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Senate picks holes in FG's proposals

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GRAFT: NJC bows to pressure,<br />

asks accused judges to step aside<br />

•FG files charges aga<strong>in</strong>st S-Court Registrar, 2 others<br />

•Pgs.9&12<br />

...towards a better life for the people<br />

VOL. 25: NO. 63151<br />

**<br />

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016<br />

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com<br />

N200<br />

MTEF, $29.96BN LOAN:<br />

<strong>Senate</strong> <strong>picks</strong> <strong>holes</strong> <strong>in</strong><br />

By Soni Daniel,<br />

Henry Umoru,<br />

Emman Ovuakporie<br />

& Johnbosco<br />

Agbakwuru<br />

<strong>FG's</strong> <strong>proposals</strong><br />

•Urges executive to end blame game and provide framework<br />

•Accuses Buhari’s aides of <strong>in</strong>competence<br />

•We’re optimistic NASS'll approve loan – President’s aide<br />

•South East Reps give condition for support<br />

•How Udoma snubbed us —Ndume; I didn’t snub <strong>Senate</strong> — Udoma<br />

INEC fixes<br />

dates for<br />

re-run polls<br />

<strong>in</strong> Rivers,<br />

Lagos,<br />

FCT<br />

•P.9<br />

COLUMNIST:<br />

A <strong>Senate</strong>, BUJA—THE<br />

yesterday,<br />

picked <strong>holes</strong> <strong>in</strong> President<br />

Muhammadu Buhari’s<br />

proposed 2016-2018<br />

Medium Term<br />

Expenditure Framework,<br />

MTEF, and Fiscal<br />

Strategy Paper, FSP,<br />

describ<strong>in</strong>g the documents<br />

as empty and shallow.<br />

The <strong>Senate</strong> also asked<br />

the Executive to stop what<br />

it termed play<strong>in</strong>g games<br />

and blam<strong>in</strong>g the National<br />

Assembly over the issue<br />

Cont<strong>in</strong>ues on page 5<br />

EMPTY<br />

TREASURY:<br />

I felt like<br />

flee<strong>in</strong>g when<br />

I took over<br />

from<br />

Jonathan,<br />

says Buhari<br />

15<br />

Mr & Mrs<br />

Politics of<br />

‘air strikes'<br />

•P.31<br />

Black Friday <strong>in</strong><br />

Ondo over PDP<br />

gov ticket<br />

See <strong>in</strong>side<br />

FOR THE SULTAN—The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III (right), welcom<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II (left), while the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammad Iliyasu<br />

Bashar (M) and others watch dur<strong>in</strong>g a visit to the tomb of the First Sultan, Sultan Muhammadu Bello,<br />

<strong>in</strong> Wurno, as part of events mark<strong>in</strong>g the 10th Coronation Anniversary of Sultan Abubakar IIl <strong>in</strong> Sokoto,<br />

yesterday. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida. MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 15; STORY ON PAGE 34<br />

PIB: Why <strong>Senate</strong>'s <strong>in</strong>troduc<strong>in</strong>g legislation<br />

on devt of host communities — Saraki<br />

13


2—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016


Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016—3


4—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016


Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016—5<br />

POCKET CARTOON<br />

PRESIDENTIAL PARLEY—Front row President Muhammadu Buhari<br />

(M) and others, after the President's parley with participants of the Senior<br />

Executive Course 38, 2016 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic<br />

Studies (NIPSS) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.<br />

MTEF, $29.96BN LOAN: <strong>Senate</strong><br />

<strong>picks</strong> <strong>holes</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>FG's</strong> <strong>proposals</strong><br />

Cont<strong>in</strong>ues from page 1<br />

and supply the necessary<br />

documents needed to<br />

work on the proposal.<br />

Also, describ<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

$29.96 billion borrow<strong>in</strong>g<br />

plan as empty, senators<br />

stressed that the National<br />

Assembly cannot work<br />

with the documents,<br />

add<strong>in</strong>g that once the<br />

Federal Government<br />

comes up with the needed<br />

<strong>in</strong>formation, the <strong>Senate</strong><br />

will commence<br />

discussions.<br />

The <strong>Senate</strong> took the<br />

position when <strong>Senate</strong><br />

leader, Senator Ali<br />

Ndume (APC, Borno<br />

South) drew the attention<br />

of the lawmakers to a<br />

national newspaper<br />

publication of November<br />

2, 2016, where the<br />

Senators took a swipe at<br />

the M<strong>in</strong>ister of Budget<br />

and National Plann<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

Udoma Udo Udoma, for<br />

blam<strong>in</strong>g the National<br />

Assembly over the delay<br />

<strong>in</strong> the presentation of the<br />

2017 budget.<br />

Rely<strong>in</strong>g on Order 42<br />

and 52 of the <strong>Senate</strong><br />

Stand<strong>in</strong>g Rules, Ndume,<br />

who urged the legislators<br />

to call Udoma to order,<br />

attributed the delay <strong>in</strong> the<br />

presentation of the 2017<br />

budget to the executive<br />

arm, which has not<br />

provided the necessary<br />

framework.<br />

Stress<strong>in</strong>g that the<br />

borrow<strong>in</strong>g plan and the<br />

MTEF/FSP were empty<br />

and shallow, Ndume said<br />

that when the <strong>Senate</strong><br />

<strong>in</strong>vited Udoma to brief the<br />

leadership of the <strong>Senate</strong><br />

on grey areas of the<br />

MTEF/FSP on Tuesday,<br />

he refused to show up and<br />

did not expla<strong>in</strong> the reason<br />

for his non-appearance.<br />

Ndume said: The<br />

Newspaper(not<br />

Vanguard), Wednesday,<br />

on Page 6 had a report<br />

with a head<strong>in</strong>g which<br />

says ‘Budget 2017: Blame<br />

National Assembly for<br />

Failure to Meet October<br />

Target.’The paper<br />

reportedly quoted the<br />

M<strong>in</strong>ister of Budget and<br />

National Plann<strong>in</strong>g of<br />

say<strong>in</strong>g that the<br />

IT'S UP TO YOU<br />

BY AYO ADIO - 08104802192<br />

YOU don't fail because someone said you aren't<br />

good enough, you fail because you are<br />

<strong>in</strong>capable of believ<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> your ability to succeed.<br />

It's up to you.<br />

TAKE HEART<br />

BY ELLA RANDLE- O8084919482<br />

When we focus on gratitude, the tide of<br />

disappo<strong>in</strong>tment goes out and the tide of love rushes<br />

<strong>in</strong>— Krist<strong>in</strong> Armstrong<br />

THE understand<strong>in</strong>g to discern <strong>in</strong> the direction<br />

of div<strong>in</strong>e guidance allows us to attract the love,<br />

joy and wealth from with<strong>in</strong> and outward. To be<br />

content and happy, therefore, not because of the<br />

abundance <strong>in</strong> material manifestations or the lack of<br />

it, but the know<strong>in</strong>g that no matter what, where, how<br />

and when, our life is purposeful.<br />

We just have to listen to <strong>in</strong>ner guidance <strong>in</strong> f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

rediscover<strong>in</strong>g, or even to excel <strong>in</strong> one's true purpose<br />

<strong>in</strong> life.<br />

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE<br />

When they said we should gather together,<br />

did they say we should be gummed together?<br />

suspension of the debate<br />

on MTEF and FSP, which<br />

lays the foundation for the<br />

budget, has stalled the<br />

M<strong>in</strong>istry’s plan to lay the<br />

2017 budget before the<br />

National Assembly.<br />

“We received the MTEF<br />

on 30th September,<br />

<strong>in</strong>stead of submitt<strong>in</strong>g it<br />

accord<strong>in</strong>g to law by 1st of<br />

September. That is not<br />

even the problem. I have<br />

a copy. The copies have<br />

been circulated. I talked<br />

to some experts. Even <strong>in</strong><br />

this chamber, we have<br />

people we can call<br />

experts.<br />

“If you look at this<br />

document that they call<br />

MTEF, it is empty, does<br />

not conta<strong>in</strong> anyth<strong>in</strong>g. If<br />

you have noth<strong>in</strong>g, how do<br />

you consider noth<strong>in</strong>g?<br />

Go<strong>in</strong>g through and<br />

know<strong>in</strong>g that it is empty,<br />

on October 19, I wrote to<br />

the M<strong>in</strong>ister of Budget<br />

and National Plann<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

In the third paragraph, I<br />

stated: ‘To enable the<br />

<strong>Senate</strong> objectively review<br />

the MTEF from a holistic<br />

fiscal perspective, we<br />

deem it necessary to<br />

<strong>in</strong>vite you to a meet<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

brief the leadership of the<br />

<strong>Senate</strong> on Tuesday, 1st<br />

November.’<br />

“But the m<strong>in</strong>ister failed<br />

to turn up. Before then, I<br />

said, ‘you are requested<br />

to please send the<br />

follow<strong>in</strong>g documents<br />

ahead of the meet<strong>in</strong>g<br />

because that is what will<br />

make us to have<br />

someth<strong>in</strong>g to consider. I<br />

said, (a) the Medium-<br />

Term Development Plan<br />

(even a draft copy) upon<br />

which the 2017-2019<br />

MTEF is founded; a<br />

report on the structure/<br />

composition of the debt,<br />

fund<strong>in</strong>g sources, how the<br />

borrowed funds are to be<br />

spent as well as<br />

repayment plan and<br />

schedule.’ As I said, up<br />

till now, there is no<br />

communication as to that.<br />

“F<strong>in</strong>ally, I have here<br />

also a copy of the request<br />

for approval of the<br />

Federal Government’s<br />

2016-2018 external<br />

borrow<strong>in</strong>g plan, which<br />

was thrown out last<br />

Tuesday. We cannot afford<br />

to start the 2017 budget<br />

process with his blame<br />

game.<br />

“This <strong>Senate</strong> is<br />

Nigerian <strong>Senate</strong>. In this<br />

<strong>Senate</strong>, especially, we<br />

have opposition that is<br />

cooperat<strong>in</strong>g with us and<br />

we have the majority. It is<br />

not like we are work<strong>in</strong>g<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st the government,<br />

we know what we are<br />

do<strong>in</strong>g and should do it<br />

right. When they br<strong>in</strong>g<br />

noth<strong>in</strong>g and we ask for<br />

someth<strong>in</strong>g so that we will<br />

do it properly, they speak<br />

to newspapers to start<br />

blam<strong>in</strong>g the National<br />

Assembly. I th<strong>in</strong>k it is<br />

important we discuss this<br />

and advise ourselves<br />

properly."<br />

In his <strong>in</strong>tervention,<br />

President of the <strong>Senate</strong>,<br />

Senator Bukola Saraki,<br />

noted that the M<strong>in</strong>ister<br />

had denied the<br />

newspaper publication<br />

and ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed that he<br />

was misquoted. He urged<br />

his colleagues not to dwell<br />

on what may wet the<br />

ground for controversies<br />

ahead of the<br />

consideration of the 2017<br />

budget, add<strong>in</strong>g that the<br />

<strong>Senate</strong> will start<br />

discussions when it gets<br />

the needed <strong>in</strong>formation.<br />

Senator Ekweremadu,<br />

who warned aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />

blame game, said: “Now<br />

that the statement has<br />

either been denied or<br />

withdrawn, we need to tell<br />

Nigerians the truth. We<br />

are here on a full job. We<br />

are ready to take the<br />

budget presentation<br />

anytime. In do<strong>in</strong>g so, the<br />

executive must be<br />

rem<strong>in</strong>ded that everyth<strong>in</strong>g<br />

must be done right. All<br />

arms of government must<br />

live up to its<br />

responsibility. The issue<br />

of blame game should be<br />

put beh<strong>in</strong>d us.”<br />

I didn’t snub <strong>Senate</strong><br />

– Udoma slams<br />

Ndume<br />

Speak<strong>in</strong>g on the issue,<br />

Senator Udoma<br />

expressed surprise at<br />

Senator Ndume’s<br />

accusation that he<br />

snubbed the <strong>Senate</strong> by<br />

refus<strong>in</strong>g to turn up for a<br />

scheduled meet<strong>in</strong>g on<br />

November 1, 2016.<br />

Udoma, <strong>in</strong> a statement<br />

signed by his Media<br />

Adviser, Mr. Akpandem<br />

James, said although he<br />

was ready for the meet<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

the same <strong>Senate</strong><br />

leadership put off the<br />

meet<strong>in</strong>g to a later<br />

unspecified date.<br />

“While acknowledg<strong>in</strong>g<br />

receipt of the letter from<br />

Senator Ndume <strong>in</strong>vit<strong>in</strong>g<br />

him to a meet<strong>in</strong>g with the<br />

<strong>Senate</strong> leadership, the<br />

meet<strong>in</strong>g was eventually<br />

moved by agreement. The<br />

m<strong>in</strong>ister is surprised why<br />

Senator Ndume would go<br />

on the floor of the upper<br />

legislative chamber to say<br />

he failed to turn up, when<br />

he was aware that the<br />

meet<strong>in</strong>g<br />

was<br />

rescheduled.<br />

“Senator Udoma is<br />

equally surprised that<br />

even after the newspaper<br />

that published the story,<br />

which quoted him as<br />

blam<strong>in</strong>g the National<br />

Assembly for the delay <strong>in</strong><br />

the presentation of the<br />

2017 budget, has<br />

published that the<br />

reporter never spoke with<br />

the M<strong>in</strong>ister, Senator<br />

Ndume still went ahead<br />

to make an issue out of<br />

the matter on the floor of<br />

the <strong>Senate</strong>,” Udoma said.<br />

<strong>Senate</strong> accuses<br />

Buhari’s aides of<br />

<strong>in</strong>competence<br />

The <strong>Senate</strong> h<strong>in</strong>ged its<br />

rejection of President<br />

Buhari’s $29.960 billion<br />

external loan bid on the<br />

<strong>in</strong>competence of<br />

presidential aides tasked<br />

with prepar<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

proposal. <strong>Senate</strong><br />

Spokesperson, Aliyu<br />

Abdullahi, disclosed this,<br />

yesterday, on a Channels<br />

TV breakfast programme,<br />

Sunrise, monitored <strong>in</strong><br />

Lagos.<br />

Abdullahi said people<br />

entrusted with key<br />

responsibilities with<strong>in</strong> the<br />

Presidency must do their<br />

work, not<strong>in</strong>g that there<br />

was a l<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> the letter that<br />

read ‘attached’ but<br />

lamented “noth<strong>in</strong>g was<br />

attached.”<br />

He blamed the anomaly<br />

on officials responsible for<br />

help<strong>in</strong>g the President on<br />

matters<br />

communication.<br />

of<br />

South East Reps<br />

give condition for<br />

support, kick<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st Sharia<br />

South-East Caucus of<br />

the House of<br />

Representatives,<br />

yesterday, decried the<br />

exclusion of the zone <strong>in</strong><br />

the allocation of projects<br />

by the Federal<br />

Government <strong>in</strong> the<br />

proposed plan to borrow<br />

$29.96 billion for<br />

<strong>in</strong>frastructure despite<br />

<strong>in</strong>frastructural deficit <strong>in</strong><br />

the zone.<br />

The South East<br />

lawmakers, who have<br />

been under attack from<br />

people of the zone over<br />

their alleged silence on<br />

exclusion of the zone by<br />

the Federal Government<br />

on allocation of projects to<br />

the six geopolitical zones,<br />

as well as the<br />

<strong>in</strong>troduction of Sharia law<br />

<strong>in</strong>to the Constitution, said<br />

details of the terms of the<br />

loans, duration, cost and<br />

application were unclear.<br />

Chairman of South East<br />

Caucus <strong>in</strong> the House of<br />

Representatives and<br />

Deputy M<strong>in</strong>ority Leader<br />

of the House , Chukwuka<br />

Onyema, alongside<br />

lawmakers from the area,<br />

who briefed journalists <strong>in</strong><br />

Abuja, said all the geopolitical<br />

zones should be<br />

captured <strong>in</strong> allocation of<br />

projects.<br />

“Details of the loan<br />

utilization must be made<br />

available to us to ensure<br />

geographical spread and<br />

relevance to current<br />

economic outlook with a<br />

view for job creation and<br />

<strong>in</strong>clusive growth for all<br />

sectors/ sections of the<br />

country. We, therefore,<br />

<strong>in</strong>sist that, as a part of this<br />

country, the South East<br />

<strong>in</strong>frastructural deficit must<br />

be captured to ensure<br />

uniform development and<br />

<strong>in</strong>clusive growth.”<br />

On the bill for the<br />

<strong>in</strong>troduction of Sharia law<br />

<strong>in</strong> the Constitution, which<br />

had passed through<br />

second read<strong>in</strong>g, the<br />

lawmakers expla<strong>in</strong>ed that<br />

the bill will still be<br />

subjected to public<br />

hear<strong>in</strong>g before it would<br />

become a law.<br />

We’re hopeful NASS<br />

'll endorse loan<br />

– Buhari’s aide<br />

Meanwhile, Senior<br />

Special Assistant to<br />

President Buhari on<br />

National Assembly<br />

Matters, Suleiman Kawu<br />

Sumaila, yesterday, said<br />

he’s optimistic that the<br />

legislators will endorse<br />

the borrow<strong>in</strong>g plans sent<br />

by the president.<br />

Sumaila, <strong>in</strong> a statement,<br />

said he has been "<strong>in</strong><br />

constant touch with the<br />

leadership of the House<br />

of Representatives and<br />

the relevant committees<br />

s<strong>in</strong>ce President Buhari<br />

forwarded the request for<br />

the approval to borrow the<br />

sum of $29.9 billion under<br />

the Government’s<br />

Borrow<strong>in</strong>g Plan<br />

(Foreign).<br />

“However, I wish to state<br />

categorically that we have<br />

identified the need to<br />

furnish the 360 members<br />

of the House with the<br />

detailed breakdown of the<br />

borrow<strong>in</strong>g plan to enable<br />

them make <strong>in</strong>formed<br />

decision on the matter."


6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016<br />

:Vanguard News :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058<br />

Magu raises<br />

alarm over<br />

‘plots to<br />

tarnish’ his<br />

image<br />

ACTING Chairman of<br />

the Economic and<br />

F<strong>in</strong>ancial Crimes<br />

Commission, EFCC,<br />

Ibrahim Magu, has<br />

raised the alarm over<br />

deliberate plots to ru<strong>in</strong> his<br />

reputation by forces not<br />

comfortable with his<br />

campaign to rescue the<br />

nation from the grip of<br />

corruption.<br />

In a statement he said<br />

plots were already<br />

manifest<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />

clandest<strong>in</strong>e campaigns of<br />

mis<strong>in</strong>formation <strong>in</strong> the<br />

social media <strong>in</strong>tended to<br />

impugn his <strong>in</strong>tegrity and<br />

pitch him aga<strong>in</strong>st certa<strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>in</strong>terests both with<strong>in</strong> and<br />

outside of government.<br />

He said: “In the last<br />

week or so, the social<br />

media has been awash<br />

with fictitious reports, all<br />

pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g an uncanny<br />

picture of desperation by<br />

Magu over his purported<br />

non-confirmation as<br />

substantive chair of the<br />

EFCC, and of stricture<br />

with<strong>in</strong> the rank and file<br />

of the EFCC workforce<br />

lead<strong>in</strong>g to resignations.<br />

“One of such reports is<br />

the one mak<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

rounds <strong>in</strong> several gossip<br />

blogs with the title How<br />

EFCC’s Magu and<br />

Sahara Reporters Peddle<br />

Lies to the Media.<br />

“The report, which is a<br />

parody of dis<strong>in</strong>genuous<br />

<strong>in</strong>vention of falsehood, is<br />

the handiwork of mischief<br />

makers hell-bent on<br />

caus<strong>in</strong>g disaffection<br />

between the Magu-led<br />

EFCC and the executive<br />

on one hand, and the<br />

members of staff of the<br />

EFCC on the other.<br />

“The EFCC wishes to put<br />

it on record that Mr. Magu<br />

does not bully anyone, and<br />

has not embarked on any<br />

mission aimed at<br />

blackmail<strong>in</strong>g some<br />

highly-placed<br />

personalities <strong>in</strong> the<br />

country such as emirs,<br />

President Muhammadu<br />

Buhari’s appo<strong>in</strong>tees or<br />

any other <strong>in</strong>dividual,<br />

lowly or highly placed <strong>in</strong><br />

the society.<br />

“The allusion to bully<strong>in</strong>g<br />

and victimisation of EFCC<br />

staff is clearly designed to<br />

<strong>in</strong>stigate the staff of the<br />

Commission aga<strong>in</strong>st its<br />

leadership as there is no<br />

truth <strong>in</strong> it.<br />

“For the records, no<br />

senior EFCC core staff has<br />

resigned and <strong>in</strong>s<strong>in</strong>uation<br />

of mass resignation is<br />

mere scaremonger<strong>in</strong>g.”<br />

IT'S A LONG ROAD: The Mile 2 axis of Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: Akeem Salau.<br />

Pa<strong>in</strong>ter disappears after customer<br />

tranfers N1m to his account <strong>in</strong> error<br />

By Onozure Dania<br />

LAGOS— A 22-year-old car<br />

pa<strong>in</strong>ter, Taiye Obakoya, who<br />

allegedly stole N150,000 out of<br />

the N1 million mistakenly<br />

transferred to his bank account<br />

by a customer, appeared before<br />

a Lagos Magistrate’s Court<br />

sitt<strong>in</strong>g at Igbosere, yesterday.<br />

Obakoya, who resides on<br />

Awolowo Street, Oworosoki,<br />

Lagos, was arraigned before<br />

Magistrate J. O. Adepoju.<br />

The defendant is stand<strong>in</strong>g<br />

trial on a count charge of theft.<br />

Accord<strong>in</strong>g to the prosecutor,<br />

Nicholas Akpene, on October<br />

20, at 10:30a.m., the<br />

compla<strong>in</strong>ant, one Mr. Dada<br />

Emmanuel, <strong>in</strong>tend<strong>in</strong>g to pay<br />

money <strong>in</strong>to his wife’s bank<br />

account, did a mobile phone<br />

money transfer of N1 million<br />

from his bank account to the<br />

Guaranty Trust Bank account of<br />

his car pa<strong>in</strong>ter, Obakoya.<br />

Akpene said: “After<br />

discover<strong>in</strong>g the error, he<br />

phoned Obakoya and pleaded<br />

with him not to tamper with<br />

the money, but the defendant<br />

told him that no such amount<br />

was credited to his account.<br />

“The next morn<strong>in</strong>g, the<br />

defendant refused to pick his<br />

calls and when the<br />

compla<strong>in</strong>ant checked on him<br />

at home and at his workshop<br />

under the bridge at Obalende,<br />

Obakoya was nowhere to be<br />

found.<br />

“The compla<strong>in</strong>ant then<br />

reported the matter to GTB<br />

Bank, which placed a<br />

restriction on Obakoya’s<br />

account after confirm<strong>in</strong>g that<br />

the N1 million was<br />

successfully transferred to it<br />

and that he had already<br />

withdrawn N150,000 from it.”<br />

The prosecutor expla<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

that the offence committed<br />

was punishable under<br />

Section 285 of the Crim<strong>in</strong>al<br />

By Dayo Johnson<br />

DETECTIVES <strong>in</strong> Ondo<br />

State Police Command<br />

have arrested the leader of a<br />

three-man armed robbery<br />

gang who held a mother of<br />

four, Folashade Jayeoba,<br />

hostage and led her to the<br />

bank to withdraw N90,000.<br />

She was reportedly led to<br />

the bank after she compla<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

to the suspects that she had<br />

no cash at home.<br />

The leader of the gang,<br />

thereafter, asked for her ATM<br />

card and they followed her to<br />

the bank while they held her<br />

children hostage.<br />

Parad<strong>in</strong>g the suspects, the<br />

state Police Commissioner,<br />

Hilda Harrison, said the<br />

suspects <strong>in</strong>vaded the house<br />

of the victim and robbed her<br />

of valuables, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a flat<br />

screen television.<br />

Harrison expla<strong>in</strong>ed that<br />

they also abducted the victim<br />

and her four children and led<br />

them to Keystone Bank <strong>in</strong><br />

Alagbaka, Akure, where she<br />

was forced to withdraw<br />

N90,000.<br />

The commissioner added<br />

that the money was collected<br />

from the victim before she and<br />

the children were set free by<br />

the suspects.<br />

Accord<strong>in</strong>g to her, on receipt<br />

of the case, detectives swung<br />

<strong>in</strong>to action and arrested the<br />

Law of Lagos State, 2011.<br />

However, Obakoya pleaded<br />

not guilty to the charge.<br />

Magistrate Adepoju granted<br />

leader of the gang, 23-yearold<br />

Samuel Ayodele, at Gaga,<br />

Oke-Aro area of the Akure<br />

metropolis.<br />

He was said to have<br />

confessed to the crime, while<br />

the victims’ items were<br />

recovered from his house.<br />

Also paraded, was a 20-<br />

year-old Ali Muhammed,<br />

arrested over the kidnap of<br />

one Alhaji Ibrahim Bello of<br />

Supare Akoko.<br />

The victim was said to have<br />

been attacked by a gang of<br />

kidnappers along Igbonla/<br />

him bail <strong>in</strong> the sum of N50,000,<br />

with two sureties <strong>in</strong> like sum<br />

and adjourned the case till<br />

November 15 for mention.<br />

Robbers hold children hostage,<br />

lead mother to withdraw N90,000<br />

Supare Akoko and taken to an<br />

unknown dest<strong>in</strong>ation.<br />

The suspect, upon<br />

<strong>in</strong>terrogation, had confessed to<br />

the commission of the crime.<br />

The Police Commissioner also<br />

said that a Toyota Camry car<br />

worth N2.5 million, stolen <strong>in</strong><br />

Akure and sold for N200,000,<br />

had been recovered while two<br />

suspects, Falade Adesanmi<br />

and Gbenga Adewale, had<br />

been arrested <strong>in</strong> connection<br />

with the robbery of the car<br />

belong<strong>in</strong>g to one Mrs.<br />

Akomolafe Abiodun.<br />

Internally-displaced persons, IDPs, queue for medical attention at Gubio


Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4 , 2016—7<br />

:Vanguard News :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058<br />

Sapele Council officials ransack<br />

Vanguard’s office, beat up correspondent<br />

By Festus Ahon &<br />

Ochuko Akuopha<br />

A SABA—COMMANDO<br />

style, officials of Sapele<br />

Local Government Area, Delta<br />

State, yesterday, <strong>in</strong>vaded the<br />

Sapele office of Vanguard<br />

Newspaper, demand<strong>in</strong>g for<br />

N100,000 on the alleged order<br />

of the council Chairman, Mr.<br />

Ejaife Odebala.<br />

The <strong>in</strong>vad<strong>in</strong>g council officials<br />

did not only beat up<br />

Vanguard’s Correspondent,<br />

Mr. Godw<strong>in</strong> Oghre, his T-shirt<br />

was also torn.<br />

The council officials<br />

ransacked the office and carted<br />

away mobile phones,<br />

documents and several<br />

personal effects, as well as some<br />

cash which total value was yet<br />

to be ascerta<strong>in</strong>ed as at press<br />

time.<br />

They claimed the N100,000<br />

amount was owed the council<br />

by Vanguard.<br />

Vanguard’s Correspondent,<br />

who arrived the office few<br />

By AbdulSalam<br />

Muhammad<br />

KANO—A Kano High Court<br />

has sentenced a former staff<br />

of a second generation bank,<br />

Aliyu Suleiman, to 195 years<br />

imprisonment.<br />

The convict was arraigned by<br />

the Economic and F<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />

Crimes Commission, EFCC, <strong>in</strong><br />

2014, for allegedly steal<strong>in</strong>g over<br />

N21 million from Albasu<br />

Microf<strong>in</strong>ance Bank.<br />

Upon his arraignment, the<br />

convict pleaded not guilty to all<br />

the charges brought aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />

him by the EFCC.<br />

In her judgment, Justice<br />

Aboki sentenced the convict to<br />

serve two years on each for<br />

count one to 44 and f<strong>in</strong>e of<br />

N300,000 on each.<br />

The court declared that<br />

IDPs camp <strong>in</strong> Maiduguri. NAN PHOTO.<br />

•Extort him; council boss refuses to pick call<br />

•PDP chiefta<strong>in</strong> begged official to no avail<br />

Godw<strong>in</strong> Oghre<br />

“where the convict defaults the<br />

f<strong>in</strong>e, he is to serve additional<br />

six months imprisonment on<br />

each count.”<br />

From count 45 to 74, the convict<br />

was sentenced to a f<strong>in</strong>e of<br />

N500,000 or 12 months<br />

m<strong>in</strong>utes before the council<br />

officials came, pleaded with<br />

them to approach the<br />

headquarters of the<br />

company to make their<br />

demand known.<br />

Recount<strong>in</strong>g his ordeal,<br />

Oghre said he was later<br />

dragged <strong>in</strong>to a wait<strong>in</strong>g 18-<br />

seater Toyota Haice bus with<br />

no number plates.<br />

Accord<strong>in</strong>g to him, he was<br />

dragged out of the vehicle<br />

and made to face what they<br />

described, as “Our Mobile<br />

Court,” manned by two men<br />

and two women <strong>in</strong> black<br />

suits, who they called “Our<br />

judges.”<br />

The ‘judges’ ordered<br />

Oghre to drop another<br />

N20,000 or be forced <strong>in</strong>to<br />

“Our Prison custody until<br />

you pay the debt on behalf<br />

of your company.”<br />

imprisonment on each count,<br />

while on count 75 to 105, he<br />

is to pay a f<strong>in</strong>e of N200,000 or<br />

12 months imprisonment on<br />

each count with the exception<br />

of count 97, which appeared<br />

to be duplication.<br />

He said he made frantic<br />

efforts to contact the council<br />

chairman, but his mobile<br />

l<strong>in</strong>e, 08033205878, rang<br />

several times, but was not<br />

answered.<br />

Accord<strong>in</strong>g to him, the state<br />

PDP Chairman, Chief<br />

K<strong>in</strong>gsley Esiso, who picked<br />

his l<strong>in</strong>e thrice, pleaded with<br />

the council workers on<br />

phone, but his plea fell on<br />

deaf ears.<br />

Oghre added that as the<br />

angry council workers<br />

cont<strong>in</strong>ued to beat him, he<br />

gave them another N20,000<br />

which he said was the office<br />

collections for the week for<br />

change of name publication,<br />

which ought to be published<br />

today.<br />

Efforts to reach the council<br />

chairman were unsuccessful<br />

at press time.<br />

Former banker to spend 195 years <strong>in</strong> jail for theft<br />

THREE more persons that<br />

partook <strong>in</strong> the cassava flour<br />

meal <strong>in</strong> Ogam<strong>in</strong>ana area of<br />

Okene <strong>in</strong> Kogi State have lost<br />

their lives.<br />

Two of them, a 42-year-old<br />

woman and 10-year-old boy,<br />

died yesterday at the Federal<br />

Medical Centre, Lokoja, the<br />

Act<strong>in</strong>g Chief Medical Director<br />

of the hospital, Dr Olatunde<br />

Alabi, told newsmen.<br />

Alabi said three victims of the<br />

cassava flour meal were rushed<br />

to the hospital <strong>in</strong> critical<br />

condition, Wednesday morn<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

from Ogam<strong>in</strong>ana, Adavi Local<br />

Government Area, but two of<br />

them died yesterday morn<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

Accord<strong>in</strong>g to him, the boy died<br />

at about 4a.m while the woman<br />

gave up the ghost at about<br />

10a.m.<br />

Alabi said the third victim, a<br />

girl of about 13 years, was <strong>in</strong><br />

critical condition.<br />

The chief medical director<br />

confirmed that seven persons<br />

actually died between Monday<br />

and Tuesday, and not six as<br />

speculated.<br />

Accord<strong>in</strong>g to him, the causes<br />

of the deaths were yet to be<br />

ascerta<strong>in</strong>ed, but the hospital was<br />

suspect<strong>in</strong>g cyanide poison<br />

from the cassava meal.<br />

“Cl<strong>in</strong>ically, we are say<strong>in</strong>g<br />

we are suspect<strong>in</strong>g cyanide<br />

poison,’’ Alabi said.<br />

He said the hospital staff<br />

did their best to save their<br />

lives, not<strong>in</strong>g that the state<br />

government appeared<br />

determ<strong>in</strong>ed to ascerta<strong>in</strong> the<br />

real causes of the deaths as it<br />

had decided to send the blood<br />

samples of the victims for<br />

detox<strong>in</strong>cology test <strong>in</strong> South<br />

Africa.<br />

It will be recalled that a<br />

woman, three of her children<br />

and three of neighbours’<br />

children lost their lives<br />

The sentences were to run<br />

concurrently.<br />

The convict was also<br />

ordered to refund<br />

N14,815,000 million to the<br />

Albasu Community or spend<br />

five more years <strong>in</strong> prison.<br />

Death toll <strong>in</strong> Kogi cassava<br />

flour meal rises to 9<br />

between Monday and<br />

Tuesday, after a meal of<br />

cassava flour.<br />

The woman was said to have<br />

brought the cassava flour from<br />

her farm at Uhuepe village on<br />

October 30, from which she<br />

prepared a d<strong>in</strong>ner (white<br />

amala) for her family.<br />

She also extended the meal<br />

to the children of her<br />

neighbours.<br />

The woman and three of her<br />

children died <strong>in</strong> their house<br />

on October 31, while the three<br />

children of their neighbours,<br />

who partook <strong>in</strong> the meal, died<br />

at the Okene General<br />

Hospital on November 1.<br />

Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC,<br />

Anambra State, Mr. Sunday Ajayi, impounded overloaded<br />

vehicles <strong>in</strong> Awka, yesterday. NAN PHOTO.<br />

Agbahime<br />

blasphemy<br />

murder:<br />

Court sets<br />

all 5<br />

suspects<br />

free<br />

By AbdulSalam<br />

Muhammad<br />

KANO—THE<br />

six<br />

months trial of the<br />

five suspected killers of<br />

74-year-old Madam<br />

Bridget Agbahime, over<br />

alleged blasphemy was<br />

brought to an end<br />

yesterday as Kano<br />

magistrates freed all the<br />

accused.<br />

Bridget Agbahime was<br />

killed by a mob at<br />

Kofar Wambai Market<br />

over alleged blasphemy<br />

last June.<br />

At a session of the<br />

court, the Chief<br />

Magistrate, Mr. Jibr<strong>in</strong><br />

Muhammad, discharged<br />

the five suspects and<br />

term<strong>in</strong>ated the case <strong>in</strong><br />

l<strong>in</strong>e with the directive of<br />

the Attorney-General of<br />

Kano State.<br />

The suspects, Dauda<br />

Ahmed, Abdulmumeen<br />

Mustafa, Zubairu<br />

Abubakar, Abdullahi<br />

Abubakar and Musa<br />

Abdullahi were slammed<br />

with a four-count charge<br />

of allegedly <strong>in</strong>cit<strong>in</strong>g<br />

disturbance, culpable<br />

homicide, jo<strong>in</strong>t act and<br />

mischief.<br />

It will be recalled that<br />

Agbahime, an Imo<br />

<strong>in</strong>digene, was murdered<br />

<strong>in</strong> Kofar Wambai Market<br />

<strong>in</strong> Kano over alleged<br />

blasphemy.<br />

Earlier, the Pr<strong>in</strong>cipal<br />

State Counsel, Mr. Rabiu<br />

Yusuf, represent<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

Attorney-General of<br />

Kano State, told the court<br />

that “we received the<br />

case diary from the<br />

police on June 8.<br />

“Hav<strong>in</strong>g gone through<br />

the case diary, the<br />

Attorney-General of<br />

Kano State evaluated the<br />

facts <strong>in</strong> accordance with<br />

Sections 130 and150 of<br />

the Crim<strong>in</strong>al Procedure<br />

Code, presented the<br />

legal advice.<br />

“The legal advice<br />

presented to the court,<br />

dated June 24, states that<br />

there is no case to answer<br />

as the suspects are all<br />

<strong>in</strong>nocent and orders the<br />

court to discharge all the<br />

suspects.’’<br />

Counsel to the<br />

suspects, Abdulsalam<br />

Gambo, commended the<br />

Attorney-General for the<br />

judgment.


8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016<br />

:Vanguard News :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058<br />

APC c’ttee<br />

recommends<br />

suspension,<br />

expulsion of<br />

Timi Frank<br />

By Omeiza Ajayi<br />

ABUJA—TRUE<br />

to<br />

the predictions of<br />

many political analysts, the<br />

discipl<strong>in</strong>ary committee set<br />

up by the All Progressives<br />

Congress, APC, to<br />

exam<strong>in</strong>e a petition aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />

the party’s Deputy National<br />

Publicity Secretary,<br />

Comrade Timi Frank,<br />

yesterday submitted its<br />

report, recommend<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

suspension and<br />

subsequent expulsion of<br />

Mr Frank from the party.<br />

The Solomon Edoja-led<br />

five-man committee was<br />

recently constituted by the<br />

South-South zonal Vice<br />

Chairman of the party,<br />

Hilliard Etta, to <strong>in</strong>vestigate<br />

a petition written by a<br />

member of the party from<br />

Akwa Ibom State, Mr<br />

Aniekan Akpabio. The<br />

petitioner had accused Mr<br />

Frank of mak<strong>in</strong>g<br />

disparag<strong>in</strong>g comments<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st the party <strong>in</strong> the<br />

media.<br />

Just before the committee<br />

began its sitt<strong>in</strong>gs, Mr<br />

Frank had <strong>in</strong>dicated that he<br />

would not appear before a<br />

“kangaroo panel”.<br />

“Some people cannot<br />

cont<strong>in</strong>ue to oppress us. I<br />

want to make it very clear,<br />

I will not appear before any<br />

kangaroo committee<br />

because I do not know<br />

them. That is not to say that<br />

I do not respect party<br />

processes but I can only<br />

attend to a committee set<br />

up by responsible people.<br />

“How can I go to a<br />

committee that will take<br />

their report to Oyegun to<br />

decide my fate? If tomorrow<br />

I do not go and they submit<br />

their report to Oyegun and<br />

then he suspends me, then<br />

that is the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g of the<br />

struggle”, Frank had said.<br />

However, submitt<strong>in</strong>g its<br />

report to the zonal<br />

executive of the party <strong>in</strong><br />

Abuja, the committee said<br />

while the petitioner<br />

appeared before it, Frank<br />

never honoured its<br />

<strong>in</strong>vitation.<br />

In its report sighted by<br />

Vanguard, the committee<br />

said it was not a Father<br />

Christmas and so had no<br />

option than to rely on the<br />

claims of the petitioner to<br />

arrive at its<br />

recommendations.<br />

While it recommended<br />

that Frank be suspended<br />

forthwith, the committee<br />

also asked the zonal<br />

executive committee to<br />

recommend the expulsion<br />

of Mr Frank to the National<br />

Executive Committee.<br />

Empty treasury: I felt like abscond<strong>in</strong>g when I<br />

took over from Jonathan —Buhari<br />

By Lev<strong>in</strong>us<br />

Nwabughiogu<br />

A BUJA—PRESIDENT<br />

Muhammadu Buhari<br />

said, yesterday, that he almost<br />

left the country when he<br />

discovered that the nation’s<br />

treasury was empty as he<br />

assumed office.<br />

The President, who spoke<br />

dur<strong>in</strong>g a presidential parley and<br />

presentation of report on poverty<br />

reduction by Course 38 of<br />

National Institute for Policy and<br />

Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru,<br />

Plateau State, at the Presidential<br />

Villa, Abuja, said he was utterly<br />

bewildered to notice that despite<br />

oil price ris<strong>in</strong>g as high as $100<br />

per barrel, noth<strong>in</strong>g was left for<br />

him to start off his<br />

adm<strong>in</strong>istration.<br />

He blamed past governments<br />

of former Presidents Olusegun<br />

Obasanjo, Umaru Yar’Adua and<br />

Goodluck Jonathan for not<br />

sav<strong>in</strong>g for the ra<strong>in</strong>y day.<br />

He said: “One year ago, dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the presidential parley with the<br />

participants of the Senior<br />

Executive Course 37 of the<br />

National Institute for Policy and<br />

Strategic Studies, I saddled the<br />

management of the National<br />

Institute with the responsibility<br />

of look<strong>in</strong>g at strengthen<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>in</strong>stitutional mechanisms for<br />

Why U.S. is ‘slow’ <strong>in</strong> help<strong>in</strong>g Nigeria<br />

recover stolen assets —Envoy<br />

UNITED<br />

States<br />

Deputy Assistant<br />

Secretary for West Africa and<br />

Economic and Regional<br />

Affairs <strong>in</strong> the Department of<br />

State, Peter Barler<strong>in</strong>, has<br />

said the complexities <strong>in</strong> his<br />

country’s legal system were<br />

responsible for the slow<br />

recovery of looted funds<br />

stashed away by Nigeria’s<br />

public officers.<br />

Barler<strong>in</strong>, who spoke <strong>in</strong> an<br />

<strong>in</strong>terview with onl<strong>in</strong>e<br />

publication, Premium<br />

Times, however, said his<br />

government was committed<br />

to ensur<strong>in</strong>g Nigeria got all<br />

its looted funds kept <strong>in</strong><br />

America.<br />

He said: ‘’The U.S.<br />

Department of Justice is<br />

work<strong>in</strong>g very closely with<br />

the Economic and F<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />

Crimes Commission,<br />

EFCC, on behalf of the<br />

Nigerian government to<br />

repatriate the funds.<br />

"U.S. has a legal system<br />

that takes time to get these<br />

funds released, subject to<br />

legal challenges that can<br />

take time to answer. But, I<br />

can assure you, we are<br />

committed to work<strong>in</strong>g with<br />

Nigeria to get those funds<br />

repatriated.’’<br />

On the security situation<br />

<strong>in</strong> the country, especially <strong>in</strong><br />

the North East, the envoy<br />

said: ‘’It is <strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>terest of<br />

the U.S., Nigeria and sub-<br />

Saharan Africa as a whole,<br />

to have a strong Nigeria<br />

with a strong military and<br />

poverty reduction and <strong>in</strong>clusive<br />

development <strong>in</strong> the 2016 Course.<br />

I am glad that the participants<br />

of the Senior Course 38 took up<br />

the challenge and today<br />

presented the report of the study.<br />

“I have carefully noted the<br />

report, especially its f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

and policy recommendations. I<br />

recall with pleasure that when I<br />

was giv<strong>in</strong>g this task six months<br />

after this adm<strong>in</strong>istration came<br />

<strong>in</strong>to office, the selection of the<br />

theme was not only apt but also<br />

timely.<br />

“Today, poverty reduction and<br />

<strong>in</strong>clusive development have<br />

become pillars of this<br />

adm<strong>in</strong>istration and very close to<br />

my heart.<br />

“I am very pleased that the<br />

participants, through the able<br />

leadership of the National<br />

Institute of Management and<br />

the faculty members, have taken<br />

the task seriously, as is evident<br />

<strong>in</strong> the report presented.<br />

‘’I congratulate you for<br />

pa<strong>in</strong>stak<strong>in</strong>gly committ<strong>in</strong>g your<br />

time and energy to produce such<br />

a valuable policy-oriented report<br />

that will guide this<br />

adm<strong>in</strong>istration.<br />

“I looked forward to receiv<strong>in</strong>g<br />

this report because it touches on<br />

one of the fundamental problems<br />

confront<strong>in</strong>g our nation. The<br />

security forces that can protect<br />

Nigeria’s borders and<br />

its people.<br />

‘’We are do<strong>in</strong>g this <strong>in</strong> a<br />

number of areas. We have<br />

to tra<strong>in</strong> two army battalions.<br />

We are work<strong>in</strong>g with the<br />

Nigerian Army to provide<br />

<strong>in</strong>telligence <strong>in</strong>formation on<br />

Boko Haram and the fight<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>in</strong>surgents.<br />

‘’We are work<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

improve police <strong>in</strong> judicial<br />

capacity, especially <strong>in</strong> the<br />

north eastern Nigeria, so<br />

that police and judicial<br />

authorities can restore and<br />

ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> civilian order <strong>in</strong><br />

those areas that have been<br />

liberated from Boko Haram.<br />

‘’Our hearts go out to the<br />

Chibok girls who have been<br />

kidnapped and their<br />

families who have been left<br />

without the girls for so long.<br />

We are work<strong>in</strong>g actively with<br />

the Nigerian military to try<br />

to secure their liberation.<br />

‘’We welcome the release<br />

of the 21 Chibok girls from<br />

captivity. We will cont<strong>in</strong>ue to<br />

work actively with the<br />

Nigerian authorities to<br />

secure the release of the<br />

rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g girls, who have<br />

been <strong>in</strong> captivity with Boko<br />

Haram.<br />

‘’In terms of humanitarian<br />

assistance, the U.S.<br />

government is the largest<br />

bilateral donor <strong>in</strong> the north<br />

east. Although we work <strong>in</strong><br />

the North east region, we<br />

also work <strong>in</strong> the Lake Chad<br />

bas<strong>in</strong> to partner countries."<br />

report comes at a time our<br />

economy is experienc<strong>in</strong>g a<br />

downturn and all efforts are<br />

be<strong>in</strong>g made by this<br />

adm<strong>in</strong>istration to get our<br />

country mov<strong>in</strong>g aga<strong>in</strong>.<br />

“In the last one and a half<br />

years, the economy has<br />

experienced some tough times,<br />

particularly with the decl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong><br />

oil revenues, which has some<br />

harsh impacts on Nigerians at<br />

the grassroots.<br />

‘’It is also important to note<br />

that the economic recession is<br />

not the mak<strong>in</strong>g of this<br />

adm<strong>in</strong>istration, but rather a<br />

consequence of bad<br />

management of the economy <strong>in</strong><br />

the past couple of decades, nor<br />

is recession limited to Nigeria.<br />

There are far worse cases than<br />

Nigeria's.<br />

“Whatever the scale of the<br />

problem, the important th<strong>in</strong>g is<br />

how one tackles it.<br />

Accord<strong>in</strong>gly, this<br />

adm<strong>in</strong>istration is committed to<br />

f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g last<strong>in</strong>g solutions to our<br />

economic and structural<br />

imbalance.<br />

‘’Let us have faith <strong>in</strong> our great<br />

nation that we will come out of<br />

this recession vibrant and<br />

strong. I am glad that the report<br />

presented today has given us<br />

reason to keep faith <strong>in</strong> our ability<br />

to overcome our challenges.<br />

“There is no doubt that poverty,<br />

for decades, has been a major<br />

challenge to us as a nation, despite<br />

the country’s enormous wealth.<br />

Several policies and programmes<br />

that have been implemented over<br />

the years, as rightly observed by<br />

the report, have not broken the<br />

cycle of poverty <strong>in</strong> Nigeria.<br />

‘’From the f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs of the<br />

research by the participants, it is<br />

evident that strengthen<strong>in</strong>g our<br />

<strong>in</strong>stitutions is key to reduc<strong>in</strong>g<br />

poverty and engender<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>in</strong>clusive development.<br />

“Gentlemen, I have to digress<br />

now. For 16 years and eight<br />

consecutive governments of the<br />

other party, you know that there<br />

was unprecedented revenue<br />

realized. The oil projection which<br />

can be verified was 2.1 million<br />

barrels per day.<br />

‘’1999-2015, the average cost of<br />

each Nigerian barrel of oil was<br />

$100 per barrel. When we came it<br />

fell to less than $30 per barrel and<br />

is now oscillat<strong>in</strong>g between 40 and<br />

50.<br />

“Actually I felt like abscond<strong>in</strong>g<br />

because 27 out of 36 states <strong>in</strong><br />

Nigeria cannot pay salaries and<br />

we know they have no other<br />

source than to depend on salaries.<br />

And I asked any sav<strong>in</strong>gs? I was<br />

told there was no sav<strong>in</strong>gs."


Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016 — 9<br />

Aga<strong>in</strong>, Buhari<br />

promises to<br />

treat all<br />

Nigerians<br />

equal<br />

...As Northern CAN<br />

meets him over<br />

abduction of<br />

Christians, underage<br />

girls <strong>in</strong> region<br />

By Lev<strong>in</strong>us<br />

Nwabughiogu<br />

A BUJA—PRESIDENT<br />

Muhammadu Buhari<br />

has reassured Nigerians of<br />

equal treatment, irrespective of<br />

tribe and religion.<br />

This is even as Vice<br />

President Yemi Os<strong>in</strong>bajo<br />

yesterday <strong>in</strong> Abuja expressed<br />

fears over the ability of<br />

M<strong>in</strong>istries, Departments and<br />

Agencies, MDAs, to deliver on<br />

Public, Private partnership,<br />

PPP, projects <strong>in</strong> the country.<br />

The President, who noted<br />

that the oath of office he swore<br />

would compel him to do so,<br />

stated this at a meet<strong>in</strong>g with<br />

the Executive Committee<br />

members of Christian<br />

Association of Nigeria, CAN,<br />

from 19 Northern states and<br />

Abuja, at State House, Abuja,<br />

yesterday.<br />

This is, however, not the first<br />

time the President is mak<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the pledge, as he had earlier<br />

done so on October 7, 2016,<br />

when he received Sheikh<br />

Abdul-Muhs<strong>in</strong> Muhammad<br />

Al-Qassimi, Imam of the<br />

Mosque of the Holy Prophet<br />

<strong>in</strong> Med<strong>in</strong>a, Saudi Arabia, at<br />

State House.<br />

He said: “God knows besta<br />

population of 180 million<br />

people, compris<strong>in</strong>g more than<br />

300 ethnic groups, many of<br />

them with cultural ties stronger<br />

than religion, can only co-exist<br />

peacefully <strong>in</strong> an atmosphere of<br />

social justice.<br />

‘’I pray that God gives us the<br />

courage to be fair to people he<br />

put <strong>in</strong> our charge so that we<br />

can enjoy his mercy.”<br />

The President promised to<br />

restore peace to all parts of the<br />

country, add<strong>in</strong>g that all<br />

enforcement agencies had<br />

been directed to combat all<br />

forms of violent crimes and<br />

ensure people lived <strong>in</strong> peace.<br />

President Buhari urged the<br />

clerics to promote religious<br />

harmony, by “enhanc<strong>in</strong>g<br />

understand<strong>in</strong>g among<br />

different faiths.”<br />

He also disclosed that the<br />

government would ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><br />

the priority it had placed on<br />

agriculture, m<strong>in</strong>es and steel<br />

development to kick-start the<br />

economy.<br />

Leader of the delegation and<br />

chairman of CAN <strong>in</strong> the 19<br />

Northern states, Rev. Yakubu<br />

Pam, said God might have<br />

deliberately chosen Buhari to<br />

lead the country at these<br />

challeng<strong>in</strong>g times.<br />

:Vanguard News :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058<br />

NJC bows to pressure, asks arrested judges<br />

set-up a Transparency and Antito<br />

step aside<br />

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri<br />

ABUJA—THE National<br />

Judicial Council, NJC,<br />

yesterday, succumbed to pressure<br />

from the Nigerian Bar<br />

Association, NBA, as it agreed<br />

that all the judges be<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>in</strong>vestigated over allegations of<br />

corruption should step down<br />

from the Bench pend<strong>in</strong>g their<br />

trial.<br />

The NJC, which is headed by<br />

the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN,<br />

Justice Mahmud Mohammed,<br />

took this new position at the end<br />

of a two-day emergency meet<strong>in</strong>g<br />

that ended <strong>in</strong> Abuja yesterday.<br />

A statement by the Act<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Director of Information at the NJC,<br />

Mr. Soji Oye, disclosed that the<br />

Council equally constituted a<br />

Transparency and Anti-<br />

Corruption<br />

Policy<br />

Implementation Committee to be<br />

headed by a retired Justice of the<br />

Supreme Court.<br />

The statement read: “The<br />

National Judicial Council under<br />

the Chairmanship of the Chief<br />

Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice<br />

Mahmud Mohammed, at its 79th<br />

meet<strong>in</strong>g held on November 1 and<br />

2, 2016, commenced<br />

implementation of specific<br />

aspects of the National Judicial<br />

Policy which came <strong>in</strong>to force <strong>in</strong><br />

April 2016 and was launched on<br />

Monday 24th October, 2016.<br />

“Dur<strong>in</strong>g the Meet<strong>in</strong>g, Council<br />

Corruption<br />

Policy<br />

Implementation Committee as<br />

follows: Hon Justice E. O. Ayoola,<br />

CON (Retd Justice of the<br />

Supreme Court) – Chairman.<br />

“Hon Justice Kashim Zannah,<br />

Chief Judge of Borno State –<br />

member; A. B. Mahmoud, SAN,<br />

President Nigeria Bar Association<br />

– member.<br />

“Section 6 of the National<br />

Judicial Policy aims at putt<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />

place multi-faceted strategies and<br />

guidel<strong>in</strong>es that will ensure<br />

transparency and elim<strong>in</strong>ate<br />

corruption <strong>in</strong> the Judiciary.<br />

“It seeks, among other<br />

measures, to provide a platform<br />

and opportunity to citizens who<br />

profess factual and credible<br />

knowledge of <strong>in</strong>formation on the<br />

INVESTITURE: Abia State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Oyebade Adeleye Olusola [middle] be<strong>in</strong>g<br />

presented with Certificate of the Institute of Crim<strong>in</strong>al Justice and Crim<strong>in</strong>ology Adm<strong>in</strong>istration by the<br />

Registrar/ CEO of the <strong>in</strong>stitute, Mr. Primus Emenuga dur<strong>in</strong>g his <strong>in</strong>vestiture as a fellow of the <strong>in</strong>stitute<br />

at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Airport Road, Ikeja yesterday. With them is the recipient's wife, Adebimpe.<br />

nature and modalities of<br />

corruption <strong>in</strong> the judicial system<br />

to ventilate such.<br />

“Council also decided that<br />

Judicial Officers shall not be<br />

stand<strong>in</strong>g trial for alleged<br />

corruption related offences and be<br />

perform<strong>in</strong>g judicial functions at<br />

the same time.<br />

“Council, however, decided that<br />

it will ensure that Judicial Officers<br />

be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>vestigated for alleged<br />

high profile crim<strong>in</strong>al offences do<br />

not perform judicial functions<br />

until their cases are concluded”.<br />

The NJC had earlier described<br />

“as unacceptable”, NBA’s call for<br />

all the serv<strong>in</strong>g judges affected by<br />

the “st<strong>in</strong>g operation” the<br />

Department of State Services,<br />

DSS, conducted between October<br />

7 and 8, to step down pend<strong>in</strong>g<br />

their trial.<br />

The Council stated at that time<br />

that it would neither suspend nor<br />

ask any of the accused Judges to<br />

proceed on compulsory leave as<br />

recommended by the NBA,<br />

<strong>in</strong>sist<strong>in</strong>g that such action would<br />

be contrary to the provisions of<br />

Section 158 of the 1999<br />

Constitution of the Federal<br />

Republic of Nigeria, as amended.<br />

Aside from two Justices of the<br />

Supreme Court - Inyang Okoro<br />

and Sylvester Ngwuta, others to<br />

step down from the bench are<br />

Justices Adeniyi Ademola and<br />

Muazu P<strong>in</strong>diga of Abuja and<br />

Gombe Divisions of the Federal<br />

High Court, respectively.<br />

The NJC had earlier sacked the<br />

former Chief Judge of Enugu<br />

State, Justice I. A. Umezulike, the<br />

Presid<strong>in</strong>g Justice of the Court of<br />

Appeal, Ilor<strong>in</strong> Division, Justice<br />

Mohammed Tsamiya; and Judge<br />

of Kano State High Court, Justice<br />

Kabiru Auta.<br />

Nigeria sav<strong>in</strong>g $4.5m daily from PMS deregulation — FG<br />

By Sebast<strong>in</strong>e Obasi,<br />

Michael Eboh & Ediri<br />

Ejoh<br />

THE Federal Government,<br />

yesterday, said the country<br />

was sav<strong>in</strong>g $4.5 million daily,<br />

(about N1.395 billion) from the<br />

deregulation of petroleum<br />

products.<br />

This came as <strong>in</strong>dications<br />

emerged yesterday that more<br />

tank farms were runn<strong>in</strong>g out of<br />

petroleum products <strong>in</strong> Apapa<br />

area of Lagos as a result of the<br />

l<strong>in</strong>ger<strong>in</strong>g problem of foreign<br />

exchange scarcity.<br />

M<strong>in</strong>ister of State for Budget and<br />

National Plann<strong>in</strong>g, Mrs. Za<strong>in</strong>ab<br />

Ahmed, disclosed news of the<br />

sav<strong>in</strong>g dur<strong>in</strong>g the Second<br />

Presidential Economic<br />

Communications Workshop,<br />

organized by Office of the Vice<br />

President <strong>in</strong> Abuja.<br />

Accord<strong>in</strong>g to her, the<br />

deregulation of Premium Motor<br />

Spirit, PMS, is part of the critical<br />

measures <strong>in</strong>troduced by the<br />

Presidency to aid economic<br />

recovery and guarantee<br />

diversification.<br />

She added that the action<br />

helped reduce the importation of<br />

PMS which consumed $7.9<br />

billion, about 30 per cent of the<br />

country’s foreign exchange, <strong>in</strong><br />

2015.<br />

She further stated that the<br />

deregulation policy had brought<br />

about a 50 per cent reduction <strong>in</strong><br />

the daily truck-out from load<strong>in</strong>g<br />

depots.<br />

“Average daily truck-out<br />

reduced from 1,005, prior to<br />

deregulation period to 542<br />

for the period after<br />

deregulation,’’ she said.<br />

The M<strong>in</strong>ister noted that the<br />

Federal Government was also<br />

committed to tackl<strong>in</strong>g challenges<br />

<strong>in</strong>hibit<strong>in</strong>g private sector<br />

participation <strong>in</strong> the upstream<br />

petroleum sector and build<strong>in</strong>g on<br />

the petroleum products<br />

deregulation, disclos<strong>in</strong>g that as<br />

at mid-October 2016, the Federal<br />

Government had released about<br />

N2.5 trillion from the N6.06 trillion<br />

2016 budget, represent<strong>in</strong>g<br />

41.25 budget implementation<br />

as at October 2016.<br />

She said total revenue <strong>in</strong>flow<br />

was short of the budget by N1.065<br />

trillion, represent<strong>in</strong>g 55.2 per<br />

cent of total budget as at June<br />

2016.<br />

Giv<strong>in</strong>g a breakdown of the<br />

releases as at October, Mrs.<br />

Ahmed expla<strong>in</strong>ed that N753<br />

billion was for capital projects, a<br />

significant part of which was<br />

devoted to <strong>in</strong>frastructure and<br />

related projects, while N108<br />

billion was for overhead.<br />

INEC fixes dates for re-run polls <strong>in</strong> Rivers, Lagos, FCT<br />

A<br />

B U J A — THE<br />

Independent National<br />

Electoral Commission (INEC)<br />

has fixed December 10 for the<br />

conduct of outstand<strong>in</strong>g National<br />

and State Assembly elections <strong>in</strong><br />

Rivers.<br />

A statement by the Secretary to<br />

the commission, Mrs Auguta<br />

Ogakwu, yesterday <strong>in</strong> Abuja,<br />

said the commission had also<br />

approved December 3 to conduct<br />

election for the vacant Ifako/Ijaiye<br />

seat of Lagos State <strong>in</strong> the House<br />

of Representatives.<br />

The seat became vacant,<br />

follow<strong>in</strong>g the death of the member<br />

who represented the constituency<br />

<strong>in</strong> the house, Mr Adewale<br />

Oluwatayo, <strong>in</strong> July.<br />

On the same day, accord<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

the statement, the commission will<br />

also conclude rescheduled<br />

councillorship polls <strong>in</strong> some area<br />

councils <strong>in</strong> the Federal Capital<br />

Territory. “After months of<br />

<strong>in</strong>tensive plann<strong>in</strong>g and wide<br />

consultations, the Independent<br />

National Electoral Commission<br />

yesterday approved the conduct<br />

of Lagos’ House of Representative<br />

election on Saturday, December<br />

3, 2016.<br />

“Federal Capital Territory (FCT)<br />

Councillorship election will also<br />

hold on Saturday, Dec 3, 2016.<br />

“Rivers, National Assembly<br />

(<strong>Senate</strong> and House of<br />

Representatives) and State<br />

House of Assembly elections on<br />

Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016,” the<br />

statement said.


10 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016<br />

Lagos attracts<br />

more <strong>in</strong>vestors<br />

<strong>in</strong> 16 months<br />

than last 10<br />

years<br />

— AMBODE<br />

By Monsur<br />

Olowoopejo<br />

L<br />

A G O S —<br />

GOVERNOR<br />

Ak<strong>in</strong>wunmi Ambode of<br />

Lagos State, yesterday,<br />

said the number of<br />

<strong>in</strong>vestors attracted to the<br />

state <strong>in</strong> last 16 months<br />

was more than the<br />

number that came <strong>in</strong> the<br />

last ten years.<br />

Ambode, who spoke at<br />

the maiden edition of<br />

Lagos Global on TV, a<br />

programme designed to<br />

<strong>in</strong>form Nigerians on<br />

achievement recorded by<br />

the state government<br />

said his adm<strong>in</strong>istration<br />

rema<strong>in</strong>s committed to<br />

creat<strong>in</strong>g an enabl<strong>in</strong>g<br />

environment for<br />

<strong>in</strong>vestment to thrive and<br />

is responsible for various<br />

reforms <strong>in</strong> the state.<br />

The governor noted that<br />

the reforms <strong>in</strong>itiated by his<br />

adm<strong>in</strong>istration <strong>in</strong> critical<br />

sectors are already yield<strong>in</strong>g<br />

positive results.<br />

Speak<strong>in</strong>g on some of<br />

the reforms, he said his<br />

government <strong>in</strong>vested<br />

massively towards<br />

improve the security<br />

structure, to facilitate more<br />

<strong>in</strong>vestment <strong>in</strong>to the state.<br />

Ambode argued that<br />

arrival of the <strong>in</strong>vestors<br />

have created job<br />

opportunities for<br />

residents, even as<br />

revenues generated was<br />

judiciously utilized to<br />

embark on <strong>in</strong>frastructure<br />

renewal across the state.<br />

Giv<strong>in</strong>g an <strong>in</strong>stance, he<br />

said the reforms <strong>in</strong> the<br />

transport sector have<br />

brought about reduction <strong>in</strong><br />

travel time, which has<br />

made Lagosians to be<br />

more productive and<br />

improve service delivery<br />

to the people.<br />

:Vanguard News :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058<br />

Security agencies overwhelmed as Mile 2 traffic<br />

gridlock returns •Motorists trapped, hoodlums unleash terror<br />

By Evelyn Usman &<br />

Olasunkanmi Akoni<br />

LAGOS—THE<br />

relief<br />

hitherto enjoyed by<br />

motorists ply<strong>in</strong>g the Oshodi-<br />

Apapa expressway may have<br />

expired as the perennial<br />

gridlock on the express-way<br />

which leads to the nation’s<br />

busiest seaports returned.<br />

The gridlock which became<br />

noticeable two weeks ago,<br />

assumed an unbearable<br />

dimension a few days back, as<br />

BADAGRY EXPRESSWAY: Okokomaiko to Seme border<br />

for concession<br />

By Olasunkanmi Akoni<br />

& Monsur Olowoopejo<br />

L AGOS—GOVERNOR<br />

Ak<strong>in</strong>wunmi Ambode of<br />

Lagos State, yesterday, assured<br />

residents that the ongo<strong>in</strong>g Lagos-<br />

Badagry Expressway expansion<br />

project will be completed before<br />

the end of 2019, while the Aboru-<br />

Abesan l<strong>in</strong>k Bridge road will be<br />

ready <strong>in</strong> 2017.<br />

He also disclosed that plans<br />

have been concluded to<br />

concession the Okokomaiko to<br />

Arepo residents fix deteriorat<strong>in</strong>g road<br />

A<br />

R E P O<br />

Community <strong>in</strong><br />

Ogun State, and all the<br />

18 conglomerate estates<br />

and the village last<br />

Saturday, jo<strong>in</strong>ed hands<br />

to arrest the<br />

deteriorat<strong>in</strong>g ma<strong>in</strong> road<br />

lead<strong>in</strong>g from the Lagos-<br />

Ibadan Expressway to the<br />

Journalists Estate Phase<br />

One.<br />

Accord<strong>in</strong>g to Mr. John<br />

Ajayi, Chairman<br />

Journalists Estate<br />

Residents’ Development<br />

Association (JERDA),<br />

petroleum tankers and<br />

conta<strong>in</strong>erized vehicle operators<br />

held sway, due to<br />

<strong>in</strong>discrim<strong>in</strong>ate park<strong>in</strong>g on the<br />

highway, which left motorists<br />

trapped for several hours.<br />

Motorists spend several<br />

hours from Second Ra<strong>in</strong>bow, to<br />

Sunrise bus-stop, a distance<br />

that ord<strong>in</strong>arily takes some five<br />

m<strong>in</strong>utes drive, thereby giv<strong>in</strong>g<br />

commuters no option than to<br />

trek long distances before<br />

board<strong>in</strong>g buses to their<br />

respective dest<strong>in</strong>ations.<br />

Seme border portion of the road.<br />

Meantime, the State<br />

Government said it has secured<br />

30 hectares of land <strong>in</strong> Abule-Ado,<br />

Oriade Local Council<br />

Development Area, LCDA for a<br />

500 Hous<strong>in</strong>g Unit which would<br />

be constructed <strong>in</strong> partnership<br />

with a private sector.<br />

The governor, who made the<br />

remarks dur<strong>in</strong>g an extensive<br />

<strong>in</strong>spection of ongo<strong>in</strong>g projects<br />

across the state, stressed that<br />

the project was a major<br />

economic catalyst for Lagos and<br />

therefore his adm<strong>in</strong>istration<br />

was totally committed to<br />

The situation seemed to have<br />

overwhelmed government<br />

agencies charged with the<br />

responsibility of ensur<strong>in</strong>g the free<br />

flow of traffic, as few policemen,<br />

naval rat<strong>in</strong>gs and Lagos State<br />

Traffic Management Agency,<br />

LASTMA, officials sighted<br />

looked helplessly as commercial<br />

bus operators freely plied one way<br />

traffic from Cele Bus stop.<br />

Hoodlums attack<br />

Hoodlums have also hijacked<br />

the opportunity to unleash<br />

SCREENING: From left; Mr Onochie Anibeze, Editor, Saturday Vanguard; Mr Eze Anaba,<br />

Editor, Vanguard; Adenike Dosumu, Diabetes Educator, Roche Diabetes Care; Dr Afoke Isiavwe,<br />

MD, Ra<strong>in</strong>bow Specialist Medical Centre, Lagos and Mr Sam Eferaro, Publisher, Nigeria Health<br />

Onl<strong>in</strong>e at a free blood glucose screen<strong>in</strong>g for members of staff of Vanguard Media Ltd to mark the<br />

2016 World Diabetes day held by Ra<strong>in</strong>bow Specialist Hospital, Roche Diabetes Care and Nigerian<br />

Health Onl<strong>in</strong>e at Vanguard Head Office <strong>in</strong> Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele<br />

the new <strong>in</strong>itiative<br />

became imperative due<br />

to Ogun State’s<br />

government’s<br />

cont<strong>in</strong>ued <strong>in</strong>sensitivity<br />

to the plight of<br />

residents and motorists<br />

who daily go through<br />

the pa<strong>in</strong>s of commut<strong>in</strong>g<br />

on the road riddled by<br />

massive pot-<strong>holes</strong> and<br />

gullies.<br />

Ajayi said Governor<br />

Ibikunle Amosun<br />

awarded the contract for<br />

the reconstruction of the<br />

road <strong>in</strong> to 1st August<br />

Ltd, a local construction<br />

firm <strong>in</strong> the state, two<br />

year’s ago but that<br />

beyond<br />

the<br />

announcement of the<br />

contract award, noth<strong>in</strong>g<br />

had been done by the firm<br />

which residents gathered<br />

was never mobilised to site<br />

due to what government<br />

sources attributed to<br />

paucity of funds.<br />

He disclosed that all<br />

efforts and visitations to<br />

the state government and<br />

assurances for<br />

commencement of work<br />

had yielded no result<br />

while the road cont<strong>in</strong>ued<br />

to degenerate.<br />

see<strong>in</strong>g it through.<br />

Accord<strong>in</strong>g to him, the ongo<strong>in</strong>g<br />

expansion works between Orile<br />

and Okokomaiko <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

rail project, would be completed<br />

by year 2019.<br />

The governor had sometime last<br />

year stated that the project was<br />

“driven by commercial loans and<br />

bonds lean<strong>in</strong>g on the state’s<br />

Internally Generated Revenue,<br />

IGR,” add<strong>in</strong>g that the earlier<br />

arrangement for the project could<br />

not be susta<strong>in</strong>ed which led<br />

government <strong>in</strong>to negotiat<strong>in</strong>g a<br />

better package that would<br />

deliver the project quicker.<br />

mayhem on exhausted motorists<br />

by dispossess<strong>in</strong>g them of<br />

cash, mobile phones, and other<br />

valuables.<br />

Vanguard’s f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs showed<br />

that the hoodlums also shatter<br />

rolled up vehicle w<strong>in</strong>dows <strong>in</strong><br />

order to ga<strong>in</strong> access . This acts<br />

are brazenly carried out dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the day and at night.<br />

Soldiers who were drafted<br />

when the situation almost got<br />

out of control early this year,<br />

were nowhere close to the area.<br />

A military personnel, who<br />

spoke on the condition of<br />

anonymity to Vanguard, said<br />

that there must be a clear<br />

directive before any soldier will<br />

be seen on the expressway.<br />

Hike <strong>in</strong> fare<br />

The development also caused<br />

a hike <strong>in</strong> fare as commercial bus<br />

drivers <strong>in</strong>creased their fare by<br />

50%. Commercial motorcycles<br />

popularly called okada on the<br />

other hand, hijacked the<br />

opportunity by also <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g<br />

their price, follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>creased<br />

patronised by desperate<br />

commuters.<br />

For <strong>in</strong>stance, Vanguard<br />

learned that each of two<br />

passengers pays N500 from<br />

Mile Two to Coconut bus-stop,<br />

which used to be between N200<br />

and N250.<br />

Motorists lament<br />

A woman who was driv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />

a Toyota Camry car suddenly<br />

came out of her car at Freedom<br />

bus-stop, carry<strong>in</strong>g her baby<br />

whom she said was sick. The<br />

woman , Mrs Beatrice Uchendu,<br />

who was sweat<strong>in</strong>g profusely, was<br />

seen begg<strong>in</strong>g a commercial<br />

motorcyclist to take and her ail<strong>in</strong>g<br />

child to a private hospital <strong>in</strong><br />

Apapa.<br />

She said “I was called to come<br />

and pick my sick daughter from<br />

the school, I decided to take her<br />

to our family hospital, only to<br />

be confronted with this. I have<br />

been <strong>in</strong> the traffic for over one<br />

hour. The best option now is to<br />

take an okada to the hospital.<br />

Another motorist, Mr Patrick<br />

Oche , said; “ It is high time<br />

government <strong>in</strong>itiated a last<strong>in</strong>g<br />

solution to this whole madness.


Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016 — 11<br />

:Vanguard News :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058<br />

Ondo REC, Agbaje recounts politicians attempts<br />

to bribe him<br />

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri<br />

ABUJA—THE Resident<br />

Electoral Commissioner,<br />

REC, <strong>in</strong> Ondo State, Mr.<br />

Olusegun Agbaje, yesterday,<br />

denied bribery allegation made<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st him by one of the<br />

candidates contend<strong>in</strong>g for the<br />

governorship ticket of the PDP<br />

<strong>in</strong> Ondo State, Mr. Jimoh<br />

Ibrahim.<br />

He said he had repeatedly<br />

spurned <strong>in</strong>vitations from a<br />

serv<strong>in</strong>g governor, add<strong>in</strong>g that<br />

Ibrahim’s grouse aga<strong>in</strong>st him<br />

was that he refused a request<br />

for them to meet <strong>in</strong> London.<br />

Agbaje said Ibrahim<br />

approached him through one of<br />

his friends who is currently<br />

resid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> London.<br />

The Ondo State’s Resident<br />

Electoral Commissioner also<br />

revealed how he was offered<br />

N500 million to rig the last<br />

governorship election <strong>in</strong> Osun<br />

State <strong>in</strong> favour of the Peoples<br />

Democratic Party, PDP, when he<br />

was serv<strong>in</strong>g there.<br />

Agbaje, who spoke at a<br />

dialogue session with a coalition<br />

of 60 Civil Society Organisations,<br />

CSOs, led by the Policy and Legal<br />

Advocacy Centre, PLAC, said he<br />

•Says he was offered N500m bribe dur<strong>in</strong>g Osun guber polls<br />

•Why he refused to meet Jimoh Ibrahim <strong>in</strong> London<br />

rejected the money, which he said<br />

was brought <strong>in</strong> a van at night by<br />

certa<strong>in</strong> chiefta<strong>in</strong>s of the PDP.<br />

The Ondo REC, who said he<br />

was a former Director of the<br />

Department of State Service, DSS,<br />

revealed that the money was<br />

offered to him at the IBB Golf<br />

Course <strong>in</strong> Abuja, after one of his<br />

former colleagues <strong>in</strong> the DSS,<br />

hoodw<strong>in</strong>ked him <strong>in</strong>to follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />

him to the venue.<br />

“So it baffles me now to see<br />

allegations be<strong>in</strong>g raised aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />

me. I have never met Jimoh<br />

Ibrahim <strong>in</strong> my life. I have never<br />

spoken with him <strong>in</strong> my life. There<br />

is one of my friends, an old friend,<br />

Mr. Aust<strong>in</strong> Obiagwu who was a<br />

former Manag<strong>in</strong>g Director of<br />

Broad Bank which later merged<br />

with Union Bank. He called me<br />

sometime <strong>in</strong> April this year and<br />

said Segun how now, long time!<br />

He asked when I will come to<br />

London, stress<strong>in</strong>g that he has<br />

been there for some time. I stold<br />

him that I might be <strong>in</strong> London<br />

later <strong>in</strong> that April for the ceremony<br />

of one of my children and that I<br />

would see him then.<br />

“He then told me that there was<br />

a friend of his that would want to<br />

meet me and that his name is<br />

Jimoh Ibrahim. I th<strong>in</strong>k he said he<br />

was <strong>in</strong> Accord Party. Either Accord<br />

or Alliance Party, I can’t<br />

remember. That was <strong>in</strong> April this<br />

year; he was certa<strong>in</strong>ly not <strong>in</strong> PDP<br />

then.<br />

“I told my friend that I don’t<br />

know him (Ibrahim) and that I<br />

have never met him <strong>in</strong> my life and<br />

that I don’t th<strong>in</strong>k it is proper for<br />

me to see him because I made it<br />

a personal policy not to have such<br />

<strong>in</strong>teraction with politicians.’’<br />

Speak<strong>in</strong>g on the Osun bribery<br />

attempt, he said; ‘’One of his<br />

colleagues picked me at the end<br />

of a conference I attended <strong>in</strong><br />

Abuja and took me to the meet<strong>in</strong>g<br />

where the bribe was allegedly<br />

offered.<br />

Agbaje said he was shocked<br />

and immediately berated his<br />

friend.<br />

“I told them that all my children<br />

have been tra<strong>in</strong>ed and they are<br />

all married. I have a house <strong>in</strong><br />

Lagos and another <strong>in</strong> Ekiti where<br />

I come from. So I don’t know what<br />

I will use money for at this age. I<br />

told them politely that I would not<br />

be part of their deal.”<br />

He said: “The governor <strong>in</strong> my<br />

state had<br />

wanted to see<br />

me <strong>in</strong> the<br />

government<br />

house and I told<br />

him that this<br />

year, I am not<br />

com<strong>in</strong>g to that<br />

Government<br />

House. He<br />

wanted to come<br />

to my house<br />

and I said you cannot come to my<br />

house.<br />

“I was the ICS of Anambra<br />

State, the then governor, who was<br />

a candidate, came to my office,<br />

he brought money to my office<br />

and I said sir, we do not accept<br />

money, that my headquarters had<br />

provided all we needed for that<br />

election and as Director of the SSS<br />

<strong>in</strong> that region we don’t need the<br />

money.<br />

“The man was annoyed. He<br />

said whether I have seen the<br />

other people <strong>in</strong> the other party<br />

and I said Sir you don’t know me,<br />

that I knew him when he was<br />

Permanent Secretary at Dodan<br />

Barrack, that if not because he was<br />

a very old I would have known<br />

what to do. But very politely, I told<br />

him that we didn’t need his<br />

money.<br />

“These are some of the<br />

circumstances <strong>in</strong> which I found<br />

myself <strong>in</strong> the past. I was so much<br />

flabbergasted when I was read <strong>in</strong><br />

a newspaper penultimate Sunday<br />

that Jimoh Ibrahim said a lot of<br />

th<strong>in</strong>gs aga<strong>in</strong>st me. I have written<br />

to my Chairman on this whole<br />

issue to clear my name, as well<br />

as asked for two prayers: to<br />

address the press and to also go<br />

to court. The Chairman has<br />

approved the two.<br />

“Ladies and gentlemen, I have<br />

never met Jimoh Ibrahim before.<br />

The allegations are false and at<br />

the appo<strong>in</strong>ted time I will take<br />

action. Like I said, politicians<br />

th<strong>in</strong>k they can always buy<br />

everybody, but I told them that the<br />

hairman did not send me to Akure<br />

to go and be <strong>in</strong> favour of a<br />

particular candidate.''<br />

RECESSION:<br />

Obasanjo calls<br />

for transparency<br />

at stock market<br />

By Daud Olatunji<br />

A BEOKUTA—<br />

FORMER President<br />

Olusegun Obasanjo has said<br />

that the present economic<br />

recession could only be fought<br />

successfully if confidence,<br />

stability, credibility and<br />

transparency could be<br />

guaranteed at the stock<br />

exchange market.<br />

Obasanjo who urged the<br />

authorities at the stock<br />

exchange to create confidence<br />

<strong>in</strong> the stock market, claimed<br />

that the market has made a<br />

billionaire to become a<br />

millionaire while a millionaire<br />

becomes ‘thousandnaire’.<br />

The former president stated<br />

this while receiv<strong>in</strong>g Director<br />

General, Securities and<br />

Exchange Commission<br />

(SEC), Mounir Gwarzo at his<br />

Presidential Hilltop mansion<br />

<strong>in</strong> Abeokuta yesterday.<br />

He declared that Nigeria<br />

needed all-encompass<strong>in</strong>g<br />

economic parameters to<br />

rebound the ail<strong>in</strong>g economy<br />

which <strong>in</strong>cludes build<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>in</strong>vestors’ confidence <strong>in</strong> stocks<br />

market<strong>in</strong>g system.<br />

Respond<strong>in</strong>g, Gwarzo,<br />

said that the Commission<br />

was <strong>in</strong> Abeokuta <strong>in</strong><br />

cont<strong>in</strong>uation of F<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />

Literacy and Quiz<br />

Competition <strong>in</strong> Primary<br />

and Secondary school<br />

levels as part of effort to<br />

<strong>in</strong>culcate f<strong>in</strong>ancial culture<br />

<strong>in</strong> the young ones.<br />

Fayose signs pact with<br />

cattle breeders, releases<br />

deta<strong>in</strong>ed cows<br />

By Rotimi Ojomoyela<br />

ADO EKITI—GOVERNOR Ayodele Fayose<br />

of Ekiti State, yesterday, released n<strong>in</strong>e cows<br />

arrested for contraven<strong>in</strong>g state’s anti-graz<strong>in</strong>g law,<br />

after sign<strong>in</strong>g peace pact with members of the Miyetti<br />

Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria,<br />

MACBAN.<br />

The cows were seized a couple of weeks ago by<br />

the Ekiti State Graz<strong>in</strong>g Enforcement Marshals for<br />

contraven<strong>in</strong>g anti-graz<strong>in</strong>g law.<br />

The Miyetti Allah at the meet<strong>in</strong>g signed a peace<br />

pact with the government, promis<strong>in</strong>g to co-exist<br />

peacefully with farmers and residents of the state.<br />

Fayose, at the meet<strong>in</strong>g held <strong>in</strong> the government<br />

house with the leadership of Miyetti Allah <strong>in</strong> Ekiti<br />

and the south-west, traditional rulers and the Fulani<br />

community, said cattle breeders operat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Ekiti<br />

State must register with the traditional rulers of their<br />

host communities.<br />

The free registration must, however, be done<br />

with<strong>in</strong> the next 14 days after which the<br />

registered names would be forwarded to the<br />

state government for data keep<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

The event, which took place at the<br />

Government House grounds, had farmers,<br />

traditional rulers, state government officials and<br />

MACBAN leaders and members from across<br />

the South-West region <strong>in</strong> attendance.<br />

Cleric raises<br />

hope of better<br />

Nigeria<br />

THE Senior Pastor of<br />

Day Glory Prayer<br />

Gospel M<strong>in</strong>istry, Prophet<br />

John Oni has expressed<br />

confidence of a better Nigeria<br />

just as he advised Nigerians<br />

to be optimistic <strong>in</strong> the face of<br />

prevail<strong>in</strong>g economic<br />

challenges confront<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

country.<br />

The cleric made the appeal<br />

while brief<strong>in</strong>g journalists on<br />

the church's 10th year<br />

convention and Founder's<br />

Day scheduled for tomorrow<br />

and Sunday at the church<br />

auditorium <strong>in</strong> Ojodu Berger,<br />

Lagos with the theme: “Go.”<br />

The cleric, who believed it<br />

was time for the country to<br />

experience div<strong>in</strong>e<br />

<strong>in</strong>tervention called for<br />

attitud<strong>in</strong>al change among the<br />

masses to enable them to<br />

partake <strong>in</strong> God’s bless<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

assur<strong>in</strong>g that the present<br />

economic challenges will<br />

soon be over.


12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016<br />

Alleged N2.2bn fraud: FG files charges aga<strong>in</strong>st S-Court<br />

Registrar, two others<br />

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri<br />

ABUJA—THE<br />

Federal<br />

Government, through the<br />

Attorney General of the Federation<br />

and M<strong>in</strong>ister of Justice, Abubakar<br />

Malami, SAN, has filed crim<strong>in</strong>al<br />

charges aga<strong>in</strong>st the Chief<br />

Registrar of the Supreme Court,<br />

Mr. Saleh Gambo, before an Abuja<br />

High Court.<br />

Gambo was charged alongside<br />

the Assistant Director of F<strong>in</strong>ance<br />

at the apex court, Rilwanu Lawal,<br />

and the Deputy Director of<br />

F<strong>in</strong>ance, Sharif Abdulrahman.<br />

The trio will be answer<strong>in</strong>g to a<br />

n<strong>in</strong>e-count charge marked CR/13/<br />

16 and dated November 3, which<br />

the AGF filed pursuant to sections<br />

l04 and 379 of the Adm<strong>in</strong>istration<br />

of Crim<strong>in</strong>al Justice Act, 2015.<br />

The defendants were<br />

specifically alleged to have<br />

diverted N2.2 billion belong<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

the Supreme Court of Nigeria,<br />

<strong>in</strong>to personal bank accounts<br />

domiciled at United Bank For<br />

Africa Plc with account number<br />

2027642863.<br />

They were further alleged to<br />

have, between 2009 and 2016,<br />

received gratification <strong>in</strong> the sum<br />

of N10 million from Willysdave<br />

Ltd, a private contractor to the<br />

Supreme Court of Nigeria and<br />

thereby committed an offence<br />

contrary to section 10(a) (i) of the<br />

Independent Corrupt Practices<br />

and Other Related Offences Act<br />

2000 and punishable under the<br />

same Act.<br />

Charges aga<strong>in</strong>st them, which<br />

Vanguard sighted last night, read:<br />

“That you Ahmed Gambo Saleh,<br />

Muhammed Abdulrahman<br />

Sharif, and Rilwanu Lawal, are<br />

charged with the follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />

offences:<br />

Count One<br />

Statement of Offence:<br />

Conspiracy, contrary to Section<br />

96 of the Penal Code Act CAP<br />

532 LFN (Abuja) 2004 punishable<br />

under Section 97 of the same Act.<br />

Particulars Of Offence:<br />

Ahmed Gambo Saleh “M”<br />

Muhammed Abdulrahman Sharif<br />

‘M’ and Rilwanu Lawal ‘M’, all<br />

of Supreme Court of Nigeria<br />

between 2009 and 2016 did agree<br />

to do an illegal act to wit: diverted<br />

the total sum of N2.2 billion<br />

belong<strong>in</strong>g to the Supreme Court<br />

of Nigeria <strong>in</strong>to personal bank<br />

accounts domiciled at United Bank<br />

For Africa PLC a/c no 2027642863,<br />

and you thereby committed an<br />

offence contrary to Section 96 of<br />

the Penal Code Act and<br />

punishable under Section 97 of<br />

the Penal Code Act Cap 532 LFN<br />

(Abuja) 2004.<br />

Count Two<br />

Statement of Offence<br />

Crim<strong>in</strong>al Breach of Trust contrary<br />

to Section 315 of the Penal Code<br />

Act Cap 532 LFN (Abuja) 2004<br />

and punishable under the same<br />

Act.<br />

Particulars of Offence<br />

Ahmed Gambo Saleh “M’,<br />

Muhammed Abdulrahman Sharif<br />

‘M’ and Rilwanu Lawal “M” all<br />

of Supreme Court of Nigeria<br />

between 2009 and 2016 be<strong>in</strong>g<br />

entrusted with property and/or<br />

dom<strong>in</strong>ion over property<br />

belong<strong>in</strong>g to the Supreme Court<br />

of Nigeria <strong>in</strong> your capacity as<br />

:Vanguard News :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058<br />

PRESENTATION: Mr Ebikake, representative of the Vice Chancellor of the ISFOP<br />

University, Ben<strong>in</strong> Republic, Prof. Marius Dakpogan (right), presents the plaque of Honorary<br />

Doctorate Degree to HRM K<strong>in</strong>g Edmund Daukoru at Nembe, Rivers State.<br />

public officers, committed the<br />

offence of Crim<strong>in</strong>al Breach of<br />

Trust to wit: diversion of the total<br />

sum of N2.2 billion belong<strong>in</strong>g<br />

to the Supreme Court of Nigeria<br />

<strong>in</strong>to personal bank accounts<br />

domiciled at United Bank for<br />

Africa Plc a/c no: 2027642863<br />

contrary to section 315 of the<br />

Penal code Act cap 532 LEN<br />

(Abuja) 2004.<br />

Count Three<br />

Statement of Offence:<br />

Tak<strong>in</strong>g gratification by Public<br />

officers contrary to Section 10 (a)<br />

(i) of the Independent Corrupt<br />

Practices and Other Related<br />

Offences Act 2000 and<br />

punishable under the same<br />

section of the Act.<br />

Statement of Offence<br />

Tak<strong>in</strong>g gratification by Public<br />

officers contrary to Section 10 (a)<br />

(i) of the Independent Corrupt<br />

Practices and other related<br />

Offences Act 2000 and<br />

punishable under the same<br />

section of the Act.<br />

“Particulars of Offence;<br />

Ahmed Gambo Saleh “M’,<br />

Muhammed Abdulrahman<br />

Sharif ‘M’ and Rilwanu Lawal<br />

“M” all of Supreme Court of<br />

Nigeria, be<strong>in</strong>g public officers,<br />

between 2009 and 2016, <strong>in</strong><br />

Abuja, with<strong>in</strong> the jurisdiction of<br />

the honourable court, received<br />

gratification <strong>in</strong> the sum of ten<br />

million naira N10,000,000 from<br />

Willysdave Ltd, a private<br />

contractor to the Supreme Court<br />

of Nigeria and you thereby<br />

committed an offence contrary to<br />

section 10(a) (i) of the<br />

Independent Corrupt Practices<br />

and Other Related Offences Act<br />

2000 and punishable under the<br />

same Act.<br />

Count Four<br />

Tak<strong>in</strong>g gratification by Public<br />

officers contrary to Section 10 (a)<br />

(i) of the Independent Corrupt<br />

Practices and other related<br />

Offences Act 2000 and<br />

punishable under the same<br />

section of the Act.<br />

Particulars of Offence<br />

Ahmed Gambo Saleh “M’,<br />

Muhammed Abdulrahman<br />

Sharif ‘M’ and Rilwanu Lawal<br />

“M” all of Supreme Court of<br />

Nigeria, be<strong>in</strong>g public officers,<br />

between 2009 and 2016, <strong>in</strong><br />

Abuja with<strong>in</strong> the jurisdiction of<br />

the honourable court, obta<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

gratification <strong>in</strong> the sum of N<br />

6,000,000 and you thereby<br />

committed an offence contrary to<br />

section 10(a) (i) of the<br />

Independent Corrupt Practices<br />

and other related offences Act<br />

2000 and punishable under the<br />

same Act.<br />

Count Five<br />

Statement of Offence<br />

Tak<strong>in</strong>g gratification by Public<br />

officers contrary to Section 10 (a)<br />

(i) of the Independent Corrupt<br />

Practices and other related<br />

Offences Act 2000 and<br />

punishable under the same<br />

section of the Act.<br />

Particulars of Offence<br />

Ahmed Gambo Saleh “M’,<br />

Muhammed Abdulrahman<br />

Sharif ‘M’ And Rilwanu Lawal<br />

“M” all of Supreme Court of<br />

Nigeria, and be<strong>in</strong>g public<br />

officers, between 2009 and 2016,<br />

<strong>in</strong> Abuja with<strong>in</strong> the jurisdiction<br />

of the honourable court,<br />

obta<strong>in</strong>ed gratification <strong>in</strong> the sum<br />

of N 6,000,000 from Welcon Nig.<br />

Ltd, a contractor who provided<br />

services to the Supreme Court<br />

of Nigeria and you thereby<br />

committed an offence contrary to<br />

section 10(a) (i) of the<br />

Independent Corrupt Practices<br />

and other related offences Act<br />

2000 and punishable under the<br />

same section of the Act.<br />

Count Six<br />

Statement of Offence: Tak<strong>in</strong>g<br />

gratification by public officers<br />

contrary to Section 10 (a) (i) of<br />

the Independent Corrupt<br />

Practices and Other Related<br />

Offences Act 2000 and<br />

punishable under the same<br />

section of the Act.<br />

Particulars of Offence<br />

Ahmed Gambo Saleh W,<br />

Muhammed Abdulrahman<br />

Sharif ‘M’ And Rilwanu Lawal<br />

‘M’, <strong>in</strong> your respective official<br />

capacities as staff of the<br />

Supreme Court of Nigeria<br />

between 2009 and 2016, <strong>in</strong><br />

Abuja with<strong>in</strong> the jurisdiction of<br />

the honourable court, obta<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

gratification <strong>in</strong> the sum N<br />

2,400,000.00 from Welcon<br />

Nigeria Ltd, a private<br />

contractor who provided<br />

services to the Supreme Court<br />

of Nigeria and thereby<br />

committed an offence contrary<br />

to section 10(a)(i) of the<br />

Independent Corrupt Practices<br />

and other related offences Act,<br />

2000 and punishable under the<br />

same section of the Act.<br />

Count Seven<br />

Statement of Offence: Tak<strong>in</strong>g<br />

gratification by public officers<br />

contrary to Section 10 (a) (i) of<br />

the Independent Corrupt<br />

Practices and Other Related<br />

Offences Act 2000 and<br />

punishable under the same<br />

section of the Act.<br />

Particulars of Offence:<br />

Ahmed Gambo Saleh ‘M’,<br />

Muhammed Abdulrahman<br />

Sharif ‘M’ And Rilwanu Lawal<br />

‘M’, all of Supreme Court of<br />

Nigeria and be<strong>in</strong>g public<br />

officers, on January 9, 2015 <strong>in</strong><br />

Abuja with<strong>in</strong> the jurisdiction of<br />

the honourable court, obta<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

a gratification <strong>in</strong> the sum of N<br />

16,000,000.00 from Dean Musa<br />

Nig. Limited, a private<br />

contractor who provided<br />

services to the Supreme Court<br />

of Nigeria and thereby<br />

committed an offence contrary<br />

to section 10(a) (i) of the<br />

Independent Corrupt Practices<br />

and other related offences Act<br />

2000 and punishable under the<br />

same section of the Act.<br />

Count Eight<br />

Statement of Offence<br />

Tak<strong>in</strong>g gratification by public<br />

officers contrary to Section 10<br />

(a) of the Independent Corrupt<br />

Practices and other related<br />

offences Act 2000 and<br />

punishable under the same<br />

section of the Act.<br />

Particulars of Offence<br />

Ahmed Gambo Saleh “M,<br />

Muhammed Abdulrahman<br />

Sharifm and Rilwanu Lawal M’, all<br />

of the Supreme Court of Nigeria,<br />

be<strong>in</strong>g public officers, between 2009<br />

and 2016 <strong>in</strong> Abuja with<strong>in</strong> the<br />

jurisdiction of this honourable<br />

court, obta<strong>in</strong>ed a gratification <strong>in</strong> the<br />

sum of N19,000,000.00 from Ababia<br />

Ventures Ltd be<strong>in</strong>g a private<br />

contractor who provided services<br />

to the Supreme Court of Nigeria<br />

and thereby committed an offence<br />

contrary to section 10 (a)(i) of the<br />

<strong>in</strong>dependent Corrupt Practices and<br />

other related offences Act 2000 and<br />

punishable under the same section<br />

of the Act.<br />

Count N<strong>in</strong>e<br />

Statement of Offence<br />

Tak<strong>in</strong>g gratification by public<br />

officers contrary to Section 10 (a)<br />

(i) of the Independent Corrupt<br />

Practices and other related offences<br />

Act 2000 and punishable under the<br />

same section of the Act.<br />

Particulars of Offence<br />

Ahmed Gambo Saleh ‘Mù<br />

Muhammed Abdulrahman Sharif<br />

,Ùm” Ahmed Gambo Saleh And<br />

Rilwanu Lawal M’, all of Supreme<br />

Court of Nigeria, be<strong>in</strong>g public<br />

officers, between 2009 and 2016,<br />

<strong>in</strong> Abuja, with<strong>in</strong> the. jurisdiction of<br />

this Honourable Court, obta<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

gratification <strong>in</strong> the sum of<br />

N21,000,000.00 from MBR<br />

Computers Ltd, a private contractor<br />

who provided services to the<br />

Supreme Court of Nigeria and you<br />

thereby committed an offence<br />

contrary to Section 10 (a) (i) of the<br />

Independent Corrupt Practices and<br />

Other Related offences Act 2000<br />

and punishable under the Same<br />

Section of the Act.”<br />

Madam<br />

Remember<br />

Unuame for burial<br />

MRS. Remember Unuame<br />

of Unuame and<br />

Uvwiama families, Ughelli-<br />

South Local Government Area,<br />

Delta State, is dead.<br />

Service of songs holds today<br />

at Akperhe-Olomu, Ughelli<br />

South L.G.A, while funeral<br />

service comes up tomorrow at<br />

Ovwodokpokpo Primary<br />

School, Ovwodokpokpo-<br />

Olomu, followed by <strong>in</strong>terment.<br />

She is survived by seven<br />

children, 28 grandchildren and<br />

17 great grandchildren.<br />

Late Madam Unuame


Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016—13<br />

:Vanguard News :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058<br />

PIB: Why <strong>Senate</strong> is <strong>in</strong>troduc<strong>in</strong>g Host<br />

