Issuu

...towards a better life for the people

VOL. 25: NO. 61935

Nigeria loses $11bn tto o oil thef t, theft, vandalism — NEITI 9

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013

Power crisis ends soon as FG increases gas supply 24 — Alison-Madueke

INEC loses power to de-register parties •Court revokes sack of Okotie's party, 27 others •We'll appeal ruling — INEC

BY OKEY NDIRIBE & IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

BUJA—THE Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, yesterday, held that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has no powers to de-register any political party in the country without recourse to the 1999 Constitution as amended. In a five-hour judg-

RIVERS MERCHANTS OF DEATH

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NJC sacks Abia 49 acting CJ Mr & Mrs

SUSPECTS ON PARADE—Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr Mbu Joseph Mbu and his team display items allegedly recovered from suspected armed robbers, kidnappers and cultists yesterday during the parade of some suspects at the Rivers State Police Command Headquarters, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt. Above right: A suspected vehicle number plate forger. BELOW: Some of the suspects and their arms on parade. Photos: Nwankpa Chijioke.

UK confirms November kick-off date of £3,000 visa bond for Nigerians, others C M Y K

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POCKET CARTOON

UBA SECURITY OPERATIONS CENTRE— Deputy Director, Banking Supervision, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Kelvin Ibedu cutting the tape to commission UBA Security Operations Centre, yesterday in Lagos. With him are Mr. Phillips Oduoza, GMD/CEO, UBA Plc (left); and Deputy Managing Director, UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka.

INEC loses power to de-register parties Continues from Page 1 ment he delivered in a suit filed before the high court by the Fresh Democratic Party, FDP, Justice Gabriel Kolawole nullified a directive the electoral commission issued on December 6,

2012, wherein it de-registered 28 political parties including the plaintiff. Besides, the court, yesterday, declared Section 78(7) (ii) of the Electoral Act as unconstitutional, invalid, null and void,

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

We can conquer our nightmares because of our dreams, and also there are possibilities in impossibilities—Fassy A.Y. Dream well and dream right.

TAKE HEART BY ELLA RANDLE

The essence of self-discipline is to do the important thing rather than the urgent thing— Barry Werner.

NNE Lamott shared a beautiful and very mean ingful story about the importance of tackling events and situations as they occur one step at a time. She wrote that about three decade ago, her elder brother, who was 10 years old at the time, was trying to get a report written on birds that he’d had three months to write, which was due the next day. We were out at our family cabin in Bolinas, and he was at the kitchen table close to tears, surrounded by binder paper and pencils and unopened books about birds, immobilised by the hugeness of the task ahead. Then my father sat down beside him put his arm around my brother’s shoulder, and said: “Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.” This story is a beautiful reminder of the saying by Victor Hugo: “He who every morning plans the transactions of that day and follows that plan carries a thread that will guide him through the labyrinth of the busiest life.” This much I know to be true. It is soul’s nature to be timely, if you are going to set a frame work in this world. If you are going to set a goal, also set a deadline to accomplish it. Also remember to set your goals so you can reach them.

saying it is offensive to the provisions of Section 40 and Sections 221-229 of the constitution. The court stressed that even though Section 228 of the Constitution vested the National Assembly with the powers to enact the Electoral Act, it said the legislature has no power to direct INEC to de-register any political party that failed to win a seat in either the state or National Assembly elections.

Strange concept According to the judge, “the concept of de-registering a political party is strange and alien to the Constitution. When Section 78(7) (ii) of the Electoral Act, 2011, is construed together with Section 222 of the Constitution, it will appear that the legislative decision of the National Assembly to limit political parties to only those that won state and national elections is nothing but an arbitrary rule of the tongue. “I am worried that Section 78(7) (ii) of the Electoral Act, 2011, does not appear from my understanding to have any constitutional precedence. It was a product of legislative despotism which will only encourage political parties to become desperate to win election at all cost. “The section is from all intent and purposes inconsistent with the pro-

visions of the Constitution. To that extent of inconsistency and in line with Section 1(3) of the constitution, it is hereby declared unconstitutional and shall cease forthwith to be part of the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2011, as amended.” The court, which faulted INEC for not according the political parties fair hearing before de-registering them, maintained that the electoral body, failed to prove through preponderance of evidence that the plaintiff failed to live up to expectation or acted in breach of Section 223 of the Constitution. “The 1st defendant has not by any scintilla of admissible evidence been able to justify its decision. The preponderance of evidence and burden of proof tilts in favour of the plaintiffs. “I ask myself whether the 1st defendant, INEC, would have lost anything if it had issued a query to the plaintiff, asking it to adduce reason why it should not be sanctioned in line with Section 78(7) (ii) of the Electoral Act, 2011. Wouldn’t that have enhanced the validity of the decision it took on December 6, 2012? “The action the 1st defendant took against the plaintiffs was quasi-judicial in nature. It was not an administrative decision as it claimed before this court. It clearly sought to divest the plaintiff of its vested legal right. “It is my considered view that it was an adverse decision that affects the 1st plaintiff's civil rights and obligation. Moreso, the right to fair hearing has universal application. The plaintiff was entitled to be heard before the 1st defendant took the decision. “Consequently, I am of the view that the plaintiffs are entitled to all the reliefs they sought before this court except relief nine which is asking for a cost of N10 million to be awarded against the 1st defendant. “Our democracy is still at its nascent stage, there is bound to be mistakes. Moreover, should this court order the defendant to pay the cost, it will still be paid with the tax payers money. Therefore I make no order as to cost,” the Judge added.

Meantime, the high court has also reserved judgment in a similar suit that was filed before it by 52 political parties also fighting for survival.

We will appeal the judgement —INEC In response to the judgement by the court which declared that the Independent National Electoral Commission lacked the power to deregister political parties, the commission has indicated its readiness to appeal the verdict. This was disclosed by Mr Kayode Idowu, Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of the commission, Professor Attahiru Jega. In a telephone interview with Vanguard , yesterday, he said there had been three previous judgments affirming the correctness of INEC’s action with regard to the decision to de-register the affected parties. He said: “This is the fourth judgment on this matter and it is different. So we would file an appeal against it.”

Okotie's FDP's demands Specifically, FDP had alongside its presidential candidate and founder of the Household of God Church, Reverend Chris Okotie, dragged INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation before the court, contending that de-registration of the party was unconstitutional. Okotie, who equally cited the National General Secretary of the party, Mr Adefela Binutu, as the 3rd plaintiff, also joined the National Assembly and the

Inspector-General of Police as co-defendants in the suit. In their originating summons, the plaintiffs, urged the court to determine “ whether the purported de-regulation is not wholly violative of the very underlying constitutional philosophy as loudly proclaimed in the preamble of the 1999 Constitution as it relates to good governance, welfare of all persons, freedom, equality, justice and above all, the principles of democracy/ franchise and social justice as envisaged in Section 14, 15 and 17(10) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “Whether the 1st defendant (INEC) established under Section 153 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 is bound to observe the conditions stipulated under section 221-229 of the Constitution relating to restriction on formation of political parties. “Whether INEC’s letter dated December 6, 2012, addressed to the Chairman of the 1st plaintiff, purportedly de-registering the 1st plaintiff is valid and legitimate in view of the provisions of section 221-229 of the constitution." As well as, “ whether the 3rd defendant (National Assembly) is competent to enact section 78 (7) (ii) of the Electoral Act, 2010 in relation to de-registration of political parties when the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has made provisions covering the field in the area.” Arguing through their counsel, Mr. Fred Agbaje, the plaintiffs, urged the court to declare that “the plaintiff has satisfied all the conditions and requirement of a political party as stipulated under the constitution and under the Electoral Act 2010 and therefore is an extant political party in Nigeria.

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Yobe traders accuse JTF of extortion

Pregnant woman, 7 others die in Osun auto crash

BY BALA AJIYA

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

AMATURU — TRANSPORTERS and traders in Yobe State are lamenting alleged extortion by military personnel attached to the Joint Task Force, JTF, at check points in Damaturu. Buba Umar, a trader that normally transports his wares from Kano to Maiduguri, in an interview with Vanguard, yesterday alleged that they spend up to N20,000 to bribe the JTF on every trip at more than 50 check points, saying the amount is outrageous. He said: “Prices of foodstuff in the market have risen as a result of the extra expenses we incur, like the bribe we give to JTF and the hours we spend on the road. "Some of these good are perishable, we have to deliver on time, but due to these numerous check points, they usually get spoiled. Many suppliers from Kano axis have stopped supplying food items to Damaturu because of this and it makes the prices of goods to go up.” Another transporter said they spent hours on the long queue that stretches up to three kilometres at times, and the JTF are not helping matters.

SOGBO — NO fewer than eight persons including a pregnant woman were, yesterday, confirmed dead in a motor accident along Gbongan/Ibadan express road in Osogbo, the Osun State capital. It was gathered that the accident occurred when a blue Golf car with number plate OSUN AG 19 EDE coming from Ede somersaulted and landed on another car with number plate ABUJA KUJ 74 AJ and a white Toyota Hiace bus with number plate ABUJA XR

930 ABC ran into them. The state Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Mr Imoh Etuk, who confirmed the accident, said the corpses had been deposited at the morgue of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Teaching Hospital, Osogbo. He said officials of the FRSC in conjunction with the Osun State Ambulance Service (O’Ambulance), and the Police did their best to rescue the victims, stressing that they were rushed to the hospital where they were confirmed dead.

Etuk said the identities of the victims could not be ascertained yet, noting that officials of the FRSC were making efforts to contact their relatives through the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW's manifest. He also warned drivers against over speeding, just as he charged them to observe all precautionary measures while on high ways. He said the state command of the FRSC would do its best to ensure that road accidents are reduced in all parts of the state, urging all drivers to also co-operate with the FRSC to make the state a safe one for all road users.

19 nabbed over Ashaka police station attack BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

SABA —DELTA State Police Public Relations, PPRO, Mr. Lucky Uyabeme, said yesterday that investigation was in top gear to ascertain the involvement of 19 persons so far arrested in connection with the mob attack on Ashaka police station, last week. It was not clear whether the mob stole arms and ammunition from the station during the attack as the PPRO kept sealed lips on that. He, however, told Vanguard in Asaba that “we are interrogating those arrested. So far, I think we have 19 of them. A thorough screening is on to ascertain their involvement, we will not hesitate to arraign them in court as soon as possible.” A mob numbering over 200 had, last Wednesday, sacked the Ashaka Police Station in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of the state in protest against the death of a young man who got drowned in the river as police raided some hemp joints.

Chinese docked over fake rice sale, forgery

AGOS – A 36-year-old Chinese was, yesterday, charged before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, for alleged forgery and fraudulent sale of Mama Gold Rice brand. The accused, Hong Dong Shen, is standing trial on a four-count charge bordering on the alleged offence. He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecutor, Mr Daniel Apochi, told the court that the accused committed the offence between February 2011 and March 2013. He said the accused allegedly forged the trade mark of Ol am Nig. Ltd, producers of Mama Gold Rice, and reproduced about 140 bags of the rice for sale to unsuspecting members of the public.

Woman arraigned over N.5m property theft BY ONOZURE DANIA

AGOS — A 23-YEAR-OLD unemployed lady, Elizaberth Aso, was yesterday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate Court for allegedly stealing phones and wrist watches worth N500,000. Aso who was docked before Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe, is facing a count charge of stealing preferred against her by the police. The police prosecutor, Inspector Iranus Nnamonu, told the court that the defendant, committed the alleged offenece on May, 3, 2013, at about 7:30pm, at 11, Oladosu Street, off Toyin Street in Ikeja area of Lagos.

PROTEST: Students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan main campus protesting over non provision of water and electricity in the campus, yesterday. Photo: Dare Fasube

B I Z A R R E : Anambra with male sex workers BY VINCENT UJUMADU

WKA — THERE was a startling revelation, yesterday, that males operate sex spots, just like females in Anambra State. Investigations by the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency, SACA, showed that there are 618 female and 24 male sex spots in various parts of the state. Director of SACA, Dr. Ogochukwu Ndibe, who gave the figures at a harmonization programme for international partners operating in the state, said there are 5920 female and over 500 male sex workers in the state. On the average, there are 10 female sex workers and 5 male sex workers in a spot. He said: “There are men who have sex with other men as a matter of preference or practice, regardless of their sexual identity or sexual orientation and irrespective of whether they also have sex with women or not.” According to Ndibe, local governments where the male and female sex spots were prevalent include Awka South, Awka North, Ihiala, Onitsha South, Orumba North, Nnewi North, Onitsha North, Aguata, and Njikoka. Anambra, with 7.8 per cent prevalence of HIV, is among the highest in the country, although Ndibe explained that with the support of the state government and the current interest and support of many international partners in the state, the rate of spread of HIV in the state would soon reduce. He, however, said there was need for all levels of government and the communities to improve

on direct funding of the HIV response to achieve the desired result as quickly as possible.

HIV test kits

In the meantime, he said the agency had procured and distributed HIV test kits to 107 health facilities in the 21 local government areas of the state, procured and distributed male and female

condoms, computers and four SUV cars for easy movement to all the local government areas, Chief of Staff to Governor Peter Obi, Professor Chinyere Okunna, who is also the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, is not amused at the disclosure. According to Okunna, who is also coordinating the activities under the Millennium Develop-

Ibadan poly students protest

BY OLA AJAYI

BADAN — STUDENTS of The Polytechnic, Ibadan yesterday, brought academic activities to a halt as they blocked all gates to protest erratic power supply in the institution. Some of the students who preferred anonymity said: “Power supply has been so terrible in the school recently. We stated our plight to the authority. We have been experiencing perpetual

darkness at nights in the school since they carried out a repair work on the generator. Reacting, the Public Relations Officer of the school Alhaji Soladoye Adewole, said: “We started having problem with students when the power generating set went bad. The generator required overhauling and it is taking time to put it in order. “We once gave them phone numbers of principal officers so

Passengers on a moving train at Ikeja Along. Photo: Tosin Aladesokun.

infested ment Goals, MDGs, the state government cannot afford to toy with the intervention programmes of the development partners, recalling how difficult it was for Governor Obi to woo them back to the state when he assumed office in 2006. She said: “When Governor Obi assumed office in 2006, no development partner was here. As he settled down, he went after the partners and gradually many of them started partnering with us and the voluntary agencies."

power outage that they could complain and cross-check facts from the school authorities as occasion demanded. "We understand that the students were not happy about the situation but the matter should have been tabled rather than engaging a protest.” The angry students were later pacified with a promise that power would be available between 6am and 7am and 8pm to 11pm daily.

Protesting family members of the slain security operatives in Alakyo, Nasarawa State who have not seen the corpses of their relatives as President Goodluck Jonathan visited the state, yesterday.

Police recover 4 bodies from Agatu after armed attack BY PETER DURU

AKURDI — THE Benue State Police Command said it has recovered four bodies from Ochologologwu and Enogaje villages in Agatu Local Government Area of the state few hours after the invasion of the communities by suspected Fulani mercenaries. The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Deputy Superintendent Daniel Ezeala, said more officers and men had also been deployed to the communities to ensure peace. Ezeala who spoke to newsmen on phone, yesterday, in Makurdi said: “Four corpses have been recovered from the affected villages. “As I speak to you, normalcy is gradually returning to the affected villages. We urged the people to remain calm because the Police have already taken steps to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators of the dastardly act.” Also speaking on the development, the state Commissioner for Works and Transport, Mr. John Ngbede, who hails from the council area said thousands of people had been displaced from their homes as a result of the attack. He said government was already taking steps to ensure the safety of the people of the area and assured of adequate security of the council area.

Police smash human trafficking syndicate to USA By EVELYN USMAN

AGOS — THE Nigeria Police Special Fraud Unit, Milverton, Ikoyi has smashed a syndicate which specialized in smuggling desperate Nigerians to the United State of America, USA, for N1.5 million each. The syndicate’s modus oparandi, according to spokesperson for the unit, Ngozi Nsitume-Agu, included matchmaking their preys with winners of America visa lottery as couple. Currently, a male teacher in a school around Mafoluku area of the state and a female prey from Ekiti were arrested by the unit. Their arrest, according to Nsitume-Agu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, was effected following a petition by the Assistant Regional Security Officer to the United States Consulate General alleging that the suspects, Adejayan Adetokunbo and Adebisi Funke “conspired and went to the US Embassy to be interviewed for Immigrant visa to USA as couple, adding that the

said marriage was determined to be fraudulent. "It was also alleged that they were working with touts for the purpose of smuggling Nigerians to the United States of America. The suspects were arrested by the embassy when they came to collect their visa and handed over to SFU. “Investigation revealed that they were not husband and wife as they claimed. It was an 'arrangee' marriage by one Segun and his syndicate who specialized in merging prospective visa seekers together in marriage for onward smuggling to U.S.A.

they were not husband and wife.” In his confessional statement, 35-year-old Adetokunbo, native of Ondo Local government Area of Ondo State admitted to have won the visa lottery which he said was entered on his behalf by a friend, adding that the undisclosed friend later instructed him to be attached with a woman when coming. He further claimed that the so-

called friend introduced him to one Segun who brought Funke for the arranged marriage and subsequent interview and visa. On her part, 27-year-old Funke claimed to have paid N1.5 million in two installments to members of the syndicate to process her visa and other charges which included passports, medicals and training, stating that the syndicate played on her gullibility.

Modus operandi "Their modus operandi is to merge a lottery visa winner with a non-winner and package both to USA. In this case, N1.5 million was collected from Funke and she was purportedly joined in matrimony with Adejayan Adetokunbo who genuinely won the lottery visa. Both suspects confessed in their statements that

Funke Adebisi and Adetokunbo Adejayan ... the suspects

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Yobe traders accuse JTF of extortion

Pregnant woman, 7 others die in Osun auto crash

BY BALA AJIYA

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

19 nabbed over Ashaka police station attack BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

Chinese docked over fake rice sale, forgery

Woman arraigned over N.5m property theft BY ONOZURE DANIA

PROTEST: Students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan main campus protesting over non provision of water and electricity in the campus, yesterday. Photo: Dare Fasube

B I Z A R R E : Anambra with male sex workers BY VINCENT UJUMADU

on direct funding of the HIV response to achieve the desired result as quickly as possible.

HIV test kits

In the meantime, he said the agency had procured and distributed HIV test kits to 107 health facilities in the 21 local government areas of the state, procured and distributed male and female

Ibadan poly students protest

BY OLA AJAYI

Passengers on a moving train at Ikeja Along. Photo: Tosin Aladesokun.

Protesting family members of the slain security operatives in Alakyo, Nasarawa State who have not seen the corpses of their relatives as President Goodluck Jonathan visited the state, yesterday.

Police recover 4 bodies from Agatu after armed attack BY PETER DURU

Police smash human trafficking syndicate to USA By EVELYN USMAN

Funke Adebisi and Adetokunbo Adejayan ... the suspects

8—Vanguard , TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013

Army arrests 42 Boko Haram members BY EVELYN USMAN

IGERIAN Army, yesterday, in Lagos, paraded 42 suspected members of Boko Haram sect arrested in their hideouts in Lagos and Ogun states. Some of the paraded suspects confessed to have killed soldiers and civilians in the northern parts of the country. They also confessed to have fled Borno State for the western part of the country following the ongoing military intervention. Parading the suspects before newsmen, the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Major General Obi Umahi, stated that the suspects were arrested following intelligence report on the migration of some members of the sect to the South, from the operation’s commander in the SouthEastern part of the country. He said based on this information at the division’s disposal, a coordinated raid was carried out in some criminal hideouts in both states. He said: “The Command organised and carried out raids in conjunction with intelligence operatives in various parts of these states. “The Boko Haram members’ influx is adduced to plans to unleash terror in some parts of South-West, which includes 81 Division’s area of responsibility. “The raids were conducted from 12 to 23 July in various hideouts in Lagos and Ogun states, which are fast becoming Boko Haram enclaves. “The raids were conducted in Ibafo trailer parks and Ileke new trailer garage in Ogun State; Aviation quarters, Mafoluku Oshodi, Ketu/ Mile 12 motor parks, Orile trailer park, Lekki new extension and Bar Beach in Lagos State, where 42 suspects were arrested. “They all admitted to be members of the sect and also said they had participated in some deadly Boko Haram operations.”

APGA crisis: Obi, Umeh reconcile BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE & VINCENT UJUMADU

WKA—THE lingering crisis ravaging All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, came to an end, yesterday, after a marathon meeting between Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State and National Chairman of the party, Chief Victor Umeh. The leaders emerged from the closed-door meeting in the governor ’s office beaming with smiles and exchanging banters with party members that had belonged to different camps, while the crisis lasted. Umeh, who spoke at the end of the meeting, described the crisis as the work of the Devil. Reacting to the peace deal, factional Chairman of the party, Chief Maxi Okwu, said he was not aware of the move, adding that APGA needed a comprehensive reconciliation to forge ahead. Umeh said: “Today is one of the greatest days in the life of our state and our party. My visit to Governor Obi is

RECONCILIATION: Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State (left) and Chief Victor Umeh, Chairman, All Progressives Grand Alliance, at their reconciliation in Awka, yesterday. to crystallise the various peace meetings we had held in the past and also to declare to the whole world that the crisis in APGA has come to an end. “Undoubtedly, many peo-

ple who had followed the events in our party will be surprised at this dramatic end and it is to the glory of God that I have reconciled with my brother. “We have worked together for many years in trying to chart a new

course for our people through APGA and we have been successful in this bid as we have been able to do impossible things in Anambra State. “It is the work of the Devil that some problems reared their heads, but those of us who have laboured together were not happy. But today, I can tell you that this is a new dawn in our party.” On his part, Okwu said in a phone chat with Vanguard: “I am not aware. I am in Enugu, I am not in Awka. It is surprising. “We want reconciliation that is comprehensive in APGA and all stakeholders should be involved. As a chairman, I am a stakeholder and should have been involved in the reconciliation. “I will consult with those who believe in my leadership and we shall proceed from there.”

Court declines to vacate order stopping PDP convention zAs plaintiffs apply to withdraw case BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

BUJA—PEOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, failed to persuade Justice Suleiman Belgore of an Abuja High Court at Apo to vacate the order restraining it from conducting its special convention on August 31. This was even as National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, yesterday, challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the substantive suit seeking to sack him from office. The suit was filed by three aggrieved members of the party, Abba Yale, Yahaya Sule and Bashir Maidugu. Despite efforts by the party to make the court grant it the goahead with its original plan to organise its South-West Congress and mini-convention on August 24 and 31, respectively, Justice Belgore declined to accede to the request, even as he adjourned further hearing on the case till September 23.

Lawyers fight

Meantime, a mild drama ensued immediately the matter was called up yesterday, as two lawyers argued over who was duly briefed by the plaintiffs to represent them. Whereas Mr. Jubril Okutekpa

(SAN), told the court that he was the person that not only filed the suit but had been representing the plaintiffs in the matter, another lawyer, Mr. F. N. Nwosu, told the court that the plaintiffs had, Friday, instructed him to take over the matter on their behalf. Following a heated argument that ensued between the two lawyers, who called each other names, among which included “Jankara legal practitioner,” the court was forced to stand down the matter for 30 minutes. Later, one of the plaintiffs, Mr. Maidugu, appeared in court and told the judge that they no longer had confidence in their former lawyer. He said they had unanimously resolved to change their lawyer, a submission that did not go down well with Okutekpa, who insisted that they must pay for all the legal services he had offered them before he would hands off the case. Okutekpa said: “My Lord, my investigations revealed that I have not been de-briefed. In view of Order 10 rule 40(2) of the rules of this court, read together with Rule 29(2) of Rules of Professional conduct, Mr. Nwosu cannot be allowed to appear in this matter and he should not.

“This morning, I spoke to the 3rd plaintiff and I filed a process in their name this morning. “Though I have not spoken to the other plaintiffs, however, if they want to de-brief me, they ought to have done so in writing and I will give them my terms and condition.” On his part, Nwosu urged the court to allow him to take over the case since one of the plaintiffs already identified him as their new counsel. He further told the court that the plaintiffs had agreed to withdraw the suit to allow PDP's National Reconciliation Committee to resolve their grievance.

against the party to be lifted, Justice Belgore said it will be unjust and inequitable for him to grant the prayer in view of the quagmire in the camp of the plaintiffs. He said: “I am not prepared to consider the oral application to discharge my earlier order. As it stands now, I do not know who will speak for the plaintiffs. “Moreover, there is an application by the 2nd defendant challenging the jurisdiction of this court to hear the substantive suit. I don’t have any choice than to adjourn this matter to September 23.”

Ruling

Plaintiffs’ case

In his short ruling, Justice Belgore described the drama as “an embarrassment to the legal profession.” He said: “This is an embarrassment. It is an impunity that should not be tolerated at all in the judiciary. We as lawyers should allow politicians to do their politicking. “The action two of you showcased in this court today will reverberate beyond this room. This is a trying moment for our profession, which is indeed at a cross-roads.” On application by counsel to PDP, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), for the interim order

The plaintiffs had sought for an order of interlocutory injunction to restrain Tukur and other officers of the party from holding the scheduled “special convention,” which date they said was announced by a committee led by former Minister of Information, Prof. Gana. They urged the court to set aside or nullify all steps and processes that led to the appointment of all the national officers of the party. Besides, they asked the court to restrain Tukur “from performing any function or duty assigned to the National Working Committee of the defendant.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013 — 9

Lagos commissioner resigns BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

CONDOLENCE: From left— Special Adviser to the President (Special Duties) Sen. Isaiah Balat; wife of Prof Jerry Gana, Lucy, and President Goodluck Jonathan (right), during a condolence visit by G-20 delegation. STATE HOUSE PHOTO.

Nigeria loses $11bn to oil theft, vandalism BY NOEL ONOJA

BUJA — THE Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), yesterday in Abuja, said Nigeria lost over $11 billion to crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism between 2009 and 2011. The NEITI Chairman, Mr. Ledum Mitee, disclosed this at the public presentation of NEITI Audit reports for the Oil and Gas sector for 2009 to 2011, and the Solid Minerals Sector Audit for 2007-2010. The report, which was carried out by NEITI auditors highlighted the transaction and revenue flows between government agencies and international oil companies operating in Nigeria. According to the report, more than 136 million barrels of crude oil estimated at $10.9 billion was lost to theft and sabotage during the period in review. “This amount, which was 7.7 per cent of the total revenue accrued to the federation in the audit period, is considered significant. This was in addition to a loss of about 10 million barrels valued at $894 million as a result of pipeline vandalism in downstream operations,” Mitee said. The report said that the nation recorded over 2.5 billion barrels of crude oil production amounting to total revenue of $143.5 billion from equity crude sales, royalty, signature bonuses and taxes within the period under review. The breakdown of the crude oil production given by the report is as follows: *2009 - 780.9 million barrels *2010 - 894.5 million barrels *2011 - 866.2 million barrels The report said that crude production fell in 2011 due to the activities of vandals, and also decried the lack of agreed pricing methodology between the NNPC and the oil companies for the determination of fiscal values for royalty computations.

The NEITI report also disclosed that the Federal Government paid about N3 trillion as subsidy payments to petroleum marketers during the three year period. It added that payments to the NNPC alone accounted for N1.4 trillion of the total subsidy claims, while other marketers claimed the remaining N1.60 trillion. It said: “From the findings of the report, the subsidy payments made through NNPC increased from N198 billion in 2009 to N416 billion in 2010, and nearly doubled in 2011 to N786 billion. “During the same period, subsidy paid through PPPRA increased from N208 billion in 2009 to N278 billion in 2010, and astronomically to N1.12 trillion in 2011.” The report also uncovered a disparity of N175.9 billion between the subsidy claims paid from the Federation Account and the one made by the PPPRA. “The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation reported to NEITI auditors a total subsidy payment of N2, 825 trillion, while the PPPRA disbursed N3 trillion to marketers during the same period. Some marketers disagreed with the amount ascribed to them by the PPPRA, especially in 2010, where a marketer claimed N2.56billion as fuel subsidy. The PPPRA recorded payment of N1.5 billion, leaving an un-reconciled difference of N1.04 billion,” the report said. Furthermore, the report said that the N4.423 billion being over-recovery collected from some marketers was yet to be remitted to the Federation Account, while the NNPC and two other companies were yet to refund N3.715 billion

—NEITI being over-recovery for the period under review. NEITI, however, commended the management of the NNPC for cooperating with NEITI this time around in the audit of the sector and called for stronger synergy among stakeholders to ensure transparency in the sector. Finance to collect outstanding revenues The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala, in her brief remarks, commended NEITI for a comprehensive audit of the sector, which she described as critical to the economy. The minister said that the ministry would seat down with the NNPC and other stakeholders to ensure that all outstanding revenues due to the Federation Account

were remitted promptly. She said that the Federal Government was working hard to ensure that the recommendations in the report were taken seriously and implemented in line with international best practice. Earlier, the Group Managing Director, NNPC, Mr Andrew Yakubu, said that the Corporation was committed to strengthening its partnership with NEITI, so as to enthrone accountability and transparency in the sector. Yakubu said that NNPC had nothing to hide and would continue to work with relevant government agencies to iron out the grey areas raised in the report. In his remarks, the Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals Development, Alhaji Musa Sada, restated the commitment of the Federal Government to sanitise the mining sector and enthrone transparency and accountability.

AGOS — Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday, accepted the resignation of his Commissioner for Finance, Mr Tokunboh Abiru commending him for rendering meritorious service to the state. Speaking at the State Executive Council meeting after the presentation of the outgoing Commissioner’s letter of resignation to the council, Fashola, noted that the Commissioner who is leaving to take up appointment as Executive Director of First Bank of Nigeria Plc and a Board member of FBN Holdings Plc, gave commendable service to the state. The governor wished him well in his new challenge as the Executive Director of one of the leading banks in the country and expressed confidence that the out-going commissioner would prove his mettle as a seasoned banker. Tokunbo Abiru, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and professional banker joined the state’s public service from the First Bank of Nigeria Plc where he had over two decades of a successful career, serving variously as Group Head Corporate Banking and Business Development Manager among others. In his letter of resignation to the governor, Abiru expressed his gratitude to the governor for the life changing opportunity to serve the people of Lagos and affirmed that he had indeed benefitted from the art of good leadership and governance. He promised to remain a committed and good ambassador of the values and custom of the state Governor’s admirable leadership. The letter of appointment from First Bank Plc dated June 19, 2013 said the appointment of Mr Tokunbo Abiru as an Executive Director will take effect from August 1, 2013.

Hezbollah: FG files 10 fresh charges against Lebanese suspects BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

BUJA—Federal Government, yesterday, filed an additional 10-count terrorism charge against the three Lebanese suspects, Mustapha Fawaz, Abdullahi Thahini and Tahal Roda, accused of complicity in the illegal importation of arms into Nigeria. The action of the Federal Government brought the total charge against the accused persons, said to belong to the military wing of an alleged Lebanon-based terrorist group, Hezbollah, to 16 counts. Meanwhile, the three suspects, who were charged alongside their business outfits, Amigo Supermarket Limited and Wonderland Amusement Park Resort, yesterday, pleaded not guilty to the amended charges and were

subsequently remanded in custody of Department of State Security, DSS, by trial Justice Ademola Adeniyi. Before the case was adjourned till today for continuation of hearing, Federal Government brought three witnesses that testified against the accused. The masked witnesses, narrated how the Lebanese were nabbed after weapons were recovered from their residence at 3, Gaya Road, off Bompai Road in Kano. The weapons, which were allegedly uncovered at an underground bunker after a combined team of JTF involving soldiers from 3 Brigade in Kano and Kano DSS, conducted a thorough search of the bunker, included anti-tank weapons, rocket-propelled guns, anti-tank and anti-personnel mines and other dangerous weapons. According to the security operatives that conducted the search, the arms and ammuni-

tion were properly concealed with several layers of concrete and placed in coolers, drums and bags neatly wrapped. The security services had maintained that the weapons were intended to be used to attack Israeli and Western targets based in Nigeria. In the fresh charge it filed against them, Federal Government further alleged that the accused persons were also involved in terrorist funding, adding that the 2nd accused person, Thahini, was on May 11, apprehended at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport with $61,170,000, which he allegedly attempted to smuggle out of Nigeria. Federal Government told the court that two of those that conspired to unlawfully import prohibited firearms into the country, Abdalhassan Tahir and Ghazi Kassim were still at large.

