robbery and other common crimes, but terrorism was different because the people involved were not afraid to die. So, you need a different mechanism to confront terrorism; you need superior technology to be able to stop them even before they attack.

We never had the equipment, but when we were confronted, we started acquiring and before I left office, we built reasonable capacity and I believe with what we left behind and also with what the new government will acquire, they will be able to prosecute this terror war to a reasonable conclusion.”

PDP ‘ll bounce back On the crisis ravaging the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Jonathan

expressed optimism that the former ruling party would soon gain stability.

“The PDP definitely will have some minor issues, it is expected. We lost the presidency and definitely we will have some kind of leadership problems. When you have a president, everybody looks up to the president. But when you no longer have the president, it becomes difficult for the party to have strong leadership.

I believe whatever you observe will be sorted out. Leaders of the party, elders of the party have been meeting and all the perceived disagreements will soon be sorted out.

“Every political party has misunderstanding, it is not new, it is always there.

From the beginning of PDP, even before I got to Abuja as a Vice-President and President, there were instances when the chairman of the party will be asked to step down.

And some officers leave from time to time when there are issues. So what is happening is not new but I promise you that PDP will stabilize.

"In fact, by March this year, we are going to elect officers at the lowest levels of the wards to the local government, to the states, to the zones then of course the national officers will be elected. So the party will bounce back, whatever you are perceiving, it always happens and we will get over it,” he said.

Jonathan bought junk weapons —Presidency Debunking the former President’s claim, the Presidency, yesterday, maintained that weapons bought by the previous administration were mostly junk.

In a statement by Senior Special Assistant

to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the presidency said the former president got his facts mixed up.

The statement read: "We have it on good authority that the former President did not get the correct briefing on these facts.

Weapons bought by his government were mostly junk.

"From the revelations of the procurement investigation committee now going on, it is clear that his government was ill-advised in its procurement processes.

"Evidence shows that some of his service chiefs used criminally-minded vendors to defraud the country of billions of Naira.

"For instance, bullion vans, the ones used in ferrying cash to and from banks were procured and presented in military colours as armoured personnel carriers.

Bullion vans have what the military call “soft skin,” which is easily penetrated by bullet.

"On good authority, we have equally been informed that “floatation jackets” were brought in as bullet-proof jackets. If the correct procurement procedure had been followed, in a government-togovernment order as we now have under the Buhari administration, this disservice to the nation would not have happened.

"This administration found out, upon investigation that most of those things the soldiers at the front were complaining against were true. The personal weapons they were made to carry were those bought in the 60s, 70s and the 80s.

Those defective weapons are now being replaced even as investigations are still going on."

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016

Commercial sex worker docked for allegedly assaulting policeman

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27-year-old commercial sex worker, Faith Imojire, who allegedly assaulted a policeman, was yesterday arraigned in an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court, Lagos.

The prosecutor, Corporal Mike Unah, told the court that the accused committed the offence on January 21 at 14, Aromire Street, Ikeja, Lagos.

Unah said the accused assaulted one Sergeant Friday Orah by beating him up and attempting to seize his rifle.

He said the policeman was trying to settle a dispute between the accused and a man who refused to pay her after patronising her.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Senior Magistrate, Mrs A. O. Gbajumo, granted the accused N25,000 bail, with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case till February 17 for mention.

Lagos reads riot act over tomorrow's sanitation exercise

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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AGOS State Government has cautioned residents to observe the first monthly environmental sanitation exercise for the year 2016, scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, January 30.

It warned that anyone caught flouting the usual restriction of human and vehicular movement during the exercise between the hours of 7a.m. and 10a.m. will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, who gave the warning yesterday, urged residents to participate actively in the exercise, being the first in the year, by cleaning their homes, drains and their environment.

Adejare said that relevant agencies have been fully equipped to cart away the backlog of refuse.

EFCC operative batters, abandons lover over refusal to abort pregnancy

By Evelyn Usman

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AGOS—A teenager, who alleged that she had been abandoned after being impregnated by an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has appealed to authorities of the commission to intervene.

The pregnant teenager, Blessing Nwokpa, also alleged that effort to reach her estranged lover (names withheld) earned her a beating at the commission’s office in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The 19-year-old claimed that the operative took advantage of her homelessness to put her in the family way, only to abandon her when it mattered most.

Trouble, as gathered, started after Nwokpa who worked as a canteen attendant at the Awolowo Road, Ikoyi office of EFCC, had accommodation problem. She was compelled to be sleeping in the canteen, when her lover reportedly offered to give her shelter.

Her story

According to the expectant mother, who is currently in the custody of the Legal Aids Council, “I was staying with my brother when I left Enugu for

‘He gave me N18,000 for abortion’ Lagos. He found the canteen job for me.

“At a point he had accommodation problem and I was sleeping in the canteen when the EFCC man said I could be sleeping in his house until my brother get another apartment.

“I accepted without thinking of the impossible. But at night he would lure me into having sex with him until I became pregnant without knowing.

“When I eventually discovered I was pregnant, I told him and his attitude towards me changed. He gave me N18,000 to abort the pregnancy but I refused. When he discovered I was still keeping the pregnancy, he started beating me and threw my things out of his apartment.

“He beat me to a pulp when I went to his office to request for money for ante-natal. Some of his senior colleagues rescued me,” adding that she was sacked at the canteen because of her pregnancy.

Legal Aids intervenes

She was reportedly directed

Blessing Nwokpa... He should take care of the baby. to the Legal Aids Council where she lodged the complaint.

Vanguard was informed that attempt by the council to make peace between the duo failed as the EFCC officer did not show up when invited.

The teenager said all she needed was for the EFCC

operative to take responsibility of the pregnancy and not necessarily to marry her.

Efforts by Vanguard to reach the concerned EFCC officer on his mobile phone failed as it was switched off. Sources at the commission told Vanguard that the matter was a private one.

200 traders displaced as fire razes Ketu plank market

By Bose Adebayo & Monsuru Olowoopejo

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AGOS—NO fewer than 200 traders were, yesterday, displaced after an early morning fire razed Jakande Plank Market, Ketu, Kosofe Local Government Area, Lagos, destroying property worth millions of Naira.

When Vanguard visited the market, it was gathered that the fire started at about 4a.m., razing three buildings, several makeshift shops and three vehicles in the market.

Other burnt items were several power generating sets, cutting machines, smoothers, sawmills and animals.

Although Lagos State Emergency Response Team, ERT, which include officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA and State Fire Service eventually arrived the scene, their access into the market was initially hampered by poor drainage system.

There were divergent views over the cause of the inferno.

While some attributed the cause of the fire to power surge from one of the poles in the market, others said it was caused by naked fire from the sawmill section of the market.

Many of the affected traders

RAZED: Ikosi Ketu Saw Mill, Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: Akeem Salau. kept sealed lips when Vanguard visited the scene of the incident believing that the incident might lead to their relocation by the government.

Director Lagos State Fire Service, Razak Fadipe, and LASEMA General Manager, Mr. Michael Akindele, said three fire trucks were used to battle the fire, which raged for about an hour before they could access the scene.

Fadipe said: “My men arrived the scene 10 minutes after a distress call, but the sawmill was located inside Ketu Market and the nearest bus stop to the scene was inaccessible due to a damaged drainage covered by

planks.

“Although small vehicles were able to access the place, trucks and haulage vehicles could not,

a situation which made my men to seek alternative route and before this was done lots of properties were affected.”

Police in Bauchi, Taraba exhume remains of kidnap victim

By Suzan Edeh

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AUCHI—BAUCHI Police detectives in collaboration with the Taraba State Police Command have exhumed the remains of a kidnapped victim identified as Alhaji Bello Maikarfi Haruna, who was reportedly abducted and buried

alive in a shallow grave.

According to a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Haruna Mohammed, the Police in Bauchi received a formal complaint on December 4, 2015 from relatives of the deceased in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, that on

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016—7

Bizman docked for alleged impersonation, N13.9m fraud

6 injured as fuel tanker runs over four vehicles, Okada in Awka

By Vincent Ujumadu

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WKA—SIX persons were injured in multiple accidents involving a tanker conveying Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, and four other vehicles along the EnuguOnitsha Expressway in Awka.

It was learned that the tanker conveying PMS lost control and collided with a tipper, two buses, a Nissan Sunny with number plates YA 262 ENU and a commercial motorcycle, popularly known as Okada.

The tanker was descending the Government House slope from the Onitsha end of the expressway when the accident occurred.

No life was lost and the injured persons were quickly rushed to the hospital by men of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, the police traffic personnel, the fire service and sympathizers, who were on hand to assist the victims.

A fire fighter, Mr. Uchechukwu Samuel, said the situation would have been very bad if they had not arrived the scene immediately they were contacted, explaining that they were able to control the situation with the assistance of other agencies.

There were similar accidents at the same spot in recent time, with many lives lost.

By Onozure Dania

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CRASH: The petrol tanker.

Man, 50, arraigned for trafficking 10 children

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50-year-old man, Luku Labi, who allegedly trafficked 10 children from Benin Republic into Nigeria, was yesterday charged before a Yaba Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos.

The accused, whose address was not given, is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful import and confining children.

The prosecutor, Inspector Rita Momah, told the court

that the accused and some others at large committed the offences on January 19, at about 3:30pm. at Ojo area, Lagos.

Momah alleged that the accused and his accomplices brought the children, whose ages ranged from 10 to 16 years with an intention to use them as child labourers.

She said that the accused was caught at Ojo, a Lagos suburb, where he kept the

children.

Momah said the offences contravened Sections 207, 274 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs F. A. Adeeyo granted the accused N500,000 bail with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till February 21 for mention.

Complaints Commission petitions Ogun CJ over 4 teenagers, others in detention without trial from the Director of Public police, while the remaining

By Daud Olatunji B E O K U TA — F O U R teenagers and three others are allegedly languishing in detention at Ota Divisional Headquarters of Ogun State Police for over a year without trial, on the order of an Ota Magistrate’s Court.

The detainees, 16-year-old Sunday Wasiu; Azeez Alabi, 18; Segun Abayomi 19; Rasaki Abdul Azeez; Sulaimon Bankole 20; Ifadele Osuolale and Rilwan Sodiq 23, were accused of armed robbery since 2014 and were subsequently arrested and detained.

The Federal Public Complaints Commission disclosed this in a petition written to the Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Olatokunbo Olopade.

The Federal Commissioner in charge of the Commission in Ogun, Mrs. Oluyemisi Dawodu, submitted the petition in Abeokuta yesterday, when she paid a courtesy call on the Chief Judge.

The petition said seven persons, who are young boys between ages 16 and 23 have been detained by the police since July 19, 2014, because the court is yet to receive advice

November 29, 2015 at about 5a.m., a group of armed men suspected to be vigilante from Karim Lamido in Taraba State, conspired with their counterparts in Gwana district of Alkaleri council of Bauchi State to abduct one Alhaji Bello Mai Karfi Haruna.

He said that the suspects took the victim to Karim Lamido in Taraba State and went away with N4.4 million.

DSP Mohammed said the

suspects confessed to have conspired, taken away the victim, tied him up and forced him into their white Toyota Hilux vehicle with an inscription of Bachama Vigilante Group.

He said the victim was later killed and buried at a location in Karim Lamido council of Taraba State.

He added that discreet investigation by officers from both states' Police Commands led to the arrest of eight.

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Prosecution, DPP. The commission, therefore, sought the intervention of the Chief Judge for speedy dispensation of justice.

According to the petition, four out of the 11 accused persons were released on bail by the

seven whose parents could not afford the bail conditions, were subsequently charged to court.

Dawodu explained that the commission was established to, among others, investigate complaints of injustice, oppression and victimisation.

AGOS—A 39-year-old businessman, Adekanla Ayodele, who allegedly impersonated a Naval officer, and obtained two vehicles worth N13.9 million, was yesterday arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s court in Lagos.

The defendant is facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, stealing and impersonation preferred against him by the police.

The prosecutor, Inspector Stephen Molo, told the court that the defendant and others, who are still at large, committed the alleged offences sometime in December 2012.

He said the defendant unlawfully obtained two Nissan Pathfinder SUVs, 2005 model and one Toyota Highlander SUV, 2004 model, one Toyota RAV4 SUV, 2008 model, and one Toyota Tundra SUV, 2002 model, all unregistered, valued at N13.9 million from one Usman Muda, being properties of one Iredodia Obazee.

Molo also alleged that the defendant presented himself as a Naval Commander.

The magistrate, Mrs A. O. Sholadoye, granted the defendant N500,000 bail, with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to March 22.

‘I started robbery at 17’

By Faith Ake

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PERATIVES of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, have arrested a member of a two-man armed robbery gang that specialised in robbing commercial cyclists along Ijanikin-Badagry Expressway, Lagos.

It was learned that the 22year-old suspect identified as Oluwaseun Ajewole was nabbed after his gang attacked one Mr. Ibrahim Lukman of Oke-Agbo Street of Ilogbo in Ojo, and disposed him of his motorcycle.

The victim, it was gathered, reported the attack to Ijanikin Police Division, leading to the arrest of Ajewole.

Confession

Revealing that he specialises in snatching motorcycles and other valuables, Ajewole said the first bike he stole at the age of 17 in 2011 was sold for N40,000, but that he was given N10,000 by the friend that helped in disposing of the bike.

He said: “After I stole the first one, I went back to work as a plumber where I spent two years as an apprentice. After I graduated, I went back to Osun State for some time.

“It was when I came back to Lagos that my colleague Segun said we should go back to our former robbery business.”

Disclosing how they operate, Ajewole said whenever they spot a new motorcycle along the

road, they would flag down the commercial cyclist like passengers, “call a relatively unknown destination, offering to pay a very attractive and tempting fare. Usually they don’t refuse because of the attractive fare we offer.

“Midway, we force him to stop at gunpoint. We also order him to leave his motorcycle key. The gun we are using is not functional; we use it to threaten them.

“In cases where the owner is stubborn, we will quickly run away before he alerts people.”

Vanguard gathered that the case, which was later transferred to SARS, is still undergoing investigation to track down his accomplice.

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016

himself, and I specifically remembered telling him that there was a disconnect between his government and the people.

“He took everything in good faith and asked us to go. The next evening, Metuh called me and said that it seemed like I made an impression on the President. He asked me to coordinate the media campaign plan for the PDP presidential election.

“So, we set about the work with a plan. I was meeting Metuh severally on the ideas we had on how we could position the party in the minds of Nigerians.

First payment

MEETING: From left, Minister, National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma; Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State and Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State at the 65th National Economic Council meeting at the State House, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Arms probe: Metuh paid N77.5m for Jonathan’s media campaign —Witness Metuh regains freedom Court admits payment vouchers into evidence Adjourns trial till Feb 4

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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BUJA— MORE revelations emerged, yesterday, on how the embattled National Publicity Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, spent part of the N400 million he received from the erstwhile National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki, (retd).

Metuh regains freedom

Meanwhile, Chief Metuh has regained his freedom, having met his bail conditions as stipulated by a Federal High Court, in Abuja.

Metuh was arrested and detained by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of diversion of security funds and money laundering.

At the resumed hearing on the matter, yesterday, a witness brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Yomi Gbadejo Ogunsanya, told the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja that the PDP spokesman used N77.5 million to sponsor media campaigns for the re-election of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

Ogunsanya told the court that he was the Managing Director of CMC Connect, a public relations agency he said handled media consultancy jobs for the PDP, prior to the 2015 general elections.

The witness, who testified as the fifth prosecution witness, PW-5, said the N77.5 million was paid to the PR firm through the bank account of Metuh’s company, Destra Investment Limited, which is the second defendant before the court.

Insisting that the fund was released for the agency to ‘launder the image’ of ex-President Jonathan to the electorate, the

witness told the court that CMC Connect used the bulk of it to pay for advertorials in four television stations.

Payment vouchers The EFCC, through the witness, tendered into evidence vouchers addressed to Destra Investment Limited for payment

by CMC Connect to African Independent Television, AIT; Nigerian Television Authority, NTA; Channels TV; and Silverbird Television, STV. Ogunsanya told the court that before his firm was hired, Metuh helped him to get audience with ex-President Jonathan, who he said gave his approval after listening to his presentation.

He said: “When Metuh became National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, I met with him, and he said he liked the work we did for the party in the past, but unfortunately that the party did not have money to pay us to continue with the work.

“He promised to compensate us whenever an opportunity arose. This was in 2012. Early November 2014, I got a call from him and he asked me where I was. I told him I was in Lagos.

He said he wanted me to come to Abuja to attend a meeting.

“When I arrived in Abuja and met him at his house, he drove me to the Presidential Villa where we met a meeting in progress. At the meeting was former President Goodluck Jonathan; his Deputy, Namadi Sambo; former PDP chairman, Adamu Mu’azu; former Senate President, David Mark; Reuben Abati, Alkali Rufai and Doyin Okupe.

“Although, the meeting was in progress, I was able to pick that it had to do with how to win the 2015 presidential election.

“In the course of the meeting, Metuh introduced me as the communication consultant that worked for the party before. He then asked me to speak. I proceeded to speak what I considered very frankly with the President.

“I felt it was very important to let him know the critical things he had to do to get the nation right. He asked me a couple of questions

“We got the first payment from him on December 1, 2014 which was N7.5 million, a cheque he issued in my name and I transferred the money to my company’s account. This cheque was from Destra Investment Limited.

“On December 15, 2015, he did a transfer from Destra Investment Limited of N70 million to our company. By middle of December we had started the work.

“The first batch of work we did was to get Nigerians to appreciate the role of the military in the fight against Boko Haram.

We also made advert placements in newspapers, radio and television.”

Nothing unusual about the transaction

However, while being crossexamined by Metuh’s lawyer, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, Ogunsanya, who maintained that he had been in the PR job

for the past 27 years, told the court that there was nothing unusual about his transaction with the defendants.

He said his firm, in line with the terms of the contract, monitored media contents on daily basis and reported to the PDP any publication that concerned the party, until the 2015 general election took place.

The witness said his agency would have terminated the contract if it had perceived any wrongdoing.

Other documents the court admitted into evidence, yesterday included bundle of documents with various newspaper publications.

Meanwhile, the EFCC also produced a Bureau de Change operator, Mr. Kabiru Ibrahim, who helped Metuh to change $1 million to its Naira equivalent, and transferred same to his company’s account, to testify before the court, yesterday.

Ibrahim told the court that it was the PW-1, Nneka Ararume, that sold the $1 million to him sometime in December 2014, and asked him to transfer the Naira equivalent which amounted to N183 million to the account of Destra Investment Limited.

The witness, who was led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel, Mr, Sylvanus Tahir, insisted that there was no limit to the amount of dollars he could buy or sell, saying he did not transact the business with Metuh but with Nneka who he said gave him the account number of the 2nd defendant.

However, Justice Okon Abang adjourned further hearing on the case till next Thursday.

PDP govs sack Secondus, ask National Secretary to take over Disown Gulak, say action regrettable

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By Henry Umoru

BUJA — THE crisis rocking the national leadership of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has taken a new twist as governors elected on the platform of the party have asked the Acting National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, to handover the leadership to the National Secretary, Prof Adewale Oladipo.

The governors also disowned former Special Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, who stormed the secretariat with his supporters and made himself national chairman.

Acting under the aegis of PDP Governors’ Forum, PDPGF, the governors said the national secretary would oversee the affairs of the party for now in line with its constitution.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the PDPGF meeting, late Wednesday night in Abuja, the governors frowned at the refusal of the acting National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, to honour the judgment of an FCT High Court which last December ordered him to vacate office for any other person from the North-East zone.

Reading the communiqué, Chairman of the forum and governor

of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, said: “We take cognizance of the judgment by the court in Abuja which ordered the acting chairman to vacate office for any other person from the North-East zone of Nigeria.

“Our party’s constitution has enough provisions for that and the necessary process has been put in motion. In recognizance of the judgment the court gave, we call on the national secretary to take over the leadership of the party immediately and that is in line with the provisions of the PDP constitution.

"The decision of the governors came barely some hours after the former Political Adviser to past President Goodluck Jonathan, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, stormed the secretariat with his supporters and made himself the national chairman of the party.

PDP govs disown Gulak

The governors also lampooned Gulak for daring to unilaterally declare himself the new chairman of the party

without recourse to the appropriate organs of the party.

Mimiko said: “The invasion of the party headquarters by Ahmed Ali Gulak, who reportedly assumed the chairmanship of Peoples Democratic Party is regrettable and condemnable.”

In a communique issued at the end of its meeting, yesterday, in Abuja, the governors in very strong terms, described the action as unfortunate, regrettable, adding that the governors will meet soon to get a new national chairman.

It said: “The invasion of the party headquarters today by Ahmed Ali Gulak who reportedly assumed the chairmanship of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is regrettable and condemnable.

“We take cognizance of the judgment by the court in Abuja which ordered the acting chairman to vacate office for any other person from the NorthEast zone of Nigeria. Our party constitution has enough provisions for that and the necessary process has been put in motion."

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016—9

election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, was a good innovation, it had no place in law at present.

The Election Tribunal and Court of Appeal nullified Wike’s election on account of votes not captured by the card reader, a decision the apex court has set aside.

Ogor said the Supreme Court ruling "goes a long way to show clearly that card reader is not the finality vis-à-vis the provisions of the Electoral Act. Section 49 of the Electoral Act is very clear, it did not make provisions for anything like card reader."

RETREAT: Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (middle), DirectorGeneral, National Pension Commission (PenCom), Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu (left) and Chairman, Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PENOP), Eguarekhide Longe, during the Pension Industry Strategy Retreat, in Abuja.

RIVERS: Dakuku accepts S-Court verdict Promises to work with Wike Judiciary is our only hope —Wike NASS to incorporate card reader in Electoral Act S/Court verdicts rekindle hope in democracy— PDP

By Clifford Ndujihe, Henry Umoru, Jimitota Onoyume, Dayo Johnson, Emman Ovuakporie, Johnbosco Agbakwuru & Davies Iheamnachor

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AGOS— AS mixed views continued to trail the Supreme Court’s affirmation of Mr. Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as the duly elected governor of Rivers State, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr Dakuku Peterside, has accepted the verdict and called on his supporters to do same.

In a statement by his campaign team, Dakuku said his team will offer help to the state government and continue to work for the good and development of the state.

He said: “We urge all our supporters to take a cue from us in accepting this verdict.

Consequently, we shall do our best to work for the peace and development of Rivers State and all who reside in it. We shall creatively offer our help to Governor Nyesom Wike. We will provide a virile opposition, serving as a mirror for the conscience of government, in the interest of Rivers people.

When encouragement is needed towards a just and proper course of dealings, we will offer our commendation to the government.”

He also thanked all his supporters, saying: “I thank everyone who has supported us during this long and arduous journey in the political evolution of Rivers State. May God satisfy you with blessings from the depth of His unfathomable love, so that you will eternally remain true to all that is noble and just.

Remember, we are ultimately

greater together.”

Judiciary the only hope for Nigeria — Wike

An elated Wike, yesterday, declared that the judiciary remained the only hope of the country, if the judiciary crumbles, the nation is gone.

Speaking when the National Working Committee of the PDP, led by the Acting National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, paid him a congratulatory visit at Government House, Port Harcourt, Wike said the Supreme Court passed a judgment based on the constitution, while the lower courts aired their opinions in the Rivers State governorship election.

“The Supreme Court is the only hope we have in the country. Therefore, if the judiciary crumbles, the nation will crumble. The tribunal aired her opinion, the Appeal Court aired her opinion, while the Supreme Court delivered judgment based on the constitution and the Electoral Act,” Wike said.

The governor noted that Rivers State will remain a PDP state and assured the leadership of the PDP of his support and that of Rivers State to ensure the resolution of the party’s challenges and set it on the path of recovery.

“As a party in opposition, we must put our house in order so that within the shortest possible time, the PDP will return to power at the federal level,” the governor said.

NASS to incorporate Card Reader in

Electoral Act

Meanwhile, the National Assembly may amend the Electoral Act to incorporate the Voters’ Card Reader.

Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Leo Ogor, yesterday, said the lawmakers would soon embark on the amendment of the Electoral Act to incorporate card reader as one of the processes for the conduct of credible elections in the country.

Ogor hinted of the move while reacting to the Supreme Court judgment, saying though the card reader, which was used in the last

Verdicts rekindle hope in democracy —PDP

The national leadership of the PDP said the Supreme Court’s judgment on Rivers and Ebonyi states in favour of the party has rekindled hope in the nation’s democracy.

