Governors behind my third term bid obasanjo

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62295

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

No plan to shift 2015 polls — PRESIDENCY >>8

Governors behind my 3rd term bid— OBASANJO

“Third term was not my agenda or intention although I would not say I didn’t know about it. I didn’t mastermind third term. Those who were telling me to go on were the governors that were going to benefit from it.”

•Says late President Yar'Adua deceived him on his health

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A G O S — F O R M E R President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, for the first time opened up on the third term agenda in the twilight of his twoterm presidency, accusing some Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governors of being behind the third term project because they were going to benefit from it.

At the launch of his autobiography titled: ‘My Continues on Page 5

COLUMNISTS:

Iweala's economic recipe: Not austerity but panicky •P.19 measures

BOOK LAUNCH—From left: Former Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Ibidapo Obe; former Education Minister, Dr Oby Ezekwesili; author/former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Guest of Honour, Prof. Olu Akinkugbe and Publisher of the book, Dr Eghosa Imasuen, at the presentation of a book: "My Watch", by Olusegun Obasanjo in Lagos, yesterday.

2015 GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATES STATE

Benue Gombe Katsina Rivers Ebonyi A/Ibom Abia Kaduna Jigawa Niger Oyo C M Y K

PDP

APC

Terhemen Terzoohor Ibrahim Dankwambo Musa Nashuni Nyesom Wike Dave Umahi Udom Emmanuel Okezie Ikpeazu Ramalan Yero Aminu Ringim Umar Nasko Teslim Folarin

Postponed Inuwa Yahaya Aminu Masari Dakuku Peterside Julius Ucha Umana O Umana Nyerere Anyim Nasir el-Rufai Abubakar Badaru Sani Bello Abiola Ajimobi

Continues on Page 5

APGA

Shake-up in Navy; new FOCs >>8 appointed

Anthony Agbo Alex Otti/Ufomba

Stop playing God, Igbo youths tell S-East govs See Pull-out inside

Flood risk management in Lagos •P.24

Mr & Mrs

2—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

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POCKET CARTOON

File photos of Obasanjo (left) and late Yar'Adua

Governors behind my third term bid — OBASANJO Continues from Page 1 Watch’, at the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, Obasanjo denied seeking a third term but admitted he knew about it.

Obasanjo, who said he was not afraid of telling the truth, insisted that everything he wrote in the book was true.

According to him, “People say that it was obvious that I wanted a third term and I ask those who say I was behind the third term to bring concrete evidence to prove that I spearheaded it. I have presented evidence in my book that proves that I was not behind it, even though I knew about it. Some governors were the ones behind it because they felt the governors would benefit from it. If people say that it was obvious that I wanted a third term, they should present concrete evidence to the public that I am telling a lie. I have evidence to prove that

everything I wrote is true and anyone that feels otherwise should present concrete evidence to prove his point.

“Third term was not my agenda or intention although I would not say I didn’t know about it. I didn’t mastermind third term. Those who were telling me to go on were the governors that were going to benefit from it.”

The former president also said he had no regrets in his involvement on how both late Yar ’Adua and Dr Goodluck Jonathan became presidents saying, “I don’t regret bringing in Yar’Adua and Jonathan. If they don’t do well, those coming from behind should learn from me and do better”.

He added that he was not infallible and people should learn from his action.

He also said that he had sought avenues to ventilate his observations and positions with

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

To climb steep hills requires a slow pace at first – Williams Shakespeare. You will always get to the top if you keep climbing.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them — Albert Einstein

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OMETIMES and even often for some people, they think some other person or persons have a far better beautiful life and may even try to be like them. If there is a crime against Soul, this would be it, because anyone who does this has stopped being and expressing his or her true self. There is nothing wrong to identify with the people we admire and learn from them, but to want to be like them is a destructive process, and may lead to self-loathing and rejection. It causes us to abandon issues that are vital to our unique purpose in the world.

Gratitude! If your dreams don’t matter to you, then to whom should they matter? If you don’t make them come true, who will?

Your job in the world can only be achieved if you are passionate about “you.” First, you have to get to know and like yourself, and that takes patience.

You can learn and be inspired by others — but your question should not be, “How can I be like him or her?” Rather, you should ask, “How can I use my own strengths, as passionately as those people use theirs?” when you ar e yourself, you’r e able to accomplish things you never dreamed would be possible.

President Jonathan but had to resort to writing open letters to him because his efforts were frustrated.

He also commented on the injunction restraining him from publishing his autobiography.

He said: “I had given the book to my editors and to the publisher. As far as I am concerned, my job is done. I had written the book and printed before the court injunction. In a normal judiciary, the judge should be sanctioned and I hope something will be done.

We are here legally and lawfully and we will continue to act lawfully and legally.”

Yar'Adua deceived me, says Obasanjo

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, accused his late successor, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua of deceiving him, before he became the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2007 about the seriousness of his illness which he never recovered from till he died in office.

In his yet-to-be-released three-part volume of his memoirs titled My Watch, which was exclusively obtained by an online journal, The Cable Alert, Obasanjo revealed how late Yar ’Adua gave him the impression that he had overcome his health challenges and did not act responsibly when he eventually became terminally ill.

Obasanjo was instrumental to late Yar ’Adua picking the PDP presidential ticket but frequently fell ill after his election and eventually died in May 2010, paving the way for the incumbent president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan who was then vice-president to become acting president. Obasanjo was thereafter accused of deliberately installing a terminally ill Yar ’Adua, a Northerner, as president in order to eventually return power to the south through the back door.

Apparently in an attempt to fault insinuations that he knowingly installed a sick president, Obasanjo in his autobiography revealed how he was kept in the dark on Yar ’Adua’s illness and the extent he went to find out the truth.

Obasanjo wrote: “As can be expected, I was heavily involved in the transition and exit process that saw me leaving office for my successor, Umaru Yar ’Adua, as recounted in Chapter Thirty-seven, the ninth chapter of the second volume of this book. The unprepared and unplanned transition from Yar’Adua to Jonathan was a more difficult exercise in some respects. One reason was the ‘cloak and dagger ’ manner in which Yar ’Adua’s illness was handled.

“The illness of a President cannot be regarded as private. His health has implications for the security and well-being of the nation. For the president and those around him to have attempted strenuously to keep the fact of the severity of his illness from the public smacks of ignorance of the enormity of what the job entails and the level of provinciality of their understanding, attitude, and approach.

“I remember that in 1978 or 1979, Chief Awolowo visited me while I was military Head of State and shared with me how he would always stay at home to attend to the work at hand and only make a private visit to the UK once a year for health reasons if he became president of Nigeria. I made it clear to the chief that once he became president of Nigeria, he could have no private visit to anywhere as such. Wherever he would be, he would be on duty, and the totality of his life would be public. I jokingly added that the only privacy he might lay claim to would be when he was at home with Mama Chief

H.I.D., and that even then his security staff would be on twenty-four-hour duty.

“That was part of the nature of the job. In the case of Umaru’s illness, it took me by surprise because I had concluded that all was well, judging from his medical report that I requested and he submitted to me and the specialist advice I received from it. The report said that once he was off dialysis it would mean that he had had a transplant or treatment that had caused his kidneys to work as normal.

“Before he went to Ger many, after being rushed to the National Hospital in Abuja, he phoned to tell me that he was going out of the country for medical reasons. What he did not reveal was the nature of his illness. I, however, became somewhat apprehensive when I learned that he was placed on dialysis that night. The persistence of the illness, and the cover up, caused me more apprehension especially when he abandoned Germany for Saudi Arabia.

I never heard anything from him after that. The story I heard about his visit to Saudi Arabia was awkward. He did not inform his deputy as to how to manage things in his absence.

Nigeria had no government in two days— OBJ

“On arrival in Saudi Arabia he was wheeled into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and for at least fortyeight hours nobody was in communication with him as far as the governance of Nigeria was concerned.

What it meant was that for that period of time, Nigeria had no government. What a great pity! I wanted to

2015 GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATES STATE

Adamawa C/River Delta Lagos Imo Sokoto Nasarawa Plateau Bauchi Enugu Ogun Kano Kwara Taraba Yobe Borno Kebbi Zamfara

PDP

Nuhu Ribadu Ben Ayade Ifeanyi Okowa Jimi Agbaje Emeka Ihedioha Abdallah Wali Yusuf Agabi Gyang Pwajok Awwal Jatau Eze/Ugwuanyi Postponed Sagir Takai Stalemate Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

APC

Umaru Bindow Odey Ochicha O’tega Emerhor Akinwunmi Ambode No candidate yet Aminu Tambuwal Tanko Al-Makura Simon Lalong Mohammed Abubakar Okey Ezea Ibikunle Amosun Abdullahi Ganduje Abdulfatah Ahmed Aisha Arhasan Ibrahim Geidam Kashim Shettima Atiku Bagudu Abdulaziz Yari

APGA

Emma Ihenacho

know more about the exact medical condition of Yar ’Adua, the president of Nigeria.

“I realised that a number of countries would know for sure; among them would be Germany, the US, Saudi Arabia, the UK, France, Israel and maybe Russ ia. I decided to

indirectly check with the ambassadors of these countries. What I heard did not allay my fears.

One said, ‘Your President is surely not too well’.

Another said, ‘We believe he would be able to cope.’ Both were diplomatic answers, but one was more so than the other.

“At that point, I was left in no doubt that the arrangement made was shoddy, tardy, unpatriotic, selfish, and reckless. No nation should be left hanging in such a manner. I subtly campaigned for the emergence of Jonathan as acting president to take the country out of tenterhooks.

“I also publicly made the point that if you accept responsibility for a job and, due to no fault of your own but due to circumstances beyond your control, you are incapacitated to the extent that you can no longer perform to your own satisfaction or to the satisfaction of those you are supposed to serve, morality, duty, responsibility, honour, good sense, and patriotism demand that you act appropriately.

“At the same time, as debates were going on in the media as to what should or should not be, I was consulting genuine and objective leaders of thought regarding the way to go. At that stage, almost everybody realised the position of the constitution and recommended that we stuck to its provisions. Jonathan became acting president by the action of the National Assembly.”

Present at the book launch yesterday were prominent figures like former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Ibidapo Obe, former Minister of Education and VP of the World Bank, Oby Ezekwesili, Prof. Olu Akinkugbe and several others.

6—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

Man, 49, charged for N60m theft

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R. Bernard Junufe, 49, a staff of a Lagos-based company, BHS International Limited, was, yesterday, charged before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, for allegedly using forged receipts to steal his employer’s N60 million.

Junufe, who resides at 36, Ile Ogbo St., AIT Road, Alagbado, Lagos, is standing trial on a threecount charge of conspiracy, stealing and forgery.

The prosecutor, Innocent Odugbo, told the court that the accused and one Mayowa Adegbesan, now at large, committed the alleged offences between 2007 and 2009.

Odugbo said the accused committed the offences in Lagos, as a staff of BHS International Ltd, Tafa Balewa Square, Lagos.

The prosecutor said the accused forged and issued receipts of the company to unsuspecting customers to the tune of N60 million.

He alleged that the accused stole the money and did not remit same to the company’s account.

He said the offences contravened Sections 278 ( 1) (b), 361 (1) (a) and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2011.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Mrs O. Oshin, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case till January 20, 2015 for mention.

Suspect travels from P'Harcourt to deliver 2 guns, ammunition in Lagos

By Esther Onyegbula

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OLICE in Lagos State have arrested a 24-year-old robbery suspect, Amos Kuesi, who came from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to deliver two

Amos Kuesi, the suspect. PHOTO: Esther Onyegbula.

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teenager has been charged before an Oshodi Magistrate’s Court in Lagos, for assaulting one Sergeant Rabiu Awalu, by throwing stones at him.

The accused was arraigned on a two-count charge of assault brought against him by the police, which noted that the offence took place at Oshodi, Lagos.

Count two of the charge read: “That you Ajayi and others now at large on November 29, at 8.40p.m. at Oshodi under

Suspect’s account

Kuesi said: “I was arrested because a friend of mine called Ifeanyi gave me a bag to deliver to someone in Lagos. I knew Ifeanyi few months ago at a football training field in Port Harcourt.

“I did not know the package contained guns and live cartridges because he put it inside a bag and placed it inside the boot of the bus I boarded from Port Harcourt to Lagos.

“He told me the content of the package was Indian hemp. If I knew the content of the bag, I would not have agreed to be part of the deal.

“Ifeanyi asked me to carry the bag when I get to the park in Lagos. He also gave me the phone number of one Sotin, the person I should contact when I get to Lagos. Ifeanyi said Sotin would give me N50,000.

“When I got to Mile 2, I alighted, carried the bag and called Sotin and he picked me up at Mile 2. He asked me to come with him to his house so that he would pay the N50,000

for the delivery, which I agreed.

“From Mile 2, we boarded a commercial motorcycle.

Unfortunately for me, when we got to Pen-Cinema area the policemen stopped us.

Immediately, Sotin ran away and the policemen arrested me.

“All my life, I have never participated in any robbery operation. Before my arrest, I worked as a generator repairer in Port Harcourt. My car is currently with a mechanic in Port Harcourt. I am not married yet but my fiancée is pregnant.

“Ifeanyi paid me N20,000 to deliver the package for him in Lagos. Sincerely, I did not know the content of the package. I agreed to deliver the package because I had accommodation problem. My rent expired last November and I have not been able to raise money for the rent.

“I was suspicious of the content of the package but could not refuse the deal because of the money involved, and I was desperately in need of fund to take care of pressing needs. Government should please help me.”

Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident.

Two docked for alleged kidnapping

T

WO men, Emeka Emezue, 46, and Uchenna Akudike, 40, were, yesterday, arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, on a two-count charge of conspiracy and kidnapping.

The accused, residents of 2, Ojuolape St., Magbon, Badagry, Lagos, however, pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Eranus Nnamonu, told the court that the accused committed the offences on November 4 at 4p.m.

Nnamonu said the accused abducted one Chisom

Teen in court for assaulting policeman

By Bartholomew Madukwe

locally-made guns to a client in Lagos. Four 5.56mm live ammunition were also found on him.

He was arrested by officers on stop-and-search duty around Pen-Cinema area with the

pistols, but denied knowledge of the content of the bag in his possession.

bridge, in Ikeja magisterial district did assault one Sergeant Awalu by throwing stones at him as a result of which he sustained injury on his head.”

Police prosecutor, Mr. Olatunde Kehinde, informed the court that the offence is punishable under Section 171 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State Nigeria, 2011.

When the charged was read to the accused before Magistrate L. A. Owolabi, he pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate Owolabi granted the accused bail in the sum of N20,000 and adjourned till January 19, 2015.

Okechukwu and took him to an undisclosed location.

He said: “The defendants waylaid the complainant at 4p.m., on November 4 on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway and forced him into their

vehicle. They drove him to an undisclosed location against his will.”

The prosecution said the offences contravened Sections 269 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The Magistrate, Mrs Abimbola Komolafe, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till January 22, 2015 for mention.

26 vehicles destroyed in Lagos tanker fire

By Evelyn Usman & Esther Onyegbula

A

N explosion from a tanker loaded with petroleum product rocked Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos, Monday night, resulting in fire that destroyed 26 trucks.

There were also indications that the scene of the fire incident was an illegal fuel depot.

It was gathered that petroleum products were being trans-loaded into trucks at the depot located at C40, Alakuso Avenue, when the explosion occurred.

Efforts by staff of the undisclosed company to contain the fire failed. It took the intervention of the Lagos State Fire Service to put out the fire.

The affected vehicles include 24 fuel tankers, a caterpillar and

one 505 car owned by Interland Transport Company.

A staff of a transport company close to the area, who gave his name as Chionye Nwabueze, told Vanguard: “At 9.35p.m., a deafening sound jolted everyone, causing us to run in different directions for safety because we thought it was a bomb.

“Unimaginable damage would have been done if the fire was not brought under control because there were over 50 fuel tankers within and around the premises when the explosion occurred.”

Confirming the incident, Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Mr. Rasaq Fadipe, said three fire trucks contained the fire, adding that his office was not informed that there was a fuel depot in the area.

He said: “Fire Service ought to be in the know of such a fuel depot in the event of cases such as this. But we were not aware of a fuel depot there.

“However, we were able to save the administrative block and some other fully-laden tankers from being consumed by the fire.”

He disclosed that the incident was the 50th distress call received that same day. At press time the company was under lock and key.

Meanwhile, another fire outbreak occurred at Odo Iya Alaro area of Maryland, Lagos, after a truck loaded with 33,000 litres of petroleum product spilled its content on the ground.

Men of the Lagos State Fire service reportedly contained the situation.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014—7

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8—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

27 Boko Haram members killed in Adamawa, Bauchi As troops capture sect's hit list, sketches

By Kingsley Omonobi, with agency report

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BUJA — TWENTY SEVEN suspected Boko Haram terrorists have been killed by Nigerian troops in operations carried out in Adamawa and Bauchi states even as documents containing a list of communities about to be attacked and sketches of the towns were captured from fleeing terrorists During another special raid operation conducted on Balmo and Lame forests linking Borno, Bauchi and Adamawa states, the troops recovered rifles and a number of motorcycles. Over 20 of them lost their lives while some were reported wounded.

The Defence spokesman, General Chris Olukolade, who confirmed the incidents said six soldiers were wounded in the encounter.

At the end of the encounter, troops eventually took firm control of the forest location.

Borno, Adamawa residents laud military

Meanwhile, the people of Adamawa have commended the military for curtailing the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents in the northern part of the state.

The army had recently succeeded in recovering areas occupied by insurgents in Mubi-North, Mubi-South, Gombi and Hong local government areas.

A cross section of the people who spoke on the successes recorded against the sect members said the development was a big relief to the residents of the state.

“I was thinking of leaving Yola for Abuja or Lokoja when Boko Haram took over Mubi and other areas, but with this development, I am now relaxed and hope to do my Christmas here,” Peter John said.

Tizhe Kwada, Ibrahim Abdulrahman and Felix Vandi, who hailed from Michika town, commended the efforts of the military and called for steady military advance to cover Michika and Madagali local government areas.

“I want them to sustain the tempo and cover Michika and Madagali local government areas to make it a total liberation of the territories in Adamawa,” Vandi said.

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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BUJA — THE Presidency, yesterday, said there was no truth in the allegation by opposition parties that President Goodluck Jonathan has perfected plans to postpone the 2015 general elections.

Debunking the allegation in Abuja yesterday, Senior Special Adviser to President Jonathan on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, described it as “idiotic,” insisting that the current administration has done so well to enable it win the impending presidential election without recourse to any form of deceit.

He berated opposition politicians over what he described their “do-or-die and win at all cost” tendencies, saying they have been miffed by the fact that President Jonathan has performed creditably well despite enormous challenges that has bedevilled his administration.

Okupe, who spoke at the 2014 Nigerian Pilot/ Newsworld Annual Public Lecture and Award, in Abuja yesterday, queried why Jonathan should plot to postpone the election when he is sure of being re-elected next year on the basis of his “substantial performance.”

Carpets APC

He further carpeted the All Progressives Congress, APC, for threatening to form a parallel government should it fail to unseat President Jonathan after the 2015 general election, saying: “In very civil societies, people like that, whatever political tendencies they represent should totally be wiped off from peoples memories as bad teachers.”

Okupe, who maintained that he would never subscribe to the idea of election rigging, regretted that the governorship candidate of the APC in Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, earlier took to Twitter to allege that President Jonathan was using the prolonged insurgency in the North-East to deceitfully extend his tenure beyond 2015.

Specifically, El-Rufai had alleged that Jonathan’s administration was creating a war situation in the region to enable him to invoke Section 216 of the Constitution that allows the cancellation of elections in war zones.

More so, the APC had in a statement it issued on September 21, warned those nursing plans to postpone the 2015 general elections to perish the thought, saying Nigerians will not accept, under any guise whatsoever, any scheme by desperate elected officials to get tenure

PRESENTATION: From left: The Andoma of Doma, Alhaji Aliyu Ogar, representing the Sultan of Sokoto; FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed; Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Dioceses, Arc. Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah; former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd) welcoming President Goodluck Jonathan to the official presentation of Kukah Centre at the Merit House, Maitama, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Presidency debunks plans to postpone 2015 polls Insists Jonathan is not clueless, carpets opposition elongation by subterfuge.

Nevertheless, reacting to the allegation yesterday, President Jonathan’s aide advised the APC to go out and canvass for votes rather than dissipate its energy fighting Jonathan who he said was not desperate to hold onto power at all cost.

He said: “All politics should end the day you cast your ballots. The Nigerian political class must learn great lessons but it is too late. Maybe the younger generation may have different perspectives. We have not undergone the election itself and people are saying that they will form a parallel government for an election they have not lost.

"In very civil societies, people like that, whatever political tendencies they represent should totally be wiped off from peoples memories as bad teachers. Those are not people that will mean well for the country.

“Another politician said that the President, Goodluck Jonathan, is fanning the war (against Boko Haram), so that the election can be postponed.

This is a president that has run and that has held the office for four years, to the glory of God he has been able to make some substantial performance, unarguably.

“Every indication points out to the lengthy road of his winning. So, why will he want to stop the election that his likely opponent has no record of winning anything?

“If Nigeria were to be a private estate owned by some of us, with Goodluck Jonathan as the Managing Director and

Chief Executive of that estate, will anybody change him for a Buhari?

“It is not likely, but because Nigeria doesn’t belong to anybody and the elite are not stakeholders, that is why people will want to use people just to get power, whether it is for good or for bad, they really don’t care.

“So when people do things like this, it make issues and challenges that will come in 2015 very frightful. As a matter of fact, the greatest problem we will have in post 2015 will be the acceptance of defeat by

losers.

Jonathan not desperate for power

“I want to tell you for sure, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is not desperate for power. He is a good Christian and a responsible man. We have done so well, we have been encouraged by so many people. We have got the best stars in the firmament. They tell you things, they say that the President is clueless, that is a joke."

Massive shake-up in Navy as new FOCs are appointed

By Kingsley Omonobi

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BUJA — THE Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin, has approved the redeployment of a number of senior officers in a major shakeup in the Nigerian Navy.

This shake-up which followed the recent promotion of some senior officers in the service saw the appointment of Rear Admiral Henry Babalola as the new Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command; Rear Admiral JKZ Ango is the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command; Rear Admiral BA Egbedina is the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command and Rear Admiral OP Ozojiofor in the FOC Logistics Command.

Rear Admiral SE Ogoigbe moves from the Armed Forces Command and Staff College

Jaji to the Central Naval Command as Flag Officer Commanding.

Other affected senior officers include Rear Admiral JA Akinwale, Chief of Administration Defence Headquarters who moves to the Naval Headquarters as Chief of Policy and Plans. Rear Admiral Ameen Ikioda takes over as Chief of Administration at Defence Headquarters.

Rear Admiral IE Ibas formerly Chief of Logistics Naval Headquarters moves to Navy Holdings Limited as Group Managing Director and Rear Admiral IA Oyagha, formerly Chief of Training and Operations is now appointed Chief of Naval Standards and Safety. Rear Admiral OE Ekwe formerly Admiral Superintendent Naval Dockyard Limited, resumes as Chief of Naval Engineering.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014—9

You are bad influence on Muslims, Gumi tells El-Zakzakky

By Luka Binniyat

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ADUNA — AN Islamic scholar, Sheik Abubakar Gumi, has accused the Head of the Shiite Islamic sect in Nigeria, Mallam Ibraheem El-Zakzakky, of being a bad influence on fellow Muslims in the country, saying that he was a candidate for hell unless he repented.

Gumi said in a condolence letter to El-Zakzakky over the reported recent killing of his three children in Kaduna yesterday that he (El-Zakzakky) had introduced a lot of bad innovations among Nigerian Muslims, adding that rather than unite, such bad influences were dividing the Islamic faithful.

The letter read in part: “After registering my condolences on the recent loss of your three children, who were gunned down by some elements in the military, I find it an obligation to help you see that some of your actions too are the contributing factors in this unfortunate avoidable tragedy.

“What I fear most for you and your followers is that the consequence of this tragedy may further alienate your group from the mainstream society and create a cult—if it is not already one — with disastrous consequences on you, your followers and the nation at large.

For you especially, on the Day of Judgment you will have your account to answer.

Bad innovations

“My brother, you have brought a lot of bad innovations among Nigerian Muslims that rather than unite, the Muslims are further entrenching the divide without any added value to the worldly development nor the hereafter, but rather with serious theological implications in the hereafter.

“What triggered my attention to your group now is the most recent close encounter I had with a procession of your followers on the highway from Kano to Zaria yesterday (December 8, 2014) on my way to Dutse (Jigawa State). About four to six thousand youths and children trekking long distance for hours. I gave a two-hour lecture in Dutse and met them still trekking on my way back.

“I cannot understand under which civil or religious law you have the right and liberty to block one side of the double carriage road forcing motorists to cramp each other dangerously on one lane. If your action is to propagate your creed, I am telling you, you will only attract the poor, young ignorant miscreants of the society. Never the sane except of course the

disgruntled.

Delinquency of your followers

“The delinquency of your followers and the disturbance of public peace is what makes you and them an easy target of the authority. This is happening when you can as well do very well without such unscrupulous public misbehaviour. Disruption of traffic flow is in fact a sign of unfaithfulness and lack of civilization."

"You are blocking roads and forcing vehicles to dangerously face each other on one lane displaying

arrogance and lawlessness.

Young men brandishing knives and unsheathed swords, beating their chest, carrying inciting placards and chanting hate songs.

“How can you be the good servants of Allah when you are exactly opposite of what the Quran described them?

“My Brother, you have already lost three children on this path to perdition and shirk, so please repent and do not capitalise on the ignorance of our gullible youths to mislead them. If you don’t correct them now, when you die, Allah will not forgive you for whatever deviation they may add to

yours.

“That they may bear their burdens entirely on the day of resurrection and also of the burdens of those whom they lead astray without knowledge; now surely evil is what they bear.”

“My Brother, I write you this open letter for others also not necessarily in your sect to get admonition. It is never intended to trigger a sectarian argument. It is about public order and mannerism.

“May Allah guide us all to his pleasure and give us the courage to revert to the truth and what is righteous."

REMEMBRANCE: Brig-Gen. Rogers Nicholas, National Coordinator 2015 Armed Forces Remembrance day (left), decorating the Vice President Namadi Sambo, with the 2015 Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem, at State House, Abuja, yesterday.

FG grants infrastructure firms 7-year tax holiday

By Prince Osuagwu

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AGOS— THE Federal Government has announced a seven-year tax holiday to interested companies to be licensed soon as a way of attracting investment into the telecom infrastructure business Government made this policy statement yesterday in Doha, Qatar, where it is being represented by the Ministry of Communications Technology and the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, at the ongoing ITU Telecoms World Conference.

Announcing the incentive, Mr Joseph Tagbe, Principal Partner of KPMG, government consultants to the soon to flag off licensing regime, said licensed Infrastructure Companies (INFRACOs) in the broadband spectrum will,

among other incentives, get tax holidays of between five and seven years to cushion their investments.

Tagbe announced this as one of the highlights of the Nigeria investment meeting at the ongoing ITU World 2014 in Doha.

Corroborating Tagbe, Communications Technology Minister, Dr Omobola Johnson, said it was part of Nigeria’s drive for more investors into the blossoming ICT sector.

She said the licensing regime was based on the Open Access Model and that beneficiaries of the licences were getting tax holidays among other incentives, to encourage them invest and guarantee adequate returns on investments.

Earlier, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr Eugene Juwah, revealed that Nigeria had achieved 96 per cent

teledensity with over 134 million active subscribers, and ICT contribution to national GDP of over 10 per cent.

Health professionals commend Jonathan on National Health Bill

By Sola Ogundipe, Chioma Obinna, Favour Nnabogu & Victoria Ojeme

A

BUJA— MONTHS after agitation for the assent of the Revised National Health Bill trailed its passage by the Senate, healthcare professionals have commended President Goodluck Jonathan for signing the much awaited Bill into law.

However, they urged the Federal Government to ensure quick implementation of the Act. A statement from Nigeria Health Watch, quoting Mr. Reuben Abati, Presidential spokesman on Twitter described the development as “a fantastic end of year present to Nigeria, given that the bill was running the risk of expiry for the second time, having made its way through both Houses of Assembly twice."

This development comes as stakeholders in the health sector describe the National Health Bill as an important crossroads in the country.

The Act will establish a basic health care fund through deduction of an additional one per cent of Nigeria’s Consolidated Revenue Account (CRA) for primary health care.

This is in addition to the expected counterpart funding contribution from the states and local government areas.

The Senate passed the controversial Health Bill 2014 into law following its third reading in the House.

Brent oil rebounds after hitting five-year low below $66

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RENT crude oil hit a fresh five-year low yesterday before rebounding to near $67 a barrel, as some buyers emerged in the hope that prices are bottoming following a more than 40 per cent slide since June.

Fast-growing US shale output has hurt the ability of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, to manage supplies, sending prices sharply lower in anticipation of a large oil glut early next year.

Prices were on course to post the first gain in more than a week, but most traders

deemed it too soon to call a floor.

“Although talks of oil reaching its bottom are more rampant, we fail to see a reversal coming without stronger fundamentals,” Daniel Ang of Phillip Futures said in a note.

Brent crude for January delivery was up 46 cents at $66.65 a barrel after falling as low as $65.29, its weakest since September 2009. Brent dropped 4.2 per cent or $2.88 on Monday in its third-largest one-day loss this year.

U.S. crude was up 64 cents at $63.69 a barrel, bouncing back after hitting $62.25, its lowest since July 2009. It fell 4.2 per cent or $2.79 on Monday.

10— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

Lagos begins distribution of 2.5m residents cards

By Monsur Olowoopejo & Olaitan Shinyanbola

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AGOS—LAGOS State Government yesterday, said it has commenced distribution of the Permanent Lagos Resident Registration card for the 2.5 million registered residents, barely a year after commencement of the exercise in the state.

Governor Babatunde Fashola, however, urged the Federal Government to allow residents returning into the state to present the card as passport rather than using the country’s official passport.

No casualty from Lagos PDP primaries —Police

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AGOS—THE Police in Lagos State yesterday said there was no casualty from the mayhem at the venue of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship primaries on Monday.

The Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed that there was no casualty except for a correspondent that was slightly injured.

He said the police was able to avert the situation from supporters of the different aspirants who tried to disrupt the primaries.

Nwosu said that the police had to fire tear gas into the air to disperse the uprising in order to bring the situation under control.

Tinubu, Ashafa, Olamilekan emerge APC senatorial candidates

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By Olasunkanmi Akoni

AGOS—SENATOR Oluremi Tinubu, wife of former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Gbenga Ashafa and Hon. Olamilekan Adeola, have emerged winners in the All Progressives Congress, APC, primaries into the three senatorial districts of the state.

In the exercise which was described as peaceful, Tinubu defeated her only contender at the Central Senatorial District.