10—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013

Series of blasts rock Kano BY ADEKUNLE ALIYU with Agency Report

SERIES of loud explosions rocked Nigeria’s second city of Kano on Monday, residents said, describing at least four blasts in the Sabon Gari neighbourhood, which has been previously targetted by Boko Haram Islamists. “There is confusion all over the place. There were four huge explosions, so huge that they shook the whole area. Everywhere is enveloped in smoke and dust,” said Chinyere Madu, a fruit vendor. The blasts were said to have targetted Enugu street in Sabon Gari, a strip filled with outdoor bars and eateries. Resident Kola Oyebanji said he believed “beer parlours” were the target. “My house is not far from there,” he told AFP. “All my windows are shattered.” Kano is the largest city in Nigeria’s mainly Muslim north, but Sabon Gari is a mostly Christian neighbourhood.

DISTRESSED BUILDINGS : Lagos to

demolish estate BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

AGOS — GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday, said his administration would commence immediate demolition and redevelopment of distressed AdenijiAdele Housing Estate in Central Lagos, to forestal building collapse and possible loss of lives.

The governor said many buildings in the estate, on land reclaimed more than two decades ago, were in very bad conditions with many of the ground floors already submerged while the walls of most of them cracked and showing signs of serious structural defect. Fashola, after an on the spot inspection, said many buildings in the estate, particularly phases

1 to 4, fell into the aforementioned category saying, “you will see from what we saw there that some of the ground floors have been abandoned and deserted. But the truth is that those buildings are going to collapse. “You understand Lagos terrain, most of it is water and that is why you see on the Island particularly most of the land there is white sand, swamp, land claimed from

Lagos PDP denies having factions BY DAPO AKINREFON

AGOS — Lagos State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, dismissed insinuations that the party had been barred from participating in the forthcoming South west zonal congress of the party. It also refuted claims that there was division in the state chapter, saying, “there is nothing like that in our party.” At a briefing in Lagos, State Chairman of PDP, Tunji Shelle, said: “We lear nt that one Dr. Finnih purportedly presented a fake INEC report to the press sometimes ago. If actually he did, he must have been living in the past. “For the avoidance of doubt, his attention and that of his fellow-travellers are drawn to INEC letters addressed to the National Chairman dated April 2, 2012 giving PDP Lagos a clean bill of health as far as 2012 Congress is concerned. “Our detractors should therefore be sentenced to permanent silence and allow the executive to face the task of delivering Lagos to PDP.”

PRESENTATION: From left: Comrade Osa Director, Book Reviewer; Mr. Richard Akinnola, Author of the Book; Mrs. Henrietta Akinnola, Author’s wife, and Mr. Abdulmumini Abiola, Son of the late MKO Abiola, during the media presentation of the book, ‘A Travesty of Justice, the Acquittal of Major Hamza AL-Mustapha Over the Murder of Kudirat Abiola,’ by Mr. Richard Akinnola, at Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

the sea. So, that kind of land requires special attention to the foundations, in most cases you have to pile, whether short or long pile, to achieve structural stability.” He explained that there were issues that had delayed government intervention in the last three years, which included where to move the residents. “He said, however, my administration has come to the decision that the residents must be moved out to avoid loss of life. “The reality is that these buildings would come down. So we have come to the reality that we must just take the tough decision. People must have to leave those places otherwise we are coming back there to carry out dead bodies. I don’t want to do that.” Redevelopment plan On the modalities to be adopted in rebuilding the place, Fashola said, “The strategy would be that we have found the chairman of all the four phases. We met the chairman of phase 3 and he has assured us that he and his people sign on to this agreement and we have told them, ‘give us evacuated blocks, we will move in, we will pull them down and rebuild them.” Noting that Phase 3 of the Estate was the most vulnerable, the governor said the redevelopment would start from the phase, “once we have access to Phase 3, we can build enough that allows us to begin to disengage people from Phase 4 into Phase 3 and then move them back into their quarters when we finish. But we must start from Phase 3.”

....Inaugurates hotels grading, appeal committees BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI & MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

AGOS — GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday, said despite the Supreme Court judgement vesting the registration and grading of hotels, among others to state, the Federal Government still had an important role to play in enhancing the tourism sector. Fashola spoke in Ikeja while inaugurating a six-man committee on Grading of Hotels and Hospitality Establishment as well as a five-man Appeal Committee on Grading of Hotels and Hospitality Establishment, in Ikeja. The inauguration came barely two weeks after the Supreme Court ruled that state and not the Federal Government has the right to regulate the activities of hotels and other hospitality establishments in the country. The six man committee on Grading of hotels and hospitality establishments is headed by Mr. Lanre Segun, while, Mr. Gbolahan Elias, heads the Appeal Committee on grading of hotels and hospitality establishments. One of the members of the Appeal’s committee is a former

Presidential candidate of the National Conscience Party, NCP, Mr. Dele Momodu. According to Fashola: “The Federal Government still has a very big role to play to enhance tourism. One of the roles is the way they manage the border post of this country. Borders are the first point of contact for tourists coming into the country. “The kind of training that the central government gives to immigration officers and the cour-

tesy that they show to tourists is instructive in whether the country will be a real tourist player or not. That is where the first impression of the country is made. “The way we manage the administration of visa issuance in the country is another role. Can a tourist get visa at the point of entry? These are among the things that I believe the Federal Government must work out openly and transparently, so that we can reap the benefits.

“There is so much the country has to put out there. It must be a multi-jurisdictional collaboration where everyone will manage its own allotted role. With this, the tourism industry will be effective.” The governor lamented that tourism and hospitality establishments in many parts of Africa were major avenues for creating employment and generating revenue, but had not been tapped fully in Nigeria.

APC has fulfilled all INEC’s requirements — Lagos ACN BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

AGOS — LAGOS State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, against frustrating the registration of the newly formed All Progressives Congress APC, saying it has satisfactorily fulfilled all INEC’s- registration requirements. State Publicity Secretary of ACN, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, in a statement, yesterday, said INEC risked plunging the country into

intractable crisis if it continued to pander to the dictates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to stall the registration of APC. According to him, “We advise INEC to quickly register APC without delay as nothing stands between APC and registration except the desperate antics of PDP. INEC has no choice not to register the APC having satisfactorily fulfilled all INEC registration requirements. We are all aware that no court ruling has stopped the registration of the authentic APC as to warrant the present dilly dallying of the reg-

istration of APC. “We feel that APC has painstakingly and thoroughly satisfied all registration requirements expected from merging parties to form a new party. “We feel that APC has ridden through all landmines put on its way by the PDP, which has lost sleep since the emergence of the party. In a matter that is clearly constitutional and guided by relevant laws of the land, we believe that INEC has no known reason to deny the APC registration except pandering to the desperate antics of the PDP.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY

Ekiti PDP chairman, 16 aspirants push for Fayose’s suspension .It’s a gang-up — Fayose BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

DO EKITI — THE cri sis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ekiti State yesterday deepened, as the chairman of the party in the state, Mr Makanjuola Ogundipe insisted that the former governor of the state, Mr Ayo Fayose and four others remained suspended over their alleged roles in the violent attack on the party executive members two weeks ago, urging the national leadership of the party to affirm the decision. The development came as 16 out of the 25 gubernatorial aspirants within the party have declared their support for the suspension of the former governor In a communique issued after the meeting of the 16 gubernatorial aspirants in Ado Ekiti ,weekend, the PDP chieftains equally declared their support for the emergence of consensus candidate for 2014 governorship election, ,saying consensus arrangement would produce less rancorous arrangement Members of Fayose’s group yesterday equally raised an alarm that no fewer than three members of the party were beaten up at the Ajilosun party’s secretariat. According to the statement by the party’s Public Relations Officer Pastor Kola Oluwawole, some members of the state executive council brought some thugs to the party secretariat to unleash terror on the three PDP members. Speaking to newsmen after a meeting of the State Working Committee, Ogundipe said his position to suspend Fayose and three others is supported by the PDP constitution which states that only members of the National Working Committee could not be suspended in the state “We are acting based on the constitution of the PDP which says only members of the SWC could not be suspended in the state without the affirmation of the NWC “Interestingly, we are having three of them in the state and Fayose with the three others that are suspended are not on the list." Also, the gubernatorial aspirants rose from their inaugural meeting, declaring that consensus arrangement would produce a quality and marketable candidate with wide acceptability, hence their support for the advice by President Goodluck Jonathan that consensus process be

used to select the 2014 governorship candidate of the PDP in Ekiti State. The aspirants according to the communique are; Surveyor Abiodun Aluko, Senator Bode Olowoporoku, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd), Senator Ayo Arise, Hon. Aribisala Adewale, Otunba O. O. Akerele, Prof. Adesegun Ojo, Amb. Dare Bejide, Rt. Hon. Femi Bamisile, Rt. Hon. Odeyemi Tunji and Prince Dayo Adeyeye. Others are; Mr. Bodunde Adeyanju, Chief Obafemi Peters, Hon. Ropo Ogunbolude, Pharm. Bimbo Owolabi and Dr. Kunle Afolayan. The communique reads in part; “We support the decision of Mr. President on using the consensus process to select the 2014 governorship candidate of our great State. “Consensus arrangement will produce a quality and marketable candidate with wide acceptability. “Unlike primary election, consensus is more efficient

and brings greater harmony and cooperation, and it is impossible for a minority group to gang-up to force their choice on the larger people as the candidate. “We support the process put in place by the State Executive of our great party to initiate the consensus process. “We condemn the acts of violence by some members of our party and agree with the decision of the State Executive to suspend the perpetrators. “We expect the National leadership of our great party to also start the due process of affirming the suspension of Dr. Ayo Fayose. “Any act of violence, such as arson, infliction of bodily harm, destruction of property and attempted murder should not be handled with levity. The national leadership of our great party must take immediate steps to sanction offenders to prevent a reoccurrence and to serve as deterrence to others. “Dr. Ayo Fayose has defected

from several political parties – PDP to ANPP to PPA to ACN to Labour Party and back to PDP. He was expelled from all these parties. Therefore, this poses great question on his electability and popularity? Reacting to the development, Fayose accused the 16 aspirants of gang up, boasting that he would defeat them any time the party arranged proper primary. Speaking through his media aide Idowu Adelusi, Fayose said:“ They are just 16 in number, I want them to be more than that. "Let them recruit more members or better still they jointly should present one aspirant to face me and I will defeat him to a distant second. It is very obvious that they are afraid of me. "I made it very clear, the party’s constitution protects me. Though the President only advised, the order to adopt consensus must come from the party’s national office.

30, 2013—11

Ondo oil community laments marginalisation

OUTHS IN oil rich Ugbo ward 5 and 6 in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have lamented their marginalisation in the oil and gas sector, saying that they were severely shortchanged even in job opportunities and appointments in the several government and private oil firms and regulatory establishments. In a statement by Mr. Esan Anthony and Alfred Aganyebi representing Ugbo, the community lamented that in spite of the fact that over 80 per cent of oil and gas production in Ondo State comes from within Ugbo Wards 5 and 6, yet they have never being considered for any position. The community said “unfortunately, since the creation and operations of the Oil Intervention Agencies like OMPADEC, NDDC and Federal level and OSOPADEC at State respectively, Ugbo Ward 5, in spite of her incontrovertible position in Oil production level, has never had her indigene appointed into any of the boards of the above mentioned intervention agencies. In the interest of peace, equity, justice and fairness. We passionately appeal to the appropriate authorities to extend the benefit of such enviable attribute to Ugbo Ward 5 and 6 for even representation.”

Ogun PDP receives defectors BY DAUD OLATUNJI

MEETING: From left, Chairman, University of Ibadan Alumni Association (Lagos Branch), Mr. Sola Oyetayo; Publicity Secretary, Mr. Idowu Sowunmi, and guest lecturer & MD, Lagos State Waste Management Authority, Mr. Ola Oresanya, during the association's General Meeting/Sharing Experience, at Lagos Airport Hotel, in Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday.

SPONSORS: Gani Adams challenges Fasehun

ANI ADAMS, the leader of a faction of the Odua Peoples Congress, OPC, has described as a wolf in sheep’s skin the septuagenarian leader of the other faction, Mr. Fredrick Fasheun over the latter’s controversial solidarity with recently acquitted Major Hamza AlMustapha. The criticism is contained in a

statement released by the organisation and signed by the General Secretary, Mr. Tanimowo Babajide, and the Publicity Secretary, Akeem Ologunro Referring to Fasheun’s threat to name Adam’s sponsors, he challenged Fasehun to come out and name them or cover his face in shame and keep quiet. “Unlike Fasheun, whose ante-

cedents have proved beyond any doubt that he has always had a price tag that can be paid for anytime by the highest bidder, Otunba Gani Adams has remained consistent with the dream behind the formation of the OPC, which was to fight for the rights of the Yoruba race and the right for self-determination,” the statement said.

BEOKUTA — FORMER Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose has declared that the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party would not adversely affect the party’s chances in the South Westm geopolitical zone in the 2015 general elections. Fayose, who joined some chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogun State including Chief Buruji Kashamu in Atan, Ijebu North East Local Government Area of Ogun State, weekend, to receive 1,000 defectors from the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, into their party, said nothing would stand in the way of the party to achieve victory in the general elections.

12—Vanguard , TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013

Aide lauds Uduaghan on employment

GHELLI—SPECIAL Adviser to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on Youth Affairs, Mr. Simon Mudi, has said that 95 per cent of jobless youths in Delta State have been taken out of the streets by the numerous developmental programmes initiated by the governor since his election in 2007. Mudi, yesterday in Ughelli, said that the governor has done a lot for the youths in terms of human capital development by initiating various programmes for them. He said: “for example, the Youth Development Committee programme where youths are being paid average of N50, 000 per month has affected thousands of youths in the state, who are still benefiting till date. “Another one is the Youth Empowerment, through Agriculture- Farmers’ Support Programme, YETAFSP, which ensured that youths were trained at the Songhai Amukpe in various agricultural programmes and at the end, they were allocated with farm lands.”

Sapele LG empowers 500 people

APELE—OVER 500 people of Sapele, Sapele Local Government Area, Delta State, yesterday, got over N5 million worth financial boost and starter packs in various businesses and trades as part of the ongoing Federal Government Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, SURE-P. Chairman of the council, Mr Julius Egbedi, who gave out the starter packs on behalf of the Federal Government, said: “As you are all aware, these donations are fallouts of the strike embarked upon by Nigerians in January, 2012 to protest the total removal of subsidy by the Federal Government on petroleum products. “At the end of the strike, it was resolved that there should be partial removal of subsidy on petroleum products and the Federal Government deemed it fit to plough money accruing from the partial subsidy removals, back into the economy to reduce poverty to its barest minimum, an exercise now known as SURE-P.”

RIVERS CRISIS: House leader, LIoyd charged with attempted murder zAbe wants CP Mbu redepoloyed zSoyinka, Falana, to lead pro-democracy rally in PH today BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI, BEN AGANDE & DAPO AKINREFON ORT HARCOURT—THE Police authorities have filed a six-count charge of conspiracy and murder against the Majority Leader of Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Chidi Lloyd before a Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt. A source at Police headquarters, Abuja, told Vanguard that the Police after a careful and thorough examination of both oral and video evidences as well as the contributions of parties involved, came to the conclusion, adding “we have done our part, it is now left to the court to assign the case and fix hearing date.” Similarly, Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka and Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, will join in the civil society protest, slated for Port Harcourt, today, over the crisis rocking the state People’s Democratic Party, PDP, which snowballed into the state House Assembly recently, leading to a free for all. Despite opposition to the rally by former militants and some civil society groups in the state, organisers of the protest, yesterday, insisted on going ahead with today’s protest.

in Police custody, in addition to being handcuffed.

Force spokesman

But Force Spokesman, Mr. Frank Mba, who spoke to Vanguard, said “As far as we are concerned, detectives from the Police headquarters were very professional and very civil in handling Llyod’s case. As a matter of fact, throughout his stay in Abuja, he was given very polite but professionally firm treatment.” It will be recalled that shortly before Lloyd was flown back to Port Harcourt, after his interrogation, his case-file on the fracas that took place at the Rivers Assembly, was forwarded to the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, for legal advice. Meanwhile, Senator Abe, insisting on Mbu being transferred out of the state, said: “I think that it is actually an embarrassment to the police for them to wait this long. “If you look at the report of the Senate Committee, it is clear that

crime has gone up in Port Harcourt while this man has been here. It is clear that normal policing is not going on in the state. It is clear that the citizens of the state are at risk, so moving somebody who is not contributing in any positive manner to what the constitution expects us to be doing here is not something that the police need to wait for National Assembly to pass resolution. It is clear that the man cannot function as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State.” Insisting on Mbu’s redeployment to ensure peace and stability in the state, Abe said: “he (Mbu) will go. There is no doubt about it. The National Assembly has called for it and I don’t think that it is something we need to debate. Rivers people know that his presence here has not contributed to the peace and stability of the state. If both Houses of the National Assembly make a clear and categorical demand, if the facts on

ground make a clear and categorical demand, if the people of the state themselves have made a clear and categorical demand, Mbu should by himself carry his bags and go.” He noted that the National Assembly had put into consideration the wishes of Rivers people and of other Nigerians in passing its resolution, which called for Mbu’s redeployment. He appealed to political stakeholders to work for the peace and stability of the state, just as he enjoined them to resolve their political differences in the spirit of give and take. Meanwhile, Concerned indigenes of Rivers State have rallied round HRM, Queen Akasoba Duke-Abiola, the Akasoba of Kalabari and Chairperson, Akasoba Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution, ACPCR, to find a lasting peace to the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.

Senator Abe

Also, the Senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial district, Senator Magnus Abe, has renewed his call for the immediate redeployment of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Mbu, over what he described as “his questionable involvement in the Rivers crisis.” Senator Abe, who is Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream, expressed sadness that the police hierarchy had not done anything on the matter even though the National Assembly had passed a resolution asking for Mbu’s redeployment. The filing of charges against Lloyd, came as the Police authorities in Abuja, denied allegations by Rivers State lawmakers that the Majority Leader, was tortured and maltreated while in Abuja for interrogation. The state lawmakers, who raised alarm over the deteriorating health of Lloyd, had alleged that he was going blind because of the tear gas spread into his eyes, adding that he was badly manhandled while

PRESENTATION: From left: Deputy Managers, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Mr. Niyi Adeleke and Mr. Ita Calix; one of the winners of Stanbic IBTC’s “Season of Millions” promotion, Mr. Samuel Folorunsho and Executive Director, Personal and Business Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Obinnia Abajue, at the presentation of a N1 million cheque to Mr. Folorunsho by the bank in Lagos.

I never supported child marriage —Ugbesia

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

ENIN CITY—THE Senator representing Edo Central senatorial district of Edo State, Senator Odion Ugbesia, yesterday, said that contrary to allegations that he voted in favour of the bill for teenage marriage, “there was no child right bill before us,” noting that the allegation against him was false and misleading. He spoke following calls for

his recall, which came through an open letter sent to the leadership of the senate and several other persons by 19 women groups based in Nigeria, United Kingdom, USA, Italy and Canada. The women groups accused him of supporting teenage marriages, a development they said was alien to the culture of Edo people. “As our representative, we believe that you are also

aware of the physical, emotional and mental exploitation of the girl-child in these circumstances, which essentially truncates their growth and development. Edo State has long been in the eye of the storm because of its huge problem of human and sex trafficking, which had bedevilled the state for over two decades,” the groups had said.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013— 13

C M Y K

14—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013

Stakeholders condemn critics over remodelling of airports BY KENNETH EHIGIATOR TAKEHOLDERS in the aviation industry, yesterday, condemned critics over remodelling of airports in the country, saying such criticisms were capable of eroding gains made in the sector. Their reactions came against the backdrop of declarations made by Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption, National Ethics and Values, Mr. Abiodun Adeleke, that contracts for re-modelling did not follow due process. A stakeholder, who preferred anonymity, said contracts awarded for the remodelling of the airports followed due process prescribed by the relevant law of the Public Procurement Act 2007. “It would be misleading to insinuate that contracts awarded through a selective tendering process did not necessarily follow due process. It has to be noted that selective tendering is a lawful procurement procedure as enunciated in the Act. “The present administration met aviation infrastructure, especially the terminals in a terrible state of dilapidation. "Rehabilitating the derelict and decrepit infrastructure required a lot of urgency which the selective tendering provision in the Act suited quite aptly.”

Chief Ezugwu, 60, for burial

N Abuja-based businessman, Chief Pat Emeka Ezugwu, 60, has died. His burial will commence on Friday, August 2, 2013, with a wake keep at Chief Udegbe Ezugwu’s compound, opposite Central School, Adani, Uzo-Uwani L.G.A, Enugu State, while interment follows next day at the same venue after church service. The astute and prominent businessman is survived by a daughter, Nkem, brothers, sisters nephews, cousins, among numerous others.

z Late Chief Ezugwu C M Y K

Asari-Dokubo urges Al-Mustapha to forgive accusers BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

BUJA—LEADER of Niger- Delta Peoples Volunteer Force, NDPVF, Alhaji Mujahideen Asari-Dokubo, has appealed to Major Hamza AlMustapha, Chief Security Officer, CSO, to late Head of State, General Sanni Abacha, to forgive his accusers and all those who wanted him dead. Asari, who spoke when the former CS0 paid a visit to his Abuja residence, said he was convinced that Al-Mustapha never killed late Mrs. Kudirat Abiola, a matter that necessitated Al-Mustapha’s arrest and subsequent incarceration for 15 years. He said: “For me as a person, I was very convinced that you were not part of what happened because I was very close to Kudirat and I was very close to the Lagos group that was responsible for the judicial manipulation that was going on. And I wrote those things and people said we were paid to write. People believe that

LG autonomy: NULGE calls off strike BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

BUJA—IN less than 24 hours after the leadership of the National Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, directed its members to proceed on a three-day national warning strike over Senate’s disapproval of LG autonomy, the union has directed its members to go back to their duty posts, in deference to the House of Representatives. The House of Representatives had in contrast to the action of the Senate on LG autonomy, voted in favour of autonomy for the third-tier of government. NULGE had, among other things, protested the recent voting against granting autonomy to local government by the Senate during the constitutional review, but the union said it had to instruct its members to go back to work, following the intervention of the House of Representatives. In a statement signed by the Head of Information of NULGE, Mohammed Shuaib, which was made available to newsmen yesterday, the union directed all officers both at the national and state levels to report to their duty posts immediately.

anybody who says the truth or has a contrary opinion has been paid to do it.” He expressed appreciation to God for sparing the life of AlMustapha in prison and urged

him to forgive his enemies. He said what was important was the fact that truth had finally prevailed. Dokubo said: “We just thank God that this is not a period for

politics and making political statements but what is important is that truth has prevailed and the hypocrisy of those who wanted to sacrifice an innocent man to satisfy their perceived interest".

DONATION—Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu (right), presenting the keys of an 18-seater Toyota Bus to Enugu West Senatorial District Traditional Rulers Council to the Chairman, HRH Igwe Harford Agana.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013—15

Desperate politicians out to distract me — Jonathan BY BEN AGANDE

BUJA —PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, said politicians desperate for power were out to distract him from delivering on the mandate given to him by Nigerians to move the country to a greater level because of their ambition in 2015. Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, who stated this while appearing on a Ray Power Radio Programme monitored in Abuja, noted that the President had consistently stated that he was determined to deliver on the mandate given to him by Nigerians and would not allow himself to be distracted by the campaign for 2015. According to Abati, “the President has never at any time discussed 2015; he has never at any time said this is his position on 2015. “His position has been consistent and straight forward and that has been the President saying look let’s focus on governance. "If Nigerian people have given you an assignment, it is your assignment to deliver and move the country forward, that is what we want to focus on. And that was the statement about the midterm report that was publicly presented. “Two years down the line, the President presented to Nigerian people scorecard of what he has been able to do. He said I took over and now two years down the line, I have moved the country forward, this is the evidence. Nobody has been able to dispute the evidence. "So we must be able to make a distinction between politicking, the fact and reality. The President stands on the side of truthfulness, of fact, of reality. So he wants to be engaged at the level of his performance. And I will continue to tell Nigerians that this Presidency will remain focused.

Focus on governance “He is doing the job that Nigerians have given him and he is making progress and has provided evidence that he is making progress. People who concentrate on politics want to distract Mr. President.” Asked why it took the visit of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, leadership for the President to announce his intention to check the excesses of politicians alleged to he heating up the system, Abati said “the first thing that Nigerians must know is that President Jonathan is not just President and Commander-inChief of the Armed Forces, he is also the premier political leader in the country. “What that means, of course, is

that he has the responsibility to ensure security and the well being of all Nigerians. And in that case, he, as the number one person in the country, will not standby while there are issues within the polity that could overheat the polity. “It was within that context that he made the point when he met with the NBA leadership that he has the primary responsibility to put to an end the political excesses that seem to be overheating the polity. And I think the President should be

commended for his being sensitive and being fully aware of the primary responsibility not just as head of state but also as head of government and as head of the political process and as a citizen and as a patriot. “When the NBA visited, they brought up the issue about the political process and the President said look, what is overheating the policy is because people are obsessed with 2015 and that he as a person who believes that we are in 2013 and we should

continue to focus on good governance at all levels. “It didn’t take the visit of the NBA for the President to make that statement, that is the statement the President has made. He has directed me to issue statements more than four times on this particular issue to say look, if as the political leader, as the head of state, he is not talking about election, he is talking about how to provide leadership and transform the lives of Nigerians".

LAUNCH—From left: Dr. Awele Elumelu, Chairman, Avon Healthcare Limited, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, ex-Minister of Health and Wife at the launch of Avon HMO in Lagos.

Umaru Dikko heads PDP disciplinary c'ttee zA.J Turner, Iwuanyanwu, Oyedokun, others members BY HENRY UMORU

BUJA—PEOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, named Second Republic Minister of Transport, Alhaji Umaru Dikko, as chairman, National Disciplinary Committee of the party. Dikko, the former head of Presidential Task Force on Rice during ex-President Shehu Shagari, is heading a sevenmember committee that has a third power broker in President Goodluck Jonathan’s kitchen cabinet, the Obanema of Opume Kingdom, Bayelsa State, King A.J Turner, as deputy chairman. Other members of the committee are the Publisher of Champion Newspaper and member, Board of Trustees, BoT, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; former Deputy National Chairman and BoT member, Alhaji. Shuaibu Oyedokun, Hajiya Nana Aishat Kadiri; Mr Hussaini Diraki and Sen. Emmanuel Agboti as Secretary. It will be recalled that the Bamanga Tukur-led National

Working Committee, NWC, last Thursday inaugurated a 30member National Reconciliation Panel, with Bayelsa State governor, Henry Seriake Dickson, as Chairman. In a statement yesterday by

PDP Acting National Publicity Secretary, Tony Caeser Okeke, the setting up of Dikko’s Disciplinary Committee was in pursuant of the party ’s constitution. Okeke said: “Pursuant to the

Minor shake-up in Police BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI BUJA—THE Police High Command, yesterday, effected a minor shake up in its hierarchy with the posting of Assistant Inspector General of Police in-charge of Zone 4, Markudi, AIG Mike Zuokumor, to Umuahia as the new AIG in charge of Zone 9. Zuokumor, who was a former Commissioner of Police in charge FCT, will oversee activities of the police in Imo, Abia, Enugu and Anambra states. The new AIG in-charge of Zone 4, Markudi is AIG Tambari Mohammed. Mohammed, formerly incharge of Zone 9, Umuahia,

will now oversee security of the police in Plateau, Nasarawa and Benue states. Also appointed is a new Assistant Commissioner of Police incharge State Criminal Investigations Department for Rivers State. He is ACP Ibrahim Sani Kaoje, while ACP Vhani Felix Yame is the new Assistant Commissioner of Police incharge of operations at Yobe State Command. The new Area Commander for Ajah (Area J) in Lagos is ACP Christopher Obagunle, while the new Area Commander for Idimu (Area M), is ACP Shinkafi Bashiru Mohammed.

Security beef up at INEC hqtrs over planned protest by APC BY OKEY NDIRIBE

BUJA—IN apparent response to media reports during weekend that the opposition coalition, the All Progressives Congress, APC, planned to embark on a protest if it was denied registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, security was yesterday beefed up at the national headquarters of the commission. When Vanguard visited INEC headquarters, it was observed that more security operatives had been deployed to complement those on regular duty. At the gate of the commission, two anti-riot policemen with bomb detectors were sighted as they frisked all visitors. Anti-riot policemen were deployed to join forces with a strong contingent of policemen who have been on regular duty at INEC headquarters for years. It was also gathered that additional operatives of the State Security Service, SSS, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, were also drafted to the commission’s headquarters. It was further observed that stricter control of movement in and out of INEC headquarters was enforced. Commenting on the development, Mr Kayode Idowu, Chief Press Secretary to Chairman of the Commission Prof. Attahiru Jega, confirmed that the tightened security around the commission might be the response of security agencies to last weekend’s media reports about a planned protest against the commission. He, however, explained that the commission was not directly responsible for handling security at its headquarters. Responding to another question as to how the commission was handling the rivalry over the APC acronym that is being claimed by several political associations that applied for registration as parties, Idowu said the commission was actually considering only the application of All Progressives Congress, APC, coalition.

16—Vanguard , TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013

NUEE threatens Power Minister over unpaid wages, others BY VICTOR AHIUMA-

YOUNG BUJA—ORGANISED Labour in the nation’s Power sector, has handed a 14-day ultimatum to the Minister of Power, to address pending issues in the sector or risk industrial unrest. Under the umbrella of National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, demanded among others that workers’ one year entitlement not captured by the agreement with government in 2012, be computed pro-rata and paid to staff before full severance payment is effected. The union in a petition through its General Secretary, Joe Ajaero, to Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, is also aggrieved that some top echelon of Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, were promoted al-

legedly without due process, while other workers were left without promotion despite the fact that going by PHCN’s conditions of service, it was expected that by June 2013, promotion of workers in the sector would have been conducted. NUEE in the petition, also copied the Labour Minister, Chief Emeka Wogu, among others, read “We have been watching with keen interest the issues surrounding staff promotion in recent time in Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, and the manipulations associated with it. It is quite amazing that some staff especially at the top echelon were promoted without due adherence to Federal Character Policy, Public Service Rules and PHCN Conditions of Service. We also have it in good

authority that by July 2013, the Ministry had commenced the promotion of a selected few, which has witnessed the bribing of union leaders with promotion without recommendation. Going by PHCN’s conditions of cervice, it is expected that by June 2013, promotion of workers in the power sector would have been conducted. “Therefore, we cannot but request that promotion of all eligible staff in PHCN by two grade levels be carried out urgently since this has become a norm. Besides, you would recall that the agreement and severance calculations signed between the unions and the Federal Government captured up to June 2012 but due to government’s delay, another year has passed. “

Al-Mustapha’s acquittal, political judicial decision —Akinnola BY BARTHOLOMEW

MADUKWE

AGOS—SEVENTEEN days after Major Hamza AlMustapha and Alhaji Lateef Shofolahan were exonerated from the murder of Kudirat Abiola, a veteran journalist cum human rights activist, Mr. Richard Akinnola, yesterday, said the Court of Appeal’s judgment was a political judicial decision. It will be recalled that the Court of Appeal, Lagos, on July 12, discharged and acquitted Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer, CSO, to the late Head of State, General Sanni

Abacha, and Shofolahan, an aide to late Kudirat, of the conspiracy and murder charge preferred against them by Lagos State. Speaking at a media presentation of the book: “A Travesty of Justice-The Acquital of Major Hamza AlMustapha over the Murder of Kudirat Abiola,” Akinnola pointed out that before the Court of Appeal’s judgment, he predicted the outcome. He said: “But what shocked me was the intensity of political maneuvering in the judgment, particularly with the involvements of political elite, which

shows that it was a political judgment. I was a victim of Mustapha’s atrocity like others. I wonder what is wrong with this country. Any country founded on injustice can never prosper. “What I expected was that the Court of Appeal will look at the issue of conspiracy, which I think Al-Mustapha should have been charged for and not murder, and punish him taking into cognizance the period they have spent in prison. The Court of Appeal’s judgment was not just a judicial decision, but a political judicial decision.”

