Jonathan, Buhari's men clash

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62395

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

SUBSIDY: FG to pay marketers N156bn as fuel crisis worsens 8

Jonathan, Buhari's men clash

By Ben Agande

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•Buhari's men acting like parallel govt—FG •Says President-elect's team making impossible demands •Notes magnanimity shouldn't be seen as cowardice

BUJA — A DISAGREEMENT has broken out between the transition committees of outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan and the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) as the President accused the Buhari team of acting like a parallel government and trying to stampede the

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I'm not aware of ban on AIT —Buhari 8

UNILAG gives automatic employment to best two graduands 14

Mr & Mrs FUEL SCARCITY: Queues at filling stations in Lagos as fuel scarcity bites harder, yesterday while TOP BOTTOM: Black market sellers having a field day. Photos: Lamidi Bamidele & Akeem Salau.

SENATE, HOUSE LEADERSHIP CONTESTS:

COLUMNISTS: What are we to make of the Saving Buhari NNPC audit •P.17 from himself •P.19 report?

C M Y K

Guinness and Oregbeni community:

Live and let die •P.19

Tension in APC as Dogara gathers momentum

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2 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

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POCKET CARTOON

BUHARI MEETS LAWMAKERS-ELECT: F rom left: Senate President, Senator David Mark; President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari and House of Representatives Speaker, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal when the Presidentelect addressed the 8th Assembly legislators-elect during their induction course in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Jonathan, Buhari's men clash Continues from Page 1 Jonathan administration out of office.

Addressing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting, yesterday, Minister of National Planning who is also a member of the Jonathan Transition Committee, Abubakar Suleiman, said the Buhari transition team was making impossible demands from the government.

Although he did not specify those demands, he however warned that the President’s magnanimity should not be construed as cowardice.

He said: “We did receive from the transition committee of the incoming government, some terms of reference which we looked at critically and the Federal Executive Council did agree that Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan remains

the current President of this country. The incoming government should avoid creating a parallel government while the government is still on.

“We take exceptions to some utterances to some of the terms of reference that look as if the current government is being stampeded or intimidated.

“Council frowned at most of the statements.

Council members are advised to work in line with the terms of reference of the current government.”

Govt cannot be intimidated

According to the minister, after critically examining the terms of reference of the in-coming government, the government resolved that all agencies of government must continue their duties till the end of the regime, adding that government cannot be intimidated.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

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IFE Is a mirror…do your very, very best to stop judging people — Take Heart Quotes

Wayne Dyer said: “When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself.”

Those critical voices inside of you get a great work-out when you let them loose on someone else, and it’s like training for the grand event, that of judging yourself. If you don’t exercise those voices, they’ll eventually disappear altogether, making you a much happier person.

When we don’t talk to people about how we’re feeling, or don’t have anyone to bounce ideas around with, it can be easy to feel lost, confused and out of touch. It also makes it easier for depression and sadness to nibble at our toes.

Being reminded that the world is bigger than our ‘speck’ can inspire and uplift us. Express love in as many ways as you can.Tell your loved ones you adore them, say thank you and mean it, flash your biggest and most sincere smile whenever you meet someone, the more love you give out, the more it builds inside of you and the more you’ll get back from life.

Stop worrying about other people’s opinions. Sometimes we let what other people think determine how we live our life, and it’s ridiculous. Ultimately, their thoughts on what we do and how we do it are irrelevant, just be true to yourself.

He said: “This government remains resolute and committed to the various programmes and projects it’s pursuing and the government will continue to do that until the morning of May 29.

“While Council enjoined members to be steadfast, the President also enjoined members to come out with programmes, projects to be commissioned, that needs to be inspected and that members in council should work as government. They should also perform their work without intimidation and that government, especially civil servants, directors, directors-general should see this government as the current government and not do anything that will rock the boat so as not to put this country in a bad light.

Magnanimity should not be taken for cowardice

“The magnanimity of Mr. President should not be taken to be cowardice and that is why Mr. President and indeed council members enjoined Nigerian people to see the olive branch extended to Nigerians and international community as a way of keeping this country intact, as a way of ensuring peace in Nigeria and as such whatever the outcome of the election, what is important is Nigeria’s national interest. And that national interest should be protected, enhanced and promoted at whatever level we are.”

MDAs have submitted hand-over notes

The minister further revealed that most agencies of government have submitted their handing over reports, noting that “as at April 28, almost all the MDAs that were advised

to submit briefs, handing over notes have submitted, and these have been compiled except for one or two ministries.

“The committee is having on ground right now two versions of presentations.

We have the executive summaries of all the MDAs hand-over notes and the entire hand-over notes from almost all the MDAs. The transition process is on course in terms of hand over notes and briefs; we have covered almost 80 per cent of our assignments.”

SENATE, HOUSE LEADERSHIP CONTESTS: Tension in APC as Dogara gathers momentum

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor & Levinus Nwabughiogu

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BUJA — INCREASING tension in the hierarchy of the All Progressives Congress, APC, over the delayed zoning of offices in the forthcoming government was, yesterday, leading to apprehension of a possible break in ranks among members of the forthcoming 8th National Assembly.

Party stakeholders, who were for most of yesterday engaged in meetings to quell the growing anxiety, meanwhile, defended the delay as a necessary evil to guide against unpardonable mistakes.

Efforts by some party stakeholders to nudge the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) into playing a more decisive role to quell the emerging tension have, however, not been fruitful.

Buhari, it was learnt, has only restricted himself to pushing for the geopolitical zones to be allowed to determine whoever is picked for the offices allocated to them.

Concern of senior party stakeholders, it was learnt in Abuja yesterday, is upon the growing tension in the leadership battle in the House of Representatives that has been turned into a twohorse race between the outgoing minority leader, Femi Gbajabiamila and the outgoing chairman of the House Services Committee, Yakubu Dogara.

The contest for Senate President which is also a two-man race between Senator George Akume

from Benue State and Bukola Saraki from Kwara State has, however, been less acrimonious.

The prospects of the PDP playing a spoiler role in the presentation of Senator David Mark in the event of continued division within the ranks of the APC were also being raised in Abuja, yesterday.

Though the influential caucus which backed the outgoing speaker, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, had given its affirmation to the possible emergence of any of Gbajabiamila or Dogara as speaker and deputy speaker, recent moves by Gbajabiamila’s supporters in the South-West to back Senator Lawan as Senate President was said to have ruffled feathers.

Dogara’s supporters spoil for showdown

Dogara’s supporters, it was learnt yesterday, are now spoiling for a showdown that could possibly upset whatever zoning permutation that they see as not favourable to them.

The move has inevitably sharpened the resolve of those backing Dogara to project his advantages with a warning from some in the Northern caucus of their readiness to ‘do a Tambuwal’ in the event that the party decides to coerce him out of the contest.

The Tambuwal act, it was gathered, is a caution to the party that those backing Dogara could defy the party order on zoning if the office is zoned out of his reach.

One of the advantages being projected in advantage of Dogara, according to a source, is

the fact that Dogara is a Christian minority from Bauchi State. His minority background, according to some, fits into the context of Team Buhari to project the Northern minority which for the first time, strongly backed Buhari for the presidency last March.

The outgoing chairman was also said to have endeared himself to many members through his strategic position as chairman of the House Services Committee, a position through which he has been able to dispense welfare to House members.

Gbajabiamila’s prospects

H o w e v e r , Gbajabiamila’s prospects for the office, it was gathered, are also being strongly marshalled by his supporters who cite among others his able leadership of the APC in the outgoing House.

Besides, his campaign is also being helped by the strong machine of his political mentor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who is said to be seriously backing him. His campaign, however, took the thumbs down by all members of the APC House delegation from Kwara State who it was gathered, turned down his entreaty on the basis that “his leader is against their own leader ’s aspiration for Senate President.”

A party source contacted on the prospect of internal division on the issue, however, defended the party’s delay saying that it was better to delay than make a fatal mistake that the party would live to regret.

6—Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Over N20m property destroyed as fire guts Bauchi TV studio

By Suzan Edeh

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AUCHI—AN early morning fire, Tuesday, gutted the recording studio of Sunnah Television Station in Bauchi.

The fire, at the channel which transmits from Niger Republic, reduced property estimated at over N20 million to ashes.

Sources said the fire might have been caused by power surge.

Commenting on the incident, Head of the Sunnah TV Station, Dr. Ibrahim Disina, said eleven digital video cameras, mixer, four sets of computer and other valuables, worth over N20 million were destroyed by the fire.

He said the transmission studio located in Niamey, Niger Republic, relies on Bauchi and Kano studios for all its materials.

Man hacks father to death in Enugu

By Austin Ogwuda

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NUGU—ENUGU State Police Command is currently investigating the case of a man, who was said to have hacked his father to death at Umuania Umuogboagu in Igboeze North Local Government Area of the state.

The command is also investigating the case of another man, who allegedly beat his mother to death.

State Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, who disclosed these in a statement

in Enugu yesterday, said: “It was gathered that the suspect, identified as Chijioke Onyeke, on April 26 at about 6.30pm, allegedly cut his father in the head with a machete over a yet to be ascertained issue that arose between them.

“It was further gathered that the deceased was rushed to St. Mary ’s Hospital, Ogurute, where he was confirmed dead.

“The dead body of the deceased is now deposited at General Hospital Mortuary, Ogurute, Enugu Ezike, for autopsy, while the suspect,

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AGOS—AN 80-yearold woman, Baseratu Balogun, and 21 others were, yesterday, docked before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, over alleged stealing and possession of an unregistered firearm.

The defendants are standing trial on a sevencount charge of stealing, possession of illegal firearm and breach of public peace preferred against them by the police.

Prosecutor, Corporal Innocent Odugbo, said the defendants and others still at large unlawfully displayed a gun, and cutlasses, then forcibly entered a piece of land located at Igando Orudu, Abule Foli Village, Ibeju Lekki, area of Lagos.and took possession of the land, being property of Agbaje and Elesho families.

The Magistrate, Mrs O. O. Fowowe-Erufiase, granted them N100,000 bail each, with one surety each in like sum.

She adjourned the matter to June 10.

having been arrested, is helping the operatives in their investigations.”

Beaten to death

Amaraizu said: “Another suspect, identified as Chidi Agbo of Ette Centre in Igboeze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, has been arrested by the state command operatives for allegedly beating his mother to death over an unidentified reason.

“It was gathered that the deceased, identified as Virginia Agbo, died on April 27 in the hands of her son, who allegedly beat her over a yet to be established issue, leading to her death. Her lifeless body was found on the bed.

“The suspect is helping the police in their investigations, while the deceased is now deposited at the General Hospital Mortuary at Ogurute, Enugu Ezike, Enugu State.”

Borno man begins 868km trek to meet Buhari in Abuja

By Ndahi Marama

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22 docked over alleged theft, possession of firearms

By Onozure Dania

zAnother beats mum dead

People and jerry cans queue for fuel at a filling station at Cele Bus Stop, along Oshodi-Mile 2 Expressway, yesterday.

PHOTOS: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

AIDUGURI—A 45-yearold indigene of Borno State, Mallam Adamu Abdullahi, has commenced a trek of 868 kilometres from Maiduguri to Abuja to plead with the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd), to end Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East.

Abdullahi’s road walk routes will cut across five states of Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Plateau and Nasarawa, through Maiduguri-DamatruruPo t i s k u m - B a u c h i - J o s Akwanga-Keffi-Abuja roads.

Addressing a news conference yesterday in Maiduguri, Abdullahi disclosed that 21 days had been earmarked for the MaiduguriAbuja trek to join his colleague, Suleiman Hashimu, who had earlier completed his LagosAbuja walk to meet Buhari.

He said: “I’m a married man and blessed with four children before I left Kaduna by road after boarding Borno Express and arrived in Maiduguri on Tuesday at about 4pm. ‘’My resolve to embark on this 868-kilometre trek from Maiduguri to Abuja will commence by 6am tomorrow (today) to congratulate the President-elect on his victory in the March 28 presidential polls.

“Insha Allah (God willing), I hope to reach Abuja to meet Buhari on Wednesday, May 20.

I will use the opportunity to personally congratulate him for his victory and plead with him to accord much priority towards ending Boko Haram insurgency.”

He urged everyone to join his aged, surviving mother, Mrs Zulihat Abdullahi, and his family to pray for his safety as he passes through odds and other challenges on his route.

DSS, bizman trade blames over scuffle in Awka hotel

By Vincent Ujumadu

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WKA—AN Awka-based hotel proprietor, Chief Ifeanyichukwu Nwokoye, and Anambra State Command of the Department of State Services, DSS, are trading blames over a scuffle between the former and some officials of DSS in the businessman's hotel.

The state Director of DSS, Mr. Alex Okeiyi, alleged that the businessman and his workers held his men hostage, when they went to perform their official duty, adding that the command would press charges against him for assault occasioning harm and hostage taking.

Okeiyi said his men had gone to rescue their colleagues held hostage by the hotel proprietor, adding that following attack on his men, one of the staff was seriously injured and taken to DSS clinic in Awka for treatment.

He said: “Nwokoye, his wife and his hotel staff held three DSS staff hostage at May-Roses Hotel until the office sent reinforcement to secure their release.

“People should learn to respect security operatives because we are working for them. Our men are targets of hoodlums all the time and that is why the people should help us.”

‘I was beaten over 22 expatriate lodgers’

However, in a swift reaction, Nwokoye, who claimed he was going blind following the beating he received from DSS operatives, said he was assaulted for refusing to release information on 22 expatriate medical doctors invited by Governor Willie Obiano to treat indigent and less-privileged persons in the state.

He said the DSS men took

him and his wife, Jessica, to their office at Amawbia, where they were brutally dealt with.

Nwokoye said: “Three men walked into the hotel and demanded for the list and photocopies of the passports of the expatriates, but were politely told that they were guests of the state government.

“I, however, demanded for the operatives' identities because we did not know them. They

refused and one of them said they will deal with me.

“I moved outside the room and called the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Central Police Station. I also ordered my people to lock the hotel gate.

“It was like they called their office for reinforcement because about 20 minutes later, some people drove in with siren and bundled us into their vehicle and took us to their office where we were dumped in their cell.”

Two suspected robbers crushed on 3rd Ma

By Evelyn Usman & Bose Adelaja

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HE rider and a passenger aboard a power bike died, yesterday, on the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos, following a collision with a vehicle.

An account alleged that the

deceased were suspected members of a robbery gang operating on the bridge.

Information at Vanguard’s disposal said four of such bikes, with two passengers on each, rode against traffic, towards the island at about 1.30pm.

The bikes were said to have

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015—7

My wife has no vagina opening, man tells court

By Daud Olatunji

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BEOKUTA— A Customary Court sitting in Ake, Abeokuta, Ogun State, yesterday, dissolved a threeyear-old marriage between Femi Olayiwola and his wife, Kemi, over lack of vagina opening, deceit and frequent fighting.

He told the court his wife deceived him into marrying her, knowing she could not bear him children.

The wife had, however, failed to appear in court, despite several summonses by the court.

Olayiwola said: “My wife had been deceiving me since we got married. I have never seen her experience menstruation. My wife does not have a vagina opening.

“Anytime I ask her for sex, she would

give an excuse. Meanwhile, we have been praying to God to give us children.

“My wife did not tell me anything about her condition before we got married, until February this year that she confessed to me that she had never experienced menstruation in her life.

“I thought she was lying, so I went to see her parents who told me it was true, and that they thought their daughter explained to me before we got married.”

He pleaded with the court’s President, Olalekan Akande, to dissolve the marriage.

Akande dissolved the marriage, saying both parties had made up their minds to part ways. He added that both parties were free to remarry anybody of their choice, adding that the document of the marriage dissolution should be sent to Kemi.

NDLEA nabs 42-yr-old Kenyan dancer with cocaine

By Esther Onyegbula

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PERATIVES of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested a 42-year-old Kenyan female dancer (names withheld) with cocaine weighing 5.345kg at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The dancer allegedly concealed the narcotics in school bags.

According to the spokesperson of the agency, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, “the suspect was found in possession of four blue parcels of white powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine, weighing 5.345kg, during

routine screening.

Vanguard gathered that the suspect, who claimed to be a professional dancer in Kenya, was born in Mombasa and travelled with a Kenyan international passport with number A1536020.

She departed Bujumbura, Burundi, enroute Nairobi to Lagos on a Kenyan Airways flight.

“I was given the school bags in Bujumbura by a friend to deliver in Nigeria,” the suspect said.

Vanguard also learned that two Nigerian auto parts dealers based in Uganda (names withheld) were equally caught importing 6.250kg of cocaine and 1.490kg of heroin into the country.

Family of 18-yr-old boy killed over girl suspects foul play

By Esther Onyegbula

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HE step-father of late Eniola Toyin, has called on Lagos State Police Command to investigate his son’s death. Toyin was allegedly murdered during a clash between two suspected cult groups at Kuramo.

According to the step-father of the deceased, who spoke on behalf of the bereaved family, “the allegation that Toyin is a cultist is extremely unbelievable to the family.

“We know Toyin to be a very outgoing person and passionate about his job. Although sometimes he could stay for a week at Lekki, before coming home to Ikorodu for the weekend, we never knew him as a cultist as he

ainland Bridge, 6 escape barricaded the Adekunle end of the bridge, while some of the bandits dispossessed motorists of their valuables and cash.

Report said an oncoming vehicle, a wine-coloured Toyota Carina, driven by a security agent, refused to stop.

In a bid to manoeuvre his way in between the bikes, the vehicle reportedly hit one of the them that

never behaved as one.

“He was never into girls. He was a fine young man. I just wonder why he chose to fight over a girl when there are so many he could have chosen from. This is an action orchestrated by hate. The police must investigate this matter to find out what truly happened.”

Vanguard learned that 18-year-old Toyin, who lived in Ikorodu, but worked as a mechanic at Kuramo, Jakande, Lekki, died over a love affair with one Yetunde.

Yetunde also had a lover (names withheld) who is a member of Eiye cult group, while Toyin was said to be a member of Aye cult group.

Toyin was allegedly killed when members of both groups clashed over the love affair. attempted to block him.

The impact was said to have flung the two occupants off the bike and were crushed by the vehicle.

Other members of the gang reportedly made a quick U-turn, heading towards Alapere.

The LASTMA Commander in charge of Third Mainland Bridge, Mr. Shittu Adeola, said when they were alerted, they rushed to the scene and found two dead bodies.

8—Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

I am not aware of ban on AIT, says Buhari

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

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B U J A — PRESIDENTelect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), said yesterday that he was not aware of the temporary ban imposed on African Independent Television, AIT, not to cover his official functions.

Consequently, he instructed all his aides, including the security team, to steer clear of all media activities and allow those assigned the responsibility to solely play the role with their colleagues.

In a statement in Abuja yesterday by Directorate of Media and Publicity of All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Campaign Council, Buhari said he read about the ban in the papers, stressing that he was neither consulted nor informed about the development.

The President-elect, however, aligned himself with the pronouncement of his party, which had since reversed the ban on AIT. According to him, sticking to the ban can only bring the party at par with the outgoing People’s Democratic Party, PDP. Buhari said: “I would like everyone to henceforth stay within his/her defined area of responsibility.

“The time of change has come and we must avoid making the same mistakes as the outgoing government.”

SUBSIDY: FG to pay marketers N156bn as fuel crisis worsens zBlack market thrives in front of NNPC, DPR, PPPRA hqtrs

By Michael Eboh

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BUJA—THE Federal Government, yesterday, said it would pay oil marketers N156 billion, out of the about N256 billion the marketers claimed they are being owed.

This was even as the perennial fuel crisis in Abuja took a dangerous turn yesterday, as about 80 percent of petrol stations across the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, were out of stock, while the few with the product were selling a litre for between N130 and N160.

Minister of Finance, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who hinted journalists in Abuja about the planned settlement, expressed optimism that the payment, which is expected to be made today, will help address the perennial fuel scarcity.

According to her, the Federal Government is committed to ending the fuel

scarcity within the shortest time and that despite the revenue challenges facing the government, the issue of fuel subsidy payments to oil marketers remain a priority.

She said: “We have been engaging oil marketers over the scarcity issue. We paid them N350 billion and N31 billion in the foreign exchange differential in December.

“Tomorrow (today), we will be paying them N100 billion for which we had earlier given them IOUs, and interest rate differentials of N56 billion.”

Black marketers’ day

The perennial fuel scarcity saw black marketers having a field day as they were seen, right in front of petrol stations and even in front of the headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, in the Central Area in Abuja, selling in plastic containers to motorists at a minimum of

N200 per litre.

Even in petrol stations along the road to the offices of Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, and Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, the black marketers were boldly plying their trade, selling at exorbitant prices.

At Mabushi, under the bridge, scores of black marketers have taken over the entire area, lining up their 25-litre, 30-litre and 50litre gallons on the road.

Almost all the petrol stations along the Kubwa Expressway were shut, with only NNPC filling station at Katampe junction and along the expressway selling.

The NNPC filling station at Gwarimpa was also selling, with queues stretching as long as two kilometres.

MRS Petrol Station and many others along the Airport Road, as well as Oando near the National Hospital, were not selling.

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BUJA—GOVERNORS elected on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have concluded that the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu and other members of its National Working Committee, NWC, should take the path of honour and resign immediately.

This was the outcome of the meeting of 19 PDP governors held Tuesday night, which extended to the early hours of yesterday at Akwa Ibom Governor ’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja.

Major oil marketers had, a couple of days ago, warned that the fuel scarcity might linger for a while as the Federal Government had failed to pay what it owes marketers, who imported fuel into the country.

The marketers, under the auspices of Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, MOMAN, decried government’s inability to disburse the outstanding payments due its members for the import of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, under the Petroleum Subsidy Fund.

In a letter to the Minister of Finance/Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the association through its Executive Secretary, Mr. Thomas Olawore, stated that despite previous assurances from the government to reimburse marketers the under recovery due to them as verified by PPPRA, government had failed to honour its agreement.

Letter to FG

FORUM: From left— Mr. Apollos Ikpobe, Deputy Managing Director, UBA Plc; Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, CEO, Airtel Nigeria; Professor Paul Collier; and Mr. Michael Arrion, Ambassador, Head of Delegation, European Union, EU, to Nigeria and ECOWAS, at Businessday's CEO Forum in Lagos, yesterday.

PDP govs call for sack of Mu'azu, NWC members

By Henry Umoru

When oil marketers ‘re vexed

They resolved that it had become imperative for them to go to pave way for new leadership, following the abysmal performance of the party at the March 28 and April 11 general elections.

The meeting, which was the first since PDP lost the presidency after 16 years of leadership, was a postmortem on the election and the way forward for the party.

The party, which controlled the Presidency, House of Representatives and the Senate since 1999, did not only suffer defeat at

the presidential election, but also lost in its traditional states of Plateau, Niger, Kaduna, Benue, Bauchi and Jigawa.

It became the opposition party in the Senate with 46 senators,while APC has 60.

It was gathered that at the meeting, which was held behind closed doors as journalists were not informed, had Muazu, his deputy, Prince Uche Secondus and National Legal Adviser, Victor Kwon, and all 19 governors in attendance.

A source at the meeting told Vanguard that Muazu and his team were later asked to

excuse the governors.

Soon after they left the Akwa Ibom State Governor’s Lodge, the governors, the source said, agreed unanimously that the party would need fresh persons and that Muazu and his team must pave way for the new blood that would be required to run the party.

Following the decision of the governors, who want to take total control of the party, members of the NWC, yesterday, went into a marathon meeting even though they were said to be on break for two weeks.

The letter reads in part: “At the previous meeting, you empathized with the marketers and committed to full restitution provided these were verified by the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA. “You also assured marketers that they would be fully reimbursed for the interest (incurred due to the late payment) and foreign exchange (Forex) differential elements of their Under Recovery within thirty days of the meeting.

“Furthermore, you committed to immediately issuing Sovereign Debt Notes, SDNs, for the outstanding Under Recovery with full payment on or before April 28.

“Regrettably, despite your above commitment and assurances, the industry to date has only received approximately N30 billion in Forex differential claims out of the N100 billion owed. In the same vein, only N345 billion has been received in core subsidy payments covering payments up to the second quarter of 2014.

“Only three companies out of the six MOMAN companies, received payments for Forex differentials and no company, MOMAN or DAPPMA (Depot and Petroleum Products Marketing Association) has been paid interest charges on delayed payments.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015 — 9

2015 BUDGET: Nigerians divided over fuel subsidy removal

By Ola Ajayi, Daud Olatunji, a supplementary budget for Dapo Akinrefon, Sebastine subsidy if they feel differently Obasi, Mike Eboh & Ediri Ejoh about it.”

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IGERIANS were, yesterday, sharply divided over the removal of fuel subsidy in the 2015 budget. While some okayed the move arguing that it would help the government address the problems in the oil sector, others said removing fuel subsidy without consultation with stakeholders and putting cushioning measures in place would hurt the citizenry.

Subsidy removal will help reassess state of refineries — Olugbemi Speaking on the issue, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, First Registrars Nigeria Limited, Mr. Bayo Olugbemi, expressed support for the removal of fuel subsidy, stating that it would present an opportunity to reassess the state of the country’s refineries.

“The price of crude oil in the international market has come down considerably. This in effect means there may be no need for subsidy payment at all. This will also be an incentive for the incoming government to re-assess the state of our refineries with a view to commencing local refining of petroleum products again,” he argued.

Lot of scam around subsidy in Nigeria — Esele To Comrade Peter Esele, former President-General, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria’s fuel subsidy regime is riddled with inconsistencies.

His words: “The issues we need to address are what should be the actual amount of fuel and what is the actual consumption at any point in time?

There is no clear cut data to support subsidy approvals. For example, what is the actual consumption of fuel in the country? Consumption level is supposed to differ at certain periods of the year. For instance, consumption level is supposed to be higher in December than in other periods of the year because large number of people are moving around, travelling from one point to the other.

“But in Nigeria, especially on subsidy, the consumption pattern is flat, same figure is allocated for December and January, in fact, same figure is allocated throughout the year, without recourse to changes in consumption pattern at certain periods in time. We also need to ask, how much is the actual cost so we can know how much the country is to pay? They said the Federal Government owes oil marketers about N350 billion; how come about this debt? How come we owe this much?

From all this, we can see that there is a lot of scam around the subsidy issue and this should be addressed quickly before it hurts the country.

The incoming administration can do

We need a holistic approach — Omare Comrade Eric Omare, Spokesman Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) worldwide, said: “I think total removal of subsidy should not be done suddenly but done in consultation with relevant stakeholders putting in place relevant measures to curb the resultant effect occasioned by the new price. Though, I think the outgoing government should have allowed the incoming government to handle this issue since they already have a stand AGM: From left; Company Secretary, Dangote Cement Plc, Ityoyila Ukpi; President, on the issue. In summary, any Dangote Cement Plc, Aliko Dangote; CEO, Dangote Cement Plc, Onne van der Weijde approach to be adopted by and Non-Executive Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Devarkumar Edwin at the 6th Annual government must be holistic.”

General Meeting of Dangote Cement Plc, in Lagos.

Oil subsidy a burden on govt –LCCI The President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Remi Bello stated that petrol subsidy is the biggest burden on government treasury in the country.

“Besides, the global oil price dropping to below $50 per barrel there is no longer any justification for budgetary provisions for petroleum products subsidy,” he said, adding that the current economic conditions portend profound challenges for the private sector.

It will hurt Nigerians, says Joe- Odumakin President of the Campaign for Democracy, CD, Dr JoeOdumakin faulted the move saying that Nigerians will suffer for the removal.

Odumakin, who is also the

President of Women Arise, said: “We have always said that removing fuel subsidy without making necessary cushioning effect will be like putting the cart before the horse. We said during our rallies that what was done then was subsidizing corruption.

We said corruption should be removed from the fuel subsidy scheme and that corruption should be killed and not kill Nigerians.

Noting that the refineries have not been made to work, there is no adequate provisions for subsidy removal and those found culpable in the fuel subsidy scam have not been totally brought to book, she said: “Nigerians will suffer that excruciating pain if subsidy is abruptly removed and that is why I said that all the things that need to be put in place should have been put in place before the

removal. It is not about the passage of the law, it is about making adequate arrangement for subsidy. It is the masses that will suffer.”

IPMAN okays subsidy removal Chairman, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Mosinmi depot, Adeleke Bada threw his weight behind the removal of subsidy from the 2015 budget by the Federal Government.

Arguing that the action would not lead to instant increase in pump price of fuel, he said the removal would enable the Federal Government stop stealing in the industry.

According to him, it also means that the government wants to really sanitise the downstream sector of oil

industry. “If all parameters are put in place in the industry for example, optimal usage of the refineries, depots and pipelines, the pump price of petroleum products will reduce. If our refineries are working very well, there would not be a reason for us to import. I subscribe to the removal.”

It’ll hike the pains of the masses— Agoro In like manner, Chairman of the National a Action Council, NAC, Dr Olapade Agoro, said: “I have always said that Nigerian politicians have sinister purposes behind anything they do. It is too late in the day for the National Assembly to remove the subsidy. At least, they should have left it for the incoming administration rather than making things difficult.''

Falling oil prices threaten my agenda — BUHARI

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru been facing which he also said the wider economy.

A

BUJA—THE Presidentelect, General Muhammadu Buhari yesterday painted a gloomy picture in the economic development of his administration as he said that the decline in the revenues due to fall in oil prices poses a great threat to his administration’s development agenda.

Gen. Buhari who visited the newly elected Senators and House of Representatives members who are undergoing induction course in preparation for the 8th National Assembly in Abuja also said that the decline in revenue would affect the reconstruction of devastated areas in the country as a result of insurgency.

He reminded the elected members of the 8th assembly of the challenges the nation had

would continue in the near future.

The challenges according to him include general insecurity and insurgency that has caused extreme human hardship and destruction of lives, livelihoods that would take over a decade to rebuild across most of North Eastern Nigeria and some parts of North western Nigeria.

Another threat to his administration according to him was the devastation and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta area which he said must be attended to.

Others include, “endemic corruption which has crippled human and infrastructure development for decades.

Unacceptably poor provision of power supply which has had a crippling effect on development of small businesses and indeed

“Deindustrialization for the past three decades leading to closure of many industries and migration of many to other African countries. Unacceptably high levels of unemployment and especially Youth Unemployment reaching over 40 per cent.”

Besides, Gen. Buhari mentioned high cost of governance that has been crowding out the nation’s capital and human development, erosion of public social services such as infrastructure, health and education as well as lack of development in the agricultural and solid mineral sectors as areas that should be aggressively addressed.

While soliciting the support of the lawmakers, the Presidentelect said, “The legislature is a critical component and

necessary ingredient of democracy and good governance. The legislature by nature is inherently democratic in the sense that all members are equal and are elected representatives of the Nigerian people.

“As President-elect, I recognize this fact and believe that legislators carry this heavy burden of representation with all the seriousness it deserves.

“For a president to be successful in addressing community development and general welfare of the various people of the country, he or she would benefit from working closely and in harmony with the legislative arm of government.

“I therefore commit myself to working with the legislature as development partners motivated by the desire to deliver good governance”.

10 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Arik attributes flight delays to aviation fuel scarcity ...Suspends service to Dubai

By Lawani Mikairu

L

AGOS—ARIK Air yesterday said flight delays and cancellations being experienced by Arik Air passengers in the last few days is due to the general scarcity of aviation fuel (Jet A1) in Lagos.

This is coming just as the airline suspended flights operation to Dubai.

According to an official of Arik, Chigozie Okereke, “There has been short supply of the product in Lagos and this has led to rationing by the petroleum product marketers. Signs of the scarcity started manifesting on Thursday, April 23, 2015 when marketers were unable to meet the demands of the airlines, especially Arik Air which by volume of its operations requires a daily supply of between 600,000 and 800,000 liters of aviation fuel.”

She added that the scarcity has impacted negatively on Arik Air’s operations as flights have had to be delayed or canceled in cases where the destination airport has no airfield lighting.”

In some other cases, flights were diverted to other airports outside Lagos where the product was readily available.”

Meanwhile, Arik Air has suspended its flights operations to Dubai.

The airline said its executive board has taken the decision to temporarily suspend its Dubai service operating from Lagos via Abuja with effect from May 4, 2015.

FG to Jakarta: Repatriate bodies of 4 Nigerians for burial

By Soni Daniel, Abuja

P

EEVED by the killing of four of its natives, Nigeria has asked Indonesia to urgently return the bodies of the four executed Nigerians to their families for proper burial.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry made the formal request in a statement released in Abuja last night, expressing regret over the execution of the four Nigerians

by Indonesia despite numerous pleas by President Goodluck Jonathan and other world leaders at several fora. The government said it was deeply disappointed over the execution of Messrs Martin Anderson, Okwudili Oyatanze, Jaminu Anashin and Sylvester Obiekwe by the government of Indonesia for drug related offences.

While warning Nigerians across the globe to steer clear of drug trafficking, the government expressed it condolences to the families of the four Nigerians killed by Jakarta.

OSHODI/APAPA TRAFFIC: Motorists, commuters hail Lagos police over relief

By Esther Onyegbula

L

AGOS—PEOPLE plying the ever-busy Oshodi/ Apapa express way, which has been bedevilled by endemic traffic gridlock were relieved, yesterday, after a sizeable portion of the road was reclaimed from tankers for their use.