LAGOS PDP: Bode George vows to unite

aggrieved aspirants Obanikoro promises to fight till the end

By Dapo Akinrefon

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AGOS—FORMER Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olabode George has appealed to aggrieved aspirants who lost out in Monday ’s governorship primaries to work for the success of the party in next year’s election.

At the governorship primaries which was held at Yard 158, Plot 34 Oregun Road, Lagos, southwest Nigeria, Jimi Agbaje polled 432 votes to defeat Obanikoro who scored 343 votes, while Adedeji Doherty and Babatunde Olalere Gbadamosi polled 21 votes each.

Chief George, however, said that there are measures put in place to unite aggrieved aspirants.

Addressing a press conference after the party’s controversial governorship primaries, Chief George denied allegations leveled against him that he manipulated the process in favour of Mr Jimi Agbaje.

His words: “The people have spoken loud and clear. There is no ambiguity in their vision, there is no hesitation in their collective truth. They have chosen Olujimi Agbaje as their choice in the PDP governorship primary in Lagos State.

“This victory which is a passage of next year’s general elections is a testimony of the choice that the good people of Lagos State are clamouring for.

Lagosians need a breath of fresh air. Lagosians have rejected the past with its twin venom of thuggery and hooliganism, with its virulent emblem of intolerance and calumny.

"The procedure was not designed by me. It was done transparently, you were all there. Our hands of friendship is extended to all those who are aggrieved. Lagos is the most strategic state in the country and we must not joke with it. All those who lost the elections are our boys. We will as one big family go and fight the enemy. Let us deliver Lagos and tell the people that there is a better alternative for them.”

Appeal

Appealing to the aggrieved aspirants, he urged them to “come together to forge a formidable front against the opposition party. We must unite to frustrate their stronghold on our state. We must

work hard to thwart their return to Alausa. We must all put behind us the dark hindrances of personal ambition. We must all look far beyond the pretty provincial advantages. We must embrace a wider platform. The interest of the larger section of our people must always supersede the narrow promptings of the few. We must move away from the wicked, nauseating fixities of greed and senseless acquisition. We must move away from the callous insensitive policies of making life more difficult for the poor and needy.”

Reiterating his resolve to unite the aggrieved aspirants, he said, “it is service before self. We are heading to Abuja for the national convention and when we come back, we will massage the egos of those who lost. I can assure you that we will unite all those that lost.”

On the party’s plan for Lagos if given the opportunity to form the next government, he said: “We will promote growth with civility, we will encourage productive enterprise without

unnecessary intrusions of power. We will march forward with all Lagosians, ensuring balance and equity, insisting that justice and fair play must return to all nooks and crannies of our society.”

Continuing, he said “we know the people are with us. From the motorcyclists to the mechanics and the artisans, from the poorly paid school teachers to the illtreated medical doctors, from the vast, ceaseless bustle of Alimosho to the quiet serenity of Epe, we shall touch everyone with gratitude and kindness.”

Obanikoro vows to fight till the end

Meanwhile, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro has called for the cancellation of the Lagos State governorship primaries, calling it a sham.

Addressing newsmen at his GRA office shortly after the primaries, 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.”

On Agbaje

Asked to comment on the outcome of the exercise that threw up Mr Jimi Agbaje, 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. To be honest with you, you can tell that it was a predetermined exercise.

People like us are not in this democracy for the sake of it, we are in it to ensure that the right things are done so that the country can be on the right path.

We intend to fight this, there is an opportunity for an appeal and we will appeal and we hope the party will do the right thing.”

Accusing Bode George of being responsible for the alleged confusion within the Lagos PDP, he said: “Bode George has been the problem as far as this party is concerned and there is no doubt in my mind that he supervised this electoral malpractice. How do you expect the panel chairman arriving Lagos at 10 am on Monday and not starting the election until 5pm in the evening."

LAGOS PDP PRIMARY: Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Lagos State governorship electoral committee, Senator Sheidu Umar Kumo (rght), announcing Mr. Jimi Agbaje (middle) as inner of the election in Lagos.

....Obanikoro challenges citizenship suit

By Abdulwahab Abdulah & Bartholomew Madukwe

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AGOS—SENATOR Musiliu Obanikoro, who lost in the just concluded governorship primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, challenged the suit asking a Lagos High Court in Ikeja to stop him from contesting in any election in the future, including the recent primary.

Obanikoro filed a preliminary objection to the suit filed by some members of his party, PDP, against his aspiration before the court presided by Justice Kazeem Alogba.

Applicants in the suit include Micheal Babatunde Ogun, Suleiman Olayinka Saheed and Wasiu Adeniyi Odusan.

Joined as defendants alongside Senator Obanikoro are Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the PDP. In his application, Obanikoro through his counsel, Gbenga Ojo, asked the court for an order striking out or dismissing the originating summons which he described as an abuse of court process.

He also asked for an order of the court striking out or

dismissing the originating summons, saying it does not disclose reasonable cause of action and for any other the court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.

Obanikoro based his objection on four grounds and prayed the court to determine the matter based on the grounds of his preliminary objection to the suit.

Ojo told the court that all the documents relied upon by the applicants are “either uncertified public document or documents printed from internet without authentication of the source or certification."

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014 —11

APC PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES:

travel advice L

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

AGOS—IN view of high influx of both human and vehicular movement as All Progressives Congress, APC, holds its presidential primary at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Transportation has advised motorists to use alternative routes in order to avoid traffic logjam.

According to a statement by Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Kayode Opeifa, vehicular movement in particular is expected to be adversely affected along Funsho Avenue/Western Avenue in Surulere, Yaba, Alhaji Masha and Costain axis, hence, the need to divert motorists to alternative routes.

The travel advice is that motorists from Lagos Island to Surulere have been directed to exit at Costain to link Surulere via Eric Moore.

Also motorists from Ikorodu Road, Mushin, Yaba and the Mainland are enjoined to use Ojuelegba to link Surulere via Itire-Lawanson Road or at Iponri via Bode Thomas.

Motorists from Surulere to Agege Road, Mushin and Ikorodu will be directed to Bode Thomas, Eric Moore, Akerele Road and Itire Lawanson Road to link Western Avenue and Agege Road to Ojuelegba roundabout.

Motorists to Lagos Island and Apapa from Surulere, Alhaji Masha and Shitta area are expected to divert to Bode Thomas and Eric Moore to link Eko Bridge.

Diversion and partial closure

Opeifa who disclosed that more men from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, will be at strategic points to effectively control traffic movement throughout the

exercise, added that the following roads would be partially closed or diverted: Funsho Williams Avenue from Olumegbon to National Stadium among others, saying parking of vehicles would only be allowed at the stadium while pedestrian access to the convention would be restricted to only accredited APC members, observers and media personnel.

Teslim

Balogun Stadium wears new look

Meantime, the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos is

A

KURE—WORKERS in Ondo State yesterday embarked on a two day warning strike to press home their demand for payment of their September and October dedections by the state government.

Consequently, gates leading to all government ministries, agencies and parastatals were locked by labour leaders as early as 6:30am yesterday.

The leadership of the workers had last week indicated that they would embark on the strike if government continues to turn deaf ears to their entitlements.

wearing a new look ahead of the APC national convention holding from December 10 to 11.

A visit to the stadium yesterday showed that the party’s flags and banners of presidential aspirants of the party dotted the venue of the convention.

Also, the stadium wore a colourful look with balloons and posters of the aspirants displayed in strategic areas.

Some Toyota Hilux vehicles belonging to the police were also parked in the premises.

According to the APC, no fewer than 8,000 delegates from

across the country are expected to converge on the 25,000 capacity stadium for the convention.

The convention is expected to produce the presidential candidate of the party in the 2015 election.

The party’s five presidential aspirants include a former military Head of State, retired Maj-Gen. Mohammadu Buhari; a former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Gov. Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State.

Others are Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo and Publisher of Leadership Newspaper Group, Sam Nda-Isaiah.

COMMISSIONING: Governor Ibikunle Amosun, his wife playing with children during the Commissioning of 2014 OGBC Adire and Textile Carnival at Ibara, Abeokuta, yesterday.

Photo: Wumi Akinola.

Ogun PDP disagrees with NWC over primaries As NWC summons state Chairman

A

By Daud Olatunji

BEOKUTA—THE People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogun State has disagreed with the National Working Committee of the party over the alleged cancellation of its primaries it concluded recently. The state Chairman of the party, Bayo Dayo stated this in a statement yesterday, adding that there was

Ondo workers begin 2-day warning strike

By Dayo Johnson

Lagos releases

They alleged that government refused to remit to their banks the deductions for the two months.

The state Chairman of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, JNC, Mr Sunday Adeleye said in Akure that the strike was sequel to government failure to pay their entitlements.

Adeleye said that, “if our request is not attended to after the warning strike, thereafter, total strike shall be declared without reservations. Workers and the entire citizens are not fools.

Non-payment of all deductions in the salary shows government's insensitivity to the plight of civil servants in the state hence the need for the strike."

no iota of truth in the report that; “All primary congresses held in the state from the house of assembly to the just concluded gubernatorial primary are valid and authentic.”

Also, the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka in a statement yesterday, described his victory as watershed, pledging to make life more abundant.

According to him, as an aspirant from Ogun West, I am even more humbled as the show of deep patriotism by the other two Ogun West aspirants which is unprecedented in the annals of Yewa/Awori land; they are indeed the heroes of this victory.

The National Working Committee had announced the cancellation of the primaries in Ogun State, saying, any primaries held in the state would be null and void.

The NWC, however, said it would announce the new date for the primaries to the party members soon.

But, in defiance to the purported order by the NWC, the state party executive went ahead and held the congresses including the governorship primaries which produced

Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka.

Reacting to the cancellation report, Dayo said: “The nullification report is false and misleading. Our findings at the national headquarters of our party confirmed that there was no National Working Committee meeting where such decision was taken.

“The National Executive Council meeting approved the guidelines and time table for the congresses and primaries in which our party in Ogun State adhered strictly to from the conduct of congresses that produced the delegates to the primaries.

“Besides, there were judgements that empowered the PDP chapter in Ogun State to conduct congresses and primary elections and file the reports to the appropriate authorities including the INEC." Meanwhile, the NWC has reportedly summoned the state Chairman, Bayo Dayo to Abuja over the primaries he held in defiance to its order.

Vanguard gathered that, the National Chairman, Adamu Muazu and other leaders of the party would be meeting with Dayo tonight to iron out issues.

Ekiti health workers back out of industrial action

A

By Gbenga Aribi

DO EKITI—THE Joint Health Sector Unions, JOHESU, Ekiti State chapter has backed out of the current industrial action embarked upon by the national body of the union.

Speaking with the newsmen in Ado Ekiti yesterday by the state Chairman of the Union, Comrade Sola Ojo, said the union decided to back out of the strike action in honour of the state Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose and in consideration of the peculiarity of the health sector in the state.

His words: ‘’The leadership of JOHESU Ekiti State, comprising of the National Association of the Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, NANNM, Medical and Health Workers Union, MHWUN, and the National Union of Allied Professionals, NUAHP, wishes to inform all its members that after an appeal by the representatives Mr. Governor and considering the peculiarity of Ekiti State.

Gani Adams inaugurates Oodua Progressive Union in France

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ATIONAL Coordinator, Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC and leader, Oodua Progressive Union, Otunba Gani Adams, inaugurated OPU France chapter of the union.

The ceremony held at Boulevard De Liberation, St Denis, Paris commanded the presence of the Nigeria Ambassador to Paris, His Excellency, Hakeem Olawale, who was ably represented by the Head of Chancery, Olumide Olowo, Zaki of Arigidi Oba, Yisa Olanipekun, Captain Olatokunbo Adesina , Akogun Banji Ojo, Chief Yomi George Giwa, Staff of Nigeria High Commission, France, Europe Coordinator, OPU and all OPU coordinators in Europe and Great Britain.

In his welcome address, OPU France coordinator, Prince Aladeloye Hakeem, lauded the vision of Otunba Adams in rising up stoutly to salvage the obliteration of Yoruba pristine culture, values and tradition from the international forum by inaugurating Oodua Progressive Unions in over 17 countries of the world.

12—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

25 injured as party supporters protest in A-Ibom

By Tom Moses

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YO—NO fewer than 25 persons were injured yesterday when party supporters protested on the streets of Uyo, the Akwa-Ibom State capital, over alleged irregularities in the just concluded Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship primary election, which they claimed was manipulated in favour of Udom Gabriel.

Vanguard gathered that 22 of the 25 governorship aspirants angrily withdrew from the race just as Bishop Samuel Akpan and Obong Okon Umana defected to Accord Party and All Progressives Congress, APC, respectively, leaving only Udom in the contest.

The protesters alleged that the processes leading to the primary election were fraught with widespread irregularities.

Supporters of the governorship aspirants stormed out of the Uyo international stadium, venue of the event, in solidarity with the aggrieved aspirants, who reconvened at the Ewet Housing home of Obong Nsima Ekere, one of the aspirants.

It was gathered that the youths, who chanted solidarity songs, called for the

cancellation of what they called a flawed poll. They also demanded a level playing field for all the aspirants.

The youths, who besieged the Ewet Housing home of Ekere immediately took their protests to the streets of Uyo and Government Residential Area, expressing their anger over the elections, alleging that the election was manipulated in favour of Udom.

They chanted protest songs and asked the aspirants to protect their future by ensuring that the democracy the youths and concerned Nigerians fought for, was not overtaken by the political cabal in government.

“Democracy must be made to have a human face, it should be government of the people, by the people and for the people,” Ememobong Ita, a youth activist insisted.

Tension heightened when the angry youths clashed with other youths at the Ewet Housing, who were celebrating Udom’s victory.

The clash left over 25 youths on both sides injured.

It took the intervention of some of the aggrieved aspirants, including Obong Nsima Ekere, Mrs. Helen Esuene, Chief Assam Assam, Dr. Peter Esuh and Mr. Patrick Ekpotu to calm frayed nerves.

WORKSHOP: From left: Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration), Mr Lawan Ado; Mr Famakin Joseph of NAPTIP; Chaplain, Dr Sam Jatto, during the workshop on Human Trafficking and Child Labour, at Polic Officers Mess, GRA Ikeja, Lagos.

.... As aggrieved gov aspirants dump PDP for opposition

By Chioma Onuegbu

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YO—MORE aggrieved governorship aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Akwa Ibom State are leaving the party for opposition parties over the alleged manipulation of the electoral process.

The latest to quit the PDP is one of the frontline contenders in the race to succeed incumbent Governor Godswill Akpabio, Bishop Samuel Akpan, who led hundreds of his supporters to the Accord Party, AP. Declaring for his new party at his campaign office on Edet Akpan Avenue, Uyo, Akpan said his decision was due to several years of marginalisation in PDP, a party he said he had paid his dues to be properly recognised and compensated.

He said: “My call to service is in response to the yearnings and aspirations of the people of Akwa Ibom State. The lack of internal democracy and dictatorial tendencies forced me to quit the PDP because I recall that despite my

contributions, the party had frustrated my senatorial bid in 2011.”

Akpan who prided himself as the candidate to beat in the 2015 race, recalled his antecedent as the apostle that

led the foot soldiers for Governor Akpabio’s emergence in 2007 and his reelection in 2011, adding that it was time for him to get his due in 2015.

He assured his supporters of

entrenching good leadership and effective delivery of the dividends of democracy if elected into power, stressing that his mission was to fix the state, as well as consolidate on the achievements of the outgoing administration.

Sylva, two others clinch APC senatorial tickets in Bayelsa discussed, “but I am not aware the party.

By Samuel Oyadongha

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ENAGOA—FORMER governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, was yesterday, confirmed as the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate for state's East senatorial district in the 2015 polls.

Also, the former Chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Area, Mr. Eddie Julius and Prince Preye Aganaba emerged the senatorial candidates of the party for Bayelsa West and Bayelsa Central senatorial districts respectively.

Sylva, according to a party source, was cleared based on his recognition as a leader in

An aide to Sylva, who spoke anonymously, said though discussions on his plan to run for Senate in the state was

that he has procured the form and had been cleared. But the issue was discussed by his kitchen cabinet.”

I'll end marginalization of Binis in fed agencies—Osagie

By Simon Ebegbulem

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ENIN—MINORITY Whip of the House of Representatives and Edo South senatorial candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Monday's primaries of the party in Edo State, Mr Samson Osagie, has said that one of his major focus in the Senate will be to tackle the alleged marginalization of the Binis in

appointments into federal agencies.

Speaking shortly after his emergence, Osagie, who commended Governor Adams Oshiomhole and APC leaders for providing a level playing field for all the aspirants in the primaries, said that the issue of Gelegele Port will be tackled so as to generate employment for youths of the district.

Ideozu wins PDP ticket for Rivers West

By Jimitota Onoyume

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ORT HARC O U R T — PEOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday announced, Mr Osinakachukwu Ideozu as winner of the Rivers West senatorial primary election conducted at the party’s state secretariat on Aba Road, Port Harcourt.

The Returning Officer for the election, Prof Blessing Didia, said 379 delegates were accredited and 326 voted for Mr Ideozu while Chibudom Nwuche got 44 votes to emerge a distant second, adding that Mr Willie Pepple had one vote while eight votes were voided.

He, therefore declared Ideozu winner of the election.

Meanwhile, Nwuche, who spoke to newsmen few minutes after the election commenced, said the exercise was a fraud, designed to impose an unpopular aspirant on the people.

According to him the delegates were teleguided to vote for an unpopular aspirant, stressing that the whole exercise was a charade.

Madam Memeh passes on Mrs. Rebecca Memeh of Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, is dead, aged 82.

Service of Songs will hold tomorrow at the Memeh compound, followed next day with a Requiem Mass at St. Paul‘s Catholic Cathedral, Issele-Uku and thereafter interment.

She is survived by many children, grand children and in-laws.

Late Rebecca Memeh

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014—13

APC senatorial primaries fallout: Edo SSG resigns

By Simon Ebegbulem

Francis Alimekhena. It was learned that Ihonvbere was angry that he was coasting to victory before delegates allegedly decided to vote in

B

ENIN—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has accepted the resignation of Professor Julius Ihonvbere from his cabinet as Secretary to the State Government.

In a statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Peter Okhiria, the governor thanked Ihonvbere for his service to the government and the state and “ wished him well” in his future endeavours.

When Vanguard contacted Ihonvbere, he said he remains a strong member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, despite the outcome of the primaries “but I have decided to go and take care of my business, which has been suffering since I took this responsibility to serve my dear state in the capacity of the SSG.” Vanguard learned that Ihonvbere’s resignation may not be unconnected to the Monday senatorial primaries of the APC, which he lost to Oshiomhole’s kinsman, Chief

favour of Alimekhena allegedly on the orders of the governor.

However, the state Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mr

By Simon Adewale

U

AWARD: From left: Founder/Group Managing Director, Arco Petrochemical Engineering Group and former president of Government College Ughelli Old Boys' Association, Lagos branch, Mr. Alfred Okoigun; Mrs Julie Okoigun and the association's president, Gordons Egbedi, during the conferment of the S.B. Agodo medal award on Okoigun, for distinguished service to the association, at the 2014 Annual luncheon party of GCUOBA in Lagos.

Nwaoboshi picks Delta North Senate ticket

By Emma Amaize & Festus Ahon

A

SABA—FORMER Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, won the party ’s Delta North senatorial primaries with 138 votes, yesterday.

But, obviously acting a script by one of the five aspirants, the chairman of the electoral panel and Returning Officer, Mr. Raphael Kukuh, who cited security reason, declared the exercise inconclusive and absconded from the venue to the chagrin of delegates and aspirants.

A former commissioner in the state, Mr. Paul Osaji, got 87 votes to place second, while Doris Ubor notched 37 votes to come third.

Pascal Adigwe placed fourth with 27 votes and Mrs. Mariam Ali came last with four votes.

Misunderstanding during the primaries arose after seven of the 11 local government areas, Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Ika North East, Ika South, Ndokwa East and Ndokwa East had voted, remaining

Godwin Erhahon, denied the allegation that the governor interfered in the senatorial primaries of Edo North.

Delta 2015: Urhobo youths congratulate Okowa over victory

Oshimili South and Ukwuani.

One of the agents had raised objection on two or three names on the delegates’ list and openly attacked a youth leader in the area, who is one of the delegates.

The police whisked him away, but Mrs. Ali insisted that they were infiltrators on the list.

The matter caused a

delay in voting after which Nwaboshi's camp, which was leading, agreed one or two persons should be disallowed from voting if that would pacify her.

However, the returning officer latched on the problem and threatened that he would cancel the primaries, which many thought was a joke.

Omatseye wins APC Delta South senatorial primary

By Perez Brisibe

U

GHELLI—MR Temisan Omatseye has emerged the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate for Delta South senatorial district in the 2015 general elections, with 424 votes.

The primaries, at the Oleh Civic Centre in Isoko South Local Government Area, had his closest contender, Yemi Emiko, scoring 181 votes, while Dr. Austin Urette had 18 votes.

Speaking to Vanguard, Omatseye described his election as a victory for the people of Delta

South, adding that APC would emerge victorious at the general elections.

Similarly, a former Delta State Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General, Chief Andrew Orugbo, emerged winner of the APC House of Representatives primaries for Ughelli North/Ughelli South and Udu federal constituency, with 496 votes to beat his closest rival, Sylvester Akpodiete, who scored 333 while Thompson Mashini got 77 votes.

RHOBO National Youth Movement, UNYM, has congratulated Senator Ifeanyi Okowa on his victory at the just concluded Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, primaries.

President of the youth group, Mr Alex Idu, felicitated with Okowa on his overwhelming victory at the governorship primaries held in Asaba.

He said: “The fact is that Okowa is the best candidate and remains steadfast and resolute in his bid to become the governor of Delta State.

Okowa is the best qualified candidate and is more equipped to take over from Governor Emmanue Uduaghan.

14—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

Court asks Umeh to stop parading self as APGA chair

By Anayo Okoli & Vincent Ujumadu

U

MUAHIA — THE crisis rocking All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, deepened, yesterday, as an Abia State High Court sitting at Igbere, ordered Chief Victor Umeh to stop parading himself as the National Chairman of APGA pending the hearing and determination of a

motion on notice filed by five members of the party.

Justice U. Ononogbo, who gave the order, also directed that the order be served at APGA headquarters in Abuja by pasting the court processes at the party headquarters.

He also ordered that the court processes be served on Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,

....Why I'm in senatorial race, by Umeh

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WKA — THE senatorial candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, for Anambra Central for the 2015 election, Chief Victor Umeh, has met with traditional rulers in the zone, informing them that his reason for going into the race is to give a strong voice to Igbo and fight for their interest.

Addressing the monarchs at the palace of the traditional ruler of Ifitedunu, in Dunukofia Local Government Area, Igwe Emeka Ilouno, during the consultative visit, Umeh explained that his main reason for going into the race was to contribute his quota in the fight against

the marginalisation of Igbo.

Umeh was accompanied on the visit by the traditional ruler of Agulu, Igwe Innocent Obodoakopor, the regent of Aguluzigbo, his community, Chief Hyacinth Onwuneme and former Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Pita Ejiofor.

According to him, Igbo had continued to suffer marginalisation in the Nigerian project which became apparent during the just concluded national conference where, he said it was resolved that the people of the South East should be given additional state to bring them at par with other zones.

headquarters, Abuja and adjourned the matter to December 18, 2014 for hearing of the motion on notice.

In another development, Nnanna Ukaegbu-led faction, of APGA in Abia State, yesterday, announced Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba, as the governorship candidate of the party in 2015 general elections.

Ukaegbu said Ufomba emerged from the primaries conducted by the party in Umuahia.

Former Managing Director of Diamond Bank, Dr. Alex Otti was also Monday declared as the winner of the party ’s primaries to fly the APGA flag in the 2015 elections by another faction of the party.

Ukaegbu, who claimed Otti was not a member of the party, announced that Ufomba scored a total of 515 votes to defeat Dr. Otti who, he said, scored 47 votes and that there were 50 invalid votes. He said another aspirant, Chief Chikwe Udensi, withdrew from the race a week ago.

Ukaegbu said no congress was held by Dr. Otti’s faction of the party, alleging that what happened was “an attempt to bring fraud into APGA system,” which he said was resisted.

Ogene, others defect from APGA to APC

By Vincent Ujumadu

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WKA — THE m e m b e r representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State and Vice Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Information, Mr. Afam Ogene, yesterday, formally defected to All Progressives Congress, APC, with his supporters.

Ogene, who was elected on the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, was received into APC with over 1,500 supporters of the party from Ogbaru during the endorsement of Senator Chris Ngige by his party in Anambra Central senatorial zone in Awka.

Another chieftain of APGA, Chief C. Anakor from Njikoka and a pharmacist in Awka South Local Government Area, Mr. Michael Ozoemene also defected to APC with

their over 1,000 followers in the two local government areas.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Ogene said two other prominent indigenes of Ogbaru namely, Evangelist Dan Obi and

Steve Nnaemezie had joined APC, noting that the two would contest for the Ogbaru I and II state constituencies on the umbrella of APC for the state House of Assembly in 2015.

SURE-P commences 3-day graduate training in Enugu

By Francis Igata

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NUGU — THE F e d e r a l Government’s Subsidy Reinvestment and E m p o w e r m e n t Programme, SURE-P on the Graduate Internship Scheme, GIS, yesterday, commenced a three-day graduate intern training programme for beneficiaries in Enugu State.

The training is to enable the interns optimise their internship period by developing useful skills and positive habits in their

place of internship.

While delivering the opening address at the training, the Project Director, GIS, Mr. Peter Papka, said, “SURE-P provides critical safety nets to deliberately create a critical bridge that will enable Nigerian graduate cross from graduation to workplace with ease.

"This gap has been responsible for the claim that the graduates are unemployable because they have few skills and no experience to enable them hit the ground running in the workplace."

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014—15

C M Y K

16—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

Anambra NULGE urges Houses of Assembly to approve LG autonomy

PDP PRIMARIES:

PPA woos Elechi, others

By Chris Ochayi

A

B U J A — N A T I O N A L Working Committee, NWC, of the Progressive Peoples Alliance, PPA, yesterday extended a hand of fellowship to Governor Martins Elechi of Ebonyi State, imploring him to join the party.

The NWC of PPA through a statement issued by the party’s National chairman, Peter Ameh, said the party would welcome Governor Elechi and others who wished to join forces with it.

The party, which distanced itself from the statement by one Prince Samuel Udeogu, a member of the party, saying “Why we don’t want Gov Elechi”, said Udeogu could not speak for PPA .

According to NWC, “This unaltered, reckless and unauthorized statement from him offends Article 12 of the constitution of our great party and has been summoned to appear before the National Working Committee of the party on Monday, December 15th 2014 to come and prove why disciplinary action should not be taken against him.

According to the party, “Our party wants to assure all who wish to join forces with us that they are welcome as long as they respect the Party ’s supremacy and key into our resolve to ensure prosperity to the people.''

The statement was authored by those who do not

By Enyim Enyim

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CAMPAIGN AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING: From left; Deputy Corps Commander, Lagos, Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Kikelomo Akinnusoye; Director, Corporate Relations, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Sesan Sobowale; Sector Commander, Lagos,FRSC, Omeje Hyginus and Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Guinness, Michael Onuoha at the flag-off of the ‘Don’t Drink and Drive Campaign’ organized by Guinness and FRSC at Old Toll Gate, Oregun, Lagos, yesterday.

I won Enugu PDP gov primaries, Ayogu Eze insists

By Francis Igata

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NUGU—THE crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party in Enugu State, deepened yesterday, as Senator Ayogu Eze, insisted he was the only governorship candidate of the party validly elected during Monday’s primaries in Enugu State.

Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi was on Monday announced as winner of PDP governorship at a parallel primaries in the state.

Eze dismissed claims that two parallel primaries were held, saying ‘’there was only one

Cyberspace wins software innovation company of the year award

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YBERSPACE Limited, one of the leading Information and Communications Technology Company in Nigeria has bagged industry’s recognition by winning the 2014 Software Innovation Company of the year award at the African ICT Awards.

Cyberspace, according to organisers of the award, Belmang Limited, publishers of IT and Telecoms Digest, has remained consistent despite the industry’s challenges.

According to the Publisher of IT and Telecom Digest, Mkpe Abang, ''Consistency is one of the enduring hallmarks of any business that must last. Indeed, Cyberspace successfully deployed three earth stations (Hubs) across the country. ''The company is well positioned to provide connectivity with VSAT solutions using both I-Direct

and SCPC platform and the 4G LTE Wireless Access Solutions acquired from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for metro connectivity within Lagos State, Delta State and the Federal Capital City, Abuja. Cyberspace was the first service provider to implement the MPLS backbone in Nigeria.''

As such, Abang, while presenting the award to the Chief Marketing Officer of Cyberspace Limited, Mr. Olusola Bankole said the firm has become a reference point and market leader in the connectivity space in the country. ''From banks and financial institutions to corporate bodies and institutions of learning, which have been on the client list of Cyberspace Limited, it continues to offer robust and highly interactive software to make business experience worthwhile,'' he added.

primary election at which the genuine delegates, elected on November 1, 2014 voted for me out of their freewill’’ In a statement he said ‘’my attention has been drawn to insinuations that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, held two governorship primaries in Enugu State. This is not true. ‘What happened was that during the pre-primary briefing by the Governorship Primary Electoral Panel, bewildered aspirants were told that the list of delegates given to the panel from Abuja was different from the names of delegates elected at the November 1, 2014 congresses in the state. The electoral panel was also shown a certified true copy of the list of delegates obtained from a Federal High Court in Abuja, which it confirmed was different from the list given to them. ‘’I also reported to the panel that these genuine delegates were being denied accreditation and entrance into the venue of the primary election. I was heading to the venue of the primary election when these frustrated delegates called me to address them at Filbon Hotel, New Haven, Enugu, where they had already assembled to ponder their next move. Once I arrived the venue they insisted they must conduct the primaries. They went ahead to elect me the PDP candidate.

According to him, ‘’The electoral panel commenced their work at the so called primary election venue very late in the evening because the government had difficulty assembling people to come to the venue. They filled the stadium, venue of the supposed primary election, with non party members. It was an assemblage of passersby, touts, cheerleaders

16d office messengers who were hurriedly rail-roaded to the venue as a face saving measure. ‘’I want to state that I have the highest regards for the governorship electoral panel, headed by High Highness, King Asara Asara. Their hands were tied by the manipulations that produced the illegal list at the party headquarters in Abuja and they clearly told all the aspirants so. ''The electoral panel addressed seven governorship aspirants at the pre-primary briefing but only two of the seven made it to the stadium with the panel because of the panel’s confession that the list of delegates given to them was different from the list obtained at congresses of November 1, 2014 in the 260 wards of Enugu State. ‘’There could not therefore have been another primary election in Enugu State. A gathering of jesters and non party men could not have been described as a properly constituted forum of the party to elect a governorship candidate for our great party.''

NITSHA— NIGERIA Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Anambra State, branch has called on state Houses of Assembly to approve the local government autonomy as recently proposed by the National Assembly.

