Peoples Daily Newspaper, Monday 07, January, 2013

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

Vol. 10 No. 6

Monday, January 7, 2013

Jonathan’s 2015 poster not our headache — INEC

. . . putting the people first

Declare your assets now SERAP tells President

>> PAGE 2

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Safar 21, 1434 AH

N150

Governor’s wife sacks councillor in Katsina >> PAGE

15 perish as tanker, bus crash in Ogbomoso From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

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o fewer than 15 persons died in a multiple auto crash on Ogbomoso-OyoIbadan road yesterday afternoon.

According to an eyewitness, the accident occurred when a tanker loaded with petrol, coming

from the Oyo/Ibadan end, ran over an 18-seater commercial bus coming from Ilorin/Ogbomoso, at a sharp bend near Odo-Oba village – five kilometers to Ogbomoso town.

The crash happened at a spot where another tanker loaded with petrol had broken down for the past one week.

It was gathered that the impact of the collision caused the tanker to overturn, spilling its content which exploded in flames immediately.

The driver of the bus, the eyewitness added, lost control of the vehicle and some occupants were flung out.

Only three people escaped

from the bus while the crash caused a long traffic snarl on the Ibadan/Ogbomoso/Oyo highway.

It took men of the fire service sometime to mobilise to the scene while men of the Nigerian Army and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) were on hand

to offer rescue assistance and to ensure that the property of the victims were not tampered with.

The spokesman of NEMA in the South-west, Alhaji Ibrahim Farinloye, said that the scene had to be cordoned off while traffic was diverted to alternative routes.

Terrorism: Nigeria deports 16,000 aliens

By Richard Ihediwa

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he Federal Government has so far repatriated a total of 16,000 aliens even as it says it has discovered 1,497 illegal border points used for unauthorized movement in and out of the country.

Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, stated this at the weekend while giving a review of the government’s effort at stemming the tide of the activities of terror groups.

He said the strategy adopted by the government has been yielding the desired result, leading to the repatriations and the discovery of the routes used by the terror groups that have been ravaging some parts of the country.

The minister, however, linked part of the problem to the abuse of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocol that allows free movement of citizens within the West African sub-region.

The abuse of the protocol, he explained, forced Nigeria to take the drastic decision as it became obvious that foreign mercenaries were aiding insurgency in the country.

Moro said, “Our major challenge, like I said, is the Contd on Page 2

L-R: Emeritus Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Kelvin Aje, President Goodluck Jonathan, Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, mother of the President, Mrs. Eunice Jonathan, Senate President David Mark, and other bishops during the 30th Episcopal ordination anniversary and celebration of the elevation of Cardinal John Onaiyekan, yesterday at Our Lady Queen Of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

CONTENTS

Declare your assets now, SERAP tells Jonathan

News

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

2-10

Editorial

12

Op.Ed

13

Letters

14

Opinion

15

Metro

16-18

Business

19-22

S/Exchange S/Report Law Education

23 24-25 26 27-28

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he key to the transformation of Nigeria is for President Goodluck Jonathan to declare his assets in order to give impetus to the fight against corruption, says SocioEconomic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

Declaring his assets, the organization said in a statement yesterday, would send out a strong signal that the president intended to fight corruption “head on” and “end the culture of impunity.”

It said that President Jonathan’s promise to work faster this year to meet the needs of Nigerians “is routine and rhetorical.”

T

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it cannot do anything about the the controversial poster drumming support for President Goodluck Jonathan in the run-up to the 2015 Presidential election.

INEC said it cannot go after those behind the posters since they have remained faceless. Also it said it has not yet issued any notice or timetable for the 2015 election that would have warranted a violation of the 90 days before poll clause provided in the Electoral Act for the commencement of electioneering campaigns.

INEC Chairman, Prof Attahiru

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Health

29-30

Int’l

31-34

Politics

37-40

Sports

41-46

Leisure

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

president to lead by example by declaring his own assets as required by the Constitution and to prosecute his cohorts accused of corruption.

“Half measures which avoid public scrutiny of the President’s own assets declaration, and effective prosecution of corruption cases when they involve those connected with this government are utterly inadequate and tend to throw the government into disrepute.”

“Genuine fight against corruption can’t happen unless President Jonathan wants it, and leads by example,” the statement added.

It added that the “woeful positions” the country occupies on the 2012 Failed States Index

published by the United Statesbased Foreign Policy Journal and the 2012 United Nations Human Development Index should give the president serious cause for concern.

Nigeria is ranked 144 out of 177 countries on the Failed State index and 159 out of 172 countries on the Human Development Index.

SERAP, therefore, said in order to do better this year, President Jonathan should “prioritise and demonstrate his expressed commitment to fight corruption by urgently ensuring the effective prosecution of those suspected of massive corruption in the fuel subsidy system and fully recover stolen public wealth and resources.”

Jonathan’s poster not our headache - INEC

By Richard Ihediwa

Lingering PDP crisis in Adamawa, Page 4

“The President must show strong leadership and lead by example if he is to earn the trust of Nigerians and convince them that he is truly committed to the fight against corruption,” said SERAP Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni.

“Ultimately, the responsibility for sorting out Nigeria rests with President Jonathan. The buck stops with him,” it said.

“Nigerians will judge him not by the number of promises he has made but by the number of roads repaired, decent hospitals established, and how much difference he is able to make to ensure the enjoyment of other basic necessities of life for millions of impoverished Nigerians.”

The statement called on the

I

n order to elicit contributions from Nigerians at the grassroots in the ongoing constitution amendment, the chairman, Senate Committee on the Amendment of 1999 Constitution, Ike Ekweremadu, has disclosed that the committee has created a GSM Service Center which allows Nigerians to send their views on issues to the lawmakers through the short code 20052.

Ekweremadu, who explained that all SMS to the code is free of charge as the committee had already paid for the services, added that a special website, www.constitutionreviewng.org, and an opinion poll corner have been created to allow Nigerians cast their votes and leave

Jega who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Kayode Idowu, in Abuja yesterday said there was nothing the commission could do since the poster which appeared in Abuja on New Year Day were produced and pasted by unknown persons.

Idowu, in a telephone chat with Peoples Daily also argued that since no person or party has owned up to being behind the poster, the matter naturally fall within the region of crime and public order, which should be handled by security agencies.

He said the commission did not deal with unknown elements but with registered political parties in the discharge of its duties as enshrined in the law, adding that

was not for the commission to start hunting for those who placed the poster.

“It is not for INEC to start going around looking for who placed the poster. No party or group has owned up to being behind the poster. If an identifiable party or persons acting for a party campaign outside the purview of the law, then it becomes a matter of interest to INEC. The present scenario does not add up and one would not expect the commission to start chasing shadows,” Idowu said.

He also noted that for now, INEC has not issued any notice or timetable for the 2015 elections and as such has no legal ground to go after those behind the posters.

Section 99 (1) of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended prescribes 90 days before election for campaign by political parties in Nigeria. Also section 30 of the EA also mandates INEC to issues a notice of poll, which normally indicates the timetable for campaign.

The Presidency and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have denied having a hand in the poster, describing it as the handiwork of those seeking to distract the President and to discredit him in the eyes of the electorate.

However, opposition parties are insisting that the poster is a ploy the PDP and the Presidency to rig the 2015 elections.

Constitution: NASS launches free website, SMS centre for opinions comments on national issues.

According to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Uche Anichukwu, the Deputy Senate President made this disclosure when he debriefed the media and publicity team of the Committee in Abuja on Saturday.

“We took cognisance of the appreciable tele-density in the country that makes the GSM service available to an average citizen and thought that we should seize the platform to give the Nigerian masses yet another novel opportunity beyond the public hearings we conducted at national, zonal

and constituency levels to make inputs into matters that concern both them and their posterity,” he stated.

While expressing satisfaction with the quantity of response from Nigerians so far, Ekweremadu explained that the system is simple as respondents only need to respond to the advertised questions by texting “Yes” or “No” to the short code.

He therefore called on Nigerians to take advantage of the SMS and online opinion poll in the ongoing constitution review project to air their views on critical matters.

He added that the opinion poll

was in keeping with the promise and commitment of the committee to popular participation and transparency in the ongoing constitution amendment process.

“The major aims of the poll were to demystify constitutionmaking, get more Nigerians involved, and correct the wrong perception of constitutionmaking as an elite’s affair”, he said, adding that the committee wants to discourage the situation where a vocal and privileged few expropriate the voices of the people and foist their personal opinions and narrow interests on the polity.

Terrorism: Nigeria deports 16,000 aliens Contd from Page 1 presence of aliens in this country.

As friendly as we are, and as sticklers to agreement, particularly the ECOWAS protocol that allows free movement of citizens in ECOWAS countries, the suicide bombings, bombers and attacks on our institutions make it imperative that certain measures should be

taken to be proactive enough to forestall the continued occurrence of these activities.

“So, in the process, the Nigerian Immigration Service that is charged with the responsibility of controlling our borders rose up to the occasion by setting up the necessary machinery to identify, screen and profile aliens that are in the

country with a view to identifying those that are criminally minded and whose activities are inimical to the stability of this country. In the process, over 16, 000 such aliens have been repatriated.”

The minister said measures were also put in place to ensure effective control of Nigeria’s borders, adding that was the reason his ministry had to contact

the relevant government agencies to grant approval to the Immigration Service to engage more hands to be able to control the nation’s borders.

Moro stressed that the fact that the activities of those terrorists persisted in spite of concerted the efforts of the security agencies to stem the tide meant that “there is still more work to do.”

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

PAGE 3

FAAN denies borrowing $500m to acquire aircraft From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

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L-R: First Chairman of Al-Habibiyyah Organisation, Amb. Ridwan A. Mustapha, Chief of Jiwa, Alhaji Idris Musa, Sheikh Abdulfatah Adeyemi, and Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah Mosque, Imam Fuad Adeyemi, during the 10th anniversary special prayer of the organisation, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

NASS ready to enact law to fight religious extremism – Mark S

enate PresidentDavid Mark, has said the National Assembly is willing and ready to enact a law to address religious extremism in Nigeria.

Mark made this known at a reception organised in honour of John Cardinal Onaiyekan on his 30th Episcopal ordination and his recent elevation to the College of Cardinals in Abuja, yesterday.

He said the National Assembly was willing to make the religious environment much friendlier by enacting laws that would fight all

forms of religious intolerance and extremism in the society. The senate president said that the legislature was holistically looking at the issue of immorality in the society without preference to any particular one.

“We are ready to support religious activities that will foster unity in the country, we are ready to make laws that will fight religious extremism in the country’’. He said that the issues would be addressed as they were presented to the National Assembly.

Mark said that the senate had already passed the bill on gay marriage and was awaiting the report of the House of Representatives before it would be sent to the executive. Earlier in his homily at the church service, Onaiyekan reminded Nigerians of the need for religious tolerance and mutual respect.

He said tolerance and mutual respect would help in building peace and harmony amongst Nigerians irrespective of their backgrounds and status in the

society. The cardinal spoke against the practice of what he described as ‘the religion of exclusion’.

In the same vein, the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, called on Nigerians to use religion to fight social and moral vices in the society. Kaigama, who is the Archbishop of Jos, said issues of corruption, kidnapping, drug addiction and terrorism, could be fought using the instrumentality of religion. (NAN)

religions in the country do not encourage violence and hate as they preach brotherhood, love and peaceful co-existence and therefore, whoever kills in the name of religion cannot claim to worship God. The President spoke yesterday at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria, Pro-

Cathedral Garki Abuja, during the 30th Episcopal Ordination Anniversary and celebration of the elevation of Archbishop John Onaiyekan as a Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church.

"We all know no religion preaches or encourages violence and hate. Both major religions in

this our land preach brotherhood, love and peaceful co-existence. This is their foundation and of course, the motivation for us too as Christians.

President Jonathan however observed that the nation faced a lot of challenges, noting that the church, just like the political leaders, has the responsibility to mould the characters of Nigerians and put them on the right path.

…as Jonathan decries killing in the name of religion

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan has observed that anyone who kills another person in the name of religion goes contrary to the dictates of religion.

He noted that the major

Cement imports: Job losses loom in manufacturing sector

By Abdulwahab Isa

T

housands of working Nigerians may soon join the saturated labour market if feelers from the cement manufacturing sub-sector are anything to go by, as more manufacturers are scaling down production and significantly reducing their capacity as a result of the glut of cement due to imports.

This is coming on the heels of a recent survey by the World Bank and International Finance Corporation revealing that Nigeria has failed to improve in its ‘Ease of Doing Business’.

With the Dangote Group’s

Gboko plant shut and the reduction in capacity in Larfarge’s Ewekoro plant, it is obvious that workers will be laid off.

A statement by the Dangote Group said its four million metric tonnes Gboko plant that employs thousands in direct and indirect labour may remain shut owing to glut in the market and warehouses caused by the importation.

Similarly, 50 percent of Lafarge’s Shagamu plant has been shut down due to the same reason.

Lafarge factories have excess cement and clinker inventory at their plants of about 300,000 metric tonnes, which cannot be

absorbed by the Nigerian market, a statement said.

More cement plants are also bracing up to close shop as the market is being over-supplied with imported and inferior products.

The Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (CMAN) has warned that Nigeria risks losing huge investment as a result of the unnecessary importation of cement.

Chairman of CMAN, Joseph Makoju was quoted as saying: “Energy cost accounts for over 35 percent of production cost in Nigeria, whereas it is 10 percent in China. In Nigeria, the price of LPFO has jumped from N25 per litre to N107.76 per litre as at November 2012, an increase of 331 percent.

he Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), yesterday, refuted claims that the agency has borrowed $500 million from banks in China to acquire aircraft meant for distribution among operating domestic airlines.

The agency said it is a service provider and presently occupied with translating the transformational aviation master plan into concrete realities.

FAAN General Manager, Corporate Communications, Mr. Yakubu Datti, told journalists that “FAAN has not borrowed $500 million from China nor any country for that matter”.

An article written by one Captain Dele Ore had last week criticized the persistent news breaks that $500 million has been borrowed from China to acquire aircraft for Nigerian domestic airlines and queried the rationale behind FAAN's involvement.

Jonathan to hold two-day national security summit

By Lambert Tyem

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resident Goodluck Jonathan would be holding a two-day national security summit on Police by Tuesday and Wednesday this week.

The summit with the theme: “Addressing Nigeria’s Security Challenges for Sustainable Peace and Development”, is said to be sponsored by Police and Vanguard newspapers and is billed to hold at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, at 10am each day.

Police spokesman, Frank Mba, said the summit will be officially flagged off by the President Jonathan and will be attended by military and police chiefs, security experts/practitioners from within and outside the country as well as other critical stakeholders.

Police authorities said the summit is a public-private partnership initiative and is expected to provide an avenue for Nigerians from all walks of life to make informed input into concerted efforts by the police and other security agencies at providing lasting solutions to Nigeria’s myriad security challenges.

Alago/Eggon crisis: One killed, two arrested, weapons seized From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

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ne person was allegedly shot and killed recently in Assakio, Nasarawa state, with two others arrested for possessing dangerous weapons which included pistols, machetes and charms.

Our correspondent reports that vigilante youths accosted the suspects while attempting to plant charms at the site of a local shrine, following which the youths were said to have handed the suspects to a team of security men operating

in the area.

Eyewitness account has it that one of the suspects who tried to escape, was allegedly shot and killed by one of the operatives.

Names of those arrested were given as, Umar Mohammed and Saidu Yahuza, both residents of Gidan Buba, in Lafia East development area.

When contacted on the matter, deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Cornelius Ocholi, maintained that the command is yet to get a report on the incidence, as at the time of filing this report.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

Lingering PDP crisis in Adamawa

By Umar Dankano

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he internal squabble rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State since the dissolution of the duly elected 28 party executives of the party under the leadership of Alhaji Umaru Mijinyawa Kugama by the National Working committee of the party and subsequent appointment of a 7man caretaker committee to oversee the affairs of the party headed by Ambassador Umaru Damagun in October 2012. has been viewed as a setback to the party in the state.

As a result of this development, the People’s Democratic Party in the state is factionalized into two political camps namely; Kugama and Damagun camps while some political pundits are of the view that the power tussle is between three political gladiators - that is, the incumbent Governor Murtala Nyako, National Chairman of the Party (PDP) Alhaji Bamanga Tukur supported by the stakeholders tagged Adamawa Elders forum chaired by former Deputy Governor in the state Mr. Wilberforce Junta and Prof.

Jibrin Aminu among others.

And the third class of interest is the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar.

Investigation by Peoples Daily in Yola revealed that the recent controversial congresses held by the Ambassador Damagun-led caretaker committee in the 226 wards of the state x-rayed the real power tussle as the Atiku Abubakar camp was more favoured in terms of representation of political structures; many believed this didn’t go down well with the likes of Professor Jibril Aminu, Bamanga Tukur and the almighty Adamawa Elders Forum who are seen by electorate in the state as a gang of wounded lions that have lost political relevance and popularity.

Even though Damagun as the caretaker chairman acknowledged and accepted the previous local government area elections conducted by the dissolved Kugama Exco about two months ago where all the 21 local government seats were clinched by the candidates of Peoples Democractic Party despite protests by opposition parties like Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and Action congress of Nigeria (ACN), who are still challenging the context at the local council polls election tribunal currently sitting in Yola, the state capital.

At a press conference held recently Ambassador Damagun told journalists that they were in the state for a national assignment given to them by the NWC of their party (PDP) and therefore enjoined all the 21 elected council chairmen to

Governor Murtala Nyako support and cooperate with the elected caretaker ward leaders in their respective councils and also called on Governor Murtala Nyako to recognized them as the authentic leaders of the Party (PDP) in the state so as to have a free and fair congresses as mandated them by the NWC (PDP).

However, on the other side, the Kugama-led Exco went to Yola High court under the former Acting Chief Judge Justice Umaru Bobboi seek an order of injunction restraining the Damagun caretaker committee as leaders of the party in the state they were obliged that ‘status quo” be maintained.

But on the judgment day justice Bobboi after hearing the counsels of the two parties dismissed the case on the ground that his court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the case and advised them to settle amicably out of court since it is an internal party crisis.

Meanwhile, there was disquiet recently when Governor Murtala Nyako’s government through a state wide announcement signed by the secretary to the Adamawa State Government (SSG) Chief Kobis Ari Thimnu banned all forms of political activities in the state indefinitely, an action which some believed to be a move to forestall the already scheduled dates of the ward, local government and state congresses slated for December 27, 2012, January 3 rd 2013 January, 2013 and 8 th respectively.

Expectedly, swift reactions

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar ensued; for Dr. Umar Ardo as a stakeholder of the party (PDP) said he was challenging the Nyako’s government to show them the law that gave their administration the constitutional powers to ban all political activities or nobody will obey such order. “I think the regime needs extra prison yards to accommodate more numbers of political detainees in the state who will breach such order.

May be the revolution that Obasanjo was talking about will start in Adamawa State”, he said.

However, on the other side, Peoples Daily reliably gathered that President Goodluck Jonathan intervened by summoning the National working committee of the party (PDP) which was described as a meeting to make or mar while the visits by Governor Nyako to Wadata house Abuja, the People’s Democratic Party headquarters secretariat on the same issue has not yielded result over this congresses brouhaha in the state.

