Peoples Daily Newspaper, Wednesday, June 06, 2012

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

Vol. 8 No. 53

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

. . . putting the people first

Rajab 16, 1433 AH

N150

Gunfights, explosions send Maiduguri residents fleeing From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

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unfights and explosions were heard yesterday in the Shehuri North ward of Maiduguri, the Borno state

capital, after troops marched in the area that is considered a sanctuary of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram.

“We heard eight explosions while solders on tanks came forward and took control of the

area”, said one resident.

The presence of the troops, clearly from the Joint Military Task Force (JTF), forced residents to flee their homes in fear of arrests and physical assault.

This followed the last week’s

gun battle between militants and operatives of JTF after gunmen threw an explosive device at a military patrol vehicle, which left three soldiers wounded.

Shehuri North has recently

become a battle ground for masked gunmen and security forces. Three persons were killed there last Friday.

It was in the same area that the gubernatorial candidate of Contd on Page 2

Senate wants Demuren sacked . . . As FG revokes DANA Air’s licence

From Suleiman Idris, Lagos & Richard Ihediwa, Abuja

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Official of Lagos state Emergency Management Agency (LASMA) pulling down the building into which the DANA Plane crashed, yesterday in Lagos.

Photo: NAN

Publish letter I’ve no hand in Third phase of inviting us to DANA plane Obajana cement dialogue, Boko crash, says project in Kogi Haram tells FG First Lady ready soon >> PAGE 2

>> PAGE 5

>> PAGE 19

he Senate yesterday recommended the sack of the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Olusegun Harold Demuren and its other top officials for the role they allegedly played in the crash of the DANA airline flight on Sunday in Lagos.

The crash killed all 153 passengers and crew members as well as persons in the building the plane plunged into.

The Senate's proposition came in the wake of the Federal Government's "indefinite suspension" of DANA Air’s operating licence.

The government said the airline’s licence has been “suspended indefinitely” for its negligence that resulted in the death of passengers it was carrying on its MC Donnell Douglas (MD) plane.

Confirming the recovation of the airline’s licence, Special Adviser (Media) to the Minister

Slain man’s family demands withdrawal of JTF from Kano >> PAGE 9

Contd on Page 2

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

CONTENTS

Publish letter inviting us to dialogue, Boko Haram tells FG

News

From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

2-11

Editorial

12

Op.Ed

13

Letters

14

Opinion

15

Metro

16-17

Business

19-22

S/Exchange

23

S/Report

24

Motoring

26

Newsxtra

27

Arts

29

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he Islamic sect Boko Haram has given the federal government one condition for it to sit down to discuss how to end its insurgency in parts of the north, which is to publish its letter inviting it for talks.

This was revealed by a top Islamic cleric, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, yesterday in Bauchi, while he was briefing newsmen on the on the occasion of the birthday of late Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass.

According to him, “several months back we started making efforts towards possible negotiation between the Boko Haram and the Federal Government.

“We tried our possible best, using Sheikh Umar Mohammed Diyar in Damaturu, who assisted us to get them.

“We explained to them that the ongoing killing of people is not in the interest of Islam.”

Sheikh Dahiru said he told

the sect that “last year, in my school, we had over 600 people who memorized the Holy Qur’an. If there is no peace how can we get hundreds of Qur’anic memorizers?”

In response, the sect’s members told him that ‘Muslims who are on the path of Allah don’t seek dialogue’, quoting a verse from the Holy Qur’an, but he countered with another verse which ‘says if they seek for dialogue and ceasefire you should agree.’

Sheik Dahiru said: “We discussed with the sect, they agreed that to dialogue with Federal Government through me because they believe I’ll not betray them because of the trust they have in me.

“I told them I will meet the Federal Government and they will seek for dialogue.”

According to him, when he approached the Federal Government and told it that ‘they have fire on their hands and these people also have fire

and fire can’t quench fire, let’s resolve to dialogue’, it agreed.

“The Federal Government then asked Bauchi state Government to set up a committee to initiate the process of dialogue,” Dahiru said.

“I, Sheik Dahiru Bauchi, the Personal Principal Secretary (PPS) to President Goodluck Jonathan, Hassan Tukur, agreed to work on this, but we also need someone who knows the activities of government.

“I invited a former Secretary to the Federal Government, Alhaji Aminu Saleh Wamban Katagum, who however said he would only be with me, not on the side of the Federal Government or the group and we agreed.”

He said “after we went back to and told them that the Federal Government had agreed to dialogue with them on condition that their leader come out and announce a ceasefire for three months or minimum of 40 days and

government will stop arresting their members.

“They replied they wanted it in writing and the government wrote a letter to them through me which I gave to them.

“Then we waited for some time and we asked them for their reply to the letter but they said they wanted the government to publish the letter in newspapers so that everybody will see and read it.”

The scholar said that was the reason why he called yesterday’s press conference to show them the letter which was written to the sect by the Federal Government through a Committee set up by the Bauchi state government.

Sheikh Dahiru said “after the publication of this letter we will go back to them and see the way out for them to come out and announce a ceasefire and we will also appeal to the government to stop arresting their members.”

Senate wants Demuren sacked Contd from Page 1

Reps under Tambuwal: The journey in the last one year, 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

of Aviation, Mr. Joe Obi, said the airline has been “suspended for safety reasons.”

Meanwhile the Senate, besides recommending Demuren’s sack has directed its Committee on Aviation to liaise with that of the House of Representatives to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the Sunday air crash.

The upper house also demanded the immediate withdrawal of the operating licence of the airline in question as well as the prosecution of all those indicted in the investigation into previous crashes.

Senate’s position followed a motion by Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Hope Uzodimma yesterday and 40 others who lamented the crash and urged that a drastic step should be taken to ensure the safety of the nation’s air space.

Senator Uzodimma in moving his motion, expressed sorrow over the air crashes in Lagos and Accra, observing that the Lagos crash “is coming

on the heels of similar crashes involving Bellview Airlines in 2005, Sosoliso Airlines in 2005”.

He added that the latest Dana plane crash “is even more tragic than the previous ones with a total casualty figure of about 190 people, including 153 passengers, six crew members and 37 people on the ground.

“This latest crash is a clear indication of failure and or negligence of relevant regulatory functions in the aviation industry which if unchecked could lead to more devastating air mishaps in the future,” he lameted.

Senator Uzodimma described the “peculiar circumstances leading to Sunday’s crash as a wake-up call for all relevant authorities to rise to the challenge of ensuring that the aviation industry in Nigeria conforms to global best practices.”

He feared that the Dana crash might be “indicative of a greater rot in the aviation industry which could portend more danger in future”, saying that it was time to see the latest

incident as the “watershed for regulatory agencies to embark on a critical re-examination of the aviation sector and operational guidelines of airlines in the country.”

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, in his contribution, observed that before the crash there had been warnings of the unworthiness of the Dana aircraft which crashed in Lagos without the aviation authorities taking appropriate action.

Senator Ahmed Maikarfi said the crash was avoidable, adding that “we have heard that the aircraft was obsolete and somebody must have certified it air worthy. Those found to have contributed to the crash would have to be brought to book.”

Earlier, Uzodinma while on a visit to the site of the crash on Monday, in the company of President Goodluck Jonathan, had said “we have come, we have seen, we condole the government and people of Nigeria for this strong tragedy that has happened and we are sure that we must also learn lessons from this incident.”

Dr Harold Demuren Uzodinma told the president that “The government will be supported by the parliament.

“We are going to look into the immediate and the remote causes of this incident and see how best to strengthened the aviation sector in Nigeria and ensure that there will be no repeat occurrences.

“I want to implore all of us to take heart and continue to pray to Almighty God who is the author of everything in life, I am sure that we will get through this.”

Gunfights, explosions send Maiduguri residents fleeing Contd from Page 1 All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Modu Fannami Gubio, was shot dead along with five other people in the build-up to the 2011 elections.

Our correspondent, who visited the area yesterday, reports that hundreds of people were seen leaving their homes with their belongings as armed soldiers began putting up checkpoints, and subjecting motorists to thorough searches.

About 40 percent of houses

there were locked up, meaning either the owners have fled or locked themselves in.

Residents of neighbouring Lawan Bukar, Budum, Hausari, Abbaganaram and Gidan Yashi, were also fleeing from their homes yesterday.

Those who stopped to speak with our correspondent said that they had decided to relocate to escape the highhandedness of the soldiers from the JTF, alleging that “they are intimidating and molesting innocent people.”

They also said that they left their homes after receiving a warning of a clampdown by the security forces.

“I’ m moving out of my house with my four children because I learnt that the military will launch a manhunt for Boko Haram members here and they directed us to leave the area as our safety is not guaranteed,” Lawan Bukar, Malam Shettima Bulama, a resident of Lawan Bukar said.

“Our fear is that if they don’t find people that they are looking

for, our male children would become scapegoats,” he alleged.

However, Spokesman of the JTF, Lt-Col. Sagir Musa, told newsmen that there was nothing to fear from the heavy presence of troops in the area, saying the measure was only aimed at protecting the area and its residents from gunmen.

He denied that the JTF issued a warning of an imminent military assault in the area, saying it asked to leave their houses.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

PAGE 3

Crash: Foreign Affairs minister directs flags to fly at half mast in embassies

N27.5bn theft: EFCC witness testifies for Atuche

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

From Francis Iwuchukwu, Lagos

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ollowing the air disaster last Sunday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olugbenga Ashiru, has directed Nigerian foreign missions to observe the presidential directive of a threeday mourning and to fly flags at half mast in honour of the victims of the disaster.

In a statement issued yesterday, the minister also instructed Nigerian missions abroad to open a condolence register in their respective embassies for visitors.

The ministry also conveyed condolence message to the Minster of State I, Viola Onwuliri, who lost her husband, Celestine Onwuliri, who was on official assignment.

Minister of State II for Foreign Affairs, Nuurudeen Muhammad, who led the delegation to her residence in Abuja, expressed sorrow at the loss of lives of other Nigerians in the tragic accident, praying God to repose the souls of the departed.

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field detective in the Bank Fraud Investigative Department of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), David Olom Nkpe, who is testifying in the ongoing trial of troubled former Managing Director of Bank PHB (now Keystone Bank), Mr. Francis Atuche, yesterday told Justice Lateefa Okunnu of a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja, that from

their investigations, there was no foreign investments in all the transactions.

Nkpe, revealed this while being cross examined by Atuche's counsel, Anthony Idigbe. The field detective, added that from their investigations, there was also no record or application form for preferential allotment or disbursement of any, adding that it was only in the statement of the Managing Director of Futureview Financial Services Limited, Mrs.

Elizabeth Ebi, that such was mentioned.

According to Nkpe, all the companies involved in the transactions investigated Futureview, Extra oil and Trajec are affiliated to Mrs. Ebi, though they are headed by other individuals.

He further confirmed that all the cheques transferring the N10.9 billion deposited into Futureview account to other accounts were authorised by

One killed in jailbreak attempt in Lafia prison From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

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Bauchi ALGON donates N.5m to bomb victims From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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he Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, (ALGON), Bauchi state chapter, has donated the sum of N500,000 to the victims of last Sunday’s bomb blast in Yelwa area of Bauchi and commiserated with those who lost their loved ones in the incident particularly the Christian community.

ALGON chairman, Lawal Baba Ma’aji Abubakar, stated this while making the presentation when he led his members to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), on a sympathy visit.

The ALGON boss who expressed shock over the incident further called on the Christian community in the state not to see it as a religious attack, but an attack on humanity.

The chairman commended CAN leadership in the state for not allowing the situation to degenerate saying “we are brothers and sisters created here together and there is nothing anyone can do to change it.

Survivors packing their belongings out of the house where the DANA plane crashed, to pave way for pulling down the structure yesterday in Lagos. Photo: NAN

Gaidam approves jobs for of 1,107 graduates From Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

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overnor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe state has granted approval for the recruitment of 1, 107 holders of Degree and Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates as part of the state government’s drive to engage youth in productive activity and reduce unemployment.

The state’s Head of Service, Alhaji Dauda Yahaya revealed this in a press release in Damaturu yesterday, saying a majority of the new recruits will be deployed to teach in secondary schools under the Teaching Service Board and the Science and Technical Schools Board.

He said some of the new recruits will teach in state-owned

Retired DIG, 2 aides killed in Kano From Edwin Olofu, Kano

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retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Saleh Abubakar Ningi was yesterday killed alongside two of his two aides in Kano by unknown gunmen.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen riding on a motorcycle attacked the retired DIG who was riding in a Toyota Hilux van on his way back from his factory in Sauna area, Kawaji in the metropolis and shot him alongside

Mrs. Ebi. In his answers to questions posed by Idigbe, Nkpe had stated that his team never investigated the terms and conditions of the public offer, saying they were irrelevant to their investigation.

Speaking on the deferral policy of the bank, he confirmed that during investigations, they discovered that the bank has a deferral policy which also needs a deferral form, adding that there was no specific form designed for this as it is usually in form of an open communication channel like a minute or email depending on where it originates from.

his driver and his orderly. All three were said to have died instantly.

The late Saleh Ningi retired early this year as the DIG C (Works) before he met his untimely death.

Kano state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Rilwan Mohammed Dutse, confirmed the incident. The PPRO said that the deceased were ambushed by gunmen and were killed on the spot and full investigation have been launched to unmask persons

behind the attack.

It would be recalled that gunmen had in March, launched a similar attack in the home of a serving senior police officer in the metropolis where some aides were shot dead.

Sporadic attacks on uniformed security agents in Kano including barracks and police stations, outposts and road blocks have become a regular occurrences since the onslaught on January 20 in which over 189 people were killed.

institutions of higher learning while a few others will work in the civil service.

Alhaji Yahaya also revealed his office has forwarded a list of 1, 784 other applicants to the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) “for screening, interview and possible engagement as teachers in primary and junior secondary schools in the state”.

ne prisoner was confirmed killed Monday night when inmates attempted a jailbreak at the Lafia prison, after staging a violent protest over meals being served at the prison, following which sporadic gunshots were heard through most of the night as a combined team of prison guards and armed policemen fired into the air to keep the rampaging inmates in check.

Addressing journalists at the premises of the prison, ControllerGeneral of the Nigeria Prison Service, Zakari Ohinoyi Ibrahim, who arrived the scene early morning yesterday for an on the spot assessment of the situation, disclosed that the matter has being brought under control and that investigation is ongoing to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the unrest.

Even though the CG refused to confirm any casualty, sources at the prison disclosed that one prisoner was shot dead while he was trying to dig open an escape route on one of the fence of the prison yard.

The prison boss explained that the prisoners, who were mostly armed robbery suspects, were complaining on the quantity of food being served at the prison, demanding for an increment, with some of them also protesting their innocence over crimes they claimed they did not commit but for which they were jailed.

Plane crash: NAMA is not to blame, says spokesperson From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

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he Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), late yesterday in Lagos, denied alleged reports credited to its ''anonymous'' top officials on the airworthiness of the crashed DANA MD 83 aircraft.

The agency, according to its General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr. Supo Atobatele, told our reporter that “it is not in a position to access the airworthiness of any aircraft as doing that will negate

its statutory responsibility of providing air traffic services to airlines.

Mr. Atobatele added that: ''We therefore vehemently object to any attribution by the media on the technical assessment of the illfated aircraft by the agency''.

“Our staff are not trained on aircraft maintenance, not to mention assessing which aircraft is airworthy or not as NAMA’s job is strictly on provision of air traffic services and management”, the agency declared.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

PAGE 4

Fire guts part of Kaduna N2bn scam: Ex-gov Sylva Government House remanded in EFCC custody From Agaju Madugba, Kaduna

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fire incident attributed to the surge in electricity current yesterday razed a part of the official residence of the Kaduna state governor, Mr. Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, a development which led to further security beef up at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House.

Reporters were barred from accessing the Government House to ascertain the level of destruction but Yakowa’s Senior Special Assistant (Media), Mr. Reuben Buhari who confirmed the incident via a text message, said that “today (yesterday), June 5th, 2012, around 9:30 am, part of the official residence of His Excellency, Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, was torched by fire. It was caused by an electrical problem as a result of power fluctuation.

“The fire was promptly put out by men of Kaduna state Fire Service. Everything is now completely under control and the

Governor is now continuing with his normal duties.

His Excellency and the entire members of his household and domestic staff are all well. The Governor wishes to thank all those who contributed towards putting out the fire and prays that such an incident does not occur again.

The Governor has taken time after the incident to visit and condole with the three families resident in Kaduna, who lost loves ones in the Dana air crash.

The victims are, Falmata Mohammed Kur, Farida Shehu Kaikai and Ibrahim Yusuf. He also visited the family of Aliyu Sambo, who died in a road accident.”

Meanwhile, the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF), yesterday expressed consolation to the Kaduna state government over the fire incident. Chairman of the forum, Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger state, urged Governor Yakowa not to be discouraged by the incident.

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

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Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday ordered the remand of former Bayelsa state, Chief Timipre Sylva in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) till tomorrow when it will decide the application for his bail.

The embattled former governor who was said to be evading service was finally arraigned yesterday on a sixcount charge bordering on money laundering and diversion of about N2 billion

belonging to the government of Bayelsa state when he was governor.

Soon after he pleaded not guilty to the six-count charge, his lawyer, Chief Lateef Fagbemi asked the court to admit him to bail on liberal conditions.

Fagbemi told the court that Sylva submitted himself to the court and was never declared wanted, adding that the Supreme Court had established, in several cases, that an accused should be presumed innocent until proven otherwise by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Fagbemi informed the court

that the offenses for which Sylva is standing trial are ordinarily bailable, and that the main purpose of bail is to ensure that an accused person faces trial.

While opposing the bail application, Keyamo who drew the attention of the court to efforts made by EFCC to serve him with court processes, urged the court to deny him bail.

The court subsequently adjourned till 7th June, to rule on the bail application, and ordered the remandment of the former governor in the custody of EFCC.

Katsina, Chinese firm engage 3,000 communities on economic trees From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

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atsina state government and a Chinese firm, Clean Air Organisation have joined hands in training 3,000 communities in the state on the planting of economic trees.

The state commissioner for environment, Alhaji Aminu Ibrahim Safana made the disclosure at the celebration of this year’s world environmental day.

Safana noted that the benefitting communities would be selected from Katsina, Malumfashi, Kankia, Funtua, Daura, Mani and Dutsin-ma local governments.

He noted that for the success of the project, Katsina state

government would provide 500 hectres of land in each of the benefitting communities while the Chinese firm would provide the required seedlings.

Economic trees to be promoted under the project include mango, cashew, apple, guava and oranges, adding that the project was aimed at reducing poverty and unemployment in the rural areas.

Similarly, the commissioner said the state government had approved the establishment of Green Initiative Project in seven local government areas.

According to him, the seven affected local governments include Kaita, Batsari, Mai’adua, Baure, Jibia, Zango and Daura.

Former Bayelsa state Governor, Mr. Timiprie Sylva (middle), after he was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for money laundering, yesterday at the Federal High Court, in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Horror as excavation continues at crash site

Benue police arrest 100 cultists I

From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

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ver 100 persons suspected to be members of secret cult groups in Benue state were arrested yesterday by the police in Makurdi. The arrest followed a clampdown by the Police on cult activities that have seen over 10 persons killed in different parts of Makurdi, the state capital.

Most of arrests were made in Wadata, Wurukum and North Bank areas of the town.

A source who pleaded anonymity told Peoples Daily that the police is worried by the recent upsurge in cult activities and decided to embark on the raid.

“What is happening in Makurdi has become a source of great worry to everybody, cult activities have been on the increase leading to the death of several persons in town; and the

police will not sit down and watch these cultists have a field day. That is why there is increased police patrols in the nooks and crannies of the town in the last few days”, he said.

However, when contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Philip Agena said the police merely embarked on a routine raid and declined to state any figure, adding that investigation was already ongoing.

t was an emotional and gory sight yesterday as heavy duty machine from construction giant, Julius Berger continued the excavation work at the site of the crashed Dana Air aircraft in Lagos in which buildings affected by the incident were brought down.

The excavation works, which removed the carcass of the plane paving way for the removal of the remaining charred bodies of the victims, evoked tears from by watchers and family members of the deceased. Heavy machines were

deployed to help remove the parts of the MC Donnell Douglas MD 83 aircraft and taken away in tippers to a destination where they will be examined by accident investigators.

General Manager of LASEMA, Dr. Femi Osanyintolu told reporters at the scene that the agency had so far cart away about 95 percent of the dead bodies of the victims that were involved in the crash.

“Immediately we finish that, we are going to demolish this building, we will pull it down and make sure that this place is safe then, we will fumigate this place to

prevent epidemics,” he affirmed.

Also the LASEMA boss noted that the bodies had all been taken to the Lagos State Teaching Hospital where relatives of the victims were expected to identify the corpses of their beloved ones.

He disclosed that “at the Lagos State Teaching hospital, we have established two desks, one desk is for information that we are going to pass to the relatives of the victims of the disaster on how they are going to identify their beloved ones, not only that Lagos state government is going to carry out a DNA test on these victims.”

NNPC Company Secretary is alive – Management

By Muhammad Nasir

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he management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), says its Legal Adviser/ Company Secretary, Mr. Tony

Madichie is alive and was not on board the ill-fated Dana Air plane that crashed last Sunday.

According to a statement issued to journalists yesterday, the General Manager, Media Relations Department of the

Group Public Affairs Division of the Corporation, Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim said the Legal Adviser is hale and hearty.

He said that although Mr. Madichie bought a ticket for the ill fated flight, he did not make it on

the plane.

"This is to correct the information released on the manifest by the airline to the effect that Mr. Madichie was on the Dana Airline flight 0992 from Abuja to Lagos," Dr. Ibrahim said.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

PAGE 5

I’ve no hand in DANA plane crash, says First Lady F

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

irst Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, said yesterday in Abuja that she had no hand in the crash of a Dana Air flight on Sunday in Lagos.

Over 150 bodies have so far been recovered from the crash site.

Mrs. Jonathan was reacting to speculations making the rounds yesterday that a VIP movement involving her and a presidential

jet was directly responsible for Sunday’s air mishap.

The First Lady described the ruomours as wicked and a plot to politicize the national tragedy.

According to the rumours, the First Lady who had reportedly gone to Lagos in a presidential jet to attend the christening of an aide’s child, had the entire airspace closed for two hours and that llegedly made it difficult for the ill-fated Dana

flight to have an emergency landing when it started having engine problems, hence the fatal crash.

A statement by her Media Assistant, Ayo Adewuyi, however, explained: “Our attention has been drawn to the orchestrated plan to politicize the Sunday Dana air crash in Lagos in which many people lost their lives, through rumours about the possible cause of the accident citing VIP

movement involving the wife of the President.

“We consider it callous, inhuman and devilish for anyone to have thought of wrapping such national calamity in political garb by insinuating that the plane crashed because the airspace was closed for the First Lady’s movement in Lagos.”

It continued: “For the avoidance of doubt, the First Lady arrived Lagos at about 2pm on Saturday, 2nd June, 2012 for a private engagement and was billed to leave for Abuja on Monday, 4th June, 2012.

L-R: Bauchi state Governor, Malam Isa Yuguda, with leader of German Solar Power Project, Dr. Jeremy Gaines, during the governor's inspection visit to Bauchi state Styer Construction Company, yesterday in Bauchi.

Photo: NAN

Reps rebuke minister over transfer of research directors

By Lawrence Olaoye

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he House of Representatives yesterday berated the Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Ita Okon, for approving the transfer of four directors of its research institutes in Kano, Enugu and Akure without following due process.

The House Committee on Science and Technology under the chairmanship of Rep Abiodun Akinlade queried the minister for having flouted civil service rules

by transferring the directors ostensibly acting on the new service rules that stipulated that any director that had served 8 years at his/her duty post be moved or retired.

The affected directors include Engr. A.M. Adnan, Director, Hydraulic Equipment Development Institute (HEDI), Kano; Engnr Professor C.O. Nwajagu, Director, Scientific Equipment Development Institute, (SEDI), Enugu; Dr. S.O. Momoh, Director, National Engineering

Design Development Institute (NEDDI), Nnewi and Engnr. Kole Olunlade, Ag. Director, Engineering Materials Development Institute (EMDI), Akure.

The directors were recommended for transfer by the former Director General of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Professor Olusegun Adewoye and they were subsequently removed and transferred to the headquarters.

The committee citing various

correspondences, including certain letters written by the office of the HoS exempting directors of the research institutes from the eight year retirement, pointed out that the minister erred by hurriedly approving the transfer of the directors without properly making adequate consultations.

The committee therefore urged the minister to urgently look into the matter and redress the anomaly by re-instating the directors whom they claimed were transferred in error.

to mourn the victims of the Dana plane crash on Sunday.

The Chairman asked OkonjoIwaela who was accompanied by the Director General of the Budget Office, Bright Okogwu, to bring along with them details of the information on the budget implementation.

According to him, the interactive session was in line with the committee's mandate to monitor, to supervise the implementation of the country's budget.

Responding the minister lauded the resolution of the committee and promised to appear

before the committee today with requisite data. She said "I can tell you the summary of releases and the cash backings but I think we

could give you a better detailed table that you can digest, thank you for your kind permission to do that."

...summon finance minister over budget implementation

By Lawrence Olaoye

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he House of Representatives has summoned the Minister of Finance and the coordinating Minister of Economy, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to appear before it today over the implementation of the 2012 Appropriation Act. House Chairman on Appropriation, Rep John Eno, while addressing the minister who had come before the committee yesterday said the meeting was postponed in difference to the three day national mourning declared

by President Goodluck Jonathan

Death of 5 NUC staff, setback for education, says minister

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

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he Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayya Rufa'i, has described the death of five staff of the National Universities Commission (NUC) as a setback for the education sector, pledging the support of the ministry to the commission.

The minister who visited the NUC office in Abuja, alongside other senior staff of the ministry, also prayed God to grant their families the fortitude to bear the loss.

Rufa'i added that the five were committed staff of the commission and died in active service.

In his response, the Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Julius Okojie, said the plane clash was an unfortunate incident for the entire Nigerians, and especially the NUC. Okojie said the staff involved in the crash were the finest of officers and were on their way to an official assignment, adding that “for the NUC, it is going to be a very long period of mourning.”

“This year, we are supposed to be celebrating our 50 years anniversary, but we have no cause to celebrate it now.

“NUC is a very close family and we know ourselves because some of them that were involved in the accident have been here for more than 28 years, so it is not something that can be forgotten just like that.”

NMFUK condoles with Nigerians, Pioneer Amir over plane disaster

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

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he Nigerian Muslim Forum (NMF), UK, has added its voice in sympathizing with Nigerians who lost loved ones in the ill-fated Dana Air plane that crashed in Lagos last Sunday, especially its pioneer Amir Professor Idris Bugajeand.

NMFUK in a statement made available to Peoples Daily, described the incident as tragic, saying it came at a time when the country was besieged by myriads of security challenges in which lives were lost on daily basis.

It also calls on the relevant authorities to appropriately investigate the remote and immediate causes of the crash, to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

...to investigate plane crash

By Umar Mohammed Puma

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he House of Representatives yesterday directed its Committee on Aviation to commence joint investigation with its Senate counterpart in order to find out the immediate and remote causes of Dana plane crash in Lagos. The committee was also mandated to ascertain the air worthiness of all other airlines

operating in the country and make appropriate recommendations.

The motion was moved by Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha (PDP) Abia, which was unanimously adopted by the House.

Onyejeocha, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Aviation, said there were clear indications of negligence on the part of regulatory authorities in the aviation industry, adding

that, there is the need for the industry to be checked on regular bases, so that it cannot lead to devastating air mishaps in the future.

While leading the debate, Hon. Samson Osagie (ACN) Edo, said it is indeed a sad moment for all Nigerians, and that most of the aircraft that are flying our domestic route are old aircraft that was used long ago by Europeans.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

PAGE 7

Dana plane crash: NEMA decries rowdiness at site

By Mohammed Kandi

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he Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Muhammad Sani-Sidi has condemned acts of indiscipline displayed by some citizens at the scene of the Dana plane crash, saying they made rescue efforts difficult for the search and rescue teams of the agency.

Sani-Sidi who made this known yesterday at the crash site in Lagos, noted that mammoth crowd that thronged the area lacked orderliness and basic knowledge on public safety.

The NEMA boss, according to a statement issued by the agency’s head of press and public relations, Yushau A. Shuaib, said: “The mob-action made the task of response of the agencies difficult in the initial stage until the arrivals of security personnel who contained the situation.”

He also assured that the agency would continue to mobilise, train and equip volunteer groups in disaster management in the country, adding that, “crowd-control has always being our major challenges in disaster management when some people turn the scene to a cinema to watch or engage in nefarious activities.”

Meanwhile, more bodies have been recovered from the scene of the plane crash, bringing the total to 153 bodies, just as money, electronic gadgets, phones were recovered.

It was further leant that while most of the recovered bodies were burnt beyond recognition, others were intact and with little bruises.

But, rescue officers and engineers have been directed to pull down some of the affected building at the site to facilitate speedy operation and fumigation.

Kwara govt presents N7.7m to fire disaster victims From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

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bout 2,711 victims of fire disaster across Kwara state have been given N7.7 million out of N20.5 million approved by the state government as part of the relief measure to cushion the adverse effect of the incident on the affected residents of the state.

Presenting the money yesterday, the Special Assistant to Kwara State Governor on Emergency Services, Alhaji Musa Abdullahi, said the state government was doing this in order to ensure that less privileged in the society were not deprived of basic necessity of life.

“As part of the determination of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed to improve the lives of the less privileged in the society, he approved the release of N20.5m for the provision of relief materials to the victims of

various disasters in the state.

Today we are presenting a cash gift of N7.7m to the victims of fire disasters in the state.

“This distribution is going be done in large scale and it is in commemoration of Ahmed’s one year in office. There are some people who are not benefiting today but who will benefit in future. The advice I have for the victims is that they should make sure that they use the money given to them judiciously and they should always desist from all forms of activities that may trigger fire disasters in their abodes.”

He added that other categories of victims other than fire disasters that benefited from the gifts included flood victims, rain storm victims saying “we are commencing the distribution of relief materials to rain storm and flood disaster victims”.

Minister of state for Education, Barrister Nyesom Wike, addressing the students of Federal Government Girls College, Bwari, over the death of their principal in the Sunday Dana plane crash, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

UNIJOS assures of safety as IED explodes in student hostel From Nankpah Bwakan, Jos

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ollowing the multiple bomb blasts that rocked students’ hostels at the University of Jos, the management of the institution yesterday, called on students and staff to be security conscious and report any suspicious movements in and around the university to security operatives.

