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...towards a better life for the people

VOL. 25: NO. 62637

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015

NNPC blames fuel scarcity on vandals, unscrupulous oil marketers

Declare me gov-elect, says Audu's running mate

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor, Henry Umoru, Charles Kumolu, Kingsley Fanwo, Omezia Ajayi and Boluwaji Obahopo

•As APC pushes Yahaya Bello as Audu's replacement •Audu's votes died with him, says PDP; drags INEC to court •Reverse yourself on supplementary poll, group tasks INEC

AGOS — The crisis emerging from the death of Prince Abubakar Audu, the All Progressives Congress, APC’s candidate in the Kogi State governorship election last night took a new dimension as Mr James Faleke, late Audu's running mate in the election formally asked the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to

Continues on Page 5

FG to float $25bn infrastructure fund — Adeosun 9 DINNER: President Muhammadu Buhari (left) watches as Leader of the All Progressives Congress and former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (C), greets Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki (right) at a dinner organised by President Buhari for senators at Aso Villa, Abuja, Wednesday.

Alleged $2bn fraud: Court declines to summon Dasuki P.17

P.19

OWEI LAKEMFA

SWEET SOUR

Tackling Buried in grand Playing with corruption: the tiger’s tail An update style See inside Turkey:

COLUMNISTS:

SOUTH WEST VOICE HANNAH IDOWU DIDEOLU AWOLOWO:

Biafra: IPOB disowns S-East govs, Ohanaeze over meeting with FG 15

Mr & Mrs

2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015 — 3

4 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015—5

POCKET CARTOON

GUINNESS AGM—From Left: Company Secretary, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Sesan Sobowale; Chairman, Babatunde Savage, and Managing Director, Peter Ndegwa, at the 65th Annual General Meeting of Guinness Nigeria Plc, in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

Declare me gov-elect, Audu's running mate writes INEC By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor, Henry Umoru, Charles Kumolu, Kingsley Fanwo, Omezia Ajayi and Boluwaji Obahopo

night that the name of runner up in the APC governorship primary, Alhaji Yahaya Bello had been forwarded to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC as a replacement for Audu. The running mate in the election, James Faleke, yesterday, raised strong objections to the development. Faleke set his claim on the governorship in two letters to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and the APC on the fact that he had become governor-elect in the face of what he described as the unfortunate death of Audu. He thus cautioned his party not to fall into a trap set for it by INEC to

IT'S UP TO YOU

BY AYO ADIO E cannot know true success except we have failed; neither can we know true joy until we have felt pain. So when life hits you hard be sure that your best days are around the corner.

TAKE HEART BY ELLA RANDLE

Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the Soul —Henry Ward Beecher

EOPLE with a grateful attitude tend to be happier. Many research findings, particularly in Positive Psychology, have shown that gratefulness and life satisfaction go hand in hand. Those who tend to be more grateful rather than bitter are generally more positive, more satisfied with their lives, and will be able to see the silver lining even on cloudy days. There is so much to be grateful for, count your blessings.

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE The bed bug told the children to relax, whatever that is hot would soon be cold. C M Y K

field another candidate or go into a supplementary election. His assertion was despite strong momentum in Abuja yesterday for Bello. Bello, it was learnt, was being projected by some elements in the party acting in concert with senior presidency officials.

Lobbyists root for Audu's son

Meanwhile foot soldiers of the late Audu especially in the Igalaspeaking Kogi East were also engaged in a strong lobby for his son, Mohammed Audu to replace the deceased politician on the ticket going into the supplementary election as ordered by INEC.

summons filed by its lead Counsel, Chris Uche, SAN, the PDP is asking the court to declare its candidate and governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada as the rightful winner of the election. The summons read in part, “ We pray for the return of our candidate who at present polled majority of lawful votes and satisfies the constitutional requirements for return, or in the alternative a fresh poll without APC who at the moment cannot substitute their deceased candidate.”

Faleke writes INEC

With much respect to INEC and the highly distinguished chairman, the reasoning of INEC is non sequitur. While as at Monday 23, November 2015, INEC still insisted that it was not aware of Prince Abubakar Audu’s transition, however, INEC later on directed the APC to go and conduct another primary election to nominate its candidate for the supplementary election in 91 polling units. With much respect to INEC, this new directive as well, is unfounded, both legally and constitutionally. It can also not be reasonably or rationally defended. Our client is of the opinion that INEC is inadvertently prompting an avoidable political and legal crisis. What INEC should do is to obey, respect and comply with the letter, spirit, intendment and tenor of the constitution, by not only declaring APC as the winner of the election, but by also declaring our client as Governorelect. May we draw Mr. Chairman’s attention to the clear and mandatory provision of section 68(1)(c) of the Electoral Act to the effect that any result declared by Returning Officer shall be final and binding, and can only be reviewed or upturned by an Election Tribunal. In effect, the results already announced by INEC are binding, not only on all the parties, but also on INEC itself. We want to believe that INEC is not unaware of the binding decisions of our appellate courts on this issue. Furthermore, by the provision of section 181(i) of the constitution, our client, who was the deputy governorship candidate or the associate of Prince Abubakar Audu at the already concluded election constitutionally and automatically becomes the governorelect of the state. With much respect, INEC has

no discretion in this matter. May we advise, most humbly, that INEC should not confuse this situation with what is intended in section 33 of the Electoral Act because the situation on ground has nothing to do with changing or substitution of the name of a candidate before election. In fairness to INEC, it had already announced the results of the election, and as at the time it so did, it honestly claimed ignorance of the death of Prince Abubakar Audu. In law and logic, no new candidate can inherit or be a beneficiary of the votes already cast, counted and declared by INEC before that candidate was nominated and purportedly sponsored. Assuming without conceding that INEC is even right to order a supplementary election, the votes already cast, counted and declared on Saturday and Sunday, 21 and 22 November 2015 were votes for the joint constitutional ticket of Prince Abubakar Audu and our client. Therefore, no new or supplementary candidate can hijack, aggregate, appropriate or inherit the said votes. Assuming further, without conceding that supplementary election in 91 polling units can hold as being suggested by INEC, it is our client who should be the automatic candidate of the party, since APC cannot conduct primary election for the supplementary election in 91 polling units. Chairman sir, this is a rather simple and straight forward matter which does not need any delay, foot dragging or procrastination. It is a constitutional imperative. Put in other way, INEC has a bounden duty to declare our client the winner of the election. Any attempt to conduct any supplementary election in any unit whatsoever and howsoever will Continues on Page 51

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015—5

POCKET CARTOON

Declare me gov-elect, Audu's running mate writes INEC

Continues from Page 1

declare him winner of the election and name him governor-elect. It was also learnt last night that the name of the runner up in the APC governorship primary, Alhaji Yahaya Bello had been forwarded to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC as a replacement for Audu, running mate in the election, James Faleke yesterday raised strong objections. Faleke set his claim on the governorship in two letters to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and the APC on the fact that he had become governor-elect in the face of what he described as the unfortunate death of

Audu. He thus cautioned his party not to fall into a trap set for it by INEC to field another candidate or go into a supplementary election. His assertion was despite strong momentum in Abuja yesterday for Bello. Bello, it was learnt, was being projected by some elements in the party acting in concert with senior presidency officials.

Lobbyists root for Audu's son

Meanwhile foot soldiers of the late Audu especially in the Igalaspeaking Kogi East were also engaged in a strong lobby for his son, Mohammed Audu to

IT'S UP TO YOU BY AYO ADIO

E cannot know true success except we have failed; neither can we know true joy until we have felt pain. So when life hits you hard be sure that your best days are around the corner.

TAKE HEART BY ELLA RANDLE

Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the Soul —Henry Ward Beecher

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE The bed bug told the children to relax, whatever that is hot would soon be cold.

replace the deceased politician on the ticket going into the supplementary election as ordered by INEC.

Audu's votes died with him, says PDP; drags INEC to court The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP on its part as exclusively reported by Vanguard yesterday, at the end of an emergency caucus on Wednesday night laid its claim to the governorship on the fact that Audu’s votes had died along with him. National leadership of the PDP, also, yesterday, dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to the Federal High Court over last Saturday ’s Kogi State gubernatorial election. In an originating summons filed by its lead Counsel, Chris Uche, SAN, the PDP is asking the court to declare its candidate and governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada as the rightful winner of the election. The summons read in part, “ We pray for the return of our candidate who at present polled majority of lawful votes and satisfies the constitutional requirements for return, or in the alternative a fresh poll without APC who at the moment cannot substitute their deceased candidate.”

Faleke writes INEC

Faleke’s two letters to INEC as exclusively obtained by Vanguard were directed by his lawyer, Chief Wole Olanikpekun, SAN. In the letter to the INEC chairman, Faleke deposed among others that : Although an unfortunate and saddening incident had occurred after the announcement of results of the election and s u b s e q u e n t pronouncement of INEC that the election was inconclusive. The point must quickly be made that INEC’s wrong declaration of inconclusiveness of the election and ordering a supplementary election in 91 polling units was arrived at, according to the Returning Officer; on the basis that the number of cancelled votes outnumbered the number with which the candidate of APC led the candidate of the PDP. With much respect to INEC and the highly distinguished chairman, the reasoning of INEC is non sequitur. While as at Monday 23, November 2015, INEC still insisted that it was not aware of Prince Abubakar Audu’s transition, however, INEC later on directed the APC to go and conduct another primary election to nominate its candidate for the supplementary election in 91 polling units. With much respect to INEC, this new directive as well, is unfounded, both legally and

constitutionally. It can also not be reasonably or rationally defended. Our client is of the opinion that INEC is inadvertently prompting an avoidable political and legal crisis. What INEC should do is to obey, respect and comply with the letter, spirit, intendment and tenor of the constitution, by not only declaring APC as the winner of the election, but by also declaring our client as Governor-elect. May we draw Mr. Chairman’s attention to the clear and mandatory provision of section 68(1)(c) of the Electoral Act to the effect that any result declared by Returning Officer shall be final and binding, and can only be reviewed or upturned by an Election Tribunal. In effect, the results already announced by INEC are binding, not only on all the parties, but also on INEC itself. We want to believe that INEC is not unaware of the binding decisions of our appellate courts on this issue. Furthermore, by the provision of section 181(i) of the constitution, our client, who was the deputy governorship candidate or the associate of Prince Abubakar Audu at the already concluded election constitutionally and automatically becomes the governorelect of the state. With much respect, INEC has no discretion in this matter. May we advise, most humbly, that INEC should not confuse this situation with what is intended in section 33 of the Electoral Act because the situation on ground has nothing to do with changing or substitution of the name of a candidate before election. In fairness to INEC, it had already announced the results of the election, and as at the time it so did, it honestly

claimed ignorance of the death of Prince Abubakar Audu. In law and logic, no new candidate can inherit or be a beneficiary of the votes already cast, counted and declared by INEC before that candidate was nominated and purportedly sponsored. Assuming without conceding that INEC is even right to order a supplementary election, the votes already cast, counted and declared on Saturday and Sunday, 21 and 22 November 2015 were votes for the joint constitutional ticket of Prince Abubakar Audu and our client. Therefore, no new or supplementary candidate can hijack, aggregate, appropriate or inherit the said votes. Assuming further, without conceding that supplementary election in 91 polling units can hold as being suggested by INEC, it is our client who should be the automatic candidate of the party, since APC cannot conduct primary election for the supplementary election in 91 polling units. Chairman sir, this is a rather simple and straight forward matter which does need any delay, foot dragging or procrastination. It is a constitutional imperative. Put in other way, INEC has a bounden duty to declare our client the winner of the election. Any attempt to conduct any supplementary election in any unit whatsoever and howsoever will amount to INEC breaching and flouting the constitution and our client would definitely challenge it.

...writes APC too

In the letter to the APC national chairman, Chief

Continues on Page 51

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27 , 2015

Armed youths attack, hold Vanguard reporter, 6 others hostage in Delta •I did not send anybody to attack journalists —Deputy speaker, DTHA

By Emma Amaize & Festus Ahon

SABA—OVER 70 armed youths of Okpai community at Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Delta State, yesterday attacked and held hostage Vanguard reporter, Mr. Ochuko Akuopha and six other journalists going to Ase-Omoku community to cover a peaceful protest by the coalition of Ndokwa youths. Others were Felix Igbekoyi, vice chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Delta State, who works for Daily Independent Newspaper, Okungbowa Awerieoghene (The Nation), Paul Osuyi, chairman, NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, Asaba and Dominic Adewale (Telegraph).

Protesting youths

The youths were protesting against an oil company over alleged flawed implementation of Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, signed with the people. But those that attacked the journalists, it was gathered, were against the coalition led by Alex Aya for mobilising youths from other parts of Ndokwa land to demonstrate against the company, Sterling Global, without notifying them. It was also gathered that the planned protest was not in the interest of Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Friday Osanebi that purportedly mobilized the hostile and violent youths. The violent youths chased away members of the coalition, smashed the windscreen of the Toyota Picnic vehicle conveying the journalists, seized their phones and damaged a television camera belonging to the Delta Broadcasting Service, DBS, Asaba.

Text message

Akuopha sent a text message to his Regional Editor at about 10.02 am, saying, “We are held hostage by Okpai community youths; I think we are in danger.” Minutes later, the youths ordered them to come down from the vehicle, lie on the ground and started beating them. He said, “When we got to Okpai, on the road to the Independent Power Project, IPP, the youths ambushed and started beating us. We were held hostage, asked to lie

down on the ground even when we told them that we are journalists going to cover a peaceful protest. “A councillor wanted to know who brought us to the place, we told them we got the information and are going there to perform our duty. One of them called Osanebi, who spoke to Igbekoyi on phone. From what I heard, he told our captors to release us.

Assault

“But they did not release us after his directive; rather, they intensified the beating and later asked us to leave the area if we love our lives. We were about going when youths from Deneku community emerged and joined the Okpai youths to continue another round of assault on us. They destroyed a television camera belonging to DBS, Asaba and seized our phones. Though, they later returned some, they withheld others and wallets were also stolen.”

He said after the second round of beating, the journalists managed to escape to a military checkpoint where they sought refuge, but as they proceeded to return to Asaba, they discovered that the youths had laid fresh siege. “We returned to the checkpoint and begged the soldiers to escort us past the point where the boys were so that we could leave the area,” he added.

Rift between the coalition and top official

Vanguard learned that there was a rift between the coalition and a top official from the area, who mobilized some youths to counter their moves against the oil company. Youths of Ase-Omoku, who complained that the oil firm was defaulting in the implementation of the MoU signed with the community reportedly contacted the leaders of the coalition for

assistance. They fixed Thursday for a peaceful protest to drum home their grievances to the company, but a rival youth group ambushed them.

DTHA Speaker reacts

Reacting to the incident, Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Friday Osanebi, told Vanguard, that he was not aware of the protest and did not send anybody to attack journalists. He said that a youth in the area called him on phone about the incident and he urged them to quickly release the reporters and do them no harm. Osanebi confirmed that he also asked to speak to one of the reporters and spoke to him on phone to find out their mission and “he told me they were invited by a group to cover a peaceful protest at a community in the area.”

Vigilante group arrests kidnap suspect, rescues NNPC pensioner By Perez Brisibe

GHELLI—A local vigilante group in Ughelli popularly referred to as Bakassi yesterday smashed a kidnap gang suspected to be terrorising Ughelli and environs and apprehended one of the suspected kidnappers. The vigilante team also rescued the abducted pensioner of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC, Chief Agba Edoreh. Chief Agba who had suffered a similar fate some years ago in the hands of kidnappers, was abducted with a yet to be identified victim last Sunday along the EkuigboWarri road, Ekuigbo, Ughelli. Confirming the rescue of the victim, a senior member of the Ughelli vigilante, said the group acting on intelligence information, trailed the kidnap gang to Agbarho community where they engaged the team in a gun battle.

Kwara Poly suspends 3 students over alleged possession of charms, others

I Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State, lying on the bed in boy's hostel, during his visit to Government College Keffi, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

5 arraigned over alleged prostitution

By Onozure Dania

AGOS — A 61-year-old commercial sex worker, Theresa Odega, and four others, have been arraigned before an Igbosere magistrate's court over alleged prostitution. They were arraigned on Wednesday. The other defendants are Sandra Akomake, 58; Roseline Jebba,

43; Chika Okoro, 40 and Helen Ugwu, 33 and are facing a count charge on prostitution, preferred against them by the Police. The prosecutor, Sergeant Nicholas Akeene, told the court that the defendants committed the offence on November 24, 2015. He said the sex workers unlawfully engaged in prostitution within Ikoyi

metropolis at about 11pm at Thompson Avenue in Ikoyi area of Lagos State. Earlier, when the charge was read to the defendants, four of them pleaded guilty, while the fifth defendant, Odega, pleaded not guilty. Following her plea, her counsel, S. A Owhoraye, urged the court to grant her bail in the most liberal terms.

By Demola Akinyemi

LORIN—THE authorities of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, yesterday, suspended three students for alleged unlawful possession of live cartridges and charms contrary to the rules and regulations of the Polytechnic. The students involved are Bolaji, Tunde J, Marketing department Abdullahi, Wasiu S. Marketing department and Atoyebi, F. Atanda, of Business Administration. They are from Institute of Finance and Management Studies of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. This development was made public in a statement by the Deputy Registrar, (Information and Publication), Alhaji Moshood Amuda.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27 , 2015—7

Pregnant woman, 10 others hospitalized after inhaling poisonous fumes By Olasunkanmi Akoni & Minsur Olowoopejo

By Onozure Dania

AGOS — APPREHENSION has gripped traders of OwodeOnirin market, along Mile 12 Ikorodu Road, Lagos, after 11 persons, including a pregnant woman, fainted after inhaling suspected poisonous fumes from substance that exploded at a section of the area, late Wednesday. Vanguard gathered that one Emily Patrick, owner of a plot of land beside the iron rod market, had set refuse and other inflammable materials cleared from her plot of land on fire oblivious of the inherent danger. At press time, it was gathered that two of the victims were still under intensive care at Burns and Trauma Centre, Gbagada General Hospital. Others were, however, rushed to the Accident and Trauma Centre, Toll Gate axis by the state Ambulance Service, LASAMBUS. Sources said few metres from Emily plot of land, was a dumpsite filled with fibre materials and other used industrial equipment. It was learned that the weather condition further escalated the fire which spread to where the fibre materials and other used industrial equipment were dumped. Effort by Emily and his husband to put out the fire proved abortive. Few minutes after it spread to the dumpsite, the industrial equipment exploded. The explosion caused pandemonium in the market, forcing many to scamper for safety. A trader, who identified himself as Olowo, said the victims collapsed after inhaling the unidentified poisonous fumes from the industrial equipment on the dumpsite. Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Mr. Rasaq Fadipe, and General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, L ASEMA, Mr. Michael Akindele, confirmed the incident. Fadipe, while reacting to the explosion, said 11 persons were affected by the toxic fumes. He, however, did not disclosed if any of the firemen deployed to the scene were hospitalized. According to him, “Seven out of the cylinders exploded and unleashed havoc on the residents. We attacked the fire professionally, bearing in mind that the area is

Photograprher, one other get two-year jail for dealing in cannabis

Scene of the fire surrounded by iron scrap markets and residential area and if not quickly quenched could lead to disaster.” “Firemen that responded to the distress call upon reaching the scene after inhaling the poisonous gas also felt unconscious. Quite a number of passersby were also affected,” Fadipe said. On his part, Akindele said: “We gathered that the gas emission was caused as a result of a burning bush around the area which later spread into the inner part of the market. In the process, the fire spread into an area where there were combustible

materials. "Consequently, those who inhaled it felt unconscious. The rescue team later rushed the victims to the hospitals while the fire was later put out. As I speak, the victims are responding to treatment. We thank God that no life was lost in the process.” Chief Scientific Officer, Mrs. Moji Adepega, who led the LASEPA team with the use of a Testo 350 gas analyser, to determine the cause of the odour, expressed the dangers inherent in people inhaling the content as harmful to the health of people. According to her, the acidic odour could be suspected to be ammonia gas.

When Vanguard visited the scene yesterday, Chairman of Owode-Onirin market, Alhaji Wahab Adeoti, lamented that the incident affected the business activities in the market, saying “it is pathetic.” According to him: “We have instructed our traders not to burn their refuse. Rather, they should put it in bags and wait for the Private Sector Participation, PSP, operators to cart away their refuse. They have abided by this. In fact, the dumpsite has been abandoned for several months. We don’t dump our refuse there.

4 fire service officials arrested for allegedly manhandling Police officer By Ufuoma Tiveruahor & Faith Ake

AGOS — FOUR officials of the Federal Fire Service have been arrested by the Police in Festac Town, Lagos, for allegedly manhandling a Chief Superintendent of Police on mufti after he allegedly refused to make way for the convoy of one of their yet-tobe identified senior officers at the ever-busy Mile 2 area of Lagos. The incident which occurred, Wednesday, took place about 2 pm at 2nd Rainbow bus stop. Vanguard learned that the police officer, who was in charge of Festac division, was stuck in the traffic gridlock around 2nd Rainbow area of Mile 2 when the siren-blaring convoy of the fire service men wanted to create way for their boss. Eyewitnesses said as soon as the police officer ’s private car failed to give way for the convoy, stern-looking officials of the fire service alighted from

their vehicle and tried to clear the way. Their efforts to force the police officer ’s car out of the gridlock reportedly failed and they resorted to force, an action that made the officer to confront them. It was gathered that as the altercation between the police officer and Fire Service officials worsened, the infuriated fire men pounced on the police officer and beat him up. He was allegedly injured while his cloths were torn. Reports said as the situation was getting out of hand, the fire service boss alerted Lagos State Commissioner of Police and he was advised to contact Festac Divison, which he promptly did only to be informed, after the arrival of policemen at the scene, that their victim was a serving police officer. The matter took a different dimension after the policemen that arrived the scene turned

around and arrested men of the Fire Service for assault and battering of their officer. Vanguard lear ned that efforts by their boss to pacify the policemen failed as they insisted on detaining his men while the wounded police officer was rushed to hospital. Efforts to get a reaction from the Federal Fire Service, at press time failed.

AGOS — A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, sentenced a 30-year-old photographer, Lucky Guieze, and an 18 year-old Abdul Rasheed, to two years jail term each for dealing in cannabis sativa popularly called marijuana Justice Aneke Chukwujekwu convicted the duo after they pleaded guilty to a one charge separately levelled against them by the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA. The NDLEA prosecutor, Mr. J. I. Aernan had told the court during the review of the cases that the photographer was arrested at 3, Kayode Adu Street, Ikorodu, Lagos with 200 grams of cannabis sativa, on April 22, 2015, while Abdul Rasheed was arrested at Oke Eletu area of Ikorodu on July 12, 2015 with 200 grams of the same substance. Aernan also informed the court that banned substance which the second convict was arrested with was called Scum, usually imported from Ghana. The two convicts who were arraigned separately pleaded guilty to the onecount charge. In view of their plea, the prosecutor urged the court to sentence them accordingly. Consequently, the judge sentenced the two convicts to two years imprisonment. The judge ordered that the banned substance that was found with the convicts when they were arrested be destroyed 30 days after if there was no appeal against the judgment.

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27 , 2015

Investors’ sentiment wanes against new CBN policy By Emeka Anaeto, Economy Editor

AGOS — FINANCIAL markets recorded dramatic reversal of fortunes barely 24 hours after a bullish reaction to new monetary policy measures introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. The apex bank had in its last Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, on Tuesday, effected major cuts in benchmark money rates and the next day stock market bounced back while treasury market bubbled. However, investors in the stock market, yesterday, reversed their sentiment while trading in bonds took sell-off pressures for profit takings. Stockbrokers told Vanguard yesterday that "speculative trades pulled stock market back into negative territory with All Shares Index, ASI, of the Nigerian Stock Exchange returning to the dead zone a day after the CBN’s decision to lower rates had propped the benchmark index to end its extended losing streak”. The volume and value of transactions dipped by 17.53 per cent and 15.53 per cent to close at 167.46 million units and N2.3 billion respectively. But Traders’ Index inched up to 1.21 per cent from 0.63 per cent, suggesting that market activities may close in positive territory at today’s trading session. Similarly sell pressure dominated activities in the bond market as investors took profits from previous days’ positions. Hence, yields levels moved upwards to close at 9.8 per cent on average. Treasury analysts at Greenwich Trust Limited, a Lagos-based investment house, said "at the subsequent trading session, we expect to see sustained sell pressure as investors hold off for more favorable yield levels.” However, buying momentum lingered in the Treasury Bills market as investors continued taking positions in the market. As a result, yield levels dipped lower by 24 basis points to close at 2.5 per cent on average.

NNPC blames fuel scarcity on vandals, unscrupulous oil marketers •Says Nigeria lost N50bn to vandalism in nine months •Gets two-week ultimatum to end scarcity By Michael Eboh

AGOS — THE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, yesterday blamed the persistent fuel crisis on the continuous vandalisation of the System 2B pipeline at Arepo, sharp practices by oil marketers and the delay in the payment of outstanding subsidy claims to the marketers. The NNPC in a statement in Abuja, after honouring the invitation of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream, also stated that the Senate had given it a two-week ultimatum to end the fuel scarcity. In a presentation to the Senate Committee, Managing Director of the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company, PPMC, a subsidiary of the NNPC, Mrs. Esther Nnamdi-Ogbue, stated that Nigeria has lost a total of 531 million litres of petrol valued at over N50 billion to pipeline vandals between January and September, 2015, at the problematic System 2B Pipeline network which stretches from the Atlas Cove in Lagos to Ilorin. Nnamdi-Ogbue explained that the losses, which chiefly accrued from the incessant hacking of the pipeline at the notorious Arepo to Mosimi axis of the pipeline artery, have made the task of providing seamless flow of petroleum products to retail outlets more burdensome. According to her, despite the challenge posed by the unavailability of the vital System 2B Pipeline network, the PPMC has continued to ensure that the country remains wet with petrol through massive truck-out from depots in Lagos, Oghara and recently Calabar. She, however, noted that the spirited efforts made so far by the corporation to entrench zero fuel queues across the country are being hampered by the activities of some unscrupulous marketers involved in hoarding, sharp practices and diversion of petroleum products for sale in black markets across the country. She said: “We view this as a distortion to the economy and we have invited the DSS and the EFCC to take action.”

Outstanding subsidy payments

Also speaking, Group Executive Director, Commercial and Investment on the NNPC, Mr. Babatunde Adeniran, told the Senate Committee that the fuel situation was exacerbated by the inability of oil marketers to meet their import allocation quota due to outstanding subsidy payments, thus creating a gap which PPMC

has been working round the clock to bridge despite the extraneous challenges like hoarding and incessant pipeline hacking. While Jamila Shu’ara, Permanent Secretary of the

Ministry of Petroleum Resources and leader of the delegation, emphasised the need to build strategic reserve stock of petroleum products akin to the national grain reserves across

the country. Senator Uche Ekwunife, Committee Chairman, who gave the Ministry of Petroleum Resources two weeks to ensure sanity in the supply and distribution of petroleum products across the country, however, acknowledged the efforts made so far by the NNPC to ensure unimpeded fuel supply across the country.

LECTURE: From left: Dr. Oladimeji Alo, Managing Director, Excel Professional Services Ltd. and past President, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, CIPM; Mr. Jim Obazee, Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria,and guest speaker at the lecture; Mr Anthony Arabome, President/Chairman of Council, CIPM; Mr Victor Famuyibo, immediate past President, CIPM and Mr Sunday Adeyemi, Registrar/CEO, CIPM during the 19th annual public lecture organised by CIPM, in Lagos. Photo: Diran Oshe.

Alleged $2bn fraud: Court declines to summon Dasuki By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

BUJA — THE Federal Government, yesterday, failed to persuade the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court to summon the former National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki( retd), to appear before it. Dasuki is answering to a fivecount criminal charge bordering on money laundering and alleged illegal possession of firearms. He had since pleaded not guilty to the charge, even as the court, in a ruling on November 3, permitted him to travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment. Dasuki, who told the court that he has cancer, was granted three-week medical leave by trial Justice Ademola Adeniyi. However, a day after the order was made by the court, operatives of the Department of State Service, DSS, besieged Dasuki’s home and had since prevented him from travelling. In a ruling yesterday, Justice Ademola Adeniyi dismissed an application filed by the Federal Government with a view to securing an order that will

compel the presence of Dasuki in court. Arguing the application, the Director of the Public Prosecution, DPP, Mr. Mohammed Diri, insisted that it was wrong for Dasuki to stay away from the court when motions bordering on his criminal trial were being heard. He noted that the former NSA was absent on three consecutive times the case against him came up before the high court. The DPP maintained that Section 266 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 made it mandatory that an accused person must always be present in court whenever his case is called up. However, Justice Adeniyi dismissed the application, yesterday as “frivolous, unwarranted and lacking in merit.” He agreed with counsel to Dasuki, Mr. Joseph Daudu, SAN, that the DPP misinterpreted the section of the ACJA upon which the application was anchored. The judge held that going by the law, the presence of an

accused person could be dispensed with in court during hearing on interlocutory applications. He said the presence of Dasuki was not mandatory since the court is still entertaining interlocutory applications from both parties. The former NSA had filed an application before the judge to permit his absence in court for now, saying he has been under house arrest since November 4. In his fundamental right enforcement application, Dasuki, prayed the court for an order directing the Federal Government and operatives of the DSS to vacate his house located at 13, John Kadija Street, Asokoro with immediate effect. Sequel to the application, Justice Adeniyi summoned the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, to appear in court to explain why Dasuki was barred from traveling despite the permission of the court. Meantime, Justice Adeniyi has slated December 3 to hear an application asking the court to revoke the bail it granted to Dasuki.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27 , 2015—9

FG to float $25bn infrastructure fund — Adeosun By Nkiruka Nnorom

AGOS— The Federal Government, yesterday, revealed plans to set up a $25 billion infrastructure fund to bridge the funding gap in infrastructure development in the country. The Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, made the disclosure at the inauguration of the 10-year Capital Market Master Plan, Nigeria Investor Protection Fund (NIPF), and the launch of the Corporate Governance Scorecard for quoted companies by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Lagos. She explained that setting up the fund became necessary due to the need to upgrade the countr y ’s cur rent infrastructure, and urged the capital market community to come up with other innovative ways of mobilizing capital needed to address the nation’s infrastructure problem. “In the current environment of significant revenue squeeze and other budgetary constraints, these investments will clearly not come from government coffers alone. We believe this is where the capital market can really make itself relevant by stepping in to close the funding gap. "Government is already looking to set up a $25 billion fund wholly dedicated to infrastructure investments. A crucial assignment we have for the capital market community is to come up with other innovative ways of mobilizing the capital needed to address Nigeria’s infrastructure challenge,” she said. Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Dr. Mahmoud IsaDutse, Adeosun said an efficient and vibrant capital market is an indispensable feature of any modern economy supplying affordable medium-to-long term capital needed for growth as they facilitate mobilization of savings, accelerate capital formation, provide investment avenues and enhance efficient allocation of capital to the growth of sectors as no country has been able to develop without a thriving capital market. “Nigeria needs and deserves a capital market that is characterized by high levels of liquidity, depth, breadth and sophistication to enable rapid socio-economic development. Going through the Master Plan, it is heart-warming to note that this is the type of capital market you envision for our country and indeed,

we desperately need such a market to emerge in order to tackle Nigeria’s biggest challenge of huge infrastructure deficit and unacceptable level of unemployment. As you all know, to grow our economy, we require significant funds to modernize our critical infrastructure,” Adeosun added. She expressed worry that currently less than three per cent of Nigerians invest in the capital market and even more worrisome, only 0.2 per cent of Nigerians invest in mutual funds. “Imagine the kind of savings to be mobilized, the liquidity to be injected and the sophistication to be developed if we improve these numbers

by bringing more millions Nigerians to invest in the capital market. For Nigerians of faith and people who prefer ethical investments, we must deepen the non-interest product space so they can be involved in wealth creation opportunities the capital market offers. “For a country and economy of our size, there is no reason why we should not be able to actualize the targets and aspirations we have set for ourselves within the Master Plan. Indeed, with diligent implementation, we shall emerge as 'Africa’s most modern, efficient and internationally competitive capital market that catalyzes Nigeria’s emergence as a top 20 global economy.“ Speaking earlier, Mounir

Gwarzo, Director General, SEC, said the SEC’s enabling law, Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2007, in foresight requires the SEC to set up a national investor compensation scheme. Gwarzo said the 10-year Nigerian capital market Master Plan, which has become SEC’s guiding document, considers the investor protection fund as a critical ingredient for restoring and sustaining investor confidence. He, therefore, recommended the urgent establishment of the fund, adding that since the new management at SEC assumed duty, the NIPF and other capital market initiatives have received priority attention.