FG okays duty-free imports for medical equipment

BUJA—THE Fed eral Government has announced that importation of medical equipment for hospitals and medical centres will henceforth be duty-free. The Minister of Health Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu who represented President Jonathan disclosed this at the official opening of Lifebridge Medical Diagnostic Centre in Abuja. The Minister said the C M Y K

policy was an incentive and encouragement to investors in the Health Sector of the nation. He observed that the equipment at the centre are world class and commended the Chairman of the Centre, Senator I.G. Abana for the huge investment he made. He observed that with the availability of such state of the art equipment, there was no need for Nigerians to travel abroad for medi-

cal check and treatment which will be obtained in the country at cheaper cost. Some of the personalities who were present at the occasion include Dr. Rul Garma, representative of World Health Organization, WHO in Nigeria, Dr. Ibrahim, Registrar Nigerian Mental and Dental Council and Justice Allagoa of the Federal High Court.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013— 17

18 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013 THE federal government has responded with near adequate conviction, the pressure by Western countries to impose the perverted culture of legalising homosexual lifestyles in Nigeria. The two arms of the National Assembly have taken uncompromising stands, making a law prescribing a fourteen-year jail term for people caught, tried and sentenced for practising homosexual acts in Nigeria. Our President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, has also made it clear that he would align with the feelings of the Nigerian people and its supreme legislature in ensuring that the law is implemented. We are, however, worried at the halfheartedness with which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is handling the matter. The Minister, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, while recently re-iterating Nigeria’s decision not to succumb to pressures from the West on this vexatious issue, however opened some windows of possibility and prospects for homosexuality in Nigeria. First, he begged the West to be patient with Nigeria and allow this lifestyle to

No TTo o Ga Gayy Diplomats take root here and be accepted by the Nigerian people before it would be given a free rein. Second, he conceded that Nigeria would accept gay diplomats to serve in this country. Our rejection of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) nonsense is total and unequivocal. It is rooted in our cultural, religious and social values as a people. It is taboo, abominable and repulsive. Therefore, we cannot afford to allow the moral fabric of our society to be so degraded by foreign cultures and pressures as to allow these evil acts to become acceptable here some time in the future. We must also not allow countries that have accepted them to export their gay citizens to Nigeria and use their diplomatic

cover to practise it here. Since our people have chosen to shun gay lifestyle here, we must be uncompromising about it because the reasons adduced are cogent. Homosexualism is a virus that degrades the family and its values, corrupts human cohabitation and offends God. It eventually leads to social decline. We are a country on the rise to our manifest destiny as Africa’s example to the world. We must get there with our values intact as every great society attempts to do. The West will never allow a person who is a confirmed paedophile, for example, to work in their country even as a diplomat. If the West cannot be allowed to send such perverts to Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran, why should they be allowed here? We say no to gay diplomats in Nigeria. Part of the screening we must conduct before accrediting diplomats to represent their countries here should include checking their sexuality record. We say no, and we mean no!

OPINION BY OTEI OHAM

Civil Service in Nigeria is a creation of the British colonial system with a fusion of Western administration and African traditional values. According to available records, it has passed through four distinct phases, namely the first phase (1914-1946); the second (1946-1966); the third (1966-1979) and the fourth (1979-date) In plain words, the first phase, accordiing to Cross River State Brochure on the Celebration of 2013 Civil Service Day is generally regarded as the era of administrative unitarism; the second, viewed as the era of decolonization; the third, a period of new federalism and the fourth regarded as the era of New Dawn, which has witnessed an avalanche of reforms, mostly fronted by leaders of the current democratic journey, which began in 1999 Some of these reforms are in the establishment of National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy, NEEDS, whose version at the state level is, State Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy, SEEDS and the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS. Other reforms are SERVICOM, budgeting through the instruments of Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF and MTSS, Due Process and the New Contributing Pension Scheme, which states governments are maximizing largely in order to regulate and better the lots of the Civil Service. HE

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Honour for Cross River State civil servants No doubt, this steady transmutation points to the fact that the potpourri of civil service in Nigeria, spanning nearly a century, has become expedient to reflect on the expedition with a view to consolidating its gains, but without neglecting the challenges associated with its transformation. Cross River State where Senator Liyel Imoke is superintending, is not left out. It recently marked the Civil Service Day, in line with the proclamation of the first Biennial Conference of African Ministers of the Civil Service, which held in 1994 in Tangiers, Morocco with a resolve to set aside every June 23 in order to commemorate the African Day of Administration and Civil Service. The commemoration of the day in Cross River State was with pomp as eminent personalities within and outside the state Civil Service graced the day. Lectures on topical issues like strengthening citizen participation and responsibility, enhancing accountability, transparency and integrity, enhancing access to information and empowering Manpower Development Institute, MDIs, to build capacity for service improvement, were delivered by erudite scholars. Yet, the most exhilaration moment of the celebration was the presentation of Excellent Performance Awards by the Government to deserving workers, Ministry, Department and Agency. These

acts are in line with the commitment of the Cross River State government to reward excellence, enhance welfare through prompt payments of salaries and other entitlements and create conducive working environment for all categories of its workforce.

enator Imoke, at the occasion, reiterated the resolve of government to reciprocate every positive gesture of the workforce through punctuality, discipline and hard work, irrespective of their grade level. He charged the workers, who turned up in large numbers to mark the day, to shun acts inimical to the service, such as truancy, improper dressing, bribery and corruption. Top in the list of Best Performing Ministry in terms of comportment, general administrative competence and productivity was the State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources; the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation, CRBC, came second, while the Office of Auditor General for Local Government emerged third. Directorate Staff Awardees were Mr Egbe Vincent of the State Ministry of Women Affairs (first), Mrs Monica Henshaw of CRBC (second) and Mrs Oju, V.M of Communication Technology Development Department (third). The Non-Directorate Staff Awardees were Egbe Odoma George,

Office of Head of Service (first), Mr Ukpai Ukpai of the Ministry of Information (second) and Ochang Thomas Otafu of the Office of Secretary to the State Government, came third. Each benefitting MDA got a plaque, while each award winning staff was decorated with official crest of the state government by the Governor, in addition to cash and gift items. Egbe Vincent, for instance, got a generating set and N50,000; Henshaw got a video camera, while Oju got a hair dryer and its accessories. Other gifts were cassava grinding machine for Egbe Odoma; a double door Thermocool refrigerator for Ukpai and sewing and weaving machine for Ochang. In her welcome address at the occasion, the Head of Service, Mrs Mary-Theresa Ikwen, Mini, said the motivation sprung from the need to remind everyone that the Civil Service was an indispensable institution for the efficient and effective running of government and to reflect on successes, failures, problems and challenges recorded so far in the service. It was also an occasion to re-examine and refocus civil servants towards the improvement of the service through positive attitudinal change, commitment to assigned responsibilities and duties as well as improved service delivery to the public. Mr. Oham is a staff of the Cross River State Ministry of Information.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013— 19

, Continues from last week

HE Uyo Confab ought then to have this present condition of the Nigeria society as the reference of all its deliberations. It is a condition defined by the increasing ineffectiveness of government society wide-hence concerns expressed in terms of state failure or of a slide into anarchy and of the challenge to the existence of government defined by the Boko Haram insurgency. The impact of both challenges on each other defines the character of the Nigerian security challenge. As government is preoccupied with the JTFs, less attention is paid to the STFs that address the problem of societal disorder caused by armed groups. Equal attention, therefore, needs to be paid to both threats, threats from anarchy engineered by gangs that have developed into militias, and threats from the Boko Haram sect whose insurgency has developed into Islamic state formation civil war. Nigeria is now Mali writ large. The Uyo Confab as announced seemed convened to deal with the governance consequences of the societal crises; it must also address the effects of the crisis of governmental challenges defined by present civil war insurgency. The 2015 elections, therefore, raises governance issues whose relevance is directly and ultimately determined by how the Jonathan administration copes

with the twin issues of anarchy and the civil war insurgency. And the interaction of the governmental and governance challenges defines the context of the governance issues. Elections and electoral induced violence are in themselves automous source of security challenges; and the journey to 2015 is already simmering with tensions- a raison d'efre for the convening the Uyo family meeting. For this reason, it is of strategic importance that the Uyo Confab holds, and that it deals with the need for the prevention and management of election violence. Vanguard, Friday, July 5, 2013 news section carries the story of armed violence associated with the local government elections in Warri North. The story is titled: "Warri North crisis; Gunmen kill couple, daughter. - Militia threatens local govt election in Delta. - Implement Warri peace agreement-Ijaw group tells state govt. - Kuku criticizes killing of Itsekiri indigenes. - Egbema clan demands inquiry". The following is an excerpt from the story. "Gunmen have shot dead an Itsekiri man, his wife and 16year-old daughter, who were fleeing from crisis-torn Warri North Local Government Area in Delta State to Gbokoda in Ondo State, bringing the death toll of the crisis that erupted Tuesday (July 2, 2013) to 12. The criminals

stumbled on the family from Tisun community while they were escaping for dear lives and opened fire on them from close range, a source said yesterday. Meantime, Egbema Rights Group, EPG, whose actions in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, led to the killing of about 12 persons and burning of three Itsekiri communities yesterday threatened that if government failed to examine its grievances, no election would hold in the council". The Sunday Vanguard of May 12, 2013 carried a story titled "Oyo Mayhem is a manifestation of govt's intolerance of the opposition-Ex-Gov. Ladoja". I quote from the story: "What can best be described as the return of mayhem in Oyo State politics occurred on Thursday, May 2, 2013.

ttacked were supporters of the state's leading opposition party, Accord, who had staged a reception to welcome defecting members of the Action Congress of Nigeria ACN, and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, into the Senate Rashidi Adewolu Ladojaled party. The government of Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the ruling party, ACN, and the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, fingered in the mayhem, promptly denied involvement". In the interview, Ladoja was asked the following question: "It was alleged

The me taphor of Abia TTo ower metaphor

BY GODWIN ADINDU

WO coloured birds sat complacently atop the Abia Tower this cloudy Sunday evening. They were chatting away happily, oblivious of the chaos of motorists below the height of about 100 meters. The gigantic concrete tower stands at the middle of the Port-Harcourt/Enugu Expressway at the interjection into Umuahia metropolis. Beyond its towering height and aesthetic grandeur, there is a quite significant meaning and message in the edifice. The imposing tower, built in Gothic cathedral designs with a concave metallic arch, is the first structure that welcomes one into the Abia state capital. With a certain reassuring air, it announces this hospitality with a bold inscription: Welcome to Abia ; God’s Own State. There are four of this inscription facing the four directions of the road, all written in bold white letters on a background of black metallic plates. The walls are painted in pink and light yellow colours which glow with the translucent lights overlooking the ground from the height. I see the tower as the first brand ambassador of Abia State and it has consistently lived up to this billing with the warmth and friendliness conjured into its magical designs – a quality it transmits to visitors and residents alike as they behold its majestic heights. It embraces everyone and quickly introduces the people and the style of the incumbent leadership.

Since 1991 when the tower was built, it has remained a landmark structure with some architectural elegance around it. There is an effort, perhaps unconscious, to re-enact the surreal Gothic designs with its galloping pillars and the hollowness of its interior. A ring of iron bars encircles and secures it and there is a staircase that leads to the first elevation where a greenery of flowers has been laid out like a farm around it. There is a clear effort to create an enduring and beautiful statute. But, there is obviously no intention to have the tower speak in political tunes or stand as a fore-runner to the style of a current political leadership. All former leaders before Governor Theodore Orji saw it as only what it is - a statute, a tower. They could not see the potential in the concrete object as a great image-maker for the state and for the manner of leadership. Indeed, the Abia tower is an embodiment of the Abia story – a journey through stagnation and then revival. It is an epical monument capturing a dispensation in the people’s movement. Though a mere object of cement and gravel, it projects the message that is Governor Orji’s travails and triumph in the corridors of power. It celebrates the revival and the rebirth that are the governor’s stewardship. Before 2007 when Governor Orji came on board, the tower was a statement of stagnation. In very unmistakable terms, it told the story of the style and manner of leadership of Governor Orji’s predecessor.

that the attackers were led to the place by policemen and soldiers under the aegis of Operation Burst, which is the security outfit of the State government. Did that portend that you did not have police permit for the event?" Ladoja replied: "We sought police permit for the event and were granted. But on that day, we discovered that the ACN had another canopy about 15 metres away from the spot where we were to hold our own event". In the Delta and in Oyo the violence was not a spontaneous riot resulting in the breech of the law, but violence by groups organised for use in contestation for space and supporters. They both are harbingers of what the general elections of 2015 portend. More to the point are events associated with the rerun election in a vacant state constituency in Imo State. I quote from a news report in the Vanguard of Friday, July 5, 2013: "INEC declared the election inconclusive upon the fact that the election was disrupted in three of the 11 wards where the election took place. The violence was despite the water-tight security that was deployed in Oguta". Kayode Idowu, chief press secretary to INEC Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega, said: "The Commission finds it worrisome that politicians brazenly flouted the restriction order on movement during the election. Reports showed that officials of Imo State Government and some members of the National Assembly across party lines moved around freely despite the restriction order-some of them with security escorts! Worse, some of these politicians aren't even from Oguta constituency where the election held. Field reports showed that even though security agents mobilized appreciably for the exercise, there were cases of violence as well as ballots and result sheets snatching by thugs, as a result of which election was cancelled" in the units affected. President Goodluck Jonathan's comments are worth noting. "Those who made it impossible for the rerun election in Oguta to be

Planned assembly of the nation in Uyo: Confab on insecurity (3)

It is of national importance that the Uyo confab addresses possibilities of election-caused widespread episodes of armed violence and their governance consequences

.The Abia tower, precisely, is a concrete metaphor about the renaissance that is Orji’s mission

The tower was weather-beaten, dirty, dilapidated and literally abandoned. Happy and well-fed spiders built a mast of cobwebs around its concave parapets. The paintings wore out and the smooth surfaces peeled. The surroundings remained unkempt and overgrown with the inner pavement transforming into a defecation point for hoodlums and motor parks boys around the place. Some letters of the bold inscription cleaned off and the walls cracked with neglect. It was a shoddy sight which provided a parallax view of the eight-years of Abia’s stagnation.

n year 2000, when I accompanied some tourists, journalists and movie-makers to attend the eight-day UgwuAbia cultural festival, the Abia tower was an eyesore. It was a demeaning testimony of neglect and stagnation and it spoke volumes about the style of the government of the day. Thank God! Today, there is a new Abia tower. Quite cleverly, Governor Orji saw an opportunity in the tower to tell the message of his vision and the giant political strides.

conclusive must be brought to book. We must make it clear that impunity in the perpetration of violence and irregularities during elections will no longer be tolerated. Sanctions promptly imposed on guilty persons will deter others from engaging in such acts in future," he declared. The fact of the Imo rerun elections speak contrary to the declaration of the President. Election as currently undertaken are war operations in winner-take all contests and the "before elections" violent intimidations of opponents through thugs now transformed to militias employed by individual politicians, factions of parties, local government chairpersons, state governors, national parties leaderships, are only indications of the high stakes of office holding. Governments are electorally partisan and thus politicise governance. The conveners of the Uyo summit are being realistic. They are on target when they are disturbed by worsening insecurities and political tension in the country ahead of the 2015 general elections. There are 774 local governments, 36 states, one Federal Capital Territory, and one National Assembly where offices will be filled through elections. If politicians see their incumbency as prebends, then they will seek election and re-election as a "door die" affair. It is thus of national importance that the Uyo Confab addresses possibilities of electioncaused wide spread episodes of armed violence and their governance consequences. It is, therefore, not 2015 that is the issue, 2015 will only be the outcome of preceding events that need to be understood and adequately managed. The President needs the support and goodwill of the Uyo Confab but this support will not diminish his task of leadership, for ultimately it all depends on how the preceding electioneering for 2015 is conducted in the context of the present security situation and the President's role in piloting the Nigerian society in its present crisis condition is strategic in its importance. Concluded

Upon ascension to office in 2007, he quickly renovated the tower and has consistently maintained it as a treasure for the state. Since then, the towering structure has continued to wear a new and sparkling look. It has recovered its charm and mystique. With the new paintings, the bold inscription has come alive. On the ground and around the surroundings, there is a beautiful greenery dotted with flowers. And in place of the old garbage is a beautiful arcade which has added to the beauty of the landscape of this inroad into Umuahia. Indeed, the Abia tower of today speaks eloquently of the new Abia. The new, beautiful outlook, in abstract forms, represent the rebirth and the attendant changes that have come with the liberation. It is a testimony of Governor Orji’s transformation efforts transmuted in a concrete structure. This transformation has seen to the laying of a fresh foundation for Abia, an enterprise under which he converted Abia into a huge construction site. There are many sides to the message of the new tower. The first is the testimony of the two coloured birds. The sense of order and tranquility conjured by the uniformity of the design and the paintings represent the new society of law and order which is the current status of Abia. This air of peace evokes the memory of the governor’s pragmatic struggle to create a society of law and order out of the chaos of the past. The Abia tower, precisely, is a concrete metaphor about the renaissance that is Orji’s mission. *Mr. Adindu, a social critic, wrote from Aba, Abia State.

20—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013 — 21

Labour seeks probe of APM Terminals over unfair practices BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

OCKWORKERS branch of the Maritime Workers Union of Ni geria, MWUN, has called on the National Assembly to set up a high powered committee to investigate alleged unfair labour practices by the largest container terminal in West Africa- APM terminals- and take appropriate action to ensure industrial peace. The union in a statement claimed that in 2009, leaders of MWUN alerted the public and the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, about the alleged increasing unfair labour practices by the management of APM terminals, but lamented that instead of abating, the reverse had been the case. In the statement by the President of Dockworkers’ branch, Adewale Adeyanju, the union said the call became necessary for an independent body like the National Assembly to look into the claims by the union and take action before the issue degenerated to an unprecedented industrial unrest in the maritime sector. Adeyanju recalled that the Minister of National Planning, Samsudeen Us-

man, recently spoke of the hazardous working environment in APM Terminals, which he said was unhealthy for humans. According to him, instead of addressing the unfair labour practices, AMP Terminals had resorted to disparaging, insulting and maligning a respectable unionist, the president-general of MWUN and a Vice President of Nigeria labour Congress, NLC, Nted Anthony Emmanuel. The statement said “We are shocked to read about the reaction and the use of disparaging, insulting, and maligning among other uncivilised and uncultured words by APM Terminals management through its spokesman, Bolaji Akinola, to the issues of unfair labour practices raised by our president general in a briefing on our dispute with APM Terminals a week ago. Instead of addressing the issues raised, APMT and Bolaji were busy disparaging, maligning and insulting a well respectable man in labour movement, a vice president of NLC and our President-General, Comrade Nted Anthony Emmanuel. We are giving APMT and Bolaji one week to not

only withdraw those words used against our president-general and tender an unreserved apology to him, or we will declare Bolaji Akinola, a persona non grata in the Ports. “If Bolaji must know, the only people the president general is working for is the workers and nobody else. They elected him and he will continue to do their demands. “We are using this medium to call on the National Assembly to set up a high powered committee to investigate our claims that APMT is engaging in unfair labour practices for them to take appropriate action before the issue will degenerate into unprecedented industrial unrest in the ports. In 2009, leaders of our union raised these issues of unfair labour practices by APMT. Instead of decreasing, it is worsening. Just recently, the Minister of National Planning was at APMT and described the place as very hazardous for humans. We are not going to relent until the management of APM Terminals abides with the minimum labour standards in accordance with the law of the land and international best practice,” the statement said.

•MEETING: From left: Commissioner of Justice/Attorney General, Kaduna State, Mr. Jonathan Kish Adamu;

Managing Director, United Bank for Africa, UBA, Trustees, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Sanni; and Accountant General, Kaduna State, Mr. Ishaku Shekari, during the meeting of bond holders of the state’s N8.5 billion Series 1 Bond, packaged by UBA Trustees, in Lagos.

European oil demand on the rise F

OR an oil market which has be come resigned to falling consumption by mature economies, European demand growth represents an unexpected source of support for prices. At the same time, the beginning of the summer driving season in the US has also provided a marked boost, with July consumption of both gasoline and distillate, which includes diesel for trucks, higher than the averages of a year ago. Oil trends in developed markets are helping offset concerns about a slowdown in the Chinese economy, which has underpinned oil demand growth for several years.

“We’re seeing a structural slowdown in China and concerns about several emerging market currencies, but demand from industrialised economies has proved less weak than we expected even a few months back,” said David Fyfe, head of markets at Gunvor, one of the largest private oil trading houses. Prices of the industrial metals copper and zinc have fallen more than 15 percent this year on fears of a credit crunch in China, but Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, is little changed at $107 a barrel. The year-on-year increase in European oil demand in April and May –

the first consecutive increases since the start of 2011 – means the continent is now set for its first quarter of oil demand growth since 2010. Diesel demand has increased for three consecutive months, a sign of increased economic activity because it means trucks are making more journeys, according to David Wech, an analyst at JBC Energy in Vienna. The International Energy Agency has raised its estimate for second-quarter oil demand in Europe by two per cent since the start of the year, and some analysts say European consumption could continue to exceed expectations.

IFTDO to tackle youth unemployment in Africa BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

HE need for vocational skills ac quisition for employment opportunities in the African continent has been slated to take the centre stage at the forthcoming African Regional Conference of the International Federation of Training and Development Organisations (IFTDO) to be hosted by Nigeria from Monday 18th to Tuesday 19th November, 2013. Addressing a pre-conference on the activities lined up for the event, Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Rev. Tunde Salawu, stated that the conference, which is sequel to an earlier one held 10 years ago, would address Africa’s youth unemployment crisis with a view to providing realistic solutions. Explaining the choice of the conference theme “Skills Acquisition as Panacea to Youth Unemployment in Africa”, Salawu further stated that the deleterious effects of youth unemployment were multi-dimensional and required the commitment of all capacity building stakeholders, if the continent must make appreciable progress in its quest for development and global relevance. He added that the conference sessions have been carefully selected to address among other things, economic and social impact of youth unemployment in Africa, strategies for embedding entrepreneurship into the education curriculum and Public-Private Partnership options for addressing skills development and employment crisis in Africa among others, while the experiences from other lands in the promotion of skill-based education would be shared.

22 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013

Unique selling points of cooperative societies T

HE first thing that makes cooperative societies appealing as means of investment is that any group of people can come together to form one. That is why cooperatives exist in the formal sector and informal sector. In the formal sector, there are cooperatives formed by employees of the same company. In the informal sector, there are cooperatives formed by traders and artisans in the same business activity. In recent times, members of the same religious group or organisation have come together to form cooperatives, and even group of friends have formed cooperatives in one form or the other. So, there is no restriction as to who can form a cooperative. But after its establishment, each cooperative has the right to determine procedures or rules of membership that must be met by anyone that wants to join the group. The second appeal cooperatives have is that they manage their own affairs. Unlike collective investment scheme,

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

AST week, activity on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, was concentrated on the downstream petroleum marketing companies with three of them – Forte Oil, MRS Oil Nig, and Conoil Plc- leading the pack of the top ten gainers. They were followed by breweries company, Champion Breweries Plc, trailed by Paints and Coating Manufacturers Plc. Others are Pharma-Deko Plc, Glaxosmithkline Plc, Beta Glass, A.G Leventis Nig. Plc and Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc. Forte Oil, which was the fourth on the top ten gainers’ table penultimate week, advanced by 47.24 percent or N14.06 to top the list. It started the week at N29.76 and closed at N43.82 per share. It had risen by19.51 percent the previous week. The company’s shares maintained a strong bullish posture consistently for seven days with maximum gain of 10 percent on daily basis despite sustained bearish trend in the market. Analysts said it was an indication of the strong willingness from core investors to acquire and hold the stock for long term objective(s), perhaps, a confir-

where the day-to-day affairs of the scheme is entrusted to a fund manager, who may not be a contributor, and is paid to do the job, those who manage the affairs of a cooperative are members, elected to do so by other members. Note that the managers are elected. Every member participates in the election of the managers. This reflects one of the Rochdale Principles of cooperatives i.e. democracy. Cooperatives are governed through democracy. The managers are elected to serve for a fixed period of time, after which they can seek re-

BY BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

In recent times, members of the same religious group or organisation have come together to form cooperatives, and even group of friends have formed cooperatives in one form or the other

election if the rules allow. This compels the managers to run the affairs of the cooperative transparently and profitably. It also means that any member

has the chance of being elected to manage the affairs of the cooperative. Thirdly, to a large extent, there are no restrictions to the

businesses or projects a cooperative can embark on. They can embark on any venture or project considered beneficial to the welfare of the members and progress of the cooperative. Also they can partner with anybody, group of other cooperatives considered worthwhile for this purpose. All these imply that you and anybody that wants to can come together and form a cooperative. Set the rules and procedures for membership and how the affairs of the co-

operative would be conducted. You can also determine the kind of business you want to do. You may choose to go to the farmlands, buy farm produce to resell in the city, as against investment in shares and bonds, which you know nothing about and which you have to give your money to other people to manage. However take note that, while any group of people can form a cooperative and determine how to manage its affairs and the business it can engage in, there are laws that generally govern establishment and operations of cooperatives in every country. Why? To prevent abuses and excesses by the cooperatives and their members and to also ensure fairness and equity among the members of each cooperative society. Anything can be abused, and anything can be used for negative purposes. Cooperatives are not an exception. So, in every country, the governments enact laws that serve as guidelines for cooperatives. Such laws define what a cooperative is, who are members of a cooperatives, rights and obligations of cooperatives, and its members, as constituents of the larger society. Such laws make it mandatory for cooperatives to be registered with government, and they must render account and pay taxes like every other member of the society.

Top 10 performing stocks mation of the rumour of a dividend payout. It was among 25 oil marketing companies that received N48 billion subsidy claims from the federal government recently. The half year financial statement for the year ended 30 th June, 2013, released Friday to the investing public showed that revenue grew by 20.65 percent to N59.96 billion from N49.698 billion in the previous year. Profit after tax improved by 62.68 percent from N855.53 million to N1.39 billion in the review period. Year-to-date, the share price has risen by 466.88 percent from N7.73 to the present market price. MRS Oil followed closely behind with 42.96 percent or N10.86 gains from N25.28 to N36.14 per share propelled by proposed dividend payment for 2012 year end. Despite 66.7 percent decline in its profit after tax for the year ended 31st December, 2013, the board of

directors is recommending N23.34 kobo dividend, to be approved by shareholders at the yearly meeting in August. Its revenue for the same peri-

od rose by 11.5 percent to N79.72 billion from N71.49 billion in 2011. However, the quarter one financials for period ended 31st March, 2013, showed that earnings declined to N15.62 billion from N19.18 billion in 2012, while profit after tax rose to N271.966 million from N123.27 million due to zero tax charges. Listed on the and petroleum products distributors’ sub-sector of the NSE, MRS engages in the business of marketing and distribution of refined petroleum products, blending of lubricants and manufacturing of greases. Conoil Plc was the next with 33.08 percent or N8.37 per share increase as its share price rose from N25.30 it started the week at to N33.67. Conoil was one of the stocks ap-

proved for margin lending by the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC. Of the nine downstream petroleum marketing companies quoted on the NSE, Conoil ranks fifth in terms of value of the share price. Available financial statement showed that the company grew sales by 53 percent from N102.88 billion in 2010 to

N157.51 billion in 2011. It further consolidated its profitability with profit before tax, rising from N4.02 billion to N4.4 billion, while profit after tax rose from N2.79 billion to N2.95 billion. It engages in the marketing of refined petroleum products, manufacturing and marketing of lubricants, household and industrial chemicals. Champion Breweries’ share price rose by 28.81 percent or N2.46 from N8.54 to N11.00 per share.Two years ago, Heineken, the parent company of Nigerian Breweries Plc,

bought controlling interest in Champion Breweries. Before the acquisition, Champion Breweries was struggling with problem of inadequate working capital, low productivity, poor market share and low employee morale. Recently, it held a combined annual general meeting where it announced interest to raise fresh capital to enhance competitiveness and ensure growth and profitability. The company seems to still be going through tough times as it closed 2012 financial year with loss after tax of N1.3 billion, a fate it suffered in 2011. The turnover for the same period was stable at N1.8 billion. Paint and Coating gained 9.64 percent or N0.16 from N1.66 to N1.82; Pharma-Deko’s share price rose by 9.63 percent or N0.18 from N1.87 to N2.05, while GSK’s share price went up by 9.09 percent or N5.00 from N55.00 per share to N60.00. Others are Beta Glass, A.G Leventis and Neimeth, which gained nine percent or N5.00, 8.97 percent or N0.13 and 8.70 percent or N0.12 to close at N10.90, N1.58 and N1.50 per share in that order.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013 — 23

Market Information

INVESTORS’ SPEAK

We won’t allow foreigners acquire 75% of GSK BY PAUL METU & HANAH ISIBORU

r. Godwin Anono: What GSK is trying to do is what we call share reconstruction, which is a process where a company reduces the volume of it shares and its shareholders end up losing a lot from their investment in the company. But in this case, the shares, which GSK Nigeria investors will lose, are what foreign shareholders GSK will gain. We have not said they (GSK United Kingdom) should not increase their shares; what we are saying is that they should go and buy at the market price. But in a situation whereby they want to reduce our own profit to increase theirs without paying for our losses, will be to detriment of Nigeria shareholders. I commend Nigerians for the bold step they have taken by kicking against such proposal. If not for the pressure we have put on them, they might have sold 75 percent of GSK Nigeria shares to GSK U K and Nigeria investors would have lost a lot. GSK Nigerian shareholders have said “We will not throw our shares away. If they are to buy our shares, it should

be at the market price.” All those that have sold their GSK Nigeria shares in the past made their profit and now you want to reduce the profit of those of us that have nurtured ours without any form of compensation. (Mr. Godwin Anono is the Chairman Standard Shareholders Association of Nigeria) Pastor Olagola Samson: This is a court order meeting; GSK Nigeria wants foreign shareholders to buy most of their shares. We the shareholders in Nigeria are the owners of GSK Nigeria and will not allow foreign investors to buy over 75 percent of the shares in GSK Nigeria. There are some pensioners, who survive with the little money they get from their shares and if this proposal is implemented, what becomes of such persons. If at they wish to possess higher ownership, they can take at most 60 percent, but as for 75 percent, it is just too much. So, at the moment, the whole issue is pending. Such a proposal cannot go true because shareholders have refused to agree to it and the company cannot do anything without the support of the shareholders.

Mr. Samuel Ekweariri: The plan is not a fair one and Nigeria investors are not accepting it. Besides the fact that the price they want to pay is very low, we don’t want them to colonise us. Investors should be allowed to enjoy the product of their long term investment rather that dispossess them of what they have laboured for many years by selling 75 percent of GSK Nigeria to foreign investors. Nigeria investors have said no to such proposal, so GSK would have to consider a second option. Miss Lovelin Thomas: The step GSK Nigeria intends to take is not a fair one. Allowing foreigners to come into Nigeria and take over greater ownership of a company, while Nigeria investors end up losing a great portion of their shares and leaving them with little to hold on to is not fair. We are not saying GSK should not sell its shares, but if there should be a take over of GSK Nigeria by foreigners, it should be a fair one. It should not be foreigners coming in to buy the shares at their own rate and wanting to possess a greater ownership and at a price that

Sterling Bank’s rights issue attractive, says ARM

SSET & Resource Management Company (ARM), a lead ing investment services company, has said the ongoing rights issue of Sterling Bank Plc provides investors with a highly attractive opportunity given the intrinsic potential of the stock. In an extensive review of the bank’s fundamentals, ARM said the right issue’s price was an “attractive entry point” and thus placed a “buy” on the stock at the rights issues price. According to ARM rating explanatory note, “buy” rating means that investors should “accumulate security to a substantial extent constrained only by portfolio diversification considerations.” Sterling Bank is raising N12.5 billion through a rights issue of about 5.889 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N2.12 per share. Application list, which opened on June 24, 2013, will run till July 31, 2013. According to the investment company, the overall outlook for the bank has been bolstered by improvements in operational metrics, which underscored the breadth of the ongoing recovery. ARM pointed out that the latest interim earnings report of the bank for the first half ended June 30, 2013 showed that profits before and after tax surpassed analysts’ estimates, which made the bank’s shares to be more attractive. “Clearly however, the rights issue price at N2.12 offers a more compelling entry point at a 52 percent discount to fair value, current price-to-book value is at a slight premium to Tier II peer average at 0.8 times whilst price-earnings ratio at 6.2 times compares with peer average of 8.6 times,” ARM stated. The report noted that key extracts of Sterling Bank’s firsthalf results significantly exceeded analysts’ forecasts. According to the report, gross earnings rose 28 percent to N41.8 billion, tracking five percent ahead of analysts’ forecast, while profit before tax and profit after tax rose a much faster 93 percent and 97 percent to N6.3 billion and N5.9 billion, which were well ahead of analysts’ forecasts of N5.2 billion and N4.7 billion respectively.