President of the union in the state, Mr. Jerry Nnubia, while speaking with reporters in Awka, said the proposed autonomy for the 774 councils in the country would ensure rapid development particularly at the rural areas.

According to him, “The National Assembly and NULGE have done their job in this light and we appeal to the various state Houses of Assembly to approve the local government autonomy.

They should not allow themselves to be ridiculed.

Essentially, it is believed that the state governors are kicking against it because they would no longer manage the local government funds they have been managing.

There is no justification for fighting against local government autonomy rather we should be talking about correcting the excesses at the councils any time it arose” He described as preposterous the argument by governors that there was nowhere in the world where there was a third federating unit as proposed by the National Assembly.

CBN chief for Henshaw seminar

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HE Central bank of Nigeria’s acting Director of Development Finance , Dr. M. A. Olaitan will deliver a keynote address at the seminar on venture capital and private equity organised by henshaw Capital Partners, a private equity and venture capital firm.

The seminar comes with the recent announcement by the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala’s launch of YOUWIN 2014 of a $50 million

capital fund for youth last month.

With theme: “Introduction to Venture Capital Finance for SMEs” , the seminar is schedule to hold between yesterday and December 16, 2014 in Lagos, Abuja and Calabar and features private equity firms CBO Capital, Verod Capital, Grofin and The Abraaj Group.

Barbara James, CEO of Henshaw Capital Partners in a statement confirmed that recent activities in venture capital and private equity in Nigeria was good for the industry as a whole.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014—17

18 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014 THE All Progressives Congress, APC, had to extract an undertaking from its aspirants ahead of today’s APC presidential congress at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. They have promised to remain APC members no matter who wins. Our quick sand politics has latitudes that accommodate tendencies, especially changing camps when we lose positions.

All the contenders came from different groups that pooled their angst with the way Nigeria was running to arrive at APC. The differences tended to stand against the party, particularly when the issue was the presidential candidate. Former military Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, for mer Vice President Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, Governor of Kano State, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, Gover nor of Imo State, Chief Rochas Okorocha, and newspaper publisher, Sam Nda-Isaiah have spent months canvassing their qualifications for the APC top ticket. They are all qualified as the party showed in accepting their aspirations.

Who would delegates choose? Would those not chosen accept the primaries which suffered postponements over matters like venue or more importantly how the

APC Primaries, Battles Ahead delegates would be elected? These matters were important to the aspirants, as anything could hurt their interests.

APC faced many battles to this point. The party ’s internal democracy, or its absence, as in all the parties, came to the fore again.

The aspirants’ agreement to remain in APC was a great strategy to keep the party intact into the general elections in February. With the multiplicity of new interests, in an organisation in its formative stages, APC has more issues of fairness to aspirants to settle than its main opponent, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Two key issues that easily collapse into one – the North-South dichotomy and religion – are constants in APC’s troubles.

The fusion of different parties that represented different interests has been trying for APC, in addition to avoiding the religious tag opponents hang on it. All the candidates seem to sing the same tunes in their manifesto. They have progressive agenda for Nigerians, whose plight they blame on almost 16 years of PDP domination of governments across the country. These sound nice when there is a common enemy, another political party.

Whoever wins the primaries presents the next set of challenges for APC. The peculiarity of each aspirant is the challenge. The first task is the choice of the vice presidential candidate. Ordinarily, the appeal of the vice presidential candidate, his broad acceptance in the party, his attractiveness to voters, and willingness to work with the presidential candidate should be factors.

The politics of religion and zoning of offices have overtaken these considerations.

APC would conclude its primaries as one, but the intrigues from its opaque practices, would continue to challenge it.

OPINION

By Ekanpou Enewaridideke

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TORY-telling is an age-long tradition in Africa that has refused to died even in the face of invasive Western culture.

Didacticism is the surviving strength of this age-long tradition. However, African politicians are good story-tellers:they always tell good stories to convince the electorate during the fevered electioneering campaign period. Engaged in this art the politicians always overlook, ignore, idealize, romanticize the prickly lethal undulations, bends, flaws and SILENCES in their propagandist claims, unmindful that the discerning electorate have got the capability to isolate the silences from the real achievements. Is this not the time of political digitization when only political shelters with strong foundations are searched and occupied – when known ties of consanguinity are buried in veneration of performance politics of verifiable story-telling?

Characteristically, with the fastapproaching 2015 Delta South senatorial elections, many exceptionally talented story-tellers have emerged on the arena, each armed with a bag of inexhaustible stories invented with all the rhetorical flourishes to hypnotize their listeners.

Senator J.E manager and others from different political parties are the current story-tellers entangled like fighting iguanas in Tuomo town, leaving to the electorate the authoritative task of assessing the stories and awarding C M Y K

Season of story-tellers deservingly corresponding marks.

Therefore, some sugar-coated aspirants could respectively claim to have created the Heaven and the Earth in their iguanalike struggle but the voters, this time, would conquer any rhetorical charm and identify with the right candidate, as Deltans are familiar with the political biodata of the aspirants no matter the infusion of propagandist ornamentation.

In this season of story-tellling, storylistening and story-evaluation, clear and vast is the consciousness that Manager, the present PDP flagbearer for Delta South Senatorial District, was the chairman of Bomadi Council (1991), state PDP chairman (1997), two-time Commissioner of two different governments and a two-time senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Bomadi bridge, Gbaregolor-Esanma bridge, Torugbene road, Ogriagbene road, Ogbeinama canalization and other numerous development projects are giant indicators of his politics of performance and achievement. His human capital development features in form of his facilitation of award of contracts to people in his senatorial district and beyond, his passion for legislative facilitation of contract-creation for people is one visible component of his performance politics which has clearly situated him above many of his peers.

Beyond all these achievements which he terms his transformation dug-out, he has

been the political beacon, navigator and surveyor for most Ijaw politicians of his generation right from the days of Chief Felix Ibru to Chief James Ibori. The phenomenally unassuming noiseless but clearly focused Manager is politically the Mecca for many politicians because of his political philosophy to accommodate all – a philosophy that always pardons his detractors, traducers and opponents no matter the enormity of the political transgression. This philosophy has more often than not been exploited by some psychopathic opponents. But, he is not bothered by these deliberate serial violations.

With the captivating stories of achievement credited to the aspirants in their passion for victory, it is their respective attunement in their various oratories that one of them be mandated to represent the Delta South Senatorial District in the Senate in 2015. Iguana-like, no aspirant is sacrificially ready to concede the senatorial space for the other in acknowledgement of superiority in achievements and competence. Yet comparatively, one is a better choice than others. This is where the electorate would claim a god-like position over the fate of the ENTANGLED political iguanas - the story-tellers because Deltans know the achievement and competence quotient of all the contenders.

Among the aspirants, Deltans know whose achievements are mere media

creations. The electorate with the power of discernment should delve deeper to authenticate the stories of achievement by aspirants so that the right choice could emerge.

This is the time to cast votes intelligently so that the politics of vindictiveness, isolation, discrimination, selfishness, under-development would be a thing of the past. The Delta South Senatorial District is not the political space for vindictive, insensitive and congenitally lie-coated story-teller who has not been able to transform his people visibly in all these years of political involvement. Only an aspirant whose stories of development are verifiable at the grass roots level would be crowned the accredited representative of Delta South senatorial District in the Senate. Awakened to the universal reality that only talented story-tellers with stories rooted in truth command wide listenership, let the search for a true storyteller begin now among Deltans. Only true story-tellers can transform Delta South Senatorial District. The stories of Manager have the transformation potential required to lead the Ijaws,Isokos and the Itsekiris to the land flowing with transformation honey.

Senator J.E. Manager is the true storyteller whose true stories cleared the path to the PDP ticket for the Delta South Senatorial District on 7 December 2014.

•Mr. Enewaridideke, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Akparemogbene, Delta State.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014—19 —19

Iweala’s economic recipe: Not austerity but panicky measures T

HERE'S palpable panic if not fear in the land. For those who know, Nigeria is heading for an economic precipice that should get all of us truly worried and looking beyond the false hope being hawked around by the Goodluck Jonathan government.

The price of crude oil, Nigeria’s one and only economic mainstay, is crashing with the rapidity of a pack of cards. From over $100pb oil price has in the last few weeks tumbled down to just below $80pb.

The 2014 budget is already in trouble, based as it was on $77.5pb.

But the chief economic officer of the Adminstration, Nigeria’s own Job’s comforter, Ngozi OkonjoIweala, has been hawking her brand of cold comfort in the wake of the unceremonious crashing of the Naira following dwindling oil prices.

Mrs. Iweala’s recipe for the immediate revival of our comatose economy is the introduction of a number of so-called austerity measures that could see us swimming through the sharkinfested ocean of economic survival. Top on the minister's list

of austerity measures is reduction in overseas training, imposition of tax on luxury items like yachts, private jets and alcohol. The very list of items slated for special focus in the measures proposed by Iweala should tell any right thinking person the source of our economic troubles. It must be noted, however, that there is nothing particularly new in Iweala’s list of austerity measures.

Some, if not all of these items, have been perennially fingered among sources of wastage in our economy.

Another thing the list should tell us all, is that the problem with Nigeria is often, even when not exclusively, that of leadership.

Who are the Nigerians who own private jets? Are they the ordinary people who waste long, painful, hours waiting for rundown vehicles at bus stops? How many Nigerians can afford to fly private jets, even at public expense, except the wealthy? It is no longer appealing for rich Nigerians and their cronies in public office to go around in specially-ordered automobilesthe types that we can’t dream of producing- that only the very rich

By Nicholas Ikejiani

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HE history of the end of militancy in the Niger Delta cannot be completely written without acknowledging the role played by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who at great cost to his presidency, and with the assistance of his then Vice President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, traversed the delta region, bringing militancy to its knees on the negotiation table.

Today, oil flows to keep the economy running, while political aspirants of different shades jostle to occupy the presidential villa, the National Assembly, and state government houses on the strength of what Yar’Adua and Jonathan fought to achieve. Curiously, with the insurgency in the North-East, many of the politicians, rather than join hands with Yar’Adua’s successor to end the malaise, carry on as though they are happy with the bad situation, hoping that they can use it as a weapon to achieve their political ends.

Many political office holders who stand the chance of benefitting politically if the Boko Haram fighters are reined in, are not doing any tangible thing or show the will to end the problem. Even elements within the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), who readily point to the menace as one of the weaknesses of the ruling government, are asking to be formally invited to do something about a disease that affects us all.

It is even becoming fashionable to taint the political space with ethnic and religious sentiments as if anyone can escape the conflagration that could follow.

Boko Haram and the shadowy characters who sponsor them desperately want to colour the problem religiously by going after the Christians hoping there will be a backlash. This failed woefully. For

The only practical purpose of the proposed measures to put the economy back on an even keel is to stem the obvious panic within government circle can afford abroad. Their preference these days is for private jets over which tariffs are obviously not paid. It is also these Nigerians in public office and others in businesses sustained by public funds that can afford the kind of exotic alcohol that the new austerity tax regime are meant to deal with. Ordinary people, out to forget their sorrow-induced painpain caused by the country ’s irresponsible leadership, are more at home with their paraga, burukutu, opa-eyin, alomo and other health-destroying brews that an otherwise forward-looking leadership elite could have helped improve to world standard in over five decades of independence. But no, they must go for speciallybranded imports!

The long and short of my point is that the Jonathan government’s austerity measures are headed for nowhere and will not do much to stem the wild tide of our economic woes. They are as vacuous as the stale promises of the government to bring to account the maniacal killers masquerading as insurgents in different parts of the north-east. The only practical purpose of the proposed measures to put the economy back on an

even keel is to stem the obvious panic within government circle, panic that has been trickling down to the states and local authorities in the form of dwindling allocation from the centre. Many states across the country are unable to pay and owe workers and contractors. Those who paid or are likely to pay have elections or pending but immediate electoral issues to settle. For these, they require the people’s support. All is far from well with this government but those licking up the oil of our national sustenance, feeding fat from it, would want us all to believe otherwise. The crash in oil prices is, however, giving the lie to such propositions. It is telling us of the dire situation that lies ahead with more sellers like Ghana and Chad entering the market while traditional buyers like America are self-producing far more than they would need. This is happening where other countries around the world are, in fact, turning to other forms of energy.

Nigeria has for many years relied on oil. And the huge revenue from this has been stolen outright by our present leaders and others from the past who are still being awarded national honours for the pillaging of the treasury. The sectors of the economy that should be encouraged to grow have been sidelined in our drive for the easy money that comes from oil which we only produce in crude form since its first discovery in 1958. The agricultural sector, our former mainstay, is now comatose, and there is clear infrastructural deficit in our mode of development. All government is interested in is spending all that comes from our sole source of revenue. Not even savings from the past are spared.

Otherwise, government would be more transparent in accounting for

Solving the N/Delta, South-East menace: The Jonathan example the Muslims who dare to speak up or are fingered as collaborators with government, they are maimed or killed, and at other times, forced to join the train of violence. I can imagine if all those seeking political office on the ticket of the APC were to use all the wealth, goodwill, and connections they claim to have, the PDP will be made an easy picking next February.

But for now, the Jonathan administration which many want to paint black over the menace, appears to be winning the battle, having succeeded in reducing to the barest minimum the involvement of Nigerians. It appears that it is mainly foreigners who are the foot soldiers in the battle, what with the alleged involvement of the Chadian government with its retinue of jobless rebels.

If Jonathan is the President today, it is because he paid the price for his region by travelling there and negotiating a peaceful settlement. Others from the North should do same. It was the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, who reiterated the role of Jonathan in comments he made months ago.

Kuku said: “Some of us who played significant roles in ending the agitation in the Niger Delta cannot be silent when some persons try to foist a skewed history of the crisis on us.

“The persons that claim to be behind MEND are in no position to write the history of the Niger Delta agitation. I challenge whoever is claiming to be MEND now to controvert the fact that President Goodluck Jonathan, at the time he was Vice President, played a significant role in ending the insurgency in

the Niger Delta.

“Where were those behind MEND now when our late beloved President Umaru Yar ’Adua, who because of his concern for the peace of the region, sought to end the conflict and destruction of oil facilities, the kidnapping of expatriates on the Niger Delta waterways and the proliferation of arms, then dispatched his Vice, Dr. Jonathan, to Tompolo’s Camp 5 in Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State?”

Moreover, he added, Jonathan on June 28, 2007 met with Tompolo at Okerenkoko, after which Tompolo was in-

The issue of kidnapping is a problem the army is very familiar with, having dealt with kidnappers in the past in Abia State, and having helped to restore normalcy to Aba

the whereabouts of the $67 billion left in its coffers in 2007.

One wonders how much hope from fear and panic President Jonathan and Mrs. Iweala propose to give Nigerians by cutting off a mere $5 from every $77.5 or thereabout expected from sale of a barrel of crude. How much succour can this provide by way of maintaining our projected budgetary spending for 2014?

Doyin Okupe, the loudspeaker of Aso Villa, has told Nigerians that his principal’s government is the best in the history of this country even when much of the achievement that he attributed to the government reside in the imagination of biased supporters like him. They make it difficult for the president to appreciate the enormity of the issues confronting this country. If the Obasanjo administration with all its many failures could, at the point of departure, save $67 billion for the incoming administrations, if it could leave this much even when a barrel of oil was between $20 and $60 between 1999 and 2007, how can this government explain the depletion of those funds in addition to what came in from the sale of crude oil at about $100pb in the last few years?

The answer is in the high level of corruption in government. The problem that Nigeria faces today as a consequence of the crash in oil prices is one of corruption. Had we done the right things before now, plugging all the holes through which Nigeria’s wealth is both stolen and wasted, we would be far better off than we are right now that our purse is lean. But rather than plug these holes, the country’s leadership has opened them up for more and better plundering of the economy and our president, rather unfortunately, does not give a damn about corruption.

vited to Abuja. Tompolo called a meeting of Ijaw leaders and stakeholders, who converged on Gbaramatu, before a trip to Abuja. On the knotty issue of kidnappings in the South Eastern flank of the country, the Goodluck Jonathan administration through its points man then in the army, General Azubuike Iherijika, did a swell job, taming the monsters in his home state of Abia. And when he was called in to do the same in the geopolitical zone, he latched on to it with the support of the state governors.

In accepting the challenge, the man who succeeded also in his military assignment while pushing the Boko Haram in the North-East to Sambisa Forest, before he was replaced said: “The issue of kidnapping is a problem the army is very familiar with, having dealt with kidnappers in the past in Abia State, and having helped to restore normalcy to Aba. As you are aware, the kidnappers are aided by the use of GSMs and the proliferation of weapons. But what will help most is the cooperation of people in giving out vital information to the security agencies.

“It’s a very welcome development that the South-East governors have come together just like the Northern governors have all come together to help tackle the menace of terrorists. So, with this type of interest shown by the governors, I believe the problem of armed robbery and kidnapping in the zone will be put behind us.” Like their South-East counterparts, maybe North-East governors should rise to the occasion and work out a solution, except, of course, if they are complicit.

•Mr Ikejiani sent this piece from Port Harcourt.

20 —Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

Boko Haram: Rage of Okada riders

By Ebele Orakpo

Don’t allow my baby to die, cries widow A whose daughter has hole in the heart

By Ola Ajayi, Ibadan

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HE joy of Ajoke Mukaila 36, knew no bounds when she was delivered of Aishat Mukaila on June 28, 2014. She was full of thanks to God Almighty who saw her through the throes of pregnancy and delivery. Ajoke’s joy was however short-lived because her five month old baby has been diagonised with a hole in the heart.

Vanguard Metro VM learnt that trouble started shortly after the celebrations that greeted the arrival of the child.

Ajoke suddenly noticed that despite being fed with breast milk, the baby was not growing; she looked emaciated.

The hole in Baby Aishat’s heart is said to be eating her up on daily basis hence her mother has cried out to wellmeaning Nigerians to come to the aid of little Aisha.

Ajoke who lost her husband, Rasak Mukaila when the pregnancy was only five months, initially thought Aishat’s ailment was a common sickness like fever or jaundice. But to her greatest astonishment, the ailment was diagnosed as hole in the heart.

Mrs. Ajoke Mukaila and her baby after spending about one month in the hospital, been admitted, she found out that she could neither settle the

Medical solutions Ajoke told VM that she has tried all known medical solutions but to the avail. Instead of getting better, Little Aishat is becoming weaker and weaker. The mother of four said the management of the University College Hospital, UCH Ibadan did a lot for her and the baby. The emotionladen widow said she was given the phone number of Vanguard by an unknown man who accosted her in the hospital when she was crying for assistance to buy the prescribed drugs for the ailing Aishat.

Ajoke explained that C M Y K

I don’t like putting my burden on others but the cost of the surgery is far beyond what I can afford

bills nor buy the prescribed drugs because her business had collapsed.

Amidst tears, she narrated her ordeal to VM. The problem, she said, started when her baby started to vomit and stool intermittently. After all efforts to stop the dysentery failed, she headed to the Oyo State Health Management Board, Adeoyo but was referred to the UCH on August 26, 2014.

“I was told she has a hole in the heart. Why has life been so unfair to me? She cried. “I don’t deserve this kind of fate.

My husband died when my pregnancy was five months. He complained of malaria and before I knew what was happening, he gave up the ghost. And now, see what has happened to the baby that could have lessened my sorrow,”she lamented.

Continuing, she said: “One man gave me your

phone number and said you would help me out.

Please sir, help me. I don’t have anybody again I can turn to.

Please, don’t let my baby die. I was told that they can do the surgery in China. There is no way I can get there without the help of Nigerians.

Please, help me. I don’t like putting my burden on others but the cost of the surgery is far beyond what I can afford”. They did not even tell me how much it would cost; they only said my baby could only get help outside the country,” the woman who said she hawks food by the roadside explained.

“Since my baby was discharged from the hospital, she has started growing lean again. I don’t want her to die,” she sobbed.

The life or death of the little baby lies in the hands of well meaning Nigerians. Mrs Ajoke Mulikat can be reached on 08177064945.

T the Otto Waff Bus-stop along the ApapaOshodi Expressway last Wednesday evening, a commercial bus popularly called Danfo, was parked with the driver on the driver’s seat while the conductor was hanging by the door, calling passengers.

Suddenly, two young men on two motorcycles, popularly called Okada, came on top speed, passed the commercial bus and came to an abrupt halt just behind the bus. The two cyclists alighted and the first one rushed to the bus conductor and before one could say okokobioko, started pummelling the conductor.

Passers-by and those waiting to board a bus to their various destinations, were stunned by the unfolding drama. At this point, the second okada rider had joined in the fight and the bus driver came down to find out what was going on.

Within seconds, there were tens of okada riders who had come to help their ‘brother.’ A few of the passersby came to intervene when they saw that the bus conductor and his driver could be killed as they were already outnumbered. After much pleas, the first okada man started going back to his bike while still cursing the bus conductor and others that had nothing to do with the quarrel.

Some of his people then began to ask him what happened between him and the bus conductor. He explained to them in Hausa, that the conductor had called him Boko Haram.

“Why didn’t you stab him?” asked one of his friends to which he replied thus: “He is very lucky. If I were Boko Haram, will he have the guts to talk to me anyhow? We have tolerated them enough.”

“Wallahi, he is lucky. He has escaped today but he will not be lucky next time,” said another rider.

“We will begin to deal with them. This insult f must stop,” said one of the okada riders.

“Kwarai da gaskiya (very true). It is high time we began to teach them the lesson of their lives. They behave as if we are not Nigerians,” said another.

“I don’t blame them. We are receiving this insult from these infidels because of Jonathan. He is very lucky that he did not say that in the night. He would have been a dead man, I swear!” one of the aggrieved okada riders chipped in. “ We will make sure we remove their infidel brother in the next election. We are tired of tolerating them.

Who do they think they are?”

Mr. A, a passerby who witnessed the whole thing, said: “These guys are unbelievable! They are on the wrong side of the road, speeding as if they have an appointment with hell, and yet they had the guts to attack someone who was on his right lane.”

“Oh, you haven’t seen anything yet. Sometimes they park their bikes right in the middle of the road, obstructing the flow of traffic and if you as much as complain, they will almost lynch you ,” said Mr. B, another passerby.

“But make I ask, why should the conductor call him Boko Haram? It’s a curse as far as they are concerned,” said another passer-by.

“And where are the Police, LASTMA and Road Safety guys? I thought okada riders were banned from major roads and expressways? Not only do we see them on Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, but they go against traffic, constantly knocking people down,” said Mr. A. “I wonder oo. They will go into the streets pursuing law-abiding okada riders and seizing their motorcycles. Meanwhile, they leave the law breakers to have a field day. Everything is just upside down in this country, especially Lagos,” said Mr. B. “We need the system to be sanitised. Most of these boys learn to ride on the job, so they are a risk to other road users. People call them Boko Haram because of the way they ride their okada on the highway. They practically terrorise road users,” said Mr. A. “These tankers are not helping matters. They have taken over the entire road. Just look at the traffic?

It’s a nightmare,” said Ms. D to which Mr. A replied thus: “Oh, yesterday was the wake-keep, today is the funeral. It is more than a nightmare!”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014 —

Crude price fall: ‘Nigeria must be alert to resource replacement’

By Jonah Nwokpoku

N

igeria must intensify efforts at exploiting all the natural resources available to her while they still have economic value as delay may result in resource replacement which may render the once valued resources meaningless.

A geologist at the University of Ibadan, Dr. Gbenga Okunlola gave this warning while delivering a lecture at this year’s Geological Week organised by the Department of Geological Services of Ogun State Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Abeokuta.

Citing Tin in Jos Plateau which has been replaced by plastic as an example and other mineral resources which have been replaced as a result of advance in technology, Okunola said, what is happening with the crude oil as a result of influence of shale gas is how resource replacement occurs and that Nigeria’s economic authorities must show more vigilance by taking

proactive measures against the impending resource replacement of the crude oil.

Speaking on the topic: ‘Sustainable mineral development as a tool for rebuilding the state’ he said the mineral resources available today has to be utilised properly because “nature has a way of replenishing itself ” and that the state must learn to “harness the natural resources at its disposal as far as the technological window allows.”

According to him, “The sustainability of natural resources are time bound and are subject to the inconsistency and unpredictability of technology, politics and economics which can both be global and of local antecedent. Preservation for the next generation may not be necessarily a solution, rather, inclusive utilisation for needed rapid development of the infrastructure requirements which can be leveraged on for continuous sustainability.”

Also speaking at the event, the Governor of Ogun State,

From Right: Group Managing Director, GTI Capital Group, Mr. Abubakar Lawal, Co-Head of Emerging Markets and Head of Primary Markets, London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), Mr. Ibukun Adebayo, Chief of Staff and Head of International Development, London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), Nikhil Rathi and Director, GTI Securities Limited, Mr. Siyanbola Oladapo during the working visit of the LSEG to GTI Capital in Lagos

Senator Ibikule Amosun said the programme is an indication that the people of the state have keyed into the vision of rebuilding the state.

Represented by the Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Amosun said, solid minerals have not been given significant attention in the country and that if that happens, states like Ogun can take care of itself with the abundant mineral resources it has.

He added that there is a need to amend the law on mineral resources exploration in the country and that his government has taken measures to curtail illegal activities in order to contain environmental challenges resulting from mineral exploration.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Director of Geological Service Department, Steve Ipinniwa said Ogun State was lucky, in the sense that, “the two major divisions of geology

are available in Ogun State while many other states have only one of these divisions” and “that there is hardly any other economic mineral that is found in any part of the country that cannot be found in Ogun State.”

He added that the choice of the theme: ‘Mineral exploitation: A tool for rebuilding the state’ was chosen after considering the role that mineral resources can play in the development of the economy.

UniCem targe ts 5million ttons ons capacity b 16 targets byy 20 201

By Naomi Uzor

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he United Cement Company of Nigeria Limited (UniCem), has said, that it will increase its total capacity of cement to 5 million tons by 2016.

The Managing Director, UniCem, Mr Olivier Lenoir, disclosed this during a 3-day conference tagged “Totally Concrete West Africa”, held in Lagos, adding that the company is committed to providing sustainable and innovative cement and concrete solutions in Nigeria.

He said UniCem is building a new line to add 2.5 million metric tons to its existing 2.5 million tons and the new line would increase its total capacity to 5 million tons in 2016.

According to him, the expansion project will give UniCem more flexibility in terms of product range, disclosing that, the firm has over

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30 percent market share in the south-south and south-east parts of the country.

“We are in the forefront of providing sustainable solutions on cement/concrete product and application to the building construction sector.

Unicem has a strong commitment to the development of concrete technology, sustainable environment and skills of building professionals and artisans in Nigeria,” he said.

Lenoir also disclosed that the firm is looking at producing pozzolanic cement, using locally available pozzolana, instead of limestone, adding that the company does not import any of its raw materials but sources 100 percent of them locally.

The company’s Marketing Director, Mr Vipul Agrawal, in his paper entitled “Overcoming Local Challenges for Cement Application,” said, what matters most in construction is

the selection of right materials and application of the good practices.

He said the company is committed to training block makers, having already trained 4000 of them, with a target of increasing the number to 5000 in 2015.

“UniCem partnered with Hypenica in the “Totally Concrete West Africa” to provide innovative concrete solutions for sustainable construction in West Africa and Nigeria in particular. The event brought together experts in building and construction, the academia, quarrying and mining, engineering, finance, architecture, development and policy makers, with the objective of sharing knowledge on concrete technology with special focus on road infrastructure in West Africa” he said.

According to him, UniCem is the leading manufacturer and supplier of cement in the

south-south and south-east of Nigeria, and manufactures and sells the ‘UniCem 32,5R’ and ‘UniCem 42, 5’ Portland Limestone $178.95 $-2.6 cement products.

“Within Cross River $2,939.00$+10.00 State, UniCem is one of the major industrial de$23.75 $-0.23 velopments, and with its state-of-the-art Greenfield cement plant $70.41 $-0.13 at Mfamosing. It has a capacity to produce 2.5 $63.31$-2.53 million tons of cement annually and is currently expanding its capacity to CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL deliver 5 million metric 167 167.5 168 tons in 2016. The com- DOLLAR STERLING 261.9395 262.7238 263.508 pany is committed to EURO 206.2617 206.8793 207.4968 171.546 172.0596 172.5732 Corporate Social Re- FRANC EN 1.3838 1.388 1.3921 sponsibility, Safety and YCFA 0.2944 0.3044 0.3144 the Environment and has WAUA 242.3484 243.074 243.7996 numerous initiatives for RENMINBI 27.1505 27.2322 27.314 RIYAL 44.4906 44.6238 44.757 which it has received KRONA 27.7197 27.8027 27.8857 243.2856 244.014 244.7424 multiple recognitions on SDR regional and national levels” he stated.

CBN Exchange Rate as 09/12/2014

22 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

Do not suppress or misrepresent any material information to your underwriter for fraudulent intentions, this is called ‘utmost good faith

,

Stakeholders intensify efforts to boost insurance awareness …As Miss Insurance concludes pet project Stories by ROSEMARY ONUOHA

I

n

recent times, stakeholders in the insurance industry have taken various steps to enlighten the public on the workings and benefits of insurance.

It is in line with such initiatives that Miss Funmilola Ogunshola, Miss Insurance 2014, concluded her two-month long project for secondary school students tagged ‘Teens for Insurance.’

The project aimed at sensitizing the younger generation on the needs and benefits of insurance, kicked off with an online essay competition titled: “The Significant role of Insurance to the development of an Economy ”, of which Miss Deborah Faboyede was announced winner, with the cash prize of N250,000.

The grand finale was hosted

by Nollywood actor, Femi Branch with various activities such as inter-school quiz competition, talent acquisition, games, musical performances etc.

According to Ogunshola According to Ogunshola, “This has been a very awesome experience for me.

The ‘Teens for Insurance’ project was out of desire to reach this younger ones and I must say I feel very glad with the results recorded. The entries for the essay competition were mindblowing, so much that it was really difficult for my team to decide an eventual winner. I

INSURAN

,

really hope that parents embrace the benefits of insurance and secure these kids future as soon as they can”, she said.

Albesta Academy, Lekki came tops in the quiz competition with a cash prize and LG refrigerator while Ansar-ud-deen College, Isolo and NewHall International School, EtiOsa came 2nd with a cash prize and LG plasma TV and 3rd with a cash prize and LG Microwave Oven, respectively.

Guests present at the event include, Head, Corporate Affairs/Admin and HR, Joseph Obah representing the Director General of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN); Head, Corporate Communications and Brand Management, Sovereign Trust, Segun Bankole; Head Corporate Marketing, UNIC Insurance, Femi Inubile, Parents of Miss insurance, Mr and Mrs Ogunshola, Representatives from CIIN, AIICO, Guinea Insurance, Sterling Assurance, parents and teachers.

‘Teens for Insurance’ project partners include, the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, Chattered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), Staco Insurance, Mansard Insurance, AIICO, Sterling Assurance, NEM, Guinea Insurance and Sovereign Trust.

