Peoples Daily Newspaper, Monday March 5, 2012

Riot a ver ted in K ano o ver killing av erted Kano ov of rresident esident b y security oper ati ves by opera tiv

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Vol. 7 No. 87

Monday, March 5, 2012

Rabiul Thani 12, 1433 AH

N150

INSIDE

Boko Haram: JAMB Obasanjo blames ‘Scores dead’ in cancels UTME in govt over food Congo munitions Borno, others >>> PAGE 4 shortage >>> PAGE 9 depot blasts >>> PAGE 32

Gunmen kill five in Maiduguri, Kano From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri, & Edwin Olofu, Kano

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ragedy struck in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital at the weekend when unknown gunmen carried out two attacks in different areas, killing four people, including a middle-aged woman, her 10-yearold son and two others.

Similarly, gunmen, also suspected to be members of Boko Haram, moving on a motorbike yesterday attacked a man said to be a public servant at his residence in Dala area of Kano and killed him instantly.

The attacks came 24 hours Contd on Page 2

Residents of Galadimawa village in Abuja Municipal Area Council protesting against planned demolition of their houses by Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Oritsejafor splits Northern CAN From Agaju Madugba, Kaduna

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here are strong indications that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and Abuja has been ripped by a crisis

over the recent outbursts of the National President of CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, on some national issues.

The CAN Secretary in the North, Elder Saidu Dogo, who addressed a press conference in

Kaduna at the weekend, claimed that the religious body has uncovered a plot to attack Pastor Oritsejafor.

Elder Dogo fingered some Bishops and other Christian leaders who he curiously refused to name,

as collaborating with “Islamic fundamentalist groups” to carry out acts designed to tag the Christian community as terrorists.

“We are aware of an alignment between the recalcitrant Christian

AWWW.PEOPLESDAILY-ONLINE.COM

leaders with their Muslim collaborators who are being sponsored to discredit Oritsejafor and cause confusion within the Christian fold,” Dogo said.

Also curious, however, was Contd on Page 2

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

CONTENTS News

2-11

Editorial

12

Op.Ed

13

Letters

14

Opinion

15

Metro

16-17

Business

19-22

S/Exchange

23

S/Report

24

Newsxtra

26

Education

28

Health

29

Ritualists behead two-year-old girl in Niger From Iliya Garba, Minna

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n Minna, the Niger state capi tal, a two-year-old girl, Ummul-Khairu Mohammed in Kaffin Teller area was beheaded by suspected ritualists who removed some parts from her body.

The killers lured the girl to an uncompleted building by the side of her family house while she was playing in company of other kids of the neighbourhood at about 10am on Saturday, March 3, 2012.

Speaking to our correspondent, the mother of the deceased, Malama Fati Mohammed, said murdered girl was her first child adding that she had dressed her up with the intention of going with her to an adult Islamic School which she attends, shortly before the incident occurred.

According to her the little girl had soaked her dress in water upon which she pulled them off in order to dress her anew before she rushed out to join her playmates by the entrance of the residence.

She was surprised when one of the playmates came to give her her daughter’s pant as a result of which she began calling out the child’s name to draw her attention.

Malama Fati said she came out looking for her child only for another woman from the neighbourhood to come asking if she had heard of the strange thing

that happened within the neighbourhood; and then took her to the uncompleted building where her little daughter was killed.

She also said that she did not realise that it was her little daughter that was slaughtered until her corpse was identified by her father who also rushed to the scene of the incident.

Niger state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Richard Oguche confirmed the incident, stating that the parents of the girl were being questioned in connection with the incident because they had contact with her less than an hour before she was killed.

He said that the command is doing everything within their reach to arrest the perpetrators.

Julius Berger wants N250m damages from NERC

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

J

ulius Berger Nigeria Plc has asked an Abuja High Court to compel the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to pay it N250 million as general damages over the issuance of dishonored cheque by the agent of the commission.

The plaintiff, in the suit filed on its behalf by its counsel, A.B Suleiman joined as defendants, the Industrial and General Insurance Plc and Unique Fusion

Insurance Brokers Limited.

Julius Berger is claiming another N200, 000, being the amount agreed as settlement of NERC’s obligation to it and a declaration by the court that it is entitled to damages from the defendants for the embarrassment they caused it.

In a two-page statement of claim attached to the suit, Berger averred that there was an accident on the 5th of October, 2010 involving a car driven by a staff of the NERC

along Nnamdi Azikiwe Road.

The accident, the statement said occurred when the driver of the commission’s vehicle lost control and ran into street light pole and halogen lamp belonging to the construction company.

“The 1st defendant through its insurer, the Industrial and General Insurance Plc, that is the 2nd defendant approached the plaintiff for discussion on how to settle the issue amicably without going to court.

Oritsejafor splits Northern CAN

SNC, an open declaration of war on democracy, says Tanko Yakasai, Page 37

International 31-34 Strange World 35 Digest

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

Contd from Page 1 Dogo’s refusal to entertain questions from newsmen after he addressed them at a forum that was supposed to be a press conference.

He said he regretted that the understanding of such Christians was all about their denominations and their personal interests over and above the well-being of Christians in general.

According to Dogo: “The Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern states and Federal Capital Territory is worried by the recent orchestrated plans by certain characters in the name of Christian leaders whose understanding of Christianity is all about their denomination and their personal interest over and above the plight of Christians in

general.

“These characters whose trademark is to be in and out of government and when they are not in government, they want to divide the church in Nigeria along North and South dichotomy for their selfish aims.

“We appeal to the antiOritsejafor clerics to see reason and desist from acts that can divide the church in Nigeria because Pastor Oritsejafor is God-sent and he has been in the forefront of defending the rights of Christians in the region.

“The church in the North is solidly behind the President of CAN because his interest is for the unity of Nigeria where equity, justice and fairness will prevail on all irrespective of tribe and creed.

“We are proud of him and any

attempt to put a stumbling block in the wheel of progress will be resisted frontally by CAN in the 19 northern states”, he vowed.

Dogo however admitted at the press briefing that the antiOritsejafor campaign may not be unconnected with what he described as the CAN President’s vocal and courageous stand on issues affecting northern Christians.

It will be recalled that a section of the Christian leaders in the North put out a public statement in the media to distance their members from the hard-line stance of Oritsejafor on the persistent bombings and gun attacks by Boko Haram members in several states in the North.

Also, recently, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah wrote an article,

which was published in many Nigerian newspapers and online sites, in which he tried to caution both Christians and Muslims about passing hasty conclusion on the Boko Haram attacks, noting that there were established cases of attempted bombings by Christian faithful, who tried to disguise themselves by wearing Muslim garbs.

Bishop Kukah’s article was published even before the arrest of eight Christian members of COCIN in Miya Barkatai, Bauchi state, who attempted to burn their own church.

Although Elder Dogo refused to name those he accused of plotting to destabilise CAN, our reporter learnt that many Christians were unhappy with Bishop Kukah’s position in his published article.

Gunmen kill five in Maiduguri, Kano Contd from Page 1 after an explosion rocked a house in Maiduguri used as a bomb factory, which left three Boko Haram suspects dead in Kaleri ward.

It was gathered that the first incident took place Saturday night when two gunmen drove in an unmarked Volkswagen car and raided Zannari ward, firing sporadic gunshots in the air.

Thereafter, the assailants were said to have broken into one house, asked a woman the whereabouts of her husband and when she allegedly told them he travelled, they subsequently killed her along with her son, before fleeing the scene.

The motive behind the incident could not be ascertained up to press time, as this was the first time a woman and her son fell victims to the persistent attacks allegedly

perpetrated by Boko Haram.

Residents of the area however opined that women and children were not among targets of the sect, alleging that the gunmen have stormed the house looking for the husband of the deceased and that in his absence; they visited their anger on his family members.

The second attack occurred yesterday in Gamborou market around 10.00am after three gunmen raided the area killing a trader, before proceeding to a nearby shop and slaughtered a tailor.

Witnesses told newsmen that five gunmen drove to the market in a tricycle as three alighted while others took strategic positions and fired several shots in the air before heading to the shops of their victims.

“While the hoodlums shot the trader to death, the tailor was

killed differently as they used knife to slit his throat; we don’t know why these kinds of attacks and killings have defied solutions despite the presence of heavy security, coupled with curfew and state of emergency imposed in the affected areas”, a resident, Malam Bukar Kachallah queried.

The incident had caused pandemonium in the area with people scampering for safety, while the market was shut down after the attackers fled the scene.

Sources at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) told newsmen that both the father and his son died on the spot of the attack as their corpses which were riddled with bullets, were deposited at the morgue of the hospital.

Spokesman of the Borno state Police Command, ASP Samuel Tizhe, confirmed the incidents, saying no arrest was made but

investigation was launched to unravel the perpetrators and reason behind the heinous acts.

Also, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Kano state Police Command, ASP Musa Magaji Majia, while confirming the incident in the city, said through SMS that: “Today at about 02.30pm at Kofar Dawanau Quarters, two gunmen came on motorcycle and shot dead one Lawan Mohammed, a 47-year-old staff of Ungogo Local Government Council. He was killed in front of his house while praying together with his brother, police were later informed by his relatives.

“He was confirmed dead after a post-mortem by doctors and his corpse has been released to his relatives for burial.

“The police have commenced investigation into the incident”, the statement concluded.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

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JTF recovers bodies of slain officers, kills leader of attackers

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L-R: Kwara state Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, receiving the 2011 Hajj report from the Chairman, Kwara state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Imam Usman Olosun, at the weekend in Ilorin.

our days after a deadly attack in the creeks of Bayelsa state that left four military personnel of the Joint Task Force (JTF) dead, the JTF has announced the recovery of the slain officers’ bodies by the Operation Pulo shield and the killing of the militant leader responsible for the attack.

A report on Channels Television said the recovery of the body was revealed in a statement issued yesterday and signed by the JTF spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Antigha which disclosed that the attack was carried out by a gang of sea pirates led by Shedrack Itokofuwei, alias Mammy Water, who was also killed during the shoot-out.

Mammy Water is said to hail from Azagbene in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa state.

The four military personnel were attacked on 1st March 2012, along Eweleso River in the state.

According to the JTF’s statement, “Mammy Water and

his gang left his base in a convoy of about 5 speed boats heading to Forupa, a new location in Bayelsa State. However, enroute, the criminal convoy attacked JTF personnel who were heading to Ogbia from Brass. Thereafter, the same convoy encountered a Marine Police check point which they also attacked.”

The statement also explained that following the attacks, “military patrol teams within the vicinity were notified as the same convoy emerged at One Man Camp (a fishing settlement)” and “they were engaged by a Nigerian Navy Patrol boat” it added.

Lt. Col. Antigha further stated that “3 of their (militants) speed boats were sunk while 2 others escaped” adding that “the leader of the gang, Shedrack Itokofuwei, alias Mammy Water was among those killed in the fire fight as disclosed by his gang member captured close to the scene of encounter with the Navy Patrol boat.”

The JTF Commander also noted that the late “Mammy Water and his gang were the criminals behind the series of pirate attacks within Nigerian territorial waters in the last 3 months.”

Riot averted in Kano over killing of civilian by security operatives Jonathan greets From Bala Nasir & Edwin Olofu, Kano

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violent riot was averted yesterday in Kano, following the alleged killing of a motorcycle operator, popularly called ‘achaba’ by security operatives manning one of the numerous check points in the state capital.

The deceased, one Mustapha Mohammed, otherwise known as Sharu Mustapha met his untimely death at a checkpoint by the Silver Jubilee Square around 7:30am yesterday.

Narrating the ordeal to our correspondent, Mohammed Aminu, who was on the same motorbike with Sharu Mustapha said both of them live in the same area.

Aminu said he came out of his house early in the morning and met the deceased outside and late Sharu told him that he was going out on errand to collect a message from Kano Line garage and that he should accompany him.

According to Aminu, it was on their way to Kano Line station when they negotiated the Silver Jubilee round-about that he heard sounds of gun shots; unknown to him, it was Sharu Mustapha that was shot.

He further narrated that when he suddenly realised that Mustapha was losing control of the motorbike he was riding he started wondering what was happening to him and all of a sudden, they fell on the ground.

Aminu said Mustapha became unconscious and that he made

frantic efforts to help him failed and he was left lying in the pool of his blood. It was then he realized that the gunshots he earlier heard was fired at his friend Sharu Mustapha, and that it was then he saw injured on his forehead and also on his tummy, he added.

He said when the security personnel at the checkpoint saw what was happening they quickly came over and bundled the body inside their patrol van and took the body away from the scene.

Aminu said he quickly alerted the deceased family on phone and told them what happen to their son at the Silver Jubilee Square.

In a swift reaction, an angry mob immediately attacked the Joint Military Task force (JTF) that was manning the checkpoint in protest, causing pandemonium

in the area.

Eyewitness said the mob set up bonfires and hurled stones on the military men, but that they disappeared from the scene for the fear of more attacks.

In the same vein, a policeman controlling traffic at the Kofar Mazugal junction was mobbed immediately after Sharu Mustapha’s funeral which took place at Kofar Mazugal burial ground in Dala local government area was concluded.

Meanwhile, two unknown gunmen on a motorcycle shot dead Lawan Mohammed at Kofar Dansanhu yesterday. Identified as a local government staff, the late Mohammed, 47, was killed in front of his house.

Police said they were still investigating at the time of filing this report.

FG condemns deportation of 125 Nigerians from South Africa

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he Federal Government yesterday decried the deportation of 125 Nigerian travellers from South Africa for allegedly being in possession of fake yellow fever certificates.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerians were deported from South Africa on Friday.

Reacting to the development in an interview with NAN in Abuja, Foreign Affairs Minister Olugbenga Ashiru said that the South African High Commission in Nigeria had verified the certificates before issuing visas from their Lagos and Abuja offices to the travellers.

Ashiru also said that Nigeria

had been certified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a Yellow Fever-free nation and as such he did not see any reason why the South African Immigration Services turned back the travellers. ``That is why countries in Europe and the U.S. do not demand Yellow Fever cards from Nigerian

travellers; it is only South Africa, and a few countries in the Southern Hemisphere who demand Yellow Fever card from travellers.’’

Meanwhile, Ashiru has directed the Nigerian High Commissioner in South Africa to lodge a formal protest over the action of South African immigration officials.

Obasanjo at 75

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday wrote to congratulate former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 75th birthday anniversary.

Jonathan, in a letter he personally sent to the former President hailed his contribution to nationhood and expressed gratitude to God for the 'fulfillment' of Obasanjo's life.

"You have spent virtually all of your adult life in dedicated patriotic service to our fatherland: as an accomplished officer in our nation’s army; as a military commander who played a historic role in effecting the end of the unfortunate civil war; as a military Head of State who ushered in civil democratic governance; and later serving two terms as a democraticallyelected President, and helping to consolidate the democratic process in our country," the letter read.

President Jonathan also hailed the Septuagenarian's present leadership role in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his commitment to the stability of the nation

Manufacturers want FG to patronise of made-in-Nigeria products From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

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he Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has called on the federal and state governments to encourage Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to patronise locally-made products for use in all government projects, programmes and functions.

MAN President, Chief Kola Jamodu, made this call when the Lagos state Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Olusola Oworu paid him a courtesy visit.

Jamodu commended the Lagos state government for the positive impact of some of its policies on the environment, waste management, traffic control, road maintenance and beautification of

the state. He however urged the commissioner to look into the challenges facing manufacturing as it is its core constituency. Chief Jamodu listed some of the challenges to include: deficient infrastructure; low Public-PrivatePartnership, unstreamlined activities of government regulatory agencies in the state.

The commissioner, in her

remark, lamented the low contribution of the manufacturing sector to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). She said that the reported contribution of the sector, which is less than 5% is a thing of concern to the state and in view of this; the governor is putting all measures in place to ensure that manufacturing thrives in the state. She added that

part of the measures is the establishment of the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

Mrs. Oworu also disclosed that the government has concluded plans to build a seaport near the Lekki Free Trade Zone which will help to ease the congestion at the Apapa and Tincan port and said there is also a plan to build an International Airport in the same area.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

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‘Journalist’ found dead on Kaduna street From Agaju Madugba, Kaduna

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esidents of Chalawa Crecsent area of Kaduna metropolis yesterday found the dead body of a middle aged man on the street.

The police identified him as Godwin Stephen, a reporter working for the BBC in Abuja, based on identification papers found on him.

But when contacted, the BBC correspondent in Kaduna, Malam Nura Ringim, said his organisation did not have such a person on their staff.

According to Ringim, “in fact, my office just called me from London to find out the identity of the said reporter, and I made contact all over Nigeria, and I can confirm that we do not have such reporter in Abuja or any other part of the country.”

An eyewitness said the body was found near a private school on Chalawa Crescent. The police has since deposited the corpse at the St. Gerald Hospital, Kaduna.

Police spokesman DSP Aminu Lawan said he was still awaiting a full report from the DPO of the area.

Edo police nab man, 28, for kidnapping grand mother From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin he intelligence unit of Zone 5 Police Command in Benin, Edo state, has arrested one Kelvin Osagie, 28, for reportedly masterminding the abduction of his grandmother, whose name was give as Madam Victor Aiwerioghene.

According to a police report, the suspect in collusion with three others abducted the woman from her home in Ikpoba Hill area of the state capital, in July 2011 and kept her in a wardrobe for six days before she was rescued by police.

It further said, Osagie’s arrest was made possible following information obtained by police from one of the kidnappers, Fred Omoruyi, who was earlier arrested.

Omoruyi was charged to court on a two-count charge in connection with the crime.

Omoruyi reportedly told police investigators that Osagie it was that arranged the arrest of his paternal grandmother.

Omoruyi according to police sources confessed to the crime, saying Osagie contacted him and another suspect who is still at large, to execute the plot.

The zone in a statement it issued on Thursday, said: “The police went after the said Kelvin Osagie, got him arrested and will charge him to court after investigation must have been concluded.”

Police spokesperson, Titilope Otukoya, in the statement, said they were still searching for the other member of the gang.

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Boko Haram: JAMB cancels UTME in Borno, others T

he Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, has said there will be no Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in the volatile states in northern Nigeria.

Prof. Ojerinde made the announcement in Abuja while speaking with reporters at the 58th National Council on Education (NEC) meeting last Friday.

According to him, JAMB will be forced to cancel the examination if the Boko Haram attacks on primary and secondary schools in Borno state continue.

“When we reviewed the situation in volatile states, for instance Borno, we realised that some of the schools are being bombed but our investigations showed that only primary schools are affected and not secondary schools.

“The board will be left with no option than to tell the candidates to go elsewhere to write the exams if schools which serve as centres are attacked”.

The registrar regretted that the development could be quite unfortunate for the students.

Mr. Ojerinde disclosed that the board had increased the number of examination towns from 328 to 379 while the number of centres also increased from 2,872 to 3,052.

He said that the teething problem that greeted the use of biometric data machines in

2011 had been addressed, adding that the biometric machines would take only 30 to 40 minutes to verify the entire 540 candidates registered for a centre.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Boko Haram had on Feb. 28, attacked four primary schools in Maiduguri, setting the Gomari Costain Primary School and a section of

the Maiduguri Experimental School, Kawanar on fire.

They also set ablaze Budum Kulo Gomna Primiary Schools and Abba Ganaram Primary School also in Maiduguri. (NAN)

President Goodluck Jonathan (2nd left), and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan (right), arriving for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ward congress, on Saturday at Otuoke, in Bayelsa state.

Kogi CJ solicits rehab centre for juveniles From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

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hief Judge of Kogi state, Justice Nasir Ajanah has called for the establishment of rehabilitation centres for juvenile offenders to avoid mixing them up with convicts in prisons.

Ajanah made the call at a special court session organised in honour of newly inaugurated, Justice Elias Egwu as judge of the state Customary Court of Appeal on Friday in Lokoja.

The chief judge pointed out

that on completion of his visits to prison formations across the state during the week, he saw the need for the establishment of the centre to separate juveniles from other convicts in the prison.

The chief law officer also called on the State House of Assembly to quickly pass into law, a bill establishing the state Customary Court of Appeal pending before it.

Also speaking on the need for the centre, chairman of Nigerian Bar Association

(NBA), Lokoja branch said the young minds must be separated to avoid breeding harder criminals for the society.

The state governor, Captain Idris Wada who was also present at the special court session, promised to establish the centre and also provide ICT facilities for the state judiciary to enhance its performance.

President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Ibrahim Atadoga Shaibu, who presided over the session said the purpose of the ceremony

was to welcome the new judge to the bench.

He expressed gratitude to Governor Wada over the appointment saying the governor like his predecessor, had been magnanimous to the judiciary adding that there were signs of more good things for the state judiciary.

Addressing the audience, the inaugurated judge, Justice E A Egwu narrated his experience in the judiciary adventure saying, “Destiny can be delayed but not denied.”

Former CP wants check points replaced with motorised patrol

M

r. Frank Odita, a retired commissioner of police, wants the InspectorGeneral of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, to replace checkpoints with motorised patrols.

Odita told newsmen on Sunday, in Lagos, that checkpoints had never helped in crime prevention as policemen had converted them into “toll gates”.

He said that checkpoints were not the best for the country’s image and that of the force.

According to him, it is better

to return to foot and motorised patrols.

“They should be on the highway and prevent robberies from taking place because prevention is better than cure, and the police service is better placed in prevention than investigation.

“That is not to say that when you are leaving or approaching any state, you will not meet checkpoints; you will, but all these checkpoints that littered the roads are unofficial and are for the

purpose of extortion.” he said.

Odita said that with checkpoints, criminals could easily predict areas where policemen were stationed, noting that it would be difficult to do so if policemen were on patrol.

“The truth is that there is nothing stopping police officers from searching; the policeman has a mandate to combat crime. If he reasonably suspects any vehicle that has criminal tendencies, he can stop the vehicle and search it”,

he said.

Odita urged the state commissioners of police to release funds from the Inspector General’s office to the divisional police officers to enable them to improve their operations.

He lauded the Lagos State Government for its support to the police but urged it to extend the gesture beyond the special task force to the divisions and area commands for effective crime prevention and control.

(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

PAGE 5

Soldier wounded, 17 arrested as Nasarawa PDP holds congresses

L-R: Deputy Corps Marshal, Operations, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Boboye Oyemi, Corps Marshal/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Osita Chidoka, and Deputy Corps Marshal, Policy, Research and Statistics, Mr. Ayo Omidiji, during a press conference on the infusion of road safety into school curriculum in Nigeria, at the weekend in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

O

ne of the soldiers detailed to quell a violent protest staged by an aggrieved faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), suffered a head injury when a missile thrown by one of the protesters hit him on the head, just as police authorities confirmed that 17 people have so far being arrested over the incident.

Protests broke out on Saturday at the PDP secretariat, along Jos road in Lafia as well as the party office at the Lafia local government area, along Makurdi road, when aggrieved members of a faction believed to be loyalists of Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, stormed the party offices to protest their inability to obtain the ad hoc delegate forms to be used during the congress, alleging that the state exco deliberately refused to make the forms available in a bid to perpetuate itself in office.

In a chat with journalists, Aliyu Bello, one of the protesters who is also contesting for the post of the state secretary of the party said they were at the secretariat to complain on the non availability of the delegate forms, particularly, at the Lafia LG party office.

Bello claimed that the response his faction got from the party officials was not encouraging, asserting that if the forms were not made available, “then it is as good as there is no election in Lafia, as well as other LGs.” However, in a response, Yunana Iliya, state party chairman, denied that the forms were not made available, saying the party was fully prepared for the congresses, with the forms distributed to all the LGAs to be sold to party members.

Kwara judiciary workers end three weeks strike From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

T

he aggrieved judiciary workers of Kwara state judiciary at the weekend, ended their three-week industrial action over the reinstatement of the chief judge of the state, Justice Raliat Habeeb-Elelu by the Supreme Court.

The workers resolved to resume work today, (Monday March 5), ending their protest against the reinstated chief judge.

It would be recalled that judiciary workers had gone on strike on Feb. 20 to protest the reinstatement Justice HabeebElelu who was sacked by the state government in Feb. 2009.

To prevent anarchy, eminent jurists and retired justices in the state had interfered in the matter including the national secretariat of the Judiciary Workers Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), describing the action of the workers as contempt of court.

While confirming the development in Ilorin, the

chairperson of JUSUN, Kwara state chapter, Mrs. Folake Laaro, informed journalists after the peace parley initiated by the state government and the retired judicial officers in the state on Friday, that their protest strike had no political undertone, but was based on better welfare package for the staff.

Education is free in Kwara state, says commissioner From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

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he Kwara state Commissioner for Education, Science and Human Capital Development, Alhaji Muhammed Raji has confirmed that the state government provided funds to aid free education in both primary and

secondary schools in the state for the year 2012.

Raji, who made the confirmation yesterday in an interview with journalists in Ilorin, disclosed that the state government has started collecting data from all the schools on the total population of its pupils.

While reinstating the

determination of the state government to ensure quality education, Raji said the state government had concluded arrangement to pay for 2012 NECO fees of secondary school students who had credit in Mathematic, English Language and other relevant subjects during their mock examination.

He added that, the administration of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed was committed to ensure that no parent pays to educate their wards from the primary and secondary schools except those in Junior Secondary School (JSS3) that are preparing for junior West Africa Examination Council (WAEC).

PDP ward congresses: Jonathan denied voting right as complaints trail exercise

By Lawrence Olaoye, Abuja, Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin with agency reports

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resident Goodluck Jonathan was denied his right to vote at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s Ward Congress in his native town, Otuoke, Bayelsa state on Saturday as materials arrived late in the town.

The President who had arrived his town in company with his wife a day earlier to perform the civic duty of electing delegates at the ward level for the party, waited in vain only to leave Bayelsa angrily when he could no longer wait for the electoral officers.

Members of the party experienced similar delay in most parts of the country as some disenfranchised stakeholders have begun to fire petitions alleging gross irregularities in the conduct

of the exercise.

The acting national chairman of the party, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, admitted much when after casting his vote at his Odunlami ward, Baboko in Ilorin Kwara state when he told newsmen that he had received over 100 complaints on phone concerning alleged irregularities in the conduct of the congresses nationwide on Saturday alone.

There are indications that there would be avalanche of petitions at the PDP headquarters as many aggrieved members who could not vote at the congress due to one reason or the other may want to seek redress.

In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a cross-section of delegates to Saturday’s PDP ward congress at Kuduru Ward, Bwari Area Council of the FCT, bemoaned the way the party leadership handled the party election. Some of the

delegates complained that they were not duly briefed about preparations for the congress.

Mr. Musa Giwa who voted in Abuja said that party delegates had converged on the Bwari township stadium as early as 10 am, adding that they waited for close to five hours without being attended to.

He said that party officials who ought to monitor the congress never arrived.

Another delegate, Mr. Bitrus John, said that the congress might not produce expected results because of the lateness of its commencement.

But, Mohammed Paspa, the PDP Publicity Secretary in the FCT, commended the delegates for their high turnout and for their patience. He gave the assurance that the party leadership, in concert with the Police, had put in place adequate security arrangements to ensure a peaceful

conduct of the party’s ward congresses across the FCT. In Sokoto State, the PDP ward congresses were reported to be peaceful and were conducted through consensus arrangements.

A total of 4, 148 ward executives were elected in 244 electoral wards across the state’s 23 local government areas.

Although consensus candidates were adopted for the elections, the delegates, nonetheless, voted symbolically, in line with the provisions of the PDP Constitution.

Addressing the coordinators of ward congresses, Alhaji Salihu Belel, the Chairman of the fivemember electoral committee deployed to Sokoto State by the National PDP headquarters, noted that the PDP in the state was very united.

Gov. Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State, after monitoring the

exercise in Wamakko Local Government Area, commended the party members for being lawabiding and for their orderliness during the polls The conduct of the PDP ward congresses in Delta was generally orderly and peaceful as it was reported that voting commenced as early as 9 a.m.

At polling centres in Oshimili South, Oshimili North, Aniocha South, Aniocha North, Ndokwa West and Ndokwa East Local Government Areas, voting was concluded around noon, while the names of elected officials were announced on the spot.

In Bayelsa, Chief James Durgo, the state PDP Chairman, noted that party ward congresses in the state were peaceful and orderly.

Durgo told newsmen that the PDP was one big family and that all the party’s stakeholders worked for the success of party elections.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

Jos blast: Muslim youths condemn utterances by CAN From Bayo Alabira, Jos

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he National Council of Muslim Youths O r g a n i z a t i o n s (NACOMYO) Plateau state chapter has called on both the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and its youths wing to exercise maturity and caution in their response to the recent bomb attack on the Church of Christ in

Nigeria (COCIN) headquarters in Jos in view of the security implications.

In a joint press statement signed by the state administrative Secretary, Barrister Ahmad Garba, Legal Adviser, Muhammad Ismail and Muslims Student Society (MSS) Shamsuddeen Ibrahim Adam and made available to journalists recently in Jos, the NACOMYO

condemned the attack on COCIN and the reprisal attack carried out on innocent citizens in the state, following the bombing.

“We also condemned the baseless and misguided press statements of the leadership of CAN Plateau state, COCIN leadership and the Youth wing of CAN in the state in respect of the unfortunate events. We call on them to be more matured and cautious in a trying

moment like this,” the statement said.

The group expressed worries that “such statements from CAN is capable of causing a religious war in the country and the possible disintegration of Nigeria as a nation, as evident in their hasty rejection of the newly posted STF commander to the state in similar manner to that of the acting Inspector General of Police, simply

because they are Muslims”.

NACOMYO, also condemned the linking of Muslims to all terror attacks in Nigeria as he called on the Muslims youths in particular to continue to be law abiding.

The sympathized with families of all the innocent victims, calling on both the State and Federal Governments to compensate all the families that lost their loved ones and property.

Chevron explosion: NEMA donates relief materials to fishing communities

By Josephine Ella

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L-R: British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Andrew Llyod, with Niger state Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, during the envoy's visit to the governor, recently in Minna.

Court adjourns hearing in contract breach suit against construction firm, Diamon Bank From Godswill Uche, Damaturu

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he High Court of Justice 1 of Yobe state will this month, March 12, 2012 decide on the case of breach of contract brought before it by the state’s Attorney-General against BCC Tropical Nig. Ltd and Diamond Bank Plc, Lagos.

The plaintiffs claim is (1) the sum of N22, 761,140.00 being refund for work not executed on project contract for the construction of Damaturu Cultural Centre/City Hall, jointly

and severally from the Defendants, (2) N10 million as general damages and (3) cost of the Suit.

The writ was issued by M.B.Ngalda, Ag. Director, Civil Litigation, whose address is, Attorney General’s Chambers, Ministry of Justice, Damaturu, Yobe State, Counsel for the Plaintiff, while Ibrahim Musa is the Chief Plaintiff of the High Court of Justice, Damaturu.

The 1st plaintiff is the chief law officer of the state and the 2nd plaintiff is in charge of Home

Affairs, Information and Culture in the Yobe state.

The 1st defendant is an incorporated company registered under the Companies and Allied Matter Act with its registered office at No.1B Lugard Road, Jos, Plateau state, while the 2nd defendant is a public liability company registered under the Companies and Allied Matter Act with its registered office at Plot 1261, Adeola Hopewell Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

In its claim, the plaintiffs avers that in November 2000, the 1st

plaintiff, represented by the 2nd plaintiff entered into contract with the 1st defendant for the construction of a cultural centre and city hall at Damaturu.

The plaintiffs aver that the initial contract sum which was awarded in November 2000 was N79.5 million which was reviewed to N102, 073, 250,00 in February 2003.

The plaintiffs also claim that as a result of rise in market prices of materials, the cost of labour among others, the contract was again reviewed upward to the tune of N155,178,989.00 and an agreement was signed to that effect on June6, 2006.