Deputy Registrar, Publications of the institution, Mr. Steve Otowo in a press statement condemned the incident and assured students and the entire university of their safety saying already security has been beefed up in and around the institution.

Our correspondent gathered that an improvised explosive device (IED) was planted under a mango tree at Naraguta male hostel, Block "C" which went off

mid-night but nobody was injured.

Mr. Otowo said no casualty was recorded as a result of the blast and appealed to the students and lecturers alike to

remain calm and go about their academic pursuits without any fear of molestation as internal security are on top of the of the situation.

According to him, “fortunately, the explosion did not injure anyone, and we have taken care of the unfortunate development”.

Trailer crushes 3 in Ibadan From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

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o fewer than three men were killed by a trailer tanker along MuslimOlorunsogo of Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Oluyole local government area of Oyo state.

The incident which occurred yesterday morning threw the sympathisers who were going for their daily activities into tears.

Eye witnesses who spoke with Peoples Daily said, the victims were on a motorcycle called ‘okada’ before the trailer lost control resulting from brake

failure and crushed them to death.

“It was difficult to locate where these middle aged men are coming from and where they are going as none of them has any means of identification”.

The state police command confirmed the incident saying it is difficult to locate the trailer as eyewitness did not supply the vehicle’s registration number.

Speaking through its public relations officer, DSP Bisi Okuwobi, expressed sadness over the tragedy and urged people to move with means of identification.

Again, Boko Haram threatens media, claims responsibility for Bauchi church attack From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

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he Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad, otherwise known as Boko Haram yesterday claimed responsibility for last Sunday’s attack on Harvest Field Church of Christ in Yelwa area of Bauchi metropolis, killing 15 persons and leaving several others injured.

Spokesman for the group, Abul Qaqa, in a statement emailed to newsmen in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, also issued a fresh warning to media organisations over distortion of facts on the recent confrontation between

members of the sect and security forces in some parts of Kano metropolis.

The statement added that the sect had severally warned media outfits to stop taking sides with the government in reporting issues relating to its battle with security operatives, but that they remain defiant, saying “henceforth, we would no longer tolerate pleadings and excuses any more”.

“This is a special warning to media houses and journalists who are now fond of exaggerating and giving prominence to false stories given to them by our enemies as it is sad that the media carries such report word by word without

removing or altering anything.

But when we issue statements and press releases, the media always look the other way, pretending as if they didn’t get the message correctly”, the group further alleged.

The statement further added: “More worrisome, perhaps, is that even when the media carries the report, they distort what we said just because they want to please the ego of our enemies; henceforth, nobody should talk to us when we attack any media organisation”.

“The least we expect is that if any media organisation is not willing to give us true and fair representation, it is better not

to report at all no matter what is said or who said it on the side of the government. Any media that refuses to adhere to this wise counsel should have itself to blame”.

The sect also raised questions over the last Thursday botched attempt by security agents to free a German national, Mr. Edgar Fritz, who has kidnapped and held in Kano as it debunked claims by the security operatives that four of its top leaders were killed while holding meetings in Ja’in ward of Kano state, stressing that all their members came out of the place safely.

“How can our leaders keep a German hostage guarding

him? It was just innocent people the military killed and claimed that they were our members”, it said.

Qaqa also said the security agencies are just deceiving President Goodluck Jonathan on the security situation in the country by given him false information.

“We are really surprised with the way and manner security agencies are misleading President Goodluck Jonathan by giving him false information on our confrontation with them. They always conceal the truth about the damages we are inflicting on them and how they fail to tame us”.

PAGE 8

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

Students of Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe, protesting the killing of Mohammed Nasir, a 200-level student by security operatives, on Monday in Gombe.

A vehicle wading through flood water, on Ada-George road in Port Harcourt, Rivers state yesterday.

Photos: NAN

L-R: GOC, 2 Div, Nigerian Army, MajorGeneral Mohammed Abubakar, Chief of Army Staff, Lt.General Azubuike Ihejirika, and ViceChancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Olufemi Adewole, during the opening of 2nd commanding officers workshop, on Monday in Ibadan.

A billboard damaged by rainstorm at Adekunle on Third Mainland Bridge , yesterday in Lagos.

PAGE 9

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

Uneasy calm in Benue over Suswam/Ugbah guber tussle From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi akurdi, the Benue state capital, is experiencing a lull in activities following yesterday’s sitting at the Supreme Court over the tussle between Governor Gabriel Suswam and ACN gubernatorial candidate, Prof Steve Ugbah.

Peoples Daily observed that the issue is the talk of the city as people clutter around vendor stands, markets, offices as well as

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beer parlours to discuss the issue.

Even government activities has slowed down as most civil servants were seen discussing the matter.

However there is optimism on the part of both the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) of victory on Friday when the final verdict would be delivered on who actually has the people’s mandate to occupy the Government House.

Only recently, Governor Gabriel Suswam in a radio program to mark this year’s Democracy Day

stated emphatically that he had three years to go on in his administration, adding that, “nobody will

From Iliya Garba, Minna

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orried by the encroachment on the primary school land in Tayi area of Niger state by some developers, governor of the state, Dr. Muazu Babangida

the grounds that he (Suswam) was not qualified to contest the election.

Edo govt suspends work on collapsed hospital From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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onstruction work on the multi billion naira ultra modern Central Hospital Complex, Benin City, has been suspended indefinitely by the state government over

the death of a project manager during a recent collapse.

The State Commissioner for Works, Mr. Francis Evbuomwan who said this yesterday at a briefing in Benin City, added that seven victims were trapped in the three

Muazu tasks ward heads not to sell school lands Aliyu has directed the ward head and the councilor representing the ward to carry out a census of buildings around the school and furnish the government with the necessary information.

push me out of office.”

Prof.

Ugbah is contesting the re-election of Governor Suswam on

It was gathered that several landlords within the Tayi area may lose their property to government in its bid to secure the only primary school in the densely populated community and build a new secondary school for the people.

He made this known

yesterday while inspecting the primary school, saying that developers had encroached on the land belonging to the school and made expansion programme difficult.

Governor Aliyu said those who were found to have genuine titles to their buildings would be compensated while illegal developers will forfeit their buildings to the government.

He warned ward and village heads against selling school lands to developers as such action had hampered government’s plan to expand schools in the state.

Gov Aliyu also announced that the road leading to the community will be constructed to make it motorable.

He also disclosed that the government had taken over the parcel of land adjacent the Umaru Bahago Primary School in Minna in ‘public interest’ pointing out that if those claiming the land have genuine titles, they will be compensated.

The governor directed the Chanchaga local government area and the Niger state Universal Basic Education Board to immediately begin the fencing of the school and those at Tunga and Kwaso areas to stop encroachment and pilfering of school furniture.

The state commissioner for water resources, Hajia Hadiza Abdullahi said government had approved the extension of water supply to the area, adding that job on the project will commence next month.

She said the water problem facing the area was as a result of survey report which showed that sinking of borehole in the area will not be successful.

storey building while six of them were successfully rescued.

The commissioner equally noted that the project manager whose body was deposited at the morgue of the Stella Obasanjo Children Hospital, Benin, died several hours after he was rescued at 2am on Tuesday morning.

Mr. Evbuomwan who described the incident as unfortunate, lamented the

failure of an elevator which snapped one the beams under construction on the third floor.

He added that the decision to suspend work on the site is to enable government carry out a full scale investigation on the incident.

He said other victims who sustained various degrees of injuries were responding to treatment at an undisclosed hospital in the state capital.

Slain man’s family demands withdrawal of JTF from Kano From Bala Nasir, Kano

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he family members of a victim of alleged extra judicial killing in Kano, Tasiu Hamza Mohammed, have demanded the withdrawal of soldiers from the state.

Spokesman of the family, Malam Salisu Hamza opined in an interaction with our reporter that men of the Joint Task Force (JTF) needed to quit the state for policemen to take over security duties.

Late Tasiu Hamza was according to the family members, killed by a team of army personnel at Danbare village where a

German national, Raufach Edgar was killed in a bid to rescue him by men of JTF last week.

Other family members also told Peoples Daily that the deceased and a nephew were in the village to attend a burial before he (Tasiu Hamza) met his waterloo.

The deceased family urged the Federal Government to compensate the family or face a court action.

However, JTF spokesman, Lt. Ikedichi Iweha denied killing any civilian during the operation. “The only people killed in that operation were kidnappers”, he said.

Gov Yari warns officials to shun corruption From Salisu Zakari Maradun, Gusau

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overnor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara state has once again threatened to sack any political office holder involved in corruption in the state.

The governor also urged civil servants to ensure compliance with government directives and remain punctual and dedicated to their duties.

Governor Yari said this at a special preaching organised by the state Ministry for Religious Affairs held at the Eidpraying ground in Gusau, the state capital.

“If you are here to do what we ask you to do, you are welcome, but if you know you are here with bad mind, please drop and go, because if we catch you actually you will leave both the office and the party (ANPP).”

He further noted that he made a lot of promises during his electioneering campaign, adding that it was now time for the appointed officials to join hands with him to develop the state.

On the issue of fertiliser, the governor also warned that anybody caught diverting the commodity will face the wrath of law, no matter his status.

PAGE 10

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

Customs command impounds N91.6m fake drugs From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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he Zone C Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), yesterday, said it confiscated a trailer load containing 1,195 cartons of assorted fake drugs worth N91.6 million in the last one month.

By Joy Baba

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orno state Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima has joined other Nigerians in condoling with President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the families of those who perished in the illfated DANA airplane which crashed at the outskirts of Lagos

Ahmed Mohammed, Comptroller Federal Operations in charge of the zone who disclosed this in Benin City said, the trailer was intercepted at Onicha-Ugbo in Delta state on its way from Kano state with the consignment.

He further added that the drugs were not properly labeled

as the labels were written in foreign languages alien to Nigerians.

According to him, four of the drivers of the vehicles were arrested, just as he disclosed that the suspects would be handed over to NAFDAC for prosecution after investigation alongside with the goods which had

Gov. Shettima condoles with FG on crash on Sunday, especially families of elder statesman Alhaji Ibrahim Damcida.

Shettima, who expressed his heart-felt sympathy in a statement issued by the commissioner of home affairs,

information and culture, Malla Inuwa Bwala described last Sunday’s plane crash as a tragic addition to the national problems, taking into account the fact that Borno had her own fair share amongst the casualties of the

...Jang calls for probe From Nankpah Bwakan, Jos

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overnor Jonah David Jang of Plateau state has regretted the death of some prominent Nigerians who died in the Sunday Dana plane crash that consumed more than 150 lives.

no registered numbers.

The customs boss who said the agency is fully committed to fighting the influx of substandard goods, however, said the rate of smuggling has drastically reduced in the country.

He however advised importers to make use of the recognised routes of bringing in their goods to the country as well as pay the necessary customs duties to the relevant authorities.

The governor in a statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr. James Mannok, called for proper investigation into the crash in Lagos and another in Ghana to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of crash.

He noted that investigation into the causes of the crashes would

further strengthen the country's aviation industry.

Jang described the incident as sad and regrettable in the history of the nation's aviation industry.

The governor sympathised with the families of bereaved and comforted the families they left behind.

crash.

The statement added that the news of the air mishap which coincided with that of Ghana and a bomb blast on some places of worship in Bauchi, culminated the gory pictures of unfortunate incidences.

The governor called on the authorities to take decisive steps in addressing the problems of air crashes, which have become a nightmare to the aviation industry. He stressed the need for airline operators in Nigeria to use new and well maintained aircrafts to ply Nigerian airspace while also urging the authorities to strengthen the rules guiding the operation of flights in the country.

Gov Aliyu commiserates with families of Dana plane crash From Iliya Garba, Minna he Governor of Niger state, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu has described Sunday’s Dana Air crash which killed 153 passengers including six crew members as a massive national tragedy and a great loss to the country.

In a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Danladi Ndayebo, Governor Aliyu expressed sadness that the incident is coming at a time the nation is making significant progress in the area of aviation safety.

He expressed the hope that the investigation ordered by President Goodluck Jonathan will help uncover the immediate and remote causes of the crash.

Governor Aliyu said while air crashes are regarded as one of the worst tragedies in the world, they inevitably lead to safer flights, if the causes are properly investigated and lessons learnt taken seriously.

“If the investigation ordered by President Jonathan yields positive results, Nigerians would then take some solace in the fact that the victims of Sunday’s Dana air crash would not have died in vain if the fate they suffered could make flights safer in future”, the statement said.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

Expatriate worker, two others trapped in Benin hospital From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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section of the ultra modern Central Hospital being constructed by Governor Adams Oshiomhole in Benin City, on Monday afternoon, collapsed and trapped three persons including an expatriate.

It was said that the elevator valve burst and snapped one of the newly cast beams thereby trapping the victims.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Louis Odion, said there was no casualty, and that rescue operations were still on.

“What we found is that the crane fell on a beam that was being constructed today, that was what led to the incident,” he said.

PAGE 11

Highway carnage: Ogun threatens to shut fuel station From Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, Abeokuta

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he Ogun state government has ordered the owner of Danco Filling Station along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway to immediately close up the median it opened up in front of its station within the next 14 days or risk being shut down.

Secretary to the state government, Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa who gave the order at a meeting with representatives of the station and other stakeholders in his office in Abeokuta, said the

step became imperative in order to reduce carnage on the highway.

Barrister Adeoluwa in a statement issued by his press officer, Kunle Sokunbi, and made available to our reporter in Abeokuta, said the fuel station located between the Sagamu interchange and the Redeemed Christian Church headquarters, had contravened building regulations and altered the approval given it by the state’s Bureau of Urban and Physical Planning (BUPP), by opening up the median.

According to him, the station

had erected some structures like a hall and mosque within its premises, a development which had reduced the space available for trucks to buy fuel and sometimes requires them to park along the way.

“This filling station has been identified as a major trouble spot on the highway. As much as we welcome private investors into the state, we cannot as a responsible government watch helplessly as lives and properties are being wasted due to the illegal activities of some people”, government said.

Minister commiserates with Nigerians

By Albert Akota

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Zamfara Assembly frees 4 inmates From Salisu Zakari Maradun, Gusau

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our inmates who are undergoing various jail terms in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara state, due to their inability to pay the fine imposed on them for one offence or the other have been released.

Their release came following the intervention of the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Alhaji Sanusi Harba, who settled the fines.

Speaker Sansui explained that the gesture was part of the celebration of one year in office as the elected legislators who were mandated by the people to represent them and also make laws that could assist the well being of the people.

The Speaker who visited the Gusau Medium Security Prison told the officer in charge of the prison that the said inmates be released immediately the fine was paid, “because we want them to be part of us in the celebration of our one year anniversary and I believe that their offence were not criminal because we don’t encourage crime”.

Harba who was answering question from some newsmen shortly after the conclusion of the visit to various organisation which he embarked upon also revealed that the House of Assembly of the state so far has passed into law some bills and all the bills according to him have direct bearing on the common man.

Corroborating Adeoluwa’s position, the Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr. Ayobami Omiyale said the operations of the station causes traffic jam and accidents on that spot. “The popular feeling is that the presence of Danco is responsible for traffic jam and accidents on the highway”, the FRSC boss pointed out.

The ultra-modern Central Hospital building that collapsed on Monday in Benin.

he Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, has described the death of Mrs. Maria Okwulehie in the ill fated Dana Air disaster as untimely and painful.

Chief Wogu made these remarks during a condolence visit to Mr. Paul Okwulehie, the Director of Inspectorate Department in the Ministry of Labour and Productivity and husband of the deceased.

“I want to sympathise with the Okwulehie family and other Nigerians who lost their loved ones in the plane crash, the death of Mrs. Okwulehie is a big loss to the family especially at a time when she would have loved to share in the joy of the birth of her grandchild”.

“The sterling qualities of Mrs. Maria Okwulehie will remain ever green in the minds of those who had direct dealings with her. The minister prayed for the the souls of the dead and fortitude for the families to bear the loss.

The late Mrs. Maria Okwulehie until her death, was the principal of Federal Government Girls College, Bwari, Abuja.

Anti-Kalare squad kill 2 FCE, Gombe students From Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

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tudents of Federal College of Education Technical, Gombe staged a demonstration at the Government House following the shooting of two students by the anti-Kalare squad at the college premises on Monday.

Addressing the demonstrating students at the gate of Government House the state

deputy governor Mr. Tha’anda Jason Rubainu, said a committee would be set up immediately to investigate the unfortunate incident.

Mr. Rubainu further said that the incident was not deliberate and that after investigations anyone found culpable will face the law.

Confirming the incident, the state police commissioner, Ibrahim Abdu, explained that the matter

would be investigated soon for justice to be done.

Our reporter’s investigation revealed that the students prevented the squad from arresting one of their colleagues inside the school premises allegedly because he was spotted with a trouser in military camouflage.

Mohammed Salisu, a student who claimed to witness the incident, said when the disagreement ensued,

the squad began indiscriminate shooting into the air and one of the military personal aimed and shot at the student who was making peace between the students and the joint military and police squad while another student was hit by a stray bullet.

The students therefore embarked on a protest to the Government House over the killing of their colleague.

Dana plane crash: Residents blame explosions on delayed rescue operation From Adesoji Oyinlola, Lagos

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esidents of Toyin Street, Iju axis of Lagos lamented that the ill-fated Dana plane that crash two days back would not have exploded if help had come in good time.

Specifically, they were unanimous in their assertions that the plane did not explode until after

about 20 minutes when it crash landed on some buildings around the area.

They blamed the recue agencies for arriving the site late, saying if help had come early, the over 140 persons, who died might have been saved.

Narrating how the crash happened, an eyewitness, who claimed anonymity noted that

the aircraft was seen swinging before it eventually landed on a newly constructed storey building.

“I was here with my wife and other people when we saw the plane moving around in random directions. Initially we were confused, but when it was getting unusually close to the rooftop of the houses around, we stood up and

traced were it eventually landed”, he noted.

Continuing, the eyewitness said: “When we got to the scene, we saw the plane on the building and it did not explode upon landing. The only fire from the aircraft was from the cockpit which was not much. It was only 10 of us that first got to the scene.

That little fire would have been put

off if there was immediate emergency response from fire fighters”, he said.

It was further gathered that the absence of emergency response from concerned authorities, prompted one of the eyewitnesses at the scene to call the chairperson of the local government, who informed the Lagos state government.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

PAGE 12

EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

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Needless controversy over renaming of UNILAG

resident Goodluck Jonathan last week inadvertently stoked controversy when he announced the renaming of the University of Lagos to Moshood Abiola University in his national broadcast to mark this year’s Democracy Day. The late Abiola has therefore followed in the footsteps of notable political icons of Africa such as Nelson Mandela and Jomo Kenyatta who have had universities named after them. Almost immediately after the announcement, students of the university took to the streets of Lagos to protest what they described as an ill advised and unwarranted change of name. The students argued further that the university’s name has become a strong brand and changing it would diminish its stature.

Some civil society groups and activists who also lent their voices to the protest against the name change said doing so meant that federal government has debased the struggle to have the late Abiola immortalized at the national level. By picking UNILAG which is based in the south-west amounted to sectionalizing what ought to have been celebrated by all Nigerians. Indeed, unlike other parts of the country, democracy activists in the south-west have remained consistent in marking June 12 every year.

The late Abiola, widely acclaimed to have won the June 12, 1993 presidential elections, was regarded by many as a pan Nigerian who rose above primordial differences and extended his philanthropy to all parts of the country. His contributions to

the economic development of the country through his various businesses are well documented just as his contributions to sports across the continent have remained unsurpassed.

The election he was adjudged to have won was annulled by the President Ibrahim Babangida administration.

After the take-over of power by late General Sani Abacha, Abiola was forced to go into exile in pursuit of his mandate

“

Apparently in a move to acknowledge late Abiola’s contributions to the rebirth of democracy, President Jonathan therefore did what he thought was the right thing.

However, the president’s pronouncement is not without controversy but later returned. He died in 1998 without actualizing his dream of having his mandate returned. Since his death, he has become a symbol of democracy in the country as it was the pressure from that struggle that forced the military to hand over power to a democratically elected civilian government.

Activists of that struggle have been clamouring for him to be immortalized at the national level but previous

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governments, especially that of Olusegun Obasanjo, resisted the call to do so. Apparently in a move to acknowledge late Abiola’s contributions to the rebirth of democracy, President Jonathan therefore did what he thought was the right thing. However, the president’s pronouncement is not without controversy.

Although the university is a federal institution which suggests that the federal government can give it the name it deems fit, it was however set up by an act of parliament back in 1962; hence any change of name would have to require another act to legalize it. As the late Abiola has been immortalized in many states of the south-west, it therefore makes more sense if he is similarly honoured in other parts of the country where he also touched so many lives.

Even then, we are, however, of the opinion that the president should have consulted widely before making this rather controversial move. By not doing so, he has needlessly courted a controversy that his government could very well do without. His move has once again left the country polarized and opinions divided when he should be focusing more on issues that will bring the country together. That said, we urge for restraint especially from the protesting students as resorting to violence would not auger well for either party. Since it is unlikely that the federal government would budge, we advise the students to pursue their case in court, something they have wisely started, not on the streets.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

PAGE 13

Africans: Spectators to scientific endeavour

By Abdullah Musa

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hile looking for the website of a Nigeria daily, Peoples daily, I stumbled upon that of Peoples daily, a Chinese newspaper. A news item dated February 25, 2011 caught my attention. I crave the indulgence of the Editor and the reader to quote a significant portion of it. It goes: “On February 24, it was reported that during the 12 th 5 year development program (2011 – 2015), the China Aerospace Science and technology Corporation will complete a number of key aerospace project, which include a manned space programmed, a lunar exploration program a second generation navigation System and high resolution of the earth observation System. Other major science and technology tasks will also be carried out, such as break through in space rendeavouz and docking techniques, a lunar probe, a new types of delivery Vehicles and a series of core technologies”.

Before we go far, do the readers know the fate of vision 2010; Vision 2020; the seven point agenda, e.t.c? I do not know, since 2010 has come and gone, we presume it has been achieved.

(May be the escalation of insecurity was one of the core

agenda of vision 2010) Trying to be positive, a daily newspaper reported recently that the Nigeria Navy has successfully built a Naval ship, which President Good luck is about to launch. The Navy may well be ahead of the nation, but the battery powered lamp I am using comes from China; the battery itself comes from there. The small radio set on my table is from Japan. The hot water flask is from America. Three books are also on my table: 1.

Political Geography.

2 . International Relations.

3 . Economic Development.

The publishers are Pearson; and they were printed in America.

In an integrated world, it is not shameful to use another Country’s Products: many Americans buy Honda and Toyota cars. But the safety matches box which is also in my room comes from Indonesia!

Is there a possibility that upon deep examination it might also be found that I also am not from here since nothing seems to come from this area?

Going back to the story from the Chinese newspaper, it might be of interest to ask: why is China able to follow series of five – year plans consistently for 60 years?

And why do we keep on changing and dropping plans while we expended a lot of mental energy

and other resources upon them?

One reason to my understanding is that we have a luxury of time.

Africans generally do not feel they are in any race. We might be sleeping for one thousand years, while others were running during that period. When we wake up, we ay spend another five hundred years yawning, and another five hundred years stretching, all with the intent of joining the race.

Misunderstanding of politics is another bane. Nobody complete the work of a predecessor, and the people and the bureaucrats raise no eyebrows when worth while project are abandoned. Will the river Niger ever be dredged? Why complete a project that only northerners and their ships will pass through! But is it the truth?

Who cares about the truth; it is the assumption.

In many states of Nigerian federation, there had been changes of baton at least three times: some from one party to a different party. Others within the same party, But in all, you will find project abandoned because the current holder of the office is not the one who initiated them.

Some may want to opine that the knowledge that a predecessor might have received Kick-back on a particular project makes it all the more painful for the new

helmsman to complete it for nothing!

South Africa is part of BRICS today purely because the whites build Pretoria, Cape Town, Johannes burg and so on are still there. They are at home with science; while implementing apartheid, they set the foundation of an industrial society, while exploiting the abundant mineral resources.

All industrial societies are powered by electricity. Nigeria Currently is experimenting with a new power distribution scheme.

Will it work? Why did the Indians engage in assets-stripping of Ajaokuta Steel Complex, instead of turning it into steel exporting plant? But who would in his right senses empower a competition?

The peculiar problem of Nigeria is that its citizens do not believe in it. Nigerians in what ever public position they find themselves also engage in assets-stripping of the nation. Many stash their loot in foreign lands. So who is imposing Nigeria on Nigerians since apparently they will neither love nor protect it?

I can say that Ghanaians love Ghana. The Sudanese love Sudan.

Even Nigeriens love Niger. But Nigerians are daily calling for the dismemberment of their nation; how can they prosper?

Ethnicity and religious

bigotry are so entrenched and deep – rooted that one is yet to see the individual or group who can unite Nigerians. This is because enemies external to Nigeria are willing to fund those who work towards its disintegration.

Is there any tribe within present day Nigeria that has a vision for its future? I am tempted to say there is none. But at least there was one: Igbo tribe. For whatever reason: hatred for Hausa – Fulani; ethnic pride; they declared secession from Nigeria. They fought a thirty month civil war to actualize it.

They lost! Sorry for them!

Sorry for us! This is because 41 year after the civil war ended (1970 – 2011), Nigerians are still killing themselves due to there inability to think and work together. So we should apologize to the Igbos for the civil war. They took the sane decision. But alas! A sane person was incarcerated with lunatics in a sanatorium. He chose to bolt away, only for the some other lunatics to chase, capture, and bring him back; saying he should not leave his brothers!

Identity and progress are inseparable. There are no Nigerians, so how can Nigeria develop?

Abdullah Musa wrote in from 557 K/Nassarawa, Kano city.

Boko Haram: Time for prompt action

By Muhammad Ajah Enough is enough...traditional and religious leaders must bear a special responsibility in counselling those in position of authority at federal, state and local government levels that governance must necessarily be equated with service to the people and that of the socioeconomic development of the society.

–The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar at the central council meeting of the Jamatu Nasril Islam (JNI) in Kaduna.

T

here is no hiding the truth that the security situation in Nigeria has been of serious concern to many patriots as it has created a false MuslimChristian faceoff in the country.

This false faceoff, resulting from the indiscriminate bombings and killings that have been orchestrated by Boko Haram especially in the past few months, is what the government and people of Nigeria must resist by all legitimate means without causing more bloodshed or misunderstandings.

Boko Haram seems to be a ghost that the humans in power have not really identified. The beauties and opportunities of many cities, the lives of many Nigerians and the hard-earned properties of the citizenry have been wasted to and in search of the faceless tiny particle in the Nigeria society today.

While it is more worrisome that some miscreants have utilized the situation to cause

more tension, it is important for Nigerians to note that national security is the responsibility of every citizen. No level of success would be attained by our security outfits if the citizens themselves are not cooperative. That is why many innocent people are often victims because they attempt to hide these miscreants within their vicinities.

However, it is pertinent also to make some clarifications on the present security situations in the country. The Boko Haram should be clearly identified as a militant group.

It may not be inappropriate to call it a northern militant group. But to link the group with Islam is a misnomer that should be avoided by journalists. The Niger Delta militants, the Odudua Peoples Congress (OPC), the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and other regional groups have fought for causes that they believed in but their causes were never interwoven with religious sentiments, despite they were threats to the corporate existence of Nigeria.

As the name denotes adversity to westernization (not Christianity), it is not hidden that a good percentage of the Muslims of the north have been westernized. And apart from nationhood, there are many similarities between Muslims and Christians. Islam does not refer to the Christians and Jews as infidels. That is why the group seems to be targeting every

person who identifies with western ways of life including deceitful politics. Many Muslims in the north, including prominent political and religious leaders have been killed by Boko Haram.

Boko Haram, to the understanding of many conscious Nigerians, is not representing Islam, maybe not even the north.

The group should therefore be treated as it is.

In reaction to my earlier article titled, Oritsejafor’s Final Call on FG over Boko Haram, one of my respondents engaged me in some serious arguments. He analyzed the pattern and nature of Boko Haram operations and categorized them into four groups. Firstly, operations meant to undermine and eventually destroy those institutions that they see as standing in the way of their achievement of an Islamic State.

These, according to him, included Churches and institutions of State security and governance. Secondly, operations designed and executed to exact revenge on perceived traitors, to their cause and the “cause of Islam”, and intimidate those who oppose them. Thirdly, robbery operations designed and executed to rake in money to fund their operations. This, he said, involved raiding banks and financial institutions for cash. And fourthly, rescue operations, designed and executed to spring out their fellows in jails.

My reader, one Mr. Oluremi Olu, claimed that in all these categories of operations conducted

by Boko Haram, Muslims get killed either because they are passers-by, people who found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time, people dutifully carrying out their lawful duties or people paying for their sin or expressing the wrong opinions.

But, he asserted, never in any of these instances that the Muslims are deliberate targets of assassination, as is a Christian who gets blown up in the presence of God on a Sunday morning.

The truth, Olu concluded, is that Christians are the main targets of this Boko Haram and Muslims are just collateral damage in their war to islamise northern Nigeria.

“Furthermore, the Boko Haram agenda of attacking Christians is counterproductive, because the Sharia itself recognises that all would never be Muslims in an Islamic State,” he acknowledged.

Three questions sealed up Olu’s mouth and he was never heard of. I asked him first to explain the many cases (even in Edo, Plateau and Bayelsa) where Christians disguised in Jalabia aiming to bomb churches within their vicinities but were caught?

The newspapers carried these stories but nothing is often heard afterwards.

Secondly, he was asked to explain why this menace continues when every responsible leader in the north, including the Sultan of Sokoto, has condemned this so-called Boko Haram? And thirdly, he was asked to explain what type of power the Boko Haram has that the Nigerian security outfits

cannot smoke this TINY group out and rid them off Nigeria without necessarily engaging in extra judicial killings of innocent citizens?

However, many Nigerians among the elite know that it is a creation of political manipulations which is fighting an unacceptable cause. The activities of this group have been vehemently condemned by both the political and traditional leaders of the north.

