How to overcome ourchallenges — OBJ, Anyaoku

C M Y K

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 61785

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

I fed Okonjo-Iweala's mother with bread, groundnuts — suspect

•Pg.6

How to overcome our challenges — OBJ, Anyaoku •Say the nation 'll rise above current problems •How we averted bomb attacks at Christmas — Jonathan —P.9

CRASHED, SURVIVED

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

A

B E O K U TA — ELDER Statesmen- former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations, yesterday, reviewed the state of the nation in 2012 and proffered suggestions on Continues on page 5

Faces at •P.44 Azazi's burial

Late Azazi.

DELE SOBOWALE •P.38

LES LEBA •P.40

Mr & Mrs

MULTIPLE CRASH—Scenes

Gbemiga Olamikan.

of a multiple accident along Akwanga-Keffi Road, Nassarawa State, yesterday. Photos:

2012: The year that When 'll Nigeria stop this •P.50 almost wasn't —P.41 unfairness to Chief Okotie-Eboh?

2— Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012—3

C M Y K

4 — Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

Age, health, trouble the high and mighty

BY HUGO ODIOGOR, Foreign Affair Editor, with agency report THE end of the year may have been a season of merriment for millions of people around the World, but for some global statesmen and women, it was a date with doctors and nurses, surgeons and for their family members, it was prayers for speedy recoveries for their Patriarchs and matriarchs, who were hospitalized. The different strokes portray the ironies of life where those who seem to have it, have to struggle with their health and the New Year will be a time for more prayers and watchfulness.

the morning sickness of grandson’s wife, Kate, who is expecting. The young members of House of Windsor are gradually taking the spotlight.

Hugo Chavez

V •Mandela, former South African President

•George Bush Snr, former US President

Nelson Mandela Elder statesman and Icon of Liberation struggle, Dr. Nelson Mandela, ended the year on a note of health worries just like he started it.

The former ANC Leader and former president of South Africa, was rushed to hospitl on 25 February 2012, owing to a recurring and long-standing abdominal complaint.

Mandela was back to the hospital where he was rushed on December 11, 2012. He was treated for a recurring lung infection and was under the surgeon knife to remove gall stone from his lungs.

He spent his Christmas in the hospital and had been discharged and advised to stay in Pretoria where he could be well looked after.

There was nationwide scare when news filtered in that some military doctors that had been responsible for his medical needs had perished in a plane crash.

That caused growing concern in South Africa, a nation of 50 million people that largely reveres Mandela for being the nation’s first democratically elected president who sought to bring the country together after centuries of racial division.

George H. W. Bush C M Y K

Hosni Mubarak

•Baroness Thatcher , former British Prime Minister

F

ormer US President George H. W. Bush Was another renowned leader who spent his Christmas on sick bed as he was admitted to a Houston hospital to deal with respiratory problems. The 88-year-old Bush was president from 1988 to 1992 when he lost power to Mr. Bill Clinton.

The former president was hospitalized on November 23 for a bronchitis-related cough. He was moved to intensive care at the Houston hospital on December 23 after he developed a fever, but his doctors said his health had improved sufficiently to enable them move him to regular room. Bush is the oldest living former president and is remembered for many things, including the first Gulf War to reverse the invasion of Kuwait by the late Iraqi president Saddam Hussein.

her Christmas in hospital. The former Prime Minister, who spearheaded the Neo-Liberal economic revolution of the 1980s, has suffered some ill health in recent years.

Baroness Thatcher remains the most acknowledged British Prime Ministers in the 20th century as she turned Britain into a formidable force in global politics.

She fought war with Argentina over the Falklands. She reined in the Labour Union in Britain and linked up effectively with former US President Ronald Reagan to promote the concept of “Supply Side economics”, or the Trickle Down economic philosophy that emphasized elite control of the commanding height of

enezuela’s mercurial leader Hugo Chavez, 58, announced in December he would undergo his fourth operation in the last 18 months. Before departing, Chavez named his vice president, Nicolas Maduro, as his successor.

Venezuela’s constitution article 231 defines a specific presidential term that starts January 10, and the inauguration must be presided over on that day either by the National Assembly or the Supreme Court.

•Prince Philip, Duke Edinburgh the economy, with incentives and perks that would enable them to spread the benefits to the Middle Class and the poor.

Many economic theorists today believe that global economic recession that hit the industrialized economies in the 2008 was a fall out of the failure of Neo-liberalism.

The Duke of Edinburgh

B

efore Thatcher was the 91year-old Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh who was hospitalized at the Aber-

deen Royal Infirmary in Scotland on August 20, where he spent five days to treat a recurrent bladder infection. In June, Prince Philip’ was a major concern during the celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of the Queen Elizabeth, whose husband of 65 years increasingly withdraws from public life because of his health.

Prince Philip has been out and about at the London Olympics, a regatta and other royal activities. His health trouble continued over Christmas and was overshadowed by the rave over

There was no respite for former Egyptian strongman Hosni Mubarak, 84, who was forced out in a 2011 after 30 years in power through popular uprising.

Mubarak, who was sentenced to life in prison in June for his role in killing protesters, was admitted to a prison hospital following a fall in prison, thereby raising fresh concerns about his health.

Mubarak’s health has been the subject of intense speculation in Egypt and he has spent much of the time before and after his trial in the prison hospital.

Age and health will remain a major source of concern for the families of these global citizens.

“Iron lady” Margret Thatcher Known in her days in power as the Iron Lady, Baroness Margaret Thatcher, 87, underwent an emergency surgery to remove a growth from her bladder. She spent

Mubarak, former Egyptian President

Hugo Chavez, Venezuala President

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER31, 2012—5

POCKET CARTOON

YAKOWA—From left: The wife of late Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State, Amina Yakowa and her children at a Solemn Memorial Mass for late Yakowa at St. John Catholic Church, Tafawa Balewa Road, Kaduna yesterday. Photo: Olu Ajayi.

How to overcome our challenges — Obasanjo, Anyaoku Continues from page 1 how to overcome the present challenges.

In separate statements, both leaders acknowledged the efforts the Goodluck Jonathan administration is making to tackle the chal-

lenges and concluded that Nigeria would rank among the greatest countries of the world in the nearest future.

Addressing newsmen in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, Obasanjo lamented that despite

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

It takes a great deal of courage to stand up to your enemies, but even more to stand up to your friends –J.K. Rowling. You need to stand for something or you will fall for anything.

the abundant resources the country was endowed with, the country could not manage it well.

Obasanjo who was thanking God for His mercies over the country, said despite the bombings and other dan-

P

EARLS of wisdom to live at any moment of your life by Mack and Angel Hack. Being a ‘work in progress’ is a great state to be in.Stop berating yourself for being a work in progress. Start embracing it! Because being a work in progress doesn’t mean you’re not good enough today; it means you want a better tomorrow, and you wish to love yourself completely, so you can live your life fully. It means you’re determined to heal your heart, expand your mind and cultivate the gifts you know you’re meant to share. May we all be works in progress forever, and celebrate the fact that we are!

Nobody else can do it for you. Keep doing what you know in your heart is right for YOU. Let your dreams be bigger than your fears and your actions louder than your words. Live by choice, not by chance. Make changes, not excuses. Be motivated, not manipulated. Work to excel. Works to excel not compete. Choose to listen to your inner voice, not the jumbled opinions of everyone else. It’s your road, and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you.

Life is not easy, but it’s worth it. If you expect it to be, you will perpetually disappoint yourself.

Achieving anything worthwhile in life takes effort.

So start every morning ready to run farther than you did yesterday and fight harder than you ever have before. Above all, make sure you properly align your efforts with your goals.

national challenges remaining acute among which are insecurity, corruption, and dilapidated state of our roads.

“But the year has also seen some improvements in such areas as agriculture, foreign direct investment, railways, power and macroeconomic management. I believe that if the hopes kindled by President Jonathan’s administration are actualised, and the country ’s present inefficient governance architecture is far-sightedly reformed in the ongoing constitutional review, 2013 and the year after will be the years of a decisive march towards the Nigeria of our dreams.”

Dana crash: LASUTH releases 141 bodies, nine unclaimed

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

gerous activities, he believed that the country would achieve peace.

“On Boko Haram, I know we will get there very soon and Nigeria will enjoy peace and tranquility,”Obasanjo said.

While speaking on alleged mismanagement

of resources by the leaders, Obasanjo said “God has been extra generous to Nigeria; many nations of the world are not as richly endowed as Nigeria.”

He, however, urged Nigerian leaders to harness the country’s endowments for the transformation of the nation.

“I believe good people will be able to manage it, maybe later. But the earlier we are there, the better and I am sure we will be there. We will be there because God has been kind to us, we only need to be kind to ourselves. God will help us."

In his end of year comment, Chief Anyaoku said: “2012 is ending with a number of our

L

AGOS—THE La gos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, said, weekend, it has released 141 bodies recovered from the June 3, 2012, Dana Air plane crash site at Iju-Ishaga, Lagos, leaving nine unclaimed bodies.

Chief Medical Director of the institution, Professor Wale Oke, said all the bodies were released after proper DNA identification. Oke, who addressed reporters in Lagos, said the hospital has also issued death certificates to 89 families of the victims, while certificates for 51 bodies were awaiting collection.

He said the statistics put the hospital at 94 per cent success rate of resolving the situation; a feat he said was made

possible through intervention of Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola. Oke said Fashola ensured that the air mishap was better managed than before where victims were given mass burial.

He noted: “The governor expressed satisfaction on the management of the incident that he sought the decision of the families on the next step since the body identification and DNA have been completed, and assured them that the state was ready to have a cenotaph at the site of the accident in honour of the deceased, if the families gave their approval.”

The CMD said the maternal centre known as Ayinke House is still undergoing reconstruction, and would be opened to the public by

the end of May, 2013.

“Also, the laboratory is being refurbished and it will be equipped with polymerase chain reac-

tion (PCR) which is a DNA copying machine, among other pressing diagnostic equipment.”

No plan to hike fuel price —NNPC

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BUJA—THE pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) will not be increased in January, the Acting Group General Manager, Public Affairs of the NNPC, Mr Fidel Pepple, has assured. He gave the assurance yesterday in Abuja while speaking with newsmen.

He restated that the Federal Government had earmarked some money for fuel subsidy in the 2013 budget.

Pepple also announced that the vandalised Ije-Ododo and

Arepo pipelines in Lagos and Ogun had been restored.

“I can affirm to you that our engineers from the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company Ltd. (PPMC), have finally fixed the IjeOdodo pipeline that was ruptured last Monday by pipeline vandals.

“The good news is that we have resumed pumping petroleum products through the pipeline and system 2B is equally working after the restoration of the pipeline,” he said.

6—Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

BY EMMA AMAIZE, REGIONAL EDITOR, SOUTH SOUTH & AUSTIN OGWUDA

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SABA — A MEMBER of the 10-man kidnap gang who earlier this month abducted the 82-year-old Prof, Kamene Okonjo, mother of the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, yesterday, confessed his involvement in the abduction and narrated how he fed the retired professor of sociology with groundnut, water and bread in the kidnappers’ den.

The suspected kidnapper, Andrew Dime, aka Olokpa, 32, who hails from Enikorogha in Edo State, however, told Vanguard that he was only hired by the second-incommand of the gang to supply food to Prof. Okonjo on two occasions at a fee of N100,000.

Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, on the other hand, told Vanguard that Prof. Okonjo was kept in the custody of the suspect, who was in-charge of her feeding.

The second-in-command of the gang allegedly swindled him when he bolted with his N1 million share of the ransom collected for the release of Prof.

Okonjo.

Apparently, to settle scores, the police said the suspect formed a new kidnap gang, which abducted an octogenarian at Aboh in Ndokwa area of the state. But having obtained a database on the group after its leader, Nwaeze Nwosa, aka Bolaji was shot dead in Asaba, the police were able to track down the suspect.

Aduba told Vanguard that the police set a trap for him when it got information that he was in dire need of money for the yuletide by convincing him to sell one of the guns used for the abduction of Prof.

Okonjo, which was in his custody.

He fell for the trap and negotiated a price of N300,000 for a pump-action gun with a police officer, who posed as a buyer. He was, thereafter, arrested at Koka junction, Asaba, when he came to collect the cash.

Dark-complexioned Andrew, who spoke to Vanguard in an interview, debunked the claim that he formed a new kidnap gang and that he was the one that negotiated the sale of pump-action gun, which was used to ensnare him.

A police source said he was being economical with the truth, adding: “Most of these people (referring to criminals) will never tell you the truth when you arrest them until you get other members of the gang to confront them.”

Excerpts of the

interview with the suspect What is your name?

Andrew Idime.

How old are you?

32.

Where are you from?

I am from Enikorogha, Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State.

Where do you live?

I live at Army Barracks, Onitsha.

Do you know why you are here in police cell?

For now, I know why I am arrested. Some friends of mine, they indulged themselves in kidnapping act.

One of them is Chiboy and another is Biggy. The person I know very well is Chiboy. It was through this Chiboy that I met Biggy. I was trading on used shoes and my business was not moving well. So Chiboy called me that there is something that I was going to do. I asked him what it was, he said there was somebody I was going to drop food for and that I was going to drop food twice and that they would settle me. Therefore, I went there truly, he brought an Okada man (motorcyclist), the Okada man took me there, and I dropped the food twice.

He said that if I dropped the food there that he was going to call them. That if I dropped the food, I should call to let him know that I have dropped the food beside that bridge on that Kwale road. That when I dropped the food, they would come and take the food. I went there twice and dropped the food at that particular spot.

They said they were going to give me N100,000. But the N100,000 I did not see it.

Were you not told who was kidnapped?

I do not know the exact person they kidnapped. They did not tell me. I am a neutral person. My job there was to go and drop the food.

Did you not know you were doing wrong thing as the person was in the hospital?

No, he said that his boys need food so I should go and drop groundnut, bread and water for them.

Why did he send you, why did he not drop the food himself?

He is a leader. He said he wants me to, at least have some token in the business.

Which business are you talking?

He said he had involved himself in kidnapping business Which means you were told what they actually did?

They told me.

Are you saying you do not know when you were dropping the food that you will be counted as one of them if caught?

Yes, I knew.

PEACE MEETING: From left: Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State; Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, during a peace meeting with traditional rulers in Egbaland at Government House, Oke Igbein, Abeokuta, weekend. Photo: Wumi Akinola.

I fed Okonjo-Iweala’s mum with bread, groundnuts —Suspect zWhy I joined kidnap business So, why did you take part?

It is because of my condition What is your condition?

I am not living well; my business is not moving well. I needed little money to assist my business.

What we heard was that Prof. Okonjo was kept in your custody?

No, no, no, I swear to God. I do not live in Delta State.

You have a house in Asaba?

Of course, I have a house but I have checked out for a long time based on the rent.

The house was too costly for me You said you were neutral, then, tell us what Chiboy and others told you about how they kidnapped Prof.

Okonjo?

Until they rounded up their business, even up to date, I have not seen Chiboy. I was holding one of his numbers, but right now, the number is not going through.

There is no way you would be asked to go and drop food for somebody that was kidnapped without you asking or finding out the story of how the person was kidnapped. What exactly were you told?

They only told me they have kidnapped somebody and that the person is at Kwale. That what I am going to do is to take the food to a particular bridge, that if I get to that bridge, I

should flash him and he was going to call his boys. That if I dropped the food, I should not delay there. That I should drop the food, enter the bike immediately and move.

Were you taking bike from Onitsha to that place?

No, he was the person that brought the bike, not from Asaba. I entered bus to Ibusa and from Ibusa, he would now bring the bike. The bike person, it seems, is his private bike man, so the bike person would now take me to there.

From the story that you have told so far, it seemed you were party to the kidnapping?

I have involved myself already because of my going there to give them food, which has already made me a party.

However, I do not know the exact person that they kidnapped but I have involved myself in this act.

You were arrested when you came to sell a gun?

No, the boy that wanted to sell the gun ran away.

Tell us how sharing of money brought misunderstanding among the kidnappers?

In bringing of food, he (Chiboy, the leader) told me to bring the food twice.

Did you buy food with your money?

He bought it; he was the one that brought the money. He does not reside in one place.

He promised that he was going to give me N50,000 each. So, I accepted to go and drop and collect N50,000 because it was an easy one.

Therefore, I went there twice.

However, when they brought the money I did not see him.

The N100,000 they promised as my share I did not see. Who am I to go and challenge him?

How were you arrested?

The police arrested me yesterday (last Thursday) because there was one of my friends, Chuks. He said that based on this Christmas period, that he does not have money and that he wanted to sell one of his pump actions.

So he negotiated with one boy, so when the boy came, they were three in the car. He told me to go and inform them to drop and come out so that they would negotiate. I was to tell them to off the motor engine and that Chuks was waiting down there. Therefore, when they grabbed me, he ran away.

In the process when I was asking what's all about, I was arrested.

We learnt you also involved yourself in another kidnapping, what is your role in the new kidnap gang?

My role was to be with the man in the bush. I was supposed to stay in that bush with the victim

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012 — 7

Gov Wada to be discharged soon zAs Mark, Anenih, Suswam's wife visit him

BY VICTORIA OJEME

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President Goodluck Jonathan (third right); Senior Pastor, Church of The Brethren in NIgeria, Rev. David Mbaya (second left); Chairman, Senate Committee on Power and Steel, Senator Philip Aduda (right); Executive Secretary, Christian Pilgrims Commission, Mr. John Kennedy-Opara and others after a service to mark the last Sunday of the year at the church premises, Jabi, Abuja, yesterday.

Photo: by Abayomi Adeshida.

