Buhari leads, PDP kicks

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62373

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

Shock as Ngige, Adeyemi, Ningi, others lose Senate 9 seats

Govt declares curfew in Rivers

13

Buhari leads, PDP kicks

zWe'll resist rigging, Fani-Kayode vows zAs INEC probes Rivers result

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor, Clifford Ndujihe, Henry Umoru & Jude Opara

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION RESULTS State PDP % APC % Ekiti 176,466 (54.51%) 120,331 (37.17%) 308,290 (51.82%) Ogun 207,950 (34.05%) Enugu 553,003 (89.76%) 14,157 (2.30%) Kogi 149,987 (26.00%) 264,851 (45.91%) Osun 249,929 (36.58%) 383,603 (56.15%) Ondo 251,368 (40.67%) 299,889 (48.52%) FCT 157,195 (45.64%) 146,399 (42.50%) Oyo 303,376 (28.25%) 528,628 (49.23%) Nasarawa 273,460 (48.58%) 236,838 (42.07%) Kwara 132,602 (28.74%) 302,146 (65.48%) Kano 215,779 (9.13%) 1,903,999 (80.53%) Katsina 98,937 (6.27%) 1,345,441 (85.23%) Kebbi 100,972 (14.92%) 567,883 (83.88%) Gombe 96,873 (21.03%) 361,245 (78.43%) Sokoto 152,199 (18.24 %) 671,926 (80.54%) Jigawa 142,904 (12.39%) 885,988 (76.81%) Kaduna 484085 (27.73%) 1,127,760 (64.59%) Anambra 660,762 (85.32) 17,926 (2.32%) Abia 368,303 (83.23%) 13,394 (3.03%) Akwa Ibom 953,304 (92.68%) 58,411 (5.68%) Imo 559,185 (69.75%) 133,253 (16.62%) Plateau 509,615 (47.33%) 429,140 (39.85%) Total 6,798,254 10,101,497 So far, of the 21 states announced by INEC, Jonathan got at least 25 per cent of votes in 15 states and FCT while Buhari scored at least 25 per cent in 16 states and FCT.

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BUJA — ERSTWHILE Head of State, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) was last night sustaining his lead over President Goodluck Jonathan in the declared results of the presidential elections released by the

Continues on Page 5

President Goodluck Jonathan, PDP candidate

8 Mr & Mrs Maj-Gen Muhammadu Buhari, APC candidate

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In sid e

AU, ECOWAS, Commonwealth heads laud Jonathan over polls LARGESSE FROM OIL FIRM: Youths smash palace in Rivers community

US, UK warn against doctoring of polls results

Military frees elderly, children locked up by fleeing terrorists

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POCKET CARTOON

VISIT: President Goodluck Jonathan (2ndright), welcoming the Head, African Union Election Mission, former President Amos Sawyer of Liberia, during the visit of Heads of International Observer Groups to him in Abuja, yesterday. With them are Head, Commonwealth Observers Mission, former President Bakili Muluzi of Malawi (left) and former President John Kuffour of Ghana. Photo: NAN.

Buhari leads as PDP kicks Continues from page 1 Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, last night.

President Jonathan has, however, protested results declared from Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, Katsina and Kogi States, alleging malpractices.

Jonathan’s protest articulated by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was, however, followed by another statement late last night in which it claimed it was not perturbed by the results from the North-West, stronghold of Buhari.

Buhari’s All Progressives Congress, APC, has also protested

the results submitted from Rivers State on the basis that there was no election in the state.

As at the time the commission suspended announcement of results late last night, Buhari had scored 10,101,497 votes from 21 states and the FCT, to President Jonathan, who has so far polled 6,798,254 votes, to second place.

The results were declared by the returning officers from the states.

Of the 21 states declared, Buhari won the polls in 13 states of Ogun, Kogi, Osun, Ondo, Oyo, Kwara, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Gombe, Sokoto, Jigawa and Kaduna.

Jonathan won the polls

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

The comfort zone is the great enemy to creativity; moving beyond it necessitates intuition, which in turn configures new perspectives and conquers fears — Dan Stevens.

H

OW do you define yourself and move beyond the comfort zone in life. Generally, most people define their achievements in comparison to how others are doing.

But a person’s life journey is really about them and no one else. By doing what everyone else does, you limit your abilities and potentials a great deal.

By pushing yourself into new areas, you will have a chance to authentically define who you are, and break free of the limitations of what others think you should be. You become freer to shape your career and your life as you truly want it, and launch into newer vista, which inevitably makes you gain more control of self.

When you step out on your own path, you get to live and work on your own terms. Eventually, you may be forced to break free of the limitations around you anyway. So take charge of your life, and become the one who sets the rules and initiates change.

in eight states namely Ekiti, Enugu, Nasarawa, Anambra, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Imo and Plateau.

Jonathan also won the polls in the FCT. Buhari had so far marshalled more than 25 per cent in 16 states while the president grabbed 25 per cent in 15 of the states so far declared.

The results from Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Lagos, Niger, Rivers, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara were outstanding at press time and would likely be declared today.

The results earlier submitted from Rivers State, however, turned into a matter of investigation after the APC sent a strongly worded petition rejecting the results. The results returned had given Jonathan 1,487,075 votes, representing 95 per cent of the votes.

Under-aged voters

Addressing journalists, yesterday, in Abuja, Deputy National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, gave the seven states the party has petitioned INEC for the cancellation of the polls to include Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, Katsina and Kogi States.

Secondus alleged that in the seven states, underaged children were allowed to vote in

contravention of the Electoral Act and he also alleged that voting took place late in the night in the affected states, adding: “In Kano and some of these states in the North, majority of voters were under-aged. Voting also took place in the night, and you know that in the night rigging can take place. We have completed our reports from the Kano State chapter.”

We'll resist rigging —Fani-Kayode

Also yesterday, PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, PDPPCO, reiterated its claim that its candidate, President Jonathan, was winning the presidential election.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, Director, Media and Publicity of PDPPCO, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode threatened that any attempt to manipulate figures or rig out the PDP from any quarter would be firmly resisted.

Fani- Kayode said: “We wish to take this opportunity to make it clear to the Nigerian public that according to the figures made available to us, we are ahead in the presidential elections by at least two to three million votes.

“We have our own Situation Room and we have collated all our figures from the various polling booths, wards, local government areas

and states in the federation.

“Despite the propaganda of the opposition, we are confident of victory. They and all other stakeholders can be rest assured that we will accept nothing less than the announcement of an election result that is truthful and that reflects the true will of the Nigerian people.

“Any attempt to manipulate figures or to rig us out from any quarter will be firmly resisted.”

INEC probes Rivers result

Announcing the constitution of a highpowered investigation team to investigate the allegation that voting did not take place in Rivers State, the commission in a statement issued by Mr. Kayode Idowu, Chief Press Secretary to INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, said the fact-finding mission would ascertain the veracity of the claims

and allegations and advise it and the Chief Electoral Commissioner/ Returning Officer for the Presidential election appropriately.

Idowu said the committee of National Electoral Commissioners to handle the investigation included Mrs. Thelma Iremirem, Head and Supervisory National Commissioner for Rivers State, Col. M.K Hammanga and Professor Lai Olurode as members.

He said: “They have departed for Rivers State and it is expected that they will submit their report before the end of the collation of results of the other states and the FCT. Following the consideration of the report, the commission will make its decision known."

The PDP also suffered significant losses in the Senate elections.

The APC swept the three seats in Kogi, Oyo, Lagos, Kwara, Kebbi and Sokoto.

The PDP, however, won in Abia, Imo and Ebonyi.

Uphold tenets of transparency, Abdulsalami, Kukah charge INEC, security forces

By Caleb Ayansina

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BUJA — THE National Peace Committee, yesterday, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the security agencies to uphold the tenet of transparency and accountability in the ongoing collation of the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections.

The committee in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman and Coordinator, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and Bishop Matthew

Hassan Kukah respectively in Abuja urged Nigerians to remain calm as the country awaits the result.

The statement said: “We, therefore, appeal to our citizens to remain calm, to the INEC to ensure that its officials along with party agents uphold the tenets of transparency and accountability that the body has so much espoused.

“We call on the security agencies to remain vigilant and neutral. We renew our trust in the leadership of the INEC and its commitment to doing the right thing."

6—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

Man, 48, charged with stealing N100m

By Bartholomew Madukwe

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48-year-old man, Giles Nwokolo, has been charged before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court in Lagos, for allegedly stealing N100 milion, property of Nestle Foods Nigeria Plc. Nwokolo was accused to have fraudulently tricked Nestle Foods Nigeria Plc into paying him N100 million, which is greater than the quantity of services he rendered to the company.

According to the charge, the accused, being a staff of Fobim Investment Ltd, with intent to defraud Nestle Foods Nigeria Plc, did fraudulently forged some terminal invoices used in collecting terminal charges from the company.

The accused was arraigned by the police on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, fraud and stealing.

One of the charges read: “That you Giles Nwokolo, being a staff of Fobim Investment Ltd, sometime between 2009 at Fobim Investment Ltd, 23 Caulcrick Crescent, Apapa, Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did steal about N100 million, property of Nestle Foods Nigeria Plc.” Police prosecutor, Inspector Eranus Nnamonu, informed the court that the offence was contrary and punishable under Section 278 of Criminal Code, Cap 42 Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

However, when the charge was read to the accused before Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe, he pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate Komolafe granted the accused bail in the sum of N1 million, with two sureties that are to be blood relatives and must show evidence of three years tax payment.

The matter was adjourned to April 23.

Oyo State Commissioner of Police Muhammad Katsina (left), parading suspected jail breakers from Ado Ekiti prisons, yesterday. PHOTO: Dare Fasube.

Kidnapper of judge's wife to die by hanging zAccomplices jailed 19 years

By Festus Ahon

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SABA—A Delta State High Court sitting at Ughelli in Delta State has sentenced one David Tamarakpo Pade to death by hanging for armed robbery and kidnapping of wife of a retired judge of the Court of Appeal, Mrs. Roli Awala.

The court also sentenced two of his accomplices to a total of 19 years in jail with hard labour for the same offence.

The court, presided over by Justice Ebiowe Tobi, found the three accused persons guilty on various counts, while delivering its verdict amidst tight security for the trial that lasted several hours.

The court proceedings were, however, intermittently interrupted by several deafening sounds of explosives, which were later discovered to be sounds of traditional canon fired to herald the arrival of party leaders to a campaign rally held very close to the court premises.

Herbalist jailed

The convicted kidnappers include a popular herbalist, Moses Omiovwobese, who was sentenced to two years in jail for accessory on grounds that the kidnapped victim, 54 years old Mrs. Roli Awala was rescued from his shrine by the Police.

He was discharged and acquitted on the other fourcount charge, while first accused, a 39-year-old Happy Opute, driver to the retired Court of Appeal Jurist, Honourable Justice A. P. A. Awala, was found guilty only on the count of conspiracy to

commit kidnapping and was slammed with seven years jail term with hard labour.

The second accused person, David Tamarakpo Pade, was not that lucky as he was sentenced to death after being found guilty of four of the five count charges, including that of armed robbery.

An Assistant Director from Delta State Ministry of Justice

had told the court that the three accused persons with two others now at large, on or about August 5, 2009, at Ireden Crescent, GRA Warri, within the Warri Judicial Division, kidnapped one Mrs. Roli Awala and held her for six days before she was rescued.

He also told the court that they robbed the victim, her husband and daughter of their

mobile phone and Honda salon car, while armed with a gun.

The kidnappers were said to have asked for an initial ransom of N50 million, but later reduced it to N25 million before she could be released.

The court, however, discharged them on the count of demanding property with menace.

Suspected transformer vandal nabbed in Calabar

By Ike Uchechukwu

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ALABAR—NEMESIS caught up with 30-year-old Eyo Inyang Effiom in the early hours of yesterday, as he was apprehended by a vigilante group at Edgerton Street in Calabar, Cross River State, while trying to vandalize a transformer in the area.

Vanguard learned that Eyo, who had been allegedly vandalizing transformers in the locality for more than two years, was caught around 2a.m. by the vigilante while he was trying to remove the armoured cable from a transformer at Edgerton Street, by John Stone Street, Calabar South.

A member of the vigilante, Mr. Nkpama Asim, told Vanguard that he saw someone loitering around the transformer at about 1a.m. this morning and then alerted other members of the group, who laid an ambush.

He said: “We knew he was the one because we chased him from a transformer he was trying to vandalize sometime last month, but he escaped with some machete cuts.

“Immediately I saw I him, I recognized him and alerted my colleagues with our signal and we ambushed him.”

Asim said the suspect and his group had been vandalizing transformers in and around the metropolis for over two years.

A community leader in the area, Chief Ika Affiong, said Eyo and his gang had been removing armoured cable and other components from the transformers in the area for a very long time, despite the protective gears put on transformers in Calabar.

He said: “We are really surprised because Eyo lives in this neighbourhood; his house is just at 4, John Stone.

“He has been doing this consistently for two years now.

This is the second time in March alone. But the burden has been on us to replace any component that is vandalized.

“But for Mr. Uwem Eshiet, who runs a cold room, that took it on himself to provide the funds most times, we would be in darkness for years.

“The armoured cable alone cost N60,000. We are glad that

a vigilante was set up to check these criminals.”

Mr. Eshiet told Vanguard: “Because of these hoodlums, I have spent more than N1.5 million in trying to ensure that there is electricity in the area.”

Eyo told Vanguard: “When I steal the cable, I have an Alhaji at Bogobiri that comes with his vehicle as early as 3a.m. to carry the items and pay me cash.”

Confusion as gunmen

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

WERRI—THERE was stampede and confusion as a man suspected to be in his late 20s was on Sunday night shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Owerri, Imo State capital.

The deceased, who was identified as Chibuike Omaka, alias Mbele, was also said to hail from Ohafia in Abia State, but resides somewhere along Old Nekede Road, with members of his family.

Although it was not clear at press time the destination of

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015—7

Petrol tanker crushes plantain seller, buyer to death in Delta

By Ochuko Akuopha

T

RAGEDY struck at Ozoro in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, weekend, as two persons, including a plantain seller, were crushed by a petrol tanker.

It was gathered that the woman was selling roasted plantains and yams at her kiosk close to the fence of a filling station in the community, while the other victim had stopped by

to buy some of the items when they met their untimely death.

Sources said the tanker had discharged its content and was trying to get out of the premises when it rammed into the fence, pulling it down and crushing the victims.

An eyewitness, who craved anonymity, told Vanguard that the driver of the tanker was discussing with one of the pump attendants, when the conductor attempted to pull the

heavy duty vehicle out of the filling station.

“The conductor was trying to reverse the vehicle. He lost control and rammed into the fence,” the eyewitness said, adding that the victims died on the spot.

“The other victim, a young man, had boarded a motorcycle and was on his way to his community, where he wanted to cast his vote for the presidential and National Assembly elections the next day, but decided to stop and buy some

roasted plantain,” the eyewitnees added.

Disclosing that the bodies of the deceased had been deposited in a mortuary in the community, he said the conductor was in the custody of the Ozoro Police Divisional headquarters.

Contacted, Divisional Police Officer in charge of the division, Mr. Evans Onomuighokpo, said he had not been properly briefed, but a senior police officer in the division confirmed the incident.

50 killed in Saturday’s elections— NHRC

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

A suspected gunrunner from Saki, in Oyo State, paraded with arms and ammunition recoverd from him, yesterday.

PHOTO: Dare Fasube.

n kill man in Owerri the deceased, investigations revealed that Omaka was gunned down at a point opposite FCMB Bank, along Mbaise Road, Owerri.

While some people claimed that the incident was a war between rival cult groups, others claimed that late Omaka was a terror to the inhabitants of Old Nekede Road.

It was also gathered that Omaka migrated to Lagos since last year, but probably returned to Owerri to cast his vote in the just-concluded presidential and National

Assembly elections.

A man, who claimed to be an eyewitness, said: “The late man was trying to board a commercial tricycle, Keke NAPEP, with a young lady when the unidentified assassins struck.

“The four gun-wielding young men shot him at close range. He died on the spot, while the gunmen quickly escaped.”

Vanguard gathered that a team of policemen arrived the scene shortly afterwards and moved the late man’s remains to an unknown mortuary.

BUJA—THE National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, yesterday, bemoaned the fact that no fewer than 50 persons were killed during and after last Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections.

However, the commission, via a statement it issued in Abuja yesterday, commended Nigerians for refusing to be intimidated or discouraged by operational and logistical hiccups that trailed the election in various parts of the country.

The statement was signed by the Chairman, Governing Council of NHRC, Professor Chidi Odinkalu.

The commission noted that there had been incidents, reports and allegations of various forms of violence, including some reported attacks by extremists in some parts of North-Eastern Nigeria, which it said was designed to frustrate the electoral process.

It said that varying acts of violence, which resulted in fatalities were reported in Akwa Ibom, Borno, Bauchi, Edo, Gombe, Lagos, Osun, Rivers, and Yobe states.

It said: ”At the end of yesterday, the number of persons reported killed in these attacks and incidents is over 50.

“This number includes one state legislator, a community leader and two ad hoc election staff of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, allegedly killed in an extremist attack in Gombe State, as well as the killing of an officer of the Nigerian Armed Forces in Rivers State.

“There were also reported cases of injuries from politicallymotivated violence in Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Lagos, and Kano states as well as allegations of snatching of ballot boxes, card readers and related election materials in some states, including Akwa Ibom, Benue, Gombe, Imo, Niger and Rivers states.”

It stressed that there were also isolated but very worrying reports of arson attacks on assets of INEC and that of Police in some parts of the Niger Delta.

It blamed the incidents on widespread availability of small arms and light weapons in some parts of the country, especially in parts of Akwa Ibom, Imo, Delta, Rivers, and Benue states.

VOTERS' FIGHT: One dead, 2 injured in Zamfara

By Salisu Maradun

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USAU— ONE person lost his life last weekend in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, while two others sustained injuries, following their insistence to vote in the area, when they were not qualified to do so.

The deceased and the two others injured were said to have insisted on voting in a polling unit in the area, despite warning from other voters that they were not to vote.

It was learned that their

refusal to heed the warning resulted in a fight with other voters, following which the deceased (names withheld) was axed and he died instantly, while the two others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment in an unnamed hospital.

Chairman of the local government, Alhaji Mustapha Anka, said it was true that the tragedy occurred, but that security agents were called in, who immediately restored order to the area before things got out of hands.

16 pirates killed, 2 arrested

By Dayo Johnson

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KURE—A bloody shoot-out between some soldiers and suspected pirates at Igbokoda area of Ondo State has led to the death of 16 of the hoodlums.

Three gun boats, arms, ammunition and cutlasses were recovered by the security operatives from the suspects arrested.

Two of their leaders, Akpos Atuwase, 21, and Ikes Omosebi, 32, were also arrested by the soldiers.

Vanguard gathered that the suspected pirates had been terrorizing the people of the oil-rich communities in recent times.

Security operatives, acting on tip-off, ambushed the suspects on the high sea and a shootout reportedly ensued, which lasted for about 30 minutes.

The Police Commissioner, Isaac Eke, said the pirates also operated as armed robbers, who robbed four banks in Owo area of the state last week.

Thugs sack Federal High Court in Bayelsa

By Kingsley Omonobi & Samuel Oyadongha

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BOUT 15 lawyers, among them a pregnant woman and two Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), yesterday escaped death in a stampede triggered by the invasion of the Federal High Court, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, by suspected thugs over the suit between Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and Foster Ogola.

The incumbent Senator, Lokpobiri, is challenging the choice of Ogola as the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the Bayelsa West senatorial district.

The thugs stormed the court premises located along Capt. Amangala Road, at about 10a.m. over reports that the court would deliver judgement on the case.

The state Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr. Tony Okorodas, was among the lawyers that escaped from the premises.

8 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

US, UK warn against manipulation of elections results T

HE American and British governments yesterday voiced fears over possible political interference in the vote count, as Nigeria awaited the results of weekend elections and warned Nigerian officials against manipulating the presidential, national assembly elections results US Secretary of State John Kerry and his British counterpart Philip Hammond said “we have seen no evidence of systemic manipulation of the process. But there are disturbing indications that the collation process — where the votes are finally counted — may be subject to deliberate political interference,” the two diplomats said in a joint statement.

The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, however dismissed the insinuation.

“There is absolutely no basis for that at all,” commission spokesman Kayode Idowu told AFP. “There is no interference at all.

We are about to start the collation process. We have no evidence of political interference,” he added.

In the joint statement, both the U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry and U.K. Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond, commended Nigerians on the peaceful conduct of last Saturday’s elections.

According to them, “our governments welcome the largely

E

INEC COLLATING RESULTS: From left; Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC Commissioner, Engr. Dr Nuru Yakubu; INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega and INEC official, Abdullahi Usman collating results of the presidential election in Abuja, yesterday. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan. peaceful vote on March 28. The Nigerian people have shown a commendable determination to register their vote and choose their leaders. ''Till the end of the voting process, our monitors did not see any evidence of systemic manipulation of the process. But there are disturbing indications that the collation process—where

the votes are finally counted— may be subject to deliberate political interference.

“This would contravene the letter and spirit of the Abuja Accord, to which both major parties committed themselves.

The Governments of the United States and the United Kingdom would be very concerned by any attempts to undermine the

independence of the Electoral Commission (INEC), or its Chairman, Professor Jega; or in any way distort the expressed will of the Nigerian people.”

There were concerns across the country that the Nigerian authorities were plotting to manipulate the results of the election to swing victory in favour of President Goodluck Jonathan.

EU okays election, says no evidence of manipulation ...Slams govt-owned, private media for flouting coverage code

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BUJA—AS the results of the elections held in Nigeria last Saturday were being collated yesterday, the European Union affirmed that there was no evidence of systematic manipulation of the electoral process by the stakeholders.

The European Union Election Observation Mission in Nigeria made the submission in its preliminary findings released in Abuja yesterday.

The EUEOMIN Chief, Santiago Fisas, told journalists that although the highly competitive election tested the Nigerian electoral arrangements, systematic weaknesses left the process open to abuse by electoral contenders.

The mission also noted that there was misuse of incumbency by parties at the federal and state levels occasioned by escalating incidents of violence and intimidation.

The mission gave the Independent National Electoral Commission a pat on the back, saying that it ‘’appears to have performed impartially in difficult circumstances while stakeholders at a local level report confidence

Eight suspected Boko Haram fighters killed in Gombe, Bauchi

in its work”.

The mission however noted that there were increasing violent campaign incidents in all parts of the country resulting in more than 82 persons killed since early January.

It noted with concern that escalating violence and hate speech continued unabated despite the sealing of peace accords by the candidates in all the states and the FCT, while campaign violations mostly related to incumbency advantage, remained unaddressed by the government.

The EU said that while Nigerian voters were able to access a variety of views via the media, government controlled broadcast media failed to comply with legal requirements on equitable coverage, clearly giving advantage to the incumbent administration at the federal and state levels.

It noted: “Such bias by the state-controlled media remained essentially unchallenged by the regulatory body, the National Broadcast Commission.

Positively, some private media

offered relatively balanced and diverse coverage of the election.”

“The results of the EU EOM media monitoring demonstrate the failure of the federal and state government-controlled broadcast media to adhere to the existing legal framework requiring equitable coverage of the political contestants and stipulating that the state media shall not be employed to the advantage or disadvantage of any contestant.

“The NTA and the FRCN, the only media with nation-wide reach, clearly favoured the ruling PDP. In prime-time news, the PDP received 57 percent of NTA’s political coverage, and 43 percent of FRCN’s. ''Additionally, the incumbent gained extra airtime through coverage of Presidential and Federal Government activities, which amounted to another 27 percent of NTA and 35 of FRCN’s.

“In contrast to PDP’s total 44 percent coverage, APC received 11 percent on NTA, and on FRCN PDP’s 78 percent contrasts with APC’s 13 percent.

Inequalities were even more

apparent in other prime-time programmes.

“Private TV, AIT and radio, Ray Power, both owned by DAAR Communications, also failed to offer equitable coverage, providing significant larger shares of their editorial coverage to PDP. AIT TV and to some extent, NTA, aired sponsored programmes that damned APC’s key political figures, further inflaming a tensed volatile campaign environment.

“In contrast, Channels TV demonstrated generally balanced reporting of key political contestants.

The views expressed by the EU Election Observation Mission was adopted by the European Parliament, whose Chairman, Javier Nart, was present at the Abuja briefing.

The EUEOMIN is expected to release its final report on the election in May. The Mission was invited by INEC to monitor the elections in Nigeria.

The mission observed the March 28 election with a team of 90 observers from 25 EU member states, Norway and Switzerland

IGHT suspected Boko Haram fighters were killed yesterday during fighting in Gombe and Bauchi states, police, residents and local hunters said.

Gunmen believed to be Islamist militants have been roaming Bauchi and neighbouring Gombe since the weekend, when there was a series of attacks on polling stations during the general elections.

On Monday, Babakarami Sunusi, who lives in Gombe Abba, about 10 kilometres (6.25 miles) from Dukku, in Gombe state said four gunmen were killed.

According to him, gunmen in several vehicles arrived in the village around 4:30 am and were intercepted by soldiers who engaged them in a gunfight.

“The soldiers killed four of the gunmen and captured one, and the rest of the gunmen fled.”, he said Idi Male, a local hunter in the area gave a similar account, saying: “They (the gunmen) went into the hills outside the village but they were pursued by local hunters.

The hunters are yet to return.”

Bauchi state police spokesman Haruna Mohammed said police and local vigilantes “got wind of the approaching hoodlums and engaged them in a fierce gun battle” at about 7:30 am in Tafawa Balewa.

Four gunmen were killed and four of their 18 four-wheel drive pick-up trucks mounted with heavy machine guns were seized, with empty shells and ammunition.

“Meanwhile, the same hoodlums went back to Jitar village in Bauchi Local Government Area and killed three vigilante members,” Mohammed added.

“The entire surrounding has been cordoned off by combined security forces and (an) intensive patrol is ongoing to flush out fleeing miscreants”, he said.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 — 9

AU, ECOWAS, Commonwealth heads laud Jonathan over polls

By Ben Agande

A

BUJA—THE heads of the Commonwealth, African Union and ECOWAS Election monitoring teams have commended President Goodluck Jonathan for organising successful, credible and fair elections.

Addressing state House correspondents after meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan, the leader of the ECOWAS team, former President John Kuffour of Ghana said the success recorded during the election was as a result of the leadership provided by president Jonathan.

According to President Kuffour, Nigerians must continue to maintain the peace throughout the election process “so that at the end of the day the people of Nigeria will be satisfied with themselves that they use the process to get the government they want and they deserve”.

He said: “We have been in the country with our groups observing all over the country, now we have come to a point where from what we have seen, I’m sure you heard from some of us yesterday (Sunday) that the elections have been peaceful, transparent and credible up till yesterday. ''We appreciate the processes not yet done till the results are declared then of course the aftermath of the declaration. But we have come this far and we wanted to give an interim reports to the authorities that mandated us to come and to the world and to Nigerians in

particular, to let everybody know that Nigeria so far has been at peace with the process and so we appeal to Nigeria to continue in this mood throughout the entire process. So that at the end of the day the people of Nigeria will be satisfied with themselves that they use the process to get the government they want and they deserve.

“Nigeria succeeding will be not only in Nigeria but to West Africa and to the continent, we will all be made proud of the success here achieved by Nigerians for themselves and for all of us.

“At this point some of us must go back to our homes and we couldn’t go without coming to the

State House here to the President and the Vice for the good work they have done.

Because it is under their watch that this peaceful, transparent, credible elections has been happening and is natural they be congratulated for the work done so far.

“That is why we came to pay respect to the President, his vice more or less to ask leave to go.

Of course leaving the rest of our observer team behind to see through the entire process hoping it will reach very successful conclusions so they make final reports to world” he said.

President Jonathan had earlier

met with the Leaders of the African Union, ECOWAS and Commonwealth Observer missions at the Presidential Villa.

The former President of Ghana and leader of the ECOWAS Election Monitoring Delegation, John Kuffour, former President of Malawai and leader of the Commonwealth Monitoring team, Barili Muluzi and former President of Liberia and AU Monitoring team leader, Amos Sawyer met President Jonathan and Vice president Namadi Sambo in one of the conference rooms near the president’s office. The meeting which started at 3:30 behind closed doors ended thirty minutes later.

The All Progressives Congress, APC Presidential Campaign office decorated ahead of the declaration of the 2015 Presidential Elections that is being released in batches by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the Elections Collation Centre, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida

Shock as Ngige, Adeyemi, Ningi, others lose senate seats ...Mark, Ekweremadu, Akume, Gemade return

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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BUJA—WHAT may be described as election tsunami has hit the senate following the recent declaration of the National Assembly election results which took place last Saturday as some Senators regarded as ‘big boys’ like Senators Chris Ngige, Smart Adeyemi, Olubunmi Adetunbi among others lost their bid to come back to the Red Chamber.

Also on the losing list was the Senate Deputy Leader, Abdul Ningi, PDP, Bauchi Central who lost his seat to the All Progressives Congress.

But apart from Senator Ningi, other principal officers like the Senate President, David Mark who is returning to the senate for the fifth times, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, the Minority Leader, George Akume among others retained their seats.

Senator Chris Ngige representing Anambra Central from the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, lost the seat to a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Uche Ekwunife of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Smart Adeyemi, Kogi West, who is one of the prominent PDP Senators lost his seat to Hon. Dino Melaye, while the PDP candidate from Ekiti North took over Senator Olubunmi Adetunbi of the APC. Senator Mark scored 99,538 votes to defeat his opponent of the APC, Daniel Onje, who scored a total vote of 50,115, while Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, PDP Abia South scored 1011433 to beat his challenger from the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, that had 70,502 votes.

Senator Banabas Gemade who also lost the PDP primary ticket to Governor Gabriel Suswan was returned on the APC platform.

A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Deputy Senate President, Uche Anichukwu, said that Ekweremadu, PDP, Enugu West was declared winner having polled 120,075 out of the 123,286 valid votes cast in the Saturday, March 28 senatorial election.

According to Anichukwu, the result, which was announced at Awgu Collation Centre by INEC returning Officer, Professor Fab Onah, showed that 10 candidates contested the election with Ekweremadu’s closest rival, Honourable (Mrs) Luisa Achieze of APC, who scored 2,314 votes.

Senator Ekweremadu in his acceptance speech said his election was a renewal of a political covenant with his people.

He thanked the electorate of Enugu West, the PDP family, clergies, traditional institutions

and his members of staff for standing by him when the going was tough.

He said, “About six months ago, it was rather difficult for many people to believe that we would get to this point but eventually, we are here today. It is another evidence that there is God in heaven and I give Him all the glory.

“My commitment to Enugu people and Enugu West in particular has been renewed today. For me, I have the responsibility to serve them much better. I am conscious of the fact that my primary responsibility as a parliamentarian is to make laws and to oversight the executive.

“Also, I am committed to seeing to it that my people are well catered for by providing infrastructure and attracting projects generally to Enugu State and Enugu West in particular. I am committed to empowering the people to ensure they earn a living.”

ALLEGED MALPRACTICES: PDP asks INEC to cancel results in Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, others

By Henry Umoru

A

B U J A — N AT I O N A L leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP disclosed yesterday that it has written a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to cancel the results of seven states in last Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections over what it described as electoral malpractices.

Addressing journalists yesterday in Abuja, Deputy National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus listed the seven states as Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, Katsina and Kogi States, adding that based on concrete facts collated by the party agents on the field, the party had already petitioned the INEC through its Resident Electoral Commissioners, RECs in the affected states.

Secondus, who alleged that in the seven states, under-aged were allowed to vote in contravention of the Electoral Act, also said voting took place late in the night in the affected states.

Secondus declared that the conducts of the election in the affected states were characterised by under-aged voting, mid-night voting, voting to rig and insurgency attacks on voters in connivance with the officials of INEC. According to him,”We want to put the entire world on notice the evil plans of the main opposition, the All Progressive Congress, APC, in their clandestine meetings of releasing unauthorised election results by the INEC to the members of the public.

“The sole aim of this is to mislead Nigerians and the international community though their propaganda machinery. We believe in the rule of law and the electoral law as amended.

“As we speak, our state chapters have petitioned to the state Resident Electoral Commissioners and were on their way to Abuja to submit similar ones at the C o m m i s s i o n ’ s Headquarters to its Chairman, Professor Jega because we are being guided by law.''

10—

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY RESULTS

Kashamu, 2 APC candidates win Senate seats in Ogun •as Obadara, Kaka, Clark’s wife lose out

T

HE PEOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, candidates won all the three senatorial seats and six seats in the House of Representatives in the election conducted on Saturday in Ekiti State.

According to Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, former Deputy Governor to Governor Ayodele Fayose, Mrs Biodun Olujimi scored a total vote of 62,344 to defeat the incumbent Senator Tony Adeniyi of the APC. Also,in Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Hon. Fatimat Raji-Rasaki of the PDP polled 54,459 votes to defeat Mr Gbenga Olofin of the APC, who scored 41,607.

While in Ekiti North Senatorial District of the state, Hon. Duro Faseyi, a former member of the House of Representatives and PDP candidate scored 50,023 to defeat the incumbent and candidate of the APC, Senator Olubunmi Adetumbi In the House of representatives, Mr Ayotunde Oladimeji of the PDP scored 35,494 to defeat former Commissioner for Environment under Kayode Fayemi-led administration and APC candidate, Dr Eniola Ajayi, who scored 17,768 in Ado/Irepodun /Ifelodun Federal constituency.

In Ikole/Oye Federal constituency, Mr Kehinde Agboola of the PDP polled 24, 129 to defeat a serving member of the House of Representatives and APC candidate, Hon. Bimbo Daramola of the APC, who scored 17,768.

Others include: Ido-Osi/ Moba/Ilejemeje, Chief Thaddeus Aina of the PDP who polled 23,585 to defeat Hon. Robinson Ajiboye of the APC, 15,834.

For Ijero/EkitiWest/Efon Federal constituency, Mr Gboyega Oni of the PDP, 27,658, to defeat an in-law to the former governor of Lagos State,Senator Bola Tinubu, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo of the APC, who polled 20, 083.

Also in Emure/Gbonyin/Ekiti East Federal constituency, Hon. Akin Awodumila of the PDP, polled 25,648, to defeat Hon. Bamidele Faparusi who scored 17,473, for Ekiti South-West/Ikere/IseOrun Federal constituency, PDP polled 33,288,while APC scored 19,432 votes.

OYO These are the results of the National Assembly election in Oyo. APC won all the three senatorial seats- Oyo North, Fatai Buhari, Oyo South, Soji Akanbi and Oyo Central, Ms Monsurat Sunmonu, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

APC won 12 seats in the House of Representatives, Labour Party, 1 and PDP 1.

OGUN Chairman of Mobilisation and Organisation Committee of the People’s Democratic Party in South West and two candidates of the All Progressives Congress for Senatorial seats in the state have emerged winners of the election.

Kashamu who polled 99,540 defeated the incumbent Senator of Ogun East Senatorial District, Senator Adegbenga Kaka who is the candidate of the Social Democratic Party and the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Dapo Abiodun.

But, the APC candidates won the remaining two Senatorial seats in Ogun West and Central having defeated the candidates of the PDP and SDP. The APC candidates who won the Senatorial seats include Prince Lanre Tejuoso of and Gbokahan Dada for Ogun Central and West respectively.

Also, the APC won seven House of Representatives seats out of nine in the state.

Though, the results had not been declared by officials of INEC as at the time of filing the report, feelers from the commission indicated that Kashamu scored 99,540 while Kaka of SDP scored 12,972 and Abiodun scored 84,001 At the Ogun Central, the incumbent Senator in the district, Senator Gbenga Obadara of SDP and wife of an Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, Bisola Sodipo-Clark of the PDP lost.

OSUN The result signed and made available to newsmen in Osogbo yesterday by the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola indicates that Senator Babajide Omoworare emerged the Senator-elect for Osun East Senatorial District with 101,352 votes to defeat the PDP candidate, Prince Francis Fadahunsi who scored 99,166.

For Osun West, Prof. Sola Adeyeye of APC scored 137,379 to floor the PDP candidate, Chief Oluwole Aina who scored 82,529 while Senator Adetunji Adeleke of APC scored 133,009 votes to defeat the PDP candidate, Senator Olasunkanmi Akinlabi with 79,296 votes.

Also, out of the nine federal constituencies of the state, the APC won seven constituencies while the PDP won the remaining two federal constituencies.

LAGOS Gbajabiamila of the All Progressives Congress, APC,) on Monday emerged winner at the Surulere Federal Constituency l of Lagos State, in the House of Representatives elections held on Saturday.

Prof. Ngozi Osarenren and Prof. Grace Otinwa, INEC Returning Officers of the election for Surulere Constituency 1 and 2

OYO Oyo North APC = 104,056 Labour = 75,469 PDP = 50, 480 Accord = 35,220 Oyo Central APC = 105,378 Accord = 84,675 PDP = 44, 045 Labour = 27,490 SDP = 7,362 Oyo South APC = 147,583 accord = 93,256 PDP = 47,152 LP = 28,993 SDP = 11,541 EKITI PDP = 62,344 APC Ekiti Central PDP = 54,459 APC = 41,607 Ekiti North PDP =50,023 APC House of Reps /Irepodun / Ifelodun Federal constituency.

PDP= 35,494 APC= 17,768 Ikole/Oye Federal constituency PDP = 24, 129 APC= 17,768 Ijero/EkitiWest/Efon Federal constituency PDP= 27,658 APC= 20, 083.

Emure/Gbonyin/Ekiti East Federal constituency PDP= 25,648 APC =17,473 Ekiti South -West/Ikere/IseOrun Federal Constituency PDP= 33,288 APC = 19,432 votes

Ilaje/Ese-Odo PDP won Akure South/North APC= 58,436 PDP= 24,992 Idanre/Ifedore APC= 21,404 PDP= 20754 Odigbo/Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo PDP won Okitipupa/Irele PDP won Ondo Northern Senatorial district APC= 102, 843 PDP= 76,751 Ondo Central Senatorial District APC= 106,747 PDP= 77,296 Ondo Southern Senatorial District: The result is yet to be officially announced by INEC. The break down in Osun State is as follows 1.

Irepodun/Olorunda/ Osogbo/ Orolu: Yusuf Sulaimon Lasun; APC: 7,3678. Bashiru Olanrewaju PDP: 33,783.

2. Obokun/Oriade: Bisayo Oke PDP: 22,102. Nathaniel Agunbiade APC: 20,059.

3. Ede North/South/Egbedore/ Ejigbo: Mojeed Alabi APC 52,029. Oguntola Oladiipo 33,851.

4. Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan: Ayo Omidiran: APC - 36,538.

Olayiwola Falabi: PDP - 25,679 5. Ife Central/North/South/ East: Albert Adeogun PDP 51,341. Makinde Rotimi, APC 41,062.

6. Boluwaduro/ Ifedayo/Ila: Olufemi Fakeye APC - 19,281.

Akanmu Ismaila PDP - 16,852.

7. Odo-Otin/Ifelodun/Boripe: Adeyinka Ajayi: APC - 39,145.

Olukayode Oduoye - 29,690.

8. Atakumosa East/ West/ Ilesa East/ West: Ajibola Famurewa APC - 38,133. Olowofoyeku Ayotunde: PDP - 21,463.

9. Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa: Akintayo Gafaru APC - 32,742.

Ajani Tajudeen: PDP - 23,115.

respectively, declared results at the Surulere Collation Centre.

Gbajabiamila won by 21, 715 votes, while Mr Tony Ashi Kodi of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, came second with 14,550 votes.

Mr Taiwo Suraj of Labour Party, LP, came third with 487 votes while Mr Omonusi John of Alliance for Democracy, AD, came fourth with 125 votes.

At the Surulere Constituency ll, Mr Olatunji Soyinka of PDP emerged winner with 41,348 votes while Mr Hakeem Bamgbola of APC came second with 28, 718 votes and Mr Saka Olajide of AD came third with 175 votes.

BAUCHI All Progress Congress, APC, candidate, Isa Hamman Misau has unseated the Senate Leader, Senator Abdul Ningi of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in his bid to return to the Senate.

The collation officer for the Bauchi Central, Dr Mohammed Salisu Yakubu, while declaring the results yestreday, announced that Misau scored 208,741 votes while Senator Ningi scored 57, 172 votes.