The Sultan of Sokoto and Muslim leader recently at the Central Council meeting of the Jamatu Nasril Islam (JNI) in Kaduna called for immediate action to stop the blood spilling, because Nigerians should appreciate not to continue on destructive path. He, however, blamed the nation’s political leadership of insensitivity to the plight of the impoverished masses who elect them into offices. Such insensitivity has often created distrust between the leaders and the led, thus generating evils from amongst the aggrieved masses.

Nigeria is a home for all Nigerians and every Nigerian should be free to seek legitimate livelihood in any part of his or her fatherland. So, the threats by Boko Haram and counter threats by militant groups in the South should continually be handled by the nation’s security outfits until a final stop is given to all these messes. On the other hand, every Nigerian who believes in the cause of unity, peace and progress of the nation should not be cowed to Continued on page 15

PAGE 14

By Ayo Turton

W

e the students of the then University of Ife took to the street to protest the effrontery not only because we believed that naming a University conceived and inaugurated by Awolowo 25 years earlier is patronizing and sectionalized the achievement of the deceased foremost Nigerian nationalist, but because we also believed that the University of Ife has become a brand internationally recognized for its name and should be preserved as it were. We believe then that if any institution was to be named after him by the federal government; it should be an institution outside his Western Region and definitely not an institution taken over from the West by coercion in the first place. What about other federal institutions that originally belong to federal government of Nigeria?

If Awolowo had wanted it, the University would have been named after him from inception afterall the recommended University of Northern Region was immediately changed to Ahmadu Bello University the name of his contemporary from the North.

Recently, President Jonathan just woke up and decides to name the Liberty Stadium Ibadan after Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Then you start to wonder what is in that 1 billion Naira designer foods they eat at Aso Rock. The same Liberty Stadium the first Olympic-size Stadium in sub-Sahara Africa was another idea conceived and executed by the Great Awo. Naming those institutions that belonged to the Western Region; institutions that were initiatives of Chief Obafemi Awolowo led Action Group after him several years after is disingenuous. If Chief Awolowo was like the present crop of Nigerian leaders who name

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

Re - christening of UNILAG and the Yoruba experience (II) everything from bridges to danfo man that managed the finances of him in the federal capital, we are buses after themselves, all the that country through three and a taking notes. institutions would have borne half years of bitter Civil War Before the creation of Abuja a Awo’s name at creation. We do not without borrowing a penny and the city that has become the pride of need big brother Nigeria to do that man that has been referred to as Nigeria, a Panel was set up to for him. Liberty Stadium has its the best President Nigeria never determine the best place to situate inherent meaning, we all know had. a new capital city for Nigeria, that what liberty committee was stands for, it chaired by Hon. needs no Justice Akinola introduction, Aguda, a Yoruba and the first man.

His Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text skyscraper built committee took a messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written with Cocoa t o t a l l y contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 money was detribalized words, Articles 750 words.

Please include your name and named Cocoa decision by a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed House for that recommending to: old Suleja present reason.

The day Abuja a name of The Editor, central place in University of Ife the country for followed other Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, citing of the contemporaries 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. proposed new like University Email: let ters@peoplesdaily-online.com capital territory. of Ibadan, SMS: 07037756364 In honor of University of Justice Akinola Lagos, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Whereas we know how many Aguda, it was decided that the later University of Benin. So what more conspicuous and better streets residence of the President should should we expect after Unilag? are named after far, far less be named after him.

Therefore the original plans of Naming University of Ibadan responsible Nigerians. We know Rashidi Yekini University? Even what street is named after Dr. the Federal Capital Territory Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe vehemently Nnamdi Azikiwe in Lagos, we know (FCT) has the present day Akinola opposed changing the name of what street is named after K. O Aguda House as the home of the University of Nigeria Nsukka school Mbadiwe, and we know the President, but when Major Gideon to his name when the idea was prominence of Ahmadu Bello Way, Orkar coup of April 22, 1990 proposed by the then Minister of all who were his contemporaries in scared General Babangida out of Education Alhaji Jubril Aminu. Lagos. Why is the story different in Lagos, he hurriedly built an illegal Those are the people that appreciate Abuja, making a statement against fortress under a rock called Aso Rock where he ran for safety. Aso branding and the sanctity of Yoruba leadership? originality.

We know the number one Rock the name of an insignificant I always shake my head in gateway in Nigeria is named after rock has since been the new name disgust each time I visit Abuja and a coup-plotter named Murtala for the residence of the President.

I see that awkward little street Mohammed and we know that For all intents and purposes, the named after Chief Obafemi Abuja Airport is named after founders of Abuja wanted the Awolowo, one of the greatest Nnamdi Azikiwe, they would not residence of the President named nationalist of his time, the man that even give Chief Awolowo the honor Akinola Aguda House in honor of brought many firsts to Nigeria, the of naming a befitting street after the man that headed the panel

WRITE TO US

that discovered Abuja. Therefore, the new structure housing the President should have been rechristened Akinola Aguda House. But probably because he is not from a tribe that is born to rule, they refused to accord him the deserved honor. The building bearing his name was first relegated from being the official home of the President to the official home of the Vice-President and now it has been relegated to AKINOLA AGUDA HOUSE and HALLS a guest house where they keep their retinue of girlfriends and concubines! What a shame!

Babangida was disgraced out of his rock of refuge and two Presidents have died under that rock already.

Who knows what spirits feel threatened by human occupation under that rock, God dey!

Besides the shenanigan involved in the re-naming of UNILAG, it is an illegal act. The University of Lagos was established by an Act of Parliament, it would take an amendment by the competent institution to change the name. The purported change of name is therefore illegal, null, void and of no effect whatsoever!

By the way, when will Mr. President reinstate Justice Salami as advised by the National Judicial Council and other eminent jurists, some of the best the world has to offer? When will this President who ran for Presidency with a campaign slogan of restoring the rule of law start to respect the rule of law?

Concluded Ayo Turton is the National Legal Counsel to the Egbe Omo Yoruba USA & Canada.

Bayelsa: Between Sylva and gold

By S.O.C. Okenwa

D

uring the Ibori saga in London I had decided (upon the British Royal Court in London finding him guilty and sentencing him to years behind bars) to refrain deliberately from commenting on the fortunate outcome of the Ibori kleptocracy because while happy with the development as it concerned his indictment I was angry with the obnoxious system back home that produced Ibori.

How could a democratic system threw up an ex-convict as a Governor of an oil-rich state with huge budget? How did he manage to scale through the security checks by the secret security agents? Why did the Nigerian justice system collude with him and gave him favourable judgements that assaulted reason and justice.

You see, this corruptible system remains the same that ‘enthroned’ the likes of the former disgraced House of Representative Speaker Alhaji Sanusi Buhari (of the fake Toronto University certificate fame) few years ago; the same system that

failed to discover that the former Governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim was a retired international fraudster; this same system that never detected that many a Senator and Honourable in Nigeria are “rogues and armed robbers” before the Ota ‘god’ broke the news to a bewildered nation!

This same unproductive system that produced ‘Senator’ Andy Uba as the Governor of Anambra state years ago during the Obasanjo imperial presidency — the same Andy Uba that still carries with him loads of forged academic certificates and the same ‘viper’ that helped OBJ squander billions of petro-dollars during their Aso Rock sojourn!

The same chronically corrupt political establishment that manipulated guber polls and announced winners as losers and losers as winners in Osun and Ekiti states: Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Olusegun Oni. Something must, then, be wrong with this kind of a primitive system of governance that ‘rewards’ criminals with high positions — empowering them to even dig in and harm the system further fiscally. Such an unserious

nation in search of elusive positive development cannot make any headway but can only be headed towards perdition! Nigeria is worse today than in the year 2000 in every imaginable way one can objectively look at it.

Economically we are worse off and socially the people in their teeming hungry millions still grope in the dark. And politically? Well, the tale from Abuja is not only an ugly one but one that boggles the mind.

Something, one insists, is fundamentally wrong with a system federally administered in which power is easily ‘bought’ over by criminals masquerading as ‘saviours’ of the masses! Something is definitely wrong with a nation in which a very privileged few lord it over the silent majority and consume wastefully what ordinarily should go round!

Something is amiss in a torpedoed federalism system of governance in a country where real criminals ‘punish’ the innocent literarily while enjoying the status of ‘stakeholders’ in a confused ruling political party without soul or mind! Nigeria is in trouble, deep trouble, because the system has been criminalised from the top to

the bottom!

In Guinea Bissau, a poor banana Republic in West Africa, whose political instability could be linked to the incessant ‘war’ by drug lords sponsoring political parties and even candidates for elective posts ECOWAS is providing a lasting solution after the military staged yet another daring coup d’etat on the eve of a second round of a presidential poll.

But in Nigeria, even when narcotics’ importation and exportation still constitute a major problem, drug barons and their local accomplices have not found any political foothold therein, the PDP godfathers are behaving and acting worse than these lawless rich elements living and working underground: they kill, rig elections and corruptibly enrich themselves beyond imagination.

Ex-Governor Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa state is no longer Governor; he was kicked out of office by the Supreme Court interpreting the legal duration of elected governors upon taking oath of office. Before his ‘giant’ fall from glory the tall big man looked more to me (after every hard look

thrown his way when he was still ‘controlling’ the destiny of Bayelsans) as either a drug addict, an alcoholic or simply a glorified victim of the African power syndrome — that is, an insane situation in which a power wielder becomes abnormal because of the psychology of power only to become normal as soon as he loses same.

To say Sylva was controversial in power is saying the obvious! He had thought magniloquently perhaps that a day would never come when he would be asked to quit given the stupendously amassed wealth in his possession! He had abused office quite like many of his peers with flagrant impunity believing that Nigeria under the present corrupt establishment can never muster enough courage to nail him under whatever circumstance.

His battle to keep the prime job he had abused for years pitched him in a protracted personal clash with President Goodluck Jonathan who happens to be from the state. Accused rightly or wrongly of threatening Continued on page 15

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

By Anthony Ebitimi Owei

F

or many years, Africa has been at the mercy of many western nations, almost kneeling down to beg for aid in order to accelerate her development. The sad reality is that we do not need those foreign aid or donors to survive. Aid can be developmental or humanitarian.

Development aid simply means the donation of funds and other commodities to foreign countries for the purpose of longterm development while humanitarian aids are geared towards short-term relief when the need arises.

It’s on record that between 1970 and 1998 when aid flows to Africa were at their peak, poverty in Africa rose from 11% to 66%.

Evidently, Africa needs to redirect

PAGE 15

Africa needs trade, not aid

its energy and focus on real issues for her growth and development.

The basis for Africa’s growth depends on the volume of trade among African countries.

Now did I hear someone say it’s not possible? Have you tried driving to Accra from Lagos recently? Or probably from Nairobi to Kampala? Do you know the volume f trade that can take place within the continent as a cheaper freight cost? Fine! Let’s move on. I’m sure you are aware that Africa’s population is over a billion, right?

You can access good Kenyan coffee on the streets of New York, another continent all together but cannot enjoy same on the streets of Lagos. Oh! You are now thinking

deeper? Let us face it! For trade to thrive among African nations, they must pursue a development agenda that is geared towards realizing this noble goal.

African countries must develop internal Infrastructure first before thinking of a prosperous trade relations among themselves.

Good roads, excellent rail tracks and other means of transport are crucial to increase inter-trade in Africa. We all know Africa has suffered many decades of mismanagement, massive corruption and looting of state treasury and without curbing this menace NOW, I bet in a matter of years, we would be worse off.

Regional Economic blocs such as ECOWAS in West Africa,

COMESA in Southern and Eastern Africa, SADC in Southern Africa as well as EAC in East Africa must be formidable and create frameworks within each region for international trade to thrive. A united and prosperous Africa is what a great number of us desire and this can be achieved through strong regional economic blocs.

Government should encourage investment by creating incentives to local investors thereby enhancing public private partnership and healthy competition in their respective economies.

Enough said!!! but are enormously wealthy in financial, human and natural resources.

What is needed is just good governance – to improve the network of roads, air, sea and rail just like Europe, eliminate laws to inter-trade which will enhance seamless trade and massive employment generation. Secure external borders, enhance homeland security and above all, corruption should be treated like the tumour fighting Africa’s development.

Remember nothing comes freely! You have to pay a price!

Foreign Aid isn”t free as we are made to believe! They are agents of bondage!

Anthony Ebitimi Owei writes on www.tonyowei.wordpress.com On twitter: @TeeWhyOwei

Boko Haram: Time for prompt action Continued from page 13

leave his place of birth. There are many Southerners living in the north and many Northerners living in the South who only know their states of origin by names.

The Nigerian patriots appeal to Boko Haram under whatever disguise they operate and Southern militant groups to give peace a chance and to be more human in their approaches to their causes. There is need for the security agencies not to dismiss any threats as mere verbal warnings but to take appropriate measures to secure the lives of the citizens wherever they live. Yet, there should be extra caution not

to continue to waste the lives of innocent citizens.

Many prominent Nigerians have preferred diverse ways of ending the Boko Haram menace.

While some say that the group’s motives are not justifiable and thus there was no need of seeking peace and understanding with it, others insist that the best solution was to dialogue with the group.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recently reported Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State as calling for dialogue with members of the Boko Haram group and other militant groups in the country.

Dankwambo said that

dialogue remained the best option for the resolution of any crisis. Said he, “Anybody who rebels or engages in any act has a reason for doing so. It is good to always know the grudges of somebody before you take measures to resolve it. If a group has any problem, either with government or any person, it is good to know what the problem is so that the issue can be resolved. A leader has responsibility to ensure justice by listening to all complaints.

That is why we are calling on all aggrieved persons and groups to come and speak out.”

The important issue now is not

lip services or promises. The Federal Government is quite aware of all the game play and should, in the best interest of saving lives and properties of the citizenry, jump into action to end this pandemic that is gradually consuming the nation. Who knows if Boko Haram of today is not a natural or systemic reprisal from the Niger Delta crisis which claimed hundreds of the lives of our able youths and citizens as well as yet unquantified hard-earned properties?

To round up this article, I wish to quote three great speeches: one, “Corruption kills

more people in Nigeria than terrorism. If the government puts all its efforts to fight corruption, terrorism will disappear.

Corruption is the number one recruiter of terrorists. Hence, it is the fuel that propels terrorism”, anonymous. Two, “Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God”, Thomas Jefferson, and three, “There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest”, Elie Wiesel. God save us.

Muhammad Ajah is a writer based in Abuja.

E-mail mobahawwah@yahoo.co.uk

Bayelsa: Between Sylva and gold Continued from page 14

to kill the President should he not be returned to power for a second term (something that bothered on treason) Sylva was reported during his sojourn as Governor to have ordered the closure of a Supermarket that belonged to the wife of his political opponent when his ‘boys’ went there to buy some cartons of wine only to discover that some were ‘fake’ or whatever. He reportedly ‘boxed’ an aide or a journalist resulting in a national daily referring to him derisively as “Governor Tyson Sylva”!

Timipre Sylva has been accused officially of systematically embezzling the state funds to the tune of billions of naira. That is on the strength of what has so far been discovered; if you add that up to what is still hidden away from the eagle eyes of the anti-fraud police then Ibori may be cannonized as a ‘saint’!

Sorry, former Gov. Alams may look every inch a ‘Pope’ since his own economic crimes could pale into insignificance compared to the ‘gold’ and ‘silver’ Sylva stashed away!

Ex-Governor Sylva’s whereabouts since the positive change was ushered in in Yenegoa have remained unknown. At a time he sent an open letter to the President ostensibly stating his

‘conditions’ for returning back home failure to meet same he would remain aloof and abroad. It was the height of impudence and given Sylva’s pedigree one must hazard a guess that his conscience is now ‘judging’ him brutally even before he faces judgement of man here on earth. It is the guilty that is always afraid!

The current Governor Seriake Dickson speaks like a gentleman with love for his people; on more than one occasion I have heard him speak he gave the impression of a leader in the making, one with an eye on statesmanship! I salute the Bayelsans for electing such an analytical mind to administer their resources.

Whether President Jonathan favoured him for the job or not is not an issue here; the President, hailing from the oil-rich state and therefore a stakeholder in the affairs of the state, is enough for him to be actively involved on who presides over the affairs of the state.

Like James Onanefe Ibori of Delta State, ex-Gov. Sylva came to government house with one major objective in mind: to steal as much money as possible so that even when he is dead and gone his descendants and generations unborn would no longer need to struggle or ‘hustle’ for anything

in life in a Nigeria where money is everything! But sadly they are not alone; today we still have many state governors with the same mind-set, same objective!

Only time will seek them out!

After the Ibori saga ended fortunately in London with justice done and seen to have been done (unlike in Nigeria where he would have continued using the same illgotten slush funds to ‘buy’ justice) I was asking myself why and how a country struggling with developmental challenges of the elementary type could be bestowed with hardened criminals as state officials? How could Nigeria be so cursed with these ‘Boko Haram’ disciples at state houses scattered across the landscape killing opponents, embezzling billions with impunity and thinking little about the condition of the average poor man on the street without shelter, food, good roads to ride his ‘Okada’ and good hospitals to treat his miserable children upon being struck by malaria or cholera?

Ex-Governor Sylva irredeemably manifested some sense of vanity and triviality when some years ago in a show of power bravado he was seen on TV showing off the state house in Yenagoa to visiting Christian Purefoy of CNN’s Backstory. When I first saw the video clip I had concluded that another glorified

victim of megalomania Nigeriana has been unleashed on the Bayelsa populace! And unless and until he falls we may never know the degree of damage he must have done to the fiscal system. And now that he has fallen we are beginning to hear and see the enormous damage done to the system Bayelsan!

One of his areas of disagreements with the president happened to be the “monument of disgrace” of a 5-star hotel still being built in the state capital.

Sylva never thought it expedient completing the major project started by Jonathan as Governor many years ago. Whilst the President rightly felt disappointed that Sylva never deemed it appropriate completing the hotel Sylva was demonstrating some envious disposition since he knew that credit upon completing the major tourism project would go to Jonathan. So he deftly decided to abandon it using the huge monthly federal allocation to do whatever pleased his fancy including patronising his cronies, concubines and mistresses.

Between Timipre Sylva and gold (money) an undoubtable crime and evil connection has been established, one in which the former governor must be held accountable. The Economic and

Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) must therefore get cracking as to bringing Sylva and his stolen gold to justice. And in doing so care must be exercised to avoid the Ibori conundrum from playing itself out again in bizzare fashion. Without the valuable judicial help from London Ibori would have been roaming all around the world today living like a Prince and mocking our collective intelligence. But today, thanks to the British justice system that is not compromised like Nigeria’s, he is cooling his heels in jail!

Deposed Governor Sylva’s former Chief Press Secretary Doifie Ola, who ever since Syla lost power has remained loyal and defensive has suddenly ‘disappeared’ from the ‘radar’ maintaining a distant silence as the Sylva graft woes grow by the day. Ola now knows better perhaps: in seeking to defend a principal, a fugitive for that matter, a spokesman needs not exceed certain limit lest he be exposed as an accessory to the crimes for which the law is seeking out his boss. Ola acted like a receiver of a stolen item and in this case he is culpable of certain misdeeds.

S.O.C Okenwa can be reached at soco_abj_2006_rci@hotmail.fr

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY,WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

FCT minister condoles with families of plane crash victims

By Josephine Ella

T

he Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed has joined other Nigerians to

condole the families who loved their loved ones in the illfated Dana aircraft in Lagos on Sunday.

Senator Mohammed, who expressed shock and sadness over the crash and eventual

death of all the passengers and crew members on board, described the incidence as unfortunate.

A statement in Abuja by the Chief Press Secretary to the Minister, Muhammad

Hazat Sule said the minister is personally touched by the devastation and loss of several human lives occasioned by the plane crash.

He, therefore sent his condolences to President

Goodluck Ebele Jonathan over what he described as a monumental loss to the nation as well as the families of the victims and prayed God to grant all the departed souls eternal rest.

AMAC sets up 15-man c’ttee to monitor waste disposal

T

he Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has set up a 15-man Environmental Monitoring Team to monitor the evacuation of waste in the council.

This was disclosed by the Head of Information and Public Relations of the council, Mrs Patience Olaloye, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

She said the essence of the committee was to ensure that the area council was properly taken care of in terms of waste disposal.

“The committee is to ensure that everywhere is swept clean and waste evacuated on a daily basis,” she said, observing that the influx of people into Abuja had led to an increase in the generation of waste.

She also noted that people from other area councils come into the city to trade and generate a lot of waste.

In a related development, the Head of AMAC Department of Environment, Mr Abdulrazaq Abdulkarem, told NAN that approval had been given to an expert to evacuate waste in Nyanya and its environ.

“Staff of the department go out on a daily basis with tippers and pay loaders to evacuate waste in areas within its jurisdiction.

Similar departments have been set up in other five area councils of the FCT to monitor the evacuation of waste,’’Abdulkarem said.

He said a sensitisation programme was ongoing in all the 12 wards of AMAC, headed by village heads, to educate residents on the need to keep their environment clean. (NAN)

Traditional Gbagyi drummers during the commissioning of new Garki fish market at Apo resettlement site recently. Photo: Josephine Ella

N60m land scam: Ruling on photocopy admissibility for July 12

By Josephine Ella

A

Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Karu, has slated July 12, 2012 to determine whether a photocopy of writ of summons of court process is admissible in court in a case of criminal conspiracy, forgery and attempt to commit crime, involving three lawyers.

Following a petition filed

by Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Kamba against the accused lawyers, Barristers: Kenneth Anakwe, Kennedy Arinze and Celestine Ighodalo and one Mr. Annas Sabi, the police had instituted the matter before the court.

However, the four accused persons denied the allegation

and rather pleaded not guilty to the charge.

When the matter came up monday, the prosecution counsel (from the Federal Capital Territory Police Command), Mr. S.A Bandawa told Chief Magistrate Shuaibu Usman that the “documents tendered as exhibit by Anakwe is not admissible in court because there is no affidavit attached to the photocopy”.

He argued that Sections 4, 5, 6 of the evidence Act cited by one of the accused person, Anakwe cannot support his case, adding that the photocopied court process being alluded to was not a certified true copy of the said court process he claimed is before another court.

During examination by

the police counsel, the prosecution witness, Alhaji Ibrahim Kamba, who doubles as the nominal complainant told the court that the three lawyers conspired, applied and procured the Certified True Copy (CTC) from the Abuja Geographical Information Service of a titled document belonging to him which he bought from the fourth accused person Anas Sabi for the sum of N60 million.

The prosecution witness further told the court that the accused persons had obtained the CTC with the intention to sell the land.

Peoples Daily recalls that on March 2, 2012 the nominal complainant, Kamba petitioned the Nigerian Bar

Association over the alleged sharp practices of the accused persons.

The petition was titled, “Complaint of professional misconduct and abuse of the rules of the professional ethics

by Barrister Anakwe of Asek Chambers, Abuja contrary to Section(s) 15, 30 and 32 of the rules of professional conduct for legal practitioners 2007”.

Kamba said in the petition that “there was an order of interlocutory injunction of FCT High Court No.3 restraining the defendants, their agents, servants or any person acting on their behalf from interfering with the rights and interest of the subject matter Plot N0. 1750 Dape District FCT, Abuja”.

Carpenter bags one month imprisonment for cheating

A

carpenter, 34, was on Monday, sentenced to one month imprisonment by an Abuja Magistrate’s Court.

Ejike Asimole of National Assembly Quarters, Life Camp in Abuja, was convicted of breach of trust and cheating.

The Magistrate, Jacinta

Okeke, however, gave him an option of N1,000 fine.

The Police Prosecutor, Simon Emmanuel, had earlier told the court that one Kelechi Ibeauchi, of the same address lodged the complaint at the Life Camp Police Station, Abuja, on April 7, 2012.

Emmanuel said that

sometimes in January, the complainant hired the convict to do some carpentry work for him with an agreement to pay N50, 000.

He said the convict collected the money and converted it to his personal use without doing the job.

The prosecutor said the offence contravenes Sections 312 and 322 of the Penal Code.

The convict pleaded guilty to the charges, saying: “I collected N50, 000 from Kelechi but I have paid him N10, 000 remaining a balance of N40, 000’’.

The prosecutor said the convict had no previous criminal record and prayed that a compensation of N40, 000 be paid to the complainant.

The Magistrate also awarded a compensation of N40, 000 in favour of the complainant.

(NAN)

PAGE 18

FRSC boss urges staff to be proactive

By Adeola Tukuru

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taff of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command have been called upon to be proactive while discharging their duties in a bid to prevent road accidents in the territory.

The outgoing Head of Operations in the Command, Sunday Michael Ajayi gave the advice when he exchanged baton of leadership in the command.

Sunday Ajayi, who has been at the helms of affairs for some years now, also encourage corps members to be diligent in their duties, saying that this quality among others, has made him to be different from some of his colleagues.

He revealed that while in the command, those who secretly monitored him and his good track record use to reward him, adding that several awards has been offered to him as a result.

PEOPLES DAILY,WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

Indecent dressing: Lady escapes being lynched at Mararaba garage

A

‘badly dressed’ young woman narrowly escaped being lynching at the Mararaba Garage in Nasarawa state late on Monday.

Eye-witnesses told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the scene of the incident that the lady, who wore a short blouse on top of a pant was “walking majestically around the ‘okrika’ section of the garage,” when a crowd, infuriated by her seductive dressing, descended on her.

Chairman of the Mararaba Branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Mr Bernard Adeyi, told NAN that he was in his office when he heard

people shouting and charging at the lady.

“As the shouting continued, I looked out and I saw a girl strolling past opposite my office dressed half naked. All the things on her body that were supposed to be hidden were exposed. So both market women, men and everybody followed her as she walked around the garage.

They were all shouting and booing her and it got to a point where some people in the park formed a ring around her, according to people at the garage, because I did not follow them there. Some people came back to say that the people were very

angry with her obscene dressing and tore her pants and cloths completely, leaving her naked,” Adeyi said.

Continuing, Adeyi said that “some guys at the scene who were disgusted with the development brought clothes and covered the woman as she ran away to save her life. She was virtually smuggled out of the park. The people, including market women and some elderly people were not happy to see a sane woman dressed in such a manner in public.

He said he sees the attack as a lesson for the victim and other ladies who are fond of going about half naked.

Man, 32, sentenced to two months imprisonment for stealing

A

n Abuja Magistrate’s Court yesterday sentenced one Abdullahi Onuto,32, of Tugan Maje in Zuba to two months imprisonment for stealing a cell phone.

Delivering judgment, the magistrate, Mr Musa Ibrahim, said that Onuto appeared remorseful but must be punished to deter him from committing a similar offence in future.

Ibrahim sentenced Onuto to two months imprisonment with an option of N400 fine, ordering him to also pay N16,000 as compensation for the stolen cell phone.

The Police Prosecutor, Corporal Rinmak Kefas, had earlier told the court that one Okim Mathias reported at the Utako Police Station on June 1, 2012 that Onuto stole his Nokia 200 cell phone valued at N16,000.

Kefas said that the complainant was driving when he hit a car in front of him, adding that he came out of his car to settle with the other driver when Onuto committed the offence.

The prosecutor said that during police interrogation, Onuto confessed to the crime.

The accused pleaded guilty and confessed that he sold the phone to one Chinedu for N5,000.

Onuto pleaded for leniency, saying that he committed the offence to enable him get money to cater for his wife and two children. (NAN)

Child labour: A tenager ‘pure water’ hawker seen last week at Life Camp junction, Abuja.

Photo: Josephine Ella

“We have a tradition and the kind of dressing that I saw today was completely outside our accepted mode of dressing,” the chairman said, noting that the lady “a young girl of about 18 or 19 years”, had learnt a lesson of her life from the treatment given to her at the park.

If girls who go about naked were present to witness what happened to the lady today, I think there would be no need for anybody to pass any further message to them and I believe the people who saw what happened to the lady would pass the message around”.

Also reacting, General Secretary and Public Relations Officer of the Mararaba Branch of the Luxury Bus Proprietors Association of Nigeria, Mr Oluchukwu Chukwuji, who also confirmed the incident, advised girls to dress properly when they go outside.

He said: “Even if they are harlots, they should not go naked in public but should do so in their brothels and not in public places like this”.

Also, a trader at the park, Malam Isah Kabiru, told NAN that “if not for prompt intervention of some wellmeaning people at the park, the facilitator of her escape would have been lynched.

The make-shift shop of the man would have been pulled down if reasonable people did not persuade them not to do so”.

The head of the garage, known as Baba Nura, was not available in his office for comments on the matter as he was said to have gone out at the time of the incident.

Similarly, efforts to get the police in Mararaba to comment on the incident were not successful.(NAN)

Teenager in court for causing badly harm

A

teenager, 19, identified as Zakari Mohammed, yesterday appeared before an Abuja Senior Magistrate’s Court for alleged extortion and causing hurt.

Police prosecutor, Ahmed Mohammed, told the court that the case was reported at the Maitama police station by one Bashiru Musa on May 25, 2012.

Mohammed said the accused, who resides at Gishiri village, Abuja, attacked the complainant while he was on his way to Mabushi village in Abuja.

He said the accused stopped the complainant by brandishing a knife and threatening to kill him.

The prosecutor added that as the complainant tried to escape

from his assailant, the accused injured him with the knife and collected the sum of N5,000 and a Nokia cell phone from him.

He said the accused was unable to give a satisfactory account of his action during interrogation.

Mohammed said the offences contravene Sections 292 and 247 of the Penal Code, but the

accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Magistrate Hadiza Shagari granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 with a reasonable surety, who must reside within the jurisdiction of the court.

Shagari adjourned the case to June 25, 2012 for hearing.

(NAN)

House-to-house sanitary inspection more result oriented-AEPB

T

he Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) has said that the recently introduced house-to-house environmental sanitation inspection is more resultoriented in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Deputy Director, Environmental Health and Sanitation Department, Mrs Aishat Adebayo, said this in an interview with the News

Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

She said officials of the board had carried out successful houseto-house inspections and caught many residents who refused to comply with healthy residential accommodation rules.

“House-to-house sanitary inspection is better and more effective than the old style where peoples’ movement were being restricted, yet they would

not participate in the sanitation exercise.

Most residents were not participating until this new system was introduced, and with this, we have identified many defaulters who will soon be prosecuted,” she said.

Adebayo further explained that the house-to-house sanitation was more diplomatic, adding that defaulters were given abetment notice, which

meant 24 hours for them to do the right thing.

According to her, there are some offences that will take some time to correct, adding: “We will still give them the benefit of doubt. We will still go for reinspection and thereafter, if we find out that one deliberately refused to comply, then we prosecute. With this, it takes only a stubborn and adamant resident to be prosecuted ’’.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESDAY, JUNE 5, 2012

PAGE 17

1

. Waste to wealth: A man trading in waste paper, to earn a living,yesterday in Garki, Abuja.