Employment: States confront CBN over quota zAs N-Assembly plans probe zKogi tops staff list with 300, Imo 290

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH

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BUJA — FEW months after over 100 aggrieved senior staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, had raised the alarm over their deliberate stagnation by the management, some states have also criticized the nation’s apex bank for not employing many of their natives.

They are aggrieved that some states have been unduly favoured by the bank in the employment quota and positions offered them.

The bank staff had petitioned the CBN Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, to cause their stagnation to be lifted so that they could be promoted from Principal Managers to Assistant Directors in accordance with the extant employment policy of the bank.

But while the governor is yet to address the grievance of the affected workers, some state governors are said to be angry with the CBN for what they see as a deliberate attempt by the nation’s banker not to engage many of their natives as staff of the leading financial institution in Nigeria.

Vanguard reliably gathered that some of the governors had sworn to take on the CBN

management to explain why some states have been unduly favoured by the bank in terms of employment of their natives while some states do not have any appreciable number of indigenes in the same bank.

Some of the governors are said to have been shocked after going through the CBN staff nominal roll with a total of 5976 as at the end of September 2012, and discovering that certain states in the country had been unduly favoured by the bank in the employment.

Disparity in nominal roll The nominal roll, which Vanguard obtained exclusively last night, showed a serious disparity in terms of the number of staff and positions from each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. The list, which was compiled following the last set of recruitment of staff into the bank in September showed that of the 5976 staff on its employ, Kogi State tops the list with 300 indigenes, followed by Imo State with 290 natives and Akwa Ibom State with a total of 273 indigenes.

The list shows also that Sokoto State has the least number of natives on the employ of the CBN with 52 workers while the FCT has

only 40.

It was gathered that because of the concerns raised by some states, the CBN had been forced to stop open recruitment and merely invites applications from some states to fill perceived employment gaps.

For instance, on September 22, 2012, a recruitment exercise meant to recruit natives of certain states considered by the CBN to be low, reportedly leaked to applicants from other states and the bank immediately cancelled the test that was conducted in the premises of the University of Abuja, Gwagwalada.

Trouble is said to have started when the text messages sent by the Human Resources Department of the bank to preferred applicants from Ebonyi, Zamfara, Bayelsa, Sokoto, Yobe, Kebbi, Jigawa and Taraba states, were inadvertently relayed to applicants from other states by those who received the messages.

On arrival at the venue of the test on September 22, 2012, the head of HR of the CBN was said to have asked the applicants who were not directly invited for the examination to leave the hall but she was shouted down.

Angered by the effrontery of the applicants, the director reportedly called off the test, not minding the trouble taken by the applicants, who had defied

the heavy flooding on the Abuja-Lokoja Highway to come to Abuja for the test.

N-Assembly plans probe However, a member of the National Assembly, who said she was on holiday in her constituency, confirmed to Vanguard last night that some aggrieved workers and state officials had brought up the alleged lopsided appointments and promotions at the apex bank.

The politician said steps would be taken to address the issues involved to give justice to those concerned.

The lawmaker noted that it was necessary to find out how some states were unduly favoured in the appointment of very senior staff while others had none in the same institution where the principle of Federal Character is expected to apply.

But the CBN Director of C o r p o r a t e Communications, Mr. Ugo Okoroafor, had told Vanguard last month, when the staff complained of stagnation, that the bank had not committed any infraction in its appointments and promotion of staff.

Okoroafor noted that the law establishing the CBN gives it the power to appoint and promote staff in a way that would facilitate the delivery of its core mandate to the nation.

BUJA — FOLLOWING the fast recovery rate of Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State to treatment at Cedar Crest Hospital in Abuja, the governor may be discharged any time from now.

This development came on a day Senate President, Senator David Mark; Chief Tony Anenih; wife of Benue State governor, Mrs. Dooshima Suswam, among other dignitaries, visited the governor in the hospital to commiserate with him.

According to a source yesterday, “ we are very positive that His Excellency will leave the hospital any moment from now.

“But the hospital would continue to monitor his full recovery and offer therapy even from the Government House to fast track his recovery.

“His recuperation rate has been very excellent, and of course we anticipate that he can function at his duty post, so there is no medical reason to unnecessarily

keep him here.”

The source said the governor’s recovery rate was quite fast following his rapid recovery from the surgery carried out on his hip last Friday night.

Vanguard findings also revealed that besides the Senate President, former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, as well as wife of Benue State governor, Mrs Dooshima Suswam, paid sympathy visit to the governor yesterday afternoon.

The hospital source said: “As at this afternoon, the Senate President, Chief Tony Anenih and wife of governor of Benue State have been here to see His Excellency."

Special Adviser to the governor on Media,Mr Jacob Edi, also confirmed the visits of Senate President, Anenih as well as Mrs Suswam to Gov Wada’s bed side.

Editors decry incessant harassment, detention of journalists

L

AGOS — THE Nigerian Guild of Editors has condemned the incessant harassment, brutalities and detention without trial of journalists across the country while performing their duties.

In a communique issued at the end of its Standing Committee meeting in Lagos to deliberate on the affairs of the nation, the Guild called on the authorities to engage the media according to the Constitution and Rule of Law and protect media practitioners and the freedom of expression.

The Guild, in the communique signed by its president, Mr Gbenga Adefaye, and Assistant Secretary, Mr Steve Ayorinde, however, enjoined all journalists to observe the ethics of the profession, publish verifiable facts only and continue to be socially responsible in the discharge of their duties.

The Guild also noted the

security challenges facing the country and hoped that with the cooperation of all, the incoming year would witness an improvement as promised by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The Guild further enjoined government to specially invest in an improved health care delivery system in the country and asked all public officers to take the people into confidence about their state of health, instead of putting the media in the embarrassing situation of speculation when public officers stayed away from their duty posts for inexcusable long periods.

The Guild resolved to conduct its 2013 biennial convention in February to elect new officers since the tenure of the current Standing Committee lapses in first quarter of next year.

8—Vanguard , MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

Persons with disabilities lament bad leadership

Mimiko, Fayemi, Momodu, others hail OAU @ 50 .As varsity launches appeal fund

BY BOSE ADELAJA

P

ERSONS WITH disabilities in Nigeria have lamented what they described as bad leadership within the association.

Speaking jointly in Lagos, Adewale Adeyanju- President, National Handicap Carers Association of Nigeria NHCAN, Abioye AdeboyeExecutive Director and Dare Dairo - Public Relations Officer, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, JONAPWD, the members claimed the associations numbering over 22 million have been suffering u n d e m o c r a t i c governance with nepotism under its present leadership.

Reacting to the accusation, President of the association, Danlami Basharu, described the allegation as baseless with no facts to buttress it.

LG boss decries firecracker blast

BY ONOZURE DANIA

T

HE CHAIRMAN of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos, Kamal Ayinde Bayewu, expressed shock and sadness over last Wednesday ’s fire incident at Jankara, Oroyinyin area of Lagos Island which left four persons dead and over 40 persons injured.

The fire which was believed to have emanated from a firecracker warehouse spread to at least eight buildings in the crowded area.

Bayewu, a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, said the incident is unfortunate, especially coming at this time when the victims were in a joyous mood of yuletide and eagerly awaiting the New Year.

“I am saddened and grieved by this accident that it led to the death of people, while goods running into millions of naira were also lost,” he said.

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

A

LUMNI Of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, Osun State, erudite scholars and eminent personalities, have commended the management of the Ivory Tower for the university ’s excellent achievements since its establishment, over 50 years ago.

Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, an Alumnus, while commending the university at the 50th anniversary celebration and Mr. Yomi Badejo Okusanya, CMC Connect Ltd MD, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, Lagos fund raising in Lagos, said: “I am State Governor and Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo Okusanya, during the governor's visit to highly honoured to be here Mr. Badejo Okusanya's 50th birthday celebration, at Ikeja, GRA, Lagos, weekend. tonight. I am ever so grateful to have passed through the four walls of the great university of Ife. “The university has been a great idea and we shall continue to support her to reflect the excellence that has been its pass through the opposite lane in Ewekoro Local Government always

BY DAUD OLATUNJI foundation." alongside other security agents area of Ogun State.

The wife of the Ekiti before the luxury bus which It was said to have been State Governor, Mrs. was on top speed hit him and caused by armed robbers who BEOKUTA—TRAGEDY struck yesterday, when an he fell into the river,” said the operated and completely Erelu Bisi Fayemi, who barricaded the expressway and spoke on behalf of her official of the Federal Road Safety eyewitness.

Confirming the development, allegedly disposed motorists husband, Dr. Kayode Commission, FRSC, Olasoji the state Sector Commander of and commuters of their Fayemi, also pledged Olaleye was hit and flung into their support as alumni the river by a luxury bus while FRSC, Ayobami Omiyale valuables.

In the same vein, Confirming the accidents, the controlling traffic on the Ososa described the incident as Itori Unit Commander of the former presidential River in Odogbolu Local shocking and sad.

Omiyale, also referred to the Federal Road Safety Corp, aspirant and publisher Government Area of Ogun State.

According to an eye witness, incident as the ‘high level of FRSC, Fatai Bakare said eight of Ovation Magazine, Olaleye was killed by a luxury sacrifice‘ that one can pay for persons were in the four Bashoru Dele Momodu, vehicles which were attacked by also an alumnus, bus heading to Lagos from the his fatherland. pledged his support for Also speaking on the incident, East. the armed robbers.

One of the colleagues of the Divisional Police Officer of He said seven other vehicles the projects.

Chairman of the event, deceased who prefered Obalende in Ijebu Ode, Mr. were involved in accident in the Chief Olu Akinkugbe, anonymity, said Olaleye was on ThankGod Obijiaku said the same area. the bridge controlling the towing luxury bus driver also According to him, the only (CON), recalled the of vehicles that were earlier attempted to hit his men after person who was critically origin of OAU, its days involved in an accident before he he killed FRSC official. injured in the multiple accidents of glory and travails.

The first accident, according which involved the 11 vehicles Akinkugbe equally was hit. fun for “He was directing vehicles to an eye witness, occurred few has since been transferred to provided attendees with his coming from Ijebu-Ode axis to metres before Wasinmi village General Hospital in Itori. mature humour and interest stories about student life.

Some of the proposed projects include: procurement of teaching and research equipment AGOS — Some politicians (PMNN), urged Jonathan to The Lagos State Chairman of costing N600 million, yesterday listed their ensure that he carries Nigerians the African Democratic construction of lecture expectations from the Federal along in his governance in 2013.

Congress (ADC), Mr. Godfrey theatre complex for first Government in 2013.

He also called on the President Lemchi, urged the Senate to year laboratory buildings In interviews with the News to reduce his cabinet to prune ensure that the issue of regional and faculty of science, Agency of Nigeria, NAN, they the cost of governance in 2013. federalism was reflected in its dean’s office building to cost N300 million. urged President Goodluck “I expect him to carry constitutional review.

Others are: construJonathan to address issues of everyone along in his “Since we could not have the corruption and insecurity in some administration and reduce his Sovereign National Conference ction of 2 Nos. 500-seater parts of the country decisively. cabinet to cut cost,” he said. in 2012 and the government is lecture lheatres at the The Deputy National Another politician, Mr. not favourably disposed to it; let permanent site and Chairman, Alliance for Damian Ogbonna, advised the there be something from the management building to Democracy (AD), Alhaji Musa President to give the youth a legislature in 2013 to give cost N450 million, Umar, said that no nation can greater sense of belonging in Nigerians that commitment that construction of Senate Building (Jubilee progress without security. the nation’s politics and something is happening.

House)fo N350 million “The President should address governance.

“If the Senate is doing the issue of insecurity and also According to him, this will anything, they must ensure that and special intervention put a state of emergency on promote participatory the issue of regional federalism of sports facilities for corruption,” he said. democracy in the country. He is made to reflect in the NUGA games hosting Also speaking, Alhaji Yahaya said that the step would also constitution amendment and further development Ndu, the initiator, Peoples help in reducing unrest in the because this is the bottom-line of the stadium complex for N1.1billion, among Movement for a New Nigeria country. of our problems,” he said. others.”

Luxury bus kills FRSC official in Ogun A

Corruption, insecurity top politicians’ concerns in 2013

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Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012—9

Ondo: Road transport workers clash over union leadership The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Adeniran Aremu, confirmed the clash in Akure when KURE—MEMBERS of contacted.Aremu said the the National Union of police are on top of the Road Transport Workers situation, adding that calm (NURTW) in Akure last and peace had since returned weekend engaged in a violent to the parks across the state. clash over an attempt to The Ondo state change the leadership of the government, in a press union. statement by the It was learnt that a faction Commissioner for of union invaded the state Information, Kayode secretariat of the union on Akinmade, condemned the Ado Road and attempted to violent unrest by some members of the drivers’ union.

A k i n m a d e expressed dismay over the drivers’ unruly behaviour, adding that the state government would not tolerate any act by individual or groups to undermine the existing peace and harmony in the state.

He said that “The state government wishes to restate its confidence in the leadership of the state executive committee of the NURTW led by Chief Oladutele Obayoriade, a.k.a Die-the-Matter.”

A k i n m a d e assured the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Osun State Governor and Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori, his deputy, who is also the people of Ondo state Commissioner for Education, distributing textbooks to students, during the launching of Free State of adequate School Uniforms and Distribution of Health Education Textbooks, at the NYSC Orientation Camp security of lives Ground, Ede, Osun State. and property.

BY DAYO JOHNSON

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sack the State Executive Committee led by Obayoriade Olajutele (a.k.a Die the Matter).

Members of the public ran for cover as proponents of the mischief fought with dangerous weapons. It was the timely intervention of police that saved the situation from degenerating within the metropolis.

The warring faction of the NURTW had reportedly attempted to seize control of

some motor-parks. As a result, the fight spread to the major streets including the popular Oba-Adesida Road, causing residents to flee.

Leadership crisis in the union started shortly after the last governorship election in the state when a faction of the NURTW decided to take over the leadership of the union.The faction is calling for another leadership to run the affairs of the union after the last governorship election.

How we averted bomb attacks at Christmas — Jonathan

BY BEN AGANDE

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BUJA—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, said but for the effective role of the security agencies, the Boko Haram sect would have carried out deadly bombings during the Christmas celebration.

The president spoke on Sunday at the church service of “Ekklisiyar Yaruwa a Nigeria”, EYN, (Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), Utako, Abuja.

According to the President, his administration is working round the clock to address the challenges of insecurity in the country.

“The Boko Haram planned to carry out a lot of attacks on

Christmas day, but we suppressed their plans; the extent of their plans was not executed because of the strategies put in place by the security agencies to abort their plans.

“Although, we still recorded some incidences, the extent of attacks which they planned was not allowed to be executed.

“Boko Haram will not push us backwards. If their plan is to stop government from providing dividends of democracy, they would not succeed because 2013 will be a good year for Nigerians and Nigeria.

“With your persistent prayer we shall defeat them,” he said.

He said government had put measures in place to contain the menace of insecurity posed by the sect.

He said government was doing everything possible to ensure that the activities of the sect did not push the nation backward and the strategic security plans put in place were already yielding positive results.

The President noted that Christianity and Islam are religions of peace and tolerance which forbid killings and blood-letting.

He said it was strange how terrorism and suicide bombings which were never parts of the culture of any section of the country had crept in.

The President specifically

thanked the authorities and members of the EYN nationwide for keeping the faith and remaining calm even in the face of provocation.

In his sermon, the Pastor of the Church, Rev. Daniel Mbaya disclosed that about 50 of their churches had been burnt and 109 of their members killed in the Northern region of the country by the sect.

The clergy said that EYN, which was predominantly in the North- Eastern region was the worst hit by the Boko Haram insurgence.

While thanking the President for coming to worship with them, he noted that Jonathan was the first sitting President to worship in any branch of the church nationwide since its inception.

Terrorism: British Olympic gold medalist questioned in United States

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O Farah, gold medalist at the last Olympics games was weekend questioned by U.S. Customs officials after he was taken for a possible terrorist. The two-time gold medal winner for Great Britain at this past summer’s games was travelling in Oregon and was questioned by U.S. Customs officials after they noticed his Somali ancestry.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Farah said, according to the Sun. “Because of my Somali origin, I get detained every time I come through U.S. Customs.

This time I even got my medals out to show who I am, but they wouldn’t have it.”

Farah, 29, was born in Somalia but moved to Britain with his English-born father as a child. He won the 5000m and 10,000m races this summer in London. Last year, he moved to Oregon to train with the legendary Alberto Salazar at the headquarters of Nike. This was not the first time he got into 'trouble' with immigration; a previous attempt to get a residency visa saw him detained on terrorist suspicion with the threat of being barred from entering the country for 90 days.

Aregbesola tasks LG chiefs on IGR

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SUN— THE Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has challenged those clamouring for Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) in their vicinities to be prepared to work towards improved Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, as a way of accelerating the development.

Aregbesola said this at a civil reception in honour of the retired Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyin Petinrin, organised by the Federation of IpetuIjesa Clubs and Associations in IpetuIjesa, Oriade Local Government Council area of the state.

10—Vanguard, MONDAY MONDAY,, DECEMBER 31, 2012

Water hyacinth takes over Delta community

BY EMMAAMAIZE

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ARRI—THE peo ple of Bolou Ndoro, a riverside community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, have called on the federal and state governments to come to their aid by removing the water hyacinth that has taken over the waterways to the town.

Chairman of the community, Mr. Afesuku Waidirimo, Edeinmene Arede, Boke Aforobeni, Chief Fekumo Monibeke and other community leaders, who spoke on the development, said fishing, the main occupation of the people, had been affected because of the “invasion” by water hyacinth.

