Vendor Tower

...towards a better life for the people ** ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 N150 VOL. 25: NO. 62252 SYNAGOGUE MORTGAGE BANKS: Ex- Bayelsa Gov BUILDING: From left: CEO/Execu- tive Secretary, Mortgage Banks Association of Nigeria (MBAN), Alamieyeseigha's Coroner Kayode Omotosho; MD/ CEO, TrustBond Mort- gage Bank, Adeniyi Akinlusi and MD, Impe- son dies in Dubai inquest rial Homes Mortgage 7 begins Bank, Ben Akaneme at the launching, in Lagos, of the first mortgage bank syndication of real estate development in 10 Nigeria. We'll wipe out Boko By Adekunle Aliyu, Haram — Cameroon BenAgande,Favour Nnabugwu, with agency report Y AOUNDÉ— CAMEROON’S President Mr Paul Biya vowed, yesterday, that •Their activities'll be drastically curtailed — GEJ his government would go after the Islamist group Boko Haram “until it is • Meets foreign ministers of neighbouring countries totally wiped out”. His Nigerian counterpart, President Goodluck •Multi-National Joint Task Force to be deployed next month in Borno Jonathan, on his part, was confident that the ac- tivities of insurgents and other cross-border crimi- nals will soon be drasti- Continues from page 16 COLUMNISTS: What exactly is ‘clueless' about Goodluck Jonathan? (2) •P.17 Does America underrate her women? •P.51 Mr & Mrs ACCESS BANK—From left: Mr. Obinna Nwosu, Group Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank Plc; with Herbert Wigwe, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank Plc and Mr. Gbenga Oyebode, Chairman of Access Bank Plc, at the bank's Extra-Ordinary General Meeting in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Akeem Salau. FG backs tech OKEY WALI: More groups, individuals Power start-ups with See Inside N1.5bn 9 demand immediate brokers in release South-South 12 statesCMYK

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014—7 Alamieyeseigha's son dies in Dubai zPresident Jonathan assures family of govt's support By Samuel Oyadongha YENAGOA—THE first civilian governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha’s son, Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha, is dead.ARRESTED: The suspects and (INSET) the recovered car. Though the cause of the death of the 32-year-old could not be ascertained‘We sell stolen vehicles in at press time, it was learned that he was found dead outside his family's apartment in Dubai, theBenin Republic’ from the Mobile policemen and Parading the suspects before United Arab Emirates, in a Toyota land Cruiser Prado journalists at the command’s the early hours of Saturday. SUV, with registration number headquarters, Ikeja, the A source said Oyamuyefa AAA 690 BH. command’s boss, Mr. Cornelus might have been strangled By Evelyn Usman following their arrest by Also recovered were motor Aderanti, explained that the to death and his body& Esther Onyegbula operatives of Special Anti- parts, which the suspects suspects stormed a residence at dumped in front of hisA self-confessed leader of a Robbery Squad, SARS. intended to replace the Eletu Ogabi area of Victoria family house. robbery gang, yesterday, Recovered from the suspects engraved parts of the stolen Island last Thursday, and Meanwhile, President vehicles with. snatched a Prado jeep. Goodluck Jonathan, in agave an account of how were two AK 47 rifles snatched statement by his Specialmembers of his gang Jilted man attempts to set lover's house ablaze Adviser, Media & Publicity,overpowered three mobile Dr. Reuben Abati, assuredpolicemen during an operation the Alamieyeseigha familyin Ajah area of Lagos two By Onozure Dania count charge of breach of handed him over to the police. that Federal Governmentmonths ago and snatched their & Hope Ofobike public peace and attempted The defendant claimed that would work to unravel theservice rifles. LAGOS—A man, Sunday arson preferred against him by Saga refused to sleep with him circumstances surrounding The gang leader, a Beninoise, Ishiaku, who was jilted by the police, was docked before after collecting his money for the death. Magistrate Abegunde Davis. the three years they were Vanguard learned thatwho identified himself as the deceased was theBernard Bongi, also disclosed his lover was, yesterday, The defendant, an indigene together.that members of his gang arraigned before an Ijeshatedo of Borno State, was alleged to The complainant, on her part, fourth of five children of theusually snatched vehicles from Chief Magistrate’s Court over have carried a keg of petrol said she did not consider former governor.victims in Nigeria and export alleged attempt to set his to the house of the said lover, Ishiaku as her lover and was The family, in a statementsame to Benin Republic where lover ’s apartment ablaze for Kadijat Saga, a Togolese, at only accommodating him in by Prince Opukiri Ere, saidthey were sold to ready buyers. refusing to sleep with him 14, Bamishile Street, Idi- her house without attaching a delegation, comprisingBongi and eight suspected during their three-year Araba, with the intention to anything to their relationship. members and associates,members of his gang met their relationship. burn her property before She said she was surprised had left for Dubai.waterloo last Thursday, Ishiaku, who is facing a two- neighbours intervened and when her neighbour called her The family thanked the on phone to inform her that the government and Nigerians defendant broke into her room for their support.DISCO staff, 19 others nabbed over stolen cables with the intention of setting it According to Dr. Reuben ablaze. Abati, “the President By Ola Ajayi plate AV 577 KWL, conveying Ogbomoso and Oyo towns, Ishiaku pleaded not guilty to received with shock and some cables and other electrical adding that they would take the charges, even as the immense sadness, theIBADAN—AS Nigerians appliances. the stolen goats to Mile 12 in complainant informed the court news of the death of Mr. lament erratic power supply Lagos State for sale to Asun that she would want to settle the Oyamuyefa “When the driver of the said Alamieyeseigha in Dubai atacross the country, Oyo State vehicle, one Amaechi Obi of (roasted goat) merchants. matter out of court.Police Command has arrested Salvation Army, Oke Padre, the weekend.20 suspects, including a staff of Ibadan, was questioned about “On behalf of his family and the FederalSuspect remanded inIbadan Electricity Distribution the items, he claimed to have Government, Presidentprison over drug traffickingCentre, IBDEC, Mr. bought them from a contractor. Jonathan extends heartfeltOlanrewaju Isaiah, for selling “When the contractor wasstolen cables and other electrical picked, they confessed to have By Innocent Anaba October 24, when the facts of the condolences tomaterials at Salvation Road, stolen the cables from Eruwa.” Oyamuyefa’s father, ChiefOke Padre, Ibadan. On what pushed him into A Federal High Court case will be reviewed, and her Diepreye Alamieyeseigha sitting in Lagos, sentence pronounced. and his entire family on the The command also recovered selling the company’s cables untimely loss of a very dear Prosecutor, Mr. Ernest Agwufrom rustlers 17 goats, stolen in and other property, the suspect, yesterday, ordered the remand had earlier told the court that theOgbomosho and Oyo towns in who said he was a worker on at the Kirikiri female prisons, accused was arrested on July 21 son in the prime of his life.the state. contract, confessed that he 32-year-old woman, Ifeoma at the MMI Airport, Lagos, “The President and theAlthough the IBDEC staff actually stole the cables with Eze, who was arraigned before during the outward clearance of First Lady, Dame Patienceclaimed it was his first time of the intention of selling them the court over an alleged illicit passengers on a flight to China. Jonathan, share their painselling the company's property, to his customer at Salvation drug deal. and grief over the death ofthere were indications that he Army. The prosecutor said the the Oyamuyefa in Trial judge, Justice substance was concealed in ahad been vandalizing same for The command also recovered Chukwujekwu Aneke, gave the large envelop, carefully tucked circumstances that are stillsome time. 17 goats from goat rustlers and order after she pleaded guilty in the luggage of the accused, unclear.The Commissioner of Police, 41 exotic cars stolen at to a one-count charge of adding that the offence “President JonathanMr. Kola Shodipo, said of the gunpoints in different parts of trafficking about 6.200 grams contravenes the provisions of assures Chiefarrest: “On October 6, the patrol the state within the last three of Indian hemp. Alamieyeseigha and histeam attached to Ile-Ido weeks. sections 11 (c) of the NDLEA Act family of the full support of The accused was arraigned Cap N30, Laws of thedivision, while on visibility One of the suspected goat by National Drug Law Federation, 2004. the Federal Government aspatrol at Akinbiyi village, along rustlers, Mr. Tunde Kazeem, Enforcement Agency, NDLEA. After Eze's plea, the prosecutor they strive to unravel theIdo-Eruwa Road, intercepted a said he and his gang members The court ordered the remand made an oral application for the true circumstances of thePassat saloon car with number usually stole goats in of the accused in custody until remand of the accused. young man’s death.” C M Y K

8 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 By Ikechukwu Nnochiri EKITI CRISIS: NJC adjourns ABUJA—THE National sitting till today Ekiti, to allow for resumption “The NBA demands that the Judicial Council, NJC, of work by the Courts. High Court of Justice Complex, will today, continue hearing on Council is not happy with the hampered judicial activities and Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State should be circumstances that led to the turn of events in Ekiti State. the administration of justice In a statement by its National opened immediately to allow for barricade of the High Court Although we had intended to there calls for more action by President Mr. Augustine resumption of work by the courts. Complex in Ado Ekiti by armed deliberate on it today the NJC. Let’s wait till tomorrow Alegeh, SAN, the legal body security operatives, contrary to (yesterday) that was not to be (today) to see the next line of said it was alarmed at the “The security agencies should its earlier directive that the considering that we also had action that will be taken by the barricading of the High Court provide a safe and conducive courts should resume their other pressing issues that Council. complex by security agencies environment for the effective judicial functions. were left out the last time we on the basis of an alleged administration of justice, not This is even as political forces met. “Let me also tell you that the bomb threat to the complex. create a situation that makes it within the Peoples Democratic Council is not happy with the totally impossible for High Party, PDP, continued to allege “However, our meeting will frequent misrepresentation of It bemoaned the fact that Courts in Ado-Ekiti to carry out plot in some quarters to thwart continue today and that is all its proceedings. It has decided judicial officers, staff and litigants their constitutional roles of the swearing-in of the governor- I can tell you. As for the Ekiti to always issue an official press were not allowed access into the providing justice for all”, it elect of the state, Mr. Ayodele State case, I can tell you that statement at the end of each of High Court complex, noting that added. Fayose, on Thursday. nothing was mentioned about its meetings and will all the High Courts of Justice at Already, a suit to that effect is it. We have already directed accordingly do so tomorrow Ado-Ekiti were completely The NJC had at the end of its currently pending before the the Inspector General of Police (today)”, the source who craved sealed up. emergency meeting on October Abuja Division of the Federal to investigate the matter and anonymity added. 2, insisted that it would not rest High Court. prosecute all the culprits, “The Nigerian Bar until those that masterminded the The suit with registration no nevertheless, I guess that the It will be recalled that the Association believes that any attacks on two judges in Ekiti State FHC/Abuja/CS 709/14 was continued closure of courts in NBA, recently demanded the alleged bomb threat must were arrested and prosecuted. lodged against Fayose, the the state which has greatly immediate opening of the High have been effectively Independent National Electoral Court of Justice Complex, Ado- neutralised by the Security The Council, in a statement that Commission, INEC, and others, Agencies utilising their bomb was signed by its Acting Director by Young Democratic Party. disposal units. of Information, Mr. Soji Oye, The party is seeking a court requested the Inspector-General injunction stopping the VISIT: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State (left) welcoming the commandant and members of Police to personally “take-over inauguration of the governor– of the course 23 of the National Defence College, Admiral Nnamdi Aholor (right) to Government and investigate the alleged attacks elect pending the hearing and House, Asaba when the team from the college visited him, yesterday. Photo by Henry Unini. on Hon. Justices John Adeyeye determination of their and Isaac Olusegun Ogunyemi, substantive suit. some members of staff of the court Meanwhile, it was gathered and vandalisation of property of that though the Council had the High Court of Justice, Ado-Ekiti invited the Chief Judge of the and bring the culprits to justice.” state, Justice Ayodeji Daramola to attend its meeting yesterday The meeting, which was held at in order to explain the rationale the NJC headquarters situated behind the continued closure of inside the Supreme Court complex courts in the state, it however at the Three-Arms-Zone in Abuja could not delve into the judicial was chaired by the Chief Justice of crisis currently rocking the state, Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mariam owing to “other exigent matters Aloma Mukhtar herself. begging for attention by the Council.” According to the Council, Consequently, the Council “Following the recent was said to have deferred the unfortunate and worrisome Ekiti State matter till today, incidents in Ekiti State Judiciary, even as it issued stringent particularly in the High Court warning to all its members Complex, Ado-Ekiti, the National against talking to the media. Judicial Council held an Among the issues that were emergency meeting on October 2, considered by the Council 2014, under the Chairmanship of yesterday included the Hon. Justice Aloma Mukhtar, and continued exposure of judges considered the various complaints and top judicial officers to and petitions forwarded to it. security risks, a situation that was heightened by the recent Okomoyon to FG: You can’t extradite me to UK kidnap of the immediate past National President of the By Soni Daniel, …Judge forced to shift trial to Thursday For the first time since it came Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Regional Editor, North into power, the Jonathan Okey Wali, SAN, who is also a The lawyer, who had already the accused in prison custody, administration is making moves member of the NJC. ABUJA—IN a dramatic filed a preliminary objection to pending the hearing and to hand over a financial crime Wali was on Saturday night, move to stall his the move to send his client to determination of the matter. suspect for trial in a foreign land, abducted around Rumuologu extradition to the United the UK for trial, argued that the apparently to prove that it is Road in Port Harcourt by Kingdom for trial over alleged court lacked the jurisdiction to After hearing both sides in the actively fighting corruption. unknown gunmen, who bribery scandal, former even hear the case since there matter, Justice Chukwu was abandoned his car at Ozuoba Managing Director of the was no extradition treaty forced to adjourn hearing till Okoyomon, who holds dual area of Obio/Akpor Local Nigerian Security Printing and between Nigeria and that Thursday this week. Nigerian and British citizenship, Government Area of the state. Minting Company of Nigeria, country. was the chief executive of the No group claimed responsibility Mr. Ehidiamhen Okoyomon, He, however, asked the NSMPC until November 2013 for his kidnap nor demanded any yesterday challenged the Isiyon argued that his client EFCC to keep Okoyomon in its when he was suspended by the ransom, a situation that was said jurisdiction of the Federal must be shown the document custody until the adjourned board of the Central Bank of to have greatly disturbed other Government to extradite him containing the extradition date. Nigeria in the wake of the members of the NJC that attended to Europe for prosecution. treaty between the two nations disappearance of printed N1000 the meeting yesterday. As soon as the case was to warrant the trial or it should The extradition process is notes worth N1.2 billion from the Meanwhile, a source who called, Okoyomon rose be discontinued forthwith in being initiated by the Office of premises of the company in attended the NJC meting through his defence counsel, the interest of the law. Attorney General of the Abuja. yesterday, confirmed the Chief Alex Isiyon, a Senior Federation, OAGF. attendance of the Ekiti State CJ, Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, He said:”We want to be Before then, he had been even as he disclosed that the and told the court, presided shown where this is in the law. Okoyomon’s extradition is under investigation since 2012 Council might take a very over by Justice E.S. Chukwu, What we have is only protocol being sought by the UK by the anti-graft agency decisive action with regards to that it did not have not extradition treaty.” government over his alleged role following request by the British the judicial impasse in that state jurisdiction to send him to in the bribery scandal involving National Crime Agency over a today. the UK for trial over the However, the prosecuting officials of Central Bank of different matter, the alleged “What I can tell you is that the alleged bribery scam. counsel, M.S Hassan, told the Nigeria, CBN, the Nigeria collection of N750 million Naira court that he had not been Security Minting and Printing bribe from Securency of served with the application Company, NSPMC, and Australia for the printing of and urged the court to remand Securency International Pty of polymer notes for Nigeria. Australiabetween2006and 2008.CMYK

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 — 9FG backs tech start-upswith N1.5bn—NITDABy Adekunle Adekoya, populated country of over 170 General Editor million could also win the interests of investors for itsDUBAI, UNITED ARAB various in-country projects to EMIRATES — THE increase its FDI; and open up channels of dialogue betweenFederal Government through the NITDA and other similarNational Information TechnologyDevelopment Agency (NITDA) government bodies from Africa, Europe and the Middle East.”will support the nation’s Meanwhile, as the country’stechnology start-ups with N1.5billion, to encourage more agency responsible for ICT policy formulation and implementationtechpreneurs, including existing under the Ministry ofones.NITDA’s Director-General, Communication Technology, Jack said NITDA was committedPeter Olu Jack, said the Federal towards ensuring that ICTGovernment is committed todriving increased investment to contribution to Nigeria’s GDPthe country’s ICT sector with focus increases to 15 per cent within BRIEFING: Special Adviser to the President on Aviation, Captain Shehu Iyal (centre) flankedon how foreign investors can three years. by the Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Agency, Alhaji Mukhtar Usman (left) andsupport indigenous OEMs the General Manager, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, Mr. Nnanna Ugbanga Jack stated that NITDA has a during a press conference on the achievements of the Goodluck Jonathan administration in national ICT Strategic plan with the aviation sector at the Presidency, Asokoro, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida.(Original Equipment a time line of 2010-2015, whoseManufacturers) and localtechpreneurs, adding implementation will help in advancing the auspicious target.government is also hopeful of He said the implementation of Health workers to begin nationwide strike Thursdayremoving impedimentsattached the plan in sectors such asto doing business easily inNigeria. education, agriculture, health, human capital development, By Chioma Obinna by the government to resolve reneging on agreements.Jack spoke at the ongoing Gulf governance, judiciary and the pending demands of the Members of the Union did notInformation Technology national security, has propelled go on the strike despite theExhibition, GITEX, in Dubai, the level of development in the THE respite the aggrieved workers. expiration of the ultimatum nation’s health sectors Announcing theUnited Arab Emirates, yesterday, ICT sector in Nigeria. have enjoyed since the commencement of the because of Sallah festival andand stressed Nigeria’sdetermination to achieve He added that the impact of the suspension of the nationwide industrial action in a press holidays, showing our respect plan and its implementation will doctors ‘strike appears to be statement made available to for the members of the public.maximum growth in the ICT be measured and reviewed by short-lived as health workers Vanguard and signed by the “While our memberssector, “because technology is thelife wire of any economy. ” next year. across the country have National President, Comrade nationwide were agitating for “The vision of the national threatened to resume its Felix Faniran and General the commencement of the strikeAccording to him, “As part of the broadband plan is for Nigeria to suspended January strike this Secretary, Obinna Ogbonna, on October 8th, 2014, thedrive, Nigeria, which is the officialcountry partner, will today hold be one of a society of connected week. Nigerian Union of Allied leadership of the Union communities with high speed It could be recalled that the Health Professionals, NUAHP, persuaded them to hold on foran Investment Forum to further Internet and broadband access health workers last week said the government has failed a meeting called by thehighlight the investmentpotentialities of the nation’s ICT that facilitates faster socio- postponed its 15 days ultimatum to respond to the Union’s Government for October 9, 2014 economic advancement of the to the Federal government ultimatum which expired on hoping that the Federalindustry. nation and its people,” he said. following a proposed meeting September 30, 2014. Government would release at“This year, Nigeria hopes tofurther leverage on the global According to them, “Since the least 6 to 8 circulars of various Government had decided not to issues which have beenexposure presented by GITEX Ex-PTF scribe, Akpata dies at 83 respond to our ultimatum which lingering over the past fourto spotlight its local softwareindustry and other sub IT sectors expired on September 30, 2014 years.and that is why we have occupied FORMER Trustee and He is survived by his widow, and our demands, the Union “When the Government calledthe centre of activities at the five Executive Secretary of the Olabisi, children and has no choice than to call out defunct Petroleum Trust Fund, grandchildren. the leaders of JOHESU for a her members for an indefinite meeting held on October 9,day event as GITEX Official PTF, and a one-time An alumnus of Edo College, nationwide strike. 2014, none of our demands wasCountry Partner.“Specifically, we would be CommissionerforEducationinold Benin and University of Hull, “This strike commences by met which infuriated members Bendel State, Chief Tayo Akpata, United Kingdom, Akpata served 8.00am of October 16, 2014 of the Union demanding for thehaving the ‘Nigeria Investment has died. as the Deputy Registrar of the until further notice,” they immediate commencement ofForum’ which is a major eventthat we have planned to attract He passed on peacefully at his University of Ibadan, Oyo State. stated. the strike not later than October Ikoyi, Lagos residence around He was a Director of Bendel Apologising to teeming 13, 2014.global IT investment into the 10am yesterday. He was 83. Feeds and Flower Mills (BFFM) patients and the entire members “However, the leadership of thecountry. Outcome of this eventwill, no doubt, has far-reaching A statement from the family, and Chairman of I.B.M (Nig) Ltd. of the public for the avoidable Union was forced to summon an confirmed the passing unto glory He was also a one-time action, the Union said emergency meeting of thepositive impact on the investment of the elder statesman and astute chairman of Nigerian Ports government should be held National Administrative Council,inflow into the country in thecoming years to boost our current administrator who was the ‘Ima of Authority (NPA) and Pipeline and responsible for the strike. NAC, on the 13th of October, 2014 Benin’. Products Marketing Company According to the statement; to receive the reactions of ourFDIs of $32 billion.” Burial arrangements will be (PPMC), a subsidiary of “One of the causes of incessant members to the report ofJack also explained othersocioeconomic benefits to Nigeria announced in due course, NNPC, as well as the strikes is the attitude of Federal Government/JOHESU according to the press statement. Chairman of Siemens Nigeria. Government/Employers in meeting of October 9, 2014.as being official partner totechnology show.According to him, “Being aGITEX Official Country Partner FG approves importation of 600,000mt of PMSwould, among others, enableNigeria to increase its brand under the third quarter import supplementary allocations permits to import 45,000 mt ofpresence on a global scale where By Michael Eboh, with programme, especially as it is would serve as a stop-gap gasoline each.more than 140,000 trade visitors Agency Reports yet to get approval for the fourth measure while the agency quarter allocations awaits final approval from the The news website explainedwill understand what Nigeria THE Federal Government, oil ministry for the fourth that Nigeria usually aims athave to offer.” yesterday, issued An online news website, quarter allocations. building fuel stocks to the“It will also help in breaking supplementary permits for the Platts, quoted a source at the equivalent of 30 days’down the perception of the risks importation of 600,000 metric PPPRA as saying that “The With the latest permits, the consumption to preventassociated with working in tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit supplementary allocation was source said, oil companies, such shortages.Nigeria’s flourishing but often (PMS), also known as petrol, for approved last week and it will as Oando, Conoil, Aiteo, NIPCOmisrepresented technology the month of October 2014. be just for the month of and Folawiyo Petroleum, each got The website, however,sector.” According to the Petroleum October.” allocations to import 90,000 mt of declared that domestic fuelThrough the Investment forum, Products Pricing Regulatory gasoline in October, adding that supplies have dropped followingJack said, “Africa’s most Agency, PPPRA, the permit is Another PPPRA source told other small fuel marketers got declining capacity utilisation at the website that the the countries refineries.

10— Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 Court ARRIVAL: Olori Folasade Adeyemi (2nd left), her husband, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, greeting President reserves Goodluck Jonathan (right), deputy governor of Lagos State, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (2nd right), and others, judgment in during the President's arrival, at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos. Ajudua's bail appeal SYNAGOGUE: Coroner inquest begins By InnocentAnaba & zAsks victims' families to donate blood for DNA test to be adopted to enhance smooth and speedy result, L Onozure Dania AGOS—THE Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos, yesterday, reserved judgments in two separate appeals by Lagos socialite, Fred Ajudua against the ruling of a Lagos High Court, which refused his bail application. Trial judge at the lower court, Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye had refused Ajudua’s application, in a charge by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, against him over alleged fraud. Ajudua in the charge was said to have defrauded former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi (rtd) of about $8.4 million. Aggrieved lecturers storm Fashola's office LBy Olasunkanmi Akoni By AbdulwahabAbdulah & but I want to seize this take them home if they so Magistrate Komolafe agreed AGOS— Bartholomew Madukwe opportunity to state the wish. with counsels representing AGGRIEVED importance of the DNA to this the parties by allowing them lecturers of Adeniran LAGOS—THE coroner inquest. “We have to work together. to file theirtestimoniesthrough Ogunsanya College of inquest into the We should not allow anything affidavit deposition as well as Education, AOCOED, collapsed building at the “Relatives of victims should to cause misunderstanding allowing oral evidence from Ijanikin, yesterday, stormed Synagogue Church of All donate blood to enable the between Nigeria and South witnesses. Lagos House, office of Nations, SCOAN, took off pathologists identify the Africa because we are one, at Governor Babatunde yesterday with the Coroner bodies. The medical team least we are blacks. Please, He stated that the court was Fashola in Alausa, Ikeja, to Judge, Magistrate Oyetade and pathologists are working let us work together to make not going to be rigid in the protest over the failure of Komolafe requesting the because the court has this process a success.” application of the rules of South Africa government to directed them to carry out the evidence and other court rules the state government to allow families of the activities and report back. Church assures on except where it becomes remit over 17 months deceased to donate blood for extremely necessary. deducted funds into their DNA test towards identifying “It is important for the South support the victims. African embassy to ensure While the church However, he warned that he pension accounts and that relatives of the victims represented by Prince Lateef will not spare any witness who non-payment of This he said will facilitate come forward for the disregard a court summon by pensioners’ benefits for early release of their corpses pathologist to get the needed Komolafe also promised an compelling his appearance. for burial after identification. samples to compare with the absolute support to the three years. bodies. Coroner, the court urged Counsel to the church, Prince Thelecturers,numberingover Also, the Coroner Judge, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the 100,ledapeacefuldemonstration, disclosed that the court was “Those corpses have to be necessary parties in the state represented by Mr. not constituted to witchhunt, properly identified and when proceedings to cooperate Gbolahan Adeniran and the displayingplacardswithvarious but to find the cause of the that is done and the process with the court so as to come State Police Command, inscriptions. building collapse and the completed, the bodies will be represented by Mr. Chukwu deaths as well as making released to the South African out with adequate Agwu had had a tough time llorin residents necessary recommendations government and they can information and agreeing on when to visit the cry out over recommendations. scene of the incident. 2-month Considering the procedure blackout to prevent future occurrence in line with the state coroner By Demola Akinyemi law. APC PRIMARIES: Buhari, Kwankwaso mobilise I LORIN—THE Magistrate appeals support in Osun residents of Sabo- In his appeal, Magistrate Oke in Ilorin, Kwara State, Komolafe explained that the O By Gbenga Olarinoye Government House, Oke Fia, election would emerge. have called on the state DNA examination was a SOGBO—LEADING Osogbo separately. The source siad: “It is true that government and other major aspect of the inquest, presidential aspirants of stakeholders to rescue noting that it would be the All Progressives Congress While Kwankwaso according to Kwankwaso visited Governor them from the darkness difficult for the pathologists APC, former military Head of sources visited Aregbesola on Rauf Aregbesola on Sunday they had been thrown into to carry out their work if the State, General Muhammadu Sunday night, General Buhari night. I can tell you that he was for over two months, deceased relatives were not Buhari (rtd), and the incumbent was said to have paid his visit also with the Ooni of Ife, Oba following disconnection of available to identify their governor of Kano State, Alhaji yesterday. Okunade Sijuade at his palace. power to the community deceased relations. Rabiu Kwankwaso have His visit may be part of his by Ibadan Electricity intensified their campaigns Credible source informed preparation to shore up his Distribution Company, Majority of the victims ahead of the party’s primaries Vanguard that the two separate support against the APC IBEDC. recovered from the debris of as the two aspirants stormed visits were not unconnected with primary election for all the the building collapse were Osun State to mobilize for the consultation and desperate presidential contenders.” The community pointed South Africans. support. moves to curry the favour and out that the development support of critical stakeholders in Both Buhari and Kwankwaso had exposed the area to Komolafe said: “I The two aspirants visited the South West ahead the primary were said to have held separate armed robbery attacks and sympathize with the families Governor Rauf Aregbesola at election of the APC, where the close door talks with Aregbesola, other criminal activities. of the victims as well as candidate of the party in which sources hinted lasted for South Africa government, February, 2015 presidential more than 30 minutes.CMYK