In a statement by its Acting National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, the PDP congratulated the government and people of Rivers and Ebonyi states on the apex court’s affirmation of the elections of Governors Nyesom Wike (Rivers) and Dave Umahi (Ebonyi).

Secondus said: “The landmark rulings of the apex court have not only rekindled hope in democracy but also pungently underscored the strategic importance of an impartial judiciary for the survival of democracy in our country.

“Indeed, the PDP commends the maturity, responsiveness and patriotism displayed by the Supreme Court in arriving at its rulings, which have resounded among the people not only for being in consonant with their wishes and aspiration as expressed at the elections, but also for reviving their already

dwindling confidence in the democratic process and the Nigerian project.’’

Verdict is call to service— Banigo, Rivers dep gov

The Rivers State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Ipalibo Banigo, has described the verdict as an end to distraction and a call to service.

In a statement by her Press Secretary, Mr. Paul Damgbor, she said with litigations over, the state government would now concentrate on delivering dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

Banigo commended the people of the state for their support and understanding while the matter was in court, adding that the administration will justify the collective will of people of the state.

Wike, Umahi ‘ve needed boost to deliver — Mimiko

Also commenting, Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, urged his Ebonyi and Rivers counterparts to rev up their performances now that the burden of litigation has been lifted off their shoulders.

Mimiko, in congratulatory messages to the governors by his Chief Press Secretary, Eni Akinsola, urged them to compensate the electorate who stood by them in the course of the courts proceeding with exemplary performance, saying “now is the time to settle down to work and rev up their performances as the burden of litigation has finally been lifted.

“The judgements affirm the votes you had in the elections and attest to the love your citizens have for you. Their steadfastness through the process of adjudication is a sign of their confidence in your abilities to deliver on your

I won’t devalue Naira, Buhari insists Says policy'll impoverish Nigerians

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By Levinus Nwabughiogu

BUJA — PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has said further devaluation of the Naira would kill the currency, insisting that it was one decision he was not ready to take at the moment.

The President said he was not also ready to inflict more hardship on the poor citizens of Nigeria who already had doses of penury.

He stressed that while exportdriven economies could benefit from devaluation of their currencies, Naira devaluation would only result in further inflation and hardship for the poor and middle classes in Nigeria’s import-dependent economy.

President Buhari spoke, Wednesday, in Nairobi, Kenya, during a meeting with Nigerians resident in the county.

A statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity,

Mallam Garba Shehu, said ordinary Nigerians would benefit from the policy.

He said the President also rejected suggestions that the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, resumed the sale of foreign exchange to Bureaux de Change (BDCs), saying BDC business had become a scam and a drain on the economy.

“We had just 74 of the bureaux in 2005, now they have grown to about 2,800,” Shehu quoted Buhari as saying.

He alleged that some bank and government officials used surrogates to run the BDCs and prosper at public expense by obtaining foreign exchange from government at official rates and selling it at much higher rates.

He said: “We will use our foreign exchange for industry, spare parts and the development of needed

infrastructure. We don’t have the dollars to give to the BDCs. Let them go and get it from wherever they can, other than the Central Bank.”

The President also maintained his suspicion that about a third of petroleum subsidy payments under the previous administration was fake.

“They just stamped papers and collected our foreign exchange,” he said.

The President, however, appealed to Nigerians studying abroad to bear with his administration as it strove to address the challenges they were facing as a result of new foreign exchange measures.

He said he was optimistic that the Nigerian economy would stabilize soon, with the efficient implementation of measures and policies that had been introduced by his administration.

10 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29 , 2016

Some participating Secondary School Girls at the lecture.

LECTURE: From left; Mrs Funke Olatubosun; Vice President, Zonta Club Ibadan; Hon. Justice Titi Mabogunje (rtd); Prof. Olufunke Egunjobi, President Zonta Club Ibadan and Engr Dunni Femi Jemilohun; guest speaker during a motivational lecture for Secondary School Girls to mark Amelia Earhart's Day organised by Zonta Club yesterday. Photos by Dare Fasube.

Erelu of Lagos bags ICON of true silent mega philanthropist

By Ediri Ejoh

EXAM MALPRACTICES: WAEC sanctions 30 schools in Lagos ...Lagos to shut 7, 000 illegal schools

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

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AGOS—THE West African Examination Council, WAEC, has sanctioned 30 secondary schools in Lagos State over alleged involvement in examination malpractices at the May/June 2015 Senior School Certificate Examination, SSCE. Meantime, the Lagos State Government has concluded plans to shut any private school operating illegally in the state, saying “of the 11, 000 private schools in Lagos, only 4, 000 are registered.”

Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Oluranti Adebule said this at a stakeholders meeting with Proprietors and Owners of Private Schools in the state held at Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.

Adebule said, “I am not happy with how the 2015 WAEC examination was held. 30 schools were caught engaging in examination malpractices. This is not good at all as it affects the state in terms of national rating.”

The deputy governor lamented that a larger percent of the private schools in the state do not employ qualified teachers and school administrators, adding that “at the end, students’ outcome and performances are negatively affected.”

According to her, “I urge school owners to stop cutting corners for the sake of making money and

protect the integrity of the education sector.”

Adebule said “Statistics show that we have over 11, 000 private schools in the state, but only 4, 000 are registered with the ministry of education, meaning that many are operating illegally in the state.”

The deputy governor said that the census government would commence censors of private schools in the state and

intensify regulations to ensure that required standards are upheld.

She also promised to meet with the tax authority to review levies, dues and taxes to make operations of schools easier for the proprietors.

Adebule said “We recognise your role in the sector and as a government we will ensure that you get all the support and we are ready to partner with you to move the sector forward.”

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AGOS—THE Erelu of Lagos, Princess Abiola Dosunmu, has been conferred with an award of ICON of True Silent Mega Philanthropist in Africa by the African Youth Global Network, AYGN. The award was conferred on her in recognition of her commitment towards youth empowerment and other contributions to social development in Nigeria.

In her acceptance speech, Erelu Dosunmu called for strategic policies that will empower Nigerian youths in a time like this.

According to her, “Before now, about 15 years ago, I had advised the then government of President Olusegun Obasanjo, to put in place mechanism that will shore up agricultural development in the country. I had urged for a plot

of land to be issued to some of the youths to develop in farming, and an addition incentive to better the support, but they were not taken because none of these suggestions were implemented.”

In addition, she said “When you think about the huge sum of money been stolen from the country, it then troubles me to say that, if my idea were implemented judiciously, the challenges we pass through at this global economy crash wouldn’t have affected us this bad, as some of the jobs are been threatened.”

Urging the Federal Government to map out strategy on the way forward to stolen funds retrieved from corrupt officials, she said “When the government retrieves stolen funds from probed officials, it should be channelled to development of agriculture and other sectors respectively”.

FG should use recovered loot to build refineries — NLC

By Jonah Nwokpoku

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AGOS—THE Nigeria Labour Congress,

NLC has called on the Federal refineries in order to meet the Government to use the fund country’s energy needs. recovered from those who The union made the call at looted the treasury to build a stakeholders meeting held in Lagos on fuel subsidy and petrol pricing in Nigeria.

Speaking at the end of the meeting, General Secretary, NLC, Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson, data centres require a fresh said: “From the discussions approach to operations – not just we had today, it has become for the network, but across obvious that building compute and storage elements as refineries is imperative for well.

Nigeria to meet its energy The solution gives customers a needs. And we are calling on future-ready springboard to the federal government to use innovate their networks and data the recovered loot to build centre infrastructure more quickly refineries. We do not want and consistently, affording Nigerian workers to be used customers greater efficiency and to pay the price of Nigeria’s capability at scale.” Burns said. economic mismanagement by The solution comprises a base those who have had the module and various optional opportunity of running this application modules. The OS10 country. The refineries must Base Module is available for free work. We must insist that those and runs a fully-open, who ruined the economy must unmodified Linux distribution. be made to pay for it.

Below it, the OS 10 Base Speaking earlier in an Module employs the Open opening remark, factional Compute Project Switch President of NLC, Ayuba Abstraction Interface (SAI) that Wabba said the stakeholder enables a common, programmer- meeting was inspired by the friendly language between need to build capacity among vendor network operating labour stakeholders to better systems and the particular silicon engage the government on its residing on the physical switch. policies regarding fuel subsidy

Dell upgrades open networking software range

By Emeka Aginam

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ECHNOLOGY giant, Dell has extended its reach in Open Networking with the introduction of Operating System 10 (OS10) from Dell Networking, a next-generation networking software.

The new product is designed to introduce new levels of software flexibility and programmability in large-scale data centre environments.

Speaking on the new product, the Vice President and General Manager at Dell Networking and Enterprise Infrastructure, Tom Burns, said that the OS10 platform was designed around new benchmarks for open software modularity so users can create the most efficient and flexible paths across networked systems.

“Modern, software-defined,

and petrol pricing in Nigeria.

Madam Temitayo for burial

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ADAM Temitayo Adelaja Shogunwa, aged 75 of the family of Adelaja Shogunwa of Ikenne Remo in Ikenne LGA.Ogun State has died.

She died on December 6,2015.

Her social wake was held yesterday at 5, Solomon Adekoya Str., Ijegun rd. Ikotun, Lagos.

Funeral mass would hold today at St. John Anglican Church, Ikotun, Lagos State. While internment and entertainment of guests will follow immidiately after at her residence, 5,Solomon Adekoya Street, Ikotun Lagos.

Late Madam Shogunwa.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016 — 11

You sued dead people, Olubadan-in-Council tells Seriki line

By Ola Ajayi

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S an Oyo State High Court began hearing of a suit filed by Seriki royal line against the Olubadan-inCouncil over the appointment of a new Olubadan of Ibadanland, counsel to the council, Mr Michael Folorunso Lana, yesterday, told the court that the complainant had only succeeded in instituting litigation against dead people.

According to him, defendants in the case except Chief Saliu Adetunji are dead.

But, in response, counsel to Seriki Line, Mr Abideen Adeniran said they could exclude those who are dead through a motion he had already prepared.

Since the death of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1, the traditional council has been enmeshed in crisis over who succeeds him.

The defendants in the case include: Oba Samuel Odulana, Chief Omowale Kuye , Chief Adeleke Ajani, Chief Saliu Adetunji and Busari Alarape.

The applicants’ counsel was about to present a motion to the

court when the other counsel told the court that he just took over the case and would require for some days to react to the motion.

Mr. Adeniran said his learned colleague was just using a delay tactics adding that he had served all the necessary processes six days ago wondering how much time it would take his learned colleague to react to it.

The court insisted that counsel to Olubadan was right to say he would

need to study it and react.

Before the adjournment of the case to February 16, 2016, the two counsel were engaged in a heated argued before they could agree on the next adjourned date.

While the counsel to Seriki was praying the court for a short adjournment date, the counsel to Olubadan in council wanted the sitting to be adjourned to March which the other counsel objected to.

While objecting, he begged the court to consider a short

THANKSGIVING SERVICE: From left; Senator Anthony Adefuye; Former Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen Oladipo Diya (retd) a Business Consultant, Chief Toyin Oyewoga and an All Progressives Congress APC chieftain, Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi at Senator Adefuye the 2016 New Year Thanksgiving Service at his Lekki Phase 1 Lagos Residence.

How Nigeria can rise again, by Anya, Utomi, others

By Charles Kumolu

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A G O S — N O TA B L E scholars were yesterday unanimous in their call for meritocracy to be entrenched in the manner Nigeria is governed in order to have strong institutions needed for growth.

They also noted that the prevailing malfunctioning of the various institutions of the state, makes it imperative for the Federal

Character Principle to be abolished.

The scholars, who took this position in Lagos at the 79-year anniversary colloquium in honour of Prof Anya O. Anya, said the practice of quota system in Nigeria is inimical to growth.

At the forum which was entitled: ‘’Creating an Enabling Environment for Private Sector- Led Growth: Education, Institutions and Creative Destruction,’’ it was agreed that what Nigeria needs in the face of the

‘How food, sustainability challenges can be addressed' partnerships for sustainable

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RANSFORMING the world’s food systems through country-led action partnerships will be key to sustainably feeding over 9 billion people by 2050, according to a new report from the World Economic Forum and Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (Deloitte Global), Building Partnerships for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security: A Guide for Country-Led Action.

The report was launched at the Forum’s 2016 Annual Meeting in Davos.

According to Deloitte, based on the experience of the Forum’s New Vision for Agriculture initiative (NVA), the report is a practical, user-friendly guide for country-level and global leaders who are working to build and strengthen multi-stakeholder

adjournment date because of the urgency of the case .

But, the court presided over

by Justice Mukhtar Abimbola who is the Oyo State Chief Judge, said the counsel should agree on a date.

Speaking after the court had risen, Counsel to Olubadanin-Council, Mr Lana said there was an application that the court has no jurisdiction to hear this matter and that we are not aware whether the motion has been heard and the ruling or judgment delivered”.

agriculture and food security. It draws on best practices and lessons learned from 19 countries in Africa, Asia and the Americas, where partnerships catalysed and supported by the NVA have benefitted 9.6 million farmers to date.

“Many of the world’s most pressing challenges, from poverty and hunger to climate change and social equality, are linked to agriculture and food security,” says Shay Eliaz, a Principal with Deloitte United States (Deloitte Consulting LLP), who leads the team that worked closely with the Forum on the NVA report. “The NVA Partnership Model, which draws on the joint experience of the NVA and Deloitte Global, outlines the NVA’s approach which has already seen success in driving investment, innovation, and collaboration toward the issues of food security, environmental sustainability, and economic opportunity.”

current economic crisis is to regig it’s institutions in order to inspire growth.

Those at the event include Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Prof George Obiozor, Prof Pat Utomi, Prof Oye Ibidapo Obe, Mr. Fred Agbeyegbe, Chief Lawson Omokhodion and Mr. Laoye Jaiyeola among others.

In his remarks, Utomi, who was the moderator of the event, said: ‘’Most agree that things would have been much worse without the work of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group. Yet it is often noted that government has not drawn from the conclusions of annual economic summits or implemented even those things it has committed to with the kind of discipline that will earn it an execution premium. If institutions that support private sector investments and reduce the drag of corruption and toll gates that delay permits, licenses and harassment by tax agencies are reduced, new growth can herald the Nigeria renewal. Political will is key to making that happen. ‘’People are upset about the collapse of the price of crude oil but I am extremely happy because it may bring the madness in Nigeria to an end. We can not afford this madness until the entire citizenry is alive and awake because what Nigeria needs is growth.’’

Also speaking, Obe said: ‘’We need to have total commitment to merit. The quota system and

federal character are not helpful. They are retrogressive even to those who it is meant to help. There should be competition based on merit.

That is the only way to avoid the wrath of the youths. Let us put aside primordial sentiments and think because we need to face facts and say things the way they are so that we can move on.’’

Anya said: ‘’The panelists found a way of injecting the Nigerian realism into the discussion. That is good.

Change will happen but it may not be the change we are clamouring for but the one God wants. I want young people to chose their role models wisely.

In doing that they should be

Ooni flags off N56m buses ...Launches free health care service for Ife people

By Gbenga Olarinoye

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HE Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi yesterday commissioned seven coastal buses worth N56m to ease inter-state transportation for the people of Ile-Ife and its environs.

This came as the traditional ruler also announced free medical treatment for the people of the ancient town.

Oba Ogunwusi, while commissioning the madein-Nigeria buses at his palace at Enuwa Square in Ile-Ife, urged Nigerians to patronise locally made products.

He stressed that the present economic downturn battling Nigeria would be reduced should the citizens of the country started patronising products and goods produced locally.

The monarch said he decided to partner with Olofin Micro Finance Bank, Ile-Ife to purchase the vehicles in order to bring about economic growth of Ile-Ife and also ease transportation into and outside Ife town.

He urged the people of the town to make good use of the free healthcare care services saying that development cannot thrive in a town that dwells in health challenges.

Speaking, the Managing Director of Olofin Micro Finance Bank, Mr. Toyin Olufolahan disclosed that the buses cost N8m each.

Drop charges against Jelili Atiku, group urges Lagos CP

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HE Society of Nigerian Artists have called on the Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Mr. Fatai Owoseni to drop the 4-count criminal charge instituted against an artist, Jelili Atiku The artists, under the aegis of Committee for Relevant Art (CORA) accused a traditional ruler in Lagos of instigating the lawsuit.

Hearing resumes on February 1, 2016, against the artist, who is being arraigned on criminal charges of “constituting public disturbance, and inciting the public with his performance of January 14, 2016.”

CORA stated that the

accusation levelled against the artist before a Magistrate Court is that the artist conspired with four others to “commit felony” with his art.

Jelili Atiku, winner of the 2015 edition of the Prince Claus Prize for Culture Development, was arrested on Monday, January 18, 2016, after staging a performance art.

The statement reads in part: “We are deeply worried that a display of a visual work of art, expressed without violence, would have been criminalised by policemen, who arrested and brutalised the artist, and some others involved in the performance of the art."

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016

N-Delta militancy fuelled by failure to clean up Ogoniland —Buhari

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

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BUJA—PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, in Nairobi, Kenya, said that failure to clean up oil spillages in the Niger Delta especially in Ogoniland, was responsible for the militancy the region witnessed in times past.

The president consequently vowed to clean up the land by implementing the United Nations Environmental Programme, UNEP’s recommendations to save the land.

President Buhari made the promise during a visit to the United Nations Office in the Kenyan capital.

He also appealed for more support from the United Nations in the clean-up of the region.

He said: “When I came into office on May 29, 2015, one of the first tasks I carried out was to authorise the implementation of the recommendations of the UNEP report for the clean-up of Ogoniland.

“The devastation caused by oil spillage has destroyed many lives and livelihoods and is clearly one of the reasons many people in that region lost faith in government and

resorted to the many criminal activities we are seeing in the region today.

“The action our government took to implement UNEP’s recommendations has given the indigenes of the region hope that there are better days ahead. Let me, therefore, express appreciation on behalf of the

Government of Nigeria to UNEP and other development partners for their cooperation and support on this very delicate matter and also request for their continued support as we implement the recommendations and transform the fortunes of the region.”

President Buhari also

applauded the outcome of the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, UNFCCC, held in Paris, France, in December last year.

He called for rapid urbanization as the world population increases.

VISIT: From left: Immediate Past President, UNILAG Mass Comm Alumni Association, UMCAA, Chief Lawson Omokhodion; Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Rahaman Ade Bello; President, UNILAG UMCAA, Mr. Vincent Oyo and Chairman/CEO, Channels Television, Mr. John Momoh, during a courtesy visit on the Vice Chancellor by the delegation of UMCAA, at his office in Akoka, Lagos, yesterday.

Ibori to Justice Minister: No Ibori loot anywhere ...says case not concluded

By Tare Youdeowei

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ORMER Delta State governor, Chief James Ibori, has expressed shock at a statement, credited to the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, that about 6.9 million British Pounds Sterling was being expected as Ibori loot.

A statement by Mr. Tony Eluemunor, his Media Assistant, said “There is no Ibori loot anywhere in the world. Such money, whether in British pounds, American dollars or the Nigerian naira just does not exist. This is because the Ibori London trial is not yet over. It is an incontrovertible fact that the confiscation hearing has not started at all, and remains months away into the future.

“This makes it disappointing that a high official of state such as the Attorney-General may have been misled into believing that an Ibori loot not only exists anywhere, but he even put a figure (6.9 million pounds) to it.

“With all due respect to the Minister and the President

Muhammadu Buhari administration, it is curious that such a misleading statement could have come less than a week that dozens of wellrespected foreign media organisations, including the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, The Times of London, The Guardian of London, and a host of Nigerian news outlets reported that the case against Ibori and his associates have become shaky as some operatives of the London Metropolitan Police have been accused of bribery and corruption in the course of their investigations. Thus, at the January 21, 2016 hearing, the prosecution was forced to withdraw its case against one of Ibori’s counsel, Mr. Bradesh Gohil.

“It had charged Gohil of leaking fabricated documents to m e d i a organisations and members of ( B r i t i s h )

Parliament, but Gohil turned the case against the Police, accusing them of misleading the court with tainted evidence from corrupt operatives and of withholding key documents which could have proved police corruption.”

Eluemunor said that he assumed that the Minister might have been misquoted and so did not issue a rebuttal immediately, but it was only when he failed to retract the statement after 24 hours that he decided to give Nigerians (including the Minister) the true perspective of the Ibori London trial and state categorically that the so called “Ibori Loot” Mr.

Abubakar Malami saw as a “low hanging fruit ripe for plucking” must have been a terrible mirage.

“This has done nothing though to affect in any way, the high regard Chief Ibori and his Media Office have for President Buhari, his administration and ministers, including the Justice Minister, Mr. Malami. Chief Ibori wishes them well in their stated bid to leave a better Nigeria than they found it.”

INEC fixes February 6 for rerun elections in Rivers

By Jimitota Onoyume

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ORT HARCOURT— OUTGOING Resident Electoral Commissioner in Rivers State, Dame Gecilia Khan, said, yesterday, that February 6 had been fixed tentatively for the re-run elections in the state.

Khan, who used the occasion of an interaction with leaders of the various political parties at the state headquarters of the commission in Port Harcourt, to formerly break the news of her transfer ahead of the rerun elections, said that the re-run elections would be conducted for 37 elective positions in the state.

She gave a run-down of the offices to be contested for as 22 House of Assembly seats, 12 House of Representatives seats and three senatorial seats in the state.

She said that only registered voters for the 2015 general election would be allowed to vote. She put the number of the registered voters at 2,148,289.

Meantime, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and other parties, except the APC in the state have expressed dissatisfaction with the February 6 date for the rerun elections, saying the time was not enough for parties to prepare adequately for the exercise.

Garden of Life Assembly holds 3-day programme

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By Fred Okopie

HE Garden of Life Assembly, Sapele, will hold a three-day prophetic wind programme with the theme: By This Time at the church premises, 5, Crudas Road Sapele, Delta State.

The programme will from February 3-5, 2016. Bishop Orovwuje Edward, founder, and other anointed men of God will be ministering.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016—13

EFCC: Tompolo backtracks, now to appear in court

By Emma Amaize & Kingsley Omonobi

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ARRI—FORMER General Officer Commanding, GOC, Movement for the Emanicipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, Government Ekpumupolo, alias Tompolo, yesterday, said he will appear before the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, which issued a bench warrant for his arrest, January 14, but “at the appropriate time.”

The bench warrant followed a motion by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, which had filed different charges against Tompolo, over allegation of diverting N34 billion belonging to the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency, NIMASA, to personal use and laundering of N22.6 billion.

Tompolo, who spoke through his Media Adviser and Consultant, Mr. Paul Bebenimibo, also said he will never commence war against the Federal Government having accepted amnesty in 2009, reiterating that he was not party to the recent three-day bombing of crude oil and gas pipelines in Delta State.

He said: “Tompolo has no reason to bomb pipelines because of the EFCC case. He knows he is innocent. As he has stated on several occasions, he will appear in court at the appropriate time as his lawyers are working towards that.

“The truth of the matter is that Tompolo does not know anything about the N34 billion EFCC is talking about. First, it was N13 billion, now it is N34 billion. He is not a signatory to any of the companies mentioned in the said N34 billion case. So he does not know where this one is coming from.”

On allegation by another exmilitant leader, Africanus Ukparasia, alias “General” Africa that he bombed pipelines, Tompolo said he alerted the public that some aggrieved All Progressives Congress, APC, members in Bayesla and Delta States wanted to destroy national assets in the Niger Delta and finger him because of the outcome of the Bayelsa State governorship election.

“True to his fears, these APC chieftains that joined the party immediately after the presidential election of 2015 were the first people to accuse him of bombing the pipelines to divert public attention from themselves.

“These new APC members, who the former chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande, described as parasites, also threatened to cause problem in the Niger Delta region if the pipeline surveillance contract in Delta State already awarded to Messrs Ocean Marine Solution was not re-awarded to them.

“This is a clear testimony of their involvement in the bombing of the pipelines. Since then, we all have seen their role in misleading the C M Y K

military and the general public,” he said.

Digital surveillance

Meanwhile, the Centre for Crisis Communication, CCC, has urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC and other stakeholders to urgently invest in, and deploy digital system of surveillance, including drones, which has the capacity to detect and report anywhere pipelines are tampered with.