2. Woman carrying firewood on her head yesterday on Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja.

3. A young man scavenging in public dustbin, yesterday ,at Karu, Abuja

4

. People buying second-hand shoes, yesterday at Area 10, in Abuja yesterday.

Photos: Justin Imo-owo and Mahmud Isa

1

2

3

4

BUSINESS

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

Email: amunuimam@yahoo.co.uk

T

against the dollar the previous day.

The naira has been falling in recent weeks, despite interventions by the central bank meant to stabalise it, as dollar demand mounts from fuel importers and foreign investors selling off bonds and repatriating their returns.

“Yesterday, international banks were selling bond positions for their clients and buying dollars,”

INSIDE

one dealer told Reuters, adding that the trend had continued on Tuesday.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directly sold dollars on the interbank market since last

- Pg 20

Black box in our custody, says AIB

Mob: 08033644990

Naira hits 5-1/2 month low vs dollar he Naira extended its loss against the U.S. dollar on the interbank market yesterday, weakening to a 5-1/2 month low as foreign investors continued to pull out of government bonds.

The local unit traded at N162.56 to the dollar yesterday, after it touched an intra-day low of 162.75 naira. It closed N161.25

PAGE 19

week, outside its bi-weekly foreign exchange auction, to calm the market, but it has so far managed to stem its decline, and it has made no interventions yet this week.

Dealers had expected the CBN to intervene directly at the interbank on Monday to support the naira. Instead, the bank simply auctioned $300 million at

N155.80 at its regular bi-weekly official window. It was not enough to lift the naira.

Two oil companies, Addax Petroleum and Agip, owned by Italian firm ENI sold $31 million to the interbank on Tuesday, as part of their month-end dollar sales, but strong dollar demand snapped it up.

Third phase of Obajana cement projejct in Kogi to be commissioned soon From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

K

ogi state has been described not only as an investors haven but friendly to investors seeking to invest in the state.

This followed the completion of the third phase of the Obajana Cement Plant due for commissioning next week.

Capt Idris Wada made the remarks while inspecting the level of preparation put in place by the State government and Management of Obajana Cement Factory towards the successful commissioning of the completed 3rd phase of Obajana Cement plant and the Ground breaking ceremony for 3.0 million metric tonnes line 4 of the new cement plant,by President Goodluck Jonathan.

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

Capt Wada who was represented by his Deputy, Arc. Yomi Awoniyi, at the inspection said the additional cement plant will help improve the economy of the state, describing the plant as massive,and an improvement in terms of technology.

Earlier in his speech, Managing Director of the new cement plant, Van Anatharamanan,said the plant to be commissioned is energy and environmental friendly, adding that the materials used in the construction of the plant and those that will be used in processing of the cement are indigenous sourced.

Telecomms: Nigeria’s economy loses N18bn in foreign direct investment

By Aminu Imam with agency report

I

n spite of the significant growth recorded in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry after it was successfully liberalised in 2001, very little of the $18 billion Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the sector over the years has been retained in the country, industry analysts have said.

This, according to the industry analysts, is due to the dearth of a local content law in the sector, and has resulted in enormous capital flight.

A London-based research firm, Pyramid Research, highlighted that revenues generated by the telecoms industry amounted to $8.6 billion in 2010. This, according to the research company, shows an increase of 6.7 percent over the revenues generated by

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 LOS -ABJ: 9.45, 11.45, 2.45

telecoms operators the previous year.

Going forward, Pyramid Research predicted that revenues would hit $11 billion (N1.7 trillion) by 2013. Beyond this, Nigeria ’s highly competitive telecoms (ICT) sector is clearly dominated by foreign players, which according to industry analysts accounts for the huge capital flight recorded in the sector.

There are strong reservations in the telecoms industry that what Nigerians derive from this industry has been diminishing over the years due to low levels of local participation in the sector.

Industry analysts have however criticised the Federal Government’s failure to formulate and implement enabling policies geared towards

CBN CFA • £ RIYAL $

5th June, 2012 BUYING 0.2716 192.2616 237.4942 41.2745 154.8

SELLING 0.2916 193.5036 239.0284 41.5411 155.8

PARALLEL RATES • £ RIYAL $

BUYING 210 250 40 156

SELLING 212 252 42 158

strengthening local content and encouraging the patronage of locally manufactured ICT products.

But more importantly, industry watchers have called for the formulation of a telecoms version of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which is essentially aimed at enhancing increased local participation in the oil and gas industry. It was further gathered that the country’s ICT landscape loses N68.4 billion annually to bandwidth purchase from organisation and businesses abroad.

Minister of Communication Technology, Omobola Johnson had earlier disclosed that Nigeria’s purchase of foreignmade phones, SIM cards, computers and software maintenance had gulped over

N59 billion. Investigations reveal that the fences used to secure the telecoms masts (base transceiver stations) are imported into the country by operators.

Lending her view to the issue, chief executive officer, MainOne Cable Company, Funke Opeke said that Nigeria remains largely a consumer of telephony services. “ Nigeria contributes minimal local content to the services enjoyed. Telecom has become a larger part of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP), so it creates some jobs and income; however, the significant gains from providing the initial capital, network and subscriber equipment, software and specialised services are gained offshore. This trend, in all honesty cannot foster discernible economic growth.”

Management Tip of the Day

EXCHANGE RATES

ABJ-LOS: 11.30, 3.45, 4.45 LOS-KANO: 6.15 LOS-KANO (SAT/SUN): 16.30 KANO-LOS: 07.30 KANO-LOS (SUN/SUN): 10.30

International Sales Manager of France Kis PHOTO-ME GROUP, Mr. Pierre Buenda (middle), training the staff of Skysnap Digital Laboratory on how to use a new photo digital machine, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Find career opportunities by asking questions

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sking the right questions is the key to finding innovative solutions to any problem, even finding a job.

Instead of asking “What job can I find today?” what if you asked, “What kind of job can I create today?” The slight twist of one word might hold the key to more helpful answers.

Take a few minutes a day to write down nothing but questions about your job search.

Do this consistently for thirty days and your questions will take you down new paths. For example, “How can I make a bucket of money?” may change to “What will make me happy for the long term?” This could

then morph to “How do I create something for the long term?”

The result may be seeking out different kinds of job opportunities, ones you may not have considered if you had not changed your line of questioning.

Source: Harvard Business Review

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS Mainstreet, Sterling, 2 others partner Glo on mobile banking

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ainstreet Bank Limited and five other banks have sealed up a partnership with Glo to lend greater depth to the on-going campaign for a cashless society through the provision of seamless mobile banking services to their customers.

PEF tightens claims process for oil marketers

T

he Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF) management board is reviewing and strengthening its processes and procedures to streamline and tighten the processing of marketers’ claims to check high incidences of fake claims submitted to the organisation for payment.

Dufil to partner with states on crop plantation

I

n line with the backward integration of the Federal Government, De United Foods Industries Limited, makers of Indomie Noodles has started talks with some state governments for plantation of palm trees and other crops for its multi-million Naira Seasoning plant at Ota in Ogun State.

FG to commence construction of 4 new airports Stories from Suleiman Idris, Lagos

T

h e F e d e r a l Government has commenced the process for the development of four new international airports terminals in Nigeria.

Making this disclosure in Abuja was the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, during a ministerial press briefing tagged ‘365 days of Aviation Sector Transformation.’

Oduah, in a statement signed by her Special Assistant, Media, Mr Joe Obi, stated that the airports would be sited in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano states.

She, however, did not state when the airport projects would commence fully, but assured that the government would provide the airports soon.

On security at the airports,

Oduah explained that the ministry in the last one year had introduced new security strategies designed to adequately respond to current security challenges in the country.

For instance, she mentioned the restructuring of the airport security systems, which she said has facilitated communication, coordination, Intelligence gathering and surveillance through linkages and collaboration with International, Federal and State law enforcement agencies in all the airports.

She also identified the procurement of state-of-the-art security equipment such as intrusion detection systems, closed circuit television cameras, baggage and passenger screening equipment, explosive and narcotics detection equipment, continuous intensified training of aviation security personnel to

international standards and construction of perimeter and operations area fencing for airports as part of the security measures put in place by the government in the last one year.

On airports reconstruction, Oduah pointed out that the government took the step in a bid to expand their capacities to meet increasing passenger traffic, create business opportunities and jobs, as well as give the travelling public befitting airport experiences.

Under phase one, she said 11 airports had been remodeled, which included Kano, Kaduna, Jos, Yola, Enugu, Owerri, Benin, Calabar, Port Harcourt, Lagos and Abuja airports, adding that phase two of the project would commence in June.

Parts of the airports to be remodelled in phase two are Maiduguri, Katsina, Sokoto, Akure, Ibadan, Bauchi, Ilorin and Jalingo.

Black box in our custody, says AIB

T

he Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), the agency responsible for accident investigation the country’s aviation industry yesterday confirmed that the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) also known as the Black box of the crashed landed Dana Aircraft in Lagos on Sunday is with the agency.

Spokesperson for the agency Mr. Tunji Oketunbi, who spoke to our correspondent last night said investigators from AIB recovered the black box from the scene of the crash and said preliminary finding is underway to look into the content of the machine that will help unravel the mystery behind the crashed aircraft.

Oketunbi noted that official from the agency have combed the site of the crash in Iju-Ishaga suburb of Lagos to gather evidence it need for the investigation from the components of the aircraft for onward transfer to the accident laboratory for test and detailed examination.

The AIB image maker disclosed the Nigeria agency will not be carrying out the investigations alone as it has engage the collaboration of the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), whose official he said are to arrive Nigeria any moment.

Mr. Oketunbi said “the NTSB team is expected to bring along the representatives of the

country of manufacture of the aircraft as well as to assist in the investigations.”

Asked if any cause of the disaster has been muted, he said only after thorough investigations has be carried out with all the components of the aircraft recovered from the crash scene will the investigator make any comment on the cause of the incident.

“For now, nothing could be disclosed about the cause of the crash until the teams of investigators have completed the assignment.” He said.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), he disclosed is also collaborating with AIB to ensure a any delay is encounter during the investigation.

Starwood to open Four Points in Benin City by 2015

S

tarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has signed an agreement with S&F Panoramic Tourist Limited to open a Four Points by Sheraton hotel in Benin City.

National Salt Company pays N1.855 billion dividend

N

ational Salt Company of Nigeria Plc, (NASCON) a Subsidiary of Dangote Group, is to pay out N1.855 billion as dividend for 2011 business year, a development applauded by the shareholders who saw the performance of the company as commendable in view of the harsh operating environment.

Arik Air condoles with Dana Air over crash ….pledges assistance to the airline

T

he management of Arik Air yesterday expressed its deepest condolences to the management of Dana Air over Sunday’s accident involving the airline’s Lagos-bound aircraft which crashed in Iju-Ishaga area of Lagos State.

The airline’s Executive VicePresident and Managing

Director, Mr. Chris Ndulue, who led a delegation of the airline to the Ikeja, Lagos office of Dana Air to deliver a letter of condolence described the incident as tragic and said the thoughts and prayers of Arik Air are with the families of the victims and the management and staff of Dana Air. The letter, signed by Arik

Air’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Michael ArumemiIkhide pledged the airline readiness and willingness to help Dana Air should it wish for any assistance during this difficult period.

Parts of the letter read “We hope that both in the short and long term, we are able to provide a measure of support until Dana Air is fully operational again.”

Expert faults 2007 recapitalisation policy in aviation

T

he Managing Director of Mishaviation, Captain Ibrahim Mshelia, has faulted the 2007 recapitalisation exercise in the Nigerian aviation industry, saying the exercise only enriched the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) while the challenges facing the country’s airlines persist.

The development came even as he advised the Federal Government to exempt the domestic airlines from paying navigational charges to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).

During an interview with some journalists, Mshelia said that the recapitalisation exercise, just like most policies of the Federal Government, did not contribute to the development of the industry but instead discouraged investors from investing in the industry, even as he called for the abrogation of the recapitalisation policy in the sub-sector.

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Aviation, had set April 30, 2007 for all the indigenous airlines to recapitalise. For instance, domestic operators were made to recapitalise to the tune of N500m, regional operators N1bn and international operators N2bn.

But few months after the completion of the exercise, even, some of the airlines that scaled the hurdle started having challenges and led to their closing shops.

Mshelia explained that the exercise was supposed to return whatever it took from the operators back to the system to grow, but said it only enhanced the CAC while the industry continues to witness myriads of challenges.

He decried that poor policy implementation from the government contributed in no small measures to the collapse of most Nigerian airlines and blamed some professionals in the sector for ill-advising the government on policy formulations.

Mshelia also advocated reduction in the charges charged the indigenous airlines by different agencies of the government.

He called for waivers on imported spare parts, landing and navigational charges for the airlines, maintaining that Ghana, for instance, “offers its indigenous airlines waivers on such.”

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

PAGE 21

Runsewe unveils capacity building plans for journalists

L-R: Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Otunba Segun Runsewe, French Ambassador to Nigeria, Jacques Champagne De Labriolle, Nigerian Film Corporation DG, Mr. Adesanya Afolabi at the 70th anniversary celebration of French Development Agency in Abuja.

By Miriam Humbe

A

recently published report of a research carried out by an international magazine; Forbes, indicated erroneously that Nigeria was the 10th most dangerous country in the world.

By creating this kind of negative perception therefore, the image of the country appeared to be badly injured at the international arena.

Director-General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, NTDC, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, while responding to questions on the future of Nigeria’s tourism in a recent interview on the subject matter as well as his efforts at marketing the nation’s tourism, said, “We have a difficult task and need to do more. We are working on efforts to change the negative perception on Nigeria”.

Having been appointed as Chairman of the Governing Council of International Institute of Journalism, (IIJ), Abuja, a concerned Otunba Runsewe found a viable platform upon which to make good his promise through what may be termed, education tourism. There is no other personnel charged with the responsibility of gathering and disseminating information like the journalist, who is empowered by Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution to so do. The journalist seems to be in a more advantageous position in terms of creating a more positive image for Nigeria.

The NTDC boss therefore, chose no better time than the matriculation ceremony of the Institute at the weekend, to

announce plans aimed at raising the standard of journalism practice in the country, so as to engender international best practice among Nigeria’s future journalists. He promised to liaise with at least two universities abroad and bring them into partnership with the Institute for further training of its students, as part of incentives to shore up professionalism.

Runsewe, who said this at the matriculation ceremony of the

Institute also promised to sponsor two of the best graduating students, a male and female each, to two countries of the world to understudy and acquire best practices in research, as part of plans to develop a comprehensive global media ethics while setting for the students, the principles and standards of investigative journalism in conformity with global best practice. This,

according to him, will be an ongoing exercise.

Runsewe, who was also the Chairman and host of the event said the best two graduates to enjoy foreign sponsorship in the male and female category will be selected based on assessment of their research work by the Governing Council of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) even as he presented five trophies to the school to enhance healthy

competition among the students.

The students were ecstatic at the news they heard from the Board Chairman. All of them promised to work hard on their academics so as to qualify for the sponsorship. It is hoped that this will mark a milestone in the history of investigative journalism in the country.

Vice-Chancellor of University of Maiduguri, Professor Mohammed Mala Daura, while speaking on the raging debate on the authenticity of certificates issued by the institute, said “IIJ Abuja has met all the necessary conditions for affiliation to the University of Maiduguri. We shall be responsible for issuing certificates as long as the affiliation arrangement with the university subsists.”

In his remarks, the Director of the IIJ observed that the event was symbolic and promised to use the enthusiasm to reposition the institute and expressed his gratitude to the University of Maiduguri and NTDC boss, Otunba Runsewe.

A total of 1, 122 students matriculated cutting across the schools of Journalism, Advertising and Public Relations and Continuing Education.

In another development, NTDC, also announced its partnership with the French community in Nigeria when the country celebrated the 70th anniversary of French Development Agency at the event which was held at the IBB Country Club and Golf Course at the weekend.

L-R: Deputy-Director (Academics), and Chairman, Affiliated Colleges, University of Maiduguri, Prof. Ibrahim A. Njodi, Mr. Shuaibu Leman, Secretary, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhaji Babagana M. Aji, Registrar, UNIMAID, DG (NTDC) Otunba Segun Runsewe, and Chairman, IIJ Governing Council, Prof. Mohammed Mala Daura, Vice-Chancellor, UNIMAID and Mr. David Bwala, Director, Affiliated Colleges, UNIMAID at the matriculation ceremony.

PAGE 22

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

Nigeria not on list of beneficiaries of African Guarantee Fund for SMEs

By Abdulwahab Isa

N

igeria is conspicuously missing on the list of a new organisation that will absolve financiers of the risks of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs), face in Africa launched recently.

On the list are Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, Senegal, Cameroon, Mozambique, Zambia and Mali.

The African Guarantee Fund (AGF) will provide guarantees for loans taken by SMEs in commercial banks, effectively providing the much needed breakthrough for the small entrepreneurs in the continent to grow at a faster pace.

Addressing the media during the launch in Arusha,

Tanzania, Felix Bikpo, CEO of the Fund, said AGF will work with commercial banks in nine countries in the continent in its first phase, before moving to cover the entire continent in subsequent phases of its rollout.

“We are already working with banks in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, Senegal, Cameroon, Mozambique, Zambia and Mali, with a view to accelerating economic development in the respective countries by making it easier for SMEs with strong credentials to access credit,” he explained.

Bikpo added that AGF had been established out of the global recognition that the SMEs had been identified as some of the key drivers for economic growth, noting that there was currently a funding

gap of between $80 - $100 billion, affecting 40 - 59 percent of formal SMEs, and an even greater share of informal SMEs. “According to the World Bank’s Enterprise Survey, SMEs make up approximately 81 percent of Africa’s private sector firms, with 51 percent being small-scale and 31 percent being medium-sized. SMEs contributed over 50 percent of new jobs in sub-Saharan Africa in 2009, however, only approximately 20 percent to GDP (this is compared to 40 60 percent of GDP in the EU and the US and even higher rates in growing Asian economies).

We can see that there is a huge unexploited capacity for growth,” he stated.

The AGF started operations with an initial $50 million share capital invested by the

L-R: President, Alassane Ouattara of Cote D' Ivoire, discussing with President of African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Donald Kaberuka, during the opening ceremony of the 47th Annual General Meeting of the bank, recently in Arusha, Tanzania.

Photo: NAN

AfDB, the government of Spain through the Spanish Agency for International development Cooperation (AECID) and the government of Denmark through the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA).

China’s natural gas demand to double by 2017, says IEA

G

lobal demand for natural gas will likely grow 17 percent over the next five years as Chinese consumption doubles, the International Energy Agency said Tuesday.

China’s demand for natural gas should expand 13 percent a year through 2017 while U.S. consumption will probably grow 13 percent by 2017, the Parisbased IEA said. It forecast European demand to increase by 7.9 percent.

“Asia will by far be the fastest growing region, driven primarily by China which will emerge as the third largest gas user by 2013,” said the IEA, which is made up of 28 countries, including the U.S. and most European nations.

Meanwhile, Asian LNG producers such as Malaysia and Indonesia will become net importers as local demand surges and output declines.

Low natural gas prices should lead to gas generating almost as much electricity as coal in the U.S. by 2017, the agency said.

The report said the world gas trade may rise 35 percent through 2017, but growth will slow in the next two years before accelerating from mid-2014 after projects currently under construction come on line. (AP)

3Roam provides wireless infrastructure for Nigeria’s oil & gas industry

By Muhammad Nasir

3

Roam recently provides wireless infrastructure for the oil and gas sector in Nigeria mainly for wireless transport of business-critical communications across different facilities.

3Roam is a manufacturer of wireless transmission equipment that ensures robust communications and uninterrupted service with its AERO transmission equipment.

It is known that 3Roam has experience in both radio and networking, while AERO provides robust transmissions as well as advanced networking capabilities to integrate seamlessly into its customer’s advanced all-IP network.

However, AERO is 3Roam’s full-outdoor point-to-point microwave product. It is the first equipment of its kind to integrate both a radio and a powerful Gigabit switch.

This high level of integration helps reduce installation time and cost, simplify connectivity, while lowering the number of potential points of failure in Chevron’s network.

Unotelos, 3Roam’s Partner in Nigeria and Ghana, is responsible for the systems integration for this project and provides product expertise, local support and training to its customers.

These deployments in Nigeria are just another example of AERO’s robustness to high-humidity and heat, following-up a series of deployments in some of the hottest places on the planet throughout the Middle-East.

Even in adverse weather conditions, AERO provides record link uptime, through dual radio protection overlays.

ITU advocates global cooperation against cyber-crime

By Abdulwahab Isa

T

he Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Dr. Hamadoun Toure has called for greater international cooperation among governments and the ICT industry to tackle the global nature of cyber-security threats.

In a statement in Lagos on Monday, Toure said that early warning of new threats on cybersecurity was vital.

He said that it was critical that best practice on required corrective steps was shared in order to best protect the global information society.

Toure said such corrective steps were the values toward building a global coalition.

He said that the union was fully engaging member states and the world’s players in its activities to tackle cyber threats.

“ITU is collaborating closely with its partners to identify current challenges, consider emerging and future threats and propose global strategies to meet the goals of the Global Cybersecurity Agenda (GCA),’’ he said Toure said international cooperation was a key element of the international regulatory body’s GCA, aimed at enhancing confidence and security in the information society.

He said that the Internet and ICTs had enabled interconnection between countries, which was not possible before, hence, countries could not easily close their borders to

incoming cyber threats and could not either contain those coming from within.

“Attempts to solve these challenges at national or regional levels are important but they are

undermined.

“Cyber-security is as global and far-reaching as the Internet.

Therefore, solutions need to be harmonised across all borders.

“This necessarily entails

international cooperation, not only at government level, but also with industry, nongovernmental and international organisations,’’ he said. (NAN)

Kaduna state collects N4.9m from land transactions in 1 year – Commissioner

K

aduna state government said on Monday that it had collected N4.9 million as internally generated revenue from land transactions in the last one year.

The Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Country Planning, Malam Mohammed Aminu, made the fact known in

an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Kaduna.

He said the government had projected to earn N6 million from land transactions.

He said the state government had concluded plans to review land rates and charges.

"This upward review would help to provide social services to our teeming populace in areas like housing, health, education, and agriculture," Aminu said.

The commissioner urged individuals and industries to pay up their ground rents and warned that defaulters would be penalised. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

PAGE 24

PAGE 25

Nigeria: Where giving birth can be deadly Nearly one in six maternal childbirth deaths globally occurs in Nigeria.

Here's how the country is fighting back.

N

igeria is struggling to drastically improve health care for mothers in childbirth, but the country is confronted by many obstacles.

A United Nations report released May 16 called “Trends in Maternal Mortality: 1990 to 2010,” showed that 14 percent of the world’s deaths related to childbearing are in Nigeria. Now Africa’s most populous country, with 160 million people, is working to cut the maternal death rate in half by 2015.

Franca Amaechi, a mother of three, said many women in Nigeria die from childbirth simply because they don’t know how dangerous it is to have babies without medical supervision.

But, she added, awareness campaigns are starting to filter into the public consciousness.

“We hear it all the time,” Amaechi told GlobalPost. “We see the advertisements on TV. Even if you don’t have a television at home to watch you see people walking

Minister for Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu

around telling people that [having babies at home] is not good.”

United Nations Children’s Fund health specialist Esther Obinya said her organization, the Nigerian government and several other nong o v e r n m e n t a l organizations are trying to tell as many Nigerians as possible that lives can be saved when babies are born in hospitals. But ignorance is not the only cause of Nigeria’s high maternal death rate, according to Obinya.

Saving girls from senseless deaths While maternal death rates around the world have almost halved over the past two decades, according to the UN report, Nigeria’s rate — 630 deaths for every 100,000 live births — is the world’s 10th highest, behind nine other sub-Saharan African countries led by Chad and Somalia.

Obinya said poverty, isolation, traditions and lack of access to health care are among the other causes for the high death rate of women during childbirth.

If a woman from a poor village starts to bleed excessively during childbirth, she has only hours to live without emergency medical treatment, Obinya said. In many remote villages, she said, modern transportation is not always available and even if it is, many women can’t afford to pay the fare.

“Even getting from her home to the primary health care maybe a big problem,” she told GlobalPost. “She goes on a camel. She goes on a donkey. She’s carried by hand on a motorcycle.”

Obinya said even those who make it to the hospital on time might not be able to get emergency treatment.

“When she gets to the primary health care she may find that there’s no help there,” she said.

“There [may be] no nurses.

There are definitely no doctors in most primary health care places, or there is no equipment.”

Mothers also die because child marriage and pressure to have many babies are common in some parts of Nigeria, Obinya said. Young girls often are too small to have a healthy birth and women who have children in quick succession become run down.

Traditional birth attendants with no medical training often care for the women and sometimes use dangerous practices like attempting to force a baby out of the mother by pressing her stomach with a stick, or making her vagina larger with a knife.

In Nigeria, abortion is illegal, except when the mother’s life is in danger, Obinya said. Young women frequently die from illegal abortions done by back-room

A newborn baby in Lagos. (Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP/Getty Images)

doctors who perform the surgery and scoot them out the door without proper care.

Hellen Akujohnson, a teacher and mother of four, said, like almost all of Nigeria’s problems, the dangers of giving birth are also related to corruption and lack of available electricity power. Even if a hospital has the expertise and equipment, she said, it might not have the electricity to use the equipment or even to see the patient in the dark.

Low-level corruption in hospitals also keeps women from seeking help before they desperately need it.

Akujohnson said in her

area the government promised free care for pregnant women and their babies until they are 5 years old. In most local public hospitals, however, workers fleece patients for illegal fees.

“They extort money from them,” she told GlobalPost.

“Whereas it’s supposed to be free for these women.”

Obinya said efforts t o drive down the maternal death rate also include hospital reform, training for traditional birth attendants and community programs. For example, some villages have set up a communal fund to pay drivers to bring women to the hospital in an emergency, even if she

doesn’t have the cash on hand.

Dr. Habiba Suleiman, a general practitioner with three children, said to improve health care in Nigeria, doctors also need to get paid enough to stay in practice. In early May, Nigerian officials fired nearly 800 doctors who were on strike against low wages.

Medical professionals should also be given financial incentives to work in the countryside, where there is usually an acute shortage of care, Suleiman said.

Training more women to be doctors, she added, would ensure that health care professionals and eventually the entire system was more sensitive to the needs of mothers.

“They say if you educate a female, you educate a nation,” she told GlobalPost.

“That knowledge will be there so they will be able to avert most problems that are faced during child bearing.”

(Source: GlobalPost)

A nurse tends to a baby after delivery

PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

By Mike Monticello

T

o say the all-new 2013 Ford Escape is important to Ford is like saying Peyton Manning might be of some use to the Denver Broncos. Ford has sold more than 2 million of these little SUVs since its launch in 2000. It fights month-on-month with its archrival from Honda, the CR-V, for top sales honors. It's a necessity for Ford, especially in this era of soaring fuel prices, that the Escape continues to be a top performer.

So don't mess with a good thing, right? Wrong. With the 2013 Ford Escape set to arrive at dealers in May, the brand will unleash the first truly all-new Escape since the original. The global Escape (called the Kuga in some markets) is now based on the new Focus platform, and nearly every nut, bolt and body panel is new on this rig.

Unlike the original Escape, with its clean but very traditional two-box design, Ford's Kinetic philosophy now stands at the forefront of the Escape's message, with an in-your-face trapezoidal grille, rising beltline, sloping roof line and fancy head- and taillights, all of which make the outgoing Escape look like a prude school girl by comparison.

While styling sells, it's the engines that move you, and the 2013 Ford Escape has three from which to choose, two boasting the name EcoBoost - that's turbocharging to the rest of us.

So how worried should Honda (CR-V), Toyota (RAV4) and Kia (Sportage) be about the new, Kentucky-built Escape? We traveled to San Francisco for the national press launch to find out.

The Escape's overall length is increased by 3.4 inches and it rides on a wheelbase that's some 2.8 inches longer than the 2012 Escape. An extra 1.3 inches of width combined with a 1.6-inch lower overall height helped the Ford design team hone the sporty shape they were looking for.

There's still plenty of room inside, even in the rear seat, which we found to have excellent headand foot room and decent knee room. The 60/40-split/folding rear seat now has a simple onetouch lever for fold-flat ability, as well as a seatback recline function.

The wide front seats are exceedingly well-padded, with good bolstering for the seatback.

Like the Focus, the Escape has a grippy, thick-rimmed steering wheel that adds to the SUV's

Ford Escape feeling the boost sporty driving dynamics. And as with the Focus, interior quality is excellent, with soft-touch materials for the dash and door sills, along with well-padded door armrests and center armrest.

We did notice an intermittent rattle

in an earlyproduction Titanium model, coming from the hard plastic center section of the dash.

The 2013 Ford Escape will have three (count 'em) fourcylinder engine choices, all combined with six-speed automatics and, unfortunately, Ford's ultra-goofy lever-mounted rocker switch for manual shifting.

Both the 2012 Honda CR-V and the all-new Mazda CX-5 make do with just one engine - a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter inline-4 with 185 horsepower and a five-speed automatic in the CR-V, and a 2.0liter 155-hp four mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic on the CX-5.

Unlike with the current Escape, there won't be a hybrid, as the C-Max will take over that duty.

The 2.5-liter in the base Escape S ($23,295 including $825 destination) is basically the same engine as last year, now with 168 hp and 170 pound-feet of torque.

Ford cares so little about this engine - probably because it's expected to make up less than 10 percent of the Escape mix - that it didn't have any on hand for us to try.

That's OK, because it's neither the fuel economy leader nor the power champ of the group. The former distinction goes to the new, English-built 1.6-liter EcoBoost (estimated 23 city/33 highway mpg versus the CR-V's 23 city/31 highway), which makes

its American debut in the 2013 Ford Escape SE ($25,895). It's packed with a

turbo, direct injection and variable valve timing.

Using 91-octane fuel it produces 178 hp at 5,700 rpm and 184 lb-ft of torque at just 2,500 and does so with little turbo lag and minimal noise. More importantly, it does a reasonable job of moving the 3,502-pound front-drive Escape (all-wheel drive is available for $1,750 in either EcoBoost model), but it surely won't blow you away with its power. The one oddity was a slight hiccup in the surge of power at about 4,500 rpm.