Oct. 1 bombing: Controversy over death of suspect in prison

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suspect in the October 1, 2010 bombing in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, has died at the Kuje prison, where he was detained, his lawyer said Saturday.

Tiemkenfa Francis Osvwo (alias General Gbokos) died Saturday, Festus Keyamo, the counsel to Charles Okah and the others being tried for the bombing, said in a statement.

A report by Premium Times

quoted Mr. Keyamo as saying the suspect’s death, “came on the heels of series of complaints by counsel representing him and his coaccused about the maltreatment meted out on the accused persons by the Nigerian Government.”

The sickness leading to the death of Mr. Osvwo, his lawyer said, started when “their cell was fumigated with a strange

substance on the 8th of January, 2012, which affected the health of all the four suspects.

“Suffice it to reiterate that we, their solicitors raised alarm about that development at the time.

Mr. Keyamo said, “prior to his death in custody, ‘Gbokos’ had been urinating and defecating on himself in the prison and despite pleas by his solicitors requesting

that he be treated properly, no one attended to him.”

The lawyer said, “On the 21st of February, 2012 Tiemkenfa Francis Osvwo collapsed in court, which stalled hearing for that day but despite the order of the court on the day in question that he be medically attended to by the prison authorities, no medication was administered on him.

he National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has commenced the distribution of truckloads of relief materials to the victims of gas explosion in Bayelsa state.

This followed a 2-weeks assessment of damages to the fishing communities from gas explosion on Chevron’s Funiwa platform at Koluama community in southern Ijaw area of Bayelsa state, which had caused health hazards in the area, While making the donations, worth millions of naira to officials of Bayelsa state government at the weekend, the Director General of NEMA, Muhammad Sani-Sidi disclosed that from the agency's assessment, the fire at a Chevron gas rig in the area burnt for several weeks which effected the environment and the health of those living nearby.

He said several communities and settlements were affected by the gas explosion which began from January 16, 2012 from a shallow-water gas well belonging to Chevron near its North Apoi oil platform.

Represented by Deputy Director Relief and Rehabilitation, Mr. Mike Adeyanju, the NEMA boss said the items were approved

by President Goodluck Jonathan for the benefit of those affected by the incident.

The first batch of the relief materials are food items and toiletries including 600 bags of Rice, 300 bags of Gari, 200 bags of beans, 100 kegs of vegetable oil and palm.

Others are 500 pieces of Buckets, 50 bags of Salts, 100 bags of Sugar, 50 cartons bath soap, 50 cartons of detergent, 500 pieces of mosquito’s nets and 500 pieces of blankets.

The affected communities are in Koluama clan in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area and Akassa in Brass Local Government Area of the state.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

PAGE 7

Wada urges judges to eschew corruption From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

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L-R: Acting Air Officer Commanding Training Command, Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Avm Chris Chukwu, with a representative of Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Mu'azu, during the closing ceremony of AFCSC symposium for Senior Course 34, recently in Jaji, Kaduna state.

Photo: NAN

NEMA inaugurates risk reduction in Kwara schools From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

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he National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has inaugurated Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) clubs in Queen Elizabeth, Barakat Community Secondary School, LGEA Primary School, Ipata and Pake LGEA, in Ilorin.

While inaugurating the clubs at Queen’s School, the Zonal Coordinator, Abuja Office of NEMA, Mr. Ishaya Isah Chonoko, noted that disasters today are increasing in frequency and severity, with negative consequences such as death, injury and loss of property.

He disclosed that flood in 2010 affected 23 states of the federation and killed a total of 1,555 people, while road traffic accidents are on the increase with high rate of fatality.

He stressed that from available statistics, in 2010 alone, over N50 billion was lost to fire incident in 22 states of the federation.

According to him, cholera, cerebrospinal meningitis, and diarrhea are similarly on the increase, noting that if they cannot be totally eradicated, the damage they caused can be significantly mitigated.

Chonoko said it was on this basis that the agency decided to take the campaign of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) to schools, by establishing DRR Clubs to spread the message, adding that children are among the most exposed groups during disasters.

Earlier, Special Adviser to the Governor on Emergency and Relief Services, Alhaji Musa Abdullahi, lauded the initiative, with the assurance that it would be a continuous exercise.

Meanwhile, no fewer than 122 victims affected by recent

fire disasters in six local governments of the state were given relief materials such rice, millets, bags of cement, mattresses, sugar, and soap, among others to alleviate their sufferings.

administration.

But the deadline, it was learnt, was extended to March 2012, for Delta, after it approached the agencies with a plea that it needed a few weeks to fully comply with the directive.

A NAN investigation, however, revealed that the issue of a law for the establishment of an “agency” for AIDS control in the state, the main condition given by the donor organizations, appeared to have been put at the “back” burner by the state government.

It was learnt that the executive arm of the government sent a bill to the House of Assembly on the matter in the last legislative year but the bill was returned for “proper drafting”.

“But from the time that it was returned and this moment, the bill has yet to be re-presented to the Assembly”, a source at the Assembly said.

This position was further confirmed by the Project Manager, Delta state Action Committee on AIDS, Dr. John Osuyali, who told NAN that the returned bill was yet to be re-presented to the Assembly.

Contacted, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Otumara, admitted that the state would lose donations from the international organizations if it failed to meet their conditions at the expiration of the extended deadline.

He declined to comment on the bill, only saying that his ministry would liaise with the House of Assembly Committee on Health on the issue.

In her reaction, the Chairman of the Assembly’s Health Committee, Mrs. Amaechi Mrakpor, said, “such bill was presented to the House in the last legislature year but it elapsed when consideration on it was not concluded during the period.

(NAN)

overnor of Kogi state, Capt.

Idris wada, has charged judges to be fair, just and guard against undue favouritism and monetary considerations in administering justice.

Wada gave the advice while administering Oath of Office and Oath of Allegiance on newly appointed judge of the state Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Elias Egwu at Government House in Lokoja.

He urged judicial officers to be dedicated to duty, courageous and firm in the discharge of their responsibilities to enable a free, fair and egalitarian society.

“We must guide against undue favouritism and pecuniary considerations in deciding cases. You have the capacity to decipher between right and wrong and if you continue to do that without fear or favour, you will avoid mistakes.” he advised.

Wada also pledged government’s support to the Judiciary to enable it dispense justice effectively.

CAN charges youth to be ambassadors of HIV/AIDS: Delta may lose donor agencies’ support peace, unity

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elta state may lose support from donor agencies in its fight against HIV/AIDS if it fails to change its committee on the disease to an agency at the end of this month.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the donor agencies had asked state governments, which had “committee” as body in charge of HIV/AIDS amatters to change them to “Agency” as a condition for sustenance of their relationship.

The agencies, including those owned by the UN, reasoned that “committee” was ad hoc while “Agency” was legal and permanent and gave the state till December 31, 2011 as deadline to comply.

The international bodies gave the ultimatum in the first quarter of 2011 and the change as required by them entailed legislation by Houses of Assembly of the states, to establish “Agency” for AIDS

From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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he Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bauchi state chapter, Rev. Lawi Pita Pokti, has charged Christian youths in the state to be good ambassadors in the propagation of peace and unity through their conducts.

Pokti who stated this during the inauguration of Youth wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Bauchi state chapter in COCIN centre, Bauchi, said the youths are the engine room of every developed society, especially in decision making.

Represented by the CAN Secretary, Joshua Maina, Pokti challenged the newly elected executive not to allow themselves to be use by selfish individuals who will abandon them, he charged them to be responsible and justify the confidence reposed in them.

Ogun to tackle quack medical practitioners FromDimejiKayode-Adedeji,Abeokuta

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gun state government at the weekend said it is will put measures in place to tackle quack medical practitioners; expressing hope that the N15bilion budgeted for the health sector would go a long way in enhancing the healthcare services in the state.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka, who made this known during an interactive session with journalists in Abeokuta, aalso stressed that government’s decision to eliminate quackery in the state was to counter the devastating effects of illegal medical practices.

He said that the needed

machineries have been set up to end the menace of quackery in the health sector.

The Commissioner emphasized that government would continue in the process of renovating primary healthcare centers in the state as it is committed to making sure that there is at least a functioning centre in every ward across the

state, pointing out that other health institutions in the state would not be excluded.

He further assured “We are planning to make sure there is necessary medical equipment and health personnel to enable the people have rapid medical attention.

“The renovation of the primary healthcare centre was

a prelude to proving free healthcare for the under-five, aged and the pregnant women.”

He disclosed that his Ministry is organizing a retreat which will create a forum for sharing of ideas to improve and re-engineer the health sector as well as develop the operational plan for achieving the health objectives of the present administration.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

PAGE 8

Yuguda extols Adeboye at 70 From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi uachi state governor, Malam Isa Yuguda has extolled the virtues of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, who turned 70 years recently, saying that he has contributed greatly to the spiritual upliftment of many Nigerians over the years.

A statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ishola Michael Adeyemi, stated that the spiritual attainment under the leadership of Pastor Adeboye has ensured that Nigerians remained morally and spiritually upright, pointing out that more still needed to be done by the clergy to make more Nigerians spiritually and morally upright.

Yuguda, who stated that he has followed the series of teachings of the RCCG with passion, explained that he has come to understand that Adeboye stands for uprightness and spiritual growth of all, irrespective of ethnoreligious standing.

He added that what the country needed at this period of its development was true preaching and religious tolerance.

“God in His wisdom created us together in this country and allowed us to belong to different religions, and we must therefore tolerate each other and push religious differences aside. We need each other to succeed.” He stated.

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Kwara gov charges Nigerians to be brothers’ keepers From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

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he Kwara state governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, has charged religious adherents to be their brothers’ keepers for a peaceful and harmonious society, assuring the people of the state of his readiness to ensure equity and justice.

Abdulfatah, who made this remark while receiving the year 2011 Hajj report, also promised that government would not relent in its commitment to provide quality services to all pilgrims from the state.

“Religion is not only about peace with our Creator, but also about harmony with neighbours, irrespective of religious leanings.

For a greater and better Nigeria, we all must learn to be agents of peace as no religion preaches violence”.

He described Hajj as a spiritual uplifting exercise, informing the board members that efforts have reached an advance stage to transform the board into a commission in line with the directives of the National Hajj Commission.

To enhance better service delivery, he said his administration would provide more conducive working environment and improve on the welfare package for the staff of the board while in the holy land.

L-R: Chairman, Technical Committee on Demutualisation of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Asue Ighodalo, Chairman of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, and Director General of SEC, Ms. Arunma Oteh, during the presentation of the report of the Technical Committee recently in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Bomb blasts: NEMA advocates insurance against disasters A From Mohammed Adamu, Kaduna

gainst the incessant rate of destruction to businesses in Nigeria due to natural and man-induced disasters, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has urged traders and farmers to embrace insurance scheme to enable them receive compensations for their losses.

The call was made by the Director General of NEMA, Muhammad Sani-Sidi, while clearing misconceptions over the mandate of the agency in the provision of relief materials, which some believe should also include compensations to victims of

disasters.

Speaking during a presentation of relief materials to the owners of affected building from an explosion that occurred in Ori-Apata area of Kaduna, the DG, represented by the Agency’s Director Relief and Rehabilitation, Mr. Edward Maigida, reiterated his commitment to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to mitigate disaster in the country.

According to him, “It is alarming to see that traders fail to insure their wares and properties. The best strategy for recovery is insurance cover. So that traders can get back to business as calamity struck. It is the responsibility of the traders to get their properties

insured by which they could receive claims to restore their businesses instead of relying on government for compensation.”

He therefore urged traders, irrespective of their business ventures to take insurance premium as a means of cover, in case they lost their property or goods and services as a result of disaster rather than expecting largesse from the government.

During the twin blasts at Oriapata and Mando respectively, NEMA rescue team were at the scene in evacuating victims to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Teaching Hospital and Bara’u Dikko Specialists Hospital in Kaduna, and

provided relief support in cash for procurement of drugs to victims on admission.

The executive secretary, SEMA Kaduna, Ishaku Dogo Makama, represented by the Director Relief Disaster management, Mr. Nuhu Gyams, commended the relentless efforts of NEMA in timely rescue efforts and the provision of relief support to victims of disaster in the state.

On his part, Alhaji Aliyu Sa’ad Baloni, representing the owners of destroyed shopping complexes, commended the government’s gesture and promised to put the structure back in place to enable the traders who are mostly spare parts dealers to resume their businesses.

Nigeria to stop wheat importation in 2016 – minister

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

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inister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, has disclosed that Nigeria is working on plans to stop wheat importation in the next four years and depend on local production.

Ochekpe stated this at a wheat farm, as part of her visit to the 67,000 hecter South Chad Irrigation Project (SCIP) in New Marte, in Marte local government area of Borno state.

According to her, “we have seen that Nigeria has all it takes to produce wheat for consumption. I believe in the next four years we will work towards self sufficiency in local wheat production to end importation.’’

The minister, accompanied by the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yarima Lawan Ngama, added that the government wwould also work towards ending the importation of rice and other commodities as well.

While explaining that SCIP was a well articulated agricultural project that deserved great attention, she said, “It is time for us to take Nigeria to where it is supposed to be, some how we have been busy chasing oil wealth, but turning to agriculture will make us realise our full potentials.

“We will do everthing possible to assist the Chad Basin Development Authority (CBDA) in its bid to make sure that the project reaches 100 percent level.’’

She also commended the CBDA for keeping the project alive in spite of its numerous challenges.

Speaking earlier, CBDA Managing Director, Dr. Garba Iliya, told the minister that the SCIP was the largest irrigation scheme in West Africa, which was intended to be undertaken in three stages.

“In 1979, 525 hectres of rice was cultivated which yielded a total of 2,392.9 tonnes at an average of 4.5 tonnes per hecter.

Later in the same year, about 729. 60 hectres of land was

cultivated in the dry season which yielded 1,452.50 tonnes of wheat.” Iliya said.

He added that the area under cultivation continued to increase annually up 1983/84 dry season, when a peak of 7,000 hectres was cultivated, yielding 14. 349.10 metric

tonnes of wheat.

He however lamented that thereafter, a combination of climatic change, inconsistent government policies, receeding water levels at the Lake Chad and other factors led to declining production at the project.

Gombe confirms two cases of meningitis From Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

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ombe state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Kennedy Isahya, has disclosed that out of the 11 suspected cases of meningitis recorded by the state ministry of health, two cases have been officially confirmed, while the remaining nine were still undergoing investigation.

Isahya who disclosed this to newsmen in Gombe, said the patients were currently receiving treatment, adding that those infected by the disease

were those who did not receive the CCSM monafrik vaccine during the exercise.

He said the state had the vaccines in the cold store and advised people to always clean their environment as well as sleep in ventilated areas to prevent contacting the disease.

It would be recalled that the vaccination of the CSM monafrik was conducted in the state in December 2011 which targeted 1,928,711 population of the vulnerable group age of 0 to 29.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

NUJ boss concerned over under-utilisation of FOI Act A lhaji Muhammed Garba, the national president of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), has expressed concern over the under-utilisation of the Freedom of Information Act (FOI).

Garba told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jalingo on

Friday, that the FOI Act was meant to enhance accountability, transparency and good governance in the country.

He said many Nigerians were ignorant of the act, stressing that it was one of the best laws in the country.

“FOI Act is meant for

accountability, transparency and good governance. Unfortunately, many Nigerians are ignorant of it.

It is for Nigerians and journalists, especially those on investigative journalism. It is an Act clamored for globally.”

Garba noted that NUJ was

working with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Guild of Editors to organise a 7-day seminar to sensitise the public on the importance of the Act. He said Nigerians should see the Act as a gateway to good governance in the country. (NAN)

L-R: Chairman, committee of Babatunde Raji Fashola Scholars, Mr. Sunny Ajose, Lagos state governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola , and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Omolara Erogbogbo, during first quarter interactive session of the committee with the state governor, recently in Lagos. Photo: NAN

Obasanjo blames successive govts over lack of food From Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, Abeokuta ormer President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday identified lack of continuity of agricultural policies and programmes by successive governments as responsible for food insecurity in Africa.

He made the observation at a regional forum organised by the Centre for Human Security (CHS), and Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta,

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Ogun state capital with the theme “Best practices in fostering food security in Africa”.

Obasanjo lamented that most of the programmes he initiated to develop the nation’s agriculture sector was abandoned after he left office.

“I remember when I was a military head of state, we had something called ‘Operation Feed the Nation’ to move agriculture and food production forward and we made progress.

We were self-sufficient in poultry, rice production, and vegetable oil. But when we left government and our successors came, they set up a presidential task force for importation of rice; not for production of rice.”

Obasanjo, who said he did not believe Africa was jinxed, expressed optimism that the continent would overcome food insecurity once leaders demonstrate political will and eliminate corruption in governance.

He further observed that Nigeria would have become selfsufficient in food production if the agricultural policies and programmes implemented during his military and civilian regimes were sustained.

He argued that, his administration was able to move cocoa production from 150,000 metric tonnes to over 400,000 metric tonnes within five years while cassava production was moved from 30 million to 60 million metric tonnes.

FG re-appoints Olanrewaju DG MINILS

By Muhammad Nasir

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resident Goodluck Jonathan has approved the re-appointment of Dr. John Niyi Olanrewaju, as Director-General and chief executive of Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) Ilorin, Kwara state for a second term of four years with effect from 1st January 2012.

A statement signed by the Assistant Director Press of the institute, Samuel Olowookere, said the approval for the reappointments of Olanrewaju was contained in a congratulatory letter signed by the Permanent Secretary of the federal ministry of Labour and Productivity, Engineer Anthony Ozodinobi.

“I wish to convey to you Mr. President’s approval of the renewal of your tenure of appointment for a second term of four years as Director General and Chief Executive of Micheal Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, with effect from 1st January 2012.

The approval of the renewal of your appointment for a second term is a testimony of the confidence reposed in you arising from the level of performance achieved over the years. I therefore, wish to congratulate you for a well deserved reappointment, while we hope you will put in your best to raise the standard of the institute to greater heights”, he enthused.

According to the statement Olanrewaju joined the then National Institute for Labour Studies, now renamed Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) in 1990 as Senior Administrative/ Personnel Officer and rose to become the Director of the Institute with his appointment in October 2005 by the President Jonathan.

Court slates March 19 to hear rights violation suit against minister

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

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n Abuja High Court will on March 19, 2012 commence hearing in the rights violation suit brought against the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngama.

The court, at the last sitting on the matter, ordered the service of processes on the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, who is joined as a defendant in the suit.

The Yobe state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Abbagana Tata and the party's senatorial candidate in the 2011 senatorial election, Hassan Kafayas had sued the minister and the IGP over alleged unlawful detention.

While making the order, the trial judge, Justice Olusegun Adeniyi observed that the processes were served on the

defendants since February 15, 2012, warning that such delays will not be allowed again.

Ngama's counsels from the Ricky Tafa (SAN) chambers and the Mr Oloye who appeared for the Police had both requested for time to regularise their processes.

In the suit before the court, the state PDP stalwarts are demanding the sum of N2 billion damages against the minister and the Inspector General of Police over alleged illegal detention for four days.

The plaintiffs also want the court to compel Dr. Ngama and the IGP to unequivocally and publicly apologise to them for the unlawful detention and inhuman treatments they suffered in the cell of the Force CID, Area 10, Abuja.

Tata alleges in an affidavit that the arrest and detention was politically motivated

because he refused to support the governorship ambition of Dr Ngama who later ordered their arrest on trumped up charges.

"That the 1st Respondent (Dr. Ngama) having failed to secure my support even with an inducement or offer of N2 million via First Bank Plc

cheque on December 26, 2011 for me to influence the resolution of the executive caucus members of the PDP in line with the 1st Respondent's ambition come 2015", he averred.

But in his counter affidavit filed before the court, Ngama said he reported Tata and

Kafayos to the security after he got several threatening text messages from them which was suggestive of their being members of Boko Haram in January, 2012.

He said the Police Force CID invited the two for questioning following the report and released them within 24 hours.

Lecturers, students urged to use virtual libraries From Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

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he Provost Federal College of Education (Technical) Gombe, Dr. Adamu Gimba Abbas, has urged the staff and students of the institution to make the best use of the virtual library to enhance their education pursuits.

Abbas made the call while speaking at a one-day capacity building workshop for staff and students of the college, organised

by Step-B Science and Technology Post-Basic Project of the College on the use of virtual library in Gombe over the weekend.

He enumerated the importance of virtual library to include remote access to databases and international educational programmes, adding that the virtual library was established in 2007 to 2008 and is the best in the north east zone in terms of connectivity Abbas further encouraged

lecturers and students who are going for their doctorate and masters programmes to acquaint themselves with the library for their researches.

Also speaking, the Project Manager Step-B of the college, Ahmad Mu’azu, said virtual library is one of the major components of the Step-B Project in the institution, adding that the workshop on the use of the library is significant for the development of the nation.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

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Child abuse: Lagos to declare zero tolerance on hotels, others From Bimbo Ogunnaike, Lagos

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s from today (Monday March 5), Lagos state government will begin a clampdown on operators of brothels, hotels, fun joints, restaurants and other places of relaxation which specialise in using underage children for prostitution and other forms of child abuse.

‌stipulates 7 years jail for sexual offenders Similarly, a rescue mission of underage street traders would be launched as well as children in private houses being used as house helps.

The state's deputy governor, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, made this known on Saturday at her office in Alausa, Ikeja during a news

conference on the prevention of child abuse in Lagos.

She added further: "And we will be doing this through the issuance of the RED card. After the issuance, we will arrest anyone found committing the crime. After the arrest, we will investigate and if the person is found guilty, he or

she would be prosecuted. And at that time, we will not listen to any plea from any quarters".

According to the deputy governor, adults, who are promoting the vices and abusing the children, especially sexual harassment should be ready to serve seven years jail term, explaining

that the government had declared "zero tolerance" on all forms of child abuse in the state and would henceforth strictly enforce the state Child Rights Law passed in 2007.

The deputy governor therefore, urged well meaning members of the society to cooperate with government by promptly reporting cases of child labour particularly sexual abuse to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.

Two perish on Lagos-Ibadan expressway From Bimbo Ogunnaike, Lagos

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wo people were left dead while several others sustained varying degrees of injury in the multiple road accidents that occurred along Lagos -Ibadan expressway at the weekend.

The incident which occurred at the early hours of the day involved over five vehicles including a fully loaded truck with registration number XZ 437 MUS. Others vehicles involved in the accident included an 18-seater bus with registration number XN 547 LSR, Volkswagen Golf (DN 504 EKY) and a Toyota Sienna (GR 304 LND).

According to one witness who simply identified himself as Segun whose house was close to the scene of the accident, the accident was as a result of a truck conveying metal pipes which had an accident, leaving one of the pipes covering a

part of the expressway close to the Berger link bridge.

He said the pipe was left on the road, and motorists found it difficult to manoeuvre through the little space left.

The witness said: "a fully loaded truck on high speed and unaware of the danger, rammed into the rod abandoned in the heart of the roads before the 18-seater bus and saloon car had a rear collision with the truck, thereby somersaulting severally along the road".

Speaking with journalists at the scene of the accident, the Assistant Director of Lagos State Fire Service, Mr. Rasak Fadipe who led the rescue operation team, said: "The accident involved a long truck, one commercial bus loaded with passenger and a car.

We were able to rescue and rush nine people who sustained injuries to the hospital.

Gunmen kill soldier From Edwin Olofu, Kano

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unmen suspected to be members of Boko Haram killed a soldier on guard on Friday evening in Kano.

Eyewitnesses told our correspondent that the two gunmen who were riding on a motorbike opened fire on a soldier who was on guard at an officer's house in Hotoro area of the metropolis.

The soldier died immediately after the gunshot while the

gunmen took away his rifle and escaped as resident on hearing the gunshots ran away, scampering for safety.

The joint military tasks force arrived at scene firing shots but the assailants had escaped before they came.

When contacted, the Kano state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Musa Magaji Majia couldn't confirm the incident, saying he could not comment on any incident involving a military officer.

EFCC re-files charges against Daniel

By Lambert Tyem

C

ontrary to media reports that Otunba Gbenga Daniel has been discharged and acquitted by the ruling of an Abeokuta High Court, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), said on friday it wishes to clarify that the ruling of Justice Olanrewaju Mabekoje was not a discharge and acquittal of the former Ogun state governor.

According to Wilson Uwujaren Ag. Head, Media & Publicity of the EFCC, "The trial judge only released Mr. Daniel on the sole technical ground that the commission failed to seek the consent of the court before filing the amended charges against the former governor.

"Consequent on the ruling striking out the charges, the commission will immediately apply to the Chief Judge of Ogun state for leave to re-file the charges against Otunba Daniel.

"We consider it prudent and reasonable to re-file the charges immediately as advised by Justice Mabekoje in the said ruling, as against lodging an appeal against the judgment, which action may take several months to decide at the Court of Appeal.

"For the avoidance of doubt, the court did not rule on the competence or merit of the charges against Otunba Daniel, therefore, he was not discharged and acquitted by the ruling today. Daniel was first arraigned on October 12, 2011 on a 16-count charge of stealing, fraudulent conversion and failure to declare assets.

L-R : Executive Director/ CEO, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Ado J. G. Muhammad, Minister of State for Health, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, and Director General, Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Mr. Asishana Okauru, during a strategic stakeholders' session on polio free Nigeria, recently in Abuja.

Nasarawa gov’s wife gives cash, incubators to Lafia Specialist Hospital From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

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he wife of the governor of Nasarawa state, Hajiya Mairo Al-makura, yesterday, presented the sum of N1 million, three incubators, as well as beddings, to the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital Lafia, as part of the effort to facilitate the delivery of premature babies.

Hajiya Mairo was supported

at the function by the Majority Leader of the Nasarawa state House of Assembly, Godiya Akwashiki, who also presented another sum of N1 million in support of the gesture of the wife of the governor to assist the less privileged.

Presenting the equipment to the hospital management, Mrs. Al-makura promised to donate more of such equipment for the upkeep of children at the

hospital especially the less privileged.

She enjoined the hospital management to make judicious use of the equipment for the overall enhancement of the service delivery.

The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Ahmed Yakubu Ashuku, thanked the wife of the governor for the gesture adding that the donation came at the time the hospital needed it most.

Lagos govt bars non-residents from 2012 Hajj

By Bimbo Ogunnaike, Lagos

T

he hope of Muslims who intend to perform this year's pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia but are not residents of Lagos state were dashed as the state government yesterday vowed that only residents who are able to prove their residency in the state would be allowed to perform the y holy pilgrimage.

The Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture who is also the Amir-ul-Hajj, Mr. Oyinlomo Danmole, disclosed this during a press briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja. He said the state government had to embark on the measure due to the

decreasing hajj allocation by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

His words: "The National Hajj Commission has only allocated to the state 3852 slots for this year .This is grossly inadequate as the demand for Hajj seats in the state is far more than the supply".

While stressing that the measure was taken to ensure that more intending pilgrims who reside within the state are able to perform the pilgrimage successfully, Danmole added: "Because of the development, only genuine intending residents of the state who are able to show the 2011 voters

card, national identity card with the state code, or the census card would be allowed as part of our pilgrims to the holy land.

"The era of pilgrims coming from other states to Lagos to be part of our own pilgrims is over. The demand from even residents is overwhelming and we think we should take care of them first".

The sale of forms would commence on Monday, March 19th at the state pilgrims welfare board. And intending pilgrims would be expected to pay reviewable Hajj fee of N550, 000 to the state's Hajj Welfare Board.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

PAGE 12

EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

Don't dismantle all police checkpoints

S

ince his appointment as Inspector General of Police on January 25, this year, Alhaji Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar has not left any one in doubt that he appreciates the enormous challenges facing him, in his quest to sanitise the Nigeria Police Force. "We cannot be said to be fighting criminals when on our part we are not clean. That is the reason why the much craved reforms we are talking about must start within the force. We are determined to ensure international best practices in the act of Policing in this country in order to make the force more responsive to the yearnings of all Nigerians", the IGP said in a message delivered on his behalf by the Police spokesman in Benue state, ASP Ejike Alaribe, to 1000 officers and men of the Gboko divisional police office in the state.

In line with his pledge, the new police chief has outlined a number of measures his management team would take to reform the force. One such step is to dismantle all police checkpoints across the country. "All intra-state and highway road blocks which constitute nuisance especially on the roads of Lagos, Edo and SouthEastern States should be dismantled", IGP Abubakar said while addressing assistant commissioners of Police in charge of operations and criminal investigation department (CID) of all

zonal and state commands in Abuja mid last month. According to IGP Abubakar, this directive, among others, was aimed at restoring professionalism, efficiency and integrity in the performance of all police duties.

On the face of it the IGP's directive in this regard will appear to be a good one especially in view of the widespread complaints over

“

We believe that the original intention of establishing roadblocks at some strategic locations is still relevant in view of the rising wave of crime and criminality across the country extortions at various police checkpoints nationwide as well as the occasional gross misconduct by trigger happy officers and men of the force that kill innocent commuters at some of the roadblocks in their desperate bid to collect the "toll" they charge at such roadblocks. We are however quick to caution that the new Police management must not throw the baby with the bath water as they say.

We believe that the original

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intention of establishing roadblocks at some strategic locations is still relevant in view of the rising wave of crime and criminality across the country. Therefore, to dismantle all checkpoints nationwide as IG Abubakar seem to suggest would be tantamount to giving a blank cheque to perpetrators of crimes, and would thus expose the nation's populace to the whims and caprices of men of the underworld. We are in agreement with the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of 'B' Department in Lagos, Mr. Tunde Sobulo, who said while interacting with newsmen recently that some important checkpoints must be maintained in order to check the influx of suspected terrorists, armed robbers and dangerous weapons.

It is on record that several breakthroughs were made in stopping the movement of arms and ammunition across inter-state borders. We also agree with Mr. Sobulo when he said during his interaction with newsmen that the roadblocks have helped to contain crimes to certain extent.

We are of the view that the Police management under IG Abubakar should explore various ways of ridding officers and men of the force of their extortionist tendencies, which is glaring in most of their conducts, not just at highway roadblocks.

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CHAIRMAN MALAM WADA MAIDA, OON, FNGE EDITOR, DAILY AHMED I. SHEKARAU

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

PAGE 13

Whose national conference?

By Edo Ukpong

A

pparently there was a National Summit Conference of sorts last Monday at the Sheraton Hotel in Lagos. From what I gather this is supposed to be a prelude to a bigger national conference, sovereign or otherwise. So who were those in attendance? From the pictures I have seen, they were mostly our so called elder statesmen.

They were ably supported by other elements that are obviously out of touch with the realities of our situation as a nation. Is it really the case that the future of our country depends on these ‘conferencees’. I sincerely hope not, because if it did then we are doomed (finally).Who are these people representing? Can a motley group of people just invite each other to a conference and claim that they are representatives of sections of Nigeria or indeed any interest groups? Most of the people in that hall do not even live in the communities they claim to represent and where they do, they live in highly fortified fortresses with police and other security – for fear of their people! The very

people they claim to represent!

During the January protests I took time to discuss with people of many different persuasions and even with so called ‘area boys’ whose views I found to be insightful and more intelligent and less prejudiced than those of most middle and upper class people. They reinforced the notion I have always held that these ‘conferencees’ represent only themselves and their egoistic interests. They have perfected the art of using their communities as platforms to stand on and position themselves at the table where the scramble for the national cake takes place. ‘They chop till quench’ and only when engorged and constipated do crumbs fall for their communities to also scramble for.