Human rights activist, Felix Okpe, told Vanguard: “The people are really suffering and need urgent assistance from government. The entire community waterways, creeks, canals and over 3,000 persons have been trapped in the blockade.”

Binis lack political leadership —Edebiri

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN—FORMER governorship candidate in Edo Sate, Mr. Solomon Edebiri, weekend, identified what he described as lack of political leadership, as a major problem militating against the Bini nation.

Edebiri, who declared this at the 7th edition of Benin National Merit Award, organized by Benin National Congress, BNC, a socio-cultural organization in Edo State, lamented that “our so-called political leaders have turned themselves to political prostitutes who will always settle for the highest bidder in political trading.”

Recipients of the 2012 Benin Merit Award include former Edo State representative on the Board of NDDC, Mathew Iduoriyekemwen,

Amaechi renames road after Azazi

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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ORT HARCOURT— NKPOGU Road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has been renamed Owoye Andrew Azazi Road.

Governor Chibuike Amaechi announced this, weekend, at the funeral of late General Andrew Azazi, inYenagoa, Bayelsa State, who died in a helicopter crash on Saturday, December 15, 2012.

The governor described the late Army general and former National Security Adviser, as one who believed in a united and stronger Nigeria.

He said the state government had to rename the road after Azazi as a mark of appreciation of his service to nation building.

Amaechi said he had a very warm relationship with the late general, adding that most times he had meals in Azazi’s house whenever he was in Lagos or Abuja. Lamenting the death, the governor said he would greatly miss the late Azazi who often called him his younger brother.

Amaechi further assured the family of the late general that he would stand by them any time they wanted his as-

sistance.

He said: “Looking at the numerous contributions and sterling qualities of late General Azazi to this nation, and his love towards me, who he usually called his younger brother, I am left with no option than to name Nkpogu Road after him by Monday (today).

“Most times, when I got to Lagos and Abuja, I ate in late

General Azazi’s house. We have a close relationship. But now he is gone, who will call me a younger brother? Where will I eat when I visit Lagos or Abuja?

“He was a detribalised Nigerian. It was my wife, Judith, who first called my attention on phone that, shortly after she had left Bayelsa State, information reaching her indicated that there had been an helicopter

GBAGI BAGS CHIEFTAINCY TITLE: HRM Obi Edward Akaeze Ofulue III, Obi of UbuluUku (right), confering the title of Ugo Eze Amaka of Ubulu-Uku on Chief Kenneth Gbagi, at his palace in Ubulu-Uku. Photo: Nath Onojake.

Delta judge escapes kidnap attempt ....N1bn suit against DESOPADEC adjourned

BY EMMA AMAIZE

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ARRI—THE suit by Itsekiri host communities against Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, over alleged diversion of N1 billion meant for development of oil-bearing areas has been adjourned, following an attempt by suspected kidnappers to kidnap the judge handling the case, Justice Marshall Umukoro The judge was on his way to Warri from Ughelli to preside over the matter and other cases when gun-totting bandits

attacked him. He escaped death by the whiskers, while his SUV was riddled with bullets.

Consequently, the case was adjourned to January 17, 2013.

The plaintiffs, Prince Ikenwoli Emiko and Godwin Omamogho, had, for themselves and on behalf of Itsekiri host communities (oil and gas), dragged the commission to court for allegedly diverting funds meant to develop the oil-bearing communities to execution of private and Federal Government projects in Warri.

Specifically, the oil communities said they were aggrieved that the defendant “recklessly” diverted the funds allocated to Itsekiri ethnic group, which was wallowing in abject poverty as a result of oil exploitation, to build and renovate Warri Club, a privately-owned recreation club, and Nigeria Police Barracks in Warri.

Chairman of Itsekiri host communities, Prince Ikenwole Emiko, said the commission, by its action, had taken back the little gains of oppressed oil communities, which are plagued by coastal erosion, oil pollution, spillages and other ecological/ environmental challenges.

Save us from death on East-West Road, cleric begs Jonathan

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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E N A G O A — THE deplorable state of the East-West Road resonated yet again, weekend, at the funeral ceremony for the former National Security Adviser, late Gen. Andrew Azazi, with the Catholic Bishop of Bomadi Vicariate, Bishop Hyacinth Egbebo, calling on President

crash. She said it could be the helicopter carrying late General Azazi. I called his (Azazi) line 20 times to confirm the unfortunate incident, but no one answered.”

Turning to the bereaved family, Amaechi said: “If there is anything that you want me to do for you in the form of support or assistance, please, kindly call my attention.”

Goodluck Jonathan to fix the ailing road to curb rising spate of accidents and loss of human lives.

Already, a section of the road, which straddles states of the oil-rich Niger Delta, is on the verge of being washed away around Okosi Bridge in Bayelsa State by river erosion.

Bishop Egbebo, who spoke in Yenagoa in his homily during the funeral, also

blamed most of the air mishaps in the country on corruption.

The cleric recalled how he was almost killed on the East-West Road during one of his many trips on the route due to its deplorable state and pleaded with the President to intervene and help reduce the carnage on the road by ensuring timely completion of the rehabilitation and dualisation of the road.

He said: “Mr. President, save our lives, construct our roads.

People are dying on the EastWest road everyday.”

Lori-Ogbebor rejects Uduaghan’s Christmas gifts

BY LAJUARENYEKA

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HIEF Rita Lori-Ogbe bor, the Igba of Warri, has rejected the Christmas gifts sent to her by Delta State Government.

In an open letter addressed to the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Chief Lori-Ogbebor stated that she returned the cow, rice and other gifts due to her disappointment in Uduaghan’s administration.

She said: “By now, you already know my stand on the way you run the administration of Delta State. I feel unhappy and depressed to see the state and Itsekiriland declining from the time you assumed office.

“I have spoken to you as a mother to a son. Itsekiri riverine areas are declining educationally and economically.

The way our land is today shows no planning or foresight. There is no creation of jobs, neither is there adequate security of lives and property. For many years, there has been fighting and bloodletting in Escravos. In fact, things have got worse since you became governor.”

Vanguard, MONDAY MONDAY,, DECEMBER 31, 2012 — 11

Okrika group slams Dokubo over comments on Jonathan

BY BEN AGANDE

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BUJA—OKRIKA National Youth Movement, yesterday, accused leader of the Niger Delta Volunteer Force, Asari Dokubo, of pursuing a personal agenda, saying his attack on President Goodluck Jonathan recently was to arm twist the President into giving him a multi-million naira contract in the transportation sector.

The group, yesterday, in a statement, implored all Nigerians to ignore Asari and regard his vituperations as products of a helpless lobbyist acting the script of personal interests and those of his friends who have personalised every opportunity arising from their supposed struggle for the people of the Niger Delta.

Asari Dokubo had, in series of interviews last week, lampooned President Jonathan for failing to meet the expectations of Nigerians, pointing out that this abysmal performance would deprive him of the Presidency in 2015.

Ashiedu not involved in 2015 Delta guber war

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N page 7 of Sat urday Vanguard of December 29, 2012, it was reported that Delta State Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Anthonia Ashiedu, has fallen out with Mr. Amechi Udemba, who was reported as his media aide.

The thrust of the report was that Dr. Ashiedu and the said aide fell out over divergent political interests ahead of the 2015 gubernatorial election in Delta State. We have, however, been informed that there was no basis of disagreement as Dr. Ashiedu is currently engaged in her duties and has not taken any position on the 2015 election, contrary to the impressions contained in the report and as such could not have fallen out with Mr. Udemba on that basis.

Plot to blow up oil pipeline untrue —Gbaramatu leaders

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN—SOME leaders of Egbema-Gbaramatu community in Delta State, have described as misleading, allegations of plot to blow up oil installations in the community due to purported leadership tussle in the area.

They called on the management of Chevron to disregard the alleged threat and go about its activities without fear.

Coalition for the Defence of Human Rights in Delta State had raised an alarm over plans by a faction in the leadership of the community to blow up oil pipelines in the area.

But reacting to the allegation, Counsel to Darlington Lelekumoh, Morrison Abisoko, Benjamin Ogbudu, Francis Ogbudu, Ebiwei Eyenmi, Matthew Polo and Clement Elebiri, Mr. Ugha Kurumah, said the allegation was untrue and an attempt to bring the name of his clients to disrepute.

Kurumah, in his statement to journalists in Benin City, weekend, alleged that the rights group was being used “to witch-hunt” his clients who, according to him, are the authentic leaders of the community. He said the bloc

would communicate appropriately to Chevron when there is any change of Exco.

He said: “We, therefore, call upon the management of Chevron to discountenance all allegations made, as it was mala fide, in bad faith, and that Chevron should go about its

operations in the Egbema axis without any fear of molestation.

“Our clients have also instructed us to assert that they have got a long standing peaceful relationship with the management of Chevron Nigeria Ltd, in-

MEETING: Chief Jeffrey Ojogun, the Amadiwei/Chairman of Benikrukru Community (left), and Fanty Goodness Wariyai, General Secretary, Benikrukru Community, during a general meeting in the Community Town Hall.

Dutch police to drop charge against Nigerian activist, Ofehe

BY EMMA AMAIZE

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ARRI—DUTCH police prosecutors, L. N. Stempher and G. R. C. Veurink, have indicated their intention to withdraw one of the charges against Nigerian activist and founder of Holland-based Hope for Niger Delta Campaign, HNDC, Comrade Sunny Ofehe, who is facing terrorism charges in The Netherlands, for lack of sufficient evidence.

In a letter dated December

10, 2012, and addressed to the investigative judge, Mr. Havik, and Ofehe’s solicitors, Mr. Manders and Pennings, written in Dutch, the prosecutor said, “in continuation of the investigation of the case against Mr. Ofehe, we have had to make a new translation of the wire tap conversations.

“This new translation, in combination with the testimony of a witness’ declaration, has now made us to withdraw the fifth charge “causing explosion,” out of the indictment.”

According to the prosecutor:

“We cannot call the witness, Mr. Umueri, who lives in Nigeria to come to testify.

Through the intervention of the Ministry of Security and Justice, we have been informed that the safety of this witness will be put in danger should he come and testify in a terrorism case.

“We, therefore, do not have sufficient evidence to press for the number 5 charge. We advise you to proceed with the court hearing where we will ask for the charge to be dropped.”

Bakassi citizens win IMG’s Man of The Year award

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JAW Monitoring Group, IMG, has declared the Bakassi citizen as the Person of Year 2012.

In a statement by Comrade Joseph Evah and Comrade Timi Igoli, Coordinator and Secretary General respectively of IMG, the Ijaw said: “The recognition was necessary to assure the people of Bakassi, whose land and people were ceded to Cameroun, that the rest of Niger Delta salute their courageous spirit and resolve to determine their own future.

cluding holding the duty of providing surveillance for all Chevron facilities in their vicinity and they will continue, as always, to explore every legitimate means to ensure continued safety of Chevron facilities in and around their vicinity.”

“The people of Bakassi suffered injustice this year and they were declared as stateless people in the 21st century, a time Niger Delta produced Nigeria’s president as well as elected indigenous governors.

Yet, part of Niger Delta and its citizens were sold to a foreign country as slaves.

“The Bakassi citizen is our Person of the Year, as a mark of South-South solidarity and a clear warning to the international community that Bakassi remains part of Niger Delta,

despite the attempt to separate us. The uncommon strength of faith displayed

by Bakassi people to fight against this injustice against their generation and generations yet unborn, points to the fact that Bakassi people deserve this honour.

This award is meant to expose man’s inhumanity to man on the issue of Bakassi and stop every attempt to erase the identity of the people of Bakassi from the world map.”

Jonathan urged to seek God’s guidance

BY LAJA THOMAS

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has been advised to seek God’s guidance as he pilots the affairs of Nigeria, even as Christians and Muslims in the country have been urged to show love for one another in order to get over the socio-economic and political problems besetting the country.

The advice was given by Mr. Love Ojakovo, former Commissioner for Finance in Delta State and Director, Staco Insurance Plc, at God’s Kingdom Society, GKS, 2012 Christian Feast of Tabernacles in Warri, Delta State.

Ojakovo, who fielded questions from newsmen, said: “President Jonathan should commit everything to God in order to move the country forward. He should go to God in prayer, asking for His guidance in everything he does. Remember the case of Solomon when the Almighty God asked him what he wanted. Solomon asked for wisdom. In addition to wisdom, God gave him other things in abundance.”

12—Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

I ‘m not afraid of probe —Ihedioha

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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WERRI—DEPUTY Speaker, House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, has said that he is not afraid of being probed any day by anybody or group.

Chief Ihedioha, who stated this while addressing scores of his constituents at the weekend, in his Mbaise country home, also said he was aware that as a public officer, he could be probed any day.

The deputy speaker said: “I am aware that I am a public officer, I am subject to probe any time. My sincere promise is that I will remain committed and consistent to improving the welfare of our people.”

After chronicling the volume of projects presently being executed by the Federal Government in the state, Chief Ihedioha also said he has entered into the job creation stage of his assignment.

“We have trained and empowered nearly 2,000 women and youths from across the state. I have set up a machinery to constantly trail the recipients of the gadgets with a view to ensuring their proper use”, Ihedioha said.

He appealed to those “ who have been saying and writing all manner of things against my person” to do a rethink and join in the crusade to improve the welfare of Imolites.

“We have no other state than Imo. Everybody must help to stabilise and grow the state and its people. This should be our collective target”, he pleaded.

CNPP seeks int’l sanctions against corrupt Nigerian leaders

BY TONY EDIKE

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NUGU—THE Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, yesterday, expressed serious concern over the poor state of affairs in the country, saying only the activation of existing international protocols, laws and conventions could save it from total collapse.

In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, the CNPP noted that it would be wrong for the international community and agencies to stand by and watch the disintegration of the country.

It, therefore, urged them to consider imposition of sanctions against corrupt Nigerian leaders, similar to those imposed on South Africa during the apartheid era, until the country’s corruption perception index improved.

The CNPP advocated travel bans on politicians, top government officials and known associates, especially those who had been indicted by the police, EFCC or other anti-corruption agencies as well as freezing and/ or closure of questionable International Bank Accounts, especially those in Switzerland, Cay-

man Island, Dubai, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Argentina, the US and UK; and vetting of all international businesses that require specified amount of transfers. “We believe these measures would bring significant improvement in the situation of the country when taken promptly,” it stated.

Taking stock of the outgoing year 2012, the CNPP observed that it was a year those allegedly elected by Nigerians remorselessly unleashed untold hardship on the populace.

The statement read: “Nothing presently works in Nigeria save for what is merely the semblance of a country to the extent that it is now a shadow of what it was before the military snatched

power back in 1996 or when Nigeria joined the comity of nations as a giant of Africa in 1960.

“Since coming into the office after the 2011 elections, President Jonathan, for example has not visited Borno State even if only to reassure the suffering citizens of that place that Nigeria has not and will not forsake them.

WEDDING: Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State (right) and Chief Onyema Ugochukwu(left), during Chief Ugochukwu’s daughter’s traditional wedding, at Umule Ohuhu in Umuahia, Abia State, weekend.

Abia Assembly passes N137bn budget for 2013

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BY ANAYO OKOLI

MUAHIA—ABIA State House of Assembly has passed the 2013 budget of N137.

2 billion for the state.

The approved budget was N3 billion higher than the N134. 1 billion proposed by Governor Theodore Orji.

Announcing the passage, Speaker of the House, Chief

Ude Oko Chukwu, said the approval was given after consideration of the report of the House Committee on Appropriation during plenary.

Oko Chukwu commended the state lawmakers for working relentlessly to ensure the quick passage of the appropriation bill.

A breakdown of the budget outlay approved by the House showed that N68.4 billion is for recurrent expenditure, while the capital expenditure is N68.8 billion.

N20 billion was set aside for road and bridge constructions; N7.1 billion was ear-marked for the housing sector; N2.5 billion

was allocated to the education sector, while energy and power got N1.7 billion.

Meanwhile, the House has also cleared the seventeen local government transition committee chairmen nominees and their deputies and enjoined the governor to swear them in as soon as possible.

Nigerian fashion designers show class in London

BY KENNETH EHIGIATOR ONDON—AS part of ef forts to re-position the country’s fashion industry and put it on the world map, the Lagos Fashion and Designers Week has, in collaboration with Selfridges, showcased Nigeria’s fashion labels to the international community in London.

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London-based Selfridges is one of the world’s largest department stores, which has, for the second time in a row, been chosen as the largest department stores in the world, and the essence of its collaboration with the Lagos Fashion and Designers Week is to provide the necessary platform for Nigeria’s fashion labels to witness international appreciation.

The collaboration, which was christened Ndani, launched on December 1, 2012, offered collections of five key designers already well establsihed in Nigeria and showcased pieces from the first runway collections by new Nigerian designers chosen from the Young Talent Showcase at the Lagos Fashion and Design Week last October.

Among the five main Nigerian designers which featured on Selfridges platform are Lisa Folawiyo with her label, Jewel By Lisa; Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Eki Orleans, Odio Mimonet and Tiffany Amber, and the young

designers are Agu Anumudu with his label Agu and House of Silk by Jennifer Adighije.

Also, accessories designer, DOT, presented her ankara tote bags, while Ituen Basi presented the African Barbie inspired dolls.

Commenting on the project, Omoyemi Akerele, Creative Di-

rector of Style House Files, stated: “This partnership with Selfridges signifies what Style House Files represents – moving beyond the runway and making an impact which will result in creating a financially viable model for creative growth in the Nigerian fashion industry.”

CPC chieftain faults Jonathan on Enugu coal to power project

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BY TONY EDIKE

NUGU—THE governor ship candidate of Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, in 2011 elections in Enugu State, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, has accused President Goodluck Jonathan of abandoning his earlier promise to revamp Enugu Coal industry.

