Terrorists overrun CDS, Badeh's home town

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62265

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

INSIDE INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS' CAMP, DAMARE, ADAMAWA

•I don't know where my father, stepmother, seven siblings are — Victim •See Pages 50&51

Terrorists overrun CDS, Badeh's home town

By Umar Yusuf & Ndahi Marama

•How we escaped Mubi — Redeemed pastor —FEW hours •We are having humanitarian challenges — NEMA YOLA after the commercial nerve centre and the biggest town in "We must bring it to a stop before April....If we do our second Adamawa State fell into work cohesively, I can tell you, Gen. Minimah, you will CP, finish your work in no time. I can say confidently that Lagos Aderanti visits this war is already won.”

Vanguard

— Air Marshall Alex Badeh, Chief of Defence Staff, Jan 20, 2014

See Pgs 6, 10

Jonathan picks nomination forms COLUMNIST: Donu Kogbara

Buhari versus Jonathan •P.17

8

SYNAGOGUE: Presidency moves Collapsed building against Tambuwal had no approval •IGP withdraws his — Lagos Govt security aides 10 9 DEFECTION:

the hands of Islamic sect, Boko Haram, the insurgents, yesterday, overran Vimtim, the home town of the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh. The terrorists have thus rubbished the purported ceasefire Continues on Page 5

Mr & Mrs

2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

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POCKET CARTOON

BRITISH ENVOYS AT ASO VILLA: From left; Mr. Bien Llewlyn James of British High Commission; Dr. Andrew Pocock, British High Commissioner to Nigeria; General James Chiswell, Commander, 1 Division, British Army and President Goodluck Jonathan during a visit to the presidential villa Abuja. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Terrorists overrun CDS, Badeh's home town Continues from page 1 agreement announced by the Chief of Defence Staff and his earlier vow on January 20 this year that the Boko Haram menace would end last April.

Mubi town was invaded, yesterday, by the terrorists who stormed the 234 Nigerian Army Battalion, burnt down the police station and the Mubi prison, setting the inmates free. The insurgents also hoisted their flag at the Palace of the Emir of Mubi. When the insurgents invaded the town, the troops and the residents fled while they

had a field day looting and burning property.

As at yesterday, Mubi was like a ghost town as the entire residents have deserted it even as some edifices like the Mubi International Cattle Market, the local government secretariat as well as some private buildings were still burning.

Having taken over Mubi, the insurgents marched on to other surrounding villages and towns before storming Vimtim, the home town of the Chief of Defence Staff.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.

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N life the kindness we would show a friend is directed toward ourselves. A person who is consciously awakening to life’s purpose will be more thoughtful and compassionate, kind and generous towards self and others. More disposed to a much lighter, more loving life.Greater self-acceptance at all times. And being able to manage stress with greater calm.

Such an individual will have developed a resilience which springs from inner confidence rather than sheer force of determination. A Greater happiness and well-being is always sought from within and this often leads to a more flexible approach in achieving personal goals with the creativity that enables better result.When you choose to see the good in others, you end up finding the good in yourself.

How we escaped from Mubi – Redeemed pastor A Zonal pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG,who escaped from the insurgents in Mubi, told Vanguard that the Boko Haram sect had conquered Mubi and were fully in-charge.

Asked how he escaped, he said he was just getting to Yola, the Adamawa State Capital at press time last night, after a scary run through Mubi bushes and farm roads.

"For over two hours, we ran and crawled through bush tracks and farm roads to get to where I got a bus to Yola. I am just getting to Yola. I thank God." Asked what he was doing in Mubi, the pastor said he was transferred to somewhere in Borno where he stayed for several days. According to him, “there was no telecommunication network in the area, I could neither call nor receive calls.

The insurgents were terrorizing the area and one of my zonal pastors at the headquarters advised that I should not stay there hence, I had

to leave”.

Before he fled Mubi for Yola, he said the security problem had worsened.

"However, the men and the youths said they were not going anywhere, that enough is enough. They have been killing the militants. Yesterday, they killed two. But they withdrew the soldiers and mobile policemen and yesterday the insurgents attacked. They have conquered Mubi. That is why most people are afraid."

Adamawa Govt moves to send trapped residents to IDP camp Meanwhile, Adamawa State Government has dispatched over hundred buses to comb Mubi and its environs for people who were trapped and stranded in buses and villages for onward transit to the Internally Displaced Persons Camp in the State capital.

Governor Bala James Ngilari gave the order yesterday afternoon, when concerned citizens of Mubi visited him to brief him on current development in the area.

Briefing the Governor, leader of the group, Mr. Joshua Atiku told him to consult with the Federal Government to persuade the Cameroonian authorities to allow fleeing people access into that country.

Atiku disclosed that

hundreds of thousands of people escaping into Cameroon were stranded at the borders owing to the fact that the Cameroonian gendarmes have denied them entry.

He added that the situation was causing concern to the people, who have fled their homes due to insecurity only to run into diplomatic problems with their neighbours.

Atiku charged both state and federal governments to as a matter of urgency do everything humanly possible to evacuate people still trapped in Mubi and its environs as the insurgents continue to lay siege to the town.

What Badeh said in January On January 20 this year when Air Marshal Alex Badeh assumed office, he expressed optimism that there would soon be an end to insurgency in some parts of the country. He said with the support and co-operation of the new service chiefs, the Boko Haram menace would be stamped out in the next three months.

He said it was mandatory for the military to eliminate the menace of Boko Haram before April to avert a constitutional problem in the polity.

The CDS said it was possible to bring the insurgency in the North East to an end if the military approached its security responsibilities cohesively.

“We must bring it to a stop before April so that we will not have constitutional problems on our hands. We don’t want to go back to the Senate to start begging and lobbying. If we do our work cohesively, I can tell you, Gen. Minimah, you will finish your work in no time.

“I can say confidently that this war is already

won,” he had said.

NEMA expresses shock, fears over humanitarian challenges in Adamawa, Borno Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in the North East sub region yesterday, expressed “shocks and fears” over Wednesday's multiple attacks on Mubi town in Adamawa state, as the number of displaced persons continued to rise with increased humanitarian challenges at various resettlement camps.

The North-East Zonal Information Officer of NEMA, Abdulkadir Ibrahim, who addressed newsmen on Mubi’s multiple attacks and eventual capture by Boko Haram insurgents said: "We are very much alarmed and worried by the latest attacks on Mubi and Uba towns of Adamawa and Borno states; which have sacked many residents from their houses and displaced over 8, 950 refugees from their existing camps in the two affected communities.

“It is disheartening that this is happening when a humanitarian agency like this, was doing everything possible to cushion the devastating effects of the attacks on Madagali, Michika, Gulak and other surrounding communities through intervention by providing relief materials to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at Mubi and Uba which were also attacked by insurgents yesterday (Wednesday).

"Many victims fled into mountainous border areas of Cameroon while others fled to Yola for safety, leaving the existing camps empty".

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

Car crushes couple in Bauchi

LASTMA official, four policemen arrested over bus conductor’s death

By Suzan Edeh

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AUCHI—A couple was, yesterday, crushed by a vehicle at Rampa Village in Darazo Local Government Area, Bauchi State.

The deceased, Alhaji Abdul Iliyasu, 45, and his 30-year-old wife, Aisha Abdul, were trying to cross the road on a motorcycle, when they were hit by the vehicle, an Opel with number plate AH 151 MSA, driven by one Chidawa Yakubu, aged 60.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Haruna Mohammed, confirmed the incident, saying a police patrol team attached to Darazo Police Division visited the scene and conveyed the corpses to Darazo General Hospital for autopsy.

He said police was investigating and cautioned motorists to always observe traffic rules and regulations.

Kidnappers release abducted expatriate in Ogun

By Daud Olatunji

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BEOKUTA— AN expatriate with the German construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria, who was kidnapped by four gunmen last Friday, has been released.

He was reportedly released yesterday morning and had since reunited with his family and officials of the company in Lagos.

The expatriate’s colleague was reportedly shot when they were ambushed by their abductors and later died in the hospital.

It was gathered that the attack was carried out by the abductors while they were on their way to the company ’s quarry at Ogbere, in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Confirming the release of the expatriate, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi said he was released in the early hours of yesterday.

Vanguard gathered that ransom was paid.

By Evelyn Usman

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NDICATIONS emerged yesterday that an official of Lagos State Traffic Management Agency, LASTMA, is among four policemen arrested over the alleged killing of a 36-year-old bus conductor, Monday, along Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.

At press time, the suspects were said to have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, for further investigation.

Describing the incident as unfortunate, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti, assured that no stone would be left unturned in ensuring that the killers of the father of four were brought to book.

Speaking during a visit to Vanguard’s corporate headquarters, Apapa, yesterday, the commissioner said the arrested policemen were not sent by police authorities to carry out such dastardly act.

Commissioner's assurance

He said: “I am aware of the unfortunate incident. So far, five persons, including four policemen and a LASTMA official, have been arrested and they are currently at the SCID. “Nobody sent them to do that.

The interesting thing about it is that they did not run away. I can assure you that justice will be done.”

However, the bereaved parents, yesterday, said since the incident, no official of LASTMA or Police had paid them a visit.

Describing the action as insensitive on the part of both agencies, they expressed fear that the matter might be swept under the carpet, owning to the trading of blames, particularly

by LASTMA. “Are they treating us this way because they feel we cannot do anything to them?” asked the devastated father of the deceased, Mr. Abasirim.

Maintaining that his son was killed by officials of LASTMA, 74-year-old Abasirim, narrated what he described as the true position of what happened that fateful day.

Father's story

He said: “My son and his driver were not the ones chased

by LASTMA officials. What happened was that he was at Second Rainbow Bus Stop, calling passengers, when some LASTMA officials, accompanied by armed policemen in two commercials buses, were chasing a commercial bus.

From left— Mrs Abasirim; her late son, Ikechukwu, and his father, Mr. Abasirim.

“When the commandeered bus reached where my son stood, one of them hit him and he hit his head on the ground.

As if that was not enough, the second bus driven by the LASTMA officials ran over him.

“I was at home when I received a call that my first son and heir apparent was involved in an accident at Second Rainbow Bus Stop. His remains were taken to Cele Bus Stop,

where he was popularly known.

“I saw him last on Saturday, October 25, two days before the ugly incident that shattered my family. Who will look after his four children and widow? How do I , a common retiree at 74, fend for them?”

His wife was sitting beside him, crying and muttering “why should they kill my son? Am I the one that ought to bury him?

“I am yet to believe that IK is

gone. I look out every day since the incident happened, expecting him to knock and say, ‘here I am, I am not dead’.”

The devastated mother explained that she returned from Ketu Market that fateful day to display her wares(fruits) at Cele Bus Stop, only to notice people staring at her.

She said no one could tell her what exactly was wrong until she got home.

FUEL SUBSIDY RIOT: Dismissed DPO denies killing protester

By Onozure Dania & Hope Ofobike

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AGOS—FORMER Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Segun Fabunmi, who was attached to Pen Cinema Division of Lagos State Police Command, yesterday, denied killing one Ademola Daramola and injuring others involved in the mass protest on fuel subsidy, organized by Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, in 2012.

Segun, who was led in evidence by A. O. Eleazu, told a Lagos High Court sitting at Igbosere that he was attacked while on security patrol by a mob at Yaya Abatan Junction, Ogba, Agege, on January 9, 2012.

He said: “I was informed that there will be protest on January 9, 2012, in respect of the fuel subsidy. I received a distress call from the control room at Ikeja, asking me as the DPO, to lead a team to Yaya Abatan where hoodlums had barricaded the road, collecting phones from owners, breaking car windscreen and extorting money from innocent people.

“I called my station office to mobilize a team of policemen.

When they saw us, the hoodlums became violent, throwing stones and other dangerous weapons.

“I ordered my men to remove the planks and tyres which they used in blocking the road, and I also ordered some people who

were held hostage to be released.”

Segun, who was dismissed by the Nigeria Police Force while in detention in 2013, said: “My primary duty was to educate them because they were doing the wrong thing.

“I saw the mob coming towards me, before I knew it, they gripped my rifle and tried to disarm me.

“The next thing I heard was a gun shot from the mob. They started beating me with sticks.

While struggling with the mob, the AK 47 I was holding went off, thereby, dispersing them.”

He said at the time of the incident, there was no casualty and that nobody sustained injury, adding that the mob dispersed in different directions.

Segun said he immediately called the control room at Ikeja to report his experience, explaining that “three hours later, I was invited by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and was told that one person was killed, while many others were seriously injured and I was put in detention.”

The defendant, who is facing an eight-count charge bordering on murder, attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm, had earlier been arraigned before Justice Olabisi Akinlade.

The state counsel, Akinwumi A., said the defendant committed the crime at about 9a.m. at Yaya Abatan Junction,

Ogba, Agege.

She said the defendant, while on security patrol, murdered one Ademola Daramola and also attempted to kill one Alimi Abubakar by shooting him with an AK 47 rifle.

According to her, the crime is punishable under Sections 221, 228,243 of the criminal laws of Lagos State.

He had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charge and had since been granted bail.

Justice Akinlade adjourned the matter to November 19 for continuation of trial.

... as Policeman s

By Emma Amaize

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FFURUN—AN anti-riot policeman has allegedly shot Mr. Joseph Agbabule, a villager from Kolokolo, Enerhen, near Warri, Delta State, for allegedly invading the premises of Wallace Company, an indigenous firm engaged in electrification work in the community.

Vanguard learned that Agbabule and two others were sent by elders and leaders of the village to the company on October 21 to find out why the firm did not honour a meeting with the community the previous day, October 20.

It was gathered that when the messengers got to the company, a top official asked the mobile policemen on duty to throw

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014—7

Drama, as 14-yr-old suspected killer bride goes ‘dumb’ in court

By AbdulSalam Muhammad

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ANO—THERE was a mild drama at Gezawa High Court, Kano, yesterday as a girl-bride, Wasila Tasi, suspected to have killed her husband and three others in April, failed to utter a word in court during her trial.

The high profile culpable

homicide case that attracted the attention of the human rights community was nearly stalled by refusal of the 14-year-old suspect to speak.

Consequently, the presiding judge, Justice Muhammad Yahaya was compelled to enter a plea of ‘not guilty’ on her behalf shortly after the charged sheet was read and explained to her in the local dialect.

Wasila, looking perturbed at the dock, was repeatedly asked whether she understood the content of what was read before her, but each time she failed to utter a word as the court registrar ran through the fourcount charge of culpable homicide punishable by death under Section 221 A of the Penal Code.

The decision of the court to

enter a plea of not guilty on her behalf revived the case as the prosecution counsel, Lamido Abba Soron Dinki, offered to line up five witnesses to prove the merit of the case.

The presiding judge, therefore, adjourned the matter to November 26 and 27 to continue hearing and also ordered that the suspect be returned to remand home.

I went into drugs to finance my dad’s burial — SUSPECT

By Evelyn Usman

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HREE Brazil-based Nigerians have been arrested at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos, with drugs suspected to be cocaine worth N131 million, concealed in female footwears and laptop bags.

The trio of Ezenna Chinonso Joseph, Agu Ifeanyi Kingsley and Okoye Israel were arrested

by operatives of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, during the inward screening of passengers on an Emirates flight from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

During interrogation, one of the suspects, Agu Ifeanyi Kingsley, 30, told operatives that he was promised N800,000 by an unnamed baron in Brazil, explaining that he opted to transport the drugs to Nigeria to raise money for his father’s burial.

NDLEA Airport Commander, Hamza Umar, disclosed that “Ezenna Chinonso Joseph was found with 11.330kg of cocaine; Agu Ifeanyi Kingsley had in his

possession 1.650kg, while Okoye Israel was found with 1.670kg.

“The total quantity of cocaine seized from the three suspects is 14.650kg.

“Two of the suspects, Agu Ifeanyi Kingsley and Okoye Israel were apprehended during the inward screening of passengers on an Emirates flight from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Ezenna Joseph.

Okoye Emeka.

Agu Ifeanyi.

shoots villager in Delta them out of the premises and in the ensuing melee, the victim was shot.

He was rushed to the Central Hospital, Warri, from where he was referred to Delta State University Teaching Hospital, DELSUTH, Oghara, where he is currently undergoing treatment.

Agbabule explained from his hospital bed that he was beaten and shot by a policeman when he came with other villagers to convey a message from his community.

The Centre for the Vulnerable and Underprivileged, CENTREP, Delta State, in a petition to the Inspector General of Police, by its Executive Director, Mr. Oghenejabor Ikimi, condemned the act and called

for proper investigation.

He alleged that the police at Enerhen Police Station, Enerhen, where the matter was reported, were protecting the trigger-happy policeman.

His words: “We, however, note with regret that till date, no proper investigation has been carried out by the police, as they seem to be shielding the said culprit from prosecution.

“Hence the law firm of Ikimi Oghenejabor and Co., wrote a petition to the office of the Inspector General of Police for an independent and impartial investigation of the incident.

“This is to bring the culprit to book to serve as a deterrent to other blood-thirsty policemen in the force, as justice delayed is justice denied.”

‘Compartment.’

Hidden in a laptop bag.

“The third suspect, Ezenna Chinonso Joseph boarded a Qatar flight also from Dubai with 11.330kg of cocaine hidden in soles of female footwears.”

In his statement, Ezenna, 28,

told narcotic investigators that he was promised N2.5 million by his sponsors.

He said: “I am married and my wife is pregnant. I used to manage a boutique here in Nigeria until I lost everything.

Out of frustration, I travelled to Brazil in search of employment.

“I decided to smuggle the drugs after being promised 2.5 million naira. My intention was to settle down and invest the proceeds in any legitimate business here in Nigeria,” the Anambra State-born said.

On his part, Agu Ifeanyi Kingsley said he travelled to Brazil six months ago in search of greener pastures but regretted it as his condition was not better as anticipated.

Agu, who hails from Anambra State, said: “ I travelled to Brazil in April this year when my clothes business was almost down. But the few months I spent in Brazil were even worse than it was in Nigeria.

“As if that was not enough, I received news of my father’s death and I had no money for my flight ticket. Bringing cocaine to Nigeria was my last hope of making some money because I was promised N800,000.”

Okoye Israel Emeka also said he was promised N800,000 to smuggle cocaine to Nigeria, blaming his poor background as the cause.

Said he: ”I am from a poor family. I dropped out of school in Primary 4 due to lack of funds and sponsorship. I managed to raise money with which I travelled to Brazil, where I worked in a bakery.

“But my salary was too meagre and I lived in poverty.

I was promised N800,000 to smuggle cocaine to Nigeria,” said the Anambra State-born Agu. Reacting to the arrest, Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, said that arrest and prosecution of drug traffickers would continue until the country was completely free of illicit drugs.

He added that the suspects would soon be charged to court.

Truck driver bathes policemen in petrol

By Bartholomew Madukwe

A

truck driver, Tola Omoleke, has been charged before an Oshodi Magistrate Court in Lagos for threatening the life of Assistant Superintendent of Police, James Agborun and Ali Sakiru, by pouring petrol on them.

The accused was said to have committed the alleged offence at Agege Motor Road, Oshodi.

Omoleke was arraigned by the police on a sixcount charge of threat to life and reckless driving.

However, when the charge was read to him, he pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Kehinde Olatunde, informed the court that the offence was punishable under Section 238 (F) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State Nigeria, 2011.

Magistrate Nurudeen Owolabi granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 and adjourned to November 7.

Police confirm release of minister's sister

By JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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ORT HARCOURT— RIVERS State Police Command has confirmed the release of Mrs Osiya Agama, sister of the Minister of Petroleum, Mrs Diezani AlisonMadueke.

It would be recalled that Agama was kidnapped in Port Harcourt penultimate Tuesday at about 9p.m. around a shopping mall.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Muhammad, who confirmed the development to Vanguard, said she was rescued during a joint operation by the military, DSS and the Police, adding that two suspects were arrested during the raid.

He said: “Osiya Agama has been safely rescued during a joint operation by the Police, Military, DSS. Two suspects were arrested.”

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8— Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

By Henry Umoru

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BUJA—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday stormed the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, where he collected the expression of interest and nomination forms of the party to vie for the 2015 presidential election.

President Jonathan, whose nomination form was funded by contributions from a wide gamut of stakeholders was led in a carnival-like procession that included the top hierarchy of the ruling party, governors and senior stakeholders to the national secretariat of the PDP yesterday afternoon.

In his entourage were VicePresident Namadi Sambo; the national chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu‘azu; Deputy National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, other members of the National Working Committee, NWC; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, governors of Delta, Katsina; Akwa Ibom; Enugu; Cross River; Ekiti; Bayelsa states; ministers, political adviser to the president, Professor Rufai Alkali; Political Adviser to the Vice President, Mallam Abba Dabo.

Others are Senators Emmanuel Paulker and Clever Ikisikpo; National Vice Chairman, South South, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh; National Vice Chairman, South East, Col. Austin Akobundu; Prince Arthur Eze, among others.

The president, who arrived the hall at exactly 2.08 pm, was presented the forms by the National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha at 2.20 pm following which the president responded for five minutes.

Presenting the forms to the president, Mustapha who announced that Jonathan had paid for the form earlier, a reason he cited for giving him the form, declared that history had been made by the PDP, explaining that it was the first time the party had given a sitting president the right of first refusal.

Handing over the form to the President, Mustapha prayed that God should grant him victory in the election.

Following that, the president in his response thanked all those who have supported him in the quest towards the second term pointing out the Chief Ifeanyi Ubah-led Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria, TAN, the PDP Governors Forum, among others who provided the money for the form, promised to work in a way not to disappoint them.

“Let me use this unique opportunity to thank the PDP Governors Forum for providing the two million for the procurement of the expression of interest form and the 20m for the procurement of nomination form.

“Let me also thank members of TAN for providing N2m for the expression of interest form and

Jonathan picks nomination forms zThanks PDP govs, TAN for the purchase N20m for the procurement of nomination form. And let me really thank so many Nigerians that I cannot enumerate because it is quite difficult. It has been formally announced; youth groups, women groups, civil society groups, even students from the northwest, northeast, north central, south west, south east and south south; contributed to the procurement of the forms today.

“I remain most grateful for their gesture and I thank them for believing first in this country, secondly for believing in the PDP because they know that this form is for the PDP ticket and lastly for believing in me.”

“What I can say is to reassure them that I will work with all Nigerians, and I will always maintain that no matter how strong a president is all over the world, the president is only one individual and you alone can’t do anything. You alone cannot change the society. For you to succeed, you work with people.

So, if you are succeeding, that means we have a team that is working to transform this country. So, I will work with all Nigerians to make sure that we move our country to the next level.

Soon after the presentation of the forms to the President, Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State immediately raised the song “This is the day that the Lord has made” and everyone in the hall immediately stood up and started singing, including the president.

Meanwhile, the PDP national chairman, Muazu speaking at the occasion said the party owed it a duty to encourage a performing president and governors desiring a second term.

“As you see I am not supposed to be in the progeramme but it gives me great pleasure this afternoon to, on behalf of the National Working Committee of the PDP welcome our president, our leader who has been given the right of first refusal by our party as our own candidate.

“We have decided that our governors, president running for a second term that have performed creditably will be given the right of first refusal and all of us know that Mr. President has done so many things. This is not the forum for us to enumerate. We look forward to the campaign that we will unfold to Nigerians.”

It would be recalled that the PDP NEC had at its 66th session on September 18, 2014 adopted President Jonathan as the party’s sole presidential candidate with a decision to ratify the adoption at a national convention to be held on December 6.

JONATHAN PICKS HIS NOMINATION FORMS: Peoples Democratic Party, PDP National Organising Secretary, Amb. Abubakar Mustapha (m) presenting expression of interest and nomination forms to President Goodluck Jonathan at the party's secretariat in Abuja, yesterday. On the left is PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu. Photo: NAN.

Shell loses N23bn over insecurity in Nigeria, others …Targets N2.4trn from Niger Delta assets

By Michael Eboh

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OYAL Dutch Shell said yesterday that it lost $146 million, about N23.36 billion from insecurity in Nigeria, and from the impact of its divestment across the globe, among others, in the third quarter of 2014.

The company, in its third quarter 2014 financial statement released to the investing community, also stated that it is expecting $15 billion, about N2.4 trillion from its assets in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

Shell recorded oil and gas production of 2.79 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in the third quarter of 2014, representing a 4.81 per cent decline from 2.93 million barrels per day recorded in third of 2013 and a decline of 9.33 per cent from 3.077 million barrels per day recorded in the second quarter of 2014.

According to the financial statement, Shell’s liquids production decreased by four per cent, while natural gas production decreased by six per cent, compared with the third quarter 2013. “Excluding the impact of divestments, Abu Dhabi license expiry, PSC price effects, and security impacts in Nigeria, third quarter 2014 production was two per cent higher than for the same period last year.

“Underlying production was driven by increased high-margin

liquids production in the Americas, including the impact of substantially lower downtime, partly offset by higher downtime elsewhere,” the company said.

The company said it recorded first production from the Bonga North West deep-water development, saying oil from the Bonga North West subsea facilities is transported by a new undersea pipeline to the existing Bonga floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) export facility.

The company said the Bonga FPSO has been upgraded to handle the additional oil flow from Bonga North West which, at peak production, is expected to contribute 40,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.

“Shell announced the final investment decision on the Bonga Main phase three project offshore Nigeria.

The development is expected to contribute some 40,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day production through the existing Bonga FPSO export facility,” the company said.

Shell’s third quarter 2014 earnings, on a current cost of supplies (CCS) basis were $5.3 billion compared with $4.2 billion for the same quarter in 2013, while third quarter 2014 CCS earnings excluding identified items were $5.8 billion, compared with $4.5 billion for the third quarter 2013, representing an increase of 31 per cent.

Compared with the third quarter 2013, the company said CCS earnings excluding identified items benefitted from improved downstream and upstream results.

It said, “In Downstream, earnings benefited from increased contributions from refining including improved operating performance, and trading.

“In Upstream, earnings increased due to the impact of new, higher-margin production, lower exploration expenses, and higher earnings from Integrated Gas, despite the effect of lower oil prices and volumes overall.

“The increase of a deferred tax liability as a result of the weakening Australian dollar reduced earnings by some $400 million compared with the third quarter 2013.”

Mr. Ben van Beurden, Chief Executive Officer, Royal Dutch Shell, said, “Shell is proud to deliver high-quality fuels, lubricants and petrochemicals, for transportation, power generation and manufacturing industries.

With over 90,000 employees in more than 70 countries around the world, Shell is dedicated to delivering low-cost, safe and reliable energy for our customers.

“The recent decline in oil prices is part of the volatility in our industry. It underlines the importance of our drive to get a tighter grip on performance management, keep a tight hold on costs and spending, and improve the balance between growth and returns.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014 — 9

By Soni Daniel, Kingsley Omonobi, Emma Ovuakporie, Dapo Akinrefon & Gbenga Oke

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BUJA—BARELY 48 hours after the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, the acting Inspector General of Police, Sulaiman Abba, yesterday, withdrew all his security aides.

The Federal Government also deleted Tambuwal’s picture and name from the official website of the National Assembly:http:// www.nassng.org/nass, leaving his space blank for now.

With the deletion of his details from the web page, only the data and photographs of nine principal officers of the House of Representatives are running, with Emeka Ihedioha, the deputy speaker, being the highestranking officer on the page.

Vanguard reliably gathered that the Aide-de-Camp, ADC, to the Speaker got a directive from IGP Abba, at about 1.30am yesterday that all security operatives attached to the number 4 citizen be withdrawn immediately.

One of the sources, who was privy to what happened in the dead of the night when the order was given said: ''Our Oga ADC immediately started demobilising all the security operatives attached to Tambuwal, including men from the Department of State Service, DSS and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps. ''As a result of the IGP’s order, the ADC, who was billed for an official assignment in Makurdi yesterday morning had to cancel all his appointments as everything including dogs were demobilised from here. We were left bare as early as 1.30am to all manner of dangers but God is our Oga’s best security and his life is in His hands, not that of men”.

Why we withdrew Tambuwal police aides –Police IG The IGP’s order, according to a statement by the Force Spokesman, Mr Emmanuel Ojukwu, an Acting Commissioner of Police, was because of Tambuwal’s defection from the PDP to APC and “having regard to the clear provision of section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.”

Meanwhile, the IG said the force had committed adequate resources to the provision of logistics to effectively police the 2015 generation elections.

Ojukwu, in another statement, said Abba gave the assurance when the “ECOWAS Pre-Election Fact Finding Head of Mission to Nigeria’’ headed by former Ghananian President, John Kufuor paid him a courtesy visit to appraise the police readiness for a violent-free poll in 2015.

Your order, action are wrong, Tambuwal tells IGP

Presidency moves against Tambuwal zWithdraws security aides, delete name, picture from NASS website zWhy we withdrew his police aides —IGP zAction undemocratic, provocative —APC Reacting to the issue, Speaker Tambuwal told the acting IGP, Sulaiman Abba that he breached the law by ordering that his security details be withdrawn from his residence.

In a statement by his media aide, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal said he received with shock and amazement the statement issued by the Nigerian Police Force Headquarters justifying the withdrawal of police security personnel attached to him.

His words: “In the said statement, the Force has stated to the effect that by his defection from the PDP to the APC, the Hon Speaker is in breach of Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution and is consequently no longer entitled to police security. Nothing can be further from the truth. ''The implication of the Inspector General of Police’s statement is that as sanction for this alleged constitutional breach, he has removed Rt Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal from office of Speaker House of Representatives. ''For the avoidance of doubt the question of whether or not there is a division or faction in the PDP has been resolved by Lord Justice Faji of the Ilorin Division of Federal High Court in suit FHC/ ABJ/CS/605/2013 in which the court held that indeed there were factions in the PDP. ''Again in suit no FHC/ABJ/CS/ 605/2013, the Sokoto Division of the Federal High Court per Justice Aikawaa, the judgement of the court was that there was not only Division but faction in the PDP which later merged with the APC. “As the number four citizen in the hierarchy of protocol in the country, the Speaker is entitled to security protection by the security agencies, therefore we see the action of the Acting Inspector General of Police as not only contempt of the courts but a ploy to bring harm to the person of Rt Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. ''In any case even Section 215 of the 1999 Constitution does not contemplate the issuing of or compliance with unlawful orders by the President and or the Inspector General of Police respectively.

“What the Acting Inspector General of Police has done therefore has no basis in law including the 1999 Constitution which he has cited. It is a brazen act of crass impunity, gross constitutional breach and contempt of court. The Inspector General should desist from assuming or usurping the constitutional functions of the Judiciary.

“For the avoidance of doubt the Speaker of the House is elected by members from among themselves under Section 50(1) (b) of the constitution and vacates office under Section 50 (2) (a) (b) &(c),

VISIT: President Goodluck Jonathan (middle), Vice President Namadi Sambo (left) and Emir of Kano, Alhaji Mohammed Sanusi 11 during the Emir's visit to the State house, Abuja yesterday. in the case of (c) by two-thirds majority of members of the House.

“The Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution which refers to a member vacating his seat on grounds of defection, which the Inspector General of Police refers to, has a proviso which has been and still is a matter for judicial and not police interpretation.”

Eminent Nigerians flay IGP’s action The police action elicited criticisms from a host of eminent Nigerians and APC members of the House of Representatives, who described it as undemocratic and feared for Tambuwal’s safety.

We’re playing Third World immature politics —Sagay

Constitutional lawyer, Professor Itse Sagay (SAN), described the development as immature politics.

“It is not legal at all because he is still speaker till it is determined by law. All we are seeing is just Third World immature politics.

People don’t know the difference between the law and what they have the right to do. Reactions to everything is always physical and with power rather than in accordance with the law. It is a pure third world reaction,” he said.

Tambuwal is entitled to security details—Afenifere

On its part, the Pan-Yoruba socio-economic and political organisation, Afenifere, argued that Tambuwal should be allowed to have security details as long as he remains the speaker of the House.

Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Yinka Odumakin, said: “I do not know the reasons it was done but I believe that if there are things he is still entitled to, for as long as he is still

the Speaker, he should be allowed to have them. If he is entitled to security details for as long as he is still the speaker. I think he should be allowed to have them until he leaves the office.”

It’s unfortunate —Arewa Youths

National President of the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, Alhaji Yerima Shetima expressed displeasure over the withdrawal of the speaker’s security aides.

Shetima said: “This is bound to happen because one man is made to be a tin god against the collective wish of Nigerians. I am against it because Tambuwal remains the Speaker of the House of Representatives until the House decides his fate. The President has no right do such a thing because the Speaker changed party”.

It is incredulous — Gbajabiamila

Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila (APC, Lagos), warned that nothing should happen to the life of the Speaker.

“If you know the Speaker very well, you will know he cares very little about the perquisites of office.

However this is beyond the Speaker. It’s about the institution of the legislature. I am yet to confirm the authenticity of the story because it seems incredulous.

However, if it is true, then even the most sympathetic supporter of this government of which there are just a miserable misguided few, must realise that it is time to come together as a nation to save our country from a desperate cabal and a government that has unleashed terror on another separate but equal arm of government while allowing insurgents to run amok in the country without a clue as to what to do.

“The Nigerian Police Force does not belong to the PDP. More importantly, the executive cannot determine for the legislature, an independent institution and an arm of government, who should head it or who its speaker should be. This is the height of impunity,” he said.

It’s an act desperation—Osagie

of

in like manner, the Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon Samson Osagie (APC, Edo), described the action as an act of desperation and despondency.