The results of the Bauchi North Senatorial District showed that Senator Nazif Gamawa defeated Alhaji Faruq Mustapha of the PDP to secure the senate seat.

While declaring the result in Azare, headquarters of the House of Represenatives District on Monday, the INEC Owo/Ose Collation Officer for the Bauchi APC= 36,204 North Senatorial election, Dr Muhammed Adamu, said Nazif PDP= 28,074 polled 197,919 votes to beat Akoko North East/West APC won the seat Mustapha, who scored 97,047.

Similarly Ahmed Yerima of the Akoko South West/East APC who contested for the APC won the seat Misau/Dambam Federal constituency scored a total of 59,359 votes to emerge winner.

Yerima defeated the candidates of PDP Abdullahi Gwaram and that of PDM, Ibrahim Makama who scored 13,153 and 2457 votes respectively.

The Returning Officer, Dr Abdullahi Abdulhamid also announced that Alhaji Ibrahim From left: Mr. Hakeem Bello, Special Adviser to the Governor, Muhammed-Baba of Media, Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, and Mr. Lateef the All Progressive Congress, APC, has Ibirogba, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, during the won the Katagum briefing on fears by the state workers over strange election news Federal Constituency from social media, at Lagos House, Alausa, Lagos, yesterday.Photo: House of Bunmi Azeez.

Representatives election. win the Darazo/Ganjuwa Meanwhile, returning Officer Mohammed described the Federal Constituency seat. for the House of election as the “most peaceful, ABIA Representatives election in the free, fair and orderly ever In the senatorial contest, constituency, Darazo/Ganjuwa, conducted in the country.”

Governor Theodore Orji of Mohammed Mohammed, In a similar vein, Returning PDP was declared winner of declared in Azare that Officer for Darazo/Ganjuwa, Dr the the Abia Central Muhammed-Baba of the APC Sabo Hamma has declared constituency with a total vote polled 38 151 votes, to defeat his that the APC candidate, Haliru of 65,653 to beat his closest opponent, Alhaji Awalu Jika has scored a total of 78, 243 rival, APGA candidate, Chief Gwalabe of the PDP, who scored votes to beat the PDP Emmanuel Ahmadi Nweke 23, 535 votes. candidate, Mustapha Hassan to who got 46,070 votes.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 —11

Kashamu bribed voters during election —APC zGo to tribunal with your evidence —Kashamu A

By Daud Olatunji

BEOKUTA—THE All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ogun State has accused a Senator-elect, Prince Buruji Kashamu, of inducing voters during Saturday’s national assembly elections in Ogun East Senatorial District in which Buruji Kashamu emerged winner.

The deputy director of Senator Ibikunle Amosun Campaign Organisation, Bisi Adegbuyi, stated this during a press briefing in Abeokuta on Monday, claiming that it was "marred by gross irregularities, inducement and intimidation of voters, manipulation and falsification of the results.”

The party, however, vowed to contest the result at the tribunal, maintaining that Kashamu allegedly induced voters, manipulated and falsified results of the polls.

At the election, the APC’s candidate for the Ogun East Senatorial District, Dapo Abiodun, the party’s candidates for Remo and Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside federal constituencies, Olayinka Odufuwa and Sulaiman Olubiyi respectively lost in the election.

Adegbuyi, said the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, did not reflect the wishes of the people of Ogun East, describing the election as a mere charade.

ELECTION:

A

He said the party has “incontrovertible evidence of the manipulations that took place and the roles played by certain individuals.”

According to him,”We therefore reject the results of the national assembly elections, particularly the one for the senatorial seat and the two federal constituencies, Remo and Ijebu North/Ijebu East/ Ogun Waterside.

“We want the entire world to know that the results as announced by INEC reflect predetermined, manipulated and

fictitious figures forged by a rigging machinery of the PDP led by its senatorial candidate, Mr. Buruji Kashamu.

“The APC is determined to challenge the results of the Ogun East senatorial elections and the two House of Representatives seats within the confines of the law.”

But, in his reaction, Kashamu denied the allegations, saying the claims by the APC are totally unfounded.

Kashamu who spoke through his media aide, Austin Oniyokor,

noted that if there was rigging and intimidation, as alleged, the accusers should supply the details.

He said: “Ordinarily, we would not have dignified them with a response. You can see that the statement is loud in noise and lacking in substance.

“If they say there was rigging, intimidation and manipulation during the election, they should supply the details, rather than hiding under some nebulous excuses that say nothing."

KURE—BASKING in the euphoria of its performance in the general elections, the APC in Ondo State yesterday lauded the people of the state for expressing their preferences without fear or favour for the party.

The state chairman of the APC in the state, Hon. Isaac Kekemeke said in Akure that “ so far so good, not perfect but generally okay.

“The elections generally are acceptable. We are happy that the card readers was used to reduce incidents of electoral malpractices.

“We are gratefuk to the Ondo people for coming out in large numbers and expressing their preferences without fear or favour.

“We as a party will continue to respect their wish and take their interest as a paramount determinant of our actions and in actions “We commend to a large extent the REC and the Police for ensuring a generally peaceful election “We plead with our people to remain calm and shun violence particularly post election

A

By Daud Olatunji

BEOKUTA—THERE was panic withdrawal by customers from Automated Teller Machines in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, just like all the banks in the state capital, Abeokuta, hurriedly shut their doors against customers around 3pm on Monday as the announcement of the results of Saturday’s presidential election were being shown on national television .

Vanguard observed that, as early as 3:pm most banks in Abeokuta closed their doors against their customers who resolved to usage of ATM. It was gathered that, the closure was connected with apprehension over what the outcome of the election might be, our correspondents learnt.

When our correspondent visited banks in Oke-Ilewo area of Abeokuta, where most

Ladoja, Folarin, Alao-Akala, others criticise presidential polls POLLS: Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and his wife, Olufunso queuing for accreditation, during last Sturday's Presidential and National Assembly elections at Ajura Ward 4, Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, Ogun State.

Ondo APC, SDP, PDP commend people

By Dayo Johnson

Ogun banks close shop over elction result fears

violence “They should remember that 22ears ago, exactly in 1983 that we lost some of our brightest and best. We are yet to recover from it.

“We should not do anything that could bring back that bad memory.

We should not because of election lose our humanness and

humanity.

Also speaking, the national publicity secretary of SDP, Remi Olayiwola, commende Nigerians for the peaceful manner they conducted themselves during the elections.

Olayiwola said Nigerians love democracy that was why there

was no crisis as everyone conducted themselves in a good manner.

The PDP director of publicity, Ayo Fadaka, however, expressed optimism that despite the state performance, the party will still win the presidential election.

....As Ekiti CP lauds voters' behaviour

A

By Gbenga Ariyibi

DO EKITI—EKITI State Police Commissioner,Mr Taiwo Lakanu has lauded the residents of Ekiti State for the matured manner in which they conducted themselves before, during and after the Saturday’s election Lakanu told newsmen in Ado Ekiti yesterday that his command was happy with the way and manner the electorate went about performing their civic rights on the day of the election.

The police boss further commended the civil manner in which officers and men of the Force as well as other security agencies handled the exercise which he said was largely attributable to zero violence recorded except in few isolated cases.

Lakanu urged the residents to continue to maintain the tempo of peace and extend same to the next governorship/House of Assembly elections fixed for April 11, 2015.

The commissioner thanked

traditional rulers as well as political parties and their candidates for heeding several appeals made to them before last Saturday’s polls on the need to mobilize their subjects against violence.

I

By Ola Ajayi

BADAN—PROMINENT political parties in Oyo State have joined forces against the results of the presidential and National Assembly elections which the ruling All Progressives Congress won.

Candidates who are kicking against the results are two former governors of the state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja who is the governorship candidate of Accord Party and Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala who was represented by his running mate. The others are Mr. Sarafadeen Alli, Senator Teslim Folarin, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Seyi Makinde of the Social Democratic Party, the Minister of State, FCT, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, among others.

Ekiti jailbreak escapees caught during fresh robbery

By Ola Ajayi, Bukola Ifegbayi & Fisayo Ogunwale

I

BADAN—THE Oyo State Police Command has arrested some suspects who were allegedly involved in Ekiti jail break which occured in November last year.

The suspects, according to the police, were arrested in connection with another robbery incident.

While parading the suspects at the state police

headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Muhammed Katsina, said the command pre-election efforts also led to the arrest of eight armed robbers that had earlier snatched a Toyota Camry from Madam Oluwafolakemi Fabode in Akure, Ondo State, and thereafter proceeded to Oyo State and attacked Joba Pharmacy and a filling station at Iroko on Oyo/ Ibadan road.

He explained further that as the

suspects fled the scene they ran into a nearby ambush.

“Investigation also revealed that the leaders of the robbery gang, one Boluwaji Olawumi, John Isaac and Fagboyegun Wale were among those that escaped in the Ekiti jail break on November 30, 2014 where they were awaiting trial for armed robbery and murder.”

12—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

Video clips of election rigging in Rivers ready, says Dakuku zRivers govt declares curfew in the state

By Jimitota Onoyume & Davies Iheamnachor

P

ORT HARCOURT—THE governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has said that video clips which show the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, allegedly rigging last Saturday's election were available.

He said the videos which clearly justify claims by his party that the elections were manipulated to favour the PDP were intact.

Dakuku maintained that the elections were marred by rigging.

He said: “We have evidence of the rigging process in Saturday’s election in video clips . It is incontrovertible that the election was marred with rigging.”

Meanwhile, about 2,000 female members of the APC, yesterday, protested on the ever busy Aba Road in Port Harcourt, calling for the cancellation of Saturday’s election.

The protesters were dispersed at Waterlines portion of the road by policemen who fired teargas into the air, thus preventing the protesters from getting to the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, about 500 meters away.

Meantime, a statement by the APC state Chairman, Dr Davies Ikanya, called for suspension of the Resident Electoral

Commissioner in the state, Dame Gesilia Khan, accusing her of bias in the conduct of the elections.

He insisted that the state INEC boss should not be allowed to conduct the governorship and state House of Assembly elections.

He said: “The Rivers State Chapter of APC has demanded the immediate suspension of the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mrs. Khan, for colluding with the PDP to rig last weekend’s

presidential and National Assembly elections in the state.

For Mrs. Khan to have removed the INEC result sheets in all the polling units in the state with the intention of rigging the polls is a very serious offence. Mrs. Khan should not only be suspended but should not be allowed to conduct the April 11 governorship and state Assembly elections, as well as the Presidential and National Assembly elections when rescheduled.

“We are very convinced that if

our case is thoroughly investigated, it will be confirmed that the State REC compromised her office and tarnished the good image of INEC.” Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has declared a curfew in the state.

The is from 7 p,m., to 6 p.m., till further notice.

A statement by the Secretary to the state government, Mr.George Feyii, said the curfew commences with immediate effect.

ELECTION: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State during his accreditation in the Presidential/National Assembly election.

Edo PDP rejects election results in three LGs

By Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—EDO State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, rejected the results in weekend's presidential and National Assembly elections in three local government areas of Akoko-Edo, Owan – East and Etsako – West, over alleged multiple and underaged voting, among other irregularities.

State chairman of the party, Chief Dan Orbih, who addressed newsmen in Benin, yesterday said: “Reports reaching us from these local government areas show that the elections were characterised by multiple voting, under-aged voting and harassment of PDP supporters.

“We noticed very grievous mutilated results on the report sheets. We have rejected the results from these councils due to the irregularities observed. We appeal to our party supporters in these areas to remain calm and wait for

C M Y K

further directives from the party. The party has directed it’s legal team to write a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on the issue.”

Chief Orbih expressed gratitude to Edo people for voting for candidates of the PDP, in the elections, saying that the people have spoken

loudly against multiple taxation and other oppressive policies of the state government.

He called on the state governor to commend the PDP for its victory instead of blaming the Army for the party's failure.

According to him, “During the 2012 governorship election in the state and when my

party lost to him in the 18 local government areas of the state, I came out openly to commend the outcome of the election. He should also have the courage to commend the PDP for defeating APC in this election.”

Orbih also commended security agencies in the state for the peaceful conduct of the elections.

Traditional rulers in Edo community threaten to invoke gods against impostor

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN—TRADITIONAL rulers from Ewohimi, in Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State, have threatened to invoke the gods of the land against one Osaigbovo Ugbegun who, at a traditional ceremony in the area penultimate week, declared himself as the Enogie (traditional ruler) of the community.

The Onojie of Ewohimi, His Royal Highness, Lord Peter

Ojienefoh II, who described Ugbegun's action as a taboo, said that Ugbegun may be ostracized from the community.

During the Odu festival in Okaegben, Ugbegun was said to have dressed in the full regalia of the Onojie in accordance with Esan custom and tradition and pronounced himself as the traditional ruler, a development the Onojie described as sacrilegious and a taboo in the land.

The monarch, in a petition by

his counsel, Mathew Edaghese, urged the people of the community to disregard the action of the said Osaigbovo, threatening that his “client shall invoke his powers under Esan Custom to visit the appropriate sanction on the imposter.

“It has come to our notice that one Osaigbovo Ugbegun of Okaegben Community Ewohimi Kingdom made a sacrilegious pronouncement during the Okaegben community dressed in full royal regalia."

INEC suspends result collation in Delta Central

By Festus Ahon Perez Brisibe & Ochuko Akuopha

U

GHELLI—THE Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday suspended collation of results of the National Assembly elections held in Delta Central senatorial district on Saturday.

Announcing the suspension, the Returning Officer of the senatorial district, Prof Greg Okagbare, said it was occasioned by protests against the exercise, noting that “Some people are not satisfied with the results that we are collating.

“I have decided to stay action on the collation till I get further directive because they said there is need for them to seek clarification and look at the basic information that led to the final figures we are collating.”

Meanwhile, Delta State Labour Party governorship candidate, Chief Great Ogboru, has raised alarm over what he termed the circulation of fake result sheets for the Delta State governorship election scheduled to hold on April 11.

Speaking at his Abraka residence in Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state, Chief Ogboru described the circulation of the result sheets as a shock to him and his party.

He said: “It was a big shock for us when we found out that materials for the governorship election are already in the state and possibly tampered with.

Personally, we do not know who is culpable, between INEC and the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. “When we went to CBN to sort out materials for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, we noticed that the seal for the package of the governorship result sheet was broken.

“Though we have made a formal protest to INEC, we are calling for fresh result sheets to be sent to Delta State."

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015—13

Dokpesi faults Oshiomhole on voters inducement allegation

By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

A

BUJA—MEDIA mogul, Aleogho Raymond Dokpesi, yesterday, refuted the claim by Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State that he (Dokpesi) went to the state on election day to induce voters with money to vote in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. He expressed disappointment with the attitude of the governor towards him on the said day, saying he had mistaken Oshiomhole for a decent man.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, Dokpesi, who insisted that he was in the state on a different mission, regretted the comment by the governor, adding: “I made a mistake in my life in believing that Oshiomhele was a decent man.”

Dokpesi said that on the day of the presidential election, at 5:20p.m., on his way back to Abuja, he received a distress call from one of the women leaders in Auchi, Hajia Hadiza Umoru, who said she was at Aibotse/Igbe Primary School, off

Igbe Road in Auchi, adding that the incident led to him being shot at on the day of Presidential and National Assembly elections.

He said the bullets fired at his armoured Landcruiser vehicle

would have hit him on the neck.

“As soon as I arrived the APC chieftain absconded and we waited for the reinforcement of policemen to protect the voters who were determined to vote. I stayed in my armoured

Landcruiser vehicle with registration number Abuja YAB 173 HG. I never stepped out of the vehicle as everyone could attest to.

“A man who was later identified as the zonal chairman

of the APC, then called on their supporters to kill, burn and destroy the vehicle I was in. I pleaded that none of the military officers should shoot as thugs/hoodlums had begun to shoot at my car and haul various dangerous weapons at me."

PDP sweeps presidential polls in Rivers

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARCOURT—THE Independent National Electoral Comission, INEC, has declared the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, winner of the Presidential and National Assembly elections in Rivers State.

Returning Officer and ViceChancellor of Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Prof. John Etu-Efeotor, who announced the result at INEC office in Port Harcourt, said the PDP won in the 23 local government areas of the state.

According to him, the PDP polled 1,487,075 votes, adding that the figure represents 94.99 percent of the total votes cast.

According to him, the All Progressives Congress, APC, polled a total of 60,238 representing 4.2 percent.

The total number of registered voters in the state is 2,324,300, while only

1,643,409 were accredited for the general elections, he said.

He said that the votes cast for the 14 parties that participated in the exercise were 1, 555,462, out of which 19,309 were voided.

The State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Gesilia Khan, in a statement, yesterday, said that the PDP won in all the senatorial and federal constituency elections.

....As PDP makes gains in Edo

By Simon Ebegbulem & Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—THE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, made major gains in the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections in Edo State, as it won majority seats.

In the senatorial race, the All Progressives Congress, APC, senatorial candidate in Edo North, Chief Francis Alimekhena, won the senatorial seat with 86,021 votes, defeating

the PDP candidate, Paschal Ugbome, who polled 66,092 and the SDP candidate Alhaji Abubakar Momoh, who polled 23,650 votes.

The senatorial seat in Edo Central was won by the PDP candidate, Engr. Clifford Ordia, who defeated the APC candidate, Chief Francis Inegbeneki.

The senatorial race in Edo South between the APC candidate, Samson Osagie and Matthew Urhoghide was inconclusive following the

suspension of elections in Orhiomwon Local Government Area by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Elections in the area were suspended as a result of late arrival of materials.

The APC House of Representatives candidates for Owan, Akoko Edo and Etsako federal constituencies, Pally Iriase, Peter Akpatason and Philip Shaibu defeated their PDP counterparts in the three federal constituencies in the area.

PROTEST BY WOMEN TO INEC HEAD QUARTERS IN RIVERS STATE

C M Y K

PROTEST: Cross section of Rivers State women, led by the state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Joe-Eba West, during a protest to INEC Headquaters in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

A female APC supporter allegedly beaten up at the polls on Saturday in Rivers State participating in the protest.

Tear gas shot by Police during the protest at Waterlines Bus stop on Aba Road, Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Some of the women sitting on Aba Express Road, at Waterlines Bus stop.

Photos: Nwankpa Chijioke.

14—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

CONFERENCE: From left, former Governor of Colorado, Mr. Bill Ritter Jr., Ambassador Johnnie Carson, and NDI Regional Director for Central and West Africa, Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh, during a press conference on presidential election, in Abuja. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan

Military frees elderly, children locked up by fleeing terrorists A

NUMBER of women, the elderly and children who were locked up by fleeing terrorists in Gwoza have been freed by troops as cordon and search as well as mopping up operations continued in the town.

According to a statement by Director, Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, “the freed hostages

some of whom are so weak are being given medical attention while others are also receiving necessary care pending the arrival and activities of aid agencies. Some of them are also providing useful information for the intelligence in aid of troops operations in the area.

The statement added that the troops,

APC’s victory in Kwara marks a new dawn —Saraki

By Soni Daniel, Regional Editor, North

F

ORMER KWARA State Governor, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has described the victory of the All Progressives Congress over the Peoples Democratic Party in the state as the beginning of a new dawn in Kwara and Nigeria.

Saraki made the remark in reaction to the victory of the APC and its presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari in last Saturday’s election in Kwara.

Saraki, who was also reelected to represent Kwara Central Senatorial District, lauded the people of the state for standing by him and his party during the election.

The former governor said that with the victory, it was clear that the people of Kwara had spoken loud and clear with their votes through the ballot box.

They have demonstrated their unflinching commitment to democracy and the progress of Kwara State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

C M Y K

Saraki assured that on the part of the party, it would continue to stand on the side of the people and deliver the best to them to justify the abiding faith they have in the party and its candidates.

He said: “We will continue to put in our best in order to ensure further social, economic and infrastructural development to all parts of Kwara State. We will continue to fight for what is in the best interest of Kwara and Nigeria.

“We have consistently shown that we feel the pain of the masses. We have stayed true and committed to their cause. We share their dreams and aspirations. We will therefore remain steadfast in our quest of building the Kwara they deserve.

“The people have clearly opted for focused, dependable and reliable leadership and a rejection of dying minute politicians.

“I will give effect to my renewed mandate in the Senate by ensuring that I continue to address those issues that will bring about progress and development to my primary constituents and Nigeria at large."

in the course of ongoing mopping up operations in Gwoza had unearthed a building which was converted to a bomb making factory.

According to the statement, “the facility which is being used for the manufacture of various calibres of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) is still being carefully evacuated of dangerous materials.

“Massive destruction of infrastructure and property including blowing up bridges and burnt houses including Emir ’s Palace have also been noticeable. Troops are also carefully removing land mines placed in various parts of the town.

“In Bama also in Borno State, troops on routine patrol in the suburbs of the town this morning (yesterday) recovered a large number of rifles and various arms believed to have been abandoned by terrorists who fled the area when troops were advancing to flush them out of the town recently.

Bama was liberated by troops on 16 March 2015 and troops have since been dominating the town with aggressive patrols to defend it against any further terrorists activities.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015—15

POLLS RESULTS: Ex-Gov Nnamani leads

protest to Enugu INEC Hqtrs

By Anayo Okoli

E

NUGU — SCORES of upporters of the former governor of Enugu State, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani, yesterday, trooped to the streets to protest Enugu East senatorial district

POLLS: Police

begin investigation into Ihiala violence

result in which Gilbert Nnaji was declared the winner.

As a result of the protest, there was traffic gridlock for several hours, especially on the Presidential Road, leading to the state headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, where the protesters, led by Nnamani himself, anchored.

In the process of the peaceful march, security-men used tear

gas to disperse them as they approached the INEC building.

However, the crowd later converged on nearby Okpara Square where Nnamani addressed them, appealing to them to remain calm as he would seek justice in accordance to the law.

Also, yesterday, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress APC, addressed a press conference, calling for the

cancellation of the Saturday’s elections in the state.

Chairman of the part in the state, Dr. Ben Nwoye, said thugs were used to chase away the party’s agents. ‘’We were manhandled and as I speak the chairman of one of the wards is still missing sicne Saturday while in Udi, Pastor Ekwueme, our person was beaten to pulp and currently hospitalised.

...confirm 2 policemen injured

I

HIALA (ANAMBRA — THE Police Command in Anambra has commenced investigation into the crisis that erupted at Ihiala Local Government Council headquarters on Sunday.

Mr. Uche Ezeh, the Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra, told the News Agency of Nigeria, yesterday, that two officers sustained injuries in the attempt restore peace.

An eye-witness who pleaded anonymity said a group of politicians and their thugs stormed the local government headquarters in the early hours of Sunday to beat up those at the collation venue.

According to him, about four persons had gunshot wounds, including policemen, while one person was feared dead.

Another eye-witness, Mr. Martin Ezenna, said he had never seen such political brigandage were the electorate and INEC officials were humiliated after election.

“My brother, what we saw on Sunday was horrible; people were beaten up, shooting everywhere, even a prominent son of our town was manhandled. We are yet to come out of the shocking experience,” he said.

BRIEFING: Oyo Central senatorial candidate for Accord Party, Olabisi Ilaka, and the Accord governorship candidate, Senator Rasheed Ladoja, during a press briefing to protest the conduct and result of last saturday general elections. Photo: Dare Fasube

APGA accuses PDP of conspiracy with Army, INEC to rewrite results

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

O

NITSHA — THE All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, yesterday, accused the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of conspiring with the Army, Police and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to rewrite last Saturday’s National Assembly elections results and announced a falsified one in favour of the PDP.

A member of Board of Trustees, BoT of APGA, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, who made the accusation in a telephone chat with newsmen, said the results announced yesterday by INEC which gave PDP victory in all the three senatorial zones and 11 House of Representatives seats, was exactly the opposite of what APGA scored during the exercise.

According to Ezeonwuka, “these results credited to PDP was what APGA scored in the election

Police warn against breaching the peace over polls results

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

WERRI — AS Imo people anxiously await the results of the presidential and National Assembly elections held, weekend, the state police command warned that the security agencies would not hesitate to ruthlessly deal with any person or group preparing to breach the peace in the state.

Reading the riot act in a press statement in Owerri and signed by the Police Public Relations C M Y K

Officer, PPRO, Mr. Andrew Enwerem, the command also said it was already aware of clandestine moves by some disgruntled politicians to foment trouble in the state.

The command also warned parents and guardians to advise their children and wards against being used by disgruntled politicians to foment trouble in the state.

It would be recalled that security was beefed up in the state, ahead of last weekend’s presidential

and National Assembly elections and all attempts by thugs to either unleash mayhem or commit electoral fraud in the state were effectively checked.

Similarly, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Austen Evbakhavbokun, who is barely eight days old in the state, had earlier warned that he would not tolerate any nonsense from anybody or group, stressing that he was in the state to discharge his constitutional duties.

but the PDP bought over the Army, the Police and INEC to rewrite the result in favour of PDP and thereafter announced this falsified result.”

He, however, expressed optimism that APGA would go to the tribunal and other courts of competent jurisdiction to recover its stolen mandate.

But the Director-General of Princess Stella Oduah Campaign Organisation, Chief Edwin Pandola Okwuosa, told Vanguard on phone that the landslide victory recorded by Princess Oduah, former Aviation Minister and PDP candidate for Anambra North senatorial zone, was a reflection of her general acceptability by the electorate in the zone.

Okwuosa noted that the total of 143,478 votes scored by Oduah against APGA’s Dubem Obaze’s 70,906 votes was a great margin to show that Oduah had the people's confidence which prompted such an overwhelming mandate.

He, therefore, commended the electorate for the confidence reposed in Oduah and assured them that she would give them effective representation as contained in her manifestoes.

Minister lauds electorate for voting PDP

By Anayo Okoli

T

HE MINISTER of State for Defence, Col. Austin Akobundu (retd), yesterday, commended Abia electorate for coming out en masse to vote for all Peoples Democratic Party’s candidates in last Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections.

He described it as a show of support and reciprocity to the PDP’s good governance of President Goodluck Jonathan, whom they gave almost 100 per cent of accredited votes.

In a statement in Umuahia, Col. Akobundu, while commending the winners of Saturday’s poll, particularly, Gov. T.A. Orji, senator-elect (Abia Central), Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe Senator-elect (Abia South) and Chief Moa Ohuabunwa, Senator-elect (Abia North) and other victorious PDP candidates for their deserved victory, believed that Abia electorate would also come out in their larger numbers on Saturday, April 11, 2015, to complete what they started on Saturday, March 28, 2015 by unanimously voting all candidates of the PDP. The statement read: “I wish to thank the Abia electorate for coming out in their large numbers to vote for candidates of our party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in last Saturday, March 28, 2015 Presidential and National Assembly.

“I also wish to commend you, our dear Abia electorate, for your good conduct during the polls which have been adjudged as the most peaceful and freest in the history of the state. The manner by which you conducted yourself even in the face of obvious challenges occasioned by the difficulties of the Card Reader technology is heartwarming.

“You displayed rare courage, resilience, zeal, commitment to reciprocate the PDP’s good governance of President Goodluck Jonathan despite threats and intimidation by the opposition.

“We will not disappoint you but will remain committed in providing you more dividends of democracy."

16—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

How cocaine ruined my career —Dismissed army officer

ELECTIONS: APGA heads to tribunal as

Umeh, Ngige lose ...As party rejects National Assembly results in Abia

By Esther Onyegbula

A

DISMISSED Army officer, identified as Ugochukwu Williams, has narrated how the uncontrolled use of cocaine ruined his life and career before he was reportedly arrested for armed robbery.

Recounting how he developed the habit a few years ago, Ugochukwu told Vanguard: ‘’I do buy a pinch of cocaine at Akala area in Mushin for N300 and the effects wears off within three seconds. The pathetic aspect was that I spent my entire salary buying cocaine. The urge to get a pinch of the substance drove me to crime. I never had it in mind to go into robbery.’’

Vanguard learned that Ugochukwu, a dismissed Lance Corporal of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, was arrested with two others, identified as Obinna Aku, 29, and Chibuzor Obeta, 30, for alleged robbery.

It was gathered that on March 16, 2015, Ugo Williams and one Obinna Aku purportedly robbed a man, stole his i-Phones, and a Blackberry and a Honda EOD vehicle at gun point.

When the suspect realised that their victim had only N1,000 on him,Ugo took the victim to a nearby bank to withdraw cash.

However, trouble started when the ATM was unable to dispense cash, which compelled the suspects to take the vehicle to Akala area of Mushin where they dismantled it and sold it in spare parts to traders in Ladipo market.

A few days later, the victim on his way to work around Ojuelegba, identified one of the suspects who robbed him.

He immediately alighted from the commercial bus, headed straight to where that suspect was standing, and raised alarm.

The police at Olosan Division were later invited and the suspect was arrested, while his accomplice, Obinna, was arrested two days later.

Confessing to the crime, the Enugu State indigene and father of one, said they had a revolver pistol with six rounds.

They also confessed to have participated in several robberies.

C M Y K

By Anayo Okoli & Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA — THE All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in Anambra State says it is heading to the election petition tribunal to recover the seats allegedly taken from the party by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, after Saturday’s presidential and national assembly elections.

The party in Abia State also alleged that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, doctored some polling booth results of the National Assembly elections held last Saturday, saying it would not accept any of the manipulated results.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared PDP candidates winners of the election for the three senatorial and 11 House of Representatives seats. Mrs. Uche Ekwunife of PDP floored national chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh and the incumbent Senator for Anambra central, Dr. Chris Ngige.

But addressing reporters at Aguluzigbo, the national chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh said his party would definitely recover the seats because APGA won convincingly.

He said : “ We have decided to speak about the fraudulent declaration of the senatorial election results for Anambra State.

“At the time the collation was to start, it was noticed that there were no collation officers and INEC officials took everything to the local government headquarters where the magic was done.

“The results they later announced had nothing to do with the election conducted on Saturday. “ He wondered why Anambra should continue to be used as the guinea pigs for rigging election, recalling the 2003 election that took APGA three years to recover.

Umeh said it was unfortunate that PDP and INEC chose to do this to APGA when the party supported President Jonathan and voted for him massively.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in Abia State has alleged that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, doctored some polling booth results of the National Assembly elections held last Saturday, saying it would not accept any of the manipulated results.

The party ’s governorship candidate in the state, Dr. Alex Otti, who made the allegations,

claimed that the transition committee chairmen in the councils used security agents to intimidate APGA agents and in some cases, allegedly snatched ballot boxes.

Otti specifically mentioned Isiala Ngwa North and South, Aba North and South, Osisioma, Ugwunagbo, Ohafia, Arochukwu and Umunneochi as council areas where the chairmen brazenly intimidated his party’s agents and flouted the electoral law.

But PDP in a swift reaction, dismissed the allegation as baseless as the party’s chairman in the state, Senator Emma Nwaka, said Otti was lamenting for nothing.

Otti said the location of INEC offices in council headquarters gave them the added advantage to commit impunity and advised that INEC office be removed from council headquarters.

He also suggested that coalition of election results should no longer be done at INEC offices in the council headquarters.

“Transition Committee, TC, chairmen of Isiala Ngwa North and South, Aba North, Ugwunagbo, Ohafia, Osisioma, Arochukwu and Umunneochi made sure that credible results did not come out, they made sure

HAND-OVER: From left, Chief Ben Etiaba, Vice Chairman, Enugu Sports Club; Chief Obum Arum, Chairman, Enugu Sports Club, and Chief Okey Chukwu, immediate past Chairman, Enugu Sports Club, during hand-over ceremony to the executive of Enugu Sports Club, in Enugu.

that the results were manipulated.

“Because INEC offices are housed in the local government headquarters, the transition council chairmen used security men, real and fake, to change the results, so we have results not consistent with the various booth results.

“We have communicated this to INEC at all levels; we will not accept any result manipulated.

There were also cases of ballot box snatching at Isiala Ngwa North and South and Ugwunagbo; we will insist on the right thing being done,” Otti lamented.

He also alleged that at Nkporo, the home town of speaker of Abia State House of Assembly and deputy governorship candidate, results emanated though no elections took place.

“At Nkporo, no election was held; people sat down and wrote results. We also believe that some of those who conducted the lections were not INEC staff but PDP,” he claimed.

Also, the member representing Umunneochi State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Prince Ikedi Ezekwesiri, who is seeking reelection on the platform of APGA, corroborated Dr. Otti’s account of alleged rigging by PDP. He alleged that in his council area, Umunneochi, the current member of the House of Representatives, used soldiers to intimidate members of other political parties, especially APGA and their agents and in some case,s allegedly snatches ballot boxes in collaboration with the council chairman.

He also accused the electoral officer for the area of “manifest compromise,” lamenting that “the election was unarguably the worst electoral embarrassment INEC would have received in its life.”

Ezekwesiri gave several instances where he alleged that the lawmaker and the council chairman, and that the oresiding officers refused to declare the number of accredited voters before voting commenced.

He also gave an instance in a polling booth where only 180 voters were accredited, alleging that the House of Representative member allegedly allocated to herself 700 votes because the number of registered voters in the unit was 749.

....Gov Elechi’s son loses as ex-Gov Egwu, others win

By Peter Okutu

A

BAKALIKI — FORMER Governor Sam Egwu of Ebonyi State has been elected senator for Ebonyi North senatorial district of the state on the platform of the People Democratic Party PDP, beating his closest rival, Peter Ogoali,

of Labour Party.

Also elected were the former state chairman of PDP, Chief Obinna Ogba for Ebonyi Central and Chief Sonni Ogbuoji for Ebonyi South.

The party also swept all the six House of Representative seats announced by Independent National Electoral Commission INEC in Ebonyi

State.

The breakdown, according to INEC, showed that former Sam Egwu of PDP polled 78,623 to beat Peter Ogeali 53,899 of LP; Chief Sonni Ogbuoji of PDP polled a total votes of 80,753, while his Labour party counterpart, Darlington Okereke, polled 27,229.

In the House of

Representative category, Chief Sylvester Ogbaga of PDP polled 38,247 to beat LP Helen Nwobasi who pulled 30,468 votes for Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency.

However, Governor Elechi-led Labour Party could not win his polling centre, even as his son, Nnanna Elechi’s ambition to go to Senate was equally dashed.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 —

C M Y K

17

18 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 NIGERIANS are determined to save their country. They may never get credit for the efforts they make to get the country going, but there are instances when the Nigerian spirit is too obvious to ignore.

March 28 was one of such days when the patriotism of the Nigerian was put to test. Nigerians excelled.

While the ineptitude of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, stood between them and voting, Nigerians saved the day. Stories of late delivery of election materials, the late decision to revert to manual accreditation, hours after the smart card readers were not meeting expectations, did not produce the agitations that would have been expected. Nigerians wanted to vote and nothing could stop them. The elderly, some on wheelchairs, all trooped out.

INEC officials arrived late or without adequate materials, they waited. Card readers did not work, they were patient.

They refused to be instigated by the inabilities of INEC, now blamed on its logistics partners, to get the materials to the destinations.

Neither the sun, nor the downpour, could disperse the long queue of voters. They

Thanks Nigerians improvised electricity when darkness came and saw through processes that produced the atmosphere that held the country together. Commendations for the setting go to the people, whose major peaceful conducts eclipsed the few violent incidents in some places.

If Nigerians were unwilling to accommodate the lapses that attended the elections, we would have had a different situation. It is also important to note that the people were able to take their own decisions to be peaceful, not following some of the most inflammatory messages that preceded the elections.

We are again on the verge of glossing through the activities of INEC and adding them to national lamentations that are meant to remain unaddressed. When would we have elections without complaints about late arrival of materials? Would INEC staff ever be trained enough to do their work? Are Nigerians content with the quality of service INEC provides each election season?

However, nothing would be done to correct them until elections are seen as serious affairs that should be accorded importance for their central roles in the enthronement of democratic governments. No explanations are adequate to ameliorate the impact of INEC’s lapses.

While INEC should be praised for the introduction of the smart card reader that made rigging harder, it should accept responsibility for the lapses at various polling booths, which the people overlooked because the most important thing to them was casting their votes.

Our electoral processes should be built on more certainty than the temperament of the people which could be different on a different day.

OPINION

By Alex Atawa

A

T the just concluded Presidential election, several painful lessons were evident and emblematic of the insanity of our electoral system. These lessons could have been avoided.

It is said that insanity is doing the same thing the same way and expecting a different result. Where in the world did we come up with the bifurcated election system of accreditation followed by actual voting that we have been practicing? If we were willing to introduce the Smart Card Readers (SCR) to authenticate Permanent Voters card (PVC), why could we not just go straight through to electronic voting, especially since the National Assembly intervened? Also, as a compromise, after the SCR accredits a prospective voter, why can’t that person go ahead and manually vote? Why the waste of human capital and productivity by making people wait till the end of accreditation or make them come back later. This procedure is permeated with other problems.

We are a nation that procrastinates and sometimes use a fire brigade approach in things we do. As soon as the 2011 elections were concluded, INEC should have started planning for the 2015 general elections. Of course, they conducted the Ondo, Edo, Anambra, Ekiti and Osun elections subsequent to the 2011 elections. These should have given the Commission opportunities to test any “new” technology.

We all admit that the issue of the PVC readers (Smart Card Readers) was only introduced within the last few months. Is it that INEC cannot plan ahead of time?

C M Y K

Insanity

of

an

The postponement to April 11 of elections in the Federal Constituencies in Jigawa State and the Ethiope East/West Federal constituencies because of mix up of voters’ registers could have been avoided. All these prove that it would have been a disaster to have conducted the elections on February 14, 2015. INEC was being disingenuous when it claimed it was ready.

As stated, the elections that held on Saturday, is further evidence of the insanity of the system because from the beginning, there were concerns about the SCR. The President deserves accolades and serious commendations. President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan went to his Ward 11, Unit 39 in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, with his wife Dame Patience Jonathan for accreditation. The SCR did not recognize his fingerprint, even after four machines were used. Eventually, he was manually accredited when it was realized that he was not a ghost voter. How can the first citizen and the first lady of Nigeria not be recognized by the card reader. On the other hand, the Presidential candidate of All Progressives Candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.) was accredited immediately, after it took the card reader just five minutes

The accreditation of under-aged voters in Northern Nigerian, specifically Taraba State, is a shame

electoral

system

to recognize him. We know for a fact that if the card reader fiasco had happened to the opposition candidate, he would have cried foul and thereby encouraged his supporters to riot and cause mayhem as happened in the aftermath of the 2011 elections. What the President did was to sympathize with INEC even though he was the actual victim.

My fellow Nigerians, this is more proof of why we need cerebral and educated leaders, not animalistic illiterates that will foist violence on us.

Concerning the card reader, there should be an investigation into the procurement. It appears to have been manufactured by not well known Chinese companies (I will stand to be corrected), as opposed to reputable and established IT hardware companies that are internationally recognized. We all know the functionality of china phones and other below the standard technological items dumped in the Nigerian market, circumventing Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON).

INEC waited till in the middle of the day, when some voters have gone home, to issue a new communiqué allowing for manual accreditation. The commission had been warned about the failure rate of the card readers, but refused to listen to reason.

Instead, it appears as though they were singing to the tune of the opposition, who believes that anything another party suggests must be opposed. I repeat that the card reader should have been tested years earlier.

There were many instances of INEC ad hoc staff not showing up, or coming to the polling units several hours later. We praise the Nigerian voters who exercised patience and waited in the scorching sun for accreditation and then subsequent voting.

Another problem was the ignorance or lack of training of some INEC Staff. In at least two polling units, the staff did not realize that the readers were malfunctioning because there was a protective film covering the devices. It took the intervention of some people to prevent breakdown of law and order, before the “error” was discovered.

The accreditation of under-aged voters in Northern Nigerian, specifically Taraba State, is a shame that we can hopefully wipe out of our face. A Southeastern governor with a foundation tried to use his students as underage voters, but the students were arrested by the security agencies. Why were the ones in the North not arrested as they were in clear view of everyone?

Another desperate act included the possession of arms by some political thugs and snatching of ballot boxes. These acts reconfirm why we needed the military outside the polling stations. Those who were opposed to the use of the military are the ones whose supporters have been arrested for one electoral crime or the other.