He said that in spite of warnings and letters written to President Jonathan by some eminent Ndigbo, the President had allowed the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Dr Dere

Awosika, to expend under spurious sub-heads N972 million appropriated in the 2012 budget for Seismic Survey of the Coal Belt.

He said: “The Seismic Survey is a precondition for investors to assess the quality and quantity of the coal and its seams location.

“No genuine investor can invest without thorough study and this why ex-president Chief Olusegun Obasanjo failed to revamp the project.”

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Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012 — 13

Journalists want FG to tackle insecurity

BY FAVOUR NNABUG-

WU BUJA—THE Ni geria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has called on the Federal Government to step up efforts at reducing insecurity in the country in 2013 and procure more sophisticated weapons to combat the menace.

The union also asked President Goodluck

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Immediate Past President, Rtn. Innocent Azeke; new President, Effi Usen and Mrs. Usen, during the Rotary Club of Benin, R1 District 9140, Nigeria recent installation of Rotarian Effi Usen as the 41st President in Benin.

Benikrukru community leaders pass confidence vote tle Johnson Bibogha, JP, Pas- credible and generally accepted on Ojogun-led exco tor Blessing Totor, Chief Aar- by the community.

BY DANIEL GUMM

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ARRI—THE peo ple of Benikrukru Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State have said the Chief Jeffrey Ojogun-led executive remained the recognised community executive and vowed to resist any attempt to truncate the peace and security agenda of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

At a general meeting

held at the weekend in Benikrukru Community Town Hall and attended by who-iswho in the community, the people frowned on the action of some few elements, who plotted the dissolution of the Chief Ojogun-led administration, urging them to tread the path of peace.

Apparently reacting to a press statement on the dissolution of the Chief Jeffrey Ojogun-led executive, those who attended the meeting, including Dr. Philip Tonfawei, Apos-

on Ifitimo (The Bebeboghawei of Gbaramatu Kingdom), Chief Paris Imoun (The Sukorewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom) and Mrs. Elizabeth Lagbo, said: “The dissolution is illegal and unconstitutional.”

They said the people of Benikrukru Community “are peace loving and law abiding,” adding that any action capable of disrupting the peace of the area and that of the entire state would not be encouraged.

According to them, the Chief Jeffrey Ojogun-led executive is

Alsospeaking,SecretaryofBenikrukru Community Peace Committee, Reverend Samson Amajene, Victor Kiriodougha (President, Benikrukru Youth DevelopmentMovement),Mrs. Felicia Clement, Pa. James Pupu, Elder Thursday Eddi, Capt. Thomas Tonlagha, Mr. KakiTinweiandComradeChristopherWuruyai(Vice-President, Gbaramatu Youth Council) stated that the Chief Jeffrey Ojogun-led executive tenure would elapse by October, 2013.

Jonathan to urgently address the issue of scarcity of petroleum products in major cities of the country.

NUJ National President, Malam Garba Mohammed, who spoke while addressing newsmen in Abuja weekend, noted that the increasing cases of insecurity in Nigeria was denting the image of the country, adding that such a situation had discouraged foreign investors from coming in.

He said: “This issue of insecurity in the country, as far as we are concerned, is gradually denting the image of this country, thereby preventing quite a number of foreign investors to come down here in Nigeria to invest.

“Again, if you look at the rating of Nigeria in terms of crime, it has become so high in the year 2012.

“If you read the pages

of newspaper as am talking to you today, you will consistently be reading fresh stories of bombing, increasing cases of Kidnap armed r o b b e r y , assassination, etc.

“This problem as far as we are concern is so worrisome that some Nigerians don’t travel to avoid being victims.”

He called for the purchase of more sophisticated equipment for security personnel as well as their training and retraining, especially in the area of intelligence gathering, to prevent most of the unfortunate incidents that had taken place in the country.

The NUJ president frowned on the prevailing fuel scarcity in the country and the attendant high price of petroleum, despite the fact that the country was one of the sixth largest producers of crude oil in the world.

14—Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

Ije-Ododo pipeline repaired — NNPC

BY NOEL ONOJA

N

IGERIAN National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, has announced that the Ijeododo pipeline that was vandalised, and led to a major fire a few days ago in Lagos, has been repaired, allowing the pumping and supply of premium motor spirit (petrol) to resume.

Acting Group General Manager of the Group Public Affairs Division of the NNPC, Mr. Fidel Pepple, told newsmen in Abuja: “There is over 32 days sufficiency of petrol. We announce the full and comprehensive restoration of the Ije-ododo pipeline to normalcy.

“The pumping of premium motor spirit (petrol), has resumed in earnest to depots and tank farms in the system 2B, spanning from AtlasCove to Ilorin.”

He assured Nigerians that normalcy had been restored in the supply and distribution of petroleum products across the country.

ANPP BoT member, Yahaya, resigns

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

A

BUJA—AHEAD of the 2013 Area Council election in the FCT, member, Board of Trustees of All Nigerian Peoples Party, and founding member of the party in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Isah Yahaya, has resigned his membership of the ANPP Board of Trustees, BOT and the party.

Yahaya, whose resignation was made known to Vanguard in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the party, did not, however, give specific reasons for his resignation but told reporters that the party had failed to stabilise, move forward and maintain a viable opposition status in the FCT. Speaking to reporters, Isa said his resignation from the party would enable him move forward in his political career.

VISIT: Vice President Namadi Sambo (right) and Nuhu Bajoga, newly sworn-in Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, at the Kaduna International Airport, Saturday. PHOTO: State House.

Fulani, Gwari clash claims 2, displaces 1,500 N

O fewer than two people were killed, weekend, in a communal clash between the Fulani and Gwari people, while 1,500 people were displaced.

The clash, which erupted at Gwarko, Gwagwalada Local Government Area of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, last Saturday, was said to have been sparked off by encroachment of Fulani cattle into farmlands in the area.

Director-General of National Emergency Agency, NEMA, Mohammed Sani-Sidi, who confirmed this yesterday, said the prompt intervention of security agencies prevented the clash from escalating into a full scale war.

He commended the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, for the promptness of his agencies and his physical presence at the scenes, appealing to the warring parties to live peacefully with one another and eschew any form of violence as the New Year approached.

Sani-Sidi, who disclosed that two lives were lost and 27 communities affected, said over 1,500 internally-displaced people were currently squatting in a temporary camp on the permanent campus of the University of Abuja, Gwagwalada.

Muhammed, who led other government agencies to assess the impact of the incidence, appealed to the communities to remain calm as the government would ensure that the causes of the crisis would soon be addressed, so they could return to their homes.

The minister asked NEMA to provide more amenities to the victims. He also constituted an emergency team for conflict

resolution and relief distribution to the affected communities. The committee comprise members of response agencies and Urban Affairs Department of FCTA. On his part, the Sarkin Fulani, who spoke on behalf

of the Fulani communities now residing at the university campus, thanked the FCT Minister and President Goodluck Jonathan for coming to their rescue.

He assured them that they will continue to live in harmony with the Gwari in the FCT, while urging the government to ensure that such inci-

dents do not happen again.

Meanwhile, FCT Minister has called a meeting for today with leaders of both Fulani and Gwari communities, the Gwagwalada Area Council Chairman, traditional rulers of Gwagwalada and other stakeholders to ensure that peace between the communities was maintained.

CAN berates Sen Ibrahim over comments on Boko Haram zBlames Northern leaders for poverty, inequality

BY CALEB AYANSINA

A

BUJA—SENATOR Bukar Ibrahim from Yobe State, yesterday, came under verbal attacks from the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, over a statement credited to him that the Federal Government should dialogue with the Islamist sect, Boko Haram, citing inequality, neglect and injustice as reasons for the sect’s actions.

According to CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, the statement by the senator is reckless, irresponsible, insensitive and a panacea for encouraging the increasingly violent and daring sect.

Oritsejafor in a statement by his Special Assistant, Media and Public Affairs, Kenny Ashaka, described the senator ’s comment as “shortsighted” and urged the Federal Government not to succumb to cheap blackmail from any quarters over Boko Haram.

“In the first place, it is naive for Senator Ibrahim to reason

that if the Federal Government dialogues with Boko Haram, the sect would limit itself to concessions made when they have stated clearly that their aim is to do away with western education and enthrone the Islamic law of Sharia,” he said.

He advised Ibrahim not to panic into making shortsighted recommendations and take counsel from only a section of a state or region, as a senator of Nigeria.

He said Senator Ibrahim ought to help put the sect in strict compliance with the laws of the land, rather than treading the dangerous path of dialogue, which had always been truncated by harsh conditions from the sect members.

According to Oritsejafor, Senator Ibrahim must bear a heavy responsibility for the spiraling violence of Boko Haram against Christians in Yobe State, if he now spoke of inequality, neglect and injustice, which were direct consequences of the neglect of the people by those who govern

them, including him, a twotime governor of Yobe State.

The statement read: “If today, the people are fighting biting poverty, inequality and injustice as Senator Ibrahim would want us to believe, it is his likes that should be held responsible for being the sources of their poverty.

“In that case, Boko Haram’s anger should have been directed at leaders like Senator Bukar Ibrahim, who have not allowed their members to take full advantages of the vast economic opportunities that exist in Northern Nigeria.

“It is hypocritical for Senator Ibrahim to now make the country and her citizens to pay a heavy price for their ineptitude.

“In fact, apart from the extremist ideology of Boko Haram, I am tempted to believe that Senator Ibrahim’s statement is also a confirmation that the increasing violence in the north is a sponsored revolt to pressure the Federal Government into making huge regional concessions.”

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012—15

ACN accuses Jonathan's govt of making fake promises to Nigerians

2013: Tambuwal calls for prayers

zSays Okupe, a purveyor of blatant lies

S

A

CTION Congress of Ni geria, ACN, yesterday accused Jonathan's administration of engaging in governance by deceit, saying the administration has been overstating its achievements and making fake promises to Nigerians.

In a statement issued in Lagos by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party also slammed the President’s Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, for making himself a purveyor of blatant lies and for having the temerity to denigrate the country’s opposition for daring to criticize a nonperforming government.

It said only a government that swims in corruption and lacks self-respect and decency can pick as its spokesperson a man who has been shown to be an epitome of corruption by collecting funds for contracts that were not executed.

ACN said the government’s claim, through Dr. Okupe, that it will generate 780,000 jobs in 2013 through the ‘Young Graduate Employment Scheme’ and 5,000 jobs in each of the 36 states through SURE-P is the latest example of the administration’s lies.

It said, "our advice to the teeming young graduates who have no jobs is that they should not allow themselves to be hoodwinked by this promise. They should remember that this same administration promised to create 10,000 jobs in each of the 36 states through SURE-P in 2012. The year is over, and all we have now are phantom jobs and more fake promises.’’

try of 160 million people, when South Africa, with less than a third of Nigeria’s population, generates over 40,000MW!!!

Dear long-suffering Nigerians, don’t throw away your generators yet just because of an imaginary power stability promised by a government spokesman who has nothing but disdain for the truth,’’ ACN said.

North The party also faulted the administration’s claim that the bombings and killings in the North have decreased from January to December, calling it fabricated cold comfort and a disservice to millions of our citi-

a figure higher than about 570 who were killed in 2011, and not counting the latest killings in Borno and Adamawa states’’.

Jonathan should admit failure ACN advised the Jonathan's administration to level up with Nigerians by admitting its failings and rolling up its sleeves, so to say, to reverse the ‘transmogrification’ which the President’s transformation agenda has become, instead of relying on a hypocritical spokesman to peddle lies to citizens who are already reeling under the failure of an impotent government.

From left: Pastor Waleola Akinfiresuye, wife of Ondo State Governor, Oluremi Mimiko, Governor Olusegun Mimiko and Pastor Sanya Kolajo during the end-of-year service at the Chapel of Grace Government House Ground, Akure, yesterday.

LCCI urges review of zero allocation to SEC

BY FRANKLIN ALLI

Electricity It also urged Nigerians to ensure that their generators are in good working condition, as the government’s promise of stable electricity in 2013 is as unrealistic as it is deceitful.

It added that, "the administration said it has generated 4,500MW and will increase the number to 7,000MW in 2013. What a celebration of tokenism! The government should be ashamed to tell Nigerians it has been able to generate only 4,500MW from a huge expenditure of 16 billion dollars!

"Also, no one needs a rocket scientist to know that 4,500MW cannot ensure stable electricity supply in a coun-

zens who are daily being subjected to terror attacks, while President Jonathan, now a professional mourner, resorts to endless lamentation instead of decisive action.

It said, "well, we are not surprised at the claim of reduced terror attacks by the Jonathan's administration. After all, the same administration claimed that global anti-corruption body Transparency International acknowledged Nigeria’s progress in fighting corruption, when nothing like that ever happened.

"To set the record straight, 750 people have been killed in terror attacks in the North this year,

L

AGOS Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, yesterday, called for a review of zero allocation to the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, even as it commended the National Assembly on the early passage of the 2013 Appropriation bill.

In a statement, Muda Yusuf, Director General of LCCI, said “we are concerned about the zero allocation to SEC which is a strategic regulatory institution in the Nigerian financial system.

“We urge the National Assembly to review its position in the interest of the stability of the capital market, the nation’s financial system and the larger economy.”

According to LCCI, “the current

stance of the National Assembly has a number of unintended consequences some of which include, perception and reputational risk for the stability and credibility of the Nigerian capital market; adverse impact on regulatory effectiveness in the capital market; it could roll back the recent gains of recovery and stability in the capital market; it could send wrong signals about the nation’s democratic process, especially the preservation of the tenets and values of separation of powers.

He said: “We urge the National Assembly to look beyond the person of the Director General of SEC, and give consideration to the wider implications of its decision for the economy.

"We believe there are adequate provisions in our laws and a multitude of state institutions that could be deployed to bring any erring public official to justice. This is a better option to explore rather than a clampdown on a strategic regulatory institution,” said LCCI. Commenting on the early passage of the appropriation bill, LCCI said: “It portends some benefits for the economy and the people as follows: “good prospects of better budget implementation in 2013, better planning space and time horizon for stakeholders in the economy because of the signaling effect of the budget both from appropriation and policy perspectives.”

PEAKER of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has called on Nigerians to intensify prayers for the country and look to the future with optimism in 2013.

In his New Year message, the Speaker said 2013 offers Nigerians a new opportunity to renew their faith in the country and at the same time a new prospect to aspire for a united and progressive nation.

The Speaker in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, said the challenges that confronted the country, especially in the last two years would be surmounted in the New Year if Nigerians unite with a common goal.

According to him, Nigeria is a beautiful country whose full potential remains untapped. “My hope and prayer is that we all experience a peaceful and prosperous New Year for our country and for people,” the Speaker stated.

While reassuring Nigerians that the House of Representatives would continue on its chosen path of putting the country first at all times, Tambuwal prayed to God to continue to bless Nigeria and Nigerians in the New Year and beyond.

Plateau: Politicians jostle for guber race

BY TAYE OBATERU

J

OS—POLITICIANS in Plateau State have started strategizing ahead of the 2015 elections with consultations on who succeeeds incumbent Governor Jonah Jang in top gear.

Vanguard investigations revealed that the Christmas break provided opportunity for politicians to meet at different levels to discuss the issue through informal meetings in different parts of the state.

It was learnt that with the next governor expected to come from the Southern Senatorial zone based on the unwritten rotational arrangement that has been in place, attention is focussing on the likely candidates to take over from Jang who is on his second term.

16 — Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012 RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan must have forgotten that construction of a second Niger Bridge was one of his 91 campaign promises. It took the visit of a delegation from the South-East to nudge to momentary wakefulness on the bridge.

He is simply acting to type. A committee is reviewing government contracts; we can only imagine the scandals that the President Olusegun Obasanjo promised committee would unearth. Jonathan said, in 2001 to build a new Niger Bridge. When after the important assignment, the he left office six years after, not a dime had committee would look at the Niger Bridge. been voted for the bridge. Preliminary The President intends to build the bridge works like the design of the bridge had not before his tenure ends in 2015. If we follow been awarded. the logic he espoused about how Jonathan’s government last May named government works, the Niger Bridge the bridge among projects it would would not get attention in the next two concession. The flurry of protests that years, which would be devoted to political followed elicited no reaction from jostling — the elections are in 2015, with government which maintained its silence many issues undecided. until the delegation from South-East Everyone knows that the political life of visited. Former Minister of Works, Senator the administration is more important than Mohammed Sanusi Daggash, had said two a bridge, no matter how often anyone years ago, that concessionary financing promises to build it. Jonathan does not was not viable for the project then valued expect to be judged over a bridge. Is his the at N30 billion. He suggested issuing a bond. first failed promise on the bridge?

Few months after, he was out of office.

P

A bridge of promise

“We intend to explore the alternative funding mechanism by way of bonds through the Debt Management Office, to raise the approximate amount of money to ensure the project is done within three years. It is very difficult for the budget today to have a project that can consistently command N10 billion a year for three years running,” he told Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu then.

With elections two years away, it is not surprising that the bridge would become another hot issue. Still not surprising is that governments do not appreciate the importance of projects like the Niger Bridge, which links states in the South-East and most of the South-South with Lagos, the nation’s commercial hub.

Commercial and manufacturing activities in Aba, Onitsha and Nnewi are doomed without the bridge. If the East-West Road that runs through the South-South’s oil producing belt enjoys much abandonment; it will take extraordinary will to build the Niger Bridge.