The common man knows this; everyone knows this except a beguiled and ill motivated few who have refused to tell this motley crowd the truth. The truth being that they are the problem with Nigeria! Yes, the people in that hall are the problem with Nigeria! Anybody who, in the year 2012, does not realize that the future of this

country belongs to a different generation that can speak for themselves and with themselves and do not reckon with these people is either deluded or desperate.

These people will have us believe that a National Conference will solve Nigeria’s problems. The first step should therefore be to identify Nigeria’s problems; what are the factors holding us down and preventing the progress of a nation blessed with enough resources, not only to go round but with sufficient leftover to help other less endowed countries. The problem with our country is corruption, which has infected all sectors and resulted in a broken country. A corruption ridden country will obviously have bad governance which will operate without the legitimacy of the peoples’ acceptance and will therefore not meet the ordinary expectations of the people. This was the clear and compelling message of the Nigerian people in January through the protests.

The people are demanding good governance, which we all know will remain an illusion in the present suffocating atmosphere of

unbridled and at times comical corruption. Our good people of Nigeria are not fooled that their country’s problems are caused by the artificiality of ‘Nigeria’ or the unfair distribution of resources amongst the equally artificial states. They are not interested in shouting at each other (negotiating) about the terms of our staying together. They want a society which affords them the necessities of a bearable existence.

Corruption has made this unrealizable. I agree with the common man, that, a less corrupt Nigeria will reduce the ethnitization of everything, foster better harmony and the question of perpetual agitation for discussions on the terms of staying together will dissipate. During the April, 2011 elections in Akwa Ibom (my state of origin) I visited my village shortly after the violence in which several lives and property were needlessly wasted. The spin from the usual ‘suspects’ was that the majority Ibibio were against a second term for the incumbent governor of Annang extraction. So I held a town hall meeting with the youth in my village. As Ibibios, the view

of the majority was that they were not interested in voting along Ibibio/Annang lines.

They wondered why ethnicity should be an issue when the candidate of Ibibio extraction and main challenger was the chief campaigner for the incumbent Annang governor in his first term. So what changed? Did the governor only suddenly become an Annang man? This gladdened my heart and it is just one of several illustrations of how people resort to crude tribalism for their own selfish gain. I do not accuse the two combatants in that showdown (election) of resorting to tribalism but obviously many of their supporters saw this as a legitimate campaign tactic. (I must confess that like my villagers, I realize that the two combatants are the ‘same people’).

How can a national conference make sense when there have been no community conferences? Negotiating the terms of our living together cannot start from top to bottom.

It has to be bottom up. The communities must first decide what they want and how they Continued on page 14

Soyinka: From ‘The man died’ to the man goofs

By Maiwada Danmallam

I

t beats me that international news agencies still seek out Professor Wole Soyinka to comment on the state of affairs in this country even when it is apparent the man is living in his own made up world. An interview on the CNN network in 1998 on the death of former head of State, General Sani Abacha, Soyinka claimed the former faked his death to see who his supporters were, and who would be jubilant at the news so as to persecute them? How pedestrian. Foolish as it sounded, many believed him, as if people other than insurance fraudsters and actors fake their own deaths to bait their own enemies.

The “nutty professor” is at it again. This time it is a phantom hypothesis about the origins of Boko Haram. However, instead of proposing a workable theory, Professor Soyinka displayed a symptom of intellectual senility that put to question not only his credentials as a “Nobel laureate” but his quality as a Professor.

Soyinka is in the best position to know theories are always backed by solid evidence obtained from experimentation within a reasonably explainable probability. Even so, theories get shattered by superior argument and body of proof.

When people that should be reasonable enough to understand the role of history in nation building resort to distortion, fabrication and pedestrian argument like “area boys”, then it’s time to declare an emergency in our high towers to protect the yet to be infected army of youths from intellectual corruption. For

long the “North” has received the bashing of people like Soyinka, who pretend to be on the same side with humanity, but in reality they are more devilish than the devil himself.

Going through Soyinka’s well publicised interview, only a biased mind would fail to notice the baseless attack he unleashed on the North. The interview, contradictory as it was confusing was full of red herrings the Professor kept throwing to the north all in an effort to confuse a gullible, but which exposed the rather unfriendly attitude Soyinka harbours towards the region. Had there being a religion called “Southern Nigeria”, Soyinka would have perfectly fit the status of an extremist adherent, probably an “Arewa Haram”.

Amazingly, while his vituperation lasted, he failed to convince even the most naïve mind that Boko Haram, the latest weaponry in the arsenal of any northern traducer, was a creation of the Northern establishment or working for the region. In his haste, he was blinded to the obvious predicament of the North in relation to the Boko Haram insurgency. In any case, Soyinka should know if throwing bombs by some disgruntled element could be a yardstick for judging a whole region. The South west could have been here long before the North for the bombs Soyinka and his co-travellers in NADECO used to press home their demands during the Abacha era.

Soyinka may be well versed in the art of cult fraternity, considering his role in institutionalising cult activity in our ivory high towers, but

certainly he goofed this time. In the context that he presented his argument about the North and Boko Haram fraternity, the Sultan of Sokoto should be the head of an arm of the Northern establishment that shares the guilt of manipulating Boko Haram to promote and protect its interest. But, isn’t it ironic that Boko Haram doesn’t even recognize the Sultan of Sokoto as the spiritual head of Nigerian Muslims, rather considering him as “Sarkin Sokoto”, much less partnering with him in this unholy alliance. Sokoto, at the moment, is on edge awaiting an impending attack from the sect for the arrest of its members, something which the Caliphate deny any knowledge of.

Kano, another strategic city of the vilified north, was recently reduced into some sort of “Afghanistan” by Boko Haram.

Lives were lost and the peaceful serenity that made this city the economic nerve centre of the North was shattered. The cordial relationship that existed between the Kanawa, the host community and local as well as international investors was stretched to the limit. Only an activist who have more brains in his finger than he have in his head will dream of pulling this stunt if interest of the North, as Soyinka saw it was, his driving force. Another eminent member of the Northern establishment, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, “play acted” by crying in public to prove to Professor Soyinka and his cotravellers that the Kano attacks were no movie script, even if more devastating. If Soyinka, at 77, is too old to fear death for saying what he believed in, as he

declared in his interview, I suppose Emir Ado Bayero, at 82, is too old to shed tears of deceit.

Kaduna, the headquarters of Soyinka’s imaginary Northern establishment, was not spared the horror of the Boko Haram bombs.

Only few days ago the city hosted the dreaded sect. Casualty figures are still being compiled. Such is our world. We only believe things we choose to believe because they rhyme with our thoughts, no matter how illogical. A little observation will reveal the casualty the establishment that Soyinka tried to vilify in his uncharitable interview suffered in the hands of Boko Haram.

The El-Kanemi of Borno lost his younger brother to the bullets of Boko Haram. His only offence was his being an officer of the National Civil Defence Corps.

Late Modu Fannomi Gubio, an ANPP anointed gubernatorial candidate, who doubles as a cousin to Senator Ali Modu Sheriff positioned to take over the mantle of leadership from Senator Sheriff, was gunned down alongside the younger brother of the Governor Alhaji Goni by the sect. An ANPP National Vice Chairman suffered the same fate with Gubio. This may sound like ancient history. More recently Abba Kyari, a nephew of the incumbent Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima was felled down by the sect.

Numerous council chairmen that could be regarded as the foot soldiers of Soyinka’s imaginary establishment, should it exist, lost their lives, including the most recent, Alhaji Lawal Kabu of Dambua local government council who was killed on February 2, this year.

I am not sure if the Nigerian Police Force is part of Soyinka’s Northern conspiracy theory. It will be a hard sell, though. The AIG in charge of Zone 1, with headquarters in Kano, escaped on KeKe Napep when Boko Haram bombed his office in Kano. Hardly a conspirator, I will say.

I am sure Soyinka’s senility will not blind him to understanding the composition of the power structure of the entity called North. A structure that rests and relies solely on its governors, as it is in the Southwest and any other region. This formed the single most powerful block that plan, execute and supervise any operation, covert or overt in each state of the federation. So, how was it remotely possible the four Christian governors of Benue, Taraba, Plateau and Kaduna weren’t as informed as Soyinka in this conspiracy theory? I hope the theatre arts professor is not insinuating another subconspiracy with their colleagues in the region. Absurd as it may sound, we cannot rule that out from the thought process of the Professor because no one seem to understand anything anymore in this country, and the few that did choose to lace their understanding with ethnic flavour. It is so alarming the way people with some semblance of intellectual credibility compromised themselves on the altar of ethnic and regional chauvinism, reducing themselves to less than area boys.

Truly, as Soyinka himself said “the man died”. If not physically, at least, intellectually.

Maiwada Dammallam wrote in from Katsina

PAGE 14

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

Charity: A means to Nigeria’s liberation

By Umekachukwu Franklin Chukwebuka

I

f we venture to make a moral evaluation of the multitude of problems facing Nigeria today, we shall discover that the course is the lack of consideration for both God and human beings.

In simple terms, many of us lack the virtue of charity, or love for one another and God himself. The most prominent sins being committed in this land are hatred, corruption, accumulation of riches, violence, and unduly living at the expense of the commonwealth without contributing. A critical look at the above mentioned sins will reveal that they are sins against charity.

Therefore, I think it is a safe assumption to posit the claim that despite the proliferation of churches and the seeming “hyper-religiosity” of the vast majority of Nigerians, love-inaction, the loving response to God’s love and friendship has been hampered in this country. Despite the large turn out of “worshippers” at Sunday services, night vigils, revivals and numerous crusades, the crime rate, corruption, moral decadence, religious bigotry, and continued polarization of the country is astonishingly high and very disturbing.

Are the perpetrators of these evils from the outer space?

Our so-called elite are not helping matters. In fact, they seem to be most responsible for what has befallen us since they use their wealth, intelligence, and influence to perpetrate scores of wicked and uncharitable acts, thus condemning a vast majority of Nigerians to sub-human existence. This raises the question of responsibility towards each other. Do we really show concern about the other person? Concern for others entails desiring what is good for them from every point of view: physical, moral and spiritual. According to Pope Continued from page 13

want to be governed and then empower their representatives to go and canvass already agreed positions and negotiate on their behalf. Anybody who goes to sit in a hall claiming to be representing anybody without going through the bottom up process is engaging in a hijack of a subversive nature.

Any conference to enjoy any legitimacy must be with the peoples blessing. From what I hear, the people are saying something different!

What is the real motivation for this conference. A conference of that nature would have cost a tidy sum of money. Many of the attendees would have been invited by the conveners/ sponsors. Knowing my fellow countrymen well, many of the participants would have had their expenses subsidized. Who is paying? I do not think there is any of those ‘conferencees’ so patriotic that they would fund this waste of time.

This kind of conference and the sureness of warm and vitriolic exchanges will distract attention

Benedict XVI, in his 2012 Lenten social commandment, which certain sense, the involvement of Message, he stresses that: “The respects others and their right. justice in creating happy human great commandment of love for This requires the practice of conditions precedes the works of one another demands that we justice, and inspires us to selfless charity. This is why more acknowledge our responsibility giving which Christ exhorts us to concerted effort should be given to issues bordering on justice in towards those who, like ourselves, do in Like 17:33.

Nigeria.

This are creatures offers a better and children of option of God. Being liberating many brothers and Nigerians from sisters in Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text oppression, humanity messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written ignorance, and, in many contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 economic and cases, also in words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and p o l i t i c a l the faith, a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed marginalization. should help us to: C h a r i t y to recognize in constantly seeks others a true The Editor, ways where it can alter ego, Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, come alive more infinitely 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. powerfully. In loved by the politics, Charity Lord. If we Email: let ters@peoplesdaily-online.com finds the most cultivate this SMS: 07037756364 p o w e r f u l way of seeing instrument that others as our We must never be satisfied to ought to be used to help Christ brothers and sisters, solidarity, justice, mercy and compassion simply give alms to people where carry out his “manifesto” in will naturally well up in our we can assist them by way of present-day Nigeria. Politics also justice that is breaking the yoke offers the avenue to translate into hearts” If Nigeria is to climb out of the of oppression, which can then action the criteria that will be used dark valley of oppression and enable them satisfy their needs by to judge us all at the “Final distress it has found itself to the their community. If those who act Judgement” (cf. Mt 25:31-43). If top of the mountain of liberation unjustly offer alms to the a Christian ought to act and bliss, which we all desire, it is damaged instead of repairing everywhere in love of God and for high time we made both an their injustice, as many people in his neighbour, in solidarity with individual and a collective Nigeria do, it is not love-in –action, all God’s children, this also applies “Fundamental Option for but an offence against the dignity to his/her political choices.

For long many people have Charity; making conscious effort of their neighbour. According to the Holy Father in his 2012 thought that a “committed” to love.

If only we can strive to restore Lenten Message, “The good is Christian should not be involved the full meaning of the whatever gives, protects and in politics that has been perceived theological concept of charity and promotes life, brotherhood and as a dirty game. There is nothing Responsibility intrinsically wrong or its full dignity, things can become communion. about politics. better. The Vatican II document towards others thus means unchristian Gaudium et Spes states: “the social desiring and working for the good Rather, it is the people who order must be founded on truth, of others, in the hope that they too participate in it sometimes that built on justice and animated by will become receptive to goodness make it look ugly. Gaudium et Spes love; in freedom it should grow and its demands.” Concern for focuses extensively on political of Christians. everyday towards a more others here would mean being involvement humane order.” Prominent aware of their needs to justice and Christians are encouraged to enter Catholic theologian, Benard working towards attaining to into politics. Though it does not mean that Christians will Harring, says that the truth of them.

The various Human Rights transform all of politics into pure love must shine forth not only in person-to-person relationships but Organizations and faith based love, where the redeemed love of also in the life of the community organizations offer us the Christians is active, politics of and society. No wonder the opportunity of dressing charity in dictatorship and depositism Catechism of the Catholic Church the garb of justice. Though the cannot hold sway. If Christians opt states that charity is the greatest foundation of Justice is love, in a for politics with charity and the

WRITE TO US

discernment befitting their faith, they will always opt for the political parties that will always work towards meaningful solutions to conflicts and promote the all-round development of the society.

Furthermore, charity demands that we stand up against whatever will jeopardize the integrity and credibility of the country and its future generations. In the present political dispensation where liberty, security of life and property, and authentic democracy has gone to the dogs, charity demands that we stand up against such flagrant abuse and caricature of authentic democracy process.

What becomes of a country where its political leaders have sold their souls and the people’s constitutional right to elect their leader in a proper democratic process? When the self appointed political leader(s) have agreed to make Nigerians get their leader through a referendum instead of a broadbased election, and Nigerians themselves are so confused and paralysed because of their empty stomach to resist in unison, then the country has shot itself in the foot. Whatever we do or do not do today has far reaching implications.

And charity demands that we act.

The exigency of the present moment demands that really committed Christians and Moslems in charity should work for the flourishing of proper politicking in the country. This is an uphill task because it is the same “Christians and Moslems” that are in the forefront of those earnestly yearning for just one person now. However, the journey back to sanity and credibility in this land begins with one step, and true Christians and Moslems should lead the way.

Umekachukwu Franklin Chukwuebuka can be reached at nigeriavillagesquare.com

Whose national conference? from the real issues. Indeed, maybe this is just to distract us.

Some interest groups will surely be more comfortable with this kind of conference and its participants than the truths from the people that were evident during the January of discontent!

I notice that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police was in attendance, which in our country will suggest that there was ‘government clearance’ for the conference.

Unless we want to deceive our hapless people and incite them into needless recriminations and bad blood, is a sovereign national conference feasible? Nigeria has a Constitution and a sovereign government. I am aware that there are legal efforts to have the constitution judicially voided. In the meantime the constitution is supreme and binding. The Senate and House of Representatives exist for the very reason behind the agitation for the national

conference. Any other assembly that purports to override the constitution is clearly an invitation to confusion. Indeed the mere idea of holding the conference is a vote of no confidence on the legislature and present political structure. But how do you override the structure without dismantling it? How do you dismantle it without anarchy? The lack of confidence is because most of the legislators are the product of a corrupt electoral and political system. So it boils down again to corruption being the problem.

A broken country cannot be fixed by broken voices; we need purposeful united and progressive action and not all these shenanigans. The emerging national voice of the January of discontent should be built upon and serve as the platform for the ‘enough is enough’ message. We can actually get rid of corruption if we are united in our fight

against it. As nauseating as it is, the reality is that we have to work within the existing structures as otherwise we invite anarchy. The emerging lessons of the January protests include the fact that peoples power is paramount and will always prevail (maybe not immediately) – but it needs to be harnessed and deployed tactically for national causes. Let us educate the people to avoid divisiveness and let them know that they will always prevail once they are united in any cause. The people holding this country down, the cabal are cowards. They thrive now because we are disunited, distracted and not focused. They also believe the myth that we Nigerians are docile and can take anything. January got them scared, let us build on that. Our President has even endorsed stoning - we can start from there!

If we say Nigeria is artificial, what of the constituent states?

Are they not also artificial? So

should we start from communities negotiating their terms of existence in the states?

Perhaps that exercise will settle once and for all the fact that this country, as artificial as it is, has become naturally indivisible. It will be very wicked for us to push our people to needless and endless instability or perhaps war and then come back and agree to stay as one. All the people fleeing different parts of the country will mostly return! There is a reason why they left their ancestral homes in the first place. Those reasons are still there! It is those reasons we must tackle.

Rwandans wasted over 800,000 lives; today they are still one country! We must face the reality of our coexistence and work towards good governance which is the true panacea to the insecurity, hopelessness and all the ills holding us down.

Edo Ukpong is a Lagosbased legal practitioner.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

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he first time I listened to an FM radio station was in the midseventies when I went to live in Ibadan. Radio O-Y-O had just introduced the first FM broadcast in Nigeria and a popular disc jockey called Alex Conde repeatedly reminded listeners that this was the first FM station in Nigeria. He, of course, did not forget to inform us – repeatedly too - that he was Nigeria’s number one DJ as he supplied the music, almost endlessly.

It did not take long before it dawned on me that I was living in a town with an endless string of firsts. The University of Ibadan where I was a student was the first and the best in the country; the television station, Western Nigerian Television (WNTV), was not only the first in Nigeria but the first in Africa; Liberty Stadium, Ibadan was the first in Nigeria and so were Cocoa House in Dugbe, the Premier Hotel in Mokola and you could just go on and on.

It was intimidating, I must confess. For those of us from up country, we thought that was a deliberate attempt to make us look provincial and bush. Such a feeling was reinforced by the fact that when the university closed for the summer break, half of the Yoruba population took flights to Europe for holidays while those of us from up country took lorries, ‘gongoro’, or at the very best Benue Plateau Bus Service wagons to get to Jos and from there to our rather remote villages in more rickety and rougher mass transport vehicles.

About ten years before I went to Ibadan, a group of soldiers calling themselves ‘the young

PAGE 15

South-west: Still the zone to watch (I) revolutionaries’ had terminated democratic rule in Nigeria in a bloody coup d’etat. Ibadan was, of course, one of the fiercest stages of the coup. Here, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola presided as the premier of the Western Region and Oloye Aare Ona Kakanfo XIII of the Yoruba. His title conferred on him the honour of the highest ranking war general in Yoruba tradition and so he picked up his gun that night and gave his would be murderers a good account of his traditional status. He was apparently expecting them and had no wish to go down without reminding the invaders that he was the holder of the Oloye Aare Ona Kakanfo title.

A day before the killings, Akintola had taken a flight to Kaduna to warn his political buddy, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and premier of the Northern Region. But he went back a disappointed man because the Sardauna told him he was ready to die for what he believed in – the North. In 1959, his party the Northern People’s Congress had won a majority of the parliamentary seats in the House of Representatives sitting in Lagos. The Constitution and parliamentary convention then demanded that he be made the Prime Minister of the Federation and form the government at the centre. But the man could not be flattered, let alone enticed by the power and glamour that was beckoning at him.

In any case, he detested Lagos and could not imagine himself going to live in a town he felt and said was

populated by ‘hooligans’. That was between 1954 and 1966 when he why he sent his party deputy, Sir became the Premier of the North, the Tafawa Balewa to take over the Sardauna gave the southern half of rather lowly job of Prime Minister of the country a good run for its worth.

Nigeria while he held the job that His records in political mobilization; mattered to him most – the Premier educational, agricultural, industrial and health developments are still of the Northern Region.

Sir Ahmadu Ahmadu Bello was etched in our memories.

He was a strong a scion of Usman political force; Dan Fodio, leader immensely popular of the 1804 Jihad with his people. One and the founder of could not say that the Sokoto much about his Caliphate. Left to political ally, him, the office of Samuel Ladoke the Sultanate Akintola, the held more allure Premier of the to him than any Western Region. His other. He was Emmanuel Yawe p r o l o n g e d proud of his disagreement with religion, proud of 08024565402 his family, proud royawe@yahoo.com his party leader, Chief Obafemi of his northern origins and proud of Nigeria. If those Awolowo, who was the Premier of of us from the North saw so much Western Region between 1952 and disparity between the general level 1959, leading to a declaration of a of development in the north and even state of emergency and appointment the difference in the living standards of an administrator in 1962 made between the north and the south in him less effective as an administrator the mid seventies, one can only and less popular than Awolowo as a imagine what the Sardauna saw in politician. Even then, about ten years the early 50s when he plunged into after he was assassinated, the Western Region could beat its chest about the partisan politics.

No doubt, his region trailed the achievements of the regional other regions at the time. He could government.

The Eastern Region presented its not be blamed for this. It was a harvest of history – the late exposure to own story. The undisputed leader of western education, the colonial the East was Nnamdi Azikiwe who policies that blocked the north from ironically started his career as a full scale western education, the weak broad-based Nigerian nationalist. He revenue base of the north etc. But only went to the East in 1952 after

his attempts to become Premier of the Western Region were frustrated.

There he became Chief Minister in that year and Premier in 1954. At independence in 1960, he became the first Nigerian Governor General and President in 1963.

From 1959 to 1966 the Eastern Region was under the leadership of Dr. Michael Okpara. At 39, he was known as the nation’s youngest premier. He was a strong advocate of what he called “pragmatic socialism” and believed that agricultural reform was crucial to the ultimate success of Nigeria. His government made remarkable achievements in other fields too like education, industrial development, health etc.

What finally destroyed the first republic was not the nonperformance of the governments of the day. Given the resources available to them, they performed miracles. Compared with the characters we have today, they were supermen and even angels.

What led to the collapse of the first republic was the unbridled struggle to control the centre. The regional governments, led by political parties which were increasingly becoming tribal, carried on as if Nigeria was populated only by the big three tribes.

The struggle by the minorities in the three regions to assert their rights complicated the equation. It was only a matter of time before the whole world would realize that this tripod arrangement was a farce. On 15 January, 1966, the military struck.

Ojukwu - Any lessons from his ‘heroism’?

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he eulogies and tributes poured in, in torrents, with friends and foes united in wishing the late Igbo leader, Eze Gburugburu, Dim Chukwuemeka OdumegwuOjukwu, bon voyage on his final passage as he journeys to meet his creator to account for his deeds on firma terra.

With Ojukwu’s death, a chapter and a controversial one, closes in Igbo history and the story of Nigeria. The flip page remains open as Ojukwu’s arch ‘enemy’ in the battle for Nigeria, Gen. Yakubu Gowon still remains with us on this side of the divide. Gowon, the war commander is today Prayer Warrior who must be wondering what the sacrifice, in blood and tears, was all about considering that Nigeria faces greater insecurity today than in war time. It was insecurity, symbolized with the massacre of the Igbos in the North in the aftermath of the Jan. 1966 coup’s counter coup that precipitated a chain of events that eventually led to the three year – 1967 to 1970 – Nigerian civil war.

It is an irony that as Ojukwu lay in permanent stillness in the bosom of mother earth, insecurity literally envelopes the Nigerian space, war drums are sounding, and his Igbo kinsfolk in the North have become targets of a new violent and murderous insecurity necessitating another forced return to Igboland. A repeat of history ?

But if the Igbo in the Nigerian domestic Diaspora in the North are again under threat 42 years after the end of the civil war and the ‘victor’ in that war is reduced to the

pitiable spectacle of going on bended beyond rhetoric, what can we point knees in prayer for the survival of to as his legacy or legacies, except the Nigerian nation, you wonder an emotional fillip to an ethnic what has the war been worth. So, if group in search of a Hero ? Are the for Ojukwu and Gowon, there was Igbos better off today than the pre‘no victor, no vanquished’, the civil war era when they rule the outcome for Nigeria has not been as waves in the entire Eastern region altruistic. Rather, this neither that is now nine states ? The war winner nor loser fancy talk has only was a uniting, rallying point for left Nigeria in the nether-land of the Igbos. But are Igbos more permanent attrition – a state of united today than the pre-civil war neither peace nor war. That, to me, is a dubious legacy, both for Gowon and with Ojukwu. It would have been illuminating olawunmibisi@yahoo.com were there to be a 0803 364 7571 (SMS only) deep, probing interview of Ojukwu, on the turn of events in period ? Can we, or rather, can Nigeria. Were there troubling, they, honestly answer that doubting moments for him as he question in the affirmative? Ebonyi ratchet up war drums with those state governor, Martin Elechi, is a thunderous, evocative phrases in candid man and provides us an mesmerizing Queen’s English insight on the state of the Igbo which apparently turned cowards nation today. Responding to the illinto fighting machines? digested agitation for the What was the private persona dissolution of the Nigerian state, a of Emeka Ojukwu as against his euphemism for everyone to his public persona, public persona ethnic tent, Governor Elechi had being generally a deliberate, rued the situation in his state where purposive construct of a public indigenes of two communities in personality, an imagery, to achieve the same local government area an end. Many celebrated leaders had been engaged in intractable, have split persona, one for public murderous conflict to indicate that consumption, the other - the real ethnicity may not automatically self- a doubting, unsure and an bring about the assumed peaceful emotional wreck ! relations on the grounds of ethnic What are the tangible legacies affinity. Since the civil war, the of Dim Odumegwu-Ojukwu ? southeastern states have Well, his public projection depicts experienced horrendous, someone with mythical charisma, communal conflicts on the scale of the courageous charmer. But major war, a classic example being

The Bisibee Bisi Olawunmi

the devastating Umeleri-Aguleri war in Anambra state. So, what is Eze Gburugburu’s legacy of unity and peace among his Igbo kinsmen ? I am in accord with Governor Elechi in debunking the myth of untrammeled ethnic unity, going by escalating intra-ethnic battles in the land. Even the sophisticated Yorubas had a horrific experience when Modakeke settlers took on IleIfe, their hosts, in a mindless slaughter.

The need to band together in a greater Nigeria is one major balm calming vicious intra communal conflicts.

I hold that the Igbo shot themselves in the foot when they deconstructed and de-mystified Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the greatest Igbo man to date. His cardinal sin, to a misinformed Igbo rabble, was that as an intellectual, he saw early in the war the futility of continuing with a doomed venture and wanted the Igbo to seek an end to the war and cut their losses. For being realistic, he was dubbed a sell-out. But then someone later cut and ran into exile to cut his own personal loss ! As the first Premier of Eastern region, Dr. Azikiwe gave prominent positions to minorities in the Eastern regional government and left tangible, monumental legacies – among which were a regional bank, regional broadcast station and newspaper and the flagship of them all, the great University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) an immortal testimony to his

learning and appreciation of knowledge-based society. Post war, the Igbo nation is turning into a conclave of semi literate, loudmouthed traders. Dr. Azikiwe, a.k.a Zik of Africa, was a Pan Africanist – he was a former editor of a newspaper in Ghana before relocating to Nigeria and had pan Nigeria orientation. The hostels at UNN were named after independence nationalists across Nigeria – including Awolowo Hall, Akintola Hall, Balewa Hall, Isa Kaita Hall, Akpabio Hall, with the huge cafeteria named after Mrs.Margret Ekpo. Celebration of Odumegwu-Ojukwu cannot displace a Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe in constructive leadership of the Igbo.

In another seeming repeat of tragic history, the Igbo leadership is being bestowed on a personality who is not only an ethnic irredentist but another secessionist, Chief Ralph Uwazurike, leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB). What lessons are we learning from history ? He had spear-headed another home-call for the Igbo following the spate of Boko Haram bombings in the North.

Wise counsel is prevailing on the Igbo to stay put. Ojukwu has played his part in the history of Nigeria, for good or bad or a combination.

But with the benefit of insight, another secessionist agenda, represented by Uwazurike, cannot be to Igbos’ advantage. Let the Biafra dream be interred with Ojukwu, the Eze Gburugburu of Igboland as he was laid to deserved rest at his hometown, Nnewi, on Friday, March 2, 2012.

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

2012 budget: FCTA’s priorities misguided-International organisation

By Josephine Ella

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n international nong o v e r n m e n t a l organisation, Alliance for Credible Election (ACE) said the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA)’s priorities in the 2012 budget proposal are misguided.

The programme coordinator of the NGO, Chris Brandt made the statement at the weekend during a workshop on FCT Development Challenges and Budget, organised for journalists in the FCT. “The massive amounts earmarked for government facilities and vanity projects dwarf the money allocated for important development initiatives like hospitals and public transportation network,” he said.

He highlighted the challenges of population growth, traffic congestion, lack of basic infrastructure in the satellite towns, saying that these and other issues require a budget that is focused and prepared to address the multitude of problems that face the territory.

“However, the proposed budget is inadequate to deal with these problems”, he said, observing that all the projects contained in the proposal are ongoing as there were no new projects contained which goes to say that the FCTA’s responsibility lies in continuing the progress towards completion of past projects.

According to him, “The lack of any new initiatives is reflective of both the reduced resources being provided by the federal government and the fact that much of the money that is

left over is being proposed for projects that are wasteful or do not benefit the majority of citizens. ”Despite the challenges posed by the FCTA budget cuts, the 2012 budget proposal is still wasteful and sectors important to the well being of citizens such as health, education are neglected.

“With such significant resource limitations, it is crucial that the budget is lean and focused and only projects that are crucial to buttressing the FCT’s economic and social development included”.

He added that this is not the case with the budget that has been proposed (N401billion) as a large proportion of budget expenditure goes to prestige projects that provide no real benefit to the vast majority of FCT citizens.

In his analysis of the 2012 budget, he drew attention to “the most jarring element of government waste which lies in the expenditure allocated to “Construction/provision of Residential buildings”, where a total of N2.5bn is earmarked for residential buildings for Vice President and other

National Assembly presiding officers.

“When N2.5bn is spent for providing housing to a select few government elites and nothing is spent on ordinary FCT residents who struggle to find affordable housing, the FCTA sends a clear message: The struggles of ordinary citizens is not a top priority”, he said.

Brandt also cited the N 2.5bn allocated for construction of a Cultural Centre and Millennium Tower in Abuja as misplaced, noting that this project only provides marginal benefits to FCT residents.

Biting more than they can chew as these truck pushers strugging with their truck along Gwarimpa Express way in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Abaji council to commission N800million water project

By Adeola Tukuru

I

n line with his promise to provide basic infrastructure and social amenities to the people of Abaji Area Council, the Chairman, Hon Yahaya Musa Muhammad has revealed that the administration will soon commission a water project worth N800 million.

Hon Yahaya explained this during the just concluded outstanding award of excellence on the performance in projects

execution in the Area Council from the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Kuje recently.

He also added that the project was in partnership with both the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to ensure that the people of Abaji Area Council had access to clean and portable water.

In his words: “The water damn project is at an advanced stage. Most of the technical aspects have been done, the

laying of pipes from the main stations to benefiting communities has been completed, the hilltop where the distribution tank is going to be, has been linked.

“Aljana community and as well as the Abuja university of technology has also been linked with the water projects. It is a gigantic project, where the Area council is contributing, the FCTA are contributing and also the Millennium Development Goals (MDG)”.

