Boko Haram stones captives to death by Vanguard Media Limited

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VOL. 25: NO. 62397

N150

MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015

Why Jonathan's men are fighting Mu'azu

BOKO HARAM: 214 rescued girls pregnant —UNFPA 58

AGM: From left: Mr Yemi Adeola, MD/CEO; Mr Asue Ighodalo, Chairman and Justina Hewa, Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, all of Sterling Bank Plc during the 53rd Annual General Meeting of the bank, in Lagos. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

TALES OF HORROR BY SURVIVORS:

Boko Haram stones captives to death

By Umar Yusuf, with agency reports

•As troops approach to rescue women, children

•Military releases videos showing insurgents fleeing aerial bombardment in Sambisa forest

OLA— SURVIVORS of Boko Haram atrocities, rescued from the Sambisa forest by Nigerian troops, arrived Yola, Adamawa state capital, yesterday, with tales of horror of how the terrorists stoned many women and children to death as the military approached to rescue them. Continues on Page 5

FG faults N200bn claims by oil marketers 8 Mr & Mrs NIGERIA RULES THE WORLD: From left: Blessing Okagbare, Regina George, Dominique Duncan and Christy Udoh celebrating the 4x200m gold they won at the IAAF/BTC World Relays, Bahamas 2015, yesterday.

COLUMNISTS:

The songs of yesterday•P.19 C M Y K

Igbos: Winners or losers in •P.20 2015?

Is the abolition of fuel subsidy imminent?•P.44

2 — Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015

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POCKET CARTOON

CONSECRATION SERVICE: Most Rev. Denis Isizoh, the new auxiliary Bishop of Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha (4th left); Francis Cardinal Arinze (5th left); Governor Willie Obiano (2nd left); Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha (6th left) and former Gov. Peter Obi (7th left) after a consecration service in Onitsha, Anambra State, yesterday.

Boko Haram stones captives to death Continues from Page 1 Some of the survivors who were among the 275 women and children rescued and brought to Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camp in Malkohi, in the outskirts of Yola also recounted how three of them were blown up by a land mine as they were walking to freedom. Some of the girls and women who were brought to the refugee camp with tragic stories to tell as they spoke with The Associated Press, yesterday, were finding it hard to believe they were safe, after more than a year in the hands of Islamic extremists. “We just have to give

praise to God that we are alive, those of us who have survived,” said Lami Musa, 27, as she cuddled her five-day-old baby girl. She is among 275 children, girls and women, many bewildered and traumatized, who were getting medical care and being registered on their first day out of the forest. Musa was in the first group to be transported by road over three days to the safety of Malkohi refugee camp, a deserted school set among baobab trees on the outskirts of Yola. Musa had given birth to her yet-to-be-named baby last week when the crackle of gunfire gave hint that

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

F life says ‘No’ to your request, remember that ‘No’, could mean, just wait a little while, life is going to bring something much better than you’re asking —Take Heart quotes A mother was about to prepare lunch for her family, she took out a fresh mackerel from the freezer but noticed her young toddler was watching her every move. Suddenly, the two years girl started crying and demanding for the raw fish. She tried to all avail to placate and explain through whatever means that the fish was not ready to eat, it has to be spiced, and the bones taken out, then cooked before it will be ready for consumption but the toddler wouldn’t agree and choose to cry the way little children do when they are not getting their way, refusing to be comforted. The mother decided to ignore her and went ahead to prepare the meal, and when it was ready, the child relish it, and didn’t even remember the drama she had put up during the preparation. The lesson in the story reminds one how typical most people act like this child, when they are asking for a change in their life’s circumstances. How many times have we cried that a blessing that we ask for is delayed, and just maybe this supposedly delay is life’s way of telling us that things are being spiced for us, just like the mother getting the mackerel ready, taking out the bones, so we have a better meal. Just like the child, if we knew this, we would be patient, instead of being anxious. Be still, be calm and know that things happen for us and never against us. In the appointed time, a change will come, an uplifting change for your life. C M Y K

rescuers nearby.

might

Several girls and women killed

According to her, “Boko Haram came and told us they were moving out and said that we should run away with them. But we said no. Then they started stoning us. I held my baby to my stomach and doubled over to protect her.” She and another survivor of the stoning, Salamatu Bulama, said several girls and women were killed, but they do not know exactly how many. Other women died from stray bullets, she said, naming three she knew. Bulama shielded her face with her veil and cried when she thought about another death in the camp: Her only son, a toddler of two, died of an illness she said was aggravated by malnutrition two months ago. “What will I tell my husband?” she sobbed when she learnt from other survivors using borrowed cell phone that her husband was alive and in Kaduna. Musa said her husband, the father of the new baby, was killed by Boko Haram when they abducted her from her village of Lassa in December. She doesn’t know the fate of their three other children.

21 girls and women with fractured limbs

At the camp, 21 girls and women with bullet wounds and fractured limbs were taken to the city hospital after they arrived Saturday evening. On Sunday, officials

were collating details of the rescued 61 women and 214 children, almost all girls. Health workers put critically malnourished babies on intravenous drips, babies whose rib cages and shoulder blades protruded like skeletons were given packs of therapeutic food to suck from. Through interviews, officials have determined that almost all those rescued are from Gumsuri, a village near the town of Chibok.

None from Chibok

“Based on registration we have carried out so far, none of them is from Chibok,” said Zakari Abubakar, Malkohi camp team leader for the National Emergency Management Agency. The women and children were rescued by the military from the Sambisa Forest, and had to travel for three days on the open backs of military

trucks to reach the safety of Malkohi Camp. More than 677 women and girls were freed when soldiers destroyed more than a dozen insurgent camps in the forest.

Videos of how troops dislodged Boko Haram terrorists

Meanwhile, the Nigerian military yesterday released videos showing how the troops were dislodging Boko Haram terrorists from the Sambisa forest and the hostages being guided to safety by Nigerian Air Force pilots In some exclusive videos obtained by PRNigeria, pilots are seen taunting the dislodged and disorganized terrorists who are running helter skelter and fleeing into different directions in the expansive forest. In another footage, the video depicts how vulnerable women and children were cautiously and deliberately guided to safety by the Nigerian pilots. An officer involved in the operation said: “Since the essence of the operation is not to kill everybody in sight, the Air Force pilots deploy their skills in herding both

terrorists and their captives in different directions so that those conscripted and abducted were guided to safety zone while the armed terrorists met their waterloos.” Since they invaded the notorious forest, the Nigerian troops have rescued more than 500 females. In the first daring and precise operation, the troops rescued about 300 women and girls while many terrorists camps including Tokumbere were destroyed. In another operation, that involved Special Forces, another set of 234 women and children were rescued through the Kawuri and Konduga end of Sambisa forest.

Sustained operations into Sambisa forest being spearheaded by NAF

Military sources told PRNigeria that the sustained operations deep into the Sambisa forest is being spearheaded by the Air Force through what an officer called “tactical aerial bombardments and guided reconnaissance” with the main objective of decimating and clearing the terrorists from the forest which is their last bastion.

Terrorists' fuel, food supplier nabbed By Kingsley Omonobi

BUJA— THE D e f e n c e Headquarters, yesterday, said the man who specialised in supplying fuel and food to terrorists was nabbed in the early hours of Sunday at Daban Shata in the suburbs of Baga Borno State. It said military intelligence had been trailing him till he was eventually trapped. He is presently undergoing interrogation in a military facility. In another

development, DHQ said troops on patrol yesterday located 260 women and children in the outskirts of Chalawa village in Adamawa State where they had been held up while trying to escape from terrorists. They have now been conveyed back to their various communities in Madagali after undergoing the normal security profiling. Some of them disclosed that they had to abandon their homes to escape from the terrorists when Madagali came

under attack, while others were actually abducted and taken there. The terrorists were, however, sacked from Madagali recently. A number of terrorists, however, died in an encounter with troops who caught up with them as they fled prior to the recovery of the women and children. Some of the terrorists still managed to escape with varying degrees of gunshot wounds. Others who were captured are now being interrogated by intelligence officers.

6—Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015

Gunmen in military uniform kill scores in Plateau villages By Marie-Therese Nanlong

OS — COMMUNITIES in Wase Local Aovernment Area of Plateau State were on Saturday attacked by gunmen in military gears with yet-to-be ascertained number of persons, mostly women and children, killed. The communities, identified as Kadarko, Saku, Wadata, Kasuwa, Kurmi and others, were said to have been attacked as the gunmen in over 10 trucks arrived the villages following reports of alleged killing of four soldiers in a neighbouring council in Taraba State. Residents claim the soldiers drove into the communities shooting sporadically, killing innocent people, burning their houses and causing pandemonium in the council and neighbouring communities. The attacks were allegedly a retaliation for the killings of the said soldiers, two of who were said to be of Taroh ethnic group. Spokesman of the Special Task Force, STF, Capt Ikedichi Iweha, while reacting to the incident, said there was no truth in the claim that its members attacked anybody. He said: “Following frequent attacks on communities around the Plateau-Taraba border by some militiamen, the STF and soldiers from the 3 Armoured Division of the Nigerian Army had been carrying out operations targeted at flushing out the militiamen. “The soldiers who are working to protect innocent civilians could not turn around to kill the same civilians.” However, normalcy is yet to be restored in the communities as searches are still on for missing persons.

Missing 11-year-old boy found in Ogun •I trekked from Lagos to Abeokuta in search of my mum •Says he slept in parks for two days without food By Evelyn Usman

AGOS — THE 11-year-old boy, Marvelous Adekunle, who was declared missing last Wednesday in Lagos, has been found in Ogun State. Unlike every other missing child in the state, the Junior Secondary School 1 student was discovered not to have been kidnapped afterall. Surprisingly, the lad disclosed that he went in search of his mother, who resides in Abeokuta, Ogun State. He revealed to the shock of everyone that he trekked from Lagos to Abeokuta for two days but along the line, missed his way before some concerned Nigerians took him to his mother. He was brought home to his

father at about 9am yesterday by his mother. Explaining how he managed to trek that far to relatives, friends, neighbours and members of Jehovah Witness who had waited anxiously for his return, Marvelous said: “I left home that morning to meet my mother. When it was dark, I slept at any available place, covering myself with cartons and nylon which I found around. I did not eat any thing. I only drank water. I begged people to give me water and they did because I was not with money. I slept in the open for two nights. On the third day, I discovered I had missed my way. I did not know where I was. It was some people who discovered I was missing that took me to my mother.”

Marvelous Adekunle He, however, did not give reasons for bolting from home. But earlier information at

Vanguard’s disposal revealed that his father, Festus Adekunle, had spanked him for taking his laptop to school two days before he disappeared. Vanguard gathered that immediately he was taken to his mother at about 8.43 pm last Friday in Abeokuta, she contacted her husband in Lagos to inform him. A family friend, Mr Moses Ekundayo, confirmed Marvelous’s return, saying : “Yes, he is back and we are all happy. We appreciate your media house and other platforms used to alert Nigerians about his disappearance.” Ekundayo informed that policemen at the Juvenile centre at Alapere where the case was reported, had been informed of Marvelous' return.

I went into robbery to pursue my career in football —Suspect By Esther Onyegbula

AGOS — OPERATIVES of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, Lagos State, have nabbed two robbery suspects for allegedly robbing residents, commuters and commercial cyclists, popularly known as Okada. The suspects, identified as Stanley Okorie, 20 and Emmanuel Enu, 25 were nabbed during an operation at Satellite Town and Ajegunle areas of Lagos respectively. Vanguard gathered that the police arrested Enu with one locally made short gun and a cartridge, while a toy gun was recovered from Okorie, while the original gun was taken away by other fleeing gang member, identified simply as Chijioke. During interrogation, Enu, who hails from Boki Local Government Area of Cross River, said: “I belong to a gang which specialised in robbing on

One of the suspects, Stanley Okorie. motorcycles along Oduduwa career. "On that day, we took off from Road, Ajegunle. around wharf area on a bike. "I am the son of a retired naval We snatched one man’s phone officer. I went into robbery, so I and Onuora said he wanted to could raise money to travel to ease himself. While he was Sweden to pursue my football

doing that, two motorcycles trailing us stopped by and chased me. "The gun was in a bag I was holding. Onuora escaped but the motorcyclists who were policemen arrested me with the gun.” In his defence, Okorie, an indigene of Delta State, who was arrested along the Satellite expressway, said Chijioke taught him how to rob. According to him, "he was a commercial driver, he asked me to join him when I asked for assistance. I needed to use the money to pay for house rent. “I have gone for about four operations at Igando and Agbara areas. When we robbed at Igando, I got N13, 000. We also took three phones and N15,000. We also carried out operation at Agbara and realised N25,000. It was at Lekki that we make the highest amount of N780,000."

Police nab lady for allegedly hiring thugs to beat colleague to death

By Evelyn Usman

AGOS — A 19-year-old Kadijat Salami, a staff of a popular eatery at Kilometre 14, Idiroko Road, Sango Otta, Ogun State, is currently cooling her heels at the State Criminal Investigation Department, EleweEran, over alleged connection with the death of her colleague. The suspect, it was gathered, allegedly hired some thugs last weekend to beat up one of her colleagues, Rotimi Ewedemi, 31, after a misunderstanding. Report said the deceased, along side the suspect and other members of staff, went out for an outdoor function and returned Saturday. Their supervisor, whose identity is not immediately known, was

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Kadijat Salami said to have held a discussion forum with members of staff during which the deceased was said to have made a statement that provoked the suspect. But an account said the deceased accused the suspect of being responsible for some

The late Rotimi Ewedemi missing materials after the outdoor service. “Kadijat Salami said if she was a magistrate that she would shoot Rotimi Ewedemi to death over such indictment. In anger and apparently considering the age difference, Rotimi slapped Kadijat

for being insolent,” said their colleague who would not want his name in print. Eye witnesses said Salami, who threatened to have her pound of flesh, immediately put a call through to her boyfriend, informing him of the assault. After close of work, at about 10pm, unsuspecting Ewedemi was said to have been attacked by Salami’s boyfriend (identity unknown) and two other thugs, with dangerous weapons. In the process, Ewedemi reportedly hit his head on the culvert, consequent upon which he died. He was said to have been abandoned in the pool of his blood, from where some of his colleagues rushed him to a

private hospital where he was administered first aid. An eye witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said apprehension set in after Ewedemi who managed to get up to ease himself started complaining of pains in the head. “He was rushed to the General Hospital opposite Onipanu police division, popularly called Obasanjo Police station,where unfortunately he was confirmed dead. ‘’When his colleagues got wind of the tragic incident, they mobilised and apprehended Kadijat Salami and handed her over to policemen at Onipanu division,” the colleague stated.

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015—7

Offa Poly student, guard die in well By Demola Akinyemi

LORIN—TWO persons, including a student of Federal Polytechnic,Offa, died at the weekend at Igbawere in Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State while fetching water from a well. Igbawere, a village close to the permanent site of the polytechnic, along Ojoku Road, has been thrown into mourning as a result of the incident. Vanguard reliably gathered that tragedy struck when one of the deceased, Akorede Sodeeq, an National Diploma, ND, 1 student of Business Manage-ment of the polytechnic, was trying to fetch water from the well, but suddenly fell in. The second victim, a security guard, who according to a student, saw the sad scene from afar, reportedly rushed to the entrance of the well and jumped inside it in a desperate effort to rescue the student. Vanguard further gathered that the security guard, however, failed to rescue the student and also died in the well before anyone could come to their rescue. The two persons were discovered dead inside the well about 30 minutes later, when another student wanted to fetch water from the well. Sympathizers were said to have quickly alerted fire fighters in Offa Division, who quickly raced to the scene to bring out the two corpses. Vanguard reliably gathered that the two corpses have been deposited in the mortuary of Offa General Hospital. Students of the polytechnic, who craved anonymity, told Vanguard that the late student was an easy-going person and one of the brilliant students in his department.

zRelative arrested By Peter Duru

A PEOPLE: Traditional dancers at the annual Mbapur festival in Mbula Kuli Village, Demsa Local Government Area, Adamawa State, yesterday. NAN PHOTO.

No police gun was found in my bedroom, says Edo monarch By Simon Ebegbulem

ENIN—THE Oba of Sasaro clan in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, His Royal Highness, Azutorome Unuaikhazor, weekend described as untrue reports that a police rifle was found in his bedroom. Recall that a report had alleged that a police rifle was found in the monarch’s bedroom after youths of the community attacked officials of a quarry company, following the death of one of the youths working with the company. Oba Unuaikhazor, who described the report as

misleading, said after he mounted a search for the missing police gun, one of the youths brought the gun out, which he handed over to the DPO in the area. He said: “The action of the police led one of the angry youths to collect the gun from the policemen. “I was informed that the police rifle was missing. So I came out of my palace and started shouting that these youths should not invite trouble to Sasaro clan. “I kept shouting, asking whoever was with the gun to return it to me. “Later, I saw a young man

Inspector's son, 6 others arrested for robbery By Ediri Michael

HE Police in Lagos have arrested seven suspected members of a robbery gang that had been terrorizing residents of Alaba Oro, in Suru-Alaba area of the state. One of the robbers, who gave his name as Azeez Adisa (22), claimed to be leader of the gang and son of a serving Police Inspector. Azeez and members of his gang met their waterloo after a successful operation. They reportedly stormed a bank on Odunade area of Alaba, last Monday, waiting for their prey. A man (names withheld), who had gone to the bank to withdraw N70,000 for the C M Y K

Gunmen kill ex-PDP Chair in Benue

naming ceremony of his baby, the next day was attacked few poles away from the bank, and the money taken from him. The victim was said to have reported the case at Layeni Police Division, where the Divisional Police Officer, Mrs Ginika Chukwu, led a team of policemen to an Indian hemp joint at Asemota area of Alaba Oro, where Azeez and members of his were reportedly arrested. Speaking with Vanguard, the suspect admitted to have been responsible for various robbery operations around the area. He said: “I am the leader of a seven-man robbery gang. My father is a Police Inspector, but I will not tell you where he is serving because he did not send me to steal.

“Our modus oparandi included burgling and attacking bank customers, who had gone to withdraw money. Most times we stormed houses that still has their doors opened from 11pm. “We collect phones, DVD players and cash from our victims. We do not have guns because we have not graduated to that level. We only use machetes. “At the end of each operation, we would sell our loot and share the proceeds among ourselves, with the largest share coming to me. “I assure you that now that we have been arrested, residents in that area will witness calm. I promise to turn new leaf if I am allowed to go.”

coming with the gun. It was my wife that led him to the kitchen, where the gun was kept safely. “I know the implication of illegal possession of fire arms, that was why I went about calling for the gun. That same evening, at about 7pm, the DPO and his team came to my palace to report the missing gun. I told them that it had been found. “I personally led him to the kitchen and gave it to them. The DPO expressed his appreciation and left with his men. Next day, I was told that the state Police Commissioner has heard about the incident and that he is inviting me to come to Benin. “I went to Benin to meet him. After discussing with him, a discussion that was not up to an hour, I left for Sasoro. So I was shocked when I read that the gun was found in my house. That is not true at all.” On the attack on the company by some of his subjects, the monarch said: “If the youths had listened to me, by now they would have been the winners, getting compensation from the company. The company will bury the young man and also make peace reign. “Instead, some of them have been arrested, while others are on the run. But our relationship with the company has been very cordial. “There has been smooth relationship between us and our tenant. We have our children working with them there. Some work as full time staff, while others are on contract.

A K U R D I — UNKNOWN armed men in the early hours of Saturday, shot and killed the immediate past Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, Mr. Lumunga Zegeguve. Vanguard learned from a close family source (name withheld) that Zegeguve was killed at about 5am in his village, Tse Zegeguve, at Tiir council ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area. A source said: “The information we got was that about five well-armed men stormed his private home at Tse Zegeguve village at about 5am on Saturday. “They gained entrance into his house and held everyone in the house hostage until they located their target, who they shot several times on the chest after which his entire house was ransacked by the invaders who, thereafter, fled the scene.” Contacted, state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Assistant Superintendent of Police Austin Ezeani, who confirmed the killing, told reporters that three empty shells of AK-47 rifles were recovered by the police at the scene of the incident. He said the police were on the trail of members of the gang, adding that a relation of the deceased (names withheld) had been arrested. It was gathered that the body of the late PDP stalwart had since been deposited at Katsina-Ala General Hospital morgue by the police. Vanguard recalls that Katsina-Ala Local Government has recorded several incidents of armed attacks on residents by unidentified gunmen. Only recently, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Baba Ibrahim, on a special mission from the Force Headquarters to investigate cases of cattle rustling and kidnaps in the area, was gunned down by unidentified gunmen.

8 — Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015

FG faults N200bn claims by oil marketers zWe've started lifting products — Tanker drivers By Clara Nwachukwu, Micheal Eboh & Godwin Oritse, with Agency reports

zMarketers give FG 2-wk ultimatum, as fuel supply improves

BUJA—THE Federal Government, yesterday, faulted oil marketers over their claim that they are still owed N200 billion as outstanding payment on subsidy. Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN in Abuja, that the marketers are making demands for huge sums in exchange and interest rate differentials. According to her, every week, the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) sends data and that is what government only subscribe and certified as what is due to marketers. She said, “As you know, we paid N156 billion recently, N100 billion of the principle payment that we own them and then we paid N56 billion interest rate and some remaining exchange rate differentials. “Prior to that, we have just paid N31 billion exchange rate differentials. So at the time we paid that last week, what we had outstanding is N98 billion. “As at now, since we made the announcement last week, it has now risen from N98 to N131 billion outstanding in principle payment. And they are now making a demand of N200 billion and I asked them what is the balance for.” She noted that government had made it known to them that what they are asking was so large especially on exchange rate differentials. She added that the PPPRA need to look at it and approve the way it was calculated whether it was in line with the exchange rate police of the Central Bank. She said that government would not want to leave some unverified claims or burden for the incoming government to pay. “So this must be thoroughly looked at and certified. We recognize that marketers are business people and should be paid but the rate at which they have continued to hold Nigerians at ransom is discouraging,” she added. She noted that it was unfortunate that this had continued to happen now that government had priotized their payment. She further said that in 2011, when huge sums were owed the marketers, Nigerians were not held at ransom and no fuel station was closed. She said that government had also appealed to them as Nigerians to make little sacrifice and not allow Nigerians to suffer. Okonjo-Iweala said the template that covered the business of the marketers was designed to cover all the cost of their business C M Y K

suspension of action by NARTO and the Petroleum Tanker Drivers, PTD, was done pending the outcome of today’s meeting with the Finance Minister on how to pay off the balance of N200.2 billion. He also acknowledged the role played by the Department of State Security, DSS, in getting all stakeholders to reach an agreement with regard to the outstanding debts, adding that, “NARTO has warned that the action has only been suspended temporarily. They have given us a few days to pay them off or they will resume the strike if nothing positive comes out from the meeting with the minister on Monday (today).”

Imperative to pay

CONDOLENCE VISIT: Vice President Namadi Sambo (left) and Minister of FCT, Bala Mohammed praying with the family of the deceased Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Ustaz Musa Mohammed at his Area 8, Garki, Abuja residence, weekend. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida. including the profit margin. This, she said, showed that their business had little and few risks as government bore all the burden of the business following the template that was approved by PPPRA. “It is actually that template that we have been quarrelling with, that template said that they must be paid interest rate differential, profit margin guaranteed, plus the principle amount they spent on the business. “Based on this government is taking full risk of their business, even now we have revenue shortfall,” she said. She noted that it had turned to a situation that the marketers had cartels that could ground the nation at will and open it up when they want. The Minister said that in 2011, the system was restructured and payment had been regular and what government had been paying reduced from N2.3trillion to N971 billion. Despite the disagreement, majority of the petrol stations were seen selling fuel with few queues recorded at the stations. Some motorists who spoke to Vanguard, expressed satisfaction at being able to purchase the product without much stress, praying that the situation remains the same throughout the week. In some areas in Lagos such as Apapa Expressway and Cele/ Okota, some filling stations were dispensing fuel to motorists yesterday. There was not much queue at the filling stations while motorists were buying at the officia price of N87 per litre.

We have started lifting products – Tanker drivers Speaking to Vanguard of the fuel situation, the Public relation of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers, PTD, branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, (NUPENG), Comrade Atunda Adebayo said his members have started lifting products so as to ease the hardship occasioned by fuel scarcity. Adebayo said that hopefully the effect of the movement of products across the country will be felt as from today adding that there are vessels laden with petroleum products at the high sea waiting to come into the country.

Marketers give FG 2-week ultimatum

Oil marketers have given the Federal Government two weeks within which to pay the sum of N200.2 billion owed them, being the outstanding debts for subsidy reimbursement that have so far been verified. The notice comes even as the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has planned to meet with the marketers and other stakeholders this afternoon (Monday), with a view to reaching agreements on how to end the current fuel scarcity that is spreading round the country. Addressing journalists in Lagos on Friday, the Executive Secretary, Major Marketers Association of Nigeria, MOMAN, Mr. Obafemi Olawore, said the marketers ultimatum is sequel to a similar

one given to them by the National Association of Road Transport Owners, NARTO, to pay off the N20 billion owed them. According to him, “We are ready to cooperate with the government, but if the debts are not paid off within two weeks, we will resume the action.” Olawore also said that following an understanding reached with NARTO, which had refused to lift products nationwide, the group agreed to temporarily suspend an ongoing action, which had seriously impacted on social and economic activities in the country, particularly in Lagos and Abuja. Motorists in the past couple of days spend hours queuing at filling stations to buy fuel, a development that has boosted sharp practices among outlets and the black market. A litre of petrol, which should sell at N87, was being sold at between N100 and N120/litre, depending on the outlet. According to the marketers, “NARTO gave us an ultimatum and we were unable to load petroleum products anywhere. As you know, the Federal Government is owing us and we were unable to pay NARTO.” Because the action was instigated by NARTO, other fuel products not under subsidy such as diesel, aviation fuel or Jet A1, which are deregulated also became scarce. The aviation sector has witnessed many flight cancellations and rescheduling both on the local and international routes on account of the scarcity.

The MOMAN scribe also disclosed that the transport owners will be paid in proportion of what the marketers have been paid, adding that the balance will be paid off once the Federal Government also pays the outstanding sum. “I must say that we are prepared to pay NARTO in proportion to the tune of what we have received. If we receive the whole, we will be able to pay al that we owe them, and we are owing them a title bit over N20 billion. So we will pay them part and wait until we get the balance.” Olawore noted that the level of government’s indebted to marketers has become a big challenge for them, saying, “As you can see, we are being owed about N354 billion and only N154 billion has been paid, leaving a balance of over N200 billion. So the challenge for us is, do we wait until the N200 billion is fully liquidated before we call off the strike or we say that we have received something, and then we call off the action.

Uncertainty over subsidy

Explaining the urgency by which the marketers are pursuing the payment of the debts, Olawore said they preferred that all their accounts be balanced before the expiration of the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. This may have been borne by the fear that the incoming Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s government may do away with the subsidy regime, which is believed to be fraught with corruption. Already, there have been discordant tunes from the two legislative arms of the National Assembly, where the lower chamber failed to make provisions for subsidy in the 2015 budget, while the Senate did. Olawore noted, “The debt was owed by this regime (Jonathan), and we expect that they should pay everything before leaving. However, because government is a continuum and new administration takes over both the positives and negatives, even if anything Averting continued scarcity should be left behind, it shouldn’t Olawore further noted that the be more than N10 billion.''

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015 — 9

Why Jonathan’s men are fighting Mu'azu By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor & Henry Umoru

HE crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP deepened at the weekend just as reasons stoking the conflict that has pitched President Goodluck Jonathan and his aides against the National Working Committee, NWC of the party began to unfold. At the heart of the crisis, Vanguard learnt is the struggle for the soul of the party ahead of the 2019 presidential election. Vanguard sources gathered that associates of President Jonathan are determined to shove away the Adamu Mu‘azu led NWC in favour of a more pliable executive for the purpose of ensuring the return of President Jonathan as presidential candidate or in the alternative a candidate of their choice in 2019. The NWC, Vanguard learnt was, however, looking beyond Jonathan with their eyes fixed on the Northeast for the 2019 presidential candidate with a leading chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC from that region in their sights. Besides, authoritative sources also disclosed outstanding issues in the 2015 elections between presidency officials and the NWC over the handling of the election campaign in which party officials were complaining of their sidelining by the president. Multiple sources also traced the quarrel between the PDP NWC and the presidency to the stout refusal of the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Mu‘azu to reject the outcome of the presidential election as had been suggested to him by presidency officials even after the president had himself accepted the outcome of the elections. Meanwhile, the NWC in a stout rejection of the presidency pressures is to inaugurate a 15 man committee to redesign the future of the party. The committee to be chaired by the deputy president of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Vanguard gathered, will proclaim the new face of the party outside the considerations of the thoughts of the Jonathan presidency. Meanwhile, leading figures in the NWC continued to reject the pressures on them to resign from office yesterday with the National Secretary of the party, Prof. Adewale Oladipo flaying the moves as part of a conspiracy to derail efforts to rebuild the party to its preeminent position in the country. The battle line between the presidency and the NWC was firmly established last weekend after the Mu‘azu and the National Publicity Secretary in two different statements warned against efforts by presidency officials to instigate the sacking of the NWC. Metuh in his statement had warned those he described as some ambitious aides and associates of President Goodluck Jonathan trying C M Y K

ARISE News wins Emmy Awards in New York

SILVERBIRD AWARD: From left; Mr Sam Amuka, Publisher, Vanguard Newspapers presenting the Silverbird Post-Humous Human Right Activist Award to Ms Basirat Fawehinmi-Biobaku, daughter of late Chief Gani Fawehinmi; Mr Mohammed Fawehinmi, son and Mrs Ganiyat Fawehinmi, widow on behalf of the late legal icon in Lagos yesterday. Photo: Akeem Salau. to use their closeness to him to cause crisis in the party and pave way for more defection to other parties. Giving reasons for the squabble a high level official said: “The thinking in the president’s camp is that after four years Buhari would have done very badly and that Nigerians would demand the return of President Jonathan and the president’s people know that there is no way he can get the ticket through the present NWC.” The president’s discomfort with the NWC, it was learnt flowed from the lack of confidence the president had in the days leading to the campaign when he sidetracked the national officers of the party in marshalling his campaign. The distrust between the presidency and the NWC flowed from what one party source said was the adamant refusal of some critical members of the NWC to take some hard-line stance against the Buhari candidacy. The national chairman, Mu‘azu and the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh Vanguard gathered were especially faulted for throwing softballs at Buhari at the height of the campaign. Even more, sources in Abuja disclosed that the suspicion against Mu‘azu peaked after he reportedly rejected entreaties to him by presidency officials to formally reject and instigate judicial proceedings against the outcome of the presidential elections. Giving reasons for Mu‘azu’s rejection of the entreaty, a source privy to the development said: “After the president conceded to Buhari senior PDP officials were called together to the villa where the decision was taken

that Mu`azu should reject the INEC result and file a case against it, but Mu`azu rejected it that it was unthinkable since the president had already conceded,” one source disclosed. Not long after, presidency aides through some governors mounted pressures on the NWC members to resign, a development that was stubbornly rebuffed by the NWC members. Not long after, some governors were said to have returned to the NWC members to tell them that the decision for them to resign came from the villa. The villa like some other critical stakeholders in the party believes that the NWC members should resign from office having led the party to the worst electoral outing since the formation of the party 17 years ago. The NWC members, however, rebuff the entreaty on the claim that they were impeded in their work by the decision of the president to put all his energies on the leadership of the Presidential Campaign Council, PCC and sideline the top hierarchy of the party. Even the PCC it was learnt was itself also not well primed for its job. One of the state directors lamented that not once were the state directors called together for strategy meetings on how they would deliver the president. “I met the director-general few days to the campaign and urged him to summon a strategy meeting for state directors but he told me not to worry that everything was on course, and you can see the outcome,” the state director disclosed. In firmly rejecting pressures on him to resign, the national secretary of the party, Prof. Oladipo in a statement personally signed by him said his: “It is therefore disheartening

that rather than joining other wellmeaning members of our great party in supporting the National Working Committee in the ongoing re-engineering process to rebuild the PDP, some elders from our zone, particularly, a former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, who should know, have instead resorted to divisive politics by attempting to instigate our members against one another. “What our party needs now in the southwest and indeed across the country is for all hands to be on the deck as we work harmoniously in our determination to reposition the PDP to regain power in 2019. Our party members are by this therefore charged to watch out for individuals whose agenda is to sow seeds of discord and pave way for crisis within our fold for their selfish interests. “The National Working Committee is now more than ever before determined to rebuild the PDP and restore its glory as the preeminent political party in Nigeria. This resolve is irrevocable and we shall not allow ourselves to be distracted in anyway by any person under any guise whatsoever.” “It is indeed undermining and a clear breach of protocol the fact that a meeting of some leaders of the zone would be convened to discuss issues of the party’s Presidential campaigns and the highest-ranking national officers of the party from the zone were excluded. This is in continuation of the apparent marginalization of the National Working Committee and the party structure at all levels in the handling of the Presidential campaigns. Meanwhile, the party yesterday unveiled the composition of the Ekweremadu led 15 man committee that is expected to

EW YORK— GLOBAL news and entertainment channel, ARISE News yesterday won the New York Emmy Awards with the documentary: ”Game Changers: How the Harlem Globetrotters Battled Racism” The entry was recognized in the Nostalgia Program category - the first Emmy for ARISE News Channel. It takes an historical look at the early days of professional basketball and how the Harlem Globetrotters not only dealt with racism, but helped change the world of sports. On winning the Emmy’s, ARISE News Executive Producer, Alan Weiss announced this in a statement sent to coexecutive producer and chairman of ARISE News Mr Nduka Obaigbena congratulated “All founding members of the ARISE News channel in New York, London and Africa who made this feat possible even before the formal launch of ARISE News. ARISE News was nominated in February by The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for the 58th Annual New York Emmy Awards. Mr Obaigbena, had said when the channel was nominated that, “ARISE News is a different kind of 24/7 news and entertainment channel, we provide coverage and perspective on global events seldom given airtime.” ARISE News CoExecutive Producer Alan J. Weiss added that “the story of the Harlem Globetrotters mirrors the Civil Rights struggle in America. It’s important that these often overlooked heroes lionized around the world, but treated as second class citizens at home - receive the recognition they deserve.” Hosted by ARISE News anchor Julian Phillips, the documentary included interviews with former Globetrotters: Wilt Chamberlain, Meadowlark Lemon, Marques Haynes, William “Pop” Gates, Gene Hudgins, Andy Johnson, Charlie Hoxie and Carl Green. This is the first nomination for ARISE News since its soft launch in 2013.

10 — Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015

Dearth of nurses hit Lagos hospitals

OSHODI-APAPA GRIDLOCK: Fuel tankers take over expressway again By Olasunkanmi Akoni

By Monsur Olowoopejo

AGOS—NATIONAL Association of Nurses and Mid-wife, Lagos State Council has raised concerns over the continuous shortage of nurses and mid-wife in the State owned hospitals. Mrs. Olatunde Olusola, the chairman of the National Association of Nurses and Mid-wife, Lagos State Council who disclosed this to Vanguard in an interview added that if this development isn’t addressed, the dearth of nurses in the state owned hospitals will become worst. Olusola lamented that the acute shortage in manpower is affecting the healthcare delivery in the state, saying “We form the largest party of the healthcare delivery in the country and that was why in any hospital without nurses and midwife, there will be no service; It has portrayed the nurses in the state owned hospitals in bad light.”