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 — 11 Osun govt Kasamu faults Obasanjo on US indictment alleges plot to destabilize zDescribes Obasanjo's claims as cocktail of lies state By Daud Olatunji Nigeria and Benin Republic as “But the questions Nigerians 'Obasanjo against By Gbenga Olarinoye well as the National Drug Law should ask him are: Where were Jonathan's 2nd term OSOGBO—OSUN A BEOKUTA— Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, his principles when he used to ambition' State House of CHAIRMAN, came to the London courts in take me into the inner recesses Assembly has asked the Mobilisation and Organisation 2000/2001 to give evidence of his abode? Where was his He is against the second term people of the state to Committee of the Peoples during my incarceration and honour when he served me ambition of President Goodluck ignore the calculated Democratic Party, PDP, in South trial. That also explained why breakfast, lunch and dinner in Jonathan and he had wanted to attempt by some people West, Prince Buruji Kashamu when I returned I became his his Hilltop mansion? Where was use the erstwhile National it described as has faulted the claim by former associate. his integrity when he mounted Secretary, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; “unscrupulous faceless President Olusegun Obasanjo the rostrum to sing my praises, theformerNationalAuditor,Bode people” whose partisan that he has been indicted as a “He used me to prosecute his praying for me as he did in May Mustapha and the ex-National interest was to service drug baron in the United States battle against former Governor 2010 during a reception for the Vice-Chairman, Segun Oni, to the diabolical plot of the as a cocktail of lies. Gbenga Daniel. When it was former Minister of Commerce thwart Mr. President’s re- opposition to truncate time to field candidates for the and Industry, Senator Jubril election. the democratic Kashamu was reacting to 2011 general elections, he Martins-Kuye? experiment in the State. Obasanjo’s response to the pleas brought his stooge, Gen. “The almighty Allah Subhana In a statement by the by some leaders of the PDP, Adetunji Olurin, and asked me “ I can go on and on! Despite wa tala used me to stand up to Chief Press Secretary to seeking his forgiveness. to roll the party structure behind his pretensions, the reason I him and the rest is history. Before the Speaker, Mr. Goke his anointed candidate. In his have become the target of his very eyes, the PDP in the Butika in Osogbo According to Kashamu, usual holier-than-thou manner, Obasanjo’s wicked campaign of South West is on a rebound and yesterday, the state Obasanjo said; ‘’I am one of the he talked about not being able calumny and blackmail is his we are winning elections free Assembly said it has many issues that he had pointed to work with me because of his perceived loss of political and square unlike what obtained unveiled a plot by some out and still pointing out. principles, honour and integrity. relevance in Ogun State and the during his reign when contrived Although he did not state what Questions for Obasanjo South West. electoral victories were being the other many issues were, he easily upturned.\" chieftains of an made a heavy weather out of my opposition party to cause purported indictment over some unprecedented mayhem drug-related offences. in the history of the state Coctail of lies with a view to truncating “First, his statement is yet the swearing-in of Governor Rauf another cocktail of lies served Aregbesola next month. with his legendary deceit as shall The parliament be shown shortly. He said he was stressed that the credible displeased at my allegedly being report at its disposal made the leader of the party in showed that the party after the South West. First, it should losing the last governorship be noted that as against his earlier election, has drawn assertion that; \"I am a wanted contingent plans that could habitual criminal...for whom fetch the mandate freely extradition has been requested by given to Aregbesola to it the US Government..., he has now through the back-door. described me as an indicted drug baron wanted in America. APC accuses CONDOLENCE VISIT: From left: All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential aspirant, Mimiko of “ The undebatable fact of history General Muhammadu Buhari, Senator Ayo Fasanmi, and Governor Rauf Aregbesola of forcing House that Baba Obasanjo has not told Osun State, during a condolence visit to Sen. Fasanmi on the demise of his wife, Felicia, at members to the world is that it was during his their Osogbo residence, Osun State, yesterday. defect first tenure as President that he and former Beninoise President, A By Dayo Johnson Matthew Kerekou directed the KURE—THE relevant security agencies to give opposition All truthful evidence that exonerated Progressives Congress, me. APC, in Ondo State has accused the state “ That was why the Interpol in government of arm-twisting members of the state Fayose raises alarm over Fayemi's plan to raise assembly to defect along with Governor Olusegun fresh N1bn loan zAs Governor holds valedictory session with Assembly Mimiko from the Labour Party, LP, to the Peoples’ By GbengaAriyibi the outgoing government for aware of such arrangement legal means and processes to Democratic Party, PDP. alleged illegal transfer of over His words: “I was not in any deal appropriately with the ADO EKITI—EKITI State N856 million from SUBEB conduct of your bank ,’’ the Chairman of the Party, Governor-elect, Mr Ayo project account number meeting where such a decision statement added. Isaac Kekemeke, had Fayose,has raised analarmthat 0065385894 with Access Bank was taken to borrow any money alleged that the state the outgoing government of Dr Plc. to another account. to pay severance allowances of Fayemi holds valedictory governor, Dr. Olusegun Kayode Fayemi has finalized public office holders. It is one of session Mimiko threatened to arrangements to raise a sum of According to a statement by the lies they are telling to confuse declare the seat of any one billion Naira fresh loan from the PDP Publicity Secretary in the people. Meantime, the outgoing member of the House of a new generation bank barely the state, Pastor Kola governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Assembly who failed to four days to the end of its tenure. Oluwawole, the money was the “If we could not take loan to Kayode Fayemi, has lauded defect with him to the state’s counterpart contributions pay salary which is statutory, members of the State House of Peoples Democratic Party, In a letter with reference to the Federal Government how can we take loan to pay Assembly, saying the House has PDP, vacant. number OGE/EK/ADM/ 094 Intervention Funds. severance allowances. passed no fewer than 70 bills in dated October 10, 2014 and the last three and half years. Kekemeke said: “ A good signed on the behalf of the He said: “Please be informed “This move will definitely number of the lawmakers Governor-elect by the Chairman, that going by UBEC Financial wane down the reputation of the Speaking during a valedictory have shown their intention Ekiti State Transition Committee, Regulations, it is absolutely state as one of the least session at the floor of the House to join the APC but were Chief Dipo Anisulowo, to the unethical to transfer any part of performing states in the in Ado Ekiti yesterday, Fayemi hindered by the threat from Managing Director, of the the fund that is available for federation.” said the lawmakers have the governor to declare their concerned bank in Lagos, the SUBEB/UBEC project execution surpassed their colleagues in seat vacant if they join the Fayose team, said it has it on in the state without valid The committee, however, other states of the federation party.\" good authority that the new loan instruction.’’ warned that if its appeal to the will be used to settle the bank is not considered and the The governor said: “There is severance allowances of some Reacting on behalf of the state bank went on to approve the no other State Assembly in the political office holders. government, the Commissioner loan,it vowed thattheincoming federation that came anywhere for Information, Ekiti State, Mr government would not honour close in the number of bills This came just as the Tayo Ekundayo, dismissed the the deal. passed by the Assembly in the committee equally condemned allegations, saying he was not last four years.” “Besides, we shall not hesitate to explore all administrative andCMYK

12—Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 2015: Oba of Benin decries spate of violence 2015: by political party supporters Jonathan to declare By Simon Ebegbulem Chiefs, Igiehon and the Constituency of Edo State in the Iriase spoke at a rally in re-election Edionwere in Benin Kingdom House of Representatives, Mr. Afuze, Owan East Local bid soon BENIN—AHEAD of the “to pray for the country’s Pally Iriase, has described the Government Council where he 2015 general elections, peaceful co-existence and also alleged attempt by nine Peoples was endorsed for a second term ...As Anenih, the Oba of Benin, Oba to move to their various Democratic Party, PDP, by APC members including Clark meet on Erediauwa, has decried the dukedoms to sensitize political lawmakers in the state House elected councilors from the two date for formal spate of political thuggery and aspirants, political parties and of Assembly to plunge the state local governments that made declaration violence being perpetrated by their supporters in their areas into crisis as madness, insisting up the constituency, market supporters of political parties in of the need to live in peace and that it will be impossible for the women groups, youth groups By Henry Umoru the country and urged party harmony.” minority lawmakers to take and the National Association of leaders not to plunge the nation precedence over the APC Owan Students . into crisis. Meanwhile, the member majority in the House. representing Owan Federal The monarch, who apparently was reacting to Saturday's ABUJA—STRONG mayhem at the Edo State House indications of Assembly quarters in Benin emerged yesterday that City by suspected political President Goodluck thugs, urged political leaders to Jonathan would soon tell be mindful of the fact that “only Nigerians the date for the living can play politics.” the formal declaration of his re-election bid ahead The Oba, who spoke through of the December 6 the Iyase of Benin (Traditional National Convention Prime Minister), Chief Sam where his sole Igbe, said political leaders candidature of the would be held responsible if Peoples Democratic anything went wrong with the Party, PDP, would be nation’s democracy, asserting ratified. that “they must know that Vanguard gathered violence is an ill wind that does that as a prelude to the no one any good.” president’s declaration, former Federal He said: “As political leaders, Information you are supposed to show good Commissioner and examples for the younger South-South leader, generations to emulate, rather Chief Edwin Clark and than recruit them as thugs.” CONVENTION: From left: Her Royal Majesty, Queen Juliana Ameh-Oboni, Vice President, the Chairman, Board of Arik Air; Mr. Rob Thomas; First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Halima Ladi Wada and Vice President, Trustees, BoT of PDP, While stressing the need for Igala Association in the Diaspora, USA/Canada, Mr. Jonathan Adejor, during the Annual Chief Tony Anenih, met politicians to refrain from Igala Convention in Washington, USA. privately on Sunday. politics of bitterness, the revered monarch directed the Enigies, A source told Vanguard that Chief Clark, who Nigeria earns N3.6tr from oil in six months —CBN arrived Chief Anenih’s Asokoro residence at 4.08 pm, left at past 5 pm, By Babajide compared with the proportionate budget estimate increase in other oil revenue after fruitful discussions Komolafe proportionate quarterly budget was due largely to the decline during the review quarter.\" estimate. in receipts from Education Tax were held between the THE Central Bank of The CBN report also two elder statesmen. Nigeria, CBN, has “The development relative to and FGN Independent revealed that the Federal Chief Clark, the source said that oil revenue the quarterly budget estimate revenue Government overspent its contributed N3.6 trillion was attributed to the fall in “At N1, 795.53 billion, gross budget by N570 billion in the said, used the visit to to the federally collected non-oil revenue. Non-oil first half of the year. This welcome Chief Anenih revenue in the first half receipts (gross), at N806.45 oil receipts, which constituted represents 22.7 percent back from his foreign of this year. billion (31.0 per cent of the 69.0 per cent of the total, fell decline when compared with total), fell below the by 0.7 per cent below the the deficit recorded in the trip. This represented 13.9 proportionate budget estimate second half of 2013. According to the percent increase when by 13.1 per cent, but rose receipts in the preceding source, the two leaders compared with N3.12 above the level in the first quarter, but rose marginally by The report revealed that the trillion contributed by oil quarter of 2014 by 17.4 per 0.2 per cent above the Federal Government revenue delibrated on a possible revenue in the second cent. The decline in non-oil fell to N1.77 trillion in the first date for Jonathan's half of 2013. revenue relative to the proportionate budget half of 2014 from N1.96 trillion formal declaration, estimate. The development in the second half of 2013. On the contrary, non- relative to the budget estimate though the date has not oil revenue fell by 16.7 been disclosed officially. percent to N1.49 trillion was attributed, largely, to the According to the in the first half of the year from N1.79 trillion source, “they will in the second half of formally brief the 2013. 2015: Enugu monarchs endorse Chime for Senate president on the need to The CBN stated this in officially declare his the economic report for ambition. the second quarter of the By Francis Igata Traditional Rulers and signed in advertising his achieve- It was gathered that the year published on its by the Chairman of the ments; and for his resolute and two leaders also website yesterday. ENUGU—TRADITIONAL Council, Igwe Ambasador genuine efforts in entrenching discussed the ongoing Rulers in Enugu State Lawrence O.C Agubuzu. a positive culture of investing sale of expression of The report stated: “Total have declared their support for the funds of Enugu State in interest and nomination federally-collected the senatorial ambition of The royal fathers noted with the development of the state. forms for the revenue during the Governor Sullivan Chime, “delight the unparalleled, As members of the Enugu governorship election in second quarter of 2014 saying his selfless leadership amazing and spectacular State Council of Traditional some states, the state stood at N2,601.98 qualities and unprecedented quantum leap to modernity Rulers, we are prepared to and National Assembly billion, an increase of 4.3 achievements in office which the urban centres and support Governor Chime if he elections, just and the per cent above the level informed their decision to rural communities in Enugu seeks elective office in 2015 issue of Delta in the preceding quarter. endorse him. State had taken in the past because of his selfless leader- governorship election as It, however, declined by seven years under Chime's ship qualities.” well as Edo State House the same margin when The position of the royal governorship.” of Assembly and fathers was part of a nine- The Council expressed hope National Assembly point communiqué issued They also commended that the “next governor of elections. yesterday at the end of the Governor Chime for “not being Enugu State in 2015 will quarterly meeting of the boastful about his outstanding emulate Governor Chime.\" Enugu State Council of achievements; for not wasting the resources of Enugu StateCMYK

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014—13CMYK

14—Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014CMYK

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014—15 Okey Wali: More groups, individuals demand 2015: 50,000 immediate release S-South youths By Jimitota Onoyume president condemned the Similarly, Port Harcourt unmask the abductors. endorse & Samuel Oyadongha abduction, saying “it is a sad branch of the NBA, through its \"The abduction is unfortunate. Jonathan, development.” Publicity Secretary, Mr. Angus Ochei PORT HARCOURT— Chukwuka, appealed for Wali's We are calling on the state MORE groups and He enjoined the state unconditional release and government and security bodies P RESIDENT individuals, including former government and security urged security operatives in the in the state to swing into action Goodluck President of Nigerian Bar operatives to step up action to state to swing into action to to ensure his release,\" Port Jonathan’s re-election and Association, NBA, Chief protect lives in the state. Harcourt NBA said. the governorship ambition of Mr. Victor Ochei O.C.J. Okocha, SAN, have received boost, weekend, condemned the abduction of during a grand reception the immediate past president where 50,000 youths under of the NBA, Mr. Okey Wali, the umbrella of the South SAN, and demanded his South Youth Political immediate release Struggle, SSYPS, endorsed unconditionally without harm. the duo. Some of the groups are Port Harcourt branch of the NBA, The event, which was Civil Liberties Organization, initially slated to hold at CLO, and University of Port Ogbe-Ijoh in Warri South Harcourt Alumni Association. West Local Government Chief Okocha, who pleaded Area, was later shifted to for Wali's unconditional Udu Playground in Udu release, said it was sad that Local Government Area of anybody could contemplate Delta State. abducting the immediate past NBA President, describing National Chairman of him as a complete gentleman. SSYPS, General Emma He said: “The abduction is Satu (retd), used the condemnable. This is very occasion to appeal to shocking. He is not a money COMMISSIONING: From right: Deputy National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, President Jonathan to bag, or a politician with money PDP, Mr. Uche Sekondus; PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mua'zu; Minister of State reconsider the Amnesty he can’t account for. I appeal for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike; Dame Blessing Nsiegbe, member representing Port phase three issue and find for his unconditional release.” Harcourt Federal Constituency 2, in the House of Representatives and PDP Chairman, Rivers a lasting solution to it. State, Mr. Felix Obuah, during the In the same vein, Mr. commissioning of Adult Education Centre, Ifedayo Adedipe, SAN, who Rumuwoji, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, called for the unconditional yesterday. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke. release of the former NBA ....As ex-Edo Attorney General condemns kidnap FORMER Attorney mercy to him and his Edosomwan called on General of Edo family and the larger NBA the president to accelerate State and a delegate to family and release him action on the resolution of the just concluded without harm. All in Rivers the recent National National Conference, should by now be tired of Constitutional Conference Chief Charles Uwensuyi- the tensions that have that recommended states Edosomwan, SAN, has lasted too long, which has and community policing. condemned the all but brought the Rule of “This is the better model abduction of former Law to its knees. Please for a country as President of the increase the peace in geographically immense Nigerian Bar Rivers by releasing him and culturally variegated Association, NBA , Mr. immediately.” as Nigeria,” he argued. Okey Wali, SAN, and appealed to his abductors to release him without harm. In a statement APC condemns attack on Edo yesterday, Chief legislators' quarters Uwensuyi-Edosomwan said: “The news of Okey ALL Progressives Wali’s abduction came to Congress, APC, has damage over 30 cars and condemned last Saturday’s inflict injuries on legislators me as a rude shock. attack on Edo legislators' and their families, there was What would make quarters, saying it had anyone go after a lawyer raised the “level of no question that the attack impunity under President was carried out with the whose calling and Goodluck Jonathan’s collusion of an professional path have administration to a level not been of remorseless work even contemplated in the increasingly-partisan days of military rule.” police. and advocacy for the Rule The statement said: of Law and the In a statement yesterday extermination of in Abuja, by its National \"Governor Adams Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Oshiomhole said the oppression of the lowly? Lai Mohammed, the party government got It all argues for a more said that based on the ease aggressive security with which the thugs intelligence report on the invaded a facility that attack and informed the policy reforms that would should be well secured and State Police Commissioner. bring national policing to the ample time they had to the rescue of all the Instead of sending reinforcementtopreventthe exposed citizens of this attack, the few policemen country, rich or poor. “I appeal fervently to attached to the quarters were withdrawn.\" Okey’s abductors to showCMYK

16—Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 POCKET CARTOON ATIKU PICKS FORM—From left: All Progressives Congress, APC, Boko Haram. A Baga, which served as and chiefs of security of communiqué issued after the epicentre of their stra- the member countries National Secretary, Mai Mala Bunu; National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun; the meeting said that a tegic activities in terms of and Benin in Niamey former Vice President, Alh. Atiku Abubakar and Director-General Atiku command centre for a arms procurement, plan- July and we discussed Campaign Organization, Chief Babalola Borishade during the collection of multinational force ning for attacks and re- the current security situ- Presidential Nomination Form by Atiku Abubakar at the Party’s Headquar- headed by a chief of staff ception centre for foreign ation and the deploy- ters in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan. will be in place by No- insurgents or mercenar- ment of troops by mem- vember 20. ies due to its proximity to ber countries as agreed We'll wipe out Boko Haram porous borders, justified by the heads of state. The leaders also agreed the expansion of the Task — Cameroon to finalise the deploy- Force’s mandate in April, \"Each country is to give ment of troops promised 2012 to include the fight an equipped troop, bat- Continues from page 1 to his hand, told VOA he cross-border military op- by member states to form against terrorism. talion to the Multina- and the other captives erations which President the multinational force tional Joint Task Force. cally curtailed with the were forced to eat what- Jonathan and neigh- within their national bor- His words: “Our meet- intensification of joint ever was provided and at bouring heads of state ders by November 1. ing today underscores “As at that time, Niger patrols, military opera- times went for days with- approved in Niamey. our common commitment and Chad had already tions and intelligence out water to drink. President Jonathan reit- The visiting ministers to good neighbourliness deployed their battalions sharing by Nigeria and erated his belief that at the audience with and fine-tuning our col- at locations within their neighbouring countries He said they lived in such collaboration was President Jonathan were lective resolve and strat- countries. Of course, Ni- as agreed by their lead- miserable conditions and essential for success in Niger ’s Minister of For- egies for confront terror- gerian troops are already ers in Niamey last week. that they were tortured the war against terror- eign Affairs, Mr. Mo- ism. there in Baga more than Mr. Paul Biya, who by men armed with ism. hammed Bazoun; even a Battalion. spoke after the release of knives and guns. “Free- Cameroon’s Minister of “It is an established the abducted 27 hostages dom is a good thing, I According to the state- External Relations, Mr. fact, which we have of- “But Cameroon was comprising 17 pray such a thing never ment, the president was Pierre Moukoko Mbonjo; ten stated that terrorism preparing to deploy their Cameroonians and 10 happens to anyone”, he pleased “ with the deci- Chad’s Minister of De- is an international phe- contingent. So we are Chinese said: “The said. sions taken in Niamey to fence, Mr. Benaindo nomenon that has to be hopeful by the end of this Cameroonian govern- enhance and boost joint Tatola; Chad’s Minister addressed through col- meeting today and be- ment assures you that it Abdouraman Seini actions against Boko of Foreign Affairs, laborative efforts at sub- fore the end of the month will ceaselessly continue added that he did not see Haram and other cross- Muossa Faki Mahamat; regional and global lev- as agreed at the extra to fight Boko Haram un- any of the more than 200 border criminals because Niger ’s Minister of De- els. ordinary summit, til it’s totally wiped out”. girls from Chibok, Ni- we have to work together fence, Mr. K. Cameroon should have The 27 Cameroonians geria that Boko Haram to defeat Boko Haram Mahamadou; Benin’s “As a sub regional body, deployed their own con- and Chinese were deliv- claimed responsibility and other extremist Minister of Defence, Mr. we are at a crossroad. We tingent of a battalion ered to authorities on Fri- for kidnapping in April. groups in our sub-region. Robert Yarou; Benin’s must define the nature within their border in the day night. The govern- Minister of Foreign Af- and scope of this strug- Lake Chad Basin until ment has not said how According to him “I believe that if we co- fairs. Mr. Nassirou Bako gle, which we must win the legal arrangements they were freed, but a se- “women are separated operate more and moni- Arifari and Cameroon’s or else, it will define us”. are finalised for the op- curity source told AFP from men in the various tor our borders closely, Minister of Defence, Mr. eration of the force to- that “a ransom” was paid detention camps run by the movement of crimi- Edgar Alain Debe Ngo’o. At regional level, we gether to work across bor- and around 20 impris- the militants in the nals and terrorists as have succeeded in en- ders”. oned Islamists were bush”. well as small arms and Multi National hancing cooperation in freed in exchange. ammunition across our Joint Task Force border patrol with neigh- Abdullahi disclosed The Chinese were Seini also told VOA he shared borders will also readies for Boko bouring countries. We that the president of seized in May from a con- believes it is very likely be drastically reduced,” Haram have also succeeded in Benin Republic, Dr Boni struction camp in Waza, Boko Haram fighters will deploying troops along Yayi, had promised to near the border with Ni- continue their attacks be- The visiting ministers In a related develop- our common borders. deploy a battalion which geria in an attack that left cause they are running were accompanied to the ment, the Multi National he described as a plus to one Cameroonian soldier out of food for the hun- Presidential Villa by Ni- Joint Task Force, MNJTF, “A new Regional Intel- us to member states. dead. The Cameroonians dreds of fighters and the geria’s Minister of For- comprising soldiers from ligence Fusion Unit, — including the wife of hundreds of captives eign Affairs, Ambassador countries of the Lake RIFU, has since become “The Multinational one of Cameroon’s they have. Aminu Wali and the Chad Basin Commission operational. Various Joint Task Force is to deputy prime ministers Chief of Defence Staff, have decided to estab- forms of assistance have give us a tool for the fight — were abducted in July We'll curtail their Air Chief Marshal Alex lish the MNJTF head- been received at bilateral against all forms of ter- during two simultaneous activities Badeh. quarters in Borno State and multilateral levels rorism in the Lake Chad assaults, also blamed on — Jonathan next month. from our development Basin and in the member Boko Haram, in which at The President said that partners and friends in countries or at least in least 15 people died. Meanwhile, a state- with their collective ex- Minister of Foreign Af- terms of training. the member countries One of the released ment issued by the Spe- perience and profession- fairs, Amb Aminu Bashir that have signed this Cameroonians, Seiny cial Adviser to the Presi- alism, he expected the Wali disclosed this, “Most of these initia- declaration at the extra Boukar Lamine, told dent Jonathan on Media visiting ministers and pointing out that troops tives were sound but re- ordinary summit”. state radio, “ we were in and Publicity, Reuben their Nigerian counter- of the task force will be grettably, resulting in these sort of huts in a Abati quoted the presi- parts to come up with an deployed into action next certain inconveniences Dasuki unveils pretty dense forest, it dent as telling the min- effective action plan for month to checkmate the which have raised ques- new approach to was in a savannah with isters of defence and for- the successful implemen- tendencies of Boko tions about the balance couter terrorism big trees and a lot of eign affairs of Chad, tation of the decisions Haram terrorists crossing that we must strike be- brush. We slept on the Niger, Cameroon and reached by the leaders of into border communities tween our commitment to Nigeria’s National Se- ground”. He said he was Benin Republic that such Nigeria, Chad, Niger, to wreak havoc. democratic values, our curity Adviser, Col held with his wife and six international collabora- Cameroon and Benin interests in security and Sambo Dasuki, yesterday children. tion was essential for suc- Republic at their meeting According to Wali, after other national priorities”. in New York unveilled Another former hos- cess in the war against in Niamey on October 7, the meeting of LCBC Nigeria’s new approach tage Abdouraman Seini, terrorism. 2014. member states in Benin In an Interview with to countering and dis- who survived a gunshot Republic, it was agreed Vanguard, the Executive mantling violent extrem- The Ministers were in It would be recalled that the MNJTF head- Secretary, Lake Chad ism in Nigeria. The Abuja to work with their that at the meeting in quarters be established Basin Commission, Countering Violent Ex- Nigerian counterparts on Niamey, Niger, the lead- in Baga town in Kukawa Engr. Sanusi Imran tremism programme, ac- a legal framework for the ers announced plans to Local Government Area Abdullahi said members cording to Dasuki is step up the fight against of Borno State, on No- states were more than aimed at identifying the vember 20, 2014. determined to fight ter- underlying causes of ter- rorism as a collective rorism and to develop He said the choice of menace in the region. strategies to solve the Baga was in tandem with problems. the decisions reached by “We had the meeting of Heads of State and Gov- ministers of defence and ernment of member chiefs of defence staff states of Lake Chad Ba- sin Commission, LCBC for which the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence met in Abuja yesterday. He said the resolution would be forwarded to United Nations Security Council, and African Union to put the legal frame work in place against insurgency. The Minister noted fur- ther that the activities of Boko Haram terrorists inCMYK