Another point of tension between the governor and the party’s national chairman is the reported desire to pave way for his son, Auwal B. Tukur, a former member of House of Representative to succeed Admiral Nyako. Some political analysts in the state opined that the refusal of Admiral Nyako to cede some slots of local government areas at the last LG polls connotes that Dr. Tukur will have a tough time maneuvering his son to be Governor in Adamawa come 2015 because Bamanga has no

single political structure that they can fall back on as of now.

In a letter of invitation for a meeting of PDP major stakeholders of Adamawa state addressed to Governor Murtala Nyako by the National secretary of the party, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, dated December 12, 2012, the party said the meeting shall be between national working committee members of the party, Governor Nyako and some stakeholders in the party, and is at the instance of the meeting reached between the NWC and some Governors last month. Some political pundits in the state viewed that, may be by now with the aborted meeting a certain reconciliation may have been reach.

In addition to the effort of resolving this crisis, just last week President Goodluck Jonathan had inaugurated a reconciliation committee headed by Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa state and other notable Nigerians to a matter of urgency intervene by addressing the grey areas that generated the political squabble in the Party so as to proffer lasting solutions to the crisis.

On last week’s local government congresses as claimed by the caretaker committee, there was a mild drama among the participants of the previous congress, who felt aggrieved and rushed to High Court in Yola under the new acting judge, Justice Nathan Musa. They filed a case of exclusion from the elections which they bought form initially and sought for an order of

injunction stopping the process (congress) which was granted and a date for judgment fixed for 8 th of January, 2013. But only to the dismay of electorate, the following morning the caretaker claimed to have conducted a free and fair congress on one of the television and radio outfits owned by former vice president Atiku Abubakar.

In a similar view, some of the politicians interviewed by our correspondent in Yola expressed reservations over the said congresses; one of them, Abdulrazak Haliru noted that the Assistant Inspector General of Police in-charge of Zone 3, AIG Muhammed Tambari Yabo has held a meeting with the two factions of Kugama and Damagun and advised them to reschedule the dates for the congress considering insecurity in the state. Tambari confirmed this when contacted at his office

by Peoples Daily “it is true we invited them and advised them to reschedule the exercise because the current security challenge in the state is not healthy for such political activities”, he said.

With the lingering crises in the party some political pundits observed that dividends of democracy can hardly be realized, especially in an atmosphere of rancor and therefore called on all the parties involved to resort to dialogue for lasting solutions that will create conducive atmosphere for development both politically, economically and socially in the state and country at large.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

PAGE 5

Shema’s wife sacks councillor over row with LG boss’ wife From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

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ife of Katsina state governor,Hajiya Fatima Ibrahim Shema, has sacked the Supervisory Councillor for Water and Sanitation in Matazu local government, Hajiya Hadiza Ibrahim, over a fight with the local council’s chairman’s wife, Hajiya Bilkisu Sani Haliru.

A letter dated 27th December 2012 with reference number MTLG/ADM/36/VOL.1 signed by the local council’s staff officer, Malam Bala Lawal Yaro, noted that it was the governor’s wife that directed the sack of the councilor.

The letter added that the directive to sack the councilor over her row with the chairman’s wife was conveyed to the local government by the governor’s wife

via a letter with reference number GH/KTS/GWO/41/C. The letter stated: “I am directed by the office of Her Excellency, Hajiya Fatima Shehu Shema to issue you this letter because of your misconduct and behaviour. You are therefore directed to handover all official documents in your possession to your director with immediate effect, please”.

It would be recalled that the

chairman’s wife, Hajiya Bilkisu Sani Haliru was alleged to have slapped the supervisory councilor, Hajiya Hadiza Ibrahim which lead to a physical combat between the duo.

During the fracas the chairman’s wife was alleged to have inflicted injuries on the face of the councilor which forced her to seek medical attention in a local hospital in Matazu.

The cause of the fight, our

correspondent gathered, was the allegation by the chairman’s wife that the councilor sidelined her in compiling the list of those to benefit from the government poverty alleviation programme.

When contacted, the press secretary to Shema’s wife, Alhaji Abdul’aziz Imam said: “I’m on my way back to Katsina. If I arrive we will discuss over the matter to see what is happening”.

Special colloquium on Nigeria’s image to hold in Lagos From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

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ublic relations experts will converge on the Agip Recital Hall of the Muson Centre, Onikan in Lagos tomorrow (Tuesday) to discuss ways the Nigerian image can be improved among the comity of nations.

The colloquium being put together by the management of CMC Connect Limited (Perception Managers), is to commemorate the 50th birthday anniversary of the managing director of the company Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya.

A statement by Acting Head of Media, CMC Connect, Mr. Sola Solotan, said the gathering will be a convergent point for integrated marketing communications professionals and institutions in Nigeria whose core focus area includes communications and image management.

“It will explore issues and factors that shape Nigeria’s image and proffer solutions to such communications challenges”, Solotan told reporters.

The outcome of the special colloquium according to the organisers, will be developed into a communiqué which will become a reference document for policy development and future constitutional reforms.

The theme ‘Managing Nigeria’s Image: Whose Responsibility? Will have the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru as special guest of honour while the keynote address will be delivered by the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku.

L-R: Niger state Governor, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, Jigawa state Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, and Minister of National Planning Commission, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, during the minister’s Daugter wedding Fatiha, on Saturday at the National Musque, Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Minister refutes NIS recruitment scam

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

M

inister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, has cleared the air on the alleged recruitment exercise embarked upon by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), saying that the information was a blatant falsehood and handiwork of mischief makers.

Moro who was speaking against the backdrop of reports in some national dailies over the weekend, alleging that the recruitment exercise was meant to favour the

minister and the Comptroller General of the service, maintained that recruitment in the service does not favour any individual nor section of the country, but the entire citizenry.

He alleged that the confusion was perpetuated by certain political elements who want to score cheap political points and overheat the polity, assuring that "the ministry is investigating to unearth the cause of the rumour, and to effectively deal with anyone found culpable".

"I would like to make it clear

that the service did not engage in any secrete recruitment exercise as published in sections of the media. Our recruitment has always been open to the general public and so shall it remain. However, I suspended the exercise to enable us tackle the problem beclouding the exercise", he said.

On allegations of promotion and posting to his kinsmen, the minister said promotion in the service is based on strict civil service rules, which he said focused on the attainment and

achievement of certain individuals.

"Posting of officers has been based on professional competence and knowledge of subject matter of assignment. For the records, I am not aware that five indigenes of Benue state or Idoma tribesmen were specially favoured. I wonder where theses reports emanated from", the minister said.

He further called on members of the public to ignore the reports, which he said lacked credibility, assuring that the ministry would soon stamp of the rumour peddlers.

Bauchi lawmakers want ministry Wada’s father calls for peaceful co-existence to stop deduction of LG funds From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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auchi state House of Assembly’s Committee on Appropriation has ordered the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to stop the deduction of local government councils’ funds that are not backed by the law.

Chairman of the committee, Hon. Abulkadir Dewu, said unless the ministry provides acceptable explanation backed by a law, all deductions made from councils’ funds are illegal and must be

stopped.

The committee while directing the ministry to legally operate under the ambit of law did not however take a decision on past illegal deductions from councils’ funds.

The Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmed Faggo when approached by newsmen after the committee’s sitting, said the ministry had all the backing to make the deductions from the councils’ funds and will furnish the committee with the necessary requirements.

From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

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ather of Kogi state governor, Pa Wada Ejiga, has solicited peaceful coexistence and understanding among the various ethnic groups in the state to facilitate development.

Pa Wada Ejiga was speaking with our correspondent on Saturday at his home in Anyigba, Dekina local government area of Kogi state.

While commending the electronic and print media for the matured way the road mishap involving his son on December 28,

2012, was handled, he stated that road accident was a natural phenomenon, expressing gratitude to Almighty Allah for sparing the life of the governor.

He appealed to the people of the state and the country to remain prayerful for continued peace and progress of the country, maintaining that “this is our land; there is nowhere we can run to, adding, "north, south, east or west, home is the best".

The over 90-year-old retired customary court judge reiterated the need to pray always in our daily life pointing out that it was prayer from genuine people which saved his son's life.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

Sarkin Tukur Tukur dies at 82 in Zaria

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he Sarkin Tukur-Tukur in Zaria, Kaduna State, Alhaji Sambo Sulaiman, has died at the age of 82.

Sulaiman died in his residence on Saturday night after a protracted illness.

Alhaji Sabo Sulaiman, Manager, Queen FM Radio, Zaria and a relation to the deceased, said Sulaiman is survived by a wife,

11 children, many grandchildren and relations.

The deceased was buried in Zaria on Sunday morning, according to Islamic injunctions. The deceased was the Village Head of TukurTukur ward in the Zazzau Emirate Council in Zaria local government area of Kaduna state. (NAN)

Jigawa sponsors 10,000 eye patients for treatment

From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

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igawa state Ministry of Health provided free treatments to 10,000 eye patients suffering from cataract and lid infections last year.

The state Eye Coordinator of the Ministry, Mallam AU Abdulrahman disclosed this while speaking on the activities of the department.

He said of the number, 6342 were for cataract and 3628 for

lid surgery.

Malam Abdurrahman said the state government in collaboration with vision 2020 undertook the surgery.

He said the state government spent N25 million on every round for the cataract surgery.

The coordinator said the Ministry has distributed 800 eye glasses to students of secondary schools across the state suffering from sight problems.

Igbomina State: Group cautions agitators against disunity From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

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Socio-cultural group, Omo Ibile Igbomina organization, which comprises of people of Osun and Kwara South Senatorial district has cautioned agitators behind the creation of Igbomina state to tread carefully to avoid disunity in the affected areas.

The group in a communiquĂŠ at the end of its annual general meeting, signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Julius Ishola, "dissociates itself from the wrong approach and method adopted by a group claiming to be championing the cause of Igbomina state which if not checked can create frictions among the Igbomina and between Igbomina and other social-cultural groups.

"The organization pledges support for any genuine cause for the Igbomina people that are transparent, honest and sincere; unanimously adopts a motion for the organization of proposed national unity conference of all Omo Ibile Igbomina to deliberate on the way forward for its people; agrees that any levies charged by any group or individual under the guise of Igbomina, and approved by the national executive council of the group should be disregarded" It said that the unity, peace and progress of Omo Ibile Igbomina was paramount and must be pursued by all both at home and in the Diaspora and resolved to support government activities aimed at improving the lives of the people especially on economic empowerment.

2015: Youth to decide North's political leaders From Mohammed Adamu, Kaduna

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orthern youth have resolved to take over in determining the political future of the region in 2015 in view of the weaknesses and lapses of the older generation in 2011 .

This was part of the resolutions of Northern Youth Assembly during a one day workshop at Arewa House, Kaduna over the week end.

Chairman of the Assembly, which is made up of about 400 Northern youth organizations, Ibrahim Waiya, blamed elders of North for creating bloated and illusive popularity on pretext of championing the cause of the North resulting in insignificant representation of the Northern region.

"We will not and cannot afford another minority segment in our society claiming to have our mandate and legitimacy to continue to bargain and make grounds for our future", he stated.

In a paper presented by Aliyu Ibrahim Gebi at the occasion, the chairman, House of Representatives committee on Internal Security, observed that northern youth should craft a well-articulated agenda that must extend the hand of fellowship across the Niger to other youths movements.

The lawmaker lamented that "its unfortunate that while youths at Abakaliki were fighting for the emancipation of their people, here in the North, nobody is able to nip in the bud the incessant bomb explosions".

He cited as example with how the National Assembly members were able to defeat the old brigade politicians by electing their leaders at the National assembly.

Also in his paper, the deputy leader of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Barrister Bello Mohammed, pointed out that to arrest the political ant social upheavals among youth in the North, government should take steps towards overhauling school curriculum to focus more on enterpreneurship.

Abandoned multi-million naira Asaba drainage project in Delta state.

Photo: NAN

Insecurity: Shettima decries destruction of public property From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

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overnor Kashim Shettima of Borno state at the weekend expressed concern over the incessant destruction of public property by the 'enemies' of his administration, who are hiding under the guise of Boko Haram insurgents.

Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on the Shehu of Bama, Kyari Ibn Ibrahim ElKanemi, Shettima lamented that

despite government's determination to move the state forward, certain people were busy sabotaging such efforts.

The governor solicited the support of traditional institutions, religious and community leaders in ending the prevailing security challenges stating that meaningful developmental projects could only be achieved under peaceful atmosphere.

The governor tasked residents to embark on extensive prayers for the restoration of peace.

Shettima also told the monarch that he was in Bama town to lay the foundation stone for the construction of an ultra- modern market to replace the former one which was razed by fire in 2010.

The project, Shettima added, would gulp the sum of N823.7 million.

According to him, when constructed, the market will have 941 shops, a police station, fire service station, clinic, administrative offices, car parks and mosque among others.

FG to set up flood recovery, agric initiative From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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he Federal Government is billed to set up a national flood recovery and food production initiative for dry season farming for the immediate food security need of areas affected by the flood in the country The Minister for Agriculture and social development, Dr. Akiyomi Adesina disclosed this at the weekend during the flag off for the distribution of relief materials to flood disaster victims in seven local governments of Bauchi state over the week-end in Gamawa local government area.

The Minister who was represented by the permanent secretary, Bauchi state ministry for agriculture, Alhaji Muhammad Yusuf said that

flood disaster has posed a great challenge on food security in the affected states.

Adesina said: ''Each farmer will be giving 2 numbers of 50kg of fertilizer and 1 number of 50kg bag of rice seed free of charge, the international institute of tropical agriculture in Ibadan has also donated 6 metric tones of improved maize to Farmers in the state for planting, the distribution is to be carried through the GS system based on validated list of registered farmers received from state.''

He explained that ''as a preamble to this laudable initiative to provide succour to the flood victims, the federal ministry of agriculture and rural development has allocated 1200 metric tones of maize and sorghum to be distributed to

flood victims across Bauchi state.''

The Agric Minister revealed that the fertilizer and blending materials would be distributed to registered farmers in the flood affected areas in no distant time.

The Bauchi state commissioner for special duties, Alhaji Baffa Azare said ''what we did in the first time was to provide emergency relief to those who were affected, on our second coming, we have given 12 units of canoes".

According to Azare, of the total of 40 trailers of grains and sorghum the federal government brought to Bauchi state, 26 brought maize while 14 had sorghum in addition to the standing committee set up by the federal government to source funds from individuals under Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

Graduands of pre-deployment training of 323 battalion Nigerian Army, displaying with their guns, during their graduation at Peacekeeping Centre, in Jaji, Kaduna state, recently.

Parish priest, St. Philip Anglican church, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu, Ven Simeon Emelumadu and church members during the 2013 anointing service, yesterday in Enugu.

Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, dancing at a party organised for newly promoted junior police officers at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Saturday.

Deputy Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the UN, Amb. Usman Sarki (left), presenting a gratuity cheque to the longest-serving worker in the mission in New York, Mr. Joseph Onwe, at the weekend.

L-R: Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Adamu, receiving obeisance from Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed, who paid him a condolence visit over the death of the wife of Wazirin Bauchi, Alhaji Bello Kirfi, at the weekend in Bauchi.

Photos: NAN

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

BoT chairmanship: S-W PDP denies adopting candidate From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos & Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

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he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southwest has said its clamour for the zone to be honoured with the vacant position of the party's Board of Trustees (BoT) chairmanship does not translate to adoption of any candidate for the position, saying: “we will abide by the overall decision of the party leaders”.

Zonal publicity secretary of the party, Hon. Kayode Babade, who made this known in a release issued at the weekend,

said the clarification had become necessary to clear misconceptions on the decision reached at the party's joint meeting of the BoT members from the South-west and the zonal working committee members held in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital last Wednesday.

“Our appeal is simple, we are urging the national leadership of our great party, the PDP to honour our zone with the position of the BoT chairman.

“That is clearly different from saying we have adopted a particular candidate from the

South-west and that we have thrown our weight behind the candidate.

“We however still maintain that as a deserving zone, the South-west would be highly honoured if it is considered in filling the vacant exalted office of the BoT chairman of our great party, the PDP”, Babade said.

The South-west Zonal Working Committee had held a joint meeting with BOT members from the zone last Wednesday where it urged that leadership of the party should be encouraged to elect the chairman of the BoT by

consensus in the interest of peace, harmony and cohesion of the party at the highest level.

It was also resolved at the meeting that: “The South-west would be highly honoured if it is considered in filling the vacant exalted office of the BoT chairman of our great party, the PDP”.

Apart from the National Vice-Chairman (South-west), Chief Segun Oni, who led the Zonal Working Committee members, BoT members from the zone who attended the meeting included Chief Richard Akinjide, Senator C.K. Awoyelu,

Vehicles destroyed by bushfire, which crept into the car park of Ogun Secretariat, on Saturday evening at Oke Mosan in Abeokuta.

Photo: NAN

By Muhammad Nasir

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wo hundred and eighty deaths have been recorded on the Nigerian roads from December 19, 2012 to date.

The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Osita Chidoka this to journalists at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja as the commission carried out its final surveillance of operation from the East (Enugu) to Abuja which commenced from December 19, 2012 to date and would be concluded this week.

Chidoka noted that the commission recorded about 280 deaths,480 crashes and 1600 injured people since December adding that it was an improvement compared to last year and hope for better improvement.

He also said that the FRSC had, in the past ten years, been

able to reduce road crashes successfully with 36,000 vehicles were stopped as a result of the its enforcement activities,13,000 good, 26,000 cautioned and allowed not to proceed on their journey while 13,000 were booked.

Chidoka said one person was sent to prison by mobile court, 339 people charged before mobile court and 370 people were fined for several offences while 25 people were discharged and acquitted by the same mobile court.

The Corps Marshal noted that people have commended the activities of the FRSC for making it possible for them to get to their destination safely.

On orderly movement of vehicles, he said the commission was very strict on traffic flow to avoid congestion and bottlenecks especially on highways across Niger Bridge and Lokoja.

Chidoka said three things were

responsible for their success of surveillance operation 0 which includes learning from the past experience and improvement of their data and analyses.

“The increase in our staff strength that happened in the last one year and half, more people to deploy on the road,

our improve monitoring mechanism, our effort to improve oversight on people who are giving responsibility and making sure that it’s done and our technology mechanism make us to monitor what is being done in reality”, Chidoka noted.

Arewa journalists congratulate new Sarkin Samarin Zazzau

By Stanley Onyekwere

S

ome journalists of Northern extraction have congratulated the newly turbaned Sarkin Samarin Zazzau, Alhaji Bello Sa’ad and praised the Emir of Zazzau, Dr. Shehu Idris for the honour done to the patron and illustrious son of the emirate.

The group, in a congratulatory message jointly signed by its president, Hassan

Galadima and Secretary General, Abraham Sule, said the Sa’ad’s turbaning on Friday was in recognition of his meritorious service to humanity.

“As a leader, you have earned yourself the enviable title that cut across major ethnic group in our great country which includes; the Omotosho of Abuja, Amokachi Abuja and Madakin Hausawan Abuja, Sardaunan Samaru among others”, the statement added.

Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun and Chief Tunde Osunrinde.

Those who could not attend but sent apologies included Alhaji Yekini Adeojo, Rt. Hon Patricia Etteh, Senator Bode Olajumoke and Chief (Mrs.) Aduke Maina.

Borno tackles poverty through irrigation projects From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

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s parts of its strategies to tackle poverty and unemployment among the youths, Borno state government has embarked on massive irrigation projects across the riverine communities.

The scheme, government said, was aimed at providing legitimate sources of livelihood for unemployed youths to make them selfreliant and economically stable.

Governor Kashim Shettima stated this at the weekend while inspecting irrigation project in Konduga town, headquarters of Konduga local government area.

Governor Shettima said his administration identified poverty as one of the factors that led to youth restiveness and would therefore, economically transform lives with the scarce resources at its disposal.

While distributing vegetable seeds and assorted bags of fertilizer to over 100 irrigation farmers free of charge, Shettima urged them to be more committed to the scheme as his government was ever ready to assist farmers in whatever capacity in the state.

He noted that agriculture provides jobs for over 70 percent of the state's population. the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Usman Zanna said the Konduga irrigation scheme which covers 25 hectres of land mass, was not the only scheme that has undergone the "Kashimic Agricultural Revolution" as similar resuscitation has taken place in Damasak town with the installation of three units of brand new irrigation pumps, as well as the replacement of ten old pumps with brand new ones at the Yau irrigation scheme which also covered Abadam, Arege, Daya and other communities boardering Niger and Chad Republic.

He said half of the 25 percent hectres of land in Konduga was demacated to 120 plots of various sizes, which are currently under cultivation ranging from 1000 to 1500 square metres each, where vegetables ranging from onions, pepper, lettuce, cabbage, carrot including wheat are being cultivated.

Zanna said arrangements have been concluded to revamp all minor irrigation schemes of Valengede, Ngabu and Jaffi in Borno south senatorial zone.

PAGE 11

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

Managing finances in marriage W

hether you are in a serious relationship, just recently married, or have been married for several years, money matters can be controversial if not handled carefully.

Are you engaged? How much do you know about your fiancĂŠ's financial situation? When two people become a couple, they confront a myriad of financial choices and decisions. After the excitement of the wedding ceremonies, it will be time to face your financial future together.

Navigating this somewhat sensitive issue is important because financial problems can strain relationships to breaking point and have been cited as a major cause of divorce, yet most couples go into marriage without ever broaching this subject. It may not be romantic, but it is important. Here are some of the money issues that you should discuss with your significant other.

Attitude towards money You do not just develop good or bad money habits by chance; attitudes to money are formed very early on in life and usually develop over many years. You may not even realize the full effects of your childhood experiences, circumstances, and your parents' attitude towards money; indeed, many people simply assume the savings and money management habits of their parents - whether they were very frugal, disciplined savers, or spendthrifts. Your attitude towards money can have a significant impact on the financial decisions you make.

Financial goals What are your short-, medium-, and long-term goals?

Where do you see yourselves 5, 10, 20 years from now? Financially, this can mean owning your own home, educating your children, and planning for your retirement.

In relationships, there may be different goals and priorities. One may be averse to debt while the other adopts debt as a way of life.

He might want a flashy car while she feels more secure with money in the bank. She might spend all the housekeeping money on jewellery, shoes and bags while his priority is to give the children a sound education. He may view the new home cinema as their greatest new asset while her priority is to make a down payment on their own home. If the differences are fundamental, this may be a source of conflict. At the same time, be conscious of the fact that it shouldn't be all about scrimping and saving towards the future; enjoy yourselves as well.

Managing the family finances Women often enter marriage assuming that their spouse will handle all money issues; thus, they delegate almost total responsibility and sit on the sidelines without being involved.

Determine who is best able to manage the routine everyday financial matters. Teamwork is essential and shared duties work well for some families, but even if

one party is more involved, both should have a general overview of the total picture. Periodic meetings are important so you know where you stand financially and can see whether you are actually moving closer towards your family goals.

Budgeting It is surprising how many married couples get by without a budget. Through budgeting, you have a better idea of what is coming in and how much can be spent. You should both know how much you pay for your rent or mortgage, utility bills, insurance, and so on.

Budgeting responsibilities should be shared such that neither partner should feel that he/she has to shoulder the entire responsibility. Periodic meetings, say, at least once a month, are useful to review bank balances, any outstanding debt, routine expenses as well as any major expense that needs to be carefully planned for.

Paying for family needs Something as basic as the handling of everyday household expenses is a source of friction in many families. How will you handle routine household

expenses? You both earn but how much should each person contribute? Are you both doing your "share"? Should it be equal amounts no matter what each person earns, or a certain percentage?

If you earn significantly more or less than your spouse, it seems only fair to contribute amounts in proportion to your respective incomes to reflect this imbalance.

Some couples assign expenses - you pay the rent and school fees while I pay for groceries, utility bills, and so on. Other couples use one partner's income for all expenses and apply the other income to build up savings and investments.

Separate or joint accounts There has been extensive debate over single and joint accounts. Most couples would strive for the same goal to create a stronger marriage while maintaining financial responsibility. Some argue that joint accounts create a sense of unity that is vital in any relationship. If money is separated, you weaken the bond that is the essence of any longterm relationship. On the other hand, separate accounts allow each the ability to retain some independence; this, it is suggested, could actually strengthen a relationship.

Will you open a joint account and pool both incomes or have separate accounts? Having a joint account combined with individual accounts for personal expenses is a good compromise as each partner takes some responsibility for the household budget, yet is still able to retain some autonomy.

Partners contribute a certain amount of their monthly salary into the joint account to cover routine household expenses such as food, utility bills, and so on. Some couples decide to pay their salaries into the joint account and then pay themselves a monthly

allowance.

If you had a fairly independent existence before this relationship and managed your own finances and made your own investment decisions, it may be more difficult to give up that control to another person. Yet if you were not particularly structured about your finances, you might be more able to opt for a joint account.

It is important to remember that parties to a joint account have a right to withdraw all the money in the account. It is for this reason that the use of joint accounts is usually limited to people who have built a solid level of trust.

Look critically at the options and try to come to a compromise that will suit your relationship.

Setting spending limits Do you have to account for everything you spend to your spouse? If you show up with an expensive new TV or a car, could this be a cause of tension?

Everyone needs some personal spending money that doesn't have to be accounted for. The amount will vary depending on the couples' resources and lifestyle.

Some couples set spending limits on how much either can spend without consulting each other.

Even though there may be the occasional conflict about money, it is really about how best conflicts can be resolved. With careful planning, clear communication and compromise, many frustrating conversations can be avoided. There is no one-size-fitsall when it comes to finances in relationships; even the best system may not always be appropriate. So, be prepared to modify your system as your relationship and financial situation evolve. Try to find the right balance that works for your situation; if one option doesn't work, try another. The financial decisions that you make now can have a lasting impact on your financial future as you go through life together.

* Have constant reminders: Reducing debt is a long journey that takes discipline. Whether it's setting reminders on your calendar or setting an alarm on your phone to alert you to pay bills, anything you can do to trigger your mind about your path to financial freedom is encouraged (and sometimes necessary). * Have a regular meeting about debt: Schedule a monthly meeting with your family and figure out how to save more money and pay off your debt more rapidly. In the meeting, talk about your progress, dream up ideas and make some point form actions for the next 30 days. * Take ownership: The most important step in becoming debt free is taking responsibility. The credit card companies may have

encouraged you through the years to limit your spending but it's ultimately you who racked up those charges. Stop complaining and start doing something about it. * Understand that this is a problem: No company is ever going to keep lending you money forever and ever. Stop wishing that the problem will just go away by itself and start dealing with the situation. Debt is a problem.

Start reducing what you owe immediately and stop thinking that you should drag it out infinitely. * Learn the power of compounding interest: I imagine that people who are in debt don't really understand the essence of compound interest.

Remember all those charts that show how interests compound when you invest? When you are in debt, this is just in reverse.

Source:www.moneyning.com

9 debt reduction tips for your immediate action plan

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ith credit cards so convenient, loans so common and debt socially acceptable, getting into debt is extremely easy. I still have vivid memories of the two people who sold me my college credit card. It had the school logo on there and best of all, it helped the school every time I use the card to pay for a purchase. How cool is that?

Get out of debt now with these tips Avoiding debt is an advice most don't appreciate until they are swamped with bills and obligations. For years, many just pay the minimum

Quote People are definitely a company's greatest asset. It doesn't make any difference whether the product is cars or cosmetics. A company is only as good as the people it keeps - Mary Kay Ash

payment on their credit cards and think of their house as an ATM machine.

Now that the economy is deteriorating and people are worried about their jobs, everyone is finally thinking about debt load. If you are concerned about all the loans that you need to pay off, use the time you are worrying and spend some time implementing the following 25 tips to reduce your debt instead. * Focus on the prize: Motivation is key to succeeding with paying off your debt. Get a post-It, write down your total debt and tape it on your computer monitor. Seeing the number go down is a huge motivator. Some people like to instead motivate themselves by looking at the reward (perhaps a picture of your happy family to remind you how relaxing being debt free can be). That works just as well.

* Debt snowball: Some like to pay the highest interest rate first and others like to pay the smallest loans first. Whichever method you choose, debt snowball works because you are concentrating on one loan and the psychological benefit of paying them off helps tremendously. * Get a side job: You are afraid of your job but how many of you are actually trying to get another job in this economy?

Whether it's building up some form of passive income or getting a part time job, side hustling is still the quickest way to make more money. * Freeze your credit Cards: I personally think credit cards are great because of the rewards you earn but the plastic cards are clearly not for everyone. If you have a hard time keeping yourself from splurging, just freeze them.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

PAGE 12

EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

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2015 poster: You can stop this, Mr. President

resident Goodluck Jonathan found himself in a rather tight spot throughout last week with the appearance, on New Year day, of his 2015 campaign poster on the streets of Abuja, the nation's seat of government, ahead of a presidential election still two years away. He did not help his case much, as usual, with his untidy handling of the controversy the poster stirred.

The big poster carried a glossy picture of the president and the following inscriptions, in fine print: "2015: No vacancy in Aso Rock. Let's do more" and "One good term deserves another; support Dr. Goodluck Jonathan for 2015 presidency". 2015, of course, is an election year in this country. Discussions in the political arena have centred on whether or not Jonathan would go for a second term.

At present, there are cases in court challenging his eligibility. Besides, the president has said he would not be distracted by talks of the upcoming polls, saying he has a job to do. But he made it clear there is no question of his eligibility as a Nigerian under the constitution.

That is precisely why the poster has stirred the hornet's nest. He wants no distraction, but if the poster isn't one what then is it? Asked about the appearance of the poster, particularly the timing of it, President Jonathan' media spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, denied the president had any hand in it.

He added that those behind it could not have been stopped because they were "faceless".

If the Presidency thought its dismissal of the poster had put the matter to rest it was mistaken. Instead, it provided the opposition, which until now had been rather quiet, with the ammunition to take pop shots at the president. Conference for Progressive Change (CPC) whose presidential candidate, Alhanji Muhammadu Buhari, came second behind Jonathan in the 2011 election,

“

If the Presidency thought its dismissal of the poster had put the matter to rest it was mistaken. Instead, it provided the opposition, which until now had been rather quiet, with the ammunition to take pop shots at the president marked by widespread violence, quickly smelled a rat. "Is this not an early warning that results of the 2015 presidential election have been written and kept in wraps just for the 'forma' announcement?"

"Jonathan has little occupying his mind but a second term", said another opposition party, ANPP; and it said ominously, "Nigerians are watching."

Said CNPP, a coalition of political parties, "President Goodluck Jonathan is free to run (for a second term), unless the

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

court stops him..., but he should not use his high office to manipulate the electoral process."

Having warned that nobody should jumpstart the 2015 electioneering campaign and then declared that those printing and putting up his poster were on their own, the president should have followed through with a stern warning and an unambiguous order to the police and other security agencies to watch out for those jumping the gun supposedly on his behalf. He didn't do that. Instead, he said those who wanted to campaign for him were free, as Nigerians to do as they wished, even without his say so. Worse, he left it to the security forces to determine whether national security had been breached in this case and to act as they deemed fit.

Nigerians can draw only one conclusion from this doublespeak, which is that the security forces should look away and as far as the president is concerned, 2015 is well underway. Too bad, if this is our president's mindset!

He doesn't want the polity overheated before election year, yet he is doing exactly that. He cannot even wait till 2014, the year he has repeatedly told us he would announce his 2015 plan or lack of it.

If it is any consolation for the majority of Nigerians, the president's prevarication is all too familiar. He says one thing and acts differently. We would do well to watch both his word and action so that he does not lead or mislead us into a ditch. With a president like him, who needs a blind man as a guide?

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

By Bello Mohammed Jimeta

T

he outcome of the Adamawa state PDP congresses, at state and local government levels, is a lesson for those who think they can cage democracy and mould it to suit their narrow selfish interest at the expense of fairness. Despite his pig-headed determination to put all elected officials in his pocket, Governor Murtala Nyako must have been taught a lesson about the limits of the arrogance of power.

Despised and distrusted by those who had staked their political capital and good will to bring him from ANPP into the PDP, the Governor demonstrated an uncanny skill at destroying friends and former allies. Professor Jibril Aminu fell out with former VicePresident Atiku Abubakar in order to prop up Nyako as Governor.

Today, however the two politicians have parted company.

Besides, Nyako had fallen out with all the original founders of the PDP that lured him into the party from ANPP. Carried away by a false sense of political security after becoming a Governor, Nyako had believed everyone else was at his mercy. In fact, he must have felt that democracy itself was at his feet. Determined to achieve maximum power and control, he ensured that no other stakeholders of the Adamawa State PDP had a dog’s chance to get elected into any

By Anthony Akinola

M

ost people in the relatively stable democratic nations of the world would find it rather difficult to understand why democracy should be causing so much pain in the so-called third world nations. The assassination of Benazir Bhutto in December 2007 and the consequent turmoil of Pakistan followed by the killings of hundreds of citizens in Kenya and Nigeria in the aftermath of allegedly rigged presidential elections, further reminded peoples of the peaceful democratic nations that what they now take for granted in their own nations never comes on a platter of gold.

The United States of America gained its independence from Britain in 1776. However, the Americans had to fight a system which made them pay tax without being represented in parliament.

“No taxation without representation” was the memorable slogan of their war and their declaration which must guide democracy anywhere in the world is the assertion that “all men and women are created equal”. The determination to give effect to that important declaration would later lead to constitutionalists to prohibit the American citizen from bearing a title of nobility. The now problematic gun culture – the right of the American citizen to have a gun- was also intended to achieve that end.

However, America is still democratising because the assertion of equality of all men and women excluded blacks for the great part of the nation’s history. The history of de jure acceptance of blacks as equal to whites is only a few decades old, coming into effect with the Civil Rights legislation of the 1960s, while de facto acceptance of equality is still evolving. The vestiges of the racialsupremacist Ku Klux Klan, their own

PAGE 13

The error of caging democracy office at all levels.

With the State Electoral Commission at his beck and call and the party executives in his pocket, Governor Nyako blocked any efforts towards reconciliation with aggrieved former PDP members, including Atiku Abubakar. The reconciliation policy was officially adopted by the national headquarters of the PDP, but the Adamawa State Governor did everything to make their return impossible. In fact, he was so obstinately committed to frustrate this policy that he left the Adamawa State PDP in perpetual crisis. Worse still, with total power in his hands, he found level playing field a dirty word in his political dictionary.

The dictatorial fashion with which he exerts influence on the Adamawa State PDP chapter alienated all the original founders of the party. Oblivious of the ephemeral nature of power, Nyako even had the ridiculous audacity to fight the national headquarters of the PDP, which insisted on free and fair election. He repeatedly defied the party directive and did everything to incite the President against the national Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, whom his supporters branded an Atiku’s

“closet” ally for the 2015 presidential election.

He desperately wanted the President’s sympathy by pitting Bamanga and Atiku against Jonathan as part of his effort to maintain power without due process or fair competition.

Unfortunately for him, President Jonathan himself seemed to have realized that Nyako’s domestic political crisis was self-inflicted and avoidable. For some time, the division among other stakeholders had helped Nyako to maintain his total control on the Adamawa State PDP. However, that is no longer the case in Adamawa State. The convergence of common interests among the PDP stakeholders was the ultimate coup de grace that swept away Nyako’s lackeys from their seemingly unchallenged control of party offices in Adamawa State. The outcome of the State and Local Government congresses was a revelation to power-drunk leaders that think they can cage democracy in their pockets.

With his contempt for reason and wise counsel, nobody could have saved Nyako from ultimate defeat at the polls. Loyalists of the original founding fathers swept the polls because they acted in concert

to end Nyako’s despotism.

Therefore, blaming Atiku Abubakar for their current political debacle is a diversionary ploy. This was the same Atiku they dismissed as insignificant in Adamawa politics. Rather than branding Atiku as their giant killer, Nyako’s supporters should blame their naivety and myopia instead.

In the words of the English statesman, Samuel Goldwin, any leader that created too many enemies at different fronts will end up leading exhausted troops.

Clearly, this was the fate that befell Nyako’s one-man democracy. He needlessly united political forces against himself by unwisely turning former friends and allies into enemies. And in politics, the enemy of my enemy is my friend!

With Professor Aminu, Atiku Abubakar, Wilberforce Juta, Joel Madaki, Bamanga Tukur, Dr. Ardo, Dr. Zhinghina and others united by a common cause, Nyako’s strategy of divide and rule could no longer work.

As a result, the waning of his deadly grip on the Adamawa State PDP chapter was a matter of time.

President Jonathan did everything privately to see Adamawa State PDP acted as one family, but Nyako would renege

on his commitment to unity and reconciliation once he found himself back to Yola, the citadel of his power. In politics, you should never dismiss your opponents because of your seeming grip on power. Determined termites can ultimately fell the oak. And the outcome of the state and local government congresses was a confirmation of this truism.

The saddest aspect of this drama in Adamawa State was Nyako’s decision to appoint a third ranking Judicial Officer to become the State Acting Chief Judge to play his script. Predictably, the Acting Chief Judge declared the State and Local Government congresses as “illegal”. By dragging the judiciary into his dirty politics, Nyako has set a dangerous precedent and is undermining the independence and neutrality of the judiciary. Given a choice, the people would always vote for transparent process rather than manipulations of the system.

Governor Nyako should learn a lesson from George Washington’s immortal words: “No man is good enough to govern another without their consent.”

Mohammed Jimeta wrote in from 71 Maiduguri Road, Kaduna.

earlier version ofour Boko Haram, have yet to fully disappear. However, things are looking good because substantial progress has been made.The election and re-election of Barack Obama as first AfricanAmerican President is a huge step in the right direction.

Neither can Great Britain claim to have perfected its democracy. The nature and extent of privileges enjoyed by the Monarchy is an ongoing debate. The history of democracy in Britain has been a history of the ordinary citizen challenging the Crown and the socalled royal prerogative. It is also a history of organised challenge to the assumptions of the aristocracy. The British Monarch is now a mere constitutional one – courtesy of the revolt led by Oliver Cromwell in the 17th century – while many other European countries including France, Germany and Russia, got rid of theirs in violent revolutions. The emergence of a controversial King or Queen could spell the end of the monarchy in Britain.