We pray that Nigerians will remain calm and accept the results in good faith and let us move forward as a nation. No matter who wins or loses, we are all proud to be resilient Nigerians. *Rev. Atawa, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Asaba, Delta State.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015— —19

Accept the outcome of the poll

By Adewale Kupoluyi

W

ITH the holding of the presidential and National Assembly elections, we can comfortably say the first round of the general election cycle is being completed. No doubt, an election period is meant to be an exciting period for the people in the sense that it offers an opportunity for the citizens, who are ever desirous of getting purposeful leadership, to get service-oriented aspirants that could turn things around for the better. Therefore, going into political office could be a good avenue to render service to one’s fatherland under an ideal democracy. As desirable as this aspiration could be, the success or failure of the general elections will largely depend on many factors such as the level of voters’ participation as well as credibility of the polls that would lead to the emergence of the right candidate.

No doubt, the elections are coming at a period when the country is not only polarised along tribal, ethnic and religious divide but also ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East and a lot of apprehension of possible violence, unrest and purported disintegration of the country. As many people have observed, this year’s general elections appear to be the most competitive in recent times due

to the high level of campaigns and voters’ awareness, verbal trading of words as well as accusations and counteraccusations remain unprecedented. The whole world is keenly watching the outcome of the elections, being Africa’s largest democracy and presumably, the largest economy. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has the greatest and statutory role to play in the process of ensuring that votes truly count. The election should reflect the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

That is why it is imperative that INEC should put in place, necessary machinery for the conduct of a free poll.

In a build-up to the polls, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has alerted the nation that more than 58 people were already killed while many others have been injured in election-related violence in 22 states between December 2014 and March this year alone, saying that the rate of pre-election violence was on the increase. That is why it is good to know that President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Major-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), recently signed another peace deal for a violent-free elections.

It would be recalled that the duo had signed a similar agreement alongside other presidential

candidates in January. The agreement was tagged the Abuja Accord. In the Accord, it was agreed among other things, that the contestants would run only issue-based campaigns, pledging that electoral campaigns would not involve any religious incitement, tribal or ethnic profiling either by them or their agents and supporters.

Other political actors, apart from the presidential aspirants, should also be made to equally realise that elections are meant to be won and lost on the basis of the votes of the people and not through violence, intimidation or manipulation. They should be prepared to accept the verdicts of elections to the extent that they reflect the wishes and desire of the people.

This culture of sportsmanship in politics is still lacking in our polity. A former SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations and Chairman of the Global Commission on Elections,

This remains a golden moment for the INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, to etch his name in gold

PVC and sanctity of choice

By Tayo Ogunbiyi

S

URPRISINGLY, I got my Permanent Voters Cards, PVC, perhaps the most coveted property in the land today, effortlessly. Thanks to the efficiency of very courteous young Independent Election Commission, INEC, officials, it did not take more than five minutes for the much coveted card to be in my possession. Still I did not believe my luck, with the precious document safely tucked in my pocket, I was transfixed for a moment.

My less fortunate compatriots, who were still trying to unsuccessfully sort things out with INEC staff, starred admiringly at me. Basking in the euphoria of my newly found status as a potential electorate, with vested constitutional and civic obligation to decide the future and, indeed, the fortune of our dear nation, I moved with the swagger of one who has just hit a jackpot, not actually knowing which direction to follow. After a couple of minutes of indecision, I eventually decided against going to the bank to lodge my PVC for safety purpose.

Lodging PVC in a bank? What a ridiculous proposition! But then, don’t blame me.

The news across town, these days, is that PVC has become an object of intense and desperate hunt.

Now, talking more seriously, the worth of the PVC in the current political process cannot be over -emphasised. For one, it offers the electorate the right to have a say in deciding those who would rule over us. Therefore, possession of this all important item puts an enormous responsibility on the electorate. It places the destiny of the country right in the hands (or thumbs) of the voters. It is such

C M Y K

an enormous responsibility that must be carried out with every sense of honour, dignity and patriotism. It is a sacred task that must be performed with utmost diligence and patriotism. This is because any slipshod choice that is made in the coming polls could portend great danger to the lives of generations yet unborn. It could jeopardise the future of the country.

Hence, it is important for the electorate to be vigilant and cautious in the choice they make at the polls. The trend in our political history is for electorate to vote based on emotional and primordial considerations that don’t really add value to the process of nation building.

Therefore, electorate need to appropriately listen to and assess some of the candidates that are canvassing to secure their votes at the forthcoming general elections. They need to become more absorbed in their appraisal of the various candidates, taking into proper

This is the time to vote based on genuine nationalistic concerns. This is the time to follow the voice of reason and not the noise of the season

Democracy and Security, Mr. Kofi Annan, has lent his voice to a crisis-free polity, as he urged individuals and groups in the country not to resort to violence should their choice candidates fail to win. He observed that many elections that were conducted across subSaharan Africa within the past two decades had given our democracies a bad name, noting that such flawed elections had eroded the trust of citizens in the entire democratic process.

Annan maintained that Nigerian leaders should rather think about the next generation rather than focusing on winning the next election at all costs while the United States President, Barack Obama also sent a special message by calling for credible polls.

Obama reminded the people about their struggle for independence from shackles of colonialism, the struggle against military dictatorship and stressed the need to turn the country’s diversity into a source of strength. He charged the electorate to ensure free, fair, credible and violence-free elections. Obama also called on political leaders and the candidates to impress it on their supporters that violence has no place in democratic elections warning against inciting, supporting or engaging in any kind of political uproar before, during and after the elections.

The Chairman, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the President of Ghana, John Mahama, also spoke in the same

consideration their antecedent and personality. They need to pay close attention to the messages of the various aspiring political contestants before finally deciding who deserve their votes. We have fumbled and wobbled enough as a nation. This is the time to get things right.

As it has been previously stressed, the destiny of this nation and that of future generations of Nigerians lies in the hands of the electorate. Whichever path the country would follow in the coming years would, thus, be a clear manifestation of the kind of choice the electorate make at the coming polls. For all the hues and cries over bad governance and poor leadership in the country, we won’t be able to actually absolve ourselves of complicity because we elected the kind of leaders we have.

This is why voters must consider the civic obligation of electing our leaders a very sacred one.

It is depressing to hear that some would be voters are already selling their PVCs out of monetary concerns. It is distressing enough for voters to opt for the wrong candidates at the polls. It is, however, inexcusable and reprehensible for anyone to sell his/her PVC for whatever reason. It is an act of foolishness that must be condemned and discouraged by all and sundry. The PVC is an invaluable asset that must be jealously guarded by potential electorate. Trading the PVC for monetary gains readily silences one’s voice and mortgages the inheritance of unborn generation. It is a gross expression of mind-boggling stupidity.

Anyone who does this, under whatever guise, has sold off his rights and privileges as a citizen. Such a person could only be compared to the biblical Esau who traded off his birth right for a plate of porridge.

The consequence of his action was by no means palatable.

Unlike other forms of government, the

vein, promising to mobilise regional support towards the success of the elections.

At all times, the will of the electorate should be respected with the hope that the people would conduct themselves in line with democratic best practices.

One critical area that needs particular mention is the role of the security forces in the elections. The recent court orders which affirmed that the military should play no role in elections, is laudable and so, the exercise of civic responsibility by the citizens should never be undermined by any martial presence. Law enforcement agencies should not be unnecessarily over-bearing and highhanded. The Nigeria Police Force, whose responsibility is primarily to protect lives and property should be up to the task and strive not to be seen as being partisan.

INEC should be above board.

This remains a golden moment for the INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, to etch his name in gold. INEC should never fail to ensure that it manages the post-voting stage of the election very well to ensure fairness, transparency and credibility of the collation exercise and the eventual release of results, to avoid creating unnecessary tension, misinformation and rumour mongering that are most likely to be evolving. *Mr. Kupoluyi wrote from the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

beauty of democracy lies in the ability of the people to have a say in the choice of those who preside over the apparatus of governance. This is the rationale behind the popular affirmation of democracy as the government of the people, for the people and by the people. However, for the people to actually maximize the benefits of democracy, they need to be prudent in the choices they make at the polls. The one who casts his ballot for pecuniary gains is not different from the one who trades his PVC for same purpose.

Such people are yet to accurately appreciate the enormity of the responsibility that democracy places on the electorate. It is partly as a result of the improper electoral practices of such people that we have always got our democratic experience wrong.

Now that another opportunity is around the corner, we owe ourselves and future generation the hallowed obligation of getting it right. So much depends on the choice we make at the coming polls.

Our security, the state of our infrastructure, the economy and much more are tied to the thumbs of the electorate. If we bungle things again, it would take us another four years or much more to get it right again. This is, therefore, the time for voters to scrutinize the various candidates seeking elective offices at all levels based on the depth of their message and not on the strength of their pockets. This is the time to task the various aspirants on their vision and programmes for the various sectors in the country. This is the time to vote based on genuine nationalistic concerns. This is the time to follow the voice of reason and not the noise of the season.

•Mr. Ogunbiyi, a staff of the Ministry of Information & Strategy, wrote from La gos.

20 — Vanguard, TUESDAY TUESDAY,, MARCH 31, 2015

Why we defied all obstacles to cast our votes — The visually impaired

By Wole Mosadomi, Minna

T

HEY are mostly ignored, except when some Good Samaritans grudgingly remember to offer them alms while on their begging beat on the streets.

Occasionally, too, religious bodies and individuals visit the various abodes of these visually impaired individuals to donate either cash, food stuff and other household items. But this has always served as a temporary succour.

This is the story of the blind in Niger State. Unable to engage in gainful employment due to their physical impairment, they usually end up on the streets as beggars.

Even begging no longer offers much succour as government, at various levels across the country, has been taking steps to get rid of them from the streets, albeit without any social security provided for them.

This has created uncertainty of its own as their hope of survival continues to hang in the balance.

But this has not discouraged them from wishing to participate in the on-going general elections in the country. For them, being visually impaired does not mean they are mentally and spiritually blind. In fact, just before the general elections which kicked off last Saturday with the presidential and national assembly elections, they had in no uncertain terms indicated their desire to take part in the exercise.

*Alhaji Abdulraham Awwal, chairman, Association for the Blind

*Some of the blind waiting to be accredited before voting ety and the election period is when we can express our appreciations to them but unfortunately, we were misled and made to vote for the wrong candidates,” he lamented.

Alhaji Abdullahi also kicked against their being treated poorly at the polls and made to go through the rigours of standing on long

Convenient atmosphers This they had done by calling on government to accord them the right and opportunity to perform their civic responsibility of also casting their votes during the elections under conducive and convenient atmosphere. Chairman, Chanchaga Local Government Association of the blind, Alhaji Rabiu Abdullahi, in an interview recalled the agony members went through during previous elections, appealing that the case should be different this time around. He lamented that some of the politicians who have never been mindful of how they live or survive took advantage of their predicament to deceive them in voting for the wrong candidates who were not their choice.

“The politicians used their agents and capitalised on our predicament to lead us to thumbprint for the candidates of their own choice and not ours because we are blind. Though we can’t see them physically, we however know these politicians and what they have been doing for the sociC M Y K

The politicians used their agents and capitalised on our predicament to lead us to thumbprint for the candidates of their own choice and not ours because we are blind

queues with the able-bodied and visually normal persons. He said in some cases they were denied accreditation because they cannot see. According to him: “We should also be seen as human beings and we should therefore be treated as such and even with much care. We are therefore suggesting that government should either create a separate registration and voting units for us during the elections.”

The chairman said they are also concerned about progress in the country, adding that the success of the elections and democracy in the country is also their own success while the success of the state is also their own success. He called on government and politicians in general to see them as legitimate citizens of the country and be interested in their welfare, pointing out that they have a role to play in promoting democracy and their votes should also be considered as important and made to count as that of other Nigerians.

Polling units Abdullahi suggested that as long as they have their “Pilots”(aides) who are either their children or relations, these “Pilots” should be allowed to lead them to the polling units to thumb print since they know their candidates individually instead of allowing unknown agents to mislead them.

Speaking in the same vein, Niger State chairman of the Blind Association, Alhaji Abdulraham Awwal, in a separate interview with

our correspondent, said the Association had decided to take the bull by the horn and their destiny in their own hands by way of sensitising their members on the dos and don’ts before, during and even after the elections. “We organised a workshop for our people in Minna with attendance from all the 25 local government areas of the state where desk officers from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, educated us on the electoral laws and this has made us fully prepared for the elections,” he informed.

According to him: “We have nothing less than 1,300 members, who are eligible to vote and after discussing with INEC on our predicaments and other procedures, we are allowed to come to the polls with our aides leading us to cast our votes or get an agent at the polling centres to lead and assist us to thumbprint for our preferred candidates.”

Preferred candidates Awwalmadeitveryclearthatthey are not card carrying members of any political party and also lamented that none of the political parties had ever identified with them by way of seeking for their votes or bringing their campaign trains to their homes and this has encouraged them to vote for their right candidates without any bias.

“We are not politicians, we are not partisan in our dealings; but like any other human being, we are also looking for candidates or parties that will take our welfare into consideration so as to live a better life in the country,” he stated.

He said an attempt to affiliate the association with a political party(name withheld) after studying its constitution carefully

proved abortive as they were not accommodated. “Our thought was that since the party has women and youth wings, we also wanted to have a wing for people with disability so as to be properly taken care of but all our efforts to actualise this dream proved abortive and so, we are not affiliated to any political party.

Awwal who is a lecturer at the Niger State School for Special Education called on the politicians and voters to see the elections as a game in which there must be a winner and a loser and therefore called for calm before, during and after the elections in order to save the country from crisis.

Following their agitations for proper treatment on election day, the blind and other disabled prsons were promised fair treatment during the Saturday election.

When our correspondent visited their Limawa “A” polling unit, which was few metres from their home, they were seen jostling with the able-bodied persons without any special attention given to them.

However, after intervention and with the understanding and cooperation of the electoral officers and other eligible voters, a separate line was created for them which enabled them to be accredited with little or no stress.

Earlier, the females amongst them had been accredited ahead of their male counterparts before retiring home to come back and vote.

The Sarki Makarfo( Chief of the Blind) Alhaji Rabiu Abdullahi in an interview with our correspondent at the polling centre expressed his appreciation over the development.

He appealed that such preference should also be accorded them during the April 11 election.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

EGM - From left: Chief Michael Olawale-Cole, Past President, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC); Mrs. M.R. Adetutu Adeleke, Past President NBCC and; Prince Adeyemi Adefulu, President NBCC at the NBCC Extra-Ordinary General Meeting held in Lagos to present the 2013 Annual Reports and Financial Account of the Chamber.

Dangote Cement gets 25-yr mining concession in Senegal

By Franklin Alli

T

HE government of Senegal has grant ed Dangote Cement Plc 25 years mining concession as an incentive for investing $300 million (about N59 billion) in the country’s cement sector.

Senegal with a population of 14 million people, and a per capita consumption of cement put at 250 kilogram is a market with ever growing demand for cement.

There are two existing cement plants before Dangote came on board- Sococim Industries doing 3.5 million metric tonnes

$135.40

-2.80

$2,723.00

-21.00

12.05

0.08

$55.44 $48.12

-0.97 -0.75

CURRENCY

BUYING

CENTRAL

DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

196 196.5 197 292.1184 292.863 293.6088 213.4244 213.9689 214.5133 203.7846 204.3044 204.8243 1.6453 1.6495 1.6537 0.3091 0.3191 0.3291 272.0731 272.7671 273.4612 31.5332 31.6141 31.695 52.2444 52.3777 52.5109 28.5777 28.6506 28.7235 271.7148 272.408 273.1011

CBN Exchange Rate as at 30 /3/15

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The demand for Dangote cement is everywhere; we have people coming from Gabon and Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau coming to buy the product. The demand is high because of the quality

per annum of 32.5 cement grade and Cement du Sahel, producing 3.0 million metric tonnes per annum. Dangote is the third entrant with 1.5 million metric tonnes per annum of 42.5 grade of cement.

Senegal Director of Mines, Ousmane Cisse, who lauded the doggedness of the Chairman of Dangote Cement, Aljaji Aliko Dangote in seeing the plant through despite various setbacks, said the government granted Dangote 25 years mining concession under the country’s Common Law. According to him, the mining concession

NPA warns terminal operators against abuse of maritime environment

By Godfrey Oritse

T

HE Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, has warned terminal operators and other port users against abuse of the marine environment and to maintain healthy and safe terminals or face severe sanction.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ awareness meeting in Lagos, the Authority’s General Manager in charge of Health, Safety and Environment.

Engr Tolulope Talabi said that Nigeria as a country through the Nigerian ports is obliged to protect the marine environment for sustainability of the ecosystem.

Talabi said that NPA embarked on the awareness drive for people to be more environmentally friendly and make port users responsible to environment.

The NPA top Manager told Vanguard that management wants to

ensure that peoples’ action are in tandem with the marine environment before sanctions are melted out to offenders.

He explained that protection of the marine environment is part of the convention of the International Maritime Organisation, IMO, which must be adhered to at all times.

Talabi stated that part of the sanctions are in the payment of dues and rates adding that if a culprit still continue to abuse the environment, such facility could get sealed up.

“This is a talk shop; we are trying to sensitize people to be environmentally friendly, to carry out environment friendly acts “We actually apply sanction by way of imposing due and rates, before we apply these dues, we urge them to know their rights and their responsibility to the port environment.

— 21

lasts for 25 years and “then you can renew it every 25 years up to the exhaustion of the products if you are complying with the laws and regulations.

“We provide incentives to companies like any other countries. In the mining, we have two kinds of permits. The first permit last 5-10 years and the concession is up to 25 years; it is granted to Dangote and to other investors. Within the mining provisions we have fiscal, tax exemptions and credits, customs, corporate and income tax exemptions and credits, etc.

As a government, we looked at why we granted these kind of exemption to the company; it is for the benefit of the economy and the companies,” he said.

He added: “Dangote Cement is a great project for the country and the consumers.

We expect that the investments will not only make high quality cement available to our people, it will increase the purchasing power of consumers to help the country develop more and more.

“As a government, we look forward to get more revenue from the sector, and for our local communities surrounding the plant, more jobs that will reduce poverty and generate more upstream and downstream activities. Our SMEs will be developed and the multiplier effects on our industries, the government and to all stakeholders will be beneficial,” he stated.

Katyen Jackden, Ambassasor of Nigeria to Senegal and Mauritania, described the investment as the biggest by an African to have been made in Senegal in recent years.

“I am very proud of what Dangote is doing by promoting intra -African investments, promoting regional development, industrialisation and coercion.

AFC records $114m income

By Michael Eboh

A

frica Finance Corporation (AFC) has recorded a 31 per cent growth in its income for the 2014 financial year.According to a statement announcing its audited reports for the year ended, December 31, 2014, the AFC said its total comprehensive income stood at $113.9 million in 2014, compared to an income of $87.3 million recorded in 2013.

The company balance sheet size grew by 27 per cent, from $1.9 billion in 2013 to $2.4 billion in 2014. The AFC said the underlying revenue and balance sheet growth was driven by an increase in the total value of investments made, fee income and cost containment, with over US$1.1 billion in potential investments in projects appraised, and US$ 850 million in asset creation delivered.

Commenting on the 2014 results, Mr. Andrew Alli, President and Chief Executive Officer of AFC, said ”We are delighted with our performance during a year characterized by mixed global economic and financial conditions.

“The depth and breadth of our infrastructure investments, and our rigorous management of expenses and capital, have produced an excellent return for our shareholders, positioning AFC to take a leading role in continuing to bridge Africa’s infrastructure divide.”

22 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

,

Now while it would be unfair to assess the performance of SEC in handling investors’ complaints based on the testimony of one investor, this case, however, raises many questions about the attitude of SEC and its staff to management of complaints

TOP 10 PERFORMING STOCKS

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

O

n the top 10 performing stocks last week were the shares of Dangote Flour Mills Plc, Champion Breweries Plc, Forte Oil Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, Unilever Nig. Plc, and Zenith Bank Plc. Others were Trans-nationwide Express Plc, FBN Holdings Plc, P.Z. Cusson Nig. Plc and Total Nig.Plc. Dangote Flour Mills Plc, which has been recording losses for some years now, led the pack last week with 27.59 percent or N0.80 gains to close at N3.70 from N2.90. The stock had consistently recorded marginal appreciation in the last five trading days, rising steadily from N2.89 at the beginning of the week on Monday 23rd March to the present market price.

However, the 52 week price performance indicates a negative sentiment towards the stocks, as the share price had fallen from its high of N9.00 to N2.88. its financial position indicates that Dangote Flour Mills is continuing in its streak of losses as its financial statement for the first quarter ended December 31, 2014 showed quite unimpressive outing. The company recorded N2.99 billion loss before tax as against N2.88 billion loss before tax achieved in the same period in 2013.

Similarly, it recorded loss after tax of N2.92 billion compared to N2.81 billion recorded during the previous quarter. Also, the finance cost rose by 10.2 percent to N761.538 million from N690.928 million in the previous quarter. The company explained in a complementary note to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, that, “The business has achieved positive volume momentum and operating leverage due to tight cost control and improved efficiencies in line with its stated recovery plan. However, pricing competition remains intense notwithstanding the impact of the recent currency devaluation and the on-going volatility and

constrained liquidity in the foreign exchange market, which has resulted in a significant increase in the cost of raw materials.” It added that a further devaluation of the Naira will impact negatively on its outlook for the current financial year.

Champion Breweries followed with 23.84 percent or N1.23 gains, rising to N6.39 from N5.19 per share. Last year, the company floated N11.7 billion rights issue to recapitalize its operations and optimize production capacity. It was anticipated that it would

overcome its capital inadequacies challenges with the recapitalization exercise. However, following the poor financial performance, which the company had consistently recorded over the y e a r s , Consolidated Breweries, which was sustaining it via inter-company debt, took a decision to divest its stake in the c o m p a n y .

According to Consolidated Breweries, the long history of poor financial performance was putting extra burden on its operation.

As a result, it completed a divestment from Champion last year through the sale of 513 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each to the Raysun Nigeria Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Heineken International BV. Forte Oil Plc was the third most active stock with 18.33 percent or N34.84 price increase to close at N224.89 from N190.05. Just like the company did with regards to submission of its 2013 year end result, where it submitted well ahead of stipulated deadline, it repeated the same feat this year, making its 2014 full year financials public over a month before the deadline. As usual, this attracted a recommendation from the NSE, as it rated the company as one of the quoted entities that imbibe ethics of good corporate governance. Besides being named one of the top 100 companies by the Federal Government in 2014, Forte Oil also won the 2014 ‘Pearl of the market Award’. The award which is the overall honors of the PEARL (Performance Earning and Returns Leadership) Awards is instituted to recognize achievers, performers and drivers in the capital market.

This came alongside two other awards - the ‘market excellence in share price appreciation’ and ‘sectoral leader in the Oil & Gas sector’. A review of its 2014 financial reports and accounts showed a 32.9 percent increase in gross revenue to N170.1 billion from N128 billion in 2013. The gross profit at N18.5 billion was 50.6 percent higher than N12.3 billion as at December 2013.

Fidelity Bank Plc rose by 16.28 percent or N0.21 to close at N1.50 from N1.29; Unilever trailed behind with 15.77 percent or N5.36 to close at N39.35 from N33.99; Zenith Bank advanced by 14.61 percent or N2.41 to close at N18.90 from N16.49; Transnationwide Express went up by 14.43 percent or N0.14 to close at N1.11 from N0.97; FBN Holdings recorded 14.29 percent or N1.10 price appreciation to close at N8.80 from N7.70; P.Z Cusson advanced by 14.06 percent or N0.09 kobo, closing at N0.73 from N0.64, while Total Nig. Appreciated by 13.39 percent or N18.74 to close at N158.74 from N140.00 per share.

,

INVESTOR

Why SEC’s complaint framework may not work

By Babajide Komolafe

T

HE Complaint Management Framework for the capital market issued last month by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may not work, especially as expected by investors.

An indication of the disappointment that may befall investors in this regard is reflected in the email below from Investor Oyekunle.

“Dear Sir, thanks for your good work on behalf of fellow Nigerians. I am a regular

reader of your column, and following your advice in one of your writings, I have contacted SEC for more than four weeks without their response.

The problem is as follows: I, through my stockbroker, (City-Code Trust & Investment Co. Ltd), applied and paid for the purchase of 2,500 units of Zenith Bank public offer in 2007. I got to know that I was issued 1000 unit-plus only at the instance of getting the share certificate

in 2011. I reported the problem at the broker ’s office, and was asked to visit the Zenith Registrar for my Return Money Warrant, I did, and after all said and done, Zenith Registrar requested that I produce an evidence (docket sheet) from my broker to prove that 2,500 units was bought on my behalf from them, and for them to process my Return Money Warrant.

My stockbroker has consistently informed me of her inability to supply me docket sheet or any other evidence beyond her official receipt with me. The Zenith Registrar, on the other hand, said

MARKET NEWS

Small cap stocks’ll deliver more returns in 2015 — Report

By Nkiruka Nnorom

S

MALL cap stocks listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, will continue the traction of returning better benefits to investors within the year, analysts at United Capital Plc, have said.

They stated this in their economic and market review tagged,’ Tales of Two Halves’.

They affirmed that the outstanding performance by small cap stocks would be made possible due to disappointing performance of large cap stocks in the previous year.

“Small cap stocks were the best performers in 2014 with a 32.8 percent growth, followed by the mid-cap stocks which were up by 23.5 percent.

However, the large cap stocks were down by 21.4 percent which shows the negative market sentiment can be largely attributed to sell-offs in the market’s heavyweights.

“We still expect to see long-

term bargain hunting and strategic buying in these stocks in 2015 following disappointing performance of the large cap counters,” United Capital said in the report.

It affirmed that small cap stocks are rarely patronized by foreign and institutional investors for lack of liquidity; hence they are less susceptible to capital flight and global investor sentiment.

Engr. Henry Semenitari, MD/CEO, Unity Bank Plc (2nd left) with his award as one of the Top 25 CEOs of quoted companies

by Businessday newspaper flanked from left by Mrs. Tomi Somefun, Executive Director, Unity Bank Plc; Mr. Abba Bello Abubakar, Executive Director, North West, Unity Bank Plc; Mr. Sunny Bakwunye, Group Treasurer, Unity Bank Plc and Mrs. Theodora Amechi, Head, Corporate Communications, Unity Bank Plc at the awards ceremony, in Lagos.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 — 23

the official receipt of my broker is not tenable to them. The transaction took place at the Ibadan office of the afore-named broker, and I’ve lodged this complaint therein and at their head office in Lagos without any success. Where else do I turn?

This is my plight! I highly solicit your kind assistance sir.” This investor wrote to SEC via its email (sec@sec.gov.ng) on Wednesday September 2013, and as at the time of going to press, he is yet to get any response from the Commission.

Now while it would be unfair to

I, through my stockbroker (CityCode Trust & Investment Co. Ltd), applied and paid for the purchase of 2,500 units of Zenith Bank public offer in 2007. I got to know that I was issued 1000 unit-plus only at the instance of getting the share certificate in 2011 According to the report, eight out of the top 10 gainers for 2014 were small cap stocks with market capitalization of less than N25.0 billion, adding that those in the consumer goods sector were more beneficial within the period.

Doing a year-to-date return analysis of select stocks in the category in 2014 the report indicated that Premier Breweries was the most attractive, returning 392.2 percent, followed by Ikeja Hotels, which for most part of the year was investors toast, with 374.0 percent.

Small cap stocks are rarely patronized by foreign and institutional investors for lack of liquidity; hence they are less susceptible to capital flight and global investor sentiment

assess the performance of SEC in handling investors’ complaints based on the experience of one investor, this case, however, raises questions about the attitude of SEC and its staff to management of complaints. For example, who is in charge of the Commission’s official email?

Who and how many are the staff mandated to ensure that all the mails sent to the Commission are opened and responded to appropriately. Further, who supervises those in charge of the email? Are email staffs mandated to submit periodic reports on the number of complaints received and resolved?

While the various quarterly reports of SEC indicate the number of complaints received and resolved in the various zonal offices of the Commission, there is no explicit report of complaints received via email.

Given that email is the quickest and easiest means of reaching the Commission, investors need to be certain about the efficiency and reliability of its email operations, otherwise, the Commission should be honest in telling investors not to bother sending complaints by email, and also email should not be included in the Complaint Management Framework for the capital market.

Beta Glass trailed far behind with year-to-date return of 92.5 percent; IHS Plc returned 40.7 percent, Fidson Healthcare Plc, 39.8 percent, while Golden Guinea Plc and Union Dicon Salt Plc recorded 35.3 percent and 33.5 percent returns respectively.

It stated that the gains in small cap stocks could be largely attributed to strategic position taken by investors as some of these stocks portend values, especially the insurance and consumer goods names It further stated that the impressive performance of small cap stocks was fueled by strategic positioning in attractive names.

Going further, it said, “We see value in select stocks and find them attractive at current prices especially for domestic investors with long-term horizon and zero currency risk.

Activities in the local bourse were largely dominated by foreign investors in 2014. The disposition towards the equities market by foreign investors was due to the attractiveness of the exchange when compared with other frontier markets. Foreign participation from January to November was 58.5 percent as against domestic participation of 41.5 percent.”

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S FORUM

CAMA has already stated that it is a yearly event that shareholders must be elected at the floor of the AGM every year, not SEC, they have no rule on this. This matter has been taken to court and SEC has withdrawn their stand on the issue

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INVESTORS SPEAK

•Godwin Anono

•Taiwo Oderinde

SEC has reversed its position on audit committee — Shareholders

By Providence Obuh

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equence upon the suspension of the rule which provides that membership of an audit committee shall be for a term of three years subject to good performance by the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC. Shareholders in this interview said that they took the commission to court and that they have now reversed their position on the issue.

had issues where brokers stole the shares of their client, there are issues between registrars and shareholders, there are other issues where companies come to the public,to get the money and disappeared with the money, what has SEC done about that?

Chairman, Proactive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Mr. Taiwo Oderinde: They are just trying to bring it in to be part of their regulatory or oversight function for development of the market but there are some things you may do, which Chairman, Nigeria Professional may have a kind of conflict with the CAMA Shareholders Association, Mr. Godwin which can be seen at the Supreme Court Anono: SEC has no right to dictate to for the capital market. So what we shareholders on audit committee discovered was that this thing has a kind because Company and Allied Matter Act of clash with sub-section 369 sub-sections (CAMA) says audit committee be 1 on the election or reelection of the audit nominated on appointment and is a committee members. What the law says is yearly event where shareholders will that you must come annually for reelection. come and vote for them if they want If shareholders are comfortable with them them to represent them on the audit because they see them doing what is right committee of a particular company. SEC and adding value to their company, if they is doing something that is not their come 15 times, that is fifteen year, they will business. SEC has no right to tell still be reelecting them, since nothing is shareholders that somebody will stay against their reelection. The wish of the for three years and after that no more. people is the rule of law is in a democratic Even in the first year, when shareholders setting, that is how I put it. So as long as it are not satisfied over the conduct of a is shareholders that are voting fore them member on audit committee of a why not leave them. But when SEC comes company, shareholders have the right with rule that they will only seat for three to vote that person out. So CAMA has years and after that they can’t come for already stated it that it is a reelection, that is a conflict between SEC yearly event that code of conduct and shareholders must be CAMA and when there is elected at the floor of the a conflict of such, CAMA Even in the first AGM every year, not SEC, has to supersede, that is they have no rule on this. year, when what made about four This matter has been taken shareholders association shareholders are to court and SEC has including ours to withdrawn their stand on not satisfied over challenge SEC code of the issue. Members of conduct in the court of law. the conduct of a audit committee usually go We thank God for the on training sponsored by member on audit person that left and the the company, so, are they committee of a acting DG that we have, saying that the company they have tried in terms will be sponsoring training company, committing a lot to the every three years on shareholders have market and developing different audit committees. the market very well. Oteh SEC should regulate other the right to vote that did very well likewise the issues because we have person out acting DG.

24 — Vanguard, TUESDAY,

MARCH 31, 2015

$55bn needed for medium term gas devt – Oando …invests $500m in infrastructure Stories by Clara Nwachukwu

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ando Gas and Power, a subsidiary of Oando Group, estimates that about $55billion would be required for the development of Nigeria’s gas resource in the medium term, even as it said it has invested about $500million in developing gas infrastructure across the country.

The Managing Director of Oando Gas and Power, Mr. Bolaji Osunsanya, who spoke to journalists recently, noted that despite the enormous capital outlay, funding has remained a challenge for the domestic market.

Given that this development is being steered by the private sector, Osunsanya argued that it is critical for the federal government to create an environment that will encourage investments in the sector.

“Government should create instruments that will make investors to operate

He said, “More and more companies are now using gas and we are also expanding our pipelines to cater for these needs. In the Lagos area, we have crossed Ijora and moved on to Bonny Camp, State House and down to Marina. “ We are also expanding beyond Lagos to other states like Rivers, where we’ve done Trans Amadi, Omagba, Choba and a host of others because our mission is to connect every industrial and commercial area in the country.

Backbone infrastructure

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Gas plant

seamlessly,” he said, adding that although government is trying in terms of increasing pricing, which is now about $3.80 per thousand British Thermal unit, btu, the issue is about payment for the gas.

According to him, “Gas pricing will never be what producers want because whether it is $2.50 or $3.80, it

is not really about pricing but the capacity to pay because if you don’t pay on time it’s as good as not doing anything.”

Expansion programme With regard to Oando’s investments in gas and expansion programme, Osunsanya said the company is expanding its gas pipeline network rapidly because the

company now had more customers for its natural gas market than it can provide gas for.

He disclosed that apart from the $500million invested so far in infrastructure development, Oando also planned to invest additional $140million in the short term for further expansion.

“As such we have also done Shagamu, Ibadan, Ilorin, and part of the challenge against the expansion is the back bone infrastructure. For this reason, we will do a grid in Calabar in collaboration with Seven Energy and Shell that will run to Port Harcourt and Onne. We will also go to the north like Sokoto and Kaduna markets.”

Osunsanya further noted that the essence of the infrastructure development is to create a market that will also boost the competitiveness of the gas sector, adding that part of the objectives of the Gas Master Plan is to improve efficiency of the domestic market.

Oil crash demands prioritisation of projects – NNPC •Cautions IOCs against rationalization

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ART of the challenge arising from the crash in crude oil prices in the international market is the prioritisation of projcts by both government and industry operators, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC has said.

The NNPC Group Managing Director, Dr. Joseph Dawha, told Vanguard that this has become imperative in the light of dwindling resources occasioned by the price fall.

He stated this while giving further insight into the pronouncements made by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, at the just concluded Nigeria Oil and Gas, NOG 2015 conference and exhibition.

Dawha, spoke against the backdrop of the impact of the oil crash on the 2015 budget proposals.

He said: “If oil price continues the way it is the resultant revenue, to government is going to be

minimised. In that context, it means that whatever plans that government has and international oil companies, IOCs have, they will have to look at it in the context of what actually is, and then prioritise their projects as appropriate to meet those challenges.”

He also noted that the impact is already being felt in the responses by the IOCs and local operators.

Local operators “You have seen already that most of the international oil companies are even cutting down their capital expenditure, and also it is observed that even the Nigerian companies that we are promoting are also geared towards handling this kind of challenges.”

He argued that the impact of the oil price falls is not only limited to Nigeria, as it is a universal thing, adding that

government and the NNPC are responding to those kinds of situations appropriately.

With regard to the challenge of meeting new production targets of four million barrels daily by 2020, Dawha maintained that apart from pririotising projects, operators would also need “to look at all the developmental plans. If the net return is withering, obviously you have to prioritise your projects appropriately so that you can still keep that objective. By 2020, our objective is to start producing about four million barrels per day and the only way we can do that is to look at our programmes and prioritise appropriately.”

He equally expressed the hope that the price of crude will improve over the next few years, notwithstanding that its continued fall has thrown everybody off balance.”But if you look at the projection in the near term, there is going to be a slight

increase in the price hopefully and as we try to wrestle with the problems that we face, we

Gas pricing will never be what producers want because whether it is $2.50 or $3.80, it is not really about pricing but the capacity to pay because if you don’t pay on time it’s as good as not doing anything

will prioritise appropriately,” he added.

On the continued rationalisation of workers by the IOCs as a means of cutting costs, Dawha urged the multinationals to exercise caution.

“This is an issue that has to be looked at very carefully because cutting down on staff strength, obviously in the short term maybe there is a reason for doing that but in the long term you will still need that workforce actually to continue developmental efforts. I think it is something the JV partners need to look at very carefully.”

On how the NNPC is tackling the inherent challenges, he said, “as a national oil company,for some of these challenges, fortunately for us we are able to see much clearer than others do.

At NNPC, we are looking at all facets of our business and the best ways to adapt to these challenges.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 — 25

Chinese firm spends $10m on community devt

By Gabriel Ewepu

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BUJA – A Chinese mining firm, Tongyi Allied Mining Limited, said it has spent about $10 million on community development projects since it commenced operations in Nigeria’s mining sector.

This was disclosed by the Chairman, Tongyi Mining, Mr. Algreen Zheng, while speaking on the company’s operation in the sector.

He said: “The Tongyi Allied Mining Company is a community friendly business organisation, and we first initiated relationship with our host communities for mutual understanding as we carry out our operations, and also carry them along in what we do.

“So far since 2009,Tongyi Allied Mining Company started doing business in Nigeria we have spent over $10 million on community development projects. It is import to state that we have done 200 kilometres of road construction which includes 13 bridges. Identifying the water need of our host communities, we have drilled 17 boreholes with a depth range from 60m-230m.

Educational infrastructure “On educational infrastructure we have built three schools comprising six blocks, each block has 12 classrooms, and are well furnished, including toilet facilities, while one school is currently under construction.

“We have also gone further to initiate a scholarship scheme for students who are indigent and we use this scheme as a way to facilitate their dream in life to come through and also to provide equal opportunity for them to have quality education as their counterparts elsewhere.

And it has really boosted the level of education in host communities.

“In addition, we have a youth empowerment support scheme which is purely technical. It is free skill training for machinery operators, which affords the youth the opportunity to have a skill and acquire knowledge in handling mining machines and equipment for them to have gainful employment in our company or other related companies. On healthcare facility we have constructed two clinics with all state of the art medical equipment provided for the welfare and wellbeing of the young and old people. We have not left out the youth in these host communities because they are very useful to us and their community.’’

Price slump: No jobs created in oil sector in Q4

By Michael Eboh

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HE impact of the falling crude oil prices has started to take its toll on the Nigerian economy as the oil and gas sector failed to contribute to employment creation in the country in the fourth quarter of 2014, according to data obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS. This is evident in the fact that a number of oil and gas companies in the last couple of days had begun the process of shutting down some of their operations in Nigeria, with a few of the companies also cutting down on their staff strength.

Specifically, the NBS, in its Job Creation and Employment Generation Survey, for Q4 2014, revealed that a total of 369,485 new jobs were created in Nigeria in the fourth quarter of 2014, compared to the 349,343; 259,353 and 240,871 new jobs created in the third, second and first quarter respectively.

According to the report, the crude petroleum and natural gas sub-sector, under the Quarrying and Other Minerals sector, did not record any new job in the quarter in review. Also, the Coal Mining and Metal Ores subsectors, failed to create any new job, while the Quarrying and Other Minerals sub-sector recorded 91 new jobs.

In the manufacturing sector, Oil Refining and Cement sub-sectors did not create any job while the Food, Beverage and Tobacco subsector created 21,059 new jobs,

Oil refinery representing 15.26 per cent of the total jobs created in the quarter.

According to the NBS data, the reasons for hiring include: Business expansion - 24.37 per

Specifically, the NBS, in its Job Creation and Employment Generation Survey, for Q4 2014, revealed that a total of 369,485 new jobs were created in Nigeria in the fourth quarter of 2014

cent; new skill required in the office - 6.72 per cent; to fill a position vacated by an exemployee - 38.1 per cent; expectation of new opportunities - 3.05 per cent; seasonal growth - 4.83 per cent; To ease work burden on existing staff - 18.86 per cent; office restructuring/job reclassification - 1.96 per cent; promoted former occupant of position - 1.02 per cent, and, others- 1.09 per cent.