In a statement by its Executive Secretary, Air Commodore Yusuf Anas (retd), the Centre also called for consultations and

negotiations among stakeholders in the region especially the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Traditional rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities, TROMCON, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, the Joint Task Force, JTF and youth leaders in the region with a view to identifying the real cause of the recent monumental economic sabotage and to proffer solutions.

Meanwhile, following renewed attacks on oil platforms and gas pipelines in the Niger Delta, the Nigerian

Navy, yesterday, commenced modalities to train its officers and ratings in the use of un-manned maritime vessels, UMVs, as well as un-manned aerial vessels, UAVs, to be incorporated soon into its operations.

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas, who made the disclosure at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, between the Nigerian Navy and the Indian Navy, noted that Navy personnel for the un-manned vessels would be trained in India with a view to enhancing surveillance capability.

JUBILATION: PDP supporters jubilating over the outcome the Supreme Court judgment on Rivers State governorship election in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Pipeline attack allegations: Call Ayiri to order, Ijaw urge Buhari, Warri monarch

By Etop Ekanem

O

POROZA community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, has said that Chief Emami Ayiri’s alleged instigation of the Joint Task Force, JTF, against the Ijaw and insinuations that Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, was the mastermind of the recent oil pipelines vandalism in the area, could trigger another Itsekiri versus Ijaw crisis.

Chairman of Oporoza, headquarters of communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Mr. Johnbull Demebi, therefore, appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari and Ogiame Ikenwoli I, the Olu of Warri, to call Ayiri to order.

Demebi, who also urged President Buhari to reject the alleged plan to scrap the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, said that Ayiri should not be allowed to cause another

Ijaw and Itsekiri war.

“Both the Itsekiri and the Ijaw have resolved to live in peace following the 1997— 2003 crisis in Warri area. We do not want disruption of the peace in any form,” Demebi said.

Alleging that Ayiri had subsisting hatred for

Tompolo and the Ijaw, Demebi said his hasty accompaniment of the JTF to inspect bombed oil pipelines could only have amounted to propagation of self-serving interest. Demebi maintained that the security forces should have done their independent assessment at the beginning.

Delta to implement education summit report

By Festus Ahon

A

SABA—DELTA State Commissioner for Higher Education, Mr Jude Sinebe, has said that the recommendations of the state Education Summit would be implemented to the latter.

Sinebe, while fielding questions from newsmen during the two-day education summit held in Asaba, said that the state government efforts to grow knowledge-based economy in the state requires the support of all stakeholders

in the education sector to succeed.

Saying that standard assurance was key to realising the set goal, he said that the summit had brought together critical stakeholders to discuss ways of moving the education sector to meet the demands of the 21st century.

Meanwhile, some members of the Delta State House of Assembly, said the legislative arm will enact enabling laws to give force to the resolutions reached at the two day education summit.

NEPC, Agric Ministry list path to economic transformation

By Daniel Gumm

A

the present administration intensifies efforts to drive the economy through agriculture, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, yesterday, proffered ways to transform the sector as a key sector for job creation, food security and foreign exchange earner.

Speaking in his office, yesterday, when he received the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of NEPC, Mr Olusegun Awolowo, who was on a courtesy visit, the Minister, Chief Audu Ogbe, lamented that the country had not been able to achieve the full potentials of the sector when compared to its abundant human and natural resources, especially in the agriculture and solid mineral sectors.

The Minister announced plans to organise a national agricultural summit aimed at engaging the youths to get their buy-in and change the orientation that agriculture was only meant for never-dowells in the society even as he commended NEPC for articulating a zero oil plan to support the rapid diversification of the nation’s economy through non-oil exports.

Noting that although there were several inhibitions to achieving a total diversification from oil to nonoil, the Minister was, however, optimistic that the challenges were not insurmountable.

S

Benedicta Agbah pases on

M

RS Benedicta Agbah, daughter of the late Osuivie of Agbarho Kingdom, Delta State, is dead, aged 63.

She retired from the Delta State Health Management Board, Agbarho.

She is survived by a widower, Chief Ejiro Agbah, children, grand children, and other relatives.

Late Benedicta Agbah

14 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29 , 2016

ERELU ABIOLA DOSUNMU RECEIVES AWARD IN LAGOS. Photos by Shola Oyelese.

Erelu Abiola Dosumu displaying the Nelson Mandela Pan-African Exemplary Leadership Honour 2016 Icon of True Silent Mega Philantropist in Africa award presented to her by African Youth Global Network (AYGN) in Lagos yesterday. With her is Mrs Remmy Diagbare, Vanguard Allure Editor (4th left) and the AYGN team.

Erelu Abiola Dosumu receiving her award from Mr Emmanuel Apiah, Coordinator AYGN, Accra, Ghana (centre) and Mr Paul Atsou Kekeh, Country Rep.

Erelu Dosumu presenting a copy of Lagos Legacy Honour book to the Country representative, Mr Paul Atsou Kekeh during the ceremony.

Erelu Abiola Dosumu receiving her award from Mr Emmanuel Apiah,Coordinator AYGN Accra, Ghana, Mr Paul Atsou Kekeh,Country Rep and Mr Kossi Dosey, Asst Coordinator, Ivory Coast.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29 , 2016 — 15

BIAFRA: MASSOB to open liaison offices in

S-East, N-Delta

By Ugochukwu Alaribe

A

BA—MOVEMENT for the Actualization of Sovereign States of Biafra, MASSOB, yesterday, said it would open liaison offices in the South East and Niger Delta areas which it described as territories of Biafra.

Addressing more than 3,000 members of the group during a sensitization tour of Aba region, Abia State, Leader of MASSOB, Chief Solomon Chukwu, who noted that MASSOB was founded in Aba from where it spread to other cities, said the opening of liaison offices would help coordinate its activities and spread the gospel of non violence in the struggle for the actualization of an independent state of Biafra.

He contended that the reception he got during his visits to Ogoni, Ugep, Uyo, Ogoja, Warri, Ikom, Aba, among others, had assured him that the people of the former Eastern region were united in the agitation to actualize Biafra.

According to him, “We are opening liaison offices in all cities, regions and states of the Biafran territory. We need to acquaint MASSOB members with what we are doing, we don’t want violence. We don’t want to lose anybody or shed blood in the name of Biafra. We

have fought civil war and many people died; but in this era, we will achieve Biafra through non violence. What we are doing now is to continue to state our complaints to the European Union, African Union and other international unions. We need freedom. Some of them have said a referendum should be conducted in Nigeria, but we know that those who have been sabotaging Biafra are still at work. We won’t be deterred

because Biafra is at hand. I’m happy the people of the former Eastern region now understand themselves and are working together to actualize Biafra.

“Those who collect money to sabotage Biafra know themselves. They will soon cover their faces in shame. It is like that in every struggle for freedom and liberation worldwide. The Governors, Senators, Representatives and other political leaders of South East and South-South origin are feeding from the Nigerian

government and cannot work against it. But we, the people at the grassroots; the owners of Biafra, we want freedom.”

Earlier, the National Director of Information, MASSOB, Chief Sunny Okereafor, while reacting to an allegation by the Uchenna Madu faction that Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, was planning to attack MASSOB headquarters in Okwe, Onuimo council area of Imo State, dismissed the report as false stories being spread by expelled members and warned them to stop using the name of the organization.

UNVEILING: From left: Mr. Olivier Thiry, MD, Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, Prof. Ngozi Nnam, guest speaker/Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Mr Festus Tettey, Head, Marketing, Promasidor Nigeria, Mr Andrew Enahoro, Head, Legal & Public Relations Manager, Promasidor Nigeria, during the unveilling of a new Promasidor product, in Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamoisi.

....Debunks bid to colonise S-South region

E

By Francis Igata

NUGU—THE Movement for In a related development, MASSOB, yesterday, dismissed insinuation of championing the course of Biafra secession to colonise the south-south geopolitical zone given its huge oil resources.

MASSOB was reacting to a statement credited to Sagir Mohammed wherein he described the agitation for Biafra as a desperate ploy to colonize the south-south region and tap the crude oil reserves as its economic mainstay.

Frowning at the comment, Leader of MASSOB, Uchenna Madu, in a statement said: “MASSOB can never be intimidated, disorganized or shaken because of some disgruntled, frustrated, confused, defeated people like Sagir Mohammed who in frustration, alleged that Ndi Igbo wants to capture and colonize the people of southsouth with Biafra.

“MASSOB, Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, and Lower Niger Congress, LNC, with our affiliates in Diaspora are more determined, consistent and articulated for Biafra actualization not minding the cries of Sagir Mohammed and his likes. We are not in the Biafra

C M Y K

struggle to colonize our southsouth brethren but to decolonize them from Hausa, Fulani, Yoruba oligarchy who have held them captives for decades, subjected our brothers and sisters into slavery as was meted to Ndigbo.

“90 per cent oil wells in Niger

Delta were owned by these criminal parasites of northern oligarchy. Today, the Fulani are crying fowl because they have no stake again as Nigeria is in near collapse under the leadership President Muhammad Buhari. The people of eastern region are wiser now,

formidable, united, focused and determined for survival, emancipation and independence of Biafra. Igboland is not locked as alleged by Sagir Mohammed.

The people and land of south-east region are more developed individually than the entire 19 states of northern Nigeria."

Uwazuruike moves to entrench secession clause in Biafra Constitution

O

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

NITSHA—THE Biafra Independence Movement, BIM, yesterday, said it had perfected arrangement to entrench secession clause in the constitution of Biafra as was obtained in SWISS working document.

He said the document, said “any region that is dissatisfied with how the federation is run can secede without interference.”

The newly appointed Biafra Director of Information, Mazi Chris Mocha, in statement a in Onitsha, Anambra State, after a joint special meeting of BIM/MASSOB in Rumuekini community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, said BIM observed that because of good governance in Switzerland, many decades after the country's independence, no region had ever indicated its interest to break away.

Mocha noted that the issue of secession clause was discussed extensively and agreed upon during the joint special meeting attended by Chief Monday Dibia, Okolo Mba, RSM Nwafor and the New MASSOB leader, Solomon Chukwu among others.

$470m CCTV contract award didn't follow due process —BPP •We delivered best video surveillance system to FG—ZTE

By Emman Ovuakporie & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

A

BUJA—THE Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, yesterday said the $470 million contract awarded by the late President Musa Yar ’Adua’s administration for the procurement and installation of Close Circuit Television, CCTV, in Lagos and Abuja did not follow due process.

The Director General of BPP, Emeka Ezeh, disclosed this at an investigative hearing by the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee set up by the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, to unravel the circumstances of the award of the contract and the failure of ZTE Corporation to complete the

contract.

The BPP Director-General told the Ahmed Yerima-led committee that his office did not issue certificate of no objection in the award.

But the former DG of NigComSat, Ahmed Rufa’i, said award of the contract was through a presidential approval, contending that it was not all issues, especially those that had to do with the security of the country, that should pass through the BPP due to its implications.

Rufa’i told the committee that there was no problem with the award of the project which he said was completed but that the government did not provide money for the operational cost for it to function.

He added that in the

Procurement Act, the President had discretionary powers to approve procurement without going through the BPP. Chinese telecom giant, ZTE, in its submission, denied any wrong doing in the execution of the National Public Security Communication System, NPSCS, project.

ZTENigeria Managing Director, Mr. Had Fuqiang, said it completed and delivered what it described as one of the world’s best Video Surveillance System, VSS, to the Federal Government.

Fuqiang said: “Contrary to public perception, the project was not to merely install cameras but one conceived to deploy comprehensive, reliable, modern and robust National Public Security Communications System, NPSCS. ‘’The NPSCS project is made up

of five components or subsystems. ”The Managing Director of BPP, Mr. Ezeh had in his submission said BPP did not recognize the existence of any contract for the installation of CCTV cameras in Lagos and Abuja by the Ministry of Police Affairs.

“The contract for the installation of CCTV Cameras in Abuja and Lagos under the National Public Security Communication System project was not processed at the Bureau of Public Procurement prior to award. In other words, the project was not issued a due process certificate of no objection by the BPP. “Considering the purported cost of contract in US$470 million, the contract ought to have been accompanied with a certificate of no objection issued by the BPP."

16—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016

REHABILITATION OF FEDERAL ROADS:

Enugu Assembly appeals to FG for refund of N25bn

By Francis Igata

E

NUGU—THE Enugu State House of Assembly has passed a motion appealing to the Federal Government to refund the N25.9 billion, the state government spent for the rehabilitation of federal roads in the state.

The motion, sponsored by Chinedu Nwamba, representing Nsukka East Constituency and 18 others, was seconded by Elochukwu Ugwueze, representing Igbo-Eze South.

Nwamba while moving the motion stated that the request was not out of place, “since such exercise has taken place in some other states of Anambra and Gombe.”

He noted that money spent on those roads could have been directed to the development of other spheres in the State, lamenting that “its non reimbursement has actually hampered the development of other sectors like agriculture, commerce, industry, education, tourism, among others.

“We are constrained to make this appeal after waiting for about two years in which the roads were rehabilitated without any reimbursement from the Federal Government despite series of efforts and appeals put in place from different quarters.”

He recalled that the Enugu State Government

drew the Federal Government’s attention in the past, which he said eventually necessitated the setting up of a monitoring and verification committee by the then Minister of Works, Architect Mike Onolememen.

The road projects, which were embarked upon by the administration of former Governor Sullivan Chime, included New Market Roundabout to Agu Abor interchange, Enugu Abakiliki Dual Carriageway, 9th MileNgwo-Milken Hill-New Market Road and reconstruction/ rehabilitation of 9th MileUdi-Oji River-UgwuobaAnambra State border, among others.

Senate wades into NAFDAC exco deployment saga In the letter Maikasuwa said the Senate had sat and

By Franklin Alli

A

BUJA—ONGOING brawl over deployment of top executives at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, may have taken a new dimension with the intervention of the National Assembly.

The legislative intervention came with a letter signed by the Clerk

of the National Assembly, Salisu Maikasuwa, dated December 15, 2015 and addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, urging him to regularise the postings made recently at NAFDAC. The letter also urged him to bring the development at NAFDAC to the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari and other relevant government agencies.

deliberated on the report on the petition against NAFDAC’s recent executive deployments and resolved that “Mrs. Esther Amuta be immediately restored to her position as the temporary Head/ Deputy Director in charge of FSAN (Food Safety and Applied Nutrition) Directorate, pending the appointment of a substantive Director to that position.”

Anambra to build N2bn truck parks

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA—ANAMBRA State Government yesterday said it would construct four specially designed motor parks for trucks in four border towns in the state as part of measures to restrict their movement.

The parks are to be sited in Onitsha, Amoka in Ihiala local government area, Ogbunka in Orumba South Local Government Area and Amansea in Awka North Local Government Area.

Commissioner for T r a n s p o r t , Dr.Ifeanyichukwu Ejikeme, said in Awka that the state government was also determined to restrict articulated vehicles from plying roads in the state between 6a.m. and 7 p.m. to reduce road carnage in the state.

According to the commissioner, once the truck parks were in place, it would be easy to enforce

the order restricting their movements, explaining that Governor Willie Obiano had wanted the order to take effect from this month, but for logistics challenges.

He said the state

Attorney- General and commissioner for Justice, Mr. Anali Chude was already working on a bill to be sent to the House of Assembly for passage to give the restriction the required legal teeth.

Group faults A-Court ruling against Ikpeazu

By Ikenna Asomba

L

AGOS—ABIA Youth Team, AYT, has faulted the recent judgment of the Appeal Court, which declared the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, candidate, Mr. Alex Otti, the winner of Abia State governorship election.

President of AYT, Prince Obinna Ehumadu, who spoke during a protest in Lagos, asked the Supreme Court to set aside the December 31, 2015, ruling of the Appeal Court, which nullified the election of Okezie Ikpeazu citing

inconsistency in the votes cast in three Local Government Areas of Osisioma, Obingwa and Isi-Alangwa.

According to him, “We are here because of equity and justice. We are here to make our voices known to Abians and Nigerians that the votes of the good people of Abia State must count.

The rights of the people must be respected because we are in a democratic system of governance. We are showing solidarity with our Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, to tell whole world that he is already a performer."

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016 —17

I

’VE spent the past three months in London. And while I was away, I regularly received phone calls from friends and relatives who are based in various Nigerian states.

Some of these friends and relatives are staunch PDP sympathisers who voted for exPresident Jonathan during last year’s election, while others are staunch APC sympathisers who voted for President Buhari.

But they all have one thing in common: Whether they blame Jonathan or Buhari for the

No money! country’s myriad economic woes, they are all bitterly complaining about the fact that there is “no money in the system” and seriously worried about the future.

When I flew into Abuja on Monday, I was in a fairly buoyant frame of mind. But I was immediately struck by the dis-

mal atmosphere; and I haven’t yet met any Abuja resident or habitue who has cheered me up with positive news.

At best, people are wearily philosophical and praying that less stressful times will eventually materialise; and I must tell you that 4 days after my arrival in a capital city that used to buzz with

irrepressible energy and unbridled optimism, I have ceased to feel fairly buoyant and have descended into a deep depression!

Matters have not been helped by the fact that when I decided – two days ago – to raid my Nigerian bank account, so I could send some pocket money to my son,

Rivers State judgement

•Wike

O

N Wednesday, the Su preme Court overturned an Appeal Court ruling and confirmed Nyesom Wike, a PDP stalwart, as the Governor of Rivers State…thereby dashing the hopes of the APC candidate, Dakuku Peterside (whom I supported).

Frankly, I’m extremely shocked because I traversed Rivers State during the run-up to last year’s gubernatorial election and on the actual election day; and while there were exceptions to the rule and parts of the state (my village in Ogoniland, for example) where PDP supporters behaved acceptably, I think it is fair to say that chronic irregularities were the norm and that violence was widespread.

One would have thought that the Supreme Court judges would have listened to the witnesses that the APC presented and insisted that an election that was so marred by logistical imperfections, fraud and fatalities should C M Y K

be re-run. But the justices decided to let sleeping dogs lie and to let Wike continue for the next 4 or 8 years; On reflection, the PDP is not inconsequential in Rivers State; and it is possible that Wike (a seasoned grassroots populist) would have won anyway, even if re-run had been ordered and even if the re-run had been completely devoid of skulduggery.

And I can only plead with Wike to clean up his administration, get rid of dubious and dangerous elements, focus on honest service delivery and prove sceptics like me wrong by becoming a great leader who unites the warring factions in our state.

As for Dakuku Peterside, he is a decent young man who still has a lot to offer Nigeria; and I hope that Mr President will kindly offer him a senior Federal-level role that will enable him to contribute significantly to our collective wellbeing.

who is studying in the UK, I was told that the naira/sterling exchange rate was 427:1.

Four Hundred And Twentyseven To One?! Absolutely Unbelievable! It wasn’t so long ago that the exchange rate was only 250:1. And it’s the same story with dollars and other foreign currencies.

Meanwhile, a few prophets of doom (who own companies or have financial sector jobs and sound as if they know what they are talking about) have assured me that things will get worse rather than better, not least because of plunging oil prices.

The status quo is very frightening for those of us who have overseas commitments but aren’t rich enough to cope with a crazy, out-of-control scenario like this.

And it can’t be good for entrepreneurs either. When will this mess end?

President Buhari travels a lot.

And I wish he would travel less because even if his physical presence will not miraculously elevate the economy overnight, domestic challenges are more important than international PR at the moment; and I will feel safer if he stays home and concentrates on getting us out of this slough of despair.

•Dakuku

Readers’ responses

L

AST week, I expressed ap proval of the fact that the Minister in charge of solid minerals, Dr Kayode Fayemi, had disclosed that state governments are now free to explore and exploit mineral deposits in their domains, provided they do so in a legal manner that won’t interfere with locations already given to other stakeholders.

Two Vanguard readers responded as follows: 08033397921 Anonymous If states will be allowed to explore and exploit mineral resources in their states against Section 1 of the Minerals and Mining Act of 2007, oil and gas states should also be allowed to

explore, exploit and sell the oil and gas in their lands.

08075493437 Irikefe Ericks Dear Donu, your piece on solid mineral issues will only make sense if ministers of petroleum will also permit states to explore the crude oil in their domains.

I passionately agree with both of these readers. I have long believed in Resource Control and will be thrilled to the point of sheer ecstasy if oil-producing states acquire much more power and can control the wealth that flows from their ancestral lands and creeks…and quit being so beholden to the Federal Authorities.

But let’s face it: Resource

Control within a hydrocarbon context is a revolutionary idea by Naija standards; and it is not likely to be actualized in my lifetime or yours!

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

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

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016 Monetary Policy Committee, MPC of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN met early this week and observed that the last episode of low oil prices in 2005 lasted for a maximum period of eight months.

The current episode of lower oil prices it said is projected to remain over a very long period warning that it is imperative for Nigerians to brace up for a longer period of low government revenues from oil sources, which would necessitate hard and uncomfortable choices as the economy transits to more sustainable sources of revenue, consistent with the economic realities and strategic objectives of the country.

We agree with the Committee that in the circumstance facing the country, certain tradeoffs must be envisaged and duly accommodated.

But given the situation, the imperative for consistently sound and coordinated macroeconomic policy has become inevitable. As stated by the committee the need to allow policy to produce the desired out-

CBN’s MPC forex policy needs urgent fine tuning comes becomes a key consideration in policy mix. The foreign exchange market has become contentious.

Nigerian firms and foreign investors have complained that they cannot get hard currency to fund essential imports such as food or machinery spare parts. Foreign stock and bond market investors have become reluctant to put money into Nigeria because they assume it will have to devalue its currency eventually. All these are the argument pushing for the devaluation of the naira.

The CBN decision to stop selling dollars to foreign exchange bu-

reaus, because there is not enough foreign exchange has also spark off furor in the market.

Nigerians are optimistic that the economy will stabilise soon with the efficient implementation of measures and policies that have been introduced by current administration. While to an average economist the necessary condition for devaluation are in the Nigerian horizon, they really are not sufficient for a government interested in the over all welfare of its citizens. Devaluation of the currency will inflict more hardship on the poor citizens of Nigeria who already had doses of penury. Nigeria is not an export driven econo-

my and can not profit over all from devaluation. It is export-driven economies that could benefit from devaluation of their currencies, Naira devaluation would only result in further inflation and hardship for the poor and middle classes in Nigeria’s import-dependent economy.

How ever, hoping that the economy will improve soon, the CBN should as a matter of urgency come out with its announced plan to fine-tuning the framework for foreign exchange management with a view to ensuring a more effective and liquid foreign exchange market. This is needed to ensure an enhanced funding of the market and the removal of all forms of rent seeking activities. We agree that devaluation will not benefit the nation now, Government must work hard on tax revenue and diversification of the economy. This will bring permanent solution to this cycle of revenue crisis when ever oil prices crash in the international market.

OPINION Lest we rail against the rule of law

By Emeka Odikpo

I

MAGINE being involved in the typical Motor Vehicle versus Commercial Motorcycle accident. In this country that is a clear invitation to jungle justice against the driver of the Motor vehicle. It does not matter whose misadventure caused the accident. It matters not whether the “Okada” driver is clearly high on drugs or alcohol. It matters not that the “Okada” driver was driving against the traffic at breath taking speed. The verdict of the mob of fellow motorcycle drivers is always against the driver of the car. They will descend on the car and pulverize it. If the motorcycle driver died from the accident, the car driver will be lucky to escape with his life. That is the very anti thesis of the rule of law. What happens is the rule of the lynch mob. Guilty without a hope of ever being proven innocent. The effect of this crazy practice has led to the death of many a motorcyclist. The car driver never waits for the mob to gather. He escapes to the nearest police station abandoning the motorcyclist that he would ordinarily have taken to hospital. That is the effect of the rule of the lynch mob. The suspect has no choice than to run or fight to save his life.

Move over illiterate commercial motorcyclists. In their stead we now have well educated Nigerians baying for blood of the allegedly corrupt. The remarkable character trait of these educated Nigerians

is that they are partisan to the hilt.

Corruption is only corruption when it alleged against the political party they detest. When members of their preferred political party, or sometimes their preferred wing of a political party are cited for corruption, they wave the allegations away with surprising ease. These set of supposedly educated Nigerians are currently at the forefront of encouraging the present government to disobey court orders and abuse the rule of law. It does not appear to occur to them that key members of this present government are actually beneficiaries of the presumption of innocence; a very key adjunct of the rule of law. It appears to escape their mind that bail provisions under our constitution and laws are clearly directed at preserving the constitutional rule on presumption of innocence of an accused person.