WORKSHOP: From left, Alarape Saliman (SAN); Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Dr. Ali Ahmad; Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State; Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Rita Maduagwu and Speaker, Borno State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdulkareem Lawan at a workshop on Administration of Criminal Justice Act in Ilorin, yesterday.

CBN dismisses allegation of banking distress By Babajide Komolafe

AGOS — THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), yesterday, dismissed allegation that some banks are experiencing distress. In a statement, yesterday, Director Corporate Communication, CBN, Alhaji Ibrahim Mu’azu, said: “The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been drawn to a fictitious online publication purporting that some deposit money banks in Nigeria are 'experiencing stress.' “The CBN wishes to state categorically that no Nigerian

bank is 'experiencing stress.' The story as published is not only false and baseless but a figment of the writer ’s imaginations. "The CBN hereby assures the banking public that the Nigerian banking system is sound and all banks are in compliance with both the regulatory and prudential requirements. “The Governor, on November 24, 2015, during the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) press briefing, also made it categorically clear that no Nigerian bank is in distress. "The CBN, therefore, urges

all bank customers and the general public to disregard the publication as it is false, mischievous and aimed at throwing the banking public into unnecessary panic.” The CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, on Tuesday while addressing the press at the end of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting said the Central Bank had its own internal mechanism for determining the strategic health of all banks through its daily stress testing of the operations and activities of banks.

Images of avoidable blindness for CHOGM in Malta

S commonwealth Heads of Government, CHOGM, convene in Malta this weekend, they will be presented with images from landmark photography exhibition, tagged: Time to See. The exhibition which was privately viewed by Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales is aimed at bringing attention of the world to the impact of avoidable blindness, and the solutions readily available to end it. Statistics available have shown that no fewer than 98 million people in the Commonwealth are currently blind or have low vision. The exhibition would also show that there are known solutions that can make an incalculable difference to the lives of millions of individuals and families who are unnecessarily affected. Five multi-award winning photo-journalists, Ashley Gilbertson, Poulomi Basu, Sam Faulkner, Andrew Quilty and Adam Ferguson, visited seven countries across the Commonwealth — Nigeria, Australia, Fiji, India, Kenya, Pakistan and Uganda— to document the impact completely avoidable forms of blindness are having on people and communities. Time to See highlights work that the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust and Standard Chartered, through its Seeing is Believing programme, are developing and supporting to prevent avoidable blindness. Chief Executive of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee, Dr Astrid Bonfield, said: “To be able to present these impactful images to Commonwealth Heads of Government and their delegations is an incredible opportunity. Time to See demonstrates the unparalleled work that our partners are delivering across the Commonwealth to save the sight of millions. Bringing the exhibition to CHOGM will help raise the awareness of the sad and often unknown reality that 80 percent of blindness is avoidable.

10—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27 , 2015

Photographer, teenager jailed 4 years for drug trafficking

By Onozure Dania

AGOS—A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday sentenced a 30-year-old photographer, Lucky Guieze and an 18year-old Abdul Rasheed to a two-year jail term each for unlawful dealing in cannabis sativa popularly called marijuana. Justice Aneke Chukwujekwu convicted and sentenced the duo after they pleaded guilty to the one charge separately leveled against them by the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA. The NDLEA prosecutor, Mr. J. I. Aernan had told the court during the review of the cases that the photographer was arrested at 3, Kayode Adu street, Ikorodu,Lagoswith200gramsof cannabissativa,onApril22,2015, while Abdul Rasheed, was arrested at Oke eletu area of Ikorodu, on July 12, 2015 with 200gramsofthesamesubstance.

Civil society groups rally against indecent dressing By Esther Onyegbula

AGOS—AGAINST the backdrop of indecent dressing, Society Against Indecent Dressing, SAID, is organising a peaceful campaign to encourage young adults to embrace decent dressing. According to the organisers of the event, the campaign is aimed at educating children and young adults on the need to dress properly as they stressed the importance of and the need for it to be continuously and constantly reinforced among our youths. “Indecent dressing cuts across both sex and ages it is not restricted to young people alone. Every day on our streets you find young men sagging their trousers. Unfortunately, indecent dressing is a subtle way Satan robsthepeopleoftheirdestinies”. Lamenting, Pastor Bob Chukwukadibia, co-ordinator Society Against Indecent Dressing said, “decent dressing has become an unbearable menace that is bedevilling our society."

OYO: Fulani herdsmen, farmers in fresh collision course I

By Ola Ajayi

BADAN—THE relative peace that existed between farmers and Fulani herdsmen in Oyo State was ruptured yesterday as hundreds of farmers in Ido Local Government Area of the state staged a peaceful protest over continued invasion and destruction of their farmlands by the cattle rearers. Dissatisfied by alleged nonresponse to their persistent reports to the security agents, the angry farmers have threatened reprisals. Numbering about 400, the farmers mobilised themselves from villages in Ido Local Government and called on the state government to do something very urgent to check the alleged excesses of the rampaging herdsmen who allegedly inflicted machete cuts on the helpless farmers after destroying their farms. The villages that assembled at Omi Adio where the protest started from include Onikanga, Mabolese, Alatori, Agbetu and Olorode. Their spokesperson, Alhaji Asimiyu, the Secretary, Osho Forestry Reserve in the Local Government Area said some of

the farmers that were attacked came from Adedapo, Olorode, Keji, Aboke, Pelu, Alagbe, Gbagba Elewure and Areyinjetu. He further explained that all their crops such as cassava, maize, yams, tomatoes, potatoes, pepper and vegetables had been ruined by the cattle rustlers. He said; “Many of us have been ruined following the incessant

Stakeholders seek effective

strategies L

AGOS—A World Bank Consultant on Transportation, Dr. Gboyega Banjo, Prof. Olukayode Oyesiku and Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi, have charged the Lagos State Government to explore the use of modern intermodal system as well as strict enforcement of road traffic laws if she is desirous of reducing the traffic gridlock and other challenges facing the transport sector in the state. In an apparent response, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has assured residents of his strong political will to take tough decisions in unlocking traffic problems in the state even as he charged stakeholders in the sector to come up with effective strategies that would bring about a robust traffic management system for implementation in the state. Ambode and speakers at the forum made the remarks yesterday, at a one-day Traffic Management and Transportation Summit, with the theme: “Tackling Current, Evolving and Future Traffic Management Needs of Lagos State”, being organised by the state government. Banjo, a traffic management expert who worked with the World Bank for 17 years, delivered the lead paper titled,

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Leye Oyebade brokered a peace meeting between the two parties and warned them sternly to avoid any action that could rupture the agelong relationship between them. Yamma and Sarkin Sasa, Alhaji Haruna Maiyasin said he would intervene, pleading with the aggrieved farmers to be calm and allow him to intervene into the matter.

SUMMIT: From left: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, and Special Adviser, Transportation, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, during the Traffic Management & Transportation Summit organised by the state Ministry of Transportation, at the Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, yesterday.

LAGOS GRIDLOCK: By Olasunkanmi Akoni

invasions of our farms by the grazing cattle of these Fulani herdsmen, as we have no other means of livelihood,” he lamented, as he narrated the ordeals of the agitated farmers to newsmen. “This year alone, some of our members were matcheted on their farms by invading Bororos while nothing seems to have been done by the authorities to checkmate them.”

“Overview of Current Traffic Management Problems”, where he stressed the need for urban renewal and strict enforcement of the law in tackling the current traffic problems in the state. Oyesiku, a Professor in Olabisi Onabanjo University, has over 30 years’ experience in transport systems planning and management and quantitative techniques in transport studies. According to him, transport planners have not been able to explore the use of waterways that is why armed robbers have taken to the use of waterways for their operations. Oyeyemi, in his address explained, “30 per cent of vehicular density is from Lagos and most of the freights come from Lagos that is one of the major problems. We have other means intra-modal system, most especially rail and water and if the water and rail are effectively put into use, the present traffic will be abated. Oyeyemi also urged the State Government to establish Mobile Traffic Courts so as to further boost and compliment traffic enforcement. Reflecting on the circumstances of high population and pressing need for economic growth, Ambode said there was a strong need for stakeholders in the transport sector to evaluate and articulate smarter and effective

strategies that would reduce congestion across the roads. Earlier in his address, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Dayo Mobereola said the summit was put together in furtherance of Ambode’s determination and commitment to genuinely address the traffic challenges confronting the state.

…Ambode attends Business Forum in Malta

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on

Wednesday stepped up his government’s campaign for direct foreign investment in Lagos, where he seized the opportunity at the just concluded Common Wealth Business Forum in Malta, to invite investors to take advantage of the numerous investment opportunities that abound in the state. The Commonwealth Business Forum in Malta, which held from Tuesday 24 to Thursday 26 November, attracted over 1,200 business leaders from 80 countries.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015 — 11

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015

Alleged N19.2bn fraud: Court dismisses 50-count charge against Sylva By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

BUJA—A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, yesterday, dismissed the 50-count charge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, preferred against the former governor of Bayelsa State, and All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in the state, Mr. Timipre Sylva. Trial judge, Justice Ademola Adeniyi, held that the charge constituted an abuse of the judicial process. He noted that the EFCC had previously dragged Sylva before two different judges of the court on charges that bordered on the same transaction, proof of evidence and set of witnesses. Justice Adeniyi said that the EFCC lodged the 50-count charge against Sylva after its two previous charges were in 2012 and 2013, dismissed by the high court. He said: “To commence this fresh trial in 2015 is a complete abuse of court processes. No court of law will allow the reckless show of power by a prosecuting agency. To allow such will occasion a miscarriage of justice. “In this circumstance, this court lacks the jurisdiction to adjudicate on the charge against the accused persons. This court hereby dismisses the charge filed against the defendant in the suit. This matter cannot be re-litigated.” Sylva, in the charge, was alleged

to have connived with three others, Francis Okokuro; Gbenga Balogun and Samuel Ogbuku, and siphoned over N19.2 billion from the Bayelsa State treasury between 2009 and 2012. Three companies that were allegedly used to perpetrate the fraud, Marlin Maritime Limited, Eat Catering Services Limited, and Haloween-Blue

Construction and Logistics Limited, were equally joined as defendants in the charge. It will be recalled that Justice Mohammed had on June 10, dismissed an earlier 42-count charge against Sylva on the ground that the EFCC was prosecuting him before two different courts on the same facts. The court's ruling came nine

days after the Federal Government, through the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, Mr. M.S Diri, withdrew the initial six-count charge which was then before Justice Evoh Chukwu of the same high court. Sylva was in that withdrawn charge accused of looting over N6.5 billion from the Bayelsa State treasury between October 2009 and February 2010.

SIGNING: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State signs the Primary Healhcare Development Agency and the Edo State College of Nursing and Midwifery Laws flanked by the Chief of Staff, Patrick Obahiagbon (left) and Deputy Speaker Edo State House of Assembly, Mr. Bright Osayande, at the Government House, Benin City, yesterday.

Edo CRPP backs Oshiomhole’s probe of Igbinedion’s administration By Simon Ebegbulem

ENIN—THE Coalition of Registered Political Parties, CRPP, in Edo State has backed the planned probe of the administration of former Governor Lucky Igbinedion by Governor Adams Oshiomhole's administration, saying it is a decision that is overdue. CRPP urged the governor to look into the sales of the industries built by the Igbinedion administration, including the Ava Cement factory, saying that the probe was in line with the transparency policy of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration which, according to it, would help sanitise the country. Addressing journalists in Benin, yesterday, chairman of CRPP in the state, Dr Samson Isibor, described those calling on Governor Oshiomhole to apologize to the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, as professional sycophants and commended the governor for taking the bold step in confronting those who, he alleged, pauperized the people of the state

for 10 years. He said: “ It does not matter whether it took the governor seven years to detect the fraud perpetrated by the Igbinedion administration. It is better late than never and that is why we

commend this bold step to recover the funds of the state looted by people who have no conscience. We stand by the governor and we will resist any attempt to divert the attention of the people of Edo State from

the ills of the former administration. “We condem the protest by some sponsored misguided elements, selfish individuals and groups to discredit the governor’s effort in this regard."

Fresh crisis rocks Urhobo Progress Union By Emma Amaize

ARRI—FRESH crisis appears to be rocking Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, the apex body of the Urhobo ethnic nationality in Delta State, as a rival faction led by Chief Tuesday Onoge, yesterday, asked Urhobo people to boycott the National Congress/Urhobo Cultural Day celebration scheduled for next month by the Chief Joseph Omene-led UPU. Publicity Secretary of the splinter group, Alhaji Mumakai Unagha, in a statement, said: “We call on all Urhobo to disregard the so- called national congress and cultural day celebration. They brought Urhobo to its knees with humiliation the people have not faced or passed through in the political history of Nigeria.

“We wish to inform the general public that the UPU is in court. The former secretary general, Chief Albert Akpomudje, instituted an action against the acting president-general, Chief

Onoge, at the Federal High Court sitting in Warri which is awaiting determination. Therefore, the idea of the conference is baseless and aimed at deceiving the public."

Ogulagha chiefs congratulate monarch on coronation anniversary

HE Traditional Council of Chiefs of Ogulagha Kingdom, in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, yesterday, congratulated HRM King Joseph Timiyan, the paramount ruler of Ogulagha Kingdom on his 10th coronation anniversary. In a statement by Chief Council Guwor, the Ogulagha chiefs expressed

gratitude to God for giving good health and divine protection to the traditional ruler over the past 10 years. They also commended the traditional ruler for his continued commitment and contributions to the prevailing peace and even development in Ogulagha Kingdom, noting that over the years the people of Ogulagha have lived in perfect peace.

NDDC MD urges collaboration for N-Delta devt By Jimitota Onoyume

ORT HARCOURT— MANAGING Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, Mr Bassey DanAbia, has called for collaboration between the commission and other stakeholders in the Niger Delta region to effectively develop the region. Dan-Abia, who made the appeal, yesterday, during an interactive session with the media at the commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, said that Partners for Sustainable Development Forum, PSDF, was set to hold a two-day conference in collaboration with the commission on development related issues for the region. He said the PSDF was a platform where development partners interact on matters to advance the fortunes of the region. The partners include multinational oil companies and other stakeholders. Mr Dan-Abia, who was flanked by the Executive Director, Project, Engr Omatsuli Tuoyo and the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mr Henry Ogiri said, the commission lacks capacity to develop the region alone, stressing that there was room for others to contribute meaningfully. He said that when they assumed office, they resolved not to run the commission on the pages of newspapers, adding that they chose to focus on the development of the region.

Omo-Izirein passes on

HIEF Felix OmoIzirein, aged 70, is dead. Until his death, he was Chief Executive of MidMaritime Services Ltd. He is survived by children and grand children Details of the burial arrangements will be announced in later.

Late Chief Omo-Izirein

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015—13

Dickson, Sylva lock horns at Bayelsa gov debate By Emem Idio

ENAGOA-IT was a night of conflict and drama between the Bayelsa State governor and candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Seriake Dickson and his top challenger and flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Timipre Sylva, as they used euphemisms and innuendoes to describe the performance and status of their administrations during the Bayelsa State governorship debate held on Wednesday night. The governorship debate, organised by an indigenous private radio station based in Yenagoa, Royal FM, in collaboration with the British Council, was attended by four governorship candidates, Governor Dickson, Chief Sylva, Moses Siasia of the Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM and Henry Akpeli, of the Democratic Peoples Congress, DPC. The well attended debate saw Dickson and Sylva antagonise each other. While Dickson fired the first salvo with the description of the past administration as being characterized by killings and cult related violence, Sylva countered by describing the current administration as

“outgoing.” Dickson, in a display of anger over his administration being branded “outgoing” by Sylva, called the attention of the moderator to the comment, describing same as “displaying a show of disrespect to a sitting administration.” Dickson and Sylva also

exchanged innuendoes against each another during the debate on issues of child rights and security. While Sylva insisted that he left behind a peaceful and secured state, he noted that the rate of insecurity in the current administration was high and worrisome. Dickson, who dismissed

Sylva’s claim as “political,” pointed out that his administration had put in place enduring peace, stressing that the recent cases of kidnapping being witnessed were the handiwork of some disgruntled elements to cheap score political points.

FUNERAL SERVICE: From left, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, former governor of Ekiti State;Aremo Segun Osoba, former governor of Ogun State and Otunba Gbenga Daniel, another former governor of Ogun State, during the funeral service in honour of late HID Awolowo, at Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Ikenne, Ogun State Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi and Wunmi Akinola.

Police barricade Delta Assembly complex, move to arrest suspended LG chair By Festus Ahon

SABA—THERE was a midday drama at the Delta State House of Assembly, yesterday, when policemen ambushed the suspended Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Area, Mr Henry Baro, ostensibly to arrest him. The policemen, who barricaded the Assembly complex gate with their pick up van, alleged that there was a petition against Baro and they had the authority of the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Usman Akali, to arrest him. But Baro explained to them that he was in the House on invitation and had an appointment to keep with his doctor. Enjoining the defiant policemen who were apparently doing the bidding of the complainant to allow him go to his doctor, the leader of the team, a Superintendent of Police, whose name was not known at press time, insisted on not allowing him to go. The complainant who accompanied the policemen used his car to barricade the second gate of the complex meant for members of the House in an attempt to ensure that Baro

was arrested. The commotion which lasted for over an hour forced the Speaker of the House, Chief Monday Igbuya, his Deputy, Mr Friday Osanebi, and other members of the House who had gone home, to return to the Assembly complex. On sighting the Speaker of

the House and his convoy, the policemen who barricaded the general gate fled the scene. The complainant, who is suspected to be sponsored by the political opponents of the suspended chairman, was not lucky as he was fighting with Baro's supporters inside the premises when the Speaker

arrived, and his vehicle impounded on the orders of the House leadership. An angry Igbuya, said Baro was not a common criminal who was evading arrest, noting that the police could reach him (Baro) in his house for arrest and not in the Assembly complex.

Alleged N70m bribery: Orubebe kicks, as FG applies to amend charge By Ikechukwu Nnochiri to leave him alone if it has no

BUJA—THE Federal Government, yesterday, applied to amend the four-count charge it filed against the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, sitting in Abuja. The prosecuting counsel, Mr. Peter Danladi, who referred to section 216 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015, said the amendment was necessitated by fresh facts that were uncovered by government in relation to the case against the former minister. Danladi pleaded for an adjournment to enable him to perfect the amendment process. The development did not go down well with Orubebe, who asked the Federal Government

evidence to prosecute the charge against him. Orubebe, through his lawyer, Mr. Larry Selekeowei, SAN, queried the legal propriety of allowing government to orally apply for leave to amend a charge pending before the

tribunal. In a short ruling, the tribunal headed by Justice Danladi Umar ordered government to file a formal application indicating its intention to amend the charge against Orubebe. The matter was subsequently adjourned till January 27.

Rivers Ijaw reaffirm support for Wike By Jimitota Onoyume

ORT HARCOURT— RIVERS Ijaw Peoples Forum has said that people of the state voted overwhelmingly for Chief Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, adding that falsehood and propaganda cannot wish away the people’s mandate. Faulting the tribunal judgement which nullified Wike's election, Chairman of

the forum, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, in a statement, yesterday, said a re-run election should not be contemplated in the state because the general election was free and fair. The group said the decision of the governor to challenge the tribunal verdict was in order, adding that the Appeal Court would unseat the verdict of the tribunal.

China to invest $10bn in C-River —Ayade

ETERMINED to industrialize the state, Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State, has said that arrangements have been concluded for Henan Province of China to commence construction of a $10 billion project in the state. Similarly, a new China City would be built in Cross River State by the Henan Provincial Government. Ayade, who stated this while answering questions from newsmen on arrival at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, said that the state would also witness the arrival of 100 investors from Henan who will set up various companies and industries in the state. According to him, other teams of investors would focus on various key projects, including huge agricultural investments, renewable energy, a garment factory, hydropower projects and seaport.

Delta Dep Speaker denies allegations by Ndokwa youths

EPUTY Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Mr Friday Osanebi, has denied allegations by a youth group, Coalition of Ndokwa Youths, that he allegedly collected and diverted the sum of N1.4 billion meant for the youths. Mr Oyibosochukwu Nwabueze, Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, in a statement, yesterday, said: “We watched with indignation and studied silence, series of spurious and libelous allegations against Osanebi by Coalition of Ndokwa Youths, until one Alex Agha who claims to be the leader of the group, addressed newsmen in Asaba, on November 19, 2015. “It is not true and not possible for Osanebi to have collected or be collecting N20 million or any sum of money meant for youth security, when there is a Ministry or Directorate (with Commissioner) charged with Youths Development in Delta State. “All the money meant for youth security in the last administration was received and managed by the Directorate of Youth Development headed by Mr. Ebifa Ijomah, who was a commissioner in that ministry." C M Y K

14—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27 , 2015

FUNERAL SERVICE FOR LATE CHIEF TORCH ORITSEWEYINMI @ EFFURUN, DELTA STATE PHOTOS: AKPOKONA OMAFUIARE

From left: Dr. John Oganwu, Mr. Peter King Edukugho, Chief Bengy 'Appollo' Oseragbaje, Mr. Lindsay Barett, Mr. Sam Amuka, Publisher, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Tony Diagbare, and Mr. Peter Arigbe, ( 2nd Mrs. Adefemi Abeke Taire, widow, (2nd right), flanked by her daughter, Ms. right). Eyitemi Taire (2nd left) and her twin sons, Eyimofe and Eyitokpe, during the funeral service for late Chief Torch Taire at Effurun, Uvwie LGA, Delta State, yesterday.

Mrs. Adefemi Abeke Taire and Alaowei Broderick Bozimo, former minister of Police Affairs.

Mrs. Helen Ughoro, Federal Commissioner, Mr. Ayo Taire (right), Tajiri Olusegun Taire (3rd right), North Central, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Jolomi Taire (left), and other members of the larger Commission, NCPC, and Mr. John Kennedy Taire family at the event. Opara, Executive Secretary NCPC.

BOKO HARAM: FG's Dec deadline not feasible

CCC By Kingsley Omonobi

BUJA—AS the December deadline given by President Muhammadu Buhari for the military to end Boko Haram insurgency increasingly looks untenable, going by the reluctance of the terrorists’ group to surrender, the Centre for Crisis Communication, CCC, has posited that the deadline for the defeat of Boko Haram is not feasible. Security sources had earlier hinted Vanguard that one reason why the task may be difficult to attain is the fact that military operations were still having issues with acquisition of arms and ammunition needed to prosecute the war even as it was gathered that it is the arms and ammunition procured by the former administration that are still trickling into the military’s armoury. Speaking on the fight against insurgency and the need to look beyond the December 2015 deadline, Executive Secretary of CCC, Air Commodore Yusuf Anas (retd) said: “It is perhaps not out of place to have another look at the current December

deadline date to end Boko Haram terrorism. The time line on when to stop the insurgents from activating sleeper cells and detonating bombs into soft targets in any part of the country, especially in the frontline states should therefore, not be sacrosanct.” While agreeing that there was nothing wrong in setting targets for military operations as was done by President Muhammadu Buhari when he gave the directive, the executive Secretary

noted “It must also be stated that this target date might be unrealistic. This submission is predicated on the fact that asymmetric warfare which the Boko Haram is prosecuting against Nigeria is not such that can be easily be stamped out by the Armed Forces.” Giving reasons to back up the argument, Commodore Anas quoted the just concluded United Nations General Assembly deliberations of terrorism which concluded, “That terrorism as an

ideology is largely emotive because it has to do with the mind. Force has never been known to combat, in a precise manner, any issue that has to do with the mind.” “What the UN is inferring is that other methods or approaches to ending terrorism and putting them out of relevance need to be explained alongside the military campaign. These include addressing such issues as youth unemployment, education

opportunities and infrastructural development among others” he said. The Centre therefore urged Nigerians not to see the December target as the tenable date when all suicide bombings and attacks on soft targets will end. The Centre for Crisis Communication equally noted the serious threats of secession in the past several months by some individuals and groups in parts of Nigeria including some Yoruba elders and other Igbo groups.

We need N8.7bn to effectively combat terrorism —IGP A By Emman Ovuakporie

BUJA—THE Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, Thursday said the Nigeria Police needs N8.7 billion to effectively combat insurgency in the North East of Nigeria. Speaking at an interactive session with Members of the House of Representatives Committee on Police Affairs, the IGP said the Force needs at least N8.7 billion to successfully check mate insurgency. He said that there was another N57 billion outstanding due to the Nigerian Police that was

appropriated but has not been released till date. On training, Arase said all constables presently serving will go on compulsory training to enable them move to the rank of corporal “and only the proposed 10,000 recruits will now spot the uniforms of constables in the police force.” He said that since the emergence of insurgency in the country, no fewer than 56 police stations were destroyed in the region. He said: “a total of 56 police stations, formations and facilities have been destroyed by insurgents since 2009 when it started.

“The present devastating situation has greatly impaired as it constitutes a major challenge to the capacity of the police within the formations. “The total replacement value of the affected structures becomes about four billion for us to put those things back to shape,” he added. He pointed out that the destruction of the facilities had affected the communication process crucial in the fight against insurgency in the area. The IGP lamented that Nigeria Police was highly demotivated and needed a reengineering and total

rebranding for a better Nigeria. “Our mobile Police personnel are currently fighting side by side with the military in the North East and that is never mentioned when people are talking about police contributions to the fight against insurgency. “And because they are doing well, we intend to push in more men into those areas,” he added. Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs had earlier, Rep. Haliru Jika, APCBauchi, said that the National Assembly was committed to quality legislation that would guarantee effective policing in the country.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015—15

Group condemns shut-down of NPDC facilities

EADERS OF oil producing and pipeline communities in OML30, have described the present shutdown of Nigerian Petroleum Development Company NPDC facilities in OML30 by chairmen of flowstation communities as economic sabotage and illegal. A statement issued yesterday by the leaders at Asaba, Delta State, said President Generals of flowstation communities had no right to shutdown NPDC facilities and thereby violated the agreed terms and conditions in the Global Memorandum of Understanding, GMoU, which they signed with NPDC. The leaders noted that the unnecessary shutdown of NPDC facilities by chairman flowstation communities after signing a GMoU, was uncalled for and advised them to reopen the facilities immediately. However, the leaders also appealed to aggrieved contractors to be patient with NPDC, urging NPDC to do everything possible to clear all outstanding payments for contractors.