Uncompetitive market: Analysts at ARM Research had a couple of weeks ago warned that the slump in the prices of crude oil in the international market will make Nigeria uncompetitive for investments in 2015. The analysts had in their

Solar energy to be largest source of electricity – reports

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By Sebastine Obasi

HE sun is expected to be the world’s largest source of electricity by 2050, ahead of fossil fuels, wind, hydro and nuclear, according to a pair of reports issued by the International Energy Agency, IEA. The two IEA technology roadmaps show how solar photovoltaic, PV systems could generate up to 16 percent of the world’s electricity by 2050, while solar thermal electricity, STE, from concentrating solar power, CSP plants could provide an additional 11 percent.

Combined, these solar technologies could prevent the emission of more than 6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide per year by 2050 – that is more than all current energy-related CO2 emissions from the United States or almost all of the direct emissions from the transport sector worldwide today.

“The rapid cost decrease of photovoltaic modules and systems in the last few years has opened new perspectives for using solar energy as a major source of electricity in the coming years and decades,” said IEA

Executive Director Maria van der Hoeven. “However, both technologies are very capital intensive: almost all expenditures are made upfront.

Lowering the cost of capital is thus of primary importance for achieving the vision in these roadmaps.”

Expected technology According to the Executive Director, the two reports do not represent a forecast. As with other IEA technology roadmaps, they detail the expected technology improvement targets and the policy actions required to achieve that vision by 2050, highlighting priority actions and milestones for governments, research and industry stakeholders.

A central message in both publications deals with the need for clear, credible and consistent signals from policy makers, which can lower deployment risks to investors and inspire confidence. “By contrast,” Ms. Van der Hoeven said, “where there is a record of policy incoherence, confusing signals

or stop-and-go policy cycles, investors end up paying more for their investment, consumers pays more for their energy, and some projects that are needed simply will not go ahead.”

The two documents underline the complementary role of the two technologies. With 137 gigawatts, GW of capacity installed worldwide at the end of 2013 and adding up to 100 MW each day, PV deployment so far has been much faster than that of STE, mainly due to massive cost reductions. Under the scenario described in the roadmaps, most of the growth of solar electricity comes from PV until 2030. However, the picture is expected to change afterwards.

According to the IEA, when reaching shares between five and 15 percent of annual electricity generation, PV starts to lose value in wholesale markets.

Massive-scale STE deployment takes off at this stage thanks to CSP plants’ built-in thermal storage, which allows for generation of electricity when demand peaks in late afternoon and in the evening, thus complementing PV generation.

report titled, ‘Oil Stains on Economic Growth Picture,’ also projected further crisis regarding Nigeria’s fiscal savings, saying that state governments will resist any attempt to save some money in the Excess Crude Account, or Sovereign Wealth Fund.

Furthermore, they warned that the crude oil price decline will bring about a delay in reaching final investment decisions, FIDs, on exploration and production activities in the country, while also negatively affecting the production capacity of small and marginal oil fields operators.

They declared that the price slump will heighten the funding challenges of oil and gas companies, as banks will be wary of lending to the sector for fear that the oil companies might default.

Cushioning the economy They, however, warned that unless the Federal Government takes adequate steps to cushion the economy against the expected shocks, the country may face long term risks.

The analysts said, “Aside delaying final project decisions on domestic E&P activities, current bear trend in prices should immediately impact production of small independent marginal field operators, who accounts for 11 per cent of Nigeria’s oil production in 2013, by driving increased focus on profitable fields and limiting overall drilling activity.

“Over the medium term, recent warnings from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to banks on oil and gas credit exposures should result in a contraction in lending to upstream oil and gas projects as project feasibility weakens under subdued price assumptions”. “Farther out, the opportunity costs of delayed PIB passage now appears manifest as the bearish oil price outlook should result in shelving of offshore E&P projects, in particular, which limit scope for volume driven gains in oil output.

26 — Vanguard, TUESDAY,

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MARCH 31, 2015

Power plant

How subsidy debt is stifling marketers

By Sebastine Obasi

THE Federal Government’s nonpayment of outstanding fuel subsidy is stifling the operations of marketers in the country, said the Managing Director of the Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company Plc, Mr. Venkataraman Venkatapathy.

Venkatapathy who stated this on the sidelines of the company ’s 11th Annual General Meeting, AGM, in Abuja, also said that this has left the marketers with unforeseen challenges in their quest to carry out their daily operations.

“The outstanding payments with regards to premium motor spirit, PMS importations by marketers are seriously eroding into the operating results of the companies in the sector,” he said.

The Nipco boss also said the petroleum industry which remains the mainstay of the nation’s economy and the highest contributor to national revenue has had its fortunes marred by a plethora of challenges.

According to him, there are also concerns about the effects of shale oil on the falling crude oil prices which also have its

negative effects on the value of the national currency.

He noted that despite the challenges, NIPCO was able to put a transformation agenda in place to ensure that it remains committed to meeting the needs of its stakeholders.

“Our services are second to none as we continue to store petroleum products in an environment that is friendly, safe and dignifying in line with our corporate vision,” Venkatapathy said.

The company, he said improved on its operational efficiency, optimum capacity

utilisation a n d enhanced sales even as new business lines and processes are being developed .

According to him, N I P C O’ s passion for s a f e t y continued to pay off and earned her scores of recognitions, the most recent being t h e Nigerian P o r t s Authority, NPA Best HSE Compliant Terminal award for the fourth consecutive year.

The NIPCO CEO asserted that 2015 will bring its own challenges and promised to remain focused to the vision and work to make the best out of the year.

“We will continue to lay emphasis on what we can control, providing our customers with the best in the market, managing our costs, strengthening our brand and doing our part to move the economy forward,” he stated.

Smart metering: Ikeja Electric embarks on customer data upgrade Stories by Ediri Ejoh HE Management of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Plc (Ikeja Electric) in conjunction with its technical partner, Korean Electricity Company (KEPCO) has concluded plans to carry out enumeration of customers to drive efficiency and effective metering within its network.

Both organisations signed the contract that will kick start the exercise at Ikeja Electric’s corporate headquarters in Lagos.

Speaking during the event, a Director of the company, Mr Kola Adesina, explained that the project will involve mapping the location coordinate of each of the electrical network entities from 132kv/33kv System, 11kv system, Distribution Transformers and poles.

The project, according to Adesina will also involve indexing of Ikeja Electric’s distribution assets such as Power Transformers, Feeder Pillars, High Tension Poles and Distribution Transformers. “This is going to be a thorough project that would ensure a solid foundation for efficient, equitable and transparent power supply to

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our esteemed customers.

The customer and consumer indexing will be carried out through door-to-door survey. We are appealing to all our customers and the good people of Lagos to support the project by cooperating with the enumerators and provide accurate information that would empower Ikeja Electric to give the best service possible to all customers,” he said.

Adesina stated that the project will provide a platform for assessing and accurately deploying transformers and electricity equipment required in a given community, a development he noted would address challenges faced by customers that would translate to improved power supply.

He added that the project would ensure effective customer segmentation of high and low density areas and will support seamless update of the company’s customer data base.

“We are transiting into an era where new technology will drive the campaign against energy theft and distortion of electrical equipment.

“Adesina said that the signing of the contract with KEPCO would also fast track effective metering process. “With this contract, l can boldly say that the kick-starting of our robust metering project has commenced” he said.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Ikeja Electric, Engr. Abiodun Ajifowobaje said that the signing of the contract is in compliance with the directive of the Nigerian

The increase in oil prices was related to the possibility of spread of the military activities from Yemen to the neighboring countries

Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to Discos for effective customer enumeration to update their data base. Ajifowobaje said the exercise would enable the company upgrade its system for unrivalled service excellence.

“KEPCO is a leading global player in the power sector and our partnership has been instrumental to the continuing positive developments in Ikeja Electric. The partnership which involves knowledge transfer through robust training and exchange programmes will certainly pave the way for Ikeja Electric to replicate KEPCO’s success in Nigeria”.

Responding, the KEPCO Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, MrYeom Gyoo Chull lauded the Ikeja Electric Management for embarking on a project that will transform its operations, adding that KEPCO’s expertise in Geographic Information System (GIS) projects will ensure the exercise is carried out accurately and objectively to produce a world class customer data profile for Ikeja Electric.

Make gas available to users, marketers urged

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HE National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers has urged gas retailers in the country to make the product available to users.

NUPENG’s Deputy National Secretary, Operations, Mr. Ogbebor Joseph, stated this at the inauguration of executives of the Liquefied Gas Retailers Association of Nigeria last weekend in Lagos.

He reminded gas retailers in the country of their economic importance with regard to availability, distribution and accessibility of cooking gas noting that any internal wrangle in the association will cripple the Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG sector and the economic at large.

Also speaking, the Lagos Zonal Chairman of NUPENG, Mr. Tokunbo Korodo charged the new executives to work for the unity and progress of the association and for the economic growth of the country.

About 16 executives were sworn in including the National Chairman, Chika Michael Umudo. Other executives are Deputy Chairman (one) Mr. Ogbuke Chijioke; Deputy Chairman (two) Mr. Mohammed Omede; Vice Chairman comrade Musa Ibrahim Mekudi; Secretary Mr. Nwatu Monday; Assistant Secretary comrade Kayode Solomon; Treasurer Mr. Agbo Philips; Trustee Mr. Tunde Omoarevbokha; Financial Secretary comrade James Ikhelia.

The rest are Public Relation Officer Mr. Yerowo Onosigbo; Product Inspection Officer comrade Ifeanyi chukwu Okoli; Auditor (one) Mr. James Adetayoý; Auditor (two) Mr. Okafor Chukwujekwu; Chief Whip Mr. Uchenna Otoegbu; Assistant Chief Whip Mr. Okwudili Nnamani and Welfare Officer Mr.David Ariyo.

In his acceptance speech, the new and recognised National Chairman of LPGRAN, NUPENG branch Michael Umudo, said ýthe LPG retailing sub-sector of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is now united and vowed “never to part again”.

He explained that it took about 30 peace and reconciliation meetings to unite and move the association forward including the intervention of the Lagos State commissioner of Energy and Mineral Resources.

According to Umudu, it also took the strong warning from the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR Lagos Zonal Controller, Mrs Ngozi Njoku which eventually led to the signing of unification agreement on 23 February, 2015 by the two factions.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 —27

Wh Whyy construction cost in Nigeria is among highest in the w orld —Experts world •Seek EFCC, ICPC's intervention to stem corruption

By Jude Njoku & Chris Ochayi

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RE we making judicious use of the scarce resources of our country? Do we pursue transparency and accountability in the management of these resources? What are the parameters that dictate the cost at the design stage? What are the techniques for cost management of construction projects? What makes the cost of construction in Nigeria one of the highest in the world?”

These salient posers were raised by quantity surveyors who brainstormed 2015 National Project cost Reduction Summit organised by the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria, QSRBN, in Abuja.

These posers which were raised on behalf of the construction cost experts by QSRBN President, Mallam Hussani Adamu Dikko, followed widely held views that the cost of construction in Nigeria is one of the highest in the world.

Monitoring departments Against this backdrop, the cost experts who regretted that there is total absence of valuefor-money in Nigeria’s project development matrix, called on the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, ICPC, to establish monitoring departments with a view to curtailing the high scale graft in the sector.

“Corruption is a major challenge in Nigeria and as Quantity Surveyors we must join the fight against corruption and bring sanity into the system. Value-for-Money principle is a major tool for fighting corruption in the construction industry. This is because sustainable national development cannot be achieved when the activities and actions of economic agents are mired in corruption and corrupt practices. It is therefore the position of QSRBN that value for money should be a central issue in our public expenditure policy,” Mallam Dikko said.

Continuing, the QSRBN boss said: “We are familiar with such claims like “Government has spent these billions of Naira on

capital projects and infrastructure in this sector of the economy, or that certain billions of Naira have been spent on a given road in certain sections of the country”. These are often announced with fun fare and sense of accomplishment by such public officials without regards to whether work done and what is on the ground justify such huge expenditure. That is to say that nobody cares to know whether value for money was achieved on such projects. The QSRBN therefore believes that Cost Auditing should apply to every capital project in Nigeria as a matter of policy”.

Economic growth The QSRBN boss identified the existence of a nexus between the scale of corruption and the rate of economic growth and development within a given society.

According to him, “Ithe high rate of economic growth and development going on in China at the moment is attributable to their hard stance on corruption in contradistinction to what we see in some other jurisdictions in the world. Just as you cannot eat your cake and have it, you cannot achieve desired developmental milestones without making value for money the cornerstone of public your expenditure.

Projects costs are high in Nigeria because we pay little attention to the core issues of value for money.”

Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs.

Minister of Lands, Housing & Urban Development, Mrs Akon Eyakenyi cuts the tape to declare open Amen Estate at Eleko in Ibeju-Lekki in Lagos.

Akon Eyakenyi said the government is worried that the cost of construction projects in Nigeria ranks among the

Corruption is a major challenge in Nigeria and as Quantity Surveyors we must join the fight against corruption and bring sanity into the system

highest in the world.

“Government views with concern the fact that the cost of construction projects in Nigeria ranks among the highest in the world. It is a reflection of this concern that Mr. President is determined to find a veritable solution to this challenge. I believe that quantity surveyors also have a big role to play in finding solutions to this problem by bringing your expertise to bear on the costing of projects in order to achieve value for money and costefficiency in the implementation of projects in both the public and private sectors of the national economy,”she said.

The Minister noted that quantity surveyors hold the key to unraveling the mystery behind high project costs, especially those ones not

derived from inflationary factors within the economy but which arise from factors other than market forces. “Take, for instance, the common practice whereby contractors attempt to mitigate perceived risks associated with projects for which they are bidding by translating those risks into monetary values which are invariably transferred to the overall project costs. Some of such risks include design, funding, high interest rate, security, foreign exchange, fluctuation etc. All these risks have huge impact on the cost of projects in Nigeria. It is therefore imperative to design templates for determining cost bands and ranges for various types of projects so as to instil sanity in the planning and preparation of capital budgets,” she said.

UN-Habitat, R ed Cr oss sign MoU on shelt er ffor or disast er victims Red Cross shelter disaster

By Jude Njoku with agency reports

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HE United Nations Human Settlement Programme, UN-Habitat has signed a memorandum of understanding, MoU with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, IFRC to promote adequate shelter for all, especially those affected by natural and man-made disasters.

The agreement outlines the commitment of the two international organisations to

collaborate through linking humanitarian shelter with longer term housing and urban development in the aftermath of disasters. IFRC, whose expertise lies in providing emergency shelter and coordinating initial disaster response, will look to UN-Habitat to provide urban planners and shelter recovery specialists as part of its interagency shelter coordination teams.

The MoU which was signed at the World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan, stated that UN-Habitat, as the United

Nations housing agency, will involve IFRC in advancing housing and urban policy and advocacy through events such as the biennial World Urban Housing Forums organised

by UN-Habitat.

UN Under-SecretaryGeneral and UN-Habitat Executive Director, Dr Joan Clos was elated by the partnership. “We are pleased to be working with the IFRC in this important area of work. The transition from emergency humanitarian shelter provision to longer term urban reconstruction and development is vital to

ensuring the creation of socially, economically and environmentally sustainable human settlements. “Our partnership will engage with governments and municipalities for a better urban planning to meet the needs of communities,”he said.

In his own remarks, .IFRC Secretary-General, Elhadj As Sy described the MoU as an important milestone in our common efforts for healthier, safer and more resilient communities.”

28—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

FMBN -Sky Diamond Estate, Kaduna

FG charges stak eholder o redouble stakeholder eholderss tto 7m housing def icit ef ts tto o reduce 1 efffor orts 17m deficit •Commissions FMBN estates in Kaduna, Ogun

By Jude Njoku

T

HE Vice President, Arc. Namadi Sambo has charged private and publicly-owned development firms, primary mortgage institutions, PMIs and other stakeholders in the housing sector to redouble their efforts towards tackling the huge housing deficit currently put at a staggering 17 million housing units. The Vice President who spoke last week at the commissioning of the 200-units FMBN -Sky Diamond Estate, in Kaduna noted that the housing gap remains a challenge that must be overcome for the benefit of Nigerians. He reiterated government’s intention to improve the capacity of FMBN by re-capitalizing the institution as part of the wider plans of overhauling housing financing institutions in Nigeria.

Financing institutions Arc. Sambo stated that the Jonathan administration will not relent in moving the Nigerian housing sector to the next level of sustainable development so as to establish a lasting legacy of affordable home ownership and a thriving culture of mortgage lending for the gain of future generations” He lauded the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, FMBN and the Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing & Urban Development for embarking on affordable housing developments across the country.

“The FMBN and the Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing & Urban Development under the Ministerial Pilot Housing Scheme have begun on a good note on the delivery of housing for the Nigerian populace who wish to purchase these houses

through the mortgage loan arrangement of the National Housing Fund, NHF scheme being managed by the FMBN. All these are commendable in ensuring economic inclusion and addressing the housing needs of various groups of our citizens,” he said, adding that “this is an exemplary form of synergy envisaged by the National Policy on Housing, which encapsulates a private sectorled housing delivery strategy hinged on governments at both national and sub-national levels, creating a conducive environment”.

In a related development, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs Akon Eyakenyi has enjoined workers in Ogun State to avail themselves the opportunities presented by the National Housing Fund Scheme which is fully subscribed to by 30 states of the Federation and the FCT.

The Minister who spoke at the commissioning of Rockview Estate and tour of GatewaySparklight Estate, Ibafo last week, noted that “Ogun State has benefitted immensely by way of the investments of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria in terms of estate development loans as well as the very pocket-friendly NHF mortgage loans”.

“While home acquisition remains a highly capitalintensive endeavour, Nigerians of all income brackets can find confidence in the fact that contributing just 2.5 percent of

monthly income opens access to a mortgage facility of a maximum of N15 million for a 30 year tenor that attracts just a 6 percent interest rate. The NHF Scheme is a product specifically designed for low and medium income earners in the formal sector and has been expanded to integrate the informal sector through cooperative societies in order to place affordable housing within the reach of all Nigerians,” she said.

She explained that in a bid to sustain the legacy of the NHF, “the Federal Ministry of

"Nigerians of all income brackets can find confidence in the fact that contributing just 2.5 percent of monthly income opens access to a mortgage facility of a maximum of N15 million for a 30 year tenor that attracts just a 6 percent interest rate"

Sur por tance of maps Survveyor orss stress im impor portance in national de devvelopment

By Kingsley Adegboye

F

ORMER President of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, NIS has Mr. Olusola Atilola has reiterated the importance of maps in national development.

Atilola who spoke at the just concluded 2015 Fellows’ investiture of the Institution, insisted that the country must be properly mapped because without adequate maps, there can not be no meaningful development in Nigeria.

He noted that without survey maps, physical development cannot take

place. According to him, surveying is about what is happening to know how to manage it hence there is no development without surveyors. He added that without surveying products, a country has no direction.

The former NIS helmsman regretted that the surveying profession has not been given adequate attention in terms of funding and called on the government to vote enough funds for surveying activities in the country if the nation wants to move forward.

The president of NIS, Mr. Bern Omo Akhigbe while

admitting the 34 new fellows into the fellowship board of the institution, enjoined them to work with integrity and dedication for a united Nigerian Institution of Surveyors. “The Institution has adopted the ethics of zero tolerance for improper practice and misconduct for every member.

You must therefore strive to be above board in all dealings and conduct yourself both in your private and public life.

Be a role model to the younger surveyors and be fair to them in your relationship”, Omo Akhigbe advised.

Housing & Urban Development, on behalf of the Federal Government has taken drastic steps to overcome the major hindrances to increasing Nigeria’s housing stock with the adoption of the National Policy on Housing and National Policies of Urban Development which prescribe a private sector-driven framework for housing delivery. Under this policy regime, Government provides the enabling environment to facilitate entrepreneurial participation for transformational housing delivery.”

The Chairman of Sparklight Property Development Company Limited, Chief Toyin Adeyinka disclosed that the aspect of the estate was funded through FMBN’s estate developer loan. The Rockview estate has 86 family dwelling, comprising of 48 units of three bedroom bungalows and 38 units of two bedroom bungalows while GatewaySparklight Estate, Ibafo has over 600 family dwellings.

Ambassador Heights un unvv eils ‘Show Home’

E

XECUTIVES from Kingdom Hotel Investments (KHI), MAN Enterprise, and SY Design were in Accra last week to conduct the initial walk-through of the Ambassador Heights “Show Home.” They were joined by the partners of The Queen Amina Garden Development, an Urban Shelter and Occel Engineering Nigeria development company.

City Home 1 set within the country’s first five- Star mixed use residential development is now complete and will be unveiled to homeowners by the end of April.

“KHI in partnership with MAN Enterprise and SY Design have truly delivered a world class product. City Home 1 has been built to specification and is directly reflective of the renderings created prior to commencement of construction. The quality of finish is unparalleled in the market and sets a new standard of luxury for multi-home residential development in Ghana and the region, “ the Sales Manager for the project, Mr. Robert Davis said. ”The “Show Home” not only reflects the finishes, fittings, and appliances but also the Ambassador Heights furniture package which each homeowner will have the opportunity to acquire. The unveiling of the “Show Home” to select clientele will commence in the months ahead,”he said.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 —29

By Caleb Ayansina

A

N Abuja High Court has ordered the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA to honour the lease agreement it has with the Global Formwork Nigeria Limited, developers of Malaysian Garden located at the Saraji District of Abuja.

The garden was designed to provide over 14,000 housing units, purely residential, for the residents of the FCT. The FCTA had taken steps to revoke some part of the land allocated to the Global Framework for the development of the estate but thiswas vehemently opposed by the firm.

The refusal of the FCTA to approve the engineering design gave rise to a dispute which was later resolved by the Court of Arbitration in favour of the developer on 21 February 2014.

The Arbitration panel headed by Dr Alex Izinyon had resolved that the Development Lease Agreement commenced on October 11, 2006 between the developer and the FCTA and remains valid until 11 October 2016.

The panel directed FCTA to immediately ensure peaceable possession and use of the dismissed area of land by preventing villagers, the original owners, who had been dully compensated from further disrupting the development of the estate by the developer.

Relevant working plans “We grant an order of injunction restraining the respondents (FCTA, Minister of FCT), their servants, agents, privies and officers however constituted from threatening or revoking the grant made to the company as per aforesaid agreement.

We order the respondents to forthwith grant and endorse all final approvals required in respect of all their relevant working plans and drawing, according to their obligations under the development agreement,” the Arbitration court declared in the matter brought by the developer against FCTA in 24 October 2012.

The Special Assistant to the Chairman of Global Formwork, Mr Victor Uzoma told Vanguard Homes & Property that instead of the FCTA respecting the decision of the tribunal, it went to an Abuja High court to challenge the ruling.

“The Global Formwork having waited for the expiration of the 90 days period within which either party is allowed to challenge the decision of the tribunal wrote FCTA to have the award of the Tribunal implemented. Instead of C M Y K

Malaysian Garden, Abuja

Court orders FCTA minister to honour lease deal with developer respecting the decision of the Arbitrators, FCTA went to the FCT High Court, alleging judicial misconduct on the part of the panelist,” he said.

But delivering judgment on the matter, Justice F. A. Ojo

upheld the decision of the arbitration court and dismissed the suit.

He said: “I find merit in the preliminary objection of the 1st defendant (Global Formwork) against the originating

I find merit in the preliminary objection of the 1st defendant (Global Formwork) against the originating summons filed by the plaintiff (FCTA)

summons filed by the plaintiff, (FCTA) seeking to set aside the arbitral award made on the 21st of February 2014.The relief sought therein granted. It follows that the originating summons filed outside the statutory period of the three months is statute barred and same is hereby dismissed.”

Victor, who lauded the verdict described it as a foundation for them to contribute to the delivery of the Transformation Agenda of President

Goodluck Jonathan on housing. He explained that all strata of the society were captured in the design of the estate: ranging from 65 percent low income earners, 25 percent middle income earners and 10 percent high income earners.

“Already over 1,800 units of houses which are in various stages of completion have been built and have all the cadres represented on the houses already constructed,” he said.

NIES V calls ffor or police on public NIESV infrastructure maint enance maintenance

By Caleb Ayansina

T

HE Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, NIESV has called for a workable policy on the maintenance of public infrastructure in the country.

Rising from its 45th Annual Conference with the theme; ‘Urban regeneration as a catalyst for National Development’ the estate surveyors identified lack of improvement in the capacity of urban infrastructure as the major reason for the plethora of slums and environmental degradation in the country.

A communiqué issued by the Institution after the conference which was held in Osogbo, the Osun state capital, regretted that the

services of competent hands were ignored by government in the maintenance of public infrastructure. The communique which was signed by the President of NIESV, Olorogun James Omeru noted that “there has not been a commensurate improvement in the capacity of urban infrastructure leading to environmental degradation, decay, slum, disease and rising crime rate.

“The services of relevant competent professionals particularly the estate surveyors and valuers are often ignored by authorities saddled with the responsibility of urban renewal. A policy and culture of integrated maintenance and rehabilitation is a sine-

qua-non to a sustainable urban regeneration,” the land professionals said.

They called for the cooperation of all tiers of government to ensure sustainable urban regeneration projects in Nigeria.

Furthermore, the estate surveyors called on all stakeholders to “leverage on well packaged public private partnership schemes to release the investment potentials hitherto locked-up by urban degeneration in Nigeria and to “holistically and strategically adopt a framework for sustainable urban renewal projects/ programmes even at communal levels”.

Other recommendations made by the Institution

include: “Set up deliberate policies to institutionalize good maintenance culture for all public infrastructure nationwide.

“Introduce the concept of innovation hubs (i-hubs) and Responsible Property Investment (RPI) in line with global best practices in urban regeneration.

“Recognize the needs and feelings of the communities hosting urban regeneration projects by adopting an inclusive model from planning to execution stages.

“Encourage individual/ community participation in initiation/selection and execution of relevant/ specific project."

Organisations should equally be encouraged to

3O — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 — 31

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32 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

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AGEND A GENDA In Calabar, girls shun Facebook, Instagram for shoemaking PAGES 5

AFTER DELTA GAS CITY GROUNDBREAKING: I’m leaving office a happy man, says Gov Uduaghan PAGE 8

VOL. 1: NO. 43

TUESD AY, MAR CH 331 1 , 20 15 TUESDA MARCH 201

LARGESSE FROM OIL FIRM:

Youths smash palace in Rivers community •One shot, several others injured, property worth millions destroyed few youths and some greedy chiefs in renew and review the terms after every •Pursue elders from palace the community just decided to destroy 30 years.”

By Davies Iheamanchor

R

UMUJI—GUN-TOTTING youths attacked and vandalized the palace of His Royal Highness, Oha Christian Elechi, the paramount ruler of Rumuji community, Odegu clan, Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State, last week, following a highpitched conflict over the engagement of a multinational oil and gas company, Green Oil and Gas, which wants to build a mini-refinery in the area.

The rioting youths, who chanted war songs, fired indiscriminately and impudently chased away elders gathered for consultation in the palace.

They also shot a villager, Mr.

C M Y K

Uchendu Goodluck, who is presently hospitalized. A prince of the community was wounded in the ill-fated fracas.

Property worth millions of naira were reportedly destroyed by the youths, who went ahead to obtain under duress N6 million from officials of Green Oil and Gas. Uneasy calm There was nervous quietness in the town when Niger Delta Voice visited weekend, but the villagers, however, went about their daily businesses.

The besieged monarch, HRH Elechi, who spoke through his son, Prince Hon. Gift Elechi, expressed worry that

the existing peace in the community because of money.

He said: “The problem started when a company, Greenville Oil and Gas, came to the community that they want to site a mini-refinery in our community.

“They requested we sell land to them but the king used his initiative and told them that the community can only lease the land to them.

“The company requested for 645 plots of land and the community leased it to them for 90 years.

“This agreement was reached and executed by the constituted Rumuji Joint MoU Committee in which Chief S. D. Ojim, S. I. Elechi are members.

They agreed that the company will

It was learned that the company came and paid for bush entry and each of the families whose lands were taken were all given money.

No payment for lease yet His words: “The company is yet to pay the leasing fee before the committee gave them a letter to clear the place and do soil testing. In the process, some hoodlums, backed by few elders, went to stop the company from carrying on with the soil testing.

“They forced the company to pay N2 million for each of the days they took protest to the site and the company allegedly paid them N6 million for three

Continues on Page 2

2 — Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

It is prosperity time for indigenous producers in Akwa-Ibom

By Tom Moses

U

YO- MANUFACTURERS of locally-made products, mainly shoes, bags, cooking utensils, clothing materials, detergents, soaps, insecticides and air-fresheners have flooded marketplaces in Akwa-Ibom state with merchandise at reasonably priced costs.

It is a promising response to the different policies and quests by the Federal and Akwa-Ibom state governments to make the country a producing nation.

UNIUYO don urges support Meanwhile, a University of Uyo don, Prof Umana Itaeketo, delivering the UNIUYO 43rd Inaugural Lecture, entitled, “Addressing the Quagmire of Poor Quality Products in Nigeria’s Process Industries Through Applied Systems, Instrumentation, Automation and Control,” said that since the world was moving on “cutting edge technology” in all aspects of life, Nigerian industries should not be left behind or choose to be at the rear.

He called for patronage of made- in -Nigeria products for industrial perfection and national economic growth, while he also expressed delight with the efforts made by Nigerians in products manufacturing industries. Professor Itaeketo, however, urged them to try their utmost to apply automation in the control of their manufacturing operations to enhance quality products.

AKWA IBOM...

LAND OF PROMISE One of the dealers of the made in Nigeria products, Mr. Maxwell Uzoma, who spoke with Niger Delta Voice at Ekom Iman Road Junction, said locally-made shoes and bags have come to stay, not just in Akwa-Ibom State but all over the country.

According to him, “Nigerians have now perfected the quality

of their products such that sometimes, it is difficult to differentiate between foreign and Nigerian products.”

He said what has encouraged the boom in the business as against the Belgium (second hand products) was awareness and the attendant patronage of made in Nigeria goods by Nigerians.

High tariff on imported goods Mr. Chidi Nze and Ike Livinus, also dealers on locallymade products, said many business men and women, formerly

dealers on Belgium products were now dealing on made in Nigeria products because of heavy customs duties they were made to pay for products brought in from Cotonou.

Even foreigners prefer Nigerian-made cables To ensure quality, Prof Itaeketo called on the Standard Organization of Nigeria, SON, to do more by ensuring that locally-made products meet standards set by the organization before they go into the market for application or consumption.

DESOPADEC empowers 118 physically challenged persons in Isoko communities

By Ochuko Akuopha

O

ZORO-SUCCOUR came the way of at least 118 physically challenged persons in Isoko North and South Local Government Areas of Delta State on Thursday, as the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, empowered them with business items worth millions of naira.

The empowerment items included deep freezers, grinding

DELTA...

FINGER OF GOD machines, power generating sets, sewing machines, weaving machines, hair dressing equipment, motor cycles, plastic chairs and tanks for sales of kerosene.

Drawn from the various communities in the council areas, the beneficiaries, under the auspices of the Organization of

Isoko Physically Disabled are identified to have either acquired one form of skill or the other or interested in going into trading.

Presenting the items to the beneficiaries at Opute Hall, Ozoro, Isoko North local government area, Commissioner representing Isoko ethnic nationality on the board of DESOPADEC, Mr. Joseph Ogeh, noted that the gesture was in line with the human capital development agenda of the state government.

Sales points Investigation by Niger Delta Voice showed that the locally-made goods were usually displayed on the road sides, along the Ekom Iman Road Junction to serve the needs of the people in the Etinan, Ikot-Abasi, Eket, Esit Eket and Ona local government areas of the state, Aka Road and Ikot-Ekpene Road junctions for the benefit of Uyo residents.

Its boom time for local products

Commissioner representing Isoko ethnic nationality on the board of DESOPADEC, Mr. Joseph Ogeh presenting an empowerment item to a physically challenged person

Youths smash palace in Rivers community Continues from page 1 days. When this issue came up, the community again formed a landlord association made up of two persons from each of the families.”

The invasion According to him, “on the day the ruler called for inauguration of the association, the same gang and others invaded the palace with hoodlums and chased away all the elders.

“They fired gun directly at C M Y K

“When this is done, they can compete favourably with foreign ones and even surpass them in demand. A case in point is the manufacturing of electrical power cables where the Nigerian manufactured cables are far better in quality, hence, predominantly preferred to foreign-made cables in the Nigerian market.

“In fact, this class of power cables is not only preferred in Nigerian markets to the foreign ones but equally in high demand outside the shores of this country”, Professor Itaeketo asserted.

Mr. Uchendu Goodluck. He has been hospitalized, though the vigilante men seized one of their guns owned by one of their members. The gun is now with the police.”

Police arrest suspects He stated that “some of the boys have been arrested by the Anti-Cultism unit of Swift Operation Squad, SOS. “The community has never experienced shooting before.

From the confessional statement, the ones detained alleged that the same company

is fueling their actions.”

Monarch asks company to halt operation The monarch said: “I call on the company to stop work on the site until the community sorts out things with them. I also call on the cultists who have been in the bush to embrace peace and come back to the community.”

Elders can’t surrender to youths He asserted: “There is no way the youths will control

elders in the land. If they want to form a youth body, that is not the way to go about it.

Youths cannot overpower the elders.”

On allegation that two prominent leaders of the town were sponsoring the youths, he said: “We cannot have two paramount rulers in this community.

“Even if they are elders, they cannot control the paramount ruler. Because I countered their plans, they attacked me and destroyed things in my house.

They want to boycott the Nyewe Eli.”

While reiterating that the decision to present the items to the physically challenged persons stemmed from the desire of the commission to provide them with the opportunity to go into businesses of their choice, he held that the gesture would go a long way to improve the economic lives of the beneficiaries.

“We felt that the physically challenged people who have learned one trade or the other needed to be empowered as part of our people, so we collated a list from their union and we decided to buy and present these items for them so that they can start their businesses,” he said.

According to him, “the items are as requested by them and some who want to go into trading we bought deep freezers and generators for them; those who want to go into hair dressing, we bought hair dressing equipment for them; those who want to go into fashion and design we bought sewing machine, weaving and all such equipment for them; so what we bought for them depends on the trade that they have learned.”

Advising the beneficiaries against the sales of the items presented to them, Ogeh said “we have the list of all the beneficiaries and the communities they come from. We have a monitoring group that will from time to time go to see how they are putting these things into use.”

THE TEAM Emma Amaize, Editor Jimitota Onoyume Samuel Oyadongha Simon Ebegbulem Gabriel Enogholase Festus Ahon Egufe Yafugborhi Emmanuel Una Akpokona Omafuaire Godwin Oghre Tom Moses Chioma Onuegbu Ike Uche Davies Iheamnachor Emem Idio Brisibe Perez Barnabas Uzosike Nath Onajoke Chijioke Nwankpa

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015—3

World Bank, FG, Cross River battle erosion in Calabar

By Emmanuel Unah

C

ALABAR- THE World Bank, Federal Government and Cross River State Government are partnering to combat erosion wreaking havoc on Calabar, the state capital and environs.

Due to the proximity of the city to the sea, Calabar usually experiences high rainfall annually, which had created deep gullies and swept away human beings, especially children and many residential buildings, over the years.

NEWMAP solution The state government ran to the federal government and World Bank for succor

consumed many lives.

CROSS RIVER… THE PEOPLE’S PARADISE following which an agency, Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project, NEWMAP, Cross River State Unit, was introduced.

N1.5b contract Last week, the agency took the bold step of tackling the menace head-on with the award of N1.5 billion contract to A.G Bision Construction Company for work on the Ikot Ansa erosion site, a major erosion site in the state capital which in the past has

5-finger erosion sites The State Project Coordinator of the agency, Mr. Fidelis Anukwa, while handing over the contract to the contractors, said Calabar currently has five- finger erosion sites and that repairs have already commenced in the other four sites.

His words, “This project is a joint venture of the World Bank, the Federal Government and the Cross River State Government. These partners put hands and resources together to ensure that we address these deadly erosion sites”.

Mr. Anukwa said work was going on at the Edim Otop, Atakpa, Ikot Ekpo and

Nyagasang gully sites and the Ikot Ansa site is the fifth location work is commencing with the hand over to the contractor to begin work.

Tip of the iceberg Speaking, the State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Gabe Orji, recalled that for the past 30 years, erosion has been a major threat to the Ikot Ansa community, stating that the state government has done all in its power to control the devastation.

“I know that many attempts have been made in the past few years to stop the damages but our individual effort was just a tip of the iceberg but with this partnership, the project will be executed successfully,” he added.

C o m m u n i t y c o m m e n d s NEWMAP, World Bank Community Leader, Chief Felix Nsemo, thanked NEWMAP and the World Bank for coming to their aid after a long time of living in fear of losing their property to the gully created by erosion.

In his words, “We know that the project will not fail because this is the heart of Calabar.

The communities that are involved should know that this is their project, do not relax in your homes, you must be part and parcel of it.”

•Ravine where girl was buried

Ex-IYC aspirants at loggerheads with Kuku committee

By Emem Idio

Y

ENAGOA-THE Forum of former Ijaw Youths Council, IYC, candidates in the last IYC elections has berated the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, over the nonimplementation of a peace pact supposedly reached with the forum.

The forum in as a statement jointly signed by the chairman and secretary, Mr. John Agbenke and Ebi Wayas, said the peace pact which made them to step down and forgo C M Y K

BA YELS A ...

BAYELS YELSA

THE GLORY OF ALL LANDS

their different ambitions for the emergence of the present leadership of IYC was for the interest of peace and regretted that those who midwifed the process were yet to fulfill their obligations to the forum.

It described as unacceptable a situation where few former candidates were secretly made to benefit from the pact and warned against divide and rule

tactics.

Appealing to the Kuku- led peace pact committee to implement the pact, which includes several benefits, the forum called on Ijaw leaders to intervene in the interest of peace and equity, threatening that they might resort to other means to express their grievances, if nothing was done.

“For the past months, we have waited patiently in vain for the implementation of the peace pact that was reached with us during the last IYC national electoral convention; our patience should not be taken

for granted. We want to put it on notice that if things do not change, we may be forced to seek other forms to express our grievances.

“We, therefore, call on President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Seriake Dickson and Ijaw Elders’ Peace Committee and former IYC leaders, including Dr. Felix Tuodolor, Dr. Chris Ekiyor, Elder T.K. Ogoriba, Patterson Ogon and others to intervene and prevail on the Kinsley Kuku- led committee to implement the offers as contained in the peace accord,” the group said.

Ex-militants to Govs, Kuku, Tompolo:

Intervene in alleged hijack of pipeline surveillance slots to avert crisis DELTA...

FINGER OF GOD

By Ochuko Akuopha OLEH- EX-MILITANTS on the third phase of the Amnesty programme have called on the governors of the Niger Delta states and Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, Hon. Kingsley Kuku, to quickly intervene in the controversy over purported commandeering of oil pipeline surveillance slots in order to ward off upheaval in the region.

They also urged ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, Minister of Petroleum Resources and Niger-Delta Affairs not to look the other way while there is fire on the mountain.

The former agitators in a statement by their national secretary, Mr. Tam Odogwu, called for the involvement of leaders from the first, second and third phases of the amnesty programme in the sharing and distribution of the surveillance slots, maintaining that the tension may degenerate into violence “if the right persons who are capable of solving the problem refuse to do so.”

Stressing the need for all former militants to be carried along in the distribution of the slots, Odogwu canvassed the need for the first, second and third phase ‘ex-agitators’ to be given 3500, 2000, 1500 slots respectively.

Their words, “500 slots should be given to Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, 2000 to non-exmilitant youths and 500 to address the problem of the undocumented third phase exmilitants. With this arrangement, there will be peace and harmony among the youths; there will be team work and there will not be anyone left to vandalize pipelines.”

They said, “We also call on the Minister of Petroleum to use her wealth of knowledge and experience to handle the situation. The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and Chief Government Ekpemukpolo, alias Tompolo, should also intervene in the matter and see to its appropriate and logical conclusion.”

4—Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

U

GHELLI– THE Police are supposed to enforce the law prohibiting commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada at Agbor, Kokori, Warri, Sapele and parts of Delta State, but on the contrary, they are aiding and abetting motorcyclists contravene the law by collecting bribe from them.

A trip by Niger Niger Voice from Ughelli to Kokori on March 11 revealed a team of police officers from Isiokolo Police Division, who mounted checkpoints along the Odovie/Isiokolo road, under the guise of checkmating criminals, busy extorting money from okada riders.