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 — 17 I am the Chairman of its pre-crisis level. It is Financial Nigeria significant that the Nigerian International Limited. As capital market and the naira chairmanships go, it is an have held firm; unlike other honorary position. All the frontier and emerging markets work is actually done by the which experienced downturns Managing Editor, Jide when the reversal of capital Akintunde, who is really my flows followed the slowdown (or employer; and his able tapering-off) of the bond- assistant, Martins Hile. The buying programme of the company publishes Financial Federal Reserve Bank of the Nigeria magazine; a United States. development and finance Under Goodluck Jonathan’s journal that provides an in- leadership, the Nigeria depth digest of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment economy and other frontier Authority, NSIA, was economies in sub-Saharan established by law to manage Africa every month. I write a Nigeria’s Sovereign Wealth column in this on “Nigeria and Fund, SWF, as obtainable in almost all oil-producing What exactly is ‘clueless'theWorld.” If you want to know what is countries of the world. This happening in global Fund of funds is an important development and various assurance that Nigeria’s oil wealth will be trans- about Goodluck Jonathan? (2)sectors of the Nigerian economy, presented from an generational. objective and non-partisan point of view, you cannot do Industries better than Financial Nigeria. would not be doing this if we administrations, the Jonathan the Managing Director of the did not know that Goodluck administration re-based the Forum. S u r e l y, these Over the past five years, Jonathan’s Transfor mation Nigerian GDP. T h e n e w developments are not the All indications point to the Financial Nigeria has Agenda is laying a concrete figures released by the Nigerian outcome of “clueless” economic revival of the industrial sectors organised what we call the foundation for Nigeria’s Bureau of Statistics indicate policies by the Jonathan and the Small- and Medium- Nigeria Development and economic growth and that Nigeria’s GDP is now $503 administration. scale Enterprises, SMEs, under Finance Forum, NDFF. This development. billion; nearly double the the Jonathan administration. colloquium is held in leading previous estimates. This Agriculture For example, FBN Capital, one (financial) capitals around the Economic renaissance means Nigeria has leapfrogged of the leading financial services world. The first three were South Africa, whose GDP is groups in Nigeria, avers in a held in London, England. Then When you point to the giant around $350 billion, to become In the agricultural sector, recent report that there is “a we moved to Washington D.C., strides Nigeria is making under by far the biggest economy in there is a major revolution United States. The one of this Goodluck Jonathan, in spite of Africa. unfolding under Goodluck dramatic increase in year was held in New York, the Boko Haram insurgency in manufacturing growth” in the U.S.A. The purpose is to the North-East, some cynical This has pushed Nigeria up Jonathan’s Transfor mation country. The pool of vocational provide policy briefings and Nigerians maintain you are by 12 places to become the 23rd Agenda. There is now more investment opportunities in either looking for a government largest economy in the world; private investment in skills to support the industrial Nigeria to the international “brown envelope,” or you want level-pegging with Poland and sector is being developed with community and Nigerians in to replace Reuben Abati as the Norway, but now ahead of agriculture, including bank the revival of the Industrial the diaspora; and to tell them government spokesman. But I Belgium, Venezuela and lending, than ever before. The why we believe that Nigeria is wonder who else is hankering Austria. Some of the sectors new regime of fertiliser subsidy Training Fund, National Power now a major frontier market after a handout from Goodluck that showed marked Training Institute of Nigeria they need to come and invest in. Jonathan. Could Barack improvement include those is well-targeted. Middle-men and other vocational centres Obama also be looking for a job where the Jonathan and ghost-farmers have been administration made judicious eliminated. Fertilizer that are designed to provide interventions: including manpower for the development agriculture, housing and distribution and allocation has of the industrial value-chain. ,Few governments of Nigeria have been as (Nollywood) entertainment. been digitalised, thereby eliminating the fraud and An industrial revolution has been re-ignited with the revival , nepotism that characterised the of automobile assembling plants process in the past. Farmers now receive assistance in the in Nigeria under the leadership purposeful as that of Goodluck Jonathan of the indefatigable Minister of This shows the government’s form of loans, equipment on Commerce, Trade and economic policy is well-aligned with the growth sectors, and it lease and seedlings. Investment, Mr. Olusegun The result has been as our president’s press belies all the negative noises dramatic. Under Goodluck Aganga and with the full support Financial Nigeria is a private secretary? currently being made by the of President Jonathan. Under non-governmental “born to rule” delusionists of the Jonathan, Nigeria has reduced At the U.S.-Nigeria Trade APC. its food imports by over 40% as this administration, Innoson organisation. We are neither and Investment Forum Vehicle Manufacturing backed nor financed by the organised by the Nigerians in Nigeria’s emergence as of 2013, moving the country Diaspora Organisation of the Africa’s premier economy under closer to self sufficiency in Company, IVM, Nigeria’s government. But we contribute Americas, NIDOA, in Goodluck Jonathan is bound to flagship indigenous automaker, our widow’s mite to Nigeria’s Washington DC in 2012, give a filip to the economy by agriculture. The increase in Obama acknowledged Nigeria attracting even more foreign food production has helped to began the sale of its first made- development by showcasing is now a strategic centre of investment to Nigeria. Indeed, in-Nigeria cars and SUVs in Nigeria to the world. gravity in Africa, even within the last three years, stabilize food prices, driving proclaiming the country “the Nigeria has emerged as the down inflation into single August 2014. Therefore, we fly government world’s next economic giant.” preferred destination for Nigeria has now become a functionaries, captains of He declared U.S. readiness to foreign direct investments in digits. Today, Nigeria is now invest in Nigeria’s success on a Africa. For the second year the largest producer of cassava major destination for Nigerian industries and other wide range of issues. This running, the United Nations multinational investment in car members of the Nigerian perspective cannot be divorced Conference on Trade and in the world, with an output of from the salutary measures put Development, UNCTAD, has over 45 million metric tonnes manufacturing. Big auto intelligentsia to these NDFF in place by the Jonathan ranked Nigeria as the number giants, including Peugeot, gatherings, and give them the administration. one destination for investments in 2014, according to the Food in Africa, and as having the and Agricultural Organization Nissan and Hyundai, now either platform to tell the world the Later that year, Obama sent fourth highest returns in the assemble, or entirely changes that are now taking Hilary Clinton, his Secretary of world. of the United Nations, FAO. State, to Nigeria. Clinton’s visit The Minister of Agriculture, manufacture, their cars, SUVs, place back home. was followed by the signing of T h e World Bank also trucks and buses at various Those who have a bi-national commission forecasts that Nigeria will Akinwumi Adesina, is agreement to facilitate U.S.- receive this year an inflow of determined to bring about a sea- locations in Nigeria, participated at these sessions Nigerian cooperation on issues $21 billion in remittances from The evidence is from Nigeria include Prof. of common concern and shared Nigerians living and working change in the way Nigerians responsibility. It is on record abroad. This will place regard agriculture. The new overwhelming: “Clueless” Chinedu Nebo, Minister of that Nigeria is the only African Nigeria as the top recipient of Jonathan has revolutionized Power; Dr. Sam Amadi, country with whom the United foreign remittances in Africa; operational philosophy is that States has signed this kind of followed by Egypt with agriculture must be seen as a Nigeria in more ways than many Chairman/CEO, Nigerian agreement, and it did not take projected remittances of $18 have perceived or are willing to Electricity Regulatory place until Jonathan became billion. business and not just as a means president. of livelihood. acknowledge. Under his Commission; Dr. Kingsley In addition, Nigeria became administration, Nigeria has Moghalu, Deputy Governor, Africa’s economic this year the first country in West Financial System Stability, giant Africa to host the World Capital market made and is making giants Economic Forum, WEF. It was strides. Perhaps the Central Bank of Nigeria; Mr. Under Jonathan, the Nigerian the most successful forum of its administration should be Roberts Orya. M.D., Nigerian economy has been growing at kind in history, boasting a In the capital market, Export-Import Bank; Mr. an average annual rate of 7%. global reach of 2.1 billion President Jonathan is pro- blamed for not tooting its own After a number of people according to estimates. reform and a firm supporter of horn more stridently. But the Gimba Ya’u Kumo, M.D., postponements by previous It raised $68 billion in institution-building. His truth is that many people who Federal Mortgage Bank of investments for Africa, support has been instrumental Nigeria; and Senator Udoma according to Dr Philip Rosler, to the sustenance of the reforms are against South-South rule instituted by the Director- have simply been maligning the Udo Udoma, Chairman, UAC General of the Securities and government. These attacks Nigeria Plc. The U.S. Exchange Commission, SEC, Department of Commerce has Ms. Arunma Oteh. These have no validity in fact. reforms have restored Nigerians should not allow become one of our organising confidence to the Nigerian themselves to be deceived. partners for NDFF conferences capital market in the aftermath in the United States. of the crash of 2008/2009. There is no doubt that on the basis of merit alone, Goodluck Financial Nigeria would not Today, the main index of the Jonathan deserves another term be doing this every year if we Nigerian Stock Exchange, the did not believe Goodluck All Shares Index, has surpassed in office. Few governments of Nigeria have been as purposeful Jonathan’s administration is as that of Goodluck Jonathan. making a major difference to the Nigerian economy. We To be continuedCMYK

18 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 HOW many prison breaks would it take Again Jail Break, If one listens to Abba Moro, the Ministerto secure our prisons? Like in Akure in Same Reaction of Interior, little, would be done. WithoutJuly 2013, where armed robbers let 175 an investigation, Moro has givencriminals loose, while freeing their Security at our prisons is left mostly to congestion as one of the reasons for thecolleagues, last week’s incident in Kirikiri, warders who are poorly armed and easily commotion that claimed lives. It is an oldNigeria’s prime jail, Kirikiri would soon over powered. It has happened many times. story. For more than 15 years of civil rule,be history. Furthermore, the extent of the alertness, committees, conferences, and similar the number of warders deployed to man conjectures have been thrown at prison Before Akure there have been jail breaks these facilities, and the equipment at their congestion. They achieved nothing.in Ibadan, Warri, Bauchi, Kano, Abuja (at disposal make the jail breakers’ job easier.the anti-robbery detention centre), and Kirikiri Medium, for instance has 2,536Port Harcourt. The reactions have always The most recent incident is rooted in inmates, by the latest census. Only 98 orbeen the same – media talks, promises to inmates’ anger at being denied their rights. less than five per cent, are convicts, theaddress the situation, and forgetfulness Abuses of prisoners’ rights are plentiful, remaining 2,434 are awaiting trial, a plightuntil the next criminals free themselves. from miserable meals to their poor living they share with more than 36,000 others places. Medicals are barely available. None across Nigeria. Comptroller General of A jail break is at one of the highest points of these would be surprising, considering Prison Zakari Ibrahim told a House ofof criminality. Its consequences depend on how Nigerians who are not in jail live. Representatives Committee that of 50,601the criminals involved and their motives. inmates in the various prisons, 36,934 wereWhat all these point at is that the awaiting trial. Last June, Moro said 70authorities have failed to realise the per cent of inmates were awaiting trial.importance of securing convicts anddetainees. There is still a high tendency The over-crowding in our prisons shouldof dismissing the schemes criminals can be treated as emergency. It is a taskingplot even while in jail. More importantly, process that would see Nigeria tacklingthe reactions after jail breaks had been to unemployment and changing the slowdescend on the prison authorities. We are gears that drive the justice system. Likeaware that prisons are at the lowest rungs earlier prison incidents, Kirikiri is afor budgetary allocations. symptom, not the illness. OPINION By Chika Onuora APC's Ebola mischief governments in managing the crisis are all too obvious. That of Lagos is summarised in theTHE All Progressives Congress, APC, is ItiseitherLaiMohammeddoesnotunderstand experts to understudy how the Jonathan statement by Ada Igonoh, a doctor at First at it again. The party does not fail to live the context in which President Jonathan spoke administration accomplished the feat even Consultants Hospital, an Ebola survivor whoto its billing in raking up unnecessary or he is deliberately distorting the issue in his without medical support from the US and hadcertifiedSawyerdead. Shehaddescribedcontroversy all in an effort to play what it usual effort to justify his position as APC WHO. AttheemergencysessionoftheUnited the environment at the “female ward” she wasunderstands as “opposition politics.” Just spokesman. Why would he prefer to draw the Nations Security Council on Ebola, the WHO admitted into at the state-government-runwhen we were settling to enjoy the last lines of party affiliation in that humanitarian Director-General, Margaret Chan, had told Lagos Mainland Hospital – the mainMuslim festival holidays, its National issue in which Nigeria has received collective participants to take a cue from Nigeria’s infectious diseases facility, as shocking withPublicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed commendation across the world? It can only success in tackling “the greatest peacetime poor sanitary condition. “The sheets were notbarged into our consciousness with an be for parochial reasons. Like in every issue challenge that the UN and its agencies have changed for days. The floor was stained withattempt to turn logic on its head. The issue of this nature in which people’s welfare must ever faced”. greenish vomitus and excrement…this time: President Goodluck Jonathan and be considered first, Jonathan has played For a disease which infected over 5000 people Mosquitoes were our roommates until theyhis Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, should down the political leanings of governors of and killed 2,500, according to reports, brought us mosquito nets…”. How Governornot take full credit for the country’s those states. Like the war on insurgency Nigeria recorded 19 confirmed cases with Fashola managed, or mismanaged thesuccessful containment of the Ebola Virus which was started in states managed by APC onlysevendeaths. Thiscameaboutduemainly N200m Federal Government donation to theDisease, EVD. To him, “a collective effort” governors, efforts to eradicate Ebola in to the Jonathan administration’s promptness, Lagos State Government to help in curtailingshould not belong to the Federal Government Nigeria were not waged with partisan purposefulness and doggedness in facing the the spread of this deadly scourge and in thealone. political considerations in mind. unusual challenge. To further underscore management of its impact, is an issue forAs usual, Lai was lying and trying to distort It is difficult to understand Lai Mohammed’s Nigeria’s success, the last case of the disease another day.facts. The President had, in his speech at the argument, and what political capital he was successfully discharged a clear 30 days While the President and the Health Ministerchurch service to mark Nigeria’s intends to get from the argument. While in back on September 10 from the Ebola Isolation have severally commended the governorsindependence anniversary at the one breath he acknowledged that Health Centre. of the two APC states hit by Ebola for theirEcumenical Centre, alluded to the defeat of Minister, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, The APC behaves like a child that wants to contributions towards the successfulEbola in Nigeria as the fruit of bi-partisan exhibited uncommon professionalism and have his cake and still eat it. It is envious of containment of the virulent disease, it iscooperation. While paying tribute to the purposefulness, in another breath he the commendation being showered on the obvious that the Jonathan-led federalhealth workers who paid the ultimate price claimed that it would be uncharitable for Jonathan administration on the Ebola issue; administration guided the battle against thein that war against Ebola, Jonathan the PDP-led Federal Government of which it prefers its governors in Lagos and Rivers to disease. But Ebola was not a political partycommended the non-partisan collaborative he is part, to take credit. That is the height be given the credit, yet it wants its governors matter and the unfortunate demise of Mrsapproaches that resulted in containing the of illogic by a man blinded by hatred for this in the states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa Adedevoh and other health officials who paidspread of the virus. In spite of that single national accomplishment. Truth be absolved from their seeming failure to the price in the battle to contain it, are notstatesmanlike speech, Lai Mohammed told, if credit must be given at all, the combat Boko Haram and rescue of the Chibok issues that APC can appropriate for partisanpreferred a special credit to the APC Jonathan administration has fully earned girls. The question is: Would the lying party political gains.governors of Lagos and Rivers states, two of it and it is not something Lai Mohammed have blamed the APC governors in Lagos and Like the CDC Director Tom Frieden stated,the states in which it was reported. It didn’t should be hysterical about. Rivers states if the Ebola issue had been Nigeria’s “extensive response to a single casematter to Lai Mohammed that the contribution While the World Health Organisation, WHO, mishandled and turned to an unsavoury story of Ebola shows that control is possible withof both governors mainly centred on commended the Nigerian Government’s for Nigeria? rapid, focused interventions.”coordination of the various volunteer groups efforts in containing the spread of Ebola, an While it is not a time here to apportion blames, *Mr. Onuora, a public affairsthat sprang up to assist in managing the crisis. impressed US Government has even sent the failing of the Rivers and Lagos states analyst,wrote from Abuja.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014—19 Nigeria's corruption challenges , We need a Nigeria mean the presidency. In their country. The Indians have just , of integrated, thoughts, actions and body launched a successful space — what to do detribalised language, it must be clear to all mission to planet Mars, with a amalgamation of that they are ready to put this budget as low as $73-74million, By Sunny Ikhioya to live with it. tribes where the corruption issue to rest. ten times cheaper than what the Such is the situation in Nigeria interest of both the Corruption cannot be eliminated US would have expended. This WE have succeeded in from this country without good is made possible by the focus of establishing the fact that but in India, they have been able ,majority and leadership examples. As corrupt the intellectual class. They have the foundation for corruption in to combine theirs with as the Indians are portrayed, they concentrated on their researches this country was in the beginning, development. They have isolated minorities are are never compromised by issues and achieved ground breaking through the falsification of records their science and technology from factored in and that affect the common progress feats in various endeavours. and distortions in geographical the murky politicians and their institutionalised of the country. For example, you Because of their peculiar mapping, coupled with rigged world of corruption. In Nigeria, cannot import just anything into circumstances- the average census and elections. It was the the more we learn to live with Nelson Mandela of South Africa. the country when it is placed on Indian is relatively poor- they foundation for white collar corruption, the more it is choking As a politician with acquisitive the prohibition list. In Nigeria, the have always churned out criminality- one committed and threatening to destroy us as tendencies, there is no way you reverse is the case; that is when products that the ordinary man through the pen and books- and a nation. Are we going to let it will practise your trade without waivers are granted and can afford through frugal white collar criminality is the most destroy this country? compromising on your integrity smuggling intensified; that is technologies. That is the story of dangerous to a nation. It stunts and the spill over effects can be why the policies on rice and India; that despite the corruptive growth and development. It is not Incidentally, we are having new seen in our present day politics. imported vehicles will not work. tendencies of the politicians and openly manifested but deadly as generations of Nigerians who are Everyone of our policies are their like,the intellectuals/ worm eaten houses. not well informed and have been Corruption everywhere deliberately contrived to make researchers are pushing the Forget all the noise about the made to grow up with tainted The new generation would some people rich at the expense country ahead to the top of global British bureaucracy and rhetorics: accounts of the country's history. have been better placed to sort this of the generality of the citizens. forums. Why can't our they are the foundation for Unfortunately, history, we are told, out, as they were not part of the Unless our leadership at all levels intellectuals do same? corruption in this country and they has been removed from our rotten foundation. Unfortunately, accept to set positive examples, replicated it in several parts of the educational curricula. How we they are also learning very fast. we will not eliminate corruption. It is not all about money but world. Check out the following intend to learn from the failures So, how do we tackle the passion and interest. Our British former colonies: India, of our past is beyond my challenges of corruption in this We need a Nigeria of intellectuals must set the Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, imagination, as we cannot move country? Again it is a matter that integrated, detribalised examples and the Ministry of Kenya, Uganda and many others, forward, without a proper requires our collective efforts. It amalgamation of tribes where the Science and Technology must be all of them rank very highly in grounding on our past. must be accepted by all that interest of both the majority and involved in this drive. That the corruption index. The case of corruption is killing this country. minorities are factored in and Ministry is too passive, as it is India is very perplexing: With all Almost all of our founding The way everyone sees the institutionalised. We all need to now. The shackles of corruption the strides they have made in leaders- except a very negligible deadly Ebola virus, same should come out clean in this country; can be broken in this country, we medicine, engineering and ICT, few like Aminu Kano- developed be the case of corruption. An there should be no need for need leaders who are ready. Are the DNA of corruption refuses to acquisitive tendencies of the emergency should be declared falsification of population and we ready to break this barrier? be expunged from their system. ultra- capitalist cadres and were and it must start from the head - I election figures. Who will bell the cat? It has now become a pathological prone to their ethnic and regional *Mr. Ikhioya, a commentator on case and the people have learnt interests. There is, therefore, no Let us have men that are ready national issues, wrote from single role model in the form of to use their education correctly Lagos. Mahatma Ghandi of India or for the advancement of this Of new wine and old bottles The biggest surprise of to this suggestion of the National all is that the Urhobo are Conference since President Goodluck By M.A.Agbamuche sponsors. fully in support of the Jonathan has no power to create any new At this junction, the reader would allow creation of Anioma state... state by executive fiat. THESE are strange times in Nigeria. because they reason that Change is in the air and I do not just me to cite as a case study the agitation of The Mid-west Region experience is mean the transformation agenda of the the people of what now constitutes Delta ,when Anioma go, they will necessarily instructive. I urge my readers present administration. A case in point is North Senatorial District for self- to read the seminal work of Dr Nowamagbe the decision of the just concluded National determination /recognition as a distinct be left with the remaining A. Omoigui, Benin and The Mid-West Conference that 18 additional states should political element in Nigeria to be known ethnic sub-nationalities to Referendum, easily found on the internet. The be carved out of Nigeria. That such a as Anioma. The Anioma area right from dominate easily work reveals that much more effort must be fundamental decision could be arrived at the outset was a dissatisfied minority. It put into the quest for a new state by its so easily within the three months life span attained self awareness as part of what of Biafra. Indeed ,the master stroke of giving protagonists than appears to have been done of an ad-hoc conference is astonishing. was called Benin Province which meant them states satisfied their age-long by present day agitations for new states. The that from day one it was an oppressed resentments of Igbo domination of the then success of the proposal to excise the Mid- This matter of state creation predates minority .Its leaders almost from day one Eastern Region. So deep was this west Region from the old Western Region the independence of Nigeria from colonial coined the name Anioma even before resentments that up till date the Igbo was dependent firstly on the mutual desire rule; indeed the agitation for more regions / independence of Nigeria in a bid to begin language, the lingua franca of the then of all the sub-nationalities in the area states was seen as the only means by which to forge a sense of identity. Eastern Region, is deliberately not spoken concerned to be part of the new Mid-west minorities could escape from oppression by by the leading riverine politicians and region, thus escaping what they conveniently the majority sub-nationalities in the then Regrettably, their representatives did people who were of age by1966 even when saw as Yoruba domination. three regions of Nigeria. So convincing were not play a very prominent role before the it is common knowledge that they all the agitators that the British colonial Willinks Commission hearings as I pointed speak and understand Igbo. With such an enabling atmosphere, it was authorities felt obliged to set up what was out in my contribution to the seminar no surprise that the constitutional called the Willinks Commission whose work NIGERIA: A CENTURY OF The creation of 12 states by Gowon requirement that a referendum of all the mandate was to gather evidence and CONSTITUTIONAL EVOLUTION 1914- and the apparent benefits for the people that constituted the proposed new consider all the groups ,receive suggestions 2014 edited by Professor Epiphany Azinge, beneficiaries only fuelled the desire of other region was easily satisfied. My reader would and make recommendations ,all these with SAN in chapter 7 -\"MINORITY RIGHTS state agitators but significantly such note that despite conflicting political a view to addressing the fears of the IN FIRST REPUBLIC NIGERIA\". states creation only succeeded during affiliations of the leading politicians in that minorities before independence. military regimes. The Mid West Region region, nobody dared to speak against what To a large measure the Willinks exception to this rule remained singular amounted to the wishes of the people. One It is interesting to note that the Willinks Commissions proceedings and hearing and its success is pointedly located in the can easily see the same scenario repeating Commission rejected any suggestion that were dominated by minorities within the politics of that era during which there was itself today with regards to any of the areas the minorities should be granted the Niger /Delta regions, in particular the Ijaw. a universal gang-up by the Federal from where 18 new states are now proposed status of states within Nigeria. The Government and its allies to undermine and to be created easily. country then proceeded with the Interestingly the Igbo of the then Eastern deal with the main opposition party who preparations for independence in October Region played no significant role in the dominated the then Western Region. In fact, any proposed state from one area 1960 with the minority problems affairs of the Willinks Commission even as of Nigeria in which the opposition unresolved. That, of course, only left room they dominated the political party (NCNC) It is against this background that my dominates should forget the matter. for the minorities to remain with their that controlled the Eastern Region and the reader is invited to consider what I called dissatisfaction and continued agitation for then Mid-West area occupied by the Anioma. the astonishingly speedy decision of the The biggest surprise of all is that our main reform. This may not have been unconnected with National Conference to create 18 new rivals in the present day Delta state, the the fact that the NCNC being controlled by states.Unless these states are going to be Urhobo, are fully in support of the creation Such suggested reform invariably the dominant Igbo of the Eastern Region created by an executive fiat which is only of Anioma state not because of any new became agitation for the creation of new saw no reason to support or participate in possible in a military regime, it must mean found love for Anioma but because they states/regions. Of course in the atmosphere anything that may have ended with the that the confab delegates expect their reason that when Anioma go, they will be of unresolved discontent, it was no surprise reduction of their sphere of influence. proposal to go through all the rigors and left with the remaining ethnic sub that the problem of the minorities remained obstacles put in place in the Constitution nationalities to dominate easily. unresolved by the concept of federalism .With The end of the civil war did not mean an regarding state creation or even local the benefit of hindsight the idea that end to state agitation. As a matter of government creation. I can only say in that regard that just as it federalism could assuage the fears of the historical fact, the Gowon administration is wise to dine with the devil with a long minority is confounded by the type of party at that time, before the shooting started, That means that the reason that has made spoon, so it is that in sharing a glass of wine politics that accompanied independence. sought to out-maneuver and in fact state creation difficult in any dispensation in celebration of this opportunity for Political parties dominated by the major succeeded in out-maneuvering the Igbo other than military government will apply emancipation supported by our main ethnic groups in the region could not have by creating new states, including states for detractor, we will sip the wine of brotherhood been expected to do anything other than the riverine sub- nationalities and the Ibibio/ with caution. protect the interest of their majority Efik groups. *Chief Agbamuche is Owelle of Akwukwo- Igbo, Oshimili North LGA, Delta State. Not surprisingly, the beneficiaries of the new states saw no reason to support the ideaCMYK

