Peoples Daily Newspaper, Wednesday 03, October, 2012

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

Vol. 9 No. 38

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

. . . putting the people first

Zhul-Qadah 16, 1433 AH

N150

How gunmen massacred 40 students in Adamawa From Richard Ihediwa, Blessing Tunoh, Yola with agency report

D

etails of how gunmen massacred about 40 persons mostly students of tertiary institutions in Mubi, Adamawa state, on Monday night have emerged as Police confirmed yesterday that the assailants

Assailants came with military uniform Called out victim’s names then shot them called out names of the victims before spraying them with bullets.

Also one of the students who survived but pleaded anonymity

said the assailants came in military uniforms at about midnight and surrounded the compound where they lived after which they started

taking the students outside requesting their names and shooting them at close range.

He said others cut the bodies of

the victims with knives after which they lined up their mutilated corpses in the compound. He said it was not clear how they chose who to kill and those to spare adding that victims included Muslims and Christians.

Though the police said 25 persons were killed, residents Contd on Page 2

Disquiet over Service Chiefs’ appointments

By Joy Baba

C

alculations towards the 2015 presidential polls in addition to delicate geopolitical interests may be at the heart of the indecision of President Goodluck Jonathan to appoint fresh service chiefs whose respective tenures come to a decisive end tomorrow October 4, 2012.

Peoples Daily gathered that Jonathan bowed to lobby mounted by the retiring military top brass by quietly extending their tenures to tomorrow after they had expired last month “because they all wanted to celebrate the 52nd independence anniversary in active service”, a source told our Contd on Page 2

PD INDEX

2nd Oct., 2012

CBN RATES $ £ EURO CFA RIYAL

BUYING 154.7 250 200 0.2848 41

SELLING 155.7 251.6 201 0.3048 41.5

PARALLEL RATES

Female intending pilgrims at Yola International Airport, yesterday waiting to board a plane to Saudi Arabia for this year's Hajj.

Photo: NAN

Corruption: Jonathan Salami: NJC relied on newspaper queries Adamu's rearticle – Presidency appointment as PCA >> PAGE 2

>> PAGE 3

EURO £ RIYAL $

BUYING 197 252 40 156.50

Budget implementation: Okonjo Iweala lied – Minister >> PAGE 3

SELLING 203.50 256 42 160

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

CONTENTS News Editorial Op.Ed

2-11 12 13

Letters

14

Opinion

15

Metro

16-18

Business

18-19

Property

24

Motoring

28

Arts

29

Corruption claim: Jonathan relied on newspaper article – Presidency

By Richard Ihediwa, Ibrahim Sule, Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

T

he Presidency has denied that President Goodluck Jonathan misrepresented facts in his proclamation that Transparency International (TI) has in its latest report commended his administration’s fight against corruption as officials yesterday said the President relied on reports obtained from a newspaper.

Jonathan, in his independence anniversary speech applauded his administration’s fight against corruption and mentioned that TI had in its latest report rated the country as “second most improved country in the effort to curb corruption”, a statement TI was reported by online to have denied on Monday night saying it did not have any such report nor any recent rating that placed the country at that position.

However, reacting to the reports, the Presidency said the President based his statement on

He should apologise - ACN what it described as “notorious facts” contained in a newspaper article.

It cited an article published BusinessDay newspaper, a national daily as the President’s source. The response, which was posted on the website of the Ministry of Information and signed by one Reno, who did not indicate his full name and designation, insisted that the reported rating must be true since the article was published in a newspaper and was not challenged. It branded media houses that reported the issue as opposition media.

The response reads in parts: “As is the practice worldwide, we accept the premise that whatever is published in the media and goes unchallenged is the truth. On this issue, the media published their synopsis of the most recent Transparency International report and BusinessDay, a well-respected newspaper with a bias for business reporting in a headline

on the 12th of September 2012 with the titled ‘FG’s anticorruption initiative impacts Nigeria’s global perception’ said “The survey on global corruption perceptions for 2011 versus 2001 showed that the third best improvement in the world was in Nigeria, with its score improving by 1.5 points.

“The above quoted comments were relied upon in coming to the conclusion that Mr. President honestly came to in good faith. To this day, Transparency International has not disputed the findings of BusinessDay. For a section of the opposition to now cast aspersions on the integrity of the President when he relied on notorious facts (anything published in the press and which remains unchallenged is a notorious fact) is proof positive of the now obvious fact that they lack ideas on how to move Nigeria forward and would rather snipe at efforts of the President to move the nation forward for which any patriot would do.”

Reno, who signed the response, is largely believed to be Reno Omokri, the President’s Special Assistant on New Media.

Sources said there disquiet in the Presidency as the President’s speech writers and media aides are now panicking over the issue following fears that someone might get the boot Meanwhile, the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has asked the President to apologize unreservedly to Nigerians for “misleading” them on the alleged positive rating given to the country by Transparency International.

The party, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on yesterday, “expressed shock and sadness that the President can make such a frivolous claim on an issue of global concern as corruption.” It said in addition to apologizing to all Nigerians, the President must immediately kick-start an investigation “into the source of a claim that has exposed his Administration and the entire country to global ridicule.”

Disquiet over Service Chiefs’ appointments Contd from Page 1

Court gives CBN 72 hours to declare whereabouts of Ibru's N191bn seized assets, Page 3

Inter’l Digest

31-34 36

Politics

37-40

Sports

41-47

Columnist

48

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU The Peoples Daily wants to hear from you with any news and pictures you think we should publish.

You can send your news and pictures to: letters@peoplesdaily-online.com pictures@peoplesdaily-online.com contact@peoplesdaily-online.com

Phones for News: 070-37756364 09-8734478

reporter.

Meanwhile, the foot dragging over the appointment of new service chiefs has heightened disquiet in the military especially in the Army as lobby for the top job of Chief of Army Staff increasingly mounts, befuddling the Commander-in-Chief.

The outgoing Army Chief Lt. Gen O.A Ihejirika made history after being promoted to the rank of Major General over and above 52 senior army officers which is unprecedented, a development which has made the army top heavy.

“What this means is that progression will be difficult because the top is heavy; the army is a very organized institution and succession is orderly but the way things are now, I can hardly see order in that tradition” a source told Peoples Daily last night.

Ihejirika is a regular combatant, Course 18, who took over in 2010 from Lt. Gen L. Dambazau, Course 17, who also took over from Lt Gen LL Yusif a member of Course 14 who also took over from Gen A Azazi who was Course 12.

Peoples Daily checks reveal that Gen Azazi who later became

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and, on retirement, was appointed the National Security Adviser (NSA)

by President Jonathan, took over from General Martin Agwai who was Course 8 and also took over from General Ogbemudia, Course 7.

“At various times these Generals were CDS up until the current one, Petinrin, an Air Force officer. Unless the President appoints a CDS from another of the services, the army top echelon is choked up,’’ said the source.

Peoples Daily, however, gathered that the Presidency is in a dilemma as to who to appoint

as Chief of Army Staff on account of several factors, including geopolitics, particularly the build up to the 2015 presidential elections.

Presidency sources said the president is being careful not to succumb to sectional pressure to appoint his favoured candidate who is several courses down the ladder, at Course 25.

Peoples Daily investigations show that lined up as possible successors to Ihejirika are members of Course 21 and 22 because members in course 19 and 20 have been ruled out by “age of rank”, having attained the mandatory age of retirement of 56.

How gunmen massacred 40 students in Adamawa Contd from Page 1

insisted that they counted up to 40 bodies after the raid. The corpses have been deposited at the Mubi General Hospital.

The assailants were said to have stormed the Wuro-futaji suburb of the area which is populated mostly by off-campus students of the Adamawa State University, Federal Polytechnic as well as School of Health Technology, all situated in Mubi at about 11pm and engaged in the killing spree.

Most of those killed were said to be students of the Federal Polytechnic.

An official of the Federal Polytechnic Mubi, who also pleaded anonymity, however said the gunmen shot sporadically at any moving person, for over one hour.

He confirmed that 26 students of the institution were among those massacred in the attacks. The others he said were students of the

other two institutions.

Scores who sustained gunshot wounds are said to be on danger list. A twenty four - hour curfew has already been imposed in the troubled town.

Though there were speculations that the gunmen were insurgents, there are indications that the attack may not be unconnected with disagreements over last Sunday’s Student Union Government elections, which was heavily contested on sectional divides. Residents who pleaded anonymity said some of those killed were mostly those deeply involved in the campus politics.

Adamawa State Police Command, Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mohammed Ibrahim, said in a phone interview yesterday that among those killed were 19 students in an off-campus student housing area as well as other residents including a security guard and a retired

soldier.

He said there were signs that there could be some internal factors but added that such could not be proven until after investigations.

“We are just leaving Mubi with the Commissioner of Police, and Brigade Commander. And it was 19 students that were killed… all in all it was 25 persons that were killed. Although the investigation is continuing, there are signs that there may have been some internal factors, but we cannot prove it until we complete our investigation”, Ibrahim said.

A spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency Yushau Shuaib confirmed reports that some of the victims were candidates in the polls.

“The crisis in Mubi is suspected to have been fuelled by campus politics after an election at the Federal Polytechnic,” he said.

The bloody night raid is coming

barely a week after the JTF uncovered bomb factories and arrested 156 suspected terrorists in Mubi and recovered explosives and other weapons including rifles, mostly brand new AK 47 sub machine guns.

Following the attacks, security agencies in the state have deployed additional security personnel to the area.

In the meantime as terrified students and other residents make attempts to leave Mubi, transport fares out of the troubled town have been hiked with taxis now charging up to N7000 as against the normal N1000.

To ease the challenge, the Emir of Mubi, Alhaji Abubakar Isa Ahmadu, provided six buses to evacuate students just as the polytechnic authorities have provided a truck to evacuate students to the state capital. All institutions in Mubi have also been shut indefinitely.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

PAGE 3

Salami: NJC queries Adamu’s re-appointment as Appeal Court President

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

T

he National Judicial Council (NJC), yesterday, said President Goodluck Jonathan has no right to re-appoint Justice Dalhatu Adamu as acting President of the Court of Appeal, after the expiration of the first three months.

The council also held that Justice Adamu's re-appointment by the President is illegal and unconstitutional.

NJC stated this in its written

address filed by its counsel, Mr. Usman Isah in a suit filed by 11 human rights activists, on behalf of the registered Trustees of a nongovernmental organisation, Centre for the Promotion of Arbitration, asking a Federal High Court in Abuja to compel President Jonathan to reinstate the suspended President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami.

The plaintiffs specifically wants the court to order the NJC to implement the report of the

Justice Mariam Muhktar panel which recommended Salami's reinstatement after a thorough look at the circumstances that led to his suspension.

But the NJC, in its written address held that President Jonathan has no power or role under the 1999 constitution or any other law to recall or reinstate the suspended President of the Court of Appeal or any other justices of the Appellate Court.

The council submitted that the exercise of disciplinary power and

recall of a suspended Justice of the Court of Appeal is exclusively vested in it by the constitution as amended.

The council insisted that the power to recall suspended Justice Salami solely and exclusively belongs to it without any recourse to the direction or authority of any other person outside the council including the President.

The council also said that the continued stay in office by the acting President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Dalhatu Adamu, was illegal and unconstitutional by virtue of section 238(5) of the 1999 constitution.

It added that, Justice Adamu

cannot be re-appointed by President Jonathan after the expiration of the three months in office without the recommendation of the council and that as such, the continued stay in office by Adamu be voided.

It would also be recalled that NJC, on May 10, 2012 reinstated Salami, following the recommendation of a threemember panel, headed by the present Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma-Muhktar.

The trial judge, Justice Adamu Bello has however ordered parties in the suit to file and exchange their written addresses and fixed December 4, 2012 for adoption.

Court gives CBN 72 hours to declare whereabouts of Ibru's N191bn seized assets From Francis Iwuchukwu, Lagos

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L-R: Niger state Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Bem Angwe, and Director Public Affairs and Information of the commission, Muhammad Nasir Ladan, during NHRC officials’ visit on the governor, yesterday at the Government House, Minna.

Budget implementation: Okonjo Iweala lied – Minister

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Ita Okon Bassey-Ewa, yesterday disproved a statement that the actual performance of the 2012 capital budget implementation stands at 50 percent credited to the nation’s Coordinator of the Economy and Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in a recent engagement with the members of the House of Representatives.

The minister, who received the House Committee on Science and Technology chaired by Rep Abiodun Akinlade which was on oversight to the ministry yesterday, told the lawmakers that actual budget capital performance stands at 33 percent contrary to Okonjo-Iweala’s claim.

Bassey-Ewa told the committee that out of the N372.7million approved for the ministry’s capital budget, only N153million was released and cash backed by the Finance ministry. This, according to him, represents only 33 percent of the budget and not the 50

percent Okonjo-Iweala claimed.

The committee which was at the ministry to ascertain the level of budget implementation however carpeted the minister for presenting a document it considered too shallow for it to make any meaningful deductions on actual projects undertaken by the ministry.

Though the budget was adjudged empty, the committee observed that the amount earmarked for capital budget was too low compared to the amount voted for recurrent expenditures in the ministry.

The committee noted that only about 20 percent of the ministry’s total N1.45 billion budget was

voted for capital projects. It therefore called on the government to increase the capital budget in subsequent appropriations for the nation to meet its 2020 vision.

Commenting on the level of implementation of capital budget vis-à-vis the claim made by the Finance Minister, the Chairman of the committee said: “What we can conclude from your remarks is that the Finance Minister has not been telling Nigerians the truth.

This is because from your presentation, the Finance Minister has only succeeded in releasing about 31 percent of the budget and not the 50 percent she claimed”.

ustice Mohammed Idris of a Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, yesterday, ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to declare the whereabouts of assets worth N191bn, seized from convicted former Managing Director of Oceanic Bank Plc (now Ecobank), Mrs. Cecilia Ibru.

Delivering judgment in a suit filed by the president of Progressive Shareholders Association (PSA), Mr. Boniface Okezie, Justice Idris held that the order must be complied with within 72 hours.

Okezie had instituted the action seeking to compel the apex bank to release the information under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act. The judge also ordered CBN to

declare what it termed the total cash and value of properties recovered from the convicted former MD of Oceanic Bank.

"The Central Bank of Nigeria is hereby ordered to declare the whereabouts of the money recovered from Cecilia Ibru; and what part of this cash and properties has been returned to Oceanic Bank and/or its shareholders.

"What is done officially must be done according to the law", Justice Idris held.

The judge however, refused the prayers of the plaintiff seeking the court to compel the CBN to also release information on the cost of its banking reform and the amount of legal fees and other fees paid to professionals and professional bodies.

Police arrest soldier impersonator in Lagos From Matthew Aramunde, Lagos

T

he Lagos State Police Command paraded a man for impersonating as a soldier on Monday.

The man named Samuel Johnson who holds an OND from Lagos State Technical College, Ijanikin, Lagos, had been parading himself as a serving member of the Nigeria Army, Ojo Cantonment for four years.

Three police walkie-talkie radios, 10 pairs of military uniform, four pairs of military boots and six military belts were recovered from the suspect.

According to the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Umar Manko, the 22-year-old suspect

who lives at Ilogbo Road, Ajangbadi, was arrested on September 17 in full military uniform.

"During interrogation, he confessed that he bought the military uniform from a serving soldier attached to Nigeria Army Intelligence, Ojo Barracks and have been parading himself for over four years as a serving soldier", he said.

Samuel who hails from IbionoIbom, Akwa-Ibom state, confessed that he bought the uniform he was wearing from one Lance Corporal Innocent in Ojo Barracks for N8,000. He added that he buys the unprogrammed walkie-talkie from Alaba international market and in turn sells it to police officers in Okokomaiko area of Lagos.

Rising debt profile: Nigeria to borrow $25bn by 2015

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he Federal Government is expected to borrow $25 billion by 2015, Nigeria's Debt Management Office (DMO) told the House of Representatives yesterday during a public hearing on the 2013-2015 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy (MTEFF)

submitted by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The projected figure, according to the DMO’s Director General, Dr. Abraham Nwankwo, represents the country's foreign and domestic borrowings flowing from 20132015 under review.

Nwankwo in his presentation on Nigeria's overall debt profile and expected borrowing for 2013-2015

told the joint panel that for 2012, Nigeria’s external debt is projected at $9,021.53 billion; 2013 ($12,165.10 billion); 2014 ($14,585 billion) and 2015 ($16,765 billion).

A breakdown for domestic debt is projected at: 2012 ($6,483.81 billion); 2013 ($7,125.93 billion); 2014 ($7,792.41 billion) and 2015 ($8, 4441.86 billion).

At the meeting, chairman House Committee on Legislative Budget and Research, Opeyemi Bamidele, queried the absence of a debt ceiling and what it described as Nigeria's "aggressive" borrowing from local and international sources, federal lawmakers said the development has stifled chances for private business to access loans locally.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

N

o true blooded Nigerian will fail to seethe with fury the ongoing deportation of Nigerian women pilgrims from Saudi Arabia for an offence that is clearly not of their own making; a failure to travel in the company of a muharram (male chaperone).

About 400 women were detained at King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah from Friday until Monday under very inhuman condition before some of them were deported.

National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the states pilgrim welfare boards, the organisers of the annual pilgrimage to the holy land, must take the blame for that. But this is a familiar diplomatic sour dish regularly served Nigerians by foreign governments for the simple reason that some officials at home wilfully fail to do their job well. Also, in matters of citizen diplomacy, Nigeria is all bark without much bite.

On March 2, South Africa deported 125 Nigerian for their alleged failure to provide genuine yellow fever vaccination documentation. Among those deported were Nigerians who have lived in South Africa for several years.

In July this year, a diplomatic row was just averted following the ill treatment of Nigerians by Ghanaian officials at the Kotoka International Airport, Accra, over yellow fever vaccination. The Ghanaian officials reportedly rejected all the yellow fever cards from Nigeria, and the international passports of such Nigerians were seized by immigration officials and were only released after the payment of N2, 000 for Ghana’s yellow fever cards.

When news of the detention of some 400 Nigerian women pilgrims broke out, NAHCON officials tried to downplay the gravity of the situation by describing the cause of the incident as a communication gap, which would be quickly sorted out.

But the detention so infuriated the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, who is the Amirul Hajj, that he described the action of the Saudi authorities as “an insult to Nigeria and to this country’s millions of Muslims.”

According to the Sultan, the Saudis “never raised this issue and never demanded that the female pilgrims must have a ‘muharram.’ They did not make this a requirement for issuing visas.

“They issued visas to all these pilgrims, only to embarrass, detain and threaten to deport them when they arrived in the holy land. How can they do this to us? We have done a lot over the years to improve on our hajj operation and we do not deserve this humiliation.

The Amirul Hajj, who ordered the Nigerian pilgrims to resist any attempt to deport them, added that, “They issued them with valid visas, only to shift the goal posts at the very last minute, when they had already arrived in Jeddah.”

One of the deportees, who is from Adamawa state, lamented that, “We were quarantined in a prison-like camp: no food, no

Deportation of women pilgrims: A disaster in waiting Mass deportation of Nigerians for one malfeasance or another is nothing new. South Africa has done that not long ago as have some European nations, notably Spain, and Ghana, which has not only done it, but not long ago, threatened to do it again. The ongoing deportation of Nigerian women pilgrims from Saudi Arabia is simply one more diplomatic insult on Nigeria that would have easily been avoided, writes Abdu Labaran Malumfashi.

Some of the deported pilgrims women water, and with few conveniences to cater for hundreds of my unfortunate type in the camp”.

However, despite the intervention of the Presidency, the National Assembly and NAHCON, the Saudi authorities have continued to deport some of the women pilgrims who are not accompanied by their muharram, an exercise that has so far affected about 1000 women and counting.

The action of the Saudi Arabian authorities is very confusing, to say the least, if officials of NAHCON are to be believed.

At an at an interactive session by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Chairman of NAHCON, Mallam Mohammad Musa Bello disclosed that the commission has been complying with all rules governing hajj operations, while also wondering why this development is unfolding with no direct explanations by the Saudi authorities In what may be belated for the nearly 1000 women pilgrims

affected in the saga, NAHCON Monday directed state Muslim pilgrim welfare boards to strictly comply with muharram requirements in accordance with an earlier circular issued to them.

In a statement its Spokesman Alhaji Uba Mana, the commission said all state pilgrim boards must comply fully with an earlier circular directing that all female pilgrims must be accompanied by their male relatives who must travel with them in the same flight.

Part of the statement reads that, “We wish to use this medium to appeal to all state pilgrims welfare boards and agencies to comply with the circulars earlier sent to them regarding the matching of female pilgrims with their appropriate Muharrams and ensure that they travel together in the same flight.”

But at the time when the Nigerian women pilgrims were under detention in Saudi Arabia, some Nigerians officials, including state governors, were guests to the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, Khaled

O.Y. Abdrabuh, as he celebrated his country’s Independence Day. Nigerian officials are also notorious for blaming any Nigerians who find themselves on the wrong side of the laws of foreign nations without the benefit of a thorough investigation to ascertain the guilt or otherwise of the accused. Due to such levity, some Nigerians have met their end and many are languishing in foreign jails, in some cases, on death row with little hope of regaining their freedom.

The inhuman manner foreign missions in Nigeria treat Nigerians seeking their visa says much about the disdain most countries hold Nigeria, especially vis-a-vis the way we practically beg foreigners to come and invest in our country.

With such an attitude that gives little regard to the travails of its citizens in foreign lands, it is little wonder that every puny nation will find in Nigeria an easy punching bag that only barks but does little at the end of the day, regardless of the degree of the diplomatic slap on its face. The

Saudis would never dare treat in this shabby manner the nationals of countries like US, UK, France, China, Iran, Russia, etc. No matter the severity of the crime their nationals commit on foreign lands, these countries will leave nothing to chance to either free or get them home to stand trial for the alleged offence.

This protective attitude toward their citizens by other nations is perhaps the reason why only Nigerian pilgrims have so far been subjected to such dehumanising treatment by the Saudi authorities. At the first meeting with the Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria, Vice President Namadi Sambo noted that reports available to him suggested that only Nigerian pilgrims were subjected to such dehumanising treatment.

Corruption may be another reason why the Saudis will think nothing about insulting Nigeria diplomatically as they were recently reported to have vowed to stop any Nigerian leader from laundering money in their country.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

PAGE 5

N4.2bn theft: Witness absolves Atuche From Francis Iwuchukwu, Lagos

F

ormer Managing Director of Bank PHB Asset Management, Mr. Benedict Omonuah, yesterday, absolved former managing director of the defunct Bank PHB, Francis Atuche, of complicity in the sale of over 630 million units of shares of Afribank Plc held by the bank in trust for Cavernton Helicopters.

Omonuah, who is a witness in the on-going trial of the former bank chief at a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja, also contradicted the charge of N4.2 billion theft preferred against Atuche by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Atuche is facing a one-count charge of N4.2 billion theft alongside a former director of the bank Mr. Funmi Ademosu.

Omonuah, who was also the chief executive officer of Platinum Capital, an affiliate of the bank, told the court presided over by Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo that the stock broking firm only sold about 320 million units of shares valued at about N8.7 billion contrary to the claims of the EFCC that about 830 million units of shares were sold.

He said the balance of about 510 million units of shares are still in the custody of the stock broking arm of the bank because the cheque issued by Standard

Chartered Securities which indicated interest to buy them enblock bounced when presented for clearing.

Omonuah who was led in evidence by counsel to the EFCC, Sebastine Hon, told the court that sometimes in September 2008, they received instructions through the then Head of Credit Administration of the bank, Mr. Okorocha Azubuike, for the disposal of about 830 million of Afribank shares held by four companies, Ojemai Investment, Cavernton Helicopters, Atlantic Engineering and Bayinder " in the best market share".

He said that they only succeeded in disposing only about

320 million units.

Asked by the prosecution about how they handled the proceeds, he said, that the proceeds of the transaction was collected by Head of Credit Administration.

Omonuah explained that based on the advise received from him, cheques of N1.5 billion, N2.3 billion and N4.2 billion were issued in the names of Cavernton Helicopters, Ojemai Investment and Home Trust respectively.

A mild drama was however introduced during the trial when the prosecution objected to the witness being cross examined by the defence led by Chief Anthony Idigbe on a letter written by Mr. Sunny Obaze, a colleague of the

witness, which detailed the transaction in the Afribank shares.

Citing relevant provisions of the Evidence Act, Mr. Hon argued that the witness cannot be cross examined on the document because he was not the author.

Chief Idigbe however urged the court to overrule the objection since the witness had identified the document and for the relevance of the document to the case at hand.

In ruling, justice Onigbanjo overruled the objection raised by the defence and admitted the document as exhibit.

Further trial in the matter has been adjourned till November 19, 2012.

NDLEA, INCB teams assessing strategies on drugs peddling From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

E

fforts to revise strategies on how to cub the menace of hard drug peddling are being worked out by a team of experts from the International Narcotic Control Board (INCB), and officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Lagos.

The meeting of the duo is to also assess drug control strategies in Nigeria following the high profile case of drug seizure over the years, a situation that is causing global concern.

Chairman of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, while receiving the INCB delegation headed by the vice president of the board, Dr. Galina Korchagina, explained that the visit will strengthen the working relationship between both agencies.

Giade told journalists “the visit provides an interactive forum for INCB and NDLEA to appraise Nigeria's position in the control of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. This covers Nigeria’s efforts in the regulation of precursors, suppression of demand for drugs as well as progress recorded in supply reduction, research, treatment and rehabilitation”.

In his remark, Dr. Galina said “INCB ensures that adequate drug supplies are available for medical and scientific uses and that leakages from licit sources to illicit traffic do not occur. Nigeria is a crucial country in drug control in the West Africa sub-region and INCB is willing to collaborate with your country in drug control”.

Areas the two teams are expected to deliberate on include Nigeria’s efforts at strengthening and updating legislation and policy on drug control, administrative and institutional framework, compliance with treaty-based reporting and other drug preventive efforts.

The Vienna, Austria base delegation is expected to visit some of the NDLEA’s formation to have first-hand information in assessing the country’s current position.

The agency said it will also visit the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

R-L: President Goodluck Jonathan receiving Letter of Credence from Jamaican Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs. I. Ann Scott, during the presentation ceremony yesterday at the State House, Abuja.

PHOTO: JOE OROYE

Nigeria has 20.5m orphans, vulnerable children

By Maryam Garba Hassan

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igeria is said to have 20.5 million orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) as a result of HIV/AIDS pandemic and various kinds of crises and disasters in the country.

This was disclosed yesterday in Abuja by Oby Okwuonu, a deputy director in the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, who spoke on the challenges of OVC programmes, at a symposium on government responses to OVC in

Nigeria, organised by the ministry.

According to her, the number of OVC in the country is fast increasing as the figure was 7.5million in 2007 but increased by 13million in 2012.

In her address, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Maina, said the essence of the symposium is for experts to fashion ways of reaching vulnerable children to ensure their inclusion in essential services and to protect them

from exploitation, abuse, and neglect.

She added that the symposium has also created an opportunity for vulnerable children to know how to reduce their vulnerability and the options they have to protect themselves against any form of violence.

She however, lamented the number of child hawkers, child beggars and incidences of child rape in the country which she said are on the increase. She said “unless, and until something is

done about the situation of these categories of children, the future will be very bleak for a lot of our children”.

“Let us remind ourselves that matters of OVC survival, development and protection are no longer matters of charity but a moral and legal obligation. We shall be held accountable for their care to an international body, the United Nations (UN) Committee on the Rights of the Child which we have agreed to report to regularly”, she said.

50th anniversary donations: ABU VC thanks Unity Bank

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he Vice-Chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, has thanked the management of Unity Bank Plc and its three subsidiaries for collectively donating the sum of N5million to the university towards the hosting of the institution’s 50th anniversary slated for 23rd – 24th of

November, 2012.

The institution’s Deputy ViceChancellor Administration, Prof.

Ibrahim Na’iya Sada who doubles as the chairman, ABU at 50 Implementation Committee, and who stood in for the VC at the the presentation of the donations, commended the Alhaji Ado Yakubu Wanka-led management of the bank for its support and interest in the university.

A statement signed by media

adviser to the Vice-Chancellor, Malam Waziri Isa Gwantu, said Prof. Mustapha who urged other institutions in the country to emulate the good gesture of Unity Bank Plc, however, said the university is looking forward to receiving more donations from its alumni, friends and stakeholders.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed optimism that the event which will among other things, unfold the university’s future agenda and

projects to be executed from now to the next 50 years, would be a historic one in view of the support and assurances coming from its alumni, friends and stakeholders like the Unity Bank.

Earlier, in his address, the bank’s Executive Director, North West, Alhaji Ismaila Galadanchi who led the delegation, congratulated the Ahmadu Bello University for its 50 years of landmark human and national development.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

NIS warns against fraudsters, job syndicates

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

N

igeria Immigration Service (NIS), has warned the public against the activities of fraudsters, which it said have resorted to collecting money from job seekers on the false

pretext of assisting them to secure employment opportunities in the service.

The service which gave this warning yesterday in a statement issued in Abuja by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Joachim Olumba, added that "it was very large sums from job-

seekers, the fraudsters issued their victims with fake appointment letters. Some of these unfortunate victims have been arrested for presenting fake letters of appointment when they appeared for documentation at the headquarters of the service", the

statement said.