He said: “It’s surprising that the Nigerian Police Force has admitted that the Speaker ’s security details were withdrawn on account of his defection to APC. It smacks of crass ignorance of the Constitution and parliamentary convention on the part of the Nigerian Police to declare that our own Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal the Peoples Speaker has ceased to be Speaker.

“It is an act of desperation and despondency for the ruling party.''

Presidency charges Ihedioha on resumption of plenary

Meanwhile, it was gathered, yesterday, that the presidency may have directed the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, to formally write the Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal to reconvene plenary sessions within one week or face impeachment.

A source close to the presidency who spoke to Vanguard under the condition of anonymity said if after one week Tambuwal fails to carry out the instruction, 120 signatures would be gathered to frustrate him out of office.

10— Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

Court nullifies Chemists Institute registrar's suspension

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By Innocent Anaba

AGOS—THE National Industrial Court, NIC, Lagos has declared null and void the suspension of former Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of Institute of Chartered Chemist of Nigeria, ICCON, Prince Jay Oghifo by the immediate past Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchukwu Chukwu.

Trial judge, Justice O. Oyewumi, who awarded N50,000 cost against the defendants also declared that the ICCON Council appointed the claimant and they are the ones that can remove him from office.

The judge said: “It is also declared that the panel of investigation set up by the second defendant to investigate the claimant and their report and recommendation is hereby set aside. It is hereby declared that the suspension of the claimant vide the letter dated January 11, 2013 is null and void.”

Badagry PDP denounces purported statement

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ADARGRY—THE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Badagry Local Government chapter, has denounced a statement purportedly written on its behalf by a one Mr. Tunde Hunpatin, noting that Hunpatin is not its member.

A statement by the Chairman of Ward “A” Mr. Kadri Olajide, said that Hunpatin, was not eligible to issue any statement on behalf of the party because the exco had petitioned the necessary authorities about his conduct.

His words: ‘’It was alleged that Mr. Hunpatin fell out of favour with the State and local government Central Working Committee, CWC, and to save his face, he decided to smear the state leadership of the party with a press statement published in some national dailies. ‘’TheWardchairmanofthePDP and divisional leader, Alhaji Adejumo Ajagbe, signed all registeredmembershipcards,that he doesn’t understand how Mr. Hunpatin would discredit the eligibility of a PDP chieftain in Lagos State.

VISIT: From left: Mr Victor Gotevbe Admin Manager, Vanguard, Mr. Onochie Anibeze, Saturday Editor, Vanguard, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Mr Kayode Aderanti, ACP Nim Anene, Mr Sunday Awevia, Operations Manager, Vanguard, and Mr Emma Nnadozie, Crime Editor, during the Lagos CP's team visit to Vanguard Media Ltd, Kirikiri, Apapa, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Shola Oyelese.

SYNAGOGUE: Collapsed building had no

approval —Lagos govt

By AbdulwahabAbdulah,

Bartholomew Madukwe & Ebele Okafor AGOS—LAGOS State Government yesterday said that the collapsed building at the Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCOAN, Lagos that killed 116, did not have planning approval.

Lagos State commissioner for physical planning Olutoyin Ayinde also said that several other structures on the site of TB Joshua’s SCOAN were sub-standard.

They included the vast main auditorium of the church, which Joshua describes on his website scoan.org as an “architectural masterpiece” designed by the Holy Spirit.

“By our records, the collapsed building does not have approval,” Ayinde told a coroner’s inquest into the September 12 tragedy, which claimed the lives of 84 South Africans.

Joshua, known to his followers as “The Prophet” or “The Man of God” because of supposed miracle-working powers, has claimed the building fell because of sabotage.

But engineers have indicated that the addition of extra floors without strengthening the foundations caused the collapse.

Ayinde said the main auditorium of the church, to which thousands flock every week to hear Joshua’s sermons, had been given approval for five floors on January 1, 2004.

But subsequent inspections had determined that three extra floors were being added, in contravention of the approval, he said, calling the auditorium “structurally defective.”

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“The ongoing construction on the existing five floors to eight is not being professionally executed.

“During our visit, we saw a column being erected on a water tank. It shows that building professionals were not used.”

"State government inspectors also discovered a number of other unapproved structures on the sprawling church site and had stopped further development.

“By the additional construction we saw on site, we are inclined to express fears,” he told the hearing.

On the collapse of the guest house, Ayinde said he had reviewed security camera footage released by SCOAN officials which they claimed showed a low-flying aircraft

zAs coroner expels lawyer from court above the building.

Joshua has suggested that the aircraft, and up to three others seen in the same position in the hour leading up to the tragedy was linked to the collapse.

But Ayinde said it was “not hovering over the building as claimed.

“It was within its flight corridor.

It was moving on its directional path and an area of the airport,” he added.

“We also wrote and got a report from Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority that the aircraft was flying 1,100 feet, which is 300 metres. So, the aircraft was not close to the building.”

It was possible there were four different aircraft because the church compound is on the flight path into Lagos international airport, he added.

Lagos surveyor-general Joseph Agbenla also ruled out sabotage, saying the aircraft was flying too high above the guest house.

“Based on the distance of the aircraft to the building, it was practically impossible for the aircraft to cause the collapse,” he told the court.

The inquest was adjourned until November 5, when Joshua has been summoned to give evidence.

Coroner expels lawyer

Chief Magistrate Komolafe had also ordered a lawyer, Olukoya Ogungbeje who appeared in court to announce the existence of a suit he filed at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos to stop further sitting of the coroner, out of the court.

Lagos traders lament long market sanitation hours

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AGOS—TRADERS in Lagos metropolis have expressed displeasure on the business hours they lose every week during the Thursdays market sanitation in the state.

They told the News Agency of Nigeria in separate interviews in Lagos that the weekly exercise during which, they had to lock shops, was a loss of man power.

The weekly market sanitation lasts between 7:00 am and 10:00

am.

Mr Edward Osin, a printer at Shomolu, said that locking shops for the sanitation was a waste of time and should be discontinued.

He argued that the purpose of the weekly sanitation was to keep the market environment clean.

Mr. Bathelomew Eze, a businessman, called on the government to review the policy to ensure standard environmental sanitation.

“It is a loss of manpower in terms of productivity.

“I believe markets can be opened while environment is still being cleaned, rather than make people lose substantial time of the day.

“Government should make the time flexible for businessmen like us because, in three hours, businesses are lost and this is not good for the economy,” he said.

Yoruba youths to endorse Jonathan

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AGOS—YORUBA Youth Initiative, YYI, has concluded plans to endorse the presidential ambition of President Goodluck Jonathan in Lagos.

A statement by its President, Comrade Adejumo Ishola said the descion was taken as a recognition of the success of the

President’s transformation agenda.

His words: ‘’The leadership and members of Yoruba Youth Initiative, one of the leading youth organization in southwest has pledge their loyalty and support for Mr. President, Dr, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. The

organization which is a social and cultural interest group is solidly behind Mr. President and his transformation agenda.

“Not in the history of this country has a president encountered the kind of troubles that Mr. President was able to deal with in his administration”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014 —11

APC feigning ignorance of my plight —Ogun Dep Gov AMOSUN VS ADESEGUN:

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By Daud Olatunji

BEOKUTA—OGUN State Deputy Governor, Prince Segun Adesegun yesterday, insisted that the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, was aware of the ill treatment he is subjected to by Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

Adesegun who spoke on the telephone, described the content of his letter that chronicled Amosun’s alleged maltreatment against him as a tip of the iceberg.

Adesegun while reacting to a claim by National Publicity Secretary of the party, Lai Mohammed that the party was not aware of the content of his letter, said the party knew he was being maltreated but might not know the depth of his challenges.

He said: “He (Lai Muhammed) is my friend, whatever he says, I will accept.

If he says I didn’t send the letter to the national leadership of the party, I will accept.

“The letter was meant for the governor and I copied all members of the Ogun State House of Assembly, copied the three Senators, seven members of the House of Representatives, our leader, Chief Olusegun Osoba and Alhaji Tajudeen Bello, former State Interim Chairman of the All Progressives

Congress, APC. I copied the state chairman, Alhaji Roqeeb Adeniji, Chief Olu Agemo and Alhaji Abimbola Awofeso and other leaders of the party.

“Three of them were in my house when we accepted Amosun into our party. I was the deputy national Treasurer of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria and also the Youth Leader under Chief Bisi Akande’s leadership.

“I didn’t copy the national leadership of the party because there is nothing in the letter that the national leadership did not know about. They may not know the depth but they can’t claim ignorance of the way I am being treated by the governor.

“If I knew that the letter would get to the press, I would have revealed more."

Adesegun had written a 10-

paragraph letter dated October 24, 2014 to the governor where he accused among other things, of starving his office of funds and allocating old vehicles for his use.

He claimed that the governor had failed to deliver on his promise that he would enjoy his tenure as the deputy governor during electioneering in 2011 under the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria.

WORKSHOP: From left: Professor Tola Atinmo, Director, Centre for Health Education, Population and Nutrition, Dr. Busari Adebisi, Executive Chairman, SUBEB, Oyo State, Mrs Yemisi Fakoyede, and Mr Bola Audu, Creating Share Value Field Officer, Nestle Plc., during the opening of Nestle Healthy Kids Teachers Workshop for school teachers in Ibadan, yesterday. Photo: Dare Fasube.

begins pre-hearing O

By Daud Olatunji BEOKUTA—A major crisis has hit the newly formed Unity Party of Nigeria, in Ogun State as no fewer than fourteen members have been suspended for alleged anti-party activities.

The chairman of the committee, Olusegun Otukoya, disclosed this in Abeokuta, yesterday, saying the report submitted by the disciplinary committee that investigated the allegations levelled against them indicted them.

The affected members of the new party include; Adesoye Oyenuga, Prince Rotimi Paseda, Dele Oyetoro Samuel Aeogun and Adeogun Olurin.

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AD pegs presidential form at N5m, gov form at N2m

OSUN GOV ELECTION: Security beefed up as tribunal

By Gbenga Olarinoye SOGBO—OSUN State Election Petition Tribunal yesterday began pre-hearing of the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate in the August 9 governorship election in the state.

The candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore is challenging the victory of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of All Progressives Congress, APC. There was heavy security at the Osun State High Court, Osogbo, venue of the tribunal as security operatives mounted road blocks along the roads leading to the court, checking motorists and people.

Senator Omisore and his party, PDP, had petitioned against Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the APC and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. While PDP is represented by four Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SANs, and 24 other lawyers, Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who is the first respondent in the petition, was represented by four SANs and 14 others.

The Justice Elizabeth Ikpejimeled reconstituted election

Crisis rocks Ogun UPN

tribunal arrived the court around 9 a.m., and appealed to the parties to cooperate with the panel to ensure fair hearing on the petition.

The tribunal chairman also cautioned against spreading falsehood over the activities of the

tribunal, condemning the rumour that was spread last week that the tribunal had given order for the recounting of the votes.

While calling for cooperation of the parties involved in the matter, Justice Ikpejime also appealed to political parties to allow the tribunal do its job without

distraction.

At the commencement of the proceedings, Aregbesola’s lead Counsel, Akin Olujimi, SAN, PDP lead Counsel, Alex Izinyon SAN, and INEC lead Counsel, Ayotunde Ogunleye, welcomed the new members of the tribunal, promising to cooperate with them.

Ekiti govt denies plan to sack civil servants

By GbengaAriyibi

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DO EKITI—EKITI State Government has said it has no plan to sack any civil servant in the state public service as being peddled on social media by the opposition.

A statement in Ado-Ekiti by the

Special Assistant, Public Communication and New Media, Mr Lere Olayinka, equally denied the rumour making the rounds that the current pruning of ministries in the state had nothing to do with reducing the workforce.

He said: “Workers in the state

have nothing to fear, the ongoing exercise of trimming the number of ministries is not an indication that workers are gong to be sacked.

“The exercise is intended to make the workers more efficient.

Workers will be deployed in a way to get the best from them."

MIMIKO: Ondo PDP faction insists on own congress

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By Dayo Johnson

KURE—THE sacked state Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ondo State yesterday insisted that it will conduct tomorrow's state congress of the party across the 203 wards in the state.

This is coming as the sealed Party secretariat has been reopened but policemen are still within the premises.

With this threat, it means two parallel congresses would be held by both the old and new PDP factions thereby deepening the furore trailing the defection of governor Olusegun Mimiko to the party.

Already two PDP secretariats exist in Akure, the state capital.

The National Working Committee of the party had this week dissolved the state exco

and replaced it with a Caretaker Committee, led Dare Adeleke.

Addressing newsmen in Akure, the sacked Chairman of the party Hon Ebenezer Alabi also described the reconciliation meeting held by the governor and notable leaders in the Old PDP who came from the 18 council areas of the state as factional meeting.

By DapoAkinrefon AGOS—THE Alliance for Democracy, AD, yesterday in Lagos said presidential aspirants vying on its platform are to purchase its nomination forms for the 2015 elections with N5 million each.

National Chairman of the party, Senator Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa, who disclosed this at the opening of the party’s state secretariat in Lagos state, also said that nominations forms for governorship would sell for N2million, Senate N1million, House of Reps N500,000; House of Assembly N50, 000, Local Government Chairman and Councillor N50, 000 and N20,000 respectively.

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CONGRESS: PDP chieftains accuses Fayose of manipulation

By GbengaAriyibi DO EKITI—SOME chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ekiti state have accused Governor Ayo Fayose of allegedly manipulating the list of delegates to vote for the candidates of the party during the forth coming party’s ward congresses.

Former member of the NationalAssembly,SenatorAyo Arise,speakingontheissuesaid the move may rub the party of chances of wining the 2015 general elections.

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12 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

2015: Uduaghan formally declares senatorial bid

By Emma Amaize

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SABA—GOVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, yesterday, formally declared to run for the Senate in 2015, with the submission of his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for Delta South Senatorial district at the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, State Headquarters, Asaba.

Governor Uduaghan, whose forms were bought on October 17 by some of his political associates in G3 at the National Secretariat of the PDP, Wadata House, Abuja, expressed his appreciation to all PDP faithful and Deltans for their love and support and promised quality representation at the Red Chambers.

His words: “History is in the making and I have to heed the call of my people who have severally urged me to go to the Senate after my tenure as governor of Delta State. I will not disappoint them. I will, by the grace of God, give my senatorial zone quality representation. I also want to appreciate President Goodluck Jonathan and assure him that I will put all my national and international contacts at his disposal."

Meanwhile, the foremost political platform in the senatorial district, the G3, comprising Isoko, Ijaw and Itsekiri, has fully backed Dr. Uduaghan’s senatorial ambition.

Secretary of the group, Mr. Solomon Funkekeme, said Governor Uduaghan was the best the district could present at this critical moment of the nation’s democracy, stressing that “his wealth of experience and leadership qualities stand him out.”

Also, the Isoko Advancement Network, IAN, has applauded the decision of Governor Uduaghan to contest the senatorial seat, saying that the network was confident the three ethnic groups that made up the zone would be well represented at the Senate.

Speaking yesterday in Asaba, Chairman of the IAN, Mr. Mike Ogwa, said the Isoko nation was in support of Governor Uduaghan’s senatorial aspiration and promised to mobilise the people of the district to back him.

Meanwhile, with his formal declaration for the Senate, it is now obvious that Governor Uduaghan will slug it out for the PDP ticket with the senator representing Delta South senatorial district, Senator James Manager.

Senator Manager is a thirdterm senator and had received the support of Uduaghan up till now, but that will definitely change with the governor gunning for the same position.

A group, Concerned Peoples Democratic Party, CPDP, members in Delta State, led by Apostle Monday Torousei, yesterday, signified its support for Manager, who picked his form on Tuesday.

But a counter group of political heavyweights in Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri, in a

statement by Chief John Ogodo said: “Senator Manager’s time in the Senate is over, it is time for him to give room to another person.”

Chief Ogodo urged Manager to team up with Uduaghan, who readily supported him in the past this time around, as he had served three terms already.

“He is not the only person in Delta South and should not monopolise the seat for a fourth term,” he added.

Apostle Torousei's group

disagreed, saying, “We wish to commend Senator Manager for picking the PDP nomination form for Delta South senatorial election.

“As a ranking senator, it is a great opportunity for him to continue to contribute to the development of the senatorial district. We believe strongly that Manager’s ambition will continue to unit and attract development to the good people of the Delta South senatorial district,” he said.

REMEMBRANCE: From left: Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Nike Oladunni; Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu; National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olisa Metuh and Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Cornelius Kayode Aderanti, at 42nd remembrance of the C.P's parents, Pa Kehinde Aderanti and Madam Sarah Oyeladun Aderanti.

IYC gives panacea to end kidnapping in N-Delta

By Emma Amaize

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ARRI—IJAW Youth Council, IYC, has called on government at all levels to provide jobs and constructively engage unemployed youths in the Niger Delta, to bring kidnapping, pipeline vandalism and other vices to an end in the region.

The council, in a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Eric Omare, said there was need for government at different levels to constructively engage the youths.

He said: “The IYC also commends Ijaw youths from Eastern Zone of the IYC who provided useful information and worked with security agencies towards the release of the kidnapped Madam Agama.

The IYC calls on government to constructively engaged youths of the Niger Delta to address the increasing spate of kidnapping, pipeline vandalism and other social vices.

“While the IYC condemns criminality in Ijawland and other parts of the Niger Delta, we strongly believe that

provision of jobs and other means of constructive engagement is the panacea to these problems."

Adingwupu picks nomination forms for House of Reps

By Tommy Anaduaka

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N aspirant for Aniocha/ Oshimili Federal Constituency, Chief Paul Adingwupu, has collected the nomination and expression of interest forms to contest the 2015 House of Representatives election.

He collected the forms amid cheers from a large crowd of PDP leaders, women pressure groups and youths drawn from the area.

Speaking after collecting the forms, Adingwupu said the crowd and leaders that

followed him to the venue were a clear indication of the people’s trust.

According to him, his desire to go the National Assembly to represent the people of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency is based on a clarion call and insistence by stakeholders and community leaders of the area because of his antecedents especially in empowerment programmes through his nongovernmental organization, known as FELD, which has touched many lives over the years.

2015: Jonathan gets kudos over call for popular candidates

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HE directive to outgoing governors and those seeking elective offices on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, by President Goodluck Jonathan to field popular candidates has been commended by the Urhobo in Delta Central senatorial zone of Delta State.

The group, under the aegis of Urhobo Mandate Group, UMG, in a letter to President Jonathan, copied to the National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Adamu Mu’Azu and signed by its National Coordinator and Secretary, Chief John Umukoro and Mr. Odafe Unuata, insisted that if PDP must retain the state, Urhobo governorship ticket was the answer.

The group said President Jonathan had shown his readiness to conduct free and fair election next year, noting that Nigerians were wiser now as they had resolved to vote for credible people in next year ’s general elections.

Dean Akpan passes on

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HE American University of Nigeria has announced the death of Dr. Idorenyin Akpan.

Until his death in Abuja, Akpan was the university’s Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, and chair of its Communications and Multimedia Department.

AUN President, Margee Ensign described news of Dean Akpan’s death as “deeply saddening” and sent her condolences, on behalf of the university community, to his widow and two daughters.

Burial announcement will be announced by his family.

Late Dean Akpan

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014—13

Nigeria’s pension assets now N4.5trn, says PenCom

By Funmi Komolafe, Omoh Gabriel, Victor Ahiuma-Young & Rosemary Onuoha

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A G O S — N AT I O N A L Pension Commission, PenCom, yesterday in Lagos, said the nation’s total pension asset, had risen above N4.5 trillion.

Director-General of PenCom, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, who disclosed this at a conference on Pension Reform Act, PRA, 2014, organized by the commission for stakeholders in the South-West, said it was heartwarming that within a decade of the pension reform and the implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS, modest achievements were recorded by PenCom. She said: “Payment of pension under the CPS is now prompt and consistent since 2007. From a story of about N2 trillion pension deficits under the defunct Defined Benefit Scheme as at 2004, the CPS has accumulated a large pool of investible fund of over N4.5 trillion pension assets as at June 2014. More than 6.2 million contributors have been registered into CPS since inception. Recently, PenCom hosted the World Pension Summit, Africa Special, in Abuja. The summit did not only provide a platform for exchange of ideas on global best practices in pension administration but

also showcased the achievements of the Contributory Pension Scheme in Nigeria within the last decade.

“However, as it is the case with every human endeavour, the PRA 2004 was not perfect.

Thus, the experience and lessons gathered in the last 10 years of implementation of the pension reforms necessitated amendments to the PRA 2004.

After an extensive review and

stakeholder consultations, a bill for the repeal of the 2004 Act and reenactment of a new Pension Reform Act was forwarded by the President to the National Assembly in April 2013. The Bill went through legislative consideration and scrutiny after which it was passed by the National Assembly in April 2014. The President assented to the Bill on July 1, 2014, thereby bringing into effect, the Pension Reform Act 2014. Accordingly, the purpose of this conference is to

sensitize our major stakeholders in the South-West geopolitical zone, on the new provisions and developments ushered in by the Pension Reform act, 2014.”

She added that the PRA 2014 re-enacted the copious provisions of the repealed 2004 Act, “which include, inter alia, the establishment of the Contributory Pension Scheme as well as the National Pension Commission as the sole regulator and supervisor of Pension matters in Nigeria."

PDP TRANSFORMATION RALLY: Cross section of PDP governorship aspirants in Rivers State holding hands in unity during the Transformation Rally organized by Rivers State PDP stakeholders in conjunction with Rivers Mainstream Coalition in solidarity with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Liberation Stadium, Elekahia, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday.

Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

2015: Delta women back Olejeme for Delta governorship

A

the governorship primary of Peoples Democartic Party, PDP, draws nearer, a group, Concerned Ladies for Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, CLNO, yesterday, threw its weight behind Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, saying she would perform well if elected governor of Delta State in S

2014.

The group, in a communique

by Lady Valetina Brigue, after its crucial meeting in Udu, stressed that it was high time women were given a chance to govern Delta State, describing Olejeme as a humble Deltan who would carry everybody along in the

scheme of things.

She noted that in line with preparation towards the governorship primary on November 29, all delegates should queue behind Olejeme for her to emerge the flag bearer of the party.

“We hereby assure all Urhobo, Isoko, Ijaw, Itsekiri and the people of Delta North of Olejeme’s preparedness to bring the dividends of democracy to their door steps," she said.

Akpabio gives keynote address in Ghana Nov 6

G

O V E R N O R Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State will give a keynote addres at the Peace and Environment Conference tagged Ghana 2014 at the Conference Auditoorium, Koffi Annan Internationa Peacekeeping Training Centre, Accra, Ghana.

In a release by the coordinator, Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, Mr. Sheriff Mulade, said the Director-General of National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency,

NOSDRA, Sir Peter Idabor, would also present a paper titled, The Effect of Pipeline Vandalism and Crude Oil Spillage on the Environment during the event billed for November 6 and 7, 2014.

He said: “Besides, the Honourable Minister, Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Republic of Ghana, Mr. Akwasi Oppong-Fosu, will present the lead paper, titled, Corporate Social Responsibility in Building Sustainable Environment.

Anioma monarchs laud Uduaghan on projects

By Festus Ahon

A

SABA—ANIOMA traditional rulers, on the platform of Anioma Traditional Rulers Forum, ATRF, have commended Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, for the people oriented projects being executed in the area.

Speaking on behalf of the forum, the Ogene of Obedeni Kingdom, Ndokwa East Local Government Area of the state, Eze Jonathan Kanegede, after a caucus meeting of the forum at UteOkpu, said: “We are very grateful to the Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, for the projects he has been executing for Anioma people and plead with him to complete all ongoing projects in Anioma nation before he leaves office in 2015.”

While also thanking the governor and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for believing in equity and justice in the 2015 Delta State governorship race, the monarch called for a level playing ground for all Anioma sons and daughters in the governorship race.

Ngige’s father in-law for burial

T

HE remains of the father in-law of Senator Chris Ngige, Onowu Joseph Oraegbu, will be burried at his country home in, Ibusa, Delta State, after a requiem mass at St Augustine’s Catholic Church, Ibusa, today.

Pa Oraegbu died on September 11, 2014 after a brief illness.

Left to mourn him are his daughter, Dr Evelyn Ngige, Mrs. Josephine Nwakauso Ibeabuchi, Raymond Oraegbu, Miss Patricia Oraegbu, Joseph Oraegbu as well as other inlaws like Sen. Chris Ngige.

Late Onowu Oraegbu

14 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

Utuama joins Delta governorship race

By Ben Agande

A

BUJA — DEPUTY governor of Delta State, Professor Amos Utuama, yesterday, joined the governorship race in Delta State after the purchase of nomination form for him by The Peoples Network” for Prof. Amos Agbe Utuama for Governor 2015.

Addressing journalists after picking the form, chairman of the group, Rev. Fr. Christopher Ekabo, said having served for eight years under James Ibori and another eight years as deputy to Emmanuel Uduaghan, Utuama was better prepared knowledgeable and experienced

to continue on the projects and development of the state.

According to him, it took the group a day to the deadline to purchase the form because the individual concerned had to raise the funds, explaining that a state like Delta with various tribes and interest needed a man neutral and unassuming.

According to him, “Prof.

Utuama is a rare breed, an industrious, trustworthy, accomplished legal colossus with great insight and strong organisation ability. He is a man of integrity, an epitome of humility, a lover of peace, gentle as a dove, a dynamic, meticulous, reliable and versatile

administrator, whose interpersonal relationship is second to none. This, perhaps, explains why he has been in the corridors of power without any known record of clashes with those above or below him. He is a beneficent and philanthropic administrator.

“As a party man, Prof. Utuama’s sense of loyalty, steadfastness and dedication is second to none. He is unlike others, who are notorious for dumping their parties at the least opportunity when the weather looks unfavourable and jumps back in when it serves their interest. He is a honourable and illustrious son of Delta State whose drive for Emmanuel Uduaghan. The state

needs a governor who has every corner of the State in his heart and can pursue a broad epicenter development dynamics that will resound in all areas of the State.

We are convinced that Prof.

Utuama fits the bill of the kind of governor Delta State desires at this moment” he said.:

INDEPENDENCE BUILDING:

FG appoints TIB advisor

T

HE FEDERAL Government has appointed The Infrastructure Bank Plc, TIB, as transaction advisor for the redevelopment of the Independence Building, Lagos into a National Trade and International Business Centre,

NTIBC. In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, the bank’s Managing Director, Mr. Adekunle Oyinloye, said the appointment was made through the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment following a competitive bid procurement process and approvals of the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, and the Federal Executive Council.

In its transaction advisory role, Mr. Oyinloye explained, the Bank would provide a broad range of services, including the design of a transparent procurement process leading to the selection of credible bidders that would proffer a viable technical and financing solution for the re-development of the ‘’iconic Independence Building using PublicPrivate Partnership methodology.”

The 25-storey Independence Building, which was built to commemorate the nation’s independence on October 1, 1960, is situated at Force Road, Central Business District, Lagos Island.

It is within the vicinity of Tafawa Balewa Square, occupying approximately 8,100 square meters with a parking area of 2,650 square meters.

When completed, added Mr. Oyinloye, the NTIBC would be an ultra-modern, mixed-use, high-rise complex to serve as a convergence point for facilitation of trade and investments “We are delighted to be given this tremendous opportunity to be part of a transformational project, the managing director stated.”

“TIB will be providing adroit structuring and advisory services to ensure the robust participation of the global investing community for the timely restoration of the landmark.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014—15

11 pick Abia guber forms

By Anayo Okoli & Charles Kumolu

U

MUAHIA — E L E V E N governorship aspirants were, yesterday, confirmed to have picked forms for 2015 election in Abia State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. They are Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe and Nkechi Nwaogu; immediate past Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu; Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and former Commissioner for Housing in the State, Chief Okezie Orji.

Others are Chief Friday Nwosu; immediate Group Managing Director of Diamond Bank, Dr. Alex Otti and Dr. Uche Ogah, the only aspirant from the Abia North Senatorial District.

Also confirmed are two time deputy governor in the state, Elder Acho Nwakanma, immediate past Nigeria Consul-

General to South Africa, Ambassador Okey Emuchay and Marc Wabara, the younger brother to former Senate President, Adophus Wabara.

Meanwhile, Wabara, yesterday said transforming all sectors of the state’s economy and transparent leadership, would be the cardinal focus of his administration if elected governor.

According him: ‘’Considering the need for us to sustain the efforts of past and present leaders particularly in our state, I feel the time has come for me to contribute my own quota in the public sector.

Consequently, I will use my private sector exposure and experience to ensure that our people continue to enjoy the best that democratic governance can offer. I believe I have the requisite credentials, competence, experience, maturity and integrity. I have also been a manager of men and materials.

While I was the chief executive of a bank, I used my position to create jobs.

We also financed many projects that positively impacted on the lives of our people. I believe that my emergence will sustain the peace and tranquility that we enjoy in Abia State today.’

“I see myself as a bridge builder. Though I am from Abia South by birth, I am linked to Abia North by marriage. Also, the people of Abia Central Senatorial District were extremely kind to me during the civil disturbances when they accorded me excellent hospitality. If elected, I will be a governor for all Abians irrespective of where they come from.

"My mission as governor is to use the talents that God has blessed me with to uplift the quality of life of our people. Specifically, Abia is a state that has one of the most important factors of production – human capital."

Glo, one of top 10 most respected companies — Survey

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RECENT research survey conducted by BusinessDay Research and Intelligence Unit, BRUI, in collaboration with Jobberman.com. has rated telecoms services provider, Globacom, among the most respected companies in the country. The survey

was conducted to determine the Top 100 Most Respected Companies in Nigeria.

BusinessDay said Glo finished in the Top Ten after scoring a total of 157 points on the six parameters used in the survey across 12 cities of the country.

Companies recognized cut across the fast moving consumer goods industry, telecommunications, banking, insurance, pharmaceuticals, aviation, manufacturing and real sector.

They included GT Bank, Shell, FBN Holdings, Nestle, Nigerian Breweries, Zenith Bank, Diamond Bank, Glaxo Smithkline and Dufil.

Publisher of BusinessDay, Frank Aigbogun, said at the event that the media outfit made use of factors such as Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, innovation (advertising, pricing, product quality and packaging), quality of customer service, response to customer complaints and a company ’s ability to provide exceptional products/services to select its list of top 100 companies.

On the other hand, Jobberman worked on workplace matrices which included company culture, salary benefits, non-salary benefits, prestige/company brand, management integrity and commitment to staff welfare in its own assessment.

16—Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

200th DAY: Make rescue of Chibok girls top priority, Ezekwesili pleads

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

T

HE RESCUE of the 219 girls abducted from Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State by insurgents of the Islamist Boko Haram group must take priority over every other activity, Bringbackourgirls campaigner, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili has said.

Speaking ahead of the 200th day today, of the abduction of the school girls, Mrs. Ezekwesili expressed sorrow over the continued abduction of the girls who she said, should not be

allowed to abide a day longer in the captivity of the insurgents.

She rebuffed a direct response to the spate of political activities connected to the forthcoming elections saying tersely that every other thing was insignificant to the efforts to liberate the girls.

“As far as we are concerned, we are not looking at any other thing, we are just interested in the Federal Government living up to its responsibility, the need to rescue the Chibok girls,” Mrs. Ezekwesili a former minister of education and vice-president in World Bank said.

“Every other thing pales into

insignificance to the lives of 219 citizens of Nigeria who should not be in the enemy's den for 200 days now,” she reiterated.

276 girls of the Government Secondary School, Chibok were abducted by the insurgents on the night of April 14, 2014 in an operation that initially raised doubts among some sections of the government and the polity. 57 of the girls reportedly escaped from the captivity of the insurgents the abduction has drawn worldwide condemnation from all sections of the world.

Efforts by the government to rescue the girls have so far been

unsuccessful despite the alleged deployment of international assistance from some western nations.

The Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, AVM Alex Badeh had on October 17, 2014 announced a

ceasefire with the insurgents in a move that was believed to be a step towards the release of the school girls, but the ceasefire has so far failed to lead to a truce with continued reports of attacks by the Boko Haram insurgents.

I can never give negative response to Bianca Ojukwu — UMEH

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NUGU — NATIONAL Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, has said no amount of provocation from Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, the wife of his mentor and leader, late

Chukwuemeka Ojukwu will make him engage her negatively.

Umeh who spoke in Enugu during the 2014 Forum of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Enugu State Council, also gave a vivid account of how he had consistently made effort to ensure that peace reigned in Ojukwu’s family, lamenting that instead, what he got in return was bashing and hatred.

According to him: “I have refrained from joining issues with Bianca over the years because she happens to be the wife of my late leader. It is unfortunate that she has continued to make unguarded statements against me.

"If not for anything I am older than her, so she should know what to say and what not to say."

Standard Alliance image maker loses mum

H

EAD, GROUP Corporate Communications at Standard Alliance Group, Mr. Nelson Egboboh, has announced the death of his mother, Mrs. Christiana Egboboh.

Late Mrs. Egboboh who lost her husband, late Mr. Egboboh Orukpe, in January 1982, died during the early hours of October 11, at a hospital in Uromi, Edo State, at the age of 108 years.

She is survived by six children, several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Late Mrs. Egboboh

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014 —17

Buhari versus Jonathan

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AST week, I congratu

lated President Goodluck Jonathan for managing the Ebola problem well; but I also expressed disappointment in his overall performance and said that I used to support him because he is a fellow Niger Deltan but now believe that it’s wrong to base electoral choices on ethnic or regional considerations.

I then criticised people who want a Northerner to replace Jonathan next year purely because they feel that it is the North’s “turn” to occupy the presidential slot. But I praised Major-General Muhammadu Buhari for being disciplined, uninterested in luxuries, tough on corruption and adored by the impoverished Northern masses.