Community devt legislation —Saraki<br />

By Henry Umoru<br />

A BUJA—SENATE<br />

President Bukola Saraki,<br />

yesterday, expla<strong>in</strong>ed that the<br />

<strong>Senate</strong> was <strong>in</strong>troduc<strong>in</strong>g host<br />

community legislation <strong>in</strong>to the<br />

Petroleum Industry Governance<br />

Bill, PIGB, 2016, to help<br />

complement the Governance and<br />

Institutional Framework Bill of the<br />

revised Petroleum Industry Bill,<br />

PIB.<br />

The Governance and<br />

Institutional Framework Bill of the<br />

revised PIB, passed the Second<br />

Read<strong>in</strong>g at the <strong>Senate</strong> on<br />

Wednesday.<br />

In a statement by Mr. Yusuph<br />

Olaniyonu, Special Adviser on<br />

Media and Publicity to the <strong>Senate</strong><br />

President, Saraki expla<strong>in</strong>ed that<br />

with the <strong>in</strong>stitutional and<br />

governance framework aspect of<br />

the PIB at the committee stage, it<br />

was necessary for the <strong>Senate</strong> to<br />

beg<strong>in</strong> work on the passage of the<br />

host community development<br />

legislation, aimed at address<strong>in</strong>g<br />

issues relat<strong>in</strong>g to community<br />

participation, security, and the<br />

ecological debt <strong>in</strong>curred by host<br />

communities from oil extraction.<br />

Accord<strong>in</strong>g to the statement: “For<br />

many years now, the PIB has been<br />

stalled at different stages for one<br />

reason or another. At this po<strong>in</strong>t,<br />

the <strong>Senate</strong> is ready and will<strong>in</strong>g<br />

to do everyth<strong>in</strong>g that it takes to<br />

get Nigeria’s economy out of<br />

Edo election: PDP accuses INEC of stall<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>spection of<br />

electoral materials<br />

By Gabriel Enogholase<br />

BENIN—THERE was a<br />

mild drama at the Edo State<br />

headquarters of the Independent<br />

National Electoral Commission,<br />

INEC, <strong>in</strong> Ben<strong>in</strong>, yesterday, as the<br />

electoral body allegedly stalled<br />

the <strong>in</strong>spection of ballot papers by<br />

the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,<br />

follow<strong>in</strong>g protest by the All<br />

Progressives Congress, APC,<br />

that it had filed a motion at the<br />

Election Petition Tribunal,<br />

restra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g INEC from allow<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the PDP from <strong>in</strong>spect<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

materials.<br />

But the APC <strong>in</strong>sisted that it did<br />

not oppose PDP’s <strong>in</strong>spection of<br />

the electoral materials, but its<br />

attempt to scan them.<br />

Accord<strong>in</strong>g to APC state<br />

Chairman, Mr. Anslem, “We did<br />

not oppose the <strong>in</strong>spection of the<br />

ballot papers by the PDP. What we<br />

are aga<strong>in</strong>st is the move by them<br />

to scan the materials. This is not<br />

their prayer <strong>in</strong> their petition. Their<br />

count<strong>in</strong>g should be done <strong>in</strong> the<br />

open court.”<br />

Both parties had earlier agreed<br />

to jo<strong>in</strong>tly <strong>in</strong>spect ballot papers<br />

used <strong>in</strong> the conduct of the<br />

September 28 Edo State<br />

governorship election.<br />

It will be recalled that the Edo<br />

State Election Petition Tribunal,<br />

last month, granted both parties<br />

recession, and the efficient and<br />

effective management of our oil<br />

resources is a key component of<br />

this. Now that the legislation to<br />

provide a governance and<br />

<strong>in</strong>stitutional framework for the<br />

petroleum <strong>in</strong>dustry has passed<br />

Second Read<strong>in</strong>g, it is time to re<strong>in</strong>troduce<br />

the host community<br />

development legislation to<br />

address the legitimate agitations<br />

of the people of the Niger Delta.”<br />

By the calculation of the<br />

<strong>Senate</strong> President, work on the<br />

passage of the two key bills will<br />

be near<strong>in</strong>g completion before<br />

the end of this year.<br />

The <strong>Senate</strong> President also<br />

stated that he had asked<br />

legislators <strong>in</strong> the Upper<br />

Legislative Chamber to work<br />

together and <strong>in</strong>troduce the host<br />

community development<br />

legislation, with<strong>in</strong> four weeks.<br />

He noted that the problems<br />

host communities had faced<br />

because of decades of oil<br />

exploration needed to be<br />

addressed.<br />

The version of the PIB that is<br />

now at committee stage is<br />

sponsored by Senator Omotayo<br />

Alasoadura and 28 others.<br />

The Bill titled “An Act to<br />

Provide for the Governance and<br />

Institutional Framework for the<br />

Petroleum Industry and for<br />

Other Related Matters,” is<br />

aimed at creat<strong>in</strong>g an efficient<br />

and effective govern<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>in</strong>stitution for the petroleum<br />

<strong>in</strong>dustry by def<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g clear and<br />

separate roles for all entities.<br />

It will also establish a<br />

framework for the creation of<br />

commercially oriented and<br />

profit- driven petroleum bodies<br />

for value addition among others.<br />

VISIT: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State (left) and Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia,<br />

former governor of defunct Mid-West Region and Bendel State, dur<strong>in</strong>g the latter's 'Thank<br />

You' visit to the governor, yesterday.<br />

leave to <strong>in</strong>spect the ballot papers<br />

used <strong>in</strong> the conduct of the<br />

election.<br />

However, the <strong>in</strong>spection,<br />

which was supposed to be jo<strong>in</strong>tly<br />

started by both parties at 9:00<br />

a.m. did not start follow<strong>in</strong>g an alleged<br />

Aggrieved MEND Commander carried out<br />

Trans-Forcados pipel<strong>in</strong>e attack—Jomo Gbomo<br />

By Emma Amaize,<br />

Egufe Yafugborhi &<br />

Perez Brisibe<br />

WARRI—THE Movement<br />

for the Emancipation of the<br />

Niger Delta, MEND, admitted,<br />

yesterday, that its aggrieved<br />

members led by unnamed<br />

Commander, Western Delta,<br />

CWD, carried out the attack on<br />

the Trans-Forcados Crude Export<br />

pipel<strong>in</strong>e at Batan <strong>in</strong> Delta<br />

State on Wednesday.<br />

Budget delay: <strong>Senate</strong> set to repeal 58-yr-old<br />

Fiscal Responsibility Act<br />

By Henry Umoru<br />

ABUJA—MOVES by the<br />

<strong>Senate</strong> to amend the 58<br />

years old Fiscal Responsibility<br />

Act, yesterday, reached its f<strong>in</strong>al<br />

stage follow<strong>in</strong>g the submission<br />

of the report upon the<br />

amendment would be<br />

predicated.<br />

The report by the Technical<br />

Committee on Budget Reforms<br />

was presented to the President<br />

MEND however said CWD<br />

broke the rule, by attack<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

crude export pipel<strong>in</strong>e barely 24<br />

hours after President<br />

Muhammadu Buhari met with<br />

Niger Delta leaders <strong>in</strong> Abuja.<br />

Spokesperson of the group,<br />

Jomo Gbomo, <strong>in</strong> a statement,<br />

said the unauthorized attack was<br />

carried because the Niger Delta<br />

leaders failed to spell out the<br />

agreement earlier reached by<br />

the group with the Federal<br />

of the <strong>Senate</strong>, Bukola Saraki, by<br />

the Leader of the <strong>Senate</strong>, Senator<br />

Ali Ndume, recommends that<br />

annual budgets must be<br />

presented <strong>in</strong> the first week of<br />

September and that the budget<br />

must be considered with<strong>in</strong> two<br />

months and passed on the<br />

30th of November at the latest.<br />

Aga<strong>in</strong>st this backdrop, the<br />

<strong>Senate</strong> plans to repeal and reenact<br />

the 1958 Act to check the<br />

objection raised by the APC on the<br />

grounds that it had filed a suit<br />

challeng<strong>in</strong>g the commencement of the<br />

process.<br />

Government before the<br />

November 1 meet<strong>in</strong>g, alleg<strong>in</strong>g<br />

betrayal by some Niger Delta<br />

leaders.<br />

The statement read: “The<br />

Movement for the<br />

Emancipation of the Niger<br />

Delta (MEND) takes full<br />

responsibility for the Trans-<br />

Forcados Crude Export pipel<strong>in</strong>e<br />

attack <strong>in</strong> the Batan area of Delta State<br />

on Wednesday, November 2, 2016."<br />

anomalies <strong>in</strong> relation to the fiscal<br />

year.<br />

It will be recalled that Saraki<br />

had constituted a Technical<br />

Committee on Budget Reforms<br />

to produce a Budget Reform<br />

strategy paper and draft Budget<br />

Reform Bill. The reform is to<br />

improve budget formulation,<br />

enactment, implementation,<br />

and monitor<strong>in</strong>g evaluation with<br />

a view to improv<strong>in</strong>g budget<br />

performance.<br />

Omo-Agege,<br />

family<br />

honours late<br />

Brume<br />

By Oboh<br />

Agbonkhese<br />

THE<br />

senator<br />

represent<strong>in</strong>g Delta<br />

Central, Senator Ovie<br />

Omo-Agege, has<br />

described the late Senator<br />

Fred Brume as an<br />

exceptional man who<br />

lived a life of service and<br />

excellence.<br />

His widow, Elizabeth,<br />

and eldest child, Mrs.<br />

Blessyn Brume-Ataguba,<br />

<strong>in</strong> separate <strong>in</strong>terviews,<br />

described Brume as a man<br />

who lived a life of sacrifice<br />

for public good.<br />

They spoke at the<br />

commission<strong>in</strong>g of a<br />

science laboratory<br />

donated by Brume’s<br />

family to Ubogo<br />

Secondary School, Udu,<br />

as part of the ceremonies<br />

mark<strong>in</strong>g the fifth<br />

anniversary of Brume’s<br />

death, which had HRM<br />

Owhorhu I, the Ovie of<br />

Udu K<strong>in</strong>gdom; Chief<br />

Andrew Orugbo, former<br />

Commissioner for Justice<br />

and Attorney General for<br />

Delta State, and other<br />

prom<strong>in</strong>ent personalities,<br />

<strong>in</strong> attendance.<br />

Earlier, dur<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

memorial thanksgiv<strong>in</strong>g<br />

service at St Paul’s<br />

Anglican Church, Ubogo,<br />

Bishop of the Anglican<br />

Diocese of Ughelli, Rt.<br />

Revd Cyril Odutemu,<br />

said the Urhobo elite class<br />

must learn to celebrate the<br />

progress of their own to<br />

attract development to the<br />

land.<br />

Mojisola Ajayi<br />

for burial<br />

THE Ajayi family has<br />

announced the<br />

pass<strong>in</strong>g on of Mrs<br />

Mojisola Ajayi, aged 56.<br />

Funeral service will<br />

hold at Liv<strong>in</strong>g Faith<br />

Church (W<strong>in</strong>ners<br />

Chapel), Bashorun,<br />

Ibadan on November 4<br />

2016.<br />

Interment follows<br />

immediately at<br />

Olubodun Street,<br />

Adeleye Area, after<br />

Olodo, Ibadan.<br />

She is survived by<br />

children<br />

grandchildren.<br />

Late Mrs Ajayi<br />

and


Y<br />

14 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016<br />

:Vanguard News :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058<br />

Reps threaten F<strong>in</strong>ance M<strong>in</strong>ister, CBN gov, DMO<br />

boss over N600bn bail-out fund<br />

By Emman Ovuakporie &<br />

Johnbosco Agbakwuru<br />

ABUJA—THE House of<br />

Representatives yesterday<br />

threatened the F<strong>in</strong>ance<br />

M<strong>in</strong>ister, Mrs Kemi Adeosun,<br />

Director General, Debt<br />

Management Office, DM0,<br />

Abraham Nwankwo and<br />

Governor of the Central Bank of<br />

Nigeria, CBN, Dr Godw<strong>in</strong><br />

Emefiele, for deliberately refus<strong>in</strong>g<br />

to give out <strong>in</strong>formation on how<br />

the N600 billion bail-out fund was<br />

disbursed.<br />

The House, through its adhoc<br />

committee on the disbursement<br />

and usage of the bail out fund,<br />

also lampooned the directorgeneral<br />

of Debt Management<br />

Office ,DMO, for treat<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

issue with levity.<br />

Chairman of the committee,<br />

Ibrahim Sadiq, described the<br />

refusal of the trio to appear before<br />

his <strong>in</strong>vestigative committee as an<br />

affront on the <strong>in</strong>stitution of the<br />

National Assembly, s<strong>in</strong>ce it was<br />

empowered by sections 88,89 of<br />

the 1999 constitution as amended,<br />

to probe the usage of monies<br />

disbursed from the federation<br />

account.<br />

Sadiq threatened to apply the<br />

full weight of the law on the three<br />

officials, argu<strong>in</strong>g that officials<br />

NNPC to purchase crude oil from Niger for Kaduna Ref<strong>in</strong>ery<br />

By Michael Eboh<br />

A BUJA—NIGERIAN<br />

National Petroleum<br />

Corporation, NNPC,<br />

yesterday, unveiled plans to<br />

collaborate with the Republic<br />

of Niger on the purchase of<br />

crude oil from the country for<br />

supply to the Kaduna ref<strong>in</strong>ery.<br />

16 states yet to comply with<br />

Pension Reform Act 2014<br />

By Favour Nnabugwu<br />

C ALABAR—SIXTEEN<br />

state governments are yet<br />

to establish a Contributory<br />

Pension Scheme, CPS, as<br />

stipulated <strong>in</strong> the Pension Reform<br />

Act, 2014.<br />

Consequently, the states are yet<br />

to comply with remittances of<br />

pension contributions <strong>in</strong>to the<br />

Retirement Sav<strong>in</strong>g Accounts,<br />

RSA, of their employees.<br />

Chairman, Pension Fund<br />

Operators Association of Nigeria<br />

(PenOp), Mr Eguarekhide<br />

Longe, disclosed this at the<br />

National Pension Commission,<br />

PenCom, workshop for journalists<br />

<strong>in</strong> Calabar yesterday.<br />

Accord<strong>in</strong>g to him, only 20<br />

states have so far complied<br />

with the Pension Reform Act,<br />

2014 (PRA 2014).<br />

He said the implementation of<br />

AGM: From left; Mr Victor Famuyibo, Immediate past President, Chartered Institute of<br />

Personnel Management of Nigeria, CIPM, with the newly Inducted Fellows of CIPM, Mr.<br />

Oluseun Oluwole; Dr. Lateef Oladimeji; Mrs Ifeoma Adeniyi; President/Chairman of<br />

Council, Mr. Anthony Arabome; Dr. Kenneth Anierobi; Mr. Gbemiga Owolabi and the<br />

Registrar/CEO of CIPM, Mr. Sunday Adeyemi, dur<strong>in</strong>g the 48th Annual National Conference<br />

of the CIPM, Nigeria at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.<br />

of the aforementioned outfits who<br />

appeared before the committee on<br />

behalf of their bosses lacked the<br />

competence to handle the<br />

sensitive issue at stake.<br />

He further claimed that<br />

<strong>in</strong>formation conta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> the<br />

documents earlier made<br />

available to the committee by<br />

officials of the DMO, CBN,<br />

and the F<strong>in</strong>ance M<strong>in</strong>istry<br />

Accord<strong>in</strong>g to a statement <strong>in</strong><br />

Abuja, Group Manag<strong>in</strong>g Director<br />

of the NNPC, Mr. Maikanti Baru,<br />

stated this after a bilateral<br />

discussion with the M<strong>in</strong>ister of<br />

Energy and Oil of the Republic<br />

of Niger, Hon. Foumakoye Gado,<br />

<strong>in</strong> Abuja.<br />

Baru also stated that the NNPC<br />

would partner with Niger <strong>in</strong> the<br />

the PRA 2014 <strong>in</strong> the rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />

states of the federation was<br />

encumbered by a number of<br />

factors, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the need for<br />

Houses of Assembly to<br />

domesticate the new<br />

amendments provided <strong>in</strong> the Act<br />

Longe said there was need for<br />

state governments, as mandated<br />

by the PRA 2014, to implement<br />

the Contributory Pension Scheme,<br />

CPS, <strong>in</strong> their various doma<strong>in</strong>s to<br />

enable the workers have a good<br />

retirement<br />

He said: “Only 20 states have<br />

so far enacted the laws on CPS,<br />

while others are struggl<strong>in</strong>g<br />

with one challenge or the other<br />

to domesticate the law <strong>in</strong> their<br />

states.<br />

“The PRA 2014 is seen as<br />

better than the old one, s<strong>in</strong>ce it<br />

is expected to help remedy the<br />

deficiencies and <strong>in</strong>adequacies<br />

prevalent <strong>in</strong> the old one.<br />

was mislead<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

A member of the committee,<br />

Karibi Sunday, PDP, Kogi, who<br />

<strong>in</strong>itiated the probe, accused the<br />

trio of tak<strong>in</strong>g sides with 27 state<br />

governors who were accused of<br />

mismanag<strong>in</strong>g the bail out fund<br />

meant for payment of workers’<br />

salaries and retirement benefits.<br />

Karibi told the officials that<br />

workers unions <strong>in</strong> the affected<br />

area of shar<strong>in</strong>g geological data to<br />

further boost the ongo<strong>in</strong>g<br />

exploratory activities <strong>in</strong> the Chad<br />

Bas<strong>in</strong> and Benue Trough.<br />

Comment<strong>in</strong>g on the purchase<br />

of crude oil from Niger, he said:<br />

“We plan to set up the technical<br />

team to review the possibilities of<br />

how crude oil will be supplied to<br />

Kaduna ref<strong>in</strong>ery. Be<strong>in</strong>g bilateral,<br />

there are go<strong>in</strong>g to be two teams<br />

as discussed by the M<strong>in</strong>ister of<br />

State, Petroleum Resources and<br />

the M<strong>in</strong>ister of Energy and Oil<br />

of Niger.<br />

“There will be steer<strong>in</strong>g<br />

committee compris<strong>in</strong>g some<br />

M<strong>in</strong>isters and a technical<br />

committee which will <strong>in</strong>volve the<br />

By Emman Ovuakporie &<br />

Johnbosco Agbakwuru<br />

ABUJA—THE House of<br />

Representatives<br />

yesterday directed the<br />

Independent National Electoral<br />

Commission, INEC, to release<br />

the list of 66 suppressed state<br />

constituencies throughout the<br />

country, <strong>in</strong> accordance with<br />

Section 91 of the 1999<br />

Constitution and the 2006<br />

population figures.<br />

The directive was sequel to a<br />

resolution taken by the House,<br />

states would be <strong>in</strong>vited to state<br />

their own side of the story,<br />

ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g that the trio violated<br />

the Freedom of Information Act,<br />

FOI, by their alleged conduct.<br />

Archibong Okon, PDP, Akwa<br />

Ibom, said <strong>in</strong> his contribution:<br />

“The refusal by the trio to provide<br />

reveal<strong>in</strong>g documents on the<br />

bailout fund speaks volume of<br />

their level of <strong>in</strong>competence.”<br />

NNPC and the Nigerien<br />

M<strong>in</strong>istry of Energy and Oil and<br />

their operators.”<br />

He further stated that there is<br />

an understand<strong>in</strong>g between the<br />

NNPC and Republic of Niger to<br />

share data on the exploratory<br />

activities <strong>in</strong> the Chad Bas<strong>in</strong> and<br />

the Benue Trough and to tap <strong>in</strong>to<br />

that country’s experience. On<br />

his part, the Nigerien Energy<br />

M<strong>in</strong>ister, Hon. Gado said his<br />

visit was to discuss issues of<br />

<strong>in</strong>terest especially <strong>in</strong> the area of<br />

the oil sector with the NNPC,<br />

add<strong>in</strong>g that the procurement<br />

of crude oil for Kaduna ref<strong>in</strong>ery<br />

and its practicability was be<strong>in</strong>g<br />

worked out.<br />

Reps direct INEC to release names<br />

of suppressed 66 constituencies<br />

follow<strong>in</strong>g the unanimous<br />

adoption of the motion<br />

sponsored by K<strong>in</strong>gsley Ch<strong>in</strong>da<br />

(PDP/Rivers) who drew the<br />

attention of the House to the<br />

failure of INEC to carry out<br />

proper delimitation and<br />

del<strong>in</strong>eation of electoral<br />

constituencies <strong>in</strong> several states.<br />

The House further directed<br />

the electoral body to forward the<br />

list of affected constituencies to<br />

the National Assembly for<br />

ratification, just as it resolved to<br />

send the House resolution to the<br />

<strong>Senate</strong> for concurrence.<br />

‘FG’ll use music<br />

to promote<br />

national<br />

re-orientation<br />

campaign'<br />

A BUJA—THE<br />

M<strong>in</strong>ister of<br />

Information and Culture, Alhaji<br />

Lai Mohammed, has said the<br />

government will leverage on<br />

the power of music to promote<br />

the National Re-orientation<br />

Campaign tagged; “Change<br />

Beg<strong>in</strong>s With Me.”<br />

The M<strong>in</strong>ister said this <strong>in</strong><br />

Abuja on Wednesday when he<br />

received a group of collectors<br />

of music dat<strong>in</strong>g back to 1914,<br />

under the banner of Evergreen<br />

Music Limited, on a courtesy<br />

visit to his office.<br />

He hailed the enviable role<br />

of music <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>culcat<strong>in</strong>g morals<br />

and unit<strong>in</strong>g the country, say<strong>in</strong>g<br />

good music had no tribe,<br />

section or religion. “We believe<br />

that this is very important to us<br />

because when you look at our<br />

campaign, it’s about return<strong>in</strong>g<br />

to those old morals and values<br />

that stood Nigeria <strong>in</strong> good stead<br />

and you can learn more from<br />

music than anyth<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

‘’That is why I believe that we<br />

will gladly partner with you<br />

because we are pitch<strong>in</strong>g from<br />

the same side of the field. We<br />

want Nigerians to go back to<br />

this old music because they not<br />

only preach good values but<br />

they have actually chronicled<br />

the history of Nigeria,” Alhaji<br />

Mohammed said.<br />

He saluted foremost<br />

musicians like Rex Lawson,<br />

Dan Maraya, Victor Olaiya,<br />

Victor Uwaifo, IK Dairo, and<br />

Fela Anikulapo Kuti, who<br />

stood up aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>in</strong>justice<br />

while promot<strong>in</strong>g morals<br />

through their music.<br />

Firm offers free<br />

employment<br />

platform for<br />

Nigerians<br />

AN <strong>in</strong>dig<strong>in</strong>eous firm,<br />

Gr8jobsng has launched<br />

a project entitled: Project<br />

Employ, with the aim of<br />

assist<strong>in</strong>g local and<br />

mult<strong>in</strong>ational companies <strong>in</strong> the<br />

recruitment of staff at no cost.<br />

Brief<strong>in</strong>g newsmen yesterday<br />

<strong>in</strong> Lagos, Chief Executive<br />

Officer of the firm, Mrs.<br />

Omomene Odike said the<br />

<strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g rate of job loss <strong>in</strong><br />

Nigeria <strong>in</strong>formed the<br />

<strong>in</strong>troduction of the project,<br />

add<strong>in</strong>g that it would assist<br />

employers <strong>in</strong> hir<strong>in</strong>g the right<br />

people. She said it would also<br />

be of assistance to those who<br />

want to change jobs.<br />

Odike said the <strong>in</strong>itiative,<br />

which is scheduled to run its<br />

first edition <strong>in</strong> November and<br />

December 2016, could be<br />

assessed through Gr8jobsng<br />

platform<br />

on<br />

www.Gr8jobsng.com.


Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016—15<br />

:Vanguard News :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058<br />

Enugu host communities, herdsmen make peace<br />

By Emeka Mamah<br />

ENUGU—CRISES have<br />

been averted between some<br />

host communities <strong>in</strong> Ezeagu<br />

Local Government Area of<br />

Enugu State and Fulani<br />

herdsmen, follow<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

<strong>in</strong>tervention of Cleen<br />

Foundation, a nongovernmental<br />

organisation,<br />

NGO, dur<strong>in</strong>g a roundtable<br />

discussion, where the parties<br />

agreed to embrace peace.<br />

Tension had heightened <strong>in</strong><br />

the area, when a Fulani<br />

herdsman used his machete to<br />

chop off the hand of an<br />

<strong>in</strong>digene of Afor Ugwu<br />

Aguobu Owa over a<br />

disagreement.<br />

When the matter came up at<br />

the roundtable, Donald<br />

Nwafor, the Divisional Police<br />

ABOVE: A crowd salut<strong>in</strong>g the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad<br />

Abubakar III as he paid a visit to the tomb of Sultan Muhammadu<br />

Bello <strong>in</strong> Wurno. RIGHT: From left—Sultan of Sokoto, Alahji Sa'ad<br />

Abubakar III (right); the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Lamido Sanusi<br />

(left); Secretary General, Supreme Islamic Council of Nigeria,<br />

Professor Ishaq Oloyede (middle) and others dur<strong>in</strong>g a visit to<br />

the tomb of Sultan Muhammadu Bello <strong>in</strong> Wurno as part of the<br />

events mark<strong>in</strong>g the 10th coronation anniversary of Sultan<br />

Abubakar IIl <strong>in</strong> Sokoto, yesterday. PHOTOS: Abayomi Adeshida.<br />

Institute<br />

pushes for<br />

more women<br />

<strong>in</strong> politics<br />

By V<strong>in</strong>cent<br />

Ujumadu<br />

A WKA—THE<br />

N a t i o n a l<br />

Democratic Institute,<br />

NDI, has said there is<br />

need for more women to<br />

develop <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong><br />

elective positions at all<br />

levels.<br />

At a stakeholders’<br />

meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Awka,<br />

yesterday, attended by<br />

women political leaders<br />

and the academia, the<br />

Programme Manager of<br />

Women <strong>in</strong> Politics <strong>in</strong><br />

NDI, Mrs. Halima<br />

Abubakar, regretted that<br />

women were not<br />

exploit<strong>in</strong>g their numeral<br />

strength to make<br />

themselves active <strong>in</strong><br />

politics, add<strong>in</strong>g that it<br />

was for that reason that<br />

her organisation decided<br />

to partner with political<br />

parties to map out their<br />

strategies for ensur<strong>in</strong>g<br />

that women achieved<br />

their political ambition.<br />

In a keynote address,<br />

the Dean, Faculty of<br />

Social Sciences at<br />

Nnamdi Azikiwe<br />

University, Awka,<br />

Professor Ch<strong>in</strong>yere<br />

Okunna, wondered why<br />

it was difficult for women<br />

to get <strong>in</strong>to elective offices<br />

even though they were<br />

usually more active<br />

dur<strong>in</strong>g campaigns and<br />

vot<strong>in</strong>g dur<strong>in</strong>g elections.<br />

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu<br />

N NEWI—THE<br />

Movement for the<br />

Actualisation of the<br />

Sovereign State of Biafra,<br />

MASSOB, has replied<br />

President Muhammadu<br />

Buhari on his recent<br />

declaration that “anybody who<br />

wants to leave Nigeria is free,”<br />

say<strong>in</strong>g that those who wish to<br />

play Pharaoh aga<strong>in</strong>st the<br />

people of Biafra, will certa<strong>in</strong>ly<br />

experience the consequences.<br />

MASSOB said: “The<br />

Federal Government is busy,<br />

chas<strong>in</strong>g, witch-hunt<strong>in</strong>g and<br />

kill<strong>in</strong>g Biafrans and agitators,<br />

while the country is<br />

collaps<strong>in</strong>g, and will soon go<br />

<strong>in</strong>to ext<strong>in</strong>ction because of<br />

clueless and directionless<br />

leadership.”<br />

MASSOB, <strong>in</strong> a statement<br />

entitled Buhari is mock<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Biafrans, signed by its leader,<br />

Mr. Uchenna Madu, said:<br />

“We reiterate our earlier<br />

position that those who wish<br />

to play pharaoh aga<strong>in</strong>st the<br />

people of Biafra, will<br />

certa<strong>in</strong>ly experience the<br />

consequences of the Egyptian<br />

Pharaoh.<br />

“President Buhari’s<br />

statement that anyone, who<br />

cherished another country can<br />

leave Nigeria is not someth<strong>in</strong>g<br />

to be cheerful about,<br />

celebrated and <strong>in</strong> any way<br />

heartwarm<strong>in</strong>g. MASSOB<br />

views it as part of Pharaoh’s<br />

subtle way of mock<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

Hebrews-Biafra.<br />

“The people of Biafra should<br />

Officer, Aguobu Owa, said<br />

police could not take action as<br />

the two parties agreed to an<br />

out of court settlement.<br />

In his submissions at the<br />

workshop, jo<strong>in</strong>tly organised by<br />

Cleen Foundation and Ezeagu<br />

Local Government, the South-<br />

East Zonal Chairman of<br />

Miyetti Allah, Sarki Gidado<br />

Sadiq, blamed the conflict<br />

between his people and their<br />

not celebrate or rejoice over<br />

that cunn<strong>in</strong>g and mock<strong>in</strong>g<br />

assertion. The time of God’s<br />

calamitous earthquake that<br />

will delete the name of the<br />

country from the world map,<br />

government and other<br />

functions is very fast<br />

approach<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

“MASSOB and other pro-<br />

Biafran groups will cont<strong>in</strong>ue to<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> non-violent and<br />

focused, while watch<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

host communities on mutual<br />

suspicion.<br />

He noted that some of the<br />

Fulani people had lived <strong>in</strong> the<br />

South-East for over 50 years<br />

and knew no other home.<br />

He said if other local<br />

governments <strong>in</strong> Enugu State<br />

toed the l<strong>in</strong>e of Ezeagu Local<br />

Government, there would be<br />

peace between Fulani and<br />

their host communities.<br />

MASSOB to Buhari:<br />

You're act<strong>in</strong>g like Pharaoh<br />

Act<strong>in</strong>g APGA Chair reaches<br />

out to party leaders<br />

By Ugochukwu<br />

Alaribe<br />

A BA—ACTING<br />

National Chairman of<br />

All Progressives Grand<br />

Alliance, APGA, Ozo<br />

Nwabueze Okafor, has<br />

announced plans to reform<br />

the party to conform to the<br />

vision of its founders.<br />

Okafor, who stated this <strong>in</strong><br />

Aba dur<strong>in</strong>g a visit to the<br />

factional state chairman of<br />

the party <strong>in</strong> Abia, Pr<strong>in</strong>ce<br />

Ukaegbu, said APGA under<br />

its former National Chairman,<br />

Victor Oye, lost direction and<br />

needed a breath of fresh air<br />

which necessitated his move<br />

to reach out to leaders and<br />

founders of the party across<br />

the states.<br />

He lamented that under<br />

Oye, APGA witnessed<br />

m<strong>in</strong>imal growth as a national<br />

party and called on members<br />

calamitous earthquake that<br />

will befall the Nigeria state<br />

because of the harden<strong>in</strong>g of<br />

President Buhari’s heart<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st Biafrans.<br />

“We will cont<strong>in</strong>ue to be loyal<br />

to Dim Chukwuemeka<br />

Odumegwu Ojukwu’s<br />

pr<strong>in</strong>ciples, vision and<br />

legacies; and cont<strong>in</strong>ue to<br />

revive and refresh the consciousness<br />

of Ojukwuism <strong>in</strong><br />

the m<strong>in</strong>ds of every Biafran.”<br />

and found<strong>in</strong>g fathers of the<br />

party to jo<strong>in</strong> hands to salvage<br />

the party.<br />

Okafor said: “You are<br />

aware of the recent<br />

development <strong>in</strong> our party,<br />

APGA, where the former<br />

chairman was suspended<br />

and the members of the<br />

NWC found me worthy to act<br />

<strong>in</strong> his place. We felt it will<br />

be good to reach out to<br />

leaders and founders of the<br />

party across the states.”<br />

While commend<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

Act<strong>in</strong>g National Chairman<br />

for his resolve to reach out<br />

to leaders of the party,<br />

Ukaegbu called on Oye to<br />

save APGA from needless<br />

wrangl<strong>in</strong>g and respect the<br />

wishes of the leaders of the<br />

party.<br />

He also stressed that<br />

history would not be k<strong>in</strong>d to<br />

any member retard<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

progress of APGA.<br />

Expert worries<br />

over rise <strong>in</strong><br />

cases of<br />

stroke<br />

By Davies<br />

Iheamnachor,<br />

Amarachi Uzoma &<br />

Isioma Ananaba<br />

AN expert <strong>in</strong> the<br />

medical field,<br />

Professor Arthur<br />

Onwuchekwa, has<br />

expressed worries over rise<br />

<strong>in</strong> the cases of hypertension<br />

and stroke <strong>in</strong> the country.<br />

Onwuchekwa, who is a<br />

lecturer <strong>in</strong> the Department<br />

of Medic<strong>in</strong>e, Faculty of<br />

Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Science <strong>in</strong> the<br />

University of Port Harcourt,<br />

said that the cause of stroke,<br />

which is hypertension, is<br />

preventable.<br />

Onwuchekwa spoke<br />

dur<strong>in</strong>g the 135th <strong>in</strong>augural<br />

lecture of the <strong>in</strong>stitution,<br />

tagged A Preventable<br />

Disaster Wait<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

Happen.<br />

The professor stated that<br />

stroke is preventable if<br />

Nigerians would ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><br />

a healthy life style.<br />

He mentioned too much<br />

salt <strong>in</strong>take, excessive<br />

alcohol and poor exercise<br />

habit as risk factors that can<br />

lead to stroke, add<strong>in</strong>g “the<br />

prevalence of stroke is high<br />

<strong>in</strong> Nigeria and no age race<br />

or class is spared.”<br />

Burial<br />

THE burial ceremony<br />

of late Mrs. Njideka<br />

Okwuaka, holds today. The<br />

funeral service holds at<br />

10a.m., followed by<br />

<strong>in</strong>terment. She died on<br />

October 11.<br />

Passage<br />

MRS. Benice Oloto (nee<br />

Adiza) of Ibagwa-Ani,<br />

Nsukka LGA, Enugu State,<br />

aged 75, is dead. Today is<br />

burial service at Ibagwa-Ani,<br />

Nsukka.<br />

She is survived by children,<br />

grandchildren and greatgrandchildren,<br />

<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a<br />

US-based surgeon, Dr.<br />

Emeka Oloto.


Y<br />

K<br />

16 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016<br />

Pastor Siju Iluyomade’s romance with<br />

First Ladies, power brokers<br />

WIFE of the Redeemed<br />

Christian Church of<br />

God’s City of David parish,<br />

Victoria Island, Lagos, Siju<br />

Iluyomade is really enjoy<strong>in</strong>g her<br />

romance with the power brokers<br />

<strong>in</strong> the society. S<strong>in</strong>ce she<br />

launched her pet project,”Arise<br />

Women”, about seven years ago,<br />

the woman of God has been on<br />

top of her game, hobnobb<strong>in</strong>g<br />

with the movers and shakers of<br />

the society <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g First Ladies,<br />

M<strong>in</strong>isters among other women<br />

of substance.<br />

The story was not different<br />

recently when Siju hosted the<br />

annual Arise Women’s<br />

Conference. The confab, which<br />

held <strong>in</strong> Lagos, with the theme<br />

‘Grace to Grace”, attracted a roll<br />

call of who-is-who <strong>in</strong> the political<br />

and social circles, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Dolapo Os<strong>in</strong>bajo, the wife of<br />

Vice-President, Senior Special<br />

Assistant <strong>in</strong> Foreign Affairs and<br />

the Diaspora, Abike Dabiri;<br />

M<strong>in</strong>ister of F<strong>in</strong>ance, Kemi<br />

Adeosun, H.E. Mrs. Omolara<br />

Ahmed, the First Lady of Kwara<br />

Another big party, as Nana<br />

Shagari set to wed Saleh Lukah<br />

By Anozie Egole<br />

THE stage is set aga<strong>in</strong> for<br />

another glamorous wedd<strong>in</strong>g<br />

of the year, billed to hold <strong>in</strong> the<br />

northern part of the country as<br />

bus<strong>in</strong>ess mogul, Saleh Lukat will<br />

be say<strong>in</strong>g, ‘I do’ to his long<br />

stand<strong>in</strong>g lover, Nana Shagari.<br />

The bride is the grand-daughter<br />

of former Nigerian President Shehu<br />

Shagari, while the groom is former<br />

Vice President Namadi Sambo’s <strong>in</strong>law.<br />

Those who are close to Nana,<br />

describe her as “a comb<strong>in</strong>ation of<br />

beauty and bra<strong>in</strong>s.” She<br />

graduated with a First Class<br />

degree from the University of<br />

Leicester, UK at the age of 19 and is currently a<br />

student at the Nigerian Law School.<br />

Her father, Muktar Shagari was one of the<br />

longest serv<strong>in</strong>g M<strong>in</strong>isters dur<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

Olusegun Obasanjo regime and also served<br />

as the deputy governor of Sokoto State for<br />

8 years. The groom-to-be is also described<br />

as “an enterpris<strong>in</strong>g<br />

bus<strong>in</strong>essman, with some<br />

successful bus<strong>in</strong>esses to his<br />

credit”. Hi Society, however,<br />

gathered that preparations are<br />

*Nigeria Info team<br />

When Nigeria Info organized, Meet n Greet<br />

By Anozie Egole<br />

IN its bid to give their<br />

numerous listeners the<br />

satisfaction they desire, one of<br />

the top radio stations <strong>in</strong> the<br />

country, Nigeria Info organized<br />

an event tagged, “Meet n Greet<br />

with Nigeria Info”, which was<br />

aimed at re-engag<strong>in</strong>g their major<br />

stakeholders with their staff.<br />

At the event which held<br />

recently <strong>in</strong> Lagos, the<br />

By Benjam<strong>in</strong> Njoku<br />

L-R M<strong>in</strong>ister of F<strong>in</strong>ance, Kemi Adeosun and Mrs Siju<br />

