Buhari,Atiku,Kwankwaso,gun for APC ticket as PDP crowns jonathan

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62296

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

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Suicide bombers kill four in Kano market 9

Buhari, Atiku, Kwankwaso gun for APC ticket as PDP crowns Jonathan

By Clifford Ndujihe, Henry Umoru, Dapo Akinrefon, Gbenga Oke, Levinus Nwabughiogu & Monsur Olowopejo

•12 APC governors endorse Buhari •No APC aspirant has stepped down – Fayemi •PDP ‘ll break the jinx in Lagos – Agbaje •Warring PDP governors, aspirants sheathe swords

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AGOS—AS the Special National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ratifies President Goodluck Jonathan as PDP’s presidential candidate today, former Head of State, Major General Muhammadu

Buhari (Rtd); former Vice-president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and Kano State Governor, Dr Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso are locked in last-minute manoeuvres to clinch the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket.

Continues on Page 5

COLUMNISTS:

This exciting season of Nigerian politics •P.17

Praying for Atiku Abubakar •P.19

Selfish undertakings and useless oaths•P.19

Mr & Mrs

KANO SUICIDE BOMBINGS—scenes of the twin suicide blasts at Kantin Kwari Textile Market in Kano, yesterday.

Two female suicide bombers killed at least four people at the busy market. Photos: AFP.

CONTEMPT: Court gives Obasanjo 21 days to defend self

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Court voids Ebonyi Speaker's 15 impeachment

2 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

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POCKET CARTOON development.

“I don’t have any aspirant that has stepped down. I am not aware of any aspirant that has stepped down”, he said.

Fayemi also gave reasons voting at the APC primaries was delayed.

“We can’t be sharing space with Abuja people (PDP). We want Nigerians to watch them and see what they want to do, so when they finish their coronation, we will start our election”, he stated.

Buhari woos PDP—From left: Senate President David Mark; wife of the Vice-President, delegates, says he Mrs Amina Sambo; Vice President Namadi Sambo; President Goodluck seeks united Jonathan; First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan and the PDP National Chairman, Nigeria Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu at the PDP Presidential Primary Election in Abuja, yesterday.

Buhari, Atiku, Kwankwaso gun for APC ticket as PDP crowns Jonathan Continues from Page 1 The two leading parties began their national conventions yesterday. While that of the ruling party is holding at Eagle Square, Abuja, that of the main opposition APC is holding at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

Buhari and Atiku are among five aspirants angling for the APC ticket. The others are Governors Rochas Okorocha (Imo); Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso (Kano) and Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah.

Unconfirmed reports said, yesterday, that Okorocha had stepped down for Buhari. A similar claim was made for NdaIsaiah and Kwankwaso.

Nda-Isaiah through his campaign team denied stepping down for anyone, insisting that he is still in the race.

Chairman of the APC National Convention and immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi dismissed as false, reports that any of the aspirants had stepped down.

Buhari, Atiku battle for delegates’ votes

According to online journal, The Cable Alert , 12 of the 14 APC governors have endorsed Buhari as their consensus candidate while Atiku is reaching out to the delegates directly.

At a meeting held at Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos, the governors who agreed to support Buhari are: Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara), Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe), Kashim Shettima (Borno), Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa), AbdulFatah

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared— Buddha. Find someone to share something with.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Make the most of yourself....for that is all there is of you— Ralph Waldo Emerson What is your mission statement in life and how does it reflect your true purpose. In many ways it determines who you really are as a person. Your ontology has to do with your life’s purpose which gives you the ability to figure out what your “life’s work” is. Without having a good (and definitive) sense of self, and who you really are, a person cannot develop themselves to their fullest potentials much less fulfill it. So it all starts with figuring out who you really are, and what you are all about, so that you can have a definitive sense of what is called your “Identity. For instance, I am Soul and creative being, and from this perspective, I know I am not limited by anything and can transfer this knowing into an ability that can make me achieve my sets objectives and goals in life, especially for the good of the whole.

Once you know what you are all about in life, you can figure and decide what you want your life’s work to be. Firstly. It’s about knowing who your true self. Secondly, it’s a matter of what you want your life to be about. And thirdly, it’s about assigning your “life’s purpose” and its relevance in the scheme of things to yourself and others.

Ahmed (Kwara), Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto) and Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers).

It was also disclosed that Kwankwaso has been persuaded to step down for Buhari, which he agreed, but will still put up an appearance without putting up a fight at the convention.

Atiku, on his part, is hinging his calculations on the fact that APC governors control only 14 states and their influence in the remaining 22 states is not strong.

It was gathered that Atiku has zeroed in on delegates from 16 states which his camp consider winnable: Adamawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Benue, Plateau, Bauchi, Jigawa, Taraba, Yobe, Delta, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Ekiti and Ondo as well as the FCT. In Atiku’s camp, the calculation is to deal directly with the delegates, even from states controlled by proBuhari governors. With Atiku’s heavy war chest, the APC hierarchy is said to be jittery about the possibility of his victory.

This is coming on a day warring camps in the PDP are sheathing their swords and preparing grounds to present a united front against the APC. The party ’s delegates, yesterday, ratified the appointment of Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu (National Chairman); Professor Wale Oladipo (National Secretary) and Adewale Adeyanju (National Auditor) to enable them perform effectively in their various positions.

No APC aspirant has stepped down – Fayemi

Speaking on reports of withdrawals yesterday, Dr. Fayemi refuted the reports, saying he was not aware of such

Meanwhile, Buhari has intensified moves to get delegates to his side. He wrote them yesterday explaining why he wants to lead the country.

In a letter he addressed to delegates, Buhari said that insecurity, corruption, and economic collapse have brought the nation low, adding that Nigeria’s current “multiple crises” prompted his presidential ambition.

He stated his ambition was not to fulfil selfish desires, pledging that he would evolve a new Nigeria where Christians and Muslims would be secure and safe to practice their respective religions.

The letter read in parts: “We seek a new Nigeria.

It starts with us. It starts today. I have placed myself before you seeking your help to nominate me as your standard bearer for our progressive party, APC. “Personal ambition does not drive me in this regard. I seek to be the next president of our beloved nation because I believe I have something to offer Nigeria at this time of multiple crises.

Insecurity, corruption, and economic collapse have brought the nation low.

Time is past due that we work together to lift Nigeria up. I am ready to lead Nigeria to its rightful future.

“I have always served Nigeria to the best of my ability. I have always tried to give more to the nation than it has given me. This is the principle of service that has guided my public life. Thus, I am not a rich person.

“I can’t give you a pocketful of dollars or Naira to purchase your support. Even if I could, I would not do so. The fate of this nation is not up for sale. What I will give you, and this nation is all of my strength, commitment, sweat and toil in the service of the people.

What I can give you is my all.

“I do not intend to rule Nigeria. I want to democratically govern it with your help. I seek a Nigeria where Christians and Muslims may practise their faiths in peace and security; a Nigeria that is just and where corruption no longer trespasses into our institutions and

national behaviour and a Nigeria where our diversity could be used for our national prosperity.”

Warring PDP governors, aspirants sheathe swords

At the Eagle Square, PDP governorship and senatorial aspirants who have been at 'war' appeared to have settled their differences, sitting together and conversing as the party ’s special national convention began yesterday.

With the rapport, Lagos State governorship candidate of the party, Mr Jimi Agbaje, boasted that in 2015, the PDP will break the jinx and sack APC from the Alausa Round House just as Chief Ebenezer Babatope said they will start campaigns immediately.

In some of the pavilions, some PDP governors, who were believed to have worked against aspirants who later won the primaries were seen engaged in discussions, just as some who have taken over state structures were at the states’ stand with other opponents.

President Goodluck Jonathan; Vice President Namadi Sambo; Senate Present David Mark; PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu; Deputy National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, other Members of National Working Committee, NWC; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu; PDP Board of Trustees, BoT Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih; former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, among others left the VIP stand to join other delegates from their various states to vote.

They all voted in line with the party ’s 2014 guidelines and the Electoral Act, and ratified the appointment of Alhaji Adamu Muazu; the National Secretary, Prof.

Wale Oladipo and the National Auditor, Adewale Adeyanju to enable them perform effectively in their various positions.

Before voting by delegates, chairman of

the Convention Planning committee and former Minister of Defence, Dr. Haliru Bello Mohammed in his welcome address declared that the Special National Convention was designed to properly elect three officers of the party including the national chairman, national secretary and the national Auditor.

According to him, the convention would proceed to elect the party ’s presidential candidate today.

Muazu, who took over from the former National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur was appointed in January this year by the National Executive Committee, NEC at its 64th meeting and would need to be affirmed at the party ’s national convention; same applies to Adeyanju who took over from Bode Mustapha and Oladipo who replaced the former National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola who came in through the March, 2012 National Convention.

At yesterday ’ s convention, it was surprising that in spite of the parallel primaries conducted by the Adamawa PDP with one in Abuja which led to the emergence of former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as the candidate of the party for the 2015 governorship election and another one in Adamawa with threats of boycotts, Governor James Ngilari attended the convention. He sat with Ribadu and both were seen discussing heartily. The governor was the head of Adamawa State delegates. Also with them were former Political Adviser to the President, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak; former Military Governor of Lagos, General Buba Marwa and deputy Senate leader, Senator Jonathan Zwingina.

Ngilari had rejected the primaries which produced Ribadu on the premise that he had been unfairly schemed out of the race for the party’s for the 2015 election. The governor and Ribadu were later seen walking together to meet President Goodluck Jonathan inside the State Box of the Eagle Square.

6—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

Bizman docked for stealing, assault

By Onozure Dania

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AGOS—A 27-year-old businessman, Chukwuma Oluwasegun, was yesterday arraigned before a Tinubu Magistrate’s Court, Lagos for allegedly stealing N180,000 and assaulting a fuel station manager.

Oluwasegun, who resides at Plot 1, Paul Anabor Street, Sangotedo, Ajah, Lagos, is facing charges of conspiracy, assault occasioning harm and stealing.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges, when it was read to him.

The prosecutor, Augustine Orji told the court that the businessman committed the offences with some accomplices, now at large, about 12a.m., on December 9 at the Nippco Filing Station, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Ajah, Lagos.

He said the defendant and his accomplices assaulted the Manager of the filing station, one Afolabi Muniru by slapping him repeatedly and punching him.

Orji said that the defendant also stole N180,000, which was part of the proceeds of sale of the filling station for that day.

The prosecutor further stated that the businessman had earlier during the day, patronized the filling station before coming back at midnight to assault and steal from the manager.

According to him, the offences committed were contrary to Sections 170, 285 and punishable under Section 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Section 170 recommends three years imprisonment for anyone found guilty of the offence of assault and occasioning bodily harm.

The Magistrate, Salama Matepo granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Matepo, however , adjourned the case to February 2, 2015 for mention.

SUPPORT: Relief materials for internally-displaced persons at the inauguration of support fund for victims of terrorism in Abuja, yesterday. NAN PHOTO.

Maid connives with gang to rob boss, escapes with loot

By Esther Onyegbula

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AGOS—OPERATIVES at the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, Lagos, are currently investigating two robbers, allegedly invited by a housemaid to rob her boss (names withheld) in Magodo Estate, Lagos State.

According to reports, the housemaid, simply identified as Mary, connived with the robbers, identified as Ikong Daniel, 22, her lover, and Pius Dennis, 20, to rob her boss a few days after she was employed.

During interrogation, the suspects revealed that Mary took them into her boss’ bedroom, where they stole her money, gold jewellery and other valuables.

However, trouble started when the maid escaped with the proceeds of the operation.

Unfortunately, Ikong Daniel and Pius Dennis were arrested while attempting to escape.

Suspect’s account

Confessing to the crime, Daniel said: “It was my girlfriend, Mary, that perfected the plan to rob her madam. She recently started work there as a housemaid and invited us to the house. I did not plan with Mary to rob her boss. We have been dating for about three months.

“Dennis got involved because

Ikong Daniel (left) and Pius Dennis.

I invited him. I told him that when he closed from work he should come to my house, because it had been over a year since we saw each other.

“After he closed, we went to my house in Ikorodu. When we got home, my girlfriend, Mary,

called me on phone that I should come to where she was working at Magodo.

“I did not have money. It was Dennis that loaned me money for transportation from Ikorodu to Magodo. When we got there, she opened the gate and took

us inside.

“When we got there, she said we should come inside that we have an assignment to carry out. She took us inside to her madam’s bedroom and asked us to hold the woman that there was money in the house.

“I do not know the exact amount or the worth the jewelleries she collected.

“It was Mary that also brought the knife we used to frighten the woman during the operation. I assisted her to hold the woman, while she parked her valuables.

“Mary, who is also from Cross River State, was able to escape with the proceeds from the operation.

“She promised to share with us whatsoever we made from the operation.”

Dennis, a commercial bike operator, confirmed Daniel’s story, adding “we were almost out of the estate when operatives of Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, apprehended us and brought us to Special Anti Robbery Squad, SARS. “It was Daniel that held the madam down, while his girlfriend packed the jewellery, money and other valuables.

“The mistake I made was not leaving when I realized that his girlfriend had invited us to rob her boss.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014—7

Three policemen get 2 years in jail for negligence

By Onozure Dania

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AGOS—THREE policemen were, yesterday, sentenced to two years imprisonment by Magistrate A. Demi-Ajayi of an Ebute-Metta Magistrate’s Court, sitting at Oyingbo, Lagos, over negligence, which resulted in the stealing of their AK-47.

The convicts are Sergeant Felix Okwa, 47; Corporal Ogu Romanus, 46, and Constable Sunday Okoh, 34.

Apart from being jailed for two years, they will also serve a sixmonth community service after completing their jail term.

The three cops who were attached to Ishashi Police Division of Lagos State Police Command, were said to be on patrol on December 12 at 11.30p.m., when they received a call from an unknown guest, named Kezzy, who invited them for supper at Regional

Hotel, also in Ishashi, claiming he wanted to reward them for a job they did for him.

The unknown guest was said to have fed them with food laced with drugs, after which

they slept off and their weapons, three AK-47 rifles and 90 live ammunition were stolen.

The hotel manager reported the matter at the Ishashi Police Station after which the

PG students protest fee hike in UNN unconscious policemen were arrested and later charged to court.

The cops were first arraigned on January 19, 2011, on a two count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing.

Fresh crisis looms over burial plans for Nwobodo's son

By Austin Ogwuda

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NUGU—ANOTHER round of crisis is brewing in Enugu State, following a fresh arrangement to have late Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo, son of the first civilian governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo, buried next week in his father ’s compound, after it was initially aborted.

Vanguard gathered that the

wife of the deceased medical doctor and his siblings were planning to get him buried next week, an arrangement the father is opposed to, insisting that his late son should be buried in a new bungalow located few metres away from his present compound.

Addressing newsmen in Enugu, Senator Jim Nwobodo said he was not aware of the fresh plans, adding that he would have nothing again to

PRESIDENTIAL: All Progressives Congress, APC, convention and primaries at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: Bunmi Azeez.

do with the burial after the corpse was hijacked because of disagreement over burial arrangements.

According to him, “this is the first time in my life that a set of children would seize the corpse of their senior brother.

It is an abomination of intolerable dimension.

“It is so stupid. I am not sure that those who did it are intelligent and they do not really love their brother because the best thing they can do is to ensure that their brother gets a decent burial.

“After that day, as far as I am concerned, I concluded the burial of Ifeanyi and I will never go back to it again.

“It is unusual for a father to bury his son and I did not want that. We did not expect that he would die so soon.”

Shedding more light on the aborted burial, which was initially fixed for December 5, he said: “I set up a committee for the burial and they knew all the arrangements that were being made.

“There are two lands we own: we have ancestral home about 30 minutes away from here after the river that is Umuogo. This is where everybody born in our family has a place.

Robbers raid Edo community, kill pastor

By Gabriel Enogholase

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ENIN—THE pastor in charge of Evidence of the Gospel Church, Benin, Godfrey Agbonwaneten, has been killed by armed robbers in Okhunmwun community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The cleric, who was in charge of Oko branch of the church in Benin, was shot in the early hours of Tuesday by armed robbers, who raided parts of the community.

According to his wife, Jane, the robbers gained entry into their apartment by removing the burglary and the window louvers.

She said: “My husband woke me up at 2.30a.m., when the

armed robbers were in the next compound. Before we knew it, they had started breaking our window.

“I cannot recall what

happened and why he went into the room. Suddenly, I heard his cry and when I got there, I found him in a pool of his blood.”

The body has been deposited in the mortuary, while police have visited the scene of the incident and have commenced investigations.

By Austin Ogwuda

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NUGU—POSTgraduate students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, yesterday barricaded the office of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ben Ozumba, in protest against hike in their tuition fees, describing the increase from N65,000 to N145,000 as outrageous.

The placard-carrying protesters, numbering over 200, marched round the school and barricaded the VC’s office.

Spokesman of the students, Mr. Paul Haaga, said: “To us, the increment is outrageous. We are not against any increment, but it should be reasonable. It is not fair to increase the fees for a session of nine months from N69,000 to N145,000. Where do they expect us to get that kind of money?

“We will continue this protest until the university reduces it. I do not think it is a crime for one to further his education in UNN.” Dean of Post-Graduate School, Professor A. Ubachukwu, who addressed the students, said: “Government does not give any allocation for postgraduate school as it is assumed that postgraduate students are adult and can pay cost for their education.

“I use my personal money at times to run the PG school. I have been talking with some of your leaders on this issue for some time now and we compared notes with other universities before the increment on PG school fees was made.”

He commended them for the peaceful protest, adding “you are matured and responsible.

“The increase is in your interest as it will enable you to graduate on time and enhance teaching and learning.”

2 remanded over manslaughter

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N Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ekiti State, yesterday, remanded two men, Otiatigbore Sylvester, 20, and Johnson Esharef, 25, in prison for alleged manslaughter.

The prosecutor, Sergeant Olasunkanmi Bamikole, told the court that the accused persons committed the offence on December 4 at Owa Isun Street, Ilawe-Ekiti.

He said the accused on the

said date, unlawfully murdered one Ezekiel Tega by shooting him.

According to him, the offence contravened Section 325 of the Criminal code, Cap C’16, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.

Chief Magistrate Ayenimo remanded them in prison custody, pending Directorate of Public Prosecution, DPP, advice.

He adjourned the case till December 17 for further hearing.

The protesting UNN PG students.

8—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

Jonathan'll not rig 2015 elections —Presidency

By Abiodun Alade

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AGOS — President Goodluck Jonathan has insisted that the 2015 elections will be transparent, free and fair, urging for the support of Nigerians during the exercise.

Speaking,Tuesday, at a Chatham House lecture series held at Royal Institute of International Affairs in London, Special Assistant to President Jonathan on New Media, Reno Omokri, said President Jonathan was not interested in manipulating the election process or the result, arguing that previous elections held in Adamawa, Ekiti, Anambra, Edo,Osun and Niger states which were adjudged to be free and fair are a pointer that the 2015 elections will not be influenced by the President.

According to him, “the best judge of future behaviour is past behaviour, and by the deployment of security during the Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun and Niger elections, the fact has been proved that providing security increased rather than reduced voter turnout as shown in Ekiti that had the highest voter turnout ever in Nigeria’s history.

"Elections had been held in Anambra, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun and Niger and in each case they had been free and fair which is a signpost that the President would not use his position to manipulate election results.

“The averment that the incumbent could manipulate voter turnout by selective use of the security forces was not borne out by the facts on the ground. President Jonathan is the only national leader who has repeatedly said ‘My ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian’, a quote he has used several times with the most recent being November 11, 2014 when he declared his intent to contest the 2015 Presidential election.”

Omokri said almost all the other aspirants had at one point or another and sometimes very recently, threatened violence and bloodshed and if suspects are being sought for those who have high incentive to manipulate election results, he urged activists to look in that direction rather than at the President.

He also argued that Jonathan went on a state visit to Israel where he conferred with Prime Minister Netanyahu, and while he was there it only made sense for him to attend the ongoing pilgrimage.

Contempt: Court gives Obasanjo 21 days to defend self zOrders IGP, DSS, Customs to confiscate ‘My Watch’

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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BUJA — JUSTICE Valentine Ashi of an Abuja High Court at Wuse Zone 2, yesterday, gave former President Olusegun Obasanjo 21 days to show cause why he should not be punished for disregarding a subsisting court order that restrained him from publishing his newly released autobiography entitled ‘My Watch’.

The high court, at its resumed sitting yesterday, held that the ex-president acted in clear breach of its order, an action it said was tantamount to contempt.

Justice Ashi was visibly irked by the general conduct of former President Obasanjo with regard to the N20 billion libel suit instituted against him by a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the South-West, Mr. Buruji Kashamu.

Consequently, the court directed that Obasanjo should within 21 days from the day of the service of its order on him, adduce reasons why he should not be sanctioned for flouting its interim order dated December 5, even as it ordered security agencies in the country to promptly retrieve copies of the book from book stands.

More so, Justice Ashi restrained Obasanjo from further publishing, printing or offering for sale, the book, ‘My Watch’, which content touches on the subject matter of the suit pending before him.

The order followed Kashamu’s ex-parte application which was moved before the court by his lawyer, Dr. Alex Iziyon, SAN. While delivering his ruling on the matter, Justice Ashi specifically restrained exPresident Obasanjo from either publishing the book or have it published on his behalf by anybody, pending the determination of the substantive suit before him.

However, Obasanjo had on Tuesday defied the interim order and officially unveiled his book, even as he called for the immediate sanction of the judge who he said acted beyond his powers.

Nevertheless, the court expressed its displeasure after it entertained arguments from both Kashamu’s lawyer, Iziyon, and that of Obasanjo, Mr Realwon Okpanach, who through a counter-affidavit, urged the court to vacate the interim order.

In his short ruling, Justice Ashi maintained that it was wrong for Obasanjo to have

proceeded to publish the book despite the fact that a libel suit, which subject matter formed part of the content of the book, was still pending before him, also for the fact that the court had issued an order on the matter.

Justice Ashi held that it was immaterial that the book was published before the interim orders were made.

Orders IGP, DSS, Customs to confiscate My Watch

Justice Ashi equally ordered the Inspector General of Police

(IGP), Director General of the Department of State Services (DG, DSS) and the Comptroller of Customs to recover the published book from all book stands, sales agents, vendors, the sea and airports and deposit them with his court’s registrar pending the determination of the substantive suit.

He ordered that the enrolled orders of the court be served on all media houses in the country and be equally served on the defendant by publication in two national dailies.

Justice Ashi held that since the

plaintiff said he came to court on the fear that Obasanjo was to publish a book that touches on the issue already before the court, it was the duty of the defendant, in whose custody the material was, to show the court that the plaintiff’s fear was misplaced.

He said the failure on Obasanjo’s part to supply the court the book to convince the court that nothing relating to the subject of the pending libel case was contained in it (the book) suggested that he was hiding something.

Meantime, the court yesterday adjourned hearing on the substantive suit till January 13.

From left: Chief Ogbonnaya Onu; Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; and Chief Bisi Akande at the 3rd National Convention and Presidential Primary of All Progressives Congress, APC, at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, yesterday.

Photo: Bunmi Azeez

El-Zakzaky replies Gumi, accuses him of working for Israel

By Luka Binniyat

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ADUNA—SHEIK Ibraheem Zakzaky, yesterday, replied the open letter written to him by a prominent Islamic scholar, Sheik Ahmed Abubakar Gumi, accusing him of working for Israel.

Gumi had in his widely published letter, yesterday, said that El- Zakzaky was leading a band of lawless youths which often attracted state-sponsored violence on them. He also accused the Zaria-based leader of the Shiites in the country of preaching hate and dividing the Muslim Ummah.

However, in his response, through the media wing of his organisation, El-Zakzaky rejected Gumi’s reference to him as a brother in his letter which was meant to condole him on the loss of his three children, saying Gumi was shedding crocodile tears.

El-Zakzaky’s letter signed by

Mallam Zakary Usman read in part: “We are not surprised with the content of an open letter written by Dr. Gumi, meant for His Eminence Sheikh Ibraheem Yaqoub Zakzaky at this particular time (forget the sinister ‘My Brother ’ tone and the crocodile tears of condolence).

“This is not the first time Dr. Gumi is complaining that members of the Islamic Movement led by Sheikh Zakzaky are blocking public roads in the name of procession.

In 2009, Gumi registered the same complaint during his Tafsir in Sultan Bello Mosque. He went ahead dangerously to call on the government to shoot those he called ‘Shi’ites’ blocking public roads.

"We believe that the letter was written with insidious intent to pave the way for a greater onslaught on the Islamic Movement and Sheikh Zakzaky.

It was also meant to incite Muslims against those he

referred to as Shi’ite.

“The arrogant world powers, U.S. and Israel, are now all out to assassinate Sheikh Zakzaky and unleash terrorist attacks on all public gatherings of the movement, especially the Arba’een symbolic trek.

“This is exactly what Dr. Gumi is doing through the letter. He is doing their dirty work. For Dr. Gumi who has lost credibility even among his circles to claim that, the Shi’ites are chanting “hate songs”, is like the pot calling the kettle black. In most of his talk shows that he calls Tafsir, he spends substantial part of his time unleashing venoms on Shi’a and Sheikh Zakzaky, while his uninformed and unruly listeners pollutes the air with war cry.

“For long Dr. Gumi has lost credibility among the Muslim fold, as he constantly sells Israel above the Muslims Ummah, describing Jews as the most religious and intelligent race over the Muslims."

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014—9

Two suicide bombers, 4 others die in Kano market blastsOnslaught against terrorists'll continue—Minimah

By Abdulsalam Muhammad

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ANO— FOUR persons died yesterday while seven others were injured when two female suicide bombers blew up themselves at Kantin Kwari textile market in Kano less than two weeks after a similar incident happened at Kano Central Mosque which claimed more than 100 lives.

K ano State Police Commissioner, Mr Adenrele Shinaba, who confirmed the bomb attack said “the blast was a twin suicide bombings carried out by two young girls in hijab. They came by the market and asked to be directed to a public convenience. The bombs detonated, killing them and four others,”adding that at least seven others were injured and have been taken to the hospital.

According to an eyewitness, the suicide bombers were denied access when they asked to use the convenience which led to a serious argument that drew a large crowd.

Vanguard lear nt that immediately a noticeable crowd gathered at the scene, one of the suicide bombers immediately detonated her bomb. The incident which triggered panic in the restive city compelled the authority to shut the textile market to forestall looting and also to enable the security agents comb the market.

A female banker, who did not want her name in print, told Vanguard that the blast sent shock waves to the banking hall as customers and officials scampered for safety.

She said: “We heard the blast and in no time, a thick smoke enveloped the banking hall and it was a total confusion as people struggled through the exit route."

In his account, the leader of the market traders union, Abdullahi Abubakar, said the blasts hit a parking area rather than the main market.

He estimated that the attackers were in their late teens and said they were accompanied by a man who disappeared after the girls blew themselves up.

Blood stained the walls and floors of affected buildings following the blasts. Angry youths converged on the area and were kept at bay by police and soldiers, while the bombers’ remains were then taken away, an AFP correspondent said.

The All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, member, Mr Polycarp Danladi Gankon (right), casting his vote at Kaduna State party's governorship primaries in Kaduna, yesterday. Photo: Olu Ajayi.

Onslaught against terrorists'll continue —Minimah

Meanwhile, following the recent victories recorded by the Nigerian Army in the battle to clear Boko Haram terrorists from seized towns in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno states, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General KTJ Minimah, has declared that the onslaught to dislodge the terrorists from every inch of Nigerian soil will continue and the army backed by the Nigerian Air Force will win the war.

Asked what was the new strategy that had come into place resulting in the military reclaiming territories, the army boss simply said: “We have just stepped up the tempo. It will be sustained and we will definitely defeat them."

Minimah, who was speaking at the commissioning of newly constructed blocks of kennels for military Police dogs in Abuja, said the current security challenges bedevilling our country and sub region called for concerted efforts by all officers and soldiers to enhance the capacity of the Nigerian Army in whatever little way they can.

“In the past 11 months of my leadership of the

Nigerian Army, efforts have been made to re-equip, retrain and task-organise the Nigerian Army to effectively tackle contemporary national security challenges, particularly in the North eastern part of the country.

“One of such efforts is the K9 component of the Nigerian Army which was established in 2012 and which has contributed tremendously to support ongoing Nigerian Army operations nationwide.

The military working dogs

have been employed for several duties including detection of explosives and search and rescue operations."

20 military working dogs

While noting that there are presently over 20 military working dogs deployed in the North-East theatre, Minimah said the injection of these dogs into ‘Operation Zaman Lafiya’ have yielded

dividends in several respects.

Earlier, Provost Marshal of the Nigerian Army, Major General Patrick Akem noted that the revitalization of the K9 component which was moribund for years, was to assist in the ongoing counter terrorism and counter insurgency operations especially in the North0-East, pointing out that given the increasing utility and versatility of the military working dogs, his corps embarked on a breeding programme to increase ‘our holdings’.

“Additionally, the office of the National Security Adviser in June this year, donated 22 military morking dogs to us.

The increase in the MWDs holdings put strains on the existing facilities at the dog centre. Consequently, a way had to be found to accommodate the dogs, which was done from savings made from allocations from the office of the COAS. “Consequently, the Military Police Corps under my direction embarked on the construction of a block of 30 Military Working Dogs kennels to accommodate the dogs. The work on the block of 30 kennels was completed at the end of November.

He gave some of the tasks performed by the Military Working Dogs as arms cache searches, force protection sweeps, building sweeps, entry control points and access control points, open area search, cordon and search, route clearance as well as search and rescue during disasters.

YULETIDE: Police call for vigilance Alert of explosive laden hampers as gifts Caution against use of fireworks

By Kingsley Omonobi

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BUJA — THE Police High Command, yesterday, alerted all Nigerians to be vigilant this yuletide season, especially against the backdrop of emerging security challenges in parts of the country.

The Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, who gave the warning in Abuja, noted that receiving of gifts from unknown persons that may pose as friends during the season should be avoided to prevent explosive-laden hampers as gifts.

A statement from Force Headquarters signed by CP Emmanuel Ojukwu said the IGP also cautioned against the use of fireworks such as “bangers” and other explosives in the celebration as they could cause distraction that may further heighten fear of insecurity.

He said: “He also enjoins citizens to shun all forms of violence and unlawful acts, eschew bitterness, hatred and rancour and go about their legitimate duties without fear of intimidation from any quarter during and after the season."

Meanwhile, to ensure a peaceful and incident-free

yuletide, the IGP has directed all zonal AIGs and Command Commissioners of Police to take all necessary measures in ensuring the provision of adequate security for worshippers, travellers, picnickers and all citizens across the country before, during and after the season.

He said: “Command CPs are to personally ensure that all key and vulnerable points within their jurisdictions, including places of worship, recreation centres, motor parks, highways, financial institutions and all places of public resort are adequately and effectively protected.“

10— Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

LAWMA makes case for welfare of highway sweepers

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AGOS—THE Public Relations Officer, PRO, Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, Mr Ade Adu, yesterday disclosed that the organisation has over 15,000 highway sweepers in the state.

Adu made the disclosure in an interview in Lagos.

He said that the organisation was doing its best to ensure that the needs and welfare of its employees were well taken care of, in order for them to work effectively.

“The safety and well being of our workers is one of our top priorities,” he said.

Adu commended the good efforts of the sweepers in ensuring that highways in the state were always clean.

Court approves service of 19 Ekiti APC summons on Fayose, others

By Innocent Anaba

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AGOS—A Federal High Court in Lagos, yesterday, granted leave to the impeached Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adewale Omirin and 18 other members of the House to serve copies of the originating summons and other court processes filed in a suit seeking to nullify their impeachment on the state gover nor, Mr Ayodele Fayose and 12 other defendants through newspaper advertisement.

Trial judge is Justice Saliu Saidu.

Omirin and his Deputy, Adetunji Orisalade and 17 All Progressives Congress, APC, members of the House brought the suit, while the defendants include Dele Olugbemi (1st defendant), Samuel Ajibola (2nd defendant), Adeojo Alexander(3rd defendant), Adeloye Adeyinka (4th defendant), Isreal Olowo Ajiboye (5th defendant), Fatunbi Olajide (6th defendant) and Olayinka Abeni (7th defendant).

Others are the Inspector General of Police(10th defendant), Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State(11th defendant), Mr. Owoseni Ajayi (12th defendant), Mr. Kayode Oso (13th defendant) and Chief Toyin Ojo (14th defendant).

SYNAGOGUE: Coroner

dismisses Joshua's prohibition application

By Abdulwahab Abdulah, Bartholomew Madukwe & Ebele Okafor

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AGOS—THE presiding judge of a Lagos State Coroner's Court sitting in Ikeja, Chief Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe, yesterday, dismissed the prohibition application moved by the Registered Trustees of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCAON, alongside its founder, Prophet Temitope Joshua, asking it to stay proceedings pending determination of a substantive motion of judicial review before Justice Lateefa Okunnu of the state’s high court.

Dismissing prohibition application

Dismissing the prohibition application, Magistrate Komolafe ruled that the proceeding before the Coroner's court is a judicial inquiry into the cause of the collapsed guest house belonging to SCOAN which claimed the lives of 116 persons.

While stating that there is no party before the court, the judge declared that all the authorities cited by counsel while adopting their written addresses has nothing to do with coroner proceedings.

“This court cannot adjudicate on this motion on notice as doing so would amount to operating outside the scope of a coroner's court,” Magistrate Komolafe held.

Describing the application as an abuse of court process, the Coroner declared that there is no automatic appeal against the findings and conclusions of a coroner's court.