Yahaya also added that the present administration have recently supplied transformers to the communities, “three have been installed ,some communities have been linked and provided with some transformers .The Gbagyi communities ,Gawo and Gasokpa community are the benefitiaries’’.

He lauded the National Orientation Agency (NOA) for the award given to him, adding that the award will go a long way in encouraging him to do more.

House Committee on FCT lauds Bwari Area Council

By Adeola Tukuru with agency reports

C

hairman, House of Representatives Committee on FCT, Mr. Khamisu Mailantarki, has expressed satisfaction with projects so far completed by the Bwari Area Council.

Mailantarki expressed his satisfaction on Friday in Bwari after assessing some of the projects executed by the council.

“I will rate Bwari Area Council as one of the best Area Councils so far visited. The committee encourages the chairman to continue with the good work.

“We hope other councils will

emulate the quality of work and the projects executed by the council which directly touched on the lives of the people in this area. We are impressed,” Mailantarki said.

He said the committee would assist the council by giving it legal backing in order to generate internal revenue to develop the area.

Responding, Mr Peter Yohanna, Chairman, Bwari Area Council, expressed satisfaction with the rating of the council by the committee.

He said that the achievements were due to teamwork by the staff, and promised that his administration would continue to ensure that the people in the area enjoyed the dividends of democracy.

Dear reader, Metro welcomes human interest stories in your neighbourhood. Please call or send SMS to 08065327178 or e-mail jomarch4@yahoo.com to inform us about happenings in your area. Share your experiences or those of your friends and neighbours with fellow readers.

Man bags onemonth imprisonment for criminal trespass

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n Abuja Chief Magistrate’s Court on Friday sentenced one Fidelis Daniel of Angwan Yelwa, Kaduna, to one-month imprisonment for criminal trespass.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Musa Jobbo, who convicted Daniel after he pleaded guilty to the offence, however, gave him an option of N400 fine.

Police prosecutor Phillip Akowgu, had told the court that on Feb. 21, Mr Yusuf Ali of Niger State Government Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja, reported the matter at Asokoro Police Station.

He said that the convict entered into the government lodge without the consent of the management and destroyed the iron rod kept in the premises for renovation purposes.

The prosecutor said that the convict was charged with criminal trespass contrary to Section 348 of the Penal Code.

(NAN)

Man docked for cheating

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35-year-old man, Haruna Hassan of no fixed address, was on Friday arraigned before an Abuja Senior Magistrates’ Court on a twocount charge of joint act and cheating.

The police prosecutor, ASP, Patrick Obeta, told the court that the case was reported by one Emmanuel Ihenacho at the Central Police Station, Abuja.

Obeta said that the accused and four others whose names were given as Prince, Michael, Chike and Queen, all of no fixed address and now at large, jointly deceived the complainant and collected N500,000 from him.

He said they collected the money on pretence that they would make him rich.

The prosecutor said that the offence was punishable under sections 79 and 322 of the Penal Code.

The accused pleaded not guilty, but Senior Magistrate Alkali Bashir refused him bail, on the ground that he had no fixed address and adjourned the case to March 29,2012. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

PAGE 17

Police arraign 3 men for Kado/Life camp in confusion conspiracy, trespass over demolition rumour

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he police have arraigned three men before an Abuja Upper Area Court in Gwagwalada FCT for conspiracy and trespass.

The three accused, Garba Idamu from Gwagwalada Abubakar Magaji of Dagiri and Sunday Aguma of Aguma Palace, Gwagwalada, were charged with criminal conspiracy and trespass.

The police prosecutor, Insp.

Modupe Musa, told the court that the accused conspired and trespassed into the land situated at Plot No. 31, Kuje Road Layout belonging to one Dr Raymond Nwike of Danla Hospital in Zamfara.

Musa said that Nwike bought the land from Joseph Okoye of Plot 69 in the sum of N1.3 million.

“Nwike bought the land from one Suleiman Hussein in 1993,’’ added Musa.

The prosecutor said that the offence was reported to the police by the complainant on Jan. 29, and it contravened Sections 97, 85 and 348 of the

Penal Code Law. All the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.

Mr Abubakar Aliyu, counsel to the three accused, urged the court to grant his clients bail promising they would not jump bail or tamper with police investigation.

The presiding judge, Mr Babaginda Hassan, consequently granted the three accused bail in the sum of N300,000 with one surety each in like sum, adding that the sureties must be residents of the FCT. Hassan said that each of the surety must be civil servants from grade level seven and above or must own a landed property.

He ordered that the address of each surety should be known by the prosecution and if the accused failed to keep to the court’s requirement, they should be remanded in prison.

Hassan then adjourned the case to April 11,2012 for continuation of hearing. (NAN)

By Adeola Tukuru

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here was pandemonium in Kado/Life Camp Village over the weekend when the residents went wild over speculations that the Development Control Department of the (FCDA) was about to visit them with bulldozers to pull down illegal structures in the area.

The Palace of the chief of

kado/Life Camp, Etsu Danlami Audu was filled to capacity with villagers who went to solicit help from the chief on the issue.

In his reaction to the episode, the Chief explained that he was not aware of any demolition plan while describing the story as nothing but rumour. He noted that his village is not known for violating government order

wondering why they should not be informed by the authority in charge before such action is carried out.

The traditional ruler who used the opportunity to warn against rumour mongering in his domain, advised people who specialise in the act to desist while urging members of his community to always seek clarification from him or members of his cabinet.

FCTA to establish Lassa fever only three suspected cases diagnostic centre that, have been reported and there

By Josephine Ella

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ollowing the outbreak of Lassa fever in some parts of the country including some contiguous states to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Secretary, FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat of the FCT, Dr Demola Onakomaiya said a laboratory would soon be established for confirmation of Lassa fever in the territory before the end of the year.

It would be recalled that recently, 13 states reported Lassa fever outbreak with 455 suspected cases of which 90 were confirmed and 46 deaths recorded as at February 24, 2012.

At a press briefing last week, Dr. Onakomaiya revealed

has been no confirmed death in the FCT. He explained that two of these cases were reported from Abuja University Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, while the other was reported from the National Hospital, Abuja.

In the whole of the country, only two Lassa fever diagnostic centres exist, one at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Lagos and the other at Irrua Teaching Hospital in Edo state.

All the suspected cases recorded across the country have been referred to these two states.

Thus, if established it would bring the total number of Lassa fever confirmation or diagnostic centre to three in the country.

SSS arraigns student, 30, for intimidation

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30-year-old student Maurice Efe-Lawrence has appeared before an Abuja Chief Magistrate’s Court for“ intimidation by a n o n y m o u s communication”.

The State Security Service (SSS) brought the charge of intimidation by anonymous communication against the suspect.

The prosecutor, Mr C.I Osagie, told the court that on different dates between Oct. 1, 2011 and Nov.13, 2011 in Abuja and Calabar, the accused sent anonymous threat messages with his telephone numbers, 0 8 0 1 0 0 4 2 8 7 0 7 , 08080468686 and 07083912813 to government and security officials.

Osagie said that one of the recipients was Veronica Adeyemo, the acting Director of Information and Technology at the Federal Ministry of Information and Communication, Abuja.

He said that the aim of the accused, a resident of Federal Housing Estate, Calabar, was to threaten the individuals into parting with some amount of money.

The prosecutor said the offence was contrary to Section 398 of the Penal Code but the accused pleaded not guilty and the prosecutor asked for a date for hearing.

Chief Magistrate Oyewunmi Oyebola ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the case to March 15 for hearing. (NAN)

Scene of an accident along Airport-Gwagwalada road in Abuja, recently.

Photo: NAN

Hoodlums attack bus driver in Masaka

By Josephine Ella

H

oodlums Friday night attacked and smashed a beer bottle on the driver of a commercial bus at Area One in Masaka, few meters from the Masaka Police Station.

The driver, whose name could not be ascertained as at the time of filing this report, was in transit when the hoodlums attacked him.

Trouble started when the driver drove past the Masaka market, which operates on Fridays and was approaching the Area One junction where a tipper truck had broken down in the middle of the road.

Eyewitness account has it that the escort of an unknown government official heading from Nasarawa state to Abuja, had shot at one of the front tyres of the truck after the driver refused to move from the road on hearing the sound of the siren.

This resulted to traffic gridlock along the road coupled with the market activities which often encroach into a greater part of the road.

Unknown to the bus driver, hoodlums had barricaded the road partially, with big stones leaving only a little a space for passage.

But the driver of the bus drove on high speed rather than slowing down as if he was going to bump into the barricade being closely monitored by the hoodlums.

Our correspondent, who was on board the vehicle heading to Wuse, with other passengers reports that, angered by the action of the driver, the hoodlum began to rain abuses on him in Hausa language.

The driver even invited more fury from the boys when he insulted them back, a development which prompted one of the hoodlums to accost him and

smashed a bottle of beer on his left hand.

About four others armed with big sticks followed suit as the driver attempted to park his vehicle to fight back, but passengers advised him to move ahead to where a detachment of soldiers were sighted in a patrol van to report the incident.

The officials of the Nigerian army, on routine patrol, were earlier sighted at the Masaka Uturn from where they had drove past the bus which was loading passengers at the spot only for them to stop by at the chaotic scene barricaded by hoodlums.

On arriving at the spot where the soldiers were stationed, the driver, who was bleeding profusely reported the incident and the solders made towards the spot where he was attacked but the hoodlums took to their heels on sighting the soldiers with their victim.

Man, 50, arraigned for trespass, mischief

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he Police last week arraigned a 50-year-old man, Chidi Alaribe, of LC Concrete, on a two-count charge of criminal trespass and mischief Police Prosecutor, Jeremiah Elijah, told the Abuja Chief Magistrate’s Court that on Feb. 28, Olusegun Akin of FHA, Lugbe, reported at the Lugbe Police Station that the accused went to his plot of land located at Sabon Lugbe and removed his concrete blocks.

Elijah said that some of the blocks destroyed were valued at N200,000.

He said the complainant also claimed that the accused parked a truck and a caterpillar on his plot, thereby, denying him access to the land.

Elijah said that during police investigation, the accused was unable to give a satisfactory account of the incident.

The prosecutor said the offence

was contrary to sections 348 and 327 of the Penal Code.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty and the prosecutor asked for a date for hearing.

Senior Magistrate Aliyu Shafa, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 and a surety in like sum who must reside within the jurisdiction of the court.

He adjourned the case to March 22 for hearing. (NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

Nigeria’s battle for stability(1)

By John Campbell

R

ecent events in Nigeria, including its presidential elections last April, have produced two narratives on the current state of that oil-rich West African nation with a history of civic turmoil. The first is that events there have unfolded rather favorably since its elected president, Umaru Yar'Adua, fell ill in late 2009 and the country was left leaderless. That raised fears of a military coup, but then Goodluck Jonathan emerged to fill the power vacuum, first as an extraconstitutional "acting president," then as a constitutional successor after Yar'Adua's death and finally as the elected executive following the 2011 elections. This optimistic narrative notes that those elections were praised by international observers as better than in the pastand hence they reflected the will of the national majority. An amnesty for militants in the oil-rich Niger Delta, combined with disarmament, training and reintegration, ended a long insurrection there. One serious specter, however, still haunts the country-the expansion of the Islamic "terrorist group" Boko Haram, with its global connections. Hence, Nigeria's security challenge has become internationalized, and Westerners grappling with Islamist movements need to keep a sharp eye on that situation.

This is the narrative of conventional wisdom embraced by many in President Barack Obama's administration and in Congress, the business community and the media.

The other narrative is quite different. It posits that, despite a veneer of democratic institutions, Nigeria has suffered from dysfunctional governance for decades. The 2011 elections, according to this view, generated serious violence and polarized the country.

Militants in the Niger Delta are regrouping. Boko Haram, hardly an Islamist threat to the world, is an indigenous uprising spawned by persistent alienation in the largely Muslim North, which is stricken with poverty and official corruption. The country's Middle Belt is beset by ongoing ethnic and religious conflict between Christians and Muslims, with attendant ethnic cleansing.

Crime is ubiquitous in the cities and on the highways. The police, a national entity, are underpaid and notoriously corrupt. They prey on ordinary Nigerians at numerous checkpoints set up to address the breakdown in security. And for many, the police are merely the face of a "secular" or "Christian" Abuja regime.

Thus they have become targets themselves for groups disaffected with the federal government.

That is the narrative to which the Obama administration and others concerned about Africa should probably pay some heed.

Thus far, the Jonathan administration has been remarkably inept in addressing the challenges it faces. Its military is exercising more authority in areas formerly under civilian purview. The president's heavy-handed, even brutalizing, security forces are exacerbating Muslim alienation in the North and

The scene of the suicide car bomb at the Church of Christ in Nigeria, penultimate Sunday in Jos, Plateau state. have failed to control the Middle Belt's ethnic and religious strife. Concerns of impoverished Niger Delta residents have not been addressed, and there is anecdotal evidence that officials in the upper reaches of the federal and state governments participate actively in oil theft. More and more Nigerians are alienated from a state they regard as inept and corrupt.

Indeed, Nigeria's fundamental problem is a system of institutionalized corruption that channels public money into the pockets of a few Nigerian "big men."

The result is some of the greatest income inequality and worst social statistics in Africa. And the political class doesn't manifest any will to reform the system. Politics are intense and often violent because they are suffused with a winner-takes-all mentality. Patron-client networks control politicians and the political system, and those within the networks get access to the few available jobs and social services.

Hence, the political economy favors personal relationships over institutions. Not surprisingly, national sentiment is declining in favor of religious and ethnic identityand animosity.

Despite this bleak picture, there are reasons to consider Nigeria a potentially important U.S. partner in Africa. With more than 160 million people, it is the continent's most populous nation. It has demonstrated impressive leadership in the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union.

Working through those organizations, it helped end wars in

Liberia and Sierra Leone. And its decision to supply peacekeepers in war-torn Darfur made Nigeria an invaluable partner in an area where America had only limited leverage.

Beyond that, Nigeria consistently has been the fourth- or fifth-largest foreign supplier of oil to the United States, and shipping routes from Port Harcourt and Lagos to refineries in Baltimore or Philadelphia have no Persian Gulf-like choke points.

Importantly, Nigeria has often ignored production limits set by OPEC during politically motivated oil shocks tied to developments in the volatile Middle East. And the country's "Bonny Light crude" is high quality and requires minimal refining.

Beyond economics, cultural and family links between Nigeria and the United States underpin the official relationship. The Nigerian Diaspora community in America is economically successful and often vocal in its criticism of the corruption and poor governance in its home country. Two million Nigerians live in the United States, and an additional million have spent time here in recent years. Thus, it isn't surprising that Nigerian influences can be seen in American culture. Fela Kuti's "Afrobeat" and other musical styles of Nigerian origin have seeped into American popular music, and popular culture from New York and Los Angeles is ubiquitous in Lagos.

Nigeria's dynamic and confident Christian churches have influenced American Christianity, sometimes controversially. A retired Anglican primate of Nigeria, a bitter critic of the Episcopal Church in the United

States over gay issues, encouraged a schism within that church that sharpened differences between American liberal and conservative approaches to Christianity.

Given the prevailing narrative and ongoing ties between the United States and Nigeria, it isn't surprising that the Obama administration embraced Goodluck Jonathan when he assumed office as the country's best hope for stability and reform. But managing the U.S. relationship with Nigeria should be based on current Nigerian realities. Otherwise, the Obama administration risks undermining its credibility among Nigerians working for meaningful democratic change. It also risks alienating Africa's largest Muslim population.

Since the beginning of the year, the country has been roiled by demonstrations against the Jonathan government's ending of the traditional fuel subsidy for Nigerian consumers.

The protests appeared to crystallize widespread Nigerian anger at the country's current political leadership. It remains to be seen whether these demonstrations will morph into a "Nigerian Spring" or what their impact will be on northern alienation that provides Boko Haram with its oxygen. Events are moving rapidly and pose particularly difficult challenges for administration policy makers.

The way forward for the United States in its relations with Nigeria can become discernible through a review of that country's recent history.

President Yar'Adua was evacuated to Saudi Arabia in November 2009 for

treatment of kidney disease and organ dysfunction. His departure left the country leaderless and precipitated a constitutional crisis when he withheld the necessary authorization to install his vice president, Goodluck Jonathan.

Amid rumors of a brewing coup, political elites working through the National Assembly installed Jonathan extraconstitutionally as "acting president." This action prompted Yar'Adua's midnight return to Nigeria and a subsequent standoff between Jonathan and Yar'Adua's wife, Turai, who continued to prevent access to the president until he died of complications from a rare autoimmune syndrome. After Yar'Adua's death, Jonathan became the constitutional president, and the standoff between the Jonathan and Turai camps ended.

Nigeria was ruled by military dictators for nearly thirty years before civilian governance was established in 1999. Since then, under an informal understanding within the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP), the country's presidency has alternated every eight years between Christians, who dominate the southern part of the country, and Muslims, who dominate the North. Under this approach, if the president were a northern Muslim, the vice president would be a southern Christian and vice versa.

To be continued.

John Campbell is the Ralph Bunche Senior Fellow for Africa Policy Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. He served as U.S. ambassador to Nigeria from 2004 to 2007.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

PAGE 19

Email: amunuimam@yahoo.co.uk

INSIDE - Pg 20 Skye Bank eyes huge returns on investment

Mob: 08033644990

Operators urged on terrorism insurance over Boko Haram From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

A

s activities of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram continues to take a heavy

toll on the political and economic stability of the country, there is growing advocacy for the nation’s insurance industry practitioners to come up with covers to protect

people and properties in the affected parts of the country.

Peoples Daily learnt that reinsurance covers for such risk, obtainable only in the London

L - R: Board Secretary, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Mrs. T.L.G Elayo, Executive Director (Policy and Strategy/Loans Set-up and Pay-off Departments, FMBN), Mr. Newman Ordia; Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar; Managing Director, FMBN, Mr. Gimba Ya'u Kumo; Executive Director, (Loans Production/Securities Issuance and Market Development Departments, FMBN), Mr. Bola Ogunsola, and Executive Director (Organisation Resourcing Department, FMBN), Mr. Mike Nwogbo, during a visit to the IGP by the FMBN management recently in Abuja.

Flight schedule AIR NIGERIA (MONDAY - SUNDAY) LOS-A BJ: 07.15, 11.40, 14.00, 16.30, 17.00, 17.20, 18.30.

ABJ-LOS: 07.00, 09.30, 10.30, 11.15, 16.15, 19.15, 19.35 ABJ-KANO: 18.40 KANO-ABJ: 08.35 ABJ -SOK (MON): 09.35 ABJ-SOK (FRI): 10.10 ABJ-SOK (WED/SUN): 11.20 SOK-ABJ (MON): 11.35 SOK-ABJ (FRI): 12.00 SOK-ABJ (WED/SUN): 13.20

AEROCONTRACTORS (MON - SUN) LOS-ABJ: 06.50, 13.30, 19.45 LOS-ABJ (SUN): 12.30 LOS-ABJ (SAT): 16.45 ABU-L OS: 07.30, 13.00, 14.00, 19.00 ABU-LOS (SUN): 10.30, 14.30, 19.30 ABU-LOS (SAT): 18.30

DANA AIRLINES (MON - SUN) LOS-ABJ: 07.02, 08.10, 12.06, 15.30, 17.10 ABJ-LOS: 07.20, 09.36, 13.05, 14.40 ABJ-LOS (SAT/SUN): 13.05, 18.00 LOS-KANO : 08.10 KANO-LOS: 11.25 KANO -ABUJA: 11.25 ABUJA-KANO : 10.08

IRS AIRLINES

Dangote Cement: Ibese host communities promise cooperation

By Aminu Imam

B

asking in the euphoria of the successful commissioning of the new 6 million metric ton per annum Ibese cement plant by President Goodluck Jonathan, host communities have promised to give maximum cooperation to the Dangote Cement management to ensure the plant run smoothly and profitably.

The Communities said siting the cement plant in their area was a lifetime opportunity and would do all within their power to ensure that both the hosts and the plant exist peacefully.

Leader of the 14 host communities, Dr. Hezekiah Idowu explained that the entire Yewa land was very appreciative of Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s gesture and would reciprocate by making sure the company operates hasslesfree.

According to him, it was unconceivable years ago that Ibese and its environs would be located in the world map but that the existence of abundant limestone and the decision by the foremost entrepreneur to site his plant in the area has re-written the history of the ancient town and the adjourning communities.

With the commencement of cement production at the plant and the expected in-flow of businesses within the communities, Dr Idowu said, “What else can we do other than to ensure peace and tranquility reign for the company to prosper, because our sons and daughters also have a stake as they have job opportunities now” In his remark, the Chairman of Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), Prof Akin Akindoyeni said Dangote group

CBN CFA • £ RIYAL $

1st Mar, 2012 BUYING 0.2985 206.4817 247.112 41.3001 155.9

SELLING 0.3185 207.8147 248.7073 41.5667 156.9

PARALLEL RATES

ABJ-LOS: 11.30, 3.45, 4.45

£ RIYAL $

BUYING 243 43 154

SELLING 257 45 159

has succeeded in creating a thriving Nigerian conglomerate with presence in many nations,

said it was somewhat difficult to get reinsurance from the London market, pointing out that Indian market suffered such a problem when the 9/11 terrorist attack happened on the World Trade Centre in America.

Phukela said London markets withdrew their cover for the Indian market following that 9/ 11 incident. “But what we did was to form Terrorism Poll, which was subscribed by Indian insurance companies, and today we are better-off for it. I suggest that the Nigerian Insurance market takes a cue from our experience in India and form a terrorism insurance poll to support the local market so that it would not at any time depend completely on foreign reinsurance baking”, he said.

Terrorism insurance is insurance purchased by property owners to cover their potential losses and liabilities that might occur due to terrorist activities. It is considered to be a difficult product for insurance companies, as the odds of terrorist attacks are very difficult to predict and the potential liability enormous.

For example, the September 11, 2001 attacks resulted in an estimated $31.7 billion loss. This combination of uncertainty and which he said is showcasing the potentials of Nigeria to the world.

He commended him for his strategic intent of collaborating with stakeholders in the building and construction industry to move the sector forward.

Arik Air resumes flight to S. Africa

A

rik Air has resumed daily flights to Johannesburg on Saturday, 24 hours after suspending them in protest over South Africa's refusal to let in 125 Nigerians on health grounds.

"Arik Air is reinstating flight operations between Lagos, Nigeria and Johannesburg, South Africa effective immediately, with tonight's (Saturday, March 3) scheduled service departing from Lagos," a statement said.

Arik earlier said it suspended flights between Lagos and Johannesburg, Africa's two financial hubs, due to a dispute with health authorities over yellow fever vaccination cards

presented at OR Tambo International Airport by passengers.

The airline said that flights will now re-commence with operations over the weekend "to protect its passengers in the interim period until the matter is resolved."

A meeting between the two governments over the dispute is scheduled for today, it said.

Passengers who have new yellow fever vaccination cards issued in Nigeria or are travelling to South Africa for the first time will not be allowed to board on Saturday's and Sunday's flights to Johannesburg, it added.

Management Tip of the Day

EXCHANGE RATES

LOS -ABJ: 9.45, 11.45, 2.45

LOS-KANO: 6.15 LOS-KANO (SAT/SUN): 16.30 KANO-LOS: 07.30 KANO-LOS (SUN/SUN): 10.30

market currently, was said to be very costly.

At the last count, over 361 deaths and billions of naira worth of property damage have been masterminded by the sect since the beginning of the year, according to report by Amnesty International.

Terrorism risk before now was not given consideration, first because it was new in the market; secondly, because it is part of exclusion and thirdly, because it is usually funded by government in some jurisdictions because of the size of risk exposure. ,This, however, has since become an issue following the incidence of Boko Haram, which has spurred FBN Insurance Brokers and Continental Re late last year to open talks with a UK firm, for terrorism insurance.

Managing Director/CEO Prestige Assurance plc, Anand Mittal, who confirmed the development, noted that already there is pressure on the market to offer risk protection against terrorism, pointing out that the industry is consulting on the issue.

But a Director/GM of New India Assurance Company Limited, Inderjit Singh Phukela

Command attention like an executive

E

xecutive presence is not an innate quality; it is a set of behaviors that you can learn over time. Whether you are a natural wallflower or a social butterfly, you can enhance your presence by doing the following: “Focus and relax. Calm is the

foundation of presence. Use your breathing as an anchor that you return to when you get stressed or start to lose focus.

“Gain awareness. To change your behavior, you need to know how you are perceived.

Pay attention to how people react to you and ask for candid

feedback from those you trust. " Practice with support.

Telling a colleague or mentor you're working on presence can boost your skills and confidence.

The feedback you receive can also reinforce momentum.

Source: Harvard Business Review

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS Access Bank Plc changes its Corporate Head office

T

he Company has notified the Exchange that its’ Corporate Head Office has been changed from Plot 1665, OyinJolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos to Plot 999C, Danmole Street, Victoria Island, Lagos with effect from January 26, 2012.

N

igeria is now in a position to export copper as it has abundant resources of the mineral, particularly in the Plateau State, says the World Bank.

The Word Bank’s Nigeria project manager, Linus Adie made this known recently at the public presentation of the Interpreted Projects of the Airborne Geophysical Survey and Geochemical Mapping of Nigeria.

V

ono Products Plc said it intends using proceeds from its N840 million recapitalisation exercise to strengthen its operations and pursue its expansion programme, even as the company disclosed that it will return to profitability by the end of the current financial year.

Coca-Cola Hellenic to end production at two Greek units

C

oca-Cola Hellenic , Coca-Cola’s No.2 bottler worldwide, is to stop production at two of its five plants in Greece, as part of cost cuts to deal with a protracted recession.

He said Nigeria had so far succeeded in doing geophysics of 56% of the country, including Niger Delta. The first aspect of it was to fly and collect the data; now the second aspect is to do the interpretations,” he explained.

Linus Adie, who called on Nigeria to disseminate geophysical data finding across the world to attract more

A

financial expert has highlighted capital inadequacy and challenges of infrastructure as core factors responsible for the hindrance to Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) access to finance in the country.

Human resources development and advisory are as well another important area which the Nigerian SMEs failed to pay attention.

The Head of SME Banking at Stanbic IBTC Bank, Akintunde Oyebode, who made the observation in an interview with journalists in Lagos noted that in the Sub- Saharan Africa, the funding gap within the SME segment is estimated at anything between $100 billion and $200 billion, which implied that there is need for increase the

current flow of finance at least four times from the current levels of $25 billion.

According to him, challenges of the SMEs could also be traced to poor capital adequacy with little or no assets, which consequently becomes a big barrier to funding as a result of the absence of collateral security as well as absence of accurate and verifiable financial statement which formal lenders see as prerequisites for ascertain the credit worthiness

N

igeria’s interbank lending rates dropped by 59 basis points to an average of 14.41 percent last week, compared with 15 percent in the previous week, following the disbursal of budgetary allocations to government agencies, traders said on Friday.

I

Nestle plans to double Nigeria business in 3 years

N

estle (Nigeria) has announced its full year 2011 numbers, with turnover coming in strong at N98.0 billion, 18.4percent higher than the N82.7billion reported for Full Year 2010. Although profit before tax recorded a marginal 1.6percent rise to N18.5billion, post-tax profits came in stronger by 33.4percent from N12.6billion to N16 billion.

of the borrowers.

To solve this problem, Oyebode stated that there is need for lenders to develop nontraditional methods of evaluating borrowers in this segment and equally leverage on clusters like corporative societies and market associations to provide comfort to the lenders.

He assured that the SME sector is an area of significance to Stanbic IBTC Bank adding that the firm is always seeking for ways to connect business with

Inflation rates from Feb, 2011 to Jan, 2012 Max = 12.8%, Min = 9.3% for period in display.

Current Inflation rate = 12.6% Source:CBN

Traders said the disbursal of over 300 billion naira ($1.90 billion) in January budgetary allocations to government agencies swelled cash liquidity in the system and forced down the cost of borrowing among banks.

“The budget money was credited last Friday and its effect on interbank rates became apparent early in the week,” one dealer said.

Traders said the market opened with a cash balance of about 130 billion naira, compared with a deficit of about 9.50 billion naira last week.

They said rates would have been lower but for the aggressive liquidity mop up by the central bank through the sales of treasury bills at open market operations.

The Debt Management Office also sold 111 billion naira worth of 2019 and 2022 bonds this week, which further restricted liquidity in the system.

Africa and also to the major trading partners outside the region.

“Nigeria’s balance of trade position clearly suggests that we are a major player in the international trade. We are uniquely positioned to use our extensive regional network to connect Nigerian businesses to trade partners around Africa and also use our partnership to boost the access of Nigerian business to the global trade network”, he assured.

The secured Open Buy Back (OBB) eased to 14 percent, from 14.5 percent last week, 200 basis points above the central bank’s 12 percent benchmark rate, and 4 percentage points above the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate.

Overnight placement dropped to 14.5 percent from 15 percent, while call money traded at 14.75 percent compared with 15.5 percent last week.

“We expect rates to gradually inch up next week after major cash inflows into foreign exchange purchases and other transactions,” another trader said. (Reuters)

Skye Bank eyes huge returns on investment From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

S

Earnings Report for Banks

Total connected devices will grow by 100% in 2020-GSMA

T

he GSMA has predicted that the total number of connected devices globally will increase from more than 9 billion in 2012 to 24 billion in 2020 to reach an astonishing 24 billion in 2020.

Michael Ohara, chief marketing officer, GSMA made this disclosure at the Mobile World Congress 2012 which held in Spain.

example, one of the land form maps revealed the level of desert encroaching into the Nigerian landmass.

Linus Adie added that, quite apart from its value for mining, the geophysical information could be used to develop Nigeria’s agriculture, and the military could also use it for their operations.(Source: miningreview.com )

Interbank rates fall on budget cash inflow

Oil firms to hire 40 indigenous vessels, retain N288bn nternational Oil Companies operating in Nigeria will in June 2012 hire 40 indigenously owned vessels to replace contracted foreign owned vessels, thereby retaining $1.8bn (about N 288 billion) in the Nigerian economy, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Ernest Nwapa has said.

investors, said that within five years, the World Bank and Ministry of Mines and Steel had commenced the mining reforms, adding that there were many exploration companies operating in Nigeria.

The data, he said, was not only for the mining sector but for planning, which would help the country in various other ways. For

Stanbic IBTC Bank set to SMEs business plight From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

VonoProductsto raiseN840mfrom capitalmarket

World Bank says Nigeria can export copper

Source:Pro-share Nigeria

kye Bank Plc. is set to rake in profit before tax of N9.246 billion for the second quarter ending June 30, 2012.

The bank is also targeting an increase in its profit after tax to N7.85 billion within the same period.

In its forecast, made available to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). the bank is projecting an increase in gross earnings to the tune of N66.47 billion.

The bank, for the third quarter ended September 31, 2011 recorded that gross earnings increase by 11 percent from N66.2billion in 2010 to N73.3 billion in the same period 2011, indicating five percent below forecast of N77.1 billion.

Similarly, the bank recorded a 9.3 percent growth in profit before tax, from N10.7 billion the previous year to N11.7 billion the following year, while its profit after tax also went up by 9.5 percent, from N8.5 billion in 2010 to N9.4 billion.

PAGE 21

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

All Share Index gains by 0.47% on improved optimism N igerian stocks ended the week northward for the second week in a row, extending the improved market sentiment observed in the previous week despite the unrelenting bearish tendency witnessed in the first three sessions of the week.