The point I was trying to make was that Buhari should be regarded as a credible aspirant because of his character, NOT because of where he comes from.

Majority of respondents But I didn’t portray Buhari as a saint. I said that he possesses weaknesses and has made mistakes…and that there is no guarantee that he will out-perform Jonathan if he winds up becoming the APC candidate and wins the election.

To cut a long story short, I tried to be fair to both Jonathan and Buhari; and I thank the many Vanguard readers who sympathise with Jonathan or sympathise with Buhari or sympathise with neither and wrote to hail me for being objective.

And, by the way, the majority of respondents were pro-Buhari; and quite a few pro-Buhari respondents were Southerners. I have therefore advised my most diehard pro-Jonathan friends to abandon their complacent assumption that their man will win C M Y K

in 2015 because he happens to be a powerful incumbent and/ or because they think that everyone believes their claim that Buhari is an obsessively tribalistic Islamic fanatic who has nothing to offer the South!

Even in Nigeria, the folks who run the show do always get away with unfair propaganda campaigns. Even in Nigeria, underdogs can emerge victorious.

Here are some of the emails and text messages I received about the Buhari/Jonathan issue.

From: Ifeka Okonkwo <ifekaokonkwo@yahoo.com> Donu, how I wish that Muhammadu Buhari will rule our country again, even if it is only for four years, so that he would recover even a fraction of what our rulers and unscrupulous civil servants have stolen to become richer than our country, since the ’70s till date! But alas, these senior thieves who should have been rotting in jail or hanged (as this option would have served as a deterrence to the looting of our national coffers), will as usual conspire to see that he does not win the presidential race, so that they, their children and generations yet unborn, will continue to enjoy their illgotten wealth!

I admire him a lot because he and Alhaji Shehu Shagari, are the only people who were in corridors of power since 1966 till date who do not have oil blocs, foreign bank accounts and stupendous wealth far above their legitimate earnings!

I voted for him in 2011 and I will vote for him again, if he wins the presidential primaries of APC. I remember vividly when he stated during his presidential cam-

•Major-General Muhammadu Buhari

paign in 2011, that all those who stole our country blind, should get ready to run away from our country because he would recover all their ill-gotten wealth from them, if they failed to do so. +2348105132862 Anonymous Generally, I agree with your opinion that character, not tribe or region, should be the primary consideration of voting in Nigeria in 2015. But such views are not practicable in Nigeria at the moment…because the vast majority of Nigerians think that no other voting criteria can bring justice in the winner- grabs-all system that is Naija.

People are yearning for change – good roads, job creation, etc and that you cannot always get away with taking your home constituency for granted

From: Abubakar A b d u l l a h i <comrade.abubakar@gmail.com> Dear Donu, I have just read you on Buhari and think that you have remained the objective commentator I know you to be.

The only reason some of us have insisted on Buhari is because, as you have also observed, the General is simple, honest, accountable and shunning of all ostentations. His sturdy character is exemplary and these are the very virtues that ordinary Northerners, nay Nigerians, want our leaders to exhibit.

As far as we are concerned up here, he represents the very best in our people. Babangida cannot walk where

•President Goodluck Jonathan

Buhari walks.

Buhari’s regime was rudely and selfishly terminated by those devils and here we are with your totally clueless brother who lacks the presence of mind to run even a normal administration. This is a one-scandal-a-day government.

I swear I have nothing personal against Goodluck Jonathan but he has taken too many official decisions for personal reasons. He has failed to fulfil the basic promises he made. The country is insecure, there is no electricity and from the lowest level up, everyone is seemingly and hopelessly stealing.

I thought Niger Delta would give us someone who understands the country and has a sense of mission. A Nigerian leader should have a grand vision, sit like a colossus in Africa and command global re-

spect. But Jonathan thinks small.

F r o m : “akinseloyinf@yahoo.com” <akinseloyinf@yahoo.com> I know that we are in a precarious situation in Nigeria because most of our politicians are really bad…and I know we should choose the least bad out of all the bad candidates. But I voted for Buhari in 2011 and wouldn’t have voted for him if I knew half what I know about him now, especially the comments that were credited to him after the last elections.

Wole Soyinka wrote a negative piece about him recently and I don’t share your view that he is modest. He cruises around town in a bullet proof Jeep in a country where people are living in abject poverty. Let’s stop deceiving ourselves.

An amazing outing

B

RAVO to the Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, for organising a spectacularly successful 7th anniversary rally in Port Harcourt last Saturday.

I’ve never been to a Nigerian rally before and was very inspired by the festive, optimistic atmosphere…and very taken aback by the sheer size of the event.

Amaechi fell out with Jonathan last year and joined the Opposition. But Rivers people gave Jonathan a landslide victory in 2011; and Jonathan’s First Lady, Dame Patience, is a Rivers woman, so I didn’t expect so many ordinary Riverians (nearly 100,000) to attend a rally that was bound to be anti-Jonathan in tone!

Many APC big-wigs also showed up - Buhari, Atiku, Fayemi, Kwankwanso, Okorocha, Saraki and Segun Oni. These VIP visitors received warm welcomes from the enthusiastic crowd and one of them

told me that he is a seasoned politician who has attended several rallies and that this one was the most impressive he had ever attended.

What this should tell Jonathan is that people are yearning for change – good roads, environmental remediation programmes, job creation, etc - and that you cannot always get away with taking your home constituency for granted.

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

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

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014 AS a professed praying country, Nigerians have to go on their knees when the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, holds its ward congresses nationwide tomorrow. It would not be different when the other parties hold theirs. Promises of violence abound as the parties commence a critical first process in electing their candidates in the 2015 elections.

The wide spread of wards and the localness of their politics tend to belie the importance of ward congresses, but they are important - any aspirant who loses at the ward level is out of the contention for elective power in 2015.

Security is usually lax at the wards. The 9,572 electoral wards in the country are too many to be manned for a party event.

Ordinarily, the conviviality expected among people of the same community should eliminate violence. However, there are enough grounds to dread the acrimony an intra-party affair could produce.

Only last April, a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria regretted that his ministerial position stood between him and a public brawl.

Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji

No TTo o Violence Abduljelili Adesiyan, then one of the President’s newest Ministers promised former Governor of Osun State, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, a fight once he leaves office.

We had said it was a scandal that a Minister wanted to rely on physical combat to settle disputes, actually an intra-party disagreement. Can he resist the temptation to use the police on his opponents? Why would a Minister threaten anyone, the type of conduct unexpected of ordinary people?

Adesiyan and Senator Adeleke had a disagreement during a stakeholders meeting of the PDP in Osogbo. The meeting was part of the PDP state primaries for the Osun governorship

election.

The Minister told the media that Adeleke and his supporters frustrated him at the event. “If I had not been a Minister I would have beaten Adeleke to pulp on that day ,” Adesiyan stated. The main cause of their disputation was control of the PDP in Osun State.

Adeleke’s departure to the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the ministerial toga have only postponed the fight.

“I will one day leave office as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and any time I leave office, I will fight Adeleke ,” Adesiyan said.

Nobody should threaten another, definitely a public office holder is not supposed to threaten another person.

Threat is a criminal offence. Adesiyan has not denied the statement, which an aide issued.

How would the likes of Adesiyan act during the ward congresses? Would the powerful like him accommodate the positions of others, as democracy demands?

Our country is in enough turmoil. We pray that politicians understand that without peace, everyone would be a loser.

OPINION

By Nduka Ogwugwa

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GE is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter. But to friends, relations, and even enemies of Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Ahamuefule Orji, it matters as he clocks 64. Gradually Governor Orji is stepping into the septuagenarian club, healthy, hearty, resolute and focused. As he ages, it is never a dull moment for a man who has spent the greater part of his life to render selfless service to humanity.

Describing Orji (Ochendo) as a child of circumstances with a great destiny is like stating the obvious. It is often said that some were born great, while others attained or achieved greatness. For Governor Orji, it is a combination of being born great and working hard to attain greatness. Governor Orji was born on November 11, 1950 into the humble family of Chief and Mrs. Tom Ikoro Orji of Amaokwe Ugba, Umuahia – Ibeku in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.

During his secondary education at Santa Crux Secondary School, Olokoro, Umuahia, and Holy Ghost College, Owerri, Imo State, he got married to his best friend and heartthrob, Mrs. Mercy Odochi Orji. It was a feat not many of his peers then who were enmeshed in youthful exuberance could have thought of or attempted. Some people then thought he was kidding, confused or hoodwinked by his parents to marry.

Occasionally, we tried to jokingly make mockery of him by calling him a secondary school married man. But he was never

C M Y K

Garland for Ochendo Abia @ 64 disturbed or deterred by the situation, for he had always believed in the saying that God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well. So Orji started living well in time, and has continued to do so strongly at 64.

Seeing him, his wife, and five wonderful children today, one can hardly tell whether his children are his younger brothers or children, for they have grown, read well and had remained humble and disciplined; an aftermath of Governor Orji’s living well and remaining focused.

With the unflinching support of his lovely wife, children and caring parents, Governor Orji trudged on and secured admission into the prestigious University of Ibadan, where he bagged a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language in 1977. During his National Youths Service Corps programme in 1978, he won many laurels as an exceptional corps member at Government Secondary School, Shinkafi Isa Local Government Area, Sokoto State.

On completion of the youth service in 1978, his flair for public service and selfless service to humanity propelled him to pick a job as an Administrative Officer in the old Imo State civil service in December 1979.

This was at a time some of his peers travelled abroad in search of multinational and other white-collar jobs that would enrich them quickly. While in the civil service, he served in various capacities in the Cabinet Office, Ministry of Lands and Survey, Ministry of

Agriculture and Imo State Government House.

Upon the creation of Abia State from Old Imo State in 1991, he returned to Umuahia as an experienced and renowned public servant to lay the foundation for the takeoff of the new state, Abia. He started his service in Umuahia in Abia Government House, before moving to the Bureau of Budget and Planning, and Ministry of Agriculture. While serving in all these positions, he made a mark through his immense contributions in the development and strengthening of the state civil service in line with the international best practice.

It was due to his humility, diligence and total commitment to work that he was seconded to the National Electoral Commission of Nigeria, NECON, now Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Abia State as Administrative Secretary on March 1, 1996, and later redeployed to Enugu State in 1997, where he alongside others supervised the elections that ushered in the present democratic government in the country in 1999.

It was from there that he was appointed the Principal Secretary, Government House, Umuahia, and later Chief of Staff to the executive governor of the state for eight years. It was a position he handled with maturity and professionalism to the admiration of many who worked closely with him. While in public service during this long

period, little did know that God was preparing him as a tool to liberate Abia people.

But it became clear to all and sundry in 2007 that God has anointed him to emerge the executive governor of Abia State and salvage the state from the forces of darkness that have held the people down for decades.

Despite his unjust incarceration by EFCC after his emergence as the governorship candidate of PPA, the people of Abia overwhelmingly voted for him in the election as he made an unprecedented political history as the first Nigerian to be voted into the office of governor while in prison.

Soon after his assumption of office in 2007, his government was caged and bogged down by the forces opposed to the development of the state and its people. And for four years he silently fought a war to liberate the state.

Indeed, it took the intervention of God to break the yoke of the political godfatherism and to finally liberate the state. It was a feat achieved without overheating the polity or shedding blood.

With Governor Orji having laid the first solid foundation for a modern Abia State, which was a missing link since its creation in 1991, the state has since regained its lost glory. His administration’s numerous legacy projects, scattered across the state, is a confirmation of his vision and passion for a great and developed Abia State.

*Mr. Ogwugwa, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Arochukwu, Abia State.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014— —19

By Clement Udegbe

D

R. Junaid Mohammed,a member of the House of Representatives in the Second Republic and currently coordinates the Coalition of Northern Politicians, Academics, Professionals and Businessmen.

He treats other zones of Nigeria with little respect, and obviously cannot hide his hatred and disregard for Ndigbo of the South East Nigeria. In the Punch Newspaper of September 12, 2014, he described the just concluded National Confab as a waste of time, and that it achieved nothing, and argued that the agenda of the different regions of the South failed.

According to him: Those who wanted to use the result of the conference for their own political good, like Goodluck Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party have failed woefully; the Igbo wanted to use the conference to achieve their demented agenda of equality or parity between the North-West and the South-East.

In his words: “If you are to use a serious map that is scientifically based, to show respective areas where you show the North-West as the palm of a hand, the SouthEast will only be a dot”.

Continuing, he said: The SouthSouth request for resource control also failed; the recommendations of the Confab would not scale through the National Assembly that has Northerners in the majority; any

Are Igbos really foolish? (1) of the presidential candidates in 2015 election who commits to maintaining the current revenue allocation formula would not win; anybody who commits himself to maintain the preponderance of the Igbo in all our financial agencies, ministries and department will also not win the next election; Goodluck Jonathan has already started boasting that he has given the Igbo more than anybody in the past, for that alone he will not win the next election. If he rigs it, there will be mayhem.

Dr. Mohammed has said it all; he should be held responsible for any bloodshed after the 2015 elections. He must be coming from a school of thought that believes Northern Nigeria must always produce the President and the heads of all Federal Government ministries and agencies in Nigeria.No wonder Northerners are swarming the NNPC through which they milk Nigeria as their inheritance as given to them by Great Britain and exposed byAliyu Gwarzo.In their wisdom, their tribe is meant to reap where they have sown nothing, while denying the actual owners of the oil any benefits with the vehemence of a suicide bomber!They cannot stand women in powerful positions as we have them now.

For the likes of Dr. Mohammed and his brother Murtala Nyako, GEJ is an Igbo man; how unfortunate!

A great beneficiary of the years of Northern rule of Nigeria, Dr Mohammed needs our sympathy and understanding because the tide in the affairs of Nigeria has

continued to change as ordained by God who created the heaven and the earth. The refusal of any mortal to accept the will of this sovereign God over this nation is rebellion against God, and the consequences include destruction. God will judge that, and He does not fail.

Dr. Junaid Mohammed was reported recently as calling Igbos selfish and shameless in an interview published on the Hope for Nigeria website. I do not blame him. He is saying it as he sees the Igbo man. There are reasons to think that the Igbo man is selfish and foolish, I mean very foolish! After all, an Igbo Proverb, says that the madman knows what he does, but may not know why he does those things. Dr. Junaid may not know why he is saying the things he said, as a matter fact.

Let us face it, here is a people who were massacred in the North of Nigeria in 1966.They were killed in hundreds of thousands which culminated in a three years civil war.

What did the Igbos do right after the war? They quickly ran back to the same spots where they were killed in 1966 and re-established businesses in a bid to survive the hunger from the war. They remained in those states,built houses, estates, hotels, and expanded the economy of their erstwhile killers! Some have children born in such places who can’t speak Igbo language!Is it wise to think that your enemy will love you because you came back to make money? No man will hate your father and turn round to love you! Igbos know this too well, but refuse to change, it is shocking!I was in the war, as a young boy, in the Biafra Organisation of Freedom Fighters,BOFF. We were told then, that one way the Nigerian soldiers

Dr Junaid Mohammed needs our sympathy and understanding because the tide in the affairs of Nigeria has continued to change as ordained by God

confirmed that an Igbo soldier was really dead was to shake a few coins noisily in his ears. If he did not move, then he is dead!

This captured the greed or selfishness of an average Igbo man as perceived by Nigerians.

This wrong notion may have accounted for the different attitude of some of us; the products of that training to money. We see money as the reason Igbos are insulted by every fool in Nigeria!

Since after that war, Igbos have succeeded most in working against themselves. First was the Onitsha sea port which the then Alhaji Shehu Shagari government wanted to build for Igbos, but ended up building that small canoe jetty in the name of seaport at Onitsha. Igbo sons were part of the deceit at that time, and it remains a scar on the conscience of those who betrayed their land by refusing to use that opportunity to give Igbo land a sea port.

When you demand for a seaport in Igbo land today, the Northern interests would get an Igbo professional to tell you that it cannot be done, forgetting that the United Arab Emirates built one of the biggest seaports in modern world today, in the desert! If these Igbo professionals that are being used are not fools, what will you call them? We know them, yet we clap when they vomit upon us!

•Udegbe, a legal practitioner, wrote from Lagos.

PDP and capacity to confront incumbency

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By Eva Mgborogwu

HE power of incumbency is a pervading force in Nigeria’s political/ electoral system. Its effect is most felt at the executive stratum of government where the President, governor and, at the much lower level, the local government chairman, use their big sticks to achieve their political/ electoral ends.

At the state level the chief executive exercises enormous powers which he weilds to his advantage – he is the Chief Security Officer and is in absolute control of the resources of the state. Most of the time, the allocations meant for the local councils are not remitted to them in full and that is why the issue of state and local government joint allocation committee has been in the front burner of public discourse almost recurrently.

State's resources The governor determines who picks the ticket for any and every elective position in his party and uses the state’s resources, the security and other state apparatus to ensure their emergence in the general election. At least generally speaking, this is what obtains.

There may be isolated cases where that is not the case but they are more of exceptions to the usual trend. Even then, such exceptions would have been arguably facilitated by higher powers of incumbency like is generally believed to have been the case in the 2011 governorship election in Imo State.

So, incumbency is a huge factor in governorship elections in Nigeria especially where the incumbent governor is seeking a re-election.

It is no longer news that Governor Rochas Okorocha operates a system better referred to as familocracy and has so far succeeded in this direction by completely avoiding due process and deliberately destroying the civil service system. Thus planning, design and supervision have taken flight in Imo State and all we have are roads which do not stand C M Y K

the test of time and most of which are hardly end in a bloody fiasco. Realising that Imo completed, as well as structures with either people are disenchanted with his abysmal no predetermined purposes or purposes that performance, the governor’s intention may be just that. It is either he muscles his way are entirely needless. process is However, even despite these failings, if through or the whole the most formidable opposition party in the derailed. This will certainly not be so.

Claims and counter-claims have been State, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, fumbles in their choice of a governorship made within the PDP of who among the candidate, the smooth-talking, non- numerous aspirants possesses the capacity performing governor will most definitely use in terms of finance, reach, courage and the powers available to him as governor to influence to match/outmaneuver the sitting keep himself in office for another four years. governor in all departments in the 2015 The PDP needs a candidate who possesses governorship election; but for me all these not just the financial muscle but also the claims are empty. If we must face facts, it connection and reach, at all levels, to scuttle requires some measure of incumbency recognised by the security the devious stratagems agencies to match an incumbent already being unleashed by governor like Okorocha. Such an governor Okorocha to incumbent has to have the kind ensure his continued stay in of clout and courage seething office. At the moment, he is with federal might – finance and using the state electronic all. He/she should be somebody media to spread who can walk into Aso Rock u n i m a g i n a b l e without clearance and come out disinformation to the with results; NOT name droppers gullible Imo populace who who may wait for weeks for may not have the clearance to see Mr. President. opportunity to verify the Despite not being the Chief If the PDP falsehoods which he and his Security Officer of the State, such agents are peddling. fumbles in a person must be somebody who Governor Okorocha has also trained thousands of their choice of by dint of his position can invite the state Commissioner of Police Imo Youths for use in the or the Brigade Commander to prosecution of his 2015 a candidate, come over to his house for a gubernatorial ambition. the governor discussion.

Clad in their blue and red The PDP cannot afford not to uniforms, those youths will most reclaim the governorship of Imo patrol Imo State in their State from a governor who has Imo Security Network vans definitely use destroyed everything the State has brandishing their rifles and the powers achieved since Mbakwe. The intimidating Imo citizens. leaders of the party and delegates While it may not be available to alike must rid themselves of necessary to call attention to sentiments and settle for Emeka the dangers inherent in him to keep Ihedioha. what the governor is himself in It will be most inappropriate to exposing these youths to, start comparing him with the one may need to stress that office for other aspirants within their party unless something is done because each and every one of about this self-serving another four them is eminently qualified to be contraption, the 2015 years governor but the situation on election in Imo State may

hand goes beyond merely being qualified.

By his position, Ihedioha is a household name in the country, has a wonderful working and social relationship with Mr. President and commands immense respect within the armed forces. Not a few are of the view that Okorocha became governor while he was in APGA on account of his personal relationship and his party’s romance with Mr. President and the PDP. It may well be so.

Today, that relationship is strained and sour and the governor is at daggers-drawn with the President. He feels too swollenheaded to attend Federal Executive council meetings and his party, the APC, is implementing a well orchestrated campaign of calumny against Mr. President and the PDP. So, Mr. President is fighting to win Imo State in the presidential election and therefore needs a PDP candidate who, with minimum aid from the Presidency can mobilise the human and material resources to overrun Rochas and his APC in Imo State.

Ihedioha has shown by the wide spread/ distribution of amenities available to his office that he is large-hearted and fairminded enough to evenly develop the entire Imo State; he has also exhibited so much courage in his confrontation of the misgovernance in Imo State that one should be left in no doubt as to his capacity to match Okorocha in all departments; his level of articulation and erudition as well as his vast experience in politics and administration spanning over 14 years, are needed to put Imo State back on track.

Imo State can ill-afford another four years of rudderlessness, personal aggrandisement and enrichment, windowdressing and deceit in the name of governance. Imo people have had it raw these past four years. We need a better deal.

To my mind, PDP and PDP alone can wrest power from the current occupier of Imo Government House and they should look no further than Ihedioha lest they miss it.

This is the truth like it is. *Mr. Mgborogwu, a political analyst, wrote from Owerri, Imo State.

20 — Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY,, OCTOBER 31, 2014

Fall of Mubi: Fleeing residents recount ordeals

By Umar Yusuf, Yola

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EDNESDAY, October 29, 2014, Mubi, the second largest city in Adamawa State and the commercial nerve centre of the State, was overrun by the Boko Haram insurgents. Before Mubi was taken over by the rampaging terrorists, Michika and Madagali local governments have been under the grip of the extremist Islamic sect since July this year.

The capture of Mubi did not, however, come as a surprise to many due to the fact that the insurgents’ steady onslaughts have continuously led to the capture of village after village along the Michika – Mubi highway, leaving behind sordid tales of woe.

As at Tuesday, the insurgents had captured Uba Askira and Maraba – Mubi and Vimtim, the hometown of the chief of defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh.

After the fall of these towns, it was evident that it was just a matter of time before Mubi would fall into the hands of the insurgents, hence residents started fleeing en-masse.

The fall of Mubi, the link between Adamawa State and the Republic

of Cameroon now sends a dangerous signal that the insurgents might be heading for Yola, the State capital. Indeed security experts are of the opinion that since Mubi which boasts of a military base can easily be overrun by the insurgents without resistance from the Nigerian Military, a lot needs to be done in the current attempt to contain the ouslaught of the Boko Haram in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states and the entire North East sub-region.

As Mubi fell to the insurgents, the state government quickly imposed a 24-hour curfew on the city and its environs. While the military and the insurgents exchanged gun shots, panic-stricken residents took to their heels, leading to a stampede even as all outlets into Mubi were blocked.

Consequently, fleeing residents were trapped as there was no escaping route for them, resulting to casualties. Indeed the Mubi motor park witnessed a large crowd of people attempting to flee the city but were prevented from doing so. But for the attendant air of emergency, the situation at the motor park could have been lik-

They (Boko Haram members) fired shots into the air; three persons were instantly killed

*Mubi residents who fled during an earlier attack in the town receiving relief materials in Yola ened to a political rally because of the surging crowd, with many people unable to find a place to put their feet.

As Mubi fell, the Military Barracks, Mubi International Cattle market, the Prisons, the Police Area Command and the Divisional Police Stations, the Mubi North Local Government secretariat, among other public buildings there were torched and destroyed. Private property and buildings were also not spared as they were damaged beyond recognition. It appeared as if the insurgents were determined to bomb and set all modern buildings there ablaze.

The prevailing fear is that the fall of the commercial border town

into the hands of the insurgents would result into massive humanitarian crisis as thousand residents would be displaced.

A fleeing resident Mr Joshua Gajere said that several people might have been killed during the shooting spree that lasted for almost two hours. “We are in serious trouble as these boys (Boko Haram) have taken over our towns. Splitting in groups, some of them advanced towards Mararraban Mubi and Vintim, the home town of Chief of Defense Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh.

They chased out Nigerian troops who then retreated back to Mubi.

As I am talking to you now, resi-

ROVING CAMERA

*A physically-challenged LAWMA street sweeper on duty at Anthony Bus-stop

Pix: Lamidi Bamidele.

dents are scampering for dear lives for fear of imminent attack,” Gajere said.

A female resident, Mrs Lami Bello, confirmed that many were killed when the insurgents struck, with Nigerian troops fleeing the war front. “While pursuing the soldiers, they (Boko Haram members) fired shots into the air, during which three persons were instantly killed. The town is deserted now, people have all fled into nearby bushes and hill tops.

We saw soldiers in their vehicles retreating from the attack,” she said.

Another source said that the Boko Haram insurgents over ran Madagali down to Bazza. ‘’ They are having field day. Even yesterday I sneaked into Michika town to evacuate my aged mother, but surprisingly only insurgents could be heard moving around; I didn’t see any soldiers,” he said. ‘’Mubi has now become a ghost of its former self; people in hundreds are fleeing for dear lives.

Even here in Maiha, we saw soldiers vehicles zoom-off towards Yola,the state capital,” said a local source in Maiha.

The state governor, Bala James Ngillari, has asked the people of the state, particularly those in the affected areas, to remain calm as security agents are on the top of the situation. ‘’This(development) is unfortunate. His Excellency, has met with security chiefs in the state. People should remain calm, security agents are on the top of situation,” Mr P.P Elisha, the Director, Press and Public Affairs to the governor, said.

Vanguard, FRIDAY OCTOBER 31, 2014 — 21

Africa’s emerging youths prefer investment to consumption

BY OMOH GABRIEL

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ARCLAYS Africa has launched a report that shows Africans equate prosperity to achieving financial freedom, as Africa continues to experience growth ahead of other developing economies. Barclays Africa is among the leading banks on the continent with a presence in 14 African countries.

The Barclays Africa Prosper Report captures what ‘prosper’ means to Africans in 11 of those countries. The survey, which was conducted online, surveyed over 7 000 respondents from South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Kenya, Ghana, Mozambique, Seychelles, Mauritius, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Seventy-eight percent of the respondents were between 18 and 35 years of age, representing a significant portion of the ‘youth bulge’ - the future drivers of the African economy. The youth bulge is a common phenomenon in many developing countries where a large share of the population is comprised of children and young adults thanks to a decrease in infant mortality and steady levels of fertility.

The Barclays Africa Prosper Report identifies that Africa’s youth, given the right tools, are set to become the drivers of economic prosperity. * If given $100 to help them prosper, 49 per cent of respondents would invest it. * Almost a third would buy a computer (30 percent) and books (24 percent) to help them prosper. * While lack of finances is a major barrier to prosperity (66 percent), this is also the easiest aspect of their life to change (37 percent). * Nearly 50 percent of respondents would most likely consult a bank to obtain financial prosperity. Only ten percent said they would consult a family

From left: Regional Program Coordinator, JuniorAchievement, Nigeria, Mr. Abiodun Adegbola; Marketing Executive, Corporate Responsibility andSustainability Unit, First Bank, Mrs. Obianuju Akanbi; Winner, NationalJA Company of the year Competition/Pupil, Government Girls Secondary School, Abaji, Abuja, Mariam Zakari; Executive Director, Junior Achievement Nigeria, Mrs Kunbi Wuraola and Channel Development Manager, Systems Application Products (SAP), Ayokanmi Ayuba, at the Annaul National JA Company of theyear Competition to mark the 15th years Anniversary of Junior Achievement Nigeria in Lagos. member.

Bobby Malabie, Group Executive of Marketing Communications, Citizenship and Public Affairs at Barclays Africa said, “The Barclays Africa Prosper Report shows that people work hard for their money and want their money to work hard for them.

What is particularly encouraging is that when questioned further, the youth of

-$2.15

$2,940.00

$3.00

$16.29

-$0.01

$86.20

-$0.92

$80.97

DOLLAR STERLING EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

154.76 249.4112 197.0559 163.3868 1.431 0.2817 229.5359 25.321 41.2495 26.4674 230.2674

155.26 250.217 197.6926 163.9147 1.4356 0.2917 230.2775 25.4033 41.3828 26.5529 231.0114

-$1.23

155.76 251.0228 198.3292 164.4426 1.4402 0.3017 231.0191 25.4855 41.5161 26.6384 231.7553

CBN Exchange Rate as 30 /10 /2014

tal, and with the right tools, tomorrow’s decision makers can unlock Africa’s potential.” Providing an independent analysis of the research, Professor Monde Makiwane of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) says: “A decrease in mortality rates coupled with the youth’s connectivity to a global community which is increasingly aided by technology.”

Don cautions FG over decision on Economic partnership Agreement

By Nkiruka Nnorom

$187.45

Africa would rather invest their money to fund further education than to spend it on flashy consumer goods.

“Investment, education and savings are seen by Africans as the main drivers of prosperity to open the doors to economic growth. It is also clear that Africa’s emerging youth presents the continent with an unprecedented opportunity to deepen our human capi-

A

professor of Economics at the University of Ibadan and chairman, Centre for Trade and Development initiatives, CTDi, Ademola Oyejide, has called on the federal government to rethink its decision on the Economic Partnership Agreement, EPA, saying that it will have negative implications for the economy.

Oyejide, who spoke at the 43rd Annual General Meeting of Apapa branch of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, said that all the reasons being raised by the federal government for backing out of the agreement were contained in the pact right from 1996 when the agreement was originally signed.

He said that going ahead with the decision might cost Nigeria its membership of ECOWAS state, of which she is the main beneficiary “The Economic Partnership agreement which was negotiated between the European Union and its member state on one hand and ECOWAS and its member states, including Mau-

ritius on the other hand, has been decisively approved by the authority of heads of states and government of the ECOWAS. In effect, it is a done deal,” he said.

“We do have a choice as a country, we can say we don’t like this, therefore we get out of ECOWAS. Now, this is something our fathers created; do we really want to be local chairman or do we want to be chairman of a branch that says we get out of ECOWA. I don’t think so. I know that the President of this country said it will not happen during his tenure.

“We do have that problem; so, that is the thing now. It not just something economical, it is also political. When we are able to be honest with ourselves, we will begin to ask the question, of what benefit is ECOWAS to Nigeria. Nigeria is the country that benefits most from ECOWAS. “So, if we have decided that this is the end of ECOWAS, we are going to face the same issue several months from now, when we start negotiating the continental trade tariff because African Union has

decided that our president was present when the agreement was signed and they agreed that all the countries in Africa should have common external tariff starting with ECOWAS CET and EPA,” he added.

He observed that despite the federal government’s argument of loss of revenue and the risk of flooding the country with goods from Europe with its attendant negative effect on local manufacturing, it would amount to over protection of ‘infant industries’ which have no metric of growth measurement.

“There are two issues to bear in mind.

This liberalization will impose a cost on Nigeria’s manufacturing industries within the Nigerian market as well as possibly in the markets of other West African countries.

“At the same time, however, Nigeria’s manufacturing industries stand to gain from the full access to the EU markets for their exports. In addition, Nigeria’s manufacturing industries can benefit from the financial and technical support that the EU offers.”

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

Custodian and Allied grows profit after tax by 54% C

From left : Oluwaseun Onayiga, Investment Banking, Renaissance Capital; Peter Egwuatu, Head, Capital Markets, Vanguard Newspaper and Adesoji Solanke, Sub-Saharan Africa Banking Analyst, Renaissance Capital at the Financial Institution Reporting training organized by Renaissance Capital in Lagos.

USTODIAN and Allied Plc, a wholly owned Nigerian company quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, has announced an unaudited profit before tax of N3.8 billion and profit after tax of N3.2 billion for the nine months period ended 30 September 2014. The result represents an increase of 54 per cent over the N2.06 billion profit after tax recorded in the corresponding period of 2013.

Similarly, shareholders’ funds increased by 11 per cent to N21.2 billion from N19.1 billion as at 31 December 2013, while total assets stood at N49.9 billion compared with N45.6 billion reported as at 31 December 2013. It will be

Union Bank grows loan portfolio by 21% in third quarter

By PETER EGWUATU UNION Bank Plc has grown its loan book by 21 per cent for the period ended 30 September 2014 compared to 31st December2013.

This is an indication that it is discharging its primary responsibility of lending to the needy sectors of the economy.

Specifically, the bank recorded loans and advances to customers worth N276.98 billion for the third quarter 2014 compared with N229.54 billion recorded in December 2013.

On third quarterly analysis, the bank grew its loan by 42 per cent from N194.97 billion in September, 2013 to N276.98.

Union Bank recorded a customer deposit of N503.0 billion for the third quarter under review as against N482.7billion recorded in December 2013. This represents a loan/deposit ratio of 60.2 per cent. This also show that for the deposit it recorded it gave over 60 per cent as loans.

The bank’s liquidity ratio show 44.49 per cent per cent, well above the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN statutory minimum 30 per cent.

Further analysis of its third quarter performance for the year 2014 shows operating expenses dropped to N43.8 bn from N48.3 billion in the corresponding period of 2013.

Profit before tax grew to N8.3billion compared with N6.8billion in the corresponding period of 2013), while profit after tax: grew to

N8.1billiin from N7.6billiion in the third quarter 2013.

Commenting on the bank’s third quarter activities, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mr. Emeka Emuwa, said “Our third quarter activities were focused on continuing and consolidating our transformation efforts to ensure we maintain strategic focus in key areas and deliver operating results according to plan.