Motorists and commuters were filled with joy on noticing the free-flow of traffic from 2nd Rainbow towards Kirikiri and Apapa.

The one-lane passage way was created both at the service and fast lanes of the road thus making it possible for motorists to have easy passage to their respective destinations.

Surprisingly, trucks which were usually seen parked indiscriminately on the express way have been properly arranged in an orderly manner thus making it possible for other road users to ply with ease.

Concerned road users, who spoke with Vanguard poured encomiums on Lagos State Police Commissioner, Kayode Aderanti, who announced, earlier in the week, that he will set up a special task force to clear the road of the frightening traffic gridlock.

They, however, expressed concern over the continuity of the positive development

CONFERENCE: From left; Prof Peter Fogam, Dean of Faculty of Law, repsenting Vice Chancellor University of Lagos; Prof Jumoke Oduwole, Holder of the Prince Claus Chair in Development and Equity; Mr Ade Ipaye, Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Dr Ashimizo Afadameh, President, Africa International Economic Law Network (AFIELN), during the 3rd Biennial Conference of AFIELN and Prince Claus Chair Roundtable at Nigerian Insitititute of International Affair (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos, yesterday. Photo by Kehinde Gbadamosi. on the road.

According to one of the motorists, Chief Theophilus Egbe: "Yes, we are filled with joy after noticing this commendable development on the road. In fact, for the first time this year, I was able to use my car and drive straight into Kirikiri without hitches. All we are saying is that it should continue without hindrance. The police should not

relent in applying whatever magic they used in making this possible.’

The group Sports Editor of Vanguard Newspapers, Tony Ubani, also commended the development but appealed that it should not be short-lived. “We, in Vanguard, are the worst victims of this chaotic traffic gridlock and we have suffered untold hardship for long. Many of us

Lagos shuts 24 religious outfits over noise pollution

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

L

AGOS—THE Lagos State government yesterday said at least 24 religious outfits were shut in year 2014 for contravening the State guidelines on noise pollution.

The state government further said the new Material Recovery Facility, would be established to capture the huge waste generated daily and boost the Waste-towealth programme in the state.

Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello

Buhari names Ahmed Joda, David West, Amaechi in 19-member Transition Committee

T

HE President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday in Abuja inaugurated a 19-member Transition Committee to liaise with its Federal Government counterpart to ensure a smooth transition.

The 19-member Transition Committee, is headed by Malam Ahmed Joda as Chairman with Dr Doyin Salami as Vice Chairman.

Other members of the Committee include, Mr Boss Mustapha Mal. Muhammad Hayatuddin; Alh. Abubakar Malami SAN; Brig. Gen. Lawal Jafaru Isa'; Sen. Hadi Sirika; Sen. Audu Ogbeh; Barrister Dalong; Mrs Bola Adesola; Mr Wale Edun; Mrs Nike Aboderin; Dr Ogbonnaya Onu; and Mr Festus Odimegwu; Others are,

Chief John Oyegun; Gov. Rotimi Amaechi; Dr Tam David West; Alh.Lai Mohammed; and Mal Adamu Adamu as Secretary.

A statement issued in Abuja by the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Committee (APC), Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the terms of reference of the committee includes to develop a clear framework for liaison with the out-going Administration for purposes of a smooth hand-over/take-over and to receive hand-over documents from Ministries, Departments and Agencies and itemise the most important or most urgent issues confronting the in-coming government.

and General Manager of the Lagos State Environment Protection, LASEPA, Mr Ademola Shabi, an engineer, disclosed this at the 2015 ministerial press briefing held in Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.

Shabi reeling out the activities of his agency in the year under review added that 13 industries were shut for violating the environmental guidelines set by the government.

He lamented that the pollution generated daily in the state was increasing and the government must embark on measures to reduce it, adding; “We received over 1, 000 petitions in the year under review. But we have been able to resolve some and some have relocated.”

According to him, “We have shut about 24 religious outfits in the last one year because they failed to adhere to the state guidelines on noise pollution.”

The general manager explained that these religious outfits contribute “the religious outfits contribute about 50 percent of the noise pollution in the state. In the last few years, we have been having problem to control noise from these outfits. We have been able to shut them down while some have relocated from the community where they were.

have been robbed, harassed and some of our females narrowly escaped being raped, even in daytime by hoodlums that capitalize on the chaos to unleash mayhem on all of us. It has been that bad to the extent that I can't remember when last I came to work in my car. This is also applicable to almost all our staff. ‘''So, now that it looks as if police has performed the magic, we pray it will last. I will suggest constant patrol of the express way to ensure proper enforcement of the order.

It will also chase hoodlums away from the road so that users will heave a sigh of relief.

Nevertheless, I strongly feel that the Police boss deserves kudos for taking such timely action over the chaos on that road.''

...As Lagos scraps third toll plaza on Lekki Expressway

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

L

AGOS State Government, yesterday, disclosed that it has received the approval of the Lagos State House of Assembly for the buy-back of the Lekki-Epe Expressway, adding that the negotiated price for the transaction is N15 billion.

Gbeleyi explained that, “The transaction came to closure in June last year. In terms of completing other conditions precedent for government to take over the project and effect the final payment because the payment was done in two tranches of N7.5 billion and N7.5 billion.

“We paid the second tranche last year’s December. And from that date, government took effective control of the project.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015—11

IMPEACHMENT: Ekiti APC accuses Fayose of stage-managing labour unrest

By Gbenga Ariyibi

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DO EKITI—THE All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ekiti State has accused the state government of alleged plans to induce the state workforce into a prolonged labour crisis so as to prevent APC lawmakers in the Assembly from carrying on with the impeachment proceedings against the governor.

A statement by the Publicity Secretary of the party, Taiwo Olatubosun, in Ado Ekiti yesterday, warned the organised labour in the state against being used by the government to work against their general interest.

Olatubosun said the party had uncovered plans to induce workers in the state to embark on a prolonged strike.

He, therefore, called on the labour leaders not to drag workers in the state into partisan politics, noting that most of the conducts of labour leaders amounted to flagrant abuse of labour laws.

The APC image maker further alleged that for some time now the labour leaders had abandoned the interests of their members as they are allegedly hob-nobing with the state government for their selfish interest.

Olatubosun further alleged that some labour leaders in the state have allegedly collected a huge sum of money from the government for various solidarity rallies in the last six months, adding that some of the labour leaders would soon instigate innocent workers to go on a

politically-motivated industrial action that would last till the middle of June.

Olatubosun explained that this option was preferred to the earlier plan by the government to declare a forced 10-day holiday starting from May 29 for a pretended celebration of the handing over to the new government.

According to him, the party has information that the deal was struck with the labour at a meeting with the governor on April 27, where the two options were considered, including a prolonged holiday from May 29 through the first week of June and contrivance of workers anger through half payment of April salary that would force workers to declare indefinite strike. He said the labour leaders settled for the second option.

By agreeing on the second option, Olatubosun said labour is expected to shut down all government institutions to prevent the impeachment of the governor.

“To set the planned strike in motion, the governor has offered to pay half salary for April, which labour would reject, leading to a disagreement that would spark a strike action,” he explained.

The party accused some labour leaders of partisanship, alleging that some NUT and NULGE leaders were known as cardcarrying members of PDP who were working with the governor to protect their political interest instead of the collective interest of workers.

Olatubosun noted that this was the politics behind JUSUN strike

that paralysed all the courts across the state, which made the workers to remain idle while the labour leaders lined their pockets.

A

K U R E — AFENIFERE, the socio-cultural Yoruba group, yesterday, advised the presidentelect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) not to be selective in its fight against corruption.

The group, which expressed concern over the issue of corruption in the country, said: “It is so evident and pervasive in Nigeria that it needs to be seriously addressed if the country must move forward."

This was contained in a communique issued after its monthly meeting at the country home of its leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure, Ondo State.

Fasoranti, who read the communique, equally

called on Gen Buhari to implement the resolution of the national conference held last year.

According to the communique: “In our view, devolution of power is the panacea to issues of corruption, generation of electricity, qualitative education, issues of security and other policies that will ensure a fair society.”

The group congratulated Gen Buhari on his victory in the just-concluded general elections and described the acceptance of the results of the election by President Goodluck Jonathan as patriotic.

Fasoranti said the acceptance of the result by the president “saved the country of a needless

off the future of workers' professional careers for a pot of soup that does not guarantee professional growth and security of their jobs.

UNVEILING: From left: Chairman,International Media Committee, All Africa Music Awards, Steve Ayorinde; President and Executive Director, AFRIMA,Mike Dada; Commissioner, Social Affairs Department, African Union Commission, Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko; Head, Information Division ,AUC, Esther Tankou and Director, Sponsorship and Communication, AFRIMA, Matlou Tsotestsi, at the unveiling of the 2015 calendar of AFRIMA, at the African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa,Ethiopia.

Afenifere cautions Buhari over anti-corruption fight

By Dayo Johnson

The party called on workers to remember that there is life after Governor Fayose’s administration, stressing that it is wicked for labour leaders to trade

crisis that would probably have ensued.

The group pointed out that its position to support President Jonathan's re-election should not be misunderstood by Nigerians.

According to the group, “the position was taken in the overall interest of the Yoruba race and the country.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the presidentelect, himself would attest to our not being induced in supporting him in 2007. We were certainly not induced to support President Jonathan.

“Our decision was based on our age-long commitment to support a presidential candidate committed to restructuring of Nigeria."

12—Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

INEC presents certificates of return to DTHA members-elect zLocks out journalists, denies Igbuya, Erijo certificates of return

By Festus Ahon

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SABA—JOURNALISTS were yesterday locked out by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, preventing them from covering the presentation of certificates of return to those elected into the Delta State House of Assembly in the April 11 state Houses of Assembly election.

Efforts by journalists to introduce themselves even with their media identity cards and INEC election accreditation tags proved abortive as they were molested and harassed by INEC officials and security personnel, alleging that the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Elder Aniedi Ikoiwak, only cleared the NTA, Radio Nigeria and Daily Independent to cover the event.

It was gathered that presenting certificates of return to 23 of the 29 that make up the House, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Ikoiwak, at INEC headquarters in Asaba, said four of the members-elect were absent, while Monday Igbuya, Sapele and Johnson Erijo, Isoko South II, were not

issued their certificates.

Those absent at the presentation ceremony, it was learned, were Michael Diden, Warri North; Orezi Esievo, Isoko South 1; Miss Erhiatake Ibori, Ethiope West and Tim Owhefere, Isoko North.

Among those who received certificates of return and their constituencies, include

Samuel Okocha, Aniocha North and Angela Nwaka, Aniocha South, among others.

On the two who were not issued with certificates of return, the Resident Electoral Commissioner said Monday Igbuya’s name was forwarded to Abuja as winner for the Sapele constituency election, alongside others for the

issuance of the certificate of return and wondered why his certificate was not signed.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after collection of their certificates of return, Dennis Omovie, Evans Ivwurie, Sam Mariere and Eric Oharisi, assured that they will give effective representation to their constituents.

VISIT: From left: The Deputy Managing Director of Skye Bank Plc, Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu; Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Timothy Oguntayo and Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria, Mrs Pirjo Mela-Chowdhury; during the Finnish Ambassador's visit to Skye Bank on Wednesday. PHOTO: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

Ikot Akpan Udo crisis: Community appeals to Akpabio

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EVEN years after Ikot Akpan Udo community in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State was burnt down and 13 persons killed by the Andoni of Eastern Obolo LGA of the state, the community has appealed to Governor Godswill Akpabio to assist in rebuilding the town.

The displaced citizens said they were surprised at the seeming indifference of the state government to their plight despite repeated appeals for the rebuilding of the town to enable the people of the oil producing community to return to their homes to pick up their lives and economic activities.

Village Head of Ikot Akpan Udo, Eteidung Oscar Abel, told Vanguard that the community had made several representations to the government in Uyo to rebuild the town which was burnt down through no fault of his people, noting that nothing has resulted from such efforts.

He said that apart from empanelling a commission of inquiry into the disturbances in November 2008, which report was submitted to the governor last year, and the setting up of

ad-hoc peace and boundary committees, government has not taken any action to rebuild the town.

The village head said that while the government has reintegrated the Amazaba Andoni by facilitating the building of a school for them in their new Iso Otoyo abode, it has not fostered a sense of belonging in the people of Ikot Akpan Udo.

He stressed the need for government to rebuild the 500 houses destroyed by the Andoni in their 2008 mayhem to enable all the displaced people of Ikot Akpan Udo to return to their homestead.

It will be recalled that the Amazaba Andoni of Eastern Obolo council, in their quest for more living space and apparently as part of the plan to drag Akwa Ibom State into

their so-called Oil Rivers State, allegedly hired mercenaries to inflict a devastating mayhem on Ikot Akpan Udo community on August 28, 2008. During the devastation, the Andoni killed 13 citizens and burnt down the community in the surprise attack. Since then, the state government has not provided succour to the people of Ikot Akpan Udo to ameliorate their sufferings.

Tribunal orders INEC to allow AD inspect election materials in Bayelsa

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

ENAGOA—THE National and State Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal sitting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to release to the Alliance for Democracy, AD, election materials needed by the party for inspection and analysis to enable it prove its claim that the House of Assembly

election did not hold and results were rigged.

Justice Ononeze Madu gave the order, yesterday, in a ruling on the petition by the state House of Assembly candidate of the Alliance for Democracy, Victor-Ben Eredei.

The chairperson of the tribunal, Justice Madu, in her ruling on the ex-parte motion by applicant's counsel, M. J. Numa, ordered INEC to release polling materials including ballot papers, copies of the EC8 series and

electronic print-out from the Central Data Base of accredited voters obtained through the card readers used for the conduct of the election in the area.

It will be recalled that INEC had declared Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Kombowei Benson, winner of the April 11 election in constituency 4 of the state amidst alleged non-conduct of election, violence and intimidation of the electorate

Ogoni assured of industrial devt

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARCOURT— THE people of Ogoni in Rivers State, have again been assured of plans to transform the area into an industrial hub in the state.

Chief Executive Officer, Belema Oil Production Limited, Mr Jackrich Tein, who gave the assurance yesterday in Port Harcourt, at a meeting with women and youths of K Dere community, said his firm, among others, will build a refinery and also set up petrochemical platforms in Ogoni when it resumes oil explorations in the area.

He promised to work with government and other stakeholders to implement the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, report in the area.

Chevron cooperative records N341m surplus for 2014

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ELTA Area C h e v r o n Employees Multi–Purpose Co-operative Society, DACEMPCS, has recorded a net surplus of N341 million for the year ended 2014, just as the economy of Delta State will get a boost at the completion of its 180 unit housing estate in Effurun.

Sir David Ikutegbe, immediate past Chairman, DACEMPCS, at its 14th Annual General Meeting, AGM, in Warri, said that the immediate past management committee worked tirelessly to ensure adequate yields on members’ investments in shares and also in line with operating guidelines of cooperative societies.

He said that the out gone management committee introduced a service to provide material inputs for various on-site building activities for subscribing members.

Ikutegbe said: “Our surplus in the concluded year 2014 over expenses grew by 28 percent resulting in a net surplus of N341m as against N266 million for the year 2013.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015—13

Okowa inaugurates 98-man transition committees in Delta

By Festus Ahon

A

SABA—DELTA State governor-elect, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has inaugurated three committees comprising 98 persons for a smooth transition process.

Speaking during the inauguration at Government House, Asaba, Senator Okowa informed Deltans that he would ensure equity and fairness in running the affairs of the state, adding that membership of the committee was not an automatic ticket for membership of the state executive council.

According to him, the committees, which include Technical Committee on Programme Development/ Governance, Committee on Handover and the Committee of Night of Praise, will ensure a seamless transition in the state.

The governor-elect said that the terms of reference for the Committee on Programmes Development/Governance include making preparation for the smooth take-off and implementation of the policies and programmes of the incoming administration after

inauguration; advice on governance structure, size, relationship and best practices that will enable greater efficiency and outcome; examine the 2015 budget and

advice in line with work plan.

Earlier, the chairman of the state Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Edwin Uzor, urged members of the committees to work

assiduously, with due diligence and in consultation with other members to move the state forward and ensure lasting peace in the state.

INAUGURATION: From left: Former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Austin Opara; Rivers State governor-elect,Mr Nyesom Wike and Rivers State Deputy Governor/ Chairman Transition Committee,Engr Tele Ikuru, during the inauguration of Transition Committee and Governorship Inauguration Committee, in Port Harcourt, yesterday. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

....As Rivers gov-elect inaugurates c'ttees to facilitate smooth take-off

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HEAD of the May 29 handover formalities, Rivers State governor-elect, Mr Nyesom Wike, has inaugurated the state transition and inauguration committees to facilitate smooth take-off of his administration.

State Deputy Governor, Mr. Tele Ikuru, will chair the Transition Committee with Mr Frank Owhor as Secretary, former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr. Austin Opara will be chairman of the Inauguration Committee with Dr. Jacob Beredugo as Secretary.

Inaugurating both committees in Port Harcourt, yesterday, Wike said that the unilateral action became necessary after the uncooperative attitude of the outgoing administration which refused to cooperate with the incoming government in setting up of joint committees to facilitate smooth transition in the state.

He charged the two committees to work towards setting up a process that will enhance smooth transition in the state and enable his administration hit the ground running.

Wike urged the two committees to work

C M Y K

assiduously towards creating the right environment for his administration to immediately address very critical developmental needs of Rivers people upon assumption of office on May 29.

According to him, “The people of Rivers State have played their part by overwhelmingly voting the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,

during the elections. It is now time for us to play our part by delivering on all our campaign promises. It is, therefore, incumbent on the committees to create the right atmosphere for the administration to hit the ground running.

“I call on members of the two committees to work hard in the interest of the people

of Rivers State, so that we can build a new Rivers State that will be development oriented and peoplefocused.”

He noted that the outgoing state government was not supporting the committees in any form. He appealed to committee members to make personal sacrifices to ensure that they succeed in the task before them.

Wike assures international investors of enabling environment

R

IVERS State governorelect, Mr Nyesom Wike, has assured international investors of an investmentfriendly environment beginning May 29, 2015, saying that his administration will work towards improving the security of lives and property in the state.

Speaking at a meeting with Ambassador John Groffen, the Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, yesterday in Port Harcourt, Wike said that the alarming insecurity in the state will be frontally addressed to encourage investors to return to the state.

He noted that attracting foreign direct investment was

key to the development of the state, pointing out that all foreign and indigenous businesses in the state will be protected by the state government with the assistance of security agencies.

“We are committed to creating an enabling environment for foreign investors to invest in our state.

We understand the importance of foreign direct investments in the creation of employment for our unemployed youths.

“We will improve on the security of lives and property across the state and ensure that kidnapping becomes a thing of the past in the state. This state which is key to Nigeria and the

international community will once again be a beehive of economic activities. We are committed to creating a new Rivers State which all our people will be proud of.”

Wike pledged work with the Government of Netherlands to ensure that the cleaning up exercise of Bodo Community was carried on in line with international best practices.

In his address, Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, John Groffen, said that the visit to the governor-elect was aimed at continuing with a functional relationship that will be mutually beneficial to his country and Rivers State.

Xenophobic attacks: FG told to make Nigeria habitable

B

By Simon Ebegbulem

ENIN—FORMER Provost Marshal of the Nigerian Army, Brig.

General Idada Ikpomnwen, said yesterday, that rather than blame the South African government for xenophobic attacks on foreigners, the Nigerian government should make the country habitable, so that the need by Nigerians to seek greener pastures anywhere else in the world will be reduced.

Idada, who described the action of South Africans against their African brothers as despicable, said: “We must begin to think of how to create jobs, make good use of our resources and make this nation great. That is the challenge before the Federal Government and not the action of South Africans."

Deltans commended for peaceful conduct during polls

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HE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Campaign Organisation has commended Deltans for conducting themselves peacefully during the governorship and House of Assembly elections in the state.

Speaking in Asaba, Ejiro Ofoye, member of the organisation's Media and Publicity as well as Security committees also commended security agencies in the state for their conduct, especially the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army Commander Brig.

Gen. O Laleye, for ensuring that there was no vehicular movement in Delta State during the polls.

Ofoye said that if not for the presence of Gen Laleye and his men, it would have been difficult to keep the electorate under control.

14—Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

CONVOCATION: From left, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, GM/Editor-in-Chief, Vanguard Media Ltd; Dr. Garba Usman Tetengi, SAN; Igwe Kris Onyekuruje, all Members, Governing Council, University of Lagos; Professor Jerry Gana, Chairman, Governing Council, and Professor Rahaman Bello, Vice Chancellor, observing a one-minute silence for late Lugard Aimiuwu, an alumnus, during 2013/2014 convocation of the university, at the Multipurpose Hall, Akoka, Lagos, yesterday. Photos: Lamidi Bamidele

Mr. Korede Akinpelumi, Best Graduating Student with 4.96 CGPA, being congratulated by Professor Jerry Gana, Chairman, Governing Council (left), and Professor Rahaman Bello, Vice Chancellor.

UNILAG gives automatic employment to best two graduands

By Dayo Adesulu

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HE AUTHORITY of the University of Lagos, has announced automatic employment for First Class degree graduands in the university.

Delivering his convocation speech at the second phase of the 2014 graduation ceremony at the Multipurpose Hall, Vice Chancellor, Professor Rahamon Ade Bello Rahamon said: “The governing Council of the university, for the promotion of

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excellence in the university, has approved that commencing from this year, the two best graduating students, with CGPA not less than 4.00 in each of our programmes, be automatically employed as Graduate Assistants.”

He explained that the gesture will enable the retention of some of the institution’s best brains in the system while fostering Ph.D training at the university.

“We shall continue to set the standards and create the platform for intellectual contribution to the economic and social advancement

of our great nation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Akinpelumi Korede, 21, from the Department of Chemical Engineering, emerged the over all best student, with CGPA of 4.96.

Akinpelumi clinched nine prizes out of the 110 prizes in the Faculty of Engineering under seven categories.

With this feat in academic excellence, Korede Akinpelumi has been automatically employed as Graduate Assistant at the University of Lagos.

At the second day of the

convocation, yesterday, 2,732 graduates were conferred with various degrees and diplomas of the Faculties of Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences of College of Medicine; Business Administration and Engineering.

Others include Law, Pharmacy and the Distance Learning Institute.

Seventy-seven graduating students finished with First Class Honours category. Thirty-one of these were in the Faculty of Business Administration ; 28 from Engineering; two from Law; five

from Basic Medical Sciences; one from Clinical Sciences and four from Distance Learning programmes.

It will be recalled that 58 students graduated with First Class, Tuesday, in the first phase of the graduation ceremony.

Seven hundred and thirty-eight students finished with Second Class Upper Division degrees, just as 1,234 students finished in the Second Class Lower Division.

However, 472 students graduated in Third Class, 44 with Pass degree.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015—15

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16 —Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Anambra, 22 other states benefit from N12.2bn EU immunization grant

By Vincent Ujumadu

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WKA— ANAMBRA and 22 other states and Abuja are to benefit from N12.21 billion (EUR55 million) four-

year European Union Support to Immunisation Governance in Nigeria, EU-SIGN. Vanguard recalls that Anambra State government and the National Planning Commission/European Union

had signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, in 2013 for the implementation of the project in the state.

Essentially, the objective is to mobilize stakeholders to support immunization

DISPLAY: Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu (a.k.a OVI, left), Abia State Governor-elect, and his Deputy Governor- elect, Hon. Ude Okochuchukwu (right), displaying certificates of return from INEC.

programmes in the affected states, with a view to ensuring the reduction of childhood mortality in Nigeria due to vaccine preventable diseases.

The programme will also aim at improving delivery of routine immunisation services by expanding the vaccine cold chain system and transportation.

In Anambra State, three local government areas from each of the three senatorial zones namely, Aguata for Anambra South, Anaocha for Anambra Central and Ayamelum for Anambra North, have been selected for special consideration for the project.

At the launching of the project in Awka, yesterday, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Josephat Akabuike, said the state government has procured 190 solar powered refrigerators to be distributed to primary health care centres to supplement cold chain systems that had gone bad.

The procurement, he said, became necessary, following reports that of the 465 cold chain equipment in the state, 234 were not functional, while 29 had become obsolete.

Anambra OPS tasks Buhari on completion of 2nd Niger Bridge

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

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NEWI—THE Organized Private Sector, OPS, in Anambra State has called on President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) to make the completion of the ongoing 2nd Niger Bridge a priority of his administration.

The OPS also frowned on the fact that work was yet to start on Onitsha River Port almost three years after its official commissioning, regretting that all the facilities installed in the port had been deteriorating and rotting away.

President of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture, ONICCIMA, Dr. Tim Anosike, who stated this at the Chamber’s annual general meeting and conference in Onitsha yesterday, said: “It is gladdening that the construction of the 2nd Niger Bridge has finally taken off, at last, with 40- months construction duration. ‘’The project is to be executed through the DesignBuild-Finance-Operate –Transfer arrangement, under Public-Private Partnership model for 25 years duration at the cost of N130 billion.

“While the chamber expresses its gratitude to President Jonathan’s administration over this milestone achievement, we also hasten to request from the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari that nothing should be done to derail or delay completion of the project, even as we urge the contractor to be more serious and stick to the standards and other terms already agreed on.

“Concerning the Onitsha River Port, ONICCIMA continues to maintain strong reservation against non-commencement of activities at the port almost three years after its official commissioning, leading to deterioration and rotting away of the state-ofthe-art facilities installed in the port."

PDP youths angry with party leaders

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WERRI—SCORES of angry youths of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, vented their anger on the Director General, DG, of Emeka Ihedioha Campaign Organisation, Chief Chris Okewulonu, for failing woefully to deliver on his mandate.

The angry youths stormed Owerri residence of the Deputy Speaker, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, to intimate him of their plan to storm the Owerri residence of Chief Okewulonu on what they called a revenge mission.

They were particularly irked that Ihedioha’s campaign DG was roundly defeated by the All Progressives Congress, APC, in his Obowo country home polling booth.

One of the protesting youths told Ihedioha that they were shocked at the poor outing of the PDP in the just concluded general elections, particularly the governorship poll.

“We are not satisfied with the outcome of the governorship poll. The supposed PDP leaders in the state sabotaged the efforts of the Deputy Speaker.

Speaking also, Mr. Ugochukwu from Obowo recalled how the memberelect for Okigwe South federal constituency, Deacon Chike Okafor, mobilised over 89 per cent of votes cast for All Progressives Congress, APC, while other parties shared the remaining 11 per cent.

Responding, Chief Ihedioha dissuaded the angry PDP youths from actualising their threat of attacking any of his aides or members of his campaign team.

Obi Okolie's funeral

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U R I A L CEREMONY of Obi Okolie, the Obi of Uhuowelle Okija in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, commenced yesterday with a wake-keep at his Umuezeana Oghalegbu Okija compound.

Church service will holds today at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ogbenabo Okija, followed by interment.

On Sunday May 3, 2015, there will be an outing service in the same church.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015 — 17

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T was in the lead to the last election, that Petroleum Minister, Diezani AllisonMadueke, was reported to have said that the “Forensic Audit” report conducted by PriceWaterHouseCoopers on the NNPC was not released so that it would not be exploited for political purposes by the opposition.

Yet, just about 24 hours after P r e s i d e n t - e l e c t MuhammaduBuhari vowed to revisit the allegation of a missing $20billion at the NNPC, President Goodluck Jonathan ordered the immediate release of the full report.

Presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati, told reporters that the release of the report was to put to rest any doubt about government’s transparency in the oil sector.

The hurried manner of the report’s release after months in the cooler, clearly betrayed panic and even while I am still very much digesting the report, I have to say that the devil in reports such as this, remains in the detail.

And furthermore, the context within which the report was ordered was a politically charged one. There were allegations made about the management of revenues by the NNPC, by the former CBN Governor, now Emir of Kano. In response, the Governor was suspended from

What are we to make of the NNPC audit report? office, by President Goodluck Jonathan, who was always willing to protect Diezani AllisonMadueke. It is clear that like the proverbial cup of water, some would see it as half full, while others would describe it as half empty!

It was very startling that the Introductory Letter to Nigeria’s Auditor General, by the auditing firm, stated that they were limited only to available information: “The procedures we performed did not constitute an examination or a review in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards or attestation

standards”.

The letter went further that: “Accordingly, we provide no

Can we say that the Jonathan Administration, and especially one of its scared cows, Diezani, has been given an all clear by the audit report?

opinion, attestation or other forms of assurance with respect to our work or the information upon which our work was based”. The report, the letter stated, was: “solely for the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, for their internal use and benefit and not intended to, nor may they be relied upon, by any other third party”.

It gets even more baffling when the firm added that: “We did not obtain any information directly from NPDC, but in accordance with NPDC former Managing Director’s (Mr. Briggs Victor) submission to the Senate

Committee hearing on the subject matter, for the period, NPDC generated $5.11billion (net of royalties and petroleum profits tax paid)”. The firm also relied on legal advise of the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, in lieu of independent legal opinion.

This was in respect of the transfers of NNPC (55%) portion of Oil leases (OMLs) involved in the Shell (SPDC) Divestments that impact crude oil flows during the period. As the report stated: “The AG’s opinion indicated that these transfers were within the authority of the Minister to make”.

But why did it appear, with that Introductory Letter, that the audit firm was at the same time, saying a “Forensic Audit”, that it carried out must not be taken as having met the most exacting standards?

On the basis of that letter alone, can we say that the Jonathan Administration, and especially one of its scared cows, Diezani, has been given an all clear by the audit report? Or given the importance of the NNPC to the Nigerian economy, was it right for the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari to carry out his vow to investigate the alleged missing sum of $20Billion and other pertinent issues in the cash cow of Nigeria, the NNPC? What really was Jonathan’s “Forensic Audit” worth? And what exactly are we to make of that “Forensic Audit”?

NBC and Nigeria's digital broadcasting blackhole

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ARLY this week, DAILY TRUST reported that Emeka Mba, the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) finally owned up that it was doubtful, that Nigeria was going to effect the digital broadcasting switch over, scheduled for June 17, 2015.

Emeka Mba blamed that anticipated failure to funding, as setop boxes that are critical for the switchover are not yet available.

The manufacturers of these devices, according to him, needed incentive from government in order to be able to commence production and that has not been forthcoming.

NBC was not financially able to offer such a support. Another reason that has been canvassed for the coming digital broadcasting failure, was the new political reality in the country; a euphemism for the defeat of President Goodluck Jonathan by the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari.

It was clear to every discerning observer of the Nigerian broadcasting scene that the NBC leadership, under Emeka Mba, had been on an elaborate journey to nowhere, as far as the digital broadcasting switchover was concerned.

Stripped of subterfuge, Nigeria was being taken on a wild geese chase and there was not much, if ever there was anything in the first place, in terms of a patriotic process to lead us to the digital broadcasting Eldorado. Yet, what the NBC had told stakeholders and Nigerians at large, was that it had prepared the switchover to take place on March 24th, 2015, from Jos in Plateau state. That was expected to be the pilot phase that would kick-start the national switchover.

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The NBC’s charade becomes clearer, only when one realises that Nigeria has only two licensed digital signal carriers, and none of the two was actually part of the NBC hoax that was allegedly set up to have taken place in Jos. So who was expected to provide the signal that NBC was to launch for distribution in Jos was therefore unknown, while there were similarly no transmitters that would have digitally covered Plateau state. There is no network coverage map for Nigeria or a network design that stakeholders in broadcasting knew about.

A major technical problem that would have arisen, had there been any so-called digital switchover in Jos, was the blackout of existing analogue broadcasts in Plateau and neighbouring states, since digital broadcasting is not compatible with analogue transmission.

There would have been a major panic as people would have literally been plunged into a broadcasting blackhole they have not been prepared for. In a related sense, majority of television sets in Nigeria do not have digital tuners and they would have needed setop boxes (STBs), before any public viewing of television in a digital

The company that is being favoured is the South African owned MULTICHOICE and GoTv

environment. While NBC has licensed STB manufacturers, none has commenced manufacture or importation of those boxes. So there was no way, that viewers in Jos and Plateau state would have watched digital telecasts. NBC also said that there will be a digital access fee that must be paid by subscribers, before they can even view freeto-air channels, yet, there are no subscriber management services or conditional access service providers in Nigeria. So with this scenario, and many more that we can cite, there was no way under the sun, that NBC could have achieved a digital switchover as it allegedly set out to do in Jos at the end of last month. It was an elaborate charade.

In truth, NBC is in dispute with one of the two licensed digital services providers in Nigeria,

Pinnacle Communications Limited. There is already a case in court, so the issue is sub judice, as lawyers say. However, there is a disturbing pattern of behaviour on the part of the NBC, and especially its DG, Emeka Mba, which worries observers and those interested in the digital switchover. And that is a consistent pattern of favouring foreign media companies, to the detriment of Nigerian companies in this business of digital switchover. And the company that is being favoured is the South African owned MULTICHOICE and GoTv. These foreign bodies are to be allowed by NBC to independently carry and distribute their own signals. Yet it was only ITS and Pinnacle Communications that NBC officially licensed for the digital process in an open and

competitive bid. When we recall that Emeka Mba was an employee of the South African company, MULTICHOICE, it becomes very disturbing indeed.

