I will not influence choice of my successor- Unical VC

From Judex Okoro, Calabar••• AS the battle over who becomes the next Vice- Chancellor of University of Calabar gathers momen­tum, the out-going chief executive of the institution, Prof. James Epoke, has stat­ed that he will not influence the choice of his successor. Epoke, who disclosed this in Calabar during an interactive session with newsmen at the weekend, said insinuations that he has a preferred candidate for the coveted position is totally untrue and should be disregarded by the univer­sity community. The rumour mills have been agog that the outgoing VC has endorsed one of the aspirants, fuelling specula­tion that he may influence the processes of selection. According to him, the university authority merely opened up competition for the position of the vice chancellorship in order to accommodate more quali­fied aspirants. “It is extremely unfair to say that I am partisan. What council has done is to bring it to a level that everybody can contest. “I have not endorsed any­body, neither do I intend to influence the choice of who succeeds me; they are all going to face the screening interview. “I only opened the land­scape to be more accommo­dating,” Epoke said. Describing his tenure as very successful, he said the university under his leader­ship attained higher heights in both academics and infra­structural developments. The outgoing Vice Chan­cellor disclosed that his ad­ministration inherited a uni­versity that was lacking not only in infrastructure and staff just as students’ disci­pline was at its lowest level. He said, “We met a landscape with issues of cultism; certificate rack­eteering; examination mal­practices; lack of infrastruc­ture; exam sorting; lack of staff discipline and so on,” adding that “today, we have been able to clear all these problems and I can tell you that, since my assumption we have graduated over 50,000. “We have provided func­tional classrooms, and our ICT center has done very well; we have a robust web­site and our online registra­tion is thriving well. “The university has now moved from its position of 56th to 9th among the best universities in Nigeria and 43rd in Africa. “So I can say that we have tried our best in the landscape we met.’’ He attributed his success in infrastructural develop­ment in the university to the intervention of Tertiary Ed­ucation Trust Fund (TET­Fund) and other funding institutions.

Anambra PDP moves to shut out Emeakayi and Oguebego from Congress

People Democratic Party (PDP), Anambra State chapter, yesterday moved to stop the embat­tled factional chairmen of the party, Mr. Ken Emeak­ayi and Nnamdi Oguebego from participating in the forthcoming state congress of the party in the state. In a communiqué issued at the end of the stakehold­ers’ meeting conveyed by the senator representing Anambra Central Senato­rial District, Uche Ekwun­ife, at Awka on Saturday, the party stakeholders re­solved to shut out all the factional chairmen of the party from re-contesting as part of efforts to rebuild the party in the state. Former special adviser to former president Good­luck Jonathan on Party Matters, Senator Ben Obi, while reading the commu­niqué, said the party faith­ful had confidence in Sena­tor Ekwunife to reposition the party and return it to winning ways. Part of the communiqué read: “That we commend our Senator Ekwunife for conveying this meeting where the affairs of the party are deliberated upon and we resolved that no factional leaders of the par­ty will be allowed to take part in the coming state congress of the PDP.” The PDP stakeholders further insisted that it was the turn of Anambra Cen­tral Senatorial District to provide the state chairman of the party, adding that the zone remained the engine room of the party since its formation many years ago. Senator Obi, who was the chairman of the meet­ing, also received a motion of absolute confidence in Ekwunife, moved by Chief Vincent Okafor and sec­onded by Chief Maxwell Okwudo. He urged members of the party still in court to challenge the election of Senator Ekwunife, to with­draw their suits, saying the people of the zone unani­mously elected her. Earlier, the former gov­ernor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, sued for unity in the party to enable members achieve collec­tive success in rebuilding the PDP and wining elec­tions in future.