The coroner judge also held that Justice Okunnu who is currently adjudicating on the motion ex-perte brought by the applicants has not issued a restraining order against further proceedings of the inquest, saying “this application is incompetent and lacking in merit. Same is hereby dismissed accordingly.”

Further proceeding on the matter has been adjourned till December 12, 2014.

Joshua through his lawyer, Mr Olalekan Ojo, had filed a substantive application before Justice Lateefa Okunnu of Lagos State High Court, challenging the invitation of Prophet T.B. Joshua by the coroner court.

“This court (Coroner) being a lower court to the High Court cannot speculate on the outcome of a higher court. The best legal position is to adjourn

this cause of proceeding till outcome of the application before Justice Okunnu. Where a higher court has taken position courts in the lower hierarchy must bow.

If the High Court does not agree with us, then we resume at the coroner.

Court's jurisdiction

“The jurisdiction of this court to enquire into certain areas have been challenged before a higher court. The concept of jurisdiction is multi-faceted in nature, just like in the case of Doyin Okupe vs. Federal Board of Inland Revenue, FBIR. Asking questions on how engineering defects brought collapse to the building are outside the jurisdiction of the coroner's court.

A person acting within a jurisdiction can exceed its jurisdiction unconsciously when asking questions outside its jurisdiction,” Ojo said.

According to him, on November 17, 2014, the High Court of Lagos State sitting at the Ikeja Judicial Division presided over by Justice Okunnu granted leave to the applicants in suit No. ID/188/MJR/2014 to apply for a judicial review of the proceedings in the Suit No. CR/ AL/101/2014 which is still pending.

Judicial review before High Court

Ojo told the coroner court that in the judicial review before the High Court, the applicants (Prophet T.B. Joshua and Synagogue church) are praying the High Court to determine whether the statutory jurisdiction of the Coroner’s Court under the Coroner ’s System Law 2007 particularly sections 15 and 40 of the Coroner’s Law is limited to conducting inquest into the cause and manner of death and does not extend to inquiry into matters that are not directly causative of the death or deaths being inquired into.

Other prayers are: “Whether or not the Honourable Court acted within its powers in issuing witness summons on the 2nd applicant (Prophet T.B. Joshua) at the time when the Coroner had not commenced sitting or taking evidence.

“Whether or not the respondents to the application for judicial review ought to be prohibited from continuing with the conduct of the inquest into the tragic death of unknown persons in the collapsed building at the Synagogue Church of All Nations on September 12, 2014 on grounds of bias or likelihood of bias on

the part of the Honourable Court.”

Replying on point of law, a senior State Counsel, Mr Akingbolahan Adeniran, argued that in line with Section 40 of the Coroner’s System Law 2007, the major interest is on how a death occurred and there is no definition in Coroner Law that restraints the how.

“This is not the forum to argue an application before Justice Okunnu. The sole issue for determination in this application is whether the applicants has placed sufficient evidence in its favour. There is currently no order by Justice Okunnu for stay of proceeding, which she would have done if she needed to do so. The ground for stay of proceeding is not automatic. It is because the applicants filed an application that there should be a stay of proceeding,” Adeniran argued.

The State Counsel noted that till date the applicants have not presented any witness before the court and the request for the name of the contractor took almost three months of the collapsed building. He urged the court to dismiss the application because the applicants have not presented sufficient material before the coroner court for it to decide in the applicants favour.

LECTURE: From left: Ayoola Onajide, Principal Partner, ATO Architects Ltd, Ugo ChrisAluta, and Ekaete Bassey-Fujah both Partners at ATO Architects Ltd, and Olusegun Ladega, Principal Partner, Interstate Architects and guest speaker, at the 2014 ATO annual lecturein Lagos, yesterday.

LAGOS PDP PRIMARIES: Obanikoro petitions PDP

electoral appeal panel

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By Charles Kumolu

A G O S — INDICACATIONS have emerged that a governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, has petitioned the PDP Electoral Appeal Panel, demanding for another governorship primaries to be conducted.

Vanguard gathered that the petition which was addressed to the chairman of the panel,

claimed that the exercise was characterised by over voting, hence the call for the results to be voided.

The petition reads: ‘’I, Senator Musiliu Olatunde Obanikoro, a gubernatorial aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party ,PDP, in Lagos State, having taken notice of irregularities in the conduct of primary election conducted on December 8, 2014, and declaration of result of same, do hereby petition your panel as follows:

That the accreditation of delegates for the election started at about 6:45pm, contrary to section 19 sub section (d) of the Peoples Democratic Party Election Guidelines, which provides that accreditation shall be between 8am and 12noon.

The foregoing is a major flaw, which indeed disenfranchised many delegates who left the venue frustrated particularly when violence broke out. ‘’Having established that there was over-voting, the election is vitiated and should be voided."

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 —11

OGUN PDP'S INCONCLUSIVE PRIMARIES: We're yet to get

new date —INEC A

By Daud Olatunji

B E O K U TA — T H E Independent National Electoral Commission has said that, it had not been notified of the new date for the rescheduled senatorial primary of Peoples Democratic Party date for Ogun Central Senatorial district,which was inconclusive.

Aspirants to the Ogun Central Senatorial district are Hon. Lanre-Laoshe, a former member of the House of Representatives and Mrs. Bisola Sodipo-Clark, wife of prominent Ijaw leader, Edwin Clark.

The Administrative Secretary of INEC in Ogun State, Dickson Atiba told Vanguard on phone that, the commission was at the party Secretariat to supervise the exercise which, was inconclusive.

It would be recalled that the primary was hurriedly halted on Sunday due to tension between the delegates of the two contestants -Lanre Laoshe and Dr. Bisola Sodipo-Clark.

The state chairman of the party, Adebayo Dayo, had said both contestants were ‘uncooperative’ and the charged environment necessitated the postponement.

According to INEC , the PDP has not given us new date. We are still waiting for the party to notify us of the new date.

When asked whether, the PDP has submitted its candidates list, Atiba said “the party has brought the result.

“We are observers, we know

I'm still in the governorship race, says Bankole

what happened, we know the Ogun Central Senatorial primary was inconclusive, but, the party has submitted its result.

“We can not do anything whatever the party submits, we will only write our observation at the primaries”, he said.

I’ m still in governorship race —Bankole

Meantime, former Speaker of House of Representatives , Dimeji Bankole yesterday, said he was still in the governorship race in

Ogun State.

Bankole stated this in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of Dimeji Bankole Movement ,Kayode Akintunde in Abeokuta.

He, however, condemned the action of the leadership of the party in the state for conducting the primaries, despite the order by the national leaders to put them on hold, describing it as shocking.

The PDP in the state had held its primaries for all the aspirants

include governorship which had been cancelled by the National Working Committee.

According, to Bankole, the decision not to hold the primaries was reached on Sunday with the leadership of the party in Abuja.

“The meeting which had the National Working Committee, led by Alhaji Adamu Mua’zu , Hon. Dimeji Bankole, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Prince Buruji Kashamu in attendance where certain decisions were taken. ‘’

DECLARATION: From left: Former Chairman, Odua Group, Brig-Gen. Brymo Yusuf, Chairman, Labour Party, LP, Oyo State, Comrade Gbenga Olayemi, LP governorship candidate for Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, and his Deputy, Sarafadeen Alli, at the LP state Congress to declare Otunba Alao-Akala as its candidate in next year's governorship election in Ibadan, yesterday. Photo: Shola Oyelese.

Court grants service of anti-UPN, SPD suit

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By Bartholomew Madukwe

AGOS—A federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted an order of substituted service by pasting at the secretariat of Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, court processes in the suit filed by pro-democracy activist, Mr Richard Akinnola.

Mr. Akinnola is challenging the registration of UPN and SDP as political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. In an originating summons filed before the court, Mr. Akinnola is praying the court to nullify the purported registration granted the two parties on the account of having been proscribed and dissolved by existing laws. He also wants the court to determine whether INEC has power to resuscitate proscribed and dissolved parties without first repealing the laws that proscribed them.

The plaintiff argued that UPN and SDP were outlawed out of existence by the Political Parties Dissolution Decrees of 1984 and 1993 respectively.

Akinnola wants the court to

determine whether political parties dissolved or prohibited by an existing law from acting as political parties can function or act as parties without the repeal of the law that proscribed them.

He wants the court to declare that having been duly dissolved by virtue of existing laws of 1984

and 1993 are no longer political parties in the country and cannot function as such.

He also wants the court to declare that INEC cannot validly or lawfully register the two parties in the face of the existing laws that legally dissolved them.

He is therefore seeking for order of court compelling INEC to de-register the two parties and its agents, officers, servants and privies by whomsoever from recognizing or treating UPN and SDP as political parties in the country.

Over 500 child defilement cases reported in Lagos —AG

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AGOS—MR Ade Ipaye, Lagos State AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, yesterday, said over 500 cases of child defilement cases were reported in the state this year.

Ipaye disclosed this at a Human Rights Essay and Debate Competition organised for private and public schools in Lagos by the Directorate for Citizen’s Rights.

The competition was part of activities marking the 2014 World Human Rights Day with the theme: “The Rights of the Child.”

The commissioner said “this

year ’s theme was carefully picked in the light of the fact that in the last one year, more than 500 cases of defilement of minors were reported in Lagos.

“We know that children contend with several challenges on daily basis, however, the onus is on parents and guardians to ensure that each child is given necessary care and attention.”

Ipaye said that the principle of human rights should be inculcated in the youths at their earliest formative stage.

He added that this would

ensure that youths imbibed the principles of fairness, non-discrimination, inclusiveness and respect for fellow-beings, irrespective of age.

The Lagos State attorneygeneral said that the success of all the laws and policies protecting the rights of children depended largely on the cooperation of members of the society.

“I will like to use the opportunity of this occasion to enjoin all residents to partner with government in ensuring that the rights of our children are safeguarded,” he pleaded.

APAPA TRAFFIC:

Tanker drivers call for patience

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By Godwin Oritse

AGOS—FOLLOWING the increase in cargo through-put in the Lagos Port area, the Petrol Tanker Drivers’ Union, PTD, has appealed to road users, especially motorists and residents in and around Apapa and its environ , to bear with them and exercise patience over the situation of the road.

The increase in cargo through put occasioned by the yuletide season, has consequently put more pressure on the ApapaOshodi express road as members of the union blamed the traffic jam on the influx of petroleum tankers from every part of the country into Lagos as a result of scarcity of the petroleum products in many depots across the country.

The National Public Relations Officer, PRO, of the PTD of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers Union, NUPENG, Comrade Adebayo Atanda, said the situation resulting in the gridlock was being worked on by the drivers’ union in conjunction with LASTMA officials and other traffic agencies.

LAGOS PDP:

Group flays George, Ogunlewe over crisis

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By Folu Adegoke

AGOS—VISIONERS for New Lagos, VNL, a Lagos based political group has faulted two of the leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state, Chief Bode George and Senator Adesegun Ogunlewe, for betraying the ideals of genuine democracy as espoused by the party.

Noting what they claimed as the duo’s commitment to imposing one of the aspirants in the recent governorship primaries, the group said that the two have by their actions shown themselves to be more dictatorial than the political leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC whom they had consistently criticised as dictators.

The leader of the group, Mr. Bambo Akin-Johnson, in a press statement yesterday particularly flayed what he described as the hostility of the two political leaders to the governorship aspiration of Senator Musiliu Obanikoro who the group alleged has contributed more to the party than the two of them.

12—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

Era of multiple voting over in Nigeria —INEC

By Samuel Oyadongha

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ENAGOA—AHEAD of the 2015 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, said, yesterday that the era of multiple registration and multiple voting was over in the country.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Bayelsa State, Mr. Edwin Nwatalari, spoke in Yenagoa at the state Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Press Week.

Speaking on Towards a Credible 2015 General Elections, Nwatalari, who was represented by Mr. Victor Agbonwanaten, Deputy Director, Voters Education, Publicity, Gender and Civil Society Liaison, said the voters register was now electronic driven to guard against electoral fraud.

This, according to him, will enable the commission to easily subject the register to various electronic procedures and software, including the Automatic Fingerprint Identification System, AFIS, as well as a number of business rules to enhance the authenticity of the national voters register.

He said: “For the first time in the history of Nigeria’s electoral process, the commission, as part of its

preparations has commenced the continuous voters registration. It is, therefore, fair to say that for the 2015 general elections, not only nearly as many as possible eligible voters will vote, there will be no fictitious names in the register.

“The 2015 general elections, to all intents and purposes, will witness the use of card readers in the process of accreditation of voters before

they vote. This will be possible because of the type of voter register that we now have.

Multiple registration and multiple voting will be a thing of the past.”

Though the REC identified inadequate security as a bane of previous elections in the country, he said that the commission, in 2011, facilitated the creation of the Inter-Agency Committee on Election Security, ICES.

He said: “The committee is now present at all levels and has continued to hold strategic meetings since 2011 with a view to stemming the spate of electoral violence before, during and after polls.”

Earlier in his address, Chairman, NUJ, Bayelsa State, Tarinyo Akono, called for non-violence 2015 polls and appealed to the political class and their supporters to eschew violence.

PRESENTATION: From left: Mr. Cephas Afebuameh, Supply Chain Director; Mr Sesan Sobowale, Director, Corporate Relations, and Mr. Kingsley Imade, Benin Plant Manager, all of Guinness Nigeria Plc, during the official presentation and blessing of Orijin, at the palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa, in Benin City, yesterday.

Delta 2015: Okowa, worthy flag bearer, says Ogeah

By Festus Ahon

“As was the case in the November 29, 2014 primaries into Delta State House SABA—DELTA State of Assembly, the governorship Commissioner for primaries of the PDP held on Monday, Infor mation, Mr. Chike lived up to the template of Ogeah, has described Senator transparency and absence of rancour Ifeanyi Okowa, winner of the set in the earlier primaries.

“At the end of the exercise, Senator Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial primary election Okowa emerged victorious by popular vote. We congratulate the as a worthy flag bearer.

Ogeah, in a statement, said: distinguished senator on his well deserved victory. With the Delta State PDP now through with c r e d i b l e Democratic Party, PDP, primaries, we said it was hypocritical

By Gabriel urge all for any Nigerian to say Deltans Enogholase to he would only suggest imbibe the of ending virtues of ENIN—FORMER ways Chief of Staff to insurgency when he gets tolerance and play President Goodluck to power, adding “You fair Jonathan, Mr Mike don’t know who the next exhibited by Oghiadomhe, has urged victim of the insurgents Nigerians to shun all will be.”

The former Chief of aspirants who say they will end the Boko Haram Staff, who commended insurgency in the the peaceful conduct of country only when they the primaries, said: “We cannot take insurgency become the President.

Oghiadomhe, who to be against a particular fielded questions from set of people or particular newsmen in Auchi, Edo person in government or State, during the just a particular government. concluded senatorial Insurgency is against primaries of Peoples Nigeria and Nigerians."

A

Shun aspirants who promise to end Boko Haram insurgency —Oghiadomhe

B

the contestants.

“We also commend all the contestants for upholding the party ’s tenets of fair ness, discipline, loyalty and camaraderie throughout the campaigns and actual voting."

"That more than 20 distinguished Deltans, each eminently qualified to lead the state, took active part in the PDP governorship primaries is a testament to the confidence in the electoral process engendered by the leadership of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, governor of Delta State, who created a level playing field for the emergence of the people’s choice.

"This has proved that it is a bastion of the PDP and is primed to continue to sustain the atmosphere of peace and development in the coming dispensation."

N-Delta ex-militants congratulate Labo on victory at PDP primaries

By Onoja Innocent

B

OMADI—NIGER Delta ex-militants have congratulated the flag bearer for Bomadi constituency at the just concluded Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, primaries in Delta State, Mr. Pius Labo, describing him as a square peg in a square hole.

Delta State Chairman, Phase 2 of the Amnesty Programme, Mr. Kingsley Muturu, in a statement, said that the indigenes of Bomadi Local Government Area under the 2nd Phase Amnesty have commended the party for the peaceful conduct of the primaries at Bomadi.

The ex-militants also extolled the virtues of the lawmaker representing Patani/Bomadi federal constituency, Mr. Nicholas Mutu, saying he was a light for politicians to emulate, considering his disposition to work hard for his constituents.

The group noted that Mutu’s performance index was a pointer to good leadership as former militants were supporting his ambition to re-contest the National Assembly election.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014—13

Aggrieved Bayelsa PDP members shun reconciliatory c'ttee ...pick APGA tickets for Assembly polls

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

E N A G O A — A G G R I E V E D members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Bayelsa State who lost out in the state and National Assembly primaries have shunned the reconciliatory committee set up by the party in the state and have rather picked the tickets of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, for the 2015 elections.

The state PDP, led by its chairman, Col. Sam Inokoba (rtd), had on Monday set up a panel to reconcile the aggrieved members, many of whom had threatened to pitch camp with the opposition parties to actualise their aspirations after the party primaries, which, according to them, were skewed in favour of the state governor’s candidates.

The panel saddled with the responsibility of reconciling the aggrieved party members is chaired by the traditional ruler

C M Y K

of Opume Kingdom, King A. Turner.

Other members of the panel are the former acting governor of the state, Chief Peremobowei Ebebi, Chief Thompson Okorotie and former Speaker of the old Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr. Talford Ongolo.

The aggrieved PDP members, including a former President of the Ijaw Youth Congress, IYC, Jonjon Oyinfie and a former commissioner in the state, Zuwa Konugah, shunned the party and picked tickets to represent their various constituencies at the next

general election in the state on the platform of APGA. Kodugah was a former Commissioner for State Capital Development under the administration of Governor Seriake Dickson.

The aggrieved former PDP members were adopted after passing through APGA requirements at the latter's primaries held yesterday in Yenagoa.

Urhobo youths commend Deltans over Okowa’s victory

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RHOBO youths, under the aegis of Urhobo Youth Leaders Association, have commended Deltans on the landslide victory of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa at Monday’s Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship primary election in the state.

The youths, in a statement by Francis Rhino, National President, said that Okowa’s choice as the governorship flag bearer of the party cuts across the three senatorial districts of the state, adding that victory will surely come in the 2015 general elections.

The Urhobo youths, who described the primaries as one of the most peaceful conducted by the party, said

they were optimistic that Okowa would floor other political parties in 2015 governorship poll.

APC primaries: Bodjor picks Delta Central Senate ticket

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By Egufe Yafugborhi

ARRI—IT was smooth sailing for Chief Adelabu Bodjor in Monday ’s All Progressives Congress, APC, Senate primaries for Delta Central, as he was returned unopposed being the sole aspirant for that district’s ticket.

The Central senatorial primaries took place at the Ughelli Unity Hall without any incident.

Speaking on the development, Chief Bodjor, who was before now the Delta Central zonal APC chairman, told Vanguard, “It is all good for the party and the Delta Central people, who are yearning for change."

A s a g b a congratulatess Okowa

By Hugo Odiogor

T

HE Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Chike Edozien, has congratulated Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa on his emergence as the candidate of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the next general elections in Delta State.

Prof. Edozien, who is the chairman of Anioma Congress, said that Okowa's victory in the governorship primaries was a vindication of the position earlier taken by the Philip Asiodu committee set up by the congress.

He said that Okowa was the people's choice and urged all Deltans to support him in the governorship election scheduled for February 21, 2015.

In a related development, Anioma Media Professional also congratulated Okowa and all the ethnic nationalities in Delta State, who voted for justice and fairness.

14—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

2015: 22 Akwa Ibom gov aspirants reject primary result

By Henry Umoru

A

BUJA — TWENTY - two of the 23 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP governorship aspirants in Akwa Ibom State have rejected the outcome of the primary election, which was purportedly won by Udom Emmanuel on Monday.

The aggrieved aspirants, who stormed the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday evening, asked the leadership of the party and President Goodluck Jonathan to call for a fresh primaries to be conducted

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in accordance with the party guidelines in the interest of the party and the state.

Led by the former deputy Governor of the state, Nsima Ekere, who also contested the controversial polls, the aspirants listed various grounds upon which they noted rendered the entire process null and void and of no consequence whatsoever.

In a joint petition, the 22 politicians pointed out that the Chairman of the Electoral Panel sent to conduct the election in Akwa Ibom State connived with the state governor and his anointed candidate, Udom

Emmanuel to perpetuate electoral fraud They stated that he did that by sitting down in Government House and writing the names of delegates and casting the votes

before bringing them in a convoy of buses to the stadium.

They contended that the chairman refused to show them the list of delegates and the ballot papers to be used for the election

despite repeated demands and reminders for him to do so before the commencement of voting as enshrined in section 19(1) of the PDP guidelines.

Rivers people'll not be swayed by APC propaganda — Wike

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HE GOVERNORSHIP candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Rivers State, Mr Nyesom Wike, yesterday, said that Rivers people will not be deceived by the All Progressives Congress,

APC propaganda.

A statement by his media aide, Mr Simeon Nwakaudu, said “The APC has confirmed its imminent ouster from Rivers State with the comments credited to the

chairman of the outgoing party, Mr Davies Ikanya, expressing fears over the emergence of Wike as the flagbearer of the, PDP, who will lead the party to a deserved victory in 2015.

“The media comments credited to Ikanya further authenticate claims across Rivers State that the outgoing political party and administration sponsored moles to contest the PDP governorship primaries with a view to ensuring the emergence of a weak candidate. However, PDP delegates from all the 23 local government areas of Rivers State were discerning enough to know the trick of the failed administration; hence they jettisoned the moles and overwhelmingly voted Wike.

“Ikanya’s obsession with the affairs of the Rivers State PDP and the just concluded PDP governorship primaries point to the fact that his party has accepted their impending fate in next year ’s election, where Wike is primed to defeat their candidate anointed by the non-performing outgoing governor who is desperately searching for someone to protect him from prosecution after years of failure.

“The people of Rivers State will not be swayed by the sponsored propaganda of the outgoing administration as they know the reality on ground. A reality of poor governance, destruction of judiciary and legislative arms of government in the state, mass looting of state resources and sale of government assets to cronies, general infrastructural decay and mass poverty imposed on the people by the outgoing APC administration.

“The people of Rivers State have committed themselves to positive change and they will vote Wike, a man of high level integrity and outstanding pedigree for performance."

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014—15

Court voids Ebonyi Speaker's impeachment

By Peter Okutu

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BAKALIKI — AN Abakaliki High Court, presided over by Justice Anslem Nwigwe, yesterday, voided the impeachment of Chukwuma Nwazunku, as the Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, raising fears of possible impeachment of Governor Martin Elechi.

The governor was insinuated to have played a role in the purported impeachment of the Speaker.

The court nullified the November 10 2014 purported impeachment of the Speaker by 13 members of the House in a Hotel in Abakaliki.

Justice Nwigwe asserted that the sitting of Ebonyi State House of Assembly could only take place in the chambers of the House and that the Speaker could only be removed from office by two third majority of the members.

“This court declares that the House sitting was unconstitutional and not in compliance with the House rules, and was conducted outside the Chambers while the Speaker can only be impeached by two-third majority of the members. In this case therefore, the two-third of

Ebonyi House Assembly with 24 members is 16 while 13 of the members sat on November10 to impeach the speaker which is not lawful. The sitting of the House at ‘’Top View Hotel, Abakaliki” to do the business of the House, was illegal, null and void and contrary to the 1999 constitution as

amended.

“The defendants are hereby restrained or acting in a manner to stop the Speaker from performing his legitimate functions as speaker of the Ebonyi House of Assembly. The governor as the 16 defendant is also restrained from withdrawing the

security details of the speaker,” he said.

He ruled that the sitting by 13 members of the House at Top View Hotel, Abakaliki, purporting to conduct the business of the House was a contravention of the provisions of the 1999 constitution and the House rules.

AWARD: From left, Mr. Vinmartins Iloh, Mr. Michel Deelen, Deputy Head of Mission, Kingdom of Netherlands in Nigeria; Professor Ropo Sekoni, Chairman, Board, Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, WSCJ; Mrs. Juliana Ebere Francis, winner of 9th Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism award, and Mr. Simon Shercliff, British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, during the award, at NECA House, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi

Anambra okays 2015 Appropriation Bill

By Enyim Enyim

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NITSHA — ANAMBRA State House of Assembly, yesterday, passed into law, the 2015 Appropriation Bill of over N164 billion, after some amendments to some sectoral allocations.

Presenting the report of the Finance and Appropriation Committee, the chairman, Nikky Ugochuchukwu, explained that after a thorough examination of the provisions in the budget, the estimated overhead cost was reduced from N282 million to N82 million.

According to her, the overhead cost of the office of the Secretary to the State Government was slashed from N855 million to N755 million, while that of the Executive Governor’s Office was increased from N16.7 billion to N17 billion.

The financial estimate for Anambra State Lands Information Management System was also reduced from N100 million to N30million while the financial provision for completion/expansion of the Ministry’s Headquarters building was changed from N30 million to N100 million.

In her speech, the Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Princess Chinwe Nwaebili, thanked members for working assiduously towards the early passage of the budget to enable the governor implement it for the betterment of the state.

Also, speaking, the member representing Orumba North in the State House of Assembly, Romanus Obi, described the bill as the fastest in terms of its passage and impact it would have in the development of the state.

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Elders want election of Ohanaeze Ndigbo's leaders accelerated

By Francis Igata

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NUGU—STRONG indications emerged, yesterday, that all was not well with the foremost apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, as the body ’s Council of Elders, set up a sevenmember electoral committee to organise a general election of the body as soon as possible, claiming the leadership appeared not to be in a hurry to hold election.

The elders said the tenure of the present executive led by Chief Garry Enwo Igariwey, would expire on January 7, 2015.

The Council directed that the executive to be inaugurated in January 2015 should as a matter of priority appoint a recognised firm of auditors to audit the Accounts of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Chairman of the Election Committee is Dr. Eze Agbogu(Anambra) Other members include: Chief Jumbo Offor (Abia), Chief (Mrs.) Ada Achor (Abia), Prince Emeka Onyeso (Anambra), Chief (Mrs.) Roseline Njoku (Ebonyi) and Elder Nweke Anyigor (Ebonyi) Others are; Prince Richard Ozobu (Enugu), Chief (Mrs.) Maria Okwo (Enugu), Pharm Bright Ulokpu (Imo), Chief Ignatius Okameme (Imo), Chief I. A. Nwankwo (Anioma Delta) and Onuchi Mpi (Rivers) Reading a communiqué after the meeting of the Council at Pan-Afric Hotels Enugu, elder statesman and Chairman of the Council, Chief Mbazulike Amechi, said the action became necessary following the refusal of the present executive to constitute the electoral panel.

16—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

Etisalat supports Nigeria to chart future of ICT at ITU World 2014

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TISALAT Nigeria has reiterated commitment to the growth of the ICT industry in Nigeria through its support of the Ministry of Communication Technology and The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) at the ITU World 2014 annual gathering held recently in Doha, capital city of Qatar.

This platform provides an opportunity for Nigerian delegates to join their counterparts from around the world to debate the future of the ICT industry and attract potential investors.

Speaking during the official opening of the Nigerian pavilion sponsored by Etisalat Nigeria in partnership with other stakeholders, Director, Government and Regulatory Affairs at Etisalat Nigeria, Ibrahim Dikko commended the Ministry and NCC for developing clear policies to guide the industry and promoting healthy competition among the operators.

He said, “The remarkable growth of the Nigerian telecoms industry has been largely attributable to clear policy objectives from government and a fair regulatory environment that supports competition and level playing field. We reaffirm our commitment to support the Minister of Communication Technology and the Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in their efforts to put the ICT industry in Nigeria on the world map.”

Dr. Omobola Johnson, Honourable Minister of Communication Technology highlighted similarities between the theme of the ITU conference “Future in Focus” and the Nigerian government. She said, “The theme of ITU world 2014 resonates with the Nigerian government as we work to build a better and brighter future for our people. ''Nigeria has developed key policies and initiatives that have set the foundation for the widespread use of ICT by government and businesses.

Conversations at the ITU Telecom World on key trends, developments, business models and applications will be invaluable in helping us in to build a better future in the ICT industry.”

The ITU Telecom World is an annual forum that brings together industry’s leading names to explore three major scenarios of disruption, crosssector partnerships and the intelligent future.

AMBASSADORS FOR ASHIRU: From left; Amb. Hamzat Ahmadu, Amb. Olu Adeniji, Amb. Yombo Oyesola, Amb. Akporode Clark, Amb. Tayo Ogunsulire, Amb. Segun Apata and representative of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja as members of the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria, at the Abuja Airport last Sunday to receive the body of the late former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Gbenga Ashiru on arrival from South Africa.

ENUGU: How alteration of delegates list produced three PDP gov candidates

By Emeka Mamah & Clifford Ndujihe

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HE Enugu PDP governorship primary election held on Monday, December 8, 2014 ended in crisis as the aspirants strongly disagreed with the Electoral Panel from the party’s National Secretariat over the list of delegates used for the exercise.

The disagreement forced some of the aspirants to hold parallel primaries which produced three candidates.

The governorship candidates laying claims to the PDP ticket are Senator Ayogu Eze, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Professor Onyeke O. Onyeke, all from Enugu North senatorial zone where the governorship slot had been zoned by the party.

The disagreement that led to the disintegration of the aspirants on the day of the primaries was said to have been caused by the PDP Governorship Primaries Electoral Panel for the state headed by a Bayelsa Monarch, King Asara A. Asara.

Other members of the panel were Ukpai Ukairo (secretary), Saratu Umar, Engr Alamu Adeyemi and Ikeje Asogwa.

The party had before the governorship primaries conducted the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senatorial primaries using the list of delegates elected at the November 1, 2014 ward congresses in the state. Although,

there were parallel primaries in some of the constituencies, the exercise was conducted with the list of authentic delegates duly certified by the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Governor Sullivan Chime had assured party stakeholders at a meeting he summoned before the primaries began that only the delegates “approved by the Abuja Court” would participate in the primaries hence in most of the constituencies, the list of delegates contained in the Certified True Copy obtained from the court was used for the primaries.

But when the Governorship Electoral Panel arrived in Enugu for the primaries on Monday, the aspirants were shocked to hear the declaration by its chairman that another list of delegates were handed over to them by the National Secretariat for the governorship primaries.

Asara had on arrival in Enugu summoned all the governorship aspirants to a pre-primary briefing at the Allens Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu.

Aspirants present at the conference hall of the hotel were Senator Ayogu Eze, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Hon. Eugene Odo, Chief Anayo Onwuegbu, Chief Sam Onyishi, Mr. Chinedu Onu and Prof Onyeke O. Onyeke.

While the meeting was holding at the Allens Hotel, accreditation of delegates was in progress at the Okpara Square while those accredited were being conveyed to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium for the primaries. Majority of

those present at the venue were officials of the state government and a few of the elected delegates.

When the authentic delegates arrived at the accreditation venue, gun-wielding security operatives at the entrance of Okpara Square drove them away and some of them who found their way to the accreditation table were told that their names were not on the delegates’ list.

Consequently, they relocated to Filbon Hotel, New Haven to decide on the next line of action.

Asara informed the aspirants that the panel was in the state to conduct a transparent primaries and assured them that the panel would not be biased.

However, when the aspirants asked Asara to let them see the copy of the list of delegates they intended to use for the primaries, he told them that the list of delegates given to him from the PDP National Secretariat Abuja was different from the Federal High Court-Certified True Copy, which was shown to him at the meeting by Senator Eze. King Asara insisted that the panel would not disclose the list of delegates to the aspirants at the meeting as it had no mandate to do so before the exercise.The statement that heightened suspicion among the aspirants that the panel was not in the state to conduct a free and fair primaries.

FG overwhelmed by insurgents, says NBA chief

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HE chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Badagry Branch, Chief Chris Okoye said that the Federal Government has been overwhelmed by the gun power of the insurgents for two years and has not proffered a feasible solution in solving it.

Speaking at the 2014 Law week of the Badagry branch of the NBA at Rockview Hotel, Festac Town Lagos, with theme: ‘Te r rorism: Threat to Human Rights – The Nigerian experience’, Okoye noted that the government should realise that lives and property are always lost

whenever terrorists strike.

According to him, the employment of military force in the suppression of the insurgency has not yielded the desired result and is needed for a change of tactics and approach. ''Government should als realize that lives and properties are always lost whenever the terrorists strike and should handle the matter with high sense odf responsibility. It should divorce politics from the sensitive issue and take the right and courageous action in the interest of the generality

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 — 17

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HERE are very few spectacles on earth that compare to Nigeria’s season of politicking. And what is politics without the intrigues; the suspense; drama and colour and the inevitable dollop of treachery? I returned home last week to run into a headstream of politicking as the posturing for the 2015 elections began to take a much more concrete shape.

The most consistent stream of contemporary politics is the relative lack of substance in the political party system. There is not much to choose between the six and half a dozen of the political parties in our country today. When push comes to shove, what is the difference between the PDP and the APC? That might be the difference between Tweedledee and Tweedledum!

I am a student of politics enough to know that the political parties of great ideas disappeared with the Twentieth Century: the Communist and Socialist parties; National Liberation Parties, even the Conservative and Fascist parties!

Today, there is a convergence in an ill-defined, nebulous center, much more in tune with defending contemporary neoliberal capitalism. Its manifestation in Nigeria has given us the frightening lack of principles that suffuse our political order and political party system.

Consequently, the role of the individual has come to the fore since each person has merely used, or is using the party only as a platform of access to power.

Personal qualities And this explains why in many instances, we have become fixated at finding out who has won which nomination, because in the long run, it is the personal qualities of these individuals that speak for them. Let me illustrate with very concrete examples. I have been very delighted that Nasir El-Rufai has finally emerged as the governorship candidate of the APC in Kaduna state. As I have explained here before, Kaduna is one of the three places that I live in.