Afuluekeanya Adimachukwu for burial

H I E F AFULUEKEANYA Adimachukwu, who died on August 18, 2015, aged 87, will be buried tomorrow, at his compound in Umudimkwa Umudim, Nnewi, Anambra State. Wake-keep holds today (November 28, 2015)

Late Chief Adimachukwu

BIAFRA: IPOB disowns S-East govs,

Ohanaeze over meeting with FG •Bianca Ojukwu, Fasheun, Major Al-Mustapha, others storm Owerri for 3rd

anniversary of Ojukwu's demise By Chidi Nkwopara & Chimaobi Nwaiwu

HE INDIGENOUS People of Biafra, IPOB, yesterday, warned the South East governors and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, to stop any meeting they were planning to hold with Federal Government in the name of representing and speaking for them as they did not represent IPOB This came as the leader of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, appealed to the Federal Government to unconditionally release the detained Director of Radio Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu. Unconditional release One of IPOB’s spokesmen, Emma Powerful said “if the South East governors and the Ohanaeze Ndigbo are serious, they should be talking about getting unconditional release of the Director of Radio Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, who is still incacerated for the past one month, that should be the starting point. How can the South East governors, whom we elected but stabbed us at the back, calling us all sorts of unprintable names with the enemies of Biafra and South East in general, and the people who call themselves Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a group that is in shambles, that has not taken Ndigbo forward after the leadership of Eze Ozobu and Nwabueze, be talking for us? “The governors and the Ohanaeze Ndigbo that is in disarray and some disgruntled traditional rulers, whom we know for working for any government in power, and soliciting for and receiving contracts from governments, joined the enemies of Ndigbo,who betrayed us during the Nigerian Biafran Civil War, to call us name. "And now they claim they want to go and negotiate for us, to collect money and contracts as usual, to sell us out like they have always done, when they have not even called us to a meeting to find out our grievances. “We are rejecting the South

LECTURE: From left, Ier Jonathan-Ichaver, Executive Secretary, Sesor Foundation; Olufunke Baruwa, CEO, Nigeria Women Trustfund; Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Keynote Speaker; Sunmbo Olatunji, Head, Treasury, Sales and Trading, Access Bank Plc; Olusola Adeola, Executive Secretary, Freedom Foundation, and Helen Nwabuokwu, Programme Director, Genesis House, during the Access Women Network/Genesis House Orange Lecture, entitled, 'Empowering Women to End Violence,' in Lagos. East governors and Ohanaeze Ndigbo and whatever proposals they are making with Nigerian Federal Government. They are not representing us, but themselves. We, the IPOB members warn them to stop discussing IPOB because they are not representing us, they have roundly and consistently disappointed us, Ndigbo and Biafrans as a whole. "We can only listen and support them if they are talking about unconditional release for Mr. Kanu and not to stop worldwide Biafra actualization agitation and peaceful protests, we will not stop until our leader is released unconditionally.” Anniversary Meanwhile, leader of MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, has appealed to the Federal Government to unconditionally release the detained Director of Radio Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu. Uwazuruike made the appeal, yesterday, while addressing loyalists and friends of MASSOB, who stormed Owerri for the third anniversary of the exit of Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu. Some dignitaries that honoured the event included, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, Dr. Fredrick Fasheun, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, who was the Special Guest of Honour. He was also accompanied to the event by more than 70 persons. Others included Alhaji Yerima Shetima, President, Arewa Youths

Consultative Forum; Prof. Alu Danladi, Ambassador John Fashanu, Alhaji Abdullahi Zaria, Alhaji Sale Hassan, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu, Alhaji Zallari Bello and Alhaji Aminu Gwaru. Continuing, the MASSOB leader sai: “We are not operating from any foreign country. The so called Radio Biafra, London, was opened by MASSOB in London and Nnamdi Kanu appointed as the Director, after MASSOB had operated Voice of Biafra International in Washington DC for three years. The purpose of Radio Biafra London was to showcase the marginalization of Ndigbo,” Uwazuruike said. He said his group knew the desires of Ndigbo, and how to achieve them, noting that those who were threatening fire and brimstone today, were once members of MASSOB before they were expelled due to violent related behaviours. Blackmail He was not particularly happy at the way Ndigbo "castigate, vilify and blackmail their leaders to impress other tribes," pointing out that "Ndigbo takes delight in killing their leaders to emerge as the new champions. “Ndigbo are now second class citizens in Nigeria. They will soon be relegated to the third class. Ndigbo blames the Hausa and the Yoruba for their misadventure. Unfortunately, Ndigbo do not see any reason to blame themselves. "Today, Ndigbo in their usual

MFM hosts confab

HE MOUNTAIN of fire and miracles ministries is hosting a two-day conference aimed at the Igbo brethren. Tagged the Siege is over, the two-day crusade will hold at Volkwagen of Nigeria, Lagos-Badagry Express-Way by 5pm on 28th-29th November2015. Expected to minister at the occasion are Dr. D.K Olukoya, General Overseer of MFM worldwide and other anointed men of God.

character, want to decimate MASSOB. They believe that since MASSOB has not achieved Biafra through non-violence for 16 years that they would achieve it through violence." Fire and brimstone Uwazuruike said that the those claiming to be champions in their little knowledge, forget that "Igboland is landlocked and that the five states of the South East contribute less than eight per cent of the economy of Nigeria. “In their little knowledge, they do not know that Ndigbo need deep sea ports to bring in their arms and ammunition to be used to fight an established government of Nigeria. There is no Sambisa forest connecting Igboland to other neighbouring countries, through which small arms could be smuggled in." They forget that Ndigbo have their investments across Nigeria more than any other tribe in Nigeria. More so, they do not have the capacity to carry out their empty threats. They want to endanger the lives and properties of Ndigbo in Nigeria. They want to drag the struggle into disrepute; the struggle for self determination pursued through non-violence”, Uwazuruike said. Speaking also, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha said that he was able to learn a lot from the late Ojukwu, especially his wisdom and capacity to understand issues an period in time. “I am not here to recall the circumstances that led to the three-year civil war in Nigeria, but I believe that it was our collective destiny to have had that war. For now, it is unfortunate that the unity of purpose an sense of care to be our brothers keepers are still missing in our psyche.

16—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015

Urhobo College old boys to hold dinner/lecture

R H O B O COLLEGE Old Boys Association, UCOSA, Lagos branch, will hold its annual dinner night and lecture at the Golden Gate Restaurant, Ikoyi on November 29, 2015. The guest speaker is the National Vice President of UCOSA and Professor of Law, University of Lagos, Prof. Joe Abugu, entitled, 'State of Primary and Secondary Education in Delta State.” The chairman, organising committee of the event, Kingsley Abekware, said there would also be a fund rising for provision of desks for the school.

Pa Oliwe for burial

A SIMON Nweke Oliwe, the Opkalauku 1 of UbuluUnor, of Umuata quarters, will be buried on November 27 in his hometown, Ubulu-Unor, in Aniocha South local government Area of Delta State. Pa Simon at 105 years, was the oldest man in his town.

Late Pa Oliwe

Shippers Council exec sec decries Nigeria's financial losses at ports By Godwin Oritse & Godfrey Bivbere

HE EXECUTIVE Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, Mr. Hassan Bello, yesterday, said Nigeria was bleeding through financial losses as a result of under declaration of goods at the ports. Disclosing this in Lagos during a courtesy visit by a team of Editors, Hassan said it was only a fully automated port industry that could truly checkmate the financial haemorrhaging that had plagued the nation’s ports. According to him, an automated port system would open up the maritime sector and reduce the menace of corruption occasioned by an uncoordinated port operations. He said port automation would also eliminate human interface and block revenue leakages and noted that if the Nigerian maritime industry was well coordinated, Nigeria could earn more revenue from the sector then the oil and gas. The Executive Secretary explained that more than 80% of cargoes imported into the country were under declared, lamenting that there was a lot of tax evasion at the ports at the moment. Besides the issue of corruption, Bello said an automated maritime sector would bring about an efficient port system that would reduce cargo dwell and turnaround time for vessels that berthed at the nation’s port. He said “We are in the process

of creating a port community system and entrenching a new port order, this is time for openness. "Nigeria and Nigerians have been trading without ethics, automation will bridge all these gaps. We are working at promoting an open maritime industry, once you put a good system in place, it is like putting on the light and darkness will disappear. We are working at creating an environment where you can sit on your table and clear your goods without going to the port, without any human contact. “The terminal operators, Customs and every stakeholder will be hooked onto the system. You can see everything, payments

HERE WAS jubilation by public workers in Edo State, after they received alert of the payment of their November salaries, when many states are still battling to clear the backlog of workers’ salaries and allowances. Civil servants in the state who thronged to various banks yesterday said they had every reason to support and put in their best into the Adams Oshiomhole led administration because the government had shown responsibility to workers welfare by paying their November salaries on

November 25, in the midst of dwindling resources in the country. Many of the workers were seen at the secretariat praying for the governor and pledging their continued support. Reacting to the development in a statement, Forum of Senior Special Assistants to Oshiomhole confirmed the payment of workers’ salaries saying, “Before the close of work on Wednesday, Edo State Government through an alert received on phones, paid November salaries. The statement by Mr. Theophilus Afuda and Mr. John Mayaki, respectively, said: “This singular action, and flowing from previous months of prompt payment of salaries, we can boldly and confidently say Governor Adams Oshiomhole is the first Governor in Nigeria to pay this months’ workers’ salaries. This masterstroke is overkill from a most responsible workers’

Through automation, whatever the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, does at its head office is seen at the central command office of the automated system. We could see what goods are coming and therefore they would be no need for physical examination because we have the International Cargo Tracking Note, ICTN, and we have a command and control system where we can see the whole operation going on at the ports. "A month before the ship comes, we know that this ship is coming and this is what it is carrying. Customs already knows what the duty on the cargo will be and you can even pay for the cargo before it arrives."

WORKSHOP: From left, Director, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Nestle Nigeria, Dr. Samuel Adenekan; Acting Head, Dept of Human Nutrition, University of Ibadan, Dr. Folake Samuel; Manager, Nestle Nutrition Institute Africa Anglophone Countries, Mrs. Chioma EmmaNwachukwu, and Consultant Gastroenterologist, LASUTH, Dr. Olufunke Adeniyi, during a one-day fortification workshop, entitled, 'Hiden Hunger, Nigeria Silent Crisis,' at Nestle office, Ilupeju, Lagos.

Jubilation as Edo pays workers' Nov salaries ahead of other states

that are made, how the business is affecting the economy, how much we have got, who is doing what, who is responsible for what act etc. We are working with other agencies to actualize this. We want to start with the standard operating procedures of every agency operating at the port because that is where the whole thing begins. Why should immigration go on board a ship and stay for two hours when they can do that for five minutes? We are collecting the operating procedures from all the organisations, we are compiling them, the moment we complete it we are going to put them online so that everyone will know who does what at the port.

Governor in Nigeria, especially so, at a time the country and state governments are in financial despair and experiencing dwindling revenue and uncertainties. We say overkill because this is landmark precedence for the-would-be successor to begin to devise the Oshiomhole skills to achieve this feat. We all must pray that we do not get a lesser sterling governor post Oshiomhole. “This issue will form a big part of our debate as it relates to Adams Oshiomhole’s stewardship so far in Edo State and beyond but unfortunately, desperate critics have cautiously avoided this public discourse of Adams Oshiomhole’s efficient economic management. "We cannot pretend to have forgotten so soon, how workers in this state were owed salaries spanning several months by previous administrations."

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015 —17

Tackling corruption: An update

URING his recent visit to Tehran, President Muhammadu Buhari had an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community in Iran and told them that some former government officials are voluntarily returning public funds they acquired illegally. He assured his audience that “the day of reckoning is gradually approaching”, that his administration will not settle for partial returns, will only be satisfied with full refunds of looted cash and is currently investigating various individuals”. Apparently, the investigative net is being cast pretty widely to cover the past 16 years and evidence is being meticulously compiled.

Financial crimes And any ex-office-holder who is found to have committed financial crimes between 1999 and 2015 will eventually be formally charged to court and publicly exposed for betraying the nation’s trust. Way To Go, Mr President! This is what so many of us want to hear. Many Nigerians eagerly voted for Buhari primarily – or even purely - because he is famed for being unmaterialistic, disciplined, strict and allergic to theft; and there will be dancing in the

C M Y K

President Muhamadu Buhari streets if he punishes those who shamelessly stole public money and cruelly deprived us of the multiple benefits we would have gained if that money had been spent on hospitals, schools, roads and law enforcement instead.

I had an argument with a friend last weekend. He was trying to persuade me to feel very sorry for a former Minister who is very ill at the moment and receiving extremely expensive medical treatment abroad.

This ex-Minister, who is my friend’s friend, only owned a couple of houses when he entered office. Now he owns mansions in several Nigerian and foreign locations. And when he was in Goodluck Jonathan’s Cabinet, he flaunted his ill-gotten wealth. When my friend started to tell me about the pains the exMinister was enduring, I cut him short and said that I’d rather reserve my sympathy for the impoverished Nigerians who have died because they couldn’t access halfway decent medical facilities, thanks to ex-ministers who made away with big bucks that should have been invested in providing good healthcare to the masses. My friend accused me of being too harsh. He reminded me that Christianity encourages forgiveness and ex-

pressed the view that even sinners who have stolen vast amounts - and been boastful deserve my sympathy if they are suffering. I guess that my friend is right when he says that I should have a compassionate attitude towards any human being who is in bad shape. But it’s difficult to forgive VIPs whose chronic selfishness has wrecked so many lives and held Nigeria back. Buhari won’t be able to catch every single guilty party (even in Western countries that are better-organised than Nigeria, some especially clever or lucky crooks are able to escape justice). But a significant number of guilty parties can definitely be caught; and it’ll do our collective psyche good to see examples being made of them.

A Nigerian shines in the UK

HE first Black Lord Lieu tenant of Greater London has topped a list of Britain’s most influential Black people. Kenneth Olisa, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, beat several Black British celebrities – including the Somali Olympic star Mo Farah and Steve McQueen, an Oscar-winning film director of West Indian extraction - in the annual Powerlist that marks the achievements of African and Caribbean people in Britain. Olisa, aged 63, was the first British-born Black man to serve on the board of a public company (Reuters). He has also established a merchant bank (Restoration Partners) and had a library named after him after he donated a whopping £2 million to Cambridge, the premier league university he attended as a super-smart scholarship student.

Last April, Queen Elizabeth II appointed him Lord Lieutenant of London on the advice of David Cameron, the Prime Minister. The title, which comes with a staff of 90; and he’s in charge of all visits made by the royal family within the city. Sometimes, he even represents them at official functions. Considering that Olisa was abandoned as a child by his Nigerian father and raised in very humble circumstances by an impecunious English mother, his achievements are particularly impressive. The Nottingham home he grew up in didn’t even have an inside toilet or bath. Yet, young Kenneth didn’t waste time on self-pity or regard failure as an option. He simply rolled his sleeves up, worked hard and rose and rose. Olisa refuses to dwell on negatives, swears that he hasn’t encountered much racism and

Kenneth Olisa said, in an interview that was published in the British Telegraph last Monday: “This Powerlist shows that Black people can do everything. There can no longer be an argument that if you can’t get on, it’s because you are Black. There are lots of other reasons you can’t get on – you’re incompetent, you can’t speak properly, you can’t spell, you don’t get to work on time. But it’s not because you are Black.” Despite his father’s zero contribution to his upbringing and progress – and even though he is quintessentially British - I absolutely insist on regarding

Olisa as a Naija brother and wonderful role model of whom we should all be very proud! (After all, Kenyans get away with constantly bragging about President Barack Obama, even though he too was brought up single-handedly overseas by a White mum while his absentee father swanned off back to Africa to do his own thing!).

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18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015 The current spate of fuel scarcity, which started like a joke about three weeks ago, is about to hit the one month target with no apparent end in sight. If anything, petrol is getting scarcer by the day all over the country, with prices ranging from N150 to N500 per litre depending on the location around Nigeria. Official sources blamed this on the activities of speculators, hoarders and saboteurs; a story we have always been told since fuel scarcity became a normal part of our lives from the early 1990’s. Petrol dealers apparently sensed that the continued lowering of crude oil prices in the international market could lead to a drastic cut in the official price of petrol and thus decided to hoard the stock at hand. Things were not helped by the federal government’s delay in paying the N413 billion owed importers of the product.

Where is the Petroleum Minister? Though the federal government sent officials of the Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to indentify the hoarders and dispense their products free of charge to the public, this has proved incapable of easing off the scarcity because DPR can hardly do much in terms of coverage. The effort of the federal government to get the National Assembly to approve the N465.5 billion supplementary to enable it pay the importers was a step taken only when the scarcity had started biting, a fallout of the generally slow and non-

proactive attitude of this regime to governance in general. We call on the National Assembly to jettison partisan nit-picking and approve the fund to enable Nigerians have a smooth Christmas and New Year season devoid of fuel scarcity and its attendant mass suffering and over-the roof personal spending on energy. With the onset of the dry season and the sudden drop of electricity supply below 3,000 megawatts, Nigerians need easily available and affordable fuel to cope with the heat and conduct their businesses this end of year season.

Even as the subsidy fund is eagerly awaited, we call, once again, on the federal government to come forward with its holistic economic blueprint, especially as it affects efforts to ensure stability in the petroleum energy sector. With President Muhammadu Buhari as the substantive Petroleum Resources Minister and Dr Ibe Kachikwu, a respected technocrat in the sector as the Minister of State, Nigerians are full of hopes that the perennial problems bedeviling the sector will be brought under control. We expect the so-called “cabals” in the sector be smashed and Nigerians freed from their stranglehold. We do not want this banality of business as usual. The ongoing fuel scarcity is a personal burden for President Buhari. Nigerians are eagerly waiting for him to come forward with permanent solutions.

OPINION Edo 2016: Oshiomhole’s legacy safe with worthy successor capable and effective leadership does not end with him or her. This is an indispensable By David Ikhueoya

T’S expected that while the bell tolls con sistently for Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s imminent exit after nearly eight years in the saddle, the succession storm will readily gather with higher intensity. As the governor of Edo State, Oshiomhole has demonstrated seminal leadership; ministering to the two most basic purposes of governance: the people and the State. His success story can only be entrenched with the quality of the person who takes over from him. So far, Governor Oshiomhole has provided leadership which has to do with steering people towards mutually shared values in order to accomplish clear goals and objectives. In another sense, it is taking responsibility for what members of one’s group, community or society do. Governor Oshiomhole’s leadership style encompasses visioning, passion, commitment and challenging the status quo to make the state, institutions, community or society perform better. However, leadership is not just about espousing policies, programmes and projects that will bring about meaningful development and progress that the people are yearning for, but also the singular obligation to ensure that those who take over from them are people of trusted characters. Every leader at any level, in any sector, or any institution has the cardinal duty of ensuring that

component of a truly successful leadership and in the wholesome re-engineering of POSITIVE CHANGE! The path that forward-looking societies and organisations toe is courageous leadership orientation. Edo State will only be placed on the path of progress, growth and development when we get our leadership question resolved. It is indispensable for success in any vocation and it is time for Edo people to urgently start the process of disallowing untutored and untested persons from mounting the saddle of leadership. The reason is that it is the character of a country’s institutions and the aptitude of its populace that determined its success. The basic truth is that where the people failed to chose their leaders, or prevented from doing so, there will be dearth of motivations, development and political institutions will suffer. Where these basic determinants prevailed, development will never occur. Whoever succeeds Governor Oshiomhole must be conversant with the nitty-gritty of

The APC must carefully plan their succession process to avoid the consequence of accidental leadership

the dynamics and synergy of the three arms of government – the executive, legislature and judiciary and maintain a working balance for the benefit and well-being of all Edo people. His successor should be able to deploy his cognate experience (especially in the public sector and governance sector) and positive networks to enhance and strengthen the levers of the good governance of Edo State as the craze now is Development Through Competition. Governor Oshiomhole’s steady and cautious leadership which has seen the development of many sectors of the state’s economy will definitely bring about far-reaching development if the governor gets the succession struggles right. A few weeks ago, Edo State under Comrade Adams Oshiomhole marked the 7th anniversary of his stewardship as the governor of the state. The event hugely tell the story of the governor’s visible achievement and provides an opportunity both for stock taking and for looking ahead. It is also a good time to reflect further on the challenge of leadership and succession. To resolve crises largely cause by the dearth of effective leadership, Edo people, the APC and Governor Oshiomhole must carefully and studiously plan their succession process to avoid the consequence of accidental leadership, stunted development and building of enduring systems that utilise experience of people who have occupied leading positions in the country to fly the party’s flag. Amongst the lot angling for Oshiomhole’s job after November 2016 is Christopher Aigbovbiosa Ogiemwonyi. He holds the

ace given his giant strides and successes in the management of human, material and financial resources at national and international levels. His daunting credential of successes sets him head and shoulder above the motley crowd aspiring for Osadebe’s Avenue. It was his known steadfast commitment to development that led to his appointment as the Minister of State in the Federal Ministry of Works from 2010 to 2011. Edo State has witnessed serious development in the last seven years under that watch of Governor Oshiomhole across the three senatorial districts. The construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation works can only be sustained by a forward-looking leader, compassionate administrator, focused and urbane successor like Ogiemwonyi who has been tested and trusted. The vacuum that will be created by Governor Oshiomhole’s exit on November 12, 2016 can rightly be filled by Ogiemwonyi because he is capable of consolidating on the Governor’s achievements by building more state institutions that will stand the test of time. From all indications, Ogiemwonyi will strive further to maintain the tempo and even outperform the present governor. The expectation of the APC delegates across the 18 local governments; 191 wards and 2,627 polling units is to vote for a governorship candidate whose experience in both public and private sectors is solid enough to take Edo State to the next level. Chris Ogiemwonyi fill that bill.

*Mr Ikhueoya, a political analyst, wrote from Benin City, Edo State capital

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015— —19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

Turkey: Playing with the tiger’s tail TURKEY is playing dangerous games and endangering world peace. On Tuesday, it plucked off the sky, a Russian Sukhoi SU24 attack aircraft which it claimed strayed into its territory. As is generally known, the President Recep Tayyip Erdogan administration in Turkey tilts towards the same Islamic fundamentalism exhibited by the Islamic State, ISIS. The manner the government crushed the protest last year against the demolition of a green park in the Taksim Square, Istanbul, showed it is also, highly intolerant, even of its own people. Interestingly, Erdogan chided the police for not being brutal enough. Turkey assisted in building ISIS and was, and perhaps, remains the main route for fundamentalists across the world recruited to join ISIS. When its NATO allies finally decided to take on ISIS, Turkey showed a marked reluctance. It did not want the ISIS terrorists eliminated. With the ISIS seizure and incorporation of large parts of Iraq into its Caliphate, the

Iraqi forces were in full retreat, the only force on ground willing to fight the terrorists was the Kurdish. In the process of the fight, Turkey, claiming that the Kurds are terrorists, attacked them in and outside Turkey. The message was simple: Turkey does not want ISIS over powered. So in the war against ISIS, it is clear on whose side the Turkish government is. This in the main, explains the shooting down of the Russian jet. Turkey said it brought down the aircraft because it strayed into its territory. It claimed that it issued warnings to the jet ten times within five minutes before deciding to bring it down. Turkey’s main supporter, the United States, US, backs its claim that the aircraft strayed into Turkish territory, but said it was just for 17 seconds. If this were true, then Turkey lied that it warned the pilots over five minutes. If we are to believe the US, was straying for 17 seconds enough reason to bring down the jet? Would the Turks have brought down a US or French aircraft if it

strayed? Turkey has had a territorial dispute with Greece since the latter was handed over virtually the whole Aegean Sea in 1913. Greece not only patrols skies claimed by Turkey, but also demands Turkish military aircraft obtains permission or is authorised before it can fly in the area. Why is Turkey not at war over this, or gone around shooting down Greek aircraft? In any case, Russia denies its aircraft strayed. Its President, Vladimir Putin further argued: “Our pilots and our plane did not in any way threaten Turkey. Our military is doing heroic work against terrorism. But the loss today is a stab in the back, carried out by the accomplices of terrorists”. The implication is that Russia assumes the attack was premeditated and now sees Turkey as a terrorist nation. After months of NATO bombing ISIS targets, Russia’s entry was a game changer. For

The fundamentalist Turkish government of Erdogan is a threat to world peace, and NATO has a duty to call its member to order

Our toll gate economy and Nigerians By Clement Udegbe

IGERIANS want change for many reasons. Those of them who travel overseas see life outside Nigeria, but cannot compare what obtains in other economies with theirs at home because there are peculiarities that work against us. Most super successful people have at one stage or the other milked the system and the government directly or indirectly to remain in business, while the traders, importers and industry players have cut corners, cheated the system in order to remain afloat in business, and many still do it. A government may have allowed corruption to thrive brazenly like we saw under the PDP government from OBJ to GEJ, or wishes to fight corruption, and endeavours to send some messages , like we now have under GMB, there are some peculiarities with Nigeria that make it extremely difficult for the kind of changes expected by the people to happen here. These peculiarities are the reasons why those who benefit from the system, and those who are victims of the system have alike, accepted the sing-song claim: “ this is Nigeria”, meaning this is a place where anything can happen. Our years of military experience have created or allowed a peculiar system to thrive irrespective of the slogan politicians may invent to clinch power. This system thrives on what I call the toll-gate economy. Key government agencies and their personnel, toll their responsibilities for their individual survival and successes to the detriment of the collective psyche and will of the people. A rather simple process

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could be so complicated from design that the officer in charge can exploit it to make money for himself and for his agency by appearing to be helpful to a citizen who needs that service. A few examples will explain what I mean here, beginning with our law enforcement agencies, of which the Police Force leads. When a citizen makes contact with the Police either at the station or on the road at a check point, the officer tries to find a fault with the driver by checking first the passengers, their destinations and baggage, then the driver for driving license and vehicle particulars, the idea being to intimidate the driver or even the passengers to part with some money to regain their freedom. At the Police station, you must part with money irrespective of whether you are the complainant or the accused person, or a witness. There may be a big notice saying “bail is free”, but what it really means is

There is some sense in the agitation for a separate nation as this one appears faulty from foundation, and does not seem to be working well for all of us!

being so decisive, ISIS on October 31, planted a bomb on a Russian civilian airliner flying out of Egypt, killing all 224 persons on board. Now, it has lost a jet in Syria, and a rescue helicopter. To worsen matters, pro-Turkish fighters accepted they shot at the two pilots who had ejected from their burning aircraft. Shooting unarmed men who are in no position to defend themselves is a war crime. After bringing down the jet, Turkey ought to have been more reconciliatory, acted diplomatically and condemned its supporters who shot at the parachuting Russian pilots. Rather, it bragged about defending its territorial integrity, made complaint against Russia to the United Nations and asked for an emergency NATO meeting. NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg weighed in: “As we have repeatedly made clear we stand in solidarity with Turkey and support the territorial integrity of our NATO ally, Turkey”. Turkey was reckless, and its follow- up reaction can only aggravate the situation. Just in case it is under the illusion that NATO will send troops to defend it in case Russia counter attacks, it needs to examine the events in Ukraine. Or better still, the fiveday Russo-Georgia war in November 2008. There had been conflicts in South Ossetia involving Georgia, and Russia had sent peacekeepers. Later Georgia accused the Russians of being partisan, and with the backing of NATO, started

that you are free to negotiate bail depending on how desperate you consider your matter. You part with money when you visit the Police or they visit you, and the juniors make returns to their superiors, making it a Nigerian peculiarity which will take years to efface. The civil servants have been forced over the years to devise methods to survive a wicked system that gives them no housing, no health care, no water, no light, no transport, just nothing. And now no job security under PMB, where a Permanent Secretary can be sacked without prior warning or notice and with immediate effect! They simply toll their job descriptions and responsibilities, by breaking processes into stages, and the citizen pays money at each stage of the processing of any application, be it for birth certificate, land acquisition, import or export processing, International Passport, just name it; you part with money for your file to move. Earlier in the 1980s, travel was a bit easier and cheaper; Nigerian International Passports had a life span of ten years. At issuance you got five years at the end of which it is extended for another five years. Then some one accused the system of corruption and moved the responsibility to the Nigerian Immigration Service, and they quickly tolled the process. Today, Nigerian International Passport expires after five years, and you just have to obtain a new one every five years, with an option of the small or big size and price ranging from N35,000 to N50,000 to obtain one. It has become a punishment for citizens desiring to travel overseas. Nigerian Immigration Service has become a revenue generating agency for government! In saner climes like the Americas, Europe as well as South Africa, Egypt and Morrocco, the International Passport is for the life of a citizen, but not

arresting the peacekeepers. But when Russia reacted, capturing Georgian territory up to its capital, Tibilisi, NATO did not send troops. The rise of ISIS, its attacks in Paris, and the downing of the Russian aircraft, have again given rise to talks about a possible Third World War. The fundamentalist Turkish government of Erdogan is a threat to world peace, and NATO has a duty to call its member to order. On the other hand, if Turkey is a mere pun, like Georgia in 2008 and Ukraine, it should be concerned that its territory will be the theatre of war. As we say in Nigeria, a person whose head is used to break the coconut will not partake eating it. United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon “urged all parties to take urgent measures to de-escalate tension.” This is good, but the best way to de-escalation is for Turkey to render an apology and help return the corpse of the pilot. Russian special forces had succeeded in rescuing the co-pilot. Meanwhile, with Russia deploying a surface-to-air missile system in Syria and ordering fighters to escort jets on bombing missions, the situation is escalating. The Russian tiger might have momentarily withdrawn; but Turkey will be shocked if it mistakes the lurking of the tiger for cowardice. Unfortunately, were Russia to react, apart for the needless loss of lives and property, the world be less secure, and groups like ISIS will get the breather they need to survive and consolidate.

in Nigeria where it expires every five years! Greed and perversity have driven our policy makers to toll the ownership of an international passport for citizens of Nigeria, and thereby destroy the sense of pride of Nigerians in their country, as they ask what they get from their governments? Some orators may tell us to ask what we can do for our country, which is good, but what do we get in return? In the social contract between us and our leaders, what do we get from them? Is it good roads and infrastructure, water, light, housing, education, health care, or birth certificate, death certificate, petrol,International Passport, or driving license? In other nations where every step is not tolled, the drivers license is for the life of a citizen, and is linked with the national population data for planning purposes, but in Nigeria, tolling of the system by design has made it difficult to link these information centers. We have to queue differently for National Identity Cards, INEC Permanent Voters Cards, drivers license, mobile telephone sim cards, and now bank verification number, and who knows what ideas will come up tomorrow, and they drag us all into queues once again. Our large population has been converted to our undoing through the tolling of every process to get money out of the people shamelessly by our leaders and policy planners. The result is that it is becoming increasingly difficult to live in Nigeria as an honest and good man, without compromising one thing or the other at some stage, in order to survive. This is why there is some sense in the agitation for a separate nation as this one appears faulty from foundation, and does not seem to be working well for all of us!

*Mr Udegbe, a lawyer, wrote from Lagos.

20 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015

Robbers on the prowl as street hawkers •Lagos govt vows to confront menace By Mike Ebonugwo

OTORISTS and commuters plying routes and roads that are prone to traffic gridlocks in Lagos often have bitter stories to tell. But worse still for them remain their nightmarish experiences in the hands of men of the under world. Apart from the discomfort and pain of being trapped in a gridlock, sometimes for hours, the innocent road users are in some cases subjected to more trauma by being dispossessed of their valuables by criminal elements now known as traffic robbers. Vulnerable spots for this type of robbery include the Mile 2/ Berger axis of the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, the Ketu/Mile 12 axis of Ikorodu Road, the Volks/ Iyana Iba end of the LagosBadagary Expressway, etc. For instance, many staff of Vanguard Media Limited had at one time or the other fallen victims to traffic robbers operating between Mile Two and Berger. The outcry by motorists over this development prompted the police authorities to deploy patrol teams to the area. This intervention led to the arrest of one Timothy Ojomandu, 22, by some operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, of the Lagos Police Command.