COMPLAINTS AND INVESTIGATIONS My broker is suspended. I need update on my shareholdings Please since the suspension of my stockbrokers (Lion stockbrokers) I don’t know what has being happening to my shares. Since I bought 27, 000 units of Unity Bank shares, I have not received any dividend from them, Likewise my other shares. Please can I know what is happening to my other shares in Cornerstone Insurance, Dunlop, Finland Bank, Wema Bank, Transcorp, Unic Insurance, Lasaco e.t.c (Mrs. Akerele Christiana) Investors Forum We advise that you visit CSCS yourself and obtain your CSCS statement. The statement will show you the shares in your account. If the shares you expect to see in the account are not there, it may mean that your broker has sold the shares without your authorisation. In that case, report to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). But before you do that you can visit the registrars of the companies to ascertain your shareholding status in the companies. If the report from the registrars does not agree with the shares you were

supposed to have, you can then report the broker to the SEC. Meanwhile you can contact Unity Registrars Limited for your investment in Unity Bank. The company is located in Unity Bank Building, (2nd Floor) Plot 1683, Sanusi Fafunwa Street Victoria Island, Lagos. Tel: 0803-3006-038, 01-7408123, 01-8418765 First Bank where is my dividend? I have shareholding of more than 40,000 units in First Bank, but I have not received my dividend for year 2011 and 2012. My Stockbroker is Cashcraft Asset Management Limited. (Abraham Ayigbe, Sapele) Investors’ forum Please contact First Registrars, Plot 2 Abebe Village Road, Iganmu or call 08033018295, 08191410456 No dividend from FCMB, Fidelity I have not received dividends from Fidelity Bank, FCMB. Where is Aims Asset office in Abuja? Investors Forum For your Fidelity Bank

dividend, contact First Registrars, Plot 2 Abebe Village Road, Iganmu or call 08033018295, 08191410456. For your FCMB dividend, contact City Securities Limited. The address is Primrose Tower, 2nd Floor, 17A Tinubu Street, Lagos. Tel: 2341-2641298, 234-1-7924462. The contact of Aims Asset and. Management is 23, Ajao Road, Off Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja. Tel: 2347029523916, 8095988382; Email: aims@aimsassetmgt.com. ESL Registrar phone number does not exist Please, kindly give me a contact number to call ESL Registrars. The number 017301260 is not working/does not exist; that’s the response I got when I called. I bought some shares from Ecobank but haven’t received dividend going to three years now. ( H a u w a ) Investors Forum Please call an official of Ecobank on 08023877699 Yet to receive certificate from Dangote flour I bought Dangote Flour

share since 2007. From that time till now, I am yet to get my share certificate. Please assist me. (Michael Mosindi, Asaba, Delta State) Investors Forum Please contact ESL Registrars Ltd, 16/A Rauf Taylor Close, Off Idego Street, Victoria Island, Lagos or call 08023877699 I need update on Oceanic Bank I’d like to know how and what happened to Oceanic Bank shares since the bank has been absorbed by Ecobank. I have some of their shares and want to know my fate. (Moses) Investors Forum The shareholders of Oceanic Bank were given one share of Ecobank Transnational in exchange of one share of Oceanic Bank. To ascertain the status of your shareholding in Ecobank, contact Please contact ESL Registrars Ltd, 16/A Rauf Taylor Close, Off Idego Street, Victoria Island, Lagos or call 08023877699 I need update on ADC Airlines I bought ADC airline shares

in 2006 before one of their planes crashed; I didn’t get anything from them, please any information? (Adeniyi Adebowale. Ibadan) Investors Forum Please contact the company’s registrar- City Securities. The company is located in Primrose Tower, 2nd Floor, 17A Tinubu Street, L agos. Tel: 234-12641298, 234-1-7924462.

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

24— Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013

Power crisis ends soon as FG increases gas supply — Alison-Madueke … additional 290m SCF expected BY CLARA NWACHUKWU AND MICHAEL EBOH

HE Federal Government has given the assurance that the end is near for the nation’s current power crises, as more gas will be released to feed the power generating plants in the country The assurance was given last week by the Minister for Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, in her presentation titled: “Moving the oil and gas sector to the next level,” delivered at the 2013 Ministerial Platform in Abuja. For decades, Nigeria had been plunged into a seemingly endless energy crisis on account of a plethora of reasons including gas supply shortages. However, the minister disclosed that this challenge is gradually being overcome by some giant strides recorded since the President Goodluck Jonathan put in place strident measures to address the issue. To start with, she disclosed that gas flaring has reduced significantly from about 25 percent of production in 2010, to about 12 percent currently. She explained that this is because every new oil project has a gas flare reduction programme. Secondly, she said that the volume of gas available for domestic use has also increased, noting that before now, volume available was less than 10 percent of total gas produced. She added that quantity available for domestic consumption has increased to about 1.6 billion standard cubic feet, SCF. This, she said is attributable to the fact that gas pricing is almost at par with international market price put at $1.50/1000 British Thermal Unit, BTU. She disclosed that while the power sector is paying $1/ 1,000BTU, the non-power is paying $2/1000BTU, adding that by next year, the average domestic price of gas will be over $2/1000 BTU. Indeed, the minister noted that the issue with the Nigeria’s power sector is not real-

ly gas supply shortages, but transmission and distribution issues occasioned by systems collapse. For example, she recalled that an Emergency Gas Supply Plan introduced by government in April 2012, yielded significant results, as power generation peaked at 4.2 Gigga watts by August 2012, before it started drop-

“Stimulation of gas based industrialization around Fertilizer, Petrochemicals, Methanol etc., effectively leveraging gas as feedstock for key industries, thus creating jobs and selective investment in high value regional pipeline and LNG export opportunities to boost revenues from gas sales. The minister further said

d will come from the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, a subsidiary of the NNPC, which will come before November end, while the remaining 190mmscf/d will come in over the next three years between 2014 and 2016, from the Southern swamp, Forcardos Yokri, Ogidi and Oben. He said: “2016 will be a crit-

2.15 million barrels per day, dropping from about 2.6 million bpd as at January 2013. She blamed the decline on the rising cases of pipeline vandalism and crude theft. Despite this, she noted that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’s, NNPC, revenue from downstream retail activities appreciated by 39 per cent over the last three years to N151 billion from N219 billion. According to her, Number of NNPC’s retail outlets increased from 418 to 505 thereby, increasing NNPC’s domestic market share from 12 per cent to 15 per cent. She added that the NNPC is eyeing a more aggressive growth, targeting 42 per cent of the domestic market share in the coming years.

Achievements

ping again. She further disclosed that the power and industrial sectors were the highest consumer of gas locally during the year, adding that about 1.2 billion SCF/d of the 1.7 billion SCF/d of gas supplied locally was consumed by the power sector.

Gas reforms

Alison-Madueke maintained that the development resulted in federal government’s decision to transform the gas sector, and put it in a better position to contribute meaningfully to the development of the Nigerian economy. She said, “Recognising the potential for tremendous economic growth inherent in the nation’s vast natural gas resources, President Goodluck Jonathan outlined a three-point mandate for natural gas comprising boost in gas supply to the power sector.

that the federal government developed a strategic objective to link gas to the development of the Nigerian economy, such as ensuring that gas is delivered for at least a threefold increase in Nigeria’s power generation capacity by 2015. “We also aim to create regional hub for gas-based industries – fertilizer, petrochemical and methanol; transform gas sector to value adding sector and consolidate Nigeria’s position and market share in high value export markets,” she said. New gas supplies Expatiating further, the Group executive Director, Gas and Power, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr. David Ige, in a telephone conversation with Vanguard, disclosed that additional daily 290 million SCF is expected to come on stream between now and 2016. According to him, 100mmscf/

ical year for Nigeria because we will have more than enough gas to meet all our power needs. Besides, the Oben-Oben Gas pipeline would have been completed by then, and even the stranded gas of about 200mmscf/d – 100mmscf/d from ExxonMobil and another 100mmscf/d from Total will now be evacuated.” He noted that the 1.6billion SCF/d now being supplied to the domestic market is as a result of intensified gas gathering activities by oil companies. The listed the supply as coming from Chevron’s Escravos 420mmscf; Shell’s Utorogu 320mmscf; Shell’s Ughelli 70mmscf; Sapele 60mmscf; and Pan Ocean’s 100mmscf. He added that not all of these quantities can be fired due to transmission challenges and pipeline vandalism. Crude oil production Alison-Madueke put Nigeria’s current crude output at

Listing the achievements of the present administration in the petroleum sector between 2010 and 2013, she said, “in the upstream sector, we have been able to ensure increased exploration activities, sustained crude oil production and increased upstream domestic gas supply. “In the midstream and downstream, we ensured gas commercialisation and gas infrastructure upgrade; repair and upgrade of midstream oil facilities; ensured stable supply of petroleum products; effective and efficient administration of subsidies and increased domestic refining.” The Petroleum Minister further stated that the government is stepping up plans to grow the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company ’s, NPDC, production capacity to about 250,000 barrels per day of hydrocarbon by 2015 and reserves of 1,517 million barrel of oil equivalent by 2016. She disclosed that the largest contributor to NPDC’s production growth will be the taking over of OMLs 26, 30, 34, 40 and 42, adding that the NPDC was assigned all of NNPC’s equity in the divested oil blocks of Shell Petroleum Development Company Joint Venture.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013—25

PIB: Raising false alarms (1) I

F there’s a better petroleum law in the books or proposed than the draft Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) before the National Assembly, I’d like to know what it is. The PIB to a large extent is reform legislation, geared towards establishing a robust legal and regulatory framework that will put in place clear rules, procedures and institutions for the administration of the petroleum industry in Nigeria. The proposed law will create a standard business practice, protect health, safety and environment in the course of Petroleum Exploration and enhance exploration and exploitation of petroleum. Also, the PIB provides for a clear, transparent and accountable framework aimed at the development and revenue derivation of the country’s deep and ultra-deep offshore blocks pursuant to its long-term additional reserves and national revenues. We need a reality check. Attacking the PIB is misconceived, cruel, inflammatory, disturbing and unnecessary. It needs to stop. The demagogues would have the public believe

C M Y K

that the PIB will eliminate the 13 percent derivative revenue that accrues to oil producing states, impact on transfer pricing on revenues accruing to the federal government would be devastating. Furthermore, International Oil Companies (OICs) allege that fiscal regime proposed under the new law risk cutting output by 25 percent by 2022, and would be injurious to potential investors among others. Nothing could be further from the truth. To begin with, the available evidence overwhelmingly indicates that the allegation that the split of the Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) in the extant PPT Act into the Nigerian Hydrocarbon Tax (NHT) and Company Income Tax (CIT) under the PIB would erode the revenue accruing to the oil producing states under the PPT Act is not correct. The issue of 13 percent derivative is constitutionally guaranteed under Section 162(2) of the 1999 constitution. Its prima facie safeguard under Section 162(2) of the Nigerian constitution is not in question; nor is there a credible dispute to its effectiveness

under the PIB. Section 162(2) of the 1999 Constitution provides that “... with regard to any revenue allocation formula, the principle of derivation shall be constantly reflected in any approved formula as being not less than 13 per cent of the revenue accruing to the Federation Account directly from any natural resources.” Assuming without conceding the fact that the PIB will indeed erode the 13 percent mentioned above, the section of the law will ipso facto be null and void. Section 1(1) of the 1999 constitution provides that, “This Constitution is supreme and its provisions shall have binding force on the authorities and persons throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” Additionally, Section 1(3) provides that, “If any other law is inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution, this Constitution shall prevail, and that other law shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void.” Given these predicates, a non-issue has been fabricated. By the use of smoke and mir-

Oil & Peo•FELIX AYANfelix.ayanruohlaw@gmail.com

rors, persistent innuendos and intellectual sleight of hand, the objective is to rub-

bish a good law and deny the Nigerian people the benefits of their God given resources.

World energy use up 56% b byy 2040

lobal energy consumption is expected to rise 56 percent by 2040, with a changing composition of energy sources and with China and India driving the increase. According to a new report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, fossil fuels are expected to keep making up much of the energy supply, with petroleum and other liquid fuels remaining the largest source worldwide. Their share of that growing energy consumption is expected to shrink somewhat in coming

decades, though, from 34 percent across all fuel sources in 2010 to 28 percent in 2040, researchers said. Liquid fuel consumption is expected to more than double in China and India over the course of the 30 years. “Rising prosperity in China and India is a major factor in the outlook for global energy demand,” said Adam Sieminski of the Energy Information Administration. “These two countries combined account for half the world’s total increase in energy use through 2040.”

26—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013

Why Eko was chosen for pilot metre scheme BY KUNLE KALEJAYE

HE Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has said that the revenue drive of the Eko Electricity Distribution Company, EKEDC, and other considerations tipped it for the metre distribution pilot programme. Eko was accredited before other DISCOs in the country to launch the Credited Advanced Payment Implementation, CAPMI scheme, to close the metering gap in the electricity sector. The Chairman of NERC, Sam Amadi, told our correspondent exclusively that Eko was chosen for the Power station CAPMI programme because: “Eko DISCO has always been at the and Mushin, and 32 undertakings, the The NERC boss disclosed that other DISfore-front in their performance. They Eko DISCO receives its bulk power COs in the country will key into the CAPMI are very resourceful in their revenue supply from two Transmission sources scheme within a short time frame, as they turn over. They are faster than others - Akangba 330/132KV and Ajah 330/ are currently undergoing accreditation proand their performance has been 132KV. Thereafter, it distributes the cesses. impressive over time.” power through 10 No. 132/33KV TransAccording to him, the whole ideal of the He noted that although the DISCO mission stations. is a smaller network compared to its contemporaries in the country, the company however, met all the requirements needed for the accreditation to successfully launch the scheme, as a guide for other DISCOs. BY KUNLE KALEJAYE ric tonnes (MT), up from 150,000MT With 11 Business Units, which The company said in a statement include Agbara; Apapa; Ajele; Festac; he dispute between the that: “This (67%) increase will enable Ibeju; Ijora; Island; Ojo; Orile; Lekki; Nigerian Maritime Administration and ample stock of the alternate fuel and Safety Agency, NIMASA, and promote the use of cooking gas - necthe Nigeria Liquefied Natural essary for its salutary effects on the Gas Company, NLNG, over levy environment, including its role in conmay have ended, but the impact trolling deforestation. lingers as the price of Liquefied It also noted that the NLNG currentPetroleum Gas, LPG, also known ly provides over 70% of cooking gas as cooking gas, has soared. used in Nigeria, adding that the curA visit to some gas plants by rent increase arose from its recent surour correspondent in Lagos re- vey of the domestic market, which vealed that although available, showed that domestic LPG consumpbut the product is being sold at tion had exceeded 150,000MT, a dea very high rate. mand which was less than 60,000MT Before the NIMASA/NLNG when NLNG intervened in 2008 with dispute, a 12.5kg cylinder of LPG domestic supply of cooking gas. sold for N3, 000. However, the The statement further read: “Indispute resulted in artificial scar- creased usage of LPG in the domestic city, which led to a price hike by market helps reduce environmental marketers who sold the same despoliation; create employment from quantity for between N4000 and new business opportunities; reduce N5,000 depending on the plant respiratory health problems attributand location. able to wood smoke and reduce povSince the NLNG paid off $140 erty: low LPG usage is an index of million to NIMASA, investiga- poverty.” tions further revealed that only The Managing Director, NLNG, Mr. the South Western part of the Babs Omotowa, was quoted as saying country has got some reprieve that true to its vision to help build a with LPG availability, particular- better Nigeria, the company is able to ly Lagos and Ogun states, while increase its supply of domestic gas. the rest of the country wait for He added that the assurance of their turns. steady supply should increase invesRecall that marketers were tors’ confidence in the cooking gas inforced to go to Niger Republic dustry, an industry which currently for LPG to cushion the effect of needs investments in storage, transporscarcity created by the NLNG tation, and cylinders. and NIMASA’s dispute. Omotowa also expressed the hope Additional 100MT released that the domestic market will grow even To address the shortfall, beyond cooking gas, to low-cost retroNLNG said it has increased the fitting of cars, to use both gasoline and quantity of LPG supplied to the natural gas; as LPG is less expensive Nigerian Market to 250,000 met- than petrol.

LPG price soars as NIMASA/NLNG dispute ends

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BRIEF

Firm organises alternative energy fair

N alternative energy firm, Folub Eletrik Servz, is organising a fair designed to showcase alternative energy products that improvise for the scarce electricity in the homes, offices, industries and country as a whole. The fair to be held in conjunction with the Lagos Television, is the fifth edition, and will showcase new technologies in wind power, solar energy, turbine wind, inverters as categories of alternatives for use in exchange for the erratic electricity supply. It will also promote products such as solar light, lanterns, fans, refrigerator, cooker/gel powered stoves, solar computer, children games, chargers, amongst others. According to a statement by Folub Eletrik, renewable energy with the use of inverters/batteries is efficient to compliment electricity without having to run generator 24 hours of the day. The company said the exhibition, scheduled to hold at LTV Ikeja, between July 29th and August 3rd, 2013, has as its theme; ‘Save the Earth, Power Green,’ and will speak to the well-being of Nigerians to conserve energy and make use of other sources which are environmental friendly. The company said: “Campaign for the use of alternative sources of energy to make environment clean and avoid burning of carbon or polluting environment cannot be over emphasized, as this will promote healthy living and reduce cost on the long run for Nigeria’s survival. “Many industries are in extinction due to the huge cost in providing energy source for their businesses. Homes are on the average spending of a minimum of N1,500 petrol to improvise for the non-availability of electricity that should have been free for all use. Then we must save the earth and power green. “Consumers are invited from all walks of life to participate and gain knowledge of these various products available from renowned organizations. “This year ’s exhibition is gathering momentum with lined up activities to mark the 5th edition with the reward of loyal Exhibitors over the past five years, for their consistency and innovation. There will also be a raffle draws for consumers and general public who will partake in the official opening and the closing ceremony of the events.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013—27

EIA sees fall in demand for OPEC crude BY SEBASTINE OBASI, WITH AGENCY REPORT

he Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, excluding Iran, made $982 billion from exporting oil in 2012, the most in 38 years of data, the United States, Energy Information Administration, EIA, said. It however, forecast that sales will drop in 2013 and 2014, and Nigeria, which is the sixth largest producer within the group, is already experiencing production losses on account of oil thievery and pipeline vandalism. Net oil-export revenue by the 12-member organisation climbed 5.4 percent last year from 2011, according to the EIA, the Energy Department’s statistical arm. Sales will tumble by 4.3 percent to $940 billion this year and by 3.9 percent to $903 billion next year, the agency said. EIA also stated that demand for OPEC’s crude will slip by 300,000 barrels a day (bpd) next year to 29.6 million barrels, or 2.6 percent less than the group is pumping now, OPEC said on July 10, in its first set of forecasts for 2013. Exports to North America face growing competition due to a surge in production from shale basins in the U.S. and Canada. U.S. crude output reached 7.35 million bpd at the end of April, up 17 percent from a year earlier. The report further said that OPEC’s weakening grip on international oil markets “is causing a lot of head scratching and hand wringing among countries that aren’t used to not getting their way.” According to EIA, while OPEC studies the U.S. shale boom’s impact on its members, analysts say there is very little OPEC can do and, some argue, should do, to turn the tide. “I imagine some members of OPEC may be flipping out over shale oil,” Morningstar analyst Jason Stevens said. That doesn’t mean U.S. consumers should expect the changing dynamic to cause a sharp drop in prices for crude and gasoline over the long-term. At least for the time being, OPEC appears to be taking a measured approach, even as some of its 12 member

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countries pressure the group to be more aggressive in tightening production to prop up prices in support of government budgets that rely heavily on oil prices of $100 a barrel or higher. The report also explained that OPEC oil ministers opted last month at their most recent meeting to keep production steady at 30 million barrels a day. They said the relative steadiness of prices so far this year shows the market is adequately supplied. Brent crude, which is used to price oil from the North Sea, and the benchmark for world prices, traded around $100 a barrel last week while West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. benchmark, was about $94 a barrel. The spread has narrowed significantly in recent months. According to the EIA report, the U.S. reliance on foreign oil continues to decline. The report noted that in 2010, the U.S. imported to the Gulf Coast 886,000 barrels per day of light sweet crude (the grade of both Brent and West Texas Intermediate). By March of this year, imports

An oil rig had fallen to less than 40,000 barrels per day (bpd). Also, U.S. crude oil exports to Canada have increased from a historical average of 24,000 bpd to 100,000 bpd over the first quarter of this year. The EIA further noted that “OPEC said at the close of its May 31 meeting that “member countries would, if required, take steps to ensure market balance and reasonable price levels for producers and consumers.” Thus, one way to boost prices is to cut production, on the theory that if demand remains steady, lower supply will lead to a corresponding hike in prices. Saudi Arabia, OPEC’s largest producer, earned 32 percent of the 2012 total, or $311 billion, the EIA said. The

agency excluded Iran, OPEC’s second-biggest producer a year ago which is now in sixth place as sanctions aimed at stopping the Islamic republic’s nuclear program have hindered its ability to export crude. A European Union ban on the purchase, transport, financing and insurance of Iranian oil went into effect July 1, 2012. Iran wasn’t included because of “the difficulties associated with estimating Iran’s earnings, including its inability to receive payments and possible price discounts Iran offers its existing customers,” the EIA said. The report also stated that Saudi Arabia remains key to prices despite U.S. production surge. It further stated that

Saudi Arabia already has begun to trim oil production to support prices as production booms in other nations. It noted that while U.S. oil production has increased sharply in the last five years, crude from Saudi Arabia still influences global prices and will for some time. According to the report, supply from nations outside the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries is expected to increase 6 million barrels per day by 2018. That trend already is prompting Saudi Arabia, OPEC and the world’s largest producer, to try to protect current oil prices near $100 a barrel by tightening production.

PEM, Kongsberg sign N960m deal to train professionals BY MICHAEL EBOH

EM Offshore Limited has signed a contract with Kongsberg Maritime, worth over $6 million (N960 million) for commercial offshore training facility for professionals in the Nigerian oil and gas sector. According to a statement by PEM Offshore, the agreement is for the supply of a full suite of offshore anchor handling, dynamic positioning, power management, and crane simulation systems. The company said the new simulators will form the main infrastructure for a world-class offshore simulation training centre and the first of its kind in Nigeria and West Africa. The new training centre, the company said, will be located in Lagos and will support the training of local and foreign offshore personnel involved in offshore oil and gas operations. This is to support a

growing market demand for highly competent and qualified personnel for this high risk environment. The Senior Vice President, PEM Offshore, Mr. Philips Matthew, said the establishment of the new offshore simulation training centre will create new high-value employment opportunities for the region and underpin the requirements for qualified marine personnel in this primary offshore supply hub for West Africa. As part of the contract, he disclosed that Kongsberg Maritime will supply PEM Offshore with world class simulation training technology, identical to systems found on board many vessels in the world fleet and also provide subject matter expertise to ensure the new training centre meets or exceeds industry standards. He said: “The simulator delivery includes both DP Class B and Class C simulation trainers, allowing for advanced dynamic positioning

training for certification in accordance with Nautical Institute (NI), Det Norsk Veritas (DNV) and International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) standards. “The PEM Offshore Training Center will also be certified to DP Class A for use in Sea-time reduction training, where time spent in simulator training significantly reduces time required for live training at sea, enabling safer and more cost effective DP training. “PEM Offshore has also invested in a comprehensive range of technical and instructor (train-the-trainer) programmes that will cover all aspects of the DP, Kongsberg Offshore Vessel Simulator (KOVS), Crane, Bridge and Power Management simulators. To remain current with evolving regulatory changes and the latest KONGSBERG developments, “PEM Offshore has also invested in a 5- year, Long Term System Support Program (LTSSP).

28—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013

By Theodore Opara

narguably, one of the most powerful cars in its segment, the Mercedes Benz E-Class has never ceased to impress auto freaks with its array of innovations. From the exterior to the interior, the new E-Class has got unique features that sets new standard in its class. No wonder it has remained Mercedes Benz best selling car in Nigeria while at the same time dominating its segment in terms of marketshare and luxury features. Available in saloon and estate as well as AMG versions, Mercedes Benz offers many engine variants in the new E-Class ranging from four cylinder to V8 engines which are available in both petrol and diesel engines. Designed to trip you, the Mercedes Benz EClass saloon comes in Elegance and Avantgarde. Whilst the Elegance lines leaves a fine lasting impression both on the inside and from the outside with a host of high-quality trim and equipment elements, the Avantgarde line highlights the vehicles sporty dynamic character. Mercedes Benz EClass newly developed four cylinder petrol engines with direct injection, variable valve control and turbocharging boasts better output and torque figures than its predecessor as well as low fuel consumption and emission figures. They include the E-200 which generate 135 kw (184hp) and a maximum torque of 300Nm, while the E250 delivers 155 Kw (211 hp) and a maximum torque of 350Nm. The more powerful six cylinder engine version of the E-Class comes with optional all-wheel drive system 4 matic which is not usually available in competing models from other makers. The top of the range E-Class engine with V8 Blue Direct family will amaze you with its power. The E500 4matic with twin turbochargers and inter-cooler churn out 300kw of power (408hp) a peak torque of 600Nm available from just 1600rpm and outstanding acceleration while the AMG version of this engine with 4matic (E63 AMG) delivers 410kw (557hp) and a minimum torque of 720Nm. All the engines are mated to 7G-Tronic plus 7-speed automatic

All-new E-Class redifines luxury the Mercedes way

transmission as standard as well as ECO start/ stop which automatically switches off the engine when the vehicle is at stand still, resulting in low fuel consumption. Standard equipment in the new E-Class are numerous to mention, while exclusive package is available for those who want something special. The standard equipment starts with the newly styled front section. The interior also impresses with its 3-tube instrument cluster, new centre console with an analogue and control displaying featuring a contemporary flat screen look. Technologies such as direct – steer system, the Attention Assist, the collision prevention Assist plus the pre-safe anticipatory occupant protection system make the vehicle as sophisticated as it is safe.

Hyundai Nigeria wins ‘Best Corporate Citizen’ award H YUNDAI Motor Com pany (HMC), foremost Korean automaker has bestowed the ‘Best Corporate Citizen’ award on local representative Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited. The award which is in recognition of Hyundai Motors Nigeria outstanding performance and corporate social responsibility initiatives was presented at the just concluded 7th Hyundai bi-annual Global Distributors Convention in Monaco and Cote d’ Azur, France. A total of 250 distributor owners and top executives from 117 countries joined executives from HMC headquarters and subsidiaries at the gathering.

Mr. Haresh Vaswani, Vice Chairman, Hyundai Motors Nigeria received the award on behalf of Hyundai Nigeria team at the Monaco event where the company was given ‘Best Corporate Citizen’ Award. Hyundai Nigeria was named amongst other international recipients including representatives of Australia, France, India and Russia. The Korean automaker had acknowledged the local agent’s social welfare and corporate responsibility initiatives towards the less privileged with recourse to consecutive donations of relief materials to orphanage homes in Lagos, Abuja, Port-Harcourt and Calabar within the last three years.

HMC also acknowledged the company’s anti-malaria campaign initiative which began in Lagos three years ago and was subsequently extended to Enugu and Owerri States. This is in addition to other CSR programmes such as Mobile Health Clinic vehicle donation to Abuja Medical Centre Gwagwalada in 2011 and the HyundaiKoica Dream Centre Project. A subsidiary of Stallion Motors, Hyundai Motors Nigeria has in the last 10 years as distributors of Hyundai automobiles charted a course for Hyundai, making the brand Nigeria’s principal supplies with series of outstanding accolades.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013 —29

Jaguar, Team Sky celebrate 2nd historic Tour De France victory

...winner gets Jaguar F-type

aris, France: To celebrate an outstanding second victory in the Tour de France for Team Sky, Jaguar has rewarded race winner Chris Froome with a very special Jaguar FTYPE sports car. Jaguar has contributed to the success of Froome and Team Sky in 2013 through provision of the Jaguar XF Sportbrake as the team’s official support vehicle. As part of the GetBehindTeamSky social media campaign created by Jaguar, fans were asked to tweet their own images of support. An overwhelming response followed, with selected photo-

graphs forming the famous ‘Team Sky’ line running down the centre of the car. – In this case, the livery is yellowrather than blue, in recognition of Team Sky’s achievement. The design mimics the livery of the Team Sky Jaguar XF Sportbrake, which featured the images submitted by supporters during the final stage of the Tour in Paris on Sunday (below). The victory marks back-toback successes in the Tour for Team Sky, with Chris Froome becoming the second British rider to win the Yellow Jersey after Sir Bradley Wiggins in 2012. Chris Froome commented: “Every young cyclist dreams of one day riding in the Tour de France, let alone winning it. I haven’t done it alone though. Team Sky has a great set of partners, and I’d like to thank Jaguar for their brilliant support over the past four years. They’ve invested a lot of time and ingenuity into designing the XF Sportbrake, which is the perfect race support cars for us. It has been crucial to keeping the team on the road throughout the competition”. Not approved Also David Steele, Global Brand Experience Director commented: “It is an absolute pleasure to once again celebrate a Tour de France victory with Team Sky. Being part of the story is a real privilege for everyone at Jaguar. We congratulate the Team and I am sure Chris Froome will enjoy celebrating with an invigorating drive in his new F-TYPE.”

GM Reports 2nd Quarter Net Income of $1.2bn

ENERAL Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) has announced second quarter net income attributable to common stockholders of $1.2 billion, or $0.75 per fully diluted share. These results include a net loss from special items that reduced net income by $0.2 billion, or $0.09 per fully diluted share. In the second quarter of 2012, GM’s net income attributable to common stockholders was $1.5 billion, or $0.90 per fully diluted share. Net income for the second quarter of 2013 included an increase in tax expense of $0.5 billion, or $0.29 per fully diluted share, compared to the second quarter of 2012. Net revenue in the second quarter of 2013 was $39.1 billion, compared to $37.6 billion in the second quarter of 2012. Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) adjusted was $2.3 billion, compared to $2.1 billion in the second quarter of 2012.