It also debunked rumours of recruitment in some quarters, saying that the service was not recruiting and does not charge any fee during recruitment.

"The purported claim about recruitment into the service was a deliberate attempt by some

fraudsters to dupe gullible and desperate job-seekers", it said.

He further urged members of the public to discountenance any information about on-going recruitment in the service, saying adequate publicity would be placed on the website of the service at the appropriate time.

Nigeria has a lot to celebrate at 52, says Senator Adamu From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

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L-R: Chairman, National Population Commission (NPC), Mr. Festus Odimegwu, Chairman, House Committee on Population, Hon. Abdullahi Garba, and Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Abdul-Razak Zaki, during the committee's oversight visit to NPC, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

HIV/AIDS: We want anti-stigma bill passage fast-tracked - DG NACA

By A'isha Biola Raji

T

he Director General of National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA), Prof.

John Idoko, has called on the National Assembly to quickly pass the current AIDS/HIV anti-stigmatisation and anti-discrimination bill which is currently on its desk.

Idoko made this call yesterday in Abuja at the entry meeting scheduled to hold for three days for ECOWAS team to analyse existing laws on HIV/ AIDS. The bill according to him will enrich the legal frame-work of the ECOWAS parliament. "We want the anti-stigma bill passed in a fasttracked manner so as to go in accordance with the ECOWAS legal frame-work", he said.

He said human right is very important for pregnant women living From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

S

ocial critic, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, has castigated President Goodluck Jonathan as lacking the stamina and ill-prepared to rule the country.

Tsav who took a swipe on the Jonathan administration during a chat with journalists on the 52nd Independence anniversary of Nigeria yesterday in his Makurdi residence, fumed that the government has not achieved much in improving the wellbeing of Nigerians.

with the disease, the vulnerable groups and people of minority age. "If we go to ECOWAS parliament and get the law binding on all West African countries, we will reduce stigmatisation to 0level", he explained.

In his speech, the President, Human Rights Commission, ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Brima Kamanda, described the rate at

which people living with HIV/ AIDS are being discriminated against in most West African countries as alarming. He however called on all the stakeholders charged with the legislation and minimum legal requirements to quickly address the issue.

Mr. Abdulrahman Yakubu who

represented the executive secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Ben Angwe, said the commission has received complaints from NACA and directly from people living with HIV on the spate of discrimination against them, and that it is poised to work with stakeholders to facilitate the passage of the anti-stigma bill.

'Not all Nigerians are dubious', says Nasarawa lawmaker From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

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member of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly (NSHA), Philip Aruwa Gyunka (PDP, Akwanga north), has debunked claims indicating that Nigerians are generally dubious, saying that it is wrong for anyone to make such sweeping claims,

even as he agreed that "there are of course, some few bad eggs", Gyunka stated this in Lafia, during a reception to mark the ordination of his younger brother, Rev. David Aruwa Gyunka, as a chaplain in the Nigeria Army, which held at the Savannah Guest Hotel.

The lawmaker observed that for the country to move to the next level, there is the need for Nigerians to imbibe the fear of God in their daily activities, as according to him, "the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom", adding that the ordination of his brother as a Chaplin is in line with the family tradition since their father died as a Reverend.

Jonathan has failed, says Tsav

…backs Saudi Arabia for deporting pilgrims He lamented that infrastructural development has continued to elude the country while the President boasts of attracting foreign investors, adding that corruption has plagued the nation.

"The President eats and dines with corrupt people and then gives them national awards. Nobody has been

prosecuted for any corrupt act. Look at the case of Lawan and Otedola. The President is merely paying lip service to corruption. Corruption is on top of government instead of government been on top of it. In fact this country is still far from developing", he regretted.

The former police commissioner condemned the zoning system in

Nigerian democracy which has continued to produce mediocre, contending that it should be discarded to pave way for credible persons to rule the country.

He also frowned at the arrest of alleged members of the Boko Haram sect without prosecution, stating "their level or degree of involvement is not

he Senator representing Nasarawa West Senatorial zone, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, has said Nigerians have reasons to celebrate despite the challenges facing the nation.

Senator Adamu who said this in a statement issued in Abuja to mark the nation's 52nd Independence anniversary, added that Nigerians should endeavour to look past the challenges particularly the difficult security situation in the country at present and be grateful for the enormous resources the nation is blessed with.

He said if these resources - both human and natural - are harnessed maximally, they would help fast track the transformation of the country for the better.

The former governor of Nasarawa state urged Nigerians to continue to be patriots "and believe in the oneness of the country as it is the only country we can call our own". He reminded Nigerians that the problems being faced are not peculiar to the country as developed countries of the world have all had their share of travails which they had to overcome.

The Senator praised the resilience of the Nigerian people whom, he said, in spite of the harsh economic climate and other difficulties "have remained law abiding and have been true to the ideals of the nation's founding fathers by remaining their brothers' keepers".

He called on Nigerians to always look inwards and rededicate themselves to the task of rebuilding the nation to ensure a brighter future for the next generation, adding that Nigerians should not despair but be hopeful of a brighter and more prosperous future.

Senator Adamu also urged President Goodluck Jonathan to remain steadfast as he navigates the country through trying times and congratulated him on Nigeria's 52nd anniversary. known to Nigeria".

The Benue state Amir-ul Hajj backed the Saudi Arabia authorities for deporting female Muslim pilgrims for flouting their laws that stipulates that a married woman must be accompanied by her husband or a relation and blamed their attitude on corruption and ignorance.

"I do not have any sympathy for the deportees. Those who screened them should be made to answer questions. It is greed because most of the pilgrims do not go there for religious worship but to trade", Tsav noted

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

PAGE 7

Yuguda condoles family of late Adegbite From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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L-R: Chief of Defence staff, Air Chief Marshal O.O. Petinrin, Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada and Chief of Naval staff, Vice Admiral Ola S. Ibrahim, during the launching of the new Nigeria Navy camouflage uniform, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Joy Baba

Nigerian Navy launches new uniform

By Joy Baba

T

he Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim, has said the increasing role of the Nigerian Navy in internal security operations to curb insurgencies has necessitate the launching of a new camouflage uniform as evolving threats dictate a

more combative role for the military.

The CNS stated this yesterday in Abuja at the Defence Headquarters while launching the navy camouflage uniform noting that the uniqueness of the new camouflage blends with the maritime environment.

The CNS further said while

the blue rig will continue to be used for normal sea cruise and certain fatigue duties ashore, the camouflage uniform will be used for special operations and at the international arena by Nigerian Navy contingents in peace keeping operations.

In her response, the acting Minister for Defence, Mrs. Erelu Olusola Obada who was

also the special guest honor at the occasion, said the demands of combat duties like other sister services employed in peace keeping and other internal security duties in support of civil authorities was what necessitated the introduction of the camouflage into the scope of uniforms for the Nigerian Navy.

Ajimobi reinstates 1,499 sacked workers From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

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overnor Abiola Ajimobi f Oyo state has approved the reinstatement of a total of 1,499 out of the 3,000 workers recently sacked by the state government.

The workers were found wanting of falsification of academic certificates, falsification of age and personal data, having outstanding disciplinary cases against them and those categorised as non-existing staff, popularly called ghost workers.

The decision to reinstate the workers, reached at the weekly state executive council meeting held in Ibadan yesterday, was sequel to the recommendations of the panel constituted by Governor Ajimobi to review the cases of the affected workers.

All the reinstated workers would be paid their salaries during the period in full.

The 13-member panel, headed by the state AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adebayo Ojo, had based its recommendations that some of those found wanting of age falsification be o

reinstated on some facts which it brought for the government’s attention.

The panel also based its recommendations on the appeal by the governor that the panel should be very liberal, considerate and humanitarian in the discharge of its assignment and his (Ajimobi’s) charge that it should work in accordance with the well-known legal

maxim that “it is better to set free a thousand guilty persons than to convict an innocent man”.

According to the panel, as much as the government wanted to begin the reform of the public service and begin on the clean moral slate of removing bad eggs from the system, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to prove charges of age falsification against the

affected workers.

A total of 357 officers who were not cleared by the panel would, however, be compulsorily retired from civil service on their present grade levels.

Governor Ajimobi had based the sack of the workers on the need to reform the state public service which he said had been found out to be riddled with inefficiency and gross corruption.

Abstinence is key to getting away from drug abuse, says NDLEA

M

r. Obiefule Dennis, the FCT Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has advised people to abstain from the use of illicit drugs to avoid health complications.

Dennis told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja that abstinence was a means through which people could avoid drug abuse and its addictive nature.

According to him, abstinence is the best approach to dealing with issues of drug abuse and addiction.

Dennis referred to drug abuse as the habitual intake of addictives or illegal drugs, advising parents and

guardians to sensitise youths on dangers associated with the vice.

He identified marijuana, nicotine, alcohol and cocaine to be some most commonly abused drugs, especially by youths that could lead to damage of the organs, addiction, and also affect patterns of behaviour.

The commander observed that there was an increase in the incidence of young people indulging in drug abuse, and advised youths to abstain to guarantee a healthy living.

He also advised governments at all levels, to always mark health days such as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit

Trafficking to promote healthy living through information dissemination.

“Governments should mark more international health days in the country to provide people with useful information and opportunity to gain knowledge on ways to imbibe health practices.

“If that is done, it will help people to avoid exposure to drug abuse and drug addiction.’’ he said.

NAN reports that the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking launched by the United Nations General Assembly is celebrated globally on June 26, every year.

(NAN)

auchi state governor, Malam Isa Yuguda has commiserate with the immediate and extended families of late Islamic scholar Dr. Abdullateef Adegbite, describing his death as a great loss to the country particularly at this time when attention is focused on bringing lasting peace to the deteriorating security situation in the country.

A press statement signed by Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Ishola Michael Adeyemi in Bauchi yesterday, described the late secretary general of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria as a peace loving, cool headed and religious elder statesman who did everything humanly to ensure unity of the country.

The statement while condoling the government and people of Ogun and Lagos states over the death, urged them to take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life and left behind a legacy worthy of emulation.

It urged the families to take heart and accept the loss in good fate because every mortal must die; it prayed Allah to give them the fortitude with which to bear the irreparable loss.

Don’t patronise quacks for medical tests – Registrar advises Nigerians

T

he Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria has advised Nigerians to patronise only registered laboratory scientists to avoid endangering their lives through wrong diagnosis by quacks.

Prof. Anthony Emeribe, the Registrar of the council, gave the advice yesterday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He said that laboratory results that were not accurate could result in ‘misdiagnosis’ which “can expose a patient to danger’’.

“When we have people who have no proper training, or who are not registered and licensed to practice, conducting tests and issuing out results, we will be predisposed to wrong result, wrong diagnosis and a big challenge”, Emeribe said.

He described the problem of quacks in the profession as “a serious issue against, which the council is intensifying efforts through increased inspection, monitoring and evaluation of practitioners to eliminate fakes”.

Emeribe said the council was deploying inspectors across the country to check and evaluate the “conditions of laboratories, their personnel and equipment” in order to detect quacks and unregistered practitioners for sanction. (NAN)

PAGE 8

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

L-R: President, Nigeria Guild of Editors, Mr Gbenga Adefuye, former Ogun state governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and former Abia state governor, Mr Orji Uzor Kalu, during the launch of a book titled “here comes the commander-in-chief” written by Gabriel Akinadewo, yesterday in Lagos.

Photo: NAN

R-L: Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed, and Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide , during a meeting with secretaries of departments and agencies of FCTA, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

L-R: Oyo state Commissioner for Education, Mrs Tokunbo Fayokun, Commissioner for Information, Mr Bosun Oladele, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Pastor Taiwo Otegbeye, during a briefing on reinstatement of some of the sacked civil servants in the state, yesterday in Ibadan.

Photo: NAN

L-R: Ismailm Atobaje, Shirfdeen Shoronke, and Zainab Odunayo Atanda, holding Holy Qur’an, during the 2nd Walimat ceremony of Munirat Olalonpe/Amoda Yusuff Memorial Arabic School, on Sunday in Ayobo Ipaja, Lagos.

L-R: Minister of Education, Professor Ruqayyatu Rufai, National President, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Micheal Alogba, Secretary General of the union, Obong Ikpe Johnny Obong, and Registrar, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Professor Adison Wokocha, during press briefing on 2012 World Teachers Day, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

Kwara seeks ownership of FG projects From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

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he Kwara State Governor Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has sought the permission of federal government to allow the state government ownership of federal projects after their completion.

Governor Ahmed who stated this on Tuesday during the courtesy visit by Minister of Information, Labaran Maku and his good governance tour team noted that these projects if completed could not be sustained and maintain without user involvement.

He explained that the people of the state are the users of federal roads, irrigation system as well as structures stressing that the inability of the federal government to maintain these facilities caused dilapidation and decay.

Earlier, Minister of Information, Labaran Maku who emphasised the need for the tour said it was an avenue to make the grassroot aware of federal and states projects which would extend dividends of democracy to them.

PAGE 9

Corruption, poor economy sparked insecurity, says NLC …Asks leaders to free themselves of foreign control

By Muhammad Nasir

T

he Nigeria Labour Congress has linked corruption and the near collapse of the economy as responsible for the increasing spate of insecurity, violent crimes and the dangerous reality of terrorism in Nigeria.

It also urged policy makers in Nigeria to free themselves of pressures and blackmail from foreign institutions whose neo-

liberal economic policies never worked, but only widened the gap between the rich and the poor, destroyed jobs and industry as well as education.

The disclosure was made yesterday by the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Abdulwaheed Omar on the occasion of the 52nd anniversary of the country’s Independence.

“We must all prepare to take our collective destiny on our hands

and pursue a quick reawakening that will rebuild our collective capacity to engage the political class who has continuously shown their inability to rescue our country from the abyss.

“Workers and working families must not give up. We must be prepared to provide vision if they have none, and give them an agenda, if they have none. We must constantly demand good governance to halt their constant

Youth protests harassment of almajirai in Katsina From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

H

undred of youth in Dutsinma town in Katsina state took to the street to protests the alleged physical assault of an almajiri by a female food vendor in the town.

Peoples Daily reliably gathered that it took the intervention of the district head of Dutsinma, ‘Yandakan Katsina, Alhaji Sada Muhammad Sada to avert bloodshed between the police and the aggrieved youth.

An eyewitness told our correspondent that the incident occurred at around 1 pm along Abuja road in Dutsinma when the food vendor lost her cool and slapped her errand boy.

It was similarly gathered that the almajiri boy retaliated by slapping the food vendor. She used her mobile phone to call the police, but our correspondent gathered that when the police on arrival, attempted to whisk the boy away, the youths resisted.

However, as the heated debates over the attempted arrest continued, the police later returned and arrested some people.

This angered the youths who stormed the area’s police station demanding the release of the boy.

It was also gathered that in an attempt to put pressure to the police to release those arrested, the youths blocked all roads leading to the police station.

More youths in the area joined the protest, forcing the Divisional Police Officer of the area to take refuge at the district head’s residence.

When contacted, the acting police public relations officer, ASP Lawal Amadu Joka confirmed the crisis and said normalcy has since returned to the area.

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mr. Geoge Ossi, former Minister of Women Affairs, Ambassador Judith Attah, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina, and Special Assistant to the President on Social Development, Mrs. Sarah Pana, during the special launch to mark the United Nations International Day of Older Persons in honour of senior citizens, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

display of impunity and disgust for our collective interests.

We must not lose hope but renew our energy towards deepening the struggle for good governance, for together we shall outgrow our challenges,” he noted.

The NLC President said at 52, the aspirations of Nigerians, was a country that would accomplish feats in governance, science and technology, industrial and infrastructural development as well as attain a high standard of living.

However, Omar said, the promise of civil rule since 1999 was yet to signal attainment of these goals.

He said the challenges facing the country could not be overcome by the present political class and their Brenton Woods neo-liberal economic philosophers, but by the will of the working class in pushing for change that focuses on job creation, the welfare of the poor rather than capital and big business interests.

Omar stressed that the neoliberal market-driven policies which decisively reared its head in the so-called Structural Adjustment programme in 1986, and has been rabidly and blindly pursued since 1999, could not rejuvenate the Nigerian economy.

“What the country requires… is a critical state-led development programme that has seen the transformation of many economies of Asia. Even the apostles of neoliberalism, had to resort to intensive state intervention and huge dosage of regulation when hit by the recent global financial crisis”.

Blast kills soldier, injures 5 in Borno From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

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andemonium erupted in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital Monday when bomb blast hit a moving military patrol vehicle, killing a soldier, while five others were critically wounded.

Our correspondent gathered that the incident occurred along the ever busy Lagos street when

C

onsultant, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon, Dr. Ngozi Emma-Nzekwue, yesterday in Benin said that self medication was the major cause of deafness.

Emma-Nzekwue, who consults for Stella Obasanjo Mother and Children Hospital in Benin, said that some antibiotics and malaria drugs could cause deafness when taken without doctor’s prescription.

She defined deafness as that degree of impediment when a person was unable to understand sound even with hearing aids.

“When a patient has hearing loss, he can benefit from hearing

a patrol vehicle belonging to the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) reportedly drove over an improvised explosive device (IED), buried at the roadside.

Witnesses told newsmen that the JTF’s vehicle was heading to Gwange Ward, but attempted to stop at one of their security checkpoints, not knowing that an explosive device was buried to target them.

When the blast erupted, the

vehicles reportedly caught fire, while parts of human flesh littered the scene.

The incident caused pandemonium as the area was deserted for over five hours with residents forced to stay indoors.

“The whole episode was just like a Hollywood movie as no sooner had the patrol vehicle drove through the area, than the bomb instantly went off, while thick smoke engulfed the whole

area. A soldier was instantly killed on the spot, five others who sustained serious injuries were immediately rushed to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, (UMTH), but I doubt if they will survive due to the level of injuries they sustained,” an eyewitness, who declined identification said.

Spokesman of the JTF, Lt-Col. Sagir Musa declined comment on the incident.

Self medication, major cause of deafness – says ENT surgeon aids and surgery depending on the type of treatment, but deafness is like the end point”, she said.

The consultant said that drugs like Chloramphenicol, Quinine, and Streptomycin were autotoxin drugs (a poisonous substance), adding that they could damage the ear and cause deafness.

According to him, the drugs should only be taken when

prescribed by a doctor.

The ENT surgeon said that the use of certain drugs, especially anti viral drugs had also been known to cause deafness in children when taken during pregnancy.

“Women having fibril illness (rashes, chicken pox, measles) during pregnancy should see the doctor for proper drug administration and treatment to avoid damaging the ears of the unborn child.”

Emma-Nzekwue said that hearing loss as a result of a slap on the ear could progress to deafness, adding that constant exposure to noise, old age and ear infections could also cause hearing loss.

“Have ear screening once a year sometimes you may not know that you are losing your hearing.

“People should know that it is their right to see an ear specialist when they have ear problems,’’ the surgeon said. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBHER 3, 2012

PAGE 11

Access loans with ease through credit property insurance

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ot a few people have been left disappointed by financial institutions after presenting their personal assets as collateral for a certain credit facility. This is the situation most times, not because the property is not worth the value of the loan, but because it is not insured against certain risks.

However, that scenario may be in the past because with Credit Property Insurance, your loan request gets express approval as there is less risk exposure on the facility when it has an insurance

cover.

Credit property insurance protects personal property used to secure the loan if destroyed by natural disasters, accidents or theft during the term of coverage.

Unlike the other credit insurance products, credit property insurance is not directly related to an event affecting your ability to repay your debt.

For this reason, it becomes necessary that those going for longterm loans should ensure they have an insurance cover, besides which it makes the process of securing a

loan easier and faster.

Meanwhile, finance analysts insist that banks find it challenging to grant long-term loan facilities to borrowers because many Nigerians are yet to embrace the culture of insurance. As a result, short and medium-term facilities are more common.

While insurers have come up with a number of credit polices that could support those in search of property acquisition or loan facilities for different kinds of investments, credit insurance generally does the trick. Those who

know about it have always requested for it during acquisition of estate or loans from lenders.

Credit insurance is certainly your choice insurance if you should happen to take out a loan that protects both you and the lender in the event that you are unable to repay the loan owing to death, disability or unemployment.

Credit insurance is always sold in connection with a specific loan, and the cost of the insurance (if any) is generally built into the loan payment.

This type of insurance has been designed in different types and includes: Credit life insurance, which is exactly as the name implies - life insurance that will pay off the amount of debt on a line of credit, such as a mortgage or credit card.

Getting Credit Life Insurance on a mortgage can be relatively inexpensive and can protect loved ones in the event of an unexpected

death, an expert says.

Credit Disability Insurance, also called Accident and Health Insurance, pays a monthly benefit directly to the lender, equal to the loan's minimum monthly payment if the lender becomes disabled. But you must remain disabled for a certain number of days before a benefit is paid. In some cases, the benefit is retroactive to the first day of disability, while in others, the benefit begins only after the waiting period is satisfied.

Common waiting periods are 14 days and 30 days.

Credit Unemployment Insurance, also called Involuntary Unemployment Insurance, pays a monthly benefit directly to the lender equal to the loan's minimum monthly payment, if the lender becomes involuntarily unemployed as is the case during layoffs. Here, the lender must remain unemployed for a certain number of days before a benefit is paid. In some cases, the benefit is retroactive to the first day of unemployment, while in others, the benefit begins only after the waiting period is satisfied.

For cheap travels try 'round-the-world ticket'

A How to find your hidden talents (II)

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thers see it before you: One key to discovering a hidden talent is to remain open and receptive to new ideas no matter how crazy they may seem. For more than a dozen years after entering the workplace employers and clients regularly told me that I would make a great teacher. I never took the idea seriously because I could never see myself being comfortable in a conventional classroom environment. In 1994 I discovered a subject I am passionate about chocolate - and now I love teaching because it's fun, not work.

Find your strengths: The best way to find your strengths or hidden talents is to take the online test of the book, "Now, Discover your strengths!" by Marcys Buckingham. This online test will show you your hidden talents.

Quote All successful people are big dreamers. They imagine what their future could be, ideal in every respect, and then they work every day toward their vision, that goal or purpose.

- Brian Tracy: Speaker, Author

Capitalise on Your Strengths: Read the book Strengths Finder 2.0 (by Tom Rath). Take the assessment and Pay Attention to the messages it either provides or that it affirms.

Go with your gut: Go with your gut. Whatever gives you the most personal satisfaction is more than likely your hidden talent.

Do what you love: The best way to discover a hidden talent is to think about what you love to do.

What have you always wanted to try but haven't yet? What do you see others doing that you wish you were doing? The best tip for discovering your hidden talent is simply to think about what you love to do!

Take an improv class: An Improv Class will encourage you to think across so many genres: different movies, countries, accents, periods of time. Then you must become what is needed for the scene: an alien, an 18th century aristocrat, a 60 year old truck driver, a 5 year old girl. Get your different voices out, walk with a certain gait, dance, sing.

Transform yourself on stage, and you will discover more passions and hidden talents within!

Listen carefully: People will tell you everything about themselves if you listen carefully and do not interrupt them. For hiring, friendships or doing

business with them always do some background checking (credit report for example will often tell you where they live and have lived for evaluating their resume or conversation).

Follow Eleanor Roosevelt’s Suggestion: Do something that scares you every day." Following this quote from Eleanor Roosevelt will help you find your hidden talent(s).

Try Everything: Try everything!

Whatever your hidden talent is will shine through as you'll be mediocre (or completely suck) at everything else. The trick is to quickly realize what you're not good at.

Comfort zones stunt your growth: The best way to explore hidden talents is to try completely new "scary" things for yourself.

Skydive, sing at a Karaoke, visit a church you know nothing about, volunteer for a crisis center, join a club, study something completely foreign to you. Break out of your comfort zone and you might be surprised what gets waked up in you.

Be Creative: Each day set aside 2-3 minutes of quiet time to contemplate a project or idea you are working on - give yourself space and time to do this, if you get distracted write a note.

Concluded (Source: Readers Digest)

lthough, it is now known to be issued by airlines in the global alliances, a round-the-world ticket (also known as round-the-world fare or RTW ticket in short) is a product that enables travellers to fly around the world for a relatively low price.

RTW tickets have existed for some time and in the past were generally offered through marketing agreements between airlines on several continents.

Now, they are almost universally offered by airline alliances such as SkyTeam, Star Alliance and Oneworld, or by specialist travel agencies that will spend time helping customise a trip to the consumer's needs.

However, it is good for customers to know that round-the-world tickets are priced according to travel class, origin of travel, number of continents, mileage and sometimes season of travel.

With this, the traveller benefits from the large and optimised network of the airline's alliance and can oftentimes participate in the alliance's frequent flyer programmes, although RTW tickets are usually subject to restrictions.

Also, you need to know that not all international airlines are on the alliance, but most of them have

now joined. Therefore, you need to find out if the airline you wish to travel with is one of the global networks or the alliances if you want to get the RTW. For such fares or tickets, the start and end of the journey will always be located in the same country or at least, one crossing each of the Atlantic and Pacific must be included in the itinerary. Also, the dates and journey do not have to be preplanned, but may be changed en route at a local office of any airline in the alliance, although a change of destinations often results in an additional fee, and if the next flight is left open-dated the booking can be dropped by the airlines' computers.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

PAGE 12

EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

CBN's bad debtors blacklist

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in mid-September, put 113 firms and 419 directors/ shareholders on its blacklist of bad debtors and instructed the country's deposit banks to stop lending to them forthwith. According to the apex bank, these are debtors that refused to repay loans to banks which had had to be purchased by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). It says the ban affects debtors the outstanding value of whose loans bought by AMCON amounts to N5 billion or above.

Companies on the CBN’s blacklist include Zenon Petroleum, owned by Otedola, which is indebted to banks to the tune of N192.4 billion; MRS Holdings Limited, which belongs to Dantata N119.98 billion; Seawolf Limited - N98.32 billion; Arik Air Limited, belonging to Arumemi-Ikhide - N85.481 billion; NITEL Plc/M-Tel - N71.547 billion; and Capital Oil and Gas Limited, owned by Ifeanyi Ubah (N48.014 billion).

Others include Falcon Securities, whose Managing Director, Peter Ololo, was arraigned alongside several bank executives in 2009 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) N162.9 billion; Rockson Engineering Limited, owned by Arumemi-Ikhide N60.475 billion; BGL Securities - N6.44 billion; Rahamaniyya Oil & Gas Limited N46.38 billion; Bi-Courtney Limited N20.214 billion; and Geometrics Engineering, owned by former power minister Bart Nnaji - N19.76 billion.

Also blacklisted are Aero Contractors Company, owned by the family of Michael Ibru - N32.579 billion; Tinapa Business Resort - N18.509 billion; Nestoil Limited, belonging to Ernest Azudialu - N13.506 billion; Dorman Long Engineering N9.667 billion; Ascott Offshore Nig. Ltd, belonging to Henry Imasekha; Berkley Group - N64.728 billion; Gitto Constuzioni - N11.838 billion; and Dansa Foods N14.880 billion, whose directors, Sani and Abdul Dangote, are the brothers of

business mogul, Aliko Dangote.

Cross River and Zamfara state governments which are yet to pay back loans they collected from banks are on the list too.

“It has become necessary to stop debtors who failed to repay their loans to banks, and had these loans subsequently transferred to AMCON, from further enjoying credit facilities from deposit money banks until they fully repay agreed outstandings to AMCON”, the CBN said in its circular dated September 17, 2012.

“

Another option would be for AMCON to take over the companies it feels still are not doing well in spite of purchasing their debts and them under appointed professionals to restructure them and their debts Expectedly reactions in the financial sector have been mixed. While some have criticized the CBN’s decision to wield the big stick against the big debtors as “ill-advised”, others have welcomed it as coming in the neck of time. A former aviation minister, Mr. Babatunde Omotoba, for instance, believes that the best way to treat a company “weighed down by indebtedness” is not to starve it of funds as that will mean killing it completely and putting many jobs on the line. He is, however, contradicted by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Cowry Asset Management Limited, Mr. Johnson Chukwu, who says blacklisting

OUR MISSION “To be the market place of ideas and the leading player in the industry by putting the people first, upholding the truth, maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards while delivering value to our stakeholders”

debtors who have defaulted in repaying the hefty loans they took from banks “is a standard practice in the banking industry”.

We, at Peoples Daily, hold the position that nobody, no matter their status, should be allowed to draw on lines of credit continually without paying back. To allow that is to deny others access to credit to grow their own businesses too; certainly, this will be unhealthy for the economy.

However, we note an apparent contradiction in the position of the CBN and what it says about the individual debtors, particularly regarding the performance of their loans. Take Zenon Petroleum, for instance, whose initial debt of N192.423 billion was priced by AMCON at N140.999 billion. The CBN memo says that “negotiations are ongoing and with fairly clear roadmap”. It also reveals that MRS Holdings' debt of N119.986 billion, acquired by AMCON at a price of N91.620 billion, has been “restructured and is performing”.

Similarly, Seawolf's debt of N98.328 billion that AMCON, priced at N88.496 billion, was put at “negotiations ongoing”, while Arik Air's debt of N85.481 billion, which by AMCON acquired at N62.970 billion, has been "restored but there is a moratorium".