Be that as it may, democracy and its institutions crept in gradually.

The right to vote did not come to many on a platter of gold.

Requirements of property and education meant many were excluded from the democratic process. Voting rights did not come to women until quite recently. We may now refer to some societies as civilised not least because their citizens readily comply to rules and regulations but such civility did not come about easily. In Britain, for instance, there was once a time when a relatively minor offence attracted severe punishment.

Convicts were ex-communicated and distant Australia became more or less Britain’s prison for such

convicts.

The universal definition of democracy is that provided by the great Abraham Lincoln as “the government of the people, for the people, and by the people”.

Democracy is not just an approach to political governance but a culture which touches on every facet of human life. The major problem of democracy in some societies is that it is a new value system in competition with already established structure which are at best contradictory.

The authoritarian feudal structures of some societies derive their authenticity from tradition and religion. Until the contradictions of state and society have been resolved, our democracy will be a mere imitation of what obtains somewhere else.

In Nigeria, for instance, the traditional system co-exists with the modern democratic system. There is nothing like the King or Queen of Nigeria but traditional rulers exist as heads of cities, towns and villages.

The British approached political governance in Nigeria through a system of indirect rule, making use of the Chiefs. The politician seeking political power wants to be in the good books of the traditional ruler

and some might want to parade a chieftaincy title of some sort.

Traditional rulers are among the most affluent in Nigerian society; those in big cities receive multiple salaries from local government councils in their areas of jurisdiction.

It is hard to envisage a revolution that would end Nigeria’s traditional institutions.

The electoral democracy into which we were introduced has been characterised by failure. The rigging culture has become our electoral culture. The recent events in Cote divoire are also an indication that election rigging is an African disease. The typical African leader does not believe in leaving office voluntarily or in being defeated in the process of re-election. If the Constitution stipulates two terms, the typical African leader interprets it to mean a minimum of two terms in office. Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe has been one long term mis-leader in that respect. The United States of America has been governed by one constitution since 1787, while Britain is not even guided by a written one; the typical African leader believes the Constitution could be changed at every conceivable opportunity, to suit his whims and caprices.

Is there a future for democracy in Africa? One likes to be optimistic and therefore say there is. One’s optimism derives from the belief that education can play a big part in the future of democracy in our continent. Most of the current crop of African leaders (or rulers) belong to the first generation of educated men and women in their respective families, while the percentage of the educated in society itself is generally low. True democracy belongs to the future when a more assertive, refined and rational citizenry dominates the political space. With successive generations of educated men and women the outlook on life will be a lot different from what it currently is. A country like Britain can boast of more than a thousand years of education; its oldest university is more than 900 years old while Nigeria’s oldest university, the University of Ibadan is 64 this year. The point one is trying to make here is that ours is still a very young nation and it takes time for rough edges to be chissled out.

Future economic outlook will also bolster democracy. The current generation knows no other route to wealth and fame other than politics but that should change when economic opportunities widen.There are still quite a number of thiefs and clowns dictating policies here and there. . When corrupt politicians retire to nowhere other than prison, those who seek wealth and not service will know where to go. The Press and Judiciary in Nigeria may be doing relatively well but the people themselves must feel democratic for democracy to be the culture they so much crave . They are the ones who must insist, by their votes and actions, on how they want to be governed.

Rough road to democracy

“

The electoral democracy into which we were introduced has been characterised by failure. The rigging culture has become our electoral culture. The recent events in Cote divoire are also an indication that election rigging is an African disease

PAGE 14

By Sadik Yusuf Zaria

S

enator Bala Mohammed (Kauran Bauchi) the FCT Minister, is undoubtedly a worthy and illustrious son of Bauchi state who is steadily and positively touching the lives of his people is no small measure. In the first place as minister of the Federal Capital Territory, the Kauran Bauchi has endeared himself to the hearts of many Nigerians through his open door policy to all, irrespective of tribal, religious, political or sectional differences.

The land system in the federal capital territory has been made favourable to all Nigerians while the city is rapidly undergoing giant transformation worthy of a federal capital territory. In a nutshell, things are moving smoothly courtesy of Kauran

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

A leader in action Bauchi's humane and realistic all grateful to this wonderful angle one looks at the Kauran approach to the Bauchi, one art of human would not fail management. to admire Back home him as a in Bauchi qualified and Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text state, the remarkable messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written minister is the leader for all contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 talk of the seasons. As a words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and t o w n . one time a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed Everybody journalist to: seems to be and an grateful to the experienced minister for his technocrat The Editor, philanthropic who had been Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, activities and at the federal 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. for his human civil service Email: let ters@peoplesdaily-online.com kindness and for many SMS: 07037756364 concern for the years before poor and the j o i n i n g downtrodden.

He has politician, journalist and politics in 2007, Senator Bala of no mean Mohammed has really come positively touched the lives of technocrat so many people and they are standing. From whatever of age, and cannot be brushed

WRITE TO US

aside.

The country needs such a man of vast experience and capacity to continue making his mark for the progress and happiness of its citizens. The good people of Bauchi state will continue to pray for this remarkable man of noble qualities and the people will surely stand by him, support and entrust their mandate unto his able shoulders. The Bauchi people have every reasons to believe in Kauran Bauchi because he has ably performed and has lived up to their expectations. We are proud of him. *Yusuf wrote in from Jahun Quarters, Bauchi, Bauchi State sadiqyz@yahoo.com

Cement importation: The unholy business I

By Jibrin Abubakar

mport substitution industrialization (ISI) is a trade and economic model that seeks to replace foreign imports with domestic production. It was developed since the 18 th century by Classical economist David Ricardo. It principles were endorsed by European countries and Americas and it paid off.

But this policy was abandoned by developing economies in the 1980s due largely to structural indebtedness and IMF/World Bank adjustment programmes that lend credence to trade liberalization policy for poor countries.

To say, therefore, that the consequences of trade liberalization policy and unchecked importation on these economies have been colossal, is to rehash a cliché.

Nigeria today cannot cloth itself, neither can it feed itself.

About 90 per cent of the country’s textile needs are imported and about $158.4 million is being spent on importation of textiles and fabrics from Dubai alone annually. This is scandalous and enough to send jitters down the spin of a serious government.

The country has also witnessed mass exodus of taxpaying manufacturing companies. Those who choose to stay back eventually collapse due to high cost of production and the importation of cheap goods from China and elsewhere, where the cost of production is pretty very low.

While the government had hitherto expressed determination to encourage Made-in-Nigeria goods to bolster Domestic Direct Investment, it has, however, yet to walks it talks.

The business climate for manufacturers has been stormy. For instance, the dawn

of textile boom in the country was eclipsed by the twin evils of cheap importation and infrastructural conundrum.

Unbridled importation of tyres has since forced Dunlop and Michelin to kiss the dust, and relocate to another African country.

Nigeria’s ranking on the global scale for ease of doing business has also nosedived.

It is against this backdrop that the on-going altercation between the country’s cement manufacturers and importers is a cause for concern for discerning Nigerians.

The macabre dance of government is not helping matters either. Both the Dangote Cement and the Lafarge WAPCO Cement Plc have raised the alarm that the business environment is becoming intolerable.

For instance, the Dangote’s four million metric tonnes cement plant that employs about a thousand people in Gboko, Benue State, was shut down last month due to glut in the market.

Similarly, the management of Lafarge Cement WAPCO Plc has cut its production. Plant Manager, Lafarge’s Ewekoro cement plant, Mr. Lanre Opakunle, said 50 percent of Lafarge’s Shagamu plant has been shut down.

He said that the company’s Ewekoro plant had cut production by 40 percent in response to the glut in the market. According to him, the various Lafarge factories have excess cement and clinker inventory at their plants of about 300,000 metric tons, which cannot be absorbed by the Nigerian market.

Hence, the suspension of operation by one of Dangote’s cement factories owing to market glut created by nefarious importers should disturb the government. This is so because as a manufacturing company, the Dangote Group has contributed enormously to the development of this country.

It pays an average of N50

billion in tax annually. Its philanthropic profile soared to around N20 billion between 2011 and 2012. It gave a whooping N2.5billion to the flood victims last year. The Dangote Group is today adjudged the largest donor and biggest employer outside government. It has caused the employment of over a hundred thousand in direct and indirect labour. All this is made possible through MANUFACTURING, not importation.

The country’s cement subsector almost hit the rocks by 2002 when total domestic production was a paltry 1.9 million metric tonnes. But change came with the federal government’s backward integration policy for the manufacturing sector. With this policy, total production rose to 18.5 million metric tonnes as at 2012, while another 12 million metric tonnes is in the offing.

According to the chairman of the Cement Manufacturer Association of Nigeria(CMAN) Engr Joseph Makoju: “The 18.5 million metric tonnes is representing just 65 percent of the present total installed capacity of the industry. Between 2002 and May 2012, a total of $6 billion new investment was made by the local manufacturers while the on-going expansion and new plants is estimated to cost another $3.5 billion.”

He said: “Due to the continuous rapid growth, the nation no longer requires cement imports as local demand is being effectively met and even surpassed.

However, with continuous importation of the product into the country, as at today, most local cement plants have huge inventory of unsold cement and the clinker, signifying the attainment of selfsufficiency.”

The question being asked is: why has cement price not crashed in the face of the glut? It is a truism that the cost of production in Nigeria is very high.

Any producer or

businessman will easily confirm this. Manufacturing is not synonymous with charity.

The business of business is business. As a former economics teacher, I know that the forces of demand and supply are not all there is to bring down a price in the long run. There are exceptional and abnormal situations. Nigeria’s economy, as we all know is not normal.

Engr Makoju had explained: “Energy cost accounts for over 35 per cent of production cost in Nigeria, whereas it is 10 per cent in China. In Nigeria, the price of LPFO has jumped from N25 per litre to N107.76 per litre as at November 2012, an increase of 331 per cent.

Haulage is another factor that is out of the control of manufacturers. Haulage cost alone accounts for between 20 and 25 per cent of the open market price of cement. All bulk products are affected by this factor due to deplorable state of Nigerian roads.”

Pundits therefore say the backward integration policy introduced by the Obasanjo government to encourage local production is once again being threatened.

With the Jonathan’s government indecisiveness, the cement subsector, they say, is regretfully set to tread the path the textile sector trod.

It is also worth mentioning that cement consumption in Nigeria is still very low. This speaks volume of the state of infrastructural projects in the country when compared to other African countries.

Cement consumption in Nigeria is below that of Senegal.

It is also behind Egypt which consumes an average of 48 million tonnes. This does not speak well of a country that has an estimated housing deficit of 16 million unit, and whose road networks are almost in tartars.

Government can also help mitigate the glut by using concrete for its road

construction projects instead of asphalt in order to save substantial outflow of foreign exchange. Concrete roads are strong, durable and evoked all over the world.

Local cement consumption is said to have risen by 11.1 percent from 8.42 mmtpa in 2004 to 9.35 mmtpa in 2005. In 2006 it grew to 10.08 mmtpa, 10.98mmtpa in 2007 and by 22.1 percent to 13.41 mmtpa in 2008. Average consumption hit 14.80 mmtpa in 2009, 15.83 mmtpa in 2010. In 2011, it reached 17.10 mmtpa.

In 2011, cement manufacturing started closing the gap on domestic cement demand. With total local consumption projected at 20.97 mmtpa by end 2012, Dangote Cement, with over 20 mmtpa capacity, had met local demand for the product. It is therefore instructive that to allow continuous importation when Nigeria can now export is to kill the idea and the success recorded through the backward integration and import substitution policies.

It would be recalled that between 2010 and 2011, cement manufacturing had saved Nigeria a staggering N270billion. The amount it costs the country to import cement yearly had dropped from N300 billion to N30 billion. This corroborated the fact that Import Substitution policy can help unshackles a country from its economic shackles.

With Nigeria’s huge size and comparative advantage in cement production, manufacturing is most likely to achieve economies of scale for the country. Nigeria also has additional advantage of controlling the West African market. The chorus in every corner should be: No to cement importation.

Mr. Abubakar writes from Gauraka Village, Suleja Emirate (jibrinabu28@yahoo.com)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

PAGE 15

FCT Minister's action on Gwari/Fulani clash

By Ibrahim Biu

T

he prompt action taken by the FCTA Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed in connection with the communal clash which occurred between the Fulani and the Gwari people recently at Gwagwalada in the FCT is really commendable and a right step in the right direction.

It shows the true quality of a decisive leader who is sensitive to the feelings of the people. His action in peacefully settling the dispute has put him ahead of his peers. It also showed that Senator Bala is always concerned with the plight of his own people no matter what group of people are involved.

The Hon. Minister's concern for his people was amply demonstrated by the prompt manner he set up an elevenman committee to quickly look into the issue and recommend suggestions on what his administration should do.

The reconciliation committee which was given one week to submit its report is headed by the FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adewale Shinaba.

The Committee was set up at the end of an emergency meeting last Monday to resolve the communal clash that erupted

By Haruna Abdul-Rahman

R

ecently, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, revealed the intention of his administration to obtain the loan of about thirty billion Naira to undertake some development projects in the state.

As expected, however, as soon as the governor revealed this intention, the main opposition party in the state, the PDP, apparently for political reasons, mounted the rostrum and shouted, from the top of its voice, against obtaining the loan, arguing that the money will not be utilized by the Al-Makura-led CPC administration.

Perhaps, the PDP in Nasarawa forgot, or chose to ignore the fact, that the two previous administrations it has led also borrowed huge amounts of money, cited the same reasons for collecting the loans as the governor now does, only to leave the state with no visible projects and huge amounts of loans to repay.

But if you think that it is only the PDP that is kicking against the decision to obtain the thirty billion Naira loan now, you will be fooled because many other well meaning groups and individuals are crying against the decision to acquire the loan.

I am one of them and I have many reasons why, despite my voting for the governor in the 2011 election, I now elect not to stay on his side, as far as this issue of loan is concerned. Chief among my reasons is the fact that the loans collected by the

between Gwaris and Fulanis in the Gwagwalada Area Council Abuja, FCT. During the clash two persons were reported to have died and about 1,500 made homeless.

Shortly before he set up the Committee, the Minister did not hide his displeasure about what has happened and swore that the government will not fold its hands and watch some selfish elements causing mischief in the area. He said that government will promptly prosecute those found fomenting trouble in not only the area but throughout the FCT. He insisted that the whole of Abuja is a peace loving area and that perpetrators of any type of misunderstanding will be fished out and dealt with promptly by the government.

Senator Bala expressed the confidence that the Adewale-led committee will be able to unravel the remote and immediate causes of the clash with a view to enabling government find a lasting solution to this type of clash so that such type of unfortunate accident will not occur in the future again.

The Minister did not however stop there. He quickly directed that food, and some relief materials as well as shelter should be supplied to the victims of the unfortunate incident due to his humanitarian nature and

love for his people as well as being a decisive leader who listens to his people's yearnings.

It is also instructive that he cares for his people in the way he directed the committee to expedite action on the issue and to ensure that the committee dug deep to find out what really happened and to quickly assess the damages done and the required compensation to be paid. The committee should also recommend those that should be prosecuted, because according to the Minister, perpetrators of such upheaval must not be allowed to remain unpunished.

Apart from distributing relief materials to the affected persons Senator Bala also appealed for calm among the people and

assured them that government will take a prompt action on the issue. He is of the view that such clashes and misunderstandings are alien to the residents of the FCT. He said that tt is on record that such type of clashes do not occur in the FCT and warned trouble makers to avoid such actions or face the wrath of the law squarely.

The Minister said the FCTA will take a major step to create a grazing unit or area in the FCT among other things aimed at reducing such incidents among the Fulanis and the Gwaris who have co-existed for a very long time in all parts of the territory without fighting each other on such issues. Similarly, it will be a good idea if the Minister will

“

He quickly directed that food, and some relief materials as well as shelter should be supplied to the victims of the unfortunate incident due to his humanitarian nature and love for his people as well as being a decisive leader who listens to his people's yearnings

also propose an edict to the National Assembly which could specify the relationship between these two groups and how the Fulani people could carry out their grazing activities without causing any problem in the territory. This reporter feels that this action could help a lot.

Already many people in the area have expressed regret over what has happened and pledged their willingness to cooperate with the government to unravel what has happened and to put a stop to its reoccurrence.

Among those who commended the Minister include the Chairman of Miyetti Allah, Alhaji Abdullahi Adama, Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Zakari Angula Gobi, the Aguma of Gwagwalada, Alh. Mohammed Magaji and Director General of NEMA, Alh. Muhammad Sani Sidi, who said the Minister's prompt action helped to resolve the issue quickly. He described the intervention as a timely one.

With only some few days left for the committee to submit its report this reporter can only say, Well done Mr. Minister. Please keep up the good work you are doing. People appreciate it and posterity will surely judge you right.

Biu sent in this piece from Abuja

N30bn loan? Haba! Al-Makura previous elected governments in the state to, as they claimed, finance development projects, ended in the pockets of some few corrupt top officials and their accomplices.

In fact, sometimes, the loans were acquired largely through dubious means and did not even come to the state, and when they did, they were embezzled and never employed for the purposes they were meant for. The CPCled government has not yet done the minimum to make me believe that the story will be different this time around. Far from that.

In fact, the Al-Makura-led administration has sufficiently convinced me that, this time, the loan, if acquired, will just be frittered, with the huge chunk of it likely to be used for the maintenance of the emirs and chiefs in the state. It is interesting to observe that the state’s traditional council now boasts of having a record number of 22 first class emirs and chiefs, the highest in the country.

Also interesting to note is the fact that one of the beneficiaries of the three CPC created first class chiefdoms is the governor’s billionaire elder brother, Alhaji Ahmadu Al-Makura, the chief of Kwandare, who is not only the political god-father of the governor but also a very powerful and influential figure in the state. The chief is also a big time businessman cum

politician, who, certainly, will be consulted on the kinds of development projects to be implemented with the loan, when procured, and whose contracting firm will be too willing and capable of executing the projects.

My other reason is the fact that, like the immediate past governor Aliyu Akwe Doma of the PDP, Al-Makura is also heavily accused of involving his children and siblings in the running of government affairs.

It is alleged that his kids and brothers, who are visible in the corridors of power in the state, are great beneficiaries of government contracts and patronages. In fact, a Nasarawa State based NGO, Action for Balanced State (ABS), in a recent press statement, alleged that one of the governor’s younger brothers who served as his personal assistant, died and left in his private bank account the sum of about N 140 m and houses in choice locations in Lafia.

But, in the past, what was even more worrisome was the fact that in the few cases where the loans were acquired through the proper means and expended by the two previous PDP governments in the state, the projects embarked upon by them have seldom improved the living conditions of the people, mainly because the projects were not relevant and scarcely completed.

There is no reason to believe that under the CPC-led government

things will be better done. In fact, the clearest sign yet gotten from the present administration, two years after its inauguration, is that it is still wobbling and battling to get its priorities right.

So far, the administration, apart from the payment of the new minimum wage to the workers who constitute less than one per cent of the population in the state, it has done nothing that directly touches the lives of the people and, or, improve their living conditions.