IoD Nig to host Fashola

AGOS—THE Institute of Directors Nigeria will be hosting Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State at the Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos on Wednesday at 10 a.m. He will be delivering a Public Policy Lecture on his legacy after serving as Governor of Lagos State for eight years. The lecture is titled: ‘My stewardship - Eight Years of Delivering Excellence’. Announcing this in Lagos yesterday, was the Director General of the Institute, Victor Banjo who stated that the IoD Nigeria Public Policy Lecture platform is designed to promote good governance and give the governed the opportunity to assess the qualitative and quantitative impact of the policies of government and key governmental agencies. The event will also feature the public presentation of a book titled: ‘The Example The Era of Babatunde Raji Fashola as Governor of Lagos State’ written by Mr Sam Omatseye (Chairman, Editorial Board, The Nation newspaper). C M Y K

AGOS—AFTER last week’s respite from the usual heavy traffic situation on Oshodi-Apapa expressway, fuel tankers resurfaced at the weekend, blocking the entire access road. This was in spite of a directive from Lagos State House of Assembly to relevant authorities to ensure evacuation of all trucks from the road. The tankers, which came from various parts of the country are back in their numbers which has resulted in total standstill. The fear is that the situation will be worse today, if nothing concrete was done by law enforcement agents. Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly had sometime last week directed law enforcement agencies to ensure immediate evacuation of all trucks parked along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway. The lawmakers condemned the indiscriminate parking of the tankers conveying petroleum products on highway which they lamented had resulted in traffic gridlock around the area and other link roads. A member of the assembly, Rotimi Olowo, who moved the

AGM: From left; Mr Oliver Andrews, Executive Director & Chief Investment Officer, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC); Mr Andrew Alli, President & CEO, AFC; Mrs Sarah Alade, Chair, AFC; and Dr. Adesegun Akin-Olugbade, Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel, AFC, during the corporation's 7th Annual General Meeting at its headquarters in Lagos. Photo by Diran Oshe. motion during plenary, said the call for the removal of the tankers had become necessary in order to safeguard lives and property of the residents of the state. He enjoined his colleagues to call on the members of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas, NUPENG, Workers and the police authority in the state to come to the aid of the residents by ensuring free flow of traffic in the axis. Also, Lanre Ogunyemi, who

noted that the traffic situation in the area calls for serious concern, explained that residents making use of the expressway often have tales to tell. Ogunyemi, recalled that Governor Babatunde Fashola of the state, had visited the area severally to appeal to the tanker drivers to maintain decorum and strict compliance with the state traffic Law. He however, lamented that the efforts yielded little results to

BOKO HARAM: Lagos insures infrastructures for N133bn By Monsur Olowoopejo

AGOS—THE Lagos State Government has insured the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, roads and other important state-owned infrastructures for N133 billion against terrorists attack and natural disasters. This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Ayo Gbeleyi while speaking on the financial activities of the state government in the last one year. According to him, “Strategic assets such as bridges, drainage channels and roads are now

specifically insured against natural disasters and terrorist attacks, amongst others.” “This action is for the benefit of the residents of Lagos State. This is under the special risk cover against disaster and terrorism. The premium is N247 million for the year and that insures an asset of about N133 billion of the state,” he added. A breakdown of the insured infrastructures revealed that the cable bridge, Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, was insured for N35 billion. Explaining the insurance scheme, Gbeyeyi said “You need

to remember that in insurance, we tried to cover the replacement cost. Often times, we aren’t dealing with the historical cost of construction (N29 billion). ‘’We are looking at, God forbids, if we have a situation with the bridge. How much will it cost to reinstate it? And that is the figure that I have given you as the insured value of the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge.” The commissioner noted that this was part of the restructured and optimised Insurance Risk programme of the state which in scope serve as cover for critical assets and staffs of the state.

restoring normalcy. The lawmaker further said that though it was regrettable that the Federal Government had not taken any concrete step to abate the situation, the state government should do everything possible to redeem the situation and come to the aid of residents of the state by curtailing the unnecessary hardship that have affected both individual and the state’s economy, trade and business. Also contributing, Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Lola Akande, urged stakeholders to intensify enforcement of the state’s existing traffic law to bring the problem under control. While calling for punishment for recalcitrant offenders Akande stated, “The solution to the problems lies in effective enforcement of the state traffic law. If one offender is prosecuted diligently according to the law, others will comply.” she said. The house subsequently, in a unanimous decision called on the Commissioner of Police in the state as well as other relevant agencies responsible for traffic management to enforce compliance with state traffic law and other relevant provision that would restore normalcy and orderliness to the route.

FESTAC residents accuse Eko DISCO of non-performance By Innocent Anaba

AGOS—RESIDENTS of Festac Town in Lagos State have called on the incoming General Muhammadu Buhari administration to take back the part of Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, sold to Eko Distribution Company, EKDC, accusing the private company of not being interested in providing electricity to the people. Residents of the town, most of whom have been in darkness in

the last four weeks accused the Eko Distribution Company of only being interested in extorting residents of the town through bills for power not consumed. A resident, Mr Lanre Ojo, who said he resides on 31 Road of the town, told this reporter that he has not seen EKDC light in the last four weeks, but had received electricity bill, noting that electricity supply to the town was far better when it was under the National Electricity

Power Authority, NEPA and later PHCN. He wondered why the Goodluck Jonathan’s administration handed over the distribution of light to a private company that was only interested in money and not service delivery. He added that he visited EKDC office at Agboju over the black out and was told that there was a fault with the under-ground cable, but that same would be resolved in a matter of days, with

an over-head cable and polls. Ojo added that despite the assurance, the town has continued to be in darkness, recalling that in the days on NEPA and PHCN, such faults were rectified in days, without throwing the entire into darkness for weeks. Another resident, Mr Godwin Opara, who resides on 312 Road, said the area had been worse hit by EKDC inefficiency, suggesting that it was better power supply was taken over by the incoming Buhari’s government.

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015—11

DWINDLING REVENUE: Parents to assist Osun govt in tax collection zOf 2m people, only 100,000 pay tax— Revenue board boss By Gbenga Olarinoye

SOGBO—FOLLOWING the inability of the Osun State government to pay workers salaries as a result of the dwindling revenue from the federation account, the state chapter of Parents Teachers Association, PTA, of Nigeria has expressed its readiness to assist the government in the enforcement of the payment of N1,500 tax bonanza introduced to boost its Internally Generated Revenue, IGR. The decision to assist in tax enforcement was conveyed to the state government at a meeting held with the State Internal Revenue Board, led by its Chairman, Mr. Dayo Oyebanji. At the meeting, attended by PTA Chairmen from across the 30 local government councils of the state, it was agreed also that the N1,500 tax bonanza for year 2013, 2014 and 2015, totalling N4,500 would be paid at once to bail out the state from the current financial predicament. The state government owe four months workers’ salaries as a result of dwindling revenue from the federation allocation. The Chairman of the association, Mr. Demola Ekundayo, said the decision to assist the government in its collection was part of the association’s resolve to contribute to the development of the state, especially regarding the public primary and secondary schools. He explained that Governor Rauf Aregbesola has been using the tax for the development of the state, saying “this is why parents have deemed it fit to complement his efforts in moving the state forward.” Ekundayo, who lauded the developmental programmes embarked upon by Aregbesola’s administration, especially in the education sector, however, appealed to government not to relent in providing qualitative education to the students as promised in his six-point integral action plan. Mr. Oyabanji, on his part, expressed happiness with PTA’s

support, promising that government would not relent in ensuring good standard of living and better education for the pupils. He noted that government introduced tax bonanza to make its payment affordable and serve as relief, adding that at the expiration of the bonanza period, each parent would be paying according to their earnings as stipulated

by the tax law. Oyebanji lamented that out of two million tax payers in the state, less than 100,000 including the public servants, are actually paying their taxes as at when due. He noted that there was no way government could provide all the needed infrastructure amenities to the people when majority are evading taxes. The Chairman, Labour

Committee on Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, Mr. Francis Adetunji, called on residents of the state to cooperate with the government, adding that the tax reduction was a good gesture that must be embraced by all. A member of the IRS board, Prince Omolade Binuyo, said Osun will be a changed place if everybody paid their taxes.

WINNER: From left— Mr. Michael Eke, Zonal Coordinator, National Lottery Regulatory

Commission, Enugu; Samson Ikpi, winner of N10 million, in the MTN Cash Quest Consumer promo, and Mmayie Simon-Jude, System Audit Manager, MTN, at the presentation in Enugu.

We'll not be rubber stamp to executive —EKITI LAWMAKERS-ELECT By Gbenga Ariyibi

DO EKITI—THE lawmakers-elect for the next Ekiti State House of Assembly have vowed not be a rubber-stamp of the executive arm of government, saying they would be guided by the nation's constitution. Speaking at a press conference in Ado Ekiti, weekend, the lawmakerselect stated that they would not hesitate to disagree with Fayose on matters of principle and law,

noting that such disagreement would not be allowed to affect smooth running of government at the executive level. The 26 incoming lawmakers, who were elected on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, assured that matters brought before them by Fayose would be subjected to thorough debate in the interest of the people.

The lawmaker-elect for Moba Constituency 1, Pastor Kola Oluwawole, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said the next Assembly would guide against the abuse of the principles of Separation of Powers despite the fact that they belong to the same party with Fayose. He said: “The next Assembly will not be a rubber-stamp. We are going to give the people robust legislation and dispassionate debate of issues brought before us. “We can disagree with the governor if that will make Ekiti better, but that will not truncate our relationship as brothers and sisters. We will do exactly what the constitution empowers us to do, which is to serve as check and balance to the executive.”

Ogun Chief Judge frees 38 prisoners By Daud Olatunji

BEOKUTA—THE Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Olatokunbo Olopade, has freed no fewer than 38 inmates, who were awaiting trial in all the five prison facilities across the state. The Chief Judge, who paid a two-day courtesy visit to the facilities, lamented that the strike embarked upon by judicial workers, which was recently called off, delayed the exercise. Olopade pardoned six inmates, who were awaiting trial at Ilaro Prison, while she set free 15 inmates at Ibara Prison. Twelve were freed by the Chief Judge at Oba Prison in Obafemi-Owode Local Government, while three and two were freed at Ijebu and Sagamu, respectively. One of the lucky inmates, Oluwatoyin Akanni, who had been in prison for two years, said her phone was stolen by a lady and in the process of retrieving her phone, a guy she told beat the lady to death.

... as govt explains light rail project

GUN State government has said the light rail project signed with Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company, CCECC, last week was a contractorfinanced arrangement, using long term development fund, which will open the state economy to massive investment and create employment opportunities for the youths. A statement by Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, described the views expressed by the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the last governorship elections, Mr. Gboyega Isiaka, as a reflection of his world view. It said: “We are surprised that Mr. Isiaka did not know about the proposed light rail until last week. We publicly signed the Memorandum of Understanding in 2013 so that the contractor could prepare the design for us. “The design was in fact featured prominently in the 2014 state calendar and other publications of the state government.”

12—Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015

Rivers PDP warns RSIEC against conducting planned LG polls R

IVERS State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has told the state Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, that any attempt to proceed with the planned local government elections scheduled for May 23, amounts to an open disrespect to the court of competent jurisdiction which had ordered that status-quo-ante be maintained, adding that doing so would be futile. In a statement, yesterday, chairman of the party in the state, Mr Felix Obuah, said that anything done to conduct the elections against the decision of the court which directed all parties to maintain status quo ante, would amount to a nullity. PDP alleged that the Chairman and members of RSIEC, are card carrying members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and do not have the moral

Delta SUBEB boss summons school head over alleged extortion By Festus Ahon

S A B A — D E LT A State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, weekend, summoned the Head Mistress of Ahabam Primary School in Asaba, Oshimili South Council, Mrs. Franca Odita, over allegation of extortion and absenteeism. Chairman of the board, Mr Elijah Ologe, shortly after monitoring some of the schools in the state to ensure that teachers and pupils resume promptly, said appropriate disciplinary measures would be meted out to defaulters. The head mistress, Mrs Franca Odita, was alleged to be involved in the habit of extorting National Youth Service Corps members deployed to the school of N1,500 before they are accepted into the school for their primary assignment. Ologe, flanked by the first member, Prince Emmanuel Amgbaduba and the Director Quality Assurance, Mrs. Benedicta Aziza expressed sadness over the development, describing same as shocking.

C M Y K

standing to conduct the council elections in the state. It said the composition of RSIEC negates the principle of natural justice, urging the RSIEC to abide by the rule of nemo iudex in causa sua, which literally means that no

person can judge a case in which he has vested interest. The party queried the rationale in conducting elections that breached the provisions of the law. According to him, “This deliberate disregard for the

rule of law has vindicated the PDP’s position that Governor Amaechi and the APC are bent on causing crisis in the state.” He urged member of PDP and the people of Rivers State to remain calm, noting that the planned council election will not stand.

INDUCTION: From right: Mr. Francis Alimikhena, Edo North senator-elect; Mr. Mathew Urhoghide, Edo South senator- elect and Edo Central senator-elect, Odia, during the just concluded induction for newly elected legislators at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

RMAFC commends NIPC on reform programmes By Innocent Anaba

HE Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, has commended the management of Nigerian Investment Promotion Council, NIPC, for its reform programmes aimed at transforming the council into a world-class investment promotion agency, enforcing the rule of law and minimizing leakages in the activities of NIPC. Chairman of the commission, Elias Mbam, at the presentation of Status Report on the administration of Fiscal

Incentives by the members of the commission’s Non-Oil Monitoring Committee, in his office in Abuja, observed that “Nigeria at the moment, cannot sit back and watch a few unscrupulous elements in our midst fiddle with our common patrimony by taking undue advantage of some fiscal policies, including the Pioneer Status Incentive, waivers and concessions, tax holidays designed by government to encourage and promote economic activities in priority areas and growth drivers of the economy.” He added that the issue of import duty waivers, concessions

and exemptions have direct bearing on the quantum of revenue accruals into the Federation Account which gets depleted and consequently affects the share of every tier of government. He said RMAFC was quite pleased with the Executive Secretary of NIPC, Mrs. Saratu Umar, for taking bold steps that had sanitized the granting of the Pioneer Status Incentives which had hitherto witnessed challenges in its administration that led to huge revenue loss to the federation, stressing that all the reforms will translate to more revenue to the Federation Account.

We‘ll reorganise PDP to regain power at 22 seats, declared so far for the national level —DICKSON state House of Assembly, in By Samuel Oyadongha

E N A G O A — GOVERNOR Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has assured members of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state that the government, in collaboration with other stakeholders, will work assiduously to reorganise the party with a view to regaining political power at the national level in 2019.

Dickson, weekend, during his monthly interactive session with PDP members at the party’s secretariat in Yenagoa, noted that the party had been running the affairs of the country for 16 consecutive years, assuring that PDP remains the only party that was well co-ordinated and focused to deliver the dividends of democracy in the state. Dickson noted that the party swept the polls in the last elections, as it won 20 out of the

addition to the three senatorial and the five House of Representative slots in the National Assembly. He urged members of the PDP to be hopeful and trust in the party’s ability to win the two constituency seats in the state Assembly that were declared inconclusive in the last election, adding that the meeting was to encourage PDP members not to despair in the face of the party’s defeat at the national level.

We’re running Ughelli South council transparently —Chairman

HAIRMAN of Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, Mr. Paul Etaga, has said that he will continue to run the affairs of Ughelli South council transparently. Etaga, who spoke in his office, dismissed rumours of a dispute with the legislative arm of Ughelli South council, adding that they have been doing everything within the law to ensure accountability and transparency in the management of the resources of the council. He said: “We are determined to serve our people and make them feel the impact of their resources, even though we are presently having financial challenges and dwindling incomes due to the fall in oil price. “As elected leaders, we are responsible to the people of Ughelli South and it is our mandate to manage the resources of the council for the benefit of the people.”

Buhari'll heal wounds of N-Delta people— Ex-militants By Perez Brisibe

GHELLI—MEMBERS of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Security Committee in the Niger Delta states have expressed optimism that the president-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, will implement developmental programmes that will heal the wounds of the people of Niger Delta. Co-ordinator of the group, Bibi Oduku, who addressed newsmen yesterday on the hopes and aspirations of the APC for the people of the region, said that the people of the Niger Delta region have a lot to benefit from the incoming administration as Buhari will fulfill the promises made to the people by late President Umaru Yar’Adua. Condemning the actions of some groups in the region who have claimed responsibility for the pipeline explosions in Delta State, Oduku said: “Their demands may be genuine, but dialogue is a better tool for negotiation."

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015—13

Uduaghan, others hail Olu of Warri on 28th coronation anniversary By Egufe Yafugborhi

ARRI—GOVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has hailed the Olu of Warri, HRM Ogiame Atuwatse II, for his progressive reign on the throne of the Warri Kingdom, saying that his kingship has brought remarkable growth to the Itsekiri nation. Uduaghan, represented by his deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama, commended the monarch, yesterday, during a thanksgiving service to round off celebration of the royal father's 28th coronation anniversary. Uduaghan, who took the scripture reading at the Four Square Gospel Chuch, Aghofen (Olu Palace) parish, prayed God to give the monarch the grace for more celebrations, peaceful and beneficial reign over his kingdom. General Overseer, Four

Square Gospel Church in Nigeria, Rev. Felix Omedoye and former Information Minister, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire

also congratulated the monarch in their separate remarks, noting that his selfless service has brought

COMMENDATION SERVICE: From left: Wife of Bayelsa State governor, Dr Rachael Dickson; President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, during the commendation service for the late Special Adviser to the President on Research, Documentation and Strategy, Oronto Douglas, at St. Peter's Deanery, Anglican Diocese of Niger Delta West, in Yenagoa, weekend.

tremendous improvement to Iwere Kingdom. In a sermon, Rev. Utienyin Akperin enjoined Itsekiri

Widow of the late Oronto Douglas, Mrs Tarinabo Douglas and the children, Ogiel and Daniel.

Ibori, man of political intellect —AMORI By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

BUJA—THE senatorelect for Delta Central senatorial district, Chief Ighoyota Amori, has described the former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, as his idol and a man with a lot of political intellect. Chief Amori, in an interview during the induction course for the newly elected National Assembly members in Abuja, explained that despite the age difference between them, the former governor encouraged him to become the governor of the state. Fielding questions on the allegation in some quarters that he is a stooge of the former Governor Ibori, Amori denied the allegation, adding that he worked together with the then governor and that the legacies they left behind were still there for people to see. He said: “First, you know that I am senior to James Ibori. I was in politics before him. Of course you know the role I played in his becoming the governor. I have been in politics since 1987. I have served in different capacities, I have been a councillor, I formed political parties long before James Ibori came into the political scene. “I am senior to him. We are brothers, we are from the same place. How can a person who is more politically alive before James Ibori came, become a

stooge of my younger brother? The age difference between me and Ibori is so significant that I cannot be his stooge. “James Ibori is my idol. I worship him in the sense that

he is a man with a lot of political intellect. We worked together and our glorious days in Delta State are known to everybody. So, you don’t need to be a stooge of James Ibori,

you just need to complement his efforts. “Although politics is not by age but what I am telling you is that I have been there before he came."

13 PER CENT DERIVATION FUND: Delta oil communities defend Okirika By Emma Amaize

ARRI—LEADERS of the five ethnic oil and gas producing communities in Delta State have thrown their weight behind the call for direct allocation of 13 per cent derivation fund to oil communities by the pioneer chairman of Delta Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Chief Wellington Okirika. The leaders, in a statement by King Jerry Prebor and four others, said: “The unprovoked attack on Chief Okirika by some hired propagandists because of his fight for the rights of the oil communities is not only uncalled for, but uncharitable considering the huge resources and time that the respected Niger Delta leader has invested in the struggle. “In the past 20 years, Chief Okirika has been in the forefront of advocacy for direct allocation of oil revenue to the producing communities, beginning with the 1994 Constitutional Conference, 1999 Constitution Amendment, 2013 Constitutional Amendment by the National Assembly, 2013 Revenue Mobilization Allocation

and Fiscal Commission and even the last confab,” they said. The leaders added that in all their outings on behalf of oil communities, Okirika, popularly known as Mr 13 per cent, had fearlessly advocated direct payment of 13 per cent derivation to the people. The ethnic nationalities

commended the state governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, for his courage and commitment in ensuring that 13 per cent derivation gets directly to oil communities through the respective agencies and investment corporations proposed in the new bill before the state House of Assembly.

N500M SECURITY JOB SUIT IN BAYELSA: Court fixes May 5 for hearing By Samuel Oyadongha

ENAGOA—A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has adjourned till May 5, for hearing in the suit by some Oil Pipeline Protection Contractors from Obama (Okoroma) Community in Bayelsa State against the management of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company, NAOC, over the aborted N500 million security job for the protection of oil pipelines along the creeks within Nembe Local Government Area of the state. According to the aggrieved

indigenes to always shun sin and other social vices and lean more toward appreciating God for his “goodness and mercy.”

oil pipeline security contractors, in the suit, Agip, reneged on a contractual agreement entered into on May 24, 2014 between them and the company for a retainership of surveillance services against oil thieves and pipeline vandals on its pipeline within the Obama (Okoroma) Operational Area in the state. According to them, the management of Agip involved in the signing of the aborted agreement were Mr. Fontana Salvatore (CVR Manager) and Mr. Giovanni Azzarelli (TP manager).

Uduaghan faults NUC's scrapping of varsities' weekend programmes By Festus Ahon

S A B A — GOVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has faulted the scrapping of weekend programmes in Nigerian universities by the National Universities Commission, NUC, saying that it will deprive many Nigerian youths of university education. Speaking at the ninth convocation ceremony of the Delta State University, Abraka, DELSU, the governor said: “The NUC should first evaluate the advantages of weekend programme before scrapping it. I stand here to lend my voice to those calling on NUC not to scrap weekend programmes, not because of financial benefits to the Universities but, because there are many people out there who will not have the opportunity of having education without weekend programmes.”

14 — Vanguard, MONDAY MONDAY,, MAY 4, 2015

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Probe sponsors of fresh hostilities in EzzaEzillo LG, Ebonyi urges security agencies By Peter Okutu

B A K A L I K I — EBONYI State government has called on security agencies to investigate sponsors of fresh hostilities at Ezza-Ezillo in Ishielu Local Government Area of the state. Recall that last week, there was tension in the troubled area as human and vehicular movements were halted for three days along EnuguAbakaliki expressway by irate youths. The recent crisis, it was gathered, started when Ezza detainees who had been in prison custody for over one year, were released without knowing that the disputed land had been declared a buffer zone by the state government. Consdequently, the state government, through the deputy governor and governor-elect, Chief Dave Umahi, summoned stakeholders of both Ezza and Ezillo to an emergency meeting in his office at Government House, Abakaliki. In a communiqué issued at the end of the two–day meeting by leaders of thought

of the warring parties and read by the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Boniface Chima, the stakeholders said the status quo should be maintained in

the disputed land. They called on security agents to investigate the sponsors of the fresh hostilities and invasion and report same to the

government within six weeks. According to them, anyone staying in the disputed land should vacate within 24-hours and defaulters will be treated as criminals.

WORKERS’ DAY: Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State (right); Akwa Ibom State governor-elect, Mr. Udom Emmanuel (2nd right); Deputy governor-elect, Mr. Moses Ekpo (2nd left) and Nigeria Labour Congress Chairman, Akwa Ibom Chapter, Comrade Etim Ukpong, during the 2015 Workers’ Day celebration at Uyo Township Stadium.

Invest in agric to fight hunger, Buhari urged By Anayo Okoli

MUAHIA—THE president-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, has been urged to invest in agriculture to fulfil his campaign promise of combating hunger. Senior Special Assistant on Agriculture to Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State, Chief Obinna Ibiam, who made the call, weekend, also urged the president-elect to fight unemployment through massive investment in agriculture. He emphasized the need to create more opportunity to rural farmers by empowering them through provision of agricultural inputs. Speaking to journalists in Umuahia, Ibiam noted that proceeds from agriculture would augment the nation’s earnings in the face of dwindling oil revenue. According to him, President Goodluck Jonathan did well through the establishment of SURE-P, through which thousands of youths were given employment. He urged the president-elect to sustain the programme to

boost job creation. Ibiam commended Buhari for his pledge to fight hunger and unemployment, and reminded him that the peoples’ expectations of him were very high. Ibiam, who is also Abia State

Director, Youth for Agriculture in Nigeria, a nongovernmental organization, said the contribution of agriculture to the development of the economy was immense. He commended Governor

Theodore Orji for his effort in youth empowerment and congratulated Abia State governor-elect, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, for his victory in the last election, urging him to work for the good of Abia people.

Abia gov-elect bans courtesy visits By Anayo Okoli

MUAHIA—ABIA State governor-elect, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has banned his supporters and wellwishers from paying him courtesy calls and congratulatory visits, saying he needed time to plan for the enormity of the task ahead. The governor-elect said in a statement that he would feel worthy to accept congratulations and commendation visits after being sworn-in and also having made appreciable impact. His position came against the backdrop of the fact that his Umuobikwa home in Obingwa Local Government

Area has become a Mecca of sort for people of all shades since INEC declared him winner of Abia State governorship election, especially considering that some came mainly to lobby for positions in his soon to be inaugurated government. He thanked Abia people for voting for him and urged them to uphold in prayers, him and those who would work with him. He said: “I wish to thank all those who have felicitated with me in one way or another since I was declared winner of the election and plead for understanding of all those who are planning courtesy calls and congratulatory visits that I shall no longer be

available to receive any delegation coming with the intention to congratulate me. ‘’Because of the enormity of the task ahead, I require all the time I can get to plan to ensure that I justify the enormous confidence you have all reposed in me. “After I have been sworn-in and after I have made appreciable impact, I will feel worthy to accept your congratulation and commendation visits. For now, I call on all of you to uphold me and those who will work with me in your prayers for wisdom from above to take the right steps. “It is my solemn pledge that on my watch, Abia State shall be a state you will all be proud of.”

‘Immunization, life saving action' By Chidi Nkwopara

W E R R I — I M M U N IZATION has been described as a life saving and immune boosting action that should have the support of all. The Programmes Manager of Geodora Samaritans, Mr. Nwamadi Richard, stated this during an awareness campaign carried out at Saints Phillip and James Catholic Parish, Egbu, Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State. “There are gaps between immunization access, coverage and uptake around us. Women of child-bearing age, nursing mothers and everyone, should be stakeholders in the current battle to eradicate child killer diseases”, Richard reasoned. He noted that distance, terrain or economic reasons should not affect access to immunization.

DTHA: Uviejitobor receives Certificate of Return

HE Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday, presented the certificate of return to Chief Peter Uviejitobor of Labour Party, winner of Udu state Assembly election held on April 11, 2015. Speaking to newsmen in a reception organised in Udu after receiving the certificate from the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Elder Aniedi Ikoiwak, Uviejitobor urged losers to accept defeat and work with him to transform Udu Kingdom. He said: “I am humbled and proud of my people. I am proud of Udu and the electorate that voted me into office. I thank God for giving us victory. It was not easy because it was a painstaking activity. About seven persons contested the same position but I became victorious."

16—Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015

British Council awards N7.3m research grant

to 4 varsity lecturers

SIGNING: Governor Obiano (middle), and officials of Lynden Farms during the signing of MoU in Awka

Enugu residents groan as fuel sells for 150 per litre By Francis Igata

NUGU—THE scarcity of petrol worsened, weekend, in Enugu and its environs with long queues at the few filling stations where the product was available. A visit round the metropolis

showed that the scarcity had also led to a hike in the price of the product. The price ranged from N130 to N150 per litre in some filling stations while it was being sold for about N200 per litre in some black markets on the outskirts of the metropolis. The scarcity of petrol also led

to a hike in transport fares in many motor-parks in Enugu and Nsukka by bus which used to be N300, is now between N450 and N500. Mr. Beloved-Dan Anike, Commissioner for Inter Ministerial Duty, however, attributed the scarcity to protests by oil marketers seeking the payment of their debts which the

Federal Government had last week paid. Anike maintained that availability of products would improve in the days ahead, noting that government would check the arbitrary increase in pump price by private filling stations in the state.

Michael Okpara University to generate N800m annually from catfish production —VC

M UA H I A — P R O F . Hillary Edeoga, the Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, MOUAU, Abia, has said the school was targeting N800 million annually from catfish production. Edeoga told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday, in Umuahia, that a substantial part of the revenue generated internally by the institution, was from fish farming. He said that the Fishery/

Aquaculture and Poultry departments had been rehabilitated to ensure their viability and productivity. Edeoga said that on assumption of duty as vicechancellor, the university poultry buildings had no birds, adding that “there are thousands of birds now. “On assumption of duty as the vice chancellor, l met a Fishery/ Aquaculture department without a single tadpole, but today one of the sources of our

Fire guts Gamboru market in Maiduguri

SECTION of Gamboru Market in Maiduguri was, Sunday, gutted by fire which destroyed about 50 shops and goods worth millions of Naira. Some traders in the market said in Maiduguri that the fire started at about 3a.m., when there was nobody in the market. Malam Mohammed Ibrahim, a leader in the market, said that he noticed thick smoke at the market during the early morning prayers around 5a.m. “We were at the mosque praying when we saw thick smoke coming out from the market. “But we could not get to the market immediately due to the prevailing curfew in the state,” he said.

He added that when the traders eventually got to the market in the morning, they discovered that the fire had destroyed several shops and goods worth millions of Naira. “Nobody can say specifically the source of the fire, but some traders living closed by, said it started around 3a.m.,” Ibrahim said. Another trader, Malam Usman Kachalla, appealed to the state government to come to the assistance of the traders by rebuilding their shops. At the market, Sunday, many traders were seen salvaging the remains of their wares, while others stood by and lamented the situation. The market was also gutted by fire in 2009 and 2011.

internally generated revenue, is our fish pond. “We have a project called operation 'Produce one million catfish in a year.' If you produce one million catfish in a year, each weighing minimum of one kilogram, we have gotten N800m because one catfish of one kg costs N800. “We rehabilitated the hatchery project. Today, the West African Agricultural Productivity Programme of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture has recognised this institution in terms of fingerling research and production. We now supply to fish farmers in the South –East,” he said. The vice chancellor said that in recognition of the university ’s efforts in fish

farming, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture donated two vehicles to the institution. He said that from internallygenerated revenue, he had tarred all the roads in the school, adding that more projects would be implemented. He said that MOUAU was in collaboration with more than five foreign universities on research development. “In September 2014, we renewed our collaboration with the Kentucky State University over a broad range of programmes in fisheries and aquaculture, forest food resources, extension-farmer outreach programme and general exchange programmes, involving staff and students, in various disciplines,” he said.

AGOS—THE British Council in Nigeria said, yesterday, it had awarded N7.3 million research grants to four Nigerian university lecturers. This was contained in a statement issued in Lagos by the council’s Communications Manager, Mr. Desmond Omovie. According to the statement, the award was issued through the Researcher Links travel grants. The statement listed the beneficiaries as Dr. Anozoeze Madu and Dr. Vincent Chigor, both of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Dr. Rowland Kayode and Dr. Temilade Sesan of the universities of Ilorin and Ibadan, respectively. It explained that the grant was to assist the lecturers undertake various research work that would meet the developmental goal of Nigeria. “The awardees will be supported by established researchers in the UK , with proposed activity, selected on the basis of mutual benefit. “It would equally be tied to research quality and potential for sustained interaction,” it said. The statement further explained that contributing to capacity building of individual researchers and research groups, was part of the objectives of the grant. News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the Researcher Links initiative encourages outward and inward mobility to enable early career researchers to make contacts internationally.

Chamber urges Gov Obiano to eliminate multiple levies, taxes in Anambra

NITSHA (ANAMBRA)— ONITSHA Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, ONICCIMA, yesterday, appealed to Governor Willie Obiano to eliminate multiple taxes and levies in Anambra State. The chamber’s President, Dr. Tim Anosike, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Onitsha, that multiple taxes and levies were discouraging investments in the state. “Addressing the issue of multiple taxes and levies in the

state, which will include streamlining as well as publishing the approved regime of taxes and the authorised collection agencies, is essential. “The measure will not only improve the revenue base of the state government, but will also checkmate illegal tax/levy collection in the state. “Let this problem be tackled once and for all in this state,” he urged. However, the chamber boss lauded the state government for pursuing its four-point agenda

“which is gradually yielding the needed dividends. “We are happy that the strategic four-point agenda of Governor Willie Obiano is on course with the rate of development going on in key sectors throughout the state.” According to him, road construction, tourism infrastructure, agricultural and rural developments, including provision of enabling environment for business and healthy living, are steadily receiving adequate attention now.

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18 — Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015 ONE of the unique attributes of Abuja is the street names. They draw from a combination of history and geography and take one on memorable journeys. The names are from other cities, rivers, politicians, freedom fighters, bureaucrats, business people, from all over theworld. Nigerian interests are covered. Recent efforts to maintain the tradition could bequeath younger Nigerians with wrong stories about their country. The justification for a proposed street in Abuja for Richard Ihetu, better known as Dick Tiger, heightens our fears. Doubtlessly, Dick Tiger deserves the honour. He remains one of the best and most famous world boxing champions from Africa. He held spectators captive, winning the world middleweight title twice and added the world light heavyweight title to it. He died at 42, from liver cancer, 44 years ago. The fact that he had one of his celebrated title defences at the Liberty Stadium in Ibadan on 10 August 1963 against the American Gene Fullmer – their third fight in 10 months probably makes Dick Tiger stick on the minds

Does Abuja Know Hogan Kid Bassey? of those who saw or heard the ricocheting detailsof the triple encounters. Dick Tiger won the first, drew the second, all in the United States, his base, and won the final one in Ibadan. However, Dick Tiger was not the first Nigerian to win a world boxing title as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Senator Bala Mohammed claimed while justifying the 182 after whom Abuja streets would be named. The honour belongs to Hogan Kid Bassey, who, at 25, won the world featherweight title on 24th June 1957, knocking out Frenchman Cherif Hamia in the 10th round in Paris – five years before Dick Tiger’s first title. Hogan Bassey died 27 years

after Dick Tiger. Why does Abuja not know him? Both men were eminent enough to have streets named after them. Hogan Kid Bassey, a pioneer, was also a national boxing coach by 1963. Was the Abuja honour for him or Dick Tiger? We assume the authorities verified the informatioused in making this decision, which now casts doubts on justifications for some of the others listed. Last year, the Federal Government handed out 100 awards for Nigeria’s centenary. Five sports people were included as “heroes in global sports competitions”: Madam Chioma Ajunwa (Nigeria’s first Olympic gold medallist), Nwankwo Kanu (renowned footballer and Olympicmedallist), Richard Ihetu (Dick Tiger, double world boxing champion), Chief Michael Okpala (Power Mike, pioneer world wrestling champion), and Monday Ochuko Emoghawve (multiple Olympic gold medallist in power lifting). Who forgot Bassey? A grave injustice has been done to the memory of Hogan Kid Bassey. It can, and should be corrected.