Building upon the transformation work already in progress over the past 18 months, we have hired a transformation director to institutionalize and lead the bank’s Transformation Management Office which coordinates, centralizes and tracks transformation workgroups to ensure transformation achievements are embedded and delivered.

The bank continues to rebuild

its retail business and we have hired senior product specialists to strengthen our retail offering to compete in today ’s marketplace.”

Oyinkan Adewale, Chief Financial Officer, commenting on Union Bank’s financial performance in the quarter, said, “Our loan portfolio continues to perform well and we are also seeing good traction

on the deposit side. Our deposit book also posted a modest gain of 2.2%. As we revamp our retail offering, we expect to make an aggressive push for low cost deposits in the fourth quarter.

In compliance with Central Bank’s Regulation 3, the disposal of our non-banking subsidiaries continues to yield gains, with five subsidiaries profitably divested to date.”

Guinness Nigeria welcomes O’Keeffe

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uinness Nigeria Plc, a subsidiary of Diageo Plc has recently announced some changes to its leadership structure as John Rory O’Keefe takes over from incumbent Seni Adetu as Managing Director/CEO effective 1 Jan 2015.

In a statement, Nick

Blazquez, President Africa & Asia, said: “We are pleased to announce the appointment of John O’Keeffe as Seni’s successor. John has been in Diageo for over 20 years, and has had a very strong career.

John started his career as a graduate trainee for

ICMA announces direct membership programme

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recalled that the company recently paid an interim dividend of 6 kobo per 50 kobo share after paying a total of 16 kobo per share on the preceding year’s results.

The company’s Chief Finance Officer, Ademola Ajuwon, in a statement made available to the press, affirmed that the results have been transmitted to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

He also highlighted favorable underwriting income from the insurance subsidiaries and remarkable efficiency gains group-wide as factors that contributed to the improved result.

Furthermore, Ajuwon said ‘the performance is a concise representation of Custodian and Allied Plc.’s unrelenting commitment to its corporate ideal of exceeding customer and other stakeholders’ expectations at all times as demonstrated daily through customer focus, comprehensive systems, processes and operations integration’. Barring any unforeseen adverse developments, management is confident that the company’s well-articulated business plans and forecast will be achieved in the short, medium and long terms; ultimately benefiting all stakeholders.

he Institute of Capital Market Analysts, ICMA, has announced the commencement of its Direct Membership Programme designed to admit members into Fellows and Associates categories.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos, the Institute’s Coordinator, Omotayo Gbede, explained that qualifications for direct membership shall be available to professional capital market operators with requisite professional qualification and at least five years relevant experience in the top management cadre of a capital market/financial institution, financial regulator or financial services market firm for associate membership and ten years of experience for Fellows.

Chief executives and senior management of

financial institutions are given special consideration based on their years of experience in the financial market.

The institute also announced its 2-weeks (Week-end Only) Accelerated Membership Programme commencing on November 1st, th 2014 and ending 9 November, 2014 for prospective members having a minimum of HND/B.Sc. or its equivalent, as well as those with finance related professional qualifications.

Papers to delivered cover salient areas like Financial Analysis, Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate Finance, Futures & Options, Equity & Debt Securities, Fund Management as well as Portfolio Management The Institute also plans its maiden induction ceremony to hold in December 2014 in Lagos.

Guinness Ireland, holding many marketing roles in Ireland before moving to Jamaica as Marketing Director. Following this, John and his family moved to the Nordics where he held his first Managing Director role, and then moved to Athens where he spent 2 years as the Europe Marketing Director for Johnnie Walker. After this, John became the Managing Director, Russia & Eastern Europe based in Russia before returning to Ireland, to take-up his current role as Global Head of Diageo Innovation and Global Head of Beer & Baileys. John has been a Board Member of Guinness Nigeria Plc for the past two years.” John has a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) in Economics & Marketing from Cork University. Given his track record as successful Managing Director in a significant emerging market, his depth of experience on Guinness stout and across the wider portfolio.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014—23

FG to replicate SME clusters in 9,555 wards nationwide — Minister Stories By Naomi Uzor

he United Allied Spare Parts Dealers Association (UASPADA) has concluded plans to hand over shops to the 3,000 subscribers who have met all requirements to own the facility.

The ultra modern plaza is located at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex along Badagry Express Way. The association’s president, Chief Bartholomew Achukwu, made this known during their general meeting on Thursday.

He commended the subscribers for their patience and cooperation, stressing that the shops will be allocated to the owners next month.

From left: Mrs. Fayo Williams, Mrs. Nkechi Obi, Mrs Agnes Shobajo, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Alhaji Remi Bello, Princess Sarah Adebisi Sosan, OFR, Mrs. Hafsat Abiola-Castello and Omobolanle Adekoya, at the maiden conference of the LCCI women's group.

“For this reason, it was named the Ward Based Cluster Project (WBCP).

Consequently, it would be replicated in all 9,555 wards in the country, based on each ward’s comparative advantage in terms of natural resources endowment. It is our sincere believe and hope that through the NIRAM Expo, we can redirect the focus of the manufacturing sector towards increasing patronage of high quality secondary raw materials or intermediate inputs produced locally in preference to continued importation, and thereby conserve foreign exchange and free such funds for other development purpose,” he stated.

Govt expanding cocoa industry’s manufacturing capacity—Aganga

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HE Federal Government is intensifying the implementation of expansion projects for cocoa processing and manufacturing in order to claim a greater share of the annual $200 billion global market for finished goods made from cocoa.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, disclosed this in Abuja during the summit on Cocoa Value Addition in Nigeria.

Aganga said, “The total global value of exporting raw cocoa is approximately $10 billion a year; the total value from chocolates alone, all made from cocoa, is over $100 billion a year, while the total value of all finished goods made from cocoa is estimated to be as high as $200 billion a year, all drawing from the same $10 billion raw cocoa beans produced.

“With the situation today, about 76 per cent of total cocoa produced is from Africa, but less than five per cent of the wealth in the value chain is retained here. After many decades of dominating cocoa production, it is worrying that we still remain price takers, and capture so little value.

This is not right, and this is what we have set out to change”.

UASP AD A to ASPAD ADA handover shops to 3,000 subscribers

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HE Federal Govern ment is poised to replicate the success story of SME clusters in 9,555 wards in the country.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Abdu Bulama, disclosed this in Lagos during the opening ceremony of the Nigerian Raw Materials Exposition, 2nd NIRAMExpo 2014, tagged, “Achieving Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan through Raw Materials Sourcing.

“The success story of the Otigba cluster; Ikeja Computer Village; Nnewi Automotive SME cluster, the Kano Leather Cluster; Aba Fashion and Garments cluster; Kano Leather Cluster, Aba, Abeokuta and Osogbo tie and dye industry have proved beyond doubts that the cluster concept is one of the potent strategies required for enhancing speedy development of the non-oil sector,” he said.

He disclosed that the philosophy behind the establishment of these projects is to promote raw materials processing clusters, an initiative of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, RMRDC, and that the concept has received the approval of the Federal Government of Nigeria for the implementation in all the wards in the country.

BRIEFS

He said with the expansion of cocoa processing and manufacturing capacity, government was set to retain more of the value of the Cocoa industry in Nigeria, create jobs and wealth for citizens and generate income for government.

He noted that technology is an important factor in driving non-oil sector growth, both for enhancing increased production and value addition to natural resources, as well as in facilitating productivity in the service sector.

“Technology has become an indispensable catalyst in promoting innovation, competitiveness and export in the non-oil sector of the economy. The aim is to enhance the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) which are considered the major engine of growth of any country and the pillar of the non-oil sector of the economy. The Chairman, Governing Board, RMRDC, Senator Walid Jibrin, said, the council has the mandate to promote the development of the raw materials resources for optimal utilisation for industrial growth.

He said the council overtime, and with current changes and direction of government has reviewed and refocused its programmes and projects in line with prevailing situations leading to the production of the strategic plan (2014-2017) in line with the aspiration of Nigeria’s Vision 20:2020 and the transformation agenda of government.

HE President of the NigerianAmerican Chamber of Commerce (NACC), Mr Sam Ohuabunwa, says Nigeria has yet to enjoy the benefits of the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA).

Ohuabunwa made the statement at the 54th Annual General Meeting of NACC in Lagos.

The U.S. Government established AGOA in 2000 to provide duty and quota free markets for goods from subSaharan African countries imported into the U.S. He said that the incentives provided on the AGOA platform were not substantial enough to balance trade volume deficit between Nigeria and the U.S. “The United States of America remains Nigeria’s biggest trading partner.

By AUGUSTINA ANYAEGBU

T

HE Standard Organisation of Nigeria , SON, has concluded plans to unveil strategic programmes geared towards addressing the low participation of Nigeria’s non-oil sector in the global market.

A statement by its Director of Special Duties, Mr. George Okere, said the initiative would put Nigeria on the global map through standard products and services that can compete effectively in the world market.

“The World is waiting for Nigeria and SON is ready to lead the country to the world stage through standardisation. In this regard, the Director General of the standards body, Dr Joseph Odumodu, hosted a world press conference to draw awareness of the stakeholders to this problem and unveil the organisation’s strategic programmes towards removing the obstacles hindering Nigerian products from competing in the world market.

Diamond Bank partners PIN on youth Empowerment

M

Nigeria yet to benefit from AGOA, says Ohuabunwa

T

SON makes case for non-oil sector

Bilateral trade between both countries has risen to 36 billion dollars just as President Goodluck Jonathan has called for more U.S. investments in Nigeria. We have exported more crude oil to the U.S. than manufactured goods.

“There is a need for capacity building in customs regulations and operations and policy reforms that will develop the private sector to produce products that meet international trade and export standards,” he said. Ohuabunwa said that NACC had contributed to the growth of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises through its five million dollars private equity fund, launched in 2013.

The chamber recorded an accumulated fund of N 23.6 million for the 2013 year ended as against the N22.1 million recorded in 2014.

ORE than a hundred persons have been empowered in information communication and technology (ICT) in Abia state as Diamond bank partners Paradigm initiative Nigeria (PIN), in capacity building through its ABALIFE t project.

The partnership according the program co-coordinators is to reach out, empower and connect young people in the region with ICT enabled opportunities to create better livelihoods through its ICT. The training which centered on information, communication and technology, financial Readiness and Entrepreneurship, had 100 persons between the ages of 15 and 28 years were selected for the inaugural phase of the Aba L.I.F.E training program out of the 382 applicants.

According to Tope Ogundipe, Chief Operating Officer, Paradigm Initiative “after 7 years of proving the concept and building a model in Ajegunle Lagos, there was need to scale the training outside of Lagos due to high demand."

24—Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

Why we need biosafety law in Nigeria — AFAN ….As N’Assembly holds hearing

By JIMOH BABATUNDE

T

HE President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, Mr. Kabiru Salman did not mince words when he told the gathering at the National Assembly last week that Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) will take his members away from subsistence farming to commercial farming.

This position was echoed by the representative of the Cotton Association of Nigeria, who said they will become rich like farmers in other West Africa countries and developed countries that have taken to the cultivation of BT cotton.

They made these revelations as they joined other stakeholders at the National Assembly last week at the Public hearing on a bill for an act to establish the National Biosafety law for the country.

Nigeria signed and ratified an internationally binding Biosafety Protocol Known as Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in 2000 and 2002 respectively.

The Protocol entered into came into force on the 11th September 2003 and currently has 160 members. The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety addresses the safe transfer, handling and use of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs) that may have adverse effects on conservation and sustainable utilization of biodiversity, taking into account risk to human health.

As a signatory, Nigeria made efforts at domesticating the Cartagena protocol with the National Biosafety Management Agency Bill 2011 which was initially passed by the 6th National Assembly but was not assented to by the President because it was passed a day before the end of the life of that

Assembly.

The bill was returned under this 7th National Assembly, so it was not surprising that supporters of the bill were at the national assembly last week for the public hearing.

Declaring the hearing open, the Senate President, David Mark, said the issue of biotechnology is an international one and Nigeria is a signatory to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.

“But we must domesticate the issues involved so as to benefit from modern technology. “ The Senate President represented by Senator Atiku Bagudu, said global population MD, Nigerian Breweries, Mr. Nicolas Vervelde; Chairman NB, Chief Kola is growing geometrically and to Jamodu; minister of Agric, Adesina Akinwumi and the perm sec, Mrs. Ibukun feed the world there is need for Odusote during the signing of MoU on Sorghum development between NB and technology, saying “this bill is the ministry in Abuja recently. going to provide guidance in the areas of agriculture, stable He said Nigeria signed the smuggling of GMO seeds they cotton which has led to the environment and wealth protocol on Biodiversity to enjoy considered will enhance their downfall in cotton production in creation.” the benefits associated with earning without risk assessment the country.”

The Chairman Senate modern technology. being carried out on them if the He revealed that Burkina Faso Committee on It is those benefits that bill is not passed.” farmers and India farmers have Agriculture, the agriculture sector While urging that the bill benefited more from cultivating S e n a t o r stands to gain that Arc. should be passed into law, he BT cotton that they now cultivate Emmanuel Kabiru Salman said they said the country might not be twice in a year and making good Bwacha, said the will be deprived of if able to guarantee the purity of money.

N a t i o n a l there is no law its agricultural products for the Dr. Chiedozie Egezi of the Biosafety Bill is to r e g u l a t i n g international market, there by National Root Crops Research provide a biotechnology in the loosing her international Institute, Umudike, speaking regulatory country. partners and also foreign with this reporter said a biosafety As farmers, regime and “As farmers, we earnings. law will enable trials for guidance for the we embrace embrace biotechnology The representative of the prospective and promising s u s t a i n a b l e biotechnology and the passage of the Cotton Farmers Association, products. development of bill will make whatever Samuel Ishaku, who also urged Dr. Egezi, who is also the the science of and the we do legitimate. the National Assembly to pass In-country Principal Investigator, m o d e r n passage of the GMO will lead to high the bil, saying having a law in BioCassava Plus, added that biotechnology. yields and safety of place for the regulation of their Biosafety law will provide W h i l e bill will make what we do.” activities will enable his capacity building of local promising to see whatever we do He added that law on members make more money from expertise in Ag-Biotech that to the bill being biosafety will take them cultivating cotton. would engender ownership of passed by the legitimate. away from subsistence Tracing the decline in technology and thereby build p r e s e n t GMO will lead farming to commercial production of cotton in the trust. He said the law will assembly, he farming and “this will country, he noted that many provide strong outreach linkages to high yields said they are make us food secured countries have been cultivating and networking to rural areas neutral as the and safety of and good player genetically modified cotton and stakeholders especially local will of the people what we do internationally commercially, but since Nigeria farmers; infrastructure for testing will be taken into Salman said “farmers has no law in place, “cotton GM plants with appropriate consideration. might result to farmers can not cultivate BT biosafety measures in different ecologies.

The Coordinator Nigeria Chapter, Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology, Mrs. Rose Gidado disclosed that Odusote stated that the cocoa excluded a provisional 3.6 nation’s engine of growth and the issue of Biosafety Regulation seedlings were diseasemillion hybrid cocoa pods building a virile economy. in Africa is rapidly gaining resistant, early maturing, high meant for distribution to Aikpokpodion also momentum as more African yielding pods and with polyfarmers within 2015 and 2016 debunked some reports that Countries are embracing GMOs. bags, including agro chemicals cocoa producing years. cocoa farmers were yet to She revealed that Republic of and cocoa processing According to Odusote the benefit from the GES on the South Africa, Burkina Faso and equipment across the cocoa focal objectives of the meeting cocoa value chain.

Egypt already have biosafety laws geo-ecological zones within was to appraise developments He said the government had and are currently growing and the period under review. in the 2014 Cocoa GES rolldone well by distributing cocoa consuming GM crops. Kenya, Giving a detailed out, identify opportunities and farm inputs in large quantity Togo, Tanzania and Mali also presentation of the appraisal challenges facing the cocoa with high quality. have Biosafety laws. done on the cocoa sub-sector, economy and proffer solutions Meanwhile, National “The African Union has she said the Federal for the future, more especially, S e c r e t a r y , developed a model biosafety law Government was satisfied with preparatory to the forthcoming Cocoa Farmers Association to assist Member States develop the statistical report released 2015 cocoa year. of Nigeria, CFAN, Mr. Adeola their biosafety laws. However, to that indicated that the Produce Earlier, the Team Leader Adegoke, lauded Federal further strengthen Biosafety Inspection Service for 2013 Cocoa Value Chain, Dr. Peter Government’s policy in Cocoa system in Africa, the NEPADfiscal year had a significant Aikpokpodion, noted that cocoa Transformation to ensure African Biosafety Network of increase in cocoa production produce from Nigeria was of sustainable food security not Expertise project has been put from a prior 300,000 metric high premium at the only for Nigerians but for in place to develop the capacity tonnes to 350,000 metric international market and has Africans and the world at large. of member states in tonnes, which she said potential in complementing the biotechnology and Biosafety.

40,000 farmers get N1m cocoa seedlings from FG

F

By Gabriel Ewepu

EDERAL Government had released over 1 million cocoa seedlings to 400, 000 farmers of the cash crop across the cocoa geo-ecological zones in the country to boost the production and export of the commodity.

This was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, represented by Director, Engineering and Mechanisation Department, Engr. Mudasiru Akeju, at high level cocoa stakeholders GES implementation meeting held recently at Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, CRIN, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014—25

26—Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

I N S I D E

Why Ambode cannot be imposed on Lagos – Ikuforiji, House Speaker, P. 27

Lagos Senate contest: I'm capable of defeating Remi Tinubu -Gbajabiamila P. 28

Delta 2015: My

effort is not for ego – Okocha P. 29

Lagos 2015: The Ambode pathway

By Gbenga Oke

T

HE hot weather last Friday was not enough to deter the thousands of party supporters who thronged the Onikan Stadium, Lagos to hear Akinwumi Ambode’s formal declaration for the office of governor of Lagos State.

Indeed, all roads linking the stadium were practically shut down on account of the heavy flow of traffic. They came from all parts and strata of the state to hear Ambode.

Ambode, the immediate past auditor-general of the state, •Ambode: Pledges to take who resigned his position in 2012 had in the course of his the aura of his absence was eventful career crisscrossed more than filled by the royal most of the local government dignity showcased by his areas of the state and it was no surprise that three wives Olori his support came Fadeke, Olori from far and Titilola and Olori near.

Olanike.

Many of the No fewer than 60 chairmen of the traditional rulers just dissolved and Chiefs were at l o c a l the venue. They government included Oba councils were on Babatunde hand just as From the gate Ogunlaja of n o t a b l e of Onikan Noforija Epe, the traditional rulers Alagege of Orilefrom the five stadium, Agege, Oba divisions of brooms took A m b a l i u Lagos State, Agbedeyi, the Muslim and over Onitire of Itire, Christian clerics, everywhere as Oba Lateef friends and Dauda, the associates, and supporters kept Onitedo of Itedo, party supporters waving their Oba Tajudeen from 20 local Elemoro, the Olu g o v e r n m e n t s brooms in of Ojokoro, Oba and 37 Local support the man Oluwalambe C o u n c i l Taiwo, Oba many Development Ayinde Balogun of Areas (LCDAs). considered to be Isheri, the The paramount the next Onibeju of Ibeju, traditional ruler Oba Rafiu Saliu; in the state, Oba governor of the the Olorogun Ado Akiolu of Lagos state of Lagos, Chief was absent, but Waheed Yesufu,

Lagos to new heights Chief Lateef Ajose, Chief Muideen Shobalu; Chief Tunde Temionu, and former Chairman of Kosofe Council, Hon. Tunde Braimoh who was the master of ceremony.

The atmosphere: The atmosphere within and outside the stadium was tensed as security agents had difficulty controlling the crowd that started trooping into the stadium as early as 7am Friday morning.

The private security guards sweated profusely as they struggled to control the crowd that relentlessly kept surging for advantage positions in the stadium.

By 9 a.m, the entire stadium was already filled up with party supporters wearing various T shirts in support of Ambode. Various inscriptions on T shirts read, “AMBO 2015: Committed to Excellence; Akinwumi Ambode: Strong Leadership and vision; Ambode: The man for the job”.

From the gate of Onikan stadium, brooms took over everywhere as supporters kept waving their brooms in

support the man many considered to be the next governor of the state.

Entertainment was not missing at the declaration ceremony as Fuji star, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma and rappers, M.I Abaga and Olamide were on hand to thrill guests at the event and as well show support for the former Lagos State government bureaucrat.

Also present were top Yoruba actors like Babatunde Omidina popularly called Baba Suwe.

Political chieftains Notable political chieftains at the declaration included Pa Abiodun Sunmola; Pa Alabi Macfoy, Chairman of Conference 57, Hon. Akeem Sulaimon, House of Representatives membersAlhaji Yakubu Balogun, Dr. Samuel Adejare, Hon. Toyin Suarau, Hon. Morouf Akinderu-Fatai, and Hon. James Faleke.

Also present were former Agriculture Commissioner, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya; Hon. Paul Kalejaye, former

members of the House of Assembly Hon. Obafemi Durosimi, Babatunde Ogala; Hon. Bolaji Ariyoh; Chief Adeola Oyedele, Primate Dare Akindele and Mr. Rotimi Martins.

Others were Mrs. Teju Phillips; Hon. Segun Adetola; Dr. Fola Fosudo, and a retired Permanent Secretary, Dr. Femi Onanuga.

The representatives of the Muslim Community were led by Imam Olubodun Gbajabiamila, who stood for the Chief Imam of Lagos, Imam Garuba Akinola. Other dignitaries include the three wives of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu.

Ambode's triumphant entry At exactly 11.37am, Ambode arrived in the company of his wife throwing the thousands of supporters into a frenzy.

Dressed in white Agbada with a blue cap to match, he waved the broom that is the signature sign of the APC to the jubilant crowd who responded with Continues on page 27

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014—27

Lagos 2015: Why Ambode cannot be imposed on Lagos – Ikuforiji, House Speaker •I'll change Lagos within 18 months

I

F election is conducted tomorrow, what are your chances?

Concerning my chances, there is no doubt that I will win on a landslide if primary election is conducted today in the APC. I am very sure that most of our party men are very interested in seeing Lagos governed by a man who understands party politics and who is passionate about the development of Lagos and its people. They know that as at today, there is nobody that can compete favourably against Ikuforiji as far as that is concerned.

Shackles and chains of poverty Honestly, I am a lucky man.

From my very humble background, I have been able to break shackles and chains of poverty. I have liberated myself and I know the journey has been relatively tough, but with God, everything has been made possible.

What are the things that are wrong that you would want to rectify as governor?

I want to assure you that within 18 months after I am elected and I assume office on May 29, 2015, you will ask yourself again, what was amiss before now. There are many things we have left undone. I am a product of public schooling, but how many of us are really happy to send our children to public primary school today? I want everyone here to be jostling to get their

wards to Lagos State public schools even within the next three years and it can be done.

What’s your reaction to speculations that one of the governorship aspirants, Akinwumi Ambode has been endorsed by the leaders of the party?

Ambode was just a civil servant here yesterday. When did he join the party? When?

Who will impose Ambode? You can’t impose Ambode. There are many reasons Ambode cannot be imposed and when we get to the river, we know how to cross it.

On the issue of imposition or no imposition, let me be very clear about it. A lot of rumours are going the rounds, and each and every candidate has been tagged with the support of one leader or the other except Ikuforiji. But a year and a half ago, someone told me one of the aspirants already had the nod of the leaders; they said he was the one Asiwaju Bola Tinubu wanted to use.

God. You also really need to be selfless. You need to know your onions better than anybody else. Look, you must put others before yourself. You know the Lord says love your neighbours as thyself, but in this game, you must love your neighbour more than thyself.

If you have N100,000, it must go round the 40 lawmakers.

What do you have to say on zoning?

Asiwaju came from this zone, from this my constituency, Ikeja and Fashola is from Surulere, that is west and central senatorial districts respectively.

Lagos East has been producing speaker since 1999.

I started the fight for zoning.

In fact, it was in Ikorodu at one of the meetings that I said look, that we have held the legs and everything of the lion for our party to enjoy because when you keep the House, I mean the Legislature in order, then government can run smoothly.

Smooth running of government

The East has done that since 1999, it is time for them to allow the East to be the one with the •Ikuforiji: Nigeria's longest serving speaker spoon to dish the food to others.

And of course, I told Asiwaju Bourdillion to face Asiwaju that I have very close and say they want to run. Yet, relationship with the two of also when we were discussing they tell people that Asiwaju them. In fact, Governor about some of these things. So, Support of has asked them to get Fashola while in Dubai called don’t make a mistake when one leader people started prepared for the job. Do you me and after he saying it is I pushed them aside because tell people to get prepared landed today he Epe’s turn. They called me again.

I knew it was a rumour and it with the words of mouth? You were not talking It is this meeting don’t get prepared for the job was not possible. After about 10 of East again, with you that of governor of Lagos in just a weeks or so, that particular they are name disappeared from the few days. We should just leave stopped me from m e n t i o n i ng meeting with the scene. Another one came up some of these stories for what specifically Epe. governor. they are.

To me, they don’t and after about two months Do you know Are they aware again, that one also exist. why they were your What is your relationship of disappeared, yet another came saying it is ambition? with Asiwaju Tinubu and the up.

Epe’s turn? It’s They are very incumbent governor and are I can assure you that some because they much in the they supportive of your of the names that came up of know you have a know. recent cannot even go to ambition? loyal and In the event, I am sure everybody knows capable son in you miss the Epe. ticket what It is not all would you do? these new-found Well, I am a sons, but the one politician and I they knew, that am not that Continues from page 26 Ambode was is the speaker of politician that years of growth and development under dancing and singing on his arrival. He the House. That sees a particular just a civil Asiwaju Tinubu and Governor Fashola, Lagos was then led to the podium by Pa Summola is why people office as a do-orState deserved a governor that would build servant here and presented to the people by Hon. Oris, are saying it is die. on their achievements. who reiterated the support of the 57 council Epe’s turn.

How have you yesterday.

His words, “The presence of thousands of chairmen for his ambition. Giving the It is not just been able to supporters today is an attestation of the stateWhen did he reason for his aspiration, Ambode said “I anybody now or escape the wide consultations that we commenced since am resolved to offer you genuine join the party? people who banana peel as last year. The acceptance and popularity of leadership that will be accountable with have no shame. the longest When? Who my candidacy, the great turn out and the all the principles of good governance, a They have even serving speaker fantastic support we have received from every government of inclusion that will not leave will impose said it that after in Nigeria? corner of the State and beyond, from all sectors any race or gender behind”. this one no more It’s very Ambode?

You and various religious persuasions confirm that Ambode's programme for Lagos zoning, but of simple. Number this is a divine moment in the history of Lagos In his speech titled ''Continuing the can’t impose course this one one thing, you State”. It could well be if his vision for Lagos Progress, Securing the Future'', the Epe has been zoned. need the grace of Ambode are crystallised. born politician said having witnessed 15

Lagos 2015: The Ambode pathway

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

Lagos 2015:

•Gbajabiamila: Prepared plans to disgrace APC

Lagos Central 'll fall to PDP — Gbajabiamila Engineer Hakeem Akinola Gbajabiamila, is a former Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development under Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He has since declared his readiness to wrest the Lagos Central Senatorial District seat from the wife of his former boss, Senator Oluremi Tinubu in 2015 on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Gbajabiamila boosts that he is battle ready to face the Tinubu factor in the forthcoming election. Excerpts:

By Dapo Akinrefon

B

EFORE the real election, you are going to face the party primaries, how do you hope to scale the huddle before you now face the

Tinubu factor at the general poll?

In life you have to face a lot of challenges and you must be ready. We can't sit down here and just be asking for change. Tinubu did not get there because it was given to him, he got there through a process and,

therefore, somebody must unseat that When election comes, people have interests process. I pray that my wish is blessed and interests are going to be different and

by God, I will go through the party everybody is going to be working towards his primaries, I am ready for the party own objective and everybody is going to be primaries because I have done it before. struggling to get his own objective realised. That I believe that with all the efforts that I is what the other parties don't do, they went for have put in, I would be successful, I the oracle and there is no vibrancy in it. don't have any worry about that. I know Some people will remain in one position for that God would make it happen. six terms not because they want to remain there.

And then when it comes to the election, They are there because they don't want to foul I believe that the people's voice would the oracle. They cannot aspire, they are not speak and when the people's voice aspiring, they are just waiting to be called to speaks, there is nothing that can change serve. That is not democracy. Democracy is from it. So it is not a matter of who I am the grassroots, from your ward, you begin to competing with or the resources of the aspire that one day, I am going to aspire to be person I am competing with, it is the president of Nigeria and I am going to work ability to sell my product, it is the ability through the system to get to become the to win the election that is the most president of Nigeria. That is democracy and important thing. I believe that with what that is what we must practise. We cannot continue to practise this we have on ground, with modified democracy, modified what we are doing, we primaries, that is what I like would win the heart of the about PDP. people and we are not Well, concerning what you capturing Lagos, we are said that somebody is coming winning Lagos. in, he can come if he can meet The entry of Jimmy the objective; let him come Agbaje is alleged to have along. If he is able to convince triggered fresh crisis in everybody to win, let him win.

Lagos PDP as it is claimed It is not by holding one Baba's he is not a member of the leg before you become the party. candidate of the party. So in the He is a member of PDP. other party, they are going to But he was said to have have their crisis this time come in lately. around because people want to There are procedures for contest and they are going to that, once the procedures are deal with their own crisis. followed, then he is a We have mastered our crisis, member, what are we talking that is the difference. We have about? Let's understand gone through it many times so something. We have always we know the answer to it. We been used to military way of have the answer to our crisis. life and we need to shed that, The last crisis that happened was that is our problem. Our as a result of leadership tussle. problem is that we don't There was no focus, there understand what democracy were too many leaders so when is all about and that is why the leaders now sat down, they you prefer that somebody be all understood that the crisis brought and dumped on us must be managed if we were and they say that is our going to succeed. candidate and everybody I am ready Let us even see if the other queues behind and go and for the party people understand how to vote, okay. It is not like that primaries manage crisis because they have in PDP and that is why for always been tailoring crisis and any organisation that leaves because I saying that you must not talk, things to happen, there have done it when we give shut up we give would be crisis. Politics itself before you something else, is that what is about crisis and how it is you want? managed is what gives the result.

Shasore: Possible game changer

By Charles Kumolu

H

AVING been a key player in the admin istration of Mr. Raji Fashola of Lagos State, it was not a surprise that Mr. Supo Shasore indicated interest to succeed a boss he had served as Commissioner for Justice.

With such a background, it was easy for analysts to suggest that he might have the support of prominent stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress,APC. Notable among those, whose strength might be a boost for Shasore's ambition, is the state governor.

Indeed insinuations abound that Fashola had groomed Shasore as a successor. But that

remains in the realm of speculation, as it is yet to be seen whether Fashola is physically disposed to the aspiration of any of the aspirants.

The supporters of the governorship hopeful have also expressed concern on reports linking Fashola to his bid as they insisted that there were carefully orchestrated attempts to undermine Shasore's chances.

To many, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria,SAN, who served the state between 2007 and 2011, belongs to the group of technocrats believed to have the capacity to carry on the Fashola legacy.

For someone, who while in office was believed to have successfully performed his duties, his popularity is not in

doubt. Little wonder the feeling that he might have a loud outing in the race.

His supporters are also quick to point at his leadership of the state delegation to the National Conference, where Lagos among others, requested for a special status, as an indication of his significance in the state.

But the seeming consensus in the party to shift power to Lagos East Senatorial District, is one factor that might likely abort Shasore's ambition.

In fact, APC leaders, who are opposed to the alleged succession plan of Fashola, maintain that a Shasore governorship would be unfair to Lagos East as it would abort the crave by the people of that senatorial district to produce a

governor.

As Attorney General, he championed the reform of the Criminal Code Law, and a similar reform of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law. He also authored and issued the first Prosecutors’ Guidelines, 2011, and initiated the first African Regional Conference of the International Association of Prosecutors IAP. During the same period, he chaired the Mortgage and Property Law Reform Committee, which produced and recommended the Mortgage & Property Law 2009.

As the head of the Lagos Home

•Shasore: Ownership Scheme ,Lagos HOMS, he reportedly oversaw the schemes development and delivery of two hundred homes per month for mortgage-assisted purchase for the people of Lagos.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014—29

I’m not threatened by Akpabio’s choice of successor — Larry Esin Recently, there have been speculations about a plot

by Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa- Ibom State to impose a successor in the forth coming 2015 governorship election. In a chat with Vanguard, Larry Esin, a former National Chairman of Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), who has taken shots at the governorship seat in the past, ahead of another bid affirmed that he’s not threatened by the governor’s choice of successor. Excerpts:

By Ediri Ejoh & Richard Udofia

A

RE you threatened by the speculation that Governor Akpabio wants to impose a candidate in the forth coming 2015 governorship election?

The present governor has one vote and he has every right to in democracy to support whoever he wants. It would have been better if he stays neutral but he has the right to support whoever he wants and you cannot deny him that right.

His support does not translate to success for that person. In 2006, Victor Attah had a candidate yet his candidate did not win the primaries, so I am not bothered by that. He has every right in the constitution to support anybody and that does not give any edge to whoever he is supporting over others. Our democracy is

evolving and people are getting a lot more enlightened.

On that day nobody knows whom the individuals are going to cast their votes for, the governor will not be standing by the gate to tell you whom to vote for. I am not threatened and I think everybody should go out and work.

You remain one person that has been consistent in vying for the office of the State Governor. What are the assurances that you are going to emerge victorious this time?