OPINION

BY DAVID OFURUM

W

HEN Mr. Mike Omeri took over the reins of leadership at the National Orientation Agency (NOA) on January 17, 2012, he made it very clear that one of his primary concerns or vision was “to transform the Agency along with its various units and organs into a proactive, knowledge based and activity driven organisation, able to rise up to evolving challenges in our national space”. Eleven months down the line, Nigerians continue to testify to the fact that the Agency under his watch has kept faith with this thrust. It is not a surprise that, as many put it; the NOA has taken over the country and is daily in the news, sensitising the public on acceptable conducts as well as on government policies. With the NOA today, everything and indeed, anything is an opportunity to address the public on topical issues, whether it bothers on electricity tariff, proposed new naira denomination or the disposal of pure water sachets. The activities built around each topic of re-orientation concern and the personalities they collaborate with to drive home the message are such that leave the message indelible in the minds of Nigerians.

Recently, the Agency Headquarter crew was in Ondo State for a series of events and the story was not different. At one of such events, the Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko commended the prompt and proactive response of President Goodluck Jonathan to the recent flooding

C M Y K

Transforming Nigeria State by state across the nation by providing reliefs, granting access to the nation’s strategic grains reserves and mobilising the private sector to come to the aid of the victims, describing the emergency measures as unprecedented.

He gave his commendation while flagging off the nationwide road safety campaign of the National Orientation Agency tagged “Do the Right Thing: Drive to Stay Alive” in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) at the Akure Ultra-Modern Motor Park, Ondo State Governor Mimiko observed that “Nigerians need to learn how to celebrate what is good. Nigeria is not all about corruption and Boko Haram. If the President does something that is good, let us talk about it and celebrate him”. He ranked the Federal Government’s response to the recent floods far higher than that of the United States Government to the hurricane Catherina and the recent hurricane Sandy disasters in New Orleans and New York respectively. He said President Jonathan deserves all commendation for doing what the government of developed countries could not do for their countries and thereby mitigating the effects of the floods.

Governor Mimiko commended the “Do the Right Thing” campaign and pledged to do everything possible to engrave the concept of the campaign in the consciousness

of the people of the State. He observed the high rate of 162 deaths in 100,000 accidents, the second highest in the world was very alarming and called for a change in the attitudes of Nigerian road users.

The Governor condemned the sale of cigarettes, alcohol and hard substances in and around motor parks across the country, stressing that such create necessary environment for the facilitation of accidents as drivers are exposed to the influence of such substances. He however announced that the state had procured state of the art extrication equipment, ambulances and toll free numbers to enable the State’s emergency agencies respond to road accidents and other emergencies in a maximum of twenty minutes from the time of their occurrence.

I

n his address at the flag-off, NOA Director General said the choice of Ondo State for the launch of the campaign was in recognition of the giant efforts of the State Government in the transport sector.

He regretted that road accidents has a ssumed prime position as the primary cause of death in the country and urged Nigerians to do the right thing on the highways by obeying all traffic regulations, especially during this yuletide.

Mr. Omeri also reminded law enforcement officers that there is no law backing their harassment of law abiding citizen on the

highway and charged all officers involved in such practice to desist.

The Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Mr. Osita Chidoka, represented by the South West Zonal Commander of the Corps, Assistant Corps Marshal Luka Sambo Kinnya admonished road users to take note of the road conditions and apply common sense speed limits when using the roads as most roads are under construction. He also appealed to State Governors to assist the Corps in establishing more out posts as well as providing equipment to enable the Corps respond more speedily to any road emergencies that may arise during the yuletide.

The Ondo State Commissioner of Police, represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Henry Fadairo in a goodwill message commended the partnership between the NOA and FRSC which he said would go a long way to save lives and reduce road accidents against the background of increase in accidents and accident related deaths in the State between 2011 and 2012.

The Secretary General of the NURTW, Comrade Joel Kolawole in his own message, however, pledged the commitment of the Union to ensuring its members complied with traffic regulations in the yuletide to minimise road hazards in the State and its environs.

*Mr. Ofurum, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Abuja.

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012—41 er having over-studied it.

Spot The Indifference: Nigeria’s 2012 Olympic team won no medals in London, the first time Nigeria did not win Olympic medals since 1988.

The paralympians (physically challenged competitors) won six gold, five silver and two bronze.

They still do not have training facilities nor do public buildings recognise the fact that some people are physically challenged.

Water Get Enemy: Afro juju musician Fela was wrong with his claim that “water e no get enemy”. Floods, the worst for more than 80 years, swept through many parts of the country. Water became the latest enemy of our long suffering people.

The issue was forgotten once its media opportunities waned.

What’s God’s Offence? If we are unwilling to do our work, we blame God. The Senate Committee on Establishment returned this decision on Chairman of Pension Reform Task Team, Alhaji Abdulrasheed Maina - we have handed him over to God because powerful people are protecting him.

2012 – The year that almost wasn’t

By IKEDDY ISIGUZO, Chairman, Editorial Board

F

OR a year that nearly did not start, 2012 had its high moments, like Nigerians waking up on January 1, only for their ululations of “Happy New Year” to be abbreviated on learning they might have to sell some of their kids if they wanted to fuel.

If you think it was a joke, ask those who pawned their wards to raise the return fares from their villages to the cities after new fuel prices threw budgets - except governments’ - out of control. The more enthralling details of the year follow in order of their irreverent peripherals to the lives of Nigerians who learnt the important lesson that with government, almost anything is possible.

Absences DAME Patience Jonathan has no constitutional roles, unless amendments sail through, but Nigerians wondered if she had wandered off the Presidency. Was she on holiday? Was she ill? Had she lost interest in living in the Presidential Villa? Rumours swirled until she made a triumphant entry into Abuja to public kisses and embraces from President Goodluck Jonathan, whose versions of his wife’s sojourn still run contrary to public defences

differences between bombs, explosive devices, improvised explosive devices. Nigerians are still dying from bombing and bungling of the (in)security situation. Hardly a day passed without someone dying from an explosion, especially in Kano and most of the North East that is becoming a vast wasteland.

Clatter: You can almost hear the clatter of Governors Danbaba Suntai (Taraba) crashing in his self-piloted plane and Idris Wada (Kogi) shattering his limbs in a road accident. No height is safe for both high and lowly. We wish them quick recovery.

Deaths: Explosions from a petrol tanker in Etche, Rivers State killed 200 people who were scooping fuel. Dana Air’s crash took more than 100 to their grave, some are not yet buried. The killing of four university students in Aluu, near Port Harcourt, remains controversial. Gunmen killed Senator Gyang Dantong, and Gyang Fulani, Majority Leader of Plateau State House of Assembly at a funeral for 63 people attackers killed in Riyom, outside Jos. Deputy Inspector General of Police John Haruna died in a helicopter crash on assignment in Jos. Other deaths from a helicopter - Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State and former National Security Advis-

,

Maina ignored the Senate which now wants God to conduct the hearing. Is it God’s money that is missing? Or is God a Senator? Some senators should refund public expenses on them and go home

by his media minders. Whatever it was has limited Dame’s interactions with her numerous admirers.

Blather: Confusion continues over who warehoused $26.5 million plea bargain money construction company, Julius Berger paid on the $180 million Halliburton bribe scandal, a confirmation that Nigerians and their government do not bank their money. The President, like in all things, has a committee to locate the money. Please note, the money - equivalent of what the Federal Government is spending on three of its nine new universities - is not missing, it just cannot be found.

Also similar is ownership of $15 million in the custody of Central Bank of Nigeria, which former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori allegedly offered to the former Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as bribe in 2007. One would have thought the money belonged to Delta State, but the Federal Government and an individual appear determined to take it. Did $15 million earn any interest in five years?

Bombing, Bungling: We learnt

,

er, General Owoye Andrew Azazi.

Do give a damn, Sir: Panellists infuriated the President over his assets declaration in a televised June media chat. “The issue of public asset declaration is a matter of personal principle. I don’t give a damn about it, even if you criticise me from heaven. When I was the Vice President, that matter came up, and I told the former President (late Musa Yar’Adua) let’s not start something that would make us play into the hands of people and create an anomalous situation in the country,” he said. Even in death, Yar’Adua would be astounded about “an anomalous situation.”

His widow and the President’s wife were in a legal combat over an expanse of land in Abuja about this time.

Glitters, grease, glitz: Son of Jigawa State Governor, Aminu Lamido was arrested with $40,000 (N7.5m), an amount in excess of authorised $10,000 for an overseas trip. The money pales to nothing when compared with $7 million (about N1.1 billion) found on another passenger last October. There have been other arrests since. There is no word yet about the owners of the

Nigeria

money or why people are moving huge sums of money through the airports. How much would have passed undetected? Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said Nigeria lost a fifth of her oil production (500,000 barrels) daily to thieves, a daily revenue loss of more than N5 billion 0r more than N2 trillion year, about half of the 2012 budget.

Guesswork: Not even government knows how much it earns from oil. A presidential task force (no committee this time) nearly came to blows while submitting the report on oil and gas. Nuhu Ribadu, chairman, in the report claimed Nigeria lost more than $29 billion over 10 years to low pricing of its natural gas.

Pricing of natural gas Steve Orosanye, a task force member and a presidential ally rejected the report. The President asked Orosanye to write his own report. Conflicting presidential positions rove from cancellation of the report, to setting up a white paper committee or ignoring it, the preferred option.

House of Gaps: The House of Representatives jumped into the fuel subsidy and got burnt. Its ad hoc committee on administration of fuel subsidy asked the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, and 17 oil marketing companies to refund – N1.7 trillion, paid when supplies were not made. Later a scandal broke with allegations that the committee demanded $620,000 as first tranche of a bribe running into billions of Naira. The matter is in court.

Herma Hembe, Chairman House’s Committee on Capital Market and his deputy Chris Azubuogu, are in court for allegedly collecting $4,095 (mere N655,200) each as estacode to attend a training abroad, they neither attended nor returned the money. Director General of the

Securities and Exchange Commission, Arunma Oteh, further alleged she rejected Hembe’s demand for SEC to contribute N44 million to finance a public hearing.

If symptoms persist after 12 Months… Solution to persistent symptoms is to ignore the problem, government did that with all areas of its operations. Corruption, the President explains, according to him, as explained to him, stems from ignorance of Nigerians, who have decided to call anything without a name corruption. There is no point fighting what Nigerians do not understand.

Power Without Energy: A distinction between power and energy must be made. The Minister of Power, in all its ramifications, is the President. Professor Barth Nnaji was the Minister of Energy. His departure has seen the President combining the Ministries of Power and Energy.

Promises of more electricity are on going with contracts signed in important global languages: English, French, Germany and Mandarin (Chinese). Someone forgot Spanish; the world’s third most widely spoken language.

Scams, Scandals, Slaps: The House of Representatives probed withdrawal of N114 billion from the Stabilisation Account by the President in eight months for certain unbudgeted expenditures. Shall we call that a scam?

Two years after government released N5 billion to contractors for police barracks it was discovered the money had been diverted. The Inspector-General’s Special Task Force would find the fraudsters. Is that not a scandal?

Some top officials in the Office of the Head of Civil Service are in court for diversion of N32.8 billion from the Nigeria Police Pension Fund. It is a slap on the police.

Soon Means…Government favourite assuring lingo that something was being done about a situation is “soon”. The best “soon” is another committee to under-study the situation, anoth-

Pension office Maina claimed his team uncovered N3.3 trillion pension fund fraud while the Senate summoned Maina over theft of N195 billion at the Pension Office.

Maina ignored the Senate which now wants God to conduct the hearing. Is it God’s money that is missing? Or is God a Senator?

Some senators should refund public expenses on them and go home.

Who, What We Aren’t: Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Maryam Aloma Mukhtar, took flaks for refusing to administer oath of office on Justice Ifeoma Jombo-Ofo, as a Justice of the Appeal Court. Of Anambra State origin, she married an Abia State indigene. Abia State nominated her to the Court of Appeal.

Mukhtar ruled she was not from Abia.

Section 42 (1) of the Constitution states, “A citizen of Nigeria of a particular community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion or political opinion shall not, by reason only that he is such a person: (a) be subjected either expressly by, or in the practical application of, any law in force in Nigeria or any executive or administrative action of the government, to disabilities or restrictions to which citizens of Nigeria of other communities, ethnic groups, places of origin, sex, religion or political opinions are not made subject.” The Constitution awards us rights as citizens that we can only access as indigenes: what a contradiction!

Zipper: The passing year brimmed with potentials, and so did Nigeria. We wasted them in niggles. With all these matters pending and lying in a presidential closet, and his preachment that haste was not a strong point of his, we would have a prospective (not prosperous) New Year.

It is up to you to prospect and prosper. If you did not eat cassava bread in 2012, you have at least one great reason for bubbling into 2013.

42— Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012—43

C M Y K

C M Y

44—Vanguard , MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

OWOYE AZAZI LAID TO REST Funeral service and interment of late Gen. Andrew Azazi held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Saturday. PHOTOS: Akpokona Omafuaire.

From right— Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, Chief of Army Staff; his wife; Rear Admiral D. Ezeoba, Chief of Naval Staff; Air Vice Admiral A. Badeh, Chief of Air Staff; Maj.-Gen. Sarkin Bello (rtd) and Gen. Alexander Ogomudia (rtd).

From right— Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State; First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan; President Goodluck Jonathan; Prof. Tamuno Benebo, representing Vice President Namadi Sambo; Mrs Alero Azazi, widow of late Azazi, and her Children.

From left— Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister of Finance; Chief Andrew Oru and Col. Sam Inukoba (rtd), Bayelsa State Peoples' Democratic Party, PDP, Chairman.

HRM King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Amayanabo of Toun Brass (left) and others.

MIDDLE ROW: Elder Godsday Orubebe, Minister for Niger Delta Affairs (right); Mrs Deziani Alison-Madueke, Minister of Petroleum Resources (middle), and others.

From right— Usman Mohammed, Ali Kalat and Abokie Galadima, representatives of Kaduna State Government.

Cleric.

LEFT: From left— Maj.-Gen. U. Buzugbe, Maj.Gen. N. Maduegbunam and Maj.-Gen. J. Ogidi.

Traditional rulers.

A cross section of Senior military officers.

From right— Rear Admiral John Kpokpogri (rtd.), General J. Samuel (rtd.) and Mrs. Folunsho Samuel.

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012—45

D

ESPITE the existence of many pessimists, man is by nature an incurable optimist.

How else do you explain the clinging to life and hope of a better tomorrow amidst the pains and bleakness of today? As we approached the end of 2011 this time last year, we bemoaned a difficult year and looked forward to the cross in to a new year, pregnant with high expectations of improved circumstances. The wishes of a prosperous new year went out from millions of telephones to family, friends, loved ones, political associates and so on. It is an annual ritual but it is an expression of our innermost yearnings for better life.

As the year gradually or some would say speedily draws to a close, a comparison of actual with expectations presents a yawning negative variance for a vast majority of people in Nigeria. The year 2012 started on a shaky note with a strategic policy initiative on the management of petroleum products. It must have been for the President, a very difficult but intensely painful decision knowing the sentiments of the nation and the immediate economic impact on family incomes. Its effect was a requirement for what many considered unbearable level of economic adjustments for many families especially when the expected benefits could take many years to manifest and may not be proportionate to the

sacrifices that different families had to make. There was instant resistance that gave Nigeria something close to its own ‘Arab Spring’. The resolution was an artful compromise that neither satisfied the ordinary Nigerians nor solved in a decisive way, the problems that the policy set out to correct which is the massive corruption and inefficiency in the sector.

As we end 2012, the return of long queues for petrol in different parts of the country and the failure of the official price of the premium motor spirit evidenced by pricing differentials in distribution stations across the country in spite of the fact that subsidy is being paid on every single litre of PMS sold in a manner that was intended to ensure uniform pricing, are clearly ominous signs of the tough road ahead, yet we are once again carrying on with the ritual of wishing each other a happy and prosperous 2013.

In 2011, Nigerians reeled from a harvest of deaths from the senseless murder of National Youth Service Corps members in the aftermath of the Presidential elections and the insane and sacrilegious bombing of churches even on Christmas day as innocent men, women and children worshipped in God’s sanctuary. Insecurity threatened the very foundation of the nation from north to south and from east to west. Nigerians therefore prayed for 2012 with the zeal and earnestness of religious devotees.

In 2012, death stalked the land even more ferociously on land and in the air. Naturally, those

Remarkable strides were witnessed in various sectors such as agriculture, airport transformation, power roadmap implementation and even rail transportation with the resuscitation of rail transportation along the nation’s western corridor running from Lagos to Kano

,

alive are praying for a happy and prosperous 2013 with even more intense passion. Yes, we are happy to be alive. We cling fiercely to life and we are optimistic that 2013 will be our happy and prosperous year.

A

pparently disturbed by the low level of 2011 budget implementation and the accompanying failed expectations, the National Assembly threatened the President with impeachment if the 2012 budget was not fully implemented. The assumption of course, was that a full implementation of the national budget would translate to better life for Nigerians. Despite some disagreements over the percentage of implementation, it would appear that there was a substantial improvement in the

Democracy In Need of Inspiration (2) Continued from page 16

BY GABRIEL ZOWAM

D

ID we use the wealth to repair our deteriorating road network? No; our roads were so deplorable in 2007 that a new minister wept publicly, at the sight of the ordeal Nigerians were going through!

Did we use the windfall to build massive housing for Nigerians? Not at all; instead, government sold the public houses it inherited from the military, under the monetisation programme! We can say the same thing for our education system, health system, and so on! They were all deplorable!

Could we have invested the money in our telecommunications infrastructure? No! Instead the sector was another source of windfall for government! We wisely allowed the private sector to come in and invest their own money; which not only transformed the sector, but also helped government to reap additional revenue as licence fees and taxes!