The state deserves a governor with the intellectual and leadership abilities to lead the fundamental developments to transform it.

Kaduna’s place in history is such that it deserves the very best in leadership, away from the annoying mediocrity of the moment. I think history beckons on Nasir El-Rufai. It does not matter that he belongs to the APC. I will support his candidacy to the best of my ability so that Kaduna can get the leadership that will drive the development it thoroughly deserves.

On the other hand, the greatest challenge which faces

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This exciting season of Nigerian politics the people of Kwara state, my home state, is how to end the hegemonic control of Bukola Saraki. To that extent, we have a duty to DEFEAT the APC in Kwara state! Another four years of Bukola Saraki (run by subterfuge through AbdulFatah Ahmed),will end in the ruination of Kwara state.

The period since 2003, when Bukola Saraki came into power, till date, has witnessed a regime of heist and monumental deception allied with the institution of the Personality Cult of the arrogant, insensitive Bukola Saraki.

When he left power in 2011, he installed a sidekick, AbdulFatah Ahmed (his erstwhile employee at SocieteGenerale Bank), who was also Commissioner for Finance for most of Bukola Saraki’s years as governor. An ordinarily nice person, but AbdulFatah Ahmed, was content to play Man Friday all through his governorship

The party labels in Kaduna and Kwara are similar but the outcomes we desire in the two locations are different. That is the nature of contemporary politics.

state, by Jonathan’s supporters like Asari Dokubo that hurt the president’s position far more than statements from opposition figures. It might be important to remind the venerable Chief Clark, that Nigeria’s presidency is not a minor chieftancy in Ijawland.

President Goodluck Jonathan has the whole country as his constituency.

He is in power because he was declared winner of the 2011 elections. Nigerians have the right to re-elect him or to reject and vote him out in 2015. The beauty of the democratic process is that people will exercise their choice based on as many factors as suit their preferences. We cannot have democracy by threats or by outlandish accusations such as those made last week by Chief EK Clark. The opposition will have no reason whatsoever to attempt to kill or poison President Goodluck Jonathan.

Democratising count5ry

Map of Nigeria since 2011, allowing Bukola Saraki to sit atop the resources of our state and wielding the power of selection, firing, reinstating and ridiculing individuals in positions as befits his fancy!

In that elaborate process of deception, the people have been at the receiving end of pains and anguish. Just one example: billions of naira has been spent allegedly to give us water in Ilorin. Yet, water is what we don’t have in that city.It is amazing that all the individuals responsible for controversial water contracts from the period of military dictatorship are all in cahoots in the Kwara State APC (Muhammed Sha’aba Lafiagi; Khalil Bolaji; Bukola Saraki and Abdul Fatah Ahmed!).

Consequently, people are looking towards the PDP for the emergence of the candidate that will sweep away the elaborate regime of heist, deception and Bukola Saraki’s hegemonic Personality Cult in place since 2003! The party labels in Kaduna and Kwara are similar but the outcomes we desire in the two locations are different.

That is the nature of contemporary politics.

Yet despite this situation, there are certain indecencies that are unacceptable in the political process. An example of such indecency came last week, when Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, was reported to

have expressed fears over President Goodluck Jonathan’s safety. The reason for his fear was that “the opposition politicians could go all out to kill the president in order to be in power”. Chief Clark added that “ recent statements” from opposition chieftains of the APC, suggest “that they would stop at nothing to harm the president to get to the seat of power…If they have their way, they can kill Jonathan, they can poison him, provided they will go into office…”.

Worst statements These must be some of the worst statements from an old man with a penchant for making ridiculous statements.

EK Clark did not cite examples nor name the opposition chieftains making such statements. But it seemed directed at cowering all alternative platforms to the Jonathan presidency. How did a legal, constitutional opposition make a transition to the fears EK Clark expressed about President Jonathan’s safety? Must democracy be abridged in Nigeria just because EK Clark’s kinsman is in power today?

I think it is outlandish statements such as these as well as threats to other Nigerians and the Nigerian

They know that elections will soon be here. This is a democratizing country and what will determine President Jonathan’s fate are a combination of political, economic, even emotional factors that weigh upon the consciousness of the Nigerian electorate as they go to the polls in 2015. I saw Chief EK Clark at close quarters during the 2014 National Conference, and I came with the impression that he genuinely believes that he occupies a self-appointed place in the Nigerian political firmament as a “defender ” or even some kind of “presidential godfather”.

He carried himself that way and in the Nigerian manner of doing things, he was often the centre of attraction for those in search of sinecures in the political system. Chief EK Clark was regularly handing out his call cards to those hanging around him.

In some of those moments, I think the adoration he received, including the excessive indulgence from the National Conference leadership, began to get the better of the old man. The Nigerian disease of overveneration of individuals who owe their visibility to alleged closeness to power also explains Chief Clark’s opportunistic exploitation of same to claim relevance far beyond what he actually possesses.

From that false pedestal of access to President Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Edwin Clark, unfortunately, is doing so much damage to President Goodluck Jonathan. But again, this is Nigeria’s political season and it comes with a lot of absurdities!

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 CORRUPTION is a global problem with various dimensions that many do not realise.

The United Nations, UN, admits that much in its attempted definition of corruption and its consequences.

According to the UN, “Cor r uption is a complex social, political and economic phenomenon that affects all countries.

Corruption undermines democratic institutions, slows economic development and contributes to gover nmental instability.

Corruption attacks the foundation of democratic institutions by distorting electoral processes, perverting the rule of law and creating bureaucratic quagmires whose only reason for existing is the soliciting of bribes.

Economic development is stunted because foreign direct investment is discouraged and small businesses within the country often find it impossible to overcome the “start-up costs” required because of corruption”. Detailed as the definition is, it could not capture dimensions of corruption which vary for countries.

Neither corruption, nor the concern of the UN is new. On 31 October 2003 - 11 years ago - the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention against Corruption and through Resolution 58/4 designated 9 December as International Anti-

Global Corruption, 11 Y ear s On Year ears Cor r uption Day, to raise awareness of corruption and of the role of the Convention in combating and preventing it.

The Convention has been in force since December 2005.

Back home, 9 December passed rather quietly for the type of challenges we face with corruption. A few gatherings discussed the evils of cor r u p t i o n .

Party primaries enjoyed more attention than corruption.

It is not surprising as expenditures around politics cannot measure to any meaningful scrutiny. The International Anti-Corruption Day is meant for political leaders, governments, legal bodies and lobby groups to work together against corruption, by

promoting the day and the issues that surround this event, the UN said.

A recurring matter as Nigerian elites gathered to discuss corruption was impunity which was recognised as one of the numerous factors that promote corruption. Related to impunity are the ease with which officials circumvent laws, celebration of dubiously obtained wealth, and puny sanctions that are imposed in the few instances of successful prosecutions.

The distance governments have created between themselves and the people lead most Nigerians to believe that public resources belong to those in power, who accordingly dip deep into those resources for personal benefits. The attitude to corruption in the private sector is the same, maybe worse.

Corruption manifests in bribery, kickback, cronyism, embezzlement, nepotism, influence peddling, patronage and in electoral and judicial frauds. Existing laws have loopholes that do not recognise some of the listed flanges of corruption.

Strict implementations of anti-corruption laws and creation of systems that scrutinise acquisition of wealth could minimise corruption. Conflicting judgements that castrate the Freedom of Information Act are the latest assault on anti-corruption wars.

OPINION

By Dan Amor

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N a feat of acerbic verbal tantrums, Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka Tuesday December 2, attacked President Goodluck Jonathan and likened the Nigerian leader to Nebuchadnezzar the biblical autocrat and king of Babylon who initially denounced the Living Supreme God. Soyinka who addressed a press conference on the state of the nation at the popular Freedom Garden in Lagos, said that Jonathan is tyrannical because the Inspector General of Police Suleiman Abba stopped the attempt by the defected speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal to enter the Green Chamber of the National Assembly with thugs. The respected professor of dramatic literature who is clearly biased in his recent pronouncements given his current alignment with top leaders of the opposition political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) said so many unprintable things against the administration of President Jonathan.

Indeed, the distinguished playwright is entitled to his opinion especially in a wide democratic space in which freedom of association and of speech is the norm. But it is unfortunate that the renowned literary icon could allow his judgment to be beclouded by ahistorical considerations. By this recent act of likening Jonathan to Nebuchadnezzar, Soyinka has come down from his Olympian height as a global citizen and statesman to the sheer pedestrian rabble of petty villainy and rancour. It is a pointer to the fact that every great intellectual has his weak points.

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Soyinka's demonisation of Jonathan Our own Kongi is no exception. Even with the unsavory political development in Anambra State in 2004 which led to the unfortunate withdrawal of the security personnel of former Governor Chris Ngige after his attempted abduction by the police, no Nigerian, not even Professor Chinua Achebe who rejected former President Olusegun Obasanjo's national award due to that crisis, went as far as comparing the former President with Nebuchadnezzar.

For the benefit of the reader who might not know the ancient/biblical story, Nebuchadnezzar was king of the NeoBabylonian Empire who reigned c. 605BC562BC. He was said to have constructed the Hanging Gardens of Babylon (now Iraq) and the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem.

Nebuchadnezzar II was the fourth king of the Second Dynasty of Isin and Fourth Dynasty of Babylon who ruled for 23 years.

One very notorious fact about him is that Nebuchadnezzar did not recognize the existence of the God of heaven and was basically tyrannical. But he later bowed to and worshipped God when he saw the efficacy of God's mysterious powers as demonstrated by Daniel the young Jewish believer. Given Jonathan's antecedent and pedigree as a faithful adherent of the tenets of the word of God whose administration strictly adheres to the fundamental principles of the rule of law, Soyinka's attempt to demonize him is wicked and unacceptable. In the light of the above statement that Nebuchadnezzar did not

know God and the reality that Soyinka does not believe in the God of heaven, Soyinka and Jonathan, who is like Nebuchadnezzar?

Every discerning Nigerian who can read between the lines knows where Soyinka is coming from. His recent outburst is yet another pure political statement by an APC sympathizer meant to rattle the President and sway the sympathy of Nigerians from his administration. Suddenly everyone who thinks he has something to say has now turned to a primary school headmaster wielding a big stick to whip the leader of the world's largest Black Country. "Jonathan Bashing" is the name of the game. Soyinka who relishes controversy, who enjoys being primed in the fantasy of the media has cooked another meal to attract acclamation. But the applause he received in Lagos in the name of Jonathan-bashing to humour Nigerians was a soured one. It is a grand, though disingenuous alibi not only for parrying the barbs of those who see him as hobnobbing with the opposition, but also a ploy to curry favor from Nigerians for those who vowed to make the country ungovernable and still planning to form a parallel government if Jonathan wins in 2015.

Of course, Soyinka has always been tactless in his political (mis)adventure and intellectual over bearingness. Yet, it is unthinkable that Soyinka is now on the side of the feudal forces still determined to keep Nigeria in perpetual medieval servitude.

Without necessarily alluding to his rapport

with the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida whom he described as an autocrat soon after IBB refused to grant their (he, Achebe and J. P. Clark) petition to spare the life of the poet/soldier Mamman Vatsa, and he burnt his fingers, Soyinka has not always been ideologically so refined as to escape the crudity of the orthodox left. In spite of everything, those of us his younger admirers still manage to ask ourselves: why did Soyinka abandon his search for the killers of Dele Giwa, the colorful Nigerian journalist who was bombed in his study on October 19, 1986?

As a renowned statesman and global citizen, Soyinka's words should act as a soothing balm which would heal this troubled land of ours instead of taking sides in petty partisan showmanship thereby heating up the polity.

It is amply absolutely absurd and antiintellectual for Soyinka to circulate that a man like Jonathan, who cannot hurt a fly, who is so mild and apolitical that even the opposition branded him "clueless" is worse than Nebuchadnezzar. If the truth be told, just as Jonathan has dwarfed the achievements of past administrations in terms of infrastructure, so is also his achievements in the area of fundamental human rights. Jonathan is the most abused and attacked President in the annals of this country, and if not for his humane temperament Nigeria would have been worse than Sudan by now.

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

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014—19

Praying for Atiku Abubakar

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HE title of this article may suggest the topic I am treating is already stale. This is because the result of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries, which started yesterday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere Lagos, will already be known, especially these days of the internet when news circulates across the globe just as it is breaking. But you will soon know why I settled for this title.

Cleared to contest the presidential primaries of the Party were: Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, Mr. Rochas Okorocha and Mr. Sam Nda Isaiah. But we all know that the race is really between the first and second mentioned gents on this list. I am not a cardcarrying member of any political party but I do have my political preference, and I do not mind sharing it with you. The question is, between Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who is my preferred candidate for the APC flag? Right off the bat, I give it to Atiku. Some of you who have followed me on

this forum these past twenty years will surely be surprised.

I have been a reliable critic of Atiku, and for good reasons. Here was a man who threatened to slap the Chairman of the Adamawa State Electoral Tribunal in 2003, Justice Kassim Zanna, for daring to declare that Atiku’s former protégé, Governor Boni Haruna, did not win the 2003 election.

Ironically, it was to the same Judiciary that he ran for protection when the real Nebuchadnezzar of Nigerian politics, President Olusegun Obasanjo, tried to stop him from contesting for president in 2007.

Again, Atiku is a born-to-rule Arewa politician, and this class of politicians I detest without mincing words. Atiku is fond of boasting that once the North decides the rest of the country will follow. This is the mentality that makes some misguided northerners to put their region above Nigeria and dismiss the importance of other regions and their rights to equal share of the Nigerian commonwealth. Atiku went ahead to rally northern

I prefer Atiku to Buhari in the greater national interest. If Atiku loses the presidential election, Nigeria will be a safer place for all than if Buhari flies the APC to another defeat. Buhari has already told us that the blood of monkeys and baboons will mix presidential aspirants in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2010/2011 into forming the Northern Political Leaders’ Forum (NPLF). They later favoured him as their choice Arewa candidate to flush out President Jonathan. But GEJ roundly trounced him at the PDP presidential primaries and went ahead to win the 2011 presidency by a landslide.

Thirdly, in the wake of his politicking as Arewa’s choice in 2010, it was Atiku that announced at a press conference, that those who make peaceful change impossible make violent change inevitable, thus boosting another group of Arewa politicians’ threat to make the country ungovernable for Jonathan unless he dropped his presidential ambition for a northerner. Now, if other

Selfish undertakings and useless oaths

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N entry into new offices, government officials take various oaths. Quite often these oaths are respected only in the breach. This past week, the All Progressives Congress, APC, added yet another new dimension to the abuse of the undertaking and oaths processes when the presidential aspirants were required to sign undertakings that if they lost at the primaries, they would not defect to another party. Not only does this typify the medicine after death syndrome, it also attempts to kill the patient beyond death.

We remember our Child Psychology class of those days where the Professor posited that the only disciplinary language understood by the child is that of the cane. That’s why a child would maintain himself when the mother tells him, “If you fall on the railway line and get crushed by the train, I will cane you”.

Similarly, the only language that is repugnant to a political leader is that his members are trying to decamp to another political party.

Again, the APC is learning fast. Having existed for so long as an opposition party under the self-acclaimed largest party in Africa, as an apprentice, so to say, the APC is now beginning to behave like the big one.

In Nigeria today, there is a total abuse of the oaths swearing and undertaking processes. In fact, by the time political leaders begin to subject their followers to the empty threats of signing these not-souseful undertakings and the meaningless oaths, watch out, for they are up to some mischief! When Senator Chris Ngige was taken to the Okigwe shrines, his handlers already knew the tricks they intended to play on him.

The litmus test of the vainglorious undertakings required by the APC can be C M Y K

located in the golden rule – do unto others as you would want them to do unto you.

Truly, APC has extracted an undertaking from each presidential aspirant.

Meanwhile, the same APC is busy harvesting other defectors who failed to get the nomination of their political parties. In fact, APC may have set up committees, task forces or marketing strategists to lay wait at the entrances of nomination venues to catch those who have failed to secure their parties’ mandates.

In all conscience, what would have been pleasant to the ears is that APC had first resolved not to accept defectors who had failed in other political parties before issuing its own prohibition order.

Essentially, whether you are talking of the “Otokoto shrine”, the “Okija shrine”, APC’s new order, or all those oaths of office and secrecy; oaths and laws that are not backed by real sanctions cannot stand. In all of them, the only oaths that might work are those oaths of confidentiality – by whether name called – which the Federal Government administers on some

When we make laws and regulations that cannot be enforced, we only succeed in weakening an already weak society

Nigerians had this mindset when the North dominated the politics of Nigeria for nearly forty years, which country would Atiku and his cohorts rule? Why not just contest for presidency in a civilised and lawful manner, rallying support from all parts of the country, rather than his parochial perception that Nigeria begins and ends in the North? Why not be a true Nigerian and make me more comfortable having you as a presidential candidate?

Well, Atiku seems to have got the message. Since he resumed his quest for president under the APC banner, he has been crisscrossing the country in his private jets, reviving and revving up what remains of the political structure he and the late Major General Shehu Yar’ Adua set up in the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP). Atiku is more youthful, energetic and intellectually connected than Buhari. Atiku understands Nigeria more than Buhari. If he becomes president he has the capacity to build regional coalitions and alliances to give people a sense of belonging as much as possible.

Atiku is also very adept at assembling people of sound professional backgrounds and track records. He is a very organised person, and his campaign organisations are usually second to none in terms of organisational clockwork. Atiku will also be at home with the legislative arm of government, something I have no idea what Buhari will do if he finds himself as the Chief Executive of the Federation.

Now comes the clincher. I prefer Atiku to Buhari in the greater

selected staff because they carry grave sanctions – if the leakage of that secret is traced to you, you lose your job!

Nigerian political leaders a r e mischievous: they beat you and ask you not to cry. They preach against imposition while they engage in the worst forms of imposition, perhaps oblivious of the fact that the only antidote to a successful election is free, fair and transparent primaries.

The emptiness of the likes of the APC requirement can only be appreciated within the context of one living case: Enter Mallam Nuhu Ribadu: For the purpose of illustration, we shall assume, for a while, that the APC new requirement existed in 2011; and that Nuhu Ribadu signed the undertaking that he would not defect to another party after the nomination.

Initially, the leadership of the ACN saw in this anti-corruption guru, a most viable candidate to fly the party’s flag at the presidential election. But no sooner did they nominate him than they turned their back on him. In fact, in the 2011 presidential election, the same leaders who nominated Ribadu actively encouraged their members to vote against him. Whatever the consideration was, ACN leaders mandated their members to vote for President Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP. In the circumstance, let someone tell me the type of marine rope that ACN would have used to tie Ribadu to the party, particularly when President Jonathan ambushed him with a very juicy job, the type of job most of the ACN leaders themselves would have willingly accepted – Chairman, Petroleum Trust Fund!

Any man who is waylaid is the best judge of how to get home. If a man signed

national interest. If Atiku loses the presidential election, Nigeria will be a safer place for all than if Buhari flies the APC to another defeat. Buhari has already told us that the blood of monkeys and baboons will mix. In view of the bloodthirsty track record of his followers in the North, it is no idle threat. Atiku does not have that kind of followership. Besides, the Turaki of Adamawa has the whole world to lose personally if Nigeria goes up in flames since the main source of his stupendous wealth is rooted in the Niger Delta.

Buhari is riding on the calculation that North plus West is bigger than Nigeria. His victory will take the Igbo people where I come from back to 1984 when they had no voice in the system. I kick against any political arrangement that will not take my people or any other group of Nigerians along. I want a truly national leader.

Atiku will run the system hands-on, surrounded by wellpicked performers. But all Buhari did as head of state was to leave the work for his Deputy, Tunde Idiagbon. As Executive Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund, he left it in the hands of a galaxy of Fulani professionals who simply shared contracts among themselves and friends and aggrandised the North infrastructurally.

I have yet to hear Buhari articulate his economic agenda and how he will actualise it. In fact, I do not know what Buhari forgot in the State House. All I see is a man who wants to prove that if Obasanjo can be a civilian president after ruling Nigeria as a military head of state, so can Buhari.

all the undertakings not to defect from your party on losing nomination; and on his way from a failed nomination, he branches to another party’s secretariat to enlist in the latter’s membership, so be it. What would you do? Would you call the police on him?

Or would you dismiss him from your party after he had left?

Leaders and legislators normally attract problems to themselves when they begin to legislate on morality. One valid theory of criminal punishment is based on the prediction that the threat of unpleasant consequences will deter those who would otherwise engage in crime. What is the APC new requirement intended to achieve? Nothing!

Regardless of what we think we are trying to do, we must be weary of the evils of over-criminalization. When we make laws and regulations that cannot be enforced, we only succeed in weakening an already weak society and in the end, it is undermining of faith in the entire system. And when we legislate on moral issues; issues that should terminate at the advisory level; and issues that could only be talked about and never reduced to writing, we only succeed in drawing unintended attention to such issues while we welcome, perhaps inadvertently, a group of people who might be willing to flout the order, just to slap it on your face that you can do nothing. Time spent in making such regulations is like time spent sleeping with a barren woman. That’s not what the nation needs at this stage of her development.

20 —Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY DECEMBER 11, 2014 — 21

N1.6bn vessel contract: NLNG to build dockyard in Nigeria

By Michael Eboh

N

IGERIA Liquefied Nat ural Gas (LNG) Limited, yesterday, announced plans to build a new dockyard in Nigeria, for the maintenance of its vessels as well as vessels of other operators in the oil and gas and maritime sectors.

The company, in a statement, noted that the dockyard, which will be built in Badagry, is coming on the heels of its $1.6 billion contract with shipbuilders, Samsung Heavy Industries and Hyundai Heavy Industries, for the building of six new vessels.

Babs Omotowa, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, NLNG at the investment forum held at the proposed site for the dockyard in Badagry, said the dry-dock, when completed, holds huge potential for the investment community.

“Our LNG vessels and very large crude carriers (VLCC) of other companies in the oil and gas, and marine industries, which are currently maintained overseas, resulting in millions of dollars being spent overseas, will soon be maintained in-country with tangible value-adds for the Nigerian economy.

Also speaking, Captain Temi Okesanjo, General Manager, Shipping Division, NLNG disclosed that the vessels will serve as a maintenance facility for vessels owned by players in the oil and gas indus-

try.

He said, “I can confidently tell you that if we have a dockyard here, Nigeria LNG with its current 13 vessels in our fleet will be one of your patrons. When our company receives its six additional vessels from Samsung Heavy Industries and Hyundai Heavy Industries, those vessels will also be maintained here.

“I have no doubt the other

players in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry will also be looking to service and maintain their vessels at this ship yard once it becomes operational.”

The company in the statement signed by Kudo EresiaEke, General Manager, External Relations Division, NLNG, further stated that the planned dockyard follows the conclusion of feasibility studies by Royal HaskoningDHV, an in-

From left: Christopher Moore, Publisher and CEO, EMEA Finance; Mrs. Bernadine Okeke, Group Executive, Transaction and Private Banking, First Bank; Mrs. Folake Ani-Mumuney, Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, First Bank; and Tim Burke, Editor, EMEA Finance at the EMEA African Banking Awards 2014 held in London ,where the bank was adjudged the Most Innovative Bank in Africa.

Nigeria needs 160,000 MW of electricity

By Ediri Ejoh & Gabriel Olawale

$178.95

$+44.00

$23.75

$-0.23

$66.29

$+0.10

$63.34

$-2.53

CURRENCY BUYING DOLLAR STERLING EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI

RIYAL KRONA SDR

$-2.6

$2,981.00

167 260.8373 204.8088 170.2692 1.3794 0.2957 242.5549 27.0502 44.4954 27.5205 242.5007

CENTRAL 167.5 261.6183 205.422 170.779 1.3835 0.3057 243.2811 27.1316 44.6286 27.6029 243.2268

168 262.3992 206.0352 171.2887 1.3876 0.3157 244.0073 27.2131 44.7618 27.6853 243.9528

CBN Exchange Rate as 10/12/2014

dependent, international engineering and project management consultancy headquartered in the Netherlands.

To this end, Eresia-Eke disclosed that the NLNG has reached out to the investment community—representatives of banks and other financial institutions— with a view to making the initiative come to fruition.

He said, “Feasibility studies

for citing the dry-dock were carried out on seven places— Badagry, Lekki Free Trade Zone (FTZ), Ladol Island, Ogogoro Island, Olokola FTZ, Onne, Bonny— before consultants identified Badagry as the best-in-class location for the dockyard.”

“NLNG, leveraging on the agreement with the ship manufacturers, secured a number of lucrative opportunities beneficial to the Nigerian economy including the training of about 600 young Nigerians in various aspects of ship-building, procurement of goods from Nigerian companies and the feasibility studies for building a dockyard.”

He explained that observers of Nigeria’s maritime sector have long lamented the absence of an operational dockyard to cater for very large crude carriers (VLCCs) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers as existing dockyards can only handle smaller vessels.

“Lack of such a facility has meant that owners of large vessels in Nigeria and some add, the West African region, have had to pay large sums of money to docking facilities located mainly in Asia, Europe and the Americas that can accommodate such large vessels.

“The dry-dock is also planned to be operated and managed according to international standards, and when operational, will generate revenue and add jobs to the economy,” he said.

N

IGERIA’s energy requirement has been put at 160,000 mega watts to power its industries and homes.

This was disclosed by the Chief Executive Officer, Al grain Food Nigeria Limited, Anthony Obidulu, during the Manufacturing Partnerships for African Development, MPAD, Conference and Trade Expo, held in Lagos.

“In fact, the United Nation estimates that one million people should have 1000 mega-watts of electricity. So, with our population estimated at over 160 million people, it means we need nothing less than 160, 000 mega-watts of electricity,” he said. Obidulu noted that for the country to witness changes in power sector there is need to create favourable investment climate to attract international players in electric generation.

“Government may try other sources of funding but what it may realise from such international organisations will be too small to make any appreciable impact on the country’s energy challenges.”

“Cost of borrowing from the banks is currently at 24 per cent interest, and provision of energy takes about 35 per cent to 40 per cent of manufacturers’ profit; how can SMEs survive? The cost of infrastructure is there. Nigerian banks don’t believe in long term loans; right now it is on the twelve months cycle,” he said. He added that the current short supply across the country has made some companies to rely on diesel or go out of business.

“An SME company like ours, which is only one year old in business, spends between$100,000 and $150, 000 on diesel every month. Bigger companies need between $150, 000 and above every month for that purpose. You have to cope with the pollution, the noise and the stress that goes with running generating sets.

Apart from burning your money and your profit on diesel or fuel, these things also affect your health.”

“Business environment has remained harsh and cost of doing business in Nigeria rated among the highest in the world. Most new outfits close shop within

first year of operation while some hitherto well established companies relocate to neighbouring countries with better business environments” “Due to error in power supply to industries included machine down time with consequent idle labour, raw materials wastages and in this era of robotic operations, damages to sensitive production machines and products controlled by computers has become rampant which in turn serve has a major setback.”

Obidulu who is the Former Regional Director, Africa, for Eagle Vet Technical Company of Korea revealed that the recent survey conducted by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN shows that public power supply in the country was average of four hours a day from the public sources while the balance was generated inhouse by manufacturers through electric generators. “Industries in Apapa, area of Lagos state enjoyed only 3 hours of supply per day during the period under review.

22—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

Most business start-ups underestimate their initial capital requirement and most small business failures have some limited capital undertone to them

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BUSINESS

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Causes of stress for entrepreneurs E

NTREPRENEURSHIP is a venture that is challenging and often stressful.

Although it could make a very wealthy person out of nobody, it could as well reduce a wealthy person to a no body.

The stress experienced by entrepreneurs, has many root causes, most of which are selfinduced. What are some of the causes of stress in the lives of entrepreneurs?

Competition Competition to a very large extent is the major cause of stress for most entrepreneurs.

They worry about what their competitors are doing, who they are getting, what they are planning, where they are going, etc. As much as you need to work to meet up with competition, you don’t have to get stressed about it. You can’t be in control of what your competitors do but at best you can understand the competition and focus on your own actions.

Focus your attention more on competition, not competitors.

Be satisfied with good success and compete with yourself more.

Unrealistic goals You have been taught about the importance of setting goals. You should also have been taught that goals must be S.M.A.R.T for them to be achieved. S.M.A.R.T means they must be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound. This means that before making a decision to work towards achieving a goal, you must be sure it amongst other things, realistic. Many entrepreneurs get stressed up from struggling to achieve goals that are unrealistic. When your goal requires more skills, energy, knowledge, time and other resources than you have available, it is unrealistic. Set realistic goals.

Limited capital Most business start-ups underestimate their initial capital requirement and most small business failures have some limited capital undertone to them. When an entrepreneur underestimates his start-up capital requirement, he soon realizes that he is unable to sustain the operations of the business and has to go borrowing to meet up. Salaries of workers overdue, bills accumulate, production is halted for a while and all these lead to serious stress. Be sure to set aside more than what you think you require as start-up

capital.

Meeting expectations No one goes into business, hoping to fail. Everyone has great expectations to succeed and when this does not happen, it leads to stress. However, the stress caused by unmet expectations is caused more by the disappointment in not meeting the expectations of others, even more than those of the entrepreneur.

Family, friends, loved ones, community, etc. have their expectations which very often we try to meet up. We worry about what they think about us. Ignore the expectations of others, if there are any. Be accountable to yourself alone.

Growth and expansion As much as we all desire growth, not always are we prepared for it. This is especially true in business. When we try to pursue growth and expansion faster than we can cope with it, we get ourselves stressed up and this could lead to a serious crash. Growth and expansion in business could come with added responsibilities, need for more man-power and capital, more thinking and planning, more production needs, more hours of work, more management challenges, more competition, and so on. When all these are what an entrepreneur has to put up with, and is unprepared, the result is stress. Consider seriously your decision to increase/expand your services.

Be sure you are well prepared in terms of resources, to cope with the increase/expansion.

Change and challenges The business terrain is one of the most changing platforms. Every day witnesses the entry into market of new products, practices, expertize, prices and businesses. As people are thinking and coming up with better ways of doing things, there is continuous evolving of the business system. This could lead to serious stress for an entrepreneur.

An entrepreneur needs to be innovative and surround himself with very innovative people. When that is lacking, he will always be steps behind change and innovation.

Change is inevitable in life and very often challenging to cope with. However, there is nothing else you can do about change than to prepare for it, welcome it, and move with it.

In fact, a good entrepreneur is an architect of change himself.

NAIRA EXCHANGE RATES Date Currency 10/12/14 DOLLAR STERLING EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

Buying(N) 167 261.1546 206.3118 171.5636 1.3916 0.293 241.7823 26.9781 44.4989 27.7243 243.2522

Central(N) 167.5 261.9365 206.9295 172.0773 1.3957 0.303 242.5062 27.0593 44.6322 27.8073 243.9805

Selling(N) 168 262.7184 207.5472 172.5909 1.3999 0.313 243.2301 27.1405 44.7654 27.8903 244.7088

Elumelu unveils $100m entrepreneurship programme

BY YINKA KOLAWOLE, with Agency report

C

HAIRMAN of Heirs Holdings and founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr. Tony Elumelu, has launched a $100 million program to support and promote entrepreneurship across Africa.

Elumelu first hinted of the programme in August at the 2014 US-Africa Leaders Summit held in Washington. He said that the initiative, which he described as “a $100 million endowment to encourage the maturation of African entrepreneurs”, is intended to help up to 10,000 budding African entrepreneurs to develop their ideas into sustainable businesses. “We will be providing $100m to 10,000 entrepreneurs across Africa through the soon-to-belaunched Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme.

By democratising access to opportunity, with an emphasis on tapping into the talent

of Africa’s young people, this programme strives to “institutionalise luck”, which is a key factor in the success of any entrepreneur,” he stated.

Seed capital and mentoring Specifically, the programme is to provide 1,000 entrepreneurs a year for the next 10 years with seed capital of $5,000 and additional returnable capital of up to $5,000.

According to Elumelu, by making half of the money returnable, programme participants are encouraged to develop a sense of responsibility. “I want to make sure there is some spirit of accountability,” he added. The application process will begin in January 2015 with the announcement of the first 1,000 participants expected by the end of March. In order to be eligible for the initial $5,000 seed capital, successful applicants will have to go through a 12-week online mentoring and training program.

Parminder Vir, Director of the entrepreneurship program,

Tony Elumelu, Chairman, Heirs Holding

explained: “The business skills training program will give them tools they need to go out and physically implement the lessons they learn.”

The online program will draw on content specifically designed to address the challenges African businesses will face. “During that stage they will have mentors to help them, as well as access to a curated online library to enable them to find information that is relevant to their business,” Vir added. At the end of the 12 weeks, the 1,000 start-ups will attend a threeday forum in Nigeria. “That event will sow the seed for intra-Africa trade, for pan-Africa trade,” she said.

Africa’s economic integration Elumelu, promoting the long-term growth of intra-African trade is one of the key goals of the project. “Intra-African trade is quite low, partly because Africa was wired from colonial times to facilitate trade only with the rest of the world, and partly because of the nature of what we’re trading. We have raw materials but we don’t have the processing capacity to transform them into products that will be useful in Africa. We hope that the successful entrepreneurs in this program will show interest in industrialisation of the continent. That will help us produce more finished goods, which will encourage trade and also put pressure on political leaders to create economic zones, or to enable the movement of goods, people and payments that will facilitate intra-African trade,” he stated.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014—23

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& YOU

If your organisational goal is to improve on employee’s productivity, be more effective and efficient in service delivery, then multitasking may not be in your best interest

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COMMODITIES (10/12/2014) Commodity Light Crude

Last 62.50

Natural Gas

3.67

+0.01

+0.01

Sugar

15.49

+0.07

+0.45

Coffee

178.95

-2.60

-1.43

Cocoa

2,981.00

+44.00

+1.50

Elumelu acknowledged that the program is ambitious, both in its scale and complexity, and that it is unlikely all the entrepreneurs who join will emerge with successful businesses. “If we achieve 30 percent to 50 percent success rate we would have helped significantly in helping the development of the continent,” he added.