20 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014VICTIMS of a fuel tanker ex plosion at Molete inIbadan, Oyo State whichclaimed about 15 lives and leftseveral others severely injuredlast Saturday have been count-ing their losses since the un-fortunate incident happened.Among the victims was preg-nant woman who died with herchildren.Vanguard Metro, VM, gath-ered that the accident hap-pened when a fully loadedtanker had brake failure whichmade it lose control and emp-tied its highly inflammable con-tents on the road.The victims were rushed to theAccident and Emergency sec-tion of the University CollegeHospital, Ibadan.Apart from human casualty,property worth millions of nairawere reduced to ashes. Accord-ing to an eyewitness, 50 shops,13 vehicles, three houses, sev-en commercial motorcycles,three commercial tricycles andseveral other items were lost tothe accident.While some ofvictims thanked providence formaking them escape the rag-ing inferno, they were com- *Carcass of the fuel tanker and the burnt remains of nearby shops. INSET: Oliver Dike, one of the victims Photo by Dareplaining bitterly about the debt Fasubeincurred due to loss of theirproperty. Torrent of tears as Ibadan tanker fireOne of the victims who iden-tified himself as Chigozie Ezesaid the accident had left him victims count lossescompletely “naked”. Chigozie,who sells drugs said: “I had leftthe shops and was on my wayhome when I received a call BY OLA AJAYI, Ibadan message that a petrol tanker lost Also, another trader who man- as all of them suffered severethat my shop was on fire”. He lost a Volkswagen Golf car to control and fell at Molete aged to speak with newsmen burns”.continued: “When I got there, I the fire. roundabout and spilled its fuel that stormed the place, Mr.was shocked to the bone mar- which resulted into fire. When Ahmed Adeoye, said many of Meantime, the ruling All Pro-row seeing the extent of the ac- Another victim, Abduraheem I got to the market, the fire had the casualties were roadside gressives Congress, APC in thecident”. Aliu, said the fire had con- spread everywhere at the traders who allegedly defied state has called on the relevantGiving vivid account of how sumed all he had. Though his roundabout. If not for the river government order to stop sell- authorities to encourage con-the accident happened, the stock is only worth N100,000, behind the market, the fuel ing wares by the roadsides. cerned relevant governmentalhighly depressed trader said: he said that was all he had to would have flooded the whole agencies in creating or fortify-“I learned that the truck driver cater for his family. He was sell- area and caused more death. “I thank God that nobody sus- ing special units or depart-was trying to avoid a bad spot ing electrical materials. tained injury in my shop. Many ments that would be dedicatedon the road when negotiating “I noticed that 13 vehicles, road side traders were unlucky to control of activities of own-the roundabout but lost con- He said those who died were seven commercial motorcycles as they lost their lives and ers and drivers of fuel tankerstrol of the vehicle in the pro- mostly commuters who were and three commercial tricycles goods to the fire”. and other heavy duty vehiclescess. The contents spilled on the there to board commercial to were burnt, 10 people were with a view to reducing the cas-road and was followed by an their respective destinations, as roasted and 45 shops were He said he counted about 15 es of incessant loss of lives andexplosion. God saved my broth- well as some private car own- burnt. We don’t know the actu- bodies very late in the night properties which they cause ers. al number of those who died in when the fire was put off, add- the society. , ing that he lost property esti-er who escaped through the I noticed that 13 vehicles, seven mated at N2 million. “In view of the avoid-back door but we lost every- able carnage on our roads of-thing. I had more than commercial motorcycles and three At the University College ten caused by these these tank-N400,000 in the shop. One of Hospital, the Public Relations ers, trucks and other heavyour customers was unlucky as commercial tricycles were burnt, Officer, Mr. Ayodeji Bobade, duty vehicles, we call on thehe lost his life in the raging 10 people were roasted and 45 said out of the 11 victims com- governments at all levels tofire”. shops burnt , prising a young girl, six mandate agencies such as;Another victim, Subairu Ajayi, males and four females that Federal Road Safety Corps,a building tools seller, said he were rushed to the teaching FRSC, Vehicle Inspection Of-lost all his stock in the fire. hospital late on Saturday, two fice, VIO, and the Nigeria Po-While lamenting the ugly inci- Others, he said, are people the inferno but from the list I of them have died while the lice Force to either create, ordent, he explained that five of who were not part of the mar- have with me, 10 people were hospital is still managing the fortify existing units and de-his colleagues sharing the same ket during the day, but took confirmed dead. Others were remaining nine. partments needed to checkmateshop with him lost their wares advantage of the night to do taken to the hospital.” the activities of owners andworth N1.2 million. One of his their businesses. At the time of filing this re- operators of these ‘mobile le-colleagues, Isiaka Bello, la- Mrs. Oyinlola further said ports, he said he could not say thal vehicles’ on our roads inmented that they were caught The Iyaloja of Molete Mar- that commercial bus drivers if they were responding to order to reduce the incessantin the incident because most ket, Alhaja Iswat Oyinlola, have turned the roundabout to treatment or not. cases of avoidable accidentstimes they would be forced to said the casualty figure would their park. I learned that the and attendant gnashing ofwait till late in the night since have been more but for a near- truck was unable to negotiate He also hinted that the Care- teeth which they cause the pub-they hardly have good sales by river. In her own account, the bend smoothly, and because taker Chairman of the South lic,” the party said in a state-during the day. He said he also she said: “I was at home it had full load of fuel, it lost East, Mr. Abas Bolaji Najeem- ment. around 10 pm when I got the control and fell”. deen had given the sum of N300,000 to the victims one of which “died later in the night

Vanguard, TUESDAY OCTOBER 14, 2014 — 21 programme is to showcase the institutes over 250 R&D outputs suitable for investment by micro, small, medium and large scale entrepreneurs to enhance job creation and improve on the national Gross Domestic Products. “We are hoping that at least 35 technologies would be well structured and adopted in all the local governments, which is 774. So, the projection is that if every local government tries to adopt at least two technologies, we will have a total of about 2,000 jobs each. “When you look at others that are coming in to buy into the technologies, variousFrom left : J.P Morgan Vice President Sub-Sahara Africa Research and Strategy Global Economic Research, Ms Giulia Pellegrini, commercialCBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele and Deputy Governor, Monetary Policy, Mrs. Sarah Alade, during J.P Morgan Investors organisations, studentssubmit held at Mayflower Hotel in Washington DC. coming in, NationalFG to promote creation of 1,500 Association of NigeriaSMEs via new technologies Students, NANS, organizations like SURE-P and other organized sectors, we are expecting that minimum expected jobs that can come out of this catalyst should be at least 250,000. This will definitely By NKIRUKA NNOROM (R&D) technologies/outputs she said that 75,000 investment week is part of the reduce unemployment level in developed by the institute. entrepreneurs have so far institute’s effort to deliverThe Director General of benefited from FIIRO more effectively on its the country,” she said. Federal Institute of Speaking ahead of the technology transfer. “We just concluded trainingIndustrial Research Oshodi, Investment and Technology mandate for rapid of a number of youths on ourFIIRO, Dr. Gloria Elemo, has Week being put together by She noted that the 250 R&D industrialization of thesaid that an estimated 1,500 the institute, she said that not outputs to be showcased at the national economy, as well as National Techno-entrepreneurssmall and medium scale less than 50,000 direct job four days event, which kicked Initiative, but our target is 2,000enterprises are expected to be opportunities will also be off today (Tuesday, October 14, create employment youths on annual basis as partset up across the country in the created following the 2014), would also spur more opportunities to reverse thenext one year through the 250 adoption of the technologies Foreign Direct Investment, worsening unemployment in of our contribution to nationalResearch and Development by the 774 local government FDI, interest into the country. development and corporate areas in the nation, even as the country. social responsibility Elemo added that the “The overall aim of the programme, to transfer technology to them and also lead them to proper infrastructure that will definitely establish them on the field.Shareholders okay Access Bank’s N68bn rights issue BYPETER EGWUATU remain in business. The CBN rights issue.” their rights, but for some is gradually removing COT, so Other shareholders group that may not have theShareholders of Access it will be turf time for banks to leaders, such as Sir Sunny financial capability to USC 190.80 USC 4.75 Bank Plc, yesterday make huge profit and that is Nwosu, National Coordinator, pick their rights they USD3,318.00 USD 7.00endorsed the proposal by its why raising capital is Independent Shareholders can trade the rights issue USC 15.73 USC 0.32Board of Directors to raise N68 necessary so that our bank can Association of Nigeria, ISAN, on the floor of thebillion additional capital by be able to loan money to the Mr. Boniface Okezie, Nigerian Stockway of rights issue. productive sector. The price for Chairman, Progressive Exchange, NSE.The shareholders at the Extra- the rights issue must be Shareholders Association of Consequently, all theordinary General Meeting considered in order to attract Nigeria, PSAN, Mrs. Bisi shareholders approved(EGM) held in Lagos hailed shareholders to pick their Bakare, Chairman, Proactive all the eight special USD 97.20 USD 0.20the move by the bank to rights.” Shareholders Association of resolutions put before USD 94.55 USD 1.01enhance its capital to meet The President, Nigerian Nigeria, and others them at the meeting.current challenges. Shareholders Solidarity commended the plans to raise Some of the resolutionsSpeaking at the EGM, the Association, NSSA, Chief additional capital. include: increase inChairman, Advancement for Timothy Adesiyan said “It is According to them “ The rights authorize share capital DOLLAR 154.75 155.25 155.75the Rights of Nigerian good to raise capital but the issue should commence as from N13 billion made STERLING 249.7046 250.5114 251.3182Shareholders, Dr. Farouk bank should make the price for quickly as possible taking up of 24 billion ordinary EURO 195.4957 196.1273 196.759Umar said “The initiative to the offer attractive. Also, we consideration of the pricing shares of 50 kobo and FRANC 161.737 162.2596 162.7822raise additional equity capital would like the bank to assure and ensuring that all two billion preference YEN 1.4217 1.4263 1.4309is laudable given the the shareholders that in the shareholders get the rights shares of 50 kobo each CFA 0.2783 0.2883 0.2983increasing demand for loan. future we would get better circular. We don’t want any top N20 billion by the WAUA 228.7066 229.4455 230.1845The CBN has initiated a lot of dividend for taking our rights. body to be shortchanged. creation of 14 billion RENMINBI 25.2068 25.2887 25.3706policies that will need banks The issue of underwriting is Once the price is right, ordinary shares of 50 RIYAL 41.248 41.3812 41.5145to raise capital in order to even immaterial since it is a shareholders will pick up KRONA 26.2595 26.3444 26.4292 SDR 229.8502 230.5928 231.3355 kobbo each. CBN Exchange Rate as 13 /10 /2014

22— Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014, A rational thinking individual , INVESTORS would naturally be suspicious when somebody is offering what is way above the industry average. It is not so with somebody controlled by greedShareholders confront Conoil Why wonder banks,over shortcomings in fake capital marketcorporate governance operators persist (3) By NKIRUKA NNOROM directors is against the By BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE market operators. It is also the same reason recommendations of the Code of why it would be almost impossible toShareholders of Conoil Plc Corporate Governance that states The greed factor is the reason why eradicate them. have raised concern over the that non-executives directors must some people fall prey to the anticsshortcomings in the company’s be more than the executives who of wonder banks and illegal capital In the case of wonder banks, the baitcorporate governance practices, form the management team upon is usually unreasonably high interest rate.especially the continuous absence of which the Board has an oversightthe chairman, Mr. Mike Adenuga, function. MARKET NEWSfrom the Annual General Meetings,AGMs. “Please, we recommend that you Nestlé advocates long-term appoint more non-executive Specifically, they said that Adenuga directors, especially, independent value creationhas in the last 10 years absented directors and minorityhimself from the AGMs, noting that shareholders’ representative. By GABRIELOLAWALE people and businesses had been seducedhis absence is detrimental to the by or pressured into delivering on short-interest and progress of the company, Since a few years ago that the two Nestlé Chief Executive Officer, Paul term egoistic targets and there was a generalbeing the majority shareholder. directors representing minority Bulcke, has charged all business shift in thinking towards ‘me-now’ instead shareholders (holding 26 percent) operators to focus more on long-term value of ‘us-tomorrow’,” Bulcke said. This is contained in a letter left the Board, you have not creation for shareholders and the societyaddressed to the chairman of Conoil replaced them accordingly,” they which has lasting impact for growth of the “Leaders need to demonstrate theirPlc by members of Renaissance noted. communities. respect by going back to the basic role ofShareholders Association, RSA, business – value creation for society as asigned by their president, Amb. On the account for the year ended Speaking during the live webcast of the sixth whole with a long-term perspective.”Olufemi Timothy. December 31, 2013, they said that edition of Nestlé Creating Share Value, CSV it would have been impossible for Forum held in Switzerland and monitored from Accelerating development of over 20 They also criticized the company the company to achieve such a Nigeria, Bulcke called on business operators leading international experts fromfor frequent change in managing robust result without the extra- to desist from short-term thinking and focus government, academia, civil society anddirectors, MDs, saying that the ordinary income earned from the instead on long-term value creation for business joined hundreds of others at thecompany has produced more MDs debts owed the company by the shareholders and the society at the same time. Forum to discuss how to acceleratethan any of its peers in the petroleum federal government on delayed “The global debt crisis was, in many ways, a sustainable development, focusing on themarketing sector as it has in the last payment of subsidy on imported values crisis.” He, therefore, called for key areas of nutrition, water and ruraldecade combination of holistic thinking, long-term development.engaged not fuel. goals and a return to strong and clear values,less than 10 Consequently, based on respect as the only way forward. Nestlé believes that for a company to bemanaging successful over the long term and createdirectors, they argued This year’s CSV Forum, held in the presence value for shareholders, it must create valuehaving an that the N2.77 of the President of the Swiss Confederation for society. Nestlé announced that Honeyaverage of one billion Didier Burkhalter and co-organised by the Care Africa, an East African fair trade honeyMD per dividends United Nations Conference on Trade and firm working with 35,000 farmers in Southannum. declared for the Development, UNCTAD, focused on how to Sudan, had won the company’s Creating year would not create a new role for industry, at the heart of Shared Value Prize. The prize, an investment Querying why the company could have been the societies in which it operates.”Too many ofCHF500, 000 shared between the winnernot sign on one MD for at least a possible without the extra-ordinary and runners-up, rewards innovativeperiod of five years, they said that a income and would not be sustained businesses that create value for theirstable management is necessary for in the subsequent years if theconsistent policy implementation management could not produceand a steady growth. profit before tax and gross operating profit of N4.5 billion and “If we may be correct, you have not N20billion in 2014 respectively.been to the company’s AGM for over They said, “The accounts for 2013a decade now, (10 years). This to us, year-end appear to the best in thewho are concerned about your stake last five years. But can it beand that of other 26 percent holders sustained? If the results in theof the equity of the company, is a statement of profit or loss on pagedisservice to the company and its 24 is anything to rely on, thebusiness. statement of profit or loss states that our gross profit was N17 billion “A leader must always be seen while other operating income ofleading its team at all times. No N2.5 billion was recorded, as areport of events at the AGM to you result of interest paid to ourcould be as accurate as when you are company from the debts owe thepresent to see the feelings; hear the company by the federalcomments, compliments and the government on delayed payment ofbody language of people by yourself. subsidy on imported fuel.We wish that you will have a change “What happens in a year withoutof mind, attitude on this. Come to the this kind of extra-ordinary income,next AGM wherever you know will payment? We should work harderbe secure enough for you and your and improve on our revenue and notteam, if security is your concern,” rely on other, extra-ordinary incomethey said. (occasional). “Our actual PBT was N2.57 billion, The shareholders frowned at lack while PAT would have been - N1.07of confidence shown in the affairs of billion for the year 2013 end. Wethe company by the directors as could not have been able to declaremanifested through their lack of N2.77 billion cash dividend in thehaving shareholding in the year, if not for the extra income.company. According to them, only “We believe that; to sustain thisthree out of the 10 directors hold dividend payment in the 2014 year-interest in the company. end results, the management must produce PBT of N4.5 billion and They also called on the company above without extra-ordinaryto appoint more non-executive income, while the gross operatingdirectors, especially independent profit must move up to about N20and minority shareholders into the billion.”Board, saying that having a Boardof Directors consisting of fiveexecutive and five non-executive

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 — 23FORUM , Ordinarily, rights issues are supposed , to be issued at a discount. This means that the price at which the offering is made to the existing shareholders should be less than its current market price at the secondary marketWhile in the case of Illegal capital result, he is blinded to the risk, or From left: Deputy General Manager, Research & Business Development, Mr.market operators, it is mouth watering the possibility of losing his/her Kunle Ajayi; MD/CEO, Mr. Gbolahan Olutayo and Deputy General Manager,return. For example, interest rate on money. When confronted with the Life & Pension, Mr. Kamoru Sule, all of Goldlink Insurance Plc, at a pressbank deposits presently hovers between mouth watering interest rate or conference to announce steps being taken by the company to avoid delisting10 and 15 percent. A wonder bank returns offered by the operators from the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE.would offer something like 25 to 30 of wonder banks or illegal capitalpercent and offer to pay the interest market operators, his focus is the Investors’ right underupfront. This has always been the bait huge returns he will make. He does CAMA on new issues not care if what is being offered is or strategy. way above industry average, or the BY PETER EGWUATU Another class of share is rights issue. The illegal genuineness of the investment. He Existing shareholders have the right to capital market is just concerned about making TheMattCerosmApcat nies and Allied partake in rights issue. By rights issue, it operator would more money. Even if somebody (CAMA) has provided means additional new shares created by also promise tries to call his attention to the risk a company for its existing returns of 50 involved, he would dismiss such opportunity for both existing and shareholders. Rights issue is not meant percent in one concern as fear. for the general investing public. So, an year on funds prospective shareholders of a company existing shareholder can either exercise placed in its The wonder bank surely does pay his/her rights or trade it at the secondary care. the interest rate, and at the maturity to partake in new issues. market when he or she does not feel like Meanwhile of the investment, this encourages partaking in the offering. average the greedy individual to roll over the By new issues, it means fresh offering/ market return investment and even increase the For example, if a shareholder currently hovers amount. In addition, he invites owns five per cent of the total shares between 20 to others to come and invest, touting outstanding and the company decides to 25 percent. the returns he has made from his double the amount of shares issued investment. This way, many people through rights issue, a shareholder has A rational are sucked in, and by the time the the option to exercise his rights and thinking game is over, they have lost millions. purchase enough shares to maintain his individual five per cent interest. would naturally Beware of Greed! The desire to be suspicious have more is common to all, but it If an existing shareholder fails to partake when is very dangerously strong in some in the rights issue, the company has right somebody is people, such that they are blinded to distribute it to other shareholders who offering what is to risk and dangers. If you are might have shown interest. So, it paysway above the industry average. It is always looking for above average the shareholder to take up his/her rightnot so with somebody controlled by returns and interest rate, you stand even when he or she does not have moneygreed. A greedy person wants the risk of being victim of wonder to pick it. What the shareholder needs toeverything for himself; he wants more bank or illegal market operator. It do is to seek assistance of any registeredthan he needs. He is controlled and is a matter of time, so you better and licensed stockbroker to help him orblinded by the desire for more. As a watch out. her trade the rights at the secondary market on the Nigerian Stock Exchange shares by a company inviting the general (NSE). public to subscribe to its new shares, Ordinarily, rights issues are supposed to be issued at a discount. This means which will enable it to raise additional that the price at which the offering is made to the existing shareholders should be lesscommunities by addressing issues of ”The Creating Shared Value Prize is capital that would boost its operation. than its current market price at thenutrition, water or rural development. such a wonderful recognition of the secondary market.Madison Ayer, of Honey Care Africa, to help hard work and passion of our team, Also, CAMA allows public companiesfarmers become commercial beekeepers, said farmers, and customers in Africa,” he But in recent times, some companieshe was delighted with the win. said. to issue bonus shares to their do not give any discount for rights issue. They have argued that since existing shareholders. Therefore, it is the right of shareholders benefit in bonus shares, they should equally patronize and support their a shareholder to benefit from such bonus companies to raise additional funds and by so doing, their shareholdings would not be whenever it is declared. diluted. Like I said last week, many operators have said that the return of retail investorsStanbic IBTC holds business leadership forum would encourage companies to issue Initial Public Offerings, IPOs, in the very near future. South African-born Many retail investors took part in IPOs Thembekwayo has wonSTANBIC IBTC Holdings Plc has international acclaim as a business during the last market boom .Although announced the start of its Business speaker who empowers hisLeadership Series; an annual event to audience with new knowledge and some of them got their fingers burnt,help create deeper connections and build tools that they can immediatelya new cadre of leadership among apply in their businesses or careers many others really reaped significantbusiness leaders in Nigeria. The series to achieve positive outcomes.will focus on improving leadership with capital gains. Such investors are eagerlythe underlying goal of advancing Speaking on the forthcomingNigeria’s economic growth and event, Chief Executive, Stanbic waiting for another round of IPOs in thedevelopment. IBTC Holdings Plc, Mrs. Sola David-Borha, stated that the market. Primary market activities of any Participants are drawn from various Stanbic IBTC Business Leadershipsectors including regulators, investors Series is part of customer capital market remain one of the cardinaland the business community. The first engagement tool.”We will beedition of the series will hold on October looking at business leadership from fundamentals for gauging investors’16, 2014 in Lagos. various angles”. Key focus will be given to leadership in the digital age confidence, liquidity and health of the In this year’s edition, international and how e-Commerce is changingspeaker, Vusi Thembekwayo, will lead the the face of business globally,” she market.session along with Sim Shagaya, founder stated.of online retail chain, Konga. Jointly, they Meanwhile, bonus shares are free shareswill share insights from the businessesthey run and how they have kept these given to existing shareholders asbusinesses on the cutting edge. compensation for their loyalty and support throughout the running of the business. The bonus shares are paid from the undistributed profit or retained earnings kept by a company over some years of operation. Any shareholder who is denied of bonus shares whenever declared by a company has the right to seek redress in the court of law.

24 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014PPMC exports N117bn fuel oil in one year By Michael Eboh Specifically, the PPMC exported 126.35 million litres in May at N10.56 indicated the quantity of fuel oils the 791.932 million litres of LPFO valued billion, while 159.536 million litres PPMC exported in 10 years, from 2012T HE Pipelines and Product at N65.462 billion, while it exported were exported in June at N12.984 down to 2003. These included 821.97 Marketing Company, PPMC, a 541.52 million litres of Naphtha billion. million litres, in 2012; 1.369 billionsubsidiary of the Nigerian National valued at N51.21 billion. litres in 2011; 699.86 million litres inPetroleum Corporation, NNPC, Others are: July - 50.996 million 2010, and 821.97 million in 2009.exported 1.33 billion litres of A breakdown of the figures revealed litres at N4.342 billion; August -petroleum products, valued at that the PPMC exported about 207.672 83.545 million litres, N7.284 billion; Others are 957.94 million litres inN116.672 billion in 2013. million litres fuel oils in January 2013, September - 89.676 million litres, 2008; 1.43 billion litres, 2007; 2.076 valued at N19.46 billion; 183.23 N7.924 billion; October - 55.051 billion litres, 2006; 2.623 billion litres, The products exported by the PPMC million litres in February, at N17.613 million litres, N4.337 billion; 2005; and 1.11 billion litres in 2004.in 2013, according to data obtained billion; and 237.186 million litres in November - 13.184 million litres,from the NNPC Annual Statistical March, worth N20.65 billion. N1.052 billion, and 13.686 million Poor refining capacityBulletin 2013, are Low Pour Fuel Oil litres in December at N1.115 billion. However, the report revealed the(LPFO), and Naphtha. Similarly, about 113.35 million litres poor refining capacity of the local were exported in April, at N9.352; Furthermore, the NNPC report refineries, as the PPMC last exported Premium Motor Spirit, PMS or petrol in 2005 with 77,000 litres. The low petrol export is indicative of the very poor state of the nation’s four refineries, which have since been producing more fuel oils than white petroleum products. Nigeria had to rely more on imported white products including kerosene and diesel to meet its domestic needs. Accordingly, Nigeria last exported Household Kerosene, HHK, in 2008, with 12.135 million litres. Just as in a 10 year period, it exported only 30.281 million litres of Automotive Gas Oil, AGO/diesel in 2005.From left: Director, Department of Petroleum Resources, (DPR) Mr. George Osahon, receiving a Communiqué on Increase in importsFluid Metering & Accounting in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry on behalf Nigeria’s Minister of the Petroleum Poor refining capacity meant thatResources from President, Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists, (NAPE) Mrs. Adedoja Ojelabi, with Nigeria had to import more refinedPresident –Elect (NAPE), Mr. Chikwendu Edoziem at the Department of Petroleum Resources Office in Lagos. products, as the NNPC report revealed that the country importedForcados Terminal records 14-year export 6.649 million metric tonnes, MMT,safety milestone products in 2013. These included petrol, diesel and kerosene.THE Forcados Terminal operated multi-disciplinary staff teams and oil storage tanks, subsea repairs to Specifically, the PPMC imported by the Shell Petroleum contractors,” said SPDC Managing the tanker loading system, and 4.387 MMT petrol; 2.175 MMTDevelopment Company, SPDC - Director and Country Chair, Shell upgrade to the jetty amongst others. kerosene; and 86,350.14 MT diesel.operated Joint Venture in the companies in Nigeria, Mr. Mutiu Explaining further, the NNPC reportwestern Niger Delta recently Sunmonu. The asset did not record any said: “PPMC evacuated 4.708 millionrecorded a 14-year safety operation disruptions relating to these metric tonnes of petroleum productsin oil exports. “Over the years, SPDC has multiple concurrent activities, which from the refineries. And it also improved work processes and trained is also evidence of the sustained imported 6.649 million metric tonnes The incident-free milestone was staff leading to the introduction of the and proactive engagement of the of PMS, HHK and AGO for distributionrecorded between September 2000 Goal Zero initiative on safety. We’re host communities. at no cost since the discharges wereand September 2014, during which happy that the improvements from Offshore Processing Agreementabout 1.25 billion barrels of oil continue to manifest not only at The Forcados Ter minal was (OPA) and Crude oil for product swappassed through the facility. Forcados Terminal but also in other inaugurated in 1971, and was arrangements. installations,” Sunmonu added. upgraded between 1994 and 1998. “PPMC sold a total of 12.63 billion The safety milestone translates into The terminal receives, treats, stores litres of various grades of petroleuma daily average of 300 staff handling Over the past 365 days, a number and exports crude oil produced by products through depots and coastalnearly two export tankers every of high risk maintenance and SPDC and other operators in the lifting. During the year, 1.33 billionweek. engineering activities had also taken western Niger Delta, and has an litres of LPFO and Naphtha worth place at the Forcados Terminal. This installed storage capacity of 6.3 about N116.67 billion was exported. “This is a significant achievement included the rehabilitation of crude million barrels. “A total of 21.816 billion liters ofin a work environment that involves petroleum products was distributed nationally giving an average daily consumption of 43.55 million litres of PMS, 7.76 million litres of AGO, 7.30 million litres of HHK and 1.17 million litres of Aviation Turbine Kerosene, ATK. “Out of the total volume distributed, NNPC Retail outlets handled 1.645 billion litres which is about 7.54 per cent of total volume. “The distribution by zone shows the South-West with the lion share of 38.83 per cent followed by the South-South with 15.43 per cent, North West with 15.04 per cent, North Central with 9.09 per cent, North East with 8.83 per cent, South East with 6.40 per cent and FCT with 6.39 per cent.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 — 25Aiteo acquires Shell’s OML 29, Nigeria needsNembe pipelines …Deal sealed with $2.7bn 6.5m pre-paid meters in five years — Onyema By Clara Nwachukwu COCKTAIL: From left: Dr. Tunji Olaopa, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of By Jonah Nwokpoku Communication Technology; Ms. Schola Nwabueze, Lead Analyst, PEPCO power andT HE Aiteo Group has transmission company, Washington DC; John Nwabueze, Director-General, Philip Asiodu TECHNO Gas and Power, finally confirmed the Economic Initiative; Ambassador Joe Keshi, former Chairman, United Bank for Africa (UBA) a subsidiary of Technoacquisition of 85 per cent Plc; Engr (Mrs) EbeleOkeke, former Head of Service; Lady Nwadibia Anyanwu, Retired Oil Limited has hinted thatequity in Oil Mining Lease, Federal Permanent Secretary; Chief Philip Asiodu; Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, Chairman House Nigeria’s power sector needsOML 29, being divested by the Committee on Health; at a cocktail party celebrating the conferement of the National Honour, at least 6.5 million prepaidShell Petroleum Development Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Asiodu, in Abuja. meters to meet the energyCompany, SPDC. needs of electricity consumers The statement also clarified had estimated OML 29’s block in joint venture sold its 30 and help investors in the sector The purchase of the asset, the shareholding structure of proven and probable reserves percent stake in the block and recoup their investment.reputed as one of Shell’s most the consortium, which had 2.7 (P1+P2) at about 2.2 billion pipeline. France’s, Totalprolific oil block has been billion unit shares with Aiteo barrels of oil equivalent, BOE. divested its 10 percent, while For this reason, the companyenmeshed in controversy. Energy Resources Limited Its hydrocarbon fields could Italy’s Eni SPA sold its five said it has sealed a deal with holding a total volume of 2.294 deliver as much as 160,000 percent to the indigenous a Bulgarian Metering Solution Clarifying the purchase of billion units. Tempo holds 270 barrels of oil per day, and 300 consortium. The Nigerian company, Incotex to producedthe block in a statement signed million units representing 10 million standard cubic feet of National Petroleum Corporation, 350, 000 pre-paidby Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, percent equity, and the balance gas per day (mmsc/d) at peak NNPC, retained its majority 55 meters yearly in Nigeria.Aiteo said its consortium of 135 million by Taleveras. output. percent under the Jointsealed the deal with Operating Agreement, JOA. Managing Director of Tech-$2.7billion, which also The Africa Oil & Gas Report Shell, the operator of the oil no Gas and Power, Mr. Collinsincluded the Nembe Creek Onyema who disclosed thepipelines. partnership to newsmen in Lagos said the country current- Oluwatuyi, therefore, ly has over six million deficitdiscredited earlier reports of pre-paid meters in circula-claiming OML 29 had been tion that needs to be ad-acquired by the ‘Taleveras-led dressed.consortium’, also interested inthe asset. The partnership became nec- essary to urgently address the The statement read in part: vacuum created by the inabili-“It is a total misinformation in ty of the erstwhile Power Hold-the local and international ing Company of Nigeria,media that it is the ‘Taleveras- PHCN to provide metersled consortium’ that acquired where they are needed.the assets divested by Shell.Therefore, it had become “We are all aware of thenecessary to correct the discomfort suffered by millionsmisleading media reports of electricity consumersabout the acquisition of OML nationwide, who are unable to29, the most prolific of the oil get electricity meters due to noblocks sold off by Shell.” faults of theirs,” he said.DPR to resolve sediments, water allocation He explained that the current Nigeria meter marketissues … As NAPE presents communiqué is worth over N150 billion.T HE Department of He added that “the She added that one of the Mr. Chikwendu Edoziem, Mr. Oyeama also hinted that Petroleum Resources, document (communiqué) will ways NAPE does this is by who expressed optimismc that the planned Techno Gas andDPR, has promised to adopt come back for us to study and providing platforms like the when adopted, the Power meters will bringmeasures to address the advice again on what we Special Management communiqué will bring lasting succour to investors in thelingering issues of back should do, how we should do Workshop. solutions to the issues of fluid sector because they are “tamperallocation of basic sediments it, and when we should do it. Also present at the occasion metering and accounting in proof ”and water, BSW, during crude We will turn that into a plan was NAPE’s President-Elect, the oil and gas industry.oil production reconciliation. of action of what we will do “The practice of many so that at least those Angola to overtake Nigeria as consumers to bypass meters Such measures will also companies that are suffering highest crude producer by 2016 and connect directly would beaddress the imposition of now especially those that are a thing of the past. The metersdisproportionate volume of co- utilising facilities will have By Michael Eboh, with “On top of that regulatory would read even when it haslost crude by some facility a new lease of life.’’ Agency Report uncertainty, the result of a been bypassed by customerowners on indigenous seemingly-permanently stalled and at very low voltage,” Mr.operators. Also speaking, the NAPE ANGOLA will overtake Petroleum Industry Bill, has led Oyeama said. President, Mrs. Adedoja Nigeria as the largest to delays in investment The Director, DPR, Mr. Ojelabi, explained that the crude oil producing country in decisions,” it said. He equally noted that TechnoGeorge Osahon, made the workshop was a Africa by 2016, the Commenting on the Gas and Power decided topledge recently while demonstration of NAPE’s International Energy Agency, development, IEA’s Chief tackle the problem of meterreceiving a communiqué from commitment to resolving IEA, declared yesterday. Economist, Fatih Birol said: short fall in the sector bya workshop on “Fluid issues that impact negatively “What will put Nigeria second entering into the partnershipMetering and Accounting in on the oil and gas industry. According to a report by the are uncertainty over the with the European firm to makethe Oil & Gas Industry” on IEA, factors that will work Nigerian investment meters available to Nigeriansbehalf of the Minister of She said: “the production of against Nigeria include the framework, oil theft andPetroleum Resources, Mrs. the document has come out non-passage of the Petroleum governance issues.” Oyeama lamented theDiezani Alison-Madueke. from a lot of work, meetings Industry Bill, PIB, and crude The Nigerian National difficulties many electricity and the consensus reached oil theft. Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, consumers often go through to The workshop was by stakeholders. We hope in its Annual Statistics Bulletin get meters starting that “I canorganised recently by the that the document will be The IEA said, “The shift will for 2013, put Nigeria’s total now assure Nigerians that theNigerian Association of useful to the DPR, the in part be due to an expected crude oil and condensate era of ‘no meter’ or estimatedPetroleum Explorationists, government, the oil and gas increase in production in production for the year at billing will soon be over withNAPE. industry and particularly Angola, but much of it is the 800.488 million barrels giving the decision of Techno Gas and Independents. result of domestic issues in a daily average of 2.19 million Power to embark on mass Osahon said: “You will recall Nigeria.” barrels per day, dropping by six production of meters inthat there have been a lot of “We also see that industry is per cent from the previous partnership with Incotex.”issues regarding NEITI and likely to witness more and According to the IEA, year’s production.metering and about what we more of such issues but we Nigeria currently loses 150,000 He further hinted that hisneed to do, some of these hope we can nip them in the barrels a day to oil theft, the firm and Incotex has heldissues emanate from here and bud before they become major equivalent of $5 billion a year. exploration talks withwe are paying a lot of irritations in the industry.” electricity Distributionattention to them.” Companies, DISCOs in Enugu, Ibadan, Ikeja and Eko DISCOs to ensure smooth business relationship.