What about refining capacity: Did we use the windfall to construct new refineries?

Far from that! We could not even keep the existing ones running! Instead, we created a new special agency in June 2003, the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), for a new era of unprecedented fuel importation and subsidy management!

But most importantly, how did that wealth impact on ordinary Nigerians?

This was perhaps, the most tragic aspect

of that windfall: Our population in poverty (as published by the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS) increased nationwide, from 67 million in 1996, to 69 million in 2004!

It has continued to get worse, such that by 2010, the number of Nigerians in poverty had hit 112 million!

So where on earth did the money go?

Somebody can argue that the value of the Naira was not the same over all those years. Very correct; but it absolutely cannot explain away the unprecedented windfall!

Look at the eight-year period, 1998-2006.

Government’s revenue doubled, tripled, quadrupled, and rocketed many folds, in that short space of eight years! That was enough to turn every part of this country into a modern paradise!

We can also look at the year-on-year increases. For example, in 1998 we earned N324 billion; but in 1999 the revenue shot up to N724 billion! Notice that the N724 we earned in 1999, was equivalent to the N324 billion of the previous year, plus an extra N400 billion! As if this was not enough, in 2000, the revenue rocketed to N1,592 billion! This was equivalent to the jumbo N724 billion of the previous year (1999), plus an extra N868 billion! What an unprecedented windfall! We can do a similar thing for many other consecutive years in the Table; but that will just return us to the nagging question: Where on earth did all the money go?

It is true that our democracy came with a higher level of governance costs - large number of legislatures, ministers, and so

,

BY CLEMENT OFUANI

,

Happy and prosperous 2013

national budget implementation, yet Nigerians faced 2012 Christmas with greater trepidation than in recent years.

The obvious bleakness of the season for many families challenges the notion of a positive correlation between national budget implementation and the welfare and well-being of average citizens.

To be very fair, remarkable strides were witnessed in various sectors such as agriculture, airport transformation, power roadmap implementation and even rail transportation with the resuscitation of rail transportation along the nation’s western corridor running from Lagos to Kano. These are fresh shoots of a promising future but they underscore the need for rethinking the nation’s strategic development policies. In presenting the 2012 budget to the National Assembly the President stated that “as estimated in the First National Implementation Plan of the Nigeria Vision 20:2020, we need N32 trillion for the execution of capital projects over a four year-period, of which the private sector is to contribute N13 trillion”.

Mathematically speaking, it is adumbrated that the public sector would account for N19 trillion over the four-year period amounting to an average annual public sector capital spending requirement of N4.75 trillion, yet the 2012 capital budget allocation was justN1.32 trillion, the bulk of which was to be deficit financed and stood the risk of not being funded. With an annual shortfall of over 70 percent in capital spending plan from the public sector and an unfavourable economic environment for private sector investment flows, the public sector spending is like a drop in

The wealth from Nigeria’s exhaustible natural resources belongs to both our present and future generations. This democracy has absolutely no right to squander it today as “recurrent expenditure”!

,

on. But this equally cannot explain away the windfall. For example, by 1999, all the democratic structures were already on ground; and their needs were adequately met by the jumbo revenue of that year. Now, did the democratic structure subsequently expand each year, to be able to consume that year’s new windfall? .

Many patriotic Nigerians did raise alarms, including Gov. Bafarawa of Sokoto state: “When he [Obasanjo] came to power, crude oil was selling at $9 per barrel. Three months later, the price shot up to $30 per barrel, and remained so for two good years.

If a State like Sokoto could receive N20 billion from the federation account over the period, imagine the quantum of resources at the disposal of the federal government!”

Poor Governor! He did not know that the real windfall was still on the way! The revenue that excited him in 2002, as “quantum of resources”, was to double, triple, and (more than) quadruple in the next four years! Remember also that even the oil price of $9/barrel, which our democracy met in 1999, was already a

the ocean and obviously, its impact will be difficult to perceive with the ordinary eye.

This is why the annual focus on government budget as the source of real development has proved very defective.

Take the rail system for instance, with the completion of the Lagos – Kano track, the economic potentials are immense but they will remain mere potentials if all it can achieve is the reported schedule of Lagos-Kano on Fridays and Kano – Lagos on Mondays. There is no reason why there should not be scheduled departures every three hours from both ends running 24 hours daily. The job creation potentials are immense, the potential savings on our roads are gargantuan, and the impact on cost of doing business and thus inflation could be dramatic. However, it is clear that this very desirable objective cannot be attained with focus on annual appropriations and spending envelopes. What is required is a new strategy that will bring in private sector funding efficiently into the operation of the sector.

The Federal Government could indeed leverage on the massive investments made to date in the sector with a concession of the track to private investors in rolling stock to expand the number of trains that will be running on the line. These could be independent train operators or a group of investors running sets of trains depending on the economics of the operations. A dream and a plan like this can give real meaning and effect to our chorus of happy and prosperous 2013.

*Mr. Ofuani, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Asaba, Delta State.

windfall, for which the Abacha administration had set up the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF)! We all witnessed what the PTF accomplished! So, where on earth did the real windfall go? What really went wrong?

Note that the windfall was not for the Federal government alone! In fact, Sokoto cannot self-righteously blame Abuja, because the yearly statutory collections of every state in the country (from Sokoto to Bayelsa) also doubled, tripled, and jumped many folds, in a space of seven years, from 1999 to 2006 - enough to turn every part of this country into a new paradise! For a state such as Lagos, which exploited its potentials to additionally harvest huge internally generated revenues, the windfall touched the skies! So, where on earth did the money go?

The Implications The wealth from Nigeria’s exhaustible natural resources belongs to both our present and future generations. This democracy has absolutely no right to squander it today as “ recurrent expenditure”! What structures are we using this wealth to set up for the upcoming generations? Even the systems for their education and health are in shambles, at a time that knowledge has become the driver of the global economy! Our Senate and House of Reps must, as a duty to Nigerians, not miss the opportunity the ongoing constitutional amendment provides, for decisively fixing the flaws of this democracy!

Concluded

*Mr. Zowam, a social critic, wrote from Abuja.

46—Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

•Jonathan: 2014 is decision time

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

N

•Obasanjo: Will play decisive role

The unfolding intrigues ahead

IGERIANS woke up to a New Year at the beginning of 2012 with the news of the increase in the pump price of petrol, a product that more than anything else dominates the country ’s political and economic considerations.

The hullabaloo arising from that action inevitably flowed into the political arena when critics and all those disenchanted with the Goodluck Jonathan administration seized upon the issue to rally against the administration.

Many Nigerians for once, put aside ethnic and religious differences as they rallied against the administration at various points in Lagos, Abuja and Kano. Remarkably, as the nation slides into 2013, issues arising from that increase remain largely unsettled.

Among the issues that were thrown up directly or indirectly by the popular revolt against the pump hike were the multi trillion naira subsidy scam, the Lawan Farouk – Femi Otedola bribery saga, the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB among

THE year ending today has undoubtedly thrown up its fair share of political intrigues and razzmatazz, but the year following it would surely shape the destiny of the nation for the foreseeable future. others.

In the outgoing year, the trial of a handful of the scions of powerful Nigerian politicians indicted in the subsidy scam commenced. Those being tried include children of a former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Col. Ahmadu Ali (rtd), billionaire businessman, Aresikola Alao among others.

While the trial of the suspects snails through the courts, the eyes of many would be looking towards two of the central players in the revelation of the scam, Lawan and Otedola.

Scandal in the House

Lawan, a fourth term member of the House ofRepresentatives was assigned with the duty of leading the House investigation into the management of the subsidy scheme. He, however, came into national spotlight after it was revealed that he and the secretary of the investigative committee, collected $620,000 from Mr. Otedola for the purpose of deleting Otedola’s

,

2013:

•Tambuwal: Many issues to settle in 2013

The Aminu Tambuwal House which had come to be well regarded for its moral ethos has failed to take the report for consideration

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companies from the list of indicted companies.

Enraged members of the House of Representatives were quick to distance themselves from Mr. Lawan and institute a fresh investigation into what came to be known as the Lawan-Otedola saga. However, by year end, the investigation

into the ethical conduct of Mr. Lawan had turned into a mystery.

Though the House Committee on Ethics and Public Petitions which investigated the matter claimed to have concluded its investigations as far back as two months ago, surprisingly, the Aminu Tambuwal House which had come to be well regarded for its moral ethos has failed to take the report for consideration.

In the first half of 2013, the consideration of the report is expected to take central stage in the House. Before proceeding on Christmas break, the House passed on the PIB to its committees on Downstream and Upstream Petroleum for consideration.

In the senate, consideration of the report has not even commenced as geopolitical forces derailed the plan.

The PIB is expected to be one of the most debated issues in the polity. The National Assembly, the governors forum and the media are expected to

provide the platform for the debate on the PIB, a major legislative initiative to redefine the operations of the nation’s oil industry.

Another report that is highly expected to grace public discourse is the report on the investigation into the ethical conduct of a member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Herman Hembe, the erstwhile chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Capital Market.

Mr. Hembe was accused by the embattled Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Ms Arumah Oteh of soliciting bribe from her commission and of collecting funds for a capacity building workshop that he did not attend.

While Hembe is facing criminal trial over the allegations, Ms Oteh, however, has turned into a vexatious character in the relationship between the National Assembly and the presidency.

A House report found her unqualified for the position she holds and recommended the termination of her appointment while she was on suspension.

Continued on page 47

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012—47

2013:

Intrigues ahead of the centenary

Continues from page 46 As if pre-empting the House report, the presidency vide a letter dated July 17, 2012 recalled her from suspension to assume duties just as the House report emerged.

It was an action that was seen as contemptuous by the House of Representatives. It was based on this that the House in its passage of the 2013 budget precluded her from expending funds appropriated for the commission. In the year ahead, the resolution of the face-off over Ms Oteh is expected to colour relations between the presidency and the legislative arm of government.

2015 politics /break-up of PDP

•Buhari, Tinubu: Leading the opposition differences with Jonathan, it was learnt, are now mobilizing to confront Tukur to reverse the decisions taken on Adamawa State.

The governors, it was learnt, are expected to bare their fangs at a national executive committee meeting of the party scheduled for the first month of 2013.

Showdown with Tukur

The showdown with Tukur inevitably would also be a showdown with the president.

President Jonathan had sought to show that he was unbiased in the Adamawa saga through the constitution of the Governor Sule Lamido committee tasked with resolving the crisis, but the decision of the PDP national secretariat to proceed with the congresses last week, is expected to be read as an act of bad faith by the governors.

The row with Tukur may be the first stage in the crisis that some say may lead to an internal conflagration that would swallow the PDP ahead of 2015. Willy-nilly the PDP would in 2013 also face the greatest threat to its political hegemony. At the twilight of 2012, Nigeria’s historically discordant opposition was for the first time desperately trying to forge an unprecedented

unity to confront the ruling party. The Action Congress of Nigeria, the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP among others in 2012 were desperately trying to merge into a single party to prepare well ahead for the 2015 round of general elections.

If their plans go as scheduled, the new party is expected to come into existence in the first half of 2013. The realization of a formidable opposition with Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu singing the same tune north and south

,

By 2013, it would be one year to the 2014 signpost given by President Jonathan on when he would disclose his political future. But not many politicians will wait till then. It is as such expected that in 2013 that political operatives and their grandmasters, who operated subtlety throughout 2012, would come out in bold attempts to seize the political space.

The fate of the ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP would seriously become an issue in the year ahead.

With the suspicion that President Jonathan would be seeking re-election, his opponents would attempt to take control of the party from him and if not, to distabilise the ruling party.

The governors who control the party at the grassroots, Vanguard gathered, are expected to flaunt their powers in the year ahead. In 2012, the battle started simmering with the election of Bamanga Tukur as the national chairman of the party last March. Tukur was the choice of Jonathan and he was elected against the counsel of some governors including the governor of Tukur ’s native Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako.

Not surprisingly even before the end of 2012, the rancor in the party arising from the clash of interest between Tukur and Nyako was already fanning the embers of disunity in the party.

Tukur’s decision to dissolve the state executive loyal to Nyako has split the party in Adamawa State into two with different factions steadfastly loyal to the governor and the national chairman. PDP governors apparently fearful that the Nyako treatment would be meted out to those of them, who in anyway share

separately to the two houses.

Two of the main features expected from the amendments would be local government autonomy and the autonomy for the State Houses of Assembly. Both plans, however, would be stillbirths if the governors forge ahead with their plans to oppose the amendments which many of the governors see as reducing their powers.

In the year 2013, Nigerians could well be treated to political drama in some states following the unusual accidents that involved some governors.

,

In the year 2013 Nigerians could well be treated to political drama in some states following the unusual accidents that involved some governors

is expected to bring an unusual formation that the PDP has not been used to. The legal framework for the 2015 elections and indeed, a new constitution for the country is expected to be birthed in the first half of the year.

The Senate and the House committees on constitution review which commenced serious work on the review of the constitution in 2012 are expected to conclude their work in the first quarter before presenting their reports

Already Kaduna has a new governor in the person of Mukthar Yero whose emergence has already upturned geopolitical calculations in the politically and religiously volatile state.

In Taraba State, the substantive governor, Mr. Danbaba Suntai has been hospitalized since October after surviving an airplane crash throwing up for the first time, a Muslim as Acting Governor of the state.

Speculations on the fate of

the governor have continued to generate public debate. Sources at the weekend claimed that Mr. Suntai is now expected back in the country despite earlier claims that he had suffered critical damages in some of his organs.

Besides Suntai, is Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State who is turning into another character in another mystery story of a missing governor.

In the first weeks of the New Year, the continued absence of Mr. Chime and Mr. Suntai from their duty posts is expected to further generate much public debate. In Chime’s case, his continued absence could enliven the one time submissive state House of Assembly into impeaching the governor.

Should Chime’s hold on the governorship be curtailed, it would undoubtedly pose serious consequences for the geopolitical balancing in Enugu State empowering a one time relegated deputy into the central political character in the state.

Whether Chime survives the political or health challenges facing him, his other gubernatorial colleagues in office would be topical players and playmakers in what promises to be a promising year ahead of the nation’s centenary.

48—Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

2012: Scientists ‘cure' leukaemia with HIV Stories By SOLA OGUNDIPE

Y

EAR 2012 was replete with an array of medical and scientific breakthroughs. From January through December, series of world-changing innovations were recorded across the world.

However, one of the biggest and most sensational breakthroughs of the year involved Emily Whitehead, a 7-

• Emily Whitehead obtaining the remarkable HIV-gene therapy that "cured" her leukaemia

M13 virus generates electricity A

VIRUS called M13 that only infects bacteria, and is harmless to humans, was first used to generate electricity in 2012.

The secret of the process lies in what is called the "piezoelectric effect," which happens when certain materials like crystals (or • M13 virus viruses) emit a small amount of power when squeezed. M13 exhibits this effect, and also has the handy ability to organise itself into tidy, invisible sheets of film. Any kind of motion can power up M13.

Whole mammal created from stem cells

F

OR the first time in history, researchers at Kyoto University created a mouse by using eggs derived from stem cells alone.

The achievement once again shows the remarkable possibilities presented by regenerative technologies like stem cells, while raising pressing ethical questions about the potential for human births in which parents might not be required.

Transient electronic implants debut

I

N September, scientists announced a new class of implantable electronics that can carry out a designated task from a few hours to several weeks before disappearing completely, resorbing into the body after serving its purpose.

The potential applications of this technology - dubbed "Transient Electronics" range from vanishing biological implants to environmentally friendly phones.

year-old girl, whose acute leukaemia (blood cancer) was effectively "cured" by HIV. Emily who had been battling the potentially fatal lymphoblastic leukaemia since May 2010, recovered dramatically after the HIVprocured antidote proved that scientists can successfully use HIV to kill cancer.

After series of chemotherapy failed to work, Emily underwent a new experimental gene therapy pioneered by the University of Pennsylvania to eradicate blood cancers.

The procedure involved "tricking" Emily's immune system into fighting the cancer In the experimental treatment, a disabled form of HIV was used to essentially rewrite her T-cells to be programmed to attack B-cells, which become malignant when suffering from leukaemia.

Researchers say the therapy is personalized using each patient's immune system's "T cells."

Three weeks after the infusion in April, Emily was completely free of the leukaemia that had been on the verge of killing her.

Reports say she is recovering well at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Today, in the war against cancer, Emily is at the forefront.

The therapy, culminating 20 years of research, involves genetically engineering T cells - the immune system's big guns - to attack B cells, the blood component that turns malignant in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Although T cell therapy can have catastrophic side effects,doctors say it pointed the way to an antidote or the deadly blood cancer.

But the novel therapy that has tamed terminal leukaemia in seven of the first 10 patients might be deemed too risky for further testing. There are concerns that interfering with the immune system is too risky.

Of the 10, only two patients have not gotten better on the T cell therapy, even though all had stopped responding to conventional treatments.

Four patients have had a complete response - their leukaemia was eradicated - with the longest so far lasting 28 months. In four other patients, leukemia diminished dramatically.

The research team, led by gene-therapy pioneer Carl June, is optimistic about the outcomes of the study which have been so stunning the world has noticed.

World's most high-tech condom debuts

U

SING a nano-fabrication technique called "electrospinning", researchers effectively created a female condom woven out of fibres that block sperm and also release a medicine that prevents HIV infection.

Bioengineers mixed two HIV medications - a Herpes treatment, and a spermicide - into two different polymers that the body safely degrades and absorbs over a few days.

The liquified polymers were passed through an electric field that drew them into fibres several hundred nanometers thick.