I am a determined person and very objective as well. I have been very consistent. I have not only been consistent in running but consistent in what I stand for. In some quarters people say I am Akpabio’s friend, others say I am Akpabio’s enemy. I don’t personalize my politics, I differ today with the governor strict-

Delta 2015: My

ly on ideology – on ideas on how to govern. As an individual I have no hate for the governor. As a matter of fact, we went to school together, he was my senior at Federal Government College, PortHarcourt. Besides, I do not differ with any political office holder, including those at the National Assembly on any personal issues – it is all about ideological issues. And I think I have been steadfast in that position since 2006 and that is where I remain.

Third attempt This is my third attempt in the governorship race in Akwa Ibom, I don’t know of any other person, except, maybe, Ben Okoko, that is running for the third time. A lot of issues, I believe, have converged that I believe would spring up (for my victory).

None of the aspirants that are contesting today have some of the experiences I have had.

What areas do you think Akpabio has made marks for which you would like to continue? And what would you say are his short comings in the course of his administra-

•Esin tion in the State and you think if given the opportunity, you will amend?

I believe that Akpabio has done well in terms of infrastructure. I give him a lot of credit in that area. To a large extent, infrastructure is the bedrock of the government, aside human capacity building. As the governor of Akwa Ibom, I will continue the infrastructure drive, but I will also put in a form of subsidy to subsidize the opportunity cost of infrastructure. In-

effort is not for ego – Okocha

CHIEF Peter Olisaeloka Okocha, industrialist and politician is one of those aspiring to contest the Delta State governorship election. In this interview he reviews the contest and pledges to make the state a pacesetter if elected governor in 2015.

Y

OU have been in this struggle to govern Delta State for a fairly long time now and still, you have not given up the quest, why this passion?

Well, like l have always said, my passion to govern Delta State is not for ego massaging or a move to amass wealth. My governorship bid is far from those selfish considerations. I am genuinely concerned in transforming our state to become one where equity, justice and peace and progress reign supreme.

Some say you may be one of the least favoured aspirant given your long drawn legal battle with Governor Emmanuel Udughan whom you challenged his victory at the election tribunal?

It is true that as the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Governorship candidate in 2011 polls, I went to the

frastructure has its cost in the sense that, other social welfare responsibilities like health care, education and all that may have suffered. Industrialization will have suffered a bit in the last seven years of infrastructural development. So government ought to put in place a form of subsidy for opportunity cost. So I will continue with the infrastructural drive because we have not touched on every part of the state yet. My administration is going to be the first to do that.

Akwa Ibom is seen as a state that is made up largely of the tripod of Ibibio, Annang and Oron. Given that you are from Oron, could one take it that your governorship ambition has much to do with ethnic issue?

I think I am the only governorship aspirant who has been saying from day one that I do not believe in zoning, and I am not running because I am from Oron. Let me also add that anybody who comes out to contest for the office of the governor of Akwa ibom and wants to get it on the basis of zoning has nothing to offer to Akwa Ibom. Don’t get me wrong: there has been zoning in Akwa Ibom.

election tribunal to challenge Uduaghan’s victory. But like l have always said, my going to the tribunal was not because l had an issue with Uduaghan as a person, l only challenged the process that produced him as a governor then. It was nothing personal and l have tremendous respect for the governor. And when at last, the Appeal Tribunal okayed his victory, l was still satisfied that at least l was heard even, the tribunal upheld his election.

Right to seek justice Given the above circumstance, l don’t think my going to court in 2011 will affect my ambition to become a governor. I was only exercising a right to seek justice as l felt certain things went wrong in that election. However, we have moved on as that phase was

•Okocha gone for the better.

Do you believe the contest should be restricted to aspirants from Delta North?

In all honesty and sincerity, and like I have often said, l am an apostle of good leadership and l believe that what we should often strive at is to get the best for our state.

But if we want equity, fairness, justice, then Delta North has the inalienable right to govern the state given that the two other zones have had their slots. I often feel pained

when some anarchists say that Delta North indigenes should not aspire to be governor because they have Asaba as the State capital. To me, such a stance is like standing logic on its head and it is the height of mischief to say because some people find themselves in a geographical space they never had a choice to be, then they should not ever aspire to govern such a state.

Don’t you think Delta North may lose out in the governorship race given the

deluge of aspirants from the zone ?

I don’t think that Delta North will lose out in the race because there are many aspirants from the zone. It is even an advantage and it goes to show they are many people from the area who are eminently qualified for the job. The large number of aspirants from the Delta North zone shows that we have very competent persons who can pilot the affairs of the state creditably.

What is your reaction to the rumour that a particular aspirant has been endorsed for the job?

Well for me, l don’t dwell on rumours and l am not disturbed by such issues. I only set my eyes and mind on the direction l am. However, anybody has the right to prefer any candidate ,but certainly that is not how elections are won.

Neither Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan or the PDP leadership in the state has said that aspirant A or B has been endorsed. There will be primaries through the collegiate system and that is what l believe in.

30 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

Nigeria no more jaga-jaga — Eedris Abdulkarim

By Adekunle Adekoya, General Editor

I

N October, the Gulf International Technology Exhibition held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, from October 12-16, with Nigeria as the official Country Partner of the event, reputed to be the biggest technology show in the MEASA (Miidle East, Africa and South Asia) region. The National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, actualized Nigeria’s status as official country partner at the event.

One of the highlights of Nigeria’s participation at GITEX was an Investors’Dinner which held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on Sheikh Rashid Road in Dubai.

A top Nigerian crooner, Eedris Abdulkarim, was billed to entertain guests at the gala dinner, but for what he called “technical problems”, he could not. In the interview below, Eedris disclosed why he could not perform, saying, Nigeria “is no more jaga-jaga!”Excerpts:

Nollywood St ar arss shine at ‘When Love Happens’ Premiere C M Y K

Patoranking, Tekno, others storm UNIPORT for Coke Studio concert

Queen Elizabeth II tweets first time

Eedris, what is a musician doing at GITEX 2014?

You know, as a Nigerian and an individual, I like to expand my reach — that is — I like to learn because I believe everybody learns every day. I am here in Dubai to perform during GITEX. NITDA brought me here to perform; it was a beautiful experience, but the performance didn’t take place because of some technical problems and I also used the opportunity to know the age which we are in technology and I must say that technology has gone to digital science and anybody who is not literate with computer is living in the past.

I am here to expand my experience and to learn also to entertain my people.

Continues on page 35

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014—31

Vol. 1 No. 5

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

AREGBESOLA: Controversial yet innovative first term ends

By Dapo Akinrefon

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HE four years first term in Office of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola will end within the next few weeks, precisely on 27th of November, 2014.

Within this period that he administered the state, Mr Aregbesola has no doubt remained the most controversial governor in the country today due to his utterances, policies and programmes of his administration as some of the pragmatic approach he introduced to governance has either earned him accolades or hard knocks.

There are many instances where the opposition in particular described some of the changes he introduced as great setback to the state.

Analysts posit that controversy is his middle name as not many were prepared for what lay before them in the state, when he was sworn in.

Since his taking charge in November 2010, the Aregbesola administration left many wondering what to expect.

Nine months as sole administrator From Osun State to State In his first nine months as governor of the state, of Osun The rechristening of Osun Aregbesola felt it was state to State of Osun further imperative for him to run the state as sole administrator as drew the ire of people statehe refused to constitute a cabi- wide. He renamed Osun State net. The development drew the the ‘State of Osun.’

Schools re-classiire of the opposition fication Peoples Democratic A n o t h e r Party, PDP, who accontroversy that cused the new govtrailed the ernor of attempting A r e g b e s o l a to loot the treasury administration in his of the state. first term was the The call to apfashioning of a new point cabinet memeducational policy bers, to run the afwhich was dubbed fairs of the state, reclassification of fell on deaf ears as schools.

Aregbesola In one fell swoop, r e m a i n e d schools were The climax adamant.

However, nine was the attack merged and bedlam ensued. The state’s months into his decision to restrucfirst term, the Osun on some ing o v e r n o r nocent teach- ture its school system was reached succumbed to after pressure as he sent ers and Pupils shortly Aregbesola took over a list of of Baptist in November 2010 commissioners and convened an and special High School, education summit. advisers to the Ejigbo by The week-long Osun State House of Assembly for some Muslim event attracted various eggheads from approval. youths on the country, What followed Monday, No- across including the Nobel next left many to Laureate, Prof. Wole wonder what was vember 25, Soyinka, who up the sleeves of 2013 chaired the event at Aregbesola.

the Osun State University main campus in Osogbo.

Besides, Aregbesola told the indigenes that the summit was necessary to address the alleged “sorry state of education his administration inherited” from the ousted PDP government.

The government later received the report of the summit and concluded that the Osun school system needed a drastic surgical operation in order to raise standard, revamp decadent infrastructure and change the entire orientation in the management of public schools.

Ultra-modern classrooms To achieve this objective, the government demolished alleged dilapidated school buildings and awarded contracts for the construction of ultra-modern classrooms in some chosen locations, including Osogbo.

The government also provided free meals for pupils in primaries one to four, sew school uniforms and distributed them free to pupils in all public schools.

However, severe criticisms greeted the demolition of the school buildings, particularly from the major opposition PDP

and other stakeholders. The reform policy also witnessed initial resistance by teachers who were allegedly annoyed at the stoppage of extra classes after the official school hours and collection of sundry fees by teachers.

Collection of sundry fees The new system, according to the government, was intended to end the multiplicity and duplicity of schools, which the authorities believe have resulted in decayed infrastructures and dislocated school system.

In his defense, Aregbesola said: “In this kind of scheme, it is not unexpected that there would be apprehension, knowing well that change is the most difficult thing for people to adjust to. Our people eulogise and long for good education standards across the world and would wish it for their children.

“However, the hard reality is that these positive changes must involve some alterations in our current depressing system to bring about the new generation of well-educated, trained citizens that will take our state to higher heights. It is in the light of these that we are resolute in going ahead

with the best policy for the future of our children.”

His defense on his administration’s new but controversial education policy was clear, persuasive and perhaps convincing.

However, the Osun state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in its communiqué signed by Reverend E.O. Ogundiya after its emergency meeting on Thursday, November 26, 2013 averred that: “The continued silence of the Osun State Government on the problems caused by this new education policy is like sitting on a keg of gunpowder.”

The reclassification led to disturbances in Public Missionary Schools in the state, particularly on the use of hijab.

The climax was the attack on some innocent teachers and pupils of Baptist High School, Ejigbo by some Muslim youths on Monday, November 25, 2013.

Aside this, Christians and members of the Baptist denomination did not hide their disdain for the policy.

They expressed to the government in unmistakable terms their unhappiness with Aregbesola’s plan to merge pupils from their schools with

Continues from Page 32

32 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

Oyo 2015: Ibadan vs Ogbomoso, who wins the race?

By OLA AJAYI

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UT of the five zones comprising Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomoso, Oke Ogun and Ibarapa that make up Oyo State, the governorship race seems to be between Ogbomoso and Ibadan. In the political history of the state, Ibadan has so far monopolized the Agodi Government House due to its numerical superiority.

Ogbomoso only governed the state twice through its two illustrious sons, late Samuel Akintola and Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala.

Just as it happened in previous years, the two prominent zones are already struggling for the exalted office.

But, in 2015, the entry of both Akala and Senator Ayoade Adeseun from the same zone, Ogbomoso seems to have changed the political history of the state. What are the chances of these two prominent politicians from the zone where about 15 governorship aspirants of Ibadan extraction are contesting the race. 12 of them are vying for the position on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Already, the battle line is drawn between Ibadan and Ogbomoso for the plum job.

Some Ibadan indigenes have come together to say the PDP should not make the mistake of fielding a candidate from any zone other than Ibadan while the likes of Alao-Akala are crying foul arguing that membership of the PDP includes indigenes from other zones and that it would be unfair to relegate other zones.

As the battle rages, the die is cast between Akala and Senator Adeseun who are from Ogbomoso.

Looking at the political credentials of both aspirants, there is no doubt that they are qualified.

Adebayo AlaoAkala Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, a former governor of the state has endeared himself to the people of the state during his tenure between 2007 and 2011 when people believed that economic life of the state boomed.

To prove that he is still a force to reckon with in the current political equation, he recently held a rally in Ibadan where thousands of his

Institutions and later Chairman, Senate Committee on Capital Market.

To further emphasize his commitment to his people, Senator Adeseun has distinguished himself as a Legislator who has facilitated several infrastructural developmental projects in his constituency. Similarly, he has helped facilitated the employment of hundreds of residents and overseeing improved quality of lives and general social economic well being of his people.

•Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala

supporters called for his return to the Government House.

He and his followers are still very optimistic that if the national secretariat of the party should be faithful to its earlier promise of strict adherence to internal democracy, there is nothing to fear.

The struggle for recognition and blessings of the leaders of the party informed the rally where Akala sent a warning signal to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, that it would be digging its grave if it thinks the 2015 election will be won on a platter of gold.

Some of the chieftains of the party who attended the rally were drawn from the five geo-political zones that make up the state. The zones are Oke Ogun, Ibadan, Ibarapa, Ogbomoso, Oyo and other parts of the state.

It was evident that the maverick politician still has almost all his former aides close to his heart. Some of them who identified with him at the rally included Mogaji Nureni Akanbi, Chief Jacob Adetoro, Chief Adebisi Olopoeniyan, Dr. Saka Balogun, his wife, Mrs. Kemi Akala and some members of the zonal executive of the party.

Healing promises Pointing that if elected, he is going to turn-around the Already, economic situation of the battle the state into boom, Akala said: “When we line is get to government, money will flow in the drawn state, we won’t between demolish your structures. We won’t Ibadan ignore you when you and complain. I have Ogbomoso heard the cries of market women whose for the shops were destroyed plum job and means of livelihood taken away.

•Senator Ayoade Adeseun I have listened to the agonies of landlords whose houses were destroyed without compensation. I have seen many civil servants and top ranking officers of government sacked ignominiously, but today I come to you with a message of hope and assurance of a better tomorrow. You shall be duly compensated and those unjustly sacked shall be reinstated.”

Senator Ayoade Adeseun Born on January 1, 1953, Adeseun is presently the Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District in the Senate where he serves as Chairman, Senate Committee on capital Market. He is well educated. After his secondary education, he obtained a Diploma in Town Planning from The Polytechnic, Ibadan. He then became an Assistant Town Planning Officer with Urban Development Consultants in Ibadan from 1976 to 1977.

He later moved to United

Economic wellbeing

States and in 1986, he had a B.A in Political Science/Public Administration from California State University and thereafter held series of administrative positions between 1987 and 1989. When he returned to Nigeria in 1994, he became a Principal Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Facilities and Environmental Management Associates, in Ibadan from 1994 to 1996 and joined active politics in the same year when he served twice as the elected Executive Chairman of Surulere Local Government Area of the state.

Senator Adeseun served as a pioneer Chairman of the All Peoples Party(APP) and won election into the House of Representatives in 2003 and was again re-elected for another term in 2007.

At the Senate, he was first appointed Chairman, Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial

He recently defected to the PDP and joined the governorship race. He recently described himself as an aspirant who does not have blemished political records unlike some of the contestants in the PDP. He claims to possess the magic wand to govern the state.

His popularity in Oyo, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun, Ibadan and Ibarapa zones is growing on daily basis. his loyalists are expecting him to organize a rally where he will make public his intention to govern the state.

Like other contestants, he has collected his expression of interest form.

What may constitute hindrance on his way is the lack of understanding between him and his kinsman, Akala. Many people believe that the duo should discuss and one of them should jettison his ambition to brighten the chances of the zone in the gubernatorial race.

AREGBESOLA: Controversial yet innovative first term ends Continues from Page 31 those in other public schools.

Another controversy recorded by the Aregbesola administration was the proposal to build an interdenominational Christian worship centre in Osun State.

Sensing the urgent need to pick holes in the project, the Osun PDP slammed the state government.

A former Deputy Governor of the state, Senator Iyiola Omisore described the proposed building of an Interdenominational Worship centre worth several billions of Naira by the state government as misplaced priority and sheer hypocrisy Omisore, who contested against the incumbent governor in the August 9, 2014 governorship election said, “It would have been more honourable for the government to admit mistakes and reverse the new education policy which is causing confusion in the state than erecting an interdenominational centre to hoodwink the Christian community who are opposed to his disposition towards them.”

He continued “As a governor that claims to believe in equality among all religions, my

concern is about how much the government will have to spend to erect mosques and shrines for our Muslim brothers and “Isese” people when the people of the state are wallowing in abject poverty” “The so-called Open Heaven Worship Centre that has already gulped N51 million as compensation to farmers is an attempt to mop up fund for the 2014 campaign which APC and Ogbeni Aregbesola has commenced a year ago with the siege in the state with bill boards and posters everywhere.

“What is the correlation between good governance and worship centre If Aregbesola is a serious governor. I don’t think that is what should be his priority when people are suffering from his bad policies including delays in the payment of workers salaries.”

However, all these did not deter Aregbesola as he was able to weather the storm in the first four years of his tenure.

Having been declared winner of the August 9 governorship elections, the people of Osun State are waiting and eagerly await what their governor has up his sleeves for them in the next four years in office.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014 — 33

FAYOSE VS. FAYEMI LATEST: Fayemi commissioned uncompleted hospital —FAYOSE •Fayose is a rabble rouser — APC

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By Ikenna Asomba

T is not yet quiet in Ekiti State, as the incumbent Governor Ayodele Fayose, has continued to throw scathing missiles at the immediatepast Governor, Kayode Fayemi, by releasing more pictures revealing more flaws of the Fayemi’s administration.

Barely six days, after releasing pictures of the new government house built by the Fayemi’s administration at a cost of N3.3 billion, an exorbitant cost which the exgovernor ’s party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, has debunked, the Special Assistant to Fayose on Public Communications and New Media, Mr. Lere Olayinka, released fresh pictures revealing that Fayemi invited former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar to commission the 300-bed ultramodern Oba Adejugbe Hospital Complex in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, a few days before leaving office, when the complex was far from completion.

Reacting on Wednesday, Chairman of the APC in the state, Jide Awe, berated Fayose and his aides, describing them as rabble rousers who would not mind the sole business of bringing good governance to the people of Ekiti state, but are bent on disparaging the integrity of the administration of his predecessor.

the entire premises of the hospital has been taken over by weeds.

“There is no single medical equipment in the hospital, which was commissioned with fanfare by Fayemi.

Rabble rouser Awe however affirmed that the Oba Adejugbe Hospital Complex was completed before the commissioning by the former Vice President.

The Ekiti State APC Chairman, who called for an on-the-spot assessment of the ‘legacy’ projects by Vanguard, said; “As far as we are concerned, the projects were com-

pleted and commissioned.

“Therefore, whoever is in the saddle now should go about to continue from where Dr. Fayemi stopped. Afterall, the handover note is there for him (Fayose) to go through. Instead of the recent rabble-rousing by Fayose and his aides, the good people of Ekiti expect him to concentrate on the responsibilities of the office he occupies.

“Despite all these rabblerousing by Fayose and his aides, the fact still remains that Ekiti state will outlive all of us,” Awe said.

Uncompleted hospital The Special Assistant to Fayose on Public Communications and New Media, Monday, had in a statement showing photographs of the hospital said: “The Oba Adejuyigbe General Hospital in Agric Olope Area of Ado-Ekiti that was commissioned on October 6, 2014 is yet to be completed as at today.

“All Progressives Congress presidential aspirant and former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar was brought to AdoEkiti by former Governor Kayode Fayemi to commission the uncompleted project.

“The project was handled by a company owned by the Chairman of E-11, Mr Femi Ajiniran. As at today, the building is still being painted while other structural works are still going on there. Only the outside was painted before it was commissioned. Building materials are still being brought to the site by contractors, while

Dear Readers From next edition, The South West Forum will become South West Voice in line with other regional pull-outs from our stable.

Keep a date with us next Friday for our next edition, an inside out account of South-West issues.

Thank you for your patronage – Editor

The Team Editor: Correspondents: Ola Ajayi Gbenga Olarinoye Dayo Johnson Gbenga Ariyibi Dapo Akinrefon Daud Olatunji Ikenna Asomba

Adeleke Adeseri Ibadan Osogbo Akure Ado Ekiti Abeokuta

34 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

SOUTH WEST BRIEFS With Ikenna Asomba

Amosun laments low federal allocations to states since 2011

T

he Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has accused the Federal Government of denying states of the federation their allocations, making it difficult for payment of salaries conveniently.

Amosun made the allegation on Tuesday at a town hall meeting on the 2015 budget held at the June 12 Cultural Center Kuto, Abeokuta.

He revealed that funds from the federal account had been dwindling since 2011, adding that the situation had worsened to the extent that many states found it difficult to pay workers’ salary.

Amosun who stated that only Ogun and Lagos states generate revenue exceeding the allocation from the federation account said: “The Finance Minister has confirmed that there are challenges in revenue accrued from oil revenue due to oil theft and as we are speaking, they are yet to pay us, the only way we can be able to pay salaries is to think outside the box and see how we can improve our IGR.”

•Premier Hotel Ibadan

•Liberty Stadium

Relics of South West legacies W

•Cocoa House

Lagos orders council chairmen, councillors to quit as tenure expires

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•Obafemi Awolowo University

an efficient Western Nigeria Development Corporation, henever the evolving development of the the ancestor of the present-day O’dua Investment South-West region of Nigeria is brought to the Company; took successful bold steps to revolutionise front burner of discussion, one name keeps coming the production and marketing of cocoa by farmers in up. And that is Chief Jeremiah Oyeniyi Obafemi Western Nigeria; and created the infrastructure for rural Awolowo. development by promoting 900 cooperative societies in Born on March 6, 1909, to Chief David Sopolu about 3 years and by providing within fives years almost Awolowo and his wife Mary Efunyela Awolowo in 10 times as many miles of road as he inherited from the Ikenne, Remo, in what is now Ogun State of Nigeria, British administration.

Pa Awolowo had his primary school education at St. OAU Saviour’s School, Ikenne, and at Imo Wesleyan School, In 1961, the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo Abeokuta.

University) was established by the Government of then Following Constitutional changes in 1954, Awolowo Western Region of Nigeria. This was though preceded became the first Premier of the Western region. In 1959, by a commission set up by the Federal Government on the eve of independence, he resigned from the under the Chairmanship of Sir Eric Ashby to survey Premiership so that he could run for the federal the needs of post-secondary and higher education in assembly. Chief Samuel Akintola succeeded him to Nigeria for the next twenty years. the Premiership.

Premier Hotel Among the legacy projects facilitated by Pa Awolowo Premier Hotel also facilitated by Pa Awolowo is a in the South West are the building of the first stadium subsidiary of the Odu’a Group incorporated in 1966 as in West Africa, the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan (now a resort, amusement, pleasure and Obafemi Awolowo Stadium); the first relaxation centre. The Mokola Hill site television station in Africa, Western gives it a unique feature of a “night Nigeria TV, WNTV, (now Nigerian watch lantern” welcoming you into a Television Authority); the Obafemi haven built on the “roof” of the ancient Awolowo University; running the best city of Ibadan civil service in Africa at the time (in Liberty Stadium the Western Region); introducing free The Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in health care till the age of 18 in the Ibadan, named the Liberty Stadium until Western Region; introduction of free Among the 2010, is a historic 35,000 seat football and mandatory primary education in legacy stadium. The stadium was opened in Western Nigeria, and coining the 1960 during the tenure of Chief Obafemi name Naira for Nigeria’s currency projects Awolowo as the Premier of the Western (formerly known as the Nigerian facilitated by Region. In 1980, the stadium hosted Pound) as the Federal Commissioner several matches during the African Cup of Finance under the Military Pa Awolowo of Nations, including a semi-final Government of General Yakubu in the South between Algeria and Egypt.

Gowon.

On November 12, 2010, the stadium Awolowo set up Nigeria’s first West is the was renamed as the Obafemi Awolowo industrial complex at Ikeja and building of Stadium. The renaming of the stadium Nigeria’s first commercial Housing was announced by the Nigerian Estates at Ikeja and Bodija, Ibadan. the first president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, when Cocoa House stadium in he visited Chief Obafemi Awolwo’s Moreso, he facilitated and laid the West Africa widow, Chief (Mrs.) Hannah Awolowo. foundation for development in commerce and industry by creating

S the three-year statutory tenure of political office holders in Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State expired Tuesday, the state government has ordered the chairmen and councilors to immediately vacate their offices.

Also ordered to quit are council supervisors, secretaries and other political appointees, while council managers are to take charge pending the conduct of fresh elections in all the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAS in the state.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lateef Ibirogba, the government said that “the tenure of all local council political office holders in Lagos State expired on Tuesday, October 28, 2014. Consequently, all affected officials, including supervisors, council secretaries and other political appointees are legally required to vacate their offices by the close of business on the same day.

Oyo confirms outbreak of Lassa fever

T

he Oyo State government has confirmed the outbreak of Lassa fever in the state, assuring that the government is on top of the situation as well as curtailing it.

Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Oyo State Commissioner for Health, who made this confirmation to journalists in Ibadan, said that the government is aware of 10 cases of Lassa fever, adding that out of the 10 cases, three were brought into the state from another state.

“We are already working to bring it under control.

We are doing the best to curtail it. We have what it takes to manage it very well. I only want to appeal to our people to be very hygienic and when they feel that something is wrong with our system, we should go to the hospital for proper diagnosis of their sickness and treatment,” he said.

Group asks code of conduct bureau to arrest Ekiti speaker

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group, Coalition of Democracy Vanguard, CDV, has petitioned the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB to investigate the pronouncement of the Speaker of the Ekiti House of Assembly, Adewale Omirin’s claims to the ownership of a petrol station.

The group, on Tuesday, filed a petition addressed to the CCB’s office in Ado Ekiti. They alleged that the Speaker had breached the oath of office and needed to be arrested and prosecuted.

The petition was entitled: “Petition Against Rt. Hon Adewale Omirin, The Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly,” and co-signed by the group’s President, Mr. Femi Omoyajowo and Secretary, Bolu Alabi.

The group alleged that for Omirin to have admitted the ownership of the T.FIVE Integrated Petrol Station in Ado Ekiti, he had contravened the oath he took on August 6, 2011, when he was elected the speaker.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014 — 35

Nollywood Stars shine at ‘When Love Happens’ Premiere

BY JULIET EBIRIM

T

Nigeria no more jaga-jaga Continues from page 30 What hitches prevented you from holding the show?

I came in with a tourist’s visa, and it was after this we then understood that I needed a work visa to perform. The work visa took two weeks to get, so I couldn’t perform, as the event had held. But definitely I would be performing in Nigeria on November 19th at the next NITDA event, which is the e-Nigeria event in Abuja.

Since your last album it seems you haven’t been active. What’s with you?

Basically because my kind of music talks about ills in the society, and it needs research which takes time, to know what is going on, evaluate the present government, then compare and contrast with the past governments. I must tell you that for the first time I’m very positive about this government. In three years, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has been able to show Nigerians that there actually could be development.

Refurbishing of airports Our airports are being refurbished.

See our road from Lagos to Ore which has been there for fifteen years — he has done it. Now it’s three hours from Lagos to Benin. Also the Lagos-Ibadan road has also been there for years and Dr Jonathan is doing it.

I am positive about this government and it is my responsibility to use music as a platform to promote what he has done. NITDA is implementing the Transformation Agenda by adding values to the lives of our children, making sure there are a resource centres everywhere in the community and it is a beautiful thing. I’m really happy with the experience.

So, Nigeria is no more “jaga-jaga?”

No, no no! Twelve years ago Nigeria was jaga-jaga, but now Nigeria is no more jaga jaga, even though we know that the insecurity happening in Nigeria is propaganda against government, but Dr. Jonathan is doing his best and is trying.

he movie, ‘When Love Happens’ premiered amidst much fanfare in Lagos recently at Genesis Deluxe Cinemas, Lekki.

Movie industry lovers came out to support the movie which was directed by Seyi Babatope. Stars who graced the premiere include OC Ukeje, Beverly Naya, Ruth Kadiri, Enyinna Nwigwe, Mary Lazarus, Sylvia Oluchi, Gideon Okeke, Jennifer Eliogu, Wale Ojo, Ruth Benemesia Opia and many others.

The movie which is a romantic comedy about the lives of three twenty-something professionals in a modern technology driven Lagos and the hilarious and often bizarre adventures in finding romance featured actors like OC Ukeje, Beverly Naya, Desmond Elliot, Gideon Okeke, Oreka Godis, Wale Ojo,Weruche Opia, Oreka Godis and Keppy Ekpeyong, Bukky Wright, Blossom Chukwujekwu amongst others.

Speaking about the movie, OC Ukeje who played the character of

Dare, a spoilt rich kid who is used to having his way but messes up an opportunity said, “It was nice getting to work with certain people for the first time in my career. Love is a universal language and everyone is searching for one form of love or the other. The movie aims at making people aware that it is actually possible to find love if you really want it”.

The producer of the movie, Moses Babatope said “It was challenging, exciting and fascinating putting this movie together. It was also fun and eyeopening. We hope that our audience are entertained and also hope to recoup the investment we’ve made. We were deliberate in choosing our cast, after going through their box office records and their acting talents”.

The movie is already in Nigerian cinemas since Friday, October 24, 2014 and has Kene Okwuosa and Kene Mkparu as Executive producers.

This GITEX show is about technology.

How do you think technology can improve your calling as an artiste?

Most of our recordings are now digital, no more analog, and you can see digital has gone into science.

Everyone is improving every day, new softwares are coming up everyday, unlike when I produced my first album.

Digital science has gone so deep that if we apply it, our music will go to the next level.

What’s your take on the kind of music making waves now?

For me, music is a call from God; He asked me to speak to the people, I speak for the voiceless. I don’t know about the other guys, but for me the music they play today is always talking about boobs, booty and all that. For me I think music should be educative, it should be a platform where you can educate people.

Some wouldn’t know what education is all about but when they listen to music they learn. If you listen to my music 12years ago, I talked about the ills in the society. I also remembered then when I came back from Egypt when I represented Nigeria at the Olympic Torch with Prof Pat Utomi, late Dora Akunyili, Chief Olusegun Odegbami and others, I came back and sang about the ills in the society. “Mr Lecturer” was one of them, Jaga-jaga was another.

Those are the kinds of songs that I do and for me I think that is the best way to educate the people. There are lots of things to talk about; there is rape, there is insecurity and lot of more things to talk about. So why would you waste time singing about boobs and booty? It’s crazy.

Some of the stars that featured in the movie

Patoranking, Tekno, others storm UNIPORT for Coke Studio concert

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xcitement reached a crescendo at UNIPORT on Friday, October 24, 2014 as the long awaited Coke Studio season two campus concerts swept into the campus with A-list Nigerian artistes.

Thousands of students thronged the Abuja car park at UNIPORT despite the scorching sun, to witness thrilling live performances by dancehall virtuoso Patoranking; MMMG crew members, Tekno and Selebobo and local favorite Jumabee.

Brand Manager, Colas, CocaCola Nigeria Limited, Olufemi Ashipa, who also doubles as the Project Manager, Coke Studio Concerts shared the excitement and passion of the campus

community, noting that the Coke Studio Concert was created to bring about a fusion of different music genres and styles, while giving aspiring musicians the chance of a lifetime to perform alongside established stars.

“We are aware that Port Harcourt has a lot of amazing musical talents, so we decided to route our musical concert platform here to bring established and upcoming artistes together on stage to create amazing music,” Ashipa commented.

“The Coke Studio bus, which is fitted with top-notch recording equipment will also prepare the aspiring artistes for the demands of the continually evolving music industry,” he added.

36 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014 — 37 With PRINCE OSUAGWU princeosuagwu@gmail.com 08050498513

Twitter welcomes The Queen

Queen Elizabeth II tweets first time

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London exhibition celebrating the history of communications technology; “Information Age: Six Networks that changed our world” got a very modern royal seal of approval from Queen Elizabeth II, who opened the gallery recently by sending her very first Tweet.

It was perhaps fitting that she chose to launch the gallery on Twitter - "It is a pleasure to open the Information Age exhibition today at the @sciencemuseum and I hope people will enjoy visiting. Elizabeth R," The R reportedly stands for "Regina," which is the Latin word for queen.The post was immediately followed by another message, which said, "The last tweet was sent personally by The Queen from her official Twitter account @BritishMonarchy #TheQueenTweets." This was followed by another post which showed a photo of the Queen, dressed in a blue coat and hat and standing behind a podium while she tapped on the screen of an iPad. The project is a museum gallery dedicated to the history of information and communication technologies.

From the first transatlantic telegraph cable that connected Europe and North America in minutes rather than weeks, to the advanced computing power of the modern smartphone, the gallery looks at how the modern connected world was created through six communication networks: the telegraph; the telephone, radio and television broadcasting; satellite communications; computer networks; and mobile communications.

Royal Tweets Whilst it was the first time the Queen has sent a Tweet, Royalty and leaders around the world are no strangers to the platform.

Queen Rania of Jordan (@QueenRania) was the first serving Monarch to have her own Twitter account. Her bio reads “A mum and a wife with a really cool day job…” and she Tweets a combination of Arabic and English messages about her life and work.

In England, Prince Andrew the Duke of York (@TheDukeOfYork) became the first member of the immediate Royal Family to join the platform in a personal capacity when he signed up in 2013. He signs his personal Tweets with his initials AY, such as the shot of his office supporting the GB curling team at #Sochi2014.