Job creation Wiebe Boer, CEO of Tony Elumelu Foundation, said the businesses supported by the program are expected to cre-

Change ($) -1.32

% Change -2.07

vanced mobile-payment systems to new agricultural-insurance models, we are already seeing how entrepreneurship is transforming Africa. But in Africa, business growth alone is not the full story. It is perhaps not even the most important part. Entrepreneurship matters especially for its potential to transform society.

“For centuries, the continent was impoverished by the extraction of raw materials by colonial powers. Africa was unable to generate or sustain its own wealth, as it

Elumelu, promoting the long-term growth of intra-African trade is one of the key goals of the project

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ate at least one million new jobs and generate $10 billion of new revenues. Beyond the promise of receiving financing, mentoring and support, entrepreneurs have an additional incentive to apply - the chance of having their business noticed by Heirs Holding as a potential investment opportunity. According to Elumelu: “Heirs Holdings is a pan-African private investment company. If we see very promising companies that need support, we can do that - through impact investing, through pure commercial investment, through financial support, or even through wider capital raising.”

Elumelu believes that the initiative will enable African entrepreneurs transform the continent. “In 2015 the African entrepreneur will emerge on to the global stage, as a new generation shows the world what those of us doing business in Africa have long known: that our continent is home to some of the most exciting and innovative entrepreneurial talent. From ad-

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was forced to buy finished goods created with African resources at premium prices.

And it lacked basic infrastructure except for the roads and ports built to move exports. If Africa is to transcend that chapter of its history and realise its economic potential, it must first become self-sufficient - and the private sector is vital to this process.

“Imagine the same continent filled with businesses that can process crude oil into petroleum, cocoa pods into chocolate and cotton lint into fabric, all while retaining the finished-goods premium instead of sending wealth overseas. As homegrown businesses meet social and economic needs by creating goods and services with an innate understanding of the local environment, they can bring private capital to vital infrastructure like road transport and power generation. And they can create jobs for Africans, which will in turn create an African middle class - a new generation of African consumers,” he stated.

Multitasking: Is it as effective as we thought?

BY ‘UJU ONWUZULIKE “The shortest way to do many things is to do only one thing at a time”……Sir Richard Cecil

H

AVING worked in a paid employment, I have realized that organizations are not just places to learn only organizational skills but also life skills that will help us perform optimally even after leaving paid employment. So, one can say that organizations can be likened to a learning ground where we equip ourselves with the necessary skills required for optimization.

While working as an employee, I also noticed that most of the times, the people that gave out these lessons to younger people in organizations do so with the right intention and also based on the knowledge and exposure they have or they got from their superiors.

Like any other employee, I was exposed to great lessons that helped me function optimally even after leaving paid employment. One of the things I was told then was to “multitask”. I remembered vividly being told that the only way I can be effective as an employee was to learn how to multitask. Then the journey of multitasking began, and I was doing all I can to please and impress my boss.

And sincerely a lot of people in organizations were also told to multitask at one time or the other. Despite the fact that we tried to do so many things at the same time (just

to impress our boss, and in a bid to be multitasking), our productivity and performance was still falling below the line. I knew something was wrong, but cannot place it then.

My confusion grew the more as I deliver less result trying to do so many things at the same time – like I was told. Then I started researching while employees are performing less when multitasking. Much to my chagrin, I discovered that the term multitasking on its own is even a myth. That means it is a widely held but false belief or idea. What many people see as multitasking is actually “task switching”. That means they switch or shift from one task to the other, but those tasks are not done simultaneously. There is also this misconception that when we multitask, we increase our efficiency and productivity level. It is not true that when we juggle between tasks our productivity increases, but rather it takes more time and definitely our productivity goes down.

By reading this insight, I want managers not to compel their direct reports to multitask, but rather to work with speed, focus on the task at hand and not jumping from one task to the other. When we do two things at the same we are inadvertently lowering the quality of the job we are to deliver, and above all it cost us even more time and sap our energy when we try to do many things at the same time.

The message to managers will be to encourage people to work with speed and at the same time exercise caution.

A key strategy to adopt when faced with so many tasks will be to identify those tasks that are “nice to do” but do not require immediate attention.

The goal here is to learn how to prioritize tasks according to their importance and urgency. Because some tasks might be important but do not require urgent attention.

Final note: If your organizational goal is to improve on employee’s productivity, be more effective and efficient in service delivery, then multitasking may not be in your best interest. People have been made to believe that doing so many things at the same time make them “superstars”, but in reality doing so many things at the same time make us “Super losers”. Because it is not possible to juggle between two to three tasks at the same time and still come up with a good finishing. So, when two things come up at the same time, or let say when a manager gives two tasks to his subordinate, the best thing the subordinate should do first and foremost is to ask: which task has the highest priority and requires urgency? That way he or she knows the task to do first, and not just doing it but doing it effectively.

Uju Onwuzulike, Partner, Haines Centre for Strategic Management (USA) CEO, Mentoring Consult Limited.

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

24 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

Emefiele cautions against panic over naira devaluation *As Naira continues to fall

By Babajide Komolafe

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OVERNOR, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele has cautioned against panic decisions in response to the recent devaluation of the naira.

Meanwhile, the naira continued to fall against the dollar, as it depreciated by N1 against the dollar at the interbank market on Tuesday.

The CBN on November 25th announced 8.4 percent devaluation of the naira by moving the mid-point of the official exchange rate to N168 per dollar from N155.

In response to apprehensions over the impact of the devaluation on prices of imported goods, Emefiele said, “There is cause yet for concern, but there is no need for panic” Speaking at the 48th Annual

Bankers Dinner of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Lagos, Emefiele said the devaluation offers opportunity for local producers and Nigerians to embrace import substitution by patronizing locally produced goods.

He said, “The new value of the naira provides opportunity for entrepreneurs to replace costly imports with cheaper locally made goods. Let me reiterate that the current situation affords us the opportunity to embrace import substitution in Nigeria, thereby reducing the demand for foreign exchange by importers and ultimately conserve our hard earned foreign exchange . With the respect to this, the CBN is already collaborating with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment as well as the Ministry of

Agric and Rural Development as well as the National Youth Service Corp to aggressively begin the first phase of the import substitution programme that would take advantage of the current situation.

Let me cease this opportunity to call on banks to partner with the federal in encouraging import substitution. It beats my imagination to understand why we cannot grow rice, produce milk and sugar in Nigeria. Before I was born, milk was being imported in Nigeria and total, it is still being imported. So, I ask, does it take rocket science to produce milk in this country?

There is no reason for Nigeria to be facing the volatility we are facing today if we had embraced import substitution. The central bank will continue to provide resources to support entrepreneurs. Our recently launched N220 billion was meant to support entrepreneurs to support job creation and entrepreneurial development.”

BRIEFS BITS Devaluation: FG should cut down cost of governance — ICAN

By Providence Obuh

T

HE Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has called on the Federal government to reduce the cost of governance as part of measures to reduce the impact of declining crude oil prices on the economy.

President, ICAN, Mr. Chidi Ajaegbu said this in an interview immediately after the induction of over 500 Association of Accounting Technicians West Africa (AATWA) members at the ICAN centre, Lagos.

Ajaegbu said that the cost of governance in the country is unacceptable and not sustainable both in the long and short term. “So it important that those in power will dispassionately review that cost element of our national budget something must be done to cut back on it, he said.

According to him, “The eight percent devaluation of the currency by CBN in an import oriented economy like ours means that there will be inflationary pressures on goods in the country and when that happen, things will become more expensive, people will have less disposable income and the implication of that is that savings will be impacted on.

“It has a general knock on effect on virtually all the sectors of the economy but in the circumstance, that is probably one of the things to do, we also think that the place to go is a drastic cutting back on cost of governance. “The austerity measures may have some effect but it will be a marginal effect, the whole situations as they unfold actually present an opportunity to this country.”

On deregulation of the petroleum sector, he said, “Petroleum subsidy constitutes about 33 percent, one third of our total budget every year, which is an opportunity to stop earning that kind of money.

“We expect that in the next six months government will evolve a new strategy policy to deal with the problem we are facing now. Devaluation of naira will impact on imported goods and the first primary effect is the man on the street that gets that inflationary measure on the goods bought,” he said.

Firstmonie wins best mobile money operator PROMO: From left: Assistant Manager, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Mr. Seun

Atte; Retail Banking, Sterling Bank Plc, Opeoluwa Olubola; Mr. Gbenga Adegoke and Planning Research and Statistics Officer, Consumer Protection Council, Mrs. Nwosu Esther, at the Sterling Bank Gunner Promo draw in Lagos.

AfDB, AUC to produce Africa Regional Integration Index

T

he African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) have joined forces to produce an Africa Regional Integration Index.

The Index, the first systematic, quantitative, continent-wide monitoring system for regional integration in Africa, is designed to track the progress of African countries and regional economic communities (RECs) towards achieving their shared regional integration goals. It will also track and document the impacts of regional integration in Africa.

The Index will help countries and RECs to identify gaps and

make informed policy decisions on how best to meet their regional integration aspirations and commitments.

Given the novelty of the project and the fact that most of the indicators that are to be used have never been compiled in this manner before, AfDB, AUC and ECA will organize a series of training sessions for national statistical focal points. In the first instance, the three institutions are focusing on training statistical focal points from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries.

The pilot training workshop,

which was funded by the Africa Trade Fund, an AfDB hosted trade-related technical assistance facility, was held from the November 24-28, 2014 at the AUC Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The training brought together statistical focal points from Mauritius, São Tomé and Príncipe, Comoros, Madagascar, Djibouti, Burundi and Cape Verde. The next training workshop is scheduled for February 2015 in South Africa.

It will bring together more than 20 focal points from different RECs and Corridor Agencies.

The three institutions will also present their ongoing work on the Index at the margins of the first joint Africa Directors-General of Statistics meeting in Tunis from December 8-12, 2014, as well as at the African Union (AU) Summit in January 2015.

I

N recognition of its continued effort to drive financial inclusion, lead innovation in mobile payment systems and support the CBN cash-less policy, Firstmonie, the FirstBank mobile money services platform has been awarded the Best Mobile Money Operator in Nigeria by the EFInA Financial Inclusion Awards. This award recognises a leading mobile money operator that is making impact that has significantly driven the uptake of mobile money in Nigeria.

EFInA created the financial Inclusion Awards to celebrate organisations that have made significant contribution to financial inclusion in Nigeria According to the Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, FirstBank, Folake Ani-Mumuney, we have led financial inclusion for over 120years and Firstmonie is creating the largest Agent network and liquidity management infrastructure in Nigeria to support the operations of its mobile payment service, which undoubtedly, will be a great asset to the proposed financial empowerment of the under privileged and the unbanked section of the economy.

Also speaking on the award, the MD Pridar Systems Limited, Mike Ogbalu said that the award is a testament to our leading position in driving innovative mobile payment systems and our commitment to continuously deliver innovative products and solutions, part of which includes enhancing the robustness of our mobile banking and mobile payments platforms. Our ultimate aim is to create more value for our customers.

Firstmonie is designed to enhance financial inclusion and cater for millions of Nigeria’s unbanked and the underbanked citizens, as well as align with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s policy to promote a cashless or cash-lite economy in Nigeria. The Firstmonie solution was provided to entrench e-banking through the use of the mobile phone and to mitigate the challenges of banking services delivery to the vast unbanked market.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 — 25

*From Left: Dr Yahaya Abubakar, Rector, Federal Polytecnic Mubi; Prof Nduka Ethelbert, Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Benin; Mr Aminu Ayodele, Deputy Rector (Academic); Mr Ajiboye Ayodele, Deputy Rector (Administration); Prof Evangellos Dedoussis, University of Dubai; Dr Jen Saidu Umaru, Rector, Federal Polytecnic Bali; Prof Akpochafo Williams, Delta State University, Abraka; Mr Aliezi Ogchanwo, Bursar, University of Port Harcourt; Prof Oghuvbu Patrick, Delta State University, Abraka; Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, CEO, Executive Trainers Ltd during an executive training on Quality and Accountability in Higher Education held in Dubai, UAE recently.

Shekarau laments corruption

by Nigerian graduates

By Dayo Adesulu & Kelechukwu Iruoma

E

DUCATION has remained a vital tool in human existence.

It is regarded as the act of acquiring knowledge and skill in different spheres of life. An educated person is believed to have acquired the skill of being logical and rational, knowledgeable and sceptical in his or her dealings. Education does not only give us the privilege of

Pg. 26

19-yr-old clinches Luzneema Canadian scholarship award Pg. 27

of broadening our horizon. It cultivates us and also civilizes us in every aspect of our life and also makes us think in a scholarly way.

Education is broad based, in the sense that not only do we get the skill and knowledge from our various disciplines; we also get them from

other disciplines. Education in contemporary Nigeria seems to be loved more than any other thing, as the number of those who go to school is growing rapidly despite the lack of employment after graduation. In the

Continues on page 26

Nigeria, first in Sub-Saharan Africa to deliver ISA to schools

F

LearnAfrica rewards NECO best students

C M Y K

acquiring knowledge, it also helps us develop our sense of morality, ethics and the dexterity of presenting facts when necessary.

The great philosopher, Plato once said “a man who lacks education is the most savage of all beasts. In other words, education gives us the chance

OR their excellent commitment to embed ding an international dimension in their curriculum, Glisten International Academy, Abuja, Grace Schools,Lagos, Jephthah Comprehensive Secondary School, Rivers and CITA International School, Rivers have been presented with the British Council International School Award (ISA) The British Council International School Award is a global benchmarking project that recognises the outstanding work done by schools that are committed to developing international dimensions in the curriculum to help young learners become effective global citizens.

Lynda Ashaolu, Project Manager Schools, while speaking at the awards presentation ceremony in Lagos said that across the world there is a growing recognition that scoring high marks in exams

alone will not ensure success for young people.

Ashaolu pointed out that only those who will be able to collaborate, think critically, work inter-culturally and resolve issues creatively, will take the world forward.

According to her; “Teaching these valuable skills can be quite challenging but by working with each other, young people across the world can develop these skills enjoyably, while mastering their core subject areas.

“ISA provides a framework for schools to develop an action plan and implement international activities throughout the year, and encourages schools to collaborate with schools overseas to create a rich learning experience for students through use of ICT, creative pedagogical practices and real context for learning.”

Continues on page 26

26 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

LearnAfrica rewards NECO best students

By Dayo Adesulu

M

ASTER Nder Se sugh Samuel from Vaatia College, Makurdi , Benue State has emerged overall best candidate in the 2014 NECO examination in Nigeria.

Just as the duo of Adesokan Adediran Sakirudeen and Raji Oluwatobi Quadri who are the first and second best in Lagos State, emerged the overall second and third best students in Nigeria respectively. Adepoju Barakat Aderonke, a student of Chrisland College, Idimu won the third best award in Lagos State.

Of the 111 candidates comprising the three best candidates in each state including the federal capital territory, 50 awardees were female, while 61 were male.

In the breakdown of winners, Makinde Victor, a student of College of Education Demonstration Secondary School, Ikere Ekiti, won the new concept prize for the best score in Mathematics; Abu Ehiozomwangie from Ase-Osa Hope Founda-

tion School, Benin, won the new concept prize for the best score in English; Mary Adamu of Government Girls Day Secondary School, Zamfara State, received Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh prize for the best score in Biology; while Agbaijoh Ikiyouko-Amiyen of Ukhuba-Ama High School, Ajapa, Kogi State won the J.F. AdeAjayi prize for the best score in History.

Sakirudeen won a cash prize of N80, 000 and plaque in the national award, with additional cash prize of N40, 000 and a certificate in the state award; Quadri went home with N60, 000 and a plaque in the national award and an additional N30, 000 and certificate in the state award; while Aderonke won a cash prize of N20, 000 and a certificate.

Speaking at the LearnAfrica - NECO Excellence Awards ceremony held at Felix Iwerebon House, Ikeja, Lagos, Learn Africa Education Development Foundation's Chairman, Chief Emeke Iwerebon, restated the foundation's commitment to continue to encourage students and teach-

ers who posted brilliant results in National Examination Council (NECO) examination.

He said: “The award is targeted at students, teachers and schools as a way of encouraging strong commitment to learning and healthy rivalry. It is also appreciate teachers for their dedication to duty, and schools for providing the right atmosphere for effective teaching and learning.”

According to him, the initiative which is the corporate social responsibility arm of LearnAfrica, is targeted at highlighting the importance of education to national development.

Iwerebon who tasked the awardees to be committed to life-long learning said: “Only those who develop the ability to continuously acquire knowledge can become masters of their fate rather than victims of circumstances.”

However, not only did winners receive cash prizes and certificates at the ceremony, the winning schools and teachers received certificates and books for their effort.

*From Left: Managing Director Speakwell Consulting Ltd, Ifeanyi Enukorah, British Council Schools Project Manager, Lynda Ashaolu, British council Director of Business Support Services, Lucy Pearson, Head of School Centre, Roland Ebiye-Foripamo and Principal of Cita International School, Rivers State, Kuyak Bassey, at the International Schools award presentation by British Council at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday.

Nigeria, country in Sub-Saharan Africa to deliver ISA to schools Continues from page 25 According to her, “Nigeria is the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to deliver the ISA to schools. The programme was launched in the country in June 2013 and the pilot round had an intake of 8 schools. "I have been impressed and delighted by the range of international activities that have taken place in these schools

and to hear the feedback of how these activities have helped to raise young people’s awareness of the wider world and challenge many stereotypes that exist.”

During the ISA journey each school has been involved in designing activities within their existing subject curriculum aimed at opening a window to other countries and cultures, giving teachers and

pupils a new outlook on the world, creating links between teachers from other countries as well as facilitating best practice and the development of new skills.

The project was launched in Nigeria in June 2013 and is conducted by the British Council in countries such as United Kingdom, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Vietnam and Egypt.

Shekarau laments corruption by Nigerian graduates Continues from page 25 society that we are in now, if you are not educated, you will not be recognized.

Corruption has been a cankerworm that has ravaged this country. It has destabilized and eaten up every sector in Nigeria. In contemporary Nigeria, if you are not educated, you can never get employed. In other words, it is quite apparent that those who occupy leadership seats in all sectors and agencies in Nigeria are all educated.

Even with that, corruption in this country is yet to be wiped away or even reduced.

When the Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau visited University of Lagos on an Impact Assessment Tour of Tertiary Institutions recently, he revealed that: “Education is the main engine room for the movement of our nation Nigeria. Education is meant to make us responsible human beings and help us change our attitude for better.”

He also noted that lack of patriotism is causing problems in Nigeria, According to him; “ we are having more graduates and we are still having more 419 people. Why should we be having more educated people and more corrupt people?"

In an interview with the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Professor Julius Ihonvbere who was represented by his Personal Assistant, Mr. Austin Osigwe when he visited University of Nigeria, Nsukka, he noted that; “If children are not sent to school and orientated properly, it will boost corruption in Nigeria. Education liberates the mind. It frees the human mind and develops the human mind ethically.”

With the benefits of education and its impact on humanity, education still does not find solutions to the problem of corruption in Nigeria. Corruption still eats up every sector in Nigeria, thereby destroying the image of the country.

Where could the problem be arising from? Could it be lecturers? Or from the students? Can we say is from the situation in Nigeria? Is it because of unemployment?

Apparently NOT! Because only those who are employed control the various industries in Nigeria.

To attempt to write an article on corruption in Nigeria is like taking the bull by the horns. It is a difficult, dangerous and an unpleasant task. It is difficult because it is a hydraheaded monster with an indefinable number of strands in its makeup. As a cancer, its manifestations are subtle, abnormal, highly pervasive and weltering. Corruption is the perversion or abandonment of standard.

Corruption doesn’t help the nation to grow; rather, it hampers growth. Corruption is an act of wickedness and impurity. Our leaders are believed to have possessed this gift of wickedness and impurity. Who are these leaders?

Are they not educated? Why do they involve themselves in illegal acts instead of transforming the nation? These and more are fundamental questions that we keep asking ourselves every day.

Why is Boko Haram against Western education? Because they believe that it corrupts the minds of the people.

Analytically, looking at the situation in Nigeria can we take this assertion as true and sound? They have murdered thousands of people because they want Western Education to be scraped.

In a chat with journalists in 1999, a former senator of the federal republic of Nigeria, Senator Adolphus Wabara bluntly stated that; “Corruption is a household thing.

There is virtually no Nigerian who is not corrupt. The entire nation is corrupt, (Chuta, 2004:5). Governor of Rivers state, Gov. Rotimi Amaechi last year said; “We steal because Nigerians don’t stone us.” Nigeria's money has been embezzled by those who call themselves educated politicians.

There are apparently many cases of corruption in Nigeria but all cannot be exhausted here. It is lack of patriotism that has left our society bereft of public spiritedness, philanthropy and love for humanity. When highly placed public officials would inordinately seek to grab higher material benefits and positions for themselves, their relations and their children yet unborn, rather than make sacrifices for the humanization of the downtrodden masses, there will be slim chances of arresting the pace of corruption in the country.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014—27

19-yr-old clinches Luzneema Canadian scholarship award

*From left: Mrs Mobo Oresegun, CEO, Luzneema Foundation; Miss Cecilia Oluwasola, winner of Luzneema 2014 scholarship award and her grandmother, Mrs Florence Ajayi Lawrence during the award in Ogudu, Lagos.

By Dayo Adesulu

T

HE winner of Luzneema Foundation scholarship award has emerged. Miss Cecilia Oluwasola Osho 19, beat nine final contestants to clinch the only 2014 slot for Nigerian youths to study in Canada.

The Chief Executive Officer of Luzneeema Foundation, Mrs Mobo Oresegun said about 100 applications were received for the scholarship.

After several screening, she noted, ten candidates were shortlisted for the interview where Cecilia beat nine contestants to clinch the only slot.

In Cecilia's reaction after she was announced winner, she said; “I feel really good to be the recipient of this scholarship, its like manna from heaven.”

Recalling how she knew about the scholarship award, she said it was like an answer to her prayers after going through a lot in recent times.

“I thank God I finally made it,”she said.

Relaying her experience before she emerged winner.

Cecilia said; “Before the interview, I was disoriented because I didn’t come along with all the required documents for the interview, but I kept hope alive.

“I had tried my hands on so many things in the past, so I wanted to give this Luzneema Canadian scholarship a try.

As I hoped for the best, God ensured this came at the right moment for me and at the right age because it is just for people that are from 15 to 19 and am already 19, which means the door is automatically closed for me to reapply next year.”

Asked what she intends to study in Canada, she picked Economics and gave reasons for her choice. According to her; “I see myself as this big entrepreneur. I just want to create things for myself and opportunities for other people to make Nigeria better. I have big dreams, one day I am going to probably run for president of Nigeria. So, I don’t think I am going anywhere, I will be here in the country after completion of my studies.”

On her part, Cecilia’s grandmother, Mrs. Florence Ajayi Lawrence said: ”It means a lot to me and I thank God because it’s a long journey.”

According to her, getting admission into a university is not easy because Cecilia had written so many exams in the last few years.

Her words: “Its just recently she was shortlisted at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ife. Its only God, as this just came like a miracle and I have confidence in her that she will do well and not disappoint the foundation and the country.

“At first, I expressed my doubts about the scholarship thing, however, I gave her money to buy the form. I did not expect anything until she told me I have to follow her today for the interview."

“But what I am happy about is her industrousness and enterprising spirit. While awaiting admission she didn’t idle about, as she took every opportunity to develop herself.

“Today, she can make bags, shoes, beads and so many other craft."

OAU offers 127 1st class graduates scholarships

By Gbenga Olarinoye, Osogbo

T

HE Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, Professor Idowu Omole, has said that the 127 out of 9,094 graduating students with first class would be granted automatic scholarship, while some of them may be given jobs at their respective faculties as graduate assistant.

Addressing a press conference as part of activities th lined up for the 40 convocation ceremony of the institution, the VC said 127 graduating students made first class, while 2,360 made 2nd class upper and lower divisions, while the university had for the past three years

been the best and number one varsity in the country.

“I am particularly happy that the spot light has beamed on Nigerian universities by several world renowned academic bodies, most especially the Cyber-metrics Labs of Spain, a world renowned Research Council, which has for the third consecutive time ranked and rated OAU Ile-Ife as the best and number one university in Nigeria.

“This, no doubt, is good news, not only to us in OAU but to all Nigerians because this is the first time ever, in the history of education in Africa, that a particular university would continuously be rated the best in Nigeria for three consecutive years.”

In the areas of provision of qualitative education through

the application of modern technology to teaching, research and community service, Professor Omole stated that OAU was the leading varsity in Nigeria in Information Communication Technology, ICT, with internet access bandwidth of 600Mbps, which is the largest in the entire Nigerian University system.

He also noted that the university has been a pace setter in other ICT related innovations including being the hub for the use of iLab - a scientific innovation which enables users to perform experiment at a remote location over a network, adding that with the use of iLab, students and researchers need not be in a physical laboratory to carry out experiment.

GCUOBA seeks take-over of school

By Amaka Abayomi

M

EMBERS of the Government College, Ughelli Old Boys’ Association (GCUOBA) have reiterated their desire to take over the school, saying the school would be better administered under the control of the old students.

This was disclosed by the Vice-President of the GCUOBA, Lagos Branch, Mr. Clement Djebah, who said the Delta State governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, had promised to hand the school over to the old boys on two occasions, which was resisted by the teachers and other stakeholders.

“If there is any thing that will please the old boys of Government College, Ughelli, Delta State, it will be the take over of the college from the state government to run and manage it effectively. This is because the school requires regular monitoring, which is not guaranteed under the government.” Djebah said.

Continuing, Djebah said “the old students can run the school perfectly well as we have more than 50 retired principals and seasoned administrators like the President-General, Chief Joseph Akpieyi, and the former Chairman, Governing Council, University of Lagos, Gamaliel Onosode. Everyone is on ground to see that to fruition, especially because we just want that government bureaucracy off.”

The Vice-President of the GCUOBA listed the achievements of the association to include provision of facilities and renovation of structures such as the provision of 50 internet ready computers, a N12 million tractor, a sick bay, renovation of hostels and donated the Felix Esi ICT Centre, the archives and library projects.

At the event, the association honoured some of its members for their outstanding and exemplary contributions to the progress, growth and success of GCUOBA and the college. They were Mr. Alfred Irabor Okoigun, who received the S.B Agodo Medal Award; Prof. Itse Sagay received the Merit Award of GCUOBA, Lagos Branch; Mr. Gabriel Omoruyi received the B.A Clark Award for meritorious service.

12 finalists emerge in UBA Foundation National Essay contest

By Tare Youdeowei

T

WELVE finalists have been announced in UBA Foundation’s National Essay Competition.

The competition, which is open to all students of Senior Secondary Schools in Nigeria, is a follow up on the Foundation’s Read Africa Initiative and aims at providing a competitive platform to develop the intellectual and writing abilities of senior secondary school students in Nigeria.

The entries were evaluated and graded by four English Language Professors from different Nigerian Universities.

The 12 highest scoring candidates were then selected.

The Managing Director and CEO, UBA Foundation, Ijeoma Aso said: “We noticed significant improvement in the quality of entries in this year ’s competition. We commend all students who took time to send in an entry.

I encourage them to keep writing even if they did not make the list of final 12 because great writing skills can only be acquired by writing consistently.”

Meanwhile, all the 12 finalists have been invited to write a second essay under the supervision of UBA Foundation.

The second essay, which will be written 11:00am on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at the UBA House will be under the strict supervision of the bank’s representatives.

The final three winners will be announced at a short ceremony that will be held at UBA House on Monday, December 15, 2014.

The writer of the winning essay will receive N1, 000,000.00 in educational grant from UBA Foundation.

The first runner up, will be given N750, 000.00 in educational grant and N500, 000.00 in educational grant goes to the 2nd runner up. They can use the educational grants to study any course of their choice at any African University of their choice.

All 12 finalists are also given a laptop and a signed certificate.

28 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

Why old students must support their Alma mater — ECOBA

Dr. Osarieme Bazuaye

E

do College still remains one of the cherished schools in Nigeria and this old generation school has churned great men for Nigeria. However, some former students of the school, who left the school 50 years ago have decided to return to their old school to contribute their quota and the coordinator of this initiative, Dr. Osarieme Bazuaye told journalists that it is high time that former students returned to their alma mater and make meaningful impact. Excerpts Why is the group organizing the programme?

It has become an accept able norm or phenome non that attaining 50 years in any sphere of life, as our event suggests, is a landmark that needs some degree of celebration.

The idea of putting this event together came about on August 21, 2013 at the residence of Dr. Tajudeen Lawal in Benin City.

It was there we initiated the programme for the celebration of 50 years of leaving Edo College.

For us, 50 years after leaving the school has been worthwhile because it was at Edo College, we were taught most of the things that helped to shape our lives. Also it affords us the opportunity to thank God for keeping us alive through God’s mercy. For us it is a landmark celebration which we want to celebrate and also impact the school as well as the students.

Most of us are in our 60s and C M Y K

class teachers and with nonacademic staff to the envy of other schools. Sporting activity was compulsory for all students and this provided a lot of camaraderie, fun and excitement among the student community. The cricket game was most thrilling peculiarity in Edo College because it was played mostly by the elite government colleges.

In terms of academic excellence, there was a strong culture of meritocracy because of high quality teaching in the school. There was sense of friendly competition that pervaded the academic life in the campus. Students came from all parts of the country and English was the official language in the school. Most of the teachers were alumni from the famous and prestigious universities in Great Britain, Cambridge, Oxford and University of London.

What should be the role of old students to their Alma matter?

The role of old students to their alma mater is in two folds.

They must exhibit to current students, as champions of the old school tradition, values and leadership characters. Also they must support the material needs of the school based on the requirements of the school authorities. It is now obvious that government can no longer provide the necessary funds to adequately run the school unlike in our days when government provided the amenities and everything was in place.

Also, former students who are doing well in their chosen fields should create time to return to their Alma matter to inspire and

we feel it is necessary we remember our school and also go back and do something to better the lot of the school for the present generation.

Can you relive the memory of the group at Edo College?

I can recollect that 25 boys from different parts of Nigeria, namely the old Western, Eastern Regions and Lagos arrived Benin City and proceeded to the original Iyaro campus of Edo College on motivate the January 19, young ones to 1960. We were take a cue from still under the them. This can The role of British colonial complement the old students rule and at that efforts of the time admission school manageto their alma to Government ment in churnmater is in Colleges was ing out welltwo folds. strictly on acarounded stuThey must demic merit. On dents. We are arrival at the exhibit to most delighted campus, we were to be celebrating current studistributed to this occasion dents, as four houses, and the camarachampions of namely Eweka, derie we dethe old school Ozolua, Esigie veloped while and Speer. in school and tradition, I could also remaintained for values and call that Edo Colfive decades. leadership lege joined the We quite becharacters. elite Government lieve that the Colleges on Febschool experiAlso they ruary 1937 and ence was the must support in that league greatest legacy the material we had the likes for us and we needs of the of Government also remember College, Ibadan our colleagues school based (GCI); Governwho have since on the rement College passed on and quirements of Ughelli in Westpray for good the school ern region and health among along with others the rest of us. authorities in other parts of We also want Nigeria. to use this platEdo College is the premier form to support the school essecondary school in the old pecially in terms of the welfare, Mid-Western region and dur- while we urge other old boys ing our time in school, the col- to likewise remember their lege was endowed financially. alma mater.

We had excellent educational amenities coupled with first

FGC P-Harcourt Old Student’s Association honours Olaniyi, others

I

T was a moment of camaraderie and nostalgia for the former students of the prestigious Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, who converged at the weekend to honour some of their members who have distinguished themselves in their various careers.

Among those honoured at an elaborate ceremony held at The Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday, was Tunji Olaniyi, Managing Director of Cosmos Trade Nigeria Limited and Founder of Safety and Protection Management Solutions (SPMS) Limited who, according to the President of the Association’s Lagos Chapter, Chike Onuorah, has not only shone in his profession but has made immense contributions towards the institution’s alumni course.

Onuorah eulogized Olaniyi for being a good ambassador of the College and urged him as well as the other awardees

to continue with the stride as the institution’s students and perhaps Nigeria’s younger generation look up to them as role models.

An elated Olaniyi expressed appreciation to the organizers of the award and pledged his commitment to the task of sustaining the status of his alma mater as one of the foremost institutions in Nigeria.

“I feel honoured by this award. I want to say that I stand committed to the development of the college and to the task of making Federal Government College, Port Harcourt retain its position as one of the foremost institutions in the country,” Olaniyi said.

Others who were honoured included Biriyai Dambo (SAN); Paul Nwabuikwu, Special Adviser on Strategic Communication to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala; Gogo Kurubo, Financial Analyst.

Onwordi Onichabor President, Integrity International Magazine, presenting the Global Leader of Integrity Award to Chief Alex Duduyemi Chairman/CEO Bolex Holdings Limited held in Abuja recently.

NGO tasks students on skills development

By Faith Olatide

N

ON Govermental Organization, JADE Academy, has tasked students on the need to develop themselves so as to meet up with the demands of a global world.

Making the charge at a youth empowerment seminar organised for secondary school students in Isolo, Lagos, recently, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State government on Lagos Eko project, Ms Ronke Azeez, admonished the students to take responsibility for their future and stop waiting for others.