Instead of implimenting the ban, the officers, numbering five, were collecting a minimum of N100 in a trip that costs between N200N300 from the motorcyclists, whom they gave coded numbers.

Our reporter got the name and NPF number of one of the police officers, but deliberately withheld the details in this report.

At Sapele, police officers •Okada riders waiting for passengers at the Sapele terminus of the Delta City Mass Transit. Pix by Perez Brisibe usually positioned themselves along Commercial Avenue, Ajogodo road by Ogodo Primary school and other strategic areas in the town, where they subject motorcyclists to levies as high as N200 or have their motorcycles impounded.

In fact, commercial motorcyclists operate unimpeded in some of the affected towns giving a wrong impression that government is scared to implement the ban.

Anyone who flouts the ban is doing so illegally Igbakpa Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Ben Igbakpa, during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Akali Usman, recently, appealed to the state command to help in the enforcement of the ban.

He told Niger Delta Voice, “Operations of Okada is banned in Asaba, Warri, Effurun, Sapele, Isiokolo, Kokori, Agbor and other affected areas and anyone who goes against such ban is doing so illegally, and such individuals are prone to arrest and prosecution.

Mr. Igbakpa said the ban has come to stay, stressing that it was based on security reports from the State Security Council meeting where it was agreed that the operation of commercial motorcycles was one of the major causes of criminality in parts of the state.

“They claim they embark on okada riding as an alternative to unemployment but that is false because the government has been very responsive and patient with them through series of extension on the ban and has even come out with palliative measures like the tricycles, but yet, these individuals still stick to the old ways.

“As a government, we are not in competition with these okada operators and we C M Y K

A police officer along the road

Police officers along the road

Okada ban in Delta: Policemen, motorcyclists connive to violate law DELTA...

FINGER OF GOD

By Perez Brisibe would keep doing our job.

For now, we have issued a white paper on these areas and we would raid and prosecute those who are caught and found wanting for flouting the ban,” he said.

We are ensuring strict compliance of ban -Police Contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Delta Command, DSP Celestina Kalu, while reiterating the collaboration of the police and the Ministry of

Transport in the adherence of a strict compliance of the ban in the areas affected, said: “The command is doing all it can in ensuring strict compliance and you know this cannot happen immediately but we are trying our best in actualizing this feat.”

Ban took off 2012 in Asaba, Warri, Effurun In November 2012, the state government officially banned the operations of commercial motorcycle, popularly known as Okada, in three selected towns, namely Asaba, the state capital, Effurun and Warri, in Uvwie and Warri South Local Government Areas, following security reports available to the State Security Council that their

operations contribute a great deal to criminality in parts of the state.

Precisely 21 months after, it extended the ban to Sapele, Sapele local government area and Ika South and Ika North East local government areas after it also implemented same ban in Ethiope East local government area.

Motorcyclists in Sapele and Ika North East were given more than a few periods of grace and other palliative measures to embrace tricycle transportation, which was subsidized by government, the Okada riders obdurately overrode government’s white paper on the ban as visits to Sapele, Agbor, Isiokolo, Kokori and other metropolises revealed.

Tricycle beyond our reach- Okada rider Speaking to Niger Delta Voice, Ogodo Felix, 43year -old okada operator in Sapele, said though commercial tricycles are sold at a subsidized rate, “they are still beyond the reach of the average okada rider and acquiring a new tricycle almost equals buying a car.”

Roads too bad for keke NAPEP – Mrs Okoh For Mrs. Faith Okoh, a mother of three, who resides in Agbor, “Apart from unemployment for these okada riders, the commercial taxis and tricycles cannot access the inner roads here in Agbor, which are in a pitiable state, so we have no option than to rely on okada to take us home.”

Citing security as the reason why she prefers using okada to keke, Mrs. Okoh said apart from recorded cases of being used for kidnapping and robbing of passengers, “Keke looks fragile like it is about to fall while in motion and there have been numerous cases of it being used in robbery and abduction too.”

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015—5

In Calabar, girls shun Facebook, Instagram for shoemaking CALABAR- MANY women, including the old and young, have taken to shoe-making, assumed to be the exclusive vocation of men at Calabar, capital of Cross River State, not necessary to eke out a living and lack of employment, but because of the satisfaction they derive from the handmade craft.

By Ike Uchechukwu Why I’m into shoe-making- 28-yrold Favour Twenty-eight-year-old Favour Afiesimama, a mother of one and graduate of University of Calabar, told Niger Delta Voice that the shoemaking craze was not really about employment but making oneself happy.

“I derive a lot of joy when I look at the things I made with my hands it gives me a lot of satisfaction. I have always wanted to do something with my hand for a long time, but not fashion designing or hairdressing I really wanted something that will make me stand out.

“I have been here just for three weeks and as you can see, I have been able to learn a lot within this short period because I have passion for it, I have a degree but it does not stop from also achieving something else and developing myself, making N10, 000 to N12, 000 and sometimes more every week is not bad business at all,” she said.

According to Afiesimama, “ Its beyond shoes, in fact, it is all about accessories here, I can make all kinds of shoes ,bags jewelries ,sandals for both sexes, as I speak to you, I already have customers who make orders and I ensure I meet their demands, especially males because they pay in advance while I complete their job as agreed and I am really happy with what I am doing. I have a lot of colleagues, who are also female, but some women think it is a job for only men, which is not true.

Yes, women’ve strong desire for shoe-making – David, MD, A-Z Concept Managing director of A-Z Concept, Afiesimama’s boss, Mr. Emmanuel David, said he had trained more women than men in recent times.

He explained that women were becoming more interested in doing such crafts than men and he neither treats them like second fiddle nor go too hard on them, adding, “I have only one male apprentice, sometimes two, others are mostly women because many of them that come here to learn the art of shoe

making are driven by very strong passion.”

His words” Anything that is handmade is fascinating and motivates, so I try as much I can to help them achieve this passion, I ensure they get intensive training and not only shoes but accessories of both male and female so that in eight weeks, they can set up their own outfits because you can even do it in your room or kitchen.”

It’s the only way I can express myself- Esther (24) For 24-year-old Esther Fidelis, an undergraduate at the Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), the art and craft was the only way

I tried getting into visual arts to run a degree but it did not work for me

she can express herself.

“The strike action by the school is even a blessing for me because I have more time on my hands to concentrate and do something useful for my life, I have been here for only four weeks and I have sold over six shoes to guys, I am excited to be doing what I love.

“I tried getting into visual arts to run a degree but it did not work for me, I am studying Mass Communication, after my programme, at least I know what next to do, I make money and I am also happy with what I do, my parents are in support of

what I am doing and it keeps me going, I do not have time for gossips or stupid jokes and I am not on Facebook or Instagram for jokes but to get design and showcase my work to prospective clients,” Esther asserted.

I train 6 women in shoe making monthly- Ibiam Chief executive officer of Global Shoe Concepts, Calabar, Mr. Agada Ibiam, told our reporter, “I take in more than 6 women every month, I do not take more than that number because it is an intensive training session which sometimes last for five weeks, but fast learners can pick up all you have taught them in four weeks depending on their degree of interest.”

6—Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

PODIUM…

By Ochuko Akuopha

shabby job, though the company paid compensation for economic crops, opened up the road to the community and filled about one kilometre of the road with laterite but the road was not stone based. They started work in 2013 but the project looks abandoned.”

He claimed the state government mobilized the contractors with 50 per cent of the contract sum.

U

DUOPHORI- IT has barely begun to rain in torrents but for the people of Uduophori, a coastal community in Patani Local Government Area, Delta State, it is time to brace themselves for the despair the abandoned 3.8 kilometre road to the community is poised to inflict upon them.

Unspeakable suffering When Niger Delta Voice visited the community, palpable anguish, disillusionment and resignation enveloped the village, as residents decried the abandonment of the road project awarded by the state government to Levant Construction Company.

The deplorable condition of the road which links the community from the Ohorhor-Bomadi road, the rural dwellers said, was adversely impacting on their socioeconomic lives, lamenting that it had been subjecting them to untold hardship, particularly at the peak of the rainy season.

Chairman of the community, Mr. Etedere Okoro noted that the road had been in a bad state “for a very long time now”, emphasizing, “It is not motorable and the people that are living there are suffering. In the rainy season, even okada cannot go in there. We have been drawing the attention of government to the plight of our people.”

While noting that the main source of livelihood of the people was planting of cassava, groundnut, potato and fishing, he stated that it was “a tug of war” for the villagers to transport their products to the market located at the junction of the community.

The community leader said: “It costs them a lot to take their goods to the market and this now brings about great difficulties in their lives.

Apart from that, they cannot trek to the junction putting on their shoes. They will pull off their shoes; fold their trousers due to the inconveniences of the road.”

Deep gullies “In the dry season, okada cannot ride on the road because of the dust and apart from that, there are a lot of deep gullies on the road and vehicles that are not high cannot go through it easily. You see people suffering from catarrh and children suffering from flu.”

“This is the only road that links the community to Patani, the headquarters of the local government area, so going to Patani through Ohoror is a long journey because we are now passing the Port-Harcourt road instead of the main short cut that we are supposed to pass to Patani, but we do not have bly, Hon Basil Ganagana and he access to it. We are calling on has been trying but he is not in government to look into the position to award contract for the suffering of Uduophori people road, so the government is just not and start working on the road.” hearing our plea. We are suffering,” he said.

No-go- area Farmers can’t take Also speaking with Niger produce to market Delta Voice, a prominent inAccording to him, “The main ocdigene of the community and cupation of our people living in general overseer of All Saints the community is farming, but to Pentecostal Church, Rev. Israel Unutame, lamented that the bring out their harvest to other people were having great dif- communities is a problem. The ficulties getting to their village. motorcyclists that ply the road “In the dry season, it is dusty charge much to the extent that they and during rainy season, it is a collect as much as N500 for a disno- go area. And when you are tance that is not supposed to be there and the rain falls, you more than N50.”

“So with this, the people cannot cannot go out that day; you have to wait till the road dries take their farm produce to the citup, so the people there are suf- ies to sell, they are suffering; they fering untold hardship. We are getting poorer and poorer beneed help; we have been cry- cause access to road is not there.

Even electricity was a problem; it ing and crying for help.

“We have led series of del- was recently that Basil Ganagana egations to our representative helped us; though the transformer at the state House of Assem- is down, so they have been in

Delta community cries out over abandoned road *We didn’t abandon project; there’s no fund to continue - Contractor

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The government is just deceiving us. I have not seen a place where we have more than seven kilometer of road and then you award just one kilometer and that one kilometer will not be done.

darkness for about a year now.

“The government is just deceiving us. I have not seen a place where we have more than seven kilometre of road and then you award just one kilometre and that one kilometre will not be done.

They will just go there, grade it and then abandon it. In fact, it is just a political award just to deceive us so that after we vote for them to come into power and then they neglect us, it is a shame.

Ex-chair blames contractor Former Transition Committee Chairman of Patani Local Government council, Mr. Sam Akpibere, told Niger Delta Voice that the state government awarded the road project to Levant Construction Limited, from the Uduophori junction, along the Bomadi road down to the community.

His words, “They did a

No money- Levant GM Meanwhile, the general manager of Levant Construction Limited, Mr. Elias Elias, has blamed the stoppage of the work on non-availability of funds, explaining that the contract was awarded in 2013.

Saying that the advance payment was made about seven months after the contract was awarded, he however, insisted that the company was only paid 40 per cent mobilization for the project, adding that it had executed 48 per cent of the total sum of the contract, adding that an interim payment certificate had been outstanding since May, 2014.

“We mobilized to site in January 2014 and stopped work during the rainy season during which we ensured that the entire quantity of sand needed for the completion of the project was dredged. We have not been able to return to site because of lack of payment. Besides, we have a lot of outstanding with the state government for other bigger contracts,” Elias said.

He added that “The state government has given me assurances and I am an optimist, so we hope to return to site very soon. If they pay for some of those projects, we will have some funds to go back to the site.”

I’ve axe to grind with contractor- Ganagana Contacted, the Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Basil Ganagana, said he had done “so much about the road”, pointing out that he has serious issues with the construction firm, though the contractor has been facing the problem of funds released for the project.

Reiterating that the road was of great importance to the people of Patani, Ganagana said, “Every year, I put it into the budget but it is not released and because of the pressure I have been mounting, 40 per cent of the contract sum was released to the company.”

“Forty per cent of the contract sum is a huge amount of money but the job the contractor has done is not commensurate with the money given to him. This government is coming to an end, so what I will do is to make sure that money is brought into this budget so that the next administration can take it over from there,” he said.

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015—7 and Orubor streets and the picture you get of Agbor is filth.

Epidemic looms in Agbor as residents, traders turn drainages, markets to garbage dumps

By Theresa Ugbobu AGBOR – LOCATED off the Benin-Asaba expressway in Delta State, Agbor, headquarters of Ika North East Local Government Council, is one of the oldest cities in the state known for its attraction, peace and orderliness over the years, but in recent times, the city has been neglected.

Besides the palpable underdevelopment the city has suf-

DELTA...

FINGER OF GOD fered, what is quite worrisome to concerned citizens is the slapdash and unhealthy manner some residents are disposing waste in the town and the seeming lack of organization in that regard by the authorities of the local government council.

No marked waste dumps There are no designated places for refuse disposal in Agbor, so the people simply pour their waste-filled bins into drainage hoping that when it rains, they would be flushed into the popular Orogodo River.

Against the calculation, instead of flowing to the river, the drainage throw up the filth, leaving them on the old Lagos/Asaba road, Baleke

Council yet to clear waste since this year Apart from the drainage, another place residents dump refuse recklessly is the Garage market in Boji Boji Metropolis. Garbage is dumped by market women, who expect the local government council to clear them to no avail.

It was gathered that since this year, the heap of refuse in the market has not been cleared by the local government council.

Traders fear epidemic A trader, Mr. Paul Okoro, described the debris as an eyesore, saying the market association had gone as a team to appeal to the head of environment to come and pack the refuse because of the fear that

it might cause an epidemic in the community.

NURTW hijacked clearance of refuse- Council boss Chairman, Ika North East local government area, Hon. Francis Ebonka, said the garage refuse dump was supposed to be cleared by the Department of Environment in the council, but the National Union of Road Transport NURTW had taken charge and not remitting to the local government council.

Attempts by Niger Delta Voice to get Head of Environment in the local government council were unsuccessful.

A council official, who declined to be quoted, said the refuse was not being packed because the revenue collector was not remitting the money collected from traders to the council.

HOLE IN THE HEART: 14-month toddler lives in hospital since birth

*Father cries for help, requires $10,000 for corrective surgery alone in India fice, Mr. Vincent Omonhimoria, while exBy Gabriel Enogholase Pathetic affair BENIN CITY- HE plays around with other children and siblings and seemed healthy like a normal child. However, 14-month-old Praise Omonhimoria is far from being healthy. He has a hole in his heart and has been on admission at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, Benin City, Edo State, since birth.

Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist, Department of Child Health, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin- City, Edo State, Prof.

Wilson Sado, who detected the defect, confirmed it beyond doubt after a repeat echocardiogram carried out on February 9, 2015.

According to the echocardiogram report, A 10.3mm Secundum type, Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) shunting C M Y K

EDO...

HEARTBEAT OF THE NATION from left to right; the right atrium is markedly enlarged and fractional shunting – 50.3 per cent.

Heart failure “The patient is currently symptomatic for heart failure and is failing to thrive. He would therefore need corrective heart surgery. The last estimate available to the unit for this procedure to be done in India was $10,000 USD for surgery alone. Other costs would include the cost of airfares and accommodation,” it stated.

I cannot afford the moneyDepressed father said Father of the toddler, a driver with the Guardian Newspaper, Benin Zonal of-

plaining the ordeal of the family and the psychological trauma it has suffered, said, it was palpable from the report that the life of his son was at risk.

He said that the medical personnel advised that his son should be flown abroad to undertake a corrective heart surgery, but lamented that he would not be able to afford the $10,000USD cost. “My meager salary as a driver cannot even take me home and how can I afford the money?” he sniveled.

SOS to Oshimohole, others “We have written appeal letters to the Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the Delta State Government and the Kanu Heart Foundation, some prominent Nigerians and corporate organizations. I am begging them to help us to treat my son because I am a casual driver and do not have the money to fly him abroad,” he appealed.

In a letter sighted by Niger Delta Voice, signed by Prof. Sadoh, the consultant said the parents of Praise Omonhimoria have requested for the health status of their son to be made open in order to enable them seek assistance in bearing the financial assistance for the corrective heart surgery.

PICTURE OF PRIASE OMONHIMORIA

8—Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

AGENDA

By Akpokona Omafuaire A gov’s joy Uduaghan's respite could best be understood when fathomed from the intrigues that held the groundbreaking for almost six months. The governor was also disturbed by the tribal fight, which pales to insignificance compared with the great economic revolution the project portends.

An elated Uduaghan thanked President Jonathan for being patient with the host communities while the conflict over the contentious issues raged, saying, “We pledge to protect and provide enabling environment for this project.”

“This project is moving forward and will be commissioned. I am a happy man, leaving office in less than three months and seeing to this groundbreaking take place at last.”

Breaking the ice The groundbreaking ceremony at the Ugborodo community of Ogidigben witnessed robust participation by the Itsekiri and Gbaramatu-Ijaw leaders following mutual resolution of the tension over host status for the project, which earlier stalled the event.

We’ll deliver – Jonathan President Jonathan in his speech said: “I hereby approve this park as a Free Trade Zone to attract as many investors as possible. I also accord it a full port status with all the priorities it deserves.”

He announced that a steering committee to be headed by Petroleum Resources Minister, Mrs. Diezani AllisonMadueke, would be constituted to regularly brief the National Executive Council on the progress in the execution of the project to ensure that no stone was left unturned in ensuring its completion.

He thanked the Gbaramatu and Itsekiri leaders for ensuring the kick-off of the project, adding: “We will work with you to ensure that this project is completed to benefit not just us, but our children yet unborn.”

To the array of investors gearing to establish stakes in the Gas City Park, the President, said: “You will not be disappointed. Your investment will be protected and will yield the desired results.”

Project will create jobs, economic growth – Allison- Madueke The Petroleum Minister, AllisonMadueke in a valuation of the project said: “From the construction phase, over 150,000 direct and indirect jobs will be created by the project and many millions more will be created in the end.”

She said that the project was aimed at establishing Nigeria as the regional hub for gas and fertilizer production in Africa with investors from India, China, Romania and other nations already waiting to establish stakes.

Biggest port in Nigeria - Habibu Abdulahi, NPA MD Minister of Transport, who was represented by the managing director, Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, Mr. Habibu Abdulahi, said, "This (Deep Sea Port) will reduce the cost effect of moving goods and materials around the world, the choice of the location to the sea is advantageous, first is the port facilities to be developed because it has the deep waters that can accommodate large vessels for the size of expected operation of the industrial park.

"Consequently, the NPA applied for 1,700 hectares of land for this important development plan from the Delta State government. It is my understanding that the Delta State government has apC M Y K

AFTER DELTA GAS CITY GROUNDBREAKING:

I’m leaving office a happy man, says Gov Uduaghan *Tompolo, Emami vow Ijaw, Itsekiri‘ll maintain peace WARRI—DELTA State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, heaved a sigh of relief, last Thursday, as the much awaited groundbreaking of the Ogidigben Gas Industrial City and Deep Sea Port, Gbaramatu, both in Warri South-West Local Government Area of the state, was performed by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Ex-militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo and Itsekiri leader, Chief Ayiri Emami, also pledged on behalf of their ethnic communities that peace would prevail in the area. proved the request and the necessary documents with the NPA to proceed with the processes of the development of the port.

"The proposed port will be one of the biggest port developments that have been undertaken by the NPA with a size more than that of Apapa and Tin Can Island combined," he said.

We’re committed to peace - Emami Itsekiri leader and activist, Chief Ayiri Emami, said he was happy and the Itsekiris were committed to the peace and development of the area.

"We are brothers and we have promised to work together and live in peace, there will not be fight again, we are all happy now," he said.

We’ll maintain the peace - Tompolo High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, who spoke through his media consultant, Comrade Paul Bebenimibo, said, "We

The proposed port will be one of the biggest port developments that have been undertaken by the NPA with a size more than that of Apapa and Tin Can Island combined

are happy today, our struggle is for development and that is what we desire. We will maintain the peace, we are one people.

"There will be no fighting, we will do everything to protect this project and ensure its success. The benefits are enormous and we are committed to this good dream."

Olu of Warri leads dignitaries to event Present at the event were HRM, Ogiame Atuwatse II, Olu of Warri, HRH, Regent of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Patani Heavens, High Chief Government Ekpemukpolo, leader of Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, ILoT, Pa J.O.S Ayomike, national deputy chairman, PDP, South-South, Chief Cairo Ojuogboh, former chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Chief Wellington Okirika, PDP governorship running mate in the state, Barrister Kingsley Otuaro, Chief Thomas Eriyitomi, Chief Dan Ekpebide, Sen. Stella Omu and Chief Vero Tangbowei.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 — 33

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34 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015—35

•Use of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets, LLINs, is universally recommended for malaria prevention in all at risk groups.

How Nigeria plans to eliminate malaria through net substitution

By Sola Ogundipe

I

N what has been largely described as an ambitious initiative, Nigeria is embarking on a malaria elimination drive through a comprehensive Long Lasting Insecticide Nets, LLINs, replacement programme.

Since the commencement of the universal mass campaign for ownership and use of the LLINs, in Nigeria in May 2009 across the 36 States of the Federation, the essence of replacement drive has been pushed forward as a means of filling in the gaps following distribution of two nets per household arrangement.

With an estimated 25 percent of the global malaria burden, Nigeria has its work cut out to stem the tide of the disorder.

Already, the National Malaria Elimination Programme, NMEP, had earlir distributed a total of 31 million nets in 13 of 17 states earmarked for a phase of the project.

A report of the campaign from the Federal Ministry of Health shows that to date, a total of 57,773,191 of the planned 64,064,949 LLINs were distributed in the 36 states of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory, representing 90.2 percent of the total National target.

The World Health Organisation, WHO, recommends that in achieving universal coverage with LLINs in malaria control.

The LLINs have played an important role in the remarkable success in reducing malaria burden over the past decade and

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are regarded as a core prevention tool for people at risk of malaria.

WHO recommends Universal coverage remains the goal for all people at risk of malaria and to maintain universal coverage, it notes that countries should apply a combination of mass free distributions and continuous distributions through multiple channels, in particular antenatal and immunisation services.

Further, WHO says mass campaigns are a cost-effective way to rapidly achieve high and equitable coverage but coverage gaps start to appear almost immediately post-campaign through net deterioration, loss of nets,and population growth, requiring complementary continuous distribution channels.

Among others, the global body also recommends that each national malaria control programme should develop its own LLIN distribution strategy.

But in a presentation during the 1st 2015 quarterly malaria media chat on the staus of LLIN interventions in Nigeria held in Abuja under the auspices of the National Malaria Elimination Programme, NMEP, a representative of MalariaNoMore, one of the partners, Dayo Oluwole, highlighted the distribution of nets distribution in the country.

Oluwole, who gave a presentation entitled “2014 Nigeria Malaria Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Study: Baseline”, revealed that nets distribution in Nigeria is highest

Mass Campaigns For mass campaigns, the WHO adds that one LLIN should be distributed for every two persons at risk of malaria and mass campaigns should be repeated normally at an interval of no more than three years unless there is reliable observational evidence that a longer interval could be appropriate “There should be a single national plan, under the leadership of the national malaria control programme, for both continuous and campaign distribution strategies. This unified plan should include a comprehensive quantification and gap analysis for all public sector LLIN distribution channels.”

The LLINs have played an important role in the remarkable success in reducing malaria burden over the past decade and are regarded as a core prevention tool for people at risk of malaria

in the North East with 67.4 percent, and lowest in the South West with 23.7 percent.

Zonal distribution: Distribution in other zones is as follows: South South 45.2 percent; South East 35 percent; North West 59.7 percent and North Central 32.7 percent. Oluwole noted that while 84 percent of persons in the country know that malaria is transmitted through mosquito bites, just 4 percent, is ware that sleeping inside a LLIN is the best way to prevent malaria.

Improved commitment “Awareness about malaria provides the foundation for improved commitment and eventually positive behaviour change. There is more to be done to close knowledge gaps around transmission, prevention, and diagnostics,” Oluwole asserted.

Giving an overview of LLIN strategy in the country, National Coordinator, NMEP, Dr. Nnenna Ezeigwe, said the concept of nets distribution was designed to saturate every state with the nets in order to achieve 100 percent ownership and at least 80 percent utilisation.

“The strategy targets all population at risk (97 percent of the total population).

Common set of methodologies and tools were developed for the distribution of over 64 million LLINs through Universal Coverage campaigns planned that commenced in 2009.

“We started net distribution afresh with a coordinated

strategy to deliver two nets to every household across the country. Determination of LLINs requirements for each state based on projected 2006 population census data for 2009 and 2010.

From hindsight, among objectives of the LLIN replacement campaign is to register and deliver at least two LLINs to every household in the states. Others include building the capacity of the state, LGAs, communities and partners on the benefits, management and use of the LLINs, developing and sustaining net culture in the state through advocacy and community mobilisation, contributing to the reduction of malaria morbidity and mortality, etc.

Giving an update of the household mobilization and LLINs distribution, Ezeigwe, in a presentation of the “Status of Nigeria Universal Coverage LLIN Replacement Campaign 2013-2015,” observed that the LLINs replacement campaigns objective was to deliver over 47 million LLINs to populations in 17 States where existing nets had reached their normal end of life, having being in use for three years or more.

Replacement campaigns Ezeigwe said the LLIN replacement campaigns in the phase 1 States of Anambra, Bauchi. Gombe, Nasarawa, Jigawa and Rivers were implemented between September and November 2014.

States were mostly supported with funding from the World Bank.

“The LLIN replacement campaigns in the phase 2 States of Akwa Ibom, Niger, Ekiti, Katsina, Kebbi and Abia were implemented between November 2014 and January 2015, while the Abia campaign was finally completed by the end of February.

“The cumulative number of LLINs distributed till date (13 States in Phases 1 and 2) stands at 31,878,911 LLINs. This represents 92 percent of the target set for distribution in the 13 states where campaigns have been concluded and distribution data available.”

Ezeigwe observed that an end process assessment showed a household net retention of 97 percent while the proportion of children under five years of age and pregnant women who slept inside the net the night preceding the assessment was 68 percent and 76 percent respectively.

On the campaign progress, she said implementationreplacement campaign commenced in Sokoto in November 2013 as a pilot, closely followed by Ogun e second pilot state.

36—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

Maternal health: Task before Lagos govt

By Chioma Obinna

A

HEAD of the Gubernatorial polls next weekend, Civil Society Partnership and its technical partners, Innovation Matters, have tasked the incoming government in Lagos to eliminate barriers to family planning, use and increase contraceptive prevalence from the current 48 percent to at least 74 percent with a view to attaining the National Blueprint on Family Planning.

The Federal government had at the 3rd Nigeria Family planning conference launched the country’s blueprint to increase the usage of family planning from 15 percent to 36 percent by 2018.

The Group noted that one of the key barriers to access for women in Lagos is the out-of-pocket cost of consumables, including the burden of personally paying for gloves, surgical blades and gauze/cotton wool.

“If the government of Lagos funds the provision of consumables in support of the family planning blueprint, it will save the lives of mothers and children while promoting saving and economic development at all levels.

Averting unintended pregnancies

They further noted that by funding family planning consumables and reaching its share of Nigeria’s family planning blueprint, Lagos will avert over 700,000 unintended pregnancies, prevent 79,000 unsafe abortions, save the lives of over 2,300 mothers and 28,000 children as well as save more than N11 billion in healthcare costs.

• Cross section of pregnant women attending a family planning session.

From every N1:00 spent on more effective methods, including implants and IUDs, could save over N1, 358.00 in near – team health costs.

They also decried lack of attention to disable persons that uses state’s Primary Health Centres, PHCs. According to them, none of the PHCs visited in areas like Ilasamaja and Awoyaya met toilet specification for wheel chair users. There are no ramps in 13 PHCs. Media Officer, Development Communications, DevComs, N e t w o r k / N O TAG A I N

Campaign, Mr. Ayodele Adesanmi at a one – day

There is need for government to adopt best practices that will reduce maternal deaths, and work towards achieving family planning 2020 target

interactive session with the media on “Putting on health Issues on the Election Front Burner in Lagos State” noted the significant progress made by the country on reduction of maternal and child health.

To sustain the laudable steps made already, he stressed the need for the Implementation of National Health 2014 which is currently awaiting implementation.

He also stressed the need for increase funding for Health to the committed 15 percent Abuja declaration, encouraging access

Arik Air passengers raise N5m for Sickle Cell Disease patients

By Gabriel Olawale

A

S part of commitment to ease the pain of sickle cell anaemia patients, domestic passengers on Arik Air, Nigeria recently raised N5 million towards the cause of the patients.

The initiative which was made possible through partnership with the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria, SCFN lasted five months through an in-flight donation scheme to raise funds in support of gains made so far in the control of sickle cell disorder in the country.

Receiving the special appreciation award, Senior Vice President Arik Air Limited, Siva Ramachandran, said commitment to raise funds from passengers was out of passion to make life easier for every Nigerian.

"We started the scheme in October, 2014 and so far we have collected over N5 milion. The

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•L-R: Board member, SCFN, Mrs Abiola Ogunbiyi; Senior Vice President Arik Air Limited, Siva Ramachandran; Founder SCFN, Prof. Olu Akinyanju and Associate Vice President, Marketing Mr. Jide Alade during a media forum on the Inflight Donation Scheme. passengers are informed that there is sickle cell in Nigeria, and about the Sickle Cell Foundation and their need for

money to run the Foundation.

They put some money in an envelope through which we have been able to put smiles on

the faces of Nigerians with the disease.

"Arik Air really appreciate the general public for their generous donation towards this cause and we believe they will do more."

Founder of SCFN Prof. Olu Akinyanju emphasised the need for Nigeria to invest in research in the intervention presently in making life easier for sickle cell patients was as a result of American affection for research.

"Not less than 150,000 children in Nigeria are born with sickle cell anaemia annually which is one in every four is a carrier while in Africa-Americans is one in 12. But yet they have 21 sickle cell centres and the entire improvement story we have today emanate from them. Historically, people use to die in childhood with sickle cell anaemie and it was in America they start how to make them leave longer and better this is because they were doing research," he added.

to maternal health by removing barriers such as compulsory blood donation, high cost of health services, power and inadequate drugs.

“There is need for government to put mechanism in place to monitor and enforce quality services in health facilities. Adopt best practices that have been confirmed to reduce maternal deaths, work towards achieving family planning 2020 target of 36 percent contraceptive prevalence rate,” he stated.

Laudable steps attained include; Abiye in Ondo State, Midwives Service Scheme, Sure – P, National Health Act, building of maternal and child health facilities and flagship centres equipped with doctors and midwives.

In his own contribution, the Chairman, House Committee on Health, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hodewu Suru Avoseh, said to ensure a better healthcare delivery, the state apart from other milestones achieved has established flagship PHCs in all the 20 Local Government and 37 LCDAs, training of staff abroad and infrastructural development in the health sector as well as the building and equipping of a cardiac centre.

Insurance scheme He said the State House of Assembly is presently fine-tuning a Bill that will create a sustainable insurance scheme for both private and public sectors in the state.

He explained that the Bill is coming at a time when the state public institutions are becoming increasingly overwhelmed and incapable of providing such services for which they were established.

Avoseh said government has a lot to provide for the establishment of the Lagos State Contributory Health Scheme and dismissed the “political slogan, free healthcare” saying it is a total deceit.

“The bill will also address the problems concerning doctors’ strike and salaries of health workers as they will now be paid by the Health management organisations, HMOs. In the scheme, you will choose your hospital and your own doctor.

He said that though the universal health coverage establishes that at least every citizen must access health care facilities without paying at the point of service, in the case of Lagos State, people from neighbouring states also come to access these facilities.

“That notwithstanding, he stated that somebody must pay as health is not free. He declared that if everything is done by the

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015—37

7 Nigerian students win SOAFSE scholarships

Abstain from sex, Ebola survivors told

By Sola Ogundipe

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IBERIAN authorities have called upon Ebola survivors to abstain from sexual abstinence or protected sex beyond the recommended 90-day period after their recovery. The caution comes amidst fears that the last Ebola fatality may have resulted from sexual transmission.

Liberia that has been battling the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak for close to a year, recently recorded its first new case and fatality from the disease in several weeks. The patient, a 44-year-old woman, died Friday last week.

Although researchers say there is possibility of sexual transmission of the Ebola virus, no case has been documented previously. More than 10 300 people have died of Ebola across Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone.

Speaking weekend, Liberian Deputy Health Minister Tolbert Nyenswah, who heads Liberia’s Ebola response, said there was evidence to suggest the woman may have contracted the disease through sexual contact.

Nyenswah said survivors should follow the WHO guidance for at least three months and suggested they even go a step further until the modes of transmission are better understood.

“Ebola survivors should consider correct and consistent use of condoms for all sexual acts beyond three months until more information is available,” he said.

I

•The Obi of Onitsha, HRM Nnayelugo Achebe; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Stephen Oluwole Awokoya Foundation for Science Education,SOAFSE, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye; CEO, Bank of Industry, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa; Vice Chairman, SOAFSE, Prof. Issac Adalemo and Senator Daisy Danjuma during the 20th Annual lecture, Awards of Honours and Post graduate Scholarships of the Foundation.

Liberian health officials were monitoring 211 individuals known to have come into contact with the deceased woman but Nyenswah said none had so far presented symptoms of the disease.

Research has shown traces of Ebola in semen of some survivors for at least 82 days after the onset of symptoms, meaning they could carry the disease long after they have recovered.

There is no conclusive scientific proof that these traces are infectious. But as a precaution, the World Health Organisation,

WHO, advises Ebola survivors to abstain from sex during a 90-day period following recovery or, failing that, to practise safe sex.

Liberia has largely succeeded in getting its Ebola outbreak under control and was on its way to completing the 42 days without a new case necessary to declaring the country free of the disease when it recorded the most recent infection.

Sierra Leone, the worst affected of the three countries, concluded a three-day national lockdown aimed at accelerating the end of

its Ebola epidemic Sunday evening. Guinea’s President Alpha Conde announced on Saturday new emergency measures enabling authorities to restrict movements in western Guinea, where Ebola transmission continues a year after the epidemic was declared.

To be declared Ebola free, a country must undergo a mandatory 42-day period without a new case detected. Liberia was on its way to being declared free of the disease before its most recent infection.

FG, others champion Pepsodent’s Brush Day and Night campaign

By Chioma Obinna & Damilola Akingbade

M

EDICAL experts have decried the 90 percent reported cases of untreated dental carries (tooth decays) among Nigerian children, saying the only panacea is to introduce good oral health to children at early stage of their lives.

Statistic available have shown that there is a prevalence of about 6.5 to 22.5 percent of dental carries in children and over 95.6 percent of early childhood carries are untreated in Nigeria.

To this end, Unilever Nigeria Limited, makers of Pepsodent toothpaste, in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Dental Association, NDA, had flagged off a campaign tagged: ‘brush day and night campaign’ aimed at catching the children young.

Speaking at the flag off of the campaign, which hosted over 1,500 school children in Lagos to mark this year ’s WOHD, the Minister of State for

Health, Dr. Khaliru Alhassan, said the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘Smile For Life’ has a double meaning, ‘lifelong smile’ and ‘celebrating life’, and the aim is to wish everybody lifelong healthy smiles at all ages.

Alhassan explained further that the mouth is the gateway and mirror to the body and as such, Nigerians must take a paradigm shift from limiting dentistry to only the treatment of diseased teeth and care of the mouth.

“I am pleased with today’s event which showcases the dividends of stakeholders’ participation and has put Nigeria on the world map through the smile pledge taken by about 1,500 children to brush day and night aimed at a cavity free Nigeria,” he said.

Oh his part, Vice President Marketing, Unilever Nigeria, Mr Robbert deVreede said the event was a way of giving back to the Nigerian public.“We have set a global ambition to reach 100 million children by 2020 and 10 million of them

are coming from Nigeria. In effect, the number we aiming to reach in Nigeria are the largest in Africa.

“We see the terrible picture if we don’t care for our mouth.

So it is a step in the right direction that 1,500 children gathered today to pledge to

Statistics have shown that there is a prevalence of about 6.5 to 22.5 percent of dental carries in children and over 95.6 percent of early childhood carries are untreated in Nigeria

brush day and night. We know that children have the future and can act as change agents to make their parents brush day and night. By the end of 2015, we would have reached one million children in Nigeria.

“The programme is tailored in such a way that children not only learn how to brush properly but also why it’s so important, information which they can then share with the rest of their family,” he said Speaking, President of the Nigerian Dental Association, NDA, Dr. Olabode Ijarogbe, explained that the emphasis on children at the event was because children are more teachable and it is easier to imbibe the culture of oral health to children than adult.

Ijarogbe said the WOHD is important because 90 per cent of the world’s population will suffer from oral diseases in their lifetime, many of which can be avoided with increased governmental, health association and society and funding for prevention, detection and treatment programmes.

By Gabriel Olawale

N a bid to promote science education in Nigeria Institution, Stephen Oluwole Awokoya Foundation for Science Education, SOAFSE, has awarded seven outstanding Nigerian students from various universities across the country scholarship to proceed with their post graduate studies.

The initiative which 84 Nigerian students have been enjoyed since its inception was aimed at providing opportunities for exceptional science students across the country to further their careers at no expense.

Speaking during the 20th Annual Lecture, Awards of Honours and Post Graduate Scholarships to grace the 2015 occasion of the Foundation, SOAFSE Chairman, Board of trustees, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye said that the Foundation was set up with a primary objective of promoting science education in Nigerian Institutions of higher learning.

“Since its inception in 1995, the foundation has made it a yearly award of postgraduate Scholarship for studies in the areas of science education of which a total of 84 scholars have benefited.

Award of honours This year some of the beneficiaries include; Onagbola Rebecca, Akinpelu Finyinfoluwa and Ogundipe Nkem from University of Lagos, Adeleye Praise from Redeemers University, Okafor Chisom from Nnamdi Azikwe University, and Okpara Obinna, Ejike Uchehukwu from Federal University of Technology, Akure.”

On his part, the Obi of Onitsha, HRM Nnayelugo Achebe who is the Chairman of the occasion called on every Nigeria to support the foundation so that more success can be recorded.

Also award of honours was given to three Nigerians who have distinguished themselves locally and international as good ambassadors of the country. These include the Chairman, Trithel International Consulting Engr. J.J Akpieyi; Executive Vice Chairman, South Atlantic Petroleum, Senator Daisy Danjuma and Chairman, BOTAD General Limited, Dr. Adewunmi Desalu.

The Foundation was set up in memory of Prof. Stephen Awokoya, who was the first Nigerian Chemistry Graduate and the first Minister of Education in Western Nigeria.

38—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

Use of pain killers over a long time damages the kidneys K

Donor challenges Most of the transplants we have done in India and in your country, families used to donate. But we get cadavers also-brain dead but heart is working.

Last week we did one, with a brain haemorrhage, the family donated the kidney. We put one kidney into an 18year old girl and the other into a 55year-old woman. Both are doing well.

But the number of cadaver transplantation is less because families don’t give consent for cadaver transplants. Main programme is life related, from family members.

IDNEY problem is on the rise in Nigeria. Recently, a Senior Consultant Nephrologist at Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, India, Dr D. K. Agarwal, was in Nigeria recently and spoke to Chioma Obinna on the increasing cases of kidney disease around the world caused by a number of factors. He sheds light on kidney transplant, as a permanent solution to kidney failure, and asserts that patients live normal lives after.

Excerpts:

Kidney transplant We have quite a lot of patients from Nigeria, particularly for transplantation or other kidney problems, including renal transplantation. When the kidney is not working because of many reasons, like diabetes, long use of painkillers, or has failed completely, there are two options: transplantation and dialysis.

In dialysis you continue it for life, but in transplant, you get one kidney. I have seen a patient from Lagos, 68 years old, his wife and daughter had transplants five years back and they are doing nicely.

Even at 65, 70, they get very well after a transplant and they do normal jobs and get back to routine life. That is the required way to deal with kidney failure. Suppose there is no donor for transplant, then you go for dialysis - cleaning of the blood by a machine for four hours, and it is required for two or three times a week and it is lifelong.