30—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013 By Theodore Opara

Coscharis, Sixt partnership to promote tourism — Maduka

oscharis Mobility, a member of the Cos charis Group has entered into partnership with world’s renowned car rental company, Sixt Rent A car. Sixt is the number one car rental company in Germany, Australia, Switzerland and Israel, offering world’s largest premium limousine fleet and purchases over 200,000 vehicles annually with 114,000 leasing contracts worldwide. Speaking at the official launch, at Eko Hotels Lagos, the president, Coscharis Group, Dr. Cosmas Maduka said that the partnership between the two companies would guarantee a seamless solution to their customers mobility challenges. According to him, the partnership is aimed at improving and promoting the tourism and logistic industry in the country, through a car rental, vehicle lease and haulage business. The Coscharis president who was represented by his Group

Managing Director, Mr. Josia Samuel further disclosed that Sixt operates from over 4000 locations globally with all manner of cars ranging from small compact cars, convertibles, SUVs vans, luxury cars, trucks etc, promising to offer what competitors couldn’t. May I say that there are other companies trying to or have been providing this service; the question then is, why Coscharis Mobility- Sixt –Rent- A- Car? As our testimonies speak for us, we are known for excellence in any service we venture into and this will not be an exception as we have all that it takes to make your trip pleasurable and fun,” he noted. Continuing, he said “This is the only company that offers services to all levels of customers. “Notwithstanding, you will definitely get a satisfying deal with us. Our Standard cars are for you; our premi-

Roll Royce: can it be offered by Coscharis Sixt rent a car? um cars are ready for people of your class. No other company offers such Preimum Cars for rent. If you can’t buy that Range Rover! That Jaguar! That BMW, you can now rent it, enjoy and have fun. "Our branch network gives us an edge. We are located in all regions of the country and have this service rendered in all these locations. Be sure of our services, notwithstanding your location. For frequent travellers, you can book your

car from us in over 120 countries. For our colleagues in travel industry, you have a deal with us. Make use of our platform to add value to your customers" he told the audience. "For corporate organizations, you need not worry about logistics and mobility issues. Focus on your core business and let’s take away the stress from you.” He described their haulage business as a unique saying: “Make use of our haulage

service and see the difference between Organised haulage and ordinary haulage. The 24hours safety of your products is guaranteed. Our company is always ready to promote the image of the country by providing outstanding services that meets international standard. The coming of SIXT will not only guarantee our customers of that international touch, but will go a long way in telling the world that Nigeria is really moving forward.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013—31

•Gabriel Amuchi, MD FERMA, during inspection of road projects last week

said the Vice President, Arc. Namadi Sambo, who is supervising the NIPP, constituted a steering committee with FERMA given clear instructions to fix the entire road stretch from Onne Port to Kaduna with the bridges and other support structures to facilitate the smooth movement of the power equipment. He stated that Government in its wisdom, reasoned that by repairing the entire road stretch from Port Harcourt to Kaduna, will not only make the movement of the power equipment possible but the benefits will affect other sectors of the economy. “FERMA would no longer allow roads to get to the point of disrepair before the potholes are fixed. We will direct scores of engineers in the agency to use their expertise to work harder,” he said. The FERMA boss, who said

Our roads are now motorable —FERMA boss

•As turbines are transported from Rivers to Kaduna by road BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

FFORTS of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency FERMA, to make Nigerian roads accessible, may have started paying off. This is because power turbines are now being transported by roads, a situation the Managing Director of

FERMA, Gabriel Amuchi, an Engineer said was achieved because Nigerian roads have become motorable. Amuchi made the claims at the Kudenda Industrial District, Kaduna, during the delivery of the last batch of power turbines, generators and sundry equipment meant for the 215 megawatts Na-

tional Independent Power Project NIPP. The turbines were transported to Kaduna from Onne Port in River State by road, a distance of about 950 kilometres. . He said Government was clear in its resolve to transport the equipment by road over the long distance. . To give fillip to that policy, he

FG establishes mortgage refinance company …World Bank provides $300m soft loan for its operation BY EMMA UJAH, ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF

HE Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has announced the establishment of a Mortgage Refinance Company, MRC, with a view to fasttracking government efforts towards making it easier for Nigerians to own houses at affordable rates and on a sustained basis. The company would be launched by President Goodluck Jonathan before the end of next month, according to the Special Adviser to the Minister, Mr. Paul Nwabuikwu, in a statement, in Abuja, last week. “The Mortgage Refinance Company which is promoted by the Federal Government with majority private sector ownership will help to address the acute housing challenge in the country”, the minister was quoted as saying. Currently, the country’s total housing

deficit stands at 17 million units. According to Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, “the institution is a key part of President Goodluck Jonathan’s vision to ensure that Nigerians have access to cheap mortgage funds from housing finance lenders”. The minister said President Jonathan had directed her and the Minister of Housing, Ms. Amal Pepple, to fashion out appropriate and effective means of addressing the housing challenges in the country, adding that the result of such collaboration was the MRC. According to her, the World Bank had already bought into the emerging refinance institution with a soft loan of $300 million under the bank’s International Development Association, IDA, concessionary lending window. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala explained that the Federal Government was also working on mass housing schemes with a rent-to-own option for workers to reduce the housing deficit in the country.

the Federal Government was aware of the efforts of some state governments to maintain some federal roads in their domains, advised that the maintenance must meet the specifications necessary approvals set out for such roads before the governors of the states ask for refund of resources expended on the roads. “The government will no longer allow vital infrastructure to decay. We do not want to leave the agency worse than we met it. This is our duty. We are competently trained. We do recovery, repair and maintenance. The Minister of Works has met with the Governors and has given them guidelines for roads maintenance. I am sure if those guidelines are carried out, the better our roads will be”, Amuchi said. According to him, equip-

ment and manpower have been provided by the agency and surveillance of roads is being carried out with the aim of identifying areas that need urgent attention. Such areas will be fixed without waiting for worse situations. Amuchi expressed delight with the inspection carried out by his agency on OnitshaLagos Road. He noted that there is a remarkable improvement on the maintenance of the roads. On road accidents, the FERMA boss directed senior officials of the department to liaise with the Federal Roads Safety Commission, FRSC and necessary government agencies to ensure prompt evacuation, adding that heavy unserviceable trucks and tankers should not be allowed to park on the roads because they attract stagnant water that weaken shoulders of the roads. While acknowledging the contributions of other agencies and services that worked with FERMA and the Federal Ministry of Works on the committee, Amuchi said the experience was a perfect example of how inter and intra-agency collaboration of government bodies can help implement policies meant to improve the lot of Nigerians. He also said FERMA monitored the route throughout the duration of the movement to ensure that new distresses on the road were addressed. The representative of the Minister of Power, Yusuf Fwamkat, also an Engineer, commended the contractors handling the independent power project, Messrs. Rockson Engineering Limited and FERMA for making it possible to achieve the enormous task of moving the heavy equipment on road. He also appreciated the contributions of the Police, Road Safety Commission, Power Holding Company of Nigeria and other agencies who provided security and other ancillary services while the goods were on t r a n s i t . He said the movement of the equipment took a cumulative period of 43 days over five return trips from Port Harcourt to Kaduna.

…launches policy guidelines Meanwhile, the FERMA chairman, Engr. Ezekiel Olajide Adeniji has assured the nation that he would do his best to make Nigerian roads motorable. Engr. Adeniji while launching revised policy guidelines of the agency in Abuja recently said the guidelines were meant to direct and steer the management and board of the organisation to work even harder. “We are saddled with the big responsibility of maintaining roads which is critical to the profitable existence of commuters. We realised the import of this mission and we are going to pursue this mission with all our energy and intellectual capacity.,” he said.

32—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013

Propertygate bids to add value in meeting housing needs other actions, have propelled STORIES By the company ’s forward KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE progression since its inception.

R O P E RT Y GAT E Development & Investment Plc, last week, celebrated the fifth anniversary of its successful foray into the property industry with a pledge to churn out products and services that will address the value and functional needs of its teeming customers. The company stated that market inspired services based on research which it renders to the public has been a major driving force guiding its operations in the last five years. Making the pledges at the company ’s corporate headquarters in Lekki Peninsula, its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Adetokunbo Ajayi said the ambition of Propertygate is to become a global property development firm that will guarantee customer satisfaction. Ajayi stated that the company will continue to invest in services and products’ designs, features and processes in alignment with the needs of the market. He pointed out that this recognition for market inspired projects in addition to

Ajayi described the company recent annual general meeting, AGM as very successful. According to him, the shareholders used the AGM to commend the board and management for the exceptional performance despite the inclement operating climate. He disclosed that for the third year running, the company recorded a profitable result in its financial statement for the year ended December 2012. According to him, total current assets increased to N517million in 2012 from N370million in 2011; while total net assets stood at N303million compared to N280million in 2011. During the year under review, the company also recorded progress in its Alexandria Quarters Residential Estate within the Skyview Residential Scheme at Sangotedo, Lekki Peninsula. According to him, the company was prompted to stick to its zero debt finance tradition in the year under review in view of high interest rate and sundry charges. Propertgate boss who posited that harnessing the huge economic potential in the Nigerian real estate market

•Alexandria Quarters, a residential estate being constructed by Propertygate

requires rigorous and sustained efforts while also trying to keep pace with global benchmark, said harnessing the huge economic potential in Nigerian real estate market requires more than ever before, as it involves production of smart, trendy and sustainable products and services that assure real value in the eye of discerning market. The managing director who noted that the future of real estate business in Nigeria is very bright with abundant opportunities, informed that his company will continue to position itself to maximize business opportunities in a sustainable basis. According

Lagos continues upgrade of roads infrastructure T

HE recent increase in the number of infrastructure projects embarked upon by the Lagos state government is a direct response to the mega city status accorded the state and the need to prepare for future growth of the country ’s commercial nerve centre. The State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, an Engineer, made the clarifications last week while responding to questions from journalists after the inspection of ongoing projects embarked upon by his ministry in different parts of the state. He explained that “by virtue of the United Nations’ position for us to comply with best practices, we must expand the size of our roads, introduce walkways and in some instances, provide bicycle lanes among others. We must also directly respond to the challenges of waste generation and the ensuing prosperity of people”. The Commissioner and his entourage who visited 14 project sites in Ikeja and EtiOsa Local Government Areas, reiterated the commitment of

•Kodeso road, Ikeja, being reconstructed by Lagos state the State to the redevelopment of inner roads networks in the state. Hamzat was impressed with the performances of contractors at sites visited. According to him, the quality of work was not compromised in all the sites visited. Projects visited include the Multi – Agency Office Complex, Alausa, Magistrate Court, Ikeja, on-going reconstruction of Yaya Abatan/ College Road, Surulere Industrial Road, Off Acme Road, Ogba, Simbiat Abiola

Road, Kodesho Road, St. Gregory ’s Way, Obalende, Unity/1st Avenue/ Ivory Road, Osapa and Orile Ilasan Awe Road. Also inspected was the Obalende Transformation Initiative project. The commissioner disclosed that the 14 projects visited represent only four per cent of the total number of ongoing projects in the State. He however, explained that roads being developed were chosen on the basis of their carriage

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to him, “ with opportunities opening up in the capital market to promising and well managed enterprises for investment flows, liquidity and other advantages, the

company will deepen its competitiveness by improving on its domain expertise, sound management, track records, strong corporate values and innovation”. Propertygate Development and Investment Pic which turned five years this July, according to the CEO, is a fast growing company that came to life at the wake of unprecedented global economic meltdown that consumed nations and major corporations worldwide including Nigeria. The company has consistently leveraged on its professional board and management team as well as adherence to strong ethical standards to remain the toast of its teeming customers, according to Ajayi.

Firm unveils new brick making machines A

wide range of brick making machines capable of moulding about one billion blocks annually, has been introduced into the Nigerian market to facilitate the provision of affordable housing for millions of homeless Nigerians. The “Agram” brick making machines which are manufactured in South Africa, have three main product groupings which are divided into 10 main types of brick production lines. The new machines, according to Messrs IfekBrown Ltd, (the sole marketers/promoters of the machines in Nigeria), compromise electric and non-electric units that are self-operated. The company ’s CEO, Mr. Williams Okeke explained that the non-electric machines are ideal for manufacturing low quantities of bricks of at least 6,000 per day in remote communities where there is no electricity supply. A unit of the nonelectric types costs N2 million and are mainly designed for private use and small community projects. The electricpowered units which are designed for large scale housing projects are sold from from N4 million. They have higher capacities to produce as much as 2,500 bricks per day depending on the model of the machines. Okeke stated that the machines are capable of reducing the quantity of

cement used in brick making because of the vibration mechanism of the machines. The multiplier effect of this is reduced cost of production. The CEO of Ifek-Brown Ltd further stated that another major advantage of the machines over other types in the market is their ability to produce bricks with just laterite without cement. ‘’We offer services in the sale of brick machines as one of the largest suppliers of high quality brick making machines and a preferred suppliers to all major construction and property development companies. Our products have been used in many prestigious projects. These brick machines will ease off stress of having to provide more building blocks with zero inputs. ‘’In doing this, we target our small business companies who wish to have an upgrade in their brick making endeavours. We encourage these small and medium enterprises to purchase these machines that could provide more blocks per minute. While we work in line to enhance and achieve high standards in sustaining the environment, we also seek to provide a sale and healthy workplace for the relevant persons in the brick making world. These machines produce and distribute more than a billion bricks annually to their construction customers in a variety of designs, shapes, colours and sizes’’, Ifek-Brown boss who disclosed that his company is making efforts to partner both the federal and state governments in the provision of affordable housing delivery said.

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013—33

By TONY EDIKE

HE Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, FMBN has reiterated its commitment to providing loans to contributors of the National Housing Fund to enable them purchase their individual houses without encountering any difficulty. The FMBN also said that it would not renege on its initial loan plan for NHF contributors, and prospective contributors, as it would continue to grant loans which repayment spans a maximum of 30 years. Executive Director of the bank on Policy and Strategy, Mr. Mike Nwogbo, made this assertion while inspecting two Housing Estates in Enugu State – Elim and Vivian Estates. Surveyors Ugo Chime (Elim) and Leo Ugwu (Vivian) are the private developers of the two estates, which are located along EnuguUgwuogo-Opi Road. Nwogbo, who also oversees the bank’s Loan Set-Up and Pay Off unit of the bank, commended the private developers of the two estates, saying, “I am really excited with the level of work I am seeing here. It is all quality, finesse and they don’t look like commercial houses.” He also said, “The bank is doing quite a lot to encourage

We want many Nigerians to own houses —FMBN Director

•One of the housing estates in Nigeria private developers, especially in the South-East zone, to ensure that the purpose of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria is really felt in this country. According to him, “The bank Is working hard to

deliver 5,000 units of housing annually to reduce the 17 million housing deficit in the country.” Nwogbo, however, noted that, “Only contributors to the National Housing Fund in both the private and public

sectors are qualified to buy the houses through their Primary Mortgage Institutions.” He added that the bank monitored the pricing of the houses to ensure that the

Lagos continues upgrade of roads

ENVIROMENT:

Continues from page 32

Umuahia sets the pace By OUR REPORTER

NE of the major problems of Abia State especially the two main cities of Umuahia and Aba is the heap of refuse noticed in every nook and cranny of the towns. These cities were at a time termed the dirtiest towns in Nigeria after Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. But with the overhauling of the management and appointment of Mr. Ikechukwu Apugo as the General Manager of Abia State Environmental Sanitation Agency, ASEPA, the story has changed for good. As at December, 2012, Aba, which had before now defied all solutions, began to receive accolades from residents and the business communities as one of the cleanest cities in Nigeria. According to Anaelechi Ozurumba, ASEPA for the first time ensures that the tonnes of refuse generated are carted away on a regular basis. In his words “I wouldn’t understand how it was done then, but what I know is that C M Y K

trucks and men seem to be working day and night, like soldier ants. One moment you see refuse the next seconds it has been carted away. I prayed then that ASEPA will sustain that momentum but, to my greatest surprise recently Aba had returned to what it was known for, refuse, refuse, and refuse every where’’, he said. Ozurumba was not alone in his observation, as a business man from Ogun State, Segun Animashawu who said he has been coming to Aba to buy wears since 1996, noted that Aba had always had the challenge of refuse, which he said had defied all efforts of successive governments. “You see, I am no longer bothered about the refuse thing. To me, Aba had always being like that but between the end of last year and few months back, Aba suddenly took a new look. You no longer find those heaps of refuse. You see men and women in u1niforms working with dedication as if their lives depended on it. To me, it was a rude departure from the status quo, and I had hoped that it will continue, but it never happened. ‘’Those old days are back. I now wonder what is happening. Has the governor changed the leadership of ASEPA or abandoned Aba residents to their faith? I now ask why Umuahia is clean. Is it

developers did not fleece their customers. Conducting the FMBN executive director and his team round his estate , the developer of Elim Estate, Surveyor Ugo Chime, said it contained 78 three-bedroom bungalows, 121 two-bedroom flats and 128 one-bedroom flats. Chime also said that the estate has provisions for a nursery/primary school, a shopping mall and a police post. He commended the FMBN for supporting private real estate developers saying more Nigerians would be provided shelter with improved funding from the bank. The developer of Vivian Estate, Mr. Leo Ugwu, said his comprises 125 units of three-bedroom bungalows and that it cost him about N1 billion to develop. He promised that the houses would be ready for occupation before February next year and thanked the FMBN for supporting the project.

because governor comes from there? I don’t know; I am confused. In fact some are saying it is a rumour making the rounds here, that it is either the General Manager, one IK Apugo, had been relieved of his duties or the governor is punishing Aba people because of their seeming opposition to the governor. What ever, I think that IK Apugo did well and should be encouraged’’, the businessman advised. Investigation however, showed that ASEPA leadership had been split, with the General Manager controlling Umuahia and another Deputy General Manager controlling Aba. This, observers say may be responsible for the clean environment in Umuahia as against the return of the old dirty days in Aba. Residents and business men and women in Aba are, therefore, appealing to the state governor to return the leadership of ASEPA to one central control under Ikechukwu Apugo who they say had proved beyond doubt that he is a round peg in a round hole.

capacity, population and traffic bearing capacity as well as the availability of water outfalls that cause flooding on the road. Speaking on the regeneration of Obalende, the Commissioner said the project is to generally renew the bus park and introduce “Transport Information System” where commuters can identify the buses and take off time as well as ensure the general beautification and lighting of the place. While stating that cost of construction per kilometer in some communities is higher due to their difficult terrain, Hamzat specifically referred to the Isheri Osun project which requires that attention be given to details and safety and not the time frame. He stated that aside from the two bridges anchored on 1,022 piles which is about 34 metres deep being constructed, the government has awarded the accompanying 7.8km road. According to him, the bridge must be done right.. Boasting that Lagos roads have been built to internationally accepted standards and specifications with such new features as an expanded carriageway street lighting, pedestrian walkways and service ducts designed to last 15-20 years, Hamzat explained that the axle load they bear presents a major challenge to the roads.

34— Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013 34—Vanguard,

Much ado about child marriage H

I, I first heard the report through my colleague, Funmi Ajumobi. At the time, she had neither seen it on Television nor read it in the Newspapers by herself, first hand. A friend had also called her to confirm the story. Her informant insisted it was true and that she had read it in the Newspapers. And so she called me to find out if I had read the story and what I thought about it. Unfortunately, I had neither read nor seen the report too. So, rather than put her mind to rest, I told her to thread softly. From my little experience of the Nigerian society, the media and stories of this nature, it’s always better to hold back just a little bit to avoid embarrassment or controversy. From my stand point, this matter was too delicate to be treated with kid gloves. From the kind of high level vibes the story was already beginning to generate and the magnitude of the bad blood, condemnation and resentment the Nigerian Senate was bound to receive from this ill-informed decision, I was convinced that accusations, apologies and blames would soon start making rounds. The media as usual will be the fall guy. The reporters at the hallowed Chambers on that fateful Tuesday will be the Scapegoats. Soon, we are likely to start hearing statements purporting that “the proceedings on the floor of the Senate had been misinterpreted and misreported.

Political opponents “Senator Yerima and his colleagues had been misquoted, or quoted out of context”. “Nobody mentioned anything like child marriage”. “This is a plot by our political opponents to tarnish our image against 2015 elections”. Or it could be “the works of our detractors”. We have heard those types of stories before. Dead on arrival. Unfortunately, this particular story is not going away. It has refused to be swept under the carpet. And to make the story more interesting, the faces behind the votes have since been unmasked while the main gladiator and mobiliser himself, Senator Yerima who now appear to have been voted the “Face of child marriage in Nigeria and indeed Africa” has spoken. And this time, not to cry fowl play, albeit with a little

twist. This time around, it appears as if the media has simply taken up the role of soothsayer or mind reader and has helped Yerima and his colleagues to reveal and interprete the content of their hearts. Ironically, I am yet to hear him say “thank you”. The media on that Tuesday became a mind reader or soothsayer and interpreted the thoughts in Yerima’s heart.

The discussion on the floor of the Senate that day had absolutely nothing to do with marriage, underage or overage. It was to deliberate on the ambiguity and gender discrimination contained in the provisions of Section 29, subsection 4(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which had to do with renouncement of citizenship. The demand of the proponents of the review was that Sub section 4(b) should be removed from the constitution because 4a covers for all citizens regardless of gender, moreso, the constitution already stipulated adult age as 18, again, regardless of gender. 4(b) therefore was ambiguous and subjetive to manipulation and mischieve as individuals with ulterior motives could hide under same to legitimate sexual abuse of underage girls. Herein lies the controversy. For the records, let me quickly reproduce the content of Section 29 of the constitution: (1) Any citizen of Nigeria of full age who wishes to renounce his Nigerian citizenship shall make a declaration in the prescribed manner of

the renunciation. (2) The President shall cause the declaration made under Subsection (1) of this Section to be registered and upon such registration, the person who made the declaration shall cease to be a citizen of Nigeria. (3) The President may withhold the registration of any declaration made under Subsection (1) of this Section if .... The declaration is made

during any war in which Nigeria is physically involved; or a. In his opinion, it is otherwise contrary to public policy. (4) For the purpose of subsection (1) of this section, a. “full age” means the age of 18 years and above b. Any woman who is married shall be deemed to be of full age. Analysts have opined that though subsection 4(b) is gender discriminatory, it is against the male rather than the female. The provision of 4(b) singled out women and accorded them additional rights by virtue of their marriage status. So that, while a Nigerian male must attain the age of 18 to be deemed eligible to renounce his citizenship, a Nigerian female of any age below 18 years can, because she is already considered an adult by virtue of her marriage status. This is what Nigerians are saying NO! to. They are insisting that any female below the age of 18 remains a child and not an adult and therefore has no business being married in the first instance. Dealing with this issue on its face value, one would think that it is a simple case that needs

Are you more than friends or just friends? By ONOZURE DANIA

T times, without really re alizing it ourselves, we get closer and closer with a friend and before we know it, we have crossed the line of friendship into love. Perhaps you should first ask yourself these questions: Do the people both of you meet always assume that you are both more than friends? Do you sometimes ask yourself the same question? Do you sometimes feel that you are more than friends but are just confused and wondering where your relationship with this special friend is heading? Sometimes, two friends can have so many happy things in common that a simple friendship could turn into something a lot more complex over time. A great friend is a great companion but a great lover makes a better companion. And who is to fight that logic? After all, it’s the law of love. If you are perfect for each other, both of you will inevitably fall in love with each other, just as long as the friendship is great and there is that perfect portion of secret attraction that bubbles under the surface. It may start of as an occasional call to keep in touch or exchange a bit of gossip. But over time, the calls get more frequent and last longer and usually stretches late into the night. Soon enough, both of you can’t imagine going to bed without a long happy conversation ending with sweet dreams and dream about more conversations. Most good friends who are attracted to each other have been at this stage. Lovers finish each other’s sentences. Friends who are turning into

no sweating over. However, for Yerima, this was not the case. The genius in him detected even way before his other “distinguished” colleagues did, that the deletion of this clause could have devastating rebound effect on an issue dear to his heart. Thus, by invoking item 61, part 1 of the Second Schedule under the Exclusive List which gives the National Assembly the Legislative powers to consider, the formation, annulment and dissolution of marriages other that marriages under Islamic law and customary law, including matrimonial causes related thereto, Yerima was able to persuade and convince his colleagues of the threat that the deletion of subsection 4(b) could be to Islam which permits that young girls could

lovers share their secrets and opinions. It’s exciting to talk about each other’s secrets and little dirty details that no one else knows about. So does your friend know you sleep in the nude? Or did you find out that your friend was wearing black underwear during last night’s long phone conversation? Friends who are attracted to each other can’t help flirting with each other and they get pretty excited to share intimate secrets with each other. Friends who are on the verge of going to more than friends are very protective of each other. Do you ask your friend to call you and let you know once they have reached home, or do either of you try to help the other person out of a sticky situation all the time? Good friends help each other now and then or when asked, but friends who are more than friends try to be there for each other all the time, whether it’s buying new clothes, working on a pet project or picking a date. If your friend is very attractive, then chances are that they are going to be getting a lot of attention from the opposite sex. And at times, your friend may be very excited to go out on a date with someone they have liked for a long time. Do you get irritated if your friend goes out on a date with someone they like, or even talks about their date excitedly? Or does your stomach churn with anger if your friend makes out with someone on a date? If you find yourself getting annoyed with your friend when they have a good time with someone else, there’s a good chance you are more than friends, or perhaps, overly possessive.

be married from tender ages. Ironically, the exact age a girlchild can be married off in slam have also remained controversial between the various Sects comprised in Islam, even though it is way below the constitutionally approved 18 years in the Nigerian Constitution. The truth is that, in whole or in part, Subsection 29 under review has nothing to do with marriage or marital causes, but purely citizenship. Bridging the two together smacks of deliberate and malicious manipulation of issues. Ever since the story broke and Nigerians took to the streets and social media to express their dissatisfaction with the retention of subsection 4b of section 29, there have been various reactions from across the country.

Continues next Thursday

Vanguard Vanguard,,

TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013

— 35

YOUR LUCK TODAY By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

TAURUS; It’s important to differentiate between enterprise, gambling and adventure, because you may not go free by unnecessary mistake. Take love very seriously. GEMINI; Many people are not in the mood to take thing lightly probably because of tension generated by the Moon and Saturn. Thus you’ll need to be prepared to take responsibility of whatever you do and/or say. CANCER; Unnecessary argument can not help your cause today, no matter how logical you think you are. Take domestic issues more seriously than before. LEO; good results, your mood looks less buoyant. Whatever this is the wrong time to gamble with matters of the heart.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY By Richard Eromosele

AVE you ever taken your time to ask yourself some pertinent and relevant questions concerning your mode of dressing? If you haven’t, I advise that you do so

What are you wearing now? some times. Each time I see some people especially ladies supporting their backside (the waist) with their hands, I begin to ask myself what is

the essence of dressing if you are not comfortable in it? Whatever you are wearing, you must be comfortable in it.

TERROR MUDA in “Never say goodbye”

It must also conform with your lifestyle. What is the use of wearing a trendy dress when you are essentially the quiet and conservative type? Let what you wear reflect who you are.

By Lanre Kehinde

VIRGO; Since you cant run away from your shadow it is better you face challenges coming your way both at home and in the office. Eventual success’ll be yours very soon. .LIBRA; Although, partnership related issues are becoming seriously, today you will need to rely on your creative mind to get the desired results. SCORPIO; Similar to yesterday as money continues to dominate issues. This is the wrong time to rely too heavily on friends either for assistance or advice. SAGITTARIUS; You’ll continue to be relevant in the scheme of things, although you’ll be made to operate under pressure through career/business related affairs but great success indicated for you today. Be stable. CAPRICORN; It’s your day when good luck’ll crown your efforts. The more secretive you are the better for your cause. Avoid unnecessary argument.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

“Princess Shii’

By Andy Akman

AQUARIUS; Reliable associates of yours may unconsciously disappoint you .Nursing false hope may force emotion to run very high. Be patient please. PISCES; If you like to cut-corners you’ll need to prepare for unpleasant surprise as those you least expect’ll disappoint you. Prepare to protect your image. ARIES; Relying on the element of luck today may fail to give you the desired results. Then it’ll be wrong of you to disrespect the law and/or it’s enforcement agents.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

Who am I?

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

Dear Joshua, Kindly analyse my star and tell me the type of person I am. Because not only other people do misunderstand me I do not sometimes know myself. Please tell me the truth. Nwosu, Benin, Dear Nwosu, As you were born when both career-orientedSaturn and loving Venus were prominent in the heaven, you are giving to both ambition and love related issues. And with Venus having more powers than Saturn, PEACE, LOVE and harmony will always have final influence whenever you are to take important final decision. As loving, gentle, caring and good hearted as you are, with your final-dispositor (Venus) at 90th degree apart to rebellious Uranus in Kingly Leo, FREEDOM and JUSTICE must come to play before the said love and peace will get your final approval. Naturally Cancer makes it’s natives to appear timid and cool headed but another vigorous aspect in your chart is conjunction formed by aggressive Mars and manipulative Pluto when you were born; thus your will-power is very strong, making it difficult for people to manipulate you at will. To crown it all the Moon (an indicator of subconscious-self ) was placed in genius related Aquarius. Therefore will power strengthened by educated mind will always want to have FREEDOM. With your natal Sun (basic selfhood) and Moon placed in Cancer and Aquarius respectively, you are mainly a Cancer born person and partly Aquarian; meaning that basic characteristics of the two said Star sings (Cancer and Aquarius) are highly pronounced in your inner-self.

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

36—Vanguard , TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013

Okolugbo congratulates Uduaghan on Zik Award

OMMISSIONER representing Ndokwa nation on the board of Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Sir Kenny Okolugbo, has congratulated Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State on his Good Governance award. Public Policy Research and Analysis Centre honoured Uduaghan with the Zik Prize in Leadership for outstanding leadership and good governance. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal; Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State; Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State; Managing Director, Fidelity Bank, Reginald Ihejiahi; Minister of Housing, Ama Pepple, and former Managing Director Nigerian Breweries, Festus Odimegwu, were also honoured. In his congratulatory message to Uduaghan, Okolugbo said: “Asamigor, this award shows the good governance happening in Delta State. We are proud to be associated with your administration. “With over 400 projects being carried out by DESOPADEC and over 60 percent completed, coupled with the wonderful projects from the infrastructure, transport and works ministry, Delta is in the forefront of development.”

Okoli urged to contest Aniocha seat

former commissioner in Delta State, Chief Ngozi Okoli, has been called upon to contest the House of Representatives seat for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in 2015. Light of Good Governance, in a statement by its leader, Evang. Reuben Nwadiabua, described the former commissioner as a good representative of the people as evidenced by his records. The group added that his contribution and dedication to duty currently as a director representing Delta North in the state Direct Labour Agency was obvious.

C M Y K

GALA: From left— Mr. Ugonna Nwoye, General Manager, Innovation and Product Development; Mr. Larry Annetts, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN; Mrs Mojisola Akpata of Diageo Plc and veteran nollywood actor, Mr. Olu Jacobs, at the MTN Project Fame season opening gala in Lagos.

Protest: Rivers crisis splits civil society BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

ORT HARCOURT—SOME rights groups in Rivers State have said that the crisis rocking Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, in the state was the result of selfish politics of all the parties involved.

They, therefore, dissociated themselves from today ’s planned mass rally in Port Harcourt by civil society organisations calling for the removal of the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Mbu, over the crisis. In a statement, yesterday, the

organisations noted that the protest was needless because it would not benefit the ordinary Rivers people, but rather tends to glorify the factions of the party, none of which they perceive as being involved in the crisis for public good. The civil organisations in-

... as S'South PDP c'ttee condemns crisis

OUTH-South Zonal Work ing Committee, ZWC, of Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP,

yesterday, called on the warring factions in the rivers crisis to put the interest of state above other

Rivers 2015: Ogoni guber candidacy gets boost

S the 2015 governorship race gathers momentum in Rivers State, a cross section of the people have endorsed the demand by the Ogoni ethnic nationality to produce the next governor. This was the outcome of a live radio phone-in programme on Ogoni governorship in 2015, which featured the President of Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, MOSOP, Mr. Psaro Pyagbara. During the programme monitored in Port Harcourt, 99.9 percent of callers supported the

Ogoni, describing their demand as genuine and legitimate. Less than one percent opted for the Kalabari of Rivers West Senatorial District that produced Governor Peter Odili in 1999. The callers noted that the people have over the years faced neglect, injustice and degradation to their environment and economic well being, lamenting that even the United Nations Environmental Programme, UNEP, report that placed them as endangered species had not been reacted to practically.

considerations. A statement at the end of its meeting in Asaba, Delta State, condemned the breakdown of law and order perpetrated by the state lawmakers. Dr. Steven Oru, PDP SouthSouth Chairman said no effort would be spared in the resolution of the crisis rocking Rivers House of Assembly, adding that the zonal committee would soon embark on consultation with stakeholders for the restoration of peace in Rivers. Oru said the stakeholders would visits top PDP functionaries from the zone and PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Chief Edwin Clark, among others. It passed a vote of confidence on President Goodluck Jonathan for his transformation agenda, stabilisation of the national economy, enhanced security of lives and property.

Operation Pulo Shield repositions BY GODWIN OGHRE

APELE—JOINT Military Task Force, JTF, Operation Pulo Shield, Sector 1, in collaboration with the 3 Battalion of the Nigeria Army, Koko Barracks, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, have vowed to stamp out militancy, killings, maiming, de-

struction of property and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region. Commander of 4 Mechanised Brigade of the Nigeria Army, Benin City, Edo State, Brig. P.A. Akem, who disclosed this weekend in Koko, Warri North council, said to achieve this, the army had completed the construction of an Army

Barrack in Koko, which he commissioned weekend. Brig. Akem said that the four block structure would serve as a permanent army barracks in Koko, adding that it would help the force in the areas of planning, logistics, administrative office and also serve as intelligent and detachment base.

clude Rivers chapters of Civil Liberties Organistion, CLO; Social Action, Oil Watch Africa; Centre for Environment and Human Rights and Development, CEHRD, Students Environmental Assembly and Social Workers Movement, among others. The statement said: “The political actors fighting among themselves, no matter the camp they belong, have never had the interest of the toiling masses at heart. “They oppress the masses whenever they deem it profitable for their class interests and fight themselves when their fractional interest clashes.”

Passage

HIEF Gordon McCarthy, Briton and prominent hotelier in Delta State, has passed on. He died on July 11, aged 75. Chief T. J. O. Okpoko (SAN) and Mr. Matthew Enamuotor in a statement said the deceased “lived most of his life in Nigeria (his adopted country) and was honored with several traditional and honorary Chieftaincy titles across the country. “Arrangements are now in top gear to give him a befitting burial and these will be announced later.”

Late Chief McCarthy.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013 — 37

Ijaw group faults mutinationals on crude oil theft W

BY EMMAAMAIZE

ARRI—IJAW People Development Initiative, IPDI, yesterday, alleged that oil multinationals were swindling the Federal Government by overstating cases of crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region. National President of IPDI, Mr. Austin Ozobo, said: “The oil companies are not sincere in their reports on oil theft. They are given the government false reports on the actual loss of the country’s revenue to make more profit and pay less tax and returns to the Federal Government. “The problem is that when these oil companies produce two million barrels, they will under-declare it to one million barrel, if they produce three million barrels, they will say it is 2.7 million because they know that there is no other way the government can check them. “However, in other OrganiSation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, member states, because there is always a check and balance between the oil companies and the country’s government, such cannot happen, but here in Nigeria, most of the oil produced are not accounted for.” The group urged the Federal Government to initiate a probe into the daily activities of oil companies, particularly the number of oil wells they operate, “and also take a critical look into the misleading un-external audited selfcentered reports of the oil companies operating in Nigeria.