Further analysis of the trend revealed a mixed outlook as the market breadth closed negative and weak, indicating weak bargain and wary posture towards investment in equities in the week. Meanwhile, the 5% gain (WTD) by Dangote Cement Plc, the market leader by capitalisation, impacted the outlook significantly.

Also, the sudden renewed bargain tendency with strong drive as witnessed across the board in the last two sessions of the week could not be isolated from the

positive remarks towards Nigerian banks by S&P rating agency.

More so, market opened bearish with growing sell tendency and remained bearish till midweek with weak breadth.

However, the improved bargain initiatives was witnessed on Thursday as the market trend returned to green zone with significant change in market sentiment while the breadth closed stronger with three gainers for every loser recorded.

Subsequently, market ended northward on Friday and closed the week positive by aggregate of 0.47% as the bargain side sustained the posture.

In the same light, the key benchmark indices dipped by 0.64% to open the week on negative note as investors remained wary. The second and

third session sustained the bearish trend by -1.11% and -0.07% respectively as a result of overbearing sell tendency while market sentiments remained unchanged due to lack of positive news in the market.

Conversely, trading session on Thursday and Friday experienced renewed and sustained bargain initiative as the key benchmark indices retraced by +0.35% and surged by 1.97% respectively while improved bargain hunting was witnessed across the board considerably.

Further analysis on acquiring banks since transaction date showed that the share price of Access Bank Plc has recorded 54.14% gain, followed by FCMB by 10.77% while Union Bank Plc

appeared to leading the chart with 204.78% gain which was significantly impacted by the recent share reconstruction.

However, Sterling Bank and ETI recorded -21.26% and -5.66% loss respectively.

However, the All-Share Index in the week under review moved up by +0.47% to close at 20,592.02 as against an upbeat by +0.42% recorded last week to close at 20,495.92.

In the same vein, the market capitalisation in the week appreciated by N30.28 billion (US$201.91million), to close at N6.48 trillion (US$43.24billion) as against appreciation by N26.70 billion (US$178.06million) recorded last weekm to close at N6.45 trillion (US$ 43.04billion).

The total volume traded in the week closed at 2.22 billion units valued at N13.35billion (US$88.98 million) compared with 2.04 billion units valued at N12.33 billion (US$82.18 million) exchanged in 20,499 deals last week. The volume transaction in the week when compared with the previous week data moved up by +8.66% as against upwards movement by +11.13% recorded last week.

Weekly value also went up by +8.27% as against the positive position of +39.63% recorded last week.

Transactions NSE bids Odumegwu- appreciate by N125bn Ojukwu farewell T From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

T

he Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) on Friday joined the rest of Nigerians to bid Dim Chukwuemeka OdumegwuOjukwu farewell by observing a one minute silence not only as a sign of respect to a great Nigerian, but for the immense contributions which his late father, Sir Louis OdumegwuOjukwu had in setting up the foundations of what is today the 2nd largest Exchange in subsaharan Africa.

A statement from the NSE, which was made available to Peoples Daily in Lagos, noted that Ikemba’s father, Sir Louis Odumegwu-Ojukwu K.T., O.B.E. (1909 – 1966) was a founding member and the first Nigerian president of the NSE (1963 1966).

He was also on the board of

directors of some of Nigeria’s most prestigious companies such as Shell Oil Nigeria Limited, Nigeria Coal Corporation among others.

His enormous contributions to the Exchange included being an original subscriber to the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the NSE. Equally, his tenor as the president of the NSE saw the listing of shares of several prestigious companies such as John Holt Nigeria Plc., Nigerian Cement Company Plc., Nigerian Tobacco Company Plc., Guinness Nigeria Plc. etc. as well as over twenty-six Federal Government and corporate bonds and the qualification of over forty dealing clerks.

His good image brought positive recognition to the newly found Exchange luring several companies to seek listing on the Exchange, said the report.

ransactions on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) over the weekend remained on the upward trend with the market capitalisation appreciating by N125 billion.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the market capitalisation rose to N6.489 trillion, up from the N6.364 trillion recorded on Thursday.

Similarly, the All-Share Index, which opened with 20,193.40 points, appreciated by 398.61 points to close at 20,592.01 points.

Dangote Cement recorded the highest gain to lead the gainers’ chart, appreciating by N5.25 to close at N110.25 per share.

Julius Berger followed with N1.02 to close at N21.55 per share while NewGold ETF grew

by N1 to close at N2, 638 per unit.

Nigerian Breweries rose by 95k to close at N92.95 while NCR gained 48k to close at N10.23 per share.

On the other hand, GlaxoSmithKline topped the losers’ chart with a loss of N1.05 to close at N19.95 per share.

Stanbic IBTC trailed with 19k to close at N7.20 while Dangote Sugar dropped 8k to close at N3.87 per share.

Fidson also dipped by 4k to close at 87K while Gold Insurance lost 3k to close at 64k per share.

NAN reports that investors bought and sold a total of 377.9 million shares worth N1.7 billion exchanged in 3,854 deals, down from a turnover of 556.2 million shares valued at N3.8 billion traded in 4,031 deals posted on Thursday.

Intercontinental Wapic Insurance emerged as the most traded stock with an exchange of 86.9 million shares worth N45.1 million traded in 25 deals.

UBA trailed with a total of 85.4 million shares valued at N254.1 million exchanged in 370 deals while Fidelity Bank sold 29.04 million shares worth N40.1 million in 86 deals. (NAN)

INVESTORS NEWS BEAT NSE’s market capitalisation drops further by N4.4bn

T

he bears have continued to strengthen their hold on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, following price losses suffered by major blue-chip stocks, as market capitalisation fell further by N4.4 billion.

Bond market outlook sees further bullish trend in short-term maturities

A

nalysts at Dunn Loren Merrifield Limited have said their outlook for this week supports a continued bullish trend in the short-term maturities.

9.50 % 2012 FGN bond matures

T

he 9.50 percent 23 February 2012 bond worth N35.0 billion, matured last week as the 5.50 19 percent February 2013 FGN bond stopped trading as a result of the term to maturity dropping below one year.

Market prices long term bonds high

L

onger tenor Federal Government of Nigerian bonds are attracting higher yields in the market as the high risks attached to instruments are priced into it.

SEC, registrars unveil plans to reduce N41bn unclaimed dividend in 2012

T

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in collaboration with representatives of Registrars has unfolded plans to reduce N41 billion unclaimed dividend by 50 per cent before the end of 2012.

FAs should invest 20% of their income in the capital market — Dangote

T Source:Pro-share Nigeria

he Chairman of Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has called on the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) to assist in ensuring that 20 per cent of the Asset Under Management (AUM) of Pension Fund Administrators (PFA) is invested in the nation’s capital market.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

PAGE 22

Brisk business booms at military checkpoints

Hawkers displaying their goods at a military checkpoint along Gwagwalada road.

By Abdulwahab Isa

M

ohammed, his surname concealed for reasons best known to him, found his way from Sokoto to Abuja with the intention to join the swelling rank of almajirai begging for alms in the nation's capital.

The young lad, not above 12, was doing that since 2009clutching a blue colour rubber plate begging for alms along DeiDei/Zuba road. He was making returns he considered reasonable to feed him for the day and lived in one of the ramshackle shelters of Dei-Dei. However, due to the prevailing circumstance occasioned by the large scale of insecurity in the entirea Northern part of the country, Mohammed, a stark illiterate bereft of English has adopted a wiser alternative approach recently, by cashing-in on the prevailing security challenges to adopt a new business line.

With the increasing spate of bombings by the dreaded Islamic sect, popularly known as Boko Haram, and the government striving to dislodge the group, several checkpoints have been erected along all entry points in most of the major state capitals in the North.

In order to quench the thirst of civil servants and other workers, who are daily facing routine grueling traffic hold-up while commuting to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for work and on their way back home amidst the military checkpoints, novel booming business sale points have sprang up.

Caught hawking sachet water by our reporter in the chaotic Dei-Dei military checkpoint, a critical entry points to the city of Abuja, Mohammed in smarting broken-English said he had to abandon his alms-begging bowl upon realising he will make more money from hawking sachet water than from almsbegging.

Mohammed is just one out of scores of beggars-turnedhawkers making brisk sales around the military check points erected on all entry points to Abuja city as well as other major cities in the North.

In Dei-Dei for instance, and on the Zuba highway, including Gwagwalada on airport road axis, young Nigerians have seized the opportunity afforded by the long traffic jam at the checkpoints to make brisk sales which involve hawking sachet water, plantain chips, gala pie, oranges, recharge cards, biscuits, belts, hand phones and eye wares to mention a few.

Mohammed confided in our reporter that he could sell up to three bags of sachet water especially on a hot scorching afternoon along Zuba highway on a good day, especially when the soldiers decide to embark on thorough checks of commuters.

He said considering that commuters are kept waiting for a long period under hot sun, they often have compelling need to quench their thirst with chilled water. Many, he said, buy gala pie, oranges and sundry munching foods to fill stomach in the face of endless hold ups that often times last several hours.

Photos: Mahmud Isa

“

In order to quench the thirst of civil servants and other workers, who are daily facing routine grueling traffic hold-up while commuting to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for work and on their way back home amidst the military checkpoints, novel booming business sale points have sprang up.

A young man who sells pyjamas admitted to our reporter that he made appreciable sales on traffic.

Though he'll neither disclose his name nor the turnover he makes per day, he confessed that business at the military checkpoints was on the upbeat.

And it appears that the young men and women hawkers enjoy tremendous patronage from the commuters who are compelled by long hours stay in traffic, especially the Dei-Dei and Zuba military checkpoints, to purchase one item or the other.

Sharing his experience with this reporter against the backdrop of the recent 6am to 6pm curfew imposed on Suleja local government area, Malam Momoh Jimoh said has readjusted his meal schedule to fit in to the prevailing circumstance. “Many times, I take my lunch in the traffic hold-up, taking Gala sausage roll and LaCaserra drink. When you have to stay more than three hours at a check point my brother, you will be compelled to patronise the chaps selling in traffic", he said.

Commuters on Zuba, Madalla and Suleja axis who daily commute to Abuja city centre have lately come under severe trauma occasioned by the long stay on the traffic for the routine military checks which is staged at intervals.

The checkpoints were increased in the wake of incessant bombings allegedly carried out by Boko Haram.

In Madalla and Suleja, two border settlements to the city of Abuja, no fewer than five explosions rocked the settlements claiming several lives and properties.

Indeed, while Mohammed and his mates yearn for more patronage, residents of Madalla and Suleja have continued to lament the daily hardship they go through before getting home from their offices.

Hawkers out for business at Dei-Dei Junction along Kubwa road, recently.

PAGE 26

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n 85-year-old music legend in Nigeria, known for the “highlife” dance music that once dominated West Africa, Fatai Rolling Dollar has mounted a surprising comeback five decades after his heyday.

The octogenarian, who saw his fame and money dwindle when highlife’s popularity faded, is again playing the upbeat sound on guitar to packed venues and remains, despite his age, one of Nigeria’s snappiest dressers.

Wearing a yellow-and-blue outfit, canary yellow sunglasses and a military beret, he sits in a popular Lagos bar discussing the highlife music that was born in Ghana in the early 1900s and reached its peak in the region in the 1950s and early 1960s.

Highlife features quick, repetitive rhythms driven by electric guitar and wind instruments played beneath a sometimes melancholic chant that typically satirises modern life.

In highlife’s golden era, Fatai was a nationally celebrated performer along with Fela Kuti, the legendary afrobeat musician who also boldly campaigned against Nigeria’s military dictators.

Although the rise of hip-hop has radically changed the music scene in Africa’s most populous nation, Fatai is trying to ensure that highlife does not disappear completely.

“We are reviving and reforming highlife,” he told AFP outside his modest Lagos apartment. “Highlife makes people happy.”

The beat’s new guardians have

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

Fatai Rolling Dollar making a comeback at 85

Fatai Olayiwola Olagunju, the Nigerian music icon also known as Fatai Rolling Dollar, with his guitar in Lagos. The 85-year-old "highlife" musician and father of 15 has mounted a surprising comeback five decades after his heyday. also started to emerge.

Chijioke Enebechi, a saxophone player and front man of the Highlife Africa Heritage band sees Fatai as “a kind of inspiration.”

“Despite his age, he’s still playing, and... he advises us to make sure that we don’t let this music die off,” he said.

Fatai is unimpressed at the surging popularity of hip-hop in Nigeria and questions the musical credentials of the genre’s artists.

“Hip-hop... has its own time, when this time will pass, everything will close up, but highlife will be there, because highlife is the root of the music that we have in Nigeria today,” he said.

“If you want to know a good musician, a good musician should know how to play any instrument,” betraying a slight irritation with hip-hop artists he accused of sometimes being “lazy” and simply seeking “easy money.”

Sitting in the shade of an acacia tree, — this time sporting a leopard print hat and sky blue pants with matching embroidered shirt, plus white plastic sunglasses — he seemed ready to chat endlessly about his love of music, life... and women.

“I love women,” he said with a mischievous smile. “They are important to music. There is no music if there is no woman.”

He is the father of 15 children.

The youngest, not yet two years

“

Fatai Olayiwola Olagunju, also known as Fatai Rolling Dollar, leaves his house in Lagos. Although the rise of hip-hop has radically changed the music scene in Africa's most populous nation, Fatai is trying to ensure that highlife does not disappear completely.

Despite his age, he’s still playing, and... he advises us to make sure that we don’t let this music die off. ...If you want to know a good musician, a good musician should know how to play any instrument,” betraying a slight irritation with hip-hop artists he accused of sometimes being “lazy” and simply seeking “easy money

old, was born he says of an “adventure” on the sidelines of a concert in Germany.

While Fatai claims he is 85, the date of birth printed on the sleeve of one of his albums puts him at 83. Regardless of the exact figure, the salt-and-pepper goateed artist seems unbothered by his advancing years.

Money, or his lack of it, is a more pressing worry.

With his talent ignored and his fame forgotten, he lived in poverty from the 1970s until luck smiled on him in the late 1990s. Nigeria’s Jazzhole Records released the album “Fatai Rolling Dollar Returns” and the German Goethe Institute funded a concert — marking his grand return from the musical wilderness.

That reignited his passion for music, and now he is working on a new album.

He hopes to set up a music school for young artists with no opportunity to develop their talents.

“They are roaming about the streets.... They leave university, they have no jobs but they have the talent to play music,” he said.

He has appealed to the government to back his plans so that “my name will not perish.

“I have no job than music in my life. If I stop what can I eat? But God knows what will happen to me when I become very old, because I am not very old now, I am still young,” he declares.

Source: AFP

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

PAGE 27

Chinese woman, 95, comes back to life by climbing out her coffin six days after she ‘died’

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95-year-old Chinese woman thought to have passed away stunned her neighbours - after waking up six days after she had been placed in a coffin.

Li Xiufeng was found motionless and not breathing in bed by a neighbour two weeks after tripping and suffering a head injury at her home in Beiliu, Guangxi Province.

When the neighbour who found her could not wake the pensioner up, they feared the worst and thought the elderly woman had passed away.

She was placed in a coffin which was kept in her house unsealed under Chinese tradition for friends and relatives to pay respects.

But the day before the funeral, neighbours found an empty coffin, and later discovered the 95-year-old, who had since

Last respects: Mrs Xiufeng's neighbours had laid her in a coffin for friends and relatives to pay their respects, before she woke up (file picture)

woken up, in her kitchen cooking.

Neighbour Chen Qingwang, 60, who originally found Mrs Xiufeng, said: ‘She didn’t get up, so I came up to wake her up.

‘No matter how hard I pushed her and called her name, she had no reactions.

‘I felt something was wrong, so I tried her breath, and she has gone, but her body is still not cold.’

As Mrs Xiufeng lived alone, Mr Qingwang and his son made preparations for her funeral, and the ‘dead’ woman was left in her coffin two days after she was discovered.

The day before she was due to be permanently laid to rest, however, Mr Qingwang arrived at his neighbour’s property and found her ‘corpse’ had disappeared.

Mr Qingwang added: ‘We were so terrified, and immediately asked the

Back from the dead: Li Xiufeng, 95, stunned neighbours by 'waking up' from her coffin the day before her funeral

neighbours to come for help.’

Neighbours searched her property before finding the pensioner in her kitchen cooking.

She reportedly told villagers: ‘I slept for a long time. After waking up, I felt so hungry, and wanted to cook something to eat.

‘I pushed the lid for a long time to climb out.’

Medics said Mrs Xiufeng had suffered an ‘artificial death’, when a person has no breath, but their body remains warm.

A doctor at the hospital was quoted as saying: ‘Thanks to the local tradition of parking the coffin in the house for several days, she could be saved.

Despite cheating death, however, the same Chinese tradition left Mrs Xiufeng without any possessions, according to ritual, after a person dies, all their belongings must be burnt.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu: A past so present Contd. from Back Page many Igbo people, have scurried back into tribal holes. The SouthSouth is holding on to the PDP as its strongest base, and the party is increasingly looking like a South South people’s party. The North is divided between an ethnic and religious minority which will go anywhere other than where the majority goes, and a majority which has lost real power quite possibly for the first time in its history.

The pervasive and decisive influence of ethnic politics which indirectly produced Ojukwu is today, even more pronounced. The most consistent clamour for the Igbo in Nigeria is to be accorded full rights and dignity, for a people who

must live substantially outside Igboland. This demand is being checkmated by a Yoruba mentality which sees survival in Nigeria in terms of locking up its doors to the rest of Nigeria, or more specifically, competition. The demand is being suspected by a mentality in much of the South South which resents the historic subordination of its people under Igbos, and which prefers to keep Igbos outside its newly-found assertive mentality and huge resources. The demand is being frustrated by policies which deny and deprive Igbos full rights and privilege in many parts of Nigeria where they live; and in periodic crises which target Igbo property and lives even when they are not part of the problem.

There is much in the life history of Ojukwu which is still a major problem in Nigeria. His death has provided Igbo people one more opportunity to re-visit age-long sentiments around their unity and pride. Today, much of the Christian North has a severely stressed relationship with the Muslim North; and the unending conflicts in Plateau, Bauchi and Kaduna states may just be the modern manifestation of old conflicts. The West went into virtual rebellion in the 1990s to protest what it saw as the denial of a Yoruba man’s legitimate mandate to govern.

Today, almost the entire West is a monolithic political enclave, and there is increasing tendency to think that it can be structured into as a

future State. The South South has received a bountiful reward for its insurgency around natural resources. The far north is split between a part which is yet to come to grips with the loss of political control of the centre; and a dangerous insurgency in the name of a non-secular State. On the whole, the nation is made up of tribes and ethnic groups as building blocks, and not citizens with equal rights. No one can say whether the nation is stronger or weaker today than it was in 1967.

Historians will wonder what Ojukwu would have thought, in his last days, of the nation he served, then fought, then served again as a politician with a mixed past. But in his life, history will remind

Nigerians of the pitfalls of inept leadership and crass political opportunism. Much of the past captured in the life and times of Ojukwu are very much part of the present in Nigeria. This is tragic for a nation which should have learnt many lessons about the dangers of mismanaging its plurality and diversity.

If Nigerians could take a step back and critically examine the life of Dim Ojukwu, they may yet learn why some people think our nation will not survive the next five years as a united country. And perhaps we may produce the type of leadership that will make such that we do, and not descend into a conflict that will produce no winners.

PAGE 28

NITDA assures tertiary institutions’ students of wider internet access

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he National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Abuja, says it will soon create a wider internet access for students in the country’s tertiary institutions.

“We want to see how we can provide internet access to 20,000 students simultaneously,” Prof.

Cleopas Angaye, the NITDA Director-General, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday, in Lagos.

He said that the project would commence as a pilot scheme in some tertiary institutions.

According to Angaye, the project would enhance research, and guarantee more computing and more interaction among students in the tertiary institutions.

He also said that the project would fast-track economic development through the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the centres of learning.

Angaye said that NITDA’s objective was to transform the country’s economy by deploying series of information technology equipment that would benefit the youth. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

Igbinedion varsity graduates first batch of 63 pharmacists, 11 years after From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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he Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) has inducted 63 Pharmacy graduates of Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo state, the first set of such graduands 11 years after the university was etsablished.

The induction of the 63 graduands who would have become pharmacists over a year ago was delayed as a result of the withdrawal of the licence of the institution’s College of Pharmacy by the PCN for failing to meet the minimum certification standard.

Acting Registrar of PCN, Pharmacist Gloria Abumere, who presided over the oath-taking ceremony, challenged the 63 newly inducted pharmacists to see

their induction as a call to greater service.

According to her, “The attainment of a university degree in Pharmacy by a student is just the beginning of limitless achievements in life. You are also encouraged not to rest on your oars but be inspired to achieve postgraduate and Doctorate degrees.

Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae in a welcome address, recalled the delay in accreditation of the Dora Akunyili College of Pharmacy as one of the greatest challenges in his life since he became VC of the university.

Prof. Osaghae disclosed plans by the University to begin its postgraduate degree programme immediately.

The best graduating Pharmacist, Okolo Chibuzor Sydney, who spoke on behalf of the inductees, said the occasion marked a turning point in the lives of the

VC tasks students on character, peaceful coexistence

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r Alkasum Abba, Vice Chancellor of the Adamawa State University (ADSU) Mubi, has tasked students to be broad-minded and to dedicate themselves to the promotion of peaceful coexistence in the country.

Abba made the call at the 10th matriculation ceremony of the university in Mubi on Friday.

He said that students should be

Fire razes 15 classrooms at Barewa College, Zaria

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n early morning inferno on Friday burnt down 15 classrooms, a staff room and a resource centre at the 91-yearold Barewa College in Zaria, Kaduna state.

A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) who visited the school on Saturday reports that the fire destroyed all learning materials in the burnt classrooms.

Speaking with NAN, an eyewitness, Malam Mati Mati, who said he lives close to the college, said the fire which started at about 3 a.m. in the early hours of Friday lasted for more than three hours.

He said it took the intervention of good Samaritans to put off the fire after several hours.

When contacted on phone, the Principal of the College, Malam Mohammed Abbass-Aliyu, who confirmed the incident, said the cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained.

He, however, said that a committee had been set up to determine the cause of the fire, saying that the committee was to be headed by Malam Tanimu Tanko, the Vice Principal, Academics of the college.

The principal appealed to both staff and students of the college to remain calm as necessary actions were being put in place to ensure normalcy in the college.

The dreaded Boko Haram Islamist sect has resorted to burning schools in some states in northern Nigeria as part of their bloody campaign to unleash terror in the country. (NAN)

graduands.

Okolo, said, ‘Each one of us has different stories to tell…This journey has just begun…the moment to truly pursue our passion has come’.

L-R: Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi, Minister of Agriculture, Prof.

Akinwunmi Adesina, Minister of State for Education, Dr. Nyesom Wike and Minister of Youth Development, Bolaji Abdullahi, discussing during a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan meeting on the state of education in the country, at the State House, recently in Abuja

wary of parochial reasoning and chauvinistic sentiments to promote harmonious relation among the diverse ethnic and religious beliefs in the country.

“As future leaders, you should be broad-minded and create contact with students from other parts of the country.

“University is a club of elites. It is good to use this opportunity in creating understanding among potential future leaders, this will foster unity in the country.

“It is our duty to provide sound academic training and good moral behaviour to enable you contribute to the socio-economic development of the country,” Abba said.

He admonished the students to shun cultism and other vices, warning that the university would not condone examination malpractice and other forms of bad character.

According to him, some 1,746 new students have been matriculated for the 2011 and 2012 academic session.

Abba added that 1,456 of the newly-admitted students were Adamawa indigenes while 290 others were admitted from 29 states across the country.

“Some 1,931 students have been offered admission but, 189 have failed to register,” he said, adding that the students were admitted into the faculties of agriculture, science as well social and management sciences. (NAN)

Jonathan urges UniCal to improve its internally generated revenue

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resident Goodluck Jonathan has called on the University of Calabar to improve its internally generated revenue and explore external funding possibilities.

The President made the call in Calabar on Saturday in his speech at the 26th convocation ceremony of the university.

“You should explore every opportunity of partnership with corporate bodies that can generate funds for your operations,” said Jonathan, who was represented by the Minister of Education, Prof.

Ruqayyatu Rufai.

The President said that a sustained and focused exploitation of these avenues, coupled with a prudent management of available funds, would make a remarkable difference.

He, nonetheless, said that his administration was mindful of the fact that adequate funding was imperative for the running of the universities.

“If you take a look at the 2012 budget, you would notice a substantial increase in the

allocation to education.

“In spite of this, it may not be feasible to expect government alone to provide all the funds needed to run this university at this time.

“We have also mandated tertiary institutions to introduce entrepreneurial studies into their curriculum,” he added.

Jonathan said that the measure would enable graduates of the institutions to be equipped with requisite skills which would turn them into job creators rather than waiting for years to secure their dream jobs.

The President, who noted that education was playing a major role in unlocking the nation’s huge potential, urged the country’s universities to cultivate the habit of embracing dialogue as a way of settling disputes with government.

“When staff unions in our universities do away with strikes, our universities will truly be on their way to occupying their rightful place among great institutions of learning around the

world. ” Jonathan noted that unbridled strikes inflicted pain on the students, while doing more harm than good to the university system.

“It is time for a change of tactics.

It is time to sheathe the sword of strike and embrace dialogue,” he added.

The President stressed that efforts should be made to restore normalcy to the university system within a short time, adding: “For instance, efforts should be made to restore regularity of the academic calendar.”

Earlier, Prof James Epoke, the Vice Chancellor of the university, commended Jonathan for the N30-million grant given to the university to repair some buildings that were vandalised during the students’ rampage.

Ekpoke said that 526 postgraduate degrees and diplomas in various disciplines were awarded during this year’s convocation.

He said that 113 students received doctorate degrees and 190 students secured master’s degrees,

while 223 students received postgraduate diplomas.

Besides, Ekpoke said that the construction of the university’s Senate Chamber had reached at 96-percent completion stage, while the Sen. Bassey Ewa-Henshaw Centre for Indigenous Studies had reached a 30-percent completion stage.

He said that the university authorities had given priority attention to the construction of the Faculty of Law’s Library building and a 500-seat capacity lecture theatre for the Faculty of Education.

Ekpoke said that other projects included the Animal House of the College of Medical Sciences, as well as the office and classroom complex for the Faculty of Clinical and Allied Medical Sciences.

“It is expected that the University of Calabar, which has already been known as a centre of excellence in tackling infectious diseases, will further expand its frontiers by also becoming a centre of excellence in other areas,” he said. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

Pharmacist urges govts to invest in malaria vaccine research

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pharmacist and health scientist, Prof.

Peter Nwangwu, has urged Federal and State Governments to invest in the research and development of malaria vaccine.

Nwangwu, a lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lagos on Sunday.

He decried the absence of a world class hospital in Nigeria that could carry out adequate research into malaria, a common disease that claims many lives annually.

“Nigeria does not have world class hospitals with equipment, facilities, research standards and medical practice that can be compared with the standards of leading hospitals in the world to research into malaria properly. ” He noted that the John Hopkins Malaria Research Institute and Sanaria Corporation, both in the U.S. had done interesting advanced work on malaria vaccine development.

Nwangwu described health care delivery as a compelling need and therefore, called for a preventive healthcare policy in

Nigeria.

He also advocated for a law that would forbid Nigerian leaders and government officials from going overseas for medical treatment at government expense.

“Nigerian leaders and other affluent Nigerians travel to different parts of the world to receive medical treatment because they neglected what they needed to do.

“There should be a law forbidding Nigerian leaders and government officials from going overseas for medical treatment at government expense.

“If Nigerian leaders know that they cannot go overseas to receive medical treatment, then they will be forced to invest in developing world class hospitals in Nigeria. ” “Apart from development of world class hospitals in Nigeria, our healthcare policies and priorities are defective and feeble and should be looked into.”

He further said that the development and commercialization of malaria vaccine should be given priority in the country.

NAN

PAGE 29

Joint action on HIV and TB saves 900,000 lives - WHO

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n estimated 910,000 lives were saved worldwide over six years thanks to better collaboration between health services to protect people with AIDS virus from tuberculosis.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) made this known on Friday in London.

The WHO said there had been a sharp rise in the number of HIV positive people tested for tuberculosis (TB) and vice versa from 2005 to 2010.

That allowed doctors to treat people more quickly and prevent the spread of TB to other patients, it added.

Because the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS weakens the immune system, people with it are much more likely to be infected with TB. Around 34 million people around the world have HIV.

TB kills around 1.7 million people a year, and death rates among HIV patients are high, particularly in poorer countries.

The WHO said more than 100 countries are now testing at least half of their TB patients for HIV. “Progress was especially noteworthy in Africa where the number of countries testing more than half their TB patients for HIV rose from five in 2005 to 31 in 2010,” it added.

The number of HIV positive people screened for TB rose almost 12-fold, from nearly 200,000 in 2005 to more than 2.3 million in 2010, the WHO said, as it released data on the impact of its 2004 guidelines on TB and HIV. Based on the success shown by the 2004 to 2010 data, the WHO issued an updated global policy to speed up coordination of public health services to try to cut TB/ HIV death rates further.

“This framework is the international standard for the prevention, care and treatment of TB and HIV patients to reduce deaths, and we have strong evidence that it works,” said Mario Raviglione, the director of the WHO’s Stop TB department.

The WHO’s updated strategy calls for routine HIV testing for all TB patients, people with symptoms of TB, and those close to them.

It also recommends the quick start of treatment for all those who test positive for the AIDS virus with both co-trimoxazole, a drug to protect against lung or other infections, and with AIDS drugs known as antiretroviral therapy (ART).

It said these services and treatments “should be provided in an integrated manner at the same time and place”. (Reuters/ NAN)

Lagos to refurbish 254 health centres, says lawmaker

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he Lagos State Government will soon refurbish about 254 health centres in the state to improve its health care delivery.

Assemblyman Suuru Avoseh, the Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly’s Committee on Health Services, made this known on Saturday during a visit to Badagry General Hospital.

He said that the government would start the refurbishment and reconstruction of the health centres in 57 Local Council Development Areas of the state in April.

Avoseh stressed the government’s commitment to providing quality and affordable health care services to the citizens by procuring appropriate medical equipment and motivating the medical personnel.

“We want to improve our hospitals to the standard that is obtainable in developed countries,” he said.

Responding, Dr Gbolahan Durojaye, the Medical Director of Badagry General Hospital, said that the hospital had 370 workers, including 26 doctors and 103 nurses.

He said that some of the challenges facing the hospital included insufficient drugs and erratic power supply which, he noted, had hindered its operations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Avoseh inspected facilities at the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit, Medical Laboratory, Male Surgical and Paediatrics Wards.

Badagry General Hospital was established in 1951. (NAN)

Gombe to curb mortality and morbidity From Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

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n effort to curb the rising wave of mortality and morbidity among Women and Children, Gombe state government is to establish an ultra modern Women and Children hospital in the metropolis.

The Commissioner of Health Dr. Kennedy Ishaya announced this when he called on the Emir of Gombe Alhaji Shehu Usman Abubakar in his palace.

Dr. Ishaya said that the hospital when established would be provided with specialized personnel and state of the earth facilities.

He expressed happiness that no single case of polio virus had been recorded in the state within the last twenty four months and appealed to the Emir to assist in ensuring compliance in places where there is resistance.

Responding the Emir of Gombe Alhaji Shehu Usman Abubakar called for the upgrading of structures and provision of sophisticated equipment and personnel in all government hospitals.

The Emir commended the government effort of providing specialized ambulances that would assist in health care delivery in rural areas and those in critical conditions.

Minister of State for Health, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate (centre), discussing with Minister of Steel Development, Muhammed Sada (left) and Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman (right) during a recent Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House, Abuja. Photo: Joe Oroye

Medics call for national emergency ambulance service

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team of 10 medical experts has advocated immediate establishment of a National Emergency Medical Service and a National Ambulance Service for efficient handling of mass casualty incidents in the country.