•Dr. D.K Agarwal, Consultant Nephrologist

When the kidney is not working because of many reasons, like diabetes, long use of painkillers, or has failed completely, there are two options: transplantation and dialysis. In dialysis you continue it for life, but in transplant, you get one kidney

In a case where family members don’t give consent, what happens?

If they don’t give consent, we cannot take the kidney. Consent is necessary even in live related transplants.

Life expectancy for people who have had kidney transplant We have heard of rejection in kidney transplants. In most cases it is caused by noncompliance-medicine is not available, or sometimes they think they don’t need medicines because they are alive and reduce the dose or stop it.

But the body is different and the kidney is different, so rejection can happen. In that case we do a second transplant or go for dialysis.

But what’s the quality of life?

Absolutely normal life, but medication is there.

Chances of compatibility We usually test for tissue matching, and secondly give drugs known as immunosuppressants they have to take

regularly. It starts with a high dose, but later on dose comes down.

When the body keeps rejecting a kidney: That happens in two types of non-compatibility, when the blood group is not matched and when the body rejects the kidney. Again you want to transplant. So when the blood group does not match, and there is rejection, the antibodies increase and that increases the chances of rejection.

When the donor match is positive, we still cannot do a transplant otherwise the body will reject the kidney. What we do is plasma exchange to take out the antibodies, and when the crossmatch is negative, then we do the transplant. Now a days different blood group renal transplant are possible with the help of plasma exchange and Rituximab etc.

Causes of kidney damage There are three thngs causing kidneys to damage nowadays. One is diabetes— every third or fourth person is diabetic, because of lifestyle, they don’t go out, or do morning walks, their eating is bad—just sitting watching TV and eating fatty foods. Even in India, 15 years ago, we were seeing 10 to 20 percent diabetes cases, now they are up to 40 percent.

Half of the cases we transplant are diabetics. The second thing is hypertension. Smoking was thought to affect only heart and lungs, but now we know it is injurious to kidneys too. Third important factor is drugs. People go into pharmacies after a hard day’s work and get tablets for pain relief for selfmedication. Pain killers over a long time cause kidney damage. Pain killers should be taken only when required. If we take care of these things, we can cut down the numbers of patients with kidney failure.

COMMON SEXUAL PROBLEMS AND THEIR NOVELTY BASED SOLUTIONS (ADVERTORIAL)

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My problem is that right from the first time I indulged in love making, I have not been able to feel anything at all. I can’t feel my man inside of me (he is well endowed and a passionate gentle lover), not even a little friction and “No Orgasm”. This has been a major embarrassment to me. So, I want to know if your vaginal tightener and Orgasm Gel will work for me – Tina Dear Tina, when you say that you don’t feel anything at all, do you mean to say that you feel no pleasure or

that you have absolutely no sensation when he enters you? If you feel no sensation, then I have to wonder if you are attracted to men at all. Only lesbians feel the way you just described about sex with men. If you are attracted to him but just cannot enjoy intercourse, then lack of fore play could be the problem. Passionate talk, kissing, touching, heavy petting and genital stimulation with the fingers, toys and other body parts are usually the first things you do before actual intercourse. So follow the above procedures during sex. If you still feel nothing, then maybe you are just not into men – Uche I have an extreme case of premature ejaculation. Most times, I don’t even last up to one minute before climaxing – Marvis Dear Marvis, apply an ejaculation delay ointment all over your penis and then wear a penis sleeve afterwards before having intercourse. This will enable you last for fifteen to twenty minutes before ejaculating. Use the Power Plus Delay Cream and the Nasstoys Penis Extender Sleeve for this. They work better together – Uche I have been dating this guy for four months and he spent the night at my place for the first time. It was magical. I miss waking up to someone I really really love and this guy is amazing. He wants me around him all the time and I want to keep it that way. I have heard of your pheromones for attraction. Which one is the best? Ugonwa Frankly people buy all sorts of pheromones from us and they like them all. But I will recommend the Crazy Girl Body Mist because it is big and will last you for a long time – Uche And that is it for today. Adults in need of the above novelties and treatments can call us on 08027901621 or 08051924159 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com.

We deliver to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015—39

By Theodore Opara

All-new Peugeot 301, Compact car to beat A

FTER 905 kilometres test drive from Lagos to Kaduna, Motoring journalists, who took part in the recent Peugeot Media test drive, came to the conclusion that the renowned French automobile company still has so much to offer motoring enthusiasts in Nigeria.

Peugeot made name with its legendary models like the 404, 504, and 505 in Nigeria from the 60s to the 80s, when it was the brand to beat. But from all indications, the new generation Peugeot models are the cars to beat going by their performance during the just concluded test drive.

The test drive brought out the hidden qualities of these Peugeot, which include the all-new 301 and 508 saloon cars, the 4008 Sport Utility Vehicle and 3008 crossover as well as the Peugeot expert van.

However, the revelation of the media test drive was the all-new Peugeot 301.

From the starting point in Lagos, most of the journalists wanted to avoid driving the 301, which happened to be the smallest car in the line-up during the test drive.

Fuel efficiency But persuasion by the PAN Nigeria Corporate Affairs Manager, Musa Bashiru, made the journalists to give the car a trial and they never regreted it.

At the end of the test drive, the 301 became the toast of the journalists due to its road handling, fuel efficiency, comfort and overall performance.

The initial belief was that the Peugeot 301 will not be able to measure up with the others. But this was eroded as soon as the journalists hit the Lagos Ibadan expressway. The 301 disappeared, keeping every driver on its toes to catch up with it. And when it was time to refuel at Lokoja, the 301 still had enough fuel to take its driver to Kaduna without refuelling.

With this, Peugeot Automobile looks good to surpass its record of one full tank from Lagos to Kaduna, held by Peugeot 306.

And when the Managing Director of Peugeot, Mr. Ibrahim Boyi, spoke

•Peugeot 301 about the car during the press conference at the end of the test drive in Kaduna, he could not hide his excitement over the prowess of the new compact Peugeot saloon. He stated that he wanted journalists to find out on their own what this compact saloon could offer.

Boyi said: ‘’We wanted you, the Motoring Journalists to discover the qualities yourself rather than blowing our trumpet and now you have seen how efficient and powerful the new 301 is. This is what we want the Nigerian motoring public to know.’’

The beauty of it all, is that unlike its competitors from other car makers, the 301 can only be serviced after six months, while the spare

New Sensation Peugeot 301 •Peugeot 301 interior parts are comparably cheaper than competing models from other car makers.

Generally, Peugeot has demonstrated it over 100 years of automobile making experience in new 301.

Sturdy and reliable, Peugeot 301 benefitted fully from the technical expertise of the brand, placing its strength in its everyday versatility.

The 301 impressive handling allow for its best

adaptability to driving conditions. Peugeot’s expertise in suspension system guarantees the excellent road handling in the 301.

The ground clearance too, gives one the impression that the 301 was built with

BKG announces date for 2015 Lagos Auto Show

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S arrangements for the hosting of the 10th edition of the flagship auto- fair in West Africa ‘The Lagos Motor Fair ’ & Autoparts Expo Nigeria, continues, exhibitors and the general public that would be at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, venue of the event have been assured of bumper days of serious business and fun.

Announcing this at a press conference recently, the Chairman of the Organising Committee for the show, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Agwu said, “the fair will be a landmark and benchmark in auto show business in the entire West African sub-region;’ promising that “all including children are billed to have a rewarding

experience.” The event according to Mr. Agwu has been scheduled to hold from April 30 to May 5, 2015.

According to the Chairman of the Organizing Committee who is also The Managing Director of BKG Exhibitions Limited, main organizers of

The fair will be a landmark and benchmark in auto show business in the entire West African sub-region

the show,” almost all the major vehicle manufacturers and dealers in Nigeria are participating at the fair. Notable Banks and Insurance Companies; major Oil Companies; manufacturers and dealers in auto-accessories have indicated interest and are seriously preparing to participate in the event.

“Each of the seven days that the fair will last is loaded with activities and events that will make this edition remarkably different and we intend to improve and add on this in subsequent editions,” Mr. Agwu, revealed.

Expected to be on parade are ranges of automobile products from notable companies from the Asian Continent dominated by Japanese, Chinese and

South Korean auto- firms.

Here, products from Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Kia, Nissan, etc, will be on display.

The European and American Continents will equally be there with products from the stables of Ford, Mack, Mercedes, Chevrolet, Volvo, BMW, Skoda etc.

From the home front, PAN Nigeria, National Trucks Manufacturers Limited [NTM], etc will showcase the latest in their ranges of products.

These products range from personal choice exotic cars, SUV’s, CUV’s, Jeeps, light and heavy duty haulage Trucks, and Buses of various capacities for corporate and mass transit businesses.

Feelers from most of the

Nigeria roads in mind.

The Peugeot 301 is available in Nigeria in two engine variants: the 1.2 litre VTi 72 brake horse power engine with manual transmission and the 1.6 litre engine VTi 115 brake horse power with four speed gearbox.

These engines offer fuel efficiency like no other car in its segment.

The 301 beauty is not just skin deep. It comes with array of top-class equipment designed to make driving very interesting.

From the comfortable interior to its driver assistance technology and plush dash board, the 301 is a blend of style and driving comfort.

The instrument cluster comes with a monochrome matrix, which displays information about the onboard computer, your journey and any reports. Rear parking assistance, cruise control and speed limiter, air conditioning and powerful audio system are some of the features of the 301.

With its roomy interior and host of features for added comfort, the 301, no doubt is the car to beat in30 its class. All-round safety is guaranteed in the 301 by an array of active and passive systems in the car. The electronic stability programme groups together five features: ABS brakes, Electronic Brakeforce, Distribution, ABFD, and Emergency Brake Assist, EBA, plus Antislip Regulation, ASR, and Dynamic Control, DSC, which helps the driver get the vehicle back on course when the need arises.

firms indicate that visitors to the various stands will enjoy lots of goodies. Some have packaged gift items, lucky dips and many other forms of entertainments, which according to sources will last all through the fair.

Strategically as we did in the last three years, we are laying a great emphasis on the Spare Parts sector in this edition. This is as a result of our guided intention to enhance the development of cottage industries in the spare parts sub-sector of the automotive business sector of the economy with the attendant multiplier effects on the economy of the nation. It is also spurred by the need to ginger activities in the sub-sector to complement the setting up of Auto clusters as espoused by the new automotive policy in the country.

40 —Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

By Theodore Opara

Briscoe to produce BYD vehicles in Nigeria

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HE Federal Government’s automotive plan has continued to gain momentum as more campaigns, both locally and foreign have continued to show interest in the scheme.

Leading Chinese automotive company, BYD Automotive is the latest to show interest as it has concluded plans to assemble the BYD models in Nigeria with RT Briscoe Nigeria Plc. A statement from RT Briscoe said that the

The Land Rover Discovery

New Discovery equipped to take all terrain T

HE newest member of the Discovery family, the Discovery Sport, is every bit the Land Rover that buyers have come to expect, but also offers excellent road manners and refinement.

From more accurate electronic power-assisted steering (EPAS), to the firstin-class integral multi-link rear suspension, drivers will feel more connected to the road than ever before, without compromising on noise and comfort levels.

These features also endow the Discovery Sport with excellent agility.

However, Land Rover has not struck a middle ground between on-road grace and off-road capability. The Discovery Sport remains capable of scaling steep gradients of up to 45 degrees, and has classleading breakover, departure, and approach angles. It is also equipped with the latest generation of Terrain Response®, allowing drivers to customise settings for various driving conditions.

Other off-road technologies include Hill

Descent Control (HDC®), for safely descending downhil at a controlled speed. Select Discovery Sport models will also be available with Land Rover ’s All-Terrain

Progress Control (ATPC).

This intelligent cruisecontrol mode for offroading allows drivers to concentrate on steering input by letting them set a crawl speed of between

1.6- to 30km/h. The allwheel drive and electronics systems maintain the set speed and optimise traction, letting even novice drivers feel confident in

all conditions.

With these innovative chassis and driveline advances, the new Land Rover Discovery Sport offers peerless all-terrain performance.

•L-r: Dana Group, Chairman, Ramesh Hathiramani; Minister, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga; and United Vehicle Assembly Limited, CEO, Jacky Hathiramani.

Kia Soul EV, Sorento pick 2015 Red Dot awards HE Kia Motors de spectively. The Kia Soul – the •Kia Soul EV T sign team has swept sister model to the EV electhe board yet again in the an-

nual Red Dot Awards, picking up two ‘Red Dots’ for the outstanding product design of the Kia Soul EV and allnew Kia Sorento SUV. The Red Dot Awards program is one of the most highly-respected international design competitions in the world, and celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2015. This year, the jury – made up of design experts from a range of industries – awarded a

•Sorento ‘Winner’ and ‘Honourable Mention’ distinction to the Kia Soul EV and Kia Sorento, respectively, in recognition of their exceptional design details.

Ever since receiving its first award at this international-

ly-recognizeddesigncompetition in 2009, Kia’s designoriented products have been successful every single year.

In total, 13 Kia models have now won a Red Dot Award, in addition to many other design prizes.

These aren’t the first awards for the recentlylaunched Kia Soul and flagship new-generation Sorento, both of which have been awarded coveted iF Design Awards in 2014 and 2015 re-

tric version – also received a Red Dot Award in 2014.

“Our international design teams have every reason to be proud of the honours we have won at the 2015 Red Dot Awards, which show just how successful they have been in mastering the different design challenges of these two models”, said Peter Schreyer, President and Chief Design Officer of the Kia Motors Corporation and the Hyundai Motor Compa-

Federal Government has given the company the go ahead to produce BYD models including Electric vehicles.

The statement reads: “We are pleased to inform you that the Federal Government has recognized and registered R.T. Briscoe Nigeria PLC as a ‘Manufacturer/ Assembler of Vehicles’ in Nigeria. The process of achieving this feat was completed during the courtesy call on the Honorable Minister of Trade and Investment by the Management of our organisation and a delegation from BYD Automotive Manufacturing of China.”

“R.T. Briscoe Nigeria PLC was recently appointed the sole manufacturer and distributor of BYD brand by the Chinese company to import SKD components for assembling and fully built units in the country, which necessitated a registration with the Trade & Investment Ministry. By this effort, our company is poised to leveraging on the recent automobile policy enacted by the Federal Government.”

Federal Government has recognized and registered R.T. Briscoe Nigeria PLC as a ‘Manufacturer/ Assembler of Vehicles’ in Nigeria

ny. “The third generation of the Kia Sorento has a subtly altered character and has made a great leap forward in quality. The new model combinesaclassicSUVspirit with a premium look that is particularly noticeable in the interior.

“The cabin of the Kia Soul EV also features exceptional material and design quality.

When designing this car, the aim was to grasp the specific challenges of an electric car as a fresh opportunity, and our design team has achieved this brilliantly.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 — 41

By Theodore Opara

New Range Rover Sport HST makes global debut at New York auto show L

AND Rover will present the new Range Rover Sport HST at the New York International Auto Show 2015. The HST enhances the high performance Range Rover Sport driving experience thanks to its uprated 280kW 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol engine, unique chassis settings and bespoke design features.

David Mitchell, Vehicle Programme Director Range Rover Sport, said: “The HST extends our Range Rover Sport line-up giving customers even greater choice. Sitting be•Range Rover Sport HST tween the existing 250kW Range Rover Sport 3.0-litre V6 supercharged and the 405kW supercharged SVR, it delivers enhanced V6 performance to go with Range Rover Sport’s renowned comfort and refinement.”

A raft of updates to the 2016 model year Range Rover Sport line-up will also be showcased in New York, including the availability of a new Gesture Tailgate and the introduction of Automatic Access Height.

New Range Rover Sport HST The bold new Range Rover Sport HST is identified by its unique exterior design and interior enhancements, which give the high performance luxury SUV a •Range Rover Sport HST interior distinctive and dynamic appearance. ing on the leading edge of er enhanced agility, while rain Response set-up for the A striking black theme is the bonnet and rear tailgate. the uprated brakes feature vehicle. It features a Dythe hallmark of the exterior Sculpted body-coloured 20-inch discs to deliver namic Mode, which optidesign. The HST is fitted lower door panels and ad- even more confidence-in- mises the suspension, Elecwith Stealth Pack lamps ditional vent detailing on the spiring performance. tric Power Assisted Steering front and rear, which fea- bumpers are also fitted.

The HST is available with (EPAS) and other electronture non-reflective surIn common with other a single-range transmis- ic systems to suit on-road rounds and combine with a Dynamic Range Rover sion, reflecting its high per- driving.

Santorini Black contrast roof Sport variants, the HST formance capabilities, and This feature provides and a new spoiler to give wears a red Sport badge at Land Rover’s engineers more controlled electronic the luxury SUV a purpose- the rear, complemented by have devised a unique Ter- damping and a more reful profile. unique HST badging on the The HST’s distinctive 21- front wing vents. inch alloy wheels feature an Power comes from Land exclusive dark satin grey Rover’s 280kW 3.0-litre V6 finish helping to highlight supercharged petrol enthe uprated brakes, which gine, enhanced to provide YUNDAI Motor this month. are identified by red brake an extra 30kW. has received the The JEC Innovation calipers. Larger 22-inch Unique chassis settings Stealth alloy wheels are deliver an even more fo- Jury Prize at the JEC In- Awards recognise technical available as optional equip- cused driving experience novation Awards 2015 for excellence, market potenment. and sharper responses, its innovative carbon-fibre tial and originality, rewardThe bonnet and front without compromising the frame design showcased ing the most innovative wing vents, grille and fog vehicle’s trademark comfort on the Intrado concept car. composite solutions worldlamp bezels all feature a and refinement. Detail The prize was presented wide. The organisation seGloss Black finish, echoed changes to the suspension during the JEC Europe lected the lightweight and by the ‘Range Rover’ letter- reduce body roll and deliv- 2015 conference in Paris futuristic frame of Intrado, which complements the concept’s advanced fuelcell powertrain and design, representing the progressive spirit of Hyundai Motor.

At the core of Intrado’s pioneering frame are carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) sections, which are based on carbon-fibre tubes. This approach allows for more effective and flexible use of the carbon material, avoiding offcuts and long energy-consum•Range Rover Sport HST rear view ing preparation processes.

sponsive throttle pedal, while enhancing gearshifts and steering response to match the change in vehicle character.

Inside the HST comes with eye-catching duo tone seats trimmed in luxurious Oxford Leather. In combination with a contrast fascia, all-Ebony door trims and centre console and standard Ebony headlining, they create a unique environment. The high quality leather upholstery is available in four Ebony/colour combinations, along with an all-Ebony option.

Bespoke HST badging on the dashboard, carpet mats and the TFT instrument panel highlight the luxury model’s high performance focus. The sporty cues extend to Noble-plated paddle shift gear levers on the steering wheel and distinctive bright ‘Sports’ pedals, while the aluminium interior trim features a textured ‘Sports’ finish.

The Range Rover Sport HST will be available to or-

der from May, and prices will be announced later this year.

2016 Model Year Range Rover Sport In addition to revealing the new HST derivative, Land Rover today announced a range of enhancements to the 2016 Model Year Range Rover Sport, with the emphasis on improved practicality and desirability.

All Terrain Progress Control is fitted as standard to all 2016 Range Rover Sports featuring Terrain Response 2 technology, for advanced off-road capability. New Auto Access Height is introduced as standard, for improved ease of entry and exit. The system automatically lowers the vehicle to access height when it comes to a halt and a door is opened.

Practicality is also enhanced by the availability of a Gesture Tailgate, which provides hands-free operation of the tailgate by waving a foot underneath the rear of the vehicle.

Hyundai receives innovation award for Intrado carbon frame design

H

The unique process is a major forward step when compared to conventional steel and other CFRP chassis architectures.

The minimalistic, selfsupporting skeleton-like frame structure is highly stable and extremely light weight, saving 70% weight compared to a conventional chassis and around 30% on the overall vehicle weight, without compromising safety attributes.

One essential element of

the frame’s overall rigidity is the floating centre console beam. This beam provides Intrado with its unique strength as well as connecting the seating and powertrain to the carbon frame. It serves as a mounting point for essential controls and adds to the vehicle’s protective structure.

Additionally, it supports the frame’s integration with the fuel cell powertrain components.

42 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

The deserted Oshodi-Apapa Expressway on Sunday morning

AFTER PRESIDENTIAL POLLS: Skeletal vehicular activities resume

By Ikenna Asomba

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ARELY 24 hours after the rescheduled Presidential and National Assembly elections, life seems to have returned to normal, on Sunday, in Nigeria’s financial hub, Lagos State.

After Saturday ’s election which saw the commercial city locked down with the heavy presence of combat-ready security operatives across the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), worshippers were Sunday, seen walking and driving to their churches and shops, eateries reopened and as well skeletal vehicular traffic was seen on the streets.

Rescheduled polls Owing to late arrival of election materials brought by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to some polling units, as well as hitches encountered with the operations of Smart Card Readers (SMR), INEC said on Sunday, that it would continue the Presidential polls rescheduled in 90 polling units in five of the 20 LGAs of the state. Lagos has 8, 462 polling units spread across 245 registration areas of the state.

Femi Akinbiyi, the state Head of Public Affairs of the commission told newsmen that elections were inconclusive in the affected areas on Saturday.

He said the affected council areas were Alimosho, Eti-Osa, Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo and Somolu.

According to him, elections are ongoing in 21 polling units across Shasha/Akowonjo, Egbeda/Alimosho, Olofin, Igando/Egan, Ipaja North, Ipaja South, Ayobo/Ijan Village and Abule Egba/Meiran/ Alagbado Registration Areas of Alimosho LGA. Also, in Eti Osa LGA, he said that elections were ongoing in five polling units in Aja/ Sangotedo registration area and 57 polling units at Oworonsoki registration area of Kosofe LGA. Exodus: Following this development, several reasons were alluded by some residents who spoke to Vanguard on why major streets across the city were still witnessing skeletal resumption of commercial activities.

To some residents, they blamed the deserted streets on the palpable apprehension among residents, who believe it was safe to stay indoors, as there is a possibility of the outbreak of post-election violence following the release of results.

Others said the streets were

deserted because several nonindigenes who fear that there may be outbreak of electoral violence had fled the state in exodus for their ancestral homes, as well as abroad.

Beginning from Monday, March 23, Vanguard gathered that the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, in Ikeja, witnessed massive upsurge in travellers, as passengers left the country in droves.

Ojodu Berger, Ago-Okota, Isolo, Ajegunle, Orile, and the Magbaro area of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

At the Ketu-Mile 12 axis along the Ikorodu Expressway, Vanguard gathered Sunday morning, that residents who intended plying the route were disappointed, as it was learnt that there was still a huge presence of soldiers on the road, who were ordering the road users, especially

International airlines International airlines like British Airways, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, Etihad, Emirates, South African Airways, Kenya Airlines and a few others witnessed enormous increase in passengers’ traffic, before the Federal Government announced a shut-down of the airspace last Friday.

However, the British Airways Regional Commercial Manager, West Africa, Mr. Kola Olayinka, who confirmed the upsurge in passengers’ traffic, attributed the upsurge to the forthcoming Easter celebration and vacation in schools.

Major areas: Vanguard gathered that major areas where skeletal commercial activities were witnessed Sunday include Satellite Town,

The streets were deserted because several non-indigenes who feared that there may be outbreak of electoral violence had fled the state

motorists, to turn back. This development, Vanguard gathered from eye witnesses caused hectic traffic snarl along the axis.

Apparently perturbed by the situation, residents took to several social media networks to vent their anger. It however, took the clarification made by the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Suleiman Abba that restriction of movement was no longer in force, before the palpable apprehension among Lagosians doused.

Also, the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, especially between the Mile 2-Alaba Express axis renown for its dreadful traffic lock-jam was not spared from skeletal resumption of commercial and vehicular activities, as the everbusy expressway was still deserted Sunday morning.

The usual worrisome sight of drivers of petroleum tanker and articulated vehicles heading towards and out of the Apapa ports, as well as tank farms located on the road, which cripple vehicular and commercial activities along the axis was not seen as at the time of filing this report.

Vanguard, however, gathered that residents of Shasha, Egbeda and Oshodi were already trooping out enmasse across major eateries and beer parlours to relish the cool nature of the evening.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 — 43

Lagos retirees lament delay in benefit payment

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

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IVIl servants and Pensioners who retired from the Lagos state public service have continued to lament the delay in payment of retirement benefits under the Contributory Pension Scheme, CSP; established by the Lagos State Pension Reform Law, PRL 2007.

They argued that the new scheme in the state was not different from the old scheme, (Pay As You Go, PAYE) which was abolished for several reasons which include delay in payment of retirement benefits.

The pension reform law was the strategy adopted by the state government to conform to the new pension administration, which the Federal Government started in 2005 after enactment of the Pension Reform Act, PRA 2004.

The civil servants made their displeasure known at a meeting with the State Governor, Babatunde Fashola in Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja and in an interview with Vanguard, lamenting that inspite of the accolade the state received for been proactive on pension issues, their benefits was not as fast as they had expected.

One of the civil servants, who identified herself as Mrs. E.M Abdul, said “for over three years now, pensioners from the state

Cross section of civil servants at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja civil service are yet to get their benefits after servicing their state meritoriously.”

She added “Since 2007 when we abandoned the old scheme for the new pension, there shouldn’t be any problem to get our benefits within three months.”

Another pensioner, Mrs. Risikat Owolabi in an interview with Vanguard lamented that her benefits had been delayed, even after she had meet all the requirements needed for her to receive her benefits.

Risikat, a retired teacher said “I retired in February 2014. But one year after, I cannot get my benefits from the Lagos State

Pension Commission, LASPEC. I don’t know why it was delayed.

I attended the pre-retirement

I retired in February 2014.

But one year after, I cannot get my benefits from the Lagos State Pension Commission, LASPEC. I don’t know why it was delayed

seminar with the hope that it was an avenue for the process to be hastened. But here I am, still waiting to receive a call from the pension officials.”

Vanguard gathered that larger percent of the pensioners affected worked for the state parastatals.

And some were unable to remit the 7.5 percent deducted from salaries of their employees and the 7.5 percent counterpart contribution by the agency.

Responding, Fashola said we should not forget “that there are two pension schemes. Even the new is just 8 years old. And it is expected to experience some hitches. It is a work in progress.

“And we should not forget that

we have done periodic draws, issuing bond certificate to pensioners. So the system is working. It is an ongoing thing.

And the only reason the government is relevant is because there are problems out there,” he added.

He urged the civil servants to “keep proper records of their documents. This was because the problem we discovered when we started was that some staffs didn’t keep their records properly. And some didn’t have their pin number.”

According to him, “Some people experience with LASPEC today was that within 90 days, they got their money while for some it didn’t happen like that.

But there is a system already in place. If there are specific problem, itemize them and send it to us through the Head of Service OS. We will go to the commission and find out what the problem was.”

Director-General, LASPEC, Mr. Rotimi Hussain at the 15th edition of the presentation of Bond certificate of over N1.404 billion to 303 pensioners from the state public Service, said “the administration has not relented in its resolve at ensuring that the retirement benefits of every retiree is paid as and when due.

“The State Government had paid a total sum of N30,479,043,146.76 to 5,773 retirees. And the money was deposited into their Retirement Savings Accounts managed by their Pension Fund Administrators, PFAs in addition to their monthly contributions.

Osborne Ferry Terminal: LASG, Ikoyi residents’ face-off persists

By Dotun Ibiwoye

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S the litigation of the ongoing Osborne Woodland Ferry Terminal Project lingers on, the Lagos State government has said it is a strange for private rights to supersede public interest in the administration of justice.

The on-going Osborne Woodland Ferry Terminal Project which is 90 per cent completed, has been temporarily stopped after a court injunction halted further construction of the project on the grounds that it would disturb his building while some others claim that the federal government gave them the land on the site of the project.

Government pointing out that the constitution vested ownership of land on State Governors who hold them in trust for citizens of the States.

Fashola also stated that his administration started construction of the ferry terminals about three or four years ago as a way of addressing the State’s transport challenge and in furtherance of the administration’s intermodal transportation.

He also aid two of the terminals - Badore Ferry Terminal and Ikorodu Ferry Terminal - have already been completed and expressed dismay that since the commencement of the projects, government has been faced with

one land dispute after another.

The governor affirmed that the issues arising from the project is “a tragedy of choices before us”, while pointing to a boy playing with football on a busy tarred road nearby, declared, “Now if we have this park here this is a place to play football.

But unfortunately again trying to create a green area and what do we have? People want to build here”.

“But interestingly that person has obtained a court injunction stopping us from further constructing. I don’t know how the law works that way. Well nothing is off the table and that is my response. Nothing is off the table as far as I am concerned.

But I think that in the law of jurisprudence that I know private rights do not supersede public interest. That is very basic common sense.

“Government has to apply the law here and do what we have to do. These are buildings that really did not exist here when we started this project and it is really interesting that somebody can now go to court to complain about a terminal that he met when he started constructing and say that it is going to disturb his building, he said

Location of the ferry terminal A resident of Ikoyi Gardens Estate, an estate close to the two projects, had reportedly gone to court to challenge the location of the Ferry Terminal with the court injunction.

In a recent inspection of the Woodland project, the Lagos State governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, noted that some people claimed that they were given land on the site by the Federal

Passengers on a ferry boat

Government has to apply the law here and do what we have to do

“Since we started all of these terminals, I think three or four years ago, it has been one land dispute after the other and settling them and just when this building was finishing, buildings that don’t even exist here, that we gave building permits to construct and develop now say they don’t want a terminal” The governor added: “Now, this is a green area by the free way and in our planning it is a green area; we decided to create an open park here, plant trees so that residents and adjourning communities can come here, children and families can come here and relax and play. You see such parks across the world.

“There are no closed estates by agreement in Lagos. Nobody guaranteed anybody that this is going to be a gated estate. So, if you applied here and we gave you building permit and you saw all of the developments that was here, it is strange now that you can turn around and say citizens can’t come to a ferry terminal because you have a house here.”

“Some claim the Federal Government gave them land, Federal Government has no title to land, and the Constitution does not give the Federal Government title to land.’’

44—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

Elections: Still work in progress••

By Ayisha Osori

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ARCH 28 has come and gone and here we are.

The days after the presidential election continue to unfold. The results of one of the most keenly contested elections in the history of Nigeria’s democracy have not been released yet but snap shots of the results are emerging.

Privileged to see unofficially verified results from 93 local governments within 11 states it is clear PDP won the 16 LGS in Ekiti while from the results of the 24 out of 31 LGs in Osun, APC is winning. For many the results are the most important aspect of the elections but there are other aspects of the presidential and national assembly elections to recognize and appreciate.

The card readers: The most disparaged and most anticipated use of technology in the elections was the card reader that was supposed to do at least three things. It was designed to provide a two-step accreditation process of each voter by authenticating the permanent voters card (PVC) and confirming that the voter is at the right polling unit.

Numbers of voters accredited The cards should automatically keep count of the number of voters verified and finally, it was to aid authenticity of the election results i.e., no polling unit would be able to declare results which when tabulated would exceed the number of voters accredited.

According to Jega, these numbers of the accredited voters would be centrally collated to give the country the exact number of Nigerians who came out to vote.

The good news is that in most PUs the readers achieved the first objective albeit with uneven success at fingerprint authentication. Unfortunately, while we know that the number of readers with issues is statistically insignificant i.e., 450 out of 150,000, as a result of the announcement that readers could be dispensed with, we will never know the actual number of voters.

For the purpose of transparency, the PUs where readers were dispensed with should be public.

Logistics and general preparedness: We are still struggling to get this right. In the FCT, less than 50 per cent of the PUS opened at 8am and in many places the process went on long into the night to make up for the late arrival of the INEC teams and the delays caused in some places by the

card readers. INEC teams could be better prepared, better informed and better cared for.

For instance, in one polling unit, the INEC team claimed they spent the night before the Saturday elections in a field without so much as a mattress between them and the ground.

This is not the frame of mind and body we want those managing our elections to be in.

Candidates to the national assembly in Delta will have to wait another two weeks – enduring a total of 8 weeks of postponement because ballot material was still not available.

INEC will acknowledge that there is a lot of room for improvement but it is anyone’s guess how well we will fix these things in time for April 11 or even 2019.

The good old rigging mechanism: It was only when Governor Amaechi raised an alarm over result sheets that many volunteer observers across the country wondered if they should have asked to see this. And maybe this is not something the polling unit officials have to show anyone, but for those with a keen understanding of how elections are rigged, the lack of result sheets has caused concern in many states, particularly Rivers and Akwa Ibom.

What is the protocol to be followed by INEC when they get reports that a governor or a

Our elections continue to live up to the reputation of being deadly.

Bombs went off in Anambra and Enugu, Boko Haram killed 41 in Gombe and in Ekiti, Rivers and Akwa Ibom, people lost brothers

President Goodluck Jonathan voting on Saturday

Gen. Muhmmadu Buhari at his polling booth

person has hijacked ballot material and manipulated the results? Indeed, when does INEC consider itself ‘notified’ of allegations of irregularity?

When candidates and stakeholders cry out, hold press conferences, write letters to their RECs and the leadership of INEC with evidence in the form of pictures and videos what, ideally should happen?

Considering how far back in history our elections have been tainted w i t h allegations of rigging it is disheartening that the checks and balances are not clear.

As state returning officers troop into Abuja today - what will INEC do t o independently erify the results from states where alarms have been raised?

Violence: Our elections continue to live up to the reputation of being deadly.

Bombs went off in Anambra and Enugu, Boko Haram killed 41 in Gombe and in Ekiti, Rivers and Akwa Ibom, people lost brothers,

husbands and fathers. We continue to encourage the Ministry of Justice to fill in the gap and prosecute the perpetrators. As long as our elections remain violent, it will continue to keep people away – creating the vacuum required for manipulation and retaliatory violence. For instance, @inibeheEffiong tweeted a picture of a dead man, Richard Frederick Okon, allegedly

killed by a commissioner in Akwa Ibom yesterday – will this case ever be investigated and the killer brought to justice?

Civic Engagement: Those who wanted to - old, invalid, young and voting for the first time, women with babies strapped to their backs - were determined to vote and largely orderly, patient and vigilant.

Such was the desire to exercise this 1 in 4 years opportunity that people unable to transfer their voter registration travelled across states to vote.

Registered voters But there are also those who have disengaged from the process for all the things that are wrong with it. In one polling unit of 2545 registered voters, only 661 were accredited.

All across Nigeria on Saturday night, voters stayed in their polling units – in PU 023 in the FCT, counting only finished at 9.50pm and there were still over 150 people waiting to hear the results and counting aloud with the polling unit officer.

It was magnificent and awe inspiring to experience the passion and belief in the power of their votes – one part of democracy in action. Whatever the final results are – we hope the second part, government accountability, will develop as deeply in order to balance the equation and strengthen our practice of democracy, for however imperfect our processes, our best option is to continue to work at it.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015—45

Urhobo group claims responsibility for pipeline explosion in Delta ...threatens more attacks

By Perez Brisibe

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GHELLI—AN Urhobo group which calls itself Urhobo Gbagbako, has claimed responsibility for last week’s pipeline explosion that occurred in Ekuigbo community, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, with a threat to carry out more of such acts, if their demands are not met.

The group, in a statement by its spokesperson, Mr. Priest Omodjuvwu, lamented what it termed the “bad treatment” meted to ex-militants of Urhobo extraction by the Amnesty office, saying that they were demanding for a prompt redress on the pipeline surveillance contract recently awarded by the Federal Government.

According to the group, even though they would not fail to recognise the developmental strides of President Goodluck Jonathan in all sectors of the economy and his interest in developing

Delta lawmaker empowers constituents with 10 speed boats

By Festus Ahon

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SABA—THE m e m b e r representing Warri North in the Delta State House of Assembly, Mrs Irene Imilar, has empowered her constituents with 50 deep freezers, 50 grinding machines, 30 sewing machines, 13 tricycles, 10 high powered speed boats, 60 generators, 600 notebooks, 600 school bags and 100 tables, chairs and umbrellas for telephone calls business worth millions of naira.

The gesture is in appreciation of the people’s support in the eight years of her stay in the state Assembly.

Accompanied by her husband, Mr David Imilar, Mrs Imilar who has weeks to step aside as a member of the state legislature, said the e m p o w e r m e n t programme was to say thank you to the people of Warri North, who stood by her all through her tenure as a lawmaker in the Delta State legislature.

C M Y K

the Niger Delta region, they would not hesitate to carry out more attacks across the 24 kingdoms of Urhobo nation if their demands were not met.

Denouncing any affiliation

with one Morris Idiovwa who had claimed to be in control of the perpetrators of the Ekuigbo pipeline explosion, Omodjuvwu said: “Those making such comments

should be careful with such utterances because very soon, we would be playing host to the OML 26, 30 and 34 as an avenue to tell the government how serious we are.”

ELECTION: Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State casting his vote at Independent High School in Ukana West Ward 2, Essien Udim Local Government Area during Saturday's Presidential and National Assembly elections.

PRESIDENTIAL POLL: PDP leads in A-Ibom

By Tom Moses & Chioma Onuegbu

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YO—THE Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday announced results of the Presidential and National Assembly polls held Saturday in Akwa Ibom State, with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, dominating, polling 953,304 out of the total valid votes of 1,027,064.

The PDP is followed by the All Progressives Congress, APC, with 58, 411 votes.

Presenting results of the collated results from the 31

local government areas, the Chief Returning Officer for Akwa Ibom State and Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar, Professor James Epoke, said that out of 1,644,481 voters who registered in the state, 1,074,070 were accredited, with 11,487 votes rejected.

The other 12 political parties represented at the election got between 1,600 by Action Alliance and 144 by UPP as collated from the 31 councils of the state.

Wide margins were, however, noticed in the number of registered voters

and the number of accredited voters, a situation which the returning officers attributed to failure of the card readers which disenfranchised many voters, especially in some councils which did not get clearance from INEC to use incident forms.

But the APC in the state, led by its guber candidate, Obong Umana Umana, stormed the premises of INEC while collation was ongoing to protest the results and urged INEC to disregard the results and reschedule another election on the grounds of alleged malpractices by PDP.

Emerhor vows to boost education in Delta

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the governorship campaign winds down, the Delta State All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, has promised to pay special attention to education if voted as the governor of the state.

He spoke during a town hall meeting with the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Delta State University chapter.

The town hall meeting in Abraka, was an interactive session as the union and some students who attended had the opportunity to ask the APC S

candidate questions that border on the university and the state.

Speaking at the meeting, Emerhor lamented that education in the state was completely bastardized by the ruling party.

He said his government would concentrate on dealing with the root cause of low quality of education by paying attention to teachers training and retraining, building more primary schools and colleges as well as increasing student bursaries by 200 per cent.

Emerhor also promised to increase Law School students

bursary from N100,000 to N350,000, so as to enable Delta Students at the Nigerian Law School concentrate to pass their Bar Part II final examinations in flying colours.

He promised to increase the percentage of budget allocation to education, saying that what was budgeted for education, a far cry from what it was supposed to be, maintaining that no nation develops without education.

He said he will introduce floating primary schools to the riverine communities where access to education is very difficult.

Firm petitions BPP over NIMASA's bidding process

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ENNIS Strategic Services Nigeria Limited, has petitioned the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, over alleged moves by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, to nullify a bidding process it initiated and supervised for more than three years without recourse to the first and second bidder, who had made some reasonable commitment in terms of logistics, time and effort for the assets in its custody.

Addressing newsmen in Warri, Delta State, on what it described as an attempt by NIMASA to undermine auctioneering guidelines and procedures, the Managing Director of the company, Mr. Isibor Abhulimen, said it negates the rules of standard auctioneering practice for any government agency to issue award letters to the first bidders of a process it commenced over 38 months ago only for the same agency to re-open a fresh public bidding for the same assets it had earlier declared some companies winners without putting the interest of these companies into consideration.

Abhulimen noted that by this singular action, NIMASA has betrayed public trust.

The company called on BPP to enforce due process in the matter by directing NIMASA to discontinue the fresh public bidding on the same assets it embarked upon and conclude the earlier process where it recognised the company as a winner in the award letter issued to it in March 19, 2014, to which the company has not refused or rejected.