New DSS Boss orders immediate demotion of 100 officers

By Kingsley Omonobi, Abuja••• There is growing disaffection in the Department of State Security Service (DSS) following the decision of the new Director General, Lawal Daura, to reverse the promotion of about 100 officers carried out by his predecessor, Ekpeyong Ita, and approved by the Jonathan administration. Also, a Deputy Director and spokesperson of the department, Mrs. Marylin Ogar, has been redeployed to Maiduguri, to serve in the DSS component of the Military Command and Control Centre. Sunday Vanguard gathered that the officers, who had suffered stagnation for years and promoted by Ita are mostly those who put their lives on the line for the nation and were engaged in deadly operations. “Among them were those that took part in joint operations with the military and police personnel in Operation Zaman Lafiya (war against Boko Haram), those who were engaged in special security operations in the Presidential Villa and other special duties in several trouble spots in the country”, a source said. Sunday Vanguard learnt that the new DG has directed that, henceforth, only officers who attended promotion examinations would be elevated. The source added: “But we were on joint operations duty and, at a point, they banned officers from moving out of operational areas to read and carry out promotion examinations. So who is to blame? We can still go for post promotion training if the DG insists and that would be a better option than this demotion.”

5 Reasons while Nigerians should worry about Ebola resurgence

By Sola Ogundipe::: 1) Unreliable epidemic alert mechanism: The response and alert systems put in place during the 2014 outbreak have either been dismantled or are dormant. Currently there is nothing on ground to detect if a traveller with Ebola arrives at any of the nation’s ports of entry. No screening processes exist for travellers living in, or visiting any of the nations currently battling Ebola. 2) Lack of robust health system: The nation’s health system is generally unable to cope with an epidemic of the calibre of Ebola. It is plagued by poor service delivery, weak infrastructure, lack of up-to-date equipment, shortage of medical personnel, etc., and in many areas, access to basic medical resources is lacking. 3) Shortage of competent medical personnel: Most health personnel that responded during the 2014 Ebola outbreak were volunteers. To date, only a handful of doctors and nurses in public and private hospitals have acquired advanced medical expertise or relevant knowledge about the quarantine procedures, treatment or preventing the spread of Ebola infection 4) Poor disease prevention culture: The culture of personal hygiene, particularly hand washing with soap and water, use of hand sanitizers, fever monitors, etc., has long been abandoned. 5) There is still no cure: There still isn’t really any way to treat Ebola. Although some promising drugs are on the horizon and researchers are working on various preventative and therapeutic vaccines, the only real remedy currently available in Nigeria is palliative support for any potentially infected individual

MAMA 2015: Full list of winners

Stars of the African and international music industry went out in force on Saturday for the fifth edition of the MTV Africa Music Awards. Nigeria again dominated this year’s MTV Africa Music Awards, MAMA, carting away most of the coveted trophies. Leading the way was Davido, who retained his title as Africa’s Best male Artiste of the year. He won the same award last year. The Aye crooner beats his South African counterpart, AKA, Diamond from Tanzania, Ghanaian Sarkodie and Wizkid to clinch the trophy. Here is a full list of the winners: Best Female: Yemi Alade (Nigeria) Best Male: Davido (Nigeria) Best Group: P-Square (Nigeria) Best New Act Transformed by Absolut: Patoranking (Nigeria) Best Hip Hop: Cassper Nyovest (South Africa) Best Collaboration: AKA, Burna Boy, Da LES & JR: “All Eyes On Me” (SA/Nigeria) Song of the Year: Mavins: “Dorobucci” (Nigeria) Best Live: Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania) Video of the Year: “Nafukwa” – Riky Rick; Director: Adriaan Louw Best Pop & Alternative: Jeremy Loops (South Africa) Best Francophone: DJ Arafat (Ivory Coast) Best Lusophone: Ary (Angola) Personality of the Year: Trevor Noah (South Africa) MAMA Evolution: D’Banj (Nigeria) Best International: Nicki Minaj Artist of the Decade: P-Square MTV Base Leadership Award: Saran Kaba Jones & S’Bu Mavundla

Obiano urges muslim believers to embrace brotherhood

By James Eze- Awka, Anambra State.

The governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has urged Nigerian Muslims to use the spiritual ascendancy they attained during the just concluded Ramadan season as a formidable tool to rebuild the fabric of national unity and reaffirm Nigeria's common destiny as one indivisible entity. In a special Sallah Message issued in Awka on Friday, Governor Obiano expressed the optimism that Nigeria would be the ultimate beneficiary of the spiritual re-armament from the Ramadan season pointing out that Nigeria is a nation in need of healing. Said he; "The mortification achieved from the fasting period must enable us to take a spiritual stock of our lives as a nation and reaffirm our common humanity and our unity as a country." According to him, "Nigeria and indeed the world at large must build bridges of brotherhood to harness the benefits of earthly life and the ultimate purpose of creation. There can be no gainsaying the fact that occasions of religious celebration offer us a sober moment for reflection on how best to build our lives individually and collectively." Governor Obiano further observed that the injunction to charity which is usually demonstrated especially at this time through the donation of gifts to the less privileged is a practice that spreads love and happiness. "It is however important to note that neither poverty nor compassion has religious, geographical or ethnic barriers", he observed. Speaking further, Governor Obiano reckoned that the celebration also presents Nigerians an important moment to reflect on the challenges of insurgency and general insecurity that is holding the country in an iron grip. Exhorting Nigerians to always strive to peacefully cwin the hearts and minds of those who oppose their choices rather than the use of force, the governor maintained that "Freedom is a fundamental human condition enshrined in creation. Lasting social structures are often the product of mutual respect, dialogue, equity and mutual tolerance." He further reasoned that "if the Nigerian society is safe and just, it is healthy for all of us regardless of our different religious creeds and cultural differences. " In conclusion, Governor Obiano maintained that "our generation has a duty to excise the sources of antagonism, tension and violence from our body polity in order to live productively and bequeath a proud heritage to future generations." The governor wished all Nigerian Muslims a happy celebration, urging them to pray for the peace and prosperity of the country.

Mass Burial of the unclaimed deceased bodies of Onitsha fuel tank explosion.

By Rtn Ifeanyi Ifeadinmesi Aniagoh- Onitsha, Anambra State.

For the residents of Obosi, a suburb of the commercial city of Onitsha, the mood was solemn on Friday as the Anambra State Government organised a mass burial for 32 unidentified and unclaimed bodies of victims of the tragic fuel tanker explosion that took place at Upper Iweka last May. The Ceremony which commenced with a 21 gun-salute in honor of the casualties, proceeded with an inter-denominational service held at the instance of the Anglican Bishop on the Niger, the Right Reverend Owen Nwokolo. After spells of touching Bible passages and a deep and solemn exhortations that highlighted the fickleness of life and the need for the living to reflect and ensure that they are in good standing with their creator at all times, the victims were committed to the earth in the Obosi Cemetry. Speaking at the solemn ceremony, Governor Willie Obiano explained that tissue specimen were taken from the unidentified bodies which were burnt beyond recognition in the explosion and deposited at the Onitsha General Hospital where it would be kept for a period of ten years for future investigations while a cenotaph would be built on top of the grave in the memory of the victims. Describing the accident as a big tragedy, Governor Obiano recalled that in swift response to the incident, his administration had taken pragmatic measures to forestall a future occurrence some of which included a ban on fuel-carrying tankers and trucks from plying state roads as well as a restriction of Commercial motorcyclists from plying the major highways in the State. Noting that his government was working in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure safety on the state roads, the Governor urged the motoring public to imbibe safety habits and always ensure that their vehicles are in good shape before they hit the highways. Delivering the sermon, the Right Reverend Nwokolo represented by the Archdeacon in charge of Obosi Archdeaconry, Venerable Oswald Ezekwere called on Christians to live everyday with the consciousness that everything on earth is vanity, noting that only total faith and belief in God as well as positive living can guarantee eternal life. In his own remarks, the Chief Imam, Central Mosque, Bida Road, Onitsha, Mr Abdulraman Hamza representing the Muslim Community in the State, said Governor Obiano had by his decision to organize the burial, exhibited genuine humaneness and goodwill as well as his commitment towards addressing any bottlenecks that would hamper the growth of the State. Special prayers were said for the Governor, the State and the families of the accident victims as well as for the repose of the souls of the deceased.