Three-man syndicate The suspect was alleged to be a member of three-man syndicate which robbed some motorists while they were trapped in a traffic jam at Mile 2. The RRS team raced to the scene after receiving a distress call from a motorist. The team arrived just as the suspect and his gang members had successfully stolen a carton of cell battery from a truck fully loaded with cartons of the product. Following intensification of police patrols of similarly vulnerable spots across the state, there have been increasing arrests of these criminal elements who sometimes operate under the guise of street or traffic hawkers For instance, operatives of the RRS recently arrested three exconvicts for traffic robbery in the Oshodi area of the state. The robbery suspects identified as Adekunle Mustapha, 21; Popoola Olumide, 20 and Femi Amusa, 20, were apprehended after their victim, Olasunkanmi Oyelakin, alerted the Police that his blackberry phone was stolen by the suspects during early C M Y K

*A Lagos traffic jam: Now a hunting ground for robbers. INSET: Suspected traffic robbers arrested by the police morning traffic around Bolade, even come with travellers bags, phones. Oshodi. But the good news is that the but I don’t know the content. We Similarly, the RRS had early will just be looking at them from nefarious activities of these criminal elements have come to November arrested some a far place,” he said. suspected members of a robbery Speaking on the incident, the the attention of the relevant syndicate that had for a long time RRS Commander, Assistant authorities of the Lagos State been terrorising commuters and Commissioner of Police, ACP, government. In fact, State motorists around Bourdillion in Olatunji Disu, said: “Following Governor, Akinwumi Ambode, Ikoyi. the complaints from members of recently traced most of the traffic The suspects whose names public of incessant traffic robbery crimes in Lagos, especially were given as Joseph Edem, 24, attacks around the axis, our men robberies, to Okada riders and Jamilu Musa, 29 and Gambo laid an ambush on them which street hawkers. Addressing House Yunusa ,30, were arrested led to the arrest of the suspects, Government November 7, 2015 while in the while others managed to escape. Correspondents shortly after an process of planning for the day’s When the Policemen combed the emergency Security Council operations. But pleading his area, different weapons were Meeting which he chaired recently, the Governor said his innocence, one of those arrested, recovered from their hideouts”. Jamilu Musa, who hails from While robbery in traffic seem to administration would not allow Jigawa State, however, admitted have become a common trend in a few notorious elements to cause he knows Joseph Edema as a Lagos, it has also emerged that a breakdown in law and order member of the robbery the traffic robbers sometimes pose and upset the peace that the state has enjoyed over the years. syndicate operating in the area. as street hawkers. Ambode also urged residents “This boy(pointing to Joseph Before now, Lagosians only Edema) and his gang usually had robbers operating in to cooperate with the meet here. Some of them will motorcycles, aka Okada, to government at all times, just as contend with, which was a he warned them against the serious nightmare as the Okada dangers of patronising street robbers also made traffic jams hawkers. “The next hawker could be a their common or familiar hunting robber or terrorist. You are now grounds. well-advised. If we all cooperate and decide not to buy, gradually Hunting and collectively, the hawkers will grounds not come to the highways and The next hawker This is so because it is easy for streets anymore. Our roads will them to zero in on their victims, definitely become safer.” could be a robber Ambode, who said the grab or snatch their prized government is also working hard or terrorist; if we possessions and zoom away to restrict street hawking, urged before an alarm could be raised. all cooperate and But traffic robberies seem to have the people to stop patronising decide not to buy, been reinforced by the robbers them, so as to discourage street changing tactics as they now pose traders from the highways. our roads will “As we are now in the ‘Ember’ as street hawkers to dispossess definitely become travellers of their prized months, I just want to appeal to possessions, including cash and Lagosians to be more vigilant, safer and cooperate with us in all the

measures we will be carrying out,” Governor Ambode said. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment, Mr. Oluwatoyin Onisarotu, also warned that traders who fail to abide by State Environmental Sanitation Law would henceforth be seriously dealt with accordingly. In his words: “It is disheartening to see how our major roads and highways like Apapa -Oshodi Expressway, Ikorodu road, Agege Motor Road,Victoria Island, IkoyiObalende, Ojuelegba – Stadium, Surulere, Oyingbo, Carter Bridge, Idumota, Oshodi, Ketu, Mile 12, Third Mainland Bridge, Cele, Iyana-Ipaja, Agbado OkeOdo, Airport Road Ikeja, amongst others, have been converted to illegal markets”. He further warned traders to desist from all illegal acts that may derail the effort of the government in achieving a cleaner environment in the state, adding that the State Environmental Sanitation Law forbade anybody from converting the road median, setbacks and walkways for any trading activities. Onisarotu also informed that Governor Ambode has mandated law enforcement officers and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with the provision of the State Sanitation Laws forthwith.

Traffic congestion On his own part, Chairman of the State Task Force on Environmental and Other Special Offences (Enforcement Unit), Mr. Olubukola Abe informed of a new drive to reduce traffic congestion on the highways often caused by the activities of hawkers. Abe said that Section 1 of the Street Trading and Illegal Market Prohibition Law, 2003, restricted street trading and hawking in the metropolis. According to him: “Section 7 and 8 of the same law gives jurisdiction and power to the special court to order the seizure and public auction of items impounded for street trading. Section 10 of the law prescribes the sum of N5000 as fine or three months imprisonment upon conviction.Our men are prepared to step up enforcement of the relevant sections of the law”, adding: “Aside from the far reaching implication of street trading in terms of accidents which in most cases are fatal, street trading also affects the free flow of traffic in the metropolis. “It also contradicts the environmental sanitation laws by littering our streets with waste generated from the act.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015

— 21

Why Customs ‘ll on physically examine cargo - Edike By Godfrey Bivbere

HE Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has said that it will continue physical examination of cargo for now because scanners which should aid eexamination are broken down. Acting Comptroller General of Customs, ACG, in charge of Zone “A”, Charles Edike, who disclosed this in Lagos, said that the Service has no choice but to rely on physical examination as the scanners left by the Service Providers engaged by the Federal Government to provide and maintain them were “rotten.” The customs boss explained that the Service could not be maintained because Customs do not have standing agreement with the manufacturers of the equipment. According to him, “You know that when Service Providers were leaving they gave us rotten scanners, the scanners were bad. Customs does not have agreement with the manufacturers, Service Providers had it and therefore Customs was unable to meet them to come and do the servicing. There is grade one, two and three. We were able to do one or two but three had to be done by the manufacturers. I must tell you that efforts are being made to get the scanners working again.” On the acquisition of new scanners he said “the CGC is already discussing with some people and soon all of these will be sorted out.” He further noted that Zone “Ä” under him would focus on trade facilitation but would not sacrifice revenue collection and the war on smuggling for it. He, therefore, charged officers and men of the Service to hold on to the rules of the Service in accordance to the new position of the leadership because anyone caught would be made to face the law. He asked officers to continue to encourage legitimate trade by ensuring

$120.60

-1.85

$3,301.00

-28.00

$14.97

45.50

42.77 CURRENCY BUYING DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL SDR KRONA

-0.03

-0.67

-0.27

CENTRAL

196 196.5 197 295.3328 296.0862 296.8396 207.6228 208.1525 208.6821 191.8371 192.3265 192.8159 1.5974 1.6015 1. 6055 0.2991 0.3091 0.3191 269.1523 269.8389 270.5255 30.6687 30.7474 30.826 52.1846 52.3177 52.4508 269.206 269.892270.5795 27.8215 27.8925 27.9635

CBN Exchange Rate as at 26/11 /15

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LAUNCH: From left, Ashok Kadadi, GM, Satnam Investment Nig Ltd; Anil Chandirani, President; Pradeep Kumar, AGM, Head of Business, Toshiba Gulf and Ahmed Ikram, Senior Manager, Marketing, Toshiba, Singapore at the Toshiba E-Studio product launch, in Lagos. that cargo clearance documents are not unduly delayed except in cases where there are discrepancies in documentation. He also charged clearing agents and other stakeholders to give Customs compliance to enable it serve them better. He explained that every stakeholder who is compliant in his or her

transaction have nothing to fear while further directing such stakeholder to report any officer that try to hinder trade facilitation and leave the rest to the Service. He added that the Zone under his watch will not be dormant as the Comptroller General has empowered the zonal offices to oversee the opera-

tions and performance of commands under each zone. “The CGC has just said that everything the Zone was doing before should resume. He even said if revenue falls in any command, the Zonal coordinator will be held responsible,” he noted.

Lagos IRS shuts 5 firms over non-remittance of N55.45m tax

HE Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has sealed five companies over alleged nonremittance of N55.45 million personal income tax of workers. Mrs Ajibike Oshodi-Sholola, The Head of the Distrain Unit of the LIRS, Mrs Ajibike Oshodi-Sholola, made the disclosure in Lagos yesterday. Oshodi-Sholola, who led the enforcement team, said that the tax liabilities of the companies were for between 12 months and eight years. She said that only two companies’ liabilities were precise for the 2006 to 2011 accounting audit year. Oshodi-Sholola said that the enforcement team targeted to distrain 10 companies but was only able to locate and sealed five companies.

Unknown destination “Out of 10 firms targeted by the team, only five were actually found and shut down, three others had relocated to an unknown destination, while two were not found at all. “The tax liability of both the relocated companies and those that were not seen amounted to N23.05 million,” she said. The official said that the addresses given by some of

the companies in most cases were unrealistic and did not exist anywhere in the state. According to her, fake addresses posed great challenge to the enforcement team because they spent hours trying to locate companies that might eventually not be seen. Oshodi-Sholola urged firms operating in the state to regularly remit their taxes to the service to avoid sealing off their premises.

Each of the letters that we sent to the companies is received and acknowledged by either any of the companies’ staff or the management of the firms

“Tax-payment is a civic responsibility of everyone because it is a major source of government revenue, and also the only means through which government can fulfill its electoral promises,” she said. Oshodi-Sholola said that LIRS usually sent two letters of notices to the defaulting companies before they embarked on clamp-downs. According to her, LIRS has sent tax liabilities demand notice and notice of intent to the affected companies as required by the Personal Income Tax Act Amendment of 2011. “Each of the letters that we sent to the companies is received and acknowledged by either any of the companies’ staff or the management of the firms. “Normally, firms are not even supposed to wait for anybody to remind them of their statutory obligation of paying tax to the government of the land where they operate,” she said. The team leader said that the enforcement would continue until tax-payers imbibed the culture of voluntary tax compliance, adding that tax evasion was a criminal offence. According to her, the companies affected by the tax law enforcement include hotels, an oil and gas firm, a hospital and real estate firm.

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015

FMDQ, Access Bank, others support capacity building for journalists

MEETING:From left, Oscar Onyema, Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Senator Isiaka Adeleke, Chairman, Senate Committee on Capital Market; Mounir Gwarzo, Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Hon. Zakawanu Garuba, Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services, SEC, at the third quarter Capital Market Committee (CMC) meeting, in Lagos.

Move beyond checking codes’ requirements to practising, corporates told By Prince Okafor

ORPORATE organisations, especially public quoted entities in Nigeria, have been urged to go beyond the usual practice of only checking the requirements of various codes to practicing what the codes said. Mr. Haruna Waziri, an Executive Director of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) made the call at an Executive breakfast meeting by Corporate Governance Society of Nigeria (CGS) tagged: ‘Corporate Governance and the Nigeria Capital Markets Development’ in Lagos. He said that something significant would be achieved around corporate governance practice in Nigeria if the attitude is adopted, while assuring that the NSE has started taking steps to ensure that there is governance in quoted public institutions. “Corporate governance is not about just talking, it is mainly doing it. We have to start doing things rightly. If we do things well, we will see some impacts. When you see how businesses are done in Nigeria, it is totally different. There is a lot of work to be done. I think this group is poised to help drive that process, across stakeholders from an advocacy perspective. “The place of corporate governance in the corporate sector is not built around acceptance, but practice. Here, we try to find out if people are doing the right thing, if they are adopting the right policies and practicing them,” Waziri said. He also added: “I think the context of governance, whether corporate or otherwise is something that is coming on gradually. Firstly, some people don’t even know what their responsibilities and rights are. If they do, it is easier for them to practice it.

Also, the stakeholders do not understand what they should do and how they should react to it. “Also, there is no enough information flowing through the entire three to ensure that the

three connect. We are just starting, and hope that certain changes that will take place as we go along the journey will facilitate us to be higher than what it is today.

HE efforts of Capital Market Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CAMCAN) to improve on the capacity of its members has received a boost from some market stakeholder companies, which are supporting the association’s 2015 annual workshop. They include: FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange, Access Bank Plc, Oando Plc, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), United Bank for Africa Plc, Forte Oil Plc, Sterling Bank Plc, Skye Bank Plc, United Capital Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc and NASD Plc among others. The annual workshop serves as an avenue for journalists covering the nation’s capital market to sharpen their professional skills and the 2015 national workshop is slated to hold on Saturday November 28 and Sunday November 29 in Lagos. The theme of this year’s workshop is: “Effective Reporting of Changes in the Nigerian Capital Market.” According to CAMCAN, the nation’s capital market has witnessed new developments in the past two years since two overthe counter(OTC) platformsFMDQ OTC Securities Exchange and NASD Plc commenced operations.

“These two platforms have brought some dynamism into the market and it is instructive for members of CAMCAN to understand their operations better in order to educate the wider reading public. By so doing, the market will be better developed and made more attractive to investors,” the association said. CAMCAN disclosed that the Managing Director of FMDQ OTC, Mr. Bola Onadele.Koko and MD of NASD Plc, Mr. Bola Ajomale would be the guest speakers, who would talk about their respective organisations, the many benefits they have brought to the market and investors among others. To assist in giving perspectives to their presentations would be distinguished market operators and stakeholders. They include: Chairman, Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria, Mr. Victor Ogiemwonyi, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Nominees, Mr. Akeem Oyewale, MD and Proshare Nigeria, Mr. Femi Awoyemi. CAMCAN members will also be exposed to the experiences of some journalists, who have evolved into entrepreneurs, publishing their online news media.

Entrepreneurship not possible without WAMCO@60: Reaching everyone through low unit product and prices right policies —Ajumogobia By Nkiruka Nnorom

HE former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Odein Ajumogobia, has said that industrializing the nation through entrepreneurship will remain a mirage without the right policies in place. He spoke at the Africa Shapers Initiative’s summit to commemorate this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Week with the theme, ‘Africa- The Next Frontier: Fostering Innovations for Growth and Development’ in Lagos. Ajumogobia noted that the Federal Government’s drive to attract more foreign direct investments (FDIs) into the country will also not succeed with the current state of economy and volatile business environment. According to him, there is need for advocacy to sway government policies to favour the entrepreneurs. He, however, said that despite all the militating factors that impede entrepreneurial spirit, “Africa still posses that innate capacity, and that entrepreneurial spirit. Nigerians for instance, can create something from nothing. Most people are not paid a living wage, yet they survive. So, how do they survive? Everybody is doing a deal or one business and that is the reality. “What we should be doing is advocating the government, which is the all powerful agency

By Providence Obuh to create the environment to allow entrepreneurs to thrive because it is the entrepreneurs that will create the wealth. That is when Africa will truly rise. He decried the decision by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that barred banks from accepting foreign currency cash deposits into domiciliary accounts, saying that the decision is detrimental to entrepreneurship. He, therefore, called on the government to approach some of its policies with caution in order not create more problems in trying to solve one. Also speaking at the event, Ms Chantelle Abdul, CEO, MOJEC International, said: “People are not deficient of ideas in Nigeria; we are not deficient of solutions; what we need is an enabling environment. And to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship to fly, we need a couple of things. First of all, we need financing and funding. The cost of capital and cost of money to do business in Nigeria is too high. “It is therefore important that the CBN and some of the financial institutions that inject money into the economy should be able to get money at discounted rate, so that they can lend at lower rates to Nigerian businesses. So, ease of access to capital and cheaper borrowing rates are absolutely important.”

N an effort to reach every Nigerian home, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, has launched ‘Peak Wazobia and a range of other low unit portion packs (LUPP) of Peak and Three Crowns evaporated and powdered milk. The initiative is part of strategy to mark 60th anniversary celebration of Peak milk in Nigeria and to increase consumers’ options of quality dairy products. Speaking at the product launch in Lagos, the Managing Director, Mr. Rahul Colaco, said the company has in the last few years invested about N4 billion annually in not just expanding capacity, but also enhancing quality, just as it also invested in building capacity to make available the new range of milk packs. He added that the products are now available across the country, saying, “It is to make a range of different variety available to the business people because not everybody can afford N150 for a tin of milk. Without compromising quality, it is a high quality nutritional milk in terms of quality that we offer.” He explained that the peak wazobia was introduced to make rich creamy evaporated milk accessible to all Nigeri-

ans whether in towns or villages, work, offices or schools in the North, South East and West. He added that the launch presents a basket of low unit single serve packs at prices that fit everyone’s pocket. In his presentation titled: ‘The Role of Dairy in Promoting Nutrition: A Public Health Perspective,’ Community Health Nutrition and Nutrition Consultant, Prof. Ebenezer Ojefitimi, highlighted the significant benefits of quality nutrition in preventing issues of malnutrition across all life stages and economic groups. According to Ojeifitimi, malnutrition is the leading cause of death among children under five years, adding that Nigeria failed to achieve two important goals of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) due to low emphasis being laid on the uniqueness of dairy and its products during antenatal and infant welfare. He said that the importance of dairy product consumption could not be over emphasized, as dairy plays a key role in treating under nutrition; provides high quality protein and micronutrients in an easily absorbed form; facilitates adequate growth in height; guarantees a healthy adequate diet and promotes stronger bones and skeletal posture, to mention a few.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015—23

NPA to link Tin-can to Apapa port by rail

Oil price fall, our opportunity — Jadesimi By Godwin Oritse

HE Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, has commenced the process of linking the Tin-can Island Port to Apapa port by rail to ease the volume of cargo leaving the port by road. Managing Director of the Port Authority, Habib Abdullahi, who disclosed this in Lagos at a parley with journalists, said that the Authority has contracted a consultant to look at the possibility and the cost implication of the project. The NPA boss also noted they expect the project to be very expensive but that they intend it to be subjected to due process. Abdullahi, who was represented at the parley by the General Manager in Charge of Public Affairs, Emmanuel Ebubeugo, also said that the rail line within Apapa port and Port Harcourt has been completed, rehabilitated and linked to main rail lines.

Customs to acquire new scanners for trade facilitation

HE Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, is set to acquire new scanner to ease cargo clearance and aid trade facilitation at the nation’s seaport. The new scanners will replace the broken down ones inherited from the Service Providers, the Acting Comptroller General of Customs, ACG, in charge of Zone “A” , Charles Edike, said in Lagos when he visited the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria, MARAN. The customs boss explained that the scanners left behind by the Service Providers at the end of the contract with the Federal Government could not be maintained properly because the service does not have standing agreement with the manufacturers of the equipment. He noted that though discussions are ongoing with the manufacturers of the scanners in the short term, the Customs helmsman, Hameed Ali, is also working to acquire new scanners to facilitate trade.

VISIT: From left, Mr. Hassan Bello, Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Mr. Omoh Gabriel, Business Editor, Vanguard newspapers; Mr. Gordian Ihuoma, Director Corporate Planning and Research, NSC; Alhaji Sumaila Balarabe, Acting Director, Finance and Admin, NSC and Mr. Akintunde Makinde, Acting Director, Inland Transport Services, when Vanguard Newspapers management paid a courtesy visit to Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigerian Shippers Council in Apapa, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

APMT to sack workers, to re-absorb them as casuals By Godfrey Bivbere

PM Terminals, managers of the former container terminal is set to lay off all its dockworkers and truckers and re-absorb them as casual staff through a consultant, a source close to the company has said. The source told Vanguard that the management as a means of enticing the workers intends to pay the workers more than their actual entitlement before the planned lay-off. The spokesman of APM Terminals, Austin Fischer, confirmed that the company is downsizing because of the economic down turn. Fischer also said that it is true that they indeed want to get a consultant to re-absorb some of those to be laid off. He noted that about 45 percent of those to be laid off are near retirement age and therefore should appreciate the bulk pay off that they will get. He noted that they have tried to manage the situation since the beginning of the year so that no one would be affected but that the company had to resort to down-sizing as the only way out. According to him, “It is not possible to lay-off everybody, the company is not closing, the terminal is still operational. I do not have the exact figures so that we do not cause a stir in the industry.”

On the number of workers to be affected by the exercise, “I do not have the exact figures but I can tell you that about 40 to 45 percent of them are close to retirement already so it is like a winwin situation and another 40 to 45 percent are going to be re-absolved which is also a win-win situation because they will get paid and then they will also be in employment.” He also denied allegations that the exercise will affect only Nigeria staff of the company, explaining that

it cuts across all strata of staff. The source further noted that the company excuse, is the ebb in importation of cargoes that has resulted to low volume traffic but countered that it is not true as the firm still handles between two and four ships weekly, compared to other terminals that will be happy should they get one ship a week. The source explained that the management told them that they would soon be inviting journalists to the facility

for the pay off of the planned sacking of the workers. President of the dockworkers branch of MWUN, Adewale Adeyunju, told Vanguard also that it is not true that the company intends to sack its entire staff but that only about 140 employees would be affected by the first phase of the exercise. Adeyunju noted that the decision to lay-off the above number was reached after negotiation with the management and that those to be affected are those who are close to retirement age.

‘Cust oms still suf om 2004 jumbo ‘Customs sufff ering fr from promotion’ By Godfrey Bivbere

HE President of the International Freight Forwarders Association, IFFA, Sam C. Onyemelukwe, has said that the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, is yet to recover from the jumbo promotion it embarked upon in 2004. Onyemelukwe who made this known in an exclusive interview with Vanguard in Lagos, said that the exercise saw some officers moved two steps over their former positions. He noted that the exercise resulted in the breakdown of the command and control structure of the paramilitary service. He said an officer was promoted from the rank of an Assistant Controllers, AC, to

Assistant Comptroller General, ACG, skipping two ranks. While commending the Federal Government for the appointment of Col. Ali as the Comptroller General of the Service, he however cushioned the new Customs boss not to embark on indiscriminate sacking of personnel of the Service. On the issue of corruption, said the IFFA

Agents and importers cannot get cargoes out of the port without the connivance of Customs officers

helmsman explained that importers and their agents cannot defraud government without the connivance of Customs officers and therefore charged the CG to also ensure that officers implicated are brought to book. Agents and importers cannot get cargoes out of the port without the connivance of Customs officers; is it abrakadabra that they will use? It is somebody that releases the job, so what do you have to say about that person. Somebody is sabotaging the process, if there is no insider there is no way it will succeed because it is the same crime committed by the agent and importer that the Customs officer that released it committed.

ANAGING Director of the Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics (LADOL), Dr. Amy Jadesimi has urged logistics service providers in the nation’s energy sector to take advantage of the otherwise worrisome free fall of oil prices in the international arena to improve on their potential in providing the logistic needs of oil majors operating in the country. Speaking to newsmen in Lagos, Jadesimi, maintained that rather than grieve over the bad news that oil price fall portends for the industry, harnessing the attendant opportunities offered by the development would be in the best interest of the economy. Jadesimi, a former investment banker, is hoping that renewed pressure on oil majors to cut costs will spur them to take advantage of a logistics base she has developed to serve a projected boom in deepwater oil production. According to her, “For the past 10 years, oil companies have agreed with us that they need a base in Lagos for deep offshore production and drilling support. “They agree it’s more efficient, but they haven’t made the move because economically there wasn’t enough of incentive.” She noted that Nigeria’s hopes of significantly boosting its oil exports which is currently about 2.1m barrels a day, rest on expanding a fleet of giant floating production platforms similar to the Bonga vessel operated by Royal Dutch Shell. According to her, the advent of local content law in Nigeria has reversed the long lost hope of indigenous participation in the country’s energy sector, saying all that is needed now to up the ante is for government not to yield to the quest of certain interest groups who were out to impose monopoly in the industry.

24—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015

Dubai promises Nigerians best tourism experience •Offers 200 Nigerians free paid trips SHE has been given a task to strengthen the tourism and cultural relationship between Nigeria and Dubai, United Arab Emirates since joining Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) mid last year, today, the hardworking Nigerian, Ms. Stella Obinwa, has thrown all her energy into the job. As the Regional Director – Africa, she is currently in Nigeria to create awareness about the 2016 Dubai shopping festival to the world, particularly to those who love shopping, entertainment and family fun. In this interview with JIMOH BABATUNDE, Ms. Obinwa says Dubai is ready and willing to receive the high influx of Nigerians and foreigners set to grace the festival and also to experience the best tourism and hospitality treatment. Here is an excerpt:

N what Dubai tourism is offering Nigerians Nigerians love visiting and shopping in Dubai. Nigeria has a huge population of about 170 million people; however, the traffic from Nigeria to Dubai is less than 300,000 people and it is typically the same set of people. What Dubai tourism is trying to do is to expand that market to enable more Nigerians to experience Dubai. We want to extend that experience to others. In August, Dubai Tourism started with the consumer market for entertainment in Port Harcourt where we identified random winners to go to Dubai for a music concert that was being hosted by African artists through a raffle draw. In January next year, we are taking consumers who are interested in shopping, about 200 of them to Dubai for the shopping festival. Also, in subsequent months we will take our consumers who are interested in education, consumers from the media, and consumers from different business segments to Dubai to experience the potentials of the emirate. Dubai has something for every-

body regardless of your career paths, your gender and your status in life. We feel if we showcase the city to you, you will come to Dubai. On the Dubai shopping festival First launched in 1996, Dubai Shopping Festival has grown to become one of the largest shopping, fashion and entertainment extravaganzas in the world, with exciting activities such as musical concerts, sports shows and fashion displays. What we have discovered is that Africans come to Dubai, but not many are aware that in certain month of the year, there is the Dubai shopping festival; where all the retailers are mandated by the government to run discount programmes as much as 70% on regularly priced items. So, we want Africans to experience the shopping festivals and then become regulars. As a demonstration of our commitment, Dubai tourism will pay for 200 Nigerians to come for the 2016 Dubai shopping festival. Tagged the “Dubai Shopping Festival Give away” promotion, Dubai Tourism plans to reward Nigerians who are keen travellers

Ms. Stella Obinwa with thrilling shopping experiences in Dubai. Over the past decade, Dubai has developed into a

Dubai has something for everybody regardless of your career paths, your gender and your status in life. We feel if we showcase the city to you, you will come to Dubai

leading shopping destination offering visitors a wealth of unique experiences and opportunities. The package includes flights, tickets to some of Dubai Shopping Festival’s events, hotel accommodation and visa application – all paid for by Dubai Tourism. The festival is not all about just shopping, but includes musical experience; gastronomy experience and much more. Even if you don’t want to shop there is so much more to do as we have planned programmes for a holistic experience of Dubai. On the market segment Dubai tourism Board is segmented by market, because what appeals to the European market might not appeal to the African

Kenya woos Nigerian tourists

ENYA Tourism Board (KTB) has continued to showcase the country’s tourism attractions to Nigerians as the board in collaboration with Kenya Airways and KQ Holidays met with trade partners in Lagos recently. Speaking at the forum, the Marketing Officer - Africa, Kenya Tourism Board, Betty Ingwe disclosed that the KTB is set to market Kenya as one of the foremost tourist destinations for the Nigerian market. Betty Ingwe explained that the meeting with Nigerian stakeholders which started in Abuja is an opportunity to sell Kenya to Nigerians . “Kenya is a great destination C M Y K

year round. Kenya is where you can experience a different safari every day. The country offers an endless array of activities for travellers”, Ingwe said. She noted that in the last five months that Kenya Tourism Board has held trainings for Nigerian tour operators and other trade partners who will be working with an arm of the board, Kenya Holidays in Lagos to sell Kenya as a preferred destination, “outside Kenya, Nigeria is the only country with an office of the Kenya Holidays, which shows the importance of Nigeria’s market to us.” Betty Ingwe added that Kenya as the heart of African tourism market has cutting edge tourist attractions such as; the ulti-

mate safari experience, wide beast migration between July and October every year, white pinstripe beaches, rich wildlife experiences and a very developed destination for golfers with 40 world class golf courses.

Developed destinations While adding that Kenya offers 99% Halal food for Muslims, she said KTB offers tourists the Magical Kenya App which is specifically designed to make the visitor’s experience more flawless, “the mobile application strengthens the tourist arrivals to the country by providing tourists a platform in which they can get

all the relevant information about Kenya at their fingertip.” Ingwe added “ Kenya has six UNESCO Heritage sites, international shopping malls, elephant sanctuary and availability of affordable quality education in institutions of higher learning. Speaking at the parley, Kenya Visa Consular in Lagos, Karlus Maluta advised that tourists should not allow terrorists to define their way of life as the country is safe for tourists as the government has taken all necessary and preventive steps against terrorist attacks. He added that the government has made it easy to secure the country visa for tourists as they have introduced an online visa service platform .

market. So we are charged to define what appeals to our market and then work with the local operators to create those contents. So, for Africans coming to Dubai, they can experience fine African cuisines in African restaurants now opened in Dubai after shopping. More so, we have designed other activities that specifically address the needs of Africans that we will highlight in the media so that they can experience Dubai from different perspective. Eventually, there will be Dubai tourism Africa page online for intending travellers to Dubai to source for information on the array of opportunities they can explore while in Dubai. On the cuisine Every cuisine is represented in Dubai. The African cuisine was a little bit weak, but I can tell you that in the last three months it has become so strong, especially with the opening of a new African restaurant. Now, any time Nigerians come into Dubai, they can experience it. For instance, where ever I travel to, by the second day, I must look for a place to eat Nigerian meals.

Collaboration with travels and tour operators Dubai tourism does not own any product; we don’t own an airline, hotel or ground transportation. We work with the local tour operators in both countries to enable them travel. Here in Africa statistics shows that 95% of travel, is booked through the travel agents; that means if you want to enable Africans to travel to Dubai, you must have a relationship with the travel agents. Part of our agenda is to establish such relationships as we are going to be working closely with National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) and it is not exclusive. We are going to work with any travel agency that needs help in improving their businesses; tour operators who will help in increasing traffic to Dubai are welcome on our platform. We are bringing travel agents from Dubai to come and meet their counter parts here so that they can develop that relationship on their own. Rating of tourism in Africa and Nigeria Frankly, we are all in different developmental stages; it is a journey that is heading somewhere. It does not matter who gets there first, but we are going to get there. Is Africa a little bit behind? Yes. But that has to be understood because we have been focusing on other things. As we take care of the infrastructure, our tourism will grow because Africa’s countries have so much heritage and history to offer the rest of the world.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015—25

From left: Chief of Staff to President, Abba Kyari; Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu; Vice President Yemi Osibanjo; President Muhammadu Buhari; and Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki during President Buhari’s dinner meeting with Senators at the Aso Villa, Wednesday night.

Buhari, Saraki, Ekweremadu: A new life THE thought of President Muhammadu Buhari and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu sitting to eat in the same room with Senators Bukola Saraki and Ike Ekweremadu would have been considered foolhardy not too long ago. But in politics nothing is permanent as the men demonstrated on Wednesday night By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

S Senator Bukola Saraki finished introducing the about 90 senators that came with him for the historic dinner with President Muhammadu Buhari last Wednesday, the president and all those present could not but clap in awe of the Senate President’s cognitive capacity. Senator Saraki had introduced each senator by name and constituency and when he finished all the senators and the guests, including Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu looked up in admiration of the prowess of the Senate President. Indeed, the president stood up to shake Saraki on his feat. It was long in coming, but on Wednesday night President Buhari and his associates in the All Progressives Congress, APC finally made peace with the Senate and the leadership that emerged against their will. As if hunted by the spectre of instability, the peace meeting almost did not hold.

On Wednesday morning, Senator Saraki was away from Senate proceedings for the second time, leaving Senator Ike Ekweremadu, the deputy president of the Senate, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to preside for the second time since his emergence as the deputy presiding officer on June 9.

Private dinner Ekweremadu had called for an executive session as it is called to deliberate on a letter supposedly from President Buhari requesting the attendance of the senators to a private dinner with him. However, the letter was not signed by the president but by Alhaji Abba Kyari, the chief of staff to the president. Some senators had observed that it was a breach of protocol. Nigerian senators addressed as Distinguished Senators, are wont to protect the protocol that executive communication to the

Senate can only come from the president and not from his subordinates. But the senators also desperately looking for accommodation with the president overlooked that slip and resolved to attend the dinner. They also overlooked

It was long in coming, but on Wednesday night President Buhari and his associates in the All Progressives Congress, APC finally made peace with the Senate and the leadership that emerged against their will

the fact that the letter reached them only on the morning of the dinner. Saraki meanwhile was away representing Buhari that morning at the burial of Mama Hannah Awolowo in Ikenne. It was not the first time that Saraki in recent times had represented the president on state functions. The assignment to Ikenne was also reflective of the thawing of the icy relationship between the Senate leadership on one side and the presidency and the APC leadership on the other side. Remarkably, as the dinner commenced on Wednesday, Saraki drew attention to his earlier assignment for the president at Ikenne. “Thank you for the opportunity to represent you earlier today I want to apologise for leaving early,” Saraki said in reference to the fact that he departed Ikenne not long after the president arrived. Throwing in a teaser, Saraki said that after Buhari arrived the Awolowos that there

couldn’t have been two chairmen and so he had to leave, forcing President Buhari and all those seated at the dinner to laugh! The president had in his opening remarks on Wednesday appreciated the senators for the expedited action they took in screening and confirming his ministerial nominees and he subsequently urged the senators to handle similar issues of national importance with equal despatch. “We are enjoying tremendous goodwill outside this country. Whatever we do, let us have it in mind that people have confidence in this government,” the President said.