Beware of landmines in your insurance contract U

nlike other contracts, the law on insurance protects the seller from the buyer. This is justifiable in the sense that you are paying a small amount to the underwriter in order to take a huge amount from him in case of claim and also the subject matter of the contract still remains under your control.

Still, please beware of the ‘landmines’ in insurance contracts. They are:*Do not suppress or misrepresent any material information to your underwriter for fraudulent intentions. This is called ‘utmost good faith.’ *Do not insure any vehicle that is not for your own benefit, but you can help anybody pay the premium. This is called ‘insurable interest’.

Do not have the motive of making a gain out of your loss on your motor vehicle. This is called ‘indemnity’. *You must turn-in any

recovery you make from a negligent third party to your insurer provided they have fully compensated you. In this case however, you can recover any deductible already taken from your compensation by the underwriter. This is called ‘subrogation right’. *In case of double or multiple insurance on the same motor vehicle, at the same time, on same loss and from same peril on a motor vehicle belonging to you, you will not receive more than 100% of the sum insured on your vehicle from all the insurers concerned. This is called ‘contribution’. *Take note of the exempted, excluded and the insured perils in your policy document as the loss for which the insurers will pay you must be a direct consequence of an insured peril. This is called ‘proximate cause’. Example of excluded peril is war. Still, this is covered under marine and

aviation insurance because of the worldwide jurisdiction for imported vehicles in transit.

Another example of exempted peril is break failure. Still, when it causes an insured peril (accident), the insurers must compensate you for every other damage to your vehicle except the break system.

Meanwhile, example of insured peril is 3rd party bodily injury ‘Res Ipsa Loquitor’ the fact speaks for itself.

How to process your claim with ease

To process your claims with ease, give notice of your loss to your insurer immediately and preferably in writing, with estimate of repair and photographs. Some insurers specify that notice of loss must be given within 21 days while others specify 30 days. Please comply. Also, do not embark on repair of your vehicle until the insurers must have assessed

Odua retired staff decry non-payment of pension

By PROVIDENCE OBUH

T

HE aged and retired staff of Odua Printing Ltd, a subsidiary of Odua Investment Ltd has decried non-payment of their pensions appealing to the company to save them from dying in suffering.

Speaking to newsmen in Ibadan, Pensioners Spokesman, Mr. Simeon Taiwo, said that the retirees were 17, but five died while others who are still living are incapacitated due to lack of money suffered from nonpayment of pension.

Taiwo explained that after they were retired in the early

90s, they went to the management of the company (Odua Investment Ltd) in 2008 and were paid N1.8million as an entitlement to settle them for life. In addition, he said that the highest receiver of the money got about N100.000 which is meagre after spending all their lives with the company.

According to him, “This prompted us to hire a lawyer, who went to the company to solicit for more during a meeting with the Resource Manager, Mr. Abimbola Ilori on February 18, 2014. What we heard from him gave us hope that the company will do something urgent about the

matter but to our astonishment, the man has been avoiding us by not making himself available nor picking our calls,” he said.

Meanwhile, The Company’s spokesperson who pleaded anonymity however said that the Odua Investment Company is not indebted to the retirees and the possibility that the company will add to the money is slim because presently it is going through transition.

“The N1.8million paid to them was out of pity because the company, Odua Printing Ltd where they served has folded up,” the spokesperson said.

Prestige Assurance set to raise rights issue

By PROVIDENCE OBUH

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From left: Babatunde Ogungbamila, Partner, Olisa Agbakoba Legal, OAL; Priscilla Ogwemoh, Managing Partner; Dr Olisa Agbakoba, Senior Partner and Mrs Bisi Akodu, Partner during a press briefing to announce the change in name and logo of Olisa Agbakoba and Associates to Olisa Agbakoba Legal OAL held at the firm's chamber in Apapa, Lagos.

C M Y K

restige Assurance Plc has offered to raise additional capital of N1.5 billion through rights issue of 3, 009,978,524 ordinary shares to existing shareholders.

The purpose of the offer is towards actualizing its initiative, especially its business consolidation that would enhance the company’s

risk underwriting capacity while the proceeds would be applied towards repayment of the balance of the loan provided

by New India, investment in the company’s distribution channels, improvement of the company’s working capital, upgrade of IT infrastructure and enhancing its gilt edged investment portfolio.

Chairman of Prestige Assurance, Mr. Charles

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014,

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CE & YOU

— 23

You can negotiate the mode of withdrawal of your benefits whether programmed withdrawal or annuity, depending on the one that will benefit you at old age

,

When you can access your retirement savings account

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From left: Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel; Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman, WAPIC Insurance at the Ministerial Insurance Summit 2014 in Abuja. the extent of your loss on your car. They will send a vehicle assessor to do this.

In case of damage to third party property, obtain a police report in addition to the estimate of repairs while in case of third party bodily injury, you will need to obtain a police report, medical bills, statement of claim for pain and suffering and finally a medical statement on the degree of disability.

In case of third party death, you will need to obtain a police

report, burial certificate and statement of the deceased’s family claim. The underwriter may also request for a post mortem or coroners report. In case of lone accident, obtain estimate of repair and photographs of the accident. In case of theft of your motor vehicle, obtain the first and second police reports, purchase receipts and other vehicle particulars and the keys to the vehicle.

Fact to note

It is important to always have the phone numbers of your insurance broker or agent handy. You need not have all the claim processing documents ready before you notify your insurer of your loss. Some insurance companies will instruct you not to accept liability in case of third party accident, please, ignore this where it is dangerous to your life or property or it is clearly unreasonable to do so.

Guinea Insurance extends CSR to primary schools

G

uinea Insurance Plc has donated educational materials ranging from note books, pens, school bags, note pads, T-shirts and key holders to some primary schools in Lagos.

The company said the move is in consonance with its Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, initiatives aimed at offering new lease of life to educational institutions at the bottom of the pyramid.

In a statement from the company, the second phase of its 2014 CSR initiative tagged “Engaging Tomorrow ’s Leaders Today,” had been activated in three primary

schools namely, Fadeyi Primary School, Lagos Mainland Local Government (LMLG) Primary School and Onayade Community Primary School, all sited in a large school compound at Fadeyi, Lagos State.

In an address to the pupils of the three schools, Polycarp Didam, Managing Director of the company reaffirmed the company ’s resolve to continually encourage academic and moral excellence from the grassroots because it was considered a universal truth that youths are tomorrow’s leaders.

“Tomorrow’s leaders should be assured, flexible, selfless

and ready to collaborate, this, we believe, will come to pass only when we make certain that the youths of today are properly groomed and continually nurtured to imbibe the elementary guidelines of leadership, which we reckon, is deeply rooted in excellence.

Hence, our charge to oblige this clarion call” In the same vein, Divisional Director, Corporate and Legal Services, Isioma Omoshie encouraged the pupils to be conscientious with their studies to enable them reach out for greater heights in life.

In her words, “Imagine a world without schools and colleges.

Sankey, said that shareholders authorised the directors of the company to raise capital by way of rights to the existing shareholders of the company.

“At a subsequent meeting of the Directors, the board authorised the rights issue of 3, 009,978,524 ordinary shares of 50 kobo per share. The rights issue will provide our company with the required funds to execute projects that will enhance the company’s growth profitability,” he said.

Sankey added that the net proceeds of the rights issue will

be invested in distribution channels for improved marketing of the company’s products, deployment of electronic platforms, facilities and other IT infrastructure to all its branches nationwide for quick and reliable service delivery to finance the enhancement of working capital in order to improve liquidity and increase the company’s risk retention capacity. He explained that offer will be made to shareholders whose name appeared in the company’s register of members as at September 22, 2014 in the

proportion of six new ordinary shares for every five ordinary shares held by them on that date. He said, “Regulatory approvals for the registration and listing of the issue have already been received from the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Nigerian Stock Exchange respectively.

“The new shares will rank pari passu in all respects with the existing issued shares of the company but will not qualify for dividend for the year ending December 31, 2014 if any,” he said.

he Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS, seeks to, amongst others, ensure that every worker receives his retirement benefits as and when due.

Scope of the CPS The scheme is contributory and mandatory.

Employer and employee contribute 10% and 8% respectively of employee’s annual emolument into the Retirement Savings Account (RSA) of the employee.

An employer may however elect to contribute the entire 18% on behalf of its employees.

In addition, voluntary contributions are allowed.

Conditions for accessing a retirement savings account In order for an employee to gain access to his RSA, the RSA holder must be retired and must be above 50 years.

You can negotiate the mode of withdrawal of your benefits whether programmed withdrawal or annuity, depending on the one that will benefit you at old age. However, there is provision for initial lump sum withdrawal either with programmed withdrawal or annuity. However, an RSA holder can gain temporary access to his account before retirement only if he is out of job for six months or more.

Accordingly, he may withdraw up to 25% of RSA

balance once before the age of 50years.

Retirement based on terms and conditions An employee may choose to retire before 50years in line with terms and conditions of employment. It could be retirement on medical ground based on advice of a physician/ medical board, or it could be as a result of death or a missing person.

Claims procedure in the case of a missing persons Where an employee is missing, the employer shall report this immediately to the employee’s Pension Fund Administrator, PFA, insurer and the National Pension Commission, PenCom. The employer may advise PenCom to constitute a Board of Inquiry (BOI) on any missing person and the BOI decision to be communicated to PFA/ employer. The Board of Inquiry shall stipulate the documentary evidence required from employers to process missing person claims and make available police report, employee’s passport photograph, newspaper publication of the missing employee, a letter from employer declaring him/her missing, and so on.

The employer should be represented on BOI and shall conclude investigation within 30 working days of receipt of complete evidence. Also missing persons presumed dead shall be treated as death cases.

24 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

Flood risk management in Lagos

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From left: Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema; Winner, 2014 NSE, National Essay Competition, Miss Onuh Chiamaka Sophie from Nikkyt High School, Aba, Abia State; Executive Director, Corporate & Investment Banking, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Elias Igbinakenzua and Head, Corporate Sales, SIMS Nigeria at the 2014 NSE Essay Competition Award ceremony in Lagos.

NSE champions integration of financial literacy •As Chiamaka emerges winner of 2014 NSE essay competition

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he Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE said it has taken the lead to champion the integration of financial literacy in Nigeria, just as Miss Onuh Chiamaka Sophie from Nikkyt High School, Aba, Abia emerged as winner of the 2014 NSE essay competition.

Speaking during the presentation of the award of the NSE essay competition, Mr. Oscar Onyema, Chief Executive Offier of the exchange, said “ We are boosting financial inclusion in Nigeria by enhancing investor education and financial literacy. We are taking the lead in championing the integration of financial literacy in Nigeria.

Through 200 free capacity building workshops, approximately 16,000 retail

investors from the grassroots can now make better investment decisions. The NSE was able to directly reach over 600 students from over 20 secondary and primary schools with an indirect effect on about 3,000 young people across our operating environment.”

He further disclosed that the NSE is now a member of the National Financial Literacy Steering Committee that is working towards a coordinated approach to enhancing financial literacy in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the second position of the 2014 NSE essay competition was Miss Ejike Blessing Mbilite from Beth Roots Model Secondary School, Onitsha, Anambra State, while third position went to Master, Onmonya Prince Dan from Mount Saint

Gabriel’ Secondary School, Makurdi, Benue State.

While addressing participants at the grand finale of the essay competition, Onyema said “We are particularly thrilled at being able to support and foster sound financial literacy amongst our youth. This competition over the years has received entries from over 5,000 secondary schools across Nigeria.

The 2014 winners have been chosen through a rigorous judging process by capital market professionals who have evaluated the participants understanding of the topic and their expression of investment ideas in an essay form.

LSEG, GTI to collaborate on capital market development

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here are plans between the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) and GTI Capital Group to collaborate towards developing the Nigeria capital market.

This understanding was part of the visit of a team from LSEG to GTI Capital Group in Lagos, during which the team visited GTI Securities’ multi-purpose private trading floor, the first of such private trading floor in Sub-Sahara Africa.

Chief of Staff and Head of International Development, London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), Mr. Nikhil Rathi, commended GTI’s vision of seamless facilitation of capital flow and investments between Nigerian and global financial markets.

According to him, GTI’s vision of bringing C M Y K

Africa to the world and bringing the world to Africa is a commendable and noble vision that would lead to development of the Nigerian capital market and the economy.

He noted that with the quality of management and information and communication technologies at GTI, the company is poised to play major role in the integration of Nigerian and global financial markets.

Located on Tinubu Street, in the Marina axis of Lagos’s main Central Business District, the GTI Securities’ private trading floor is a multi-purpose trading floor designed to interface with the most modern trading engines around the world, providing stockbrokers on both sides direct trading opportunity.

here are two flood types observed in Lagos, the first is when there is rainfall over an extended period of time. Water flows towards lower ground and with the build up of water volumes, water may enter the premises of persons along its path. Pools of water also accumulate and wherever these pools reach a critical depth they become a barrier to the movement of vehicles. The second flood type is from the River Ogun system whenever there are huge water releases from a dam on the River Ogun System. The resulting flood path affects communities along the River Ogun in Ogun State and Lagos State. The flood path is over 27km long and up to 4km wide in places.

We shall consider the risks associated with first flood type.

Essentially, the probability of an event occurring multiplied by the consequence of the event equals the risk that can be assigned to that event, i.e.

Probability X Consequence = Risk. Risk management therefore sets out to minimize both the probability and the consequence.

There is increasing recognition that floods are avoidable in Lagos State. For example, the Lagos State Government, LASG, through its agency the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, L AMATA, is building a deep buried drainage channel along ACME Road, Ogba to take flood waters from the Agege/ Ogba area into the gorge below Lateef Jakande Road and Omole Phase I Estate. Another example is the Eko Atlantic City which is an ongoing sandfilled addition of about 900 hectares to the existing land mass of Victoria Island at Bar Beach.

The developers of this land mass expect to provide 18m wide canals running west to east across the land mass to remove storm waters and keep the land mass dry.

There was an

exceptional rainfall event in the Lagos area on 10 July 2011 when there was about 260mm of rainfall in an 18-hour period. How prepared are we for a repeat rainfall event? The LASG has a system of drainage canals that discharge into the Lagos Lagoon. These canals should take flood water below our roads and the bridges across the canals. However, our roads near the canals were covered with water after the rains of 10 July 2011.

The day after and 15 hours after the rains had stopped, cars and Volkswagen buses on Funsho Williams Avenue approaching Alaka Estate from Costain had to switch off their engines. The vehicles had to be pushed through the flood waters and past the canal at Alaka as such vehicles stalled when there were attempts to drive them through the flood waters. Should we make our drainage canals bigger, or if this is not feasible, should we have areas where flood waters are temporarily stored and pumped out when the floods subside?

Flood waters on our highways create traffic delays, gridlocks and generally cause socio-economic losses which include additional fuel costs for vehicles that are delayed, wasted man-hours for persons delayed and increased charges for transportation of persons and goods. Ikorodu Road is the main arterial route into Lagos and for at least 15 days each year, traffic flow is severely restricted by flood waters at certain locations on the south bound lanes between Maryland and Onipanu. The water that

The water that accumulates on the road comes from areas to the west, Ilupeju, Palmgrove and Mushin

accumulates on the road comes from areas to the west, Ilupeju, Palmgrove and Mushin. What is astonishing is that areas to the east of the road, Somolu and Obanikoro are at a lower level than Ikorodu Road and water should readily pass through. The obstructions to water flow should be removed and the next goveomigbodunaa@yahoo.comrnor should take this matter up with the federal authorities.

Next week, we continue with the second flood type.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014 — 25

DIARY ITU Telecom World 2014 Qatar National Conference Centre Doha, Qatar 7-10 Dece, 2014

TelecoDays

Prague Marriott HotelPrague Czech Republic Mar 23-24 2015

Preview From left: Minister of Communication Technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson and Executive Vice Chairman, EVC, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah displaying their Strategic Partnership Awards by the International Telecommunications Union, ITU, at the ongoing ITU World 2014 in Doha, Qatar, while Secretary General of ITU, Dr. Hamadoun Toure (right) applauds.

ITU Telecom World: How your refrigerator will help power the future

Y

ou may not be an engineer or have Xray vision that allows you to tell from looking at your appliances and electronics whether they are needlessly gobbling energy. Fortunately, you don’t have to, because the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has established standards ensuring a minimum basic level of efficiency that all Americans can depend on for more than 50 types of products in their homes, businesses and industries.

In fact, for almost four decades, national energy efficiency standards for appliances and equipment have proven to be one of the most successful policy tools to reduce U.S. energy demand, lower emissions of climate-changing carbon emissions and other pollutants, drive new energy-efficiency technology innovation and save consumers billions of dollars every year, without sacrificing comfort or the performance of these products.

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Nigeria woos broadband investors with open access model incentives

By Prince Osuagwu

D

ESPITE attaining active telephone line connectivity of over 134 million and a teledensity of 96 percent, the Federal Government has admitted that there is much to do to achieve an all inclusive penetration of telecommunications to every part of the country.

Communication Technology Minister, Dr. Omobola Johnson made the open confession at the ongoing International Telecommunications Union, ITU Telecom World in Doha, Qatar.

Johnson said that the theme of the conference - The Future in Focus, resonates with the vision of the Nigerian Government’s efforts to build a better and brighter future for the youths, especially using ICT. The Minister who spoke at the Nigerian sponsored Leaders Lunch, at the Qatar National Convention Centre, venue of the ITU event, told the audience that in the last three and a half years, Nigeria has put in place key policies and initiatives that set the foundation for the widespread use of ICTs by government, businesses and citizens, to enhance their progress.

She noted that such efforts have made much impact and aided continued growth of the ICT and other sector of the economy as well as making tremendous contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP.

Earlier in his welcome address, Executive Vice Chairman, of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah, said he was particularly excited that the audience made out time to be at the Leaders Lunch which gives Nigeria the opportunity to interact with the world, update stories and share experiences.

According to him, “we will ruminate on our ICT potentials and opportunities as a nation, which we believe you may have influenced in one way or the other as opinion leaders in the industry.

Open Access model “Our President, Goodluck Jonathan has approved an inclusive national implementation plan for effective

I NGlo subscribers Sget lower Iroaming call rates, Dfree Eincoming calls

nationwide pervasive broadband deployment. From the regulatory perspective, NCC has entrenched the Open Access Model, which allows for inclusive, fair and transparent licensing processes as well as incentives for investors in the industry”.

“NCC has tested the Open Access Model and it is workable in Nigeria.

In February 2014, we successfully issued a wireless broadband licence for the 2.3 GHz frequency spectrum band. Regional fibre optics infrastructure deployment licence is currently being finalized for Lagos and the North Central region including Abuja, the capital of Nigeria”.

Untapped potentials He added: “After that, the other five

Continues on page 28

SAP study frowns at low technology adoption among banks

26 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

Air tel boosts entrepreneurship with Catapult-aStartup

By Bartholomew Madukwe

I

N line with reducing unemployment in the country, Airtel Nigeria has launched an entrepreneurial initiative tagged ‘Catapult-aStartup,’ targeted to provide fund for young people with great ideas in the mobile and technology domain.

The entrepreneurial initiative (Catapult-aStartup) is a partnership with Intel, Microsft and Nazara, which also offers a platform for budding mobile app developers to receive advanced mentoring from industry veterans and improve their skills to become successful using their creativity.

Speaking during the launch of the initiative in Lagos, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Mr Segun Ogunsanya, pointed out that Airtel as an innovative and forward thinking brand initiated the programme in line with its vision to encourage innovation and empower young Nigerians by creating opportunities for them to bring their business ideas to fruition.

G

LOBACOM has announced that its subscribers who travel abroad for business or pleasure could use their Glo phones at minimal cost.

This follows the introduction of a new offer called Glo Unlimited, which gives free incoming calls in all destinations when they travel outside the country.

Head of Glo Gateway, Steve Stretch, said the offer comes with a subscription fee of N2,500 for a validity period of 15 days. He explained that subscribers are to dial *0905# to enjoy up to 60 minutes of outgoing calls at a competitive rate of N100 per minute. The offer includes 15 free SMS and ability to browse the internet at 15 kobo per kb.

He said that the roaming plan is currently available in 27 countries including

Glo subscribers get lower roaming call rates, free incoming calls

the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Netherland, South Africa, UAE, Sweden, India, Spain, Switzerland,

Canada, Brazil and Cameroon, adding that “there are plans to extend it to more destinations.”

Stakeholders call for comprehensive legal framework on cloud computing

By Emmanuel Elebeke

S

takeholders at a day joint round table organised by National Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, NIALS have called for the establishment of a comprehensive legal framework that would enforce a faster means of adopting the use of cloud computing in Nigeria.The event drew IT experts from private and

public sectors to evaluate the outcome of a research study conducted by the NIALS and sponsored by Microsoft on the topic: identifying Gaps in Data Privacy and Security in Adoption of Cloud Computing in Nigeria.

According to the study, most Nigerians are ignorant of cloud computing, despite its significance to economic development. Speakers at the event noted that the benefits

of cloud computing is huge but for the little awareness among the users, Nigeria is yet to tap from the huge economic benefits.

They called onw federal government to partner the private sector in establishing a comprehensive legal framework to ensure data and cyber security and optimal use of cloud computing in the country. The framework, when established, they said would

Creating safe, secure digital world, the Intel example

By Emeka Aginam

F

Glo subscribers are allowed to enjoy free incoming calls up to a fair usage of 60 cumulative minutes during the 15 days validity period. After the free 60 minutes of incoming calls, normal roaming incoming call rates for the specific roaming location will be charged.

“When a subscriber exceeds the fair usage limit and still has adequate balance in his account, the plan will be renewed automatically by deducting the subscription fee and extending the validity by another 15 days.

Where the renewal is done within the 15 days validity period, the unused balance can be carried forward,” Stretch further explained.

ROM email hacking to cyber threat across architecture of every platform from chip to cloud, smartphones, tablets to PCs, servers, and beyond, there appears to be insecurity in the digital world as a result of vulnerabilities despite security measures put in place by security management providers.

However, while new study finds high volume of security flaws, individuals and organizations, experts need to be proactive as a result of systems vulnerability.

Meanwhile, according to a recent report by consulting firm Deloitte, more than 90 percent of user-generated passwords are vulnerable to hacking, citing that the 10,000 most common passwords could access close to 98 percent of all accounts.

Just last week in Lagos, Intel Semi Conductor West Africa in a media roundtable on its First Time Buyer Campaign across four major cities in Nigeria highlighted how it was playing in creating a safe and secured digital world. Intel at the event told Technology

Journalists how they were making mobile security free across devices and platforms around the globe. This, according to Intel, is the beginning of a journey to creating safe and secured digital world.

Speaking during the media chat, the Consumer Lead for East and West Africa, Intel Corporation, Olabanji Womiloju said that consumers and enterprise must stay connected and protected in the cyber space. Through adequate education and awareness program, he said that Intel was committed in keeping cyber space safe.

The recent acquisition of PasswordBox, he said has added convenient and secure digital identity solutions for consumers to Intel Portfolio.

As a result of this acquisition, he said that PasswordBox would become a part of the Safe Identity organization within Intel Security Group.

The safe identity organization, he added was committed to delivering solutions that reduce the pain of passwords, simplify and strengthen security, and provide consumers with easy access to their digital lives. According to him, Intel was committed to providing support and solutions that would help Nigerians

remain safe while connected on the internet.

With millions of people connected online, he noted that it has become imperative to help consumers identify online threats that do more harm than good. While Intel looks for preventive measures to ensure cyber safety for all by combining the security expertise of McAfee , he said that the vision of creating safe and secure digital world is becoming a reality.

Earlier in his brief speech, the Country Marketing and PR Manger, Intel West Africa, Adim Isiakpona said that there has been massive internet security vulnerability.

Explaining Intel security, he said that Intel Security’s mission is to give everyone the confidence to live and work safely and securely in the digital world.

He said that Intel security is intensely focused on developing proactive, proven security solutions and services that protect systems, networks, and mobile devices for business and personal use around the world.

address issues on privacy laws, as multitudes of laws and guidelines presently as it constitutes have no statutory framework to sanction unlawful interception in data protection.

The Director General of the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, NIALS Adedeji Adekunle, while making presenting an abridged portion of the report, said the study was focused on two major areas of SMEs and education sectors, with a view to finding ways of promoting the usage.

With an increased adoption of cloud computing, Adekunle said users would optimize server utilization; experience dynamic scalability; infrastructure flexibility; cost savings; improve productivity; adoption of real need; and adaptation to real needs among others.

He also identified copy right; liability; lack of dedicated privacy law; gaps and disconnects in the current legal framework; lack of adequate awareness; cloud data ownership; data governance; liability for illegal data; compliance issue and service legal agreement as some of the legal challenges militating against the adopting of cloud computing in Nigeria.

According to him, the objective of the study was to identify the existing policy and regulatory frameworks guiding cloud computing in the country.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014 — 27

Rolof Computers seeks government support for indigenous IT products

By Emeka Aginam

T

From left: Senior Specialist, SAP West Africa, Mr Aderinola Oloruntoye; Managing Director, SAP Nigeria, Mr Richard Edet; Senior Specialist Database and Technology, SAP West Africa, Mr Peter Okoh and Account Executive Telco, Mr Sam Immanuel, at the SAP Big Data roundtable, in Lagos.

SAP study frowns at low technology adoption among banks

By Emeka Aginam

A

RECENT study, “The Benefits of Innovative Information Technology in the Banking Industry ”, has identified that banks were moving too slowly in embracing technology and predicts doom for business growth should that continue without remedy.

The study also noted that until recently, income variability and heavy transaction costs prevented many people in African countries, including Nigeria, from accessing formal banking services.

It also stated that start-up costs associated with establishing new banking offerings are considerable, due to infrastructure investments and the build-up of new distribution channels. Thus, financial services provided through the mobile channel have emerged as a needed solution.

The study which was conducted by the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, New York University’s Stern School of Business and Management, the University of Applied Sciences and Arts North-Western Switzerland, the Business Transformation Academy (Basel, Switzerland) and SAP, was executed through three pillars, including extensive desk research, followed by 20 in-depth interviews of C-level managers at various global banks, regulators, auditors and consultancies from the U.S, Europe and Africa.

The researchers also adopted online survey of more than 1,500 members of the alumni network of Frankfurt School of Finance & Management.

The study uncovered various trends in banking, most notably a large disconnect between

regulators’ expectations and the ability of banks to meet compliance and reporting requirements.

Although many banks have plans to increase their budget for IT to invest in the necessary banking solutions to meet these changing requirements, the study found that unless they hastened their pace, fast growth would be elusive.

The study also provided detailed insights into the technology areas considered as most important for the industry.

More than six out of 10 participants (65 percent) said mobile is the most important trend for the future, followed by inmemory computing (48 percent) and cloud (47 percent).

Respondents, in the study also recognise the opportunity in Big Data and analytics in banking and placed a much greater emphasis on the overall comprehensiveness of information.

The top two priorities in platform features noted are completeness of aggregation and the availability of real-time information.

Key expectations for Big Data Throughout the study, banks expressed six key expectations

Regulators, according to the study agree that required levels of risk reporting in banks cannot be met given existing IT infrastructure

for Big Data in process innovation. However, Big Data solutions are expected to enable banks to tailor their offerings to the needs of individual customers, improve the banks’ trading strategies, provide better insights into market dynamics and improve market research, among others.

According to the study, in order to implement customer-centric banking offerings to deliver better services, institutions would need to enhance their back office support systems to ensure customers experience the same quality standard through traditional or new communication channels.

As banks adopt advanced technologies to decrease the time lag on reporting, regulators have laid out their expectations.

Throughout the study, a clear

consensus prevailed that regulatory requirements were the primary driver of business model changes.

Regulators, according to the study agree that required levels of risk reporting in banks cannot be met given existing IT infrastructure.

In order to achieve a sustainable infrastructure, regulatory authorities and auditors recommended that banks should make improvements including implementation of a central data warehouse, improvement of data and process governance, introduction of more automated processes, flexible and customised modules for automatic analysis, among others.

Nigeria woos broadband investors...

Continues from page 25 regions will follow thereby creating huge investment opportunities for both current and new investors, and both small and big ones.

“Although over 75millon people have access to the internet, they currently browse on the narrow band and with our current maturity on the voice segment, the data market remains untapped”.

Juwah later told his audience, including the outgoing Secretary General of the ITU, Dr. Hamadoun Toure, that a lot more potentials and opportunities exist in the financial sector where banks are yawning for broadband services to enable their indispensable data services requirements.

He described the education

sector as having very huge demand for broadband data applications just like government agencies. Earlier a spectacular Opening Ceremony at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha brought together a glittering line-up of highlevel participants, including Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ooredoo Group, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al Thani, Prime Minister of Qatar Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Minister of Information and Communications Technology, ictQATAR, Hessa Sultan Al Jaber and ITU Secretary-General Hamadoun Touré.

HE Chief Executive Officer of one of the Nigerian leading local compute brands, Rolof Computers, Mr. Lucky Ofuafor, has urged government at all levels to implement the local content policy by supporting indigenous IT companies, saying they could best thrive with government support.

Ofuafor, who spoke to newsmen in Warri, Delta State at the weekend said that government is the biggest consumer of any product.

Ofuafor said the IT firm has already set the pace for other brands in the market for the past 18 years of providing technology solutions.

According to him, there was need to partner with government, especially in the area of capacity building for the youths.

“We want government agencies like the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to help us in the Rolof Computer Academy because as government, they have the resources to provide incubation centres, where our students can benefit by developing their entrepreneur skill,” he said.

On the strategies that have made Rolof Computers to penetrate the market, especially in Warri and neighbouring states, he said the computer firm is a registered partner to major OEMs like HP, Lenovo, Intel and others.

He said that has given Rolof an edge to get technical backup coupled with in-house well trained staff.

“The OEMs also give us a lot of support because any company we are selling their products, they must have a support centre in Nigeria. If they do not have physical or support presence in Nigeria, we do not patronise them because the warranty must be implemented to the fullest,” he explained.

Like most businesses, in Nigeria, he said that IT the firm is an organisation established in 1996 with the sole aim of running computer literacy courses that have to do with the simple computer application.

That has changed and the company has diversified into retail of computer products and into computer education in Delta State and beyond. Rolof “”Computer state of the art academy boasts of the best and innovative training facilities with the intention to run two years National Innovation Diploma courses in Computer Hardware Engineering, Computer Software Engineering, Network Security and MultiMedia Technology”he added.

28 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

SMEs, biggest beneficiaries of cloud computing —EMC boss

By Prince Osuagwu

O

NE of your major businesses is cloud computing which has become a major trend in data storage. Is there more to this term in your own view?

Cloud computing is basically the transformation of Information Technology, IT, from a standard physical implementation tool, including data centres, software, hardware, networking and servers, into a service. The technology enables organisations to obtain their IT requirements as a service, based on consumption models towards improving service level agreements, SLAs, being more efficient, reducing costs and being much more agile.