OPINION Uduaghan's 3rd term or Okowa's tenure? By Bobson Gbinije It is not the glory of Caesar that matters now It is the welfare of Rome.”- Cicero “A politician imitates the devil, as the devil Imitates a cannon: wheresoever he Comes to do mischief, he comes With his backside towards you.”-John Webster NDER comparative analysis and the human reasoning, the dynamics and calculus of leadership redounds to the fact that,the principles of “SaluspopuliSupremaestlex” (the welfare of the people is the ultimate law). It is also cardinally imperative for equity, objectivity, egalitarianism, altruism, vision, patriotism and the Aristotelian concept of the pursuit of the greatest good for the largest number be infused into the matrix of Leadership and Governance in any society. But in trying to ascend to the Olympian heights of power and leadership in a democratic setting, the fundamental and core essence of democracy as a system of government that maximises the level of popular will as a determinant of government’s policies and actions must be upheld. All elective offices can only be filled through a free and fair election. If these time-honoured, litmus-tested and lofty truths are anything to go by, then the just concluded presidential, gubernatorial, National Assembly and State Assembly elections held variously on the 28thMarch and 11th April

2015 in Delta State and nay the totality of Nigeria was described by some politicians as a political tragedy of Hobbesian proportion and a mutant travesty of democracy. It was also described by various commentators and observers including the European Union Monitoring Team, various Non-governmental Organizations (NGO’s), International Media Representatives, our own Nigerian Transition Monitoring Group and the International Republican Institute (IRI), as an electoral fraud of monumental dimension, a fundamentally flawed election, a mockery of the democratic process, a civilian coup, a political farce by revisionists and renegades of democracy, a ghoulishly heinous act against democracy and a viscious crime against the Nigerian electorate. In my state, Delta State, governed by his Excellency Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan, monitors and other political

There is a culture of applied voodooistic political ritual perpetrated by the political class to always entrap and ensnare us in their democratic despotism

parties that lost the elections, especially the APC, observed that, the elections were a mockery of the democratic process as the PDP’s coercive machinery propelled by the incumbency factor, led to massive electoral malpractices. In all, Governor Uduaghan brought his consuming desire and overwhelming ambition to chart victory for the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State for another four years to fruition, not only by land and river slide victory, but also by moon, sun and star slide victory. But some political analysts have continue to ask that, wither goeth democracy? Is this the democracy we fought for through incisive writings, critical commentaries and protectionism at great personal risks to our lives under military despotism? Is this the democracy we paid a great price to wrest from the military institution? Definitely NoNot at all. No matter what alibi PDP’s political prestidigitators put up in Delta State all international and local monitors of the election cannot all be liars. We are therefore faced with the rational and unassailable conclusion that this is a glaring case of a usurped and stolen mandate (QED). We have heard and seen some political defeatists masquerading as analysts saying that, so long as the best riggers won, it was a free and fair election, and that even in advanced countries elections are never free and fair. It is indeed, a pity beyond all telling that we have resolved to apply the simplistic mode and model in finding solutions to our political problems. I doubt whether we will ever learn to walk the tight ropes of modern democracy. There is a culture of applied

voodooistic political ritual perpetrated by the political class to always entrap and ensnare us in their democratic despotism. This was further compounded in the 11th April 2015 elections by their wanton desire to comeback for a Third Term by putting their surrogates in power to perpetuate their influence and affluence in Delta State and beyond (Uduaghan’s Third Term by Proxy?). They have willy-nilly effected an Ibori’s political dynasty to Ibori’s political gladiator’s handover of government in Delta State. What a ludicrous political theatric? Howbeit, the normative standards of democracy put in place by the then President Olusegun Obasanjo-led PDP government remains a far cry from our great expectation. But we must strive to follow their protocols in seeking justice and redress. I therefore admonish those who feel aggrieved by the election results in Delta State and other parts of the country to go to the Election Tribunal as provided for in the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Sections 139, 184, 237 and 285. Although it will be a Kangaroo Tribunal, but Professor Attahiru Jega and the Independent Nigerian Electoral Commission, INEC, have condescendily conceded that there were massive election malpractices in six states or more of which Delta State was one. Those who lost the election in Delta State were not disgraced even after the re-run; they are indeed martyrs of democracy, because it was a glaring case of a civilian coup.

Continues tomorrow on pg 18 •Mr. Gbinije, a social critic, wrote from Warri, Delta State.

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015 —19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

The songs of yyest est erda esterda erdayy

N early 2012, a television station invited me, as Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to its early morning programme in Abuja. I was to discuss the State of the Nation with particular reference to the economy and well being of Nigerians. I arrived as scheduled, but was told the live programme was to be delayed as two other persons had been invited. I was to learn that the station had announced my programmed appearance and the Presidency had called to complain that I was biased against the Government and would use the opportunity to attack President Jonathan’s policies. It asked that government representatives be invited to ensure a balance. The station obliged and a Spokesperson came from the Presidency with another from a government institution. An obviously angry spokesperson complained that thanks to me, he was roused from sleep and asked to proceed to the station. He turned to me and asked rhetorically “Owei, why are you giving us so

much problem, I thought His Excellency is your brother” This was in obvious reference to the fact that President Goodluck Jonathan and I are Ijaws. I smiled and we went into the studio. When the programme did not seem to be going well for the Government team, the Spokesperson argued that I was unfairly holding the President accountable for the failures of past administrations that had neglected the refineries, run down infrastructure and generally under developed the country. I responded that he was being unfair to the President, a well educated and conscious leader who was conversant with the past failures, had dissected the country’s problems and proffered a seven-point solution before asking Nigerians to vote for him as he had the answer. Haven been given the mandate to govern the country, I said what Nigerians want are results not excuses. As President-elect Muhammadu Buhari prepares to take over the mantle of leadership, I am hearing

the old refrain of how the past administrations had brought the country to its knees. Top functionaries of the APC, the newly emergent ruling party are accusing the PDP of ruining the country in the past sixteen years including the economy and the efficiency of the military. I am not sure we need such analysis or claims now. I thought it was because the PDP was not seen as performing well, that the electorate took the Presidency from it and gave it to the APC. Perhaps years of living under military rule is affecting my thinking on such matters. In the past, a military group will overthrow the government, accuse it of indiscipline, corruption and ruining the country. Then it will serve the populace a three-course meal with probe panels for starters, a main dish of hope and expectations and a dessert of failures. Debates about the PDP running or ruining the economy in the past sixteen years are on, and I am not

We cannot blame civilian administrations for the state of the Armed Forces; military regimes are responsible for this

Political businessmen as ethnic champions By Osatohamwen Nosakhare

T is now history that Change has come to take its roots in Nigeria with the victory of General Muhammadu Buhari, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the March 28 General elections. Since then, there have been alignments and realignments by the political class with quick defections akin to the speed of light, or should I say, Usain Bolt, with many quickly dumping the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to embrace the APC. In Edo, the gale of defections saw to the jumping ship of former Governor of the State, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor; governorship candidate of the PDP in the 2012 election in the state, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (rtd), one-time Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emmanuel Arigbe-Osula, three-time member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ehioge West-Idahosa, renowned hotelier, Mr. Sunny Aguebor, one-time diehard PDP member Mr. Sunny Erengbo and Edo North PDP stalwart, Mr. Richard Lamai among many others. While many of the decampees gave several unintelligible reasons for dumping the PDP just days after the loss of the party in the March 28 election, others have rather chosen to, while still bona fide members of the PDP, regale the world with their larger-than-life roles and their anti-PDP activities in the elections. In this class is a certain businessman, a renowned pilot of Bini extraction who prefers to see himself as a politician, rather than the businessman he is, even as it is doubtful if he know where his polling unit is or the number of wards in Edo south. It is amusing that lately, many different

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syndicated articles have been published in virtually all the newspapers praising Captain Hosa Okunbor, or Kapi, as he is known by his hangers-on and praise-singers, of his political sagacity and wizardry; of how he virtually “single-handedly” won Edo South for the PDP in the March 28 general elections. There is no doubt that Kapi played a role in the March 28 election, with the way he rolled out the war chest, dishing out mouthwatering funds through his agents in the PDP to subvert the will of the people as the peoples’ conscience and votes were allegedly bought in a cash-for-votes strategy. Of course, Captain Hosa as a businessman had to roll out the cash in his futile bid to ensure the return of President Goodluck Jonathan to to Aso Rock, knowing full well that only that would ensure the sustenance of his business patronage from Abuja and possibly avoid Buhari’s anti-corruption probe. However, it must be pointed out that not one chieftain of the PDP in Edo State can claim to have worked hard for the votes recorded for President Jonathan in the March 28 election. This is because many Edo people, like in the South-South generally, voted on the basis of ethnic affiliation. Captain Hosa knows that the

The Binis are tired of people who think their personal business and primitive acquisitive interests are one and the same with the interest of the entire Bini people

about to jump on it. But an issue I feel strongly about are the claims about the military. We cannot blame civilian administrations for the state of the Armed Forces; military regimes are responsible for this. What makes an army is not just the training or quality of arms, but also the esprit de corps amongst its rank and file. That comradeship was destroyed with the coups and counter coups the military carried out against civilian administrations and military regimes. The military was destroyed when it periodically tied up scores of its officers, and executed them for alleged coup plots and coup attempts. Discipline is key to the training, culture, survival and development of any Army. For decades, this was lacking in the Nigerian military. It was a military in which a Non Commissioned Officer refused to salute a general or take orders from him without any repercussion. An Army in which generals pee in their pants in fear of a Major. Twenty two years ago, then Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Salihu Ibrahim had publicly cried out that the country was having an ‘anything goes’ army, and that mini armies were operating within the larger Nigerian Army. General Ibrahim who had survived detention in 1985 during a coup plot, had in his farewell speech in 1993, said “It is an open secret that some officers openly preferred political appointments to regimental appointments, no matter the relevance of such appointments to their careers …we became an army where subordinate officers would not only be contemptuous of their

slogan “he is our brother’’ became popular a few days to the election and President Jonathan would still have made a good showing without his money. The meat of Captain’s syndicated articles is to the effect that he is Bini and he is standing in the gap for the Binis in Abuja. He also said his new-found love is to support another Bini man, national Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and ensure his success. Really? All the effusive praises heaped on Captain Hosa in the write-ups are so ingenious as to obfuscate his real intentions. Now there are a few posers for him. How is Captain standing in the gap for the Binis in Abuja? What have the Binis gained throughout his ‘standing in the gap’ period? How many ministerial posts or other positions has Captain attracted to the Binis? Is Kapi just becoming aware that Chief Odigie-Oyegun, his brother, a former governor of Edo State and a fellow Bini man is the National Chairman of the APC? Why did he work against his brother’s interest through the deployment of resources to buy the conscience of the people in the March 28 election? How has he helped his brother, the APC National Chairman, since he was so elected last year? If he wanted to really support his brother, what role did he play in the loss of Chief Oyegun’s ward to the PDP on March 28? Is it not true that Kapi did all he could to humiliate and embarrass the APC National Chairman in the eyes of the world in the March 28 election? Is it also not true that Kapi, having realised that the tap from Abuja has been shut, had to find a way to warm himself into the hearts of the APC leaders to remain afloat, having realised that APC controls both the Federal and Edo State? It is curious that Captain Hosa attributed and arrogated the marginal gain of the PDP in the March 28 election to himself alone. He forgot that others made heavy financial contributions to the election; he forgot that the PDP has never, ever, won any election in Edo state since Comrade Adams Oshiomhole became Governor in 2008. Captain’s case is akin to what Ola Rotimi

superiors, but would exhibit total disregard to legitimate instructions by such superiors.” This was the type of military that the civilian administration inherited in 1999. So how can it be responsible for the state of the Armed Forces? If anything, the civilian administration helped restore some sanity by retiring over one hundred senior officers who had served in political positions for a minimum of six months. What is also noticeable is that since the return to civil rule, some sanity has prevailed in the Armed Forces; the prevalence of men and officers from various parts of the country feeling inferior or superior to their colleagues has reduced. It is agreed that initially, the military performed poorly in the war against Boko Haram which was worsened by countries blocking arms sale to us, but we all agree that this has changed; the military has turned the tide of that war. I am not advocating that the Buhari administration should not enquire into activities of the Jonathan administration. But the relevant institutions should carry out such tasks. We should also avoid trial by media. This brings me to the AIT controversy which the APC beautifully nipped in the bud. What I was more concerned about, were journalists who galloped to the side of reaction justifying such a blatant attack on the press and freedom of expression. If we excuse one attack, we open the doors to future attacks. We must always insist that legal and constitutional procedures be adhered to even where we think the press has erred.

called “a butterfly thinking himself a bird”, in his classic book, The gods are not to blame. He thinks he is a master of the political game, whereas he and the PDP have been roundly beaten over and again in Edo State. His hatchet writers allege that if he had wanted to go the whole hog, Kapi would have won the April 11 House of Assembly election for the PDP. Really, Captain? How would you have done that when your party is not on ground in Edo State? How would you have won a seat for the PDP in Edo South when the people do not want your party? As a matter of fact, Captain Hosa is being economical with the truth on the April 11 election. The people of Edo South are aware of the role he played surreptitiously through one of his cronies to ensure that one of his former loyalists, Hon. Chris Okaeben lost his Oredo West House of Assembly election, all because Okaeben dared to severe the cancerous umbilical cord linking them, but in spite of his efforts, the electorate did the right thing by voting for the Chris and the APC. In his desperation to align with the APC in Abuja and continue to breathe the oxygen provided therefrom, Captain Hosa said he is standing in the gap for the Binis. This is a fallacy of the highest order. Does Captain really have the interest of the Binis at heart or his personal insatiable interests? If Kapi really had the interest of the Binis at heart, this is the time to tell the Bini people how many industries, even if it is a pure water factory he set up anywhere in Benin land or in Edo State, or how many students of Bini extraction are on his scholarship. The Binis are tired of people who think their personal business and primitive acquisitive interests are one and the same with the interest of the entire Bini people. Captain knows that he is not the leader of the PDP in Edo South, he hardly makes any meaningful contribution to the life of the average Bini man and he definitely is not the leader of the Binis either in the state or in Abuja or even the diaspora. He should stop arrogating to himself what he is not. •Mr. Nosakhare, a public affairs commentator, wrote from Benin City, Edo State

20—Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015

HE way Igbos voted in the 2015 general election has been widely misunderstood. The South East and the Igbo electorate gave their almost undivided votes to President Goodluck Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Presidential and National Assembly polls, such that the in-coming All Progressives Congress (APC) will not be able to effectively zone any of the its political offices to the Igbo heartland. Some Igbos have been despondent that by “putting all their eggs in one basket”, they have voted themselves “out of contention”, at least for the next four years. For the first time in our political history, no Igbo person will be President, Vice President, Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker, House of Reps or Deputy Speaker, House of Reps. Non-Igbos who like to criticise Igbo politics have also been having a field day, saying their “blind following” of President Jonathan has rendered them “irrelevant” in the new APC dispensation which General Muhammadu Buhari will preside. Those who hold these views are either too young to understand the post-war Igbo political history or they are simply indulging their ignorance and mischief. In the first place, there are no losers of the general election. Agreed, some people will be in power and some will be watching from the sidelines. But since there is peace instead of killings and people running helter-skelter, since Nigeria is not sliding into a major crisis or war of disintegration as some had predicted, Nigerians are all winners. The architect of that general victory for Nigerians is President Goodluck Jonathan, who gamely conceded victory to Buhari even when he knew that the elections was “manipulated” against his party. Secondly, after careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that having people from your area occupy plum national offices does not translate to development for that area. It only gives people the psychological satisfaction that “we are in power”. It gives a few people access to those in power. It also makes a few multibillionaires out of a few privileged individuals. That’s about all. Just take a look at this. The North has produced one Prime Minister, two presidents and six military heads of state. Yet, the North remains the poorest and most backward part of the country in almost all counts of development. Obasanjo ruled Nigeria as an elected president for eight years, yet the people of the South West swear they got nothing for it. The South-South finally produced a president, yet apart from the post-

Igbos: Winner 15? Winnerss or loser loserss in 20 2015? Amnesty bazaar, Governor Rotimi Amaechi insists that all federal projects in the zone were put there by “Hausa” or “Yoruba” presidents. The South East has produced a ceremonial President, one military head of state, a Vice President, seven Senate Presidents, two Speakers of the House of Reps and a Deputy Speaker. Yet, they still complain of marginalisation. These officials enjoy their offices and please their families and friends. That’s all. What matters, therefore, is how an election advances the overall strategic interests of groups in the system. To understand how the Igbo group interest was furthered at the 2015 polls, we need to engage our political history. At the end of the civil war, Igbos lost everything. While the other Majorities, such as the North and, to a lesser extent, the West maintained a hold on their Minorities, the Eastern Minorities were part of the campaign that defeated Biafra. The Eastern Minorities became willing vassals of the North. The Igbos themselves were also appendages of the North in that to remain “relevant” they

Today, the Minorities of the South not only have their own separate political home zone with which they produced the president of this country, the South East and SouthSouth operating in the PDP/APGA alliance basket has become potentially the second most powerful political block in Nigeria

always tried to maintain strong links with the Northern political establishment. Instructively, it was the West that remained in the opposition that benefited most from Federal largesse.

Struggling to please

With the Igbos and the Minorities (especially the Ijaws) struggling against each other to please the North which they regarded as their “traditional allies” it was left for the North to pick and choose. During elections they picked the Igbos for VP. But in terms of appointments and grander conspiracies they went to the Minorities. But both sides suffered neglect when it came to the distribution of the wealth of the nation to drive real development, though the oil wealth came from their parts. When General Sani Abacha called the Constitutional Conference in 1994, the Igbo intelligentsia decided that only the geopolitical re-engineering of Nigeria would set the Igbos – and others free. They reasoned that unless the Minorities had their own geopolitical platform and identity, their unhealthy rivalry with the Igbo would never end. At the preConstitutional Conference talks (Mkpoko Igbo) in Enugu, the Igbo leadership hatched a plan to have Nigeria split into six regions or geopolitical zones, based on which political power would be rotated to eliminate sectional domination. In addition, ailing Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe also lent his support for the creation of an all-Ijaw state out of old Rivers. At the Conference, the Igbos drafted Dr. Ekwueme to lead their delegates, with Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu and Chief Sam Mbakwe as Conference co-chairs while Professor ABC Nwosu was the main intellectual lynchpin. The Igbo proposal caused a big friction between Ekwueme and the North because the latter felt it was an attempt to whittle down their power. The proposal was defeated at the Conference. But because Abacha wanted

Igbo support for his self-succession, he approved the creation of the six geopolitical zones, including the South East and South-South. He also granted Zik’s wish for an Ijaw State, Bayelsa, which gave the Igbo-speaking people control of Rivers politics. It was former Chief of General Staff, retired Commodore Okoh Ebitu Ukiwe, the man who wrote the original script for “power shift”, that started the move for partnership between the South East and South-South in 2001 when he formed the Council of South East and SouthSouth (COSESS). Though the idea was enthusiastically embraced by the Minorities, some Ijaw leaders, such as Chief Marshall Harry and EK Clark opposed it, saying they were more “familiar” with alliance with the North. But in 2010/2011 when Jonathan wanted to run for president after exhausting the unfinished term left by the late President Umaru Yar’ Adua, the Igbo leadership decided to give him total support. In fact, they barred themselves from running for president or vice president for that purpose. In the end, the Igbo votes helped give the presidency to Jonathan in 2011, just as the Yoruba votes helped give the presidency to Buhari in 2015.

Powerful political bloc Today, the Minorities of the South not only have their own separate political home zone with which they produced the president of this country, the South East and South-South operating in the PDP/APGA alliance basket has become potentially the second most powerful political bloc in Nigeria with eleven states, compared to Arewa (North East and North West) which has thirteen states. The “middle Belt” states of North Central remain the swing states. In 2011 they went with the PDP, but chose to go with APC in 2015. The South East and South-South political bloc, if kept strong, can create an alliance with the South West and North Central, along with progressives from the Arewa states and ensure equity and sense of belonging for all Nigerians. That was the original purpose for which they envisioned. The South East and South-South combined bloc can call the shots both politically and economically, being the oil-bearing zones of Nigeria. The realisation of this vision is a major victory for the Igbo, the Minorities and the nation at large. So, wherein lies the loss? It is now up to the zones’ new political leaders such as Godswill Akpabio, Nyesom Wike, Willie Obiano, Emeka Ugwuanyi, Ifeanyi Okowa, Liyel Imoke, Seriake Dickson and the rest to take it further or let it go.

OPINION Tribute to Tony Momoh @76 By Chukwudi Enekwechi

OST Nigerians still remember him as the author of “Letter to My Countrymen” during the Babangida years, a medium he used to sermonise on the virtues of patriotism, honesty and commitment to the service of God andcountry. Tony Momoh is a prince of the famous Auchi Kingdom in Edo State. Members of Momoh family are spread across the entire globe due to their huge numerical strength. Prince Tony Momoh, is a notable lawyer, journalist, former minister of information, accomplished writer, author of several books, and most recently through his initiative while still serving as the chairman of Congress for Progressive Change, the All Nigerian Peoples Party and the Action Congress of Nigeria collapsed into a mega party, All Progressives Congress, that finally clinched the victory at the March 28 presidential election. With an untainted loyalty to the Buhari project, Prince Tony Momoh has remained the only man standing, by being steadfast with General Buhari since 2003 till date. As the “Chief Promoter” for Buhari he has published several pamphlets and publicity materials where the true perspective of Buhari was clarified to the satisfaction of all

and sundry. When most people jumped ship and deserted Buhari, his unflinching faith in the ability of Buhari to rescue Nigeria remained unshaken. Through his managerial acumen, Tony Momoh was able to navigate the defunct CPC through the murky waters of Nigeria politics that in 2011 Buhari garnered over 12million votes from across the country. This singular feat no doubt paved the way for Buhari to emerge as the beautiful bride in Nigeria political firmament. A humanist and unassuming gentleman, Prince Tony Momoh recently attained 76 years of age, and also marked the 46th marriage anniversary between him and his kind hearted wife. Typical of his unassuming nature, he decided not to celebrate the birthday, though had a quiet celebration of his marriage anniversary with close family members. As the icon of Nigeria’s journalism profession, he has devoted a greater part of his life in using writing to heal afflicted souls. Little wonder a group of professors devoted over six years in researching into his writings and came In the quest for a up with a book in which he new , the likes of was described as Africa’s Prince Tony Momoh most famous Bibliotherapist. will obviously serve With Nigeria constantly as shining lights on his mind, he never ceases

to proffer solutions to the numerous problems besetting the country, but most importantly he believed that with the sterling character traits of Buhari, he was the leader ably equipped to pull her back from the brink. Having successfully convinced his colleague chairmen of defunct ACN and ANPP to work towards merger rather than alliance, and seeing his dream come through, Prince Tony Momoh feels fulfilled, having accomplished this greatest task of a lifetime. Though, most compatriots missed the opportunity to clink glasses and celebrate this man of letters, yet I found it expedient to use this public medium to pour encomiums on my political mentor, and a man whose character traits of integrity humanness, loyalty to friendship and fatherland have continued to endear him to greater number of Nigerians. Without doubt, these are unique qualities he shares in common with the President- elect, General Muhammadu Buhari. In this clime where integrity is in short supply, these uncommon traits will readily help the duo to bequeath to generations yet unborn reason to be proud Nigerians. In the quest for a new Nigeria which the incoming Buhari administration is resolute to build, the likes of Prince Tony Momoh will obviously serve as shining lights. *Mr. Enekwechi, a communication expert, wrote from Abuja.

MAY 4, 2015

‘External reserves can't pay for more than 3 months of imports’ BY OMOH GABRIEL

zDrops 1% from $29.8 billion to $29.5 billion by April 28

HE nation's foreign exchange reserves fell one per cent month-on-month to $29.5 billion by April 28, from $29.8 billion a month earlier, the central bank said weekend. This implies that the reserves at the current rate of importation can support just three months of import. The reserves were down 22.6 per cent year-on-year when they stood at $38.14 billion. The apex bank, Central Bank of Nigeria has used its foreign exchange reserves to support the local currency in the wake of falling global oil prices. At the foreign exchange market last week despite dollar auction sales worth $91.2 billion by international oil companies on Monday, the Naira closed flat at N199.10/$1.00 at the interbank market. This rate was maintained throughout the week. Similarly, the CBN’s clearing rate steadied at N197.00/$1.00 for the week. As a follow up to the CBN’s withdrawal limit on overseas card holders to $50,000 (from $150,000) per annum and daily cash withdrawals to $300, the apex bank has further clarified that customers’ cards linked to domiciliary accounts overseas are not affected. Demand for the dollar by travelers may increase locally as a result of this decision, market operators say they expect exchange rate to continue to trade within the current level at the inter-bank segment of the foreign exchange market in the coming week. However, at the BDC segment of the foreign exchange market, the Naira depreciated by N3.00 or 1.3 per cent to N220.10/$1.00 from N223.10/$1.00 The national economy, pre-general elections was facing huge financial haemorrhage as politicians, corporate bodies and foreign investors moved funds massively out of the country as well as from Naira to dollar. In January 2015, data available at CBN showed that the sum of $2,196,805,444.97 was

paid out by the CBN as international remittances on behalf of Nigerians. In February, the sum of $1,273,415,392.55 went out as payments.

In a survey of payments made by the CBN on behalf of the public in 2014, a total of $22.1 billion went out of the country in five weeks, an average of

$4.5 billion a week. While about $3.083 billion went out in the week ending 31st July 2014, the amount of foreign exchange flowing out of the country rose to $4.2 billion for the week ending 30th August. It however dropped to $4.1 billion on the 30th of September and moved astronomically to $5.29 billion for the week ending 31st October 2014. The foreign exchange outflow went further up to $5.35billion for the week ending November 30th. This capital flight has resulted in the crash of the naira exchange rate which had remained stable before the election and the crash of the international crude oil price. CBN defends Naira with $4.7bn The Central Bank of Nigeria in the bid to raise the value of the local currency has spent $4.7 billion so far this year to defend the naira even as the nation’s external reserve fell further to $29.6 from $29.6 billion at the middle of April 2015. Data published by the CBN on its website show that the external reserve fell by $189 million from $29.778 billion on April 2nd to $29.589 billion on April 9th. Consequently the reserve has fallen by $4.879 billion since December 31st 2014. Commenting on developments in the nation’s foreign exchange market in the first quarter of the year, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Financial Derivative Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane had said that the apex bank had so far spent $4.7 billion to defend the naira this year, adding that the nation’s external reserve import and payments cover has fallen to 4.8 months, 1.2 months below the international standard for healthy external reserve. Rewane also stated then that the 13 per cent appreciation of the naira in the parallel market in the last two weeks to N197 per dollar from N225 was due to election sentiment and elimination of fear premium. He predicted that the appreciation would soon be reverse and Continues on page 22 C M Y K

22 — Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015

Economy 11 ships arriv e Lagos por ts arrive ports with petroleum products

leven ships laden with petroleum products had arrived at the Lagos ports weekend, the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA said. This is contained in 'Shipping Position,' a daily publication of NPA. It said that the vessels conveyed petrol, kerosene and base oil, adding that two other ships with rice consignment had also sailed into the ports. The publication also stated that 37 ships were being expected at the ports from April 30 to May 23. According

MEETING - From left: Mr. Kolawole Olayinka ,Regional Commercial Manager, British Airways, West Africa; Prince Adeyemi Adefulu President Nigerian-British Chamber Of Commerce (NBCC); Mr. Alan Davies Managing Director, James Cubbit Architects and Mrs. Joyce Akpata, Director General NBCC at the Chamber’s Breakfast Meeting held in Lagos.

‘External reserves can't pay for more than 3 months of imports’ Continued from page 21 the naira would depreciate further because the fundamentals remain unchanged. “At the parallel market, the naira will trade at N215-N220 against the dollar again”, he said”. Rewane advised the incoming government of the General Mohammudu Buhari to allow the naira find its true value, calling for reduction in interest rate and easing of monetary policy stance.

Nigerian stocks rally as Kenya sinks in 1st divergence since ’13

At the Capital Market Nigerian equities posted the biggest gains in sub-Saharan Africa in April, helped by a reversal of investor flows that’s seen the market benefit at Kenya’s expense for the first time in 16 months. The Nigerian Stock Exchange All Share Index rallied 9.3 per cent in April, the most among 14 gauges on the continent, and the steepest gain since May 2013. The FTSE NSE Kenya 25

Index is down 0.6 per cent in April, its first retreat in six months. It marks the first time since December 2013 that the measure has declined while Nigeria’s index has risen. Nigerian assets soared after President Goodluck Jonathan conceded defeat to former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari on March 31, soothing fears of a dispute in Nigeria, which has a history of electionrelated violence. “The clear, peaceful, and seemingly fair conclusion of Nigeria’s presidential, legislative, and state elections has boosted investor sentiment,” John Ashbourne, an Africa economist at Capital Economics Ltd. in London, said. In contrast, confidence toward Kenya soured with the decline in tourism and surging imports that’s pressuring the country ’s current account deficit, he said. The Kenyan shilling weakened 0.2 percent to 94.70 per dollar by 4:49 p.m., the lowest since November 2011 on a closing basis. It dropped 2.5 percent in April, the second straight 30-day loss.

Nigerian Gains Nigeria’s All-Share Index rose 1.9 percent to 34,708.11 in Lagos, the commercial capital, to erase this year’s losses. In Nairobi, Kenyan equities rose 0.4 percent to 229.81 for a 2015 advance of 6.2 percent. The Nigerian naira strengthened 0.1 per cent per dollar to 199, paring the loss this month to 0.1 per cent. The naira has been trading around 200 per dollar after the central bank in February extended trading restrictions introduced since mid-September to control the currency ’s value. It dropped 21 per cent to a record low of 206.32 between the end of June and Until the election results were announced at the end of last month, Nigerian equities were the world’s worst performers, with investors deterred by uncertainty over the vote and a 40 percent plunge since June in the price of crude oil, which accounts for about two-thirds of government revenue and 90 percent of export earnings. Feb. 12 as oil prices slumped.

Insurance brokers seek abolition of operational bidding fees Lagos that such charges were “ So they should not be also

he Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) has condemned payment of bidding fees as prerequisite for offering insurance broking services. Mr Ayodapo Shoderu, President of NCRIB, said in C M Y K

highly exploitative. He said that some companies and government institutions were charging members before they could render services. According to Shoderu, insurance brokers as professionals, provide services like lawyers, architects, and accountants.

placed under such burden,” he said He said that the council had ordered its members to stop paying such charges. “The council management had already dissuaded members from paying such exploitative fees.

to it, 13 of the ships will sail into the ports with food items, including rice, buckwheat, bulk sugar, salt and frozen fish. It disclosed that containers were expected to be brought in by 12 ships, while seven others would berth at the ports with general cargo. It added that the remaining five ships would arrive at the ports with petroleum products, which would include diesel and petrol.

Okonjo-Iweala denies appointing PWC to audit NNPC accounts

INISTER of Finance, Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala has denied a p p o i n t i n g PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) to conduct the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) audit. This is contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Minister on Media, Mr Paul

Nwabuikwu, in Abuja. According to the statement, a group of three accounting firms filed a suit against the minister before a Lagos High Court with the allegation. “The group is alleging that she appointed the global audit firm, PwC to conduct the recently concluded forensic audit of the NNPC against the provisions of the Local Content Act.

Cobham appointed NACCIMA's new D-G

r Emmanuel Cobham has been appointed as the new Director-General of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA). A statement by Mrs Rosemary Agweven, the Public Relations Manager, NACCIMA, says Cobham is a lawyer, journalist and “administrator par excellence”. The statement also said that Cobham had “ wide and varied experience which he amassed working at senior

levels in the state, national and international organisations”. Cobham was a former Correspondent of NTA who served four different Military Administrators and one civilian Governor of Cross River as Chief Press Secretary and Director of Press Affairs from 1992 to 1999. He worked briefly at the African Union Commission, AU, as Legal Officer in the Security Arrangements and Ceasefire Commission.

Chamber urges Anambra to address multiple taxes, levies

r Tim Anosike, the President, Onitsha Chamber of Commerce has urged Anambra Government to address multiple taxes and levies in the state. Anosike, who gave the advice in Onitsha, said unless the problems were addressed, they would drive away potential investors to the state. “Addressing the issue of multiple taxes and levies in the state, which will include streamlining/publishing the approved regime of taxes and

the authorised collection agencies, is very essential. The measure will not only improve the revenue base of the state government, but will also checkmate incidence of illegal tax/levy collection in the state. Let this problem be tackled once and for all in this state,” he said. The chamber boss, however, lauded the state government for pursuing its four-point agenda, adding that the effort was gradually yielding the needed dividends to residents of Anambra.

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015 — 23

Institute open judicial probe into NNPC T

he forensic audit conducted by PWC on NNPC to ascertain the veracity of the alleged missing $20 billion from the Federation account is to say the least, very damaging to the already poor image of the officials of the out-going PDP-led Federal Government. The report was supposedly a fact-finding one but what came out was a smokescreen the government wanted to use to whitewash a very filthy cup for Nigerians to drink with. PWC had qualified the audit saying it did not obtain needed information from NPDC, a subsidiary of NNPC. The qualification of the audit report has cast doubt on the reliability of the report. The auditors have tacitly put a disclaimer on the report saying it was for the use of the Auditor-General only. Interestingly, there are now denials from principal actors in the saga. Blame game has started as the AuditorGeneral is quoted as saying he did not act on the report as the Presidency has vested interest in it. The Minister of Finance has denied commissioning the firm to carry out the audit. From the content of the report, the government briefed the auditors of what it needed and what it intended to achieve which was not to find out if the nation was losing resources by lack of

adequate control in the oil and gas operation of NNPC and its subsidiary. In the real sense, the Minister of Finance who instituted the probe, the Auditor-General who received the report and the Minister of Petroleum resources have questions to answer. The Finance Minister must tell Nigerians details of the briefing she gave PWC even though she has denied setting up the audit. Did the firm of auditors meet her expectations? If yes, she is culpable of cover up. If no, who was she desperately trying to cover up? The Auditor-General must explain to Nigerians when he received the report as an internal auditor, what recommendations he made to government knowing full well that by practice, the audit report was qualified. The Minister of Petroleum Resources must explain knowing full well that by the caveat the auditors put on the report, it was not useful for anything but the waste paper bin. She should also answer for the fact that lots of the nation's scarce resources were wasted in a report that ab-initio was not meant to find out anything. The fact that the auditors said “When you are given a job, there are procedures for doing the job based on agreement with the client, the out-going government must tell Nigerians what agreement it

The Minister of Petroleum Resources must explain, knowing full well that by the caveat the auditors put on the report, it was not useful for anything but the waste paper bin

reached with PWC on the socalled forensic audit. The auditors, to excuse themselves from behind-thescene scandals going on in government put a caveat on the audit so that others would not use the so-called forensic audit of the NNPC account in search of the missing $20 billion or rely on it for decision-making. It is also to protect the company from any legal action that may arise from the job.

PricewaterhouseCoopers in their introductory letter addressed to Nigeria’s Auditor-General, the audit firm said findings in its 199page report were limited to available information and did not constitute a review in accordance with generally accepted standards. The report said: “The procedures we performed did not constitute an examination or a review in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards or attestation standards. “Accordingly, we provide no opinion, attestation or other form of assurance with respect to our work or the information upon which our work was based”. PWC said that the report “ was solely for the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, for their internal use and benefit and not intended to, nor may they be relied upon, by any other third party. The report did not give strong and independent opinion of its findings despite government claim the investigation was carried out using forensic techniques. Many Nigerians may not understand what a qualified account stands for. A secondary school friend of mine, who had distinction in ICAN examinations and practised auditing before his appointment as a Commissioner in Nigerian Insurance Commission asked that I read the content of INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ON AUDITING 705 to understand why an auditor will qualify an audit report. The Audit guide 705 for auditing showed that an auditor ’s report is a formal

opinion, or disclaimer thereof, issued by an auditor as a result of evaluation performed on a legal entity. The Guideline said that an auditor’s report is considered an essential tool when reporting financial information to users, particularly in business. Since many third-party users prefer, or even require financial information to be certified by an independent external auditor, many auditees rely on auditor reports to certify their information in order to attract investors, obtain loans, and improve public appearance. A qualified opinion report is issued when auditors encounter one of the two types of situations which do not comply with generally accepted accounting principle. The two types of situations which would cause an auditor to issue this opinion include Single deviation from GAAP when one or more areas of the financial statements do not conform to GAAP or are misstated and Limitation of scope when the auditor could not audit one or more areas of the financial statements. The auditors in this case did not agree with what the government wanted. The government had wanted a misrepresentation of facts to placate the Nigerian public. The NNPC cover up is a game that has been on for decades. There have always been double entry for subsidy claim, there have been crude oil lifting without records. What all of these mean is that NNPC is a rotten egg and a home of looters. What is needed is an open judicial probe of the operations of NNPC right from inception.