The experts led by Dr Abdurrazaq Gbadamosi, Director, Emergency Preparedness and Response in the Federal Ministry of Health while briefing the Health Minister said the need for the services had become more urgent in the light of recent developments in the country.

It is reported that the team was drawn from different teaching hospitals in the country and sent to Israel for two-week training on Trauma and Emergency Medical Services.

Gbadamosi said the team was moved by the nature of Emergency Medical Services

(EMS) that was in place in Israel and urged the nation to emulate Israel so as to save more lives in times of medical emergency.

“Though compared to Nigeria, Israel is just a size of one state in Nigeria both in land mass and population but her EMS are simple, practical and easily adoptable with little adjustments in Nigeria,” he said.

Gbadamosi also on behalf of the group, called for the establishment of a paramedic corps and pilot designated trauma centres in some teaching hospitals.

The group also called for the enhancement of inter-agency coordination and collaboration as well as retention of the group as the steering committee for the establishment of the nation’s EMS. He disclosed that there would be follow-up training for the group with the support of the Israeli

Government.

On his part, the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, pledged the unalloyed support of the ministry in harnessing the acquired knowledge and converting them to practical models.

He charged the trainees to return to inculcate their acquired knowledge to other medical practitioners, especially in their teaching hospitals.

The Minister called on them to come up with proposals on a sustainable project so that Nigerians could benefit from the knowledge they had acquired.

While expressing his gratitude to the team, Chukwu said that there would be more training in future so that more doctors would learn new things that would be of benefit to the country and improve the health of citizens. (NAN)

PAGE 30

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

Maternal mortality: Need for women to make their choice

By A’isha Biola Raji

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oung Malama Asabe Inuwa, a 16 year old Arabic school instructor who lived in a satellite town in Abuja was forced into marriage with Dan Auta, a 56 year old petty trader. She became pregnant shortly after the marriage. On the day of her delivery a woman was brought to the house to deliver her of the baby of which after losing so much blood, Asabe died without seeing her first child. Apart from having immature uterus, Asabe was attended to by a non qualified mid-wife.

Bunmi was a mother of five children who were born with barely 1 year and 3 months gap in-between them; she gave up the ghost when she went to deliver the 6th baby. Doctor said she died as a result of shortage in haemoglobin level (blood level) which could have been easily solved with iron supplements.

Amaka was a young undergraduate, full of life and expectations; she lost her life after procuring abortion from a quack that could not differentiate her womb from her intestine. Amaka made a choice not to carry the baby to term because she was raped by a gang of armed robbers.

The situations above are referred to as maternal mortality cases where a woman’s death is linked to pregnancy before birth or 42 days after the delivery of that child. There are lots of issues relating to high maternal mortality in Nigeria.

The several roads that link to death of women before or after birth of a baby include: female genital mutilation, otherwise known as female circumcision, unwanted pregnancy resulting in the most dreaded topic ‘abortion’, early marriage, lack or inadequate sex education especially in the use of contraceptives, inadequate health care facilities and above all poverty.

One of the core issues that contribute to increase in pregnancy related deaths is the mostly avoided issue of abortion.

What is abortion? Abortion according to Wikipedia “is the intentional termination of a pregnancy after conception. It allows women to put an end to their pregnancies, but involves killing the undeveloped embryo or fetus.” This definition surely makes abortion a controversial issue as it involves “killing the undeveloped embryo”.

In Nigeria, abortion is legal to some extent; it is accepted as legal when it is performed with the intention of saving the mother’s life. This brings us to the question, how do we recognize abortion performed with the intention of saving the

Women have important roles to play in combating maternal and infant mortality mother’s life?

Apart from life saving, a lot of reasons can make a woman, irrespective of her religion seek for abortion, like the case of Amaka above, she made a choice to terminate the unwanted pregnancy but due to some reasons which could range from restrictive abortion laws to lack of health care facility within the range she could afford, having no choice, she decided to patronize a quack with only one thought of doing away with armed robber’s pregnancy.

Against the intention of the law makers, Abortion laws in Nigeria as restrictive as they are, have made unsafe abortion a silent and persistent pandemic, especially as it constitutes11% 13% maternal mortality rate.

Where abortion is legalized and women are allowed to make their own choice, abortion is the safest procedure, where it is not; women who feel they desperately need to terminate a pregnancy resort to quacks and this lead to death which result in 70,000 maternal deaths and 5 million disabilities per year worldwide.

Unsafe abortion as major contributor to maternal mortality rate in Nigeria leads to about 34,000 deaths of Nigerian women each year.

According to a study conducted in 1996, 610,000 abortions take place each year in which 142,000 resulted in complications. With increase in population, 760,000 abortions were recorded by 2006 which means the number of death is likely higher. This also means that, unofficially, one in 10 Nigerian women of child bearing age have had an abortion.

This signifies that, abortion cut across both married and single women with the

circumstances of the pregnancy being the decision making factor.

Though government intensifies efforts in curbing the menace of maternal mortality resulting from child birth through the introduction of Midwife Service Scheme (MSS) which is an intervention born out of the goodwill of some well meaning Nigerians and have been paying off as maternal mortality death rate is reducing, but the bigger killer is the abortion which had become inevitable in various houses due to poverty level in the country.

Married women procure abortion because they dare not, due to poverty carry that particular child to term and have it delivered for fear of providing basic needs for that child as in the case of Bunmi who was not educated in the use of contraceptive as a measure of avoiding unwanted pregnancy.

For Nigeria to meet one of its targets of Millennium Developmental Goals (MDGs) there is need to reduce maternal mortality death to the barest minimum.

This can be achieved through sex education which starts

invariably in children from birth. The need to advocate more on the use of contraceptives, initiate midwifery scheme in every nook and cranny of the country and also mobilise and sensitise women on the need to access the services by ensuring them it is available and free.

There is need for government to review the abortion law most of which had been there since 18 th century and are no longer adequate for present day generation and are not in conformity with the Human Rights Implication of unsafe Abortion.

Since abortion is inevitable due to several factors as poverty, illiteracy, low moral standard resulting in lawlessness.

Government should develop a political will of having a second look at these laws. If Nigerian women must procure abortion, there should be provision for cheap and save abortion within the confines of the law based on choice of the woman as the bearer of the brunt.

It is therefore recommended that all international and regional instruments that promote women’s health should be domesticated; harmful traditional practices such as female circumcision should be legislated against, more empowerment programs for women and also gender equality.

The bottom line is that women are dying of unsafe abortion everyday and our law should therefore be reformed to include areas that will proffer solutions.

Pumpkin leaves slow down ageing process, says expert D

r. Glory Adamu, a doctor of general medicine, has said that pumpkin leaves, locally referred to as “ugu”, are highly nutritious and capable of slowing down the aging process.

Adamu told Newsmen recently in Jos that pumpkin leaves are good sources of different types of vitamins, minerals and are also rich in anti-oxidants, such as Alphacarotene and Bête–carotene.

According to her, anti– oxidants help to slow the aging process, while Bête-carotene anti-oxidants help to restore skin damage caused by the sun.

Adamu also said that the leaves are rich in vitamin E, which promotes a healthier skin and in turn slows down the aging of the skin.

She said that alpha-

carotene anti-oxidant found in Ugu also help to reduce the risk of developing cataracts and prevent tumor (cancerous) growths.

“Antioxidants found in the leaves also help to eliminate free radicals which are responsible for cancerous growths.’’

The medical expert also said that the leaves are rich in carotenes, which help to boost immunity, lessen the risk of heart disease, and help lower blood sugar levels as well as the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure.

Adamu said it is also rich in vitamin A which improves and maintains good sight. She explained that vitamin B 5 found in ugu usually helps in balancing hormonal levels and in stress management.

She revealed that Ugu serves

as an excellent source of fibre.

“Fibre helps to reduce bad cholesterol levels; it also helps protects the body against heart diseases and promotes healthy digestion.’’

Adamu explained that the leaves are high in iron and folic acid, and usually boost blood formation that would reduce the risk of anaemia.

According to her, ugu is also rich in minerals such as potassium and magnesium.

She said that potassium helps in balancing fluid levels in the body and promote the development of strong bones which are crucial to controlling blood pressure.

She advised people on the need and importance of consuming the vegetable in large quantity and regularly, because of its tremendous health benefits. NAN

PAGE 31

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

Liberating Juba from Khartoum: The future of South Sudan ANALYSIS

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hen South Sudan seceded in July 2011, the world knew that they would be taking the vast majority of the Sudan's oil wealth with them. A new country with dismal infrastructure but vast oil reserves, hopes were high that despite years of conflict, South Sudan could use its oil wealth to build itself up.

But what good is all that oil in a country that cannot get it safely and reliably to market?

This question is especially pressing due to the fact that domestic crude refining capabilities are non-existent and the only immediately available partners are their old foes to the north.

Since independence - and of course for some years before Khartoum sowed unrest and instability in South Sudan.

Sudan continues to subvert the fledgling land-locked nation today through political and economic means. Indeed, both countries have been implicated in conducting proxy wars inside the other.

A particularly egregious and high profile example of this behaviour came late last month when the Sudanese government took South Sudan's oil hostage as it was en route to Port Sudan.

Khartoum claimed that the reason for this was for unpaid transit and refinery usage fees.

Juba regarded this move as theft, and accused Sudan of colluding with foreign oil companies to underreport South Sudan's oil production figures.

In response, Juba has halted all crude oil production as the two countries continue to negotiate the terms of transit fees. With so much at stake for both countries, the stalemate must come to an end sooner rather than later. For South Sudan, oil revenues make up 98 per cent of its budget. And Sudan is used to relying on oil revenues, which for years were split 50-50 with the south. Because of this reality, South Sudan and Sudan must broker a deal on revenue sharing to ensure both countries economic well-being; neither can go long without the stream of oil returns.

Although South Sudan has gained independence, it remains economically dependent on its northern neighbour. The South has no refining capabilities and Port Sudan is the only current outlet for its oil. And this is not just with regards to oil: Much of the imported goods and agricultural products come from or through the north as well.

A potential deal, however, likely will not represent a longterm solution, as Khartoum has proven over time that they are not negotiating from a position of good faith.

Although South Sudan has gained independence, it remains economically dependent on Sudan [GALLO/GETTY] Consider the actions of Khartoum in the run up to secession. In May of 2011, South Sudan accused the north of an economic blockade, which disrupted transport routes southward. Indeed, in Juba, the price of diesel rose from about SP2.75 ($1) per litre to around SP5 ($1.90) per litre, and subsequently the cost of transport was increased. These allegations show Khartoum flexing its power in a bid to prove to the South that it would continue to remain reliant on the north neighbours, in case there were doubts to the contrary.

That episode clearly demonstrates why, in the long term, South Sudan must take steps to rid itself of its reliance on Sudan, for its own economic health. With regards to oil and other goods, the country's leaders must find alternatives to relying on the north - because the Sudanese government has already validated fears that they may engage in this sort of economic interference.

In light of these facts, what options can South Sudan pursue?

It's no secret that South Sudan would like to join its southern neighbours in the East African Community (EAC) comprising Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. South Sudan is already a member of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development

(IGAD), which includes Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti and Eritrea. However, the political problems of Somalia, frosty relations between Eritrea and Ethiopia - and the similarly delicate relationship between Juba and Khartoum - have challenged the ability of IGAD to carry out its charter.

President Salva Kiir has made these ambitions known, and while South Sudan's bid to join was deferred in November, at least Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya are in support of their application.

In a move that would bind South Sudan economically to the EAC, Juba has made overtures to the Kenyan government to link to the Kenyan port of Lamu via an oil pipeline. The two governments have signed a memorandum of understanding to build a pipeline, which makes sense in light of regional developments.

Kenya has had plans to make Lamu a major port in the region since at least 2009, when the Kenyan government introduced LAPSETT, the Lamu PortSouthern Sudan-Ethiopia Transport corridor.

The proposed plan of constructing an oil refinery and airport in Lamu, as well as a network of roads and railways in the region has already begun. Included in this massive project is a Juba-Lamu rail link.

“

Nairobi is seriously committed to this project, but the cost (approximately $4bn) and difficulty of the route still leaves some doubt. Also, renewed fears about Indian Ocean piracy have raised concerns on whether expanding the Lamu port is a strategically wise idea.

But there is also another strategic move on the table.

South Sudan has also a strong link with its neighbours in Ethiopia, and Addis Ababa has been a strong ally and regional force in brokering agreements and moderating discussion between the former foes. Some of its feats include the agreement between the NCP and SPLM signing a temporary administration and security pact for Abyei, the contested border region, and even committing peacekeeping troops in the region.

Now ties between the countries, and Djibouti, a link to the sea, have been strengthened.

Ethiopia and South Sudan have signed an accord regarding the pipeline, which includes language strengthening communications and railway infrastructure.

The proposed pipeline to Djibouti would be of a similar length and cost to the one to Lamu. They would also both pass through oil rich regions (in Uganda with the Lamu pipeline and in Gambela with the Djibouti pipeline). The presence

A developing South Sudan is a boon to the region, as it will link its growing market with those in the strengthening East African Community and beyond.

of potentially more untapped oil reserves presents the possibility of one or both of these plans coming to fruition.

Ethiopia has already made serious commitments to improving rail infrastructure.

In 2010, the country inked a deal with Chinese partners to create a railway system improving the Djibouti-Dire Dawa-Addis Ababa link and expanding it from Addis Ababa to Gambela in the west.

It's also important to note that Djibouti hosts a much more productive port, when compared with Lamu. Much of the imported goods for Ethiopia's 80 million residents come through that port, and it has a high terminal capacity - which has doubled since 2001. This plan is on track to be completed by 2015, and South Sudan could link Juba to Djibouti by building a railway to Gambela. This would link the country to a reliable, productive port that isn't Port Sudan within four years.

Whatever plan is pursued, the region as a whole stands to gain. A developing South Sudan is a boon to the region, as it will link its growing market with those in the strengthening East African Community and beyond.

It will enhance infrastructure, not only pipelines and railways, but also roads and fibre optic communication networks. In the next ten or 15 years, Sudan may be pulled closer to Ethiopia. For South Sudan, this would mean even greater economic opportunity without the interference of Khartoum.

With the influx of Chinese, Ethiopians, Kenyans and Ugandans in Juba over the past two years, these opportunities surely are not lost on the South Sudanese.

With so many options on the table, South Sudan should act to effectively diminish Khartoum's economic power in their lopsided bilateral relations.

However, with alternative solutions at least three years away, solving the current puzzle with Sudan remains a high priority. Perhaps the recent moves to work with the Ethiopian and Kenyan governments are simply political manoeuvres to improve South Sudan's negotiating position as the two countries hold discussions in Addis Ababa.

However, a deal with Sudan will inevitably be a short-term solution. South Sudan's recent action hopefully represents some serious long term strategic planning for the future of South Sudan and its position in the region.

Source: Aljazeera.com

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

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US Under Secretary to visit Nigeria, Angola, 3 others

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he US Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Wendy Sherman, has commenced a five-nation Africa tour with visits to Nigeria, Angola, Malawi, Zambia and Kenya.

The tour which begins on March 3 is to end on March 11.

This was contained in a statement issued by the U. S. Department of State in New York.

It stated that the Under Secretary would hold discussions with national leaders to underscore U. S. interests and strengthen collaborative efforts that promote good governance, economic growth, regional security, social development and human rights.

According to the statement, the visit will also highlight the long-term American commitment to Africa and strengthen its strategic partnerships with Nigeria and Angola.

The statement said that during Sherman's visit to Nigeria, she would discuss political, security and economic issues with senior government officials and civil society leaders. ``In Angola, the Under Secretary will meet with senior officials and civil society, youths and opposition parties. ``In Zambia, Sherman will be the highest ranking U. S. official to visit newly-elected President Michael Sata after Zambia's peaceful democratic transition in September 2011. ``She will meet with senior government officials, civil society leaders and journalists to discuss issues, including reform, the economy and elections.''

The statement noted that the visit to Malawi would allow Sherman to review the progress of U.S. development assistance efforts and the government of Malawi's programmes in addressing the country's multiple economic and social challenges.

Sherman would also encourage Malawian leaders to strengthen good governance practices and human rights for all citizens.

It explained that the visit would conclude in Kenya where the Under Secretary would stress U. S. interest in peaceful and transparent elections as well as the continued implementation of the new constitution. ``The Under Secretary will express support for broad-based reforms advocated by Kenya that build investor confidence, social development and prosperity. ``Importantly, the visit will demonstrate U.S. recognition of the challenges Kenya faces, due to the conflict in Somalia,'' it said, noting that the visit was coming shortly after an international conference on the conflict in Somalia.

ibya's leadership has apologised after armed men smashed the graves of British and Italian soldiers killed during World War Two. Amateur video footage of the attack, posted on social networking site Facebook, showed men casually kicking over headstones in a war cemetery and using sledge hammers to smash a metal and stone cross.

One man can be heard saying: "This is a grave of a Christian" as he uprooted a stone headstone from the ground.

Another voice in the footage says of the people buried in the cemetery: "These are dogs."

The attack happened in the eastern city of Benghazi, near where British and Commonwealth troops fought heavy battles against German and Italian forces during the 1939-45 war.

The National Transitional Council (NTC), Libya's interim leadership since last year's uprising forced out Muammar Gaddafi, said it would pursue those responsible.

"The NTC apologises for the incident with the foreign graves, especially the British and Italian graves," the council said in a statement. "This action is not in keeping with Islam."

"The NTC will confront this matter and, in line with Libyan law, will pursue those people who committed this act. This action does not reflect Libyan public opinion because Islam calls for respect for other religions."

A spokesperson for the British foreign office told Al Jazeera that officials from the British embassy in Tripoli had immediately visited the site, raised this issue with the Libyan foreign Affairs and the

World War graves smashed in Libya’s Benghazi

Headstones at graveyards for British Commonwealth and Italian soldiers were broken and disfigured [AFP] Benghazi police chief.

"It is our understanding that attacks by a similar groups have also desecrated Muslim Shrines.

There is no evidence to suggest that this has been done in retaliation for the Quran burning."

"The Libyan authorities have instructed the police to make

regular patrols to ensure no further attacks occur," the British spokesperson said.

In a statement on its website, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission said both the Benghazi War Cemetery and the Benghazi British Military Cemetery were attacked over the weekend.

‘Scores dead’ in Congo munitions depot blasts

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t least 150 people have died in a series of explosions at a munitions depot in the Republic of Congo

capital of Brazzaville, a European diplomat has said.

"We count at least 150 dead in the military hospitals and

Witnesses said a military camp near the Congo river in Brazzaville caught fire [AFP]

around 1,500 injured some of them seriously," the diplomat said yesterday when contacted by telephone from Paris, following the fires and explosions that rocked the Mpila military barracks in the east of the capital.

At least three strong explosions struck the city, sending up a plume of smoke that could be seen miles away across the Congo River in neighbouring Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The blasts, which began around 8am on Sunday, all occurred within an hour of one another, witnesses said.

"There have been three huge explosions, including one that blew out my windows a few

"We are awaiting a detailed report but in both cemeteries, headstones were broken and disfigured. Both cemeteries will be restored to a standard befitting the sacrifice of those commemorated at Benghazi, but this could take some time because we will need to source replacement stones." minutes ago, and there have been a series of smaller muffled bangs," a witness in Kinshasa told the Reuters news agency.

It was not clear how the fire started.

Houses nearby have collapsed and there were many injured, but details are awaited.

The explosions caused panic in Kinshasa but state television there urged residents to remain calm.

Lambert Mende, a spokesman for Democratic Republic of Congo's government, said he had spoken to government officials in Brazzaville who told him there was an accident at a depot containing munitions near the city's Hilton Hotel.

Witnesses told the Associated Press that the explosions blew open doors in the city.

Court to deliver judgement in Charles Taylor trial next month

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he UN-backed court set up to try suspects indicted for war crimes in Sierra Leone said on Thursday that the judgment in the trial of the former Liberian President, Charles Taylor, would be delivered on April 26.

Mr. Taylor is on trial before the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) on 11 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including pillage, slavery for forced marriage purposes, collective punishment and the recruitment and use of child soldiers.

Charles Taylor

The charges relate to his alleged support for two rebel groups in Sierra Leone, the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council and the Revolutionary United Front.

Closing arguments in the Taylor trial, which opened in June 2007 in The Hague, took place in February and March 2011.

During the course of the trial, the court heard from over 100 witnesses, including Taylor, who testified in his defence.

In a statement at the UN Headquarters, the Court Special Registrar, Binta Mansaray said that with the judgment, the court

was set to reach another "critical milestone".

It said that the judgment was the last trial stemming from Sierra Leone's decade-long civil war and that it would be the last major trial to be held at the court.

The SCSL was set up jointly by the Sierra Leonean Government and the UN in 2002.

It is mandated to try those who bear the greatest responsibility for serious violations of international humanitarian law and national law committed on Sierra Leonean territory since the end of November 1996. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

PAGE 33

Pakistan ex-interior minister escapes attack

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suicide attack has killed a police officer and wounded eight others, including a local politician, in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan.

Friday's attack occurred as the former interior minister, Aftab Sherpao, returned with his son and another politician from a rally on the outskirts of Shabqadar, a town 35km northeast of the city of Peshawar.

Police said the bomber struck when the security convoy escorting the political leaders left the rally venue.

"A policeman was killed and eight others were wounded, including the provincial assembly member Muhammad Ali Khan, in the suicide attack," Mian Iftikhar Hussain, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's information minister, told the AFP news agency.

"The lawmaker is out of danger and being shifted to the provincial headquarters in Peshawar."

A local leader of the Pakistani Taliban group, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the attack.

"We made this attack because Aftab Sherpao has co-operated with the government for an operation against us in the tribal areas," Omer Khalid, a local Taliban leader, told AFP by telephone from an undisclosed location.

Fighters have killed more than 4,900 people across Pakistan since government troops raided an extremist mosque in Islamabad in July 2007.

China boosts defence budget 11 percent after US “pivot�

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The bomber struck when a security convoy escorting political leaders left a rally venue in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa [AFP]

Red Cross hopes to enter Baba Amro as Syria boils

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he Red Cross delivered aid to areas around the battered Baba Amro district of the Syrian city of Homs yesterday, but was blocked from entering the former rebel stronghold itself, three days after antigovernment fighters fled a month-long siege.

In a further indication civilians were being caught up in the conflict, up to 2,000 Syrians fled into neighbouring Lebanon, the U.N. Refugee Agency said.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it had been prevented from entering Baba Amro

by Syrian ground forces despite receiving government permission, a move activists said was to prevent aid workers witnessing army "massacres."

"We have the green light, we hope to enter, we hope today is the day," said the ICRC's Damascus-based spokesman Saleh Dabbakeh, declining to give further details about what he said were sensitive talks with Syrian officials.

"We are very concerned about the people in Baba Amro."

After a month of bombardment by President Bashar al-Assad's forces, concerns mounted for freezing, hungry and wounded civilians in Homs, which on Saturday had come under renewed shelling by government troops, antiAssad activists said.

Soldiers of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) march in front of the Great Hall of the People, the venue of the National People's Congress or parliament, in Beijing, China is likely to unveil its military spending for 2012 on the weekend, flagging the direction that Beijing will take after President Barack Obama launched a new ''pivot'' to reinforce U.S. influence across Asia.

A girl whose father was killed during the recent shelling on the Bab Amro district holds a placard at a protest against Syria's President Bashar al-Assad in Al Qusour, Homs on Saturday, 2012. The placard reads, ''The hypocritical international community wants to send aid to Bab Amro. Where were you oh traitors, when the barrage of shells did not stop for 27 days?''

hina will boost military spending by 11.2 percent this year; the government said yesterday, unveiling Beijing's first defence budget since President Barack Obama launched a policy "pivot" to reinforce U.S. influence across the AsiaPacific.

The increase announced by parliament spokesman Li Zhaoxing will bring official outlays on the People's Liberation Army to 670.3 billion yuan ($110 billion) for 2012, after a 12.7 percent increase last year and a nearunbroken string of double-digit rises across two decades.

Beijing's public budget is widely thought by foreign experts to undercount its real spending on military modernization, which has unnerved Asian neighbours and drawn repeated calls from Washington for China to share more about its intentions.

Li said the world has nothing to fear, and the money spent on the PLA paled in comparison with the Pentagon's outlays.

"You can see that we have 1.3 billion people with a large land areas and a long coastline, but our outlays on defence are quite low compared to other major countries," Li told a news conference before the annual full session of the National People's Congress, the Communist Party-controlled legislature that will approve the budget.

"China's limited military power is for the sake of preserving national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity," said Li, a former foreign minister.

"Fundamentally, it constitutes no threat to other countries."

Asian neighbours, however, have been nervous about Beijing's expanding military, and this latest double-digit rise could reinforce disquiet in Japan, India, Southeast Asia and self-ruled Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory.

Obama has sought to reassure Asian allies that the United States will stay a key player in the area, and the Pentagon has said it will "rebalance toward the Asia-Pacific region".

"Eleven percent, for a Chinese defence budget, is what I would characterize as a reasonably sizeable increase," said C. Uday Bhaskar, a former director of India's Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses in New Delhi.

"It also, I would say, goes beyond the normal pegging we do for inflation, and it would be noted with great interest and concern by China's principal interlocutors," he said.

Obama's proposed budget for the fiscal year of 2013 calls for a Pentagon base budget of $525.4 billion, about $5.1 billion less than approved for 2012.

Beijing has sought to balance longstanding wariness about U.S. intentions with steady relations with Washington, especially as both governments focus on domestic politics this year, when Obama faces a reelection fight and China's ruling Communist Party undergoes a leadership handover.

PAGE 34

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

Russia’s Putin seeks convincing return to Kremlin

V

ladimir Putin sought a convincing victory in Russia's presidential election yesterday to strengthen his hand in dealing with the biggest opposition protests since he rose to power 12 years ago.

Critics question the legitimacy of a vote they say is skewed to help the former KGB spy return to the Kremlin after four years as prime minister, and are threatening to step up protests that began after a disputed parliamentary poll in December.

Putin's victory was not in doubt as voters cast ballots from Russia's Pacific coast across many sparsely populated swathes of territory to the western borders with the European Union. But

he was hoping for an outright victory in the first round which he could portray as a strong mandate for six more years in power.

Early signs were that turnout would be high. Officials said more than 12 percent of voters had cast ballots by 10 a.m Moscow time (0600 GMT) compared with 8.9 percent at the 2008 election that brought Putin's ally, Dmitry Medvedev, to the Kremlin.

Some voters expressed anger at being offered no real choice in a vote that pits Putin against four weaker candidates - communist Gennady Zyuganov, nationalist Vladimir Zhirinovsky, former parliamentary speaker Sergei Mironov and billionaire

metals tycoon Mikhail Prokhorov.

Others said Putin, who has portrayed himself as a man of action, was the tough national leader Russia needed.

"I will of course vote for Putin. Who else is there?," said Mikhail, a university student in Vladivostok, a port city of 600,000 on the Pacific

coast.

"I voted for the Soviets," said an aged man dressed in a shabby leather coat who declined to give his name.

Asked if that meant Zyuganov, he said: "For Putin. He is raising our pensions, while Zyuganov is only making pledges."

The last opinion polls before the

Fresh from deal with US, N. Korea vows “sacred war” on South

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orth Korea threatened "sacred war" against the South in a huge rally in the capital yesterday just days after the secretive state agreed with the United States to suspend its nuclear weapons tests and allow back international nuclear inspectors.

Tens of thousands of sloganchanting North Koreans rallied in Pyongyang vowing to "wipe out" South Korean President Lee Myung-bak's "traitors" whom they accused of defaming their new leader, Kim Jong-un, and of staging inflammatory war games with the United States.

About 150,000 protesters, including many soldiers and students, shouted "Destroy Lee Myung-bak" and "Let's safeguard Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un."

The rally, broadcast live by state TV, appeared to be the largest such event since the young Kim took power after the death of long-time dictator Kim Jong-il in December.

Ri Yong-ho, an army general believed to be one of the fledgling leader Kim's closest confidants in the army, recited a statement issued by the military Friday, threatening again to wage a "sacred war" against the South.

"The Supreme Command of the Korean People's Army

solemnly declares once again that it will indiscriminately stage its own-style sacred war to wipe out the group of traitors," Ri read.

The rally ended with a series of military-style marches in groups of hundreds, with protesters waving huge banners and flags in response to cheers from the crowds.

North and South Korea are still technically at war after their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty.

Pyongyang's state media has recently beefed up the rhetoric against South Korea's Lee and military leaders, accusing them of allowing an army unit to hang portraits of the two Kims and "scrawl unspeakable defamatory words" below them.

The North also accused Lee of "the hideous act aimed at escalating confrontation" during mourning for Kim Jong-il.

South Korean media has said soldiers at a military unit in the western city of Incheon posted the photos of both Kim Jong-un and his father inside a building, along with the inscription: "Let's kill Kim Jong-un."

North Korea regularly warns of retaliation against Seoul and Washington for joint military drills, currently under way,

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (middle) casts his vote on an electronic ballot box in a polling station, yesterday in Moscow.

election showed Putin, who was president from 2000 to 2008 before constitutional limits barred a third straight term, would win 59-66 percent of the vote, enough to avoid a second-round runoff.

But a 22-year old student in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg student, declining to give her second name, said she would vote for the "rich and single" Prokhorov.

Pyotr Kirillov, 75, said in Yekaterinburg that he had not changed his ideals in the past 50 years despite the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

"I voted for our party, for Zyuganov," he said.

Others were just indifferent.

Yekaterinburg transport worker Alexander, fed up with politics and the lack of choice, said: "All of our family will go to our dacha (country house) today."

Putin, 59, has been lionized by state television and is running against politicians who, with the exception of Prokhorov, have made a habit of losing elections to the Kremlin.

Deadly train crash in Poland’s south

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t least 15 people have been killed and 50 others injured when two passenger trains collided headon in southern Poland.

The accident occurred on Saturday evening on the Warsaw-Krakow mainline in a rural area near the town of Szczekociny, according to Polish TV. The two trains carrying an estimated 350 passengers were heading in opposite directions on the same track when they crashed at high speed at 21:00 local time (20:00 GMT), according to Poland's PKP railways.

One train was en route to the southern city of Krakow from the capital Warsaw, while the other was travelling to the capital from the south-eastern city of Przemysl.

Donald Tusk, the Polish prime minister, arrived at the scene early on Sunday morning,

with three other cabinet ministers.

"This is the worst catastrophe in years," Donald Tusk, Poland's prime minister, said upon his arrival at the scene.

Ukrainian nationals were reported to be among the injured, while French and Spanish citizens were also on the trains, but apparently not injured in the crash.

A rescue operation is currently under way at the Warsaw-Krakow mainline to rescue trapped survivors [AFP]

China’s rebel village elects new leader Yemen suicide attack kills 7 soldiers: officials R

esidents of a southern Chinese village have elected a reformist leader to run a new administrative authority that many hail as a model for greater democracy following an uncompromising standoff over land grabs and abuse of power.

Some 6,800 residents queued to cast ballots in seven metal election boxes, backing many former protest leaders, including those jailed in December, for a seven-person village committee.

Lin Zuluan, a respected village elder and a chief organiser of the civil movement in Wukan against corrupt authorities, won 6,205 votes in a landslide victory for village chief, reflecting confidence in his ability to win back illegally sold farmland.

"With this kind of recognition from the villagers, I'll work doubly hard for them," he said on Saturday after addressing a cheering crowd and journalists gathered at night to hear the final results, with a turnout of nearly 80 per cent.