Collective interest Following him, Senator Saraki responding on behalf of all senators thanked the president for the gesture and promised to treat all proposals from the president with dispatch in consideration of the collective interest of the polity. “Petrol does not know APC or PDP. We will always work hard in the interest of the country in everything we do,” Saraki said. The thought of such conviviality between onetime avowed political opponents may have been dismissed just few weeks ago. Saraki had against the desire of the power brokers in the APC achieved his aim of Continues on page 26

26—VANGUARD, FRIDAY,

NOVEMBER 27, 2015

•Ayade: We are rich in ideas

Governor Ayade wonders:

How can one say Cross River State is poor? GOVERNOR Benedict Ayade of Cross River State, a former senator, a professor of environmental studies was in Lagos for an interactive session with relevant stakeholders involved in the forthcoming Calabar Festival. On the sidelines of the meeting the governor had an interactive session with newsmen during which he opened up on his style and strategic approach to governance. Excerpts:

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

N how he is approaching the tough economic challenges Well the economy is slowing down and so government is supposed to downsize, reduce the number of ministries, cut down allowances and salaries, but that is really not the right way to go. Economics teaches us that it is as such times that

governments that are socially sensitive are supposed to expand. At this period of cash crunch is when I have increased the number of ministries from 18 to 28. So, I am now increasing the number of commissioners, this is because as more young people get unemployed, as the cash crunch bites harder, what happens is that when people have no alternative to survival, then the survivalist instinct

which pushes them to criminality begins to manifest and then you have social tension and so, you spend more on security which distracts from spending on productive assets and so you are just going round the clock. In America today, when things get really tough like that, government puts more money on people’s pay checks, increases their pay checks for them to increase consumption.

At this time of cash crunch is when people are supposed to consume more. So for our own government we will expand within the limits of what is financially possible to expand government to increase consumption and that is why Cross River State is going to have a very high number of appointees at the political level. They don’t add up to the risk and cost of leaving them unemployed. If you know what it takes for you to be a commissioner and then after four years you leave office for nothing. So, we must understand that at the point of financial crunch government needs to expand until the economy begins to boil as it used to boil, then government shrinks and private sector takes over and that is the concept that we have applied in Cross River State. Today, we are known to be a state which is first in the payment of salaries. We have never paid since I assumed office below the 25th of any month. Yes in the face of cash crunch we are going to manage what we have more diligently. Cut luxuries that are available to the governor, focus emphatically on what is required to keep government running and expand the horizon of opportunities for young people.

Honesty in Office Honesty in office for me is the greatest test of morality and in moral conscience you will always use Immanuel Kant, who is a German philosopher and professor of theology on the argument of morality, integrity and character on public acceptability and values. I believe that the greatest asset I brought before the people of Cross River State is my history, honesty, character and pedigree. It is known, it is visible and you can feel it. Is Cross River State not too poor for the ambitious projects?

Buhari, Saraki and Ekweremadu: A new life Continues from page 25 becoming Senate President but doing so in collaboration with the PDP, a party that the APC power brokers had so much despised. Even worse, as a bargain, Senator Ekweremadu, of the PDP had become the Deputy President of the Senate. Furthermore, Saraki had gone ahead to announce the other APC principal officers of the Senate as they emerged from the different caucuses, and that too, against the desire of the APC power brokers. It was as such not surprising that

President Buhari had overlooked the past tradition of immediately receiving National Assembly leaders after the inauguration of the National Assembly. That it took the president six months to do the necessary is reflective of the hurt he may have felt. But that he has moved on to put the interest of the nation above his own political desire is reflective of his own genuine intentions for the country. It was even important that Senator Tinubu, the APC leader was at the dinner, the first time he would have shared

food with Saraki in a long, long while. For the PDP senators and APC senators associated with Senator Saraki, the dinner could open a new vista in their legislative affairs. With the door firmly locked against the demons that had in the past troubled the relationship between the two arms of government, the PDP senators now only have the spectre of the assassination attempt against their man, Ekweremadu as an issue. When that is finally dealt with, it could indeed be a whole new world!

How can Cross River State be poor when you have the most civilised souls, a people that are very dependable, people who are not aggressive and materially crazy

The state knows what I inherited. In spite of the challenges of the state, the state is rich and great. If I don’t have ideas, then I can say that Cross River is poor. How can Cross River State be poor with 152 kilometres of Atlantic Coast? How can Cross River State be poor with huge deposits of gold, bauxite, tantalite, tin, silica, kaolin and on and on? How can Cross River State be poor when you have the most civilised souls, a people that are very dependable, people who are not aggressive and materially crazy? How can you have such rich heritage, people of such distinctive character and honour and you say the state is poor? To me I believe that I inherited a very rich state. What challenges do you have as a governor? It is to make the press understand that it is dreams that bring reality, but the dreams have to die, rot and then germinate into reality. Everything looks impossible until you put your soul into the challenges. For me it is to make the press drum up more support for this project that looks otherwise impossible. Little did I know that what I conceived as a dream would have the endorsement of the president, a president who is focused, a president who is known for his words. So for him to have given his words that ‘I shall be here to commission the project’ is indicative of his commitment.

Political challenge This same project has become so popular that today we have at least $10 billion funding being put aside by a country to invest in the port. Today, we have letters coming from Chad and Niger requesting for land for boarded warehouse and industrial parks. The super highway was beset with a political challenge, the issue of whether it was going to pass through the National Park. The original design of the Super Highway had no provision at any time to crisscross the National Park, but unfortunately there are some who believe that the success of this project would automatically provide a second term for the sitting governor. So, if you have an ambition to be governor the thing to do is to frustrate the project. Because the design was clear over 3 kilometres away from the National Park and that is why the president was so angry when he suspended his first visit. We have a firm president who knows the right thing and insisted that the right thing should be done

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015 —27

28—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015

APC is best platform for change — Sylva Stories by Samuel Oyadongha

PC candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva says his party remains the best platform to bring the desired change in Bayelsa just as he has dismissed claims by his rivals that the PDP is an Ijaw party. Sylva in an interview in Yenagoa urged the Ijaw to embrace the APC, declaring that the state has a history of aligning with the ruling party at the centre. He described as cheap sentiment the claim that the PDP is “Ijaw party” saying the only true Ijaw party was the National Solidarity Movement (NSM) formed by the late Chief Melford Okilo. The former Bayelsa State governor said though the forthcoming election is not about him or his main rival, Governor Seriake Dickson of the PDP, “it is about Bayelsans and the Ijaw people.” Sylva said he was one of the founding members of the PDP in the state before he left for the APC and described the incumbent governor as a beneficiary of the PDP having crossed from the, Alliance for Democracy, AD. “I have said in other fora that none of the parties, either APC or PDP is an Ijaw party, they are national parties. I was one of those who brought PDP into Bayelsa; he (Dickson) was not even a member of the PDP. He was a member of AD at that time. He was never even a member of the PDP and that is, he doesn’t know that I know the PDP more than him and what the PDP stands for even though I am not a member of that party now. “The APC is also a national party. The true Ijaw party we had was called the NSM, the National Solidarity Movement,

BAYELSA DECIDES Crimes: Live what you preach, Sylva tells Dickson

•Sylva: PDP is not the Ijaw party formed by the late sage, Chief Melford Okilo. That party, when Chief Okilo realize that PDP has won the national government he decided to subsumed that party into the PDP because he thought that we cannot survive without the centre. “So, if we are talking of Ijaw patriot, I consider myself one as I think today that well meaning Ijaw people are quite happy with me because they believe that without me, there would have been no link with

I'll focus on community development — Dickson T HE community to community meet the people tour embarked upon by the Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, the first by any sitting governor in the predominantly riverine state has exposed him to the needs of the rural dwellers, who constitute the bulk of the voting population and the need for government to invest in the development of the communities. To this end, Dickson, who has traversed virtually all the communities in the state in the course of his campaign as part of his strategy to woo the undecided voters to his side has assured that community development would be a major priority of his administration when re-elected. Dickson in an interview in Yenagoa said his shift in focus to community development became necessary in view of its immense possibilities among the rural dwellers in the area of economic integration and general wellbeing of the people. Noting that the recent community tour has further opened his eyes to the realities of rural life and appreciation of the people especially the women for the government’s efforts in establishing amenities in their areas, believed community development would help to have an inclusive society and better the lots of the people. His words, “My tour has opened my eyes more than ever before to the realities of rural life and particularly to the possibilities of our people. God bless

the centre, there would have been no bridge builder. “It is not the Ijaw people that lost the election because Ijaw people did not contest an election, I didn’t see Ijaw people on the ballot. I saw the PDP and the PDP Presidential candidate, who was an Ijaw son, but he lost and we have to carry on in this state, we have to carry on in this country,” Sylva said.

our women, mothers and grandmothers! As we tour communities, we see them happy, showing heartfelt appreciation for one school or health centre that was built or renovated. “I believe that with what I have seen in the course of my tour, in the next tenure c o m m u n i t y development will have •Dickson: Meeting the people a higher priority because I have seen that one little him to step on as their own kind of red investment in your community touches carpet. many lives and changes their lives and He said he found it difficult to step on the way they perceive government. I will these wrappers but appreciated the love find a way of emphasizing community behind it and the need to reciprocate needs in the budget particularly issues their gesture through socio-economic of women empowerment,” he said. development of their communities. The governor said he was moved by Dickson said he shared their interest the affection shown to him by the chiefs, more than ever promising to return to women and youths in the communities, them in their localities after the election saying he realized more than ever that to thank them and begin work on proper these categories of Bayelsans mattered policy framework to cater for the even more to government that they development of these areas to spread needed to be assisted to overcome the facilities that can enhance the people’s challenge of poverty and live a better welfare and happiness. life. “As a ‘countryman’ I will go back to He narrated how he was touched my country people. That is what this job when he got to some communities and entails, not flying about in expensivelywomen put their wrappers down on the rented choppers. What I know is that I road, one after the other, over 6 to 7 am in this business to serve and for me hundred meters up to the podium for even life itself is for service to humanity, our society and God.

HE Sylva campaign last night rebuffed Governor Serikae Dickson’s claim of running a government with zero tolerance for criminality as it accused the governor of harbouring criminals in the Government House, Yenagoa. The campaign in a statement issued by campaign spokesman, Nathan Egba alleged that the governor was harbouring the prime suspect in the killing of an APC Ekeremor APC leader in the Government House. “We have it on good authority that not only are wanted persons given refuge in Government House Yenagoa, there are even alleged criminal activities going on in the Guest Houses located within the Government House precinct. “For instance, the alleged mastermind of the killing of an APC leader in Ekeremor LGA is said to be holed up in one of the Guest Houses there. “Secondly, information at our disposal indicates that the PDP has imported some fierce looking thugs from nearby states, who were driven into the state in Coaster buses, escorted by a detachment of Security men attached to Government House, Yenagoa. “These thugs are to wear the police and military uniforms being sewn in the Government House Guest Houses as we already alerted the security operatives about in an earlier Press Statement. “In the light of the above, we are still calling on the Security agencies to probe these allegations and get to the root of the matter in order to forestall violence and protect the integrity of the forth-coming election.

Bayelsa APGA disowns governorship candidate over support for Sylva By Emem Idio

HE Bayelsa state chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has disassociated itself from the activities of its governorship candidate for the December 5 governorship election, Chief Christopher Enai. Enai, a former chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Area and former member of the House of Representatives had last week at the All Progressives Congress, APC, rally in Ekeremor announced his withdrawal from the race to rally support for the APC candidate chief Timipre Sylva. In a statement in Yenagoa yesterday signed by the state party chairman Engr John Sokare and National Vice Chairman South South Chief Tony Eboka, the party disassociated from the activities of Enai, accusing him of abandoning the mandate given to him by the party. “We the members of Bayelsa state chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, wish to notify the general public that our Governorship candidate for the December 5, gubernatorial election Deacon Christopher Enai has abandoned the mandate given him by the party.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015 — 29

Why I switched from being a producer to a singer —Mosa Mosadoluwa Adegboye a.k.a Mosa may not be a popular face among music lovers in Nigeria, but his name and soulful voice will definitely strike a chord with those who love to listen to RnB music. He debuted in the country’s music scene in 2006, after he single handedly arranged and produced T.Y Bello’s classic album, ‘Greenland.’ Mosa has added another feather to his cap as he has switched from producing to singing, with some of his songs enjoying massive airplay. His latest single, “ Femi”, a love song, which is due to hit the airwaves on the 30th of November. In this encounter, he talks about his evolution as a music producer, songwriter and a singer, explaining why he decided to become a singer. going to be releasing more By Benjamin Njoku videos and singles, so that my fans can be familiar with RE you back in the country now? Yes, I’m back in Nigeria. I was initially my face. How was it like working living in London but now, I have relocated to from behind? Nigeria. My influences are mainly people from It’s fun, that’s what I do outside the country. My new single which will •Mosa hit airwaves from 30th of November is titled, naturally. I enjoy directing bcause it’s the backbone of “Femi.” The song is about a guy who is trying to propose to his girl friend. His name is Femi and music. When you watch a he’s saying to his girl friend, please will you marry film, people only meet the me! I haven’t properly delved into playing our main actors, like RMD, kind of music. But I am trying my best to do. My Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola previous songs have western influences. I started among others. But the directors and out as a producer and I have produced great the producers are not visible. I have the talented to sing and I think I wanted songs for some top Nigerian singers. But are you thinking of working with some to give it a shot. You produced Tiwa Savage two albums. How producers who will help infuse local sounds into was it working with her? your music? It was fun. She’s like my sister now. I don’t see her My new single, “Femi” is just to prepare the as my client any more. The lyrics of the songs were ground for me. The style is a bit Nigerian. If I’m awesome. She brought her style into the songs just as I brought coming out with a few new singles in future, I probably will commission some songwriters to mine too. I enjoy collaborating. I have produced for Waje, T Y Bello, write the lyrics as well as teach me how to do the Chidinma and other artistes. What’s the strength of your music? delivery. What I personally believed as the strongest part of my music is the lyrics. A lot of people say, Nigerians don’t like to listen to lyrics. Most Western sounds in lyrics don’t stand out in Nigeria, but unfortunately, some of influences the most touching love and inspirational songs you listen to, have bad lyrics. The feedback I get from people when they listen to my music is I am Yoruba by birth, but I have more of western that the lyrics are very relate-able. This is because I don’t write songs as influences in my works. I need some professionals to put me through in terms of localizing my music. Was it deliberate that you have create the sound now that you storming the nation’s music scene? I have released three singles before now, and they were 100 per cent western. So, I have that By Anozie Egole crowd already-people who like RnB, and foreign pop music. But I’m trying to broaden my music AST rising rapper, Nnamezie because present-day Nigerians listen to Afro pop Obinna, a.k.a SL says his new and Afro-beat. Yes, I would say, it’s deliberate. I single, “Alibaba” is inspired by the trying to reach out to people and to put a face to challenges he faced, while trying my music. Many people don’t know I am a to hit the limelight in his chosen Nigerian. When the listen to my songs on radio career. stations, they commend the songs, but they don’t He adds that his music tells his know the artiste that played the songs. life story and it is like going You said, you started out as a producer, why through pages of his diary. are you handling the microphone now? “I decided to sing about I had it in me to be a singer. But I didn’t want to Alibaba because I don’t want to lunch out immediately because I am an introvert. sing about women, money and I like to keep to myself a lot. Interestingly, a lot things like that which has of people don’t know the face. I trying to put a become a trend in the industry,” face to the name, Mosa. Many people know the he said. name, Mosa, but they can’t place the face. I am SL’s journey into the world of

if I am writing a song. I write my songs as if I am telling a story. What I believe in is that the music that would last as long as 20 years is music that is conveying a message to the people. Till date, we are still listening to Fela’s music because of the message and its lyrics. His had a message and he didn’t make music to earn his daily bread. A lot of artistes these days are making music mainly to survive. But they don’t want to know whether their music would stand the taste of time. Has it been an easy task switching from producing music to singing? I have been producing music for 10 years now. It’s been fun and I have enjoyed it. But I just feel, there is more I have to offer to the world. That’s why I switched from producing music to singing. I’m still breaking into the industry. When I debuted in the music scene, many knew me as a producer, nobody knew me then as an artiste. All I had was my CD which I took to the radio stations for airplay. Who are your favourite artistes in Nigeria? There are quite a few: Burner Boy, Wande Coal, Wizkid, Davido, Asha, Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage among others. You studied AudioEngineering in the United Kingdom. Was it what you wanted to study in the university? My dad is an architect. He wanted me to be an architect as well. So, I got admission into Kent University, in the UK to study Architecture. But I wasn’t enjoying the course. I became miserable and wanted to abandon my studies. My dad kept encouraging me, but eventually, I dropped out.

My story with ‘Alibaba’—SL F

C M Y K

music dated back to his university days. “Back then, I was a member of A-four man singing group, called, “ Archi-Zone”, which was made up of my departmental friends and we performed in so many places around the school. Everyday hustle inspired my music. Though I am an average child, my parents are not very rich and they are not very poor, but I was born and brought up in the street so most times, the streets motivates me.” From Anambra State, SL studied Architecture and has been in the industry for many years. He said, he working on another single, “Change”, which he hopes to release before the end of the first quarter of next year.

30 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015

Calabar Carnival 2015:

Gov Ayade adopts beauty queens ...says they represent the beauty of Cross River State

•Sen. Florence Ita Giwa and Gov. Ayade

•Gov Ayade with beauty queens during the unveiling of 2015 Calabar Carnival theme last Sunday, in Lagos. By Benjamin Njoku

F you are a beauty queen, and you have the energy to rock on the streets, then you need not worry any more as Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has offered to put smiles in your face this season. The governor, at a glamorous unveiling of the 2015 edition of Carnival Calabar theme tagged ‘Climate Change’, which took place last Sunday, at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, surprisingly announced enlisting beauty queens as members of a new band called the Governor’s Band. “Irrespective of their states of origin, they represent the beauty, elegance, style and class of the average Cross River youth,” said the governor. According to Ayade, the beauty queens also represent the signature band, they have been looking forward to seeing since the inception of the carnival. While inviting all the beauty queens on stage, the

governor declared, “ I will add value to their beauty and help them to realize their full potentials,” He revealed plans to commission the first of its kind runway in Nigeria. The event had dignitaries from the Corporate Nigeria, the United States Embassy in Nigeria, actors, actresses and music stars in attendance. Marketing what has come to be known as the tourism destination in Nigeria, Ayade revealed that Carnival bands from 14 countries will be performing this year, while the notable children Carnival has also been repackaged to take the form of family funfair. Speaking further, Ayade said,the carnival can only get better with additional activities and restyling of the old ones, revealing that Bikers Day and Disco fiesta are part of the new offerings this year. He also

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Trey Songz storms Nigeria for Rhythm Unplugged A

MERICAN rapper and songwriter, Trey o n g z is billed to headline this year’s Rhythm Unplugged holding on Friday, December 18, at Eko Convention Centre, Lagos. Songz whose debuted album, “I Gotta Make It”, was released in 2005 through Atlantic Records will be sharing the stage alongside top Nigerian acts, including P-Square, Wizkid, Olamide, M.I., Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, Kiss Daniels, Runtown, Victoria Kimani, DJ Xclusive, DJ Cuppy among others. The comedic duo of Baskemouth and Bovi will host the show, while Okey Bakassi, I Go Die and Buchi will be serving up the laughs. Young talents Zainab Balogun, Ozzy Agu •Trey Songz and K10 will be covering the blue carpet. S

announced plans to set up ‘the biggest garment factory’ in Nigeria on December 15, adding that the establishment of the factory would reduce the money being spent by the state government to import various costumes for the festival and also, create employment opportunities for many citizens. The governor assured of security, praising the State as having the lowest crime rate in Nigeria. “Our people are emotional stable and content with what they have. However, s full team of security will be mobilized for the festival,” he said. Also speaking at the event, Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa, Chairman, Calabar Carnival Bands Association and leader of

the Seagull Band, commended the efforts of the past governors of the state for sustaining the carnival. She said, like other concerned citizens, she was initially worried about the disposition of the new government in the State to the festival, but that the governor has allayed all fears. The Calabar Carnival started from the era of former Gov. Donald Duke. When Donald was leaving, we thought that would be the end of the Carnival,” she said, adding “But when Imoke came in, he took the carnival a notch higher. With time, the carnival also became capital intensive, but despite the challenges, Imoke managed to keep it going. When Professor Ayade came, the same fear was entertained, but with what you are all witnesses to this evening, it is obvious the Carnival can only get better.” Mr Gab Onah, the Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission revealed that this year’s carnival would attract more than 50,000 participants. Guests at the unveiling include comic actor John Okafor, aka Mr. Ibu, sonorous singer, Waje, CEO of EbonyLife TV, Mo Abudu, Dance Hall singer, Patoranking, reggae artiste Blackie, Olu Maintain, Kcee and actors Enyinna Nwigwe and Elvis Chuks. The theme of the 2015 Calabar Carnival was unveiled opening day of the biggest travel exhibition in West Africa, Akwaaba African Travel Market.

I’m staging a comeback to the Nigerian music scene —Waliyah

By Anozie Egole

ETERMINED to make a remarkable impact on the nation’s music scene, UKbased Nigerian pop singer, Waliya, has concluded plans to stage a comeback to the country’s music industry after she disappeared into thin air for over five years with her latest single, “Rumours has it.” The light-skinned songstress is a combination of beauty and brain. An Chemical Engineering Masters Degree graduate, Waliyah was once into investment banking. In a recent chat with WG, the singer said, she’s planning to return to the country in few weeks time, adding that she is ready to take over the Nigerian music industry with her unique style of music and vibe. “I have been shuttling the music scenes of Lagos, London and LA for a while now. I also have attended music writing seminars with Pharrel Williams and other world famous music stars. Within these few years, I have explored, learnt and had great opportunities and it’s been amazing all the way. My next plan is to come home to work with more of Nigerian finest producers. So far I have worked with Sarz, Tee Y, K9(kokoma), Samklef and TK. Music is my passion and also what I live for it. I really have a lot in stock for my fans out there,” she assured. Waliyah is definitely not a green horn in the industry as she headlined a big concert in London tagged, “Jazz Cafe”, which she single handedly organised. •Waliya Her newly released hot single “Rumour has it” which was produced by TK is already gaining good radio play, while the video was shot in London few days ago. She has also been working on new quality materials which would be released one after the other.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015—31

Yudala pioneers offline ‘Black Friday’ sales in Nigeria By Prince Osuagwu

ISTORICALLY, Black Friday is the day after thanksgiving in the United States, which unofficially marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. In the past few years, however, it has become a worldwide phenomenon, especially for online stores who offer discounts and promotions to buyers. Composite online and offline retail chain, Yudala, has announced plans to host the first ever offline (in-store) and online Black Friday sales in the history of the country. The Yudala Black Friday sales is a five-day event which will go live from Thursday, November 26th and run through till Monday November 30th, both online on the Yudala website and offline in every Yudala store nationwide. This is coming on the heels of the opening of another

Yudala store at the Ado Bayero Mall in Kano State which will open its doors to teeming shoppers in the northern city for the Black Friday sales. According to details released by the •Yudala brand ambassador, Iyanya company, the Yudala Black Friday sales will incorporate Fuchsia from midnight on Thursday Thursday - a roadshow in and the early hours of Friday which Yudala intends to paint November 27th. The promotion the town pink and reward will continue through Saturday visitors to the Yudala stores who November 28th and Sunday November 29th before coming turn up in a touch of pink. to an end on November 30th with the Yudala Cyber Monday, Branded with prices and discounts trucks remaining the same throughout the period. Also, users who take and post Chief Executive Officer, pictures of the Yudala train of Yudala Nigeria, Mr. Dave branded trucks and buses Ibelegbu, affirms that in line which gets the highest likes with its tradition of raising the and retweets on social media bar of service delivery in the will be rewarded with fantastic retail sector, Yudala is offering prizes including smartphones millions of Nigerians a unique and tablets. Furthermore, the opportunity to take part in the Black Friday sales will go live

annual initiative by removing the usual challenges faced with online traffic. “This year, Nigerians will experience the first ever offline and online Black Friday sales in the history of the country.With Yudala, you are covered wherever you are in Nigeria. Now, customers no longer have to experience the usual challenge of not being able to place orders online due to traffic. For those who wish, you can simply walk into any Yudala store near you to take advantage of the massive sales that will happen this year.You can also order online and pick

New app makes forex trading easier

By Laju Iren

OREX trading is not rocket science. But for some, it could be just as difficult. To make the terrain more convenient and effective for investors and traders, Award-winning international forex broker ForexTime, FXTM, recently launched the ForexTime App. The company calls it an all-in-one, free-todownload mobile trading tool that provides traders and investors with all the essential news, live currency rates and up-todate analysis they need to

trade the world’s financial markets. “In today’s mobile era, our home and work lives demand on-the-go products and services that allow us to do what we want to do, when we want to do it,” said FXTM’s CEO, Ms. Olga Rybalkina at an event to mark the launch of the app in Lagos recently. Conitinuing, she said: “At FXTM, our aim is to support our clients with high-tech products and services that allow them to make the most of their trading day. We proactively track evolving global trends, so that we can

effectively anticipate the needs of our clients. The ForexTime App is our latest release and it taps into the mobile trading trend by giving traders reliable access to live currency rates, breaking financial news and useful analysis, wherever they are in the world.We are constantly looking for ways to integrate new features into the app and several upgrades will implanted over the coming months. Every trader has a go-to trading tool and we believe that the ForexTime App is just that.” ForexTime App features a user-friendly, customizable interface that allows traders to create custom groups to track the financial instruments they are most interested in and to filter newsfeeds so that they only see news that is relevant to their trading style and requirements. Users of FXTM’s advanced new release now benefit from up-to-theminute information, direct from the world’s financial

markets. The main features of the ForexTime App include: Live Currency Rates streamed from top-tier liquidity

up from any of our stores. This is in line with our mission of dictating the pace and setting new milestones for the offline and online retail business of the country. “We are offering unbelievable discounts on a wide assortment of over 20,000 products across different exciting categories such as mobile phones, gadgets, office supplies with accessories, consumer electronics and lifestyle products. There will also be lots of freebies to accompany all purchased products when you shop on the Yudala website and our offline locations,” he said.

providers, the latest financial market news, Economic Calendar of key upcoming financial events Forex Trading Calculators for the calculation of profit, pips

and exchange rates among others. The ForexTime App is available to download in English, Chinese, Arabic and Indonesian for both IOS and Android devices.

Samsung’s ‘Picture your dream’ to rescue destitute children By Laju Iren

FENYINWA Obienu’s dream is a simple one, but what makes it special is the fact that it has nothing to do with her, but everything to do with bettering the lives of those around her. So, when this volunteer of the NonGovernmental Organisation, Destiny Trust entered Samsung’s ‘Picture your dream’ contest a few months ago, her desire was simply to get destitute children off the street. It is a dream that will now come true as Samsung Electronics West Africa has announced Obienu as the winner of the contest. “It was truly a challenge short listing the top seven finalists for this contest,”

said Jumoke Okikiolu, Head, Product Marketing (IM), Samsung Electronics West Africa, she added. “Many of the over 1,300 entries initially received were very inspiring. ‘’The seven finalists selected after the first round had a busy time soliciting votes from friends and family via social media. Ms.

G e t t i n g disadvantaged children off the streets has been a dream...

Obienu’s dream to ‘help destitute kids get off the street’ pulled the highest number votes in the second and final round,’’ Ms. Okikiolu added. Speaking to Glamtech, Obienu said: “I still cannot believe that I actually won as I am very sure that there were so many entries. Getting disadvantaged children off the streets has been a dream I have nurtured and have been working towards for a while now;that Samsung would want to help me accomplish this dream brings joy to my heart. Thank you Samsung for making this possible and for keeping to your words.’’

32—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015

A future devoid of violence against women:

Who takes the lead? By Josephine Agbonkhese & Anino Aganbi

RS Tijani paused intermittently to regulate her emotion as she told her story. The 31-year-old mother of three told Lipstick how she suffered aggression transfer in the hands of her 33year-old husband whom she actually courted from her teens before eventually tying the nuptials at 26. Trouble began when her husband lost his job a year ago and then took up another— battering and forcefully sleeping with (raping) Jennifer. Jennifer had become pregnant and that seemed to have infuriated the ‘jobless’ man. Twelve-year-old Esther is another victim. Born into an indigent family of six, her mother had given her out to a relative in the city of Port Harcourt, having been assured of a brighter future. She had not even the slightest premonition that her little girl was being taken across the border to the Republic of Benin for sex trade. Esther became a C M Y K

sex slave, locked up in a very isolated hotel where men of different shades and sizes exploited her sexually. The true life experiences above are only a hint of the gory tales of women and girls globally, particularly in thirdworld countries; at least one in four Nigerian women has been a victim. Violence against women and girls is rife today than one could imagine, and it of course comes in different shades, with domestic violence topping the list and affecting women regardless of education, economic empowerment or level of freedom from misogynistic traditional practices when compared to the days of yore.

Radical steps However, some women, many encouraged by enlightenment, are looking ahead and preparing their young girls for a brighter future where oppression will be minimal, if not totally absent. An example is Mrs.Evelyn Okere, a Lagos-

based oil & gas magnate, who believes women who are strong-willed and able to defend themselves are less likely to be violated. In her opinion, just like serial killers, perpetrators of violence know their targets and these are usually vulnerable women and girls. She said: “They go to the weakest of women. An aggressive man for example will never marry a strongwilled woman because he

We need to start early. All these girlish things we tell our daughters have to change because the more the society advances, the more the vices are higher

knows she will always stand her ground and defend herself to the letter. They go for women who are submissive to a fault, who will say; “I don’t want him to get angry oo”. “In the same vain, a woman who’s skilled at karate or wrestling (for self-defence) for example, is less likely to be violated. Even if she is, the culprit can be sure he is likely to get hurt even though he might be stronger. So, you see, perpetrators of violence go to the weakest of women.” For her, women must be reoriented early in life and their self-confidence should never be compromised. “We need to start early. All these girlish things we tell our daughters have to change because the more the society advances, the more the vices are higher. Most parents are failing to instil self-esteem in their daughters, nannies and even house-helps. Some stepfathers go as far as sexually harassing their step-daughters and the mother keeps quiet just because she feels the man did her a favour by marrying her. “If the trend must change,

then girls should be taught to stand up for themselves so that they say no to any form of violence or oppression,” Evelyn advised. Economic pressure:On the prevention of domestic violence(spousal abuse), Mrs Helen Nwabuoku, Programme Director, Genesis House, an arm of Freedom Foundation for the rehabilitation of sex workers and women in general, however believes that any man who has to pay through his nose to marry a woman and still single-handedly foots bills in the home, is likely to become violent if his sources of income suffers even the slightest setback. “Traditional leaders and in fact parents must embark on a drastic reduction in the conditions given for marriage. Otherwise, some men will continue to see women as their properties. “Another fact is that women who share responsibilities in the home, and still show some respect for their husbands, are less prone to domestic violence.