Economy Association urges DISCOs to invest more in embedded power projects

he Electricity Meter Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has urged electricity distribution companies (Discos) to invest more on embedded power generation projects to stabilise power supply in the country. Muyideen lbrahim, Executive Secretary of the association, gave the advice in Lagos. Ibrahim said that embedded power generation remained one of the most vital ways of solving the nation’s electricity problem. He said that the dwindling power situation in

the country posed serious worries since the privatisation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). Embedded power generation

is the process through which the Discos obtain power supply from independent power generating firms. The scribe also urged the Discos

to explore the use of renewable energy because it was environmental-friendly. He attributed the current challenges of the transmission

network to long years of neglect and urged the government to ensure the Transmission Company of Nigeria tackled the issue.

MTN woos Nigerians with easy, faster internet applications

TN Nigeria Ltd has urged Nigerians to buy into an APPtitude campaign that would enable subscribers to access the internet easily, faster and smarter. MTN Chief Marketing Officer Olubayo Adekanmbi made the appeal

at a news conference to herald the inauguration of the APPtitude campaign in Lagos. “The journey to BetterMe continues and in a quest to become a better me, the journey must be easier, faster and smarter. “In order to democratise the

access to the internet, Apptiude is the new attitude,” he said. He said that 90 per cent of internet access in Nigeria was via mobile devices and as such, there was need to simplify access in order to grow uptake and consumption. Adekanmbi said that

Nigerians could transform this by using apps which were permanently on their device homepage and self-updating with latest information. According to him, the main objective of the campaign was for Nigerians to be able to access the internet through a short cut. C M Y K

24 — Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015

Business & Economy

Nigerian named among six high performing world’s entrepreneurs

he Chief Executive Officer of BAU Research and Development Nigeria Limited, Gossy Ukanwoke, has been selected alongside five other entrepreneurs, spanning six continents, as high performing entrepreneurs. For this feat, Ukanwoke will join his counterparts from around the world to participate in Ernst & Young (EY)’s prestigious entrepreneurship program tagged ‘accelerating entrepreneurs’. The programme, run by Ernst & Young (EY), gives six high-potential entrepreneurs from around the world support to scale up their business by receiving one-toone expert guidance, networking and insightsharing opportunities at the 15th EY’s annual Global World Entrepreneur Of The Year event in Monaco, between 3-7 June 2015 as well as on-going support from EY. The final six participants, who were selected by an independent judging panel of ‘Growth Coaches’, assessed through criteria such as entrepreneurial spirit, social impact, innovation and leadership, are Sarah Kauss (S’well Bottle, US); Stefanie Kurniadi (NasiGoreng Mafia, Indonesia), Idriss Al Rifai (MENA 360, United Arab Emirates), Bulent Tekmen, Ininal, Turrkey and Gossy Ukanwoke, BAU Research and Development, Nigeria Limited). According to Bunmi Akinde, EY Entrepreneur of The Year Leader for West Africa, the selection of Gossy Ukanwoke is only African, points to the level of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit embedded in the country. “Nigerians have always been entrepreneurial people, innovative and enterprising even under difficult circumstances. They find solutions to the problems we face as Africans and reinforce that the Africa growth story is a narrative we are writing ourselves. This is definitely true of his entrepreneurial drive and we are proud to showcase him on a global stage,” says Bunmi Akinde. C M Y K

Guinness Nigeria establishes N10bn commercial paper programme

uinness Nigeria Plc, h a s announced that it will be establishing a N10 billion Commercial Paper (“CP”) programme with the view to launching its inaugural CP issue under the programme in a week’s time. The announcement was made at the signing ceremony which held at the company’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. John O’Keeffe, the Managing Director/CEO of Guinness Nigeria, said “We are very pleased with the successful launch of this Commercial Paper programme for Guinness Nigeria Plc and the support received from our advisors to get us to this point. “This will be the first corporate CP programme to be established in recent times, following the new CBN guidelines coming into effect, and we are pleased to

be the first company to take advantage of this opportunity. We look forward to a robust uptake of this inaugural issuance imminently, whilst retaining the flexibility offered by the programme to tap into the CP market again in the nearest future.” Witnessing the signing ceremony were representatives of the transaction advisors which include Stanbic-IBTC Capital Limited and Standard Chartered Securities Nigeria Limited as Joint Arrangers, Aluko & Oyebode as Legal Counsel, KPMG as Auditors

to the Issuer, and Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited as Issuing Calculation and Paying Agent. Also in attendance were officials of FMDQ OTC, a Securities and Exchange Commission licensed overthe-counter market operator for fixed income securities. Also speaking at the event, Kobby Bentsi-Enchill, Head Debt Capital Markets, of Stanbic IBTC Capital stated that Guinness Nigeria has shown industry leadership in taking up the CP. He said “This transaction is a unique milestone event, and

represents the first CP Programme to be established by a non-financial institution corporate issuer following the new guidelines on commercial paper from the Central Bank of Nigeria, published in 2009. In that regard, Guinness Nigeria has again clearly demonstrated its innovative approach towards executing the company ’s financing strategy, in an increasingly competitive market environment. We at Stanbic IBTC are also proud to have partnered with Guinness on this landmark achievement”

AXA Group of France acquires Mansard Insurance Plc

he Nigerian Mansard Insurance Plc has been acquired by the France based AXA, one the international leading insurance and asset managment groups. The acquisition of Mansard followed the earlier control of Assur Africa Holding (AAH) that holds 77 per cent in the Mansard Insurance Plc. Mr Victor Osibodu, Chairman of Mansard Insurance, said that the development would force the company to change its name to AXA Mansard Plc. The chairman told shareholders of the company at their recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos that AXA was a global insurance player in insurance and asset management with 160,000 employees serving 102 million clients in 56 countries. “In December 2014, AXA group, in a bid to actualise its Sub-Saharan African expansion, acquired 100 per cent equity in AAH. AAH before its acquisition, holds 77 per cent stake in Mansard Insurance PLC, thereby making AXA the beneficial owners of Mansard,” he said.

PARLEY - From left: Ronke Fasalayo, Corporate Communications, Meadow Hall Foundation; Kemi Adewale, Head, Meadow Hall Foundation; Kehinde Nwani, Group Managing Director and Ola Opesan, Head of School during the Meadow Hall Foundation media parley in Lagos.

Lafarge Africa's Q1 revenue up by 15%

afarge Africa Plc, has recorded a revenue of N57 billion in the first quarter of 2015, which is 15 per cent higher than first quarter, Q1 2014. It also recorded a Profit After Tax, PAT of N8.6 billion and N14.6 billion of cash was generated from operations. The company’s and Group’s revenues increased by 25 per cent and 15 per cent in Q1 2015, when compared to last year. Wapco Operations had a strong quarter with 16% volume growth and a favorable mix and pricing, leading up to its overall 25 per cent growth. The Ready-Mix revenue grew by 40 per cent and South Africa by 7 per cent. Ashaka was affected by the insecurity in the North and heightened election

apprehensions in March, 2015, and saw a temporary revenue dip in Q1. Meanwhile, the board of directors of Lafarge Africa granted approval for a Mandatory Tender Offer to all qualifying shareholders of Ashaka Cement Plc in 2014. Consequently, the Tender Offer is now concluded and regulatory approval has been obtained for the approval of the shares transferred. Lafarge Africa ownership stake in Ashaka Cement has increased to 82.46% from 58.61%. We expect final regulatory approval in the coming weeks. In his statement, the Chairman, Board of Directors, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye , said “Our company has delivered a good performance in spite of the general elections and

market uncertainty. We remain highly committed to delivering a strong result in 2015 in line with our ultimate objective of improving value to our shareholders”. Commenting on the results, the Chief Executive Officer, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr. Guillaume Roux mentioned that ‘’We have achieved stability in our operations, marked by our solid performance. The consolidation of our businesses and expansion projects presents an excellent foundation for future growth. Our management team is fully mobilized to deliver operational excellence whilst also leveraging on the strength of the Lafarge Group”.

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015 — 25

26 — Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015

Banking & Finance

Union Bank finances PNG Gas’ plant with N4bn

nion Bank of Nigeria Plc has signed a N4 billion agreement to finance Egboama Gas Plant owned by PNG Gas Limited. The loan facility will provide the required funding for the refurbishment and upgrade of gas plant located in Delta State. Commenting on the agreement, the Executive Director, Corporate Banking at Union Bank, Mr. Emeka Okonkwo said: “Union Bank is pleased to be supporting PNG with the financing of Egboama plant which is expected to produce about 101 tons of liquefied petroleum gas per day. This project will no doubt enhance efforts towards increasing domestic utilization of gas in the country and reducing dependence of oil.” In addition to producing 101 tons of liquefied petroleum gas per day, the Egboama gas plant is also expected to produce 38 tons of propane gas per day, 750 barrels of natural gas liquids as well as 25 million standard cubic feet of lean gas per day. The lean gas would be piped into the national gas grid to support power generation. Union Bank is a key player in oil and gas financing and is resolute in promoting and developing industries in the sector as part of its transformation programme.

UNIC foundation grants over $2.8m scholarships

ver seven hundred (700) graduate and undergraduate students have been granted scholarships ($4, 000 each) worth more than $2.8 million to pursue various courses leading to the award of bachelors and masters degree certificates. Addressing awardees at the award /convocation ceremony held at the old auditorium of the Lagos State University on Wednesday, the president of UNIC foundation, Engineer Christopher Imumolen said the awardees has the unique advantage of automatic scholarship with Presley University, USA, leading to the award of an international Degree (B.sc, Msc, PHD). He further stated that UNIC has dedicated personnel that monitor the program to ensure that standards are complied with.

SYMPOSIUM - From left: Representative of Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Dr. Nkiruka Odunukwe ; Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Olubunmi Otubanjo; Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris; and Category Manager, Pestcare, Healthcare, and Aircare, RB, West Africa, Qaiser Rashid, during a symposium in commemoration of World Malaria Day 2015 at NIMR Auditorium, Yaba in Lagos.

Forex limit on naira debit card: CBN to set BVN trap for multiple card holders Stories by BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

ery soon, bank customers that have multiple naira debit cards linked to different banks accounts would not be able to spend more than $50,000 for

overseas transaction through their cards. This is because, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is set to meet electronic payment service providers to devise measures to ensure that banks customers are not able to have access to more than the

$50,000 limit for on foreign exchange that could be accessed through naira debit cards for overseas transactions. Recently, the apex bank reduced this limit to $50,000 per annum per person from $150,000. It also reduced limit of daily foreign exchange withdrawal while

abroad to $300 per day from $12,000. The reduction followed an exclusive report by Financial Vanguard which revealed that foreign exchange users were circumventing the foreign exchange limit on naira debit cards. This is done by obtaining multiple naira debit cards linked to different bank accounts, and thus have access to foreign exchange above the limit stipulated by the CBN. Financial Vanguard reliably gathered the CBN intends to check this abuse by using the ongoing Biometric Verification Number (BVN) enrolment exercise. It was gathered the BVN of every bank customers would be linked to the cards issued to the customer by banks. By doing this, the apex bank would be able to use the BVN to enforce the limit on foreign exchange that each bank customer can access for overseas transaction irrespective of the number of naira debit cards issued to the customer by banks. It was further gathered that the apex bank is set to meet with the major electronic payment service providers like Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS), Visa International, MasterCard, Interswtch to discuss how to link the BVN to payments card issued to customers for the purpose of enforcing the foreign exchange limit for overseas transaction through naira debit cards.

Heritage Bank moves to consolidate leadership status *Appoints three top bankers as directors

eritage Bank has appointed three top bankers as directors to consolidate its emergence as one of the leading banks in the country. The three new directors are Mrs. Adaeze Udensi, appointed as Executive Director, South Directorate, Mr. Ola Olabinjo, appointed as Executive, Lagos, SouthWest and Corporate Banking Directorate, and Mr Jude Monye, appointed as Executive Director, Risk Management/Chief Risk Officer. Managing Director/ Chief Executive, Heritage Bank, Mr. Ifie Sekibo, said that the a p p o i n t m e n t s demonstrates Heritage Bank’s commitment to offering the best and safest banking services by

employing highly competent and experienced bankers with proven track record of performance. “The successful acquisition of Enterprise Bank has projected Heritage Bank into the leadership rank of the banking industry with huge expectation of quality, fast and efficient banking services from our customers and members of the banking public. “We intend to consolidate on this leadership status and exceed expectations by ensuring every customer of the enlarged Heritage Bank enjoys fast and efficient services irrespective of their location in the country. The three new directors are bringing to Heritage Bank, over 50 years of banking experience among them, spanning various aspects of banking services across the industry, and these would contribute greatly to the

achievement of this goal”, Sekibo said. Prior to joining Heritage Bank as the Executive Director, South Directorate, Mrs. Adaeze Udensi worked at Zenith Bank Plc where she earned various awards for top performance. She holds a Bachelor ’s degree and Master’s degree in Banking & Finance and Business Administration respectively from Rivers State University of Science and Technology, and has over 17 years of rich banking experience. Mr. Ola Olabinjo, Executive Director in charge of Lagos, South-West and Corporate Banking Directorate, joined Heritage Bank from FCMB where he was Senior VicePresident and Divisional Head. He has over 18 years of banking experience spanning Investment Banking, Corporate Banking, Transaction Banking, Risk Management, Treasury and

Operations. He holds a Bachelor ’s and Master ’s degree in Economics from the University of Ife and the University of Lagos respectively and is also an alumnus of Lagos Business School. Jude Monye, the Executive Director, Risk Management/ Chief Risk Officer, joined Heritage Bank from Wema Bank Plc where he was the Chief Risk Officer and Head Enterprise Risk Management division. Monye has over 25 years experience in various areas including Risk Management, Finance, Credit Administration, Regulatory Compliance; Control, and System Audit; Structured Finance in Upstream Oil sector, SME Development and Project management. He holds a B.Sc in Chemistry, MBA and M.Sc degrees from University of Nigeria and Ibadan respectively.

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015 — 27

Banking & Finance

Why incoming govt should not raise tax rates - Analysts BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

conomic analysts have cautioned the i n c o m i n g administration of General Muhammadu Buhari against increasing the tax rate as a way of generating additional revenue to cover declines in crude oil revenue. Speaking in the Bi-monthly Economic Bulletin of the Financial Derivatives Company Limited, they said that efforts to show up government revenue through tax increase could backfire by encouraging tax evasion and avoidance. Analysing the challenges before the new government, they said, “A top priority of the new federal government administration will be how to cover the huge fiscal gap created by the plunge in oil revenues and massive election spending in the 2015 general elections. “This must be addressed in order to finance development programs and facilitate the day-to-day running of government and economic activities. To shore up government revenues, options available to the government include: raising the tax rate, blocking existing leakages and borrowing. While many have agreed that there is need for borrowing, there are differing views when it comes to blocking leakages and increasing taxes. “With an estimated population of 170 million and gross domestic product (GDP) of $568.5 billion, Nigeria’s tax to GDP ratio was 5.23 percent in 2014. This is quite low compared to tax-to-GDP ratio of over 20 percent in most countries. In fact, the tax revenues collected in Nigeria in 2014 was lower than in 2013 despite an 11.3 percent increase in GDP. “A high level of tax leakage, the difference between tax potential and tax collections, accentuated by the nontransparency of the current tax structure, has often been cited as one of the reasons for low tax revenues in Nigeria. The Minister of Finance noted that blocking leakages is expected to add several millions to Nigeria’s revenues while the new federal administration expects over N1 trillion to be recovered. “In addition to leakages, Nigeria also has one of the lowest VAT rates (5%) in the

world. The IMF recently advised, in its Article IV report, that there is an urgent need for Nigeria to increase its VAT. It is believed that increasing the VAT rate will boost revenues, which will help to create the fiscal space necessary to implement developmental projects in spite of declining oil revenue. “While increasing tax rates will go a long way in boosting government revenues, we

believe it should be done with caution to prevent a backfire. Higher taxes have often been found to encourage tax avoidance and evasion. This is all the more likely in an environment where a lack of transparency with the tax structure discourages people to trust the taxation system or voluntary comply with payment. “Hence, it seems more reasonable that the

government block leak ages as an immediate step to recovering revenues rather than increasing the existing tax rate. In the medium to long term, we believe as the government undertakes more developmental projects and put a better tax structure in place that encourages transparency, it can convince the people to accept a higher tax rate.”

AGM - From Left; Mr Ityoyila Ukpi, Company Sec , Dangote Cement Plc, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr Onne Van der Weijde, Group Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Cement Plc, and Mr Devakumar Edwin, Group Chief Executive Officer, During the 2014 Annual General Meeting of Dangote Cement Plc, held IN Lagos. PHOTO: Kehinde Gbadamosi

IoD should sanction erring directors, says StanChart chair BY PROVIDENCE OBUH

hairman, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited, Sir Remi Omotosho, has called on the Institute of Directors (IoD) Nigeria, to adopt zero-tolerance for malpractice by sanctioning directors that flout corporate governance codes Speaking at the Institute’s New Members’ Evening in Lagos, Omotoso said that the institute must enforce mechanisms to sanction any erring members from established rules and standard. He said, “IoD Nigeria is the guiding beacon in corporate governance teaching and development in Nigeria. Its members are among the best

known practitioners. Iod has a duty to ensure that its members practice what the institute preaches. It must devise and enforce mechanisms to sanction any erring members from established rules and standards. The role of IoD in national life of Nigeria is a critical one particularly in leadership development and all of us who are members must support the institute to play this role diligently.” In a separate interview, he state: “We are not where God has purposed us to be as a country because of selfishness which is the main driver of corruption. People are working to enrich themselves owning billions of naira piled up not legitimately earned, if we deal with corruption, every sector of the Nigerian economy will benefit.

Also speaking, President IoD, Mrs. Eniola Fadayomi, explained that the institute holds induction of new members twice in a year but owing to increasing demand, the council approved an additional induction to be held within the year. Commending the inductees, she encouraged the inductees to be available for services, saying, “Membership of the IoD should not be mistaken for a jamboree. Rather it is a call and admission into being part of global network of respectful group of people that champion positive changes in the business environment of their organisations and the economy at large.”

Ecobank unveils Advantage Banking service

cobank Nigeria has unveiled Advantage Banking, a dedicated service for the mass affluent and upwardly mobile segment of society. Advantage Banking by Ecobank offers convenience and ease in carrying out banking transaction for customers within the category. The Advantage Banking initiative which suggests the redefinition of banking service in Nigeria is characterized by the design of special products that suit the life style of people within the segment. This would make banking much simpler, friendlier, more engaging and more personalised. Unveiling an Advantage Service Lounge in Lagos on Tuesday, Deputy Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Anthony Okpanachi, said Advantage Banking Service is an extension of the bank’s strategy to offer its customer dedicated banking service across all customer type. According to Mr. Okpanachi, Advantage Banking Service is designed in such a way to “ensuring our customers get the quality of service they desire. We have a bouquet of lifestyle enriching products available to address their day-to-day banking needs. We provide them a dedicated relationship manager, who follows them, providing all their banking needs where ever they may be or in whatever they do.” Also speaking, Executive Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Kingsley Umadia, said the vision to create Advantage Banking Service by Ecobank follows continuous interaction with the average bank customer in Nigeria which reveals the dire need to personalize engagement with the individual. He emphasized that the customer would rather be treated as a separate entity having his/ her individual and peculiar needs resolved in a tailor made fashion to get maximum satisfaction and endearment to the brand. Mr. Umadia emphasized that Advantage Banking by Ecobank is about building a rewarding partnership with customers by meeting their financial, investment and lifestyle needs when it matters most.

28 — Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015

Corporate Finance

Custodian and Allied records 40% growth in first quarter

ustodian and Allied Plc a wholly owned Nigerian investment holding company quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange NSE has recorded a 40 per cent growth in its Profit Before Tax,PBT for the first quarter ended March 31, 2015. It also recorded significant investments in general and life insurance, pension fund administration, trusteeship and property holding businesses, as shown in its unaudited consolidated results for the three months period ended 31 March, 2015. The results further demonstrate the diversity of Custodian’s revenue base and its resilience in a challenging operating environment. The Custodian Group’s Profit Before Tax for the three months period rose by 40% to N1.87 billion over that of the corresponding period of 2014 while the Group’s asset base rose to N50.6 Billion from N48.9 Billion as at 31st December, 2014. Barring unforeseen circumstances, the Board of Directors stated that the trend would be maintained for the remaining period of the financial year.

Transcorp announces N2.57bn PBT in quarter 1

ransnational Corporation of Nigeria, Transcorp Plc, has announced N2.57 billion profit after tax for its first quarter ended 31 March 2015. The results showed that revenue for the Group stood at N9.92 billion, which represents a slight drop of five percent from quarter one 2014 results of N10.54 billion. The company’s revenue increased by 39 percent to N736 million from N528 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2014. Group PBT for the period was N2.57 billion, while the company made a profit before tax of N761.35 million compared to the loss before tax of N573.95 million in 2013. C M Y K

FORUM - From left: Chief Medical Director, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Prof. Michael Ibadin; Chief Executive Officer, Bufferzone Limited, Mr. Akin Fadeyi; Zonal Coordinator, South West, National Health Insurance Scheme, Mrs. Olajoke Balogun; and CMD, Muhammed Abdulahi Wase Specialist Hospital, Kano, Dr. Munkaila Yusuf, during the Health Access Season II Talk Show of the NIHS in Lagos.

CIS records N64 million surpluses after six years of losses ... Approves President’s request to step aside BY PETER EGWUATU

he Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) has bounced back to reckoning as it recorded N64 million surpluses as against a series of losses for six consecutive years. The Council of CIS has also approved the request of the President and Chairman of Council, Mr. Albert Okumagba, to step aside, pending the ongoing oversight activities of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) at BGL Group, where he is also Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer. In approving the request, the Council has authorised the First Vice President, Mr. Oluwaseyi Abe, FCS, to act in the capacity of President and Chairman of Council of the Institute. Besides, the institute which held a successful 20th Annual General Meeting (AGM has embarked on many initiatives to re-brand, grow membership, benchmark its operations with the global standard and play pivotal roles in the growth and development of the Nigerian Capital Market. Generally, stockbrokers

commended the new administration for its outstanding performance within one year and the aggressive approach which has put the Institute on the National consciousness. In his remarks, the Acting President and Chairman of Council, Mr. Oluwaseyi Abe urged the Stockbrokers to

support the on-going transformation by paying their membership and practising fees promptly. Abe implored them to show more interest in the Institute’s activities. By the institute’s current Annual Report and Financial Statements, “From a financial perspective, the institute

recorded a surplus of N64 million Naira, a significant landmark as it represents reversal of the series of losses recorded in the last six years. This is accounted for by four main factors- a massive debt recovery drive which achieved modest results, higher income from selffinancing activities, efficient cost management and control, and receipt of grant from the Nigerian Stock Exchange” The Financial Statement also indicates that the institute shall undertake a comprehensive rebranding to take its rightful place in the financial market, ensure revamping of its finances, and initiate a process through which it will be used as a platform to support knowledgeable professionals that would help deepen the financial inclusion in Nigeria. On membership drive, the institute has strengthened its Professional Diploma in Securities and Investment to create opportunities for the youths that are interested in pursuing a career in the financial market. By this role, the institute would supply the manpower requirement of the nation towards achieving the national saving strategy and financial inclusion plan. “To this end the CIS professional Diploma Examination has been redesigned as fully computerbased test holding every month as opposed to twice a year. This is aimed at reducing our time required to complete certification thereby accelerating the process of training and certifying candidates”.

Sterling Bank calls for monetary policies focused on growth BY PROVIDENCE OBUH

terling Bank Plc has called for continued accommodative monetary policies and flexible fiscal policies focused on growth, even as it recorded a Profit After Tax, PAT, of N9.0 billion against N8.3 billion in 2013 in its financial year ended December 2014. Speaking at the 53rd Annual General Meeting, AGM in Lagos, Chairman, Board of Directors, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, said that the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is expected to balance monetary policy measures which support growth against those needed to rein inflation and stabilise their domestic currencies and financial systems in the emerging economies.

...Records N9bn PAT Ighodalo said that the second half of the year, 2015 should offer some respite to domestic economy as political uncertainties taper the current multinational counterinsurgency push, curbs the activities of insurgents in the north-eastern part of the country and international oil prices gradually inch upward on the back of expectations of output cuts by OPEC at its next meeting in June 2015. On the other hand, Managing Director/CEO Sterling Bank, Mr. Yemi Adeola, said that the year was challenging for the banking industry and that the double whammy of macroeconomic shocks and tighter regulatory environment put significant pressure on the margins of the

banks. Adeola said that the domestic economy would be weighed down in the first nine months of the year by the impact of lower global oil prices and distractions from intense politicking, but should witness a gradual uptick during the latter part of the year as crude oil prices inch upwards and some certainly returns on the political front. While the economic landscape may be challenging, I strongly believe that the Bank is on a sound financial footing, given its stronger capital position, asset quality and dedicated workforce to advance its growth plans.

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015 — 29

Corporate Finance

FMDQ reiterates commitment to promoting price stability, transparency Stories by NKIRUKA NNOROM

MDQ OTC Plc has reiterated its commitment to focus on product and market development initiatives that would promote price discovery on the platform and enhance transparency in the over-thecounter, OTC, market. Chairman of the company, Dr Sarah Alade, stated this while outlining the Exchange’s five year strategic plan at the exchange’s 3rd Annual General Meeting, in Lagos. According to her, the five year strategic plan, which spans 2015 – 2019, would see the exchange actualizing its vision of being the number

one in Africa in the fixed income and currency market. She assured that the exchange was poised to reposition the Nigerian fixed income and currency market to become more globally competitive and support the nation’s economy. Reviewing the company’s 2014 performance, Alade explained that the company posted a revenue of N1.75 billion, as against N155.65 million achieved in 2013, while profit before tax rose from N133.4 million to N708.5 million during the period under review. She explained that transaction fee during the period was charged for the full year, adding that it accounted for 91.29 per cent of the total revenue.

Alade noted that the company focused on activating and developing its functions in the areas of market and business development, Legal, Regulatory, operations and technology in 2014. During the year, FMDQ, according to her, achieved unprecedented transparency in the OTC fixed income and currency markets and positioned itself to offer value

added services to the listing of bonds in Nigeria by achieving the approval of its bond listings and quotation rules by the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC. To consolidate on the performance, Alade said the company would focus on developing innovative products and market infrastructure, promoting price discovery and transparency, providing quality and reliable research. Other key areas of focus in 2015, according to her

include; facilitating education and capacity building for all stakeholders, fostering integration of the Nigerian financial market with international market and increasing investors’ confidence. According to her, the roll out of products such as currency derivatives, repos and syndicate underwritten commercial papers issuance facility will go a long way to add value to stakeholders and deepen the market.

Chams targets improved profitability via new products’ deployment …Pays N93.9m dividend

hams Plc, Nigeria’s identity management and payments system company, has assured

its shareholders that the company is set to record improved profitability in the coming years given the on-going projects and prospects for the new products to be deployed. This is even as the shareholders approved the distribution of N93.9 million dividends, which translates to 2 kobo per ordinary share of 50 kobo previously held by shareholders. st Giving the assurance at the 31 Annual General Meeting, AGM, in Lagos, the chairman, Very Rev. Ayo Richards, said the company is poised to release innovative products that will have major impact in the identity management space and make life more secure and convenient for its customers. He said as part of the company’s strategic plan to consolidate the achievement recorded in the last three years and fosters its aspiration of dominating the identity management space in Africa, it partnered renowned consulting firm to forge a corporate strategy that would serve as a roadmap for the medium term. Commenting on the 2014 results, Richards said in spite of the tough market condition during the year under review, which impacted the company’s performance, it recorded improved performance from its subsidiaries. He noted that the company recorded total revenue of N4.1 billion in contrast to N3.4 billion in 2013, representing 21 per cent increase. The profit for the year after taxation increased by 49 per cent to N280 million compared to N188 million in 2013 just as the total assets grew by 12 per cent to N12 billion from N10.7 billion recorded in 2013. Also speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Demola Aladekomo, informed the shareholders of his decision to retire from the board of the company effective September this year. He said, “I will be leaving the role I loved to play since the inception of this company. On the other hand, I look forward to this new epoch of my life as I would be leaving in the confidence that I am entrusting the company in the hands of highly competent and professional management who would bring fresh ideas to business.” Continuing, Aladekomo explained that 2014 financial year was period of business consolidation for Chams as it took positive step to achieve its set objectives which is evident in its financials. “We achieved some major milestones on our existing projects and also fostered numerous new business partnerships. Our ability to deliver growth across major financial indicators further attests to our strong market positioning and industry leadership,” he said.

C M Y K

30 — Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015

Homes & Housing

UNION HOMES ACQUISITION: US mortgage rates rise on mixed economic reports

ortgage rates in the US were pushed up slightly by mixed economic reports, according to the latest data released by Freddie Mac. The 30-year fixed-rate average rose to 3.68 percent with an average 0.6 point. (Points are fees paid to a lender equal to 1 percent of the loan amount). It was 3.65 percent a week ago and 4.29 percent a year ago. The 30year fixed rate has stayed below 4 percent for more than 20 weeks, dating to November. The 15-year fixedrate average grew to 2.94 percent with an average 0.6 point. It was 2.92 percent a week ago and 3.38 percent a year ago. The 15-year fixed rate hasn’t been above 3 percent since March 19. Hybrid adjustable rate mortgages also moved higher. The five-year ARM average edged up to 2.85 percent with an average 0.5 point. It was 2.84 percent a week ago and 3.05 percent a year ago. The one-year ARM average climbed to 2.49 percent with an average 0.4 point. It was 2.44 percent a week ago.

ASO controls 40% of mortgage market Stories by YINKA KOLAWOLE

SO Savings and Loans Plc is set to become the largest mortgage bank in the country, controlling 40 percent of the market share of the mortgage industry with the completion of its acquisition of Union Homes Savings & Loans Plc. The recently concluded transaction will see the combined entity having a balance sheet size of N110 billion which makes it the biggest outside the deposit money banks in the financial sector. Vanguard gathered that the operational integration of both entities is expected to span 3 to 6 months following which Union Homes will be fully collapsed within ASO. The financial synergy created by the combination will

accrue primarily from a bigger post-acquisition balance sheet, resulting in increased ability to attract deposits and shore up liabilities due to renewed customer confidence. Also, the shared internal costs and economies of scale is

On completion of the transaction, ASO’s larger balance sheet is expected to help deepen home ownership

expected to bring about an improvement in operational cost management. A reliable source privy to the deal said on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorised to speak publicly on the matter, stated: “A unified business platform for both Union Homes and ASO will deliver financial synergies that will maximize profitability, shareholder value, revenue per customer (plus other target indices) and increase market share. To this end, we expect to see improved operational and profitability ratios within 3 years post acquisition.” The new entity will have an expanded client base and distribution network, as ASO stands to inherit almost 30 branches from Union Homes, many in locations where ASO is currently not present,

UK mortgage approvals trending upwards

fter a slow start to the year, the number of mortgages being approved is now “trending upwards”, according to the UK’s High Street banks. Figures from the British Bankers Association (BBA) show that 38,751 housepurchase mortgages were offered in March, up from 37,453 in February. That is the highest number for 6 months, but 14 percent lower than a year ago. The BBA said that one reason for the improving picture was the low mortgage rates on offer. Lenders have continued to cut rates, as the prospect of the Bank of England raising interest rates has receded. Five-year fixed rates are now available for less than 2 percent a year. “The third successive modest rise in mortgage approvals ties in with our belief that housing market activity is now gradually turning around,” said Howard Archer, Chief European and UK Economist with IHS Global Insight.

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Modern mini housing development

Lagos generates N27bn from land transactions

he Lagos State Government generated N27.05 billion from land transactions in the state between January and December 2014. Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, Hakeem MuriOkunola, who disclosed this at a press conference in Lagos, noted that the 2014 land revenue amounted to an increase of N18.65 billion over the N8.3 billion generated in 2013. “The revenue performance, which is considerably more than the total of the previous year by about N18.65 billion was due to transaction on the sale of

land for industrial development in the Free Trade Zone. The revenue performance for the year under consideration exceeded the Bureau’s budget for the period by 165 percent,” he said. Muri-Okunola emphasised that aside from some major transactions, the revenue from the new schemes being expected in the year under review as well as the property recertification project could not be realised, thereby making it difficult for the government to generate revenue from these sources. He said that the revenue

would be improved upon when the new schemes; property certificate and transaction on state land are brought on board. On the grant of Governor ’s Consent, the Permanent Secretary disclosed that 6,623 applications were received and processed in 2014, generating N4.3 billion which exceeded the target of N3.2 billion. He also revealed that compensation of N2.8 billion was paid to affected individuals and companies whose properties were acquired by government for overriding public interest.

particularly in the southern parts of the country. On completion of the transaction, ASO’s larger balance sheet is expected to help deepen home ownership and the growth of Nigeria’s small but rapidly expanding mortgage industry, which is challenged by high cost of capital for mortgage lenders. Analysts say the larger ASO Savings could leverage on the services of the newly established Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC) to expand the tenure of its mortgages to between 15 and 20 years, from the 5 to 10 years presently obtainable. “They could use short-term money and create long term mortgage asset, and sell those assets to NMRC for cash, to do similar mortgages. NMRC is also giving mortgage lenders like ASO a chance to get relatively more affordable interest rates,” an analyst said. Recall that the federal government launched NMRC in 2014 to expand the secondary mortgage market, allowing lenders to reinvest their assets into more lending and in effect increasing the number of lenders and mortgages in the market. “We anticipate that the NMRC will stimulate the secondary market for Mortgages. Our modest goal is to grow the active mortgages in Nigeria from 20,000 to 200,000 in 5 years,” said Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala at the launching. ASO Savings’ (stand alone) 2013 audited financial statements showed profit after tax PAT increased by 205.42 percent to N207.51 million compared with N117.14 million loss recorded in the corresponding period of 2012. With the acquisition, the new ASO is well positioned to expand aggressively as Nigeria’s population and income per capita grows. The country’s rapid rate of urbanization which the World Bank put at 51 percent in 2012 and an estimated 80 million people living in the cities is expected to spur the demand for housing. Recent data released by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that in the fourth quarter of 2014, real growth recorded in the building and construction sector stood at 12.66 percent (year-on-year), while housing finance Africa in its housing vision 2020 report states that the yearly housing requirement of Nigeria was 500,000 units which is expected to reach 2.1 million by 2020. This represents a minimum growth rate in housing requirement of 11.6 percent per annum for the next 9 years, according to analysts.