Ewherido’s ‘family’ endorses Emerhor for Senate

GHELLI—THE political family of the late Senator Pius Ewherido has endorsed the candidature of Olorogun O’tega Emerhor for the upcoming byeelection to fill the vacant seat of Delta Central Senatorial District. This followed the sudden death of Senator Ewherido on June 30, 2013. The decision to endorse Emerhor was reached at a meeting of the group at the Senatorial office of the late senator in Effurun, Delta State. Declaring the meeting open, Dr. Otegheri, who is the Director General of the group, said: “There is need for Senator Ewherido’s followers, friends and well wishers to team up with other progressives in the area to ensure that another senator, who will carry the dreams, visions and programmes of actions of the late senator to higher realm of implementation and actualisation is elected.”

C M Y K

“Government should stop listening to the purported threat of oil companies to shut down their operations over alleged oil theft because they are over-blowing the situation to make more profit dubiously. We are saying that the Federal Government should launch a satellite probe on the internally computed fraudulent reports of the oil multinational companies to ascertain the actual loss of oil revenue in the coun-

try. “ It is also true that the oil companies are running illegal oil wells and under-declaring the number of barrels produced perday, which the government does not know about and same is sad and barbaric. The attitude of the oil companies is worse than the known oil thieves we are shouting about. We know that only few of the oil wells and oil barrels produced per day by the oil companies are reported. I tell you, there are many oil wells and barrels pro-

duced that are not known to the Federal Government. “It is the oil companies that run illegal oil wells and under-declare the barrel of oil they are lifting on a daily basis and they know it, but they are ironically, accusing the oil thieves of crumbling the country’s economy, while they are the ones sabotaging the Nigerian economy by their fraudulent underdeclaration of operational oil wells and crude oil being lifted daily.”

FLAG OFF: Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, flagging off construction of Eket-Ibeno Road in the State.

Okpozo, BNC flay Senate over LGs’ autonomy BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

ENIN CITY—SECOND Republic Senator, Senator Francis Okpozo and a socio-cultural organisation in Edo State, Benin National Congress, BNC, have accused the senate of attempt to destroy the country’s democracy by its failure to back autonomy for Local Governments, just as they hailed the House of Representatives for listening to the cries of Nigerians. Okpozo said: “The Senate is totally wrong in its decision. It means they are not taking the feelings of Nigerians into consideration. The provision in the constitution that has to do with

local government autonomy has been there all the time, and until the military era, the funds of the local governments were well managed and there were developments at the councils. “But today, there are no roads, no water and who is responsible, it is the state governments. When the money comes, they share it amongst themselves, and give little for the councils and the councils will not have enough to pay salaries let alone buy equipment such as bulldozers and others. So, to insist that they will not be granted autonomy suggests that the senate is conniving with the state governors. “They carried out a public hearing and every where they went

people said make the local governments autonomous, so where did they come up with their decision. It was unanimous that local governments should be autonomous, the senators cannot go and make an alteration to the decision of the people, we sent them there. What they have done is against the voice of Nigerians. And I commend the House of Representatives s for standing on the side of the people.” The BNC in a statement by Dr. David Ekomwenrenren, Director of Publicity, backed the proposed strike action by National Union of Local Government Employees, saying that the decision was capable of derailing democracy at the grassroots.

Uduaghan urged to reshuffle cabinet

BY FESTUS AHON

GHELLI—THE Association of Registered Political Parties in Delta State, ARPP, has urged the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan to reshuffle his cabinet and appealed for the appointment of members of the opposition into the new cabinet. ARPP in a statement by its Chairman, Mr. Christian Abeh

and others, said: “We have continually been committed in our support for this administration.” Passing a vote of confidence on Uduaghan based on his achievements, the group said that the governor has remained focused in delivering the dividends of democracy to Deltans despite the many litigations aimed at distracting him. ARPP in the statement after its

meeting, yesterday, also commended the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Ovuozorie Macaulay, Chief of Staff, Dr Festus Okubor, state Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Ben Igbakpa, his Works counterpart, Mr. Solomon Funkekeme, the commissioner Bureau for Special Duties, Mr. Tony Nwaka and Mr. Taju Isichei for their commitments to duty.

Edo enforces consumer tax law

ENIN—EDO State Government, weekend, said it was set to enforce the consumer tax law, following the recent judgment of the Supreme Court, which forbade the Federal Government from collecting taxes and regulating hotels, restaurants, eateries and event centres across the country, which functions the apex court held should be performed by the states. To this end, Edo State Internal Revenue Service’s Chairman, Chief Oseni Elamah, has enjoined all citizens, whose businesses fall into this category to as matter of urgency, remit all taxes accruable to the Edo State Government through the Internal Revenue Service, since the commencement of the consumption tax law or have their businesses sealed up. Briefing newsmen in Benin City, weekend, Elamah recounted situation when upon earlier enforcement of the consumer tax law in the state, some individuals dragged the state government before a Federal High Court on who to collect such taxes and got an order, restraining the state government from collection of the tax. He said: “But with the recent Supreme Court judgment, owners of such businesses should be informed that henceforth, the board will enforce the collection of all such taxes for the Edo State Government.”

IYC election holds August 3

ENAGOA—THE National Electoral Committee, NECOM of the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, has rescheduled its elections to be held in Akwa Ibom State on August 3, 20013. A statement by NECOM Chairman, Mr. Jeremiah Oba, said that the postponement was to enable the electoral committee conclude logistical issues and ascertain the legitimate delegates that would vote. The statement announced the replacement of its Secretary, Mr. Demebide Pele with Mr. Chris Anthony, to allow credible persons in the electoral body that would ushered in the new IYC executives.

38—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013

PDP affirms recall of Fayose, others

Anambra celebrates 3 weeks of uninterrupted power supply

BY ENYIM ENYIM

NITSHA—VICE CHAIRMAN, Senate Committee on Power and Steel, Senator Chris Ngige, yesterday, said concerted efforts by the committee to salvage epileptic power supply in Nigeria had started yielding dividends, following the celebration in Awka, Anambra State, of three consecutive weeks of uninterrupted electricity supply. Residents of such places as Agu-Awka, Ekeh Awka market, have expressed relief from the air and sound pollution of power generating sets. Speaking with newsmen in Awka, Senator Ngige, who represents Anambra Central senatorial district, explained that the development was part of his developmental programme for the zone. He added that the new transmission line at AguAwka power station was being test-run and would officially be commissioned in no distant time. Ngige also said it was part of the IPP programme being carried out by government to alleviate suffering of Nigerians over the epileptic power supply in the country and save small and medium scale industries from closing shops.

NIMR holds molecular biology workshop

OLECULAR Biology and Biotechnology division of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, NIMR, will next week in Lagos hold its 2013 annual workshop with the theme: “The Importance of Molecular Biology Typing Techniques in Disease Mapping”. The five –day workshop will feature lectures on Molecular Biology Typing Techniques in Nigeria as well as Polymerase Chain Reaction, PCR, and its uses. Other topics will be on genetics and ethical issues in Molecular Biology, Molecular Biology of Viral Diagnostics. C M Y K

DINNER—From left: Professor Edwin Nwogugu; Professor J.H.C. Okolo and Enugu State Governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime, during a dinner in honour of members of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus Faculty of Law Class 1976-1980, at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Enugu.

Ebonyi govt reiterates opposition to state police BY PETER OKUTU

BAKALIKI—GOVERNOR Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State has restated his opposition to state police, saying any contrary development would worsen the present security challenges facing the country. The governor stated this when a team of senior police personnel from the office of the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Communication Directorate, led by the Force Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DCP Frank Mba, visited him at Government House, Abakaliki, weekend. He said: “I am totally against state police. I am 100 percent against it. At least at this point in

time, I see it as unhealthy development, we are safer if we have a uniform police force. "What if today, I have Ebonyi police as a PDP state, escorting somebody to Lagos an ACN state, what happens at the various road blocks from Abakaliki to Lagos.” The governor reiterated that over the years, he had watched the trend of events in the country, recalling that even the colonial administration had jettisoned regional police force and opted for federal police. Elechi advocated for the posting of police officers outside their state of origin, stressing that such measures

would eliminate bias and compromise, as well as enhance the performance of officers. He added that: “If a policeman is sent to a place where his community has communal crisis with another community, ordinarily he is bound to take sides. I prefer a situation where policeman goes to a place away from their home and put in his best”. According to Elechi, the state government has procured six Armoured Personnel Carriers, APCs, renovated the state police headquarters, and donated patrol vehicles, among others, to the police.

2015: APC promises infrastructure development

BY TONY EDIKE

N U G U — A L L Progressives Congress, APC, has resolved to invest in public infrastructure, especially on electricity, modern railway, roads, coal mining, bitumen and other minerals, if voted into power in 2015. This came as it also zoned the governorship ticket in Enugu State to Enugu North senatorial district, also known as Nsukka zone. Rising from a meeting in Enugu weekend, a member of APC merger committee, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, told newsmen that the decision to invest in public infrastructure arose out of the need to create jobs for the huge population of unemployed youths in the country. He said: “We are committed to getting our people back to work; for we are witnesses of how regrettably the, PDP, in the last 13

years squandered oil revenue accruals from Federal Inland Revenue Services, Customs Duty and LNG sales”. On the zoning of the governorship ticket in Enugu State to Nsukka, Okechukwu appealed to credible aspirants from Enugu East and Enugu West to support the decision in the spirit of brotherhood. Okechukwu, who was the state gubernatorial candidate of Congress for Progressives Change, CPC, in 2011 explained that Enugu East and West senatorial districts had produced the governor for eight years each since the return of civil rule in 1999, adding that equity, fairness and justice demanded that power should shift to Enugu North district. “In 1999, Dr Chimaroke

Nnamani from Enugu East became governor in Enugu State and he ruled for eight years. Sullivan Chime, who hails from Enugu West, took over in 2007 and by the time his tenure comes to an end in May 2015, he must have ruled for eight years. “So, we believe in APC that for equity, fairness and justice to prevail, the next governor should come from Enugu North, which is Nsukka zone” he said. Okechukwu called on the people of Nsukka zone to support APC to ensure the emergence of a governor who would meet all their aspirations, including infrastructural development and provision of social amenities, job creation and enhanced security.

HE National Working Committee, NWC, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has upheld the decision of the South West Caretaker Committee reversing the suspension of former governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayo Fayose, and State PDP Chairman, Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe, among others. A statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the National Chairman of PDP, Mr. Oliver Okpala, said the national leadership of the party also upheld the appointment of the Dr. Oluyomi Finnih-led five-man investigative committee into the Ekiti State PDP crisis. While commiserating with those who were attacked during the crisis, the NWC directed the Finnih committee to investigate the fracas at the party secretariat, establish the perpetrators and their sponsors with a view to recommending appropriate sanctions. It urged the party members to be calm and keep the peace, as the 2014 governorship election drew nearer so as to make it easy for the party to dislodge the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in Ekiti and other South-West states.

Group urges equity in distribution of political offices BY ANAYO OKOLI

MUAHIA—A group, Ugwunagbor Youths Foundation, has called on stakeholders in Obingwa/ Osisioma Ngwa/ Ugwunagbor Federal Constituency of Abia State to ensure that the subsisting rotation of the seat was maintained. According to the group, it is the turn of Ugwunagbor local government area to represent the constituency in 2015. Secretary General of the Foundation, Mr. Chinedu Micah, in a statement, said Ugwunagbor local government, which had made great contributions to the success of the PDP in the state, would resist every move to deny it a chance to represent the constituency in 2015.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013â€”39

INTERACTIVE SESSION: From left, Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency, LASAA, DMD, Olumide Sogunle; MD, George Kayode Noah, and Head, Business Development at the interactive session with outdoor advertising practitioners.

LAUNCH: From left, Mr. Effiok Udouwem, Unit Coordinator, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Eket; Mr. Yomi Olukoju, Deputy Corps Marshall, FRSC; Mrs. Lydia Udowa, Superintendent, Land Transport Mobil Producing Nigeria, and Capt. Femi Olaiya, Manager Logistics, Mobil Producing Nigeria, at the launch of ExxonMobil-FRSC Road Safety Awareness Campaign in Eket, Akwa Ibom State.

LAUNCH: Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (right), exchanging pleasantries with women, during the launch of Pentavalent Vaccine for immunisation of children.

AWARD: From left, Chief Sonny Odogwu, CFR, chairman of the occasion; Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti State governor, receiving Award for Good Governance; Erelu Bisi Fayemi, wife of the governor; Prof. Modupe Adelabi, Ekiti StateDeputy Governor, and Chief Ernest Shonekan, GCFR, former Head of State and special guest of honour, during 2012 Zik Prize award, at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. Photo: Oscar Ochiogu

CONVOCATION: From left, Prof. Charles Ayo, Vice Chancellor; Dr. David Oyedepo, Chancellor and Chairman, Board of Regents; Pastor Faith Oyedepo, Prof. Chinedo Nebo, Minister of Power, during Covenant University's convocation, at Ota, Ogun State. Photo: Shola Oyelese

AWARD: Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer, VIO, Lagos State Engr. Gbolahan Toriola, guest speaker, receiving the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers Corporate award for Vehicle Inspection Service, at the 2013 Mechanical Engineering Lecture, in Lagos.

LECTURE: From left, Sheikh Obabi Kosi, Chief Missioner, NASFAT, Ondo and guest speaker; Alhaji Lediju Kamila, President, Barry Wonder Fans Club; Alhaji Adam Folorunso; children of late Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister - Moruf, Shamsudeen, and Sulaimon Balogun, during a Ramadan lecture and prayer organised in memory of Dr. Ayinde Barrister by Barry Wonder Fans Club, at his residence, in Isolo, Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele

PRAYER: Cross-section of pensioners, under the name, Nigerian Union of Pensioners, during a one day prayer and fasting meeting, seeking God's intervention in payment of their gratuities and arrears, at Central primary School premises, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

INVESTITURE: From left, Rotarian Susan Omotosho, her husband immediate past District Governor, Rotary International District 9110, Rotarian Kamoru Omotosho; Mrs. Sola Akinbami, her husband, new President, Rotary Club of Ikoyi, Frank Loye Akinbami; immediate past President, Jimmy Evbuomwan; District Governor Olugbemiga Olowu, and his wife, Mrs. Olowu, at the investiture of Rotarian Akinbami as the 29th president of Rotary Club of Ikoyi, in Lagos.

40—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013

Educationist flays ASUU strike

RAMADAN TALK BY ISHOLA BALOGUN

Observing I’tikaf (1) BY LAJA THOMAS

AGOS—THE strike embarked upon by Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) some weeks ago received a knock from proprietor of Victory Group of Schools, Chief Christian Francis Olaniyan. Speaking to newsmen at the Valedictory/ Graduation of the Schools, Olaniyan advised ASUU to go back to work and resolve the dispute with the Federal Government. He Said the incessant strikes by the union at the peak of students' examinations have done incalculable damage to the educational system of the country. He added that their demands can only be met at the negotiation table. "ASUU should also share from poor standard of education in our tertiary institutions" he said, adding that the teaching profession is humanitarian. He said: All their demands could not be met at a time, but through a proper negotiation with the Federal Government". Olaniyan said: “For instance, no single government university was rated among the 100 best universities in the world. It is a poor signal that our standard of education is falling." He added that it was hard to see any foreign university going on strike, but through cordial dialogue with government, they would achieve their demands. He also blamed the government for not fulfilling their promises made with ASUU in 2009, but paying lip service to the agreement.

CONDOLENCE— The Executive Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, presenting a condolence letter to the First Lady, Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan, during a visit to the Presidential Villa, State House, Abuja, yesterday. State House photo.

NYSC seeks review of conditions for micro-credit facilities BY CALEB AYANSINA

BUJA – THE Direc tor-General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig. Gen. Nnamdi Okore-Affia, has called for the review of conditions attached to micro-credit loans for s t a r t - u p . Okore-Affia, who spoke at the 2013 Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, SAED, Stakeholders’ Forum for appraisal in Abuja, explained that this was necessary to ensure accessibility for young entrepreneurs, particularly corps members, who had finished entrepreneurship training. Few beneficiaries, both former and serving corps

members shared their practical experience at the meeting. Okore-Affia also disclosed that the Entrepreneurship Programme of the scheme would be repackaged to enhance its accessibility by youths. According to him, “although there are other challenges like inadequate skills centres for post-camp training, lack of training aids and unavailability of trainers in some states, with our collective efforts, they will be surmounted. Towards this end, the NYSC skill acquisition, entrepreneurship development and youth employment initiative is to be reloaded.

NOV/DEC WASSCE: WAEC extends entry period L

AGOS—WEST Afri can Examinations Council, WAEC, has announced the extension of the normal entry period for candidates who wish to participate in the November/December 2013 West African Senior C M Y K

School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). According to Mr. Yusuf Ari, the Deputy Director of Public Affairs, WAEC in a released said, “the normal entry period has been extended to July 31, while the late entry period is

now extended from August 1 to 9. The examinations are billed to commence on August 30 and end on October 5. All concerned candidates are urged to take this extension with all seriousness.”

"This concept which is based on the micro-enterprise park model is aimed at institutionalizing the entrepreneurial culture among the youth through provision and aggregation of all required facilities and infrastructure such as finance, training and other enterprise development related consultancy services in one location for easy accessibility to the youths. “This eventually is to ensure that the youths are exposed to technical details of their chosen enterprises in a location, facilitate easy accessibility to credit and consultancy services as well as expose them to markets for eventual sale of their g o o d s ” . Okore-Affia noted that in spite of challenges, “the scheme is forging ahead in the quest to ensure that Nigerian youths are freed from the shackles of unemployment and associated poverty. "Therefore, I wish to appeal to our partners and stakeholders to synergize with the scheme on this concept, so that, we can make a giant leap forward in our quest to eradicate unemployment."

E have read from different scholars that Ramadan is divided into three parts of 10 days. The most important part of Ramadan is said to be the last 10 days. The revelation of the Qur’an, the night of majesty, the blessings, among others, had been perfected in it. The last 10 days of Ramadan should be spent in prayer, seeking His mercy and asking for forgiveness, doing I’itikaf, searching for Layalatul-Qadr, good deeds, reflecting on your actions and reading of Holy Qur ’an. One of the greatest traditions of Islam, the spark of which has become a popular issue at this period of Ramadan, is I’tikaf. This is a tradition which has been in Islam from the first day of the revelation and is also something known and recognised as the practice of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) as ordained by Allah (SWT). He said: “And when We made the House a pilgrimage for mankind and a (place of) security, and said ‘Appoint for yourselves a place of prayer on the standing-place of Ibrahim (Maqama-Ibrahim).’ And We enjoined Ibrahim and Ismail saying: ‘Purify My House for those who visit (it) and those who abide (in it) for devotion, those who bow down (and) those who prostrate themselves.’ Q 2:125 I’tikaf means to stay in the Mosque with the intention of abiding in it for the sake of Allah (SWT). The purpose of such stay in the Mosque is ibadat and to get closer to Allah. What is important in this period is to obey the commandments of Allah (SWT), to refrain from the things which He has prohibited and to be in His service.

WAR AGAINST HEPATITIS:

NMA wants local production of vaccine

AGOS—NIGE RIAN Medical Association (NMA) has urged the Federal Government to expedite actions in the production of domestic vaccine to effectively limit the spread of viral hepatitis in the country. President of the association, Dr Osahon Enabulele, made the call in a statement on Sunday, on the occasion of the 2013 World Hepatitis Day. Enabulele noted that the theme: “This Is Hepatitis, Know It, Confront It” was selected as hepatitis remained largely unknown as a health threat in most parts of the world. According to him, Hepatitis virus A, B, C, D and E are responsible for acute and chronic infections and inflammation of the liver and can lead to liver cir-

rhosis and liver cancer. He said that available statistics showed that about one million people died annually from causes related to viral hepatitis, common among which were liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. “Indeed, about 20 to 25 per cent of Africa’s population are chronic hepatitis carriers with liver cancer prevalent among affected individuals, with men in the 30 to 45 age group severely affected. It is with almost 100 per cent mortality, as well as great economic and social impact.” He stressed the need for urgent steps to be taken to limit the spread and called for effective collaboration among relevant stakeholders to ensure availability of vaccines at reduced cost. Enabulele urged government at all levels to step up public awareness campaigns on Hepatitis and its devastating consequences.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013—41

Crisis: Rivers Speaker loses bid to stop Police investigation P

ORT HARCOURT—A Riv ers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, yesterday, held that the Police has the right to investigate the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr. Otelemaba Amachree. Trial judge, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, held that there was no basis for seeking to restrain the Police from investigating the Speaker or any Nigerian, adding that the Police could not be stopped from carrying out its statutory duty. Meantime, a group of civil rights activists have challenged the continued detention of the Leader of the House of Assembly, Mr. Chidi Lloyd by the Police in Rivers State. In a suit before a Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, Ken

Atsuwete, Mr. God Knows Forth, James Amah, Austin Igwe, Oliver Amah and Aaron Omega, are asking the court to prevail on the Inspector General of Police and the Rivers State Commissioner of Police to release the detained Leader of the House of Assembly. The plaintiffs are asking the Federal High Court to declare that the continued detention and restriction of the movement of the House Leader and the refusal of the respondents to grant them access to him was illegal and constituted a violation of their fundamental human rights guaranteed under Section 35, 36,37, 41 and 44 of the 1999 Constitution and Arti-

cle 6,7,12, 14, and 28 of the African charter on Human Rights. In another development, factional chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Rivers State, has called for the prosecution of Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Amachree, following the refusal of his suit by a Federal High Court sitting in the state and lauded the judge for what it termed his courage. It will be recalled that the Leader of the House was brought into Port Harcourt last week amid tight security and had remained in the custody of the Police. The Felix Obua faction of PDP, while calling for the

Kaduna Assembly under pressure to impeach Yero BY LUKA BINNIYAT

ADUNA—ABOUT a month after Kaduna State House of Assembly, KDSHA, indicted Govenor Mukhtar Ramalan Yeroled Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme , SURE – P, in the state for failing to account for N560 million of SURE-P fund while as Deputy Governor, pressure may be mounting on the Assembly to start impeachment procedure on the governor as more accusation from outside the KDSHA keep mounting. Yero, through his then Commissioner of Finance, Dr. John Ayuba, who the KSHA also passed a vote of no confidence over the alleagtion, had however came up in strong repudiation of the allegation, saying it was a lie. A letter obtained by Vangaurd in Kaduna, yesterday, showed that the Speaker of KDSHA has been officially communicated to impeach the governor over accusations ranging from corruption, incompetence and absenteeism from the state.

The letter dated July 22 , 2013, signed by Mr. Mohammed Musa Soba, under the banner of Kaduna Salvation Movement, KASMO, was received and stamped at “the Office of the Speaker, Kaduna State Legislature” same day. The letter reads: “The Kaduna Salvation Movement, KASMO urge the Honourable House under your leadership to commence impeachment proceedings against the executive Governor of Kaduna State, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero for his serial abuse and contempt of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other gross misconducts that border on absenteeism, abuse of power and inccompetance. “Since his assumption of office in December 2012, Yero has demonstrated a poor understanding of the dynamics of governance by consistently and persistently absenting himself from the seat of power in the state for personal pleasure trips within

Jonathan tasks judiciary on ethics He said the construction of

AFIA—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan on Monday asked the judiciary to uphold the ethics of the profession in the dispensation of justice and in the sustenance of judicial practice in the country. Speaking at the inauguration of the Federal High Court complex in Lafia, the President said that no country could dispense justice to its citizens without strict adherence to ethical codes. The president was represented by his Vice, Alhaji Namadi Sambo.

C M Y K

additional high courts across the country would afford Nigerians the opportunity of obtaining quick dispensation of justice. He said: “It is a general belief that justice delayed is justice denied, hence the resolve of government to take dispensation of justice to the doorstep of Nigerians. “I want to appreciate the Judiciary for living up to the expectations of Nigerians in every sphere of human endeavour, despite some challenges facing it."

and outside the country without congent reason and at the expense of the state resources."

Award: L-r: Chairman, Ayanre Youth Development and Empowerment Programme, Dr. J. Owoso, presenting G.C.E forms to deserving youths of Ayanre community in Olorunda L.C.D.A of Lagos State, as part of the community programmes in empowering youths in their areas, while other exco members and landlords look on. Photo: Simon Adewale.

prosecution of the Speaker, in a statement, said: “The ruling of the court has also strengthened the confidence of the people in the Nigerian judiciary as the last hope of the common man, and cannot be for the highest bidder or under the apron string of an inordinately ambitious state governor. “The allegation of a plot to kill the governor of the state is so weighty and cannot just be wished away as mere political rhetoric.” The statement also lashed

at the 27 lawmakers of the House over their allegation that the Leader, Chid Lloyd was going blind. “If the lawmaker had been held incommunicado as alleged by the lawmakers, how then did they know that he was going blind in the absence of medical evidence? How can any sensible man trivialize and joke with a life threatening violence visited on an innocent man by Lloyd. These 27 lawmakers simply showed the world that they are inhuman and lack what it takes to be lawmakers in a decent society.”

42—VANGUARD,TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013

Why Appeal Court freed Al-Mustapha & Co The lead judgment continues on how the prosecution failed to call necessary witnesses Continues fromlast Friday

Documentary evidence The question now is, was the death of the deceased the result of the act or omission of the Appellant? There is no evidence, whether direct or circumstantial which points the commission of the crime of the murder of the deceased to the Appellant. This is because, as observed in my treatment of Issue No 1, couched by me, the Prosecution witnesses fielded by the Prosecution were not reliable, and the evidence elicited by them, as well as the documentary evidence tendered by PW4 leaves much to be desired. No cogent or compelling evidence was adduced by the Prosecution. Apart from the unreliable witnesses fielded, whose evidence was fraught with contradictions which was no explained, there is nothing to show that the crime was investigated properly anyway. This is because the bullet allegedly expended and was extracted from the deceased head was never tendered. There is evidence that the crime was also investigated by a Special Investigation Panel and Agbaje Panel. This is alien to our administration of justice system in this country. For an offence such as murder, I wonder why the Nigerian Police did not promptly and wholly investigate this matter. There is no autopsy report as to the cause of death. Witnesses who should have been called

were not called while PW2 who initially purported to have confessed to the shooting of the deceased was fielded as a prosecution witness instead of being charged with murder. This case is a novelty. This is because from what I know in our system of administration of justice, when a crime is committed, it is the Nigeria Police that moves in to investigate. It is a Constitutional duty and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the Grundnorm- the organic instrument of this revered Country. Section 214 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Section 3 of the Police Act 2004 establish the Nigeria Police Force.

Preservation of law and order Section 4 of the Police Act-CP 19 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 specifies the General Duties of the Police, I shall reproduce same verbatim. “The Police shall be employed for the prevention and detection of crime, the apprehension of offenders, the preservation of the law and order, the protection of life and property and the due enforcement of all laws and regulations with which they are directly charged them by, or under the authority of this or any other Act.” The concept of SIP- Special Investigative Panel and Agbaje Panel, to investigate a serious crime as murder, the most grievous kind of homicide is novel. This constituted a lacuna in the case of the prosecution, indeed in their proper investigation of the case and same is regrettable. Specifically, when PW2 testified, he alleged that it was through one Karo that the arm was returned to the Appellant. Why was this Karo not called to testify? Directly, or by circumstantial evidence, there is nothing connecting the Appellant to the commission of the murder. There is nothing to show that the Appellant intended to murder the deceased. He said he had cordial relationship with the Abiola family and could not have conspired to murder or murder the deceased. Evidence which was not controverted, by the Respondent. Kyari Jidai Gadjama, a retired Military personnel, and orderly of the Appellant testified of how they attempted to compel or induce him to testify against the Appellant as PW2 and PW3 had attempted to do. He was mercilessly beaten up with wire cables in furtherance of this. PW2, PW3, the Appellant and his witness had vividly and graphically told of how Government officials and the Security agents of this Country had coerced them to implicate the Appellant. Promises were made to PW 2 and Pw 3 in that regard which were not fulfilled to their chagrin.

The totality of the Prosecution witnesses story (at least PW2 and PW3 and indeed the Appellant) is that this case is being fuelled by factions sympathetic to the cause of Abdulsalam Abubakar. The Appellant became a security threat because of what he knows to be going on in the country which is inimical to it. It is unimaginable that the lower Court did not expunge the evidence of PW2 and PW3 in the face of the contradictions in their testimony. Yet the lower Court reasoned that the contradictions were immaterial. But they were material! There is allegation that the Appellant provided the logistics for the movement of people from Abuja to Lagos by flight, their accommodation at his Lagos official residence at Dodan Barracks, and linked

(a) Evidence of an eyewitnessness of the crime (b)Confession or admission voluntarily made by the accused and (C)circumstantial evidence which is positive, compelling and points to the conclusion that the accused committed the offence. It is trite that the Court can convict an accusedperson on the basis of circumstantial evidence where it is strong, cogent and leads to the irresistible conclusion that the accused person committed the crime he is accused of- STATE V. UZUAGWU (1972) 2 ESCLR (Pt. 2) 429; STATE V. EDEBOR (1975) 9-11 SC 69; STATE V. OKORIE (1982) 1 NCR 187; NJOKU V. STATE ( 1992) 8 NWLR (Pt. 262) 714. This is where there is no direct evidence. The burden, and standard of proof in criminal cases, that the prosecution shall prove the guilt of an accused beyond reasonable doubt never shifts except of course in few cases where the law has placed on the accused, the onus of proving matters which are peculiarly within his personal knowledge. And in such cases, the burden on the accused is discharged on the balance of probability. R.V ADAMU (1944) 10. NACA 161; ILODIGWE V. STATE (2012) 18 NWLR Pt. 1331, 1@ 29 paragraphs f-g. The Appellant is charged also with the murder of a woman of note in this society, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, wife of Chief M.K.O. Abiola. She stood out as a porcupine by way of popularity and charm. The deceased was cut down brutally in her prime of life on the 4th of June 1996 in Lagos. This was by a single bullet to her head. She was rushed to Eko Hospital, where a bullet was extracted from her skull. PW1 testified that he was one of those that took her body to her house for burial. It is therefore not in doubt that the deceased died. No autopsy report was tendered though, by the Prosecution.

2nd Defendant Exhibit A6 and Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court Judgment EXH D16 shows compelling circumstances that the Appellant procured and aided the assassination of the deceased; and (f) It is further submitted that there was a political motive for the murder of the deceased. Yes, all these may be so, but does this divest the prosecution of its duty, albit legal duty, to prove its case against the Appellant beyond reasonable doubt as required by law? That is the question. This Court is not interested in politics of a given situation and its attendant semantics. Yes, someone very dear to the nation has been cut off and in such gruesome manner. She has paid a price, but the question is who pulled the trigger? Is it the Appellant? If not, is the person dead or alive? Could the person be present here, even in this Court lurking around? There is only one person who knows and sees the culprit. That person who looks down from heaven, and sees the whole earth at a glance! He alone is the Just God. And He will Judge. It is He that anoints Judges. But from the facts and circumstances of the present case, subject of this appeal, it is certainly not the Appellant. Even as God is no respecter of persons, the law is no respecter of persons. The Court is not .interested in sentiments I am certainly not pontificating, but it is necessary in a situation such as thIs to bring to bear that whatever the situation, whatever the obstacles in the wheel of Justice, the truth is fixed, and must be expressed. In IKOMI V.STATE (1986) LPELR - 1482 (SC), it was held inter-alia that there must

There is no autopsy report as to the cause of death. Witnesses who should have been called were not called while PW2 who initially purported to the shooting of the deceased was fielded as a prosecution witness instead of being charged with murder

them up with one Lateef Shofolahan. But where is the proof? No matter the suspicion and its degree, no matter the grievance or grouse, no matter the height of conjecture, no matter the depth of hatred, even the strongest SUSPICION can never found a conviction in law. There is the duty, not discretion of the Prosecution to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. In paragraph 4.2.15 of the Respondent’s brief filed on the 29th of April 2013, the Respondent had argued (wrongly in my view) that there are other pieces of evidence at the trial that gave credence to the conclusion that the Appellant aided or procured the commission of the offence. They are: (a) The 1st Defendant/Appellant is a Military Officer, he knew PW2 who initially denied but later confessed to killing the deceased on the instruction of the 1st Defendant and later denied the confession. (b) The 2nd Defendant was Protocol Officer of “Hope 93 Campaign Organization of MKO Abiola Presidential Election and later defected to work for General Olusegun Obasanjo who was against Abiola’s Presidency: (c)The 1st Defendant/Appellant admitted during cross examination that he ordered surveillance of NADECO rally in Lagos (d) Whereas the Appellant’s duty as Chief of Staff to the Head of State was protection of the Head of State and his family and not to do Police or SSS or DMI duties of controlling rallies and similar activities outside Abuja. (e) Statements of the 1st Defendants Exhibits A3 and Dl-5 the Statement of the

be some evidence, which links the accused with the offence, but certainly, not suspicion or mere conjecture. There must be evidence to meet all the essential elements of the offence. The Prosecution, having failed to prove the offence of murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola against the Appellant beyond reasonable doubt, the Appellant is entitled to be discharged and acquitted of the charges. Issue No. 2 is answered in the negative and same is resolved in favour of the Appellant. .Issue No.3, seems to me to have been addressed in Issue No.2, but I shall elucidate on it. The Respondent has been unable to provide any evidence outside the evidence provided by the Prosecution witnesses to establish his case. He did not even establish his case from what he presented, by way of direct evidence. In paragraph 4.1.11 of the Respondent’s Brief of Argument, he had postulated compelling facts and circumstances from which conspiracy was rightly inferred by the Court below, which all have to do with matters relating to the Appellant being the Chief security Officer of the Late General Sanni Abacha, opposition to the Government of Late General Sanni Abacha, led by NADECO, who wanted the detained winner of the 1993 June 12 Election, M.K.O. Abiola released. Late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola being a prominent member and financier of NADECO and wife of the said M.K.O. Abiola and a host of other factors. The Respondent had urged this Honourable Continues on page 43

VANGUARD,TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013—43

Why Appeal Court freed Al-Mustapha & Co

Al Mustapha

Kudirat Abiola

Continues from page 42 Court to take Judicial Notice of these facts referring to Section 124 of the Evidence Act 2011. In the Appellant’s Reply Brief filed on the 13th of May 2013, he (rightly, in my view) submits that the Respondent by this assertion pushed the boundary of acceptable legal evidence when he· urged this court in his brief of argument to affirm these facts which smacks of speculation and political gossip, as facts and admissible evidence on which a man’s life could be taken away as punishment for murder.