And it was the same NBC, that looked the other way, when some of the most indefensible assaults were launched by television stations like AIT, on the basic canons of professionalism during the campaigns leading to the last presidential elections. The incoming government of President Muhammadu Buhari will have a full plate of issues to deal with. But it will realise early into the administration, that it must pull Nigeria’s digital broadcasting switchover from the black hole it has been plunged into, by the actions and inactions of the NBC, under Emeka Mba’s leadership.

That order on AIT: An unnecessary faux pas

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HE story broke on Monday night. Security advisers of president-elect Muhammadu Buhari, allegedly barred an AIT crew from covering activities of their principal until further notice. They were alleged to have cited adverse security reports and ethical issues as basis of action.

Garba Shehu, the spokesperson for the Buhari campaign, was then quoted by the media as saying: “AIT has been asked to stay aside based on security and family concerns…(and) some issues relating to…standard and ethics.

We will be talking to them but for now, the station has been asked to stay aside because, like I said, there are some family and security concerns. They have been asked to step down their coverage until we resolve the matter with them on ethics and standards”. It was very

shocking that such an episode was allowed in the first place! Let us be clear about it; AIT was very unprofessional and indecently gung-ho in the partisanship that it expressed during the last campaign. It was used to broadcast some of the most vulgar, abusive and unacceptable materials against candidate Muhammadu Buhari.

It was unable to hide its bias against Buhari and an ardent partisan of Goodluck Jonathan.

Unfortunately, the regulatory body, NBC looked the other way and thus became complicit, as AIT flouted every letter of NBC’s Broadcasting Code, in respect of political broadcasts. Yet, it was unacceptable that AIT was stopped from covering the president-elect. Over-zealous security officials might have even

done that without the knowledge of General Buhari, but that doesn’t excuse the action. There is a lot that Nigerians expect from a president-elect that has promised change and he should be assisted to achieve his ambitions for Nigeria, not hamstrung with indefensible orders against the media, even when it is a medium as compromised as AIT became, in the lead to the elections.

The Nigerian Constitution does not give security officials the power to decide which medium can or cannot cover the activities of public officials. It was therefore correct that Lai Muhammed acted fast and eventually clarified the position. But the faux pas was unnecessary in the first place and must not be allowed to happen again into the future.

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015 MAJ-GEN Muhammadu Buhari’s orders barring the crew of the Africa Independent Television, AIT, from the courtesy visit of the Cuban Ambassador to him at Defence House, Abuja, has set off an uproar that connects to Buhari’s first administration 31 years ago.

AIT and the public-owned Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, were accused of airing “hate” documentaries during the heady campaigns.

According to Buhari’s media aide, Mallam Garba Shehu, AIT was asked to“stay aside” due to what the Buhari camp described, as “security and family concerns” until matters of “standards and ethics” were resolved.

It is very worrisome that matters relating to the campaigns are still rankling the president-elect to the point of taking a step that could mar the euphoria that enveloped

Buhari’s AIT Ban the country after the peaceful and pleasant conclusion of the presidential election. President Goodluck Jonathan displayed uncommon patriotism by conceding the election to Buhari even before the announcement of the results.

The tone Jonathan set ought to guide the conduct of our leaders.Buhari should not be vindictive. It is a low point for the office he is about to occupy. It would be sad if the in-coming administration

relates with persons or groups based on their conduct during the campaigns. It would be contrary to the “fair to all” principle enunciated in the presidential oath of office.

More importantly, the president-elect, who styled himself as a born-again democrat at Chatham House, London, to counter his draconian media policies, as a military Head of State, should know the media have a constitutional duty to hold public officers accountable.

Section 22 of the Constitution states, “The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people.”

Buhari cannot amend the Constitution.

We find the “security concerns” the Buhari camp referred to ominous.

There are legal provisions to resolve any threat to the president-elect or anyone else. We would not subscribe to “family ” sentiments as bases for decision-making, especially on national issues.

The belated attempt by All Progressives Congress, APC, to “unban” AIT, merely begs the issue. APC did not issue the order.

Buhari did.

OPINION Okowa: The struggle, pain and victory

By Prince Abugo

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E is fondly called ‘Ekwueme’ by close associates and when he signaled his intention to contest through consultation; he felt the pulse of the masses. Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa was aware of what the journey entails, that there will be friends and distractors, that sycophants and jesters will come on board, that traitors and fair weather friends will be there, just as there would be committed disciples. Despite all the trials to derail him, he successfully steered his ship of purpose to the wharf and showed leadership that his ambition of leading Delta is not based on sectional or premeditated interest but service. The hall mark is his humility, open heart to accommodate all irrespective of political or ethnic background. Okowa has shown quality leadership as Uduaghan’s successor and all he needs is the support of the ethnic nationalities in the state.

As the wee hours of power slips away, Uduaghan will reflect on life after power, mistakes made and decisions not taken, consolidation of programmes and policies beyond 2015. This is because the Law of continuity sustains life and we must use the past to project future. However, as Uduaghan returns home, he is assured that his laudable programmes will be sustained under Okowa.

Sen. Okowa having worked under Ibori

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and Uduaghan is aware of the task ahead.

He understands the grave economic situation in the state, the worrisome state of unemployment, youth restiveness and ethnic mistrust; he knows the fate of federal industries in the State like D.S.C Ovwian–Aladja, N.P.A ports in Warri, Koko and Burutu, and others. Fate of state owned firms like Bendel Steel structures, Asaba textile mill, Delta glass Ughelli, Bendel farms situated at Aviara and Warri, and privately owned firms like Delta timber and industry (D.T.I) Burutu, African timber and plywood (AT&P) Sapele and several others. The state relies today on crude Oil and any government that wants to navigate its people from poverty and want cannot be do dependent.

This propelled him to christen his economic programmes ‘prosperity for Deltans’ in diversifying the economy to create wealth. Like his predecessors, he understands the importance of education to national development and sees enhancing polytechnics and technical colleges as bedrock for technological growth. Creating jobs through sustaining

As Uduaghan returns home, he is assured that his laudable programmes will be sustained under Okowa

economic policies, these steps will advance and sustain infrastructural development.

Agriculture is critical to Okowa’s food production, wealth creation and industrial growth; in curbing rural-urban migration, reviving defunct Isoko farms established by Ogbemudia and reviving the Agro-business sector. Okowa’s priority is sustenance of palm farms to encourage palm oil production and provide raw materials for industries. Cassava development to provide food and raw materials for flour, baking industries and ethanol, animal husbandry to provide food and raw materials for leather industries, fish ponds and incentives to fishermen, poultry to provide eggs and protein. These policies will revamp the economy and create jobs to consolidate the Delta beyond oil initiative.

Okowa see’s health as wealth, he understands the importance of health to growth and economic development, without good health, policies suffers. In consolidating, Okowa intends to sustain good policies and put in check mechanism to make our doctors and health workers respond to patients in love and care.

Considering the population and economic relevance of Warri, the Warri central hospital will be a centre of excellence and transform the Oghara Teaching hospital.

As Governor, he will through legislature give every Deltan a Universal health insurance scheme to consolidate the gains in the health sector. Take inventory of health institutions and internal visitations with a view of improvement, training health personnel, engaging

health community workers. Equipping state hospitals as centre of excellence will be sustained. Pregnant women, children and the aged will enjoy free medical services.

Okowa will sustain steps taken in education and improve discipline and professionalism, sustain free education and provide knowledge required for modern day ICT-driven global challenges.

Our Universities, colleges of education, polytechnics, technical colleges will receive qualify staff, infrastructure and equipment to sustain the Delta beyond Oil initiative.

There is no gainsaying the danger environmental pollution poses to health, aquatic life, social, and economic livelihood are grave. To this end, there will be synergy directed at waste disposal management, erosion, flood control, land degradation and redressing incessant gas and oil pollution by multi-national oil companies. There will be legislature to curb pollution that threatens health and economic activities.

Public sector will partner with private sector to create virile civil service where full potentials are developed through efficient recruitment and capacity building. Affordable housing for Deltans through: (a) Articulating a housing and management policy to deliver sustainable housing programme. (b) A master plan to develop major towns and settlements to develop residential, commercial and industrial estates.

•Mr. Abugo, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Asaba, Delta State.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015—19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

Saving Buhari from himself

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VERY newly-elected regime is entitled to a period of “honeymoon”: that moment of euphoria, high expectations and good wishes; people trying to curry favours, everybody entertaining the hope that the new kid on the block will wave the proverbial magic wand and all their problems will disappear. Quite evidently, Nigeria’s presidentelect, General Muhammadu Buhari, has been enjoying his since President Goodluck Jonathan called to congratulate him for his victory.

My people say: “a toddler who will kill (the prestigious native) cow in honour of his father is usually known from the moment he takes his first steps”.

All the three presidents elected before Buhari since 1999 took first steps that sowed the seeds of hope and helped to lengthen their honeymoon periods. For instance, as soon as Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was swornin, he retired ninety three politically-exposed military officers. It was the masterstroke he used to eliminate coups and give our democracy a chance.

Some elements from the North cried blue murder, but it helped Obasanjo to become more

acceptable in the South West, the only zone that totally rejected him at the polls.

In the same vein, the late President Umaru Yar’ Adua, who admitted his election was flawed, bought instant favour by offering himself as our “Servant Leader”.

He followed it up by declaring his assets publicly. He was still enjoying his goodwill when he died. President Jonathan, apart from the romance of being a Minority from the Niger Delta standing him in good stead for his own honeymoon, also made himself at home when he appointed a battery of internationally tested technocrats into his cabinet. It was not until the attempt to remove the petroleum subsidy on January 1, 2012 that the honeymoon ended rather abruptly.

Buhari needed to be reminded of these so he doesn’t get carried away and feel his own honeymoon period is forever.

The truth is, about half of the population of this country is watching him with great caution to see if he would re-launch some of the ugly attributes of his past as an elected president. His decision to “sideline” the Africa Independent

Television (AIT) from covering his activities was a dangerous and ominous sign. More intriguing is the immediate step taken by his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) to countermand him.

Buhari’s security aides prevented the AIT crew from covering a courtesy visit to him by the Cuban envoy in Nigeria at the Defence House in Abuja. His media spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, justified the action on “family” and “security” concerns. He added that AIT would be kept in the doghouse until issues of “standards” and “ethics” are sorted out, whatever that means.

Do AIT reporters go with guns, machetes or improvised explosive devices to cover events? Since when did an elected public officer determine his own standards of ethics with which to admit or gate

Do AIT reporters go with guns, machetes or improvised explosive devices to cover events?

Since when did an elected public officer determine his own standards of ethics with which to admit or gate the media in a democracy?

Guinness and Oregbeni community: Live and let die G ULLY erosion has today become a major problem in many parts of Nigeria.

Thousands of buildings are threatened by erosion, which endangers the economy and makes it extremely difficult for people to earn a living. Various parts of the country are littered with gullies caused by extreme and swift ground erosion. Millions of lives are affected as some villages are totally cut off from the rest of the country and in most areas, local economies are fast collapsing.

In some cases, entire villages are cut off from towns and cities, thus slowing down commerce and further aggravating the already bad poverty level among Nigerians.

Just imagine a situation where people have to park their vehicles far from home while they navigate the gullies on foot.

Our children are no longer able to play the way they should; they no longer play football or tales by moonlight for fear of falling into the gully and being consumed. During the rainy season, parents have become apprehensive of sending their children to school because there is no telling when the rain would begin.

The menace is tearing highways apart and washing away farmlands and other infrastructure in the already devastated country where poverty has reached a crescendo.

In most cases, the trend is attributable to poor planning and extreme laxity on the part of those who should act. We soon find that what should have been fixed with just a little care, by spending a few hundred Naira a few years back, can today no longer be controlled even by several billions of Naira.

To think that these enormous problems are man-made, and sometimes consciouslyinduced, simply bespeaks of man’s inhumanity to his fellow man.

How else does anyone see a Federal

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Government that invariably creates a problem for its poor citizens, who in turn go cap in hand, begging the same Federal Government for assistance out of that problem; and in the end, the Federal Government reluctantly, through its numerous ineffective agencies, throws a few Naira at the problem, expecting it to go away?

Of course, the problem would persist. This has been the way of our Federal Government, particularly in its relationship with Edo State. Examples here are legion: Originally, Ogiso Street and its environ, in the heart of Benin City, used to be the visitors’ delight but they went into dilapidation and decay immediately the Federal Government constructed the Murtala Mohammed Way, MMW, in utter disregard of all erosion control measures. This was when all the flood water coming from the Edo College end and the higher grounds of Second East Circular Road were pushed on Ogiso Street and its environ.

Again, when the Federal Government constructed the Benin-Agbor Highway, all the flood water coming from the entire Ohovbe area got diverted to Queen Ede, which eventually produced the enormous gully that we are unable to contend with today.

It is despicable that a company that has earned huge profits from doing business all these years, besides being unwilling to give a little back to its host community, also wants the community exterminated

the media in a democracy? The constitution (Section 22) makes it clear that the mass media have a sacred duty to hold every regime accountable for discharging the fundamental objectives of government. The rules of engagement between government officials and the media are well spelt out. So, if the AIT or any media house has offended Buhari and his party before, the law must be followed. Anything outside that is impunity.

The decision by Buhari to bar the AIT was a brazen impunity that reminded us of his days as a military head of state, when he rolled out draconian decrees to jail journalists and threaten media houses. It is a total negation of his undertaking at the Chatham House, London on 26th February, 2015 where he told the world he was now a converted democrat. Buhari needs to be told that as an elected president, his family issues must take the back seat. The only family that matters to us is the Nigerian family, and we hold Buhari to the laws and conventions that bind him to his Nigerian family. We respect his nuclear family, but they are not of public interest except when they bring their affairs to the public arena.

The decision of the APC to wade into the matter spoke volumes and left us with many things to speculate on. But it was a timely and patriotic intervention, not just for the sake of the Party but for the prestige and dignity of the impending Buhari presidency.

The APC saved Buhari from himself. The APC has shown that it is indeed, media savvy; a major attribute that helped it to topple a

Our frail human memory has failed us, so soon, to remember the w a n t o n destruction to people and their property in the NITEL Lake area on Auchi Road in Benin City. This is one area where the Federal Government and the massive flood water coming all the way from the New Federal Housing Estate have been fighting for the right of passage. The flood water has been emptied on the poor inhabitants in the area. The people have been sacked and the entire community has been abandoned along with their property, sometimes, all they have worked for in their entire life time.

In Nigeria, many foreign companies have shown themselves as armies of occupation – they come to a community; plunder it with reckless abandon; repatriate all the profits home; and leave the host community devastated!

A living example here is Guinness Nigeria Plc, located in Oregbeni Community across Ikpoba River in the eastern flank of Benin City. To this company, the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility is anathema.

It has nothing to show for its many years of existence in the area, posting enormous annual profits. All it can be remembered for is that it has succeeded in making passive drunkards of many of us. No one who lives in Oregbeni area can confidently lay claim to not being a beer drinker. The smell of beer rents the air in the area and forms part of the air we breathe. What the inhaled booze does to the lungs is anyone’s conjecture.

Spending money for the environment is a price that wealth pays for wealth. A good nation that paves the highway must be prepared to take care of the side effects of its constructions.

One does not have to be an ecologist to know

political behemoth like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Perhaps, we are moving into an era where the ruling Party will exert enough influence on the Presidency to prevent it from derailing. We watch to see if this trend will continue when Buhari assumes power. It will be a miracle if it does, because of the enormous powers of the Nigerian Presidency, and the unbending resolve of the Northerner to assert them to the max.

Garba Shehu, Buhari’s main media manager, is a tested and respected hand, both as a professional and political image maker. He will do well to advise his principal not to go into unnecessary loggerheads with the media, especially today’s media which now has an out-of-control component – the Social Media.

War against the media is unwinnable, especially by the public official.

Obasanjo dealt with the media with nimble wisdom, despite his military past and personal traits.

He simply grew thick skin to them. He even boasted he did not read Nigerian newspapers, a claim I am in a position to discredit as untrue. There is nothing in those features which Buhari describes as “hate” programmes run by AIT that is strange in campaigns anywhere in the world. Jonathan suffered worse, yet he smiled it all off.

Tinubu deals with his media challenges by setting up his own counter-media and constructively engaging the fiercely independent-minded ones. The rest he ignores.

Management of media and civil society relations could be a major challenge for the Buhari administration.

that Guinness has just sentenced its entire neighbourhood to death – horrible death by flood water and erosion! To Guinness, it is a case of live and let die. It is a total re-enactment of the Ogiso Street and Queen Ede erosion site scenarios – emptying the flood water from the entire Agbor Road axis on the inhabitants of the area.

Apparently, you can’t beat the rich. When we saw the earth-moving equipment coming around Guinness, we thought a Daniel had come to judgment. Little did we know that Guinness was going to terminate the road construction work where its perimeter fence ends. In the next one or two rainy seasons, the catastrophe here shall have attained alarming proportion, no thanks to Guinness!

It is despicable that a company that has earned huge profits from doing business all these years, besides being unwilling to give a little back to its host community, also wants the community exterminated.

The minimum expectation from Guinness is to continue the Road construction to connect the Ihinmwinhin area down to Upper Sokponba Road. As a last resort, Guinness could, in its Shylock stance, decide to collect toll on the Road. At least, a viable bye-pass from the Ramat Park/Agbor Road axis, where terrible traffic congestion has become a daily occurrence, shall have been put in place. It will provide a win-win situation for Guinness – a good neighbour with enormous goodwill.

20 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Agatu: Chilling tale of tears, sorrow and blood • As death of WAEC official triggers fear of reprisal attack

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

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T would appear there is no end in sight to the wanton mass killings in Benue State. Just when the global outrage that greeted the slaughter of about 100 natives in Agatu local government of the State, by suspected Fulani herdsmen, was yet to die down, the world community was again rattled by another round of dastardly killing following an invasion of the area by a marauding band of herdsmen last week end. This time around over 28 persons were reportedly killed with several others sustaining serious injuries.

The suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked and sacked three villages at Mbadwem district of Guma Local Government Area, the hometown of the Benue State Governor-elect, Dr. Samuel Ortom. The invaders also razed several houses, huts and farmland in the three affected villages which include Tse Uosu, Gbudu and Branch Umenger.

Vanguard Metro, VM, gathered from a source who craved anonymity, that the crisis was sparked off by an alleged killing of two Fulani herdsmen by some yet-to-be-identified youths in the affected area, few days back.

Justifiable reason According to him: “Two days ago, two Fulanis were killed in that area for no justifiable reason.

So what happened is a reprisal of that dastardly act which may haunt the people of that area for a long time because we know that the Fulanis are difficult to appease.”

VM further learned that the fresh crisis has led to mass movements of the inhabitants of neigbouring villages for fear of being caught in the bloody conflict while Fulanis were also reported to be leaving Guma in droves to parts of Makurdi, the Benue State capital, and Nasarawa State.

This latest attack is one out of many which have claimed hundreds of lives in clashes between herdsmen and the farming communities across the state despite the constitution of C M Y K

various peace committees involving the two parties.

As if these killings arising from Fulani herdsmen versus farmers clashes are not enough, blood also flowed freely penultimate weekend when over 65 persons were killed during intra-communal crisis in Agatu.

Benue State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hyacinth Dagala, explained that the villagers had over time been fighting over a fish pond located in the area.

Dagala, however, pointed out that the clash could have broken out as a result of alleged deep rooted suspicion by the Egba community that the Ologba people had organised last month’s deadly Fulani invasion against them.

The increasing spate of killings in Agatu Local Government Area have left many tagging it as the killing fields in the North Central region of the country. So, with this development, the Agatus no longer feature in the news for their acclaimed prowess in fishing and trade, but for the selfdestructive business of warfare.

Indeed, Agatu has become a theatre of war, a land under siege where blood flows freely, polluting the riverine communities that make up the area. Consequently, majority of the people now reside within and outside the local government area

Perhaps the killing of this innocent examiner could mark the turning point in the crisis as government may be compelled to take decisive action to end the unending carnage

*One of the victims of a recent attack in Agatu

as refugees with little or no source of livelihood because they can no longer practise their trade Unfortunately, after a protracted period of bloodletting and wanton destruction of lives and property, nothing concrete has been done to stem the crisis despite repeated promises by top government functionaries.

One of the victims of the latest massacre is an innocent West African Examination Council, WAEC, examination supervisor (names withheld) who was reportedly killed in cold blood, in the war torn area, while on his way to conduct WAEC examinations at Ayila, a community in the area.

VM gathered that the deceased who was an indigene of OgwuleKaduna in Agatu LGA, was allegedly killed by one of the militias of the feuding Ologba and Egba communities who may have mistaken him for an enemy.

Reports also had it that the latest victim was killed alongside two yet-to-be identified women.

The Benue State House of Assembly member representing Agatu constituency, Mr. Sule Audu, who confirmed the killing, told reporters in a telephone interview that the crisis was currently preventing prospective examination candidates and supervisors from going for their exams for fear of falling victim in the bloody crisis.

Audu further alleged that the deceased could have been kidnapped in the criss-ridden area, but added that he could not confirm his killers. “I will not be able say who killed him, whether it was Egba or Ologba people because I was not there. The place, based on the report I received from the police and the local government chairman, is a war zone and anybody that passes there could be a victim,” Sule said.

Killers of their kinsman According to the legislator: “Some said he was killed between Egba and Ologba while others said he was killed between Obagaji and Ologba.”

Audu said he had appealed to the community and youth leaders of Ogwule-Kaduna to remain calm and refrain from avenging the death, noting that the killers of their kinsman had not been ascertained. He said efforts were on to convene a meeting of the warring parties and stakeholders at Oshigbudu in order to find a lasting solution to the crisis.

Speaking on the raging crisis, a youth leader in one of the villages in the area, who craved anonymity, said: “Perhaps the killing of this innocent examiner could mark the turning point in the crisis as government may be

compelled to take decisive action to end the unending carnage.”

When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Assistant Superintendent, ASP, Austin Ezeani, said the Area Commander in Otukpo, Samuel Drakoji, confirmed that the Command received the information but he could not confirm whether the WAEC official was killed or abducted as there was no blood stain where his footwear was found.

Ezeani also said the police was still combing the bush in the area in search of his body as there were no clues to show that he was killed.

He said: “They are still searching for his body. They only saw his footwear so they are still combing the bush to find out if he was killed in the bush or whether he was abducted.”

Meantime, efforts to speak to WAEC officials in Makurdi, at press time, on the unfortunate development failed as the officer in charge of the office was said to have travelled to Enugu for an official assignment.

For now, the authorities seemed complacent in finding a lasting solution to the crisis. Only recently, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, deputy governorship candidate at the last elections, Sir. John Ngbede, who hails from the area, advocated the setting up of a military formation or barracks in Agatu to further boost security in the area which is bordered by both Nasarawa and Kogi states from where Fulani herdsmen sometimes launch deadly attacks in the communities within the local government area.

According to Ngbede: “If we have a barrack or a formation established there, these incessant security threats and killing would be effectively checked and lasting peace would also be restored in the communities.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

— 21

Dangote to invest N500bn in two gas pipeline projects

By Michael Eboh with agency reports

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From left: Group Managing Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Peter Aamangbo; Country Manager, International Financial Corporation, Nigeria, Eme Essien Lore; and Investment Officer, IFC, Akintunde Ogunmodede, during the signing of $100 million loan facility to the bank, in Lagos.

Ministry implements 60 reforms in intellectual property sector

By Franklin Alli

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HE Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (MITI) implemented no fewer than 60 reforms in the last four years in the intellectual property sector of the economy.

Olusegun Aganga, the Minister, disclosed this during the celebration of the 2015 Intellectual Property Day with a theme; Get Up, stand Up for Music in Abuja. According to him, all the recorded 60 reforms put in place in the last 4 years in the Ministry are game changers adding that it would not have been possible in

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CBN Exchange Rate as at 29/4/15

C M Y K

the Ministry that have limited resources without the creativity, and strong relationship we have with World Industrial Property Organization (WIPO), as well as hard work of the Director and staff of the Ministry. He reiterated government commitment to protection of intellectual property right by introduction of modern methods for industrial property registration in the department of Commercial Law (MITI) since 2012.

The Minister said during his tenure in the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, he ensured that Nigeria Industrial Property’s registry was given special attention to enable it operate and start using modern methods.

“A number of reforms were introduced like online registration of applications in 2012, the technology and innovation support centre call “TISK” which had greatly assisted researchers, entrepreneurs, students and universities in accessing data and information about inventions and innovations, automation of registration process”.

He said “Again we are working towards ensuring that we digitalize the records.

We have volumes of records which is an eyes sore starting from 1901. We have started the process to digitalize stark of

A number of reforms were introduced like online registration of applications in 2012

files with the help of World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and Japanese government”.

In his contribution, the Chief Executive Officer, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Mr. Chinedu Angus Chuwhuji pointed out that there is a need to urgently exploit the contribution of music industry to the growth of the Nigerian economy and be one of the largest employers of labour in the country.

National intervention He said that the World Intellectual Day 2015 will trigger national intervention in the problems militating against the proper growth of Nigeria’s creative industries and call on legislators to help strengthen laws to deal with the digital challenge of the sector.

Earlier, the representative of United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Alan R. Tousignant (Counselor for Economic Affairs) commended the Ministry and Investment and Nigerian Bar Association for hosting the event adding that music industry is a thriving sector of the economy that provides jobs for millions of people in Nigeria and United States.

He said in U.S. in 2010 intellectual property and entertainment industry contribute $5 trillion making 25 percent of US economy, those industries provides 27 million Americans job directly and another 30 million indirect jobs in the supply chain. Given the important of the sector, it is important that government provides an enabling environment for people in the industry and effective protection of copy right and patent is an essential role of government to encourage innovation and creativity.

HAIRMAN, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has announced plans to invest about N500 billion, an equivalent of $2.5 billion in the construction of two sub-sea 550-kilometer gas pipelines in Nigeria. The project, according to a report yesterday by Bloomberg, will boost Nigeria’s gas output by three trillion cubic feet to four trillion cubic feet per day.

Dangote disclosed that the laying of the pipes is expected to begin before the end of the year, adding that the first pipeline should be ready by the middle of 2017.

According to Dangote, the gas pipelines project which will run from the oil producing regions of the Niger Delta to Lagos State, is expected to be co-financed by the International Finance Corporation, IFC, and global private equity firms — Carlyle Group LP and Blackstone Group LP. Dangote stated that the pipeline project will increase the amount of gas available in Nigeria to four billion standard cubic feet per day from one billion cubic feet. He further stated that the project will help boost domestic supply in the country, which will also bring about an increase in electricity generation.

Incentive to sell gas “Having an additional three billion Standard Cubic Feet (SCF) will sort out all the gas issues we have today in Nigeria.

It is badly needed. We have a lot of companies that are very interested in participating in the venture,” he noted.

Dangote said the pipelines, when completed, could be used by oil and gas companies in the country that currently have little incentive to sell gas from their fields.

“If today they process gas, there is no infrastructure to remove it, there is no pipeline. We are trying to build that infrastructure,” he explained.

Speaking further, Dangote stated that the Federal Government had earlier in the year, granted operating license to Dangote Group’s refinery, adding that the company will export refined petroleum products to the rest of sub-Saharan Africa as well as sell it locally.

According to him, by the first quarter of 2018, the company will be in the market with petroleum products from the refinery.

He also stated that one of its companies, Dangote Cement Plc will be ready to list its shares in London by the end of 2016.

He noted that in the meantime, the company is addressing investors’ concerns about the composition of its board and other corporate governance issues. He said: “There are a lot of criteria we have met.

Our aim is to create a world class company.”

That’s why we are going to London. It’s not purely because we are looking for money.

22—Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Knowing how to reach your customers will make a huge difference in how effective you are at reaching them

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,

How successful businesses determine target market

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EFORE you can begin marketing your products or business, or even start a business, you will need to know who you are marketing to. Who are your customers?

There are a number of reasons that knowing your target audience is important, including knowing how to tailor your message to resonate with a specific audience and what marketing mediums would be the most effective in reaching that group of consumers.

Without knowing this little detail before promoting your products or services, you’ll be missing out on reaching a huge amount of people who would have been interested in what your company had to offer.

Less than 30 percent of businesses last more than 10 years

Follow these 5 tips in order to discover what demographic you should be trying to reach.

Look at your products The first thing you need to do is take a look at what your business has to offer to consumers. What problem would your products or services provide a solution for?

Who would benefit from your products or services?

Do your research The next step in discovering your target market is doing research on your industry and competitors. There are many resources available through the Internet to make this search easy for you, but you should be able to get a keen sense of what type of customer would be interested in your business.

Information you should try to collect is demographic info (income, education level, age, sex, and even location if it is a business that may do better in one area than another), buying patterns, and any other information that would be helpful in your search.

Most of this research has already been done for you, but C M Y K

if you aren’t able to find all of the facts you are searching for, hiring a marketing research firm may be the best way to get all of the data needed.

Determine customers’ preferred method of media Although 52 percent of businesses have found a customer through Facebook, according to WebDam, the reality is that the same social media websites will not work for everyone. Believe it or not, there are still plenty of people who refuse to become a part of the social media scene, which may have to do with your target market’s demographics.

After completing step 2, you should have the demographic information needed to make the decision on how to sell your products or services. For example, if you average customer is retired and in their 60’s, there’s a good chance you won’t find them surfing their social media channels. Knowing how to reach your customers will make a huge difference in how effective you are at reaching them.

Network Knowing the right people can be a valuable tool to helping your business grow. Find and meet the right people through trade shows and other networking events, or by simply calling or stopping by local businesses that are related to your industry.

Analyze competition Not only should you evaluate your competitors in order to find out who their customer is and how they are selling their products or services, you should also figure out what makes you different from them. What do you have to offer that they don’t? While I highly suggest that you refrain from copying any of their marketing ideas, knowing what they have done in the past will give you some ideas.

Unfortunately, according to The Facts of Business Life by Bill McBean, less than 30 percent of businesses last more than 10 years. The primary reason for this is the owner doesn’t know how to plan for business success or simply doesn’t know how to run a business.

BUSINESS NAIRA EXCHANGE RATES (29/04/15) Currency DOLLAR STERLING EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

Buying(N)

Central(N)

Selling(N)

196

196.5

197

301.0364 215.4824 205.3216 1.6426 0.3073 272.5891 31.6135 52.2639 28.8724 273.812

301.8044 216.0321 205.8454 1.6468 0.3173 273.2845 31.6946 52.3972 28.946 274.5105

302.5723 216.5818 206.3692 1.651 0.3273 273.9799 31.7757 52.5305 29.0197 275.209

Commod Light Crud

Natural G Sugar Coffee Cocoa

How to exploit $400bn global animal feed market

By Yinka Kolawole, with agency report

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HE growing demand for meat and fish worldwide is driving up the demand for animal feed used by livestock farmers. Farmers often spend up to 70 percent of their costs on animal feed alone and the international trade in feed has an estimated turnover of nearly $400 billion every year. Despite Africa•fs huge demand for the product, it produces less than one percent of global animal feed output. The small amounts produced locally are not enough and the African market now depends heavily on imported feed from the USA, Europe, Brazil and China.

To avoid global hunger, the UN’s Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) estimates that the world will have to produce up to 60 percent more food by 2050. Animal protein will make up a huge

proportion of this food and meat production (poultry, beef, pork and fish) will need to more than double to meet up with the world's demand.

Large market Meat and fish are the most common animal proteins in African diets. Due to the continent's rapidly growing population and rising disposable incomes, the demand for meat products like beef, pork, poultry and fish is growing really fast.

The growing livestock market has in turn created a huge demand for animal feed. Because animal feed production on the continent is very low, suppliers from the USA, Europe, Brazil and China currently dominate the African market. Animal feed takes up 50 to 70 percent of the total cost of raising animals. It is the single largest cost any farmer or agribusiness owner will incur to produce market-ready animals, no matter the type.

As a result of the huge demand for animal feed, nearly one billion tonnes of compound animal feed

is produced in the world every year. The international trade in animal feed has an estimated annual turnover of nearly $400 billion. This trade, which involves commercial production and sale of animal feed products, takes place in more than 130 countries and directly employs over 300 million skilled workers, technicians, managers and professionals around the world, according to International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF).

Business opportunities Despite an abundance of raw materials for feed production, Africa's contribution to global feed output is insignificant and clearly provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs. There are two basic options to satisfy the domestic need for animal feed – manufacture locally or import from foreign suppliers. These options have the potential to provide a lot of lucrative opportunities for African entrepreneurs.

Local manufacturing Most African countries have

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015 — 23

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dity de

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a rich supply of the essential raw materials used in the manufacture of animal feed.

These ingredients include feed grains (like millet, soybean and corn), cassava chips, groundnuts, oilseed mill products, meat and fish formulas and special ingredients like dried coffee residues, dried citrus fruit pulp, orange rinds, as well as nutritionally-enhanced meals.