Of course, the government is building an airport at Kwandare, the home town of the governor and it is planning to build another one at Karu.

Agreed, the government has also expressed its wish to establish a university for the deaf, apart from the one it now has in Keffi. Still, if truth must be told, I don’t see how the presence of an airport in Nasarawa State could positively make any impact on the living conditions of the people who are generally poor, unemployed, illiterates and ravaged by diseases.

To say the least, the construction of that airport clearly shows the lack of prioritization of projects and political direction of the only CPC controlled state because the airport is, without any doubt, not needed in the state now. The construction of an airport, let truth be told, ought not to

feature in the priority list of projects of the present administration.

Succeeding governments in the foreseeable time from now should, ideally, also not consider building it in the face of more serious challenges confronting the state.

Realistically speaking, therefore, for this administration to contemplate and commence the building of an airport clearly demonstrates that it is bereft of ideas on how to move the state forward.

Similarly, I don’t see how the building of another university, when the one at Keffi is not properly run, can help solve the problem of education in the state. I think, however, that the only way that the planned university can be helpful to the people of the state is if it is equipped to cater for the hearing deficiency of the governor and, in the process, save the state some money which otherwise he would have used to travel abroad for his medication, as he often does, and also provide employment for especially the few educated youth.

Essentially, however, while it is very safe to argue that the university is in all economic, social and political senses now not needed in the state, it is needless to add that with a government such as this one in place, hardly can any loan be utilized.

Abdul-Rahman wrote in from Kilema, Lafia.

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

Mystery fire guts block of flats in Gwagwalada

A

block of four flats located along Demonstration Road in Gwagwalada, a satellite town in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was at the weekend razed down by fire.

A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Correspondent who witnessed the incident reports that effort by men of the FCT Fire Service to put out the fire which started at about 10 a.m. on Saturday was abortive.

Some occupants of the flat who spoke to NAN blamed the cause of the fire on one of the occupants

whom they alleged left her cooker on.

The suspected, occupant however, denied the allegation, saying that she had not even opened her kitchen when the fire broke out.

“I had not even opened my kitchen this morning. I just went across the road to buy chicken and met the house on fire on my return. My little baby would have been in the fire if not that I carried him with me,’’ Ifeoma Amadi, the occupant, said in tears.

One of the occupants, simply identified as Augustus, was said to have travelled to Enugu this morning to attend his sister’s burial.

While other occupants of the building were seen salvaging a few property from their flats, everything in Augustus’s room was burnt as access could not be gained into his apartment.

Meanwhile, Mr Ignatius Amadi, the Caretaker of the block of flats, said that the fire started from the mattress of one of the occupants.

He alleged that the occupant may have left her phone on her mattress while charging it, adding that there may have been electricity spark somewhere.

The house, which according him, was the major source of income to the owner, was completely razed with properties worth millions of Naira.

Some of the occupants of the flats said that besides their property that were burnt in the inferno, there were other valuable documents including certificates and cash. (NAN)

Abuja transporters maintain fares after Yuletide

M

ost transporters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have maintained their rate of fares as Abuja residents return to base after the Christmass/New Year celebration.

A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who visited some motor parks at Utako and Jabi District in Abuja, reports that passengers paid the normal fares from Abuja to the East on Saturday.

One of the passengers, who spoke to NAN, said they were happy paying the same amount they paid during the festive period.

Mr Emeka Nwankwo, a passenger at the Peace Mass Transit Company in Utako Distric, said that, initially, passengers thought there was going to an increase in fares because of fuel scarcity.

He said passengers were relieved when they discovered the fares had not changed.

However, Mr Yahaa Lawal, a driver, told NAN that turnout of passengers was very low, and that more people travelled at last year than this year during the period.

Mr Maximus Nnadi , Public Relation Officer, Peace Mass Transit, said that in spite of the low fare, the turnout of passengers returning to their base, especially from the East was low.

Nnadi attributed this to inadequate buses, adding that “empty buses are being sent to convey passengers back to Abuja’’.

(NAN)

CPC calls for harmonised park and pay system for Abuja

T

An elderly man waiting for alms yesterday in Area 1, Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

11,350 traffic offenders nabbed in 2012

By Josephine Ella Ejeh

T

he Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration has revealed that 11,350 traffic offenders were apprehended in the FCT in the year 2012.

According to the Minister of the FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed who spoke at the weekend , in the preceding year 2012, the administration also impounded 1,231 c o m m e r c i a l motorcycles(Okadas) which were taken to the Abuja Auto-Pound for safe keep.

• 1, 231 Okadas impounded He further revealed that the total number of impounded motorcycles since the inception of its ban in October 1, 2006 in Abuja was 9, 143,wondering why the ‘Okada’ riders despite their continual arrest still don’t want to relent in plying some of the banned areas in the Federal Capital City.

The minister however, assured that hard times await them this year as the officials of the Directorate of Road

Traffic Services (DRTS) have been given stern instruction and are more than ever prepared to stamp out their illegal activities in the restricted areas of the Federal Capital City, Abuja.

He revealed that the FCT Administration recorded 479 automobile accidents on the roads of the Federal Capital Territory in the preceding year of 2012.

Senator Mohammed remarked that Traffic Offences

Mobile Courts set up last year would further be encouraged to discharge their duties to sanitize our roads and reduce traffic bottlenecks being experienced in the Federal Capital City especially at peak hours.

This was as he warned that the year 2013 would not be business as usual because all traffic offences in the territory would be apprehended.

He therefore, called for cooperation and understanding of the motoring public to take Abuja to the next level.

he Consumer Protection Council (CPC), has called on Park and Pay operators in Abuja to centralise their operations with a view to harmonising the issuance of cards.

The Director General of the council, Mrs Ify Umenyi made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN in Abuja.

She said that the council hoped to meet with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) with a view to resolving the issue.

Umenyi said that a situation where the card issued by one firm was not honoured by the other did not augur well for the motorists.

She stressed that the system should be harmonised so that one card could be used by a motorist in any part of the city just like the ATM card.

“Some motorists have complained that after buying the park and pay card from an operator, they still found it difficult to park in any other area manned by another operator.

“They also complained about incessant harassments by the different operators manning the parking zones in the city,’’ she said.

(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

A

25-year-old man, Bala Abubakar of Tipper Garage, Nyanya, at the weekend appeared before a Karu Upper Area Court for allegedly romancing another man’s ‘male organ’.

Prosecutor Umar Mohammed told the court that on January 3, 2012 Abubakar at about 1.00 am, jumped over a fence and entered Sani Shamsudeni’s room of same address.

“He then slept close to Shamsudeni, who was fast asleep and started romancing his male organ.

When Shamsudeni woke up,

PAGE 17

Man appears in court for indecent conduct Abubakar took to his heel until he was pursued and arrested,” he said.

Mohammed said that the offence contravene Sections 95 and 342 of the Penal Code.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge, saying: “I followed a friend into

the house to sleep and when we were sleeping, I drew up the blanket to cover myself very well.

“When the complainant woke up, he asked who came to sleep in his room and he was told that I was the one. That was what happened,” Abubakar said.

Orozo primary school pupils performing a cultural dance at a function, recently in Abuja.

The Judge, Umar Kagarko, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N50,000 and a surety in like sum.

He said that the surety must reside within the jurisdiction of the court and adjourned the case to March 13, 2012 for hearing. (NAN)

Photo: NAN

Vacation judge remits EFCC suit to CJ for assigning

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ustice Mamman Kolo, the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) High Court Vacation Judge, on Friday remitted the suit between Timipre Silva and Attorney General of the Federation, Chairman of EFCC and EFCC to the FCT Chief Judge for reassignment.

Kolo told the court that his assignment as the vacation judge for the Christmas and New Year holidays lapsed on Friday.

“I am, therefore, remitting the case to the CJ for reassignment to the appropriate court,” he said.

Mr Benson Benson, the Counsel to Timipre Silva, had earlier told the court that the motion on notice served by the AGF, EFCC chairman and EFCC was received on Friday and that he needed time to go through it and respond appropriately.

In his submission, counsel to

the Attorney -General of the Federation, Mr B.A. Sai‘d, said in an oral application that “we filed a preliminary objection this morning (Friday) challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain this matter’’.

Mr Oghenovo Otemu, the counsel to EFCC, said the commission could not serve

Sylva with a copy of the counter affidavit because his counsel’s office was locked, “hence the service was made in court today’’.

Otemu said they could not reach the applicant‘s office because they had been on Christmas and New Year holidays.

He also said that, currently,

the properties in question had been under seal following an order issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

It will be recalled that the EFCC charged Timipre Silva to court on December 21, 2012 in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/834/ 2012 for alleged conspiracy, conversion, abuse of public office and money laundering. (NAN)

Police arraign security guard for assault, theft

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he Police have arraigned 27-year-old man, Moses Yero of New Karu, Nasarawa state, before an Abuja Senior Magistrates Court for alleged assault and stealing.

Prosecutor David Udeh told the Court that one Nasiru Hassan of Gowon Barracks, Abuja, reported the case at Wuse Divisional Police Headquarter, Zone 3 on January 1, 2013.

“Yero and four other men,

presently at large, jointly assaulted Hassan, beat him up and dishonestly collected his Nokia handset worth N2, 000. In the process, the sum of N18,000 was also stolen from Hassan by the accused persons,’’ Udeh said.

The prosecutor said that their offences contravene Sections 79, 265 and 287 of the Penal Code.

Yero, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. Mr Dickson Omaiye, Counsel to the accused,

urged the court to grant his client bail on liberal term, contending that his client had been in custody for three days.

The presiding Magistrate, Mr Aliyu Shafa, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N100,000 and a surety in like sum.

Shafa ordered that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and “must be a civil servant of above grade level 4’’.

(NAN)

INSIDE FCT COURTS

Driver, 20, docked for alleged robbery

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driver, Ahmed Abdulkadir, 20, residing at Gange Street in Maitama, Abuja has appeared before a Karu Upper Area Court in the Federal Capital Territory(FCT), charged with alleged robbery and causing hurt.

The Prosecutor, Mr Abiola Oyewusi, told the court that one Umar Emmanuel of the U.S. Embassy, Abuja, had petitioned the FCT Commissioner of Police, on the matter on November 4, 2012.

Oyewusi said that Abdulkadir, Muzali Sa’ad and one Ibrahim now at large, jointly conspired and attacked one Miss Lindsay Barber of the U.S. Embassy, Abuja on November 3. ”Abdulkadir, Muzali and Ibrahim robbed Lindsay of her Blackberry phone and attacked her, inflicting injuries on her head,” Oyewusi said.

The prosecutor said during investigation, Abdulkadir admitted that he committed the offence, adding that a Blackberry phone was recovered from him.

Oyewusi also told the court that the offences allegedly committed

by Abdulkadir contravene Section 79, 246 and 298 of the Penal Code.

Abdulkadir, however, denied the allegations in court.

The Judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, granted bail in the sum of N300,000 with a credible surety who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

He adjourned the case till March 12, 2013 for hearing.

(NAN)

Two scavengers in court for alleged theft

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wo scavengers, Abah Sani, 18, and Dahiru Yushehu, 20, both of Lugbe Zone 1, Abuja, were last Friday arraigned before an Abuja Senior Magistrates Court for alleged joint act and theft.

Police Prosecutor, Jeremiah Elijah said their offences contravene the provisions of Sections 79 and 288 of the Penal Code.

Elijah told the court that the case was lodged at the Lugbe Police Station on January 2, 2013 by Ifeanyi Okenyi of Ido-Sauka, along Airport Road, Abuja.

He said the accused jointly broke into Okenyi’s shop and made away with some items, including three pairs of 9-inche moulders, one 6inche moulder, a welding machine, one wheel barrow, two inches of pipe, and some scraps of iron.

Elijah said that during investigations, the accused confessed to committing the offences.

Senior Magistrate Grace Adebayo said the prosecutor should note that an accused could not deny the allegations against him in part, and reserved sentencing of the accused to January 21, 2013.

(NAN )

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

FCT area councils fingered in alleged shady Hajj deal

By Josephine Ella Ejeh

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he Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Amirul Hajj for the 2012 Muslim pilgrimage operations, Retired General Abdullahi Bagudu Mamman has revealed how area councils of the FCT were allegedly involved in illegal sales of hajj forms at extra cost to Muslim pilgrims last year.

General Mamman, revealed this while presenting the 2012

report by the Amrul Hajj Team to the Minister of State for the FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide.

The Amirul, who did not specifically mention the area councils involved in the deal, however told the minister point blank that involving the councils in sales of Hajj forms was a blunder.

“Honourable minister, we believe without mincing words that sending forms to area councils to sell was a mistake,” he told the minister, adding ”a lot of people

were denied the forms while those who succeeded did that at an extra cost”.

According to him, many people, including him were denied access to the forms over alleged anti-party activities as the authorities of the councils politicised the sales of forms along party line.

“I’m a living witness, I had two passports, I wanted to buy forms for my driver and steward but because I was

Refuse evacuation: Residents of Airport Road estates commend AEPB

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esidents of some estates along the Airport Road in Abuja have commended the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) for evacuating heaps of refuse that had polluted the environment of the area.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the heaps of refuse had accumulated during the festive season.

The bad odour that pervaded the environment, made the residents of the affected estates uncomfortable and constituted a health hazard.

The affected areas included Aco Estate, Federal Housing Authority Lugbe Phase 1, Aso Estate, Chika, Gosa, Kuchingoro, Sabon-Lugbe and Trademore

Estate, among others.

Some of the residents who spoke with NAN expressed disgust with the situation before the evacuation.

In his comments, Rev. Ephraim Obande, a resident of Trademore Estate, said that residents of the area had paid for refuse collection but did not get any service during the yuletide season when they needed it most.

Obande noted that refuse from dumpsites in the various parts of the estates had spilled over onto the roads, reducing them to single lanes.

Another resident, Mr Babawale Osinubi decried the indiscriminate dumping of refuse without consideration to its effects on health and the environment.

He said that he packed his own refuse inside a cellophane bag and tied it very well so as to guard against houseflies and maggots.

“Even if the refuse is much it will not have much effect on us as long as we package it very well; we all know that end of the year is holiday period; AEPB should have their holiday too. Without anybody telling or ordering us on what to do, Nigerians are supposed to know that they should clean up their environment for their own safety”, he added.

NAN correspondent who visited the estates, reports that most of the refuse had been cleared and that sanity had been restored.

(NAN)

accused of anti party in my area council I didn’t get one. Even after paying the extra fee required I can’t get a refund because there is no receipt for the extra.

“There are three officers from my organisation, they too had their passports, they paid the extra money but they were also denied because they were associated with me,” he said, condemning the actions of the council.

Responding to the allegations, Akinjide explained that the decision to give forms to the councils to sell was to ensure that people at the grassroots acquire them.

“I was told that the forms were not reaching the grassroots. Forms will be sold at the grassroots but the agents of sale will be changed. We have to work to ensure that we sell the forms in transparent and equitable manner”, she added.

Abuja residents condemn use of fireworks after yuletide

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ome residents of Abuja have condemned the continued use of fireworks after the festive period.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the city has continued to experience fireworks and bangers three days into 2013 in spite of the intense firings on New Year eve.

A resident, Mr Istifanus Friday, said “one could hardly differentiate fireworks from any gun-shot. The bangers were so much that I became confused. If a gun duel had ensured between two groups, one would hardly have known the difference,’’ Friday said.

Another resident, Miss Grace Akanwa, said it was not proper for people to continue

using fireworks after the festive period.

“Criminals can take advantage of the confusing nature of the sound to perpetrate crime,’’Akanwa said.

Some of the residents, however, commended security agencies for ensuring peace and security during the period.

Mr Adbul Ibrahim, a civil servant, said the peace and security recorded in the city during the festive period was commendable.

Ibrahim advocated greater support for the agencies to further guarantee the safety of lives and property in the city.

He called for the replication of such level of security in other parts of the country. (NAN)

BUSINESS

PAGE 19

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

Email: aminuimam@yahoo.co.uk

INSIDE

- Pg 20

GT Bank re-affirms commitment to secure banking

Mob: 08033644990

‘FAAN not borrowing N80bn for aircraft acquisition’

By Ibrahim Kabiru Sule

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he Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has debunked rumours making the rounds that $500 million (N80 billion) was borrowed from China to acquire aircraft for operating domestic airlines.

FAAN’s General Manager, Corporate Communications, Yakubu Datti in a press release issued at the weekend said FAAN has not borrowed $500 million from China nor any

country for that matter.

Furthermore, FAAN is not acquiring aircrafts, as claimed in the statement.

FAAN is a service provider in the industry and is presently occupied in translating the transformational aviation master plan into concrete realities.

At present, the Authority is focused on the reconstruction of 22 airports across the country as initiated by the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah.

The Lagos terminal 1, popularly

known as GAT has since been commissioned while the remaining airports are at different stages of completion.

Work on the remaining 11 airports in the 2nd phase will soon begin.

According to him, the orientation of aviation employees is being vigorously pursued through capacity development, and the Director, Mr. George Uriesi is spearheading this paradigm shift towards service delivery, accountability, and self-

sustenance.

He however added that the Ministry of Aviation is making arrangements to facilitate the acquisition of 30 airplanes to boost the operations of domestic airlines.

According to him, the modalities are being fine-tuned, to checkmate the abuse of the aviation intervention fund.

This strategy will plug the loophole that allows fortune seekers free access to these funds he said.

Other strategies are being deployed to grow the domestic airlines. Princess Oduah’s successfully campaign for the removal of taxes and tariffs on commercial airline spare-parts is being widely commended as a step in the right direction.

Some airports have been designated as agro-allied and cargo terminals to promote investment and make them selfsustaining.

In the area of safety and security, modern security equipments have been procured following a comprehensive security threat and vulnerability assessment. He added.

On airports airfield lighting

on runway, he said 18L at the Domestic Terminal of Murtala Mohammed Airport has been restored. Again, the expanded E Arrival Wing of the international terminal of MMA has commenced operations. He also said the ministry is making arrangement towards the construction of brand new airports in 2013.

The year 2013, he said, will witness the construction of brand new airport terminals in Abuja, Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt, and the commencement of the Aerotropolis project; a concept that involves building cities around airports, and thus connecting businesses, suppliers, executives and goods to the aviation global world.

The transformation of the aviation sector is on course, he said.

He then cautioned the writer of the piece, whom he identified as Capt Dele Ore and whom he described as to being “on a wild goose chase” to stop giving unfounded allegations as it could send wrong signals to the international aviation community and hurt Governments sincere efforts to rejuvenate an ailing industry.

Subscribers demand compensation for undelivered text messages during yuletide New executives of Gudum market traders association taking oath of office, recently, in Bauchi.

Photo: NAN

Petrol truck electronic loading commences in Nigeria

By Muhammad Nasir with agency report etroleum Electronic Truck Loading concept has started in Africa’s biggest oil producing nation, Nigeria.

The concept, which is being driven by the Petroleum Equalisation Fund Management board has been designed to improve operations in the downstream sector.

This initiative, which has been named ‘Project Aquila’, is structured to further ensure a robust and strategic way of loading and delivering of petroleum products across the nation.