Continues on Page 33

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015—33

A future devoid of violence against women:

Who takes the lead? e p i d e m i c however means tackling its root cause- gender inequality, and this year ’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against W o m e n ’ s “Orange the World” initiative flagged off globally yesterday to kick-start a 16day call to action against violence, harps on the need to create a brighter future, as implied by the colour ‘orange’ for women and girls.

Continues from Page 32 The Bible in Proverbs 31 tells us that the woman goes out, finds a field and buys it for the family. She doesn’t necessarily have to buy the family a house or land,” Helen said. Challenging women to let their economic power reflect in the affairs of their homes, she said, “Only a few men will foot every single bill in the home and not become aggressive when frustration sets into their career or business. You just have to understand that the society and economy is putting more and more pressure on them and the closest person to let down their anger on is the women in their lives. So, why not cushion that pressure as you seek to reduce violence and achieve equality?” Reorientation: On her part, Benin-based Gender, Education and Development Consultant cum President, African Women Empowerment Guild, Dr Nosa I. Aladeselu, recommended that since violence against women and girls is consequent upon gender insensitivity of some male folks, harmful traditional practices, wrong cultural beliefs, son preference, human rights abuse, and a host of other factors, the adoption of best practices would help stem the trend.

Cultural beliefs “Gender sensitivity education for traditional communities, self-esteem training for women and girls , use of male positive deviants to reach male folks with messages to counter violence against women and girls, policies and deterring sanctions against violators of women’s rights, media campaigns against the phenomenon with radio and TV dramas and films portraying its ills, can bring about new standards. Because it is also strongly propelled by mindsets, family-based educational strategies will be of huge impact while schoolbased learning will also help to raise a new generation of non- women abusers.” Dr Aladeselu hopes the new curriculum with adolescent sexuality education will do justice to that. Religious leaders: One of our respondents, Mrs Funke Oguntuga, CEO, Heartminders Project, however harped on the indispensable role of religious leaders towards building a society where women will be respected and not regarded as second-

Reason for violence Mary Sunday was assaulted by her fiance, Corporal Isaac Gbanwuan, who accused her of infidelity, The truth is: three years ago. She’s still in search of justice and needs 10m for reconstructive surgery. Case was v i o l e n c e closed by former Lagos State deputy Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Damascus Ozoani, and against women is accused police officer was absorbed of allegations on the ridiculous claim that harm was self-inflicted. not inevitable. class. The same way perpetrators and “If violence against women will be reduced, then religious even societies choose to commit leaders should do more in their violence, they can choose to various places of worship. stop. Though no straight-jacket They should teach respect for solution can apply as there is women and girls because they no one single reason for are one of the most revered violence against women, the influencers of public opinion invaluable support of men and and lifestyle,” she emphasized. boys in curbing the trend Funke added that access to cannot be over-emphasized. As such, all four respondents services in education, sexual recommended that parents and reproductive healthcare, must teach respect for the protection and finance should also be increased so that sexes. These basics must start women and girls can seek help from the family. They should and advice when needed, to be also realise that any male who able to make informed grows up seeing the father and mother work as partners in decisions. Call to action: Described by progress in the home and living the United Nations as “any as ‘friends’, will hardly become gender-based violence that otherwise. Above all, government, as results in, or is likely to result in physical, sexual or well as law enforcement psychological harm or suffering agencies and the judiciary, to women, including threats of should live up to their such acts, coercion or arbitrary responsibility of protecting Paediatric Surgeon, Dr Hestia Idiodi-Thomas, of the Lagos deprivation of liberty, whether lives by making sure there is University Teaching Hospital , LUTH, suspected to have been occurring in public or private improved access to justice and killed by husband recently. life,” violence against women that perpetrators are brought to such as rape, female book. infanticide, sexual Preventing and reducing to harassment, domestic violence (also known as intimate partner the barest minimum this FACTS violence), obstetric violence, Worldwide, more than acid bath, mob violence, as ♦ 35% of women and girls ♦ 700 million women alive today well as harmful customary or globally experience some form Access to traditional practices such as of physical and or sexual were married as children, 250 inhuman treatment meted out services in violence in their lifetime with million of whom were married to widows, honor killings, education, sexual up to seven in ten women before the age of 15. Girls female genital mutilation, facing this abuse in some who marry before the age of 18 are less likely to complete battery, m a rriage by and reproductive countries. their education and more abduction and forced healthcare, ♦ An estimated 133 million likely to experience domestic marriage, etc., continue to protection and girls and women have violence and complications in trend unabated, leading to experienced some form of childbirth. finance should death for most victims. female genital mutilation/ It will shock you to hear that also be increased The costs and cutting in the 29 countries in ♦ nearly half of women killed in consequence of violence Africa and the Middle East 2012, according to a WHO so that women where the harmful practice is against women last for report, died at the hands of a and girls can seek generations. most common. partner or family member.

help and advice

C M Y K

34 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27 , 2015—35

NAFDAC's strides in agric export trade

Dogara’s committees of national unity (2) This is the concluding part of this piece which was first published last Friday By David Augustine OGARA said that the Eighth Assembly embraced the second option because of practical experience of running committees since 1999. The Standing Orders of the House enjoin special and standing committees to create sub committees as may be required and to appoint sub committee Chairmen, in consultation with the Speaker. However, in practice, this had led to friction between chairmen of substantive committees and chairmen of sub committees. To avoid gridlock, though the committees are still expected to have sub committees, Speaker Dogara created substantive committees where necessary in order to devote more attention to issues of particular and priority concern to the House. In terms of national spread, Dogara has ensured that even the South East that is obviously politically disadvantaged got their due with 16 positions, second only to North West with 18 positions. To further confirm his patriotism and sense of service before self, the least number of committees went to North-East where he is from: the zone got eight committee chairmen and eight deputies.

Equitable distribution Surprisingly, this noble act of the Speaker has generated a lot of tension in the house with some members protesting the equitable distribution of committees, accusing the speaker of allocating more committee slots to opposition parties than he should have. Some even went on to accuse him of allocating what they termed ‘juicy’ committees to the PDP. One wonders if these complaints are against the tradition of allowing lawmakers from oil-producing states to run petroleum-related committees or those from the north for agrobased committees (a parlaimentary convention which Dogara wisely honoured) by retaining committees such as that of agriculture, water resources in the North while those of petroluem and gas resources were retained in the South as obtainable in the previous assemblies. It is understandable, but unfortunate that we are still talking about ‘juicy’ committees, which is an obvious euphemism for corruption, in this era of change. Hiding under the guise of party affiliation, these members, for obvious selfish motives, have continued to embarrass themselves, their party and the president, who believe that the only thing that counts now in Nigeria is corruption-free service delivery. The world over, committees of the parliament are

House of Reps Speaker, Dogara supposed to be for proper oversight functions. To that effect, the main considerations are usually the ability of members to function properly in their committees and the quality of oversight by the committees. The house ought to function as a whole and not be allowed to continue to be polarised along party lines. The deputy chairman, House Committee on Media and Publicity, Hon. Jonathan Gaza recognised this fact when he answered a reporter’s question thus: ‘Time has been wasted on several things … when you walk into that chamber, it’s not about parties anymore. We swore allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not to our respective parties. It is therefore about the progress of Nigeria. The wheel of governance is spinning and Nigeria would begin its upward move’. The Speaker, himself, guided by his belief that the house should remain one, insists that no ‘juicy’ considerations were taken into cognizance when committees were set up. He maintained that the only consideration was service to Nigeria. ‘Let me use this opportunity to restate that there is nothing like juicy committee or non-juicy committee. I personally do not understand what is meant by that. If it means opportunity to contribute, we can assure you that every member of a committee would enjoy ample and equal opportunity. ‘Every committee of the House is very important and

Now that the House has fully taken off, let the lawmakers move on and work for the Nigerian people

is designed to handle specific functions for the House and on behalf of the Nigerian people who elected us’, the Speaker said at the inauguration. The National Assembly must realise that the Nigerian people that elected this government are getting quite impatient.

Bickerings and infightings They want action; they want a speedy resolution of our country’s myriad of problems; they want a turn for the better for their impoverished lives. They are tired of the bickering and infightings that have continued to dog the house. Nigerians can never again be taken for a ride by any government. So, the earlier the governing APC gets its acts together, especially the legislature, the better for the party and the government it is currently running. Nigerians want the house to get down to work. They believe that the fight for ‘juicy’ committees is not in the interest of Nigerians, but that of the privileged members of the house. Now that the President has set up his cabinet, there is no reason the machinery of government should not be placed on auto pilot. The 2016 national budget is around the corner and House committees must settle down for real business and forget these petty infightings. At the end of the tenure of the APC government, the question Nigerians will ask will be how much impact has government made on the lives of the people; not on how many ‘juicy ’ committees the party controlled. Now that the House has fully taken off, let the lawmakers move on and work for the Nigerian people. Indeed, it is time for both the Dogara and Gbajabiamila tendencies in the House of Representatives to come together and give Nigerians quality representation for which they were elected. Nigerians want nothing less, nothing more! •Augustine wrote from Enugu

By Martins Ikhilae

N its bid to accord Nigeria a prideful place in the international non-oil export trade, the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has unfolded series of agricultural exports redemption packages in an attempt to shore up the nation’s reputation in global non-oil export markets. The agency’s chief executive officer, Dr Paul B. Orhii, said he was uncomfortable with the orchestrated and seeming gang-up by developed nations against our resolve to explore alternative means of foreign exchange earnings through participation in the non-oil export trade particularly in the exportation of value added agricultural products. The European Union member nations under the auspices of the European Food Safety Authority had recently placed a one year (July 2015 to July 2016), blanket-ban on the exportation of key value added agricultural products comprising beans, sesame seeds, melon seeds, dried fish, meat, peanut chips and palm oil emanating from Nigeria owing to what it taggedprevalence of very high level of injurious and deadly contaminants such as mycotoxins, pesticide residues as well as abnormal level of dichlorvos pesticides (in the case of beans). Consequently, NAFDAC has commenced frantic and very intense efforts geared towards urgently correcting this foreign exchange denying economic malady. It has eventually adopted for immediate implementation, ultra-modern cutting-edge technologies for the rectification of this economic disaster so as to avoid further extension of the hydra-headed ban upon its expiration in June 2016. The technology based agric export solution filled package being initiated by NAFDAC under Dr Orhii will involve massive deployment/ distribution of mobile motorized testing laboratories to all nooks and crannies of the nation’s 36 states and Abuja including remote farms, exportable agric products processing centers, produce market centers, sea and air ports as well as land border stations in the country. Also to be engaged in by the agency with the aid of the yet

NAFDAC's agric export revitalization and quality standardization initiative will make Nigeria become agric export dependent rather than being oil export dependent

to be deployed ultra-modern specialized mobile scientific laboratories is the intensive training/supervision of farmers, produce marketers and other stakeholders in agric export business nationwide with a view to compelling them to comply with the rules of the game via meeting global standards specifications in this trade. They will be furnished with the required know-how on food storage, ideal packaging practices and other relevant quality control measures. Consequently, funding for this urgent patriotically dynamic interventionist initiative amounting to a negligible token sum of about two billion naira only is being sought from the Federal Government either through outright operational grant or a repayable loan to enable this lofty bail out NAFDAC concept become a maximum reality in view of perceived urgency required by the situation to aid immediate acquisition, shipment, freight and deployment of these resourceful /ideal solution providing facilities.

Enormous benefits Undoubtedly, this innovative technological adoptions is of enormous benefits to the nation. Aside successfully combating food contaminants/poisons, help analyze regulated products, effect on-the-spot quality assessment and monitoring of value chain agricultural exports, avoid a permanent European Union ban on Nigeria non-oil export and grossly reduce poorverty. NAFDAC's agric export revitalization and quality standardization initiative will make Nigeria become agric export dependent rather than being oil export dependent in this regard as currently the case. It will avail the nation, mass employment opportunities, massively boost government foreign exchange earning capacity and thus becoming a steadily dependable alternative revenue source,accord the nation a befitting reputation in the committee of nations among others. The trade restriction measure which affects cashew nuts, cocoa, palm oil, peanut chips, meat, fried fish, melon seeds, sesame seeds and beans according to EU authorities was meant to compel the Nigerian government to institutionalize stringent and dependable quality control systems capable of guaranteeing persistent compliance with internationally specified acceptable quality standards in non-oil export trade. •Ikhilae,is a Lagos based Public Affairs Analyst

36 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 TAURUS: THE Moon fluctuates as it moves out of your star . That is why you will need to guard against confusion likely to be caused by others. GEMINI: THE Moon makes an ingress into your star sign and INFLUECES YOU TO BE COME AGGRESSIVE which is capable of bringing unnecessary argument and avoidable confusion. To before warned is to be fore armed. CANCER: EARLY morning blues will affect many people today (yourself inclusive) but luckily for you, things will go according to your plans. And you will need to be more careful with money. LEO: THE moon fluctuates early in the morning. And if care is not taken you would promise more than you can actually deliver to the resentment of others. Yet, you’ll win. VIRGO: BEHIND-the-scene-activities are sources of avoidable trouble especially before mid-morning period when influence of the moon’s fluctuation will last. Avoid inordinate ambition.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

OMETIMES, success in life is about opportunity and the ability to seize it when it comes. Like the football match, it is possible for a team to

This is your time dominate the play while the other team that takes its chances do the scoring and ultimately win the

TERROR MUDA

match. As it is with football so it is with life. Learn to take your chances in life. Seize every moment. D e l i b e r a t e l y

in “Never say goodbye”

programme yourself to succeed. And as you play your role God will bring an opportunity to your w a y. W h e n s u c h oppor-tunity comes don’t let it slip...

By Lanre Kehinde

LIBRA: IT’S important you don’t allow your thought for and/or about the future derail your plans for the present so that success will not elude you. Romantic attractions along your career/business lines may become stronger sooner than you think. SCORPIO: EARLY morning blues will affect many people around you meaning that not everybody-morning period especially along your career/business lines. SAGITTARIUS: MAKE sure you perfectly understand what you are doing within your working arena before mid-morning period or else costly mistakes would be made. Be tolerant. CAPRICORN: TOMORROW is your day. Therefore you are advised to leave some important decisions and/or action till tomorrow when the heaven will smile at you. Your love life is favoured. AQUARIUS: TOMORROW will prove more challenging. Thus, if there are things you should do now, you better don’t contemplate procrastination as you are likely to be fully stretched tomorrow. Watch with you tell others early in the morning.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

PISCES: AS the moon fluctuates early in the morning some people may promise more than they can actually deliver. And if you take them for granted, you would be disappointed. ARIES: CERTAINLY some people will get on your nerves yet you must not over-react at least because of the immediate future. Truly thus is the wrong time to gamble with love.

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

How do I succeed? Dear Joshua, KINDLY analyse my star and tell me about myself especially my luck. I want to know about my love life, social life and how to become successful in life. I have seen people who are close to me became big success without much struggle from them. Would my own be like them too? Titilayo, Lagos. Dear Titilayo, You are different to those you said came by success: in your own case you will need to work hard and earn success. It is important you watch and take practical precaution about inability to hold on to your gains for long. Some times unexpected assistance use to come your way at 11th hour. Your being friendly with the influential personalities especially WOMEN will help your finance greatly speculative (and) venture is not the best for you. Your magnetic personality makes it difficult for members of your opposite sex to the betterment of your love life. Luckily for you, you know how not to allow your rugged/rigid personality to harm your love life; you are a sweet lover, although can be argumentative some times. Love happiness indicated for you. If you can analyse both your environment and social situation, you will have more to gain from social activities more than it’s attendant pressure. You will need to drop unnecessary rebellious approach when dealing with your social life; although what looks like radical approach can earn you a few number of friends who may not be in position to assist you. Many people love your gentle approach and will be willing to assist you especially the more influential personalities. Once again women can be helpful here. If you expect easy success, you would be frustrated because Saturn-the planet of delay, frustration but greater reward after much struggles, was with the sun (basicself-hood) when you were born. Thus it will not allow easy success. And at the same time will not deny you whatever you deserve. The same Saturn will reward you with RECOGNITION WOMEN, children and younger people can enhance your prospects. Colours RED, WHITE and pink are good for you. Sleeping North/South axes with your head to the North is good for you.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015—37

A-Ibom youths protest over N960m oil spill compensation Allege being shortchanged by Paramount Ruler By Chioma Onuegbu

YO—HUNDREDS of youths from Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have protested over oil spill compensation which has allegedly been paid to the Paramount Ruler, HRM Edidem Ukpa. The protesters, who converged at the paramount ruler ’s compound, yesterday, said they were the ones that toiled in the area to find the location of the oil spill. They stated that when they located the areas that had been affected by the spill, they presented the issue before Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited for compensation. Leader of the protesters, Mr. Sam Akpan, lamented that Ibeno, Esit Eket, and Eket Local Government Areas which he said followed the same procedures as they did, had also been paid their compensation. All attempts to speak with the paramount ruler, Ukpa, on the issue at press time proved abortive as he did not answer calls placed to his mobile telephone nor respond to text message sent to him. Akpan explained that when the first compensation was paid, it was the youths who collected

the money, N960 million, and gave it to the paramount ruler, adding that the paramount ruler along with members of his council and a few other people spent the money without giving them (youths) their due. He added that when the youths asked Edidem Ukpa and members of his council about the money, they were told to be patient until the last set of

compensation would be paid. He said: “Last year Mobil had problems with the community over oil spill. We selected people to confirm the areas where the spill occurred. They did and brought the report which we presented to Mobil for compensation. When the first compensation of N960 million was paid, we were the ones who took it to our paramount ruler.

“When we later asked them for our share of the money, they asked us to wait for the next one. And when the next one came, they asked us to wait for the third one. We were the ones who went to Mobil and collected the money to our paramount ruler, who connived with other members of the community and and spent the money without giving us our due.”

VISIT: From left: Mr. Belema Wakama, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs; Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Uguru Usani and Mr. Joseph Yobo, exNigerian international and captain of Super Eagles, during a courtesy call on the minister in Abuja.

Bayelsa poll: Ekeremor communities drum up support for Dickson By Samuel Oyadongha

ENAGOA—THE Restoration Campaign Organisation of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate in the December 5 governorship poll, Seriake Dickson, yesterday, received a boost as communities in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state came out enmasse to welcome the campaign train and support the second term bid of the incumbent governor. The governor was in the council in continuation of his community to community meet the people tour ahead of the election. Before the Ekeremor rally, the communities visited include Ayamasa, Obirigbene, Isampou, Egbemo-Angalabiri, Tamogbene, Amabulou and Foutorugbene. Others were Peretorugbene, Ndoro, Aghoro, Aleibiri and Ekeremo, headquarters of the council, which is also the hometown of the Minister of State for Agriculture and a chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri. The campaign team comprised of the governor’s wife, Dr. Rachael Dickson, a

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daughter of the area and same for the Director-General of the campaign, Fred Agbedi, who is also the current serving member of the House of Representatives for Sagbama/Ekeremor federal

constituency. The people and their leaders said their decision to come out enmasse and back the governor's second term bid was based on his impressive performance in office. Describing the on-going

Sagbama-Ekeremor Road project as a lasting legacy of the current administration, the chiefs and the entire people of the area said they had no option than to support Dickson’s reelection.

2016: Edo APC chair assures on fairness in primaries the party, assuring that the party capable of tarnishing the By Simon Ebegbulem

ENIN—AHEAD of the 2016 governorship election in Edo State, the state chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr Anselm Ojezua, has warned party leaders to desist from creating tension in the party as a result of their loyalty to any of the governorship aspirants of

will be fair to all aspirants during the primaries. He spoke at Iguobazuwa, Ovia South-West Local Government Area of the state, where the party honoured Mr Osazee Akpasi, a chieftain of the party, for his philanthropic gestures in the community. Mr Akpasi urged APC youths to shun thuggery and other vices

image of the party ahead the 2016 governorship election. Meanwhile, Ojezua, frowned at attempts by some party leaders to factionalize the party particularly at the local government level, due to their interest in particular governorship aspirants, warning that such attitude weakens the party’s structure.

Edo APGA tasks APC on promises

LL Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in AkokoEdo Local Government Area, Edo State, has challenged the state All Progressives Congress, APC, on issues the party (APC) has neglected as part of its core responsibilities it promised to undertake if voted into power. Mr Victor Lawani, APGA Akoko-Edo chapter chairman, who spoke at Igarra, yesterday as

the party concluded its rally/ inauguration of executive across all 10 wards in the locality which allowed the party to gain ground with over 27, 510 supporters, said his party will floor the APC in the 2016 governorship poll. Lawani, while listing poor social amenities and deplorable conditions of Ososo, Igarra and Ibillo, township roads, noncompletion of multi-purpose town

hall, lack of employment for youths and elders amidst increase in the Internally Generated Revenue by the council under the watch of APC, restated the preparedness of APGA to defeat APC in the coming poll in the state as a result of the party's failures to deliver on its campaign promises to the people.

Address workers' salaries with bailout funds, Delta LGs charged By Festus Ahon

SABA—CHAIRMAN of Delta State Local Government Service Commission, Olumami Oyibo, has directed Heads of Personnel Management, HPM and Treasurers in the councils in the state to strictly comply with the directive of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa that the bailout fund be used 100 percent to address workers' salaries. Oyibo, in a statement in Asaba, said the funds released were strictly for workers’ salaries, including present political office holders in the council, adding that diversion of the funds to other uses would attract sanctions against any erring Head of HPM and Treasurer. He maintained that the funds released to the councils, and in addition to the allocation for the month of October, can conveniently pay at least three months salaries of workers in the affected 21 councils where salaries of workers are in arrears.

Ozorofere emerges PresidentGeneral of Isoko community in Lagos By Onozure Dania

A G O S — T H E indigenes of Ozoro community in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, have appointed Mr. Kennedy Ozorofere as the PresidentGeneral of the community in Lagos State. Ozorofere was appointed during the community ’s meeting in Lagos. Speaking on Ozoroefe’s appointment, a Lagos based indigene of the community, Paul Okuweh, said the development was a good omen that will bring positive change and rapid development to their country home. He urged the newly appointed PresidentGeneral to use his wealth of experience to bring together different groups and associations in the community.

38—Vanguard,FRIDAY,NOVEMBER 27, 2015

Drug syndicate has no hiding place —ACG

APPOINTMENTS: Ikpeazu moves to avert

crisis in PDP By Anayo Okoli

By Ifeyinwa Obi

HE ACTING A s s i s t a n t Comptroller General, ACG, of Customs, Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service, Charles Edike has said the service is making effort to arrest the fleeing members of the syndicate that tried exporting 576kilogram of drugs to South Africa. Speaking after concluding on the ground assessment of the seizure made by officers of the Apapa Area command of the service, the acting ACG said there were loose ends that would lead to the arrest of other members of the group. The drug made up of 266kg of methamphetamine and 310kgs of ephedrine valued at N4.6 billion were hidden inside noodles, cereals and palm oil Though one Tochukwu Ubah had been arrested in connection to the planned exportation of the drug to Durban South Africa, the customs boss said there were enough information to get the remaining members of the syndicate.

MUAHIA—GOVERNOR Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, has taken steps to douse the rising disaffection in the

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, over perceived neglect and marginalization in the appointments made so far by his administration. Vanguard gathered that the governor had already met with

FG embarks on programme to integrate youths into PHC By Vincent Ujumadu

WKA—THE federal government has begun a programme aimed at integrating and promoting access of young people and adolescents into the country’s Primary Health Care, PHC, system. Twelve states in the country, including Anambra were selected to participate in the first phase of the programme in which health care providers are being trained on how to get the young people and adolescents to seek information on their health needs. In addition to training 65 health care providers in Anambra State for the programme, the state government has also trained 2200 students drawn from 55 secondary schools in the state on peer to peer youth health education. Anambra State director of primary health care and disease

Pa Michael Kassim is dead

A MICHAEL Kassim is dead. He died on October 1, 2015. His Christian wake-keep is on December 10, 2015 at his residence, 10/ 12, Odekunle Street, Agbowo, UI, Ibadan. Open air service holds on December 11 at Trans Amusement Park, Orita UI, Ibadan, followed by interment at his residence after a church service at Christ Apostolic Church CAC, Oke Ife, Agbowo, UI, Ibadan. He is survived by children and grand children.

different leaders and members of the party and explained to them that nobody was being marginalized and blamed the slow pace of government activities on the lean finances of the state occasioned by the nation’s economic crunch. The groups met separately by Governor Ikpeazu, were former Commissioners in the past administration, members of the immediate past 5th House of Assembly and all categories of political office aspirants in the last general election. Sources said that Ikpeazu told them he would carry everybody along and promised to discharge his obligations to those past

control, Dr. C.E Okafor, while addressing participants at the training of first line workforce for the programme in Awka, explained that the trained students had been sending questions and seeking solutions for their health problems from the state ministry of health. According to h i m , government By Vincent Ujumadu decided to open facilities WKA—ANAMBRA State in all parts of government has flagged off the the state where rehabilitation of 35-year-old Nawfijathe youths Ufuma-Ogbanka-Abia State border road could go for to ease transportation in the area. consultations, The ceremony took place at Ogbunka in adding that the Orumba South local government area. trained health The road has been in a deplorable care providers condition for about 35 years and usually would serve as impassable during the rainy season. the contact Commissioner for Housing and Urban points. Development, Mr. Frank Offor, who performed the ceremony on behalf of Governor Willie Obiano, explained that when completed, the road would shorten the journey from Anambra to Abia and

officers still being owed severance allowances and urged them to exercise patience. Vanguard learned that there had been grumblings among party members over the recent distribution of political offices as some of them who expected to be rewarded after the election were not. The complaints were mainly against those appointed by Governor Ikpeazu as commissioners, seen as recycled old hands and some brought from Abuja where they held a supposed higher officers to displace those who felt they worked hard to merit appointment.

Obiano flags off Anambra-Abia State link road Enugu states and also improve the

economic status of communities in the area. He urged the people of the area to support the state government in its efforts to improve the living standard of Anambra people, assuring that Governor Obiano was determined to make the state a reference point in terms of infrastructure development. According to him, the governor was fulfilling his campaign promises to the people despite the economic crisis facing the country, assuring that all parts of the state would benefit from the state government’s programmes. The representative of the contractor handling the project, Mr. Freddy Dekleyn assured that the project would be delivered within the time given by government.

Edo PDP youths seek dissolution of Orbih-led exco

ENIN CITY—YOUTHS of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State, yesterday, issued a 15-day ultimatum to the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party to immediately dissolve the Chief Dan Orbih-led exco in the state or face mass defection of members to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Late Pa Kassim

The youths in a communique signed by Ehikoya Edward (Edo Central), Aroyameh Bright (Edo North) and Idemudia Osagie (Edo South), threatened to commence on “a revolutionary protest match across Edo State to call for the removal of the exco because enough is enough.” The PDP youths recalled that

"not too long ago, we drew the attention of the PDP NWC/BoT of the sinister moves by the Orbihled exco, in connivance with some party leaders, to forcefully appoint themselves and take over the affairs of the PDP, Local government areas and wards in the state, but nothing was done about it."

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

On N5,000 stipend for jobless youths/graduates

t is the duty of Federal Government to ensure that unemployed graduates are not forgotten, they do not have any choice on that. Well, it is for those unemployed youths that want to settle for N5, 000 monthly. Miss Ogochukwu Onwuatuegwu, Student

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country without central data system cannot compile list of unemployed youths or graduates. However, Federal Government can collect list of graduated students from the universities, polytechnics and others. -Mr. Imoni Jesukri, Self Employed

ave Nigerians asked if there is a data base of unemployed graduates? When we were paid bursaries back in the days, the state government collated all the names of students in higher institutions across Nigeria. -Mr Emmanuel Iyoke, Worker

oes the government have a centralized data system to keep tabs on who is paid? Even university certificate can be forged these days if they are to be used. Government should put a good database on ground. -Miss Ukoma Ezeokoye, Graduate

aste of money that could be channelled towards infrastructure development. Countries that have such welfare package do not have challenges with infrastructure. They should start by paying N18, 000 minimum wage. -Mr. Bassey Asuquo, Self Employed

uhari should fix the economy and job opportunities will increase. How long will people be paid N5,000? It is like people claiming job seekers' allowance in the UK that has a good system and it is still being abused by people. -Mr. Emeka Austin, Engineer

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015 — 39

40—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015

VISIT: From left—Mr. Tony Ojobo, Director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Ms. Lucretia Fontaine, Director, Corporate Advisory and International Compliance, ATC Wireless Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Gordon Porter, CEO/Vice President, ATC Nigeria and Mr. Usman Mallah, during a courtesy visit to the NCC in Abuja.

PRESS WEEK LECTURE: From left— Mr. Joshua Bassey, Chairman, Lagos State Governor's Office Correspondents, LAGOCO, Mr. Fola Adeyemi, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, receiving Award of Excellence in Information Delivery from Hon. Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef, Commissioner of Home Affairs and Mr. Babatunde Jimoh, Vice Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Lagos Chapter, during the LAGOCO 2015 Press Week Lecture at LTV-8, Ikeja, Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

CONFERENCE: From Left: Kholobikian Kevork George, General Manager, Le Paris Continental Hotel; Jeffery Kayode, Representative, Luxury Spa Supplies; Mrs Evelyn Okere, Executive Director, St.Eve and organiser of St. Eve West Africa Fashion BRIEFING: From left—Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Show; Stone Jiang, Managing Director, Bliss Hair; Anshuman Bakshi, MD, Aquadana, Strategy, Mr. Fola Adeyemi, GM, Lagos State Public Works Corporation, and Michael Wagner, General Manager, Mercedes Benz, at a pre-event conference LSPWC, Mr. Ayotunde Sodehinde, and Commissioner of Information and ahead of St.Eve’s fashion show coming up this weekend in Lagos. Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, during the briefing on efforts to fix roads in Lagos by LSPWC, at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

EXHIBITION: From right—CEO Spectranet, David Venn; DG, National Information Technology Development Agency, Mr Peter Olu Jack, and Chairman/Exhibition Coordinator, Oyesola Oworu, at the Africa Information Technology Exhibition and Strategic conference in Abuja.