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015 — 31

Insurance Stories by ROSEMARY ONUOHA

hareholders of Mansard Insurance Plc have given the Board and Management of the company the approval to change the company ’s name to AXAMansard Plc. Shareholders of the company unanimously gave the approval at the company ’s 23rd annual general meeting in Lagos last Tuesday. Recall that French insurer, AXA, acquired 100 per cent stake in Assur Africa holdings, which holds a 77 percent stake in Mansard, thereby making AXA the beneficial owners of Mansard. Chairman of the Company, Mr. Victor Osibodu, said that with the acquisition, Mansard stands to benefit from limitless access to global resources, capacity development, strong global brand recognition in corporate space and staff cross-positioning adding that Mansard staff have now become members of a multinational group. “These are a few benefits amongst many others. I am very confident that these factors will transcend into better service delivery and product innovation that will deliver unequaled solutions to our esteemed customers and translate into increased returns for all shareholders,” he stated. He said the purchase of the parent body of Mansard by AXA group has received all necessary regulatory

Prestige Assurance seeks brokers’ collaboration

WORKSHOP - From left: Mr. Ganiyu Ayodele Sanni, Past President, Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN); Dr. Dahiru Adamu, President; and Mr. Kayode Isah, Hon. Commissioner for Health, Kwara State during the 21st IPAN Mandatory Workshop at Ilorin recently.

Mansard gets shareholders approval to change to AXA approvals therefore Mansard can now bid fare well to its erstwhile majority shareholders Assur holding and cleave to its new identity. On the company ’s performance during the year ended December 31, 2014, the Chairman said gross premium grew by 28 percent from N13.59 billion in 2014 to N17.40 billion in 2014. Net premium income of the

company grew by 20 percent from N 7.54 billion in 2013 to N9.05 billion in 2014. Profit before tax rose by 2 percent from N 1.98 billion in 2013 to N2.02 billion in 2014 against 27 percent dip in profit after tax which decreased from N2.1 billion in 2013 to N1.5 billion in 2014. He said total asset of the company rose by 24 percent at the period from N36.1

percent in 2013 to N 44.9 billion. Osibodu further said as a result of series of expenses incurred by the company during the period which is expected to yield remarkable profit in future, the company could not announce any dividend to its shareholders.

Continental Re plans African acquisitions BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU, with agency reports

ontinental Reinsurance Plc plans to acquire rivals across Africa over the next three years as it seeks expanaion across the continent, said Chief Executive Officer, Femi Oyetunji. In each of the company’s five African regions, “one subsidiary has been given the responsibility to look for acquisitions,” Oyetunji said in an April 28 interview at the company’s headquarters in Lagos. “A few names have come up in each region and we’re assessing them strategically at the board level.” Premium income for the insurance and reinsurance industry is improving in Nigeria, as regulators enforce rules requiring companies with at least five workers to provide life coverage. The National Insurance Commission is also making property insurance mandatory in the country. Continental Reinsurance plans to “raise significant capital” this year through equity sales to enable it to “take advantage of opportunities that abound in Nigeria and Africa,” Oyetunji said. The fundraising, initially planned for last year, was delayed after Emerging Capital Partners LLC, a

Washington-based buyout firm, announced plans to sell its majority stake. The investor “is very close to concluding the exercise and will announce the preferred bidder for its 54 percent stake soon,” Oyetunji said. The March presidential election has bolstered investor confidence in Nigeria, he said. “With the peaceful conclusion of elections, business optimism has grown and people are going to be investing.” President Goodluck Jonathan conceded defeat to former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari after last month’s vote. The peaceful succession soothed investor fears in a country with a history of election-related violence. The reinsurance company, which announced plans this month to open a construction property and engineering risk services unit in South Africa, intends to boost specialist skills in other areas, including actuaries and information technology, to advise and support underwriters, Oyetunji said. ($2.33 billion). “We have various channels for business procurement, we have network of office up to the tire 7 in nook and corner of the country; we have different other lines of business such as health insurance, bancassurance, agricultural insurance in a big way,” Swamy stated.

anaging Director of Prestige Assurance Plc, Mr. Balla Swamy has appealed to insurance brokers to do business with his company stating that no insurance company in Nigeria can survive without intermediaries. Swamy, who made the appeal at the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, NCRIB, evening in Lagos last week, said that his company is focused on product innovation, technology, customer service and intermediaries. Swamy said, “Prestige Assurance is managed by three experienced Indian expatriates and run by well experienced Nigerian team of 76 employees. The Company is blended with Indian and Nigerian insurance market experience. The company has a history of prompt claims settlement and customer friendly relations.” According to Swamy, Prestige is equipped with an IT platform called GIBS and is Web based; three ways of communication by personal contact, email and SMS is activated; portal services available for major business partners to provide effective services; automatic online upload of motor and marine certificates to Nigeria Insurance Industry Database, NIID, as well as claims are being attended on specified time lines. The Managing Director assured the brokers that quotes will be attended to on time as they will provide competitive rates in line with the risk and market, while their marketers will patronize brokers and management team will be in touch with brokers also. He also said that the vision of the company is to be the most respected, trusted and preferred non-life insurer in Nigeria while their charter is “highest priority to customer needs, courtesy and caring occupies pride place in our work culture. Our commitments are to act courtesy, fairly and reasonably in all our dealings with the customers,” he said.

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32 — Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015

Interview

Nigerians should buy locally made goods to grow economy — MD BoI

n this interview, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, Managing Director/CEO Bank of Industry (BoI), justifies why governments and the citizens should patronize Nigerian manufacturers of high quality products instead of imported goods.

BY FRANKLIN ALLI

ou have toured the Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing facility, what is your assessment of the state of the infrastructure and equipment on the ground? We just finished the factory tour of Momas and this is a factory where they produce prepaid electricity meters. I must say that I have been very impressed really by the level of technology on displays here. People who have an engineering background would understand what I mean here. I saw semi-conductors, integrated electric circuit and the process of making these circuits. It is the first time this is happening in Nigeria. For me, the key issue is, we have a company in Nigeria that is owned by a Nigerians that has the capacity to supply almost all of the electricity meters that we need in this country. For me, there is an industrial policy issue here. BoI wants to help Nigerian companies like this that have the capacity to produce what Nigerians or Nigerian businesses require. We don’t need to import such things. This is one of the reasons why our foreign reserve has been under pressure-we keep importing what we produce locally; I think the major strategic step for our country to take is to come out with an industrial policy to ensure that any company we have identified as having capacity to produce items locally, such companies are given supports and patronage. Momas produces all kinds of meters-pre paid and post paid, they have even developed a very robust platform that ensures that from your mobile phones you can check how much is the balance on your meter, and whether you need to re charge or not. These are things that we should be very proud of as Nigerians. I am very proud of what they have done and they require supports that they can get from us, Nigerians and the Nigerian governments. How do you integrate your customers so that they patronise one another? Yeah, that is a very good question. You will have noticed that I was asked the Chairman of Momas (Engr. Kola Balogun) some questions as we were going around the facility. When we got to the part where he showed us the C M Y K

•Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa

We keep importing what we produce locally, we cannot develop our industrial base if we are bent on patronising imported goods

plastic casing, I mentioned to him –are you procuring the cases from Innoson Plastic Manufacturing, one of our customers, and he said, yes, they get only the big ones. Of course, we encourage our customers to patronise each other. There is a portal that BOI is putting up right now which will actually show case every BOI customers in terms of all their products, the profile of the company, etc. so that Nigerians can access and patronise these companies. So, it is a very good point that you have made that our customers can support each other. To what extent has the bank assisted this company? We supports Momas in terms of both long term loan as well working capital. So far so good, the company is meeting its obligations. How much? I don’t think the client want me to mention the amount (Laughs) How can we as a country develop our own industrial base? We cannot develop our industrial base if we are bent on patronising imported goods. What I am going to do to be very specific, is from time to time, I have meetings in Abuja and I am going to put it on the table; I am actually working on a presentation which I intends to make to the Federal Government. We have identified our customers and other customers we have

identified in the economy who have capacity, not just capacity, we are talking about good quality outputs, people who can actually produce good things like Secure ID; the company is among the most modern card manufacturing companies in the world, so we really do not have justification for importing cards anymore in this country. Momas where we are today has a very modern prepaid meters manufacturing facility, so we don’t really have reasons for importing those things, rather we need to really find a way to support companies like these to grow and create employment. Momas has capacity to hire 500 staff if they are well patronise but currently their staff strength is 100. So that is the impact of what we are talking about. We have been exporting our jobs to other countries because we have been importing goods from them. We need to begin to really support our own manufacturers. That is what BOI is out to encourage. What informed your visit to NFE Industries Limited and Knight Metal Manufacturing Company Limited, subsidiaries of Wempco Group? These factories were commissioned recently. NFE Industries Limited in particular, processes steel billets for wire rods .They are used for processing products in Nigeria that are used to produce nails of different sizes, they are used to produce barbed wire, wire mesh and so on and so forth. Before this facility was commissioned, as a country, we used to import wire rods. So this is the first group that is actually producing this item locally. This is a very good development, and I am really very impressed. Again, we are seeing a company that is producing a product locally to the highest international quality, and I think as a government, we can support and protect local manufacturers like this. Am aware that there are people who still imports wire rods up till now but with this new factory, there is no justification for continuing to import. And luckily from my discussions with the company’s executives, the ex-factory price here is actually cheaper than imported steel rods; so really, no one has

any reason to import. I really benefited from the discussion in knowing what are the factors responsible for their cost efficiency? You hear a lot of manufacturers complaining about how harsh the environment is and all that but here is a local manufacturer that has managed to put together the various factors of production such that the exfactory price is actually cheaper than imports. This gives me a lot of hope that indeed, Nigeria is on the right track; the Industrial Revolution Plan is working, and I think, going to the future a lot more facilities like this are going to come up that will ensure that we become more self-sustained as a country. Looking at the ceramic products, there is made-in-Nigeria on the cartons, what is the bank doing to encourage citizens to patronise locally made quality products? Before we got to this tile factory, we saw the nail factory and on the bags of nails it was written Made in Ogun State Nigeria. That was because the former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel insisted that they shouldn’t just write made in Nigeria, they should write Made in Ogun State Nigeria. But guess what? Our own fellow citizens complain that they don’t want that; that they should write made in China, that it helps their markets; so they have to put some Chinese words on the bags. I think we need to get over this inferiority complex among our citizens. A product that is made in Nigeria to the highest quality, we should be proud of it that it is our own as supposed to longing for products made outside Nigeria. So it is a psychology, it is an orientation that we need to change. How many of these factories do you think can service the whole of Nigeria? Okay, the factory that produces billets, wire rods has 300 thousand metric tonnes annual capacity; that is massive. I think at the end of the day it calls for industrial policy. We want to support local producers. They are the first to take a step in this particular direction, so we would like to support and encourage a number of other producers to come on board so that there is competition just like you have seen competitions in the telecom sector. Initially, the MTN was charging N50 per minute, till today you know how much completion there is in that sector; at the end of the day, it is in the interest of the consumer. So they have taken the first step and with support in terms of industrial policy, and consumer, other producers will be encouraged to come into the picture. Once there is competition, the price will definitely come down. To what extent has the bank key into the NIRP? Yeah, again, we just finished looking at the ceramic tile factory, where kaolin is mined from the nearby mining lease in Ogun State, the kaolin is mixed with a lot of other raw materials to produce tiles and you can see they are of international quality tiles-very rugged, you can designed all kinds of things on it and you can even put your name and picture on it; this is one of the key sectors identified in the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan; the three being agro processing of our agric produce into intermediate raw materials for industries; the second is Solid minerals and metals this group we have just visited today is a strong player in that sector.

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015 — 33

Economy

South African groups to double Nigeria investments …Target middle-lower income buyers Stories By EMEKA ANAETO, Economy Editor

s xenophobia diplomatic tension between Nigeria and South Africa dies down, South African companies are taking bullish positions on the Nigerian economy, apparently crowding out local competition. Two of the South African companies have, Pepkor and Shoprite, amongst many others have announced expansion program that would more than double their stakes in the Nigerian economy. Pepkor Ltd., the South African clothing retailer bought by Steinhoff International Holdings Ltd. for $5.7 billion in 2014, plans to double its presence in Nigeria with 10 store openings per year through 2018. Confirming this plan Pepkor Nigeria’s general manager, Deon Conradie, told Bloomberg last week in Lagos that the company which opened its first outlet in Nigeria in 2012, will have 31 stores by July this year. The clothing and footwear chain plans to sustain that growth rate over the next three years, he said. In a related development property group, Resilient, one of South Africa’s largest owners of platteland malls, has entered into a joint venture with Whitey Basson’s Shoprite to build 10 shopping centres in Nigeria. The deal, worth more than USD85 million, also involves two other South Africa’s big finance and investment organizations, Standard Bank and Group Five. Justifying these new investment moves Conradie said “our prices are low and we cater for that middle-to-bottom market, which is the fastest growing”. Woolworths Holdings Ltd., another South African retailer that targets wealthier consumers, said in 2013 closed three Nigerian stores because of high costs-to-patronage ratio. Nigerian demand for goods other than food is expected to increase to USD110 billion in 2030 from USD20 billion two

•Goodluck Jonathan President Federal Republic of Nigeria years ago as Africa’s biggest economy grows and its working and middle classes seek alternatives to outdoor markets, according to McKinsey & Co. While a 40 percent fall in oil prices since June has curbed growth in the continent’s biggest crude producer, the economy is forecast to expand 5 percent in 2016, the International Monetary Fund said in its April 28, 2015 report. More than 100 South African companies are doing business in Nigeria across several industries, with the biggest investment being in the telecommunications sector.” Reacting to the NigerianSouth African commercial

Resilient, one of South Africa’s largest owners of platteland malls, has entered into a joint venture with Whitey Basson’s Shoprite to build 10 shopping centres in Nigeria

•Jacob Zuma President S. Africa

relations South African President, Jacob Zuma, said last year, “We welcome the participation of South African business in other sectors in Nigeria as well, such as engineering, construction, media, banking, retail, hospitality, oil and gas exploration and services.” Zuma said there had also been keen interest from Nigerian businesses to invest and do business in South Africa across a number of sectors. Entry to the Nigerian market requires relatively high capital

investment due to inflated rental and power costs, according to Pepkor. Steinhoff, a Johannesburg-based furniture retailer, agreed to buy Pepkor in November last year to expand into clothing and new economies. The deal, said to be the largest purchase of a South African company in more than a decade, will create a retailer spanning three continents. Looking into the Shoprite calculations on Nigerian economy and business Managing Director of Resilient Mr Des de Beer, who has a

formidable reputation for spotting growth opportunities, has been eyeing Nigeria for a while as the African country where he believes the group can best replicate its South African retail property model. De Beer says Nigeria’s population is a huge 155million but the country has only a handful of formal shopping centres. He believes Nigeria offers better potential returns than South Africa, where opportunities for new retail developments have become few and far between. “The risk in South Africa is up but the returns are down. It’s time to explore fresh markets.” De Beer says Shoprite has already spent a lot of time in Nigeria and has an impressive understanding of how that market operates. “Being able to leverage off their existing skills base will significantly reduce our risk.” Resilient and Shoprite’s venture will focus on centres 10000m²-15000m² in size. At least 10 suitable sites have already been identified in and around Lagos and Abuja. The centres, to be built over the next three years, will be anchored by Shoprite stores. De Beer would like to list the shopping centre fund in Nigeria once it reaches the right critical mass, a similar approach to Resilient’s entry into Romania in 2007 through New Europe Property Investments (Nepi).

New coal find to boost power sector A group of indigenous mineral explorers have discovered 196mn metric tones of coal in Edo State. With the newly-discovered coal reserves, 1,200MW of power could be generated into Nigeria’s national grid, according a report by African Review. The 35 km-long reserve has a generation capacity of 1,200MW for the next 50 years, which could sufficiently mitigate Nigeria’s ongoing power problems, said members of the technical team of Jidet Nigeria, which revealed the findings. Head of the company’s technical team Olujide Pocon Tajudeen-Alan stated that the construction of power generation facilities could cost around USD1.5 billion.

Special adviser on renewable energy to the Nigerian power ministry Albert Okorogu said that the discovery of coal was wonderful, especially since Edo State was conventionally not known to possess coal reserves. “The Ministry will do all it can in ensuring that they move from mining coal to using it to generate power,” he added. Jidet Nigeria, according to the report, has met with the power ministry in Abuja to discuss the best ways to attract technical partners and financiers with a view to actualise the project. “We want to commence the application and processing of licenses to officially enter the power sector.

34 —Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015

National Assembly’s biggest joke in four years “Reps raise 2015 budget by N134.5bn, pass N4.4tn.” PUNCH. April 24, 2015. t is just as well that over seventy per cent of the current representatives in the National Assembly will not be returning. This is probably the least productive legislative branch in the world today. Unproductive, that is, in anything which could be beneficial to the people of Nigeria. It might however be the front runner for mischief and idleness. Only God knows how over four hundred adults, most highly educated, presumed to be capable of handling simple arithmetic, can in the last week of April pass a budget which the first three months have proved impossible to execute. Yet, a month before most of them are sent to the dust bin of our political history, they increased the budget by N134.5bn at a time when aggregate revenue is not only falling rapidly, it is most likely to fall further. Among the most irresponsible members of the House are those committees with oversight responsibilities for the oil and gas sectors of the economy. Among other duties, Nigerians would have expected that they will undertake to remain current with the trend of global prices of crude and gas as well ad future trends – short, medium and long. Additionally, they would regularly share the information with other members of the NASS to serve as guide to decisions about the budget. Obviously, they have failed to do this. Otherwise, it is difficult to imagine why so many adults, presumed to be knowledgeable could be asking for expenditure of revenue they know will never be realized. Already, the price of crude oil had stayed stubbornly below the benchmark, sales are down, and are likely to get worse in April and May as some of our biggest customers have failed to take up their options. Even, non-oil exports are experiencing global resistance as many of our products are being rejected for quality reasons. Altogether, the picture which emerges is bleak. With the revenue projections so underwhelming, no serious legislators can agree to pass a

budget higher than when it was first presented late last year. “We are not amused.” Queen Victoria, 1819-1901. Queen Victoria, like most monarchs, kept several clowns and court jesters, whose duty was to entertain the monarch and her guests – just as we have our own Ali Baba and Basket Mouth etc. Clowns performing before queens and kings however ran a terrible risk. One their jokes are not funny to the monarch they could hear the sentence passed: “I will make you shorter by a head” (Queen Elizabeth I, 15331603. Since most of the jesters in the NASS have been “decapitated” by the voters, we can no longer threaten them with removal. We can only try to understand why patriotic adults will engage in an exercise in futility. What then could have informed this absurdity? The obvious answer is political vendetta. The second, closely related, is the quality of individuals we send to the NASS. Nigerian politicians are largely irresponsible. Most of them are in the NASS for what they can get out of it not what they can contribute. That explains why important bills like PIB take forever to get through the House and they still don’t get passed. Similarly, annual budgets are treated with the disdain they don’t deserve. No budget had been passed before April since 2000 and none had been implemented by the Executive branch. Yet, not once had the NASS conducted an inquiry into why a document taken seriously elsewhere in the world suffers this fate in Nigeria. Political vendetta underlies the current budget passed by the House. With most representatives on their way out, they feel no obligation to fashion out the best possible budget for the country. Instead what they have come up with is a banana peel for Buhari and the incoming NASS which will be dominated by the APC. Most of them who can think, know it won’t work but they don’t give a damn. It remains to be seen if President Jonathan will sign the appropriation bill into law and join the jesters in a bid to register their displeasure that, for them, the party is over. If he does Jonathan would have sacrificed a great deal of the goodwill he garnered by conceding defeat immediately after the election results were announced. He will strengthen his claim to our eternal gratitude by not signing it.

We can only try to understand why patriotic adults will engage in an exercise in futility

C M Y K

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015 — 35

E-Commerce

Big data: Driving e-business through open access Stories by JONAH NWOKPOKU

ig data is a broad term for data sets so large or complex that traditional data processing applications are inadequate. Challenges include analysis, capture, search, sharing, storage, transfer, visualization, and information privacy. The term often refers simply to the use of predictive analytics or other certain advanced methods to extract value from data, and seldom to a particular size of data set. Specifically, businesses especially online related ones use big data, by combining data from web browsing patterns, social media, industry forecasts, existing customer records, etc to predict trends, prepare for demand, pinpoint customers, optimize pricing and promotions, and monitor realtime analytics and results. According to McKinsey analysis of more than 250 engagements over a five year period, companies that put data at the centre of the sales and marketing decisions improved their marketing ROI by 15 to 20 per cent. In Nigeria, the availability of big data has not proved to be very economically useful. This is due to restricted access placed on big data. Some institutions that retain and continue to gather such large amount of data include the telecommunication companies. Through sheer large number of mobile phone users, SIM card registration and increasing penetration of smartphones, these telecommunications companies have been able to gather so much data more than any other institutions in the country. At the just concluded Mobile West Africa conference held in Lagos, Senior Manager, Enterprise Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Tayo Egunjobi, presenting a paper titled: ‘Thoughts on Big Data’ explained that Nigeria has more big data than it knows what it can do with it. According to him, “We are swimming in an ocean of data made possible by the internet, mobile penetration, web and business applications.” Giving instance of big data availability in Nigeria using MTN as an example, he

MOBOfree records 44% penetration in Nigeria

PARLEY - From left: Mr. Oliver Omajuwa, General Manager, Sifax Off-dock; Mr Philip Ofulue, Executive Director, HR and Administration, Sifax Group; Mr. Machaus Brinsma, MD, Sifax Group and Mr. Sunkanmi Olubi, Asst Manager, Commercial during Sifax Group media parley on the activities of the company held in Lagos. Photo Lamidi Bamidele. noted that MTN with its 60 million active mobile lines records about 2.6 million minutes of voice calls monthly. It also records 77 per cent of Internet Traffic generated through mobile devices utilising about 40 million Megabytes from MTN Monthly. In terms of business applications, he noted that

rights of mobile phones users. For these, industry analysts believe that the restrictions placed on data usage is impeding the growth of electronic business in the country. But the telcos argue that it is matter of security, and most importantly, compliance with industry regulations. At a panel discussing how Nigeria can benefit from

Through sheer large number of mobile phone users, SIM card registration and increasing penetration of smartphones, these telecommunications companies have been able to gather more data than any other institution in the country MTN holds 8.5 Petabytes of Data with a growth rate of 30 per cent. What all these mean is that with such huge concentration of data in one place, decisions around technology consumption habit can easily be made through careful study and analysis of these data. The problem however is that access to these data is restricted by the telecommunications’ regulator, the Nigeria Communications Commission. Although the restrictions to access to these data has not prevented MTN from mining the same data to sell to advertisers who use these with little considerations to privacy

liberal data policy, Chief Executive Officer, eTranzact International, Valentine Obi noted that strides have been made in payments in Nigeria, from the time where data collection was a very difficult task, to 2015, a period that is seeing an increased focus on data collection from regulators and organizations, an example being the recently instituted Bank Verification Number. According to him, access to big data can play a critical role in e-fraud prevention. He said: “One big prerequisite for financial inclusion and in fraud control for financial institutions is a check called ‘Know your Customer.’ It is one of the

biggest challenges we face in the payments industry, and all players can come together to help solve this issue. The Telcos own a lot of user data and can help the payments platforms by sharing this data. "There is a big need for the Telcos to share data in order to safeguard and protect customers from fraud just like banks share data with the switching platforms.” Kojo Boakye, Policy and Advocacy Manager, Alliance for Affordable Internet also speaking, pointed out that Africa stands a better chance at benefiting from increasing broadband and smartphone penetration if better policies regarding data access are put into place. According to him, instead of the telcos monopolising the data, open access can help businesses to consolidate gains while new ventures stand a better a chance at navigating their businesses to profitability and reduce the high failure rates prevalent among start-ups. But in a swift reaction, Airtel Nigeria’s Head, New Products Development, Okechukwu Igwegbe noted that the issue of access to data lies primarily with the regulators. While acknowledging the benefits inherent in open access, he also pointed out that there are still other institutions like the Independent National Electoral Commission and the National Identity Management Commission which can also boast of avalanche of reliable big data and have not embraced the open access strategy being canvassed.

OBOfree.com, a social marketplace, has announced that it had experienced an increase of more than 44percent in the number of registered users of MOBOfree.com in Nigeria over the past twelve months, resulting in a 1042 per cent increase in the number of classifieds published on MOBOfree.com in Nigeria which makes more than 500,000 active listings on the platform in Nigeria only. Over the same period, the number of registered users of MOBOfree.com in Uganda increased by more than 1555%, resulting in a 5548% increase in the number of classifieds published on MOBOfree.com in Uganda. With 4 million registered users, including two million monthly active users in Nigeria and a strong footprint in Uganda and Zimbabwe, MOBOfree is one of the largest and most successful classifieds platforms in Africa.

One Africa Media acquires 100% of Jobberman

ne Africa Media group has confirmed full acquisition of Nigeria’s job portal, Jobberman.com. Under the deal, co-founders, Ayodeji Adewunmi, Opeyemi Awoyemi and Olalekan Olude will double as shareholders and Directors in One Africa Media. The trio will still act in their current roles as CEO and Senior Vice Presidents respectively but will also operate at the group level bringing their experience and expertise to bear in other One Africa Media-owned businesses through a shares roll-up deal. Speaking on the deal, Ayodeji Adewunmi said, “We started Jobberman with the vision of being the No. 1 destination for jobs in Africa; a mission we continue to work toward. With the additional funding provided by One Africa Media, and the new group designations, we are better poised to achieving this goal and also growing other sister companies of Jobberman in the One Africa Media group. We can now go on to conquer Africa and keep a firm grip on Nigeria which is Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy.”

36 — Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015

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Tax Matters

Alade, Momoh, others inducted as NLI Senior Fellows BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

eputy Governor, Economic Policy, Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Sarah Alade and Chairman/CEO of Nigeria’s broadcaster, Channels Television have been inducted into the Nigeria Leadership Initiative as Senior Fellows. Other Nigerians inducted included: Chairman of the Governing Council of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, Founder/ CEO of Main One Cable Company, Ms. Funke Opeke, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communication Technology, Dr. Tunji Olaopa and a host of others. NLI is a not for profit organisation with a mission to create a growing, global network of credible, accomplished communityspirited Nigerian leaders, committed to taking responsibility for driving positive change in Nigeria and Nigerian communities. They were inducted in a ceremony held in the United States of America and attended by Justice Margaret Marshall, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts and Ambassador Joy Ogwu, Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the United Nations at the Yale School of International Affairs, in Yale University, Connecticut. During the four day programme which was in partnership with Yale University, the fourteen accomplished Nigerian leaders participated in the seminar themed: “From Success to Significance: Legacy” which focused on the ideals and ideas that make a good society as well as value creation for a good society. NLI said the major objectives were to bring to the fore “the importance of a good legacy through individual action; engage the participants to recognize the true picture of a good society; remind participants of their responsibility to lead with values in their various roles; encourage the participants that leadership is generational and transferable and, therefore, the need to mentor the younger generation.”

C M Y K

Tax on the go, anywhere, anytime T

he tax system since medieval times has undergone reforms, these reforms focused on taxpayers are meant to increase service delivery and customer satisfaction. The FIRS is not left behind as reforms have been undertaken with a view to make our operations friendlier, convenient and conform to global best practices. In order to simplify the payment method, FIRS has designed a new payment platform called e-tax Pay. What is e-tax Pay? E-tax Pay is an online selfservice tax payment system whereby the taxpayers are given an opportunity to pay their taxes through their banks’ online payment portal. It is an initiative put in place by FIRS in collaboration with Nigerian Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) and approved collecting banks. This is to assist taxpayers pay their taxes with maximum ease. Taxpayers can do it themselves using the electronic service channels provided by their bankers. (These service channels will include the banks internet banking, ATM and other mobile banking platforms.) Conditions to meet before using e-tax pay platform You must have registered and obtained Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) You must have an account with the bank You must have sufficient funds in the account to cover the tax liability/transaction Steps to take to make payment through e-tax pay platform Having satisfied the condition of obtaining a registered TIN, an existing account and sufficient funds, then; Select the service (e-tax Pay) from the list of services displayed on the bank selfservice channel or request for this service from the bank branch Provide all the required information including the taxpayer‘s TIN. Select the tax type (e.g. Company Income Tax, Preoperation Levy, Value Added Tax, etc.) Enter the amount to be debited from the account provided Confirm that all the information provided are correct and valid Submit the request. When this process is completed the platform will

notify FIRS online real time. Also FIRS has online access to the tax portal to view transactions real time to know taxpayers that have made tax payments. Taxes that can be paid using the e-tax pay channel You can use the e-tax pay channel to pay all taxes/levies collected by the FIRS. They include: Petroleum Profit Tax Education Tax Companies Income Tax VAT

The e-tax pay service is safe and secure. The platform leverages on the security measures provided by the service channels of the banks

Personal Income Tax/PAYE (Residents of FCT and nonResidents) Withholding Tax National Information Technology Levy Capital Gains Tax Pre-operation Levy Late filing penalty. Stamp duties Documentation required when you want to pay tax. Prepare the relevant tax returns Compute tax payable or prepare remittance schedule (CIT/PAYE/WHT/VAT) Fill the relevant selfassessment forms Benefits of using e-tax Pay Promotes transparency and boost the taxpayer ’s confidence and trust in the tax system Promotes voluntary compliance It is convenient, saves time and compliance cost; as taxpayers can do it themselves within the confine of their offices without going to the banking hall. E-taxpay solution streamlines the process flow in tax remittance, with all banks collecting for FIRS using their various channels. Banks integration to the NIBSS e-taxpay is a veritable avenue for enabling all forms of tax payments/collections particularly from the bank

accounts of payers to the designated bank accounts of FIRS. This solution harmonizes online tax assessment with etaxpay platform; which gives convenience of assessment and remittance. NIBSS collection platform has been integrated to the system(s) of FIRS for data acquisition and online realtime notification of transactions. The security of payment is intact as the platform leverages on the robust security infrastructure of banks. It makes account reconciliation easy for FIRS. It enhances effective budgeting and forecasting due to the availability of adequate information on details of tax revenue realized over a period of time. Security of the e-tax Pay Platform The e-tax pay service is safe and secure. The platform leverages on the security measures provided by the service channels of the banks. The system through NIBSS validates taxpayer ’s information against FIRS records and automatically notifies FIRS. … fast track your tax payment, use the e-tax Pay.

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015 — 41

People in Business

When I realised my potential in entrepreneurship, I quit my job — Olusanjo Philip BY EBELE ORAKPO

r. Oluwole O l u s a n j o Philip is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Abeokuta-based Global Academy for Creativity and Innovation, an outfit that is into production of Iru (locust bean) and other food condiments and machinery. In this chat with Financial Vanguard in Abeokuta, Olusanjo Philip speaks on his business and the challenges, saying he was able to start industrial production through the help of Federal Government’s YouWin programme. Excerpts: Background: After his primary and secondary school education in Kwara State, he gained admission into the University of Ibadan (UI) in 1993/1994 session where he read Archeology and graduated in 1997/98 session. Thereafter, he went back for his master’s degree in Anthropology still in University of Ibadan. He later gained employment with the same university and left in 2007 as Assistant Registrar. Going into business: Mr. Olusanjo left a lucrative job to follow his heart. He said: “When I realised my potentials in entrepreneurship, I went to Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife for formal training in entrepreneurship. "I later started my business but my dream of starting industrial production was still in the pipeline until I got empowered by the Federal Government through the Youth Enterprise With Innovation in Nigeria (YouWin). With that, I was able to start industrial production. “I was the first to package iru (fermented African locust beans also known as Carob beans or by its scientific name, Parkia biglobosa) in a modern way. "We process locust beans from scratch to finish. The finished product is dry and we have two variants - the powdered one and the grain but they are both in sachets."

Advantages: “Remember I was one of the first to start industrial production of iru but I was the first to package it in modern way. Some of the advantages of industrial processing is that we have taken away some of the shortcomings in the traditional iru,” he said. Although people are aware of the health benefits of locust beans which include: improvement of vision, digestion aid, blood pressure control in hypertensive patients, control of blood sugar and bad cholesterol level in diabetic patients, and helps in stomach and mouth ulcer treatment, some have refused to eat it because of its very pungent smell. Said Olusanjo: “Some people do not eat it because it smells, it gets spoilt easily and it is prone to contamination. Not only that, it contains a lot of impurities and foreign materials like stones, chaffs etc and also because it is not readily available. You have to go down to the market to get it but now, all those shortcomings have been taken care of. You now have a refined locust bean without impurities, no odour as it now has very good aroma and well packaged. It is very handy and you can get it almost anywhere. “We also have ground pepper packaged in sachets. It is produced from our local pepper, undiluted unlike what you get in the market that is mixed with colouring or ground kolanut. We source our raw materials locally.” Initial cost: “I started the business with my personal savings of two million naira and then I got empowerment through YouWin like I said earlier in the sum of N6.2 million. I have to give kudos and thanks to President Goodluck Jonathan for that initiative,” he enthused. Olusanjo who presently has nine employees, said he has invented three machines to enhance production. His words: “I have invented three machines to enhance our industrial production. You discover that some of the machines we read about in the papers, like dehauler,

* Mr Olusanjo Philip... I have invented three machines to enhance our industrial production washer etc., are not effective but personally, I have invented two models of dehaulers, a washer and a fermentor for industrial processing of iru.

My dream of starting industrial production was still in the pipeline until I got empowered by the Federal Government through the Youth Enterprise With Innovation in Nigeria (YouWin) programme

* Iru

* Some of the employees at work.

C M Y K

42 — Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015

Aviation Stories By LAWANI MIKAIRU

anaging Director, Nigerian A i r s p a c e Management Agency ,NAMA, Engr Ibrahim Abdulsalam weekend disclosed that the Federal government has engaged the services of financial consultant to reconcile the indebtedness of domestic airlines operating in Nigeria to the aviation agencies , namely, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency ,NAMA, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA. Abdulsalam disclosed this in a media chat with aviation correspondents in Lagos. He added that the international carriers operating in Nigeria have been up to date in paying their charges to the agencies. He also said that if the debt owed by the local carriers was not properly addressed, it would ground the services offered by the agencies in the aviation industry. According to him “We are working out modalities for payment of debts owed by the airlines. That is why we are not releasing the figure they owe us. It is our local airlines that have been defaulting in payment; they are part of our system and we have to be moderate with them.” “Nobody goes to fly on credit; you have to pay for the ticket. That is why the airlines should honour their debt obligations to the agencies. If we ground the airlines, people will be affected. It will not immediately solve the problem and I believe we will

FG engages consultants to reconcile airlines’ debts manage it,” he said. He said that the agency had being in discussion with an Arik consultant approved by the federal government concerning the debt owed by the airline. And that Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, is handling the reconciliation of the debts owned by other domestic airlines aside Arik Air. On the International Civil Aviation

Organisation Security Audit ,ICAOSA, of Nigeria aviation sector that would take place in June, Abdulsallam said that NAMA would work with other agencies in the aviation industry to prepare for it. He also the federal government had helped NAMA in paying off its debt on the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) project.

Abdulsalam further said that the new Navigational Aids equipment just procured by the agency would be installed at six airports across the country, including Lagos . According to him, a lot of new air routes have being created to reduce fuel consumption and air travel time by the airlines.

Stakeholder calls on local airlines to buy cargo planes

r Owolabi Awosan, Vice President, Greater Washington Logistic cargo company, has called on domestic airline operators in Nigeria to buy cargo planes to facilitate the movement of cargo across the country by air. He said heavy cargo brought into the country by foreign airlines are distributed across the country by road. He added that road transportation has many hazards especially for sensitive goods and perishables. He also said if airline operators in the country had dedicated cargo planes, most of such goods would be freighted by air. Adding that air cargo was relatively cheap, faster and safer but people lack the awareness to make use of the opportunity it creates.