Wukan, located on the Guangdong coast, has emerged from nowhere as a symbol of rural activism and electoral reforms nationwide, embracing rare freedoms granted by provincial authorities in December to defuse a major flashpoint.

Another protest leader Yang Semao was elected deputy village chief, while the five other seats will be filled in a runoff on Sunday that many expect to see a new guard of activists and reformists secure majority control of the committee under Lin.

Wukan has proved a beacon for civil rights activists, who flocked to the village to observe the polls [AFP]

S

uicide bombers linked to al Qaeda killed at least seven soldiers in coordinated attacks on military outposts in southern Yemen yesterday, officials and residents said, part of an escalation of violence since a presidential vote two weeks ago.

The attacks underscore the challenges facing President AbdRabbu Mansour Hadi as he tries to restore stability to Yemen after a year of protests against his predecessor, Ali Abdullah Saleh that pushed the country to the brink of civil war.

Residents and local officials said a vehicle containing explosives blew up at a military position held by coastal guards at the western entrance of Zinjibar, capital of the Abyan province.

Another vehicle was detonated at an artillery position at the southern entrance of Zinjibar, killing and wounding an unknown number of

people.

Medical sources said at least seven had been killed and 12 were injured.

Residents and local officials put the death toll at 15.

The officials said that militants, believed to be from Ansar alSharia - a group linked to al Qaeda that controls Zinjibar - attacked the two posts with automatic fire after the blasts, seizing equipment and capturing dozens of soldiers.

Residents of the town of Jaar, a militant stronghold located some 15 km (10 miles) north of Zinjibar, reported seeing military vehicles arriving in the town.

Months of weakened central government control have been exploited by a regional wing of al Qaeda, which has expanded its foothold in the south of the country near oil shipping routes through the Red Sea.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

PAGE 35

Stunning video of historic helicopter plummeting into the ground (and everyone on board survived)

Coincidence: A nearby cameraman happened to capture the disaster in full

Crash: This helicopter was hovering around 200ft but then plummeted to the ground

T

hese extraordinary images show a historic helicopter crashing to the ground in what looks like it could be a tragic disaster.

But astonishingly both people on board were able to walk away from Thursday's crash with hardly any injuries.

The footage was captured by a cameraman who happened to be shooting near the scene of the accident in Coolidge, Arizona.

Steve Esparza managed to film the exact moment the AH1 Cobra plummeted out of control and started to fall to the ground.

The former military helicopter was being flown by a pilot and mechanic from the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation.

It was apparently filming a car on the ground as part of a stunt for the Korean version of television show Top Gear.

The aircraft had been hovering at no more than 200ft when a mechanical failure forced it to the ground.

Mr Esparza told My Fox Phoenix he knew he was going to capture something extraordinary when he caught sight of the helicopter.

'My heart was pounding, and I

knew I was going to witness something, and I just followed it with the camera,' he said.

'I think the thing that shook me up the most was, I thought the pilots were dead. I turned the camera off - I didn't want to roll on what I thought I was about to see.'

But the helicopter's occupants simply shut off the engine and exited the wreckage.

The local police chief said the pilots had been saved thanks to the helicopter's safety features and their own precautions.

Accident: The helicopter was filming a stunt for the Korean version of television show Top Gear

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Jaw dropping moment Samurai cuts in half 200mph BB gun pellet fired at him from 200 yards away

Incredible: Isao Machii's sword skills have become so accurate that he can slice a tiny pellet when shot at him from a BB gun

I

t is the stuff you only see in Hollywood films.

A sword-wielding Samurai cuts a pea sized bullet traveling 200 miles per hour, fired at him from 70 feet away.

But this is real-life and the super human feat has been achieved by Isao Machii, a modernday Samurai who started honing his unbelievable sword skills when he was a child.

He was taught by an old master from the age of five and has now graduated to become the headmaster of a samurai school.

Machii's sword skills have become so accurate that he accepted the challenge from filmmakers to see if he could slice a tiny pellet when shot at him from a BB gun.

All of the action happens at such an incredible speed that it is almost impossible for the human eye to register.

In order to capture this amazing

feat on screen, filmmakers used one of the world's most sophisticated high-speed cameras for slowmotion analysis.

Machii is recorded at 250 times slow motion performing the incredible feat.

The Guinness World Record holder shows incredible hand eye co-ordination to pull off the challenge.

RamanI Durvasula from California State University was stunned.

She said: 'This is about processing it at an entirely different sensory level because he is not visually processing it. This is a different level of anticipatory processing.'

Lucky: Both people on board were able to walk away from the wreckage with no serious injuries

Scene: The incident happened on Thursday in scrubland near Coolidge, Arizona

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Proof: the BB gun pellet after being sliced in half by Samurai Isao Machii

Amazing: Machii's sword skills have become so accurate that he accepted the challenge from filmmakers to see if he could slice a tiny pellet when shot at him from a BB gun

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

Exercise makes you smarter ‘by boosting energy levels in the brain’ E

veryone knows exercise increases your fitness levels by making the muscles more resistant to fatigue. Now scientists have found a regular gym session could sharpen the mind in exactly the same way.

Past research has found exercise spurs the birth of new mitochondria - structures in the cells that produce the body’s energy - in the muscles. This process increases your fitness endurance while reducing the risk of obesity.

Now a team from the University of South Carolina have found that regular treadmill sessions also give a boost to the cell’s powerhouses in the brain.

Research leader, Dr Mark Davis said this energy boost helped the brain to work faster and more efficiently.

‘The evidence is accumulating rapidly that exercise keeps the brain younger,’ Dr Davis told

Scientific American.

In the short term he said this could reduce mental fatigue and sharpen your thinking in between gym sessions.

He added that building up a large reservoir of mitochondria in the brain could also create a ‘buffer’ against age-related brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

The researchers came to their conclusions after a study, published in The Journal of Applied Physiology, on a group of mice. Half of the mice were exercised on a small treadmill for half an hour a day while the other half were left to lounge in their cages.

Unsurprisingly they found after eight weeks that the running mice could exercise for 126 minutes before they tired, while the sedentary mice could only manage 74 minutes.

However, tissue samples revealed the running mice also had a surge in mitochondrial development in the brain, with

On the ball: A half-hour jog could boost the energy levels in your brain

evidence of both new mitochrondria and increased signaling between the brain cells.

Dr Davis said although it was

an animal study, it was reasonable to assume the same process ‘occurs in human brains’.

He added that a 30 minute

jog was the human equivalent to the workout that the mice completed.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Scientists find that winners tend to act more aggressively to the people they’ve defeated

S

portsmen might aspire to be ‘humble in victory, and gracious in defeat’ - but it seems that most winners can’t resist ‘rubbing it in’.

A new study has found that winners tend to act more aggressively towards the people who they’ve defeated.

Oddly, the people who’ve lost who have the clearest reason to be angry - don’t tend to be more aggressive.

The psychologists believe that people become more aggressive when they feel powerful - and tend to taunt and humiliate the defeated.

In a series of tests, ‘victors’ volunteer college students - chose to deafen defeated partners with blasts of noise and put Tabasco in their fruit juice.

‘It seems that people have a tendency to stomp down on those they have defeated, to really rub it in,’ said Brad Bushman, coauthor of the study and professor of communication and psychology at Ohio State University.

‘Losers, on the other hand, don’t really act any more aggressively than normal against those who defeated them.’

Bushman said this is the first study to examine whether winners or losers were more likely to act aggressively.

The researchers conducted three related studies. The first study involved 103 American college students who were told they would be paired with a partner who they would be competing against on two tasks.

After the first round of tasks, the students were given the

chance to blast their supposed partner with a deafening bust of noise.

Results showed that participants who won in the first competition blasted their partners longer and louder than did those who lost the competition.

A second study repeated the results, but with students being given the option of adding Tabasco sauce and salt to their partners’ fruit juice.

Again, the winners were more inclined to add the unwanted condiments to their partner’s juice.

‘People were more aggressive when they were better off than when they were worse off than others,’ Bushman said.

Bushman said there really is something about winning that makes people more aggressive.

‘Losers need to watch out,’ he said.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Victory! Psychologists found in a series of tests that people tended to behave more aggressively - and torment others - just after a victory

Call of Duty: Black Ops - the routine 'trash talk' and name-calling in online shoot 'em ups shows how victors can tend to be aggressive even in their moment of triumph

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

PAGE 37

SNC, an open declaration of war on democracy, says Tanko Yakasai INTERVIEW Alhaji Tanko Yakasai is an elder statesman and former Presidential Liaison officer on National Assembly Matters to former President, (Alhaji) Shehu Shagari.

In this interview with newsmen in Kano, the octogenarian bares his mind on the recent renewed agitation for Sovereign National Conference (SNC) by some eminent Nigerians. Edwin Olofu was there for Peoples Daily. Exerpts:

R

ecently, prominent Nigeria across the nation have been propagating that some selected or elected representatives of the people should come together in form of a Sovereign National Conference to discuss some burning issues. What is your take on this?

You see, as a free citizen I would like to add my view on what I would describe as the current misplaced agitation for a Sovereign National Conference in this country. As a student of political economy, it always beats my imagination to hear people calling for a sovereign national conference in a full pledged democracy like ours where elected legislature exists.

Whenever I hear such calls, I always wonder whether those advocating for such a conference were doing so out of total ignorance of its meanings and implications, or out of sheer mischief or both.

But what is wrong with the call for national sovereign conference?

To the best of my experience, sovereign national conference is only held in a situation where a country is under military rule and where the military are planning to relinquish power to a democratically elected government as it happened in the Republic of Niger in the year 1991 under the leadership of General Ali Seibu. Other countries that held such conferences in Africa in recent time included the Republics of Mali, Equatorial Guinea, Togo, Benin and Central Africa. They all did that under military regimes, not under democratic setting. It is pertinent to point out that although the sovereign national conference took place in the countries I mentioned under military rule, the entire delegates to the conference were democratically elected by the people of the countries, not

appointed or nominated.

What is the position of the constitution on the issue?

The Nigeria constitution is very clear, sovereign National Conference in the present day Nigeria under the present democratic dispensation can only mean the surrendering of our sovereign powers vested in the President and the legislature to an appointed or nominated body. That body would assume the legislative powers of our legislatures both national and state; its Presiding officer would assume the powers of the President as Chief Executive Officer of the Federation. It does not make sense to any right thinking person, to contemplate transferring sovereign powers of a nation from democratically elected institutions such as the

Alhaji Tanko Yakasai institutions in Nigeria. It is also an open contempt of our legislative institutions.

Their concern is that, going by the enormous challenges the country is facing, there is the need for all to come and discuss such challenges on a round table, because it is their constitutional right, what is

“

The Nigeria constitution is very clear, sovereign National Conference in the present day Nigeria under the present democratic dispensation can only mean the surrendering of our sovereign powers vested in the President and the legislature to an appointed or nominated body presidency and legislature to a body which is neither the creation of the constitution of that nation or democratically elected by the people of the country. And particularly where there is no provision for such institutions to surrender powers vested in them to any other entity, constitutionally. It is therefore my views that calls for a Sovereign National Conference in a full-fledged democratic dispensation is, in the simplest meaning, mischievous and a vote of no confidence on and an open declaration of war against all democratically elected

wrong with that?

Well, my sincere advise to any one advocating changes in our constitution is for such a person to respect our elected representatives not to treat them with disdain, or regard them as irrelevant. They are certainly not irrelevant in matters pertaining to changes in our constitution.

I challenge those who are clamouring for such a conference to explain to the nation under which provision of the Nigerian constitution will a national conference, sovereign or not, derive its powers or

mandate to decide the fate of our sovereign nation? I challenge those advocating for the holding of national referendum in this country to state where in the constitution now in force in Nigeria a provision is made for holding nationwide referendum to decide any constitutional issue? Section 8 and 9 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria vested powers to amend or alter its provisions on the National and State legislatures, and no one else. The provisions have also spelt out the mode of exercising those powers.

Every Nigerian’ from wherever he is, has an elected representative either in the National Assembly or in the legislature of his state. Such a person has every right under our Constitution to channel his or her views or demands to our legislatures, particularly now that both the Senate and House of Representatives have each appointed a Committee to make recommendations for changes or amendments they considered desirable in our constitution to the National Assembly, which is one of the institutions constitutionally vested with the powers to make any alterations in our Constitution. Those provisions did not designate any area in the constitution as no-go area.

It is an irony of fate that I find among those agitating for the Sovereign National Conference people, who themselves, are the direct beneficiaries of democratic dispensation such as former

governors and former cabinet ministers who served the nation under democratically elected governments in this country, regardless of the special circumstances that made it possible for such people to occupy those positions. Even more ironic is the fact that among such misguided people are individuals who are said to be renowned constitutional lawyers who we expect to provide guidance to the nation in the event of any constitutional disputes or misinterpretations.

What is the way out?

The only way out is for these people to channel whatever they have through their representatives. I therefore strongly call on all our elected representatives to rise up and oppose the agitation for a national conference, sovereign or not, and defend their legitimate mandate and the sanctity of our Constitution. It is incumbent upon our elected representatives to call those misguided elements to order before they plunge this country into crises where no one can predict its end or outcome, in their blind mission to whet the appetite of some unsuspecting anarchists to throw the nation into anarchy or military misadventure.

I also pray God to guide and protect our President from mischief-makers in our midst who always try to manipulate governments to do their bidding in order to achieve their diabolical ends. May God see through the President to have his name written in the annals of the Nigerian history in the same way and manner as He has guided our former head of state General Yakubu Gowon whose name is written in gold in the annals history of this nation as the leader who worked hard and left a lasting legacy for keeping Nigeria as one indivisible nation.

Andmay Almighty God guide our President Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan to have his name written in the annals of Nigerian history as the Nigerian leader who resisted the temptation and pressure from those unpatriotic people among us who are calling for the convocation of national conference, sovereign or not, in the same way as the name of his predecessor President Umaru Musa Yaradua is written in the annals of the history of this nation as the Nigerian leader who brought peace and normalcy in the Niger Delta region in particular and the Nigerian nation in general.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

PAGE 39

PDP National Secretary slot open as OBJ chooses to be neutral

By Lawrence Olaoye

C

ontrary to speculations that the former President and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has endorsed a candidate for the position of the National Secretary of the party in the forthcoming National Congress, indication emerged at the weekend that he had decided to remain neutral.

It was gathered that the former President took the option of neutrality in line with the party’s new resolve to allow for internal democracy in order to

ensure the emergence of the best candidate out of the pack of contestants jostling for the position.

His decision to hands-off the matter which, it was gathered had been related to President Goodluck Jonathan, was also not to further exacerbate the crisis in the party in the South-West.

The PDP National Secretary

position has been zoned to the South West, a zone considered to be under the political influence of the former President. Those currently jostling for the position ahead of the party’s National Congress include the party’s incumbent National Legal Adviser, Chief Olusola Oke, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, Professor Tunde Adeniran, Chief

Oladimeji Fabiyi, Chief Bola, Olu –Ojo , Ambassador Dare Bejide, Professor Taoheed Adedoja and Chief Dapo Sarumi among others.

However, the final battle for the position may have been narrowed down to five including Oke, Babatope, Adeniran, Olu-Ojo and Fabiyi.

A source who is also contesting the position said “it is

Imasuangbon rejects Edo PDP governorship primary results

By Lawrence Olaoye with agency reports

T

he contestants in Saturday’s PDP gubernatorial primary election in Edo state, Kenneth Imasuangbon, has rejected the outcome of the exercise.

Imasuangbon, who briefed journalists in Benin at the weekend, alleged that the process was influenced by the state party leadership.

“The primary is unacceptable to me; it is what I call scientific and environmental rigging under the leadership of Chief Dan Orbih. It is quite unfortunate that with all we have done to reposition this party, the leadership seems not to know that what is on trial is the future of our children and our children’s c h i l d r e n.”

He, however, commended the delegates, adding that the result of the exercise could be a temporary setback as he submitted that power belongs to God and the people and not the leadership of PDP. “We cannot relent in our determination to make a change. Whether they like it or not, the will of the people will prevail, we are determined to defend democracy in Edo state.”

Retired Gen. Charles Airhiavbere, who was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) polled 403 votes while Imasuagbon scored 178 votes to place second.

Matthew Iduoriyekemwen scored 94 votes, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, 24, and Prof.

Oserheimen Osunbor had 22 votes.

Imasuangbon however said he was going to consult widely before taking the next action.

L-R: Senate President David Mark, welcoming the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party Ward Congress Election Monitoring Group, Mr. Humphery Abba to the venue, at the weekend in Otukpo Ward 1, Otukpo, Benue state.

a cheering news , Baba Obasanjo has hands – off, he even told President Goodluck Jonathan about his decision, he wants to be seen as a father of all, President Jonathan was very happy about this, but we know the President will have to pick the person he will like to work with, Obasanjo did same during his own time’’.

While the Osun state caucus of the PDP had already adopted chief Babatope as the consensus Candidate for the state, Ondo state Party Elders are said to be rooting for chief Olusola Oke and Ekiti state caucus is torn between Ambassador Bejide and Olu-Ojo. Chief Fabiyi, as at now, is the only aspirant from Ogun state which has never produced any member of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) since inception.

It was however learnt that the South West caucus has begun consultations with a view to choosing a consensus candidate among the contestants ahead of the party’s zonal congress billed to hold in Ibadan on March 17th.

Whoever emerges the consensus candidate, it was gathered, would be presented at the party’s National Congress to be held in Abuja by March 24th.

Feelers from the zone indicated that Ekiti state might be out of the contest as the office of the National Vice Chairman of the party had already been penciled down for a preferred candidate from the state.

Ogun tasks SIEC on credible elections From Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, Abeokuta Ogun state government at the weekend charged the newly inaugurated Ogun state Independent Electoral Commission, (OGSIEC) to conduct a credible and transparent election that all stakeholders would be proud of.

The Secretary to the state Government, Barrister Taiwo

Adeoluwa, gave the charge in Abeokuta when members of the Commission, lead by its Chairman, Alhaja Risikat Ogunfemi, paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

Barrister Adeoluwa, who described members of the Commission as men and women of proven track records, advised them to be loyal to the State and not the government. He also assured them of the readiness of

government to put necessary logistics in place to make the task ahead of them successful.

"We want to leave a legacy that in our time, we had a free and fair election and we are ready to partner with your commission to conduct elections the good people of Ogun State will be proud of", he remarked.

Speaking earlier, OGSIEC Chairman pledged the commitment of the Commission

to conducting a transparent and credible election disclosing that the election timetable would soon be announced.

While seeking the support of the state government in achieving a hitch-free election, Ogunfemi disclosed that the Commission was already liaising with INEC and other stakeholders to ensure transparency in the forthcoming local government polls.

We’ll win Kebbi governorship re-run, Dakingari assures Nigeria in general. as Sen. Tafida decamps to PDP good faith, it's also a destiny from and The senator who lost PDP primaries last year in the run-up From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

T

he former governor of Kebbi state and People Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the ordered re-run election, Alhaji Sa'idu Usman Nasamu Dakingari, has assured that his party would win the election when conducted.

While urging the people to remain calm and law abiding, Dakingari counseled that the people should take everything that happened in a good faith, promising to deliver more divideds of democracy when re-

elected.

He stated this while addressing newsmen in Dakingari, his home town during the bye election of the state House of Assembly representing Zuru constituency.

He equally described the nullification of his election by the Supreme Court Abuja as a uniting factor.

According to him, with the recent verdict of the Supreme Court, the party waxed stronger as strongholds of the oppositions are now trooping into the party which he said signaled their interest in his administration. '' I'm a Muslim so I take everything in a

God,'' he said.

Meanwhile, former Senator representing Kebbi South Senatorial District, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, has finally decamp from Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) to PDP with a promise to continue with his philanthropy.

Addressing newsmen in his Arugungu residence at the weekend, the Senator said that he decided to go back to PDP because it is the party that has good mission and vision for the electorates adding that he had consulted all the stakeholders in the state and promised to contribute his quota for the development of the state

to the April National Assermbly elections, decamped to the CPC. He said his return into the PDP was not based on the promise of political patronage as being insinuated.

Tafida who was among the national stakeholders in its former party, (CPC), lamented that he opted for a party where he would not be intimidated or harassed.

He said “My relationship with the Former Senator and Minister, Senator Adamu Aliero and other members of the party were still intact; we even spoke last night and my decamping was based on their knowledge”, he said.

PAGE 38

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

Who takes over from Obi in 2014?

ANALYSIS

L

ess than two years to the end of his second tenure as the Governor of Anambra state, though many politicians have begun underground and determined jostle for the governorship post, it is still not clear who may start from where he will stop in 2014.

Justifying the claims by analysts that he could surprise the most discerning mind, Obi has remained indifferent to these eye services and political gimmicks. In fact, he has virtually foreclosed any chance for analysts to have inkling on who may emerge his preferred candidate.

Analyzing his mode of relationship with members of his cabinet since he reclaimed his mandate in 2006, it will be realised that he has been switching attention among potential successors.

There was a cordial relationship between him and his former Deputy, shortly after he was sworn into office in 2006. It was based on this that observers were inspired to conclude that he was likely to clear the way for his Deputy to take over after his second tenure.

To further cement this assumption, in 2006, when he was illegally impeached by Hon. Mike Belonwu led State legislature, which was then dominated by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members, his Deputy, in a rare display of comradeship, occupied the office in trust for him.

In a statewide broadcast, on the heels of the crisis, Etiaba admitted publicly that she was holding the office in trust for Governor Obi, insisting that her principal was illegally impeached.

From the time of his impeachment to when the High Court of the state reverted the action of the state Assembly, there were neither tales of effort to perpetuate herself nor any manifest interest by Etiaba to encroach into the mandate of her principal.

This is more spectacular as she had clear opportunities to do so.

Apparently speaking from the manner with which both the governor and his deputy handled the crisis, political analysts maintained that he was likely to anoint Etiaba to take over from him, obviously for her unwavering loyalty to him even at impeachment.

It was also argued by political analysts that Etiaba had some advantages over other contenders then, considering that she was nominated by the late National Leader of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu, both of who hailed from the same community in Nnewi. It was argued that Ojukwu would

Few years to the end of his second tenure, it is still vague who takes over from Governor Peter Obi of Anambra state. In this analysis, Ikechukwu Okaforadi examines some of the political situations that trailed his first tenure, vis a vis the strengths of the likely candidates.

Gov. Peter Obi

Dora Akunyili

influence Governor Obi into shifting power to his constituency after his second tenure.

However, towards the end of his first term, things began to fall apart between him and his deputy. This was to the extent that both were managing to end the first tenure without open confrontation. In fact, their relationship deteriorated that the Deputy Governor was virtually rendered redundant, with the governor and his wife usurping what ordinarily would be the responsibility of the Deputy Governor.

Then, while some predicated the crack in their relationship on the recklessness of the deputy in spending public funds, in addition to her inability to give a convincing account of the funds left to her custody by the governor at his impeachment, others claimed that it was a deliberate ploy by the governor to shove her aside, probably because of her

rising profile in the state.

In his second tenure, when it was clear that he had dumped the deputy, Obi, true to his type, surprised most of his Commissioners who were then jostling for the number two seat of the state. Rather than picking his deputy from among his political associates and commissioners, he preferred to work with Emeka Sibeudu, who was rather obscure than most of the gladiators positioning for the position.

Observers insist that Sibeudu, though a gentle man politician who does not believe in making prominence his political vision, is likely to succeed him. Their argument is that the area he came from has been politically maginalised since the creation of the state.

However, this argument suffers setback when it is placed against the apparent gap that exists between Obi and Sibeudu. In other words, their relationship seems to be

“

Away from Prof. Okunna, another prominent figure who has enormous potentials to succeed Governor Obi is the former Minister of Information, Prof. Dora Akunyili

more official than political. He does not give responsibilities that are tasking enough to prepare and expose his current deputy ahead of 2014 contest.

On the other hand, Obi is said to be closer to his first term Commissioner for Information, Professor Chinyere Okunna, whom he retained in his second term as Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning.

To many, the redeployment of Okunna to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, which is the second most powerful Ministry after Ministry of Works, indicates that she has found favour before the governor.

To further lend credence to the above, it is believed that majority of his cabinet members are female, who can unite and influence his support for Prof. Okunna as a consensus female candidate.

However, this expectation may not come to reality when one considers the fact that Obi has a transient posture when matters come to politics. That is to say that his preferred candidate may be someone far from the expectations of the public.

Away from Prof. Okunna, another prominent figure who has enormous potentials to succeed Governor Obi is the former Minister of Information, Prof.

Dora Akunyili. It is believed that Obi, single handedly pulled her out of PDP and her Ministerial position into the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), on whose

platform she contested for Anambra Central Senatorial Zone.

Though she is still contesting her loss of the position to Senator Chris Ngige of the Action Congress of Nigeria, insinuation is rife that Obi may compensate her with Anambra state, if she eventually fails to win her case against Ngige up to the Supreme Court.

It is also believed that since Obi and Akunyili comes from the same Agulu community, in Anaocha Local Government Area, it is traditional that he would prefer to anoint her for the governorship race coming up in 2014.

If she wins the court suit, then this line of thought will become null and void, which means that he has to scout for another suitable candidate before the election.

Moreover, there are strong indications that Nnewi born oil dealer, Ifeanyi Ubah, has indicated interest to contest the governorship seat.

Political analysts argue that Uba, who has been dealing on oil for long, has all the influence that may be required by any aspirant to make the governorship position in any state.

It is said that money would not be a problem, likewise alliance, since he is related to top notch in Abuja and Anambra state as well.

However, how Obi would manipulate these barrage of interests to select his successor is yet to be seen ahead of the 2014 election.

PAGE 40

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

Plateau Assembly passes N112.7 billion 2012 budget From Bayo Alabira, Jos

P

lateau state House of Assembly has passed into law N112,763,528,563 billion naira Appropriation bill as presented by Governor Jonah David Jang for the 2012 fiscal year.

Presenting the report of the committee, Chairman House Committee on Appropriation, Honourable Yakubu Choji representing Jos North/west Constituency said the committee had approved 43.9 Billion naira as recurrent expenditure as well as 68.7 Billion as capital expenditure respectively.

The House has also approved the recommendations made by the House committee on Appropriation that the renovation of the Deputy Governor's office be transferred from the office of the Secretary to the state Government SSG to the office of the Head of Service even as it recommended that the renovation and restructuring of the three Justices' houses be transferred to the Judicial Service Commission.

Also the House has approved that in view of the pressing security challenges in the state and in the country in general modalities should be worked out for the takeoff of the security outfit known as Operation Rain, insisting that such will go a long way in solving some

of the security problem facing the state.

For prudent management of government facilities, the House urged all government organizations in the state be reporting their activities quarterly to the state House for proper monitoring. The members also agreed with the recommendation made by the Committee that the state government should review of operation of the three agricultural services and make sure that the ones in Mangu and Garkawa work accordingly like the one in Kassa.

Similarly, member representing Shendam Constituency Honourable John Bull Shekarau presented a motion on Church of Christ of Nigeria COCIN headquarters attack by Boko Haram on Sunday morning which the House deliberated on.

According to him that the incident was unfortunate coming at the time the relative peace has returned.

Contributing, Honourable Gyang Fulani (Barkin-Ladi Constituency) said if not for God's intervention there would have been a serious disaster, even as he noted that prominent Plateau citizen including the governor and Chief Solomon Lar, worship at COCIN, the target of the bomb attack.

Katsina LG caretaker: Rep threatens court action From Lawal Sa'idu Funtua, Katsina

A

member of the House of Representatives from Katsina state, Barrister Abbas Abdullahi Machika has disclosed that he would today approach a Katsina High Court to challenge the alleged illegal composition of local governments caretaker committees in the state.

Briefing newsmen yesterday in Katsina, Machika noted that the opposition had no option other than to challenge the alleged illegality in court.

He added "I have over 26 years experience as a lawyer and there is no place in the constitution or laws of the land where local government caretakers were legalised. The government must reverse this

illegality".

According to him, the move had clearly shown the government disdain for election into the 34 local governments of the state, adding that they would not fold their arms and watch this impunity.

He said the non composition of democratic structures at the local government level has denied people at the rural areas of the state development, arguing that that was why Katsina state was one of the poverty stricken states of the country.

Machika also noted that the government must provide explanations on the local governments fund that were withheld by the government in the over one year they operated without democratic structures.

PDP wins Zuru Assembly bye-elections From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

G

arba Anaruwa Suru of People Democratic Party (PDP) has been declared winner of the weekend's Zuru state constituency bye-election into the Kebbi state House of Assembly by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The INEC Returning Officer, who is also the Deputy Registrar of Waziri Umar Federal Polytechnic, Shehu Mohammed Ibrahim, said that Garba Suru of PDP scores 18,271 vote while Congress for progressive change CPC's candidate polled 4,942 and PMP's candidate

scored 152.

Ibrahim explained that out of the 20 candidates from different registered political parties, PDP's candidate emerged winner having scored the majority votes.

He said that the election which was started at actual time without any political violence also ended in a peaceful manner.

He then commended the INEC and the security agencies in the state for their roles during the election adding that Kebbi state was a peaceful state just as he admonished the both winner and losers to join hands together and move the state forward.

L-R: National Coordinator, Procurement Observation and Advocacy Initiative, Mr. Mohammed Attah, Clerk, House Committee on Public Procurement, House of Representatives, Mr. James Obotu, and representative of acting Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), Mr. Bala Mohammed, during a one day roundtable on Subsidy Reinvestment Regime and Public Procurement in Nigeria, at the weekend in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Ex Katsina Council boss, others dump PDP for CPC From Lawal Sa'idu Funtua, Katsina

A

former Sabuwa Local Council Chairman in Katsina state, Alhaji Muhammad Sagir Machika and thousands of his supporters have dumped their former party PDP and joined the opposition CPC. Addressing the decampees, over the weekend in Sabuwa, Machika stated that they took the decision of leaving their former party due to its alleged antipositive and anti- progressive posture of the PDP He said "we can no longer bear with patience the insincerity of its leadership and blatant lies and propaganda they gave every day as excuses for non performance".

Machika similarly alleged that the PDP has lost focus and deviated from its ideals, virtues and those qualities that made it the popular party and the biggest in Africa.

According to him, "we no longer have confidence that PDP can solve the problems of Nigerians and Nigeria and move it forward; little wonder we have lost our leadership position in Africa and the United Nation".

Machika averred that the PDP in Katsina state has deviated from the path of democracy and justice, adding that the on-going congresses in the state and the recent composition of local government care taker committees had shown the party's disdain for free and fair contests.

He specifically lamented that the PDP government in the state had entrenched policies and programmes that promote poverty, unemployment and perpetual suffering in the state.

In his remark at the ceremony, an elder of the party, Alhaji Kabir Murja noted that the PDP was a nest of illegality and therefore called on all lovers of democracy still with it to urgently pull away from its rangs.

He added "PDP is a car whose steering has loosen and any moment from now it would slump into the ditch of extinction and political obscurity. Those in it and want democracy should leave it immediately".

PDP 'll flush out ACN in South-West, says Ladoja From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

T

he former governor of Oyo state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, at the weekend finally returned to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) saying the party will flush out Action Congress of Nigeria(ACN) in South-West politics.

The former governor who got actively involved in the ongoing congresses of the party said at any given election now 'the ACN is gone' from the zone.

Senator Ladoja dropped this hint at the end of last Saturday's Ward congress of the party where Accord Party and PDP harmonized lists to produced a consensus candidate.

Ladoja said the rumour surrounding his defection to PDP from Accord Party on whose ticket he contested in last April gubernatorial election in the state has been laid to rest.