26 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014UNIDO, FG collaborate on power potential to provide energy.for industrial clusters “We have been able to mapBy Chris Ochayi correlated, so that is one power sector development in “Take for instance, through- all those potential areas to- point. Now UNIDO, its this country. out the privatisation process, gether with the Federal Min-T HE United Nation’s interest here is to work with some of these agencies sup- istry of Power, and we have Industrial Development the Federal Government to “We also have the French ported the federal government just provided a map. Hopeful-Organisation, UNIDO, has ensure that power is available Agency for development, they in terms of analysis, in terms ly, we would be calling an in-promised to work with the to industry clusters and when are also investing huge of capacity building and in vestors’ forum to showcaseFederal Government to make industry clusters have power, amount of money in the power terms of linking them up with what the potentials are, whatpower available to industrial of course the major goal of sector. We have the African financial institutions. These the investments required are,clusters to ensure maximum government which is job Development Bank. We have are some of the supports the and what are some of the in-production in the country. creation for the teeming youth the German International group is making for the coun- centives that government isUNIDO Country would be achieved. Agency. try. giving so that the private sec-Representative, Mr. Patrick tor can engage in them.Kormawa, who disclosed this “Now UNIDO is the co-chair “All of these are working “In particular for UNIDO, thein an interview in Abuja, of the donor coordination together as a group to ensure organisation that I lead, our “Second, is the area of solar.noted that the major goal of group on power, and the donor that there is what we refer to interest is to support the You know this country isgovernment to create jobs for coordination group on power as development assistance to development of renewable blessed. In the northern partthe teeming youth will be comprises of big donors in this the Nigerian Government in energy sources in Nigeria. of this country, you haverealised if industrial clusters Nigeria. You have the terms of the power sector Why is that important to us? It longer sunlight even down tohad power. European Union who has a yielding the necessarily is important because Nigeria below the Niger. All of theseHe also revealed that huge programme on power, impact. That there is has the three major sources of areas from Sokoto down to theUNIDO in collaboration with which is also supporting the coordination among the team energy from which we can South of the Niger haveother development partners power sector. We have the to make ensure that they can have renewable energy. They abundant sunlight. So how canhave funded a $5 million, five World Bank who is provide the needed support have abundant number of we promote investment intonnes per hour rice contributing towards the that is required by the rivers which have the solar energy so that government. household in rural communities can also enjoyproduction in Ebonyi State. the benefit of electricity?Kormawa said UNIDO hasbig donors agencies like the “The third area is what weEuropean Union, EU; the call biomass, waste either fromWorld Bank; French Agency municipalities can also befor Development; African used to generate energy. ForDevelopment Bank; and the that particular programme,German International Agency, UNIDO has done a prototypeto turn around the state of in Abakiliki, Ebonyi State, andpower supply in Nigeria. now we are working with theAccording to him, “UNIDO Governor of the state, Chiefis a technical agency that Martins Elechi, to have a fivestands to promote inclusive megawatts project. And he hasand sustainable industrial already awarded the contractdevelopment, and why are we and by the next 18 months thatinterested in power? We are power plant would come oninterested in power because board.without powerindustrialisation remains a “Why is that important? Inmirage. Without power, we his development programme,cannot lift the majority of he has put in place what heNigerians out of poverty calls a rice processing clusterwhich means industrialisation knowing that Abakiliki iswill not happen. known for rice. He has“If you look around the From left: Chairman/Managing Director, KAM Industries, Alhaji Kamaldeen Yusuf; Minister galvanised all the rice millersworld, prosperity and access Of Industry Trade And Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga; Managing Director\Chief Executive in the three separate loca-to power are highly Officer, Bank Of Industry (BOI), Mr Rasheed Olaoluwa; Executive Director, Small And Medium tions, and he wants to ensure Enterprises, BOI, Mr Waheed Olagunju And General Manager, Large Enterprises, BOI. that they have uninterrupt- ed supply of power.Lagos educates residents on energy conservation “The most important andBy Bose Adelaja CESM, runs throughout the show and a prize winner, Mr seriously, Akolade noted that most interesting thing here 31 days in the month during Ganiu Mabifa, said the energy in addition to helping them is that, the waste from theA S part of activities which the key messages of the conservation campaign is a save money, conservation also rice processing is used as a marking the 2014 benefits of efficient use of welcome development at this preserves energy for future substrate to produce energy.Energy Conservation Month, available power are espoused point in time when the country use as well as protects the That will really reduce thethe Lagos State Government to the residents. needed more electricity power environment. cost of rice processing in thathas embarked on a community to develop the small and area and will make rice avail-sensitisation road show to “Like we are doing here medium scale enterprises, He enjoined all energetic able to the Nigerian popu-educate people on how to today, our personnel would SMEs. “If other states can Lagosians to be part of the lace at an affordable price.conserve energy. move round Lagos to educate invest in a campaign like this energy conservation culture Those are some of the exam-The programme is being residents that conserving it will really help the nation by being involved through the ples that UNIDO is introduc-executed through its energy is saving money. And as the value chain benefits are online media via the Hash Tag ing into the country.implementing agency, the we are going to demonstrate enormous”, he said. ‘Are You In Or Out’. He alsoLagos State Electricity Board, this to them practically using appealed to the residents to Kormawa, who said UNI-LSEB. the Lagos Energy calculator to Another participant, Mr. watch out for the robust DO is not involved in fund-Speaking at a road show in show how much they can save Gbenga Akeju, expressed conversations on Twitter, ing projects directly, ex-Ajah, Lagos, LSEB by conserving energy,” he delight in the campaign, “I follow the movement and plained that, “in terms ofrepresentative, Mr. Adedeji said. never thought it is important become an ‘INsider’. money, as I mentioned toAkolade, said: “the Energy to conserve energy until now you, UNIDO is a technicalConservation Month initiative Akolade added that the road that the Lagos State team has Recall that the Lagos State institution. We do not givewas launched last year as a show would move across five educated me on its Government had successfully money directly, but our part-Behavioural Change select regions in the state importance. I’ll definitely take launched three Independent ners that we work with sup-Campaign to instill the habit namely, Ikorodu, Badagry, this message home to my wife Power Plants, IPPs, in the past port the programmes. Soof efficient use of electric Epe, Eti-Osa, and Oshodi to and kids and ensure that we four years. All the power working with UNIDO, wepower in the residents. The enable more residents to be switch off all our appliances plants run on natural gas provide the technical assis-campaign dubbed, ‘Conserve well informed about the that are not in use,” he said. thereby reducing carbon tance.Energy, Save Money ’, benefits of energy emissions and promoting a conservation. Encouraging Lagosians to safer and cleaner “For instance, the pro- take energy conservation environment. gramme in Ebonyi may nev- A participant at the road er have come on board with- out our assessment of how that state can be a leading quality rice producer of this country.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 — 27 BRIEF Council urges FG, states toBritish firm to allocate 10% for powerinvest $400m inEgyptian gas By Chris Ochayi This is meant to motivate to rural electrification development of new IPPs.fields private developers into the projects.” The communiqué also said T O ensure adequate development of small scaleA British company is power generation in the power plants to boost power The Council also mandat- that all rural electrification likely to invest about country, stakeholders have generation. ed the Federal Ministry of projects should be implement-$400 million to develop the called on the federal and state Power to conduct a long term ed within a framework basedRashid and Burollus fields. governments to allocate a The call was contained in a power generation planning on community ownership/part- minimum of 10 per cent of communiqué issued at the and demand forecast study, nership, rural electricity users’ Mohamed El Masry, their annual budget end of the first National as well as more feasibility cooperative society.president of Rashid provisions for the Council on Power, NACoP, studies to identify additionalPetroleum, which operates the development of power held recently in Abuja, the hydro and renewable energy It added, “The ministrygas fields, stated that the projects. nation’s capital. sources. (Power) should send the draftinvestment will increase copy of the New Ruralproduction from 400 to 450 They also advocated that 50 The communiqué read in It also recommended that Electrification Strategy andmillion cubic feet of natural per cent of this allocation be part: “That Federal and State the federal and state Implementation Plan to stategas per day, reported Egypt’s dedicated to rural Governments allocate a governments encourage the governments and otherState Information Service electrification projects, while minimum of 10 per cent of development of small scale stakeholders for comments and(SIS). state governments should be their annual budget provision power plants as embedded contributions before approval encouraged to take stakes in for the development of power generation; and for industry by the relevant authority. El Masry did not reveal the Independent Power Projects, projects. Council further regulators to ensure timelyname of the company. IPPs. recommends that 50 per cent issuance of necessary The Council also of this allocation be dedicated licenses and permits for acknowledged the need for the However, local newspaper ministry to clearly outline theDaily News Egypt, quoting roles of Federal Ruralthe official spokesman of the Electrification Agency, REA;Ministry of Petroleum Hamdy State Rural ElectrificationAbdel Aziz, reported that the Boards, REBs, and otherinvesting company would be stakeholders in theBritish Gas (BG Group). implementation of the Operation Light-Up Rural According to Daily News, Nigeria project for its effectivewith addition of new wells in implementation.the Rashid and Burollus fieldslast week, Rashid Petroleum’s UAE to help financeproduction rate in the area has Oman’s $200mincreased to 1.5 billion cubic wind farm projectfeet of gas per day, whichrepresents a quarter of gas OMAN plans to build itsproduction in Egypt. first major wind farm at a cost of $200 million to gen-Spain’s Gas erate electricity in its south- ern governorate of Dhofar, asNatural to part of efforts to limit the use of oil and gas in power gen-launch takeover eration.offer for Chile’s From left: Chairman, Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics (LADOL), Mr. Ladi Jadesimi; Managing Electricity demand is rising Director, Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria, Mr. KS Lee; Vice President of Sapetrol, Sen. rapidly as the country pushesCGE Daisy Danjuma; CEO of International Energy Service, Dr. Diran Fawibe; and Managing large industrial projects, but Director of LADOL, Dr. Amy Jadesimi, performing the groundbreaking ceremony of the mega- Oman’s oil reserves are not asS PANISH gas and fabrication and integration yard, SHI-MCI Free Zone Enterprise, at the LADOL Base in Apapa. ample as those of its wealthy electricity firm Gas neighbours, so it is exploringNatural SDG SA will launch a the use of renewable energy.takeover offer for Chileanelectricity distributor Tanker drivers explain suspension The wind farm at HarweelCompania General de of strike in Rivers will have a capacity of 50Electricidad SA, the South megawatts, enough to meetAmerican company said late about 50 percent of demand inon Saturday. the governorate during theCGE’s controllers, the By Chris Ochayi intervention by the winter, and is expected to be-Marin, Almeria and Perez state capital. Department of State Service, gin operating early in 2017,Cruz families, inked an T HE Petroleum Tanker Olatunji, however called on DSS, and the Ministry of state-owned Rural Areas Elec-agreement with Gas Natural to Drivers, PTD, branch of Petroleum Resources, tricity Co (RAEC) said in asell the Spanish utility their the National Union of the Federal Government to among other stakeholders, statement seen on Sunday.combined 54.19 percent stake Petroleum and Natural Gas, immediately carry out we directed our members toat 4,700 Chilean pesos ($7.92) NUPENG, said it has directed palliative measures on the resume work in these areas, The project will be coordi-per share. its members currently on strike affected roads. where we had earlier nated by Abu Dhabi FutureAccording to the terms of the to suspend the two-week withdrew our services. Energy Co (Masdar) and fi-agreement, Gas Natural will industrial action following the He recalled the union issued nanced by a grant fromlaunch an offer for all of CGE’s intervention of some relevant an ultimatum last month, “We also feel the pain, if not Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayedshares, and will need to authorities. where it warned of an more, and thus advise the Al Nahyan, the crown princeacquire a minimum of 51 impending strike in parts of Federal government to send of Abu Dhabi, RAEC officialspercent for the transaction to The National Chairman of the South South and South emissaries to verify the state said. The United Arab Emir-be successful, CGE said in a PTD, Comrade Salimon East, and specifically called of these roads and take ates is a significant aid donorstatement with Chile’s Olatunji, who gave the for urgent repairs of Port- palliative measures.” for Oman.securities regulator. directive in Abuja, assured the Harcourt-Eleme JunctionCGE, which has a market striking drivers that relevant Road, Okigwe-Umuahia and Regretting the plight of fuel The turbines will be made incapitalization of around $2 government agencies have Jebba-Ilorin Road. tanker drivers as result of the a Western nation while localbillion, said earlier this week agreed to mediate with a view dilapidated federal roads, contractors will be given athat the shareholders had to addressing their According to him, he said, “The road from large share of the constructionreceived a non-binding grievances. “Expectedly, our members had Jebba to Ilorin, a distance of work, RAEC said without elab-approach that could lead to a on the expiration of the about 100 kilometres usually orating.full offer, and had agreed for Recall that the Port Harcourt ultimatum boycotted these takes a whole day for oura due diligence report to be unit of union commenced roads and refused to lift members to cover. Portundertaken. strike a fortnight ago in protest products from those axes for the Harcourt to Eleme Junction,CGE owns a controlling against the deplorable second week running now, and a distance of about 15stake in gas transporter Gasco condition of the Port Harcourt the situation is becoming kilometres takes over fiveSA . Eleme-Onne Road that is the unbearable. More so, we want hours and the same thing only access to the refineries to extend same action to other goes for the Okigwe- and petrol tank farms near the parts of the country. Umuahia Road.” “After due consideration and wider consultations, and the

28—Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 development of a framework for conducting a National Housing Survey with the overriding goal of establishing whether Nigerians are adequately housed or not. The Minister said that the survey would also help the Ministry to establish the number of housing deficit in the country instead of relying on forecasts and the quantum of the investment needed to meaningfully address the housing gap. She reiterated her resolve to collaborate with the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala to deliver 10,000 housing units in different parts of the country through funds provided by the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company, NMRC. “While the Federal Ministry of Finance through the NMRC is handling the demand side of the provision of 10,000 mortgages as a pilot scheme, the Federal MinistryA model housing estate in Abuja of Lands, Housing and Urban Development is facilitating action on the delivery of 10,000FG boosts housing stock housing units that the mortgage facility of the NMRC will support,”she said.with 43,126 units in 4 years On building materials affordability, Mrs Eyakenyi said a building material By Jude Njoku & Caleb private partnerships, PPPs, of the money generated in Mrs Eyakenyi, Minister of concession initiative has been Ayansina 3,302 units through FHA and each year, the Minister said Lands, Housing & Urban entered into by her Ministry 5,0076 units through FMBN. N932,660,908.11 was development and building/constructionTHE Federal Ministry of Similarly, 17,240 units were generated between May and Abuja, Benin, Eko, Enugu, materials producers and Lands, Housing and built using the estate December 2010, Ibadan, Ikeja, Jos, Kaduna, suppliers with a views toUrban Development and two of development loans provided N2,283,000,000.00 in 2011, Kano, Port-Harcourt and Yola. bringing down the cost ofits agencies – the Federal by the FMBN while 8,998 units N1,301,558,726.90 in 2012, housing development in theHousing Authority, FHA and were delivered through N1,704,581,553.14 in 2013 and Other major achievements of country. Under the initiative,the Federal Mortgage Bank of contractor-finance initiatives. N1,888,588,629.64 between the Ministry as reeled out by the Federal government willNigeria FMBN, added 43,126 January to August 2014. the Akwa-Ibom State-born grant tax relief and concessionshousing units to the nation’s The Minister revealed that Mrs Eyakenyi said her Minister include, the revision to these producers/suppliershousing stock between July the sum of N8, 110, 389, 817. Ministry has commenced the of the National Building Code2010 and last month. 79 was generated by the process of issuing Certificates to ensure quality and On public buildings, she Ministry as revenue in the last of Occupancy, Cs of O in enhanced standards in the disclosed that apart from efforts The Minister of Lands, four years. The money which respect of the 635 core assets housing and urban being made to rehabilitate andHousing and Urban was generated between 2010- of the successor companies of development sector; the maintain 23 existing FederalDevelopment, Mrs Akon 2014, came from various the Power Holding Company development of a zero-draft Secretariats, the FederalEyakenyi who disclosed this at revenue sources which of Nigeria, PHCN to the eleven National Land Policy which will government through herthe 2014 Ministerial Platform included ground rent, premium electricity power distribution be validated at a stakeholders’ Ministry is constructing six newhosted by her ministry and the on land, title registration fee, companies. Those to benefit workshop in the first quarter of secretariats at the cost ofFederal Ministry of consent fee, C of O processing from the title document 2015; the validation and N15.284 billion.Information, said the Federal fee and survey fee. perfection are the DISCOS in adoption by stakeholders of aGovernment has created the roadmap to guide the housing In his remarks, the Ministerenabling environment for the Giving a further break-down and urban development sector of Information, Mr. Labaran in the next 30 years and the Maku said the Goodluck Continues on page 31private sector to take the frontseat in the provision of housingfor millions of homelessNigerians. London house prices fall in September for first time Eyakenyi who was making in 3 years — RICSher maiden appearance at thePlatform having been appointedthe Lands, Housing & UrbanDevelopment Minister barely LONDON house prices fell ending the longest unbroken slid to +30 for September from members’ views on whetherseven months ago, however last month (September) for run of increases in more than a downwardly revised +39 in house prices in particularreeled out a plethora of the first time in more than 20 years. August, a much bigger drop regions have risen or fallen inachievements recorded under three years, and prices than the easing to +38 forecast the past three months.her watch. nationwide showed their The signs of a cooling in by economists in a Reuters poll smallest increase in 15 months, Britain’s housing market are and its lowest level since June Last week data from mortgage She gave a breakdown of the a major house price survey likely to be welcomed by the 2013. lender Nationwide - which is43,126 houses which were showed on Thursday. Bank of England, which earlier typically more volatile than theadded to the nation’s housing The Royal Institution of this year warned that Britain’s “Fading price momentum is RICS index - showed the firststock to include 710 units under Chartered Surveyors, RICS economic recovery would be at more than just a London story,” month-on-month fall in housethe prototype housing scheme, said prices in London fell for risk if house prices continued RICS said. prices across Britain since April7,869 units under public- the first time since January 2011, to rise far faster than wages. The RICS data is based on its Continues on page 29 The RICS national balance

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 —29 London house prices fall in September for first time in years — RICS Continues from page 28 2013. Rival lender Halifax said on Wednesday that although prices rose more rapidly than expected in September, growth looks likely to moderate going into next year. British house prices are around 10 percent higher than a year ago, and house prices in London have risen by more than twice that.Illustration of Grand Lake Estate But RICS said itsPMIs pool resources to finance members did not expect this type of price rise to continue. Over the next 12 months, they predictGrand Lake Estate prices will rise 1 percent in London and 2 percent in Britain as a whole. By Kingsley Adegboye said other developers, who Over the next five years, wish to come on board for “Grand Lake comprises one, between five to 20 years it expects averageTHREE national primary various kinds of concepts and two, three and four bedroom payment plan for the annual price growth of mortgage institutions, designs to fit into the entire exquisitely finished terraced subscribers,” he said. just under 5 percent.PMIs – Messrs Imperial Grand Lake concept, are bungalows as well as otherHomes Mortgage Limited, welcome. He added that housing types that suit the Continuing, |Ogunwusi RICS Chief Economist,TrustBond Mortgage Plc and developers that have capacity overall design of the emerging said: “One-off payment attracts Mr. Simon RubinsohnAbbey Mortgage- have to handle a minimum of 10,000 city in the Lekki corridor. It five percent, payment in three said that the slowdownconcluded plans to come sqm to 20,000 sqm, would be would be delivered in phases installments of 30 percent, 40 in the housing markettogether as a syndicate to brought in as the scheme with air conditioning, PABX percent at roofing stage and the was “a healthyfinance the development of progresses. system, CCTV, Stone coated final 30 percent at completion. development”.Grand Lake Estate.a housing The scheme, according to roof tiles, swimming pool, bar While a bedroom is going forproject in Ajah area of Lagos. him, is an affordable and lounge, astro turf football N7,950,000, two bedroom “Part of this is down to residential community pitch, gym, good quality would cost N10,950,000, three the Bank of England The proposed estate which development offering finishes, fully fitted kitchen and bedroom is up for grabs at becoming more vocalwould be sited on 93 hectares spectacular ambience, detailed recreational facilities. The N13,950,000, and the four about the risks, part ofof land, is located near finishing, security and scheme will also feature site bedroom terrace is for a token this is down toAbraham Adesanya Housing recreational facilities. and serviced plots for of N17,950,000 . Under the affordability, part of thisEstate along the Lekki-Ajah Striking in its design is a residential and commercial serviced plots, a square metre is down to the newExpressway. unique man-made lake with a developments offering three in the residential 600 square mortgage rules and part relaxation centre to different plot sizes to suit your metre would cost N30,000, of this is down to Imperial Homes Mortgage complement the magnificent requirement. Prices and while a plot goes for expectations of higherBank is leading the payment options are flexible, N18,000,000 “, Ogunwusi said. interest rates,” he said.syndicating banks to bankroll as the project financiers havethe project. The partnership landscape.agreement was finalised inLagos last week. The trio, are also partnering QSRBN gives FG blueprint to stem corruption inwith Gran Imperio Group (thelead developer ) Oceanconstruction industrySprings Estates Ltd, Vestril Ltdand White Oak Real Estate Ltdto to provide decent, affordable By JUDE NJOKU public servants. and a Data Centre for effective * Projects controls, planning,and functional homes for the WORRIED by increasing These recommendations were management and control of scheduling and benchmarkingmiddle class segment. level of corruption in the made by ththeecos2t4etxhperAtsnantuthael costs of construction projects in techniques should be promoted construction industry, end of Nigeria. across the built-environment as The coming of this Nigerian Quantity Surveyors Conference of Registered veritable cost management toolssyndication, according to the have called on the he Federal Quantity Surveyors, put The conference charged available to quantity surveyorspartners, underscores the need Government to set up a together by the Quantity registered quantity surveyors to for enhancing projectfor the newly established Nigerian Construction Industry Surveyors Registration Board of engage in life-long learning to procurement efficiency in NigeriaNigerian Mortgage Refinance Transparency Initiative, NCITI Nigeria, QSRBN in Abuja. The sharpen their skills and acquireCompany, NMRC to provide to promote probity, two-day conference had “Global new knowledge to enable them * The Federal Governmenthousing stock very fast in order accountability and transparency perspectives on quantity cope with the challenges of the should strengthen the costto meet up with the increasing in this construction industry. surveying, cost engineering increasing demands on their management function as a waydemand for quality, yet and project management” as its competencies by governments of ensuring value for money foraffordable homes. The construction cost experts theme. and society. its huge investments in strategic also want anti-graft agencies In a communique signed by assets in the oil and gas sector The 554 housing project such as the Independent QSRBN Chairman, Mallam The participants also sought and to protect national interestwhich would be completed Corrupt Practices and Other Hussaini Adamu Dikko and regular review of the curricula and security.between 18 -24 months, is Offences Commission, ICPC Registrar, Mr Godson Moneke, of quantity surveying as taughtexpected to make a significant and the Economic & Financial the construction cost economists in universities and polytechnics *Registered quantity surveyorsimpact on the nation’s housing Crimes Commission, EFCC to further called on the the Federal in the light of emerging trends, in the public sector should bemarket, especially for beam serious searchlights on Government to provide the expanding scope of the body of given more support to attendprospective middle income construction projects to curb the resources and other supports knowledge of the profession seminars, workshops andhome buyers. use of such projects as conduit necessary for the QSRBN to occasioned by rapid conferences both local and pipes for money laundering and establish both a National advancement in technology and international to enable them The Managing Director and looting of public funds by Construction Cost Database globalization. benchmark their competenciesChief Executive Officer of Gran globally like their colleagues inImperio Group, Mr. Adeyeye Other recommendations the private sector.Ogunwusi said at the event that canvassed by the Board include:

30—Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014A housing estate in Abuja Owners are required to fumigate them at least thrice every year court for illegal operation in the FCT. Efforts are alsoAEPA orders fumigation of Abuja ongoing to sensitise theestates to check outbreak of diseases people on why they should not patronise quacks,” he said. By Emmanuel Elebeke board, Mr. Sam Gbadebo in order to complement the homes and offices. disclosed this to Vanguard effort of the Federal “We are worried about On the existing urban slumsTHE Abuja Environmental Homes & Property during a government in fighting the in the city, Gbadebo described Protection Agency, special training organised for EVD and keeping Abuja quacks because they cannot them (slums) as a majorAEPA has ordered the staff of Samgee Continental clean. provide good cleanliness, contributor to the filthyfumigation of all estates in the Services Limited on facility especially with this outbreak environment of the city. HeFederal Capital Territory, FCT and general management Mr. Gbadebo, who is also of Ebola. That is why the however noted thatat least three times every year. environmental enhancement the Managing Director, of AEPA board itself has issued government is puttingAEPA explained that the services in Abuja. Sangee said the Abuja an order that all estates in the measures in place to addressdirective was part of efforts to Environmental Protection FCT must be fumigated three them by providing thecontain further outbreak of He said the board was Agency had waged a war times in a year. ‘We are trying inhabitants alternativethe dreaded Ebola virus worried about the increasing against quacks, after to identify certified locations before demolition.disease, EVD. activities of quacks in the discovering that they (quacks) practitioners. We know where sector, especially in the FCT use fake and hazardous the quacks are and we will “The Minister of FCT is The chairman of AEPA’s and decided to issue the order chemicals to fumigate peoples soon begin trying them in planning to offer inhabitants of urban slums alternative accommodations before demolishing them because they do not have a place to stay now. In the next one month, the Minister will be talking to citizens on all these. The law has been there since inception. The AEPA is a regulatory body, that is why it deals with professionals and has decided to flush out quacks that have no addresses or means of identification, because they are silent killers,” he said. Gbadebo said the agency has set up a team of sanitary inspectors that move around the city to inspect the environment. On the training, he said the idea was to sensitize the staff of Samgee on the latest techniques and technology in the facility and environmental services delivery. He said the company is determined at rendering professional services using hi- tech equipments and processes.LASBCA boss seeks stakeholders’ cooperationto stem building collapse By Kingsley Adegboye and vacate the houses for services of approved building necessary corrective measures to inspectors who will be assignedIN SPITE of the efforts of avert their imminent collapse, to construction sites to monitor Lagos State Government and have fallen on deaf ears. construction activities and ensureother concerned organisations to that the right things are done bybring the incidents of building Describing some premises as developers.collapse in the state to the barest empires because of theirminimum, occupants of public exclusive nature to members of According to her, a developerbuildings in (such as Barracks) the public, Mrs. Animashaun must obtain development permitwith structural defects are not revealed that several of such from the State Physical Planningcooperating with the government premises have structurally Permit Authority, LASPPPA,to achieve a building collapse- defective buildings that cannot be adding that the developmentfree state. seen from outside. He lamented permit authorises construction that the owners of such premises and is valid for two years. To The General Manager, Lagos will never cooperate LASBCA obtain this permit, a buildingState Building Control Agency officials even if there are clues development plan portraying theLASBCA, Mrs. Bimbo that illegal construction activities intended uses and the proposedAnimashaun who disclosed this are going on within their development on the site and theat a recent interactive session premises. effect on adjacent developmentswith the media said her Agency and neighborhood must bewhich is saddled with the Decrying the lack of prepared by a professional.responsibility of enforcing cooperation from defiantbuilding control regulations and developers, she noted gave “Legally, a pre-approvalthe implementation of the 2010 instances where her Agency had inspection is required. This on-Physical Planning, Urban sealed up some sites for not site visit is made to verify that theDevelopment and Building Law, adhering to building regulation land is located where the ownerhas identified many partially only for the developers of the sites has said it is, also to checkcollapsed buildings in Police to remove the seals on their whether construction has notBarracks and other public places. premises and continue with already started. There is no need work. for the owner to be there during Mrs. Animashaun regretted that visit. For constructionthat all effort to make the For the enforcement of the state involving a structure of more thanoccupants of the structurally building regulations to be two floors the developer or owner,defective buildings to see reason effective, the Agency, she said, has concluded plans to hire the Continues on page 31

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 —31Experts seek effective use of environment statistics He described environment statistics as integrative. “It By Funmi Olasupo statistics in the country. from the ministry reads: “People challenges facing the measures human activities and Vangaurd Homes & Property use different methods in environment. natural events that affect theTHE Minister of collecting statistics and they environment, monitor the learnt that the dearth of up-to- have different indicators they According to her, given the impacts on the environmentEnvironment, Mrs. Laurentia the-minute and effective data are using or looking for; they fact that the national and the social responses toMallam has charged members is hampering environmental collect whatever is of interest to environment statistic is environmental impacts. It isof the recently inaugurated sustainability in the country. It them but what is expected scientific, the nation needs the indispensable for evidence-National Steering Committee is the view of stakeholders that internationally is that there is a right equipment, a cost- based policies and decisionand Technical Committee on if statistics on environment are required format and we are not consuming fund to be able to making to support sustainableEnvironment Statistics to adequately utilized in the there yet. The statistics are there generate and sustain a data development.”ensure that Nigeria puts the country, Nigeria will progress but in their raw form and there bank that it could proud of.United Nations revised at a faster pace with better are lots of gaps because most of FG boosts housingframework on environment environmental potentials and what is known are outdated.” Mr Odele Muyiwa, an stock with 43,126statistics to use in developing prospects than currently being official of the UNDP noted that units in 4 yearsthe country’s environment. She witnessed Also speaking at the “statistical information ismaintained that there could not inauguration of the committee, essential for understanding our Continues from page 28be a healthier management of As of today, there is no the Permanent Secretary in the complex and rapidly changing Jonathan administration looksthe environment without coordinating office recognised Environment Ministry, Mrs. world. We cannot discuss thecredible and reliable data by the United Nations that Rabi Jimeta said the country issue of environment if we at housing as a people-drivenwhich, according to her, manages comprehensive needs accurate, reliable and discard the place of sector where the governmentbecomes imperative for the statistics on environment in the qualitative environmental data environmental statistics in will create the enablingdevelopment of environmental country. to help it tackle the mirage of solving our ever-increasing environment for the private environmental problems”. sector to come in and tap into Part of the information sheet the huge potentials in the sector. According to him, the housing sector has contributed significantly to the growth of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP. Maku who said President Jonathan has begun a revolution in the housing sector by providing the enabling policies and frameworks for the private sector to play the leading role, however warned against cutting of corners in the construction of houses as such measures contribute to the rising occurrence of collapsed buildings in the country. LASBCA boss seeks stakeholders’ cooperation Continues from page 30 shall at the time of submitting his application to commence building works to the Building Control Agency, hire an engineer”, she said. On the the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law of 2010, she said the law gives the Building Control Agency the power to carry out inspections of buildings under construction when necessary. The functions of LASBCA include: the inspection of building works and the certification of various stages of building construction and keeping of such records; removal of illegal and non-conforming developments; identification and removal of distressed buildings to prevent collapse and; the issuance of certificate of completion and fitness for habitation.

32 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 By Theodore Opara Ade Ojo advises regular vehicle maintenance •Commends customers loyalty THE founder of Elizade corporate colossus” in Nigeria L-r, FRSC Sector Commander, Lagos, Hyginus Omeje, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo founder Elizade Nigeria Limited, the today, despite being a wholly- Nigeria Ltd, Dr. Herbert Ajayi Chairman Elizade Nigeria, Ltd and Ademola Ade-Ojo M.D. number one Toyota dealer in owned indigenous company. Elizade Nigeria Ltd. at the 2014 edition of the Elizade fleet Customer Forum in Sheraton Hotel Nigeria, Chief Michael Ade Lagos. Ojo, has advised customers to “Since the establishment of ensure regular maintenance Elizade, over four decades Elizade, he said, has been helped them tremendously in to improve service delivery. of their Toyota vehicles, ago, we have been consistent in the forefront of rendering remaining very relevant at the In the South east axis, Ade especially at this time when in celebrating our customers. world-class service both in the top of their sector of the import duties and taxes on We celebrate you because we sales and after sales arm of our Nigerian economy. Ojo said that they are in Port new vehicles have risen to as believe in the prime of place business. Harcourt, Uyo, Asaba and high as 70 per cent. you occupy in our corporate Meanwhile, the Managing Umuahia while Enugu facility affairs.” This, he said was perhaps Director disclosed that in their would come up next year. Chief Ade Ojo who was the reason they have not only drive to serve customers better speaking at the 2014 fleet He told the customers that remained very relevant in the they have moved to increase Apart from Ogba Ultra manager’s forum organised their loyalty to their twin- scheme of things in the auto their presence all over the Modern 3S facility in Lagos, by his company for their brand, Elizade-Toyota can sector of the Nigerian country with additional outlets the managing director said customers, said it is in the never be misplaced, as they economy, but have also in Lagos, Ikeja and Victoria that they have safety interest of the vehicle owners have on their hands, quality remained the undisputed Island, all medium smart 3S workshop in Lekki, Marina, to take care of them if they products, backed by excellent leader and force to be facilities of world standards. Anthony and Oregun beside want the best from the asset. after sales services and reckoned with in the industry. the state of the art facility in genuine spare parts. He also noted that they were Abuja, while Akure and Comparing the vehicles to He added that the customers' strengthening their Lekki, Ibadan are available to South- human body, the Elizade Also speaking at the varied contributions have Ibadan and Akure 3S facilities West customers. Nigeria founder explained occasion, the Managing “as you grow, the body needs Director of Elizade Nigeria attention just like the car. It is Limited, Mr. Demola Ade-Ojo, important, one takes care of said that without the his vehicles. customers, the success they recorded in their over 40 years Continuing, he said, “one of of existence would have been the personal asset that people impossible. own is vehicle. It is important to support the vehicle, if you “Permit me therefore to don’t take care of small applaud you for your problems, they will become unflinching support for our bigger problems in the long twin-brand “Elizade-Toyota.” run.” You are indeed the reason we have been able to weather the According to him, Elizade very inclement economic has put in place world-class weather for over four decades workshops and qualified of our existence as a world- technicians to handle class indigenous corporate customer’s vehicles problems entity.\" in various locations of the country. ABUJA MOTOR FAIR: Also speaking at the CIG Motors to sponsor first 10 buyers to China occasion, the chairman of Elizade Nigeria Limited, Dr. C IG Motors, sole said the high quality auto On his company’s level of people who purchase the Herbert Ajayi commended the representative of GAC brand will leave no stone involvement and participation vehicles.” customers for their support Motors of China is poised to unturned in making visitors to at the auto fair, Adejumo said: over the years, adding that reward customers who the 16th edition of the Abuja “We plan to create excitement He further revealed that GAC the customer loyalty purchase their vehicles at the Motor Fair happy. According with our special promotional offer brands’ unique selling points are programme was designed to 1fa6irthgroAubnudjoaf the forthcoming to him, Nigerians will have a on the GS5 model with an all irresistible to prospective car serve the customers better. Motor Fair. International feel of the global automobile expense paid business trip to owners. Some of these, he hinted appeal and experience at the China for 7days for the first 10 are advanced world class factory “The theme of this year’s The company’s Sales and fair. with. customer loyalty programme tagged: “Toyota my brand, Marketing Director, Mr. Mr. Adejumo added that the Elizade my choice aptly Kayode Adejumo hinted that car company is here in the describes our very strong and the first 10 customers who will country to offer Nigerians focus relationship. We have purchase their vehicles at the value for their both fallen in love with the fair ground will be sponsored money. number one auto brand in the to China with an all expenses world, Toyota. You have also paid business trip for seven chosen Elizade as number days. one Toyota dealer and service CIG Motors, will be provider in Nigeria,” he showcasing two of its latest stated. models at this year’s Abuja International Motor fair. The chairman further The two models currently pointed out that the making waves in Nigeria company’s focus has since arrival few months ago remained “customer first” are GS5 powered by a 2.0litre adding that they will never be engine, a mid luxury SUV and satisfied until customers are the GA3 1.6L saloon. satisfied. Disclosing this in Lagos, the Sales and Marketing Director, *GS5 SUV Describing this, as both a pledge and promise to customers, Dr. Ajayi pointed out that customers have been the reason they are a “livingCMYK

Anenih Confusion in Rivers’ CELEBRITY remains schools over Ebola Edo KENNETH political equipment GBAGI: The oracle world of Delta’s PAGE 2 huge investor PAGE 6 PAGE 8 VOL. 1: NO. 19 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 LIVING ON THE EDGE: This aged storey-building, along Robert Road, Warri, Delta State, is filled with tenants, who seem to see no looming calamity. PHOTO: Egufe Yafugborhi. Power brokers in South-South states By Emma Amaize President Goodluck Jonathan nor former governor of the state, Obong Urhoho Political Forum, UPF, Chief Governor Seriake Dickson is Victor Attah, given the state of affairs Ighoyota Amori, senatorial aspirant, CURRENTLY, the South-South considered the most powerful political between him and his successor, Mr. Solomon Edoja and others, said geopolitical zone does not have a figure in the state. The big gun is Governor Godswill Akpabio, Attah still the most powerful political living figure consensus political leader, probably astonishingly a close pal and remains the most revered political in the state is the governor, Dr. because of the multifaceted dynamic schoolmate of the President. He is His leader in the state. Emmanuel Uduaghan. forces in the zone. However, there are Royal Highness, King Amalate movers and shakers whose actions Johnnie Turner, Obigbo Mikimiki I, Although the politics in Delta State Between Governor Chibuike and idiosyncrasies have not only Obanema of Opume, Ogbia, Ogbia is quite animated, it can be said that Amaechi and Minister of State shaped, but continue to outline Local Government Area. the political lord of the state is the (Education), Ezenwo Nyemson Wike, governments in their respective states. former Federal Commissioner for it is still uncertain who the political In Akwa Ibom, regardless of what Information, Chief Edwin Clark. In Bayelsa State for instance, neither was thought to be the loss of power by Continues on Page 2 However, the national chairman ofCMYK

2—Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 Confusion in Rivers’ schools over Powerbrokers Ebola equipment in South- South states RIVERS… Continues from Page 1 THE TREASURE BASE OF THE NATION By Davies Iheamnachor leader of the state is. But political pundits believe that the leadership baton of PORT HARCOURT:— “The Treasure Base of the THERE was apprehen- Nation” will be decided in sion in many government sec- 2015. ondary schools in Rivers State In Cross River, Governor after resumption, last week, Liyel Imoke is indisputably when some students com- the political generalissimo. plained that their schools were For Edo State, despite the not supplied with Ebola Virus political ascendancy of Disease, EVD, protective fa- Governor Adams cilities, as directed by the Oshiomhole, national Federal Government and chairman of Peoples refused to resume studies Democratic Party, PDP, until they are provided. Board of Trustees, BoT, Chief Tony Anenih, is the When Niger Delta Voice commanding officer in the visited Emohua, Ikwerre and state. Obio/Akpor Local Government There might not be a Areas, three days after consensus leader for the resumption, it was observed geo-poitical region at that while students had present, but the 2015 resumed in some schools, One of the Primary Schools in Rivers State visited general elections will others bluntly declined, citing the absence of Ebola testing gards. Before then, as we re- School Teachers of Nigeria, ”Because the number of certainly streamline area of apparatus. sumed on Wednesday as di- AOPSHON, Rivers State wing weeks that this first term will influence. rected by the government, we and immediate past chairman, last has reduced, we started This edition of Niger Head teachers, who spoke to had none of the equipment, so Nigerian Union of Teachers, Delta Voice examines our reporters, bemoaned the we took other remedial actions NUT, E m o h u a , s a i d , Continues on Page 7 politics of the region. attitude of students that on our own.” declined to resume, saying late resumption would affect Emergency management Iyase, Enigies‘re brothers— HRH Igbinudu academic performance and Commenting on how he pleaded with them to start, as handled the situation in CCS, EDO... Odionwere and those Udo transgresses the Benin there was every indication that Rumuekini, Mr. Eyindah said, Odionwere are under the monarch, the paramount ruler the government would provide “I bought some disinfectants HEARTBEAT OF Enogie.” and overlord of Benin all needed facilities in the fight like hand sanitizers, dettol, THE NATION Kingdom, or becomes an against Ebola. izal and soap, which I Enigie has no lifespan enemy of the Oba, for instructed the students to use By Simon Ebegbulem — IDU AKENZUA whatever reason, the Oba Why we won’t resume- in disinfecting the classes The Enogie of Oghobaghase, transfers the title to the Students before they entered. The UDO—THE Iyase of Udo in HRH, Idu Akenzua, who Uwangue and confers him Some students seen in the sanitation team was also Edo State, HRH, reacted on behalf of the with the powers to administer communities visited, instructed to clean up the Ekhoeutomwen Igbinudu, has Enigies in the kingdom, Udo. maintained that they would environment to maintain good clarified that his community asserted, “Firstly in Benin not recommence academic hygiene. had no axe to grind with the Kingdom, Enigie are not “The day may not be too far activities until they were sure “I ensured that every Enigies in Benin Kingdom appointed, they are born as now when the title may even their schools were suitably student that was in school that and that his loyalty to the Oba Enigie or invested with their pass on to the Eribo if there is ready to control and prevent first day of resumption was of Benin remains unwavering. title by the Oba of Benin. any such title there.” Ebola outbreak. tested to know if the “Appointment has tenure of Principal of Community temperature was high through I don’t want problem office or life span, but Enigie THE TEAM Secondary School, CCS, ordinary hand touching. I HRH Igbinudu, who was titles have no life span. They Rumuekini in Obio/Akpor local believe that by Monday, the reacting to the controversy are perpetually from father to Emma Amaize, Editor government area, Rivers state, school will be having its own generated by a recent report eldest surviving son forever, Jimitota Onoyume Mr. V O Enyindah, said the Ebola testing kit, so every in Niger Delta Voice on the following in the principle of Samuel Oyadongha virus had generally been student that comes to school sovereignty of Udo in Benin primogeniture that governs the Tony Edike defeated in the country, but will be tested on arrival before kingdom, said, “Some people Benin monarchy. Simon Ebegbulem regretted that it had affected such student will enter the said I tried to compare myself “Secondly, it is not true that Gabriel Enogholase the academic calendar to an school premises. to the Oba, but I did not the Iyase of Udo is more Festus Ahon extent. “As a way of getting an because I believe we are all powerful than the Enogies Egufe Yafugborhi Enyindah asserted, “I thank Ebola-free school in the subjects of the Oba, repre- because of the exploits and Emmanuel Unah the governor for the proactive community, I have already senting him wherever he awesome prowess of one of its Akpokona Omafuaire actions he took to ensure that warned all the parents not to sends us. Nobody is next to progenitors. Godwin Oghre the virus was stamped out of allow their wards come to the Oba. But I want to say that “At best, the Iyase of Udo Tom Moses the state. The state govern- school when they are sick.” the Enogie and the Iyase of enjoys the status of an Enogie, Chioma Onuegbu ment has released the equip- Academic calendar affected Udo are all brothers, I do not albeit falsely; but most Ike Uche ment needed in our school, Head teacher in State School want any problem. importantly, it is not a Davies Iheamnachor although we are yet to receive 1, Rumuji, Emohua, Mr. “The publication of hereditary title founded on the Emem Idio our own.” Edmond Ohaka, expressed September 9 says that I principle of primogeniture or Emmanuel Okolie Another teacher who worry that the term had compared the Odionwere and from father to eldest surviving Brisibe Perez corroborated his statement, already been affected and that the Enogie, which is not true. son. Barnabas Uzosike said, “We have not gotten the could affect academic perform- Enogie have their own “The title rotates between the Nath Onajoke equipment in the government ance. dukedom and every village Iyase of Udo and the Uwangue Chijioke Nwankpa schools in the entire local Ohaka, also the Secretary under the Enogie has of Udo. Where any Iyase of government, but we just got of Association of Primary call to send representative to the zonal board in that re-CMYK

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014—3Duku harps Jonathan’s friend, HRH Amalateon peace inoil Turner calls the shots in BayelsacommunitiesDELTA... B AY E L S A . . . THE GLORY OF ALLFINGER OF GOD LANDS By Festus Ahon By Samuel Oyadongha & Emem Idio, YenagoaU GHELLI— CHAIRMAN of the Y ENAGOA—Association of Community ORDINARILY, theLeaders of Nine Oil- President and Commander-in-Producing States in Chief of the Armed Forces ofNigeria, Delta State, Mr. the Federal Republic of Ni-Patrick Duku, has charged geria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan,communities in the state to who hails from Bayelsa State,embrace peace, a basic could best be described as theideal of the group, to most powerful living politicalattract more government figure in the state which hepresence and benefits from hails from, but exact oppositeoil companies operating in is the case.the state. The astonishment is not that the governor, Hon Seriake Addressing newsmen Dickson, who is eying a sec-shortly after a meeting with ond term in office has builtstakeholders in Ughelli, himself an independent po-Duku said the body was litical structure that has van-out to unite all community quished that of President King A. J. Turnerleaders for the purpose of Jonathan or that of former The royal father, it was, whopeace and development gover nor, Chief Timipre pulled Hon Dickson from theand to collaborate with Sylva, now an APC chieftain, House of Representatives tonational and international had performed an overnight contest for the People’sorganisations for the political wonder. Democratic Party, PDP, gov-promotion of amity and It is also not that former ernorship ticket after thesustainable development governor-general of Ijaw na- then incumbent governor,of the oil-producing states. tion, Chief Diepreye Timipre Sylva, was shut out Alamieyeseigha, has pulled of the leadership of the party. Calling for the active the rug under President Informed sources toldinvolvement of communi- Jonathan. Niger Delta Voice that theties’ leadership in the ac- The bombshell is that the royal father’s Abuja residencetivities of the association, man, who calls the shots in was the rallying point for the Government House, YenagoaDuku reiterated the deter- anti- Sylva forces, undermination of the organisa- the state is unarguably a re- the Restoration movement, and all those who consider him simple life that hastion to continue to draw the tired permanent secretary in which perfected the ousting of mostly been marked by con-attention of the Ministry of the state civil service, His Sylva from Creek Haven, the as somebody committed and tinued focus on meeting theNiger Delta Affairs and the Bayelsa Government House. responsive to their needs. responsibilities that he carriesNiger Delta Development Royal Highness, Not the noisy type Beyond his recognised con- as a monarch and a respectedCommission, NDDC to the King Amalate Johnnie Amalate Johnnie Turner was personality in the state.plights of the people of the Turner, JP, Obigbo Mikimiki born, September 30, 1956 at tributions to the improve-mentcommunities. Opume community, Ogbia to of his immediate commu- The king’s consistent efforts I, Obanema of the royal Kulo, Bugo, Latei, nity, King Turner is courteous, to live up to these respon- He disclosed that the Opume, Ogbia. Orukari, Ineyougha, Koko and sibilities are evident in hisassociation formed because He is a childhood buddy Yekorogha group of Houses all a trailblazer and model of commitment to service, which“there is no organised in Nembe, and the influential good leadership. Niger Delta Voice learnt,body, no voice to articulate and school mate of President Efamo group of Houses in King Turner’s relevance in has helped to yoke the Res-and address issues of Jonathan. Opume. toration team.concerns to the He is not the boisterous type the political scene of the state,communities in the Niger even though he has the ears according to analysts, is …his prevailing powerDelta region.” How he installed of the President and could hinged on his reputation as an King Turner, who is the main Gov Dickson reach him at the shortest no- financier of Dickson election, tice. unbiased conciliator has continued to be dominant King Turner ’s lifelong en- whose vast knowledge of the in the socio politi-OBONG VICTOR deavours and unflinching intricacies that define political cal development of Bayelsa commitment to duty have been moods is incontestable. state in particular, and Nigeria long acknowledged and “This is one of many reasons in general, considering his commended by those who why his wise counsel is sought role as a traditional ruler, en-ATTAH: Father of have worked closely with after by many, both within and trepreneur and a leader of him and had the privilege of outside Bayelsa state,” said a thought. interacting with him on differ- close associate. He remains an influentialnew Akwa Ibom ent issues. He was an avowed supporter personality in the Restoration Why he’s loved of the defunct Green Move- of the administration of Gov- Within his Opume commu- ment, the campaign machinery ernor Seriake Dickson, where nity, King Turner enjoys fabu- of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan he serves as chairman and ethnic nationalities - Ibibio, lous veneration, his kingdom when he was governor of latter has never failed to extolAKWA IBOM... Annang and Oron, which Bayelsa state, which later his support and leadershipLAND OF separately had produced top metamorphosed into the Res- qualities at any given statePROMISE shots that served the state and toration outfit that scuttled function he (Turner) attends. nation distinguishably in Sylva’s second term bid. different capacities, including By Tom Moses & military, civilian governors, Unassuming lifeChioma Onuegbu ministers and senators. In spite of his towering stat- ure in the politics of the state,UYOc—omApKrWisAes-ItBhOreMe State Continues on Page 4 King Turner has maintained a major C M Y K