The company also urged the BPE to prevail on NIMASA to consider a down ward review of the earlier quoted amount it offered as most of the items that were inspected prior to the time of bidding had gone missing from where they were kept at the Naval Training Command in Sapele, Delta State, when the company carried out an independent inspection of the items recently.

46—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

Discrepancies in polls figures from Isiuzo LGA

Okorocha rejects polls results, accuses soldiers of complicity in alleged fraud

By Chidi Nkwopara

By Austin Ogwuda

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NUGU—THE collation officer in charge of Isiuzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, Dr. Michael Nwaokedi, was on Sunday sent back from INEC headquarters in Enugu while reeling out results from the area, following discrepancies recorded in the figures between number of votes cast and valid votes.

When it was his turn to announce the result before newsmen, security men and other stakeholders at the INEC headquarters in Enugu, Dr. Nwaokedi gave the number of registered voters as 56,174; valid votes cast as 21,65,9 whereas a total of 22,197 votes were cast.

In view of the difference between number of votes cast and valid votes, APC agent, Chief Matthias Omeh, protested.

WERRI—Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has called for total cancellation of the presidential election in six local government areas of the state

over alleged electoral fraud.

He also accused the military of aiding Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the said fraud.

Reacting, yesterday, to the figures released by Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,

Chief Okorocha listed Oru East, Isiala Mbano, Ohaji/ Egbema, Ngor Okpala, Aboh Mbaise and parts of Owerri West as some of the councils affected by the alleged electoral fraud.

The governor opined that

Enugu PDP dismisses claims of rigging by APC

By Francis Igata

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NUGU—ENUGU State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has described as false, baseless and diversionary the call by All Progressives Congress, APC, for the cancellation of weekend’s presidential and National Assembly elections' results in the state.

According to PDP, APC alleged that the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, and security agents connived with it to rig the elections in its favour.

In a statement by its State Publicity Secretary, Dr. Okey

Eze, the party stated that it was common knowledge that Enugu was the home base of PDP in the entire South-East geopolitical zone since the inception of the party in 1998, adding that its popularity in the state was formidable and had grown beyond bounds over the years.

Dr. Eze noted that the landslide victory the party recorded in the state was not a surprise to any unbiased political adherent in the country and beyond, but a true reflection of the party’s strong hold in the state.

He maintained that the trumped-up accusation by the

APC petitions Jega over Anambra polls

By Vincent Ujumadu

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WKA— ALL Progressives Congress, APC, has petitioned the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, over the conduct of last Saturday ’s general elections in the state.

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was declared winner of the presidential, senatorial and House of Representatives seats in the state.

The petitioners, comprising officials of the party in Nnewi North Local Government Area,

and the party ’s collation agents for the presidential, senatorial and House of Representatives, alleged that INEC officials disappeared with the result sheets at the end of voting, thereby denying APC agents the opportunity to monitor the collation.

National Auditor of APC, Chief George Muoghalu, told reporters in Nnewi that as far as the party was concerned, there was no election in Anambra State.

According to him, PDP

chieftains in the state, comprising mainly government contractors, merely decided to write results in favour of PDP and compelled INEC to announce same.

Muoghalu said: “I make bold to say that there was no election in Anambra State and so, the issue of whether APC performed poorly in the state or not does not arise.

“During the exercise, the number of accredited voters in most polling units was not announced.”

state leadership of APC was not only an attempt to give their masters some flimsy excuses for the welldeserved failure, but also another senseless move to divert the attention of their said masters from the chunk of money handed over to them to execute the elections, which eventually disintegrated the party rather than uniting it.

He condemned “the brazen act of insensitivity and crass desperation by APC leadership in the state in spreading false allegations against PDP, the state leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security agents over an elections that was transparent, peaceful, free and fair to the satisfaction of virtually all stakeholders in the state.”

Eze also revealed that the abysmal failure suffered by APC was a clear indication of its glaring unpopularity in the state, occasioned by the inability of the party to convince the people of a defined and realistic development agenda that could outweigh the laudable polices and people-oriented programmes of the PDP government in the state.

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

A

PART from the 1993 election won by MKO Abiola, which was an open ballot system, this may happen to be the first time that an election will reflect the wish of the Nigerian people.

This is just what my humble view is.— Mr. Ndubuisi Igwe, Engineer.

C M Y K

T

apart from unprecedented rigging, the areas also witnessed abduction of agents of rival political parties, who were manhandled and forced to lie prostrate on the ground by soldiers acting on the orders of the federal government.

He said: “Armed soldiers were used by PDP as aides to the collation officers. There was no collation of results at the ward levels as prescribed by the Electoral Act. “All the collating officers and presiding officers were directed to go and submit their results at the local government level from where they collected all the results from the booths in the presence of soldiers.”

A visibly enraged Okorocha similarly blasted security agents for barring opposition party agents from entering INEC office, while PDP officials had unfettered access into the premises.

Answering a question on his brush with security men at Ogboko, the governor said 250 students of the Rochas Foundation College, who he claimed were duly registered for the election, and issued with permanent voters’ cards, PVC, were held hostage on trumpedup charges and prevented from voting by soldiers.

He said: “Most of these hapless children are orphans and I am their father. They duly registered for the election but soldiers arrested, humiliated and detained them without food and water and they were only released the following day.”

Okorocha denied that he tore INEC result sheets, adding that his convoy was shot at by security agents and that one of the boys in his entourage was injured and immediately rushed to Federal Medical Centre, Owerri.

What is your view on Saturday’s elections?

HE card reader is not far different from the biometric customer enrolment recently embarked on by banks. There is no ATM that works perfectly, but such can be improved on. Let us not condemn it because it is good for credibility.— Miss Maame Lucina, Student.

W

E should build on the card reader innovation and move forward as a nation. Once politicians know that they would not be able to rig elections. The fear that they could be voted out would compel them to fulfil the wishes of the people.—Mr. Stanley Olisa, Graduate.

J

EGA’S insistence on using card readers was based on precedents of rigging by governments, especially incumbents, who disenfranchise voters to their own advantage.

So I won’t blame him at all. It is better for him to make our vote count.— Miss Kelechi Oriaku, Fashion Designer.

A

FTER all the warn ing about the stupidity of using the card readers for this crucial election, INEC boss, Professor Attahiru Jega, stuck to his guns. There is really no big deal in trying something new, but there must be time for everything.—Miss Amamchi Okoji, Banker.

W

HEN some of us came out to say Nigeria was not ripe for the card readers, many people condemned us. Now, what happened eventually? Honestly, I think this card reader of a thing should be reviewed for other elections.—Mr. Adedeji Aremu, Worker.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015—47

ELECTION RESULTS: IGP warns trouble

makers A

BUJA — THE InspectorGeneral of Police, IGP, Suleiman Abba, yesterday, warned would-be “trouble makers to have a think,” ahead of the declaration of results of the presidential and National Assembly, NASS, elections.

Abba gave the warning in a statement by the Force Spokesman, Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu in Abuja.

The IGP, therefore, charged officers and men of the force to “remain vigilant, steadfast and firm.”

He advised citizens to go about their lawful businesses without fear, and assured that the police were ready to provide round-theclock security beyond the elections.

The police boss commended personnel involved in the

elections for their professional conduct during the exercise.

He also commended the electorate for their orderly conduct and commitment to peace through out the elections, as well as their unalloyed cooperation with law enforcement officers.

Elections should not disunite us, Senate Minority Leader tells Nigerians

M

AKURDI — MINORITY Leader in the Senate, George Akume, has appealed to Nigerians not to allow ongoing general elections to cause disaffection and disunity among them.

Akume made the appeal, yesterday in Makurdi, Benue State capital, shortly after a meeting of political leaders in the state with the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor Istifinus Dafwang.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that other leaders in the meeting were Governor Gabriel Suswam, Senator Barnabas Gemade, Dr. Samuel Ortom, and Mr. Terhemen Tarzoor.

Akume urged candidates in the elections to be ready to accept the outcome as announced by Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in the interest of the state.

He regretted that the state has spilled much blood over politics, and stressed that politics ‘’must not be a do-ordie affair.

“We have all agreed that as brothers, we will all accept the outcome of the polls

regardless of where the pendulum swings.

“Over the years, we have had too many election violence in the state and we lost a lot from the process.

“Election should not divide

us as a people; it is a process by which the people elect their leaders and nothing more; it is not a do-or-die affair,” he said.

Akume urged the people to be calm and allow INEC time

to announce the results.

Also speaking, Governor Gabriel Suswam commended the people of the state for the peaceful conduct of the polls and urged them to accept the results in good faith.

D

UTSE — THE All Progressives Congress, APC, has won all the three

ROUND-TABLE:From left, Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu, Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Mainstreet Bank Limited; Mr. Timothy Oguntayo, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Skye Bank Plc, and Mr. Ralph Oluwole Osayameh, Chairman, GF Investment Group, during Skye Bank Plc Business Round-table on Distributive Trade, on Victoria Island, Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi

senatorial seats in Jigawa State.

Announcing the result for the Jigawa Central senatorial district, Professor Abubakar Musa Kundiri of the Federal University Dutse said, Hon. Sabo Muhammad

Police/Vigilante team foils gun attack on Bauchi town

By Suzan Edeh

B

AUCHI — THE Police in Bauchi State said a joint police and local vigilante group, yesterday morning, foiled an attack by gunmen on Tafawa Balewa town in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Haruna Mohammed, told newsmen in Bauchi, yesterday, that the gunmen stormed the town in a convoy of 18 Toyota Hilux vehicles and started firing sporadically in different directions.

Mohammed said that the C M Y K

By Salisy Maradun

G

USAU — AS the results of the presidential and National Assembly polls are still being awaited in Zamfara, one person was reported to have lost his life, while two sustained injuries in Anka Local Government area of the state.

This, according to Vanguard findings, happened when the voting was taking place in the area after it was discovered that some people who were not supposed to be at the polling units arrived there stealthily to vote, which the people refused to allow, alleging that they were imported.

Following the unhealthy development, some aggrieved voters vowed not to allow them to vote as a result of which, fighting erupted, and eventually leading to one death.

The remaining two are currently receiving medical attention at the Anka hospital over the injuries they sustained and are under the care of security agents who rescued them.

Emerhor gets commendation

APC wins all 3 Jigawa senatorial districts

By Aliyu Dangida

One dies, 2 injured at polling centre

security forces who were on “red alert,” engaged the assailants in a gun battle which forced them to retreat.

According to him:”On March 30, at about 7.30 am, unknown gunmen stormed Tafawa Balewa town in a convoy of 18 Hilux vehicles and started firing sporadically in different direction.

“A joint police and local vigilante group engaged the hoodlums into a fierce gun battle which forced them to abandon four Hilux vehicles mounted with Anti aircraft machine guns and retreated back towards Bununu after sustaining heavy casualties.”

Nakudu of APC won the election with total vote of 237,947 while the incumbent Senator Abdulmumini Zareko of PDP scored 93,420 and Hafizu Sule of PDM scored 9,845.

Result from the Jigawa NorthEast senatorial district showed that Muhammad Ubale Shitu of APC won with total of 193,950 votes while Hon. Adamu Ahmad Sarara of PDP, who is also the incumbent Speaker of Jigawa State House of Assembly scored

97,196 votes.

In the Jigawa North-West the APC candidates, Hon. Abdullahi Abubakar won the election with total of 270,239 votes while the incumbent, Senator Danladi Abdullahi Sankara of PDP scored 136,574 votes, Ibrahim Gambo of SDP 663 votes while Ibrahim Musa of PDM scored 1,522 votes.

The APC also won the election in the 27 local governments in Jigawa State.

...Jibril wins Kano North

K

ANO — THE All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate Alhaji Barau Jibril has defeated the incumbent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Kano North Senatorial District Alhaji Bello Hayatu.

The APC electoral success brought an end 16 years of PDP dominance in Kano north with senator Hayatu as a looser.

The returning officer of the

senatorial district, Prof. Ibrahim Ahmed announced the results at the coalition in Bichi town, Monday.

The result sheet indicated that Jibril who was the former chairman, House committee on Appropriation scored 381,381,393 votes, to defeat his opponent Sen. Bello Hayatu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 107, 845 votes.

W

ARRI—THE Po l i t i c a l Credibility Network, a political think-tank in Delta State, has commended Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for being man enough to face the electorate in the recently held governorship debate even when his opponents in the PDP and Labour Party refused to face him.

In a press statement, yesterday, the group’s coordinator, Elder Benedict Etinagbedia, expressed deep satisfaction with O’tega’s performance in the debate, observing that his responses to the difficult questions and posers thrown at him by the eminent panelists clearly marked him out as a genuine agent of change, capable of rescuing Delta from 16 years of PDP misrule.

He said: “We have seldom seen a candidate with such a clear vision for taking Delta to where it properly belongs and we recommend O’tega to the good people of Delta as a man on a mission to do the will of God for our long suffering state.”

48—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

2015 GENERAL ELECTION: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State being accredited during the last Saturday's general election in his home town, Abigborodo, in Warri North LGA of Delta State.

All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in Delta State, Olorogun O'tega Emerhor, casting his vote in his hometown, Evwreni Ward 8, Unit 5, Ughelli North LGA, Delta State.

LAUNCHING: From left: Mr Tayo Adelekan, winner, Moderate Category, 2014, Amy Traore-Shumbusho, Project Smile initiator, Dada Olugbenga, Project Director, and Olusayo Odunsi, Project Coordinator, during the launch of Project Smile in Lagos. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

LECTURE: From left: His Royal Highness, Obaganiyu Obasanyi, Olukere of Ikere Ekiti, President, Babatunde Femi Owolabi Memorial Heart Foundation, Mr. Tope Tosin Owolabi, and Public Health Consultant and guests speaker, Dr. Omowunmi Bakare, during a free medical screening and public lecture organised by the foundation to create awareness on the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and other related conditions in Ado Ekiti.

C M Y K

Enugu State Governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime, casting his vote during the Presidential and National Assembly elections at Udi/Agbudu ward in Udi LGA, Enugu State, yesterday.

Enugu State PDP governorship candidate, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi casting his vote during the Presidential and National Assembly elections at his ward in Amube, Orba, Udenu LGA, Enugu State.

BRIEFING: Deputy Director, Buhari Organization Committee, Prince Dapo Abiodun, (2nd left), and other APC chieftans, during the Presidential and National Assembly election post result press briefing in Abeokuta, yesterday.

Photo: Wunmi Akinola.

General Overseer, God Evangelical and Deliverance Ministries International, Prophet Chinedu Ngwadom (middle), with newly ordained Deacons and Deaconesses, during the 2nd year anniversary of the church in Lagos.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 —

C M Y K

49

50—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

Dramatic changes in the Senate

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

T

HE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP was on the verge of losing out in the control of the National Assembly for the first time after a National Assembly election yesterday.

With results trickling in from the states after last weekend’s National Assembly elections, the PDP was losing in a number of constituencies that had in the past safely laid in its comfort. As results trickled in yesterday it emerged that the party had lost the Senate seats it won in 2011 in Kogi, Kaduna, Kwara, Sokoto, Bauchi, Borno, Adamawa, Benue States.

•Mark

•Akume

Former commissioner Among the most notable losses were Senators Ahmed Makarfi, who lost his Kaduna North Senate seat to a former commissioner in his own administration, Ahmed Hunkuyi, Senator Smart Adeyemi who in one of the most surprising developments lost his Kogi West Senate seat to Dino Melaye among others.

Governors Babangida Aliyu of Niger State and Gabriel Suswam of Benue State also lost in their separate bids to proceed to the Senate. Both men lost to candidates of the APC. Suswam’s loss of the Benue Northwest Senate seat to the incumbent came after he successfully picked the PDP Senate ticket from Senator Barnabas Gemade in a race the later alleged was

The outlook of the new Senate inevitably puts the PDP as the minority party in the chamber. The hustling for principal positions is set to immediately kick off •Saraki C M Y K

fraught with irregularities.

The outlook of the new Senate inevitably puts the PDP as the minority party in the chamber. The hustling for principal positions is set to immediately kick off and with indications that the position of Senate President could go to the North Central it opens a potential battle between two of the leading opposition leaders, Senators Bukola Saraki and George Akume.

Those insisting that the position would go to the North

Central say that it had always been the practise for the Senate President to come from the same section of the country as the president. All through the Olusegun Obasanjo years in power, the Senate presidents came from the south and it did not shift to the north until 2007 when President Umaru Yar‘adua became president in 2007.

However, with the death of Yar ‘adua the position remained in the North.

SENATE SEATS NAME

STATE

PARTY

Theodore Orji Rabiu Kwakwanso Buruji Kashamu Abu Ibrahim Suleiman Nazif Godswill Akpabio Ubali Shitu Umar Ibrahim Katsina Central Clifford Ordia Philip Gyunka Bukola Saraki Rafiu Adebayo Sha'aba Lafiagi David Umaru Uche Ekwunife Dino Melaye Bassey Otu Banabas Gemade Ike Ekweremadu George Akume Enyinnaya Abaribe Bello Argungu Aliyu Wamakko David Umaru George Sekibo Olaka Nwogu Osinakachukwu Ideozo Abiodun Olujimi Yahaya Abdullahi Adamu Aleiro Stella Oduah Lanre Tejuosho Gbolahan Dada Francis Alimekhena Isiaka Adeleke Shehu Sani Danjuma Laah Suleiman Hunkuyi Abdullahi Adamu Salihu Egebola

Abia Kano Ogun Katsina Bauchi North Akwa Ibom Jigawa North-East Katsina Central Enugu-North Edo Central Nasarawa North Kwara Central Kwara South Kwara North Niger East Anambra Kogi West Cross River Benue Enugu Benue Abia Kebbi Sokoto Niger East Rivers Rivers Rivers

PDP APC PDP APC APC PDP APC APC PDP PDP PDP APC APC APC APC PDP APC LP APC PDP APC PDP APC APC APC PDP PDP PDP

Ekiti Kebbi North Kebbi Central Anambra Ogun Central Ogun West Edo State Osun State Kaduna Kaduna Kaduna Nasarawa Nasarawa

PDP APC APC PDP APC APC APC APC APC PDP APC APC APC

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015—51

Benue is crying for change — Ortom In this interview with Ben Agande in Abuja, former Minister of State, Trade and Investment and the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress in Benue state, Dr Samuel Ortom speaks on the forthcoming elections and his chances; why he left the Peoples Democratic Party where he served variously as state Secretary, National Auditor and the Minister of the federal republic.

By Ben Agande

Y

OU resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party and less than 48 hours after you got the ticket of the All Progressive Congress to stand for the governorship election. How did you do it?

I want to say that to me, it is a divine arrangement by God himself to have the opportunity to fly the flag of APC in Benue State as the gubernatorial candidate. The truth is that I left the PDP on the 9th and I had my plans too because I was short-changed by the powers that be. Earlier, I had indicated that unless we have free, fair and transparent primaries, I was going to contest it. When the ward congresses were held, we were short-changed, it was not transparent, it was not fair, the materials were hijacked and delegates and members of the party were left in the cold and some few people took the materials, went and wrote names of their surrogates as delegates.

That was where the process was rigged.

I had written complaints to the national leadership of the party and I had thought they were going to respond to my complaint; they kept assuring me until nothing came out of it.

postponed from 4th to 5th or rather, primaries were truncated by a court injunction on the 4th and 5th for gubernatorial in APC, a new date was for 10th and 11th and so they adviced that if I can start the process, I will be eligible to contest the primaries on the 10th and 11th.

I put a call to the leader of the party and he confirmed this to me that in APC that is the way to go. That was how after resigning from PDP on that same 9th March, I joined APC and secured my membership card on the same 9th, I bought the form, did the needful, applied for waiver, it was facilitated and as God will have it, I got the waiver the same night and I was allowed to contest after being cleared by the committee that was put in place.

You are aspiring to be governor of Benue State at a time that the people of venue state are highly disappointed with the outgoing

Tackling of challenges

Nomination process I left the party on the 9th when we had completed the processes of the nomination in PDP and decided to resign on that 9th and on the same 9th I had calls from my sympathizers who were in APC who felt that if I had won the primaries within the PDP they were going to vote for me and they told me that I still have an opportunity to become a candidate in APC. I asked them how and they told me that their constitution was amended in October 2014 to allow room for late entrants into the party like me.

Once you are able to secure a waiver and you have your clearance and the leadership of the party sees that you can add value to what they are doing, you will be allowed to contest and since primaries were C M Y K

government. Salaries are being owed for so many months, there is high insecurity. What are you bringing to the table, how will you reassure Benue people that under you such things will not happen?

I have said that as a stakeholder in Benue state I appreciate the pains that our people are going through. For me my mission is to rescue the state from ignorance, poverty and disease. Repeatedly I have said that having had the experience and the privilege of working as a local government chairman, various leadership positions at the party level, at the state level and at the national level, I have been in governance so I can say that both in party I am experienced in so many years, in administration I have also acquired a lot of experience. I also have the opportunity of being successful in the private sector, establishing enterprises that today are giving employment to over 400 people in Benue state.

I believe that I am very conversant with the challenges and I am saying that for us to move forward in Benue state, the first thing that we must do to get our people to a new orientation that will give us the focus and direction to be able to tackle these challenges

I believe that I am very conversant with the challenges and I am saying that for us to move forward in Benue state, the first thing that we must do to get our people to a new orientation that will give us the focus and direction to be able to tackle these challenges.

I will rule with the fear of God in Benue state and this will translate to entrenching some core values that are missing in our society today like truthfulness, equity, fairness, justice, transparency, accountability, selflessness, integrity, integration, reconciliation, unity and peace.

I believe that once you have these in place, development will be inevitable because the people will be united as one and everybody will be working towards one goal to achieve the progress and development of the state.

For several years PDP has ruled in Benue state, you will agree with me that the structure is formidable, how do you intend to defeat the PDP?

•Ortom

Very simple, the people are yearning for change, I was in PDP and Chief Barnabas Gemade was in PDP. In fact, he was the national chairman of the party and BOT member until he resigned some weeks ago. Senator George Akume was in PDP and some other people. Since I left the PDP to APC, hundreds of thousands of Benue indigenes followed me to APC and so it becomes very easy. The PDP in Benue State are aware that given an election that is free fair and transparent, they cannot score 20% because of the inept administration of Governor Gabriel Suswam.

Operators of government The government that is insensitive to the security and lives and property of the people that does not concern itself with ensuring that our people are ‘protected. I am a victim and several others and they are not concerned, they are celebrating in their houses, in wine bars.

The operators of government are specialists in wine bar operations and are concerned with how much they can make for themselves.

The government that is insensitive that is not ready to fight corruption, the government that is not transparent, the government that does not

believe in fairness, equity justice and people are fed up just like they did to me when I left.

PDP is full of injustice and you heard the national chairman, Alhaji Mu’azu, who came out openly to say that there is too much injustice in PDP that is why people are leaving and that is why I left. I did not just leave alone, I left with the people and the people are working for me. We have gone round the 23 local governments and there were massive decamping from PDP to APC. You will agree with me that in 2011, the strength of the two political parties was 50-50 that was when I was still there and having served as secretary of the party for six years, deputy chairman and national auditor of the party, I had some grip on the people and it was clear when I left the party, the number of people that followed me to APC is a clear indication.

A very senior citizen, seasoned politician, former national chairman of CNC and former national chairman of PDP, Senator Barnabas Gemade leaving PDP because of injustice, because he was treated in the same manner that I was treated. I am here to join forces with him, George Akume and the rest of the other APC people. I can’t see where PDP will manufacture people to vote for them.

52—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

BENUE: My plans —Tarzoor, PDP success is ours. So nobody should abuse our minds that somebody else is working discreetly against me, we are all happy, its a PDP family.

Successive administrations in the state have relied on the federation account to do projects. How do you intend to break the jinx, what are your plans to boost the IGR and economy of the state?

We must as a matter of urgency ensure that we redirect the focus of this state to see that giving the situation on ground, where the centre is no longer holding in terms of oil prices, we must look inwards.

We will dwell so much on agriculture. I am going to ensure that agriculture is industrialized and make it a hub of turning round the fortunes of Benue state, and in the process of doing that we will create jobs because people will work in these companies, and we all know that whenever you engage 20 to 40 hands in any of the companies, you have narrowed the unemployment ratio and increased the employment ratio.

TERHEMEN Tarzoor is the governorship candidate of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Benue State. In this interview, he bared his mind on various issues including the general elections. Excerpts:

By Peter Duru

H

OW will you address the problem of backlog of unpaid salaries of workers and pensioners if elected The thing about the unpaid salaries of workers’ and pensioners is that, its a global economic issue happening across the whole world. So, Nigeria is not an exception and Benue forms a sub-set of the universal set. So if Nigeria is also affected, it goes without saying that Benue will also be affected because we are also part of Nigeria.

Both PDP and APC controlled states are affected, so if for instance APC is owing salaries in Osun state for up to five months and Benue is owing less than that, I think we have to reason here. And I put the statistics on ground for you because numbers don’t lie.

Benue State is the highest salarypaying state in the country second to Rivers State. And again, Benue State is one of the highest civil service-employed state in the 19 northern states second to Kaduna.

Benue state is the only state running a State University Teaching Hospital in northern Nigeria and the cost of running a University Teaching Hospital is up to the cost of running another university because you have consultants who are needed elsewhere and if you don’t pay them, they are ready to move to another place where they may be engaged.

Federation account

C M Y K

So you are compelled to pay them a wage that will make them stay. So you imagine the workload in terms of numbers and finances on thestate via-aviz what comes in from the federation account.

So what we are saying is that people should learn to live with the realities on ground. I hope this global economic recession will not continue like this. When we come in, as governor, we will certainly get out of this trenches.

As I am coming in, we are praying and believing God that the situation will be improved upon and we will clear this

Employment ratio

•Tarzoor

backlog and start on a clean slate.

I remember, during the George Akume’s administration, the issue of JJ meaning June July months was like the national anthem. Then, we were not faced with these economic challenges yet we incurred that and one can say it was not deliberate but today its obvious that we are owing due to the global recession that Nigeria and Benue cannot exonerate themselves from. People should stop whipping up sentiments by using that to vote against the PDP, its a worldwide phenomenon.

You recently took your campaign to the popular Makurdi Modern Market where you were caught on camera eating food in the open in that market...

The old women I ate with were women that are close to my mother since my Form One and Two days in the secondary school.

My mum used to take me to their shops to eat mamaput whenever I came back from school. So the fact that I am what I am today does not stop me from seeing them and recognizing that I used to eat there when I was in the

secondary school and they are still there. So you cannot disconnect me from my people, I must live with my people, eat what they eat, drink what they drink and do what they do.

The rumours making the

Benue state is the only state running a State University Teaching Hospital in northern Nigeria and the cost of running a University Teaching Hospital is up to the cost of running another university because you have consultants who are needed elsewhere if you don’t pay them

rounds is that some of those who contested the PDP governorship ticket with you at the primaries are directly working against you. Have you taken out time to reconcile with them?

Well, the fact remains that after the primaries, there are still some ill-feelings, which is normal, but in the spirit of sportsmanship and positive spirit of contest, I can assure you that there is no disagreement among us after that contest. We have been working together as a people, we have been talking as people from the same ethnic divide, we have been relating with each other and most of the persons who contested with me accompanied our campaigns when we were on tour of the 23 local government areas of the state.

So I can vouch for them and tell you confidently that nobody is working secretly against my candidature because they all know that we have a common denominator which was hinged on the fact that anybody that is elected at the end of the day, we all will follow. And be that as it may, we are not leaving any stone unturned to ensure that

It will also earn revenue and add value to the state as well as discourage the state from over dependence on the federation account.

You travelled to United States of America recently with a delegation from Benue State.

What was your mission?

My journey to the United States of America (USA) was tagged: “Tarzoor’s Visit to Benue in the Diaspora, USA”, I was first hosted at Atlanta-Georgia where I interacted with them and proceeded to to Houston. But I can assure you that our engagement was very fruitful.

Fruitful because the Benue sons and daughters in Atlanta were out there to bare out their minds on how they want Benue state to be in the nearest possible future, and what they feel should be done to ensure that Benue is greater in the years ahead than the Benue of today.

And I can assure you that during the interface, it was indeed a good reasoning moment. And because of the informed nature of the interaction and reasoning, a lot of ideas were unveiled on the current economic situation in the world, and how the situation has affected our state.

One thing that summarizes the gains of that visit was that we unanimously accepted for the establishment of a ‘Benue State Diaspora Affairs Bureau’ (BDAB).

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015—53

•Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja

Why I remain the issue in Oyo politics – Ladoja •I want to return to power because I didn’t hand over to credible hands Former Oyo State Governor and Accord Party Governorship Candidate in the 2015 election, Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, is confident of breaking the reelection in the Pacesetter state on April 11 on account of the love he says he enjoys among the masses of the state particularly the teachers and civil servants. In this interview with Vanguard at his Bodija GRA, Ibadan home, he spoke on his plans for the state, his chances, how to make the polls credible and peaceful and responded to some statements made by Governor Abiola Ajimobi, which he described as false.

By Clifford Ndujihe & Bashir Adefaka

H

OW prepared are you and your party for the elections?

We are well prepared. We were even prepared for February 14 before the postponement. We had got our system prepared and set for the elections. So, when they postponed it two weeks to the elections, it was a blow to us.

You said it was a blow. Have you recovered fully from it?

Yes. It was a blow. We have recovered from it except that while we were still on it and I was vacating, I was called that hoodlums attacked our ward meeting here in Ibadan, that 40

people were shot and three of them died. I had to cut short the vacation and returned home to take charge. The dead were buried on Friday March 13 and the injured have been hospitalised.

When you said you were ready for the elections did you factor in the card reader challenges and collection of Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs? We were suspecting all along that something must be wrong with the system when the PVC that should normally be a small issue became a big challenge. So, when eventually the elections were postponed, we said no problem, it means that our margin would be bigger because

most of the people that wanted to vote for Accord but could not get their PVCs at that time could now get their PVCs. That is the only consolation we have.

On that one I think something must really be wrong with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Do we really need to go to China to print cards? People talk about security of the cards. Don’t we print currency here? Don’t we print passports here? Are they saying that all Nigerians are security threats?

If I were to be in his (Prof Attahiru Jega, INEC chairman’s) shoes, I would have ordered the card printing machines and put one in every state. The voters register is already here. Ask each state to print their own. Even if you want to secure the cards, you can ask the DSS and the security agencies to police the printing. So, instead of only one printing source it would have been 37 points at one time.

If they did that the problem we have today will not be there.

Today, we don’t even know how many cards are yet to be delivered to INEC. It would have been easier to know where the errors are. Instead of carrying the cards meant for Ogun to Akwa Ibom, it would have been done within the state and if there are errors they would have been easier to manage.

They are behaving as if they don’t care for the people because when they started distributing the PVCs here in my own local government, we were going there everyday and they would say INEC people were coming.

We stayed there – going and coming – for three, four days because they said they were going to bring lists and if you found your name there, then you are registered.

At a stage people started asking themselves, ‘what am I gaining? I leave my business, my livelihood and have been coming to queue up because I want to vote.’ So they make the election become uninteresting to people.

When eventually they came, they said the cards had not yet

come. That was after two weeks that when the cards come they would call us again. It is so shoddy that I don’t believe INEC would do such a thing in election of this nature. In four years between two elections, this issue of card reader should have been tried in smaller elections and we would have seen the flaws.

Nobody goes to war with untested arms because if there is any hitch you will have problem.

Now that they say they are running it, it is just as if they are playing to the gallery.

Anyway, the cards have been tested...

They said about 40 percent of it failed. Are you saying about 40 per cent of Nigerian people should be filling forms on the day of elections? And in any case, is it really necessary because the master list of the voters register is there, the photograph of the person is there and we are not talking of the election that somebody can live in Ibadan and go and vote in Maiduguri. We are talking of an election that is being carried out in an area. The polling unit is supposed to be where people are living and so virtually they know themselves.

So if you bring your card and I look at the register and find out that the card is not yours, I can say, “Ah, Oga, this card is not your own.”

That is assuming it has been cloned.

You were governor between 2003 and 2007 after you had served as Senator in 1993. Your critics are asking: What did you forget at the Government House that you want to retrieve?

I would not have even loved to go for the governorship again if my successors had followed those things that would bring Idera (comfort) to the people of Oyo State.

How do you fancy your chances against the APC and even your former deputy, Christopher Alao-Akala of the

Initially, many politicians did not believe that we were a serious party. So, Accord now became the party of the general public

PDP? It shocked them that Accord was inaugurated in December when election was supposed to be in March. It was postponed and finally we did the governorship election in April 2011. If Jega had not cancelled the first election it would have been the shocker of their lives because they did not expect that we were going to get so much votes. So the week between the cancellation and re-election, they just mobilised all their machineries. All the same, the first election was undecided.

There are 14 House of Representatives members: PDP had five, ACN had five, we (Accord) had four. That already showed that we are not jokers.

Initially, many politicians did not believe that we were a serious party. So, Accord now became the party of the general public.

At the last election if you had teamed up with Alao-Akala, you would have beaten Governor Ajimobi...

Definitely, that is correct.

Why has it been difficult for both of you to come together?

It is not difficult for us to come together. It is question of perception of what politics is supposed to be and we believe that politics is service. I went to Senate from this house (a modest building) in 1992. I went to Government House from this house in 2003 and I am still here.

But some people feel that the essence of going to government is aggrandise and acquire wealth. That is it.

Politics as service So, when some of us see politics as service, which we Yoruba call Oselu (developing the society), some people see it as Ojelu (reaping from the society), that is chop chop. We see politics as Oselu and the people of Oyo State are with us because they see us as being there for them.

Is that why you are the issue in the politics of the state?

That is why I am the issue. We don’t have the money that they have to throw about. We don’t have the big names that they can parade. But we have the people who understand what we stand for and those are the people that matter, the electorates of Oyo State.

How do you react to Governor Ajimobi’s comment that he is going to complete all the projects he started before the end of this tenure?

If there is a government that tells lies, this is the government that will get the best prize for telling lies. What about the projects they have abandoned?

Which are the projects that they want to complete? Is it the hotel that they started, spent about one billion naira and abandoned it?

Is it the so-called technical university where there is nothing Continues on page 54

54—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

Why I remain the issue in Oyo politics – Ladoja Continues from page 53 on site? They have already spent about two billion naira on it. So, if they had started four years ago and they have not even put a cornerstone, if they have not laid the foundation up till now, how do they hope to complete it? Or is it the banquet hall that was built a long time ago, they spent N100 million to destroy it and there is none to replace it yet?

Instead they are hiring civic centre for use and they are using that one four, five times a month costing them about N10 million every month.

Or is it the model school that they say they want to build? You destroy six schools and say you want to build model schools. Why don’t you start with one? And you are now telling us that the first one will be ready in 18 months.

Is 18 months within May 29, 2015?

But your approach when you came in 2003 was similar...

No. When we were coming in 2003 we said we were going to better the lives of our people. The slogan was and still is, “Ladoja de, Idera de,” meaning that we are going to bring comfort to the people. With that they gave us their votes and we did not disappoint them.

Junior and senior school On education, when we said we were going to have 30 pupils per class, some people said Ladoja was crazy that nowadays we have 100, 120, 150 pupils in the class. Where is he going to get the teachers? But within two years we achieved it. There was no school in Oyo State at that time that had more than 30 pupils per class and then we said no school in Oyo State must have more than 450 pupils that is, we had JSS 1A, JSS 1B, JSS 1C, JSS 1D, JSS 1E and we had junior school and senior school.

So we made sure we told our people this is what we want to achieve and you can measure our performance. They cannot cloud it with anything and during that time you could compare the results of our boys and girls with what it is today. Oyo State is not even comparing itself with any of the Southern states now. We are only competing with Borno, Yobe and those areas where the Boko Haram are creating crisis for us. Here we have no crisis but see what the state performance is today.

We achieved those feats during our time because we ensured that teachers’ rewards were not only in heaven but also here on earth.

SUBEB, State Universal Basic Education Board said Oyo State came second to Katsina in 2004

and 2005. During that time also, our proud university, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) was rated the best state university in Nigeria and number three of all the universities in the country.

So, today, when people ask me why I want to come back, I say because unfortunately I did not have good hands to hand over to and now I will have to make sure that I have good hands to hand over to, who will continue because, if we had continued from being second in SUBEB, by now we would be first.

With this scenario you have painted, how do you see the economy of Oyo State because the state government says the economy is growing by 700 per cent or thereabout?

What is economy? You know, my governor is good at one thing: statistics. Statistics that you cannot cross-check. What does he mean by the economy is growing by 700 per cent?

If you want to know what the economy is, go and meet market women. That is where you get the truth and facts about the economy because those people said Ladoja has carried away the Opa Aje (staff of wealth) and that until Ladoja comes back the Opa Aje would not come back.

Because of what? We paid the workers on time so that they would go to the market to buy whatever they wanted to buy. So things are turning round. What you can talk about this government is capital flight.

There is no local contractor that

For Oyo people, help is coming, it is on the way. They should not lose courage and they should continue being expectant and know that by the grace of God they will be delivered very soon

•Senator Rashidi Ladoja is being awarded contract.

When the government is not doing well the people suffer.

Have you made any attempt to pass your ideas to the government so that your people could benefit?

Contrary to the expectation of everybody in Oyo State, we decided to work with the government because after the elections nobody controlled the House. ACN had 13 members, PDP has 12 and we have seven, which means that we with our seven are the ones to decide who runs Oyo State House of Assembly depending on who we support. So we were approached by the governor and we said okay. It is because of the interest of the people that we decided to work with the government.

At that time we were very close and I told him that there are three constituencies to satisfy as governor if you want to continue to succeed in office. I said the number one constituency is the general public; they always want good things for less. So, let them be able to send their children to school, let them have potable water, let them have good road.

Once they have that, they don’t even want to know who is ruling and I said you must understand that one. I said the second one being the public servants. I said the public servants, their own is even easier: pay them their salaries on time, give them respect because they are there before you. Most of them have been there for more than 30 years, they will still be there when you are going and they know where all the skeletons are buried. They know the back pass and they can tell you the facts so as to help you formulate policies for the future. And all they ask you is pay them their salaries, give them their promotions on time and let them do their jobs and I said, if you do these, they

would be your friends forever.

I said the one constituency that is very difficult is that of the politicians. By this I told the governor that the politicians are very difficult because politics is a profession that doesn’t have an entry qualification. Anybody becomes a politician and for every position that you have, there will be eight or more people demanding for it and most of the time there is no criterion for you to determine which among them is most qualified and I told him that therefore, at times, you have to use your initiative because the person who gets the job will be your friend while others who did not get the job will become your enemies and so you must be very careful.

First and second constituencies I said but once you pass the first and second constituencies, the politicians would run after you because they know that is where the people want to vote.

I told him everything that I thought I should let him know about the path to success as governor but I found out that he was not taking advice. When he wanted to start demolishing stores we told him that look, you have to provide alternative market for those people before you remove the old ones and we gave him instances. I said when we wanted to move people away from Gbagi, we built another Gbagi. When he wanted to remove people from Aleshinloye, I said you have to provide something else before you remove the people. He said ‘no’ he wanted to turn Ibadan to London and I said turning Ibadan to London is good but in London, if you take a vendor away from the road, tomorrow he is coming to queue up for the dole. Have you got any

dole here that you are going to give to those people? He refused to listen.

It was at that point I said look, I don’t think I can continue to be part of this government. So, it is not that he didn’t try. He tried but he just had his own idea of what government is all about.

So what are you going to do if you win this election?

We will go back to where we were in 2003: bring back good schools, bring back prudent management of our resources, bring back good roads, take away the cutlasses and make sure that the farmers get mechanized, try to make sure that our youths are gainfully employed mostly in agriculture because, agriculture is not only for food. It is also raw material for the industries. Give them good and safe water to drink.

Quite ambitious but have you looked at the cost implications giving dwindling Federal allocation?

Yes. I told you how we did it before. Which one have we not done before? We are not sleeping.

We had got to the second phase of our educational programme at that time and at that time we said all schools built before 1960 with mud would go.

Imported machines for baking red bricks To allow them to go we gave an experimental model school in Monatan, Ibadan with red bricks.

We built it and everybody said, oh, this is a master piece. We then imported machineries for baking red bricks that would have brought the cost of red bricks to may be N20 and we were going to train at least 100 youths in brick laying so that we would modernize our schools. So, anything we want to do we sit down and plan it. We don’t rush to do things. We dream, subject it to analysis and then act.