According to him what many people are not aware of is that it is cheaper to send a kilogramme of goods by air than by road. For example, most courier companies charge 1,000 Naira for a parcel of goods that can be freighted by air for not more than 300 Naira, even if it is done through an agent. He also said government should encouraged airlines operators to have dedicated aircraft build for cargo operations within the country. “There is no dedicated aircraft for domestic cargo distribution within the country. What we have most is the international airlines with big belly aircraft that are mostly operating cargo business here. “The aircraft we use here are not big belly, we have big items that cannot go under the belly of our domestic

carriers. So most of the items go by road. We use the domestic carriers to distribute items within the country while the international aircraft are used to distribute items outside the country.” He urged the media to partner with cargo companies in the country to create awareness among the public. “Logistic is not about moving goods/ items by road or sea alone, it is also about using the airspace which is safer and faster. “Nigeria is more into import than export, we are developing nation. It is now government is promoting our manufacturing companies, in a few years the country may start exporting good/items and there will be more goods/items to export.

Micro-Finance

UPMFB tto o disbur se N1 .5bn in 20 15 disburse N1.5bn 2015 Stories by PROVIDENCE OBUH

muchinemere Pro-credit Micro Finance Bank (UPMFB) is set to disburse about N1.5 billion as loan facility to the active poor in its 2015 financial year. Meanwhile, the bank disbursed a total loan facility of N1.13 billion as micro loan to about 5, 395 low income earners in 2014. In a statement, the bank said that about N659, 700, 000, representing 58.32 percent was given to micro loan

clients as micro loans and N367, 788, 150, representing 32.51 percent of the total loan was given as other loans. According to the statement, the bank is collaborating with the Enugu State government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in a partnership programme in the management of the Federal Government’s N220billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development Fund. A breakdown of the total facility

indicate that a total of 2,300 male clients received N589,245,900, representing 52.09 percent of the total loans disbursed in 2014 financial year ended, while 1,986 females got a total of N438,242,250, representing 38.74 percent of the total facility. In the period under review, the bank disbursed a total Temporary Over Draft and Advances of N103,700,100, representing 9.17 percent of the N1.13bn, to its deserving clients, comprising mainly low income workers that receive their salaries and pensions through the bank.

How LAPO builds capacity for sustainable growth C

Godwin Ehigiamusoe MD LAPO MfB C M Y K

onscious of its target to achieve five million clients by the year 2017, LAPO Micro finance Bank (MfB) has again churned out graduates from its Management Trainees and Talent Pool programme, in partnership with the German AFOS Foundation and the German Catholic Entrepreneurs Association (BKU) co-financed by the German Government. The partnership is to strengthen the bank as regards its capacity to promote qualitative growth and to efficiently manage the quality of its services. Management trainee is a selection

of people, fresh graduates with managerial skill through selection process and interviews in the bank to ensure best candidate in different areas of the organisation emerge. The talent pool programme is a continuous improvement mechanism through which LAPO will identify, nurture and deploy selected employees to where they will be most effective to guarantee the sustainability of the bank growth process. The essence of the programme is to help the orgaisation effectively manage its exponential growth as anticipated in its strategic plan in the medium and long term period of 2013-

2017. Meanwhile about 12 candidates graduated the management trainees for 2015, compared to nine in 2013 with 39 candidates of talent pool. In his address titled, “Grooming Leadership and Sustainability,” MD LAPO MfB Mr. Godwin Ehigiamusoe, highlighted; skill, vision, competence, integrity and trust, among others, as some of the qualities a leader must possess. “Leadership is about everything, you must invest in acquisition of knowledge to be a leader and commitment is important to sustainability,” Ehigiamusoe said.

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015 — 43

Advertising & Promotions

Bitters market: Ace Roots closes in on Orijin STORIES BY PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU

n December 2014, after finalizing its merger talks with Consolidated Breweries, CB, PLC, which brought to 21 brands in its portfolio, Nigerian Breweries, NB Plc, launched a new product, Ace Roots, in what industry observers described as a direct competition with Guinness Ready to Drink, RTD brand, Orijin. The management of NB, after the merger last year launched its biggest marketing onslaught against Orijin, a product from the stable of Guinness Nigeria Plc. The Sales Director of NB, Hubert Eze, while presenting the brand, said the launch was informed by the quest to meet the needs of consumers and reconnect them to an era when herbal drinks held sway to cure many health challenges. He said the drink is blended with African herbs mixed with spirit. “We want to take our consumers back to the root. Sometimes, we don’t look back,” he said. While publicly doing what he called a

“comparative marketing” on competitors product, Eze said with the significant growth of the ready to drink market since 2008, that is majorly driven by Orijin, NB is coming to the market with a unique selling point. “The drinks boosts of at least 14 natural ingredients, amazing

alcopop taste, and less sugar and alcohol.” He stated. However, before the advent of Ace Roots, products like Alomo Bitters, Kerewa, Orijin Bitters, Ogidiga, Ibile, Baby Oku, Yoyo, Sappiro Lemon Ginseng, Kogbebe, Koboko, Osomo, Dadubule, Durosoke, Pasa Bitters and many others ruled the market. All these products entered the Nigerian market using ‘sex energy boost’ as selling

ACTIVATION - From Left: Adeyanju Babatunde, Key Account Executive, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Abeokuta, Iyanudunu Ogunrinde, winner brand new generator and De Don, Comedian and Compere at the Legend Extra Stout Taste and Tell Activation in Abeokuta.

Agya Appiah entry boosts Nigeria Bitters market

midst other competing Bitters brand in the market, Agya Appiah Bitters Limited, manufacturers of alcoholic Agya Appiah Bitters, Ghana, has announced its official entry into Nigeria. Speaking during a media briefing, Mr. Andrews Akolaa, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Agya Appiah Bitters, said the introduction of the new product is to reinvigorate and fill the gap in the Nigerian Bitters market by providing it with the purest and most natural blend of alcoholic bitters which is currently being enjoyed in other markets around the sub region and other parts of the world. He explained that the bitters manufacturer has always been driven by the need to do things differently and better. “We make bold to say that we are truly a Bitters brand that is all natural in composition; NO artificial colour, and no artificial flavour, evidenced by a smooth running taste down the throat.” On what makes the new product different; Akolaa said: ‘our Bitters’ medicinal values are widely acclaimed for improving the general wellbeing of both the young and old. Agya Appiah prepares Bitters from acclaimed herbs. These herbs have been used as a result of years of research into the useful properties of various medicinal plants.” He noted that the Founder, a foremost practitioner and former President of the Ghana Federation of Traditional Medicinal Practitioners Association, developed these choice herbs from the magnificent forests

of Ghana into a high quality alcoholic beverage. “As a former president of the Ghana Federation of Traditional medicinal Practitioners Association and foremost practitioner, our Founder has ensured that the product meets the best standards and is committed to quality excellence. And given this background the company has always toed his vision to remain natural in any product we put into the market and this makes us different.” “Agya Appiah is endorsed by the Centre for Scientific Research into plant medicine; the agency responsible for analyzing plant based medicinal products in Ghana and an affiliate of W.H.O. The blend of 13 different medicinal plants come with many health benefits,” he stressed. He stated that the product comes in a glass bottle size of 750ml and 200ml PET for connoisseurs on-the go - the perfect size that fits in any pocket. To achieve success in this highly competitive market Agya Appiah has partnered with five distribution companies in Lagos and with their vast network of warehouses within major cities, a robust customer base and partners across the country, they are positioned to provide excellent and superior sales, logistics and support services to Nigerian customers. Also speaking at the event, Samuel Ohemeng, Production Manager, Agya Appiah Bitters Limited, expressed the company’s commitment to maintaining quality and the cultured taste of the product.

point. After all, ‘sex sells’, it took them little time to overrun the Nigerian alcoholic beverage market with spurious claims of efficacy to cure and prevent all diseases. Contrary to claims, these products have been found to contain high dosage of ethanol, caffeine and hemp. Instead of ‘herbal extracts’, the bitter taste of many of the products is actually from ‘muru’, a substance used in treating pile in the northern part of the country. In order to verify the claim by NB also, Vanguard conducted a market research at various drinking joints across Lagos, Ogun, Ibadan, Imo etc, the probe showed that product is fast gaining acceptance and is poised to take over the lead in the market from competing brands. What was responsible for the quick return on investment according to Mr. Ajole Amakua, a Brand Specialist Director with June 24 Media, said the marketing strings being pulled by NB is giving the new product an edge, because the owners have the finance to run various campaigns, they are not controlled like their major competitor. “They have been able to establish the product in the minds of the consumers in this short time.” What I also noticed is that Ace Root has eaten into a big proportion of the Orijin market. He stated. A consumer, who simply gives his name as Mike said he drinks Ace Roots because of its low sugar and affordability. For Ogazi Onami who was accosted at Royal Garden Restaurant in Iba, said he prefers Ace Root to Orijin because of its natural herbs, low sugar and its mild alcoholic content. Mr. Emma Eruebe, a Civil Engineer, says he cools off with Ace Roots because he has to switch over as a result of low sugar and price since one has to watch his pocket and health, what I also noticed is that Nigerians are aware and know what is good for them. Even though the visibility of both products are almost the same in the market, there is no where you go you don’t see the flyers of both product, telling you of their uniqueness, but the question is will Orijin be able to sustain its campaigns.? Aside gaining considerable edge over its closes competitor in the area of pricing, Ace Roots is very low in sugar (one cube) compared to Orijin’s about five cubes per 60 cl bottle.

Campaign: Mr Biggs to donate 5% proceeds to charity

uick Service Restaurant, QSR, Mr Biggs, says it is embarking on a two prone activation tagged; ‘’Make A Difference,” with Coca cola Nigeria, aimed at connecting with children on May Day to reward loyalty, where 5 percent of its proceeds will be donated to charity. Speaking, Mufutau Fasasi, Finance Executive, UAC Restaurants, said during a press briefing that the marketing initiative is leveraging on its corporate social responsibility, CSR values to create the needed vibe and hype which resonates with the brand’s target consumers and pull foot traffic to the restaurants. Fasasi said that during the campaign, every customer who participates stands the chance of winning a Mr Biggs meal ticket worth N4,000 which would be decided through a raffle draw. Continuing, he stated, “our change collection boxes will be available at the restaurants for customers to drop their change after products are purchased.” The proceeds will be collated and given to charity homes.

IDL donates block of classrooms

ntercontinental Distillers Limited’s, IDL, Corporate social responsibility, CSR, Initiative came alive again as the company donated a block of four classrooms and two offices to Ilogbo Asowo Community High School, Ilogbo, Ota, Ogun state. The Managing Director, Chief Patrick Anegbe, who was of the view that the building will go a long way in contributing to the growth and improvement in the standard of education in the community, said, “learning thrives in a conducive environment, as it’s a prerequisite for effective understanding and quality education.” He stated that quality education offers “our children the best opportunity in life to realize their dreams and become the leaders of tomorrow.”

C M Y K

44 — Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015 Email:lesleba@lesleba.com, lesleba@gmail.com Blog page:www.lesleba.com/blog2 Website: www.lesleba.com Tel:0805 220 1997

Is the abolition of fuel subsidy imminent?

edia reports, lately, suggested that the approval for the 2015 Appropriation Bill, which was seemingly rushed through the National Assembly, in the last week of April, did not contain any provision for the payment of the usual subsidy on petrol and kerosene. Nonetheless, the anxiety of labour and the other advocates and beneficiaries of the subsidy scheme may have been doused by the Senate Committee Chairman on Finance, Senator Ahmed Makarfi’s subsequent statement that, contrary to such reports, the National Assembly had infact approved the sum of N100bn as subsidy for Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) while N43bn was approved for kerosene for the 2015 fiscal year. Nonetheless, the federal government, had in contrast, budgeted about N970bn for fuel subsidy in 2013, while only N515 was released to oil marketers according to a report titled “Senate approved N143bn for fuel subsidy” in the Punch edition of 1/5/2015. Furthermore, according to the same report, “the same amount was also budgeted for the 2014 fiscal year, with only N414bn so far paid. Thus, with the above historical data on subsidy provision and payments, critics may see the approved meager sum of N143bn as a booby trap for the incoming administration, since there is nothing to suggest that the price of crude will further plummet below $50/barrel or that demand would fall below the projected daily average of 40m litres. In addition, available Petroleum Product Pricing and Regulatory Agency, (PPPRA ) data, indicate that

subsidy on petrol has soared to N43.25/litre, up from N2.84 as at January 2015. Thus, an estimated daily subsidy of N1.7bn with current crude price and Naira exchange of N197/$1, will amount to over N620bn this year. It is not clear if this figure also includes projected subsidy payments for kerosene. So, why then did the National Assembly approve barely 25% of the historical annual average subsidy payments. However, Senator Markarfi assured Nigerians that the ‘paltry’ subsidy provision should not stop the initiation of a supplementary Appropriation Bill by Buhari’s incoming administration to cover any difference above the N143bn already approved by the National Assembly. Indeed, if crude prices stabilise around the current $60-$65/ barrel, the subsidy shortfall could be well over N500bn, and the projected deficit of almost N1Tn in the 2015 budget may rise beyond N1.5Tn or constitute almost 33% of total budgeted expenditure of N4.49Tn! Instructively, with interest charges presently between 1016% for government loans, it may cost well over N200bn just to service those debts, which were primarily induced by expenditures on fuel subsidy, consequently such additional expenditure will compound the almost N1Tn debt service charge initially embedded in the 2015 budget. However, these service charges must be distinguished from the N600bn interest payment that CBN would similarly incur in the process of mopping up unceasing surplus liquidity from the money market. Ultimately, consolidated domestic debt

service charges alone, sadly, may well exceed 30% of the paltry 2015 budget. Regrettably, delayed payments of verified subsidy claims, may inadvertently also further bloat the already oppressive service charges on loans obtained to finance the 2015 budget deficit and other earlier government debts. Curiously, the imminent federal and state elections, may have forced government to accede to pressure from marketers to pay the demanded balance of N256.2bn, which they claimed included core subsidy as well as interest on delayed payments and exchange rate differentials. Incidentally, the marketers, have since confirmed that N40bn was the actual core subsidy value outstanding for part of 2014 and deliveries under Batch A & B in 2015; nonetheless, according to the marketers, the balance on the related foreign exchange differentials and the accrued interest on the outstanding invoices would come to N215bn after the maturity of government’s N100bn sovereign debt note by the 30th of April. Thus, if Nigerians were already apprehensive about the huge and clearly unsustainable incidence of subsidy values, then they must

Abolition of price imposition would clearly attract a host of investors into private domestic refining

Business & Economy Plastic subsector to grow by 7% by 2025 BY PROVIDENCE OBUH

he plastic subsector is expected to grow by seven percent over the next ten years, just as a positive outlook is projected for the packaging industry due to increased market demand and sophistication of the Nigerian consumers. Also, imports of food processing and packaging machinery witnessed an increase of €331 million in 2013, compared to €198 million in 2010, Managing Director, Fairtrade, Mr. Martin Marz, said this at the just concluded Agrofood & Plastprintpack Nigeria 2015 exhibition in Lagos, saying C M Y K

that the figure represents 67 percent increase in the period under review. Martin said that the Nigerian plastics and packaging sector has grown to over 3,000 companies and the industry is fairly developed and tends to mirror the trend in the local fast moving consumer goods industry. He noted that flexible packaging and plastics packaging have become very popular in Nigeria. Raw materials employed in the packaging subsector are mostly imported. “Growth in the plastic and packaging sector has been driven by the increasing sophistication of the Nigerian middle class.”

Meanwhile, within the period, imports of packaging machinery and equipment have gone up from €86 million to €182 million at 116 percent, while imports of plastics machinery grew by 71 percent from €52 million to €89 million. Marz added that the food and beverage sector of the Nigeria economy contribute about 4.6 percent of its GDP not less than 66 percent of total consumer expenditure. Food and beverage sector is the largest segment of the Nigerian manufacturing industry compriisng 22 percent, “its is estimated at €16 billion in aggregate output.

Incidentally, if government appears incapable of also reducing its bloated recurrent expenditure budgets, the paltry barely N400bn allocation for capital and human capacity expenditure in 2015 may become further deflated below 5% of the total expenditure of N4.49bn. It is therefore clear that in order to eliminate subsidy payments without stress, we may need to ironically pray that crude oil prices (our main source of revenue) will fall well below $50/barrel, while the Naira exchange rate will not suffer further depreciation which instigates rising fuel prices, to make subsidy removal a major challenge. Clearly, organized labour has already taken a firm position to reject any attempt to remove subsidy and they have instead called on the government to revamp existing refineries and build new ones, so that fuel will be readily available at lower prices. It is curious that the same people, who clearly recognize the huge waste and corruption associated with public utilities, would still demand for the entrenchment of such government parastatals. Nonetheless, the abolition of price imposition would clearly attract a host of investors into private domestic refining, but this would not necessarily reduce prices to ultimately eliminate subsidy. Instructively, however, fuel prices will conversely steadily fall if the Naira appreciates, as a stronger Naira will translate down the line to progressively induce cheaper fuel prices domestically and ultimately eliminate subsidy.

be surely perplexed that payments, which were delayed because of lack of funds, are now compounded by an additional sum of N215bn for interest on delayed payments and exchange rate differentials. Surely, if this is not a scam, it is certainly a reckless fiscal strategy which is totally in denial of an imminent national debt trap. In her response, the finance Minister, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, confirmed last week that the sum of N56bn will additionally be paid to offset interest differentials; according to Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, “after these payments, a subsidy balance of N98bn already certified by PPPRA would be left as the amount owed to the marketers”. Clearly, if the subsidy regime subsists with the present culture of delays in settlement, the still outstanding sum of N98bn will invariably also attract additional interest charges for delayed payments as well as exchange rate differentials; consequently, consolidated subsidy payments will exceed expectations and budget provisions, particularly if the Naira exchange rate also continues its current slide. Furthermore, if in addition to Naira depreciation, crude prices unexpectedly climb above the current $60-65/ barrel range, the amount of fuel subsidy payable for the rest of 2015 will similarly increase; worse still, the attendant unbudgeted penalty for delayed payments and exchange rate differentials will also increase. Ultimately, if good sense, fails to prevail, close to 40% of total budgeted expenditure in 2015 may become dedicated to fuel subsidy payments!

Omoh Gabriel Babajide Komolafe Clara Nwachukwu Peter Egwuatu Yinka Kolawole Favour Nnabugwu Godwin Oritse Godfrey Bivbere Michael Eboh Franklin Alli Ifeyinwa Obi Rosemary Onuoha Nkiruka Nnorom CONTRIBUTORS Princewill Ekwujuru Jonah Nwokpoku Naomi Uzor Providence Obuh LAYOUT

SAVE THE NAIRA, SAVE NIGERIA!!

Group Business Editor Deputy Business Editor Energy Editor Asst. Business Editor Snr Bus. Correspondent Insurance Correspondent Maritime Correspondent Maritime Correspondent Energy Reporter Industry/Agric. Reporter Maritime Reporter Insurance Reporter Capital Market Reporter

Media/Marketing E-Commerce Industry Micro Finance Graphics Department

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015 — 45

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46 — Vanguard, MONDAY MONDAY,, MAY 4, 2015

commuters to keep appointments. It is more pronounced in places like Ikeja, Ikotun, Ejigbo, Mushin, Iyana-Oba, Mile 2, Iyana-Ipaja, Bolade-Oshodi, Egbeda, LekkiAjah, Third Mainland bridge, Ikorodu road, Magodo, Ogba and Ikorodu. Others are Agbado/OkeAro, Ita-Oluwo/Ogijo, Vulcanizer/ Ifo, Iyana - Iyesi, Oju-Ore, MoweIbafo and Ota among others.

New govts: Our expectations, by Lagos, Ogun communities Stories By Bose Adelaja

T is no longer news that Mr Ak inwumi Ambode is the governor-elect of Lagos State after he defeated his rivals in a keenly contested governorship election on April 11, 2015. He was the flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress, APC. In neighbouring Ogun State, the incumbent governor and APC candidate, Ibikunle Amosun, also defeated his rivals to retain his position for second term. Ambode’s coming at this time is considered remarkable and fortunate because, unlike what obtained in the past when Lagos was for 16 years an opposition stronghold, the state will be governed this time around with the support of the ruling party at the centre. Against this backdrop and the belief that Lagos State is richly blessed, expectations appear to very high that Ambode has all that is necessary at his disposal to deliver maximum dividends of democracy to Lagosians. The popular belief is that unlike what obtained when the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, controlled the Federal Government, Ambode should count on the blessings of an APC-led Federal Government to outperform his predecessors and take Lagos to great height.

Transformation touch Same expectation has been extended to Governor Amosun as he begins his second term in office. His people want him to continue with his transformation of Ogun State in terms of infrastructure, especially in Abeokuta, Sagamu, Remo, Ijebu-Ode and Ota. Places in Ogun where the people are eagerly awaiting his transformation touch are Ajibode, Tigbo, Owode and Oko-Ireke within Ifo local government. Also, Ikenne, Odogbolu, Ososa, Idobi, Ijagun, Sagamu, Ogijo, Idowa, Agodo, ibefun, Ilado, Ibafo, Owode-Egba, Siun and Orile-Imo. In Lagos, areas crying for Ambode’s attention include Alimosho, Badagry, Orile-Iganmu, Badiya, Ifako, Mushin, Fadeyi, Agege, Ikorodu and Epe to mention but a few. Apart from the deplorable road networks occasioning serious traffic gridlock, residents have been lamenting over lack of potable water, epileptic power supply, cultism, thuggery and insecurity, among others. Within the Lagos/ Ifo expressway axis, some C M Y K

Causes of gridlock

•Traffic jam in Igbogbo, Ikorodu caused by bad road residents of Ajibode lamented lack of access road as the only road leading to their community has become a death trap and they have to navigate through Iyana-Tigbo, a situation which has turned the supposed journey of five minutes to two hours. They said, auto mechanics now feed fat on vehicle owners while commuters experience untold hardship due to frequent hikes in fares, resulting into high cost of living, according to a trader, Mrs Ajigbotoluwa Iretiola. Residents of the two sister states also complain that cultism has become threat in their areas as a result of which many can no longer sleep with their eyes closed. Places worst hit are Sagamu, Ijagun, Ogijo, OdoKekere, Odo-nla all in Ogun State. Other areas are Mushin, Fadeyi and Ikorodu.

In Lagos, areas crying for Ambode’s attention include Alimosho, Badagry, Orile-Iganmu, Badiya, Ifako, Mushin, Fadeyi, Agege, Ikorodu and Epe

Vanguard Metro recently witnessed a situation in Agodo where people were forced to flee for their lives when a group of young boys, dressed like campus cultists and armed with harmful implements like broken bottles, clubs, pistol, cans and headed for a shop which they broke into and dragged out a suspected opposition cultist. The hapless fellow was later whisked away to an unknown destination.

VM later gathered that he was eventually killed and the body was abandoned along the road without traces into his identity. Similar occurrences have been reported in Mushin and Fadeyi areas of Lagos where residents are presently living in apprehension of cultism attacks. Lagos and Ogun also share the problem of intractable traffic jam which has made it impossible for

Most residents blame the gridlock on bad road, inefficiency of traffic managers, bribery and corruption. Some traffic managers who pleaded anonymity said commercial bus drivers usually refuse arrest, a situation which add to the existing gridlock. “It takes about an hour to arrest a commercial driver and if care is not taken, they mobilise and attack the law enforcement operatives who are not armed,” he said. Other causes of gridlock include broken down vehicles and indiscriminate parking of vehicles without respect to the law of the land. The persistent gridlock has continued to create unhealthy life styles as people leave home as early as 3am to beat the traffic and get to work early but don’t return until 10pm and beyond. Some Lagosians who expressed their view on the matter said the , incoming government in Lagos should as a matter of urgency take steps to tackle the problem, adding that the essence of voting for the new governor was for him to introduce policies that will make living in Lagos less cumbersome and to bring succour to long suffering Lagosians.

Oke-Oko: NSCDC intensifies search for missing operatives

HE Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC, are still in the dark on the whereabouts of three of its officials three months after they were declared missing. The men went missing since January 2015 after operatives of the NSCDC were attacked by suspected oil pipeline vandals. Since then all efforts by the Command to locate them have proved abortive as they have failed to reunite with their families and colleagues. This is the not the first time the Command is losing some of its men through unwarranted attack. On March 27, 2013 Assistant Inspector Gabriel Adaji and Inspector Innocent Akhigbe were sent to their early graves during a clash between the Command and men of the Nigeria Police Force. The incident occurred when operatives of the NSCDC had, based on an intelligent report,

raided a hideout of some vandals to put an end to their operation. But they were later attacked by some police men who allegedly raced to the scene to protect the vandals. Two years after, the families of the fallen NSCDC operatives are still calling on the Federal Government to bring the culprits to book.

Anti-vandals squad During the January 2015 incident in Oke-Oko, a border town in Ikorodu and Ifo local government, Ogun State, a raid by the anti-vandals squad had turned bloody when some suspected pipeline vandals repelled the attack and in the ensuing fracas, a bullion van belonging to the anti-vandal squad was burnt and three members of the anti-vandals squad were later found missing. An undisclosed number of the

suspected vandals were later arrested by the officials. It did not end there, the suspected vandals regrouped by 10pm and headed for Isawo Division believing the suspects were detained there. But when that turned out not to be the case, they vented their anger on two policemen on duty who were shot dead. Meanwhile, the Command is yet to disclose the names of the missing officers but still hopeful that they will be found. Barring his mind on the development, the NSCDC State Commandant, Gabriel Abafi, alleged that the vandals were being sponsored by some individuals who in turn procure dangerous arms with which they freely operate in the area. He thereby called on both the federal and state governments to declare the affected area a danger zone, saying only the combined team of the military and other security outfits can put an end to the illicit business.

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015— 47

In Lagos, Police respect women’s reproductive health and rights — ACP Kunle Olusokan, Lagos State Police Command By Sola Ogundipe

cleansing in the system, and bad eggs are dismissed or demoted. There are laws and the law will take its course against any Police officer that violates the law,” he warned. In her own remark, the Senior Advisor, Policy and Advocacy, Ipas Nigeria, Hauwa Shekarau, said the training became necessary in view of the recognition of the important role of the Police in protection of human rights. “Women's rights is human

HE Lagos State Police Com mand has restated its commitment to the promotion and protection of the reproductive health and rights of women. Giving the assertion last week in Lagos, An Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP, Kunle Olusokan, said the Police in the State do not take matters related to sexual violence such as rape and defilement and other infringement of women’s rights lightly. Speaking at a 2-day training workshop organised by Ipas-Nigeria for Police personnel on women’s reproductive health and rights, Olusokan, who is also the AC Training and Development, of the Lagos State Police Command, said such incidents are treated strictly as criminal cases. “The world is changing and the Police are into different phenomena. The organisers of this event realise that the Police is part of the public, and that we should know about rights, which is what we do. “The rights of women are upheld by the Nigerian Police. Ensuring that the rights of people isn't trampled upon is the work of the Police.” Women in the Police: Olusokan said even for women in the Police, they are Nigerians first and foremost and whatever rights are applicable to ordinary Nigerians also affect them. “The issue of violence is rampant and laws in Nigeria protect the women, so cases like rape, defilement are not taken lightly. The perpetrators are charged to court and prosecuted.

Violence against women “The idea of settling such matters at home is not right. We have sensitised our people to know that cases of violence against women by their husbands are not domestic issues, but are criminal cases and must be treated as such. “We are always telling people to report such incidents. In the event that you report a case of violence against a woman and the matter isn't taken up at the station, report to the person heading the station, that is the DPO, who has integrity to make sure amendments are made. Human Rights Desk In his response, Olusokan noted that all divisions of the Lagos State Police Command now have a human rights desk. “That’s to show you that we are improving. So now, anyone can go and report cases on human C M Y K

rights. A woman or a girl has rights, regardless of who the perpetrator is, and the Police should uphold such rights. “As an important arm in the entrenchment of human rights enforcement, the Police needs to be empowered. “We noticed gaps in the enforcement role of the Police and we want to provide some of the information or knowledge that would enable the participants appreciate the issues when reported.” Gaps: Shekarau, who is also the President, International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Nigeria, opined that the training was to give insight in addressing some of the violations of human rights. “If we are able to address the gaps, there will be a big difference.

Nationwide training

• ACP Kunle Olusokan. rights infringement and it will be taken up. All that is necessary for them is provided. Admitting that there were bad eggs in the system, the Police boss, however, urged the public to cooperate with the Police in upholding the rule of law.

“Don't compare Nigeria Police with Police in Europe or America, just cooperate with us. We are not magicians, do not condemn us ot dismiss us but cooperate with us. We need your assistance. We know we have some bad ones, but we are doing a lot of

We are always telling people to report such incidents. In the event that you report a case of violence against a woman and the matter isn't taken up at the station, report to the DPO

SKG Pharma focuses on child health By Chioma Obinna

OWARDS ensuring better health for children, foremost pharmaceutical company, SKG Pharma Limited weekend introduced into the Nigerian market, child friendly drug products even as it pledged to continually create superior value in product development to meet the yearnings of consumers for effective quality products. The various products ranged from those for newborns to children aged 12 years and above. The Managing Director of the company, Mr. Okey Akpa, said the new multivitamin drops helps fortify baby’s immune system against ailments and infections. Speaking during the presentation and SKG’s Trade Partners Conference and Awards in Lagos, Akpa further explained that the conference is to appreciate the trade partners who have been adding value to the company by interfacing between SKG Pharma and the final consumer of the products. The event was attended by trade partners all over the country. The high point of the event was the regional and national awards to honour high performing trade partners. These awards were complimented with mouth-watering gifts. The grand award winner, Jonaco Pharmacy based in Onitsha, through its Manager Chizoba Oleuku, thanked SKG Pharma for helping him grow his business. “SKG looks out for its distributors and makes sure they grow along with the company, no one is left behind and I intend to remain in the SKG

family” Mr. Oleuku said as he lifted his golden trophy beaming with smile. Second position went to Simba Pharmaceuticals represented by Mrs. Oby Ibeh Okpareke while the third position’s trophy was lifted by Mr. Chidi Akabougu of Eternity Concept. Mr. Peter Bankole, Director of Enterprise development Centre, a pan-Atlantic University in Lagos, delivered a lecture on “Entrepreneurship.”

Resources are limited to do nationwide training, but key officers from particular departments are involved including the Juvenile Welfare Unit, the Criminal Investigations Department, CID, and the people at the front desk, where complaints of human rights violations are made Participants of the workshop included officers of the Juvenile Welfare Centres, Area/Divisional Crime, Human Rights, Conflict Resolution and Community Policing units of the State Police Command. Others were from the General Investigation, Anti Human Rights Trafficking and Medical Unit. The officers were mobilised from Ikotun, Igando, Ketu, Mile 2, Alapere, Agege, Iju, Ojo and Idimu Police divisions. Officers were also mobilised from Ajegunle, Apapa, Ipaja, Ijeshatedo, Itire, Bariga, Egbe, Mushin and Alagbado divisions of Lagos state.

• L-R: Managing Director, SKG Pharma Ltd, Mr. Okey Akpa, (2nd from left), second prize winner, Mrs. Oby Ibeh Okpareke, (1st from left) representing Simba Pharmaceuticals, (3rd) Manager of Jonaco Pharmacy, Mr. Chizoba Oleuku holding grand trophy, (2nd from right) GM, Sales and Customer Care, Mrs. Patricia Iloba and MD, Eternity Concepts Ltd, Mr. Chidi Akabuogu who took the bronze trophy for coming third at the SKG Pharma Trade Partners Conference and Awards on Thursday in Lagos.

48—Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015

Memo to President-elect on fire disasters By Fidelis Ogbogoh

HE purpose of this memo is to bring to the attention of Your Excellency the failure of previous administrations to take fire prevention and fire-fighting seriously, in spite of their awareness that Fire Service delivery is a vital component of internal security. The issue of safety of life and property which, ordinarily, should occupy a major plank in the programmes and plans of our governments, at all levels, has also, not attracted enough public debate in Nigeria. Successive federal and state governments simply have not shown sufficient concern and commitment to fire prevention and fire-fighting in this country. The result is that vast estates and huge public buildings are daily ravaged by preventable fire, while those who should take the bold decisions and say ‘enough is enough’ appear to lack the political will to protect the nation and its commonwealth from wanton destruction by fire. I will give a small but interesting narrative: When the multimillion naira mansion of former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, was gutted by fire in Abeokuta, one person sustained serious injuries in the effort to put out the fire. Interacting with newsmen shortly afterwards, Obasanjo expressed appreciation to God and even added that, luckily, the fire did not affect the entire building.

Deep sense of duty Singing excitedly in yoruba language, the former President said: “Ile Obasanjo to jo ewalobu kun, ile Obasanjo to jo ewalobu kun, eyin Press emawibe, ewalobu kun”. Translated, this means:”fire that gutted Obasanjo’s house has only made it more beautiful, you pressmen sing along with me”. Let me quickly add, and I say this with deep sense of duty as the former Number One Fire Officer in Nigeria, that ‘once fire gets out of control, it has no respect for class or creed. It becomes, at once, man’s worst enemy. It takes no hostages. Its heat alone can kill. Room temperatures in a fire situation can be 100 degrees Fahrenheit at floor level, and rises to 600 degrees Fahrenheit at eye level. Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch the lungs. This heat can melt clothes to the skin. In five minutes, a room can get so hot that everything in it ignites at once: this is called flashover. We must never forget that The Twin-tower Building of the Trade Centre in New York City just melted like ice cream under intense heat. Fire is deadly! It uses up the oxygen we need and produces smoke and poisonous gases that C M Y K

kill. Fire maims and destroys. Simple! I should mention that Obasanjo, in the course of his presidency once remarked, and it is largely true, that the annual budget of New York Fire Service is more than the entire budget of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Yet under his watch for eight years, the Federal Fire Service got zero capital allocation. Seven years after, the then Vice President, now President of Nigeria, wrote those beautiful lines, the facts on ground show that no single value has been added to disaster management in Nigeria. Instead, it seriously nosedived to pitiable level; so much that both the Federal Fire Service which I once headed, and the State Fire Services that should, in the event of disasters be coordinated by NEMA, are so dysfunctional and ineffective that Nigeria now depends almost entirely on private multinational construction companies, like Julius Berger, for search and rescue operations in the country, using their facilities for emergency interventions.