Iluyomade, convener Arise Women Conference.<br />

*Saleh Lukat & wife<br />

already <strong>in</strong> top gear for this grand<br />

event which takes place <strong>in</strong><br />

Abuja, before the end of the<br />

year.<br />

Operational Manager of the<br />

company, Onimisi Adaba said,<br />

the company was established<br />

follow<strong>in</strong>g the need to generate<br />

and susta<strong>in</strong> conversations on<br />

diverse topics. Accord<strong>in</strong>g to him,<br />

s<strong>in</strong>ce the radio station started<br />

broadcast<strong>in</strong>g few years ago, it<br />

has not only grown to become a<br />

house hold name <strong>in</strong> Lagos, but<br />

has also shown strong presence<br />

<strong>in</strong> Abuja and Port-Harcourt<br />

respectively.<br />

among others. It featured the<br />

likes of Pastor Mrs Grace<br />

Okorede and Pastor. (Dr.) Becky<br />

Enenche of Dunamis<br />

International Gospel Church as<br />

guest<br />

m<strong>in</strong>isters.<br />

Also,Glowreeyah Braimah, a<br />

lead vocalist <strong>in</strong> the Lagos<br />

Metropolitan Gospel choir of<br />

the House on the Rock church<br />

was on hand to spice up the<br />

conference with her brand of<br />

gospel music. Siju who has<br />

passion and knack for fashion<br />

and accessories is surely<br />

enjoy<strong>in</strong>g her romance with the<br />

First Ladies while it lasts.<br />

SWEET memories rented<br />

the air, weekend, as old<br />

students of Queens School,<br />

Enugu gathered <strong>in</strong> Lagos, for<br />

their annual national<br />

convention with the theme,<br />

“Long Walk to Victory.” It was<br />

<strong>in</strong>deed a reunion of queens,<br />

and those who made it to the<br />

confab would ever live to<br />

recount the worthwhile<br />

experience.<br />

In their midst were former<br />

Chief Judges, Professors,<br />

renowned paediatrician,<br />

medical practitioners,<br />

lawyers, Senior Advocate of<br />

Nigeria (SAN),bankers,<br />

bus<strong>in</strong>esswomen among others<br />

who have made their marks<br />

<strong>in</strong> their various fields of<br />

endeavour. The historic event,<br />

which commenced Friday,<br />

October 21, was rounded off<br />

on Sunday, October 23, with<br />

a gala night at The Grace<br />

Gardens , Lekki, Lagos.<br />

*Queen Nneke Somto<br />

LIKE many beauty queens,<br />

the pretty Face of<br />

CandyCity Nigeria 2016, Nneke<br />

Somto has already set plans <strong>in</strong><br />

motion to flag off her pet project.<br />

This is as a result of her<br />

conviction that be<strong>in</strong>g a beauty<br />

queen is not about wear<strong>in</strong>g a<br />

crown.<br />

The fair-complexioned beauty,<br />

is stopp<strong>in</strong>g at noth<strong>in</strong>g to jo<strong>in</strong><br />

forces with the social crusaders<br />

to fight aga<strong>in</strong>st domestic<br />

violence which has become a<br />

•Members of Queens School, Enugu Old Girls Association<br />

Earlier, the congregat<strong>in</strong>g old<br />

students were spotted walk<strong>in</strong>g<br />

and danc<strong>in</strong>g on the Lekki-Ikoyi<br />

bridge as part of activities l<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

up for the convention. At the<br />

gala night, the atmosphere of<br />

friendl<strong>in</strong>ess and nostalgia<br />

pervaded the event venue.<br />

Clogs <strong>in</strong> the wheel<br />

of progress<br />

While welcom<strong>in</strong>g the old<br />

breeds, the National President<br />

of the association,Mrs Ifeanyi<br />

Egbunike, who doubles as the<br />

President of the Lagos branch<br />

of the association, advised<br />

members to identify themselves<br />

with the th<strong>in</strong>gs that unite them,<br />

which are greater and focus on<br />

them rather than dwell on th<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

that separate them. She said,<br />

“Iam persuaded that didn’t<br />

come only to see old friends and<br />

classmates or admire our outfits<br />

Beauty queen,<br />

Nneke Somto<br />

and her pet<br />

project<br />

recurr<strong>in</strong>g decimal <strong>in</strong> the<br />

society. Through her pet<br />

project tagged,<br />

“Purple Bande<br />

Signifie “ Somto has<br />

added her voice to the<br />

campag<strong>in</strong>. For the<br />

Port-Harcourt-based<br />

beauty queen,<br />

domestic violence is<br />

an evil act and a<br />

major concern <strong>in</strong><br />

the society.<br />

While her reign lasts, Somto<br />

wants to be a very vocal<br />

advocate aga<strong>in</strong>st rape and<br />

sexual violence <strong>in</strong> the society.<br />

She believes that domestic<br />

violence goes beyond physical<br />

abuse to sexual exploitation,<br />

rape and <strong>in</strong>cest. Accord<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

her, the consequences of this<br />

unjust act tend to have a long<br />

time negative effects on the<br />

victim. The elegant beauty who<br />

has great sense of style believes<br />

that speak<strong>in</strong>g up is one of the<br />

greatest weapons to w<strong>in</strong> the<br />

fight aga<strong>in</strong>st sexual violence.<br />

Sweet memories as Queens reunite <strong>in</strong> Lagos<br />

or ambience of the occasion<br />

but beyond that we have come<br />

to stand on this platform and<br />

reason together with a clear<br />

m<strong>in</strong>dset on how to identify the<br />

remote and immediate causes<br />

of clogs <strong>in</strong> the wheel of<br />

progress and proffer the right<br />

solutions to them to move OSE<br />

to the next millennium.”<br />

Overwhelmed by the<br />

gather<strong>in</strong>g,Pr<strong>in</strong>cipal of the<br />

school, Mrs Nzeakor E. I,<br />

thanked the old girls of QSE<br />

for their commitment to the<br />

welfare and overall<br />

development of the school. She<br />

noted that after the school’s<br />

60th anniversary <strong>in</strong> 2014, there<br />

has been a rek<strong>in</strong>dled <strong>in</strong>terest<br />

and passion on the part of<br />

members, follow<strong>in</strong>g their<br />

frequent visitations and<br />

<strong>in</strong>teractions with the students,<br />

result<strong>in</strong>g to overall change of<br />

attitude by the students.<br />

C


C<br />

M<br />

YK<br />

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016 — 17


Y<br />

K<br />

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016<br />

We view with grave concern, the<br />

emerg<strong>in</strong>g scenario which suggests<br />

that some African countries are <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly<br />

tempted to pull out of<br />

the International Crim<strong>in</strong>al Court<br />

(ICC) at The Hague over allegations<br />

that the Court appears to target<br />

African and Third World leaders<br />

for sanctions while play<strong>in</strong>g<br />

bl<strong>in</strong>d, deaf and dumb to their colleagues<br />

from the developed world<br />

who have allegedly committed similar<br />

or worse offences.<br />

South Africa is the third country,<br />

after Burundi and The Gambia, to<br />

signal its <strong>in</strong>tention to quit the<br />

Court.<br />

A recent statement by the African<br />

Group for Justice and Accountability<br />

(ACJA), signed by Dapo Akande,<br />

a Professor of International Law at<br />

the University of Oxford; Nigerian<br />

lawyer, Mr Femi Falana SAN;<br />

former Prosecutor at the ICC Tribunal<br />

for Rwanda, Mr Babacar Jallow<br />

and the Chief Prosecutor of the<br />

United Nations at the Court, Mr<br />

Richard Gladstone, expressed worry<br />

that this trend, if it cont<strong>in</strong>ues,<br />

Stemm<strong>in</strong>g the tide of<br />

withdrawals from ICC<br />

will mitigate aga<strong>in</strong>st efforts to<br />

br<strong>in</strong>g perpetrators of mass atrocities<br />

to account.<br />

“They (deserters) close an important<br />

recourse to justice and underm<strong>in</strong>e<br />

the global fight aga<strong>in</strong>st impunity.<br />

All efforts should be deployed<br />

to encourage states to rema<strong>in</strong><br />

members of the ICC and resolve<br />

their concerns with<strong>in</strong> the<br />

Rome Statute system”, the statement<br />

averred.<br />

The Rome Statute, which came<br />

<strong>in</strong>to force <strong>in</strong> 2002, b<strong>in</strong>ds the 124-<br />

member states which signed the<br />

ICC <strong>in</strong>strument to uphold the jurisdiction<br />

of the Court to br<strong>in</strong>g people<br />

to account on such he<strong>in</strong>ous<br />

crimes as genocide, crimes aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />

humanity, war crimes and other<br />

crimes. So far, former African<br />

heads of state, Charles Taylor of<br />

Liberia; former Ivory Coast President,<br />

Laurent Gbagbo and former<br />

President of Serbia, Slobodan<br />

Milosevic, as well as some warlords<br />

of African countries, have either<br />

been arraigned or summoned over<br />

allegations of committ<strong>in</strong>g these<br />

crimes.<br />

Though the perceived racial<br />

“bias” appears to hold water <strong>in</strong><br />

some quarters, we believe that<br />

withdraw<strong>in</strong>g from the ICC is not<br />

the appropriate response to it. People<br />

with genu<strong>in</strong>e cases should table<br />

them for <strong>in</strong>ternal resolution. We<br />

cannot afford to go back to the past<br />

when leaders <strong>in</strong> some countries,<br />

capitalis<strong>in</strong>g on the sovereignty factor,<br />

felt free to subject their citizens<br />

to crimes aga<strong>in</strong>st humanity, often<br />

<strong>in</strong> va<strong>in</strong>glorious efforts to perpetuate<br />

themselves and their families<br />

<strong>in</strong> power.<br />

We salute the courage of progressive<br />

African countries, such as<br />

Botswana and Senegal, which have<br />

openly spoken out aga<strong>in</strong>st the mass<br />

desertion of the ICC by African<br />

countries.<br />

In any case, the United Nations<br />

still reserves the authority to order<br />

the ICC to take up cases aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />

leaders of non-ICC signatory states<br />

found culpable for crimes aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />

humanity <strong>in</strong> their countries.<br />

African nations must endeavour<br />

to portray themselves as countries<br />

<strong>in</strong> good stand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the global community<br />

rather than pariahs.<br />

OPINION<br />

Still on the Chibok girls<br />

By Adewale Kupoluyi<br />

IT was reliev<strong>in</strong>g to see President<br />

Muhammadu Buhari meet<strong>in</strong>g with the<br />

21 Chibok girls alongside their families at<br />

the State House, Abuja, recently. The girls<br />

were part of more than 200 kidnapped<br />

schoolgirls who were allegedly held captive<br />

s<strong>in</strong>ce April 2014 by members of the notorious<br />

Boko Haram terrorists. Accord<strong>in</strong>g to the<br />

government, the girls were released after<br />

successful negotiations between the sect, the<br />

International Committee of the Red Cross,<br />

ICRC, as well as the Nigerian and Swiss<br />

governments.<br />

For many people, the Federal Government<br />

and the various parties that facilitated this<br />

<strong>in</strong>tervention deserve high commendation<br />

for restor<strong>in</strong>g the hopes of the families of the<br />

girls and several people from all over the<br />

world that are touched by the unfortunate<br />

experience. While a comb<strong>in</strong>ation of local and<br />

foreign pressures were be<strong>in</strong>g mounted for the<br />

release of the <strong>in</strong>nocent girls, other pessimism<br />

kept fly<strong>in</strong>g about as to why it would be an<br />

impossibility to get the girls back home. A<br />

former Nigerian President once raised a<br />

similar false alarm, say<strong>in</strong>g the nation should<br />

learn to forget those girls, <strong>in</strong>sist<strong>in</strong>g that they<br />

were not com<strong>in</strong>g back while other extreme<br />

op<strong>in</strong>ions suggest that the girls may have<br />

either been turned <strong>in</strong>to suicide bombers or<br />

married-off to the militants!<br />

However, beyond the release of the<br />

schoolgirls, a number of other key issues<br />

have arisen that should be given the<br />

The girls should be allowed to<br />

cont<strong>in</strong>ue the pursuit of their<br />

academic programmes that<br />

was truncated<br />

necessary attention. To beg<strong>in</strong> with, there is the<br />

need to f<strong>in</strong>d the rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g girls, whose fate<br />

still rema<strong>in</strong> unknown and be liberated without<br />

further delay, hop<strong>in</strong>g that they are still alive<br />

and traceable. The government should deploy<br />

the same tact, resources and energy to rescue<br />

others. There is the tendency to be revel<strong>in</strong>g<br />

with the euphoria of the present success at the<br />

detriment of the others. Secondly, there is the<br />

need to monitor with more caution, the k<strong>in</strong>d of<br />

<strong>in</strong>formation that would be shared to the public<br />

follow<strong>in</strong>g the release of the girls.<br />

Because of the high security nature of the case,<br />

unnecessary publicity should be avoided for<br />

now to avoid jeopardis<strong>in</strong>g subsequent efforts.<br />

We should remember that all is not over until<br />

the rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g girls are found and rescued hale<br />

and hearty. Thirdly, is the issue of giv<strong>in</strong>g<br />

adequate rehabilitation to the rescued girls,<br />

go<strong>in</strong>g by the nation’s not-too-encourag<strong>in</strong>g<br />

records of rehabilitat<strong>in</strong>g victims of emergencies<br />

and natural disasters. This time around, the<br />

rehabilitation should be thorough and<br />

susta<strong>in</strong>ed.<br />

Another po<strong>in</strong>t to take seriously is the<br />

imperative of putt<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> place the necessary<br />

mechanism to solicit and manage the relief<br />

items meant for the upkeep of the girls.<br />

Donated materials to the victims should not<br />

be diverted by those entrusted with the task<br />

of manag<strong>in</strong>g the items. Government should<br />

ensure that any man-made of bureaucratic<br />

vacuum that could make the donated relief<br />

materials to get <strong>in</strong>to private hands should be<br />

prevented. It is common knowledge that<br />

victims of such circumstance like the<br />

Internally Displaced Persons <strong>in</strong> the North-<br />

East, rema<strong>in</strong> under terrible and pitiable<br />

liv<strong>in</strong>g conditions because of the <strong>in</strong>ability of<br />

the beneficiaries to access donated materials.<br />

Such a perilous situation has been blamed<br />

for one of the reasons why many victims of<br />

such <strong>in</strong>cidents often run way from such<br />

camps to eke out a liv<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong> the process;<br />

they fall <strong>in</strong>to the hands of human traffickers,<br />

ritualists and kidnappers, ak<strong>in</strong> to the<br />

idiomatic expression of mov<strong>in</strong>g from fry<strong>in</strong>g<br />

pan <strong>in</strong>to the fire. Reports from past rescued<br />

victims have not been very encourag<strong>in</strong>g. It<br />

is also not new that victims of kidnapped and<br />

forced marriage usually opt to go back to their<br />

former abode hav<strong>in</strong>g been made to adapt to<br />

their strange lifestyles. That is also a good<br />

reason for why there should be thorough<br />

rehabilitation.<br />

In addition to the exist<strong>in</strong>g arrangement,<br />

the government should <strong>in</strong>clude reputable<br />

groups such as the civil societies, the media<br />

and the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA,<br />

<strong>in</strong> supervis<strong>in</strong>g the rehabilitation process and<br />

the management of the relief items by giv<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the entire process more transparency,<br />

openness and accountability. The essence is<br />

to truly make the rescued girls to come out of<br />

the trauma they are most likely to have<br />

suffered while <strong>in</strong> captivity, such as rapes,<br />

forced marriage and labour, sexual<br />

exploitation, torture, impregnation,<br />

sexually transmitted diseases, brutality and<br />

forced imprisonment. The girls should be<br />

accorded generous and specialised forms of<br />

restorative <strong>in</strong>tervention, assistance and<br />

support.<br />

More importantly and as promised by the<br />

government, the girls should be allowed to<br />

cont<strong>in</strong>ue the pursuit of their academic<br />

programmes that was truncated with their<br />

abductions <strong>in</strong> 2014. Though, it may not be<br />

surpris<strong>in</strong>g to know that the girls could have<br />

been averse to go<strong>in</strong>g back to school, because<br />

of the likelihood of <strong>in</strong>doctr<strong>in</strong>ation by the<br />

terrorists, whose slogan is, ‘western education<br />

is evil’.<br />

* Mr. Kupoluyi , wrote from Federal<br />

university of Agric., Abeokuta, Ogun<br />

State.<br />

C


Vanguard, FRIDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2016 — 19<br />

NNPC loses N11.22bn <strong>in</strong> one month — Report<br />

THE Nigerian National<br />

Petroleum Corporation<br />

(NNPC) has reported a monthend<br />

trad<strong>in</strong>g deficit of N11.22<br />

billion <strong>in</strong> August. The figure<br />

was obta<strong>in</strong>ed on the NNPC<br />

website detail<strong>in</strong>g its monthly<br />

f<strong>in</strong>ancial and operational report<br />

released <strong>in</strong> Abuja.<br />

The corporation had posted a<br />

trad<strong>in</strong>g deficit of N24.18 billion<br />

loss <strong>in</strong> its July report. NNPC,<br />

however, <strong>in</strong>dicated that it was<br />

able to cut down on its lossmak<strong>in</strong>g<br />

by N12.96 billion when<br />

compared with its deficits <strong>in</strong><br />

previous months.<br />

Production<br />

decrease<br />

The deficits were recorded<br />

even though two of its<br />

subsidiaries – the Pipel<strong>in</strong>e and<br />

Products Market<strong>in</strong>g Company<br />

(PPMC) and Nigerian<br />

Petroleum Development<br />

Company (NPDC) – had a<br />

good operational out<strong>in</strong>g dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the month.<br />

The report also said crude oil<br />

production <strong>in</strong> Nigeria for the<br />

period averaged 1.65 million<br />

barrels per day (mbpd),<br />

represent<strong>in</strong>g a 6.47 per cent<br />

production decrease from the<br />

previous month.<br />

The corporation <strong>in</strong> May,<br />

reported a profit of N273.74<br />

million, thus revers<strong>in</strong>g its<br />

reported average monthly<br />

losses of N35 billion. It has,<br />

AGM - From left, MD/CEO of Heritage Bank, Ifie Sekibo; Chairman, Ak<strong>in</strong>sola Ak<strong>in</strong>femiwa; Company<br />

Secretary, Olutomi Ojo and Non-Executive Director, Alhaji Jani Ibrahim, at Heritage Bank’s first<br />

AGM <strong>in</strong> Lagos<br />

Airl<strong>in</strong>es record 6.1% <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> global air freight <strong>in</strong> September<br />

THE International Air<br />

Transport Association (IATA)<br />

said its airl<strong>in</strong>es recorded 6.1 per<br />

cent <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> total global air<br />

freight <strong>in</strong> September. The<br />

CURRENCY BUYING SELLING<br />

US DOLLAR<br />

POUNDS<br />

EURO<br />

FRANC<br />

YEN<br />

CFA<br />

WAUA<br />

RENMINBI<br />

RIYAL<br />

SDR<br />

$165.85 2.95<br />

$2,702.00 -7.00<br />

$21.48 -0.22<br />

$46.14 -0.72<br />

$44.50 -0.84<br />

304.25 304.75 305.25<br />

379.3085 379.9318 380.5552<br />

336.7743 337.3278 337.8812<br />

312.3396 312.8529 313.3662<br />

2.947 2.9519 2.9567<br />

0.4955 0.5055 0.5155<br />

420.1371 420.8276 421.518<br />

44.9732 45.0476 45.122<br />

81.1182 81.2515 81.3848<br />

420.8995 421.5912 422.2829<br />

CBN Exchange rate as at 3/11/2016<br />

however, failed to susta<strong>in</strong> the<br />

profit-mak<strong>in</strong>g streak, and has<br />

<strong>in</strong> the last two months, recorded<br />

The corporation <strong>in</strong><br />

May, reported a<br />

profit of N273.74<br />

million, thus<br />

revers<strong>in</strong>g its<br />

reported average<br />

monthly losses of<br />

N35 billion<br />

deficits. This <strong>in</strong>dicates a trad<strong>in</strong>g<br />

loss of N11.22 billion as aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />

association’s Communications<br />

Department disclosed this <strong>in</strong> a<br />

statement <strong>in</strong> Abuja. It stated that<br />

the <strong>in</strong>crease was the fastest pace<br />

of growth s<strong>in</strong>ce the disruption to<br />

global freight<br />

operations by the<br />

US West Coast<br />

seaports strike <strong>in</strong><br />

February, 2015.<br />

It said that<br />

freight capacity,<br />

measured <strong>in</strong><br />

available freight<br />

ton kilometres<br />

(AFTKs), <strong>in</strong>creased<br />

by 4.7 per cent<br />

dur<strong>in</strong>g the period,<br />

while load factors<br />

rema<strong>in</strong>ed low,<br />

keep<strong>in</strong>g yields<br />

under pressure.<br />

IATA said that<br />

airl<strong>in</strong>es <strong>in</strong> all<br />

regions, except<br />

Lat<strong>in</strong> America,<br />

reported an<br />

<strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> year-onyear<br />

demand<br />

dur<strong>in</strong>g the period,<br />

add<strong>in</strong>g that the<br />

results had<br />

the reported July, 2016 deficit<br />

figure of N24.18 billion.<br />

“This seem<strong>in</strong>g improvement <strong>in</strong><br />

August 2016 was largely due to<br />

<strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> PPMC coastal sales<br />

and the significant<br />

improvement <strong>in</strong> NPDC’s<br />

revenue for the month under<br />

review. However, the exist<strong>in</strong>g<br />

force majeure declared by SPDC<br />

as a result of vandalised 48-<strong>in</strong>ch<br />

Forcados export l<strong>in</strong>e is a drag<br />

to NPDC and the overall group<br />

performance.”<br />

“Other factors that negatively<br />

impacted on production <strong>in</strong>clude<br />

force majeure at Qua Iboe<br />

term<strong>in</strong>al follow<strong>in</strong>g sabotage on<br />

the export load<strong>in</strong>g l<strong>in</strong>e 2,<br />

cont<strong>in</strong>ued to vary considerably.<br />

“IATA statistics cover<br />

<strong>in</strong>ternational and domestic<br />

scheduled air freight for IATA<br />

member and non-member<br />

airl<strong>in</strong>es. Total freight traffic market<br />

shares by region of carriers <strong>in</strong><br />

terms of FTK are Asia-Pacific, 38.9<br />

The conclusion<br />

of the EU-<br />

Canada Free<br />

Trade Agreement<br />

is good news for<br />

the economies<br />

<strong>in</strong>volved and for<br />

air cargo<br />

per cent; Europe, 22.3 per cent;<br />

North America, 20.5 per cent and<br />

Middle East, 14 per cent. Lat<strong>in</strong><br />

America recorded 2.8 per cent<br />

while Africa recorded 1.5 per cent<br />

growth dur<strong>in</strong>g the month,’’ it said.<br />

The association said that<br />

September’s positive<br />

sabotage of Trans Niger<br />

Pipel<strong>in</strong>e, Claugh Creek-<br />

Tebidaba pipel<strong>in</strong>e and Escravos<br />

term<strong>in</strong>al delivery pipel<strong>in</strong>es.’’<br />

The Forcados term<strong>in</strong>al alone<br />

accounts for 300,000 barrels per<br />

day (bpd).<br />

Productions from the deepwater<br />

assets, which are beyond<br />

easy reach by militants, have<br />

rema<strong>in</strong>ed steady but that<br />

onshore and shallow water<br />

assets are the worst hit by<br />

security breaches.<br />

It added that secur<strong>in</strong>g<br />

onshore and shallow water<br />

locations had also rema<strong>in</strong>ed a<br />

top priority to restore production<br />

levels.<br />

performance co<strong>in</strong>cided with an<br />

apparent turnaround <strong>in</strong> new<br />

export orders <strong>in</strong> recent months.<br />

It added that some unique factors<br />

that may have also contributed to<br />

the performance <strong>in</strong>cluded rush<br />

replacement of Samsung Galaxy<br />

Note 7 devices dur<strong>in</strong>g the month<br />

and impact of Hanj<strong>in</strong> mar<strong>in</strong>e<br />

shipp<strong>in</strong>g l<strong>in</strong>e collapse.<br />

The statement quoted<br />

Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s<br />

Director General, as say<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

“demand for air cargo<br />

strengthened <strong>in</strong> September,<br />

although with growth <strong>in</strong> world<br />

trade virtually at a standstill, air<br />

cargo sector still faces some major<br />

hurdles. “The conclusion of the<br />

EU-Canada Free Trade<br />

Agreement is good news for the<br />

economies <strong>in</strong>volved and for air<br />

cargo. Growth is the way to<br />

overcome the world’s current<br />

economic challenges.<br />

“The EU-Canada agreement is<br />

a welcome respite from the<br />

current protectionist rhetoric and<br />

positive results should soon be<br />

evident and governments<br />

everywhere should take note and<br />

move <strong>in</strong> the same direction.”<br />

Solid m<strong>in</strong>erals<br />

sector generates<br />

N2b <strong>in</strong> 2016<br />

By Gabriel Ewepu<br />

THE solid m<strong>in</strong>erals sector<br />

has made significant<br />

progress with revenue<br />

generation of over N2 billion<br />

from N700 million <strong>in</strong> 2016. This<br />

was disclosed by the Chairman,<br />

<strong>Senate</strong> Committee on Solid<br />

M<strong>in</strong>erals, Senator James<br />

Manager, dur<strong>in</strong>g an oversight<br />

function at the M<strong>in</strong>istry of M<strong>in</strong>es<br />

and Steel Development with<br />

members of the committee.<br />

Manager also acknowledged<br />

various challenges <strong>in</strong> the sector<br />

and said that the M<strong>in</strong>ister of<br />

M<strong>in</strong>es and Steel Development,<br />

Dr. Kayode Fayemi, was not<br />

deterred and as a man of vision<br />

has made effort to take the sector<br />

to an enviable height.<br />

He said: “As part of our<br />

oversight function we have come<br />

to the M<strong>in</strong>istry of M<strong>in</strong>es and<br />

Steel Development to ascerta<strong>in</strong><br />

the level of progress made and<br />

also know the challenges first<br />

hand, we s<strong>in</strong>cerely commend<br />

you (Kayode) for the major<br />

milestone you have achieved <strong>in</strong><br />

terms of revenue generation <strong>in</strong><br />

spite of the <strong>in</strong>herent challenges<br />

<strong>in</strong> the sector but as a man of<br />

vision you have taken the sector<br />

to a higher level. “And you and<br />

your team have performed well<br />

<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g the revenue profile<br />

of the sector from N700 million<br />

to over N2 billion <strong>in</strong> 2016.”<br />

Meanwhile, the lawmaker<br />

expressed optimism over recent<br />

approval of N30 billion by the<br />

Federal Executive Council, from<br />

the Natural Resource<br />

Development Fund, NRDF, for<br />

the solid m<strong>in</strong>erals sector and<br />

stressed that if the approved<br />

fund is appropriated <strong>in</strong> the 2017<br />

budget the M<strong>in</strong>istry’s revenue<br />

profile will def<strong>in</strong>itely <strong>in</strong>crease.<br />

He also urged the m<strong>in</strong>ister to<br />

vigorously pursue and<br />

implement contents of the FEC<br />

approved Roadmap for the<br />

sector <strong>in</strong> order to fulfil dream of<br />

the government to make Nigeria<br />

a m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g dest<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>in</strong> Africa.<br />

In his response the m<strong>in</strong>ister<br />

ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed that the President<br />

has demonstrated political will<br />

to position the sector for<br />

thorough diversification process<br />

of the economy.<br />

He said, “The M<strong>in</strong>istry has<br />

translated Mr President’s vision<br />

of diversify<strong>in</strong>g the economy<br />

through the m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g sector <strong>in</strong>to<br />

a Roadmap, and has s<strong>in</strong>ce been<br />

approved by the Federal<br />

Executive Council. With the<br />

recent approval of N30 billion<br />

Intervention Fund from the<br />

Natural Resources<br />

Development Fund it is the first<br />

of its k<strong>in</strong>d for the sector <strong>in</strong> the<br />

history of the country.”<br />

C<br />

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20—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016<br />

Toyota flaunts Hilux attributes at Abuja test drive<br />

TOYOTA Nigeria Limited<br />

organised a special test<br />

drive at the Federal Capital<br />

Territory to educate customers <strong>in</strong><br />

the Northern part of the country<br />

and Abuja on how to get the best<br />

out of their Toyota Hilux pickups.<br />

The two day event which held<br />

at the Exhibition Pavilion of the<br />

Arts and Culture Exhibition<br />

Centre Abuja witness a huge<br />

turnout from Toyota customers,<br />

government agencies, corporate<br />

organisations and <strong>in</strong>dividuals<br />

who came to see what the Hilux<br />

pick-up has to offer.<br />

To put the Hilux to real test,<br />

Toyota Nigeria officials created<br />

all manner of terra<strong>in</strong>s at the large<br />

expanse of land to prove the<br />

Hilux capability and showcase its<br />

various features.<br />

Different conditions<br />

of the road<br />

This <strong>in</strong>clude sandy terra<strong>in</strong>,<br />

marshy terra<strong>in</strong>, deep and sloppy<br />

terra<strong>in</strong> etc for the Hilux to<br />

overcome. But the pickup never<br />

disappo<strong>in</strong>ted. It took every<br />

obstacle without look<strong>in</strong>g back. No<br />

wonder it was among the three<br />

vehicles nom<strong>in</strong>ated for the pickup<br />

of the year prize by the Nigeria<br />

Auto Journalists Association.<br />

The heaps of sand and gravel<br />

separately dumped on the<br />

driveway, the hilly spot and steep<br />

bumpy areas were meant to<br />

depict different conditions of the<br />

road and how the vehicle could<br />

overcome the challenges without<br />

much stress.<br />

The Market<strong>in</strong>g Manager, TNL,<br />

Mr. Bayo Olawoy<strong>in</strong>; and the<br />

firm’s Public Relations and<br />

Advert Manager, Mrs. Bukky<br />

Kia br<strong>in</strong>gs four hand-built<br />

concepts to SEMA<br />

•The Toyota Hilux, be<strong>in</strong>g subjected to tough task dur<strong>in</strong>g the test drive<br />

Ogunnusi, led the Toyota team<br />

that provided the visitors with the<br />

necessary brief<strong>in</strong>g and guide<br />

before and dur<strong>in</strong>g each test drive<br />

session. They assisted and<br />

demonstrated the features to the<br />

visitors and even had to take<br />

them round if need to be.<br />

Olawoy<strong>in</strong> said the decision to<br />

organise the test drive was based<br />

on the TNL’s research, which<br />

showed that many drivers/<br />

owners of Toyota Hilux hardly<br />

used the various features of the<br />

vehicle that were expected to<br />

ease the driv<strong>in</strong>g and comfort of<br />

the vehicle, especially <strong>in</strong> very<br />

difficult terra<strong>in</strong>.<br />

“It is to further educate them<br />

on the benefits of us<strong>in</strong>g the Hilux,<br />

which has been specially built to<br />

•Dr. Cosmas Maduka, CON, President, Coscharis Group with his<br />

wife, Charity, Vice President, Coscharis Group dur<strong>in</strong>g the 4th<br />

convocation of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, where he received an Honorary<br />

Doctorate Degree award.<br />

conquer very difficult terra<strong>in</strong><br />

without compromis<strong>in</strong>g comfort,”<br />

he said.<br />

He listed the vehicle’s off road<br />

features, to <strong>in</strong>clude auxiliary<br />

gear (4x2 and 4x4 transfer<br />

switch); Hill-start Assist Control;<br />

and Active Traction Control.<br />

Ogunnusi <strong>in</strong> her remark<br />

expla<strong>in</strong>ed that the turnout of<br />

people for the Hilux test drive<br />

was impressive, add<strong>in</strong>g that they<br />

were encouraged by the<br />

response from the construction<br />

sector, armed forces and<br />

<strong>in</strong>dividual buyers.<br />

“It is not about sale; we don’t<br />

sell directly to the buyers, We’re<br />

just show<strong>in</strong>g the customers how<br />

they can further enjoy the use of<br />

Hilux. They should be rest<br />

assured that they will get real<br />

value for their money,” she said.<br />

Accord<strong>in</strong>g to her the Hilux, like<br />

every other Toyota, boasts the best<br />

quality <strong>in</strong> its segment. Even after<br />

four years, you are sure of gett<strong>in</strong>g<br />

back a huge amount if you wish<br />

to resale the car.<br />

THE Federal Road Safety Corps,<br />

FRSC, has disclosed that 35 regular<br />

marshals have been killed by motorists on<br />

highways across the country <strong>in</strong> the last one<br />

year. Accord<strong>in</strong>g to the corps, seven out of<br />

this number were from Niger State.<br />

The agency said that <strong>in</strong> one of the<br />

<strong>in</strong>cidents <strong>in</strong> M<strong>in</strong>na, an FRSC staff was<br />

knocked down by a driver while try<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

clear obstructions on the highway and has<br />

gone through two operations and might<br />

lose his manhood as a result of <strong>in</strong>juries<br />

susta<strong>in</strong>ed dur<strong>in</strong>g the car crash.<br />

The FRSC Corps Marshal, Boboye<br />

Oyeyemi while decry<strong>in</strong>g this, said that the<br />

recent kill<strong>in</strong>g of three Marshals and<br />

<strong>in</strong>jur<strong>in</strong>g of a Policeman and a staff of the<br />

Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps<br />

while on patrol activities at a mobile court<br />

sitt<strong>in</strong>g at Tsafe, Zamfara state, by a driver<br />

of an unregistered Golf vehicle was highly<br />

regrettable.<br />

A statement signed by Bisi Kazeem,<br />

Head, Media Relations and Strategy,<br />

FRSC, Oyeyemi directed that full weight<br />

of law must be applied aga<strong>in</strong>st the driver<br />

for the dastard kill<strong>in</strong>gs. Kazeem said while<br />

carry<strong>in</strong>g out their lawful duties at a mobile<br />

court located at Talata Mafara, four FRSC<br />

staff, one Policeman, one personnel from<br />

the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence<br />

Corps were hit by the Golf driver, kill<strong>in</strong>g<br />

three FRSC Marshals and <strong>in</strong>jur<strong>in</strong>g one.<br />

Also <strong>in</strong>jured were a Policeman and a Civil<br />

Accord<strong>in</strong>g to her, the vehicle is<br />

known for its quality, safety and<br />

reliability as it can easily get out<br />

of trouble spots such as muddy,<br />

hilly and swampy areas. You<br />

have rest of m<strong>in</strong>d with the Hilux<br />

and will get value for your money,<br />

while ma<strong>in</strong>tenance cost is very<br />

low.<br />

The pickup s<strong>in</strong>ce its <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>in</strong>troduction <strong>in</strong> 1968 has been<br />

ranked as the class benchmark<br />

with over 18 million sales across<br />

the globe .<br />

Motorists kill 35 FRSC marshal <strong>in</strong> one year<br />

Defence staff who are all recuperat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />

the hospital after susta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g serious<br />

<strong>in</strong>juries. The victims were all taken to<br />

Talata Mafara general hospital, Kazeem<br />

said.<br />

Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety<br />

Commission (FRSC), has said that<br />

96,458 vehicles had been checked nationwide<br />

s<strong>in</strong>ce Oct. 1 to ensure compliance<br />

with the implementation of<br />

speed limit<strong>in</strong>g device.<br />

Mr Bisi Kazeem, Head, Media Relations<br />

and Strategy, FRSC, made the<br />

disclosure <strong>in</strong> an <strong>in</strong>terview with newsmen<br />

<strong>in</strong> Abuja.<br />

He said that Cross River, Akwa Ibom<br />

and Enugu states topped the compliance<br />

list of implementation of the<br />

speed limit<strong>in</strong>g device after one month<br />

of its commencement and partial enforcement.<br />

Kazeem said that 4,979 vehicles <strong>in</strong>stalled<br />

the device while 91,479 vehicles<br />

were yet to comply br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

compliance level with five per cent.<br />

He said that Cross River was lead<strong>in</strong>g<br />

on the compliance list with 738 vehicles,<br />

Akwa Ibom second with 650,<br />

Enugu 403, Ebonyi 474 and Lagos<br />

256.<br />

He said that the commission was yet<br />

to record any vehicle with the device<br />

<strong>in</strong> Adamawa, Taraba,Niger, Kebbi and<br />

Yobe states .


C<br />

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VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016 — 21


22—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016<br />

Harrysong opens up on<br />

relationship with Five Star<br />

music<br />

By Benjam<strong>in</strong> Njoku<br />

BETTER “Pik<strong>in</strong>” crooner, Harrison<br />

Tare Okiri, popularly known as<br />

Harrysong has declared that he has no<br />

<strong>in</strong>tention to dump his record label, Five Star<br />

Music, owned by bus<strong>in</strong>ess mogul, Emeka<br />

Okonkwo a.k.a E-Money and his elder<br />

brother, K<strong>in</strong>gsley Okonkwo a.k.a Kcee.<br />

Harrysong’s decision to clear the air came<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st the backdrop of Iyanya’s dump<strong>in</strong>g<br />

of his record label, Made Men Music<br />

Group,MMMG, to jo<strong>in</strong> Mav<strong>in</strong> records<br />

which went viral on the <strong>in</strong>ternet earlier<br />

<strong>in</strong> the week.<br />

Speak<strong>in</strong>g at a meet and greet session<br />

with enterta<strong>in</strong>ment journalists, <strong>in</strong> Lagos,<br />

the Delta State-born pop star<br />

described Five Star Music as<br />

a home for him, add<strong>in</strong>g<br />

that “If I am leav<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Five Star Music today,<br />

the label should be<br />

launch<strong>in</strong>g someth<strong>in</strong>g<br />

By Prisca Sam-Duru<br />

SHAFER Records, a brand<br />

new record label has opened<br />

up its doors to talented acts across<br />

Africa. The label was officially<br />

launched on October 12, as a<br />

platform with the mission to scout<br />

the “streets” to discover and groom<br />

music talents who may not have<br />

the resources to pursue their<br />

passion.<br />

CEO of Shafer Records, Isaiah<br />

Oyibo disclosed dur<strong>in</strong>g the launch<br />

that the label <strong>in</strong>tends to produce<br />

top artistes with the capabilities to<br />

produce good music across Africa<br />

which will <strong>in</strong> turn, <strong>in</strong>fluence the<br />

lifestyle of its esteemed audience<br />

and fans positively. “We are here<br />

to give our fans noth<strong>in</strong>g but good<br />

music, we preach one love,<br />

honesty and unity”<br />

new for me. That’s what I feel.<br />

“I am big enough and I have other<br />

bus<strong>in</strong>esses that I am do<strong>in</strong>g. Beside music,<br />

I am also a bus<strong>in</strong>essman. I am <strong>in</strong>to property<br />

bus<strong>in</strong>ess. So, leav<strong>in</strong>g Five Star for another<br />

record label, I don’t see that happen<strong>in</strong>g,”<br />

he added.<br />

React<strong>in</strong>g to Iyanya’s dump<strong>in</strong>g MMMG<br />

owned by Ubi Frankl<strong>in</strong> for Mav<strong>in</strong> records,<br />

Harrysong sounded <strong>in</strong>different. “If Iyanya<br />

deemed it fit to jo<strong>in</strong> Mav<strong>in</strong>, all well and<br />

good.But I don’t th<strong>in</strong>k Don Jazzy will want<br />

to lure me to his label.“<br />

Speak<strong>in</strong>g further, Harrysong disclosed<br />

that his new song titled, “Bakana” will<br />

drop any moment from now. He said, he<br />

shot the video <strong>in</strong> Atlanta, add<strong>in</strong>g, I want<br />

to use the song to wrap up the year.”<br />

On how he fared <strong>in</strong> 2016, Harrysong<br />

replied that “The year has been very<br />

eventful.I did my one Delta concert and it<br />

was successful. I also embarked on a<br />

musical tour of America. One Delta concert<br />

was an eye opener for me.”<br />

Movie producers chart a new direction for Nollywood<br />

T<br />

Harrysong<br />

By Benjam<strong>in</strong> Njoku<br />

H E<br />

Association of Movie<br />

Producers, AMP, seems to be<br />

spoil<strong>in</strong>g for a fight follow<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

drastic decrease <strong>in</strong> sales of<br />

Nollywood movies <strong>in</strong> recent<br />

times.<br />

It declared that henceforth no<br />

pay TV station operat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the<br />

country, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Dstv’s<br />

AfricaMagic should have more<br />

than one channel show<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Nollywood movies.<br />

It also decried activities of non<strong>in</strong>dustry<br />

operators, alleg<strong>in</strong>g that<br />

there is no level play<strong>in</strong>g ground<br />

when it comes to the issue of<br />

Shafer<br />

access<strong>in</strong>g film fund as well as<br />

when government attempts to<br />

<strong>in</strong>terface with Nollywood. The<br />

association said that persons<br />

who were not members of the<br />

guild or representatives of the<br />

<strong>in</strong>dustry are often selected at the<br />

detriment of the genu<strong>in</strong>e<br />

practitioners.<br />

Address<strong>in</strong>g movie journalists <strong>in</strong><br />

what he called, “The way<br />

forward for Nollywood”, AMP<br />

president, Mr Raph Nwadike<br />

decried a situation where Dstv,<br />

Star Times among other pay TV<br />

stations, have pauperised local<br />

producers, as they have about 7<br />

to 8 channels show<strong>in</strong>g works of<br />

Nollywood producers 24 hours<br />

Shafer record label debuts, hits<br />

airwaves with excit<strong>in</strong>g s<strong>in</strong>gles<br />

non-stop and 7 days of the week.<br />

“This is not done anywhere <strong>in</strong><br />

the world,”he lamented. The<br />

AMP president said, “Our<br />

airspace has been saturated with<br />

Nollywood films and this has<br />

effectively killed the VCD and<br />

DVD markets as our ma<strong>in</strong> source<br />

of distribution. We stand as one<br />

and say M-net should not have<br />

more than one channel <strong>in</strong><br />

Nigeria show<strong>in</strong>g Nollywood<br />

films. They can show the other<br />

Nollywood channels outside the<br />

country. Furthermore, no film that<br />

is less than 2 years old should<br />

come on the s<strong>in</strong>gle channel with<br />

three runs a year only.”<br />

‘Too Much Love’, which was<br />

produced by Lugi, is the first<br />

collective effort of Shafer Records<br />

acts. At the moment, the label is<br />

home to multi-talented record<strong>in</strong>g<br />

artistes such as Theory (Samuel<br />

Oyibo), Lugi (Utibe Ndah<br />

Mackenzie), and Eluku (Lameed<br />

Temitayo Lukmon). They have<br />

worked with notable Nigerian<br />

music <strong>in</strong>dustry players such as<br />

Vector and Del B, among others.<br />

These talented acts <strong>in</strong> Hip-Hop,<br />

Rap, R & B and Soul music have<br />

jo<strong>in</strong>ed forces to create amaz<strong>in</strong>g<br />

musical experiences which will<br />

take Nigeria Music to the next<br />

level. The team effort of the label<br />

“Too Much Love” is currently<br />

enjoy<strong>in</strong>g airplay across Nigeria.<br />

The label also has an <strong>in</strong>-house state<br />

of the art studio.<br />

On the alleged hijack<strong>in</strong>g of<br />

Nollywood by non-<strong>in</strong>dustry<br />

operators, Nwadike who was<br />

flanked by Chief Eddie<br />

Ugbomah, Chairman, AMP BoT<br />

and Mr. Forster Ojehonmon, the<br />

association’s General-Secretary,<br />

recalled that after the Tony<br />

Elumelu foundation signed the<br />

MoU with the Federal M<strong>in</strong>istry<br />

of Information, Culture and<br />

Tourism, they discovered that<br />

people who do not represent any<br />

guild or associations of producers<br />

were selected <strong>in</strong>to a committee<br />

to speak on behalf the members.<br />

Nuella<br />

Njubigbo<br />

Nuella<br />

Njubigbo set<br />

to unveil<br />

boutique <strong>in</strong><br />

Lagos<br />

By Ob<strong>in</strong>na Mbajunwa<br />

ULTRY actress, Nuella<br />

SNjubigbo-Chikere is set to<br />

jo<strong>in</strong> the grow<strong>in</strong>g list of<br />

actresses who have delved<br />

<strong>in</strong>to bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong> recent times<br />

as she launches her m<strong>in</strong>dblow<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

African-<strong>in</strong>spired<br />

onl<strong>in</strong>e boutique called<br />

NuellAfrika, <strong>in</strong> Lagos.<br />

The actress announced the<br />

open<strong>in</strong>g of the boutique, on<br />

WhatsApp, say<strong>in</strong>g “I’m<br />

launch<strong>in</strong>g my African onl<strong>in</strong>e<br />

fashion brand.”<br />

Nuella, who got married to<br />

her heartthrob, Tchidi Chikere<br />

two years ago is excited and<br />

look<strong>in</strong>g forward to the grand<br />

open<strong>in</strong>g of the multi-million<br />

naira boutique, which holds<br />

at Nicon Hotel, Victoria<br />

Garden City, Lekki, this<br />

weekend.<br />

Other actresses who own<br />

boutiques, spas and salons <strong>in</strong><br />

Lagos <strong>in</strong>clude, Iyabo Ojo who<br />

runs a spa, Bisi Ibidapo-Obe<br />

who has a sex toy store, Chika<br />

Ike, Doris Simeon, Bukky<br />

Wright, and Toy<strong>in</strong> Aimakhu-<br />

Johnson and Mercy Aigbe<br />

among others.<br />

Raph<br />

Nwadike<br />

C<br />

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VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016 — 23


24—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016


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VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016 — 25


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26 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016


Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016—27<br />

VOL. 1: NO. 17<br />

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, , 2016<br />

Black Friday<br />

<strong>in</strong> Ondo over PDP<br />

gov ticket<br />

By Dayo Johnson<br />

SMOKE billowed from the<br />

bonfires made by protesters<br />

across the major towns <strong>in</strong> Ondo<br />

state to express their displeasure<br />

over the substitution of the<br />

governorship candidate of the<br />

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,<br />

Mr Eyitayi Jegede, SAN, last<br />

week Friday.<br />

The riot that erupted was<br />

spontaneous and happened<br />

immediately the Independent<br />

National Electoral Commission,<br />

INEC, made a u-turn follow<strong>in</strong>g a<br />

court order direct<strong>in</strong>g it to do<br />

“elim<strong>in</strong>ation by substitution” of<br />

the governorship candidate of the<br />

PDP <strong>in</strong> the state.<br />

Palpable tension had enveloped<br />

the state for about three days<br />

before the f<strong>in</strong>al sledge hammer<br />

was wielded.<br />

Both the Ali Modu Sheriff and<br />

Senator Ahmed Makarfi factions<br />

<strong>in</strong> the state boasted that the Court<br />

of Appeal verdict would be <strong>in</strong><br />

their favour.<br />

But when INEC f<strong>in</strong>ally spoke,<br />

the Makarfi faction was thrown<br />

off balance. The hitherto bubbl<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Eyitayo Jegede Campaign<br />

Organisation was thrown <strong>in</strong>to<br />

disarray as confusion and<br />

uncerta<strong>in</strong>ty reigned.<br />

Jegede, who had toured many<br />

of the 18 council areas to seek for<br />

votes ahead of the November 26<br />

governorship election had to<br />

apply the brakes abruptly.<br />

The crisis <strong>in</strong> the state PDP less<br />

than a month to the governorship<br />

election is an <strong>in</strong>dication that the<br />

situation <strong>in</strong> the rul<strong>in</strong>g party<br />

rema<strong>in</strong>s turbulent.<br />

Revabration of the legal tussle<br />

over the national leadership of the<br />

party has filtered <strong>in</strong>to the state<br />

creat<strong>in</strong>g confusion and<br />

uncerta<strong>in</strong>ty over who becomes<br />

the candidate of the party <strong>in</strong> the<br />

com<strong>in</strong>g election.<br />

Few weeks back the INEC had<br />

published Eyitayo Jegede’s name<br />

as the party’s candidate for the<br />

election but the Sheriff faction ran<br />

to the Federal High Court and<br />

obta<strong>in</strong>ed an order from Justice<br />

Okon Abang ask<strong>in</strong>g the electoral<br />

body to substitute Jegede for<br />

Jimoh Ibrahim.<br />

This came despite the<br />

pendency of appeals aga<strong>in</strong>st the<br />

decision of Justice Abang and<br />

other counter orders from the State<br />

High Court restra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g INEC<br />

from substitut<strong>in</strong>g the name of<br />

Jegede but INEC on October 27<br />

listed the name of Ibrahim as the<br />

candidate of the party.<br />

The Resident Electoral<br />

Commissioner, Olusegun Agbaje<br />

expla<strong>in</strong>ed that the decision would<br />

stand until there is a decision<br />

from higher court <strong>in</strong> the land.<br />

Agbaje said: “We received a<br />

court order from the High Court<br />

<strong>in</strong> Akure but there was a<br />

subsist<strong>in</strong>g rul<strong>in</strong>g by Justice Abang<br />

and we have to comply with the<br />

order”.<br />

Agbaje however said that<br />

The riot that erupted<br />

was spontaneous<br />

immediately the<br />

Independent National<br />

Electoral<br />

Commission, INEC,<br />

made a u-turn<br />

follow<strong>in</strong>g a court<br />

order direct<strong>in</strong>g it to do<br />

“elim<strong>in</strong>ation by<br />

substitution” of the<br />

governorship<br />

candidate of the PDP<br />

<strong>in</strong> the state<br />

another court order can upturn the<br />

situation and said “the situation<br />

will cont<strong>in</strong>ue that way until the<br />

matter is decided by the Supreme<br />

Court if the parties choose to<br />

proceed to the apex court.<br />

“We do not have any candidate<br />

but we will always abide by the<br />

laws guid<strong>in</strong>g the process.”<br />

S<strong>in</strong>ce the order had been<br />

obeyed, the state had been<br />

witness<strong>in</strong>g series of protests from<br />

PDP members across the 18<br />

council areas.<br />

Protests<br />

Violent protests had taken place<br />

<strong>in</strong> Akure, the State capital and<br />

others towns <strong>in</strong> the state with<br />

protesters reject<strong>in</strong>g the choice of<br />

Ibrahim as the candidate and they<br />

have vowed to make the election<br />

impossible if Jegede who<br />

emerged through the primary<br />

held <strong>in</strong> Akure on August 22 is not<br />

returned.<br />

The riot that erupted that Friday<br />

paralyzed both economic and<br />

social activities across the state as<br />

protesters stormed the streets<br />

chant<strong>in</strong>g war songs.<br />

The protesters who took to the<br />

IN THIS EDITION<br />

T<strong>in</strong>ubu, Oyegun feud<br />

spreads to Oyo<br />

•Page 29<br />

streets and major roads <strong>in</strong> Akure,<br />

as early as 6:30am barricaded all<br />

the roads lead<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to the state<br />

capital.<br />

Workers and students were<br />

turned back while commercial<br />

vehicle owners disappeared from<br />

the street.<br />

They called on INEC to reverse<br />

its decision by remov<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Ibrahim’s name declar<strong>in</strong>g that<br />

Jimoh is not a member of PDP <strong>in</strong><br />

the state but of the Accord Party.<br />

The protesters made bonfires on<br />

all the major roads <strong>in</strong> the state<br />

and defied all attempts by the<br />

security agents to disperse them.<br />

Commercial banks and shops<br />

hurriedly closed their doors over<br />

the protest, as many of the traders<br />

believed the protest might be<br />

hijacked by hoodlums.<br />

Their spokesman Ak<strong>in</strong>wunmi<br />

Ilori, accused the rul<strong>in</strong>g All<br />

Progressives Congress (APC)<br />

Federal Government of work<strong>in</strong>g<br />

with the electoral body and the<br />

court to shut out Jegede to pave t<br />

he way for Akeredolu’s candidate<br />

<strong>in</strong> the election.<br />

Ilori said: “the APC is us<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Jimoh Ibrahim to cause crisis<br />

with<strong>in</strong> the PDP. It is an open secret<br />

<strong>in</strong> Ondo State that Jimoh is no<br />

longer a member of the party.<br />

They are only us<strong>in</strong>g him to clear<br />

the ground for their candidate<br />

and this will not work.<br />

Cont<strong>in</strong>ues on page 28


28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016<br />

OWAMBE<br />

FREE TRADE ZONE:<br />

•Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi (4th right); Leader<br />

of delegation/Director of Adm<strong>in</strong>istration, Guye District, Tangshan,<br />

Ch<strong>in</strong>a, Ms. Zhang Xuemei (3rd right); President, Ch<strong>in</strong>a Polaris,<br />

Mr. Zhang Wendong (4th left); and State Chairman of the All<br />

Progressives Congress, Chief Ak<strong>in</strong> Oke, dur<strong>in</strong>g the ground<br />

break<strong>in</strong>g of the Polaris-Pacesetter Free Trade Zone, located on the<br />

Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ibadan...on Tuesday.<br />

DEMOLITION:<br />

•A view of the demolished illegal structures at Low-Cost Hous<strong>in</strong>g Estate <strong>in</strong><br />