The summit, which was the fifth since its inception featured talks on sex and sexuality, as well as performance from artistes.

Speaking at the event, the founder of LDB Solution Center, Mr Ighotome Mukoro advised the students to look inwards and discover the treasures that God has given them. Speaking on the topic, How far can you see?, he urged pupils to be positive and allow themselves to be mentored.

In her remarks, Founder of the JADE academy, Miss Olorunfemi Adelaja urged students to be focused and hardworking.

Attending students described the summit as enriching and full of impact, as they were full of thanks to JADE academy for the project.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 — 29

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30—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

Research & Development

By Ebele Orakpo

O

n Saturday, December 6, 2014, six primary schools from around Lagos gathered at the Laureates College hall, Aviation Estate, Mafoluku, for the second edition of the annual science exhibition organised by the college.

According to the Proprietress of the College and Nigeria’s first female doctorate degree holder in Structural engineering, Dr Olatokunbo Somolu, the annual event became necessary due to the declining interest in the sciences among students in Nigeria.

“A lot of people now go into the world of entertainment, music and films, and we know that science is the bedrock of mankind and development anywhere. So if we do not try to draw the attention of the children back to science, then the country will be heading in the wrong direction. We just have to go back to the sciences. Again, because we (my husband and I) are scientists, we want to emphasize the sciences,” she said.

In attendance were pupils and teachers from Cuddly Kids School, Crystal County School; Toplat Private School (all in Amuwo Odofin); Havila-Crest Nursery & Primary School, Ajao Estate; Mission Field School, Festac and Kiddies Kingdom Private School, Mafoluku, who show-

Laureates College holds science exhibition

*Pupils of Toplat Private School demonstrating the Principle of floatation.

cased their projects.

Since science and technology is all about making life easier, the children displayed their various projects which aimed at doing just that to the admiration of their colleagues and teachers.

First was Crystal County School which demonstrated the reflection and refraction of light by a mirror. They demonstrated how mirror, made primarily of sand, reflects light. They enumerated other items made from sand to include glass cups, glass bottles, sliding doors and windows.

They also demonstrated the use of the microscope, telescope (used to observe stars and planets), binoculars and

*A junior student of Laureates College explaining their project

periscope. They said "an android phone or other devices can be attached to the periscope and kept in the house and in your absence, you can view all the activities going on around the house. It can be used to control insurgencies, thefts and excesses of nannies."

Next was Toplat Private School which demonstrated the Principle of floatation.

They noted that 70 per cent of the earth is covered by water. “Out of that 70 per cent, 97 per cent is salty; two per cent is frozen while only one per cent is potable. Brine simply means salt water. The more the salt, the more an object can float." Using a transparent container, table

salt, an egg, a teaspoon and tablespoon, they were able show the audience how to make an egg float on water.

They pour 7.5cl of water into the container, added one teaspoon of salt and dropped the egg. The egg sank to the bottom of the container. They then removed the egg, added 10 tablespoons of salt to the same water, mixed it thoroughly and dropped the egg. This time, the egg floated.

Havila-Crest Nursery & Primary School, demonstrated how to detect and repair electrical fault in an extension box. Children were, however, warned not to attempt this unless there are informed adults around to

“I hold that man in the right who is most in league with the future”. Henrik Ibsen, 1828-1906. VANGUARD BOOK p 77.

Apart from the Federal Minister of Finance, who had demonstrated absolute incompetence in forecasting the trend of the price of crude oil and the inevitable devaluation which followed, economists in Nigerian universities stand right behind her among those deserving blame for not warning Nigerians about the calamity about to befall the nation.

I was in the USA when the first oil shock sent the global economy into a tail spin.

Within weeks of the announcement of production devaluation of the currency, cut back by the Organisation of started building up from about Petroleum Exporting two years ago; they gathered Countries, OPEC, driving up momentum last year and the price of crude by over 100% slammed into the global crude in three days, seminars were oil producers at break neck being arranged on various speed this year. university campuses, leading While the storm gathered economists in America were force, not one leading busy sending well-researched economist in any of our papers to professional journals, universities took it upon as well as newspapers warning himself to warn Nigerians.

Americans about what to The Nigerian Economic expect.

Society, if it still exists, behaved The American Economic as if all the drama which will Society very quickly savage our lives were taking commissioned papers to be place on another planet. As for written by experts on several the Nigerian Institute for aspects of the economy which Economic and Social will feel the impact of the OPEC Research,NISER, the less said decision. about its benign neglect of Within weeks, Americans inevitable national economic had a broad idea of what to doom the better. expect.

The most remarkable thing By contrast, the series of about their collective silence is events which led to the first

Devaluation and its consequences for varsities the fact that varsities and NISER, as well as all the research institutes in Nigeria, under-funded as they are, at the moment, will become more impoverished next year and for several years to come.

Indeed, the most important questions to ask are: will ASUU go on strike again in 2015?

When? Why? The last is the easiest to answer. If ASUU embarks on strike again in 2015, it will be because government would have failed to redeem its funding pledge to the varsities. And government will surely fail because its revenue is shrinking so fast, on account of crude oil prices, it must cut back on aggregate expenditure – recurrent or capital.

Academicians can't expect that they will be exempted from

the hammer that will fall on everybody. Furthermore, they will strike in vain. There will simply be no money to redeem the promises Jonathan made to get them to return to campuses this year.

The question begging for answer is: will ASUU go on strike? They will be presented with all the reasons to do just that.

With aggregate expenditure slashed, all around, academic and nonacademic staff will also be affected.

Unfortunately for ASUU leaders, this is the sort of situation which brings forth demagogues, people who will push the current leaders not to compromise on any part of the agreements already signed – even when it is clear that government simply cannot

guide them.

Mission Field School made a balloon-powered car and electric fan using cardboard, cello tape, scissors, straw, bottle covers and balloon.

Kiddies Kingdom Private School demonstrated how volcanoes erupt after giving a brief insight into the nature of volcanoes. “A volcano is a mountain that opens downward to a pool of molten rock below the surface of the earth,” they said.

Using a tray, colour, acetic acid, newspaper, plastic bottle and sodium carbonate, they showed the audience how a volcano erupts, adding that after a volcanic eruption, one can find diamond as one of the products.

There was also an exhibition

by Laureate College junior students on Solar-powered LED light and car battery charger. "The Led lights reflect when they tap energy from the sun. This is what is used for Led displays," they said.

Some of the participants said they learnt a lot from the exhibition and that would spur their love for the sciences.

The principal of Laureates College, Mr. Ibrahim Sadiq said the exhibition was deliberately planned because “one cannot begin to imagine a world without science. Science and technology is the hallmark of living today and that is why the college is highly committed to the promotion of science.”

fulfill all its obligations arising from previous years.

Can the federal government plead force majure, inability to pay, and request for the agreements to be revisited in light of new economic realities, which few, except UniJankara academics, foresaw when the existing agreement was signed. Few, except us could have imagined that crude selling for $118 per barrel last year would go down as low as under $70 today.

Once the year starts and allocations to varsities fail to cover all the agreed entitlements, the demagogues will take over and press for their pound of flesh. The nation will experience the equivalent of the struggle between the irresistible force and the immovable object.

Something must give way.

Government will either fail to pay and another strike will occur; or government will fail to pay and there will be no strike. One thing is certain.

Government will not be in a position to pay everything it promised.

When will the confrontation occur? President Jonathan’s reelection bid had been partly insulated from the pressure which an ASUU strike can exert on him.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 — 31

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32—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

Education: Vital for national development- Aregbesola

BY KELECHUKWU IRUOMA

Covenant varsity partners Lancaster on teaching, research

By Kelechukwu Iruoma

T

HE administration of Lancaster University, Ota, has entered into a partnership with Covenant University, Ota, on teaching, research and summer school.

This was stated during a recent visit by Lancaster team to Covenant University.

Lead by the International Officer, Lancaster University, Mr. Jamie Vegad, and the institution’s representative in Ghana, Mr. Nom Habu, they noted that their mission was to have a formal deliberation on the modalities for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Covenant University, which would cover areas like split doctorate degree programmes, sharing of library resources, exchange of faculty, staff and students, research partnerships, among others.

Expressing the desire to see a more vibrant and functional MoU between the two institutions, the Vice Chancellor, Covenant University, Professor Charles Korede Ayo, said; “The whole essence of an MoU is that it is functional and rewarding to both parties, and developing the right incentives is key to a successful drive of the partnership.”

In his remarks, Mr. Jamie Vegad stated; “I strongly hope that this would be an oppor-

tunity which would proceed to the next level. The MoU is a meaningful document and should be a working document and I hope this would be a start to a good relationship.”

Mr. Vegad expressed the interest of Lancaster University to engage with students from

across the globe on the platforms of teaching and research, and Summer School, noting that students from Covenant University currently running Masters’ programmes in Lancaster University were doing brilliantly well and the University would like to have more of Covenant

•From left: Chief Samuel Babatunwase, Chairman Federal Civil Service Club, Ikoyi, Engr. Laolu Oguntuyi, Director, Lagos State Vocational and Technical Education Board and Engr. suleiman Akinola Oseni, National President, MOMTAN, during its National Symposium and Award ceremony held in Ikeja, Lagos.

Lafarge partners Ovie Brume Foundation to boost literacy

By Tare Youdeowei

Lafarge Africa has partnered Ovie Brume Foundation, a non-governmental organisation to promote literacy and boost reading culture among primary school pupils in Nigeria. This was disclosed during its maiden literacy competition held in Lagos.

Speaking during the competition, Mrs Iwalola Akin-Jimoh, the executive director, Ovie Brume

foundation said that Gombe State hosted the first regional competition for the North East region, Ibadan for the South West region and Port Harcourt for the South South region.

She said, “Winners from these regions contested for the overall first place, with AkwaIbom State team emerging first place.”’

Meanwhile, the CEO of Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr Guillaume Roux who was passionate about education noted that the more people

improve in education, the more they will improve the economic environment of their society.

Speaking in same vein, the Chairman, Board of Directors, Ovie Brume Foundation, Mrs Evelyn Oputu, said, ‘’One of the best ways for a person to take advantage of all that is happening around the world is by being able to communicate.”

According to her, “Being unable to communicate hinders you from the very beginning. So believe that this is the best first step to getting young people at that age to be involved. One of the ways to test if we are doing a good job is through the spelling been.” she said.

Akin-Jimoh said who noted that one of the aims of the competition was to address qualitative public primary education in Nigeria added that it will project the abilities of these young pupils.

O

SUN state Governor, Gov. Rauf Aregbesola has described education as a very crucial tool to the realization of sustainable national development and achievement of national security.

He revealed this during his presentation at the 6th Prince Bola Ajibola Annual Lecture Series on Education as a Panacea to National Insecurity and Developmental Challenges, held at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. Ogbeni Aregbesola who was the guest speaker at the lecture series said; "Education is a very crucial tool to the realisation of sustainable national development and the achievement of national security.”

He lamented that the Nigerian state today is faced with insecurity and other developmental challenges because of the continued erosion in the standard of our educational system, adding that lack of adequate investment in education by successive administrations in Nigeria had crippled the system to an extent that what seems to matter to students is just the acquisition of certificates.

The governor also stressed that there was no reason why children and youths in parts of the North and the Niger Delta areas of Nigeria should not have the same quality education as their counterparts in other parts of the nation.

The Pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Professor Nurudeen Adedipe also supported the assertion of the Governor by describing education as very crucial in the realisation of national development.

The erudite scholar said governments that are conscious of the importance of education should be commended and encouraged to do more in the interest of the society.

In his address, Proprietor of Crescent University, Abeokuta, Prince Bola Ajibola, described Ogbeni Aregbesola’s strides in the education sector as Education plus, in the sense that he has infused good morals into the educational curriculum of young people through the Omoluabi virtue.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Professor Bamitale Omole, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Ajayi Adebisi, stressed that the topic of the lecture was most appropriate as this is a crucial time when the nation is facing many security challenges.

FGC Port Harcourt Old Student’s Association honours Olaniyi, others

I

t was a moment of camaraderie and nostalgia for the former students of the prestigious Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, who converged to honour some of their members who have distinguished themselves in their various careers.

Among those honoured at an elaborate ceremony held at The Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, was Tunji Olaniyi, Managing Director of Cosmos Trade Nigeria Limited and Founder of Safety and Protection Management Solutions (SPMS) Limited who, according to the President of the Association’s Lagos Chapter, Chike Onuorah, has not only shone in his profession but has made immense contributions towards the institution’s alumni course.

Onuorah eulogized Olaniyi for being a good ambassador of the College and urged him as well as the other awardees to continue with the stride as the institution’s students and perhaps Nigeria’s younger generation look up to them as role models.

Pledging his commitment to the task of sustaining the status of his alma mater as one of the foremost institutions in Nigeria, Olaniyi said; “I feel honoured by this award. I want to say that I stand committed to the development of the college and to the task of making it retain its position as one of the foremost institutions in the country.”

Others who were honoured at the event included Biriyai Dambo (SAN); Paul Nwabuikwu, Special Adviser on Strategic Communication to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Gogo Kurubo, Financial Analyst; Ugo Ohuabunwa, Group Managing Director, Logistics Resources Limited and Emeka Emuwa, CEO of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc among others.

The award ceremony coincided with fund raising for the construction of perimeter fence of the college. Members of the Association and invited guests who graced the occasion all donated generously towards the project.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 — 33

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34—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

By Suzan Edeh

T

HE Nigerian Union of Pensioners, NUP, in the six North-East states of the country, has decried alleged refusal of governments in the zone to pay arrears of entitlements amounting to a whopping N61bilion and threatened to call members out for mass protests in the six states.

The states are Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, and Yobe.

Investigations by Pension & You, revealed that some of the arrears date back to the creation of these states.

Bauchi and Adamawa for example, were created in 1976 and since then, it was gathered that every administration left arrears of pensions unpaid.

Pension & You was informed that Bauchi has arrears of about N12billion.

According to investigation, successive governments have not only refused to clear the arrears, but have compounded them.

However, at a joint briefing in Bauchi, Zonal Vice President, North East NUP

Protesting pensioners

Pensioners threaten North-East govts over N61bn unpaid benefits Alhaji Mohammed Inuwa, and the Bauchi State NUP Chairman, Habu Gar, lamented that members had been passing through severe hardship and could no longer take care of their needs and meet obligations to their families.

According to Inuwa, “We are worried over non-payment of heavy backlogs of gratuities.

We are suffering neglect in our own states after serving the states and the federation.

It is a pity, we do not have money to pay school fees for

Governor Isa Yuguda

our children among other commitments.”

Corroborating, Chairman Bauchi State NUP, Habu Gar , said the present administration in the state had refused to pay the backlog of arrears even after the review

of pension and gratuity payment in the state, despite promises to pay.”

According to him, the government had failed to pay local government pensioners their benefits including gratuities since two months, lamenting that many pensioners had died without enjoying their benefits.

The chairman gave the government till end of December to settle the arrears, adding that retirees would take to the streets for a protest after the ultimatum.

He called on the state governor to personally intervene and ensure immediate payment of their gratuities and pensions in the state, saying “as a body, we are aware that the backlog of pensions, gratuities was inherited by the present administration, but we believe that government is a continuous process and since Governor Isa Yuguda is on a restoration mission, we plead that the governor should look into the plight of the pensioners.”

Retrenched workers drag Kogi govt to Complaints Commission

By BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO

F

ORMER workers of Olamaboro Local Government Education Authority in Kogi State, have dragged the state government to the Public Complaints Commission, PCC, over alleged refusal to obey a high court judgement ordering it to pay their five years salaries.

The workers who were controversially laid off in September 2010 by the committee set up by former commissioner for Education, Chief Sylvester Onoja, were said to have petitioned PCC without resorting to the State Universal Basic Education Board,SUBEB, which is the supervisory body.

According to the petition to, the affected workers who had been employees of the state government for over 20 years were indiscriminately sacked without any official letter.

The workers had approached the Okpo High Court and got judgement in their favour on June 7, 2011 directing the state government to pay the salaries of the affected workers as they remained genuine staff of the state government.

But the state government is yet to obey the order or appeal it.

Disobedience of the court order forced the same high court to issue an order of enforcement on the government on February 28, 2012, compelling the state government to obey its judgment. Still, the state government is yet to comply.

The workers said they resorted to petitioning the PCC over their plight as efforts seeking support of the state House of Assembly yielded no positive result. When the case came up for hearing last week, no government officials invited by PCC turned up except an official of SUBEB who admitted that the workers were sacked unjustifiably, but said only the state government could give directive for the payment of their five months unpaid salaries.

Some of the affected workers, who narrated their ordeals, lamented that not less than 15 of them had died due to lack of money to attend to their medical needs among others, while those still alive were experiencing untold hardship and suffering.

Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State They appealed to the state governor to quickly come to their aid by obeying the court judgement and pay their salary arrears because they were dying gradually.

Unpaid benefits since 1995 Recall that the state government and the state chapter of Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, have been at dagger drawn over unpaid pension and gratuity including arrears that date back to 1995.

Though there has been remarkable improvement in terms of prompt monthly pensions’ payment .

Speaking with Pension & You, state chairman of NUP Chief Onuh Abdullahi, however, insisted that the state governor must be applauded for the prompt payment of monthly pensions to both the local government and state pensioners, saying. “Since the coming of Governor Idris Wada, the monthly pension’s payment of pensioners has not stopped. I can tell you that there has not been a spill over to another month since March this year. We have to give him the kudos.”

Gratuity, Pension harmonization “However, I must say what we gained in pension was robbed from us on gratuity. The state government has failed to meet up in the payment of the gratuity of the pensioners. I can say that only 1991, 1992 and

1994 pensioners have received their gratuity.”

Aside the issues of gratuity, Abdulalhi said the state was yet to honour the constitutional provision that pension harmonization should be done every five years, “the constitution of Nigeria and the state pension acts stipulated that pension harmonization should be done every five years and whenever there is any salary increment, the pensioners should also be considered.

“As I speak with you, the state has only conducted pension harmonization once in 2004.

Which means two harmonizations before 2004 were jettisoned and there should have been three others after 2004 that have not been put into consideration. Also, workers have enjoyed salary relativity, minimum wage, 12% increment, 25% increment, but the state has not thought it fit to extend such gesture to the pensioners.

Pensioners in the state have only been getting the old salary scale as pensions.”

Pension & You gathered that the state government's refusal to conduct pension harmonization is due to suspected padding of the pensioners roll which made the governor give N5 million to the State Pension Board to carry out pensioners verification in October last year. The outcome of the verification is yet to see the light of the day.

Abdullahi said he was not surprised because the union warned the governor not to give money to the board since it was the same management that had allegedly been inflating the figure of the pensioners.

He however said the union conducted a self verification exercise which revealed a large difference in the figures of pensioners from the one presented by the Board.

He said ”The verification exercise is just concluded and the report will be sent to the State government. There is a vast difference in the figure. At the end of the exercise, we have 7,864 State retirees and 6,800 of local government retires; a figure that is far from what is being circulated by the Pension Board.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 — 35

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36—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

World Human Rights Day:

Persons with Disabilities cry for LSSP Law

By Bartholomew Madukwe

A

S Nigeria joins other con tinents in celebration of the United Nations’ Human Rights Day, many observers have described 2014 as a horrific year for human rights violations in the country, saying terrorism is the major source of abuses around the NorthEast and the world.

Globally, the Syrian civil war still remains a concern as human rights are being violated.

The war has entered its fourth year, leaving hundreds of thousands killed and millions forced to flee from their homes.

In the past 12 months the conflict has splintered and spread to neighboring Iraq, with government forces, moderate opposition fighters, Islamist militants and Kurdish fighters all battling for territory.

According to the senior advisor at Amnesty International, Steve Crawshaw, international community must take some responsibility “for the failures to address the Syria conflict better and earlier and

to really speak out loudly and to put the kind of pressures that were needed for human rights to be better observed.”

The UN General Assembly proclaimed 10 December as Human Rights Day in 1950, to bring to the attention ‘of the peoples of the world’ the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations.

This year ’s slogan, Human Rights 365, encompasses the idea that every day is Human Rights Day. It celebrates the fundamental proposition in the Universal Declaration that each one of us, everywhere, at all times is entitled to the full range of human rights, that human rights belong equally to each of us and bind us together as a global community with the same ideals and values.

In line with this international stance on human right, Nigeria is not left behind. For instance, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, had enacted the Lagos State Special People’s

(LSSP) Law on June 25, 2011.

However, Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) still suffer various challenges to the use of the courts to get justice , as compliance to the law is little or nothing at present.

Section 24, clause (2,4,5) of the law stipulates that: “No public building shall be constructed without the necessary accessibility such as lift (where necessary), ramps and others that shall make them accessible and usable to persons with disability.

“The government shall ensure that roads, side-walks, pedestrian crossings and all other facilities made for public use shall be made accessible to and usable by persons with disability including wheelchair users.

“From the date of commencement of this law, there shall be a transitory period of five years within which all public buildings, roads, pedestrian crossings and all other structures shall be modified to be accessible to and usable by persons with disability.”

According to a 25-page re-

Democracy can’t be sustained without rule —PG.38 of law — Utuama

port by the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities in collaboration with Justice for All, Department of International Development (DfID) of the British High Commission, findings of survey conducted in three selected Local Government Areas in Lagos State showed that PWDs have major challenges to the use of the court to get justice, cost of litigation, absence of infrastructural provi-

How many transport service providers have made available and mark appropriately one out of every 10 seats in their public bus for the use of persons living with disability

sions such as access ramps, braille instructions and court officials with training in the use of sign language.

The report entitled: “Enhancing Access to Justice for Persons with Disabillities” urged the Federal Government and the Chief Judge of Nigeria to strengthen the capacity of court and court personnel to make justice accessible to the PWDs in the country.

The report called for training of court officials in the use of sign language, greater awareness be created among PWDs on disability rights and the Multi-door court (Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR mechanism in Lagos State).

“This will ensure that PWDs choose the low cost, but highly effective path to justice. Poli ce officers and court official should be re-orientated on the rights of PWDs and the ills of discrimination against PWDs. Those of them (PWDs) who seek justice through the police as an institution are often faced with the challenge of

Continues on page 37

Extent of application, realities of Section —PG.39 38 of 1999 Constitution —PG.39

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014—37

World Human Rights Day: Persons With Disabilities cry for LSSP Law Continues from page 36

infrastructural discrimination.

“The police post visited in the course of study had no access ramps for persons using wheel chair, no instructions in braille and the officers could not use sign language” the report stated, adding that these constitutes a major challenge among other difficulties which PWDs encounter in their bid to access justice in the state.

It therefore recommend that government should sensitize the police to strengthen its capacity to make justice accessible to PWDs through provision of access ramps, the training of police officers on disability right and the use of sign language for effective communication with the deaf.

In the same vein, the Director General, Lagos State Safety Commission, LSSC, Mrs Dominga Odebunmi, has vowed to ensure the safety of lives and property of the state’s citizenry, including PWDs. Consequently, she noted that leadership commitment must be top on everyone’s agenda and enshrined through functional management system to achieve desired business continuity and the objectives of LSSC. In her welcome address at the 2nd Lagos State Construction and Manufacturing Safety Summit in the state, Odebunmi said: “Lagos State Government places safety at the top of its agenda in its vision to transform Lagos into Africa’s model magacity and global economic and financial hub that is safe, secure, functional and productive.

“Thus, Lagos State

Safety Commission (LSSC), a trailblazing organization and first of its kind in Nigeria was signed into law on July 26, 2011 by the Lagos State government led by Governor Babatunde Fashola SAN.” Speaking on the topic “Safe Universal Access: Getting it right”, the Chief Executive Officer of NGZ-AGSAM Limited, Ngozi Ugoji, called for empowerment of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) through patronage of their products and services.

“A number of legislative instruments are mandatory and aim to protect the rights of individuals and advance equality of opportunity for all, including within the workforce. They aim to protect people with special and diverse needs and prevent discrimination in the areas of employment, education, access to goods, services and facilities,”

EDITORIAL TEAM Innocent Anaba ( Head) Wahab Abdulah Ikechukwu Nnochiri Dayo Benson (Supervising Editor) 08056180119 dayobenson@yahoo.com

she asserted.

Ugoji pointed out that the state’s special people’s law places a duty on all employers and organizations to provide equal access for all users and visitors to their buildings and facilities.

According to her: “This bill specifically provides for those living with physical and mental challenges

resulting in their requiring special aids and adaptations to their environment in order to function independently or with minimal assistance.”

She said in recent years

there has been a lot of emphasis on sustainable economic and social inclusion bordering on equal access and opportunity for every individ-

ual, saying that a number of initiatives have been adopted and partnership formed to drive these initiatives.

As many concerned cit-

izens may want to ask, in line with section 13 of LSSP law, how many companies whose business entails attending to the general public have in their employment personnel who are properly trained and sufficiently competent to attend to its customers or clients who are persons living with disability?

Or, how many transport service providers have made available and mark appropriately one out of every 10 seats in their public bus for the use of persons living with disability?

Perhaps these questions may receive better answers in 2017 when the transitory period would have elapsed and the gap bridging attained by members of the public, Ministries and all Government agencies to ensure that the peculiar interests of persons living with disability are taken into consideration in every government policies, programmes and activities.

LEDAP, Intersociety task FG on citizens' rights

BY INNOCENT ANABA

A

S Nigeria join the rest of the world to celebrate this year ’s Human Rights Day, Legal Defence and Assistance Project, LEDAP, and International Society for Civil Liberties & the Rule of Law, Intersociety, have tasked the Nigerian Government, to ensure that it and its agencies, respect the rights of Nigerians.

LEDAP in a statement

by Executive programmes Director, Mrs Adaobi Egboka, said “As today (yesterday) marks another Human Rights day, we call on the Nigerian government to take special measures to promote and protect the Human Rights of its citizens in the forthcoming elections.

“We note that most of the problems besieging Nigeria today are traceable to the incessant manipulation of election results.

Despite the efforts of Civil Society Organizations (CSO), Nigeria’s human rights records remain poor, extra judicial killings are committed with impunity and government offi-

cials at all levels continue to commit serious abuses.

“In recent times, the country has suffered great disregard of human rights spanning from kidnapping, terrorism, sexual and gender based violence, extrajudicial killings, restriction on freedom of information and speech, amongst others.

“We are deeply concerned that the issue of the abduction of the Chibok girls and other abductions remains a mirage. Worthy of note is the incessant bombings and the spate of kidnappings across the entire polity, which till date; no ascertainable action has been effected by the Government.

“We will in line with this year ’s theme ‘Human Rights 365’ supports the fundamental proposition in the Universal Declaration that each one of us, everywhere, at all times, is entitled to a full range of human rights; that every day is a Human Rights Day and that human rights belong equally to each one of us and bind us togeth-

er.

"The Government is reminded of its commitment to ensuring that Nigeria as a country stands in agreement with the United Nations to ensure that the rights of the citizens are protected and in occurrence of any infringement, the perpetrators are brought to justice.”

Intersociety in a statement by its Board Chairman, Mr Emeka Umeagbalasi, said “As the world marks today (yesterday) the 66th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, proclaimed and adopted on December 10, 1948, it is our observation that though all human rights are indivisible and indissoluble, yet the civil rights (right to life, dignity of human person, freedom of movement, personal liberty, etc) is the most endangered around the world particularly in Africa and middle east.

“Holding governments to account over their compliance to, or breaches of human rights obligations; is a noble global call, but what about the un-

checked atrocious conducts of armed opposition groups in the course of prosecution of intraState wars? Of 64 active rebellions or intra-State wars raging around the world involving 591 militia-guerrillas and other anarchist groups, atrocity crimes committed by them far more outweigh those of constituted authorities or sitting governments.

“Sadly, while more attentions are paid to, and energies dissipated on constituted authorities or sitting governments in monitoring their gross rights abuses, little attentions are given to murderous or homicidal armed opposition groups’ hyper gross rights abuses around the world. There is a manifest partiality on the part of the UN and international systems in this regard.

"Our referenced coming event contains two powerful and thunderous messages to the entire world and the Federation of Nigeria particularly as the latter prepares for its 2015 crucial general polls. We look forward to the said date.” he added.

38—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

Oyo NBA holds semimar

A Democracy can’t be sustained without rule of law — Utuama Nigeria, SAN, noted that Delta State is very mindful of the place of the judiciary in terms of j u s t i c e administration and service to the people.

“For this reason we do everything that is humanly possible in

Prof. Amos Utuama

By Sam Eyoboka

D

elta State Deputy Governor, Prof.

Amos Utuama, has opined that the nation’s democracy cannot be sustained without the rule of law taking a very deep root in governance.

Prof. Utuama, made the assertion while playing host to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Ibrahim Ndah Auta (OFR), during a courtesy call at his residence, Asaba, Delta State.

The deputy governor, a Senior Advocate of

the state to ensure that state and federal courts operating here get the attention they deserve,” he maintained.

Prof. Utuama, who stated that the Federal High Court complexes in Asaba and Warri are very important to the state, advocated for more, arguing that it won’t be out of place if the state has more than two federal high courts considering the nature of the state.

He noted that the state government remains committed to supporting the judicial system for effective justice and administration.

According to him; “it is no wonder that we are among the first states to

have the bill on judicial autonomy, and with improved revenue coming in, it will function as it is supposed to function and the courts can provide for themselves.

“That is our desire, that is our goal, and we believe that someday we will achieve it so that the court which is the hope of the masses will be able to stand up independently of itself without recourse to any arm of government” Prof.

Utuama stated.

The chief judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Ibrahim Auta, in his remark commended the state government for its support to the judiciary.

He stated that his visit to the state is with respect to the official commissioning of the Federal High Court Complex in Asaba, noting that the building is one of the best and very important to the judiciary.

While thanking the state governor for the provision of 500 kva transformer to boost power supply in the federal high court area, he commended the people of Delta State for always respecting the law.

two day seminar to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the NBA Ibadan with the theme: 'From Ibadan to the Utermost Part: Developing Expertise in Emerging Sectors' was held recently in Ibadan. Oyo State. Photos: Dare Fasube

From left: A discussant,Chief Folake Sholanke SAN; keynote speaker, Mr George Etomi; Chairman, Sterling Bank Plc and Chairman of the occasion, Mr Asue Ighodalo and Chairman Bi-Courteny Nigeria Limited, a discussant, Dr Wale Babalakin.

From left: Chairman Bi-courteny Nigeria Limited, Dr W a l e Babalakin and Chief F o l a k e Sholanke, SAN.

From left: C h i e f F o l a k e Sholanke SAN; Mr George Etomi and D r Babalakin

Agbakoba's law firm re-launches Police Dialogue Series

By Innocent Anaba

T

HE law firm of former Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, President, Dr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, has re-launched its Police Dialogue Series, which it noted was in keeping with new trends and best practices in the world legal practice.

Speaking at the launch, during which the change of the law firm's name to Olisa Agbakoba Legal, was announced, Agbakoba, said that “The changing face of Nigerian economy requires different approach in policy formulation, review and services delivery. Economists and development law experts now understand and advocate that law plays an important role in economic reforms and development, because certain legal and institutional frameworks

are particularly conducive and enable economic growth.

“In keeping with the new trends and best practices, our firm formally presents her Police Dialogue Series. As development lawyers, we see the need to address issues that impact on Nigeria’s polity, legal systems, regulatory and institutional framework.

"The series will be in varied forms; summits, workshops, seminars etc., and each will be specially designed to bring together business operators, regulators, entrepreneurs, lawyers, government heads to engage in a meaningful discussion on maximising Nigeria’s economic assets towards growth and development amongst other related issues. As part of our dialogue programme in 2015, we will engage in

* Agbakoba, SAN serious dialogue and economic interrogation with policy makers, experts and stakeholders on the following topics: Waking Up Dead Capital- Shipping sector, Aviation, Small and Medium Enterprises etc: Space law development; Strengthening our regulators and Strategies for Raising alternative

revenue in the face of dwindling oil prices O u r drive in 2 0 1 5 will be t o strengthen and develop our capacity to facilitate the provision of quality legal services to our clients. To support the global perspective of the firm and desire for excellence, the firm has imbibed a new name, logo and identity.

"We are now, Olisa Agbakoba Legal in tune with modern trends to project a universal image.

Because OAL under-

stands that delivering legal solutions and engineering change will require more than a name, OAL’s enviable network of relationship will be deployed to effective use.

Our partners include; Business Day Newspapers, the National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria, NCCN, London Maritime Operators, the Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce, the Common Wealth Lawyers Association, the Capital Market Lawyers Association, the Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria, the International Chamber of Commerce, the FrancoNigerian Chamber of Commerce, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry amongst others just to mention a few. "OAL resource

base is phenomenal with hundreds of publications on development law covering space, privatisation, economic reforms, aviation, shipping, maritime, institutional reforms, and investment law, and reports from participation in various committees in federal, state and international level. We are also pleased to present the bouquet of our legal resources and literature in the unveiling of the Policy Dialogue Series.

"OAL will leverage and utilise its expanding networks and profile as a recipient of many local and international awards; the “Law Service Regulation Advisory Firm of the year, 2013,” the “Banking and Finance Practice of the Year, 2014” by Acquisition International and the “Boutique Commercial Litigation Law Firm of the Year, 2015,” by Corporate INTL.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 — 39

40 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

Interventions: Visual approach towards revamping the polity

By Prisca Sam-Duru

National Art Competition (NAC). f there is one thing The grand finale of the Nigeria needs at this creative event took place crucial period to retrace her penultimate week at the Civic steps so as not to go into Centre, Lagos. The 12 oblivion, it is interventions. finalists; Ada Umeofia, Considering how the system Emmanuel Dudu, Ike Francis, has decayed so far, many Paul Mba, Nkechi Ebbudike, believe there’s need for both Erasmus Onyishi and divine and human Pwavidon Mathias; Tyna interventions.