Do you still see the governor face-to-face?

Of course. Why not? When we see we greet each other. It is nothing personal. Don’t forget that I am his egbon (elder).

What is your advice for the people of Oyo State and Nigeria in general as we approach these elections?

For Oyo people, help is coming, it is on the way. They should not lose courage and they should continue being expectant and know that by the grace of God they will be delivered very soon.

The people of Nigeria should make sure that they vote for candidates that will take them to promise land, people who know what they are doing and people who will deepen democracy because people say that the worst civilian administration is better that the best military administration. That is why they must think very well, irrespective of the noise, and they should not derail this experiment again.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 — 55

Curfew in Bauchi LGs now 6pm to 8am

Uba wins Anambra South, as Ekwunife clinches Anambra Central

By Suzan Edeh

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W K A — T H E Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, yesterday, declared Senator Andy Uba- PDP, as winner of the Anambra South Senatorial election with 109,060 votes. The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, candidate, Ernest Ndukwe came second with 73,416.

INEC also declared Mrs Uche Ekwunife of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as winner of the Anambra Central senatorial poll conducted on Saturday.

Declaring Ekwunife winner in Awka, the Returning Officer, Dr Pius Okoye, said that she polled 101,548 votes to defeat 14 other candidates.

Okoye, a lecturer at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, said that Chief Victor Umeh of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, garnered 77, 129 votes to come second while Sen. Chris Ngige of All Progressives Congress, APC came third with 20, 850 votes.

Chief Anayo Nweke of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, came fourth with 227 votes.

Reacting to the results, Ekwunife, who currently represents Anaocha, Njikoka and Dunukofia Federal Constituency, described the outcome as “victory for the masses.”

She commended the people of her senatorial zone for electing her and assured them that she would consolidate the confidence reposed in electing her to upper chambers.

However, Senator Uba has also through his Media Aide Uchem Obi, commended the people of his zone, for voting for him and pledged to use his second term in the senate to consolidate on all he had learnt in his 1st term and to focus on greater and bolder accomplishments for the zone.

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CONCERT: From left; A Director of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Ltd, Mrs. Tokunboh Ishmael; CEO/Managing Partner, InVivo Partners Ltd, Ms. Ngozi Edozien; Group Head, Corporate Communications, FCMB, Mrs. Uchenna Mojekwu and Divisional Head, Transaction Banking of the Bank, Mrs. Rolayo Akhigbe, at a music concert in commemoration of the 2015 International Women’s Day tagged, ‘Woman Rising’, organised by The Light House and supported by FCMB, in Lagos.

Save us from Fulani herdsmen, Agatu indigenes beg FG

By Peace Onyeukwu

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BUJA—THE Federal Government has been asked to protect the Agatu people in Benue State from being annihilated by marauding Fulani herdsmen, who had been unleashing terror on the community for a long time now.

Indigenes of Agatu, under the aegis of the Agatu Network Forum made the call in Abuja.

Addressing newsmen, the Chairman of the forum, Chris Enenche said “We will have no option than to take the case to the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, and the International Criminal Court, ICC, if government fails to provide the needed protection for our people who have suffered wanton destruction of lives and

PDP candidate accuses APC of rigging House of Reps election

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EOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, candidate in Surulere Constituency 1 of Lagos State, Mr. Tony Ashikodi, has alleged that the result of the election in the constituency was rigged, noting that it did not reflect the outcome of the exercise.

Briefing newsmen yesterday in Lagos, he noted that the election was characterised by violence, adding that there was high incidence of ballot box snatching.

His words: ’”We have facts that the result sheets that they put inside were not the authentic results sheets. And we have facts that they even included result of

polling units where elections were not conducted, polling units where PVCs were not issued, and that it had result in favour of the opposition, All Progressives Congress, APC. This is the height of rigging. ''Therefore, we cannot accept the results which were announced.

The electorate have refused to accept the result because it did not reflect their aspirations. ''We want the world to know that APC is not corruption free as they say because this is corruption at the highest order. I will ensure that my mandate is recovered.’’

property in Agatu Community which have been going on unabated for the last three years.”

Enenche further said that since inception of the carnage, eight out of the 10 of Agatu Local Government Areas have suffered wanton destruction of lives and valuable property adding that the most recent and mind boggling massacre took place in the early hours of Sunday March 15, 2015, when the armed invaders numbering over 70 burnt down the whole of the Egba community in Agatu and killing about 95 people, mainly women and children.

“It is no longer news that Fulani herdsmen who usually launch these attacks from across the neighbouring Nasarawa State unchallenged have been variously fingered as being responsible for these massacres; neither is it news that successive governments have not found the solution to these incessant incursions into Agatu land to murder innocent farmers. ‘’We at this moment have reached our wits end, as to what our crimes are and why the Agatu people have been left at the mercy of marauding Fulani herdsmen and their mercenaries. ‘’We have been asking ourselves if we are not bona-fide citizens of Nigeria. Why we cannot farm in peace and hope to harvest our crops without cattle destroying our farms and why we should be gunned down and burnt because we dared to ask why.

“We have been hurt too many times. We consider ourselves abandoned and not protected as expressly stated in the 1999 Constitution. This situation

amounts to genocide against the Agatu people of the Benue State,’’ Enenche added.

AUCHI—THE Bauchi State government yesterday relaxed the 24-hour curfew it imposed on three local government areas including Alkaleri, Bauchi and Kirfi, saying that the curfew would now be between 6pm and 8am until further notice.

A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Abdul Illela, on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government, said that the decision was taken to reduce the hardship experienced by the people.

“As government is not insensitive to the need for the citizens to pursue their means of livelihood Governor Isa Yuguda, has approved that the period of the curfew, be reduced to cover 6pm to 8am daily until further notice,” the statement read in part.

Group hails Emerhor's vision for Delta

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BOH—A socio-cultural group in Delta State, Deltan Renaissance Alliance has commended Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for being the only candidate bold enough to address the people of Delta State in a debate in which he clearly outlined his vision for the regeneration of the state.

In a press statement made available to newsmen in Aboh, yesterday, the group, through its Chairman, Hon Bartholomew Eke, stressed that by insisting on going ahead with the program out of respect for the people of Delta, Emerhor has exemplified himself as a true intellectual, possessing the requisite state of

mind and public-spirited disposition to rescue Delta State from sixteen years of PDP misrule.

According to him: “It is quite clear that O’tega of APC is the only one with something meaningful to offer our longsuffering people of Delta. He answered every question put to him by the distinguished panelists with clarity of vision in the manner of a man on a genuine mission to rescue the state from PDP. ''In fact it is our belief that had his opponents, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and Chief Great Ogboru of Labour Party been bold enough to debate him, it might have turned out to be a very big mistake on their part.”

Danjuma La’ah emerges only PDP Senator in Kaduna

By Luka Binniyat

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ADUNA—THE Shetiman Kagoro, Chief Danjuma La’ah, yesterday emerged as the only PDP Senator for Kaduna State. La’ah emerged from the Southern Kaduna Senatorial District.

La’ah, a former civil servant and now businessman, pulled 259,329 votes to defeat his closest rival and

candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr. Ishaku Shekarau who pulled 119,022 votes.

The result was announced by INEC Presidening Officer, Dr. Ahmed Buba.

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi lost his bid to return to Senate.

Makarfi lost his election to his former commissioner for finance, Alhaji Suleiman Hukunyi of the APC.

56—Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

Itsekiri hold carnival in Lagos

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TU-OMA Iwere Cultural Society of Nigeria, Lagos branch, will celebrate its 21 st annual masquerade carnival from Friday, April 3 to 5, at Amodu Tijani Street, off Tolu Bus Stop.

In a statement by Mr. Wilkie Bright, Chairman of the society, Mr. Sam Amuka, Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, will be Father of the Day, while Chief Rita LoriOgbebor will be Mother of the Day. Powered by Vanguard Newspapers, the carnival will feature Umale cultural displays by Itsekiri communities and guest clubs from all over Lagos State.

NECA wants CPC scrapped

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IGERIA Employers Consultative Association, NECA, has called for the scrapping or overhaul of the Consumer Protection Council, CPC, saying it had lost touch with the reality of socioeconomic situation in the country.

Director-General of NECA, Mr. Segun Oshinowo, in a statement, decried alleged i n c r e a s i n g authoritarianism of CPC and the recent media reports where its DirectorGeneral expressed her plans to adopt “the strategy of criminal prosecution of corporate organizations.”

According to NECA, “while it is in order for CPC to denounce any form of consumer rights abuses in any sector of the Nigerian economy, the fact, however, is that prosecution of companies for such lapses are outside the scope of the agency’s roles as assigned to it by its enabling Act. “The CPC cannot on its own institute criminal prosecutions against corporate organizations in Nigeria.

“Clearly, the CPC is pursuing an agenda of territorial mandate expansion by failing to acknowledge and respect the Acts that have conferred power on other agencies of government to regulate and protect consumers’ rights within their various sectoral jurisdiction.”

BIRTHDAY: From left—HRM Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu; Governor Ibikunle Amosun of of Ogun State; All Progressives Congress, APC, National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Lagos East lawmaker, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, during the 63rd birthday celebration of Tinubu in Ikoyi, Lagos.

ELECTIONS: Capital market operators project gradual equities rebound L

AGOS— SOME capital market operators, yesterday, expressed optimism that the nation’s capital market would experience a boost with the near successful conduct of the presidential and National Assembly elections.

They told newsmen in separate interviews in Lagos that peaceful conduct of the elections would increase investors’ confidence in the market.

Alhaji Rasheed Yussuf, immediate past President, Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria, ASHON, said anxiety surrounding the general elections would

reduce with the outcome of March 28 polls.

Yussuf said the market had started reacting positively to the outcome of the elections, noting that more investors would embrace the market.

“It is a good thing that the presidential election, which is more critical, has come and gone without violence,” he said.

Yussuf said the outcome of the election had shown that there would be Nigeria after the elections, noting that the tempo should be maintained.

He said the market would react more positively once a winner was declared because

there was no major violence.

“Anxieties surrounding the general elections will be subdued because there was no major riot or violence,” Yussuf said.

Mr. Olaleye Williams, Managing Director, GlobalView Consult & Investment Ltd, said the market would witness increased activities if the tempo would be maintained.

Williams said local and foreign investors that exited the market due to election anxieties would return to the market.

He added that the development would increase

Conversion to merchant banking paid off environment. the previous year; earnings per —FSDH MD “We stayed focused on our core share, EPS, was 104 kobo, an

By Oboh Agbonkhese

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HE conversion of operations as a discount house to merchant banking on January 15, 2013 has properly positioned FSDH Merchant Bank Ltd to provide the best financial services to its customers, opened a wide range of local and international opportunities, gave a better platform for effective relationship with stakeholders and reversed the downward trend in profitability, which started in 2011.

This was revealed by Mr. Rilwan Belo-Osagie, Managing Director of the bank, at its third annual general meeting in Lagos.

He said: “Profit before tax, PAT, grew by 76 percent. This was made possible by the commitment of the entire FSDH team to the continued implementation of our strategy, despite the constant changes in the operating

business areas and continued to invest in order to build the necessary capacity.”

Chairman, Board of Directors, Mr. Osaro Isokpan, said the board had recommended, subject to Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN’s approval, the payment of N747.61 million as dividend for 2014, which translates to 26.75 kobo per share.

Giving a breakdown of the bank’s performance, Isokpan said: “All things considered, we regard our performance for 2014 as encouraging and see it as the first fruit of our collective efforts at diversifying our operations and product mix to get the full benefit of our merchant banking licence.”

For 2014, the group realized a PBT of N3.64bn, an increase of 76.33 percent over that of 2013, which was N2.07 billion.

Profit after tax, PAT, increased by 15.72 percent to N3.028 million from N2.62 million of

increase of 11 kobo more than the 93 kobo of 2013.

PBT for the bank was N2.59 billion, an increase of 167 percent over the previous year ’s N968 million. PAT increased by 29.30 percent from N1.93 billion in 2013 to N2.49 billion in 2014.

Isokpan said the increased profitability was due to growth in loan books, income from securities trading and dividend income from investing activities. Also, since most of the bank’s start-up expenses had been incurred in 2013, operating expenses slowed to 14.67 percent.

Also, the group’s subsidiaries, FSDH Management and Pension Alliance Limited, posted profits. Only FSDH Securities posted a decline of 61.45 percent due to the poor performance in the capital market for most of the financial year under review.

activities of speculators in the market, to make quick return in the next couple of days.

Deals Meanwhile, a turnover of 2.51 billion shares worth N24.12 billion were exchanged in 19,971 deals last week against 1.38 billion shares valued at N12.05 billion traded in 16,877 deals in the preceding week.

The financial services industry led the activity chart with 2.19 billion shares worth N14.14 billion achieved in 12,589 deals.

The conglomerates sector followed with a turnover of 161.71 million shares worth N1.09 billion traded in 1,223 deals.

Third place was occupied by the consumer goods industry with 67.49 million shares worth N7.16 billion in 2,516 deals.

The All-Share Index last week rose by 1228.7 points or 4.19 percent to close at 30,562.93 compared with 29,334.23 points, posted in the corresponding week due to price appreciation.

Also, the market capitalization improved by N530 billion to close at N10.319 trillion against N9.789 trillion achieved in the previous week.

Dangote Flour Mills led the gainers’ table for the week, appreciating by 27.59 percent or 80k to close at N3.70 per share.

Champion Breweries followed with a gain of 23.84 percent or N1.23 to close at N6.39, while Forte Oil Plc increased by 18.33 percent or N34.84 to close at N224.89 per share.

Conversely, UBA Capital topped the losers’ chart in percentage terms, shedding 21.82 percent or 36k to close at N1.29 per share.

UAC trailed with a loss of 10.97 percent or N3.95 to close at N32.05, while Sterling Bank declined by 8.30 percent or 19k to close at N2.10 per share.

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, MARCH 31 , 2015 — 57

Germanwings Flight: Pilot had suicidal ttendencies endencies —Prosecutors

Iran, w orld po wer o world pow erss struggle tto reach preliminar d preliminaryy nuclear accor accord I

RAN and major powers were struggling yesterday to reach a preliminary nuclear accord as “gloom” set in, with both sides sticking to their positions a day before a selfimposed deadline.

For days Iran, the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China have been trying to break an impasse in negotiations aimed at stopping Tehran having the capacity to develop a nuclear bomb, in exchange for an easing of United Nations sanctions that are crippling its economy.

But officials at the talks in the Swiss city of Lausanne said attempts to reach a framework accord, which is intended as a prelude to a comprehensive agreement by the end of June, could yet fall apart.

Negotiators from all parties appeared increasingly pessimistic.

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HE German pilot suspected of deliberately crashing a plane in the French Alps last week was treated for suicidal tendencies years ago before he received his pilot’s license, German prosecutors said yesterday. This was the first acknowledgement from German officials that the pilot, Andreas Lubitz, had suffered bouts of depression and it is likely to intensify a debate about how airlines screen and monitor their pilots.

Investigators believe Lubitz, serving as copilot on a Germanwings flight from Barcelona to Duesseldorf on March 24th, locked the cap-

tain out of the cockpit and steered the Airbus A320 plane into the side of a mountain while passengers screamed in horror. A total of 150 people died in the crash.

Lufthansa, the parent of the budget airline, has said it was not aware of anything in the 27-yearold’s past which suggested he might have posed a risk.

Air sstrik trik emen camp trikee kills 40 at YYemen

A

From left: U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman , U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz (2nd L), U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (C) and British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond (2nd R) wait to start a meeting with P5+1, European Union and Iranian officials as part of talks on Iran’s nuclear program at the Beau Rivage Palace Hotel in Lausanne yesterday.

“If we don’t have some type of framework agreement now, it will be difficult to explain why we would be able to

have one by June 30,” said a Western diplomat. He said three major sticking points must be resolved if Iran and

the six powers are to secure the deal before March 31, and it is unclear whether those gaps could be filled.

N air strike killed at least 40 people at a camp for displaced people in north Yemen yesterday , humanitarian workers said, in an attack which apparently targeted a nearby base for Houthi fighters battling President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.

Yemen’s state news agency Saba, which is under the control of the Houthis, said the camp at Haradh was hit by Saudi planes. It said the dead included women and children, and showed the bodies of five children laid out on a blood-streaked floor.

Hadi’s Foreign Minister Riyadh Yassin blamed Houthi artillery for the explosion at the camp near Haradh. Saudi military officials were not immediately available for comment.

Bok o Haram ffailed ailed tto o disrupt Boko Nigeria elections —UN

B

OKO Haram was unable to disrupt elections in Nigeria but its allegiance to Islamic State shows the group has an agenda that reaches well beyond Africa’s most populous country, a UN envoy said yesterday.

Mohammad ibn Chambas, the UN envoy for West Africa, told the Security Council that while Boko Haram fighters staged attacks on election day in Bauchi state, northeast Nigeria, “they didn’t have an impact on the voting process.”

“Boko Haram was unable to disrupt the electoral process,” he told the 15-member council.

Nigerians voted Saturday and Sunday in presidential and parliamentary elections, one of the closest in the country’s history, amid fears of violence.

Chambas said that Boko Haram’s announcement that it had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, “whether for publicity reasons or to tap into ISIL support,” shows that “Boko Haram’s agenda goes well be-

yond Nigeria.”

At least 1.5 million people have been forced to flee their homes in northeast Nigeria and in neighboring Cameroon, Niger and Chad since May 2013 as Boko Haram stepped up its insurgency.

*Tunisians wave their national flag and chant slogans during a protest against terrorism outside the Bardo Museum in Tunis on March 29, 2015.

S/Africa: Opposition accuses president of security meddling

S

OUTH African President Jacob Zuma is putting the country on a “road directly to dictatorship,” said an opposition leader who on Monday accused the president of manipulating state security.

Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, said Zuma has compromised the country’s police and intelligence services to

maintain political power. In recent months, South Africa’s police ministry, intelligence agency, National Prosecution Authority and tax revenue service have all been embroiled in political scandals, with opposition leaders accusing Zuma of using these departments to settle political scores.

“These issues happened as a result of the big elephant in the

room, which is called the president,” said Malema, who accused the president of trying to cover up his own graft.

“This man is the one that tampers with every single institution of the state.”

Now known for his caustic criticism of South Africa’s president, Malema was once one of Zuma’s most vocal supporters.

Ebola: Guinea shuts border with S/Leone in ef o efffor ortt tto end scourge

G

UINEA closed its border with Sierra Leone on Monday as part of new efforts to stamp out Ebola, an official said.

The current Ebola outbreak in West Africa has killed more than 10,300 people, mostly in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Liberia current-

ly has no Ebola patients, and Sierra Leone has seen a fairly steady decline in cases in recent weeks. But the disease remains stubbornly entrenched in Guinea more than a year after the outbreak started and authorities are now ramping up efforts to eliminate the disease.

Guinean President Alpha Conde announced this weekend that emergency measures would be “reinforced” for a 45day period in five districts, including some along the border with Sierra Leone.

58 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 —

C M Y K

59

60 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

LIBRA: YOUR best bet today is to seek important co-operation of influential people and that of your spouse/partner. The more legal conscious you are, the better for you.

SCORPIO: IF others want you to conclude an important financial transactions that can possibly be done today, you’ll need to say no and go ahead as tomorrow may not be as conducive as today.

SAGITTARIUS: This is your lucky day and the more self assertive you are the better but then it is important you don’t take things and people for granted. Be wise CAPRICORN: ALTHOUGH there seem to be an air of understanding within your working arena today, tomorrow’s full-moon may turn the whole thing the other way.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

I

N auditing there is no sentiment attached. It is a very serious business. It is aimed at diagnosing and detecting the

This Is Your Year shortcomings of a business. Ditto with your life. It is even much more serious with your life. Now there is something you have been

TERROR MUDA

holding on to though you know is not working, you have stubbornly refused to let go, there is something

in “Never say goodbye”

in your life who is a drain pipe and you won’t jettison such a person, there is something you have been doing though not yielding positive result you have kept doing it over the year.

By Lanre Kehinde

AQUARIUS: HERE is an exciting day that will climax tomorrow. After a long time, others will see how passionate you can be even in love.

Don’t gamble, please.

PISCES: IF your desire is to make money today, you will need to be less emotional and prepare for domestic challenges tomorrow. Enjoy your love life.

ARIES: GOOD relationship between the Moon and lucky Jupiter will bring you good opportunities. Be less argumentative.

TAURUS: THIS is your day when things will go according to your plans. Financial success i n d i c a t e d b u t i f y o u w a i t t i l l t o m o r r o w, opposition’ll bring disappointment.

GEMINI: THE Moon encourages you to be as assertive as possible but you will need to expect certain level of opposition. Try to be more friendly.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

CANCER: HAPPENINGS within your working arena should be taken more seriously now or else, avoidable trouble would start tomorrow.

Again, it’s important you are more practical about your health. Be more loving.

LEO: EVEN, if friends and others are helpful and pledging loyalty today, they may be forced and get on your nerve tomorrow when effects of full-moon’ll come to play.

VIRGO: WHATEVER can lead to avoidable trouble tomorrow, either at home or along your career/business lines, should be well taken care of today. Be very open.

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

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

What’s my immediate future?

Dear Joshua, I am interested in what you are doing. Please tell me what I should expect concerning my immediate future. Would I succeed travelling abroad for business ?

Babalola, Mushin.

Dear Babalola, Few years back you have started a very longer (years) great cycle of success and happiness, and this year you will be moving closer to the peak of the said cycle; meaning that your 40nd year on earth will be much more better than all your previous ones on earth.

Visible signs of the positive things will physically manifest during your major first period of the year 2015 that will come between April 10 and May 16, 2015.

Then because of transiting lucky Jupiter in Sagittarius – your Solar 9th house of travelling and distant affairs you can be successful at acquiring visa and have a fruitful foreign travels.

However that is not to say that there will not be any challenge. Actually like it happened about six/seven months ago when work and accident related issues were the major challenges, there will be repeat of such when AROUND JULY 2015.

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 — 61

Dream Team to play Zambia in Lusaka

T

HE U-23 National Team, nicknamed Dream Team, will now take on their Zambian counterparts in an 11th All-Africa Games final round qualifying match at the National Heroes Stadium, Lusaka. The match was earlier scheduled for the Levy Nwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

A letter addressed to the NFF General Secretary and signed by Julio Chiluba, Head of Administration/ Competitions of the Football Association of Zambia, also informed the NFF that the match will now come up on Sunday, 12th April and commence at 3pm Zambia time.

Both teams played out a 0-0 draw in the first leg that took place at the National Stadium, Abuja on Sunday, March 22.

The winner of the fixture will qualify for the Men’s Football Tournament of the 11th All-Africa Games, coming up in CongoBrazzaville, September 3-18 this year.

Wolves Continues from BP Tunisia.

In the same manner, Warri Wolves, who are meant to play their second leg on Sunday April 5, are in the dark if they will eventually

Tiger Continues from BP Woods will return to the sport. He said in February that his scores were not acceptable and he would not play until his game was in tournament shape.

Woods is not required to announce if he is playing the Masters until the tournament starts 9 April.

Meanwhile, Paul Casey will be returning to Augusta after securing his place.

The 37-year-old has not played in the season’s first major for the last two years but will return due to his position in the world’s top 50.

The Englishman, whose world ranking got as high as No3 in 2009, came into the new

Anichebe Continues from BP shape his squad at the end of the season. And £5 million signing Anichebe, along with combative midfielder, Mulumbu, top the list as Pulis further stamps his mark on the Black Country club he took over in January following the sacking of Alan Irvine. Anichebe has been more miss than hit following his switch from Everton in 2013.

Several others are earmarked for an exit, with Sebastien Pocognoli and Graham Dorrans, currently on loan at Norwich, going to be shipped out. Andre Wisdom, on a season’s loan from Liverpool, will be sent back to Anfield and decisions have yet to be taken on the futures of Brown Ideye and Jonas Olsson.

C M Y K

•Siasia

season outside the top 50 but a second-placed finish at the Northern Trust Open followed by a tie for third at the Honda Classic saw him move back in and his place at Augusta has now been assured.

Casey ’s best Masters finish was a tie for sixth on his debut in 2004.

India’s Anirban Lahiri, who has two European Tour wins this season, will be making his debut at Augusta alongside the Austrian Bernd Wiesberger while South Africa’s Branden Grace has earned an invitation for the third consecutive season.

make the crucial trip as the Delta state government, financiers of the Premier League side, are yet to make available funds even for the purchase of travel tickets for the team let alone other logistics.

Interestingly, Warri Wolves recorded a good result in the first leg where they defeated Dedebit FC 2-0 in Warri.

“We are at a crossroads presently and we don’t know what to do, this competition is quite important and it should be treated as such,” one of the Warri Wolves players, eager to see his team move to the next phase of the CAF competition said.

With the dark clouds hanging over War ri Wolves traveling to Ethiopia, many fear the jinx plaguing Nigerian teams in the CAF Confederation Cup, which has not seen any team from the country win it in its present.

Chukwu Continues from BP home soil said he was baffled by the late decision by the football house and he questioned, “why has it taken them (the NFF) so long to re-appoint him when they knew, from the beginning, that he was going to be given a new contract?”

Chukwu insisted that the NFF’s delay in reappointing the 2013 Afcon winning coach was a clear indication that they didn’t want him, in the first place.

“If they needed him since after the World Cup, they should have said so. Remember, he was even pronounced sacked by the same NFF at some point he did not even have a contract with them.

“I insist that their body language says a different thing, while they are doing the direct opposite. It will not augur well for our football because there

won’t be that cordial relationship between the coach and his employers. The team will suffer and the average Nigerian football fan will be worse off.”

He called on the national team handlers to concentrate on the home-based players.

“They are the only set of players that can stay in camp for up to one month, baring weekend club engagements.”

He said his call for home based players was because, at the moment, Nigeria lacked quality players abroad.

“We used to have the likes of Kanu, Okocha, Oliseh, Yekini, among others who were household names in Nigeria before joining top European clubs. We no longer have their quality in Europe. Let players get established at home before going abroad. Only then can they get to play in top clubs.”

C

HAIRMAN of the NFF Technical and D e v e l o p m e n t Committee, Felix Anyansi-Agwu will this week meet with Head Coaches of the U-23 National Team and the Senior Women’s Team as regards crucial qualifying matches for the 11th All-Africa Games’ football tournaments.

The Super Falcons drew 1-1 with their Malian counterparts in the first leg of their only qualifying fixture in Bamako on March 21 and wait to host their opponents in Abuja on April 5.

Siasia’s Dream Team faltered similarly, holding Zambia’s U-23

Anyansi-Agwu to meet with Siasia, Okon side to a 0-0 at the National Stadium, Abuja on March 22, and will travel next week for the return leg at the Levy Nwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on April 4.

“I have been mandated by the Executive Committee to meet with the Head Coaches of both teams and find out what they will need to ensure qualification. The NFF President is categorical that both teams’ qualification is nonnegotiable.

“We will sit down and deliberate seriously on

•Anyansi-Agwu what must be done, what must be addressed. We cannot afford not to qualify for the All-Africa Games,” Anyansi-Agwu said in Abuja."

Access Bank makes history with Eko Beach Polo Festival

UP CHAMPIONS . . . Roosevelt Ogbonna, Executive Director, Commercial Banking, Access Bank Plc (2nd left); and Victor Etuokwu, Executive Director, Personal Banking, Access Bank (2nd right) present a trophy to Lagos Polo team, winner of the maiden edition of the Eko Atlantic Polo Tournament sponsored by Access Bank at the closing ceremony on Sunday.

T

HE first ever Access Bank sponsored Eko Atlantic Beach Polo Tournament will be remembered for thrilling games and the incredible passion of the players and the teeming polo buffs from across the country and beyond, who throng the event in their droves to bath in the excitement of the historic polo extravaganza.

After four days of top class polo, the Access Bank powered tournament climaxed on high with Lagos Polo and Caverton teams carting home carting home the major titles at stake in what was undoubtedly, the latest introduction and the first ever Beach Polo in the country, a century and eleven years since the game was first played in Lagos.

With an equally matched field of six teams vying top honours

the Access Bank inaugural Beach polo festival was destined for a photo finish and the t o u r n a m e n t demonstrated the tremendous balance in the game with Lagos Polo team emerging the overall champions, carting home the main title, the glittering Access Bank Cup. The two rivals, who were eyeing a place in history as the winners of the first ever Nigerian Beach Polo title, gave the highly anticipated crowd plenty to cheer for as the lead change hands regularly, with Power Horse team looking menacingly close to cooking up a surprise upset.

The decisive fourth chukka put paid to Power Horse ambition, as the crowd favourites, Lagos Polo team pulled ahead with sublime display from Ayo Olasoju, Habeeb Fashinro and Abdulrahaman who

scored the winning goal to give Lagos polo a deserved 5-4 victory.

The fiercely fought final was watched by a discerning crowd that included the Oba of Lagos, His Majesty Rilwan Akiolu, and the first Military Governor of Lagos State, Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson and the former Minister of Defence, Lt. General Theophilus Danjuma who was the Special Guest of Honour at the final.

Others who witnessed the dramatic grand finale include Executive Director, Commercial Banking Access Bank Plc, Rooselvet Ogbonna, the Executive Director, Personal Banking, Access Banking Plc, Victor Etuokwu, former President of Lagos Polo Club, Sani Dangote, members of the National Assembly and captains of industries and diplomats.

62 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

Mashaba hails Majoro’s impact against Eagles S

OUTH Africa coach Shakes Mashaba admits he was impressed by Lehlohonolo Majoro’s form after the striker ’s introduction against Nigeria led to the hosts’ equaliser on Sunday.

The Orlando Pirates forward had come under criticism following a below-par performance during the 3-1 win over Swaziland last week and found himself amongst the substitutes in Nelspruit at the weekend.

Speaking after the game, Mashaba said: “If you look at the kind of goals he (Majoro) scores for his team, classy goals, he finishes very well.

“When we brought him on (against Nigeria) we saw that our two strikers (Rantie and Sibusiso Vilakazi) didn’t have even one shot at goal.

“He made good runs, peeled off nicely from the defenders and also pulled them away from their positions. But I think at that time fatigue was starting to tell on

our players and they couldn’t be sharper in supporting him.”

Zidane: I want to coach France

Z

INEDINE Zidane has signalled his ambition to manage the French national team in the future.

Zidane, who won World Cup and E u r o p e a n Championship winners medals with France during his playing days, is currently coaching Real Madrids reserve side Castilla.

However, Zidane is eyeing other possibilities, with the French national team post in his sights.

Speaking to Canal+Francia, he said: I will say it clearly, my objective and my ambition is to be the coach of the French national team. When?

Someday, I have time ahead.”

TUSSLE.....Oupa Manyisa of South Africa and Efe Ambrose of Nigeria compete for the ball during the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers

Sterling puts Liverpool's future on hold

R

AHEEM Sterling will not discuss his future at Liverpool until the end of the season, according to sources.

A source close to the England forward says any talks over a new deal are on hold until the summer but insists the 20-year-old remains ‘100 per cent committed to the club’.

Sterling’s contract runs out at the end of next season and earlier this month managerBrendan Rodgerssaid Anfield would be the best place for the Jamaica-born winger to further his career.

It is something we can’t worry ourselves on, he said.

The boy is happy here and I repeat if you have the interest of the kid and his football development at this stage of his career, this is the best place to be.”

Cameroon battle past Thailand

C

•Sterling

AMEROON came from two goals down to beat Thailand 32 in an international friendly played at SCG Stadium, Nonthaburi yesterday.

Thailand opened the scoring in the 15th minute through midfielder Prakit Deeprom and then went further ahead when Cameroon defender Aurelien Chedjou scored an own-goal in the 31st minute to make the score 2-0 to the hosts.

The visitors’ fight back started just before halftime when Benjamin Moukandjo pulled a goal back.

The scores were level in the 77th minute when forward Clinton N’Jie scored with a penalty kick to make it 2-2.

The winner came in the 88th minute when Ngweni Ndasi scored after an assist by Moukandjo.

•Zidane

Mata wants Spain return

•Mata

M

ANCHESTER United midfielder Juan Mata has not given up hope of playing for Spain again.

“Many of you are asking me these days about the Spanish national team.

“As I always say, I have been very lucky to play and to win a World Cup and a European Championship, to participate in the most important competitions, but I’m still excited as the first day. I am convinced that I’m in a perfect age in my football career and I look forward to keep contributing and achieving more success with my national team.

“That’s what I work for every day, training and playing to the maximum, trying to do the best I can.

“After that, obviously, the manager is the one who picks the players for every game.

“So now I take these quiet days to keep working, as I said, but I also switch off and rest a bit.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 — 63

ormer cchampion’s hampion’s old Tyson’s lost mansion: F Former home set to be transformed into a church •Mike Tyson’s mansion in Southington, Ohio was boxer’s home during 1980s and early 1990s •It features a mirrored ceiling jacuzzi and a swimming pool twice the size of the average family home •Tyson decked out the mansion with crystal chandeliers, a pool larger than most homes and a tiger print carpet •The current owners bought the property in December 2014 and will transform it throughout the rest of 2015

T

HE luxurious mansion once live in by former heavyweight champions Mike Tyson in Southington, Ohio is set to be transformed into a church.

Tyson was forced to sell the home for $1.3million in 1999 following his fall from grace which saw the American facing huge financial difficulties after being convicted for rape.

The champion boxer lived in the Ohio residence during the late 1980s and 1990s while training for fights at Don King’s facility 20 miles away in nearby Orwell.

One photographer Johnny Joo, 24, was allowed inside to explore the property which featured gold-plated furnishings, a mirrored ceiling jacuzzi and a swimming pool twice the size of the average family home.

It features five bedrooms, several living spaces, seven and a half bathrooms, a full kitchen, a mini-kitchen/washroom, two attached garages, one external garage, full size pool and Jacuzzi, tiger cages and a basketball court.

Tyson decked out the mansion with crystal chandeliers, a pool larger than most homes, tiger print carpet and everything else necessary to make it his private party pad.

But now the property lies eerily quiet with just the shell of what was once home to the youngest boxer to win the WBC, WBA and IBF heavyweight titles at age 20.

Photographer Mr Joo, from Cleveland, Ohio, said: ‘My journeys have taken me to some strange places but nothing quite like the abandoned home of a former professional boxer.

‘It felt cold, rather empty C M Y K

Tyson is pictured in 1988 after knocking out British champion Frank Bruno

The boxer lived in the property in the late 80s and early 90s until his dramatic fall from grace when he was jailed for rape

•Tyson

One of several grand staircases at the Ohio mansion, once home to the champion boxer once dubbed ‘the baddest man on the planet’ and eerie - not so much a creepy eerie but a more interesting one.

‘I knew Mike Tyson had once just hung out here and now I stood staring down everything that had been left behind.

‘I loved the bathroom simply because of the view and the mirrored ceiling above the Jacuzzi tub.

‘But the pool was probably my favourite just because of how incredibly large it was and thinking

how vibrant it was at one point in time.

‘The room was bigger than three of my houses, it was pretty incredible to look at while standing at one end. Everything was so full of life and now simply collects dust.

‘As I wandered the halls and rooms I imagined the wild parties which must have taken place within these walls.

‘I looked across a living room once full of life but now empty of parties,

tigers and celebrities.’

The boxer was taken into custody in 1991 on allegations of rape and in 1992 a jury found him guilty with the ruling committing him to a six year prison sentence with four years of parole.

In 1995 Tyson was granted parole and released from prison, returning to rural Southington in hope of escaping the media which ended up following him.

Because of his

increasingly desperate financial situation he put the mansion up for sale and sold it in 1999 for $1.3m (£870k).

It has since had multiple owners including one who was the subject of an FBI investigation when he tried to sell it - and is now set to be converted into a church.

The current owners bought the property in December 2014 and will transform it throughout the rest of 2015, allowing Johnny to explore before the work takes place.

He added: ‘I’ve seen a few restorations throughout my work but nothing so contrasting as this.

‘But it’s definitely one of the more well-

preserved structures I have been in through years of exploring and photographing abandoned places.

‘It makes a perfect candidate for the church to move into and build their sanctuary.

Structurally the home is wonderful and I can’t wait to see the restoration completed over time.

‘The group would like for Mike to attend the first gathering inside the churches sanctuary.

‘I hope to help by sharing this story far and wide, maybe bringing his attention to this matter. It could be quite an experience for him walking through his former home, seeing it brought to a completely different light.’

Vanguard, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

Tiger Woods drops out of world’s top 100 F OR the first time since 1996, Tiger Woods is not among the top 100 golfers in the

Chukwu predicts rough times for NFF, Keshi

BY JACOB AJOM

F

OR sometime now, the sporting media has been awash with reports of the reappointment of Coach Stephen Keshi by the Nigeria Football Federation as Super Eagles handler. One man who has not been amused by these reports is former national team handler and one-time captain of the team, Christian Chukwu.

The former Enugu Rangers captain has queried the process that may have seen the return of Coach Stephen Keshi, alluding that it would not augur well for the country’s football.

Chukwu who captained the team to the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations triumph on Continues on Page 61

world rankings.

Woods, who has not played since he withdrew from the Farmers Insurance Open on 6 February, falls to No104 this week.

The last time he was out of the top 100 was on 29 September 1996, when he was at No225.

The following week, Woods won the Las Vegas Invitational as a 20-year-old for the first of his 79 PGA Tour victories.

It is not clear when Continues on Page 61

•Tiger Woods

Anichebe faces sack at is planning a West Brom Pulis, major overhaul of West

N

•Pinnick

•Chukwu

IGERIAN

for ward, Victor Anichebe, is facing the axe at West Bromwich Albion following a poor run since joining the Baggies. Reports have it that WBA boss, Tony

•Keshi

CAF Confederation Cup:

Brom’s squad this summer, with Anichebe and Youssouf Mulumbu the chief casualties.

Baggies chief Pulis is looking to move on around six fringe players as he aims to re-

Continues on Page 61

Wolves risk walk-over in Addis Ababa N

•Egwuekwe

IGERIA looks set to be ridiculed yet again in the comity of football countries as the country ’s sole candidate left in the CAF Confederation Cup, Warri Wolves, risk

being walked over in this weekend’s second leg tie against Dedebit Football club of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa.

Nigeria hugged the headlines on the continent for all the

wrong reasons recently when Dolphins FC, were kicked out of the CAF Confederation Cup owing to hitches around their travel arrangements to Continues on Page 61

•Anichebe

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S ANSWERS YESTERDAY'S

ACROSS 2 Harass (5) 7 Endured (5) 8 Seat (5) 10 Might (5) 12 Astern (3) 13 Guide (5) 15 Timorous (7) 17 Nursed (6) 19 Healthy (3) 20 Polluted (7) 23 Rush (4) 25 Expensive (4) 26 Regain (7) 30 Drunkard (3) 31 Shy (6) 34 Expected (7) 37 Essential (5) 38 Tune (3) 39 Sewer (5) 40 Command (5) 41 Flat (5) 42 Receded (5)

DOWN 1 Condition (5) 2 Trusted (5) 3 Worshipped (6) 4 Shoal (4) 5 Began (7) 6 Waterlily (5) 9 Leaving (3) 11 Purified (7) 13 Strict (5) 14 Go in (5) 16 Sicken (3) 18 Relegated (7) 21 Outcoming (5) 22 Fishing-basket (5) 24 Wished (7) 27 Bed (3) 28 Abuse (6) 29 Grant (5) 32 Booby-trapped (5) 33 Bird (5) 35 Help (3) 36 Dingy (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 2, Petty 7, Spur 8, Employ 9, Yearn 11, Cup 13, Mad 15, Omit 16, Set 18, Hole 19, Illicit 20, Took 22, Step 23, Timpani 25, Need 27, Try 28, Tern 30, Dad 31, Did 33, Ideal 36, Demean 37, Away 38, Noted.

DOWN: 1, Opium 2, Pry 3, Tea 4, Yen 5, Apt 6, Local 10, Reel 11, Contend 12, Pivoted 13, Mottled 14, Despond 16, Slept 17, Tinny 18, His 21, Kid 24, Arid 26, Eager 29, Rival 32, Wed 33, Inn 34, Eft 35, Lad.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-4548355. Advert Dept Hotline: 014544821; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: MIDENO BAYAGBON. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

C M Y K