Submission of the appellant I agree entirely with the submission of the Appellant in his reply brief that all criminal cases are not established by evidence sourced from the myths and fables held by a community posing as judicial notice, because a conviction of conspiracy to murder and murder places the proof on the ProsecutionJ and not on the beliefs of the South West Community in Nigeria or any other person or group. The standard of proof is one beyond reasonable doubt Sections 135 and 139 of the Evidence Act 2011. This standard of proof and the degree of it cannot be compromised. Even circumstantial evidence must be as a matter of lawJ based;on credible evidenceARCH/BONG V. THE STATE (2006) 14 NWLR Pt. 1000. Pg. 349 at 376. This issue is resolved in favour of the Appellant and against the Respondent. At the Alpha of this Judgment, I had observed that the Judgment of the lower Court spanned 326 pages. This is to my dismay. For a Judgment of 326 pages relating to a Notice of Appeal with 17 Grounds of Appeal, and two issues each distilled from these grounds by the respective parties, and the matter being a criminal offence with two counts of conspiring to murder and murder respectively, it was foolhardy that the lower Court was so carried away and apparently strove to secure a conviction by all means. The adversary system of Justice in Nigeria admits of the concept that no one party is more important than the other The learned trial Judge apparently forsook the trite principle of law, that is, that in a Criminal trial, proof beyond reasonable doubt is what is required. Once the essential ingredients of the offence is proved, then the accused person will pay for it, but once this is not proved, there exists a doubt which must be resolved in favour of the accused person as a matter· of law. The Judge has no discretion in the matter. There was no need for the learned trial judge to consider the politics of any of the parties, as same was irrelevant in a criminal trial. The learned trial Judge should have observed that the Police investigation (if any)

Sofolahan

into this matter was wishy-washy and leaves much to be desired. It was fraught with needless loophole Truly as observed earlier and at the expense of repetition, the trial Court is the master of the facts of evidence given before it. And it must master these facts prudently and objectively, not erratically or eith bias. Therefore even at the expense of repetition and for good measure, the inference it deduces from these facts must accord with common sense and good judgment. Its evaluation of same must be fraught with equity and its assessment of them must not be perverse. A judge should eschew reliance on sentiments which may present itself in a subtle form, in the determination of every dispute before him, in the performance of the sacred function of the due administration of justice. The learned trial judge did not wonder why the bullet was not recovered, why PW4 absconded after examination in Chief. She allowed herself to be caught in the web of the conflict, while the Police allowed itself to be caught in the web of injustice or lack of proper investigation. The police who are supposed to be the custodian of the law and who are law enforcement agents left gaping loose ends in their investigation (if they investigated at all). The Respondent left many questions unanswered, failed to call vital witnesses and tender relevant exhibits e.g. The bullte which was never tendered. The proxility and verbosity of the judgment made the lower Court leave the context of the matter, to pursue shadows that fade.

Reliable exhibits Assuming the culprit is at large, there is nothing hidden under the sun that will not be exposed. The Law of the lord is perfect. His Judgments are true and righteous altogether - Psalm 19:7-9. I find nothing in these charges against the Appellant to necessitate his being convicted, and for someone who has been incarcerated since 1999, a period of about fourteen years, this is unfortunate. There was no proper police investigation, no reliable witnesses, no reliable exhibits, no circumstantial evidence, nothing. The result is that all the Issues are resolved in favour of the Appellant and against the Respondent who has failed to prove the charges against the Appellant beyond reasonable doubt either by direct or circumstantial evidence. The appeal succeeds and is allowed and I hereby make an order that the Appellant Major Hamza AI-Mustapha who was convicted of the offences of conspiracy to murder and murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola on the 4th of June 1996, in a Judgment of M.A. Dada (Mrs.) J. delivered on the 30th day of January 2012 be and is hereby discharged and acquitted of those charges while the conviction and sentence is hereby set aside. Concluded

44—VANGUARD, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013

•Jega

•Buhari

•Tinubu

Will APC become a political party tomorrow?

Registration:

WILL the All Progressives Congress (APC) be registered as a political party tomorrow or will the leaders be asked to return to the drawing board and come up with a new name and other paraphernalia?

HESE are some of the questions that are expected to be answered tomorrow by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Going by the provision of Section 84 (4) of the Electoral Act 2010, the All Progressives Congress should have started functioning as a political party since July 10, 2013, which was exactly 30 days the leaders submitted a formal request for merger of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). The request was dated June 5 but the INEC received it on June 10. Section 84 (4) of the Act says: “On receipt of the request for merger of political parties, the Commission shall consider the request and, if the parties have fulfilled the requirements of the Constitution and this Act, approve the proposed merger and communicate its decision to the parties concerned before the expiration of 30 days from the date of the receipt of the formal

request- provided that if the Commission fails to communicate its decision within 30 days the merger shall be deemed to be effective.” However, APC is yet to start functioning as a political party for a number of reasons. The INEC wrote the chairmen of the merging parties on June 12 forwarding 35 copies of the commission’s Form PA 1 for completion and return along with 35 copies each of APC’s proposed constitution, manifesto and affidavit in support of claims in Form PA 1. The political association submitted the requested documents on July 1. INEC stated in its June 12 letter that it would commence the processing of the request after receiving the demanded documents. In essence, the electoral umpire, by its statement, is expected to verify the documents and come up with a decision within 30 days, a timeline that will elapse at 12 midnight today. Although, the INEC timeline is at variance with the provision of the Electoral Act, which is 30 days from the date of the receipt of the formal request not 30 days from

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE & JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

Aside INEC’s nod, APC, which has vowed to snatch presidential power from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015, may have to wait longer to realize its quest

the date 35 copies of certain documents are submitted to INEC, APC cannot operate without INEC’s confirmation. Aside INEC’s nod, APC, which has vowed to snatch presidential power from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015, may to have to wait longer to realize its quest. Reason: there are calls on INEC not register All Progressives Congress on account of a pending litigation challenging the acronym “APC.” Another political association, which shares the same acronym, the African People’s Congress

has commenced an action at the Federal High Court, Abuja in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/224/2013 challenging INEC’s refusal to register it as a political party, and one of the reliefs it is seeking before the court is an order prohibiting the registration of any other association known as and called African Peoples Congress or having the acronym, APC, as a political p arty pending the determination of the suit. INEC‘ll register APC if it meets registration requirements However, Mr. Kayode Idowu, chief press secretary to the INEC National Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega reportedly said that the commission would register the merger APC if it met the requirements. “The Independent National Electoral Commission conducts its operations based strictly on its existing guidelines and rules. “Every application that meets the prescribed rules and conditions set by the constitution, gets registered, and any that does not meet the prescribed rules, does not get registered,” he said. Factional APC opposes registration of merger APC As the battle for the ownership of APC franchise linger, the African Peoples Congress, one of the associations laying claim to the APC acronym has told the INEC that the plan to register the

merger APC would be an effort in futility. National Legal Adviser of African Peoples Congress, Mr. Kingsley Nnadi who accused INEC of being bent on registering the rival APC said even after the African Peoples Congress had gone to court challenging the refusal of the commission to register it, which he claimed first applied for registration after ‘fulfilling’ all the necessary requirements. Nnadi said that INEC being aware of the pending matter in court and having entered appearance for the case was not supposed to continue with the process of registering the All Progressives Congress. His words: “INEC is bent on registering the All Progressives Congress even when our matter is in court. They are not supposed to do anything until further determination of the matter. We are the first that applied to INEC with the APC acronym and INEC refused to register us with the claim that we did not furnish them with the addresses of national officers which we did. “We are optimistic that the court will do justice to our matter that is why we did not bother to apply for an injunction restraining INEC from registering anybody with the acronym. Whoever is registered apart from us the original owners of the acronym, the court will void it and it will amount to building on quick sand which will not last.” The rival APC legal adviser further argued, “When there is a pendency of a matter, in law, you

Continues on page 45

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013 —45

2015:

Jonathan is toying with S-East support — Uko

PRESIDENT of Igbo Youth Movement (IYM), an amalgam of 42 associations, Evangelist Elliot Uko, in this interview said the South-East would not support President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election in 2015 unless he fulfils his promises to the zone. BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

HE IYM recently carpeted South East governors, saying they have not done the needful, can you explain further? The South East governors forgot that the South-East has been deliberately forgotten by successive federal regimes for more than 40 years. They forgot that what is needed is an aggressive and united development agenda. It is necessary to recreate the Eastern Nigerian Development Commission of the 1950s and 1960s. The region should integrate economically for maximum results. Our industrial base take-off must include a petrochemical plant and the business areas of Aba, Nnewi and Onitsha must be integrated to form a Dubai of West Africa, the governors must work together to address electricity challenge in the zone in order to meet energy requirements in order to explode our manufacturing dream. Without the by products of a petrochemical industry here our dreams of industrial revolution will remain a mirage. They should as a matter of urgency develop a South East industrialization blue print and invite foreign partners to develop an economic road map for the transformation of this zone which is blessed with abundant human talents. What is lacking is the drive which only

•Uko government can engineer. Are the governors responding positively? They have made a case for the development of the 9th Mile corner, Enugu as an industrial hub which is a good one, but they must go beyond that. They must

integrate the South East as one giant industrial unit. Only the government can drive that, the private sector will only partner with government that is the way it’s done the world over. Lack of Igbo development agenda, regrettably is

responsible for the decay and confusion in the South East. Latent talents are ignored. These talents should be ignited. There should be an Igbo political road map. They should develop an Igbo agenda without delay. The IYM also said President Goodluck Jonathan has not really appreciated the massive support Ndigbo gave him in 2011. What do you mean? We expected massive industrial and infrastructural development. We are not seeing that. We thought he would keep his promises. From the way things are going, it is clear that only the Enugu international airport could materialize before 2015. He promised us at Enugu Stadium, at Imo, Ebonyi, Abia and Anambra campaign rallies 29 months ago that we would see a functional seaport at Onitsha and Oguta, Power plant at Oji river, dry inland port at Aba, second Niger bridge, re-work on the Enugu-Onitsha road, Enugu-PH road etc. But we suspect he wants to shift all those to his second term; that is not fair. We want him to establish a South East office in his office and review weekly the fulfillment of his promises to Ndigbo if he wants a second term. He will have problems with his second term dream if he does not fulfill all the infrastructural promises he made to Ndigbo. That is the truth. We gave him 100 per cent support in 2011; we will only repeat that, if he fulfills all his infrastructural promises to the South East. He is our man but he must not take Ndigbo for granted. We are on ground and we know the grumbling of our

people. We believe we are doing him a big favour by giving him early warning signal. Ndigbo are not happy with the delay tactics of shifting every thing to his second term. Those telling him that Ndigbo are dead meat are only deceiving him. We want him to fulfill his promises to Ndigbo. We plead with him to watch again the video of his campaign rally at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in March 2011 and remember all the promises he reeled out one by one. Our people are waiting expectantly. Ndigbo paid a heavy price for supporting him. Igbo votes saw him through and gave him the needed 25 per cent in 24 states thereby averting a run-off. In anger over 800 Igbo souls were slaughtered as the results of the polls were announced, only the 10 youth corpers were compensated, nobody remembers the 800 Igbo lives lost in gruesome decapitations in Kano, Bauchi etc in April 2011. We made him President, we will do it again, if he endeavors to fulfill his promises to our people. We also want him to hand over power to an Igboman. He should reciprocate our massive support. It is only fair he does. We also want him to protect lives and properties of Nigerians resident in the North. We note an improvement and pray that sanity eventually returns to the North. We also want him to set up a committee to work out the modalities for the convening of a National conference to restructure Nigeria along the lines of true federalism. Promises made in 2011 must be kept before talk of second term.

Will APC become a political party tomorrow? Continues from page 44 are not supposed to do anything that will destroy the subject matter. Now that INEC is bent on registering them, the commission is touching the subject matter which is before the court. “INEC is aware of the matter, it has been served and it has entered appearance. Common law knowledge should tell them (INEC) that they are not supposed to touch the matter. Jega said there is no injunction restraining him, but when you are aware of a matter, you don’t need an injunction, but we are not bothered,” he stated. INEC has no reason not to register APC - ACN Reacting to the issue, weekend, the ACN said that the merger

APC had met all the requirements to consummate its merger; hence the electoral umpire had no defensible reason not to approve the merger. In a statement issued in Lagos by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said in spite of recent media reports concerning the antics of some negative forces within INEC over APC’s registration, the emerging party’s leadership had no doubt that in the end the electoral body would do what was right in accordance with the law. It therefore dismissed as a mere speculation the report that INEC was planning to write a letter to the proponents of APC to find another name because of a court case instituted by a political association over the APC acronym.

‘’We are convinced that INEC has no discernible reason to write such a letter to us. In the first instance, there exists no court injunction anywhere restraining the commission from registering APC. There could be many court cases, but until there is a court order, no one can preempt what a court will do and act on that basis. ‘’Again, we have met all the stipulated requirements. INEC has also inspected our proposed headquarters in Abuja and sighted all our interim officers. The merger process may be novel, but we have played according to the rules and we expect nothing less from INEC,’’ the ACN said. Why rival APC went to court At the peak of the crisis of identity rocking the All Progressives Congress and

African Peoples Congress the INEC, after a long silence, came up with a definitive position that was meant to seal the African Peoples Congress. In a letter to the group, the commission rejected its bid for registration on the ground that it breached Section 222 (a) of the 1999 Nigeria Constitution as amended. In the letter duly signed by the Secretary to the commission, Abdulahi Kaugama and dated March 21, 2013, INEC also noted that the Form PA 1 the association submitted did not contain the addresses of the association’s national officers. The letter: INEC/DPPM&L/ APC/490/V.1/76, read in part: “Your application for registration as a political party dated 28th February, 2013 refers. The Commission has observed that

your association is in breach of Section 222 (a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) which stipulates as follows: “No association by whatever name called shall function as a political party unless; the names and addresses of its national officers are registered with the Independent National Electoral Commission; A close observation of your submitted form PA 1 established that it does not contain the addresses of your national officers as stipulated in the provisions above. Consequently, the commission shall not register the proposed African Peoples Congress (APC) as a political party.” With this, the African Peoples Congress was left with no option than the law courts.

46 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013

• Dr. Nnenna Ezeigwe, National Coordinator, NMCP (left), says more funding and better treatment compliance will help reduce Nigeria’s high malaria burden.

Nigeria not investing enough in malaria control — Dr. Nnenna Ezeigwe, National Coordinator, National Malaria Control Programme

IGHPOINT of the Africa Union Abuja +12 Special Summit on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, ATM, held recently at the International conference Centre, ICC, Abuja, was the launch of the “The Malaria Situation Room” - an intelligence gathering focusing on Nigeria and nine other African countries accounting for 70 per cent of the malaria burden in Africa and 50 per cent of that burden worldwide. On the heels of this revelation, National Coordinator, National Malaria Control Programme, NMCP, of the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Nnenna Macelina, Ezeigwe, a public health physician and Fellow of the College of Public Health,in this interview with Sola Ogundipe, argues for more investment and compliance with approved malaria prevention and control policies in the country. Excerpts:

Prevalence

THE average prevalence of malaria is now 42 percent, by rapid diagnostic test,RDT, but when you use the microscope which is more sensitive to check, the prevalence rate is 35 percent. This is a very good

improvement from where we were in 2000, when the prevalence rate was more than 50 percent. The point is that malaria is the No.1 public health problem in Nigeria. It is a high burden and when you look at the fact that Nigeria is

more than 160 million people where 90 percent is at risk of the disease, then you begin to appreciate. When you look at the prevalence against the population, it is quite high and you'll see where the problem is. Apart from that it is responsible for 30 percent under-5 mortality and 11 percent maternal death, malaria causes a lot of man hours to be lost from school and other areas of social endeavour. It has been calculated to cause a loss of about N480 billon every year, The Malaria Situation Room says Nigeria is one of the worst hit, if fact we are the worst in Africa because we contribute a quarter of the burden. We are ranked close to Democratic Republic of Congo in terms of

Research grants: Ujah makes case for Nigerian researchers BY CHIOMA OBINNA

IRECTOR-GENERAL of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, NIMR, Professor Innocent Ujah has said that building capacity of Nigerian researchers in grants writing and mentorship development would strengthen the nation’s health research as well as fast- track development. To this end, NIMR held an international training course on project development and grants writing for local researchers. Speaking during the training course in Lagos, Ujah said no country develops without research.“When we get our grants writing right, it puts Nigeria on international map

for health research, develop capacity of junior researchers and through the grants you can mentor the younger ones. “It will also help us grow beyond waiting for government funds because the attribute of a good researcher is to be able to secure grants. Government will commission specific areas of need but we also need to compete for international grant because that is what put us in the map. “In summary, the training is aimed at achieving response to calls for proposals from both local and international grantors, success in competing for international grants for research, components for capacity development for

health research and international relevance in health research,” he explained. The last WHO estimates showed huge funds available for science and research globally, but Africa, and most developing countries like Nigeria have only been able to access five percent or less. The lack of access to these funds has been traced to the inability of countries like Nigeria to develop their modus on grants writing. Earlier, Head, NIMR Research Group, Professor Oni Idigwe regretted that in Nigeria priority for research was very low compared to other

Continues on page 47

the burden. The report is a good initiative for us in Nigeria. What it means is that Africa is now going to focus on Nigeria and other high burden countries to track progress so that as soon as any bottleneck is identified in the implementation strategy, it can be easily addressed - whether it is technical, or financial. Then it will be identified on time and solution proffered so we can make progress.

Investment

There are many factors contributing to the high malaria burden, I do not even think as a country we are investing enough in malaria control. Actually we are not investing enough. Most of the finances used so far are donorsupported and that is one of the issues. True, a lot of resources have been committed. Nigeria is making a big investment in malaria, but it could be better. Let it be on record that I said we are not investing enough in malaria treatment. We should do better.

Compliance

Compliance is one of the issues. There is something in the policy that indicates people are not following the laid down principles for malaria control. The policy says every suspected case of malaria should be tested before treatment so that you are sure. But from every indication, malaria is coming down and it is like everybody is overtreating malaria and buying drugs. The major interventions such as the Long-lasting

Insecticide-treated Nets, LLINs, are not being properly utilised. People have these nets but are not using them. And one begins to wonder if they do not understand that the nets prevents them from malaria. People are not complying. It is a rule that pregnant women that when register early for antenatal care should get what we call Intermittent Preventive Therapy, IPT. But it is either people are not aware or do not demand for this service. Some people do not want to discharge their responsibility and need to be checked. We can’t catalogue all the problems.

Counterfeits

The issue of counterfeits is also worrisome. You hear people saying they are taking drugs which are not working. It is likely what they are taking is not the right one, and this discourages them from taking the right drug when they are given. Just a few moments ago, somebody told me he is taking choloroquine and I asked why he is still taking chloroquine in this day and age? But people keep saying when they take the other drug it is not working. It is one of two things - either they didn't have malaria in the first place, or even if they had malaria they are using fake drugs. As government we will continue to try.

Mobil Authenticatication Service

The Mobile Authentication Service, MAS, is being coordinated by NAFDAC. Our Continues on page 48

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013 — 47

Why mothers should register early for antenatal care BY CHIOMA OBINNA

T 17, Ahmed still wears diapers and is unable to communicate properly. He is suffering from Cerebral Palsy, CP, a disorder of movement and posture due to a permanent but non-progressive insult to a developing brain. It manifests as a delayed developmental milestone. At birth, he had his umbilical cord wrapped around his neck and though,doctors detached the cord, he suffered brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen (asphyxia) before the cord was cut. Words cannot explain the emotional pain Ahmed and his parents undergo daily. Part of the pain was caused by the inability of his mother, Hauwa, to receive the minimum of four Antenatal Care, ANC, visits as recommended by the World Health Organisation, WHO. When she was pregnant, she shunned the ANC. Medical reports say ANC visits include tetanus toxoid vaccination, screening and treatment for infections, and identification of warning signs during pregnancy. Pregnant women are also tested for various diseases, if positive; they receive help and guidance to avoid transmission to their babies.

Antenatal visits But Hauwa never received such services as she is among numerous Nigerian women who have the perception that ANC is a waste of money and time. In Nigeria, commencement of the ANC within the first three months is often regarded as too early. Many women who claim to have registered early do that at about five months while majority hardly attend up to four antenatal visits before they put to bed. Senior Lecturer/ Consultant Paediatric Endocrinologist, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, OAUTH, Osun-State, Dr. Jerome Elusiyan, defined Antenatal care as the care that a pregnant woman receives with the aim of making her pregnancy safe and in which she is prepared for an uneventful labour and also for a good pregnancy outcome. “It involves health education and counseling and identification of mothers with high risk of jeopardy to her and the baby so that adequate preparation could be made to prevent them.” Sadly, many pregnant women have maintained a deaf ear to these medically proven facts. Statistics have shown that

We say ‘no’ to child marriage — YWCA BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

• Registration for Antenatal Care should be done as soon as a woman discovers she is pregnant. Experts say early prenatal care reduces risk of disabilities in children. country-specific information suggests between 5 and 10 per cent of all children in Africa grow up with disabilities. The leading causes of disability – in addition to genetic disorders and complications during birth — include poliomyelitis, measles, meningitis and cerebral malaria, as well as inadequate prenatal and neonatal health care services and inadequate diet leading to stunting. But experts say early prenatal care could reduce the risk of such disabilities in children. Elusiyan in a chat with Good Health Weekly, hinted that birth complications such as asphyxia, a condition in which the newborn fails to initiate and sustain spontaneous respiration after one minute of birth, could be prevented by proper antenatal care. “Babies who develop birth asphyxia could die or develop neurological sequelae like cerebral palsy, mental retardation, learning disabilities and seizure disorders.”

Contrary to belief that registration for antenatal should be made around the first 14 weeks, Elusiyan, advised that a woman should register as soon as she suspects she is pregnant. UNICEF’s Child Survival Development, CSD, Manager, Enugu, Dr. Oluwatosin Kuti, noted that early commencement of prenatal care would reduce risk of disabilities in children as well as the over 6000 million people that live with disabilities globally. Kuti at a recent UNICEF Media review of the State of the World’s Children 2013 which focuses on children with disabilities noted in a lecture entitled; “Health and Disabilities”, said the prevalence of physical and health disabilities ranges from 10 per cent - orthopaedic impairments, about 85 percent - other health impairments (3rd largest category) and about .04 percent - traumatic brain injury. Causes of health disabilities that could be averted through

early prenatal care are numerous, but CP, one of the most common disabling conditions affecting children can resolve in up to 50 per cent of children diagnosed prior to two years of age. Spina Bifida which also causes disabilities in children could be prevented when mother gets Folic acid before getting pregnant and during early days of pregnancy. However, while early prenatal care is being promoted to reduce risk of disabilities, UNICEF 2013 State of World’s Report on Children with Disabilities is calling for the inclusion of Ahmed and other unfortunate children who are currently living with disabilities and have continue to be the most excluded among all groups of children to be included in health, education and justice. The Report notes that the deprivations faced by children and adolescents with disabilities are violations of their rights.

HE Young Women Christian Association, YWCA, of Nigeria has called on the Senate to be sensitive to the yearnings of Nigerians and reconsider their resolution to remove the age limitation on child marriage in the country. National President of the Association, Lady Chikwue Ochiagha, in a statement, condemned the proposed amendment in its entirety saying it is inimical to the development of womanhood, in line with the conclusions of the 57th Session of the United Nations Commission of the Status of Women of March 2013 in New York, USA. “We say NO to the removal of the age specification and call on all Civil Society Organisations to rise up to this campaign by crying out louder in opposition to this proposed amendment in defense for the girl child who will be adversely affected by this proposed amendment. “The girl child has a right to be protected and thus this generation should not fail humanity by not giving the expected protection. It will be a tragedy that instead of giving the needed protection to the girl child, our law makers will expose the girl child to risks, danger and vulnerability,” Ochiaga asserted.“The implication of this line of action by the Senate by removing age specification of women who can marry is that a woman is deemed to be of ‘full age’ once she is married irrespective of her age. With this, a girl child can marry on her way from the labour room where she was delivered,” Ochiaga noted.

Ujah makes case for researchers

• Registration for Antenatal Care should be done as soon as possible while a minimun of four visits are recommended for every pregnant woman.

Continues from page 46 countries in developed world. According to him, research is a driving engine for all development but in Nigeria, it is hardly remembered in the government’s budget. Lamenting that all grants received by the institute were from international community, he said; “We rarely can get grants from Nigeria because nobody has priority for research. Health research drives healthcare delivery and development but if it is not given priority, then, we have not started yet.” Justifying the training course; Idigbe, a former Director -General of NIMR, noted that because the institute cannot survive on what the government is giving, there is need to look for grants from other places, hence, the training as the grants are very competitive. “A call for proposal is global and covers everybody. You can imagine when you are writing for a grant and people from South Africa, US and others are also involved, it becomes very competitive. This is why we need to develop our capacity. That is one of the major challenges we have in Nigeria and developing countries. So if we have to be able to compete and get more funds from international community we have to be able to write good proposals. And to write good proposals you have to build capacity and the expertise.”

48 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013

Malaria control Continues from Page 46 donors are helping us place orders that couldn't arrive before the waiver, all the consignments didn't come so we dialogued with NAFDAC and we are going to suspend implementation of enforcement till September.

Awareness

In the areas with awareness, we are stepping up to make people see why they need to obtain the interventions then we are looking at counterfeit collaborating with NAFDAC because at NMC we cannot enfoirce. Enforcement is with NAFDAC we are collaborating in the area of pharmacovigilance and basically worknig in collaboration at state level so that they can take the message further to the grassroots and trying to build their capacity.

Don’t compromise standards in healthcare delivery — ELEBUTE BY CHIOMA OBINNA

HAIRMAN of the Society for Quality Healthcare in Nigeria, SQHN, Professor Ade Elebute, has called for best practices mong healthcare providers in the country. The call came as health professionals gathered at the 2013 Annual Conference of the Society with the theme: “Advancing Patient Safety in Nigeria” where they jointly resolved to provide affordable healthcare, improved outcomes as well as increased patient confidence in the country’s health

sector. Advocating quality healthcare, Elebute argued that patients deserve the best service irrespective of amount paid, even if the treatment was free or subsidised, adding that quality healthcare should go beyond the best equipment and hospital beds but includes patient wellbeing, best medical outcome and patient positive experience. Elebute who defined quality healthcare as safe, patient-centred, timely, effective, efficient and equitable noted that Nigeria has the human resources required to fix all the lapses

AMFm initiative

I can’t say categorically that the Affordable Medicined for Malaria Inititiative has failed because it has been documented through operations research that there has been a reduction in prices of ACTs. Granted, there was a time there were challenges in the programme which might have probably delayed the supply of the drugs and disrupted the supply chain a little bit. But it has worked. If it didn't work, the Global Fund would not be interested in it any longer. That programme is on ground. One of the first line buyers recently told me he has placed an order for the drugs, and these drugs should be in the public domain. Give it another two months and do your research again.

• President of the Society for Quality in Health care in Nigeria, SQHN, Prof Ade Elebute (left), with Triona Fortune, Deputy CEO, International Society for Quality (ISQua), and immediate past Minister of State for Health, Dr Mohammed Pate, at the 4th Annual Conference of SQHN held in Lagos.

in the health sector, especially in collaboration with other stakeholders both within and outside the country. “Patients know quality and appreciate it when offered by medical practitioners. Even in the rural areas, recent researches had shown that the people there also attach much importance to quality health care, no matter how little the amount they pay. This is another reason we cannot afford to comprise this quality as expected by all,” he said. Elebute affirmed that there was no retreat in promoting the principles and practice of quality improvement and risk management in healthcare by providing a national voice on quality and management initiatives, as well as upholding ethics of the profession in Nigeria. Immediate past Minister of State for Health, Dr. Mohammed Ali Pate said government had swung into action and incorporated healthcare value into its scheme. Pate regretted pathetic incidences of patients’ suffering as a result of poor standard services and primitive equipment, which had resulted in so many deaths. He demanded for more public-private partnership from other stakeholders for the benefit of patients. Highpoint of the event was the signing of a Memoradum of Understanding (MOU) between SQHN and the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua) to ensure SQHN’s participation in the ISQua Fellowship programme and the marketing of the programme at various events in Nigeria.

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013 — 49

UK confirms Nov kick off date for £3,000 bond for Nigerian, others B

RITAIN’S Home Office, yesterday, confirmed that it will demand a 3,000-pound ($4,630) refundable bond for visas for “high-risk” visitors from six countries including Nigeria — a pilot scheme that has brought warnings at home and abroad that it will damage trade. Britain said in a statement Monday that it will go ahead with the pilot scheme despite the outrage, charges of discrimination and warnings of retaliation. The Home Office in a statement, yesterday, said: “We’re planning a pilot that focuses on over-stayers and examines a couple of different ways of applying bonds. “The pilot will apply to visitor visas, but if the scheme is successful we’d like to be able to apply it on an intelligenceled basis on any visa route and any country,” the Home Office said without confirming the list of countries being targeted. “This is the next step in making sure our immigration system is more selective, bringing down net migration from the hundreds of thousands to the tens of thousands while still welcoming the brightest and the best to Britain. In the long run we’re interested in a system of bonds that deters overstaying and recovers costs if a foreign national has used our public services,” it said. It added that: “The pilot will apply to visitor visas, but if the scheme is successful we’d like to be able to apply it on an intelligence-led basis on any visa route and any country,” The proposed plan, which classifies Nigeria as a “highrisk” country despite the socalled “special relationship” and “strategic partnership” between Nigeria and the UK propagated by British Prime Minister David Cameron, had triggered widespread outrage among ministerial circles in Abuja. For now, the targeted countries are Nigeria, Ghana, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Government data shows citizens of those countries applied for more than half a million visas to Britain last year. There have been meetings between British and Nigerian officials to address concerns on the scheme. Cameron had reportedly expressed his opposition to the idea soon after and sent the idea back to the drawing board following Nigerian and Indian protests. Reacting to the visa bond policy yesterday, a retired Nigerian diplomat, Ambassador Dahiru Suleiman queried the

benefits of Nigeria’s membership of the Commonwealth, if Nigerian citizens travelling to another Commonwealth country had to be subjected to pay bond for visa. Ambassador Suleiman, who served in many duty posts abroad, lamented what he described as discriminatory policies from one commonwealth nation against another. Speaking in a chat with Vanguard, yesterday, in Abuja, the retired envoy urged the Nigerian government to review its membership of the Commonwealth, if the United

Kingdom insists on implementing the controversial to impose a £3,000 Visa bond on Nigeria visa applicants to the UK. The UK had reportedly unveiled plans to impose a £3,000 Visa cash bond for first time visa applicants from Nigeria and other selected countries of the Commonwealth, which are regarded as “High Risk Countries” He asked, “what has Nigeria benefited so far for being a member of the Common Wealth. Nigeria should call for review, we need to put our house in order. “Every country has the right

to impose policies but that policy should not be discriminatory. “These countries the UK government is talking about, are they the only countries that over stay in the UK? There are so many of them why just these selected countries that were colonised by the UK government. “Why cant they monitor the movement of every body, than imposing £3,000? that is not fair. Frankly speaking, Nigeria appear to be very poor, but I must tell you that even if it is 5,000, Nigerians will still go there.”