How can cloud computing be utilized in Nigeria with regard to business management?

I think that businesses in Nigeria and around the world can leverage cloud computing in so many ways. For many organisations, IT is not a core business, but they have to deploy technology in order to take advantage of innovation and automation in delivering services to their customers.

Quality of ser vice service If businesses have a means of delivering services to their customers in a much more efficient way that reduces cost and also improves the quality of service delivery, they will definitely do this. Right now, Nigeria and indeed, the whole world is undergoing a transition.

A lot of businesses today that utilize technological applications are thinking ‘why do I need to invest in the full stack of IT infrastructure if I can get the service from one of the service providers at a much lower cost and with better SLAs, while being much more efficient?’ The current adoption rate of IT as a service is good, but we believe that the potential is even bigger than what we have seen.

Does Nigeria currently have the required technology foundation that can actually accommodate the Cloud model?

I am not trying to be diplomatic, but my answer is yes. Against the backdrop of what we have seen so far, Nigeria and most of the emerging economies in Africa, have a better advantage in comparison to the mature world when it comes to

•Mr Nazim Fraijat Cloud computing has become a thriving trend in data storage. However there are still skepticisms from many Nigerian organizations over the safe of their information and what becomes of their privacy if their data goes up in the cloud.

Fortunately Tech ran into the managing Dir ector ortunately,, HiHi-T Director ector,, Levant and Emerging Africa Region, EMC, Mr Nazim Fraijat, at the EMC for um in L agos rrecently ecently forum Lagos ecently.. W Wee put some of these questions to him and his answers were very educative educative.. leveraging cloud computing and we invest in fixed lines; why I will tell you why. The more don’t I go with mobile and data?’ developed markets have made This is not the first time we’ve huge investment in data centres, seen this happen with infrastructure and legacy systems technology. But yes, I believe that and are now facing the challenge what we have in terms of of moving to the cloud and infrastructure is good. It still changing their processes and needs a lot of improvement but standards while adapting to cloud there is a lot of progress in the computing. In Nigeria and other sector. The whole country is emerging African countries, in so really investing to develop this many cases, you don’t have these but I believe that what we have legacy systems to begin with, so on ground is a good platform for organisations can immediately leveraging cloud technology. move to the cloud. In this Third platform scenario, the transition becomes technologies, including Big a mission not to reduce cost or to Data, cloud computing and improve SLAs. As a matter of fact, analytics are often perceived it becomes a process that enables as technology for large businesses to have access to enterprises.

Can SMEs services that they were not able benefit from these services to have before. It’s like adopting as well? mobile and data technology I consider SMEs to be the biggest compared to fixed lines. A lot of beneficiary of cloud computing. people now think, ‘why should There is the challenge of having enough investment for SMEs to build their own IT infrastructure that will enable them to benefit from these services. If there is no cloud service provider offering these services, a lot of the SMEs will get stuck in the middle, unable to take advantage of this technology. Today, we see SMEs as the biggest adopters of cloud computing. On the side of the larger enterprises, cloud computing is a means of reducing cost and improving SLAs but for SMEs, it is a business enabler.

Virtualisation and building storage infrastructure is the cornerstone of enabling cloud On the side of the service providers to start building infrastructure that can provide IT lar ger enterprises, larger as a service and cloud as a cloud computing is a service. Without having the proper virtualisation and storage means of reducing infrastructure, IT service providers cost and improving will not be able to offer cloud services.

SLAs but for SMEs,

it is a business enabler

NOTAP rakes in N20bn in 18 months

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

T

he National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion, NOTAP, says it has remitted about N20 billion into the national treasury in the past 12 to 18 months of its operation.

The Director General of NOTAP, Dr. Umar Bindir disclosed this in his office, while briefing newsmen on the proposed joint conference with telecommunication service providers on regulation of foreign technologies.

Bindir said the achievement was made possible due to the renewed drive of the agency to optimize utilization of right technologies and empowering the local champions. He said NOTAP had in the last 12 to 18 months alone, remitted the said amount from those companies that have respected the law establishing NOTAP and presented their agreements for registration in NOTAP,with their approvals amounting to between 10 to 20 billion naira payments for technology transferred in the sector.

On the proposed conference, the NOTAP Boss said the two days event is aimed at partnering with the telecommunication companies in the country on respect for Nigerian laws, right pricing and engaging 40 percent of locals on technology utilization and transfer by foreign companies. The two days event which holds in Lagos will also focus on the modalities for sourcing and importation of foreign technologies by all the operating companies in Nigeria with a view to ensure that the interest of Nigeria is fully protected. According to Bindir, Nigeria has no reason to import technology if only the right technologies and allowed into the country and steps are taken empower Nigerian inventors and patronize them, especially in this era when ICT has become one of the fastest growing sector of the economy.

“This inflow of technology became necessary because our country wants to be industrialized, our country wants to manufacture consumable goods, our country wants to ensure that we provide goods and services for our people and development of •Umar Bindir our country to the next level. “

Nigeria woos broadband investors... Continues from page 25 Nigeria”.

Untapped potentials He added: “After that, the other five regions will follow thereby creating huge investment opportunities for both current and new investors, and both small and big ones.

“Although over 75millon people have access to the internet, they currently browse on the narrow band and with our current maturity on the voice segment, the data market remains untapped”.

Juwah later told his audience, including the outgoing Secretary General of the ITU, Dr. Hamadoun Toure, that a lot more potentials and opportunities exist in the financial sector where banks are yawning for broadband services to enable their indispensable data services requirements.

He described the education sector as having very huge demand for broadband data applications just like government agencies. Earlier a spectacular Opening Ceremony at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha brought together a glittering line-up of high-level participants, including Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ooredoo Group, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al Thani, Prime Minister of Qatar Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Minister of Information and Communications Technology, ictQATAR, Hessa Sultan Al Jaber and ITU Secretary-General Hamadoun Touré.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014—29

‘Ensure your DS-160 confirmation number is accurate'

By Vera Samuel Anyagafu & Prisca Sam-Duru

T

HE US Consular Chief, Stacie Hankins has advised Nigerian applicants on the importance of ensuring that their DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application confirmation number is accurate.

Stacie pointed out that the US Mission to Nigeria will require that the non-immigrant visa application confirmation number applicants used to schedule visa interviews must match the application confirmation page that they bring to the interview.

According to the Consular Chief, effective December 2014,

all potential non-immigrant applicants who do not meet this criteria will not be interviewed and will have to purchase a new fee receipt to book another appointment. “Applicants with existing appointments in December and beyond should contact the Consulate General to make any necessary changes, ”she said.

Stacie also announced the opening of the new DHL Document Collection Centre in Port Harcourt. She said the processing time for the collection centre in the new location will take one additional day.

Advising further, Stacie said that applicants who interview in

Lagos or Abuja can choose to pick up their passports from the Port Harcourt new location, in addition to existing facilities in both Lagos and Abuja, stressing that passport collection via the new location will take one additional day.

This means that applicants whose visa applications are approved can expect their passports within 4 days, while Drop box applicants can expect to pick up their passports with 7 to 10 days.

Similarly, applicants who qualify for the drop box renewal program can submit their passports and applications to the Port Harcourt DHL collection

center.

She said, “The US-Nigeria partnership remains strong, and the Bureau of Consular Affairs and our Consular colleagues, support that partnership by facilitating legitimate travels to the US. Between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013, the embassy in Abuja and Consulate in Lagos received more than 182,000 non-immigrant visa applications, the majority of which were approved”, Stacie hinted adding that, “Between October 1, 2013 and September 30, 2014, we received more than 220,000 applications. Again, the majority of those applications were approved. We hope that

Nigerians’ desire to visit the US will continue to grow, and we look forward to working with our partners to allow qualified tourists and business travelers experience successful and hitchfree trips.”

US govt to discontinue training of Nigerian military

A

T the request of the Nigerian government, the United States will discontinue its training of a Nigerian Army battalion.

The first two phases of training were conducted between April and August 2014, and had provided previously untrained civilian personnel with basic soldiering skills. Based on mutual assessment of the Nigerian Army and U.S. trainers, a third iteration of training was agreed upon with the intent of developing the battalion into a unit with advanced infantry skills.

According to reports made available to the media, the US government regrets the premature termination of this training, as it was to be the first in a larger planned project that would have trained additional units with the goal of helping the Nigerian Army build capacity to counter Boko Haram.

US Condemns harmful political rhetoric

T

HE United States Embassy in Nigeria has condemned the use of harmful political rhetoric as part of campaign strategies by politicians in the country.

The condemnation came on the heels of a statement credited to Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema of Katsina State who the embassy quoted as calling for the killing of the “cockroaches of politics.”

A statement from the embassy read, “As Nigeria looks ahead to the February 2015 general elections, the United States strongly supports a free, transparent, credible, and non-violent electoral process. We are deeply troubled by Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema of Katsina State’s recent statements calling for the killing of the 'cockroaches of politics.' The rhetorical threat of violence undermines the democratic process and is utterly unacceptable in a democratic society.

30—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014—31

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32 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

Enrique: PSG clash not important

Zabaleta: Blame us if we crash PABLO Zabaleta believes Manchester City will have themselves to blame if they fail to make the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League.

City head to Roma in Group E on Wednesday knowing they must cannot afford to lose.

Manuel Pellegrini’s men must win and hope CSKA Moscow lose to Bayern Munich, or earn at least score draw in the event of a defeat for the Russian side.

And full-back Zabaleta says City should expect to win in Italy this week. “Of course, because we have the players to beat Roma,” he is quoted as saying by The Guardian.

“If we don’t beat them and we don’t go through it would be bad for the team because we want to be there.

You never know, football is like that sometimes.

•Zabaleta

Garcia dubs City game a final

R

•Garcia

oma Coach Rudi Garcia admits his side’s clash with Manchester City tonight is ‘a cup final’.

The Giallorossi face the English champions at Olimpico knowing that a win will guarantee them a place in the Last 16 of the Champions League. “As I always say, every game is important,” Garcia explained to assembled media in his Press conference ahead of the match.

“For us, this is a cup final. We shouldn’t even be in contention in the sixth game, because we came out of Pot 4 while they’re champions of England. “As I said before [the last] game against CSKA Moscow, to win we have to come out and play.

“It’s a special game, but we’ve prepared in a normal way, as we would for any other game.

“We want to progress for the fans, the club and for ourselves.”

B

•Enrique

ARCELONA coach Luis Enrique has played down the importance of his side’s UEFA Champions League clash with Paris SaintGermain.

Both teams go into today’s fixture at Camp Nou having already qualified from Group F, but top spot in the pool is still to be decided.

Barca sit one point behind PSG, so a victory for them on home turf would hand them first place - meaning they would avoid the likes of Bayern Munich and Chelsea in the last 16.

However, speaking at his pre-match media briefing on Tuesday, Luis Enrique dismissed any suggestion that the game was Barca’s most crucial of the campaign.

“It’s important, but I don’t think it’s the most important game of the season,” he said. “I prefer to finish first, but finishing second is not a great disadvantage. Its importance is relative.”

In order to win the group, Barca need to do something no other team has managed so far this season - beat PSG.

GERVINHO: We will exploit Toure’s absence R

OMA forward Gervinho believes his compatriot Yaya Toure will be a big miss for Manchester City when the two sides meet tonight.

Ivorian midfielder Toure is suspended after being sent off during his side’s home defeat to CSKA Moscow on matchday four, and Gervinho believes that could be important.

“Will they miss Toure? He’s an undeniably great player, and very important for City. It is up to us to exploit his absence.

“It’s a shame that he and I won’t get to play an ‘Ivorian derby’.

“Having said that, I’m just focused on myself and on what I have to do in a very important game which we have to win.”

The 27-year-old spent two seasons at Arsenal, but failed to make an impact, but the Giallorossi attacker insists tonight’s game is not about proving himself against Premier League opposition.

“Even though I played for Arsenal, this game is huge by itself.

“Our goal is to progress in the competition.

“I work hard in training to show I deserve a starting spot. I hope to show myself to be worthy of important games like this one.

“You have to work harder than everyone else to show you deserve the Coach’s confidence.”

Guardiola eyes victory against CSKA

Gerv

P

ep Guardiola expects his Bayern Munich players to overcome fatigue and end their UEFA Champions League Group E campaign on a high.

“Football is our profession. We have to give everything and play against all opponents with lots of respect,” he told his pre-match media conference on Tuesday.

“I don’t know how many changes I will make with my team. We will see during training session today. But some of my players are quite tired after the game against Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.

“They [CSKA] still have the chance to qualify, so I am sure they will try everything to win the game against us.

“We will play the game to win it.

This will be our focus and we must not think about our opponents’ situation.”

C M Y K

•Toure

Roma name strong squad for City

G

•Musa

•Guardiola

abriele Marchegiani, son of Luca is named in Rudi Garcia’s Roma squad to take on Manchester City tonight.

The 18-year-old goalkeeper is called into the squad with Lukasz Skorupski and Gianluca Curci struggling with injuries, although both are also named in the squad. Gabriele’s father, Luca Marchegiani spent a decade at Roma’s arch-rivals Lazio between 1993 and 2003. His son is yet to play for Roma’s first team, and this represents his first call-up to the first-team squad.

Squad: Astori, Borriello, Cholevas, Cole, Curci, De Rossi, De Sanctis, Destro, Florenzi, Gervinho, Iturbe, Keita, Ljajic, Maicon, Manolas, Mapou, Marchegiani, Nainggolan, Paredes, Pjanic, Skorupski, Strootman, Torosidis, Totti.

vinho

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014 — 33

Mourinho unleashes youngsters on Sporting J

•Mourinho

ose Mourinho will use Chelsea’s final UEFA Champions League group fixture tonight to blood some of his young players.

Chelsea are already assured of top spot in Group G, but welcome secondplaced Sporting to Stamford Bridge this week. With John Terry, Willian and Eden Hazard rested for the midweek fixture, Mourinho has hinted at giving younger squad members the chance to make their mark in the first team.

One of those players is 18-year-old midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who

Mourinho says could play some part on Wednesday before spending more time with the senior players in the new year.

And Loftus-Cheek - yet to make a first-team appearance for the club - says it is pleasing to finally get his chance after a decade in the youth ranks.

“I’ve been at the club since I was eight, so to be involved and training with the first team means a lot to me,” said Loftus-Cheek on Tuesday. “We’ve got some good talent coming through. “It won’t be easy to make the breakthrough but we have to be positive. “All the young players are excited to be getting opportunities and we’re confident in our ability to do well.”

Mind your language

...Van Gaal blasts Neville M

anchester United boss Louis van Gaal has hit back at tongue-in-cheek remarks about his team made by club legend Gary Neville.

Speaking in his role as a Sky Sports pundit after United’s scrappy 2-1 victory at Southampton on Monday, Neville claimed Van Gaal’s side had “got away with murder” by taking all three points after a below-par showing at St Mary’s Stadium.

Former United captain Neville went on to jokingly suggest that Sunday’s clash between his old club and archrivals Liverpool, who drew 0-0 with Sunderland in a dour game at the weekend, could be akin to watching “the Dog and Duck versus the Red Lion” in a pub match.

But Van Gaal - whose side are now

third in the Premier League after five straight victories - appeared to bristle at Neville’s comments in his post-match media conference, despite admitting United were “lucky” to beat Southampton.

When informed that Neville had said United “got away with murder” before adding that this Sunday’s fixture between English football’s two most decorated clubs will be of average quality, Van Gaal responded: “With murder? That’s an English expression? Maybe.

“He can say everything because he is an ex-legend, but as an ex-legend, or a legend you have to know what you are saying. “That I have already said. You can interpret that, make an interpretation of that. It’s not so difficult to make that interpretation.

“When I say that he has to pay attention to his words.”

Kompany, Silva to face Roma

•Neville

•Louis van Gaal

M

anchester City have welcomed back to training David Silva and Vincent Kompany ahead of today’s crunch Champions League game against Roma.

Kompany and Silva were joined in training by Fernandinho and Stevan Jovetic, who sat out the weekend win over Everton, and the four players could be involved in City’s game against the Serie A side on Wednesday.

City need a positive result against Roma to prolong their involvement in the Champions League but will be without Sergio Aguero, who was injured against the Toffees. Manager Manuel Pellegrini has already confirmed the Argentine will be absent for the contest.

Kompany has missed City’s games against Everton and Sunderland with a hamstring injury while Silva has been out since October, having picked up a knee injury against Newcastle in October.

It was suggested that Silva could have been involved against Everton but the Spain international was held back.

•Kompany

•David Silva C M Y K

34—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 10, 2014 — 35

D

r. Laetitia Adaudu is a medical doctor, trained by the University Hospital College, Ibadan, and has a Master of Public Health from the University of Lagos. She has worked with the Nigerian Military hospital, Lagos, as well as with the United Nations as a National Consultant, and as a Programme Officer with the European Union PRIME, an Immunization project. Recently, she established the Rose SHARON Healthy Living Centre in the beautiful heartland of Jos from where Vanguard had this chat with her.

Laetitia Adaudu

We help people live drug-free —Dr Laetitia, CEO, Rose Sharon Clinic

W

HAT is the Rose Sharon Healthy Living Centre and why was it established?

Rose SHARON Healthy Living Centre is a public health clinic with the purpose of teaching healthy living lifestyle and reversing disease.

As a medical doctor why are you more passionate about healthy living than about drug use and medication?

I am a medical doctor, but my field is Public Health, which primarily promotes healthy living, and disease prevention because it is cheaper and easier than cure.

When people learn to live healthy they are more productive to themselves, to their families, and to the society. Most times when people wait till they are diagnosed of an illness, the disease burden is already heavy, and usually difficult to totally cure. Most of the common ailments are totally preventable so our focus in the medical world should be on prevention, rather than wait for diseases to emerge before we try to tackle them.

Our passion at Rose SHARON HLC is therefore to achieve our vision which is “Healthy People, Healthy Society.”

In your years of medical practice, what are the health trends you are most

concerned about?

There’s a frightening epidemic of obesity, even in children, diabetes, cancers, arthritis, kidney problems and a host of others. Younger and younger children have poor vision and have to wear eye glasses. Children are being diagnosed with adult onset diabetes. Cancer has become as common as malaria. These are all preventable diseases.

What are those lifestyles that are most unhealthy and injurious?

It’s what we coined as the acronym C.A.N.C.E.R, which stands for Contaminated Air, Nutritional Carelessness, and Environmental Rot. Our atmosphere is heavily polluted by all kinds of smoke and chemicals, many people and families eat carelessly, and dangerous meals; there’s an epidemic of fast foods outfits where unwholesome meals are served; families depend on snacks and do not eat healthy meals; the environment is rotten, and to worsen it trees are recklessly been cut down without being replaced. Trees help to purify the air, but when they are indiscriminately cut, and then the polluted air cannot be purified. All these are disturbing trends that directly affect people’s health negatively.

What are the specific services available at Rose SHARON and who are they directed at?

At Rose SHARON HLC we

help people detect hidden disease conditions on time, treat and reverse chronic disease conditions so that patients do not have to live forever on drugs which will eventually damage their liver and kidneys; we also offer a healthy living training series called The C.A.N.C.E.R Free Lifestyle as health solutions to individuals, families, and corporate organizations.

Can you tell us a few of the health conditions you have been able to successfully address using the Rose SHARON approach?

We have helped a number of people reclaim their health from hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, obesity, pot-belly, chronic fatigue, stomach ulcers, allergies, migraine, and other chronic disease conditions. Basically, we offer them our home-grown

We treat the patient as a person, not as a collection of symptoms. We look at the patient in totality, as a person who belongs in an environment

therapy called F.A.R.M-OTHERAPY (Food As Real Medicine); it is a therapy developed at Rose SHARON HLC based on a non-drug approach to prevent, treat and reverse disease especially in patients who have been sentenced to a life time of drugs.

One of such patients is a young girl who had been on medication for 19 years for the treatment of migraine headache. Once she started our F.A.R.M-O-THERAPY, her conditions improved and she doesn’t have to live with drugs anymore. Another interesting case is a middleaged man who had been on diabetic drugs for 30 years; we placed him on our F.A.R.MO-THERAPY and his blood sugar level began to normalize only a few weeks afterwards.

How is Rose SHARON HLC different from the regular clinics?

Rose SHARON HLC is a purely Public Health Clinic with a focus on disease

*In Consultation

prevention, promotion of healthy living and disease reversal. We treat the patient as a person, not as a collection of symptoms. We look at the patient in totality, as a person who belongs in an environment.

Even though we believe that medication has its place, we do not agree that patients must be sentenced to a life time of drug use because this is very dangerous and damaging to the vital organs.

With effective lifestyle change we have been able to successfully assist patients reverse disease and get off their medication.

Do you collaborate with other health professionals in this practice?

Rose SHARON HLC will be coordinating the efforts of the Doctors Charity, an American non-governmental organization which supports Doctors working in Nigerian communities. Details of this will unfold as core activities begin.

36—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014—37

APC PRESIDENTIAL TICKET:

The power of money •Buhari

•Atiku

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

T

HE influence of money in the contest was vividly captured by the chairman of the Plateau State chapter of the party, Hon. Latep Dabang who promised that all the state’s delegates will vote for Atiku Abubakar because of the financial support he has always rendered to the party. “No Plateau delegate will vote for anybody apart from Atiku.”

The other aspirants in the contest, former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah, Governor Rabiu Kwankwanso and Governor Rochas Okorocha, remarkably also have been throwing money into the Plateau State chapter as one other state official said.

Contradicting the chairman, the official who did not want to be named quipped “how can the Chairman say such thing?

Is it only Atiku that gave us money or will he force all of us to vote Atiku? What about Kwankwaso who gave us money to renovate the secretariat? What happens to Nda-Isaiah and others? The Chairman should speak for himself not all delegates.”

Financial war-chest Support for Atiku was also rocketing not because of his large financial war-chest, but also on account of his past political role in fighting for democracy and notably in his principled stance against the third term script of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

But Atiku’s support for the party has, however, exceeded all other aspirants.

Atiku has booked at least 4,000 hotel rooms to be provided gratis to the party’s delegates coming for the convention in Lagos. It is a gesture that Atiku had done in the past, notably, a month ago when the party had a mini-convention in Abuja during which the Atiku Campaign provided hotel rooms for several delegates and officials.

The Atiku campaign is, however, quick to emphasise that it is not bribing delegates as the hospitality is not a quid pro quo for votes, but campaign officials

•Okorocha

•Sam Nda Isiah

on the sidelines hope that such generosity and support for the party would not be easily forgotten.

The hospitality and support from the former vice-president, according to aides, is another strand to Atiku’s determination to fight for the survival of democracy in just the same way as he fought against third term. Indeed, aides insist that Atiku, win or lose would not abandon the party.

In the run up to the final contest, Atiku who has visited 35 states of the country was in a dead heat with Buhari in the pursuit of the ticket.

Buhari who came into the contest as the clear favourite with many stakeholders initially believing that the ticket should be given to the former head of state lately fought back against Atiku.

Few weeks ago, Buhari commenced on a state by state drive for delegates meeting delegates in strategic sessions in the same way that Atiku had done. Buhari was even

bold to take the battle to Atiku at home and according to reports has won some strategic delegates from Adamawa including a top national official of the party who is working behind the scenes for Buhari.

Buhari according to Vanguard findings is in command of delegates from Rivers, Nasarawa, Katsina, Bauchi and Jigawa.

Atiku is in clear lead in Plateau, Taraba, Adamawa.

Kwankwanso is said to be in command of Kano and Kogi States.

His hold in Kogi is through former Governor Audu Abubakar who has thrown his support towards him.

Okorocha is said to be in clear control of only Imo State. Atiku and Buhari are sharing delegates in Ondo, Niger, Ekiti, Osun and Bayelsa.

Though the influence of party leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is said to be tilting towards Buhari and as such will

•Kwankwanso help to deliver the Southwest, Atiku is said to be fighting hard in Osun where his wife, Titi comes from and in Ondo where delegates are said not to be happy that Buhari did not visit them.

Atiku has criss-crossed 35 states of the country in pursuit of delegates.

Kwara was as at press time still undecided and all heads are waiting on Senator Bukola Saraki to give a direction on how the state would go, though there are indications that it would go the way of Buhari.

A reminder to APC delegates as they decide

By Harry Thomas-Odey

L

ET me start by confessing that I am not a politician, but I am political because I am a human being and most of all a HUMANIGERIAN. What has not become clear to us Nigerians is that we are all guilty and responsible for the current state of affairs of our country. Some more so than others, but we all must share in the guilt. This is one point we must all accept if we are ever going to make progress in uniting ourselves for nation building. What we have become very good at, is finger pointing, ascribing fault to others and none to ourselves.

When delegates accept money to vote for candidates, they are in fact selling their rights to complain thereafter as whoever emerges, having paid, considers that having paid they do not owe any responsibilities of service thereafter. This is what we have seen time after time and when we need to act in the larger interest we still acquiesce to poor judgment.

Two achievements of the present PDP

government that we must concede to them is one; that they have succeeded in dividing the country along ethnic and religious lines whether deliberately or not, but that is our current reality. Today the average southerner still sees the insurgency in the North East as a political game by Muslims to Islamize the whole country and because they hate the person of our President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

Common humanity The other is that Nigerians today have become so dehumanized that deaths, suicide bombers, mean nothing anymore, it has become normal to see our fellow citizens beheaded, destroyed, degraded. We have become bestial even if primitive as a people. The challenge now is how to recover our common humanity!

As APC delegates for its presidential primary cast their votes they should understand that their choice, even

when the larger political leadership does not see that it will make or mar our fortunes as a nation. The choices before the APC delegates are Alhaji Mohammadu Buhari, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso and Sam Nda-Isaiah all of them are eminently qualified. BUT I wonder whether they all appreciate that we are at a very bad place in the history of our Nation, whether they appreciate the thinking and mindset, rightly or wrongly, on the street of those who are going to vote at the presidential elections.

If they do not appreciate the mindset on the streets then I wonder whether how they intend to tackle the challenge of uniting this country which is where any government that means well for us as a people must start.

Why for instance are Buhari, Atiku and Kwakwanso not able to see these realities and rally behind Sam Nda-Isaiah, who for instance does not have any political baggage, and pair him up with say Babatunde Raji Fashola as vice president and have a team that can give the Continues on page 39

38—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

He was an aspirant that many had written off given the seeming stack of officialdom against his long running aspiration. But Senator Ifeanyi Okowa’s perseverance and past political fidelity projected him to a victory that has shaken the political firmament in Delta State.

by the last minute momentum towards Edevbie. He told Vanguard five hours before the votes were counted, “Mark it, you will see what will happen, there is no way Delta Central is going to get it.”

Nwaoboshi shook hands triumphantly with Senator Manager shortly after Ijaw delegates cast their votes, probably for a job well done. This was before the votes were counted. The refusal of Delta North aspirants to arrive at a consensus candidate for the primary worried the Ibori political family, but that notwithstanding, it deployed its immense muscle in the three senatorial districts to deliver Okowa.

Shocker for UPU

•Okowa

•Uduaghan

Okowa's victory: The Inside story Emma Amaize, Regional Editor, South-South Festus Ahon & Theresa Ugbobu

S

ENATOR Ifeanyi Okowa’s emergence as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Delta State was not just the result of the steadfastness and steel of the candidate. There were many other factors.

While he is generally appreciated for his political integrity, last Monday’s victory has unmistakably highlighted the grip on the state chapter of the PDP of associates of the immediate past governor of the state, Chief James Ibori on the party. Okowa served in Chief James Ibori's cabinet like Senator James Manager, who joined forces to push forward Okowa's victory.

Consensus candidate Okowa polled 406 votes beating to second place, Olorogun David Edevbie, the consensus candidate of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) who also had the political machinery of the state government behind him with 299 votes. Other results as announced by Sunday Kareem, the returning officer were as follows: Victor Ochei (185 votes), Ndudi Elumelu (50 votes), Godsday Orubebe (49) and Godswill Obielum (22).

Sylvester Monye, Ovie OmoAgege and Sam Obi got 10 votes each; Peter Okocha had six votes, Tony Obuh (five), Charles Emetulu (four), Kenneth Gbagi (two) and Mike Uwaka (one vote). One vote was voided.

2006 power shift agreement It was learned on good authority that Ibori insisted on the power shift arrangement by leaders of the party, eight years ago, which is that Delta North senatorial district should produce the governor in 2015. This was against the clamour by the UPU, the apex sociocultural group of his Delta Central district for an Urhobo governorship flag bearer.

Incompatible dissimilarities It was, however, palpable that there were some irreconcilable differences between Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and Okowa which only the two personalities can explain. While Uduaghan stood wholeheartedly for a Delta North successor, his mind was not on Okowa and his body language pointed to the retired permanent secretary, Mr. Anthony Obuh. Until the last minute swing by his political machinery, Obuh was generally perceived as the man to beat in the contest.

Okowa or nobody else Those who served with Okowa in the Ibori government were said to have insisted on Okowa forging ahead a development that pushed those opposed to him to the wall, and brought up the idea of using Edevbie to stop him through the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU. UPU’s debacle The UPU assumed that its threat to switch the much trumpeted 800,000 Urhobo votes against President Jonathan was what made President Jonathan to order Governor Uduaghan to support its candidate, Edevbie, but it probably read the handwriting on the wall wrongly.

The strings were from no other

person than their son, Chief Ibori, who contended that the Edevbie project would not fly.

Comrade Paul Bebenimibo, a senior adviser to ex-militant leader, Chief Godwin Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, distanced the president from the affair saying “That is a lie, President Jonathan is not involved in the matter, he did not give any directive, they should leave him out of it.”

Bebenimibo, chairman of Okowa Mandate 2015, who earlier told Vanguard that Okowa would win, despite the UPU gang –up against Delta North, said, “We, the Ijaw people from Delta South senatorial district, except for some few that voted for the former Minister of Niger-Delta, Elder Godsday Orubebe, worked for Okowa because we know he is the leader that Delta state needs now.”

An Ijaw governorship aspirant, Mr. Andrew Warri, who stepped down for Okowa, told Vanguard, “Okowa deserved the victory, my people told me to step down and work for him. I had to respect their position, the primary was free and fair, nobody can fault the process.”

Okowa is known to be loved by the political class in the state, but his tiff with Uduaghan alienated some persons until the eleventh hour when the Ibori followers rallied round him. Senator James Manager, who is also of the Ibori political family, led his Ijaw kinsmen, while Tompolo, did a yeoman job behind the scene.

Nwaoboshi undeterred till the last minute Former state chairman of the party, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, who had boasted that it was Delta North in 2015, was not deterred

An Urhobo leader said, “In fact, the UPU was shocked that some Urhobo people voted for Okowa instead of Edevbie. Even though the votes from all the local governments were mixed and counted together, it was clear when the Delta Central local governments were being counted that they were betrayers in the house.”