FREE HEALTH PROGRAMME: Onitire of Itireland, Oba Lateef Dauda, Mrs Kudirat Alasiri, Mrs Azeezat Abdulraheem receiviing free drugs packs from the Executive Secretary, Mushin LGA, Hon. Babajide Bello during the twoday free health programme organized by Mushin council area, Lagos. C M Y K

AWARD: Chief Sales Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Godfrey Efeurhobo (left) receives the SERA Award for Best Company in Health Intervention from MD/CEO, Film House Cinemas, Kene Mkparu, at the SERA's Awards 2015 in Lagos.

WORKSHOP: From left—Director, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Nestle Nigeria, Dr. Samuel Adenekan; Ag. Head, Dept of Human Nutrition, University of Ibadan, Dr. Folake Samuel; Manager, Nestle Nutrition Institute, Africa Anglophone Countries, Mrs. Chioma Emma-Nwachukwu and Consultant Gastroenterologist, LASUTH, Dr. Olufunke Adeniyi, during a fortification workshop at Nestle office, Ilupeju, Lagos.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015 — 41

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42 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015

Be prophets of peace, Pope tells Kenyans

Trump under fire for mocking disabled reporter R EPUBLICAN presi dential contender Donald Trump has been criticised for mocking a disabled New York Times reporter. Mr Trump performed an impression of Serge Kovaleski, who suffers from a congenital joint condition, at a rally. He has used a 2001 article by Mr Kovaleski to back up widely disputed claims that “thousands” of Muslims in New Jersey celebrated the 9/11 attacks.

The New York Times called Mr Trump’s actions “outrageous”. Referring to the 2001 article (published by the Washington Post) at a South Carolina rally on Tuesday night, Mr Trump called Mr Kovaleski “a nice reporter”. “Now the poor guy, you gotta see this guy,” he continued, before launching into an apparent impression of Mr Kovaleski, waving his arms around with his hands at an odd angle. “Uhh I don’t know what I said. Uhh I don’t remem-

ber. He’s going like ‘I don’t remember. Maybe that’s what I said.’” Mr Kovaleski has arthrogryposis, a condition that affects the movement of joints and is noticeable in his right arm and hand. A New York Times spokeswoman told news site Politico: “We think it’s outrageous that he would ridicule the appearance of one of our reporters,” The original Washington Post article by Mr Kovaleski said that authorities in Jersey.

EFORE the celebra tion of a holy mass yesterday in Kenya, Pope Francis met religious leaders from other faiths and other Christian denominations, and urged them to be “prophets of peace” in a violent and hate-driven world. Referring to attacks carried out by the militant Islamist group al-Shabab in Kenya, he said that God’s name “must never be used to justify hatred and violence”. Pope Francis, who has made the fight against human trafficking a major priority, also denounced other forms of illegal trafficking during his first-ever visit to Af-

rica. In a speech Thursday to the regional U.N. headquarters, Francis said illegal trade in diamonds and other precious stones and metals, as well as the poaching of elephants for their ivory tusks “fuels political instability, organized crime and terrorism.” He said: “This situation is a cry rising up from humanity and the Earth itself, one which needs to be heard by the international community.” Francis’ speech, one of the most important of his six-day visit, was interrupted several times by rousing applause from

the U.N. staff and U.N.accredited diplomatic corps. The Nairobi U.N. office is headquarters for the U.N. Environment Program and the U.N. Habitat programme.

Civil servants locked up for lateness in Tanzania

IGHTS activists in Tanzania have condemned the decision of a district commissioner to lock up civil servants for coming to work late. Paul Makonda ordered police in the Kinondoni area of the main city, Dar es Salaam, to detain 20 workers after they turned up late for a meeting. Mr Makonda said the officials had failed to explain their actions. On Tuesday, newlyelected President John Magufuli replaced independence day celebrations with a clean-up campaign. Wednesday ’s failed meeting was rearranged on Thursday morning and the officers arrived two hours early. The commissioner ’s action has received widespread support among Tanzanians on social media. However, human rights groups have criticised the move, saying rules and regulations need to be followed to avoid chaos. “If someone does not show up for work, then we have to follow the laws and procedures we have,” Onesmo Olengurumwa, from the Tanzanian Human Rights Defenders’ Coalition, told the BBC. But he added that they were in support of the efforts shown by the current president to ensure that everyone was held responsible. The BBC’s Tulanana Bohela in Dar es Salaam says lateness and long tea breaks are a constant source of complaints from citizens seeking services from public offices. The district commissioner may be seen as taking inspiration from the new president, who has the reputation of a no-nonsense, resultsdriven politician, she says.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015—43

Oyo lawmakers on strike over unpaid allowances By Ola Ajayi

BADAN—THE 32-member Oyo State House of Assembly has suspended legislative duties until the state government pays the accumulated allowances owed the lawmakers. According to information gathered, the government is owing the lawmakers furniture, car allowances and two months running cost for the legislative arm. Due to the strike, the sitting that had earlier been scheduled for yesterday was put on hold. Speaking on condition of anonymity, one of the aggrieved lawmakers said, that despite the cash crunch being experienced in the country, some state governors still manage to settle their lawmakers wondering why they should be the only ones suffering in the whole of the South West. “We understand that the crash in the price of crude oil has brought the economy to its knees. The consequent drop in revenue affects all the 36 states as well as the Federal Government. But in spite of this dire situation, all other governors have sorted out the allowances of their state

houses of assembly. Throughout the country, only those of us who are lawmakers in Oyo State are left languishing. “During the last Assembly, in Governor Ajimobi’s first term, cars were bought for all the lawmakers. They were

also paid furniture allowances. The running cost of the House was also paid regularly. These allowances are statutory," he said. He also hinted that the House did not sit last week as a result of the accrued allowances.

“Last week, we boycotted sitting to protest lack of concern for our welfare. Without the running cost, the Assembly cannot function. The running cost for the office of the governor is paid regularly. Why is that of the House left out?” the lawmaker said.

ANNIVERSARY: From left: Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Wemimo Ogunde, SAN; Commissioner for Education, Ogun State, Mrs. Modupe Mujofa and Chairman, Board of Governors, Trinity College, Pastor Samuel Olatunji, during the 20th anniversary dinner and alumni award nite by Trinity International College, in Lagos Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

Ondo council of Obas condemns Eze Ndigbo title in S-West

By Dayo Johnson

KURE—THE Council of Obas in Ondo State has said that the title of Eze Ndigbo in the South-West is a calculated attempt to embarrass Yoruba traditional rulers and desecrate their traditional institution. A communiqué issued by the council in Akure after its monthly meeting described the trend as “an affront on the state traditional rulers." They, therefore, stated that the title should be prohibited in the state and that there should not be any Ndigbo chieftaincy title for leaders of Igbo or other ethic group in the state. It said that the use of titles such as Eze, Igwe, Obi or any other synonym is not acceptable in the state and that the only chieftaincy title that would be recognized is the one bestowed by the traditional ruler in the state on Igbo indigenes such as chairman or president or leader of Igbo indigenes. The Communiqué noted that efforts had been made in the past by several Igbo leaders residing in the state to assume the Eze Ndigbo title but such moves have always been resisted. The Obas declared: “The

continued use of Eze Ndigbo chieftaincy title and flaunting of paraphernalia of Ndigbo traditional institution in Ondo State is a calculated attempt to embarrass the Yoruba traditional rulers. “It is also meant to desecrate the Yoruba traditional institution. It is also an affront on Ondo State traditional rulers." The Obas said that the issue

of Eze Ndigbo chieftaincy title in Ondo State, which is the title of traditional rulers in Igbo communities, is alien to Yoruba and tradition. “ It is a way of arrogating to the Igbo leaders the traditional power and equating themselves to Yoruba Obas. They said that it is forbidden under the extant Chiefs Law for any person who is not a

recognized Oba in Ondo State to wear a crown, costume or any other paraphernalia of an Oba. “ It is an infraction of the penal law and indeed the Chiefs Law in Ondo State for any person to parade himself as either a minor chief or recognized chief without the requisite approval of the prescribed authority or the State Executive Council as the case may be,’’ they said.

Fayose flays Buhari over statement on return of looted funds By Rotimi Ojomoyela

DO-EKITI—EKITI State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has described as total falsehood, President Muhammadu Buhari’s claim that many of those who looted the public treasuries in the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan had started returning their loots. Fayose said the President should rather stay at home to govern the country instead of junketing around the globe and acting like a saint before the international community. The governor challenged the

President to tell Nigerians how much was returned and the looters who returned the stolen funds, adding: “Since the purported looted funds belong to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it ought to have been paid into the Federation Account and shared by the federal, state and local governments.” Governor Fayose, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, in AdoEkiti, on Thursday, advised President Buhari to tackle the collapsed economy of the

country headlong instead of going from one country to another, casting aspersions on Nigerians with his sing-song of fighting corruption. He said the President’s attitude was yet to change from that of 1984 when he was a military Head of State. He said: “Buhari’s statement in Tehran, Iran, that it was easier for him as a military Head of State in 1984 to arrest corrupt individuals and put them in protective custody was a pointer to the fact that he has not changed from the dictator that he was then.

Senatorial poll: Olujimi, Rasaki win in A-Court By Rotimi Ojomoyela

DO-EKITI— RELIEF came the way of the senator representing Ekiti South senatorial district, Mrs. Abiodun Olujimi and her counterpart in Ekiti Central, Mrs. Fatimat Rasaki, yesterday, as the Court of Appeal sitting in Ado Ekiti confirmed their election. The candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti South senatorial district, Chief Anthony Adeniyi, had challenged the election of Mrs. Olujimi of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the March 28 poll. Adeniyi wanted Mrs. Olujimi’s election nullified on grounds that she was not qualified to run, claiming that she was a member of the National CommunicationsCommission, NCC, board at the time she contested. Adeniyi also claimed that the senator did not resign her appointment within the time allowed by law. The APC candidate in Ekiti Central, Gbenga Olofin, alleged that the election conducted in the senatorial district was marred by violence and corrupt practices, and that Mrs. Rasaki was not validly elected by lawful votes cast at the poll. The PDC and its candidate, Lawal Olutunde, who also filed petition against the election of the PDP candidate, Mrs. Rasaki, are claiming that they were wrongfully excluded from participating in the senatorial poll. Delivering judgment in the appeal filed by Adeniyi, panel chairman, Justice Sidi Bage, held that Mrs. Olujimi was eligible to contest having resigned her appointment as a board member of NCC within the 30 days allowed by the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended. According to the panel chairman, the stamp and date on the resignation letter of the PDP candidate showed that it was dated February 26, 2015 while the election was held on March 28, 2015.

44 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015

Vanguard CLASSIFIED OBOKOHWEMU—I, formerly known and addressed as Jonathan Obokohwemu, now wish to be known and addressed as Jonathan Obokohwemu Joe Jerado. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AKEJU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Temitope Kuburat Akeju, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Temitope Kuburat Fasasi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IKPONKE— I , formerly known and addressed as Ikponke Johnson Willy and Ikpongke Emmanson Willie, now wish to be known and addressed as Willie Mponke Emmanson. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONONOGBU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ononogbu Chioma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okorie Obioma Chioma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

SAMUEL—I, formerly known and addressed as Urama Onyebuchi Samuel, now wish to be known and addressed as Urama Onyebuchi James. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NKWOPARAH—I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Nkwoparah Chikodi Rosemary, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okechukwu Chikodi Rosemary. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name This is to confirm that Agboinjiague Williams Eromosele and Williams Eromosele is the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as Agboinjiague Williams Eromosele. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name This is to confirm that Odiase Itohan

please take note.

Correction of name I hereby state that on my account, my name was mistakenly written as Ekonmene Daniel instead of Leghemo Ekonmene Daniel. I now wish to be known and addressed as Leghemo Ekonmene Daniel. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

KADIRI—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Iyemifokhae Igberaese Kadiri, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. I y e m i f o k h a e Igberaese Edmond. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AZUBUIKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oluchi Joy Azubuike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oluchi Joy Okoye. All former documents remain valid. Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu and general public please take note.

STELLA—I, formerly known and addressed as Maduagwu Stella Ogechukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as M a d u a g w u S t e p h a i n e Ogechukwu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

TEBERE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Tebere Ngozi Pepertual, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olajide Ngozi Lilian. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ANOCHIRI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Anochiri Elizabeth Oluchi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Heavens Elizabeth Oluchi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ERUOTOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss E r u o t o r Akpevweoghene Marian, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. E g w e r o Akpevweoghene Marian. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

PRINCESS—I, formerly known and addressed as Olu Princess Eunice, now wish to be known and addressed as Olu Eunice Funmilayo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

SANNI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Sanni Folashade Omolara, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Tinuoye Folashade Omolara. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EZEONWUNEME— I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ifeoma Justina Ezeonwuneme, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ifeoma Justina E-Onyenma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OPARAH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Dorathy Chinyere Oparah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akalefu Dorathy Chinyere. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BELLO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Fatima Olusola Bello, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Fatima Olusola Balogun. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ALELE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nkechi Esther Alele, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nkechi Esther Iweunor. All former documents remain valid. UNILAG, FRCN Training School and general public please take note.

NNAEDOZIE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nnaedozie Ebere Nebechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ezeakor Ebere Nebechi. All former documents remain valid. UNN, NSITF, UBA and general public please take note.

Correction of name I, Ejim Chisom Praise hereby state that my name was wrongly written as Ejimchukwu Chisom Praise, instead of Ejim Chisom Praise. My correct name is Ejim Chisom Praise. Also, that my date of birth was wrongly quoted as 11th day of December, 1989, instead of 4th December, 1989. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IBRAHIM—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Fatima Oguma Ibrahim, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Fatima Oguma Suleimon Musa. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BURKE—I, formerly

public please take note.

ABDULLAHI—I, formerly known and addressed as Abdullahi Rukayat Motunrayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Shamsondeen Rukayat Motunrayo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name I, Emmanuel Koyi Oduwole am the same person as Fatai Jimoh Oduwole. Emmanuel Koyi Oduwole and Fatai Jimoh Oduwole is one and same person. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EWULU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ewulu Ugochinyere Ijeoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. M a n u j i b e y a Ugochinyere Ijeoma. All former documents remain valid. Nigerian Prisons Service and general public please take note.

GBEMUDU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Stella Nkedinma Gbemudu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Stella Nkedinma Aminaghan. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IGWEGBE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Uchechi Anne Igwegbe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Uchechi Anne Ogum. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NICHOLAS—I, formerly known and addressed as Sylvester Ekene Nicholas, now wish to be known and addressed as Ekene Nicholas Ekene. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AZUBUIKE—I, formerly known as Miss Azubuike Joy Amechi, now wish to be known as Mrs. Okeke-Ezeanyanwu Joy Amechi. All former documents remains valid. COOU, UNN and general public take note.

HOGAN—I, formerly known as Miss Elizabeth Ekpenyong Hogan, now wish to be known as Mrs. Elizabeth Fabian Patrick. All former documents remains valid. General public take note.

Confirmation of name In my Account with GTBank, I used the name Jeff Idjen and I want the name Jeff Idjen to replace the former name in my Diamond Bank Account Yerowa Jeff Idje. All former documents remains valid. General public take note.

OKOYE—I, formerly

take note.

EMMANUEL—I, formerly known as Emmanuel Ojidu Ena, now wish to be known as Ena Audu Ojiduson. All former documents remains valid. General public take note.

ISIAKPERE—I, formerly known as Mrs. Joy Adebimpe Isiakpere, now wish to be known as Miss Joy Adebimpe Koiki. All former documents remains valid. General public take note.

Confirmation of name I, Ajana Stella Fola do hereby confirm that I am also Adelanke Ajana Stella Fola. Henceforth I wish to be known and addressed as Adelanke Ajana Stella Fola. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AGHAUCHE—I, formerly known and addressed as Emeka Godwin Aghauche, now wish to be known and addressed as Emeka Godwin Ojiako. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name This is to confirm that the name Akpovili Edafe Bright, refers to one and the same person as Erero Edafe Bright, now wish to be known and addressed as Akpovili Edafe Bright. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

known and addressed as Theresa Burke, now wish to be known and addressed as Theresa Burke-Okeke. former

All

documents

remain valid. General

A N YA N W U — I , formerly known as Miss Blessing Egondu Anyanwu, now wish to be known as Mrs. Blessing Egondu Momoh. All former documents remains valid. BUA Sugar Refinery and general public take note.

Benjamin is the same person as Odiase O m o r o g i e v a Benjamin. All former documents remain valid. General public

EGESUOH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Egesuoh Chioma Adanna, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ekeh Chioma Adanna. All former documents remain valid. Imo State University Owerri, National Youth Service Corp, [NYSC] and general public take note.

known

Okoye

Uzoma, now wish to be known as Mrs. Oboro Uzoma. All former documents remains valid. General public

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015—45

Vanguard CLASSIFIED Confirmation of name I, Mrs. Elo Oke Erumagborie hereby confirm that the names Miss Elo Oke Odogu, being my former name and Mrs. Elo Oke Austin O. Erumagborie as it appears on some of my documents refer to one and same me. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name I, Tomi Clifford Dimiyen do hereby confirm that the names Tomi Clifford Dimiyen and Tale Tomi refer to one and same me. I now wish to be known and addressed as Tomi Clifford Dimiyen. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EMUOSIUKO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Irikefe Emuosiuko, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ovwemejepha Irikefe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ERHUNMWUNSEE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Kate Iyore Erhunmwunsee, now wish to be known and addressed as Dr (Mrs) Kate Iyore Edionhon. All former documents remain valid. University of Jos, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, JUTH, West African College of Surgeons and general public, please take note.

MADU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Tobechukwu Pepetual Madu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Tobechukwu Pepetual Godwin-Onumadu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGUNJOBI—I, formerly known and addressed as Ogunjobi John Paul, now wish to be known and addressed as Igimah Endurance Paul. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADIGUN—I, formerly known and addressed as Adigun Salimot Olasimbo, now wish to be known and addressed as Otunuyi Salimot Olasimbo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

C H U K W U — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Rosemary Onyinyechi Chukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Rose Onyinyechi Ijemba. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OLAMIDE—I, formerly known and addressed as Akinyemi Emmanuel Olamide, now wish to be known and addressed as Akinyemi Emmanuel Akinola. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OLABODE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Esther Ebunlomo Olabode, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Esther Ebunlomo Oke. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NWOKOCHA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Tina Ijeoma Nwokocha, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Tina Ijeoma Ogbuagu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

FAGBAMILA—I, formerly known, called and addressed as Miss Fagbamila Motolani Atinuke now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Motolani Atinuke Okudero. All documents bearing my former names remain valid. The general public should please note.

OPARA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Justina Chinedu Opara, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Justina Chinedu Nwaneri. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BUSARI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Busari Fasilat Omobola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adeogun Rhoda Omobola. All former documents remain valid. UBA, Ecobank and general public please take note.

OKOLI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Venarsser Oge Okoli, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Venarsser Oge Peres. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. OLUKOMO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olukomo Olufolake Olamide, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ikhizamah Olufolake Olamide. All former documents remain valid. Chrisland Schools Ltd and general public please take note.

O G U G UA — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogugua Ogochukwu Gloria, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akwasi Ogochukwu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NJOKU—I, formerly known and addressed as Chichi Ngozi Njoku, now wish to be known and addressed as Chichi Ngozi Nwaire. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IMONI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Akpevwe Joyce Imoni, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akpevwe Joyce Ovie. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHIMO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chimo Edith Achenedu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Esiri Ohimo Edith. All former documents remain valid. DESOPADEC and general public please take note.

AMADE—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Azuka Amade, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Azuka Amaije. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

DIBOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Dibor Samuel Ozoemene, now wish to be known and addressed as John Samuel Ozo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IYANOYE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Iyanoye Omowunmi Victoria, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Omodele Omowunmi Victoria. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ITEZE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Iteze Betty Oghenefego, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Utomakile Betty Oghenefego. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AKINBOBOYE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinboboye Edileola Cecelia, wrongly spelt as Cecelia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Amakom Edileola Cecilia. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ALAKA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Alaka Ademisola Zainab, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ikenchuku Ademisola Zainab. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EKERE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ekere Christiana Nnenna, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Inegbue Christiana Nnenna. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OHANMUO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ohanmuo Augustina Oluchi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Osuorji Augustina Oluchi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONYEAWULOTU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eileen Chinyere Onyeawulotu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Eileen Chinyere Nkwazema. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EBEGBULEM—I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Ebegbulem Perpetua Ogechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ezeala Perpetua Ogechi. All former documents remain valid. State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Owerri, First Bank, Skye Bank and general public please take note.

OGAGAVWODIA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogagavwodia C h r i s t a b e l Avwerosuoghene, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ovesuor Christabel Avwerosuoghene. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OBI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Obi Christiana Agiliga, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Godwin Christiana Agiliga. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

A N YA N W U — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Vivian Osinachi Anyanwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Vivian Osinachi Okocha. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IBEH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mercy Ifeoma Ibeh, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mercy Ifeoma Okechukwu Ofonedu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKPARA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okpara Toochi Maureen, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. MichaelOgbodogbo Toochi Maureen. All former documents remain valid. FMC Asaba, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and general public please take note.

ODION—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Philo Ayobore Odion, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Philo Odion Abel. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NTOKA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ntoka Ngozi Blessing, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nnaji Ngozi Blessing. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKEREKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chinonso Andrea Okereke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chinonso Andrea Chiedo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ENASERE—I, formerly known and addressed as Enasere Eva, now wish to be known and addressed as Enasere Mary. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKELEKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Okeleke Nkonyeasoa Ogbade, now wish to be known and addressed as Okeleke Nkonyeasoa Tracy. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OJEI—I, formerly known and addressed as Godwin Ojei, now wish to be known and addressed as Ojei Festus. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Reconciliation of Names The names Okonkwo Ngozi Eucheria and Udekwe Ngozi refer to one and the same person. I now wish to be known and addressed as Okonkwo Ngozi Eucheria. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

46 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015

Vanguard CLASSIFIED ENOCHASE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Enochase Igbadan Stella, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Inoh Stella Igbadan. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

JOSHUA—I, formerly known and addressed as Pastor Chigozie Joshua Micheal And Pastor Chigozie Iheanacho, now wish to be known and addressed as Apostle Chigozie Lucky Micheal. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc, Eco Bank Plc and general public should please take note.

AGHOGHOVWIA—I, formerly known and addressed as Aghoghovwia Okiemute Philipa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Onojeghuo Okiemute Philipa. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

DAVID—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss David Sarah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Callaghan Sarah. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OHWOJEHERI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Winifred Nyerhovwo Ohwojeheri, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Winifred Nyerhovwo Tony - Ikelegbe. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ONWURAH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyinye Maureen Onwurah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Onyinye Maureen Isodje. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Confirmation/Change Of Name: That some of my documents carried Princess Umukoro, while others carried Umukoro Omavowan Princess. Omavowan Is My Native Name Umukoro my Surname, Princess my English Name. Now wish to be known and address as Umukoro Omavowan Princess. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc, UBA Bank Plc and general public should please take note.

Confirmation/Change Of Name: That some of my documents carried Nwabueze Chioma, while others carried Igbain Jessica Njideke. That the two said names belongs one and the same person. Now wish to be known and Address as Nwabueze Chioma. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Reconcilation Of Name: That in May/June WASSCE 2014 Exams I registered with Smart Johndu Ofuoma while in May/June WASSCE Exams, I registered with Smart Ogheneove John. That I make this affidavit to reconcile all names as Smart Johndu Ofuoma. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Addition/Change Of Name—I. formerly known and address as Francis Eriyija Akpuma now wish to be known and address as Francis Edewor Onakpojeda. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

DAMIAN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Damain Nkechi Martha, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Akujobi Kechinyere Martha. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

IYELAGHA—I, formerly known and addressed as Iyelagha Ebi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Omolo Ebi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Confirmation of names I, Hon. Otuaga Efewoma Okiroro Kisson, hereby confirm that in my BVN registration with UBA, Asaba, I have my name as Hon. Otuaga Efewoma Okiroro. Hon. Otuaga Efewoma Okiroro and Otuaga Efewoma Kisson are my real and authentic names. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

BABALOLA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olamide Idayat Babalola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Amire Olamide Esther. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

A I G UA N F O — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Aiguanfo Elizabeth Olubunmi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Yusuf Elizabeth Olubunmi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name I confirm that Nwosu Geoffrey Iheanyi and Nwosu Geoffrey Reginald is one and same person. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name This is to confirm that Edeke Effiong Edeke and Samuel Effiong Edeke is one and same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Samuel Effiong Edeke. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Correction of names I, James Ogaga Godgift do hereby state that my name was wrongly written in my Joint Admission and Matriculation result slip as James Ogaga Gidgift instead of James Ogaga Godgift. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

N WAC H U KW U— I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwachukwu Mercy Amarachi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chidi Mercy Amarachi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UKOKOSE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Esther Peter Ukokose, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Esther Yuomdah. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AY E M I E Y E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Edisemi Joy Ayemieye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Tolukoro Enidiseyi Joy. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IDAH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Magajiya Mary Idah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Magajiya Mary Ameh. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AJEMITOLU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Preye Dora Ajemitolu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Preye Dora Israel Olozulu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AFRIKI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Stella Edesemi Afriki, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Stella Edesemi Orderly. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

E N Y I N N AY A — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Enyinnaya Chimuanya Onyekwe Cynthia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okezie Chimuanya Benjamin. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

SEWENIOWOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eunice Seweniowor, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eunice Cocodia. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OTAZI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Otazi Dorathy Darari, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okani Dorathy Darari . All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

TIMIPERE—I, formerly known and addressed as Ayogoi Timipere, now wish to be known and addressed as Ayogoi Eniye. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OFULUE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ofulue Justina Obiageri and Miss Ofulue Justina, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eduke Justina Oyintonbra. All former documents remain valid. Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and general public please take note.

KOKO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Faithful Koko, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Faithful Achabi Viko. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

PAMOSOO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Odimiekumo Pamosoo Rose Polokowei, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Rose Obitom. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of Name I, Edah Oberhiri Blessing do hereby confirm that the names Edah Blessing and Edah Blessing Oberhiri refer to one and same me. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Addition of Name I, formerly known and addressed as Afebo Obebiolobha, now wish to be known and addressed as Afebo Obebiolobha Derima. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OMOKHODION—I, formerly known and addressed as Helen Otobore Omokhodion, now wish to be known and addressed as Helen Otobore EbiOgola. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OBIDIKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Helen Obidike, now wish to be known and addressed as Helen Iwuoba. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name This is to confirm that the name Isiaya Stanley, refers to one and the same person as Okocha Stanley, now wish to be known and addressed as Isiaya Stanley. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and general public please take note.

AHANMISI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Omokhaye Ahanmisi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Omokhaye Shirley Ogwah. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AGBUGBU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Agbugbu Etakpobunor Sophia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ejarogan Etakpobunor Sophia Agbugbu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ASAGBA—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Godwin Owen Asagba, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Godwin Owen Dieseru. All former documents remain valid. Eco Bank Plc and the general public take note.

OMEH— I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Omeh Juliana Chinyere, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ugbabe Juliana Chinyere. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONWUDIWE—I, formerly known and addressed as Onwudiwe Nneka Sandra, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Udeh Nneka Sandra. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

POPOOLA—I, formerly known and addressed as Popoola, Bolutife Blessing, now wish to be known and addressed as Agboola, Bolutife Blessing. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015—47

Biz school gets top rating in South Africa

Vanguard

dra u g n V a

CLASSIFIED ONYEMA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyema Lawretha Chidimma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Igboamaekwu Lawretha Chidimma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OYEKAN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyekan Temitope Hosanna, and also known as Helen, now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs. Wogu Hosanna Temitope. All former documents and transactions remain valid. General public please take note.

EJIKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ejike Queeneth Chinwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nlem Queeneth Chinwe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IYAMU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Anthonia Isoken Iyamu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Anthonia Isoken Nosagie-Nehikhare. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name This is to confirm that the names Prosper Promise Sokari and Innocent Sokari refer to one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Prosper Promise Sokari. All former documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank and Access Bank, please take note.

KARIBA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Longjohn Kariba Kariba and Maclaude Kariba Christiana, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Longjohn Kariba Christiana. All former documents remain valid. All relevant authorities and General public please take note.

Confirmation of name This is to certify that Roland Dio and Aboneje Roland Ibaimugha is the same and one person but now wish to be known and addressed as Aboneje Roland Ibaimugha. All former documents remain valid.General public please take note.

OMAGHOMI—I, formerly known and addressed as Omaghomi Kehinde Christiana now wish to be known and addressed as Ighorodje Kehinde Christiana. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Reconciliation of

please take note.

IMEGHRI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Akpevwe Imeghri now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akpevwe Edoja. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

DIDIA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Didia Rosemary Chizoba now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Imah Rosemary Chizoba. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MOSES—I, formerly known as Moses Samuel Temidayo, now which to be known as Olajuwon Samuel Temidayo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

GABRIEL BASSEY— I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Imaobong Gabriel Bassey, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olivia Imaobong Efisue. All former documents remain valid. Diya, Fatimilehin & Co and general public please take note.

EMEJI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Emeji Nkeiru Prisca, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Nkeiru Prisca Emeji Decker. All former documents remain valid. Embassies, The Nigerian Immigration and the general public please take note.

H A R U N A — I , formerly known and addressed as Haruna Yahaya Vincent, now wish to be known and addressed as Vincent Dodo Aribi. All former documents remain valid. Nigerian Navy Pension Office, First Bank of Nigeria and general public please take note.

EZENWELU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ezenwelu Ngozi Edith, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Onyemaechi Ngozi Edith. All former documents remain valid. UNIZIK, WAEC and general public please take note.

ODUNOLA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Odunola Folake Omolabake Margret, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adewuni Folake Omolabake Margret. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ORKURGA—I, formerly known and addressed as Orkurga Terna Thomas, now wish to be known and addressed as Koriyol Ushahemba Thomas. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OBI—I, formerly known and addressed as Iwok Israel Obi, now wish to be known and addressed as Israel Obi Kenneth. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ACHIMUGWU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Christiana Ekojonwa Achimugwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Christiana Ekojonwa Nwachukwu. All former documents remain valid. Federal Ministry Of Aviation and general public please take note.

ABAAGU—I, formerly known and addressed as Abaagu, Dooshima Evelyn, now wish to be known and addressed as Erdoo Evelyn .P. Abaagu. All former documents remain valid. u.b.a and general public please take note.

UZOAGBA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Uzoagba Eucharia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Nnaji Eucharia. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EKELE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ekele Charity Ache, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Charity Ache Chukwu Abara. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AJIYA WAZIRI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Amina Ajiya Waziri, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Amina Idriss Waziri. All former documents remain valid. National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and general public please take note.