An extra $1,095 gets you the 2.0-liter EcoBoost with 240 hp at 5,500 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm (also using 91-

octane), replacing last year's 240hp 3.0-liter V6. This is the same EcoBoost

that's a bit overmatched in the 2012 Ford Explorer, which means it's absolutely terrific in the little Escape. This, friends, is the engine to get if you don't mind sacrificing a few miles per gallon (EPA rating of 22 city/ 30 highway/25 combined with FWD).

In uphill situations where the 1.6 needed either extra throttle or a downshift (or both), the prodigious torque of the 2.0 pulls the Escape through without a thought. It's also quieter and

smoother, and offers good punch when you press the right pedal all the way to the floor. And the 2.0 enables a 3,500-pound towing capacity.

It was Ford's intention that the Escape be on the sporting side of the small SUV segment. Being based on the extremely competent-handling new Focus is a good start. Mind you, with its higher weight and a higher center

of gravity you won't mistake the Escape for a Focus, but it's willing enough when the road begins to twist. The electric-assist steering doesn't have

the spot-on feel of the Focus as it's a bit syrupy in its delivery, but body roll is reasonably well-controlled.

Things improve further in the Titanium model. Not just because of the 2.0 EcoBoost, but also because of the extra grip from the higher-performance all-season 19-inch tires and the ability of the (optional at this trim level) allwheel-drive system to put the power down when exiting turns.

Ride is taut but still supple enough. The shorter, stiffer sidewalls of the Titanium's 19inch tires gave it a slightly more jittery ride than the 1.6 SE. The brakes on the SE were

touchy on initial application at low speeds, but pedal stroke was still long, and they didn't feel particularly powerful.

Certainly Ford has done some very solid work with the Escape's aero qualities (it's 10 percent more slippery than the outgoing model), as it exhibits very low wind and road noise.

Source: Edmunds.com

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

PAGE 27

Diamond gazer: Adoring crowds defy rain at flypast climax to Queen’s Jubilee A

beaming Queen looked elated from her Buckingham Palace balcony yesterday as her Diamond Jubilee celebrations were topped off by a thundering RAF flypast — and news that Prince Philip was on the mend.

In total 18 aircraft including two King Air planes, a Lancaster, Spitfires, a Hurricane from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and nine Red Arrows flew over the palace.

Her Majesty, who looked pleased at the display, was joined by the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, who also waved to the crowds.

Meanwhile, Prince Edward said Prince Philip was “getting better” after visiting him in hospital this afternoon.

The 90-year-old had to miss the Jubilee concert yesterday and today’s festivities after being taken to the King Edward VII Hospital from Windsor Castle. He will be kept under observation a few more days.

Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, who joined her husband and their kids Louise and James in the halfhour visit, said: “He’s in good spirits, he’s on good form.”

And Edward added: “He’s getting better, he just needs some rest.”

Asked if the Duke had been keeping up with today’s Jubilee celebrations, he said: “He’s been watching it on TV.” And asked how the Queen was doing without him, he said: “She’s bearing up but she’s missing him, obviously.”

Earlier, hundreds of thousands of ecstatic Brits cheered the Queen’s

carriage procession through the streets of London.

Her Majesty was joined in her coach by Charles and Camilla as the Duke of Edinburgh remains in hospital with a bladder infection.

Prince Philip is said to be “disappointed” at missing the festivities marking the end of the Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry rode behind the senior royals in a State Landau.

The procession followed a lunch with members of the City of London Livery Companies in Westminster Hall.

As the carriages emerged from New Palace Yard, near Westminster Hall, spectators began cheering and applauding the 86-year-old monarch.

The Palace of Westminster Clock Tower — home of the Big Ben bell — stood behind them and there is a campaign to rename it the Elizabeth Tower in honour of the Queen.

The Sovereign’s Escort was provided by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment in their breastplates and plumed helmets.

The rain that had been threatening to fall all day held off so open carriages could be used.

The route along Whitehall, through Admiralty Arch and along The Mall was lined by more than 1,000 servicemen and women from the three services.

Earlier in the day, the Queen’s lifelong service to her country was praised today as her Diamond Jubilee was celebrated in a thanksgiving service.

The Archbishop of Canterbury

Best view in the house ... the Queen watches flypast with Camilla, Charles, Wills, Kate and Harry.

Senior royals ... Camilla and Prince Charles joined the Queen in the 1902 State Landau.

Taking it easy: A cheerful Miss Copley whiles away another day in bed.

Colourful display ... Red Arrows match the sea of red, white and blue outside Buckingham Palace.

paid tribute to Her Majesty’s selfless devotion to others in her 60 years of reign.

Dr Rowan Williams told the 2,000 guests at St Paul’s Cathedral: “I don’t think it’s at all fanciful to say that, in all her public engagements, our Queen has shown a quality of joy in the happiness of others; showing honour to countless local communities and individuals of every background and class and race.

“She has made her ’public’ happy and all the signs are that she is herself happy, fulfilled and at home in these encounters.”

He added: “We are marking today the anniversary of one historic and very public act of dedication — a dedication that has endured faithfully, calmly and generously through most of the adult lives of most of us here.

“We are marking six decades of living proof that public service is possible and that it is a place where happiness can be found.”

Dr Williams also had words of support for Prince Philip, adding: “The same, of course, can manifestly be said of Prince Philip; and our prayers and thoughts are very much with him this morning.”

The Queen was accompanied to the service at St Paul’s by her lady-inwaiting Diana Marion, the Lady Farnham.

She joined her Majesty in the royal Bentley as it made its way from Buckingham Palace along a route lined with hundreds of thousands of wellwishers.

At the service, the Queen did not sit by herself at the head of the congregation but was joined by the Prince of Wales, who sat on her right.

Her Majesty had chosen a mint green outfit made of silk tulle by Angela Kelly. It was embroidered with tiny mint green star shaped flowers, embellished with silver thread.

A mint green chiffon drape scattered with Swarovski crystals adorned her shoulders.

Her hat was also covered in Swarovski crystals with green chiffon draped around the base.

As she made her way up to the Great West Door of the cathedral, Prince Charles and Camilla were waiting for her along with Princes William and Harry and the Duchess of Cambridge.

Kate, who shared a joke with Prince Harry on the cathedral’s steps, looked elegant in a lace Alexander McQueen dress with matching Jane Taylor hat.

The Duchess of Cornwall chose an ensemble in beige hues while Charles and his sons wore morning suits.

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie opted for purple and blue to attend the service, which was broadcast to the crowds outside via loudspeakers.

Guests at the service included Prime Minister David Cameron — who did a reading at the service — Nick Clegg and opposition leader Ed Miliband.

Source: TheSun.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

PAGE 28

How morbidly obese father survived trauma of homelessness, a break-up death of his son to drop over 200lbs T

he remarkable story of how a man overcame the combined trauma of the death of his son, the breakdown of his relationship and homelessness to lose 200lbs, launched the latest season of Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition.

The emotional episode, which aired last night, follows Tony, 49, who at 398lbs was morbidly obese due to a 30-year career in the fast food industry.

He describes how his weight spiralled out of control as a teen when he overate frequently because he never knew where his next meal would come from. The stress of the birth of a severely handicapped son at 21 saw him seek further comfort in food.

Tragically, it is during his very first workout with host and mentor Chris Powell that Tony learns son Marcus, after 28 years with cerebral palsy, may not live much longer.

But though he breaks down as

he takes in the devastating news, he refuses to be swayed from his goal and continues undeterred with his new regime.

Tony’s challenges do not end there. His efforts to lose weight spark rows with his fiancée Leslie, who cannot embrace his new healthy-living lifestyle.

168 days into the year-long regime, the couple decide to go their separate ways. The split leaves him homeless and he ends up sleeping in his car until he finds a new place to live. It is a low point and the weight-loss slows.

Some weeks on, the situation worsens still when Marcus finally passes away, and Tony must bury his son. In a silver lining though, the funeral provides a reunion with his other son, Tony Junior, who is stunned to learn that his father has been homeless.

But where others in his position might have sought comfort in junk food, or slipped into a deep

Transformation: Tony successfully went from 398lbs (left) to a streamlined 198lbs (right) on last night's Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition - despite a series of traumatic emotional setbacks.

Larger-than-life: A family photo shows Tony as a younger man with sons Marcus (left) and Tony Jr (right).

Tragic news: It is during his very first workout with host and mentor Chris Powell that Tony learns that his son Marcus, after 28 years with cerebral palsy, may not live much longer.

New love: After splitting with his fiancée over her failure to support his weight-loss, Tony began a relationship with Deanna - and proposed to her at the end of the episode

depression, Tony’s dogged refusal to give up is nothing short of inspirational.

At his nine-month weigh-in, our man is back on track, weighing in at 226lbs. The show awards him with a cash prize for getting so far, which provides him with the means to rent a home again.

Luckily for Tony, the journey documented on the show ends on a high. Not only does he successfully reach his weight-loss goal of 200lbs, he also finds a new love, Deanna, who he proposes to at the end of the episode.

Since the taping, he has kept his weight down too. In a follow-up interview he reveals that though he continues to work in the food industry, he has not touched fast food in two years.

He is even working on a cookbook of the low-calorie recipes he credits with helping him drop the

weight.

‘My favourite is the low-fat mac’n’cheese. But to get that,’ he quips, ‘you have to buy the book!’

Chris could not be more proud of Tony, as he reveals in a video message.

‘I gotta tell you it was such a privilege working with you last year,’ he says. ‘You brought so much enthusiasm and vigour... you’re proof that it’s never too late to start over.’

Tony, in turn, is full of praise for Chris, who he credits with helping him achieve what he thought was impossible.

‘I never had guys in my life who cared about me, and for Chris to step up the way he did for me is just amazing,’ he says.

‘I’m just so indebted to him for the rest of my life. I didn’t think I could ever get this weight off me.’

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

PAGE 29

In Abuja, a book spoke louder than its author On Author’s leash uthors draw their own crowd where they go. But the Guest Writer of Abuja Writers’ Forum (AWF) for the month of May, Abubakar Adamu Ibrahim, did not draw just the literary public, his publisher, Azafi Omoluabi Ogosi from Paressia Publishers, was in the house, too. “We like to publish stories that interest us. Whatever we like we take and work on,” she had said in response to a flood of inquiries as to what her Lagosbased outfit takes interest in. And she intimated her listeners of other packages that her firm has, including full traditional publishing, as well as selfpublishing activities. All of that and much more must have been good songs in the ears of writers and would-be authors present in the hall. Or what of Ogosi’s words that she pays authors royalties ahead of the release of their published work? Her listeners thought Paressia Publishers are the first to do that in Nigeria, and in a situation where most writers complain that publishers in the country don’t pay royalties years after contract papers were signed.

Ogosi explained more as to what her dreams are for the Nigerian book industry, mighty tall dreams they by any standard, in a market that is confronted with so many challenges such as piracy, and lack of good and trusted distribution network. And it is surprising that in a nation with more than One hundred and fifty million people, publishers close shops more than they open.

With a good marketing strategy, it is inconceivable that a publisher would not have his returns, not to mention the benefits a thriving publishing industry holds for the innumerable writing talents available in the country. Ogosi heard from appreciative writers that it takes courage to do all that she is doing, and she heard as best wishes poured in from every corner of the hall with regards to her future endeavours. More so as her publishing house made The Whimpering Trees, a collection of short stories, possible. So Elvis Iyorngurum, the Compere, had had to bring her on the stage to speak, at a time attendees had copies of the book in their hands, and had enthusiastically read along with its author, Abubakar

A

When writer and journalist, Abubakar Adamu Ibrahim, read to Abuja in May, the packaging of the book drew loud accolades; it is a pointer to the need to have more high quality publishing that complements authors’ efforts in the country, TUNJI AJIBADE writes

Ibrahim reading from his latest book Adamu Ibrahim.

The hearer of the whimper So Abubakar Adamu Ibrahim, who is also the Art Editor of Sunday Trust newspaper, took the stage after Professor Unoma Azuah, the award-winning author of Edible Bones, read a brief introduction. “I have always been fascinated by the relationship between a child and the mother,” Ibrahim said. He was referring to the first story in his book, Twilight and Mist. He drew largely from old African myth and folklore in this story. A child desires to see his late mother so much, even as an adult. Then the mother showed up in a strange form, the child believed, and it left his world turned upside down. One reader of this work described it as belonging to the genre of fantasy, but many only saw good craft at work in the story, and it was what mattered to them, fantasy or not. This first story in a collection of twelve, can do one thing to the reader – draw him in, and draw to the extent that he wants to read more. All of that in addition to the packaging, the quality of the paper, the editorial

Emembo addressing his audience

questions the bridegroom’s sister posed to the weeping bride. The bridegroom was buried “six hours and forty- four minutes” after he died, buried by the same people that had earlier on celebrated his wedding. And the bride, the quarrelsome sister, as well as the coveted property later ended up in an inferno.

The Precise Author Precise reference to time in Closure was of interest when the floor was opened and Master of Ceremony allowed punches to be thrown at the Guest Writer. Thirty six hours and fourteen minutes, after his wedding: “That is the mind of a science student at work, a medical doctor to be precise,” an attendee pointed out. It was an observation that was not off the mark because Abubakar Adam Ibrahim had been fascinated with writing from a much younger age.

It motivated him to dump the sciences and study Mass Communications at the University of Jos. He has dabbled into poetry and plays but he is more at home with prose. Others commended the stories in The Whispering Trees, and

Some of the participants quality, as well as touch and tone to the manner the author penned all the stories in The Whispering Trees. Attendees said so, and they no doubt continued to cast glances across the hall at Ibrahim’s publisher that made this work come out the way it did.

The author also read Closure, the seventh story in the collection.

In it, a man died “exactly thirty six hours and fourteen minutes, after his wedding.” His elder sister came into his house to take stock of his property “forty-four minutes” later; it was to ensure that the bride, whom she thought should not inherit her brother’s hardearned fortune because the marriage was yet to be consummated, touched nothing.

“Did he sleep with you? Did he consummate the union?” were the

Another set of participants

as for an observation made that the author has his ‘darlings’, words that he put on the lips of his character a bit too often, he graciously admitted that the “observation is valid,” and that it is one of those few things an author inadvertently overlooks, but which his readers don’t fail to notice.

Along…

Ibrahim’s boss, Editor-in-Chief of Daily Trust, Mallam Mannir Dan Ali, was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, and his representative, the Features Editor of Daily Trust, Dafe Ujorha, had observed the complimentary items on display, commending the organisers for “doing a good job.”

Such items included a poetry rendition by Mike Ekunno, live music performance by Lorraine Panam, as well as the mini art exhibition by Chime Emembo whose paintings that he themed, Christian religious art have always generated immense interest and debate among attendees of the Guest Writer Session.

Ajibade wrote from Abuja through tunjioa@yahoo.com

PAGE 30

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

Restless Journeys and Horsemen (II) 1966-69 time period, an epochal period in Nigeria’s life, a period very much on Nwakanma’s mind. Listen to Yellow Taxi They paved paradise And put up a parking lot With a pink hotel, a boutique and a swinging hot spot…

BOOK REVIEW

By Ikhide R. Ikheloa (Nnamdi)

W

here is all this leading?

Hopefully to Obi Nwakanma’s book, The Horsemen and other poems. The famously finicky Amatoritsero Ede should read Nwakanma’s book and reconsider his stance. I don’t know much about how poems are put together but I love poems. I don’t know much about how music happens but I love music. I don’t remember asking anyone to define for me good poetry and good music.

I simply cock my ears like an ancient dog and lean into the wind of the bard’s pain and I am good. If the poet speaks to me, I am good.

Alas, these days, much of what passes through my eyes posing as poetry is ceaseless self absorption penned by narcissists afflicted by a messianic complex. Nwakanma avoids this pitfall and the reader enjoys a good collection of poetry that is eclectic and not in a contrived way. The Horsemen and other poems is quite simply an arresting and enchanting production. After reading The Horsemen and other poems I can confidently say that Nwakanma can write what Amatoritsero Ede would call poetry. The brother can sing. If you remember Chris Okigbo you will love this little book of poetry. Christopher Okigbo’s influence is everywhere. Shades of Okigbo blanket the reader’s consciousness. Nwakanma speaks to the reader in the tradition of the poets before him, who were afflicted with the debilitating disease of possessing a clear vision of the coming apocalypse, of the towncriers who wailed nonstop to indifferent ears about the pain of the coming dispensation. When I think of the poets of my childhood, they are speaking in English, they are writing in English, but they speak to me in the guttural language of my ancestors. In speaking to me, they make me smell the earth of my ancestors; I smell the sweaty raffia palm regalia of my ancestors’ masquerades. They speak to me, comforting me, soothing my anxieties. That tradition is dying of course; it is hard to find poets of that genre. A handful still remains and I can say that Obi Nwakanma is one of the very best in that select club that I have had the pleasure of reading.

In The Horsemen and other poems, many layers of perspectives reveal themselves to the reader through the deft use of imagery.

Nwakanma is adept at the use of the turn of phrase to ambush and delight the reader. Nice. On virtually every page of the book, many layers of dispensation and being jostle with each other for position. I love how Nwakanma plays with words and forces images, quite a few of them sensual, on the reader’s eyes. Every junction is a gentle riot of colors.

The poet in Nwakanma successfully returns to the time tested tradition of writing for the individual reader. As a result, my interpretation of each poem is really up to me and is informed by my

The book cover personal journeys and experience.

Nice, very nice.

There are many things to like in The Horsemen and other poems.

I loved the haunting lyricism of Deep Crossings (p 6). Take these lines for instance: Let my cry come, hang dry Like the worn sail, a plea to the sultry wind.

Bleach the light, my silence…

Let me sail –let me sail in silence Swallowed by twilight.

Let the twilight sing the song of this empire.

Those who are familiar with Nwakanma’s writings know that no book of his would be complete without the mention of his guiding deity Agwu, patron deity of artists, visionaries, seers and those loitering on the lunatic fringe. In that regard, this book does not disappoint. Agwu hooks up with Nwakanma to deliver a throaty ode to Nigeria’s dreamers; Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Christopher Okigbo, Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, and Emmanuel Ifeajuna. Agwu the Impish One shows up in robust laughter and song in A String Lullaby, a piece dedicated to Fela Anikulapo Kuti (p 10). That piece alone is worth the price of this book. Hear Nwakanma and Agwu in delightful song for Abami Eda, the Weird One: The drums are speaking today… remember The hands that carved their melodies The drums are speaking today… remember Their silence their hollowness.

In Nocturne (p 47) the reader is delightfully overcome by a wealth of imagery like this gem: Each afternoon leans upon my sad porches Each afternoon sighs like the distant echo of the magnificent nocturnal The loquacity of the poem Abujaironically has hints of J.P. Clark-Bederemo’s tight-lipped depth of Ibadan (p 18).

This is an important city; no monologue is minimal, none can be reversed.

The giant trees are silent, hewn, in their places, steel cenotaphs.

Abuja is eclectic, and deeply deceptive in its seeming simplicity.

Its mournfulness also reminds me of the song Big Yellow Taxiby Joni Mitchell (also performed by Bob Dylan). The original lyrics of Big Yellow Taxiwere written in the

… They took all the trees And put them in a tree museum And they charged all the people A dollar and a half to see ‘em….

The sweet musky odor of sex is never far from the surface of this book, lurking, and wiping one’s feverish brow with towels of stirring symbols (p 47).

Ah, her mysterious voice, darkening, resonant, hovers across the fields; It is the moistness that shapes our moments…

The tenderness continues in The Returnee (p 39) She is the wraith that dries herself beside the fireplace. Nude as plain water.

Perhaps it was a word that gripped her lips.

Perhaps it was a startled smile.

Perhaps it was a dirge uttered to the flame.

Nwakanma’s poems are mournful, soulful and deeply spiritual. They are also deeply troubling in parts. He also gives robust voice to his personal struggle with and ambivalence towards what I call the new dispensation of our being. He views globalization with a heavy dose of skepticism and it shows. In The Horsemen and other poems, Nwakanma gallops through many seasons of war, ploughs through many cemeteries of fallen dreams, scales okra covered walls and chases dreams that never left our huts in the first place. And the reader comes upon this land of alien deities, and lands exhausted on the unwelcome mats of these strange people that worship feuding gods.

Come to me, Jesus said, the Devil is evil. And we asked, Esu alagbara is evil? There are no wars in this land. But there is no peace in this land. This land is at war. There is no hunger in this land of plenty but the people are hungry because the cornucopia of plenty is filled with plastic cheeseburgers. We have stayed too long in paradise and trapped ourselves in our own private prison. We are at war like no one has seen in this strange place where doors are always opening.

And closing.

The book is not without its share of flaws and I have a few quibbles with its production, all of which I lay at the feet of the publisher Africa World Press. The preface went on too long – the last paragraph would have been just fine; everything else was WTMI – way too much information. Let the reader do his or her own research because sometimes the joy is in the hunt. I am not a fan of Africa World Press – their publishing is ho hum.

I don’t see how they can compete for world class writers with the rest of the publishing world. Africa World Press could use a good editor.

Back to the book, I would have loved to see a partnership between a graphic artist and Nwakanma in this haunting book, say, Nwakanma and Victor Ekpuk and/or Victor Ehikhamenor. Now that would have been something.

Some graphic illustrations would have helped the reader immensely in plumbing the dark recesses of Nwakanma’s angst. I have a copy of Christopher Okigbo’s Labyrinths.Like Nwakanma’s book, it is spare and stark but the graphics that accompany the pieces Watermaid, Newcomerand Initiativesarrest the reader’s mind and takes the reader on a journey to the most sacred of grottoes.

Effective. The thinker Olu Oguibe also uses the same technique in his book A Gathering Fearto awesome effect.

Nwakanma does fall victim to the universalism that he rails against. In the beginning there were walls. I remember the end of the beginning. In the beginning there were these walls, but they are coming down, slowly on everything that we hold dear in our hearts and minds. Nwakanma knows this and he is not happy about it. In the voices of our children, in the songs of our people, Nwakanma feels the devastation that our collective poor judgment has wrought on the land.

There are lawyers that can’t write a sentence, doctors who operate slaughter houses, and writers whose poetry is haunting only in its incoherence. In Nwakanma’s world, the movement of people, resources and ideas in the new global world is relentless. Like a school of hungry fish we swim, swim and swim for dear life. Each movement creates despair and devastation in its wake. The past is hopeless, the present confounds us with its chilling reality of alienation and tomorrow presents us the shimmering hope that our children will never swim this way. It is a sad apocalyptic vision. Nwakanma fears that we may be stuck in a self fulfilling prophecy. Things have fallen apart. Chinua Achebe’s book Things Fall Apartmust be living rentfree in Nwakanma’s fecund mind.

Let us pray.

All in all, I salute Obi Nwakanma’s spirit. There are these things in the air, crisp and unseen that connect the reader with a seeming nothingness but give birth to a searing awareness. In Horsemen and other poems, Nwakanma speaks to me from the bowels of my ancestors’ coven. He speaks to me howling, bawling, and soaking me in the song of my mother’s grief. In the feverish insistence of his voice, in the feverish insistence of his rhythm, in the pounding of his feet on our mothers’ earth, he speaks to me. His poems hold my conscience captive, and his abiding spirit leashes me strong away from the pain of hovering on the edge of alien playgrounds. And joy rides my senses, going places in the heart where fear clings to life. Hey, look at joy bounding up and down the steps of happy memories. In Nwakanma’s little book that roars, Joy takes me by the hand and says; where there is life, there is hope! I salute you, Obi Nwakanma!

Concluded Source: African writer

PEOPLES POEM OF THE WEEK Title: Echoes of silence

By Khalthum Umaru You fumble with the key, the lock doesn’t budge The steep dark walls, the scarlet veins that lodge Secrets. Can you be trusted with the fragile interior?

Silent sighs can be heard, increasing with sadness and rigour.

The echoes of silence are loud and whisper of stolen Moments, reflections of a war of attrition.

What is not apparent, is beyond the walls Encapsulated and out of reach, teardrops fall Each single lonesome drop painfully caresses The sides, searching but not finding the crevices From which to escape.

To fulfil hidden desires Lost in hazy memoirs of a distant reconnoitre.

Abruptly, you realise there isn’t a keyhole, no way For fingers waiting comely, tender as a misspoken sobriquet.

A chord strikes lonesome, sending a floating fantasy Reminiscent, cruel as a whip to flesh, an unchanging reality Thunderous doubts, fluid hues lead to heart beats thumping, Sweaty, thirsty passions quenched all a-sudden

QUO TE UOTE “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”

–– Mother Theresa.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

ANALYSIS

By Larbi Sadiki

M

aking those kinds of rare stands in dealing with both adversaries and allies distinguishes Aboul Fotouh as someone with ample leadership qualities. Without it he would not have risen to prominence as a member of the inner circle running the Ikhwan, losing five years to incarceration (between 1996 and 2001), and imprisonment a few years ago that almost cost him his life. For years he was elected to preside over the Arab doctors' association. Like other Ikhwan political stars, Aboul Fotouh was a leader coached in the art of politics within the Egyptian students' representative councils, the breeding grounds of activists and future leaders.

Three ideas follow from the above: Dr Aboul Fotouh's moral courage and integrity are very difficult to beat and they are not fake, learnt of late to suit the electoral campaign.

Dr Aboul Fotouh has got no bone of apologism in his body (politic). Dr Aboul Fotouh relates to the youth of Egypt's revolution more than any other political figure in Egypt. He was in his early 20s when he challenged Sadat. So it is no coincidence that he was the first (of the candidates) to descend to Tahrir Square as Egypt's revolution began to gather momentum. This affinity with youth remains robust and makes him along the likes of Hamdeen Sabbahi and Ahmad Maher, amongst others, people's leaders.

A major asset one can additionally accredit to Aboul Fotouh is his grassroots activism. In fact, one may call it to his 'trans-humanism'. The ethos of his profession (as he puts it when I last spoke with him), was that humanism knows no borders - just like medicine. "A physician", he observes, "sees patients. A doctor does not look for ideology, colour or class."

This is Aboul Fotouh's metaphor for curing Egypt of the ills of 60 years of authoritarianism.

And with the safe hands and the humanity of a professional surgeon, he would address the ills not be concerned about who is Muslim or Copt, man or woman, poor or rich. It is this indiscriminate ethos of his profession that Aboul Fotouh operationalises in his politics as he coalesces with others to help ease Egypt into smooth democratic transition.

Aboul Fotouh's 'trans-humanism' goes back to decades of grass-roots activism in the EMB's medical caravans and the Arab Doctors' Association, which was proactive everywhere it could from Bosnia to Gaza. Like the experienced Amr Moussa, Aboul Fotouh has a global political identity: the former in the UN as Egypt's permanent representative in 1990, the latter as a physician helping people in conflict zones.

With the same dedication, partly owed to the activism he engaged in as an EMB member, and along 'comrades-in-arms' such the Ikhwan senior figure Dr Essam Al-Eryan, Dr Jamal Hishmat or Dr Mohamed Al Beltagi, Aboul Fotouh knows his Egypt. Local activism took him and others to all corners of the country, vaccinating and providing relief wherever and whenever possible.

Like Dr Morsi, Aboul Fotouh did a great deal of door-knocking and grassroots work. Like Dr Morsi, Aboul Fotouh's activism was not just about pandering to an Islamist identity, but also an expression of patriotism that sought to do politics from the bottom up when opportunities for institutional transformation were blocked. In this respect, he shares some of the political values of Hamdeen and Maher.

PAGE 31

The ‘blueprint’ for Arab Muslim democrats (II)

More than 40 years ago, Dr Aboul Fotouh defended Egypt and Egyptians in a rare audience with the Pharaoh that was Sadat, accusing him of hypocrisy. He did that as a student in his early 20s [AP] Aboul Fotouh contested parliamentary elections and in the height of the re-emergence in the 1990s of the Ikhwan as an active political force. So he is, as he says it, not "strange to playing by the rules of the political game, including fair opportunity for all contesting power and equal citizenship for all to participate." In one sense, like the EMB's candidate, Aboul Fotouh knows politics both as an insider, a former MP, and an outsider, a dissident and a civil rights activist par excellence who did stick his neck out and paid a price for his antiauthoritarian stand.

Through his contest of the Arab Spring's first democratic presidential elections, along with others such as Hamdeen, Aboul Fotouh contributed to a most riveting exercise of rebranding politics in Egypt. In those elections, Amr Moussa was by any standards a household name, partly a relic of the Mubarak era, and at 75 he was over-playing the pair safe-ofhands-type language, harking back to the ousted regimes dictums and metaphors: stability and antiIslamism. Like Shafiq, Moussa most probably did draw more mature voters. However, they were both shunned by the youth who view him as 'felool' - remnant of the old regime.

It is Aboul Fotouh, Hamdeen and, without a doubt Dr Morsi, who are re-branding politics. Like them, he contested the presidential elections without a 'trade-mark' except for powerful Egyptian-ness and readiness to serve. This new brand of politicians inducts into formal power politics former prisoners - continuing the conversion in the Arab Spring

geography of former inmates into power bidders and holders. It is the powerfully emerging political branding of activism and victimhood that yield legitimacy and credibility.

Aboul Fotouh: The Islamist insider-outsider The current cycle in the Arab Spring geography, and potentially in the entire Arab Middle East, favours the Islamists. It is difficult to imagine Shafiq winning these elections.

Aboul Fotouh is a kind of potential connector with the Ikhwan in one sense, and in another the antidote that can counteract the inevitable domination of the EMB. The EMB is taking huge risk in pursuing a policy to prevail at all levels - reversing earlier gradualist positions. So for the Islamists wanting to protect the EMB from itself, Aboul Fotouh is the perfect compromise: they get an Islamist facilitator or moderator, including in the process of constitution-framing, who is able to limit embedding current power politics in a total EMB matrix.

It is a classic case of 'knowledge being power'. Moussa can deal with the EMB only through polarisation and so would Shafiq. Aboul Fotouh has an insider's grasp of what makes the EMB tick - he knows their strengths and weaknesses. His latest publication, a quasi-autobiography about his years within the Ikhwan, is very insightful in this regard and is a must for those curious about the EMB's political history.

In a way, the EMB's current success and brilliant adaptation to the post-Mubarak era through a political party originated well before

“

the January 25 Revolution. Aboul Fotouh and other brilliant minds within the EMB have been planning the creation of a political party for years. I was privy to some of that knowledge as I've been following the politics of the Ikhwan for 20 years.