Oke-Afa, Isolo <strong>in</strong> Lagos State on Wednesday.<br />

Black Friday <strong>in</strong> Ondo over<br />

PDP gov ticket<br />

Cont<strong>in</strong>ues from page 27<br />

“This is Ondo State and its a<br />

very volatile state when it comes<br />

to politics. we want them to<br />

remember the 1983 saga, we<br />

don’t pray for such but if our<br />

rights and the mandate of our<br />

candidate is trampled upon, this<br />

election might be another war.”<br />

He, however, said with the<br />

turn out of people of the state<br />

protest<strong>in</strong>g aga<strong>in</strong>st the<br />

emergence of Jimoh Ibrahim<br />

signified that he was not a<br />

popular candidate <strong>in</strong> the state.<br />

Similar protests were recorded<br />

<strong>in</strong> Ondo town, Ore <strong>in</strong> Odigbo<br />

local government area, Ilara,<br />

Idanre, Owo, Okitipupa and <strong>in</strong><br />

Ilaje local government area, Isua<br />

Akoko, Ikare Akoko, Ipele and<br />

many other towns and villages<br />

<strong>in</strong> the state.<br />

Some of the protesters also<br />

stormed INEC office and were<br />

addressed by the REC,<br />

Olusegun Agbaje, who<br />

expla<strong>in</strong>ed the reason beh<strong>in</strong>d the<br />

removal of Jegede as the PDP<br />

candidate.<br />

Afenifere reacts<br />

React<strong>in</strong>g the Pan Yoruba sociopolitical<br />

organisation, Afenifere<br />

described the substitution of the<br />

name of Jegede as arbitrary,<br />

wrong and unjust.<br />

Its chairman, Chief Reuben<br />

Fasoranti, said that the whole<br />

process appeared set for<br />

manipulation, the consequences<br />

of which might be undesirable.<br />

“INEC decision was wrong. It<br />

is arbitrary. There is no basis for<br />

it. Ibrahim went to hold his<br />

primary <strong>in</strong> Ibadan and not here.<br />

That is not fair. If he wants to be<br />

s<strong>in</strong>cere and honest, the th<strong>in</strong>g<br />

should be held here. I am bold<br />

enough to say that. So the<br />

process is open to manipulation<br />

and <strong>in</strong> any case, Jegede is the<br />

choice of the people. Certa<strong>in</strong>ly,<br />

this is not an issue of party<br />

affiliation.<br />

“His primary was held here.<br />

We watched it on television. It will<br />

be better if the government<br />

reverses its own decision <strong>in</strong> the<br />

<strong>in</strong>terest of peace to allow the<br />

people to decide on the person<br />

they want.”<br />

It’s a mockery of democracy—<br />

Ondo PDP<br />

Also, the Chairman of the PDP<br />

<strong>in</strong> the state, Chief Clement<br />

Faboyede described it as a<br />

mockery of democracy and an<br />

<strong>in</strong>dication that the nation’s<br />

democracy is dy<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the hands<br />

of the APC led Federal<br />

government.<br />

He said INEC has a reputation<br />

of be<strong>in</strong>g fair to all before the<br />

com<strong>in</strong>g on board of the APC led<br />

government, not<strong>in</strong>g that no free<br />

and fair election had been held<br />

under the present President<br />

Buhari adm<strong>in</strong>istration.<br />

Faboyede po<strong>in</strong>ted out that<br />

Jegede was duly nom<strong>in</strong>ated<br />

through the party primary as<br />

stipulated by the electoral act and<br />

was witnessed by INEC but<br />

INEC has succumbed to the<br />

pressure from some moles with<strong>in</strong><br />

the PDP.<br />

He said, “the event culm<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>in</strong> replac<strong>in</strong>g Jegede is a crude<br />

hallmark and handiwork of some<br />

moles <strong>in</strong> PDP and some high<br />

placed government officials of<br />

APC at the federal level.”<br />

Also the Director of legal<br />

services, Eyitayo Jegede<br />

Campaign Organisation, Chief<br />

Kunle Ijalana, described the<br />

judgment of Justice Okon Abang<br />

and replacement of Jegede’s<br />

name with Ibrahim as a coup<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st democracy.<br />

Ijalana noted that grant<strong>in</strong>g an<br />

order <strong>in</strong> favour of someone who<br />

is not a member of the political<br />

party aga<strong>in</strong>st the party is alien to<br />

the legal jurisprudence say<strong>in</strong>g<br />

INEC was forced to do the<br />

bidd<strong>in</strong>g of some cabals.<br />

Jegede calls for calm<br />

Also Jegede <strong>in</strong> a statement he<br />

personally signed, appealed to<br />

the people of the state to embrace<br />

peace while protest<strong>in</strong>g the list<br />

released by INEC for the election.<br />

He said he shares <strong>in</strong> their<br />

pa<strong>in</strong>s of hav<strong>in</strong>g to contend with<br />

a miscarriage of justice which he<br />

described as a temporary setback.<br />

He appealed to the people of<br />

Ondo State to "embrace peace at<br />

this period which is one of the<br />

try<strong>in</strong>g times for our democratic<br />

process which will soon pass<br />

away. Let’s keep our eyes on the<br />

big day ahead as we cont<strong>in</strong>ue our<br />

campaigns.”<br />

Jimoh Ibrahim welcomes<br />

verdict<br />

Also react<strong>in</strong>g the Director<br />

Publicity, Communication, Jimoh<br />

Ibrahim Campaign<br />

Organisation, Sola Ak<strong>in</strong>uli said:<br />

“We welcome the official<br />

recognition of Barr Jimoh Ibrahim<br />

as the authentic Candidate of the<br />

PDP <strong>in</strong> the Nov 26, governorship<br />

polls <strong>in</strong> the state by the INEC.<br />

“This is not only a justification<br />

of the truth but also a recognition<br />

THE TEAM<br />

EDITOR:<br />

Adeleke Adeseri 08054682557 (sms only)<br />

INSPECTION:<br />

•From left: Sen Abdulahi Aliyu, Niger west; Dr Nterenya Sangiga,<br />

Director General, International Institute for Tropical Agriculture;<br />

Chairman, <strong>Senate</strong> committee on Agriculture, Sen. Abdulahi Adamu;<br />

Sen. Adamu Aliero, Kebbi central; Sen. Yele Omogunwa, Ondo South,<br />

and Sen. Gbolahan Dada, Ogun West, dur<strong>in</strong>g a visit of the <strong>Senate</strong><br />

committee on agriculture to IITA <strong>in</strong> Ibadan on Tuesday.<br />

CORRESPONDENTS:<br />

Dapo Ak<strong>in</strong>refon<br />

Ola Ajayi<br />

Gbenga Olar<strong>in</strong>oye<br />

Dayo Johnson<br />

Olasunkanmi Akoni<br />

Daud Olatunji<br />

Rotimi Ojomoyela<br />

Monsuru Olowoepejo<br />

Lagos<br />

Ibadan<br />

Osogbo<br />

Akure<br />

Lagos<br />

Abeokuta<br />

Ekiti


Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016—29<br />

By Ola Ajayi<br />

THE spiral effects of the cold<br />

war between the National<br />

Leader of the All Progressives<br />

Congress, APC, Asiwaju Ahmed<br />

T<strong>in</strong>ubu and the National<br />

Chairman of the party, Chief John<br />

Odigie-Oyegun spread to Oyo<br />

State on Tuesday as their loyalists<br />

stood <strong>in</strong> defence of their leaders.<br />

While pro-T<strong>in</strong>ubu youths <strong>in</strong> the<br />

party <strong>in</strong>sisted that the embattled<br />

party chairman must resign his<br />

position, the pro-Oyegun group<br />

dismissed their calls as<br />

unreasonable.<br />

The youths under the aegis of<br />

the National Committee of<br />

Yoruba Youth (NCYY) led by their<br />

National President, Mr.<br />

Oladimeji Odeyemi claimed that<br />

the manner that Oyegun<br />

handled the governorship<br />

election <strong>in</strong> Ondo State was<br />

unacceptable and a ploy to<br />

destroy the party that Asiwaju<br />

T<strong>in</strong>ubu had laboured so hard to<br />

build.<br />

Argu<strong>in</strong>g that the role that<br />

Oyegun played <strong>in</strong> the issue was<br />

unbecom<strong>in</strong>g of a leader, they<br />

said the most and only<br />

honourable th<strong>in</strong>g that the<br />

national chairman can do is to<br />

toe the path of honour and bow<br />

out.<br />

They took the protest to the<br />

zonal secretariat of the South-<br />

West of the party at Alakia,<br />

Ibadan where they submitted a<br />

letter entitled “an open letter<br />

demand<strong>in</strong>g for the resignation of<br />

Chief Odigie-Oyegun as the<br />

national chairman of the All<br />

By Gbenga Olar<strong>in</strong>oye<br />

CONSTITUTIONAL lawyer<br />

and human rights activist,<br />

Chief Mike Ozekhome, recently<br />

added another feather to his cap<br />

as he was conferred with a<br />

chiefta<strong>in</strong>cy title The Mayegun<br />

Baamof<strong>in</strong> (voice of the voiceless)<br />

by the traditional ruler of Ido<br />

Osun K<strong>in</strong>gdom, Oba Aderemi<br />

Adedapo <strong>in</strong> Osun State.<br />

The confirment of the<br />

honourary chiefta<strong>in</strong>cy title on<br />

Chief Ozekhome which took<br />

place at the palace of the<br />

Obalufon of Ido-Osun <strong>in</strong> October<br />

2016, was part of other activities<br />

l<strong>in</strong>ed up to mark the Senior<br />

Advocate of Nigeria’s 59th<br />

birthday.<br />

Chief Ozekhome among other<br />

chiefta<strong>in</strong>cy titles bestowed on him<br />

by various communities across<br />

the country <strong>in</strong>clude, The<br />

Asebigwe of Weppa Wanno<br />

K<strong>in</strong>gdom, The Olunagbo of<br />

Uzairue, The Akpakpa Vighi of<br />

Edo Land, The Enobakhare of<br />

Ben<strong>in</strong> K<strong>in</strong>gdom and<br />

many.others.<br />

The sleepy agrarian community<br />

roared <strong>in</strong> ecstasy as Chief<br />

Ozekhome with his wife, Barrister<br />

Joseph<strong>in</strong>e Ozekhome, decked <strong>in</strong><br />

a w<strong>in</strong>e coloured dansiki and<br />

OYO STATE<br />

T<strong>in</strong>ubu, Oyegun feud spreads to Oyo<br />

•T<strong>in</strong>ubu and Oyegun: Th<strong>in</strong>gs fall apart<br />

Progressives Congress (APC)."<br />

To them, the earlier call by the<br />

national leader of the party,<br />

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed T<strong>in</strong>ubu that<br />

Chief Oyegun should step aside<br />

was not an overstatement and<br />

must not be ignored or treated<br />

with kid gloves.<br />

React<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> an electronic mail,<br />

the other group, APC United<br />

Front, through its Chairman,<br />

Alhaji Ibrahim Musa, praised<br />

Chief Odigie-Oyegun for tak<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>in</strong>to consideration shades of<br />

op<strong>in</strong>ions of the different party<br />

leaders, supporters and wellwishers<br />

concern<strong>in</strong>g the party’s<br />

growth and progress.<br />

“APC is not <strong>in</strong> trouble. Chief<br />

John Odigie-Oyegun is not<br />

APC’s problem. He is a man of<br />

facts, not given over to wild<br />

speculation or sensationalism.<br />

His moral reputation is a great<br />

asset to the party,” it said.<br />

They chided Frank for not<br />

respect<strong>in</strong>g the national chairman<br />

of the party, urg<strong>in</strong>g him and his<br />

sponsors to stop factionaliz<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

party and focus on party<br />

programs and policy statements.<br />

Accord<strong>in</strong>g to the letter, “The<br />

Ozekhome’s day of honour <strong>in</strong> Osun<br />

native cap to match, beam<strong>in</strong>g with<br />

smiles and acknowledg<strong>in</strong>g<br />

cheers <strong>in</strong>termittently from the<br />

crowd, who converged at the<br />

palace to witness the event<br />

amongst friends and well<br />

wishers stepped out to accept the<br />

title after the traditional rites<br />

anchored by the town’s monarch,<br />

Oba Aderemi Adedapo.<br />

Defend<strong>in</strong>g why the fearless<br />

lawyer deserved to be so<br />

honoured, Oba Adedapo said:<br />

“He is an illustrious son of<br />

Nigeria, who happens to be the<br />

voice of the voiceless, the<br />

common man. He was the Cicero<br />

of the 2014 National Conference.<br />

“He has his roots <strong>in</strong> Ife. Here,<br />

we are talk<strong>in</strong>g of an illustrious<br />

son of Nigeria, who can be<br />

celebrated, no matter where he<br />

comes from. He is a part of our<br />

family here <strong>in</strong> Ido-Osun. He is<br />

an Edo pr<strong>in</strong>ce and Edo used to<br />

be a part of the West. We are<br />

honour<strong>in</strong>g him for his cerebral<br />

status <strong>in</strong> the Nigerian society.”<br />

Also, a representative of Ooni<br />

of Ife, Oba Mura<strong>in</strong>o Adebanjo,<br />

said: “He is a son of the soil.<br />

History of our forefathers has it<br />

that Ile-Ife and Edo where<br />

Ozekhome hails from have the<br />

same background. So, anybody<br />

from Edo is from Ife. That is why<br />

•Ozekhome and wife at the event<br />

the heart of the Ooni has to go to<br />

Chief Ozekhome at a time like<br />

this and he wishes him well.”<br />

Ozekhome dedicates title<br />

In his acceptance speach,<br />

Chief Ozekhome said he was<br />

dedicat<strong>in</strong>g the title to “the<br />

suffer<strong>in</strong>g masses of Nigeria<br />

whose only crav<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> life is how<br />

to get their three square meals a<br />

day and survive the devastat<strong>in</strong>g<br />

and corrosive effects of successive<br />

governments, both military and<br />

civilian.”<br />

On what he wants to do with<br />

the title, he assured: “The title<br />

will spur me on to defend the<br />

hapless, helpless, marg<strong>in</strong>alized<br />

and traumatised members of the<br />

society.”<br />

National Committee of Yoruba<br />

Youths (NCYY), wishes to<br />

demand for the immediate<br />

resignation of Chief John Odigie-<br />

Oyegun as the national chairman<br />

of the All Progressives Congress<br />

(APC).<br />

“Our call today is premised on<br />

the refusal of Chief Oyegun, to<br />

toe the l<strong>in</strong>e of honour and<br />

<strong>in</strong>tegrity by yield<strong>in</strong>g to earlier<br />

calls by prom<strong>in</strong>ent Nigerians and<br />

stakeholders with<strong>in</strong> the party<br />

<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the party’s national<br />

leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed<br />

T<strong>in</strong>ubu, who had earlier<br />

A couple of palace chiefs and<br />

traditional rulers who were<br />

present to honour him showered<br />

tributes on him <strong>in</strong><br />

acknowledgement of his<br />

contributions to the legal<br />

profession <strong>in</strong> Nigeria as well as<br />

his selfless battle to guarantee<br />

fairness, equity and justice for the<br />

common man <strong>in</strong> the society.<br />

They also urged him to<br />

consider the new title as a<br />

catalyst for cont<strong>in</strong>ued hard work<br />

<strong>in</strong> contribut<strong>in</strong>g to the sociopolitical<br />

and economic<br />

development as well as the legal<br />

profession where he has already<br />

set remarkable legacies <strong>in</strong> its<br />

development and left his foot<br />

pr<strong>in</strong>ts on the sands of time.<br />

demanded for his resignation<br />

based on several allegations of<br />

high-handedness,<br />

mismanagement, gross disda<strong>in</strong><br />

for the party’s constitution and<br />

its established hierarchy.<br />

“As Yoruba people, we are<br />

deeply worried about how Chief<br />

Oyegun and some desperate<br />

elements with<strong>in</strong> the party, have<br />

succeeded <strong>in</strong> polaris<strong>in</strong>g a once<br />

united APC <strong>in</strong> the South-West,<br />

through his shameful and<br />

fraudulent handl<strong>in</strong>g of the<br />

outcome of the APC<br />

Governorship primaries <strong>in</strong> Ondo<br />

State.<br />

“We have also over the time<br />

watched with keen <strong>in</strong>terest the<br />

undue political victimisation,<br />

persecution and harassment of<br />

the Act<strong>in</strong>g National Publicity<br />

Secretary of the party, Mr. Timi<br />

Frank, by a despicable cabal<br />

allegedly led by Chief Oyegun.<br />

“By this statement, we call on<br />

Chief Oyegun and this cabal to<br />

immediately put an end to the<br />

cont<strong>in</strong>uous blackmail,<br />

harassment and <strong>in</strong>timidation of<br />

Timi Frank. The latest <strong>in</strong> the<br />

several phases of the<br />

orchestrated campaign of<br />

calumny aga<strong>in</strong>st Timi Frank is<br />

about current moves to get him<br />

suspended from the National<br />

Work<strong>in</strong>g Committee of APC,<br />

through the sett<strong>in</strong>g up of a<br />

kangaroo discipl<strong>in</strong>ary committee<br />

to try Comrade Frank on<br />

trumped-up allegations<br />

border<strong>in</strong>g on anti-party<br />

activities.”<br />

They vowed never to give <strong>in</strong>.<br />

The association also expressed<br />

its concern that Chief Oyegun<br />

has refused to step down as the<br />

chairman of the party, despite a<br />

call by the national leader of the<br />

party.<br />

“It is amaz<strong>in</strong>g that Chief<br />

Oyegun is even still sitt<strong>in</strong>g as the<br />

National Chairman of APC,<br />

despite the call from Asiwaju<br />

Bola T<strong>in</strong>ubu for his resignation.<br />

Has Chief Oyegun been a man<br />

of honour, he will not still be<br />

desperately cl<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g to the office<br />

of the national chairman of the<br />

party despite the vote of no<br />

confidence by his erstwhile<br />

benefactor, who <strong>in</strong>vested<br />

enormous resources and<br />

goodwill to ensure his<br />

emergence as the APC national<br />

chairman.<br />

“We wish to <strong>in</strong>form Nigerians,<br />

APC party faithful across the<br />

nation and particularly all peace<br />

and fact seek<strong>in</strong>g ones that there<br />

is no established legal or political<br />

precedent for the charade that<br />

Chief Oyegun and this cabal are<br />

currently plann<strong>in</strong>g to embark<br />

upon by stamped<strong>in</strong>g an elected<br />

party official from his assault<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st our collective <strong>in</strong>terest.<br />

“As stakeholders <strong>in</strong> the<br />

Nigerian project, we see that<br />

Chief Oyegun and his cohorts<br />

are embark<strong>in</strong>g on political<br />

vendetta and sheer act of<br />

<strong>in</strong>timidation aga<strong>in</strong>st Comrade<br />

Timi Frank,” the statement<br />

stated.


C<br />

M<br />

Y<br />

K<br />

30 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016


C<br />

M<br />

YK<br />

Politics of ‘air strikes’<br />

AIRSTRIKES,<br />

the<br />

pound<strong>in</strong>g of the ground by<br />

powerful bombs ra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g from the<br />

skies, is on-go<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> three countries<br />

of the Middle East. Although the<br />

targets and victims <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g armed<br />

and unarmed persons, the strong and<br />

the weak, children and the elderly,<br />

women and children, schools and<br />

hospitals, are the same, they elicit<br />

different reactions. This depends on<br />

who is dropp<strong>in</strong>g the bombs, which<br />

side is do<strong>in</strong>g the kill<strong>in</strong>g, who is do<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the dy<strong>in</strong>g and who benefits<br />

economically or politically.<br />

In this week’s battle to retake<br />

Mosul <strong>in</strong> Iraq from the Islamic State<br />

(ISIS) forces, the airstrikes were by<br />

the American-led coalition. The<br />

airstrikes gave support to the Iraqi<br />

Army, the Kurdish (Peshmerga)<br />

Christian and Sunni militias. The<br />

British Army <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> the Mosul<br />

attack could be identified <strong>in</strong> their<br />

white bullet proof 4x4 vehicles;<br />

American soldiers <strong>in</strong>volved were<br />

ensconced <strong>in</strong> their m<strong>in</strong>e resistant<br />

ambush-protected vehicles (MRAP)<br />

The aim is to defeat ISIS.<br />

Interest<strong>in</strong>gly, no air support was<br />

given to the Shia militia which is also<br />

fight<strong>in</strong>g the terrorists to retake<br />

Mosul. It is part of the politics be<strong>in</strong>g<br />

played by the West; the Shiites can<br />

fight and die, but the Sunnis must be<br />

protected.<br />

In the first seventeen days of<br />

October, there were seventy<br />

airstrikes aga<strong>in</strong>st Mosul, or an<br />

average of four daily. This was to<br />

soften the city for the follow-up<br />

<strong>in</strong>vasion. In these relentless<br />

airstrikes on the city, little or noth<strong>in</strong>g<br />

was said about the 1.5 million<br />

civilians <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g over 600,00<br />

children trapped.<br />

In the October battles, 869<br />

civilians were killed. No safe routes<br />

were provided for the civil populace<br />

and no talk of a humanitarian<br />

corridor. I guess they were regarded<br />

as collateral damage. The<br />

‘protection’ the Iraqi Army offered<br />

the civilian populace was that they<br />

should hang white flags <strong>in</strong> their<br />

homes to <strong>in</strong>dicate they are noncombatant.<br />

But this is not a smart<br />

advise as it would have made such<br />

homes and families vulnerable to<br />

ISIS attacks.<br />

Aleppo which was Syria’s most<br />

populous city with over 2.3 million<br />

people was attacked <strong>in</strong> 2012 with<br />

large parts of the city still <strong>in</strong> rebel<br />

hands. At least a dozen rebel groups,<br />

ma<strong>in</strong>ly terrorist like ISIS, al-Nusra<br />

and al-Qaeda took part <strong>in</strong> the<br />

occupation of Aleppo. Other rebel<br />

groups <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> the fight<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>in</strong>clude Fatah Halab, Jabha Fateh,<br />

al-Sham. Many of the rebels are<br />

supported and funded by Qatar,<br />

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, US and<br />

France.<br />

On the Syrian side is Russia which<br />

carries out the airstrikes. Like Mosul,<br />

The moral burden of CCB, CCT<br />

amendment Bill<br />

By Dan Owegie<br />

THE National Assembly recently<br />

transferred the power of the president<br />

to control the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB,<br />

and the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, to<br />

itself amid sharp disagreements among the<br />

lawmakers. At the conclusion of work on the<br />

bill to amend the CCB and CCT law, the<br />

legislature successfully altered Section 18<br />

(2) to enable it to confer additional powers<br />

on the National Assembly <strong>in</strong>stead of the<br />

president.<br />

The bill stopped the president from<br />

enjoy<strong>in</strong>g the powers of exempt<strong>in</strong>g public<br />

officers from <strong>in</strong>vestigation and trial and gave<br />

such powers to the National Assembly.<br />

Section 18 (1) of the exist<strong>in</strong>g Act reads: “The<br />

president may by order exempt any cadre<br />

of public officers from the provisions of this<br />

Act if it appears to him that their position <strong>in</strong><br />

the public service is below the rank which<br />

he considers appropriate for the application<br />

of those provisions.”<br />

Expectedly, many Nigerians are not<br />

happy with the action of the lawmakers<br />

which is obviously a self-serv<strong>in</strong>g action and<br />

an attempt to muzzle the CCT to their selfish<br />

desires. They perceive the action of<br />

lawmakers as constitut<strong>in</strong>g themselves a<br />

clog <strong>in</strong> the wheel of progress aga<strong>in</strong>st the war<br />

on graft <strong>in</strong> the country.<br />

Section 18 (2) of the exist<strong>in</strong>g Act provides<br />

that “The president may by order confer on<br />

the bureau such additional powers as may<br />

appear to him to be necessary to enable it to<br />

discharge more effectively the functions<br />

conferred upon it under this Act.” This has<br />

now been taken away from the office of the<br />

president by the lawmakers, conferr<strong>in</strong>g<br />

such powers on themselves.<br />

The bill to remove the power from the<br />

president was <strong>in</strong>itiated and first passed by the<br />

House of Representatives which transmitted<br />

it to the <strong>Senate</strong> for concurrence <strong>in</strong> May 2016.<br />

With the concurrence of the <strong>Senate</strong> with the<br />

House of Representatives, the bill will be sent<br />

to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.<br />

Mr. President should not append his signature<br />

to the bill.<br />

I salute the patriotic lawmakers who<br />

fought very hard to stop the vexatious<br />

amendment but the corruption that has eaten<br />

I salute the<br />

patriotic<br />

lawmakers who<br />

fought very hard<br />

to stop the<br />

vexatious<br />

amendment<br />

deep <strong>in</strong>to the some of the lawmakers,<br />

particularly the leadership made it to go<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st the wish of Nigerians. Many senators<br />

resorted to the use of un-parliamentary<br />

words and the atmosphere really heated for<br />

Nigerians to know that it is a long road to<br />

the war aga<strong>in</strong>st corruption. Because what<br />

played out at the passage is that corruption<br />

is already fight<strong>in</strong>g back.<br />

Another amendment effected to the CCT/<br />

CCB Act which was also of concern to<br />

Nigerians is to make it compulsory for any<br />

case of breach or non-compliance to be<br />

brought to the notice of the person concerned<br />

to enable him to make a written admission<br />

tragically, there have been civilian<br />

casualties, and non-military places<br />

have been bombed. In October, with<br />

the assistance of Russian airstrikes,<br />

the Syrian Army retook from ISIS,<br />

six villages <strong>in</strong> Aleppo; Mahatah, Tall<br />

Sus<strong>in</strong>, Tall Sha’ir, Faf<strong>in</strong>, Bab<strong>in</strong>nis<br />

and Kafr Qaris.<br />

While there were no offers of<br />

peaceful evacuation of civilians <strong>in</strong><br />

Mosul, the Syrian President, Bashar<br />

While the<br />

‘<strong>in</strong>ternational<br />

community’<br />

tolerates airstrikes<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st civilian<br />

areas <strong>in</strong> Mosul, it<br />

has severely<br />

attacked Russia<br />

for carry<strong>in</strong>g out<br />

Mosul-like<br />

airstrikes <strong>in</strong><br />

Aleppo<br />

al- Assad on October 6, offered rebel<br />

groups amnesty and an offer for<br />

evacuation of civilians.<br />

While the ‘<strong>in</strong>ternational<br />

community’ tolerates airstrikes<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st civilian areas <strong>in</strong> Mosul, it<br />

has severely attacked Russia for<br />

carry<strong>in</strong>g out Mosul-like airstrikes <strong>in</strong><br />

Aleppo. French President Francois<br />

Hollande described the Russian<br />

airstrikes as “a war crime.” He and<br />

German Chancellor Angela Merkel<br />

have decided to mobilise European<br />

Union sanctions aga<strong>in</strong>st Russia for<br />

the airstrikes. United K<strong>in</strong>gdom<br />

Foreign M<strong>in</strong>ister, Boris Johnson said<br />

the Russian airstrikes are a gross<br />

crime aga<strong>in</strong>st humanity. The UK and<br />

US are partner<strong>in</strong>g on economic<br />

sanctions aga<strong>in</strong>st Russia. There are<br />

also talks of expell<strong>in</strong>g Russia from<br />

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016 — 31<br />

the UN Human Rights Council. A<br />

major voice of dissent came from<br />

Italian Foreign M<strong>in</strong>ister, Paolo<br />

Gentiloni who cautioned aga<strong>in</strong>st the<br />

orchestrated drama aga<strong>in</strong>st Russia.<br />

An <strong>in</strong>trigu<strong>in</strong>g side of the Syrian issue<br />

is that while the West and Turkey cry<br />

about the Russian airstrikes, they do<br />

not want to end the war unless the<br />

Syrian government capitulates.<br />

Perhaps, a more <strong>in</strong>trigu<strong>in</strong>g case is<br />

the quite bloody airstrikes <strong>in</strong> Yemen<br />

by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar,<br />

Bahra<strong>in</strong>, Morocco, Jordan and<br />

Egypt, which has now withdrawn<br />

from the carnage. T<br />

hese countries with mercenaries<br />

decided to <strong>in</strong>tervene <strong>in</strong> 2015 on the<br />

side of the defeated government of<br />

President Abdrabbuh Mansur<br />

Hadd<strong>in</strong> Aden by bomb<strong>in</strong>g Yemen<br />

under ‘Operation Decisive Storm’.<br />

Those on the receiv<strong>in</strong>g end of the<br />

airstrikes are the Houthis who led<br />

the rebellion aga<strong>in</strong>st Aden, the<br />

Yemeni Army loyal to former<br />

President Ali Abdullah Saleh, the<br />

Yemeni Republican Guard, the<br />

Popular Committees and the Yemeni<br />

Air Force. Of course, the major<br />

casualties are civilians who are<br />

deliberately targeted.<br />

The UN says the Saudi-led attacks<br />

have resulted <strong>in</strong> 3,799 civilian<br />

deaths. Whole towns and villages<br />

had been carpet-bombed. The most<br />

<strong>in</strong>famous of the Saudi airstrikes was<br />

last October when a huge funeral was<br />

deliberately targeted with 155<br />

murdered and 525 <strong>in</strong>jured. There<br />

were of course no worldwide<br />

condemnation of this he<strong>in</strong>ous crime,<br />

nor was it described by the lead<strong>in</strong>g<br />

nations as a war crime.<br />

The muffled voice of American<br />

Secretary of State, John Kerry<br />

merely asked Saudi Arabia to give<br />

assurances that it would no longer<br />

pick targets like funerals. No<br />

organisation has dragged the Saudi<br />

coalition to the UN for these<br />

<strong>in</strong>human airstrikes and the blockade<br />

of Yemen to starve its population to<br />

submission. Nor has any taken the<br />

of such breach or non-compliance and where<br />

such is done, there shall be no reference to the<br />

tribunal. The po<strong>in</strong>t here is that how much crime<br />

<strong>in</strong> our statutes provides for an offender to be<br />

communicated first to admit or reject his or<br />

her accusation before the law can take its<br />

course? If someone is written such a letter and<br />

he says he is not guilty <strong>in</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>g or goes ahead<br />

to make fresh declaration, so that he could be<br />

left alone or what does the National Assembly<br />

mean with this amendment? Even those caught<br />

red-handed steal<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Nigeria whenever you<br />

ask them guilty or not guilty? They always<br />

plead not guilty even <strong>in</strong> the face of<br />

overwhelm<strong>in</strong>g evidence. So, this CCB, CCT<br />

amendment makes no anti-corruption<br />

sense to most patriotic Nigerians.<br />

But Saraki could not cheat nature. As he<br />

and his cohorts were busy amend<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

CCT Act, fate was also mov<strong>in</strong>g aga<strong>in</strong>st him<br />

as the Court of Appeal Division <strong>in</strong> Abuja<br />

dismissed his appeal challeng<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

jurisdiction of the CCT over his false<br />

declaration of assets.<br />

The <strong>Senate</strong> President, is fac<strong>in</strong>g a 13-count<br />

charge of false assets declaration, and had<br />

approached the appellate court to nullify the<br />

March 24 rul<strong>in</strong>g of the Danladi Umar-led<br />

Code of Conduct Tribunal. The five-man<br />

panel of the appellate court presided over by<br />

Justice Abdul Aboki, dismissed the appeal<br />

for lack of merit. The appellate court held<br />

that under the 1999 Con-stitution, the CCB<br />

was not under any obligation to <strong>in</strong>vite the<br />

appellant to make any clarification over<br />

discrep-ancies <strong>in</strong> his asset declaration forms<br />

before charges could be filed aga<strong>in</strong>st him.<br />

Saraki should brace up and face his 13-<br />

count charge of false assets declaration. He<br />

should stop dragg<strong>in</strong>g the entire National<br />

Assembly <strong>in</strong>to his bad case. The lawmakers<br />

must know that they cannot be mak<strong>in</strong>g a<br />

law today because of Saraki. They should be<br />

mak<strong>in</strong>g a law that would stand the test of<br />

time.<br />

President Muhamadu Buhari should not<br />

assent the Bill and if they so wish, they could<br />

Send Op<strong>in</strong>ions & Letters to:<br />

op<strong>in</strong>ions1234@yahoo.com<br />

US and United K<strong>in</strong>gdom before any<br />

UN body for provid<strong>in</strong>g logistical<br />

support <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g aerial refuel<strong>in</strong>g<br />

and technical aid <strong>in</strong> the Yemeni<br />

airstrikes.<br />

In all these, I am not condon<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the retaliatory rocket and mortar<br />

attacks on Saudi border towns.<br />

The first known airstrike was on<br />

November 1, 1911 when four bombs<br />

were dropped on Turkish-held oasis<br />

<strong>in</strong> Libya by Italian Second<br />

Lieutenant Guilio Gavotti. Some of<br />

the most <strong>in</strong>famous were the German<br />

and Italian airstrikes <strong>in</strong> Madrib,<br />

Valencia and Barcelonia <strong>in</strong> support<br />

of General Francisco Franco’s<br />

fascist coup aga<strong>in</strong>st the legitimate<br />

Spanish Republican Government. As<br />

part of this, the Spanish city of<br />

Guernica was on April 26, 1937<br />

almost wiped out.<br />

Of course, the August 6, 1945<br />

American dropp<strong>in</strong>g of the uranium<br />

atomic bomb, ‘Little Boy’ on<br />

Hiroshima which killed 150,000<br />

persons and the plutonium bomb<br />

‘Fat Man’ on Nagasaki three days<br />

later with 75,000 killed, hold the<br />

trophy for the most <strong>in</strong>famous<br />

airstrikes <strong>in</strong> human history.<br />

As a journalist, I cannot forget the<br />

April 23, 1999 America precision<br />

bomb<strong>in</strong>g of the Serbian State<br />

Broadcast<strong>in</strong>g Station headquarters<br />

with 150 media workers on duty. Ten<br />

were killed, 18 <strong>in</strong>jured and 20 buried<br />

under the rubble. The North Atlantic<br />

Treaty Organisation, NATO,<br />

Military Spokesman, Air<br />

Commodore David Wilby, had<br />

justified the bomb<strong>in</strong>g as a<br />

“legitimate target (because the<br />

station) filled the airways with hate<br />

and with lies over the years” Then<br />

British Prime M<strong>in</strong>ister, Tony Blair<br />

said the airstrikes aga<strong>in</strong>st the<br />

Serbian media were “entirely<br />

justified” because they were “part of<br />

the apparatus of dictatorship”.<br />

So you can get away with mass<br />

murder through airstrikes if your<br />

politics is right?<br />

use their two-thirds majority, but certa<strong>in</strong>ly not<br />

with the assent of Mr. President. It is obvious<br />

that someth<strong>in</strong>g is def<strong>in</strong>itely wrong somewhere<br />

and Nigerians should be viligant and stand up<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st lawmakers represent<strong>in</strong>g themselves<br />

and their cronies and not their constituencies<br />

or Nigerians.<br />

It just cannot be fathomed why Nigerians,<br />

particularly members of the National<br />

Assembly would allow this shame to be<br />

brought to bear on our beloved country more<br />

so, as the supporters of Saraki do not see<br />

beyond their noses. In other climes, even <strong>in</strong><br />

other African countries, the <strong>Senate</strong> President<br />

by now ought to have resigned from office<br />

and someone else takes over while he goes to<br />

clear himself at the tribunal. This certa<strong>in</strong>ly<br />

does not mean that he would be perceived to<br />

be guilty as charged.<br />

Even <strong>in</strong> Civil service, once there are<br />

allegations of fraud or even false declaration<br />

of assets as <strong>in</strong> the case of Saraki, the Civil<br />

Servant is made to step down from office,<br />

irrespective of the office, that is, big or small<br />

and the Civil Servant dur<strong>in</strong>g the period is<br />

placed on <strong>in</strong>terdiction. He earns half salary<br />

dur<strong>in</strong>g the trial period and if found guilty,<br />

his appo<strong>in</strong>tment is term<strong>in</strong>ated, but if not,<br />

he is re<strong>in</strong>stated and his full salary restored.<br />

But <strong>in</strong> the case of Saraki, he is occupy<strong>in</strong>g a<br />

very important office <strong>in</strong> the country, the<br />

number 4 position <strong>in</strong> a country of over 170<br />

million people and is fac<strong>in</strong>g very serious<br />

crim<strong>in</strong>al charges at the Code of Conduct<br />

Tribunal, a case he has challenged the<br />

jurisdiction up till Supreme court and lost,<br />

his rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> office is certa<strong>in</strong>ly an<br />

aberration. His colleagues <strong>in</strong> the National<br />

Assembly surpris<strong>in</strong>gly do not see anyth<strong>in</strong>g<br />

wrong <strong>in</strong> this vexatious amendment of the<br />

CCT Act. As it stands, it is not only a shame<br />

unto Saraki, it is a shame unto all the<br />

senators and members of the House of<br />

Representatives of the 8th National Assembly.<br />

*Mr. Owegie, a chiefta<strong>in</strong> of the APC,<br />

wrote from Ben<strong>in</strong> city, Edo State.


32—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016<br />

YOUR LUCK TODAY<br />

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139<br />

GEMINI; Here is a good day when <strong>in</strong>fluential personalities<br />

around you will be will<strong>in</strong>g to assist you but<br />

you will need to take the <strong>in</strong>itiative. Take good advice.<br />

CANCER; This is your day. The more ambitious<br />

you are along your career l<strong>in</strong>e the better for you. And<br />

friends are will<strong>in</strong>g to give the needed supports.<br />

LEO; Your m<strong>in</strong>d is truly active and if you’re more<br />

practical about it success’ll crown your efforts. Reason<br />

with your tried and trusted friends.<br />

VIRGO; Com<strong>in</strong>g of monetary and lov<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to a<br />

positive angle to your Star sign is a big plus. On a day<br />

like this the more ambitious you are the better. It’s<br />

good to be lov<strong>in</strong>g<br />

LIBRA; The more will<strong>in</strong>g you are to listen to your<br />

partners and/or spouse the better for you today. Friends<br />

are try<strong>in</strong>g to conv<strong>in</strong>ce you that the are reliable.<br />

L E I S U R E<br />

THOUGHT FOR TODAY<br />

Want to live <strong>in</strong> peace with<br />

your enemy?<br />

THE holy writ<br />

says if our<br />

ways pleases the<br />

Lord, he will make<br />

our enemies to live <strong>in</strong><br />

peace with us.I want<br />

to ask you a<br />

question:Are you liv<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>in</strong> peace and harmony<br />

with your<br />

neighbour?If you<br />

are not,then it is time<br />

for you to exam<strong>in</strong>e<br />

your relationship<br />

with your creator.If<br />

TERROR MUDA <strong>in</strong> “Never say goodbye”<br />

your relationship<br />

with your creator is<br />

smooth,there is no<br />

way your relationship<br />

with your<br />

neighbour won’t<br />

benefit from it.You<br />

cannot be antagonistic<br />

towards your<br />

neighbour and expect<br />

your creator to<br />

be happy with<br />

you.Relate well with<br />

your creator and<br />

your enemies will be<br />

at peace with you.<br />

Th<strong>in</strong>k about it!<br />

By Kola Fayemi<br />

SCORPIO; The more push-full you are along your<br />

career/bus<strong>in</strong>ess l<strong>in</strong>es the better. Embrace new method<br />

at work. Don’t neglect your love life.<br />

SAGITTARIUS; Here is a day you are not meant to<br />

ignore new ideas that come suddenly. It’s good to<br />

take matters of the heart more seriously. Listen to<br />

your spouse please.<br />

CAPRICORN; Monetary and romantic Venus is jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />

mighty Sun at positive angle to your Star and<br />

br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g you good <strong>in</strong>fluence. Be more ambitious.<br />

AQUARIUS; Although your be<strong>in</strong>g co-operative can<br />

enhance your scope, your personal ideas and <strong>in</strong>itiative<br />

are guarantee for a bigger do.<br />

PISCES; Those of you who are more consistent will<br />

have more to ga<strong>in</strong>. Good ideas on monetary issues<br />

will enhance your f<strong>in</strong>ances. Be more family m<strong>in</strong>ded.<br />

ARIES; Entrance of monetary and romantic Venus<br />

<strong>in</strong>to a positive angle is meant to enhance your f<strong>in</strong>ances.<br />

The more will<strong>in</strong>g you are to take good advice<br />

the better. Be lov<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

KAPTAIN AFRIKA <strong>in</strong> “Pretty Lunatic’ By Andy Akman<br />

TAURUS; Monetary Venus makes an <strong>in</strong>gress <strong>in</strong>to<br />

your Star sign with good luck to you. F<strong>in</strong>ancial success<br />

is closer to you than you can imag<strong>in</strong>e. Give it a<br />

big push.<br />

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING<br />

Send your date and place of birth to the Astr<br />

trological<br />

Counsell<strong>in</strong>g, P.M.B 100<br />

007, Apapa, Lagos<br />

What’s my birthday ruler?<br />

Dear Joshua,<br />

Accord<strong>in</strong>g to the date I was born I should be a Libran<br />

by my star but most of the time when I read horoscopes<br />

written by both yourself and foreign Astrologers Scorpio<br />

always applicable to me, why?<br />

K<strong>in</strong>dly tell me how the planets l<strong>in</strong>ed up when I was<br />

born and the day of the week I was born but don’t<br />

publish my date of birth.<br />

Ambrose, Asaba.<br />

Dear Ambrose,<br />

You were born on a Sunday mean<strong>in</strong>g that mighty Sun<br />

rules your birthday. You were wrong to have taken Libra<br />

as your Sun sign because the Sun was placed <strong>in</strong> early<br />

degree of Scorpio together with many other heavenly<br />

bodies. Then with the Moon <strong>in</strong> Libra when you were<br />

born will equally be <strong>in</strong>fluential <strong>in</strong> your characteristics<br />

build up but, you are ma<strong>in</strong>ly a Scorpio born person.<br />

You are both an <strong>in</strong>telligent and emotional person. And<br />

as there was no planet at home when you were born, too<br />

many ideas will always struggle for prom<strong>in</strong>ent place <strong>in</strong><br />

your m<strong>in</strong>d, thus decision mak<strong>in</strong>g is difficult but most<br />

times, your <strong>in</strong>telligence comes to the rescue.<br />

Certa<strong>in</strong>ly, you appear to other as a gentle person who<br />

can be mistaken for soft fellow but your <strong>in</strong>ner self is the<br />

personality with a steel like will power.<br />

You are the consistent type who may f<strong>in</strong>d it difficult to<br />

change once you have made up your m<strong>in</strong>d as <strong>in</strong>dicated<br />

by distribution of the planets as written out <strong>in</strong> paragraph<br />

two of this exercise.<br />

One major challenge you have been battl<strong>in</strong>g for a very<br />

long time is constant worries, some times, necessarily<br />

and the other time, uncalled for, as <strong>in</strong>dicated by conjunction<br />

Mercury and Saturn formed when you were<br />

born.<br />

Placement of your natal Sun (basic self head) and<br />

Moon (your sub conscious self) <strong>in</strong> Scorpio and Libra<br />

respectively are <strong>in</strong>dications of your be<strong>in</strong>g ma<strong>in</strong>ly Scorpio<br />

born person and partly <strong>in</strong> Libran. And that is to say<br />

basic characteristics of both Scorpio and Libra are highly<br />

pronounced <strong>in</strong> you.<br />

Then, you are spiritually gifted; if you don’t develop<br />

it is another th<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

VIRGINIA<br />

HOME & ABROAD<br />

dadadekola@yahoo.com<br />

By Lawrence Akapa


Y<br />

K<br />

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016—33<br />

:Vanguard News :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058<br />

Massive oil spill reported at Ekole Creek,<br />

Bayelsa<br />

By Samuel Oyadongha<br />

YENAGOA—A<br />

massive<br />

oil spill has been reported<br />

at Ekole Creek, around Agbura<br />

and Otuokpoti communities <strong>in</strong><br />

Yenagoa and Ogbia Local<br />

Government Areas of Bayelsa<br />

State.<br />

The spill, which, accord<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

sources, resulted from a leak from<br />

an oilfield operated by Nigeria<br />

Agip Oil Company, NAOC, has<br />

destroyed farmlands and aquatic<br />

lives <strong>in</strong> the communities.<br />

An <strong>in</strong>digene of Otuokpoti, Mrs.<br />

Cecilia Osa<strong>in</strong>, claimed that the<br />

spillage had adversely affected<br />

fish<strong>in</strong>g activities <strong>in</strong> the river.<br />

Accord<strong>in</strong>g to her, those who<br />

went fish<strong>in</strong>g came back with no<br />

catch as crude oil had forced the<br />

fish, crayfish, shrimps and other<br />

aquatic lives away <strong>in</strong>to the high<br />

seas beyond the reach of artisanal<br />

fishermen.<br />

Osa<strong>in</strong> added: “Bath<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the<br />

river is no longer safe for residents<br />

as those who did compla<strong>in</strong>ed of<br />

itch<strong>in</strong>g all over their bodies. We<br />

rely on the creek for water for<br />

dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g and domestic use.”<br />

Meanwhile, the people of<br />

Otuokpoti community have<br />

appealed to the state government<br />

to provide relief materials to<br />

mitigate their suffer<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

In a letter by the paramount<br />

A-Ibom govt partners <strong>in</strong>vestors to develop $6bn jetty<br />

By Dennis Udoma<br />

UYO—AKWA Ibom State<br />

Government is to partner<br />

private <strong>in</strong>vestors to develop a $6<br />

billion harbour that will serve as<br />

logistics base for oil and gas<br />

operations.<br />

Senior Special Assistant, SSA,<br />

to Governor Udom Emmanuel on<br />

Petroleum Matters, Essien<br />

Esema, dropped the h<strong>in</strong>t, dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />

an <strong>in</strong>spection visit to the site of<br />

the proposed harbour project at<br />

Ikot Abasi Local Government<br />

Area.<br />

He disclosed that no fewer than<br />

three private <strong>in</strong>vestors had shown<br />

their read<strong>in</strong>ess to build a world<br />

class harbour <strong>in</strong> the state, say<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the harbour, on completion, would<br />

serve as logistics and supplies<br />

centre with jetties for oil and gas<br />

activities, wait<strong>in</strong>g lounge,<br />

warehouses, helipad and office<br />

complex.<br />

Esema contended that the<br />

absence of jetties <strong>in</strong> the state was<br />

one of the reasons Exxon-Mobil<br />

and its subsidiary companies<br />

carried out most oil and gas<br />

activities from Onne <strong>in</strong> Rivers<br />

State because the maritime<br />

potentials of the state had not<br />

been fully tapped.<br />

He said: “Governor Emmanuel<br />

is very much <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> this<br />

project.<br />

I came with some officials from<br />

the Nigerian Maritime<br />

Adm<strong>in</strong>istration and Safety<br />

Agency, NIMASA, to see how the<br />

ruler, Chief Cous<strong>in</strong> Wongo and<br />

Chairman, Community<br />

Development Committee,<br />

Simpson Isikpi, the community<br />

noted that the spillage which<br />

polluted the entire river had<br />

negatively affected the economic<br />

life of the people as the river<br />

serves as a major source of<br />

<strong>in</strong>come to members of the<br />

community.<br />

“We cannot dr<strong>in</strong>k the water, we<br />

Omo-Agege bemoans relegation of Urhobo<br />

ethnic nationality<br />

By Festus Ahon<br />

ASABA—THE senator<br />

represent<strong>in</strong>g Delta<br />

Central Senatorial District at<br />

the National Assembly,<br />

Senator Ovie Omo-Agege,<br />

has said the Urhobo ethnic<br />

nationality has been relegated<br />

to the fr<strong>in</strong>ges of politics of the<br />

state and the country, feed<strong>in</strong>g<br />

off the crumbs of other ethnic<br />

nationalities.<br />

Omo-Agege, who spoke<br />

dur<strong>in</strong>g the Urhobo Youths<br />

Summit, said: “We should<br />

know and never forget that we<br />

were created for greatness. By<br />

our own actions and <strong>in</strong>actions,<br />

we have brought the Urhobo<br />

nation to its knees,<br />

marg<strong>in</strong>alised and relegated to<br />

the background, denied its<br />

rightful place <strong>in</strong> the socioeconomic<br />

and political<br />

equation of our country and<br />

weakened.”<br />

cannot bathe <strong>in</strong> the river, our<br />

aquatic life such as fish and<br />

animals are dy<strong>in</strong>g. We appeal<br />

to the relevant authorities to<br />

come to our aid,” they pleaded.<br />

They also appealed for the<br />

immediate clean-up of the river<br />

to enable the people resume<br />

their fish<strong>in</strong>g activities.<br />

Also, spokesperson of the<br />

youth w<strong>in</strong>g of Ogbia<br />

Brotherhood, Lamawal Wilfred,<br />

called on operators of the<br />

affected pipel<strong>in</strong>e to send experts<br />

to ascerta<strong>in</strong> the cause of the<br />

leak.<br />

He urged NAOC to prevent<br />

further pollution of the river.<br />

When contacted as at press<br />

time, Mr Filippo Cotal<strong>in</strong>ni,<br />

Media Relations Manager, at<br />

Eni, parent company of NAOC<br />

said, “we will get back to you<br />

as soon as possible.”<br />

VISIT: From left: Ambassador-General of Keep the City Beautiful Society of Nigeria,<br />