Emergency interventions This unfortunate situation debases our national honour and integrity. Yes, a Presidential Committee was set up in 2005 by the Obasanjo administration to reorganize the Fire Services in Nigeria. The committee had representatives from each of the six geo-political zones. The Report of the Committee was submitted to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in 2006. Unfortunately, FEC chose to ignore that portion that recommended that the Federal Fire Service (FFS) should reside in the Presidency. The Committee considered this essential to enable the service take on the role of a regulatory agency, policy setting, compliance-monitoring, capacity building and enforcement of the National Fire Code. Instead, in 2007, FEC approved, among others, that the Federal Fire Service be transferred to the Federal Ministry of Interior. However, the Honourable Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Patrick Moro, realised the absence of a national road map for effective and efficient fire service-delivery. He constituted a nine-member Ministerial Committee that was inaugurated on November 14, 2011 and mandated to “examine the current structure of the Service in Nigeria and recommend, as appropriate, what can be done – drawing references from developed and developing countries of the world” The Committee’s Report was submitted on April 25, 2012. The story remains the same. At a press conference before the

President elect, Muhammadu Buhari

Firefighters at a fire scene inauguration of the ministerial committee, Comrade Moro noted that: “Fire Service delivery is a vital component of our internal security - bothering on safety of lives and property - and Nigeria cannot pride herself to be secure until there is a reasonable guarantee of the safety of lives, property and the environment”. Again no Change has occurred in the Federal and States Fire Services. As I write this, Nigeria has a total number of Two Hundred and Fifty Two (252) ill-equipped and poorly manned fire stations covering a geographic area of Nine Hundred and Nine Thousand, Eight Hundred and Ninety (909,890) square kilometers in Seven Hundred and Seventy Four (774) Local Government Areas. In effect, one fire station takes care of three Local Governments with an average population of over 450,000 Nigerians living in a space area of approximately 2,637 square km. At the very minimum, Nigeria needs one thousand, one hundred and forty-four (1,144) fire stations to effectively protect her national assets, safeguard the lives of millions of her citizens and resident foreigners. Many recent disasters like fire outbreaks, collapsed buildings, plane crashes, epidemics and internal security threats arising from terrorism, bomb blasts and so on, make it absolutely

Nigeria still does not have a single aircraft training simulator for the training of NAA firefighters

necessary to have functional F i r e Service for t h e protection of our national wealth. How much is human life worth in Nigeria? This question is necessary considering the spate of avoidable catastrophes in which scores of lives of our people are terminated and billions of naira worth of goods and property destroyed yearly. Fire awareness in Nigeria is low. As a result, fire disasters have become so incessant and frequent that it now occurs almost on a daily basis across our country without any serious intervention. For first responders to respond promptly, we need “three-digit” emergency number, instead of the elongated 08033000490.

Avoidable catastrophe In an emergency, no one remembers long numbers. In other climes, it is simply 112, 911 or other three-digit number. Recently, the Kano State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Abdullahi Minkaila, and his family died in an inferno when their home was engulfed by fire. Kano State Fire Service did not respond because they were not called. When the terrorists hit the World Trade Centre and other targets during the September 11 attacks in America some years ago, the first set of people that responded promptly were Fire Fighters. All over the world, there are Emergency Agencies, and the Fire Brigades are invariably central to that formation. Threedigit emergency numbers are usually routed via a call centre to promptly request their services. Essential to the efficiency of any organization, is the appointment of officers and managers that have the relevant qualifications, knowhow and robust experiences for the roles assigned to them. Today, the Federal Fire Service, as well as State Fire Services, lack appropriate training facility for fire-fighters (officers and men). The National Fire Academy under construction since 1999 at Sheda, Abuja, has been abandoned, with nothing happening at the site. The

security at our airports are improving daily based on recommendations, but the recommendations of several commissions for improved fire security at our airports are yet to be implemented. Nigeria still does not have a single aircraft training simulator for the training of NAA firefighters. Ninety percent of the Firemen at our airports have no knowledge of aviation fire-fighting. A handful of them, with aviation fire-fighting training, were trained in Duala, in the republic of Cameroon. Current mode of training for firefighters in Nigeria begins and ends with just lacing old used motor tyres with PMS, and setting them on fire at ground zero, for trainees to put out. It is sad!

Aviation firefighting Recent statistics show that N54 billion worth of properties were lost to fire in the last three years in Lagos alone. Around the country, monumental losses resulting from fire disasters are even more frightening. I then ask: How can we grow our economy and develop our country with so much destruction of life and property by fire? As I write this, fire security is on the concurrent list in our constitution, as amended. After the 2011 elections, I wrote an open letter to State Governors pointing out that good governance should accommodate the commitment to protect life and property of the citizenry. The 2005 Presidential Committee for the Re-organization of our Fire Service was followed by the 2012 Ministerial Committee for the Restructuring of the same Fire Service. Yet, no re-organisation or restructuring was allowed to occur. I hope that the wind of CHANGE that is around the corner would also blow towards our fire services, to my mind, are in dire need of remarkable overhaul. Your Excellency, permit me to end this memo with a famous quote from Albert-Einstein: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results.” Engr.Ogbogoh, C.Eng.FNSE; M.I.FireE, MON was the Comptroller- General, Federal Fire Service (Rtd); Member, Presidential Committee For the Re-organization of Fire Service (2005) and Member, Ministerial Committee For the Restructuring of Fire Service (2011).

VANGUARD, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015—49

THE ARMY’S CONFIDENTIAL REPORT ON BUHARI:

A man of boundless energy — Ogbemudia RESPECTED action governor of the old Midwest Region, Brigadier Samuel Ogbemudia, is one of the sterling lights of achievers in public office. His performance in office as a military governor between 1967 and 1975 stirred the feverish agitation for his return as civilian governor of the now also defunct Bendel State in 1983. Ogbemudia also held some senior positions at the federal level during the military hiatus and at the return of politicking in 1998, was one of the conveners of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Edo State and remains a member of the Board of Trustees of the party. But that the tact, taste and traction of the Ogbemudia spirit have been absent in the affairs of his party was an issue when this reporter encountered him in his modest Abuja residence last weekend. Ogbemudia, 82 subsequently unfolded to give reasons for his seeming aloofness from his party and then gave details of the information he glanced on a one-time subordinate officer, Muhammadu Buhari. Given assertions in some sections of the excellent achievements of Adams Oshiomhole as governor of Edo State, it was not out of place to ask Ogbemudia on who was the better achiever between himself and Oshiomhole. Excerpts:

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

OU have been out of circulation for some time. What has been happening to you? I decided to keep my peace, to be quiet because the party I belong to didn’t want me to talk. When we won the election in 1999, we were three friends who worked together to achieve that victory in Edo State – myself, Chief Tony Anenih and Chief Igbinendion. Igbinendion had requested that we allow his son to contest the governorship, and we all supported him.

Writing of petitions After that, everything that was done in the party, I was excluded, and I decided not to quarrel with anybody. Igbinendion excluded you? I was excluded, I didn’t mention anybody. Who excluded you? The party. I didn’t want to quarrel with anybody, I just stayed on my own and after writing so many petitions to the National Working Committee and nothing came out of it, my supporters and I decided just to stay on our own. Then came Prof. Osunbor as governor of Edo State and we all helped him, but then, the court decided that he wasn’t the one who won the election, and he had to quit and Oshiomhole came. The arrival of Oshiomhole was a big joy for everybody in the sense that he started work immediately and in no time, he made a name. The road which I as governor of Midwest couldn’t construct in my time, the one to my house, he not C M Y K

only constructed it, he made sure that every road in that area was constructed. Before the roads were constructed, flooding had almost destroyed the community, and people were selling their houses for between N300,000 and N500,000. However, after he rebuilt the roads and intercepted the floods, the people refused to sell N10 million. Even at that, the party was still not listening to our counsel, and that is why I didn’t say anything for a very long time. Chief Tony Anenih is described as the party leader in Edo State. Did you raise these issues with him? Chief Tony Anenih is a strategist and a strong believer in the party, however, what I don’t know is how much of the rumour, how much of the gossiping and how much of the character assassination that got to him that he believed. So, I didn’t. Your party has lost the leadership of the country also at the federal level. What do you think would have caused this? It is normal in any developed or civilised society for a party that is ruling to once in a while lose power so that it can also experience what is obtainable on the other side named as the opposition. I think that it is the experience that the PDP is passing through. Do you think that the PDP will survive this experience? Luckily, I think Buhari has advised those who want to cross and those who have crossed that they are not welcome. I believe too that some of them after some time will think of coming back to help rebuild their party.

•How E.K. Clark's constructive criticism helped me as governor •Why I am aloof from Edo PDP •Oshiomhole's reconstruction of roads shot up property prices 10 fold •Oshiomhole's successor will be determined on merit •Dismissed a psycopatic SSG as military governor

Have you also considered crossing over to APC? No, I do not intend to, but I intend to give as much help as I can in the interest of Edo State to whosoever forms the government of the day. Does General Buhari have the capacity to rule Nigeria? Buhari I know very well. I knew him when he was commissioned into the Nigerian Army with the rank of a second lieutenant and somewhere along the line, I had the privilege of reading the confidential report written on him by his superior officers and they described him as a young officer with boundless energy and that he likes to continue where others are tired, and I think that helped him to win the presidential election after three attempts. That zeal to go on was there, and it continued until he won and I also believe that the energy that he had as a young

•Ogbemudia: As far as I'm concerned, Oshiomhole is our leader officer may not available today to him, but the wisdom is there. Would you say that the PDP dug its own grave? Well, yes and no. First of all, the behaviour of any society is a reflection of the quality of the leadership they have. We are being led by His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, a very intelligent fellow, with high level of understanding, but somewhere along the line, he had experienced persons around him to help him, but they did not give him the help he wanted and so, relying on false stories coming from time to time led him to do certain things that he ought not to have done and to leave undone

Buhari I know very well. I knew him when he was commissioned into the Nigerian Army with the rank of a second lieutenant and somewhere along the line, I had the privilege of reading the confidential report written on him

those things that he ought to have done. What is your assessment of the situation in Edo State? For the past six years, Edo State has been in opposition because we had an APC government in the state while PDP was at the centre. But now the APC has the government in Edo State and will also have the government at the centre, so there will be a clear and uninterrupted line of communication and we also have a governor who does not take no for an answer.

Constitutional provision If it were possible for a governor to get third term, nobody would have bothered to look for another person else, but because of constitutional provision, we will have to look for someone that will take over from him and continue where he left and that means that all Edo people must speak with one voice. On which platform? The platform will dictate itself. Is it PDP or APC? The platform will dictate itself, but for today, the APC is there, Governor Oshiomhole is there and as far as I am concerned, Oshiomhole is our leader and wherever he says we should follow him in the interest of Edo State, when the time comes for a replacement Continues on page 50

50—VANGUARD, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015

•Omirin: Fayose has not been fair to us

IMPEACHMENT: Fayose has been ruling with impunity — Speaker Omirin •Says he wants to kill APC-19 legislators TRACKING the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Dr Adewale Omirin’s was a Herculean task but Vanguard newspaper was able to get him to speak from one of his hideouts where he accused Governor Ayodele Fayose of governing the state with impunity. Omirin, however, said he is ready for a peace meeting outside the state. Excerpts: By Dapo Akinrefon

HAT is the situation of things in Ekiti State following the row between Governor Ayodele Fayose and the 19 All Progressives Congress (APC) legislators? The situation is still as it was since November 17, 2014. We have not been allowed to come to the state by the governor. Each time we say we are coming to the state, he goes on radio announcing to the people that we are bringing thugs and then to the Commissioner of Police to inform him of all these things and before you know it, the state capital is filled with soldiers and police men. Have you contemplated storming the state with the military, policemen and thugs? I do not have soldiers and thugs. I am a legislator and a medical doctor, I was not trained along that line. There is no time we planned of bringing anybody to the town. We are elected to lead our people and make laws for the good people of Ekiti state and that is exactly what we wanted C M Y K

to do. As at the time we were driven out of the House of Assembly, we had passed 72 bills in three and half years, which is unprecedented in the history of the state. We have done very well for the state and that is what we are elected to do. A peace parley was called last Thursday by some elders and leaders of the state led by Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) but you and your colleagues failed to show up. Why? Our not attending the meeting was borne out of the information we got from the Government House that the governor was panning to arrest one or two of us and keep them till June 5, so that we would not form quorum for the impeachment. Secondly, when the Assistant Commissioner of Police for Operations for Ekiti state called me, he asked for our route. He said we should follow Owo, Ikare, Imesi, Gbonyin to Ado Ekiti. A journey that was to take us 45 minutes, we were to go and use two and half hours.

When I told my members the route they wanted us to follow they said that means they cannot guarantee our safety, otherwise, there is nothing for them (police) picking us from the junction and leading us to Afe Babalola University. Due to lack of security, my colleagues said they were not going. Now, where would you prefer the peace parley to hold? I sent a text message to Chief Babalola that a neutral ground would be better for us. It is either Ibadan or in Abuja. Has he obliged you? He did not reply the text. I learned Chief Babalola told some people that he would not go outside Ado to do any meeting. We have absolute respect for Chief Babalola, who initiated the peace move even though it was a belated move. We still appreciate him as our father and we give him that respect and regard. We thank him for putting up that committee but the only issue there is that Chief Babalola does not know the kind of person he is dealing with in the person of Governor Fayose. We know him very well and we have our information about him. We do not disrespect or disregard Chief Babalola for not attending and we will live to respect him as our father.

Don’t you see the governor’s withdrawal the lawsuits filed against you as a good development? He has only withdrawn one but the other one is there. What he is trying to do is to avoid the use of court processes. There are two suits in the same court of jurisdiction, it is an abuse of court process. I am sure some people would have told him, that was why he went ahead to withdraw it. How do you see allegations that one of the reasons you are instituting the impeachment proceedings against Governor Fayose is for the APC to regain power in Ekiti state? If people are saying that, then they are not being fair to us. If Fayose is impeached today we are going to conduct an election and the PDP might win that election. We are not the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. There is no way we can install any government. What we are saying is about the constitutional breaches and the governor has not been fair to us. What are these breaches? The first one he was encouraging seven Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members to screen commissioners, give him the concurrence to dissolve the caretaker committee and permission to appoint Special Advisers.

Illegal budget The other one is aiding the seven lawmakers to impeach me as Speaker of the House. Another is using the assembly to pass an illegal budget. The budget of a state is a very

The act if impunity should stop in Ekiti state, he is becoming an embarrassment to all of us in Ekiti state, we have become a laughing stock to everyone

serious issue. Aside this, the seven of them do not even form a quorum because the quorum of 26 is nine including the presiding officer. That means they have to be 10 in the chamber, it means all they have done so far is null and void. It is an act of Illegality. As far as I am concerned, Olugbemi as speaker is not known to law, he is Fayose’s speaker. Olugbemi has been there since November 17, he is not recognised because he has not attended the Conference of Speakers meeting. The last time he made an attempt to attend the meeting, he was not allowed and I have been attending that function as Speaker of Ekiti state. Another argument is that due to the non payment of your allowance is a reason to impeach Fayose. If they say that I will not dispute that, I felt it was an act of wickedness. We have people who depend on us in our constituencies.

Payment of allowances If he has stopped paying our allowances since October 2014, he is denying us and our dependants, which is very unfair and I do not think he has that right. He is actually the one that has been preventing us from coming to the House. Why have you and your colleagues been staying out of the state? I have been visiting Ekiti state. For example, in January 5, I was in Ekiti state where I was nearly assassinated. If not that I put a call through to the Commissioner of Police, who came to rescue me, I would have been killed. So in a place where it is not safe for us, I come in and go out unannounced. This man wants to eliminate us and I will not allow myself to be killed. Do you have fears that this crisis might drag on till the inauguration of the next assembly? That is what the governor is aiming at. He wants it to drag on so that we can go. It does not matter whether it drags on or not, what is important to us is that we want to tell the world that we will not take rubbish from anybody. So what will lead to peace between the two parties? As far as we are concerned, nobody wants any problem. Right from the day the governor assumed office, nobody was ready to have problems with him. We had a meeting with him and we gave him our commitment and our readiness to work with him. But what the governor told us the first day he met with us was Continues on page 51

VANGUARD, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015—51

PDP dug its own grave — Ogbemudia Continues from page 49

he will have to find a good man after consulting with leaders that will take his place. Has he consulted you? Not yet, he still has a year to go. But his term is coming to an end! Yes, it is one year to go and the consultation doesn’t take a long time. He spoke to me long time ago and I told him that he should get five persons working with him and that towards the end of his tenure, he should be able to identify one or two that are credible. That means that they would be APC members? It does not matter to me who he is if he is prepared to work. Is this not a reflection of the claims that PDP was a disaster in Edo State? Yes and no. Yes, because there is no physical feature to be identified that this is the legacy left behind by PDP. No, in the sense that PDP during its tenure brought peace and there was no violence and that made people to go about their work the way they liked it. A major issue in Edo State now is where the next governor should come from. Where do you stand on this? I am advocating and will support a Bini man, but if for any reason the leaders are able to meet to zone the position to another senatorial district we will look at it on the merit.

Looking for development If it is to our benefit, we will support it, but if it is an imposition, we will not. If Oshiomhole brings somebody from outside Benin what would be your reaction? If he has somebody and he convinces us that that person is going to work as he (Oshiomhole) did or perhaps better, what people are looking for is development. Before the advent of Governor Oshiomhole, the reference point for development in the Edo/Delta region used to be the Ogbemudia administration. After six years now, do you think that Oshiomhole has exceeded Ogbemudia’s legacies? In some ways yes, in other ways, no. For example, Oshiomhole as a politician was able to galvanise the people to understand the purpose of his mission and they agreed with him. In my time as a military officer, I consulted nobody and my commissioners, apart from E.K. Clark, nobody else argued with me.

So, I believe very well that he has done extremely well and also remembering that in my time, the highest annual budget that I ever had was N280 million but with devaluation now, it was big money. The road from Benin through Auchi to other places we constructed it at N10,000 per kilometre. The ones in Warri and the riverine areas were at N25,000 a kilometre. So, what we did was that while, in Benin-City where it was cheaper, we would give Benin 10 miles and the other places in the riverine areas, the same 10 miles. So, we were talking about mileage and not cash because if you talk about cash, 10 miles in Benin would give you N100,000 but that would only give you four kilometres in other places and that would not bring about development and people would not even see it as even development and that was why it was better to use physical development as opposed to cash development. As a military governor why would a civilian like E.K. Clark argue with you? Good. When I was going to appoint commissioners my advisers said to me, don’t appoint people who would argue with you so that things can go well with you. After many meetings with them, I said to them ‘give me a list of ten persons from the Midwest who are likely to constitute themselves into internal opposition.’ So, they gave me the names and the

first name on that list was E.K. Clark and I appointed them all. The ten of them? Yes and when the advisers asked why, I told them that I alone could not do the job. If I say I want to do this or that and they say yes sir, I would be the only one in government and it cannot work and I don’t have the energy and the call for that.

Right direction My job is soldiering and I need people who will ask me why do you want to do this and I would answer them and if it is not correct, they would correct me and lead me in the right direction. But such arguments were constructive? Yes, constructive and E.K. Clark that they said was a star of arguments became a star in the whole administration that any time you said I want to, for example, remove this table, he would say have you considered the political implication? And if you ask him what is the political implication, he would tell you and when you look at it you would say, o yes, you are right, leave the table there. But some others would say, ok sir, you are the governor, you can turn a man into a woman, go ahead. There was one example. We didn’t have enough money in the treasury and it came to my mind that I should raise some school fees and I told my Secretary to Government and he said o yes, that he was about to tell me that. He said, by how much should we increase the school fees, I said three pounds and considering that three pounds was a lot of money then, I then decided after consulting E.K. Clark and others, they said let us have a town hall meeting. So, we went to Urhokpota Hall

•Ogbemudia in Benin City and invited a lot of people and I told them what I wanted to do because of lack of money. One boy stood up and my ADC shouted at him to sit down but I said leave him, do you know what he is going to say? Let him speak. So, the boy said, sir, whether you like it or not, this state has been enjoying free education since 1955 under Awolowo regime and if you introduce school fees they will hate you forever. But if you want three pounds, per student, why don’t you say that it is an examination fee and everybody will be eager to pay it and I bought the idea immediately and I turned to the Secretary to the Government and he said ‘I was about to say that!’ On that day, when I got home, I sacked him and replaced him with another person. So, those are the type of

things which people who are strong in character can come to you and say, ‘why do you want to do this?’ Not yes sir men, because if it were yes sir men, I would have faced an uphill task in getting those things done. So, having argumentative commissioners paid off. When I was in difficulty about the University of Benin, I appointed E.K. Clark as one man council and he got everything done within the shortest time possible. So, really the so called extraordinary performance of Ogbemudia was not Ogbemudia alone, it was a team work but because I was the leader, I carried the responsibilities and the praises, but in my mind I know those who supported me to get to that position.

IMPEACHMENT: Fayose has been ruling with impunity — Speaker Omirin On a very serious note, PDP should adopt the approach of APC in terms of not engaging in destructive criticism

Continues from page 50 unexpected of a leader of the state. He told us that even if the seven lawmakers elected on the platform of the PDP came to tell him lies, he would believe them than the 19 of us. From the first day, he made that known to us. For the fact that he has refused to pay our allowances, it is of no importance to us. What is important is for the governor to rule with the fear of God. He is a product of the Nigerian constitution and he should follow that constitution to the last letter. The act of impunity has gone. I am sure the president of this country is aware of what Fayose has been doing and he has never

commented or condemned what the governor of Ekiti is doing. The act if impunity should stop in Ekiti state. He is becoming an embarrassment to all of us in Ekiti state, we have become a laughing stock to everyone. So. The governor should rule with the fear of God and the rule of law. We were elected the same way he was elected. We also have the mandate of the people. The future of the state is really important to us. I am ready for peace. What we told him is that he should respect the constitution and return to status quo. I am the authentic speaker of the House and I will not stay under a nonentity a speaker. C M Y K

52 — V anguard, MOND AY, MA Y 4, 2015 Vanguard, MONDA MAY YOUR LUCK TODAY By Joshua Adeyemo

LEISURE

Phone : 08056180139

ARIES: Monetary Venus makes an ingress into your Star sign with good luck to you. Financial success is closer to you than you can imagine. Give it a big push. TAURUS: Here is a good day when influential personalities around you will be willing to assist you but you will need to take the initiative. Take good advice. GEMINI: This is your day. The more ambitious you are along your career line the better for you. And friends are willing to give the needed supports. CANCER: Your mind is truly active and if you’re more practical about it success’ll crown your efforts. Reason with your tried and trusted friends. LEO: Coming of monetary and loving into a positive angle to your Star sign is a big plus. On a day like this the more ambitious you are the better. It’s good to be loving.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY By Richard Eromosele

IGHT ordinarily, is supposed to be a period of rest. However, for those whose duties entail their working at night, we can excuse them. But the tragedy of these days is that so many of

How was your night us have made it a duty to become watchnight, not sleeping and not working. My dear, what is your problem? Do you think your problem is the worst?

TERROR MUDA

Do you think those that sleep have no problem? Everyone of us have one problem or the other. What makes the difference is our attitude, some of us wear problems on

in “Never say goodbye”

our faces, some carry problems in their head and some with dignity and promise of God go about, believing it is well with them. How do you carry your problem? Make your night memorable.

By Lanre Kehinde

VIRGO: The more willing you are to listen to your partners and/or spouse the better for you today. Friends are trying to convince you that the are reliable. LIBRA: The more push-full you are along your career/business lines the better. Embrace new method at work. Don’t neglect your love life. SCORPIO: Here is a day you are not meant to ignore new ideas that come suddenly. It’s good to take matters of the heart more seriously. Listen to your spouse please. SAGITTARIUS: Monetary and romantic Venus is joining mighty Sun at positive angle to your Star and bringing you good influence. Be more ambitious. CAPRICORN: Although your being co-operative can enhance your scope, your personal ideas and initiative are guarantee for a bigger do.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

AQUARIUS: Those of you who are more consistent will have more to gain. Good ideas on monetary issues will enhance your finances. Be more family minded. PISCES: Entrance of monetary and romantic Venus into a positive angle is meant to enhance your finances. The more willing you are to take good advice the better. Be loving.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send your date and place of birth to the Astrological Counselling, P .M.B 1 00 7, Apapa, Lagos P.M.B 100 007,

Is Aries a weak star? Dear Joshua, I don’t want my data published. I have many books where Aries is described as an aggressive star sign, but I am an Arian who can’t take hard decision, especially if such will affect others negatively. Why is Aries a weak star sign, afterall? Anonymous, Akure.

Dear Anonymous, You are an Arian truly but, other planetary placement responsible are pointed out here under. Generally, people born when either the Sun, the Moon and/or any other important heavenly body (especially when they cluster— that is, when they are more than two) in Aries, they are categorised as member of aggressive and daring group of the Zodiac. Yes, you were born under Aries star and basic characteristics of Aries star sign are highly pronounced in your inner-self, however, natually, many other planetary positions have greatly modified mighty Sun’s placement in your chart. Less than 50% of pushful influence rush the conjuntion of Venus and Mercury are pointers to an Arian personality high modified. Two important influences mentioned in this paragraph may not allow raw aggressive approach to manifest comprehensively. Because, they are meant to make you less aggressive and more loving. Sometimes lover of diplomacy who will attract what he wants rather than staging a war just to press for his right. But then, combination of the aggressive traits of Aries in your inner self and more amiable influences together with the distribution of the planets through quadrauplicity and triplcity (that is quality and element) within the Zodiacal constellations, they are indications of your being a person with balanced personality. More importantly, however, is the placement of Saturn in Capricorn as the only planet at home when you were born. It always induces you to give priority attention to your career/image/public standing and justice. And as your natal Sun and Moon were placed in Aries and Gemini respectively, you are mainly an Arian and partly a Geminian. These characteristics of the two said star signs are highly pronounced in you.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015 — 53

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54 — Vanguard, MONDAY MONDAY,, MAY 4, 2015

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Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015 — 55

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56— VANGUARD, MONDAY, MAY 4 , 2015

Mediterranean migrant crisis: 10 migrants die, 4,800 rescued

•Migrants board a bus after arriving at the Lampedusa island early yesterday Ships rescued 3,690 migrants in just one day from smugglers’ boats on the Mediterranean Sea off the Libyan coast, the Italian Coast Guard said yesterday

N what looked to be the biggest rescue operation of its kind so far this year, Italian coast guard and navy has said that about 4,800

migrants were plucked from boats off the coast of Libya over the weekend even as 10 bodies were recovered. Two weeks after nearly

900 boat people drowned in the worst Mediterranean shipwreck in living memory, the flow of people desperate to

Local fighters battle rebels at Aden airport

OCAL fighters battling the rebel Houthi militia in Yemen’s port of Aden stormed areas around the airport yesterday in an operation supervised by the Saudiled coalition, which also provided air support, the group’s spokesman said. “Special forces from the southern fighters have been prepared and trained for an operation to attack Aden airport,” said Ali al-Ahmadi, spokesman for the Southern Popular Resistance. Ahmadi retracted an earlier statement that 4050 coalition special forces fighters had deployed alongside his militia and Saudi Arabia denied that a major ground operation was under way or that it had put non-Yemeni forces on the ground in Aden. The coalition, which seeks to restore the government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, includes eight other Arab states and is receiving logistical support from the United States, Britain and France. C M Y K

It has refused to rule out the eventual use of ground troops, but to date it has mostly used air power and some artillery on the Saudi border to bombard Iranian-allied Houthi militia and allied army units. Aden, a hotbed of anti-

Houthi sentiment, has been a flashpoint since the war began on March 26, when the coalition began attacking Houthi forces opposed to Saudibacked Hadi, who was based in Aden for several weeks before fleeing to Riyadh.

David Cameron:‘I will not be PM of govt that fails to deliver referendum

AVID Cameron has said he will not lead a government that fails to deliver a referendum on the UK’s EU membership. Earlier Nick Clegg did not rule out joining a coalition with the Tories if they insisted on the poll, but said his “red line” policies would come first. Nigel Farage said, without UKIP holding the PM’s “feet to the fire”, he feared any referendum would not be “fair”. Labour opposes the Conservatives’ plan for an EU referendum, saying it would cause uncertainty for business. Conservative leader Mr Cameron has pledged to renegotiate a “better deal” for the UK in Europe and hold a referendum by the

end of 2017, if the Conservatives win power. Labour and the Lib Dems have opposed a referendum unless there are plans for a transfer of more powers to the EU. In an interview with BBC political editor Nick Robinson, Mr Cameron said he would not bargain away his commitment in any coalition negotiations after election day on Thursday. He said: “People would worry that, were we to fall short [of an overall majority] - and I don’t believe we will - but were we to, this is something that could be bargained away and I want to be absolutely clear with people that that will not happen.

reach a better life in Europe has accelerated as people smugglers take advantage of calmer seas. Seven bodies were found on two large rubber boats packed with migrants and rescuers plucked from the sea the corpses of three others who had jumped into the water when they saw a merchant ship approaching, the coast guard said. Separately, authorities in Egypt said that three people died when a migrant boat attempting to reach Greece sank off its coast. Thirty-one people were rescued. Some 10 Italian vessels, four private boats and a French ship acting on behalf of the European border control agency took part in the rescue off Libya, coordinated by Italy, the country that receives the biggest number of Mediterranean migrants. The private Migrant Offshore Aid Station, which runs one rescue ship in partnership with Doctors Without Borders, said on Twitter it had saved 369 migrants, mainly from Eritrea, from a single overcrowded wooden

boat. Growing lawlessness and anarchy in Libya the last point on one of the main transit routes to Europe - is giving free hand to people smugglers who make an average of 80,000 euros ($90,000) from each boatload, according to an ongoing investigation by an Italian court.

Libyan state news agency Lana said yesterday authorities there detained 500 migrants in five boats off Tripoli and a further 480 migrants - from Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea and Ethiopia - were caught in a farm near the central town of Jufra, and another 170 were detained nearby.

Philippine rebels kill most wanted Islamist militant in south

HE Philippines’ most wanted Islamist militant, who escaped after a raid in January that killed 44 police commandos, was killed yesterday in firefight with Muslim rebels, officials said. Protracted police operations to arrest three Islamist highvalue targets had become the biggest political crisis in five years for President Benigno Aquino and put at risk his government’s peace efforts with Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

A proposed law creating a new autonomous government for minority Muslims in the south of the mainly Catholic state in the poor Southeast Asia state has stalled as some lawmakers, civil society groups and activists called on Aquino to resign. “(Abdul) Basit Usman was killed in a firefight in Guindulungan, Maguindanao at around noon today,” Herminio “Sonny ” Coloma, the p r e s i d e n t i a l communications secretary, said in a statement.

Britain’s new princess meets royal family members

HE newest member of Britain’s royal family, a daughter born to Prince William and his wife Kate, met her grandparents and other family members at the couple’s Kensington Palace home in London yesterday.

The baby girl, fourth in line to the British throne, has yet to be named. She was born on Saturday morning at St Mary’s Hospital, West London and returned home on Saturday evening after a brief public appearance on the hospital steps.

A statement from Kensington Palace said grandfather Prince Charles, next in line to the throne, and his wife Camilla had visited the newborn. Kate Middleton’s parents and sister also traveled to meet the baby.

•Britain’s Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, appear with their baby daughter outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital, in London, Britain, Saturday

VANGUARD, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015— 57

Assault on CAR kids: French Defence Minister urges soldiers to own up

Kerry in Kenya to offer help against militants F U S Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Kenya yesterday to offer help in countering Somali al Shabaab militants who have staged deadly attacks there and elsewhere in East Africa. Kerry will also address Kenya’s human rights in meetings with President Uhuru Kenyatta and other government officials as well as discussing the troubled peace process in South Sudan and violence in Burundi, a U.S. official said. Kerry’s visit followed the killing of 148 people by al Shabaab militants in an attack on the university at Garissa, nothern

•Kerry Kenya, on April 2. “We will be looking at additional ways that we may be able to support Kenyan efforts to fight al Shabaab,” the official

said, without giving details. Kenyan Foreign Minister Amina Mohamed said last month that Nairobi wanted intelligence, sur-

veillance, and reconnaissance support from Western allies. Washington is particularly worried about the security situation in Kenya’s neighbour Somalia, where a fragile government backed by Western powers and African peacekeepers is struggling to contain al Shabab, which is allied to al Qaeda. “Our major message is that fighting terrorism requires a multi-faceted approach,” the U.S. official said. Assistance should also help poor communities in Kenya that al Shabaab may seek to win over, he said.

Togo court confirms Gnassingbe winner of disputed poll

OGO’S constitutional court yesterday confirmed that incumbent Faure Gnassingbe won a third term as president with 58.77 percent of the vote in an election held on April 25, defeating opposition leader Jean-Pierre Fabre. The victory, in the largely peaceful election, will extend the family’s rule to more than half a century because Gnassingbe has been president since 2005 when his father died after 38 years in charge of the west African nation. With the confirmation, Gnassingbe can be

sworn in today . The court said Fabre won 35.19 percent, with other candidates taking the remainder. Fabre did not immediately comment. On Wednesday he rejected as fraudulent provisional results showing Gnassingbe won with more than 1.2 million votes, or 58.75 percent. There are no limits to the number of terms a president can serve in Togo but in several other African countries where such limits exist voters have opposed efforts to change laws to allow leaders to seek a third term.

•An Israeli woman from the Ethiopian community argues with Israeli security forces in the coastal city of Tel Aviv, yesterday during a protest called by members of the Ethiopian community against alleged police brutality and discrimination.

•Gnassingbe has been in power since 2005 following the death of his father who ruled the west African country for 38 years

Clashes as Ethiopian Israelis protest ‘police brutality'

Tel Aviv rally of thousands of Ethiopian Israelis against alleged police brutality and institutionalised discrimination turned violent yesterday as clashes erupted between protesters and police, an AFP correspondent said. Mounted police used riot dispersal methods to prevent groups of demonstrators from storming the Tel Aviv municipality. Police said five officers were injured by stones and bottles hurled by protesters, one of whom was arrested. Yesterday’s protest came three days after a stormy demonstration in Jerusalem

Egypt extends three months military mandate in Gulf, Red Sea, Strait of Mandeb

HE Egyptian gov ernment said yesterday it had extended by three months the deployment of “some elements of the armed forces” outside Egypt’s borders to defend national and Arab security in the Gulf, Red Sea and the Strait of Mandab. Egypt, which has one of C M Y K

the region’s largest militaries, is a close ally of Saudi Arabia and has said it is participating in the Saudi-led coalition that has been targeting Iranian-allied Houthi rebels in Yemen with air strikes. Egypt authorized a 40day mandate on March 26, which the defense

ministry had asked to be renewed before its expiry, the statement from the cabinet said. The statement did not specify if Egypt’s renewed mandate included the possibility of sending ground troops, and Saudi Arabia denied that any major ground operations in Yemen were underway.

sparked by footage showing two policemen beating a uniformed Israeli soldier of Ethiopian origin. Scores of other Israelis also joined Sunday’s rally, chanting and holding up signs reading: “A violent policeman must be put in prison” and “We demand equal rights”. Demonstrators had blocked the Ayalon expressway for a long time during rush-hour, causing huge traffic jams on one of the country’s central highways before police forcefully evacuated them. Protesters then walked to the Tel Aviv municipality, where they clashed with police. “Being black, I have to protest today,” 34-year-old Eddie Maconen told AFP before the clashes broke out. “I never experienced police violence against me personally, but it is aimed at my community which I have to support,” he said. Maconen, who came to the country aged three, said the protesters wanted violent policemen to be put on trial before deeper issues of social inequality were tackled.

RANCE’s de fence minister has urged soldiers “to give themselves up” if they are guilty of sexually assaulting hungry Central African kids, as questions remain on why the probe into the alleged crimes is taking so long. In an interview published Sunday, JeanYves Le Drian said he felt “disgust” and “betrayal” when he received a leaked UN report in July last year alleging soldiers dispatched to the country to restore order after a 2013 coup had sexually assaulted kids in exchange for food. “When a French soldier is on a mission, he is France,” the minister told the JDD weekly. “If one of them has committed such acts, they must immediately

give themselves in.” The abuse reportedly took place at a centre for displaced people near the airport of the Central African capital Bangui between December 2013 — when the French operation began — and June 2014. UN rights investigators conducted a probe into the allegations in the spring of 2014, and a UN employee later turned the report over to French authorities because he felt his bosses had failed to take action. Le Drian said he immediately gave the report to the courts, adding that an internal army probe into the matter was conducted and finished in August. “It is naturally available to the courts, which are tasked with conducting the judicial probe,” he said.