“It was Ibori that directed that Chief Ighoyota Amori should get the Delta Central senatorial ticket and before you know it, the same Amori that lost to Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, some months ago, emerged as flag bearer. You see, this is politics, Amori and others, even though they are all under UPU, have no choice than to work for the candidate of their man," he added.

Few hours to the primary, the adoption of Chief Edevbie by UPU apparently in consultation with the powers that be instilled fear in some of the aspirants and made some, including the deputy governor, Prof Amos Utuama, to drop from the race.

The Urhobo political class and other government officials, who were giving marching orders to deliver Chief Edevbie worked hard as most of them moved from one delegate to the other, canvassing for votes without fruitful results. Most of them beyond what they were given, spent their personal money to

Okowa is known to be loved by the political class in the state, but his tiff with Uduaghan alienated some persons until the eleventh hour

woo delegates but to no avail.

One reason the Ijaw kicked against Edevbie was that they saw him as a member of the cabal that worked against the ascension of Dr. Jonathan as acting president when President Umaru Yar’Adua took ill in 2009. The Ijaw gave bloc votes to Dr Okowa, vowing that the man, who worked against the emergence of their kinsman (Jonathan) would get their votes.

Bitter lesson for UPU As a matter of fact, the emergence of Dr. Okowa was akin to a political revolution in the state as people from the three senatorial districts voted him regardless of whatever order they were given. Most importantly, the leadership of the UPU would learn a bitter lesson from this because it threw their weight behind a ‘goat’ in a fight meant for lions’.

Political mystery A political analyst hinted, yesterday, “What happened in Delta state is a political mystery.

It is a clear indication that nobody is God or can play God. When they say 24 hours is long time in politics, nobody should dismiss the statement in a hurry because that is exactly what played out in the state.”

“Can you explain why Dr. Uduaghan had to step down for Senator Manager in the Delta South primary, forget the explanation that it was for peace and security of the state, did you not see what happened to Mr. Obuh, who only 48 hours to the primary was the man to beat.

“Things changed, all just because of a call by Ibori's men to associates that Okowa is the man to take over from Uduaghan.

Even the governor could not stop it, it was power against power,” he stated.

Three reasons why Okowa won - Prof Oyovbaire Chairman of the Okowa Advisory Committee, the thinktank that weathered the storm, Prof Sam Oyovbaire, however, gave Vanguard further insight into what happened. He said Okowa won because of the credible that was put in place to actualize his ambition, the commitment and suitability of Okowa himself to the project and the prevarication of officialdom on favoured and non-favoured aspirants.

It was learned that even there were challenges of finance, Okowa rose up to the occasion, so his group was able to soldier ahead and the strongest of the challenges was the support of officialdom for different aspirants.

Oyovbaire, however, said that the shift from Aspirant A, B to C and all that by officialdom, rather than worry the Okowa group, emboldened it to believe that officialdom could still dump the Continues on page 39

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014—39

Buhari and his salvage plans ‘This generation of Nigerians and indeed the future generation have no country other than Nigeria, we shall stay and salvage it together!'

T

HAT was the rousing quote from Buhari as head of state at the commencement of his eventful 20 months stewardship of the country as a military ruler between 1984 and 1985.

General Buhari’s bid to return as a civilian leader of the country follows an intrinsic inclination that he above many other contemporaries is better positioned to salvage the country from the twin attacks of corruption and insurgency that have lately bestirred the nation.

The pointers towards Buhari’s capacity are indeed informed by his testimony in public office when as minister of petroleum and subsequently as head of state he according to President Olusegun Obasanjo was not found wanting on the issue of cornering oil acreages to himself or acquaintances.

Also as a General Officer Commanding, GOC the Armoured Command in Jos, Buhari was known to have forcefully routed insurgents that came into the country from Chad, the same country that is now generally believed to be instigating the insurgency by the Islamic militant group, Boko Haram.

Buhari’s return to public life was as chairman of the Petroleum (Special) Task Force, PTF during the Sanni Abacha years. From that position he was known to have facilitated the rehabilitation of a special segment of the nation’s infrastructural landscape including roads, schools, hospitals among others. It is thus

not surprising that in the face of the increasing despondency in the land that Buhari has become a figure to be looked up to.

Remarkably, his rivals see him as a stringent and unbending person. But that is not true. He has shown that he has the capacity to accommodate as given by his increasing readiness to mix even without giving up the principles he was known for.

His foes describe him as an Islamic fundamentalist but none has been able to give a backing to this. They cleverly overlook the fact that his driver for years is a Christian. They also forget that his cook who even prepares his food even during the Islamic month of fasting, is a Christian.

So, Buhari is going to the convention as a favourite among other aspirants.

Presidential candidate Before now, Buhari’s name had been on many lips as the likely presidential candidate of the APC, making assertions that he might carry the day promising.

Having contested for the presidency in 2003, 2007 and 2011, Buhari cant be described as a rockie in the game.

Until Atiku Abubakar came into the party he was generally seen as the consensus presidential candidate of the party. Surprising for his critics, Buhari welcomed Atiku and other new entrants nay, rivals with open arms and helped to integrate them into the party.

He has now taken up the

•Gen. Buhari challenge from them for the presidential ticket and has marketed himself to many strategic stakeholders of the party.

With most of the north backing Buhari, and increasing proportion of Southern voters looking up to him to salvage Nigeria, Buhari is a good pick to push the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to the edges. Though he might appear difficult to market in the South due to some prejudiced perceptions about him, APC’s acceptability in the south is likely to favour him.

Notwithstanding, feelings that Buhari’s politics is defined by integrity, are unanimous.

Buhari had contested for the presidency on the platform of the All Nigerian People’s Party ,ANPP, and Congress for Progressive Change ,CPC. Known as a disciplined leader, who abhorred corruption while

Okowa's victory: The Inside story Continues from page 38 man chosen at the last minute and that was what happened.

He said given that the delegates for the primary were supposed to be 1,080, the Okowa group worked day and night with its candidate, tackling all sort of rumors and building bridges and calculated that Okowa would get nothing less than 500 votes and leave others to share the remaining. Okowa, however, won with 406 votes, 94 votes short of the projected figure.

Other forces Majority leader of the House of Assembly, Chief Monday Igbuya, who was working for Tony Obuh, former state

chairman of the party, Patrick Sinebe from Patani, Senator James Manager, name them, all had to join forces from Delta South and Central to deliver Okowa following Ibori’s directive. Igbuya could not obey the UPU directive because of the sanction against him over his support for Obuh.

“The Commissioner representing Itsekiri on the board of DESOPADEC, Chief Michael Diden, aka Ejele, who is from Warri North, Governor Uduaghan’s local government, did not work for Edevbie because he is an unrepentant Okowa man. He fought tooth and nail to ensure that Okowa won in Asaba.”

Uduaghan congratulates

Okowa In the spirit of love, Uduaghan congratulated Okowa Monday night on his victory. In a press statement issued by his chief press secretary, Mr. Sunny Ogefere, he described Okowa’s victory as well deserving.

Uduaghan who is leader of the PDP in the state, charged Okowa to demonstrate the spirit of sportsmanship by quickly extending a hand of fellowship to other contestants. He also called on the other aspirants to note that the exercise was a family contest where there was no winner no loser, urging them to join hands with Okowa in positioning the party for victory at the general elections.

in office, Buhari, who hails from Katsina State was born December 17, 1942 in Daura.

FAMED for his traversal of many political parties since 1999, Rochas Okorocha, does not come as across as a greenhorn on the scene..

With this known image of a nomadic politician, Okorocha, who contested for the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, governorship ticket in 1999, made a failed attempt at getting the presidential ticket of the defunct All Peoples Party,APP, in 2003. To many Nigerians, Okorocha who defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Grand Alliance,APGA, does not pose a threat to other aspirants.

This is largely as a result of the belief that his criss-crossing of most parties, portrays him as someone bereft of ideology.

Remarkable marks His defeat of Ikedi Ohakim as governor of Imo State in 2011, came with a lot of expectations from his people. But opinions are still divided as to whether he had actually made remarkable marks in the state.

In some quarters, Okorocha is seen as a detribalized Nigerian made, as a result of his place of birth and upbringing.

The businessman turned politician was born on September 22, 1962, in Ogboko, Ideato South, Imo State. He attended Juladaco High School, Jos (19761981). He studied at the University of Jos where he obtained a diploma in Public Administration. He returned to the University of Jos to obtain an Advanced Diploma in Public Administration.

He is a former President, Nigeria Red Cross Society, President/Founder, Rochas Foundation Inc, President, Rochas Group of Companies Limited, Pro Chancellor, African Business School among others.

In 2013, APC governors elected him as the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum.

A reminder to APC delegates as they decide Continues from page 37 presidential election meaning? A pair like this would not only stand a very good chance of winning the presidential elections but would also hanker down and put our nation on the path of meaningful development. For one thing they would enjoy the confidence of most if not all Nigerians. Our nation would have the opportunity of a fresh start. A pair like this would enjoy the benefit of doubt of most Nigerians. What with Sam Nda-Isaiah’s capacity for innovation and Fashola’s record in Lagos? A youthful pair like this would immediately calm nerves and restore confidence of Nigerians in Nigeria.

In our current state of ‘national disrepair’ Buhari, Atiku and Kwakwanso even though eminently qualified to be President of Nigeria with their past records and experience should be able to read correctly that they cannot heal our nation at this time not because they don’t have the capacity but because of the dehumanized minds of the average Nigerian today.

40—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

He’s not supportive of my career

My hubby got the house-help pregnant Dear Bunmi, ’M IN my early 60's, a few years ago, I took in a girl as a maid. Her family wouldn’t help her because they thought she was wayward. In the beginning, she was unstable and kept vanishing, at first for days, then for weeks. She would come back, weeping and begging us to take her back and I always accepted because I thought I could do something good with her potentials. My husband called me a fool and threatened to throw her out if she didn’t behave.

With time she became more settled and trained as a hair-dresser. I got her a shop and used my money to buy necessary equipment for her salon. A y e a r l a t e r, s h e b e c a m e pregnant for my husband,

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a 65-year-old man. He claimed he was drunk when she seduced him, but she told me they ’d had made love often, not just once. She’d been to his factory too as confirmed by some of the workers.

This girl has flatly refused to have an abortion and has moved out of the house. I suspect my husband has helped her to set up a home. This man has children older than this ungrateful girl and is a grand-father. How could he rubbish the family name with this scum?

Kemi, by e-mail.

Dear Kemi, It’s never wrong to show love and affection to someone who needs it as feeling love enriches us a lot. Yet, sometimes, giving that love demands a price

that is simply too high. This girl you helped was denied the kindness she needed as a child and to protect h e r s e l f, she became cynical. She learnt to take when she could and not give back.

As things are, there’s precious little you can do now a baby is on the way.

You’ve been betrayed by your husband too, but you must learn to absorb the shock.

What they both intend to do with the baby is no longer your business. You need to move on with your life. Experiences like yours are very common and though painful, life goes on.

One hard lesson you’ve learnt though is that the fact that you love, trust and give doesn’t mean that you shall be loved, trusted and given in return.

He kicked me out for being unfaithful Dear Bunmi, HEN MY partner and I split up four years ago, I was devastated and jumped at a temporary transfer from my office to one of the branches in another state to get away from it all. It was there I met another colleague and we started a relationship, but it ended when I was transferred back to head office. In time my ex- and I got back together and he proposed. We got married early last year and now have a lovely daughter.

When I resumed from my maternity leave, I was shocked to find my lover working in head office on t e m p o r a r y t r a n s f e r. H e knew of my marriage and was happy with it.

I was foolish to visit him in the guest house where he was lodged and we ended up making love. I visited a couple of times more but stopped. He must have blabbed to some of his mates because my husband got an anonymous text and·he was furious as he knew of my earlier relationship with this colleague. He was visibly angry and asked me to move out with our baby. I went to stay with my parents and in spite of my

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pleas, he’s refused to have any contact with me. I can’t imagine not spending the rest of my life with him.

Will he ever take me back?

Emma, by e-mail.

Dear Ernma, You have to respect your husband's decision for now and give him time to think things through so he could decide what he wants to do. In the meantime, why don’t you write him a letter, telling him you love him and that you are really deeply sorry for what you did. Explain why you did it and ask him to forgive you.

Then leave him alone and allow him the space he

needs to consider his options.

If he refuses to allow you back into his life, you should respect his wishes.

You have done wrong and have to suffer the consequences. If he's willing to give you another chance - and he might you need to rebuild your relationship from the scratch.

Yo u have completely obliterated his trust and confidence in you. You have to regain it slowly, one piece at a time.

You need to show him every d a y, through your behaviour and your attitude, that you love him and that he can trust you.

In the meantime, why don’t you write him a letter, telling him you love him and that you are really deeply sorry for what you did. Explain why you did it and ask him to forgive you. Then leave him alone and allow him the space he needs to consider his options. If he refuses to allow you back into his life, you should respect his wishes.

You have done wrong and have to suffer the consequences. If he's willing to give you another chance - and he might - you need to rebuild your relationship from the scratch

Dear Bunmi, I love the job I had since I graduated five years ago and feel that I am successful at it. But whenever I discuss my work and my future and what I’m hoping for, my partner tries to discourage me.

I don’t understand it, as I always allow time for us to have quality time together outside work. He says that all career women are lonely and hard-bitten, and tells me he loves me as I am. He also says that our relationship should be enough for me and that I must not destroy it. How can I make him be more supportive?

Toke, by e-mail.

Dear Toke, To hold down any job, let alone build a future, your partner must actively support you, think you are wonderful and be proud of all your achievements. When he isn’t behind you, it’s much harder to do what you have to do. Try to get the reasons under-lying your partner’s negative attitude. Does he fear he’ll lose you if you find success? Deal with this one together. Then you’ll need to make him see that any partnership worth its salt is a two-way street.

I’m sure you support him - does he expect to get all he wants and still have you beside him? If he does, then surely he must do the same for you. No one can tell another person not to strive or grow or reach out for all the things that make our working lives great.

No one has the right to stifle another’s potential, or hold her back from what she can achieve. And no relationship can thrive on an unequal basis of shared love and support. We all change - some of us grow. If he can’t grow with you, then he’s the person who is threatening the relationship, not you.

Is his request normal?

Dear Bunmi, My current boyfriend is a hunk - sophisticated and loving. He is also quite adventurous in his love-making. A few weeks ago, he said he’d like spice up our love life by bringing his camcorder into the bedroom and taping as we make love! We currently live together but until he made his weird suggestion, I had no idea he was a pervert! Half joking, I told him he needed his head examined, but he laughed at me, saying a lot of his friends did it and that it wasn't such a big deal. Is he normal?

Mandy, by e-mail.

Dear Mandy, There is no evidence your boyfriend is a pervert. His request is, in fact, within the range of normal erotic play among consenting adults. Quite a number of couples actually enjoy making love in front of a video camera and nobody is hurt as long as both partners agree the tapes will go no further than their own VCRs. You sound as if your boyfriend’s request surprised, rather than offended you!

Why don’t you indulge his fantasy at least once? Perhaps you might just fmd the experience pleasurable - or you might feel awkward and uncomfortable. If you do, tell him you don’t relish the idea of being a porn star!

He turned me into a monster

Dear Bunmi, I left the village to come and live with my uncle in Abuja.

Unfortunately, he lost his job and since I was already employed by a private nursery school, I decided to move in with my boyfriend who is a personal assistant to the proprietress.

At first, he was really nice and I slowly started getting my life back together, buying things for the house and for myself. Almost overnight, he changed. He locks me in all the time as soon as I return from work. He wou1dn't let me go out with him and always times me when I go to the market. Whenever he thinks I’ve taken too much time, he'll beat me up. He doesn't drink, and he's not on drugs, but his eyes are always wild and scary when he's angry.

Why is he this way?

Blessing, by e-mail.

Dear Blessing, I have no idea why your boyfriend is suddenly behaving in this way. It might be that he's mentally ill, or that he has a violent personality.

He’ll probably try to assure you that his behaviour is caused by the way you provoke him. He may tell you that if only you were loving, he wouldn't need to be like this. You may even end up thinking that if only you could change, then he would change.

Well, you are wrong. The reason your boyfriend is like this doesn't matter.

What’s important is that you get out of this situation right now! It may feel impossible, but you must escape. Violent men seldom change.

Share your problems and release your burden. Write now to Dear Bunmi, Vanguard Newspapers, P.M.B 1007, Apapa, Lagos, or bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

VANGU ARD, WEDNESD A Y, DECEMBER 10, 2014 —41 VANGUARD, WEDNESDA

Jehovah’s Witnesses in season of conventions

Pray for peace, Dame Fashola advises Nigerians

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IRST Lady of Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola has advised Nigerian children to pray for two things: peace in Nigeria and for God to grant her leaders the wisdom to direct her affairs for the benefit of the masses of the nation, reports LAMIDI BAMIDELE. Delivering a keynote address as the special guest of honour at the 30th LTV 8 annual Christmas Family Fun Fair on Saturday in Lagos, Dame Fashola pleaded with the pupils from over 50 schools in the state attendance to pray, work hard in their studies and also play because all work and no play makes a child a dull boy or girl.

She also advised them to respect and appreciate those who

make their lives comfortable.

The Permanent Secretary, Radio and Television, Mr. Adekunle Ajanaku said *From left, First Lady, Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola, LTV Christmas Famthat the management of ily Fun Fair Santa Claus, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lagos State, LTV had made Mr. Lateef Ibirogba and Permanent Secretary, Radio and Television Services, Lagos it a duty to State, Mr. Adekunle Ajanaku, during the opening ceremony of the 30th LTV 8 Christmake families mas Family Fun Fair held at the Blue Rooftop, LTV 8, Alausa on Saturday. in Lagos happy every Yuletide season by Special Event Committee, LTV, Continuing, she said lots of continually lifting the bar to or- Mrs. Deola Salako the 30th programmes like visits to the ganize the annual Christmas Christmas Family Fun fair which grotto to see Santa Claus, schools Family Fun Fair to enable fami- started on Saturday will continue presentation, music and dance lies come together to unwind and till December 26, from 9.00 a.m. have been lined up to entertain to 6.00 p.m. daily at the Blue families during the period. have fun.

According to the chair-man, Roof-top, LTV 8, Alausa.

Return of mission schools excites old students

By Sam Eyoboka

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HEN old students gather, apart from the back stabbings and mock punishments of younger students, such gathering often provides ample opportunities for the ex-students to reminisce on their times at the alma mater after several years of venture into different vocations. Such was the setting last week when old students of St. Enda's College, Agbarho in Ughelli North Local Government area of Delta State converged at the school premises for two reasons: to mark the school's golden jubilee and to appraise the progress made thus far three years after the school's return to the Catholic mission.

The lot fell on professor of Fine Arts and Design at the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. John Agberia to outline the golden years of the school which was established on February 18, 1964 contemporaneous to St. Vincent's College, Okwagbe, St. Ambrose College, Usiefurun, the African Church Grammar School, Ekakpamre which later emerged as Ekakpamre Grammar School.

Colossal ruins The schools, several of which, were built by the Catholic Mission, were established at the wake of Nigeria's independence in 1960 before "the then Bendel State Government in their new policy thrust of indigenisation took over their management from the missions. This never helped in their growth and developments except that they left virtually all the institutions in co-

chairman, Chief Lucky Arhere and Air Vice Marshal Sonni Gberevwie (retd) pledged one million naira each towards the building.

In addition to the pledge, V M *Cross section of St.Enda's College Old Students at the Golden Jubilee An- A Gberevwie, who niversary at Agbarho. Photo: OMAFUAIRE AKPOKONA. had earlier sinAccording to him, when it be- gle-handedly renovated a lossal ruins. The result is the outlandish barefaced abandon- came clear to all that a drastic block of six classrooms to the ment that we all are witnesses situation demanded a drastic tune of N4.4 million, also solution government initially promised to give five indigent to."

Continuing, Agberia, an old offered to return the dilapi- students of the school, scholboy, maintained that at first the dated schools without any fi- arship every year, explaining indigenisation policy sounded nancial back-up and quite that when he came to the novel but like most things gov- naturally the missions wouldn't school in 1967 he was so indiernment handles, the institu- have any such thing. He noted gent that he had no sandals tions were later to manifest in that three years ago, the gov- until he was in his second form. the decadence that totally over- ernment eventually agreed to "It was therefore to encourage ran the schools up till when the return the school, in a Hobbe- any serious child willing to go government had no alternative sian state of nature where no to school. Like I said, when I than to accept the inevitable rules govern anything. came to the school I had no sanand hand what was left of the dals but at some point, I rose schools back to the original Intellectual to be number two in the Nigeowners, the missions. rian Air Force before I retired," formation He therefore appealed to all he noted, stressing that applistakeholders especially the old Father Esegine summarized cants for scholarship awards students to rally round the new the challenges facing the must be students whose owners in support to fulfill its school today to include; disci- parents are active poor. set vision and dreams includ- pline, morals, spirituality, puncAsked why it is difficult for the ing moulding a younger gen- tuality, intellectual formation Nigerian government to decree eration of Nigerians devoid of and games, stating that the free education at that level, the rut of today. mission is striving very hard to AVM Gberevbie said democracy As if to confirm the words of rebuild on the ashes of the past in Nigeria is evolving and NiProf. Agberia, the current prin- and erase the specter of hooli- gerians should do well to educipal, Rev. Barnabas Esegine ganism and criminality associ- cate their children "because who incidentally was a prod- ated with the old order. even in developed nations uct of the school during the Out of a list of 10 items he education is not as free as we period of take over, said all presented before the old stu- think." Highlight of the 3-day those who benefited from mis- dents, they pledged the sum of celebration was a novelty footsion schools would readily over N4 million to complete a ball match where pot bellied agree that education had fallen principal's house to enable him former soccer stars including apart, stressing "government move in to the compound to be the current principal, Mr. has failed in almost every as- close to the fresh students in Ovadje and several others pect of our lives including edu- the school. Chief launcher, Mr. narrowly missed call-up to the cation."

Obukeroro Ovadje, occasion Super Eagles team.

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HIS year's regional conventions of Jehovah's Witnesses across the country, have been attracting unprecedented attendance. With the theme: 'Keep Seeking First God's Kingdom,' the convention series began in September in Nigeria and billed for 12 weekends in most locations.

At Ota, Lekki, Daluwon, Badagry, Fatumo - Ibadan, and other cities where it had started average 6,000 and sometimes more have been attending.

Attendees included delegates and non-Witnesses.

We gathered that every one may attend conventions free of charge. Globally, more than seven million Jehovah's Witnesses and their guests attend conventions each year.

For Ilerin Ilesha Convention ground in Osun State, seven weeks have been slated beginning from the last weekend in October. Paul Oyebisi, a spokesperson for the region, said: "This year’s convention is unique and significant in so many ways. It has been well advertised. We eagerly await spiritual refreshment.

"The programmes will be presented in English for some weekends and Yoruba Language for the rest," he stated.

Speaking on the attractions for the peaceful crowd at different locations, Afolabi Odeyemi, a convention spokesperson in Lagos, said: "Many programme parts featured re-enactments, practical Bible-based talks and videos demonstrating application of Bible principles. Two theatrical productions which bring Bible stories and a modern day drama to life are also featured.

"One of the highlights of the three-day programme is a comforting Bible discourse entitled Earth's New Ruler - Who Really Qualifies; this is meant for delivery on Sunday morning," he added.

Odeyemi said there will be seven symposia that present true-to-life realities and real solutions.

Syrian Jewish bibles could spark ownership dispute

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WO decades after Israeli spies helped Syrian Jews whisk ancient Hebrew bibles from Damascus to Jerusalem, Israel's national library asked an Israeli court on Monday to grant it custodianship over the manuscripts — a move that could spark an ownership battle over some of the Syrian Jewish community's most important treasures.

Known as the Crowns of Damascus, the nine leather-bound parchment books — some featuring microscopic calligraphy and gold-leaf illumination — were written mostly in Spain and Italy between 700 and 1,000 years ago.

42—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014—43

44 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

Our Future: An invaluable thesis on Uduaghan's political strategy

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ITHOUT doubt, there would be, no, there already are, heated debates about what Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has, to date, accomplished in his tenure as Governor of Delta State.

When that time comes, or rather, as that process continues, in earnest, a most critical instrument for such an assessment would be what Governor Uduaghan deliberately and purposefully set out to accomplish, in the first place, as clearly articulated by himself, in his own words.

Our Future: A Collective Enterprise - Working Together Towards A Greater Delta is the very embodiment of the Governor ’s planned and premeditated agenda, which makes the book a most critical and timely document that all of us, (as) leaders, politicians, the public at large and, for that matter, all who are interested in the dynamics and challenges of an evolving democracy, wherever they may be in the world, must read and study in depth.

In the forward, Dr Okpaku, Sr.states that, “For those who hold positions of public office or service, in Delta State, whether political or in the civil service, Our Future: A Collective Enterprise serves as a “concordance” with which to understand, in precise terms, the road map and agenda of their chief executive - they need to study it and use it as their manual or handbook, in diligent pursuit of their service.

Articulated vision For Deltans at large, it is the full story of what their governor has promised to deliver on - they should study it carefully, in order not only to understand the direction in which the state is and has been headed, but as a tool for assessing their chief executive’s performance and for holding him accountable, keeping him faithful to his articulated vision, strategy, agenda, program and promise.

For Nigerians, and the general reader, anywhere, this book offers an invaluable thesis on the conceptualization, formulation and articulation of the political strategy and development agenda of a chief executive; one who is at the helm of a state renowned for stylish, even if vociferous, self-expression and vigorous disputation on public affairs (if not virtually on practically all matters), occasionally unencumbered by the constraints of mastery of necessary knowledge, facts and information. A common thread in these speeches is the notion of a Greater Delta, which would come about by the concerted and constructive application of the massive human and material resources with which the state is

BOOK REVIEW

Our Future: A Collective Enterprise - Working Together Towards A Greater Delta: Selected Speeches of Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, Governor of Delta State, Nigeria Edited by Thomas Okpaku Foreword by Dr. Joseph O. Okpaku, Sr. Reviewers: Chuks C. Egbe and Uzemba K. Macebuh

Delta State endowed, always with the rightminded people at the wheel. Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has a deep conviction that to actualize this dream of a greater Delta State, there must be shared values, vision and sense of purpose.

Apart from Selected Speeches acting as Road Map for the Governor, in the transformation of Delta State and its people, an appropriate tool to assess, as to whether Dr Uduaghan kept faith with the people and his promises, this book, embellished by a pictorial panorama of selected moments in his tenure, serves as a very personal and intimate reminder; a sort of diary of purpose with which to often check his direction and performance against the agenda and program he has painstakingly devised and formally articulated, in pursuit of his public oath of office. In other words, this book provides a unique service of personal checks and balances for the governor.

Political environment This colourful book has an indepth foreword. It touches on issues of legacy of any public figure in Nigeria. It takes a look at the general political environment; enlightened chief executive; a people diminished; the decline of the political class; a template for Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan; The Man; Uduaghan’s Delta state; Delta Diaspora Direct; Paradigm Shift: Delta Beyond Oil and the Significant Accomplishments of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan.

Governor Uduaghan sees a Delta State that can and must be developed to the highest global standards, in real time, equal to and competitive with the best the world can offer. It is in order to practically bring about this palpable possibility that he

established the Delta State Integrated Development Programme (DIDP), a long-term strategic planning unit with a simple marching order, to craft a masterplan for Delta State, decades beyond his term of office and unencumbered by short-term constraints and considerations.

Delta Diaspora Direct (D3): The governor has made concerted effort to reach out to Deltans around the world. By the effort, he has worked hard to promote their participation in the overall comprehensive efforts to develop the state under the banner of Delta Diaspora Direct or D3.

Strategic Vision: The Three Point Agenda: When he took office as governor on May 29, 2007, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan laid out his strategic vision for Delta State under the banner: The Three Point Agenda.

This Agenda consisted of Peace and Security, Human Capital Development and Infrastructural Development. His policies, strategies and programmes have been based in one way or another on this agenda.

Paradigm Shift: Delta Beyond Oil: Significant Accomplishments Whatever the shortcomings or pending deficits of his administration might be, a few accomplishments of a strategic nature and dimension stand out which are destined to leave a lasting impact on the lives and well-being of the people of Delta State. They include the following: 1.The Restoration Of Peace And Security To The Niger Delta 2. Infrastructure Development 3. Human Capital Development 4. Affordable Healthcare: Free Prenatal Care 5. Climate Change and the Protection of the Ecology and the Environment.

The clarion call is to service. It is service to a state, people and a cause greater than one person: a greater Delta, a cause that supersedes ethnicity, religion, and ideology; a cause that forges brotherhood and sisterhood through tolerance, forgiveness; the acceptability of different points of view in a unifying manner that connects people and groups, rather than divide; a cause aimed

at building bridges and alliances and beckoning on all to create the bond necessary for working side by side, in pursuit of the dream of a greater Delta State, as Miracle of the modern times.

It is the hope of the editor/ publisher, Thomas Okpaku, that this book put together from public information, highlighting the governor ’s dreams, vision, mission and the implementation thereof, will open up real, positive debates and dialogue as to how to move Delta to greater heights.

These selected speeches are a must read and highly recommended for everyone who wishes to gain an insight into three point agenda on which Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan’s plan for Delta State’s development are hinged, what propels him and the many achievements under the three point agenda that is advancing the frontiers of governance in Nigeria.

•Tom Okpaku, editor and publisher, is the editor of Nigeria Home and Abroad, by Professor I.A. Gambari; Africa In the UN In Changing World Order, by Professor I.A. Gambari, among others. He is President and CEO of African Women Health, Education and Empowerment Center, USA and Nigeria.

An open letter to APC presidential delegates

By Yusuf Aliyu

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AM writing this open letter to the 8000 delegates expected to participate in the APC convention scheduled to hold at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos to select their presidential flag bearer among four aspirants on December 8, 2014. Among the four aspirants, General Muhammadu Buhari is the leading contender for the exalted position of potential president of the country. I wish to advise the delegates to the convention not to select Buhari as the APC Presidential flag bearer in view of the following scenario that will happen if the delegates makes the mistake of picking him as their presidential candidate for the May 2015 presidential election against President Jonathan.

South-South Zone/South Eastern Zone: PDP has continued to use ChristianMuslim sentiments in its propaganda campaign against the APC in those two zones,

Gen. Muhammadu Buhari coupled with a divisive president whose stock in trade is promoting tribal and religious sentiments to gain sympathy and political support from the two zones in view of his incompetency in managing the affairs of the country.

Almost all the voters in these two zones have never voted for Buhari and will never vote for him because they consider him as religious apologist, an Islamic fundamentalist who could promote Islamic and muslim interest more than national interest once he has access to the political power as Nigerian president and nobody in this

world can change the perception of the voters from these two zones. The main reason Buhari lost in the previous presidential elections in those zones is still alive if not worsened by the Boko Haram attacks on Ibos and other Christians living in the north eastern part of the country.