In fact, countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia export a lot of these raw materials and ingredients to South America, Europe and Asia (especially China, Russia and Japan). Manufacturers in these countries use these materials imported from Africa to produce animal feed and then sell back to the African market (at higher prices).

The high cost of feed in Africa is one of the main reasons why poultry, meat and fish products made in Africa find it very hard to compete with imported ones from China, Brazil, Europe and the USA. If more animal feed is produced locally, the profits on livestock will improve and allow local livestock farmers to compete more favourably against imports.

However, to produce feed that meets the needs of local livestock farmers and provides the same (or better) value than imported foreign feed will require some significant investment in machinery, equipment and inventory.

The growing livestock market has in turn created a huge demand for animal feed

Animal feed manufacuturing is a capital-intensive business. To start up, you would require machinery such as bagging equipment, boilers, conveyors, mixers, dryers, scales, extruder, pelleting equipment and grinders. Vehicles will also be required to transort raw materials and finished products (although these can be leased when you need them).

The raw materials for making feed will also require a good amount of capital. To save costs, most feed manufacturers like to take advantage of price fluctuations of feed ingredients by buying in bulk when prices are low; or by contracting for supplies months ahead. Most often, corn and soybean prices are the key drivers of feed production costs around the world. Although locallyproduced animal feed faces strong competition from foreign manufactured feed, the size of the demand in the market makes room for local feed makers.

Foreign import As competition tightens in their home countries, feed producers across the world are looking to high growth markets like Africa to sell their feed and many of them need local partners and distributors to penetrate the African market.

The quantity of animal feeds imported into Africa every year from Asia, Europe, South America and the USA is worth over $10 billion. Entering the foreign feed supply business requires much less capital than the manufacturing option. One could import directly from the foreign suppliers, or become a wholesaler or a retailer selling directly to the local market.

Animal feed production and supply will play a significant part in Africa's future. All the present and predicted factors (like fast population growth and rising consumption) are expected to lead to a vibrant and lucrative livestock market in Africa.

Organizations were not founded to act as a law court in discovering who is right or not in the Blame Game

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Is the blame game gaining prominence in your organization?

No one wins the blame game ... Carl Jung

M

ORE often than not, it might seem that the easiest way out of troubles or unfavourable situations in our personal or professional lives is to point an accusing finger to someone else.

Interestingly, team members, colleagues, managers and leaders are not left out in this “profession” of blaming others. Sadly, the Blame Game has succeeded in causing failures in the government arena, businesses and in organizations. This is because; a lot of people have been wired wrongly to first and foremost point an accusing finger to someone when things go wrong, without even seeking for solutions. We are not responsibility oriented. The bad news is that allowing the Blame Game to blossom in any organization is not only destructive, but might end up giving us more than we bargained for.

The truth of the matter is that no real result can be achieved without someone taking responsibility for his/her actions. This responsibility is bestowed on every one who earns a salary and should be predicated upon achieving the goals of one’s organization.

Goals of the organisation The rule of the game is not about winning a law suit and punishing someone who has been blamed, but ensuring that we help one another achieve the goals of the organization. Everyone has 100 percent responsibility in making sure that organization achieves its vision.

If there is any virus to fight against in organizations, it should be the “Blame Game Virus”- where people are not taking responsibility of growing their organization.

The reality is that no organization (with the current rate of business uncertainties) can attain its rightful position if this unwanted virus is not dealt with. Surprisingly, the leaders, executives and their collective workforce are

BY ‘UJU ONWUZULIKE

Any organization that encourages Blame Game will end up stifling creativity, innovation and productivity

affected by this debilitating virus, and guess what; organizations are at the receiving ends.

Any organization that encourages Blame Game will end up stifling creativity, innovation and productivity - the three key ingredients for growth.

Unbelievably, someone in a team might have a solution to something or might have an idea of how best to resolve an issue, but simply because he/ she was not made the team head might decide to do nothing in achieving the desired result.

In a situation where by that particular team’s project did not go well, that same person may be the first to shift the blame to someone else or will decide to proffer solutions when the damage has been done already – probably to “shine” or appear superior to others.

Organizations suffer a great deal whenever people have developed the mindset of shifting the blame to someone else when they ought to have helped. Instead of creating blames, we should help one another to create value for the organization.

The era we are now in the business world is not that of

who is wrong or right, who is to be blamed or not, but the era of helping the weak in your organization to achieve better results. The truth is that some are weak in some areas and strong in other areas. The idea is to complement one another for the betterment of the organization that pays our salaries.

Points to ponder: Do we achieve any positive results when we shift or heap blame on people? Instead we create resentment, conflicts, strife, enmity, disloyalty – and all these will hit the bottom-line unfavourably. Remember the idea of fighting oneself. What do we want to achieve by blaming people in the workplace? Is it to preserve our ego or help to grow the organization? Before you blame someone, always ask yourself, have I done all I can to help out in this situation?

Final note: Whether we like it or not, the Blame Game will end up destroying us and our businesses. Even if the blame is justified – taking action is better at least for the sake of your organization.

Organizations were not founded to act as a law court in discovering who is right or not in the Blame Game, but were founded to deliver results to all shareholders.

When we take responsibility for our actions and help the organization to win, everybody wins.

Our focus should not be for individuals to win first, because, when an individual wins, an organization might not succeed. The reason for the individual winning might be to satisfy his/her ego or selfishness. From today onwards, let our goal be to move from “creating blames” to having “together we win” mindset. Like Carl Jung said, “No one wins the blame game”, and I also add that “No one should let an organization lose the winning game”- then again this is possible when we all take ownership and full responsibility and quit looking at who to be blamed.

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

24 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Why businesses should embrace social media-Dozie, Diamondbank CEO

By Princewill Ekwujuru

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WORKSHOP: From left: Centre Manager, FirstBank Sustainability Centre, Dr. Ijeoma Nwagwu; Director, FirstBank Sustainability Centre, Dr. Chris Ogbechie; CEO, The Chair Centre, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, during FirstBank Sustainability Workshop for Women SMEs in Lagos.

HE Group Managing D i r e c t o r of Diamond Bank Plc, Mr. Uzoma Dozie, has advised business owners to take advantage of the huge internet penetration in Nigeria to expand the scope of their businesses.

Dozie gave this advise at the annual Redstar Express Plc annual customer conference, while speaking on the topic: Managing Technology and Innovation; Social Media,Aplusorminusforcustomer engagement. Dozie advised business owners to capitalize on the opportunities provided by the 85 percent Face Book penetration to expose their businesses to internet users.

He said that social media is the biggest driver of website referral traffic, accounting for 31.24 percent of all referral traffic as at December

UACN Chairman faults FRC’s proposed universal corporate governance code

By Jonah Nwokpoku

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ORMER Senator r e p r e s e n t i n g Akwa-IbomSouthconstituencyand Chairman, UACN Plc, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma has faulted the universal corporate governance code proposed by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, FRC, saying it amounts to usurpation of the powers of other regulatory agencies.

He disclosed this while speaking at the 2015 annual public lecture organised by Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, ICSAN in Lagos.

Speaking in response to the theme of the lecture: ‘Governance: The synergy between leadership and followership’ as presented by the President, Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Mr. Segun Ajanlekoko, he said there is no onesize-fits-all approach to corporate governance, noting that “the corporate governance rule you need for a major bank cannot be the same with what you require for a biscuit manufacturer or a company trading in sugar.” He said, “I am surprised and puzzled by the current attempt being made by the Financial Reporting Council, FRC to come up with what they call a universal code of corporate governance. What does that mean?

I understand that they are even extending the rules to churches, mosques and other not for profit organisations. I think we are carrying this thing too far. I am even at a loss to understand under what authority they are proceeding. Even if they have power to enforce corporate governance code, which is arguable, does that also give them the power to make the rules?

This is because, the power to enforce, does not automatically give you the power to regulate. If it is, the police would have taken over the power to make laws from the National Assembly.”

He said: “I believe that the Financial Reporting Council is attempting to usurp the powers of other regulatory agencies. I am not sure it was the intention of the National Assembly to create the Financial Reporting Council, to be

I believe that the Financial Reporting Council is attempting to usurp the powers of other regulatory agencies

the super regulator that all other regulators report to. In fact when I saw the draft, there are aspects of it that seem to be amending the Companies and Allied Matters Act, CAMA. CAMA provides that the board should have a chairman, a managing director and a board member, but they are saying that a board should have a chairman, a managing director and a senior independent board member, who is supposed to monitor the performance of the chairman. If they want to amend CAMA, they should know the process of amending CAMA.” Udoma further noted, “This is why when I was chairman of SEC and we were looking at corporate governance, we set out what we felt was the minimum and we

recognised that various other regulators such as the Central Bank of Nigeria, will have tighter ones for banks and so on so forth. And that is a normal thing, you have the minimum one and within each industry, you have the tighter one.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the President/Chairman in Council of ICSAN, Dr.Suleiman Ndanusa said as a professional body dedicated to excellence in corporate governance and public administration, ICSAN is committed to the promotion of its ideals and tenets in line with international best practices. He added that as an institute, it is poised to provide the framework and the platform necessary for the dissemination of the body’s core values to the public.

FBN Capital recommends financial planning to media practitioners

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edia practitioners have being advised to embrace financial planning so as to survive prevailing economic realities.

Managing Director/Chief Investment Officer, FBN Capital Asset Management, Mr. Michael Oyebola, gave this advise while speaking on “Beyond Editing: Investing For A Secure Future” during the 2015 edition of the Biennial Convention of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, held in Lagos Mr. Oyebola stated, “In recent times a number of events have occurred both locally and globally that have reinforced the value of personal financial planning from the drop in oil prices to the fluctuations in the exchange rate of the naira. At every stage in life it is essential to remember the importance of financial planning as a means to a secure future during and after one’s career journey”.

He went further to stress the importance of distinguishing between assets and liabilities while gauging spending habits

with respect to income.

Oyebola also noted that while earning an income and saving have their place in building a healthy financial future, it is essential to invest.

He highlighted the various classes of investments that people could commit their funds based on what their goals are, how long they are looking at achieving those financial goals, how much they can conveniently afford to put aside, and how much risk they are prepared to take in relation to the returns on their investment.

“Professional asset managers, like FBN Capital Asset Management, use their skills to manage customers’ money to achieve a desired outcome.

I like to say that through our mutual fund products, we can help people grow their dreams and achieve their goals” he said.

FBN Capital Asset Management is one of the leading fiduciary managers in Nigeria. It is the asset management division of FBN Capital, a fully owned subsidiary of FBN Holdings. The firm is committed to driving financial inclusion and education, and recently won the 2014 EMEAFinance award for the Best Asset Manager in Nigeria.

2014, a percentage he says will enable organizations create a community of customers, and could easily obtain feedback on its products.

Dozie noted that people recommending products and services is more effective than advertising/marketing,whilestating that digital advocacy is comparatively cheaper, and allows for a borderless and limitless reach.

He went further to say that digital advocacy offers new opportunities for businesses to listen, engage and monitor progress.

Dozie revealed that 92 percent of marketers agree that social media is important to their business, whilst 89percentofmarketerswanttoknow the most effective ways to engage their audience, as 61 to 68 percent of marketers plan on increasing their use of blogging and google+ in the future, for these reasons he advised business owners to take advantage of the internet .

ThemanagingDirectorofRedstar, Mr. Sule Bichi, said the company strategically chose the theme for this year’s customers forum, with the hope and intention to avail their customers the opportunity to learn , share; and empower them adequately while adding value to their respective communities and businesses.

Growth of SMEs critical for economic development —Awosika

By Princewill Ekwujuru

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HE Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Chair Centre, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika has said that there is need for government to grow the Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs sector for Nigeria’s economic growth and development.

Mrs Awosika who spoke at the second workshop for women led Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, SMEs, organized

by FirstBank Sustainability Centre, said that a country with 65 percent of its population below 40 years, and on the merciful part of unemployment, then, there is need to grow the SMEs sector which is the core engine for economic development.

The Chair centre CEO also admonished men who prevent their wives from working or refuses to develop and nurture them to grow bigger in their business, describing such men as people with untapped asset.

She stated that it is pertinent for men to understand that keeping their wives idle at home or equipped her with little amount to get her busy without giving her necessary support to exploit her potential in full capacity equates to an asset left un-

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015 — 25

•Cross section of graduates at the University of Lagos, UNILAG at the 2013/2014 convocation held at theMulti-Purpose Hall, UNILAG.

What Buhari must do to uplift education, by Okebukola

By Dayo Adesulu

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HE immediate past Secretary, National Universities Commission, Professor Peter Okebukola has averred that if Nigerians would see improvement in the education sector, the incoming government of Muhammadu Buhari must reform and massively invest in education.

Okebukola, a Consultant to UNESCO, while delivering the 2013/2014 convocation lecture at the University of Lagos, UNILAG pointed out teacher quality, provision of learner-friendly facilities and curriculum delivery as the three areas government must invest in.

He said: “The first line of business should be to improve teacher quality at all levels of the education system," noting: "a 15-year study has shown that teacher quality accounts for about 22% of the variance of scores on overall quality of the education system.

"If General Buhari will want to improve the quality of education in Nigeria, he should dismantle the current model of teacher preparation and install one that will lead to the production of quality teachers who are steeped in content knowledge." Okebukola who lamented

The problem is not curriculum but implementation — Prof. Onwualu —Pg. 30

Why public Universitites are failing Nigeria —Pg. 27 C M Y K

the too many roadside teachers in Nigeria, posited that their presence in the classroom sets the nation back two years.

The Provost also argued that there is no way students can get the best in learning when there is no improvement in the quality and quantity of facilities for teaching and learning at the basic, post-basic and higher education levels.

He said over 80% of public basic schools have facilities that are grossly sub-standard.

About 65% of the tertiary institutions are faced with poor facilities. "Having found through our research that facilities account for about 18% of the variance in quality scores, paying attention to this variable should be of great interest to the Buhari administration.’’

On curriculum, Okebukola who stressed the need for quality of delivery of the curriculum by way of teaching methods, opportunity for practical work and engagement of students, noted that it will also entail values re-orientation and the teaching of 21st Century skills.

Okebukola who is also a member of the Board of Directors of the International Academy of Education said there is a yawning gap between the expected profile of graduate teachers from the Nigerian university system and the kind of graduates that our universities spew out from year to year.

According to him, "we cannot hope for a

The first line of business should be to improve teacher quality at all levels of the education system

top quality education system if we staff our schools with such second-rate teachers. We need a profession full of inspiring, innovative, creative and knowledgeable teachers. We recall those teachers who demonstrated these attributes and were part of shaping their lives to be giants in academia today.’’ To get the best from teachers, the ProChancellor pointed out other areas that need to be revamped in the system.

Reforms in teacher education: Reduction in the load of Education courses: "Education courses for those wishing to be subject teachers should be maximum 15% of the total course load.

For instance, if the Total Number of Units (TNU) for a four-year degree programme is 120, all Education courses from 100 to 400 level should not exceed a total of 18 units. Interview data from the 20042006 national survey showed preference for the spread of the 18 units as shown

Continues on page 26

NUC scribe advises AAU mgt on quality staff, facilities

By Gabriel Enogholase

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ENIN- EXECUTIVE Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie has advised the management of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma to pay attention to the quality of its staffing, facilities and intake of students as well as the environment for effective teaching and learning in the 35-year-old university.

Prof Okojie gave the advise while speaking at the 19th convocation ceremony of the university over the weekend.

Represented by Deputy Executive Secretary, Prof.

Chiedu Mafiana, he urged the institution to judiciously utilise funds released to it through TETFUND just as he insisted that funds from TETFUND should be used to build commodious buildings and invest in research and staff development.

Okojie called for the construction of more hostels within the campus through the ‘Build, Operate and Transfer’ system to solve accommodation problems of students.

Warning students to check for approved programmes with the commission before applying to Nigerian universities, Okojie said students that study unapproved programmes would not be mobilised for NYSC and their certificates would not be recognised for the purpose of employment.

His words: “The NUC laments the waning culture of mentorship in the university system and calls on university managers and professors to ensure that this culture is revived and upscaled as a sine qua non for academic integrity.”

On his part, Governor Adams Oshiomhole said the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Cordelia Agbebaku, has turned around the fortunes of the

Continues on page 26

26 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

NUC secretary advises AAU MGT on quality staff, facilities Continues from page 25

CONVOCATION: From left: Dr. Monday Peri Okonny, member of Governing Council, UNILAG; Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, Editor-in-Chief, Vanguard Newspapers and member of the Governing Council, UNILAG and Dr. Garba Usman Tetengi, SAN, member of Governing Council, UNILAG during the 2013/2014 convocation held at UNILAG, Lagos.

What Buhari must do to uplift education, by Okebukola Continues from page 25 below.

•Foundation courses (Psychology, History, Curriculum, Philosophy) = 4 •Methodology courses= 8 •Teaching practice=4 •Project = 2; Total= 18 "Increase in the TNU for Graduation for Education Students: There is a worry among staff in the Faculty of Education and hence members of ASUU regarding reducing the number of Education courses as this may cause job loss. ‘’While this in the long run will not necessarily be the case but in the short and long run be advantageous for the country and since ASUU will not want its members to be discomforted in any way, another option will be to request NUC to raise the Total Number of Units for Graduation (TNU) in the Education BMAS to 140 for a 4year degree programme. ‘’This will give Education students ample room to register and take courses in their teaching subjects enough to prepare them as better-quality teachers.

Courses that relate to senior school certificate topics that students find difficult to learn (see earlier listing for biology, chemistry and physics) should be made compulsory for the teacher trainees.

a collateral, made the Finnish Education system one of the best in the world.

More time for teaching practice: "A minimum of 12 weeks of full contact teaching practice should be implemented for effective preparation of graduate teachers. One-year teaching practice is ideal. In most colleges of education and universities, in spite of the provision for a 12-week Teaching Practice, actual practice lasts barely three weeks.

Supervision is also poor leading to shallow field experience for the teacher trainees.

Avoid early specialisation ‘’Specialisations at the undergraduate level such as Educational Management/ Educational Administration and Planning and Guidance and Counselling should be discontinued in favour of specialisation at the Postgraduate Diploma level.

Limiting the number of Sandwich/Part-time Students: ‘’It has been found that over 60% of the poor quality teachers in the secondary school system are trained through Sandwich/Parttime programmes. In order to

Alternative proposal ‘’The alternative which we proposed while I was at NUC is to make Education a 5-year programme for the first degree. ‘’The first four years are spent largely in the cognate faculties while the fifth year is where we layer the training with Education courses. Upon graduation, teachers of the 5-year course will be placed a grade level above the 4-year degree holders and in addition receive other incentives.

‘The incentives offered teachers in Finland have made teaching one of the most attractive and as

Over 80% of our public basic schools have facilities that are grossly substandard. About 65% of our tertiary institutions are aggrieved with this poor-facilities blight

improve quality, the number of such candidates admitted into Faculties of Education should be drastically reduced.

Periodic training in modern methods of teaching: "Staff of the Faculty of Education in universities and colleges of education, should be exemplary teachers, yet many are regarded as the worst teachers on campus. They are thus, poor role models for the teacher trainees. All teachers in the Faculty/College of Education should undergo periodic training on modern methods of teaching.

Teacher quantity: ‘’There is an urgent need to double the current rate of teacher production at the basic and higher education levels.

This is obviously a tall order given the aversion of candidates for certificates, diplomas and degrees in education. However, through a battery of incentives, enrolment into teacher training institutions at all levels can be bolstered.

Battery of incentives "These incentives include (a) reducing by half the current tuition for training in education in colleges of education, polytechnics and universities; (b) automatic bursary awards for all education students; and (c) enhanced post-graduation salary package for teachers.’’

Teacher licensing and revalidation of licence: ‘’A licensure system should be established for teachers by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). The teacher licence should have a maximum life of life years. Renewal should be based on successful completion of a re-certification examination or evidence of in-service training within the 5-year period. ‘’The model hypothesises that education and training as well as the culture and value system of the community are the key variables in human capital development.

Education and training have long been established as the major variable impacting on human capital development since the mind and body are developed through education and training.

university.

He said, “I have a fair recollection of the state of this university before Prof. Cordelia took over affairs of the university. The worst critic of this VC will agree that the VC has run this university effectively. Cordelia has given her all to the university that she met with very meager resources.

“Before she took over as the Vice Chancellor, it was either one problem of students’ riot or staff protests, but she has demonstrated uncommon courage, fearlessness, prudence and accountability in managing the University’s fund and brought in so much peace and stability.”

Among those honored by the university is Chief David Edebiri, the Esogban of Benin Kingdom who was honored with a Doctor of Letters degree and business mogul, Chief Lee Ikpea who bagged the Doctor of Business Administration degree.

Founder of Believers Love World, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome who was to be honored with a degree of Doctor of Science was absent but a special event would be organised for him at a latter day. A N5bn endowment fund was launched at the ceremony.

Firms harp on qualitative education, donate hybrid library to school

By Dayo Adesulu

T

HE Star Deepwater Petroleum Limited, a Chevron company and its co-venturers in the Agbami field have donated a hybrid library to CMS Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos, to enhance learning and qualitative education in the school.

Co-venturers of Agbami field which include; Famfa Oil Limited, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation NNPC, Statoil Nigeria Limited and Petroleo Brasileiro Nigeria Limited have vowed to help raise the standard of education across the country.

Speaking at the commissioning in Lagos, the chairman Famfa Oil, Mr Modupe Alakija who was represented by Deji Alakija said: “Qualitative education as well as capacity building is the key to development of any country and the precursor in most cases to improved standard of living."

He explained that it is on that premise that Famfa is working with other coventurers in the Agbami

Education is the key to unlocking the potential of the youth and developing their capacity for societal relevance

Field to develop technical skills of Nigerians, create employment and ensure better life for Nigerians.

In her address, Meg Irozuru who was represented by Petrobras managing director maintained that the donated hybrid library is aimed at boosting the standard of education in Lagos state and the entire nation.

According to her, e-learning is a technology-driven process that is becoming the fastest growing platform for teaching and learning globally.

Meanwhile, the director of Deepwater and Production Sharing Contracts, Jeffrey Ewing who spoke at the commissioning disclosed that education is the key to unlocking the potential of the youth and developing their capacity for societal relevance.

Ewing who was represented by Henrietta Ebo, the manager of Deepwater Star Deepwater Petroleum Limited noted that the drive behind their education support strategy is towards improved access to education for all Nigerians through donations of electronic libraries, science laboratory complexes and scholarships.

Ewing who pointed out that the gesture was to demonstrate the company’s determined efforts to provide young Nigerians access to qualitative education, charged the school to effectively manage the facility to ensure its sustainability.

He said: "'Since the inception of the Agbami Scholarship scheme in 2009, more than 10,000 students in various universities in the country have benefited from the programme. Of these scholars, 95 have graduated with First Class honors or its equivalent.''

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015 — 27

Why public universities are failing Nigeria “

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SCHOLARSHIP; Vice-President, Nigeria Football Federation, Seyi Akinwunmi; scholarship awardeee, Similoluwa Gbenle and Director, Greensprings School, Mrs. Lai Koiki after Gbenle was awarded scholarship by the management of Greensprings School at the 4th Greensprings Kanu Football Camp in Lagos.

Experts from 100 countries storm Ethiopia for E-Learning Africa conference

By Dayo Adesulu

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OISED to provide a unique forum for dialogue, networking and exchange of ideas, e-Learning Africa, the largest and most influential conference on technologyassisted learning and training in Africa, will be bringing together African education and ICT ministers to meet leading global experts to discuss new opportunities and initiatives in the field of technology and learning in the continent.

Keynote speakers expected at the conference include the Executive Director, Mozilla Foundation, makers of Firefox, Mark Surman and the founder and President of the University of the People, Shai Reshef.

Other leading global experts on ICT and education expected are the Prime Minister of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn; Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Ethiopia, Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael; Minister of Science and

Technology, Ethiopia, Demitu Hambisa; Minister of Education, Ethiopia, Shiferaw Shigutie Wolassa; Personal Representative of the German Chancellor Angela Merkell for Africa in the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Germany; Günter Nooke among others. th Being the 10 International Conference on ICT for Development, Education and Training, the conference will span May 20 to 22, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Annually, the e-Learning Africa conference is reputed for bringing together over 1, 500 people from nearly 100 countries. This year’s edition is organised by the African Union in collaboration with the Government of Ethiopia.

According to the organisers, “A major focus of the conference will be on the role technologyassisted learning can play in helping to develop the skills vital for the future of Africa, by equipping young Africans with

entrepreneurial expertise, supporting capacity development in key sectors such as health, and assisting a new generation of entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions in the education technology sector.

“Other key themes for the conference will include the development and promotion of African research, boosting international cooperation in the education sector between African countries and the rest of the world, and the expansion of open education resources and tools.

“Sessions at the conference will feature presentations on the use of mobile applications for health professionals, the use of ‘gamification’ to bridge the skills and learning gap, an in-depth examination of the latest statistics on ICT in education in Africa, the role of education technology in empowering Africa’s female farmers, online African language learning, removing digital illiteracy, and developing the role of the librarian.”

Indomie begins search for 2015 heroes

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HE search for three heroes among Nigerian children has begun, the Group Managing Director, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr Deepak Singhal disclosed this last Thursday during a press briefing in Lagos.

He said: ‘’The search for the Indomie Independence Day Award, IIDA 2015 heroes in which three children who have braved the odds and displayed exceptional courage in the face of hazard would be selected, recognised, rewarded and celebrated for their acts of heroism.’’

Singhal explained that the

prospective children would have demonstrated remarkable acts of great courage despite the unfavourable conditions they found themselves.

Recalling antecedent of the award, the managing director noted that a total of 21 children have received the awards as heroes of Nigeria since 2006.

According to him, the purpose of the award is to reconise children whose best efforts are often overlooked in the society. On daily basis, he pointed out that, Nigerian children perform thousands

of heroic acts that save the lives and property of others at great personal risk to themselves. But the reality is that such acts of bravery often go unsung because the players involved are minors.

The Indomie Heroes Award is a national event which attracts participation from all the geo-political zones of the country, especially the key cities. It is also tied to the Nigerian Independence Day celebration.

To qualify for the heroic award, the person must fall within the age bracket of 15 and below.

f you will not maintain schools and universities, you shall have a brutality.” Hugh Latimer, 1485(?)Hugh Latimer, was one of the leading lights of the English Reformation, which started as revolt against papacy but ended up revolutionizing all aspects of British life. Much of it was centred around Oxford and Cambridge where Latimer, at one time or another studied and taught.

I thoroughly align myself with Latimer that a nation which fails to maintain its schools and universities will eventually evolve into a brutal society. In Nigeria today, the current leaders – Presidents, Governors, Ministers, Commissioners, University Councils, Visitors, lecturers and even student leaders – are in the process of bequeathing to posterity institutions which are unworthy of being called universities for reasons too numerous to discuss in one column. Permit me therefore to address only two; both of which are linked as a matter of fact.

A few weeks ago, in my column about Lagos State University, LASU, I made reference to one of my nephews who started at LASU, moved quickly, with my support, to University of Ife, as it was then called, and graduated two years ahead of his colleagues at LASU on account of incessant shut down of the Lagos university. A day after it was published, Professor Ajibade Rokosu, former Chairman and now Trustee of WAKA CLUB 1945, the first indigenous club in Lagos, saw me at the Club and told me (what I already knew), that Akintunde Ogunmodede was the student, and he, Professor Rokosu, was instrumental to his admission at LASU. He, of course, considered Akintunde’s transfer to Ife as labour lost, at the time. I was certain it was in my nephew’s interest. We both agree now that the best decision was made at the time. But, this column is not being written for self-congratulation. On the contrary, Professor Rokosu proceeded to shed light on why LASU as well as ALL Nigerian public universities are in danger of failing in their missions to the country. I hope one day to publish a full interview with Professor Rokosu later on. But for now permit me to summarise what I learnt. He gave as the major reason for the decline in our universities on the absence of “university culture”.

University Culture

According to “Prof”, Nigerian public universities are not only in sad shape but will continue to decline as long as they lack the universally acknowledged university culture – which rests on three legs. These, not necessarily in order of importance include: recognition of the Vice Chancellor as only the first among several equals and not a Lord and Master; all major decisions taken by established committees (finance, admission, promotion, conferment of degrees, grievance settlement, disciplinary etc) consisting of individuals (s)elected by their colleagues based on their expertise, leadership qualities and, above all, integrity; the members of the committees, in turn are expected, in the discharge of their duties, to be impartial and impersonal.

Thus, all decisions, as much as humanly possible, arise from generally accepted principles of governance of a university by the academic and non-academic staff, as well as students of the university. While not pretending to have covered the whole gamut of what constitutes the kernel of the university culture, it should be clear to discerning readers where and when the devil invaded “the Garden of Eden”. It all started with the introduction of VISITORS. Visitors, including military and civilian presidents and governors have busted up the universally accepted university culture by making political appointees, not just VCs, who become untouchables to the disciplinary committees. Yet we all know, that “order is the first law in heaven”. With discipline all but gone, all those working in our universities labour in vain to build world standard institutions.

Chips Of The Old Blocks — Students

And just as this piece was being prepared, a call came in from Jos. The caller wanted to thank me for the series in the SUNDAY VANGUARD about my long experience with Buhari. He is a Southerner and Christian who had followed the events of 1984. The long conversation soon digressed to his observations about the Students Associations in Nigerian universities. Specifically, the man was concerned about how candidates for positions in Students’ Unions are taking their bearings from their parents in the political arena in three ways – bribery, violence and embezzlement. For bribery, he cited the example of a candidate for the President of the Students Union, who brought a tanker of kerosene to distribute to fellow students. This was followed with other bribes. Another came to the campus with a convoy of over forty vehicles loaded with people suspected to be thugs to intimidate opponents. Later, a retired non-academic staff of another informed me that none of the last three Presidents in his former university had escaped being indicted for embezzlement of Union funds.

QUESTION: How on earth can we build world class universities with these atrocities on campus? It is simply impossible to carve a master-piece from rotten wood – irrespective of how much effort we put into it.

28 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

SUCCESS RECIPE WITH UDEME ARCHIBONG successrecipe2009@gmail.com www.worldlightbearesint.com 08035095243

In search for meaning

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*Retiring Rector, Eng Abdullahi Sule (left) and the Ag Rector, Dr. Abubakar Dzukogi after the handing over to the Ag Rector

Bida Poly Rector, Sule, bows out in style

By Amaka Abayomi

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T was a glorious exit for Engineer Abdullahi Sule who completed his second term in office as Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State. Sule joined the Polytechnic in 1984, served as Rector between 2006 to 2015 and is described by many as the architect of transformation of the Polytechnic.

At a send forth dinner organized in his honour by the Student Union Government held at the Auditorium of the school which attracted a large crowd, students, staff, management and ten former SUG Presidents, the SUG President, Christopher Ejike Emmanuel, said the tenure of Engineer Sule has impacted positively on the lives of people as within and outside the Polytechnic.

Emmanuel said “There has been massive structural development in our campus as he saw to the completion of the ICT Centre, many lecture halls, staff offices and total renovation

of the student hostels. It was also during his tenure that we hosted the 18 th Nigeria Polytechnic Games, and today, we have modern sports facilities and a new sports secretariat.

“He operates an open door policy, and though we sometimes disagree, we resolve them peacefully as he always preaches peace in whatever he does and the presence of 10 past SUG Presidents is a testament to that.”

Also, the Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Bida Chapter, Comrade Muhammed Gbate, said “in my 16 years here, there have been infrastructural development on this campus, more courses have been accredited and the growth in number of staff has been unprecedented.

His leadership style has impacted on the Union as we have not been muzzle since 2006 and a lot of our members acquired their Ph.D during his tenure. The growth we experienced under Engineer

Sule has never been witnessed since the establishment of the school. He has done well and and I pray whoever succeeds him will improve upon his legacies.”

These views were collaborated by the Deputy Rector, Dr. Abubakar Dzukogi, who said “he is extremely tolerant on people’s views and behaviours and there has been relative peace in the campus.

In fact, there has been great success for the past nine years under Engineer Sule’s leadership.” describing Sule as a very humble, hardworking and kind hearted individual who hardly gets annoyed, the Registrar, Chief Bisi Adeyemi, said “no Rector has been honoured since the inception of the school, and the Council set up a Committee to hold a grand reception for him soon based on his achievement.”

Speaking after the handling over to his successor, the former Rector said his nine years as Chief Executive of the institutions has been of mixed

Olashore restates commitment to teaching history

By Amaka Abayomi

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HE Chairman, Board of Governors, Olashore International Schools, Prince Bimbo Olashore, has restated the school’s commitment to retaining Nigeria’s strong culture and value system in its core structure while striving to ensure that Olashore scholars are adequately prepared for the competitive global market.

This assurance was given by Prince Olashore at the conclusion of an excursion programme to France and some other countries by the students, who said the school will also keep Nigeria’s history on the radar, especially as most young Nigerians are not conversant with the country’s history.

C M Y K

He said “the world has indeed become a global village and we must be active players in the world stage, not just spectators. As we also help our students become global citizens, we must also help them understand our history so they can better appreciate where they are coming from and where they should be going.”