He can claim credit for part of the EMB's success, when ideas of carving a margin of existence within civil society through professional syndicates began to be entrenched under the guidance of the late Mamoun Al-Hudaybi. In fact, many of the political stars in Egypt's current democratic reconstruction are the by-product of that era including the Wasat Party leaders, an offshoot from the Ikhwan.

The transition in Egypt requires the skill of someone who can relate to the Ikhwan. Aboul Fotouh left the EMB but ideologically he shares their moral paradigm but with one advantage: ability to play a mediatory role, allowing great inclusiveness of non-Islamist voices.

This could make for a consensual transitional political culture at this critical phase of Egypt's fledgling democratic reconstruction. He subscribes to the philosophy of 'Egypt to all Egyptians'.

Dr Aboul Fotouh's clearly has a strong hunger for knowledge coupled with a robust work ethic. When in prison in the mid-1990s, like other Ikhwan leaders such as Al-Eryan, he worked hard to re-educate himself.

He read law and theology amongst other subjects, obtaining degrees in these fields.

Aboul Fotouh's most distinctive asset is his belief that Egypt is rich not poor as many tend to think - and that a plan to make all of Egypt work

The current cycle in the Arab Spring geography, and potentially in the entire Arab Middle East, favours the Islamists. It is difficult to imagine Shafiq winning these elections.

is the way forward so that this great nation ascends in developmental terms and emulates India, China, Brazil, Turkey, Korea and other Asian Tigers who are active players in the global economy.

He finds Islam to suit this objective through a powerful ethical toolkit enjoining the good, and equipping Muslims to work and produce ethically, to be disciplined and engage in open and mutual learning with all nations for the greater sake of equal and durable development. And for this, Aboul Fotouh views good governance and democratic norms as part of the panacea of all Arab states.

For him, development requires 'long and sustainable peace' not 'long wars' that sap moral and material energies. This is why to a large extent the dichotomy Islamist-non-Islamist is diluted in his thinking. The terms of dealing with the world and managing politics call for new thinking: how to bridge the gap of the haves and the have-nots, the developed and the non-developed. As a perennial student, Aboul Fotouh views knowledge as the challenge of this century for the Arab Spring geography.

I think, Dr Aboul Fotouh was destined to play a big role in his country's politics, and in the reshaping of polity through coalition building, and dialogue. The presidency when he contested the politics of a mighty president and protested against the abuse of power to this end, his past struggle and service to the Egyptian and Arab publics places him ahead of many leaders.

Aboul Fotouh has the vision and leadership to adjust to the new turn of events after the first round of elections. The challenge to measure up to is no longer about campaigning for the single figure to occupy the presidency. Rather it is about the pooling of the endless talents and activists whose role is to protect Egypt's glorious revolution whilst, at the same time, building a culture of compromise, dialogue, pluralism, inclusiveness and mutual obligation in order to set the most important Arab country on the path to greatness: democratic, cultural and economic.

More than 40 years ago, Dr Aboul Fotouh defended Egypt and Egyptians in a rare audience with the Pharaoh that was Sadat, accusing him of hypocrisy.

He did that as a student in his early 20s. One fifth of those who voted in the May presidential elections have endorsed his leadership. It will prove vital in the coming months and years as he and others collectively reconstruct a democratic Egypt.

For Aboul Fotouh, a new and tougher test begins: not to be president but to work with others so that regardless of who is elected president, Egypt is ascendant.

Concluded Larbi Sadiki is a Senior Lecturer in Middle East Politics at the University of Exeter, and author of Arab Democratization: Elections without Democracy (Oxford University Press, 2009) and The Search for Arab Democracy: Discourses and Counter-Discourses Source: Aljazeera

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

PAGE 32

South Sudan officials ‘stole $4bn’

End Quote Barnaba Benjamin Information minister The president also said "corrupt individuals with close ties to government officials" were involved in stealing the missing billions.

Correspondents say the president's letter is rather an unorthodox method of dealing with corruption but South Sudan's information minister, Barnaba Benjamin, says it is working.

"Since the letters were written about $60m of the money that was inappropriately used in various ministries has already been recovered," Mr Benjamin told the BBC's Network Africa

programme.

"It is working and what is important is that the government must really succeed to recover some of this money - so we are heading in the right direction," he said.

The minister also told Reuters news agency that more than $2bn went missing in a well-publicised scandal involving the staple crop sorghum - in which bogus companies were paid by government but never delivered the grain.

Police investigations have been going on since 2009, and the minister and officials in the finance ministry previously arrested, the minister said.

"They can only be identified by locating where these funds have been deposited and in whose name," he added.

The country is one of Africa's least developed countries, with few paved roads and poor health and educational outcomes.

President Kiir accused South Sudan's new leaders of betraying their common vision for bettering the country.

He wrote that although many of their comrades had died in the long struggle for independence, "once we got to power we forgot what we fought for and began to enrich ourselves at the expense of our people".

The letter offered an amnesty to anyone returning money, but said "the credibility of our government is on the line".

brigade out of the airport.

A member of a Tripoli brigade said the gunfire was just a "scare tactic".

Ali al-Sheikhi, an army spokesman quoted by LANA, said that "negotiators were trying to persuade the assailants to leave the airport through pacific means in order to avoid the use of force".

He denounced al-Awfea Brigade's offensive as an "assault on the state and its institutions".

Mohammed al-Harizy, a spokesman for the ruling National Transitional Council (NTC), said Habshi was kidnapped by unknown armed men while travelling between Tarhouna and Tripoli.

He also said that an investigation had been launched to determine the circumstances of Habshi's disappearance.

Rwanda accused of fuelling DRC mutiny

R

wandan military officials are being accused of fomenting an army mutiny in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Human Rights Watch, the international rights group, says Rwandan officers have supplied a renegade general, Bosco Ntaganda with troops, weapons and ammunition.

Witnesses say that civilians in Rwanda's border regions of Musanze and Rubavu have been recruited to fight for the rebels.

The Rwandan government has denied any involvement in the rebellion that has further destabilised a region long in turmoil.

Last week, Louise Mushikiwabo, Rwanda's foreign minister, dismissed claims that Rwandans recruited and trained for the Rwandan army have been transferred to eastern Congo to fight for the rebels, as "categorically false and dangerous."

President Salva Kiir (centre) has accused top South Sudanese officials of stealing $4bn

S

outh Sudan's President Salva Kiir has accused officials of stealing at least $4bn (£2.6bn) from state resources.

He has written to 75 current and former senior government employees, asking for the unaccounted money to be returned.

About $60m has been recovered since the letters were sent out last month, the information minister told AlJazeera.

The new nation is desperately in need of funds after its oil production, which accounts for 98% of revenue, was shut down in an argument with Sudan.

South Sudan seceded from

Sudan to form the world's newest nation last July.

In a letter dated 3 May and reportedly sent sometime in the last 10 days, President Kiir wrote: "People in South Sudan are suffering and yet some government officials simply care about themselves.

"Most of these funds have been taken out of the country and deposited in foreign accounts.

Some have purchased properties, often paid in cash."

Since the letters were written about $60m of the money that was inappropriately used in various ministries has already been recovered"

Libyan forces recapture Tripoli airport

L

ibyan authorities have wrested back control of Tripoli International Airport from ex-rebels who occupied the runway, surrounding planes and grounding all flights in response to the disappearance and possible arrest of their commander, officials said.

It took until Monday evening for the authorities to regain control of the airport when transitional government forces stormed it after negotiations with the fighters broke down, Omar al-Khadrawi, deputy interior minister in Libya's transitional government, told journalists.

Flights were not expected to resume for at least 24 hours because of the damage caused to the airport's infrastructure.

A government official said the group, called al-Awfiya Brigade, from the town of Tarhouna, 80km southeast of the Libyan capital, was demanding the release of their leader who they said disappeared two days ago.

The official news agency LANA, citing witnesses, said that the motive of the brigade was to pressure the government to explain the whereabouts of their commander, Colonel Abu Ajila alHabshi.

LANA said the armed men fired into the air, slightly wounding an airport employee and causing

panic among travellers.

Al Jazeera's Omar al-Saleh, reporting from Benghazi, said the group had heavy weapons and was not allowing flights to land or take off, forcing the diversion of all flights.

A Libyan government official earlier told the AFP news agency that "cars mounted with anti-

aircraft guns and armed men [surrounded] the aircraft and [prevented] them from moving", adding that some passengers were forced to leave planes.

Sporadic shooting was heard just before sunset but it was unclear whether it was a two-way exchange of fire or a bid by the newly arriving forces to force the

…Libyan ex-spy chief Dorda charged over protester deaths

T

he first senior official from the former Libyan regime has been charged in court in connection with the conflict that toppled Muammar Gaddafi.

Abu Zeid Omar Dorda, who was the head of external intelligence, appeared in the Tripoli court behind a metal cage.

He denied all six charges, which included ordering the fatal shooting of protesters last year.

The case has been adjourned until 26 June as his lawyer asked for more time to review the case.

Mr Dorda was arrested in September 2011, the month before Col Gaddafi was killed.

My brother is one of the Libyan people who looks out for his country, for its people and its safety" End Quote Abdullah Dorda Younger brother of Abu Zeid Dorda Mr Dorda is charged with "mobilising security forces to fire bullets at the heads and chests of

civilians" and "preventing, through the use of force and intimidation, the staging of peaceful protests", the Libya's staterun news agency Wal reports.

He is also charged with arming his ethnic group with the purpose of inciting civil strife during Libya's seven-month rebellion last year.

Mr Dorda arrived in court wearing a blue prison uniform looking slightly weary and using crutches to walk, our correspondent says.

His younger brother, Abdullah, was in the court house and told the BBC that he was confident of his brother's innocence, adding that the family was coping with a stressful situation.

"All these things they're saying about him are not true... my brother is one of the Libyan people who looks out for his country, for its people and its safety," he said.

Defence lawyer, Daw alMansouri, told reporters that he had faith that his client would receive a fair trial.

Mr Dorda, 68, once served as Libya's prime minister and as an envoy to the UN. He took over as external intelligence chief in 2009 from

Moussa Koussa, the foreign minister who defected in March 2011 from the regime and fled Libya, initially to the UK. Mr Dorda was one of Gaddafi's most loyal supporters - even calling in to state TV in April last year to deny reports that he was defecting.

Abu Zeid Omar Dorda is also charged with arming his ethnic group

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

PAGE 33

Diamond Jubilee: Queen ‘humbled’ by celebrations

T

he Queen has called her Diamond Jubilee "a humbling experience", saying she had been "touched deeply" by seeing so many people celebrating together.

In a message to the nation, she thanked all those who organised the events.

Festivities culminated in an appearance by the senior royals on the Buckingham Palace balcony in front of huge crowds to watch an RAF flypast.

But the Queen's

consort, Prince Philip, was absent from her side as he remains in hospital with a bladder infection.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex visited the Duke of Edinburgh on Tuesday afternoon.

Afterwards, Prince Edward said: "He's feeling better." The countess added: "He's in good spirits; he's on good form."

The Queen's message was broadcast on television and radio across the UK and Commonwealth.

As one who knows the

Queen put it to me once you don't want a monarch who fizzes like a Catherine wheel " "The events that I have attended to mark my Diamond Jubilee have been a humbling experience," she said. "It has touched me deeply to see so many thousands of families, neighbours and friends celebrating together in such a happy atmosphere.

"But Prince Philip and I want to take this opportunity to offer our special thanks and

Queen Elizabeth II: ''It has touched me deeply to see so many thousands of families, neighbours and friends celebrating together''

appreciation to all those who have had a hand in organising these Jubilee celebrations.

"It has been a massive challenge, and I am sure that everyone who has enjoyed these festive occasions realises how much work has been involved."

She added: "I hope that memories of all this year's

happy events will brighten our lives for many years to come.

"I will continue to treasure and draw inspiration from the countless kindnesses shown to me in this country and throughout the Commonwealth.

Thank you all."

Earlier on Tuesday, the Queen attended a

thanksgiving service at St Paul's Cathedral where Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams paid tribute to her "lifelong dedication".

"I don't think it's at all fanciful to say that, in all her public engagements, our Queen has shown a quality of joy in the happiness of others," he said.

G7 to hold emergency eurozone talks

F

inance chiefs of the Group of Seven leading industrialised powers are to hold emergency talks on the eurozone debt crisis, in a sign of heightened global alarm about strains in the 17nation European currency area.

With Greece, Ireland and Portugal all under international bailout programmes, financial markets are anxious about the risks from a seething Spanish banking crisis and a June 17 Greek election that may lead to Athens leaving the eurozone.

Jim Flaherty, the Canadian finance minister, said ministers and central bankers of the United States, Canada,

Japan, Britain, Germany, France and Italy would hold a special conference call on Tuesday, raising pressure on the Europeans to act.

"The real concern right now is Europe of course the weakness in some of the banks in Europe, the fact they're undercapitalised, the fact the other European countries in the euro zone have not taken sufficient action yet to address those issues of undercapitalisation of banks and building an adequate firewall," Flaherty told reporters.

"Markets remain skeptical that the measures taken thus far are sufficient to secure the recovery in Europe and remove the risk

that the crisis will deepen.

So we obviously believe that more steps need to be taken," Jay Carney, the White House press secretary, told reporters.

The disclosure of the normally confidential teleconference came as European Union paymaster Germany said it was up to Spain, the latest eurozone country in the markets' firing line, to decide if it needed financial assistance, after media reports that Berlin was pressing Madrid to request aid.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and leaders of her centre-right coalition said in a statement: "All the instruments are available to guarantee the safety of banks in the euro zone."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has been pressing reluctant eurozone partners to give up more fiscal sovereignty [EPA]

US says drone kills al-Qaeda commander

A

bu Yahya al-Libi, alQaeda second-incommand, was killed in a US drone attack in Pakistan earlier this week, US administration sources say.

US officials said on Tuesday that the Libyanborn al-Libi had recently been considered by US counterterrorism experts as the No 2 in the core alQaeda group led by Ayman al-Zawahiri.

It is difficult to independently confirm the reports of al-Libi's death.

However, if the US claims are true, then al-Libi would be the latest of more than a dozen high-ranking al-Qaeda commanders killed during the past year.

The US state department had set a $1m reward for information

leading to al-Libi.

US and Pakistan sources said on Monday that al-Libi was the target of a deadly drone attack in Pakistan's North Waziristan region.

However, the US sources could not confirm whether he was killed in that raid.

Zawahiri has headed the group since al-Qaeda's founder, Osama bin Laden, was killed last year in a US commando raid on his hideout in Pakistan.

A US official described al-Libi as "among alQaeda's most experienced and versatile leaders", saying that he "played a critical role in the group's planning against the West, providing oversight of the external operations efforts".

The drone raid that

targeted al-Libi killed 15 people, according to Pakistani officials, who said more than half of the victims were "foreigners", most of them Arabs.

It was the third drone attack in as many days in Pakistan's tribal regions. A bombing on Saturday killed four people, and another on Sunday killed 10 more.

The Pakistani foreign ministry summoned Richard Hoagland, the US charge d'affaires in Islamabad, on Tuesday to convey the "government's serious concern regarding drone strikes in Pakistani territory".

A commander in North Waziristan closely associated with foreign fighters insisted that alLibi was alive.

PAGE 34

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

Syria agrees to let in UN humanitarian aid

T

he Syrian government has agreed to let aid workers into the country, the UN says, even as the country expels foreign diplomats.

It would be the first time humanitarian workers - aside from the International Committee of the Red Cross have been granted permission to enter Syria.

The workers will initially be based in just four cities hard hit by the fighting: Homs, Deraa, Idlib, and Deir Ezzour.

UN teams have been sent to scout those areas, said John Ging, director of the coordination and response unit at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

"Whether this is a breakthrough or not will be

evident in the coming days and weeks, and it will be measured not in rhetorics, not in agreements, but in action on the ground," he said.

But despite the humanitarian opening, Syria has also decided to declare 17 foreign diplomats unwelcome in the country.

The ambassadors of the US, UK, France and Turkey, among others, were declared personae non gratae.

Canada, Italy, Spain and various embassy staff members from Belgium, Bulgaria and Germany were also named in a foreign ministry statement.

A slew of mainly Western countries expelled Syrian diplomats in the wake of the Houla massacre of more than 100 people in late May, one of

the worst atrocities in the country since an uprising broke out in March 2011.

Syria remains committed to the peace plan brokered by UNArab League envoy Kofi Annan, Faisal al-Maqdad, Syria's deputy foreign minister, said on Monday, following a meeting with the chief UN observer.

"We shall work for the success

of Annan plan," Maqdad said, adding that he discussed with Major-General Robert Mood "the joint work that we need to carry out together after the full deployment" of the UN-backed truce observer mission in Syria.

Almost 300 UN unarmed military observers have been deployed in Syria to monitor a putative ceasefire in place since

April 12, but which has been violated every day since then.

A Chinese official has said that Beijing and Moscow have been playing a "positive role" on Syria and reiterated the countries' opposition to foreign intervention in the conflict, as Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived for a three-day visit.

Jordan clerics protest against government

A

bout 150 imams have protested outside the royal palace in Jordan's capital Amman in an attempt to express their discontent with the government.

Monday's demonstration outside Raghadan Palace was not the first time imams had taken to the streets, but it was by far their most significant demonstration in more than a year and a half of protests.

The clerics' demands include an end to what they describe as the security service's interference in Islamic affairs and at mosques. They have vowed to fight corruption through Islamic (Sharia) law.

They have also called for an investigation into potential corruption at the Islamic affairs ministry that they say has delayed a previously promised raise in their basic salaries.

One of their pre-conditions to negotiations with the ministry is the formation of a special professional association for imams - who feel they are the largest segment of society left without a voice.

Protest organisers accused officials at the ministry of shelving their demand for an imams' syndicate, which has been in the hands of the government since February.

Participants hung posters on the walls of the royal court that read: "There is no alternative to

a meeting with the country's king".

Majed Al Omari, the president of the preparatory committee for the imams professional association, told Al Jazeera that King Abdullah should listen to the demands and complaints of the imams because they represent the country's safety valve.

There are about 5,000 mosque employees and imams who address millions of Jordanians at weekly Friday prayers, and they say they are struggling under difficult economic conditions.

Many of them do not have full-time jobs and complain of a lack of job security, while others say their salaries are too low to cope with rising prices.

The Islamic affairs ministry expressed its surprise over the call for Monday's protest and said it had taken the imams' request for a professional association to the prime Minister's office.

In a statement, the ministry also said it had raised the salaries of imams, preachers, clerics and mosque employees by 90 per cent at the end of last year.

Jordan is cash-strapped, suffering from a huge budget deficit, which according to officials could reach $4bn this year. This precarious financial situation has led to budget

Jordan's imams called for an end to security service interference in Islamic affairs and at mosques [Al Jazeera]

New resolution on Syria drafted at U.N. council to focus on humanitarian

Yemeni forces step up fight with al-Qaeda

T

he Yemeni army is gearing up for a push to try to take a southern coastal town from al-Qaeda-linked fighters, local residents say.

Hundreds of troops backed by tanks were closing in on the alQaeda Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)-held town of Shaqra, about 50km along the coast east of Zinjibar, residents there said.

Via text message, the head of the southern military zone asked people living in the area not to use the roads around Shaqra and two other towns controlled by

the fighters.

Shaqra lies along a major shipping route that is also the gateway for Somali fighters entering the country.

Yemen's defence ministry said fierce clashes had killed at least 23 al-Qaeda fighters, the Associated Press reported.

A statement from the ministry on Tuesday said fighting between government troops, backed by heavy artillery, and the fighters intensified overnight in the northern part of Zinjibar, which

is the capital of Abyan province.

The ministry said Pakistani and Somali nationals were among the slain fighters.

Peter Neumann, professor at King's College in London, told Al Jazeera: "All these people, whilst being al-Qaeda, are also antigovernment, and it is often not so easy to distinguish between the two because al-Qaeda is so immersed in tribal structures in the South of Yemen."

"It has become virtually indistinguishable from a normal insurgent force," he said.

Qantas shares plummet on profit fears

S

hares of Qantas Airways have hit a record low after the Australian flagship carrier forecast a drop of more than 90 per cent in full year earnings on the back of steep losses in its international arm.

The embattled carrier's shares plunged as much as 18 per cent to an all-time low of A$1.16 before recovering some ground to be down 15 per cent midway through the trading session on Tuesday.

The stock price has shed 40 per cent in value in the past 11 months.

In a statement to the stock market, the carrier blamed a deterioration in global operating conditions driven by the European economic crisis and its highest ever jet fuel bill.

"The forecast result reflects the recent deterioration in global aviation operating conditions driven by the European economic crisis, the group's highest ever jet fuel bill, and substantial capacity increases in the domestic market that have reduced yields," Qantas said in a statement.

Qantas' international business is expected to post a loss of more than

A$450m, over the double loss of A$216m in the last financial year.

The carrier is set to post its first annual net loss since it was privatised in 1995.

In contrast, its far healthier domestic unit and low-cost offshoot Jetstar was expected to book a combined profit exceeding A$600m.

A soaring Australian dollar and a bitter battle with unions over

wages and conditions that saw chief executive Alan Joyce ground the entire fleet for 48 hours in October also cost the airline dearly.

"We remain focused on returning Qantas international to profitability in 2014 and for Qantas international and domestic combined to exceed their cost of capital on a sustainable basis within five years of August 2011," Joyce said.

Chief executive Alan Joyce has announced Qantas would split its international arm from its domestic operations [AFP]

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

PAGE 37

Reps under Tambuwal: The journey in the last one year ANALYSIS

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he seventh House of Representative will be one year today. As the Green Chamber marks the first year, it has become imperative for the nation to take a cursory look at the performance of the leadership and assess the collateral benefit the legislature has brought to the polity in deepening the tenets of democratic development in the country.

In the thirteenth year of the fourth republic, the legislature has since 1999 suffered a lot of image battery and recorded its own fair share of scandals both at the Upper and Lower Chambers. The preceding Assembly had two Speakers within the first one year. In 2007, Speaker Olubunmi Patricia Etteh emerged the Speaker of the House through the political machinations of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the full weight of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. She was literarily imposed on her colleagues as the Speaker and she was eventually impeached on trump-up charges, as events were later to prove.

Consequent upon the removal of the first Nigerian female Speaker, then emerged the effervescent Speaker Dimeji Bankole who became the face of the new generation of politicians in the country.

Apparently, based on the method of his emergence, his administration witnessed the most turbulence in the history of parliamentary leadership in the country as he was confronted by the reactionary forces who were busy concocting intrigues, real and imagined, aimed at pulling him down even within the first year of his ascension. Bankole battled with enemies within in the House till the end of his administration. In fact, he is still facing charges preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly unilaterally assessing over N10 billion loans from a bank to run the activities of the House.

One year into seventh Assembly under Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the story is different.

His

emergence as the head of the 360 member House remained one of the most democratic in the annals of leadership emergence in the Green Chamber. The other Speaker who enjoyed equal popular support in his emergence was Alhaji Salisu Buhari who was eventually consumed by the certificate forgery scandal in 1999.

Although the PDP had wanted to replay its discordant tunes of imposition of House leadership last year, members of the Green Chamber across party divides were united to resist the plot in order to ascertain their independence by ensuring Tambuwal’s emergence as the Speaker. The House which has 150 opposition members defiled partisan barriers and overwhelmingly voted for the candidate of their choice.

On assumption of office, Tambuwal promised to be fair to his colleagues and responsive to the yearnings of the Nigerian public as he rolled out his action plan through the Legislative Agenda. The first political test he survived was the banana peels that usually follow the appointment of committee chairmen and members. The unusual calm that followed this onerous exercise and the cooperation he enjoyed from his colleagues was the first signal that the scion of Sokoto Caliphate would succeed in the task of leading men of equal political status afterall.

Although there were pockets of dissention following the appointment of committee members and chairmen, such were not enough to rock the boat in any way.

Asked to assess the leadership provided by Speaker Tambuwal in the last one year, Felix Ugboegu, an Accountant said “ Tambuwal has been able to bring quality leadership to the House; it is unbelievable that a mortal could be at the helm of affairs in the parliament considered rancorous and unruly without stepping on the proverbial ‘banana peel’. The fact that this man could steer the ship of the nation without any scandal for a year is an indication that he would succeed.”

Political analysts who volunteered comments on the performance of the House in the last one year gave kudos to the leadership for being able to aggregate the opinions of

Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal

matured minds from various segments of the country and balancing same without much ado. They posited that a parliament devoid of rancor would be one that would deliver the much needed democracy dividends.

Talking about the achievements of the House in the last one year, Abiodun Fadeyi, media aide to the Leader of the House, Rep Mulikat Akande-Adeola said the parliament has been able to sustain democracy by providing the stabilizing solution in the nation’s polity.

He said the parliament has been able to intervene at troubled times and had severally given the required assurances to the beleaguered citizens.

Political watchers also believe that the seventh Assembly has succeeded in exposing corruption in the nation’s body polity in the last

one year even as they maintained that the leadership has refused to shield any of its own accused of being corrupt.

Mohammed Bello, a political analyst said “The immediate action taken to suspend the members of the House Committee on Capital Market following the allegations of graft leveled against its chairman, Rep Herman Hembe, in the wake of the probe into the activities of the operators in the sector that led to the nose-diving of the market with the resultant loss recorded by several investors, has proven that Tambuwal’s leadership has a purpose.”

Bello equally pointed out that the probe into the nation’s Capital Market exposed all the hidden deals being undertaken by those entrusted with the responsibility of operating and regulating the market. He said the corruption that preceded the collapse of several banks in

“

Tambuwal has been able to bring quality leadership to the House; it is unbelievable that a mortal could be at the helm of affairs in the parliament considered rancorous and unruly without stepping on the proverbial ‘banana peel’. The fact that this man could steer the ship of the nation without any scandal for a year is an indication that he would succeed

the country was exposed by the probe even as he maintained that those found culpable in the matter should be prosecuted according to the laws of the land.

Prescilla Madu equally scored the House high in the last one year for exposing the cabal involved in the nation’s subsidy regime. She said “the probe conducted into the nation’s subsidy regime has made us to know those who are the enemies of the people. It succeeded in exposing the ineptitude of the government just as we now know that we are being made to pay for the inefficiency of those in power.”

According to her, the probe succeeded in exposing the recklessness of the government officials involved in the subsidy administration and the report would help shape the oil sector in the nearest future. Madu also remarked that it would amount to nothing if the report of the subsidy probe is not implemented.

She added that the timely intervention of the House provided the needed stability when the government seemed to have lost the confidence of the people following the abrupt increase in the pump price of petroleum on the first day of the year. Madu said had the House refused to intervene, there would have been serious revolution with the spate of violent protests spreading across the country.

Apart from the oil subsidy, the House has been able conduct investigations into the Single Window Systems contract awarded by the Ministry of Finance and exposed the corruption inherent in the deal. While the probe revealed that the award of the contract failed to follow due process, the government acted fast by cancelling the deal thereby saving the nation several billions of naira that would have been lost to an incompetent local contractor.

But, some people have observed that the House had tried its best possible in exposing corruption and passing reasonable resolutions.

They however call on both Chambers to begin to consider making a law to compel the executive to implement resolutions passed by both Chambers for the betterment of the people.

PAGE 38

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

PDP blames lack of values for under-development

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday blamed several calamities that have befallen the country on lack of moral values even as it advocated a national rebirth through reorientation.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metuh, in a statement said: ``Following series of tragedies which have befallen the nation in recent times, the PDP calls for a return to basics and the reestablishment of values which will result in a well ordered and orderly society,'' the statement

said.

According to the party, the tragic Dana plane crash which occurred last Sunday could have been averted if premium were placed on the sanctity of human lives. ``Several Nigerians have lost close relatives, friends and colleagues; we are mourning as a nation. But in our grief we should seize this opportunity to restore the values that make us stand out in the comity of nations that embrace best practices."

PDP underscored the imperative of leadership by example in re-directing the nation's course towards a more

caring society.

The statement decried the attempt to read politics into many national issues that ought ``to bind us together as citizens of the biggest black in the world. ``Unhealthy obsession with politics can only serve to derail the nation and prevent it from achieving the greatness. ``It is our collective responsibility to build a nation of our dream. Workers especially should be more diligent in discharging their assignments. ``We can find strength in our diversity and those that we have lost would not have died in vain if we demonstrate greater

commitment to the common good."

The statement commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his prompt reaction to the DANA plane crash by ordering full investigation into the cause of the crash. ``If the crash was caused by the negligence of the DANA management as it is being alleged, appropriate measures should be taken to demonstrate that this government will not tolerate any form of mediocrity. Nigerians should turn away from the blame game and focus on the healing process needed by all those grieving for genuine reasons.''

L-R: Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon.Emeka Ihedioha, Representative of Abia state Governor, Mr. Mao Ohuabunwa, and former Minister of Information, Pofessor Jerry Gana, during a public presentation of Emeka Nwosu's book, “Nigeria and the Crisis of the Nation-State, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

ACN wants safer airspace From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

T

he Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has expressed shock and sadness at the crash of Dana Airline'ss plane in Lagos on Sunday and the resultant death of over 150 people.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said while it commiserates with the families who lost their loved ones so suddenly in the crash and pray that God will grant them eternal rest. "The best honour that can be done to their memories is to unravel the cause of the accident, with a view to making air travel safer in the country," he said.

According to the party, unraveling the cause of the accident must go hand in hand with sanitising the aviation sector, especially amid growing reports that operators have again started cutting corners in the face of an increasingly tough operating environment, that the regulatory process has become lax and that

political interference is hampering operations. ''To date, the outcome of investigations into the string of crashes that occurred in Nigeria up till 2006 have not been made public, and that means no one has been sanctioned for the accidents that left hundreds dead. This calls into question the assurances now being given by the government that it would ensure a thorough investigation of the DANA Airlines plane crash. ''If we must make our airspace safer, we must investigate every air crash thoroughly and make the findings as well as the recommendations arising therefrom public, as it is done in other climes. This is particularly important because the record of air crashes in the country is not encouraging. Between 1969 and today, there have been 49 air crashes, which translate averagely to one accident per year. Considering that the air traffic in Nigeria is not even as high as that of JFK in New York, for example, the accident rate is simply too high,'' ACN said.

The party warned that unless something is done urgently, the safety of air travel in Nigeria may be compromised by unscrupulous operators, who are trying to stay aloft in the face of dwindling or disappearing profits due to rising cost of aviation fuel as well as numerous taxes, surcharges and dues, among others.