Burundi protesters call for pause in demonstrations

URUNDI protest organizers at the weekend called for a two-day halt to demonstrations against President Pierre Nkurunziza's move to seek a third term, which they says violates the constitution and endangers the peace deal that ended a civil war in 2005. There have been six straight days of protests in the capital Bujumbura, marking the biggest political crisis in the small, landlocked nation in the heart of Africa since the ethnically fueled civil war came to

an end. But the demonstrations which started on Sunday have lost momentum in the last few days, with the number of people taking to the streets dwindling. The presidency has called the protests an "insurrection". Clashes between demonstrators and police have also eased. The protests have focused on a handful of suburbs in the capital, and have not spread to the provincial towns and the countryside, where Nkurunziza has most of his supporters.

Tunisia says Jewish pilgrims safe after Israel warning

UNISIA yesterday said that security measures have already been taken to protect Jewish pilgrims at a religious festival next week on the island of Djerba, after Israel warned of “concrete threats”. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that Israel had learned of “concrete threats” of terror attacks against Jewish or Israeli targets in the North African country, prompting a quick denial from Tunis. Interior Minister Najem Gharsalli told journalists in the holiday resort of Djerba, which hosts an annual pilgrimage to the Ghriba, Africa’s oldest synagogue, that security forces and the army were ready. “They are here and the security plan is in place” for the May 6-7 pilgrimage, he said. “Tunisia is a safe country and Djerba too is a safe city. Visitors from

the world over are welcome,” Gharsalli said. “What I am saying now is a response to many who cast doubt over Tunisia’s security and its capacity to secure celebrations,” he added. A statement from Netanyahu’s office late on Saturday said: “Information indicates that there are plans for terrorist attacks against Israelis or Jews in Tunisia” connected to the pilgrimage. Thousands of pilgrims visit the tombs of famous rabbis for the Lag BaOmer Jewish Festival, including on Djerba island, where one of the last Jewish communities in the Arab world still lives. Beginning 33 days after the start of the Jewish Passover festival, the Ghriba pilgrimage used to attract thousands of pilgrims from France and Israel and other tourists. But their number fell dramatically after an April 2002 bombing blamed on Al-Qaeda that killed 21 people.

58—Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015

EBOLA: Centre advises non -contact with survivors’ semen By Chioma Obinna

ONTRARY TO the earlier three months period given by the World Health organisation, WHO, for Ebola survivors to abstain from unprotected sex, further investigations by United States' Centre for Disease Control, CDC, has shown that survivors may have to wait for a longer period. The CDC report recommended that contact with semen from male Ebola survivors be avoided until more information regarding the duration and infectiousness of viral shedding in body fluids is determined. This is coming on the heels of the recent traces of the Ebola virus found in the semen of an Ebola survivor six months after being declared virus-free. Doctors are now working to uncover whether or not this is an isolated occurrence, but for the time being health officials are advising all Ebola survivors to either abstain from sex or use condoms until more information is available. The CDC in the statement indicated that those who survived Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, may as well habour the disease which they could transmit to others through sexual intercourse. According to the statement, “The investigation identified only one epidemiologic link to Ebola: unprotected vaginal intercourse with a survivor. Published reports from previous out-breaks have demonstrated Ebola survivors can continue to harbour virus in immunologically privileged sites for a period of time after convalescence,” the CDC said. The statement added that “Ebola virus has been isolated from semen as long as 82 days after symptom onset and viral RNA has been detected in semen up to 101 days after symptom onset. “One instance of possible sexual transmission of Ebola has been reported, although the accompanying evidence was inconclusive.” CDC said the report is based on investigation by the government of Liberia. C M Y K

BOKO HARAM: 214 rescued girls pregnant —UNFPA ....Taken delivery of 16,000 pregnancies By Sola Ogundipe, Chioma Obinna & Gabriel Olawale

OLLOWING—THE latest rescue of additional 234 women and children by the Nigerian Army from the Sambisa Forest in Borno State, indicated, yesterday, that a sizeable number of the rescued girls were visibly pregnant, even as unofficial reports put the latest number of pregnant girls in one of the camps in Borno as at last Saturday at

214. Giving this indication in Lagos, Executive Director, UNFPA, Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin, also disclosed that in the last one year, the organization had taken deliveries of over 16,000 pregnancies in the troubled North East part of the country. Osotimehin, while giving update of the response to the rehabilitation of the rescued women and children, said the organization, in anticipation of the magnitude of the problem on hand, had put in place a

formidable team in collaboration with the Federal and state governments, to first restore the dignity of the girls, who, he said, are facing severe psychosocial trauma. On the state of the girls, he explained that most of them, due to the long period spent in captivity, required a special set of services that would facilitate their integration into society. “What we found is that some of the women and girls that have come back actually have much more in terms of the stress they

'MUSIC TREK:' From left, Mr. Obabiyi Fagade, Brand Manager, STAR; Ms Chidinma Ekile, Comedian Lafup and Black Magic, at 2015 Calabar Star Music Trek, at Calabar Municipal Garden, Calabar, weekend.

have faced, so the counselling has to be more intense and working with them one-on-one. “I’m glad the communities are not excommunicating them and are taking them back. That is an important therapy too. We anticipate this is going to escalate because the military intervention is continuing, we find that more people are now needing our services and we will continue,” he stated. Further, he explained that the UNFPA had earlier collaborated with the Federal and state governments to train 60 counsellors to offer psychosocial services to the affected women and children. He noted that those trained were people from the communities, who understand the context and sociology of the people. “UNFPA is providing dignity for women. In conflict and disasters, most people would only think of water and sanitation, provision of tents and housing, and food, which are all important. But women and girls have specific needs that nobody else looks after; it is only UNFPA that is doing this. We are giving psychosocial counselling. “Beyond that, in the growing young people, we will always have pregnant women, but nobody segregates the needs of the pregnant women which are very important and different from the needs of the average community. We look after them, and ensure they get antenatal care and that they deliver properly and that they even get Caesarean Section when necessary.

HURIWA condemns Plateau killings ...seeks judicial inquisition By Chioma Obinna

CIVIL society group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has condemned the killings in some parts of Plateau State, weekend, by armed men in military fatigue. To this end, HURIWA had tasked the incoming administration of Major General Muhammadu Buhari to set up judicial mechanisms through thoroughbred investigations at state levels to unravel the causes and masterminds of this dastardly crime against humanity with an objective to enforce necessary laws to penalise the killers. The group also canvassed bipartisan approach to firmly root out mass murderers and ensure that those who commit atrocities are charged to court

of competent jurisdiction and prosecuted competently and professionally and punished for their crimes. In a press statement jointly signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko and the National Media Afairs Director, Miss Zainab Yusuf, HURIWA wants the President-elect to use his richly endowed goodwill as a vastly reverred Nigerian statesman of Northern origin to encourage state administrations in the front- line restive states to initiate truth and reconciliation process. The group stated that only an effective implementation of a combination of the twin strategy of constructive civil dialogues and enforcement of a range of antimass killing laws by professionally disciplined police force and the offices of Attorneys -General in the 36 states of the

federation will minimize the spate of organized crimes that had gone on uninterrupted in different parts of Northern Nigeria. The statement states: “We hereby in the strongest possible terms condemn the mass killings going on in parts of Northern Nigeria. We note with sadness that hundreds of innocent villagers have lost their precious lives through the genocidal attacks of a range of armed mercenaries suspected of being Fulani herdsmen. Plateau, Kaduna and Benue states have had a disproportionate share of these mass killings and sadly the killers and their sponsors are walking the streets freely. “The weekend killings of indigenous tribes people in Wase Area of Plateau State has added a more sinister dimension to the entire deadly and vicious scenarios with the strong

suspicion that those who undertook the killings were ‘soldiers’ on revenge killings over last week’s killing of seven soldiers near Taraba State. Nigeria must break this vicious circle of impunity if we ever hope to enthrone vibrant democracy that respects the Rule of Law. “Federal and state institutions must be used to effectively put an end to the regime of impunity and senseless massacres of citizens. A nation that prides itself as a modern day democracy but whose ruling political elite are content to live with impunity and mindless killings of its citizenry must be a shame of itself and take concrete measures to break the vicious circles of impunity. Nigeria has become a global byword for lawlessness and impunity and we must wipe out this notorious emblem to regain our international respectability.”

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015—59

Vanguard CLASSIFIED From left: Mr Kayode Yeku, coordinator, African Public Relations Association, APRA, Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, Secretary General, African Public Relations Association, and Mrs Folashade Olorunyomi, Corporate Services, APRA Secretariat, during the press briefing by African Public Relations Association, on 2015 annual conference and 40th year anniversary, endorsed by African Union, at Ikeja, Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi

Pan African parliament seeks prosecution of xenophobic attack perpetrators By Emman Ovuakporie

RESIDENT of the Pan-Afri can Parliament, Bethel Amadi, weekend, advised the South Africa's government to prosecute individuals responsible for the xenophobic attacks. Amadi said perpetrators of "the criminal and shameful" xenopho-

bic attacks "should be made to face the full wrath of the law?" The PAP president who is also a member of the House of Representatives was speaking on the occasion of the regional consultative parliamentary meeting on the promotion, ratification and domestication of African Union

Osun APC appeals to labour

HE All Progressives Con gress in Osun State has called on the Nigerian Labour Congress and civil servants in the state to exercise patience over the current economic crisis. According to the party, the incoming APC Federal Government has given assurances that it would look into the federal allocation to the states to reduce months of unpaid salaries, as soon as the new government is sworn in on May 29, 2015. It said, "however, whatever is within the capacity of the state government to do before then, it will certainly do to ease workers' plight as a result of non payment

of salaries." A statement by the Directorate of Publicity of the APC in Osogbo and signed by Barr. Kunle Oyatomi said, "the long and difficult battle to defeat the forces of evil that have squandered the nation's wealth has just been won comprehensively. "This has now paved the way for a new, progressive and responsible APC government to take over the affairs of the country and end the suffering which PDP corruption, mismanagement and treasury looting have brought on Nigerians including workers in Osun State."

legal instruments for the West African region held in Abuja. He said, "This criminal violence which erupted in various localities in South Africa which resulted in heinous and barbaric killings of fellow innocent African citizens contradict the spirit of Ubuntu, Pan Africanism and African Renaissance. "The Pan African Parliament, therefore, calls on the government and peoples of South Africa to ensure the protection of lives and properties of all fellow African citizens residing in South Africa. The government should also take the necessary measures to address the root causes to avoid future recurrence." Amadi who regretted the "continued, unfortunate and avoidable" deaths of African migrants while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea into Europe, called on member states of the European Union to ease stringent immigration policies while also urging African Union member governments to develop a "continental response to the problem."

Govt explains why Gwandu was relieved of appointment •Says sack not an act of witch hunt

HE Presidency, weekend, dismissed claims by a former Executive Commissioner of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr. Bashir Gwandu, that his sack was an act of witch-hunt for blowing the whistle on underhand deals in waivers granted some telecom companies. Gwandu who was fired by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012 had approached the National Industrial Court (NIC) which declared his removal as illegal. Gwandu, through his lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), challenged the propriety of his removal from the NCC by President Goodluck Jonathan. However, a letter obtained from the Office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation, with reference 6/S.12/C.4/III/653 dated November 26, 2012, signed by Secretary to the Federal Government, Senator Pius Anyim, indicates that the former C M Y K

commissioner was fired for “gross misconduct with effect from November 9, 2012.” A presidency official said, “There had been heated campaigns in social media and online news portals by a section of the media to undermine the position of the Presidency on the matter. This is rather unfortunate because Gwandu knows the truth, he was given fair hearing and he cannot now turn round to claim he was witch-hunted. If this is how he wants to curry favour from the incoming government, we wish him well but he must not discredit the institution of the Presidency for his personal ambition.” The source said that contrary to insinuations in the social media and other channels, Dr. Gwandu’s sack was as a result of various acts which amounted to gross misconduct unexpected of a public officer. The SGF’s letter reads: “Please recall that series of allegations

were levelled against you by the Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC. Recall also that the Minister of Communication Technology, on behalf of Mr. President, set up a Disciplinary Committee. “I am to note that during the course of investigation, you were invited to appear before the committee to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against you for gross misconduct. You may recall that you made both verbal and written submissions to the Committee, in your defence. I am to inform you that based on the recommendation of the Disciplinary Committee, Mr. President has approved your removal from office for gross misconduct with effect from 9th November 2012. By this letter you are to return all the properties of the Commission in your possession and hand over to the Executive Vice Chairman.”

ILONZO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chisom Favour Ilonzo, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Chisom Favour Unegbu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OZOARINZE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ozoarinze Joy Ifesinachi, now wish to be known and addressed as Chinweze Joy Ifesinachi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ALAMIEYESEIGHA— I, formerly known and addressed as Rita Alamieyeseigha, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Alamieyeseigha Rita Inongokpoemi. All former documents remain valid. Niger Delta University and General public please take note.

A L F R E D — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Alfred Deborah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ifiemi Ikoli Ebiekiemiete Deborah. All former documents remain valid. Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, NYSC and general public please take note.

EZEJA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ezeja Augustina, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eze Augustina Emmanuel. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

O T E K PA N G — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Mary Anya Otekpang, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mary Anya Joseph Odey. All former documents remain valid. FCMB and the general public please take note.

EKPE IFERE—I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Akaase Blossom Ekpe Ifere, now wish to be known and addressed as Dr. Akaase Blossom Ndaeyo-Bassey. All former documents remain valid. Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Cross River State G o v e r n m e n t , University of Calabar and the general public please take note.

IHEANACHO—I, formerly known and addressed as Chika Regina Iheanacho, now wish to be known and addressed as Chika Regina Eze Ikoroha. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AZEEZ—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olubukola Rafiat Azeez, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olubukola Rafiat Akintewe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NWOLISA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwolisa Tochukwu Ifeoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chijioke Tochukwu Ifeoma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

FOR ENQUIRIES CALL ADVERT HOTLINE: 01-8737025 OR 08035449960 07031322957 YOU CAN BOOK YOUR ADVERT AT: TRINITY MALL, 79/81 OBAFEMI AWOLOWO WAY, IKEJA. CALL: 08035449960, 07031322957 MURPHÝ'S PLAZA 27, SANUSI FAFUNWA STREET, VICTORIA ISLAND. CALL: 08038092373, 08033163424

60 — Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015

How Mayweather won T

HE Fight of the Century will not even be the Fight of the Year. Neither Floyd Mayweather nor Manny Pacquiao came close to the knockout which the Money Man desired so desperately and the PacMan ended up needing so badly. The bright start ebbed into a game of cat and mouse, Mayweather dodging and countering, Pacquiao charging and probably missing too often. The richest fight of all time will be remembered for the mega-millions, the gigantic hype, the hordes on the Strip, the most manic media coverage of all time… and a physical chess match between two old masters. Mayweather proved himself once again the grand master of the noble art of self defence. It was enough to settle the argument as to which of them is the greatest boxer of his generation. The man who is unbeaten in his 48 fights as a professional. The judges may have done Pacquiao less than justice with scores of 118-110 and 116-112 twice. But although I had it a draw there can be no complaint. Pacquiao protested: ‘I thought I won the fight. I hit him more times than he hit me. I hurt him more than he hurt me.’ But in reality so many of the rounds were so close that a preference for a style of boxing would have been enough to sway the outcome. Floyd is a clever chap, Manny a fun fellow. Pacquiao expressed surprise at the width of the decision but in truth he left himself at the mercy of the judges by not throwing his usual volume of punches. Had he done so it might have been different. So in the end it came down to who connected with the more of the few meaningful punches thrown. The score cards and the punch statistics gave that advantage to Mayweather and although I thought it more marginal than they did there is no whiff of scandal or controversy. Mayweather did what he does best and he will head to his next and last fight, back here in September, with his legacy as an all-time great secured. C M Y K

World Relays: Okagbare powers Nigeria to gold By Ben Efe

GOLDEN JUBILEE... Regina George, Dominic Duncan, Navy Comodore Omotseye Nesiama, Blessing Okagbare and Christy Udoh celebrating Nigerian's victory at IAAF World Relay. Pacquiao will go back to helping the people of the Philippines regretting that he did not do more in the ring. The original PacMan would have blitzed Mayweather with relentless combinations. Trainer Freddie Roach admitted: ‘I asked him to give me a few more combinations but I still thought we pulled it out.’ The judges disagreed

and theirs was an honourable opinion. There will be no clamour for a rematch. Whatever our view of the result, there was none of the drama, excitement or thunderous exchanges which would encourage the pay-TV networks, the sponsors, the advertisers, the rest of the corporate juggernaut or the public to commit another half a billion pounds.

Woods, Vonn call it quits

LYMPIC skier Lindsey Vonn and golfing beau Tiger Woods have played their final round. She announced their breakup Sunday, citing the “hectic lives” that keep them apart for long stretches of time.

“After nearly three years together, Tiger and I have mutually decided to end our relationship,” Vonn told fans on Facebook. “I will always cherish the memories that we’ve created together. Unfortunately, we both

The 16,507 crowd in the MGM Grand Garden Arena went home booing. Most of them unhappy with the result. Some of them disappointed with the spectacle. They will come out for Mayweather one last time in September and the man himself confirmed that will be that: ‘It’s time to hang them up. I’m almost 40. I’ve been doing this for 18 years.’ lead incredibly hectic lives that force us to spend a majority of our time apart.” She put the best spin possible on the breakup: “I will always admire and respect Tiger. He and his beautiful family will always hold a special place in my heart.”

IGERIA’s fortunes at the IAAF World Relays in the Bahamas took an up swing with the women 4x200m snatching the gold in a dramatic final, staged in the early hours of Sunday. Okagbare started for the Nigerian quartet, she did well to stay close to the event’s defending champions, the USA who took a commanding lead from the start. They were on course for another win, but disaster overwhelmed the American ladies at the final changeover. Janeba Tarmon and Allyson Felix failed to reach an understanding, it ended with Felix crashing to the floor. Regina Geroge, Dominique Duncan and Christy Udoh made no such mistake, they coasted home to victory at 1.30.52 seconds to win

Chelsea clinch title with three games left

DEN HAZARD ensured Chelsea won their first Premier League title since 2010 with victory over Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge. The PFA Player of the Year headed home on the stroke of half-time after Julian Speroni saved his initial penalty.

Lay a new foundation for sports development — Opara tells Yakmut By Jude Opara, Abuja

S more Nigerians continue to react to the appointment of Mallam Alhassan Yakmut as the acting Director General of the National Sports Commission, a former African champion in the 200 metres race, Christy Opara has advised him to lay a solid foundation for the true development of sports from the grassroots. She spoke to Sports Vanguard in an exclusive chat. Opara who is currently managing a sports development outfit known as SOHO 24 in Abuja decried what she termed the consistent dwindling fortunes of the country in sports especially athletics blaming it on the failure of successive

administrations to pay adequate attention to the identification and development of the young athletes. Using athletics as an example, Opara who was also a Commonwealth Games winner noted that the only name that is making Nigeria proud today is Blessing Okagbare as against the situation in her time where there were a lot of quality athletes both male

and female that always represented the country. “Let us use my own area athletics as an example, in my time there was Mary Onyeali, Beatrice Utondu, Falilat Ogunkoya, the Ezinwa brothers; Davidson and Osmond, Deji Aliu, Innocent Egbunike, Yusuf Ali to mention but a few, but today it is only Blessing Okagbare that we hear her name all the time, as a nation we are

the 50,000 dollars at stake also set a new national record. Jamaica finished a distant second in 1:31.73, one-and-ahalf seconds slower than their time from last year, but one place higher on the podium. Germany were third in 1:33.61 while China set an Asian record of 1:34.89 in fourth. “I am very delighted with the performance of our Women winning the 4x200m relay in a World leading time of 1:30.52s ahead of all the leading nations - USA, Jamaica, Bahamas, France, Germany, China and Ireland. I had said it before now that we can rely on these women to showcase our prowess in the Relays and they have not disappointed us,” Athletics Federation of Nigeria technical director Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama stated.

•Yakmut supposed to have a pull of grade ‘A’ athletes so that when some retire, there will be others to immediately take their place.

The Belgian had been brought down in the box by James McArthur but his tame effort from 12 yards was easily kept out by the Palace keeper. The Blues had several chances to put the game beyond doubt and settle the nerves of the Stamford Bridge faithful but were unable to find the back of the net. Branislav Ivanovic and Cesar Azplicueta both fired over the bar while Didier Drogba and Willian had shots fly inches wide. Crystal Palace pressed late on with Thibaut Courtois saving well from Wilfried Zaha after the former Manchester United winger latched onto Glenn Murray ’s knockdown. But the Blues, who have topped the table since the opening weekend of the season, were able to hang on to secure the double and Jose Mourinho’s third Premier League title.

Obis celebrate Mikel’s second EPL crown IKEL Obi’s family Crystal Palace at the 2010 season and has now and friends at their home M in Jos, Nigeria, Stamford Bridge. won his second this after the game. celebrated their son’s Mikel played 45 minutes season. “We were all glued to the

achievement after he won his second English Premier League title with Chelsea on Sunday following a 1-0 win over

as Chelsea beat Crystal Palace 1-0 when he came on for Juan Cuadrado. Mikel won his first EPL title with Chelsea in 2009/

Mikel’s older brother, Tony Obi, said that they are very happy with Mikel’s achievement and they hosted family members

TV screen few minutes before the game started to watch the game and see Mikel winning the title,” he said.

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015 — 61

C M Y K

62 — Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015

The Mauritius Youth Championship shame

IGERIA hosted the First African Youth Athletics Championship (AYAC) in Delta state and came out tops. An apostle of grass roots development of sports, that event for me was of great interest in a country where all our athletics eggs are heaped in the basket of Blessing Okagbare. During the grand finale of the 14th AKS/NNPC/ MPN Schools Athletics Championships, in March, Governor Godswill Akpabio said it was high time the Utit Ofons of the state athletics fame were effectively replaced. He said the track and field infrastructure available at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium was to aid such an enterprise. Before his speech, word had come round that an Ambassador of the Mobil Schools Athletics championship, Aniekeme Alphonsus, was in the National team to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and she was making waves, winning one gold, one silver and a bronze. After the Addis Ababa exploits, Nigeria was set to defend the AYAC title in Mauritius and AFN set the machinery in motion by organizing a trials in Lagos where 27 youth we gathered were picked. (Including Aniekeme Alphonsus.) Being a product of a Championship that I have supervised for the NNPC/MPN Joint Venture for the past 14 unbroken years, it was only natural that I tracked the progress of the Ikot Ekpene born star, hence my call to find out when they will finally depart for Mauritius. “ Sir, we don’t know. AFN say they have no money!” Another call to the General Secretary of the AFN confirmed my fears and the frantic efforts being made to secure the foundation that was being built for the future of our track and field. During one of such discussions with the General Secretary, he quickly excused himself, that the Federation President, away in the US was on line and he needed to update him on the state of the Mauritius trip. Olumide called back to inform that Chief Ogba was calling every hour to see how the kids could be ferried to Mauritius. Also pending was the team for the world relays in the Bahamas. That the AFN was owing the agent that helped to facilitate the trip to Ethiopia, who was not ready to issue tickets again until “something was paid from the old debt, no matter how much” In the course of running from pillar to post there was a faint ray of hope and the kids were contacted and told to arrive Lagos by “tomorrow unfailingly for their trip”. For most of them that meant taking the “night bus” to be able to make Lagos in the morning for the flight to Mauritius in the afternoon. Those who could find money jumped into buses for the risky and dangerous travel, while those who could not were moaning their miss when the “good news” came to them that the trip was off! You can imagine the plight of the kids that had joined night buses and labored to Lagos and had no where to stay, now faced with the predicament of looking for money to go back to their various destinations. By this time the numerical strength of the contingent had been reduced from 27 to 12! While those that arrived Lagos were struggling to find their way back, another call came that the trip was back on track, with the contingent due to depart by 2pm from the Murtala Mohammed Airport. Again another frantic effort to make it to Lagos, while those

By the time they arrived Mauritius, they were too late for the sprints( Their specialty) So it was a matter of pushing them to any available event

on their way back home had to make an about turn. This was Wednesday, April 22 a day before the commencement of the Championship on Thursday April 23. Another twist. The 2pm bookings fell flat, so the sorry students and their officials, (some of them got to the airport as early as 9 am,) were stranded there until 10pm when the Emirates flight finally airlifted them via Dubai. I have gone this far to make us realize the mental and psychological trauma those children went through. Their crime? Emerging as the best, chosen to represent their fatherland. When I saw them at the airport that afternoon, scattered on the floor, they were in no physical state to represent anybody. Back to the story. By the time they arrived Mauritius, they were too late for the sprints( Their specialty) So it was a matter of pushing them to any available event. Hear Aniekeme: “ Sir I have not done long jump before, but when I tried I got silver ” Fadekemi Olude went for the walk event and got gold. Another gold was reaped in the medley relay girls. Last Monday the proud and battered contingent touched down in Lagos with two gold and four silver medals with no one to receive them. They arrived too late to get back to their various destinations and had to be quartered in Lagos before setting out in the morning, yet no hotel reservations had been made. When I called the AFN Scribe he was at the ministry struggling to get some funds. I remember vividly that during the last elections into the various Sports Federations, Chief Solomon Ogba nearly lost the Presidency of AFN, until someone pointed out the personal sacrifices he had offered to keep the Federation afloat. There is no disputing the fact that again and again, he has had to dig into personal finances to sponsor trips and championships.

Local athletes intensify training for Okpekpe race

O ensure a better outing and record improved time from the previous years, local athletes for this year ’s edition of the annual 10km IAAF certified Bronze label Okpekpe race have intensified training on the hilly Okpekpe road and its environs. Some of the athletes were seen training at the weekend on the road even as the road which C M Y K

was commissioned recently by Presidentelect, General Muhammadu Buhari was being marked with thermostatic markings ahead of the marathon holding on May 16. One of the athletes who volunteered to speak to reporters on the condition of anonymity said he decided to hone his skills and better his time before the race in a few days time.

Rivers athletes set to protest non-payment of salaries

THLETES who will represent Rivers state in the 19th National Sports Festival

later this year will stage a peaceful protest to the government house in Port Harcourt this week to

Two years ago, the National Sports Commission took a decisive step when it set up a grass roots development directorate manned by my very good friend the erudite Yakmut Alhassan. I praised the decision to high heavens. For me this was the solution to our perennial problem , that of replenishing old stock as it were. After the youth sports festival in Abuja and subsequent interest in development of the youth, we have reaped abundantly. If there was any championship that we should have sponsored as a matter of priority it was the Mauritius Championship. The Technical Director of the AFN Commodore Omatseye Nesiama was even quoted as saying he was delighted by the gold won by Fadekemi Olude in the walk event. That he believed Nigeria had the capacity to challenge Africa and the world in events not considered our forte. I add that the only way this is possible is by sports development, combing the grass roots, investing in the youth. This is one case I stumbled on, one that is replicated in nearly all the sports , one that should never be allowed to happen again, NEVER.

American Judges.... Pacquaio's loss My friends say I am not a boxing judge. That fight? Which I saw from the beginning to the end? Saw Mayweather running scared with Manny taking the battle to him throughout the 12 rounds? Saw and heard the father repeatedly telling him he was not doing anything> Common. It was later that my son drew my attention to the fact that the three judges were Americans…….and the referee too. Unanimous Decision my foot. I blame Manny, he should have killed him. I am so angry. And to think that I stayed awake from 2am, ran my generator all through for a match that did not start till 5am? Manny remains my champion, any day.

Congrats Warri Wolves Very unexpected result. The Congolese needed just a goal to progress yet it was the Wolves that pounced, coming back with a sweet victory. A lot has been said about the intervention of Governor Uduaghan who galvanized the team to action by clearing their backlog of salaries and offering words of encouragement. This brings me to the fact that all Nigerian teams need is a wee bit of organization to excel. Meanwhile back to the trenches. This is the stage that Bayelsa United faltered last time out. The stage where the big boys, knocked out of the Champions league will come down to wrestle league positions with the Confederations Cup qualifiers. Before the Wolves can make it to the promise land that is the group stage, they must contend with the likes of A.C Leopards of Dolise, who lost to Enyimba conquerors Smouha of Egypt, Raja Casablanca of Morocco ousted through penalties by holders Entente Setif of Algeria. Also expected are the losers from yesterday’s matches that will involve giants like T.P.Mazembe, Al Ahly, El Mereikch, Esperance and C S Sfaxien among others. This is the veritable test before the Wolves en route the money spinning league qualification. Good luck Wolves. See you next week. protest the non-payment of their sala-ries and allowances,according to information reaching our correspondent. The athletes,according to sources are eager to take their grievances to the state governor, Rotimi Amaechi whom they believe may not be aware of their plight. ‘We believe the governor is not aware that we are being owed for more than 10 months now. The deputy governor, Tele Ikuru is in-charge of sports and we fear recent developments over his movement back to the Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP) may have affected communication between him and the governor and that is why we want to see His Excellency to let him know this is hampering our preparations for the festival,’said Taiwo Suleiman,one of the athletes. Rivers state emerged overall winners of the festival when it hosted in 2011 and came second at the Eko 2012 edition behind Delta state. Governor Amaechi who has been the main pillar behind our success if it had held late last year or April this year.

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015 — 63

Pacquiao: I won, surprised with scores F

loyd Mayweather Jr. was money once again in the richest fight ever. Mayweather used his reach and his jab Saturday night to frustrate Manny Pacquiao, piling up enough points to

Fight of the Century

win a unanimous decision in their welterweight title bout. Mayweather remained unbeaten in 48 fights with a win that cemented his legacy as the best of his generation. Pacquiao did what he

Mayweather pays tribute to father

nbeaten Floyd Mayweather paid tribute to his father and his opponent Manny Pacquiao after his dominant victory in Las Vegas. The 38-year-old put on a tactical masterclass taking a unanimous decision 118-110 116-112 116-112 on the judges scorecard to go 48-0. “First off I want to thank God for this victory, all the fans that came to Las Vegas and all the fans all over the world,” Mayweather said in the ring after the fight. “He’s a hell of

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fighter, he’s one of the guys at the pinnacle in sport of boxing. “I know he was going to push me, he had moments in the fight, but I wasn’t getting hit with a lot of shots. “We did what we had to do tonight. He is a tough competitor. Got to take my hat off to my dad, without him I wouldn’t be here. “When the history books are written - it was worth the wait. “I got one more fight. My last fight is in September, it is time to hang it up and I am truly thankful and blessed.”

wanted to do, chasing Mayweather around the ring most of the fight. But he was never able to land a sustained volume of punches, often looking frustrated as Mayweather worked his defensive wizardry once again. “I thought I caught him many times. I was never hurt. I thought I won the fight. I hit him many more times than he hit me. I was very surprised with the scores. I had no problem handling his power. I thought I won,” Pacquiao said.

Mayweather to vacate five world titles F

ifty is a nice round number, but it can’t compare to the nine figures on the check Floyd Mayweather collected after beating Manny Pacquiao yesterday. He plans to relinquish his World Boxing Association, World Boxing Council and World Boxing Organization titles, including his WBA/WBC titles at 154-pounds — as early as next week.

Pacquiao: I fought with one hand Manny Pacquiao revealed he went into his fight with Floyd Mayweather with an injured

Tyson: Mayweather looks “invincible”

ormer heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson hailed “invincible” Floyd Mayweather after his dominant points victory over Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. “I think he (Mayweather) won the fight, he was popshoting Manny. Manny had

“I’m going to vacate all of my belts on Monday. My last fight may not be a championship fight, but it will be a twelve round fight,” he said. “I’m going to vacate the belts on Monday, maybe in a few weeks. I’ll talk about it with my team. Why [am I vacating]? To give other fighters a chance [to fight for those belts]. I’m not greedy.”

a good beginning but he (Mayweather) controlled it,” Tyson told Sky Box Office. “He controlled the fight, he has great endurance (and) he did a real good job. “It’s his era, his time. He is in invincible mode now - noone can stand with him at this particular moment.”

shoulder. And his trainer Freddie Roach said they did at one point consider postponing the fight. “Three weeks before my fight I had to skip my training for a couple of days for that reason. We went for an MRI – there is a tear in my right shoulder,” he said. “It’s part of the game. I don’t want to make alibis or complain or anything ... (but) it’s hard to fight one-handed.” Pacquiao’s long-time promoter Bob Arum said: “Apparently, the doctors say it was an old injury.

BIG PUNCH.....Mayweather makes contact with a straight right - a weapon he kept deploying against Pacquiao.

HARD KNOCK......Another straight punch from Mayweather catches Pacquiao flush in the face.

MY BELTS.....Mayweather poses with his welterweight belts - the one he was awarded for this latest victory is worth $1m.

FACE OF DEFEAT......Pacquiao closes his eyes as he comes to terms with the loss after going the distance with Mayweather.

Vanguard, MONDAY, MAY 4, 2015

Fight of the Century:

World Relays: Okagbare powers Nigeria to gold — Pg 60

NPL Results Sharks 2 FC Taraba 2 Wikki 4 Rangers 2 Heartland 0 Sunshine 3 Giwa FC 3 Bayelsa 1 Dolphins 2 Lobi 0 Gabros 2 Enyimba 0 Nasarawa 2 Abia 0 Kwara 1 Pillars 0 El-Kanemi 1 Akwa 0 3SC vs Warri Wolves (PP)

•Okagbare

How Mayweather won — Pg 60 •Pacquiao: I thought I won; fought with one hand •Mayweather dedicates victory to dad •Mayweather invincible — Tyson •Stories on Pg 63

Chelsea clinch title with three games left

POUND FOR POUND........Floyd Mayweather (left) and Manny Pacquiao exchanges punches, with Mayweather looking too much for the Filipino at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas yesterday.

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

FRI DAY'S FRIDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Fashionable (4) 4 Wager (3) 6 Departed (4) 8 Thoroughfare (6) 9 Shrewd (6) 10 Soar (3) 12 Serub (5) 14 Rule (5) 15 Wall-painting (5) 18 Erase (6) 20 Began (6) 24 Dissuade (5) 26 Javelin (5) 28 Kingdom (5) 30 Pig-pen (3) 32 Allow (6) 33 Property (6) 34 Employed (4) 35 Swab (3) 36 Swarthy (4)

DOWN 2 Chaos (5) 3 Eat (7) 4 Meat (4) 5 Salver (4) 6 Supple (5) 7 Weariness (7) 11 Meadow (3) 12 Sorrowful (3) 13 Groove (3) 16 Colour (3) 17 Fate (3) 19 Utter (7) 21 Through (3) 22 Built (7) 23 Obscure (3) 25 Newt (3) 27 Pointed (5) 29 Subsequently (5) 30 Staunch (4) 31 Yap (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 2, Sweet 7, Qouta 8, Tonic 10, Arson 12, Din 13, Stair 15, Saddled 17, Kennel 19, Sue 20, Neatest 23, Lees 25, Safe 26, Lucifer 30, Rue 31, Resist 34, Current 37 Girth 38, Vie 39, Thorn 40, Repay 41, Egret 42, Unite.

DOWN: 1, Quite 2, Stain 3, Warren 4, Eros 5, Goddess 6, Miner 9, Nil 11, Nastier 13, Skill 14, Angel 16, Due 18, Lenient 21, Tapir 27, Berth 24, Surreal 27, Cue 28, Regret 29, Duvet 32, Singe 33, Steep 35, Rip 36, Thin.

How to Play Sudoku

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number). Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row. No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination. Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-4548355. Advert Dept Hotline: 014544821; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: MIDENO BAYAGBON. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

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