Now the question is if the loans are performing, as the CBN says, or they enjoy a “moratorium”, why the drastic action against the borrowers? Will it not make more economic sense to grant them a further breather and urge them to make the repayment faster?

Another option would be for AMCON to take over the companies it feels still are not doing well in spite of purchasing their debts and put them under appointed professionals to restructure them and their debts. After all, the aim is to recover the debts, not kill the defaulting companies.

We think CBN should rethink its decision.

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OUR VISION

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HEAD, ADVERT/MARKETING HUSSAINI ABDULRAHMAN, CNA

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HEAD, LAGOS BUREAU ADESOJI OYINLOLA

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

PAGE 13

Nigeria’s Senate and the Senegalese experience

By Mike Adekaa

T

he news about the scrapping of the upper legislative house (Senate) in Senegal is no longer new as the media houses have continued to caption the development in their papers.

The reason for the action as given is to save money to assist victims of recent flood in Senegal which has left several people death and thousands homeless and without property.

Whatever other reasons pessimists would like to provide, the fact remains that President Macky Sall has demonstrated to Africa and to the world that government exists for the people.

His action has also shown that he is more concerned about the survival and welfare of the people he is leading than to enrich and protect the positions of the few whose cost of maintenance is put at $15million. The government preferred to use the money that would be saved to put in place measures that would not only cushion the effect of the flood at present but to prevent future occurrences. Sall is a leader indeed.

When will Nigeria, the big brother, learn good lessons like this from her sister African country like Senegal?

Incidentally, Nigerians are presently facing the same problem but as usual, our leaders, including the Senate are rather milking from the unfortunate calamity.

In Nigeria, such unfortunate happenings are usually seen as avenue of making more money.

They would be seen touring every place and claiming to distribute relief materials worth hundreds of millions of naira but the people affected end up getting just one third of the said materials. What a pity and greedy leaders we have that are so corrupt and ready to sell death bodies for money.

In Nigeria, the Senate has become a syndicate, a cabal and a class of capitalist bourgeoisies, most of whom have stolen from the public funds over the years.

They are former governors, ministers, Deputy Governors, Ambassadors, captains of industries, top military officers and other political leaders.

Funny enough, most of them have done nothing in their constituencies to justify their

going there talk less of staying there. They are not even accessible to their people as they are usually found in Abuja and overseas on jamboree trips.

Sadly enough, these are the most highly paid Nigerians whose earnings cannot be explained nor justified. They have become conduit pipes hampering national development.

I laugh at the Senate President recently. Imagine the Senate President, General David Mark, goofing recently

of N1.2 trillion that drew the wrath of the people. Against the background that actual subsidy payment was just about N300billion in the preceding year indicates strongly that officials facilitated the stealing of over N1.8 trillion from the Nigerian people in just one year. Some state governments today award a kilometre of a single carriageway at close to N2billion.

This makes road construction in Nigeria one of the most expensive in the developing world despite the fact that labour and materials would be sourced at local rates. There is no gainsaying the fact that such road contracts were only deliberately inflated to serve as a conduit for stealing public fund. Recently it was announced that the Nigerian government would be spending N600 billion on the next national census. The cost of the UK 2011 compulsory census was N127 billion and that was because it hired several thousand ad-hoc workers to help it in language translation and had to pay those workers in British Pound. Nigeria would spend nearly five times even though its ad-hoc workers would be paid in Naira and below par relative to their British counterpart on the same job.

Though conceding that Nigeria has a larger population, the massive wage disparity in both countries however makes the planned N600billion excessively overpriced.

So what should Nigeria do?

Simple – stop complicating the art of nation building.

Nigeria must end the practice of spending huge Naira on what the nation does not need and divert those funds to urgent massive

deliberate infrastructure, agriculture and employment generation programmes across the country. The country’s leaders must have the strength to append a ‘NOT APPROVE’ on various money gulping but ‘of little or no value’ anti-development proposals that have come to define many public officers. A recent example was an approval secured by the CBN to commit N40billion to the minting of a new bill and coining of certain categories of Naira at a time of national economic depression where competing needs with superior claims to priority abound.

The nation must match her earnings with her capacity to address the needs of her citizenry.

The awkward scenario where a tiny percentage of Nigerians consume the nation’s finances in the guise of recurrent expenditure (put at nearly 80% in the 2012 budget) while capital projects (merely 18% in 2012) that the recurrent expenditure (RE) is meant to service remain unattended must give way. RE

when he said that the hopes raised over the years by budgets for a better life have remained “largely unrealistic”. Does it not sound ridiculous? Where has he been with his colleagues all those years? He has been in the Senate since 1999 and Senate President since 2007 but what has he done to ensure that such budgets were fully implemented to benefit the people. Whom is David Mark blaming or trying to please, if he is not telling Nigerians and the whole world that they are

“

President Goodluck Jonathan should rather follow the good example set by his African brother, Mr. Macky Sall of Senegal and take necessary steps towards that direction. The Senate is too costly to maintain, yet it has no positive impact to the lives of Nigerians. I believe the money that will be saved will be enough to eradicate poverty in Nigeria if properly utilized

incompetent to be in the Senate?

This comment from the Senate President justifies recent calls

by Nigerians for the scrapping of the Senate as it has outlived its usefulness. I read from the papers sometimes that a former female Senator from the north bought a house in Abuja at the cost of N900million.Sure this money was meant for her constituency.The Senate has become irrelevant and just duplicating the work of the House of Representatives who are more vibrant.

With this type of Senate, Mr President is happy and has chosen to honour them with national honours (for exploiting Nigerians?). President Goodluck Jonathan should rather follow the good example set by his African brother, Mr. Macky Sall of Senegal and take necessary steps towards that direction. The Senate is too costly to maintain, yet it has no positive impact to the lives of Nigerians. I believe the money that will be saved will be enough to eradicate poverty in Nigeria if properly utilized.

Mike Adekaa can be reached on madeks2000@yahoo.com

Nigerian leaders and nation building

By Tunji Aryomo

N

igerian leaders’ excuse of dearth of fund is in fact self-imposed in the face of the reality of the Nigerian government’s gratuitous profligacy. So also is the fallacious argument of crude per capita ratio introduced by some government officials in the wake of the subsidy protest by Nigerians. That argument falls flat when confronted with the reality that the Nigerian government is not responsible for Nigerians’ wellbeing in real terms as the average Nigerian is responsible for everything including his security, power generation, water production etc. Unlike countries such as Libya and other Arab oil producing nations with a history of actually sharing part of oil revenue with individual citizen (this writer is against this practice), the Nigerian government collects oil revenue and that is the end of it.

If anyone shares from it, past revelations have revealed those persons to be civil servants, politicians and their businessmen collaborators.

Hence, the principal reason for underdevelopment in Nigeria is the way the average government – federal, states and local governments – uses public fund.

This is the real barrier to sustainable development and the nation’s capacity to address the most fundamental needs of its people.

The list is endless: The clumsy arithmetic of the 2011 subsidy payment for instance showed that the Federal Government paid N2.19 trillion as fuel subsidy in 2011 as against the initial figure

must stop being a euphemism for the ‘money being shared monthly in offices’ (outside legitimate salaries) – usually by the lead civil servants (mostly Directors of Finance and Administrations, Permanent Secretaries and DGs) who also share portions of the money with ministerial, departmental and agency political leadership. This is a common practice at the federal, states and LG levels. Ordinarily, the money ought to be utilised as service and operational funds required to provide ministerial supervisions for the execution of the items listed as capital projects even as the latter is mostly shamelessly packed with items targeted at making leading civil servants and politicians more comfortable – the likes of the unending requirements to build new offices, new accommodations and the procurement of new furniture and fancy official cars – wherein ultimately the actual percentage of capital expenditure that goes into public works is further intolerably reduced.

“

Nigeria must end the practice of spending huge Naira on what the nation does not need and divert those funds to urgent massive deliberate infrastructure, agriculture and employment generation programmes across the country. The country’s leaders must have the strength to append a ‘NOT APPROVE’ on various money gulping but ‘of little or no value’ anti-development proposals that have come to define many public officers

Leaders must engage the support and services of competent Nigerians with the goal of evolving a development strategy and programmes capable of immediately engaging and empowering a reasonable chunk of the 60 million Nigerian youth population.

The YouWin programme of the Federal Government is good and commendable. But as this writer has stated at several fora, it is hugely inadequate as first call in the nation’s quest for ideas that can leapfrog and help close massive employment gap within the shortest time possible. YouWin should however play a supporting role as an initiative targeted at entrepreneurs and anchored by some of the active private sector players in Nigeria.

For certain categories of public works and services, the country should embrace proper market liberalisation that competitively allow global investors to show interest and end the practice of behind-the-scene choreographing of investment decisions while pretending to embrace privatization. Nigeria’s success with her telecom sector liberalization is an appropriate knowledge curve. With a robust legislation that promotes transparency, fairness and equity, the same thing could be done with rail transportation, electricity etc.

Finally, the nation must allow all development programmes including private sector participations to be guided by strict regimes of transparency and merit so as to promote equity, fairness and trust.

Tunji Ariyomo is reachable on oariyomo@nd-i.org.

PAGE 14

By Gerd Meuer

O

kay, you all know the story of the former “FIRST” Lady of the Philippines, one Imelda Marcos. You don’t ? Then let me tell you that this was the one with several thousand pairs of shoes in her armoires – and, like some of her African First Lady-Sisters, several hundred million dollars in Swiss banks.

She could therefore firmly state that she was a true FIRST or NUMBA one.

Now for the others; let me begin with Germany’s First Lady, though she is only the chanceleress. So Mrs. Merkel has a First husband, one Mr. Professor Sauer, but hardly anybody has ever heard of him. Small wonder since the good professor most of the time is hiding – not really, since he is hard working – away in his Berlin University laboratory.

Germany’s ‘First Man’ is the President – a man with virtually no power – the former protestant pastor Herr Gauck. And he does have a first lady.

But the day she knew she would be the first lady she gave up her job as the editor responsible for Internal Politics of a major

By Bayo Oluwasanmi

M

emories of our days make up the fabric of who we are. So, to have a better picture of how far our country has come in the last 50 years, three years ago I went home on an extended vacation. I stayed three months. My long stay afforded me a chance to travel to many parts of this beautiful country. I went back this past July to see how things have changed.

At that time of visit in 2010, the debate on how and why we should celebrate the 50 year of independence with millions of Naira was fought like a civil war.

In the mean time, millions of tax payers’ money had been funneled into the senseless rebranding of Nigeria’s image.

Supporters of independence jamboree argued that it was worth celebrating in spite of the intractable problems facing the country, Nigeria still remains one geopolitical entity.

The contention of antiindependence fiesta rested on the premise that there is nothing to show for it and that Nigeria is worse off than five decades ago.

As I journeyed through the length and breadth of this massive country, I was struck with awed silence the images I saw in the cities, towns, and villages.

My visit illuminates in granular raw detail the many battles faced by ordinary Nigerians especially grinding poverty and insecurity. It was a sneak preview of a horrible fact of impending doom of a nation on the verge of a precipice.

October 1, Nigeria turned 52.

Sadly, nothing has changed for the better.

The quality of life of our people in the last 52 years has been tragic beyond the telling. The stiff and wooden quality of Nigeria’s democracy is antithetical to the government of the people by the

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

First ladies and husbands But otherwise, De Gaulle or German newspaper, in exchange servants, and otherwise no perks. for being the ‘woman behind her The same holds for all past and ‘Tante Yvonne’ was hardly ever present First Ladies in Europe, to be seen, except when she left man’.

And let’s look at some of the except for the Iron Lady, Mrs. the Elysée on foot to do her others, in decades past and in Thatcher, who was, however, shopping for lunch or dinner in present days. As far as I know Great Britain’s Prime Minister – a shops around the corner.

Danielle Mitterand was very many of the American First Ladies full-time job! much on her were not very own, running much to write her own home about, be it foundation, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. ‘fed’ by Carter or the two Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text p r i v a t e Mrss. Bush. messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written donors and Okay there contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 not French were/are two, no, words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and state coffers. three notable a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed Well, Mr. exceptions. Two, to: Sarkozy’s for their beauty wife, Mrs. and stylishness; The Editor, Bruni, had the late Mrs. J. Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, been a Kennedy, later 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. chanson star Mrs. Onassis. And before she then the present Email: let ters@peoplesdaily-online.com married her Mrs. Obama, who is SMS: 07037756364 man, and is not only a beauty about to but also has a sharp Okay, there was also Mrs. resume her career soon. intellect. Number three: former But I can’t remember ever first Lady Hilary Clinton, now Brundtland of Norway. At present we have a few more such ladies – having heard of the other Secretary of State of the US. As far as I know American First Prime Ministers – in Denmark and European First Ladies, not of Mrs. Ladies are entitled to an office with elsewhere, working seven days a Monti of Italy, not of Mrs. Rutte of the Netherlands ... the list could some – a limited number of – civil week.

be continued enlessly. And I rarely hear of Mrs. Putin.

First ladies in the Northern part of the world all seem to lead a life in the wide shadows of their busy husbands, looking rather tired when they have to accompany their husbands on their state visits – and only on those do they accompany them.

And as far as gallivanting world-wide to do some expensive shopping – as Mrs. Mugabe seems to do and enjoy regularly – it is simply not heard of.

As far ‘First Ladies Summits’ are concerned – never heard of.

Which simply leads me to the conclusion that in Europe ‘emancipation’ hasn’t progressed that far yet.

Whereas in Africa, where the market-mammy rules supreme, First Ladies seem to have made it, with Mrs. Patience leading the way. May be this explains why after hardly two years ‘in office’ she already ‘done tire’.

You people should be more generous to her!

Gerd Meuer can be reached on gerdmeuer@t-online

for light, and light for darkness.

They promote bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter.

The wickedness of their wickedness is so suffocating that one can hardly breathe. As I write, I can smell the stench!

Their prescription for the needy is to rob them of justice and to take what is right from the poor. They’ve become aliens from the problems of our people, and strangers from the purpose of good governance.

Nigeria has become an uncaring nation tone-deaf to the cries of the poor. For 52 years, the group of oppressors in all the three branches of government deafly ignored the wounded and protesting hearts of suffering Nigerians.

In Nigeria, 97% of the oil wealth is shared among only 3% of the population. Meaning 97% of the population swims in penury. Over 70% of Nigerians are idle. Out of 160 million people, 67 million youths are unemployed.

Not long ago, someone wrote in one of the Nigerian dailies and predicted that “… a time is fast approaching whereby no one would cry over the death of a dear one and no joy would be expressed

over the birth of a new baby.” It’s that bad!

Over these many years, majority of Nigerians have been too blind to see, or too timid to speak out, or too self-satisfied to fight for a better life.

Unfortunately, there seems to be no Awolowo, Aminu Kano, Fawehinmi, Solarin, Ige, Imoudu, Goodluck (not President Jonathan, I mean Wahab Goodluck), Bala Usman, Adaka Boro, Enahoro, Fela, Akinsaya, Dele Giwa, Otegbeye, Ken Sarowiwa, and Akinsanya. And sadly, very few of Soyinkas, Falanas, Bakares, Jakandes, Agbakobas, and Oshiomholes and other die-hard icons of human and civil rights.

Like ancient curse, the same old problems have persisted for 52 years. The tyrannical majority with strange inconsistencies crisply avoided the issues that have made life hell on earth for our people.

The oppressors’ solutions to the nagging problems are laughable: For water, dig borehole. For electricity, buy generator. For roads, potholes are standard. For public transportation, hop on okada. For the police, call on vigilantes. For housing, sleep under the bridge. For jobs, get MTN/GLO/Zain kiosk and sell reloadable phone cards. And for healthcare, don’t get sick and if you’re sick die quickly!

At 52, Nigeria is a nation under siege! But I’ve got a message for these oppressors of moral leprosy: The peoples’ fury, anger, and anguish are gathering momentum. It’s in overdrive. For sure, your sins will find you out.

Once upon a time, it was the Tunis, the Egyptians, the Yemenis, and the Libyans.

Bayo Oluwasanmi can be reached on byolu@aol.com

WRITE TO US

At 52, Nigeria is under siege people and for the people.

The cities, towns, and villages visited look the same: disjointed, disenfranchised, disorganized, and badly fractured. Dilapidated houses and toxic shanties serve as housing for the poor.

The structures and conditions that passed for human habitat convinced me that we’re a race left behind other human races.

The stench from open sewers, infested gutters, and cancerous landfills constitute a major health hazard. Lack of basic necessities of life such as safety and security, electricity, water, roads, healthcare system, reliable public transportation, and quality education system taken for granted in civilized societies confirmed nonexistent of elemental governmental responsibilities.

We need no reasoned proof that unemployment, safety and security, and collapsed infrastructure foretell the looming macabre that awaits this once prosperous nation. The signs are all over the place.

Hawkers of all stripes and shapes clogged the road arteries.

Streets are invaded by army of minors selling wares of all sorts.

The harsh economic realities faced by their parents forced those innocent teens into voluntary servitude at an early age.

While civilized human societies spend billions of money annually on head start programs to prepare their young ones for the academic rigors of tomorrow, our children are being thrown away like rotten cocoa pods.

Perhaps, our senior citizens are the most neglected and rejected in our society. The ones I met look haggard and hungered, frail and fragile, confused and conquered.

They look broke, bitter, drained, empty, and destitute

with no where to turn to. There is no social safety net that I know of for the elderly in this oil rich country. What a tragedy!

I was crushed by the legion of poor Nigerians with stunted expectations written all over their faces. Their condition calls for emergency rescue and deliverance from abject poverty, squalor, and degradation.

It is sad to note that the elderly and the children are being treated as disposables. A country’s greatness is measured by the way it treats its elderly and children.

Our own democratic system works in reverse. In managing the affairs of the country the ruling class has chiseled a path of corruption and greed.

In their cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, they have divided the country into two camps: one nation, north and south, separate and unequal.

They feigned darkened understanding of the peoples’ problems. And because of the blindness of their hearts, they remain stubbornly unyielding to the voices of reason and sanity.

The ruling elite represent all that is wrong with bankrupt leadership: They call evil good and good evil. They advertise darkness

“

At 52, Nigeria is a nation under siege! But I’ve got a message for these oppressors of moral leprosy: The peoples’ fury, anger, and anguish are gathering momentum. It’s in overdrive. For sure, your sins will find you out. Once upon a time, it was the Tunis, the Egyptians, the Yemenis, and the Libyans

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

By Ose Oyamendan

I

love weekends like this. You get to sit on the balcony of life and make a toast to one of the very best places on God’s earth.

You may think it’s a million other places. For me, it would always be Nigeria. And, it’s not even because of that crap they drill into your head when you’re young that no matter where you go, home is best.

You gotta love Nigeria. The country has resources that is the envy of most nations. She has citizens that can Nigeria a global leader within a few years if our leaders would get out of their way.

But, it’s not always easy to be a Nigerian.

Sometimes when it’s bleak and dark, when the curse of leadership sweeps through the country like a foul, torrid stream, when foreigners raise eyebrows when they hear your name or when someone does something so bonehead you just wanna hide your face, your often wonder, “why am I a Nigerian?”

It’s why some Nigerians abroad try to bury their identity under strange accents that makes them sound like aliens. Problem is, it’s tough to bend a tongue that’s

By Obi Ebuka Onochie

A

ugust 30 2012 will be unforgettable for the people of Anambra state; the date marked its official admission into the league of oil producing states.

Discovery of oil is what every state in Nigeria is seriously craving for hence, the search for oil all over the federating units even at the oddest places hoping for the stroke of luck. The states of Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Abia, Bayelsa, Ondo, Imo, Cross River, and Edo are all enjoying what they referred to as unsatisfactory 13% while berating the North for seeking evenness in federal allocation.

The northern states who oppose the present allocation system are not relenting in their inextinguishable search for any drop of crude or natural gas in their various states.

Kwara state not long ago, came up with the news that crude has been found in their domain.

News has also filtered sometime in the past that Borno state also has some oil deposits at Lake Chad basin and Benue too claims they also have some unexplored oil deposit. The question for all Nigerians is what role does oil play in the prosperity, progress and development of a people and their environment? Does inflow of oil wealth guarantee a secured future? Villages, Communities, Local governments and States are searching and praying for oil discovery in their areas of authority. Nigerians and their government now eat oil, drink oil, sleep oil and wake oil, nothing makes sense to them except that which relates to oil and gas.

Early this year, I was discussing with my friend from Rivers state and he was thanking God for endowing crude oil in their soil. “I can’t imagine the level of poverty we would have been in if not for oil” he said. He argued that their region and not north east would have been the

PAGE 15

Why I am a Nigerian been hardened by pounded yam, eba or tuwo shinkafi.

You wanna know how tough it is to be a Nigerian sometimes.

Travel with a Nigerian passport.

At some airports, it’s like it’s a confirmation of guilt. The immigrations officers will adjust their glasses and preen over every word and letter.

Once, I was in a Middle Eastern country. My passport is one of those immigrations Officers respect so I glided through customs on my way in, had first class treatment all over the country and even talked a pretty traffic cop into swapping a ticket for dinner. Then, on my way out – the Nigerian in me got in my way.

It was a few months after the Christmas Day would-be bomber tried to blow a plane off the skies of Detroit. It was one of those awful Christmas when everything tasted sour because you know that senseless act would be like a body odor Nigerians carry for a long time. But, I didn’t expect it to affect me. I have a primo passport.

On this night, I was stuck like I was in a Lagos traffic on a rainy Friday. I asked to talk to the most senior supervisor. The lady came over with a frown that said, “mess with me and it’s jail for you”. I asked what the matter was. I even joked if I was being delayed because I was black. She didn’t find it funny and shot a bland “no” back at me.

She pointed to my place of birth on the passport. Ibadan.

That was the problem. Being a Nigerian was the problem. One kid had made about two hundred million Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora suspects.

Normally I would blow a fuse somewhere inside me. But, on this day, I was calm. Maybe because it was the proximity to the Holy land.

I stunned them by asking for a chair. I guess what you normally do is plead so you don’t miss your flight. I had no such worries. If they wanted to waste my time, I will help them by spreading the gospel of Nigeria.

“Let me tell you the truth

about Nigeria,” I began. For almost half an hour, I regaled her with the tales about the land of my fathers and those who would descend from me. The check-in line was almost empty now so some other officers wondered over. I tell stories for a living so this was Eldorado. I figured since the Nigerian government won’t sell Nigeria to the world, Nigerians should.

I told them abut the patriots who fought for independence from the British. I told them about growing up on streets like theirs where we played street soccer like their kids and siblings did. I told them about a time we slept at night without locking the doors until the IMF came with some restructuring program that put our lives in a spin. I told them that Nigerians can squeeze water out of a rock out of industriousness. I told them about Nigerians who always have a smile for you, water to cool you thirst and such buoyancy we were named the happiest people on earth. I listed

the names of some Nigerians achievers and they were shocked some of them were Nigerians.

A final call for my flight came through. The immigrations supervisor was worried that I’ll miss my flight because now someone was mangling my name on the airport speakers and telling everyone I need to run to the plane. But, I wasn’t done yet. They loaded me on a cart and I kept spinning my yarn to my small crowd of four as we rode to the departure gate.

At the walkway, my former adversary and new friend, the supervisor gave me a hug and asked, “so, why the problem with Nigeria?” I told her what I always believed. God blessed Nigeria with all the resources a nation needs to be great. To make it interesting, he gave us leaders too. But, it has gone beyond interesting and is now almost a curse.

I’m not too thrilled with the state of the nation. But, it’s what we have and it will get better or we’ll all die trying to make it better. And, if I have to do it all over again, I’ll still be born in that fancy, old hospital in Ibadan.

Ose Oyamendan is a Los Angeles-based Nigerian filmmaker

Oil: Illusion in wealth creation poorest in the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria if not for oil. To know where his conviction is coming from I asked him, why he believed poverty would have been their lot if not for oil. His response was tactlessly direct, “black men can’t create or handle wealth” he says.

In him I saw that with brilliance, education and exposure, environment still holds over seventy percent of what influences our beliefs. Currently nine states are enjoying 13% proceeds from the oil exploration going on in their back yards yet poverty walks with two legs on the streets of these states. Lagos state has no drop of oil yet, apart from infrastructure which many will argue that federal government built, no area of life apart from agriculture can we point any state in Nigerian federating units that is faring better than them. Japan, Korea, Singapore and most other Asian Tigers are success stories without oil wealth.

Drums were rolled out and uniforms were sewn as President Jonathan librated the Anambra oil which Anambra people believed past governments have inhumanly padlocked in redundancy under the guise of “strategic reserve”. There was unusual atmospheric gladness in the air even with the sacking of Prof. Bath Nnaji two previous days.

Oil dominated the discussions and many believed that Anambra can now reflect collective affluence as opposed to individual success which the state is known for. The mentality of people that oil wealth can change the lot of people still baffles me even with what we have seen in our over fifty-four years of having oil. Before you misunderstand me, what I am trying to say is that having oil wealth is not enough ingredients for success rather good

management is and that is where we are lacking the most. Before Anambra oil discovery, there are states that have had oil wealth for decades for example the neighboring Delta state. Removing the pains of oil exploration activities, official and unofficial corruptions from the gains of having oil, can any of them be said to be successful?

Some individuals from Anambra are already big players in the oil industry and have all beamed their commercial interests in their state’s new found wealth. Typical of Anambra, what and how this oil will translate into success story of the state is a puzzle only time will solve. The location of the oil wells and the Orient refinery used to be the battle ground for Umu-eri clans in the past and there is nothing to guarantee absolute calmness at the area except the right thing is done. Politics of cutthroat has been the hallmark of political activities in Anambra state since 1999 and the virus is already rearing its ugly head in the way the oil hawks are scamping for interest in Anambra oil sector. Many of whom are already accusing Gov. Peter Obi of using the leverage of office to secure his own interest

without investing from his pocket. From the past, debate on whether crude oil is a blessing or a curse has remained unresolved and it still continues to the present day, leaving us to use Anambra as a case study. We know how Anambra is today and in the near future, we will see the impact of the oil wealth (whether negative or positive) in the state.

Anambra west local government where the oil is deposited is one of the most neglected local governments in Anambra state since the creation of the state in 1991. If Anambra West local government will be turned into the goose that lays the golden egg like other oil producing communities in Nigeria or be transformed by oil wealth like “Texasian” and Californian oil producing communities is left to be seen. Former governor Ngige in his recent interview reiterated the need to explore huge hydro carbon which Ugwuagba in particular and Anambra in general has been sitting on. All of them are looking at the gains of oil exploration and forgetting the pains that go with it and none of these oil hawks is canvassing ways to mitigating the pains that might come with it. I doubt if most

“

Governor Peter Obi has shown enough good reasons for striving to build on the efforts of his predecessors with regard to exploring Anambra’s crude but with ultimate finality, the real reason will be known when the stakes in Orient will be made public. With the springing back to life of Harbour industrial layout and Onitsha river port, one can conveniently say that Anambra is waking up

of them have been to oil producing communities in the Niger Delta and see oil exploration havoc with their two eyes.

I personally consider any project planned without considering its possible counter effect as highly gratuitous. There maybe plans in that regard but to the best of my knowledge and I have followed Anambra oil discovery with keen interest but I have not come across any articulated plan towards that.

Every focus is on the gain and not on how to reduce the environmental hazard it might cost Aguleri-Otu people in particular and Anambra people in general. If proper things are not done, Anambra West local government will be another poignant reminder of how Niger Delta communities started.

Personal interests as usual in some capitalist environment appear to have relegated community and environmental well being concerns to dustbin.

“A man always has two reasons for doing anything, a good reason and the real reason – J. P. Morgan.

Governor Peter Obi has shown enough good reasons for striving to build on the efforts of his predecessors with regard to exploring Anambra’s crude but with ultimate finality, the real reason will be known when the stakes in Orient will be made public. With the springing back to life of Harbour industrial layout and Onitsha river port, one can conveniently say that Anambra is waking up. It is good that finally Anambra is now preparing to take advantage of its environment and location but it is bad that personal interest of stakeholders is killing it when it has barely started.

Obi Ebuk a Onochie can be reached on mac_godson@yahoo.com

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

PAGE 16

Nigeria @ 52: Monarch task Nigerians on patriotism

By Usman Shuaibu

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A local trumpeter entertaining guests at a function, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Hoodlums stab man with dagger in Mararaba T

hree suspects have been remanded in prison for alleged criminal conspiracy, extortion and causing hurt.

An Upper Area Court, Mararaba, Nasarawa state, ordered the remand of The trio, Nuhu Habu, 27, Sunday Amos, 20, and Edwin Ogodo, 20, all of Sharp Corner,

Mararaba.

They had all pleaded not guilty of the offences, which, the prosecutor, Mr Stephen Kwaza, told the court that a Mr Adangi Tersoo of 85, New G.R.A, Otukpo Road, Makurdi, reported the matter at Sani Abacha Police Station in Mararaba on September 23, 2012.

“The accused attacked Tersoo and others with daggers and made away with their LG and Nokia cell phones valued at N31,000; and N3,500 cash at New Nyanya Mass Transport Company Motor Park in Mararaba,’’ he told the court.