He was joined on the platform this year by his daughter Princess Beatrice (@YorkieBea) who Tweets about her charity work, as well as

occasional pictures of her pet dog which recently gave birth to puppies.

And the Queen made a surprise appearance in a picture on Twitter this summer, appearing in the background of Commonwealth Games athlete Jade Taylor’s Tweet, making that Tweet the most Retweeted of the entire Games.

In fact, Royal photobombing became something of a craze as the Duke and the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry got involved in the fun too.

Prince Harry sent his first ever Tweet earlier this year as he launched the @InvictusGames, followed soon after by his first ever Twitter selfie with the Duke of Cambridge at the launch of the Queens Young Leaders (@QueensLeaders) initiative.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge use the Clarence House account (@ClarenceHouse) to keep followers updated on news of their expanding family, including announcing the news of Prince George’s arrival in 2013, and the impending arrival of a new #RoyalBaby in 2014.

And when the King of Spain abdicated, he chose Twitter to share the moment instantly with the Spanish people.

Closer home, President Jonathan Goodluck is very active on social media and he regularly tweets on relevant developments in Nigeria h t t p s : / / m o b i l e . t w i t t e r. c o m / JGoodlucktweets. One of his latest Tweets was applauding Nigeria's victory over Ebola. He has also sent

•The Queen tweets several tweets on the Chibok girls.

US President Obama is probably the most socially media conscious leader in

the world. He has almost 50 million followers on Twitter and has so far sent out over 12,000 Tweets.

Palmchat instant messenger engages Nigerian youths

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ITH instant messaging being the new trend in the social media space, Nigerian youths seem to be having fun with a new platform Palmchat instant mobile messaging app.

Palmchat is an instant messenger which is targeted at the youths, with its unique interface, trendy and hilarious smileys and emoticons, engaging chatrooms, Palmchat offers new innovation that foster lasting chatting experience.

Explaining the impact of the new app further, Mounir Boukali, Head of Public Relations, Transsion Holdings, said, “users’ experience holds a very

high point in whatever the brand offers, and such a good experience brings great testimonies that can translate to endorsements that will encourage new users to sign up with the platform. We have over time studied the trend and understand what appeal to the growing population of users”.

Boukali, highlighting the features of the app said, “one of the most exciting things about Palmchat is the “shake shake” feature which enables you to find new friends around with just shaking your phone and select the new friend”.

Samsung expands Galaxy series with Note 4

BY PRINCE OSUAGWU, EMEKA AGINAM & ANULI EDOM

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s the battle for market share in the smart phone ecosystem heightens, Samsung electronics last week heightened competition in the Nigerian smart phone market with the release of its new Galaxy offering, the Note 4.

The smart phone boasts of advanced S Pen and superior viewing experience.

Speaking during the launch, Managing Director of Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Brovo Kim, said that Galaxy Note 4 has introduced the most refined Note experience to-

date by combining the latest technology that users expect from Samsung’s Galaxy series.

“In 2011, we introduced the original Galaxy Note and launched a whole new smart device category. Its larger screen size and iconic S Pen technology initiated a new standard in smartphone culture.

“The undeniable success of the category strengthened our conviction that consumers want higher quality features on their devices and they want those new features to positively impact their quality of life” he said.

Also speaking, the Director of Information Technology & Mobile for Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Emmanouil Revmatas said that “a major complaint by users of smart mobile devices is that their device’s battery doesn’t charge fast enough, even after extended charging periods.

“With the Samsung Galaxy Note 4’s Adaptive Fast Charging technology, users can get their battery charge up from zero to 50% capacity in just 30 minutes. Its ultra power saving mode also lets users make the most of their battery power, helping them stay connected for longer periods,” he explained.

Features The device boasts a 5.7-inch QUAD High Definition (QHD) resolution display that reproduces clearer and more vivid images with better viewing angles, to deliver the ultimate viewing experience to users.

Its large screen and refined multiwindow feature optimize users’ experience by making multi-tasking easier; users can choose how they access their applications using the device’s full, split or pop-up screen options. They can also easily change the size and positioning of on-screen applications with just one swipe.

38 — Vanguard, FRIDAY,OCTOBER 31, 2014

VSO, WARDC mobilise youths for good governance in Ikorodu ...send UK youths to community

BY JOSEPHINE AGBONKHESE

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s a way of promoting youth participation in governance, an international organisation, Volunteer Service Overseas, VSO, is partnering the Women Advocates Documentation Research and Documentation Centre, WARDC, on a three-month International Citizens Service (ICS) programme in Ikorodu, Lagos.

The exchange programme which is being implemented by 22 young VSO volunteers made up of UK and Nigerian citizenry, seeks to equip youths in selected host communities to deliver direct development and support the eradication of poverty.

Hence, like every ICS threemonth cycle which tackles issues ranging from agriculture to good governance and education in a selected country and host community, this quarter’s ICS which lasts from October to December 2014, according to Miss Uzoamaka Nwachukwu, Team Leader of ongoing cycle, focuses radically on making good governance a reality in Ikorodu by ensuring substantive youths’ participation.

“Poor youth participation in governance has become a national phenomenon because youths tend to believe governance is the exclusive preserve of older adults who occupy key positions. This, we have conspicuously observed in Ikorodu also. We are here to teach youths that governance is not all about being elected into positions. It includes being able to identify issues, know the right channels through which to tackle those issues, know the level of government to hold responsible and many more.

We blame the Federal Government for everything without thinking of our ward councilors, local government chairmen and state governments. We blame them even for our dirty environments. That is why, in the course of this cycle, our volunteers will also be engaging in series of community clean-up exercise”, Uzoamaka explained at a welcome

Some VSO volunteers in a brainstorming session in Ikorodu, Lagos

VSO volunteers cleaning up their host community in Ikorodu ceremony put together in honour of the daring volunteers in Ikorodu.

Extolling the vitues of the UK and Nigerian volunteers who left their comfort zones to reside in Ikorodu, associate and brainstorm for three months with 20 youth parliamentarians from five zones in the community- Aga, Igbo Olowu, Ebute, Jumo Fark and Lowa, Dr(Mrs)Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Executive Director, WARDC, noted that ICS is a one year initiative of the VSO which will last till August 2015.

“The first cycle came into Nigeria in June and left in August. This is the second and the volunteers will be in Nigeria till December. This present ICS cycle is going to draw a charter of demand, based on their findings, which will be used to engage the parliament in the future.

“WARDC’s collaboration with VSO started in 2013 and has led to some positive impacts in Ikorodu. Youths have been engaging constructively through a shadow parliament which we facilitated in the earlier mentioned five zones through the help of the first ICS cycle which came earlier to Ikorodu, to ensure that the communities respond to issues of poverty and think positively of the youths.

“More importantly, this time around, through this partnership, WARDC seeks to prepare the youths for the

Poor youth participation in governance has become a national phenomenon because youths tend to believe governance is the e x c l u s i v e preserve of older adults who occupy key positions

2015 general elections.

The parliament will be able to come up with questions for those vying for political seats so that they can put them on their toes by the time they get into office. What is important in this project is not the UK and Nigerian volunteers coming and leaving Ikorodu but rather the parliament here which remains constant and influential”.

Also speaking at the welcome ceremony, Chairman, Igbo Olowu Estate, which is the zone accommodating the volunteers for the cycle, Alhaji Kola Oyekanmi, urged participating youths from Ikorodu to shun informal socialization throughout the duration of the 3-month programme and pursue knowledge on good governance which will yield long-term, lasting results. He also affirmed the possible positive impacts of the project in the community.

One of the UK volunteers, Miss Bethany Gorman, who spoke with Lipstick, clarified that the UK volunteers were not in Nigeria to tell Nigerian youths what to do since they cannot claim to have all the answers.

Bethany went on: “It is about supporting and bringing new ideas to birth.

So far, the Nigerians on the programme seem educated and knowledgeable. The only difference I have noticed is the issue of unemployment; I notice none of the Nigerian volunteers has ever had a job before and it is shocking because these youths are educated, passionate and caring. They know what they want but are financially handicapped. I will advice the Nigerian government to begin to realise that its greatest resource is not oil or whatever but its young people”.

14th Miss Niger Delta Pageant begin

By PRISCA SAM-DURU

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ll is now set for the 14th edition of the Miss Niger Delta Beauty Pageant show titled, “One Voice for Peace, Empowerment and Transformation”, expected to take place in Bayelsa State in December amid pomp and fanfare.

Winner of the show will go home with a cash prize, a brand new car and an all expense trip to Dubai. She will be saddled with the responsibilities of building bridges of peace not only in the Niger Delta region but through synergy with queens from other regions to promote peace, love and socio cultural integration.

The first runner-up will go home with a cash prize and a trip to Dubai. The second runner-up will go home with a cash prize and an all-expense-paid-trip to Tinapa, Cross Rivers State. Other winners will go home with consolation prizes.

Chief Executive Officer of Miss Niger Delta Beauty Pageant International

Organization, Prince Sodin said: “ Miss Niger Delta cultural pageant show started in 1999 and it has produced 13 winners namely: Miss Niger Delta Ambassador for Peace and Development, Miss Niger Delta, Face of Beauty, Pride of Niger Delta, Symbol of Talent, Miss Niger Delta in Diaspora and Miss Niger Delta Model for Change and they have used their positions to touch the lives of people positively in the Niger Delta region. “ The event is not all about crowning beauty queens but designed to promote socio-cultural integration, tourism, human capital development and advocacy projects. The show has carried various campaigns to promote early education for children, with protection of the right of the girl-child right, campaign against indecent dressing and prostitution, HIV/ AIDS/ Sickle cell, breast cancer, environmental protection, examination malpractice, cultism and other social vices. The campaign for reorientation of values among Niger Delta youths, eradication of violence and cultism among others. The Miss Niger

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014 —

39

FG Launches National Policy on Ageing

BY FUNMI OLASUPO

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buja – In effort to provide a sustainable national framework for the care of older persons in the country, federal government has announced that it will soon launch a National Policy on Ageing in the country.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina announced this on Tuesday at the opening of a 2-Day National Summit on Ageing and Older Persons, organized by her ministry in collaboration with Dave Omokaro Foundation and other stakeholders, to mark this year ’s International Day of Older Persons in Abuja.

She said, her ministry will commence updating the National Policy on Ageing and that of Social Welfare to provide a suitable national framework for care of older persons in Nigeria The Minister noted that health and income security is the greatest challenges government faced with ageing population.

According to her, “Their sacrifice, wisdom and experiences have remained and continue to be the pillars of support and stability in our nation. They should enjoy a life of rest, comfort, security and active participation in the economic, cultural and political life of their

communities.

H a j i a Maina stated further: “We value greatly our senior citizens as v e r y important stakeholders in national development.

Consequently my ministry w i l l commence updating the National Policy on Ageing and that of Social Welfare to provide a suitable national framework for care of older persons in Nigeria.”

Represented by the Pe r m a n e n t Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Habiba Lawal, the

ns December Delta show has brought dignity and respect for the pageant industry because it promotes the rich cultural heritage and dignity of womanhood hence contestants do not wear bikini or/ and indecent attires or exposures during the show.”

In the same vein, Sodin, expressed his satisfaction with the policies and achievements of the tourism industry and development in Bayelsa state and the Governor Dickson’s administration.

He commended the Director General of Tourism in Bayelsa State, Mrs. Ebizi Ndiomu Brown, for the work that she has being doing in the promotion of tourism in the state and believes that with the peaceful disposition of the indigenes of Bayelsa State, the contestants and guests at the forthcoming event will experience the true tradition of hospitality of Bayelsa State and by extension the Niger Delta region.

It is expected to attract creme-de-lacreme in the society, stakeholders in the beauty pageant and entertainment industry in Nigeria, Africa, those in the Diaspora, Britain, America, Europe.

They should have access to adequate food, water, shelter, clothing and healthcare and have the chance to work or have access to other income generating opportunities

Miss HARRIET EDDIE, winner of 2014 edition of Miss Niger Delta Beauty Pageant show

Minister maintained that income security and health care are frequently mentioned by older persons as

their most urgent concerns and these issues are also major challenges government is facing regarding the ageing population.

She stressed the need to integrate older persons into the mainstream of the Nigerian society and allow them to participate actively in the formulation and implementation of policies that affect their well-being, adding that the elderly should benefit from family and community care and protection in accordance with each society ’s system of cultural values.

She noted; “They should have access to adequate food, water, shelter, clothing and healthcare and have the chance to work or have access to other income generating opportunities. They should be able to live in environments that are safe and adequate to personal preferences.”

She said her ministry has embarked on programs to improve the welfare of senior citizens, such skills

acquisition and income support for older persons, community-based care programs through material assistance to Old People’s homes, and the yearly observance of the United Nations International Day of Older Persons, among others.

Earlier, the International Co-ordinator of Graceful Ageing Fellowship, Senator Eze Ajoku called for more recognition and support for the Elderly, s a y i n g a Ministry for the aged should be created just as we have a Ministry for the Youth.

Senator Ajoku called for a national program on ageing that will ensure they have adequate care like the provision of free medical care as obtainable in other countries. He also called for the establishment of Day Care Centres for the elderly to help them from being abandoned by their family members.

Also speaking, the Representative of the World Health Organization, WHO, in Nigeria, Dr Rui Vaz, emphasized the need to tap into the wealth of experiences of our Senior Citizens as this “could lead to important solutions for sustainable development challenges.”

He said: “This is particularly true in indigenous communities like ours where older persons could offer invaluable insights for solving some of the most pressing sustainable development issues.”

40— VANGUARD,

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

N the name of Allah, we praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (s.a.w) is His Messenger and the seal of all His Messengers.

Happy new hijrah to all brothers and sisters. It is seven days into the new Hijri calendar. It’s another new leaf in the lives of Muslims, another period of reckoning in the history of the religion and another chapter on how we want to propagate and spread the message.

Though, it is only a means of counting which identifies only with Islam in its uniqueness, but we must also know that Islam is far more beyound celebrating a date.

Islam predates the era of Prophet Isa or Musa just like the counting of the Hijri year predates the time Prophet Muhammad lived. It is unique in the sense that unlike the Gregorian calendar, also known as the Western calendar, or Christian calendar which was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII, after whom the calendar was named, the Islamic Calendar is not named after any being or prophet, rather, it marks the begining of the establishment of the message of God and the purpose to which every being was created. The migration of the Prophet and the attendant possibilities were made to happen

by Allah and if He had not wanted it happen, nothing could have made it possible.

Again, the Christian calendar came into place by a decree signed on 24 February 1582. It is named for Pope Gregory XIII, who introduced it earlier in the same year. The eventual evolution of Hijri, however was part of the arrangement of Allah in perfecting the religion of Islam even after the life of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w).

For those who believe in the

Ne w Hijri: Islam is far be e New beyyond a dat date devine mathematical pattern expressed in the Glorious Quran, it is clear and explicit that Allah had arranged every thing even before Khalifah Umar bin Khattab (r.a) decreed the counting of Hijrah.

Much as we believe that Allah sometimes uses literary and mathematical styles to prove the

We can move away from politics of division and ethnocentrism to harmony and unity. We can depart from the path of hellfire to salvation, we can now migrate to the right path

authenticity of His words, a careful look at the Quran will reveal that Allah had planned the dates, months and year well before man was made to contrive them. Try checkouttheword“month”(shahr) in the Quran, it occurs 12 times; check out the word “days” (ayyam/ yaomayn), it occurs 30 times, and the word “day” (yawm) occurs 365 times.

In 1959, Abdurrazzaq Nawfal, an Egyptian scholar, noticed some mathematical relations between the frequency of certain words.

While writing his book “Al-Islamu Deenun wa Dunya” (Islam: Religion and World), he noticed that the frequency of the word “Dunya” (World) have exactly the same frequency as the word “Akhirah” (hereafter), 115 times each, in the Quran.

Literary symmetry In 1968, while writing another book titled “Al-ilmul Jinni wal Malayika” (Knowlege of Jinns and Angels), he noticed that the word “Shaytan” (Satan) have exactly the same frequency as the word “Malaik” (Angel), 88 times each.

These interesting literary symmetry in the frequency of certain words led him to make a more comprehensive study on the numerical structure of the Quran.

Nawfal published his findings in 1983 in a book: “Al-I’cazul Adadiy

LilQuranil Kareem” (Numerical Miracle Of the Holy Quran). The book was published by Darul Kitabil Arabiy, Beirut, Lebanon. He also proves the above calculation of number of times the words day, months appear in the Qur’an.

It only goes to show that the number of days and months culminating into year had already been planned by Allah. The Qur’an says: “Soon We will show them our signs in the (farthest) regions (of the earth), and in their own souls, until it becomes manifest to them that this is the Truth. Is it not enough that thy Lord doth witness all things?” (Quran 41:53) But for us Muslims who know that everything including days, months and the year had already been ordained through Islam, and the fact that He had effected His plans by actualising the counting of the days, months and year the way He wanted, we can always praise His Majesty.

People have argued back and forth on the celebration of the new Hijri. While scholars differ in their opinions that it the practice lacks evidence from the Qur’an and hadiths, others believe that it should be celebrated. In this crazy world, where tolerance and unprecedented wisdom are required to do jihad without going against the bounds of Allah, where we need to show all the goodness of Islam, we owe ourselves a duty

to do the right thing with amazing wisdom.

The occasion of Hijrah, no doubt, kindle the light of hope in the hearts of the early Muslims who set a shinning example for all Muslims, in every generation, to emulate. We should remember the great sacrifices that the Prophet (s.a.w) and his companions paid in order to spread the message of the religion of Islam.

It should remind us of the great journey the Prophet (s.a.w) and his companions when they migrated from Makkah to Madinah and the pains and threats they encountered on their way to Madinah. At mosques and Islamic gatherings, we should talk about the Prophet’s Hijrah from Makkah to Madinah that took place in the year 622 CE.

Meaning and significance We should talk about its meaning and significance and we should also talk about the general concept of Hijrah in Islam. The Arabic word Hijrah is often translated as “exile, exodus, flight or migration”. Its meaning is, however, much more dynamic and active. It means “to leave, to move, to shun and to quit”.

We can apply it to our daily lives by quiting all kinds of sins, by departing from ignorance and supertitions and move to knowledge and light. We can shun all kinds of oppression, enslavements, injustices and dwell in the service of Allah. We can move away from politics of division and ethnocentrism to harmony and unity. We can depart from the path of hellfire to salvation, we can now migrate to the right path.

As momentous and as crucial as the event of the ‘Hijrah’ or migration of the Prophet (s.a.w) and the believers from Makkah to Madinah, it only reminds us of the need to change our attitude in the service of Allah.

No Hijab, No vote:

Muslim group supports Ambode

By Jimoh Babatunde

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Pupils and teachers of Arafah International School, Magboro along Lagos-Ibadan expressway on a walk to mark the new Islamic Calendar year, Hijrah 1436 on Friday. Photo Lamidi Bamidele

•Members of Jamat Islamiyya Muslim Society of Nigeria, JIMSN, Osupa Toluwalase (Women Wing) during their first anniversary held in Ibeshe, Ikorodu, recently.

HE Coordinator of Muslim Support Group for Ambode, Alhaji Tijjani Yusuf has urged Muslims in the state irrespective of their ethnic background to support Mr Akiwunmi Ambode’s aspiration as the next Lagos State governor because of his track records while in service.

Yusuf, a University don made this call in Alausa, recently just as a the Joint Muslim Forum (JMF) a Muslim, non-governmental and non-profit organization with no political affiliation launched a ‘Nohijab-no-vote’ campaign against the ruling party in the state following the judgment of Justice Modupe Onyeabor on in a suit filed by Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, MSSN, Lagos State Area Unit, against the government on the ban on hijab. The judge held that Nigeria’s ‘secular’ nature as provided by Section 10 of the Constitution must be preserved by

the government.

However, the Yusuf before the decision of the JMF, called on Muslims in the state to support Ambode’s aspiration.

He said: “based on prophetic saying we must support a tested leader and here we are supporting Ambode and call on APC delegate to support him.

He said Muslims are enjoined to be in the forefront in social justice , just as they are urged to work with people of faiths like Christians.

The University don said Muslims have roles to play in nation building as security, education and national interest “The promotion of social justice is germane in Lagos as without social justice there will be no good schools, good public transport, education “In Lagos we need good schools, roads,housing, and education. And the starting point is electing a good leader.” He said based on prophetic saying

Muslims must support a tested leader, “here we are supporting Ambode and call on APC delegates to support him.”

Also speaking at the endorsement, Dr. Mustapha Bello urged Muslims to be tolerant of others as Islam teaches tolerance.

While urging Muslims to vote a credible leader, he said Hunger and poverty do not discrimination.

He said while the Muslims want one of then to be governor “but we are not the only one occupying the space.”

Dr. Bello said Muslims will present their demands which include “ hijab for our children and making teaching and learning of religion in our schools compulsory.

Other demands put forward by the group include faith inspired economic program that will reduce distrust in the society; Protection of religious freedom in the society and improving human capital development which they said is not for Muslims alone but for all Lagosians.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014— 41

Cleric charges students on good behaviour

By Habeebat Mahmud

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NACOMYO hails NAHCON on successful hajj operations Says: Negotiation with Boko Haram is belated

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N commemoration of the new Islamic year, Hijrah 1436 AH, the National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations, NACOMYO, has charged the Muslims to rededicate themselves to the cause of Islam by being law abiding and live peacefully with other Nigerians.

The organisation also applauded the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, for the success of this year’s hajj operation which was threatened by the Ebola virus, just has it commended Saudi Authorities for the preparations and measures put in place to ensure that no case of the virus was recorded amongst the over two million pilgrims that performed the hajj rites.

Speaking on the state of the nation, the national president of the group, Alh Kamal’ddin Akintunde said the decision of the Federal Government to go into Ceasefire and negotiation agreement with the Boko Haram was though belated, but wise, adding the development might be turned into electioneering

propaganda.

On 2015 elections, the group urged Muslims to ensure that they cast their vote wisely by voting for Government that will allow free practice of their religion without hindrances.

The group noted that the recent judgment on Lagos State Government banning Students’ wearing of HIJAB in schools

was an infringement on Fundamental Rights and a conspiracy between the Christian dominated judiciary and Lagos State Government.

The apex Muslim Youth Group however enjoined the Lagos State Muslims to pursue the issue to a logical end and with every sense of decorum and candor.

TUDENTS in the coun try have been urged to be of good characters and get closer to Allah while in schools in order to become successful in their chosen careers.

Speaking during a lecture organized by Ansar-ul-haqq society of Nigeria (ANSSON), Imam Abdul Yekeen Mahmud counseled that submission to the will of Allah and humility to all and sundry would help the younger ones to achieve success in this life an in the hereafter.

The Islamic scholar who is the Chief Missioner of the organisation said, “knowledge

can be acquired easily, but the blessings of Allah may be very difficult to get. So, you must not disrespect your leaders in order to receive His blessings.” he warned.

He urged the students to shun cultism and refrain from indecency especially in dressings since they are ambassadors of Islam.

“Islam is not against any science related knowledge but parents and guardians should monitor their children’s dressing habit, especially the female ones because indecent dressing can expose them to various societal evils,” he said.

Yusuf hails Ogun 20 14 Hajj operations 201

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HAIRMAN of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Board, Dr. Isiaq Yusuf has described this year ’s hajj exercise as one of the best and well organized despite minor challenges experienced.

Yusuf stated this while welcoming the last batch of the pilgrims back home last Friday.

The pilgrims, led by the Executive Secretary of the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare board, Alhaji Sefiu Rasheed, landed at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos, via Med-view airline Aircraft at 8.30pm last

Friday, signifying the final airlifting of all 1,212 pilgrims back to the country.

Yusuf stated that a final comprehensive report will be submitted to the State Governor soon.

Earlier, Alhaji Rasheed thanked the state Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun for the support and encouragement towards the successful completion of the 2014 exercise, noting that lessons learnt would be improved upon towards next year’s preparations.

From left: President of Ifako/Ijaiye Muslim Congress (IIMC) Alhaji Abd’ Taleeb Oyedeji; Chief Missioner Imam Kamardeen Adebisi and Public Relations Officer, Imam Lukman Awayewaserere during an event organized to mark the new Hijrah 1436 AH last weekend.

eace must be str ongly New Islamic Year: P Peace strongly emphasized — Awelenje

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r. Abdullahi Omotoke Awelenje, the National President of Rahmat Islamiyya Association of Nigeria in this interview with Facing the Kaaba urges muslims to continue to preach peace adding that peace must be strongly emphasized when commemorating Hijrah 1436 A.H. About Rahmat Islamiyya Generally, we have been pursuing our three-point agenda since inception which is the improvement in the membership drive, capacity building and propagation of Islam. In doing these, we have been associating with other Islamic organizations.

We have been able to establish branches in Oke Akoko, Ilorin, Ogunlowo in Ogun state including the just commissioned one at Aguda, Surulere. We also about N800million project going on in Ijeja also in Ogun State. We are hoping to launch in December insha Allah.

Celebration of Hijrah Apart from the Eid-il-Fitr and Eid-il-kabir, all other ones are commemorative. I have observed

over the years, that one aspect of the Hijrah celebration that has not been explored is the migration of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.) from Makkah to Yathrib in 622 CE. May be there might have been Islam, if Allah had not allowed the Prophet to leave Makkah when he did. Just before the Hijrah, the challenges were too overwhelming for the physical man, Muhammad. Immediately he got to Madinah, there was succour.

Lessons The lesson is that Allah will always tell the righteous what to do at the appropriate time when there were challenges. Again, the decision itself was a tough one, because, leaving Makkah, center of activity to Yathrib, could not have appealed to him. For example, if somebody says you should leave Lagos and go to Shaki, you may not want to take the advice. But the prophet knew that Allah had all the plans in place and knew how every thing would end. In essence, it was a divine set up and that was why as unattractive as the option was,

it was the way out. So, Allah had prepared Yathrib for him before the order to go there. This was attested to by the rousing welcome, they gave him when he entered Yathrib.

The second lesson is that Allah did not send the Prophet to come to world to kill people before they accept the religion, but as a Warner and a giver of glad tidings. Allah says in the Quran that “we did not send you to the world except to be a mercy, Warner and giver of glad tidings.”

So, if there was no no, hijrah, it must have meant that Allah did not want the Prophet to complete the message, because there was no way he would have stayed in Makkah and continued the message without boodshed. Even after he came back to Makkah, there was no fighting, it was a peaceful conquest. So, the lesson of peace, must be strongly emphasized when commemorating Hijrah because the establishment of Islam was not violent.

From left: Alh Abdul Waheed Olokodana representing the Chairman of Itire-Ikate LCDA, Hon Abdul Hakeem Bamgbola (Chairman of the occasion); Sheikh Is'haq Tejidini, National Chief Missioner of Rahmat Islamiyya Association of Nigeria and Shiekh Gbajabiamila representing the Chief Imam of Lagos, Shiekh Ibrahim Garuba Akinola during the commissioning of Rahmat Islamiyya Mosque at Aguda, Surulere, Lagos, recently.

From left: Alh Abdullah Awelenje, National President of Rahmat Islamiyya; Alh Ashimiyu Ade Anthonio, Patron; and Alh Tokunbo Alli, Grand Patron of the association during the commissioning of Aguda branch of the association recently.

42— VANGUARD,

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014— 43

44 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014—45

DELTA LG POLLS FALLOUT: Tompolo is threatening my life — KEYAMO

By Emma Amaize

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ARRI—HUMAN rights activist and lawyer, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has alleged that ex-militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, has threatened to kill him.

However, Tompolo’s Media Adviser, Mr. Paul Bebenimibo, swiftly denied the allegation, saying his boss, after reading Keyamo’s letter to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan over Warri South-West Local Government Area polls, “called him to say he should stop dragging his name into the matter.”

In a petition to the Director General, Department of State Services, DSS, and Inspector General of Police, Keyamo claimed Tompolo called him at exactly 10.30p.m. on Tuesday, October 28, and warned that he and his boys would kill him over his letter to Governor Uduaghan, calling for justice over the alleged substitution of the duly nominated PDP chairmanship candidate, Mr. Weyimi Omadeli, for Tompolo’s brother, Mr. George Ekpemupolo, in last Saturday's council polls.

The petition read: “At exactly 10:13p.m. on Tuesday, October 28, I received a telephone call from one Mr. Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo) with phone number 08027721208.

“We have been acquaintances in the past, so I know his numbers. After reaffirming that he is Tompolo when I picked his call, he went straight to the point by informing me that he wishes to inform me that he and his “boys” will kill me by beating me to death or shooting me anywhere they can find me.

incidentally, exactly three minutes after Tompolo dropped his line, Governor Uduaghan called me. I reported to him what just transpired between Tompolo and myself.

“The governor promised to speak with him, but that cannot be reassuring enough, and I know the remedy in law against an intended murderer is not to beg him but to ignite the criminal justice system against him, no matter how comatose that system is.

“I’m an ordinary citizen’

“I know the subject of this petition, Tompolo, is a favoured citizen of this government, and I am not. I know Tompolo is close to those in power at the moment, whereas I am an ordinary citizen.

zIt’s a lie, says Tompolo “I know Tompolo has money and influence, which are factors that are widely acknowledged to aid a suspect walk away with murder in Nigeria. But I have none of these. I know Tompolo has instrument to kill human beings, and I have none.

“In the circumstance, I am making this petition public so that when you refuse to attend to my complaint and outcry, the ordinary people of this country will, at least, know from where my death came and I will not join the long list of unresolved murders. My killer, should, at least be known.”

It is a lie, Tompolo’s media aide

Dismissing Keyamo’s allegation, Tompolo’s media

aide Mr. Bebenimibo said: “Tompolo called him to ask him why he is dragging him into a matter that he had no hand in because Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is a political party and anything concerning the party should be discussed with the governor, who is the leader of party.”

He confirmed that Keyamo had called Tompolo several times in the past, requesting him to buy some property, but his boss told him he had no money to buy property.

Bebenimibo said: “Why should Tompolo threaten Keyamo? What for? Tompolo only told him to stop dragging his name into what he knows nothing about.”

SHELL : Mr. Tony Attah, M a n a g i n g Director (right), and Mr. Amadi Amadi, Manager, Safety and Environment, Technical, both of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production C o m p a n y , SNEPCo, at the Shell-sponsored Global Nigerian Conference in Aberdeen, United Kingdom.

Why I’m in Delta gov race — OLEJEME

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Delta State governorship aspirant on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, has faulted the claim that women could not win governorship elections in the country.

Olejeme, who spoke in Abeokuta during the 25th anniversary of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, said she would cause a major upset in the country's political history.

Represented by the Director of Communications, Olejeme Campaign Organization, Mr. Henry Ebireri, Olejeme said: “I am not running for the highest office in Delta State to satisfy any inordinate ambition or to make money.

“Deltans are very intelligent people. They know what is good for them. The traditional chiefs, the intellectuals, politicians, artistes, youth organizations and business people want me to be governor of the state.

“They are impressed by my modest achievements at the national level.”

Recalling her efforts at taking Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, to greater heights, Olejeme promised to run a government of accountability.

NAWOJ had recently appointed Olejeme as member, Board of Trustees.

‘His words’

“And that the hunt for me is on. His exact words in pidgin English was ‘We dey look for you. Anywhere we see you, whether for Lagos or Abuja or Warri, we go beat you die or we go shoot you’.

“He said he would kill me because I have decided to take up the matter involving his blood brother, Mr. George Ekpemupolo, who was used to illegally substitute another candidate, Mr. Weyinmi Omadeli, 48 hours to the election, in the Warri South-West elections that were concluded last Saturday in Delta State.

“He said no one has ever challenged his authority in Delta State.

“I asked Tompolo five times whether, he was, in fact, threatening my life over an open line and he said nobody in the country can do anything about it by the time I am dead. CoC M Y K

... as Opudu explains why PDP changed Warri South-West chairmanship candidate

By Emma Amaize

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ARRI— THE Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, Chief Boro Opudu, yesterday, said the replacement of the party’s candidate, Mr. Weyimi Omadeli, with Mr. George Ekpemupolo in last Saturday ’s local government election in the state, was to avoid a looming ethnic crisis in Warri.

Chief Opudu, who spoke to Vanguard in Warri, said: “I am the chairman of the party in Warri South-West. The

insults being thrown at Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan is uncalled for and grossly unnecessary.

“The fact and events that led to the replacement of Omadeli with Ekemupolo was done in the best interest, not only of the party, but the entire local government.

“This is to avoid ethnic crisis that was imminent as a result of some political imbalances that were not taken into cognizance at the time of the primaries conducted by our great party.

“However, if there is any grievance resulting from this decision of our great party, the

Itsekiri and Ijaw leaders will meet again to take a decision as it concerns that earlier decision. We will not allow external body or bodies to truncate the existing peace in the local government area.

“The Ijaw and Itsekiri must continue to live in peace. It is on this note that I appeal for calm and urge everyone to stand by the decision of the party.

“As a party, we do have issues, especially in this period of elections. But all such issues were resolved in the best interest of the party and the local government area. It is on this note that I must say

that any claim by any person or group of persons as to conflict in the party is nonexistent.

“We shall not allow any external influence from anywhere to cause a breach of the peace in the local government area, be it legal or political.

“It must also be noted that the governor of the state is the leader of PDP in the state and the three Warri Local Government areas and he had taken certain decisions as it affects Warri South-West Local Government.

“We believe that the decision is in the best interest of the local government.”

46 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

Nsukka community in Canada lauds Gov Chime

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ORONTO— MEMBERS of Nsukka Senatorial Zone Community in Toronto, Canada, have commended Enugu State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stakeholders and Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu, for their decision to zone the party gubernatorial slot to the zone and subsequent nomination of Ugwuanyi as candidate for the election in 2015.