Adebowale, Modupeola As part of its contributions Fadugba, Okafor marachi, towards promoting the Priscilla Nwanah, Jacqueline development of contemporary Suowari, emerged victorious art with the aim of raising out of over a hundred awareness on entries.They relevant social adorned the Civic issues, the Centre Lagos N i g e r i a n with stunning art Breweries PLC in pieces during the collaboration event. Through with the African diverse styles, A r t i s t s ’ Through shapes, colours Foundation and mediums, the diverse styles, (AAF), offered artists gave their artists the shapes, colours a r t i s t i c platform to and mediums, interpretation of present several Interventions. a r t w o r k s the artists gave Featuring covering the their artistsic breathtaking human aspect of performances by I n t e r v e n t i o n s interpretation of a cultural dance which is theme interventions troupe and for the 2014 presentation of

I

By Prisca Sam-Duru

I

n a bid to make available, a book that encapsulates the dynamism and transformation as well as bring to the fore, some of the lapses currently experienced in the Nigeria movie industry, a new book titled Trends In Nollywood, was launched last week. The book which was authored by the Executive Secretary/ CEO, National Institute For Cultural Orientation NICO, Dr Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma was presented to the public at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.

Trends In Nollywood, A Study of Selected Genres, is a 365 pages book published by Kraft books Limited which examines in detail, the contextual issues which have helped to define emergent trends within the industry. The book contributes to the cultural upliftment of Nigeria.

The book launch opened on a solemn note as departed Nollywood stars; Justus Esiri, Enebeli Enebuwa, Ashley Nwosu, Ndubuisi Oko, Pete Eneh, Amaka Igwe, Sam Loco Efe, J T Tom West etc, were honoured.

The event featured drama

people’s Algorithm and The Butterfly Effect was the Outstanding Concept and placed her on the second position. She got 1million naira while Paul Mba came third with his piece titled, The T’Eye’meline Erasmus Onyishi, with his winning work which was certificates to the 12 finalists, repugnant situations? Lines, adjudged the Outstanding curtain was drawn on the 7th Patches and Pathos he said, Production. He also received edition of the NAC, with "Is an incentive-orientated 1million naira. Two Juro Erasmus Onyishi emerging project which involves Awards announced by the tops with his work titled, active participation by the head, Prof. El Anatsui, went Lines, Patches and Pathos. to Okafor Amarachi and natives/dwellers of Lafia, Onyishi’s winning entry Nassarwa State, to address Nkechi Ebubedike who according to him, explores plastic waste which exists in received 500,000 each. the irony between facts and abundance causing visual The Managing Director/ representation, to address noise, Chief Executive Officer negative how refuse such as plastic environmental implications Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. waste is often used to create and a health menace....When Nicolaas Vervelde works of art. “The exposures those commended all the finalists who litre the of these works and the environment are motivated for their works adding that he associated messages are to clean it, everyone had the assurance that largely relegated to a becomes a constant change winning this year ’s segment of society. Do these agent.” competition will make a state-ments translate to difference in their careers.

He went home with 2 solutions? Is it enough to million Naira and will enjoy Vervelde noted that through continue adorning the walls the privilege of a solo the use of creative artistic of galleries and privi-leged exhibition at the AAF. expression, NAC also homes with the satirical Modupeola Fadugba’s The showcases emerging talents reflections on these in diverse mediums.

Trends In Nollywood...

Movie industry through the eyes of NICO boss

•(Right) The author, Dr Barclays Ayakoroma and guests during the presentation of the book in Lagos, Lagos. sketch on the Journey of Nollywood as well as a cultural dance taken from the Rivers State, all performed by the NICO Cultural Troupe.

Dr Barclays Ayakoroma who expressed satisfaction that the publication of the book finally came to fruition, said that the launching was to create awareness that the book is available for people to read and acquaint themselves with happenings in the growing industry. According to him, “We mapped out three

launches one in Abuja which took place last month, the Lagos event and in Bayelsa State which will take place on December 18, 2014. All this is to ensure that the book reaches a wider audience.”

“The idea of writing the book is to document happenings in the industry for those who are interested in reading and learning so that people will know about the history, dynamism and what made the industry to blossom. The industry has undergone so

much transformation leading to nd it securing the 2 place in the world.”He explained.

Ayakoroma further pointed out that “What we know to be Nollywood is about 22 years.

The technical problems and artistic lapses here and there in the industry, were what the troupe tried to put on stage. We can say that between 1992 till date, a lot has happened, a lot has changed. Currently, government is becoming interested in the industry.

Platforms are created to the benefit of practitioners especially through the Project Art put in place by the Federal Government.”

The presentation of the book he hinted, is also a contribution to the information gaining process adding that “The research took place between 2004 and 2007, but since then its been in the cooler till last year before we brought it up for publication.”

Nollywood A-Lister and Director-General /CEO, Rivers State Tourism Development Agency, Sam Dede who was part of the team

that made Trends In Nollywood possible, stressed the need to “Create a unique trend in Nollywood, begin to define our place, find out what we can contribute globally rather than imitating cultures.

Nollywood play a huge role to globalisation.”

Dede commended the author for the well researched book of over 400 pages on Nollywood, noting that the work is an added advantage to not just the reading public but also practitioners.

Reviewing the book, Head of Department of Theatre and Cultural Studies, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Professor Emmanuel Dandaura described Trends In Nollywood as a critical publication that offers invaluable insight into the social and political history of Nigeria. According to him, “The organization and style of the book makes for interesting reading. As a critical scholarly work, the hypothesis was well framed and properly investigated; the analysis thorough, comprehensive, and academically enriching.

The work is anchored on relevant theoretical frames; its method of enquiry is sound, factual, objective, and intellectually provocative.”

—41 Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014—41

Anilingo series, to the rescue of mother tongue

By Japhet Alakam

T

he clamour for the promotion of Nigerian indigenous languages received a boost last week with the presentation of “anilingo series” by Iyin Creative. Anilingo Series” are animated multimedia products creatively designed to make the teaching and learning of Nigeria languages appealing to the younger generation., which come in a DVD that contains the three major languages (Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa).

The event which was held at the nation’s culture house, Terra Kulture Lagos was attended by n o t a b l e Nigerians including the Minister of Education, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekura who

added.

He commended the organisers for the initiative, adding that it will serve as a stimulus for other Nigerians who would like to emulate and come up with similar project in other endangered indigenous languages.

On her part, Mrs Bello, who represented Lagos Education ministry said, “ we in the ministry of Education welcome partnership. I happens to

Iyin Creative, an animated and business solutions company, that create solutions for learning and make your business easy, Mrs Kofo said that “Anilingo, means animated language learning and the language we are talking about is our native Nigerian languages, but this particular one is in Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa. It is a DVD that contains the three languages for encouraging children to learn their languages. You know kids love

•Creative Director of Iyin Creatives, Kofo handing over a copy of the DVD to the representative of the Minister of Education was represented by Mr D.C be in charge of languages in cartoons and that is why we Uwaezuoke, Director Basic the education ministry and made it in cartoons forms and and Secondary Education, this work is quite dynamic.” we made it in a format that can be used at home and schools.

Mrs Olayinka Bello, who Femi Ogunrombi who represented the Lagos state introduced and sang the That means that kids can learn education ministry, Femi Anilingo song, God bless it at home and the schools can also adopt it and use it in the Ogunrombi, and others Nigeria said that he was In his remarks, the minister happy when he learned that class room. We did not make it of Education, who harped on the song which was written in TV series but something like the importance of local over 30 years will be used as that is on the way. Kofo who was inspired by the way her languages stated that the background music. daughter learnt how to speak everything necessary should In her comments, the be done to draw the attention creative director and CEO of Spanish through watching cartoons said that with this of our youths to the fact that Nigerian children would be their mother tongue is their able to learn the three major identity. “Learning and languages which is the goal speaking of these indigenous they are trying to achieve- one languages will expose them Nigeria. to our core values and culture The event featured a and this will consequently documentary of the CD and mitigate the current some clips of the work. Apart insecurity being witnessed in from that , there were also our country today. In addition, cultural performances by a if our youths are well cultural troupe dressed in the grounded in these three major tribes of Nigeria languages, it will rub off on that preached peace in the their proficiency in other country. foreign languages.”He

Learning and speaking of these indigenous languages will expose them to our core values and culture

Tourism or Entertainment

W

ho will be the guests in the ‘five-star hotel’ built in the national theatre complex? My guess is as good as yours, Businessmen, Tourist, Politicians. Let’s stop there, suppose all these people want to unwind before they turn in after the day’s work, what do they turn to before they turn in? Nothing, nothing whatsoever because the stage would have been buried as the thing of the past. The five hundred [500] main bowl of the national theatre has been unused for two decades. That would have been of interest to the private producer. The other two six hundred [600] seaters are unrealistic and would make no sense nor hope for the producer to invest five hundred thousand naira [500,000] for a six hundred seater auditorium to entertain the masses, what do you charge as gate fee? To recover that amount per night? So no p r i v a t e producer would touch the national theatre for business. So with no business, the management made sure the coast is clear for hotel business and the clientele is mobile and ready.

Are we promoting culture or destroying the art?

Without the arts, Tourism is a mere desert walk. There is so much that could be done to keep art alive and vibrant, and swell the economy of this nation as it has done for America, Japan, India, Italy where the art provide so much and attract so much.

I suggested in my open letter to the president while thanking him for his interest,

The (500) main bowl of the national theatre has been unused for two decades

Sip and Dip art debuts in Lagos

By Chris Onuoha

T

he Lagos night life has taken creative art to a new level, with an innovative Paint, Wine & Dine, a concept by Paint the Night Africa PTNAfrica. The initiative which is the first of its kind was recently launched at the Ginger Tapas & Grill, at the Cosmopolitan Mall, Ologun Agbaje Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Sip and Dip concept is a fun way to enjoy the Lagos bar and restaurant scene, with on the spot productive results of individually created artwork. No prior painting experience is needed; just a passion for the art. Once guests purchase •gSip and Dip•h passes to one of PTNAfrica•fs two hour sessions of only 25-30 participants at a time, they are able to paint their own •gmasterpiece•h, led by a skilled Art Director,

support and generosity to the art sector, that the money should go towards the building of a national hall of fame, this singular move will provide work for thousands of artists E.g. Sculptors, Painters, Architects, Interior decorators, Movie makers, dancers, Musicians, on regular basis for at least five years opportunity for restructuring of the industry as it concerns the practitioners.

The stage which is the cradle of entertainment and performing art will get a chance to embrace the sophistication of theatre tradition as the American stages commercial flavours of ‘Broad way ’ to ‘Off Broad way’ and to Off Off Broad way gross annually over 75 billion dollars from ticket sales, bookings, daily regular shows in several t h e a t r e auditorium keeping the performers working on stage and feeding the screen with seasoned actors.

The screen, big and small are kept busy with artists ruled by the powerful ‘Equity ’ the actors union Europe and America.

It is sad that the government has not been interested enough in the arts.

Nigeria loses no less than twelve trillion naira every year by not exporting our culture around the world.

That could be done if the culture minister could liaise with our ambassadors all over the world. If 50 fine artistes’ could be invited to exhibit their works yearly in the different cities in the countries where they serve.

Performing artists invited round other parts and sculptors, musicians, tours linked with other embassies or what better way to introduce the country to the world? And perhaps a better and honourable way to make the extra from travels and allowances rather than planning contracts for hotels and killing the culture.

There are several other ways to improve the Arts sophistication ready for the commercial demands of today’s world art market. The world needs the artists more so, for therapeutic reasons as well as information about her people and their style.

while enjoying signature cocktails.

Aminat Gbajabiamila, the CEO of Ginger Tapas & Grill said •gWe are honoured to host PTNAfrica launch, and embrace this exciting arrival to the Lagos hospitality scene. Speaking further, she mentioned that the pass covers the much needed tools of a budding artist: canvas, paint, paint brushes and aprons, while drinks and food are available for purchase off the participating restaurant menus.

This artistic fun concept is already popular in American cities such as New York, Boston and Atlanta, and it•fs about time the Cosmopolitan Lagos City enjoys this experience too, she said.

Ginger Tapas & Grill is a contemporary Spanish Tapas themed restaurant, with a Fusion menu of primarily Latin/Mediterranean and Nigerian influence; complemented with outdoor Charcoal Grill Favourites.

42—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

The road to Jonathan’s coronation

A

ll roads lead to the Eagle Square today for the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, where the incumbent president is expected to break new grounds with his unprecedented ratification to fly the ticket of the party in the forthcoming presidential elections.

By HENRY UMORU, Assistant Political Editor

4

, 224 persons are expected to converge for the event out of which 3,074 form the number of delegates who will vote, 300 as observers; 700 Convention planning Committee members and 150 representing the media.

Delegates breakdown

A breakdown of the 3,074 delegates shows: Abia, 63; Adamawa, 111; Akwa Ibom, 145; Anambra, 68; Bauchi, 90; Bayelsa, 71; Benue, 112; Borno, 48; CrossRiver, 102; Delta, 131; Ebonyi, 84; Edo, 67; Ekiti, 50; Enugu, 107; Gombe, 74; Imo, 111; Jigawa, 131; Kaduna, 90; Kano, 107; Katsina, 139; Kebbi, 102; Kogi, 102; and Kwara, 41.

Others are Lagos, 51; Nasarawa, 64; Niger, 94; Ogun, 61; Ondo, 81; Osun, 68; Oyo, 91; Plateau, 89; Rivers, 72; Sokoto, 60; Taraba, 91; Yobe, 24; Zamfara, 55 and FCT, 27.

In line with Part X of the Constitution of PDP 2012 as Amended, those to form the 3,074 Delegates today are the President; the Vice President; PDP members at the National Assembly; State Governors and Deputies; all Gubernatorial candidates who shall be automatic delegates; members of the State Houses of Assembly; Members of the Zonal and State Party Chairman and Secretaries, including those of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; State Women and Youth Leaders, including those of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; Party Chairmen of the Local Government Areas; all elected Local Government Area Council Chairmen; Former members of National Working Committee and National Vice Chairmen; former Senate Presidents and Deputy Presidents; former Speakers and Deputy Speakers of the House of Representatives and other principal officers of the National Assembly.

Why the national convention?

As a prelude to today’s National Convention and in line with the party’s 2014 guidelines and the Electoral Act, delegates formally voted and ratified the appointment of PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Muazu; the National Secretary, Prof. Wale Oladipo and the National Auditor, Adewale Adeyanju yesterday, to enable them perform effectively in their various positions.

Muazu who took over from the former National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, was appointed in January this year by the National Executive Committee, NEC at its 64th meeting and would need to be affirmed at the party’s National Convention, same applies to Adeyanju who took over from Bode Mustapha and Oladipo who replaced the former National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola who came in through the March, 2012 National Convention.

Road to coronation

The road to the coronation of the president as the candidate of the party began early in 2013 when the Chairman

of the party’s Board of Trustees, BoT, Chief Tony Anenih started a campaign to have Jonathan returned as candidate on the assumption that such was the vogue in advanced democracies where incumbents are normally given the right of first refusal.

Chief Anenih had said, “I do not see anything wrong, if he PDP considers automatic tickets for the President and its governors who have performed well and are seeking for a second term. Anenih’s statement triggered a momentum that was only recently stopped after incisive reports including Vanguard’s that the right of first refusal as portrayed was a fathom in democracies as it was shown that all incumbent presidents in the United States in modern history passed through internal challenges in their parties.

•Jonathan

The opposition

The journey, was, however, not smooth as it was not devoid of serious criticisms from some very powerful persons from the “North” who vehemently opposed Jonathan’s 2015 presidential ambition.

Still as part of the stiff opposition, there was a major earthquake in PDP on Tuesday, November 27, 2013 when five governors out of the seven who formed what was tagged the new PDP dumped the party for the All Progressives Congress, APC. The action of the governors was a carryover from the August, 2013 walkout by six of the governors from the August 31 Special National Convention at the Eagle Square. The governors were joined by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in staging the walkout from the party’s convention after Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State was stopped from attending the convention.

•Aneniha

New PDP

The governors who formed the ‘New PDP’ were Sule Lamido of Jigawa; Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara; Aliyu Babangida of Niger; Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto; Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano; and former Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa.

Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State who was under suspension from the PDP then, immediately joined the ‘New PDP’.

While others joined the APC, governors Lamido and Aliyu did not leave the PDP. The script for Jonathan to be returned unopposed was fully played out on September 18, 2014 at the 66th NEC meeting when Jonathan was endorsed as the party ’s sole Presidential candidate to be ratified today ahead of 2015 Presidential election.

The road to this According to NEC, the move became coronation of the imperative because no serious party would change a winning team led by president as the President Jonathan who has performed candidate of the his transformation agenda and has party began early with also changed the face and well being in 2013 when the of Nigerians.

Chairman of the PDP-GF, BoT, NWC party’s Board of endorsements Trustees, BoT, Before then, governors elected on Chief Tony Anenih the platform of PDP, members of the started a campaign National Assembly, the party’s Board of Trustees, BoT; National Caucus and to have Jonathan the State Chairmen had announced returned as their endorsement of the president. candidate

•Akpabio Chairman, PDP Governors Forum and governor of Akwa Ibom, Obong Godswill Akpabio who spoke with journalists at the end of the NEC meeting noted that the decision to make Jonathan their sole candidate was not challenged by any of the governors that attended the meeting.

At that NEC meeting, Governor Aliyu of Niger State who is also chairman, Northern States Governors’ Forum, NSGF, spoke on behalf of all the PDP governors. There was, however, a mild drama when Aliyu, in an attempt to convince NEC that the decision

Continued on page 44

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 — 43

APC CONVENTION:

How the pendulum may swing

By Jimitota Onoyume, Simon Ebegbulem, Dayo Johnson. Wole Mosadomi, Susan Edeh, Marie-Therese Nanlong, Francis Igata, John Mkom & Tom Moses

AKWA IBOM: Atiku popular among delegates

T

HERE are indications that Akwa Ibom State delegates may vote en masse for former Vice-President, Alhaji Atkiku Abubakar.

One of the delegates, Mr. Bassey Ekpenyong, told Vanguard that the ground work Atiku did especially the purchase of nomination forms for most of the aspirants to the Houses of Assembly and House of Representatives in many states, to a large extent, has distinguished him as their preferred aspirant.

Ekpenyong said General Muhammadu Buhari ,retd, was also highly cherished by many members of the party because of his integrity and stand on corruption. He said those, who desire the sanitization of the polity, enthronement of peace, justice and equity, would want Buhari as President.

Rabiu Kwankwaso, he said, is also admired for the provision of branded vehicles for the state chapters of the APC, just as Rochas Okorocha is appreciated for servicing the party structures across the states.

RIVERS : Buhari holds all the aces

V

ANGUARD was reliably told by most delegates from Rivers that they are disposed to Buhari’s ambition.

They noted that except there were last minute changes the likelihood was very strong that most of them would vote for the retired army general. Buhari’s record in the military was particularly cited as one of the reasons for their support.

It was also gathered that the body language of Governor Chibuike Amaechi showed that he may be routing for Buhari.

Amaechi is one governor, who had made so much effort to present Buhari as a detribalised leader.

“From the way our governor talks I think he is for Buhari,” a source said.

Another member of Rivers APC said that Amaechi may emerge Buhari's the campaign manager, if he got the ticket.

NORTH EAST: C M Y K

the Peoples Democratic Movement,PDM. The entry of the Publisher of Leadership Newspapers, Mr. Sam Nda- Isaiah, who hails from the Nupe speaking area of the state is seen as a major factor that will affect how the Niger delegates will vote.

Okorocha is the only aspirant, who does not command any obvious followership in Niger.

Speaking on what to expect today, a former Chief Whip in the House of Representatives, Alhaji Bawa Bwari described all the aspirants as acceptable, noting that any of them can emerge. “All our aspirants are sellable and capable. But the delegates will make their choice independently,’’ he stated.

ENUGU: Up for grabs

F

•Buhari

Buhari all the way

F

ROM the North East geopolitical zone, comes a determination to support any candidate with a credible pedigree that is needed to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Many told Vanguard that Buhari is in line with their expectations of someone, who can deliver the needed votes to defeat President Goodluck Jonathan.

One of the delegates from Bogoro Local Government Area, Mr. Godiya Luka said Buhari would emerge victorious.

He specifically cited Buhari's endorsement by the zone as an attestation to his popularity.

He said: “General Buhari is the best presidential candidate among all the aspirants. His records in the past speak for him. Stakeholders in the North-East zone have endorsed him as the presidential candidate of the APC. We feel he has what it takes to deliver this nation from the shackles of poverty, insecurity, underdevelopment and stagnation” Two other delegates from Chinade in Misau Local Government Area, Alhassan Mai Mangoro and Hardawa Salisu said Buhari’s acceptance extends beyond the zone.

Salisu said: “ I can assure you that the delegates in the NorthEast have endorsed him as their presidential candidate.

From all the consultations going on presently, the other aspirants may step down for Buhari as it had been alleged that some of them have consented to the agreement”

ONDO: Delegates divided between

•Atiku

Buhari and Atiku

D

ELEGATES from Ondo State are divided between Buhari and Atiku.

Some also vowed to vote for Rochas Okorocha.

It was gathered that the failure of Buhari to visit them unlike Okorocha and Atiku, made some of them less sympathetic to his ambition.

But others have a contrary view insisting that the Coordinator of the Buhari Campaign Organisation, Mr. Bola Ilori visited the state, where he had consultations with the delegates.

However, findings showed that majority would queue behind Buhari because of the perceived preference by party leaders. Notwithstanding, Atiku’s image also looms large among delegates in the state.

Taraba: Consensus on Atiku

G

OVERNORSHIP candidate of APC in

Taraba State, Sen. Jumai Arhasan disclosed that all the delegates from Taraba, would vote for Atiku. She specifically said their votes are not for any other aspirant than Atiku.

Arhassan stated this in Jalingo, last week, when Atiku visited the delegates to seek for their votes.

Atiku is noted as the only presidential aspirant, who visited the state.

Atiku also reportedly made available a chartered aircraft that would convey the delegates from Bauchi to Lagos for the presidential convention.

Speaking on the matter, Mallam Idris Shuaibu said: “The only presidential aspirant the state delegates will vote for is Atiku Abubakar.”

Contrary to Arhasan’s position, the Minority Leader of the state House of Assembly, Dr. A Jugulde said that the state has no preferred aspirant.

NIGER: Block vote unlikely

T

Many told Vanguard that Buhari is in line with their expectations of someone, who can deliver the needed votes to defeat President Goodluck Jonathan

HE APC is the leading opposition party in Niger State. Unlike before when it had only one preferred candidate, the party now has five presidential aspirants who appear sellable.

Buhari no doubt is generally acceptable in the state, especially in Zone C where the APC governorship candidate, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello hails from.

Bello, who is a known supporter of Buhari, is expected to ensure that his people vote for Buhari.

Similarly, Atiku, is also known to have a large followership in the state.

His relationship with most stakeholders in Niger dates back to his days as the leader of

INDINGS showed that the votes of the Enugu State delegates may be up for grabs.

Though Buhari might likely carry the day, since the leader of the APC in the state Brig Gen Joseph Nkolagu, retd, also has same military background.

This is the mood across all the senatorial districts in the state.

EDO: Delegates to vote Buhari

N

O fewer than 170 Edo state delegates are expected to vote for Buhari.

Though majority have sympathy for Atiku, Buhari is regarded as the only one, who can garner the needed votes from the North. Apart from Sam Nda-Isaiah, other presidential aspirants of the PDP visited the state to interact with delegates.

Though the delegates and Governor Adams Oshiomhole are yet to take a position on who to support at the time of filing this report, Buhari appears to be the favoured aspirant.

A delegate who pleaded anonymity said: ‘’It is our resolve that Nigeria is not safe under Jonathan, we want to do the right thing by supporting someone who has what it takes to defeat Jonathan. The truth is that many of us see Atiku as a good friend, though he will get votes in Edo, majority will vote Buhari because of the support he is enjoying in the North. When Buhari gets that Northern support and win in the APC states, Jonathan is gone. That is why majority of us will back Buhari”.

Apart from the delegates, Oshiomhole, who is the leader of the party in the state has openly displayed love for Buhari when he personally invited the former Head of State to commission some projects executed by the state government.

44 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

By DAPO AKINREFON

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fter much horse-trading, delegates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, on Monday elected Jimi Agbaje as the party’s standard bearer for the 2015 governorship election.

Agbaje polled 432 votes to beat his closest rival, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, who got 348 votes.

Other contenders defeated by Agbaje at the tension soaked exercise were Ambassador Tokunbo Kamson who scored 46 votes, while the duo of Babatunde Gbadamosi and Mr. Adedeji Doherty, polled 21 votes each.

Announcing the winner, chairman of the electoral committee, Senator Saidu Umar Kumo said: “I hereby declare Mr Jimi Agbaje as the candidate of the PDP for the 2015 governorship elections.”

Prior the commencement, pandemonium engulfed the Yard 158 event centre on Oregun Road, venue of the governorship primaries.

Political thugs loyal to aspirants clashed for supremacy.

While policemen shot canisters of tear gas into the air to disperse the warring groups, sniffer dogs were unleashed to bring the situation under control.

However, trouble started when some supporters of one of the aspirants arrived the venue chanting solidarity slogans in favour of the aspirant.

Not long after, supporters of another aspirant arrived the scene and a confrontation ensued leading to a clash.

•Obanikoro

•George

•Ogunlewe

LAGOS: Permutations that defeated Obanikoro, others Guns, knives, bottles were deplored for the battle of supremacy.

Two persons including a reporter were injured during the melee, while two others were arrested by security operatives.

Late accreditation As at 3 pm, accreditation of delegates and journalists was yet to commence as security operatives prevented reporters from entering the venue.

Beyond that, a lot of intrigues, permutations, mudslinging and persuasion, characterized the exercise that was nearly disrupted by some PDP members.

According to sources privy to the politics that played out, the

emergence of Agbaje, aside being a product of the effort and influence of the party’s former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, also had the support of the presidency, without Obanikoro’s knowledge. said the source: “The whole drama was like a backstab to Obanikoro who ‘innocently’ believed that he has the presidency and the national body behind him.

“The problem was that Obanikoro didn’t read the presidency’s body language very well. The presidency needs him more in Abuja but when he began to over-rate himself, Abuja only told George to let him be and continue to do what he knows how to do

The road to Jonathan’s coronation Continues from page 42 was unanimous, asked Governor Lamido who had been severally alleged to have his own presidential ambition to bear witness. Lamido, who sat directly opposite the president, stood up, looked directly at Jonathan, smiled and did a thumbs-up without uttering a word. The hall burst into a thunderous ovation in celebration of Lamido’s seeming acceptance of Jonathan’s candidature with shouts of ‘PDP, PDP’.

Former Deputy National Chairman of the party and a member of the party’s Board of Trustees, Alhaji Shuaibu Oyedokun spoke for BoT members; president of the Senate, Senator David Mark spoke for the National Assembly and Ambassador Justina Eze spoke for PDP women.

Soon after they spoke, former Acting National Chairman of PDP and past Minister of Defence, Dr. Haliru Mohammed Bello moved a motion to give the endorsement legal backing. s Former governor of old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo seconded the motion.

Soon after Chief Nwobodo seconded the motion, the PDP National chairman, Mu’azu put it to vote and members of NEC unanimously adopted it without any dissenting voice.

It was a unique development in the PDP since its inception that a decision would be taken that a sitting president be given the right of first refusal against the backdrop that in the past, the race was always thrown open, even if it was almost always stacked against challengers.

Tafawa-Balewa, Duke Abiola's spanner

Though the party had endorsed President Jonathan as its sole candidate, there were last minute efforts by two others presidential aspirants who signified their interests to contest, but by political permutations, they were not strong contenders within the PDP that could bother the leadership or key stakeholders.

The two aspirants were the son of Nigeria’s late prime minister, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Dr Abdul Jelil and wife of late Moshood Kashimawo

best,” the source added.

Prior to this, President Goodluck Jonathan had during a meeting with aspirants and leadership of the PDP in Lagos said he doesn’t have any aspirant but gave a hint about a certain aspirant that he has been hearing his name among people close to him, saying that if that particular aspirant is the choice of the party, he has no choice but to support the person.”

It was gathered that after the parley, the veiled statement from the president was translated by many analysts to portend the support of Abuja for Agbaje, who many also believe enjoys much of support from a South-West governor who recently defected to the

Abiola, Prof. Akasoba Duke- Abiola.

Initially they were denied forms against the backdrop that only one presidential form was printed for Jonathan but threats of dragging the PDP to court by Tafawa Balewa forced the leadership of the party to do otherwise in printing more forms for the others.

In reversing himself, party spokesman, Olisa Metuh, urged all those who paid for the Expression of Interest and nomination forms which include that of the president should visit the party’s National Secretariat to pick the forms.

Only Dr. Abdul Jelil Tafawa Balewa collected the forms, came for the screening but later dropped from the race.

Weeks after the close of submission of forms and screening, Mrs Abiola last Tuesday came up with yet another protest that she was denied the opportunity of contesting.

Echoes of the complaint by Mrs. Abiola would, however, continue to becloud the process initiated by Anenih that was seen as giving a different interpretation to democracy by the PDP.

PDP. The source posited that: “Agbaje’s candidature was never in doubt from the day George took him to the presidency. One of the conditions given by the president was that George should ensure they put their house in order, hence, the much touted reconciliation between George and Ogunlewe.

“Agbaje’s personality is what the president bought into it but nobody was ready to push off Obanikoro just like that, especially with his weight in the state. They just allowed the balls to roll till Monday because they don’t want any litigation to flaw the primaries, otherwise it could have been a consensus for Agbaje.

“If you noticed, Obanikoro got wind of the skirmish against him a few hours to the poll and efforts to rally round and save his face proved abortive. He never wanted withdrawal. I believe he has learned his lessons in politics but there is a possibility of a likely recall back to the federal cabinet for him,” the source said.

Why Obanikoro wants results cancelled Meanwhile, Obanikoro has called for the cancellation of the primaries calling it a sham.

Addressing newsmen at his GRA office shortly after the exercise, Obanikoro said: “There is no election results and the elections should be cancelled. The process is completely tainted and going forward with that, will lead to an outcome that will not be beneficial to the party.”

Asked to comment on the outcome, he said: “My immediate reaction is that the election was a sham. I still cannot comprehend how accredited delegates of 806, will turn out to be 868.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014—45

Edo 2016: I'm the best PDP gov aspirant —Iduoriyekemwen

By Simon Ebegbulem

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ENIN—FORMER Edo State Commissioner on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state, Mr Mattew Iduoriyekemwen, has said that he will only step down in his 2016 governorship ambition when he sees a better candidate in the party.

“As at today, I have not seen a better person in the PDP that will take over from Adams Oshiomhole. I remain the best candidate so far to face All Progressives Congress, APC," he said, when the leadership of Edo Grassroot Movement for Good Governance, led by Ebose Hanson, paid him a visit to support his governorship race in the state.

The group said it decided to support Iduoriyekemwen's governorship ambition due to his excellent performance when he was the state representative in the NDDC. Iduoriyekemwen, in his

ICRC gives nod to Ibaka deep sea port

By Godfrey Bivbere

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HE Ibaka Deep Sea Port, now Ibom Deep Sea Port project, which was to have been sited in Ibenor Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, has received a “No Objection” certificate from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, ICRC, awaiting final approval of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, Vanguard has learned.

A source close to the Ministry of Transport, who spoke to Vanguard on the condition of anonymity, said that the “No Objection” certification and other relevant documents had since been submitted to the ministry awaiting its submission to FEC for final approval.

The source explained that the ministry had appointed a Ministerial Steering and Delivery Committee to see to the actualisation of the project. Contrary to claims that the project had been abandoned, the source said the committee had to go through due process to ensure that laid down procedures were observed and that the project was commercially viable when it finally comes on stream.

C M Y K

response, said: “I will run for the governorship of Edo State.

We hope that when we run, the leadership of PDP in the state will provide a level playing field for all the aspirants and allow the process to be free and fair for the emergence of a credible candidate because I have always said that if I see a better candidate with a better vision to develop this state, I will step down for that person.

As at today, however, I have not seen anybody better than me.

“Those who are coming out want to be governor to either continue to do business, to patronise their friends or just to answer your Excellency.

What is happening right now across the country is a wind of change. Many people who believe in the old order are suffering today because things have changed. There is no

doubt that the people of Edo State need good representation at all levels so as to take care of our future.

“It is important for the youths to demand for good representation and if you take money today, in the next four years you are going to suffer bad representation. Even when yon complain, God will not hear you because you have already spent the money ahead of the time.”

CONFERENCE: Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State (left), receiving a certificate, on behalf of President Goodluck Jonathan from Prof.Steve Turner shortly, after being inducted as a fellow of the International Society of Comparative Education, Science and Technology (ISCEST) during their maiden Int.Conference at Azaike Museum and Arts Gallery, Yenagoa.

Ex-militants threaten to attack oil installations in Delta

By Festus Ahon

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GHELLI—IRKED by what he described as the deliberate exclusion of members of his camp from documentation and integration into Phase Three of the amnesty programme, ex-militant leader, David Owhegbe, has issued a two-

week ultimatum to the Special Adviser to the President on Amnesty, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, to correct the anomaly, failing which he will mobilise his men to attack oil installations in Delta State.