From the allegory of the motorcycle accident above, certain lessons are clear. It is the rule of law that ensures that suspects report to the EFCC and the Police when they are invited. It is precisely because of the prospect of the observance of the rule of law that ensured that even a suspect like Sambo Dasuki remained in Nigeria to be arrested.

Continued observance of the rule of law is actually in the enlightened self interest of the President

If it was apparent that the rule of law will be observed in the breach, the man would have been thousands of miles away before an arrest was even contemplated. It is exactly the rule of law that made Chief Olisa Metuh to positively report himself to the EFCC upon his invitation. He could have re-invented the NADECO route if he had doubts about the application of the rule of law to the allegations levied against him. The rule of law is that indescribable right that allows an educated Nigerian to stand up to the Divisional Police Officer, who is attempting to play god, and demand for his case to be charged to court. It is this same vilified rule of law that ensured that Governor Nasir El Rufai was not sent to the gulag without trial on the allegations made against him about his tenure as FCT head. It is this same rule of law that protected Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu when the charges of failing to declare his assets properly were raised against him.

The rule of law is at the foundation of every democracy. Mobs, even media lynch mobs are extremely hysterical. They have no time for the niceties of the contents of the law.

Their only interest is to muscle the story of their victim and exact their pound of flesh.

Such lynch mobs cannot be allowed in any democracy. Even during military governments, the rule of law was actually observed, that is apart from when the notorious decree no 2 was introduced in 1984. That unfortunate decree allowed the government of the day to detain any person indefinitely and without any declared reason.

Otherwise, in the other military governments that Nigeria has unfortunately experienced,

the semblance of the rule of law was maintained. Apart from that era, other military governments at least attempted to comply with court orders and most of the necessary adjuncts of the rule of law.

The greatest enemies of President Mohammadu Buhari are those advising him to jettison the constitutional rule of law that he swore to uphold. The President did not do himself any credit with his comments on the allegations of breaches of the rule of law in the Sambo Dasuki and Nnamdi Kanu cases. The men advising the President to disregard court orders actually want our President to execute a leap from the constitutional order he is presiding into an unconstitutional and clearly uncharted territory. The very concept of a civilian democratic government brazenly refusing to comply with court orders will go to the root of the whole system. It even legitimises a retaliatory contempt of the rule of law by other competing power blocs. Our President must be advised to empower more robust legal teams to argue the case on behalf of the State. If despite the strong advocacy by the State, the court reaches a conclusion that is at variance with the contention of the State, our President and indeed the other agencies of his government have absolutely no choice than to obey the verdict of the court.

Continued observance of the rule of law is actually in the enlightened self interest of the President, as that is the only moral and legal force that empowered him to preside over our affairs in the first place.

•Mr. Odikpo, a legal practitioner, wrote from Lagos.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016— —19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

Ethiopia can still be saved from bloodshed

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THIOPIA is primarily in the news this week, but not because it is hosting the on-going African Union (AU) Heads of State Summit. Rather, it is about two worrying developments. The advancing drought for which needed international funds are in short supply and an estimated 350,000 newborns are expected in drought-affected communities between March and August, 2016.

The other reason is the renewed violent protests by the Oromo in which 140 souls have been dispatched by security forces to early graves.

The protests are not coming to me and other Ethiopia watchers as a surprise. I told myself in 2013 after a visit to the holiday resort town of Debre Zeyit, a picturesque haven with five crater lakes, that violent reaction was not far from the surface. At the resort, I got confused after realising that I was actually in Bishoftu, and the signboards were there to announce where I actually was. My confusion was cleared when I was educated that the two names were for one and the same town. The official name for many years; Debre Zeyit was the Amharic name

which is the official language of the country, while the inhabitants who are Oromo insist on the traditional name, Bishoftu. I dug deeper, and found that all the way from the resort to Addis Ababa, the capital, shops and businesses have two names; one written in the official language, and the other in Oromo. This was a show of Oromo nationalism. The Oromo who constitute 40 percent of the Ethiopian population feel marginalised, oppressed and repressed. They think their language and culture have been relegated to the background.

The immediate trigger of the protests is government decision to implement an Addis Ababa Master Plan which would further expand the capital and develop the outlining farmlands near it into a business zone. But the Oromo who own those lands will have none of it. They see the plan as an attempt by other ethnic groups to seize more of their lands. The protesting Oromo have not forgotten that they are the original owners of the capital before they were conquered by the Christian Abyssinian Kingdom which then moved its capital to Oromo land,

and established Addis Ababa in 1886.

To be sure, Ethiopia is a very complex country. For many years, the Amharic who are 30 percent of the population, ruled, first as a monarchy and later as a military junta under the Colonel Mengistu Haile Mariam. The Tigrayans who constitute 15 percent were regarded as the warriors while the Oromo felt left out. From the rule of Emperor Haile Selassie (said to be actually of Oromo parentage) to Mengistu, there was an armed rebellion by three components parts of the country. The Oromo had in 1973 founded the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) with the objective of winning selfdetermination for the Oromo. The Tigrayans founded the Tigrayan Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF) while the Eritreans founded the Eritrean Peoples Liberation Front (EPLF) The combined forces and

The protesting Oromo have not forgotten that they are the original owners of the capital before they were conquered by the Christian Abyssinian Kingdom which then moved its capital to Oromo land,and established Addis Ababa in 1886

pressure of the three groups were too much for the Mengistu regime which gave way.

With that collapse, the Eritreans gained independence and became a separate country while the Tigray-dominated Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) led by Meles Zenawi Asres, pushed into the country and seized power. With that, the power equation in the country changed with the Tigrayans becoming the new ruling group.

Feeling increasingly marginalised, the Oromo bided their time for the return to democratic rule under which they hoped to use their numerical strength to gain political power.

There was also understandable disaffection amongst the Amharic.

In the 1995 and 2000 elections, the ruling party won easily amidst claims by the opposition that force, intimidation and rigging gave the winners victory.

However, the 2005 elections were different. The opposition led by the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD)made a very strong showing and believed it had won the elections. The CUD for instance, won all the 23 seats in Addis Ababa and made good showing in the Oromo, Amharic and Southern areas. The official election results however gave a different narration; the ruling party had 327 seats, its allies, 40 seats while the opposition seats increased from 12 in the previous elections, to 174. The official results triggered street protests in November 2005 in which security forces allegedly gunned down hundreds of persons. The government followed up with the mass arrests of the opposition including the Mayor of Addis Ababa, local election observers

Between Okerenkoko, Aso rock, and the rest of us

By Clement Udegbe

O

KERENKOKO, is a town in Ijaw land in the Niger Delta region, where former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GEJ, performed the ground breaking ceremony for the Nigerian Maritime University on the 10th May 2014.It has a Pro-Chancellor, with a University Council, and should take off this year with full academic activities as approved by the National Universities Commission. The University operates from a temporary site in a town called Kurutie, near Okerenkoko, a major town in Gbaramatu Kingdom, which was one of the centres of Niger Delta militancy in the days of former military Head of State, GAA to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, OBJ. Between these two former occupants of Aso Rock, the Naval Maritime training activities in Owerri, Imo State, in the South East, was ‘stepped down’ to Yenegoa, Bayelsa, in the Niger Delta, to be upgraded to a Maritime University as part of the deal to settle the militants and keep the creeks safe for the milking of Crude oil, our national main stay.

Ndigbo and Imolites did not say a word, and if they did, no one listened, as it had become usual, with Ndigbo matters in Nigeria. In any case, the institution was leaving Igboland to a brother region, the Niger Delta, so no qualms, and no bad feelings.

Late President Yar Ardua, approved the final Amnesty to Militants, some of whom include Ateke Tom, Asari Dokugbo, and Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, to name a few, who were at the time under detention and the Niger delta region was very tensed.

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Part of the deal was the setting up of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, the empowerment of the key Militants in various ways to re-integrate them into the system for gainful and peaceful living, and the Maritime University to be located in that region.

Asari Dokugbo set up a University in Republic of Benin, while Tompolo set up the Mieka Dive Training Institute ( a Maritime Institute) at Kuritie, which Government bought under GEJ for the takeoff of the maritime university at Okerekoko.

Tompolo, fortunately and unfortunately, also was given the contract for the surveillance of oil pipelines in the region.

It was fortunate for him because he was making money buying gun boats etc, but it was unfortunate because this is a country where the rich and mighty do very dirty

The government now asks leaders of the area, to produce the oil pipeline vandals, and what happens if they refuse as they appear to be doing?

things under cover to make money, including stealing of the crude oil, so Tompolo stepped on their toes. They cried out against him, from Niger Delta, South West, and the north, but not one Igbo man spoke a word against, because Ndigbo, like GEJ, focused more on the need to stop the stealing of our crude oil, than on who did the job, or took the benefits. So these big guns waited, till the pharaoh who did not know Joseph came to power in 2015.

Now the fight against corruption, has found a bed mate, in unbridled appetite for Power and on the bed of divided voices from the Niger Delta, the two are going for a great sexual rumpus, while the oil thieves are peeping, watching, directing and clapping!

That is why the whole deal must first, under this fight against corruption, be investigated such that Tompolo will pay dearly for his sins, by losing all he made from the deals, from the University to the surveillance jobs, but unknown to all of them, the kite was hovering in the sky to carry away the Maritime University from their region.

It is perhaps why in spite of Tompolo’s spirited denials, they have pinned, or intend to pin the recent blow up of oil pipes in that region on him.

Their argument and perhaps reasoning is simple;Why did the blow ups start after a bench warrant was issued for his arrest by a Federal High Court in Lagos? If the witch cries in the night and the child dies in the morning, who does not know that it was the witch that killed the child, they ask? Vengeance against Tompolo may be responsible, but government does not appear willing to dig deeper to unearth the criminals.

Those of them in the Niger Delta Region,

and thirteen journalists. They were charged with treason which attracted the death penalty.

The Oromo claimed that between 2005 and 2008, 594 Oromo were extra-judicially executed while 43 disappeared. The renewed protests

by Oromo is therefore not unexpected. Similar protests in April and May, 2014 led to another round of killings.

But it must be emphasised that the challenge in Ethiopia is not primarily about the Oromo; there is marked depression in the country with many, including journalists fleeing. Freedom of expression and press freedom are observed more in the breach and many Ethiopians have left the country to do menial jobs mainly in the Middle East where they have no labour rights. Many have also embarked on the perilous journey of crossing the Mediterranean Sea in overcrowded, makeshift boats to seek refuge in Europe.

But the country can still avoid catastrophe by the government employing dialogue and making concessions. For instance, if it must go ahead with its Addis Ababa Master Plan, it needs to negotiate with the owners of the lands to be affected. Labeling the farmers and students leading those protests as terrorists and using that as a pretext to physically eliminate them, is dangerous. Also, the Tigray-dominated government nominally led by Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalgn (who is from Southern Ethiopia) needs to relax the rules in the country and allow fundamental human rights to reign. But if it insists on a continued clamping of the lid on Ethiopians, one day, the lid will blow off and Africa may experience another tragedy with a huge toll on human lives. Now is the time to take a new direction.

who want power at all cost, if only to humiliate their former boss GEJ, must be used to do the bad job, and to make it look like normal, NIMASA must be attacked and possibly killed, so that the issue of killing the university at Okerekoko will be a small matter.

The facility that left Imo state, in 1998, to Niger Delta, is now ripe and ready to lift to the north, driven and flown by greed, and power, all occasioned by Niger Deltans themselves.

Those of them who have just woken up to realise the real issues at stake have started shouting and kicking feebly, but they do not understand their master, who is very far ahead of them all.

Their cries will end up like that of the chick caught by a hawk, that cries for the world to hear its voice knowing that it’s captor will never set it free! Are the signs of the times not clearly discernible? I think they are. First, an Army Commander announces that given the opportunity, he would destroy the whole area, to make the Odi cleansing under OBJ, a child’s play.

But the world when Odi genocide happened is not the same today. The ICC has become more empowered to deal with such killings, and who knows if someone will not one day send Odi matter to the ICC. Second, the government now asks leaders of the area, to produce the oil pipeline vandals, and what happens if they refuse as they appear to be doing? In the Bible, the Isrealites once out of fear, handed over their champion and strong man Samson, to the Philistines, to have their peace. The Philistines gorged out Samson’s two eyes, humiliated him, and used him as an object of entertainment, yet it was the same Samson that killed the king and so many Philistines in their history of wars. Let those who have ears hear.

*Mr Udegbe, a lawyer, can be reached at ceeaai@yahoo.com.

20—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016 — 21

Stock market volatility: Operators seek FG intervention fund

By Peter Egwuatu

He stressed that the original problem of the market can be traced to lacuna created by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN by failing to regulate banks’ involvement in margin loans for speculative trading and the apex bank’s mismanagement of the information to stop margin loan which created panic in the market and coincided with the 2008 global financial meltdown.

In his own contribution, Chairman, ASHON, Mr. Emeka Madubuike said “It must be noted that margin loan is not a bad thing per se. It is a normal stock market practice but it has to be regulated, otherwise it has the potential to destabilize stock markets when

O

PERATORS in the Nigerian capital market have moved for Federal Government intervention fund to save the market from the current volatility and grow the economy.

The coalition of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, CIS, Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria, ASHON and Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria, AIHN at a press conference in Lagos kicked against the reintroduction of stamp duty by the Federal Government, saying “it will add to the cost of transaction in the market.”

Speaking, Acting President, CIS, Mr. Oluwaseyi Abe said “ The capital market is going through challenges that are not uncommon with other markets especially the automated markets which operate in a crest and trough pattern in response to variables in the macro economy and within the market itself.”

things go awry, especially small and developing markets.”

According to him “Since 2008 there have been a lot of transformational changes that were structured by the regulatory authorities to place the market on a stronger keel as a result of which the market took a turn.

But, because stock markets are cyclical in nature and respond to emerging trends, there are bound to be crest and trough periods as presently exists.

“Presently, the South ward direction of the market is determined by three major factors, namely, adverse macro-economic situation largely due to a drastic drop in the price of oil; negative public sentiment

which is related to the state of the macro-economy, and retreat of foreign portfolio investors which is related to CBN policy on foreign exchange.

He explained that the market has deprecated by about 21.25% since the beginning of the year, 2016 due to sell pressure and investor apathy which are related to the factors enumerated above.

While, proffering solution, Madubuike said “In recognition of the importance of the capital market, government should make a pronouncement on the state of the market as comfort to the investing public.”

He explained that market op-

erators are working closely to seek audience with the government for further interaction on the state of the market. “As a short term measure for the immediate the CBN should create an intervention window for about N200billion to be accessed by market makers to shore up the market.

Each market maker should be availed of N1billion to N10billion; SEC should also consider structuring accrued dividend to shore up the market; the government should support the market by buying and warehousing shares as it is done in advanced markets; there should be a policy for banks to operate zero interest rate to stimulate activities in the capital market” he stated.

Pulse of the economy According to him “This is so because the capital market is an integral part of the economy which ideally serves as a barometer for measuring the pulse of the economy. Moreover, we operate in a globalised economy where geographical barriers have been broken down by the internet, so global trends tend to create a domino effect in various economies and markets. Until 2008, the Nigerian capital market had remained relatively stable.

BRIEFING: From

left: Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Mr. Adedeji Ajadi; Past President, Mr. Ariyo Olushekun; Acting President, Mr. Oluwaseyi Abe; and President, Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria, Mr. Emeka Madubuike, during a press conference on the state of the market, in Lagos.

NEPC

targets $30 billion earning from non-oil export

$118.75 0.55 $2,792.00 28.00 $13.20

CURRENCY US DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

-0.38

$34.75

1.65

$33.70

1.40

BUYING 196 279. 0452 213.2284 192. 9704 1.6569 0.3046 269. 4142 29.7863 52. 2249 28.5656 270.6956

SELLING 196.5 279. 7571 213.7724 193.4626 1.6612 0.3146 270.1015 29.8628 52.3581 28.6385 271.3862

197 280. 4689 214.3163 193.9549 1.6654 0. 3246 270. 7888 29.9392 52.4913 28.7113 272.0767

CBN Exchange rate as at 28/01/2016

By Favour Nnabugwu

N

IGERIAN Export Promotion

Council (NEPC) has put in place some plans that will help increase the country’s earnings on non-oil export to $30billion from the $2.7billion it currently stands even as the Council and the Ministry of Agriculture have evolve ways to transform the nation’s economy.

Speaking in his office yesterday when he received the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Export Promotion Council Mr Olusegun Awolowo who was on a courtesy visit to Minister of Agriculture,Chief Audu Ogbe in Abuja, he said: “The plan identifies 11 strategic products\sectors, and 21 countries, for Nigerian goods, to grow non-oil foreign exchange from $2.7 billion today, to $30 billion in five years.”

It will be recalled that the country’s total nonoil export volume in the first three-quarters of 2015 was 612.73 million dollars.

He said the volume of non-oil exports dropped slightly during the year when compared to the preceding year. He attributed the drop to the uncertainties surrounding political activities in the country as well as the activities of insurgents in the northeast region.

“Statistics of non-oil exports dipped a little in 2015 when compared to the preceding year.

However, some marginalimpactwas made though only statistics of the first three-quarters are captured for now

“This can be attributed largely to two major reasons, which are – 2015 being an election year, there were plenty of uncertainties surroundingpoliticalactivitiesandthatofthe insurgentsinthenortheast.“However,some marginal impact was made though only statisticsofthefirstthree-quartersarecaptured for now.

“For the first quarter, we have gross weight of 516, 428. 63 metric tonnes with export value of $664, 638. 89. “ The second quarter has gross weight of 368, 529. 64 metric tonnes with export value of $391, 602,161. 02, while for third quarter we have gross weight of 311, 769. 10 metric tonnes with export value of 220, 460, 728 dollars respectively’’ he said.

Awolowo said the council was working on a Zero Oil Plan that would enable it to achieve its objective in the current year.

22—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016

‘FG should enforce regulations to stop financial leakages’ CHIEF Nike Akande, a former Minister of Industry and the current President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, spoke with Vanguard on her election as the second female president of the chamber, her vision, among other burning issues affecting the economy. Excerpts:

By Naomi Uzor

C

ONGRATULATIONS on your recent election as LCCI President.

How has it been?

So far so good I have hit the ground running and eager to see how we can use the Chamber’s platforms to better the lots of businesses in the coming years as President of the Chamber. We are perfecting structures that would drive our programmes in areas like advocacy, trade promotion, research, capacity building for SMEs, international relations etc.

As President of the LCCI and also President of the New Partnership for Development (NEPAD) Business Group Nigeria, how are you managing both portfolios?

Well, good enough both institutions have similar focus which is private sector business. I wish to take advantage of the collaborative power of both institutions to influence policies and decisions that would translate to a better business environment in Nigeria. I will facilitate a better working relationship between the two institutions to deliver better results to the private sector.

Both institutions have similar objectives, framework, profile and structure.

As a two time Minister of Industry, how would you compare Nigeria’s industrial landscape, then and now?

First, my experience as a two-time Minister of Industry was very exciting and yet challenging. But I thank God for the opportunity to serve my country at such a high level.

Industrial landscape Since my tenure as minister from 1999, Nigeria’s industrial landscape has evolved into a more sophisticated and more challenging space today comparatively. In 1999, Nigeria was not the largest economy in Africa, today we are. This presents its peculiar challenges. Our industrial base has been too skewed towards oil and gas and the present oil price challenges are taking our focus from oil to non-oil manufacturing. This is expected to boost the industrial base of the country in coming years. During my tenure, we set up industrial development centres all over the country to support industrialization, especially small scale industries. I also supervised many parastatals that interfaced with investors. One of them was the NIDB, which is now Bank of Industry, Machine Tools Oshogbo and many more.

Recently, the IMF Chief, Christine Lagarde was in the country. What are your comments on her visit?

The IMF’s Chief Executive visit to Nigeria is firstly an indication that Nigeria remains on the top list of emerging economies with potentials for growth and development.

The IMF is also seeing the Nigerian economy as having a great impact on the economy of the Sub-Saharan Africa. At a C M Y K

By Providence Obuh

L

time like this, Nigeria needs inputs from internationally focused organizations like the IMF in seeking for new directions in managing her economy.

She has offered to assist the Federal Government of Nigeria in plugging revenue leakages, tracing stolen funds and restructuring the tax system.

She challenged us to identify new revenue sources to compensate for the shortfall resulting from oil price decline.

Moreover, she urged that fiscal discipline was needed for the country to be sustainable.

In response to the IMF recommendations, we expect that the Federal Government would look Chief Nike Akande, President LCCI inwards for new revenue sources, enforce regulations to stop We are currently spending a lot to service financial leakages and adopt global best debt, amounting to one trillion naira. practices in generating more tax revenues Generally I believe that the budget to mitigate the effects of dwindling oil proposal is good. prices on our economy.

What advice will you give on the The framework and estimates for the diversification of the economy?

2016 budget have been presented to the The diversification of the economy has National Assembly. What are your become so critical now that Nigeria is faced views? with an unprecedented revenue challenge We commend the fact that capital arising from falling oil prices and presexpenditure provision is higher than in sure on our currency. I will advise that the the previous budget. It is 30 per cent government look at sectors that have against 15 per cent in the 2015 budget. capacity to generate jobs and foreign exThis is commendable. It would help to change at the same time. Let’s look at agimprove infrastructure through better riculture to produce food that can be funding. processed for export and local consumpWe also agree with the budget tion, solid minerals development that can benchmark of $38 per barrel, even though be exported and information technology. there is a lot of pressure on the crude oil These can all generate quite a number of price. Current oil price stands at around jobs for our teeming unemployed youths. $37/barrel. There are also heightened How do you intend to run the LCCI fears that oil prices may take a further over the next two years? downward slide. Following from IMF’s First of all, I give glory to the Almighty recommendation on fiscal discipline, we God for the opportunity to serve my country need to be careful about too much debt. on this platform and in this capacity. I am

During my tenure as minister, we set up industrial development centres all over the country to support industrialization, especially small scale industries. I also supervised many parastatals that interfaced with investors

Ambode commissions N2bn FrieslandCampina warehouse

also grateful to members of the LCCI for electing me. Being the President of the Chamber is, indeed, a great task. I will, therefore, be resolute in contributing my quota to the advancement of the cause of the Nigerian private sector and the progress of our economy as a whole.

Furthermore, while a lot has been done by all my predecessors in office at achieving the core objectives of the Chamber, I am prepared to build on their worthy legacies by pushing the frontiers forward in regards of the following: Strengthening the effectiveness of the LCCI advocacy and research activities to create a more conducive environment for investors. Putting in place strategic and innovative programmes to attract and retain more members across sectors.

AGOS State Governor Akinwumi Ambode, has c o m m i s s i o n e d FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc’s “Finished Goods Warehouse”, worth over N2 billion (•8.3 million) at the Ogba, Ikeja Industrial area. He emphasized the need for tax payment in the state.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambode said that the Stateof-the-Art warehouse testifies to the company’s faith in the country ’s economic development and its desire to contribute to the growth of commerce in the face of uncertainties.

The governor who was represented by the State’s Attorney General a n d Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, said that the warehouse will boost the dairy company ’s distribution capability, increase the number of employees, wholesalers and retailers. He added that with the commissioning, Nigeria and Lagos State in particular, will enjoy more access to quality nutrition.

He said that the state is proud to have provided the enabling environment for the company over the years, just as he commended the company for increasing its investment in the state despite the current economic challenges.

On tax payment, Ambode said: “In Lagos State, we emphasize the importance of paying your tax regularly.

Companies and individuals who evade tax definitely work against the good of the society. Indeed, the benefits of tax are enormous to the growth and sustenance of every progressive society with people oriented initiatives. It goes a long way to facilitate government policies, economic system as well as social infrastructures.”

Also speaking at the event, Managing Director of FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Mr. Rahul Colaco, said: “We are really pleased with this new warehouse, which allows us to continue to meet the growing demand of our operations. This means we can offer our customers better stock guarantees accruing from the state-of-the-art facilities of this investment.

The new Finished Goods Warehouse underlines FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s strategy in reinforcing world class operations.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016—23

VOL. 1: NO. 17

By Ola Ajayi

U

NTIL the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1 joined his ancestors 10 days ago, no one in his wildest imagination could think that the orderly arranged ascendancy to the throne of Olubadan could be enmeshed in this kind of crisis.

Hitherto, many had thought the rancour-free arrangement of the titles was the best in the South West .