OBIDIGWE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Obidigwe Okwuchi Ifeoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs ObidigweOnugha Okwuchi Ifeoma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name This is to confirm that Mr. Emmanuel Obi Azugwu or Mr Ndubuisi AzugwuOnugha refers to one and same person but now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Ndubuisi AzugwuOnugha. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name This is to confirm that Ejeh Agnes Ochaya, Abel Agnes Ochaya and Ejeh Agnes Ajumi refers to one and same person but now wish to be known and addressed as Ejeh Agnes Ochaya. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONWUEKWEIKPE— I, formerly known and addressed as Onwuekweikpe Favour, now wish to be known and addressed as Onwuekweikpe Chika. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ENAJI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Enaji .O. Victoria, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Darlington .A. Victoria. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ODEY—I, formerly known and addressed as Odey Sunday Augustine, now wish to be known and addressed as Odey Danclementum Alex. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

name This is to certify that Okoro Henrietta and B e b e t e i d o h Christiana. All former documents remain valid. General public

YOU CAN BOOK YOUR ADVERT AT: TRINITY MALL, 79/81 OBAFEMI AWOLOWO WAY, IKEJA. CALL: 08028289689, 08035449960, MURPHÝ'S PLAZA, 27, SANUSI FAFUNWA STREET, VICTORIA ISLAND. CALL: 08038092373, 08033163424

EGENESYS Business School based in South Africa with campuses in Nigeria and India has been ranked among top five business schools in South Africa, according to a survey conducted by PMR Africa which assesses accredited business schools and rates the perception of employers and employees regarding the MBA offering. Regenesys was rated on a mean score of 7.85 out of a possible 10.00 and ranked fourth overall. The survey was conducted from May to July 2015 among human resource managers, directors and line managers from corporate companies, individuals and stakeholders. The latest ranking has reaffirmed the credibility and quality of Regenesys Business School qualifications and awakens the market to the pedigree and depth of its graduates. A statement from the institutio said business schools that were selected in the survey include the University of Stellenbosch Business School, GIBS, the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business and the University of Witwatersrand Business School. Started 17 years ago, Regenesys Business School has been attracting students worldwide to study online or in South Africa and offers free business education through the Regenesys Foundation to help those without the means to attain the best that they can be. “We are very pleased with the result. It is a testament that we are offering sterling education."

Baptist Conference holds appreciation service

HE Lagos West Baptist Conference will on Sunday, November 29 hold appreciation service for Dr Julius Adeniji, the conference President. It will take place at Triumphant Baptist Church, Olufemi Ojo Street, Shasa Road, Akowonjo, Lagos. Adeniji has been in the saddle for five years and has been a dynamic leader, itinerant pastor and reputable administartor. He is formerly Senior Pastor of Triumphant Baptist Church, Akowonjo. He has for several years been an adjunct lecturer with both Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary and the Baptist College of Theology,Lagos.

48 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015 — 49

C M Y K

50— VANGUARD,

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015

Al-Fatih Quareeb mourns Paris attacks

Safar 15, 1437 A.H.

The Ideal Muslim Family By Imam Ridwan Jamiu

HE ideal Muslim family is oneboundbyacommongoal. LivingforAllahisthebestandrealgoal one can live for, else, life will be meaningless. Life has no meaning withoutspirituality.Allahsays,“Icreated jinnandmankindonlytoworshipMe,” Q51:56.Choosingalifepartnershould be influenced by this consideration. A soul mate is a goal mate. Couple who share the same goal are likely to grow together and stay together. A family divided in goal may not grow or stay together. This is why Islam prohibits Muslims from marrying idolaters and atheists. It strongly recommends marriagetobelievingMuslimsevenif theyareslaves,(Q2:221).Threewomen aregivenasexamplesinSurahTahreem (Q66):twounbelieversandonebeliever. The unbelieving ones are the wives of Prophet Nuh and Prophet Lut. Their husbandswerenevercomfortableliving with them. The third woman is Asiya, thewifeofPharaoh.

Wife of Pharoah Howmanycouplesstudythisbefore marriage? To have a successful Hajj, onemustobtaintheknowledgeofdo’s anddon’t’softheritesofHajj.Whatever isworthdoingisworthdoingwell.Books ofIslamicJurisprudenceallcarrysections on Nikah (Nuptials). Building Nikah on solid foundation is building it on Allah’s pleasure. BuildingmarriageonpleasureofAllah isstartingonefamilyonthebasisoflaw ofAllahandguidancefromtheSunnah oftheMessengerofALLAhbyfollowing theconditionsforthevalidityofmarriage: compatibility (legal and religious, especially), consent of the parties to it, formal consent of the guardian of the woman and presence of witnesses. DowryandWalimaharealsorequired. Cohabitation before marriage is againstAllah’sguidance.Takingsecret lovers is Haram in Islam (Q5:5). Homosexuality is a capital offence.

Stipulatingthatthewife-to-bemustbe pregnant before the marriage is contractedisalientoIslamandabizarre condition. Having more than four wives at a time is against Allah’s guidance.Forcingawardintomarriage is against the Sunnah of the Prophet. Amarriagethatwashastilyconcluded becausethewomanhasbeenillegally impregnatedisnotanidealmarriage. Wrongstartoftenleadstogloomyend. Registry marriage [marriage based on Marriage Acts] is against the guidanceofAllah.Itisunbelievers’law which Muslims should not subject themselvesto.Seekingandrelyingon theverdictoffuture-tellersinchoosing future partner is misguidance. Allah says,“Haveyouseenthose(hypocrites) whoclaimthattheybelieveinthatwhich has been sent down to you, and that whichwassentdownbeforeyou,and theywishtogoforjudgement(intheir disputes) to the Tâghût (false judges, etc.) while they have been ordered to reject them. But Shaitân (Satan) wishestoleadthemfarastray”Q4:60. Salatal-Istikharaistheidealwaytoseek Allah’sguidance. AbandoningSalatonweddingday becauseofmake-uporpartyactivities is ingratitude to Allah. Intermingling

Abandoning Salat on wedding day because of make-up or party activitiesisingratitudeto Allah. Intermingling of both sexes in wedding party is inappropriate. Wearing see-through wedding gowns as well as ceremonial exchange of wedding ring is against the Islamic guidance

LEMU holds seminar on sustaining Muslim families

S a result of the seemingly collapse of family system globally, the Lekki Muslim Ummah, LEMU held a workshop for Muslim families themed: ‘Family Affair’ with a view to proffering solutions to this societal ill. The quarterly da’wah workshop which was held last Sunday at the Jubrila Ayinla multipurpose hall, Lekki central mosque complex, Lekki, Lagos, was spiritually fulfilling as various scholars presented thought-provoking papers on issues about sustaining Muslim families. Chief Imam of LEMU, Sheikh Ridwan Jamiu, spoke on “The Ideal Muslim Family”, while Sheik Muhammad Bin Uthman,

presented: “Maintaining Family Ties: A non-negotiable Obligation”. Sheik Muhammad Shuaib , spoke on “Collapse of the Extended Family System: What Went Wrong?”, while Engr. Suleman Raji, Ustadh AbdulFatai Amaoo, and Alhaja Monsurah Vincent discussed the various presentations. The Vice Chairman of the Ummah, Dr. Waliu Braimo said: “As part of our efforts to further spread knowledge among Muslims, we are building a N70million Madrasah which is about 80 percent completed. So far, we have spent over N50 million on the project. We have a funding gap of about N20 million,” he stated.

of both sexes in wedding party is inappropriate. Wearing see-through weddinggownsaswellasceremonial exchange of wedding ring is against theIslamicguidance. An ideal family should be founded on the pleasure of Allah. Allah says, “Whichisbetter,thepersonwhofounds hisbuildingonconsciousnessofAllah and desire for His good pleasure, or the person who founds his building on the brink of a crumbling precipice that will tumble down into the Fire of Hell,takinghimwithit?Allahdoesnot guidetheevil-doers:thebuildingthey have founded will always be a source of doubt within their hearts, until their hearts are cut to pieces. Allah is all knowingandwise,”Q9:109-110. TheidealMuslimfamilyisonewhich isbasedonjusticeandcommitment. Couplearemarriedtobecomefriends. Sincere friendship requires give and take. Problems arise when one of the couple becomes selfish; they want to alwaystakebutnevergive.Selfishness has destroyed great many marriages. Selfishness is callousness and wickedness. Selfishness is injustice. Marriage prospers when the couple mutuallycareandshare.

Denial of legal right Parentsandchildrenhavedutiesand rights over one another. Leaders and the led have theirs. Duty neglected is right denied. Denial of legal right is injustice and oppression which has devastatingconsequences.Mostofthe hostilitiesintheworldhavebeencaused byinjustice:neglectofdutyanddenial of right. Today, we talk about Fundamental Human Rights but not Fundamental Human Duties. There can only be balance and justice in relationships and the world if there is reciprocityofresponsibility. DutiesoftheSpouses DutiesofthehusbandinIslamiclaw are:maintenance[i.e.,feeding,clothing andshelteringofthewifeandchildren], sexual intimacy [only with wife], guidance and protection, and good companionship(kindness). Duties of the wife are: obedience, sexual intimacy [only with the husband],homekeeping[sheandthe homemustbecleanandwelcoming] andgoodcompanionship(kindness). Duties of the husband are equivalent rightsofthewife,anddutiesofthewife are rights of the husband. Allah says, “Men are in charge of women by [right of] what Allah has givenoneovertheotherandwhatthey spendfromtheirwealth.Sorighteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband’s] absence what Allah would have them guard. Butthose[wives]fromwhomyoufear arrogance –advice them; [then if they persist], forsake them in bed; and [if they persist yet], strike them [lightly]. Butiftheyobeyyou,seeknomeans[of annoyance]againstthem. Continues next week

HE Missioner and members of the Al Fatih Quareeb society mourn the horrific loss of life in Friday’s attacks in Paris. As Muslims, we reaffirm our belief, as emphasized in the Quran, that whoever kills one life, it is as if they have killed all of humanity, and whoever saves even one life, it is as if they have saved all of humanity (Chapter 5: Verse 32). “This tragedy has touched the world,” said Sheik Abdul Rahman Adangba, the society’s Chief Missioner. “We call on Muslims in Paris and all across France not to fear and hide, but to step forward and assist in all efforts to help the injured, find the lost, and comfort those suffering from shock and pain.” We are distressed to learn that the politically-motivated extremists claiming responsibility for the attack are justifying their deeds in the name of our faith. Islam condemns all forms of barbarity, murder, and attacks on innocent people. Muslims, scholars and laypersons the world over have, do, and will continue to condemn these and any extremists that use Islam to justify their actions, which, under Islamic laws and teachings, would be punished strictly in a court of law. We call for peace, healing, and justice for the victims, as well as total stoppage of war in Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and violence against the innocent in any and every part of the world.

Lekki Muslim Ummah in Pix

From left: Shaykh Muhammad Bin ‘Uthman; Chief Imam and Khatib to Sahaabah Masjid, Kundila- Kano and Shaykh Muhammad Bin ‘Uthman, Chief Imaam and Khatiib to Sahaabah Masjid, Kundila- Kano and Vice Chairman of LEMU, Dr. Waliu Braimo during a workshop in Lekki

From left: Ustaz AbduFatai Amao, Sheikh Iskeel Lawal, Chief Imam, Nigeria Law School, Lagos and Sheikh Sulaiman Salaudeen, Chief Imam of Okeho, Oyo State at the event.

From left: Alhaja Muinah Shopeyin, Alhaja Monsurah Vincent and Alhaja Ajibike Oyeleke, former Amirah, LEMU at the event.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015—51

Declare me gov-elect, Audu's running mate writes INEC Continues from Page 5 amount to INEC breaching and flouting the constitution and our client would definitely challenge it.

...writes APC too In the letter to the APC national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Olanipekun, again writing on behalf of Faleke rehearsed the same arguments as put forward to INEC, even as he added that the party should not allow itself to be distracted. Concluding, he said: “Arising from the foregoing, our client enjoins the APC not only to support him at actualising the mandate already given to the party under the joint ticket of himself and the late Prince Abubakar Audu, but to also distance itself from the ‘Greek gift’ offer being made by INEC, to wit, that it is allowing the APC to conduct a fresh primary election to nominate a candidate for a supplementary election in 91 polling units, where only about 25,000 PVCs are available; whereas the APC is already leading, by the announced results, with over 40,000 votes.”

APC out with Audu's death — PDP

The party insists: That with the death of its candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu, the APC has legally crashed out of the governorship race as no known law or constitutional provision allows the substituting of candidates, once the ballot process has commenced.  That with the unfortunate death of Prince Abubakar Audu, the APC has no valid candidate in the election, leaving INEC with no other lawful option than to declare the PDP candidate, Capt. Idris Wada as the winner of the election. The party also:  Notes that the combined reading of the provisions of the constitution and Electoral Act does not in any way whatsoever support the substitution of candidates for election in the middle of the ballot process. Notes that if APC is allowed to substitute its original candidate, then the party would have fielded two separate candidates in the same election, a scenario that is completely alien to our electoral laws and to any known democratic norms and practice world-over.  Observes that the APC, fully aware that it has no case before the law is now orchestrating confusion in the polity with a view to diverting attention from its glaring incompetence and failure of governance. The party also demanded the immediate resignation of the chairman and all national commissioners of INEC and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mallam Abubakar Malami for purportedly deliberately misleading INEC into arriving at the unconstitutional

decision of allowing APC to substitute its candidate in the inconclusive election. The PDP warned that the AGF, INEC and APC were creating a scenario where a loser in a primary will patiently wait for the winning candidate to finish election and then have him either poisoned or assassinated before the final collation of results.

Group asks INEC to reverse self

Meanwhile, a group, known as the Concerned Voters in Kogi State has called on INEC to reverse its stance that the governorship election was inconclusive. Spokesperson of the group, Abdulkareem Jimoh also rejected the invitation by INEC to the APC to present another candidate to replace Audu, saying, “We reject in totality, the decision of INEC in declaring the election inconclusive. This decision is not only unpopular, but it is against the natural law of justice and fairness, as the number of votes scored and recorded in the just concluded election gave APC a clear victory. “It is on record that, in the disputed 91 units, only 35,785 voters collected their PVC and are eligible to vote as against the 49,000 registered voters, claimed by INEC. “We want the electoral body to convince us, how the outstanding 35,785 eligible voters in the said 91 units could upturn the over 41,000 margin already recorded in favour of APC”.

We’ll domesticate all pending Treaties, MoUs —Dogara By Emman Ovuakporie

BUJA—THE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, yesterday reiterated the resolve of the legislature to domesticate all pending treaties, memoranda of understanding and agreements that will bring benefit to Nigerians. Dogara said this while speaking to a Korean

delegation that paid him a courtesy visit at the National Assembly. The speaker assured the delegation, led by the South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria,. Mr. Noh Kyu-duk that the double taxation avoidance agreement bill to implement the agreement between the two countries will be passed with urgency. He noted that the law was already in force in Korea, where Nigerian businessmen were

already reaping the benefits. “It is the commitment of the 8th National Assembly that all we will not hesitate to pass all agreements entered into by past governments once they will benefit the populace. I admire the speed at which you translated your own side of the agreement, I know that Nigerians doing business there have already started benefiting from it while we have not started here,” he said.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015—51

Declare me gov-elect, Audu's running mate writes INEC Continues from Page 5 John Odigie-Oyegun, Olanipekun, again writing on behalf of Faleke rehearsed the same arguments as put forward to INEC, even as he added that the party should not allow itself to be distracted. Concluding, he said: “Arising from the foregoing, our client enjoins the APC not only to support him at actualising the mandate already given to the party under the joint ticket of himself and the late Prince Abubakar Audu, but to also distance itself from the ‘Greek gift’ offer being made by INEC, to wit, that it is allowing the APC to conduct a fresh primary election to nominate a candidate for a supplementary election in 91 polling units, where only about 25,000 PVCs are available; whereas the APC is already leading, by the announced results, with over 40,000 votes.”

APC out with Audu's death — PDP

Meanwhile, the PDP in a statement confirming the deliberations of its national caucus insisted that with the death of Audu, the APC’s running mate has inevitably put the party out of the governorship contest. The party insists: That with the death of its candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu, the APC has legally crashed out of the governorship race as no known law or constitutional provision allows the substituting of

candidates, once the ballot process has commenced.  That with the unfortunate death of Prince Abubakar Audu, the APC has no valid candidate in the election, leaving INEC with no other lawful option than to declare the PDP candidate, Capt. Idris Wada as the winner of the election. The party also:  Notes that the combined reading of the provisions of the constitution and Electoral Act does not in any way whatsoever support the substitution of candidates for election in the middle of the ballot process. Notes that if APC is allowed to substitute its original candidate, then the party would have fielded two separate candidates in the same election, a scenario that is completely alien to our electoral laws and to any known democratic norms and practice world-over.  Observes that the APC, fully aware that it has no case before the law is now orchestrating confusion in the polity with a view to diverting attention from its glaring incompetence and failure of governance. The party also demanded the immediate resignation of the chairman and all national commissioners of INEC and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mallam Abubakar Malami for purportedly deliberately misleading INEC into arriving at the unconstitutional decision of allowing APC to

substitute its candidate in the inconclusive election. The PDP warned that the AGF, INEC and APC were creating a scenario where a loser in a primary will patiently wait for the winning candidate to finish election and then have him either poisoned or assassinated before the final collation of results.

Group asks INEC to reverse self

We’ll domesticate all pending Treaties, MoUs —Dogara By Emman Ovuakporie

52 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015

Newcastle, Sunderland scramble for Obafemi P

REMIER League clubs Newcastle United and Sunderland have been linked with signing Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins on a short-term loan deal in the MLS off-season. The Magpies have been goal shy this season and manager Steve McClaren is reportedly keen to bring Martins back to St. James’ Park, where he played for three seasons between 2006 and 2009. Current Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce worked with Martins during his spell at Newcastle and is well aware of the West African’s abilities. In three seasons in the MLS with the Seattle Sounders, Martins has scored 40 goals and registered 23 assists. He was also a runnerup in the voting for the 2014 season’s MVP (Most Valuable Player).

X-ENUGU Rangers winger Ejike Uzoenyi is expected to soon quit South African club Mamelodi Sundowns, where he is reportedly on 5m Rands (about 100 million Naira) a year. Former Nigeria international Uzoenyi has not been registered for this season’s Premier Soccer League after injuries caused him to fall down the pecking order at ‘The Brazilians’. Uzoenyi’s agent Mohammed Lawal said he

Uzoenyi to quit his N100m a year job in SA hopes to agree with Sundowns to release the player in January. “He will certainly be playing somewhere else in January,” said the Johannesburg-based agent, who claims there are interests in South Africa and overseas for the player. Uzoenyi was recently in Nigeria to celebrate the birth of his child.

Drogba to manage Chelsea F

ORMER Chelsea striker Didier Drogba says he has an agreement to return to the club once he finishes playing and wants it to be as manager. Drogba, who now plays in Canada, scored 164 goals in two spells with the Blues. “I want to give back to the club which has given so much to me. I have agreed that with the club directors,” the 37-yearold told BBC Africa. “Why not manager?

*Obafemi

*Drogba

Why not sporting director, trainer at the academy or maybe an advising

Algeria, Egypt kick off road to Rio

GYPT will take on Algeria in M’Bour on Sunday, in their Group B opener of the 2015 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations. The continental tournament is taking place

Siasia Continues from BP

tract him. He is rallying round the boys for a good outing on Sunday against Mali,” said team media officer Timi Ebikagboro. He added that the boys are determined to reach the crucial stages of the tournament where an Olympic ticket is guaranteed. “Spirit in camp is high, nobody wants to lose the first game, they see qualifying for Rio 2016 as a must.” The team was held to a 1-1 draw by their Gambia counterparts in a friendly before they left for Senegal. Siasia is banking on Taiwo Awoniyi and Junior Ajayi to solve the goal scoring problem of the team as was witnessed at the Africa Games in Congo. C M Y K

in Senegal between 28 November and 12 December, with the top three teams set to punch their ticket for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. The two rivals will be looking to get their campaign off to a winning start before facing heavyweights Mali and Nigeria, their other Group B opponents, in their bid for a semifinals spot. And both squads travelled to Senegal in a confident mood ahead of the event. “I think we are ready. We have been working very hard to

Wenger Continues from BP

in the market for players in the next transfer window. ‘We are in a position where we want to do something,’ he said. ‘If I find the right quality, I will do something.’ Much has been spoken about Black Friday, an event at the end of this week which sees prices slashed for one day only, and typically signifies the start of the Christmas shopping season. Although Wenger admitted to never having heard of the day, he did live up to his reputation in revealing he enjoys saving money. ‘I love a bargain,’ he told reporters. ‘Who

represent our country in the best possible way,” Algeria U-23 keeper Abdelkader Salhi told competition.dz. "We are launching our campaign against Egypt, and if it goes well I cannot see why we won’t be able to keep our momentum going and qualify for the Olympics. It is the dream of any player and we will do everything to reach our objective.” The young Pharaohs are in similar high spirit as they prepare for their opening clash, determined to get through the group stage despite does not love a bargain? I don’t know many people that don’t like a bargain. ‘What is for us a bargain is to buy players of top quality, because only top quality strengthens our squad. I can tell you I bought Patrick Vieira for £2.5million and it was a top bargain because he was a top quality player. ‘We spent nearly £40m on Ozil but I still consider it a bargain because the player is top quality and the priority has to be the quality of the player.’ Wenger will be hoping for another steal this weekend as Arsenal travel to Carrow Road to face struggling Norwich in the Premier League.

the quality of their three opponents. “I have a target and it is to qualify for the Olympics, no matter what the names of the opponents are,” Egypt U-23 coach Hossam ElBadry told Algerian media El-Shorouk. “We don’t fear any opponent as we look to win all our games in the continental tournament to reach the Olympics,” added the former Ahly

manager, who relies on the experience of his players at senior level to reach their objective. “My team includes many Egyptian Premier League stars and some of them played regularly with the Pharaohs so I am confident that they will perform well in the upcoming tournament.” The game will kick off at Stade Caroline Faye at 17h00 CAT on Sunday 29 November.

role for strikers?” Drogba scored the penalty that won the Champions League for Chelsea in 2012 and won his fourth Premier League title on returning to the club last season before he joined Montreal Impact in Major League Soccer. However, the champions have struggled this season, losing seven of their opening 12 league matches, and are 15th in the Premier League. Drogba admitted Chelsea had been going through a “difficult moment” this season, but that back-to-back victories over Norwich and Maccabi Tel Aviv indicated this was now being reversed. “They have quality when it comes to the players, and quality when it comes to the management,” said Drogba. “This is a club which usually doesn’t have a bad season twice. ”Drogba has given his support to manager Jose Mourinho. “If the club has kept him that means owner, Roman Abramovich thinks that he is the right man,” he said.

Blatter not bigger than FIFA —Ethics Committee

*Blatter

IFA’s Ethics Com mittee have announced that contrary to Sepp Blatter ’s beliefs, the suspended president is not immune to rulings made by the governing body. The 79-year-old head of Fifa is currently serving a 90-day suspension following an alleged corrupt payment made to

Uefa chief Michel Platini in 2011, and despite attempting to appeal the sentence, were rejected by the Fifa appeal committee. Yet Blatter is adamant that he should not be subject to the rules issued by Fifa, feeling that because he is president, only congress can bar him from his role as the organisation’s leader. “I’m not a Fifa official, I’m the elected president of the Congress,” he told a Swiss broadcaster. “If one does not agree with the way I do my job, one has to turn to the congress that elected me. “It is humiliating for the Fifa president that the ethics committee comes and says, you are suspended and you are

not allowed to go to the office anymore. “That’s like a police order and that hurts, but it doesn’t kill me. I’ll fight for me and for Fifa.” However, spokesman for the Ethics Committee Andreas Bantel on Thursday told Reuters that Blatter is in fact governed by the global football body, and that he is not exempted despite being president. “The Fifa code of ethics applies to anyone who is involved in football worldwide and there are absolutely no exceptions whatsoever,” Bantel said. Fifa’s Ethics Committee continues their investigations into the matter, which could lead to even harsher punishment for both Blatter and Platini.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015 — 53

France ban away fans A

WAY fans will be banned from top football matches in France until mid-December with the country in a state of emergency following the Paris attacks and because of the forthcoming climate summit in the capital. The French League said in a statement: “The Interior Ministry has issued an order banning away fans for the 15th round of Ligue 1

matches, and the 16th round of matches of Ligue 2, this weekend. Domestic football returns amid high security after Paris attacks “Another order, with the same provisions, will be issued very soon regarding the 16th, 17th, 18th rounds of Ligue 1, the 17th and 18th rounds of Ligue 2, the eighth round of the French Cup and the round of the Europa League. “These

decisions are justified by the lack of police forces available in a period of the state of emergency and by the organisation of the COP21 (climate summit).” France has been in a state of emergency since the coordinated terrorist attacks that killed 130 and injured at least 350. The climate summit will be held in Paris from 30 November-11 December.

Udom hails Akwa Utd on Federations Cup win

OVERNOR Udom Emmanuel has assured the people of Akwa Ibom a continuous harvest of trophies in all spheres of human endeavour as long as the people embrace the vision of his administration. The Governor who stated this on Wednesday at the Ibom International Airport shortly on arrival with the victorious state team; Akwa United FC who won the federation cup last Sun-

day in Lagos against Lobi Stars of Markudi. The victory was the first for any football club in the former Cross River State in the seventy years old history of the oldest and most glamorous soccer tournament in the country. Udom who was flanked by his wife, Martha, the state deputy governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo, the commissioner for Youth and sports, Mr. Monday Uko and the chairman of Akwa United FC, Mr Nse Ube ex-

By John Egbokhan

HE longest-running table tennis tournament in Nigeria, the Asoju Oba Table Tennis Championship has been changed to Asoju Oba Molade Okoya Thomas Table Tennis Championship. It strokes off November 30 to December 4 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere. Addressing reporters yesterday, son of the late Okoya Thomas, Ayodeji Okoya-Thomas said the new name was to honour the memory of the foremost sports promoter,

Asoju Oba Championship changes name who solely financed the tournament for 46 years. While noting that one of the greatest wishes of their father while he was alive was that the family should continue sponsoring the tournament after his demise, Ayodeji said that he was grateful to God for giving them the wherewithal to continue the noble legacy. He said that pingpongers will be jostling for 22 titles in three cate-

FG partners Joseph Yobo to train youths in football pressed delight for the honour done the state noting that the victory of the team in the FA cup was in consonance with his declaration on the 28th of September where he told them that Akwa Ibom state was seeing what they could not see. That vision he said was the new greatness the people of the state have found a hence her desire to chart a new course for the generations yet unborn in the state.

HE Federal Gov ernment will enter into partnership with former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo to train Niger Delta youths to become professional footballers. Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Uguru Usani, who announced this while receiving Yobo in his office, said the government was determined adopt any measure aimed to empower the youths in order to sustain the relative peace in the region.

The minister noted that, “We can partner with your Football Academy to develop talents in the Niger Delta Region.” Usani, who commended the former professional football player for projecting the image of Nigeria positively through sports, added that his offer to partner with the Ministry in the training of Niger Delta youths to become professional footballers was evidence of the patriotism of the star footballer.

gories, comprising cadet, intermediate and senior, adding that in line with the tradition of the tournament that the most valuable players in the male and female events will get cash and material prizes. As a way of deepening the growth of table tennis, Ayodeji Okoya-Thomas said that ‘two miniature trophies to be kept for the winners in the male and single events have been provided, while additional two giant trophies are to be presented to the male and female singles champions, alongside prizes. Also speaking at the briefing, the Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commssion, Ayodeji Tinubu said that the commission would disclose their contribution to the tournament before the final matches on December 4. Tinubu, who is the Special Adviser on Sports to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said he believes the Asoju Oba Championship ranks amongst the top five longest running sports competition in the world.

54 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015 — 55

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015

Drogba to manage Chelsea Uzoenyi to quit his N100 million a year job in SA

CAF U-23 AFCON:

Siasia faces double pressure N

*Siasia

IGERIA’s Under23 team coach Samson Siasia is under intense pressure to produce result when Nigeria tackle Mali in the group B opener of the Under-23 African Cup of Nations, Sunday at the Caroline Faye Stadium, in Mbour, Senegal. The former Nigerian international is fighting

hard not to be distracted by the kidnap of his mother, who is still unaccounted for, two weeks after she was taken in Bayelsa State. He is also wary of his team’s goal shy attitude. “The coach is under stress following the kidnap of his mother. But he is not allowing it to dis Continues on Page 52

*Uzoenyi

Ronaldo: Neymar ‘ll overtake Messi, Ronaldo

RISTIANO Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are Newcastle, Sunderland scramble for C the two best players in the world right now but Obafemi Neymar will eclipse them Wenger ready

to splash cash A

RSENE Wenger has admitted he ‘loves a bargain’ ahead of Black Friday and says Arsenal will spend money in January if they find the right players. The Gunners boss is well known for being frugal but he admits he is *Obafemi

Continues on Page 52

T OD AY'S PUZZLE ODA

both next year, former Brazil striker Ronaldo has said. Fifa will release the names of the three finalists for the Ballon d’Or on Monday, with the choice of world’s best player to be announced on January 11. Brazilians have featured heavily in the voting over the last 20 years with Romario, Rivaldo,

*Wenger

FRI DAY'S ANS WERS FRID ANSWERS

Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Kaka lifting the trophy eight times between 1994 and 2007. “I would bet on Neymar next year,” Brazil’s Ronaldo told Reuters. “I think Neymar is still growing a lot and I think the growth of Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi has reached its limit. “I really want Neymar to win and interrupt the series of Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi,” the former Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Barcelona striker said.

*Drogba

Details inside

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS 2 Expel (5) 7 Carry (4) 8 Mysterious (6) 9 Respond (5) 11Turf (3) 13 Rotter (3) 15 Pitcher (4) 16 Man’s (3) 18 Cipher (4) 19 Division (7) 20 Employed (4) 22 Prima-donna (4) 23 Thrilled (7) 25 Paradise (4) 27 Fish (3) 28 Lake (4) 30 Defective (3) 31 Wand (3) 33 Strict (5) 36 Scanty (6) 37 Adjoin (4) 38 Company (5)

DOWN 1 Under (5) 2 Stray (3) 3 Epoch (3) 4 Child (3) 5 Deed (3) 6 Beg (5) 10 Fashionable (4) 11 Obtained (7) 12 Erased (7) 13 Tree (7) 14 Postponed (7) 16 Barrier (5) 17 Brace (5) 18 Fish (3) 21 Noise (3) 24 Departed (4) 26 Dullard (5) 29 Rascal (5) 32 Snoop (3) 33 Fixed (3) 34 Self (3) 35 Sleep (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Drama 5, Father 8, Elder 10, Needle 11, Earn 14, Ermine 15, Shallow 16, Men 19, Tan 21, Deal 23, Began 24, Vote 27, Dot 29, End 31, Nunnery 32, Rancid 34, Done 35, Alight 38, Allot 39, Extend 40, Tease.

DOWN: 2, Roe 3, Meddle 4, Ail 5, Free 6, Termed 7, Reveal 9, Demoted 12, Arm 13, Nine 16, Hero 17, Wagon 20, Natural 22, Aver 24, Virile 25, Tend 26, Encode 28, Incite 30, Din 33, Dead 36, Lot 37, His.

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 Advert Hotline: 09-2921024. 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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