The material can also be designed to harmlessly evaporate in a matter of hours or days, depending on what the woman wants. With this development, researchers have given the condom a high-tech makeover to better prevent HIV. By enhancing sexual pleasure, it rates of use are bound to increase.

Biologists create artificial DNA

Y

EAR 2012 was the year mankind came closest than ever before to creating entirely new forms of life.

Synthetic biologists demonstrated that artificial nucleic acids known as "XNAs" can replicate and evolve just like DNA and • Artificial DNA RNA, and are even more resistant to degradation than the real thing.

With this discovery, boundaries of genetic research are stretched to new limits, making search for alien life and creation of entirely synthetic, alternative life form possible, more than ever.

Most extensive full-face transplant recorded

T

HE first comprehensive full-face transplant in history was carried out on Richard Lee Norris, who suffered a horrific gun accident in 1997 that ripped off his nose, chin, lips and teeth and turned him into a recluse. This past year he went under the most extensive face transplant ever and now after much recovery, he has a full face and he was able to move within days of his surgery. This feat will lead to many more people gaining a new lease on life with a face that functions almost as well as the one they were born with - and possibly, better.

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012—49

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50—Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

When will Nigeria stop this unfairness to Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh?

A

S this year closes, one cannot but reflect more intensely that if Chief Festus Sam Okotie-Eboh were to still alive, he would have been one hundred years old, having been born in1912 which is one hundred years ago. He was assassinated in 1966 which was 46 years ago when he was only 54 years of age. By that age, the impact he had already made in the building of the nation had been monumental in each of the several sectors of his endeavours.

Furthermore, to think that he had long been a remarkable contributor to nation building before he was assassinated at that age means that he had been at that since from a much younger age.

What is more striking is how very visionary he had been from an early age, as can be seem in all he had done and put well place before was killed. Chief Festus Sam Okotie-Eboh was among the founding fathers of Nigeria. He played his contributing role in the formation of the nation and leading up to and following from our national independence. He was a major player and contributor in that regard and not just a stakeholder.

Individual capacity He did so both in his individual capacity and efforts and as a prominent member of the then National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC). This was long before the name of the party was changed to National Council of Nigerian Citizens when the then Southern Cameroons ceased to be part Nigeria.

An astute businessman and industrialist: Before he became a front runner and an outstanding contributor in Nigerian politics, he was already a flourishing businessman, industrialist and benefactor to many. He had already had long-standing business contacts and associates abroad.

That far back, his vision was already bigger than just Nigeria.

His was the dream of the Nigeria with a pride of place in Africa with a pride of place on the global scene. No wander he named his company Afro-Nigerian Export and Import Company Limited. Africa was very much in his vision.That was the company by which he exported Ribbed Smoked Sheets (RSS) rubber to several places in Europe, Canada and the United States of America. He later expanded that to include the production of processed rubber crepe as increased value-added product

The late Festus Okotie Eboh...founded the Central Bank of Nigeria

from otherwise rubber scraps and lumps.

An Early Provider For Manpower Development: Again before he went into politics at the national level, he had founded schools for the education of Nigerians. He had primary schools at two separate locations, and at the secondary level, he had two as well. His vision was for Nigeria and Africa to proud of. When apartheid was the political system in South Africa, he made his contribution towards dismantling it by offering employment to indigenous South Africans to teach in his post primary schools.

Post primary schools No wander that he named one of his post primary schools after him. This was Zik’s College of Commerce (ZCC), Sapele, which later became Zik’s Academy (ZA) when he upgraded it to a full fledged co-educational secondary school. The other one was the Academy Grammar School which was later renamed Okotie-Eboh Grammar School, Sapele, long after he was assassinated.

In Politics and in governance: He carried his vision into politics and into governance. Chief Richard Akinjide, SAN, stated at a gathering in Sapele where I was also present, that Chief Okotie-Eboh was the Treasurer of their party, the NCNC and that much of the time, he made major financial contributions from his personal resources for the benefit of their party.

Although he was Federal Min-

ister of Labour and Welfare in 1957 when we were in the closing years of colonial Nigeria, he served longer and did more for Nigeria as Federal Minister of Finance. What he achieved in that office for Nigeria are in many fronts, the legacies of which still to our national pride and will still be so into the foreseeable future.

As he reminisced in that same gathering referred to above, Chief Akinjide described Chief OkotieEboh as the go-getter of the cabinet of Prime Minister Balewa.

Although it was during the time of the Military Regime when the Eko bridge was built, many Nigerians did not know that the overthrown government of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa did make and concluded the arrangement for it beforehand.

Some of us got to know that the Ikorodu Road in its present profile (without the BRT lane) was also as planned by them. So was the East-West Road planned by them that long ago. Only the East Wing of it - Effurun to Port Harcourt - that has been under construction for a long while now.

The West Wing of it - from Koko in Delta State to Lekki in Lagos State - is still a mirage. Who knows whether if the spirit of Balewa + Okotie-Eboh had prevailed, we would have had them completed already!

This should also be food for thought and for action. As Federal Minister of Finance, Chief Okotie-Eboh restructured the Nigerian Customs unit of that ministry. It then went beyond their sitting at ports to collect export and import duties. What was known as the Preventive Servic-

es was created to confront, combat and prevent smuggling so that our local industries would be protected. As Federal Minister of Finance, Chief Okotie-Eboh was the one who introduced the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system of taxation into Nigeria. He presented the Bill that was passed by parliament to become the law.

Today, the working class, through this system, are the most faithful tax payers in the country and the governments have found it an efficient and cost effective method of personal income tax collection.

As Federal Minister of Finance, Chief Okotie-Eboh saw to it that independent Nigeria should issue her own currency. The logical extension of that was that Nigeria should also have her own Central Bank instead of continuing as part of the then West African Currency Board as the issuers of our currency. That is how the Central Bank of Nigeria was founded in 1958. Apart from the pioneer Governor who was an expatriate, the others on the board and co-signatories on the banknotes were all Nigerians and they were all appointed by the minister. Chief Okotie-Eboh can be rightly described as the founding father of the Central Bank of Nigeria.The first set of Nigerian currency was released in 1959 in readiness for our independence the following year.

Some local musicians in the then Western Region waxed a song,

,

By BROWN MENE

46 years ago but these and many other things he achieved for Nigeria have remained. How else could anyone have worked to build his nation for him be honoured even if posthumous in term than Chief Okotie-Eboh has done?

He gave Nigeria her first set of currency. He was the founding father of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the issuing authority of our currency. He founded the MINT that produces our currency.

Since he was assassinated in 1966, we have had almost ten issues (including re-issues) of our currency but not once did the nation ever think to honour this man who did so much with regard to the currency of this nation.

Issue of banknotes Some of us had long thought that having issued banknotes with the portraits of demised past heads of governments, we would get to the pioneer Federal Minister Finance who had done so much for his country. It was not so done. The Federal Government actually skipped him rather ignominiously and portrayed demised previous governors of the Central Bank. We have even preferred to portray nameless people to this man who did so much for the country. What wrong did he ever do to this nation to deserve this high level of ignominy?

Whoever knows in government should please tell the nation.The Central Bank building could have been named after him but no one who could and should have done so has ever arisen.

When we sing that “the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain”, what do we really mean if it is not to honour people such as Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh?

At the risk of rattling those who might be uncomfortable with it

It is quite ironic when one thinks of it. The Nigeria Okotie-Eboh contributed to building knew no such prejudice.

He was an Itsekiri man but that was not a disadvantage in his day

part of which said, “Okotie-Eboh gb’owo tutun de” meaning “Okotie-Eboh has introduced new money”.

As reported in the special publication in 1988 to mark the silver jubilee of the MINT, the foundation stone of the “factory was laid by the First President of Nigeria, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe on April 14, 1964. At the ceremony, the Minster of Finance, Chief Festus Okotie Eboh declared: "this is a memorable occasion of which all Nigerians should be justly proud. We are laying the Foundation Stone of an organisation which will be second to none in Africa. I take deep personal interest in the project because it is the first of its kind in an Independent African Country."

That organisation has performed as was envisaged by Chief Okotie-Eboh. So are other ones put in place for Nigeria by this visionary man of enterprise and drive. He was assassinated

,

but unjustifiably so, the inevitable question is this: If Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh had been an Hausa, Igbo or Yoruba man, would his labours for this nation have been without commensurate recognition and honour? It is quite ironic when one thinks of it. The Nigeria Okotie-Eboh contributed to building knew no such prejudice. He was an Itsekiri man but that was not a disadvantage in his day.

On a final note: On a final note, the point must be made that nothing here is meant to blame or to condemn. It is only intended to remind the nation to do what is right and proper and that by so doing, we will thus demonstrate that the labours our heroes past (or present) shall really not be allowed to be in vain.

GOD BLESS NIGERIA •Chief Brown Mene writes from Sapele

Vanguard Vanguard,,

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 CANCER: Whatever anybody says or does, you will have both your say and way. Venus and Jupiter may tempt some of you to embrace illicit (or secret) romance within your base of operation.

LEO: Venus and Jupiter at positive angles may tempt you to join some of your friends who are already onboard of merry making train. Watch your health.

VIRGO: Good luck will smile at many and induce love of luxury merry making and romantic association. Genuine lovers will need to be on guard against deceit from new admirers.

LIBRA: Both financial success and emotional satisfaction are closed to you than before. Those of you travelling because of maters-of-the-heart are in for an exciting romantic day Those ambitious career-wise will succeed after few struggles.

SCORPIO: Many members of your opposite sex will go out of their ways to attract your romantic interest. This is the wrong time to engage on unnecessary argument.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

LEISURE

YOUR LUCK TODAY

—51

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

W

HAT kind of habit are you exposing your child to? What are you teaching your child?

Yes! You heard me right – I mean what are you teaching that little kid of yours?

Exposing your child You may say you have not taught him any social vice but let me ask you: have you smoked in his presence? Have you said any vulgar word in

TERROR MUDA

his presence? Do you watch pornographic films in his presence?

Are you a womaniser? Do you beat up your spouse in his presence?

What about your

in “Never say goodbye”

manner of dressing, is it decent?

Whatever you do in the presence of your child and whatever you allow him to experience, all teach him. Therefore, learn to expose him to good habit.

By Lanre Kehinde

SAGITTARIUS: If you priority is love, much of it would come your way as desired. But here is a better day for more ambitious in the business world. Don’t allow anybody to deceive you over money.

CAPRICORN: Those of you with secret admirers within your working area will have the needed opportunities to make the needed moves. Resist the temptation to deceive others.

AQUARIUS: Although matters-of-the-heart may give you cause to smile broadly, if care is not taken, you would cause friction that can’t help you r case at work. This is the wrong time for unnecessary scheming within your working arena.

PISCES: Those of your who are red-blooded for romance may have an exciting and satisfying day. Happenings within your social circles must be taken more seriously.

ARIES: Confrontation may come your way in the circle but the heavens are working favourably for you. Some doses of romance is not too much for you on a day like this.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Princess Shii’

By Andy Akman

TAURUS: Provided you don’t allow your innate ability to be as diplomatic as necessary desert you, things work favourably for you to the betterment of your finances.

GEMINI: Many of you will be in sentimental mood and exhibit strong romantic desire openly. But then, if care is not taken, you may be carried away to the detriment of your finances. Serious minded lovers are in for happy day.

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

What’s my Horoscope?

Dear Joshua, I was born on September 13, 1962. I want you to give me my comprehensive horoscope, especially what my special gift is.

Which day of the week was I born? Where were my natal planets and their meanings? Who am I? Bose, Abuja.

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

Dear Bose, There is no space for comprehensive horoscope but what you’ll have here -under is answer to your questions/ You were born on a Thursday and your special gift is LEADERSHIP quality.

YOUR HOROSCOPE DATA Date of Birth: Thursday, September 13, 1962 Sun Sign: Virgo: Sun in 20th Degree of Virgo Moon Sign: PISCES: Moon on 10th Degree of Pisces Mercury in 16th Degree of Libra Venues in 5th Degree of Scorpio Mars in 13th Degree of Cancer Jupiter in 6th Degree of Pisces Saturn in 5th Degree of Aquarius Uranus in 2nd Degree of Virgo Neptune in 11th Degree of Scorpio Pluto in 10th Degree of Virgo North Node in 6th Degree of Leo South Node in 6th Degree of Aquarius Quality and Element Cardinal and air star signs hosted two planets each fixed and earth three each, no planet in fire while mutable and water star signs hosted five planets each.

Push-full influence = 20% Non- push-full element = 80% Final dispositor = Lucky Jupiter General Analysis Just 20 per cent of push-full influence in your chart can deceptively present you to others as a soft (or even timid) person but practical Virgo that hosted nothing less than three heavenly bodies when you were born and Astrological aspects between Mercury (mental focus) and aggressive Mars in you r chart are pointers to the contrary.

Commen3

by Lawrence Akapa

52 — Vanguard, MONDAY,

DECEMBER 31, 2012

Vanguard CLASSIFIED

The good, the bad and the ugly of Nigerian sports in 2012 JACOB AJOM

A

S the year rolls by, it is natural that as humans, people look back and reflect over the gains and loses in their various areas of interests.

As for Nigerian sports, 2012 was a bag of mixed grills. While some may pass a verdict of total failure, some others could see certain events in the outgoing year as a new beginning, a source of hope for a brighter future.

London 2012 Olympics: The most populous black nation with over 167million people left the London Olympic Games without a medal.

It was Nigeria’s worst Olympic result since 1988.

However, the country’s Paralympians salvaged the country’s sagged image as they placed 22nd out of 164 countries that took part at the Games having won six gold, five silver and two bronze medals and third in Africa, coming behind Tunisia and South Africa..

The Nigerian physically handicapped athletes were the kings of powerlifting as 12 of the country ’s medals were won in the event, breaking several world records while a consolatory bronze medal was won in the Women’s Shotput by Eucharia Iyiazi.

Presidential Retreat Nigeria’s poor performance at the London 2012 Olympics prompted Mr President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to call for a total roerganisation of the sports sector. The President ordered a one-day retreat which looked at the management and funding of sports in the country. According to minister and chairman National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, Team Nigeria’s disastrous outing could be a blessing in disguise.

Rather than see it as a failure, government got down to work with President Goodluck Jonathan leading the charge. The President called stakeholders to brainstorm and interact at the presidential retreat on how to return Nigeria to the pinnacle C M Y K

of sports development.

The President noted that sports was the only sector that cement all divides among Nigerians. “It is only sports that Muslims and Christians sing the same songs, dance the same steps; and therefore, we must encourage sporting activities in this country,” the President emphasised.

Men Football Nigerian football scored high in the outgoing year as all the male national teams – the Super Eagles, Flying Eagles and the Golden Eaglets qualified for the finals of all the continental events they entered for. The Super Eagles will begin their

women’s team, the Super Falcons failed to defend their African Women title in Equatorial Guinea. The team finished fourth in the event behind host, Equatorial Guinea, South Africa and Cameroon.

C o n t i n e n t a l competitions: N i g e r i a ’ s representatives in both CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup put up abysmal performances with the exception of Sunshine Stars of Akure which made it to the semifinal of the CAF Champions League before having their ambition cut short

by Egyptian giants, Al Ahly.

medal.

Nigeria had no representative in the 400 metres event won by the late Sunday Bada in1997 In the women’s category Ajoke Odumosu placed fourth in heat four as she ended up in the round.

Basketball Nigeria’s male basketball team qualified for the Olympics for the first time. They were beaten and dismantled by United States which set an Olympic record with 156 points, the highest ever in Olympics history.

D’ Tigers, however made history as the first African male team to record a win at the Olympics, beating Tunisia 60-56.

HEROES AND HEROINES: Members of Team Nigeria to the London 2012 Paralympic Games showing off their medals. quest to win the Africa Cup of Nations for the third time. The Eagles are grouped alongside the defending champions, Zambia, Burkina Faso and Ethiopia. The 2013 Afcon tournament begins January 19 in South Africa.

The Flying Eagles and Golden Eaglets also picked continental tickets to represent Nigeria at their respective African Youth Championships in Guinea and Morocco.

Women Football The country ’s U-20 women football team, the Falconets and their U-17 counterparts, the F l a m i n g o e s distinguished themselves at the FIFA Under-20 and 17 Women World Cup held in Japan and Azerbaijan respectively, reaching the semifinal and quarter finals of the events.

In contrast, the senior

NPL The Nigeria Premier League ran its full course with Kano Pillars e m e r g i n g champions.The Chief Rumson Victor Baribote led Nigeria Premier League (NPL) board was swept aside by club owners in an extraordinary congress.

NFF at their Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Port Harcourt, ratified NPL congress decision and therefore set up a 13man interim management committee led by Veteran journalist and former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Nduka Irabor.

Athletics Nigeria took part in the 2012 IAAF World Indoor Championships in Istanbul, Turkey.

Nigeria appeared in the 60 metres male (Peter Emelezie) and female (Gloria Asumnu) finals but ended up without a

Scrabble Nigeria also retained its title as African leading scrabble playing nation with Nigeria’s Rex Ogbakpa taking over from his compatriot, Wellington Jighere as the new African champion.

National Sports Festival The 18 th National Sports Festival, Eko 2012 fittingly rounded off the sporting year in Nigeria.

Delta State won the event while Rivers and Lagos placed 2 nd and 3 rd respectively.

Minister of sports and National Sports Commission chairman, Bolaji Abdulahi, who stood in for the President of the Federal Republic Goodluck Johnathan rated the Eko 2012 Games very high.

He commended the athletes for their resilience and for the spirit of sportsmanship demonstrated all through the games.

KOLOH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Koloh Orode Stacey, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Koloh Orode Stacey Akpahwe. All former documents remain valid. Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Delta state and general public please take note.