However, unfolding events in the traditional council of the ancient city have shown that ‘the rich also cry’.

Until the court says otherwise, there are two ruling lines to the throne of Olubadan. They are the civil and military lines. These two royal lines have been producing the Olubadan.

Previous kings were appointed on rotational basis to occupy the stool on the death of a monarch.

The next to Olubadan and most senior on both lines are the Otun Olubadan and Balogun.

But now a third royal line, the Seriki line led by Chief Adebayo Oyediji is laying claim to the crown, saying it has a court judgment, which had long ago recognised it as the third line.

The trouble started when two high chiefs, late Omowale Kuye and Sulaiman Omiyale died in quick succession thus

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29 , 2016

Royal rumble over Olubadan stool leaving the stools of Balogun and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland vacant.

Oyedeji, sensing alleged plans to by-pass his lineage, headed to the court to seek redress.

Until the court says otherwise, there are two ruling lines to the throne of Olubadan. They are the civil and military lines.

These two royal lines have been producing the Olubadan

•Ajimobi In a motion filed on his behalf by his lawyer, A.G. Adeniran in an Oyo state High court, Chief Adediji alleged

that the Olubadan-in-Council had since 1989 refused to obey a Supreme Court judgment, which ordered that the Seriki

IN THIS EDITION

When Fayose visited Aregbesola •Page 26

FUTA VS STRIKING UNIONS:

Who blinks first?

•Page 28

line be admitted into the Olubadan line.

According to him, since the death of Chief Adisa Meredith Akinloye, who was also denied the opportunity, the Olubadan in Council has been denying his line their rights of becoming the third royal line in accordance with the court judgment.

The chief alluded to a 1959 Ekerin Balogun of Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration that put Seriki under the Ekerin Balogun of Ibadan and stated that Seriki can only be promoted to Ekerin Balogun, if there are two simultaneous vacancies occurring in the Ashipa and Ekerin Balogun titles.

Based on the victory his line got, the then Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Oloyede Asanke and all the Chiefs prevailed on the Seriki chiefs not to insist on three lines for the Olubadan chieftaincy, that rather, chiefs in the Seriki line should cross to Ekerin Balogun and Ekerin Olubadan whenever there is a vacancy in any of the two lines.

Since the two occupants of the titles are dead on both sides of the Balogun and Otun Olubadan, he says it is the turn of Seriki to become the Olubadan.

He went further, saying, “ when the agreement was reached, the late Odulana was the only senior ranking High Chief in the Olubadan line and we were on the same rank.

If that agreement is followed, I am the next person to succeed him.”

He also prayed the court to “set aside the purported appointments made by the 1st defendant (Oba Odulana) to fill vacancies existing in the chieftaincy titles of Ekerin Olubadan, Ashipa Olubadan, Osi Olubadan, Otun Olubadan and Balogun Olubadan of Ibadan since the 21st of November, 2008 up till the last appointment he made on the 1st of January, 2016.

He also said that the court should “set aside the purported approval granted by the Governor of Oyo state on the 5th of January, 2016 or thereabout to the appointments made by the 1st defendant on the 1st of January, 2016 to fill vacancies existing in the chieftaincy titles.

This, of course, did not go Continues on page 26 C M Y K

24—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016

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VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016—25

26 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016

OSUN STATE

By Gbenga Olarinoye

T

HE visit of the newly crowned Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, to Oyo early in the year to felicitate with Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi on the occasion of his 45th coronation anniversary has definitely opened a new vitsa on the much sought after unity of the Yoruba race.

Barely two weeks after the historic visit of the revered monarch to the ancient town of Oyo, Ekiti state governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose, also paid a surprise visit to his Osun state counterpart, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, at the Okefia Government House, Osogbo.

Fayose, who came with a 50man contingent that comprises commissioners, members of the state House of Assembly, and some stalwarts of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in a brief chat with newsmen, said the visit was basically to foster unity among Yoruba states.

Osun state governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, had at a meeting hosted by his wife, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola that had in attendance Ekiti State first lady, Mrs Feyisetan Fayose, last November, on female circumcision in Osogbo, hinted of a close affinity between him and his Ekiti counterpart.

Aregbesola, who also at the meeting, disclosed that regardless of the differences in political party the two of them remain very good friends.

He, however, declined giving details of the kind of relationship the two of them have.

Speaking further during the courtesy call, Governor Fayose said "the visit to Osun will be the first official visit to any APC state. Our ideology may be different but we all are of Yoruba extraction".

Explaining the reason for the visit, Fayose said it was primarily because of his belief in the Yoruba race, saying the

When Fayose visited Aregbesola •Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State in a warm handsake with Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State

I will never decamp to another political party. I have right to my views and I will continue to push my views forward. Strength of democracy is in opposition. It is to put our leaders on their toes — Fayose

race comes first before the seat of the governor.

"We must preserve the race because of our children. I am here to encourage the unity of

Yoruba people. The visit of Ooni to Alaafin is instructive.

We must make sure nothing happens to our leader. We must find solutions to the economic problems we are facing.

"I will never decamp to another political party. I have right to my views and I will continue to push my views forward. Strength of democracy is in opposition. It is to put our leaders on their toes," Fayose averred.

He added that the Yoruba race is greater than any political office hence his belief in the development of the race.

The governor said that the Ooni's visit to the Alaafin of Oyo is instructive hence the need for all Yoruba sons and daughters to see to the unity and progress of the race.

His words: "This is my first official visit to any APC state in Nigeria. I am not in Osogbo to ask Aregbesola to help me

I want my good friend and brother to know that PDP has exhausted it's stay in Nigeria, it can no longer be revived, let us look at a political party that will give hope to our people — Aregbesola

beg as being speculated in some quarters. We are all Yoruba, politics is like water, it can flow anywhere.

"I believe in the Yoruba race,

Royal rumble over Olubadan stool Continues from page 23 down well with the 11 high chiefs that constitute Olubadan-in-council.

The high chiefs in the council include: Osi Olubadan, Asipa Olubadan, Ekerin Olubadan and Ekarun Olubadan. From the second line, we have Otun Balogun, Osi Balogun, Asipa Balogun, Ekerin Balogun and Ekarun Balogun. Seriki and Iyalode are also members of the Olubadan privy council.

These high chiefs also double as the kingmakers.

They hold the power of life and death as regards C M Y K

chieftaincy matters. Except when the agitation of the Seriki royal line first came up, no one had the guts to challenge the council. Their voice is akin to the voice of the gods.

These high chiefs have said in unequivocal terms that they recognise High Chief Saliu Adetunji as the next Olubadan.

Speaking through High Chief Abimbola Tajudeen Ajibola, the Ashipa Balogun of Ibadanland, the council showed its preference,saying: “It is undisputed that the current High Chief qualified

to be Olubadan is High Chief S. A. Adetunji. That is the authentic one. No other one.

Any other one is a counterfeit. You know in this our institution, we have lines and there are only two lines recognized so far, both by law and otherwise. It is Otun Olubadan Line and Balogun Line, and that is all. There is no third line. Nobody is competent to say he can be Olubadan. He cannot appoint himself; he cannot put himself there. “ As things are now, the Seriki line seems to be walking on a tight rope.

It is gathered that the line may never be allowed to join the queue since the same chiefs who are equally aspiring to become Olubadan are the ones to approve the promotion of Chief Adediji to Seriki.

South West Voice gathered that since the death of Chief Adisa Akinloye, many people who belonged to the Seriki other line had moved to either of the two lines. Pending the outcome of the suit, it is difficult to say specifically who will win the royal tussle between Olubadan in council and the Seriki line.

the race comes first before the office of the governor. The race is eternal while that of governor is momentary. We must watch today to be guided tomorrow. I am here for the unity of Yoruba as it affects the Oodua, the progenitor" Responding, Governor Aregbesola, who received Fayose in the company of former Osun state governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, said Fayose's visit demonstrated maturity.

"We must look for alternative to oil. We must translate the unity of culture to strong economic bonds that will take our people from mistery of poverty to the level where they can stand on their own.

"Our leaders must not be abandoned and discriminated against or molested. We must be careful because every struggle requires strategy so that its import will not be defeated.

"I want my good friend and brother to know that PDP has exhausted it's stay in Nigeria, it can no longer be revived, let us look at a political party that will give hope to our people.

Opposition must be for a purpose, I stand by you on the unity of Yoruba land and that our leaders should not put down in the country.

"The war is over, we are in a season of mobilising our people for agriculture and to produce such that we will economically have the strength to give leadership to the nation and Africa. Our energy must be directed at bringing human and physical development, we have enough in this region to give leadershship," Aregbesola stressed.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016 — 27

28— Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016

ONDO STATE

FUTA VS STRIKING UNIONS:

Who Blinks first?

By Dayo Johnson

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HE face off between the authorities of the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA and the National Officers of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities SSANU and the institution's chapter of the Non-Academic Staff of Universities, NASU, is taking its toll on over 600 pupils of the University staff primary School.

Members of the two unions have downed tools since the crisis started thereby paralyzing most activities in the institution.

They have vowed to fight the authorities until it rescinds the “ offensive circular”.

FUTA Staff Primary school was

•Samson Ugwoke: SSANU President established in 1983, three years after the University took off.

The pupils have been

•Aladetohun: NASU chairman of FUTA

unceremoniously sent home and their classrooms put under lock and key in the last four weeks

following the disengagement of their teachers by the authorities who said it was acting on order from above. But the teachers through the unions kiccked against the hasty decision of the Vice Chancellor to implement the Federal Government's decision on the disengagement of teachers in federal universy staff schools across the country.

The popular axiom that when two elephants fight, the grass suffers is apt in the case of these hapless pupils who for the fourth week running have been sent home sequel to the hardline stance of the authorities and that of the teachers.

The pupils are like sheep without a shepherd even as their parents are aggressively looking for alternative schools in the neighborhood for their wards.

Consequently, proprietors of schools around the FUTA premises have hiked their school fees ostensibly to cash in on the situation to make brisk businesses. Eighty percent of the pupils in the school are children of FUTA staff.

Speaking with Vanguard some parents said they have paid school fees before the January 4 resumption. “ Now we have to pay another school fees in our new schools, buy books, uniform. We do not know the fate of those that are writing common entrance.

Vanguard gathered that while the Management of the University asked the teachers to reapply following a circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission directing Vice Chancellors of federal universities to remove the personnel costs of the University Staff Primary School Workers, they reportedly ignored the advice.

The union leaders wondered why it was only FUTA that has carried out the said Federal government directive. They

alleged that their Vice Chancellor being the Chairman of the.

Committee of Vice Chancellors wanted to use his university as a guinea pig so that others will follow suit.

But the Vice Chancellor Prof Adebiyi Daramola denied saying that three Universities have since implemented the Federal government directive- University of Lagos, Usman Dan Fodio University Sokoto and the University of Nigeria Nsukka.

It was gathered that only the head teacher and his assistant actually re-applied and were reabsorbed while others stayed away. But the teachers said that the two are not teaching staff but management staff who have no choice but to join forces with the authorities of the institution.

They equally alleged that some management staff “ wanted to kill the staff school to pave way for their newly established private schools scattered in Akure, the Ondo state capital”.

New sets of teachers were later recruited by the management following the refusal of the teachers to reapply even after an assurance that all of them would be re-absorbed and their salaries paid till December last year.

But the union leaders said the disengagement was done by the authorities to pave way for their relations, girlfriends and family members.

The disengaged teachers laid siege on the school on daily basis preventing the newly recruited teachers from functioning while the university security personnels equally keep vigil.

Several protests have taken place on campus by the two unions to make the authorities rescind the order dis engaging the teachers. In fact they have pointedly called for the sack of the Vice Chancellor Prof Adebiyi Daramola.

Town Hall Meeeting: Ambode assures of better days ahead

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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AGOS State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, penultimate Tuesday, met with the people of Lagos Central Senatorial District in the Second Town Hall meeting of his administration to render accounts of his stewardship to Lagosians.

The Town Hall meeting, which was in fulfillment of his electoral promise to Lagosians on inclusive governance, is aimed at informing the people of his achievements in the last three months in particular; his administration’s plans, policies and programmes as well as getting the people to support and contribute to the various programmes and activities of the government.

The event was the second in the series of his administration’s quarterly interaction with Lagosians to render account of stewardship as their elected governor. This initiative's first C M Y K

meeting commenced with the Lagos West Senatorial District on October 6, 2015 at Abesan, in old Alimosho Local Government Area.

At the First Town Hall meeting, Ambode defined the strategic vision of his administration “ which is to make Lagos a globally competitive City-State, a Lagos that works for all.”

“Since the last Town Hall Meeting, we have sworn in Commissioners and Special Advisers who have joined the Cabinet to steer the ship of our State. Together we have embarked on some landmark projects as well as taken some giant strides to reassure the citizenry of our commitment to deliver a Lagos that is safe, secure and prosperous.”

With this introductory statement Ambode rendered his quarter report covering October 2015 – December 2015.

The overall policy thrust which he said remained the same, a

•Ambode: Lagos state gov Tripod of Security, Infrastructural Development and Job Creation, reaffirmed his commitment to remain resolute to serve and justify the trust reposed in him, assuring that he would continue to work tirelessly to deliver good governance for the collective good of all Lagosians.

Addressing a large gathering of party chieftains, market men and women, captains of industry, members of the diplomatic corps as well as top government functionaries, Ambode who had

earlier signed the 2016 Appropriation Bill into law in early January, said his administration is fully aware that a safer Lagos will attract more investments from local and foreign investors, hence he kept to his promise in the first quarter to improve on security in the state with investment in security equipment worth over N4.7billion.

The governor reported that the investment in the security equipment has led to the reduction of the crime rate in the

state by 65 percent in the last quarter of 2015.

“I am happy to report that our State is a lot safer today as statistics show that crime rate reduced by 65% during the last quarter compared to Year 2014,” he said.

He said his administration, in another spirited effort to tackle crime, invested towards the “Light Up Lagos” project, which has since restored light on major highways and inner roads in the state at night.

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

Lagos Ibadan Osogbo Akure Abeokuta Lagos Ekiti

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016—29

Harrysong becomes Gala ambassador

By Kehinde Ajose

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EGGAE Blue singer, Harrysong was unveiled on Wednesday, as the new Gala ambassador.

The unveiling took place at UAC Foods head office in Lagos.

Harrysong, one of the musicians under the 5 Star Music group, would be the new face of the brand while other two musicians under the record label Kcee and Skiibii are also expected to promote the brand.

Speaking at the unveiling of the brand ambassadors and signing of the deal, the General Manager-Marketing, UAC Foods Limited, Mrs. Joan Ihekwaba explained that the signing of the new brand ambassador is another way through which the company intends to engender a more robust brand affinity with the

target consumers and to further reaffirm the leadership positioning of Gala in the category.

Mrs. Ihekwaba affirmed that for over 50 years, the brand ‘Gala’ has come to occupy a special place in the hearts of the Nigerian people, by supporting them on their journey to success. ”At this time we feel it is important for the brand to identify with an ambassador, from the Nigerian Music industry, that represents the values of the Gala brand. “ Responding, the new Gala brand ambassador, Harrysong revealed that he was excited to be the face of Gala brand.

He then pledged to ensure that the brand derives maximum value for the investment by promoting the brand among the target audience and his fans through his music and his huge social media network.

From left: Danesh Balsingh, Director, Segment, Usage and Retention, Airtel; Waje Iruobe, The Voice Coach; Innocent Idibia (2Face); Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, Regional Director, M-Net West Africa; Timi Dakolo, The Voice Coach and Emeka Oparah, Director, Corporate Communications, Airtel, during the press conference to unveil The Voice Nigeria Judges in Lagos.

The Voices Nigeria: Our viewers can expect the best TV entertainment —M-net boss

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HE Director, M-Net West Africa, Wangi MbaUzoukwu has been explaining why they unveiled legendary singer, Tuface Idibia alongside songstress Waje, Timi Dakolo and indigenous rapper Patoranking as the coaches for the maiden edition of Nigerian version of the popular reality talent show, The Voice.

Mba-Uzoukwu said,besides being role models to the young Nigerians, the music icons represent the best of the country ’s music stars. The

C M Y K

celebrity coaches were unveiled last week in Lagos.

The organizers noted that the unveiling of the coaches was part of preparations for the maiden edition of the show which kicks off in April, in Calabar, Port Harcourt, Abuja and Lagos, with auditions.

Speaking further at the event, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu said,”It’s an exciting time for us at MNet. The Voice is an internationally renowned franchise and has consistently provided exciting television content whilst giving

. Joan Ihekwaba, Foods Limited, Mrs ngsley Okonkwo C UA g, tin ke ar M , and Mr. Ki l Manager BRIEFING: GeneraStars, Mr. Harrison Okiri (Harysong) Gala Brand Ambassador at w p ne ou e th Gr ic of us veiling 5-Star M ia briefing for the un (KCEE) during medited head office in Lagos. the UAC Foods Lim

great opportunities to talented individuals to showcase their talent to the world. The Nigerian adaptation will be no different and our viewers can expect the best television entertainment even as we wait to discover the next generation of talented singers!”

Since its original launch in 2010, The Voice has won audiences in countries like the US, Australia, South Africa and the UK, where other renowned artistes have occupied the show’s famous red chairs as coaches.

Famous red chairs The Voice Nigeria employs the same format including a panel of four coaches who critique the contestants’ performances. The coaches guide their teams of selected artistes through the remainder of the season whilst also competing to ensure that their act wins the competition.

Commenting on the unveiling of Coaches, Mr. Ahmad Mokhles, the Chief Commercial Officer of Airtel Nigeria, sponsors of The Voice Nigeria, noted that Airtel is passionate about creating platforms that will delight, excite, entertain and engage talented youth as well as telecoms consumers across the country. Auditions for the show will kick off in April.

Omawunmi shares experience working with Angelique Kidjo

S

HE may not make the list of top Nigerian songstresses at the moment, but vocal power house, Omawunmi has relaunched her career. The music sensation is back with a new song titled Play na play, which she features legendary singer, Angelique Kidjo.

In a recent interview, she describes her experience working with this music legend as refreshing and memorable.

“She is so good at what she does.

Mama Angelique

that is what I call her. She doesn’t have any airs. She is playful, fun and very hygienic.

She sings effortlessly. When she was recording I was just in awe. I was just saying: “I want to be slim like this”, I want to be energetic when I am her age,” she said.

Narrating how difficult it was to reach out to her, Omawunmi said, “It was difficult to get her, but it wasn’t difficult the moment I reached her. With the help of my manager, he got in touch with her through someone else that also doubles as a booking agent for me. It was like a dream come true for me. When I was shooting with Angelique at some point I started crying I couldn’t believe it.

It was like a real honour for me”

Omawunmi

30 —VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016

UIMGA set to hold 10th annual educ summit

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Rabiul-Thani 19, 1437 A.H.

Our aim is to build a complete Muslim — Labode It was the state-of-the-art facilities in Mueenat International Academy, Abeokuta that spurred this interview. The e-Library, Standard and Certified ICT centre with internet, Laptops available for students and pupils, fully air-conditioned classrooms and laboratories, CCTV monitors in the administrative, academic and hostel blocks, among others were classy. The question is who is the man behind this massive investment in a faith based academy? Alhaji Chief (Dr.) Sakirudeen Tunji Labode, the President, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), a Fellow Certified National Accountant with more than 40 years of Professional Practice experience, a renowned philanthropist is the proprietor of the school. He shares his vision.

WHAT is your vision for setting up a school like this in this environment?

As a Muslim parent, I found it necessary to make Islamic schools available for our children. Between the year 1986 and 1987, I tried to set uponecalledCrescentNurseryand Primaryschoolbecausemychildren were still young then. The Muslims around me did not really see the necessity for it, so I had to drop it.

The passion and dream remained in me. My mother also shared the same dream with me. So, I established an Arabic school at my mosqueat Idi-abawhereIengaged the services of some clerics to teach children for free. The mosque later took over the Arabic school.

Eventually, one of my children studied Education . So, we acquired two acres of land (where we are sitting now) and I married my mother’s dream of an Arabic school with my own dream of building a school. My mother loved and appreciated people who speak Arabic.IreallythankAlmightyAllah because we were always having reasons to construct more building tillwegottothisheight.Mostofwhat you see here today wasn’t part of the original plan like the laboratory, e-library among others.

Apart from the Arabic language, what other aqeeda do you intend to inculcate in your pupils and students?

Here, we study Quran recitation and memorisation and also Arabic language as a subject. We wanted a school that the average Muslim can be proud of. We are breeding a complete Muslim armed with full IslamicandWesterneducation.Our school intends to serve as a model and benchmark for others. That is our goal.

Howmanyyearswillittakeachild in your school to memorise the Qur’an?

We have our methods of teaching our pupils and I can assure you that a child without fore knowledge of the Quran will be able to recite it before the end of the first session.

This is because we don’t only teach ourpupilsinclassbutwillallowthem to recite and practice what they have learned on daily basis. We encourage them. Qur’an recitation ispartofouractivitieseverymorning both in the primary and secondary

of Trustees for the school.

Based on the massive facilities you have already put in place, do you subsidise the fees?

I won’t say the fee is subsidised but our fees are below the expected range compared to what is obtainable in similar or even less quality schools. Our school is affordable. We give free transport to pupils and students who are within the metropolis. And as time goes

HE University of Ibadan Muslim Graduates Association (UIMGA) is set to hold its annual education summit. This year’s th event themed “Education: Panacea to Insurgency” is the 10 in the annals of the association. According to the Chairman, Organising Committee, Alhaji Imran Abdul Mojeed, the event which will attract eminent Muslims across the country will hold on Saturday February 6, 2016 at the University of Ibadan Conference Centre, opposite UI Central Mosque, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Among the dignitaries expected at the occasion are the Honourable Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu who will chair the event; His Eminence, Emir of Kano, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, Dr. Abdul Rauf Wale Babalakin (SAN), Chairman, Bi–Courtney Limited who will deliver lecture of the day among other personalities.

Abdul Mojeed said: “In April 2004, the Association organized the first Muslim Education Summit. The summit brought together various stakeholders in the field of education. The event which took place at the University of Ibadan Conference Centre had in attendance Muslim organizations, educational institutions and notable scholars. At the end of the summit, the enormity of the challenges confronting Muslim education in the country were identified and brought to the fore. Since then, the association has intensified its support for the indigent Muslim students in various universities across the country. The association is involved in a variety of programmes that impart positively in the lives of individuals and community at large,” he stated The programme is slated for 10am.

Philanthropist donates multi-million naira building to NASFAT

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Alhaji (Dr.) Sakirudeen Tunji Labode schools. Our concern is building a childtobecomeacompleteMuslim.

Apart from being an Islamic school, our school is an international one in every sense considered round the world.Ourteachersarealsoselected from the best. Our teachers are well qualified with nothing less than five years experience. Since it has pleased Allah to choose me for this task, we will not compromise standard for anything, not even for money.

Whatsecuritymeasureshaveyou also put in place?

You will agree with me that it is onlyAllahthatprovidessecurity.But as creatures of Allah, we can also do something to put some measures in place like considering the location of the school. I could have built the school at a different environment. I felt this location is more serene and conducive for learning. Apart from our security men, we have our CCTV at strategic places covering the whole perimeter of the school.

Do you intend to run the school as charity or strictly business?

I have a foundation, Dabira Help foundation which has nothing to do with education but economic empowerment for Muslims. We encourage Muslims to establish interest-free cooperative system in that foundation. And all thanks to Almighty Allah, we have achieved hugesuccessespeciallyatAs-salatu groups. Originally, the school was incorporated and as such runs on a sustainable level. I have another foundation that cares for the school whichisknownasShakiruOlabode Foundation. This serve as the Board

on,wewillleavethetransportsystem to Parents Teachers Association, PTA, to manage. We have students whohaveenrolledforthe2016/2017 session.Ittakesasubstantialamount of money to manage this place but Allah is providing it with ease. I started as a trainee clerk and I rose to the peak of becoming a Fellow Certified National Accountant with more than 40 years of Professional Practice experience. I am a fulfilled person.

HE Chairman of SOB Investment Limited and President of Muslims in South West Nigeria, MUSWEN, Alhaji Sakariyau Babalola has donated a multi-million naira administrative building to Fountain University, Oshogbo. The faith based ivory tower is owned by Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society, NASFAT. The building which include the Vice-Chancellor’s office, the Senate Chamber, Registrar, Bursary among other administrative offices will be handled by Ijunt Construction Limited and will be completed and delivered in March 2016.