KCBSN, Sylvanus Ebomuche and Edo State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists,<br />

NUJ, Comrade Rolland Osakwe, when members of the KCBSN paid a courtesy visit to<br />

Edo NUJ leadership, yesterday.<br />

state can enjoy full operations<br />

of the agency here. This harbour<br />

will boost employment of our<br />

people <strong>in</strong> the seafar<strong>in</strong>g and<br />

stevedor<strong>in</strong>g bus<strong>in</strong>esses at the<br />

port”.<br />

Chief Maritime Labour Officer,<br />

NIMASA, Mr Lawal Abdullahi,<br />

said Akwa Ibom hav<strong>in</strong>g been<br />

blessed with vast maritime<br />

potentials and other resources<br />

rema<strong>in</strong>ed untapped.<br />

He lamented that the state had<br />

no registered and recognised<br />

jetty, po<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g out that, NIMASA<br />

was aware of some illegal jetties<br />

be<strong>in</strong>g operated by unregistered<br />

operators.<br />

While thank<strong>in</strong>g the people<br />

for the trust they bestowed on<br />

him with abid<strong>in</strong>g faith <strong>in</strong> the<br />

ideals of their forebears, and<br />

m<strong>in</strong>dful of the leadership<br />

responsibilities of Urhobo<br />

nation as the largest ethnic<br />

group <strong>in</strong> Delta State and fifth<br />

largest <strong>in</strong> Nigeria, he said:<br />

“Throughout history, nations<br />

that have come together to<br />

“The state has very vast<br />

potentials and lots of untapped<br />

maritime resources. NIMASA is<br />

<strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> expand<strong>in</strong>g its<br />

operational office here. Today’s<br />

visit is an eye opener and we<br />

have seen the illegality and<br />

revenue leakages go<strong>in</strong>g on<br />

here,” he said.<br />

work for a common goal have<br />

succeeded <strong>in</strong> develop<strong>in</strong>g their<br />

people and communities. In<br />

recent times Urhobos have not<br />

worked together. In the runoff<br />

to 2015 election, the<br />

leadership of the Urhobo<br />

Progress Union, UPU, the<br />

umbrella body of the Urhobo<br />

was factionalised due to<br />

disagreements."<br />

Utuama, Manager, others for<br />

Iniovosa’s Book launch Nov 6<br />

SENATOR<br />

James<br />

Manager, Professor<br />

Amos Utuama, former<br />

Deputy Governor of Delta<br />

State, Chief Dennis Omovie,<br />

Chief Steve Eruotor, and Mr<br />

Joseph Ogeh, are among<br />

dignitaries expected at the<br />

public presentation of the<br />

book, Through The Eye of An<br />

Insider.<br />

Hold<strong>in</strong>g on November 6,<br />

2016, at Best Western<br />

Wetland<br />

Hotel,<br />

Orhuwhorun, Udu Local<br />

Government Area of Delta<br />

State, the book is authored<br />

by 20 years old, Miss Rukky<br />

Iniovosa, an English and<br />

Literary Studies graduate of<br />

Benson Idahosa University.<br />

APC<br />

celebrates<br />

Oshiomhole’s<br />

achievement<br />

By Lucky Oji<br />

THE<br />

South-South<br />

zone of All<br />

Progressives Congress,<br />

APC, will on November 6,<br />

celebrate the outgo<strong>in</strong>g<br />

governor of Edo State,<br />

Comrade Adams<br />

Oshiomhole, at a colloquium<br />

and send-off d<strong>in</strong>ner <strong>in</strong><br />

honour of his remarkable<br />

achievements <strong>in</strong> office.<br />

The dual event, which is<br />

scheduled for the Best<br />

Western Home Ville Hotel <strong>in</strong><br />

Ben<strong>in</strong> City, is com<strong>in</strong>g one<br />

week to the end of the twoterm<br />

governor’s tenure.<br />

Accord<strong>in</strong>g to a statement by<br />

the organis<strong>in</strong>g committee,<br />

chaired by a former Deputy<br />

Speaker of the House of<br />

Representatives, Chibudom<br />

Nwuche, Governor<br />

Oshiomhole deserved<br />

accolades for his monumental<br />

achievements, which<br />

<strong>in</strong>cluded massive<br />

construction of roads,<br />

rehabilitation and build<strong>in</strong>g of<br />

schools, provision of potable<br />

water, health facilities and<br />

employment generation.<br />

Former Central Bank of<br />

Nigeria, CBN, Governor and<br />

Emir of Kano, Muhammadu<br />

Sanusi II, will deliver the<br />

keynote address titled: “Well<br />

Done Worthy Servant.”<br />

Dignitaries expected at the<br />

event <strong>in</strong>clude President<br />

Muhammadu Buhari, Vice<br />

President Yemi Os<strong>in</strong>bajo, all<br />

state governors as well as all<br />

m<strong>in</strong>isters from the South<br />

South zone.<br />

Madam<br />

Futughe for<br />

burial<br />

MADAM<br />

Ekpeogharandure<br />

Futughe of Iweroko and<br />

Ameren families is dead,<br />

aged 81.<br />

Interment takes place<br />

November 5 at Egbe<br />

Futughe family<br />

compound, Obitie-Egbe,<br />

Koko, Delta State.<br />

She is survived by 10<br />

children, 19 grand<br />

children and five greatgrandchildren,<br />

among<br />

who is Mr Okofu Ubaka<br />

Omamuli.<br />

Late Madam Futughe<br />

C


C<br />

M<br />

Y<br />

K<br />

34 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016<br />

:Vanguard News :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058<br />

Cancer deaths among women to rise 60% by 2030—REPORTS<br />

By Gabriel Olawale,<br />

with agency report<br />

REPORTS from American<br />

Cancer Society and Lancet<br />

Studies have warned of an<br />

explosion <strong>in</strong> cancer deaths<br />

among women, with a toll,<br />

ma<strong>in</strong>ly from breast cancer, of<br />

around 5.5 million a year by<br />

2030 —roughly the population<br />

of Denmark.<br />

This represented a near 60 per<br />

cent <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> less than two<br />

decades, states an analysis<br />

conducted by the American<br />

Cancer Society, ACS, released<br />

on Tuesday at the World Cancer<br />

Congress <strong>in</strong> Paris.<br />

As the global population<br />

grows and ages, the highest toll<br />

will be among women <strong>in</strong> poor<br />

and middle-<strong>in</strong>come countries it<br />

Ogwemoh<br />

shortlisted for<br />

Law Digest<br />

Africa awards<br />

By Bartholomew<br />

Madukwe<br />

A<br />

practitioner of<br />

Arbitration and<br />

Mediation, Mrs Priscilla<br />

Ogwemoh, has been<br />

shortlisted for this year’s<br />

Law Digest Africa Awards<br />

hold<strong>in</strong>g today <strong>in</strong> Victoria<br />

Island, Lagos.<br />

Priscilla, who for several<br />

years was Editor of the<br />

Maritime Newsletter, serves<br />

as the Director of the OA&A<br />

Arbitration and Mediation<br />

Centre and is a Fellow of<br />

the Chartered Institute of<br />

Arbitrators of Nigeria.<br />

She was shortlisted <strong>in</strong> two<br />

categories: Manag<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Partner of the Year and<br />

Female Manag<strong>in</strong>g Partner<br />

of the Year.<br />

Priscilla is an active<br />

member of the International<br />

Bar Association, IBA, and<br />

a member of the Nigerian<br />

Bar Association Section on<br />

Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Law, NBA-SBL.<br />

Vanguard gathered that<br />

she was accredited as a<br />

mediator by UK Centre for<br />

Effective Dispute<br />

Resolution, CEDR-UK, and<br />

is a member of the<br />

Negotiation and Conflict<br />

Management Group,<br />

NCMG, and Legal Adviser<br />

to the Institute of Chartered<br />

Mediators and<br />

Conciliators, ICMC.<br />

Speak<strong>in</strong>g about Law<br />

Digest Africa Awards, a<br />

former Attorney General of<br />

the Federation, AGF, Chief<br />

Adebayo Ojo (SAN), stated<br />

that the event is a new<br />

concept <strong>in</strong> recognis<strong>in</strong>g and<br />

honour<strong>in</strong>g excellence <strong>in</strong> the<br />

African legal services<br />

market, by admitt<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

contributions of <strong>in</strong>dividual<br />

lawyers, law firms and <strong>in</strong>house<br />

teams.<br />

said, with much of it from<br />

cancers which are largely<br />

preventable.<br />

The highest ratio of cancer<br />

cases per population group are<br />

still reported <strong>in</strong> high-<strong>in</strong>come<br />

countries <strong>in</strong> Europe, the<br />

Americas and Asia, but this<br />

was partly due to better access<br />

to screen<strong>in</strong>g and detection.<br />

Deaths, however, were<br />

proportionally much higher <strong>in</strong><br />

low and middle-<strong>in</strong>come<br />

countries with reduced access<br />

to diagnosis and treatment.<br />

The countries with the highest<br />

death rates were Zimbabwe,<br />

Malawi, Kenya, Mongolia and<br />

Papua New Gu<strong>in</strong>ea.<br />

Breast and lung cancer are<br />

the two most common types <strong>in</strong><br />

both rich and poor nations,<br />

with colorectal cancer the<br />

number three killer <strong>in</strong><br />

developed countries and<br />

cervical cancer <strong>in</strong> lessdeveloped<br />

ones.<br />

ETISALAT DONATES TO IDPs: Governor Muhammad B<strong>in</strong>dow of Adamawa<br />

State (left) receiv<strong>in</strong>g mattresses for <strong>in</strong>ternally-displaced persons, IDPs’ camps from Head,<br />

Government and Community Relations, Etisalat Nigeria, Muhammed Suleh-Yusuf (right), <strong>in</strong><br />

Yola, Adamawa State.<br />

HRW Report: IG raises team<br />

to probe sexual abuse of IDPs<br />

INSPECTOR General of<br />

Police, Ibrahim Idris, has<br />

set up a special <strong>in</strong>vestigation<br />

team to immediately probe all<br />

cases of alleged sexual abuses,<br />

exploitation, harassments,<br />

gender-based violence and<br />

professional misconduct on<br />

Internally Displaced Persons,<br />

IDPs, <strong>in</strong> some North-East<br />

states.<br />

Recall that a report published<br />

by Human Rights Watch<br />

alleged these offences aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />

camp officials, vigilante<br />

groups, soldiers and<br />

policemen, among others.<br />

A statement from Force<br />

SOKOTO—VICE President<br />

Yemi Os<strong>in</strong>bajo has<br />

described the Sultan of Sokoto,<br />

Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III as a<br />

worthy scion of his forefathers.<br />

Os<strong>in</strong>bajo’s declaration came<br />

as the Sultan advocated a<br />

national security summit of all<br />

stakeholders to bra<strong>in</strong>storm on<br />

the contemporary challenges<br />

affect<strong>in</strong>g Nigeria.<br />

Os<strong>in</strong>bajo spoke yesterday <strong>in</strong><br />

Sokoto when he declared open<br />

an International Symposium<br />

on the Sokoto Caliphate.<br />

He said: “The Sokoto<br />

Caliphate was founded over<br />

200 years ago on the sterl<strong>in</strong>g<br />

pr<strong>in</strong>ciples of honesty, piety,<br />

good governance and<br />

truthfulness, among others.<br />

Headquarters by Force Public<br />

Relations Officer, DCP Don<br />

Awunah, said: “The IGP, who<br />

is irrevocably committed to the<br />

protection of all Nigerians,<br />

especially vulnerable group<br />

such as <strong>in</strong>ternally-displaced<br />

persons, IDPs, has expressed<br />

concern over the submissions<br />

<strong>in</strong> the report and has directed<br />

the Special Investigation Panel<br />

to carry out a discreet and<br />

unbiased <strong>in</strong>vestigation <strong>in</strong>to all<br />

the cases of abuse and<br />

misconduct alleged <strong>in</strong> the<br />

report.<br />

“However, the IGP called on<br />

Human Rights Watch officials<br />

“The <strong>in</strong>tellectual endeavours<br />

of the found<strong>in</strong>g fathers of the<br />

caliphate on theology and<br />

jurisprudence, among others,<br />

were relevant now as they<br />

were then.”<br />

The Vice President stressed<br />

the need for social justice,<br />

say<strong>in</strong>g that its absence always<br />

leads to chaos, not<strong>in</strong>g that the<br />

Sultan had cont<strong>in</strong>ued <strong>in</strong> the<br />

path of his forefathers.<br />

Gov Tambuwal<br />

Governor Am<strong>in</strong>u Tambuwal<br />

of Sokoto State also described<br />

the Sultan as an <strong>in</strong>tellectuallyendowed<br />

leader, commend<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the Sultan for his susta<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

moral and royal support to his<br />

adm<strong>in</strong>istration, stat<strong>in</strong>g “you<br />

to avail the team more facts<br />

that will assist <strong>in</strong>vestigation<br />

<strong>in</strong>to the alleged 43 cases<br />

mentioned <strong>in</strong> the report.<br />

“The IGP also directed<br />

Commissioners of Police, <strong>in</strong><br />

locations where IDP camps<br />

are situated, to beef up<br />

security and ensure adequate<br />

safety of all IDPs.<br />

“The Nigeria Police Force<br />

assures Nigerians and the<br />

<strong>in</strong>ternational community that<br />

it will not condone acts that<br />

violate the human dignity of<br />

IDPs by <strong>in</strong>dividuals or group<br />

of persons <strong>in</strong> the IDP camps<br />

or anywhere <strong>in</strong> the country.”<br />

Sultan, worthy scion of his forefathers— Os<strong>in</strong>bajo<br />

•...as Sultan calls for national security summit<br />

are not only a bridge builder,<br />

but the bridge itself.”<br />

The celebrant, the Sultan<br />

advocated a national security<br />

summit of all stakeholders to<br />

bra<strong>in</strong>storm on most of the<br />

contemporary challenges<br />

affect<strong>in</strong>g the country.<br />

Abubakar III, who is also the<br />

President, Jamaatul Nasril<br />

Islam, JNI, said that these<br />

press<strong>in</strong>g challenges should be<br />

discussed at the proposed<br />

summit, as they threaten the<br />

corporate existence of<br />

Nigeria.<br />

He underscored the need for<br />

Nigerians to live peacefully<br />

with one another, irrespective<br />

of religious, political and<br />

ethnic lean<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />

Taraba Varsity<br />

female students<br />

robbed<br />

By John Mkom<br />

J ALINGO—FEMALE<br />

students of Taraba State<br />

University have sent an SOS<br />

message to authorities <strong>in</strong> the<br />

state over cont<strong>in</strong>ued raid of<br />

their hostels by armed<br />

robbers.<br />

The students, who spoke to<br />

Vanguard at their hostels <strong>in</strong><br />

Jal<strong>in</strong>go, said robbers <strong>in</strong>vaded<br />

their hostels and carted away<br />

over 20 handsets, laptops<br />

and over N700,000.<br />

Act<strong>in</strong>g Vice Chancellor of<br />

the university, Professor<br />

Cather<strong>in</strong>e Musa, confirmed<br />

the <strong>in</strong>cident, describ<strong>in</strong>g it as<br />

an act of theft.<br />

She said the matter was<br />

reported to her office and<br />

blamed the <strong>in</strong>security <strong>in</strong> the<br />

<strong>in</strong>stitution on the absence of<br />

perimeter fenc<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

Niger govt<br />

declares state<br />

of emergency<br />

on health<br />

By Wole Mosadomi<br />

M INNA—GOVERNOR<br />

Abubakar Bello of<br />

Niger State has declared a<br />

state of emergency on health<br />

<strong>in</strong> the state, a move that<br />

followed his unscheduled<br />

visit to M<strong>in</strong>na General<br />

Hospital and other health<br />

facilities <strong>in</strong> the state recently.<br />

State Commissioner for<br />

Health and Hospital<br />

Services, Dr. Mustapha<br />

Jubril, said aside from the<br />

decision to provide modern<br />

<strong>in</strong>frastructure, the<br />

remuneration of the health<br />

workers would also be looked<br />

<strong>in</strong>to to allow them discharge<br />

their official duties with ease.<br />

He said the overhaul<strong>in</strong>g<br />

will cost N2 billion and the<br />

state would pay N160 million<br />

above the current salary of<br />

health workers.<br />

Passage<br />

MADAM Grace Ekefre,<br />

alias Unwa Ikpe, 85, of<br />

Ikot Akata <strong>in</strong> Mkpaten<strong>in</strong><br />

LGA, Akwa Ibom State, is<br />

dead. She died on August 1.<br />

Service of songs is at her<br />

residence <strong>in</strong> Abule Egba,<br />

Lagos. Interment is on<br />

November 11 at the Covenant<br />

Cemetery, Ogun State, after<br />

funeral service at the Youth’s<br />

Chapel, Canaan Land, Otta,<br />

Ogun State.


C<br />

M<br />

YK<br />

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016 — 35


36—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016<br />

DAIRY FOR DEVT: From left— Director, Animal Production and<br />

Husbandry Services, M<strong>in</strong>istry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Egejuru<br />

Eze; Programme Coord<strong>in</strong>ator, Care Denmark, Rolf Hernoe; Senior Consultant,<br />

Danish Agriculture and Food Council, Anne Sofie Munk Kruse, and Vice<br />

Chairman, Arla Foods, Jan Toft Noergaard, at the Milky Way to Development<br />

roundtable on dairy value cha<strong>in</strong> development <strong>in</strong> West Africa, <strong>in</strong> Abuja.<br />

VISIT: M<strong>in</strong>ister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed (right)<br />

receiv<strong>in</strong>g a collection of v<strong>in</strong>tage music s<strong>in</strong>ce 1914 from Chairman of Evergreen<br />

Music Ltd., Chief Femi Esho, dur<strong>in</strong>g a courtesy call on the m<strong>in</strong>ister <strong>in</strong> Abuja.<br />

NCC/ NFVCB: From left— Director Operations, National Film & Video<br />

Censors Board, NFVCB, Mr. Cornel Agim; Director General, NFVCB, Ms.<br />

Patricia Bala; Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications<br />

Commission, NCC, Professor Umar Danbatta, and his Chief of Staff, Mr.<br />

Usman Mallah, dur<strong>in</strong>g a visit to the NCC.<br />

IN HONOUR OF BRUME: Senator Ovie Omo-Agege (3rd right);<br />

late Senator Fred Brume's first child, Mrs Blessyn Brume-Ataguba (right); Ovie<br />

of Udu K<strong>in</strong>gdom, HRM Owhorhu I (middle) and other guests at Brume's fifth<br />

memorial and commission<strong>in</strong>g of the Brume Memorial Science Laboratory<br />

donated by the family to Ubogo Secondary School, Udu LGA, Delta State.<br />

WORLD SAVINGS DAY: From left—Pr<strong>in</strong>cipal, Mrs. Olufunmilayo<br />

Okeowo; Senior Prefect, Oluwaseun Omotayo; Assistant Senior Prefect, Mary<br />

Aigboje, all of New Era Girls Secondary, Surulere, and CFO, Rand Merchant<br />

Bank Nigeria, Adebayo Ajayi, dur<strong>in</strong>g 2016 World Sav<strong>in</strong>gs Day campaign<br />

organised by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.<br />

DUFIL SCHOLARSHIP: From left—Coord<strong>in</strong>ator, Dufil M.SC<br />

Nutrition Scholarship, Professor Babatunde Oguntona; Group Public Relations<br />

and Event Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju; FUNAAB student,<br />

John Ebenezer, and Indomie Brand Manager, Amber Yadav, dur<strong>in</strong>g the cheque<br />

presentation to scholarship awardees <strong>in</strong> Lagos. PHOTO: Akeem Salau.<br />

BUILDING MART: From left— Director-General, Land and Lands,<br />

Imo State, Chief Basil Ugwunga; Branch Manager, Universal Insurance, Mr.<br />

David Okolie, and Head, Technical Universal Insurance, Mr. Ben Ujoatuonu, at<br />

the launch of ALM Buildmart’s Eastern Properties website <strong>in</strong> Owerri.<br />

EMZOR PARA: From left— Chief Michael Odogwu; Mr. Ukah Johnson<br />

of Ikon Pharmaceutical Nig. Ltd.; Mr. & Mrs Ar<strong>in</strong>ze Ezeobi of Ar<strong>in</strong>izeson<br />

Pharmaceutical Ltd., and GMD/ CEO, Emzor Pharmaceutical Ltd., Dr. Stella<br />

Okoli, dur<strong>in</strong>g the unveill<strong>in</strong>g of Emzor Para 1000 <strong>in</strong> Lagos. PHOTO: Diran Oshe.


Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016—37<br />

SHOWUNMI<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as<br />

Showunmi Adedoy<strong>in</strong><br />

Oluwatunm<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>u, now<br />

wish to be known and<br />

addressed as<br />

Showunmi Adedoy<strong>in</strong>-<br />

Olalere. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

vaild. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

OLUGBUYI<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as<br />

Olugbuyi Adewunmi<br />

Juliet, now wish to be<br />

known and addressed<br />

as Okesanya<br />

Adewunmi Juliet. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> vaild. General<br />

public please take note.<br />

OKONKW<br />

ONKWO<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Okonkwo Nkechi<br />

Cynthia now wish to<br />

be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs.<br />

Opara Nkechi<br />

Cynthia. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

vaild. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

EZE<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Eze Ifey<strong>in</strong>wa Rachel,<br />

now wish to be known<br />

and addressed as Mrs.<br />

Eze Ifey<strong>in</strong>wa Rachel.<br />

All former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> vaild. General<br />

public please take note.<br />

EMMANUEL<br />

Addition of Name<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as<br />

Emmanuel Bernard,<br />

now wish to be known<br />

and addressed as<br />

Emmanuel Bernard<br />

Nwankwor. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

NASIRU<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Nasiru<br />

Ali Victor, now wish to<br />

be known and<br />

addressed as Oyofo<br />

Ali Victor. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

vaild. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

NJOKU<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Njoku<br />

Chibiko Henry, now<br />

wish to be known and<br />

addressed as<br />

Okwukamma Chibiko<br />

Henry. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

vaild. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

AINA<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

A<strong>in</strong>a Omolara<br />

Hannah, now wish to<br />

be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs.<br />

Adeniyi Omolara<br />

Favour. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. The general<br />

public should please<br />

take note.<br />

NNADI<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Nnadi Francesca<br />

Chid<strong>in</strong>ma, now wish to<br />

be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs.<br />

Chukwuma Francesca<br />

Chid<strong>in</strong>ma. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

AKPOTU<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Akpotu Bridget Gare,<br />

now wish to be known<br />

and addressed as Mrs.<br />

James Bridget Gare.<br />

All documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

ANN<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as<br />

Otarighotare Oghenetega<br />

Ann, now wish to be<br />

known and address as<br />

Oghenetega Okiemute<br />

Ann Oveya. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong> valid.<br />

Delta State M<strong>in</strong>istry of<br />

Education, Faith<br />

Academy Ben<strong>in</strong> City and<br />

the general public should<br />

please take note.<br />

SUSSANA<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Ugbozighe Sussana<br />

Uzazomiaro, now wish<br />

to be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs.<br />

Edherue Sussana<br />

Uzazomiro. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

OMOVIYE<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Janet Idoloigho<br />

Omoviye, now wish to<br />

be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs<br />

Janet Idoloigho<br />

Onothoja. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

RITA<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Rita Ibiso Iketubos<strong>in</strong>,<br />

now wish to be known<br />

and addressed as Mrs.<br />

Rita Ibiso Obire. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. General<br />

public please take<br />

note.<br />

OKOR<br />

ORO<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Okoro Precious<br />

Omenogor, now wish<br />

to be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs.<br />

Awuje Precious<br />

Omenogor. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

OKEZIE<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Mrs<br />

Okezie Ch<strong>in</strong>onso<br />

Lucy, now wish to be<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Anyikwa Ch<strong>in</strong>onso<br />

Lucy. All document<br />

bear<strong>in</strong>g former names<br />

rema<strong>in</strong>s valid. General<br />

Public please take note.<br />

MOGAHA<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Mogaha Stella Ekwi,<br />

now wish to be known<br />

and addressed as Mrs.<br />

Ogana Azuka Stella<br />

Ekwi. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

SHOBOWALE<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Abimbola Shobowale,<br />

now wish to be known<br />

and addressed as Mrs.<br />

Victoria Abimbola<br />

Atunrase. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

OK<br />

OVUERHI<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Ovuerhi Yellow, now<br />

wish to be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs.<br />

Koledjo Yellow. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> vaild. General<br />

public please take note.<br />

ATAND<br />

ANDA<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as<br />

Oresanya Mojeed<br />

Atanda, now wish to<br />

be known and<br />

addressed as<br />

Oresanya Mojeed<br />

Jimoh. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

ADENUGA<br />

Confirmation of Name<br />

This is to confirm that the<br />

name Obisanya Adenuga,<br />

Obisanya Adenuga<br />

Samuel and Obisanya<br />

Damilare Samuel refer to<br />

one and same person,<br />

now wish to be known<br />

and addressed as<br />

Obisanya Adenuga. All<br />

former documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

BADEMOSI<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Mrs.<br />

Bademosi Folake, now<br />

wish to be known and<br />

address as Mrs.<br />

Bademosi Folake<br />

Stella. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. The general<br />

public should please<br />

take note.<br />

SADO<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Sado Mariam<br />

Ekemeiren, now wish<br />

to be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs.<br />

Nwoko Mariam<br />

Ekemeiren. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

GLORIA<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Gloria Chioma<br />

Umeafulike, now wish<br />

to be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs.<br />

Gloria Chioma<br />

Ikechukwu Egbuna.<br />

All former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. General<br />

public please take note.<br />

ADEFEMI<br />

I, formerly known as<br />

Adefemi Abimbola<br />

Atilade now wish to be<br />

known and addressed as<br />

Mrs Adefemi Abimbola<br />

Ola. All former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. Seplat<br />

Petroleum Development<br />

Company Plc, Nigerian<br />

Immigration Service,<br />

Embassies, and general<br />

public please take note.<br />

BUSARI<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Busari<br />

Mariam Feyishike,<br />

now wish to be known<br />

and addressed as<br />

Afolabi Mariam<br />

Feyishike. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

ONYEBUCHI<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Mr.<br />

Okoh Moses<br />

Onyebuchi, now wish<br />

to be known and<br />

addressed as Mr.<br />

Okoh Moses. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. General<br />

Public please take<br />

note.<br />

OGUNBAJO<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Ogunbajo Oluwatos<strong>in</strong><br />

Adenike, now wish to<br />

be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs.<br />

Awodani Oluwatos<strong>in</strong><br />

Adenike. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

FAJENY<br />

AJENYO<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Fajenyo Abiola<br />

Rebecca, now wish to<br />

be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs.<br />

Ak<strong>in</strong>tayo A. S.<br />

Rebecca. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. First Bank of<br />

Nigeria Plc and<br />

general public please<br />

take note.<br />

OSAYANDE<br />

ANDE<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Osayande Mercy, now<br />

wish to be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs.<br />

Okoro Mercy. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. General<br />

public please take note.<br />

NWANKUDU<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Nwankudu Uzoamaka<br />

Joy, now wish to be<br />

known and addressed<br />

as Mrs. Ojumah<br />

Uzoamaka Joy. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. Abia<br />

State University, Uturu<br />

and general public,<br />

please take note.<br />

EYEOWA<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Eyeowa Abisola Peace,<br />

now wish to be known<br />

and addressed as Mrs.<br />

Obasa Abisola Peace.<br />

All former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. General<br />

public please take note.<br />

OLUW<br />

UWAYEMI<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

O d u g b e s a n<br />

O l u w a t o y i n<br />

Oluwayemi, now wish<br />

to be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs.<br />

John Oduyemi<br />

Oluwatoy<strong>in</strong>. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

IKPEKA<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Ikpeka Joan Amarachi,<br />

now wish to be known<br />

and addressed as Mrs.<br />

Igbokwe Joan<br />

Amarachi. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

OKONKW<br />

ONKWO<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Okonkwo Ch<strong>in</strong>yere<br />

Anthonia, now wish to<br />

be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs.<br />

Oloko Ch<strong>in</strong>yere<br />

Anthonia. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

REMIGIUS<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as<br />

Remigius Uche<br />

Onyedika, now wish to<br />

be known and<br />

addressed as<br />

Onyedika Uchenna<br />

Remigius. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.


38—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016<br />

ADISHI<br />

I, formerly known<br />

called and addressed<br />

as Miss Adishi<br />

Nkemjika, now wish to<br />

be known called and<br />

addressed as Mrs<br />

Omayeka Nkemjika.<br />

All documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

OLUFEMI<br />

I, formerly Miss Bunmi<br />

Carol<strong>in</strong>e Olufemi, now<br />

wish to be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs Bunmi<br />

Carol<strong>in</strong>e Ogunjobi. All<br />

former documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. Ekiti State<br />

University Ado-Ekiti,<br />

Nigeria Civil Aviation<br />

Authority and the general<br />

public take note.<br />

AMOSUN<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as<br />

Oluwatoy<strong>in</strong> Amosun,<br />

now wish to be known<br />

and addressed as<br />

Oluwatoy<strong>in</strong> Oladiran.<br />

All former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> vaild. General<br />

public please take note.<br />

OGOLO<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Elekima Monday<br />

Ogolo, now wish to be<br />

known and addressed<br />

as Mrs. Elekima<br />

Alfred Imoni. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. General<br />

public please take note.<br />

OKORIE<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss Okorie<br />

Ez<strong>in</strong>ne Peace, now wish to<br />

be known and addressed<br />

as Dr. (Mrs) Chika Ez<strong>in</strong>ne<br />

Peace. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong> valid.<br />

Ebonyi State University,<br />

Nigeria Medical and<br />

Dental Council, NYSC and<br />

general public please take<br />

note.<br />

UKWAYA<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Mercy Ukwaya, now<br />

wish to be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs.<br />

Mercy Akpofure. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. General<br />

public please take note.<br />

MUSA<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Musa O.<br />

Sule, now wish to be<br />

known and addressed<br />

as Musa Sule. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid, UBA and<br />

the general public to<br />

take note.<br />

UTIEYIN<br />

I, formerly known<br />

called and addressed<br />

as Miss Utiey<strong>in</strong> Anita<br />

Eyela, now wish to be<br />

known called and<br />

addressed as Mrs<br />

Nemi Anita Eyela. All<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

OBIENE<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Obiene<br />

Victory, now wish to be<br />

known and addressed<br />

as Obiene Victory<br />

Alamu.<br />

All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. FCMB,<br />

First bank and general<br />

public please take note.<br />

OKONMAH<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Okonmah Bridget,<br />

now wish to be known<br />

and addressed as Mrs<br />

Obonodi Bridget<br />

Nwakego. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

OJI<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Mrs. Oji<br />

Ochuko, now wish to<br />

be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs.<br />

Timothy Ochuko. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. General<br />

public please take note.<br />

JOHN<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Obaka<br />

Samson John, now<br />

wish to be known and<br />

addressed as Obaka<br />

Samson Ekugbe. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. General<br />

public please take note.<br />

OSAZUWA<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as<br />

Osazuwa John<br />

Onyemaechi, now<br />

wish to be known and<br />

addressed as<br />

Osazuwa John<br />

Abraham. All<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. Eco Bank, and<br />

the General public<br />

please take note.<br />

CHANGE OF NAME<br />

LADAN ONOME EZEKWUBE OLUWASEGUN<br />

I, formerly known<br />

called and addressed<br />

as Miss Rakiya Ladan,<br />

now wish to be known<br />

called and addressed<br />

as Mrs Rakiya Zango.<br />

All documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

I, formerly known<br />

called and addressed<br />

as Miss Imonijevwe<br />

Nancy Onome, now<br />

wish to be known<br />

called and addressed<br />

as Mrs Anuna Nancy<br />

Onome.All documents<br />

bear<strong>in</strong>g my former<br />

name rema<strong>in</strong> valid.<br />

General public please<br />

take note.<br />

I, formerly known<br />

called and addressed<br />

as Miss Ezekwube<br />

Valent<strong>in</strong>a Ifeoma, now<br />

wish to be known<br />

called and addressed<br />

as Mrs Okpeki<br />

Valent<strong>in</strong>a Ifeoma.All<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as<br />

Oluwasegun Idowu<br />

Victor, now wish to be<br />

known and addressed<br />

as Idowu Olusegun<br />

Victor. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

BABATUNDE SELEPERE OBIANUJU IJE<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Faith<br />

Babatunde, now wish<br />

to be known and<br />

addressed as<br />

Eneware, Oy<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>epre<br />

Faith. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

vaild. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Selepere<br />

Ebimi, now wish to be<br />

known and addressed<br />

as Peter Ebimi. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> vaild. General<br />

public please take note.<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Akpudiogwu Obianuju<br />

Patricia, now wish to be<br />

known and addressed<br />

as Mrs. Aguwa<br />

Obianuju Patricia. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> vaild. General<br />

public please take note.<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss Ije<br />

Chimeruo Mercy, now<br />

wish to be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs.<br />

Njoku Mercy<br />

Chimeruo. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

vaild. NYSC and<br />

general public please<br />

take note.<br />

KARO OGOM URUDE PAMOSOO<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Onoyivweta Rosel<strong>in</strong>e<br />

Karo, now wish to be<br />

known and addressed<br />

as Mrs Agas Rosel<strong>in</strong>e<br />

Oghenekaro. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. General<br />

public please take<br />

note.<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Ogom Ambrose<br />

Eziudo Peace, now<br />

wish to be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs<br />

Okechukwu Eziudo<br />

Peace. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

I, formerly known,<br />

addressed and called<br />

as Miss Ewomaz<strong>in</strong>o<br />

Gloria Urude, now<br />

wish to be known,<br />

addressed and called<br />

as Mrs Ewomaz<strong>in</strong>o<br />

Gloria Odio. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

take note.<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Bumiegha Pamosoo,<br />

now wish to be known<br />

and addressed as Mrs.<br />

Bumiegha Kenneth<br />

Enienghan. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. Bayelsa State<br />

Civil Service<br />

Commission and<br />

general public please<br />

take note.<br />

PETER PHILIPSON OKI COLLINS<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Peter Funmilayo<br />

Patience, now wish to<br />

be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs.<br />

Olausi Patience<br />

Funmilayo. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Glory<br />

Lauretta Philipson,<br />

now wish to be known<br />

and addressed as Glory<br />

Lauretta Oluwash<strong>in</strong>a.<br />

All former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. General<br />

public please take note.<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss Oki<br />

Enajite Bridget and Miss<br />

Oki Enajite, now wish to<br />

be known and addressed<br />

as Mrs. Ofuoma Enajite<br />

Bridget. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong> valid.<br />

General public please take<br />

note.<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Coll<strong>in</strong>s<br />

O m o n i g h o<br />

Akpodiogaga, now<br />

wish to be known and<br />

addressed as Coll<strong>in</strong>s<br />

Omonigho Agbosa. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. General<br />

public please take note.<br />

YAWOTU JONATHAN OYEM EJEH<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Yawotu<br />

Samuel, now wish to<br />

be known and<br />

addressed as<br />

Amalonye Samuel. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. General<br />

public please take note.<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Jonathan<br />

Ometan, now wish to<br />

be known and<br />

addressed as Jacob<br />

Ometan. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Ch<strong>in</strong>edu Oyem, now<br />

wish to be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs.<br />

Ch<strong>in</strong>edu Vivian<br />

Ochonogor. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Helen Ejeh Ugboga,<br />

now wish to be known<br />

and addressed as Mrs.<br />

Helen Ugboga Orih<br />

Godw<strong>in</strong>. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

OMORERE IBHAFE ORIALA ONONUGBO<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Esther Oghenetega<br />

Omorere, now wish to<br />

be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs.<br />

Esther Oghenetega<br />

Amreich. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as<br />

Miss Comfort Ibhafe<br />

Inegbenebor, now<br />

wish to be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs.<br />

C o m f o r t<br />

Ibhafe Igb<strong>in</strong>osa. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. General<br />

public please take note.<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Gloria Chika Oriala,<br />

now wish to be known<br />

and addressed as<br />

Mrs. Gloria Chika<br />

Chikezie. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Mrs.<br />

Ononugbo Ch<strong>in</strong>we<br />

Calista (Nee Okwu),<br />

now wish to be known<br />

and addressed as Mrs.<br />

Kenneth Adonu<br />

Ch<strong>in</strong>we Calista. All<br />

documents carry<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the former name<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. General<br />

public please take<br />

note.<br />

OGWU AKPOBAJE EGBOJE AGBROKO EKI<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Ogwu Ifeanyi Franca,<br />

now wish to be known<br />

and addressed as Mrs.<br />

Franca Ifeanyi Anowa.<br />

All former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid, authority<br />

and the general public<br />

to take note.<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

A k p o b a y e<br />

Ogheneobruche Comfort,<br />

now wish to be known<br />

and addressed as Mrs.<br />

Jem<strong>in</strong>e Kimipriebi<br />

Comfort. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong> valid,<br />

any authority and the<br />

general public to take<br />

note.<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Afure Annette<br />

Egbodje, now wish to<br />

be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs.<br />

Afure Annette Adigwe.<br />

All former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid, any<br />

authority and the<br />

general public to take<br />

note.<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Ebruphiyo Steadfast<br />

Agbroko, now wish to<br />

be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs.<br />

Onoabedje Steadfast<br />

Ebruphiyo. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Eki<br />

Ruth, now wish to be<br />

known and addressed<br />

as Eki Ruth<br />

Oroweriodia. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid, any<br />

authority and the<br />

general public to take<br />

note.


LUKE<br />

IKENNA<br />

OJONE<br />

AKA<br />

OBAYI<br />

MAUREEN<br />

CHANGE OF NAME<br />

FATOYINBO<br />

We, formerly known and addressed as Fatoy<strong>in</strong>bo<br />

Oluwafemi Philip, Fatoy<strong>in</strong>bo Omolola Rachel,<br />

Fatoy<strong>in</strong>bo Oluwatobi Samuel, Fatoy<strong>in</strong>bo Inioluwa<br />

Peace, now wish to be known and addressed as<br />

Oluwagbemiro Oluwafemi Philip, Oluwagbemiro<br />

Omolola Rachel, Oluwagbemiro Oluwatobi<br />

Samuel, Oluwagbemiro Inioluwa Peace. All<br />

former documents rema<strong>in</strong> valid, any authority it<br />

may concern and the general public to take note.<br />

Reconciliation of Name<br />

This is to confirm that the<br />

names Luke Othman<br />

Chukwuka and Luke<br />

Othman Mornu refer to<br />

one and the same person,<br />

but now wish to be known<br />

and addressed as Luke<br />

Othman Chukwuka. All<br />

former documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Ikenna<br />

Stanley Onyemaechi,<br />

now wish to be known<br />

and address as<br />

Ikechukwu Israel<br />

Onyemaechi. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. The<br />

general public should<br />

please take note.<br />

Confirmation of Name<br />

This is to confirm that the<br />

name Elizabeth Ojone<br />

Idoko, Elizabeth Ojone<br />

Oddy and Pr<strong>in</strong>cess Liz<br />

Ojone Oddy refer to one<br />

and same person, now<br />

wish to be known and<br />

addressed as Pr<strong>in</strong>cess Liz<br />

Ojone Oddy. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong> valid.<br />

General public please take<br />

note.<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Chioma<br />

Aka, now wish to be<br />

known and addressed<br />

as Chioma Reg<strong>in</strong>a<br />

Onweaka. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Mrs<br />

Obayi Marth<strong>in</strong>a<br />

Nkechi, now wish to be<br />

known and addressed<br />

as Asogwa Marth<strong>in</strong>a<br />

Nkechi. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. New Capital<br />

School Asokoro Abuja<br />

and the general public<br />

please take note.<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as<br />

Eterivwirhe Maureen<br />

Ogagaoghene now<br />

wish to be known and<br />

addressed as<br />

Eterivwirhe Joy<br />

Ogagaoghen. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. General<br />

public please take note.<br />

NDAK<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Obimokum Ndak<br />

Belisa, now wish to be<br />

known and address as<br />

Mrs. Oare Ndak<br />

Belisa. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. The general<br />

public should please<br />

take note.<br />

ODUVWU<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Oduvwu<br />

Priscilla, now wish to<br />

be known and address<br />

as Mrs. Priscilla<br />

Esesiobe. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. The general<br />

public should please<br />

take note.<br />

OMEJE<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Obidike-<br />

Ugwu, Evelyn Omelebere<br />

wish to be known and<br />

addressed as Omeje,<br />

Evelyn Omelebere. All<br />

former documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. University of<br />

Nigeria Nsukka, Ahmedu<br />

Bello University, Zaria,<br />

Forest Research Institute<br />

of Nigeria, F<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />

Institutions and the<br />

general Public please take<br />

note.<br />

OBI<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Cynthia Ifeatu<br />

Chikaodili Obi, now<br />

wish to be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs<br />

Cynthia Ifeatu<br />

Chikaodili El<strong>in</strong>wa. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. General<br />

public please take<br />

note.<br />

OSEGBE<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Osegbe Florence<br />

Abosede, now wish to<br />

be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs<br />

Solomon-Eruata<br />

Florence Abosede, am<br />

also known as Solomon<br />

Florence Abosede. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. General<br />

public please take note.<br />

UYOH<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Uyoh Sandra<br />

Agoghene, now wish to<br />

be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs<br />

Edoja Sandra<br />

Agoghene. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

FAITH<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Faith Osariemen<br />

Osazemw<strong>in</strong>de, now<br />

wish to be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs.<br />

Faith Osariemen<br />

Enekorogha. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. General<br />

public please take note.<br />

DAGB<br />

GBA<br />

Confirmation of Names<br />

This is to confirm that all the names,<br />

Dagba Oritsewey<strong>in</strong>mi Lucky,<br />

Lucky Ogheneochuko Edjeresan,<br />

Edjeresan Dagba Lucky .O. Dudu<br />

Lucky Edjeresan And Dagba<br />

Oritesanoma Lucky as they appear<br />

<strong>in</strong> my various documents belong to<br />

one and the same person, now wish<br />

to be known and address as Dagba<br />

Oritsewey<strong>in</strong>mi Lucky. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong> valid. The<br />

general public should please take<br />

note.<br />

ALOSIBA<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Glory Alosiba Ch<strong>in</strong>asa,<br />

now wish to be known<br />

and address as Mrs.<br />

Glory Ch<strong>in</strong>asa<br />

Oghenero. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. The general<br />

public should please<br />

take note.<br />

EDEMAYIBO<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as<br />

Edemayibo Victor<br />

Oritsejolomisan, now<br />

wish to be known and<br />

address<br />

as<br />

Odounoghanro Victor<br />

Oritsejolomisan. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. The<br />

general public should<br />

please take note.<br />

NWANKA<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Nwanka Eunice<br />

Nwaugo, now wish to<br />

be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs<br />

Eunice Nwaugo<br />

Onyejieme. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

OLOWU<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Olowu<br />

Rita, now wish to be<br />

known and addressed<br />

as Onome Rita. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. General<br />

public to please take<br />

note.<br />

ANITA<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Adarighofua Anita<br />

Ifeanyi, now wish to be<br />

known and addressed<br />

as Mrs. Osafiele Anita<br />

Ifeanyi. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

CHIAKA<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Onukwugha Cynthia<br />

Chiaka, now wish to be<br />

known and address as<br />

Mrs. Jeff Cynthia<br />

Chiaka. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. The general<br />

public should please<br />

take note.<br />

AWHI<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Awhi Oghenetekevwe,<br />

now wish to be known<br />

and address as Mrs.<br />

I v o n g e<br />

Oghenetekevwe. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. The<br />

general public should<br />

please take note.<br />

CHINEDU<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Ndidi<br />

Samuel Ch<strong>in</strong>edu, now<br />

wish to be known and<br />

address as Ndidi<br />

Samuel. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. The general<br />

public should please<br />

take note.<br />

HANYA<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as<br />

Cather<strong>in</strong>e Stephen<br />

Hanya, now wish to be<br />

known and addressed<br />

as Hanya Cather<strong>in</strong>e.<br />

All former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. Eco Bank<br />

and the general public<br />

please take note.<br />

EDAFEH<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Edafeh<br />

Ernest Akporobaro<br />

now wish to be known<br />

and addressed as<br />

Edafeh Ernest. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid, Keystone<br />

bank and the general<br />

public to take note.<br />

JONES<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Jones Faith, now wish<br />

to be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs.<br />

Odoh Faith. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

SAGE<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Robert<br />

Monday Ak<strong>in</strong>ka Sage,<br />

now wish to be known<br />

and address as Patricia<br />

Alero Akiaka. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. The<br />

general public should<br />

please take note.<br />

BOTIROMI<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Botiromi Mary Kemi,<br />

now wish to be known<br />

and address as Mrs<br />

Hassan Mary Kemi.<br />

All former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. The<br />

general public should<br />

please take note.<br />

OLUWAREMI<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Abiodun<br />

August<strong>in</strong>e Oluwaremi,<br />

now wish to be known<br />

and addressed as<br />

Abiodun August<strong>in</strong>e<br />

Oluwakemi. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong> valid.<br />

General public please take<br />

note.<br />

PREYE<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Preye<br />

Richie Ogolo, now<br />

wish to be known and<br />

addressed as Richie<br />

Manfred Ogolo. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. General<br />

public please take note.<br />

EBEKAN<br />

Correction of Name<br />

This is to certify that<br />

Ebekan Isaac Odey<br />

and Isaac Ebekan<br />

Odey is one and same<br />

person, now wish to be<br />

known and addressed<br />

as Ebekan Isaac Odey.<br />

All former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. General<br />

public please take note.<br />

SPACE<br />

FOR SALE<br />

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016—39<br />

IZU<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss Izu<br />

Akpojhe Nora, now<br />

wish to be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs.<br />

Iwhiwhu Akpojhe<br />

Nora. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

ABIWAYE<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Abiwaye Elohor Joy,<br />

now wish to be known<br />

and address as Mrs.<br />

Jitoma Elohor Joy. All<br />

former documents<br />

rema<strong>in</strong> valid. The<br />

general public should<br />

please take note.<br />

AZUGO<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Uchechukwu<br />

Nkemdilim Treasure<br />

Azugo, now wish to be<br />

known and addressed<br />

as Mrs Treasure<br />

Nkemdilim Julius-<br />

James. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

should please take<br />

note.<br />

OGODO<br />

Confirmation of Name<br />

This is to confirm that the<br />

name Ogodo Oghenefejiro<br />

and Ogodo Anita<br />

Oghenefejiro refer to one<br />

and same person, now<br />

wish to be known and<br />

addressed as Ogodo<br />

Anita Oghenefejiro. All<br />

former documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.<br />

ADEWALE<br />

I, formerly known and<br />

addressed as Miss<br />

Adewale Olubunmi<br />

Margaret, now wish to<br />

be known and<br />

addressed as Mrs<br />

Adeuya Olubunmi<br />

Margaret. All former<br />

documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. Jubilee Life<br />

Mortgage Bank Ltd<br />

and the general public<br />

please take note.<br />

BODJOR<br />

Reconciliation of name<br />

This is to certify that<br />

Bodjor Samson and<br />

Bodjor Samson<br />

Obogheneakpoephan is<br />

one and same person,<br />

now wish to be known<br />

and addressed as Bodjor<br />

S a m s o n<br />

Obogheneakpoephan. All<br />

former documents rema<strong>in</strong><br />

valid. General public<br />

please take note.