Addressing newsmen during a protest by members of his camp in Ughelli, Delta State, Owhegbe lamented that the

Urhobo youths warn against plot to remove FUPRE VC

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RHOBO Youth Movement, UYM, has warned against plots to unseat the acting Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Petroleum Resource, Effurun, Prof. Tunde Damisa.

Speaking through its National Chairman, Mr. Tennyson Oriunu, the group said it had allegedly uncovered a plot by some academic and non-academic staff of Yoruba extraction to use their position as members of the university's Governing Council to misinform the

council and the general public about the acting Vice Chancellor.

UYM warned that any attempt to remove Prof.

Damisa and impose their anointed candidate will spell doom.

Oriunu said that because the acting VC rejected their planned four years tenure as against two years for internal member of Council by Senate, those involved were preparing a malicious petition to be submitted to the council at its next sitting.

time frame promised them “for our documentation and payment of stipend has long expired without any payment made to us.”

Meanwhile, in a letter addressed to Kingsley Kuku, the ex-militants noted: “Upon the proclamation of the amnesty programme by the Federal Government, our members with retinue of militants under their control, voluntarily surrendered all their control and management to the sector 1, Joint Task Force, JTF, at the Effurun Barracks, Delta State.

“At the ground where our members submitted their arms and ammunition, they were given assurances that they would be documented on or before two months to enable them benefit fully from the amnesty scheme. They were told that on or before mid 2011, they would be documented and would be receiving stipends for their upkeep just like other exmilitants. Up till date, nothing has been done for our members in that regard.”

DPR warms against adulteration of petroleum products

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARC O U R T — DEPARTMENT of Petroleum Resources, DPR, has warned against adulteration of petroleum products.

Zonal Operations Controller, DPR, Port Harcourt, Mrs. Sibeudu Onyebuchi, who handed down the warning, yesterday, at the annual meeting of DPR/Depot owners/ Petroleum Products Marketers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, warned that adulterated product would be quarantined while the retail outlet involved would be sealed for six months.

Sibeudu also cautioned against product diversion, noting that filling stations involved in such illicit act would be sanctioned for four months.

Speaking on products over pricing at depots and retail outlets, she said that her body would not hesitate to sanction anyone caught.

“Closure of depot for three months and retail outlet for one month will be meted out against offenders," she said.

Madam Oghenekaro passes on

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RS Grace Oghenekaro of Ogbegor family, Uduahanhen quarters, Owhrode, in Udu LGA, Delta State, is dead, aged 75.

Service of songs holds on December 12, at Diemutcha compound, Owhrode, while funeral service comes up December 13 at St. John's African Church Owhrode Primary School.

Interment follows immediately at Diemutcha compound, Owhrode.

Late Mrs. Oghenekaro

46—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

Igbo hold cultural festival in Lagos

By Chris Onuoha

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A G O S — ASSOCIATION of Ehime Mbano Indigenes in Lagos will Saturday organize a cultural festival, aimed at keeping the Igbo heritage alive and to mark the yuletide.

The event, which will hold at the Lagos National Stadium, is also targeted at sensitizing the public on the forthcoming general elections as notable personalities are expected to attend.

President-General of Aka-Ikenga, Chief Goddy Uwazurike, will be the chairman of the occasion while the Chief Executive Officer of Mainstream Bank, Chief Pascal Egerue and Pastor Okey Anoruo, will be special guests.

Kingsley Dimaku, who just clinched the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ticket to contest Ehime-Mbano seat in the Imo House for the second term will also be in attendance, while the father of the day is PDP chairman in Imo State, Chief Tony Chukwu.

The chairman, organizing committee, Simeon Chikezie, said: “We are using this opportunity to bring together and draw closer our sons and daughter in Lagos.”

I

t baffles me how this Boko Haram regrouped and attacked without the Army knowing where they come from.

What is our surveillance team doing? If the Army really wants to fight this menace, they should not only stop at repelling them. Mr Iro IgweWorker C M Y K

Imo APGA: Party debunks rumours of factions, parallel primaries

By Chidi Nkwopara

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WERRI—FOLLOWING confusion and reports of parallel primaries leading to multiple winners, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Imo State chapter, yesterday, said there was no parallel governorship primaries of the party in the state.

At a briefing in Owerri, state Chairman of the party, Peter Ezeobi, said those who conducted the purported parallel primaries were not members of APGA, saying “there was no parallel APGA governorship primary in the state.

“The only legal governorship primaries, conducted under the watchful eyes of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, security agencies and Austin Ndigwe, the returning officer, was free and fair.

“We do not have factions in Imo State APGA. We are intact and a united body, ready to achieve victory” Ezeobi said there were three governorship aspirants for the party: Captain Emmanuel

Iheanacho, Okey Ezeh and Okechukwu Unegbu. He said Iheanacho scored 972 votes, Okey 44 and Unegbu 3, with 16 void votes out of the total of 1,036 votes cast.”

According to him, one Prince C. O. C. Nwaka, who claimed to have conducted the illegal primaries was never a member

of Imo State APGA. He said: “It must be made clear that a winner, Captain Iheanacho, eventually emerged at the primaries.

This was not disputed by anybody, including the aspirants, until they possibly had a rethink.”

One of the gubernatorial

aspirants, Mazi Okechukwu Unegbu, dissociated himself from the Nwaka-led faction and congratulated Iheanacho on his victory.

He commended the delegates and organizers of the primaries for “their peaceful disposition and conduct during and after the primaries.”

... as ex-transport minister emerges PDP candidate in Anambra North

By Enyim Enyim

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NITSHA—FORMER Minister of Water and Transport, Prince John Emeka has emerged winner of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, primaries in Anambra North senatorial zone. At the parallel primaries, conducted through option A4 format, he polled 301 votes to beat Chief Sam Ikefuna, who polled 57 votes.

Former Aviation Minister, Stella Odua; Senator Joy Emordi and Senator Margery Okadigbo recorded no vote.

The Returning Officer, Mr. Ben Udozor, who declared Prince Emeka winner, said he

was at the venue to conduct the primaries following a judgment of a Federal High Court in Abuja that declared the Oguebego-led state PDP executive as the authentic one.

The primaries, held amidst tight security and supervised by seven officers of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Udozor said INEC decided to use option A4 to ensure transparency and ensure that there was no protest or complaints after the exercise.

Speaking to reporters after the primaries, Prince Emeka thanked the people of

Anambra North senatorial zone PDP for voting for him and promised that he would give them quality representation if elected into the National Assembly in 2015.

According to him, “if given your mandate, I will respect the wishes of the people and will give you good representation.

Anambra north has been yawning for a credible leadership in the past, but today you have got it.”

He said the parallel primaries that declared former Odua winner was unconstitutional and illegal as the Oguebego executive had been declared the authentic executive of the party.

Striking health workers accuse FMC of using quacks

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S ongoing strike by health workers across the country bites harder, leaders of the workers in Asaba, yesterday accused the management of Federal Medical Centre, FMC, of using quacks to service patients.

They claimed that the management had employed and deployed unqualified

hands to render health services which they were not trained or licensed to do.

The representatives of the workers, on the aegis of Joint Health Sector Union, JOHESU, raised the alarm in a statement after an emergency meeting to appraise the strike.

In the statement by the

chairman of JOHESU, Tony Asiodu, the workers advised the public to be careful and not to play with their health.

He said: “The management has thrown away tenets of professionalism and ethics of professional conducts in a bid to create a posture that the hospital is providing services, when in actual sense they are

rendering unhealthy and quack services, which poses a great threat to Delta State citizens and members of the public at large.

“All the qualified professional, whose job they are trying to do, are on strike.”

He said non-qualified and non-licensed casual staff were employed to carry out laboratory and nursing services.

On recent Boko Haram attacks in Maiduguri igerian government he betrayal of Chad, nough of these ’m not a Muslim but I’m igeria should N must declare war T a trusted neighbour, E killings. Even in a I quite convinced that N declare Chad is painful. We must put Republic our number one war situation, it is very hard majority of Nigerian against Chad now. It is our acts together in this country to defeat terror to the shame of those that are indirect enemies.

May God help Nigeria in this war against terrorism.

Mr Isaac OrogunCommentator

enemy. They want to run us down and posses our territories. I do not believe that this Boko Haram exists without an external assistance. Mr David Aluya-OvihClerical Officer

to kill up to 100 people at a go.

The Federal Government should apply more brutal force to destroy Boko Haram once and for all. The dilemma of our military is their inability to move. Mr Peter EkpoWorker

Muslims is totally against the activities of Boko Haram.

Though insurgents might have Muslim sympathizers, majority of them really hate what Boko Haram stands for. Mr Okechukwu NeneStudent

very clear that Chadians are the ones prosecuting these battles to annex parts of Nigeria. The Chadian government may have hijacked Boko Haram and their ideology to succeed in that direction.0 Mr Osman Adam- Businessman

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014— 47

Kogi govt dismisses alleged missing N750m agric loan L

By Boluwaji Obahopo

OKOJA—THE Kogi State government has denied claims that the N750 million meant for the Agricultural Loan Scheme for farmers in the state was missing, saying the delay in its disbursement was due to efforts to reach out to more farmers.

State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Zaccheus Atte who spoke in an interview with Vanguard in Lokoja, the state capital yesterday said that the money was intact in the Bank of Agriculture, BOA. His words: “The money is with the BOA. The ministry is not against the fund being disbursed.

We just decided to increase the number of beneficiaries from the initial 3,000 to 10,000 farmers.

“The loan scheme was flagged off some weeks before my appointment. But I observed that the forms had already been hijacked by civil servant in the ministry who inserted names of their family members and friends, as well as some political farmers as beneficiaries.

“You will be surprised that some names appeared eight times in the list. Some of the civil servants also, put their names, those of their wives or husbands and other family members.

Some even collected money from the farmers with the promise to facilitate the loan for

them.”

Atte however, said the state government was short-listing the names of the real farmers to enable them benefit from the loan and also give room to other farmers who did not have the opportunity to obtain the forms at the first distribution stage.

“The loan is meant not only for farming but for all those in the agricultural value-chain.

We are increasing the list of beneficiaries and immediately we finish sorting out the forms, we will commence disbursement to the beneficiaries,” he said.

WORKSHOP: From left: Folake Aina, Regional Head, Personal Banking, Lagos & South West, Ecobank Nigeria, Beverly Naya, Nollywood Actress, Olatomi Kolawole, Online PR Strategist, Tomi Odunsi, Nollywood Actress; Helene Ize-Iyamu, Business Intelligence, Personal Banking, Ecobank and Adebayo Osikomaiya, Product Manager, Mortgages and Inventory Finance, Ecobank, at the financial planning & wealth management workshop for women in the entertainment industry organized by ROWEAD (Role of Women in Emerging African Democracies) and sponsored by Ecobank in Lagos.

Paucity of fund, bane of NOUN's devt —VC

By Demola Akinyemi LORIN—THE Vice Chancellor of National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, Professor Vincent Tenebe has said that paucity of funds from the Federal Government and other stakeholders was slowing down the growth of the institution.

Tenebe said there was the need for deliberate funding of the university by the Federal Government to ensure the establishment of distant learning centres in all the nooks and crannies of the country. The move is based on the need to bring tertiary education to the door steps

I

of all Nigerians at affordable cost.

He spoke during the inauguration of NOUN Community Study Centre at Offa in Kwara State, pointing out that it was the seventh of

such centre, established through communal efforts in the country and the best so far.

“We need deliberate funding from the Federal Government and other stakeholders to have our centres across the nooks and

Ex-speaker emerges Benue PDP gov candidate

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By Peter Duru

AKURDI—FORMER Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Mr. Terhemen Tarzoor, yesterday, emerged as the flag bearer

of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Benue State.

This is just as the former National Chairman of the party, Chief Barnabas Gemade polled a total of 1,206 votes to pick the ticket

Civil service union seeks involvement in IPPIS devt

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BUJA—THE Nigeria Civil Service Union has asked the Federal Government to involve it in the development of payment software for civil servants.

A statement signed by the union’s Secretary-General, Comrade Gerald Ukeni and made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja, said the existing software was developed without stakeholders input.

It said that the Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System, IPPIS, was in line with global practices but it was developed without considering challenges that might arise.

He said: "The introduction of IPPIS by the Federal Government as a mode of computing and payment of workers emolument and other

charges has positively contributed in the control of wastages experienced by government in the past.

"While commending the government for the introduction of the software as demanded by the present age globally, it is, however, instructive to observe that the software for IPPIS was developed without involving trade unions."

NACCIMA boss wins Jigawa APC gov ticket

D

By Aliyu Dangida

UTSE—PRESIDENT , Nigerian Chamber of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru has emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for Jigawa State.

He emerged victorious during the governorship primaries in the state after scoring 2,650 votes to

crannies of Nigeria so that tertiary education can be within the reach of all Nigerians at affordable cost.

That is the whole essence of establishing the university in the first instance,” he said.

beat his closest rival, Yusufu Ubale Hashim who got 1,250 votes.

Declaring the result of the election, the National Electoral Officer of the party, Alhaji Abdullahi Hamza Yusuf, said that the APC recorded 95 per cent success in all its primaries, adding that only the results of two House of Assembly elections for Hadejia and Yankwashi Local

Government Areas needed to be reviewed by the party headquarters.

Vanguard gathered that the election which started from 1.40 pm Monday was concluded by 4:30 pm on Tuesday at the Gumel Emirate Foundation amid tight security by state joint security task force, Operation Salama.

of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Benue North East Senatorial District at the party primary held in Katsina/Ala. Gemade’s victory came few days after he defected from the ruling PDP where he was also, once a member of the Board of Trustees, BoT. Tarzoor who beat his closest rival and Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Steven Lawani, polled a total of 517 votes out of the available 974 votes, while former Minister of State, Trade and Investments Dr. Samuel Ortom came a distant third with 111 votes.

NUJ honours Aladenika, others

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ENIN CITY—EDO State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, as part of its year 2014 press week activities bestowed its prestigious awards on prominent Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in their chosen career.

Prominent among the awardees are, a former NUJ chairman, Otunba Mike Aladenika, former NMA President Dr. Osahon Enobulele among others.

While presenting the award to Otunba Aladenika, the president, NUJ, Mallam Garba Mohammed who was represented by the vice president, Zone F, Uzaka Seifa described Aladenika as a leader of unique character with high degree of consistency.

He said the award couldn’t have come at any other time than now as he enjoined Aladenika to accept higher responsibilities as other journalists will want to benefit from his wealth of experience and connections, stressing that the reward for good work is more work.

SURE-P GIS trains 100 graduates in Edo

By Boluwaji Obahopo DO—THE Graduate Internship Scheme, GIS, component of the Subsidy Reinvestment and E m p o w e r m e n t Programme, SURE-P, has trained 100 intern graduates and 10 firms in Edo State.

The employability orientation training for the beneficiaries was organized by the Federal Ministry of Finance to enable interns make optimal use of their experiences by developing useful skills and positive work habits.

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Vincentians hold end-of-year retreat

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AGOS—VINCENTIAN Retreat Centre, 1, De Paul Close, Ojodu, Yakoyo, Ojodu, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday, commenced its three-day end of year Chrismas Retreat with the theme; Be Soaked in Blessings.

The event which will feature healing, deliverance

and others begins by 5pm daily.

It will end on Friday, December 12, with a vigil. Activities for the vigil which commences by 9:00pm include rosary, stations of the cross, mass and thanksgiving.

The event will be hosted by Rev. Fr. Peter Asiazobor, Rev Fr. Emmanuel Nwaloka and Rev. Fr. Jude Dimonyekwere.

48—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

PRESENTATION: From left, Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Ms. Nonny Ugboma; Head of Planning Unit, Lagos State office for Disability Affairs, Ms. Shola Olujonwo, presenting the MTNF Scholarship Certificate to a Visually Impaired beneficiary, Mrs. Oluwalana Rachael, and Director, MTNF, Mrs. Aishatu Sadauki, during the presentation of MTNF scholarship for blind students, at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.

FELICITATION: From left, Abiemwense Agbonlahor, Dr. George Agbonlahor; the Celebrator, Engr. Osagie Agbonlahor; Josephine Mure Agbolahor, George Agbolahor Jr; at Aberdeen,Scotland, to felicitate with Engr. Osagie Agbonlahor, for bagging second class honours degree in Petroleum Engineering.

PRESENTATION: From left, Head, Surveillance & Enforcement Dept., Consumer Protection Council, CPC, Mr. Anyanwu Camillus; Vice President, Brand & Marketing Communication, Airtel, Obinna Aniche; Airtel customer and winner of N1 million in Red Hot promo, Mr. Tijani Wasiu, and Head, High Value Segment, Airtel, Mr. Kenechukwu Okonkwo, during the Airtel Red Hot promo press conference/prize presentation to winners, in Lagos.

PRESENTATION: Mrs. Grace Ojougbo, Principal Manager, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC (right), presenting an award to Mr. Olusola Bankole, Chief Marketing Officer, Cyberspace Limited, at the 2014 Africa ICT Award, organised by Belmang Communications, publishers of IT and Telecoms digest, in Lagos.

DINNER: From left, Deacon Segun Ajibola, 1st Vice President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN; Special Quest of Honour, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, Governor of Central TOUR: From left, Corporate Relations Director, Mr. Sesan Sobowale; Bank of Nigeria, CBN; Otunba Debola Osibogun, President /Chairman of Council, CIBN, Marketing Manager, Innovation, Ms. Omosefe Odaro, and Ogba Plant Mr. Uche Olowu, 2nd Vice President, CIBN, and Past President, Dr. Segun Aina, during the Manager, Mr. Tunde Adegbola, all of Guinness Nigeria Plc, during a CIBN 48th Annual Bankers Dinner, in Lagos. Photo: Diran Oshe media brewery tour Orijin plant, at the Ogba Plant, in Lagos.

ACTIVATION: From left, Abimbola Jegede, Compliance Manager, Western Union; Tony Okpanachi, Deputy Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria; Olutoye Olutayo, Ecobank customer, using Western Union to transfer money, and Charles Nwobi, Area Manager, Victoria Island, Ecobank Nigeria as Ecobank Nigeria, during the activation of Outbound Money Transfer service with Western Union, in Lagos.

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CONFERENCE: From left, Mr. Femi Yusuff, Product Development Manager, Lafarge Cement WAPCO; Mr. Chris Lobel, Manager, Ready Mix, Lafarge Nigeria; Professor Herbert Uzoegbo, Professor, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Witswaters and South Africa, and Mr. Loren Zanin, Managing Director, Lafarge Ready Mix Nigeria, during the Totally Concrete West Africa conference, in Lagos.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 — 49

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50 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

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52—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

Roli Mathilda (middle) and her parents, Elder and Deaconess C. O. G. Awani, during her call to bar in Abuja.

Otunba Owolabi Odebudo, presidential candidate of Democratic Peoples Party, DPP (2nd right), returning his nomination form to Ag. National Secretary of the party, Alhaji Abdullahi Da’azumi, in company of other party chieftains in Abuja.

Enugu PDP insists Ugwuanyi is governorship candidate

By Austin Ogwuda

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NUGU—THE leadership of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Enugu State, yesterday dismissed the claim by Senator Ayogu Eze that he was the person duly elected in the party governorship primaries, insisting that the authentic persons elected was Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

State Publicity Secretary of the party, Dr. Okey Eze, in a statement said: “Enugu State chapter of PDP, in liaison with the national headquarters, chose the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, as the venue for party ’s governorship primaries.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, security agencies and all delegates were duly informed of the venue for the election, and they attended and performed

their respective roles.

“The PDP Governorship Primary Election Panel from Abuja, headed by King Asara Asara, duly conducted the election with the official delegates list, ballot papers, and result sheets all obtained from the party headquarters and announced a result declaring Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as the victor, having obtained a total of 937 votes out of the 983 votes cast.

“Ugwuanyi was, therefore, issued with a certificate of return.

“Those that were present and voted at the primaries held at the stadium included all the statutory delegates of Enugu State chapter of PDP, including Governor Sullivan Chime and his Deputy; the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu; state Chairman of PDP and all state party officials.

“Others are all members of the National Assembly

from Enugu State (except Senator Ayogu Eze); all members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, including the Speaker and gubernatorial aspirant, Eugene Odo; all local government area chairmen and local government party chairmen; Board of Trustee members, including the former National Chairman of PDP, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, among others.”

The state chapter of PDP, therefore, called on its faithful and members of the public to discountenance and treat as fallacious any information or posturing to the contrary.

It added: “It is in view of possible dissatisfaction that the national headquarters of the party set up an appeal panel for each primary election.

“Eze, like every other PDP member, is aware of this. So he can go to the panel rather than resort to disparaging the party.”

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11 , 2014 — 53

Syria’s Assad meets senior Russian diplomat

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ICC turns to Security Council to try Gaddafi's son T

HE International Criminal Court yesterday referred Libya to the UN Security Council for not handing over fallen strongman Moamer Kadhafi’s son Seif al-Islam for trial.

“It is appropriate to make a finding of noncompliance by Libya with the court’s requests for cooperation at issue and refer the matter to the Security Council,” the court said in a statement.

Seif, 42, is the subject of a legal tug-of-war between Tripoli and the ICC over where he should stand trial on charges of crimes against humanity relating to the bloody repression of the 2011 uprising that toppled and killed his father.

Prosecutors say that as part of his father ’s “inner circle”, Seif “conceived and orchestrated a plan to deter and quell, by all means, the civilian demonstrations against Kadhafi’s regime”.

Malala receives Nobel Prize

M

A L A L A Yo u s a f z a i vowed yesterday to struggle for every child’s right to go to school as she became the youngest ever Nobel laureate, sharing the Peace Prize with Indian campaigner Kailash Satyarthi

•Seif Gaddafi in court.

A one-time de facto prime minister, Seif was nabbed by rebel fighters in November 2011.

Although he is being held by a Libyan militia in northern hilltop

stronghold Zintan rather than by any central authority in the chaoswracked country, The Hague-based ICC said in May that Tripoli must hand him over.

Brazil gets damning Truth Commission report

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RAZIL’S National Truth Commission yesterday delivered a damning report on the killings, disappearances and acts of torture committed by government agents during the country ’s 1964-1985 military dictatorship. It called for those responsible to face prosecution.

The 2,000-page report was delivered to President Dilma Rousseff, a former Marxist guerrilla who endured harsh torture and a long imprisonment in the early 1970s. Known for her steely demeanor, Rousseff

•President Rousseff broke down in her speech at the report’s launch ceremony in the capital, Brasilia.

Investigators spent

Mugabe appoints Mnangagwa new VP

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IMBABWEAN President Robert Mugabe on Wednesday named hardliner Emmerson Mnangagwa as his vice president, putting the former justice minister in pole position to succeed the veteran leader.

Mugabe announced the appointment at the headquarters of his ruling ZANU-PF party to loud applause, a move that comes just days after he sacked one-time presidential hopeful turned rival Joice Mujuru as vice

The ICC said on Wednesday that it “ recognised that throughout the proceedings, Libya demonstrated in several respects its commitment to the court and made genuine efforts to maintain a constructive dialogue.”

“The chamber also noted the volatile political and security situation in Libya and stated that it was sensitive to the serious difficulties that Libya is currently facing.”

The Security Council referred the situation in Libya to the ICC in February 2011 amid Kadhafi’s repression of the popular uprising against his decades-old regime at the height of the Arab Spring.

•VP Mnangagwa president in a major purge.

Nicknamed “Ngwena” (The Crocodile) because of his ruthlessness, Mnangagwa has held various senior posts in the country ’s defence and internal security

apparatus.

“I assured the president, I want to assure the party, its leadership, that I will remain loyal, committed and uphold the correct line of the revolution,” Mnangagwa said, describing the appointment as an “honour”.

The appointment caps a mass purge of rivals by the 90-year-old Mugabe in a bid to end fierce feuding within the ruling ZANU-PF party over who will eventually succeed him.

nearly three years combing through archives, hospital and morgue records and questioning victims, their families as well as alleged perpetrators.

The document represents Brazil’s most sweeping attempt yet to come to terms with the human rights abuses committed under the country ’s military regime.

“Under the military dictatorship, repression and the elimination of political opposition became the policy of the state, conceived and implemented based on decisions by the president of the republic and military ministers,” the report states.

The commission “therefore totally rejects the explanation offered up until today that the serious violations of human rights constituted a few isolated acts or excesses resulting from the zeal of a few soldiers.”

The seven-member commission, created by Congress and sworn in by Rousseff in 2011, has no prosecutorial powers, and a 1979 amnesty law passed by the military regime prevents those responsible from being tried and punished.

YRIAN President Bashar al-Assad met Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov Wednesday, state media said, as Moscow pressed a bid to restart a peace process for the war-torn country.

SANA news agency did not give details on the talks in Damascus, which come after recent meetings Bogdanov had with Syrian opposition groups in Lebanon and in Turkey.

“In Istanbul, I met with Syrian opposition members,” Bogdanov said as he arrived at his Damascus hotel.

“We want to reach an agreement on many issues with the

Damascus authorities,” he added.

Bogdanov ’s Syrian counterpart, Faisal Muqdad, said: “I am sure our Russian friends are bringing with them ideas that we will discuss, so that the bid succeeds, and so that we can reach a political solution that is mainly founded on the integrity of Syrian territory.”

In November, key Damascus backer Russia held meetings in Moscow with a top opposition leader, Ahmad Moaz alKhatib, and with a delegation headed by Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem. No date has yet been set for any future talks

South African judge approves Pistorius appeal

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SCAR Pistorius again faces the possibility of a murder conviction after a South African judge ruled Wednesday that prosecutors can appeal against the doubleamputee Olympian’s conviction on the lesser charge of culpable homicide.

The sensational case will go to the Supreme Court of Appeal, which will review the murder trial of Pistorius, who fatally shot girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp through the closed door of a toilet cubicle on Valentine’s Day last year.

Judge Thokozile Masipa, who convicted Pistorius and sentenced him to five years in jail, acknowledged that chief prosecutor Gerrie Nel

had raised legitimate “questions of law” that should be studied by the appeals court.

“This might have a practical effect” on the conviction, Masipa said.

“We note the finding of the court and abide by the ruling,” Pistorius’ family said in a statement.

Pistorius could face a minimum of 15 years in prison if the appeals court overturns the culpable homicide conviction and raises it to a murder conviction.

Under his current sentence, Pistorius could be released from prison and placed under house arrest after serving 10 months, or one-sixth of his sentence. It is unclear whether the appeals court will have ruled on his case within 10 months.

Why Ebola fighters are Time Magazine’s ‘Person of the Year’

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HE courageous Ebola fighters around the world who are responding to the largest Ebola outbreak in history are Time Magazine’s 2014 “Person of the Year,” the magazine’s editors announced Wednesday morning.

Ebola has now claimed more than 6,000 lives (mostly in West Africa), more than 17,000 people have been diagnosed as infected, and the disease has tested the world’s h e a l t h - c a r e infrastructure.

Essentially, Time is paying homage to the brave caregivers,

nurses, ambulance drivers, doctors, and health-care workers who rose to this challenge.

“For their tireless acts of courage and mercy, for buying the world time to strengthen its defenses, for the risks they took and the lives they saved, the Ebola fighters are Time’s 2014 Person of the Year,” Time editor Nancy Gibbs said in a video posted on the magazine’s Web site.

In deciding upon their “Person of the Year,” the magazine considers “the person or persons who most affected the news and our lives, for good or ill, and embodied what was important about the year.”

54 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

NCC clamps down on operators over illegal use of spectrum

By Emeka Aginam

T

HE spectrum monitoring team of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, yesterday, in Lagos clamped down on three operators for illegally using the unlicensed 5.4 GHz frequency band,.

Before now, the telecom regulator had warned internet service providers and other companies illegally occupying the spectrum to discontinue use of such or face the consequences.

Although seven illegal users have been identified by the spectrum monitoring team of the telecoms regulatory authority, only three operators including Netcom Africa, Switch Talk Technology and Multi Dimension said to be tenants under the mast of Medallion Communications have been clamped down. Some of these operators, it was gathered, offer internet and radio services.

Accordingly, the power unit and radio services of the operators have been shut down by the spectrum monitoring team of NCC. Meanwhile, the remaining four operators, according to NCC monitoring team, will be visited today and tomorrow respectively.

The Head, enforcement unit of the spectrum monitoring team of the regulatory agency, Salisu Abdul who addressed Technology Journalists shortly after carrying enforcement exercise said that these companies would be liable to paying all the relevant fees for using the frequencies illegally based on the provisions of telecommunications regulatory statutes.

According to him, the enforcement action was in line with the Commission’s mandate and commitment to ensure that the frequency spectrum was not abused.

“We have enforcement here in Lagos to clean up the 5.4 frequency band.''

ANTI-CORRUPTION DAY: EFCC can't fight corruption alone — LAMORDE A

BUJA—THE Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, has called for the support and cooperation of Nigerians in the fight against corruption, stating that “the job of fighting corruption should not be left only to statutory organizations.”

He stated that the Commission had been deploying the social media platforms to reach the public, adding that the fight against corruption could not be fought only by traditional model of public enlightenment.

He spoke on Tuesday, December 9, at this year ’s International Anti-Corruption Day organized by InterAgency Task Team, IATT, at the National Centre for Women Development, Abuja, with the theme: “Break the Corruption Chain”.

December 9, every year, has been set aside globally to raise awareness and restate commitment to the fight against corruption.

The anti-graft czar further stated that the Commission had developed a state-of-the-art forensic laboratory, which deals with all types of analysis in the fight against corruption.

“We have trained a lot of analysts and financial crimes investigators who specialize in modern techniques of identifying frauds,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr. Ledum Mitee, chairman of Inter-Agency Task Team, IATT, emphasized the need to empower the anticorruption institutions with the necessary resources to confront corruption.

Citing the Jakarta Principles for Anti-Corruption, which include remuneration, authority over human resources, adequate and reliable resources as well as financial autonomy, he expressed doubt that the anticorruption agencies in Nigeria meet the standards.

According to him, if Nigeria was to make significant progress on developmental issues, it must break the corruption chain so as to reduce corruption to the minimum.

He also called for the effective implementation of laws at all levels of governance without fear or favour. “Not only must there be no sacred cows and the culture of impunity wiped out, but the replication of anti-

corruption measures and institutions at the sub-national levels must be seen as a priority,” he said.

Bala Sanga, representative from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, , emphasized that corruption had the capability to lead to weak governance, which in turn could fuel organised crimes, including human trafficking, money laundering, terrorism and other forms of criminality.

Sanga, while pledging the support of UNODC to eliminate corruption, added that the UNODC had just started the implementation of 34.5 million Euro project funded by the European Union to assist anticorruption agencies, the police,

the judiciary and civil society organizations.

Mr. Obunike Olaegbu of Public Complaints Commission advised the EFCC, ICPC and other anticorruption agencies to do more in the area of enlightenment and sensitization of the public on the ills of corruption.

Also, Mr. Kolade Omoyola, representative from the Code of Conduct Bureau, urged Nigerians to declare their assets, stating that the Bureau was doing its best to break the chain of corruption through Public enlightenment.

Chidi Odinkalu, Chairman of National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, who gave the keynote address, charged nonchalant leaders about fighting corruption to have a rethink.

LAUNCH: From left; Alhaji Isa Ozi Salami, Independendent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, ICPC Board member; Mr. Ekpo Nta, Chairman, ICPC; Chief Osita Chidoka, Minister of Aviation and Capt. Victor Iriobe, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Aviation during the anti-corruption Intervention launch in the Aviation Sector, at Murtala Mohammed International Airport Ikeja, Lagos.

Ex-Minister, Pate rejects Bauchi PDP governorship result

By Emmanuel Aziken

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RSTWHILE minister of state for health and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP governorship aspirant in Bauchi State, Dr. Ali Pate has rejected the outcome of the primaries saying it was skewed by the state authorities in favour of Awal Jatau who was declared winner.

Pate in a statement articulating his rejection of the process that led to the declaration of Jatau as winner articulated two major grounds for his assertion including harassment and intimidation and secondly, that the process was inconclusive before the declaration of a winner.

Pate in a statement made available to Vanguard last night said: “We observed that delegates were coerced into

voting the alleged predetermined winner. The initial organization of the election clearly indicated an effort to identify which delegates voted or did not vote for the predetermined candidate, and was reinforced by creating fear of repercussion if the delegates did not choose the candidate.”

“We are curious that the results of five local government areas were summarily rejected and excluded in the computation of the votes, even while there were significant unresolved issues regarding the casting of those votes.”

“Section 19 (k) of the party guidelines for primary elections provides for a Modified Secret Ballot otherwise known as the Open Secret Ballot.

Unfortunately, delegates were deliberately crowded and clustered as to make the secret

ballot completely impossible. It is hard to believe that five local government delegates numbering about 2000 or more persons could be asked to assemble at the same time to cast their ballots without the possibility of a delegate protruding into what the other is doing.

Opportunity was provided for others to tout, induce and even collect ballot papers of others to write on their behalf. Appointed Local Government caretaker chairmen (example Alkaleri L.G.A. Caretaker Chairman) and other elected representatives (example Dambam House of Assembly member) were openly seen to collect and fill the ballot papers of several delegates with the name of the predetermined winner of the primary election.”

“Other corroborative indications that the

predetermined candidate received hundreds of millions of Naira to induce delegates. It is unfortunate that even the opposition APC in Bauchi State was successfully infiltrated in an anti-democratic manner.