Speaking during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in Lagos recently, Chief Babalola stated that he was impressed by the achievements made so far by NASFAT, adding that Fountain university stands out as the only university not owned by an individual but by the Muslim Ummah in the country.

“The gesture is part of my humble contribution to Islam. I was impressed when I first entered the university. I saw discipline and the Islamic values in the students. It is a good development for Islam in the country.

In his own remark, the vice Chancellor, Prof Bashir Raji, stated: “It is going to be an edifice, a unique one indeed and we are delighted about it. It is strategic because it is the first port-of-call and the impression you take away from the building is very strategic.”

He added that the project will be commissioned at the next convocation ceremony of the university scheduled to hold in March.

Also, the chief Missioner, Shiekh Abdullah Akinbode praised the magnanimity of the donor describing the project as massive with a great reward in this world and the hereafter.

From left: Sheikh Abdullah Akinbode, Chief Missioner, NASFAT Worldwide; Alhaji Soliudeen Alade, VIce Chairman, National Elders' Council, NASFAT; Alhaji Sakariyau Babalola, Chairman, S.O.B Investment Ltd and donor of the multi-million naira building; Alhaji Yinka Adeola, Chairman BoT Fountain University, Oshogbo and Prof Bashir Ademola Raji, Vice Chancellor, Fountain University during the signing of MoU for the delivery of Multi-million naira administative offices to Fountain University, recently.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016—31

Rabiul-Thani 19, 1437 A.H.

Corruption: God's wrath is coming upon looters —Dr Fashola

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HE head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Nigeria, Dr Mashuud Fashola has warned all those who plundered the nation’s resources to return same or face the wrath of God. Dr Fashola was fielding questions from newsmen during a press conference heralding the centenary celebration of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at in Nigeria, held at Ojokoro, Lagos, headquarters of the Islamic group.

Dr Fashola who saluted the courage of President Buhari in fighting corruption, warned self centered Nigerians who plundered the nation’s resources to return what they had taken or face the wrath of God. “It is an indication of widespread corruption that has hardly spared anyone. They have to return all they have taken or face the wrath of God. We will support the government on the anti-graft war in our prayers. Our own form of support is through prayers and we will continue to admonish them

so that the war against corruption will succeed.

He also urged the government to embark on mass production of food for its citizenry, adding that no nation develops without developing its agriculture system to ensure food sufficiency.

“We are not self reliant in food.

We have neglected agriculture for so long and no nation develops without first developing its agriculture and food production,” he stated.

Reacting also to the incessant traffic snarl in Lagos metropolis, Dr Fashola advised the state government to develop the railway and waterways transportation system to reduce the traffic gridlock on Lagos roads.

He expressed appreciation to God for the growth of the Islamic organisation in Nigeria since 1916 with the efforts of the first 21 members.

Dr Mash’ud Fashola recalled with nostalgia: “from initial establishment of the Jama’at in Lagos Island in 1916, we spread

in the early 20’s to the North, middle-belt, West and East, having 49 circuits (regional zones) across all parts of Nigeria”.

Some of the activities lined up for the celebration include the National Peace symposium, Religious founders Day, Free Medical camps, Tree Planting across the country, establishment of more hospitals, farm settlements, educational institutions, Ahmadi Youths All Africa Games (AYAAG), inauguration of mosques in Ibadan, Calabar, Kano as well as a grand finale centenary conference.

According to him, The AYAAG will feature games such as football, table tennis, track events, basketball among others. The tenday AYAAG sports competition will be held at Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium, IjebuOde, Ogun State, Nigeria between 17- 26 March, 2016.

Sheikh Abdullah Akinbode, Chief Missioner, NASFAT Worldwide, (right) Alhaji Taofeeq Adeseun, for mer Chairman, Zone 1 (left) and others during inauguration ceremony of Owode-Ajegunle branch last Sunday in Lagos.

From left: Alhaji Taofeeq Adeseun, former Chairman, Zone 1, Alhaji Sheriff Akinpelu, Chairman Zone 1, NASFAT and representative of the President, Alhaji Kamil Bolarinwa during inauguration ceremony of Owode-Ajegunle branch last Sunday in Lagos.

Don’t attribute Boko Haram to Islam —Timehin

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R Saheed Timehin, a member of Nigeria Interreligious Council has appealed to the Nigerian Media not to attribute Boko Haram activities to Islam, adding that activities of the insurgents are anti-Islam.

Timehin who was reacting to questions from newsmen during a press conference on the 100 years celebration of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Nigeria, held at Ojokoro, Lagos said: “The fact that the insurgents speak Arabic does not mean they are Muslims, Arabic is a language.

“The Media has not been fair particularly to Islam in the reportage of Boko Haram insurgency. They call it Islamic terrorists or Islamic group. There is a group in Uganda which has been terrorising the country for over 25 years, nobody has called them Christian terrorists. Every religion is inherently revolutionary.

"It depends on the interpretation you give to the religion's ideals. Muslims have been crying loud and clear that Islam has nothing to do with this but yet the media still call them Islamic groups.

“Recall that when a group of Christians were celebrating Easter in a church, some Muslim youths formed a ring round the Church to prevent any attack on the Christians. It was reported during the OAU C M Y K

in Cotonou that the incident was not well reported in Nigeria's media. International bodies already knew that Muslims in the north will provide security for the Christians during worship to prevent any attack on them. If such thing was well reported, it would have informed people well that the whole thing about Boko Haram is not about Islam.

So, when an individual misbehaves, it is not the religion that encourages such.

this Boko Haram drew most of their followers from that area.

He added that “ when the United States said Nigeria government was not sincere in fighting insurgency then, we thought they didn’t want to help but with the recent development, we can conclude that they knew what they were talking about”.

From left: Alhaji AbdulHakeem Adekoya, Chairman Owode-Ajegunle, Alhaji Zakariyau Nurain, Chairman Council of Elders, Alhaji Sheriff Akinpelu, Chairman Zone 1, NASFAT 1st VP, Engr. Abdullah Mohammed and 2nd VP, Alh. AbdulRauf Ayodeji during inauguration ceremony of Owode-Ajegunle branch last Sunday in Lagos.

Professor of Arabic language “Arabic is a language we all learn. Incidentally the first professor of Arabic language in Yoruba-land is a Christian. He has trained generations of youths both Muslims and nonMuslims in the language. He was even recognised by the Saudi authority.

Prof Kole Omotosho, a christian also got a Ph.D in Arabic Drama from University of London and also University of Ibadan but people know him more in Dramatic Arts but he actually studied Arabic.

“In the same vein, we have Arabs who are neither Muslims nor Christians. Remember again that the Shuwa Arabs are more in the north who speak Arabic as their mother language. So, it is possible that

From left: General Secretary, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Alhaji Abbas Olawale Iromini; Guess Lecturer II, Missionary Barrister Rabiu Uthman; Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Abdul Malik Ahoton; Lagos State Missionary, Missionary Abdul Qahaar Olowonmi and Member House of Representative and Special Guest, Honorable Mutiu Shodimu, during the Seeratu Nabiyy to mark 100 years of the Jama’at in Lagos.

32—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016

Low income, capital barrier to women’s devt, says Lagos Women Affairs Commissioner

By Josephine Agbonkhese

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CONFERENCE: From left, Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode (3rd right); Bishop Felix Adejumo; his wife & Convener, Women on the Winning Edge, Pastor Funke Felix-Adejumo; wife of Minister for Power, Works & Housing, Dame Abimbola Fashola; Group Managing Director, Rose of SharonGroup, Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija and former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Princess Adebisi Sosan, during the 2016 Women on the Winning Edge Conference organized by the Funke Felix-Adejumo Foundation, at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

Prayer'll solve Nigeria’s problems —Bolanle Ambode W

IFE of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, has identified prayer as the key to solving the sundry challenges confronting the country.

She made the submission at the prayer for the Nation 2016, organized by Fatimah Charity Foundation, a non-governmental organization, at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

Bolanle noted that although the country was facing a number of challenges like many countries of the world, fervent prayers to God would speedily resolve them.

According to her, “Prayer is the key for solution to all challenges in the lives of individuals or of nations. That is why this prayer session, meant to commit our country into the hands of God for 2016, is a step in the right direction”

Speaking further, Bolanle noted that an anti-corruption leadership in Nigeria as it is now, would restore the dignity of the country, fix infrastructure, create employment in abundance and life would begin to look up again.

While commending the Fatimah Charity Foundation for its commitment to championing national rebirth, she urged country men and women, to see beyond the current socio-economic challenges and embrace the hope that the future would be glorious.

In her welcome address, the Iyalode of Lagos and President, Fatima Charity Foundation, Hajia Bintu-Fatima Tinubu, noted that the presence of the caliber of dignitaries at the event, was testimony that Nigeria would be prosperous again and live up to her claim as giant of Africa.

She urged the citizenery not to despair despite challenges, stressing that there was light at the end of the tunnel.

Speaking on the topic, “The Benefits of Anti-corruption Leadership in Nigeria”, the Lagos State commissioner for Home Affairs and guest speaker, Dr. Abdul Hakeem Abdul Lateef, enjoined the three arms of government and everyone, to participate fully in the crusade against corruption and to be sensitive to the plight of the citizenry.

He listed good leadership by example, good parenthood and proper child up-bringing, and recognizing religious leaders as development leaders, as necessary steps towards ending corruption.

Present at the event were top government functionaries, league of lmams and market men and women amongst others.

Indonesian President Continued from page 31

information and tools they need to time and space their pregnancies.”

Family planning will play a critical role in realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – the new development agenda for the next 15 years, adopted in September at the United Nations General Assembly – and reducing the global unmet need for family planning services could save an estimated 1 in 4 women from deaths related to pregnancy or childbirth and prevent 1.1 million infant deaths each year. The 2016 ICFP will serve as a platform for global partners to revisit global commitments to family planning and accelerate progress towards the FP2020 goal.

“Family planning is about women’s rights and their capacity to make decisions about their health and wellbeing, contributing to the objectives of FP2020,” said Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Under-Secretary-General

of the United Nations and Executive Director of UNFPA. “It is a most significant investment to promote human capital development, combat poverty and harness a demographic dividend, thus contributing to equitable and sustainable economic development within the context of the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Policymakers and advocates In the following days of the conference, scientists, researchers, policymakers and advocates attending the ICFP will discuss the latest trends, challenges, innovations and research in the effort to increase access to family planning around the world.

Held biennially since 2009, the ICFP serves as a strategic inflection point for the family planning community worldwide. It provides an opportunity

for scientists, researchers, policymakers and advocates to disseminate knowledge, celebrate successes and identify next steps toward reaching the goal of enabling an additional 120 million women to access voluntary, quality contraception by 2020.

The 2016 ICFP is co-hosted by the Bill & Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the National Population and Family Planning Board of Indonesia (BKKBN). The conference is made possible through the ICFP Core Group— the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, UNFPA, USAID, FP2020, the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), Marie Stopes International (MSI) and the UN Foundation—as well as the International Steering Committee and National Steering Committee of the ICFP.

AGOS State Commissioner for Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Lola Akande, has called on the federal and state governments to promulgate laws and policies that would boost women sources of income/capital.

Akande stated that such laws should be promulgated at the federal level and replicated in states, to boost women’s financial capacity in order to grow their productivity, which will automatically translate into national productivity.

She said this while receiving top officials of Nigeria’s premiere women-only radio station, W.fm, at her Alausa office.

Tying women’s economic challenge to the spate of violence and child abuse in the society, Akande said women were not speaking out, not only because of stigmatization and cultural belief, but because majority of them lacked the resources with which to care for and defend themselves.

“This informed the state government decision to have the tuition-free Skill Acquisition Centres to empower our women. Presently, this ministry has 18 Skill Acquisition Centres spread across the state, for the training of women and youths across the three Senatorial Districts of the state. We hope to add more before the year runs out,” Akande enthused.

She there appealed to good-spirited Nigerians to complement the efforts of the state government by partnering with the Ministry in its skill acquisition programmes.

While commending the radio station on its focus, she also urged its management to complement the state government’s efforts towards ending violence against women and children by publicising the ministry’s programmes and helplines: 08102678443, 080575426, 0805594141, 08085753932 and 0815267842.

Responding on behalf of the delegation, Mrs Toun Okewale Sonaiya, Managing Director, (WFM 91.7), said the radio station was set to work with every woman and girl in Nigeria, towards restoring their dignity and bridging the gap on all matters relating to women and their families.

Lola Akande,

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016—33

Jubilation in Delta over Omo-Agege's swearing-in

By Festus Ahon

A

SABA—THE people of Delta Central senatorial district, yesterday, went into jubilation, following the swearingin of Obaisi Ovie Omo-Agege as the senator representing the district by the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, at the National Assembly, in Abuja.

The people who danced round some streets in Ughelli, Orogun, Sapele, Effurun and Okpe, described Omo-Agege's inauguration in the Senate as a good omen for the Urhobo nation.

The swearing-in of Omo-Agege of the Labour Party was sequel to the Appeal Court judgment which removed Chief Ighoyota Amori of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Speaking to Vanguard, the national leader of Urhobo Youths Nationality Council, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, a prominent Urhobo leader, Chief Austin Uloho, Mr Friday Onodjae and Prince Elvis Oharisi, said it was a new dawn for the people of the area.

Congratulating Omo-Agege on his swearing-in, Egbo expressed confidence that Omo-Agege would give adequate representation to the Urhobo

nation.

Uloho, on his part, said that the election of Omo-Agege into the Senate was a good omen for the Urhobo, noting that OmoAgege was very passionate and

committed to the Urhobo project.

Onodjae said: “The Urhobo will for once see what representation at the Senate means. Omo-Agege is a man

that will use his contacts to attract development to Delta Central.”

Speaking in the same vein, Oharisi said, “This is the hand of God. The Urhobo mandate has been restored."

S

ENATOR Magnus Abe, the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate in the Rivers South-East senatorial district re-run election, has predicted that members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will decamp en-masse to the APC, before the state and National Assembly re-run elections.

Speaking at the reception of over 700 decampees of PDP to APC in Khana Local Government Area, Senator Abe said that the Ogoni people have realised that PDP has nothing to offer them.

He urged those still in PDP and wishing to decamp to do so immediately as the APC was willing to accept them and work with them in the campaigns, pointing out that those who worked for the party during the election would also be considered by the party in victory.

“We expect that we will work together to move Ogoni to greater heights where everybody will have a chance to prosper,” he said.

Earlier, one of the decampees, Mr. Marvin Yobana, the African Representative in the World Assembly of Youths and former aide to Mrs. Patience Jonathan, said that he was an ardent supporter of former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and was deceived into believing that President Buhari did not like Niger Delta people, but, 60 days

By Victor AhiumaYoung

A

BRIEFING: From left: Mr Oluyemi Taiwo, General Secretary; Mr Ayo Ogunyadeka, National President and Mrs Kofo Adegboye, National Treasurer, all of Pest Control Association of Nigeria, PECAN, during a press conference on rodent control as measure for prevention of Lassa fever, in Lagos.

Abe predicts mass defection of PDP members to APC

By Tare Youdeowei

Anioma Professionals partners Delta govt on youth employment

after his assumption of office, the President approved the implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP report.

He explained that that singular act confirms that the Ogoni stand to benefit more in Buhari’s administration than being in opposition in

PDP. He urged Ogoni people to vote massively for Senator Abe and other candidates of APC at the re-run elections.

Edo Govt flays PDP's comment on AAU infrastructures could be farther than the truth. given them infrastructural fund

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN—EDO State Government, faulted the state chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state, Chief Dan Orbih, over his comment that the projects commissioned recently by Governor Adams Oshiomhole at the state- owned Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, were projects initiated by the past PDP-led administration in the state.

The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Kaseem Afegbua, who described the claims as wicked and irresponsible on the part of the PDP leadership, said that rather than continue to make fruitless efforts to confuse the people of the state, the PDP leaders should hide their faces in shame considering how they ran the state aground for 10 years.

Prince Afegbua, who briefed newsmen at Government House, said, “I expected the PDP to be ashamed of themselves as a party, to cover their heads in shame rather than telling wicked lies. Nothing

The fact of the matter is that the PDP government is aware that in terms of development of Edo State, in terms of achievement, they have nothing to write home about.

“The governor has increased AAU's monthly subvention by over 150 per cent. He has also

that has been applied very prudently by the management of the university. In the last six to seven years, we have been able to build four different 500 capacity lecture theatres apart from the one that was donated

by Pastor Chris Oyiakhilome, which makes it five.”

We check vices through undergraduate scholarships —Osanebi Foundation

By Oboh Agbonkhese

C

HAIRMAN, Friday Osanebi Foundation, FOF, Mr. Friday Osanebi, has said that the foundation was using its undergraduate scholarship programme to check vices and sociallyrelated challenges among Nigerian youths.

Osanebi, who is the Deputy Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, at the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stakeholders meeting in Ushie, Ndokwa East Local Government Area of the state, said, "I have been a street boy, and I understand the thoughts and emotions of students on the streets. I feel

their pulse and understand the challenges they face to be educated. So, what we are doing in FOF is to touch lives as much as God gives us the grace.”

He said the foundation was positioned to extend its empowerment philosophy to indigent Nigerian students and motivate them to be focused.

Osanebi added that beneficiaries were expected to make a Cumulative Grade Point Average, CGPA, of not less than 3.5 or its equivalent of second class upper and above, every year to remain beneficiaries of the scholarship that will run till graduation.

SSOCIATION of Anioma Professionals, AAP, has said that it was compiling a data base of unemployed youths in the state, with the aim of partnering the government in combating unemployment and youth restiveness in the state.

The group, during a familiarization and sensitization tour of the local government areas in the nine councils of Anioma ethnic nationalities, said that unemployment was the major problem of the youths in the area.

Led by its President General, Dr. Clement Nwadozie, AAP said that it was committed to moral re -orientation of the youths, engagement in skill acquisition, financial assistance, organisation of workshops and seminars on regular basis as well as hosting of sports festivals, among other socio-economic activities for the youths.

Pipeline attacks: NGO lauds Defence Minister's visit

By Lucky Oji

W

ARRI Peace Monitors, a nongovernmental organisation, NGO, has commended the visit by the Minister of Defence, Brigadier-General Monsur Mohammed Dan-Ali (retd), Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General Abayomi Olonishakin and other military personnel to Delta State, for on-the-spot assessment of the recent vandalization of critical oil and gas infrastructure in the state.

The group, in a statement by its Chairman, Albert Ebikoro, noted: “The visit will no doubt deepen intelligence on the immediate and remote causes of the recurring vandalization of oil facilities, illegal bunkering and the consequent despoliation of the environment.”

The visit, the group maintained, will provide “a lasting solution to this condemnable act, as the nation is today faced with problems ranging from falling oil prices and value of the naira, unrest in the North East and South Eastern parts of the country.”

34 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016 — 35

BOKO HARAM: Kabiru Sokoto sues FG over conviction

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

BUJA—THE Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has fixed February 4 to hear a fresh suit lodged against the Federal Government by the convicted kingpin of the Boko Haram sect, Kabiru Umar. a.k.a.

Kabiru Sokoto.

The High Court had on December 20, 2013, convicted and sentenced Sokoto to life imprisonment after he was found guilty of masterminding the Christmas day bomb blast that killed about 44 persons and wounded 75 others at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church at Madalla, Niger State, in 2011.

In his judgment, trial Justice Adeniyi Ademola said he was satisfied that the federal government successfully established the culpability of the convict beyond every reasonable doubt, noting that ‘Sokoto’ had in two separate confessional statements, admitted that he had prior knowledge of the attack.

The court noted that the accused person, throughout the trial, never showed any remorse for his actions, describing him as “a pathological liar with no regards for the truth.”

Besides, the court observed that ‘Sokoto’ had in a statement he voluntarily made on January 14, 2012, shortly after he was apprehended, confessed that he was a key member of the Boko Haram sect.

Justice Adeniyi who read a portion of the said statement where the accused person averred: “Here in Abaji, nobody knows that I am a Boko Haram member, much so, I have about 500 children that I teach Quran”, added that ‘Sokoto’,

in page four of his statement, confessed that under his supervision, “the Madalla church bombing was carried out by one Bashir Mohammed, Muhktar Kafanchan and others who I cannot remember their names now.”

The court further noted that one of the eight Boko Haram members the accused gave AK47 Rifles and directed to bomb police stations and other government agencies in Sokoto state, after he was caught by a team of policemen during a shootout, exposed the operations of the sect and fingered ‘Kabiru Sokoto’ as the person in charge of the coordination of bomb attacks.

Meantime, Sokoto who earlier instituted N300 million suit against the government over alleged torture, yesterday, reapproached the high court, accusing the federal government

of frustrating his efforts to get his conviction upturned at the Court of Appeal.

In a fresh motion on notice he filed through his lawyer, Mr. Sheriff Okoh, Sokoto further alleged that the Comptroller of Prisons and his men have made it impossible for him to have access to his lawyer, to enable him perfect his appeal process.

The motion which has the Comptroller General of Prisons, CGP, and Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, as respondents, is seeking an order from the court, compelling the respondents to allow Sokoto who is currently detained at the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison, Lagos, to have access to his legal team.

The applicant is equally seeking a declaration that the federal government, by denying him access to his lawyers, have thus violated his right to fair

hearing, right to counsel and access to justice.

In a supporting affidavit deposed to by Okoh, it was alleged that several applications to the CGP by Sokoto’s lawyer for opportunity to see him, were turned down.

“We have made several personal contacts with the 1st defendant (CGP), his men: S. N. Nwanchukwu (PSO), E. O. Ogundele (DCG) among others, at the Nigeria Prisons headquarters, Abuja in a bid to persuade them to permit us to see the applicant, but they kept making us indulge in fruitless returns for approvals from the 2nd respondent (AGF) that has not come for over two years.

“Wherefore, we verily believe that their actions are aimed at ensuring that the applicant’s appeal of his conviction and sentence continues to be frustrated in perpetuity.''

MOU: From left; Governors Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe, Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto and Kashim Shettima of Borno; US Ambassador to Nigeria, James Enthwistle and Governor Nasir El-Rufai at the signing of MoU for the expansion of immunisation activities in six Northern States, in Kaduna.

The governor, who said the appointments are with immediate effect, congratulates The other two appointees are of the state and has worked as the appointees and demands Mr. Edward Onoja and Mr. a correspondent with Vanguard utmost commitment and humble service to the state from them.

Abdulkarim Abdulmalik. newspaper.

Onoja is to serve as Chief of Staff to the Governor, while Abdulmalik is the Special Adviser on Media and upon Hon. Omawumi Udoh’s Strategy. historic oath-taking as the Kingsley Fanwo, who is now the Chief Press Secretary to

By Elizabeth Nwandu Honorable Member representing Warri South 1, Constituency in the the Governor hails from HE Warri Progressive Delta State House of Assembly.

Takete-Ide in Mopamuro LGA ”Warri South youths and elders Forum, WPF, has urged the member representing Warri South, alike are happy with this I, Constituency in the Delta State development because the House of Assembly, Mrs upholding of her mandate by the Omawumi Udoh to key into the appellate court was a ruling development contest, is a SMART Agenda of the Delta State grounded in solid legal platform for discovering, government so as to better the lives precedence and jurisprudence. nurturing and producing young her constituents.

At least just for once, our faith in talents and stars in various fields The WPF, which was the Nigeria’s judiciary has been of artistic expressions across campaign organisation of Udoh restored, even though we still Nigeria, the United Kingdom, urged Udoh to see her victory at believe that branch of Europe and the United States of the Court of Appeal as call to government needs to be America. further work towards the reorganized and better still Pastor Bimbo Ozomah, member deepening of democracy in sanitized. of the Organising team of the Nigeria. ”We hope that she will be quite event, said that “God’s Children’s Addressing newsmen in Warri, humbled by the tortuous electoral Great talent is a credible platform Spokesperson of the group and journey she went through and provided to help identify early Special Adviser, News Media to cannot afford to conduct the talents in children. These talents Delta State governor, Mr. Michael business of legislation without are then honed for the greater Tidi said: “We are pleased to offer regard for the genuine feelings good of the child and the society.” our most sincere congratulations of her constituents.''

Bello appoints Vanguard reporter as CPS

By Boluwaji Obahopo

L

OKOJA—KOGI State Governor, Yahaya Bello has appointed his Chief of State, special Adviser on Media Strategy and Chief Press Secretary.