South Western Zone: It is most likely Asiwaju Bola Tinubu would intimidate the South West delegates to support General Buhari against their interest. Tinubu does not have the grass root support like Awolowo, he doesn’t have that capacity and mass appeal to make Yoruba vote for Buhari. PDP would definitely exploit the political rivalry between the far north and the south west that existed right from the first republic and already two states are with PDP almost all the Yoruba christians and other Nigerian nationalities residing in the south west may not vote for APC if it fills Buhari as presidential candidate.

Like it was difficult selling Awolowo outside the Yoruba land especially to the Northerners and Easterners Buhari also is unsaleable in the South West.

Religious and regional sentiments will dominate the Nigerian Political landscape in 2015 not ideology or manifestos. If APC fields Buhari, the party will lose the 2015 presidential election in the South West like it happened in 2003,2007 and 2011 because Tinubu cannot market him in the zone.

North Central Zone: PDP would continue to drum to the many Christian minority tribes that APC is a muslim party and the party is the sponsor of Boko Haram. The truth is that 2015 is the APC’s best chance of getting into power in view of the apparent incompetence and failure of Jonathan administration in all spheres of the economy.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014—45

Delta 2015: Uduaghan, Warri, Okonma congratulate Okowa

By Festus Ahon

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SABA—GOVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has congratulated Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa on his victory at Monday’s Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship primaries in Asaba.

Similarly, former governorship aspirant in the state, Chief Andrew Warri, has described Okowa’s victory as victory for all Deltans.

Also, a chieftain of PDP in the state, Mr. Dom Okonma, has described Okowa's victory as triumph of good over evil.

Uduaghan, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sunny Ogefere, described Okowa's victory as well deserving. Okowa polled 406 votes to beat his closest rival, Chief David Edebvie, who scored 299 votes, Governor Uduaghan, who is the leader of the PDP in the state, charged Okowa to demonstrate the spirit of sportsmanship by quickly extending a hand of

fellowship to other contestants.

He called on the other aspirants to note that the exercise was a family contest, where there was no winner no loser, urging them to join hands with Okowa in positioning the party for victory at the general elections.

He said: “Let all faithful members of our great party be reminded that now that a candidate has emerged, it is incumbent on us all to close ranks and work assiduously towards ensuring victory for the PDP in the general

elections.

“I must also at this juncture commend the peaceful disposition displayed by all aspirants before and during the primaries. This is a testament to our peace and security agenda in the state.”

Chief Warri, who spoke to newsmen shortly after Okowa was declared as the PDP governorship flag bearer in the 2015 general elections, said Okowa's emergence was a testament that "man is not God." Noting that Okowa worked for victory, Warri thanked the delegates and the people of the state for giving their mandate to the candidate,

whom he described as a grassroots politician and a man of the masses.

Okonma in Asaba, yesterday, said: “Like Israel’s Moses, Okowa will lead the people of Delta State to great heights. His administration promises peace and prosperity for all Deltans. It is the dawn of a new era.

“Okowa will be governor of all the people of the state because he got votes in the primary election from across the divides.

“I enjoin the good people of Delta State to come out at the general elections and cast their votes for our amiable party flag bearer,” he added.

Anioma group embarks on social service

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HE Anioma Voice Wo r l d w i d e Foundation, a nonprofit organisation, has embarked on a three-day programme of activities aimed at furthering its commitment to the service of humanity in Delta State and the Anioma nation in particular.

The programme kickedoff recently with the commemoration of the International Men’s Day, with the theme, Raising Nation Builders from Exemplary Family Living.

The group, in a statement, said that the objective of the programme was to call on all races, including those of the Anioma extraction, to regain their place as role models and nation builders in the family unit.

In a presentation by Mr. Frank Ofili, the group paid glowing tribute to the late Rev. Dr. Samuel Martins, for his sacrificial living and dedication to the Anioma nation, adding that the late clergy was celebrated on the occasion with post humous award as the Best Anioma Man of the year for being able to build schools, hospitals, churches, among others.

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VISIT: From left: Director General, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, Sir Peter Idabor and the Director General, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mr. Mike Omeri, during an advocacy visit by NOSDRA to NOA Corporate Headquarters, in Abuja.

Itsekiri group to Tompolo: Don’t dare us again

By Godwin Oghre

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OKO—AN Itsekiri sociocultural group, Iwere Peoples Congress, IPC, has said that it would confront former militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemukpolo,

a.k.a, Tompolo, if the exmilitant fails to stop threatening and harassing innocent prominent Itsekiri people within and outside the state.

The group in, a statement yesterday by its President

Court restrains UNIBEN from ejecting lecturer

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HE National Industrial Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State, has restrained the University of Benin, UNIBEN, from ejecting from its senior staff quarters , a lecturer in the Department of Chemistry, Dr. Emmanuel Irabor.

Trial judge, Justice A. Ubaka, in his ruling in the suit by Irabor, restrained the university from ejecting the said don pending the hearing of a motion on notice for interlocutory injunction in the case.

The court said: “The defendant in this suit, the University of Benin, their servants, agent, privies and

assigns, are hereby restrained from ejecting the claimant and members of his family from his official residence at the Senior Staff Quarters B85 Ugbowo Campus, University of Benin, Benin City, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction in this case.”

It will be recalled that the university had, in a memorandum dated October 29, by Secretary, Staff Housing Committee, Mrs. Florence Oronsaye directed Irabor to vacate his official quarters, on or before November 4, 2014.

General, Prince Ishola Ekwejunor-Etchie, said: “Tompolo should not mistake our quietness for cowardice.

We have only chosen to be civil and mature. We are made up of distinguished career men, with all necessary skills, tactics, preparedness and capacity to overrun Tompolo and his cohorts, should we choose to do so.

“We have been watching with keen interest the serial threats

by Tompolo and his cohorts on the lives of our people. They disrupted the ground breaking of Export Processing Zone, EPZ. He threatened fire during the chairmanship election in Warri South-West Local Government Area, leading to the substitution of a legitimate chairman with his younger brother. We also saw how the upheaval he started led to the governor quitting his senatorial ambition for peace to reign.

“We shall not take it from him any more. He is cutting the tail of a sleeping tiger. No one has the monopoly of violence."

Youth groups condemn attack on Bayelsa PDP secretariat

By Samuel Oyadongha

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ENAGOA—A coalition of youth groups under the aegis of Joint Council of Youth Organisations in Bayelsa State, yesterday, condemned weekend’s attack on the secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, during the party’s primaries, saying that it was aimed at creating a state of insecurity and disaffection among the people.

The youths council, made up of Restoration Youth Network, REYNET and National Union of Bayelsa State Students, NUBSS among others, in a statement in Yenagoa by Alfred Kemepade, Director General, REYNET and Tonbofah Imoemi, acting President, NUBSS, lauded the security agencies for quickly containing the crisis that erupted at the party’s secretariat.

“But for the security measures put in place by the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Security, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, the military and Bayelsa Volunteers, the outcome of the elections would have been marred by violence," they said.

Madam Oloto passes on

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ADAM Emonena Oloto, a prominent business woman in Oyede, Isoko North Local Government Area, Delta State, is dead, aged 76.

A statement by her son, Mr. Enahoro Eta, Managing Director, Skyward Resources Limited, said she will be buried on December 13 at her residence on Ujo Street, Oyede, after a funeral service at the same venue.

Late Madam Oloto

46 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

Igbo urged to participate in Lagos polls

By Udeme Clement

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RESIDENT, SouthEast Ndigbo-Amaka Group, Mr. Leonard Ogbonna, has called on Nigerians and the Igbospeaking communities in Lagos State, to participate fully in the 2015 general elections, urging Nigerians to trust the ability of government to conduct credible polls.

He spoke while addressing over 58 market associations, during the market summit and voters’ education organised by the group, to sensitize members on the importance of voting for credible candidates in 2015, at the trade fair complex, Lagos.

The group is an umbrella body of over 58 major market associations and Igbo professionals in Lagos.

According to him, the programme became necessary to stress the need for members to participate actively in the current democratic dispensation.

He said it was to create a synergy among over 58 major market associations and Igbo professionals in Lagos.

He said: “Government policies play a major role in regulating our business environment, therefore we have resolved to be part of the election process.”

APC, party to beat in Anambra—NGIGE

By Vincent Ujumadu

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WKA—SENATOR Chris Ngige, representing Anambra Central senatorial zone, has said despite attempts by some people to run down the party in Anambra State, All Progressives Congress, APC, is still the party to beat.

Speaking after he was returned to contest for senate in 2015 at the party’s national assembly primaries in Awka, Ngige said certain politicians had done everything possible to kill APC in the state, insisting that members of the party had worked hard to strengthen it.

He said APC was determined to provide the necessary change in the governance of the country and urged the people of Anambra State to remain part of the impending change after the 2015 general elections.

Ngige said: “Our national chairman, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, has started the process and like John the

Baptist, he is preparing the way for the next president who will emerge from APC. I want to assure Anambra people that the party will not disappoint

them.”

He thanked the people of the senatorial zone and the people of the state for the confidence reposed in him to

Court orders SON to return machines seized from Onitsha factory

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

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N Onitsha Magistrate’s Court, yesterday, ordered the Standard Organization of Nigeria, SON, to return all plants or machines that it removed from the factory of Bendusco International Agency Limited.

Delivering judgment in a case filed by SON against the company, presiding Chief Magistrate M. N. O. Okonkwo, said SON’s action was far above the scope of the order his court gave on September 3.

According to him, “I am

constrained to make an order and it is hereby ordered that all plants and/ or machinery that are uprooted or removed from the factory of the defendant by the plaintiff or its agents/ privies be restored back to the factory by the plaintiff as the act of removal of the machines is far above the scope of our order of September 3.

“SON’s execution of the same order in Kano and Lagos, if it is true, contrary to the specific places it mentioned in Anambra State, is a clear case of illegality, as the order is

Delta Speaker, Guanah hail Okowa's victory

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PEAKER of Delta State House of Assembly, Peter Onwusanya, has hailed the emergence of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, as Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Delta State as a good political omen that will produce desired peace and development in the state.

Onwusanya, who made the observation in his congratulatory message to Senator Okowa who was declared the winner of PDP gubernatorial primaries in Asaba on Monday, said the

continue to represent them in the Senate.

Ngige added that he was humbled by their decision to reaffirm his candidacy.

outcome underscored equity and fairness that were the desires of Deltans.

While describing the result of the election as fantastic, the Speaker said: “Dr. Okowa is a political father to many politicians in Delta State and I implore him to be accommodating in victory.”

While imploring him to extend a hand of brotherliness to aspirants who contested with him, Onwusanya urged those who lost the primaries and their supporters to prepare to work with the PDP candidate to

guarantee victory for the party in the main election.

Similarly, a former Commissioner for Lands in Delta State, Raymos Guanah, while congratulating Dr Okowa for the victory, enjoined him to be magnanimous in victory.

Guanah, the Deputy Director-General of Olejeme Campaign Organization, urged all those who participated in the election to now sheathe their swords and work with Dr. Okowa in the interest of PDP.

concise and clear on its scope of jurisdiction.

“It is necessary for me to remark that the said order of court was to be executed at the premises of the defendant located at R2/667 Main Market Onitsha, K15 Onitsha Owerri Road, Obosi, 2 Nwaziki Street, Awada Obosi, or any other places in Onitsha Town or environ.

“The execution of the said order in Kano or Lagos, if it is true, is a clear case of illegality as the order is concise and clear on its scope of jurisdiction.”

SON had, in a suit filed in the Magistrate’s Court of Anambra State, Onitsha Magisterial District, asked the court to grant an order for it to enter, search, inspect, take samples, seize, seal and compel the respondent and other owners of shops, stores, warehouse and other premises or storage facilities located at R2/667 Main Market, Onitsha, KM15 Onitsha Owerri Road, Obosi.

Other areas it sought the court order was to carry out search, inspect, take samples, seize, seal, and other activities, at 2 Nwaziki Street, Awada Obosi or any other premises in Onitsha and environs to comply with standards of shaving stick and allied products and other substandard products found in the said stores, warehouse, storage facilities, vessels, and vehicles.

On moves to impeach Jonathan

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hen GEJ was fac ing criticisms, they were silent, now that things are working; we are seeing the some people rearing their head and calling for his impeachment. It is glaring that the 2015 elections will be tough. Mr Izebhokhae Stanley- Businessman

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hen a group of dog see another group of dog that do not belong to their own group, they will start fighting them. Mr President is far better than those calling for his impeachment. Mr Fimber ZobamBusinessman

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o Organ of government of government that is performing. All the three Organs of Government (Executive, Legislature and Judiciary) have failed the masses, it not just about President Jonathan alone. Mr Nweze Paulinus- Worker

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od help us in this country. The solution to our problem in Nigeria is revolution. I think that is only what will make our leaders to start treating us with respect because they will know we will always react. Mr Bosah Victor- Businessman

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n the first place, how many of those leading us today were truly chosen to lead us? No wonder you could see the type of drama of National Assembly members climbing the complex fence and no reaction from the people.

Mr Okie Darlington- Graduate

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f impeaching anybody, whether President or no President, the country will be in good state, then let them go ahead. As far I am concern, both they have all contributed to this degrading position we are. Mr Ndubuisi IgweEngineer

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014— 47

PRIMARIES: APC members protest alleged

diversion of election materials in LokojaKogi

By Boluwaji Obahopo OKOJA—THOUSANDS of All Progressives Congress, APC, members in Kogi State yesterday took to streets in both Lokoja and Kabba protesting the alleged diversion of election materials meant for Kogi West Senatorial District by one of the aspirants, Hon. Dino Melaye.

Melaye was alleged to have later declared himself the winner of the APC senatorial primary for the area.

One of the aspirants, Abidemi Adeyemi, who addressed newsmen in Lokoja over the issue, said he was shocked reading from an online medium that he pulled 300 votes while Melaye pulled 3,000 in an election that did not take place.

“We waited in vain for the primaries in Kabba. The opposition party in the state has failed to live up to the expectation of the people in its promise to

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make a clean break away from election malpractices in the country. This exercise was a fraud and a mockery of democracy,” Adeyemi said.

The aspirant who is also the Minority Whip in the state

House of Assembly accused the former governor of the state, Prince Abubakar Audu of allegedly being the brain behind the crisis facing the APC in the state.

“The leaders of the party in

Kogi State have jettisoned the original principle of equity and justice that the APC stands for because of their desperation,” he added, and threatened to seek legal redress if the illegal action was not redressed.

FORUM: From left: Paper Presenter, Mr. Jonathan Thani, Lecturer, College of Education, Akwanga and representative of the Director General, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Director, Special Duties, Mrs. Ngozi Ekeoba, and Chun Mada of Akwanga, Nasarawa State, HRH Samson Gamu Yare, JP, during interactive forum on Peaceful Co-existence/ Security Consciousness in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.

Kogi begins payment of teachers' Oct/Nov salaries tomorrow

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By Boluwaji Obahopo

OKOJA—THE Kogi State government said it will commence payment of October and November salaries to primary school teachers in the state tomorrow.

The state governor, Capt. Idris Wada who gave the hint after meeting with the state executive members of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT, in the state said that the machinery had also been set in motion for the payment of all outstanding entitlements of primary school teachers in the state.

Wada who spoke through his deputy, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi said the government would soon regularise the discrepancies

noticed in the payroll of teachers, promising that salaries would be paid regularly from next year.

“The problem associated with payment of the teachers’ salaries, dates back to 2008 but we (government) have taken bold measures to put things

right. I am happy that the efforts are now yielding fruits for a comprehensive data for primary school teachers in the state, to correct the delays in salary payment,” he said.

The governor, however, stressed that government would soon embark on verification of

Group decries poor state of Abia

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By Prisca Sam-Duru

MUAHIA—A group under the platform of Concerned Citizens of Abia, COCOA, has called on both the presidency and the people of the state to ensure that credible individuals are elected to restore the lost glory of the state.

Speaking on the theme, “Repositioning Governance In

Abia State”, the President of the association, Osita Azodo said: “Abia State needs credible leaders to develop the area.

Things are not going on well in the state. The roads are bad, there is high level of insecurity which has got so bad that Abians are left in the hands of God for protection; no water, no good healthcare system. In

Wakili wins Bauchi South senatorial seat

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By Suzan Edeh

AUCHI—A former Comptroller of Customs, Alhaji Ali Wakili yesterday emerged as the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate for the Bauchi South Senatorial District seat in 2015.

Wakili will slug it out with Governor Isa Yuguda who got the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ticket for the senatorial district.

The former Customs boss scored 1,464 votes to beat his closest rival and former Bauchi

State deputy governorship candidate on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, during the 2011 general elections, Abdullahi Matori who polled 153, with one Mr Lawal who got 140 votes.

Okowa's victory for equity, justice —Tidi

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SABA—THE Inspired Group has said that the victory of Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa at the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship primaries in Delta State, has vindicated it’s earlier position against imposition in the state.

The group also stated that the emergence of Okowa is an indication that the political culture in the state, has improved for the better.

certificates of all primary school teachers in the state, as a means to restoring sanity in the teaching profession.

“Government is committed to restoring better standards in the education sector by enhancing the quality of teachers in the state,” he added.

Briefing newsmen after Okowa’s victory in Asaba, it’s National President, Comrade Michael Tidi insisted that Okowa possesses the needed popularity that would ensure victory for the PDP in the 2015 governorship elections.

His words: “This victory is a lesson for all students of history.

Democracy is a game of the majority. And the majority votes polled by Okowa attests to the

fact that he is a man of the people. We were convinced that he is an asset to the PDP in that state. For that reason, we had no doubt that he would triumph despite the tide that was against him.

“This is a victory that will unite all Deltans and show to the world that we are truly a united people despite our ethnic diversities."

short, Abia has become a shadow of itself.”

Azodo who demanded for a free and fair election in the state to enable the people chose the leaders who will reposition the once enviable state, frowned at the situation whereby a person or group of persons would sit down and determine a particular candidate or candidates for the electorate, saying, “Abia State deteriorated because so many things were left unattended to. Imposition of candidates on the people is criminal and has always produced ineptitude in leadership. We clamour for a level playing field for all aspirants and ask for equitable use of government facilities.

Sen Pwajok wins Plateau PDP gov seat

By Marie-Theresa

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Nanlong

OS—INCUMBENT senator representing Plateau North, Gyang Pwajok has emerged winner of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship primary in Plateau State.

Chairman of the Electoral Panel, Abdullahi Ohioma said that Pwajok polled 435 votes to defeat incumbent deputy governor, Ignatius Longjan who got 163.

Other aspirants, Dr. Haruna Dabin scored 16 votes, John Clark Dabwan got seven votes, Sen. Victor Lar got 109, Chris Bature got five, Fidelis Tapgun got one vote, John Alkali, three votes, Prof. Sonny Tyoden got seven votes, Bitrus Nabasu got 10 votes, Jimmy Cheto got zero, Nandom Pyenap, one vote, Kemi Nshe got 31 votes, Godfrey Miri, four votes, and Prof Longmas Wapmuk, zero.

Five of the votes were invalid.

....As Okafor emerges Enugu AD candidate

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NUGU—ENUGU chapter of Alliance for Democracy AD has elected John Chukwuma Okafor as its candidate for the 2015 governorship election in the state.

Okafor who polled 530 votes at the end of the governorship primaries in Enugu, emerged the party’s candidate for next years election.

Addressing the delegates at the venue of the primaries, Okafor thanked them for voting for him and promised to take the state to a next level if elected next year.

His manifesto is very clear on how to revamp the economy and generate employment for the teemingyouthsinthestate,improve on the healthcare delivery, as well as ensure that educational receives adequate attention.

The zonal chairman of the party, ProfessorClintonUwandu,whowas at the venue of the primaries described the exercise as free and peaceful.

Grace Marinho dies at 78

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RS GRACE Ebun Marinho, nee Fadojutimi is dead, aged 78 years. The late Mrs. Marinho died at her Gbagada Estate Phase 1, Lagos residence, on December 7, 2014.

A statement from the family said burial arrangements will be announced later.

Late Grace Marinho

48—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

PRIZE: From left, Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher; Winner, Etisalat Prize for Innovation (Ideas Category), Abdulganiyu Onabanjo; Winner, Etisalat Prize for Innovation (Product/Service Category), Anthony Oniwon and Member, Board of Innovators, Etisalat Pan-African Prize for Innovation, Funke Opeke, at the Etisalat Pan-African Prize for Innovation media reception, on Victoria Island, Lagos.

INDUCTION: From left, Special Guest of Honour, Mrs. Morenike Onasanya; ICAN President, Mr. Chidi Ajaegbu; Award Winner, Miss Christiana Chioma Ujo; ICAN Past President, Mrs. Ibironke Osiyemi, and Council Member, Mrs. Uchenna Erobo, at the induction ceremony of the Association of Accounting Technicians for Africa of ICAN, in Lagos.

SWEARING-IN: Mr. Adeola Ewetuga, Area Officer, Amuwo Cooperative Office, Lagos State (right), during swearing-in of the newly elected officers of Vanguard Media staff Cooperative Society, at Vanguard Permises, Apapa, Lagos, weekend. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi

FLAG-OFF: From left, Managing Director, Wow Roadshows Limited, Mr. Tokunbo Odebunmi; Managing Director, Chemical & Allied Products, CAP, Plc, Mrs. Omolara Elemide; Marketing Manager, Mr. Dominic Oladeji, and Finance Director, Mrs. Adeline Ogunfidodo, at the flag-off ceremony for the 2014 Dulux Mobile Room Makeover Activation, in Lagos.

FUND-RAISING: From left, Executive Member, National Association of Ghanaian Communities in Nigeria, NAGHACON, Mr. Listowell Ashong; Consul-General of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency, Alhaji Abdulai Abukari; Managing Director, Kasapreko Company Nigeria Limited, Mr. Kojo Nunoo; President, NAGHACON, Mr. Frank Quaye, and Sales Director,Kasapreko Company Nigeria Limited, Mr. Sam Osafo, during NAGHACON's fund-raising and carnival, in Lagos. Photo: Diran Oshe

VICTORY: Princess Stella Oduah (middle), former Minister of Aviation, after her victory at the PDP senatorial primary for Anambra North zone, weekend.

SUMMIT: From left, National Coordinator, Southeast Ndigboamaka, Mr. Nze Osuokwu, Patron James Udiji, Professor Ahmed Alkali, Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Political Matters; President of Southeast Ndigboamaka, Mr. Leonard Ogbonna, and Patron Benson Abalogu, during the market summit and voter's education rally, at the Trade Fair Complex, Lagos.

EVENING: President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, Mr. Ayodapo Shoderu; (5th from right) and NCRIB Executive Secretary, Mr. Fatai Adegbenro (5th from left), flanked by Old Mutual Nigeria Executives, at the Old Mutual Brokers’ Evening, in Lagos.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014—49

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50—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

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52 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

How I saved N11bn fraudulently built into road contract — ONOLEMEMEN

By Ikenna Asomba

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INISTER of Works, Mike Onolememen has revealed how his ministry saved N11 billion fraudulently built into a single road contract by contractors and corrupt ministry officials.

According to a statement by the Deputy Director (Information) in his ministry, Mr Theodore Ogaziechi, Onolememen, who spoke during the 2014 International Anti-Corruption Day yesterday, said the corrupt officials hide such frauds under ‘’project augmentation.’’

Onolememen said the project augmentation policy had been used over the years by some engineers in the ministry to rip off the nation through connivance with contractors, pointing further that ‘’this unwholesome exercise has since been nipped in the bud since the inception of this administration.’’

He said, ‘’N11billion was retrieved from a fraudulent road contract transaction when some officials wrote for re-billment of a particular project,’’ noting also that the stoppage of the practice was one of the policies of

President Goodluck Jonathan aimed at stamping out corruption in the road sector. ‘’When Project Augmentation was cancelled, most contractors threatened to abandon projects and even went to the National Assembly to lobby and whip up sentiments. ‘’However, we were quick to notify the National Assembly that the policy was that of Mr. President and if contractors were not willing to comply, offers would be made to reputable Chinese companies to take over the projects. On this note, contractors returned to site.’’

Ayinde congratulates Ambode, urges support for APC

By Abiodun Alade

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AGOS—ONE of the governorship aspirants at the just-conducted All Progressives Congress, APC primary election in Lagos state, Mr. Tayo Akinmade Ayinde, has congratulated the eventual winner, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.

He also pledged his support and loyalty to the party and the National leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He attributed the landslide victory of Ambode to his “rigorous campaign activities, hard work and popularity within the party”.

Mr. Ayinde made this known in a release by the Director of Media and Publicity of his c a m p a i g n organisation, Peter Ajayi.

“As one of the contestants at the just conducted All Progressives Congress Primary Election, I Tayo Akinmade Ayinde, wish to congratulate Mr Akinwunmi Ambode for his victory at the party primary election.

His rigorous

campaign activities, hard work and popularity within the party have been rewarded with landslide victory. ''As a loyalist of APC, the victory of one of us, is victory for all. I shall continue to work for the interest of our party,” he said.

He thanked Tinubu for providing an enabling environment and level playing ground for all the contestants, while acknowledging delegates for making their choice during the election.

“My profound gratitude goes to our National leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the provision of enabling environment and level playing ground for all of us. You are a mentor and father of all. We shall continue to work with you for the interest and development of our great party and Nigeria. ''More so, I commend all delegates, observers and all other participants for the painstaking exercise that lasted throughout the night.

The peaceful conduct of the primary has further proved a point and showed to other political parties and the world that our party is democratic and one big family. ''Our collective purpose has been, and will always be to serve the interest of our people.

To all members of APC, the work has just started,'' he said.

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Nigeria loses N3.8trn to trade misinvoicing

By Michael Eboh

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IGERIA lost $22 billion, about N3.8 trillion to trade misinvoicing and other anomalies in the petroleum sector in 10 years, between 2002 and 2011.

This, according to a report released yesterday, titled, the ‘2014 Nigeria Natural Resource Charter (NNRC) Benchmarking Report’, is due partly to weak cost regulation in the oil and gas sector.

The amount lost is 76.6 per cent of the figure budgeted for the 2014 fiscal year.

Trade misinvoicing is a method for moving money illicitly across borders which involves deliberately misreporting the value of a commercial transaction on an invoice submitted to customs or other agencies of government.

The report, presented by the Nigerian Resource Governance Institute, NRGI, the Centre for Public Policy and Advocacy, CPPA among others, summarises the second benchmarking of Nigeria’s petroleum sector governance against the 12 precepts of the Natural Resource Charter.

The NNRC is led by a 14-member independent, multidisciplinary expert advisory panel, comprising Mr. Odein Ajumogobia, former Minister of Petroleum and Foreign Affairs minister; Mr. Adeola Adenikinju, a Professor of Economics from the University of Ubadan; Mr. Bode Agusto, former Director General of the Budget Office and Professor Akpan Ekpo, Director General, West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management, among others.

According to the report, fiscal policies for petroleum production contracts in Nigeria, especially the Production Sharing Contracts (PSC) that govern deep water operations, have failed to ensure that the government received a rising share of revenue in periods of potential increased profitability.

The report said, “Experts also recount extensive revenue losses due to weak cost regulation.''

FG unveils N45bn sugar project in Niger State A

BUJA—THE Federal Government has inaugurated a N45 billion integrated, state-of-the-art sugar project in Sunti, Niger State, North-West Nigeria.

The project, wholly owned

by Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, (FMN) and comprising a 16,500 hectare sugar-cane estate and mill, is part of the Ministry of Trade and Investment’s approved Backward Integration Programme (BIP) for the local production of sugar in line with the provisions of the National Sugar Master Plan.

Already, the company has invested N16 billion while the entire project is expected to be completed and commissioned before the end of 2016. When completed, the project is expected to produce 100,000 metric tons of sugar annually; create 15,000 direct and indirect jobs, generate 10MW of electricity, produce animal feed and fertilizer as a byproduct and save the country over $50m annually in foreign exchange.

Speaking during the inauguration yesterday, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, said the event represented a major milestone in President Goodluck Jonathan’s economic diversification efforts.

Aganga noted that the implementation of the National Sugar Master Plan was an integral part of the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP).

The Minister said, “Today is another historic day as it represents another milestone in

the implementation of the National Sugar Master Plan, an integral part of the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP), which was launched by our President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, in line with his Transformation Agenda.

“As part of the NIRP, we have developed the National Sugar Master Plan as one of the sectorspecific policies to diversify the Nigerian economy because we were importing about 97 per cent of the sugar we consume in this country when we can produce sugar from sugarcane. Also, from the raw materials of producing sugar, we can

generate electricity, produce ethanol and animal feeds.”

Aganga, who expressed satisfaction with the current level of implementation of the new Sugar Master Plan, said the country was on course towards achieving economic diversification, stressing that the Federal Government would continue to provide the conducive environment and right incentives to attract and sustain investments across the country.

He said, “In 2012, President Jonathan approved the National Sugar Master Plan because for a long time, we have relied heavily on exporting one commodity (crude oil) despite the fact that our country is blessed with about 84 million hectares of arable land. And for decades, we

pursued a wrong policy of exporting crude oil and using the proceeds to buy back refined petroleum products and created jobs for other countries. The current decline in price of oil has reinforced the need for us as a country to take proactive steps to diversify our economy through industrialization.”

“Today, I have come to see the progress that Flour Mills has made in terms of adhering strictly to the Sugar Master Plan. Although I receive regular updates from the National Sugar Development Council and all the sugar companies, I still consider it very important to come to see things by myself; and I am satisfied with the level of investment and work that is going on here.”

LAUNCH: From left; A beneficiary of the mobile Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT) Programme, Mrs Esther Jacob (sitting); District Head, Dobi Ward, Abuja, Mr. Sule Dobi; Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Ado Muhammad; NPHCDA Board member, Mr. John Obiora; Head, Public Sector Group, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Yusufu Modibo; and Head of Programme MCCT, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mrs. Fadekemi Olusola, during the launch of the MCCT Programme in Dobi, Gwagwalada, Abuja.

APC PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES: Kwankwaso seeks level playing field Vows never to go back to PDP, even if he loses

By Ikenna Asomba

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AGOS—GOVERNOR Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State and one of frontline Presidential aspirants of the All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday, urged the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants, at its Presidential Primaries holding today, at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos.

Briefing newsmen at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Kwankwaso who was flagged by former Kogi State Governor, Audu Abubakar and the Rabiu Kwankwaso Lagos Campaign Director, Ladipo Johnson, said

only a level playing field that will produce the best candidate can guarantee the party a victory at the 2015 Presidential elections.

Kwankwaso, who hinted that some people were said to have been meeting at an undisclosed place to coerce delegates from the North-Central to speak with one voice said: “Tomorrow (today), I hope the National Working Committee will do the right thing and a winner will emerge. When that happens, other aspirants will definitely rally support for the winner. If I emerge the winner, I am sure many Nigerians and even people from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and other parties will vote for me,

because I am bringing a lot of experience to the table.”