Our correspondent gathered

that the speculations was laid to rest during a late-night meeting between him and the Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Oloye Jumoke Akinjide held at his Bodija country home.

It was revealed that, the meeting started on Friday night at Ladoja's residence and ended around 1:30 am on Saturday.

There are indications that discussions majorly centered around the arrangements on the party's ward congress and plans for his open declaration among other issues.

Dependable sources told correspondent that, strong members of the party from Abuja and South-West were present at the meeting, the first of its kind since 2003.

Also, the immediate past Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Taofeek Arapaja and representatives of other chieftains of the party were in

attendance.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the PDP Congress Committee in Oyo state, Honourable Zakari Mohammed has described the ongoing ward congresses is peaceful.

Mohammed stated this while speaking with newsmen at the PDP state secretariat in Ibadan said that security measures were in place to ensure a peaceful harmonization throughout the wards in the 33 local government area in the state.

Mohammed who is a member, House of Representatives said that there has been a lot reconciliation among warring members of the party in the state just as he assured of the smooth conduct of the exercise.

He added that INEC officials were also on the field monitoring the congress throughout the 33 local government of the state.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

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Golden Eaglets will be ready for Niger Rep., says Amuneke

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he Golden Eaglets will be in competive form when the face their Niger Republic counterparts in the September, according to the Assistant Coach of the team, Emmanuel Amuneke.

Though, the screening exercise for prospective members of the Eaglets only ended last Wednesday where some 50 players were shortlisted for subsequent round of screening, Amuneke was confident that the squad will be in top shape for the preliminary match ahead of the 10th African U-17 Championship to be held in Morocco in 2013 The Confederation of African Football (CAF) released fixtures of the tournament yesterday with the Golden Eaglets going for the away game on the weekend of September 7-9 with the reverse home fixture on the weekend of September 21-23. “ It is an interesting fixtures for us

because Niger are our neighbours and they have shown in recent times that they are a force to be reckoned with but we are going to be ready for them,” Amuneke stated.

It would be recalled that the Golden Eaglets were eliminated from the 2009 Championship held in Algeria by same Niger Republic and were later eliminated from the 2011 by Congo following a 3-1

Nigeria begin AYC title defence July

N

igeria will begin the defence of the African Youth Championship when they take on either Sudan or Tanzania at the end of July.

The winners of the first round matchup between Sudan and Tanzania, which is slated for between April and May, will take on the reigning African U20 champions on the weekend of 27-29 with the return leg match in Nigeria a fortnight later.

And the winners of this second round

fixture will then battle the winners of the match between Congo and South Africa.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are expected to name a new coach for the Nigeria U20s this week.

The Flying Eagles defeated Cameroon 3-2 to win the 2011 AYC staged in South Africa. The next AYC will be staged by Algeria next year with the top four teams flying Africa’s flag at the 2013 FIFA U20 World Cup in Turkey between June 21 and July 13.

aggregate loss.

Niger met their waterloo in 2011 when they were disqualified from the tournament in Rwanda for fielding an over-aged player. “Our philosophy is that we are going to take one game at a time.

Our first priority is to raise a very good team and that is why we are taking a painstaking effort in the screening of the players. “We have seen some good players but football is not played on the pages of newspapers, it is instructive that we prepare our boys very well because this is the first time they would be having the opportunity to play an international match.

Meanwhile, CAF has already drawn Guinea bye to the second round to meet the winner of the first round fixture between Nigeria and Niger. The tournament would be rounded off with the third round fixtures in December.

Africa gets 10 percent of $46bn corporate sponsorship, Ekeji bemoans

By Patrick Andrew

T

he Director General of the National Sports Commission, Dr.Patrick Ekeji has lamented the paltry corporate sponsorhip accruing to African countries despite the overwhelming pool of $46 billion globally.

According to Ekeji, the bane of the slow pace of sports development in the continent is attributable to the poor corporate sponsorship stressing that Africa only gets a paltry 10 percent of the lumbsome on offer.

Ekeji, who spoke over the weekend in Bamako, Mali, where he delivered a paper titled: Mass sports or elite sports? What to choose given Africa’s economic realities, said that the poor sponsorship has been detrimental to sports development.

The DG, who was one of the resource persons at a seminar in Bamako, Mali, tagged 2012 CISA Sports Conference that drew participants from across the continent and beyond, pointed out that sports is not yet big business in the continent. Supporting his position with figures, Ekeji maintained that Africa gets only a peanut of the world’s annual sports sponsorship budget.

“Of the $46b annual world sponsorship budget for sports, Africa receives less than 10%, South Africa receives the highest on the continent with about $1b annually on sports sponsorship,” he stated.

To take Africa’s sports to the next level, Ekeji noted that there must be a change

Patrick Ekeji

in the present drift, even as he called for a better marketing of the All Africa Games, which is the continent’s number one sports fiesta.

“Africa has a great potential to do well in international sports events if her budget for sport is complemented by corporate organisations. The drive should be to encourage more of corporate involvement in sport across the continent.”

Further, he reasoned that, “This will supplement government funding of sports and provide the needed infrastructural base for sports development. This enhanced budgetary provision for sport at all levels of the government and other stakeholders, institution/organizations will go a long way in the provision of modern sport facilities and equipment throughout the continent to fast-track sport development.”

Golden Eaglets team

NNL, FCT FA shift blame over match venue ban on NFF officials, journalists

By Albert Akota

O

fficials of the Nigeria National League and the FCT FA yesterday played hide and seek over the directive barring officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and sports journalists resident in the FCT from the venues of all Nigeria National League matches in Abuja.

These categories of officials were physically restrained from assessing Area 3 Mini Stadium, Abuja yesterday on the excuse that the NNL Secretariat had issued such directive.

However, the Executive Secretary of the NNL, Mallam Ayo Adbuhaman debunked issuing such directives even as he queried, “If you prevent these officials from attending the matches how will urgent administrative matters which need their attention be met? or if the spotrts journalists are prevented from watching the matches how do you expect to get such reports from the media?

“No, such directives could come from us. Please get to the FCT FA and confirm from them who exactly gave such unfair directive. We cannot issue directive

knowing that football is a media event,” he said through Ezeocha Nzeh the media assistant of the NNL body chairman, Chief Emeka Inyama.

Peoples Daily Sports correspondent was among the reporters turned back by an official of FC Abuja Haruna Illerika, who insisted that they got a directive from the NNL Secretariat that these categories of the officials be excluded from assessing the venue of the match.

“Let me tell you Ayo Abdulaham the executive secretary of the NNL has mandated me to stop anybody from getting asses to this stadium weather sports journalists or club owners even sponsors they are allow, even the president of the NFF Alhaji Aminu Maigari or members of the FA will not enter this stadium,” Illerika said.

But speaking also on the matter, FCT FA boss, Alhaji Musa Sa’eed Talle, said they could not have unilaterally taken such directive unless it emanates from the higher authority. He promised to confirm from the FCT FA secretariat if there was official document to that effect but did not get to us before we went to the press.

Aminu Maigari

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

My shoes will be bigger than Okocha’s, Joel Obi dreams

M

any fans back home in Nigeria see Joel Obi as new Jay Jay Okocha, what can you say?

I thank them for that compliment. It means they love and appreciate my qualities as a footballer.

I am a young man who is ready to put in anything I have for Nigeria and my club, I will do my best for Eagles, but mind you I am not Okocha and I can’t be Okocha. There can never be another ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, he made his mark in Eagles while he was there.

I am Joel Obi and I am aspiring to do more than Okocha in the national team.

He has done a lot for Nigerian football and I wish to surpass him. I will do my best so as not to disappoint Nigeria, myself, the fans and the coach.

Are you related to Mikel Obi? Yes and No. We are related as far as football is concerned because we are one big family in the Super Eagles, but if it is blood relation, no. I am from Imo State while Mikel is from Anambra.

What are your ambitions as a player?

I want to make it big. I want to be one of the best in the world and win a lot of trophies at club level. I want to play and win the African Cup of Nations starting with the one in 2013 and I wish to play at World Cup in Brazil in 2014 and set a record.

What record?

To be among the first set of Nigeria players to reach final of the FIFA World Cup or at worst reach semi-final in Brazil.

Do you think Eagles have all it takes to reach that height?

Yes, Nigeria is a blessed country and there are a lot of players home and abroad. I am optimistic we will get there.

But the Eagles started the 2013 Nations Cup

Austin Okocha

“

We went there to win but it was not to be. I don’t want to give excuses for not winning the match, but I am sure we will put it right in the return leg.

Joel Obi

Inter Milan midfielder Joel Chukwuma Obi has revealed that he hopes to be a bigger star than Nigeria 2002 World Cup skipper Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha as he hopes to help the Eagles win the 2013 AFCON and reach the final of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

He assures that there is no cause for alarm after the 0-0 draw in Rwanda in a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier and also speaks on the big role Jose Mourinho has played in his blossoming career. He spoke with MTNfootball.com

“

I want to make it big. I want to be one of the best in the world and win a lot of trophies at club level. I want to play and win the African Cup of Nations starting with the one in 2013 and I wish to play at World Cup in Brazil in 2014 and set a record. qualifiers on a laboured note with a draw in Rwanda?

We went there to win but it was not to be. I don’t want to give excuses for not winning the match, but I am sure we will put it right in the return leg.

You are playing for one of the best teams in the world, Inter Milan, how do you feel?

The feeling has been great and wonderful since I joined Inter reserves. I was very happy when coach Jose Mourinho promoted me to the senior team to train with players like Zanetti and Eto’o.

It was wonderful and they motivated me a lot to raise my game. I owe my progress here to Mourinho because he gave me the breakthrough I needed to launch myself.

You have played a limited number of games this season so far, are you disappointed?

No. Inter are a big team with a lot of young as well as experienced old players, and so being on the list of registered players and making it to the bench is an achievement but I want to press further.

I am learning here and to get a chance to play in the team is a great achievement for me.

I am happy that anytime I play, my coach and teammates praise me for a good outing, which is enough motivation for me to get better. I will continue to do my best to see that I tie down a regular shirt with Inter.

What are your set targets for this season?

Obviously, I want to pin down a regular first-team shirt here.

How did you feel when you stepped out to play in the UEFA Champions League?

Wow! It was great seeing myself playing in the highest football competition at club level in the world. I wish to thank Jose Mourinho for the chance. In fact, he was the man who gave me my career breakthrough.

He took me on a pre-season tour of the USA and there I blossomed and I have not looked back since then. I thank the present manager as well for believing in me and giving me a chance to play games.

Finally, what message do you have for your fans?

They should keep praying for me and I will keep making them happy and proud of me. They should also keep faith with Eagles, this is a new team being built and I am sure we will get it right under coach Stephen Keshi.

Jose Mourinho

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

Villas-Boas 8 months romance with Abramovich ends

By Patrick Andrew with agency report

A

Andre Villas-Boas

ndre Villas-Boas almost beat Luiz Felipe Scolari’s record as the man with the shortage spell in charge of Chelsea yesterday when he was expectedly eased out of the saddle by dissatisfied club owner Roman Abramovich.

The former FC Porto manager got fired just after eight months in charge at Stamford Bridge. He had been engaged on June 22, 2011 meaning that he was just 101 days away from being one year on the job.

Scolari had enjoyed the romance with the Russian business moghul for as long as eight months also but was 105 days away from completing one year on the job at Stamfford Bridge when Abramovich ended the relationship.

Yesterday, the club ended a VillasBoas’s tortured spell as Chelsea manager and handed over the first-team duties to assistant manager Roberto di Matteo for the remainder of a season that is in danger of becoming the worst since Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003.

Speculation over the future of Villas Boas, at 34 the youngest manager in the league this season, had been

PAGE 43

swirling in the British media for weeks after a series of poor results and reports of rifts with senior players.

The dismissal of the man often referred to simply by his initials “AVB” came after Saturday’s 1-0 league loss to West Bromwich Albion, their seventh league defeat of the season and a dreadful performance all round.

“Unfortunately the results and performances of the team have not been good enough and were showing no signs of improving at a key time in the season,” the London club said in a statement on their website.

The Stamford Bridge outfit have won three of their last 12 Premier League games and are in danger of missing out on qualifying for the Champions League for the first time since Russian billionaire Abramovich bought the club.

They are trailing 3-1 in their roundof-16 Champions League tie against Napoli ahead of the March 14 second leg, while they sit fifth in the Premier League table with 46 points from 27 games.

“The club is still competing in the latter stages of the Uefa Champions League and the FA Cup, as well as challenging for a top-four spot in the Premier League, and we aim to remain as competitive as possible on all fronts,” the statement said.

“With that in mind we felt our only option was to make a change at this time.”

Clinical United dismantle Tottenham M

anchester United kept the pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester City as Ashley Young’s superb double inspired a 3-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur yesterday.

With the win, the Sir Alex Ferguson’s second-placed side moved to within two points of table-topping City after a ruthless display of finishing at White Hart Lane.

United survived a strong showing from Spurs in the first half and took the lead through Wayne Rooney’s header just before the break.

Young bagged the second with a powerful volley from a tight angle and then put the result beyond doubt with a stunning curling effort from outside the area. Jermain Defoe reduced the deficit late on, but third-placed Spurs have now lost their last two league games and are just four points ahead of resurgent Arsenal.

Spurs, without the ill Gareth Bale, injured Rafael van der Vaart and suspended Scott Parker, were denied a first-half opener when Emmanuel Adebayor’s close-range effort was disallowed for a handball by the Togo striker.

United took full advantage of that letoff to take the lead themselves as Rooney got in front of Kyle Walker to head in Young’s corner on the stroke of halftime.

Young got the second in the 60th minute as he lashed in a volley after Walker failed to clear Nani’s cross and the England winger struck again nine minutes later, bending a fine finish past Brad Friedel as the Spurs defence backed off. Defoe pounced on a wayward Ryan Giggs pass to lash home for the hosts in the 87th minute, but it was no consolation for Harry Redknapp’s side.

In the day’s other games, Newcastle United drew 1-1 with local rivals Sunderland and Fulham routed struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers 5-

0.

Shola Ameobi pounced from close range to deny 10-man Sunderland a first win at St James’ Park for more than 11 years and extend his remarkable scoring record in the Tyne-Wear derby.

Alan Pardew’s team remain sixth in the English Premier League, five points clear of Liverpool in seventh but having missed an opportunity to draw level with fifthplaced Chelsea.

At Craven Cottage, Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak hit a hat-trick as Fulham piled on the misery for struggling Wolves.

Cottagers boss Martin Jol signed Pogrebnyak on loan from Stuttgart on transfer deadline day to fill the void left

by Bobby Zamora’s move to QPR and it has proved an inspired piece of business.

After scoring in his previous two appearances, Pogrebnyak tore into the Wolves defence with two first-half goals and completed his treble after the break.

Clint Dempsey added a second-half double to ensure Wolves were sent home in utter despair after a run of just one win in 13 league games dropped them into the relegation zone, below Blackburn on goal difference.

Chelsea’s managers under Abramovich Chelsea’s decision to fire Andre Villas-Boas yesterday left owner Roman Abramovich searching for his eighth permanent manager since buying the team in July 2003: Claudio Ranieri—Sept. 15, 2000 to May 31, 2004 Jose Mourinho—June 2, 2004 to Sept. 20, 2007 Avram Grant—Sept. 21, 2007 to May 24, 2008 Luiz Felipe Scolari—June 11, 2008 to Feb. 9, 2009 Guus Hiddink—Feb. 11, 2009 to May 30, 2009 Carlo Ancelotti—June 1, 2009 to May 22, 2011 Andre Villas-Boas—June 22, 2011 to March 4, 2012.

Golden Eaglets’ coach invites 7 Lagos Junior League players to camp

T

he coach of the Golden Eaglets, Manu Garba, has invited seven players from the Lagos Junior League for trials in preparation for the 2013 African/World Cup U-17 qualifiers. Confirming the invitation to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lagos, Tunde Disu, Technical Director of the League, said that the players were among others for screening to constitute a new U-17 squad.

Disu listed the players as Olomu Tolib, Olajide Samson, Innocent Onobun, Rauf Belllo, Mustapha Abudulahi, Rabiu Abdulahi and Aminu Abubakar. He said that the seven players were from the Nathaniel Boys FC of Lekki, one of the teams in the Lagos Junior League.

Disu, a former coach of the Flying Eagles, said that he was excited at the invitation of the players to the Golden Eaglets’ camp, adding that the objective of creating the league had been achieved. “ I am happy because this was the reason why the league was created, to identify talents that will represent the country, and it is fulfilling the planned purpose,” he said.

The director was confident that the boys would make the Golden Eaglets’ team. “ The players have been tested and trusted by their coaches on a viable platform; so I see no reason why they won’t excel and make the U-17 team list. “We constantly monitor potential talents and keep track of their dayto-day progress in the league and their development in the game as a whole,” he said.

Disu said that the players departed Lagos on Sunday and were expected to join others in camp in Abuja. The 2013 African U-17 Championship is scheduled to hold in Morocco and will serve as qualifiers for the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

17 Nigeria weightlifters for Kenyan Olympics qualifier

T

Ashley Young

he Nigerian Weightlifting Federation, (NWF) has almost rounded up preparations for 17 wieghtlifters to participate in the African Weightlifting Championship which will serve as one of the final phases of qualifying championships for the London 2012 Olympics Games.

The championship, which is billed for March 28 through April 2 in Nairobi, Kenya, offers the weightlifters ample chance to snatch their way to the Summer Games in London.

The head coach of the federation, Patrick Bassey, said Nigeria will present seven female and ten male weightlifters at the championship. According to Bassey, the federation will be heading for Kenya with a full team and the determination to win Olympic tickets for the country.

“Going to the African Weightlifting Championship with a full team of 17 weightlifters is an opportunity for us to feature in different weight categories. This will give us the chances of winning a good number of tickets for the Olympic Games,” Coach Bassey said.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

Pearson sounds Olympic warning Istanbul 2012: Nigeria

A

ustralia’s Sally Pearson laid down a marker ahead of the London Olympics by winning the 100 metres hurdles at the Melbourne Track Classic in a scorching 12.49 seconds in drizzly rain on Saturday.

The world champion, a strong contender for gold in London, charged out of the blocks and streaked away from the field to cross more than seven-tenths of a second in front of American Yvette Lewis at Lakeside stadium.

“Holy crap!” the blonde 25-year-old shrieked to a clutch of reporters, after celebrating victory by skipping and jumping along the track in front of roaring fans in the stands.

“It’s just really fantastic and really exciting but at the same time I’ve got to keep grounded, I’ve got to focus on the London Olympics. That’s still a fair way away and there’s a lot more training to go.

“I’m in good shape and I’m loving it and I’m just going to look after myself, that’s all I can do. “(My rivals) will probably be worried, but at the same time, there’s nothing I can do about that.”

Pearson’s time on a damp, spongy track that had absorbed a day’s rain improved on her 12.66 at Sydney last week and shows ominous form five months and three days before the hurdles heats kick off on August 6 in London. It was also the Beijing Olympic silver medallist’s fourth fastest time, only bettered by her semifinal and final runs at the Daegu world championships and at a Diamond League meeting in Birmingham last year.

Although appearing flawless in its execution, her 22nd victory in her last 23 races in the event took her by surprise.

RUDISHA WINS “I thought I was going really badly actually. I got halfway through the race and I thought, ‘no, no, no, everything’s completely off at the moment’.

“I came back and it was so much better than I thought it was going to be.”

Pearson signed off by winning the 200 metres with a time of 23.02, more than nine-tenths of a second ahead of fellowAustralian Hayley Butler.

Pearson, whose 12.28 to win gold in South Korea remains the fourth fastest on record, will continue her Olympic preparations at the world indoor championships in Turkey next week.

Kenyan world champion and world record holder David Rudisha powered away from the field at the turn into the final straight to win the 800m with a time of one minute 44.33 seconds in his first run in his pet event for the year.

Rudisha, favourite to win the 800 gold at London, warmed up with a runner-up performance in the 400 at Sydney last week and was pleased with his condition before he heads back to Kenya to continue training. “I was moving well, even coming into the last 200, I was feeling really strong,

Sally Pearson

just pushing the last 150,” said the 23-yearold Masai, whose time was more than three seconds shy of his world record.

“Already I know what to do to get good improvement...To go to (London), that will be a tactical race. The important thing is just to prepare mentally and to be strong as to how to tackle the race.”

The meeting doubled as Olympic trials for a number of local hopefuls, and 31-yearold Craig Mottram, a former world bronze medallist, drew a standing ovation after overtaking Collis Birmingham in the final straight to win the 5 000 and qualify for his fourth straight Games.

Australian Dani Samuels, a 2009 world champion, won the discus with a throw of 61.30 metres that fell short of the Olympic qualification benchmark by 70 centimetres.

Men 100m: 1. Isaac Ntiamoah 10.35sec, 2. Masashi Eriguchi (JPN) 10.46, 3. Aaron Rouge-Serret 10.47 110m hurdles: 1. Siddhanth Thingalaya (IND) 14.13, 2. Ben Khongbut 14.29, 3. Mitchell Tysoe 14.42 400m: 1. John Steffensen 45.74, 2. Ben Offereins 45.96, 3. Steven Solomon 46.37 5000m: 1. Craig Mottram 13:18.58, 2. Collis Birmingham 13:22.30, 3. Ben True (USA) 13:26.56 3000m steeplechase: 1. Youcef Abdi 8:35.29, 2. Peter Nowill 8:35.76, 3. James Nipperess 8:41.94 Long jump: 1. Henry Frayne 8.09m, 2. Fabrice Lapierre 8.00m, 3. Robbie Crowther 7.86m Discus: 1. Julian Wruck 61.54m, 2. Benn Harradine 60.51m, 3. Scott Martin 54.67m Shot Put: 1. Dale Stevenson 20.16m, 2. Emanuele Fuamatu (SAM) 19.46m, 3. Tomas Walsh (NZL) 18.11m Women 200m: 1. Sally Pearson 23.02, 2. Hayley Butler 23.93, 3. Monica Brennan 23.93 400m: 1. Joanne Cuddihy (IRL) 52.37, 2. Tamsyn Manou 52.77, 3. Caitlin Pincott 53.65 100m hurdles: 1. Sally Pearson 12.49, 2. Yvette Lewis (USA) 13.22, 3. Hayley Butler 13.47 Discus: 1. Dani Samuels 61.30m, 2. Kim Mulhall 54.75m, 3. Alifatou Djibril (TOG) 48.51m

join171 others in record entry

By Patrick Andrew

T

osin Oke and Peter Emelieze are Nigeria’s two only entry for the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Istanbul which will take place from March 9 to 11.

Oke, US-based triple jumper has a personal best of 17.22m while Emelieze holds a personal best of 6.60seconds in the 60m where he is billed to compete for honours.

Tosin Oke

According to the IAAF yesterday 172 countries have confirmed participation in what becomes the biggest gathering in terms of participating National IAAF Member Federations in the history of these championships, exceeding the previous record set four years ago in Valencia.

This entry surpasses the 147 which registered and participated at the Valencia 2008 fiesta and organisers hope the athletes that will compete at the Atakov Arena next week, Istanbul 2012 would give their best.

A total of 1,299 athletes and officials are also expected to attend what will be the IAAF’s most important event of the 2012 World Athletics Series. 349 male athletes, 334 female athletes and 616 officials have indeed been entered following the 27th February deadline for Final Entries.

On the individual front, Ethiopia’s Meseret Defar will be chasing her fifth consecutive Indoor gold medal at 3000m while a recent World Indoor record has also reinforced Yelena Isinbayeva’s chances of winning her fourth World Indoor title following her setback two years ago in Doha.

The World Indoor Championships, which were first contested under the guise of the World Indoor Games in Paris in 1985 when 69 nations took part, attracted 142 nations for their last edition in Doha 2010.

Ndungu wins Lake Biwa marathon J

apanese-based Kenyan runner Samuel Ndungu made a perfect marathon debut yesterday by winning the Lake Biwa race.

Ndungu, 23, broke away from the eight-man front-running group shortly before the 32-kilometre point to take the lead and never faced a serious challenge afterwards, crossing the line in 2 hr 7 min 4 sec.

Henryk Szost set a new Polish national record of 2:07:39 to finish second, followed by Abdellah Taghrafet of Morocco in 2:08:37.

“This is my first marathon. I’m really happy to win it,” said a jubilant Ndungu, who is a member of an athletics club in Aichi, central Japan.

“It was cold in the beginning. I felt cold in the first 10 kilometres and I was able to run comfortably after the 20 kilometres. I did my best,” he added.

The race was led by two Kenyan pacesetters until the 25 kilometre mark, when competition hotted up.

Nicholas Manza of Kenya and Bekana Daba of Ethiopia suddenly picked up speed, with Daba taking a solo lead one kilometre later before seven runners caught up with him at the 28km point.

In the Japanese qualification race for the Olympics, Ryo Yamamoto overtook front-running Kentaro Nakamoto in the last 400m to secure fourth place in 2:08:44 and take a big step towards winning a ticket to London.

Nakamoto was fifth in 2:08:53.

Samuel Ndungu “I kept telling to myself ‘the Olympics, the Olympics’ in my mind and I desperately chased him (Nakamoto), trying to finish top among the Japanese runners,” said Yamamoto, 27.

“I’m physically strong. I think that allowed me to run tenaciously in the final stretch. I’m looking forward to the announcement of the selection,” he added.

The Japan Association of Athletics Federations will announce the men’s and women’s Olympic marathon runners later this month.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

PAGE 45

QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though e ver ything ev erything is a mir ac le - Alber Albertt Einstein mirac acle

MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012

SPORTS

LA TEST LATEST Brazil spat with FIFA brings 2014 uncertainty

W

ith the war of words between Brazil and FIFA intensifying, the country's preparations for the 2014 World Cup are increasingly in the spotlight.

The public fighting between the host country and football's governing body could further affect Brazil's preparedness for the tournament, as there are key matters yet to be solved.

The government still has to pass a key bill regulating the World Cup, and FIFA still has to approve two venues for next year's Confederations Cup. In addition, it remains unclear how FIFA will react to Brazil's request to have FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke replaced as the person responsible for working with the government in the country's preparations.

Brazil's sports ministry said yesterday that it will deliver a letter to FIFA President Sepp Blatter today notifyingthat it will not deal with Valcke anymore. The request comes after Valcke sent a blunt message on Friday asking the country to get things going: "You have to push yourself, kick your (backside)."

If Blatter chooses not to accept Brazil's request, the controversy could escalate further. Blatter has no official plans to visit Brazil, but he was expected to travel to the country once Congress approves the bill regulating the World Cup. Valcke said he was still going to travel to Brazil as scheduled in about a week, but Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo said the country would not welcome him.

Rebelo said that Brazil still expects to work closely with FIFA to make the country host a great World Cup, but he said the government will not be dealing with Valcke anymore.

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Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu: A past so present If only youth had the knowledge; if only age had the strength — Henri Estienne, 1531 - 98, French writer

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his piece was written a day after Ojukwu died. I have decided to have it published after his burial because the issues raised by the article are even more relevant today than when he just died. The reader also does not need to be reminded of the views expressed by the Igbo people, his former adversaries, enemies and friends, many of them sincere, many expressed just to capture a mood.

The positive views about the life and times of Dim Ojukwu represent one version of history, and it is fair to say that they represent the verdict of history that Ojukwu himself would value above all others. For a man who made the full circle, from a soldier sworn to protect and defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria; to a rebel who took up arms against it; to a politician who failed to find a fitting place in an emerging democratic system; then back to a leader of a tribal political party in a nation where tribes have failed to yield grounds for emergence of citizens, Ojukwu's life is a study in the challenging history of the Nigerian nation.

Ojukwu made history; and was made by Nigerian history. A tribal hero when he made the decision to pull the Eastern Region out of Nigeria, history will also remember him as a villain whose ego and tragic miscalculations brought his people to their knees, instead of freedom. He was not part of the reconciliation and reintegration process: that part has been assigned by history to federal leaders who defeated him.

He was not part of the incredible pace of rehabilitation and reintegration of Igbos and other Easterners into the rest of Nigeria, which showed that his rebellion had little organic foundations.

That part of history has been credited to leaders who had vision and statesmanship, and who understood that Nigerian unity was a lot more resilient than Ojukwu himself believed.

But history will have a place for Ojukwu as a leader who stood for his people when they appeared to have fallen victims of the destructive ethnic-motivated political events which changed

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FIFTEEN MINUTES with Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed drbabaahmed@yahoo.com

Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu the course of the history of the young Nigerian free nation. Many innocent Easterners, which included many non-Igbos, were killed in the North in what appeared to be a reaction to a perceived Igbo or Eastern coup which killed Northern and Western leaders.

Many Northerners were also killed in the East. A young military leadership which found itself thrust into power with huge sectional influences tried to keep the nation afloat without success. Ojukwu's solution was to pull Igbos and other Easterners out of Nigeria into a new nation, Biafra, in spite of many attempts to dissuade him. A

democratic process which was being severely tested by strong ethnic pulls had collapsed on the head of young military officers who had very clear ideas about the need to keep the nation's unity intact. The cumulative effects of the Action Group's earlier betrayal of Azikiwe which forced him to retreat to the East and wear his Igbo tribal toga as politician; the crises in the West when Awolowo's larger-than-life image brooked no dissent, and whose political empire was being assaulted by the Northern People's Congress from within; the crisis with communities in today's Middle Belt which showed that even the Sardauna's fabled grip on Northern politics was largely exaggerated, had eroded the foundations of unity among the political elite in the build-up to the 1966 coup. By accident or design, the 1966 coup was seen as an Igbo or Eastern agenda to achieve a regime change in its favour.

Northern officers fought back with their own coup; and it all proved too much for Ojukwu, who then said that secession was the only solution, since Igbos were not wanted in Nigeria.

For thirteen years, from 1966 until 1979, the nation lived under the rule of the Military, which fought a civil war; engineered a

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Ojukwu made history; and was made

by Nigerian history. A tribal hero when he made the decision to pull the Eastern Region out of Nigeria, history will also remember him as a villain whose ego and tragic miscalculations brought his people to their knees, instead of freedom

remarkable reconciliation and reintegration; received unprecedented revenues and began to administer a government with huge resources in a poor country; then lost the battle against corruption and its own cohesion and integrity.

Those 13 years severely stunted democratic values and institutions. A hesitant and weak effort at democratization was again aborted just four years after the military withdrew; but not before Ojukwu was pardoned and returned to the country to join the ruling party, NPN. In a way, it was his own personal reintegration with his fatherland, and the beginning of his involvement with a political process which had little room from former tribal heroes. Another 15 years would be spent by Nigerians under military governments, during which corruption grew while politicians shrank in stature and influence in the hands of the Military. Ojukwu took his place as a has-been, in a system in which the military decided who became billionaires, and who were friends or enemies. He was part of the Nigerian older generation which saw the West move into virtual rebellion after Abiola's election was aborted. NADECO and OPC must have reminded him of the feelings of injustice following the May and November 1966 killings of Easterners. He had a stint as a head of a militia he formed, and he was never too far from other Igbo tribal groups such as MASSOB and Ndigbo.

The political contraption which produced a Yoruba President in 1999 specifically as a response to the reaction of the West following Abiola's sojourn had little room for Ojukwu. Unable to win elections or find a befitting national position in a major party, he retreated into his tribal enclave and floated a political party that is almost purely Igbo. This gave him a political platform and an asset, but reinforced him as a leader good enough only for the Igbo people.

But he was in good company here.

The ANPP and AD were virtual tribal parties. The CPC which emerged out of the shadows of the ANPP and the fragmenting fortunes of the PDP in the North is limited to the far North. The former AD is an uncanny reincarnation of the old Action Group, so the Yoruba people, like Contd. on Page 27

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