Kwaza added that one of the accused stabbed the complainant on his left arm.

The prosecutor said the accused should not be granted bail to enable him to carry out further investigation.

The judge, Mr Abdullahi Ibrahim, refused to grant bail and ordered that the accused be remanded in prison.

He adjourned the case to November 5, 2012 for further hearing. (NAN)

Student, 17, receives 12 strokes of cane for stealing

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n Abuja Senior Magistrates Court yesterday ordered that a 17-year-old student of Mpape Junction, Abuja, be given 12 strokes of the cane for stealing.

Magistrate Hauwa Aliyu also advised the convict to desist from committing crime, and warned that he would be severely punished if he appeared

before her court again.

Police prosecutor, Mohammed Ahmed had told the court that the case was reported at the Maitama Police Station by Charles Allah of Nun Street, Maitama, Abuja on September 25, 2012.

Ahmed said that on September 25, the convict entered into the house of Allah

and stole a Samsung LCD television and a stereo MPC disc player.

He said that other valuable items were also stolen from Allah’s home by the convict, and that during investigations, the items were recovered from him.

Ahmed said the offence contravenes the provisions of Section 288 of the Penal Code, and

the convict pleaded guilty to the allegation and begged for mercy.

“I had no alternative. My father is sick and I need to return to school and had no body to pay my school fees that was why I decided to steal.

“I admit that I have committed an offence. I am begging the court to forgive me,’’ he pleaded. (NAN)

Dei-Dei livestock traders appeal for basic amenities

By Usman Shuaibu

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ivestock traders at the International Livestock Market, Dei-Dei in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have appealed to the FCT Administration (FCTA) to proffer solutions to developmental problems faced by the market.

The Secretary General of the market, Mallam Wada S. Pawa, who made the appeal on behalf of the traders in an interview with Peoples Daily, berated the FCT Administration over the neglect of the market for so long.

He explained that since the International Livestock Market was commissioned by the

President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999, no structure had been put in place to boost socioeconomic growth of the market.

He called on government officials to buy cows from cattle breeders in the market, instead of engaging contractors during festivities, since the market is owned by FCTA. Pawa further appealed to

the FCT administration to fence the market to put an end to security situation militating against the market.

Speaking in the same vein, the deputy emir of the market, who did not want his name to be mentioned , appealed to the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed to provide potable drinking water and electricity for traders in the market.

he district head of Zuba in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alhaji Ibrahim Adamu, has urged Nigerians to emulate the patriotic works of the country’s heroes.

Adamu, who made the call in an interview with Peoples Daily in his Palace in Zuba said: “Nigerians should work together for the unity of the nation as this will assist us to develop, grow and compete favourably with any country in the world”.

He appealed to both leaders and citizens of Nigeria to pray for the progress of the country at all times, noting that for Nigeria to move forward, we must imbibe the spirit of love, peace and ensure security of lives and property.

The district head also advised political opponents to engage in constructive criticisms, so that political leaders could make corrections where necessary.

Man engages couple in physical combat

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ne Simon Anyanwu of Damangasa village, Apo, Abuja has been arraigned before a Karu Upper Area Court in the FCT for allegedly causing hurt to two men.

The prosecutor, Mohammed Garba, told the court that one Mrs Adaeze Odi and Mr. Sunday Odi, both of Damangasa village, Apo, Abuja, reported the case to Apo Police Station on September 20, 2012.

According to him, Anyanwu fought the two complainants and used pliers to hit Mr Odi on the head and in the process one of Sunday’s Nokia E5 cell phone and N23, 000 got missing.

Mohammed said the actions of the accused contravenes Section 246 of the Penal Code.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

The Judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, granted bail in the sum of N40, 000 and ordered the accused to provide a surety who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, before adjourning the case to November 16, 2012 for hearing. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

PAGE 18

Mararaba touts torment Abuja-Keffi highway motorists C

ommercial and private motorists plying KeffiAbuja highway have bemoaned increasing rate of extortion by touts operating at the Mararaba bus stop, in the densely populated suburb in Nasarawa, near the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the bus stop yesterday, a number of motorists, who have fallen victim to the activities of the extortionists, described their experiences as “alarming and very frustrating.”

A commercial bus driver, Mr Stephen Olaleye, told NAN that the activities of the hoodlums were very rampant, especially toward evening when they knew that the police on patrol would not be around.

“If you don’t give them something, they start harassing and delaying you and in the process, your passengers get angry and disembark from the vehicle”, Olaleye said.

“They collect between N50 and N100 respectively, depending on how you bargain. We are helpless because even if they are taken to the police station, the police will still release them.

“The popular saying goes that `if you can’t beat them, you join them’, that is why we have to succumb to their demand in order to continue with our business”, he said.

He stated that the claim that most of them were members of the National Union of Road Workers (NURTW) was false because they often declined to prove it.

Olaleye, however, expressed the hope that “God can decide one day to use someone to intervene for us and we shall be very grateful”.

Another commercial bus operator, ThankGod Ezekiel, told NAN that “These people we know as ‘agboro’ in the local parlance, always come around us begging for money”.

Ezekiel said that they often claim to be union members and sometimes they said they were working for the Karu Local Government, “but whenever you ask them for official tickets or receipts, they would grow annoyed and start harassing and dragging you”.

“Most especially, if they discover that you are a new person on this road, they would never let you go if you don’t part with something.

“But those of us who are not new, we often wrestle with them and if need be, we begin to fight them”.

Touts and passengers throng a commercial bus in Mararaba yesterday Malam Ahmed Yaya, simply said that he lacked words to speak on their operations whenever he got to the bus stop.

“In fact, I don’t know what to say again about them, but I don’t support their activities,” he added.

But for Mr Lamidi Bakare, a private motorist, “the experience is harrowing”.

He told NAN at the bus stop that the worst they would do was to remove vehicle number plates “for any delay in settling them”.

Bakare recalled that on Sunday, he was going to the church with members of his household, and he spotted a member at the bus stop and offered to give him a lift.

“As I stopped at a space by the road side, three young men emerged from nowhere and surrounded the vehicle and started asking me to park.

“Before I could ask them where I should park, they have started screwing the bolt of my car number plate and I was highly embarrassed.”

Bakare said that he was also harassed by the hoodlums when his car developed a fault

near the bus stop and he came down to see what the problem was.

“They just rush in from different directions and forcefully removed my vehicle number plate and when I confronted them, they demanded for “settlement”, not minding the problem of the vehicle”, he said.

However, when contacted at the bus stop, Mr Uche Marshall, the Road Marshall of Self Employed Commercial Drivers Association, Abuja branch, denied the extortion claim by the motorists, saying that “the insinuations were totally false and

unfounded because it does not hold any water”.

“Anybody you see operating under this overhead pedestrian bridge is either representing the NURTW or Vehicle Owners Association. So if you see any one operating in this place outside these two bodies I have mentioned, you can call in the police to get that person arrested.”

“We can identify all our members operating in this place because they have been issued with reflective jackets and identity cards.”

Marshall stated that he was “not aware of any

“

They just rush in from different directions and forcefully removed my vehicle number plate and when I confronted them, they demanded for “settlement”, not minding the problem of the vehicle

forceful removal of vehicle number plates by the union members, except where a vehicle is wrongly parked, we only direct the driver to park well”.

He said they were there “assisting the police to control traffic and to decongest the road, so that everybody would have a sense of belonging”.

When contacted, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of ‘A’ Division, Mararaba, Superintendent of Police Thomas Daweher, confirmed the development, saying that the police were on top of the situation.

He told NAN that the branch chairman of the Road Transport Workers Union, Mr Benard Adeyi had been invited for “a crucial meeting on the matter”.

As I’m speaking to you now, I have a document on the activities of the extortionists at the bus stop and we are clamping down on them.

“Most often, I personally lead my men in raiding the place and whenever they noticed my presence, they disguise themselves and go into hiding”. (NAN)

BUSINESS

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

Email: amunuimam@yahoo.co.uk

PAGE 19

INSIDE

- Pg 20

Channel your complaints to our office, NCAA urges passengers

Mob: 08033644990

NACCIMA calls for dialogue with FG over PPP awareness

By Muhammad Sada

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FristBank MD, Bisi Onasanya

Transcorp boss, Tony Elumelu

NSE imposes N34.09m fine on indicted firms T From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

he Nigerian Stock Exchange has imposed a total N34.09 million in fines on Costain (West Africa) Plc, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, John Holt Plc, Oando Plc, Conoil Plc and over 50 other companies.

The imposition of the fines followed an indictment for various infractions, ranging from publication of their activities without securing the approval of the NSE to late filing of their financial statements.

The NSE, in its latest XCompliance report, 12 companies were fined N8.465 billion for not obtaining approval from the NSE before publicizing their activities in the media; 65 companies were also fined N6.652 billion, while another 18 were slammed with N16.8 billion for failing to submit their financial statements for the 2011 and 2012 financial statements and their quarterly results.

The regulator’s law required the aforementioned companies to provide it with timely information in order to enable it effectively carry out its duty of maintaining an orderly market.

“In accordance with the provisions of Appendix 111 of the Listing rules, quoted companies are required to obtain prior written approval before publications are made in the media,” it read. “The companies contravened the provision of the Listing Rules and the Exchange applied the sanctions prescribed by the rules and the companies discharged their financial obligations.

“Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc and Lafarge WAPCO Plc were fined N1.016 million and N0.7 million respectively for the publication of their interim results in the media without approval, First Bank Nigeria Plc and Unity Bank Plc N2.1 million and N1.544 million for publishing notices of Extraordinary-General meetings and divestment from non-banking subsidiaries respectively.

“Guinea Insurance Plc 157 million for publishing its audited account without approval; Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc 763 million for publishing changes in its Board without NSE’s consent and Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals 181 million for publicising the appointment of its Acting Chief Executive Officer without the knowledge of the NSE. Wema Bank 352 million; Honeywell Flour Mills Plc 647 million, Multiverse Plc 496 million and Diamond Bank Plc 406 million; for not securing approval before publishing the appointment of directors in their various Boards.

Costain N2.85 million fine was for late submission of its audited financial statements for the year ended, March 31, 2012; C&I Leasing Plc N1.05 million for delay in the submission of its 2012 financial statements, due January 31 while John Holt Plc N1.7 million for failure to submit its 2011 financial statement, due September 2011 and also for failure to submit their 2011 financial statements, due December 31, Cornerstone Insurance Plc was fined N1.5 million; Conoil N1.2 million, while UnityKapital Assurance Plc, Niger Insurance Plc, Royal Exchange Plc, Union Bank Nigeria Plc and Universal Insurance Plc were fined N9 million each.

FTN Cocoa Plc 2 million, Dangote Flour Mills Plc 4 million, Regency Alliance Insurance Plc 5 million, Oando Plc 5 million, Premier Paints Plc 7 million and Scoa Nigeria Plc 8 million as well as other 31 companies that were fined between N2,857.14 and N0.245 million, totalling about N2.174 million, for failing to submit their full year and quarterly results.

he Nigerian Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), has reiterated the need for the private sector and the Federal Government to be having regular meetin gs and consultations, with the aim of intensifying the Public Private Partnership (PPP) awareness in the country.

This was disclosed by the President of NACCIMA, Dr. Herbert Ajayi while speaking at the association’s thirdquarter council meeting recently in Anambra state, who maintained that the significance of PPP understanding to the growth of the national economy is very, much important and also noted that the association has huge challenges of meeting the decisive demands being made upon it under our nursing democracy.

To guarantee the growth of businesses as well as the economy, Ajayi advised that Governments as well as the Chamber of Commerce should

FG, PHCN workers to resume talks this week

By Udenna Orji

T

he deadlocked talks between the Federal Government and workers of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), on severance benefits of the workers, will resume this week following peace moves by the Presidency and discovery of the missing PHCN Superannuation fund that has been found lodged in a U.K. bank.

The money, which is said to be about N300 billion and the investigative panel, led by former Auditor-General of the Federation, Mr. Joseph Ajiboye, indicted the PHCN board and top management staff for various frauds in PHCN pension funds.

Management Tip of the Day

I

Improve your presentation in real time

t may seem difficult to evaluate the progress of your presentation while you’re giving it, but skilled speakers monitor the room. Look for audience cues such as interest or boredom. Note the questions people ask as they may point to areas that need clarification. If

it’s appropriate, you can even stop and ask the audience for their input on how it’s going. This may allow you to change tacks if necessary. When possible, have a random spectator take notes on audience reaction. Once it’s over, do a thorough post-mortem. Was your objective achieved? Did the

not stop working together, adding that it is only by doing so that the transformation agenda be realized. According to him “the various tiers of government should partner the private sector, especially the chambers of Commerce in a number of initiatives, such as urban regeneration apprenticeship schemes to offer advice to small firms, exporters and other industrial sectors of the economy, and also noted that “this could be achieved through regular meetings, preferably on quarterly basis to be held at the instance of either the Chambers of Commerce or Governments to rub minds to discuss issues of concern and proffer solutions in the best interest of the economy,”.

In conclusion, Ajayi noted that notwithstanding the serious challenges today, the association would not hesitate to make its position known to different governments until the atmosphere for doing business becomes favorable to attract more investment and participation both from local and foreign investors.

audience seem engaged? Note what went well and what didn’t.

Ask for feedback from credible participants. If you’re making the presentation again, how will you improve it next time?

Source: Harvard Business Review

Already, officials of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) who are representing the PHCN workers in the negotiations have started holding meetings to harmonise their strategies and presentations at the meeting, expected to hold as usual in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.

No specific date has been fixed for the meeting except mutual agreement by the parties to meet their representatives and choose a date within this week for the meeting to hold.

The Chairman of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), Comrade James Ayeni who made these known in a chat with Peoples Daily on Monday expressed joy that “there has been peace in the power sector since former power minister, Prof. Barth Nnaji resigned”, adding that “we expect that negotiations with government from now will be done in an atmosphere devoid of intimidation and military harassment of workers as was the case under Prof. Nnaji. We are looking forward to a successful meeting this week”.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS Sterling Bank

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terling Bank has partnered technology firm AppZone to deploy its innovative BankOne platform for the delivery of electronic channel and correspondent banking services to microfinance banks.

Under the arrangement, Sterling Bank will provide its microfinance banks with cobranded debit cards that are operational on all POS terminals and ATMs across Nigeria enabling customers of the MFBs to initiate inter-bank transfers and settle bills with Sterling Bank serving as a settlement/clearing bank.

And in order to boost small businesses, Sterling Bank has also introduced an over-the-counter correspondent banking service that allows clients of microfinance banks make direct lodgments into their current or savings accounts and also redeem cheques at any Sterling Bank branch.

Anchor Insurance

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nderwriting firm, Anchor Insurance Company Limited, having seen the growth potential in agric insurance and its prospect to deepen market penetration in the country’s insurance industry is looking at implementation strategies.

Determined to achieve this , the firm is brining to Nigeria expert in agric insurance - Vyasa Krishna Burugupalli, country director, Micro Ensure, India and Consultant to PriceWaterhouse Coopers in Sri Lanka for world Bank-IFC project, to offer possible market solutions.

Burugupalli billed to speak at Anchor Insurance 2012 Brokers/Customer Forum billed for today at Airport Hotel Ikeja will dwell on the topic “Agriculture &Micro Insurance: An new vista for deepening insurance penetration in SubSahara Africa”.

Iddu’s

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ddu’s, the international fast food and restaurant business, has sailed to Nigeria , berthing in Port Harcourt , Rivers State .

The franchise owner, Uchenna Benneth Emenike, a structural engineer, software and web expert, who first read Pure Chemistry in the University of Port Harcourt and who lived and studied in Italy for long, said Iddu’s plans to take Nigeria by storm, eyeing Lagos and Abuja markets soon.

He said Iddu’s was out to rewrite history of fast and restaurant business in Nigeria and added that Iddu’s is attacking the Port Harcourt market through a low price regime because his survey showed very high price range.

He also talked about unequalled food tastes from the Sicilian section of Italy.

Independence: BA offers Nigerians discount across classes Stories from Suleiman Idris, Lagos

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few months after it rolled out the special discounts in its World Traveller (economy) class customers, British Airways has announced another discount offer for its World Traveller (economy), World Traveler Plus, and Club World (business) class customers.

Tagged: ‘The Independence Offer’, in commemoration of Nigeria’s 52 years of

independence, the airline said the offer will affords BA Nigerian customers the opportunity to make fantastic savings while travelling on these cabins to London and select United States and Canadian cities for booking from September 29 to October 13.

Country Manager, British Airways/Iberia in Nigeria, Mr. Kola Olayinka said the new offer which is valid for flights from Lagos or Abuja means the airline’s customers can now

travel from Abuja to London from just US$302 in World Traveler or US$902 in World Traveller Plus, and Club World (business class) from just US$2,052.

Olayinka said the new offer was British Airways way of celebrating the nation’s 52nd independence anniversary with its customers, and Nigerians in general.

“Nigeria is a great country with a lot of potentials and we are delighted at our role of offering a

solid transportation for investors who may want to come to this very great country,’’ he said.

“At British Airways, we are always looking for opportunities to delight our Nigerian customers, and the independence anniversary presents us with a unique one. We made a promise of giving our Nigerian customers much more for less. So, we will continue to do this from time to time, because at British Airways, the customer is at the heart of our business,” he added.

Arik Air, Boeing strengthen partnership

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fforts to improve relationships between United States world’s largest aerospace company, The Boeing Company and Nigeria received further boost as the company hosted Arik Air’s financial partners in Seattle for a series of planning courses designed to provide a deeper understanding of the aviation business and manufacturing process.

The exercise which took place at aerospace company’s facility in Seattle, Washington it says will greatly enhance the relationship between Boeing, Arik Air and the

Channel your complaints to our office, NCAA urges passengers

By Ibrahim Kabiru Sule, with agency report assengers and other airport users have been urged to channel their grievances about airport services to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) office.

This was stated by the NCAA Public Relation Officer, Mr. Sam Adurogboye yesterday in an with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He said the organisation had established Consumer Protection Directorates (CPD) in all the domestic airports whereby people could table any form of cheating by the airlines or other airport authorities.

Airport users could lay any form of complaint ranging from loss of baggage, flight delays and cancellation, refusal of refund of unused tickets money by airline and other related accusations to the NCAA before it could be addressed, Adurogboye added.

Adurogboye, then reacted to the rate at which passengers complained about Air Nigeria and some other airlines refusal to refund unused tickets money, saying the organisation would penalise the airlines if complaints were appropriately channeled.

P

. . .as airline hit 10 million passenger mark

financial community in Nigeria having put the Nigerian contingents through executive seminar featuring presentations on the airplane acquisition process, airplane contract process, the manufacturing process and an airline business overview.

Arik Air Group CEO/ President, Dr. Michael ArumemiIkhide, who led the team told reporters that “Arik Air and The Boeing Company have come a

long way in this mutual relationship. This is not the first time Boeing will be extending its hand of friendship to Arik Air. We have had several of our top management staff and pilots attend courses at Boeing facilities in Seattle and St Louis. This is simply one of the benefits of our partnership.”

Meanwhile, the West and Central Africa’s leading commercial airline said it has finished a busy summer season

by flying its 10 millionth passenger – a landmark achievement in its short history.

The carriage of ten million passengers is an important milestone for an airline that has grown rapidly since it began operating in 2006.

This year alone Arik said it has transported over 1.5 million passengers across its expanding network of 20 domestic,10 regional and three long-haul destinations.

Delta 360Ú lounge opens at Chelsea football club

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elta Air Lines, the official airline partner of London Chelsea Football Club has opens the doors of its new Delta 360Ú Lounge at Stamford Bridge.

Located within the Millennium & Copthorne Hotel at Chelsea FC. The lounge will host Delta’s VIP guests on match days and provide a new venue for hotel guests and visitors for breakfast and refreshments.

The 360° Lounge uses Delta and Chelsea FC branding to create a distinct atmosphere. Guests attending games will receive airline-style tickets inviting them to ‘check-in’ for the match at the lounge.

An LED-lit ‘runway’ leads guests to a dedicated entrance where inside they can enjoy topflight hospitality, see Chelsea players past and present on

Chelsea TV and watch the game screened live. Inside they will also learn more about the partnership between the US airline and the Champions of Europe.

Perry Cantarutti, Delta’s senior vice president for Europe, Middle East and Africa said “We are delighted to open the new 360°Lounge at Chelsea FC.The lounge is an important feature of our sponsorship deal and enables us to bring a taste of Delta’s service from the sky to the stadium, adding another exciting element to the Chelsea FC experience for our customers and partners.”

According to Ron Gourlay, Chelsea Football Club’s Chief Executive said “The Delta 360Ú Lounge showcases our innovative and creative approach towards our commercial partnerships. It allows Delta to have a year-round

connection with Chelsea Football Club at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea FC is now a real focal point in London for Delta customers, staff and partners and will offer B2B opportunities for both the club and the airline.”

The lounge is Delta’s first outside the United States and joins a number of similar dedicated venues that the airline has opened at the home of U.S. sports teams it sponsors. These include baseball’s New York Yankees, hockey’s Los Angeles Kings and American football’s Minnesota Vikings.

Comprising 108 square metres, the new Delta 360Ú Lounge includes a full service bar and dining area. Outside of match days it is open daily between 7am and 10pm and is expected to attract up to 250,000 visitors a year.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

PAGE 21

Events that marked 2012 World Tourism Day

By Miriam Humbe

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he 2012 World Tourism Day was celebrated globally last Thursday.

In Nigeria, activities to mark the day was celebrated unanimously in both Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and at the Ibrahim Babangida Square, Makurdi, the Benue state capital, the venue earmarked for the national event.

This year's World Tourism Day had as its theme:"Tourism & Sustainable Energy:

Powering Sustainable Development".

The minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke had addressed the press on Tuesday ahead of the event before taking-off to Makurdi to host the nation. The Makurdi event was marked with speeches from dignitaries and lots of cultural displays.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), which marked its 50 years of

Otunba Olusegun Runsewe DG (NTDC) flanked by the management team cuts the golden jubilee cake to mark 50 years of the existence of the corporation

Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke [right] in a welcome hand shake with Deputy Governor of Benue State, Chief Steven Lawani

Cultural dancers entertained guests at IBB square, Makurdi

existence and coincided with this year's event, received the wife of the Deputy Senate President Mrs. Nwanneka Ekweremadu, who presented sewing and grinding machines aimed at poverty alleviation to some 50 widows across the 36 states of the country on behalf of the NTDC at the Tourism Village, Abuja.

The widows were also given an undisclosed amount of money which the DirectorGeneral of NTDC, Otunba Runsewe described as seed money for them to start smallscale businesses.

Mrs. Ekweremadu called on Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), corporate bodies and individuals to help grow the nation by providing for the needy and the poor and urged the recipients to make judicious use of the working tools they received and not to see them as 'national cake'.

Earlier in the day, the NTDC also presented other items like refrigerator, chairs and umbrellas amongst others to the National Car Hire Operators at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, as part of activities

marking the day.

The corporation, alongside the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), is also set to commence training of the airport taxicab drivers, who are the first point of contact between tourists and the nation, to enable them relate better to visitors and tourists visiting Nigeria, thereby create a positive first impression.

The NTDC later held an anniversary get-together party for its staff where they cut a cake to mark 50 years of the existence of the organisation.

Mrs. Nwanneka Ekweremadu, wife of Deputy Senate President cutting the tape of the empowerment items presented to the widows assisted by Otunba Segun Runsewe DG( NTDC), Hajiya Hasiya Ahmed, National Treasurer of N.C.W.S and Mrs. Helen Agbo-Madaki, Acting Director, ( PRS)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

PAGE 22

Securing businesses with private firms I n the wake of recent security challenges nationwide and the realization that security is everyone business, Aminu Imam reports that one of the segment of security industry greatly ignored by government are the Private Guard Companies.

The private security companies segment in Nigeria have been playing a vital role in the provision of security for the private sector like banks, oil and gas companies and federal ministries, as well as most MDAs. However, industry observers point out that lack of assistance from the government (be it Federal or state) government have not been able to achieved desired results from them.

The State Security Service (SSS) is primarily responsible for licensing of the Private Guard Companies (PGC) based on its sensitivity and statutory requirements before the role was transferred to Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) sometimes in 2004.

NSCDC came down heavily in eliminating quacks out of the industry by massively closing down of over 100 security companies nationwide as

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jeopardising the future of those companies and their employees.

The quality and integrity of people working in most companies too are questionable, as observers say the owners mostly hire not based on competence, and with the basic communication facilities like radios and scanners are conspicuously absent in over 90% of the companies visited.

In Nigeria, it is a well known fact that many g o v e r n m e n t establishments are entrusted into the hands of weak security companies that do not even have an asset base most banks, oil and gas companies and federal ministries, as well as most MDAs, even churches and parastatals give out jobs on the basis of 'paddypaddy', thereby exposing bank's deposits, people and assets to the mediocrity of these quack security companies and when the undesirable crystallizes it is the innocent ones that suffer.

According to the survey conducted by our correspondents across the six geo-political zones of the country, some of the security companies are doing very well; however, in places like Lagos, most of them are

ASE Security Ltd Bemil Nigeria Ltd Cardinal Security Ltd Crest Security Ltd Executive Guards Halogens Security Kings Guards Nigid Security Ltd Monaco Security Prudentials Guards Technocrime Security Pahek Security Services

most of the quacks were even operating without licence thereby giving a high level of comfort to the Nigerian Citizens.

Most of the companies operating in Nigeria currently and shockingly have assets based of less than N350,000.00 and yet are exposed to billions of Naira projects and in most cases they are r e t i r e d personnel.Furthermore, industry observers point out that income from these companies are diverted to personal or family use thereby

A+ A+ A+ A+ A+ A+ A+ A+ A+ A+ A+ A+

spite of their strength they do not cover the whole regions.

Based on age, the two companies with the most impressive results are Cardinal and Nigid.

Licensed under NSCDC, they have performed very well and if not checked they will spring surprises on older companies in this group.

Organisations entrusting their property and people can actually look out for these companies in the outlined regions to enable them sleep well.

Some other good companies who still need to spread their tentacles in our outlined indices of measurement include Ace Cop security, Arksego Security, Corporate Guards, Damog Security, FoxKnox, Frontier Guards, Hogan Guards, K-9 Security, King David, Photon, Profile, Markjacko, Metropolitan, Network Guards, Olasco, Omega, Riggs amongst others.

Industry observers have therefore called on the Federal Government to assist as a matter of urgency to inculcate these private organisations who engage in surveillance and other national assignment as in the USA, UK and Canada, Europe, Afghanistan and recently Libya and Egypt.

South-East S/West, S/South S/West Lagos N/Central, N/West FCT, N/East, S/West, N/West & S/South FCT, N/East, S/West, N/West, S/South FCT, N/West, N/Central, N/East, S/East, FCT, N/East FCT, N/Central, S/West S/East FCT, S/East

nothing at all to write home about, yet because of their influence to the powers that be, they are given jobs in these regions in spite of their lacking the actual merit for it.

From the survey conducted it is safer and comfortable for potential customers to use the following successful companies spread in the six geo-political zones of the federation because of the criteria listed above: The above listed companies are appear to be strong and wellgrounded, however, in

Other suggestions from stakeholders include the provision of incentives, i.e. a minimum token either monthly, quarterly or annually as the case may be , as well as mergers or outright acquisitions and a single uniform for the PGCs. Also, an increase in the capital base of some of these very large but inefficient and substandard companies that abound have equally been suggested as a way of improving their efficiency.

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

New Honda Accord design is visibly less bulky

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or one, the 2013 Honda Accord is no longer bigger and heavier than the one it replaces. Perhaps in response to criticism that the previous Accord had become -- in Elvis-like fashion -- too large and too soft, the new, ninth-generation example is slightly smaller and slightly lighter. The tighter dimensions complement notable mechanical changes to make for a car that once again has not only segment-leading fuel economy but also a distinct feeling of nimbleness from behind the wheel.

After a long wait, Honda has finally added power- and efficiencyenhancing direct fuel injection to the Accord's standard 2.4-liter fourcylinder engine. This power plant is now paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that becomes the automatic transmission for cars using the fourcylinder. With this combo, Honda is expecting 27 mpg city/36 mpg highway, the best of any midsize sedan and even better than the diminutive Honda Fit. The 2013 Honda Accord's styling is a careful evolution from its predecessor, and while this may not please those seeking more adventurous lines, the new Accord design is visibly less bulky. Inside the cabin, the new car is noticeably improved, with a more coherent design and higher-quality materials. Also new is HondaLink, a connectivity system that integrates Internet audio streaming, social media applications and cloud-based content through iPhone and Android apps. Yet there's still plenty of get-it-done sedan functionality here, too, with a roomy rear seat and a big trunk.

As improved as it is, the Accord, just like the Toyota Camry, isn't the no-brainer choice it once was. There are now many excellent choices for a family sedan, and each presents

certain advantages. The new Ford Fusion is more stylish, while the new Nissan Altima is still sportier and more engaging. Equally appealing are the value-packed Kia Optima and the Europeaninfluenced VW Passat. Choosing one won't be easy, but we're pleased to say that Honda has restored an encouraging degree of the old magic to the new Accord.