Speaking on the new project, the General Manager, Corporate Services, Petroleum Equalisation Fund, Mr Godwin Nnamdi stated this in a media parley held in Abuja.

He said employing the Electronic strategy, was going to ease the hitches, delays, issues and gridlocks that occurred in

P

the process of loading petroleum products at the depot as well the distribution of same throughout the country.

Stressing on how important the new scheme had become in the country, he stated that “It will now be very difficult for any marketer to get paid for the bridging claim if not registered with Project Aquila”, meaning that it will no longer be business as usual in the operations of the downstream sector, that has to do with petroleum product distribution and supply.

On the issue of manual backlog claims since last year, the PEF said it was working tirelessly to ensure that issues that surround it were resolved amicably by March this year.

It could be recalled that late last year, Petroleum Minister, Mrs Diezani Alison Madueke assured Nigerians that 2013 will see a major improvement in the distribution and supply of petroleum products, and with the electronic petrol loading concept introduced, her promise may come to fulfilment.

T

he President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS), Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, on Friday called on telecommunication companies to compensate their subscribers for non-delivery of Short Messaging Services (SMS) during the yuletide.

Ogunbanjo made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. He lamented that some SMS sent during Christmas and New Year celebrations were not delivered while some were delivered days after the celebrations. He said that even when the text messages were not delivered, telecoms consumers were charged for the service.

According to him, the intension of the subscribers has been defeated for not delivering the SMS, as the messages are meant to put smiles on the faces

Management Tip of the Day

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Put mundane decisions on autopilot

ife is full of mundane decisions: what to wear, what to eat, which route to take to work. Making too many decisions about humdrum details is a waste of a limited resource: your mental energy. When you have more demands on your time

than you can accommodate, eliminate as many of these choices as possible by putting them on autopilot. Eat the same thing for breakfast everyday (hint: yogurt and fruit are better than doughnuts and coffee). Reduce your wardrobe options and create

go-to outfits for certain types of occasions. Take the same route every day. By making fewer decisions you’ll free up your mind to focus on things you care more about.

Source: Harvard Business Review

of recipients. ‘’Quality of service has been the bane of the telecoms industry, imagine you send New Year message to someone and it is taking four days to deliver, some are even not delivered and you are charged. ‘’The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) should mandate the operators to give each subscriber 100 free SMS as compensation,’’ Ogunbanjo said.

He said that telecom consumers were not particular about reduced tariffs in 2013, but preferred good quality service from telecoms service providers. Ogunbanjo said that in line with the recent attacks on base stations and offices of the operators, telecoms consumers were not expecting lower tariff. ‘’The attacks on telecoms infrastructure and their offices is a sad one for the telecoms industry.

It is one industry that Nigeria is so proud of. ‘’We should not allow these suicide bombers to erode the growth of the industry and the economy,’’ Ogunbanjo said.

He said that attacks on telecoms infrastructure were part of the reasons subscribers were experiencing poor quality service. Ogunbanjo said the Federal Government should ensure that telecoms infrastructure were declared critical national infrastructure in 2013, as it would help avert attacks on the equipment.

(NAN)

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS China Civil Engineering Construction Corp

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hina Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) handling the construction of the Lagos-Badagry expressway blue rail line has commenced fixing of the tracks from the Alafia end of the project.

Adegbite Bankole, a site engineer said the first phase of the work which started three days ago will take two weeks to terminate at the Orile end of the project.

Bankole said the train head which is the machinery will serve as guide to aid the placement of the tracks.

LG Electronics

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G Electronics Inc has started taking orders for organic light-emitting diode (OLED) televisions, for an edge over rival Samsung Electronics Co Ltd in the next-generation technology that could change the face of electronics displays.

LG Electronics and Samsung showcased 55-inch OLED TVs a year ago and they are expected to be priced up to five times higher than liquid-crystal display (LCD) equivalents when they reach store shelves next month.

LG Electronics, the world’s No.2 TV manufacturer, said it would start delivery of the new TVs from early February, with plans to display them at 1,400 retail outlets in South Korea.

Personal Trust Savings and Loans

I

n compliance with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) revised guidelines for mortgage banking operations in Nigeria, Personal Trust Savings and Loans (Mortgage Bankers) will hold an Extra-ordinary General Meeting (EGM) of its shareholders next week.

The EGM, according to the bank, is part of its strategies to shore up its capital base, in line with the revised guidelines which require regional mortgage institutions to recapitalise to N2.5 billion and N5 billion for national ones.

A statement from the bank, signed by its managing director and chief executive officer, Anthony Owuye says the EGM, already slated for Tuesday, January 8,2013 in Lagos, seeks the needed capital for its regional operation.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

GT Bank re-affirms commitment to secure banking G

By Aminu Imam

uaranty Trust Bank Plc (GT Bank) has reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of stakeholder funds as it prepares for the 2013 financial year. Investigations show the bank has installed several new technologies and introduced a number of internal procedures that enable it identify spurious transactions and prevent frauds on customer accounts.

Speaking on the development, Managing Director/CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank, Mr. Segun Agbaje said the bank was committed to ensure its customers are

shielded from the escalating incidence of online and other forms of fraud being experienced within the industry.

Mr. Agbaje said, “We have introduced several new processes internally, which I cannot disclose that make it more difficult for fraudsters to have access to our customer accounts. Additionally we have a mutually beneficial relationship with law enforcement agencies, such as the Nigerian Police Force that enable us identify potential fraudsters and apprehend them before they act’.

Guaranty Trust Bank has always been committed to the

safety of stakeholders’ funds. A few years ago it installed a whistle blower platform to help mitigate against instances of fraud whilst resolving customer service related issues. The channel enables customers, staff and other stakeholders of the Bank report unethical or unprofessional conduct by its employees without revealing the complainant’s identity. The GTBank Whistle Blower is a very secure platform that is hosted on the Bank’s website for easy access.

More recently, the bank deployed a security software on its Internet Banking platform called Trusteer Rapport. The software protects customer

accounts from fraudsters by securing online communications with the Bank’s website/internet banking portal.

Authorities at the bank have stated that it remains ardently committed to proper practices and preventive mechanisms that safeguard the accounts, lives and properties of its stakeholders.

The Bank intends to continue strengthening its security processes at all touchpoints, whilst promoting its value system, which is hinged on international best practice, professionalism, ethics, integrity and superior customer service.

Osijo is Inspenonline ‘Insurance Man of The Year’ From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

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he Management of Inspenonline, Nigerian’s first Insurance and Pension Online media Channel, has named the President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mrs. Laide Osijo, the ‘Insurance Man of the Year 2012’.

She emerged top, out of many insurance operators considered for the award. Within the short period she has been on the saddle of

leadership of the largest insurance brokers fraternity in African, she has distinguished herself and has used her wealth of experience to reposition insurance practice.

The Commissioner for Insurance, Fola Daniel was awarded the Good Leadership Award, for his steps in repositioning the industry and providing adequate security for policyholders.

Mutual Benefits was named the Insurance Company of the year. The company was picked due to its stride in Retail Insurance through well developed Micro-

Insurance channel.

She promised to maintain an effective relationship with strategic stakeholders within and outside the country as well as adding greater value to members through effective human capital development and ensure a resounding celebration of the landmark 50th anniversary of the Council.

Half way into her tenure, the Council and its more than 500 members have a convergence of

Customers of microfinance banks should expect lower lending rates in 2013

S Inflation rates from Dec, 2011 to Nov, 2012 Max = 12.9 %, Min = 10.3 % for period in display.

Current Inflation rate = 12.3 % Source:CBN

views about the fact that the lot of the body has inched up considerably, far above their anticipation.

Some of the Council’s notable achievements in the last one year included the considerable improvement in the relationship between the National Insurance Commission and the Council, notably as regards the entrenchment of ethical standards amongst operators.

ome operators of microfinance banks on Thursday expressed optimism that lending rates in the sub-sector would drop in 2013.

They said that lending rates in the sub-sector would drop as soon as operators were able to access the Micro Small and Medium scale Enterprise Development Fund of CBN in 2013.

Earnings Report for Banks Source:Pro-share Nigeria

The Managing Director, Olive Microfinance Bank, Mr Eniola Agbesoyin told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the CBN had released N220 billion from the fund to assist the microfinance sub-sector.

Agbesoyin said that the fund was launched on Oct. 23, 2012, but was yet to be accessed by microfinance banks.

He said that the fund would reduce the lending rate in the sub-sector as its interest rates ranged between three and eight per cent.

“Funds from the CBN always come with cheaper interest rates.

“Once the fund effectively takes-off, it will affect the current lending rates in microfinance banks because it will attract minimal interest rate from the apex bank,” he said.

Agbesoyin said that microfinance banks were created to assist the poor to grow their businesses, but that funding had been the major challenge.

He commended the CBN for the intervention fund, stressing that it would enable them serve the poor better.

Mr Valentine Whensu, the Chairman, National Association of Microfinance Banks in Lagos State, said that the apex bank had not released guidelines on the disbursement of the fund.

“Though we will access the fund, I don’t know the modalities yet. Again the fund is also meant for cooperative societies. (NAN)

PAGE 21

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

January effect boosts optimism, as ASI returns +2.41% gain in week ctivities on the Nigerian bourse sustained uptrend momentum in the first week of the year as value investors continued with ‘hold and buy’ approach towards equities on the back of improved risk appetite while market breadth remained healthy and fortified.

Further analysis revealed growing anticipatory influence along with strong impact of ‘January Effect’ as market witnessed significant increase in market activities and patronage amid impressive turnover.

Nigerian stocks experienced continued bargain trend on Monday, extending gains by

+0.76% to open the week on positive note as bargain hunters maintained active positions. Also, the key benchmark indices extend 3-days gaining streak on Wednesday as market surged by +1.50% on the back of active value investing.

However, market succumbed to pressure of large capped stocks in the building material subsector despite the healthy breadth to fall by -0.21% on Thursday as Dangote Cement and WAPCO hit considerably.

Notwithstanding, equities sustained healthy breadth on Friday as market traded above the line amid low volatility throughout the session to end the week with aggregate gain of +2.41%.

Further analysis on acquiring banks since transaction date showed that the share price of Access Bank Plc has recorded +91.11% gains with FCMB recording +20.51% gain while Union Bank Plc leads the chart with +258.85% gains.

However, Sterling Bank Plc recorded +55.91% gains while ETI closed negative with -4.54% loss recorded.

However, the All-Share Index in the week under review appreciated by +2.41% to close at 28,538.06 as against a appreciation by +1.69% recorded last week to close at 27,866.51.

In the same vein, the market capitalization in the week appreciated by N214.63 billion (US$1.34 billion) to close at N9.12

trillion (US$57.00 billion) as against appreciation by N151.36 billion (US$946.03 million) recorded last week to close at N8.90 trillion (US$55.66 billion) The total volume traded in the week closed at 914.86 million units valued at N7.74 billion (US$48.39 million) compared with 571.07 million units valued at N5.25 billion (US$32.86 million) exchanged in 20,499 deals last week.

The volume transaction in the week when compared with the previous week data moved down by -29.25% as against decline by -55.84% recorded last week.

Weekly value also went down by -61.68% as against negative position of -43.58% recorded last week.

Agriculture Sector Here Presco Plc, listed under the Crop Production sub-sector of the bourse gained 96.08% followed

by Livestock feeds (92%) with a year high of N1.74. Instructively, none of the stocks within the Agriculture sector lost even as EllahLakes and FTN Cocoa closed flat.

Consumer Goods Out of 30 stocks listed under Consumer Goods, 12 stocks (40%) gained while 11 stocks (36.97%) lost as seven (7) stocks closed flat.

International Breweries Plc led the gainers chart with +184.21% while Vitafoam lost -31.07%.

Industrial Goods Of the twenty seven (27) stocks

listed in this sector, 9 stocks (33.33%) gained while 8 stocks (29.63%) lost. The remaining 10 stocks were flat throughout the year. Paintcom and CAP led the gainers chart with +276.92% and +93.10% respectively while Avon crown lost -68.01%.

Conglomerates Here, Transcorp Plc led the gainers chart with +87.50% followed by UACN Plc while Johnholt Plc lost -42.28%.

Financial Services The banking sub-sector here led the gainers camp with Diamond Bank gaining +145.77% followed by Access Bank +79.56%. Of the top 10 gainers, 9 stocks came from the

banking sub-sector with the exception of Mansard (Insurance sub-sector) which made an impressive showing.

HealthCare 50% of the stocks within the Healthcare sector lost value with Morison Industries losing -61.66% while GlaxosmithKline, a Pharmaceutical company gained +96.09%.

ICT With the exception of NCR Plc listed under IT Services sub-sector, none of stock gained while ETranzact Plc lost -22.27% with a negligible average sector performance of 0.02%.

Services 22.72% of the stocks listed

under Services gained while 36.36% closed flat. Air Services Plc gained +92.63% during the year while Ikeja Hotel Plc lost 50.62%.

Construction/Real Estate On the average, this sector lost -0.72%; 50% of which closed flat while Arbico Plc lost a staggering -73.42%.

Natural Resources None of the stocks in the sector gained while BOCGAS Plc lost 8.76%.

Oil & Gas This sector was the worst hit in the year with a value loss of 25.98% while FO, Chevron and Oando lead the losers chart.

(Source: Proshare)

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Banking, consumables stocks to dominate stock market activities in 2013 – Operators

Stories from Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

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Which sectors made you money in 2012

ome capital market operators said on Saturday that activities in the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in 2013 would be dominated by the banking, consumer goods, food/beverages, and building material stocks.

They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the market would continue on its recovery path in 2013 barring any unforeseen economic shocks.

The Managing Director, APT Securities and Funds Ltd., Malam Garba Kurfi, said that the banking sector would lead activities in the year as a result of financial sector reforms. Kurfi

said that the reforms had impacted positively on the fortunes of the industry and investors made over 55 per cent returns in the sector in 2012.

“We are still expecting it to do more because most of the banking stocks are still trading below their fair value and very liquid for both entry and exit of foreign investors,” he said. Kurfi, however, called on market regulators to embark on aggressive investor education to

increase local investor participation in the market which currently stands at 30 per cent.

Mr Emeka Madubuike, the Managing Director, Compass Securities Ltd., said that the construction sector and food/ beverages stocks would experience increased activity due to the country’s large population.

“The food/ beverages, building materials and oil/gas sectors would do

well because we are still a developing economy with large population,” Madubuike said.

He urged the Federal Government and market regulators to provide the right environment for investment purposes. Madubuike said that local investors needed to be educated on market investment options, exit arrangement and when and where to invest to avoid repeat of past experience.

Source:Pro-share Nigeria

INVESTORS NEWS BITS

Ashaka Cement; Julius Berger

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shaka Cement PLC and Julius Berger Nigeria have joined 33 other stocks in the basket of market makers of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). This is in line with the phased introduction of additional stocks by the exchange to its market making program.

Julius Berger was dropped from the list twice in early 2012 but was later re-entered in the fourth quarter of the same year. Market analysts say this underscores the fluidity of the NSE 30 Index.

The NSE had in November 2012 announced the addition of Dangote Flour Mills PLC, Unity Bank PLC and Prestige Assurance PLC to the market making stocks on its bourse, bringing the total number of market making stocks on the Nigerian Stock Exchange to 35.

SEC

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he chairman, Securities and Exchange (SEC) Committee on Dematerialisation, Emeka Madubuike, says the commission may shelve the nationwide dematerialisation awareness campaigns scheduled to start on January 31.

Madubuike told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the postponement was due to the zero allocation to SEC in 2013 federal budget by the National Assembly.

Dematerialisation is the process of replacing paper share certificates with electronic records at the Central Securities Clearing System.

Pension funds

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ension funds are to invest more in corporate debt securities, investment experts have predicted. Currently, the allocation is just 3 percent. In 2011, the regulators raised the cap from 20 percent to 30 percent, in a bid to boost interest in this asset class.

Renaissance Capital analysts said more demand for corporate bonds will give companies a new source of funding, aside from bank loans, and encourage banks to lend now, to discourage a possibly permanent shift towards funding from this new source.

The worry however is that foreigners will leave the Nigerian market, and, as portfolio flows into Nigeria were roughly $5bn over the first five months of 2012 (annualized 4% of GDP), such a reversal would indeed have a negative impact on asset prices.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

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2012 was poor for Nigerian businesses – LCCI From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

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he Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has described 2012 as very poor for the business environment in the country, despite the huge opportunities offered by the economy.

This is the conclusion of the

By Abdulwahab Isa

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othered by the relatively high rate of exclusion of an estimated 39.2 million Nigerian adult population from modern financial services across the country, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), pledged renewed commitment at lowering the number of the population currently not having access to formal banking services.

In its recent financial inclusion roadmap, the apex bank hinted it intends to raise the bar for extension of provision of adequate, appropriate and timely financial services for the 39.2 million financially excluded adult Nigerians.

Speaking recently on its efforts so far, the CBN Governor, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, noted that the initiative occupies a central position in the country’s efforts at promoting and achieving rapid economic development.

Sanusi explained that one of the major reasons for the high

Chamber in its review of the business climate in the outgone year, released by Muda Yusuf, its Director-General.

“The business and economic environment was typically characterised by upsides and downsides, but the latter seem to have outweighed the former”.

Yusuf observed that 2012

offered huge opportunities to investors, especially indigenous entrepreneurs, but said they were constrained by challenges that prevailed in the operating environment.

He explained that the opportunities were in the country’s robust natural endowments, youthful

demography, large coastlines, and largest population in the continent.

“Nigeria is the seventh largest oil exporting country in the world, a large enterprising population, an innovative banking sector, a GDP growth of 6.6%, which is one of the best globally; rising foreign reserves which was $44.5 billion,

Financial inclusion countdown: CBN deploys 101,154 POSs, 9676 ATMs rate of financial exclusion in Nigeria was inadequate knowledge of the service providers, services provided, terms and conditions and the benefits derivable from accessing financial services.

According to the apex bank boss, the reforms in the banking sector has so far led to significant reduction of the industry cost – to serve by 30 per cent; while increasing access, convenience and service levels across the industry.

He stated that the process has also enabling greater financial inclusion and integration of financial services into the economy, pointing also that the bank has already prepared the framework for implementing the tiered Know-Your-Customer (KYC) requirements and the establishment of a unique identification mechanism for the

financial services sector.

The bank pointed out that as at September 2012, a total of 101,154 Point-of-Sale (POSs) and 9,676 ATMs had been deployed in Nigeria, while the 20 Licensed Mobile Payment Operators, carried out transactions worth over N8 billion, with over 40,000 agents across the country.

The CBN has said that globally, access to financial services has remained a major challenge to development, citing reasons for this state of affairs to include: cultural barriers, low education, unemployment, gender, long distance to access points, lack of appropriate means of identification and high transaction costs.

In Nigeria, the rate of adult financial exclusion is estimated at 46.3 per cent, one of the

highest in Sub-Saharan Africa, hence the development of a National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) by the CBN. It was also observed that about 90 per cent of children and youths do not have access to formal financial services even though 32.1per cent of world population is below the age of 18.

Meanwhile, the apex bank has indicated its commitment to further enhancing Financial Literacy among Nigerians which is a process, by which consumers/investors improve their understanding of financial products, concepts and risks through information, instruction and/or advice to make informed choices, know where to go for help, and take other effective actions to improve their well-being.