40—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016


VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016 — 41<br />

Nearly 90% of black voters favour Cl<strong>in</strong>ton over<br />

Trump — National Black Voter Poll<br />

THE National News<br />

paper Publishers<br />

Association (NNPA) and<br />

Howard University, announced<br />

the results of<br />

the 2016 Howard University/NNPA<br />

National<br />

Black Voter Poll. Nearly<br />

90 percent of Black voters<br />

plan to cast ballots for<br />

Hillary Cl<strong>in</strong>ton and two<br />

percent plan to vote for<br />

Donald Trump, accord<strong>in</strong>g<br />

to the poll.<br />

The HU/NNPA national<br />

poll<strong>in</strong>g center, located on<br />

the campus of Howard<br />

University, made over<br />

21,200 telephone calls<br />

across the United States<br />

from October 23, 2016 to<br />

October 30, 2016.<br />

The HU/NNPA National<br />

Black Voter Poll<br />

revealed that the top issues<br />

<strong>in</strong>fluenc<strong>in</strong>g Black<br />

voters <strong>in</strong>cluded the<br />

economy and jobs, <strong>in</strong>come<br />

<strong>in</strong>equality, race and<br />

race relations, college<br />

affordability and high<br />

quality education <strong>in</strong> prek<strong>in</strong>dergarten.<br />

Presidents HW Bush, W Bush to vote for Cl<strong>in</strong>ton<br />

JUST when you<br />

thought this<br />

election could not get<br />

any stranger comes the<br />

news that Presidents<br />

George W Bush and<br />

Hubert Walker Bush<br />

could be vot<strong>in</strong>g for<br />

Hillary Cl<strong>in</strong>ton.<br />

The revelation came<br />

from Texas land<br />

commissioner and Trump<br />

supporter George P Bush<br />

who suggested at a small<br />

Republican gather<strong>in</strong>g<br />

that his grandfather<br />

George HW and uncle<br />

George W could both be<br />

cast<strong>in</strong>g ballots for Hillary<br />

Cl<strong>in</strong>ton.<br />

Rumours that Bush<br />

Senior was a secret<br />

supporter of the wife of<br />

the man who beat him <strong>in</strong><br />

1992 have been<br />

circulat<strong>in</strong>g for a few<br />

weeks, after he<br />

reportedly spilled the<br />

beans to a member of the<br />

Kennedy clan. The 92-<br />

year-old was apparently<br />

not impressed by Trump’s<br />

mockery of his son Jeb <strong>in</strong><br />

the primaries.<br />

But this is the first time<br />

we’ve heard that George<br />

W Bush might back<br />

Cl<strong>in</strong>ton too - like father,<br />

like son, it now appears.<br />

When Jeb Bush was<br />

asked about his brother’s<br />

<strong>in</strong>tentions, he simply<br />

said: “Secret ballot.”<br />

Trump, Cl<strong>in</strong>ton to leave bus<strong>in</strong>esses for daughters<br />

DESPITE the pressure<br />

that the US<br />

presidential election<br />

campaign has placed on<br />

their parents, Chelsea<br />

Cl<strong>in</strong>ton and Ivanka Trump<br />

ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> that they are good<br />

friends.<br />

But depend<strong>in</strong>g on the<br />

outcome of the vote on 8<br />

November, one of the two can<br />

If Trump w<strong>in</strong>s, I’ll destroy my<br />

American green card—Soy<strong>in</strong>ka<br />

WOLE Soy<strong>in</strong>ka,<br />

Nobel laureate,<br />

has said he would<br />

destroy his green card<br />

if Donald Trump<br />

becomes president of<br />

the United States.<br />

Soy<strong>in</strong>ka said this<br />

while giv<strong>in</strong>g a speech to<br />

students of Oxford<br />

University, England,<br />

reports the Guardian<br />

UK.<br />

His words: “If <strong>in</strong> the<br />

unlikely event he does<br />

w<strong>in</strong>, the first th<strong>in</strong>g he’ll<br />

do is to say [that] all<br />

green-card holders must<br />

reapply to come back<br />

<strong>in</strong>to the US. Well, I’m<br />

not wait<strong>in</strong>g for that.<br />

“The moment they<br />

announce his victory, I<br />

will cut my green card<br />

myself and start pack<strong>in</strong>g<br />

up,” said Soy<strong>in</strong>ka, who<br />

is scholar-<strong>in</strong>-residence<br />

at New York<br />

University’s Institute of<br />

African American<br />

Affairs.<br />

The <strong>in</strong>ternationallyacclaimed<br />

playwright<br />

and poet described<br />

Brita<strong>in</strong>’s decision to exit<br />

the European Union as<br />

a “ridiculous decision”.<br />

expect to be thrust <strong>in</strong>to a<br />

major f<strong>in</strong>ancial role.<br />

Donald Trump has said<br />

that if he becomes president,<br />

he will hand control of his<br />

bus<strong>in</strong>ess empire to Ivanka<br />

and her brothers, Don and<br />

Eric. If Hillary Cl<strong>in</strong>ton w<strong>in</strong>s<br />

the race for the White House,<br />

the <strong>in</strong>tention is for her and<br />

husband Bill to step down<br />

from the board of the Cl<strong>in</strong>ton<br />

Foundation and for Chelsea,<br />

currently its vice-chair, to take<br />

over its day-to-day<br />

operations.<br />

Both candidates’ plans<br />

have come under fierce<br />

scrut<strong>in</strong>y from critics, who say<br />

they <strong>in</strong>volve big conflicts of<br />

<strong>in</strong>terest.<br />

So what are the risks and<br />

why should they be allowed<br />

to get away with such<br />

arrangements?<br />

Nigerians <strong>in</strong> Texas, Chicago differ on choice of candidate<br />

BY GBENGA OKE,<br />

who is <strong>in</strong> Houston<br />

Texas<br />

FOR most Africans,<br />

Mexicans,<br />

Hispanics, Lat<strong>in</strong>os,<br />

Cl<strong>in</strong>ton is the way to go.<br />

Specifically, some<br />

Nigerians resident <strong>in</strong> the<br />

country <strong>in</strong> their<br />

Former US Presidents George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush who<br />

were reported to have concluded plans to vote for Hillary Cl<strong>in</strong>ton are<br />

seen here at a recent function.<br />

conversation with<br />

Vanguard <strong>in</strong> Huston Texas<br />

were optimistic about a<br />

Trump presidency while<br />

others were confident that<br />

Cl<strong>in</strong>ton would emerge<br />

victorious.<br />

A Chicago-based<br />

Nigerian, Prof Chalokwu,<br />

who identified himself as<br />

a supporter of the<br />

Ivanka Trump and Chelsea Cl<strong>in</strong>ton attend<br />

the 2014 Glamour Women Of The Year Awards<br />

at Carnegie Hall on November 10, 2014, <strong>in</strong><br />

New York City.<br />

Republican Party, said<br />

African Americans, who<br />

were support<strong>in</strong>g Trump<br />

would have noth<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

lose.<br />

He said: “Even though<br />

am not happy with the<br />

locker room talk of Trump,<br />

I believe that the latest<br />

probe by the FBI on<br />

Cl<strong>in</strong>ton’s email will affect<br />

her chances very<br />

seriously. I might not<br />

agree fully with all what<br />

Trump says but I believe<br />

he will emerge the next<br />

President of the United<br />

States. And just like<br />

Trump said, I believe<br />

strongly that African<br />

Americans have got<br />

noth<strong>in</strong>g to lose by<br />

support<strong>in</strong>g Trump.’’<br />

Brexit suffers setback as court<br />

says govt can’t commence exit<br />

BRITAIN’s plans to<br />

leave the European<br />

Union hit a large speed<br />

bump Thursday, as a High<br />

Court ruled that the<br />

government can’t start exit<br />

negotiations without a vote<br />

<strong>in</strong> Parliament.<br />

The judgment deepened<br />

Brita<strong>in</strong>’s divide over<br />

Europe, rais<strong>in</strong>g hopes<br />

among pro-EU politicians<br />

that they can soften the<br />

terms of the U.K.’s<br />

withdrawal from the bloc.<br />

“Leave” campaigners say<br />

any attempt to do that<br />

would be a betrayal of<br />

voters’ decision.<br />

The government<br />

immediately said it would<br />

ask the Supreme Court to<br />

overturn the rul<strong>in</strong>g. The<br />

Court has set aside time <strong>in</strong><br />

early December to hear the<br />

case. Thursday’s rul<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Iraqi forces fight ISIS on Mosul<br />

streets<br />

IRAQI forces entered<br />

ISIS-held Mosul on<br />

Thursday for the first time<br />

<strong>in</strong> more than two years, and<br />

are <strong>in</strong> a head-to-head<br />

battle with militants on the<br />

front l<strong>in</strong>e, defense officials<br />

said.<br />

Iraqi Defense M<strong>in</strong>istry<br />

spokesman Brig. Gen.<br />

Tahs<strong>in</strong> Ibrahim told CNN<br />

that units of the 9th Armored<br />

Division had entered<br />

the key city and that troops<br />

had stormed the neighborhood<br />

of al Intisar <strong>in</strong> the east.<br />

Penetrat<strong>in</strong>g the eastern<br />

border has been the most<br />

significant breakthrough <strong>in</strong><br />

the offensive, which was<br />

launched two weeks ago to<br />

free Mosul from the militant<br />

group’s brutal rule.<br />

Officials had warned that<br />

enter<strong>in</strong>g the city would<br />

could delay government<br />

plans to start talks on<br />

Brita<strong>in</strong>’s EU exit, or Brexit,<br />

with<strong>in</strong> weeks, and opens a<br />

major constitutional battle<br />

over the balance of power<br />

between Parliament and the<br />

government.<br />

Brexit Secretary David<br />

Davis said Brita<strong>in</strong>’s June 23<br />

vote to leave the EU “must<br />

be respected.”<br />

“The people want us to<br />

get on with it, and that is<br />

what we are go<strong>in</strong>g to do,”<br />

he said.<br />

Prime M<strong>in</strong>ister Theresa<br />

May has said she will use<br />

centuries-old powers<br />

known as royal prerogative<br />

to <strong>in</strong>voke Article 50 of the<br />

EU treaty, which launches<br />

two years of exit<br />

negotiations, by the end of<br />

March.<br />

likely trigger the fiercest<br />

fight<strong>in</strong>g yet, and that the<br />

battle is expected to be<br />

fought “street to street,” or<br />

even “house to house.”<br />

Latest developments<br />

• Iraqi security forces<br />

shot dead two ISIS suicide<br />

bombers <strong>in</strong> al Intisar, the<br />

military says<br />

• Troops comb<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

neighborhood have detonated<br />

at least six car bombs<br />

• Heavy airstrikes and<br />

artillery shell<strong>in</strong>g targeted<br />

northern Mosul, witnesses<br />

say<br />

• Hundreds of civilians<br />

poured out as clashes <strong>in</strong>tensified<br />

• Coalition warplanes hit<br />

an ISIS convoy, a bridge,<br />

an IED factory and two<br />

tunnels, US members of<br />

the operation say.<br />

Nigerian Union <strong>in</strong> diaspora<br />

endorses Cl<strong>in</strong>ton for president<br />

*Says members free to vote any candidate<br />

BY CHARLES<br />

KUMOLU<br />

THE Nigerian Union<br />

Diaspora, the<br />

umbrella organization for<br />

the social, political and<br />

economic empowerment<br />

of Nigerians <strong>in</strong> the<br />

United States of America,<br />

has endorsed the<br />

presidential nom<strong>in</strong>ee of<br />

the Democratic Party,<br />

Hillary Cl<strong>in</strong>ton.<br />

A statement by its<br />

Secretary General, Mr.<br />

SKC Ogbonaya noted<br />

that the decision was<br />

<strong>in</strong>formed by the group’s<br />

conviction that a Donald<br />

Trump presidency was<br />

likely to threaten world<br />

peace.<br />

The statement<br />

reads:‘’The decision to<br />

choose Cl<strong>in</strong>ton was<br />

reached at an emergency<br />

meet<strong>in</strong>g held at the<br />

union’s headquarters <strong>in</strong><br />

Houston, TX, on October<br />

29, 2016.<br />

‘’The Nigerian Union<br />

Diaspora broke its long<br />

tradition of neutrality for<br />

an obvious reason:<br />

extraord<strong>in</strong>ary<br />

circumstances call for<br />

extraord<strong>in</strong>ary measures.<br />

Trump’s litany of<br />

specters is profoundly<br />

hostile to world peace.<br />

Moreover, his cavalier<br />

attitude pales <strong>in</strong><br />

comparison to someone<br />

aspir<strong>in</strong>g to lead the free<br />

world.


42—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016<br />

Sheriff-led PDP seeks disbandment of fresh<br />

A-Court panel<br />

*Seeks <strong>in</strong>tervention of S-Court<br />

By Ikechukwu<br />

Nnochiri<br />

ABUJA —<br />

CHIEFTAINS of the<br />

Senator Ali Modu-Sheriffled<br />

faction of the Peoples<br />

Democratic Party <strong>in</strong> the six<br />

South-West states have<br />

asked the President of the<br />

Court of Appeal, PCA,<br />

Justice Za<strong>in</strong>ab Bulkachuwa<br />

to disband the fresh panel<br />

constituted to hear cases<br />

relat<strong>in</strong>g to the Ondo<br />

governorship election.<br />

The group, led by<br />

Chairman of the PDP <strong>in</strong><br />

Ondo State, Pr<strong>in</strong>ce Biyi<br />

Boroye, <strong>in</strong> a motion they<br />

filed yesterday, queried the<br />

rationale beh<strong>in</strong>d the<br />

composition of a special<br />

panel by the PCA, to hear a<br />

pre-election matter.<br />

They further challenged<br />

moves by the new panel<br />

headed by Justice Ibrahim<br />

Salauwa, to commence<br />

hear<strong>in</strong>g on five appeals<br />

pend<strong>in</strong>g before the<br />

appellate court, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the one that was lodged by<br />

Senator Ahmed Markafi<br />

and Senator Ben Obi.<br />

Among other appeals, the<br />

group also wants the panel<br />

to hands-off the case filed by<br />

factional candidate of the<br />

PDP <strong>in</strong> Ondo state, Mr.<br />

Eyitayo Jegede, SAN.<br />

All the appeals are<br />

seek<strong>in</strong>g to vacate the<br />

judgement of Justice Okon<br />

Abang of the Federal High<br />

Court <strong>in</strong> Abuja, which<br />

directed the Independent<br />

National Electoral<br />

Commission, INEC, to<br />

recognise Mr. Jimoh<br />

Ibrahim as PDP candidate<br />

for the November 26<br />

governorship election.<br />

INEC had on the strength<br />

of the High Court verdict,<br />

substituted Mr. Eyitayo<br />

Jegede, SAN, who it <strong>in</strong>itially<br />

recognised as PDP<br />

candidate for the election,<br />

with Mr. Ibrahim.<br />

Whereas Jegede<br />

emerged from primary<br />

election that was sanctioned<br />

by the Markarfi-led faction<br />

of the PDP, Ibrahim on the<br />

other hand, secured his<br />

ticket from the Ali Modu-<br />

Sheriff- led group.<br />

Meantime, the PCA had<br />

on Wednesday, constituted<br />

a new panel to resolve<br />

dispute regard<strong>in</strong>g who<br />

should be the flag-bearer of<br />

the PDP for the impend<strong>in</strong>g<br />

poll.<br />

Aside Justice Salauwa,<br />

other members of the fresh<br />

panel are Justices Ignatius<br />

Igwe Aguba, and George<br />

Mbaba.<br />

The new panel was<br />

constituted after the <strong>in</strong>itial<br />

three-man panel led by<br />

Justice Jumai Hannatu-<br />

Sankey withdrew from the<br />

case follow<strong>in</strong>g allegation<br />

that they collected<br />

N350million bribe.<br />

The allegation was<br />

conta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> a petition<br />

Poroye forwarded to the<br />

PCA.<br />

In their motion, they<br />

contended that the new<br />

panel was set up <strong>in</strong> breach<br />

of their right to fair hear<strong>in</strong>g<br />

guaranteed under Section<br />

36 of the 1999 Constitution.<br />

They therefore prayed the<br />

appellate court to “order the<br />

return of case files relat<strong>in</strong>g<br />

to the appeals and the<br />

application for leave to<br />

appeal as an <strong>in</strong>terested party<br />

(aga<strong>in</strong>st the decision of the<br />

Federal High Court of 14th<br />

October 2016 <strong>in</strong> suit No.<br />

FHC/ABJ/CS/395/2016) -<br />

filed by Eyitayo Jegede<br />

(factional PDP candidate of<br />

the Ondo PDP), to the<br />

Registry of the Court of<br />

Appeal to take its normal<br />

course and turn <strong>in</strong> the docket<br />

of the court.”<br />

The appeals affected by<br />

the applicant’s motion are:<br />

CA/A/551/2016 filed by<br />

Ahmed Makarfi and Ben<br />

Obi aga<strong>in</strong>st Biyi Poroye and<br />

10 others and CA/A/551A/<br />

2016 filed by Clement<br />

Faboyede and another<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st 10 others; CA/<br />

A551B/2016 filed by the PDP<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st Biyi Poroye and 9<br />

others and CA/A/551C/2016<br />

filed by Eyitayo Jegede<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st Pr<strong>in</strong>ce Biyi Poroye<br />

and 10 others.<br />

They argued that not only<br />

did the PCA act without<br />

hear<strong>in</strong>g from them, the said<br />

the case, be<strong>in</strong>g a preelection<br />

matter, did not<br />

warrant any urgency to<br />

require the constitution of a<br />

special panel.<br />

They added that those<br />

who filed the appeals aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />

the June 29 and October 14<br />

decisions of Justice Abang<br />

were not parties <strong>in</strong> the cases<br />

lead<strong>in</strong>g to the decisions.<br />

The applicants also<br />

argued that no orders were<br />

made aga<strong>in</strong>st any of those<br />

beh<strong>in</strong>d the new appeals,<br />

and that they (the<br />

applicants), who were<br />

pla<strong>in</strong>tiffs <strong>in</strong> the suits, were<br />

not <strong>in</strong>formed when the PCA<br />

acted solely on the request<br />

by the appellants to<br />

constitute the panel on the<br />

grounds of urgency.<br />

Besides, the group also<br />

filed a motion before the<br />

Supreme Court seek<strong>in</strong>g a<br />

stay of all proceed<strong>in</strong>gs before<br />

the Court of Appeal <strong>in</strong><br />

relation to the appeals,<br />

pend<strong>in</strong>g the determ<strong>in</strong>ation<br />

of the two appeals they filed<br />

on October 31, which have<br />

been entered and given<br />

numbers: SC/914/2016 and<br />

SC/915/2016.<br />

Specifically, the motion<br />

filed by two members of the<br />

party, Benson Ak<strong>in</strong>gboye<br />

and Ehiozuwa Agbonayiwa,<br />

is seek<strong>in</strong>g for a stay of “all<br />

further proceed<strong>in</strong>gs and<br />

further hear<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> CA/ABJ/<br />

402A/2016 filed on behalf of<br />

the PDP by a lawyer<br />

engaged by the Ahmed<br />

Makarfi-led faction of the<br />

party’s leadership”.<br />

They h<strong>in</strong>ged the motion<br />

on among other th<strong>in</strong>gs, the<br />

argument that it was wrong<br />

to allow the Court of Appeal<br />

to proceed with any of the<br />

appeals, when they have<br />

valid appeals before the<br />

Supreme Court challeng<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the jurisdiction of the Court<br />

of Appeal.<br />

Meanwhile, the Supreme<br />

Court is yet to fix a date to<br />

hear the appeal the group<br />

filed through their lawyer,<br />

Mr. B.E.I. Nwofor, SAN.<br />

Markarfi faction expresses confidence <strong>in</strong><br />

new panel<br />

THE<br />

Ahmed<br />

Makarfi faction of<br />

the Peoples Democratic<br />

Party, PDP, yesterday,<br />

expressed confidence<br />

<strong>in</strong> the newly<br />

constituted panel of the<br />

Court of Appeal to hear<br />

its case.<br />

Its Publicity Secretary,<br />

Mr. Banji Okunomo,<br />

told newsmen <strong>in</strong> Akure<br />

that it was hopeful of<br />

justice at the appellate<br />

court.<br />

Okunomo said the<br />

faction’s candidate, Mr.<br />

Eyitayo Jegede, was<br />

the authentic candidate<br />

of the party.<br />

He alleged that there<br />

was <strong>in</strong>justice <strong>in</strong> the<br />

judgment of Justice<br />

Okon Abang of the<br />

Federal High Court,<br />

Abuja on October 14,<br />

2016. Okunomo said:<br />

•Sheriff<br />

•Makarfi<br />

“We believe <strong>in</strong> the law.<br />

We are protected by the<br />

law. The law is on our<br />

side to produce the<br />

candidate of our party<br />

because the only lawful<br />

PDP primary was held<br />

<strong>in</strong> Ondo. We believe<br />

that the judgment of<br />

Justice Abang would<br />

not stand <strong>in</strong> the face of<br />

the law. The same<br />

lawyer that stood for<br />

Biyi Poroye as a<br />

•Ibrahim<br />

•Jegede<br />

pla<strong>in</strong>tiff also stood for<br />

the defendant.<br />

The faction had<br />

appealed aga<strong>in</strong>st the<br />

rul<strong>in</strong>g of the lower court<br />

which ordered the<br />

Independent National<br />

E l e c t o r a l<br />

Commission,INEC, to<br />

recognise Mr. Jimoh<br />

Ibrahim as the<br />

authentic candidate of<br />

the party.<br />

We ‘ll resist any attempt to<br />

rig with federal might — Oke<br />

By Dayo Johnson<br />

G OVERNORSHIP<br />

candidate of<br />

Alliance<br />

for<br />

Democracy,AD, <strong>in</strong> Ondo<br />

State, Mr. Olusola Oke<br />

has warned that the era of<br />

election rigg<strong>in</strong>g and use of<br />

federal might to <strong>in</strong>fluence<br />

outcome of polls had gone,<br />

not<strong>in</strong>g that those<br />

contemplat<strong>in</strong>g such should<br />

perish the thought.<br />

Oke spoke aga<strong>in</strong>st the<br />

backdrop of <strong>in</strong>s<strong>in</strong>uations<br />

that the All Progressives<br />

Congress, APC, was likely<br />

to use federal might <strong>in</strong><br />

favour of its candidate.<br />

Speak<strong>in</strong>g through the<br />

Chairman of his Media<br />

and Publicity, Mr.<br />

Kolawole Olabisi, he said<br />

those plann<strong>in</strong>g to rig<br />

should be ready for the<br />

wrath of the people.<br />

His words: ‘’We have a<br />

President who is a<br />

democrat and a complete<br />

gentleman. He does not<br />

believe <strong>in</strong> any rigg<strong>in</strong>g<br />

plan. Those who believe <strong>in</strong><br />

snatch<strong>in</strong>g ballot boxes<br />

should know that it<br />

belongs to the past. It is<br />

now anachronistic and<br />

those, who th<strong>in</strong>k that<br />

results can be<br />

manufactured for them<br />

and be announced, should<br />

know that it is no longer<br />

fashionable.<br />

“This election is not<br />

available for rigg<strong>in</strong>g. Power<br />

now resides with the<br />

people and they will<br />

determ<strong>in</strong>e who they want.<br />

And I am rely<strong>in</strong>g on the<br />

strength of the people of<br />

Ondo State <strong>in</strong> this election.<br />

That is why till the very last<br />

day of the campaigns, I will<br />

relate with them and<br />

canvass for their votes. Let<br />

those who are boast<strong>in</strong>g of<br />

rigg<strong>in</strong>g come along and<br />

manipulate the election.’’<br />

Oke, however, promised<br />

to revamp the abandoned<br />

multi-billion Naira Okeluse<br />

cement factory and the Ifon<br />

ceramics <strong>in</strong>dustry located<br />

<strong>in</strong> Ose Local Government<br />

Area of the state,<br />

add<strong>in</strong>g:”We are go<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

turn around the fortunes of<br />

all our <strong>in</strong>dustries and make<br />

them functional.’’<br />

SDP candidate pledges<br />

to support traditional<br />

<strong>in</strong>stitutions<br />

By Dayo Johnson<br />

THE<br />

Social<br />

Democratic Party,<br />

SDP, <strong>in</strong> Ondo State has<br />

promised to restore dignity<br />

to traditional <strong>in</strong>stitutions<br />

across the state with the<br />

<strong>in</strong>troduction of Palace<br />

autonomy.<br />

Its governorship<br />

candidate Dr. Olu<br />

Agunloye made the pledge<br />

at Igbo Otu, <strong>in</strong> Ese-Odo<br />

Local Government Area of<br />

the state.<br />

Agunloye said such<br />

autonomy will give royal<br />

fathers the power to<br />

demand the rights of their<br />

people at all times.<br />

He said: ‘’When the<br />

custom is respected, the<br />

government will no longer<br />

have the authority to<br />

<strong>in</strong>timidate those who are the<br />

custodians of our tradition<br />

and culture.’’<br />

He assured that his<br />

adm<strong>in</strong>istration will br<strong>in</strong>g<br />

development to Gbalue<br />

•Oke<br />

•Agunloye<br />

k<strong>in</strong>gdom.<br />

He lamented that<br />

development had eluded<br />

the k<strong>in</strong>gdom <strong>in</strong> the past due<br />

to greed and selfishness,<br />

add<strong>in</strong>g that Arogbo<br />

k<strong>in</strong>gdom shall be<br />

connected to National Grid<br />

to ensure un<strong>in</strong>terrupted<br />

power supply.<br />

Respond<strong>in</strong>g, Oba Ade<br />

Ajayi described Dr.<br />

Agunloye as a man with<br />

enviable records, cit<strong>in</strong>g<br />

his days as the Pioneer<br />

Marshal of Federal Road<br />

Safety Corps,FRSC, and as<br />

M<strong>in</strong>ister of Power and Steel.


VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016 — 43<br />

AMBASSADORIAL NOMINEE: APC, PDP<br />

<strong>in</strong> hard tackles <strong>in</strong> Taraba<br />

By John Mkom<br />

THE rul<strong>in</strong>g Peoples Dem<br />

ocratic Party, PDP and<br />

ma<strong>in</strong> opposition All Progressives<br />

Congress, APC, are at<br />

each other’s jugular <strong>in</strong> Taraba<br />

over the <strong>in</strong>clusion of the<br />

name of Mallam Mustafa Jaji<br />

on President Muhammadu<br />

Buhari’s ambassadorial nom<strong>in</strong>ees<br />

list.<br />

While the Taraba PDP celebrated<br />

and hailed the President<br />

for nom<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g the former<br />

executive secretary of TET-<br />

FUND, the APC condemned<br />

the nom<strong>in</strong>ation. It said that Jeji<br />

does not deserve the appo<strong>in</strong>tment<br />

and called on the president<br />

to reverse his nom<strong>in</strong>ation.<br />

Taraba State PDP Chairman,<br />

Mr. Victor Bala Kona, told reporters<br />

on Tuesday that the<br />

party is happy with Jaji’s<br />

nom<strong>in</strong>ation<br />

In an <strong>in</strong>terview with journalist<br />

at his residence <strong>in</strong> Jal<strong>in</strong>go,<br />

the Taraba State capital, Kona<br />

said the PDP was very happy<br />

and commended President<br />

Buhari for consider<strong>in</strong>g a worthy<br />

son of Taraba State to be<br />

on the ambassadorial list,<br />

which shows that Taraba state<br />

was also considered <strong>in</strong> the<br />

scheme of th<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> Nigeria.<br />

High<br />

profile<br />

Kona said anyone opposed<br />

to the decision of President <strong>in</strong><br />

nom<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g Jaji is aga<strong>in</strong>st the<br />

<strong>in</strong>terest of Taraba State.<br />

“Mustafa that I know is well<br />

educated, he is a Nigerian, he<br />

is experienced. He has a high<br />

profile that qualifies him to<br />

represent Nigeria <strong>in</strong> any part<br />

of the world. Therefore, I don’t<br />

know why some quarters<br />

would like to associate his<br />

nom<strong>in</strong>ation with political <strong>in</strong>s<strong>in</strong>uations.<br />

“President Buhari has made<br />

a brilliant choice from Taraba<br />

State, we the PDP here are<br />

very happy with his choice<br />

and we celebrate with the<br />

nom<strong>in</strong>ee as we look forward<br />

to support him to succeed<br />

when he is f<strong>in</strong>ally appo<strong>in</strong>ted<br />

and posted to any part of the<br />

world for his assignment.”<br />

Buhari: Will he drop Jaji?<br />

Nigeria now a police state — EMEMOBONG<br />

Comrade Ini Ememobong is the Publicity Secretary<br />

of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, <strong>in</strong> Akwa Ibom<br />

State. In this <strong>in</strong>terview, he speaks on issues<br />

concern<strong>in</strong>g the PDP and ongo<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>vestigation of<br />

judges among others.<br />

By Henry Umoru<br />

WHAT is your take on<br />

crisis <strong>in</strong> your party?<br />

The party is undergo<strong>in</strong>g a<br />

rebirth and <strong>in</strong> every rebirth,<br />

rejuvenation and renaissance,<br />

you have to destroy someth<strong>in</strong>g<br />

to rebuild. When the party came<br />

<strong>in</strong> 1998, it was an assemblage of<br />

great m<strong>in</strong>ds. This is a period of<br />

rebirth, it is a period when the<br />

party is say<strong>in</strong>g that hav<strong>in</strong>g lost<br />

power at the national level, we<br />

can re<strong>in</strong>vent ourselves. Socrates<br />

said that an unexam<strong>in</strong>ed life is<br />

not worth liv<strong>in</strong>g. So, this is the<br />

period where the party must<br />

exam<strong>in</strong>e most of the th<strong>in</strong>gs they<br />

have done before. I am sure that<br />

at the end of this phase, we are<br />

go<strong>in</strong>g to come out stronger than<br />

we were. A lot of th<strong>in</strong>gs went<br />

wrong <strong>in</strong> 2015.<br />

Dispute resolution<br />

process<br />

Even those, who played<br />

various roles that led to the<br />

situation we found ourselves<br />

today are regrett<strong>in</strong>g. The election<br />

was basically PDP aga<strong>in</strong>st PDP<br />

and each time you fight aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />

yourself, the opponent w<strong>in</strong>s.<br />

However, the PDP needs to have<br />

an unbiased dispute resolution<br />

process. If we had that, a lot of<br />

the th<strong>in</strong>gs that happened would<br />

not have happened.<br />

•Ememobong: People are<br />

feel<strong>in</strong>g more <strong>in</strong>secure<br />

Gov Darius Ishaku<br />

Buhari short-changed<br />

APC members <strong>in</strong> Taraba<br />

– Jika<br />

Counter<strong>in</strong>g, the Chairman<br />

of APC <strong>in</strong> Taraba State, Mallam<br />

Ardo Jika, <strong>in</strong> a telephon<br />

chat with Vanguard, said the<br />

nom<strong>in</strong>ation of Mustafa Jeji<br />

was aga<strong>in</strong>st the promise of<br />

President Buhari to APC members<br />

not only <strong>in</strong> Taraba state<br />

but also across the country.<br />

He said the president did<br />

not consulted the state executive<br />

or representatives of the<br />

APC <strong>in</strong> Taraba state at the national<br />

level before the nom<strong>in</strong>ation.<br />

Recall<strong>in</strong>g that the<br />

President had promised to reward<br />

party loyalists for their<br />

hard labour before the election,<br />

he wondered why the<br />

president would dump those<br />

who worked for him and the<br />

You said Nigeria is now a<br />

Police state, how do you<br />

mean?<br />

When the residences of judicial<br />

officers were raided, when a court<br />

will give a rul<strong>in</strong>g that an accused<br />

should be produced <strong>in</strong> court and<br />

it fails to happen, when a court<br />

would grant bail to accused<br />

persons and the persons would<br />

not be released, and when a<br />

government house is <strong>in</strong>vaded.<br />

What else def<strong>in</strong>es a police state?<br />

There is absolutely no better<br />

def<strong>in</strong>ition of a police state than<br />

what we are see<strong>in</strong>g today. People<br />

are feel<strong>in</strong>g more <strong>in</strong>secure today<br />

than they were before. For<br />

<strong>in</strong>stance, Sanusi and Soludo<br />

expressed their personal<br />

op<strong>in</strong>ions <strong>in</strong> Kaduna and the next<br />

th<strong>in</strong>g people started say<strong>in</strong>g that<br />

their tenures <strong>in</strong> the CBN should<br />

be <strong>in</strong>vestigated.<br />

party to reward those who<br />

worked aga<strong>in</strong>st the party <strong>in</strong><br />

the last general elections.<br />

His words: “As far as APC is<br />

concerned <strong>in</strong> Taraba State,<br />

You are from Akwa Ibom<br />

where the DSS raided the<br />

Government House. On the<br />

heels of that was the<br />

raid<strong>in</strong>g of the residences of<br />

Supreme Court justices.<br />

What is your take on the<br />

development?<br />

When they raided Akwa Ibom<br />

State Government House, we<br />

condemned it, but most<br />

Nigerians kept quiet. Now, it is<br />

the turn of Supreme Court<br />

justices. If people keep quiet<br />

The political<br />

marriage of strange<br />

bed fellows that<br />

made the APC, has<br />

also changed<br />

now, whenever the President<br />

and his vice disagree, the office<br />

of the Vice President may be<br />

raided. I pray that one day the<br />

DSS would not raid the<br />

president’s abode. The DSS<br />

should change its name from<br />

Department of State Security<br />

which of course is unknown to<br />

the law because the act<br />

establish<strong>in</strong>g it describes it as<br />

State Security Services. I don’t<br />

know where they got department<br />

from. They should change their<br />

name to the Department for the<br />

Protection of APC <strong>in</strong>terest. When<br />

you recall a man from retirement,<br />

who evidence shows, was a<br />

member of the <strong>in</strong>telligence and<br />

security unit of the APC<br />

presidential campaign, the<br />

nobody contacted us or <strong>in</strong>formed<br />

us. Aga<strong>in</strong>, Mustafa<br />

Jeji has never, by error of commission<br />

or omission, been a<br />

member of APC <strong>in</strong> Taraba<br />

State. From his ward, everybody<br />

knows that Mustafa Jeji<br />

is a registered member of<br />

PDP”<br />

“We are repeat<strong>in</strong>g president<br />

Buhari’s statement, which he<br />

made to us that there will never<br />

be a situation where someone<br />

will be tak<strong>in</strong>g drugs on<br />

behalf of a sick person. So I<br />

believe this nom<strong>in</strong>ation did<br />

not come from Buhari, somebody<br />

might have suggested<br />

the name to him wrongly”<br />

“I believe Mr. President will<br />

reverse the name because we<br />

know him as a man of his<br />

words because he said whoever<br />

suffered for APC and voted<br />

for APC would be rewarded.<br />

That was what we heard<br />

him say<strong>in</strong>g at our last NEC<br />

meet<strong>in</strong>g. All our party executives,<br />

members of our state<br />

assembly and National Assembly<br />

are not <strong>in</strong> support of<br />

the nom<strong>in</strong>ation because the<br />

nom<strong>in</strong>ation will dampen the<br />

moral of APC supporters.’’<br />

person cannot rema<strong>in</strong> neutral.<br />

When they went to National<br />

Judicial Council and couldn’t get<br />

the desired result that made them<br />

to embark on the raid.<br />

On APC government<br />

We are experienc<strong>in</strong>g change.<br />

They didn’t promise positive<br />

change, so, we are not surprised.<br />

They just said 'change.' And<br />

th<strong>in</strong>gs have changed. I’m happy<br />

that it was Sanusi, the former<br />

CBN governor, who said there<br />

is a deliberate policy to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><br />

two dollar prices.<br />

And they are busy creat<strong>in</strong>g<br />

artificial billionaires at the<br />

expense of Nigeria. Till date, the<br />

Federal Government through the<br />

Presidency has not reacted to<br />

that. Now, where is the positive<br />

change? The political marriage<br />

of strange bed fellows that made<br />

the APC, has also changed.<br />

The judges are say<strong>in</strong>g that<br />

there were attempts to bribe<br />

them to take certa<strong>in</strong> decisions<br />

<strong>in</strong> favour of certa<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>terests. In<br />

your state, a governorship<br />

candidate was f<strong>in</strong>gered <strong>in</strong> this<br />

issue. What is your take?<br />

I am happy that the name of a<br />

m<strong>in</strong>ister was mentioned.<br />

Remember that at a particular<br />

po<strong>in</strong>t, the judgment was leaked.<br />

We are not fools. We will not be<br />

quick to forget that they wrote <strong>in</strong><br />

that document that when they get<br />

to the Supreme Court, they will<br />

lead a delegation to the President<br />

and ask him to <strong>in</strong>tervene directly.<br />

Maybe they led a delegation<br />

because I believed Justice Inyang<br />

Okoro, who said that the m<strong>in</strong>ister<br />

came <strong>in</strong> the name of the President<br />

to <strong>in</strong>fluence the judgment of the<br />

court.


44—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4 , 2016<br />

Ask Your Imam<br />

Safar 5, 1438 A.H.<br />

When Nigerians accumulate s<strong>in</strong>s<br />

ONE of the th<strong>in</strong>gs that<br />

h<strong>in</strong>ders progress <strong>in</strong> our<br />

lives as a nation is the rate at<br />

which we accumulate s<strong>in</strong>s. Evil<br />

deeds such as <strong>in</strong>justice, armed<br />

robberies, kill<strong>in</strong>gs, kidnapp<strong>in</strong>gs,<br />

rap<strong>in</strong>g, rituals are quick to be<br />

found every where.<br />

Recently, The former Special<br />

adviser to President Goodluck<br />

Jonathan on Media and<br />

Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati<br />

pa<strong>in</strong>ted a surreal picture of<br />

<strong>in</strong>credible th<strong>in</strong>gs that go on<br />

beyond the glitz and glamour of<br />

the official residence and office<br />

of the President of the Federal<br />

Republic of Nigeria, popularly<br />

called the Aso Rock. He<br />

recounted strange and some<br />

times, tragic occurrences that<br />

befell people who work or live <strong>in</strong><br />

the prec<strong>in</strong>cts of the Presidential<br />

Villa. Others who have close<br />

contact with the Villa have also<br />

shared their views. Some believe<br />

the story while others described<br />

it as thrash.<br />

The fact is that we cannot deny<br />

the fact that rituals, kill<strong>in</strong>gs, and<br />

all sort of <strong>in</strong>humanity to man are<br />

prevalent <strong>in</strong> our society.<br />

The bizarre of Otokoto <strong>in</strong><br />

Owerri 1996, the Okija shr<strong>in</strong>e<br />

debacle <strong>in</strong> 2004, the forest of<br />

horror otherwise known as ritual<br />

killers’ den, <strong>in</strong> Soka forest, Ibadan<br />

a couple of years back did not<br />

serve us any lesson neither did<br />

the horror offered us a lesson to<br />

shun s<strong>in</strong>s and toe the path of<br />

righteousness.<br />

Horrific<br />

atrocities<br />

Even if we deny or consign Dr<br />

Abati's claim to garbage b<strong>in</strong>, we<br />

cannot deny the fact that horrific<br />

atrocities, ritual kill<strong>in</strong>gs and other<br />

man’s <strong>in</strong>humanity to man exist<br />

<strong>in</strong> our society. It will only take an<br />

effortless <strong>in</strong>vestigation to unravel<br />

other horrific kill<strong>in</strong>gs for rituals<br />

go<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>in</strong> different parts of the<br />

country.<br />

Incl<strong>in</strong>ation has replaced<br />

wisdom; va<strong>in</strong> desires<br />

substituted reason; bad deed <strong>in</strong><br />

place of good deed; hypocrisy<br />

has replaced devotion; illegality<br />

has taken over legality, steal<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

loot<strong>in</strong>g and treachery have come<br />

over uprightness. When we look<br />

at the clouds of evil deeds cast<strong>in</strong>g<br />

their shadows around us today,<br />

s<strong>in</strong>cere m<strong>in</strong>ds will be marveled<br />

the way we have degenerated.<br />

Evil has taken over the land, the<br />

<strong>in</strong>justices of the wicked, and evil<br />

doers go unpunished.<br />

The rich and powerful trample<br />

upon the rights of the poor, weak,<br />

orphans with impunity; caus<strong>in</strong>g<br />

bless<strong>in</strong>g to take a flight. Good<br />

deeds become less <strong>in</strong> supply, and<br />

life has become corrupted<br />

because of the wickedness of the<br />

wrong-doers.<br />

Young Efe, (not real name) who<br />

was orphaned at the age of 10<br />

eventually became a murderer.<br />

He had his father and mother<br />

wiped out by unknown gunmen.<br />

The family sought for justice, but<br />

it rema<strong>in</strong>ed elusive.<br />

It was at that po<strong>in</strong>t he vowed to<br />

avenge the death of his parents.<br />

He took to the streets, jo<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

several gangs and became<br />

notorious. Before his last breath,<br />

he confessed to have carried out<br />

several kill<strong>in</strong>gs both for the<br />

purpose of rituals and for other<br />

illicit <strong>in</strong>tents by his numerous<br />

clients.<br />

This situation is one of the<br />

orgies of wickedness go<strong>in</strong>g on<br />

cyclically <strong>in</strong> the land. By these<br />

acts and many more, <strong>in</strong>dividuals<br />

and families have been <strong>in</strong>flicted<br />

with unbearable pa<strong>in</strong>, and<br />

hardship. Evils have become the<br />

norm so much that a kid<br />

<strong>in</strong>advertently th<strong>in</strong>ks <strong>in</strong> that<br />

Incl<strong>in</strong>ation has<br />

replaced wisdom;<br />

va<strong>in</strong> desires have<br />

substituted<br />

reason; bad deed <strong>in</strong><br />

place of good<br />

deed; hypocrisy has<br />

replaced devotion;<br />

illegality has taken<br />

over legality,<br />

steal<strong>in</strong>g, loot<strong>in</strong>g<br />

and treachery have<br />

come over<br />

uprightness<br />

direction as if it was a good th<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

What have we done as country,<br />

what have the leaders done to<br />

punish offenders and that such<br />

s<strong>in</strong>s are not committed?<br />

All these s<strong>in</strong>s have undesirable<br />

impact on our daily lives as a<br />

people. Everyth<strong>in</strong>g is upside<br />

down and <strong>in</strong>side out. Problems<br />

have defied solution as we<br />

cont<strong>in</strong>ue to immerse deeper <strong>in</strong><br />

s<strong>in</strong>s. These s<strong>in</strong>s greatly and<br />

actively contribute to the<br />

difficulties of our daily lives.<br />

The only solution is for every<br />

<strong>in</strong>dividual to turn a new leaf,<br />

repent, seek forgiveness of s<strong>in</strong>s<br />

and lead a righteous life. Our<br />

leaders must first recognise that<br />

the burden of s<strong>in</strong>s greatly <strong>in</strong>hibits<br />

us from access<strong>in</strong>g the ultimate<br />

bless<strong>in</strong>gs of Allah and harness<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the huge natural endowment<br />

Allah has placed upon the land<br />

and its people.<br />

‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Abbaas said:<br />

“Good deeds make the face light,<br />

give light to the heart, and br<strong>in</strong>g<br />

about ample provision, physical<br />

strength and love <strong>in</strong> people’s<br />

hearts. Bad deeds make the face<br />

dark, give darkness to the heart,<br />

and br<strong>in</strong>g about physical<br />

weakness, a lack of provision and<br />

hatred <strong>in</strong> people’s hearts.”<br />

If we can move away from s<strong>in</strong>ful<br />

acts, our trials and tribulations will<br />

be over. Allah says : “Whatever<br />

of good reaches you, is from<br />

Allah, but whatever of evil befalls<br />

you, is from yourself…”<br />

(Surah al-Nisa’ 4:79)<br />

In another area, Allah said to<br />

the Prophet: (s.a.w) “Say: O My<br />

slaves who have transgressed<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st themselves (by<br />

committ<strong>in</strong>g evil deeds and s<strong>in</strong>s)!<br />

Despair not of the Mercy of Allah,<br />

verily, Allah forgives all s<strong>in</strong>s.<br />

Truly, He is Oft-Forgiv<strong>in</strong>g, Most<br />

Merciful.” (Surah Az-Zumar<br />

39:53)<br />

In Musnad Ahmad it is<br />

narrated that Thawbaan said:<br />

“The Messenger of Allah (SAWS)<br />

said: ‘A man is deprived of<br />

provision because of the s<strong>in</strong>s that<br />

he commits.’” (Narrated by Ibn<br />

Maajah, 4022, classed as hasan<br />

by al-Albaani <strong>in</strong> Saheeh Ibn<br />

Maajah)<br />

Allah is always pleased when<br />

we ask for His forgiveness for our<br />

s<strong>in</strong>s. Several portions <strong>in</strong> the<br />

Quran have re-emphasied that<br />

Allah is always look<strong>in</strong>g for ways<br />

to forgive his believ<strong>in</strong>g slaves:<br />

Inna Laha Gafurun–Raheemun.<br />

After His forgiveness, comes His<br />

bless<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />

The better we understand the<br />

ghastly nature of our s<strong>in</strong>s, and<br />

make a retrieval of it, the better<br />

for the nation. May Almighty<br />

Allah forgive us and cleanse us<br />

from all acts of wickedness and<br />

man’s <strong>in</strong>humanity to man. Am<strong>in</strong>.<br />

QUESTION: As a Muslim sister at home with my brothers,<br />

(sibl<strong>in</strong>g) do I need to cover my head while recit<strong>in</strong>g the Quran<br />

even when I am alone <strong>in</strong> my room?<br />

ANSWER: We thank Al-mighty Allah on your behalf for<br />

want<strong>in</strong>g to know more about your religion.<br />

Allah says <strong>in</strong> the Quran: “And tell the believ<strong>in</strong>g women to<br />

lower their gaze (from look<strong>in</strong>g at forbidden th<strong>in</strong>gs), and<br />

protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.)<br />

and not to show off their adornment except only that which<br />

is apparent (like palms of hands or one eye or both eyes for<br />

necessity to see the way, or outer dress like veil, gloves,<br />

head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over<br />

bodies (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms, etc.) and<br />

not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands,<br />

their fathers, their husband’s fathers, their sons, their<br />

husband’s sons, their brothers or their brother’s sons, or<br />

their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters<br />

<strong>in</strong> Islâm), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands<br />

possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small<br />

children who have no sense of the shame of sex. And let<br />

them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of<br />

their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you<br />

all, O believers, that you may be successful. “(24:31)<br />

This is a commandment from Al-mighty Allah. It must be<br />

carried out when stepp<strong>in</strong>g out of your home, or when you<br />

have any visitor who is not of your closest relation to you.<br />

It is not obligatory that you cover your head when you are<br />

with your brothers. However, even when you are alone <strong>in</strong><br />

your room, it is important that you cover your head when<br />

read<strong>in</strong>g the Holy Quran.<br />

Halal & Haram<br />

Deny<strong>in</strong>g your spouse sex is haram<br />

ABUHurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported<br />

that the Prophet (peace and bless<strong>in</strong>gs of Allaah be upon<br />

him) said: “If a man calls his wife to his bed, and she refuses,<br />

and he goes to sleep angry with her, the angels will curse her<br />

until morn<strong>in</strong>g.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari; see al-Fath, 6/314).<br />

Many women are wont to deny<strong>in</strong>g their husbands sex<br />

especially when there is a m<strong>in</strong>or disagreement between them.<br />

They do this with the erroneous notion to punish their<br />

husbands . This is not acceptable <strong>in</strong> Islam. Denial of sex by<br />

any of the partner may expose the partner <strong>in</strong>to committ<strong>in</strong>g<br />

adultery.<br />

A wife should hasten to respond to her husband’s call if he<br />

wants her, <strong>in</strong> obedience to the words of the Prophet (peace<br />

and bless<strong>in</strong>gs of Allaah be upon him): “If a man calls his wife<br />

to his bed, let her respond, even if she is rid<strong>in</strong>g on the back of<br />

a camel (i.e., very busy).” (See Zawaa’id al-Bazzaar, 2/181;<br />

see also Saheeh al-Jaami’, 547).<br />

Similarly, the husband must also study the emotional state<br />

of the wife and when she shows <strong>in</strong>terest, the husband must<br />

deny her.<br />

The husband must show consideration towards his wife if<br />

she is sick, pregnant or depressed, so as to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> harmony<br />

and prevent discontent or hatred. Marital sex is div<strong>in</strong>ely<br />

orda<strong>in</strong>ed and a marital duty of every spouse. It should be<br />

respected and honoured.<br />

From left: The Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Dr Mashhud Fashola; General<br />

Secretary, Alhaji Abbas Irom<strong>in</strong>i; F<strong>in</strong>ance, Secretary, Alhaji Abdul Ghaniyyi Idris and<br />

Chief Imam Sapper’s Army, Barrack, Ijebu-Ode, Lt Col. Mohammed Hassan, dur<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

annual higher <strong>in</strong>stitution convention 2016, Symposium of Ahmadi Muslim Students,<br />

Association Nigeria <strong>in</strong> Ijebu-Ode Ogun State.