It said the government, in addition to tightening regulatory oversights, cutting corruption in the sector and stopping political interference, must also assist the operators. ''For every 25,000 naira spent on any air ticket, 11,000 naira goes back to government in one form of tax or another. Also, successive Aviation Ministers have misused funds accruing from the Bilateral Air Services Agreement, instead of using such for airport infrastructural upgrade and for non infrastructural purposes. Huge craters are not uncommon on our runways. Power failure at major airports are now common place, forcing arriving aircraft to hover for hours.

''Add these to the increasingly lax regulatory process, which has led to some airlines operating old planes with faulty air conditioning system and broken seats, and one begins to wonder what is really going on. Of course, as a result of unfavourable government policies and avarice of public officers, these airlines will resort to cutting corners in order to break even. ''In the meantime, facilities in our airports, including toilets, conveyor belts and air conditioning, have become decrepit due to years of neglect. All these do not make for safe air travel and must be checked,'' ACN said.

The party said the exhibition of emotions by top government officials, non-stop prayers and rhetoric alone will not make air travel safer, adding: ''We must act decisively where necessary, ensure international best practices in terms of regulation and provision of necessary infrastructure and eschew corruption in such a critical sector as the aviation sector. Until then, may God help Nigeria.''

Absence of witness stalls Daniel’s trial

T

he trial of a former governor of Ogun, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, was yesterday in Abeokuta stalled by the absence of Mr Babatunde Adeluola, a key prosecution witness who was said to be sick.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Daniel is standing trial before Justice Olanrewaju Mabekoje of Ogun State High Court for alleged financial impropriety while in office.

Mabekoje had at the last sitting on May 7 adjourned the case till yestersday for ruling on the admissibility of a bank statement tendered by the defence and continuation of hearing.

After ruling in favour of the defence and admitting the bank statement as an exhibit, the case could not continue due to the absence of Adeluola who was expected to continue his evidence which he started at the last sitting.

Mr Rotimi Jacobs, the lead prosecution counsel, on Tuesday tendered a medical report from Solar Medical and Dental. Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, explaining that Adeluola was indisposed.

The report indicated that Adeluola, a Manager at Skye Bank, was suffering from abdominal pain, fever, headache, stooling and high blood pressure.

He further said he learnt from the Investigating Police Officer that the witness would no longer come to the court to give evidence due to alleged text messages of threat to his life.

Jacobs said Adeluola, who claimed to have received some of the messages shortly after the case was stepped down at the last sitting, said going to the court would further expose him to danger.

He sought for adjournment to enable Adeluola recover from his illness and for him to prevail on the witness to appear in court.

Prof. Taiwo Osipitan, the defence counsel, however, said that the case could continue, noting that the defence had already cross examined Adeluola.

Mr Tayo Oyetibo, another defence counsel, wondered why Adeluola did not bring the text messages to the notice of the court at the last sitting when it resumed after the stepping down.

Oyetibo alleged that investigation had revealed that it was the prosecution that was actually harassing Adeluola because of his unfavourable evidence as well as un-cooperative attitude.

He also called for thorough investigation of the allegation, saying it was serious.

Having listened to the prosecution and the defence counsel, Mabekoje held that the only official reason given by Adeluola for his absence was the illness.

The judge said that the other allegations made by the prosecution and defence counsel could not be substantiated until Adeluola was given an opportunity to state his case.

He, therefore, fixed May 29, July 9 and July 12 for further hearing.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

PAGE 39

Patent right: Court declares illegal ballot boxes procured by INEC

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

A

Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday held that any election conducted by the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) with the Collapsible Transparent Ballot Boxes without a prior consent and approval of the owner of the patent right to the boxes, Bedding Holdings Limited is unconstitutional, illegal, null and void.

The Court sitting before Justice Adamu Bello made the declaration yesterday while delivering judgment in the suit filed against the electoral body, its chairman, Prof.

Attahiru Jega and five others by an indigenous company, Bedding Holdings Limited challenging the use of the ballot boxes used for elections in the country.

By the judgment, the use of the ballot boxes for the July 14, 2012 governorship election in Edo state and other subsequent elections without the permission of the owner of the patent right to the boxes is barred.

The plaintiff had approached the court contending that it has subsisting exclusive and bona fide patent right to the collapsible transparent boxes used by INEC for the conduct of the 2011 general elections.

A 39-Paragraph affidavit sworn to by Dr. Sylvester Osadolo Odigwe, the Chief Executive Chairman of Bedding Holdings Limited, which specializes in general fabrication and manufacture of steel metal products said the Collapsible Transparent Ballot Boxes was among many of the company's innovations duly registered with exclusive patent right issued to it by the Registrar of Patents in the Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The Certificate of Registration of the Patent Right Number RP 12994 and Registration of Industrial Designs Rights Number RD 5946 on the boxes was issued by the Ministry to the plaintiff

From Ahmed Idris, Brinin Kebbi

K

ebbi state Governor, Alhaji Usman Saidu Dakingari, has approved the appointment of the two new permanent secretaries into the state Civil Service.

In a press release issued and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Alhaji Abubakari Muazu Dakingari, those appointed include Labaran D. Mohammed Kalgo and Dr.Usman Shehu Umar Dakingari.

According to the statement Alhaji Labaran Kalgo, until his appointment the Director of Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency and was a graduate of Sociology from Usman Danfodio University Sokoto. Dr.Usman Shehau Dakingari, who was a graduate of Veterinary Medicine from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, until his appointment was the Programme Manager, Kebbi Agriculture and Rural Development Authority.

L-R: Coordinator, Counter Terrorism Office of National Security Adviser, Major-General Sarkinyaki Bello (l), and INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, during a Nigeria-U.S Bi-lateral Commission review meeting at the U.S Institute of Peace, yesterday in Washington DC. Photo: NAN on January 12, 1998 for five year period.

It alleged that INEC violated its rights by its failure to seek its approval and consent before awarding the contract for the procurement of the boxes used for the 2011 general elections.

It will be recalled that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on November 25, 2010, following a memorandum by INEC, had approved the contract for the procurement of 150,000 units of the ballot boxes at the unit price of N13, 000 with total sum of N1.950 billion to one Emchai Limited.

The plaintiff's lawyer, Mr John Okoriko urged the court

to hold that the contract as well as the use of the boxes for the election in utter disregard to the plaintiff's patent rights was contrary to the clear provisions of Section 6 (1), 19 and 25 of the Patent and Design Act, Cap P2 LFN, 2004.

Justice Bello upheld the claims by the plaintiff and also declared illegal a parallel patent right issued to Emchai Limited over Envopak Ballot Boxes purportedly issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, sometimes in 2006.

The judge held that the patent right of the plaintiff over the ballot boxes took priority for and over the

subsequent registration issued to Emchai.

"Any action or actions whatsoever and howsoever taken or purported to have been taken by INEC and other defendants relating to the ballot boxes without the prior and express license, consent, authority and approval of the plaintiff is unconstitutional, illegal, unlawful and therefore Null and void,'' the Judge held Other defendants to the suit are the Registrar of Patents, Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Emchai, Tambco United Ltd, Anowat Project and Resources Ltd., INEC and its Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega.

Crash: Nigeria needs no ‘tokumbo’ planes, says APGA

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

F

ollowing the Sunday crash of Dana Airplane that killed over 170 persons, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has advised federal government to set up a special panel that will investigate the quality of air crafts flying Nigeria air space, with a view to sanction the various airline operators who use second new (Tokunbo) aircraft.

Speaking to journalists

Dakingari approves appointment of two Perm. Secs

yesterday in Abuja, the party's National Director of Publicity, Ifeanacho Oguejiofor, regretted that though there are revelations that the flight 0992 MC Donnell Douglas (MD 83) was built over twenty years ago, similar Dana flight in May made an emergency landing at the Lagos Airport after developing a hydraulic fault.

He warned that Nigeria cannot afford to be playing with the lives of its citizens, saying that if the nation's air space was not safe, foreign investors

would be driven away, thereby depleting the economy.

Oguejiofor therefore advised that professionalism should be the standard in determining who heads the aviation sector rather than the quota system.

He urged the government to have the genuine determination to implement the recommendations of the previous panels set up to investigate other crashes, noting that the refusal of past governments to implement such recommendations has

strengthened some operators in performing below the required standard.

Speaking further, he demanded that the aviation sector should institute a periodic revalidation, to ensure that air craft and operation standard by operators conform to the international safety best practices.

Nevertheless, he condoled with the families of the crash victims, praying God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

•••Illiterates can’t contest LG elections in Kebbi, says KESIEC boss From Ahmed Idris, Brinin Kebbi

T

he Chairperson of the Kebbi State Independent Electoral Commission (KESIEC), Hajiya Ada Sani Kao'je, has said that those who could not read and write would not be allowed to contest the forthcoming Local Government elections scheduled for Sept 15th.

She made this declaration yesterday at the State Labour House while addressing all the political parties in the state adding that any candidate without qualification would not be allowed to contest. '' If you don't have certificate how would you communicate and how would you sign any document; in fact at least you should have secondary school certificate'' she said.

Kao'je who further explained that the Commission had started sales of forms said the cost for the position of Chairman costs for the position of chairmanship N150,000 while that for the position of Councillorship is N50,000. She assured them free and fair election.

She again called on the civil servants aspiring to contest for any position to resign and give a notice of 60 days or refunds one month salary just as she urged to conduct themselves to ensure free and fair election'' she said.

PAGE 40

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

PAGE 38

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

PDP blames lack of values for under-development

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday blamed several calamities that have befallen the country on lack of moral values even as it advocated a national rebirth through reorientation.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metuh, in a statement said: ``Following series of tragedies which have befallen the nation in recent times, the PDP calls for a return to basics and the reestablishment of values which will result in a well ordered and orderly society,'' the statement

said.

According to the party, the tragic Dana plane crash which occurred last Sunday could have been averted if premium were placed on the sanctity of human lives. ``Several Nigerians have lost close relatives, friends and colleagues; we are mourning as a nation. But in our grief we should seize this opportunity to restore the values that make us stand out in the comity of nations that embrace best practices."

PDP underscored the imperative of leadership by example in re-directing the nation's course towards a more

caring society.

The statement decried the attempt to read politics into many national issues that ought ``to bind us together as citizens of the biggest black in the world. ``Unhealthy obsession with politics can only serve to derail the nation and prevent it from achieving the greatness. ``It is our collective responsibility to build a nation of our dream. Workers especially should be more diligent in discharging their assignments. ``We can find strength in our diversity and those that we have lost would not have died in vain if we demonstrate greater

commitment to the common good."

The statement commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his prompt reaction to the DANA plane crash by ordering full investigation into the cause of the crash. ``If the crash was caused by the negligence of the DANA management as it is being alleged, appropriate measures should be taken to demonstrate that this government will not tolerate any form of mediocrity. Nigerians should turn away from the blame game and focus on the healing process needed by all those grieving for genuine reasons.''

L-R: Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon.Emeka Ihedioha, Representative of Abia state Governor, Mr. Mao Ohuabunwa, and former Minister of Information, Pofessor Jerry Gana, during a public presentation of Emeka Nwosu's book, “Nigeria and the Crisis of the Nation-State, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

ACN wants safer airspace From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

T

he Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has expressed shock and sadness at the crash of Dana Airline'ss plane in Lagos on Sunday and the resultant death of over 150 people.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said while it commiserates with the families who lost their loved ones so suddenly in the crash and pray that God will grant them eternal rest. "The best honour that can be done to their memories is to unravel the cause of the accident, with a view to making air travel safer in the country," he said.

According to the party, unraveling the cause of the accident must go hand in hand with sanitising the aviation sector, especially amid growing reports that operators have again started cutting corners in the face of an increasingly tough operating environment, that the regulatory process has become lax and that

political interference is hampering operations. ''To date, the outcome of investigations into the string of crashes that occurred in Nigeria up till 2006 have not been made public, and that means no one has been sanctioned for the accidents that left hundreds dead. This calls into question the assurances now being given by the government that it would ensure a thorough investigation of the DANA Airlines plane crash. ''If we must make our airspace safer, we must investigate every air crash thoroughly and make the findings as well as the recommendations arising therefrom public, as it is done in other climes. This is particularly important because the record of air crashes in the country is not encouraging. Between 1969 and today, there have been 49 air crashes, which translate averagely to one accident per year. Considering that the air traffic in Nigeria is not even as high as that of JFK in New York, for example, the accident rate is simply too high,'' ACN said.

The party warned that unless something is done urgently, the safety of air travel in Nigeria may be compromised by unscrupulous operators, who are trying to stay aloft in the face of dwindling or disappearing profits due to rising cost of aviation fuel as well as numerous taxes, surcharges and dues, among others.

It said the government, in addition to tightening regulatory oversights, cutting corruption in the sector and stopping political interference, must also assist the operators. ''For every 25,000 naira spent on any air ticket, 11,000 naira goes back to government in one form of tax or another. Also, successive Aviation Ministers have misused funds accruing from the Bilateral Air Services Agreement, instead of using such for airport infrastructural upgrade and for non infrastructural purposes. Huge craters are not uncommon on our runways. Power failure at major airports are now common place, forcing arriving aircraft to hover for hours.

''Add these to the increasingly lax regulatory process, which has led to some airlines operating old planes with faulty air conditioning system and broken seats, and one begins to wonder what is really going on. Of course, as a result of unfavourable government policies and avarice of public officers, these airlines will resort to cutting corners in order to break even. ''In the meantime, facilities in our airports, including toilets, conveyor belts and air conditioning, have become decrepit due to years of neglect. All these do not make for safe air travel and must be checked,'' ACN said.

The party said the exhibition of emotions by top government officials, non-stop prayers and rhetoric alone will not make air travel safer, adding: ''We must act decisively where necessary, ensure international best practices in terms of regulation and provision of necessary infrastructure and eschew corruption in such a critical sector as the aviation sector. Until then, may God help Nigeria.''

Absence of witness stalls Daniel’s trial

T

he trial of a former governor of Ogun, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, was yesterday in Abeokuta stalled by the absence of Mr Babatunde Adeluola, a key prosecution witness who was said to be sick.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Daniel is standing trial before Justice Olanrewaju Mabekoje of Ogun State High Court for alleged financial impropriety while in office.

Mabekoje had at the last sitting on May 7 adjourned the case till yestersday for ruling on the admissibility of a bank statement tendered by the defence and continuation of hearing.

After ruling in favour of the defence and admitting the bank statement as an exhibit, the case could not continue due to the absence of Adeluola who was expected to continue his evidence which he started at the last sitting.

Mr Rotimi Jacobs, the lead prosecution counsel, on Tuesday tendered a medical report from Solar Medical and Dental. Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, explaining that Adeluola was indisposed.

The report indicated that Adeluola, a Manager at Skye Bank, was suffering from abdominal pain, fever, headache, stooling and high blood pressure.

He further said he learnt from the Investigating Police Officer that the witness would no longer come to the court to give evidence due to alleged text messages of threat to his life.

Jacobs said Adeluola, who claimed to have received some of the messages shortly after the case was stepped down at the last sitting, said going to the court would further expose him to danger.

He sought for adjournment to enable Adeluola recover from his illness and for him to prevail on the witness to appear in court.

Prof. Taiwo Osipitan, the defence counsel, however, said that the case could continue, noting that the defence had already cross examined Adeluola.

Mr Tayo Oyetibo, another defence counsel, wondered why Adeluola did not bring the text messages to the notice of the court at the last sitting when it resumed after the stepping down.

Oyetibo alleged that investigation had revealed that it was the prosecution that was actually harassing Adeluola because of his unfavourable evidence as well as un-cooperative attitude.

He also called for thorough investigation of the allegation, saying it was serious.

Having listened to the prosecution and the defence counsel, Mabekoje held that the only official reason given by Adeluola for his absence was the illness.

The judge said that the other allegations made by the prosecution and defence counsel could not be substantiated until Adeluola was given an opportunity to state his case.

He, therefore, fixed May 29, July 9 and July 12 for further hearing.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

PAGE 39

Patent right: Court declares illegal ballot boxes procured by INEC

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

A

Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday held that any election conducted by the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) with the Collapsible Transparent Ballot Boxes without a prior consent and approval of the owner of the patent right to the boxes, Bedding Holdings Limited is unconstitutional, illegal, null and void.

The Court sitting before Justice Adamu Bello made the declaration yesterday while delivering judgment in the suit filed against the electoral body, its chairman, Prof.

Attahiru Jega and five others by an indigenous company, Bedding Holdings Limited challenging the use of the ballot boxes used for elections in the country.

By the judgment, the use of the ballot boxes for the July 14, 2012 governorship election in Edo state and other subsequent elections without the permission of the owner of the patent right to the boxes is barred.

The plaintiff had approached the court contending that it has subsisting exclusive and bona fide patent right to the collapsible transparent boxes used by INEC for the conduct of the 2011 general elections.

A 39-Paragraph affidavit sworn to by Dr. Sylvester Osadolo Odigwe, the Chief Executive Chairman of Bedding Holdings Limited, which specializes in general fabrication and manufacture of steel metal products said the Collapsible Transparent Ballot Boxes was among many of the company's innovations duly registered with exclusive patent right issued to it by the Registrar of Patents in the Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The Certificate of Registration of the Patent Right Number RP 12994 and Registration of Industrial Designs Rights Number RD 5946 on the boxes was issued by the Ministry to the plaintiff

From Ahmed Idris, Brinin Kebbi

K

ebbi state Governor, Alhaji Usman Saidu Dakingari, has approved the appointment of the two new permanent secretaries into the state Civil Service.

In a press release issued and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Alhaji Abubakari Muazu Dakingari, those appointed include Labaran D. Mohammed Kalgo and Dr.Usman Shehu Umar Dakingari.

According to the statement Alhaji Labaran Kalgo, until his appointment the Director of Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency and was a graduate of Sociology from Usman Danfodio University Sokoto. Dr.Usman Shehau Dakingari, who was a graduate of Veterinary Medicine from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, until his appointment was the Programme Manager, Kebbi Agriculture and Rural Development Authority.

L-R: Coordinator, Counter Terrorism Office of National Security Adviser, Major-General Sarkinyaki Bello (l), and INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, during a Nigeria-U.S Bi-lateral Commission review meeting at the U.S Institute of Peace, yesterday in Washington DC. Photo: NAN on January 12, 1998 for five year period.

It alleged that INEC violated its rights by its failure to seek its approval and consent before awarding the contract for the procurement of the boxes used for the 2011 general elections.

It will be recalled that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on November 25, 2010, following a memorandum by INEC, had approved the contract for the procurement of 150,000 units of the ballot boxes at the unit price of N13, 000 with total sum of N1.950 billion to one Emchai Limited.

The plaintiff's lawyer, Mr John Okoriko urged the court

to hold that the contract as well as the use of the boxes for the election in utter disregard to the plaintiff's patent rights was contrary to the clear provisions of Section 6 (1), 19 and 25 of the Patent and Design Act, Cap P2 LFN, 2004.

Justice Bello upheld the claims by the plaintiff and also declared illegal a parallel patent right issued to Emchai Limited over Envopak Ballot Boxes purportedly issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, sometimes in 2006.

The judge held that the patent right of the plaintiff over the ballot boxes took priority for and over the

subsequent registration issued to Emchai.

"Any action or actions whatsoever and howsoever taken or purported to have been taken by INEC and other defendants relating to the ballot boxes without the prior and express license, consent, authority and approval of the plaintiff is unconstitutional, illegal, unlawful and therefore Null and void,'' the Judge held Other defendants to the suit are the Registrar of Patents, Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Emchai, Tambco United Ltd, Anowat Project and Resources Ltd., INEC and its Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega.

Crash: Nigeria needs no ‘tokumbo’ planes, says APGA

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

F

ollowing the Sunday crash of Dana Airplane that killed over 170 persons, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has advised federal government to set up a special panel that will investigate the quality of air crafts flying Nigeria air space, with a view to sanction the various airline operators who use second new (Tokunbo) aircraft.

Speaking to journalists

Dakingari approves appointment of two Perm. Secs

yesterday in Abuja, the party's National Director of Publicity, Ifeanacho Oguejiofor, regretted that though there are revelations that the flight 0992 MC Donnell Douglas (MD 83) was built over twenty years ago, similar Dana flight in May made an emergency landing at the Lagos Airport after developing a hydraulic fault.

He warned that Nigeria cannot afford to be playing with the lives of its citizens, saying that if the nation's air space was not safe, foreign investors

would be driven away, thereby depleting the economy.

Oguejiofor therefore advised that professionalism should be the standard in determining who heads the aviation sector rather than the quota system.

He urged the government to have the genuine determination to implement the recommendations of the previous panels set up to investigate other crashes, noting that the refusal of past governments to implement such recommendations has

strengthened some operators in performing below the required standard.

Speaking further, he demanded that the aviation sector should institute a periodic revalidation, to ensure that air craft and operation standard by operators conform to the international safety best practices.

Nevertheless, he condoled with the families of the crash victims, praying God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

•••Illiterates can’t contest LG elections in Kebbi, says KESIEC boss From Ahmed Idris, Brinin Kebbi

T

he Chairperson of the Kebbi State Independent Electoral Commission (KESIEC), Hajiya Ada Sani Kao'je, has said that those who could not read and write would not be allowed to contest the forthcoming Local Government elections scheduled for Sept 15th.

She made this declaration yesterday at the State Labour House while addressing all the political parties in the state adding that any candidate without qualification would not be allowed to contest. '' If you don't have certificate how would you communicate and how would you sign any document; in fact at least you should have secondary school certificate'' she said.

Kao'je who further explained that the Commission had started sales of forms said the cost for the position of Chairman costs for the position of chairmanship N150,000 while that for the position of Councillorship is N50,000. She assured them free and fair election.

She again called on the civil servants aspiring to contest for any position to resign and give a notice of 60 days or refunds one month salary just as she urged to conduct themselves to ensure free and fair election'' she said.

PAGE 40

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

Oshiomhole is paranoid, says PDP

By Lawrence Olaoye

E

do State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said Governor Adams Oshiomhole is paranoid about the forthcoming July 14 elections because he has been raising “spurious alarm” over phantom plans by the opposition to manipulate the outcome of the election.

The party’s State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Matthew Uroghide, said in a statement that “Edo people and, indeed, Nigerians are tired of Governor Oshiomhole’s paranoia and wish to tell him that if he is not ready for the elections, he should honourably withdraw.”

Uroghide’s position was a reaction to Oshiomhole’s alarm at the NBA Interactive Session that held at the Police Officers Mess in Benin on Monday, June 4, 2012 in Benin City that Edo PDP intended to manipulate votes at the forthcoming governorship election by calling on INEC to use federal government employees to conduct the July 14, governorship elections.

According to him, “Again, this is one of those wild and misconceived accusations of Governor Oshiomhole and we are not surprised as it falls within the precinct of his usual blurred vision about the preparations by all the stakeholders and the bodies superintending the conduct of the forthcoming elections in Edo State.

“To put the record straight and for the benefit of the good people of our state, Edo PDP never made any categorical request that Federal Civil Servants be used as ad-hoc staff in the conduct of the July polls, but rather a call was made on INEC not to use the current

serving NYSC members in Edo State who in our opinion have been compromised by Governor Oshiomhole through his offer to them of unsolicited incentives in addition to their official monthly stipends.”

He added, “PDP does not take any exception to the use of serving NYSC members currently deployed or serving in other states and who INEC in its wisdom might want to deploy to Edo State.

“However, we acknowledge

the independence of INEC in its decision to use public servants from federal institutions that they deem responsible enough to participate in the conduct of the elections.

“If NYSC members who are in national service as federal servants can be used for election purposes, our party does not see anything wrong if INEC decides to use federal civil servants in the conduct of the election.”

Uroghide said that a few weeks ago, Governor Oshiomhole’s

accusation was that INEC was colluding with Edo PDP to skew the voter registration exercise.

He declared: “Now the accusation is that INEC has agreed to use federal civil servants to officiate the election, a development he claims will favour the PDP. Governor Oshiomhole’s next accusation might be that the electorate has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the PDP to vote it into power.”

L - R Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Hon. John Enoh, Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Isa Ashiru, and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, during a meeting with the minister, yesterday at the National Assembly, in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Yobe raises expenditure, projects monitoring committee

Y

obe state Government has constituted a 15-member committee to monitor financial expenditure and projects.

Alhaji Aji Jilluri, the Chairman of the committee told newsmen yesterday in Damaturu that the committee had scrutinised the supply of books and store receipt vouchers of 34 ministries, departments and agencies.

“The committee is to study government expenditure on projects and their execution from

2007 to date.

“The essence of this committee is to inject accountability, probity and transparency in the conduct of government affairs for government to get value for its resources,’’ he said.

He said that the committee would also verify budgetary provisions and adherence to execution of supplies and projects across the state.

The chairman observed that some departments had problem of

record keeping in their operations.

“We found out that the items were supplied and in store but there were no proper records so, we directed for proper documentation,’’ he explained.

Jilluri said that the state government had already gone into partnership with 23 international donor organisations to provide services to its people.

He commended the Gaidam administration for the payment of counterpart funds to donor

agencies, adding that the development had created a conducive atmosphere for partnership with the donor agencies.

“Government has been committed to payment of its counterpart funds to the donor agencies but at the same time, careful on whom to do business with.

“There have been tremendous interventions in health sector, UNICEF, DFID, HIV/AIDS, water, sanitation and hygiene among others,’’ he said.

Kwara House seeks overhaul of aviation sector

T

he Kwara House of Assembly has urged the Federal Government to over haul the nation's aviation sector in order to stem the recurrence of air mishaps.

It also said families of victims of Sunday's Dana plane crash should be adequately compensated while stiffer sanctions should be imposed on unfit airline operators in the country.

The Assembly yesterday in motion without notice moved by

the Majority Leader, Abdulganiu Abadulkareem, said the crash that claimed the lives of more than 153 passengers was a national calamity.

The House, while observing a special session for the repose of the dead, commended the Federal Government for declaring three days of national mourning.

Reading the resolutions of the Assembly, Speaker Rasak Atunwa noted that the frequency of plane

crashes in the country left much to be desired.

"Air transport is supposed to be the safest but it is not so in Nigeria. The habit of cutting corners is putting us in great danger and that is evident in all facets of our national lives.

"Most airline operators actions are purely profit-driven; safety and maintenance of the aircraft is not paramount to them and there is also need to check proliferation of

air line operators,'' he said.

Earlier, another lawmaker, Hon. Tope Olayonu, had noted that selfishness and corruption were the bane of the country's development.

"We should look in wards to review all sectors of our national life. There is no atom of love for one another, except making profit at the expense of others.

"The unfortunate incident is a national calamity and a monumental loss,'' he said.

Northern governors console Yakowa over Kaduna Govt.

House fire

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) yesterday urged the Governor of Kaduna State, Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa to take heart and be strong after fire gutted his official residence in Kaduna. Chairman of the forum and Governor of Niger State, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, urged Yakowa not to be discouraged by the incident but should forge ahead with the enormous task of providing good governance to the people of Kaduna State.

A statement by Governor Aliyu’s Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo, said Governor Yakowa should take solace in the fact that the inferno, which was reported to have been triggered by an electrical fault from an air conditioner, did not do much damage before the fire was put out.

While urging those charged with the responsibility of maintaining electrical appliances to be more alive to their responsibilities, the forum prayed God to strengthen Governor Yakowa to continue to touch more lives positively.

Alao-Akala, AkinDeko call for thorough probe of Dana plane crash

A

former governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo AlaoAkala, has called for a thorough probe of Sunday's Dana plane crash in Lagos.

Alao-Akala spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) on Tuesday in Ibadan.

The former governor argued that the crash could have been averted if the management of the airline had taken adequate safety measures.

"If it was true that the crashed aircraft was recommended not to be air worthy as at the time it was made to fly, then the management was culpable," Alao-Akala said.

A former aspirant for the National Secretary post of the PDP, Chief Akintayo Akin-Deko, has also described the incident as unfortunate.

"I say it is unfortunate, judging from the available facts that the crashed plane was not certified good on the unfortunate day.

“That the crash came less than a week after we celebrated Democracy Day was totally reprehensible and abhorable.

"The management of the aircraft should not be allowed to go scot free. They should be sanctioned.

"The crashed air craft has exposed the problems in our aviation industry and now is the time to do a holistic cleansing of the entire nation's transport system,'' Akin-Deko said.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

PAGE 41

Green hopes for the best, says Eagles will improve

C

hairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) technical sub-committee, Christopher Green, is confident that the Super Eagles will improve in their subsequent matches and hopes that the desired maturity in play and offensive confidence in front of goal will start with Saturday’s game against the Flames of Malawi.

Green, who was delighted with the depth in the squad as shown in their game against the Brave

Warriors of Namibia that the Eagles defeated 1-0 last Sunday, is upbeat that the Eagles will continue to make advancement as the rebuilding process continues.

“We’ve seen the team, a few of the players have played together from December till now and the new ones that are coming in are also trying to blend. I know that the more matches we play, the better for us. They are going to improve by every game, that’s one thing I

know for sure.

“Here is a team that everybody is fighting for shirts. It’s not a situation, where one will say that a player is coming from Europe and you have to reserve this shirt for the player, no. “If you are coming from Europe you have to fight for it. And if you come, you are not up to scratch, its either you sit on the bench or you are not even fielded at all. And, that may be the end for you for now. So its equal chances

for everybody.’’

Green said the Eagles showed tremendous form and believes in spite of the Eagles clay footedness in front of goal that they will gradually find their rhythm and punish whichever the team they confront in subsequent matches.

He said that the NFF has allowed keshi sufficient room to experiment adding that members of the executive committee of the football federation are delighted

Stories by Patrick Andrew

squad intact even as a list of 23 was submitted to FIFA as statutorily required. But that will not the case in Blantyre, as he would have to reduce the number to enable only 21 players or possibly 23 to make the trip to Malawi for the game.

An official confirmed yesterday that Keshi has already informed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) but would make the names of those temporarily dropped from the team known after the evening training session or latest by tomorrow morning.

“No, only 21 players will make

the trip to Blantyre. Keshi has to prune the number to conform to FIFA’s rule. I am sure tomorrow evening (today) that will be done and made official to both the players and NFF secretariat,” the official said.

Yesterday, an advance party of NFF officials left the country for Malawi, to prepare ground for the team’s arrival on Friday morning.