ONYEMA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyema Florence, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. C h u k w u m a Desloover Florence.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CORBON—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Zitua Corbon, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Zitua Peace Harrish. All former documents remain valid. National Teachers Institute of Nigeria and general public please take note.

MUJAKPERUO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Florence Mujakperuo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Florence Obirenfoju. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IDJAI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Idjai Happy, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Esiategiwa Happy. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Uzoamaka A. B. Ike, now wish to be known and addressed as (Dr) Mrs. Uzoamaka A. B. Esomchukwu.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Reconciliation of Names The names Francis Omogbai, Ikeke or Ikeke Omon Francis refer to me. Omon is a shortened form of Omogbai, the authority to whom it may concern, NECO, WAEC, Benson Idahosa University, NYSC and general public to take note that the above names belong to the same person. All former documents remain valid.

IWEGE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Iwege Blessing Isioma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Emmanuel Blessing Isioma. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

SALAUDEEN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Salaudeen Ganiyat Temitope, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Alakaba Ganiyat Temitope.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take n o t e .

ALAKABA—I, formerly known and addressed as Sule Ibrahim Olumuyiwa, now wish to be known and addressed as Alakaba Sule Ibrahim Olumuyiwa. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

TUEDOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Grace Annabella Eseohe Tuedor, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Grace-Ann Omamuli Okoh. All former documents remain valid. General public please take n o t e .

UMANHONLEN—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Emmanuel Eromosele Umanhonlen, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Emmanuel Eromosele Okoh. All former documents remain valid.

College of Medicine, University of Lagos and general public please take note.

EMMANUEL—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Uduak Udo Emmanuel , now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Uduak Imo Eshiett. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADVERT HOTLINE 018737025

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012—53

C M Y K

54 — Vanguard, MONDAY,

DECEMBER 31, 2012

India rape victim body cremated

A

young Indian woman who died after being gang-raped on a bus has been cremated in the capital, Delhi.

The ceremony came hours after a plane chartered by the Indian government brought her body back to the city. The 23year-old medical student died in a Singapore hospital where she was being treated for severe injuries.

The attack sparked two weeks of protests about gender attitudes in India, andcallsforchangestolaws on rape and violence against women.

CAR crisis: Bozize promises coalition

C

ENTRAL African Republic leader Francois Bozize has said he was ready to form a national unity government with rebels, as they continue their advance towards the capital Bangui.

Mr Bozize’s remarks came after a meeting with African Union chairman Thomas Boni Yayi.

He said he would hold peace talks with rebels in Gabon, and would step down when his term ended in 2016.

The rebels told the BBC they would consider the president’s offer.

They had pledged to depose Mr Bozize unless he negotiated with them, but have also said that it is not their aim to enter government themselves.

Government troops have reportedly pulled back to Damara, 75km from the capital, in the face of a rebel advance, but rebel spokesman Eric Massi told the BBC they would not march on Bangui itself before seeing the outcome of the talks.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the head of India’s governing Congress party Sonia Gandhi were at the airport when the plane landed at about 04:15 (22:45 GMT).

A convoy carrying a goldcoloured coffin and the victim’s parents then drove towards the Janakpuri district of Delhi where she had been living.

The private funeral was held amid tight security.

Guard outside the funeral ground in Delhi, India (30 Dec 2012) The funeral took place in the early hours and under heavy security.

Failure to reach fiscal deal affect markets — Obama

F

Central African Republic President Francois Bozize (c) speaking to a crowd of supporters and anti-rebel protesters during an appeal for help, in Bangui.

BBC Africa editor Mary Harper says they are insisting that they do not want to take over, but rather are seeking a peaceful democratic transition.

But such a transition is unlikely, and meanwhile President Bozize is growing weaker both politically and militarily by the

minute, our editor adds.

“I am ready to form a government of national unity with Seleka to run the country together, because I am a democrat,” Mr Bozize said at a news conference after his meeting with Mr Boni Yayi, quoted by Reuters.

He said he was ready to attend the Gabon talks “without condition and without delay”.

Earlier, the Seleka rebel alliance entered the central city of Sibut after the army withdrew on Friday evening.

INANCIAL markets would be affected adversely if U.S. lawmakers fail to agree on a “fiscal cliff” deal by tomorrow , President Barack Obama said in an interview broadcast yesterday , while urging Congress to act quickly to extend tax cuts for middleclass Americans.

Lawmakers are seeking a last-minute deal that would set aside $600 billion in tax increases and across-the-board government spending cuts that are set to start within days. If

Congress does not make that happen, the first bill brought up in the new year would be to reduce taxes for middle-income families, Obama told NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

“Now I think that over the next 48 hours, my hope is that people recognize that, regardless of partisan differences, our top priority has to be to make sure that taxes on middle-class families do not go up. That would hurt our economy badly,” Obama said in the interview taped yesterday.

Funeral Service for Late Sylva Eleanya The Burial Ceremony for Late Vanguard Senior Photo Journalist, Mr Sylva Eleanya took place at his home town, Umuogiri, Umuakwune in Ngor/Okpala LGA in Imo State over the weekend. Pictures by: Biodun Ogunleye and Hill Ezeugwu

Mrs Chinyere Eleanya, Widow (right) and children Ebube and Chigoziri

From left Mr Dan Ngerem, Chief Chidi Nkwopara and Mr Anayo Okoli

From left Mr Tony Ubani, Mr Innocent Nwaneku and Mr Innocent Anaba C M Y K

Right Mrs Chinyere Eleanya, Widow being condoled by a relative

Cross section of sympathisers

Master Ebube Eleanya, son (middle) performing the dust to dust

55 — Vanguard, MONDAY,

DECEMBER 31, 2012

M

ANY thanks to all sports columnists and writers who have in the past one week done a thorough analysis of the outgoing year.

What else can I say?

2012 was a year ruled by an unparalleled Olympics disaster, one that beclouded all the accolades garnered by the Nigeria Football Federation as regards National Teams.

Never in the history of our football did ALL the national teams qualify for the finals of all the continental competitions they entered for.

Even as I ask President Maigari and his board and management to take a bow, I can say little about the development of the game, and the domestic league in Nigeria.

Two weeks ago I had a chance meeting with the Sports Minister in his office at the National Stadium Abuja. I started by briefing him on the Mobil Secondary schools Athletics Championship in Akwa Ibom State. Originally billed to attend, a last minute assignment saw him sending his Director Grass Roots Sports Development Alhassan Yakmut to represent him and wanted an update. (Congrats Yakmut on your merited appointment and promotion).

Then we talked about his challenges in the National Sports Commission, why he opened up the National Sports Festival, his desire to make the U-17 festival a reality and his wish that our domestic league can be like the English Premiership!

I tasked him on the Sponsorship of the league and sympathised with his political disposition that may not afford him the opportunity to actualize his dreams in office.

Because it was a chance meeting, we parted to meet

30 minutes with the Minister, Shola Ameobi...

Welcome 2013 again, in the new year.

From the Minister’s office I headed for the fabled Glass House of the Nigeria Football Association where the Technical Committee had been invited to discuss Stephen Keshi’s Nations Cup list.

The Big Boss came prepared with all his four assistants. What he was not prepared for, was the spontaneous query regarding the omission of Martins, Taiwo and Osaze from the list.

Members of the Technical Committee were unanimous that Nigeria needed to go to South Africa with the best legs there are, and presently Osaze was one of the best.

By the time Keshi and his assistants finished explaining the reasons for his omission, there was nothing to fault him. Post events have certainly proven the coach right. Much as I do not want to drag us back, the coaches were skeptical about a player who withdrew from National duty just because he was substituted during a match at the last world cup. “...Sirs, as I am talking to you I have an idea of my starting eleven and Osaze

may not be there as he has not been part of our plans so far. What happens if I go to South Africa and I do not give Osaze a starting shirt, don’t you think it will cause more problems for the team?....”

Keshi explained. Then, there was the issue of lack of respect for constituted authority. A player who decides not to respect his captain is definitely not a team player and a destablising factor.

Coach Keshi also reminded us that when he invited Osaze in November to take part in the Venezuela friendly, he said he could not because his wife was expecting a baby. As you are reading this, Osaze’s wife is yet to put to bed!

Let me move to a more fundamental issue, that of Sola Ameobi and Danny Shittu. I got a mail recently accusing me and the Technical committee of ignorance. “….Why did you sanction the invitation of Ameobi and Shittu when you knew they will not be available?”

No, we did not know they will not be available. Besides they are required by law TO

Lagos floats professional soccer league

By JACOB AJOM

A

professional soccer league that would be privately run and populated by privately run clubs will soon debut in Lagos, and this is authoritative.

The chairman of Bridge FC Limited, Dickson Uti broke this news at the annual award ceremony of the club and its subsidiary, BRF Football Academy at the weekend in Lagos.

Reviewing activities of the club which campaigned in National League Division one last season, Uti said after evaluating their participation in Nigeria’s second tier for two seasons, his board took the decision to withdraw from further participation in the league.

“We are a company with share holders. They are asking questions because we are not making any money. We have been running at a loss. So, this C M Y K

•Action recorded during a National League match. year we decided not to go ahead and register for the National League,” Uti said.

Continuing, the club boss revealed that from February, a new soccer league will spring up in Lagos. “We are going to run a league of about ten professional club as no government owned club will be involved.”

Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association and a

member of the Interim Management Board of the Nigeria Premier League, Seyi Akinwunmi confirmed the development and said the Lagos League would provide the necessary alternative for Nigerian players. “It will be good for the players to have a choice.” Various awards were announced for players of both Bridge FC and the BRF Football Academy.

BE AVAILABLE or face the consequences. Ameobi is said to have signed a contract excluding him from the Nations Cup. If he did that, why did he make himself available against Venezuela?

At that point he would have told the coach that he had sold his birth right to the greedy and selfish European slave mongers and dictators called managers.

This story is not strange. It is the club versus country imbroglio, it is the blackmail in Europe especially in the Premiership where Managers arm twist African players, threaten and force them to deny their countries before they are signed on. Can you imagine Steve Piennar Captain of South Africa opting out of a Nations cup that will be held in his own country?

Tears….tears….for our enslaved youth.

As earlier said, we have the capacity to ensure that if they do not turn up for country, they do not also play for their clubs during the period. But what can you do about a player who “ voluntarily ” signed off his availability?

What?

The Super Eagles have always been a tournament team. I believe as the competition progresses, the team will gather steam, destination Semi Final……….

board for putting forward a credible show. I was particularly impressed by the 6 Million naira prize money (With the winners going home with 3 million naira cash).

Chief Effiong Johnson is a board member of the Nigeria Football Federation in a country where clubs do not get anything for winning the domestic league. He says there will be a change in 2013.

He says the NFF, after a credible 2012 will emerge stronger in 2013.

That was also the prayer of the sports minister, that starting with The Eagles in South Africa and given all his plans and aspirations especially in the development of sports, there will be a lot to celebrate in the coming year in all the sports as a committee has been set up to review the membership of all the sports associations with a view to identifying those who have knowledge and passion for the sports they will be appointed to serve.

Adamu thanks God for life

On Saturday I was at Uyo as Match Commissioner for the Akwa Ibom State Governor ’s Cup final between Uyo and Eket, an exciting match that needed penalties at the end of regulation time for Uyo to win 5-4.

I congratulate Chairman Effiong Johnson and his

Today, there will be a roll call of Nigeria’s who’s who in sports as Dr Amos Adamu the larger than life ex Director, Sports Development of the National Sports Commission celebrates sixty years on mother earth.

Close associates and family members will join him in a prayer session at home this morning before the party billed for the Events Centre in Ikeja by 1pm.

Happy Birthday Doc. To all our readers, friends and well wishers, thanks for making me part of your sports fixture in 2012, wishing you a 2013 full of cheer, health, wealth and God’s favour.

See you next year.

Osaze

told my (club) coach I will be going to the Nations Cup.

AKS Governor’s Cup

Continues from B/P

to make some clarifications on calling Green names, saying what he attacked was the decision to exclude him.

He described Green as a good man and one of the few on the NFF board alongside the president, Aminu Maigari, who he knows personally, and would not want to offend, though his anger has portrayed him to be at “war with everybody”.

“I remember it was Green who settled my case with Siasia then, but I was too angry when he called me over this matter, and was impatient to listen to him,” he now said.

“My comment was not directed at him personally, but to those who made the decision, but I think I over reacted then.”

On his face-off with Keshi, the former Lokomotiv Moscow forward revealed, “I called the coach two or three times within that period, maybe two or three days before the list was made public and told him of my commitment to be part of the Nations Cup, and have

Keshi Continues from B/P and Ogenyi Onazi breezed into camp at lunch time Sunday and were immediately checked into their rooms.

After exchanging banters with team officials led by Stephen Keshi they joined teammates in having their lunch and just as they were about rounding off, the fourth player to arrive on Sunday, Raheem Lawal, who now plays in the Turkish second division showed up.

The four players trained with the rest of the team Sunday evening, as more players continue to hit camp for the international friendly against Catalonia.

At the last count, nine foreign based players had arrived the Faro, Portugal camp of the team. Head Coach Stephen Keshi had said he expects at least 11 foreign based players to feature in the friendly against Catalonia on Wednesday.

VANGUARD, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

Ugbade: Eaglets’ll be too much for opponents

N

IGERIA’S U-17 Assistant Coach Nduka Ugbade has stated that group opponents Ghana, Ivory

Osaze apologises

O

SAZE Odemwin-gie has said he regrets his sensational Twitter comments, which he made after Coach Stephen Keshi left him out of Super Eagles preliminary list for the 2013 Afcon camp in Portugal.

The player said Keshi was not fair to him.

However, the Englandbased forward said his mistakes were made in a fit of anger after he had made it known to his coach and colleagues that he was set to travel for the Nations Cup in South Africa.

In a no-holds-bar interview, the WBA star surprisingly admitted making some of the comments credited to him, but was also quick

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Coast and Congo are potential winners of the 2013 African Junior Championship in Morocco but said the Nigerian team have the edge due to their style of football.

Nigeria produced masterclass performances to qualify for the eightteam tournament and Ugbade said the style and approach of the Golden Eaglets will be too much for their opponents.

“Being in the same group, we can’t rule out the fact that they are

•Ugbade contenders for the trophy but I believe we are ahead at the moment, even though football is not predictable,” Ugbade said, pointing out that Ivory Coast and Ghana play indirect style of football.

Sunderland want Joel Obi

E

WELL DONE: Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel being mobbed by team mates after scoring against Liberia in Calabar.

NGLISH Barclays Premier League club, Sunderland are reportedly swooping for Inter Milan midfielder, Joel Obi. Obi, 21, valued at 5 million euros, is now a subject of a January transfer move from The Black Cats, according to Football Italia.

However, Sunderland could also consider an option to take the youngster on loan till the end of the season.

It is believed that Sunderland manager, Martin O’Neill, is looking at adding the Nigerian international to his team owing to his versatility.

Keshi insists on Jan 5 deadline

•As Emenike, Musa, Onazi swell Eagles camp

S

UPER Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has warned foreign based Super Eagles players against flouting the January 5 deadline he set for all invited players to report to the Faro camp

•Osaze TODAY'S

PUZZLE

in Portugal.

Keshi who spoke Sunday soon after receiving the latest arrivals, Emmanuel Emenike and Ahmed Musa both based in Russia, as well as Italy YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

based upcoming midfield ace, Ogenyi Onazi said except for Ikechukwu Uche whom he had an agreement with his club for late arrival, he would not entertain any default as redards the January 5

Across 2 Appended (5) 7 Urge (4) 8 Improperly (6) 9 Elk (5) 11 Ocean (3) 13 Spoil (3) 15 Loan (4) 16 Mournful (3) 18 Rouse (4) 19 Authorise (7) 20 Proud (4) 22 Face (4) 23 Argue (7) 25 Close (4) 27 Relations (3) 28 Throw (4) 30 Colour (3) 31 Ballad (3) 33 Distant (5) 36 Metal pin (6) 37 Bolt (4) 38 Linger (5)

deadline. Said Keshi, “we have no discussion to let some players stay with their clubsides beyond January 5 and the rules are very clear. If any player fails to make the date without permission

we will apply the rules.”

Wednesday’s friendly against Catalonia will be the team’s first big test in their sojourn in Portugal.

Emenike, Ahmed Musa

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Down 1 Beano (5) 2 Equip (3) 3 Pair (3) 4 Owing (3) 5 Peculiar (3) 6 Drear (5) 10 Smack (4) 11 Servile (7) 12 Old-fashioned (7) 13 Matrimonial (7) 14 Actuality (7) 16 Smile (5) 17 Dean (5) 18 Marry (3) 21 Fruit (3) 24 Brook (4) 26 Hoarse (5) 29 Check (5) 32 Possess (3) 33 Skill (3) 34 Scull (3) 35 Insect (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS Across: 3, Aside 4, Bodkin 10, Ironic 11, Midget 12, Scut 15, Marl 17, Shrivel 20, Led 21, Lilac 23, Rota 25, Shoe 26, Hinge 28, Bob 30, Overdue 33, Atop 35, Miew 36, Bound 38, Myopia 39, Custom 40, Dried

How to Play Sudoku

THE VIGILANTE

Down: 1, Abyss 2, Odour 3, Aim 4, Snivel 5, Digs 6, Ere 7, Annal 8, Scold 13, Chariot 14, Tilth 16, Revenue 18, Lingo 19, Gas 22, Charm 24, Air 27, Evince 28, Balmy 29, Bosom 31, Dirty 32, Enemy 34, Roar 36, Bid 37, Dud

e-mail: rowolove@yahoo.co.uk

Place 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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