Amongst the appointees is a reporter with Vanguard Newspaper, Kingsley Fanwo, who is to serve as Chief Press Secretary.

N5m up for grabs in 2016 GCGT talent hunt

By Prince Okafor

F

IVE million naira is up for grab as the God’s Children Great Talent, GCGT, is set to kick start the season 6 of its annual gospel talent contest The programme will give untapped talents in the city the opportunity to go away with a whopping sum of N5 million cash prize.

God’s Children Great Talent GCGT, a gospel talent

Lawmaker tasked on purposeful representation

T

Plateau NUT faults alleged plan to recruit non-professional teachers

By Marie-Therese Nanlong Plateau State JOS—THE chapter of the Nigeria

Union of Teachers, NUT, has decried the influx of amateurs into the teaching profession which it says is contributing to the low standard of education in the state.

The State Chairman of the Union, Mr. Gunshin Yarlings , who disclosed this yesterday in Jos promised that the union will resist attempt to make teaching profession an “all comers affairs”.

He added that all hands must be on deck in sanitizing the profession if Nigeria really wants to improve on its education sector.

Yarlings was reacting to government’s proposed plan to recruit 500,000 teachers, adding that the exercise must be transparent and conducted with professionalism as, “we will resist attempt by anybody to make teaching an allcomers affairs.”

He maintained that only National Certificate in Education (NCE) holders, Education degree holders and other teaching recognized certificates should be engaged in teaching.

“The education sector has grossly decayed because unqualified teachers are recruited,'' he said.

Fidson earmarks N4.8m to reward loyalty

By Tare Youdeowei

T

HE sum of N37.2 million has been earmarked by Fidson Healthcare Plc as reward for its customers in a reward scheme tagged: ‘Astymin Get Alert campaign’ to celebrate the brand at 15.

Mr. Ola Ijimakin, General Manager, Marketing, of the company said customers will win N10, 000 every day of a month for 12 months, which is N3.6 million and N100, 000 by one person each month for 12 months which is N1.2 million, totalling N4.8 million, if the customer purchases the Astymin brand, and scratch a foil on the pack, and send the number on the pack to 1393.

He also stated that the customer will get a confirmation message from the code which eventually will lead to an electronic draw that will produce the winners, even as online participants will be rewarded.

36—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016

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WAKE: From left— Assistant Production Manager, Mr. Soji Olawale; Admin Officer, Mr. Francis Oputa-Oji; Assistant Transport Manager, Mr. Solomon Emori, and Chief Driver, Mr. Felix Oregbeyiwa, all of Vanguard Media Ltd., at the Christian wake-keep of late Mr. Sunday Otuonye, Workshop Superintendent, at Olodi-Apapa, Lagos. PHOTOS: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

From left— Chief Sunday Okelebi, Mr. Monday Okelese, Mr. Clement Onyekwere, Mr. Sunday Nduka, and Mr. Peter Ineddi, relations of late Mr. Otuonye, during the wake.

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK: From left— Coordinator Networks Business Club, Mr. Emeka Ndu; Pastor Idowu Iluyomade; GMD Access Bank Group, Mr. Herbert Wigwe; Former, MD Shell Petroleum Development Cooperation, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu; Former Executive Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe; Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade; Chairman, Networks Business Club, Mr. Ernest Ebi; and MD Financial Derivatives, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, at the Nigerian Economic Outlook 2016 organised by Networks Business Club of RCCG, City of David.

MTN FOUNDATION: From left— Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Ms. Nonny Ugboma; Corporate Services/Human Resources Executive, MTN Nigeria, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola, and Ms. Olubunmi Ajayi, chaperon travelling with the 14 beneficiaries of the Foundation's Medical Intervention Scheme to India for heart surgeries.

CIPM'S LEADERS FORUM: From left— Head, Learning and Development, Mrs Titi Ashiru; President, Chairman of Council, Mr. Anthony Arabome; Nigeria National Treasurer, Mrs Ifeoma Adeniyi; Vice Chairman, Learning and Development Committee, Mrs Modupe Oyekunle, and Director, Professional Development Directorate, Dr. Charles Ugwu, all of Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, CIPM, at the institute's 2016 Learning Leaders Forum in Lagos.

MEETING: From left—Head, Human Resources, DHL Global Forwarding Nigeria limited, Western Africa, Mr. Jose Rodrigues; Fund Development & Communications Adviser, SOS Children Villages, Mrs. Uche Odiase-Omozoje; Managing Director, DHL Global, Mrs. Heather Frankle, and Finance & Control Adviser, SOS-Children Village, Mr. Tunde Irunukhar, at the breakfast meeting to brainstorm on the 3-year partnership agreement between the groups on youth development.

OYSAA PARLEY: From left— General Manager, CitiMark Outdoor Limited, Mr. Ayo Balogun; Director-General, Oyo State Signage and Advertising Agency, OYSAA, Mr. Babs Fagade, and Chief Executive Officer, Mediatek Global Limited, Mr. Dotun Solanke, after a stakeholder parley by OYSAA, Ibadan, Oyo State.

CONVOCATION: From left— Miss Folashade Adediran, Miss Titilayo Adediran, Master Abiola Adediran, and Miss Omolara Adediran, during the convocation ceremony of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, recently.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016—37

WIKE IN RIVERS:

Warped or wise?

THE Supreme Court judgment affirming Governor Nyesom Wike as the validly elected governor of Rivers State will stretch the imaginations and permutations of political gladiators.

•Wike: Wins at Supreme Court

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

T

HE Supreme Court of Nigeria has since 1963 when it became the court of final arbitration been regarded as a god which can do and undo. Last Wednesday, the court, out of the blues, gave a final ruling on three governorship contests that inevitably put a seal to the aspirations of some of the major political contenders in three states – Rivers, Ebonyi and Ogun.

However, of the three, none has drawn more controversy and searchlight than the judgment in Rivers. It validated the mandate of Governor Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and cut off the aspiration of Dr. Dakuku Peterside, his major rival from the All Progressives Congress, APC. The finality of the judgment and the consequence remain a wonder to many supporters of Dakuku who had been egged on by the positive judgments given by the two lower courts.

The Tribunal and the Court of Appeal had earlier annulled C M Y K

the election that brought Wike to office on the strength of what was claimed as the non adherence by the electoral officers in the state to the guidelines for the election issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. One of the major guidelines was that votes which do not pass through the test of the card reader should be discountenanced.

were dismissed by the Court of Appeal.

In dismissing the appeal by Wike against the judgment of the Tribunal for a rerun of the governorship election, the Court of Appeal had said that it would be a bad precedent to overlook the glaring malprac-

Subsisting provisions Remarkably, the Dakuku legal team had at the lower courts produced two senior officials of INEC who affirmed that the governorship election in Rivers State was largely conducted in disregard of the subsisting provisions of the Electoral Act. That was besides the avalanche of reports of violence that characterised the elections.

Reflective of suggestions of the poor conduct of the elections, the elections that produced all three senators and all nine members of the House of Representatives from the state

The finality of the judgment and the consequence was still a wonder to many supporters of Dakuku who had been egged on by the positive judgments given by the two lower courts

tices that attended the election.

"It portends great danger for our democracy and electoral process for INEC officials to have the effrontery and temerity to thwart laid down directives and go ahead to conduct elections according to their own whims and caprices, notwithstanding the approved guidelines".

Remarkably, the elections that produced the majority of the members of the State House of Assembly have also been annulled by the Court of Appeal which ordered fresh elections in the affected constituencies.

Suggestive of what was alleged as the wide scale improprieties that characterised the governorship and the state House of Assembly elections that took place on the same day, the 32 member State House of Assembly has been unable to form a quorum because of the annulment of the elections of 22 members of the state legislators who were all but one elected on the platform of the PDP. The annulment of the elections of the legislators had

given hope to the camp of the APC that at worst, a fresh governorship election would be ordered as had been done for the legislative election. Suggestions of a fresh governorship election had in recent times created panic among residents and stakeholders who lived through the orgy of violence that characterised the campaigns and processes that led to the 2015 governorship election. Scores of persons were killed in the violence marshalled by sympathisers of the contenders. Not even security men were spared in the violence.

Wednesday’s judgment, to stave off another election, would no doubt be welcomed by panicky residents, even if, the decision would be seen as a pain to democracy enthusiasts.

Wike and Dakuku had in the last few months been on campaign mood preparatory to a fresh election. Governor Wike’s on the spot inspections of projects in Port-Harcourt were largely seen as pre-campaign activities, especially when he normally came out to denounce the activities of his predecessor, Chibuke Amaechi, who is largely regarded as the power behind Dakuku.

The decision to uphold the election of Wike would irretrievably mean a continuation of the political face off between Amaechi and Wike, who was once his chief of staff as governor but who subsequently emerged as Amaechi's most formidable political rival in the state.

The next battles: The staging post for the next battle between the two men would be the forthcoming rerun elections in the National Assembly constituencies and the vacant seats in the House of Assembly.

Widespread allegations Amaechi is expected to mobilise his supporters with a freer hand given widespread allegations that the Goodluck Jonathan administration suppressed him through the instrumentality of federal security forces during the 2015 elections. The showdown in the forthcoming elections would determine the scale of political power in the state as the PDP and the APC fight to get the advantage over one another.

Conspiracies: It was not being voiced out by many, there are, however, suggestions that the Supreme Court decision may have been a bold reaction by the judiciary to the alleged disobedience of court orders by President Muhammadu Buhari in recent cases involving some

Continues on page 39

38—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016

"Given the need to forestall any impending strike actions that may occur and in view of the fact that the masses are terribly affected by the paucity of fund to pay workers, it is therefore pertinent to appraise the entire gamut of the issue with a view to contributing to what may become succour to the problems.

"The council notes that the inability of both the state and local governments to presently provide adequate funds for the payment of salaries and allowances and meet other commitments of governance, at rates commensurate with past provisions, had arisen due to the drastic fall in the statutory allocation from the Federation Account."

How salary crisis is holding Ahmed’s Kwara hostage

Statutory allocation

•Ahmed: Not the best of times

By Demola Akinyemi

T

HESE are not the best of times for the administration of Abdulfatah Ahmed in Kwara State as a result of its failure to be up to date with the payment of salaries.

Virtually all the civil servants in the state have not been paid in the last five months, leading to industrial action embarked upon by the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE. The leadership of the union has vowed not to return to work unless the state government pays the accumulated wages.

impasse.

The forum was also aimed at sensitising the public about the factors responsible for the crisis and as well plead that they return to work.

To achieve their aim, the chairmen, who visited the three senatorial districts in the state, also made a stop at the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari.

While appealing to the Emir to prevail on workers to return to work, the chairmen disclosed that all revenue alternatives had been utilised without success.

From the state council of chiefs also came the call for synergy between the state

Advocacy meeting In a chat with Vanguard, Secretary of NULGE, Comrade Abayomi A?folabi, noted that the strike would remain until the needful is done by the state government.

The worst hit is the education sector where both primary and post- primary schools have remained closed, resulting in discontent among parents and guardians.

Worried about the situation, 16 Local Government chairmen in the state under the aegis of Association of Local Government Council of Nigeria, ALGON, and the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, convened an advocacy meeting among stakeholders to find a solution to the

C M Y K

WIKE IN RIVERS: Continues from page 37 corruption cases.

The Supreme Court prides itself as the ultimate protector of the law of the country and seeing court decisions being flouted by the APC led administration may have infuriated the jurists in the apex court who some now claim, may have decided to showcase its powers by hurting the APC led government where it pained most in Rivers State. Some also recollect how the Supreme Court also dealt a severe blow on a former president who allegedly trampled with the power of the judiciary. Interestingly, it is suggested in some quarters that that case may have also led the Supreme Court to delay its declaratory judgment that

government and the leadership of the labour unions in order to find amicable solution to the problem.

The traditional rulers, after

The council observed that the workers are entitled to their salaries because it is a right and not a privilege

their meeting, urged the ?state government to ensure that the welfare of its workers at all levels remain paramount as soon as the financial status of the state improves.

This among others was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency meeting of all the traditional rulers in the state.

Held at the Emir's Palace and attended by members of the traditional council, representatives of all local governments and the leadership of the labour unions, the gathering was aimed at deliberating on the protracted funding challenges facing the state.

The communiqué reads:

“The Internally Generated Revenue by both the state and local governments has not been adequate to bridge the funding gap noting that the newly established Kwara State Internal Revenue Service will assist in curbing leakages and enhance revenue base of the state.

"The council observed that the workers are entitled to their salaries because it is a right and not a privilege.

"We sympathise with the state government for not having enough money for their projects and to satisfy the needs of the people but appeal to the Kwara State government and the 16 Local Government Chairmen to continue to explore all avenues for stabilizing the situation.

"After an exhaustive discussion with the leadership of the

Continues on page 37

Warped or wise? helped Amaechi to become governor in 2007.

Ahead of the 2007 election, the court had upheld the nomination of a former disciple of the president turned foe, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume as the PDP governorship candidate in the election in Imo State.

President Olusegun Obasanjo, the leader of the PDP at that time had in annoyance of the judgment of the court gone to Owerri and declared that the PDP does not have a candidate, a development that allowed the emergence of Mr. Ikedi Ohakim of the Progressive Peoples Alliance, PPA as governor of the state.

Having seen its intent scorned by the president, the apex court allegedly waited to get its pound of flesh on the

former president. Two weeks after the president exited office, the court shocked many when it sacked Obasanjo’s Man Friday, Andy Uba as governor of Anambra State.

Just as it did on Wednesday night, the court did not give its reasons immediately and waited much longer to write out its judgment. •Peterside: APC governorship Such actions some sug- candidate gest could mean the jurists using their body language Though all such claims of a to show their anger at the con- political or underhand motif for tempt of the judiciary by those the judgment remain speculawho hold executive power. tive, political stakeholders are Other innuendoes that are bound to bring such innuenbound to surface include the does to play in giving their fact that the spouse of a Su- own interpretations of the judgpreme Court justice is an im- ment. placable foe of Amaechi.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016—39

Lalong’s lingering problems on the Plateau THE goodwill that shadowed the advent of the Simon Lalong led administration in Plateau State is being ebbed by multifarious challenges.

E

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

IGHT months ago, after winning the governorship elections in Plateau state on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Governor Simon Lalong began the journey of governance by constituting different committees to look into the various activities of his predecessor, Jonah Jang, now senator representing Plateau North in the Senate.

Many in the state had applauded the steps taken by the governor at that time, while others saw the exercise as a waste of time, energy and resources.

Even some others were in between opinion.

tangling the governor include the sack of the elected local government chairmen last year, the choice of his cabinet members, the administration’s sour public relations, the alleged expenditure of about N600 million in the celebrations of Sallah and Christmas, accusation of suppression of some tribes in the state, the purported faceoff between him and the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung and the lopsided appointments among others.

Though the Governor and Dalong have denied any faceoff between them, feelers, how•Lalong: Denies face-off with Dalung

Huge debt profile However, the applause for the governor quickly began to plummet when the governor embarked on a borrowing spree despite the huge debt profile he inherited a situation that was worsened when he took more than six months to constitute his cabinet. Even more touching was the fact that it took more than seven months to clear the arrears of salaries of civil servants.

Now, fresh issues are being raised to portray the governor as having seemingly failed to sustain the goodwill with which he came to office.

Among the fresh issues en-

Though the Governor and Dalong have denied any face-off between them, feelers, however, indicate that there is more to it as it appears a cold war is already raging in the factions of the APC in the state

ever, indicate that there is more to it as it appears a cold war is already raging in the factions of the APC in the state.

Among those disenchanted with the governor are the Anaguta Youths Movement and the Plateau Unity Forum, Abuja who have accused the Governor of a ploy to “seize their ancestral lands to give to nonindigenes” as well as his “refusal to consult other stakeholders in appointment of Commissioners and his alleged insensitivity to those that assisted him to power.”

The President of Anaguta Youth Movement, AYM, Emni Nyam allege that previous administrations both civilian and

military recognized the status of the Anaguta people and accorded them their rightful place but the reverse was the case now.

"Previous administrations in Plateau State have recognized the Anaguta people in terms of political appointment especially as regards to membership in the State Executive Council as well as other sensitive appointments in the State and Jos North local government area.

"The present administration of Governor Lalong has deliberately and craftily failed, refused and neglected to follow the right and proper precedent and solid foundation laid by the previous administrations in rec-

How salary crisis is holding Ahmed’s Kwara hostage Continues from page 37 labour unions, they have agreed to convince their members to call off the strike and further resolve that we should work to ensure that subsequent salaries are regularly paid as and when due.

"The one month salary arrears must be paid before the commencement of the biometrics exercise and to also urge the government to review the number of emoluments of political office holders? at both state and local government levels as their status cannot be compared to those of the civil servants.

"The state government is also urged to urgently set up

a committee to address the issue of ghost workers and pensioners at the local government areas.’’

On its part, the state government had earlier convened a similar forum in Ilorin where it pleaded for patience over the paucity of funds in the state.

Paucity of funds The Commissioner for Finance Alhaji Nurudeen Banu, who led the government delegation, had hectic time explaining the situation.

Those present include lead-

ers of NULGE, Nigeria Union of Teachers , NUT, pensioners, health workers and market women among others .

Banu told the gathering : "The state was collecting N3.4billion before the fall of the prices of crude oil in the international market but now it has reduced to N1.4billion every month.

“Apart from this, the Internally Generated Revenue is N200million every month while the Excess Crude fund is N400million every month but this cannot resolve the current precarious financial situation in Kwara State."

“Our monthly wage bill is N2.4billion and this is a

serious deficit to the state government in view of the N1.4billion we collect as federal allocation."

While appealing for patience Banu urged the stakeholders to come out with facts that would help the state out of the present financial logjam.

Proffering solutions, the NUT called on the state governor and other political office holders to forfeit their security votes and other fringe benefits pending the time the economy of the state improves.

This, they said would also help the state to meet its financial commitments to workers.

ognizing and honouring the Anaguta people.

The outburst follows the choice of three persons from the Hausa community in Jos North to fill the three major positions allocated to the Council which include the office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Governor’s Office, the Secretary of the Transition Committee of Jos North as well as the Commissioner representative from the local government area.

Reacting to the issue, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Mark Longyen denied the allegations stressing that the governor is committed to carrying all the tribes in the state along in governance.

According to him, "The Anaguta people are not being marginalized; we are calling on them to be patient because all the tribes in the local government are entitled to be appointed. Governor Lalong is applying principle of balance and is not marginalizing any tribe; they would also be carried along in government."

Similarly, an Abuja-based group, Plateau Unity Forum which claims to have mobilized about N100 million for the governor’s campaign hinted that more trouble is on the way as they decried the frosty relationship between the governor and the three Senators from the State saying it portrays lack of unity.

Fund raising dinner The group’s spokespersons, Pastor Jerry Datim and Mrs. Dikkof challenged stakeholders in the State to “rise to the rescue and bring the leaders together before Plateau disintegrates.”

The assertions were immediately dismissed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Emmanuel Nanle who said, “I am not aware of any group called Plateau Unity Forum mobilizing N100m for Governor Lalong during the electioneering campaign.

“The Plateau People in Abuja came together in Abuja to host Gov Lalong to a Stakeholders’ Meeting and fund raising dinner which gave several of them the opportunity of contributing their widow’s mite to the rescue campaign.”

In all of these, relative peace has been observed to have set in; perhaps, due to the appointment of the "non indigenes" that, the people have alleged to be responsible for the crises that have bedevilled the state in the past years.

Indeed, the killings in Riyom and Barkin Ladi, which occurred almost on daily basis have ceased, and some allege that it may be a result of the “all-inclusive style of governance”, Lalong has introduced to involve the so called nonindigenes; at least to give them a sense of belonging.

40—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016

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ALEKWE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Patricia Alekwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Patricia Ovie-Okwoho.

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29 , 2016—41

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Confirmation of Name

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NKWOCHA-IBIK— I, formerly known and addressed as Barr.

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42—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016

Vanguard CLASSIFIED OSSAI—I, formerly

AZINO—I, formerly

known and addressed

known and addressed

as Miss Ossai Juliet,

as Azino French, now

now wish to be known

wish to be known and

and addressed as Mrs.

addressed

Ekagha Juliet. All

Aziakpono French. All

former documents

former

remain valid. General

remain valid. General

public please take note.

public please take note.

DOWELL—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Dowell Oyindoubra Sarah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oyindoubra Sarah Godfrey Andakuro.

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Reconciliation of Names This is to confirm that the names Igwe Uchenna Henry, Igwe Uchenna Williams and Igwe Uchenna Williams Henry refer to one and same person.

I now wish to be known and addressed as Igwe Uchenna Williams. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OSEGBO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Osegbo Chinenye Ruth, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chijioke Chinenye Ruth. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ISEDEH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Isedeh Uche Ann, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. NkemchorCollins Ngozi Ann. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

O S U N D E — I , formerly known and addressed as Osunde Collins Onyinye, now wish to be known and addressed as Nkemchor Collins Onyinye. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

E Z I A S H I — I , formerly known and addressed as Eziashi Charity Ndidi, now wish to be known and addressed as Eziashi Augustina Ndidi. All former documents remain valid. LEA, Asaba and general public please take note.

MARTINS—I, formerly known and addressed as Okeleke Emeka Martins, now wish to be known and addressed as Egwuatu Okeleke Chukwuemeka. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Reconciliation of Names This is to confirm that the names Umeanyikwa Christian Ugochukwu and Umeh Christian Ugochukwu refer to one and same person. I now wish to be known and addressed as Umeh Christian Ugochukwu.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Reconciliation of Names This is to confirm that the names Okeke Chidiogo Nelson and Okeke Chidi Nelson refer to one and same person. I now wish to be known and addressed as Okeke Chidiogo Nelson. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Reconciliation of Names This is to confirm that the names Cecilia Aigbe and Celia Aigbe refer to one and same person. I now wish to be known and addressed as Celia Aigbe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MUNLO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chrissy Munlo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Chrissy Anyadiegwu.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONONUJU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ononuju Jennifer Olili, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Obinabo Jennifer Olili. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and geýneral public please take note.

NWACHUKWU—We, formerly known and addressed as Mr Nwachukwu Oliver Eme and Mrs Nwachukwu Nneka Catherine, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Nwachineke Oliver and Mrs Nwachineke Nneka Catherine. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EZEANI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ezeani Chizoba Felicia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nosakhare Chizoba Felicia. All former documents remain valid.

UNIBEN, NYSC, NMCN and general public please take note.

UGWUEZUMBA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Tina Ifeyinwa Ugwuezumba, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Celestina Ifeyinwa Ilodibe. All former documents remain valid. U.B.A, Diamond Bank and general public please take note.

CHUKWUMA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ginika Perpetual Chukwuma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ginika Perpetual Umeojiako. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, Nnamdi Azikiwe University and general public please take note.

Addition of Name I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Obumneme Basil Obiakor, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Obumneme Basil Obiakor Nwafor. All former documents remain valid. Union Bank an general public please take note.

U D E K W U — I , formerly known and addressed as Udekwu Nneka Stella, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oliobi Stella Nneka .U. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

UWEJETA — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Uwejeta Rosebel Oghenero, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Haruna Rosebel Oghenero. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

DAMADIGI—I, formerly known and addressed as Kingsely Damadigi, now wish to be known and addressed as Kingsely Adamadigi. All former documents remain valid. ECO BANK PLC and general public please take note.

EZE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Thelma Onome Eze, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Thelma Onome Ehebhamhen. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of names This is to confirm that Adewale Toyin Bose and Adeniran Toyin Racheal is one and same person, now wish to be known and addressed as Adeniran Toyin Racheal. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of names This is to confirm that Miss Okuniyi Oyeyinka Modupe is also the same person as Miss Okuniyi Oyeyinka Janet, now wish to be known and addressed as Lawal Oyeyinka Janet. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OWHOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Owhor Confidence Nkesi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ahize Confidence Nkesi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of names This is to confirm that Akwaiwu Stella Oluchi is also the same person as Akwaiwu Serah Oluchi, now wish to be known and addressed as Ogugua Serah Oluchi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of names This is to confirm that Omolara Akinade is also the same person as Shakirat Buniaminu, now wish to be known and addressed as Shakirat Omolara Akinade. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EJIOGU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ejiogu Victoria Chinonyerem, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mgbodile Victoria Chinonyerem. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IDRIS—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Idris O l u w a s e u n Tawakalitu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adeshina Oluwaseun Tawakalitu.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EKPEWU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onome Ekpewu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Onome Kelvin Ogbekhiulu.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name This is to certify that Ikechi Chidinma Jessica Ada,Ikechi Chidinma Ada and Ikechi Ada Jessica is the same and one person but now wish to be known and addressed as Ikechi Chidinma Jessica Ada. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

as

documents

AMAJIGI—I, formerly known and addressed as Rhoda Amajigi, now wish to be known and addressed as Rhoda Eldred. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EZEH—I, formerly known and addressed as Ezeh Osinachi Happiness, now wish to be known and addressed as Ezennaya Osinachi Happiness. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

GLORY—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Dowell Edisemi Glory, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Johnny Comfort Edisemi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016—43

$3bn loss: Senate probes power projects sale

by Jonathan, queries BPE

By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

A

BUJA— THE Senate has begun fresh investigations into the sale of 10 National Integrated Power Projects, NIPP, by the Bureau For Public Enterprises, BPE, during former President Goodluck Jonathan's administration.