LAGOS State Muslim<br />

Pilgrims Welfare Board<br />

has concluded arrangement for<br />

the sale of 2017 Hajj Forms.<br />

The sales of the Hajj forms for<br />

the 2017 Hajj exercise will<br />

commence on 7th November,<br />

2016.<br />

Each form will attract a sum<br />

of Ten Thousand Naira and an<br />

<strong>in</strong>itial deposit of One Million<br />

Two Hundred Thousand<br />

Naira (N1.2million),<br />

irrespective of the package<br />

and scheme adopted by the<br />

<strong>in</strong>tend<strong>in</strong>g Pilgrim.<br />

Lagos State Commissioner<br />

for Home Affairs, Dr.<br />

Abdulhakeem Abdullateef<br />

disclosed this recently dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />

a meet<strong>in</strong>g with the staff of<br />

Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims<br />

Welfare Board <strong>in</strong> Ikeja.<br />

Dr. Abdullateef expla<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

that the state has <strong>in</strong>troduced<br />

Safar 5, 1438 A.H.<br />

Show more commitment <strong>in</strong> fix<strong>in</strong>g<br />

economy, FOMWAN charges govt<br />

*Holds conference on peace, security<br />

FEDERATION of Muslim The conference which beg<strong>in</strong>s<br />

Women’s Association of today at the Ma<strong>in</strong> Hall of the<br />

Nigeria, FOMWAN has charged university, is themed:<br />

the President Buhari led “Development for Peace and<br />

adm<strong>in</strong>istration to show more Security” and will be attended by<br />

commitment <strong>in</strong> driv<strong>in</strong>g Nigeria em<strong>in</strong>ent Muslims and delegates<br />

out of the excruciat<strong>in</strong>g from all chapters of the 36 states<br />

economic condition as many of the federation and Abuja.<br />

women * who * * * * have * * * * become * * * * * * * Hajia Omoti while address<strong>in</strong>g<br />

breadw<strong>in</strong>ner of their families are<br />

liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> pa<strong>in</strong>.<br />

The association led by Hajia<br />

Am<strong>in</strong>a Omoti made this known<br />

* * * dur<strong>in</strong>g * * * * a * press * * * brief<strong>in</strong>g * * * * herald<strong>in</strong>g *<br />

the association’s 31st annual<br />

national conference held at the<br />

Mosque Hall of University of<br />

Lagos, Akoka, yesterday.<br />

newsmen said: “ FOMWAN is<br />

deeply worried about the poor<br />

state of the economy. There is a<br />

lot of hunger <strong>in</strong> the land and<br />

women, many of whom have<br />

become breadw<strong>in</strong>ners <strong>in</strong> their<br />

homes are worst hit. We call on<br />

the President and his team to fix<br />

the economy so as to ameliorate<br />

HAJJ 2017: Lagos beg<strong>in</strong>s sale of forms<br />

some reforms and schemes<br />

such as “Pay Small- Small”,<br />

Regular Standard, “Lagos<br />

International” and other<br />

<strong>in</strong>itiatives to enhance the<br />

success of Hajj exercise <strong>in</strong><br />

2017.<br />

“PAY SMALL- SMALL”<br />

This package provides an<br />

opportunity for the <strong>in</strong>tend<strong>in</strong>g<br />

pilgrims to pay <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>stallments,<br />

depend<strong>in</strong>g on the arrangement<br />

adopted by the pilgrim. “Pay a<br />

sum of fifty thousand naira<br />

only (N50, 000.00) per week<br />

for a period of six months or<br />

pay a sum of two hundred<br />

thousand naira only (N200,<br />

000.00) monthly for six<br />

months”.<br />

You would have succeeded <strong>in</strong><br />

mak<strong>in</strong>g up for the <strong>in</strong>itial deposit<br />

of One Million, two hundred<br />

thousand naira (N 1.2 Million)<br />

as <strong>in</strong>itial deposit.<br />

the plight of the masses that<br />

voted and yearn for positive<br />

change.”<br />

Expla<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the reason for the<br />

choice of the theme of the<br />

conference, Hajia Omoti<br />

lamented that pockets of<br />

agitations <strong>in</strong> the South-South<br />

and South Eastern part of the<br />

country have impeded<br />

developments, add<strong>in</strong>g that there<br />

cannot be any mean<strong>in</strong>gful<br />

development without peace.<br />

The immediate past Amirah of<br />

the association, Alhaja Lateefah<br />

Duros<strong>in</strong>mi also charged leaders<br />

at various level of governance<br />

to show more commitment <strong>in</strong><br />

manag<strong>in</strong>g Nigeria out of<br />

economic recession, add<strong>in</strong>g that<br />

empower<strong>in</strong>g women and young<br />

entrepreneurs through<br />

provision of loan and grants will<br />

cushion the effect of the<br />

recession and ultimately grow<br />

their bus<strong>in</strong>esses.<br />

Respond<strong>in</strong>g to questions from<br />

newsmen on Hijab, former<br />

Amirah and former Deputy<br />

Governor of<br />

Lagos State, Alhaja Lateefah<br />

Okunnu stated that apart from<br />

the constitutional right of every<br />

female Muslim to wear hijab, she<br />

added: “Hijab is orda<strong>in</strong>ed by<br />

Allah, although the case is <strong>in</strong><br />

court, nobody can stop the use<br />

of Hijab.”<br />

The association also<br />

commended the anticorruption<br />

stance of Buhari-led<br />

adm<strong>in</strong>istration urg<strong>in</strong>g that cases<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st corrupt officials should<br />

be susta<strong>in</strong>ed and concluded <strong>in</strong> a<br />

fair manner to serve as deterrent<br />

to others.<br />

From left: Hajia Lateefat Duros<strong>in</strong>mi, immediate past Amirah; Hajia Am<strong>in</strong>a<br />

Omoti, National Amirah, FOMWAN; Hajia Lateefat Okunnu, former Deputy<br />

Governor, Lagos State and former Amirah; Hajia Raliat Sanni, Member BoTand<br />

Hajia Khairat Sadeeq dur<strong>in</strong>g a press brief<strong>in</strong>g organised by FOMWAN on its 31st<br />

annual conference held <strong>in</strong> UNILAG Mosque Hall, Akoka, Lagos, yesterday.<br />

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016—45<br />

Barka Jumah<br />

Dialogue with Allah<br />

Ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> constant dialogue with Allah<br />

through prayers. Prayer is the real power<br />

po<strong>in</strong>t of faith. All your troubles a<strong>in</strong>’t grounds<br />

for regret. They are mere challenges to be<br />

conquered. Triumph a<strong>in</strong>’t cheap nor easy.<br />

Waste not your t<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> doubt nor fear. Pray. It<br />

ties us all to Allah’s mercy and yield personal<br />

powers of control and balance. Fear Allah. Do<br />

good. May you obta<strong>in</strong> Allah’s highest earthly<br />

victory and f<strong>in</strong>d eternal bliss <strong>in</strong> paradise.<br />

Happy Jumaat!<br />

—Adewale Adeeyo, OON<br />

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46 — Vanguard, FRIDAY , NOVEMBER 4, 2016<br />

Nigeria and piracy: Advocacy<br />

for image enhancement<br />

By Ob<strong>in</strong>na Obi<br />

DURING a sem<strong>in</strong>ar <strong>in</strong> the UK<br />

attended by the author, a<br />

paper on Nigeria and piracy was<br />

presented by a DPhil researcher who<br />

had never been to Nigeria but who<br />

spoke so passionately (to a ma<strong>in</strong>ly<br />

European audience) about Nigeria’s<br />

<strong>in</strong>capacity to transform itself.<br />

Although the presentation was<br />

brilliant, it was marred by a few<br />

<strong>in</strong>accurate and somewhat<br />

exaggerated assertions and statistics;<br />

not surpris<strong>in</strong>g consider<strong>in</strong>g that the<br />

presenter carried out a three year<br />

long research exercise on Nigeria<br />

based ma<strong>in</strong>ly on secondary data.<br />

The presentation suggested that<br />

piracy <strong>in</strong> West Africa, said to be more<br />

violent than elsewhere, has been<br />

caused by factors such as military<br />

<strong>in</strong>cursion <strong>in</strong>to politics, permissive<br />

political environment, endemic<br />

corruption especially amongst the<br />

leadership cadre, weak legal<br />

jurisdiction and weak command and<br />

control structure <strong>in</strong> the Navy.<br />

However, these factors appear to be<br />

more of the symptoms than the root<br />

causes of the problem.<br />

This type of list hardly ever focuses<br />

on the obviously contentious root<br />

cause namely: the socially<br />

irresponsible behaviour of<br />

mult<strong>in</strong>ational oil companies whose<br />

activities orig<strong>in</strong>ally extensively<br />

degraded the mar<strong>in</strong>e environment<br />

and ecosystem. It has been widely<br />

acknowledged that this degradation<br />

ostensibly led to the impoverishment<br />

and social exclusion of the local fish<strong>in</strong>g<br />

and agrarian communities <strong>in</strong> the<br />

Niger Delta thus leav<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

communities with very few options<br />

<strong>in</strong> the survival and social equality<br />

matrix.<br />

While it is true that local factors<br />

have contributed to the exacerbation<br />

of piracy and sea robbery <strong>in</strong> our subregion,<br />

it is also very true that<br />

external <strong>in</strong>fluences helped to fuel the<br />

problem thus re<strong>in</strong>forc<strong>in</strong>g the largely<br />

negative image of Nigeria before the<br />

<strong>in</strong>ternational arena. Part of the<br />

problem however, appears to be that<br />

we are yet to f<strong>in</strong>d an effective method<br />

of project<strong>in</strong>g our positive values,<br />

achievements and history <strong>in</strong> such a<br />

way that it would balance the<br />

negativity <strong>in</strong> our narrative as<br />

recounted by others.<br />

In the UK for example, the general<br />

assumption appears to be that piracy<br />

and armed robbery at sea is more<br />

concentrated <strong>in</strong> the West African subregion<br />

than elsewhere. This<br />

assumption is obviously mislead<strong>in</strong>g<br />

consider<strong>in</strong>g the 2014 and 2015 global<br />

piracy reports released by the<br />

International Maritime Bureau, IMB.<br />

The reports show that 245 and 246<br />

actual and attempted <strong>in</strong>cidents of<br />

piracy occurred globally <strong>in</strong> both years<br />

respectively and the Asia-Pacific<br />

region accounted for over 70% of this<br />

figure <strong>in</strong> the two years. Curiously,<br />

both the International and local<br />

media neither amplified nor<br />

serialised this fact.<br />

In an attempt to trace the evolution<br />

of piracy off the Nigerian coast,<br />

several presentations made by<br />

foreigners have compared piracy <strong>in</strong><br />

the greater Gulf of Aden with piracy<br />

<strong>in</strong> the Gulf of Gu<strong>in</strong>ea and ended up<br />

dwell<strong>in</strong>g extensively on the themes<br />

of endemic corruption especially<br />

amongst the civil and military<br />

leadership cadre of the Nigerian<br />

society and weak public <strong>in</strong>stitutions<br />

as two of the major causative factors.<br />

However, they usually fail to<br />

mention that a large part of the illicit<br />

funds <strong>in</strong> question end up <strong>in</strong> foreign<br />

(ma<strong>in</strong>ly European) f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />

<strong>in</strong>stitutions with the back<strong>in</strong>g of their<br />

respective governments.<br />

Further, they fail to mention that<br />

the last overt military experiment<br />

Mr. Peterside Dakuku, DG<br />

NIMASA<br />

with politics <strong>in</strong> Nigeria took place<br />

almost two decades ago and not<br />

recently. Above all, they draw<br />

grossly <strong>in</strong>sufficient attention, if any,<br />

to the efforts of sub-regional<br />

organisations such as the Maritime<br />

Organisation of West and Central<br />

Africa, MOWCA, and national<br />

agencies such as the Nigerian<br />

Maritime Adm<strong>in</strong>istration and<br />

Safety Agency, NIMASA, to develop<br />

and implement effective anti-piracy<br />

<strong>in</strong>itiatives especially <strong>in</strong> the areas of<br />

<strong>in</strong>ter-agency collaboration, shar<strong>in</strong>g<br />

This is why we<br />

must <strong>in</strong>dividually<br />

and collectively tell<br />

our own story <strong>in</strong><br />

such a way that it<br />

enhances our<br />

merits and<br />

possibilities rather<br />

than our demerits<br />

and challenges on<br />

the <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />

scene<br />

of <strong>in</strong>formation, human and<br />

<strong>in</strong>frastructural capacity build<strong>in</strong>g<br />

and fund<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

Although it may be argued that<br />

the orig<strong>in</strong>al problem has cont<strong>in</strong>ued<br />

to expand largely as a result of<br />

deviant behaviour and crim<strong>in</strong>al acts<br />

on the part of the locals on the one<br />

hand, corruption and complicity by<br />

civil and military authorities on the<br />

other, complicity also exists from<br />

corrupt external <strong>in</strong>fluences that<br />

provide additional <strong>in</strong>centives for<br />

piracy and armed robbery at sea to<br />

flourish <strong>in</strong> our region namely: the<br />

<strong>in</strong>ternational or black market where<br />

stolen crude products are sold and<br />

probably ref<strong>in</strong>ed as well as corrupt<br />

foreign government officials and<br />

f<strong>in</strong>ancial <strong>in</strong>stitutions who receive<br />

and recycle illicit funds.<br />

Hav<strong>in</strong>g said this, it should be noted<br />

that the major challenge to engender<br />

change is our domestic and<br />

collective responsibility. This leads<br />

me to three questions namely: how<br />

has the government (at the Federal<br />

and State levels) engaged with<br />

<strong>in</strong>ternational oil companies to ensure<br />

moderation of the destructive<br />

elements of their activities; is there<br />

any percentage of oil company<br />

profits required to be statutorily set<br />

aside for solid and long term<br />

corporate social responsibility,CSR,<br />

projects <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g green shipp<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />

and around oil produc<strong>in</strong>g<br />

communities? If so, whose<br />

responsibility is it to monitor them<br />

and what is the impact of this<br />

monitor<strong>in</strong>g on the coastal<br />

communities where the seeds of<br />

piracy and sea robbery are probably<br />

sown? The answers to these<br />

questions and many others may<br />

suggest that f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g creative<br />

solutions to the problem is a<br />

collective responsibility.<br />

Meanwhile the prospects of<br />

<strong>in</strong>creased deep sea trade and<br />

national GDP as a result of the<br />

proposed national carrier br<strong>in</strong>gs to<br />

m<strong>in</strong>d the possibility of <strong>in</strong>creased<br />

piracy and sea robbery attacks and<br />

the challenge of devis<strong>in</strong>g a<br />

‘comprehensive approach’ to secure<br />

the maritime doma<strong>in</strong>. Perhaps, a<br />

comb<strong>in</strong>ation of land-based and offshore<br />

solutions may be more<br />

effective <strong>in</strong> curtail<strong>in</strong>g the menace<br />

than the military option alone which<br />

appears to treat the symptoms of the<br />

problem rather than the root cause.<br />

The challenge is to collectively<br />

devise last<strong>in</strong>g socio-economic and<br />

<strong>in</strong>frastructural solutions to the<br />

dislocations that have cont<strong>in</strong>ued to<br />

provide fuel for the problem<br />

especially <strong>in</strong> the Niger Delta and<br />

Gulf of Gu<strong>in</strong>ea region.<br />

In his acclaimed publication<br />

entitled Maritime Piracy: Return of<br />

the World’s Second-Oldest Security<br />

Problem, Chris Bellamy notes that<br />

piracy is as old as history. It dates<br />

back to Graeco-Roman times and<br />

probably even before then. Cicero<br />

(106-63 BC) called them hostis<br />

humani generis, ‘enemy of all<br />

humank<strong>in</strong>d’. Bellamy observes that<br />

the mean<strong>in</strong>g of this Lat<strong>in</strong> term was<br />

later expanded <strong>in</strong> Admiralty Law.<br />

When they became a threat to<br />

Rome’s gra<strong>in</strong> supply a few years<br />

before pirates captured Julius<br />

Caesar <strong>in</strong> 75 BC, the Roman <strong>Senate</strong><br />

appo<strong>in</strong>ted an accomplished<br />

military commander, Gnaeus<br />

Pompeius Magnus (Pompey) <strong>in</strong> 67<br />

BC and devoted half of its annual<br />

budget to tackle the problem.<br />

Pompey’s strategy was a<br />

‘comprehensive approach’ that<br />

comb<strong>in</strong>ed both military and<br />

economic solutions. He realised after<br />

catch<strong>in</strong>g them, that for every<br />

crucified pirate, ten others would<br />

appear. He proceeded to turn the<br />

pirates <strong>in</strong>to farmers, moved them<br />

away from the sea and provided<br />

them with land to cultivate. This<br />

did not totally prevent the<br />

resurgence of piracy <strong>in</strong> Europe but<br />

it made a huge difference at the<br />

time.<br />

The <strong>in</strong>equalities of globalisation<br />

analysed by Joseph Eugene Stiglitz<br />

<strong>in</strong> his sem<strong>in</strong>al works, Globalization<br />

and its Discontents and Mak<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Globalization Work, the expansion<br />

of vital sea l<strong>in</strong>es of communication<br />

and the lure of f<strong>in</strong>ancial ga<strong>in</strong> from<br />

<strong>in</strong>creased sea-borne and oil trade<br />

amongst other factors have<br />

unwitt<strong>in</strong>gly provided a fillip for the<br />

proliferation of piracy <strong>in</strong> modern<br />

times thus mak<strong>in</strong>g the factors<br />

fuell<strong>in</strong>g its existence today more<br />

complex than those that existed <strong>in</strong><br />

the early Graeco-Roman period. It<br />

is important for everyone <strong>in</strong> both<br />

academic and non-academic circles<br />

to understand this and to<br />

understand that it should not be<br />

described as the evolution of a<br />

complex Nigerian problem.<br />

As earlier noted, this label<br />

<strong>in</strong>advertently takes the sh<strong>in</strong>e away<br />

from the many ga<strong>in</strong>s of the antipiracy<br />

<strong>in</strong>itiatives implemented by<br />

such organi'sations as NIMASA and<br />

the Nigerian Navy despite their<br />

challenges. Hav<strong>in</strong>g been around for<br />

ages, the problem of piracy should<br />

best be described as a global<br />

occurrence with somewhat different<br />

and peculiar manifestations at<br />

different times and places. This is<br />

why we must <strong>in</strong>dividually and<br />

collectively tell our own story <strong>in</strong><br />

such a way that it enhances our<br />

merits and possibilities rather than<br />

our demerits and challenges on the<br />

<strong>in</strong>ternational scene.<br />

*Mr. Obi, wrote from Nigerian<br />

Maritime Adm<strong>in</strong>istration &<br />

Safety Agency, Lagos.<br />

Work<strong>in</strong>g Man... Ogenyi Eddy Onazi scores for<br />

Trabzonspor dur<strong>in</strong>g a Turkish Spor Toto Super Lig<br />

football match between Trabszonspor and Kasimpasa.<br />

Federations Cup: Onazi bets<br />

on IfeanyUbah to lift title<br />

SUPER<br />

Eagles<br />

midfielder, Ogenyi<br />

Onazi has backed FC<br />

IfeanyiUbah to w<strong>in</strong><br />

Sunday’s Federation’s Cup<br />

f<strong>in</strong>al aga<strong>in</strong>st Nasarawa<br />

United <strong>in</strong> a game billed for<br />

the Teslim Balogun Stadium<br />

Lagos.<br />

IfeanyiUbah are gunn<strong>in</strong>g<br />

for their first ever silverware;<br />

so is Nasarawa United that<br />

beat defend<strong>in</strong>g champions<br />

Enyimba. However, Onazi<br />

has tipped the Nnewi side<br />

to seize the day.<br />

The Turkey based<br />

midfielder has also promised<br />

to be at the Teslim<br />

Balogun Stadium to support<br />

Rafael Everton’s side<br />

when they take on the Lafia<br />

based side.<br />

The 23-year-old whose 11th<br />

placed team face an <strong>in</strong>-form<br />

Be_ikta_ side <strong>in</strong> the Turkish Super<br />

Lig on Saturday even<strong>in</strong>g took to<br />

twitter to post the morale-boost<strong>in</strong>g<br />

message, accompanied by a relative<br />

trailer. “Come all out to support<br />

FC Ifeanyi Ubah and Dr<br />

Ifeanyi Ubah. I will be there live to<br />

cheer them up,” he tweeted.<br />

Meanwhile Nasarawa United<br />

chairman, Barrister Isaac Danladi<br />

said his side is focused on w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the Cup not m<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g the distractions<br />

caused by players of FC<br />

Ifeanyiubah.<br />

“We are very focused on w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g<br />

this competition. For one week, we<br />

camped <strong>in</strong> Ibadan to avoid distractions,<br />

and we have confidence that<br />

we are ready to go for it on Sunday,”<br />

Danladi told thenff.com.<br />

Omagbemi frees Angels, Queens for<br />

Cup tie<br />

SUPER Falcons’<br />

Head Coach,<br />

Florence Omagbemi<br />

has elected to release<br />

players of Rivers<br />

Angels and Bayelsa<br />

Queens <strong>in</strong> the Senior<br />

Women National Team<br />

camp for Sunday’s<br />

potentially explosive<br />

women Federation Cup<br />

f<strong>in</strong>al between both<br />

teams <strong>in</strong> Lagos.<br />

The member of FIFA<br />

Technical Study said the<br />

ladies would be allowed to<br />

leave the team’s camp <strong>in</strong><br />

Abuja to travel to Lagos for the<br />

big clash, which starts at 1pm<br />

at the Teslim Balogun Stadium<br />

on Sunday.<br />

That decision has freed<br />

Angels’ half dozen of<br />

goalkeeper Ibubeleye Whyte,<br />

defenders Os<strong>in</strong>achi Ohale,<br />

Ugo Njoku and Gladys Akpa<br />

and midfielders Chioma Wogu<br />

and Glory Iroka to be part of<br />

the glamour event, to be<br />

attended by the Governors of<br />

Lagos, Anambra, Nasarawa,<br />

Bayelsa and Rivers States.<br />

Ikuesan is new Ondo Basketball<br />

Association Chairman<br />

By Chibueze<br />

Ogwurumba and<br />

John Atuke<br />

LONG<br />

stand<strong>in</strong>g<br />

basketball reporter<br />

and FIBA Africa media<br />

committee member Segun<br />

Ikuesan has been<br />

appo<strong>in</strong>ted the new<br />

Chairman of the Ondo<br />

State Basketball<br />

Association.<br />

Ikuesan who disclosed<br />

this to Sports Vanguard<br />

yesterday said the 9-<br />

member Board was<br />

<strong>in</strong>augurated Wednesday by the<br />

Executive Chairman of the<br />

Ondo State Sports Council,<br />

Comrade Gbenga Jegede at<br />

the boardroom of the sports<br />

council.<br />

Other members of the newly<br />

<strong>in</strong>augurated board <strong>in</strong>clude,<br />

Ayokanmi Edu - Vice<br />

Chairman, Ishola Ak<strong>in</strong>se<strong>in</strong>de -<br />

Technical Committee chairman,<br />

Olatunde Farayibi – Member,<br />

Shola Aluko - Head Coach,<br />

Fisayo Bello - Assistant Coach,<br />

Dr. Yele Ak<strong>in</strong>bamowo – Patron,<br />

Francis Gbiri – Patron with<br />

Iyabode Ajanaku as Secretary.


Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016 — 47<br />

Algeria’ll be tough, Bonfrere Jo<br />

warns •Says Eagles must fight and w<strong>in</strong><br />

DUTCH coach and<br />

former Super<br />

Eagles coach, Bonfrere<br />

Jo, has handed out a<br />

stern warn<strong>in</strong>g to the<br />

Super Eagles, that their<br />

Russia 2018 FIFA World<br />

Cup ambition lies <strong>in</strong> the<br />

outcome of their<br />

November 12 Group B<br />

qualification clash<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st the Fennecs of<br />

Algeria slated for the<br />

Godswill Akpabio<br />

International Stadium,<br />

Uyo.<br />

Bonfrere who led<br />

Nigeria’s U-23 Dream<br />

Team to w<strong>in</strong> the Atlanta<br />

1996 Olympic Games<br />

soccer gold medal<br />

spoke from his home <strong>in</strong><br />

the Netherlands<br />

Thursday.<br />

The 2000 Africa Cup of<br />

Nations silver w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Eagles manager<br />

warned that the<br />

November 12 match<br />

will be tough, <strong>in</strong>sist<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the Super Eagles should<br />

not handle the North<br />

Africans with kid’s<br />

gloves if they want to<br />

snatch the sole ticket <strong>in</strong><br />

the group.<br />

“Algeria will be a<br />

difficult match, yes,<br />

very difficult and the<br />

Super Eagles must be<br />

well up for it,” said the<br />

Dutch gaffer.<br />

“Algeria drew their<br />

first game at home (1-1<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st Cameroon) and<br />

would want to recover<br />

the po<strong>in</strong>ts <strong>in</strong> Nigeria.<br />

“They have good<br />

players with most of<br />

them play<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the<br />

French League. This is<br />

a plus for them as they<br />

have understand<strong>in</strong>g<br />

among themselves.<br />

“They are more<br />

technical as a team and<br />

as <strong>in</strong>dividual players<br />

and the match is com<strong>in</strong>g<br />

up on a natural grass<br />

which is okay for good<br />

football,” Bonfrere said.<br />

Cont<strong>in</strong>ues from BP<br />

Algerian opponents,<br />

Desert Foxes.<br />

“The truth is that I had<br />

looked forward to be<br />

named <strong>in</strong> the first list but<br />

when it did not come<br />

through I kept faith and<br />

focus on my club career.<br />

“I should be arriv<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Nigeria on Sunday or<br />

Monday as the <strong>in</strong>vitation<br />

specified to team up<br />

with teammates to<br />

prepare for the clash<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st Algeria.<br />

“The match aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />

He admitted the<br />

Super Eagles equally<br />

have good players but<br />

stressed that the<br />

difference between the<br />

North Africans and their<br />

West African<br />

counterparts is<br />

technique.<br />

“Yeah, the Super<br />

Eagles have quality<br />

players,” Bonfrere said.<br />

“Mikel, Musa,<br />

Iheanacho, Iwobi,<br />

Ighalo. These are all<br />

good players do<strong>in</strong>g well<br />

<strong>in</strong> the (English) Premier<br />

League. Players with<br />

Akpeyi<br />

physical attribute,<br />

strength and skill.<br />

“But technically, this<br />

is where Algeria have<br />

advantage.<br />

“The Super Eagles<br />

must work hard to w<strong>in</strong>.<br />

If they fail to w<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong><br />

(Uyo) Nigeria, it will be<br />

difficult go<strong>in</strong>g to Algeria<br />

to w<strong>in</strong>,” Bonfrere Jo<br />

warned.<br />

NIGERIA striker<br />

Odion Ighalo<br />

has given the lowdown<br />

on his Watford teammate<br />

Adlène Guedioura<br />

ahead of the World Cup<br />

qualifier aga<strong>in</strong>st Algeria<br />

and also highlighted the<br />

qualities of the<br />

midfielder.<br />

Ighalo and Guedioura<br />

will put their friendship<br />

to one side for at least<br />

one and a half hours<br />

when the Super Eagles<br />

clash with the Desert<br />

Foxes at the Akwa Ibom<br />

International Stadium on<br />

November 12.<br />

“His strength : he is<br />

strong and can shoot<br />

from any range and he<br />

is technically okay,” said<br />

Ighalo.<br />

“We always talk about<br />

the game, he told me it<br />

will be strange play<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Algeria is not go<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

be an easy task given<br />

the North Africans<br />

pedigree <strong>in</strong> the land but<br />

I’m confident we can<br />

always conquer at the<br />

end of the day to susta<strong>in</strong><br />

the momentum after the<br />

heroic performance<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st Zambia <strong>in</strong><br />

Ndola.<br />

“I strongly believe that<br />

Algeria will certa<strong>in</strong>ly go<br />

the way of Zambia <strong>in</strong><br />

Uyo on November 12,”<br />

said Akpeyi to<br />

supersport.com.<br />

•Bonfrefre Jo<br />

Ighalo warns on Algerian teammate<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st me <strong>in</strong> Nigeria<br />

and he hopes to beat me.<br />

“I told him we are<br />

go<strong>in</strong>g to w<strong>in</strong> because<br />

they are com<strong>in</strong>g to the<br />

Algeria<br />

Cont<strong>in</strong>ues from BP<br />

players are two<br />

goalkeepers – Malik<br />

Asselah (JS Kabylie),<br />

Chemsedd<strong>in</strong>e Rahmani<br />

(MO Bejaia)– as well as<br />

defenders Houari<br />

Ferhani (JSK) and<br />

Mohamed Khoutir Ziti<br />

(ES Setif).<br />

lions den.”<br />

A third Watford<br />

player, Isaac Success,<br />

would have been<br />

<strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> the game<br />

Okala<br />

Cont<strong>in</strong>ues from BP<br />

2-1 w<strong>in</strong> away to<br />

Zambia <strong>in</strong> Ndola on<br />

matchday one of the third<br />

round of qualifiers.<br />

Speak<strong>in</strong>g with<br />

footballlive.ng, Okala<br />

who won the AFCON <strong>in</strong><br />

1980 ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>s the form<br />

of the current Eagles is<br />

too good to ignore.<br />

He hailed the quality of<br />

the Young Nigeria team<br />

and the depth of the<br />

Coaches led by Technical<br />

Adviser, Gernot Rohr.<br />

NFF officials dispute Ikeme’s<br />

<strong>in</strong>jury, plan second check<br />

NIGERIA Football<br />

Federation,<br />

NFF officials are<br />

disput<strong>in</strong>g claims by<br />

English club<br />

Wolverhampton<br />

Wanderers that a hip<br />

<strong>in</strong>jury has ruled out<br />

No.1 goalkeeper Carl<br />

Ikeme from a must-w<strong>in</strong><br />

World Cup qualifier<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st Algeria and they<br />

are now <strong>in</strong>sist<strong>in</strong>g on a<br />

second op<strong>in</strong>ion.<br />

The Super Eagles<br />

welcome Algeria to Uyo<br />

on November 12 and<br />

they are leav<strong>in</strong>g noth<strong>in</strong>g<br />

to chance to ensure they<br />

w<strong>in</strong> the game and<br />

consolidate their<br />

leadership of their<br />

qualify<strong>in</strong>g section for<br />

the 2018 World Cup <strong>in</strong><br />

Russia.<br />

This week, Wolves<br />

contacted the Nigeria<br />

Football Federation<br />

(NFF) to say Ikeme will<br />

not be available for the<br />

World Cup qualifier on<br />

account of <strong>in</strong>jury.<br />

Officials are still miffed<br />

between the Super<br />

Eagles and Algeria but<br />

was omitted from the<br />

roster because of<br />

<strong>in</strong>jury.<br />

•Ikeme<br />

that the Premier League<br />

clubs of Victor Moses<br />

(Chelsea) and Isaac<br />

Success (Watford)<br />

deliberately blocked the<br />

players from last<br />

month’s clash <strong>in</strong> Zambia<br />

us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>jury as an<br />

excuse.<br />

“The officials wish to<br />

ascerta<strong>in</strong> the severity of<br />

the <strong>in</strong>jury Ikeme<br />

suffered at a league<br />

game over the<br />

weekend,” disclosed a<br />

top source.<br />

“They still believe that<br />

Victor Moses and Isaac<br />

Success were stopped<br />

from the last World Cup<br />

qualifier by their<br />

English clubs.”<br />

Moses’ goal aga<strong>in</strong>st Leicester nom<strong>in</strong>ated for Chelsea<br />

goal of the month<br />

VICTOR Moses’<br />

goal aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />

Leicester City has been<br />

nom<strong>in</strong>ated for Chelsea’s<br />

Goal of the Month<br />

competition alongside<br />

four other strikes.<br />

After first half strikes<br />

from Diego Costa and<br />

Eden Hazard had set the<br />

Blues on course for<br />

victory, the impressive<br />

w<strong>in</strong>ger drilled the f<strong>in</strong>al<br />

nail <strong>in</strong>to the Foxes’<br />

coff<strong>in</strong>.<br />

The former West Ham<br />

player showed play<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>in</strong> a w<strong>in</strong>gback role has<br />

not affected his goal<br />

scor<strong>in</strong>g know-how after<br />

a comb<strong>in</strong>ation of bravery,<br />

poor defend<strong>in</strong>g - from<br />

Claudio Ranieri’s men<br />

- and a perfectly<br />

executed backheel by<br />

Nathaniel Chalobah saw<br />

him beat the onrush<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Kasper Schmeichel to<br />

wrap up a deserved 3-0<br />

NIGERIA’s top<br />

coaches, who<br />

have been work<strong>in</strong>g on<br />

bagg<strong>in</strong>g CAF ‘A’<br />

licenses, could not sit for<br />

their f<strong>in</strong>al exam<strong>in</strong>ation<br />

victory for Antonio<br />

Conte’s team.<br />

His strike is pitted<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st Diego Costa’s<br />

wonderful efforts<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st Hull City and<br />

Southampton, while<br />

Willian’s curler aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />

the Tigers also made the<br />

CAF <strong>in</strong>structors go on strike at NFF’s<br />

coaches sem<strong>in</strong>ar<br />

Thursday <strong>in</strong> Abuja<br />

because the <strong>in</strong>structors<br />

embarked on a pay strike<br />

to protest non-payment<br />

of their allowances.<br />

The CAF ‘A’ license<br />

course was to have<br />

ended on Saturday and<br />

it features some of the<br />

country’s f<strong>in</strong>est coaches<br />

<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Eagles chief<br />

coach Salisu Yusuf,<br />

Samson Siasia, Manu<br />

Garba, Emmanuel<br />

Amuneke, Gbenga<br />

Ogunbote, Stanley<br />

Eguma, Henry Abiodun<br />

and Ladan Bosso.<br />

The coaches were all<br />

shocked when the<br />

<strong>in</strong>structors told them<br />

that the exam<strong>in</strong>ation has<br />

been postponed without<br />

any cogent reason.<br />

shortlist with N’Golo<br />

Kante’s solo effort<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st Manchester<br />

United capp<strong>in</strong>g it off.<br />

The w<strong>in</strong>ner will be<br />

determ<strong>in</strong>ed by a vot<strong>in</strong>g<br />

system via the club’s<br />

official website.<br />

The <strong>in</strong>structors are all<br />

former national team<br />

coaches - Adegboye<br />

Onigb<strong>in</strong>de, James Peters<br />

and Kashimawo Laloko.<br />

However, a reliable<br />

source exclusively<br />

revealed<br />

to<br />

AfricanFootball.com that<br />

the <strong>in</strong>structors opted to<br />

postpone the<br />

exam<strong>in</strong>ation because<br />

they have not been paid<br />

and they wanted that to<br />

be done before the<br />

programme is rounded<br />

up to avoid “stories”<br />

thereafter.<br />

It was also gathered<br />

that the NFF received<br />

between N250,000 and<br />

N270,000 from the<br />

participants.<br />

The payments were<br />

directly <strong>in</strong>to the NFF<br />

bank account.


Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016<br />

2018 World Cup qualifier<br />

Akpeyi vows to<br />

stop Algeria<br />

SUPER<br />

Eagles<br />

goalkeeper, Daniel<br />

Akpeyi said he is<br />

determ<strong>in</strong>ed to keep a<br />

clean sheet and justify<br />

his call up to replace<br />

<strong>in</strong>jured first choice<br />

keeper Carl Ikeme for<br />

the 2018 FIFA World Cup<br />

qualifier aga<strong>in</strong>st Algeria<br />

<strong>in</strong> Uyo.<br />

Akpeyi said he<br />

considers the late call up<br />

as a rare honour and<br />

privilege even though<br />

he was cocksure he<br />

merited the early<br />

<strong>in</strong>vitation.<br />

“Of course, I consider<br />

it always an honour and<br />

privilege to serve my<br />

fatherland, I’m happy<br />

with the call up as I’m<br />

100 percent fit and<br />

determ<strong>in</strong>ed to justify my<br />

<strong>in</strong>clusion <strong>in</strong> the game<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st the<br />

Cont<strong>in</strong>ues on Page 47<br />

TODAY'S PUZZLE<br />

Tanzania<br />

name<br />

squad<br />

for<br />

Eagles<br />

How to Play Sudoku<br />

Place a number (1-9) <strong>in</strong> each blank cell. (No l<strong>in</strong>e can<br />

have two of the same number).<br />

Each row (n<strong>in</strong>e l<strong>in</strong>es from left to right), column, (also<br />

n<strong>in</strong>e l<strong>in</strong>es from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block with<strong>in</strong> a<br />

bold block (n<strong>in</strong>e blocks) conta<strong>in</strong>s number from 1<br />

through 9. This means that no number can appear twice<br />

<strong>in</strong> any block, column or row.<br />

No mathematics is <strong>in</strong>volved – no add<strong>in</strong>g, subtraction, division<br />

or multiplication, just pla<strong>in</strong> logic and your imag<strong>in</strong>ation.<br />

Algeria’ll be tough, Bonfrere Jo warns<br />

— Page 47<br />

Sudoku<br />

YESTERDAY'S ANSWERS<br />

Algeria replace <strong>in</strong>jured star, pick 2<br />

new foreign pros<br />

ALGERIA<br />

have<br />

replaced <strong>in</strong>jured<br />

Adam Ounas and<br />

<strong>in</strong>cluded two more foreign<br />

pros as well as four<br />

players from the country’s<br />

domestic league to their<br />

squad for a crucial World<br />

READY••• Super Eagles goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi ready to stop Algeria.<br />

ACROSS<br />

1 Paradise (4)<br />

4 M<strong>in</strong>e (3)<br />

6 Insect (4)<br />

9 Fitt<strong>in</strong>g (3)<br />

10 Slaughterhouse (8)<br />

11 Dread (4)<br />

14 Plunder (3)<br />

16 Penned (5)<br />

19 Stirred (8)<br />

21 Deserve (5)<br />

23 Da<strong>in</strong>ty (8)<br />

24 Oath (5)<br />

27 Faucet (3)<br />

31 Table (4)<br />

33 Charred (8)<br />

34 Fasten (3)<br />

35 Nurse (4)<br />

36 Beam (3)<br />

37 Midday (4)<br />

Cup clash <strong>in</strong> Nigeria.<br />

Nigeria tackle Algeria<br />

on Saturday, November<br />

12, <strong>in</strong> Uyo.<br />

New coach Georges<br />

Leekens had earlier<br />

named a squad of 18<br />

foreign pros for the<br />

much-awaited clash.<br />

Latest foreign call-ups<br />

are Sofiane Hanni from<br />

Belgian club<br />

Anderlecht, who is a<br />

direct replacement for<br />

<strong>in</strong>jured Ounas and<br />

Jean Mehdi Tahrat,<br />

features for Angers <strong>in</strong><br />

the French Ligue 1.<br />

The four local league<br />

Cont<strong>in</strong>ues on Page 47<br />

QUICK CROSSWORD<br />

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS<br />

•Ounas<br />

Okala backs Eagles to<br />

beat Algeria<br />

FORMER Nigeria<br />

International and<br />

Afcon w<strong>in</strong>ner,<br />

Emmanuel Okala is<br />

back<strong>in</strong>g the Super<br />

Eagles to prey on the<br />

Fennecs of Algeria<br />

based on the team’s<br />

current form.Nigeria<br />

and Algeria clash on<br />

November 12 <strong>in</strong> the<br />

FIFA World Cup<br />

qualifier.<br />

Gernot Rohr had led<br />

the team to an <strong>in</strong>spir<strong>in</strong>g<br />

DOWN<br />

2 Liability (4)<br />

3 Observe (4)<br />

4 Advanced (8)<br />

5 Acid (4)<br />

6 Biscuit (5)<br />

7 Imitate (3)<br />

8 Beg<strong>in</strong> (5)<br />

12 Sorcery (5)<br />

13 Jockey (5)<br />

14 Butt (3)<br />

15 Cap (5)<br />

17 Sea (5)<br />

18 Surpass (5)<br />

20 Tardy (8)<br />

22 Gratuity (3)<br />

25 Comb<strong>in</strong>e (5)<br />

26 Located (5)<br />

28 Employer (4)<br />

29 Scrut<strong>in</strong>ise (4)<br />

30 Noth<strong>in</strong>g (4)<br />

32 Transgress (3)<br />

ACROSS: 1, Create 5, Jumper 8, Educated<br />

9, Tour 10, Cow 12, Glade 15, Ill 17, Ale 18,<br />

Vim 19, Put 20, Nerve 21, Arc 22, Emu 23, Nag<br />

24, Err 26, Spent 29, Eel 33, Mute 34, Accident<br />

35, Resent 36, Entail.<br />

Cont<strong>in</strong>ues on Page 47<br />

•Okala<br />

Ighalo warns on<br />

Algerian teammate<br />

— Page 47<br />

DOWN: 2, Radio 3, Arch 4, Extol 5, Jaded<br />

6, Myth 7, Equal 10, Copse 11, Water 12,<br />

Genus 13, Agree 14, Event 15, Image 16,<br />

Local 25, Rouse 27, Plawt 28, Niche 30, Ennui<br />

31, Cede 32, Edit.<br />

Pr<strong>in</strong>ted and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-4548355. Advert Dept Hotl<strong>in</strong>e:<br />

01-4544821. Abuja Advert Hotl<strong>in</strong>e: 09-2921024. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com<br />

Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: EZE ANABA. Phone: 01—4548355, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

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