The Olashore ‘Beyond the Classroom’ program includes special guided trips to local and international destinations such as Obudu Cattle Ranch, Republic of Benin, South Africa, UK, Dubai and France. The school also holds a special community service every year, so students learn from an early age the principle of greatness through service.

The seven days biennial trip which involved 68 students and five staff members, was structured to help amplify personal development and experience and connect the students to global culture, history and lingual-franca in the unique Olashore style and revolved around history, geography, culture, art, music and language.

Pointing out that the tour shed more light on the essence and benefit of learning outside the classroom, the Principal, Mr. Derek Smith, added that Olashore education is more than academic excellence as the school applies the Kolb’s learning cycle where experience followed by reflection leads to learning.

an there be any meaning to life? Why were we put on earth? Are we just biological creatures to make a number in the world? How significant is our lives? Or are we caught in an activity driven trap? How valuable are we to the world? If we had never existed will the world fare better or will it get worse?

Who am I? What was I born to do? Can there be an answer to these vital questions that all humans seek?

Every day the graves open its mouth to receive a great number of people who had never had a glimpse of discovering the reason behind life. Unfortunately, they lived an unfulfilled life and died in a wasted existence. Their lives never mattered at all. What an incredible lost to humanity.

At the fundamental base of all human challenges lies the mindboggling, age-long question, asking, “Why am I here?” Every human being has an inward and compulsive desire to live a life of significance. The rich and poor alike, the king and the peasant both are part of this grappling search. Moreover, wealth, position, power, and fame are desperately pursued by man in his search for a sense of importance on earth, even though many times, this search infringes on the welfare of others. Throughout the pages of history, man’s existence has remained a puzzle to many and a mystery which is matched with the corresponding challenges that confront humans every day, as civilization faces an upward toll. This heart searching craving for significance is buried in purpose.

Purpose is becoming who you were born to be; doing what you were created to do; having what you were created to have within a specific timeframe—that if well understood and harnessed could influence your generation and the generations yet unborn.

Purpose is discovering the specific problem that you were created to solve on earth. Purpose is maximizing your time, energy, finances, and attention (focus) to impact positively on the lives of the people who have been assigned to you. You must realize that somebody desperately needs you. You are the answer to somebody’s problem.

Purpose has two focal points which are character and contribution; investing in you and investing in others. You can’t make Purpose is the most out of life until you have made the most out of yourself and discovering you can’t give to others what you the specific don’t have. Therefore, character problem that development is the foundation of a meaningful life. If you want to have you were a great marriage; a great career, created to great relationships with people; great talent; a great life then pursue solve on character development above earth personality evolvement. You can transform your destiny, however, by imbibing value-based principles into your basic character. Principles such as integrity, humility, fidelity, simplicity, courage, patience, industry, temperance, modesty, and the Golden Rule will elevate your life from mediocrity to greatness. It is vital to note that character development and contribution to life should be a lifestyle and not an event. And the surest way to develop character is to grow every day in unconditional love towards yourself and people; improve yourself daily.

What do you love doing? What are your talents and abilities?

What do you really care about? The answers to these questions is a signpost of your calling; your purpose. Discover, develop, improve and build your life around it. Here’s the secret; focus on how to use your talents and gifts to enrich the lives of people; the more lives you enrich the richer you will be. Remember; focus on people and not on yourself or your gains.

What grieves you? What triggers your compassion? What makes you weep? Is it poverty; abused and homeless children; battered wives; disease? These are pointers to what you were created to change. What do you hate? What makes you angry? Is it injustice; corruption; abortion; poverty; sickness? These are indicators of what you were created to challenge, correct and conquer.

If you had only six months to live, what will you do with your life? How will you spend your time and with whom will you spend it? What character qualities will you develop and manifest?

How will you spend your finances? What will be important to you? What dreams or goals will you pursue? The answer to these questions reveals your essence. Remember, every passing moment is a countdown to your departure on earth.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015—29

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30 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

emerge at the 15th The problem is not curriculum but Winners Spelling Bee competition implementation — Onwualu

By Amaka Abayomi

By Ebele Orakpo

T

P

ROFESSOR Peter Onwualu, former Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) is a visiting professor at the National Universities Commission where he is looking into research and innovation in Nigerian universities. In this chat with Vanguard Learning in Abuja, the agricultural engineer speaks on Nigerian school curriculum and says the problem is not the curriculum but its implementation.

Excerpts: To change or not to change curriculum: “I don’t believe the curriculum needs to be changed but it depends on the course. I have been abroad and I don’t see a lot of difference between the curriculum we are running and what they are running. The only difference is that the internship programme is taken very seriously. If you are a medical student, the internship programme is as serious as passing your exam.

The same thing with engineering students. But the problem we have is that if you are an engineering student, you will find it difficult to find where you will do your internship so the practical training is very minimal.

Even in the labs, you find that a lab that is supposed to be used by 10 students, is being used by 100 or 200 students with the result that they are placed

*Professor Peter Onwualu in groups so they have six or seven people crowding over one machine. At the end of the day, they just copy results and submit.”

Entrepreneurship programme: “Some of those studying computer science don’t have access to computers; that is the problem. The curriculum per se has really no problem, it is the implementation that is the problem because where deficiencies have been found, the NUC has tried to do something and that is why entrepreneurship is now compulsory so we can produce students that are not just job seekers.

You must do entrepreneurship so that if you are a medical student, you also know how to set up medical business. You have students who graduate from engineering, looking for work. If they had learnt the entrepreneurship very well, they won’t be looking for work. If I studied electrical engineering, why should I be looking for work, even if it means learning how to service cell

phones? We shouldn’t drive the issue of curriculum too far.

Why I am saying this is that the training we are supposed to get is broad.

What university education does is to develop your mind so that when you come out, it is easy for you to adapt to any situation.

For instance, mechanical engineering is not just about engines; a mechanical engineer can work in a brewery, cement factory, a roofing tiles company or in a hospital, maintaining the machines.

So university education in mechanical engineering gives you a broad knowledge of engineering so that if you find yourself in a brewery, you can cope and that is why they start from what is called People Engineer to Principal Engineer, until you become a Chief Engineer.

But if you concentrate too much at the university level, you will not have that broad knowledge.

WELVE-YEAROLD Primary Six pupil, Tijani Boluwatife of Araromi Primary School, Orile Agege, and Sonoiki Idowu of Ikotun Senior High School, Ikotun, have emerged winners in the primary and secondary categories of the 2015 edition of the Spelling Bee competition for public primary and secondary schools in Lagos State.

Organised by the Office of Education Quality Assurance, Lagos State Ministry of Education, the competition is aimed at developing the innate skills of the students in the state, creating good reading habits and helping them improve their spelling skills, increase their

vocabulary and develop correct English usage.

Pointing out that the overall goals of the competition are to help students improve their spelling skills, increase their vocabulary, create good reading habits that would lead to better academic performance, the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, said these goals are being met as evident in the performance of the students in external examinations.

Thanking the teachers for a job well done, the DirectorGeneral, Office of Education Quality Assurance, Mrs. Ronke Soyombo, said the competition has, over the years, helped boost the students’ confidence, create a healthy rivalry among the

students and draw out their intellectual capabilities.

Words like marathon, hooligan, monarchy, jamboree, suppressant, acappella, ballerina, chimpanzee, boycott, bandanna, Mississippi, aisle, cudgel, largesse, barracuda, jacuzzi, abbreviation, ascension, acquaintance, hullabaloo and cocoon eliminated some contestants.

The winner in the primary category went home withN150,000 while the first and second runners-up went home with N100,000 and N75,000 respectively.

In the secondary category, the winner won N250,000 and an iPad from Etisalat, while the first and second runners-up, carted home N150,000 and N100,000 respectively.

Diamond Bank takes financial awareness to HAMEC

By Tare Youdeowei

D

iamond Bank Plc has carried the message of financial awareness and planning to the classrooms of Secondary Schools. This time it was Henry AlexDuduyemi Memorial College, HAMEC, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The initiative is part of activities to commemorate the Global Money Week and boost financial literacy among youths. According to the Bank, the awareness campaign is in-line with the policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria aimed at sharpening financial understanding and teaching the students how to get increased value for money through savings and investment.

Representing Uzoma

Dozie, Diamond Bank CEO, Akinleye Ogunleye, Regional Manager, Ibadan Region, spoke on the topics How to Grow Money, Differences between Financial Institutions and Non-Financial Institutions, Different Types of Investment and The Benefits of Having a Saving Culture, as he told the students that effective management of their finances in adult life begins now, noting that the lessons were designed to instil financial awareness in them so they can manage money wisely when they become adults who will be responsible for the country’s economic activities.

In his address, Oluseye Thomas, Business Manager, Osogbo Branch, advised the students,

stating that students who imbibe financial training make better monetary decisions compared to those who do not have such knowledge. “There are many students that do not understand how to make their money grow because they were not taught how to make wise financial decisions.”

He consequently encouraged parents to open accounts for their children and allow them manage the accounts when they become teenagers.

The Principal of the school, Mrs Deborah Akinpelu, while thanking Diamond Bank noted that the enthusiasm of the students has validated the fact that training future leaders requires collective efforts and discipline.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015 — 31

Students urged to imbibe entrepreneurship culture

By Kelechukwu Iruoma, Victor Okebe & Demond Okon

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TUDENTS of University of Nigeria, Nsukka have been urged to imbibe entrepreneurship culture, which will build selfreliance in their pursuit for success, as a panacea for unemployment and poverty in Nigeria.

The advice was given during a two-day students’ entrepreneurship week titled: Graduates Self Employment, A Veritable Tool for Nation Building,

organized by the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Development Research (CEDR), University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

In his welcome address, the Director of the Centre, Prof. Emmanuel Ezeani said: “The idea behind the Entrepreneurship Week is to expose and motivate the students on the need to become job creators rather than job seekers.”

He also noted that the event would provide an opportunity for the students and staff of the university to interact with successful Nigerian

entrepreneurs who rose from grass to grace, which would serve as a motivating factor towards making them attain success.

Speaking also at the event, the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Julius Okojie who was represented by Dr. A. A. Obadiah gave kudos to the University for organizing such an event which he said was in line with the NUC policy, adding that, the theme of the event was very significant for the

students.

According to him, “the Federal Government has stated that entrepreneurship education should be a cardinal agenda in the community of functional education at tertiary levels.

“That is why the Federal Government and its agencies are ready to stretch their public hands to tertiary organizations, private sectors and other stakeholders in finding sustainable ways of entrenching the culture of entrepreneurship amongst Nigerian university students.”

By Elizabeth Uwandu

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OMRADE Martins A b i o d u n , president of University of Lagos Student Union, ULSU, speaks on the reason behind the recent protest on xenophobia to the South Africa embassy on Monday and of his government.

The ULSU president said he and his team went to present a manifesto to the SA embassy to address the xenophobia menace on foreigners, especially Nigerians living there,as failure of South Africa's government to address

ULSU president speaks on xenophobic protest this issue within 24hours will result in swift action

by Nigerians.

According to the manifesto the Union presented to the South African government which reads in part; ”Social cohesion is guaranteed for success and development.

Therefore, immigrants should not be seen as enemies of progress.

Nigeria and Nigerians in the last four decades have been supportive in helping fo fight apartheid and other social injustice such as racism.’’

Martins Abiound added: "You see, Nigeria has assisted South Africans in many aspects; during apartheid we succored them, we provided them an enabling environment for investments. Check for instance, South African companies like MTN, Shoprite stores, and DSTV, among others, make huge profit in Nigeria.

2015 polls: AJIF corps members lauded over performance

By Ikenna Asomba

F

OR the superlative roles they played as ad-hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), during the March 28 Presidential/ National Assembly elections, as well as the April 11 Governorship/ State Assembly elections, the 2015 Batch “B” and “C” corps members serving in the Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local Government Area have been commended.

Giving this commendation at the first General Community Development Meeting (CDS) of the local government, after the election, Mr. Simon Asonuka, an officer of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) said from preliminary reports, corps members from the local government, who participated in the last elections, conducted themselves as true ambassadors of the NYSC. C M Y K

32 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015—33

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34—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Nigerian voters at a polling centre in one of the recent elections

2015 elections: Implications for Nigeria’s democracy

By Chino Obiagwu

T

HE 2015 general elections have come and gone, but the aftermath continues to generate controversies in some quarters despite the ruling party conceding defeat to the opposition.

This piece examines some of the issues that shaped the exercise, the outcome and the way forward for the nation’s young democracy.

The 2015 general elections have come and gone. A number of implications can be identified that could strengthen our democracy.

Even though the election is said to be free and peaceful, the euphoria of change has not provided impetus to review some of the events that are of future importance. The first is, on the positive note, the import of the opposition winning at the centre and majority of the seats in the federal and state parliaments on the Niger-

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ia’s electoral process. For the first time in this country and in many other African countries, the population voted massively for the opposition despite considerable social infrastructural achievements of the incumbent.

In any polity where the people vote for the opposition, it is because of failure of the incumbent to meet the expectations of the populace. Opposition support in 2015 was not only an expression of disapproval of the status quo, but deep popular manifestation of hope and thrust in change.

It is widely acclaimed that Nigerians on March 28 voted against the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and not for All Peoples Congress (APC). The implication is that the incoming government has the burden of not repeating the failures of the rejected ruling party. Managing this expectation is the major task of the new regime in the first 100

days in office on the short term and in the first one year on the medium term.

Political history teaches us that

There was no control of electoral spending, as billions of Naira were rolled out into campaign adverts, luring traditional leaders and political road shows

I was not ridiculed out of police —Ehindero

—Pg 36

Book on corruption & human rights law in Africa

—Pg 37

citizens are usually disappointed when such high hopes are placed on winning opposition.

This made more ardent with the declining national revenue.

Month after month, the fiscal accruals to the Nigerian government through its mono-economy of oil continues to dwindle.

In March 2015, federal revenue fell by over $80million, and more income decline is expected in coming months. With disenchantment in the south south region over loss of political power to the north and south west, there is expected to be increase in oil theft and pipeline sabotage, leading to more revenue loss.

Urgent expectations Now, the new government is saddled with finding creative ways to meet the urgent expectations of the people. The example in Egypt under former President Mossi is a good lesson for the Nigeria’s President-elect. Riding on popular support, Mossi’s Muslim Brotherhood not only became as slow and docile in carrying out expected reforms as the ousted regime, but it also became intolerant of opposition and dissent, leading to widespread speedy disenchantment. If the new regime in Nigeria hits the ground running and overcome

the initial scepticism, then it would have overturned history.

Need for large scale electoral reforms: The second implication is that the elections have shown that there is still need for large scale electoral reforms. It was alleged that over 4 trillion naira was spent in the 2015 electoral process. PDP alone was said to have disbursed unaccounted 2 trillion naira, and the opposition APC was not left out in huge political financing.

The corrupt rot in some government agencies and the entire petroleum subsidy management have been linked to the massive cash inflow into the campaign offices of the political parties, especially PDP. In the months to the election campaigns, reports of diversion of huge budgetary allocations to both principal parties were rife.

Empirical returns from election observers and monitors showed that both parties were involved in alleged massive vote buying.

There was no control of electoral spending, as billions of Naira were rolled out into campaign adverts, luring traditional leaders and political road shows. Nigeria’s economy was bled dry, and it would take several months to recover, especially with slowing offshore inflow.

The electoral law stipulates limContinues on page 35

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015—35

2015 elections: Implications for Nigeria’s Democracy Continues from page 34 its to campaign donations but there is simply no political will of the regulators to monitor political financing. Consequently, it can be said that money played some role in dictating outcomes of the voting especially in other seats other than the presidency.

Campaign expenses: There is need for the incoming regime to set up clear standards and enforceable regulations regarding political campaign funding. The Electoral Act by section 93 sets the limit of campaign expenses of political candidates, and maximum individual contributions to campaign funds. The Political Parties are to keep strict record of money received and their sources, and of its campaign expenses. This provision has been obeyed in the breach since 1999.

INEC lacks the technical capacity to monitor political financing and it is not expected to be saddled with such responsibility in a fragile electoral situation it usually finds itself in every election semester.

Private sector contractor As a result, there are unbridled fund disbursements from the commonwealth, and from the crooked private sector contractor. Such slush funds as subsidy reserves, NIPP and unaccounted oil receipts are easily mobilised into campaigns.

For Nigeria to achieve credible electoral process, so as to allow citizen who can serve the nation but have no huge financial war chest to compete in elections, it is important to set up an independent political financing monitoring body under a proposed Electoral Offences Commission.

This was the thrust of the recommendations of the former Chief Justice Uwais Commission on Electoral Reform, whose report have not been implemented by succeeding regimes.

Unbundling of INEC: Clearly, there is no way we can develop our electoral process until the INEC is unbundled into three: Political Parties Registration and

EDITORIAL TEAM Innocent Anaba ( Head) Wahab Abdulah Ikechukwu Nnochiri Dayo Benson (Supervising Editor) 08056180119 dayobenson@yahoo.com

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Prof. Attahiru Jega, INEC Chairman Control Commission, Electoral Offences Commission and the Election managers.

Such separation and independence of office will also serve to put electoral officers on check. At the moment, no INEC official can be effectively prosecuted because the same agency and officials, are saddled with the responsibility of conducting elections and punishing those who commit breach of the electoral laws.

Electoral disputes can be deescalated: Another implication of

The introduction of IT in the electoral process has redeemed the image of our electoral process

the 2015 elections is the obvious realisation that electoral disputes can be de-escalated leading to downing of tension.

The conceding of defeat by President Goodluck Jonathan showed an example that appeared to have been well emulated within the political society.

Unlike in the 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011 elections, there have not been avalanche of electoral petitions in 2015. Though many protests and petitions are being filed at the moment, the hateful rejections of election results of previous occasions have not been widely reported on this occasion.

In fact, many loosing governors and legislators have graciously conceded and congratulated the winners. This is a good development for the polity and our political reputation.

Impact of use of IT: More significant outcome of the election is the impact of use of IT through the card reader. There was huge apprehension in the run up to the elections that INEC would be unable to manage the massive and sprawling polling locations across the country with its sloppy preparations for the use of the card readers.

Indeed, in more polling units in the March 28 elections than on April 11, there were massive failures of the card readers, because some of the polling offic-

ers were handling the machine for the first time that morning. It was reported in the field that many did not even peel off the nylon films covers of the lenses to enable accurate biometric reading.

The introduction of manual register in the middle of the polling raised tension of the failure of the card readers system, but the extension of the voting in many areas was a witty intervention by INEC that saved many expected electoral crises.

With the April 11 polls, there was very little and scanty reports of system failures. In other words, the introduction of IT in the electoral process has redeemed the image of our electoral process, and when tested further with midterm gubernatorial elections coming up next year and in a number of local government elections, INEC will hopefully by 2019 achieve a near-perfect management of electronic voting system.

Voter register management: vgAn area of seeming difficulty that should be a lesson for INEC is in the area of voter register management. The hustle for the collection of the permanent voters’ card into the last week of the polling, and the failure of nearly one-tenth of the population to collect their PVC in order to participate in the voting underscores the need for INEC to device a means of continuous revision and updating of the voters’ register.

Voters register We need not wait until we are close to election semester to start the revision of voters’ register.

It will be useful to harmonise the PVC biometric registration with the National Identity Card programme, so that there will be an integrated citizens’ identification system that will also feed into security intelligence. The government cannot afford not to take advantage of the huge resources invested in the PVC registration. With nearly a 100 million entries, representing over 60% of the population, we need

a little more nudge to ensure that all citizens are captured in a biometric database that could be a springboard for an efficient population management.

Need for virile opposition: The instructive lesson of the 2015 election is the realisation of the need for a virile opposition. Unhappily, many members of PDP are already jumping ship into APC. Such political treachery should be discouraged. We in the civil society have insisted that constitutional prohibition of carpet-crossing by elected legislators under sections 68(1) and 109 (1) of the 1999 Constitution should be applied strictly.

Political practices Unfortunately, since 1999, the provisions have not been enforced even though many legislators have left membership of the political parties under whose platform they were elected to another party in circumstances not permitted by the Constitution, namely merger of or division in the political party.

It is important that since APC rode on the promises of maintaining the rule of law and increasing good political practices, that any breach of the constitution should not be tolerated. Our political society must reduce the electoral impunity in order to give the country the future gains of the considerably successful 2015 election.

We expect the PDP to reorganise itself into a potent opposition, with shadow ministers and other shadow officials to put the incoming government on its toes.

Nigerians have clearly told the political class through the 2015 ballots that any elected official who does not deliver on his or her promises will be voted out.

This is the strong future message of the civil society to the nation.

Obiagwu, is a lawyer , the Chair of Human Rights Agenda Network (HRAN), and director of LEDAP – Legal Defence & Assistance Project.

36—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

NIALS holds 2015 Founders Day Lecture

I was not ridiculed out of police —Ehindero

By Dayo Benson

F

ORMER Inspector General of Police, Mr. Sunday Ehindero, has stated that he was not ridiculed out of the police force even as he denied any financial impropriety against him during his tenure.

Ehindero, a lawyer who served as Inspector General during the regime of former president Olusegun Obasanjo, said he was the only IGP whose term was twice extended between 2005 -2007.

In a statement he personally signed, he said “I was not ridiculed out of the Police. Rather, my term was extended twice in 2006 and 2007.

Of all the IGPs, I was the only one who was so favoured. I did not ask for such extensions. I do not think if I was that bad my term would have been extended.

He stated further that he was not involved any N23 million scandal. The amount said to have been found in the trunk of a car “That was allegedly smuggled out of FHG and allegedly being taken

to Ehindero”. No money was found in the trunk of a car being smuggled out of FHG. On June 1, 2007 I retired from the Force and was so Pulled-Out. I handed over to Mr. Ogbonna Onovo who was my second in command because the IGP had not been appointed. How could I have been involved in any scandal on the 6th of June, 2007?

He also denied facing a probe over the N2.5 billion Police Cooperative money, N300million police funds and for allegedly building about eight magnificent houses and that his passport was seized.

“I did not face any probe over N2.5 billion Police Cooperative money.

Police Cooperative did not have, at any time, during my tenure, up to 1billion naira. How come the N2.5 billion? I know nothing about N300 million funds. Neither do I have eight magnificent houses. At no time was my passport seized. “ he stated.

Ehindero said: “I was interrogated by ICPC in

2008 on how money meant for the purchase of arms for the Police was spent. That is true.”

He also denied, being arraigned alongside the then Commissioner of police, Budget before an Abuja High Court for alleged complicity in the misappropriation of N557million belonging to the Nigeria Police for the Procurement of arms and riot control equipment.

According to him, “I was not arraigned for misappropriation of N557million. The N557 million had been utilised in the purchase of arms and riot control equipment. I was falsely arraigned before the high court for converting N16 million, being the interest generated on the principal.Nothing was converted.

"I am on appeal because the proof of evidence disclosed no prima facie case against me to warrant the grant of leave for the charge and arraignment.

"However, the case is subjudice and I don’t want to be in contempt of court.”

Participants at the just concluded Founders Day Lecture of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) at University of Lagos, UNILAG, Lagos Campus.

•Director-General, Professor Adedeji Adekunle (left) presenting a plaque to the Guest Lecturer, Professor Ademola Popoola

•Former NIALS Secretary, Mr. Zac Olomojobi and Hon. Justice Toyin Ipaye

Court rules on property suit May 21

By Bartholomew Madukwe

J

USTICE Abisoye Bashua of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Epe has fixed May 21 for ruling in a N100 million suit instituted by the Homeowners at Pearl Garden Estate, Sangotedo Village in Eti-Osa, against a property developer, Oyetubo Jokotade Estate Resource Limited, over alleged incessant harassment and imposition of arbitrary charges.

The N100 million suit was instituted by Messrs Francis Adesuyi, Felix Obiakor, Martin Ajayi-Obe and Peter Afenotan on behalf of themselves and all interested homeowners within the Pearl Garden Estate.

Joined in the suit as second defendant was CMB Building Maintenance and Investment Company Limited, which was in charge of providing estate management services to the claimants.

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In the suit, the claimants were asking the court for a declaration that the incessant harassment, restriction of movement and imposition of arbitrary charges on them by the defendants as illegal and unlawful.

They also asked the court to declare that the refusal of the second defendant to allow them install borehole in their homes as illegal and unlawful.

The claimants also asked for: “An Order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, jointly and severally, their agent, privies and cronies from further demanding or collecting reticulation charges in the sum of N650,000 or any other sums from the claimants, contrary to the express terms of the Deeds of Assignment and the Sale and Management Agreement.

“A Mandatory Order directing the second respondent to refund to the claimants and other residents all monies collected forcefully as part

or full payments of the unlawful imposition of the reticulation charges and the unilateral estate charges immediately to the respective claimants and other homeowners.

“An Order restraining the defendants from further harassing them and also the sum of N100 million as general damages for the barricade, destruction of property and unlawful denial of the claimants access to the Estate on March 13, 2013.”

At the hearing of the suit, counsel to the defendants, Mr R.A. Aladesanmi, said they had filed an application asking the court to stay proceedings of the suit, pending the referral of the arbitration proceedings.

Aladesanmi argued that all purchases of the land entered into an arbitration agreement contained in their individual Sale and Management Agreement, adding that the appropriate place to resolve the dispute was through arbitration.

•Professor Taiwo Osipitan and Professor Chioma Agomo, Faculty of Law, UNILAG

•Professor Idoniji, NIALS Director, NIALS Director of Studies, Professor Animi Away and NIALS Director of Research, Professor Fagbohun.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015 —37

Book on corruption & human rights law in Africa Reviewed by Robert Wundeh Eno

K

OLAWOLE Olaniyan’s Corruption and Human Rights Law in Africa is a unique departure in many senses from typical books on corruption.

Some recent writings want us to believe that corruption is only a recently developed deviation in public morality. It is not.

Corruption has been with us from the creation of humankind.

The Roman Empire, for example, was already plagued by the buying of votes. Corruption is mentioned in the Bible, the Koran, Hindi writings, the teachings of Buddha and in Hebrew scriptures. In ancient Greece, Plato wrote in his ‘laws’: “The servants of the nations are to render their services without any taking of presents…The disobedient shall, if convicted, die without ceremony”.

This is evidence to the fact that corruption and indeed the struggle to combat it, has been there since the history of humankind.

In the first sentence of his book, Corruption and Human Rights Law in Africa, Dr. Kolawole Olaniyan, restates this irrefutable truth, that “Corruption is as old as humanity.”(1) Kolawole Olaniyan in this book brings us face-to-face with the dangers of corruption not only to socio-economic and political development across the globe, but in Africa in particular, and that in spite of the concerted efforts to combat this scourge at national, regional and global levels, it continues to flourish with catastrophic consequences on the enjoyment of human and peoples’ rights in Africa.

Catastrophic consequences While recognising the efforts made through the criminal law frameworks, at national, regional and global levels, to combat corruption, Olaniyan challenges us to think outside the box, and adopt the more attractive and allembracing human rights law approach, to complement, but not replace, the criminal law approach.

He wonders why despite the increasing global recognition of the connection between corruption and human rights, the two concepts are still to a large extent, treated separately.

Focusing on Africa, Olaniyan examines the source of corruption (large scale) in the continent, the criminal law instruments and mechanisms put in place to combat corruption nationally, subregionally and continentally, the clear lack of understanding of the very concept and absence of definition, and above all, the effects of corruption on the human and peoples’ rights guaranteed in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The approaches adopted to combat corruption by the national legal frameworks, as well as the approaches provided in the four regional and global instruments examined in this book, demonstrate a clear disconnect between corruption and human rights.

Due to the very nature of corruption, the secrecy under which it is practiced, lack of understanding of the very concept, absence of a clear and universal definition, coupled with the manner it is conceived by different peoples in different places, it is almost impossible to determine with certainty or exactitude the level of corruption in a state, and its effects on ordinary individuals.

Narrow understanding For the most part, because of this lack of understanding and confusion, corruption was and still is considered a victimless crime.

Olaniyan deflates this narrow understanding and has demonstrated in Corruption and Human Rights Law in Africa, that corruption has as its principal victim, the ordinary citizens, who are usually the most vulnerable in society, and who because of the lack of understanding of the real effects of corruption, usually end up without any effective remedy.

That is why he propounds in this book that “as a matter of justice and fairness, they (victims) should ideally be entitled to an effective remedy through the anticorruption legal framework or human rights law.

In Chapter One, Olaniyan discusses the historical and conceptual frameworks of corruption and human rights law, noting that whereas the effects of corruption on human rights may seem self-evident, this link is rarely seriously explored, because ‘corruption is still narrowly considered as an ordinary crime and victimless.”

He exposes the reason for this narrow mindedness, arguing that “at the heart of the matter is the reliance on a restrictive notion of corruption to address the grave problem that it has become (and its effects on human rights). (25).

The lack of understanding of the

very concept of corruption and its impact on human rights is exacerbated by the lack of a universal definition of the term corruption, and the few definitions that do exist, are usually vague, imprecise, sometimes confusing and limited to criminal and law enforcement fields, and almost never include the victim element of corruption, (25) or reflect elements of the accountability of states for the human rights violations faced by victims of large scale corruption (73).

Chapter Two looks at the international dimension of corruption and establishes a link between corruption, money laundering and poverty. Using three African countries (Angola, Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria) to illustrate this relationship, Olaniyan demonstrates the challenges faced prosecuting large scale corruption perpetrated by high-ranking government officials, including Heads of State and Government and close members of their families.

The difficulty of proving a case of corruption is enormous, but even when proven, Olaniyan notes that “the fundamental weakness of assets recovery” becomes glaring. (100). It is usually not clear whether the entire asset is fully recovered and how the recovered asset is used to provide effective remedy to

Legal framework In Chapter Three, the book examines the national legal frameworks for fighting corruption in Africa. Today, it is rare to find any country in Africa without legal frameworks or institutions to fight and combat corruption, the only difference being on the legal system of the country (common law or civil law) or whether the country has ratified and domesticated a treaty in their legal system.

Using the same three countries mentioned in Chapter 2 as case studies, it is clear that the legal frameworks are in two main categories: constitutional and legislative. The constitutional provisions to fight corruption are particularly important, in terms of their potential to serve as a code of behavior, however, Olaniyan cast a shadow on them as effective tools to fight corruption, because they ‘are deemed programmatic

From left: Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, NBA Lawyers in the Media Forum, John Austin Unachukwu; Uduak Ekanem; Justice I. Eradiri; Aniedi Akpabio and Ime Archibong at the just concluded Commonwealth Lawyers Association, CLA, conference in Glasgow, United Kingdom.

PUNUKA lecture holds April 30

T Corruption is mentioned in the Bible, the Koran, Hindi writings, the teachings of Buddha and in Hebrew scriptures

citizens who are the real victims of corruption.

In this Chapter, Olaniyan recognizes the important role Courts can and do play in holding African leaders accountable for the sake of victims of human rights violations caused by corruption. (100).

and aspirational goals and therefore are mostly not justiciable, in the sense that citizens have no legal standing to challenge the government for non-compliance”. (130) In the use of constitutional or legal framework, there are major obstacles in the fight against corruption, including the use of immunity clauses, prosecutorial discretion and political appointees, and the independence and effectiveness of anti-corruption mechanisms, executive interference and political pressure.

Olaniyan proposes solutions to some of the obstacles, suggesting with respect to immunity clauses that “a public official, regardless of their title or office, will receive immunity that corresponds only to lawful official actions, and not serious crimes like corruption”.

(142).

Olaniyan examines the international legal frameworks for fighting corruption across Africa in Chapter Four, and identifies three phases in the internationalization of the fight against corruption, namely: the tolerance of corruption in international business transactions, the twofold denial of the negative effects of corrup-tion, and political resistance to adopting strong instruments to address the problem, and the engagement and discussions around develop-ment and governance concerns in developing countries.

HE 2015 edition of PUNUKA Attorneys and Solicitors yearly lecture with the topic “Anti Corruption and Bribery Laws: Extra Territorial Applications and Lessons for Businesses and Government Agencies” holds on April 30, 2015 in Lagos.

The lecture is aimed at bringing together key industry players and stakeholders on topical issues bordering on law, the economy, financial matters, good governance, nation-building, among others.

Justice Emmanuel Ayoola

JSC (rtd) will be the Chairman of this year’s edition, while Professor Mariana Prado, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies at the Faculty of Law, University of Toronto is the guest lecturer. The lecture will also have a panel of discussants that will further deliberate on the subject.

Speaking on the suitability of the topic, the Senior Partner of the firm, Chief Anthony Idigbe, SAN, said the discourse presented from both international and local perspectives would address amongst other issues,

the efficacy of anti-corruption laws, the extra territorial application of foreign anti-bribery laws (such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act & UK Bribery Act), the advent of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in Nigeria with focus on the effectiveness of their anti-corruption policies and campaign and the implication for the economy, businesses and government institutions.

38—Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

•Olanusi: Former Ondo dep governor

•Onyebuchi: Lost his seat in Enugu

•Fintiri: Embattled Adamawa State speaker

Gale of impeachments sweep the polity

By Clifford Ndujihe, Umar Yusuf, Charles Kumolu & Gbenga Oke

C

ALL it a season of impeachments and you may not be wrong. Why? A gale of impeachment is sweeping the polity and has left many elected officers licking their wounds and a host of others on the verge of being swept out of their plum positions for serious and flimsy reasons.

Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose and his Deputy, have in the past couple of weeks fighting the battle of their political lives to avoid being impeached by 19 members of the state House of Assembly. In Ebonyi, Governor Martin Elechi narrowly escaped the impeachment scare.

Last month, a Niger State High Court restrained the Niger State House of Assembly from impeaching the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Musa Ibeto.

While the likes of Elechi and Ibeto are ‘lucky’ the story is different for a number of deputy governors, speakers and deputy speakers of houses of assembly that have been shown the way out.

Kebbi Assembly Speaker impeached over breach of trust, embezzlement Speaker of the Kebbi State

House of Assembly, Hon. Hassan Muhammad Shalla, was on Tuesday impeached for alleged breach of trust and embezzlement of allowances by 12 of the 24 members of the House.

The sitting was presided by Hon. Abubakar Sabo of Birnin Kebbi North constituency in the absence of the Speaker and his deputy.

The impeachment motion was moved by Hon. Aminu Gumbi of Yauri constituency and seconded by Hon. Aliyu Mutubare of Kalgo constituency.

Hon. Habib Musa Jega, who was impeached in a controversial

A gale of impeachment is sweeping the polity and has left many elected officers licking their wounds and a host of others on the verge of being swept out of their plum positions for serious and flimsy reasons

manner in December 2014, was re-appointed speaker by a motion by Hon. Bala Danbaba Waje, seconded by Hon. Mohammed Dantani Yellow from Shanga constituency.

Confusion in Adamawa as 9 lawmakers impeach speaker at govt House The lingering crisis between the Executive and Legislative arms of Government in Adamawa State came to its climax on Tuesday when nine members believed to be loyal to Governor Bala Ngilari sat at the Conference hall of Adamawa Government House and impeached Speaker Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and his Deputy, Barrister Kwamoti La’ori.

In the wake of the just concluded general election, the legislators went on a three-week recess to allow members participate in the electoral process.

But a day to the resumption of the House, 11 members believed to be loyal to the governor issued a statement expressing their dissatisfaction with Fintiri’s leadership style and threatened to effect a change in the House leadership.

The threat forced Fintiri to shift the plenary sitting which ought to commence on Monday April 20 to Monday April 27 and even at that the House could not convene on the day.

The House of Assembly remained under lock and key prompting the aggrieved lawmakers to issue another statement warning that since the speaker could not open the House for legislative functions, they have no alternative than to sit somewhere else.

Consequently, nine of the 11 aggrieved lawmakers, on Tuesday convened at the conference hall of the Government House where they impeached the speaker and his deputy.

Consistent refusal As soon as the nine lawmakers arrived the conference room, the member representing Gombi constituency, Hon Jerry Kumdisi moved for the appointment of Wale Fwa as Protem speaker and was seconded by the member representing Girei constituency, Abubakar Umar Girei.

While leading the session, the Protem speaker Fwa said they convened the session following the consistent refusal of Fintiri to open the House after series of entreaties made to him fell on deaf ears.

She added that majority of the lawmakers have lost confidence in the leadership of Fintiri as a result of which 17 lawmakers representing 2/3 of the lawmakers duly signed for the

impeachment of the speaker and his deputy.

“All the members who signed the impeachment notice have resolved to remove the speaker and his deputy,” she noted.

It was at this point that the member representing Verre constituency, Hon. Salihu Kabillo moved for the impeachment of the speaker and his deputy leading to the removal of Fintiri and Lao’ri.

Removal of Fintiri and Lao'ri After the removal Kabillo again moved for the nomination of Hon. Jerry Kumdisi as the new speaker of the House and was seconded by the member representing Yola South, Hon Abuzarri Ribadu.

I remain speaker –Fintiri Reacting to what he called a nullity, the embattled Fintiri said he remains the constitutionally recognized speaker of the assembly as those that claimed to have removed him from office did not follow due process of the law.

He said: “It beats my imagination for nine lawmakers who are under the payroll of the governor of the state to sit down with a fake mace at the Government House to effect my removal...The action of these few lawmakers is a nullity as they did not follow the due process of the law. If they are right, they ought to come to the floor of the House and effect my removal not at Government House.”

Ondo deputy gov impeached for dumping PDP Last week, Ondo State Deputy Governor, Ali Olanusi, was

Continues on page 40

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015—39

NASS: Why we need Mid-term elections – Hamalai

By Emman Ovuakporie

T

HE Director General of National Institute for Legislative Studies ,NILS, Dr. Ladi Hamalai, is one of those who are disturbed by recurring loss of institutional memory in the National Assembly when most serving members fail to return after general elections.

She says adopting the United States system of holding mid-term elections involving not more than half of serving legislators will help to safeguard institutional memory.

Such system, she said enhances the maturity and growth of the Legislature.

Hamalai disclosed this at the on-going induction course for fresh National Assemblylawmakers.

The NILS boss, who described the legislature as “the most democratic arm of government,” decried the loss of institutional memories in the system.

He further frowned at the idea of changing legislators every four years, adding that it had retarded the growth of that arm of government.

“The Legislature is the most democratic arm of government where you have 360 members of the House and 109 members of the Senate representing 360 Federal Constituencies and 109 Senatorial Districts respectively.

Sustenance of democracy Each one is an independent unit of power created by, and deriving its functions from the constitution. So it is not subject to any other organisation.

Any other organisation is a bureaucracy. And since it’s the most democratic arm of government, the sustenance of democracy will largely depend on the growth of the legislative arm”, she submitted.

She added that such practice is responsible for the unhealthy practice of designating returning legislators as ranking members who enjoy certain preferential treatments at the expense of others, even though the presiding officers are called, ‘first among equals’.

She, however, said there are constitutional huddles in the way of such political reforms which is necessary for legislative growth.

“The need to keep experienced lawmakers for the growth of the legislature is a

•Mark: Will not return as Senate president •Tambuwal: Now Sokoto governor-elect

policy and constitutional issue. There are various systems world wide where they fashion out ways on how to solve these problems. In the US for example, every two years they elect half of the congress in what is called midterm election. Not all, in such an election, almost 90 per cent of the legislators are returned.

In this arrangement, not all the legislators go for re-election at the same time. That is why you have lawmakers spending decades in the legislature with so much legislative experience.

“This has to be really debated on. Whether to do a constitution amendment to ensure that at least, 50 to 70 per cent

of legislators are retained at every election, or better still we can adopt the US method which ensures that not all of

There are other strategies we can also adopt. The political parties can adjust their behaviour by removing zoning from legislative elections

them are made to go for election at the same time. It however requires an amendment to the constitution.’’

In addition, she said: ‘’There are other strategies we can also adopt. The political parties can adjust their behaviour by removing zoning from legislative elections. Take it off completely, we don’t need to zone legislative appointment and offices. If they can really appreciate ideological and legislative reasoning behind that, we all can benefit from it.’’

Continuing, she said: ‘’Now it must not be that somebody is left permanently there. But at least, we know that we

need some semi-permanency.

So you can have a time limit instead of just zoning positions from one legislative session to the other. With that each zone is represented and the positions are rotated. By doing that institutional memory would have been achieved.

“Or better still, if we can have different starting points for different zones so that we mix experience and inexperience legislators of equal proportion with the experienced ones acting as teachers to the new ones through legislative processes and practises.’’

What Buhari must do in 48 months – Odikpo, APC chieftain •Intrigues over appointments responsible for crisis in Delta APC COORDINATOR of Buhari Campaign Orgnanisation in Delta North Senatorial District, Dr. Iyke Odikpo, in this interview, speaks on what Presidentelect, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari should do in the next fours to stabilise Nigeria and how struggle for federal appointments has locked Delta State All Progressives Congress (APC) in crisis.

By Charles Kumolu

Y

OU were among the coordinators of Major-General Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign organisation in Delta State, how was it like doing that in a state that is

•Odikpo known as a stronghold of the PDP? Working for General Buhari in a

traditional PDP state was a difficult task, more so when the PDP candidate Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is from the South-South.

But some of us knew that the way PDP was managed its was difficult for them to win a federal election with good spread, so it made our job easier. PDP took Nigerians for a ride and mismanaged all the good will.

So most people were tired of the total mismanagement, impunity and lack of respect for rules and regulation.

It was obvious that people were tired of PDP and needed to have a new lease of life. We had no option than to work progressively for their exit. Nigeria deserved more than what it got from the PDP. I alongside other people of like

Continues on page 40

40—Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

There'll be vibrant opposition in Senate--PDP senators-elect debates are all the same. We have our individual experiences and knowledge so I think we are going to experience a robust outing. There won’t be any setback in the National Assembly simply because we have more freshers than the returning ones.”

On the expectations of his constituents, he said, “my constituents should expect robust representation. My people elected me from the House of Assembly to the Senate because they recognise my competence, knowledge and experience in legislative business.

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

S

ENATORS elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have promised to be vibrant in their capacity as the minority in the upper arm of the National Assembly.

Some, who spoke to Vanguard noted that they were not jittery over the fact that the Senate would be dominated by the All Progressives Congress, APC, saying that they would be vibrant in their legislative duties.

Mr. Samuel Anyanwu, who is a Senator-elect from Imo East dismissed fears that new members would slow down legislative activities as a result of lack of experience, noting that some of them were coming from state houses of assembly.

He said: “I have been in the

Gale of impeachments sweep the polity

•Marafa parliament for eight years and induction course is the same all over. I don’t believe that new members will slow down legislative activities in the Eight Senate because of their lack of experience.

“Most of the newly elected senators are also coming from lower houses either from House of Representatives or state Houses of Assembly. Arguments and

I don’t believe that new members will slow down legislative activities in the eight senate because of their lack of experience

“It is understandable that the PDP will be a minority in the National Assembly but I believe that the party will form a strong opposition to ensure that our party really becomes a very strong opposition.

“We will do our best to ensure the best for the economy of this country. We are going to ensure that peace and unity of this country remains.”

On his part, Senator Kabir Marafa frowned at claims that the lawmakers were allegedly being paid severance package and pension.

He however, urged Nigerians to verify from the banks how much a Nigerian senator earns.

“Our monies are paid to the banks.

So let the bankers come out and say how much a senator is earning. When you get the correct figure that is when we can sit down and talk but you cannot invent an amount and then tell me how much I should reduce from it. I think there is general ignorance as to how much a Nigerian Senator earns, I will want Nigerians to know exactly how much we earn after which they can come up with criticisms on the basis of facts.”

What Buhari must do in 48 months

Continues from page 38 impeached by members of the state House of Assembly.

Some observers said he was removed because he dumped the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) but in the impeachment notice signed by 20 of the 26 members, the lawmakers accused him of financial misappropriation, absenteeism from official duties and causing disaffection in the state cabinet among others.

Other impeachments Some impeachments witnessed in the polity in recently include the Tuesday, July 22, 2014 removal of Enugu State Deputy Governor, Mr Sunday Onyebuchi in what has been dubbed chicken impeachment Before Onyebuchi, Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako was impeached a week earlier, specifically on Tuesday, July 15, 2014.

His impeachment was sequel to an indicting report by an investigative panel set up by the State House Assembly to probe him on allegations of financial misconduct.

Nyako was impeached by 18 of the 25 members of the Adamawa State House of Assembly over a 20-count charge of gross misconduct.

Giving the outcome of the 2015 general elections, there is fear that more impeachments will follow. It is however hoped that the removals will follow due process and justified.

Continues from page 39 minds in Delta State worked for Buhari’s victory because we were confident that he would be a President of every Nigerian.

What was the attraction in working for Buhari’s election?

The attraction is Buhari’s trade mark of zero tolerance for corruption. We all know that if you address corruption in Nigeria things will start working. Look at our exchange rate, as soon as GMB emerged winner our currency started appreciating.

Many foreign countries started showing interest in working with Nigeria. Buhari is a brand. Buhari has a record in public service that stands him out. Such integrity is very rare in our society today. Why would I not work for such a person. We have got to a stage as a people where we can decide who will preside over our affairs.

Nigeria and Nigerians deserve the best. The enthusiasm that has been following his victory is indicative of the fact that Nigerians made a wise choice by voting for him.

The reason for the attraction is simple and can be seen by anyone conversant with the life of Buhari. When you have a leader who detests ostentatious lifestyle and mannerism, people are bound to emulate him. Don’t be surprise to see state

governors and other elected officials being less materialistic in the next dispensation.

As a party, the APC will not disappoint Nigerians even though miracles should not be expected. But the level of goodwill that made our victory possible, is such that the APC would do everything to sustain it. A party that is progressively inclined like ours, would ensure that life is good for every Nigerian. The performance of APC state governors is a handy template any day. It is an assurance that

at the national level, APC will provide responsive governance.

Don’t you think that the inability of your party to come up with an acceptable formula for the sharing of political offices is likely to create some fault lines that may be harmful to the party?

APC is a large family but I am happy the President-elect is a disciplinarian and has said that all members should go back to the party at their local or ward levels.

Sharing of

offices

In sharing offices all the party needs is to allocate positions to different zones and then state, then local government and finally ward

Thus, in sharing offices all the party needs is to allocate positions to different zones and then state, then local government and finally ward.

And in doing this, zones should take one after the other. The zone with president and vice president should take last. So we expect the other four zones to take Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Secretary to the Government of the Federation,SGF, and BOT chairman. Then there will be another round of balloting for positions like Majority leader, Chief whip, Deputy senate president, Deputy speaker, etc.

What is the cause of the internal crisis ravaging Delta APC ?

The internal crisis in Delta APC is a fall out of our

defective party congress and inability of the victorious group to be magnanimous in victory. Also with some external factors tele-guiding party exco activities. Also, the recent upsurge is due to the positioning for federal appointments. But some of us know very sincere and bold members who can panel beat APC in Delta State to shape quickly. History is never wrong and I remember what the current national chairman said to me in our inaugural meeting at Grand Hotel Asaba. ‘Hope you guys will behave well this time. If you remember the old AC and ACN in Delta you will appreciate what I am saying.’

What is your vision for Nigeria in the next four years of Buhari?

My vision for Nigeria in next four years is categorised into short and long terms. Short term is to give the Nigerian people immediate solutions to our many problems. We must stop corruption like yesterday, change our national orientation from ‘he is my brother so I must support him’ or he is a Muslim or Christian mentality. Let’s put our best hands forward. Quickly fix power and refineries and create mass community-base factories to employ school leavers.

Long term vision is to give Nigeria that direction that once made us giant of Africa in the modern world, so we should have modern cities with standard facilities.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015—41

No child needs to be crippled by polio — Dr. Tunji Funsho, Chairman, Polio Plus Committee OVER the past eight months, Nigeria has not recorded any case of polio. If this continues, in a few months, the country will attain status of “non endemic country”. Chairman, Polio Plus Committee, Dr. Tunji Funsho, says its the first time Nigeria has attained such feat.

In a chat with Chioma Obinna, Funsho who oversees polio activities in Nigeria in partnership with the Federal government and partners on behalf of Rotary International, says it is a well deserved feat despite the challenges of a few years ago. Excerpts:

T

HROUGHOUT last year ,we had only six cases of polio until July. The previous year we had 56 cases. We have seen a gradual decrease to a point we are zero level for eight months. We are hoping that in another four months, the World Health Organisation, WHO, will declare Nigeria a non endemic country.

Polio free is different from being non endemic. These are very technical terms and they have health connotations. When you say a country is non endemic, it means that it has not seen that disease for 12 months. When you say the country is polio free it means that the country has no fear of having polio as long as it continues routine immunisation and that is the prerogative of the World Health organisation, WHO. India, for instance was certified polio free last year in February having not seen any case of polio at all for the preceeding three years. What we are looking forward to is that by July this year if there is no more case, we will become a non endemic country but not polio free. There is a robust of surveillance system that will pick up any

• Dr. Tunji Funsho. case of paralysis; it does not matter whether it is polio or not. And there are protocols to ensure that those kinds of children are

brought to attention, examine them and their stools are taken to ensure that it is not polio before you can say it is not true.

A polio free status can only come unto a country not a state. A polio free status can only be conferred by WHO if after three years that country sees no more case of polio in the presence of robust surveillance system on polio, I know Lagos has not seen any case of polio for almost four years they do not fall under the category that you can say we are polio free.

Polio free certification is something that is prerogative of the WHO. No state authority can confer on itself a polio free status. It is a national initiative.

Nigeria on verge of history Historically, Nigeria has never eradicated polio and it has been ravaging our children. This is the first time we have gone for eight months without any case. It is a historical thing. The second thing about the optimism, we must give some credit to President Jonathan.

Through the setting up of the Presidential Task Force on Polio, he brought all the partners, government agencies, Rotary, WHO and UNICEF under one coordinated roof where they meet regularly and plan and execute. That kind of cooperation and collaboration within the agencies working towards one goal has really contributed tremendously.

On cost and funding, the government

has done reasonably well releasing funds as at when due for polio eradication and that gives us a lot of hope.

We have seen results. We were 156 cases in 2012, went to 56 in 2013 and last year we went six and this is what happened in India. When you see gradual reduction of cases as long as you continue doing those same things and be proactive in anticipating that things may happen that you did not plan for. From the experience of other countries similar to ours we know we are getting somewhere.

Sigh of relief: For some of us who have been on the campaign, the first thing is to heave a sigh of relief. Second thing, is pride. A lot of people did not believe that we can get this far this quickly.

About three years ago, the international community - our partners, particularly, WHO, were still skeptical whether we will eradicate polio. Most importantly, the fact that no child needs to be crippled by polio anymore is another thing to be proud of.

Agenda for President-Elect: The presidential task force still exists. We are debating as to see the President-Elect or wait for him. One of the major tasks of Rotary in the partnership is to serve as leading advocacy organisation because we Rotarians are in government and corporate areas.

We need to get the President-Elect to continue on the track of his predecessor. If there is one good success story as far as health is concerned, it is polio because we are near eradication. One has to give credit to the outgoing government. Rotary, Bill Gates Foundation, WHO and UNICEF, are planning to see the President-Elect.

To be concluded

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42—Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Urhobo militant group blows up gas trunklines in Delta

By Perez Brisibe

U

GHELLI—AN Urhobo militant group, Urhobo Gbagbako, yesterday, claimed responsibility for two explosions that rocked two major gas trunklines belonging to the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, located on the boundaries of Afiesere and Ekredjebo communities and Otedo and Edjovwe communities both in Ughelli North and Ughelli South Local Government Areas of Delta State.

Urhobo Gbagbako, in a statement by its spokesperson, Priest Omodjuvwu, said that the explosions were in protest against those he called “traitors” the NPDC had continued to send to Urhoboland in a bid to manipulate their unsuspecting and once peaceful communities.

He said: “These petty crumb eaters can only cause pains to the NPDC, Shoreline and the Nigerian National Petroleum

Corporation, NNPC, in a promised sham settlement to the lingering crises to these companies and government agencies.

“In believing the empty promises of these evil doers and traitors, you continue to slowly drive your NPDC, NNPC and Shoreline into a certain abyss you will never recover from and we the Urhobo nation will continue to demand for our fair share of

the pipeline surveillance contract jobs for the sake of equity and justice.

“We, Urhobo Gbagbako, a militia group of all exmilitants, youths, women and elders of Urhobo ethnic nationality, did not and have not given any individual or group, authority to speak on our behalf on any issue as it concerns the pipeline surveillance contract job.”

Confirming the incident,

President General of Afiesere community, Mr. Emmanuel Shikaleke, said: “I was called by officials of NPDC, who had earlier come to assess the level of damage on the trunklines by the actions of the boys.

“For now, there is nothing we can do other than leave the matter for the authorities to handle. As I speak with you, men of the Nigerian Army are at the scene to forestall further attack.”

Don advocates discipline in schools to revamp education

FACILITY VISIT: From left: Mr Alao Olalekan, Laboratory Manager, FALCON; Mr Olaye Bode, Snr. Microbiologist/Quality Control Analyist, FALCON; Chemical, Managing Director, FALCON Chemical, Mr Babatunde Adefarati; Mrs Elemide Omolara, Managing Director, CAP Plc; Mr Oluwatosin Afolabi, Supply Chain Manager, CAP Plc; Mr Francis Tunde Adefarati, Group Managing Director, FALCON Chemical and Okosun Henrietta, Research & Development Manager, CAP Plc, during a facility visit by Managing Director of CAP Plc to FALCON Chemical Company in Ota, Ogun State. Photo by Diran Oshe.

P

PDP faults Woka on proposed LG polls in Rivers

ROFESSOR of Theatre Art, University of Benin, Prof.

Chris Ugolor, has said that for the country ’s educational system to bounce back, emphasis must be placed on returning to the old practice.

Prof. Ugolor, in Benin City, Edo State, as branch chairman of Urhobo College Old Students Association, UCOSA annual dinner/ luncheon, faulted the present scenario where discipline is being sacrificed for mediocrity in institutions of learning.

“Where are our boarding systems? The authority of respect and discipline which were hallmarks during the good old days are all gone. That is why there is rot in the entire system.”

He called for a template where the culture of discipline, respect and the boarding system should be reintroduced starting from the formative days of a child’s education.

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HE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State has described comments credited to Mr. Sam Woka, that about 25 political parties have so far indicated interest to participate in the proposed local government polls in the state as false.

Describing his position as that coming from a cardcarrying member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, PDP in a statement by its state Chairman, Mr Felix Obuah, expressed concern that as a Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Information and Communications and a civil servant of that status, “has compromised the public trust in him for selfish interest to justify the political vendetta by his paymasters.”

The PDP said although not surprised that Woka had abandoned the ministry’s work and taken over the job of the spokesman for the Rivers State Electoral body, RSIEC, he has only publicly exposed his loyalty and membership of

APC which he tried to conceal over the years.

PDP called on the Permanent Secretary, whom he accused of being APC's spokesman, to

use this period to concentrate on his commissioner’s hand over note, than make unfounded claim to justify the wrong and ill-conceived action of the APC in the state.

We'll uphold APC's interest in Delta, UPU assures Oyegun

By Christopher Njoku

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HE factional leadership of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, has assured the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Odigie Oyegun, that the union will preserve the interest of the party in Delta State and beyond, as Nigeria under General Muhammadu Buhari prepares for a greater socio-economic rebirth for the country.

UPU factional PresidentGeneral, Chief Tuesday Onoge, gave the assurance when he paid a courtesy call on the APC National Chairman in Abuja.

Onoge said the people of Delta Central voted massively for General Buhari and Olorogun O'tega Emerhor both at the presidential and governorship elections, alleging that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, rigged the elections to the dismay of Delta electorate.

He said: “The Urhobo nation is proud of its illustrious son, Emerhor, who over the years has consistently maintained high level of integrity in the banking and insurance business which is why they now queue behind him to bring development to the Urhobo nation in particular and Delta State in general."

Urhobo in Diaspora congratulates Amori on victory

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socio-cultural group, Urhobo in Diaspora, has congratulated Chief Ighoyota Amori on his victory in last Saturday's re-run election in Delta Central senatorial district.

The group's National Cordinator, Mr. Ejiro Ofoye, in a statement said that Urhobos in Diaspora were sure that they will be adequately represented in the National Assembly

by Chief Amori and urged more support for the senator-elect from all sons and daughters of Urhobo nation at home and abroad Ofoye noted that in any contest there must be a winner and a loser, and urged Chief Omo-Agege of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to accept the outcome of the result and congratulate Chief Amori.

He enjoined all contestants to support Chief Amori to librate the Urhobo people of Delta Central from political imperialism.

Bayelsa NLC gets new exco

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HE Bayelsa State council of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has elected a new executive with Oruseibio Demateide, as chairman.

The election was held in Yenagoa.

A statement by Asuquo Okon, 2nd Deputy President, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, the returning officer for Bayelsa State Council, said other officers elected include Samuel Ekpedi, 1st Vice Chairman; Festus Torubiri, 2nd Vice Chairman; Samanu Ataria, Treasurer; Genesis Francis, Internal Auditor I; Raymond Egede, Internal Auditor II; Egbuson Pretuabo, ex-officio I and Pasingha Festus Warris, Ex-offico II. According to Okon, NUPENG, National Union of Electricity Employee, NUEE, Nigeria Welders Union, NWU and Nigeria National Fitters Union, NNFU, attended the conference.

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44 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Lawmaker condemns police attack on Kogi NUJ chair

By Boluwaji Obahopo

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O K O J A — A member of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Elder Friday Sani has condemned the police for the assault and molestation melted against the Kogi State Chairman of Nigeria Union Journalists, NUJ, Ali Atabor while monitoring last’s Saturday House of Assembly re-run polls in the state.

The lawmaker representing Igalamela/Odolu Constituency said the act is detrimental to the freedom of information which empowered the media to give adequate coverage to issues in the country, the general election inclusive.

Sani also condemned the security personnel for being used by politicians to molest, assault and demoralise the people during the re-run election in the state.

“The attack carried out by the police against the NUJ chairman is condemnable. In a democratic setting where people seek reprieve from the media; this is like gagging the press from carrying out its duties.

“It is more condemnable that the police commissioner was on ground and did nothing to address the situation. For politicians to also be escorted round down by the police and dictating whom to arrest is very embarrassing.”

The lawmaker, promised that the House of Assembly would assist journalists in the state fight for justice and correct the anomaly.

Confusion in Adamawa as 9 lawmakers impeach speaker at Govt House

By Umar Yusuf

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OLA—THE lingering crisis between the Executive and Legislative arms of government in Adamawa State came to its climax yesterday as nine members believed to be loyal to Governor Bala Ngillari sat at the Conference Hall of the Government House and impeached both the Speaker, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and his deputy, Mr Kwamoti La’ori.

Fintiri was replaced by Hon. Jerry Kumdisi as the new speaker following a motion moved by Hon Kabillo and seconded by the member representing Yola South, Hon Abuzarri Ribadu.

In the run-up to the just concluded general elections in the country, the House of Assembly had gone on a threeweek recess to allow members participate in the electoral process.

But a day to the re-opening of the House after the elections, 11 members believed to be loyal to

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BUJA—THE Comptroller General of Customs, Dr. Dikko Inde Abdullahi yesterday stressed the need for stronger collaboration and synergy amongst regional organizations in the West and Central Africa, stating that the "reality of our time" has made it mandatory.

Dikko made the observation at the opening ceremony of the subregional meeting of the World Customs Organization in Abuja, even as the WCO Secretary General, Kunio Mikuriya emphasized that until the menace disease and insurgency was collectively and regionally fought, there would be no enduring victory.

"When we work together , we win together. With the dynamics of international trade and complex

the House for legislative functions, they had no alternative order than to sit anywhere else within the state.

As the crisis deepened, nine among the 11 aggrieved lawmakers Tuesday convened at the Government House where they removed the speaker and his deputy.

As soon as the nine lawmakers arrived the conference room, the member representing Gombi Constituency, Jerry Kumdisi moved for the appointment of Wale Fwa as protem speaker and was seconded by the member representing Girei constituency Abubakar Umar Girei.

While presiding over the session, Fwa noted that the reason for convening the session followed the consistent refusal of Fintiri to open the House even as series of entreaties on him fell on deaf ears.

APC gov candidate in Akwa Ibom heads for tribunal VISIT: From left: Austin Okere, Founder and Group CEO, CWG Plc; Adebayo Sanni, Country MD, Oracle; Abdulahmed Mustapha, DG, Lagos State Financial Systems Management Bureau and Toju Onaiwu, Director, Software, Edo State ICT Agency during an official visit to Oracle in Lagos.

GOV POLL: Benue PDP candidate challenges result

By Peter Duru

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AKURDI—THE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in the last general elections, in Benue State, Mr. Terhemen Tarzoor has petitioned the state Governorship Election

Petitions Tribunal, challenging the election of Dr. Samuel Ortom of the All Progressives Congress.

Tarzoor’s petition was filed yesterday in Makurdi, the state capital by, his Counsel, Mr. Titus Hyungu.

Hyungu told reporters that his client was challenging Ortom’s

Customs boss seeks stronger ties with West, Central Africa

By Ifeyinwa Obi

Ngillari, issued a statement expressing their dissatisfaction with the leadership style of Fintiri and threatened to effect a change in the house leadership.

The threat forced Fintiri to shift the plenary which ought to have commenced on Monday, April 20, to Monday, April 27 but even at that the House could not sit as the Assembly remained under lock and key prompting the aggrieved lawmakers to issue another statement warning that since the speaker could not open

nature of border security, we must see ourselves as partners with other Government agencies within and outside our borders.

"The reality of our time imposes on us the obligation of collaboration among all partner agencies of Government; using information technology (IT) and various WCO tools as support", the Comptroller General said, pointing out that more efforts , more success would be delivered, if stakeholders work on synergies and efficiency.

Speaking on the theme "Coordinated Border Management, an inclusive approach to connecting stakeholders", Dikko said the Abuja meeting initiative which recently saw Nigeria, Benin, Chad, Cameroon and Niger brainstorming on a collaborative

approach of combating crossborder terrorism within the region had begun to yield positive results; in addition to assisting to streamline transit trade between Nigeria and the neighbouring States of Benin and Niger.

"I equally want to recall our resolve against the dreaded Ebola Virus, sympathising with families of affected victims, even as stressed that "from our experience here in Nigeria, no challenge is strong enough to withstand our resolute and collective efforts".

He, however, stressed the need for capacity building, through training and retraining of officers, as well as the employment of talented youths, noting that it is their engagement, and training that the emergence of the desired modernized Customs Service would be realized.

election on the grounds that it contravened Sections 177 of the 1999 Constitution and 138 of the Electoral Act. “We are challenging the outcome of the election in line with the directive of the National Secretariat of the PDP that all aggrieved candidates should seek legal redress rather than resort to self help.

“Besides, we are convinced that the APC governorship candidate as at the time of that election was not qualified to run in the first place and his election failed to meet the condition precedent as stipulated in Sections 177 of the 1999 Constitution and 138 of the Electoral Act, 2010 as amended,’’ he said.

He said his client’s three prayers before the tribunal were that since the APC candidate was not properly nominated to run on the platform of the party, the court should declare the votes he garnered at the governorship election as invalid.

“We are also asking that he should be disqualified and the Certificate of Return issued him withdrawn and re-issued to the PDP candidate who was validly nominated by his party and was the runner up in that election.”

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OVERNORSHIP candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Umana Umana will file petition against the election of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Mr. Udom Emmanuel as the governor of the state at the Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Uyo. The legal team would be led by Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, four other senior advocates and 24 lawyers in the suit that has the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, and PDP as co- defendants.

The Returning Officer in the election, Mr. James Ekpoke had returned Emmanuel as winner, stating that he scored 996, 071 votes to defeat the APC candidate, who polled 89, 865 votes.

It was gathered that the alleged widespread incidents of rigging informed the decision of the APC to challenge the result.

Umana, had in a chat shortly after the disputed exercise, accused INEC of conniving with the PDP to rig the election. ‘’This went beyond elections, it was an organised crime against the people of my state. This was state terrorism. We did not have elections in Akwa Ibom state and the perpetrators of these crime should face justice in the International Criminal, Court.

This was not about elections. The example in Akwa Ibom is that the only way you can become a governor is that you must have a private army to terrorize people on election day,’’ he noted.

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WIN-A-HOME: From left— Mr. Gbenga Olalandu, Senior Manager,

Sales, Lagos/South-West Region, MTN; Mr. Awobajo Olusegun, MTN retailer; Kolawole Oyeyemi, GM, Business Development, MTN; Eze Edith, MTN Retailer; 'Tsola Barrow, Sales and Distribution Executive, MTN, and Bakare Taiwo, MTN retailer, at the unveiling of MTN TruTalk Win-a-Home promo for retailers in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

Pestcare, Healthcare, Aircare, RB,West Africa; Dr. Abimbola Osinowo, Lagos State Malaria Elimination Programme Officer; Mrs Temitope Anofi, Mother of Mortein World Malaria Day baby; and Mr. Silivrili Oghuzan, Marketing Director, RB West Africa, at the presentation of gift to Mortein malaria day baby born in Mushin General Hospital, in commemoration of 2015 World Malaria Day.

MEET THE MEDIA: From left— Nkechi Okolo, Service Manager; Bode Oyekanmi, Marketing Manager, Smartphones; Shashank Sharma, Executive Director, Mobile Business Group, Middle East and Africa; and Shedrack Otura, Sales Managers, Smartphones, all of Lenovo Technologies West Africa, at the company's inaugural breakfast meeting with the media and introduction of Lenovo S90, Lenovo S60 and LenovoP70 smartphones in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: Bunmi Azeez.

BRIEFING: From left— Mr. Taiwo Adedeji, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Waterfront and Infrastructure Development; Prince Segun Oniru, Commissioner for Waterfront and Infrastructure Development, and Mr. Remi Ibirogba, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, at a briefing in commemoration of Governor Babatunde Fashola's eight years in office, in Lagos. PHOTO: Bunmi Azeez.