In a release jointly signed by Dr. Sam Chikadibia Agu and Peter Ifeajuna Ukwuaba, they described the nomination as historic for their people.

They noted that they had no doubt that Ugwuanyi would use his privilege and opportunity to continue the legacy of good government instituted by Governor Chime to move forward the quality of life of their people across Enugu State.

“We must not forget to thank Governor Sullivan Chime for the great job that he has done in Enugu State during his seven years plus in office," they said.

Mbaise professionals chart way forward

2015:

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By Ikenna Asomba

AGOS—AHEAD of the 2015 governorship election in Imo State, Mbaise People’s Congress, MPC, the apex p r o f e s s i o n a l organisation of Mbaise people in Lagos, has rolled out plans to x-ray the position of Mbaise people in the unfolding political equation in Imo State during its awards dinner holding Saturday, November 22, at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja, Being the 5th edition, the National President, MPC, Ano Anyanwu, stated that the event will also celebrate deserving sons and daughters of Mbaise, who have distinguished themselves through their substantial achievements and impact at home.

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Police arraign 3 in Enugu over mace theft

By Austin Ogwuda NUGU—THREE persons have been arraigned before a chief magistrate’s court, in Awgu, Enugu State, for allegedly breaking into the council’s secretariat and forcefully taking away the Mace, the official symbol of authority used by Awgu local government legislative arm.

Arraigned were Umuokeke Izunna Romeo, Okolo Olisa Solomon and Enekwechi Ray Onyimba.

They were charged for alleged “offence of conspiracy, breaking

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and entry, malicious damage and unlawful possession of some kits suspected to be that of the Force”.

According to prosecution, “the accused persons on 28th day of October, 2014 forcefully broke into the legislative councils of Awgu local Government Area and stealing the Mace as well as causing damage to other property in the legislative council. After allegedly committing the offence they took to their heels and were arrested by the police who intercepted them at Agbogugu

junction following information received by the operatives at Agbogugu junction.

“Their vehicle was searched and the stolen Mace recovered.”

When the case came up for mention, no bail was granted while the accused persons were remanded at the Oji

River prisons and case adjourned to November 7, 2014, for hearing of their bail application.

Awgu local government council had been embroiled in a crisis leading to the emergence of parallel legislative arms, each claiming to have suspended the other.

.... As arraignment of 12 BZF members suffers setback

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By Austin Ogwuda

BUJA—THE scheduled arraignment of 12 members of pro-Biafra group, Biafra Zionists Federation, BZF, led by Benjamin Onwuka, suffered a setback yesterday, as scores of supporters of the group who thronged the premises of the Federal High Court 2 to witness the arraignment went home disappointed following the failure of the Federal Director of Public Prosecution, FDPP, to bring them to court.

The detainees, according to their counsel, had been kept in solitary confinement at the Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, without a formal charge.

They have been held since the past four months, after they were accused of invading Enugu State Broadcasting Service, ESBS, in a failed attempt to make a broadcast.

When the case was called up, the lead counsel to the detainees, Mr. Olu Omotayo, addressed the court thus: “They were supposed to arraign in court today.

Surprisingly they have refused to bring them to court and did not write to this honorable court to show reason why they have not brought the accused persons to court. In the circumstance, therefore if in the next short adjourned date we shall ask that the case be struck out because this is a ploy to frustrate the fundamental human rights case.”

Mr. C.U. Odo, who appeared for the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State, had during the court sitting on Monday, told the court that the Police were ready to arraign them formally, when the detainees fielded a application for enforcement of their fundamental human rights.

He assured the court that the office of the FDPP had filed a charge against the applicants (in the civil suit) and was yesterday fixed for the arraignment.

However, the civil suit in which the detainees instituted a N10 million as “exemplary, punitive, aggravated, special and general damages against the respondents (Inspector General of Police and Commissioner of Police, Enugu State)”, was adjourned to sNovember 26, 2014.

BRIEFING: Hon.Moses Idahosa, All Progressives Congress, APC, Edo House of Assembly aspirant for Oredo West (middle), briefing newsmen after picking his expression of interest form at the APC secretariat in Benin City, yesterday.

2015: NASS aspirant visits Warri-South West, South PDP justifiable opportunities in Addressing party faithful

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ARRI—A lawyer and House of Representatives hopeful for Warri Federal Constituency, Ada Val Arenyeka, yesterday, paid a consultative visit to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Warri South West and Warri South Local Government Areas of Delta State.

Areyenka, who visited the two council areas with his teeming supporters, stated that as a foundation member of the party since 1998, stakeholders and others alike could attest to his loyalty and great sense of dedication to the party.

during the tour, he said the best way forward for the PDP would be to nominate a true party man to represent the people and the interest of the party at the National Assembly in 2015.

The House of Representatives faithful, who noted that his regime as Delta State representative in the NDDC spoke volume, said: “I have come to share with you a social contract of constructive representation, one that is built on loyalty, responsibility and credibility with result-oriented outputs. If nominated by the party and eventually elected by the people, I would seize

engaging the executive arm of government with a view to attracting developmental projects to my constituency.”

Responding, Chief Boro Opudu, Chairman, Warri South-West PDP, stated that Arenyeka was a detribalized person, adding that and he is certain that he was capable of representing the interests of all the tribes that made up Warri Federal Constituency for the common good of all.

Similarly, Mr. Ama Agbajoh, the PDP chairman, Warri South council opined that Arenyeka is a true party man who has indeed worked tirelessly for the growth of the party at the grassroots and national level.

Groups want more women participation in politics

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By Olayinka Latona

AGOS—AHEAD of the 2015 general elections, Women Advocacy Research Documentation Centre, WARDC, Voices for Change, and UKaid, have advocated for more involvement of women in politics and leadership positions.

Speaking at a one-day consensus building workshop on “Advancing Women in Political

participation” the Executive Director of WARDC, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, urged political party leaders in the country to give women more leverage in leadership positions.

She said: “Women have contributed tremendously to the growth of party politics and governance of Nigeria, yet, their representation in decision making organs of political parties and public

offices fall far below the universally accepted 30 per cent threshold of affirmative action.

"We need more women leaders because when women lead side by side with men; it is good for equality and democracy, peace and stability. When men and women in leadership both took decision, such decision better reflects and respond to the diverse needs and right of the entire population.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014 — 47

Niger spends N2bn on disaster management in seven years M

INNA—THE Niger Government yesterday, said it had spent about N2 billion on disaster management in the state in the past seven years.

The Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ibeto, who is also the Chairman of the Board of the Niger State Emergency Management, NSEMA, made the disclosure at the opening of training workshop for disaster management coordinators and community leaders in Minna.

This was even as Mr Abdullahi Mohammed, Coordinator, National Directorate of Employment, NDE, in the state also said the agency has trained and empowered more than 1, 940 youths in the state.

Mohammed told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Minna that the youths were trained and empowered in different skills to make them self reliant.

However, Ibeto said that the

Oveinmhada declares for presidency on CPP platform

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AGOS—A presidential aspirant on the platform of Citizens Popular Party, CPP, Mr Michael Oveinmhada has declared his intention to run for the office of the president, noting that the security of lives and properties would be the focus of his administration.

The presidential hopeful, who said this at his declaration in Lagos, noted that the judiciary would be repositioned, to that it performs its constitutional roles effectively.

His words: ‘’My administration will ensure that cases are handled effectively so, I will establish a special court for some cases. I will also, train more judges for some special cases and establish more courts. ''I will establish an education bank to help students secure an education loan to enable them attend any higher institution of their choice and you have 20 years post graduation to pay back. I will also work on revitalizing the Ajeokuta steal which the government has abandoned for years to reduce the level of unemployment in the country. ''My administration will reposition the judiciary to ensure that cases are handled effectively.

I will establish a special court for some cases. I will also, train more judges for some special cases and establish more courts. Security of lives and properties will also attract adequate attention in my administration because that is the primary purpose of government.”.

money was used to purchase relief materials for victims of disasters, adding that 95 per cent of disaster victims benefited from the gesture.

He said that the State Government had concentrated on promoting the well being and needs of its citizenry, adding that this had changed people’s

perception about disaster management.

“I commend UNDP for its continuous support to sustain disaster management; we shall continue to partner with you to reduce disaster epidemics.

“I call on all participants to be attentive and be actively involved for your community to

benefit from you,” he said.

A facilitator from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Prof. Godwin Nsofor, said that climate change and global warming were factors contributing to disaster outbreaks worldwide.

Nsofor said that disaster coordinators and community leaders should be knowledgeable about potential disasters around their communities.

FORUM: From left; Director-General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Dr. Joseph Odumodu; Chairman of the occasion, also Director-General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, Alhaji Bature Umar Masari; and National Vice President, Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists, Chief Duro Kuteyi during the 2014 World Standard Day Stakeholders’ Forum for SMEs in Lagos yesterday.

TETFund allocates N23.84bn to libraries devt

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

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HE Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, has allocated N23.84 billion to all government-owned tertiary institutions in the country for library development.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees, BoT, of TETFund, Dr. Musa Babayo disclosed this

yesterday at the Federal Polytechnic Oko during a capacity building workshop on the Acquisition and Management of E-Library for librarians in Public tertiary institutions.

Babayo was represented on the occasion by a TETFund official, official Uchendu Wogu, said that the fund had proved

Phase3 Telecom marks 11 years of excellent service

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EST Africa’s largest independent fibre optic infrastructure and telecommunications services provider, Phase3 Telecom, said it will be mark its 11th years of service excellence at the end of October 2014.

In a statement, the company, which pioneered optic fiber services using power lines, began operations in October 2003 and has since been at the heart of providing backbone and broadband services that drive Nigeria’s telecommunication revolution.

A few years after it commenced service, Phase 3 Telecom extended its reach beyond Nigeria when it executed a partnership

agreement with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to facilitate the development of telecom infrastructure across member countries, whereby telecom infrastructure on power line is currently being deployed across the region.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Stanley Jegede said the Phase3 family is very proud of ''the tremendous achievements the company keeps recording in its commitment to ensuring the sustainable development of Africa through the provision of the most reliable IP and telecommunications services to deliver the most remarkable level of service excellence in the telecoms industry.''

over the years to be a veritable source of guaranteed interventions at tertiary level of education of which library development is not an exception.

According to him, “the major objectives of TETFund is to ensure that its intervention programme build a critical mass of high quality facilities and skilled manpower that can compete globally and positively contribute towards the attainment of the government’s transformation agenda for national development.

“It is our hope that with the strengthening of e-library resources, our collective efforts would support tertiary institutions to be among the highly rated institutions in the world in line with the vision of the Fund.”

He noted that TETFund recognized the importance of library and librarians in facilitating and enhancing teaching and research activities in the tertiary institutions.

Earlier the Rector of the Polytechnic, Prof. Godwin Onu, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Don Muo said the polytechnic welcomed the development of libraries, which he said was the fulcrum of researches in every tertiary institution.

Benue gov: PDP youth groups, others root for ex-INEC director

By Peter Duru

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AKURDI— YOUTH groups from both the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP , and other opposition parties the in Benue State, yesterday declared their support for the governorship aspiration of a former Director at the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Emanuel Akem.

At a joint news conference in Makurdi, the state capital, the groups led

by Aondona Terver, of the PDP Youth Vanguard, said their decision to rally support for Akem was to check the simmering zoning crisis in the state.

Terver said, “We have decided to rally support for Akem and also call on him to join the governorship race without delay.

“We the youths of Benue are doing this because we are no longer interested in the logjam, political gimmicks of unresolved zoning crises in Benue.

“We have undoubtedly found in him those rare leadership qualities hence our decision to support him across party lines in the interest of our people.''

...As Ker, Amb Jen pick forms

By Henry Umoru

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BUJA—AS the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP closed the sale of expression and nomination forms for aspirants jostling for the party’s ticket ahead of 2015 general election, more aspirants yesterday stormed the party ’s national secretariat to purchase their forms, to beat the deadline.

At the party’s national secretariat to pick forms was former Vice Chancellor, Benue State University, Professor David Ker, who picked his expression of interest and nomination forms to contest the Benue State governorship election.

Also, a governorship aspirant from Taraba State, Amb. Musa John Jen, promised to utilise the Gembu Electricity Dam to boost power generation in the state if he elected.

48 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

COMMISSIONING: From left, Mrs. Sola Agbede, Mrs. Remi Williams, both Old Girls; Mrs. Aderike Adekanbi, Principal Queens School; Mrs. Wale Ogunrinde, President, Queens School, Ibadan Old Girls Association, watching as Otunba Debola Osibogun, President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, an Old Student, commissioning the renovated block of classrooms by the Queens Schools Ibadan Old Girls Association 1974-1979 set, at the Schools premises Apata, Ibadan.

PROGRAMME: Medical personnel from the United States Consulate in Nigeria attend to residents of Tamaro-Onisiwo Island in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos, during a medical outreach programme on the Island, facilitated by US Consulate in partnership with Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited.

COMMISSIONING: From left,Team Lead, CSR and Sustainability of First City Monument Bank, FCMB, Limited, Mrs. Temitayo Ade-Peters; the Bank’s Divisional Head, Human Resources and Change Management, Felicia Obozuwa; the Founder of Bethesda Child Support Agency, Mrs. Nkoyo Rapu; Mrs. Folashade Alonge of the Corporate Banking Department of FCMB, and the Bank’s Head, Research and Insight, Mrs. Yemisi Faleye, at the commissioning of a library donated by FCMB Women to the children of Bethesda Nursery and Primary School, Ijaiye-Ojokoro, in Lagos.

CONFERMENT: Mr. Rotimi Omotoso,Registrar/Chief Executive of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN (left), receiving his certificate from Chartered Institute of Banking of Nigeria, CIBN, President, Mrs. Debola Osibogun, during conferment of Fellowship of CIBN on Mr. Omotoso.

PROGARMME: Residents of Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos, learning to tie headgears, during the on-going second phase of the Economic Empowerment Progarmme of the State Government, Alimosho Centre, at the Council Secretariat, Dopemu, Lagos.

COMMISSIONING: From left, Assistant General Manager, Special Duties and Operations, Mr. Emmanuel Irabor; Head of Administration, Mrs. Lovelyn Ndukire and Deputy Manager, Accounts, Mr. Babatunde Ekundayo of Pan Ocean Oil Corporation Ltd as well as Odionwere of Imasabor, Ologbo, and Edo State Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Lucky James, commissioning the health centre built and equipped by Pan Ocean Oil Corporation, in Ologbo, Edo State.

AWARD: Senator Musiliu Obanikoro (left) receiving Texas Southern University Distinguished International Alumnus Award 2014 from President of Texas Southern University, John M. Rudley, at the Westin Galleria Hotel, 5060 West Alabama - Houston, Texas, USA. PROJECT: From left, Project chairman, Rotaractor Ade-Ojo Timothy; Youth Service chairman, Rotarian Kolade Adesiyan; Chartered President, Rotarian Musibau Ajani; one of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Molomo Seyi; President, Rotaract Club of Omole Golden, Rotaractor Kingsley Akpan, and Motunrayo Olakunle, during a vocational and empowerment project organized by the Rotaract Club of Omole Golden.

WEDDING: Newly wedded couple, Mr. and Mrs. Adagwe Azubuike and bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edede, after their wedding at the Warri South Council Marriage Registry, Warri, Delta State.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014 —49

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50— VANGUARD,

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

ECHOES FROM NYSC CAMP, DAMARE, ADAMAWA STATE:

I don’t know where my father, stepmother and seven siblings are —Victim Like an innocuous flame, it started and no one paid attention.

Then, it became a flickering flame, yet no one took them seriously. Today, the flickering flame has become a wild fire, a hydra-headed monster threatening to squeeze the very life out of Nigerians. From a band of ragtag army, the Jama’atul Ahlus Sunna Lid Da’awatis Jihad sect, otherwise known as Boko Haram insurgents, have transformed to this sophisticated, well organised terror group, killing, maiming and destroying everything on their path like a rabid dog that does not recognise its owner. They have rendered thousands homeless and sent thousands more to early grave. In our usual quest to seek a better life for the people by making their voices heard in the right circles, Vanguard visited the victims of the insurgency in their camps in Yola and its environs in Adamawa State and they shared their heart-rending stories, crying out for help:

By Ebele Orakpo

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HE first port of call was the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Damare Village, Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State where over 5,000 internally-displaced persons, IDPs, are camped.

Many came from Michika, Madagali, Gulak and Bazza in Adamawa State as well as Bama and Gwoza in Borno State.

Michika (with a population varying between 150,000 and 375,000, was seized by Boko Haram on September 7, 2014 while Madagali fell into their hands on September 1; Gulak was seized on September 1; Bama was seized on September 2 while Gwoza with a population of 276,312 according to the 2006 census, was captured on August 11.

Speaking with Vanguard, Mallam Haruna Hamman Furo, Permanent Secretary, Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, ADSEMA said so far, they have been able to manage the IDPs, providing them with the basic necessities like shelter, food, relief materials, medical

Victims at the camp C M Y K

care and also education.

On the number of IDPs in the camp: “If we give you an exact number today, it may be different tomorrow because more and more displaced people are coming; some came yesterday (October 20), they have not been able to rest and you know because of the time it took them.

We have identified those IDPs that have stayed on the Cameroun Mountains for long so when they come in, the first thing is to get them healthy. Many of the children are not in class because they are fatigued so we want to observe them for a week and when they pick up, we bring them to school but I want to assure you that the number is growing by the day,” he said.

This assertion was observed to be true as more displaced people kept arriving.

From the victims: For Mrs Fidelia Joseph, the Camp’s women leader and a native of Bazza in Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State, life will never be the same again. She said: “On that fateful Sunday, we were in the church

Map of Nigeria showing Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states when they called us and told us that there was fighting in town and before we could come out, the situation had worsened so we had to run from church without getting home to take anything.

We left town and God helped us to get to Yola and to the camp.”

Life in camp: “Honestly, life in camp has not been bad. The only problem was the cholera outbreak that we experienced a few days ago but thank God, everything is under control now.

In terms of food, toiletries etc., we do not lack all these and we are grateful. Our cry now is that government should have compassion on us and ensure an end to this crisis so that everyone can go back home. We lost many of our men and relations to this crisis.

Hiding in the mountains Some were shot, some slaughtered, and some we don’t know where they are. As we speak, I don’t know where my father, stepmother and seven siblings are. I have gone to town to search for them without success so whether they are alive or dead, we do not know, or whether they are hiding in the mountains or under the rocks, only God knows.

My children are here, but they killed my husband,” she said, sadness written all over her

Victims at the NYSC orientation camp in Damare village, Adamawa although she tried to put up a cheerful facade.

Recounting his ordeal, Alhaji Modu, male leader from Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State said: “On August 5 around 4.30pm, we were sitting in the house with my friends and we saw some people coming towards us with guns. As they started shooting, we ran to our houses.

In the morning, they continued searching people’s houses, slaughtering some and shooting some. I climbed my ceiling where I spent seven days. On the 8th day, around 1:00am, I came down from the ceiling and started running out of town. I trekked 26 km from Gwoza to Madagali.

Later, the insurgents advanced to Madagali so from Madagali, we ran to Yola NYSC camp for refuge. Some of our attackers appeared like soldiers but they were not in complete army uniform and some were dressed in long shirts and covered their heads.

“In fact, since we found ourselves in this camp, we have had no problem about feeding, accommodation or medical care.

Security is also tight, the security agents are performing their duties but the challenge is that we are traumatised. Personally, up till date, I have not seen my seven children and wife and I don’t know where they are since I left them at home. We know that government is doing their best but still, they have to do more to make sure that we go back to our homes to be reunited with our families. That is our prayer now.

Whatever we are given here, we cannot enjoy because we are not with our families.”

Jumai Hamidu who had arrived the previous day had this to say: “I am from Madagali. We left Madagali and climbed the hill into Cameroon. We spent three days trekking to get to the mountain. Day and night, we and our children were trekking.

Initially, we were 35 in number when we left our home town but Continues on page 51

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014— 51

I don’t know where my father, stepmother and seven siblings are —Victim Continues from page 50 only 21 made it to this place. Some died on the way; some were too weak to continue. Cameroonian soldiers brought us to Nigeria. We got to Mubi and from Mubi, we came to Yola. Feeding was really difficult. We survived on pancakes, water and guava. The children succumbed to many diseases due to malnourishment.

One of them is right now at the Federal Medical Centre Yola due to anaemia.”

Education: To keep the children busy and to help them continue their education, Furo said the camp authorities had to improvise classrooms and get volunteer teachers to teach the primary and secondary school children. “We started with just 20 and within a short period, we were able to have a full primary wing and secondary wing. We introduced the school part to keep the children busy and help them continue their education while here. We are inviting professionals in the education sector to take over. For now, we are using IDP teachers as volunteer teachers. We also have volunteer lecturers from the American University of Nigeria (AUN) and other higher institutions in the state who come in to render their services. That was how we started.”

Inadequate teaching/ learning materials: The acting principal of the school, Mr. Philip Sati Jona when asked how they were coping in the face of daunting challenges, he said: “Tt has not been easy due to their backgrounds and the kind of condition they have found themselves in.

Improvised blackboards Psychologically, they are down and trying to bring them up is something else. We don’t have sufficient materials for learning; we improvised blackboards just to make sure that the children are learning in spite of the condition they found themselves in. That is why we are trying to give them the best we can. No exercise books, the sitting arrangement is nothing to write home about; the learning atmosphere is not conducive so I am

calling on the general public and government to come to the aid of these children, give them the needed help so that they will have the right education just like any other Nigerian child.”

The orphans: “We took about eight of the children to the orphanage. We just enrolled them in school, yesterday, at the orphanage and we are trying to get them uniforms. These are children who lost their parents to the insurgents. So we liaised with the Ministry of Women Affairs, to take custody of them but they are under the IDP initiative.

Food and medication

They will be educated within the orphanage home. We will supply their food and medication from here if need be. Their camp leaders (who they elected from among them), will liaise with them, go there at intervals to visit the children and give them some sense of belonging. We bought some toys for them. UNICEF also assisted us with some of the toys.”

Programme for young mothers and youths: The idle mind, they say, is the devil’s workshop.

Being mindful of this and the fact that the youths are full of energy and zeal seeking expression, which if not properly channelled into productive ventures, will end up causing more problems in the society so apart from those in school, Furo said they have some programmes to engage the young mothers and men.

Waste-to-Wealth: “We have identified those young girls that are mothers. There has to be a programme for them because we are considering this thing Our cry as a long-term issue in now is that the next 10, 15 years, this is the time the government and negative aspects of should have some of their habits will compassion manifest. So we want to ensure that those on us and young mothers will have a programme like ensure an waste-to-wealth. We end to this will teach them some crisis so that trade. Already, you can see some of them everyone weaving in the hostels. can go back We encourage them to do that and AUN, home Adamawa Peace

Victims at the camp Initiative, Red Cross, ADSEMA, NEMA and other institutions are partnering with us to take off the waste-to-wealth programme for them. This programme is to enable them make use of the waste polythene bags; recycle them to more useful products that could be sold like mats, bags, waste bins etc, just for us to make sure they are useful in the future so that they are not wasted mothers. We have some youth corps members that have volunteered to teach them how to make soap and other things. “ ICT training for young men: “We also have a programme for young boys who have completed secondary school and we feel that their talents should be harnessed to forestall idle minds in future.

We partnered with other agencies to introduce the ICT programming.

Proper ventilation We have 30 computers on ground and we are trying to dialogue with our partners to get a befitting hall for the safety of the computers and for proper ventilation. We have identified

and enrolled about 30 of such people and we will soon start the programme.

Challenges: “The challenges are many,” said Furo. “To keep over 5,000 people in a camp is not easy. Those outside the camp are thrice this number. My advice to the IDPs outside the camp is that they should consider the future of their children. If they are around the camp, their children will benefit from the educational programme. We don’t know how long this will last; we don’t pray to stay long but we want them to create some enabling environment for their children.

However, the Safe Schools Initiative and UNICEF are going round town to identify them with a view to linking them up with schools close to them. The other challenge here is that putting this number of people together, you have different habits, characters and so on. But thank God, the team of humanitarian workers around here have helped to keep this camp up to this time.

Feeding: “I want to emphasise that feeding is not our problem.

We feed three times a day, we also have surplus. Our government is a listening government, both federal and state.

Primary health care

Dr. Boniface Gundiri, the state chairman, NMA

On the average, we cook 12 bags of rice per day for two meals.

When it comes to breakfast, if it is noodles or spaghetti, we cook 64 to 70 cartons per meal.

Medicare: “Our appreciation goes to the Nigerian Medical Association and our medical officers within the state, more especially the primary healthcare sector.

They have been wonderful. Whenever we have cases, we go to the Specialist

Hospital or Federal Medical Centre in Yola and they attend to us with dispatch. We have noticed that those IDPs coming from the mountains come with a lot of diseases and the medical team have been handling that very well,” said Furo.

On October 21, when Vanguard visited the camp, members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Adamawa chapter, were there to celebrate their week with the IDPs offering free medical checks, treatment and medication.

Vanguard spoke to Dr. Boniface Gundiri, the state chairman of NMA who commended the authorities for the level of hygiene in the camp and the very good water supply system. “If not, there would have been a lot of problems.

Cholera outbreak The cholera outbreak was minimal because of the water supply. We have a lot of malaria cases, hypertension, diarrhoea, psychologically-related cases, upper respiratory tract infections etc. ADSEMA has chosen two referral centres where they refer cases that would require special attention so for now, if there is any emergency case, the medical personnel on ground will call me and as the chairman, I will call the specialist to handle the case.

Apart from rendering free services, the medical personnel had earlier donated drugs worth over N250,000.

“Even today, we said it is going to be part of our outreach because the number has greatly increased, more than the number we met before so we brought in some more drugs and we are dispensing them as part of our community responsibility. We empathise with them for the situation they have found themselves in and we also try to allay their anxiety to at least reduce the psychological effect of the displacement,” said Gundiri.

C M Y K

52 — FRIDAY, Vanguard,

OCTOBER 31, 2014

I will flush criminals out, create synergy to unlock Lagos — CP Aderanti T h a t notwithstanding, we should take it up and be there for the people.

We believe that when Lagos is under siege, and the community which ought nothing moves, not to be. For us to operate, for economy will us to perform, we need the cocome to a operation of everybody. I don’t standstill. When want them to see us as if they economy comes to belong to another world and we a standstill, how do we belong to another world. They expect people to invest in an should understand us to the economy that is stagnant. I am extent that at any time, they trying to create a synergy of what should be able to call their we should do as commissioner of police officers, as a police, that this is command, with other their problem. I stakeholders. We are have instructed all doing all we can to my Area ensure that people are Commanders and safe while locked up Divisional Crime in traffic. When you Officers to stand up are waiting for the and help them. You traffic to move in your are to sleep while car, that miscreant the police is awake, doesn’t come all of us cannot go knocking on your to sleep at the same windscreen and ask time. Like the city of you to wind down and New York is the city put a gun to your that never sleeps head. That is what I and having stayed have been trying to there for about ten sensitise my officers. years of my career, I And I know that we learned a couple of have got to do more, things about how when we succeed in things should be that through our done. And luckily officers on foot patrol, for me, the bike patrol, vehicular architecture that we patrol in traffic have in place is gridlock, when almost similar with people see them, they that of New York. have rest of mind.

Though it can be When all these men improved upon and see them they will IG has assured us runaway. It is not that he is going to about carrying guns improve our about; their presence mobility. alone will deter Unlocking criminals.

Lagos: What we Preventive There is this need to do is to Policing: When they ensure that we great divide ask what kind of unlock Lagos. To principle that I want, between us ensure that when I told them that I people wake up at and the prefer that we adopt a 5am and proceed to community kind of a preventive their different places policing. When we of work, they have which ought prevent crime, then less gridlocks. not to be. For we protect people. If Most of the we are unable to gridlocks are not my us to operate, prevent crime, then making or your for us to we are failing. Most making but because of the core job is crime perform, we of the bad roads, prevention, crime which I believe need the codetection. if we must another agency has prevent crime then, operation of been saddled with we must go after the the responsibility. everybody bad boys like we have

Newly posted Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Cornelius Kayode Aderanti kick started his official visit to media houses in the state by storming the corporate headquarters of Vanguard Media Limited, Kirikiri Canal, Apapa. He fielded questions from Vanguard Editors. Excerpts:

By Emma Nnadozie, Crime Editor & Evelyn Usman, Asst.

Crime Editor

E

VER since I took over, I have been trying to move around, exploring and understanding the terrain to see how we can police Lagos state better. I met a very good architecture in place, a security architecture that is workable. I am one of the luckiest Commissioners of Police to the extent that the Inspector General of Police has confidence in me, to head the Lagos state Police command. Every day, I am in touch with him and I have his backing. Also, I have the backing of the Governor of Lagos state, who is a lover of peace. He is an individual I believe that has done a lot to sustain our operations in Lagos state. So, when people talk about achieving or not achieving, I say, look those heroes that are unsung are people I believe should be appreciated also.

Good policing system Assuming we don’t have something like the Lagos state security trust fund, I don’t know where we would have been today. Through this medium, we should commend the Governor of Lagos state. What we do is to actually use that platform properly to work assiduously 24/7 to ensure that Lagosians have a good policing system.

Service delivery to the people: From my background,

I think I am better placed to navigate the operations of my men in this command and what I have been telling them is that my focus during my tenure would be on collaboration with the community we serve. And we should be able to improve upon the service delivery aspect of our job, then maybe have a kind of better understanding with the general public. We cannot succeed without members of the public; we should try to treat them the same way we want to be treated. There is this great divide between us

being doing. Just today before coming here, we paraded some notorious criminals that were involved in car snatching.

Fifteen vehicles were recovered.

We have been doing all these things since we came on board.

During most of my public statements, I have said that when you commit a crime in this state, we don’t sleep. We hunt you down and in the next couple of weeks, we are going to address the press through another major issue which bothers on kidnapping which we have been able to unlock. We have affected an arrest that is very critical. So, these are all the issues. if we are able to prevent crime, detect crime we would have been able to do our own.

Important stakeholder Notwithstanding, we believe that an important stakeholder like you, we need your support and co-operation and I have to appreciate that you have being given us your support sincerely speaking. You have been there for us, from the Chairman up to the last person in Vanguard. We say, a big thank you. We are going to work in synergy with you because we are friendly people. We are human beings like you. At times, some of our boys make one or two mistakes.

You should understand that it is a difficult thing, managing people.

International background, torture in Nigeria: There is no way I would have worked in New York for over ten years and not understand what human right is.

New York is a country that believes in the rule of law and culture, that actually encourages fundamental human right. We will take a look into these little things and I will assure you that there will be changes. They are doing a heck of a job, like I mentioned that some officers might

act as a result of exuberance, they are in a hurry to unlock certain serious crime. It happens in the US as well. It is not the policy of the police to torture and the IGP is against torture. He is a lawyer and he is in tune with the human rights in Nigeria. He has asked us to go out and lecture our men on human rights in the police.

Manpower and Police Presence: Just like Oliver twist, we always ask for more and when you look at the population of Nigeria, the population of Lagos in particular, it is close to 20 million, and this is due to the massive influx of people every day. It is a micro hub that always attracts people because of it’s business activities. We have other strategies in place to check crimes.

When two or more officers are mounting surveillance it makes a lot of difference. And from the little we have, we ought to ensure the people of Lagos feel our presences and we can only do this within the peak period in Lagos between 5am and 5pm. If we are able to place our officers in such prone areas, it translates into a scenario that we are everywhere. And at night when people are sleeping, we have patrol vehicles moving from point A to point B, point C to point D. Like what we are doing in Igando area now. We have deplored massively within the last 48 hours. When the issue of threat or no threat came out, we didn’t allow it to just go like that. We took over the whole of that area from Igando to Ikotun massively.

So with that, I know it is helpful.

What we need to do is to be more mobile, have enough vehicles to work with. The issue of more people being recruited is a government policy. What the Inspector- General of Police told us is that definitely there is going to be recruitment in the police, that government seems to have approved a figure for it but they are working on it .

To be continued

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014 —53

When Ochei visited Kiagbodo

Burkina Faso president declares state of emergency

B

URKINA Faso’s President Blaise Compaore has imposed a state of emergency to end violent protests against his 27-year rule.

The government has also been dissolved, a statement signed by Mr Compaore said.

Mass protests against his rule are continuing in the capital, Ouagadougou.

Angry crowds had earlier set fire to parliament and other government buildings, forcing MPs to abandon a vote aimed at allowing Mr Compaore to seek reelection in 2015.

Protesters have converged on the main square in Ouagadougou, demanding Mr Compaore’s immediate

•The protesters do not want Mr Compaore to change the constitution to extend his rule. resignation.

One person has been killed in the protests, and not five as earlier reported, says BBC Afrique’s Yacouba Ouedraogo in the capital.

The military fired live bullets as protesters stormed parliament, our correspondent says.

Witnesses say dozens of

soldiers have joined the protests, including a former defence minister, Gen Kouame Lougue.

Protesters are demanding his installation as president, our reporter says.

This is one of the most serious protests against Mr Compaore’s rule.

Syria IS: Iraqi Peshmerga fighters ‘enter Kobane’

T

EN Iraqi Kurd Peshmerga fighters have entered the besieged Syrian town of Kobane on the Turkish border, Syrian opposition activists say.

Dozens more are expected to join them in helping Syrian Kurds defend the strategic town against Islamic State (IS) militants.