Boko Haram suspects paraded by the police in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: Evelyn Usman.

Man jailed 90yrs for incest not Nigerian BY UDUMA KALU, with agency reports

RAMMY awardwinning music video director Aswad Ayinde who was sentenced to 90 years in the United States for fathering six children with his own daughters is not a Nigerian, Nigerians abroad have said. News broke last weekend that a Nigerian music director based in the United States had been jailed for impregnating his daughter. The story went viral on the internet and was posted to the social media. However, Nigerians abroad have reacted to the story, saying the man is not a Nigerian. Rather, he adopted Nigerian name, Aswad Ayinde later in life. A Nigerian living in the United States Rotimi Ogunsuyi writing in Nairaland.com said “This is a tragedy that should not be attributed to Nigeria. Mr. Ayinde is NOT a Nigerian. “He is an American, born and raised in the US. He just assumed a Nigerian name later in life.”

NJC sacks Abia Ag CJ over age falsification allegation BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

B U J A — N AT I O N A L Judicial Council, NJC, yesterday, sacked the Acting Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Shadrack O.E. Nwanosike, from office over his alleged complicity in age falsification. The council which said it took the decision at its 63rd meeting held on July 17 and 18, recommended that the Judge be compelled to proceed on a compulsory retirement. According to a press release issued by the Acting Director of Information at the NJC, Mr Soji Oye, “The decision is sequel to the findings of the Council that Hon. Justice Nwanosike falsified his date of birth which invariably affected his retirement age. “The Council during the Meeting also considered and deliberated on the Report of its Committee on Performance Evaluation of Judicial Officers of the Superior Courts of Record in the Federation.

“At the end of deliberation, Council constituted a five-man Committee comprising its Members to invite Judicial Officers with “Very Low Performance or Non-Performance”, to appear before it to show cause why they should not be removed from office. “Council further considered and recommended the appointment of some Judicial Officers in the Federal & States

Judiciaries to the Executive, respectively: Chief Judge, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Other are Chief Judge, Rivers State to the State Governor; Chief Judge, Jigawa State to the State Governor; Chief Judge, Katsina State to the State Governor. “President, Customary Court of Appeal, Taraba State to the

State Governor; Two Kadis for the Sharia Court of Appeal, Kebbi State to the State Governor; Two Kadis for the Sharia Court of Appeal, Sokoto State to the State Governor. One Judge for the Customary Court of Appeal, Delta State to the State Governor; & Two Judges for the Customary Court of Appeal, Ebonyi State to the State Governor.”

Group advocates unity among Nigerians

EWLY formed political pressure group, Nigeria Unity Project, NUP, has described the unity of Nigeria as first priority on its agenda. Speaking in Abuja, President of the group Mr. Francis Irabor stated that the unity of the country cannot be compromised saying “we must eschew violence and embrace peace so that we can live together in harmony which is the major objective of NUP.” He decried the current state of insecurity in the country occasioned by terrorism which he

argued poses a threat to sustainable development of the nation’s economy. Irabor said: “We are only hearing these on radio and television from foreign countries. It portends a lot of danger before our dear country Nigeria because in those foreign countries where these things happened, they have sophisticated security systems.” Noting that insecurity as a result of religious extremism or fanaticism is worse than that caused by political or ethnic differences, Irabor said that politi-

cians have decided to cash in on the situation based on their calculation about 2015 elections to threaten power. On the clamour for and against President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election in 2015, he affirmed that it gave birth to NUP so that the country can move forward and be united beyond 2015 to enable the President accomplish his transformation agenda. He said: “Those calling on him to leave office in 2015 are definitely calling for the dismembering of the country.”

50 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013

Celebrating Lagos Road Traffic Law’s first year

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

State, federal agencies at war

•Govt assesses the lapses, speaks of phase two BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

•As LASEMA accuses NEMA of usurping responsibility

S cases of collapsed buildings, and fire in high- rise buildings escalate in Lagos, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency LASEMA, has accused the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA, of an attempt to usurp its responsibility of managing emergencies within the state, and cautioned the agency to respect existing emergency command structure. LASEMA, in its argument reiterated that it is unlawful for NEMA to interfere with its responsibility. General Manager, LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi OkeOsanyintolu made the allegation after the Surulere collapsed building incident that claimed five lives last week According to him, the state emergency agency has all it takes to respond to emergency situation and rescue victims, saying; “NEMA can only serve as secondary responder when it is called upon.” The crisis first became apparent between the agencies at No. 29 Oloto Street, Ebute Meta, Yaba Local Council Development Area LCDA, when the Information officer of NEMA, Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye, was

arrested and detained by men of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS made up of Police Officers attached to and financed through the Lagos State Trust Fund. Again at the site of the collapsed building in Surulere, officials of the federal agency, were also evicted from the scene by RRS officers. Osanyintolu clarified that; “It is important to define the roles and responsibilities of emergency responders for effective and efficient

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI AND MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

Collapsed building in Surulere up of the zone and if need be, SEMA will call NEMA for necessary assistance. “NEMA can never be a primary responder in all the six states in the South West zone. For example is it

The crisis, first became apparent between the agencies at No. 29 Oloto Street, Ebutte Metta, Yaba Local Council Development Area LCDA, when the Information officer of NEMA was arrested

disaster management through proper command control chains., “The State Emergency Management Agency SEMA, and all its primary stakeholders including the Local Emergency Management Committees are allowed to respond to emergencies/ disasters in the state, while the National Emergency Management Agency, which is a secondary responder should focus on coordinating the activities of the six South-West States that make

— 51

possible for NEMA to be a primary responder in Ondo or Osun State where their only office is located in Ikeja, Lagos State?”. He therefore, called on South West NEMA to allow SEMA and the other stakeholders which includes the Local Emergency Management Committees in the Local Council Development Areas carry out their assigned functions as primary responders during emergency/disasters in the state.

NEMA confirms strife N

EMA, confirming the the developing bad blood between LASEMA and his agency, NEMA, the South Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Iyiola Akande, warned that; “The clash is a thing that is brewing and we need to nip it in the bud before it escalates.” According to him; “Officials of my agency had been repeatedly chased away from emergency scenes in Lagos by LASEMA officials while some were allegedly arrested on instruction of LASEMA officials at the site of a collapsed building.” “This has occurred on more than four occasions in recent times as the state grapples with increasing building collapses. “The national agency recently received a letter from the Lagos state commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Wale Ahmed, asking them not to go to emergency scenes unless invited. The NEMA zonal coordinator faulted the claim by LASEMA

boss that the national agency is “not supposed to be at emergency scenes except when called upon by LASEMA. Akande also disagreed with the notion that the call to NEMA will be made when LASEMA is overwhelmed, arguing that by law, NEMA should be the primary responder at all emergency scenes. He referred to the recent plane crash in a San Francisco airport where the US national and state emergency agencies combined efforts to rescue passengers on board the Asian Airlines flight 214 aircraft, noting that such collaboration is what NEMA and LASEMA should be doing to address emergency situations and save lives. Quoting from the Acts establishing both agencies, Akande asked what experience LASEMA has that will make NEMA’s involvement unnecessary in its activities. For the records, NEMA was established sometime in 1999,

Farinloye.... being arrested

Osanyintolu of LASEMA

while the state agency, LASEMA was launched almost 10 years after. NEMA official recounts arrest experience Speaking with Vanguard, Farinloye said “I was ordered to leave the site by the officers of the RRS. Despite all my plea, they said that the order was from above. And in order to ensure my safety, I left the site.” Commissioner reacts: Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Wale Ahmed

debunked the claim, saying “I was not aware of any rivalry between the state and the federal agency.” “There is nothing like that. I wasn’t aware of such. We are all working together. “But to put the fact straight, NEMA is a secondary responder that was expected to be called by the state emergency agency. The state emergency agency is the primary responder. I don’t see why anyone should do that. I don’t know where that story came from.”

GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, on August 2, 2012, signed the Lagos State’s Road Traffic bill into a law aimed at ensuring safe driving culture as well as maintain discipline on the road. The law which was later gazetted, bars commercial motorcyclists, known as; Okada riders from plying 475 roads across the state, among others. It will be one Fashola accosting a senior military officer on BRT year that the amended road lane traffic law took effect on Before now some women, while on Friday. Fashola, giving detailed the wheel used to apply their makebackground into the history of the various ups and do some other funny things amendments to the state’s traffic laws, but all these have relatively reduced. said his government discovered that the Opeifa, speaking on the truck and laws of 50 years ago could no longer articulated vehicles regulation part of regulate traffic in the present time. the law said: “People talk of accidents, According to him, the traffic law of Lagos we have had incident of trailers was driven and informed by the security breakdown, but it is mostly at night. difficulties experienced by the State in Andtheevacuationisdoneimmediately. 2007 when in the first week after he We have also seen situation where assumed office, he was either at the articulated trucks breakdown during mortuary or emergency wards of hospitals the day, they are roads that are to see people who were victims of violent naturally routes for articulated trucks. It attacks. is not as if they are on inner city roads. The governor said one of the first steps They are on major roads. We are taken by his administration was the getting there to their regulation.. setting up of a Security Trust Fund after passage of the enabling law by the State Second phase House of Assembly adding that this paved of the law the way for a reduction of crime by 79 percent in the state. As we move into the second phase of the law, we have been able to achieve Lapses of what we set out to do in the first phase. the law What we wanted in the first place was introduction and acceptance of the Commissioner for Transportation, Kayode law. Opeifa, while assessing the law said;. “The second phase will demand “The law has scored up to 95 percent closing on areas that require additional which is good for the state like Lagos, but regulation and putting up structures to recently, we began to see some attempts, enhance their implementation. As we mainly by people impersonating as move ahead, we are now looking into a military officers. reform in the public transportation “These are still the people you usually system. We are looking to reform in the find on the roads violating the law. And we way that commercial vehicles and taxis will be appealing to those uniform in the state operates.” personnel and some people who have “We are also looking into how to recently migrated into the state to comply provide more public transport with the with law in their own interest. injection of more buses, so that there “We have seen in some areas where will be more public transport patronage. some members of the Community We are also looking into the on-street Development Associations CDA and parking system. We have concluded Community Development Committee the required policies but what was CDC, on their own personal effort have delaying it was the regulation. encouraged the business and collecting “This is the time when we will money to cater for their personal needs. commence the critical part of the law “We have also seen situations where which is enforcement. At a point where Okada riders park on the unrestricted no one will say he is not aware of the road and from their launched onto the law. We have concluded the first aspect restricted roads but by and large, we are at now. a very high level of compliance. “What we have been able to achieve “On making phone calls while driving, will be apparent at the next stage, there are still recalcitrant drivers receiving when we start to put up the structures calls while behind the wheels. We have that will enable the government seen a considerable high level of officials to enforce the law.” compliance in Lagos State.

50 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013

Celebrating Lagos Road Traffic Law’s first year

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

State, federal agencies at war

•Govt assesses the lapses, speaks of phase two BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

•As LASEMA accuses NEMA of usurping responsibility

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI AND MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

The crisis, first became apparent between the agencies at No. 29 Oloto Street, Ebutte Metta, Yaba Local Council Development Area LCDA, when the Information officer of NEMA was arrested

— 51

NEMA confirms strife N

Farinloye.... being arrested

Osanyintolu of LASEMA

52 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013

Egypt crisis: EU envoy seeks compromise E

UROPE’S top diplo mat shuttled between Egypt’s rulers and the Muslim Brotherhood yesterday in an urgent mission to pull the country back from more bloodshed, but both sides were defiant and unyielding after 80 Brotherhood supporters were gunned down. European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, making her second visit in 12 days as one of the few outsiders still able to speak to both sides, made no public comment. Supporters and opponents of Mursi left no doubt about the depth of polarization in the Arab world’s most populous nation. “It’s very simple, we are not going anywhere,” said Brotherhood spokesman Gehad ElHaddad, making clear the group intends to defy government orders to abandon a protest vigil of thousands of followers demanding Mursi’s return. “We are going to in-

crease the protest,” he told Reuters. “Someone has to put sense into this leadership.” Backers of the military that deposed Mursi on July 3 were equally unbending, despite Saturday ’s dawn carnage when security forces shot dead at least 80 Brotherhood supporters after a day of rival mass rallies. “We asked her (Ashton), would you accept an armed sit-in under your roof?” said Mahmoud Badr, a leader of the Tamarud youth movement that mobilized huge protests against Mursi before the army moved against him. “What if al Qaeda had a sit-in in a European country? Would you leave it be?” he asked reporters after meeting Ashton, echoing the army ’s branding of its opponents as terrorists. Raising the prospect of more bloodshed erupting during Ashton’s visit, the Brotherhood said it would march again on Monday evening from its month-

Egypt’s Interin President , Adi Mansour meets with the EU Foreign Policy Chief, Catherine Ashton at the El-Thadiya Presidential palace in Cairo yesterday. old vigil at a mosque in northern Cairo towards offices of the Interior Min-

OPE Francis has said gay people should not be judged or marginalised but integrated into society. Speaking to journalists on a flight back from a week-long visit to Brazil, he reaffirmed the Roman Catholic Church’s position that homosexual acts were sinful, but homosexual orientation was not. “If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge him?” the pope said on Monday in a broadranging 80-minute conversation with reporters on the plane.

“The problem is not having this orientation. We must be brothers.

CONTROVERSIAL advertising campaign urging illegal immigrants to return home is working and could be extended nationwide,

The problem is lobbying by this orientation” he said.

Mali counts votes, records high turnout newspapers lauded the

ALI cheered the robust turnout and lack of violence in its high-stakes election yesterday as proof Malians were eager to turn the page on more than a year of turmoil, war and an army coup. Election officials were still counting ballots yesterday as results were not expected until today. Meanwhile, t local

vote, with state-run L’Essor saying the turnout was “exceptional”. “There were women, old people, blind people. Everyone wanted to vote,” said Mariam Diallo-Drame, a youth leader who had encouraged people to take part in the election. “This is the first time ever we had a truly democratic election."

Observer expresses concerns over Zimbabwe poll

OUTHERN Africa’s chief observer to Zimbabwe, Bernard Membe, has that he was gravely concerned that a voters’ roll has not been released two days before tightly contested elections. This is despite the fact that it is the “most impor-

tant document” for tomorrow’s election, he added. The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said it plans to take court action to obtain the voters’ roll. The poll ends the coalition between the MDC and the president’s

army may move to crush the Brotherhood, a movement which emerged

Go home, UK tells illegal immigrants A

Pope says gays must not be judged

istry. The violence has raised global anxiety that the

from decades in the shadows to win power in elections after Egypt’s 2011 Arab Spring uprising against Hosni Mubarak. Ashton met General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the head of the army and the man behind the overthrow of Egypt’s first freely-elected president. She also held talks with members of the interim government installed by the army, and representatives of the Freedom and Justice Party, the Brotherhood’s political wing. Thousands of Brotherhood supporters have been camped out for a month at Cairo’s Rabaa al-Adawiya mosque, demanding Mursi’s reinstatement and defying threats by the armybacked authorities to remove them.

Zanu-PF party. ‘Ghost voters’ President Robert Mugabe, the Zanu-PF candidate, is seeking to extend his 33-year rule and will face Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai of the MDC at the ballot box.

Downing Street has said. The prime minister ’s spokesman said the posters and leaflets were attracting “a great deal of interest”. He added that an evaluation of the pilot scheme could lead to it being rolled out more widely. The spokesman also said David Cameron did not agree with the business secretary, Vince Cable’s description of the campaign as “stupid and offensive” in an interview. The campaign, which features the message “In the UK illegally? Go home or face arrest”, has been widely criticised because the blunt “Go home” message is said to be reminiscent of racist graffiti that was commonplace a generation ago. The Home Office has defended the £10,000 campaign, which involves leaflets being distributed and two advertising vans being driven around for a week in six London boroughs. The department said it represented a constructive approach to the problem of illegal immigration. The leaflets and posters include a number for illegal immigrants to text if they want to receive free advice and support

with travel documentation to help them leave the UK. On Sunday, Cable condemned the campaign strongly. “It was stupid and offensive, and I think it is very unlikely that it will continue,” he said. But yesterday the prime minister ’s spokesman said: “This pilot that is currently running is about targeting [illegal immigrants] and it is working.”

Cameron believed that encouraging illegal immigrants to leave the UK voluntarily was more cost-effective than arresting them and removing them by force, the spokesman said. The two advertising vans carrying the posters around the London boroughs are no longer in service, but leaflets featuring the number that illegal immigrants can text are still in circulation.

President Mugabe and his supporters.

Mandela court case delayed after Ayob withdraws

COURT case aimed at ousting ex-South African president Nelson Mandela’s aides from two companies he set up has been delayed, a law firm has said. A judge took the decision after

lawyer Ismail Ayob, acting for Mr Mandela’s daughters, withdrew from the case. The women were trying to gain control of the companies, said to be worth about $1.7m (£1.1m).

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013 — 53

2014 World Cup: Only Eagles can stop themselves — Okorowanta E

C M Y K

OV Godswill Akpabio yesterday declared open the Uyo 2013 National w e i g h t l i f t i n g championship with a pledge to coninue supporting the game. The governor who was represented by the permanent secretary in charge of sports Dr Mrs Ime Umodioh said he is impressed with the performance of the country in weightlifting assuring that he throws his weight behind the game to sustain the country,s excellent showing. Akpabio noted that Akwa Ibom has produced great lifters for the country. “We will discover new talents that will step into the shoes of the like of Patrick Bassey, Lawrence Iquaibom and Cosmas Samson, all Akwa Ibom sons who have done this country proud at the international scene.” NWF president Hon Chibudom Nwuche in his welcome address charged all the lifters to strive to win by fair means and to stay

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN X-EAGLES midfielder, Tarila Okorowanta has said that only the Super Eagles can stop themselves from qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Eagles are in the final stages of the World Cup campaign, with a September 7 match against the Flames of Malawi in Calabar to decide which team progress to the final twolegged play-off against a yet-to-be-determined nation in October. Eagles top the group and need to avoid a defeat at home to emerge champions of the pool but speaking with Sports Vanguard in Benin City, during the funeral of an ex-Eagles midfielder, Thompson Oliha, Okorowanta said that a bloated ego can undo Nigeria’s bid to qualify for the global soccer showpiece event in Brazil. “It is true that our destiny is in our hands but it is important for the Super Eagles not to take their opponents for granted because it may backfire on us. Our top rating as African champions is enough reason for our opponents to do the extra work to shock us at home. “During our days, teams like Malawi were nowhere near us but today, things have changed. Teams, who are thought to be underdogs are making inroads into uncharted territories and it is now us to the Eagles to show that they are a dominant side by beating Malawi in September. “But the danger is that if we take things for granted and enter the pitch like as if we had already won the match, then it could backfire on us. We must stay focussed and play like fighters. Only the Eagles can stop themselves from reaching the World Cup”, added Okorowanta.

Akpabio assures Weightlifting of support

Eagles celebrating

Gov. Imoke welcomes Eaglets to Calabar T HE Golden Eaglets training session has taken off smoothly post Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the 30 players invited to jostle for a place in the World Cup-bound National Under-17 team even as Senator Liyel Imoke (CON), the Executive Governor of Cross River State welcomes the team to the Canaan City yet again. The amiable Governor who was represented at Monday’s evening training at the practice pitch of the U.J Esuene Stadium by the State’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Honourable Patrick Ugbe, reiterated his earlier submission that the Golden Eaglets can go all the way at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup finals taking place in the United Arab Emirates in October.

Eaglets in training

NSC DG commends Nigeria unity tourney

HE Director General, National Sports Commission, Gbenga Elegbeleye, has commended the efforts of the Nigerian Unity Football Tournament for their

initiative in using football to foster peace across the country. Elegbeleye, who stated this during a recent visit of the National Organising Committee of the body

to his office in Abuja, promised that the commission would give the body the needed support to enhance the success of the tournament.

out of drugs. Twenty states are in Uyo for the championship which ends on Friday. Yesterday ’s colorful ceremony was one in which two kid lifters aged 5 from Cross River thrilled the crowd at Ibom hall. Coach of the kid lifters Helen Mathew said she is grooming the kids to win medals for the country in another 12 years. Nwuche who was thrilled with the performance of the kids vowed to monitor their performance even as he decorated them with gold medals.

Kaduna teams qualify for national final

T was double victory for host Kaduna as its male and female teams picked the zonal tickets in both categories for the National Championship of the ongoing Airtel Rising Stars National U-17 tournament. Both teams fought off fierce competition from six other states to book their places after a series of matches played at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna. In the male final, Kaduna C clashed against Kaduna P. They played out a barren draw during regulation time and the resultant shoot out ended 97 in favour of team Kaduna C. The picture was not completely different in the female category where Kaduna once again produced the finalists. A solitary strike by Kaduna team B was all that was needed to book a place in the National Championship in Lagos. The Kaduna zonal championship was not a good outing for defending national champion, team Jos, as they lost the opportunity to play at the National Championship next month after failing to replicate the form that saw them lift the coveted trophy in Lagos last year. The zonal championship play-offs continue in Enugu and Port Harcourt between July 31 and August 2.

54 —

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013

Transfer Talk....Transfer Talk.... Transfer Talk....

Mourinho ma fload Mik el ffor or mayy of offload Mikel Gus Gusttavo C HELSEA are ready to table a £15million bid for Bayern Munich midfielder Luiz Gustavo Returning boss Jose Mourinho has prioritised the signing of a holding midfield player for the Stamford Bridge club. He has doubts about John Obi Mikel’s ability to play in that role. Bayern’s signing of Thiago Alcantara from Barcelona is likely to limit Gustavo’s firstteam opportunities this season. And the player wants regular first-team football to ensure he is part of the Brazil team for next summer ’s World Cup. Chelsea are also keen on bringing back midfielder Nemanja Matic a fringe player at the Bridge from 2009-2011 from Benfica, but his £25m price-tag is putting them off.

•Mikel

•Fàbregas

Fàbregas’s silence encourages Man U

•Gustavo

ESTERDAY was the day when Cesc Fàbregas was expected to return to the Barcelona club after his holidays. While he has been resting since the Confederations Cup tournament, rumours about his possible departure for Manchester United have been on the up and up. This is because he

Guardiola plots £40m Bale transfer saga Luiz bid turns bitter B

AYERN MUNICH are ready to offer £40million for Chelsea’s David Luiz. Boss Pep Guardiola wanted the Brazilian when he was in charge of Barcelona. Now, having moved to European champions Bayern, Guardiola is ready to pounce. He put out feelers for the defender while Luiz was starring for the Brazil side that won the Confederations Cup last month. The 26-year-old has returned for pre-season with Chelsea, under new Stamford Bridge boss Jose Mourinho and Guardiola is back on his trail. An insider revealed: “The performance exposed some weaknesses that Pep believes could be sorted out by bringing in Luiz.”

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ANIEL Levy is giv ing Gareth Bale the silent treatment over Real Madrid’s worldrecord bid to sign him. The Spurs chairman is refusing “point-blank” to hold any further talks with Bale on the issue after ruling the Welshman will not be sold this summer regardless of

•Luiz

West Ham agree Kalou fee

EST Ham United have agreed upon an undisclosed fee with Lille to bring former Chelsea forward Solomon Kalou back to the Premier League, French reports suggest. It would now appear that the Hammers are one step closer to making

their fifth signing of this summer transfer window with Le Sport 10 reporting that West Ham and Lille has agreed to a move that would see Kalou move to East London, should the Premier League club and the player successfully agree terms.

•Kalou

whatever Real may offer. While the football world was stunned by the lengths to which Real are going to get their man, Levy has already dismissed Madrid’s offer of £51million plus Angel Di Maria and Fabio Coentrao - totalling £95million. This comes a week after Mirror Sport first revealed Spurs’ fears over Bale’s head being turned by Madrid’s incredible bid to make him their latest Galactico. Levy - set to announce the record-breaking, £26million signing of Roberto Soldado from Valencia this week - is now giving Bale the cold shoulder.

has said nothing, and until such time as he comes out and says that he has no intention of leaving Barcelona, then United will keep on trying. Manchester United have already made two offers to Barça for Fàbregas. Both were rejected by the club, and during the presentation of new manager Gerardo Martino, both he and the club president ruled out Fàbregas’s leaving. So this raises one obvious question. If Barcelona have declared that Fàbregas is not for sale, why does United keep on insisting? This is the very same question being asked in the Barcelona club offices, where they are beginning to suspect something, for otherwise Manchester United would by now have given up the chase.

•Bale

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2013 — 55

NOC applauds Queen of tracks, Okagbare P RESIDENT of Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOC, Engineer Sani M. Ndanusa has saluted sensational African queen of track, Blessing Okagbare for her stellar performance at the London Olympics anniversary race at the weekend. “Okagbare is indeed a Blessing to Nigeria. Let me offer you my warmest congratulations on your feat in London where you not only finished first in the pack of world champions but also sent the African record crashing. Your performance sooths our soul after the London 2012 Olympics where you could not make it’’, Ndanusa said. Okagbare returned to the same venue at Olympics Stadium in Strafford and sensationally beat the world to win the 100m, setting a new African record in the process. She first broke Gloria Alozie’s 14 -year old record of 10.90 record when she returned in 10.86 seconds in the heats and further lowered that in the final to 10.79 seconds. “We are happy that she is doing absolutely well

and pray that she carries her form to the IAAF World

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Russia from August 10 to August 13, 2013.

BY JACOB AJOM

T was a welcome development for Nigerian cricket, particularly, for the newly elected Nigeria Cricket Federation board led by Engineer Emeka Onyeama as the Nigerian team to the ICC World Cricket League Division 6 competition in Jersey gained promotion to Division 5, alongside hosts Jersey after a w e e k - l o n g competition. Jersey beat Vanuatu, Bahrain got the better of Kuwait and Nigeria strolled past Argentina in the three Pepsi ICC

Malawi coaches

Continues from BP Flames tactician as one of the best coaches in the region. The coach sought advice from Kinnah, who managed to hold Nigeria in the first leg at Kamuzu Stadium, through a late equaliser from substitute John Banda. Football Association of Malawi (Fam) General Secretary Suzgo Nyirenda confirmed that the meeting between the two coaches took place. “The coach said he wanted to meet local coaches in a consultative meeting. It’s something normal. That’s what coaches do. When you are new in a job you consult other

Athletics Championship which takes place in

CRICKET: Nigeria, Jersey gain promotion to ICC Div 5

coaches and try to work with them,” Nyirenda said. “In fact, the coach has already met Jack Chamangwana, Young Chimodzi, John Kaputa and on Friday, yes he met Kinnah.” Though the General Secretary could not give details of the meetings, he confirmed that the meetings were focusing on the Flames World Cup qualifier against Nigeria. So far the coach has lost two games against Zimbabwe and Angola at recently concluded Cosafa Cup. But before the World Cup qualifier against Nigeria, the Flames play a strength-testing match on August 14 possibily against Ethiopia or Jordan.

World Cricket League Division 6 matches on Sunday. The Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 5 is scheduled to be held in early 2014 in Malaysia. In their match against Argentina, Nigeria chose to field first and bowled out Argentina for 185 in 46 overs, with Oluseye Olympio returning stunning figures of 6 for 23. Lucas Paterlini was Argentina’s topscorer with 48. In response, Segun Olayinka scored an unbeaten 94 as Nigeria won by eight wickets.

•Okagbare

Paul Bassey

Continues from BP ea for fielding an ineligible player in their qualifying matches against Cape Verde, the Portuguese Island off the west coast of Africa gained three valuable points and moved into a position in which they are mathematically capable of overtaking Tunisia and earn the pool’s ticket into the 10-team final elimination round. With seven points to Tunisia’s nine, the Blue Sharks will depose the Carthage Eagles and jump into the pot for the Draw that takes place in Cairo on 16th September, if they win at the November 7

Stadium, Rades, outside Tunis. Cape Verde made a sensational debut at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, reaching the tournament quarter finals at the expense of Angola, and had naivety to blame for their defeat to Ghana’s Black Stars. The centre referee for the game is Gambian Bakary Papa Gassama, to be assisted by Eritrean Angesom Ogbamariam (Assistant Referee 1), Rwandan Felicien Kabanda (Assistant Referee 2) and another Gambian, Maudo Jallow as 4th Official.

TRAGEDY ... Christian Benitez

Benitez Continues from BP An El Jaish statement said: “The club would like to offer its sincere condolences to the family of the player. “Benitez had recently joined the club from Club America for three seasons. “The player participated for the first time with the team during yesterday ’s match against Qatar

Sports Club in the Sheikh Jassem Cup without complaining of any health problems. “His sudden departure is a big shock for each member of the technical and administrative staff. He was a player that over the short period he was here was regarded for his high moral character.”

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, JULY 30 , 2013

— Page 54

Benitez is dead!

2014 W/Cup:

Malawi coaches plot against Eagles

ORMER Birming ham striker Christian Benitez has died at the age of 27. The Ecuador international, known as Chucho, suffered a cardiac arrest after he was admitted to hospital with severe stomach pain.

FIFA appoints Bassey to preside over Tunis war

•Flames line up Ethiopia, Jordan friendlies

A L A W I FOOTBALL: Flames coach Tom Saintfiet met his predecessor Kinnah Phiri at Mount Soche in Blantyre on Friday in a consultative meeting ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Nigeria. The meeting comes after the Belgian coach had heaped praise on Kinnah when he was unveiled in Lilongwe describing the former Continues on Page 55

Benitez only last month joined Middle Eastern club El Jaish for £10million. He had been a summer transfer target for Tottenham and was on loan at St Andrew’s in 2009-10. Continues on Page 55

CONTEST: Ivory Coast’s forward Koelly Kevin Zougoula (R) vies for the ball with Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim and Solomon Kwambe during the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifying match on July 27, 2013 in Abidjan. Ivory Coast defeated Nigeria 2 - 0. Nigeria qualify on 43 aggregate. PHOTO / AFP

ESPECTED Niger ia official, Etubom Paul Bassey, has been appointed by world football-governing body, FIFA, as Match Commissioner for the potentially-explosive 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between Tunisia and Cape Verde in Tunis on Saturday, 7th September. Until a couple of weeks ago, the match was set to be a non-issue, but after FIFA penalised Equatorial Guin

Continues on Page 55

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Cease (6) 5 Slash (4) 8 Tranquility (5) 9 Fish (3) 10 Kiln (4) 11 Harvest (4) 12 Devout (5) 13 Decayed (6) 16 Exist (4) 18 Melee (4) 20 Hill (3) 22 Transgression (3) 23 Longing (3) 24 Prong (4) 25 Nibble (4) 28 Net (6) 30 Diadem (5) 32 Lend (4) 33 Expectant (4) 34 Stray (3) 35 Blend (5) 36 Reared (4) 37 Thoroughfare (6)

DOWN 1 Dismal (6) 2 Answer (8) 3 Spade (6) 4 Remorse (9) 5 Tatty (7) 6 Dregs (4) 7 Kind (4) 8 Energy (3) 14 Decry (9) 15 Veto (3) 17 Strive (3) 19 Respite (8) 20 Gratuity (3) 21 Purified (7) 26 Chessman (6) 27 Soul (6) 29 Fluent (4) 30 Domesticated (4) 31 Era (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 3, Adapt 9, Allude 10, Rascal 11, Droop 12, Seep 15, Robe 17, Explode 20, Pry 21, Extra 23, Load 25, Abet 26, Tryst 28, Dip 30, Trouble 33, Item 35, Tied 36, Bluff 38, Accrue 39, Loathe 40, Sweep.

How to Play Sudoku

DOWN: 1, Pause 2, Sleep 3, Add 4, Deride 5, Prod 6, Tap 7, Scoop 8, Alley 13, Exploit 14, Pleat 16, Brittle 18, Exist 19, Eva 22, About 24, Dry 27, Trifle 28, Divan 29, Perch 31, Birth 32, Edged 34, Slew 36, Bus 37, Fop.

TWO WEEKS TO LIVE

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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