Financial expert blames high business cost for SMEs loan repayment failure

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Full business activities at the Abubakar Gumi Central Market, recently in Kaduna.

Photo: NAN

as at November 2012, excess crude account of $9.6 billion and a stable polity, bolstered by increased credibility of the electoral process. All these form the major components of the upside in the economy in 2012” he said.

However, Yusuf said the downside was more overwhelming, as the operating environment was generally adjudged to be unsatisfactory by many investors.

This, he said had profound impact on returns on investment and profit margins.

“The challenges included weak consumer demand, cost and access to credit, cargo clearing processes, transportation costs, especially the collapse of the rail system; institutional problems, corruption, especially in relation to public sector transactions”.

“Other concerns were the uncertainty and inconsistency in the policy environment, growing insecurity, manpower issues and the relevance of educational curriculum to the needs of the economy; high level of receivables across sectors, power supply challenges, poor sectoral linkages and weak commitment to the development of indigenous enterprise.

He lamented the security concerns in the country which was a major concern to investors during the year, with direct consequences for the economy.

financial expert, Mr Eddie Osarenkhoe, has attributed the failure of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to repay their loans to the high cost of doing business.

Osarenkhoe, a former President of Finance Houses Association of Nigeria (FHAN), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the weekend in Lagos, that the difficulty in doing business had retarded the nation’s tempo of business activities.

According to him, it has also placed limitation on the nation’s economic potential and reduced entrepreneurial skills in the country. “The SMEs are the bedrock of any nation that wants to develop because they contribute positively to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”

Osarenkhoe noted that the SMEs spent huge amounts of

money to run their generating sets daily due to instability in the nation’s power supply. He said that inadequate power supply had an adverse effect on the cost of production and made it difficult for some of the SMEs to pay back their loans to financial institutions.

“When the SMEs do not pay back their loans, there will not be funds for finance houses to lend to new investors and this affect their operations.” Osarenkhoe also said that that lack of funds would bring about stagnation of economic development and the attendant challenge of unemployment and poverty.

“For meaningful development to be achieved, the Federal Government must give urgent attention to electricity in order to have an effective SMEs operators in the country,’’ he said. (NAN)

ICT should be properly established to bridge digital divide - Expert

By Chris Alu with agency report

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he Managing Director, Beta Computers Ltd, Mr. Will Anyaegbunam has said that Nigeria would only realise the full potentials of ICT if the field was properly established.

Anyaegbunam told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that stakeholders, including governmental ministries, companies and database producers, needed to collaborate

to make this possible. “Bridging the digital divide is the first and most significant step that should be taken in efforts to have a properly established ICT framework and infrastructure in Nigeria,” he said.

Anyaegbunam said by banding together the specific growth initiatives, stakeholders could bring a wealth of knowledge to the people and enrich their lives. “These partnerships are examples of how

reaching across national and cultural boundaries to effect change is fundamental to successfully bridging the gaps that separate us from many countries of the world,” he said.

Anyaebunam said Nigeria stood to experience many potential benefits by dramatically increasing access to pertinent information through electronic resources.”The most notable benefits include a sharp increase in the overall quality of

education in schools and universities through increased access to the latest research information.

“The residual benefits from having a better educated populace can often include the development of a more highly skilled workforce and an improved economy overall.

Other benefits include improved international communications and relations and greater standing in the world of nations,”

he said.

The Managing Director said the government should partner with information service providers and other dedicated organisations in assisting the nation in various ICT growth initiatives.

“They should also seek their assistance in facing the challenges limiting the uses of ICT in the country, like improving on the services of the library communities,” he said.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

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Red card for FCT council chairmen The performances of Area Council chairmen in the FCT are, in the views of many residents, criminally poor. Adeola Tukuru mirrors the situation.

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arely a few months to the Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, there is already an election fever in the air in most of the area councils, even as most residents say they are not satisfied with the performance of the incumbent chairmen. Reason? In spite of the huge funds accruing to the councils, both from the Federation accounts and the Internally Generated Revenue(IGR), there is hardly anything to show for the close to three years these chairmen have been in office.

Investigations by Peoples Daily revealed that the residents in the council areas are so disappointed with their rulers that some have embarked on campaigns to get the Chairmen to account for the funds that came their ways these past years as there is no evidence to show that they were put to proper use that will benefit the people.

For instance in Bwari Area Council, it’s been glaring that the non-performance of the Peter Yohnna-led administration in the last two years plus irks the people. For over one year now, residents of Dutse and Kubwa, a community in Bwari Area Council have been staging public protests in condemnation of the deplorable state of roads in the town and environs. While the regime gets huge fortune as allocations to it from the Federation Accounts, several communities in the council do not feel any government presence.

The worst hit appears to be people living in some communities like Kurudu,

FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed Kwakwa, Gasakpa, Kubwa, Dutse, Kutunku, under the various area council but there is no motor able road. During rainy season, residents of these communities go through hell moving from their dwelling

before being able to link up with other parts of the land.

Apart from the issue of nonavailability of roads, the inhabitants of this serene environment have also become used to perpetual power outage

as the only electricity transformer given to them can no long service the increasing population here.

Recently the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) shared the sum of N1.786

billion among its six Area Councils, being funds received from the Federation Account and the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P). The six FCT Area Councils are also expected to

share $1,597,048.73 from the Excess Crude Account.

The Minister of State for FCT and Chairperson of FCT Area Councils Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC), Olajumoke Akinjide, confirmed this in Abuja during the Committee’s meeting attended by the chairmen of the Area Councils – Abaji, Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali. The Minister disclosed that the sum of N1.576 billion revenue allocation was received from FAAC for the month of July 2012 for the FCT Area Councils while N170.32 million was received from the Federal Ministry of Finance as the Area Councils’ share of the SURE-P for May, June and July 2012.

The six area councils also shared N39.904 million being 10 per cent of the FCTA’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for August 2012, bringing the total revenue allocation to N1.616 billion.

Out of this, the FCTA disbursed N817.41 million to the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) for primary school teachers in the six area councils; N95.04 million to FCT Area Councils Pension Board (ACPB) being 15 per cent pension fund as statutorily required, and N16.16

million to FCT Area Councils Service Commission being one per cent training fund, also statutorily required.

The balance of the revenue allocation of N687.50 million was disbursed to the Area Councils, with Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) receiving the lion’s share of N135.02 million. According to the minister, the sum of N125.75 million was distributed to Gwagwalada Area Council, N123.51 million to Bwari Area Council, N102.86 million to Abaji Area Council, N101.10 million to Kwali Area Council, and N99.23 million to Kuje Area Council.

On the excess crude sharing, she stated that the sum of $1 billion would be shared among the three tiers of government, out of which $1.597 million was for the FCT Area Councils. “This amount will be paid by the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) in naira at the prevailing exchange rate on the day of payment. The FCT Area Councils were allocated the sum of $1,597,048.73 and allocated as follows: Abaji ($195,949.51); Abuja Municipal ($471,781.54); Bwari ($261,296.03); Gwagwalada ($239,138.68); Kuje ($209,575.01), and Kwali

($219,307.96,” she explained.

On the SURE-P funds, Akinjide advised the area council chairmen that the money should be put in a dedicated account and utilized for wealth creation and critical infrastructure development in their area councils. Out of the N170.321 received for the months of May, June and July 2012, AMAC got N50.314 million, Bwari (N27.866 million), Gwagwalada (N25.503 million), Kwali (N23.388 million), Kuje (N22.350 million) and Abaji (N20.89 million).

She enjoined the Chairmen of the Area Councils to adopt the performance contract agreement model in order to deliver democratic dividends to the residents of their respective

Councils. But, alas, she might as well have talked to stones. Take a look at Kuduru in Bwari Area Council of the FCT, for example.

The residents had earlier decried the lack of medical facility in the area; the health centre is in a mess up till date, despite all the fortune at the councikl’s disposal.

It would be recalled that the only health centre in the village was inaugurated on May 16, 2011 and was yet to begin operations. The Community Leader, Mr Peter Ade, said the people trekked several kilometres to get medical attention at Bwari General Hospital. It was also revealed that people usually spend more than an hour to get medical attention, as a result of which many lives have been lost.

According to him: “The clinic

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The six area councils also shared N39.904 million being 10 per cent of the FCTA’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for August 2012, bringing the total revenue allocation to N1.616 billion

has been there since early last year and since it is not in use, lizards and snakes have made it their home, while the whole building is over grown with weeds.’’ Ade, who is also a businessman, blamed the area council administration for neglecting the centre, even as he suggested that it could assist by equipping the health centre with some basic drugs for the people.

The security man at the centre, Mr. Danjuma Ali told journalists that the place had become haven for reptiles as they roamed around unhindered. “I intend to see the council chairman for some money to cut the grass, I cannot stay here with snakes around,” he said.

Mr Samuel Agbor, who owns a block industry adjacent to the centre, said that the last time an official of the council visited the health centre was in February 2012. He claimed that the official were there to take stock of items allegedly stolen from the facility after it was burgled.

Agbor reportedly foiled many attempted burglaries at the abandoned health centre; he urged the local council to equip it so as to start offering medical services to residents.

The council’s Head of Health, Dr Goji Sunday, said that provisions had been made in the

2012 budget for equipment, drugs and medical personnel to the centre. He said efforts are on to replace some fittings that were vandalised at the centre. Goji pledged to visit the four health facilities at Ushafa, Shere, Kawu and Igu, to assess the problems so as to activate them for the benefit of residents.

Also some resident in Kwakwa Community in Abaji Area Council have also expressed concern over the learning conditions of pupils in the community. The Village Head of Kwakwa Sarki Dauda Jatau lamented that the people of the community are always at the receiving end, despite the fact that they vote en-mass for politicians but at the end they are forgotten. He alleged that the community has been neglected by successive government of the council, adding that they lack basic amenities.

Still in the same Abaji council, Gasakpa Community through the spokesman of the community, Malam Saidu Yahaya lamented over the deplorable road linking the community with Gawu village.

Residents of the community hardly ply the road especially during the rainy season, as majority of the inhabitants are farmers who suffer a lot.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013 08028402920 sbejike@gmail.com

Nigeria: Harmonization of cybercrime law and methods

Customers slam N1bn suit against Diamond Bank

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

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Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in routine check at a cybercafe

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enerally, Cybercrime Criminal jurisdictions cover transnational dimensions. A 419 Email letter that originates from Nigeria, and claims a victim elsewhere in the world, might not only violate the territorial laws of Nigeria, but also those of the victim. If it does not violate International jurisdictional regions, evidence trails, for this example, might be found on the electronic pathway of several International States.

Thus, to be effective, there is clear indication from Cybercrime experts around the world, that the harmonization of laws, and the harmonization of law enforcement practices, provides a clearer framework for any effective State sponsored AntiCybercrime effort.

In an article by Phil Williams titled, “Organized Crime and Cybercrime: Synergies, trends and responses”, he writes, “Harmonization is necessary for both substantive and procedural laws.

All countries have to reappraise and revise rules of evidence, search and seizure, electronic eavesdropping, and the like to cover digitized information, modern computer and communication systems, and the global nature of the Internet.

Greater coordination of procedural laws, therefore, would facilitate cooperation in investigations that cover multiple jurisdictions.”

In short, there is a need for Cybercrime Laws of one Nation, to be reciprocal with others. To yield, criminal prosecution, a 419 Email that finds it’s victim on the

other side of the Atlantic, must not only be criminal in Nigeria, but also, at the jurisdictional State of the victim.

Furthermore, the Framework for investigating these criminal activities must be a coordinated effort of International Law Enforcement activities. In the same paper, Phil Williams went further to note that, “In addition to appropriate laws, it is also important that governments and law enforcement agencies develop the capacity for implementation of these laws. This requires the development of expertise in the area of cybercrime as well as effective information sharing across agencies within a country and across national borders.

Moreover, this sharing has to go beyond traditional law enforcement bodies to include national security and intelligence agencies. It is also essential to create specialized law enforcement units to deal with cybercrime issues at the national level. Such units can also provide a basis for both formal international cooperation and informal cooperation based on transnational networks of trust among law enforcement agents.

Ad hoc cooperation and multinational task forces can both prove particularly useful and there are already cases where international cooperation has been very effective. Indeed, successful cooperation can breed emulation and further success.”

Hence, as the Nigerian Presidential Committee on Cybercrime, deliberates on Cybercrime Policy issues, due care must be taken to address the

issues of embedding the Nigerian Cybercrime Framework, with the rest of the International community. Thus, in crafting a Nigerian national Cybercrime policy, areas like adaption of Internet Laws with domestic laws, harmonization with foreign and regional laws, harmonization with International Law enforcement practice, involvement of private sector and investigative and Law Enforcement collaboration must be given consideration: In a September 19, 2000 speech,

by Kevin DiGregory, a Deputy Assistant Attorneys General in the Criminal Division at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. noted that, “Harmonization of the laws defining criminal behavior is not enough. To enforce substantive computer crime laws, law enforcement authorities also need appropriate tools for detecting and investigating such unlawful activities. Many criminal cases today are investigated and solved through electronic evidence, which is highly perishable, and can be easily deleted or modified from half-a-world away”.

There is therefore a need for Nigeria, in the construction of its Cybercrime efforts, to include one that recognizes a model that incorporates not only harmonization issues of Law, but also a framework for an effective Law Enforcement Program that reflects harmonization of Law Enforcement methods. Eoghan Casey, suggests in Chapter 4 of his book (Digital Evidence and

Computer Crime: Forensic Science, Computers, and the Internet), that digital evidence processing can be accomplished within the efforts of the following groups: A) Digital Crime Scene Technicians: Individuals responsible for gathering data at a crime scene should have basic training in evidence handling and documentation as well as in basic crime reconstruction to help them locate all available sources of evidence on a network.

B) Digital Evidence Examiners: Individuals responsible for analysis of particular kinds of digital evidence require specialized training and certification in their area.

C) Digital Investigators: Individuals responsible for the overall investigation should receive a general training but do not need very specialized training or certification.

Investigators are also responsible for reconstructing the actions relating to a crime using information from first responders and forensic examiners to create a more complete picture for investigators and attorneys. (http://www.corpusdelicti.com/fs_bookstore/decc/ decc2-introduction.html).

Finally, an effective Nigerian Cybercrime program, must include, the harmonization of law, Law Enforcement technique and methods, and an adaptive technological research program.

Culled from Nigeria Village Square Website

iamond Bank Plc has been dragged before an Abuja High Court for allegedly failing to honour customers’ cheques.

The Plaintiffs, Cashflow Abi Network limited, Cashfow Abi Nig. Ltd. and Philemon Ibrahim Gora have dragged the bank to court for breach of contract.

In their statement of claim filed at the court, the Plaintiffs averred that one of their business associate committed suicide recently in Ebonyi State, “because of her funds that is tied down with the 1st and 2nd Plaintiffs owing to the action of the Defendant.”

They averred that the 1st Plaintiff’s account number is 0021877679; the 2nd Plaintiff’s account number is 0025974291, and the 3rd Plaintiff’s account number is 0023944234, adding that the 3rd Plaintiff is the alter ego of the 1st Plaintiff and the coordinator of the 2nd Plaintiff.

According to the statement of claim, the 3rd Plaintiff moved to Abuja sometime in July, 2012 to set up offices for the 1st and 2nd Plaintiffs and that from the 27th day of July, 2012, all efforts made by the 3rd Plaintiff to access his account in different branches of the Defendant in Abuja proved abortive.

They further claimed that several cheques of the Plaintiffs issued in respect of rents and professional legal fees were not honoured by any of the Diamond bank branches in Abuja.

Cheques issued to business associates of the Plaintiffs in Abuja were returned without being honoured by any of the Diamond bank branches in Abuja.

They pleaded the dishonoured cheques before the court and said they will rely upon them during trial.

The Plaintiffs further claimed that the only thing the Defendant’s branches in Abuja have told them is the reason for not honouring their cheques is that their accounts are on PND (Post No Debit), saying that nobody has given them any reason why their accounts are on PND. They further stressed that they have not been served with any notice or order from an administrative or judicial body.

The Plaintiffs stated that, “This situation has pitched the Plaintiff’s business associates/creditors against the Plaintiffs individually and collectively.

“The Plaintiffs have lost several business opportunities and incurred several liabilities while in Abuja owing to their not being given access to their funds in their accounts with the Defendant.

“The Plaintiffs have been put in a position by the Defendant where they cannot pay their staff salaries.

“The 3rd Plaintiff has been made to suffer hardship to the extent that he cannot take care of the needs of his immediate family and those of his aged parents who all depend and rely on him; the reason being his being deprived of the use of his legitimate funds with the Defendant”, they added.

Hearing in the case comes up today at an Abuja High Court 20 in Apo, sitting before Justice Jamil Y. Tukur.

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PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

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ou are recently posted to the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) as a director. What are your plans for the Board?

My major objective is to move the board forward by improving the quality of services it render to the general public particularly how I can better the lot of FCT children.

Some SUBEB have been associated with the problem of corruption as alleged in some states that monies meant for UBEC projects were not judiciously spent for that purpose. What makes the FCT different even though there have been similar insinuations in some quarters?

As far as FCT basic education is concerned, FCT UBEB has no cases of corruption because when it comes to UBE funds, there are a lot of checks and balances on how the funds are spent. Before UBE funds are expended action plans are tagged with specific programme and projects with specific funds attached to them as well as action plans are taken to UBEC to scrutinise and defend it by us. It is when FCT UBEB convinces UBEC that the commission approves such action plans for such monies to be spent and as soon as such action plans are approved and monies are released for the execution of those projects, UBEC follows such funds religiously to make sure that the purpose for which such funds are released are equally used.

Secondly, you know FCT also operate like a state, the administration is equally a stake holder in such funds to ensure that they are judiciously spent for the purpose they are meant for.

The FCTA as an administration, when you come to FCT Education Secretariat through its own machineries equally follow, at the board level we check how funds are spent. We have groups that go and check projects we execute.

At the board level we have our works department that is the Physical Project Planning and Implementation Division, the Audit, Procurement Unit and as a director I have my own secrete unit that goes out to verify projects that are executed before such files will be treated for payment.

We will try as much as we can to reduce to the barest minimum the issue of corruption if at all there is corruption in the UBEB. How do the UBEB bridge the gap between the urban and rural teachers?

FCT teachers in the country are the most well paid because they enjoy the federal salary teachers’ structure; secondly, in FCT we have two salary structures. If you are a teacher serving in any of the schools in the city center, you are paid in addition to your normal salary and allowances; you have in

FCT UBEB has achieved its goals – UBEB Adamu Jatau Noma is the director of FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB). In this interview with Maryam Garba Hassan and Zainab Yahaya Khandi, he speaks extensively on the activities of FCT UBEB schools, the newly established junior secondary schools in the city, and the achievements of UBEC schools in the city among others. Excerpts: addition 8 percent of your basic salary added to your salary. If you are a teacher serving in rural schools in the FCT, you equally have 12 percent added to your salary because you are serving in rural location of the FCT. We try as much as we can to ensure that we don’t owe teachers’ salaries and pay them as at when due. Teachers who want to obtain soft loans from their banks to own their houses are also considered, we sign for them after due process to enable them obtain a soft loan up to N1million from their banks.