This investigation is coming on the heels of the strong warning by Senate President Bukola Saraki that henceforth, the red chambers would not tolerate impunity and financial recklessness on the part of public office holders.

Saraki’s remarks came following a motion on the alleged unwholesome practices by Manitoba Hydro International Nigeria Limited under the direction and control of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE. The Senate has also resolved to investigate the entire circumstances surrounding the preparation, execution, and implementation of the management services for Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, and all other related matters; investigate the roles of all persons involved in these matters, and where appropriate, determine the culpability of any person who, whether by commission or omission, has acted against the public interest.

The Senate is also to ascertain the relevance of BPE on the Board of Directors of distribution companies in Nigeria.

These were sequel to a motion, entitled: “Unwholesome practices

by Manitoba Hydro International Nigeria Limited under the direction and control of the Bureau of Public Enterprises," and sponsored by Senators Muhammed Hassan, PDP, Yobe South.

It was co- sponsored by Senators Dino Melaye, Shehu Sani, Abubakar Kyari, Albert Bassey and Ali Wakil.

In the motion, they had accused Manitoba of refusal to accept Naira as legal tender currency for payments for goods and services in Nigeria, noting that the company was incorporated under and, subject to the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria carrying on business in Nigeria and paid in millions of dollars of scarce public funds.

While presenting the motion Sen. Hassan, who decried the activities of Hydro International Nigeria Ltd (Manitoba), a Canadian company managing the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), said the company was incorporated under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria but frowned on the company’s insistence to be paid in dollars instead of Naira.

The senators said: “It is a criminal offense stipulated in Section 20(5) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007 for any person or body corporate to refuse the acceptance of Naira as legal currency tender.

“We are worried that the TCN is imposed with this burden, under the management Services Contract, of paying all taxes for the

Management contractors while Manitoba does not pay taxes on monies paid under the contract.

Section 9(2) of the Companies Income Tax Act (CITA) Cap 21, 2004 provides that tax shall be assessed and payable upon the profit of any company accruing in Nigeria.

“The Management Service Contract prepared by BPE for the

management of TCN is fraught with apparent illegalities and total violation of the laws of Nigeria.”

The Senate, however, directed its committees on Power and Privatisation to look into the sale.

In his remark, the President of the Senate Bukola Saraki, who expressed displeasure at how a government agency would decide to wave $3 billion, and sell the projects for $5

billion after an over $8 billion investment, stressed that the Senate must set example with any agency of government that encourages revenue leakages, especially at this time of dwindling revenue.

The Senate President, who directed the committees to report back in four weeks, said the alleged non-payment of tax by some of the companies in the power sector amounted to revenue leakages.

UNVEILING: From left, Ubale Maska, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman, NCC and Mr. Tony Ojobo, Director of Public Affairs during the unveiling of the EVC's eight-point agenda to the media, in Lagos.

Obasanjo’s letter misdirected —REPS He introduced bribery to NASS —Melaye

By Clifford Ndujihe, Emman Ovuakporie & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

A

BUJA — THE House of Representatives, yesterday, described former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s letters to the leadership of the National Assembly, accusing the lawmakers of greed, graft and insensitivity to the declining state of the country’s economy, as misdirected, saying they would not be distracted from performing their constitutional duties.

Speaking at the National Assembly weekly briefing, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Abdulrazak Namdas, said the National Assembly will not be distracted by Obasanjo’s letters, which also accused the legislature of insincerity over its planned purchase of 469 cars worth N4.7 billion.

Namdas stated that the lawmakers have tremendous respect for Obasanjo, adding, however, that the former president’s letters might not have been meant for the 8th Assembly but rather the 4th or 5th Assemblies.

“We have tremendous respect for the former President. We don’t want to be distracted by letters. Probably the letter is not meant for the 8th Assembly because we have cued in with President Muhammadu

Buhari. I think the letter is meant for the 4th or 5th Assemblies. It was misdirected, “he said.

Commenting on the alleged sharing of N50m and 150 motorcycles to all members by the House Leadership, Namdas said the matter would be investigated and appropriate actions taken.

Obasanjo introduced bribery to NASS —Melaye

Speaking on the issue in an interview with The Cable, Senator Dino Melaye, APC, Kogi West, described Obasanjo’s letters as misplaced anger and accused him of introducing corruption into the National Assembly while pursuing a third term ambition.

His words: “I have tremendous respect for President Olusegun Aremu Okikiola Obasanjo. Elder statesman, respected pan-Africanist and committed patriot. The letter I can see is a misplacement of anger.

Our leader is mistaking the Eighth National Assembly as the same Senate assembly that defrauded him in 2007.

"Those who collected his money and refused to implement the third term agenda. I appeal to Baba that we are not the ones please. After nine years of that bribery saga, the first of its kind, I expect forgiveness to have taken place.

“There was the case of bribery introduced by the Obasanjo regime in the desperate attempt to remove Speaker Ghali Umar Na’Abba from office then. In fact, there was open display of that bribery money on the

floor of the House. That government exposed the National Assembly to corruption and easy money. I hope this is not an attempt to cover up and distract attention from the Halliburton and Siemens corruption allegations.

“While I am against corruption anywhere in Nigeria, I will not support accusations based on anger and vindictiveness. The Eighth Senate should also look inwardly and purge herself of all the deliberate misgivings of the past. Nigeria must work and we must support the anticorruption stance of the Buhari administration.”

Asked to speak on the allegation, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Leo Ogor, yesterday said: “First, I will not want to join issues with former President Olusegun Obasanjo. I believe that he has his freedom of opinion which clearly is enshrined in the constitution. I am not going to go into any level of altercation with him, but he should realise that these vehicles are meant purely for oversight functions.

“If he believes we should not carry out oversight functions or probably we should rely on ministries and agencies of government even when travelling outside the states to carry out these responsibilities, he is at will to say whatever he wants to say."

‘Nigeria imported 16.03m MT fuels in 2015’

By Clara Nwachukwu

L

AGOS — DESPITE the refineries working above an average of 26 percent in 2015, Nigeria still imported about 16.03 million metric tonnes, MT, of refined petroleum products between January and December last year.

It is uncertain whether this volume included refined products from Federal Government’s Offshore Processing Arrangements, OPAs, or the crude swap deals with oil traders.

But the interesting thing about the volume of imports is the fact that Nigeria, which boasts of five refineries, with cumulative capacity of 446,000 barrels per day, bpd, or over 28 million litres, imported these products even from countries with very small refining capacity like Niger.

Ironically, one of Nigeria’s five refineries, the Niger Delta Petroleum Refinery, NDPR, a 1000-barrel capacity plant is exclusively devoted to AGO/ diesel refining.

Import of shame

This show of shame in products importation as contained in data exclusively obtained from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, showed that about 2.1 million litres, or 1770.58MT AGO came from Niger Republic during the period.

Niger has only one refinery, the 20,000 bpd or 126,000 litres/day, Soraz Refinery, came on stream in 2011, and as at Deceber 2015, targeted up to 2 million litres daily fuel export to Nigeria.

Products imported

The data also revealed that Nigeria imported as many as eight different fuels in 2015, including PMS; AGO; dual purpose kerosene, DPK; aviation turbine kerosene, ATK; lour pour fuel oil, LPFO/ black oil; base oil, B/Oil; bitumen, BIT; and liquefied petroleum gas, LPG/cooking gas, another shameful import.

Broken down further, total products import in the 12month period is as follows: PMS – 13, 393,574.20 x 1341 = 17.961 billion litres; AGO: 3,763,461.04 x 1,164 = 4.381 billion litres; DPK: 1,525,177.12 x 1,232 = 1.879 billion litres; LPG: 8,158.52; ATK: 375,554.70 x 1,232 = 462.683 million litres; LPFO: 54,065.37 x 1059 = 52.255 million litres; B/Oil: 186, 308.65; BIT: 109,601.28.

Vanguard will unfold detailed reports on the refineries operations in 2015, in its Monday edition.

44 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016

CHAN: Okocha, Ikpeba disagree on Eagles’ ouster F

ORMER Super Eagles stars, Austin Jay Jay Okocha and Victor Ikpeba have taken contrasting positions on the performance of the Super Eagles and coach Sunday Oliseh at the CAF African Nations Championship in Rwanda.

Nigeria was bundled out of the tournament in the preliminary stages and coach Oliseh attributed it to the low morale of the players who suffered according to him, from lack of motivation.

Okocha, said the defeat mustn’t dampen the spirit of the players and coaches, but rather they should get back on track; adding that Oliseh

remains the best man for the job.

“We are going through a rough period, but there’s nothing to be ashamed of. We just need to battle back and get back to where we belong. “ We can’t judge Oliseh by the outcome of CHAN, rather we should encourage and support him; let him do his thing and hopefully he’s the right person to take us to where we want to be,” Okocha told a local website.

But Ikpeba stated that Oliseh should accept full responsibility for the team’s failure, rather than play the blame game. “ It’s unfortunate to hear the comments from

Oliseh and some of the players on the issue of motivation. I think the NFF has done a good job, they took the team to Pretoria for preparation before the tournament.

“We all know the Federation has financial challenges. So instead of complaining about lack of motivation, they should have taken a cue from the U-17 and U-23.

They had financial problems yet won the tournaments; we shouldn’t forget that Siasia’s mother was kidnapped also.”

He urged Oliseh to focus on qualifying Nigeria for the 2017 Afcon qualifiers with a must win game against Egypt.

Port Harcourt HPC key to Nigeria’s sports development — Dalung

BY BEN EFE

Y

OUTH and Sports M i n i s t e r, Solomon Dalung said yesterday that the University of Port Harcourt High Performance Centre is key to the development of modern sports in Nigeria.

Barrister Dalung made the remark during a visit to the IAAF sanctioned HPC which is hosting Nigerian athletes training for the Rio 2016 Olympics and other international events.

Dalung praised the University of Port Harcourt vice chancellor, Professor Ndowa E. S. Lale for providing facilities, accommodation and warm hospitality for athletes.

“There is no doubt that sports is now more than sheer determination and skill; it is more of science. “Nigeria’s sports cannot remain stagnant, and we expect to cope with the dynamics of modern sports? This is the area

we will wish the University of Port Harcourt to be a key partner” Dalung stated.

Barrister Dalung pledged government’s continuous support to the University of Port Harcourt in ensuring that all necessary facilities that will lead to the attainment of a modern and functional high performance center is realized despite the paucity of funds.

In his response, Prof.

Lale extolled the University as a citadel of sports excellence in the country adding that they were grateful to have the High performance centre cited in the institution.

“This University ranks very high , not just in Nigeria but in West Africa when it comes to university sports so we need facilities to justify that status. I therefore implore you to assist and position us adequately for the status conferred upon us”.

The President of the

Oliseh Continues from BP qualifications and may be some players (might not come); I’m afraid.

Already I’m getting phone calls from them, you they’re still asking what they ’re being owed.”

Oliseh took charge of his first international tournament at the African Nations Championship (Chan) in Rwanda, where Nigeria failed to qualify from the group stage.

Athletics Federation of Nigeria Dr Solomon Ogba also remarked that he was excited to have the minister visit the high performance centre at a very short notice.

*Checked Out... Nigeria’s Ifeanyi Mathew (8) battles Niger Republic forward Idrissa Halidou Garba(9) Nigeria won 4-1. But the Super Eagles failed to show up in their last group C match.

LMC Pre-AGM: Dikko pledges improved season sociation, was described by and commended them for A pre-annual General Meeting of the League Management Company (LMC) held on Sunday in Kaduna with the LMC Chairman, Shehu Dikko pledging that the league will build on the positives of the last season while improving on observed challenges.

The meeting tagged a Consultative forum between LMC and the NPFL Clubs

by Barrister Isaac Danladi, the Chairman of the Club Owners and Managers As-

*From left... Athletics Federation of Nigeria president, Solomon Ogba, Sports Minister Solomon and Prof Ken Anugwueje at the HPC.

NFF

Continues from BP adequately provided for the team, a development that forced him to feed the team with his personal money.

General Secretary of the NFF, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi told Sports Vanguard that there is no iota of truth in the claim because the federation made adequate arrangements to ensure that the team got all they needed ahead of the championship.

According to the scribe, the NFF made arrangement for camping of the team at the South African High Performance Centre in Pretoria through their

partners.

He also explained that at the championship proper in Rwanda, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a rule took over the upkeep of the team.

“It is unfortunate that Oliseh was quoted to have made such comments and I want to say that there is no iota of truth in such claims because we made adequate arrangements for the team to camp in South Africa and this included feeding. So I don’t know where that is coming from because the same Oliseh on arrival at the camp from his base in Belgium applauded the arrangement.”

the LMC Chairman as part of the activities to mark the commencement of the 2015/16 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

Welcoming his fellow club chairmen, Danladi remarked that the meeting is a forum to share experiences and harmonise positions on issues before the AGM

making out time to attend the meeting.

In his speech to declare open the meeting, Dikko observed that “amongst several other matters on the agenda will be a review of the past season to evaluate and update our rules based on observed challenges and events of the past season”.

Rio Olympics: Nigeria House targets $22bn foreign investments

T

HE newly constituted 7-man Nigeria House Project Committee for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Brazil is targeting to woo direct foreign investments worth $22 billions into the country.

Project Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria House Project, Mohammed B. Abdullahi, stated this yesterday in Abuja after the Committee’s first meeting following its i n a u g u r a t i o n Sanusi also wondered why Oliseh never complained when his boys defeated Niger Republic 41 in the opening group match.

Wednesday.

Abdullahi said the Olympics present big opportunity for the nation to rebrand and promote Nigeria’s potentials through the showcasing of her rich and diverse cultural heritage and products by giving opportunity to stakeholders to attract investors to the country.

“We are going to use the Olympics to achieve this beginning from the Rio edition in Brazil because the Olympics remain a global brand and highest sporting fiesta in the world that brings together about 205 countries. We need to take advantage of such a stage for a global recruitment fare.

P/Harcourt ready for Go-Round/ SWAN athletics championships

T

HE Main Organising Committee (MOC) for the forthcoming Go-Round/SWAN Secondary School Athletics Championships slated for Port Harcourt has declared the facilities provided for the competition ready to host the event.

Speaking after going round the facilities at the University of Port Harcourt yesterday, the MOC Chairman, Honour Sirawoo, said he is satisfied with the accommodation arrangement for the athletes and officials for the event.

Sirawoo said the accommodation facility could house 552 athletes and officials from the 23 Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016 — 45

Djokovic sees off Federer to reach final T

OP seed Novak Djokovic saw off a thrilling fight-back by his great rival Roger Federer

GOODBYE . . . Novak Djokovic (L) sees off Roger Federer after victory in their men’s singles semi-final match. Photo: AFP

to reach his sixth Australian Open final and fifth consecutive Grand Slam title match yesterday.

The Serbian world number one downed third seed Federer 6-1 62 3-6 6-3 in two hours, 19 minutes and will face either Andy Murray or Milos Raonic in Sunday’s final.

It was the 45th meeting between the two greats with Djokovic now edging ahead of Federer 23-22 in their head-tohead duels.

The amazing Serb continued his recent domination over the 17time Grand Slam champion and on Sunday, he will become

Serena demolishes Radwanska to surge into 26th final

A

N inspired world number one Serena Williams demolished Polish fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska yesterday to surge into her 26th Grand Slam final and zero in on a seventh Australian Open title.

The dominant top seed was untouchable in overpowering the Pole 6-0, 6-4 in just 64 minutes on Rod Laver Arena to set up a

decider against German seventh seed Angelique Kerber who beat unseeded Briton Johanna Konta 7-5, 6-2 in the second women’s single semis match on Thursday.

Of her 25 previous major finals, Williams has won 21.

“I’m really excited to be in another final, it kind of blows my mind right now,” said Williams, 34. “I feel I am playing the best I can,

and I can’t believe I am in the final.

“I started playing aggressive again in the second set and it worked out.”

The writing was on the wall for Radwanska Williams had never lost a semi-finalatMelbournePark on her way to six titles, and had beaten the Pole in each of their previous eight meetings stretching back to 2008.

the first man in the Open era to contest six Australian Open finals.

“I played an unbelievable first two sets but that is what is necessary against Roger as he has been playing at a very high level in this tournament,” Djokovic said.

“I knew he was going to be aggressive and mix up the pace and try to come to the net, but I came out with the right intensity with great concentration and I executed everything perfect. But it was a battle in the end.”

It will also be Djokovic’s 19th Grand Slam final overall and he moves into equalthird place with Ivan Lendl on the all-time list of most appearances in major finals, which is headed

by Federer

SLAMMING . . . Serena Williams plays a forehand return during her women’s singles semi-final match against Agnieszka Radwanska. Photo: AFP

Konta defeated but not deflated D EFEATED Brit Johanna Konta is refusing to see her Australian Open semifinal as a lost opportunity, instead moving on to the possibilities for the season ahead.

While Konta lost her

semi-final 7-5 6-2 to Angelique Kerber, there was plenty of upside to her fortnight at Melbourne Park.

The 24-year-old announced herself as a force for the season ahead, and will re-enter

the WTA tour with a slashed ranking.

The world No.47 is likely to settle inside the world’s top 30 players, making her a genuine prospect to be seeded at her home slam, Wimbledon.

Emenike undergoes Hammers medical E

MMANUEL Emenike is expected to undergo a medical today at West Ham United ahead of a loan move to Upton Park.

West Ham have agreed a deal with Fenerbahce to take Emenike, 28, on loan for the rest of the season, with the view to a permanent move.

The potential move had been held up because it needed the agreement of Fenerbahce and Al Ain as the Nigerian had been on loan at the latter.

Al Ain agreed to cut short his season-long loan deal to allow him to return to Fenerbahce so that he could then make the switch to West Ham. West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is looking to add to his striking options before the close of the transfer window with Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho on the sidelines.

Emenike has already agreed personal terms with West Ham and should he pass his medical he will become their second signing of this month’s transfer

window after Sam Byram’s arrival from Leeds United.

“Now we are waiting to see if it is going to be today, tomorrow or not,” Bilic was quoted as

saying by the Daily Star.

In October, Emenike, who was top scorer as Nigeria won the Africa Nations Cup in 2013, announced his retirement from international football.

Ikorodu Utd ‘ll be Nigeria’s Leicester City — Edema imba in Otta a few days

By Jacob Ajom

H

EAD coach of Iko rodu United Football Club of Lagos, Edema Benson has declared that his wards are battle ready for the new Globacom Premier League season due to kick off next month. Speaking to Sports Vanguard at the club’s launch in Ikorodu yesterday, the former Nigeria international who guided the team to promotion within a season said, “we are aware of the

challenge ahead of us and I will say without equivocation that we are ready.

This is our first season in the top flight but we are not scared of any team as big names don’t play football.”

Drawing inspiration from what is happening in the Barclays Premier League, where a relatively ‘small’ club, Leicester City is topping the table at the moment, Benson said, “we want to replicate what Leicester City is doing in England here in Nigeria. We played Eny-

back, it was tough for them as we drew the game 2-2. We are not going into the league as second rate. We will justify our place in the Premier League as worthy representatives of the good people of Lagos state, and Ikorodu in particular.”

Benson showered encomiums on his players as he recalled their struggle for promotion: “The beginning was not easy. We lost the opening game and from then on we never looked back again.”

MONEY MAN . . . Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic shos off his bag of money

Ibrahimovic signs new PSG contract, becomes highest paid player in France

Z

LATAN Ibrahimovic has become the highest paid player in France after signing a new deal with Paris Saint-Germain that nearly doubles his previous salary.

The 34-year-old Paris Saint-Germain striker was given the massive pay rise for meeting performance targets agreed when he joined the club in 2012.

He could also pocket three big bonus pay-

ments for winning the Champions league, the French league title and becoming the league’s highest goal scorer.

The pay rise is expected to trigger a storm of protest in France’s ruling socialist party.

When Ibrahimovic joined PSG three years ago, MPs slammed his ‘disgusting’ £120,000-aweek salary — the highest ever paid to a footballer in France.

46—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29 , 2016

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29 , 2016—47

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016

Eagles may shun future call ups – Oliseh S

UPER Eagles head coach, Sunday Oliseh, has revealed his fear about Nigeria’s chances of having their strongest squad for the coming qualifiers.

The Nigerian trainer explained that he holds the fear that “some players who are being owed various sums of money might not come if they are not paid before the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

He added that a number of the Nigerian internationals had called him on telephone to ask for “ what they ’re being owed.

“I only have one fear: “It is that I just hope that the next time we send invitations out, that players won’t start refusing to play for Nigeria. That is

something that is scary but it is real. We have to start thinking because we’re not going to work miracles anymore,” said Oliseh.

“I’m just afraid that if we don’t put our acts in order we might invite players for the next Continues on Page 44

•Oliseh

CHAN: Okocha, Ikpeba disagree on Eagles’ ouster — Pg.44

Dejected Super Eagles players.

NFF debunks Oliseh’s $4,000 meals about $4,000 dollars to claim feed members of the

BY JUDE OPARA, Abuja

T

SERENA SLAM: Serena Williams celebrates after victory in her women's singles semi-final match against Agnieszka Radwanska at the 2016 Australian Open in Melbourne yesterday. Serena won 6-0, 6-4. PHOTO:AFP.

HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) yesterday debunked claims credited to Super Eagles Chief Coach, Sunday Oliseh that he spent

Team ‘B’ national team.

Coach Sunday Oliseh was quoted to have blamed the ouster of his team from the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) on the alleged failure of the NFF to have Continues on Page 44

•Sanusi

QUICK CR OSS WORD CROSS OSSWORD

T OD AY'S PUZZLE ODA

YESTERDAY'S ANSWERS

ACROSS 3 Enquired (5) 9 Encouraged (6) 10 Puzzle (6) 11 Tendency (5) 12 Thought (4) 15 Pleasant (4) 17 Seance (7) 20 Child (3) 21 Magnificent (5) 23 Cheese (4) 25 Trampled (5) 26 Rescuer (5) 28 Serpent (3) 30 Despair (7) 33 Thrash (4) 35 Always (4) 36 Marsupial (5) 38 Trifles (6) 39 Die (6) 40 Commerce (5)

DOWN 1 Sponsorship (5) 2 Pane (5) 3 Skill (3) 4 Cord (6) 5 Sea-eagle (4) 6 Performed (3) 7 Confess (5) 8 Cap (5) 13 Varied (7) 14 Map-book (5) 16 Forgive (7) 18 Avarice (5) 19 Insect (3) 22 Curtain (5) 24 Rug (3) 27 Staggered (6) 28 Diminish (5) 29 Confusion (5) 31 Egg-shaped (5) 32 Parched (5) 34 Fly (4) 36 Equipment (3) 37 Hatchet (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS

ACROSS: 1, Healed 5, Stable 9, Water 10, Rafter 11, Earned 12, Reedy 14, Said 17, Dry 18, Here 20, Shrew 22, Jaded 23, Pirated 24, Baton 26, Tenet 29, Edit 30, Fit 32, Site 33, Vicar 35, Regain 36, Puppet 37, Ceded 38, Reeked 39, Render.

DOWN: 1, Harass 2, Affair 3, Ewer 4, Dared 5, Seedy 6, Tay 7, Banned 8, Endued 13, Erratic 15, Ahead 16, Depot 18, Hades 19, Reset 21, Win 22, Jet 24, Bearer 25, Tingle 27, Nipped 28, Tester 30, Fined 31, Taper 33, Vice 34, Rude.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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