Prof. Ndowa Lale assumed office as the new Uniport VC.

By Jimitota Onoyume in PORT HARCOURT – Professor Ndowa Lale has assumed office as the new Vice Chancellor of the federal University of Port Harcourt, Rivers state. Speaking at an investiture ceremony in the institution as the 8th Vice Chancellor, Professor Lale called for collaboration among stakeholders of the university to make the place a first choice of academic pursuit. He further promised to work for the actualisation of the dreams of the founding fathers of the institution , stressing that he would promote a robust welfare scheme, quality scholarship and guarantee staff and students discipline in the school. Earlier, the university had conferred a Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science, (D.Sc) Honoris causa on Mr Herbert Wigwe, Chairman of Access bank, (UK) limited and board member Nigerian Mortgage Refinance company. In his tenure address the outgone Vice Chancellor, Professor Joseph Ajienka,said as the 7th Vice Chancellor, he set out to expand the frontiers of knowledge through creativity and innovation which brought forth rich intellectual harvest He recalled that he pioneered the establishment of the office of Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Development in the country, thus laying a firm foundation for quality scholarship. Continuing, he said the university rose to become among others the centre of excellence for oil field chemical research, adding that the university was the first Nigerian partner institution with the African Virtual University, AVU, a move he said led to the establishment of an international open, distance e-learning, ODeL centre. Ajienka who called for support for the growth of the institution from all her Alumni and friends said the university,which is 40 years have achieved a lot.

Insubordination will not be tolerated under my regime- Chief of Army Service

By Ndahi Marama & Bala Ajiya- Damatura... The Chief of Army Staff Maj. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai has said that he would not tolerate indiscipline in the Army. The COAS who was reacting to questions from journalists in Damaturu as to whether the over 4,000 soldiers that were sacked by the Army during the Boko Haram fight would be recalled responded that; “I don’t know how they would become a problem to us concerning your questions. But what I would tell you is that I cannot tolerate indiscipline in the force,” Buratai replied. The Chief of Army Staff explained that his coming to Damaturu to celebrate Sallah with the troops is part of the measures to boost the morale of the troops on ground and help him access the equipment and the discipline of the soldiers so as to come up with a better approach to the counter insurgency fight. He said: “I cannot tell you why I am here on the strategic level because it’s a strategic decision. We all know the importance of Damaturu and Yobe State in particular. My presence here is to improve civil military relation, we need the cooperation. My presence will boost the morale of the troops. This is one of the reasons why I am here. To see to myself and it will also help me to access the state of readiness in terms of equipment and indeed their state of discipline and we would be able to access the threat properly from this perspective,” Maj. Gen. Buratai

Nigerian Army : 50 people confirmed dead as a result of the twin bomb explosions

Abuja – The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of 50 persons in two separate bomb explosions in Damaturu, Yobe, on Friday morning. A statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the Acting-Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, said that the explosions occurred at screening areas of the Eid prayer ground. According him, many other persons are injured in the explosions suspected to have been masterminded by insurgents. “This is to confirm that there were two suicide bomb explosions today at about 7:40 a.m. in Damaturu, Yobe, in which two female suicide bombers — one elderly woman and a ten year-old girl –detonated the devices. “It occurred at screening areas for intending Muslim worshippers at Layin Gwange, Damaturu and at Phase1, in front of former state secretariat, Damaturu,’’ he said. He said that 43 persons died in the first explosion while seven people died in the second explosion. The spokesman however assured the public that the relevant authorities had brought the situation under control. He reiterated that no amount of terrorist act would deter the Nigerian Army’s resolve to stamp out terrorism and insurgency. Usman said both Gov. Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe and the Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, had called on the residents of the area to stay calm and be security conscious.(NAN)--- Vanguard