Saturday’s match at the Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre will start at 2.30pm Malawi time (1.30pm Nigeria time) and will be refereed by officials from Mauritius.

Gabriel Reuben

Keshi to prune Eagles as they depart for Malawi Thursday

S

uper Eagles gaffer, Stephen Keshi, will prune the present 27-man squad to 21 before the team jet out to Blantyre, Malawi for Saturday’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the Flames.

Keshi was to prune the list to 23 before last Sunday’s opening clash with the Brave Warriors of Namibia at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar where they defeated the visitors 1-0 to put Nigeria on top the group that is completed by Kenya.

However, he kept the 27-man

…Oduamadi out of Malawi battle

A

C Milan and Super Eagles midfielder, Nnamdi Oduamadi has been dropped from this weekend’s crucial game between the Eagles and the Flames of Malawi in the 2014 World Cup qualifier.

The former U-23 Olympics team midfielder, who is on loan at

Torino, was excused from the duel because of the injury he sustained prior to Sunday’s match against Namibia.

The dreadlocked star tore his muscle in Calabar last week and was asked by medics to stay away from training for treatment. He has now been given till next week

Sunday to resume training with the team, when they return to Calabar to face Rwanda in a Nations Cup qualifier.

Though the pair of Gabriel Reuben and Obiorah Nwankwo held the midfield against Namibia, Oduamadi was missed for his daring incursions and visionary passes. An official of the team disclosed last night that Head Coach Stephen Keshi had implored on the medical team to work assiduously on the player to ensure his return before Saturday’s game.

But that will not be. However,

Keshi has tasked the medics to ensure that the player is given adequate attention to ensure his recovery ahead of the June 17 game against Rwanda in the Nations Cup qualifier.

Meanwhile, former NFF scribe, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi and ex-international, Etim Esin, have heaped praises on the Eagles for their new found form in spite the narrow win over the Brave Warriors of Namibia.

Ogunjobi, who was boss of several clubs like 3SC, Gabros FC and Julius Berger, as well as being the Secretary General

with what the coach is doing with the bunch he had called up.

“What I expect of Keshi is to hurry and ensure that we end experiments and get straight into business which I think is what he is gradually trying to do.

“But, I will still call on Nigerians to be very patient with him, because he knows where he is going; he knows what he is doing. We are also pleased with what he is doing. He is trying his best.”

under Alhaji Ibrahim Galadimaled NFF and was equally the chairman of the NFF technical sub-committee under the Sani Lulu-led board, said he was thrilled at the display of the players, despite obvious frustration thrown at them by Namibia.

Esin on his part applauded the players and urged them to build on it in the game against Malawi on Saturday.

“Some people might say, we scored only one goal, but at times that might turn out to be the decider of who wins the group or who comes second. We must praise the players for their strong showing against Namibia.”

Oyekale names 12 Futsal squad as team departs for Egypt today

F

Nnamdi Oduamadi, out of Eagles, Flames duel

utsal Eagles’ coach, Oladunni Oyekale, has named 12 players for Friday’s FIFA Futsal World Cup qualifier against Egypt in Cairo.

The team is billed to travel today to Cairo for the first leg of the final fixture of the global football event that will be held in Thailand in November.

The winner of the two-leg fixture will pick one of the three spaces reserved for Africa. The decisive return leg will be held in Lagos on June 24.

The players who made the final cut are Ike Uche (McJeff), Okafor Solomon (Enugu), Nosiru Ishola

(Bolowotan), Madu Chidindu (Bayelsa United), Israel Banigo (McJeff), Huoseni Hakeem (Shino Soccer) and Jejelola Rilwan (Fame).

Others include Oche Matthew (Union Bank), Prosper Edewor (Bendel Insurance), Sylvester Francis (Sharks), Sani Mohammed (Gombe United)and Ibe Okoro (Yobo FC).

As reported by SuperSport.com experienced Kano Pillars’ top scorer, Gambo Mohammed was left out of the list.

The lanky striker who was pivotal in the team campaign at the 2008 African Futsal championship in Libya was ruled

out on health ground.

The Futsal Eagles will depart Lagos for Cairo today aboard Egypt Air flight for the final qualifying fixture against the North Africans.

For the past week, Oyekale and his assistants have been preparing the players inside the NIS gymnasium, National stadium, Lagos aimed at overcoming the perennial African champions in this fixture.

Egypt edged fellow North Africans, Tunisia 9-3 on aggregate to get to the final stage while Nigeria rode at the back of the Gabonese who pulled out at the last stage.

PAGE 42

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

Super Eagles will be formidable, Keshi assures

By Albert Akota “

Victor Moses

W

e are building a team. When we through with the rebuilding process, Nigeria will have a formidable team, one every Nigerian will be proud of. Before the, we appeal for support and patience."

Chief Coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi, declared yesterday while assessing the team's performance in Sunday's 2014 World Cup qualifier against the Brave Warriors of Namibia.

Though the Eagles were only able to secure marginal score line, Keshi assured that the technical crew was satisfied with the result

and assured that they are working on producing a formidable squad that Nigerians will be delighted with in future.

The former Togo and Mali gaffer said the Eagles are gradually adapting to his philosophy and vision and stressed that this weekend game against the Flames of Malawi will not be too difficult an obstacle for the Eagles.

“What I am doing with the team right now is to rebuild, reshape and instill tactical discipline.

Whatever styles the Eagles are playing depends on me and are represent our tactical focus.

That's our priority and we in the technical crew want Nigerians to appreciate it because when we are through the team will be a thing of pride.

"We call for pray fervently prayers for the boys so that they don't sustain injury. That's our worry. We want to be injury free. We want the boys to be in good health and be able to function well on the field of play," he said.

In calling for patience, he reminded Nigerians that the most of the players are playing together for the first time. "But the pace we saw Calabar showed lots of promise and we hope it continues especially the form we saw in the first half."

“I got three points against Namibia, my target now is to prepare well ahead for te game against the Flames of Malawi this weekend,"he said.

Ogba asks Bewarang likes Keshi’s template Keshi to F beef up team A

former Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chief Obinna Ogba, has called for the fortification of the Super Eagles before the next World Cup qualifier against Malawi.

Ogba, who gave the advice in Abakaliki while reacting to the team’s 1-0 victory over Namibia on Sunday in Calabar, however lauded coach Stephen Keshi for fielding some home-based players in the team and stressed that the experimentation should be stopped, to ensure Nigeria’s qualification for the 2014 World Cup. “Nigerians are bad learners of history as it should have been clear to the coach that only the best should be used to prosecute the qualifiers. The essence of fielding the home-based was to discover those who would complement the foreign-based players in order to strike the desired balance to achieve optimal results,” he said.

Ogba, the Chairman of Ebonyi State Football Association, said that although the team dominated the match, it lacked the cohesion vital to ensuring the team’s victories in subsequent matches.

He said the few foreign-based players fielded in the match did not shine because they were alien to the the playing pattern of their counterparts from the domestic league.

The Ebonyi FA chief said the imperfect understanding between these two sets of players could be disastrous against a team with more adventurous players.

“It was, therefore, disheartening to see Keshi inviting several foreign-based players only for them to sit on the bench and many not even listed for the match,” he said.

Ogba called for immediate invitation of more established Eagles’ players to add the needed steam and experience into the team, to improve Nigeria’s chances in subsequent matches.

“The immediate invitation would help them blend with the players already in camp, to achieve the needed cohesion.

“Established teams such as Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana recorded wins over the weekend with a correct mixture of new and established players,” the former NFF official said.

Ogba urged Nigerians to be patient with the team and prayed that Keshi succeeded in raising a formidable team for the country.

“The fans should emulate the Calabar crowd who stood by the team until it got its lone goal in the 83 rd minute of the match,” he said.

ormer Super Eagles Assistant coach, Bitrus Bewarang, has charged Super Eagles supremo, Stephen Keshi to stick to his template for the Super Eagles.

Bewarang’s comments comes after another impressive outing by players in the Nigeria Premier League as the Eagles defeated Namibia 1-0 to top their group in the Brazil 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.

Top NPL stars like Godfrey Oboabana (Sunshine Stars), Azubuike Egwekwe (Warri Wolves), Juwon Oshaniwa (Sharks), Reuben Gabriel (Kano Pillars) and Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers) started the match with six Europe based professionals, while Enyimba’s duo of Henry Uche and Uche Kalu came in as substitutes.

Interestingly, Ike Uche got the late goal that nailed the visitors after Kalu’s introduction.

“It’s important that Keshi sticks to his plan. The more he maintains his programme for the Eagles, the more understanding the team will display on match days.

“With the present situation, Keshi should know he doesn’t need many players from Europe in his camp,” Bewarang said to SuperSport.com.

The Plateau United supremo wants Keshi to learn from the Clemens Westerhof era when Nigeria successfully raised a team with players from the league, who eventually became Superstars later at their European clubs.

“Keshi must ignore those who want him to drag any player who has left Nigeria for Europe into the Eagles. In our time, we

invited players from Europe to fill relevant positions.”

“The players in the NPL must remain relevant if he wants to make an impact,” he told SuperSport.com.

Bewarang reiterated the fact that the less rated countries without players in Europe have the advantage of keeping their players together for longer periods.

Godfrey Oboabana

Azubuike Egwuekwe

Flames will roast Super Eagles, Coach Phiri boasts M

alawi flames playing with mainly a young crop of locally based players it the team to watch this are the words of their coach Kinnah Phiri who has promised fireworks when he clashes with Nigeria as he praised his charges energy and commitment warning Nigeria not to expect an easy outing.

Buoyant Malawi coach Kinnah Phiri is without doubt oozing with confidence ahead of their battle with African giants Nigeria in a World cup qualifying match to be played on Saturday in Blantyre,Malawi.

His sentiments come in the back drop of an impressive performance against Kenya’s Harambee Stars in a match that saw his

Stephen Keshi, Super Eagles head Coach

Coach Kinnah Phiri of Malawi

charges control all the departments getting a point away from home .

“I dont care if Nigeria carries their whole contingent of stars to Blantye but one thing they should not expect when they come home is any mercy. Football dynamics have changed and i would only be concerned if they were to play with 20 players but as long as it will be only 11 then i can promise them fireworks” “We are going to give them pound for pound as my players are younger and energetic .Our philosophy is to play as a team but Nigeria depends a lot of individual players and that will be their undoing in Malawi.

“Our main aim is not to qualify for the World cup but this does not mean we will be losing games as our main focus is making it back to the African cup of Nations “Phiri told SuperSport.com “We dont really mind the Nigerian big names as our aim is to beat them in front of our fans fair and square and prove to them we are nolonger underdogs in Africa “Phiri added.

Phiri has had an impressive run with the Malawi team since taking over in 2008.The flames have not lost a game at home .Malawi drew with Kenya in a goalless draw played at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi but they were definitely the better side controlling all the departments.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

PAGE 43

Cole will return to Liverpool

Transfer

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ille boss Rudi Garcia has confirmed Joe Cole is to return to Liverpool. Cole, 30, joined Liverpool on a free transfer from Chelsea two years ago during Roy Hodgson’s time in charge but struggled to make an impression during his debut season at Anfield and was allowed to spend last season on loan at Lille.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers had indicated in an interview this weekend that he would consider bringing Cole - who is keen to prove himself at Liverpool Garcia has now announced that Rodgers has decided that Cole will be part of his plans for next season.

Rodgers had also revealed at the weekend that Alberto Aquilani, who has spent the season on loan at AC Milan, may yet have a future at Anfield.

“I thought he was a really, really good player,” Rodgers said.

“Obviously he came to Liverpool and it didn’t work out and he’s gone back (to Italy) on loan.

He’s a wonderful talent, a terrific player. He might just not be able to settle, he might not be able to adapt to the country, so you’ve got all those issues and obviously sometimes you’re not aware of that until you speak to them.”

Joe Cole

The season is over. Clubs are counting their blessing as well as losses and would like to make amends and even beef up their squads where noticeable lapses exist. And the transfer market is agog barely 24 hours after major European leagues dropped the curtain.

And so to keep abreast with latest rumours, we begin daily doses of movements within the market both for players and coaches like.

Chelsea yet to strike Hulk deal

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helsea has yet to reach an agreement with Porto for the signing of striker Hulk. Speculation has suggested Chelsea is on the brink of tying up the transfer of Hulk, whose contract commands a reported •100 million release clause.

It is claimed Porto could accept a fee nearer £38 million for the Brazilian, who this weekend hinted that he could be ready to leave Estadio do Dragao.

It is also understood that Chelsea, who are said to be in the market for a forward following Didier Drogba’s exit, deem Atletico Madrid forward Falcao out of their price range at present.

Atletico are seeking £45 million for the Colombia international, whose goals helped guide Atletico to Europa League glory this campaign.

Martin set for Lille move

Ronaldo wants Madrid stay

ochaux midfielder Marvin Martin is set to join Ligue 1 champions Lille, according to reports in France.

Martin, 24, has been linked with several European sides, including Lyon, Valencia, Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal,

ristiano Ronaldo has insisted he wants to finish his career at Real Madrid.

Ronaldo, 27, has enjoyed his most successful season to date in Spain, helping Madrid to the league title as well as the semifinals of the Champions League, but there have been suggestions he could look to move on.

Jose Mourinho recently signed a contract extension until 2016 and Ronaldo said that it was “perfect” news. “A club like Real Madrid has to have a top coach,” he said. “Real Madrid without Mourinho wouldn’t win so many titles as with him.”

The fact is that we’ve broken Barcelona’s run,” Ronaldo said.

“I’m sure that from now on it’s going to be much better. The players have more confidence and we believe in the team more.”

On his personal ambitions for next season, he added: “I’ll try and break my records, be even better. Maybe I won’t score more

S

but it appears Lille have won the race to secure his signature following the departure of Eden Hazard to Chelsea.

It is claimed a fee in the region of •10 million will change hands for the France international ahead of him putting pen to paper on

personal terms this week.

Martin signed a contract extension with Sochaux, who finished 14th this season, last September, reportedly with a view to a 2012 transfer to allow the club to recoup a respectable fee for him.

Douglas claims Magpies interest

F

C Twente centre-back Douglas is seeking a move away from the Eredivisie and claims Newcastle United are one of several clubs interested in his signature.

Douglas, 24, has been at Twente since 2007, having signed from Joinville, but he now sees his future elsewhere,

with both Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly joining Newcastle in monitoring the Brazilian.

“I have spent five years (at Twente) and have done my best for the club, I have won the title, the cup - it’s time for a next step.

“I want to go abroad as I have

outgrown the league. I noticed this year that I am sometimes a little too easy going down, and then you make mistakes. I want to be tested every week.

“Five clubs are interested and there’s a bigger club than Newcastle. I cannot still say anything about it, but I hope soon to have my new club.”

Arsenal in £8m big battle A

rsenal is in talks with Argentine midfielder Lucas Biglia but face stiff competition from Real Madrid. The £8million-rated star has captained Anderlecht to a second straight Belgian league title and Real chief Jose Mourinho is a big admirer.

Gunner’s boss Arsene Wenger hopes to land the 26-year-old, who has won six caps.

Biglia joined Anderlecht from Independiente in 2006, and is now eager to move to a top European club.

He said: “Real Madrid and Arsenal have both been in contact and I’ll wait to see what happens.

“I am still under contract with Anderlecht until 2015, but they know that I plan to leave.

“If a club offers the right price, Anderlecht will let me go.

The former Liverpool target also interests Napoli and Fiorentina.

C

goals but assist more, for example.

I always try to improve. It’s almost impossible to beat it but I’m going to try.”

Ronaldinho

Ivanovic rules out Chelsea exit

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helsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has no intention of leaving Stamford Bridge despite reported interest from Italian side Napoli.

Ivanovic, 28, has established himself as a key player at Chelsea since joining the club from Lokomotiv Moscow in 2008 and has attracted interest from across Europe.

Real Madrid has been mooted as a potential destination, along with Napoli, although the defender’s agent, Vlado Boroza, does not expect him to leave West London.

“It’s only a rumour because my client has renewed his contract with Chelsea at a figure that would not meet the financial fair play of Napoli,” he told Radio CRC. “Ivanovic has three years left in his contract and I don’t believe the basis is there to start a negotiation with Napoli.

“First of all, Chelsea does not want to part with the player and Ivanovic does not want to leave the club.”

Ronaldinho joins Atletico-MG

A

Lucas Biglia

Cristiano Ronaldo

Marvin Martin

tletico Mineiro has announced the signing of former World Player of the year Lucas Biglia after the player walked out on his Flamengo contract last week.

Ronaldinho, 32, went before the Labour Court to rescind his deal at the Rio de Janeiro side - citing unpaid wages and bonuses totalling more than £10 million. Within days, though, he has found a new home.

The six-month deal with Atletico will run until December, with the star’s wages substantially lowered from the •500,000 a month he was receiving in Rio de Janeiro.

“I want to play well, to help Atletico-MG to success little-by-little and hopefully to be a champion. I will only gain the confidence of the fans by winning and playing well,” Ronaldinho told reporters at his unveiling.

PAGE 44

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

Olympic Games: Coach Handball players canvass for support ahead of World championship Mensah uncertain of on boxing medals H

J

oe Mensah, a former Lagos State Boxing Chief Coach, says a lack of standard facilities and equipment may rob the country of medals at the London Olympics Games.

Mensah said on Monday in Lagos that boxing as a sport did not had the right equipment to make boxers to excel at the Olympics, scheduled to run from July 27 to Aug. 12.

The coach, who was also part of the handlers of the boxing team at their Benin camping site to prepare them for the Games, lamented the obsolete equipment and facilities there.

“If what I saw in Etete, if nothing is done about the equipment and the facilities and the encouragement and the exposure; 1 am not sure we will come back with anything at the Olympic Games.”

He also said the coaches should be given kudos for striving hard to train boxers and to produce champions without adequate equipment.

“My experience in that camp is just based on what we have upstairs; materially we are not equipped, there is no sparring gloves, there is no head-guard, there is no, what else, what are we talking on equipment now, zero, “For you to access the standard of any boxer, I will have implored all the boxing journalists to pay a visit to Etete and see the what kind of facilities, what kind of equipment our boxers are training with and the kind of exposure the government have for them.”

He urged the government to expedite action on the procuring of sports equipment to aid the quest for medal haul at international competitions.

Of five men and four women boxers, only two men and a female boxer qualified for the Olympics in Morocco and in China respectively.

Scrabble headed in right direction, says Fashola

K

ayode Fashola, the South West Coordinator, of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), has said that the sport is headed in the right direction through its programmes.

Fashola told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on telephone, that the federation had adopted a step by step initiative to groom emerging talents from the grassroots.

He added that the just concluded Ibile Games in Lagos, afforded the body the opportunity to identify budding talents.

“The game is developing beautifully and especially with the latest development of going to the grassroots. Many talents were discovered in the just concluded Ibile games and they would be properly nurtured in order to have a formidable team,” he said.

The coordinator said that learning goes beyond the four walls of a school and that scrabble was a good sport to task their brains.

He stressed that: “Scrabble involved intellectual skills while exercising and tasking the brain by ensuring that the participants are conversant with word formation.”

The coordinator added that more of such competitions would move the sport in the direction it should go.

andball players have urged the National Sports Commission (NSC) to ensure that adequate support is given to their team in the build-up to the World Challenge Trophy.

The country’s U-20 national teams qualified to represent Africa at the World Challenge Trophy from the just-concluded qualifiers which took place in Accra, Ghana.

The male and female teams picked the qualification ticket by defeating their counterparts from Benin Republic, the defending champions in the Africa Zone 3.

Mudashiru Abdulmojeed, captain of the male team disclosed that they needed to be equipped with standard facilities and good welfare packages.

Abdulmojeed said that the provision of the requisite equipment would encourage them to put in their best in their preparation for the world championship event.

“The reason is to avoid any form of distraction or taking a player outside the vicinity of the camp, therefore all the things we have asked for should be given due consideration,” he said.

He recalled that the teams had similar problem during the

camping in Abuja for the qualifiers, where they lacked the much needed medical facilities and delay in the payment of their camp allowances.

Meanwhile, Judith Osas, the Captain of the female team, appealed to the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) for early camping as it would help the players undergo a thorough training regimen.

Osas said the appeal was to avert a crash programme whereby some of the training areas would

not be observed because of insufficient time in the camp.

She said, “we expect the federation to invite us to camp early, so that we could have enough time to sharpen our skills and work on our areas of deficiencies to come out better,”.

The captain assured that the teams would ensure that they would leave no stone unturned to retain its position in Africa, bringing back the lost glory of handball by winning the World Trophy for the country.

Unbeaten Dodan Warriors club emerges Atlantic Conference leaders

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odan Warriors Basketball Club of Lagos on Sunday emerged the Atlantic Conference leaders in the 2011/ 12 DStv Men’s Basketball League season.

They maintained their unbeaten record throughout the league period, clinching all their 14 matches to garner an unassailable 28 points lead.

Royal Hoopers of Port Harcourt, which had 25 points at the end of

NBBF board member, Sulaiman canvasses sponsorship for youth sports

A

member of the board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation NBBF), Alhaji Mustapha Lawal Sulaiman, has canvassed for sponsorship of youth sports programmes as a means of taking them away from social vices as well contribute to the development of skills among them.

Sulaiman, who is the sponsor of second edition of Northwest Classic Basketball competition, said the during presentation of sets of jerseys to the participating teams at Kofar Nassarawa Basketball Court on Monday.

Sulaiman, a one-time player of Kano Pillars Basketball team in the 80s, explained that youth need support and motivation from wealthy individuals and corporate organisations aimed at making them not only developing their skills and become self reliant.

“As an ex- player, l know the value of sports where we will reap a lot of benefits within and outside the country,” he explained.

He pledged to continue to sponsor the competition and other programmes in order to achieve the desired objectives.

Meanwhile, group A in the competition comprised of Zamfara Shooters, Niyi Rockets, Fiat Vipers, Kofar Mata Dragon, Bukavu Blinks, Hadejia Stallions and Nestle Milo, while Group B has NDA Gunners, Kaduna, Kabuga Warriors, Young Stars, Bakin Zuwo Blazers, Dynamite Rams, Golden Touch and Ahmadiyya College.

The competition continues today at Kofar Nassarawa Basketball Courts.

Bolaji Abdullahi, Minister of Sports

Dodan Warriors Basketball Club

the season, were second. They won 11 matches, losing only three.

The Islanders of Lagos, which won nine of its matches and lost five, were placed in the third position after amassing 23 points.

The three teams would be joined by the Police Baton, which won as much matches as they lost.

They won seven matches and lost seven to secure 21 points to emerge as the fourth placed team.

Agboola Pinheiro, the DStv

League Coordinator confirmed this at the end of the matches.

The four leading Atlantic Conference teams would later meet the four teams to emerge from the Savanna Conference, which had yet to complete their league.

The security challenges posed by the activities of militant groups in the Northern parts of the country were said to have stalled early completion of the Savannah league.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

PAGE 45

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www.peoplesdaily-online.com

. . . putting the people first

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

SPORTS LA TEST LATEST

French Open: Djokovic, Federer survive epic battles

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ovak Djokovic and Roger Federer survived five-set struggles at the French Open yesterday to set up a mouthwatering semifinal where the Swiss legend will attempt to shatter the world No 1's Grand Slam dream.

Top seed Djokovic saved four match points against JoWilfried Tsonga before pulling off a nail-biting 6-1, 5-7, 5-7, 76 (8/6), 6-1 quarterfinal win.

Third seed Federer reached a record-equalling 31st Grand Slam semifinal when he survived a brutal barrage from frail Argentine Juan Martin del Potro before prevailing 3-6, 67 (4/7), 6-2, 6-0, 6-3.

After his triumphs at Wimbledon, the US Open and the Australian Open, Serb star Djokovic is bidding to become just the third man to hold all four Grand Slam titles at the same time and the first in 43 years.

His win over Tsonga made it 26 straight match victories in Grand Slams, but seldom has he been run so ragged as he was at times by the powerful Frenchman, who had let slip four match points in the fourth set.

The defeat meant Tsonga's dream of becoming the first Frenchman to win at Roland Garros since Yannick Noah in 1983 had been cruelly shattered.

Federer, the 16-time Grand Slam title winner and 2009 champion in Paris, came back from two sets to love down for the seventh time in his career and will take on Djokovic for the 26th time with a place in Sunday's final at stake.

Federer, playing in his 50th straight Grand Slam tournament and 32nd consecutive quarterfinal at the majors, took an 11-2 career advantage over the towering Argentine into Tuesday's clash.

The two remaining quarterfinals will take place today when six-time champion Rafael Nadal meets fellow Spaniard Nicolas Almagro boasting a 7-0 career advantage.

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QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE Experience is tha velous thatt mar marv thing that enables you to reco gniz e a mistak e w hen y ou ecogniz gnize mistake when you mak e it a gain make ag ones -— F Jones Frranklin P P.. J

The language of power Ambition obeys no law except its own appetite — Thinker

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igeria has been witnessing some contradictory traffic signals on the way to 2015, widening as a consequence, the credibility gap of the President on the issue.

At an inaugural lecture three days before swearing-in, in May 2011, the President blew the whistle for the next round of contests in 2015 when he said four years were insufficient for a President to make a mark. He said seven years were more like it.

Naturally, this set the alarms ringing in the minds of opposition politicians that the President had begun his second term (or is it first term?) with tenure elongation in mind.

In the midst of the cacophony, the Chief Oracle of the Jonathan administration and leader of the Ijaw tribe in Nigeria, Chief Edwin Clark, gave the green light through an "official" announcement that the President was due for another term, starting from 2015. Chief Clark had earlier in 2011 gone on his knees before the Northern political leaders at a meeting at the Shehu Yar’adua Centre to plead that the North waive their turn in 2011 and allow "our son" to do just a single term of four years.

The President flashed the red light at a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Executive Committee meeting middle of last year when he disowned the robust campaign his associates had begun for a new term of office. "I have not asked anyone to campaign for me," he said at that meeting. Just in March this year, less than a year into the current term, the Spokesman and Adviser to the President, Dr. Reuben Abati flashed the red light again, asking the 2015 campaigners to desist from their campaigns. He went a step further to ask, on behalf of the President, that the party sanction members who were involved in it.

Apparently falling for a bait by a Northern pressure group led by Dr. Junaid Mohammed, Reuben dragged the President into the debate of whether he is into the first or second term, a matter that is now for adjudication by the courts. The President, Reuben announced, was in his first term and eligible for a second term of office in 2015.

At a time when the debate appeared closed, the irrepressible presidential sounding board and Chief Oracle, Chief Clark, flashed the green light again and put paid to all doubts that Jonathan would

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MUSINGS By

Garba Shehu garshehu@yahoo.co.in

President Goodluck Jonathan be a candidate in 2015. Clark said if President Shagari did two terms, General Obasanjo did two terms, is Jonathan any less Nigerian that he would be denied the same perk by having him restricted to one term in office? As is usual with his interviews, Clark did not end this one without heaping terrible insults on Northerners whom he said were parasitical and of zero benefit to the federation.

A Delhi man was on a flight to London and he asked the hostess for paracetamol. On being asked if he suffered from flu, the man said oh it was obvious he flew but that he was "suffering from Delhi." The moral is that people suffer from cities, from countries and from stressful situations but when that happens over and over again, they develop immunity to the stress.

There is a point at which you get used to the political language of the South-south.

Parts of this country were at various times ruled by the

Portuguese, the Germans and the English but each of these colonizers had respect for our values and institutions. The British' deference for our institutions was such that they left traditional institutions intact, where they found them and went a step further to create them where none existed, as they did in the republican Eastern Nigeria.

Today, with a well-educated zoologist from the South-south in the saddle, veranda boys have been licensed to make the insult of fellow Nigerians their by-word. Looking at what is going on, there are actually those who advance the view that Nigerians are generally weak and totally unfit to rule themselves. The current state of our political affairs is bereft of any sense of direction. General Buhari said Nigeria is in a reverse gear and I cannot agree more. Opposition is cowardly and divided. Look at our economy under Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, a professional who ate and drank economics from the World Bank and the IMF before being thrust upon the country as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the economy. The economy continues to wobble like a bad car tyre.

One year into his new term of office, the President has proved that being highly educated doesn't translate into being a good administrator. It will be a mistake to say we are jealous of their educational attainment. As with other Nigerians, all we want is a leader who can tackle the burning problems of the country. If the President trusts this country to be

“

Today, with a well-educated zoologist from the South-south in the saddle, veranda boys have been licensed to make the insult of fellow Nigerians their by-word. Looking at what is going on, there are actually those who advance the view that Nigerians are generally weak and totally unfit to rule themselves

his mirror, he should hold-up this mirror against his government for a reality test. Inside that mirror, he is going to see a great mass of his supporters who voted for him in 2011 agonizing over the state of their well-being and the helplessness in which they wallow.

Inside that mirror, there is also a big crowd of those who opposed him thoroughly enjoying the frustration of the Jonathan diehards, telling them to "bang their heads against the wall. It can help release some of the feeling of frustration."

When people queue up to vote, the enthusiasm that ordinarily drives them is the hope that the man they are about to elect can improve the quality of their lives.

What happens when such enthusiasm wanes down so soon because of the damning reality of failure? If our government succeeds, it is for our collective benefit. If, however, available resources didn't match performance, a democratic government is fair game for legitimate criticism.

The consequences of non-performance affect all of us, regardless of which section of Nigeria we come from or our political persuasions. Is it realistic to ask Nigerians to be patient with hunger, poverty and unemployment, after you requested their votes in return for tackling these challenges?

It is really ironic that the hype about "fresh air in Nigeria" is giving way to disillusionment.

Poverty and hunger don't recognize ethnic or regional identities. There is a limit you can expect fellow citizens to remain upbeat in the face of adversity. In fact, in the words of the French Philosopher, Voltaire, "optimism is the tendency of believing that all is well when things are going badly." Nobody criticizes President Jonathan because he is a minority politician from the Niger -Delta; there is a limit you can expect your citizens to be patient with nonperformance. Former President Shehu Shagari was one of the most criticized and pilloried democratic leaders. Yet he took it in his stride as the price you must pay in a democracy. You are constantly in the court of public opinion.

President Jonathan must be ready to swallow this price of absorbing legitimate criticisms.

He must fasten his pace and demonstrate that he has the mettle to meet the challenges he promised to tackle. But can he succeed with his tainted view of power as a zero sum game, to be enjoyed by his South-South at the expense of the five other geopolitical zones?

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