4—Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 OBONG VICTOR ATTAH: Father the state for equity and fairness to prevail and for setting the of new Akwa Ibom where he (Attah) was formally pace of development of the proclaimed the Leader of Akwa state, which the present Highly trusted Ibom people at the Asan Ibibio administration, as piloted by As far as Akwa Ibom state is ground. Akpabio, has emulated. concerned, the people do not only respect Attah for his past The recent conferment of the Benevolent leader achievements, they have strong traditional title of Mkpisong Acknowledging Attah for his belief and trust in his capability Ibibio on Obong Attah by the flowering leadership role in the and competence to handle and traditional institutions in 21 of state, governorship aspirant defend their interests whenever the 31 local government areas and the immediate past the need arises at any level of of the state also speaks volume Commissioner for Finance in governance. of the acknowledgement of the state, Obong Bassey Albert, His competence and Obong Attah as an iconic said he is a true and intellectual capabilities personality and the most magnanimous leader that has informed the people’s decision powerful living political leader continued to toil for the not only to choose him as one in the state. realization of the dreams of the of the delegates to the recently forebears of Akwa-Ibom state. concluded National Folks speak The banking guru expressed Conference, but as the leader Former Director-General of the high regards for Obong Attah of that delegation, and the call National Youth Service Corps, for his liberal disposition to by the former Nigeria NYSC, Major-General Edet would-be leaders by Governor’s Forum to lead them Akpan (rtd.), who spoke with encouraging even those who to the same conference, further the Niger Delta Voice in Uyo, sought to take over from him, attests to the fact that his extolled Obong Attah for his Governor Akpabio inclusive, to admirable leadership qualities protuberant role in the creation remain in office and campaign go beyond the state. of Akwa-Ibom state, design of without discrimination and He was also selected as the the structure and developmen- victimisation as is the case with Chairman of the Committee on tal blueprint of the state and his most leaders. Devolution of Powers simply strong conviction in the His Lordship, Bishop Samuel because of the recognition that sustenance of the unity of the Akpan, Obong Umanah Okon Obong Victor Attah he has the ‘I can do attitude’ various ethnic nationalities and Umanah, Obong Insima Ekere, and admirable leadership tribes in the state. all governorship hopefuls in the Continues from Page 3 traceable to his genial principles. He also eulogized him for his state nodded their heads to The big guns include a two- relationship with the then generous vision and leadership Attah’s unsung contributions to time Chief of Air Staff, Air military president, Gen. Ibrahim Achiever style, especially his disposition the sociopolitical and economic Commodore Nsikak Eduok, Badamasi Babangida (rtd). The His laudable achievements to the clamour that all the three development of the state, former military administrator, singular act won him the name, informed the grand senatorial districts of the state leading to his continued Idongesit Nkanga and former ‘Father of new Akwa Ibom.’ reception organized by the should be accommodated in the relevance and acceptability governor, Obong Victor Attah. Akwa Ibom people, recently, leadership and governance of across the various tribes and ethnic nationalities in the state. Engendered unity 2015 to determine who runs Rivers' politics However, Obong Attah appears to be the most RIVERS… Governor Rotimi Amaechi Wike pens within the party in the respected political leader in the THE TREASURE BASE Amaechi’s power Some asserted that the state. state and this is not unrelated OF THE NATION Unmistakably, on matters of upcoming general elections will with his copious exceptional governance,Amaechi exercises determine the most powerful The battle within contributions to the develop- By Jimitota Onoyume the final authority by virtue of politician in the state, adding This probably explained why ment of the state and involve- his position as governor of the that at the moment, the focus some governorship aspirants ment in both local and national PORT HARCOURT— state. It is surefire that he is should be identifying the most recently rallied a group, Save affairs. RIVERS state is a resilient and influential poli- powerful persons in the two top Rivers PDP to lobby that the Besides his fight for resource symptomatically different from tician. contending political parties. state executive be replaced with control in the Niger Delta, other states in the South - a caretaker committee on which won him names like South region when it comes to Political loyalty Between Amaechi, Wike grounds that the former was ‘Apostle of Resource Control’ politics. But when Niger Delta Voice They said that within the APC, serving the interest of the and ‘Advocate of Resource sought the views of citizens on Governor Amaechi calls the minister. Control,’ what really commen- You could without fear of who is the strongest and most shots and is the rallying point, 2015 holds the ace ded him to the people was that contradiction single out one influential politician in the while within the PDP, the “Rivers state does not have his administration nurtured the person as the most influential state, many from our Minister of State for Education, this type of ‘almighty’ political unity existing today among the politician in other states of the observation, spoke largely from Mr. Nyesom Wike, is the is- leader you find in some other different ethnic blocs in the region, but in Rivers, it is a the slant of their political sue. Wike is believed to have states. So this issue of who is state. different ball game. allegiance. the state structure of the PDP the most powerful politician in For that reason, Obong Attah in his firm grip, so he deter- the state should be looked at is perceived by many as a The unpredictable state of mines very largely what hap- from the angle of the weight the detribalized, generous, affairs is as a result of the person exercises within the two accommodating, principled and rumbling political divide in the top parties”, a resident, Fred visionary leader, who laid the state. Kpeba said. solid foundation for the physical Another resident, ThankGod and economic development of Governor Chibuike Amaechi Friday, said if the state the state. came on board as governor of government had remained the The Ibom International the state on the platform of the way it came, a PDP state, it Airport, Le Meridien Hotel and People’s Democratic Party, would have been easy to say Golf Course were among PDP. Mr. A or B is the ultimate factor projects put in place by his in the politics of the state. administration. Nonetheless in the middle of “However, as it stands Creation of Akwa Ibom his second term in office, he now the election in 2015 will Available record showed he parted ways with the party, answer the question of who is played very significant role in voyaging to the All the most powerful politician in the creation of Akwa Ibom state, Progressive Congress, APC, the state,” he added about 27 years ago, which is an audacious stroke that has made the APC the ruling party in the state with the PDP as a sturdy opposition.CMYK

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014—5CROSS Imoke, Cross River’s man of powerRIVER… THE *His political empire, strategies; larger-than-life statusPEOPLE’SPARADISE By Emmanuel UnahCALABAR—SINCE his assumption of office in2007, the Governor of CrossRiver State, Senator LiyelImoke, has fully metamor-phosed as the political C inC of the state. His calm appearance couldbe deceptive to those who donot know him closely, butanybody conversant with hispersona knows that his politi-cal influence is not just withinthe confines of the state, butup to the nation’s capital,Abuja, where he is a strate-gic player in the PresidentGoodluck Jonathan’s admin-istration. He did not acquire thislarger than life political sta-tus overnight. It was builtthrough several decades ofconsistent and deliberateplanning, spreading of good-will and reaching out to peo-ple in divergent strata of so-ciety. Self-effacing beginning INSET: Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State His background as the sonof Dr Samuel Imoke, an aco- friend, who later emerged Duke administration in the ments in the state. ders during the state’s Meritlyte of Nigeria’s first Presi- governor of the state, Mr. state even when he was func- His style Award ceremony, Imoke saiddent, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Donald Duke pitched tent tioning in Abuja as Special He has rallied support from those waiting for him towho rose to become the Min- with the DPN and before that Assistant and later Minister anoint them as his successorister of Education in the First era crumbled under the mili- of Power and Steel to Presi- all and sundry, including op- would have to continue toRepublic, also contributed to tary regime, they had built a dent Olusegun Obasanjo. position parties whose pres- wait until he swears in thethe power Imoke wields to- political structure across the ence is hardly felt due to his new governor without theirday. state with Imoke as the prin- When it was time for Duke preponderant power in all sec- ambition coming to fruition. Senator at 27 cipal driving force of the po- to vacate office in 2007, hav- tions of the state. In 1992, at the age of just litical empire. ing served two tenures, it was According to him, the office27, he was elected Senator obvious that the next person Imoke is consistently seen as of governor is such an impor-representing the Central When in 1999, Duke became to step into his shoes was the political father of the state tant position that the personSenatorial District of Cross governor of the state; Imoke Imoke and this he did effort- and anything he wants done occupying it takes charge ofRiver state above notable was seen as the force behind lessly, as there was no seri- is achieved with microscopic the affairs of millions of peo-contenders for the position the throne. He, Duke and ous opposition to him. But, it struggle. It is his singular de- ple and should, therefore, notand this feat was majorly Gershom Bassey were the ar- is not clear Bassey will step cision that the governorship be toyed with, just for personalbased on his father’s reputa- rowheads of the dynasty and into Imoke’s shoes with un- position should be zoned to the interest.tion in the society. Imoke ensured stability of the folding political develop- Northern senatorial district of Political dynasty the state by the PDP. Though, He said though the position He learned the ropes from the decision did not go down has been zoned to the north-then and in 1996, he and his well with many stakeholders, ern part of the state, the con- nobody had the impudence testants from that zone must goDuku harps on peace in oil communities so far to challenge him. out and sell their vision to the party organs and people toDELTA... benefits from oil companies leadership in the activities of Refusal to anoint suc- enable them make an in- operating in the state. the association, Duku reiterated cessor formed decision and elect whoFINGER OF GOD the determination of the they consider fit to occupy the Addressing newsmen organisation to continue to Even when over 20 persons position. By Festus Ahon shortly after a meeting with draw the attention of the from the north are jostling to stakeholders in Ughelli, Duku Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs succeed him, he has refused The new Cross RiverUGHELLI—CHAIRMAN said the body was out to unite and the Niger Delta to anoint any one of them ”The challenge we faced to of the Association of all community leaders for the Development Commission, which would have facilitated build the new Cross RiverCommunity Leaders of Nine purpose of peace and NDDC, to the plights of the an easy ride to Government should not be forgotten and ifOil-Producing States in development and to collaborate people of the communities. House for such a person. today we make a governor byNigeria, Delta State, Mr. with national and international appointment, the governorPatrick Duku, has charged organizations for the promotion He said the association was He has continuously in- will owe allegiance to his mas-communities in the state to of amity and sustainable formed because “there is no sisted that such an action ters.embrace peace, a basic ideal development of the oil- organized body, no voice to would be immoral and tanta- “Today I see public officeof the group, to attract more producing states. articulate and address issues of mount to trivializing the po- holders becoming contractors,government presence and concerns to the communities in sition of governor. Reiterat- beneficiaries of everything Calling for the active the Niger Delta region.” ing this position, October 1, with nothing left to trickle involvement of communities’ while addressing stakehol- down to the people.” C M Y K

6—Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 EDO... Anenih remains Edo political oracle HEARTBEAT OF THE NATION By Simon Ebegbulem BENIN— THE Iyasele of Esan land Chief Tony Anenih Benin City Igbinedion of forming parallel PDP and chairman, Board of Trustees, be possible because the man is not from He sprang back a second time. structures in the state and might not BoT, People’s Democratic Party, PDP, our side, he is from the Central, they have forgiven them till date. The moment Chief Tony Anenih, is the most powerful will tell me that it does not work like …don’t treat rebels gladly you are not loyal to him as governor of living political leader in the present day that, that without going to Uromi to He is known to reward loyalty, but Edo state, the soft- spoken leader would Edo state. prostrate you cannot get even the hardly forgives when you betray his tell you that there is vacancy in position of a ward leader in your area. trust. Today in Edo state, there are Osadebey Avenue, which is the seat of Though, there are other persons of people who have suffered politically and power in the state, but once you are influence in the state such as two- time “And I asked them, are you not going are still suffering because they were not loyal, he will equally tell others that former governor of the old Bendel State, to vote, if the leaders of our area decide loyal. there is no vacancy in Osadebey Dr Samuel Ogbemudia and Governor on candidates, how is he going to People like the current Secretary to the Avenue. Adams Oshiomhole, Anenih has created change it? They will always lecture me Edo State Government, Prof. Julius a niche for himself when it comes to the that I do not understand the chief, that Ihonvbere, former governor of the state, How Igbiendion survived politics of his home state. without him, nothing will be possible Prof. Osarhiemen Osunbor, Senator Ex-governor, Igbinedion, was able to and that I should go and beg on their Domingo Obende, Senator Yisa clinch his second term ticket because He was instrumental to the emergence behalf,” he said. Braimoh, Senator Ehigie Uzamere, he played the game with the ‘leader,’ of former governor, Chief Lucky Lucky Igbinedion and many others, had but moved to the trenches to battle him Igbinedion in 1999. He fell out with As a matter of fact, Oshiomhole tested all experienced the angst of Chief politically during the tail end of his Igbinedion during the second term of his own bitter pills in the hands of Anenih. administration. his administration and vowed to wrestle Anenih during his first few months in Despite the attempt to stop other How Oshiomhole displaced his power from him. office when he had to go to Abuja with aspirants from contesting the PDP 2007 structure the state budget to get approval from governorship primaries against the But with the coming of Oshiomhole, His war with Igbinedion factionalized the ‘leader’. “anointed” Prof Osunbor at the Samuel Anenih can only boast of influence the PDP in the state but he was able to Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, within his PDP in Edo state and not the make Prof. Osarhiemen Osunbor Oshiomhole was handicapped then Ihonvbere defied Anenih’s instruction entire state any more. Oshiomhole, who governor in 2007. because the PDP dominated the state by going to the stadium to run for the watched Anenih from afar while he was House of Assembly. He had to stoop low primaries. Anenih never forgave him, NLC president, came to dig out the However, at the moment, the PDP in to conquer. The father and son particularly after Ihonvbere hauled over political structure of the ‘leader’ through his native state is in tatters, particularly relationship went sour after Anenih the coals on him for purportedly his war against godfatherism in the with the emergence of Comrade Adams openly scolded Oshiomhole. The skewing the primaries in favour of state. Oshiomhole as governor, first under the comrade governor went on all-out attack Osunbor. Anenih tested defeats in the hands of platform of the Action Congress AC, thereafter and succeeded in deposing Though Ihonvbere later worked for the Oshiomhole in all the elections held later Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, the PDP leadership in the House. emergence of Osunbor, Anenih made since 2007 in the state, but has been and now, All Progressives Congress, sure that even with Ihonvbere’s able to hold grip on his senatorial APC, after forging alliance with other How he outfoxed Obasanjo influence at the presidential villa, district. Though Oshiomhole won his parties. It was the infighting in the PDP A special uniqueness of Anenih is that Abuja; he was not made a minister or re-election in the entire 18 local that provided the cannon fodder for he is known to be a long distance runner given any appointment that matched his government areas of the state, including Oshiomhole’s conquest. in politics unlike many politicians, who sacrifice in the party. Ihonvbere’s Anenih’s domain, the PDP leader still easily give up when hard times faced glaring marginalization in the PDP led has control over the senatorial and From 1999 till date, there is no them. When he was removed as BoT to his exit from the party to the APC House of Representatives seats in Edo decision by the PDP in Edo state that chair by Obasanjo, he recoiled for a today. Central. will see the light of the day without while, strategizing on how to hit back. Apostle of no vacancy Never- say- die spirit getting the endorsement of the man Propitiously for him, he got his pound Anenih accused both Osunbor and Anenih may not be finding it cool due known as Mr. Fix it. It is popularly said of flesh during the Jonathan presidency to the influence of Oshiomhole in the that though Anenih is from Edo Central when he was assisted by other current politics of the state, but anybody senatorial district, that is the Esan area, influential persons to arm-twist that knows him, recognizes that the but he can fix a councillor, who has Obasanjo to resign as BoT chairman. leader never gives up. For him, 2016 is shown loyalty to his leadership in South just tomorrow and he is unquestionably and North, the other two senatorial waiting long-sufferingly and districts in the state hassle-free. strategizing on how to pay Oshiomhole back by re-installing a PDP governor in Oshiomhole’s confession the state. During the early days of Governor As BOT chairman of the PDP, his in- Oshiomhole in office, he buttressed the fluence in national politics is still soar- fact thus: “When I was in the NLC as ing and sure, he will have the where- President, then I use to interact with withal to battle the APC in his home Anenih a lot because of my fight with state come 2015 and 2016. the government. I recall that each time our people in Edo wanted to hold a Local Government election, some of my close friends and brothers from Edo North will come and appeal to me to talk to Anenih to either make them chairman or councillor. “But I use to ask them how can that Delta govt, DESOPADEC, others get 28-day ultimatum from HOSTCOM By Brisibe Perez Producing Area Development The group, in a statement by its Commission, DESOPADEC, the chairman and secretary, Mr. Agwarive UGHELLI—THE Host Nigeria Petroleum Development Pender and Mr. Shikaleke Okiemute, Communities of oil and gas, Company, NPDC, and Niger Delta respectively, said the road had long HOSTCOM, Ughelli North Local Development Commission, NDDC, to been damaged and efforts made to Government Area, Delta State, has intervene on the deplorable state of seek attention of the state government given a 28-day ultimatum to the roads at Afiesere and Agbarha-Otor and the interventionist agencies to management of the Delta State Oil communities. rehabilitate them yielded no result.CMYK

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014—7Confusion in Rivers’schools over Ebola equipment A senior teacher in the school Clark explained there was uneasy calm, but confirmed that the Clark, political VIP in Delta school was yet to receive the Ebola equipment. *Amori, Edoja, Ofa, others disagree … pick Uduaghan, Ibori He said some private schools *No political leader in Delta— KOKORI in the area had gotten it be-Mr. Edmond Ohaka, Headteacher, State School I, Rumuji cause they were compelled to trooped in large numbers to the do so, adding, “government elder statesman for consul- Continues from Page 2 resumption day, we have not will soon send equipment to DELTA... tations.teaching as we resumed on gotten the equipment, us, so students should comeWednesday. There is now although with understanding, back for studies. FINGER OF GOD From the former Minister ofpressure on the teachers they allowed us, but we now State for Education, Olorogunbecause we need to cover the have the equipment. “Definitely, some weeks By Festus Ahon, Egufe Kenneth Gbagi, Senatorscheme of work for the term.” have been lost so the scheme Yafugborhi & Brisibe Ifeanyi Okowa, Mr. Tony Obuh, Government on its own has of work will not be covered Obarisi Omo Agege, Mrs Test kits provided provided everything needed to adequately.” A Perez Esther Uduehi and so on, there On the issue of Ebola test fight Ebola. Every school in SABA—FORMER was no day since the 2015tools, Ohaka said State School Emohua has all the facilities. Commissioner Parker Federal Commissioner general elections climaxed1, Rumuji, UBE and other speaks for Information and Ijaw leader, with the release of the rulingsecondary schools in Emohua “I think Ebola is no more a Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, People’s Democratic Party, PDP,have all gotten the Ebola case in the local government. I Reacting to the mix-up, is unquestionably the most timetable for primaries that onetesting and precaution thank the governor of the state Commissioner of Health, powerful political leader in or two governorship aspirantsmaterials provided by the state for being very proactive in han- Rivers state, Dr. Sampson Delta State. and aspirants for other electivegovernment. dling issues relating to stu- Parker, said government had offices, would not visit Chief His words: “We are ready to dents’ health and welfare,” he provided facilities for over The only other living Clark to seek for his supportfight Ebola in our school. We asserted. 1,206 schools in the state and politician that would have and blessings.have people who have been urged the head teachers to go stopped him in the state is thetrained by the government and Students boycott school to their zonal offices and pick former governor, Chief James In fact, even when somewe have received the At Ikwerre local government the kits meant for their schools. Ibori, but unfortunately, his people did not know that theequipment the school needs. area, particularly Government arrest and incarceration for man, who spends most of his “Last week, I invited all the Secondary School, Aluu, the “We partnered with the money laundering abroad, has time nowadays at Abuja, hasparents for a meeting; we also case was a bit different. The Ministry of Education and created the opportunity for returned to the nation’s capitalsensitized them because students were yet to fully have provided sufficient Clark, one of his formidable city, some governorshipcontrolling Ebola will not only resume for academic activities materials that will go round foes, to have a field day. aspirants, including Mr.be in the school. So we have to when Niger Delta Voice vis- the schools in the state. The Andrew Warri, trailed him toencourage them to maintain ited. ministry is vigilant in case of Political Mecca Abuja to receive his blessings.good hygiene at home. A student who Niger Delta any challenge. I do not know Last month, September, “The union in the local Voice encountered at the why students do not want to Kiagbodo, the home town of For many politicians in thegovernment wanted to stop us school gate said, “We are yet resume studies,” he stated. Chief Clark in Burutu Local state, the anointing of Chief E.Kfrom resuming because on the to start, we are afraid to come Government Area of the state Clark is the beginning of back now because of no Ebola NUT chairman pleads was turned to a political Mecca equipment.” for understanding as politicians, particularly those Continues on Page 8 In the same vein, the state seeking elective positions, chairman, NUT, Mr. Godfrey Wogu, implored teachers in the state to resume academic activities, saying that government was determined to provide all the necessary facilities needed in the schools. “The directive is with immediate effect. All teachers in the state are expected to resume school on Monday the 13th October, 2014. Any teacher who fails to resume school on the said date will be sanctioned,” he said.DELTA LG POLL COUNTDOWN: Why we want to rule—IKPOKPO, EDEMA,ETAGA By Emma Amaize & Egufe Itiako Ikpokpo Mofe Edema Etaga covenanted children of God, Yafugborhi Government, we need to Integrity people are the better judges can go into politics and come invest as a people, this will Former chairman, Warri of my track record. out clean. “SOME chairmanship create employment for South Local Government aspirants in the October people. I am convinced about Area, Mr. Mofe Edema, who “However, this time around, Transformation25 Local Government Area this and this is why as a is seeking a comeback on PDP I am in the race to show to Paul Etaga, also PDPelection in Delta State have servant, I want to render platform, said, “I have been both believers and candidate in Ughelli South,spoken on why they want to service to my people.” there before and I dare say the unbelievers that good said: “My mission to leadgovern their respective Christians, who are Ughelli South council is toCouncils. bring about positive transformation for the people Service and environment. PDP standard bearer in “I will ensure conscientiousIsoko South, Mr. Itiakpo harnessing of resourcesIkpokpo, aka Malik, “We can available to the locality for evenno longer depend only on development of infrastructuresallocation from the Federal and human capital.” C M Y K

8—Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 CELEBRITY KENNETH GBAGI: Golden Tulip The world of Delta’s huge investor Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi back to the state. I have been benefiting from it. “The old Woodridge is being involved in building and I will With the shopping plaza, over renovated with a view to start- WARRI—STUNNED by noted the single-mindedness of continue to build the state. That ing a school, Saint Thomas the audacity of a young the man, who is among those is what I want to do in Govern- 3,500 persons were automati- Moore Schools as soon as pos- Midwesterner, who mobilized seeking to take over from him ment House, Asaba.” cally removed from the jobless sible. workforce to a swampy location in 2015, many years ago. And market and the hopelessness of near his habitation, on Deco in August, last year, when On his grilling by the former the situation to put food in their “I believe in Delta; I will not Road, Warri, more than two Gbagi visited him (Uduaghan) military governor, he said it was mouths.” run to anywhere. If I had taken decades ago, a former military at Government House, Asaba, a fact that he was confronted by these investments to Lagos, the governor of the defunct he said, “Kenneth Gbagi is one the retired army officer he Employment for Deltans returns would have been Midwest Region, confronted of the highest investors, if not commenced work on the He asserted, “Golden Tulip phenomenal. But I want them the fellow to find out if he the highest indigenous swampy site, over two decades alone is employing over 350 to be in Delta State. understood the enormousness investor, in Delta State.” ago and “I told him I bought persons, the cinema has not less of the task he had undertaken. the place and wanted to develop than 30 persons in gainful “I know I was born to bring He thanked Gbagi for his faith it, he thought I was a contractor employment. Thousands of joy to mankind and change the To the retired military officer, and continuous investments in executing a project for govern- people go there to ease situation of things around me, it was a staggering undertaking the state and urged other well ment and wanted to know more pressure. There is paint, water which is what I want to do in for a single individual to reclaim placed Deltans to emulate him. about the project. I told him and factories, pet-preform factories- the state. the marshy land and so he he was marvelled.” what you blow to produce bottle interrogated the guy, who stood Why I want to rule Delta and so on. The totality of staff “God is biased towards me in before him on his identity and Speaking to Niger-Delta According to him, “I am a there is no fewer than 260. this regard and I do not want to what exactly the Federal Voice, Olorogun Gbagi, a lead- trader and realized that one of fail Him. That is why I am de- Government wanted to do with ing Peoples Democratic Party, the greatest problems people termined to provide leadership the property. PDP, gubernatorial aspirant had in Warri was getting shops as governor of the state.” from the Delta Central senato- to rent, that was what gave rise The gentleman flabbergasted rial district, said, “What is ex- to my decision to build Clark, political VIP in Delta him the more when he told him tremely missing in our life to- Robinson Plaza, Warri with over that he was the chairman of day is character, people have 500 shops, named after my Continues from Page 7 products of Chief Ibori. GKO Properties Limited, which become characterless without father, and today, over 3,500 victory. Even National and State According to them, even in had bought the land and that it integrity. families are eking out their daily Assembly aspirants outside was not a government project. “That is what I want to bring bread from the place.” Chief Clark’s constituency still his incarceration, politicians visit him to seek for his support. were being air lifted to the On the once boggy location Gbagi added, “I was renting This is a pointer to the fact that United Kingdom, week after stands, today, the biggest the shop for N2, 000 but people the Ijaw leader is undeniably week to seek, for the blessings shopping mall in Delta state, were subletting it for N90, 000. very powerful and influential in and support of Chief James known as Robinson Gbagi Till tomorrow, my joy and hap- the politics of the state. Onanefe Ibori. So one can Plaza, which provides means of piness is seeing that people are better imagine how dominant livelihood for over 3,500 The search for the most he would have been if he was Deltans. Chaotic planning threatens powerful living politician in in the shores of this country. Uyo—EX-COMMISSIONER state expectedly provoked Venture capitalist divergent views. Niger Delta But Special Adviser on extraordinary By Tom Moses Voice spoke to cross sections Political Affairs to the The man, who had the far- of Deltans. Governor, Chief Ighoyota sightedness to provide the UYO— FORMER Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Amori, asserted ,”The leading trading centre for Akwa Ibom State, Professor Charles Akpan, has raised the Former NUPENG General governor, Dr. Emmanuel Deltans in the oil city of Warri, alarm over looming disaster in Uyo, the state capital, in 10 years, Secretary, Chief Frank Kokori, Uduaghan is the most years ago, is criminologist, resulting from faulty design. said, “No one in Delta state fits influential politician in the lawyer and former Minister of this description of being most state because he is the head State (Education), Olorogun Professor Akpan, currently Head of Department, Civil influential, what we have in of the government of the state. Kenneth Gbagi. He proudly Engineering, University of Uyo, told Niger Delta Voice, government are opportunists.” Whoever is a politician comes calls himself a trader. shortly after presenting the 41st Inaugural Lecture of the uni- under his leadership. To those who know him, versity that the state government was not following the proper Uduaghan, Ibori influence Gbagi’s confidence in the state plan of the city put on ground in 1989 by the administration of a However, some politicians rate “There is no way anyone can is unflinching. His investments former governor, Godwin Abe. the state governor, Dr be more influential than him speak for him. From the Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan coupled with the fact that he shopping mall, he built the The don, who extolled the ex-governor for the wonderful higher than Chief Clark in influences political decisions Woodridge Hotel, Effurun, near structures he put in place in the state in 1989, said unless the terms of political powers and in the state. The next person Warri and had also set up a state government re-planned and gave the city a facelift, the influences. Of course, there is is Chief Edwin Clark, who has cluster of companies, including disaster was bound to occur, adding that he had discussed the no gain saying that the a national reach in terms of paint, water and pet-preform establishment of multi car parks and railway lines with some governor is also very powerful politics.” producing factories in the state. government officials to check the ugly trend. and influential given the fact He recently added the first that he holds the ace in state For the former member five-star hotel, Golden Tulip and The don, who commended the former governor for giving Uyo PDP. But even at that, the gov- representing Ethiope Consti- the first digital cinema in the shape, said, “If he did not do those Ring Roads in 1989, you ernor himself still rallies round tuency in the House of Repre- state, managed by Silverbird to would not have them today because by the time we started Chief Clark for support and sentatives, Hon Solomon Edoja, the unending list. building, there would have been so many buildings on the right- blessings in the day to day run- “Politics is all about governance of-way that you might have to knock down some and spend up ning of the state. and the governor, Dr. Uduaghan attests to N5 to N10 billion on compensation to the owners. Despite Ibori’s absence, some Uduaghan, being the number to his prowess persons see the former one citizen and head of state is The state governor, Dr. “Go to Mbiabong area behind Shelter Afrique; when I was the governor as more powerful and the most influential because he Emmanuel Uduaghan, saw and Commissioner for Lands, we planned that area. People are just influential than Clark. They influences all the decisions in building carelessly; you cannot put pipe or electric pole anyhow. hold strongly that Governor the executive and legislature The streets are too narrow. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan through the State House of As- and others exercising political sembly. “Ten years from now, people will not be able to move round influence in the state, except Akwa Ibom State, as there is no provision for parking around Chief E. K Clark, are all “Personally, I think the the city. People will be stuck in traffic for four or more hours as is governor fits this position as the the case in Port-Harcourt.” most influential.”CMYK