The 2013 Honda Accord is available as a midsize sedan and coupe. Four-cylinder sedans come in five trims: LX, Sport (new for 2013), EX, EX-L and EX-L with Navi. Opt for the Accord's 3.5-liter V6 and three trims are offered: EXL, EX-L with Navi and Touring.

The 2013 Accord coupe comes in LX-S, EX, EX-L and EX-L with Navi, while the V6-equipped coupe comes only in EX-L and EX-L with Navi trims.

The base four-cylinder LX comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, full power accessories, cruise control, an 8-inch video display, Bluetooth (phone and audio), a rearview camera, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a height-adjustable manual driver seat, a folding rear seat and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack, iPod/USB audio interface and Pandora functionality.

Opting for the new Sport trim brings a bit more horsepower, 18inch wheels, a rear spoiler, an eightway power driver seat (with power lumbar) and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with shift paddles for the CVT. Compared to the LX, the Accord EX trim gets you 17-inch wheels, heated mirrors, a sunroof,

keyless ignition/entry, the power driver seat, the leather-wrapped steering wheel, Honda's new LaneWatch blind-spot display and a six-speaker sound system.

The EX-L trim adds leather upholstery, driver-seat memory functions, a four-way power passenger seat, forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems, a more sophisticated rearview camera, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a premium seven-speaker sound system with satellite radio and smartphone app integration (HondaLink). The EXL with Navi adds, as you can likely guess, a navigation system with voice recognition.

The EX-based trim levels for the 2013 Honda Accord sedan with the V6 engine are pretty similar to those for the four-cylinder EX models.

The V6-exclusive Touring sedan

tops the range, combining LED headlights and adaptive cruise control with the equipment from the EX-L with Navi.

For the coupe version of the 2013 Honda Accord, the base LX-S trim is similar to the LX sedan. The coupe's EX trims are also comparable in terms of equipment, though the V6-powered EX-L has 18-inch wheels.

Most of the front-wheel-drive examples in the Accord range are fitted with the 2.4-liter inline-4, whether sedan or coupe. For all coupes and sedans except the Sport trim, the engine generates 185 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, some 8 hp and 20 lb-ft better than the previous base-model Accord's four-cylinder. The Sport trim's less restrictive dual exhaust frees up the engine to the tune of 189 hp and 182 lb-ft of torque.

The standard transmission paired with the four-cylinder for the LX, Sport and EX sedans and LX-S and EX coupes is a six-speed manual. Optional for the fourcylinder sedans and coupes and standard for the four-cylinder EXL sedan and coupe trim is Honda's newly developed CVT. With it, Honda expects the 2013 Accord to achieve 27 mpg city/36 mpg highway and 30 mpg combined.

The Accord Sport automatic, with its slightly more powerful engine, returns 26/35/29. The fourcylinder Accord with the six-speed manual is expected to get 24/34/28.

The 2013 Accord's 3.5-liter V6 is upgraded this year and now develops 278 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque. Backed by a conventional six-speed automatic, the V6's fuel economy numbers are still quite impressive at 21/34/25. With the V6 running through the six-speed manual transmission in the Accord EX-L coupe, fuel economy drops to 18/28/22.

Source: Edmunds.com

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

Stakeholders advocate improved security in tourism sector

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takeholders in the tourism industry in Abuja called for improved security to promote the sector in the country.

A cross section of them told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the call was necessary to guarantee the safety of tourism activities.

Mr Luka Achi, former Director of Parks and Recreation Centres, FCT, said security was one of the cardinal points crucial for the development of the sector.

Achi said that the challenges of insecurity had greatly affected the activities of tourism in the recent past.

“An improved security mechanism and better sensitisation of the citizenry must be articulated to ensure the growth of the sector,’’ he said.

The former director said there was need for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation to harness the potentials that abound in the sector.

According to him, there is need for the ministry to initiate programmes that will boost the sector and articulate media programmes to achieve the goal.

Mr Patrick Agbo, Manager, Afro Asia Garden, Wuse 2, Abuja, expressed concern over “persons who visit gardens and parks for different reasons other than what such places are meant for”.

Agbo urged the public to be more security conscious around their neighbourhood.

“The unlawful activities of people around an area could pose problems to our business and to everyone within the area.

“Tourism is a sector that requires high level of security to guarantee the protection of lives and property.

“People should start seeing the security of their neighbourhood as a collective responsibility,’’ Agbo said.

Mr Emeka Onyeka, a civil servant, said that everyone should feel secured in relaxation centres.

“So it is not only for government to provide security but individuals too,’’ Onyeka said.

He canvassed for private sector initiatives to further develop the sector.

According to Onyeka, the idea of developing the tourism sector should not be left solely in the hands of government.

“Tourism activities are veritable sources of income and would add to the nation’s gross domestic earning if greatly enhanced,’’ Onyeka said.

NAN reports that activities are picking up in various relaxation centres and clubs after several bomb blasts in the capital city.

The scary impact of the blasts had kept many people away from clubs and other relaxation joints.

(NAN)

PAGE 29

Film producer urges Nigerians to embrace reading culture for self-improvement

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film actor and producer, Fred Amata has urged Nigerians to cultivate the habit of reading to update their knowledge about happenings around them, and also for selfimprovement.

Amata told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that knowledge from books was a priceless treasure that would enable people to have a better understanding of issues that were critical to their existence. ”Books will continue to be written and reading is still the

means of learning and understanding, so people should read.

“I know that the reading culture in Nigeria is still poor, but we should make every effort to encourage people to read.

“It is not peculiar to Nigeria alone; the reading culture all over the world is abysmal,” he said.

The actor noted that most books have a lot to offer and reading them would be a good idea because people had to know their environment.

“Knowing about other people’s cultures, environment, your own

environment and some other things, is imperative for everyone interested in broadening their horizon and being effective in the scheme of things.

“It is only the curious public that wants to know what is happening all over the world and it is only possible through regular reading of books and other relevant materials.”

Amata noted that e-books were available on the internet, and that millions of people all over the world now accessed them for self- development.

He said though challenges now

come from the social network, television, home videos and movies, “I don’t think the reading culture can be replaced or go away because books still have an edge, in spite of social networks.”

According to him, through adverts, the arrival of an important book can be made known to the reading public, especially a book that will be made into a film.

“People will want to read such a book and know the story. It increases curiosity of wanting to know what it is all about,” he said.

(NAN)

Art works on display during 'life in my city' Enugu zonal arts exhibition, recently in Enugu. Photo:NAN

Olukume: wisdom of the tortoise

By Miriam Humbe

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n Thursday, September 20, the art and craft hall of the National Centre for Women Development Abuja was a beehive of activity with the launching of the book, Olukume (Tortoise). The book which is written by Daniel Omatsola (PhD), a senior lecturer of the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Abuja, according to the author, was written in 1981 for a writer’s workshop had its world premiere staged at the National Youth Service Corps orientation camp at the assembly hall of the College of Education, Sokoto in November, 1981.

Before it was developed to its present format of thirteen episodes, it was a one-act drama. As a oneact play, it was also produced in 1983 at the College of Education, Agbor in 1996 and 2006. It is an experiment of the vast array of the Itsekiri oral narratives. The first four episodes are taken from the repertory of original nine episodes.

The present volume has been contemporised by the author because it is a choreo-musical play.

(A drama highlighting the recurrent ills of society) It is also a satire that can stimulate the William Shakespeare kind of humour. The Olukumes of the Nigerian society, like their animal counterparts, are able to exploit and play on the intelligence of the greedy, avaricious, oppressive, suppressive and compressive rich people as represented by tiger (Genokpo in the play).

Dr Daniel Omatsola, a prolific writer, teacher and playwright, succinctly x-rayed the Nigerian society through this book. The play begins from the cultural African story-telling sessions meant to socialise the youth and from there, gives a clear picture of the corrupt politics of Nigeria.

The name Olukeme, an Itsekiri synonymy for a trickster, have widely been known around African nations particularly Nigeria. The script is presented in thirteen episodes and focuses mainly on the campaign against mediocrity which has become deeply entrenched in Nigerian politics.

It deals with issues of

misplacement of priorities, bribery and corruption identified as being responsible for the nation’s backwardness which has made it a laughing stock today in the comity of nations. The play also identifies leadership ineffectiveness as the bane of Nigeria’s under-development. It showcases a in unmistakable terms, the indisputable fact that political leadership lacks merit as it engages in large-scale embezzlement of public funds rather than making a positive impact felt by the citizenry. It reveals the picture of politics as a career for half-baked select individuals who manoeuvre their ways to top positions of authority unabatedly.

Olukume, the major character, is an embodiment of certificate forgery, money doubling, and advance fee fraud otherwise known as 419, and terrible ritualistic activities all for the sake of living in affluence against acceptable human standards. Olukume is a replica of that Nigerian who must be rich

at all cost so as to show off at public functions. Olukume, like any typical politician in Nigeria, must devise every evil means available to cling to power and thereafter, become unnecessarily religious for whatever reason, to remain in power so as to continue faking around.

With this comic devise therefore, the author conveniently gave a clear picture of the Nigerian society such as acquiring wealth through corrupt practices and using such wealth to buy justice.

The play shows how the cabal protects itself even though such nefarious activities are made public. An example is where Olukume whose case of certificate forgery is proved beyond every shadow of doubt, is given a light sentence and accorded a warm reception upon his release.

Students of the Theatre Arts Department of the University of Abuja did justice to the book in a drama presentation which kept the audience continuously in thunderous laughter. It is definitely a must read.

PAGE 30

BOOK REVIEW

By Biko Agozino

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istorical novels come with spoilers because the readers already know how the stories are going to end and yet the genre is popular enough to be read and reviewed like the classic movies and comedy shows that are watched compulsively on television reruns. Such novels are even more compelling than television because they are not simply entertaining but also instructive and interactive even when the subject matter is so painful that the story is one not to be told for fun. In the hands of the gifted story-teller, Dr. Chika Ezeanya, a nightmarish tragedy turns into a finger-licking un-putdown-able treat that leaves readers wishing that there were more pages to turn at the end of the historical narrative given that history never ends.

The Interesting Narratives of Olaudah Equiano is one such captivating story of captivity and sorrow that was an instant best seller when he published it in 1792 but he largely skipped over the culture and life of his people before he was kidnapped with his sister and shipped away into enslavement in the new world.

After all these years, Chika has filled this lacuna in our collective memory with a prequel tale of immense beauty clothed with suspense and narrated from the point of view of the young Olaudah.

Chika displays evidence of thorough historical research on what Cheikh Anta Diop theorized as pre-colonial black Africa. The only distinction here to her credit is that Diop painted a Negritude picture of an improbable civilization that appeared so perfect that there were no villains while Ezeanya shocks the reader into accepting the obvious reality that there is no such thing as a perfect civilization in a history characterized by widespread violence and terrorism. Readers who expect to find an un-spoilt innocence in pre-colonial Africa will be disillusioned to find that there were already unscrupulous people driven by greed to seek to profit from the sorrows of their fellows. Similarly, those seeking the heart of darkness in the precolonial epoch would be shamed into finding a thriving civilization in the hinterland.

What Ezeanya presented in this novel is closer to the valid historiography of Walter Rodney in The History of the Upper Guinea Coast according to which it is false propaganda to assert that Africans sold their own children into slavery like commodities. On the contrary, Africans fought bravely against the raiding kidnappers while the slave-trading chiefs of the coastal kingdoms and the fraudulent priests of the hinterland made it clear that they were not enslaving their own people because they preyed on the lower classes of peasants especially in the village democracies that colonial anthropologists dubbed ‘headless societies’ which lacked standing armies that could have more effectively protected their people from the raids by hordes armed

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

Before We Set Sail

with rum and gunpowder from evil European merchants.

The suspicion that one father sold his child was rightly frowned upon in the novel because it was not the norm in a civilization characterized by parental love and affection.

This is understandable today in the sense that news of the abuse of children by priests, parents and guardians always come across as unbelievable and shocking but is never accepted as the rule for the society despite the unprecedented levels of greed and immorality in capitalist societies of today.

Moreover, those who insist that there was slavery in Africa before the trans Atlantic slavery will discover that what passed for slavery in Africa at that time was partly due to the demand by European merchants and that it was clearly different in contents and context compared to chattel slavery because the enslaved were integrated into the households of the coastal chiefs whom they called their father, Etenyin, and whose wives they called mother, Eka, in the Efik language. The wives worked in the fields with their enslaved ‘children’ and gossiped openly about who was having an affair with whom. The enslaved constantly plotted their escape back to their beloved homeland to the extent that the name of the main merchant port, Calabar, has meaning in neither Efik nor English but translates literally to ‘Let us Go Home’ in the Igbo language of the majority of the enslaved.

In the narrative, Ezeanya abundantly displays one of her scholarly passions – research and advocacy for indigenous technology. For instance, the

highly developed science of iron smelting and blacksmithing that the plantations of the New World coveted aggressively is carefully represented in the story against a background of courtship of young maidens who played hard to get but still yearned to be touched by the much admired apprentice blacksmith – apprenticeship being the traditional business school system that is still the mainstay of Igbo commercial competitiveness.

The story also indirectly reveals the environmental unsustainability of the blacksmithing technology that relied on the charcoaling of whole trees without a program of reforestation for future uses or the invention of gasfired furnaces for the blacksmiths who continue to burn charcoals today.

Another indigenous knowledge system highlighted in the story is that of mental health care. Unlike the oppressive dehumanization of the mentally ill that Freud, Goffman, Fanon, Foucault and others critiqued, the mental patient in pre-colonial black Africa remained a full member of the community whose humanity was never in doubt even while undergoing treatment at the home of the healer-priest and without any obsession about the cost of treatment quite unlike the alienating asylum powered by the profit motive that Ngugi’s Wizard of the Crow rejected outright. The husband was allowed to procreate with his wife while she was being treated for a nervous breakdown whereas America recorded the hysterical fascist sterilization of tens of thousands of the poor who were deemed to be burdens on society under the ideology of eugenics. When a man claimed to

hear voices and see things that other people did not hear or see, he was not locked up and when he refused to come down from a tree, his family took food and drinks to the tree from which he accurately prophesied the coming holocaust that was slavery. No one would say with Rene Descartes, ‘I think therefore I am’, as if those who did not think exactly like him were not human enough. Those that Soyinka dismissed as NeoTarzanists who still believe that Africans lived on tree-tops could see that only a crazy African would try that even in the past while Europeans are the ones more likely to build tree-top houses today to try and save trees from being cut down by capitalist developers.

Similarly, contrary to the white-supremacist ideology propagated by Hume, Hegel, LevisStrauss and many others that what makes Europeans more civilized than the rest of the supposedly Barbarian cultures of the world was that Europeans had literacy while the rest had oral traditions; Ezeanya correctly demonstrates, as Derrida did in Of Grammatology, that indeed writing in general was invented

by Africans and is found in all cultures today. The problem could be that the colonial anthropologist was not literate in the scripts of the other and not that the native was completely illiterate. This is a direct warning against whitesupremacy in the sense that any attempt to wipe away the memory of others by wiping away their scripts usually ends with attempts to wipe out their lives as the genocide against American Indian Natives and the holocaust of trans Atlantic slavery against Africans attempted long before the Nazi holocaust followed the same script.

The enslaved child who accidentally revealed that he could read the secret sacred texts of Nsibiri was instantly elevated into the elite ranks of the ruling secret societies whereas the plantation owners in the new world deliberately outlawed the learning of reading and writing among the enslaved for obvious reasons.

This Achebesque narrative of Chika Ezeanya is recommended as a treat to all lovers of fascinating tales told by an entrancing artist capable of turning a painful tragedy into a memorable adventure that is guaranteed to intrude into the normal bed times of readers and insist that the pages keep turning compulsively. It is predictable that this novel will join the ranks of modern classics as permanent features on the required reading lists for students at all levels because the language is accessible enough to appeal to the general public. Readers who reach the end with a tantalizing feeling because they want to have more pages to turn and keep reading should be consoled by the fact that the young author of this novel is certainly going to deliver more from where this one came. I can’t wait.

Professor Agozino is the Director of Africana Studies Programme at Virginia Tech University, Virginia

PEOPLES POEM OF THE WEEK Title: In Her Shoes

By Asante Lucy Mtenje In her shoes, those shoes, those two sizes too big, worn out "Sofias" she drags along to rummage through dumpsters, disregarding the stench and flies that trail after her long after she has retired to bed.

Those four inch, strappy stillettoes that grace her with a confidence she doesn't really possess as she awaits lustful glances from pot-bellied, sweaty armpits descending from the latest mercs.

The last imprint on her mind as she falls in a drunken stupor is that smiling innocent face awaiting her homecoming.

Those Manolo Blahniks, those Steve Maddens and her all-time favourite red-soled shoes that fill up the room, that fill up the ever growing space between them.

Those rhinestone braided heels that polish up her black-eyed face, those Italian leather boots that mend her broken soul.

Those suede black pumps that sway her gait, as she commands the boardroom only to be met by uninterested gazes that bore through her knee length skirt and later ascend to the mounds in her front.

Those tight maliposa plastic shoes that hold together her bony frame and her bloated feet as she coughs violently.

Those shoes that quiver along with her as she queues up for the gift of life on a cold Monday morning.

Those shoes, oh those shoes that have walked places, those shoes that have been places, those shoes have seen faces those shoes have been there for ages.

QUO TE UOTE “In our society those who are in reality superior in intelligence can be accepted by their fellows only if they pretend they are not.” –– Marya Mannes

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

PAGE 31

08091700949 isaochako@yahoo.com

High-level British Permanent Secretaries visit Nigeria

By Abdulkadir Isa

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high powered delegation of three British Permanent Secretaries have were in Nigeria with the aim of undertaking a high level progress review of a Communiqué signed during the British PM's visit to Nigeria last year. The visiting permanent secretaries also explored opportunities of further strengthening the strategic partnership between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

In a release signed by Hooman Nouruzi, Press Secretary of the British High commission in Abuja, the delegates include Simon Fraser, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Mark Lowcock, Department for International Development (DFID) and Tom Mckane, Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence were in Nigeria on an official visit, believed to be a rare and reserved trilateral visit for the United Kingdom's key international partners.

The permanent secretaries' visit came a year after talks in Nigeria between His Excellency, President Goodluck Jonathan GCFR and the British Prime Minister, Rt. Hon David Cameron MP. The President and Prime Minister agreed a Communiqué, which identified the main areas of the bilateral co-operation and committed both sides to action forward.

"As part of efforts to enhance bilateral and trade relationship between United Kingdom and Nigeria, the visiting Permanent Secretaries met with business leaders from the Oil & Gas,

Financial services, and Aviation, Education, Construction, Manufacturing and consumer sectors" Also present was Dr Christopher Kolade of the Lagos business school. A key issue discussed at the meeting was how to further improve the trade partnership between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

With a market worth £1.5bn in 2011, Nigeria is considered UK's second largest African market and a region of £1bn British investment in the country. The two leaders had also agreed in their communiqué of 2011 to double bilateral trade by 2014.

During their one-day stay in Lagos, the Permanent Secretaries met with the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, who noted the strength of the bilateral relationship and the importance of UK sponsored projects in Lagos State.

In the Abuja leg of the visit, the three permanent secretaries met with Dr Martin Uhomoibhi, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and his counterparts in the Nigerian government from the Ministries of Defence, National Planning, Justice, Power and Trade and Investment. The permanent secretaries discussed and reviewed the communiqué, and agreed a number of specific objectives around key themes of "prosperity, development, security, migration and international affairs".

Highlight of the updated communiqué includes: • The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, held talks

Lagos state governor, Babatunde Fashola (right), addressing the visiting British permanent secretaries recently in Lagos. with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon David Cameron MP, in Lagos on 19 July 2011, during the British Prime Minister's official trip to Nigeria. These talks culminated in a Communiqué that recorded the key priorities shared by Nigeria and the UK. • The first systematic review of the Communiqué under reference took place on 25 September 2012 during a joint visit to Nigeria by the most senior officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Ministry of Defence and the Department for International Development, with their Nigerian counterparts from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Trade and Investment, Justice, Interior, National Planning, Power and Science and

Technology.

• The meeting noted that the Communiqué of 19 July, 2011 has become the platform for continued co-operation between the two countries in further strengthening of a strategic partnership. It serves as the basis for discussion during many bilateral meetings between Nigerian and UK Ministers and senior officials, including today's round-table.

• Both parties affirmed the need to continue to strength of the bilateral strategic partnership, with a view to seizing common opportunities and tackling mutual threats. Both parties also agreed to take further specific steps to realise the shared objectives outlined in the Communiqué.

They agreed to focus on: Prosperity: Creating the

conditions for doubling bilateral trade between Nigeria and the UK by 2014.

Development: Assisting Nigerian efforts to achieve the MDGs, including on "enabling factors" such as deepening democracy and good governance.

Security: Working together to contain, lessen and eradicate national and international security threats, in particular from terrorism.

International Affairs: Coordination and cooperation to achieve common international foreign policy objectives.

Migration: Enhanced cooperation to promote the mutual benefits of legal migration and to counter irregular migration, including through a withoutconsent prisoner transfer agreement.

...Public diplomacy officer, Rhonda J. Watson, visits National Museum Lagos Dr Martin Uhomoibhi(R) during the meeting with the permanent secretaries from the UK in Abuja

Secretary Clinton's national day message for Nigeria

I

am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Nigeria as you celebrate your Independence Day this October 1.

The strong ties between Nigeria and the United States are grounded in our shared values and mutual interest in fostering good governance, increasing economic growth, and promoting regional stability. We value this partnership and remain dedicated to working together to meet the challenges of the future.

On the 52nd anniversary of

your independence, I wish all Nigerians a peaceful and prosperous year.

Mrs Clinton

P

ublic Diplomacy Officer Rhonda J. Watson visited the National Museum Lagos where she was very well received by the Management of the Museum.

Mr. Obe of the National Museum and other Officers of the Museum offered her a guided tour of the Museum. The PDO toured all the major sections of the Museum which housed various significant antiques, cultural and artistic paraphernalia and showcased objects and visuals which speaks of the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria. The PDO used this platform to explain the ECA Museum Connect Program to the Museum Management and she encouraged the Museum to apply for the Program. In her address, PDO highlighted that Museums were important because they were the repository of a peoples culture and history and that a people who know and appreciate their culture are in a better position to do better than their ancestors and gain strength from their legacy and achievements. She highlighted that the Museum was

also in a position to support entrepreneurship and create awareness for some of the rich cultural products that people, especially women, used in the past to enhance their beauty and well being.

Mr. Obe spoke on behalf of the Management and expressed warm

appreciation to the U.S. Government for the visit and for having the opportunity to compete in the U.S. Museum Connect Program. He highlighted that the National Museum Lagos appreciated the visit and continued support from the U.S. Government.

Public Deplomatee Officer Rhonda J. Watson, (3rd left), listening to Lagos Museum Education Officer in the Life Cycle section of the National Museum

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

PAGE 32

US tells Rwanda to denounce Congo M23 rebels Militants shifting focus to N.Africa Tunisia leader

I

slamist militants are shifting their focus from southwest Asia to Arab North Africa and stepping up violence in the region, Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki said in an interview published on Tuesday.

Moderate Islamists who were harshly suppressed by secular Arab dictators have gained political power or prominence following popular uprisings in Tunisia, Libya and Egypt.

But armed, militant Islamist groups, including the North African wing of al Qaeda, have also benefited from lapses in internal security across the region wrought by the often chaotic transition to more democratic government.

Marzouki told pan-Arab daily al Hayat that some of Tunisia's hardline Salafists had links to al Qaeda and that North African countries would work before the end of the year to form a united front against the threat of rising Islamist militancy.

"The centre of the terrorist movement is moving now from Afghanistan and Pakistan to the Arab Maghreb region ... and the great danger is at our doors," Marzouki said.

He said around 3,000 Salafists in Tunisia were estimated to be potentially dangerous and described them as a "cancer" in the country, the first in the Arab world to bring down dictatorship in a wave of popular uprisings.

Marzouki, a secularist in office under a power-sharing deal with the moderate Islamist Ennahda party after it won a free election a year ago, said talks with such militants were futile and the threat they posed must be addressed with legal measures. "(Militants) are mainly present in Libya and Algeria, and especially in the south," Marzouki said, referring to the remote and thinly populated desert expanses of the Maghreb where policing is weaker and there has been traditional tribal resistance to central authority.

"There is a security problem now threatening the entire Arab Maghreb region. All our southern borders are threatened with this problem now. There has to be a unified response from all the countries."

Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki

Colonel Sultani Makenga (centre), flanked by bodyguards

T

he United States has called on Rwanda to publicly denounce rebels who have seized swathes of eastern Congo in an appeal that highlighted its frustration over Kigali's alleged role in its neighbour's conflict.

Rwanda has repeatedly denied supporting the M23 rebel movement in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, blaming Kinshasa and major world powers for failing to tackle the problems that led to the

uprising.

But it has not so far publicly condemned the M23 movement and donors, including the United States, one of Kigali's closest allies, have slashed aid to the tiny central African nation as the result of a United Nations report which concluded Rwandan officials were supplying the rebels with weapons and logistics.

"It is not and should not be too much to ask the government of Rwanda to denounce a rebel group

that is preying on the lives of people or undermining the stability of a neighbour," Johnnie Carson, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for African affairs, said in a teleconference on Monday.

Hundreds of thousands of civilians have been forced from their homes by fighting since the M23, which has links to Bosco Ntaganda, a warlord wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on war crimes charges, took

up arms in April.

"The M23 is led by individuals who are ICC indictees, is led by people who carried out serious human rights violations so it should not be too much to ask the government of Rwanda to do this," said Carson.

The rebels say they are fighting to try to ensure full implementation of a 2009 peace deal that ended a previous rebellion which U.N. experts said was also backed by Rwanda.

Contacted for reaction after Carson's comments, a Rwandan foreign ministry official directed Reuters to comments from President Paul Kagame denying accusations his country backed the rebels made during a U.N. meeting in New York last week.

Kagame and Congolese President Joseph Kabila met on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly but no breakthrough was made.

Kagame last week said that "solving the crisis will be impossible if the international community continues to define the issue erroneously."

A proposed African force that would be neutral and tasked with eliminating all rebels operating in eastern Congo has not yet materialised.

Carson said Kabila also had a duty to ensure peace and stability in his own country but Western nations have lined up to punish Rwanda, whose army fought two wars in Congo during the 1990s, for meddling in its neighbour's latest conflict.

Ivory Coast pro-Laurent Gbagbo General faces trial

A

key ally of Ivory Coast's former President Laurent Gbagbo is to go on trial in Abidjan, in the first case of those accused over the 2010-11 postelection violence.

General Dogbo Ble was the commander of the Republican Guard under Mr Gbagbo.

He and several other security officials are accused of murdering a colonel during the six-month crisis.

Mr Gbagbo is awaiting trial at the International Criminal Court. He denies charges of crimes against humanity.

Ivory Coast has recently accused Gbagbo loyalists based in neighbouring Ghana of carrying out cross-border raids to

destabilise the government of President Alassane Ouattara.

John James in Abidjan says that General Ble, who is from the same ethnic group as Mr Gbagbo, became the dominant military commander during the 2011 battle for control of Ivory Coast's main city, operating from a wellfortified base at the presidential palace.

He was one of the few generals not to switch allegiance to President Ouattara as the fighting came to a close.

Human rights activists have welcomed his trial but warn that it must appear to be fair otherwise it could further heighten political tensions in Ivory Coast.

Colonel-Major Adama Dosso

disappeared on 12 March 2011, at the height of the post-election crisis.

Prosecutors say he was

kidnapped and then taken to the Republican Guard base, where he was allegedly interrogated by Gen Ble.

General Dogbo Ble (R) was a close ally of Laurent Gbagbo (L)

African troops face blast as they take Somali port

A

Somali National Army soldiers look on in Saa"moja, approximately 7km (4.3 miles) outside the Somali port city of Kismayu

frican Union troops and tanks entered the former al Shabaab stronghold of Kismayu on Tuesday, but a blast claimed by the al Qaeda-linked militants who have fled the Somali port signalled their intention to fight back.

The government said the explosion caused no casualties, but the incident pointed to al Shabaab's capacity to hit back with guerrilla strikes and bombings in both Kismayu and neighbouring Kenya, whose troops led the assault on the town.

Residents and a government spokesman described a loud blast aimed at Somali soldiers patrolling Kismayu's

dusty streets, but the rebels said they had detonated a bomb at a building housing Somali troops, "killing many".

"The bomb was planted inside a district administration office building," al Shabaab spokesman Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab said, warning of more attacks. "This is only an introduction to the forthcoming explosions."

The African Union forces entered Kismayu for the first time on Tuesday after launching an offensive against the port on Friday, forcing the rebels to flee.

Hundreds of Somali government troops and allied militia fighters deployed in the city's winding streets on Monday.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

PAGE 33

Asia and Arrests over fatal Hong Kong boat collision Middle East

S

ix crew members have been arrested from the two boats that collided in the waters off Hong Kong on Monday night leaving 37 people dead.

"Police arrested six individuals this afternoon. They are being investigated for

endangering people's lives at sea," Security Minister Lai Tungkwok said.