AGM : From left— Mr. Hakeem Oguniran, MD, UAC Property Development Company; Mrs Bukola Olonade-Aganga, Company Secretary, UPDC REIT; Ms Tokunbo Ajayi, UBA Trustees Ltd, and the Chairman of the meeting; and Mrs Oluwamayowa Ogunewmimo, MD, FSDH Asset Management Ltd, Fund Manager to UPDC REIT at the first Annual General Manager of UPDC REIT in Lagos. PHOTO: Lamidi Bamidele.

DAY OUT: Mr. Gbolahan Labinjo, Deputy Managing Director, Tantalizers Plc (middle) and other officials of the company with Nigerian Idol Season 5 final 12 contestants at their Day Out with Tantalizers in Lagos.

FORUM IN DC: Amina Mohammed, Assistant Secretary-General, United Nations (left) and Emeka Ugwu-Oju, President, South-East SouthSouth Professionals of Nigeria at the inaugural Global Development Forum organized by Centre for Strategic and International Studies, CSIS, in Washington D.C., USA.

FIGHT MALARIA: From left— Qaiser Rashid, Category Manager,

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SCHOOL CUP: From left— Francesco Angelone, Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat Nigeria; Amadi Chukwuebuka, Captain of the winning school, Government Secondary School, Imo; Nnadi Tochukwu, Most Valuable Player of the tournament; Ibrahim Dikko, Vice President, Regulatory & Corporate Affairs, and Modupe Thani, Head, Events & Sponsorships, both of Etisalat Nigeria, at the grand finale of the Etisalat U-15 School Cup, held at Campus Square Mini Stadium, Lagos.

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Sara Pope's portrait of Pope Francis receives Vatican blessing

By Japhet Alakam with agency reports

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ARA Pope has been making headlines recently with her latest artistic endeavour, which saw her get one of her paintings accepted by the Pope into the Vatican’s incredibly rarefied and elite private collection.

The portrait is of the incumbent Pope Francis, who has been head of the Catholic Church for the past two years, and is widely viewed as a breath of fresh air with his more liberal views and attitudes to papal issues. In you haven’t seen Sara’s interview held in our Brighton gallery be sure to have a watch.

For Sara the whole journey to the Vatican began when she held her debut solo show in Italy last year. Whilst preparing a new body of work for the show Sara’s agent suggested she paint a portrait of the Pope because of the fact they shared a name.

Portraiture has always been a large part of her practice, since the beginning of her career, so it was very fitting that she revisited this theme. The painting was then presented to

the Pope who, it was reported, g r e a t l y admired the piece.

“It took six weeks to finish as each layer of oil had to be left for several days to dry before another layer was added, with acrylic on top in fluorescent •The Pope's portrait by Sara Pope pink and peach to flesh him out over the but the experience was cheeks and hands. I’m not probably the most emotional Catholic, nor even religious, and spiritual of my life “ – Sara Pope In her painting Sara has In her painting presented the Pope in a humble Sara has and unassuming light, that reflects his humanistic presented the character and benevolent Pope in a humble nature. The gold, which is a common motif in the Catholic and unassuming Church, is almost dripping off light, that reflects the Pope, alluding to his rejection of materialist his humanistic privilege. The Pope’s personal character and translator praised the painting benevolent for capturing a look of deep contemplation that he often nature sees on the pontiff’s face.

Venice Biennale awards Golden Lions to El Anatsui, Susanne Ghez

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By Chris Onuoha

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home supports coming from our very best Tunde Jedege & the Nomadic Mystics, Yemi Sax, Kwitee & the Hot Seven and many more.

According to Dolapo Ajayi, the festival director, who spoke to st press during the 1 August Agboola lecture to commemorate the event, “it is one of the true celebration of Jazz in Africa.

Satchmo’s JazzFest ’15 intends to present more than 50 dazzling performances in nearly 20 venues throughout the city of Lagos besides the main stage venues, making it the largest and most diverse music festival in Nigeria.”

“The essence of August Agboola lecture connotes the importance of Jazz music as it originates from Africa which encompasses all other musical genres in the world today,” he said.

N commemoration of the annual UNESCO World Jazz day, Nigerian Jazz lovers will be treated to what can be described as a special Jazz feast tagged Satchmo’s JazzFest ’15.

The highly publicized Satchmo’s Jazz festival which promises to be great, will start today at the exclusive Ocean View Marquee, Eko Hotels in Lagos.

Satchmo’s JazzFest ’15, Nigeria’s premier annual cultural event is set to be an annual four-day musical phenomenon which takes off with International Jazz Day on April 30 and continues until May 3, 2015, at Ocean View Marquee, Oriental Hotel, German Consulate-General AERA GQ, Four Point Sheraton, Milliki and others. It will bring together some of the finest international performers from around the world, whilst creating musical bridges and platforms for the festival artists to share, teach and exchange in a recognized and professional context.

The arrays of international Jazz exponents who will be featuring at the event are US based South African Jonathan Butler, Somi, HKB FINN Trio, Cleveland Watkiss, Trio Ivoire, Bobby Ricketts, Brian Cox and others with •Jazzfest-Jonathan Butler

UNESCO World Book Capital 2015; Inchoen takes over from PH

By Japhet Alakam HE Venice Biennale, which opens to the public in a little more than three weeks, announced today that it has awarded its highest honor, the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement, to artist El Anatsui, saying in a statement that the prize “acknowledges not just his recent successes internationally, but also his artistic influence amongst two generations of artists working in West Africa.”

In addition, the biennale said it would give its Special Golden Lion for Services to the Arts to Susanne Ghez, who served as executive director and chief curator of the Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago for 40 years, and is currently an adjunct curator at the Art Institute of Chicago. She “is undeniably one of the most distinguished personalities in international contemporary art,” the biennale said in a statement.

The Golden Lions are presented by the biennale’s board of directors, which is chaired by Paolo Baratta,

Jonathan Butler,Bobby Ricketts , others for Satchmo’s JazzFest ’15

By Chris Onuoha

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•El Anatsui’s Earth’s Skin (2007), in the collection of the Guggenheim Abu Dhab “upon the recommendation” of the exhibition’s curator, Okwui Enwezor.

Meanwhile, the biennale named the members of its international jury, which will be charged with awarding prizes

The prize acknowledges not just his recent successes internationally, but also his artistic influence amongst two generations of artists

to the national pavilions.

They are: Naomi Beckwith, curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago ;Sabine Bergeweiser, director of the Museum der Moderne Salzburg ;Mario Codognato, the chief curator of er Haus Vienna ;Ranjit Hoskote, a writer and curator ;Yongwoo Lee, a curator and former director of the Gwangju Biennale Foundation.

The Venice Biennale opens to the public May 9.

N April 23, 2015, Inchoen became the UNESCO World Book Capital 2015 for the one year period that will end in April 23, 2016. Incheon took over from Port Harcourt (Nigeria) which handed over the reign to her in a well attended colourful ceremony at the city of Incheon, South Korea attended by representative of Port Harcourt World Book Capital 2014, Mrs. Koko Kolango with other officials of Rainbow Book Club.

In her keynote speech during the opening ceremony and handover to Incheon, Mrs Kolango said “Today, the book has brought us together as a family, united by a shared thirst for knowledge, linked by the common desire to advance the written word for benefit of the individual, the society and our world.” She noted that book as repository of written words enables mankind to pass on information and knowledge generation to generation.

Kolango recalled that Port Harcourt emerged UNESCO World Book Capital 2014 amidst mixed feelings of joy and grief especially the prevailing security

situation in the country with a hint on the abduction of over 200 chibok girls in North East part of the country by the Islamic insurgents, Boko Haram.

She however noted that book was brought to focus against the backdrop of retrogressive and dangerous movement directly opposed to the ideals of the World Book Capital initiative, such tragedy challenge us to continue to work to rescue our society from the grip of those who stand against the progress and liberty education brings.

Kolango described the one year of Port Harcourt as World Book Capital as exciting full of new discoveries and possibilities.

“We had a rich and varied array of programmes for children and youths, arts and culture, library and community development and deliberate plans for sustainability beyond the World Book Capital year. The support of our local, national and international partners was critical in enabling us actualize our objectives. Indeed today we can see change taking place, rivers of possibility rippling from the city of Port Harcourt through the country Nigeria to the continent of Africa” she said.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015 — 47

WAJO cchanging hanging liv es of lives youths with dance

By Chris Onuoha

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•General Manager, External Relations, NLNG, Dr Kudo Eresia-Eke (Middle) and Chairman, Literature Advisory Board, Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo (Right) handing over entries received for the 2015 Edition of The Nigeria Prize for Literature, to the Chairman of this year’s panel of judges, Prof.

Uwemedimo Enobong Iwoketok in Lagos.

2015 Nig. Prize for Lit ...Search for new laureate begins

By Prisca Sam-Duru

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HE search for a new lau reate has begun as spon sor of The Nigeria Prize For Literature, Nigeria LNG Limited last week, handed over a total of one hundred and nine (109) entries which were submitted by Nigerian writers both within and outside the country for the 2015 Nigeria Prize for Literature.

At the ceremony which took place at the Eko Hotels and Suits, Lagos, the entries were first handed over to the Chairman of the Advisory Board, Prof Ayo Banjo which he in turn, handed over to the Chairperson of the Panel of Judges for this year's Prize, Professor Uwemedimo Enobong Iwoketok of the University of Jos. Considered Africa’s most prestigious literary award for its uncompromising insistence on excellence and the US100,000 (One hundred thousand dollars) cash prize, the NLNG sponsored initiative rotates yearly among the four literary categories of prose fiction, poetry, drama and children’s literature.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, the General Manager External Affairs, NLNG, Kudo Eresia Eke who disclosed that this year’s focus is on Children’s Literature, observed that submissions were examined and shortlisted based on a number of considerations including editorial excellence, creativity and story plot with the aim of selecting a final winner who would be publicly announced in October each year to coincide with the date NLNG shipped its first Liquefied Natural Gas cargo.

Eresia Eke further disclosed that Prof. Uwemedimo Enobong

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Iwoketok of the University of Jos, is Chairperson while Prof.

Charles Bodunde of the University of Ilorin and the University of Maiduguri’s Dr. Razinat Mohammed, are members of the panel of judges.

While Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Prize remains Professor Emeritus Ayo Banjo, Profs. Ben Elugbe and Jerry Agada are members adding that Kimberly Reynolds, a Professor of Children’s Literature at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom and past President of the International Research Society for Children’s Literature is this year’s International Consultant to the Advisory Board.

“We have received a hundred and nine books as submissions

by Nigerian authors to compete for this year’s prize in children’s literature. I can only wish all the authors vying for the honour, every success and the best outcome possible in the exercise.

It will be recalled that the last winner of the literature prize in

The NLNG sponsored initiative rotates yearly among the four literary categories of prose fiction, poetry, drama and children’s literature

the children’s literature category was Adeleke Adeyemi in 2011 for The Missing Clock while Mabel Segun and Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo were joint winners for the Reader’s Theatre and My cousin Sammy in 2007.” He said.

Eke also said that this year’s award for children’s literature would run concurrently with the Prize for literary criticism also sponsored by NLNG and for which only one entry was received. Introduced in 2012, the literary criticism category is yearly award and carries a monetary value of N1 Million.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of the Advisory Board, Prof. Ayo Banjo who said he was satisfied with achievements of the Prize, said that he was happy that the Nigeria prize for Literature has celebrated its 10th anniversary and counting.

He noted that the simple fact that Children’s literature is not as developed as the other genres of Literature, would not force the Prize to lower its standard.

He also expressed how proud the Advisory Board had been with the fact that the External Consultant had always made selections that were in conformity with the decisions of the internal panel of judges expressing the hope that this year’s edition would not be an exception.

Responding, the Chairperson of the panel of Judges, Prof.

Umemedimo Enobong Iwoketok who received the entries on behalf of the panel, stated that the panel received the great responsibility from NLNG, the advisory board and indeed from all Nigerians and assured that the confidence reposed on the panel would be sustained.

AJO, a multi-faceted dance focused project in its desire to touch and enrich lives of dancers, dance lovers and enthusiasts from all people of the world is set to change the lives of the youths.

This is aligned with its vision to make dance more prominent and relevant as well as reposition dance as a profession of repute in the society and empower dancers to maximize their potentials is on the verge being registered as a nonprofit and nongovernmental organization.

Speaking at a media parley recently, the founder and Managing Director of WAJO, Seun Adeleye explained that WAJO, an acronym originating from two Yoruba words ‘WA’ which means COME and ‘IJO’ meaning DANCE in English put together means WAJO. In other words “is your invitation to dance.”

Seun said that the project which started in April 2013 at Freedom Park, Lagos as an entertainment platform that make dance of every genre available for the enjoyment and pleasure of the audience is also considered as a gathering for people from all works of life to relax and have fun while participating and also an avenue to network and interact with other people. . “One of the hallmarks of Wajo is that

We seek to bring everyone together to form and create the future we have all dreamt about for dance in Nigeria where dance can contribute to the national economic GDP

•Dancing made easy.

everybody dances” he said.

According to him, Wajo’s aims is to establish a pathway to success for aspiring dancers to follow just like the comedy and music scene of the Nigerian entertainment industry, and also creating an awareness on the benefits of dance to the populace.

Adeleye said, “In the course of running this events, we have identified various factors militating against the progress and cohesion essential for growth of the dance community in Nigeria among which are awareness and exposure of dancers, perception of dancers by the society, strong division amongst dancers, absence of standardized structures to help push the economic value of dance, literacy level to mention a few and it is a reflection of our larger society.

Power of the media “We seek to bring everyone together to form and create the future we have all dreamt about for dance in Nigeria where dance can contribute to the national economic GDP. Adeleye explained that the organization’s strategy to achieve this humongous task of dance prominence and relevance is to leverage on the power of the media through consistent engagement as it hosts projects all year round, quarterly dance seminar and workshop, quarterly dance show at the WAJO monthly venue at Freedom Park, dance exhibition and yearly dance conference. “As part of our effort, a 13-episode dance television show tagged ‘WAJO on TV’ has been produced for airing while waiting to unveil.”

He added.

Notable professional dancers present applauded the giant effort of Seun Adeleye, saying that dancing in Nigeria is without a structure and there is an urgent need for dance managers, administrators and producers to step up their game so that dance and dancers should be given its recognition , do their practice, research and performance.

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Another approach to the South African attacks

By Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

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HE destructive attacks in South Africa on Nigerians and other sub-Saharan Africans are tragic and mindlessly wrong.

The assaults sorely bruise the objective of inter-African harmony. They also put an eraser to the idyll of progress and domestic tranquility many people saw when gazing at South Africa.

The xenophobia is actually a lethal show of misdirected anger.

The attacks point to deep, underlying ruptures within the South African political economy that actually have little to do with the presence of Nigerian or other Black Africans in that nation.

Nigerians have become scapegoats in a fundamentally domestic struggle.

The Black populace is roiling because their economic plight has worsened since the end of apartheid. If prosperity had come to them, they would not have come to this. The political and economic accommodation between the

BOLA TINUBU traditionally White-controlled economic superstructure and the post-Mandela Black political elite is under challenge.

This model of governance has failed to make adequate provision for the bulk of the Black population. Due to his unique status, Mandela was able to give the Black population succour and hope while counseling them patience.

That great man is no longer there. Gone with him is the succour he gave and apparently the patience of the people. South Africans thus lashed out in frustration. They attacked Nigerians and other Africans not so much because our people were the cause of their woes.

They attacked our people because they could do so much easier than they could attack the actual sources of their ire and economic predicament. It is easier to destroy the wares of the local shopkeeper than to change the political economy.

The former merely requires an eruption of anger; the latter requires sustained political organization, vision and dedication. Thus, although they want political economic reform, all they did was to attack non-South Africans who provided goods and services to them at the C M Y K

neighborhood level.

While the government of South Africa may be questioned about its continued adherence to a political economic model that appears to have exceeded its bestuse date, it is completely wrong to say the South African government had even a hand in instigating the unrest.

Thus, recalling the Nigerian High Commissioner is inappropriate and counterproductive. Instead of pulling the diplomat, Nigeria should name a high-level special envoy to visit the nation and engage directly with President Zuma.

Proper restitution Nigeria should also send an Interagency Coordinated Action Team (ICAT) to South Africa to complement efforts to provide consular services, liaison with police and security and ensure that affected Nigerians receive proper restitution.

We should also talk to major South Africa businesses resident in Nigeria. It would help douse tensions and illwill here, if they announced a plan to contribute to the restitution of affected Nigerians.

No recall: Some observers have questioned the swiftness and efficiency of the South African government’s response to the mayhem. Such is their right to do so. However, the South African government did not cause the problem. They had no reason for it. To blame the government is to increase tension and confusion, not douse them.

Recall of an envoy is usually prompted by an adverse act by the host government itself. It is not good practice to recall a High Commissioner for a tragedy the host government could not have prevented and one for which it appears to be working in good faith to end. The recent social upheaval should be likened more to a natural disaster as the government had no proximate control over its eruption. To recall our High Commissioner might satisfy our sense of outrage; it would do little else, however.

The move implicitly signals to the South African government that we blame it for causing the outburst or for being negligent in the aftermath. Such a move would make it harder to encourage the South African government to act as we would like toward affected Nigerians.

The more we diminish our presence is the more we diminish the daily pressure on the government in Pretoria. The more we diminish the pressure is the less we can positively influence that government’s action. Pulling our envoy decreases not increases our diplomatic leverage in this particular circumstance.

Xenophobic attacks in South Africa Also, much of the world and many Nigerians in South Africa will perceive the move negatively; they will think we are abandoning our citizens during the height of their travail. This might demoralize them to a material degree.

The absence of the High Commissioner for an appreciable period of time will undermine the efficacy of our diplomatic mission at the moment when that mission should be doing its utmost for that segment of our Diaspora in South Africa.

Special envoy: A more constructive step would be to designate a presidential special envoy to liaise directly with President Zuma and appropriate cabinet-level officials in South Africa. The official should be a well known statesman preferably with a prior relationship with President Zuma. A former head of state or someone like former Commonwealth Secretary Anyaoku would be ideal for the position. This step would underscore Nigeria’s concerns for its citizens abroad. It would also signal to the South Africans that this episode cannot simply be left to fade into memory as has happened in the past. The envoy would press to ensure that adequate security is availed the Nigerian community to prevent further incidents this time of tension. The Envoy would also explore ways the Nigerian community can be better integrated and accepted in South Africa. Most importantly, he will press the South African government to improve its ability to ensure such things do not repeat themselves on such a large scale.

Pulling our envoy decreases not increases our diplomatic leverage in this particular circumstance

ICAT: Complementing the efforts of the special envoy would be a working level Inter-Agency Coordinating Emergency Team (ICAT). The ICAT would be comprised of police and other security officers who would liaise with South African counterparts at the operational level to ensure adequate security for the Nigerian community and that the authors of violence will be apprehended.

The team would also have a strong consular component.

Nigeria should use this as an opportunity to reach out to the Nigerian community in South Africa to get a better idea of its numerical dimensions and the locations where that community is most concentrated.

Communication system A warden or communication system should be established within the community so that people can be quickly apprised of emergency situations or major events. A small legal team with experience in comparative criminal and civil law should be part of the team. On one hand, the lawyers would check to make sure those arrested are to be prosecuted. The lawyers should also investigate the proposals for restitution the South African government will make for affected Nigerians.

South African businesses in Nigeria: To douse tensions here

and show goodwill, major firms in the South African business community here should be encouraged to develop a fund to restitute affected Nigerians. This fund should be contributed to the Nigerian government.

Conclusion: In such a circumstances, our policy approach should not be determined by anger. Our policy should be founded on a wise, dispassionate assessment of how best to protect our countrymen when they are imperiled.

Recalling our top envoy does nothing to protect them. We must do better and more than just express anger.

The steps outlined above Special Envoy, ICAT and South African Business Restitution Fund - are practical actions that can actually help our people and the South African government.

Nigeria and South Africa are the two major sub-Saharan African economies.

We should attempt to work cooperatively to the extent possible, even in tense times. This show of cooperation and assistance serves our longerterm strategic interests. We should extend our hand of cooperation because that is in the best interests of our people in South Africa. If the South Africans rebuff these or similar overtures, then we can examine the need to call home our High Commissioner.

However, recall should have been the last resort not the first one.

52—Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

BITS Bits NASU congratulates Buhari

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HE Non- Academic Staff of Educational and Associated Institutions has congratulated President- elect, General Muhammadu Buhari on his victory at the polls.

In a statement , it noted that with his election, General Muhammadu Buhari “ automatically entrenched an ending democratic culture which has eluded us for decades”.

It also commended all Nigerians for “their tenacity in the course of the general election which ensured a credible electoral process”.

The union also commended the chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission, Professor Attahiru Jega “ who insistence on the use of the Permanent Voters’ Card and the Card Readers “ helped to bring about fairness and credibility in the contest for political power in the country”.

NASU also mentioned outgoing President, Goodluck Jonathan who it noted “ will be remembered as one who in refusing to be a sit-tight President laid the concrete foundation for democracy”.

NLC crisis: TUC silent

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HE Trade Union Congress has remained silent since the Nigeria Labour Congress split into two. It is not known why the TUC ; the second labour centre remained silent.

Neither is there any information that the TUC is playing any mediatory role.

A source close to the TUC said the organization’s silence is to avoid interfering in the affairs of another central labour organization.

Split extends to states

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HE crisis which has engulfed the leadership of the NLC has spread to the states councils. Kano , Edo are states in which the NLC had two state congresses. In Lagos, Tokunbo Korodo of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) emerged chairman of the State Council.

His union belongs to the Joe Ajaero faction of the NLC. Lagos NLC is a strategic state in the NLC composition because it not only boasts of more members, it is always crucial to NLC demonstrations and protests.

C M Y K

DEEPENING NLC CRISIS:

In whose interest?

By Funmi Komolafe

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OR sometime now, the Nigeria Labour Congress has been split into two factions.

That’s not new. So it was in 1988 but this time around it is not due to ideological differences.

Should the house remain divided, I don’t think so. What should be done and how? These are the issues that this column discusses.

One needs to recall that issues that led to the current split in the Nigeria Labour Congress arose from its last quadrennial delegates conference held in Abuja but which had its roots in the 2011 conference of the NLC held also in Abuja.

Today, there are two factions of the NLC. Both sides issue statements on national issues. An attempt was made last week by veterans to resolve the crisis which is indeed the right step, but this was botched at the last minute.

Now, let me state clearly that one does not have a preferred candidate in this tussle for the leadership of NLC. However, I do not think that sweeping the issues under the carpet is a way to resolve the crisis.

May I refer to a popular saying that when two siblings of the same mother, hold a dialogue on pertinent issues and they emerge from the meeting smiling, they have merely deceived themselves but when one or the two emerge frowning, then they have told each other the “bitter truth”.

Methinks this is the case with the NLC and its leaders.

Wabba Reconciliation Committee: Factional president of the NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba first set up a reconciliation committee on behalf of the National Administrative Council and named Comrade Aliyu Dangiwa, the first general secretary of the NLC to head it.

The other NLC led by Joe Ajaero rejected it on the basis that Alhaji Dangiwa was the returning officer of the election being contested.

From one’s experience in over two decades of covering the labour movement, I dare say that it was a good intention but the step was wrongly taken. What should have been done was to first of all consult with members of the other faction before putting in place a committee. NAC seem to have arrogated to itself the powers to resolve the crisis.

One would have expected that NAC would have known that this is not the time to hold state council elections. Why not delay it until resolution of the crisis?

With the benefit of hindsight, in 1988 when the NLC split into two factions on the basis of

zSome workers during an NLC outing ideological differences, it did not stop Comrade Sylvester Ejiofoh of the then Civil Service Technical Workers from discussing with Mr. Godwin Uluocha, then general secretary of the National Union of Posts and Telecommunication Employees (NUPTE). They differed ideologically but still discussed how to end the crisis and it was resolved.

Therefore, what the Ayuba leadership ought to have done was to have humbled itself and discuss, albeit informally with the other group and jointly agree on who should chair the committee and who its members should be.

Worse still is that some unions are playing both sides of the street. Some of those who claim to be Wabba’s group also attend meetings of the Joe Ajaero group. In whose interest is this being done?

On the other hand, the rejection of Aliyu Dangiwa a respected veteran by the Ajaero group is also not acceptable. The key issue here is consultation.

Informal consultation helps resolve knotty issues and this has been the tradition of the labour movement.

It is however unfortunate that NLC under the leadership of Omar in which many of the key players in this crisis were a part of, became an organization that was dealing with people on the basis of “whose face was liked and whose face was not liked”.

Officers were either placed in certain positions because they were favoured or down-graded or sacked because the cabal in the NLC did not like their faces.

Ability to deliver, interest of the workers, productivity and other virtues were down-played. The consequence is what we have today.

Contentious issues: It must be stated clearly that the industrial unions make up the NLC and not the other way round. Without the industrial unions, the NLC is like a lifeless body.

However, it is also pertinent to say that issues such as manipulation of delegates list, voting along ethnic lines, the Kriston-Lally housing scam (news of which was broken by Vanguard) must be sincerely discussed and thrashed out by key players and the veterans.

Perhaps the most disturbing of all the contentious issues is that

of corruption. The NLC has shot itself in the foot and has been battered by allegations of corruption.

Who paid millions into the accounts of officers? Whose money was it? Who benefitted?

Who returned money? To say the least, this is heart breaking.

Can anyone ever imagine that our NLC which has been the voice of the people now has issues for which its officers are being invited by the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)? Sad indeed.

Michael Imoudu, Wahab Goodluck , H.P Adebola, S.U. Bassey, and other dead labour heroes will be turning in their graves.

Worse still is that some unions are playing both sides of the street. Some of those who claim to be Wabba’s group also attend meetings of the Joe Ajaero group.

In whose interest is this being done?

Relevance: Now, both sides are in a struggle for relevance. To please who? Employers, government or workers?

Lessons should have been learnt from the 2011 delegates conference and its consequences.

Millions of workers' hard-earned income were spent to pay lawyers who never paid dues to the Congress in the legal suit between the former General Secretary, John Odah and the NLC. To conceal this from workers, the leadership ensured that the financial report of the NLC was not seen by many workers, yet it was adopted.

Leadership of the congress Apart from this, one would have thought that the leadership of NLC between 2011-2015, many of whom are key players in the current crisis, should have learnt from the 2011 crisis which saw the Non- Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) break away from the NLC. An industrial union broke away and the NLC leadership pretended that it could carry on without that union. Today, that same union has been wooed back to be part of the present leadership. If NASU was so irrelevant, why woo it back into the leadership of the Congress?

Options: In any dispute there are procedures for aggrieved parties to follow. Where consultations fail, the aggrieved parties can go to court but to whose benefit?

The other option is to stay within and continue to fight. This will further weaken an already weak NLC. A school of thought believes that to stay within is to give legitimacy to what the aggrieved parties are opposed to. It is clear however that neither side can go it alone. Enough of the deceit; workers interest must the paramount.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015—53

C M Y K

54—Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

GE commended on 10-year safety record, wins award

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ENERAL Electric, GE, has been honoured with a Meritorious Safety Performance Award, an award Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, SNEPCo, gives its partners that prioritize safety in their operations.

SPEPCO’s Head of Subsea Intervention, Awwal Abubakar, who spoke in Onne, commended GE’s remarkable safety standards, which he said aligns with Shell’s corporate policy of Safety First.

He said: “In Bonga field today, we have 40 GE trees producing oil safely and successfully and it all started from the GE Onne facility.”

GE had recorded 10 years of operation in its oil and gas facility in Onne, Rivers State, without any incident.

Derek Christie, Regional Services Manager for the Onne facility, said: “This achievement was due to GE’s outstanding environmental health and safety standards and all the employees in Onne that make quality and safety an integral part of how they operate on a daily basis.”

Uzo Nwagwu, GE Oil & Gas Chief Operating Officer, said the safety record at the Onne facility underscores GE’s commitment to localization, continued investment in the Nigerian economy and the creation of jobs for Nigerians.

Transition

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EACONESS Christiana Jenrola, 88, is dead.

Tomorrow is interment at Victoria Court Cemetery, Lekki Epe Expressway, after a church service at Ijero Baptist Church, Apapa Road, EbuteMetta, Lagos, by 9am.

She is survived by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Army dashed our hopes, say Chibok schoolgirls' parents

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

P

ARENTS of the abducted schoolgirls from Chibok community in Borno State, yesterday, reacted angrily to the announcement by the army that none of the abducted girls was among the 293 females rescued on Tuesday from Sambisa Forest by the troops.

This came as Amnesty International disclosed that more than 2,000 women are still in captivity of the terrorists.

Reacting to the information by the army that none of the Chibok schoolgirls was among those rescued last Tuesday, Mr Enoch Mark, whose daughter and niece are among the 219 teenagers still being held by the insurgents said: “It is

disheartening for our hopes to be dashed.

“When we heard of the rescue we thought it was our girls. Parents kept contacting one another, hoping to get confirmation that their daughters were the ones rescued.

“However, it is not surprising to me that our hopes have been dashed. This has happened several times. The government has lied a few times. To us, the government no longer has credibility.”

Pogo Bitrus, whose four nieces are hostages, added: “We have never lost hope as a people, but the issue is if the military has the capacity now, why didn’t they do it before?

“We are an unfortunate bunch caught up in a political

game. It is unfortunate that we find ourselves in this situation. They have played with people’s lives and messed people up.”

Meanwhile, the Amnesty International, yesterday, commended the Nigerian military for rescuing 293 women and girls from the grips of Boko Haram insurgents, even as it lamented that over 2,000 women are still in captivity.

In a statement, yesterday, it described the rescue of the women and girls as an encouraging development, noting however that it is ”only a small step in securing the safety of the thousands of women and girls abducted by the armed group since 2014.”

FORUM: From left—Mr. Muyiwa Olumekun, Executive Director, Red Star Express; Mr. Uzoma Dozie, CEO, Diamond Bank Plc, and Mr. Sule Bichi, MD, Red Star Express, during Red Star's customers' forum in Lagos.

No court can make anyone PMAN President — TEE MAC zAs body inaugurates electoral c’ttee

By Oboh Agbonkhese

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AGOS—RENOWNED flutist and former President of Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, PMAN, Tee Mac, has said it was wrong for anyone to parade himself as President of the body based on a court decision, as no court anywhere can elect one for PMAN. He spoke at the inauguration of an electoral committee for PMAN at the association’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos.

Tee Mac said: “When I joined the Peace Initiative Committee, which later became the Caretaker Committee, we agreed to drop all the court cases. But some people used one of the cases as springboard to a fractional PMAN presidency.

“However, no court can make anyone President of PMAN. That is why we will support whoever wins this election in July. So we are calling on everyone to come and be part of this new dawn.”

Luciano

Speaking at the inauguration, Kelvin Luciano, Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, said his committee had plans to promote members via the many festivals holding around the world, get health insurance for members, negotiate radio and TV licences with BON, get biometric ID cards for a comprehensive data base and partner with companies to provide pension scheme for members.

Luciano said: “However, PMAN cannot be of benefit to its members without credibility. All factions have decided to work as one and when the electoral committee conducts election in July, people will stop taking singers and PMAN for granted.”

Chairman of the 18-member electoral committee, Charles ‘Charly Mo’ Imoloame, in his acceptance speech, urged every musician to take part in the election for the emergence of a credible

President.

The election

Charly Mo said a delegates’ conference will hold before the election and that contestants must be members of the state chapters of the body, adding that anyone who wants to be the President of PMAN should buy the necessary forms and contest in the July election.

Orits Wiliki, on his part, said: “We are stronger and more unified. All factions are represented here, including the persons whose signatures were forged to get a court judgment, especially Murphy (Van Anthony), who has a video recording of a confessional statement made by one of the key players.

“The electoral committee has a mandate from Trade Union Registrar: bring everybody together, and conduct free and fair election. We will all support whoever emerges as President.”

Cleric predict continuous peace in Nigeria

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ARRI — G E N E R A L Overseer, Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry, Warri, Delta State, Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin, has said May 29 handing- over ceremony will be hitchfree, adding that the country had demonstrated its leadership position in Africa.

Fufeyin, who stated this at the commencement of a three-day crusade, entitled I Must Carry My Samuel, at the Mercy City Permanent Site, also lauded Nigerians for their prayers that saw the peaceful conduct of the just-concluded general elections.

Fufeyin, however, noted that the crusade, which attracted thousands of Christians from within and outside the country, was specially designed to heal all mankind’s wounds and affliction.

The Church Founder, who had earlier predicted the fall of Boko Haram and a hitch-free general election, said Nigeria will continue to enjoy permanent peace.

BCI holds seminar on kidnapping

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ACKGROUND C H E C K International, BCI, Nigeria’s foremost screening company, will hold a sensitization seminar on Averting the Rising Spate of Child Kidnapping in Nigeria, tomorrow, at Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, Conference and Exhibition hall by 11am.

Managing Director of the group, Mr. Kola Olugbodi, said the seminar was also aimed sensitizing Nigerians on the need to avert dangers.

Mrs. Adejoke Orelope Adefuluri, Lagos State Deputy Governor; Mrs. Yetunde Williams, CEO, Lagos Working Moms, and Mrs. Bisi Orekoya are special guests, while Mr. John Aderoju, a former Deputy Director of DSS will deliver a keynote address.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015 — 55

N580M TOYOTA HILUX VEHICLES, BULLET PROOF SUVS:

Adamawa lawmakers asks EFCC to probe Ngilari

By Umar Yusuf Adamawa House of YOLA—THE Assembly yesterday passed a

contest the last general election.