“However, we have been told that some people are going to hijack the delegates from some states. We have seen it before and it may happen here, where some people will go and coerce the delegates and tell them what to do. I hope it will not happen here.

“All aspirants should be allowed to have a level playing ground, rather than cornering of delegates. We have heard that people from the North-Central are meeting somewhere and somebody is trying to bribe and coerce them to speak with one voice. How can you gather people from different states to say

they speak with one voice?

“In that case, you see that they are making nonsense of the whole democracy,” he said.

Asked if he was going to defect if he loses today ’s election, having signed an undertaking, optimistic Kwankwaso said: “All the aspirants have signed an undertaking to continue to be members of the party, so that after the primaries, we can support whoever emerges. For me, this is not a new thing. As a partyman, a statesman, I have no problem if I don’t emerge. But I hope at the end of the day, there will be free, fair and transparent election, so that we can all see and believe the process.

“So, I don’t think if I lose, I will defect. Defection to where? To the PDP? God forbid. I am not going back to the PDP. I will stay back in the APC,” said Kwankwaso.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014—55

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56 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

Boko Haram leadership...in love with bloodshed?

Boko Haram: Why they are on a killing spree Nigeria seems to be ‘going to hell in a hand basket’, as Americans say, no thanks to the activities of the terrorist Boko Haram group and others. Many people are of the view that the Boko Haram insurgency currently ravaging North East Nigeria, is as a result of poverty and illiteracy but some experts have begged to differ, saying that poverty alone is not enough to cause insurgency. In this chat with Vanguard Features in Yola, Adamawa State, Professor Kyari Mohammed, Vice-Chancellor of Modibbo Adama University of Technology, MAUTECH, Yola, Professor; Dauda Mohammed Bello, an Islamic scholar and professor of English at Adamawa State University, Mubi and Mr Amed Demirhan, Director of Library Services at the American University of Nigeria, AUN, in Yola speak on the causes and steps to be taken to solve the problem of insurgency. Excerpts:

By Ebele Orakpo

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AUSES of insurgency: Speaking on the possible causes of insurgency, Prof. Kyari Mohammed, chair of MAUTECH’s Centre for Peace and Security Studies and one of Nigeria’s leading scholars on the ongoing Boko Haram insurgency and counter-insurgency said: “There are so many causes depending on who you ask. If

you ask the insurgents, the first thing they will tell you is that they are seeking for redress because in several of their statements in the course of seeking for peace, they basically said they are taking vengeance for the killing of their leaders in detention, going back to 2009; the killing of Mohammed Yusuf. They also complain about the extrajudicial killing in detention of several of their members and

the demolition of their places of worship in Maiduguri. This is their own side of the story.”

Agreeing with Prof.

Mohammed, Mr Amed Demirhan who has a Master’s in Dispute Resolution said: “Poverty is not an excuse to commit crime.” He cited the example of Spain where the Basque region which was more prosperous and more developed than Castilla region, had insurgents while the poorer, less developed Castilla had none. “In India, there are millions of poor people; they don’t go around killing others. In Nigeria, in most poor places, people don’t kill each other. Many of the people involved in killing are actually educated people.

So to me, tying poverty to violence is propaganda, it is a false assumption.”

For Prof. Dauda Bello, it is a combination of poverty and ideology. “In the beginning, it was political, then it became politics mixed with religion. Youths who have finished their studies and are unemployed and those who have not even gone to school and those that went to Islamic schools without anything to

do, were recruited by politicians. They were lured in the name of religion to fight for their religion. Meanwhile, the politicians have their selfish aim; so while the innocent youths felt they were fighting for religion, they were actually fighting for the

To me, tying poverty to violence is propaganda, it is a false assumption

selfish aims of politicians. I can say it is now a combination of so many factors.”

Extremism/extreme ideology The Vice-Chancellor believes that Boko Haram is an ideological phenomenon.

“We are talking about extremism and extreme ideology.

There are ideological factors that conduce people towards taking up arms against their own country; brothers taking up arms against brothers and sisters.

So it is an extreme ideology and it is a worldwide development. What you see in the North-East of Nigeria is the same thing that is happening in some parts of North Africa, in the Sahel; the same thing that Islamic State is doing in Iraq; it is a worldwide phenomenon. So the question should be why are some groups disposed towards violence and extremism in several parts of the country?

Unfair system Continuing, Prof.

Mohammed said: “Let me put it this way: we live in a very unfair system where people see their conditions of oppression and absolute

Continues on page 56

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014 —57

Boko Haram: Why they are on a killing spree Continues from page 56 poverty. Everywhere around them, they see affluence and ostentation. So a condition where the majority of your people are poor while a tiny minority very rich, and not only rich, they flaunt these riches, then any little thing is likely to conduce towards violence. It doesn’t have to be an extremist religious violence as we have it here. It could be a social crisis, a class war, an ethnic thing; but the bottom line is that once they erupt, they go towards looking for the haves against the have-nots. So in the case of Boko Haram, at first, it was against security agencies and then the Western educated elite and politicians.

But naturally, violence will take on a life of its own.

“Once the insurgents were pushed out of Maiduguri in 2012, the killings became indiscriminate and everybody became a target,” said Prof.

Mohammed.

Demirhan: “Most insurgencies I have examined around the world were caused by the elite. Most revolutions are led by the elite, not necessarily for their own selfish gain but because of philosophies and ideologies.

There is always a clash of ideas but the issue is how you handle them. Some feel that violence is acceptable culturally and some think it is not acceptable.

The most important thing is the means you use to solve the conflict.”

Economic situation Prof. Mohammed: “The economic situation: unemployment, economic hardship, all of these help to bring about violence but they in themselves will not lead to any form of violence. Look at what is happening in the North East; examples abound.

You know the southern part of Niger Republic is poorer than the North East of Nigeria, yet, there are no insurgents, no fighting going on.

So poverty or lack of resource in itself will not conduce to violence. There has to be other precipitating factors that will conduce a people to take up arms. One is that there has to be a grievance; once the grievance exists and in addition to the grievance, these people have also come to a conclusion that they do not deserve the situation they are in. So these two factors must be there for any form of insurgency to take place, especially for people to take up arms against their own fatherland.

“Poverty in the midst of plenty and ostentation is one

*Prof. Kyari Mohammed factor that will conduce to violence. “We have already talked about a violent extremist ideology; so it will take a lot of indoctrination for people to come to that conclusion. When somebody can go to the extent of killing himself in the process of hurting another person, then you know that the level of indoctrination must be very high. So there has to be the violent extreme ideology. That is why in some government cycles, especially the Office of the National Security Adviser, one of the options they are looking at is what they call Deradicalisation and Counterradicalisation, a counter narrative; that, okay, there is an alternative to the kind of position you are holding.”

Way forward:

Prof. Bello: “I am a part of the Adamawa Peace Initiative which is powered by the

*Prof. Dauda Bello American University of Nigeria, AUN. We have actually been doing a lot at the initial stage to see that we the Adamawa State community are living together in peace, tolerating one another and also working together to see that peace is not only achieved but is sustained within Adamawa and if necessary, outside Adamawa.

When the insurgency started, nobody saw it as a serious issue that may turn to this magnitude. Actually, it has done a lot of havoc and now, even those who started it seem to have regretted starting it and those who want to see it end could not end it by themselves.

“So I think the best thing government should do is to be very careful not to relent in the security measures. Security agencies should work even harder now, be more securityconscious within the towns that the insurgents are still controlling.

Political Boko Haram

When somebody can go to the extent of killing himself in the process of hurting another person, then you know that the level of indoctrination must be very high

“You know when people are migrating, the insurgents migrate along with them. Even in Yola, I believe there are many of them. We are talking about displaced people, they are also part of the displaced people within us and we may not know. Government should try to differentiate the true Boko Haram from the robbers and the political Boko Haram.”

Prof. Mohammed: “For me, there are several options: One is the position that the government has already taken; that military force alone is not enough, that in addition to whatever military options you have, you have to also come to some form of diplomatic settlement.

There is no way you can militarily defeat everybody. So

*Mr. Amed Demirhan

they will have to find means, other than just military means, of dealing with the crisis.

That, for me, is the way forward. So the process must be driven by some civilian forces (democratic means) and not just the military.”

Demirhan: “Do we have enough opportunities to be flexible and tolerate our differences or we want to suppress the differences?

When you do that, it is going to lead to violence. You know in the US in the 1950s when there were civil rights demonstrations; in Detroit, the civil right thing was violent and the US government had to ask the National Guards to patrol the streets of Detroit.

Next day, most of the big companies in Detroit, including General Motors, got together and put down millions of dollars to sponsor some changes in order to deal with the dissent in the system because they recognised the problem and knew they could not solve it by more violence.

In many other places, they would have sent more soldiers which will lead to the killing of more people and if you kill more people, there will be more opposition, more revolution and counterrevolution, a never ending cycle.

“The American civil rights movement was not very peaceful but it was not very violent compared to other countries. In Detroit, they burnt a lot of work places, houses and many people got killed and many were arrested. But they managed to deal with the problem.

This is the key; you don’t just send in too many soldiers when there is a dissent, you are not going to stop dissent by force. If there are some underlying social and political issues, see how you can address them. If you don’t address those issues, it will

still come up. If you kill more people, more will oppose you.

It is never beneficial.”

Involving the community Bello: “The security agencies need to work more closely with the community rather than alienating them.

People feel that if they go to security agents to report anything, they would not take any action and at the end of the day, those people who feel they were reported would turn on them.”

Adamawa Peace Initiative, API Prof. Bello: “I would commend the AUN for powering the API to first of all come together. When we started, there were some mistrusts and difficulties between the Moslems and Christians and the API is a combination of all sorts of people.

For instance, I am an imam and I work very closely with bishops and so the API was able to bring together Moslems and Christians, especially their leaders, who would go back to the grassroots and mobilise their followers to the extent that we now have nothing of such mistrust within the state.

We have been working closely with the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council, NIREC, as well as Moslem Council of Adamawa State and various Islamic religious groups and the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN and their followers in the various Christian denominations. We are now in a kind of cordial relationship, not only tolerating each other and living in peace but struggling or fighting for peace outside our own environment.”

58— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

RCCG Holy Ghost Congress 2014

LAGOS CP'S V Worshippers praying on the first day of the on-going 2014 Holy Ghost Congress of the church at Km 46, Lagos Ibadan expressway

The hospitality group of the Redeemed Christian Church of God dancing during the praise and worship session Photo: Lamidi Bamidele

Holy Ghost Congress kicks off

By Sam Eyoboka & Olayinka Latona

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HE 17th Holy Ghost Congress of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, with a unique theme, ‘The great Shepherd’ kicked off with an impressive crowd of worshippers on Monday night with the General Overseer of Sword of the Spirit Church, Bishop Francis Wale Oke preaching the first message.

The opening prayer was taken by the Special Assistant to G.O. and member RCCG Governing Board Co-Ordinator Central African Region, Pastor Ezekiel Odeyemi .

Lifting praise and worship The day’s session also featured high praise from the Mass Choir of the church led by Pastor Kunle Ajayi and renowned gospel singer, Evangelist Dupe Olulana who ministered at the offering.

The opening programme started with a heart lifting praise and worship led by the church national choir.

An Assistant General Overseer in the mission, Pastor M.O. Ojo was the one who led the congregation in thanking God for the past congresses, an annual

Early fruits of the congress

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EVERAL thousands of participants made the decision for Christ as the responded to the altar call of the General Overseer, Pastor Adeboye. They turned out in their hundreds from different parts of the auditorium and they were led out by the church’s counsellors to take their details.

Similar, Vanguard gathered that as at 3.00 p.m. yesterday two girls and one had already been delivered at the Redeemer’s Maternity in the camp. Our source says the three children and their parents are in sound health.

spiritual programme which began at an open space in Lekki, Lagos with the theme, Divine Visitation.

Speaking on the topic: “He is worthy to be praised”, Bishop Oke who enjoined the Pastor E A Adeboye, General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God impressive crowd on preaching on the first day of the on-going 2014 Holy Ghost Congress the first day of the spiritual exercise to develop a life that it is only God who makes way the event titled; “Defender of the of gratitude to God, explained where there seems to be no way defenceless”, the General that it is only God that deserved and is deserving of all our praises. Overseer of RCCG, Pastor Enoch all our praise for all He has done “When one praises God, He Adejare Adeboye who was for mankind, praise Him for His delivers one from all known and dressed in a blue trousers and a goodness notwithstanding unknown enemies and makes sparkling white shirt, explained challenges that come ones way. one to finish well and strong,” he that it is a horrible thing to be Describing the uniqueness of said, adding “it is only God that defenseless in a hostile world.

God’s awesomeness and the is worthy to be praised, He is He urged the congregation to importance of thankfulness, the holy, good, righteous, wonderful, put their utmost hope and faith Sword of Spirit founder said that great and worthy. There are some in God who is the great shepherd, it is worthy to appreciate God people who are great but not adding that it is only God who concerning the nation, family and worthy, God is not an oppressor, can deliver, protect and defend individual citizens.

He is absolutely just, upright, the defenceless one who put their He further explained that merciful, good shepherd. He is unthankfulness is an act of free but not lawless”. wickedness, unholiness, a mark Delivering his first message of of pride and ingratitude, stressing

hope and trust in God. Adeboye further warned that those who put their hope in the high and mighty mortal men who will die will be disappointed but rather trust in God who lives for ever and answer the prayers of the weak.

In his words: “Unless God comes to our aid speedily we are done for and the God whom we serve is mighty to save and He alone has the ability to kill and to save. He heals the wound and has the final say.

“God has promised to strengthen the weak, uphold His children, disgrace their enemies, reduce the enemies to nothing and cause the enemies to perish,” he noted.

The cleric therefore advised the congregation and all those who will be joining the programme, not to take the six-day spiritual event with levity, saying it is an outstanding programme from the good shepherd whom, he said, never lies.

DAY THREE (WEDNESDAY) Programme MORNING SESSION 9.00am 10.00 am. Prayer & Intercession 10.00am.

10.30am Praise & Worship 10.30 11.30am Talks & Prayers-”Names above all names” 11.30am 12. noon Offering 12.00 noon. 1.00pm Ministration AFTERNOON 4.00pm 4.15pm Praise, Worship & Prayers 4.15pm 4.30pm Offering 4.30pm 5.30pm Talks & Discussions a). Marriage: Overcoming the fears of the unknown b) Managing in an unstable environment c) Parenting in the Internet age 11(The teenage years) d) Special Talk: (ministers only) EVENING SESSION 6.00pm.

7.00pm Prayer & Intercession 7.00pm 8.00pm Praise, worship & choir 8.00pm.

8.15pm.

Greetings & announcements 8.15pm 8.35pm Special prayer one:”Prayer for the education sector” 8.35pm.

9.10pm Talk one: “I can do all things” 9.10pm.

9.30pm.

Special prayer 2 “The singles, widows, & the apparent barren 9.30pm 10.00pm.

Greetings 10.00pm.

10.30pm.

Offering 10.30pm 10.50pm.

Choir ministration 10.50pm 12.30am.

Talk two - “The Greater Restorer”

Wheel Chairs made available for physically challenged worshippers

.

A physically challenged worshipper being helped to the camp

WEDNESDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 10, 2014—59

M-U-R-D-E-R A-T D-U-S-K Abuja biz man killed by unkonwn gang after night out

BY KELECHI AZUBUIKE

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he Police in Abuja are trying very hard to u n r a v e l the mystery surrounding the brutal killing of a 39-yearold International businessman,Tony Eze, recently, at Tungama area of Zuba. The father of two was killed around 7:20pm after he had drinks with three of his friends on the fateful day.

HOW IT HAPPENED Eyewitness account said, the Enugu-State born businessman met his untimely death while he was trying to avoid a porthole, just few meters away from the refreshment garden where he went with his friends for conviviality. A trader who preferred anonymity told Crime Alert that he got details of how he was killed from the friends he went out with.

According to the trader, “Those his friends told me that after their successful business day, in the evening about 5pm, three of them went out with Tony (the deceased) to a refreshment garden in Tungamaji along Zuba express road, Abuja, to have some drinks. Around 7:20pm, they set to leave, moving in a motorcade and his friends were in the front. Tony was the last to join before he was blocked and shot dead inside

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his car. They said he was shot after he slowed down to traverse the culvert that leads to the express road. They also said they heard a bang at their back but thought that Tony must have hit something but they proceeded on, believing that if truly he did, he (Tony) will call them back for assistance.”

CALLS FOR HELP Police sources said report gotten from the scene revealed that the women that served drink to the deceased and his friends on the very day said she heard a sound like it came from an exhaust pipe before she over heard someone shouting help! help! help!, and she ran to the scene and discovered it was the young man she served drink a couple of minutes ago. She said he was struggling on his pull of blood while his assailants had disappeared from the scene.

She raised alarm calling people for help and at the same time had to put a call to the deceased friends to come back, that their business partner had been shot.

According to her, the friends arrived immediately and got the police who carried his body to the hospital where he was confirmed dead.

COLLEGUES REACT When Crime Alert visited Zuba Auto Spare Parts market where the deceased plied his

trade, many of his colleagues could not hold back their tears as they lamented the way he was killed. One of them who simply introduced himself as Benson said: “Tony was an international business man with strength of character and dependable level of morality.

His integrity has never been in doubt by all that came across him. When we heard news of his demise, most of us could not control our emotions as we rained curses on his killers. His brutal killing has continued to baffle everyone as he was shot by assassins while driving out after having a good evening time with his friends in a nearby refreshment garden in (Tungamaji) not quite a distance from Zuba auto parts market Abuja, where he plies his trade.

DASHED EXPECTATIONS We learnt also that the deceased was expecting his containers of goods to arrive the country from China and the goods were shipped two days before he was shot. The youths and the entire traders are not comfortable with the way the police is handling the case and are planning to protest at the police headquarters if the police failed to carry out arrest and bring perpetrators of this heinous act to book without delay.

Late.Tony Eze

CHALLENGE TO POLICE A visibly angry youth who gave his name as Uchendu also bared his mind: “This one will not be like past ones.

Over the years, the Nigerian police and other security agencies have had the challenge of having to

Some friends to the slain business man said they noticed that the young man’s Whatsap line has, surprisingly, been active in spite of the fact that his assailants made away with his telephones

unravel those behind a long list of cases of assassination across the length and breadth of the country. And if you ask many Nigerians, they will assert that many of such cases are yet to be sufficiently addressed. This time, we will not fold our arms and keep silent over this case. This man was an easy going young man and does not deserve this.

Moreover, this has to be investigated to the root in order to avert future occurrences. You don’t know whose turn it will be tomorrow and if this wicked act did not stop now, especially in this kind of environment where everyone is struggling to survive, I am afraid more evil will be done. We urge the police to move into action and bring those behind the act to book.”

S H O C K I N G REVEALATION Meanwhile, police sources hinted that some friends to the slain business man said they noticed that the young man’s Whatsap line has, surprisingly, been active in spite of the fact that his assailants made away with his telephones. Efforts made to speak with the Police spokesman in Abuja failed as his lines were busy when he was called but a source intimated that detectives are seriously on the trail of the assailants and will soon come out with results.

60—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014 — 61

Give Pinnick a chance, Ladipo sings T

HE Nigeria Football Supporters Club has made a passionate appeal to all those involved in the current crisis rocking the Nigeria Football Federation to sheath their swords and allow the Amaju Pinnick led board compete their tenure.

In the same vein, the NSFC called on Pinnick to extend an olive branch to all aggrieved members of the football fraternity to enable peace to reign in the football family.

President General of the Club, Rafiu Ladipo told our correspondent that it was regrettable that other countries are working to develop their football, Nigerian football administrators are engaging in ceaseless bickering which he said, contributed to the Super Eagles failure to qualify for AFCON 2015, warning that if the infighting was allowed to continue, the 2017 AFCON qualifiers could also be jeopardised.

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Kadiri Ikhana and by the grace of God he would led us to the CAF Champions League,” said Anyadufu.

“Salisu Yusuf is a

“We members of the Supporters Club are worried about the leadership crisis in NFF and we want all combatants to allow peace reign in the

awards and Yaya just about pipped compatriot Wilfried Bony to the top prize.

“We had many votes rather unprecedented so far in the short lifespan of the Awards,” Adelakun said. “It was close. Wilfried Bony of Swasea City ran Yaya really close. In fact it was neck-on-neck all the way till the end”.

Yaya Toure had been shortlisted, only for the first time this season, alongside fellow Ivorian Wilfried Bony of Swansea City and Crystal Palace’s DR Congo star Yannick Bolasie.

“At the end, we had to combine a few factors in

football house because Amaju Pinnick was duly elected as President of NFF. “It beats our imagination that after four out of five members

of the appeal committee endorsed the election; some people are bent on using a minority report to cancel the entire election which is an aberration.

OMBE United goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim has said he is mulling offers from Asia after his club were relegated this past season.

Agbim told AfricanFootball.com: “I have some clubs from Asia and some from the domestic league who are already asking for my services but I am taking my time to make the right choice of where to lace my boots come next season. Very soon it will be made public.”

Agbim, who led Nigeria to this year ’s

•Agbim

CHAN in South Africa, said it was really disappointing Gombe United were relegated this past season.

“It is quite painful that our efforts could not help Gombe United retain their premiership status,” he said.

“We played some wonderful brand of football in the second round, but luck was not on our side in some games when we needed it most.

“No doubt, the deed has been done, but Gombe will bounce back The Girls and Boys Singles champions celebrate after next season.” their victories

China sweeps medals at the World Junior Table Tennis C HINA has made a clean sweep of the seven medals on offer at the Wisdom 2014 World Junior Table Tennis Championships, which concluded today in Shanghai, China.

friend of the house, but there are no such moves to bring him to the club.”

Enyimba will represent Nigeria in next year ’s Champions League along with champions Kano Pillars.

Toure Continues from B/P

•Pinnick

•Ladipo

Ikhana Continues from B/P

Agbim hints on overseas move

determining the eventual winner. Yaya Toure, who had endured a somewhat difficult start to the season has been slowly rediscovering his old form”, Adelakun explained, continuing by saying, “and in November, he played all 90 minutes of every one of Manchester City ’s four games that month, making valuable contributions along the way”.

It will be recalled that Yaya scored the winner in the 2-1 comeback win against Bony’s Swansea City, and followed it up with the curtain raiser in the 3-0 mauling of Southampton in the last game of the month.

China’s YU Ziyang produced a master class performance in the boys singles final to defeat the Youth Olympic Games silver medalist Yuto MURAMATSU (JPN) 119, 11-9, 11-7, 11-9 to become the world champion.

YU Ziyang, who has also had success on the GAC Group 2014 World Tour by winning two events was under huge pressure to win the gold for China, due to it was the only medal that they did not win last year, when JANG Woojin (KOR) won gold in Rabat, Morocco.

After the match, the 16 year old stated: “I did feel the pressure before the match and I did feel nervous; the problem is that is you are Chinese you are expected to win; if you lose then it’s big news” “I’m pleased I won but I was expected to win so now it’s a great feeling of

relief!”

In the girl’s singles event, his compatriot WANG Manyu’s massive scream after becoming the girl’s junior world champion showed the world just how much the title meant to her.

WANG defeated her teammate ZHU Chaohui 12-10, 11-6, 14-12, 6-11, 12-10 to win her first world championships crown.

After the emotional victory, the 15 year old stated: “It’s the greatest day of my life. I am world champion!”

Platini Continues from B/P “I supported him in 1998 because I think he was the right person,” he told Europe 1. “After five terms, it’s time to have some fresh air and make room for someone else.

“I think the image of FIFA is very, very, very

bad and that is why he must stop.”

Platini announced earlier this year that he would not challenge Blatter for the presidency, leaving Jerome Champagne as the 78-year-old’s only current opponent for next year’s election.

Siasia Continues from B/P discipline will take you to the top of your career.

As long as you hold the passport of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, you are eligible to play for this country.

I was spotted and selected through this type of process. I’ll also like to give young ones like you the chance to play for our country. It is your country, too’’, he said.

The U-23 gaffer disclosed that he has been fair to all who have taken time to try out their luck with the team, adding that Nigeria is blessed with so much talent. ‘’I’m overwhelmed with the turn out of players who are here for the screening exercise’’, he confessed.

Turning to the invited foreign-based players, Siasia said that there would be no sacred

players as only their fitness and form will determine their stay in camp. ‘’You can only secure a place in the team with dedication, hardwork and discipline. Nobody is superior to another player in this camp’’.

He applauded all the players and advised those who could not make the team to try harder as not all players who turned up would be selected.

So far Aminu Umar of Samsunspor FC Turkey and Swedish-based Samuel Ayinoko of Angelholms FC have been the early birds to arrive the Dream Team VI camp for their screening exercise.

This weekend the Dream Team VI are expected to travel to Bauchi to play series of friendly games to put them in shape for the battles ahead.

62 —Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

15 year-old Nigerian footballer stabbed, killed in England J

OEL Adesina was an ‘Ambitious’ and ‘hardworking’ teenager who was talented enough to play professionally in the topflight of the English football league.

As reported on Daily Mail, he was stabbed in the stomach during a latenight row on Friday night last week in Bethnal Green, East London after Joel and his friends were ambushed while taking a walk and were chased into a housing estate where he was stabbed.

He was rushed to the hospital where he died three hours later into Saturday morning.

An 18 year-old suspect was arrested but later released with no further action to be taken.

Neighbours and manager of the teenager’s football team

described him a gentle young boy who never stayed out late as he was mostly seen returning home in his football kits Joel as a winger was ‘’as good as gold’’ and talented enough to play professionally,’ his coach at Bardag FC Yellows, Ricky Downes said. ‘’To say that myself and the club are devastated is an understatement, we are absolutely in bits.''

Enyimba thump Sand Eagles

E

NYIMBA began their preparation for this year’s Copa Lagos on an impressive note as the twotime African champions defeated Nigeria’s Supersand Eagles 7-6 in a build up game yesterday.

The Peoples’ Elephant made life difficult for the Super Sand Eagles as they mesmerised thoroughly in the duel filled with great entertainment at the Badagry Beach.

• Late Adesina

Court delays ruling on Pistorius appeal A

SOUTH African judge has delayed a ruling on whether to allow an appeal against Oscar Pistorius’s fiveyear prison sentence, saying she wanted more time to consider the case.

After listening to arguments from the prosecution and defence,

judge Thokozile Masipa adjourned the appeal hearing until Wednesday, saying: “I want to think about it.”

The Paralympian athlete was jailed for five years in October for the culpable homicide of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, whom he

killed in February 2013.

Prosecutors are seeking to overturn Pistorius’ acquittal on murder charges. His lawyers are opposing the appeal request.

Pistorius was not in court when prosecutor Gerrie Nel outlined his case.

•Pistorius

Enyimba opened scoring early in the match through Taiwo Ibrahim, but their lead only lasted for 40 seconds before the Eagles levelled through captain, Isiaka Olawale.

The first period ended 11 between the both sides.

But Enyimba came out with full energy in the second period as Jamat Akinwumi netted thrice against the Super Sand Eagles.

Enyimba could have easily won the tie in the third period, but the Sand Eagles found their rhythm to level up 6-6 at the end of the third period.

Jamat Akinwumi then scored the winning goal for Enyimba.

Enyimba’s goalkeeper, Ehiabh Festus was at his best in the encounter as he denied the Supersand Eagles on several occasions.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014—63

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014

Platini calls for Blatter departure

U

EFA president Michel Platini believes it is time for FIFA counterpart Sepp Blatter to stand down.

Blatter was first elected to the role in 1998 and has successfully retained his position for five successive terms.

However, Platini says the image of football’s global governing body has been tarnished and would like to see a fresh face assume the reins.

'Enyimba won’t fire Ikhana' T

WO-time African c h a m p i o n s Enyimba have maintained they have no plans to ditch coach Kadiri Ikhana for former coach Salisu Yusuf.

General manager of ‘The People’s elephant’ Jude Anyadufu

•Ikhana

Toure wins EPL award M

ANCHESTER City star Yaya Toure has been named the English Premier League’s African Player of the Month of November.

In a statement by organisers New African Soccer, through the awards director Tunde Adelakun, November was one of the most keenly contested months in the short life of the Continues on page 61

TODAY'S

dismissed media reports they will replace Ikhana, who led them to retain the Federation Cup last month.

“It’s laughable to read such reports in the media. We don’t have any problems with Continues on page 61

Continues on page 61

•Siasia

You can’t buy your way into my team!

T

•Siasia’s salvo to U-23 players

HE chief coach of the national U-23 men’s football team, Dream Team VI, Samson Siasia has warned players who intend to play for the team not to give money to anybody in a bid to secure a place in the team.

PUZZLE

Coach Siasia gave this warning while addressing players after the team’s training session yesterday at the FIFA Goal Project.

“Do not give money to either my assistants or any agent with the hope of making this team. If I find out, the player(s) will be dismissed from

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

camp. I did not mandate anybody to collect money on my behalf. Anyone who falls prey to such cheats will be sent out of camp forthwith. Money cannot buy you a place in my team. Instead, your talent and Continues on page 61

Today’s matches Roma Ajax Athletic Bilbao Barcelona Bayern Munich Chelsea FC Porto Maribor

v v v v v v v v

Man City Apoel Nicosia BATE Borisov PSG CSKA Moscow Sporting Lisbon Shakhtar Donetsk Schalke

8:45 pm 8:45 pm 8:45 pm 8:45 pm 8:45 pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Clutch (4) 4 Wager (3) 6 Sort (4) 8 Individual (6) 9 Harmony (6) 10 Rodent (3) 12 Lukewarm (5) 14 Spate (5) 15 Fair (5) 18 Consent (6) 20 Started (6) 24 Nether (5) 26 Fish (5) 28 Flavour (5) 30 Tavern (3) 32 Dastard (6) 33 Source (6) 34 Network (4) 35 Shelter (3) 36 Entrance (4)

DOWN 2 Elevate (5) 3 Fascinate (7) 4 Ale (4) 5 Tight (4) 6 Test (5) 7 Advance (7) 11 Tree (3) 12 Beverage (3) 13 Performed (3) 16 Solidify (3) 17 Pull (3) 19 Comfort (7) 21 Favourite (3) 22 Deleting (7) 23 Owing (3) 25 Possess (3) 27 Lead (5) 29 Tangle (5) 30 Hero (4) 31 Observe (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 2, Beast 7, Holed 8, Siren 10, Sinew 12, Nip 13, Asset 15, Matador 17, Stated 19, Gun 20, Defence 23, Emit 25, Erse 26, Damaged 30, Buy 31, Delete 34, Builder 37, Rider 38, Ore 39, Denim 40, Steal 41, Ditto 42, Fleet.

DOWN: 1, Hoist 2, Beset 3, Edited 4, Seem 5, Finance 6, Depot 9, Rid 11, Wagered 13, Ashen 14, Sapid 16, Tun 18, Delayed 21, Erred 22, Sever 24, Tableau 27, Mud 28, Deride 29, Quota 32, Limit 33, Testy 35, Ire 36, Real.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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