One of the boats was carrying more than 120 people to a fireworks display when it halfsank following the collision near Lamma Island.

The crash between a pleasure boat and a ferry happened about 20:30 local time (12:30 GMT)

on Monday.

Dozens of people were thrown into the waters as the pleasure boat sank within minutes of impact.

The government has confirmed that 37 people died 32 adults and five children.

More than 100 people were injured. The number of people still missing is unknown.

Police have arrested three crew members from each of the vessels involved in the accident, the security minister told a news conference.

The head of police, Tsang Wai-hung, said the suspects were responsible for the boats' operation.

"From the investigation so far we suspect that the crew

responsible for manning the two vessels had not exercised the care required of them by law to ensure the safety of the vessel that they are navigating as well as the people on board their vessels.

"We expect further persons to be arrested... The investigation will focus on criminal liability," he said.

Bahrain medics jailed after losing appeal

P

olice in Bahrain have arrested five medics in a series of dawn raids on Tuesday morning, just one day after the country's highest court dismissed their appeals in a case international human rights groups have rejected as a farce.

The first doctor, Ali al-Ekry, was arrested at his home at around 5:30am local time (02:30 GMT), according to his family. Al-Ekry is facing the harshest jail term: He was sentenced to five years in prison for "possession and concealment" of weapons and "illegal assembly".

The other medics were arrested

Syrian capital sees renewed violence

R

ebel fighters have stormed an army post in Douma, killing six soldiers, while intense shelling by government forces sent residents of the Damascus suburb fleeing in panic, a rights group and activists said.

Other rebel-held bastions in and around Damascus were also bombarded at dawn on Tuesday as the government said it was close to crushing the last pockets of resistance in the capital.

The violence came hours after UN chief Ban Ki-moon urged Damascus to show compassion to its people and Walid al-Moualem, the Syrian foreign minister, said a political solution was still possible if the West and Gulf states halted support for the rebels.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based antigovernment rights group, said that at least two civilians died when Douma, in the capital's northeast, was rocked by shelling following the deadly raid by the rebels during the night on a medical centre there that has now been taken over by the military.

"The army had transformed the centre into a barracks and snipers were positioned there," Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman said.

Troops loyal to President Bashar al-Assad also targeted a string of rebel strongholds in towns and suburbs outside the capital at dawn, including in Babila, Hosh al-Arab, Saqba and Zabadani, the Observatory said.

The Local Co-ordination Committees, an anti-government activist network, reported that more than 100 shells fell on Zabadani, once a resort destination known for its mild weather and scenic views just northwest of the capital but now devastated by the civil war ravaging Syria.

one-by-one in subsequent raids, according to sources in Bahrain.

The doctors are part of a group of 20 arrested last year and convicted by a military court; those convictions were upheld by a civilian tribunal in June, despite widespread criticism of the trial from international human rights groups.

On Monday, the court of cassation rejected their appeals and confirmed the prison sentences, according to the state-run Bahrain News Agency.

The arrests came as a surprise to the doctors and their families.

All nine medics had been free on bail since last September, though they faced a travel ban. Lawyers were not sure whether the government would actually enforce the sentences, because of the international pressure surrounding the case.

"It is natural to assume that once the highest court in the land issues a verdict, that verdict is enforceable," said Fahad Al Binali, a government spokesman.

Even al-Ekry was not sure if he would be jailed. "It's always been vague in dealing with the medics issue," alEkry said in an interview with Al Jazeera on Monday, the day before his arrest. "[This case] has received wide international attention, and that's what is making my government reluctant to implement the verdict," he said.

The boat retrieving the remains of the boat

Syria says US and allies support terrorism

S

yria's foreign minister Walid al-Moualem has accused the United States and its allies of supporting terrorism in his country but said his government remains open to a political settlement of its civil war.

Moualem told the UN General Assembly that his country has been facing "organised terrorism" for over a year, a reference to the countries that are backing the armed opposition in its fight against the government.

"In what context can we classify the explicit request of the United States from the armed terrorist groups not to surrender their arms as a response to amnesty decrees and decisions issued by the Syrian leadership?" Moualem asked.

"We also wonder to what extent the statements of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United States, and France that clearly induce and support terrorism in Syria with money, weapons and foreign fighters, are in line with the international responsibilities of these countries in combating terrorism."

The doctors are part of a group of 20 arrested last year and convicted by a military court

Houses brought down by intense shelling in Damascus

PAGE 34

Europe and Americas

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

Troops patrol Rio ahead of vote

Georgia President Mikheil Saakashvili admits election loss

P

resident Mikheil Saakashvili has admitted his party has lost Georgia's parliamentary election, in a live TV announcement.

He said the Georgian Dream bloc of his main rival, billionaire tycoon Bidzina Ivanishvili, had won Monday's election.

Victory for Mr Ivanishvili means the first democratic transfer of power in Georgia's post-Soviet history.

Mr Saakashvili, who has led the country since 2003, will remain in power until presidential elections next year.

However, under agreed reforms the parliament and prime minister will acquire greater powers than him after that election.

Early results showed Georgian Dream ahead in the party list vote, which accounts for 77 of the 150 seats.

President Saakashvili said it was clear that Georgian Dream had won a majority.

Earlier Mr Ivanishvili, Georgia's richest man, had already declared victory.

Mr Saakashvili, a pro-Western leader, has warned that the Georgian Dream bloc will move Georgia away from the West and back into Moscow's sphere of influence. Russia defeated Georgian forces in a brief war in 2008.

In his TV address Mr Saakashvili said "it's clear from the preliminary results that the opposition has the lead and it should form the government - and I as president should help them with this".

His United National Movement would become "an opposition force" and would "fight for the future of our country", he said, acknowledging big differences between it and Georgian Dream.

"Democracy works and the Georgian people take the decision and this is what we deeply respect," he added.

Mr Saakashvili has been in power since his 2003 "Rose Revolution"

Troops heavily armed on parade the streets

T

he Brazilian army and navy have deployed thousands of troops in some of Rio de Janeiro's poorest areas ahead of municipal elections on Sunday.

The troops will make sure the vote goes off peacefully in high-risk areas where drug traffickers and vigilante groups are still active, the authorities say.

The head of Rio's electoral court, Luiz Zveiter, said many measures

had been taken to prevent intimidation.

Local elections are taking place in more than 5,000 cities across Brazil.

Nearly 140 million people over the age of 16 have been registered to vote in Sunday's first round.

A second round will he held on 28 October in cities where the leading mayoral candidate fails to get 50% of valid votes.

Many of Rio's poorest quarters, or

favelas, have been occupied by army soldiers and police, ahead of the 2014 football World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics.

But in a great number of Rio's favelas drug lords are still in control.

In other communities, they have been expelled by vigilante groups known locally as militias, made up mostly of off-duty or former police officers.

People in those areas are often

intimidated to vote for candidates supported by the local drug trafficker or vigilante groups leader.

"We are taking preventive measures against ballot stuffing and illicit electoral propaganda," said Mr Zveiter.

"Mobile phones will be banned in the polling booth. It will not be possible for a drug lord or a 'militiaman' to demand that people take photos of their votes."

White House confirms cyber-attack on 'unclassified' system

T

he White House has confirmed it was the target of a cyber-attack but says the breach hit an unclassified network.

An unnamed administration official told US media that there was no indication any data had been removed.

The conservative Washington Free Beacon reported on Sunday that hackers linked to the Chinese

government had breached the White House Military Office.

The White House would not say if the attack originated in China, describing it as a "spearphishing" attempt.

"Spear-phishing" typically works by sending fake e-mails that look like legitimate correspondence, but which link to a malicious website or file attachment.

"These types of attacks are not infrequent and we have mitigation

measures in place," the official, who was not authorised to speak on the record, told the Associated Press and other US media.

Cyber-attacks from Chineselinked hackers have been an increasing concern among US government offices, including the Pentagon, the head of intelligence for US cyber defence told Reuters last week.

"Their level of effort against the Department of Defense is constant," Rear Admiral Samuel

Cox said.

In 2011, Google blamed computer hackers in China for a phishing effort against Gmail accounts of several hundred people, including senior US government officials and military personnel.

That November, senior US intelligence officials for the first time publicly accused China of systematically stealing American high-tech data for its own gain.

Russia tells NATO to stay away from Syria

R

ussia told NATO and world powers on Tuesday they should not seek ways to intervene in the Syrian war or set up buffer zones between rebels and government forces.

The statements from Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov was one of Moscow's most specific warnings yet to the West and Gulf Arab leaders to keep out of the 18month-old conflict.

"In our contacts with partners in NATO and in the region, we are calling on them not to seek pretexts for carrying out a military scenario or to introduce initiatives such as humanitarian corridors or buffer zones," Gatilov said, according to the Interfax news agency.

Russia and China have vetoed three U.N. Security Council

resolutions condemning Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and blocked attempts to impose sanctions on the country or

intervene more directly in its conflict.

Syria's neighbor Turkey has floated the idea of setting up "safe

Deputy foreign minister Gennady Gatilov

zones" inside Syria to protect civilians but that would also have to be approved by the Security Council.

Gatilov urged restraint between Syria and NATOmember Turkey, one of Assad's harshest critics. Ankara has repeatedly complained of artillery and gunfire spilling over its border and last week it signaled it would take action if there was a repeat of a mortar strike on its territory from inside Syria.

"We believe both Syrian and Turkish authorities should exercise maximum restraint in this situation, taking into account the risings number of radicals among the Syrian opposition who can intentionally provoke conflicts on the border," Gatilov was quoted as saying.

PAGE 35

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBBER 3, 2012

US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2012

How low can (expectations) go?

Romney

Obama

W

ith the first of three presidential debates set to kick off today in Colorado, both President Obama and GOP challenger Mitt Romney have retreated from the campaign trail for a final, intensive round of preparations.

A necessary break, top aides might say, given that both candidates are, apparently, innately unfit and practically unprepared to stand on a stage for 90 minutes and talk about issues like taxes and immigration.

The pre-debate "expectations game" is a rite of the election season. Flacks from both sides have done their best to convince voters and the media just how little should be expected from their respective bosses. In reality, their comments are little more than an attempt to safeguard against what might be perceived,

however subjectively, as an unflattering performance by the candidate.

So now, with less than 24 hours until Obama and Romney step into the ring at the University of Denver, here's a look at what the campaigns are saying: On Obama: 'President Obama is a uniquely gifted speaker, and is widely regarded as one of the most talented political communicators in modern history.'

Longtime Romney aide Beth Myers dropped this pearl into her 475-word memo celebrating Obama's "ample rhetorical gifts" and place as a "universallyacclaimed public speaker."

"Voters already believe -- by a 25-point margin -- that President Obama is likely to do a better job in these debates," Myers writes, before recounting

the president's 2008 conquests - first there was Hillary Clinton, then Sen. John McCain -- and the "valuable experience" he has taken from them.

Note: She only addresses "modern history," which we can take to mean that Cicero and Brutus remain outside President Obama's formidable reach. (For now. Check back on Thursday morning.)

'He has a tendency to give longer substantive answers, it's just his nature. ... That's something clearly we're working on.'

Here, Jen Psaki, Obama's traveling press secretary, laments the president's terrible habit of speaking in complete (and, as she alleges, fact-ridden) sentences.

On Romney: Romney campaign staffers 'fully expect' Wednesday's debate 'to be their turning point. And we know

people want to write a comebackkid story.'

If Romney can't beat Obama in a fair fight, Psaki explains, then the media is sure to put its collective finger on the scale.

On Obama: 'The president was a very effective debater in the last round. He's a brilliant orator.

I would expect him to be very effective on the debate stage.'

Mitt Romney went on the record with his high praise of President Obama's oratory skills during a chat with ABC News' David Muir in late July.

On Obama: 'He could fall off the stage.'

Speaking of the "debate stage," hard to be effective (see above) if you've gone tumbling off it. Obama aide Jen Psaki laid out this potentially unnerving outcome last week when asked to describe the campaign's "nightmare scenario."

On Romney: 'I mean, if you just look at the assessment of the debates in 2008, that Barack Obama became the nominee of his party, in some ways in spite of his debate performances, and Mitt Romney became the nominee of his party because of them.'

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney chimed in with this appraisal, which should bear special attention because Carney was a member of the political press during Obama's 2008 debate tour. Carney left Time magazine, where he was Washington bureau chief, shortly after the election to become Vice President-Elect Joe Biden's communications director and on Jan.11, 2011, went to work for the president.

On Romney: '[Rob Portman] keeps beating me up [in mock debates]. I go away shaking my head saying, 'This guy's really something.''

Such is President Obama's brilliance, even the guy just pretending to be him during sparring sessions, Ohio Sen. Rob Portman, "beats up" on Romney, per Romney.

On Obama: 'This will be the eighth one-on-one presidential debate of his political career. For Mitt Romney, it will be his first.'

More from Myers, who pads Obama's debate appearance statistics, apparently including some of the one-on-one clashes between then-Sen. Obama and Hillary Clinton. Romney, it's true, never shared the stage with fewer than two other candidates during the Republican primary season. Of course, it's also true that he once debated, on his own, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy during a failed 1994 Senate run.

On Romney: 'So, we've discussed the debates and I'll be prepared.'

Tough talk here from Mitt Romney, who seems to have misplaced his talking points.

Ahead of debate, Romney calls Obama weak on foreign policy

R

epublican challenger Mitt Romney launched a fresh attempt to paint President Barack Obama as weak on foreign policy, saying he has let U.S. leadership atrophy, while the two candidates prepared for taday's critical first debate.

Romney's aides said the weak U.S. economy remains his chief priority heading into the November 6 election, but the Democratic president's handling of national security is also fair game.

This line of attack could be tricky for Romney, who drew heavy criticism for a hasty initial reaction to upheaval in Egypt and Libya last month in which the U.S. ambassador to Libya was killed in an attack along with three other Americans.

Romney is under enormous pressure for a good performance at tonight's debate in Denver. His campaign has looked shaky since a leaked video emerged two weeks

ago in which Romney says 47 percent of Americans are "victims" who depend on government, do not pay federal income taxes and are unlikely to support him.

Seeking to take some of the shine off Obama's national security credentials, which include the 2011 killing of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, the Romney team is aiming to portray Obama as overseeing a period of American decline in the world.

In a Wall Street Journal opinion article, Romney accused Obama of being too timid in responding to the Syrian civil war, the election of an Islamist president in Egypt, the attack on the U.S. mission in Libya, and the threat of Iran developing a nuclear weapon it could use against U.S. ally Israel.

"These developments are not, as President Obama says, mere 'bumps in the road.' They are

major issues that put our security at risk," Romney wrote.

"Yet amid this upheaval, our country seems to be at the mercy of events rather than shaping them. ... And that's dangerous. If the Middle East descends into chaos, if Iran moves toward nuclear breakout, or if Israel's security is compromised, America could be pulled into the maelstrom," Romney wrote.

Taking aim at Obama on national security may be an uphill battle for Romney. Reuters/Ipsos poll findings show Americans believe Obama has a better plan to deal with the threat of terrorism by 43 percent to about 30 percent for Romney.

Romney continues to trail Obama in opinion polls five weeks before the election. Obama maintained a lead of 5 percentage points - 46 percent to 41 percent in a Reuters/Ipsos daily tracking poll released on Monday. Last Thursday, the same poll showed

Obama with an advantage of 7 points.

A CNN poll on Monday gave Obama a narrow lead of 50 percent to 47 percent, and the two men were essentially tied on the issue of who would handle the economy better.

"I think even our opponents will agree right now that this is a closing race," Romney senior adviser Kevin Madden said.

A Washington Post/ABC News poll released on Monday showed Obama leading by 11 percentage points among likely voters in nine battleground states where the election likely will be decided, even as the race is essentially tied nationally.

In his Wall Street Journal piece, Romney told Obama to take a harder line with Iran and to back Israel.

"When we say an Iranian nuclear weapons capability - and the regional instability that comes with it - is unacceptable, the

ayatollahs must be made to believe us," Romney wrote.

The White House argues that Western sanctions are having a crippling effect on Iran's economy as reflected by its currency losing a quarter of its value against the dollar in only a week.

As part of the Republican attempt to chip away at Obama's foreign policy record, the proRomney group American Crossroads released a video that questioned his reaction to the attack last month on the U.S. mission in Benghazi, Libya, in which the U.S. ambassador was killed.

"What did President Obama do on the same day as a terrorist attack on American citizens? He campaigned in Las Vegas. ...

President Obama needs to learn: Being president isn't just about being on TV and protecting your job. It's about leadership. It's time for a president who gets it," the video said.

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

Runners: Five things that will make you better G

oing running is a great, free way to keep fit and get active. Most people live within jogging distance of a good running location and having a goal, such as a 5K, 10K or even half marathon can be ideal motivation to get moving.

Y! Lifestyle spent an energetic day with SportsShoes.com’s personal trainer Neilon, to find out how to boost our training. Here are five easy steps we’re putting into action immediately:

1. Change your warm up Most people do a basic static warm up, says Neilon. But actually that stretches your muscles out, weakening them slightly. You’re better off with a dynamic (moving) warm up that gets your muscles ready for exercise without stretching out the fibres. He demonstrates some techniques below: 2.

Have your gait analysed You’ve probably heard this one before. Even if the shoes

you’re wearing are super comfy, very expensive and add inches to your height, if they’re not right for the way you run they won’t do you any good. Most running shops do gait analysis that can show you how your foot lands on the pavement and how your leg compensates for this.

We tasked trainer experts Saucony to explain how what they look for (and pick us out the perfect pair).

“Gait analysis involves running in neutral shoes [with minimal support across the

etting a good night’s sleep is needed to maintain your health, but for many of us, it can be difficult.

MedlinePlus noted that 25 percent of people in the United States report having occasional sleeping problems. An additional 10 percent report having chronic sleep problems.

If you do not get a good night’s sleep, you may feel some of the effects the next morning, such as lower energy levels, irritability and fatigue.

Most adults need between seven and eight hours of sleep each night, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Getting good sleep during those hours has an impact on certain cognitive functions.

For example, when we are sleeping, our brains go through a process called memory consolidation.

During consolidation, information we have learned during the day

becomes long-term memories.

Our quality of sleep can impact that process. Harvard Health Publications noted that individuals who slept after learning a task performed better in studies compared to individuals who did not sleep after learning.

As a result, not getting enough sleep can have a negative impact on your brain health. But getting too much sleep can also have a negative impact.

HealthDay News reported that in a study using data from over 15,000 women, they found too little or too much sleep caused the participants’ brains to “age” by two years.

The women included were from the U.S. Nurses’ Health Study and were followed over 14 years starting when the women were middle-aged.

The researchers found that women who were not getting enough sleep (less than five hours

a night) or were getting too much sleep (nine or more hours a night) performed worse on cognitive tests compared to women who slept seven hours a night.

This is not the only study that has found a connection between poor sleep and affected cognition.

One such study was conducted at the University of California, San Francisco, which included 298 women, who had an average age of 82 years.

At the beginning of the study, none of these women had dementia. The researchers gave the participants an overnight sleep apnea test, and found over a third had the sleep disorder.

Reuters Health reported that when the researchers tested the women five years later, 45 percent of the women who had sleep apnea developed problems with their memory and thinking, compared to 31 percent of the women who did not have sleep apnea.

Source: Yahoo.com

Good sleep is important for your brain health G

whole foot] on a treadmill for a few minutes so we can see how your feet land without support,” explains gait analyser Ken. “We look at the angles between your foot and calf and recommend a type of shoe that gives you extra support on any area that needs it.”

Once you know your gait – whether it’s a neutral pronation (the most efficient style), overpronation (when your foot rolls inwards) or underpronation (where it doesn’t roll inwards enough) - you can always find a shoe that supports your individual running style.

3. Go barefoot Alternatively, ditch shoes altogether. Well, not quite. Though it can mean exactly that, barefoot running is more about running in neutral shoes that encourage you to run on the balls of your feet rather than relying on padding in the heels.

Neilon explains that most people are so used to running in very supportive trainers that the way we naturally run. “It’s different for everyone,” he explains, “but try just running on the balls of your feet for five minutes during you normal run and then maybe for 10 minutes the next week.”

The best way to get started is to rise up on your toes and then lean forward until your weight takes you forward. Getting it right can reduce the likelihood of running injuries and can help you run further and faster. But getting it wrong can cause injury and wear you out so if you’re not sure, ask an expert to give you a demo.

4. Eat right You need energy to run, particularly if you’re training for distance. Running is a big calorie burner so even if you’re using it as part of a weight loss programme, you still need to be consuming enough to allow you to get the most out of the exercise.

Make sure you’re eating balanced meals of protein, starchy carbs and fruit & veg. If you feel hungry try adding more protein to your meal. Lucy McCrickard from LGM Nutrition says, “Never cut out a food group. Your body uses something from each so cutting out a major section of our A good night's sleep is so important for physical and mental well-being that its lack poses a grave risk to diet is counterintuitive. My rule public health. And the toll of inadequate slumber is well documented in studies linking bad sleep to is 80/20, eat well 80 per cent of obesity, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders. But how to get your eight hours when the time and you can have the odd treat.” She also recommends so many things are competing for our time? Read on to see 20 Tips for Getting a Good Night's Sleep.

Get running right eating seven to eight pieces of fruit and veg a day (as if getting five wasn’t hard enough!) and drinking plenty of water, particularly on days you’re training.

5. Cool down carefully Skipping the cool down might save time in the short term but when you wake up aching all over and can’t run that day it won’t feel worth it. Here’s where the static stretches come in, you’re lengthening the muscles and easing out any lactic acid that’s built up during the run.

Not sure you’re doing it right?

Here are Neilon’s top post-run stretches.

Source: Yahoo.com

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

PAGE 37

Lawani is a huge liability for Benue government, says Activist INTERVIEW What is G1O all about? eople ordinarily believe that the Freedom of Information Act is an impetus that would aid the vanguard against corruption but the bureaucratic nature of our public service has largely not helped in any way for the civil society to lay its hands on the necessary documents to pursue the struggle.

We are building confidence in the civil society and God’s willing we have been able to braid up some functionaries who are deeply involved in sharp practices in the state.

The G1O informed the media recently that your group was working on the records of some past and present political office holders in Benue State who are contemplating some elected positions in 2015. How far have you gone?

Well, we have been following them gradually to ensure that we don’t cross the path of the law in as much as we are trying to help the society develop meaningfully. The G10 has been able to access some documents in the Benue State House of Assembly where an individual was paid over N1.5million to travel abroad but decided to embezzle the money. The case is before the Independent Corrupt Practices and other offences related Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and we believe that in due course the law of the land will catch up with him and all his accomplices in the act.

Why the attention only on Benue Assembly, what of the

P

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

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enate yesterday passed for the second reading a bill for an Act to repeal the Customs and Excise Management Act, with majority of the Senators demanding that the new bill be designed in a way to give greater autonomy to the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).

Leading debate on the bill, the Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, who sponsored the bill, said that the bill which was made in 1958 did not provide for the use of modern facilities and e-payment system, explaining that there is need to improve the operations of the customs to conform to international standard practices.

He noted that customs drives the nation's economic growth by facilitating international trade between Nigeria and other countries, disclosing that as one of the oldest institutions of government, it has not benefitted from the various reform exercises thereby impeding its efficiency.

Supporting the Bill, Abdul Ningi,

Comrade Philip Agbese, civil right activist, President-General of Benue Youth in Diaspora Association and convener of the Concerned Benue Citizens Coalition popularly known as G10 in this interview with journalists bares his mind on politics, governance, unity and submits that the Benue Deputy Governor, Steven Lawani, is a huge liability to the government and the people of Idomaland.

Augustine Aminu was there for Peoples Daily. Excerpts: executive?

The war against corruption is not a one way traffic affair and neither is it a two traffic affair. It exists in the executive, the legislature and the judiciary as well.

I will agree with you that what actually brought G10 into limelight was our struggle to enforce a constitutional order in the Benue State House of Assembly visa-viz the restoration of Agasha constituency where the present Speaker, Rt. Hon David Iorhemba happens to be directly involved. This is not a case of corruption or mismanagement of state resources and should not be seen as such at anytime. The case is before his lordship for determination and it is only wise that I keep mute on it as a law abiding citizen pending the judgment.

Nevertheless, I want to say the executive is not insulated against corruption as it exists even in the highest authority. We are currently working on some documents on the executive; very soon we shall expose them to the authorities. We are going to expose all these to the anti-corruption agencies and the people in days to come for them to know the exact things that are going on in the executive arm. It is a very shameful crime for a public servant to be directly in business while in office and the ICPC Act is unambiguous on it holistically.

Comrade Philip Agbese You have been an advocate of the Suswam’s administration policies and success story. How do you think Governor Suswam would react to this revelation under his nose by an ardent supporter like you?

Laughs! I think there are so many Nigerians that have not come to term fully with the policies and stand of Suswam as far as the development of the state is concerned. He does not see any other interest to supersede the collective

growth and development of Benue State under his amiable leadership.

In the same vein, I have come to appreciate Governor Gabriel Suswam because of his ability to appreciate very honest and fearless discussions on his administration and the world has this to say about him everywhere. He is getting it right because his doors are widely open even to his enemies to criticize whatever they feel is wrong and I know it is the secret why he has been able to build strong institutions in

the last 5 years.

However, we must accept the fact that corruption by anybody no matter how highly placed in the society should not be tolerated by any of us. Chief Steven Lawani is my kinsman from the minority fold and an elder by virtue of his age but we cannot be carried away by age or tribal sentiments to accept that.

What is wrong in the society is wrong even in heaven. He remains the worst mistake of the Suswam’s legacy because he has not only failed the Idoma nation but on daily basis drumming the songs of war just to further weaken the people of Idoma before the larger society. He breaches protocol just to satisfy his greedy and lustful thirst for power and state resources and totally abandoning the core duties of national call to service.

Unfortunately, he has succeeded in causing us more pains in Idomaland because of his deceptive political nature. We have one good thing or the other to say about every illustrious son or daughter but nothing to say about Lawani apart from the fact that he hates young men and women; he doesn’t want to see anybody coming out of the shell politically, economically or otherwise. He is a huge liability on the taxpayers’ fund because we are using our hard earned resources to pay a businessman who makes double profit from the public purse.

Senate mulls autonomy for Customs his deputy, said that though the Customs remains the second largest revenue yielding agency of the government, it has not received adequate considerations that will make it more efficient and effective.

He said that the law under which the service operates is modeled after the colonial masters, which make the Minister of Finance to single handedly control its operations. "It is more of an administrative entity that is

accountable to the Minister and this bill is seeking to make it accountable to Nigerians through the legislature and therefore generate more fund for government", he stated.

Also speaking, Ahmed Lawal, said the bill when passed will disentangle the Customs from the clogs of the Finance Ministry, saying that there is need for proper management of personnel to achieve the objectives of the

service.

Supporting the bill, Nkechi Nwogu, stated that the bill should provide stiffer duties for goods that are ordinarily not allowed into the country, so as to generate more fund for governance.

She expressed hope that if the bill provides adequate duties on imported goods, it will go a long way to encourage local manufacturing and reduce over dependence on

imported goods such as textile, chickens among others.

Clever Ikisibo, however pointed out that some sections of the Bill erodes and conflicts with the official functions of other government agencies at the ports such as Standard Organization of Nigeria, National Drugs Law Enforcement Agencies, NAFDAC, among other.

Bye election to show PDP’s strength in Plateau, says Pwajok From Nankpah Bwakan, Jos

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eoples Democratic Party (PDP)'s candidate for the Saturday's Plateau North Senatorial District bye-election, Mr. Gyang Pwajok, yesterday described the election as a test of the might of the party in the state just as hje urged party members to do everything

possible to ensure the victory of the party at the polls.

Speaking during his campaign rally in Barkin Ladi, Pwajok said the election is a "sober election" considering the deaths of Senator Gyang Dantong, the late Majority Leader in the Plateau Assembly, Gyang Fulani and many other persons who lost their lives to the

crises rocking the area.

The PDP candidate pledged to work for the restoration of peace in the state as a mark of honour to late Dantong. He however regretted that either as Christians or Muslims, Beroms or Fulani both have grounds just as he solicited the support of the elders in the state towards the attainment of peace.

If given the mandate, Pwajok promised to work for the reconciliation and reconstruction of the areas affected by the crises and that Federal Government the responsibility to contribute to the reconstruction process of the affected villages though appreciated FG for efforts put in place so far towards the restoration peace in zone.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

BSIEC condemns parties for lacking internal democracy From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

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hairman, Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC), Prof.

Philip Ahire, has frowned at the manner political parties in the state messed up their primaries, maintaining that there is no internal democracy in the parties.

Ahire, who made the lamentation during an interaction with journalists in Makurdi yesterday, regretted that political parties set standards which they could not meet noting too that they usually have high expectations from the election body when they fail to meet theirs.

He said the Commission has been inundated with myriad of petitions wherein candidates complain bitterly how their names were substituted without notification even after they had emerged from their party primaries.

“We have told the petitioners that their petition is misplaced.

They should direct them to their parties because we did not participate in party primaries as our constitution forbids us from doing so”, Ahire said.

The BSIEC boss who also explained why the All Nigeria Peoples’ Party (ANPP) was shut out by the Commission said some parties have failed to meet the 19th September deadline for the submission of names of candidates.