A faction of the House had earlier sat at the Conference Hall of the Government House and impeached both the Speaker, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and his deputy, Mr Kwamoti La’ori.

Fintiri was replaced by Hon. Jerry Kumdisi as the new speaker following a motion moved by Hon Kabillo and

seconded by the member representing Yola South, Hon Abuzarri Ribadu.

However, yesterday’s resolutions came under Matters of Urgent Public Importance moved by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Kwamoti Laori, who said that the state government sacked Umar for querying among others the procurement of the Hilux

vans at the cost of N400 million and the two Lexus Jeeps at the cost of N180 million, bringing the total to N580 million.

Laori who described the affected contracts as exorbitant claimed that the cost of new bullet proof Jeep per unit was N35 million, adding that the ones purchased by the government were fairly used vehicles.

resolution calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to probe alleged procurement of 50 Toyota Hilux vehicles and two bullet proof SUVs at a cost of N580 million by the six-month old administration of Governor Bala Ngilari.

The House also called on the state government to, as a matter of urgency re-instate the sacked Director General of the state Public Procurement Bureau, Mallam Bello Umar, who it said was removed by the executive for querying the purchase for not following due process.

The House at its plenary presided over by factional Speaker, Alhaji Ahmadu Fintiri, recommended the honouring of Mallam Umar with national award for doing his job diligently in relation to the alleged purchase and other executive excesses that cost him his job.

Alhaji Fintiri, also declared the seat of three lawmakers vacant. Citing Section 108 of the 1999 Constitution, Fintiri pointing out that the affected members, Umar Abdulkarim- PDMNasarawo/Binyeri; Hamman TukurPDM-Jada/Mbulo and Adamu AGM: From left; Mr Lookman Balogun, Deputy MD, Chams Plc; Mr Femi Williams, MD, Chams Usman- APC-Toungo, were elected Plc; Mr Demola Aladekomo, Immediate past MD and Rev Ayodele Richards, Chairman, Chams at to the House on the platform of PDP the company's 31st Annual General Meeting at Muson Centre, Lagos yesterday. Pic: Biodun Ogunleye. but they defected to other parties to

84% of smart phones in Nigeria have internet connection — Ericsson study

By Emeka Aginam

A

S mobile phones remain the most popular device to access the internet and use content services, latest Internet Goes Mobile Country report in Nigeria

by Ericsson has revealed that smart phones are among the most owned devices used by Nigerians as eighty four percent are

connected to the internet.

The study, an Ericsson Consumer Summary report, April, 2015 was released yesterday in Lagos by Ericsson Head, Sub-Saharan African , Fredrik Jejdling.

The report, according to him, analyses evolving consumer expectations and requirements for mobile broadband and other

changing services in Nigeria.

The report further revealed that Nigerian consumers were replacing their devices such as mobile phones and desktops with smart devices like smartphones and laptops which have higher proportion of internet connectivity.

Key findings from the report:

KWARA CENTRAL: PDP senatorial candidate files petition against Saraki’s election an order for his counsel, or

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E N A T O R I A L candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Kwara Central Senatorial District, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq has filed a petition before the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ilorin challenging the election of Senator Bukola Saraki.

Abdulrasaq in the petition brought before the tribunal headed by Justice J. J. Majebi, alleged that the provisions of the Electoral Act were not complied with in the election.

The petition filed through his counsel, Mr. Ambali Abdulkadir Mujahid joined the All Progressives Congress, APC, Independent Electoral Commission ,INEC, and the State Resident Electoral Commissioner ,REC, as second, third and fourth respondents.

The petitioner further prayed the

tribunal to void the election of Saraki and declare him the winner of the poll.

Other reliefs sought, include

agents to inspect electoral materials before the pre-hearing session and make copies of all polling documents relating to the March 28, 2015 election.

Satchmo’s jazzfest holds in Lagos

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ATCHMO’S Jazzfest 2015 is poised to celebrate International Jazz Day in Lagos from 30th April to May 3, 2015 – in keeping with the declaration of UNESCO. Mr. Dolapo Ajayi, founder and Festival Director who has been officially mandated by UNESCO to hold the event in Nigeria assured that the event will feature prominent jazz musicians from around the world. He spoke at a press parley at Goethe Institute Lagos.

Already Saxophonist Bobby Ricketts, one of the festival’s

major participants flew into Lagos from the United States America last Wednesday and was introduced to the press as one of the current frontline players of the instrument on the scene, Ricketts was greatly influenced

by Ben Webster and Dexter Gordon, two highly innovative veterans of the saxophone.

Arriving soon for the festival are South African guitarist, singer, composer and multiple award winner, Jonathan Butler; and New York based South African singing sensation, Somi.

Irrespective of their location, key findings from the report also revealed that users want to remain connected with messaging and calling, updated with browsing and social networking and have access to entertainment , mainly music.

According to the report, forty five percent of those who send messages regularly use internetbased instant messaging services.

Eighty two percent of mobile phone users, the report said access the internet with their device on a daily basis.

Similarly, forty five per cent of PC users and 44 percent of tablet users, the report said do the same.

Widespread usage of mobile broadband (MBB) services More than ninety five percent of mobile broadband users, the report noted access mobile broadband on smartphones, adding that the availability of good network and voice quality drives up consumer satisfaction According the report, wanting to remain updated and connected is a strong motivator for consumers when opting for internet services.

Having access to internet services, the report added enables Nigerians to lead a more socially-connected life.

KDB Daewoo Securities signs $72m deal with Emirates

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leading Asian investment banking firm, KDB Daewoo Securities is increasingly making its mark in the global market with the company’s developing role in financial industries and markets across the world.

In its latest sale-andleaseback transaction, the company signed a $72 million deal to invest in Emirates’ Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Emirates Airlines is currently the fourth largest airline in the world, due to its customer base.

KDB Daewoo broke the deal for a group of domestic investors and itself.

It will be recalled that the company last year successfully closed a $29-million deal for an Airbus 330-300 airplane operated by Finnair; the first for a Korean securities firm.

Relying on a thriving partnership with Dubai-based aircraft leasing and management company - Novus Aviation Capital, the company is looking at closing more aircraft investment deals around the world. According to a representative of the company, there is an increasing demand for alternative investment opportunities, and the company has positioned itself to take up these opportunities as they come.

“Investors’ interest in aircraft deals is rapidly on the rise. Still, the actual number of investment cases in this area is quite limited. With the latest deal as a momentum, we will try to lead the market in the alternative investment area,” the KDB Daewoo officer said.

A full-service investment firm; KDB Daewoo, with its financial group affiliates, offer a wide range of investment and financial services such as securities trading and brokerage, underwriting, asset management, and international corporate finance in the Korean market and beyond. It has a stronghold in the brokerage market and is a viable top IB player globally.

The company ’s lenders include institutional investors participating in the securities market, including custodian banks, commercial banks, insurance companies, etc., while its borrowers comprise of trading securities investors, as well as domestic and foreign institutional investors. KDB Daewoo Securities, Indonesia is currently a leading player in the Indonesian capital market.

56— VANGUARD, THURSDAY, APRIL 30 , 2015

Deportation declines under Obama

•Home Security Secretary Jeh Johnson testifies at Capitol Hill yesterday.

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HE Obama admin istration is on pace to deport the fewest number of immigrants in nearly a decade, according to internal govern-

ment data obtained by The Associated Press.

As of April 20, federal immigration officials sent home 127,378 people in the United States

illegally. That puts immigrant removals on track to be among the lowest since the middle of President George W. Bush’s second term.

The internal statistics reveal a continuing decline in deportations even as the Obama administration fights a legal challenge to a plan it announced late last year to shield millions of immigrants from deportations.

“With the resources we have ... I’m interested in focusing on criminals and recent illegal arrivals at the border,” Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson told members of the Senate Judiciary Committee during an oversight hearing Tuesday.

The new figures, contained in weekly internal reports not publicly reported, showed that the government sent home an average of about 19,730 removals a month for the first six months of the government’s fiscal year that began in October.

If that trend continues, the government will remove about 236,000 by September — the lowest figure since 2006, when 207,776 were sent home.

Removals have been declining for nearly three years after Immigration and Customs Enforcement recorded a record 409,849 removals in 2012. That federal agency, known as ICE, is responsible for finding and removing immigrants living in the

country illegally. President Barack Obama announced a plan in November that would protect millions of immigrants living in the country illegally, but that effort is on hold after a federal judge in Texas blocked its implementation.

GOP explores fresh ideas for presidential campaign

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EPUBLICANS are bringing something unique to the 2016 presidential campaign: an ability to speak to Americans in both of their main mother tongues, Spanish as well as English.

Democrats can’t match it. Previous GOP candidates couldn’t. But now, paradoxically, the party that’s on the outs with many Hispanic voters over immigration is the party that has serious presidential candidates who are surefooted in their language.It remains to be seen how much Jeb Bush and Mar-

co Rubio will use their fluent Spanish in the campaign. Rubio offered a few words of it in his presidential campaign announcement, quoting his Cuban grandfather, a small but notable addition in a speech meant for everyone to hear, not just a Hispanic crowd.

Bush peppered his remarks with Spanish in Puerto Rico on Tuesday, making an obvious cultural connection with many in his audience.

Even a modest amount of Spanish will be more than presidential campaigns have known.

Xenophobia: Mandela’s widow calls for African unity G RACA Machel, widow of Nelson Mandela, has appealed for African unity at a memorial service for a victim of recent xenophobic violence in South Africa.

Ms Machel called Mozambican Manuel Jossias’ murder “a symbol of what must not happen again”.

In an emotional speech in Johannesburg, she said the recent violence

should be “a wake-up” call for the entire region.

At least seven people have died over a month of attacks on foreigners and foreign-owned property in South Africa.

To loud applause from the crowd, Ms Machel, who is a former first lady of both South Africa and Mozambique, encouraged acceptance of all nationalities: “I am South African. I

Togo’s opposition rejects result

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OGO’S defeated opposition leader Jean-Pierre Fabre says he considers himself the new president, rejecting official election results.

Earlier, Togo’s official election body declared President Faure Gnassingbe the winner, with a provisional 59% of the vote.

Mr Fabre, who gained 35%, told AFP news agency the results were a

“crime against national sovereignty”.

Observers from the African Union said the election was free and fair.

Mr Fabre’s party, the opposition Combat for Political Change (Cap 2015), said the results bore “no resemblance to those compiled from reports collected in polling stations by its representatives”.

am Mozambican. I am Zambian. I am Zimbabwean,” she said, continuing:“Migration is in our blood! The borders were created by colonisers. They mean nothing to us because we are one.”

Ms Machel described the recent violence as an “expression of self-hate which was inculcated by the system of apartheid”.

She stressed that similar attacks would happen again unless countries throughout the region were able to provide better economic opportunities for their people.

After her speech, the former first lady broke down in tears, reports the BBC’s Milton Nkosi from the scene.

Ms Machel, 69, was married to Samora Machel, the first president of independent Mozambique, who died in a 1986 plane crash. She married Mr Mandela on his 80th birthday, in 1998.

•Former First Lady Graca Machel wept after her speech at the service

Drug convicts face death with praises

A

S they walked to face the firing squad on an Indonesian prison island, eight condemned drug traffickers defiantly sang praise to God, witnesses said, while in a town across the water a group of tearful supporters was also uniting in song.

The convicts — two from Australia, one from Brazil, four from Africa and one Indonesian — made the long journey from their cells to clearings on a prison island to meet their fate early yesterday.

But rather than bow their heads in defeat and resignation, the convicts

all reportedly refused blindfolds and raised their voices in song, including “Amazing Grace”, until the gunfire from the firing squads rang out.

Religious counsellors, who were allowed to

spend some time with the prisoners just before the executions, sang in unison with the convicts, continuing even after the men had been strapped to posts around four metres (13 feet apart) to be put to death, a priest said.

UN warns of looming humanitarian crisis in CAR been forcibly displaced,

T

HE humanitarian crisis in the Central African Republic is in danger of becoming the largest forgotten humanitarian crisis, the UN refugee agency has said.

Almost 900,000 people from the country have

both to neighbouring countries and internally, by ongoing fighting in the country since December 2012, the UNHCR said in a statement on Monday. An estimated 2.7 million people are in need of aid in CAR and in its neighbouring countries, it said.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015—57

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58 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

GTB-Lagos Principals Cup: Birrel High Sch, Oriwu Snr Model College for final

BY JACOB AJOM

T

HE serene Onikan S t a d i u m witnessed an usual crowd yesterday when the first semi final matches of the 2015 GTBank-Lagos State Principals Cup, male and female were held.

Four schools fought for honours but only two qualified to continue their quest for the ultimate prize. Their opponents for the final will emerge after the conclusion of the second semi final matches today.

In the female category, Ikotun Senior High School will take on Government Senior College, Agege, while Keke High School, Ijaye tackle Ifako comprehensive high school in the male cayegory.

The stage was near perfect as thousands of students from the various schools were on hand to cheer their teams. Music blared from the loud speakers mounted around the arena and the students who could not hold back their excitement danced out their hearts. Spectators, who included Jide Sipe, Head Events and Media Mangement, GTBank were thrilled When the referee signaled the commencement of hostilities under the hot tropical sun, it was CMS Girls Senior Secondary School, Bariga who

squared up against Oriwu Senior Model College, Ikorodu.

It was a match that brought out the best in the two teams. While the CMS girls exhibited innocence in their display, Ikorodu were compact with a robust rear led by indefatigable Oladeji Oluwabumi.

Victoria Ubani led the goal charge for the Oriwu girls while Edemekop Ndiana who was the MVP orchestrated the CMS attack. The encounter ended goaless.

The ensuing penalty shootout saw Oriwu Senior Model College outscore Girls Senior Secondary School,

Taiye Taiwo, Bursaspor Nigeria international part ways left - back.

W

ITH a brief statement on its official website, Bursaspor has cleared the air regarding Taye Taiwo.

The Turkish Super Lig club has announced that it has mutually terminated the agreement with the

1.2m dollars prize money at stake.

Similarly, the men 4x100m and 4x400m are chasing qualification for the IAAF World Championships later in August.

“I was not in the Penn Relays, but for sure with me joining the team I expect some improvement,” said Blessing Okagbare yesterday.

The women 4x100m squad finished third in Philadelphia with 44.22.

The men featuring Divine Oduduru, N i c h o l a s Imhoaperamhe, Urukpe Eriyoka and Robert Simmons placed 4 th

Taye Taiwo joined the Green Crocodiles on a three - year deal in the summer of 2013 on a free transfer from AC Milan.

But the experienced defender has not played an official game for Bursaspor since the start of the season, and would later resurface in Turkey in January to test with Legia Warsaw.

Eagles

•Taiwo

Okagbare Continues from BP

Bariga 4-3 to qualify for the final.

In the first semi final, male category, Birrel Avenue Senior High School, Sabo came from behind to beat Ikorodu Senior High School 2-1 in a thrilling encounter.

Speaking at the event, Jide Sipe, Head Events and Media Mangement, GTBank said the bank was satisfied with the standard being exhibited by the competing schools.

“We hope to build on the successes the competition has achieved,” he said adding, “it is a developmental programme which has contributed immensely to the development of football in the country.”

with 1.24.43 in the 4x200m. They will be joined by Ogho-Oghene Egwero who as at yesterday, was still waiting for his flight ticket.

“I am hoping to join the team between now and Friday. It will be good if I get there on time to help the team to better performance,” said the athlete.

At the 2014 World relays, Nigeria’s women 4x400m won a bronze.

But their fifth placing in Philadelphia have left much to be desired. The men 4x400m are also in Bahamas not to chase the wind, but to earn a place at the Worlds in Beijing, China.

Continues from BP assembling the Super Eagles, having failed to lead them to this year’s AFCON finals in Equatorial Guinea - a shortcoming which almost cost him his job.

And, with the AFCON 2017 qualifiers set to kick off in June, where they will face Chad in Abuja, Keshi - who was re-appointed as head coach this month - is hopeful of getting an early start on his preparations.

“We need to start camping next month because time is not on our side again since the fixtures for the AFCON 2017 qualifiers have been released by CAF,” Keshi told Goal.

“We will definitely start off with the players based here in Nigeria and move on until the required time the overseas clubs can release our players for us.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015 — 59

CAF Confederations Cup: Warri Wolves ride on luck in Congo N

IGERIA’S only surviving club in continental club contests, Warri Wolves landed yesterday in Congo, Kinshasa for their second leg make or mar Confederations Cup clash against MK Etanchéité on Friday.

Wolves take a 2-1 lead to the match and they need to hold Etancheite who in their home ground have been merciless to their opponents.

The Delta State sponsored team left Lagos yesterday via Lome and touched down at 8.pm. They are expected to train today before the encounter.

Before their departure yesterday, midfielder, Ikechukwu Ibenegbu was optimistic that Warri Wolves will emerge unscathed and advance to the group stages of the competition.

“What we need right now is luck and concerted prayers of Nigerians to perform very well on match day.

“More so now we’re complete side unlike the first leg clash in Warri when some key players were conspicuously missing the game on Friday in Kinshasa will certainly present a different opportunity for us.

“However, no matter how the match turns out I’m confident we’re coming back to Nigeria with the group ticket at the expense of FCMK. “We’ve the added responsibility not to disappoint Nigerians not after three other nation’s campaigners crashed out from the continental duties,” Ibenegbu added.

•Goal hungry.... Warri Wolves striker, Gbolahan Salami in action.

O

WING to the enthusiasm that now heralds the hosting of the Okpekpe 10 kilometer road race, most of the indigenes forwent their Easter vacation in order to witness the May 16 competition .

The National President, Okpekpe Clan Development Union (OCDU) Sir Ellams Umogane, disclosed this yesterday in a telephone chat.

He noted that since the legendary tale of the tournament has struck a chord around the world in 2013, so many indigenes and non-indigenes have vowed to come and see things for themselves this time around.

Umogane said that: “To some people, the

P

ETER Osaze Odemwingie says he would love a new contract at Stoke – but on merit and not through sentiment.

The 33 year-old winger, made his comeback from the subs’ bench last Saturday after eight months out with a cruciate knee ligament injury.

And now he wants to prove himself worthy of a new deal to replace the contract which expires at the end of the season.

“I have been training well and am 100 per cent now,” he stated.

“But I need to test myself and I don’t want it (a new deal) to be a sentimental decision. I want to prove my fitness and prove that I can help

•Osaze this team a lot. That’s what I’m doing, not pushing talks. It would be excellent for me to stay and continue from where I left off.

“I feel I am even better since I came on for 10 minutes last Saturday, so I think I will only get better and then we will have that talk.”

T

•Yakmut period from 2015 to 2018.

Following the appointment, the Ag. Director General has therefore been invited to participate in the 2015 CABOS Annual General

expected to hold in Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago between June 15 and 19, 2015.

The Commonwealth appointment which is coming on the heels of Mr. Yakmut’s elevation as the new Chief Administrative Officer of the National Sports Commission is a testimony to his verse knowledge as a technocrat, sportsman and seasoned administrator of 25 years standing during which he contributed immensely to the sports policy development and implementation of the National Sports Commission.

He stressed the healthy relationship he enjoys with Mark Hughes and relishes the faith the Stoke boss has shown in him.

“I really enjoy working with the manager and staff, working at the training ground with the atmosphere, and especially at the stadium.

“The fans have also encouraged me and hopefully I will be scoring a goal before the end of the season.

“If I can do well and the manager sees me as someone who can help the club, then I am happy to stay.

“But I don’t want it to be on sentiment, I want it to be on merit.”

ITH the 20142015 Nigeria National League (NNL) season kicking-off this weekend, the management of the O g u n - S t a t e government owned soccer outfit,Gateway United, in conjunction with the state Ministry of Sports have officially unveiled the twenty six players registered by the club for the new season to the media and other football stakeholders in the state.

At an impressive ceremony at the mainbowl of the M.K.O Abiola staduim Kuto,Abeokuta all the players were introduced with their different jersey numbers while the teams home and away jerseys were also

Dike joins San Antonio Scorpions On his curriculum

N

ORTH American Soccer League side San Antonio Scorpions have announced that it has reached an agreement with Toronto FC regarding the hiring of Bright Dike.

Per league and club policy, the financial terms of the contract have not been disclosed by the NASL champions.

The Nigeria national teamer has found playing opportunities difficult to come by since the start of the new MLS season, having made only two substitute appearances for Toronto.

advertorial on the television, newspapers stories seem surreal in view of the fact that such places and events are not easy to come by in Nigeria. These people have insisted on witnessing this year ’s event .

“Some of them deliberately refused to travel home for Easter because they want to be part of this year’s history making event.”

According to him, Okpekpe residents are already looking forward to seeing that day. Some youths, said the OCDU boss, have long commenced training in order to clinch some of the attractive prizes for the Edo indigenes category.

Gateway unveil 26 players for new season

Don’t feel sorry for me, Osaze W tells Stoke

Yakmut bags C’wealth appointment HE newly appointed Acting Director General of the National Sports Commission, Mr. AlHassan Yakmut has added another feather to his cap with his appointment into the Commonwealth Advisory Body on Sport (CABOS) by the Commonwealth Secretariat.

The appointment which was communicated to Mr. Yakmut via a letter by the Programme Manager – Sport for Development and Peace Youth Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat, Mr. Malcolm Dingwall-Smith is for a

Okpekpe indigenes forfeit Easter vacation for road race

vitae, Bright Dike previously defended the colours of Portland Timbers, Orange County Blues and Indiana Invaders.

•Dike

displayed to the admiration of all.

Addressing the stake holders, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mrs Moyosore Olowonmi said while Gateway united is owned and financed by the government, the Senator Ibikunle Amosun led government has resolved to reposition the club for real business.

She therefore called on corporate organisations, local and foreign sports entrepreneurs as well as interested foreign clubs and well meaning individuals to reposition Gateway United Football Club through branding, sponsorship and collaboration.

Speaking earlier, the General Manager of the Club,Prince Adetunji Onatolu said the management of the club was mindful of the mandate given by the Governor of the State to get the club promoted to the Premier Leaque, assuring that all hands are on deck to make the mandate a reality.

60 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

Messi ‘god-like’ says German legend B AYERN Munich icon Franz Beckenbauer has described Barcelona’s Lionel Messi as a ‘god-like’ player.

Beckenbauer, now Honorary President at the Bundesliga giants, also believes the Catalan’s hopes of reaching the Champions League final this year lie largely in the Argentine’s hands when they take on Bayern in the semi-finals.

“He is a divine player, god-like, and Barcelona’s hopes are reliant on

him,” remarked Beckenbauer in an interview with Germany’s Sky90, whilst he also feels that Bayern boss Pep Guardiola’s knowledge of his former club could be instrumental when they clash.

“Guardiola knows the ins and outs of Barcelona. He knows even the smallest of details and that could prove enough to put Bayern on their way,” he maintained.

Barca or Bayern will face either Real Madrid or Juventus in the final in Berlin on June 6.

Abidal: ‘Barca stronger than Bayern’

E

RIC Abidal feels his old club Barcelona are in a much stronger position than Bayern Munich ahead of the Champions League semi-final between the clubs.

The Frenchman says that while he is aware Bayern boss Pep Guardiola “has achieved many things” he believes Barca are stronger than ever.

“Barca know the Champions League very well and will go for it as always and work hard in order to reach the final,” the former defender told a presentation in New York for the International Champions Cup friendly tournament that will take place this summer.

“Obviously, you must think about La Liga too but that is always the main aim and I like the style Luis Enrique has given the team.

“Every Coach has his own way of working and playing but you can see there is a mix of everything with the way Barca are performing right now, with Enrique having put the final touches to it.”

•Abidal

Abidal also spoke about the trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, who between them have plundered over 100 goals this season.

•UNSTOPPABLE...FC Barcelona striker, Lionel Messi stylishly outwits Manchester City defender during their Champions League match.

Robben, Lewandowski blow for Bayern B

AYERN Munich’s Arjen Robben is out for the season after tearing a muscle in their German Cup semifinal defeat by Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday while Robert Lewandowski broke his jaw and nose and suffered concussion.

The injuries come days before Bayern travel to Barcelona for next week’s Champions League last four clash, dealing a major blow to their hopes of lifting the trophy on home soil with the final scheduled to be played in Berlin in June.

“Arjen Robben suffered a torn muscle in his left calf and his season is over after only making his comeback against Dortmund,” Bayern said in a statement on Wednesday.

The Dutchman, who had a stellar season, scoring 17 league goals until his injury in March, lasted just 16 minutes as a second half substitute for the injured Thiago Alcantara.

Lewandowski, who was knocked down in a rough challenge by Dortmund goalkeeper Mitch Langerak, broke his upper jaw and nose and suffered concussion.

The in-form Poland striker had scored nine goals in his last 11 matches for the Bavarians, who secured the Bundesliga title last week with four games to spare.

While Bayern said

Walcott: Arsenal better than Barcelona in 2015

•Robben

•Lewandowski

more medical checks would be required to determine the length of Lewandowski’s absence he looks highly unlikely to be fit for next Wednesday’s Champions League semifinal, first leg in Barcelona.

Bayern are already

without Franck Ribery and David Alaba, while Bastian Schweinsteiger has only just returned to action.

There was some good news amidst the gloom with Thiago, who returned recently after a year out injured, having

suffered no major damage from a knock on his thigh. Bayern’s 2-0 defeat on penalties to Dortmund, with all four Bayern players failing to score from the spot, meant they missed the chance to repeat their 2013 treble.

Liverpool need a hero FANS need heroes.

This is especially true of young fans, those just starting out following the game in an age of innocence before embarking on a lifetime of hope, despair, joy and frustration and all the other emotions that go with supporting a football team.

They need a hero to identify with, to look up to, to idolise. As

Liverpool limp towards the end of a season that has petered out alarmingly, the two remaining narratives surround players at different ends of their careers linked by the hero factor.

Liverpool, more than any other club in my lifetime, has had a supply of iconic heroes; those who have hung around long enough to have captured the im-

agination of their youngest supporters.

When I was a kid growing up in the city, the Red side of our schoolyard was spoilt for choice. Dalglish, Rush, Souness, Molby.

Take your pick. These were exciting players in a fantastic team. But as their collective star faded and the Eighties moved into the Nineties the supply, whilst leaner, never dried up.

Theo Walcott says Arsenal have been the best team in Europe in 2015, better even than standout side Barcelona.

The Gunners have embarked on a superb run of form since the turn of the year, and have not suffered a Premier League defeat since February 7, when they were beaten 2-1 by north London rivals Tottenham.

The form of Arsene Wenger’s side had led to talk of a title challenge from the Emirates but the club’s 0-0 draw with Chelsea on Sunday means the Blues now need just two wins to be crowned champions.

Walcott, though, insists Arsenal have been the finest team in the continent this year, and says they could have lifted the Premier League title had key players not suffered any fitness issues.

•Walcott

Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015 — 61

Dr Mike Adeniyi Adenuga Jnr: Pillar behind Supporters Club Glo-wing feat

BY TONY UBANI

T

HE Nigerian F o o t b a l l Supporters Club, no doubt, have been like the men behind the masquerade.

The masquerade gets all the accolades and in most cases are showered with cash without many knowing or appreciating those behind them. And without the men behind the masquerade, the masquerade becomes nothing. This simply put is the story of the Nigerian Supporters Club. They have drummed and sang themselves to reckoning that even the number one football administrator, President Joseph Sepp Blatter recognized them as a positive force behind Nigerian national team’s successes in the continent and the world. They have been called by names by many, some even derogatory but they have refused to bow down instead upping their music and making soulful music to energize footballers.

One man who shines out out like the Northern star in the success story of the Supporters Club remains the irrepressible and indefatigable Dr Rafiu Ladipo. He is the Cat

with nine lives. He remains as controversial as his first name. Many call him Rauf. Others call him Rafiu. Whatever name you call him, Dr Rafiu(Rauf) Ladipo has become an enigma of sorts for the Supporters Club of Nigeria.

But in his humility, surrounded by men and women of all ages, Ladipo refused to take the glory for the success of the Supporters Club. ‘’Dr Mike Adeniyi Adenuga Jnr. Remarkable man’’, he said. “If it wasn’t for Dr Adenuga, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today and the Supporters Club would have been a story of once upon a time’’, Ladipo said in his bee-hive office located at Ayinde Giwa in Surulere, Lagos State.

The multi-billionaire telecoms magnate it was who through his sole action in 2004 brought all the vim and vitality to the Supporters Club. ‘’The Supporters Club were on the verge of missing out from the African Cup of Nations in Tunisia 2004 because we had no money. At a seminar organised by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, I was asked if I knew what it means for us not to be in Tunisia to support our national team whether we win or not.

I promised that I was going to scout for

•Award-winning Supporters Club of Nigeria C M Y K

sponsors to get money. When I got home, I nearly ran mad on what next to do. But as God would have it, I went to Glo. After presentations, Dr Adenuga asked how much we want to be in Tunisia. I told him N15 million. He said he would give N10 million. He gave me a cheque there. I was shaking. When I came out, Benjamin Ebor our Treasurer asked how much I got. I told him it was N5 million and he jumped up in jubilation. When I gave him the N10 million cheque, he fainted. When we spread the news to our members, there was wild jubilation and celebration. We used that money to charter an aircraft that took our members to Tunisia, with some members of the Press. Part of the money was used to pay for accommodation and feeding. Since that marriage of 2004, Dr Adenuga has not looked back in his support for our national team. He gives generously anytime we knock on his door> The money ranges from N5 million to N10 million. He has been the Pillar of the Supporters Club and the Pillar behind the successes Nigeria has recorded in sports. Only last year, we signed a contract of N300 million for four years with Globacom.

“Yet Dr Adenuga is rarely seen in public and never gives interviews concerning what he has done for either the Supporters Club or the Nigerian teams. Globacom is the major/title sponsor of the Glo/CAF Awards, the Nigerian Football Federation, the Nigerian national teams, the Ghana national teams, the Ghana Premier League, the Nigeria Sports Supporters Club and the Ghana National Supporters Club.

For a selfless, humble, Godfearing Philanthropist, Grand Commander of Niger (GCON), Business tycoon, for his comprehensive contributions to lifting sports in Nigeria and support to the Supporters Club, the melody makers of Nigerian national teams say ‘’BIG THANK YOU’’

•Dr. Mike Adenuja Jnr.

•Happy man — Dr. Rafiu Ladipo (President General of Supporters Club

62 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015—63

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015

3 days to go!

Mayweather vs Pacquiao: Stage is set ahead of richest fight in history

The big fight

Tickets Ticket prices and the number of tickets available for the Mayweather vs Pacquiao fight

Ring This is the ring in which Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao will face each other in on May 2

World Relays: Okagbare leads Eagles camp Nigeria’s medal charge starts in May

BY BEN EFE

N

IGERIAN sprinters have a common goal; to finish in the top three in their respective events at the

•Okagbare

second IAAF World Relays billed for Nassau, Bahamas this weekend.

Armed with relatively good performances at the Penn Relays in

Philadelphia, the Nigerian teams have their sights on improving on their ratings in the Caribbean Ocean Island country so as to win some of the Continues on Page 58

N

IGERIA head coach Stephen Keshi says he will start calling up national team players to a training camp next month as he

begins preparations for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The tactician is keen to get an early jump on

Continues on Page 58

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

WEDNES DAY'S ANSWERS WEDNESDAY'S

ACROSS 2 Agreeable (5) 7 Run off (4) 8 Provoke (6) 9 Astound (5) 11 Girl’s (3) 13 Cushion (3) 15 Imitated (4) 16 Epoch (3) 18 Otherwise (4) 19 Blasphemous (7) 20 Expensive (4) 22 Challenge (4) 23 Fell (7) 25 Gang (4) 27 Hill (3) 28 Lake (4) 30 Goat (3) 31 Performed (3) 33 Renovate (5) 36 Part (6) 37 Absent (4) 38 Beg (5)

DOWN 1 Slumber (5) 2 Ocean (3) 3 Vegetable (3) 4 Expire (3) 5 Deed (3) 6 Map-book (5) 10 Nothing (4) 11 Fish (7) 12 Told (7) 13 Delighted (7) 14 Erased (7) 16 Burst (5) 17 Following (5) 18 Finish (3) 21 Rank (3) 24 Learning (4) 26 Inflexible (5) 29 Emulate (5) 32 Transgress (3) 33 Material (3) 34 Born (3) 35 Lump (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1,Plot 4, Rim 6, Slab 9, Pal 10, Confused 11, Edit 14, Asp 16, Order 19, Spirited 21, Deter 23, Damaging 24, Tense 27, Lag 31, Cure 33, Industry 34, Doe 35, Deep 36, Sad 37, Ramp.

DOWN: 2, Look 3, Tiff 4, Resisted 5, Made 6, Spear 7, Lad 8, Alive 12, Islet 13, Sirene 14, Aid 15, Petal 17, Drain 18, Range 20, Demanded 22, Rag 25, Elude 26, Sleep 28, Miss 29, User 30, Cram 32, Roe.

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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