Bauchi State is facing great challenges, including dwindling economic performance, rising poverty, poor education, high unemployment, rising insecurity indicative of failed politics in the State. PDP as a party was supposed to offer a level playing field for emergence of credible candidates in order to successfully compete and offer good governance for the development of the state after winning election. ''We hope that our complaints will resonate with national leadership of the party and that Justice will be done for members of the party in Bauchi and the people of the state.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 — 55

2015: APGA fails to field gov candidate in Enugu

Lagos approves payment of 3-yrs arrears pensioners

By Francis Igata

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By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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AGOS State Government has approved the payment of the three years arrears of 142 percent pension increase, 15 percent and 6 percent increment to better the welfare of pensioners The government announced this at a four-day retreat for staff aimed at better pension management and administration in the state.

Speaking at the retreat held at the staff clinic, Alausa, Ikeja, Commissioner for the Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions, Mrs, Florence Oguntuase, said the retreat would afford the staff a better understanding of their responsibilities for improved performance.

According to Oguntuase, Lagos State was recognized as the best in pension matters, stressing that the state had approved the payment of the three years arrears of 142 percent pension increase, 15 percent and 6 percent increment in order to better the welfare of pensioners.

She said “welfare packages were given to our pensioners who are 70 years and above. A preretirement training was also organized for those who are retiring on acquired skill; new software was developed for the office by Lagos State Resident Registration Agency, LASRRA in order to meet with the new development in the service.”

LECTURE: From left; Chairman body of Fellows, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, NIMN, Dr Ify Uraih; Ann Agbakoba, Guest Speaker; Mr Ayeni Ekundayo, President & Chairman of Council, NMIN, Mr Ganiyu Koledoye, CEO of Sola Jooce, David Agbakoba and NIMN Council Member, Mr Sola Kolawole at the 2014 Mike Agbakoba’s Memorial Lecture in Lagos, yesterday.

Court dismisses Obiano's double registration suit

By Vincent Ujumadu

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WKA—THE Federal High Court sitting in Awka yesterday dismissed the resurrected case of alleged double registration of Governor Willie Obiano, prior to the November 2013 Anambra State governorship election.

An Onitsha- based human rights activist, Mr. Jezie Ekejiuba had in suit No. FHC/ AWK/CS/269/2013, approached the court presided over by Mr. Isah

Imo APGA crisis deepens as factional chirman cancels gov primaries

By Anayo Okoli

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M UA H I A — T H E R E seems to be no end in sight to the crisis rocking the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, as a claimant to the national chairman of the party, Chief Chris Ejike Uche, yesterday, in Umuahia, announced the cancellation of the parallel governorship primaries held in Imo State, which produced two candidates.

Uche, who claimed he had assumed the position of the Acting National Chairman of APGA, said fresh primaries would hold today in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

He also dismissed the Abia State primaries that produced Dr. Alex Otti, saying Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba, was the party’s candidate in the state.

Chief Uche who said the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party mandated him to take over the leadership of the

party in acting capacity, claimed that Chief Victor Umeh’s tenure elapsed on December 1st, 2014.

According to him, Dr. Otti just joined the party and was not qualified to be given the party’s governorship flag, yet he admitted that he contested in the primaries with Ufomba.

But Otti’s camp had since continued to forge ahead with preparation to launch its governorship campaign in the state as it accused Uche of being used by unnamed individuals to cause trouble in APGA. On his plan to conduct fresh primaries in Imo State, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, who had been elected to fly APGA flag in the state, dismissed it as none issue.

In a chat, Iheanacho urged the people of the state especially APGA members to ignore Uche and his group who he said “are parading themselves as APGA leaders which they are not”.

Gafai, and prayed that Governor Obiano be stripped of his governorship status for alleged double registration.

Other defendants in the suit were the Anambra State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Professor Chukwuemeka Onukaogu and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Ekejiuba had claimed Obiano allegedly submitted fake voter’s card in his INEC Form CF001 sworn affidavit, contrary to Section 31 (1) to (6) of the Amended Electoral Act, 2010.

Delivering judgment, Justice Gafai dismissed the suit for lack of merit and inconsistency in reliefs sought, describing the plaintiff ’s matter as a misconception, speculative and non-issue.

He also dismissed the plaintiff’s claim that Obiano had a voter’s card with registration number ending with 332.

“It is false because it is neither his voter’s card with registration number ending with 172, which he registered in Lagos, nor his voter’s card number ending with 121, which he admitted was a product of his purported voter’s transfer,” the Judge said.

According to Justice Gafai, the first defendant (Obiano) had through his counsel, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, (SAN) asserted that he registered as a voter in Lagos and participated in elections there in 2011 and when it became apparent that he would seek nomination as All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA candidate, he went through proper transfer process of his voter’s card registration.

He added that whatever mix up by INEC in his voting

documents could not be used against him, stressing that after examining facts put forward by both parties, he could not find any information showing falsification of voting documents by the governor.

Justice Gafai observed that the plaintiff, out of overzealousness, contended that the suit had nothing to do with criminal allegations, even when he referred to all national newspaper publications on the alleged double/multiple voter registration, which in itself was an electoral offence.

“It is self-contradictory to claim act of double or multiple registrations against the first defendant and on the other hand, claim his (plaintiff ’s) case is neither one of double registration or criminal matter.

The burden of proof lies with the plaintiff to prove his case beyond reasonable doubt,” the Judge said.

NUGU—ALL Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Enugu State, chapter yesterday concluded its primaries for the various political positions, but failed to field a gubernatorial candidate for the 2015 general elections.

The party however elected three senatorial candidates, four House of Representatives candidates and nine State House of Assembly candidates.

In the primaries conducted by a five-man electoral panel from the national secretariat of the party, led by Obi Okoye, Chief Willie Ezeugwu, Ebim Oguejiofor and Mrs. Ijeoma Chukwu emerged as candidates of the party for Enugu North, Enugu East and Enugu West senatorial elections respectively.

Similarly, four candidates emerged for House of Representatives seats, including: Mrs. Chuba Anakwudo (Enugu NorthEnugu South), Odo Donatus (Enugu EastIsiuzo), Okwudili Itanyi (Igbo-Etiti-Uzo Uwani) and Victor Nwobodo (Nkanu East-Nkanu West).

Among the nine House of Assembly candidates are; Chief Ben Alukwu (Aninri), and John Ngene (Enugu South Constituency 1).

Fielding questions from journalists, state Chairman of their party, Chief Okechukwu Nkolagu, commended the delegates and candidates for their peaceful conduct insisting that APGA would spring a surprise in the positions her members were contesting.

Nwankwo wins APGA reps primaries in Anambra

By Vincent Ujumadu

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WKA—CHIEF Dozie Nwankwo has won the repeat National Assembly primaries of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, for Anaocha/Njikoka/Dunukofia federal constituency of Anambra State held yesterday by scoring 178 votes out of the 195 votes cast.

His closest rival, Mr. Onocjie Okagbue polled 14 votes, while Mr. Mike Nkwocha got two votes.

Speaking after he was declared winner by the returning officer, Nwankwo commended APGA

delegates for the confidence reposed in him and urged his opponents to join hands with him to move the constituency forward.

He commended Governor Willie Obiano and the national chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh for insisting on free and fair primaries, promising that he would not disappoint his constituents if elected.

“Even before going into politics, I was using my Foundation to assist my people and this will continue.

There is so much to do and by the grace of God, we will not disappoint our people,” he said.

56—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

Vegetarian personalities in Africa (2)

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R. SHARITA is a naturopathic doctor from the U.S. specializing in Iridology, Reiki, Detoxification, nutritional programs, weight loss, herbal solutions, and wholistic (mind, body, and spirit) consultations. She is residing in Ghana and now reaching out to Nigeria in collaboration with Veggie Victory - Nigeria's 1st Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurant. I asked her the question why she thinks a Veg life is important for us in Africa. Here her answer: Dr. Sharita Yazid: A plant based diet is Africa's Liberation diet. Our original diet consist of fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains and pure water. Our teeth are made to chew plants like other herbivores. We don't have the canine teeth that's needed to rip into meat like a lion. Carnivorous animals have intestinal tracts that are 3-6x their body length, while herbivores have intestinal tracts 10-12x their body length.

Human beings have the same intestinal tract ratio as herbivores. Carnivorous animals have 20 times more gastric acids that's needed to digest meat.

In many divine scriptures we are directed not to kill. The commandment "Thou shall not kill". In ancient Khemet (Egypt) 42 principles of Maat

Hakeem Jimo’s

Ve ggie Victory

veggienaija@gmail.com "I have not killed" or "I have not defowl an animal".

Somewhere along the lines we lost this principle causing us to suffer, not only physically but mentally and spiritually as well.

In my research among the blacks in the southern parts of the United States of America and in Ghana, the elders will tell you that meat was something they ate once or twice a year on holidays. And even then everyone was given

• Dr. Sharita Yazid

a small portion. Now today we are eating more meat than ever as well as adopted a western diet that consist of dairy, white refine sugar, white flour, very strong drink, white "nutrient deprived" rice, imported chicken, etc. This diet doesn't compliment our lifestyle and environment. Our ancestors were stronger, lived longer and didn't know of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, fibroid tumors, cancer, bad eyesight, mental disorders, STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), or ebola. The list goes on and on.

Research has shown by eating a plant based diet one can build a stronger immune system, gain more energy, reduce the effects of stress on the body, mental clarity, brilliant skin, prevent and reverse dis-ease and extend your life span. If you're not convinced by what I am saying here today then I challenge you to try a plant based diet for 3 months. There is no better research than that.

Remember your health is your wealth!

Little big shot health drinks debuts

By Esther Onyegbula

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new range of health energy drink, ‘Little big shot’ specifically formulated with organic substances to boost energy at all time has been introduced into the Nigerian market.

The health drink introduced by one of the country’s leading beverage Company, Elias Eliot International LTD, was introduced in response to rising demands for healthy energy drink without side effects.

Unveiling the new product at a press parley recently, Chief Executive Officer, Elias Eliot International LTD, Mr. Edetanlen Elliot explained that the launch of Little big shot energy drink would bring a renewed excitement to all retailers and consumers. “The drink is the first natural energy boost with absolutely no caffeine and Taurine. Rather, it contains deep ocean minerals which can only be found in Hawaiii and Japan.

Specially formulated with organic substance as energy booster which has been a major breakthrough that is not harmful in the body, he said.

According to Dotun Adebowale, Marketing Consultant, the entry of the

Little big shot energy drink to Lagos market and s o u r r o u n d i n g neighbourhoods is the first and many steps of the company to launch the product in the market.

The new product is part of the ongoing effort to constantly provide Nigerians with healthier and affordable product with nutritional value.

The drink has three flavour made from the goodness of mother nature, deep sea ocean minerals come from pure and natural source, carbon free mineral water and helps keep the energy level up.

With a vibrant, intense and rich berry flavour, the new product gives consumers a wider choice of energy drink but also ensures that the health of the consumers are not compromised, it has no preservatives and has a life span of two years. The drink is for all health conscious male and female including children ages between ages 8 and above.

As parts of its franchise engagement with the parent company, Mr. Edetanlen Elliot, also revealed that in the next two years, a factory will be built in Ogun state to bring down the price and create employment in Nigeria.

COMMON SEXUAL PROBLEMS AND THEIR NOVELTY BASED SOLUTIONS (ADVERTORIAL)

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RE there thicker condoms out there that are more reliable than the ones already in the market? I use condoms during sex and on few occasions, the condoms have broken during intercourse - Kelechi Only penis sleeves are thicker than condoms and they do not break during use. So you can use a penis sleeve like the Cock Xtender or the Stud Extender. They are thicker than condoms, stronger and can be reused. They also prevent premature ejaculation and make your penis appear much bigger – Uche I am 72 years old and my wife is 33. I have been using drugs to get an erection for the past 13 years.

Four months ago, my doctor told me that I am hypertensive. Since then, I have been advised not to take any sex drug that will increase my blood pressure.

The issue now is how to get an erection? Moses Dear Moses, I understand your situation and there is an option we can explore to help you regain your vital sexual functions. An alternative for getting an erection is the use of a penis pump. Any adult man can use a penis pump and it doesn’t matter if you are hypertensive or diabetic. Unlike drugs, a pump works from the outside to draw blood into the penis for a hard erection. Once you pump and get the required erection, you now wear another device called a Cockring at the base of the penis to maintain the erection. This way, you can have intercourse comfortably without losing your erection. A good penis pump that I can recommend for you is the Machismo Penis Pump. It is also a penis enlarger – Uche I need a vibrator but I don’t know much about them.

I will prefer something effective that can give me an orgasm whenever I need it. Thanks – Ijeoma Rabbit vibrators are the best stimulators for women.

They have the capability to stimulate internally (G Spot Stimulation) and externally (clitoral stimulation). They have multiple speeds of vibration and pulsation while some of them thrust in and out as well. Ask for the Shane’s Sophomore G Spot Vibrator. It is very very

good – Uche Can you recommend some nice massage oils? I just want something that can enable a couple relax this coming holiday – Ruby I think you will like these two. They are the Kamasutra Pleasure Garden Massage Oil and the Body Dew Pheromone Silky Body Oil. They are well enriched, run smoothly on the skin and don’t dry up quickly – Uche I have heard of female condoms. Are they better than male condoms? Ebele A female condom offers better protection to the woman wearing it and the reason is simple. A mischievous male lover can decide to punch holes in his male condom just to get a woman pregnant. But when a woman is wearing a female condom during intercourse, she is safer because nobody can mess with it. The FC2 Female Condom is a good example – Uche The prolonging delay cream that I bought from you is okay for stopping premature ejaculation. But then I need something that can give me stamina and hard erections – Murayo For stamina and hard erections, what you need is an aphrodisiac. Ask for Hard Times supplement. Prolonging Delay Cream is only for stopping premature ejaculation – Uche I have a small penis and I really need to make it bigger.

My woman also experiences pain during sex- Waheed For you, ask for the Penis Enlargement Pump or the Rhino 5 Supplement . For her, get the Mood Sensitive Lubricant.

It prevents vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse – Uche Hello folks. I need a super supplement this xmas period. I want the best. What do you recommend? KC Rhino 5 remains the best. It does everything – Uche And that’s it for today. The names of the people featured here have been changed for their privacy. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 08171912551 or 08027901621 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 — 57

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58 —Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 —59

RCCG Holy Ghost Congress 2014

What Pa Akindayomi told me, by Pastor Rathod

By Sam Eyoboka & Olayinka Latona

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NITED States-based Indian preacher and senior pastor of Covenant Family Church, Pastor Stephen Rathod, was born in India and graduated from high school at the age of 16 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat India. He entered Gujarat University in 1966 and graduated in 1970, with a B.Sc in Chemistry. Four years after, he received his Masters degree in Organic Chemistry from the same university.

Afterward, he travelled to the United States to further his education. In May 1977, he received a B.Sc in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Tulsa in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In September 1974, he answered the call of God to serve Him in full time ministry. He entered Rhema Bible Training Centre in 1977 and received a Diploma for Ministerial Training on May 19, 1978. In August 1980, he was ordained as a pastor by the founder of Redeemed Christian Church of God, the late Rev. Josiah Akindayomi in Lagos, Nigeria.

Speaking at the ongoing 17th annual Holy Ghost Congress at the Redemption Camp, Tuesday night, on a topic titled; ‘The Author and Finisher ’, Pastor Rathod outlined three things Christians must embrace to make heaven and they include: sanctification, rules and

21 reasons why you must be healed—Adeboye

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FTER the talk by Pastor Stephen Rathod, there were several moments of greetings by foreign delegates which were preceded by musical interludes by the Northern Region Choir and the South African gospel group, Vinesong led by Rev. John Watson, the RCCG Mass Choir, and prayer sessions by immediate past Vice President of PFN, Rev. (Mrs.) Mercy Ezekiel and one of the assistant general overseers, Pastor D.A. Ilori.

The crowing glory of the night was the ministration by the General Overseer of the church, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye who spoke on the topic; “Always on time” where he outlined 21 reasons why The Great Shepherd is obligated to heal all His sheep.

Taking a voyage through the Bible, Pastor Adeboye told the crowd of worshippers that God is obligated to healing His people because He is absolutely interested in “our flesh or our physical body.

“He may heal you by touching you spiritually or physically and He can speak the word, just as He can reach you through the overflow of His anointing. He can visit you personally and He can change your DNA."

holiness.

According to him, as far back as 1980, he announced to the crowd of participants that the founder of RCCG, late Pa Akindayomi was his guest in Tulsa and he was driving the old man home when a driver suddenly appeared on his way and almost caused an accident.

In his bid to impress his African guest, he involuntarily abused the rough driver and his spiritual father uttered one sentence which was interpreted to him to mean; “You need to be sanctified.”

Continuing, Pastor Rathod said what “Pa Akindayomi told me in 1980, I also say to you today. You will never be alone in the journey.

Don’t quit! Stay in the race,” warning “if you don’t have the grace of the Author and Finisher, don’t attempt to go. Do not try to be some body else in the race.”

Obeying rules

Worshippers praising God during the Praise and Worship on the 2nd day of the RCCG 2014 Holy Ghost Congress Photos: Lamidi Bamidele

Author and Finisher.”

His third nugget which is needed by every Christian who is willing to make it to Heaven includes, perhaps the most vital, holiness. According to Pastor Rathod, no candidate for the Kingdom, should endeavour to sell his/her birthright, stressing “you must not compromise the message of holiness. You must abide in Jesus.”

Business talk

Pastor Rathod who likened Nigeria to his home country, India, both of which he said do not like rules, said “Pa Akindayomi told me, in this journey you must obey rules. In other words, you must be disciplined and your preaching must reflect what you believe and stand for. Something that is going wrong in Christendom worldwide today is that people are no longer willing to obey rules.

“When Pa Akindayomi told me, I need to be sanctified, I asked him what he meant and he replied; ‘You are out of control.’

Its important for me to tell you that your holiness will not take you to Heaven. You can only make Heaven by the grace given by

T

HE Holy Ghost Congress which birthed in 1998 at the Lekki area of Lagos is essentially a spiritual exercise with heavy emphasis on the miraculous.

However, the leadership of the church, targeting the total man, has been introducing certain aspects of human issues to prepare participants for all challenges.

To that extent, Mrs. Bisi Ogunbor was on hand, Tuesday, to address the crowd on how to set up a retail business and the challenges associated with such endeavour. That held for about one hour between 4.30 and 5.30 p.m. also at the auditorium, while younger ones were being engaged at the Youth Centre.

Pastor Chinedu Ezekwesili, his wife, Pastor ObyEzekwesili, former Minister of Education and a worshipper dancing and singing

Worshippers from foreign countries praising God during the Praise and Worship session

DAY FOUR (THURSDAY) Programme MORNING SESSION 9.00am -10.00am 10.00am-10.30am 10.30am-11.30am 11.30am-12.00 noon 12.00 noon- 1.00pm

Prayer&intercession Praise&worship Talks& prayers “The earth is the Lord’s” Offering Ministration

AFTERNOON SESSION 4.00pm-4.15pm Praise, worship&prayers 4.15pm-4.30pm. Offering 4.30pm-5.30pm Talks& Discussions a) Personal Hygiene as preventive strategy b) Vital steps to self -employment c)Laying the foundation for profitable investment d) Parenting: career guidance and counselling e) Special Talk: (Ministers only) EVENING SESSION 6.00pm-7.00pm.

Prayer& intercession 7.00pm-8.00pm Praise, Worship & choir 8.00pm-8.20pm Special Talk& prayer one- “Family” 8.20pm-8.40pm Special Talk & prayer two- “The church” 8.40pm-9.00pm Greetings & announcements 9.00pm-9.30pm Choir 9.30pm- 10.00pm Talk one 10.00pm-10.20pm Special talk and prayer three- “The Youth” 10.20pm-10.50pm Offering 10.50pm-11.30pm Talk two- “Peace be still” 11.30pm-12.10am Choir 12.10am- 12.50am Talk three- “In His name”

Worshippers praising God during the Praise and Worship session

The choir of Redeemed Christian Church of God, Region 5, Rivers State praising God during the praise and Worship session

60 —V anguard, THURSD AY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 —Vanguard, THURSDA YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

AQUARIUS; Today’s full-Moon in Cancer warns you to take your health more seriously. Yet here is a day remarkable success can be your lots.

PISCES; Whatever happens you will have cause to smile. Yet you must not take your friends for granted, especially from 3pm. Take love more seriously.

ARIES; Unless you exercise great control domestic water can become heated with re-action from people within your base of operation. Protect your career.

TAURUS; Full-Moon’s influence can induce others to oppose some of your moves within your social circle. Respect important view of your good friends.

GEMINI ; Full-Moon across Cancer/Capricorn axis is capable of bringing avoidable personality clashes through financial transactions. If you rely too heavily on promises made by others from 3pm you can be painfully disappointed.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

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HERE were you yesterday?

And where are you today? Where were you this morning?

And where are you now? If you have remained essentially in one position all of

Self Improvement these periods, then you are not making progress.

Self-improvement is the path to excellence. It is a continuous process in

TERROR MUDA

the life of an individual. Learn anything. Learn everything. Study hard.

Study everything.

Practice your skills.

Attend seminars, at-

in “Never say goodbye”

tend workshops. Let everyday in your life count. There is no end to learning. The day we stop learning is the day we start dying. Do not die before your time.

Think about it!

By Lanre Kehinde

CANCER ; Full-Moon in your Star Sign’ll boost your confidence and can prompt you to become unnecessarily aggressive to the resentment of others. Take it easy please.

LEO ; With the full-Moon across Cancer/Capricorn axis you are meant to do away with whatever can not be placed above board, especially if working today VIRGO ; Today ’s full-Moon in Cancer warns you not to nurse false hope and do away with self deceit so that you’ll not run into avoidable trouble. This is the wrong time to take your influential friends for granted, especially any time from 3pm today.

LIBRA ; Full-Moon across Cancer/Capricorn axis can bring you under the fire of enthusiasm but if care is not taken others may take undue advantage of your mind. Do away with whatever can heat your domestic water. Protect your image.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

SCORPIO; Better than yesterday but because it’s a full-Moon day you are advised to take legal related issues more seriously. Minor misunderstanding possible from 3pm SAGITTARIUS ; Full-Moon in cancer warns you to be very careful with both your personal and/or others money and joint ventures too. Be more family minded.

CAPRICORN ; Full-Moon in Cancer can bring you avoidable confrontation either from new contacts or old allies; try you best to avoid partnership crisis.

Exhibit maturity

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 astro-personality?

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

Dear Joshua Please keep my birth data and identity secret, but I want you to analyse my horoscope bluntly so that I can know who am I; talking about my personality.

Anonymous, Osogbo Dear Anonymous, What you will find here under will prove useful if you take them seriously and utilise them.

ANALYSIS OF YOUR HOROSCOPE DATA/PLANETARY PLACEMENT Aries that hosted the most important heavenly body (the Sun) together with indicator of mental focus lens-Mercury, is known for special leadership quality and higher degree of positive aggressiveness. Yes you were endowed with leadership talents which can manifest either in the business world or POLITICS and probably both.

It is true that Aries can be very aggressive, but with many planets placed in more mild Star signs, with less than 50% of push-full influence, loving Venus as most influential planet when you were born, certainly aggression of Aries is greatly water down to the minimum . That is not to say you the timid type but yours is a balanced personality. You are gentle, honest and straight forward person.

Preponderance of fixed and earth in your chart are pointers to the fact that you are the careful type who will not change his mind just for the fun of it. Then as peace loving Venus was the most influential planet when you were born, peace and harmony will always come first whenever you want to take any (important and/or) decisive action.

Placement of mighty Sun (indicator of basic-self hood) the Moon (indicator of sub-conscious self/emotion) and the Stellium (that is more than two planets in one Star sign} in Aries, Pisces and Taurus respectively meant that basic characteristics of the three Star signs stated in this paragraph are highly pronounced in your inner-self.

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 — 61

Copa Lagos: Sand Eagles optimistic A BIA Warriors FC player, Ogbonnaya Okemmiri, says he is optimistic the Sand Super Eagles will retain the COPA Lagos International Beach Soccer title on Dec. 14.

The competition is scheduled to kick off on Dec. 12 and end on Dec.

14 at the Eko Atlantic City on Victoria Island, Lagos.

Okemmiri told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday on telephone from the team’s Badagry camp that they had prepared well to retain the title.

The player, who has been part of the team

since its inception in 2011, said they deserved nothing other than the trophy.

“I’m happy to be part of the squad this year again; it has always been a privilege to be found worthy and be selected.

“We have trained as a team and I intend to be a

team player in order to retain the trophy again this year,” Okemmiri said.

NAN reports that the other countries being expected are Senegal, Cote’d Ivoire and Ghana.

Also being expected on the club sides level is Barcelona Beach Soccer team, which will play a round ruby against Stationary Stores FC of Lagos, Eyimba FC of Aba and Pepsi Academy of Lagos.

Continues from B/P

•Fans at the 2013 Copa Lagos tournament.

Victoria Island, Lagos.

On his drawn final squad, Ejor expressed satisfaction with the performance of the ten players selected in camp as believed they were capable of doing the country proud at the e n t e r t a i n i n g competition.

The three-time title winning coach said his ambition to win the fourth consecutive berth is achievable as his side will delight to reward Nigerians with another Christmas gift.

“I’m satisfied with the ten players - they know themselves and have good understanding of each others. They are excellent players and proved themselves in training. I’m confident Continues from B/P

Amadu said the controversy generated by the two versions of the NFF Electoral Appeals Committee report has been taken care of by the position of the World Football governing body (FIFA) which endorsed the report of the majority of the committee members which upheld the Warri election.

Recall that while the four members of the Appeals committee which included the two alternate members upheld the September 30 election, the chairman of the committee, Barr. Okey Ajunwa in what many have termed the minority report annulled the election of the president of the NFF, Amaju Pinnick, his first

Man City Continues from B/P

finishing also as the second leading scorer of the tournament.

Last week, he was called up by Nigeria U23 team with coach Samson Siasia admitting he is a big fan of the U17 World Cup winner.

He equally shone during City’s pre-season training tour of the United States of

Copa Lagos with them, we can win our fourth title,” Ejor said.

“Our ambition is to win again as we normally do every year to give Nigerians another xmas gift,” he said.

Captain Olawale Isiaka of Dolphins topped the list of 10 that also featured record goals scorer Abu Azeez of Warri Wolves and Abia Warriors’ Okemmiri Ogbonnaya was among the prominent faces.

Others listed are goalkeeper Abdul Isah of Kaduna United, 2011 top scorer Victor Tale of Confluence Beach Soccer team, Babatunde Badmus, Emmanuel Ohweferia - both of Owibeseb FC of Lagos.

Amadu vice president, Seyi Akinwumi as well as two members, Felix AyansiAgwu and Sheriff Inua representing the South East and North West respectively.

On why he did not forward the report of the committee as released by the chairman to FIFA on time, Amadu explained that he only received the said report through a courier mail days after the report was out.

“The chairman of the Appeals committee sent the report to FIFA on the 5th of December and that letter was now sent to us

by FIFA to see. If in the eyes of FIFA we have sent a letter which came through the secretary of the Appeals committee and which was signed by other members my duty as the general secretary

America, scoring a couple of goals with class and composure.

Iheanacho turned 18 recently and has been training with Major League Soccer (MLS) side Colombus Crew.

Earlier this year, City said they may loan out the starlet when he is 18 and can sign a pro deal, but recent reports suggest they may keep him at the Ittihad Stadium.

The new invitees who will seek their first ever i n t e r n a t i o n a l appearance for the Sand Eagles are Lobi Stars’ Musa Najare, goalkeeper Isah Danladi of Sharks, Atiku Sulamon Dayo Owibeseb FC of Lagos.

Meanwhile, the Super Sand Eagles on Tuesday morning suffered their first defeat in a 7-6 loss to Enyimba Beach Soccer team that will be participating in the club category of the competition in a warmup game.

Nigeria will in their bid for a fourth straight berth face Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana in the three-day tournament.

is to bring it to the attention of FIFA and of course if the chairman of the Appeals committee has sent the report to FIFA why not. This is the copy of the report I received from the committee and as soon as I got it I forwarded it to FIFA and with the letter I received from FIFA yesterday I hope the crisis is over.

“Obviously we are in a transition period as long as many matters are concerned and I want to assure Nigerians that very soon all these will be over and our football will be the better for it”.

The scribe further revealed that the NFF will do everything necessary to prepare the senior national team, the Super Falcons adequately for the 2015 Women World Cup to be hosted in Canada.

62 —Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

OGD to grace Korean Rodgers: We deserved to crash Danagogo, Ambassador’s Taekwondo championships B T

RENDAN Rodgers said Liverpool had no excuses for their elimination from the Champions League, conceding his team had not been good enough and that individual futures would come under scrutiny at Anfield following European failure.

Liverpool had to beat Basel to qualify for the knockout phase but needed an 81st-minute goal from Steven Gerrard to draw 11 and were frequently second best against Paulo Sousa’s team. Lazar Markovic was sent off 15 minutes after his introduction as a half-time substitute for flailing an arm towards the theatrical Behrang Safari, Gerrard had a penalty appeal dismissed by the referee, Björn Kuipers, and Liverpool pressured the Basel goal in the closing stages.

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•Rodgers However, Rodgers accepted last season’s runners-up in the Premier League had not been up to the required standard in Europe’s premier competition, having collected only five points from six Champions League group games, winning only once, against

Ludogorets of Bulgaria.

“We are obviously disappointed,” the Liverpool manager said.

“We had earned the right to be in the Champions League after a wonderful season last year but over the course of the games we weren’t good enough and didn’t get enough points.

HE 5th Korean Ambassador Cup T a e k w o n d o Championships has been scheduled to hold from December 12th to December 14th at the Rowe Park Sports Centre in Yaba, Lagos. Just like the 2013 edition, this year’s event will also be hosted by the Lagos State Taekwondo Association.

Organisers said the tournament will be retaining its unique team fighting and team forms format and is sponsored by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea with support from LG, and Samsung Electronics, the first time the two electronic giants are coming together to support the same event in Nigeria.

The Nigeria Taekwondo Black Belt

•Danagogo College, also headed by NTF President, George ASHIRU, will organise the event.

Teams from all over the nation, including the armed forces and the para-military have concluded registration for the tournament, which traditionally offers free accommodation to the first 200 athletes to be registered.

Twenty five

international referees as well as additional 20 technical volunteers, and staff of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation will be on hand to ensure a smooth and professionally run championships.

For the first time in the history of the Nigeria Taekwondo, a sitting Minister of Sports will grace a national T a e k w o n d o Championships.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 — 63

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

Man City apply for work permit for Iheanacho

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NGLISH Premier League champions, Manchester City have applied for a work permit for Nigeria youngster Kelechi

Nigerian football in transition — Amadu

Iheanacho.

Iheanacho has yet to be capped at full international level by Nigeria but he has been capped at the U-17 and U-20 levels and City are most likely to use the special talent argument to get the Home office to grant Iheanacho the right to ply his trade in the UK. It was the same argument that helped Chelsea to give Mikel Obi a contract in 2006

even when by then he was not an established Nigeria international.

“City have applied for a work permit for Kelechi this week,” one of the player’s representatives informed “We believe he will be granted the chance to play in England.”

Iheanacho was the MVP of last year ’s FIFA U17 World Cup, which Nigeria won in fine style with the forward Continues on page 61

BY JUDE OPARA, Abuja

G

ENERAL Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Musa Amadu yesterday said the current crisis going on in Nigerian football is a phase which will reposition the game in the long run.

In a chat with journalists in Abuja, Continues on page 61

•Pinnick

Copa Lagos 2014: Nigeria names squad

Adebayor coach of the returns to HEAD Nigeria’s beach team, nicknamed Togo over soccer Super Sand Eagles, Coach Audu Adamu Ejor juju has announced his final squad of 10 players for — P.63

TODAY'S

•Amadu

the Copa Lagos 2014.

Coach Ejor as

PUZZLE

popularly called, picked seven familiar faces and three debutantes for the 4th edition of the Beach soccer competition taking place from Friday December 12-14 at the Eko Atlantic City, Continues on page 61

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

SKILL WORKSHOP: Kelechi Iheanacho (r) on duty for Nigeria attempts to beat an opponent.

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Universe (6) 5 Hymn-book (6) 8 Norm (8) 9 Soon (4) 10 Burst (3) 12 Redden (5) 15 Tap (3) 17 Meadow (3) 18 Epoch (3) 19 Vegetable (3) 20 Headdress (5) 21 Regret (3) 22 Also (3) 23 Tank (3) 24 Fish-eggs (3) 26 Penniless (5) 29 Still (3) 33 Symbol (4) 34 Hidden (8) 35 Disregard (6) 36 Torn (6)

DOWN 2 Surpass (5) 3 Pit (4) 4 Booth (5) 5 Hell (5) 6 Intend (4) 7 Fragrance (5) 10 Essay (5) 11 Sheet (5) 12 Club (5) 13 Custom (5) 14 Weighty (5) 15 Celebration (5) 16 Handle (5) 25 Due (5) 27 Escape (5) 28 Dissuade (5) 30 Elicit (5) 31 Unfasten (4) 32 Support (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Grab 4, Bet 6, Type 8, Single 9, Unison 10, Rat 12, Tepid 14, Flood 15, Light 18, Accede 20, Opened 24, Lower 26, Angle 28, Taste 30, Inn 32, Coward 33, Origin 34, Mesh 35, Lee 36, Gate.

DOWN: 2, Raise 3, Beguile 4, Beer 5, Taut 6, Trial 7, Promote 11, Ash 12, Tea 13, Did 16, Gel 17, Tow 19, Console 21, Pet 22, Erasing 23, Due 25, Own 27, Leash 29, Twist 30, Idol 31, Note.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-4548355. Advert Dept Hotline: 014544821; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: MIDENO BAYAGBON. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

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