Commenting on the level of preparation by the Commission

for the November 24th 2012 local government polls, the one-time member of the Presidential Advisory Committee reiterated their determination to conduct free and fair election, disclosing that they have acquired 23 monitoring vehicles, trained electoral officers as well as sent a

supplementary budget to the State House of Assembly for adequate funds which would be paid to the over 11,719 adhoc staff that would be engaged to conduct the election.

“I am assuring the Benue people of free and fair election. We have a mandate to them and would not be under the tutelage of any

political party. We have warned our electoral officers and intending ad hoc staff that the Commission will not condone any act that is capable of denting our image. I assure you that everything would be done transparently, Prof.

Ahire pledged.

L-R: Chairman, House Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt., Hon. Adeyinka Ajayi, Chairman, House Committee on Finance, Hon. Abdulmumini Jubrin, and Hon. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, during an interactive session with officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Debt Management Office (DMO), yesterday at the National Assembly, in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Reps committee tasks pilgrims on good conduct

By Lawrence Olaoye

R

ep. Nnenna ElenduUkeje, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, has tasked intending FCT pilgrims to be of good behaviour while in Saudi Arabia.

She made this known when the committee paid an oversight visit to the FCT pilgrims Hajj transit camp in Abuja on Tuesday. Elendu-Ukeje said that the committee would ensure that the pilgrims performed a hitch-free religious rites while at the holy land.

“We will continue to do everything to ensure that you perform your religious rites in the holy land, “She said.

While urging them to protect and uphold the good name that Nigerian pilgrims have been known for to avoid being treated shabbily, the committee assured that the Presidential Committee put in place to dialogue with the Saudi Arabian authorities would ensure that those deported would be allowed to perform the hajj rites. She said “Every one of you is an ambassador of Nigeria in the holy land, “she said.

Retired Major-General Bagudu Maman, Amir Hajj for FCT blamed the Nigerian authorities partially for the problems encountered by the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

“Some of our actions at times leave much to be desired, “he said.

He said that the Saudi Arabian authorities cannot be blamed for implementing their laws. According to him, his committee had written series of reports with regards to the issue of unaccompanied female pilgrims to the holy land.

“I have written reports that

unaccompanied female pilgrims should be left out, “he said. He expressed regret that work at the new hajj transit camp was always left until another hajj year.

Alhaji Musa Mohammad, Chief Imam , Abuja National Mosque and the Chairman, FCT pilgrims welfare board, said that out of the eight flights scheduled for the territory, two had left with 1, 000 pilgrims.

He said that the third flight would be expected to airlift pilgrims to the holy lamd between today and Wednesday.

Independence Day: Akinjide urges Nigerians to remain committed

T

he Minister of State for FCT, Ms Olajumoke Akinjide, has urged Nigerians and residents of the FCT to remain committed to the unity and progress of the nation.

This is contained in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by Mr Oluyinka Akintunde, the Special Assistant (Media & Publicity) to the Minister of State for FCT as the country celebrates its 52nd Independence Day. The statement quoted Akinjide

as saying that the last 13 years of unbroken democracy in the country had given Nigerians fresh hope for a flourishing and prosperous future.

“The transformation agenda of the present administration is on right track and will guarantee Nigeria’s future and prosperity,’’ she said.

She said that the government was committed to the transformation agenda with the implementation of new initiatives

including the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) and Youth Enterprises with Innovation in Nigeria (YOUWIN).

“The SURE-P and YOUWIN programmes are aimed at creating jobs and executing projects that will improve the lives of Nigerians.

“There has been noticeable improvement in the areas of power, agricultural development and other sectors of the economy.

“The present administration at the national and FCT levels remain committed to executing projects that will positively impact on the lives of Nigerians.

“Government is deploying financial resources in a manner that will guarantee sustainable prosperity for the country,” she said.

Akinjide enjoined Nigerians to renew their faith in the country and to remain fervent in their prayers for the leaders of the nation and the FCT. (NAN)

Ondo mega rallies: Akeredolu, Oke will fail -Mimiko insists From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

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he Mimiko Campaign Organisation (MCO) has said that both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)’s candidates, Olusola Oke and Rotimi Akeredolu respectively would fail in the October 20th governorship election in Ondo state.

The MCO said that no amount of mega rallies; bad mouthing and grandstanding against the candidature and person of Dr Olusegun Mimiko of the ruling Labour Party (LP) could sway the people of the State into voting for them.

The Organisation in its reaction to the mega rallies held yesterday by the ACN and PDP in Ikare Akoko and Akure respectively regretted that it was sad that parties which are laying claim to the state could not even mobilise their members but had to rent and import people from neighbouring states in order to create a semblance of being popular.

It however thanked the Vice President, Alhaji Namadi Sambo for reiterating the Federal Government’s resolve to ensure a free and fair election in the state.

According to the MCO’s Director of Publicity and Media Relations, Mr. Kolawole Olabisi, the October 20 governorship election in Ondo State would be on the basis of one man on vote and no matter the level of desperation from the opposition parties would make them change a performing governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko.

Says Olabisi: “Even nature rejects the PDP and ACN as the heavens opened up and disrupted their rallies at Akure and Ikare simultaneously, a pointer to the fact that God does not side with the haughty.

“It is sad that the PDP could be preaching for the continuation of the Olusegun Agagu era in Ondo State when people were given surfacedressed roads that didn’t outlast one raining season; the era of drinking of water only on the screens of television sets or the era of phantom projects like the Adagbakuja New Town for which N6.7 billion was siphoned with nothing to show for it among others are gone. Never again will those terrible days be our portion in Ondo State again.

“Or is it the unprovoked open abuse and castigation of the person of Dr Olusegun Mimiko by leaders of the ACN; people who profess to be leaders just because Mimiko refused to be part of their plans to hold the South West to a phantom integration when in reality it was a plan to pocket the state and annex its treasure into their empire.

“But we can assure them that the people of Ondo state will shock them with their votes and we are grateful that Mr. Vice President today at the rally of his party re-assured Nigerians that there will be level playing ground in Ondo state. That the election would be on the basis of one man, one vote and in a secured environment too; this is what we require.”

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

PAGE 39

Nigerians have reasons to celebrate- Prof Alkali

By Lawrence Olaoye

I

mmediate past National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali has declared that Nigerians have every reason to celebrate the nation’s 52 nd anniversary.

In his message to the people, Alkali declared that the singular fact that the nation’s past heroes

struggled and succeeded in getting freedom from the shackles of imperialist colonial masters were enough reasons for the present generation of Nigerians to set the day aside for special celebration.

He reminded skeptics, who are of the view that there was no reason to celebrate because our leaders have not taken Nigeria to the destination they

expect the nation to be, that no nation is perfect and the task of nation building rest squarely on the shoulder of every citizen.

The former PDP spokesman emphasized that the nation can only be made great by collective work and dedication of all Nigerians just as he appealed to the citizens to rededicate themselves to the service of the nation.

“Today Nigeria is celebrating its 52nd Independence Anniversary. We have every reason to celebrate our liberation from the British colonial and imperial powers.

We have every reason to hope, plan and work for a great future.

“May I call on all Nigerians to remember that no nation is perfect; every nation has to be made great by its own citizens.

We are the nation and we alone can make it great by our hardwork; our dedication, patriotism and prayers.

“Let us therefore all stand up, particularly at this point of our nation’s history, to further dedicate ourselves and collectively work even harder for the peace, unity, progress and prosperity of our great country –Nigeria”.

Anniversary: ANPP, Igbinedion, others unite against Oshiomhole From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

S

ome eminent Benin Scholars and politicians are united against Edo state governor, Adams Oshiomhole, for failing to address the basic needs of the people of Edo South whose votes accounted for over 60 percent in the last governorship election.

The convener of the seminar, Centre for Change, to mark the nation’s 52nd Independence anniversary, Solomon Iyobosa Edebiri anchored his presentation via a projector showcasing deplorable roads over 20 agrarian communities in the southern part of the State.

According to him, “the increasing trend of criminal acts, especially armed robbery which has made Benin City uncomfortable to live in has worsened the plight of the ancient city.”

He urged the people to rise to the challenge by refusing to play a

second fiddle in determining the governance of the State. ‘’I’m sure we are all aware that I took part in the just concluded Edo State Gubernatorial election. During the electioneering campaign period, I visited over 600 villages in the seven wards in Benin Nation…’’

Chief Gabriel Igbinedion who chaired the occasion tasked Nigerians in the country and diaspora to remain united by promoting the cause of Benin.

Igbinedion who is the father of two-time governor of Edo State argued that the Benin people, from his experience as former Policeman before 1960, are not united in their pursuit of building ‘’Nigeria of our dream’’.

He said, the late Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Abel Guobadia was the first Secretary of Nigeria university Commission (NUC) and it was a Benin man that lied against him for him to be removed.

Anniversary: Don’t run down Nigeria, its leaders with mouth, Cleric advises Nigerians

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astor Chidi Ezimako, the Northern Zonal Pastor of Christ Embassy, on Monday in Abuja advised Nigerians not run down the country and its leaders with their mouth.

Ezimako gave the advice at a Symposium on nation building entitled “Celebrating Our Possibilities’’ organised by the Christ Embassy to mark the country’s 52nd Independence anniversary.

“We should have a better attitude towards our country because other countries in the world also have all kinds of problems, but when you listen to their citizens, they do not run down their nation.

“If you recall, Mr President used to have a website where people could put down their views, but it has been yanked off because people were abusing it.

“We should not abuse our country or our president because he alone cannot change the country, rather the responsibility rest on every one of us to do so,’’ he.

Ezimako said the symposium was organised to reach out to Nigerians and to teach them how to be patriotic.

He also said that the campaign was a movement that started in 2007 by the General Overseer of the Church, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, to impact the word of God on people’s life through the use of Rhapsody of

Realities, a daily devotional booklet.

According to Ezimako, the whole idea of the campaign is to continue to teach people how to have a positive attitude about the country.

“If you read the Rhapsody of Realities daily devotional, you will be propelled to be patriotic toward your nation because you and I have a role to play.

“Let us be positive; let us work together; let us be disciplined, honest and sincere as this will create opportunities for development of the country.’’

In his Keynote address, Mr Brayi Ekiye, a former special adviser to the President on Parastatals and InterGovernmental Affairs, said that a new national culture being envisaged would work better “in the Light of God’’.

Ekiye said in the address entitled “The Soul of a Nation: A New National Culture’’, that if the various arms of government could bring to bear the fear of God in discharging their sacred duties “Nigeria and Nigerians shall be better for it’’.

He called on Nigerians to have faith in God, adding “everyone should do that which is right in their walk with history, that they may enthrone an egalitarian society as enshrined in our constitution’’.

(NAN)

R-L: Senate President David Mark, his wife, Mrs Helen Mark, and daughter, Ada Mark, during the 52nd Independence church service head, on Monday at St. Mulumba Catholic Church Apo, in Abuja.

There is hope for Nigeria, Obi assures

G

ov. Peter Obi of Anambra has expressed optimism that Nigeria will surmount its current socio-economic and political problems, if all the people would collectively demonstrate the will and tackle them.

Obi said this in his 52nd I n d e p e n d e n c e anniversary message in Awka on Sunday evening.

“While we still contend with political, economic and security challenges, there is hope that if we, as a people demonstrate the will, we can overcome our constraints.

“Nigeria holds a great dream for all of us and we should endeavour to build on the contributions of our founding fathers.”

The governor noted that if the

country’s leaders and the led were moved by love of the country, by discharging their responsibilities to the state, Nigeria would in no time take its pride of place among the comity of nations.

“Notwithstanding the problems of nation building which we may be grappling with at the moment, the Nigerian spirit is alive and should continue to be nourished as the vehicle of our national journey.

“In the realisation of our common destiny, we give meaning and value to independence and find inspiration to work to achieve greatness,” Obi stressed.

He said that for the present and future generation of Nigerians, democracy remained the only route

for the journey to greatness and should, therefore, be nurtured.

The governor said that the country should not just strive to build on the success it had recorded in deepening the tenets of democracy, but should work to improve on democratic freedom already attained.

“At this historical junction, let the followers give vent to the emerging new lease of leadership in the country by shunning negative tendencies and cultivating the virtues of patriotism.

“Let us, therefore, work for the progress of the country, otherwise, our children will not forgive us; this is because, the society we abuse today, will take revenge on our children tomorrow,” Obi emphasised.

52nd Anniversary: Let’s emulate our founding fathers, Mark counsels page for progress to manifest

By Richard Ihediwa

S

enate President David Mark has urged Nigerians to reenact the indomitable spirit of the nation’s founding fathers who envisaged a united, peaceful and a prosperous nation in 1960.

Mark said at a special church service to mark the 52nd independence anniversary at St Mulumba’s catholic chaplaincy, Apo in Abuja yesterday that the nation’s founding fathers craved for a country that would be economically and politically strong to be leading force in the continent.

“What went wrong along the line is akin to a deviation of the set goals because subsequent leaders did not toe the same path. It is time Nigerians both the leaders and the led must agree to reinvent the wheel and redirect our steps in the right path”, Senator Mark stated.

He situated the problems retarding the nation’s growth to the tendency to treat symptoms of the disease rather than the cause of the ailment.

The Senate President noted that the cooperation of all is inevitable because government and the governed need to be on the same

reiterating that unity, commitment to the ideals of nationhood and love for one another are the essential ingredients for nation building.

Earlier in his homily, the Priest, Rev. Father Innocent Jooji called for peace, unity, love and reconciliation between and among ethnic and religious affiliations in the country.

Father Jooji noted that Nigeria was founded on the basis of peaceful coexistence. He recalled that the nation got its independence through unity and the resolve of the people without losing lives or shedding blood.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

Plateau bye-election: Jang threatens to sack commissioners, others who fail to deliver From Nankpah Bwakan, Jos

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head of the Saturday Plateau North Senatorial District bye-election, Governor Jonah Jang yesterday threatened to sack all Commissioners, Special Advisers, Assistants and management committee Chairmen of the six local government areas (LGAs) who fail to deliver their wards and LGAs for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the

oncoming Plateau North Senatorial bye election.

Jang handed the threat to the appointees during Gyang Pwajok and Kaneng Gyang Fulani PDP candidates for Plateau north and Barkin Ladi state constituency at Barkin Ladi LGA. According to him, the engagement future of the appointees would be determined by their performance at the polls this Saturday.

Similarly, the state chairman

of the party Dr. Harana Dabin reiterated the governor’s resolve saying the party would reward all those who deliver their wards and polling units and that the award will be in two categories; first for highest number of votes and second for delivery polling units.

Meanwhile, Jang received the former minister of sports and All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) governorship candidate in the last election, Hon. Damishi Sango

and his running mate, Michael Dapilong, who was former speaker of the state House of Assembly back into the PDP. Others decampees received back into the PDP include George Daika, former Permanent Secretary in federal service and one time governorship candidate of Action Congress of Democracy (ACD), Arc Samuel Galadima; former chairman of Riyom LGA, Mrs. Mary Dang and former commissioners during Joshua

Dariye’s tenure.

While receiving the returnees, Jang said PDP has proven to be a party that cannot be pushed aside by any political party saying the party is ready to receive more returnees as long they humble themselves. The governor acknowledged that they founded the party alongside some of the returnees and pledged to work with them for the progress of the party and the state.

PDP will reclaim Kwali chairmanship seat in 2013, says Vice Chairman

By Adeola Tukuru

T

L-R: National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, and Ondo state PDP gubernatorial candidate, Chief Olusola Oke, during the presidential flag-off rally for the PDP candidate, yesterday in Akure.

Jonathan's claims on anti-graft war would inspire corruption- ANPP

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) has described the claim by President Jonathan that Transparency International had placed the country as the second most improved nation in the fight against corruption as an incentive to further corrupt practices in the country.

In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Emma Enuekwu, the party said the President claim was a declaration falsely manufactured to boost the ego of his administration.

He said that the same

Transparency International, in an open letter to President Jonathan, last year, had expressed worry over the scope and speed of corruption in Nigeria this year, saying it was beyond what it has ever dealt with.

It stated ''the problem, Your Excellency, has to do with the rate and scale of scams and corruption probes coming out of Nigeria in 2012. The scope and speed of corruption in your country this year is beyond anything our client has ever dealt with.''

"So we wonder how this international graft-watch outfit had made a somersault within such a short time, with no visible

commitment on the part of the government to fight graft," he said.

Eneukwu added that the ANPP believes it is unreasonable for the number one citizen to misrepresent statistics as this represents a strong message of support to corrupt people and those planning to obfuscate the citizens for their own personal gain.

"Words and body language are potent enough to aggravate corruption just as corrupt practices would. When a leader embellishes a story, he is inadvertently telling his subjects to turn the truth on its head whenever they find the opportunity," the opposition party reasoned.

Independence: Kumuyi tasks Nigerians on security, tolerance

By Stanley Onyekwere

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he General Superintendent (GS) of Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, has urged Nigerians to be more security conscious and tolerant of each other’s diversity, for them to have the chance to a more secured life in the country.

Kumuyi who gave this charge during a chat with newsmen recently in Abuja at the end of a fourday programme tagged “Divine Connection for Freedom”, organised by the church to mark the nation’s

52nd anniversary, decried the habit of the citizens to always leave the issue of security in the hands of our leaders alone.

According to the GS, the issue of insecurity and developmental shortcomings including religious intolerance bedeviling the nation, even after attaining her golden jubilee after independence, the people ought not to be worried but concerned about what the nation portends for the future generations yet unborn as some of these issues ought to have been out-grown long before now.

“When it comes to issue of

insecurity, many of us think about it as the role community, local, state and the federal government to solve the problem; but amongst us there are people, including security experts that can rise up and give us the necessary information on how to effectively secure our communities” “The excuse we have elected few people as governments at different levels, saddled with the responsibility of piloting the affairs of the majority we feel relaxed; and whether we live or die it is in the hands of the government”, he expressed.

he Vice Chairman, Kwali Area Council, FCT, Mr Usman Jiya has declared plans have been concluded for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to reclaim the council’s chairmanship seat in 2013 from ANPP. Jiya, current vice chairman of the council under the platform of ANPP, stated this in Kwali in an interview with newsmen.

He said his defection to ANPP after losing PDP chairmanship ticket in 2010 was to realize his political ambition in Kwali Area Council.

He said “PDP has been my mother party; I have won councillorship elections and even clinched the party’s chairmanship ticket in 2007 but was snatched from me.

“In 2010, I came up to contest again under PDP but I actually lost out in the primaries and the party

arrangement is that the candidate that emerges second position automatically becomes the vice chairmanship candidate.

“This principle was not adhered to for reasons that, it was my tribe that killed the former chairman of the council and this actually forced us out from our home, PDP,” he said.

He said failure of the then chairman of the council, Mr Danlami Yebu, to adhere to the party’s principle resulted to consultations that saw him as vice chairman under ANPP in the council.

Jiya had expressed optimism that he would deliver Kwali Area Council for PDP in 2013 if given the ticket adding that ANPP had no basis to win any election in the council.

He called for support and unity among his supporters so as to deliver the council for PDP and ensure that the yearnings and aspiration of Kwali people were met.

Urban Land law: Kwara PDP alerts public over ACN's plan From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

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he Kwara State Chapter of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has raised alarm over plans by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to cause public disaffection against the administration of Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed by rekindling a resolved misunderstanding between the government and the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) over the suspended Urbanisation Law, 2009.

The party in a statement issued by its Director of Publicity, Mas'ud Adebimpe, accused the ACN of attempting to destabilise the government by manipulating the public using sensitive issues that have been amicably settled by the concerned parties.

It could be recalled that there has been rumoured in some quarters that the state government and a political leader was planning to sell the Yidi Praying Ground.

He state government under Dr Bukola Saraki had proposed the controversial Urbanisation Law of 2009 but the IEDPU National President, Justice Saka Yusuf had denounced agreement with state government in an advertorial published in a national daily.

Responding, the ACN state

chairman, Mr Kayode Olawepo in a statement said "our response to PDP is that the party should endeavour to stand on the neck of its non-performing government to face the challenge of governance and be truthful in its dealings. This red-herring and growing phobia for opposition would do PDP no good."

But Adebimpe in a statement expressed shock that the ACN continued to exploit an issue which was caused by a communication gap between the government and the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) but which has since been bridged.

"As a responsive government, the PDP administration in the state has met with leaders and agreed unequivocally that there is not and there has never been a plan by the state government to sell the Yidi Praying ground to any individual or group. " The meeting also agreed that the dispute over the implementation of the Urbanization Act 2009 was due to a communication gap which has since been bridged. It is therefore mischievous and unpatriotic of the ACN and its cohorts in the opposition to heat the polity by scheming to unearth an issue that had been amicably resolved".

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

PAGE 41

FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

FIFA rates Flamingoes most offensive minded side

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arely few days after FIFA applauded the Flamingoes for being the first African team to record two straight wins at a group of its female U-17 cadet championship, the soccer ruling organ has again rated the Nigerian team as the most offensive minded squad at the ongoing championship in Azerbaijan.

According to its technical report, Nigeria had the highest record of 47 ‘shots on target’ tops the list at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Azerbaijan 2012 at the group stage.

Flamingoes’ knockout stage opponents France are ranked second with 38.

The Flamingoes scored a total of 15 goals from three matches and conceded only one, a feat that makes them second only to Japan that netted 17 times.

Nigeria topped that group edging Canada following Colombia’s 0-3 slump to the Flamingoes.

The potency of the Flamingoes is also attested to by the record of corner kicks the team secured against Azerbaijan: 32. It was the highest compared to four for hosts Azerbaijan.

Also, Nigeria are yet to earn yellow or red card. Conversely, Germany committed 47 fouls, the most by any team in the tournament; while Japan has the fewest with 13 fouls.

The highest attendance record of 30,250 for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup was set at the opening match on Sept.

22, while an average attendance in the ongoing competition is 7,291 compared to 4,567 and 6,494 in previous editions.

Germany remains unbeaten in the first round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup. Their record in the group stage now stands at seven victories and two draws spanning three editions.

Japan are the only other team in the competition’s history not

to have conceded a goal in the opening round.

In total, the young Nadeshiko went 311 minutes without conceding in a goal, 39 minutes short of the tournament record set by Korea DPR in 2010. The last player to score against the Japanese was Lee Sodam for Korea Republic in 2010.

Ten different scorers have found the net for Japan with only three matches into the competition, already equaling the tournament record set by Japan themselves in the 2008 edition and by Korea Republic in 2010.

Brazil is the first team to reach the knockout stage of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with a negative goal difference, having scored five and conceded eight.

A Seleção Brasileira also has the highest goals against tally of any side to reach the quarterfinals, surpassing the previous highest tally of five.

The two goals netted by Yamila Badell were Uruguay’s first in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Ghana has improved on their previous FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaigns, firstly by winning two successive matches and secondly by reaching the quarter-finals.

Coach Peter Dedevbo

FG fetes Flamingoes, urges team to beat France

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he Federal Government delegation to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup feted members of the Flamingoes and officials to a luncheon to mark the country’s 52 nd Independence anniversary.

The Chief Mike Umeh-led delegation took the celebration to the Flamingoes’ camp at the Hilton Hotel in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.

Umeh, who is the Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), said his delegation decided to honour the players to encourage them to beat France in their quarter final encounter tomorrow.

“We want to tell you that Nigerians are expecting so much from you. So, go all out and bring the FIFA cup to Nigeria. It is not by accident that we are visiting your camp today. We have come to celebrate Nigeria at 52 and to celebrate you, the flamingoes.

“While we are congratulating you for your qualification for the quarter final of this competition, we want you to go all out and conquer France to move ahead and win the cup.

“On behalf of NFF President Aminu Maigari, whose speech I am delivering, I wish the Flamingoes well,’’ Umeh said.

The Chairman, NFF media sub-committee, Chief Emeka Iyama, said the celebration should motivate the players and give them the impetus to win the championship.

“France is a football nation, but as far as Nigeria is concerned, we don’t care. We have done it before and we will do it again.’’

Responding, Flamingoes’ captain Victoria Aidelomo said the delegation’s visit had brought joy to the players because, “we were thinking that you have left us all alone, but by seeing you now, we know that you have not left us alone”.

“Since we started camping in January, we’ve committed this tournament into God’s hands. He has been helping us. He took us from the preliminary stage to the FIFA Women’s World tournament proper. We believe that with the prayers of Nigerians back at home, we will win. “ We remember that Nigeria lost at the quarter finals stage of the 2008 edition of this tournament and we don’t want to suffer the same fate that is why we ask Nigerians to join in praying to God to give us the courage to beat France on Thursday.

“But with the type of training given to us by our coaches and the calibre of players we have, we will mark Nigeria’s birthday with France’s defeat, come Thursday.

Eagles doctor upbeat for Reuben, Idris Nations Cup participation

By Patrick Andrew

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Papa Idris

uper Eagles team doctor, Ibrahim Gyaran, has assured that the duo of Papa Idris and Gabriel Reuben, would be available for 2013 Nations Cup finals in South Africa.

But they would not available for selection for the October 13 crucial Nations Cup qualifying game between the Super Eagles and the Lone Stars of Liberia at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

Reuben could be out of action for up to three months with a groin injury, while Idris is nursing a thigh injury and will

be out for no longer than six weeks.

The doctor revealed that while Idris has a recurring thigh injury, Reuben has a swollen groin but assured that both were being adequately attended to to ensure speedy recovery.

“What we did in concert with Coach Stephen Keshi is precautionary measures so that we don’t have distractions of whatever type, when we have a serious game at hand”.

“Papa’s thigh has improved and if it were to be in a tournament, he would still have played some games for us, but we have to look at the long term and the options available,

hence we asked him to go and get very decent treatment for the task ahead.

“As for Reuben, we have done scan over his swollen groin and even when some experts say nothing has gone wrong we still sent for other opinions on the injury in far away London and we are sure that when he finally returns we will see a fitter and better player,” he said.

Meanwhile, Head Coach Stephen Keshi has upped the team’s training schedule from once a day to twice, starting from yesterday. He decided this yesterday after observing the response of the players in training.

Super Sand Eagles begin camping Oct.10

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rrangements have been concluded by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for the national beach soccer team- the Super Sand Eagles to move into camp on Oct. 10 for the 2012 Samsung Beach Soccer International Cup. This was disclosed by the NFF’s Director of Technical, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme yesterday while speaking on the efforts to assemble a crack team that would participate in the Beach Soccer Worldwide (BSWW) as Africa representatives at the competition holding in Dubai from October 30 to November 3.

“It is true that Nigeria is invited by the Beach Soccer Worldwide for the Samsung Beach Soccer International Cup in Dubai and the acceptance letter has just been sent to BSWW. “Normally, the invitation is extended to an outstanding country in each continent and Nigeria is privileged to be so honoured. We were at the last edition and we have been invited to participate in this year’s edition.

“As it is now, the camp will open on Oct. 10 in Lagos at Badagry where we have been using before courtesy of the Lagos State Government.

“We will be there until we depart for the competition at the end of the month. The players have already been notified to resume at the Badagry VIP Guest House in Lagos,’’ Ikpeme said.

He added that 20 players had been invited but they would be reduced to 10 before the team to be accompanied by three officials departs for Dubai.

“The coaching crew of the team will be retained because they have been doing well and they are the ones to oversee the team’s preparations for the competition,’’ he said.

Aminu Maigari, NFF president

PAGE 42

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

2013 Nations Cup qualifier FA delays sales of Uganda versus Zambia tickets

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Samuel Eto’o, Pierre Wome Nlend, both are recalled to the Indomitable Lions who need a win against Cape Verde to qualify for 2013 Nations Cup

Wome accepts Lions’ recall

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ierre Wome Nlend has made it back into the Indomitable Lions after receiving a beckon from Jean Paul Akono ahead of the match against Cape Verde. The 33-year-old full back is coming back to a squad he left in July 2009 during the qualifiers for the 2010 world cup.

The coach backed his decision with Wome’s excellent run-off f form with Canon of Yaounde since he came back home this season to re-launch his career. ‘Wome has been a king pin for Canon and his skills in spot kicks are still as sharp as ever. We need such in the squad.’

Wome is one of the two players selected from the domestic championship, alongside Union of Douala’s Joel Babanda.

With 12 goals in 25 matches Babanda was one of the major

architects in his club’s championship title win this year, their first in twenty-two years.

Goalkeeper Mayebi Joslain (Wrexham FC in Wales) who has never played with the seniors despite being called up many times makes a come back as the third goalkeeper.

Fabrice Olinga whose debut with the professional group of Malaga is satisfactory for now also got a beckon from Akono just like Patrick Mevoungou who was dropped from the squad that featured in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Olle Olle Junior was also brought into the den for the first time; he was part of the Beijing Olympic squad in 2008. The player of Varbegs Bols in Sweden is the son of former international Bertin Olle Olle who was part of the AFCON winning squad in 1988 in Morocco.

Ghana to camp in Kenya for Malawi clash

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hana will camp in Kenya ahead of this month’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations final qualifying round second leg tie against Malawi.

The 21-man squad named by coach Kwasi Appiah were to converge at a yet to be disclosed location in Kenya to prepare for the crucial game next weekend.