Turkey finally authorised the Iraqi Kurds to cross the border last week.Some 150 Iraqi Kurds are waiting to travel from Turkey to Kobane, which has been under siege for six weeks.

The arrival of the first Peshmerga comes a day after a group of Syrian Arab rebels entered the town also to fight against IS, aided by US-led coalition air strikes.

US fighters and bombers have carried out

Kerry says reported US slur of Israel’s Netanyahu ‘damaging’

T

HE description of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “chickenshit” by an anonymous U.S. official as quoted in a U.S. magazine

Clashes in Jerusalem after shooting of rabbi

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LASHES have erupted between Israeli security forces and Palestinian youths in occupied East Jerusalem a day after a gunman on a motorcycle shot and seriously wounded a farright rabbi.

Israel announced the shutdown of the Al-Aqsa mosque following Wednesday’s shooting of Yehuda Glick, which police called an attempted assassination.

The rabbi survived the attack, and the hospital where he was being treated said he was in serious but stable condition.

10 air strikes on Kobane since Wednesday, US Central Command said.

Another two air strikes

by US forces damaged an IS headquarters building near Deir ez-Zor and a security building near Raqqa.

Glick is a member of the Temple Mount Faithful, a group which calls for “liberating the Temple Mount from Arab [Islamic] occupation”.

The group advocates rebuilding a Jewish temple at the religiouslyimportant site, including the area containing the mosque.

The mosque remained closed “until further notice”, the Israeli public security minister said, an announcement that prompted Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to declare the as tantamount to a “declaration of war”.

this week was disgraceful and damaging, the Secretary of State John Kerry said yesterday.

Netanyahu on Wednesday condemned the comment from an unnamed official in The Atlantic, which added to tensions between his government and the Obama administration, particularly over settlement building in Israeli-annexed East Jerusalem.

“We condemn anybody who uses language such as was used in this article,” Kerry told an audience at the annual Washington Ideas Forum in his first comment on the issue. “It does not reflect the president, it does not reflect me, it is disgraceful, unacceptable, damaging.”

“I have never heard that word around me in the White House. I don’t know who these anonymous people are who keep getting quoted, but they make life much more difficult,” Kerry added.

By Nkem Osu

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Azikiwe, High Chief Sergeant Uredi, who is the national chairman of the influential Isoko Leaders and Elders Council, High Chief Paul Eriri, a colossal figure in the dynamics of Isoko politics, Professor Okobia, one time vice-chancellor, Delta State University Abraka, Chief Godwin Ogbetuo, Mrs. Judith Enamuotor, member of the Board of Trustees, Peoples Democratic Party, and Senator Rowland Owie are veritable assortment of dignitaries from the three senatorial zones of the state and beyond which by all acceptable parameters underscored the detribalised nature of the aspirant (Ochei).

What with, other accomplished chieftains in diverse fields of endeavour who also graced the occasion. Dr Wilson Omene, Chief Kuti Dafe, Hon(Mrs ) Eda Ekamere, Olorogun(Hon) George Oyefia-a two time legislator, DTHA, Chief Be, Chief Lucky Ukuerere, Barrister Bright Iwhiwhu, Princess Dukuye Okiemute, Deacon Emakpor Francis to list but a few. Delta South registered an impressive presence with the likes of Hon Ojere Edeyibo, Barr. Silas Buowe both former members of the Delta State Legislature, Mrs Ikanone- PDP Women Leader in Warri North LGA, Mr. Kings Zuokmor, former Chairman of RUWANSA, Barr Mary Erijo, Chief Baro Zuokmor, Chief Timi Laibi, Chief Patrick Ebiowei, Pastor Joseph Jakpa, Mr Tonye Timi and Mrs Esther Abrakata.

Similarly, Delta North also paraded a paragon of dignitaries which complemented the remarkable

ISTORY’s prime sublime attribute flourishes when a remarkable and epoch making event occurs, which more often than not is a clear departure from routine expectations.

Such was the setting on a sunny Sunday afternoon precisely on October 26, 2015, when the historic town of Kiagbodo in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State practically shut down as Hon. Victor Onyekachi Ochei, in furtherance of his gubernatorial aspiration, paid a consultative visit to the revered elder statesman, Chief E.K Clark, who in all ramifications is a big force to reckon with in and outside the political realm of Delta and indeed Nigeria.

The historic significance of the consultative visit provided a doublebarrelled import that resonates beyond mere political rhetoric. In other words, it was a concrete attestation to the acceptability of Ochei’s gubernatorial aspiration by Pa E.K. Clark. One salient import from the visit was, Chief E.K. Clark’s patronising and warm reception accorded Ochei and his entourage. This much reflected in Pa Clark’s response to Ochei’s speech. He said “Victor Ochei is my son and considering the calibre of personalities in his entourage, I am left with no option than to say that I am pleased with him. I can see from the composition of the entourage that you (Ochei ) are really a detribalised Deltan because from my observation and conviction, all ethnic nationalities in the state are represented in your entourage and it is only someone with such sterling quality that can ensure peace and progress in Delta State”.

Before Pa Clark’s submission above, Hon Ochei had intimated him of his desire to become the governor of Delta State in 2015, a yearning occasioned by the compelling need to offer result oriented leadership that will positively impact the lives of Deltans.

Ochei equally harped on his hope to create a Delta where ethnicity, nepotism, imperialism and impunity will not have a place to thrive.

Hon. Victor Ochei One other most striking significance of the consultation was the assortment from the two other senatorial presence of the movers and shakers of zones. Beside Obi Nosike Ikpo, whose Delta State spread across the three speech preceded Hon Ochei address, senatorial zones of the state and even tacitly accentuated the representation beyond, which succinctly underscored from the Anioma axis. Other notable the truism in the Shakespearean epic personages included octogenarian classic Julius Caesar when Metellus Ogbuefi Efe who is reputed for sharing said, “O, let us have him, for his silver the same political landscape with the hairs will purchase us a good opinion founding fathers of Nigerian political and buy us men’s voices to commend odyssey such as the late sage, Obafemi our deeds, it shall be said his judgement Awolowo of the Action Group fame, ruled our hands....”

Mrs. Anna Egbo, Princess(Barr) Mrs As a corollary to the afore quoted Ada Kachikwu- chairman of the Delta Shakespearean piece, it could be State House of Assembly Commission, incontrovertibly deduced that indeed the Sir Vincent Ugbelase, one time array of sliver haired personalities Commissioner for Commerce in Delta assisted in no small measure to Pa Clark’s State, Mr Ephraim Osubor, former ostensible endorsement of Rt Hon General Manager of the Delta State Ochei’s candidacy, when he said “I am Broadcasting Service, Mr Uche Uraih, at home with your entourage because I a two time Chairman of The Delta State know most of them (in the entourage) Broadcasting Service, Mr Jerry Ossaiby their first names and even aliases. former Works Commissioner in Delta For the likes of Obi (Senator) Nosike State and Council Chairman, Aniocha Ikpo, a two time senator in the Second South LGA, Hon(Chief) Barr Cal Republic who gave a preamble to Ochei’s Nwawolo- former Special Adviser on speech, Maj- Gen O. E. Obadan (retd) Chieftaincy Affairs to Governor James the first military aide-de-camp to Ibori as well as being a former Nigeria’s first President Dr Nnamdi Chairman of the Aniocha North LGA.

54—Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

NJC okays Mahmud as new CJN

VISIT : From left— Dr. Michael Olawole-Cole, Vice President; Alhaji Remi Bello, President, both of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Vice President Namadi Sambo, during a courtesy call on Sambo in Abuja, yesterday.

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

BUJA—AT the end of its meeting in Abuja, yesterday, the National Judicial Council, NJC, gave its nod to Justice Mahmud Mohammed's appointment as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN. A source at the meeting, which was presided over by the outgoing CJN, Justice Mariam Muhktar, said NJC also approved the appointment of the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Mr. Sunday Olorundahunsi, as a High Court Judge in Ondo State.

The council also nominated Justice Walter Nkanu-Onnoghen to function as the deputy chairman of NJC. Statutorily, the CJN chairs the Federal Judicial Service Commission, FJSC, and NJC and Nkanu-Onnoghen is next in command to Mohammed.

FJSC had, last week, recommended Mahmud to take over from Muhktar, who is due to leave active service on November 20, on attaining 70 years retirement age.

NJC had concluded plans to forward Mahmud's name to President Goodluck Jonathan for confirmation.

His appointment will be subject to ratification by the Senate.

UNFPA tasks FG on maternal mortality

By Gabriel Ewepu

A

BUJA— THE United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, has decried the high rate of maternal mortality in Nigeria.

It also urged the Federal Government to deliver demographic dividends that will have positive impact on the people.

Country Representative, UNFPA, Nigeria, Ms. Ratidzai Ndlovu, said this at a stakeholders’ conference with the theme Celebration of Partners in Population and Development in Abuja.

He said the high mortality rate among women had become unacceptable, as pregnancy-related deaths occurred daily.

Court declares ban on BringBackOurGirls protests illegal zI 'll appeal, says Mbu

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

BUJA—AN Abuja High Court sitting at Maitama, yesterday, held that the erstwhile Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Joseph Mbu, acted illegally when he banned the #BringBackOurGirls group from conducting any form of protest within the FCT. Delivering judgment in a suit filed by former Minister of Education, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, wife of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mrs. Maryam Uwais, and 15 others, Justice Sunday Aladetoyinbo said the Police had no power to ban any Nigerian from embarking on a peaceful protest in any part of the country.

The court held that Mbu, who is now an Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, in charge of Zone 7, acted beyond his powers when he prohibited the group from converging to persuade the government to take concrete steps towards securing the release of the over 200 girls abducted from their school at Chibok in Borno State.

Justice Aladetoyinbo said at the time Mbu made the prohibition order, there was no state of emergency or any order from the Presidency.

“The right to freedom of assembly is the bone of any democratic governance,” the court added and commended the Inspector General of Police for his prompt response and immediate reversal of the “illegal police action” against the plaintiffs.

Besides, the court held that it was wrong for the police to

insist that the plaintiffs must first obtain a permit before gathering, though it cautioned the #BringBackOurGirls group on the need to be security conscious, while staging a peaceful gathering.

Justice Aladetoyinbo, however, refused to award a cost of N200 million against the police as he was prayed to do by the plaintiffs.

Meanwhile, Mbu, yesterday, said he would go to the Court of Appeal to challenge the judgment.

Reacting through his lawyer Mr. Simon Lough, Mbu insisted that the high court verdict established “some grey areas” he said ought to be settled by a higher court.

Lough told newsmen that there were previously two conflicting high court judgments on the powers of the Police to ban protest rallies.

2015 PRESIDENCY: Kwankwaso picks nomination form

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

A

BUJA—FORTY-eight hours after he publicly declared his intention to contest for Presidency on the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC, in 2015, Kano State governor, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, has purchased the party’s Expression of Interest and Presidential Nomination forms for N27.5 million.

He will be the third on the list of presidential aspirants on the party’s platform to take delivery of the forms.

The first to do so was former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, while the second was former Head of State, General Mohammadu Buhari (retd).

Speaking in a brief ceremony to mark the outing at APC’s national secretariat in Abuja yesterday, Kwankwaso said the forms were paid for by some of his supporters, comprising members of the National Assembly, Kano State Assembly and elders across the country.

He allayed fears of any impending crisis over the number of presidential aspirants in the party, saying

their entry was to add value to the race.

Kwankwaso, who defected to the APC from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, last year, assured the party that many more politicians from other political parties would soon join APC. He also declared his commitment towards ensuring APC’s victory at the polls.

He said: “I want to thank those who contributed in one way or the other in purchasing this form. Mr. Chairman, while I am thanking the National Working Committee, NWC, I want to also thank those who contributed money to purchase this form: members of National Assembly, state assembly, elders not only from Kano, but across the country.

“Mr. Chairman, I have the capacity to buy this form. But unfortunately or fortunately, they did not tell me. They just went ahead. Not only did they purchase the forms, they told me they have a lot of money for us to start the campaign.

“So, I want to thank all those who initiated this. That is what I can call a pleasant surprise.”

2 injured, as NOUN students protest in Abuja

By Laide Akinboade

A

BUJA—STUDENTS of National Open University, NOUN, yesterday, demonstrated in one of their study centres at Public Service Institute, Km 30, AbujaKubwa Expressway.

The protest, according to the students, was due to lack of proper arrangement, low internet network and inability to conduct exams.

The students complained of lack of information from the staff and management of NOUN or explanation as to why they could not conduct the exams that was earlier scheduled for Thursday.

One of the students, Mr. Austin Oble, said the manner they were all treated by the management of NOUN was annoying.

He said: “One of the reasons I decided to register with NOUN was because I believed it would give me time to do other things and I will be able to study at my own pace.

“I paid N78,000 as a first year student of Department of Criminology. We are supposed to start exams today.

“When we got here, there were no proper arrangements. Students were rushing to get inside the hall and two of my fellow students were seriously injured.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014 — 55

By Henry Umoru

A

BUJA—THE national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday dashed the hopes of Governor Bala James Ngilari of Adamawa State from taking part in the 2015 governorship poll as it ruled out the possibility of people from Adamawa Central contesting the election.

The party has however also asked deputy chairmen in Delta and Enugu States to act as chairmen in their two states until new elections were held to elect new persons for the position in the two states.

Briefing newsmen at the end of the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party, the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh said that the party was insisting that Adamawa Central should produce the next governor of the state instead of the Ngilari's Adamawa North Senatorial zone.

Also, strong indications emerged yesterday that Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State may have lost out in the power struggle to appoint the state chairman of the party, as the national secretariat has overruled the appointment of Ikeje Asogwa as acting state chairman of the party after resignation of former chairman, Vita Abba.

Chime had appointed the Managing Director of the Enugu State Housing Development Cooperation, ESHDC, Mr. Asogwa, as acting chairman of the party, following Abba’s resignation last week.

It was learnt that the party adopted Elder David Aja who was Abba’s deputy as acting chairman of the PDP in the state pending election of a substantive chairman.

Chime had Tuesday brought Mr. Asogwa to the national secretariat to introduce him to the party’s leadership, but the controversial manner of Asogwa’s emergence made the NWC reject Asogwa.

Adamawa 2015: PDP zones out Gov Ngilari from contesting zPDP rejects Enugu Acting Chairman Disclosing the decision of the party yesterday, Metuh said that following the earlier resignation of Abba, the NWC has asked Aja to immediately take over the affairs of the party in the state.

Ngilari had stormed the national secretariat 21 days after he was sworn -in as governor

E

NUGU—SPEAKER of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Mr. Eugene Odo, yesterday formally declared his intention to contest the governorship election of the state in 2015, setting a stage for a major confrontation with Governor Sullivan Chime’s anointed candidate, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

At a briefing in his office, Odo said he had formally purchased his form and explained that his insistence in pursuing his governorship ambition was irrevocable.

Asked why he decided to make a U-turn having agreed at the consensus arrangement,

through one Arc. Prince Lawrence Ngbale.

Metuh said: “NWC has decided that the decision and agreements of the candidates in Adamawa during our last exercise last month will be upheld.

Accordingly, the gubernatorial election in 2015 has been zoned

to Adamawa Central. All aspirants who bought forms (eight of them) that signed the agreement and withdrew are advised to come and exchange it without any payment with the new 2015 forms. It means they are entitled to run since they are from the same senatorial zone The party will fully implement that agreement.”

Meanwhile, the party has suspended its ward congresses in Abia and Anambra states over the expiration of the tenure of their state executives and mandated the South East Zonal Working Committee led by Col. Austin Akobundu (retd) to oversee the congresses in the affected states.

Ex-NCC boss, Ndukwe joins race for Senate

F

NDUKWE PICKS NOMINATION FORM: Chief Ernest Ndukwe (sitting, right) signing the register for the purchase of the Senatorial nomination forms at All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Anambra State Secretariat. Looking on is state APGA chairman, Akunwata Kwentoh (2nd left).

Azikiwe's son to Igbo: Use APGA to negotiate with PDP, APC ...

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

N

NEWI—FIRST son of first President of Nigeria,

Speaker to battle Chime's anointed, Ugwuanyi for Enugu gov seat

By Austin Ogwuda

following a court judgement that sacked the former acting governor, Mr Fintiri, to purchase his expression of interest and nomination forms to contest the Adamawa State gubernatorial election next year.

The governor had purchased the form with number 178 0378.

which he was said to be part of, he said “Of course, we were in the meeting and the views of majority will certainly have its way. But, we equally have our observations at least on the process. There is nothing wrong with consensus, but the process through which consensus is arrived might be an issue.

Consensus as a matter of fact, anybody can endorse anybody tomorrow as a consensus. ''Our national party frowns at party officials engaging in consensus. If party officials on their own decide to do so I mean that (consensus) could be seen as a private or rather as an individual effort towards moving the aspiration of a candidate.''

Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Chukwuma Bamidele Azikiwe, yesterday, in his Onisi Onira residence, urged Ndigbo to use the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, to negotiate and bargain with the two leading political parties; Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and All Progressives Congress, APC, to better the lots of the people of the south-east.

He spoke when National Chairman of APGA, Sir Victor Umeh, led some of the party stalwarts, visited him.

According to him, “The Yoruba were very strong in Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, which they collapsed into All Progressives Congress, APC, the Hausas were strong in All Nigerian Peoples Party, ANPP, and Congress for Progressives Change, CPC, and they also collapsed it into APC because of the negotiation they went into. ''Now we have these two mega parties PDP and APC going to challenge each other, the rationale for APGA is to be a negotiating force and these two strong parties have to negotiate

with APGA, the party should not give any of them automatic support, it has to negotiate with them since we are not featuring any presidential candidate.”

He said Ndigbo had to make the parties “to understand that unless they are willing and able to convince them on what they have for them and they will not be taken for granted any longer.

Tell us what you have for us and then we will think about it, and decide where we are going.”

Speaking, Chief Umeh said nothing given to Ndigbo in Nigeria would be enough for what they had lost in the country in the last 40 years.

According to him, “I am contesting for Anambra Central Senatorial District in the 2015 to represent my people and fight for the interest of Ndigbo who have been so marginalized in Nigeria. I went to the National Conference, the little time I spent there, I saw the attitude of the rest of Nigerians towards Ndigbo. I discovered that nothing has changed for the better for Ndigbo. We must negotiate because nothing has changed.''

ORMER executive vicechairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Chief Ernest Ndukwe, one of the nation’s most respected telecom technocrats has thrown his hat into the political ring.

Having joined the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, recently, Ndukwe has opted to further deepen his public service record by contesting for a seat in the Senate on the platform of APGA. The nation’s former telecoms regulator yesterday formally picked APGA’s nomination forms for Anambra South Senatorial District.

Ndukwe, a relative newcomer into politics, from Oraifite in Ekwusigo LGA, will be contesting the seat with some battle-tested politicians including incumbent, Dr Andy Uba, who was former senior special assistant to expresident Olusegun Obasanjo before becoming governor of Anambra State for 17 days.

Other contestants Ndukwe will be slugging it out with are Dr Okey Udeh, a former deputy governor of the state while Dr Chris Ngige was governor, Chief Nicholas Ukachukwu of the ruling PDP, and Maja Umeh, also of APGA. But Ndukwe is joining the race with a rich pedigree of service excellence from both the private and public sectors.

Nigeria’s telecoms revolution took off and consolidated under his watch as executive vicechairman of NCC, overseeing the growth of telephony in the country from a mere 400,000 lines in 2001 to nearly 90 million by the time he left.

Many Nigerians, especially those in telecoms and allied businesses feel that someone like Ernest Ndukwe in the hallowed chambers of the Senate will increase the confidence of Nigerians in the upper legislative house.

56—Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014—57

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58—Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014 — 59

President Jonathan, Pinnick, Giwa meet

BY JUDE OPARA, Abuja

A

S part of the political solution to the lingering crisis that has been rocking Nigerian football, President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday night met with the president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick and the proprietoro of Giwa FC of Jos, Chris Giwa.

The President who met the feuding parties at the presidential villa reminded them that national interest should always override every personal consideration.

He also enjoined the Giwa faction who had dragged the NFF to court to first withdraw their case from the court so as to avert the impending FIFA ban which he noted will not be in the interest of anybody.

The meeting which also had in attendace Vice President, Namadi Sambo, Secretary to the Federal Government (SGF), Sen. Anyim Pius, minister and chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Dr. Tammy Danagogo has been rescheduled to reconvene next week after the two parties might have discussed.

Meanwhile, immediate past chief coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi has thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for approving his recall to handle the national team.

Super Eagles battle Seychelles in a friendly match.

NFF crisis: Danagogo, Elegbeleye commend Jonathan

S

PORTS Minister and Chairman National Sports Commission, Dr. Tammy Danagogo has commended President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for his timely intervention in the crisis rocking the Nigeria Football Federation which he said will be resolved before the expiration of the deadline given by FIFA to avoid its hammer falling on the country.

The minister said during the beginning of the retreat for the President Cup which he declared open in Abuja yesterday that the interest of the president in the sport which

unifies the country led to the invitation of the warring factions in the NFF for a truce meeting which would lead to true reconciliation of the parties.

“I can assure you that Nigerians will heave a sigh of relief as the president, who is a strong supporter of our national teams met with the warring parties and everything to ensure that Nigeria is not banned by FIFA will be done”, Dr. Danagogo said to a resounding applause from the audience at the ceremony at the Media Centre of the Abuja National Stadium.

On the President Cup which is aimed at scouting for young football talents in the country, the minister reaffirmed his call on the committee to do a painstaking job by combing all the nooks and crannies of the country to fish out the talents.

Football Federation by the Chris Giwa-led faction.

FIFA had given Nigeria up till mid day today, to put its football house in order or be banned, which may not have been reviewed until the board meeting in May next year.

Messrs. Obinna Ogba and Yahaya Adamu of the Giwa-led faction had dragged the immediate past President of NFF, Alhaji Aminu Maigari and the NFF General Secretary, Musa Amadu, to court seeking for orders to restrain Maigari (first defendant), the NFF (second defendant) and

the 36 Football associations (third defendants) from conducting another election after the faction claimed that their principal was the duly elected president of the federation The judge had fixed Thursday for the ruling on whether he has jurisdiction to hear the case following the preliminary objection raised by the NFF defence counsel, Mr. Damon Dashe, who questioned the eligibility of the court to entertain the matter.

Dashe had on Monday filed a counter affidavit to the originating summons, saying that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain

the matter since the plaintiffs hearing was delayed because he was not properly served by the counsel for the plaintiff.

He had told the court that it was incumbent on it to hear the preliminary objection, which would guide it on the proper path to follow, adding that the prayers contained in the preliminary objection is for the court to strike it out “because the plaintiffs have submitted themselves to the NFF statutes.”

However at the sitting of the court yesterday, the judge announced the dismissal of the suit following the withdrawal of the suit by the plaintiffs.

T

HE decision by the Ambassador Chris Giwa led-group to withdraw the suit against the Nigeria Football Federation from a Jos High Court has been hailed by former captain and one time coach of the national team, Christian Chukwu as good for Nigeria football.

In a reaction to the dismissal of the case by the court following the decision by the group to withdraw the case, Chukwu said, “Fantastic.

It is the best piece of news I am hearing. This is a big relief to Nigerian football and to millions of youths playing football in this

country.”

He said that the withdrawal of the case will afford stakeholders the opportunity to get together and discuss as brothers issues bothering them. “Football is one big family where everybody come together.''

•Chukwu

Eagles Continues from B/P ultra-modern Akwa Ibom International Stadium.

But both countries will however be unable to field their high-profile stars and home-based players will dominate the exhibition match in Uyo. Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan is scheduled to be in attendance and top football icons, including the legendary Brazilian

Pele, have also been invited to grace the opening of the stadium.

The newly built 30,000 capacity will host the Super Eagles 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa on 19 November.

The edifice was built to bear similarities with Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena, the Bird Nest Stadium in Beijing China, and the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.

President he was ready to return

Continues from B/P •Danagogo

Nigeria Continues from B/P

Chukwu commends Giwa group

Allagoa said, “The suit is hereby dismissed as the plaintiffs have announced their intention to withdraw the case from the court.”

Counsel for the plaintiffs, Mr. Ardzard Habilla, who spoke to our correspondent after the ruling said his client had to withdraw the case in the interest of Nigerian football and the appeal of well-meaning Nigerians for an end to the crisis in the Glass House.

He said, “My client is well aware of the implication of another FIFA ban on Nigeria and has also listened to the appeals from well meaning Nigerians to withdraw the case from court.”

Congo, South Africa and Sudan.

The campaign has been a near disaster as the Eagles could only garner 4 points from a possible 12. Nigerians were enraged and called for the head of the coach. Keshi was subsequently asked to go by the new NFF board.

President Jonathan’s order for the reinstatement of the embattled coach was not unexpected as there were reports of a strong lobby group comprising people from high places campaigning for the return of the former Hawks of Togo coach.

The former international said he was not angry against those who relieved him of his assignment but admitted

as a sign of respect to Mr President.

“If the number one citizen of this country asked me to stay back I wouldn’t want to think any other team because this is the team I captained for 14 years and have coached for some years too but sometimes you do have mixed feelings because of what is on ground”.

Concerning the must win second leg tie of the 2015 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Congo, Keshi said there is nothing to worry about because he still has his team intact.

He however, complained complained that Nigerians don’t seem to appreciate what he and his players were doing for the country.

60 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

Keshi: Fans react

NFF electoral appeals committee to meet Nov 11

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ITH Stephen Keshi in line to return as Super Eagles coach, fans have shared their views on this latest development.

Below are views of some football fans from different parts of Nigeria: N w a n k w e Tarilaye,TM Bayelsa United from YenegoaKeshi should not return. What kind of working relationship will he have with a board that pushed him out?

Bakare from OffaKwara State: Sacking him isn’t the solution at first but if he would be back,the Boss must learn from criticisms of all Nigerians.

Shuaibu Haliru from Sokoto: Keshi shouldn’t be brought back, he uses a lot of self interest in his squad. We have good talented players out there, players like Obasi, Uche, Abdullahi Shehu, Sherif Isa but they never get called up.

Ojobi : Keshi won’t help Nigerian football because of his arrogant stand on locking out some very good players.

Chikere Nwankwo: It’s laughable and a shame if Keshi agrees to go back to his vomit.

What about the many countries he claimed were after his signature?

The President by this action has slighted the Pinnick board. What it means is that nobody can talk to Keshi again.

We’re in for poor results from the Eagles Kendrick from Benin: I’ll be ashamed if Keshi accept to return back as Eagles coach. He has done his best and that’s the best he can give. I pray to God that Keshi should not come back, he wants to kill Nigeria football with his pride.

Biodun Adeyemi: President Jonathan should have allowed the NFF to have their way.

He is causing more trouble for them by this action of ordering the return of Keshi. What about the girls who have been kidnapped for months?

Timothy from Markurdi: Keshi should never accept to return as

HE NFF Electoral A p p e a l s Committee, constituted at the Extra-Ordinary General Assembly of 20th September, 2014 in Warri, Delta State, will on November 11 and 12 sit on pending appeals from the NFF Executive Committee elections of 30th September in the same city.

Alhaji Muazu Suleyman, a former Member of the NFF Executive Committee, who contested for the post of Vice President alongside Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi (eventual winner), High Chief Emeka Inyama and Hon. Shehu Adamu, has appealed against the result.

Barr. Iyke Igbokwe, Vice Chairman of the NFF Disciplinary Committee, is also contesting his defeat in the election of the South –East representative.

The contest was among eventual winner Felix Anyansi –Agwu, Barr.

Jude Obikwelu and Igbokwe.

AGAINST POPULAR OPINION: Keshi back in the saddle. the Suoer Eagles coach, his good record is fading with the current problem in Nigeria football. Let him keep his pride and good record than to spoil it now. Even though he qualifies the Eagles for

Morocco 2015, the Eagles can’t do well in the tournament. It is obvious. For Keshi I advice him not to return to this job .

Egiom from Port Harcourt: Keshi has done

well for Nigeria but He should take a bow and leave for good.

Uche Dibia: Will Keshi change his arrogant nature and invite better Nigerian players than the journey men he invites

from China?

Mohammed from Taraba: Keshi is the best for Nigeria no doubt about that, I don’[t know why NFF sacked him in the first place. I think he is the right person for the the job.

Toro applauds Keshi’s recall, peace at NFF

By Solomon Nwoke

F

ORMER Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Alhaji Sani Ahmed Toro has applauded the surprise presidential recall of the sacked Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi, saying, it was for the good of the game in the country.

The former Bauchi State Commissioner of Sports who spoke to Sports Vanguard on phone yesterday also described the withdrawal of the case instituted against the Nigeria Football federation by Chris Giwa as a good development Alhaji Toro had earlier expressed his resentment over the sacking of the Super Eagles Afcon 2013 winning coach, Keshi saying, “I am not happy.

The NFF are not fair to him and they are not fair to Nigerian coaches” But yesterday when the news of the Presidential

order to reinstate Keshi reached him, he said, “ I am happy that he is back and first, I want him to concentrate and win the

remaining two matches and ensure Nigeria’s qualification for next year’s African Nations Cup in Morocco”.

Elizabeth Wuraola Ojo memorial Golf tourney gets date

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PONSORS of the annual Elizaberth Wuraola Ojo Memorial Golf Invitational tournament, Toyota Nigeria Limited have promised a bumper package for this year’s tournament.

The newest and largest privately owned Golf Club in Nigeria, the Smokin Hills Golf Club Ilara Mokin which incidentally is owned by Chief Michael Ade. Ojo OON will for the second time host this year ’s

tournament making its 11th edition to commemorate the passing on of Mrs E. W Ojo. It is worth noting that Toyota (Nigeria) Limited in its characteristic manner will be sponsoring the hole 16 with a Toyota Camry 3.5 as the Hole – in – one prize this year, while some of the latest models from the stables of Toyota will also be on display during the tournament in order to avail golfers and

other dignitaries that will grace the tournament an ample opportunity to touch and feel the Toyota models.

According to the Public Relations Manager Toyota Nigeria Limited, Mrs Bukunola Ogunnusi the tournament is strictly by invitation while the Shot Gun System will be adopted for this special edition which would be teed off by women and professionals on the 7th November and will climax with a cocktail at 6.00pm.

SATECH, Kings FC for GOtv Hood to Hood final

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ATECH FC of Mushin will trade tackles with Kings FC of Ajah in the final of the Season 2 of the GOtv Hood to Hood Football championship.

The two teams are expected to battle for honours in the final match which is planned to kick off at 2pm at the Legacy Pitch in the National Stadium, Surulere, on Saturday, 1 November 2014 during the closing ceremony.

SATECH FC defeated IGI Premier FC 2-1 in the first semi-final match while Kings FC made it to the final by beating Rainbow FC of Iyana Ipaja 4-2 on penalties in the second semi-final match after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

Speaking during the semi-final matches played on Tuesday, the General Manager, GOtv, Mrs Elizabeth Amkpa expressed satisfaction with the Season 2 of the championship which she described as a bigger and better than the first edition of the championship.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014 —61

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62 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014—63

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We don't want Keshi: Fans react

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

President Jonathan recalls Keshi

•As court dismisses case against NFF

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IGERIA yesterday escaped the wrath of FIFA as Justice Ambrose Allagoa of the Federal High court sitting in Jos, Plateau State, withdrew the suit filed against the Nigeria Continues on Page 59

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RESIDENT Good luck Jonathan has ordered the immediate reinstatement of former Super Eagles coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi.

Keshi’s contract with the Nigeria Football Federation was not renewed after the World Cup in Brazil. But in a twist of fate, Sports Minister and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Tammy Danagogo invited the Afcon winning coach to return to the team and prosecute the first phase of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against

Continues on Page 59

— P.60 Nigeria escapes FIFA ban

•Pinnick

Eagles, Black Stars to clash in Uyo •Pele billed to attend

A

F R I C A N champions Super Eagles will face Ghana in an international friendly on Friday 7 November 2014 to officially open the

•President Jonathan (l) decorates Keshi.

Continues on Page 59

•Pele

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Dreadful (4) 4 Stitch (3) 6 Pace (4) 9 Duty (3) 10 Intricate (8) 11 Heroic (4) 14 Wrath (3) 16 Appended (5) 19 Delightful (8) 21 Leaf (5) 23 Scorn (8) 24 Seat (5) 27 Free (3) 31 Companion (4) 33 Timetable (8) 34 Observe (3) 35 Genuine (4) 36 Parched (3) 37 Pull (4)

DOWN 2 Stagger (4) 3 Intend (4) 4 Wage-earning (8) 5 Broad (4) 6 War-horse (5) 7 Spigot (3) 8 Banish (5) 12 Scour (5) 13 Berth (5) 14 Devil (3) 15 Go in (5) 17 Sewer (5) 18 Discourage (5) 20 Gaudily (8) 22 Cover (3) 25 Delete (5) 26 Fishing-basket (5) 28 Employed (4) 29 Irritable (4) 30 Family (4) 32 Beverage (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS 1, Master 5, Branch 8, Carnival 9, Claw 10, Her 12, Creep 15, Ash 17, Err 18, End 19, Spa 20, Amend 21, Dip 22, Cos 23, Ace 24, Eat 26, Hotel 29, Red 33, Fire 34, Hopeless 35, Fester 36, Litter

DOWN 2, Amaze 3, Tang 4, Rover 5, Bulge 6, Ach 7, Class 10, Haste 11, React 12, Crash 13, Event 14, Pedal 15, Adder 16, Hoped 25, Alive 27, Other 28, Expel 30, Ensue 31, Pelt 32, Flat

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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