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 — 33 By Theodore Opara SEDANS, SUV’s, Mini Vans, buses and trucks from the stables of SAIPA Automobiles *Saipa of Iran and Shineray Automobile Salon Car Co. of China, will lead the pack of new entrants of automobiles that will be on display at the Eagle Square, venue of the 16th Abuja International Motor Fair holding from 22 to 30 October, 2014, Disclosing this to newsmen over the weekend, the Managing Director of BKG Exhibitions, Mr. Ifeanyi Agwu, organizers of the event said that this development is a pointer to the fact that the Nigerian Automotive sector is seriously becoming the leading investment destination in the Continent because of the enormous potentials and benefits it offers. “It equally shows that with time the new thinking in the industry in Nigeria will achieve the desired end of boosting investment and socio-economic development of the nation”. Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Agwu, who is also the Chairman of Organising committee of the auto show said that it is a reward for the hard work that his company SAIPA, SHINERAY lead debutants to has been making since the Abuja Motor Fair inception of the event Fifteen seven years ago. According to him “it did not come as a surprise because we have been strategically working for the fair automotive market courtesy of gathering of established brands “Aspartofoureffortsinpromoting insurance, regulatory and policy to gain more international Sparkling Energy Resources as well as new entrants, ranging investment in the automotive making agencies and bodies are recognition and acceptance Nigeria Limited. It is storming from passenger busses, cars, sector, in addition to the usual taking part. Feelers from most of which the coming of these Abuja with a strong team from trucks, spare parts, accessories, display of products and services theparticipatingfirmsindicatethat companies attests to. the parent company SAIPA of lubricants, financials and many by participants, this edition has a visitors to the various stands will According to Autodex Nigeria Iran. According to a source, the more; adding that the importance Managing Directors’ of enjoy lots of goodies. Some have Limited the franchise holder of Iranian automobile maker has of continuously staging the show Automobile Companies Forum packagedgiftitems,luckydipsand the Shineray brand in Nigeria, concluded arrangements to cannot be over-emphasized as all withHeadsofarmsofgovernment, manyotherformsofentertainments “these vehicles are globally commence the assembling of handsmustbeondecktopromote Ministries, Departments and whichaccordingtosourceswilllast trusted for their durability, some of its vehicles in Nigeria. and support investments into the Agencies which activities impact all through the fair. We have ruggedness, aesthetic sector, as it occupies a strategic onthesector.Virtuallyallthemajor packagedafairthathassomething excellence, superb agility, Mr. Agwu stressed that the position in enhancing the brandsofautomobiles,spareparts, foreverybody;visitors,participants modern engineering, high fuel Abuja international Motor Fair economicdevelopmentofNigeria” accessories, lubricants, banking, andotherstakeholders.” remains the unparalleled efficient engines and advanced safety devices which can be relied on to deliver high standard Hyundai Nigeria signs dealership pact with Truckmasters performance at all times”. The company which owns an Assembly Plant in Abuja said that Hyundai Motors Nigeria Mr. Parvir Singh, Managing with the current development in Limited has appointed Director, Hyundai Motors the Nigerian automotive sector, Lagos-based automobile Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of they are poised to harness the vending and aftermarket shop - Stallion Group who recently abundant potentials to become a Truckmasters Nigeria Limited as made this appeal said big player in the industry in Sub- one of its provisional dealers at Truckmasters facility will provide Sahara Africa with Nigeria as its a sign-on ceremony in Lagos, sales and technical support to centre of operation. where it charged the new agent teeming customers in Maryland, SAIPA which comes with the to be steadfast and extend its role Ikeja and its environs models: Tidoa, Saipa132, beyond being a simple sales and Tonda90, Mega, Ron2, is service shop to become He urged the newly staging an intimidating customers’ lifetime companion. commissioned agent to embrace Hyundai global vision of being comeback into Nigeria’s “Life time partner in automobiles and beyond,” while moving one step closer to customers by Parvir Singh, Managing Director, Hyundai Motors Nigeria Lim- making Hyundai buyers’ ited, a subsidiary of Stallion Group presenting a copy of the beloved brand. provisional dealership agreement to Mr. Anthony Arenyeka, Managing Director, Truckmasters Nigeria Limited at the sign- “It isn’t enough to be on ceremony in Lagos recently. successfully certified and expect your organization to keep recognizes the importance and products, which have become performing at high level, using impact automobiles have on part of the brand’s modern smart practices rather, you need society and mankind. premium strategy and brand to be focus and make compliance direction to ‘Live Brilliant’. to standard an on-going habit,” He said: “A car is no longer the Hyundai Motors director simply a means of transportation Hyundai vehicles are also counseled. that links people to people but a celebrated for their stylish, sleek life space that occupies a central curves and fluidic sculpture Mr. Singh encouraged the new role in people’s lives.” designs that not only implies a agent to embrace the principle sporty and dynamic style, but of maintenance and A robust automobile brand, improves aerodynamics to lower improvement as standard ways Hyundai has made remarkable air resistance and enhance of working throughout an strides at local and global outstanding fuel economy and organization, adding that markets owing to high quality quiet cabin space. Hyundai Motor Company and emotional appeal of itsCMYK

34 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 By Theodore Opara Ford projects annual global sales to to differentiate itself increase 45 to 55 % by 2020 from competitors.Those vehicles will target a di- FORD Motor Compa gin is projected to im- cused on offering cus- up of world-class vehi- needs.” verse set of customers, ny has outlined its prove to about 8 percent tomers thefreshest line- cles to meet their Ford anticipates from valuebuyers in de- 2020 vision, which in- during the same period, veloping regions to lux- cludes plans to substan- with a long-term target ury customers in the tially increase its global of 8 percent to 9 percent. U.S. and China and vehicle sales and auto- truck and utility motive operating mar- “Our long-term plan customers globally. gin, and achieve more underscores the commit- balanced geographic ment we have to our Ford, with the 2015 F- profitability. One Ford plan, while ac- 150, is the first auto- celerating our pace of maker to use high- By 2020, Ford projects progress, delivering strength, military-grade annual global sales to product excellence and aluminum alloys in the increase 45 to 55 percent driving innovation in all body of a mass-market to approximately areas of our business,” vehicle and plans to ex- said Mark Fields, Ford’s pand its aluminum use 9.4 million. Its auto- president and CEO. “We to include the next-genera- motive operating mar- remain completely fo- tion Super Duty.The use of aluminum allows Ford to that, by 2020, all maintain its truck leadership, five automotive improve capability anddura- business units and bility across its entire lineup, Ford Credit will and deliver better gas mile- contribute to the age. company’sprofitability. Furthering the company's To d a y, the emphasis on innovation, Ford company’s profits will continue to grow its pres- are more than ex- ence in Silicon Valley by ex- plained by panding its PaloAlto Research NorthAmerica and and Innovation Center with a FordCredit, with new focus and expanded tal- growing profits in- entfrom different industries Asia Pacific, while and backgrounds. Ford will it continues trans- remain a leader in technolo- forming its Europe, gy and will continue tofocus SouthAmerica and on the research and develop- Middle East ment of in-car connectivity &Africa operations. and automated driving tech- As it continues nologies, key components of expanding in new Ford’s Blueprint for Mobility. regions, Ford is ag- Ashift in customer and re- gressively moving gional trends means small to match produc- vehicles will play a larger role tion to growing in Ford’s productportfolio. customer demand Global models like the Fies- and achieve bene- ta, Focus and EcoSport, and fits of global scale. regional nameplates such as In addition, by the Figo, Ka and Escort, will 2020, the company comprise a greater percentage projects its of Ford’s sales. breakeven volume Fuel-efficient and versatile will be two-thirds sport-utility vehicles and of its wholesale crossovers, like the Edge and volume. Explorer, will alsomake up a By 2020, Ford larger portion of Ford’s over- Credit expects all sales total, especially as managed receiv- those models become avail- ables to increase by able innew regions.All seg- about 50 percent. ments will grow volume com- pared to today’s levels. Meeting cus- The company is on plan to tomer demand have 99 percent of its global Ford’s 2020 sales volume built on nine vision is driven by platforms by 2016 and is fur- the company’s thering its strategy by consol- confidence in its idating its long-term product global product plan to eight platforms. plans.Those plans The company will generate focuson delivering positive automotive operat- a full family of ve- ing-related cash flow hicles that meet throughout its planning peri- and exceed cus- od, and capital spending is tomer expectations expected to increase to about in Ford’s four $9 billion annually, up from brandpillars — $6.6 billion in2013. quality, green, safe The end result: Ford plans and smart — across to refresh its global product the world. portfolio one-and-a-half times Ford will through the end of the decade continue to be a — an expected industry-lead- leader in bringing ing refresh rate. new features to market and will seize opportunitiesCMYK

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2012 — 35 NIGERIA’S biggest pop 2Face, Wizkid in first collabo as icon, 2Face and the Hennessy Artistry goes to Ghana starboy, Wizkid are about to turn the Artistry season a notch higher as the headliners move out of Nigeria for the first time ever this weekend to deliver the biggest Hennessy Artistry international concert in the city of Accra, Ghana. With two of Nigeria’s biggest music acts 2Face and Wizkid performing alongside buzzing Ghanaian artistes like 4x4, Edem, MzVee and South African duo, Mafikizolo, the Hennessy Artistry concert will hold this Saturday, October 18th at the Accra International Conference Centre. Talented artistes Lere Awokoya, Brand African countries including headliners, 2Face and Wizkid fans, lovers of Hennessy and with guests present. Guests Manager for Hennessy Nigeria Ghana repeatedly and this is made their second club tour music. They kicked off the show also surprised the headliners as commented, “Our choice of evident in their relevance in the appearance on Saturday, with a pulsating performance of they sang to the upbeat track bringing together these African continent today” October 11, 2014 at the Cosmo their first banging collabo track, line by line. talented artistes from around Lounge in Port Harcourt and left “Dance Go” as they mingled Africa was influenced by the The 2014 Hennessy Artistry convergence of Africa and Africa’s taste in music. Just as Hennessy is consumed in different countries in Africa, Africa has gotten to a point where countries are sharing similar music tastes. 2Face and Wizkid have visited a variety of Omotola admonishes music producer-son as he gains university admission BYAYO ONIKOYI who goes by stage name Captain E recently came third at an NOLLYWOOD leading diva, international music conference Omotola Jalade Ekeinde took producer showcase competition to Facebook on Saturday to in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, where celebrate and admonish son, 16 he was the only African. year-old Mathew Ekeinde Jnr, a music producer who just gained Displaying the certificate her admission into a university to be son won and some pictures of careful and not let music get into his them together, Omosexy wrote head. Recall that Omotola’s son, poetic lines to teach the budding music producer a lesson or I have tried so many times to succeed but two on fame and education. failed, cries Star The Winner Is winner “So, as you start this new By Ayo Onikoyi luck held on the fateful Friday night and he journey in the university, became the winner. we love you; believe in you, CALL it a twist of fate, pure luck or and trust you will be even a trick of destiny but Michael Achu “This is totally a dream come true for me deluged by, in all your has emerged the maiden winner of StarThe and my family. I have tried so many times to choices. I say we, because, Winner Is reality TV show, with a prize succeed in my music career but failed, and I remember, you have a lot of money of N10 million, a brand new car and am very grateful that at last my persistence mummies and daddies recording contract with Universal Records. and perseverance has paid off, I can’t thank watching you here too. Okay Star Lager and Nigerian Breweries enough,” boy, enjoy the campus life But if not for twist of destiny, Michael wasn’t said an elated Michael at the victory party but don’t relent on the music supposedtobethewinnerbecauseheactually held on Friday night. (they think you are great lost the final duet duel to Job who got 57 already) but you can still be votes to Michael’s 44 votes. But Job lost his “When I was informed about the Universal whipped if you take a guts and opted out on easy street taking N2 Records deal, I had to pinch myself severally wrong step.... be confident million escape money, in a bid to get because I thought I was dreaming. My and believe in yourself” she something or nothing, should he lose dreams have indeed come true”, added an stated with flourish and eventually. Anyways, Michael’s guts and overtly excited Michael. ended her message with various hash tags like; The only one from Africa; youngest contestant, Africa’s youngest music producer, etc.CMYK

36—Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014CMYK

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014—37

38—Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014CMYK

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014—39CMYK

40 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 environment, which we can really diminish, we tend to be very noisy ourselves. We speak at the top of our voices, we play music at very high decibels and we do very many things at very high levels.” According to him, the campaign against noise pollution was a response to the petitions and complaints of “citizens and tax payers who, on daily basis, write and petition us that somebody is preventing them from sleep either from the noise they are making or from other uncharitable activities they are carrying on without regard for the wellbeing of their neighbours.” Fashola said in some other parts of the world, one could spend days on their roads and would not hear any noise from the horn.HORN-FREE DAY:Old Oshodi showing commotion and noisy environment He further recalled, “Occasionally, when you hear a siren you know something has gone wrong in that system; you know that either an ambulance is on itsMixed feelings as Lagos moves way to an emergency orto tackle noise pollution firemen are on their way to a fire or policemen are tracking and chasing criminals; and I said why should we be different, are we not Nigerians?. “Reduction in noise pollution BY OLASUNKANMI regulations, Fashola had decibels and above, while the Transport and the Law would clearly bring aboutAKONI, DOTUN IBIWOYE affirmed that noise pollution global standard for measuring Enforcement Institutes, with can be reduced in the state, if noise puts 90 decibels as about 3,000 men of the Lagos better life, a healthier life and & IKENNA ASOMBA rather too high and harmful to State Traffic Management a more prosperous life. If you residents collaborate with human health. Authority, LASTMA, are and I make the commitment toMixed feelings have government just as they did in expected to implement as well continued to trail efforts the containment of Ebola Virus Against this backdrop, the as monitor and ensure do something positive in orderof the Lagos State Government state government instituted “a maximum compliance by to reduce noise, clearly youto tackle the menace of noise Disease, EVD. day without horn in the state.” and I will benefit.”pollution in the metropolis, As typical of various Lagoswhose population is put at 21 metropolis and suburbs from , Similarly, in her lecturemillion. Reduction in noise pollution would titled, “Noise Pollution Is Too the Island to the Mainland, clearly bring about better life, a Serious To Be Ignored,” the While speaking last such as Apapa, Ikeja, healthier life and a more prosperousThursday, at the First Lagos Alagbado, Iyana-Iba, guest lecturer, at the event, Dr.Drivers’ Appreciation Day, a ,life. If you and I make the Kubie Layeni-Adeyemo,programme organised by the Alabarago, Okokomaiko, described noise as anstate‘s Ministry of Ajegunle, Ojuelegba, Mushin, commitment to do something positiveTransportation, at the Lagos Oshodi, Ikotun, Iyana-Ipaja, in order to reduce noise, clearly you unwanted sound, noting thatChamber of Commerce and and I will benefit if it is not below 70 decibels, itIndustry House, Alausa, Ikeja, Ojota, Ketu, Mile 12, Mile 2, is like spending a day in ato sensitise drivers on the CMS, Igando among others,maiden horn-free day slated the blaring horns from factory full of noise.for tomorrow, the state She cited such noise togovernor, Babatunde Fashola vehicles, tricycles and Tomorrow, it is expected that motorists on the day. include those from generators,called on residents, motorcycles is usually so The governor said: “Thisparticularly, motorists to desist deafening to behold. motorists, especially aircraft, and even dogs,from activities capable of commercial bus drivers, sirens initiative is for our own good, stressing that noise pollutiongenerating needless noise in A recent research by the from emergency vehicles such it is for our own health, it is contributes to many healththe state, saying a noiseless National Research Centre for our own life. It is notsociety is possible. states that noise levels as ambulances, police escorts because Governor Fashola problems. among others are expected to said so. It is not because Lagos According to her, such health At the occasion, where no produced in different sources limit the use of their vehicle State Government said so. It problems caused by noisefewer than 25 distinguished at different times of the day are is simply because it is good forprofessional drivers were well over the level set by the horn as sparingly as possible. us. Doctors have told us it is pollution include “partial orrewarded for obeying traffic for our own ultimate good. permanent deafness, loss of Environmental Protection LASG’s preparedness concentration, nervous Agency and that noise In preparedness, the state’s “What we see in a way that pollution do contribute to Ministry of Transportation and we now choose to live is that breakdown and other physical all affiliated agencies, the because we live in a very noisy and psychological problems. many health problems. Drivers’ Institutes, the Noise pollution is excessive Thus, environmental experts put harmful noise level at 70 noise which may harm our

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 — 41Mixed feelings as Lagos moves to tackle noise pollution More commotion caused by Okada ridersactivity or balance of human or Mixed feelings getting the information from when some of my colleagues relegated to the background.even animal life.” H o w e v e r, you now. Though, I have not who are bus drivers carelessly But let us try it first on OctoberOn his part, the state despite this seen any of the Lagos State pick and disembark 15, to see how it will work.”commissioner for assurances, officials coming to our garage passengers on the road. So, Itransportation, Mr. Kayode when Vanguard to sensitise us about this day. use my vehicle horn to call A driver who plies the Ketu-Opeifa, assured residents that visited parts of their attention to steer clear off Ojota route, but pleadedLagos drivers have been the state’s metropolis, ‘’I make use of my horn the road.’’ anonymity lashed at the his commercial bus drivers, because most Lagosians are colleagues who are drivers tricyclists and motorcyclists, usually absent-minded while Olamilekan Ahmed, who saying, “The horn-free day who spoke to us, gave several on the road, especially plies the Ojuelegba-Ojota can’t happen here in Lagos. reasons they make use of their because of the myriads of route said he was aware of the For example how will it be automobile horns while personal and family problems day. He said: “I am aware of enforced on all these boys driving. they are faced with. For the day. I had already (drivers) that run the Ketu- While some said they blare instance, I had hit a passer-by disconnected my vehicle horn Ojota routes without clothes their horns to draw the some time ago, who just last week, because I thought but just singlet. Those boys just attention of other road users to see their horns as a toy, so theymobilized for the day, adding steer clear their right of way, will never obey that day. Forthat all the motor parks in the others said they blare their me, observing the day will bestate are wearing banners put horns to call-in passengers , possible because I don’t haveup by the National Union of into their vehicles. This is even horn, I only use my lights toRoad Transport Workers as a few others said they blare The vehicle horn is very important call the attention of other(NURTW) and other their horns to call the attention drivers obstructing my right ofstakeholder unions, even as of friends for greetings, as they ,that it can never be relegated to the way.”contact had also been made drive.with drivers’ employers within Also, while some drivers said background. But let us try it first on However, Oluwaseyi Faro, aand outside the state for the they were aware of the horn- October 15, to see how it will work tricyclist who plies the Yabaoccasion. free day, as their unions have route said he was not aware ofOpeifa, who said the sensitised them about it, others jumped into the road without it was last Wednesday that the the day but noted that it was however feigned ignorance of looking carefully. It took the horn-free day was to be impossible for him not to useDrivers’ Appreciation Day the day, adding that it was man four days in the hospital observed. However, his tricycle horn while driving.programme is initiated to difficult not to honk or blare the before he could remembercelebrate those drivers who horns of their vehicles where he was. According to the considering the congested His words: “I have not heard considering the congested man, the only thing he could nature of Lagos, it is near about the horn-free day, ourhave contributed to safe nature of the state. remember was that he impossible for drivers not to union has not informed me.driving habits on the roads, Why we honk our horns- alighted from a commercial bus However, I honk my tricyclehowever said that government Drivers and just walked into the busy use their vehicle horns while horn to draw the attention of Lukman Akinlawal, a driver expressway.’’ driving. Like yesterday, just other road users obstructing mywould not sanction any driver who plies the Apapa- along the Ikorodu road, a right of way. So, governmentfor honking on the horn-free Ojuelegba route, who stated Another driver, Adebayo wants me to kill and inflictday. This is even as he stated that he was unaware of the Adesokan, who plies the young man was just walking injuries on pedestrians, who horn-free day said: “I am just Ajegunle-Ojuelegba route aimlessly on the busy road. walk aimlessly into the road.that the state government’s said: “Our National Union in Despite my blaring of horn, Infact, I am going to use mydesire to promote safety on the Ajegunle gave us circulars horn always. That directive isroad, made it set up the Lagos yesterday (Thursday) to the young man couldn’t still not for me. Lagos is too intimate us of the October 15 leave the road. It took the congested to observe this kindState Drivers Institute in 2009 horn-free day. I honk my intervention of a soldier inside of regulation.”to retrain, re-certify drivers vehicle horn at occasionsand correct the deficiencies the my bus, who tapped him on the back, before he left theidentified in their drivers’ road. The vehicle horn is verybehaviours. important that it can never be

42—Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2014 Enugu 2015: Intrigues around consensus Assembly remains a mystery. In fact some have read it as a way of making peace with the The political landscape in Enugu has been charged group led by Ekweremadu, but with the endorsement of Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as the choice that has apparently not been the case given the continuing media of the mainstream Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to war between the two camps. replace Governor Sullivan Chime. But other battle fields are still smouldering Sources revealed that prior to the endorsement that the governor had invited Ekweremadu to the meeting of By Emmanuel Aziken, Chairmen, party officials and *Ugwuanyi: Consensus candidate PDP state stakeholders at the Political Editor & Francis people from the private sector Government House, Enugu. who benefit from politics have popularity among the citizenry called Gburugburu was Ekweremadu, apparently as a Igata already expressed felicitation to and political class. described in some quarters as a result of the stand off between Ugwuanyi in newspaper both men atthesamevenuefew IT has been hailed as advertorials in major national months back declined. He, Governor Sullivan Chime’s dailies, an indication observers however, subsequentlyagreedto boldest political move in recent say, some say may impede the a meeting at a private hotel in years. Who would have expected wheels of democracy in the state. Abuja where the governor the governor who is presently in brought up his proposal on combat with some sections of the As the clock chimes towards the Ugwuanyi. ruling party in the state to pick November 16 date for one of their own in the National gubernatorial primaries of PDP For whatever reason, Assembly as his successor. nationwide , the political Ekweremadu was said to have Rep. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s firmament in Enugu State is agreed. But given endorsement as the consensus already smouldering as Ekweremadu’s own political candidate of the mainstream alignment and re-alignment have activism it remains yet unknown PDP seems to be settling down reached a feverish pitch between whether the approval given by in the minds of many political the power merchants struggling Ekweremadu should be taken for stakeholders despite earlier to control the party's structure. granted. revulsion in some interested Remarkably, the choice of Indeed, few days after the Ugwuanyi has been hailed as a meeting with Ekweremadu, one,Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s endorsement as the He is especially said to be a masterstroke by Chime to empty of the gubernatorial aspirants in bridgebetweenthegovernorand Ekweremadu of any reason to the PDP in the state and known consensus candidate of the mainstream PDP Senator Ike Ekweremadu, the fight given the fact that Ugwuanyi to be a loyalist of Ekweremadu seems to be settling down in the minds of deputy of the Senate, who leads was from the National Assembly Chief Anayo Onwuegbu picked many political stakeholders despite earlier political stakeholders in the and had not deliberately gone out thegovernorship formtocontest Peoples Democratic Party, PDP of his way to antagonise the the primaries. ,revulsion in some interested quarters that are at variance with the Ekweremadu group. mainstream as led by Governor The development came in the What may have prompted the face of insinuations that governor to pick Ugwuanyi Ugwuanyi despite being an Chime. quarters. bold political move by Governor The choice of the ever smiling despite his seeming antagonism Abuja based lawmaker may not Other aspirants at the meeting Chime given the legislator’s Ugwuanyi, who is popularly towardsmembersoftheNational be in the good books of the where the endorsement was first powers that be in the federal reached like Senator Ayogu Eze representing Enugu-North capital. senatorial district and the Enugu House: Hand of Esau, voice Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Mr. Eugene Odo had initially promised to reject Ugwuanyi as the product of a of Jacob But last Thursday nothing happened crooked process. However, beyond the initial rejections nothing much has been WAS there an impeachment plot against the speaker of the until Ude-Okoye moved for the adjournment of the House, an heard from them and Odo has Enugu State House of Assembly over his reported rejection of the opportunity that allowed him to address apparently fallen in line after some threat of impeachment in consensus on Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi or was it mischief makers at work? the speculations around his reported moves against the speaker. the House of Assembly. (See Speaking during the motion of accompanying story: Enugu By Austin Ogwuda, Enugu Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as the consensus adjournment, he categorically denied gubernatorial candidate of the ruling House: Hand of Esau, Voice of THE popular Shakespearean Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for Enugu the insinuations saying “I want to state Jacob) quotation that, “there is no art State as facilitated by Governor Sullivan categorically that it is all lie. That to find the mind’s construction in the Chime. Mr.Ude-Okoye of Awgu North (Leader) Already, Ugwuanyi’s billboards face” obviously, played out at the has never been in anywhere where the are now dotting around major resumed sitting of Enugu State House Odo who is in the contest for the impeachment of Mr. Speaker was streets of Enugu metropolis and of Assembly on Thursday, October 9, governorship ticket had allegedly taken discussed.” beyond following his 2014. issues with the choice of Ugwuanyi and endorsement by the stakeholders. hence the alleged moves against him Describing it as “pure figment of the While the allegation of impeachment said to be spearheaded by the agents of imagination of those politicians whose The inscription which is the plot supposedly sponsored by the State the administration in Enugu. stock in trade is to knock heads together same in all the billboards reads: executive arm of government against and heat up the polity,” he said: “My \"Ndi Enugu (People of Enugu), the Speaker of the Enugu House of So, when the House resumed last distinguished colleagues, I want to say Thank you all.\" From the message Assembly, Mr. Eugene Odo was still Thursday, eyes were keenly watching out categorically that I did not collect any in the billboards, Ugwuanyi is fresh, the House returned from break for a possible drama from Odo and his signature for the impeachment or already thanking the people for to sit last Thursday. supposed antagonists especially the removal of Mr. Speaker or any member electing him the governor having House Leader, Mr. Sunday Ude-Okoye, of this hallowed chamber. been anointed by the governor The basis of the alleged moves who had been accused of collecting and most stakeholders. against the speaker was his perceived signatures to effect the removal of Odo. I want to also let the press know and effrontery in opposing the choice of Mr. Continues on page 43 Most Local Government