All the foreign-based players in the team will travel directly to the camping base in Kenya after their weekend’s engagement.

The coach and members of his technical team as well as the four invited homebased players will also leave for Kenya after Sunday’s

Ghana Premier League opening day.

Kenya is seen as a very suitable venue to prepare the team for what expects to be a tough game in Malawi.

The Black Stars must defend a 2-0 first leg result in Lilongwe on 13 October.

Ghana squad Goalkeepers: Adam Kwarasey (Stromgodset, Norway), Philemon McCarthy (Hearts of Oak), Fatau Dauda (AshantiGold) Defenders: John Paintsil (Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel), Harrison Afful (Esperance, Tunisia), David Addy (Vitoria Guimaraes, Portugal), John Boye (Rennes, France), Isaac Vorsah (Red Bull Salzburg,

Austria), Jonathan Mensah (Evian Thonon Gaillard, France).

Midfielders: Anthony Annan (Osasuna, Spain), Daniel Nii Adjei (Asante Kotoko), Mubarak Wakaso (Espanyol, Spain), Emmanuel Agyemang Badu (Udinese, Italy), Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus, Italy), Christian Atsu (Porto, Portugal), Solomon Asante (Berekum Chelsea), Andre Ayew (Marseille, France), Rabiu Mohammed (Evian, France) Strikers: Emmanuel Clottey (Esperance, Tunisia), Abdul Majeed Warris (Hacken, Sweden), Asamoah Gyan (Al Ain,

UAE).

John Paintsil, returned to the Black Stars also

Lamouchi in Toure, Tiene, Keita selection dilemma

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Kolo Touré, does not enjoy regular playing at Man City

en days before the crucial trip to Dakar to secure a ticket to the Afcon 2013, Sabri Lamouchi faces a huge dilemma. Should the national coach of the Elephants call up his top players who are not being selected at club level?

Manchester City central defender Kolo Touré and Paris Saint-Germain left back Siaka Tiéné were selected for the first leg game in Abidjan against Senegal, but have been totally side-lined by their respective clubs, to the point where they are not even part of the teams participating in the Champions League.

Jean-Jacques Gosso and Kader Keita were also on Sabri Lamouchi’s previous list, but are both in search of new clubs and are completely out of form.

Rising star Abdul Razak has had no game time with the Citizens and has just joined Charlton Athletic where he should accumulate matches, but will he really be ready for 13 October? It seems doubtful.

And added to this, are the injuries of Salomon Kalou and Kafumba Coulibaly and the back problems suffered by Seydou Doumbia.

There are however several reasons for the coach to be optimistic, with the great current form of his strikers Didier Drogba, Gervinho, Lacina Traoré and Wilfried Bony, who have all been very effective in front of goal for their clubs over the past few weeks.

Finally Lamouchi could recuperate Newcastle defensive midfielder Cheick Tioté, who should be a great help in the midfield against the Senegalese strikers.

Côte d’Ivoire were victorious in the first leg in Abidjan, 4-2.

ans that were hoping to purchase their gold and VIP tickets for the much anticipated Nations Cup qualifier between Uganda and Zambia next weekend will have to wait a little bit longer.

The aforementioned ticket categories were supposed to hit the market on Monday but never.

According to FUFA’s head of marketing and sponsorship Rogers Byamukama, the delay is beyond their control.

“We have some logistical challenges with our courier company, which has hindered our having the tickets here in time,” said Byamukama.

Apparently, the tickets are being printed from “abroad” but Fufa have always declined to reveal the professional printers citing “security” reasons.

“As soon as the issues are solved, the ticket wills go on sale on a date to be communicated on Wednesday,” added Byamukama. The ordinary tickets hitting of the market date remains October 8.

Meanwhile, Zambia have written to FUFA requesting the Ugandan federation to stash for them 250 tickets for their fans.

Nigeria tackle Venezuela November

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igeria will take on Venezuela in a friendly on November 14 in Miami, officials have announced.

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) spokesman Ademola Olajire said an agreement has been reached with the country’s official match organizers for the game.

The match will serve as part of the build-up for the country ahead of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations if Nigeria eliminate Liberia in a final qualifier later this month. Last month, the Eagles were held to a 2-2 draw by hosts Liberia in the first leg of the qualifier, while the return match is fixed for October 13 in Calabar.

In May, the Eagles lost 1-0 to another South American team Peru in Lima in another friendly.

Venezuela, on the other hand, are sixth on the 10team qualifying tournament for the 2014 World Cup with 11 points from eight matches. Their biggest win in the series thus far was a 1-0 home win over mighty Argentina last October.

They reached the semi-finals of last year’s Copa America before they lost to Paraguay on penalties after a goalless draw.

Among their top stars are skipper Juan Arango, who is based in Germany, and striker Salomon Rondon, who recently replaced Nigeria star Obafemi Martins at Russian club Rubin Kazan.

Harambee Stars converge for Bafana Bafana

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arambee Stars began camping yesterday ahead of their International friendly match with Bafana Bafana scheduled for October 16th at Nyayo Stadium.

MacDonald Mariga who has been sidelined since early April after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament makes his return.

Stars have been absent on continental scene after they suffered their African Cup of Nations exit at the hands of Togo.

Hence, this will be their first competitive match as they gear up preparations ahead of CECAFA Tusker Challenge Cup and the World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria.

“The boys will pitch camp on Monday but at the request of the coach we are expected to shift the base.

The list of the foreign-based that will join the rest of the squad will be released soon since the coach is coming up with the names,” FKF CEO Lordvick Aduda told supersport.com.

South Africa will make a stopover at Nairobi on their way back from Poland where they have pencilled a fixture.

The foreign-based players expected are: Christian Bwamy, Arnold Origi, McDonald Mariga, Jerry Santo, Dennis Oliech, Brian Mandela, Patrick Oboya, Ayub Timbe and Victor Wanyama. The friendly will be Michel’s first match incharge of the side.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

PAGE 43

Mary, 29, aims to win gold in Rio M ary Kom, a 29-year-old mother of twin sons, plans to win another Olympic Games boxing medal in 2016.

Winning bronze in London this year has changed her life, but the little Indian fighter intends to go for gold in Rio de Janeiro.

“I hear they may introduce three more categories. If there’s a 48kg category I am confident I can bring back gold,” she says.

“But even if there’s no 48kg category, I will try to change the colour of the medal in the 51kg category.”

Known as MC (for Mangte Chungneijang) Mary Kom, and Magnificent Mary, she won five world amateur titles at 46 and 48 kg but had to move up to 51 kg to compete in the lightest of the three divisions for women in London.

She was hailed as the face of the campaign to get boxing for women recognised as an Olympic sport.

Before the 2012 Games, she

could stroll through her hometown unnoticed. But winning a bronze medal has changed her life.

“I won five world championships but very few people recognised me. Even in my state only the people in Imphal (the state capital) knew me.

“Now even the kids know Mary Kom,” she says. “There have been a lot of changes since I won the medal. It has been a lot more hectic. But I am still enjoying it.”

Hailing from the insurgencyprone state of Manipur, she received messages of support from across Indian society.

She has also captured the imagination of leaders in India’s film industry who have started work on a film about her life.

Training has taken a backseat since London, she admits. “I am doing my physical fitness part but I am not doing the full workout.

“It’s not going to be difficult to start full training again from

Mary Kom

Keshi right to ignore Uche, says Onigbinde

Keshi the ‘Big Boss’ nigbinde concluded by restating his principles that a coach must always be allowed to make the call on the big decisions as regards invitation of players to the national team.

“I have said this severally; in situations like this, the only person with the right to decide on who gets invited and who doesn’t is the coach. Keshi is the man in charge of the team and he is the one that should be allowed to make such decisions,” he said.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face Liberia’s Lone Star in a second leg, final round 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Calabar on October 13.

The first leg between both countries in Monrovia finished in a 2-2 draw.

Chief Adegboyega Onigbinde

Memory lane and the Odegbami debacle nigbinde went down memory lane, recalling his time in charge of Nigeria Premier League (NPL) club, 3SC and a similar situation he had to face regarding legendary Nigerian winger, Segun Odegbami.

“When I was in charge of 3SC

in the 80s, Segun (Odegbami) was arguably the best player in the team but I recall dropping him for a number of important games much to the fans’ chagrin.

“There was a particular game we (3SC) played in 1984 against (Cameroonian club) Tonerre Kalala at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan.

“Segun was injured and on the

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January, after celebrating the New Year.”

The International Amateur Boxing Association will press for more weight categories for women in Rio. If the officials succeed, Mary Kom will be happy.

“My normal category is 48 kg.

To compete at 51 kg, I had to depend on lots of food and drinks before the weigh-in,” she explains.

“But that did not make me stronger. If there’s a 48kg category, it will be perfect for me.”

Last week, she was named as the brand ambassador of India’s Super Fight League, a mixed martial arts league launched by Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt and entrepreneur Raj Kundra earlier this year.

Indians won two silver and four bronze medals in London; the country’s biggest Olympic haul yet and equalling the total Indians had won at seven previous Games.

F

Federer stays top of men’s tennis rankings

ormer Nigeria coach, Adegboye Onigbinde has voiced his opinion about Stephen Keshi’s decision to exclude Kalu Uche from the list of players to face Liberia in the 2013 Afcon qualifier against Liberia.

Super Eagles’ head coach,

Keshi surprising failed to include the Kasimpasa frontman from the list of 15 foreign-based professionals to face the Lone Star on October 13.

Uche’s brother, Ikechukwu (currently playing in Spain’s Segunda division with Villareal) was invited alongside

14 other pros leading to an outcry from a cross section of Nigerian fans who are now questioning the coach’s decision to leave out the former RCD Espanyol man from the squad to face the Lone Star at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

Rich vein of form alu has been in a rich vein of form this season for Kasimpasa following the completion of his summer transfer from La Liga club, RCD

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Espanyol where he spent just six months.

The 30-year-old was impressive on Sunday, putting in a man-of-the-match display and netting in the 73rd minute

morning of the game, he wanted to know who would play as his replacement in the game. I told him, much to his amazement, that he would be the one to start.

“He was not his usual clinical self in the game and the fans loudly voiced their annoyance that I selected him to play but I had a reason for starting him in that game and he gave me what

I wanted.

“A few years earlier, I think in 1978, we also played another game against Sharks in the FA Cup preliminaries in Kaduna and I left Segun out of the team.

There was an outcry from the fans but even Segun acknowledged that the team would have lost if he had played,” Onigbinde recalled.

as Kasimpasa beat Istanbul giants, Fenerbahce on match day of the 2012/13 Turkish Super Lig. Having scored five goals so far for Kasimpasa, only two players in the Turkish top flight, only two players, Umut Bulut (Galatasaray) and Pierre Webo (Büyüksehir Bld. Spor) have scored as many goals as the Nigerian international.

Onigbinde had two stints as manager of the Nigerian national team (1983-84 and 2002) and he has now thrown his weight behind Keshi’s decision to leave out the forward from the squad to face Liberia.

“Football is more complicated than a lot of people understand.

Because a player is scoring goals for fun does not mean the same player will score aplenty when he is drafted in to play for his national team,” Onigbinde told supersport.com.

Onigbinde, 70, the first Nigerian to lead the national team to the Fifa World Cup, said Kalu is a good player but asked Nigerians to respect Keshi’s decision.

“I know him (Kalu Uche) well and his records are there for all to see. However we must respect the coach’s decision to invite whoever he sees fit to prosecute this important national assignment (against Liberia).

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wiss Roger Federer continues to lead the men’s tennis rankings issued on Monday by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP).

Argentine Juan Monaco, who won the Malaysian Open in Kuala Lumpur in a three-setter against Julien Benneteau at the weekend, moves to 10th in the rankings, taking the place of American John Isner.

ATP top 10 as of Oct. 1 (previous ranking in parenthesis): 1. (1) Roger Federer, Switzerland, 11,805 points. (2) Novak Djokovic, Serbia, 10,470 3. (3) Andy Murray, Britain, 8,410 4. (4) Rafael Nadal, Spain, 7,385 5. (5) David Ferrer, Spain, 5,960. (6) Tomas Berdych, Czech Republic, 4,965. (7) JoWilfried Tsonga, France, 4,520. (8) Juan Martin del Potro, Argentina, 3,850. (9) Janko Tipsarevic, Serbia, 3,185. (10) Juan Monaco, Argentina, 2,775.

Roger Federer

PAGE 44

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

UEFA Champions League

Ajax test strength against Real Madrid

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Zlatan Ibrahomovic

or Real Madrid it seems the storm is over. The apparent rift in the squad, something that may have led to Cristiano Ronaldo’s outburst, has been resolved and the Jose Mourinho now turns attention to the challenges of the UEFA Champions League.

Real face Ajax but with eye on its group rival PSG who are equally in the trench for a shot at the continental glory.

Interestingly, Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti are two-time Champions League-winning coaches and they hope to repeat Champions League glory with their current clubs.

Mourinho won with Porto and Inter Milan, but is yet to deliver the trophy to Real - they have gone out in the semifinals in the past two seasons.

Ancelotti, twice a winner with AC Milan, might be in his first Champions League campaign with the French side but their Qatari backers will be expecting a long run in the competition after laying out millions of euros on players. Both have tricky away trips Real to Dutch giants Ajax and PSG to Porto.

While Real grabbed a late but deserved 3-2 victory at home to Manchester City in the first game, Ajax fell to a late goal away at Borussia Dortmund.

Since the victory over City Real have looked a different side to the one that had fallen eight points behind bitter rivals Barcelona in La Liga, and while the gap remains the same the ‘meringues’ have won both their subsequent league games, thrashing Deportivo La Coruna

Man City need win over Dortmund

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anchester City may only be heading into their second Champions League game of the season but Roberto Mancini’s side’s clash with Dortmund may prove hugely significant for both.

City suffered a 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid in their opening game despite taking the lead twice in the Bernabeu. This is only their second Champions League campaign after failing to get beyond the group stage last season.

They only collected one point from their opening two matches a year ago and were always playing catch-up to Bayern Munich and Napoli.

Twelve months ago they drew their opening home game 1-1 with Napoli before slipping to a 2-0 defeat in Munich, where Carlos Tevez refused to come off the bench.

Mancini, who has admitted he considered a move for Dortmund’s Poland striker Robert Lewandowski in the summer, will be desperate to be in a better position after two games this time around but they will face a stiff test against the German champions.

Dortmund collected three points with a late 1-0 win over Ajax in their opening game.

Mancini concedes that tonight’s match, which comes before a double-header against Ajax, who are rated as the group’s relative weak links, will be key to his team’s hopes of reaching the knock-out phase.

The Italian said: “The group is very difficult. We didn’t start too well because we lost against Real Madrid and for this reason it is important to play well against Dortmund.”

Mancini is adamant that his team have learnt the lessons from last season’s campaign but is sure that if they can match

5-1 on Sunday.

Both Mourinho and then Ancelotti failed to deliver European club football’s premier trophy with Chelsea - galling for both that the relative novice Roberto di Matteo succeeded where they failed last season.

Mourinho’s side stunned Man City in their opening Group D match at home coming back twice to beat City as Ronaldo crowned their efforts with a late goal to ensure the maximum points at the Bernabeu.

Real followed it up with a 2-0 win at Rayo Vallecano and thrashed Deportivo Coruna 5-1 at home on Sunday when Ronaldo netted a hat-trick to make it five goals from his last three outings.

Real have reached the Champions League semifinals

for the last two years and the club feel a tenth European title is within their grasp.

Ajax are looking to young playmaker Christian Eriksen to help them improve on a fourmatch losing streak from the last two seasons against Madrid, when they failed to score a single goal while conceding 12.

“In matches like this, big players stand up and Eriksen has the potential to become such a player,” Ajax coach Frank de Boer told reporters.

De Boer has Niklas Moisander, Christian Poulsen and Ryan Babel- two former Liverpool players that should know a thing or two about Xavi Alonso the midfield meastro of Real. He should rely on them to march Real’s lively charges in the contest.

But can they stop Ronaldo?

Porto, first big test for PSG

F

their previous tally of 10 points it will be enough to progress.

The 2-1 win at Fulham on Saturday - their first away victory of the campaign - at least kept them in touch in the Premier League although they remain four points adrift of leaders Chelsea after a fitful start to the campaign.

Maicon remains doubtful with an ankle problem, while fellow defender Micah Richards is also unlikely to be risked as he has not featured this season due to a similar injury.

Jack Rodwell is also struggling with a groin problem and is doubtful to face the German side.

Jurgen Klopp’s Dortmund, who managed just four points in the group stage last year, have also endured a patchy opening to the season.

While Mancini was rowing with Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert during his team’s 4-2 Germany defender Mats

Hummels believes Dortmund’s success at the weekend could still be a turning point in the season ahead of the trip to the Etihad Stadium.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ezequiel Lavezzi

Yahaya Toure

C Porto and Paris SaintGermain clash tonight in the Champions League is a testy as they could be.

Coach of the big spending PSG, Carlo Ancelotti beat Dynamo Kiev 4-1 at the Parc des Princes in the first match of this group phase, are on a very confident streak after having strung together four consecutive wins in the Ligue 1 and having climbed up to just three points off the leader, Olympique Marseille.

The impressive Parisian war machine has been launched and this away game to the Estadio do Dragao represents a perfect test for Qatari PSG, who are not hiding their ambitions on the European scene.

But although the Parisians are unbeaten in the championship this season, they know that the level of competition in the continent’s supreme tournament is far more elevated.

Ezequiel Lavezzi and Jérémy Ménez were absent against the Lion Cubs of Sochaux, but could make their return to Paris’s starting line-up unless Ancelotti opts for Gameiro, who secured a brace this weekend in his first call-up of the season.

Marco Verratti and Christophe Jallet suffered minor injuries in the championship on Saturday, but hope to be operational for the trip to Portugal.

FC Porto are currently lying second in Group A after the first week following their valuable win away against Dinamo Zagreb 2-0, and could find themselves leading the pool should they outclass PSG at home to impress their supporters.

The two-time European champions (1987 and 2004) have just managed a draw 2-2 away against Rio Ave on Saturday in the fifth week of the Liga Sagres, but remain on a par with their great rival Benfica on the national scene.

The other Group A clash will see Dinamo Zagreb play away

against Dynamo Kiev in a match which both teams will be desperate to win, in order to avoid being left behind by the rest of the field.

Elsewhere, Arsenal and Schalke 04 will look to shore up their initial wins. The Gunners, who are unbeaten at home in the Champions League since May 2009, when they lost 3-1 to Manchester United, face Olympiacos for the third time in four years.

Arsene Wenger’s men will be hoping for a strong performance to erase the memory of their recent 2-1 home defeat by Chelsea in the Premier League.Schalke, with the inform Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, start as favourites against French champions Montpellier, who have endured a difficult start to the new season.

TODAY’S MATCHES Zenith vs AC Milan Anderlecht vs Malaga Ajax vs Real Madrid FC Port o vs PSG Schalke 04 vs Montpellier Arsenal vs Olympiacos Dynamo Kiev vs Dinamo Zagreb Man City vs B/Dortmund

Christian Eriksen

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

PAGE 45

PICTORIAL

a

b

c

a Europe's winning Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazabal says he does not intend to skipper at Gleneagles in 2014. b Andy Murray beats Ivo Karlovic at the Japan Open as he returns to action after his US Open win. c Sir Alex Ferguson believes foreign players dive more than their British counterparts in the Premier League. d South Africa captain Steven Pienaar has retired from international football, preferring to focus on his club career at Everton. e Scotland manager Craig Levein names Steven and Darren Fletcher in his squad for the World Cup qualifiers in Wales and Belgium. f Women's boxing has been added to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014 for the first time. g Lionel Messi, winner of the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2011, launched the vote for this year's FIFA/FIFPro World XI.

g

d

e

f

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

PAGE 47

Say what?

Source: Reader's Digest

FACTS * If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as a result of wounds received in battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes. * There are two credit cards for every person in the United States. * The international telephone dialing code for Antarctica is 672.

PHOTO OF THE DAY

* The average chocolate bar has 8 insect legs in it. * Fleas can jump 130 times higher than their own height. In human terms this is equal to a 6 foot person jumping 780 feet into the air.

1 Football umpire (3) 3 E or O, eg (5) 6 Trouser top (9) 7 Tacky (4) 8 Heroic story (4) 11 Besieged (9) 12 Gave medicine to (5) 13 Wages (3) 1 Mountain ash (5) 2 Beach footwear (4-5) 3 Ballot (4) 4 Swathed (7,2) 5 Boy (3) 9 Tea container (5) 10 Slip accidentally (4) 11 Tender (3)

* There are no venomous snakes in Maine. * The blue whale can produce sounds up to 188 decibels. This is the loudest sound produced by a living animal and has been detected as far away as 530 miles.

Yesterday’s answer

* Erosion at the base of Niagara Falls (USA) undermines the shale cliffs and as a result, the falls have receded approximately 7 miles over the last 10,000 years.

Source: Weird facts

ACROSS

DOWN

* Snakes are true carnivores as they eat nothing but other animals. They do not eat any type of plant material.

* The Main Library at Indiana University sinks over an inch every year because when it was built engineers failed to take into account the weight of all the books that would occupy the building.

Quick CrossWord (40)

'No hurdle too big': Tom Yendell, who was born without arms caused by Thalidomide, a morning sickness drug with devastating side-effects, has become a world-renowned artist, painting with his mouth and feet.

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

. . . putting the people first

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

SPORTS LA TEST LATEST

FIFA bans Chirakal for cover up

N

ajeeb Chirakal, a football official covered by the FIFA Code of Ethics 2012, has yesterday banned by the FIFA Ethics Committee from taking part in all football-related activity, at any level, due to his lack of collaboration with the ongoing investigation proceedings opened against Mohamed Bin Hammam.

This failure to cooperate constitutes a breach of the FIFA Code of Ethics and the ban is effective immediately and will last for two months or until Chirakal cooperates with these proceedings as requested, whichever is earlier.

Chirakal had been contacted by the Secretary to the Investigatory Chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee, asking him to provide information and documents, and failed to respond.

The letter notifying Chirakal of the ban also informs him that investigation proceedings may be opened against him for possible violations of the FIFA Code of Ethics if he continues to fail to cooperate with the investigation.

Ballack retires from football

M

ichael Ballack, who won 98 caps for Germany and scored 42 international goals, has retired from football, a statement released through his lawyer said.

Ballack, 36, began his professional career at Chemnitzer in 1995 and went on to play for Kaiserslautern, Bayer Leverkusen (twice), Bayern Munich and Chelsea.

He had been without a club since leaving Leverkusen at the end of last season, despite being linked with a move to the Australian A-League.

UEFA CL Results Spartak 2 Celtic 3 BATE 2 B/Munich 1 Benfica 0 Barcelona 2 CFR Cluj 1 Man Utd 2 Nordsjaelland 0 Chelsea 4 Galatasaray 0 Braga 1 Juventus 1 Shakhtar 1 Valencia 2 Lille 0

ADVERT: BUSINESS: NEWS: LAGOS:

0803 0805 0803 0805 0803

QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE I never for once signed a payment voucher or a cheque for money to be paid. These were the powers delegated to the people in the civil service.

— Alhaji Ahmed Joda, former Federal Permanent Secretary

Dirty path to Hajj H

aving got no concession whatsoever after a week of hopping and dancing in the eyes of the world, the Nigerian government has eaten the humble pie by quietly resuming the airlift of this year's pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj. No one expected the Saudi Arabian authorities to soften their stance on a matter fundamental to their religion, Islam - for doing so, at least publicly, would have weakened their claim and that of their ruler as the custodian of the holy shrines.

This incident is a confirmation of the notion that militancy is not a good tool in international relations.

I don't know how or from where the element of military found its way into our international relations management. Some say it is a gift to the nation from the South-South which son, Jonathan Goodluck , is our current President.

A blogger made the cynical point that the Nigerian Vice President, Architect Namadi Sambo, who summoned the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia, at which meeting he handed him a 24-hour notice to remove the Islamic requirement of Mahram (Chaperons) for female pilgrims was himself decked in South-South uniform, complete with the jumper and bowler hat. It is unfortunate that a country's leader will summon a diplomat and give that independent country an instruction to act in a given kind of way. Even under colonial rule, the designated administrators of Nigeria and India gave orders in a muffled, subtle and refined way of doing things called indirect rule. So the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, not being colony of the mighty, powerful country called Nigeria, simply ignored the ultimatum. Not only this, they intensified the deportations, refused access to detained pilgrims by this country's envoys and declined the issuance of visas to a "high - powered" Nigerian delegation members led by the Speaker of the country's parliament. Nothing could have been more humiliating. If only we had dealt with the crisis differently.

Nigeria is a country where wrong-doing is the norm. All laws are compromisable to suit the convenience of big men. National objectives are sacrificed at the altar of greed and myopic vision of the rulers. We always assume that the way we do it here is the way we would do it dealing with others all over the world. We are comfortable with the situation of our being a feudal country where selfishness, cheating, greed and tribal thinking hold sway. We

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MUSINGS By

Garba Shehu garshehu@yahoo.co.in

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia always assume that others will understand that we are what we are and they will bend their own rules to meet our special needs.

In this particular instance, the Islamic requirement for a male chaperon or guide, a husband or a close relation, for an adult female on Hajj is compulsory. Where this is not available, the Hajj is itself is not compulsory for such a female person. But the way we do things in this country is to forge such a relationship or, as in this case, to just ignore the requirement in the belief that the Saudis won't care or even if they do, they will waive the rule.

This humiliating experience with the Saudis should be used for

serious national introspection.

Corruption has decimated good manners and good thinking in Nigeria; it has decimated good politics and policies and it is even ruining religion including the Hajj. Pilgrims commission officials in the states - I say the states because Hajj management at the centre is much more sanitized and more orderly - is driven by patronage and scams. Hajj seats are scandalously issued by the ruling party in the states, legislators, commissioners and advisers and such seats are hawked openly for sale. You are either connected or you buy, otherwise you are out of it. When you hear the dirty scams in Hajj as in our national affairs, you would think that prostitutes have a higher moral standard than some of the Hajj officials. Given the situation when almost everybody is involved in scams, foreign states have a moral duty to help Nigerians against their rulers. This is what the United Kingdom has done by jailing our officials and confiscating looted public funds. By barring unattached women from the Hajj, the Saudis are not only enforcing a religious duty but also helping Nigerians to rise to the standard of public service.

In dealing with non-Arabs,

“

We should take a hard look at ourselves if we want to avoid occasional embarrassments from other countries. A former U.S. Secretary of State, Mr. Collin Powell, once described Nigeria as "a nation of scammers." To get respect, we must work hard and sincerely to get it. While deploring the degrading conditions under which the Nigerian female pilgrims were held before deportation, we also owe it a duty to ourselves to stop the culture of impunity, which we export to other countries

particularly black Africans, the majority of the Saudis are discriminating, if not contemptuous outright. The horrible treatment to which the female pilgrims were subject at the detention centres, i.e., the lack of food and access to lavatories is dehumanizing and typically Saudi. Their officials are among the most insensitive you can meet on international travels. It is ironic but true that it is more pleasurable travelling to Europe using European carriers than it is for Muslims using Arab airlines to their holy land in Saudi Arabia.

In the past few days, we have witnessed a series of consular infractions against Nigerians that the Foreign Affairs Minister should attack, not to go after a religious order which, understandably, only led to a hardening of position by the Saudis. This Saudi insensitivity and the lack of regard for foreign Muslims, especially where they are black Africans, is one reason why the repeated calls by the Shi'ah Iran for the internationalization of the holy shrines, that is their removal from the custody of the Saudi royalty, made sense to Muslims in many parts of the world.

But it is a matter that must, one way or the other, be addressed so long as the Saudi arrogance persists. As for the Hajj mismanagement in Nigeria, this crisis provides an opportunity for a judicial inquiry into the states' handling of the matter. All the scammers must go to jail if there is to be deterrence against future abuse.

Breaking the law has become a habit to Nigerians. When South Africa deported Nigerians over yellow card controversy, we all rose in patriotic unison to condemn the South Africans without giving a thought to the possibility that South Africa could have valid grounds for its action. Instead of reflection, we used economic blackmail or threats of sacking South African companies, including the MTN telecom company, from Nigeria to divert attention from our habitual impunity. Our culture for seeking and obtaining illegal services usually leads to the possession of so many fake yellow cards which you can get without even meeting any doctor or going to any hospital. We should take a hard look at ourselves if we want to avoid occasional embarrassments from other countries. A former U.S. Secretary of State, Mr. Collin Powell, once described Nigeria as "a nation of scammers." To get respect, we must work hard and sincerely to get it.

While deploring the degrading conditions under which the Nigerian female pilgrims were held before deportation, we also owe it a duty to ourselves to stop the culture of impunity, which we export to other countries.

Published by Peoples Media Limited, 35, Ajose Adeogun Street, 1st Floor Peace Park Plaza, Utako, Abuja. Lagos Office: No.8 Oliyide Street, off Unity Road, Ikeja, Lagos, Tel: +234-09-8734478. Cell: +234 803 606 3308. e-mail: contact@peoplesdaily-online.com; pmlnewsdesk@gmail.com ISSN: 2141– 6141