There is the problem of ghost teachers and ghost schools in some states. Do you have such challenge in UBEC schools in the FCT? Not only in FCT Universal Basic Education Board schools but it is difficult in the entire Education Secretariat of the FCT to find a ghost teacher.

Salaries are centrally paid in the FCT and before any body’s name is shortlisted for payment of personal emolument, that person must have been biometrically captured at the FCTA Establishment and Training Department. There is no way your salary can be paid and before you do that all your documents must be genuine.

One of the major objectives of UBEC is to ensure that every Nigerian child have access to quality and free education. Would you then say that that objective has been achieved?

Yes, the FCT is one of the boards that have achieved the objectives and goals set up by the Universal Basic Education programme. In the FCT there are schools that are located in the most remote part of the city and there are teachers there too. We make education accessible in all nook and crannies of the FCT. So, I would say that FCT has achieved that goal to a great extent but that does not mean that we do not have some challenges especially as we expand schools, recruit more teachers, buy more instructional materials, train and re-train more teachers and make learning environment more child friendly for our pupils and students. As we expand, more financial needs are required to meet up with our challenges and that is why we

Mr. Adamu Jatau Noma open doors for people who are willing to come and partner with us to make our educational services better than what we have now.

For now, we have 525 public primary schools and you know a new academic session commenced some months ago, therefore, the Local Education Authority are yet to give us the list of new primary schools they have established in their respective areas this academic session. We are adding 9 new secondary schools making it 927 junior

secondary schools in the city.

So, you can see we are going to have about 137 junior secondary schools in the FCT. Apart from financial constraint, what are the other challenges you face?

The major constraint is finance. For instance, if a school does not have enough teachers and instructional materials, it all boils down to finance. So, everything boils down to the availability of funds. We have some money but it is not enough to meet up with the demanding

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We are adding 9 new secondary schools making it 927 junior secondary schools in the city. So, you can see we are going to have about 137 junior secondary schools in the FCT

challenges. You know that the world is now ICT compliant and we are trying to see how we can introduce E- education in the FCT which is capital intensive because you have to ensure that the ICT facilities are provided d in the city as well as tackle the issue of security to ensure that they are not stolen or vandalise which also has to do with money. The challenges are enormous.

The free books distributed by UBEC to primary school pupils in the FCT do not go round the children. What is the board doing to ensure that every child gets what is due to him?

When you look at the number of pupils we have in all our schools within the city you will see that the number of books produced cannot go round all the schools which is why some pupils get the stipulated number of text books while others get less or don’t even get because every day pupils are admitted into the schools.

Although the books are marked it is still possible that they may end up in the market because the contract for the production of the books are given to different publishing houses to produce for states and assuming a publisher is asked to produce 40,000 books and during the production, the publisher may decide to produce 50-60,000 copies which means he will be left with additional 1,000 or 2,000 copies and you know they are marked strictly for FCT. He cannot sell them in FCT but to send them to book vendors who will sell them to private schools. But states sell UBEC books. The books are reviewed after every 3years, after then they become invalid and those people sell them but in the FCT teachers know the implication of selling those books.

Why do teachers and students prefer to go to FCT UBEC schools?

They go to UBEC schools for quality and accessible education. In FCT UBEB schools, the minimum qualification you get among the teachers is NCE and that is in primary schools while in our junior and secondary schools we have graduates, Master’s degree holders and even PhD holders as well as in our senior secondary schools.

PAGE 28

Katsina recruited 3,400 teachers in 2012

C

hairman, Katsina State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Suleiman Dikko, has disclosed that the State Government has recruited 3, 400 primary school teachers in 2012. According to him, the recruitment was part of efforts to reduce teachers’ shortfall in public primary schools in the state.

He said100 teachers were recruited for schools in each of the 34 Local Government Areas of the state adding that the new teachers had helped in reducing work load on serving teachers thereby enhancing service efficiency in the schools.

Dikko said that government had during the period purchased textbooks and furniture worth N431.2 million and that more than N545.7 million was also spent on developing the capacities of teachers in the state.

The Chairman who called on wealthy individuals and organisations to complement government effort in the promotion of basic education in the state, said the aim was to improve teaching and learning in the schools.

Lawmaker decries low level of girlchild enrolment in the North

M

r. Raphael Saka, the Chairman Nasarawa State House of Assembly’s Committee on Education, on yesterday in Lafia decried the low level of school enrolment of the girlchild in the North. Saka said there was the need to address the imbalance if Nigeria must attain its set target of Education For All (EFA) by year 2015. ‘’It is only in the North that people are forced to go school, especially the females. It is a hard sell convincing parents that a girl should be educated first before getting married. “If you say you want all to be educated by 2015, how feasible is that when a part of the country is educationally backward?’’ he asked.

The lawmaker, who attributed the development to the poor attitude of people towards education, urged the government to embark on monitoring and supervision in the school system saying that without proper monitoring of policy implementation, no matter the amount of money allocated to the sector, it would be a waste of resources.

He said the state on its part was paying the required attention to education through policies that continued to encourage students, teachers and parents. “Parents in this state are lucky because they do not have to worry about payment of registration fees for final year examinations, because government now pays for its indigenes’ NECO examination.

“Indigenes are now given a fair chance on admission, and education is second on the state’s budget allocation, the lawmaker said.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

VCN approves clinical training for UniAbuja’s veterinary medicine students

By Maryam Garba Hassan

T

he Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) has approved the commencement of clinical training for students of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja.

A statement issued yesterday in Abuja by Malam Waziri Garba, the institution’s Information

Officer, said that the approval followed a visit to the institution by the VCN’s Accreditation Committee in December, 2012.

According to the statement, the approval is contained in a letter written by VCN to the university adding that Prof.

James Adelabu, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, had also commended VCN for the approval.

“This is a major breakthrough in the accreditation of the institution’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,”Adelabu said.

The statement further disclosed that the final visit by the council would be when the first set of students in the faculty would be sitting for their 600 level examinations.

It recalled that an accreditation visit had earlier in

October 2012 been paid to the College of Health Sciences by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and that the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) had also conducted resource verification visit to the Faculty of Engineering of the university in November 2012 adding that the university was awaiting the reports of MDCN and NUC.

L-R: Minister of State for Education, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, and Chairman, Committee on National Teachers Housing Scheme, Malam Shehu Aliyu, during the presentation of the committee's report to the minister, recently in Abuja.

Photo: Justin ImoOwo

T

he Commissioner for Education in Cross River, Prof. Offiong Offiong, has said that the State Government spent N1.2 billion on the provision of laboratory equipment in 60 Schools in 2012. Offiong told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar that the expenditure was in consonance with the State Government’s resolve to provide qualitative education to the people. He said that the 60 schools was the first phase of the government’s effort to comprehensively renovate schools in the 18 Local Government areas.

He said 40 of the benefitting

Cross River Govt spends N1.2bn on laboratory equipment in 60 schools

schools had been equipped with the laboratory facilities.

“The contract to equip the schools covers Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Computer laboratories and the value is N1.2 billion,” he said.

The commissioner said that the government had also provided tables, chairs and twin-desks for teachers in the schools at the cost of N340 million adding that 41 schools would benefit in the second phase and that Gov. Liyel Imoke

had approved funds for the project.

According to him, “In the ministry, we have concluded the pre-qualification of contractors for the projects under the scheme and we hope to award the contracts soon’. He, therefore, appealed to schools and communities that were yet to benefit to be patience, stressing that all schools in the state would receive the same attention.

Offiong announced that the ministry had set up

Maintenance Committees in public schools to ensure that facilities were regularly maintained and their utility sustained. He also said that the ministry had embarked on capacity building programme for school Inspectors, adding no fewer than 212 of them were trained in 2012.

He added that 3,508 teachers were also trained under the Teachers Professional Development scheme in the state. (NAN)

NUT hails implementation of N18,000 wage

T

he Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in Kebbi on Friday commended the government for the implementation of the N18,000 minimum wage for its members in State.

The Chairman of the union, Malam Danlami Ribah, made the commendation during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi.

He said that the implementation of the new wage would encourage the members to improve their output, especially in external examinations. ``With good salary and welfare, teachers will improve the standard of education, especially at the primary level,’’ he said.

He however decried the delay in the implementation of the new

wage and the payment of arrears but added that the union would continue to work toward the development of education.

The NUT chairman called for improvement in the provision of modern learning and teaching materials. ``Our members require regular training and courses on how to improve their performance. ``Teachers are expected to prepare their lessons

for the pupils, be punctual and remain dedicated to duty.’’.

Ribah called for the correction of anomalies during the implementation of the new wage, especially the omission of names of some of the members in Birnin Kebbi and Argungu Local Government areas. ``The names of those omitted have been complied and we hope they would be paid promptly.’’ (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

By A’ishaBiolaRaji

K

aduna state being one of the high polio prevalent states resolved during the last Immunisation Plus Days (IPDs), to relinquish the title by introducing various initiatives to battle poliomyelitis.

In Kaduna North local government, all concerned officials were all out to test the result of various intervention programs they have put in place.

Despite the implementation coinciding with the death of former state governor, Ibrahim Yakowa, the stakeholders including vaccinators did not relent in carrying out the important assignment of ridding the state of polio disease.

The death of the governor did not cause any setback in the IPD program as the state had already set its plans and machineries in motion.

According to MallamKabirYahaya Ahmed, Local Immunisation Officer, Kaduna North Primary Health Care, four tools have been designed, tested and have so far been yielding good results.

The tools include, compound dialogue, community dialogue, town hall meetings and finally the film show (Majigi show).

Explaining the four innovations, he said, “We have compound dialoguewhich is house to house dialogue, here we discuss, ask questions, make clarifications, allow people to ask their own questions and finally, clear their doubts.

“InCommunity dialogue, we move the discussion from one settlement to another and people gather to listen to us and they also tell us what their feelings are about the immunization exercise.

Town hall meetings give us the opportunity to invite religious leaders, traditional leaders, NGOs, market women and youths. We do have open discussion with these categories of people so they can tell us sincerely where the problem is.

“The film show is a film that convinced people beyond any reasonable doubt due to the reality of the film. The people could see live, what became of a child that was denied immunization, how the child could not compare with his peer. Even for those that don’t have children, it is not only what you read in papers but what is shown live in film; the true life story touched any soul that watched it.”

According to Kabir, people reallyneed to speak out on what the problem of polio is rather than giving unfounded excuses. “They need to tell us where the problem is, they keep saying too many rounds, it is not a reason so we are taking pains to visit them to show them we are parts and parcel of them and honestly, it has yielded good result,” he declared.

He said the district heads in the local government have been very helpful, “We go out as a team; that is the taskforce members, whenever there is no compliance, they follow us and seeing such caliber of people living in tow with us, it goes a long way to boost confidence in people.

However, some of the people believe that the district heads are into what can be described as double-faced attitude. According to

PAGE 29

Polio: Kaduna records improvement with film shows

a resident of MagajinGari area in Kaduna North who pleaded anonymous, the district heads are into the canvassing process due to what they stand to lose or gain if they fail to comply.

He said, “Most of them are in support in public but within their households, they refuse to allow vaccinators immunize their wards.”

MallamKabir however pleaded with parents and guardians alike to take health as number one priority of by welcoming government health initiatives especially as it concerns eradication of polio.

He said,”Health should be number one agenda of any right thinking society, government cannot do everything, and we don’t have to convince people through provision of social amenities before we administer health since health should come first.”

According to him,

enlightenment of the mind plays major role in conquering the menace of polio and other health issues. “For those that are enlightened,they always know they are part of the government,”Most of these problems we are having are selfinflicted problems because of lack of personal hygiene.

“There were lots of infectious diseases before which today, they are no more.We tell people that, health is government’s priority followed by education, hence the need to join hands with government in achieving a polio free nation,” he called.

He said the problem of polio in Kaduna state is mainly due to the centrality of the state, “Most of the viruses are being imported as most people like to come into the state hence the need to immunize children wherever and whenever even when they are on transit.”

On why it had taken so long for the state to come up with the four

intervention programs, Kabir said the four programs had always been there but not properly utilized.

“Before now, they were not properly utilized. There is need to get committed people, need to motivate them and the support to carry it out. In this round, we have explored the whole horizons and it will be better than other rounds we had. We are seeing the impact already,” he said.

He however urged the leadership of National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to expand the cold chain system in the local government. He said, “We have at least 5,000 ice packs and lots of refrigerators which should occupy larger space than what we have right now.”

According to him, there is a building that is under construction within the PHC facility. “The building under construction was started by the local government authority for ante-natal care. “If it

can be completed by the agency, it can be converted to a cold chain with permission from the local government authority,” he urged.

Speaking with the Health Educator and Social Mobilisation Officer, Mrs. Amina Yusuf Dantsoho, the four advocacy programs were successful through both moral and financial support from policy. “We have new leadership now at local government level due to the just concluded election; they release their councilors and senior supervisors to go on supervision during immunization rounds. For instance, the Chairman, Kaduna North Local Government, Mallam Samaila Sulaiman chairs the taskforce meeting,” she said.

According to her, the community dialogue has had positive impact in high risk settlements like Ngwan Shekara in Badarawa ward, Hayin Banki, Ngwan Shanu and Rafin Guza in Kawo ward.” Here, our District Heads, youths and leaders are working together to achieve same goal.”

She said the four innovations are yielding a positive result which was exemplified at the flag-off ceremony of the IPD. “Only during flag off, we were able to immunize about 190 children. The hostility from people has become a thing of the past.”

She said letters were also distributed to churches, Quranic schools and mosques where the leaders there are expected to make announcements to the congregation and students. “They have also been complying with us,” she recalled.

Also in an interview, Dr. RabiuAbubakarYaro, Director, Primary Health Care Kaduna North local government, he said the majority of people living in the local government are elites so they usually take their children to clinic for routine immunization against wild polio virus.

He however agreed that, there had been improvement in the IPD campaign. “We have intensified our effort so that, there is progress even though we have problems here and there.”

Dr. Rabiu called for timely release of fund during implementation; at least two weeks before the exercise. “If the fund is readily available, it will go a long way in realizing our mandate but sometimes we start the exercise without anything on ground this is our biggest challenge,” he pleaded.

He said the PHCdo enjoy support from major stakeholders like WHO, UNICEF and so on,”they have been helpful in tackling most of our challenges.”

With the feat that was recorded in Kaduna especially Kaduna North local government area, there is need for the state government to look into the security challenges being faced continually by vaccinators and focal persons at Zaria, Birnin Gwari. Here focal persons find it difficult to move freely.

PAGE 30

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

Headache: Electric shock to the rescue

enough to have the effect.

Thirteen patients with chronic migraine, defined as

least 15 attacks a month had electrodes, were placed above the motor cortex, the part of the

brain responsible for voluntary movement.

After 10 sessions over four weeks, the average person’s pain threshold had increased by 37 per cent after four weeks.

The effects were cumulative and kicked in after about four weeks of treatment, said Alexandre DaSilva, assistant Professor at the U-M School of Dentistry and lead author of the study, which appears in the journal Headache.

“This suggests that repetitive sessions are necessary to revert ingrained changes in the brain related to chronic migraine suffering,” he said, adding that study participants had an average history of almost 30 years of migraine attacks.

By boosting the release of natural painkillers, it is hoped chronic migraine sufferers would be less reliant on medication, therefore reducing the side effects and the risk of addiction.

Other studies have shown that stimulation of this part of the brain reduces chronic pain.

However, this study provided the first known mechanistic evidence that tDCS of the motor cortex might work as an ongoing preventive therapy in complex, chronic migraine cases, where attacks are more frequent and resilient to

Arup Indra, an associate professor in the OSU College of Pharmacy said, “In these studies, we have basically shown that inadequate Ctip2 is reducing the lipids in skin that it needs to stay healthy, protect itself and perform its function.

“At the same time, this can allow unwanted formation of proteins that trigger

inflammation.

“The skin’s ability to resist inflammation is going down just as the amount of inflammation is going up, and the underlying reason is that Ctip2 is not doing its job. Either or both of these problems can lead to eczema.”

The condition, characterised by dry, itchy red skin, is now estimated to affect up to 20 per

cent of school children and up to 10 per cent of adults.

There is also a growing body of research indicating it may be linked to food or pollen allergens.

Atopic dermatitis is associated with a dysfunctional immune response, but researchers have never understood the underlying cause. Existing treatments use

By Anna Hodgekiss

E

lectrical current alters speed at which brain neurons fire, relieving pain,it releases painkillers that have similar properties to opiates such as morphine, reduced pain of chronic headaches by 37 per cent over four weeks and long-term exposure could reduce the amount of medication needed.

Scientists have managed to release the body’s most powerful painkillers by running an electrical current through the brain.

The breakthrough has provided hope for sufferers of chronic migraine after it was found to reduce the pain of a headache by up to 37 per cent.

The technique, known as deep brain stimulation, or Trans cranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), alters the speed at which the brain’s neurons fire. This, in turn, can relieve pain.

The painkillers released by the brain were endogenous opioids, the human body’s most powerful, euphoria-inducing painkillers that are very similar to opiates such as morphine.

The new research, conducted at the University of Michigan, found that just a very small current of two milliamps was

conventional treatments, DaSilva said.

While the results are encouraging, any clinical application is a long way off, DaSilva said. “This is a preliminary report,” he said.

“With further research, noninvasive motor cortex stimulation can be in the future of adjuvant therapy for chronic migraine and other chronic pain disorders by recruiting our own brain analgesic resources.”

The research, performed in conjunction with scientists from Harvard University and the City College of the City University of New York, also tracked the electric current flow through the brain to learn how the therapy affected different regions.

This was done using a highresolution computational model.

They correctly predicted that the electric current would go where directed by the electrodes placed on the subject’s head, but the current also flowed through other critical regions of the brain associated with how we perceive and modulate pain.

“Previously, it was thought that the electric current would only go into the most superficial areas of the cortex,” “We found that pain-related areas very deep in the brain could be targeted,” DaSilva said.

moisturisers to try to protect skin, and in difficult cases, powerful steroid drugs can help, but they often have significant unwanted side effects, especially in long-term use.

Most people outgrow it as they reach adulthood, but some suffer from the condition their entire life.

Mr. Indra added, “Our skin is the largest organ in the human body and one of the most important.

“It’s our first barrier of defense, is in a constant battle against external insults, is influenced by both genetics and the environment, and has to be finely tuned to do many jobs. In eczema, this process begins to break down.”

Commenting on the research, Margaret Cox, chief executive of the National Eczema Society, told Mail Online, “Getting to the bottom of what genetic factors influence eczema is important, as long-term, this gives the best hope of prevention.

“At the moment, we are very much building a jigsaw and this is another piece. I am clearly delighted to see a new development, but we are still quite a way off from finding a treatment that switches this gene off and on.” www.dailymail.co.uk

Treatment for eczema: Scientists discover protein behind dry scaly skin P

rotein known as Ctip2 controls body fats that keep skin cells healthy and hydrated.In people with eczema, it may malfunction, causing the characteristic dry, red, itchy skin,findings pave way for new treatments, say researchers.

The main genetic cause of a common type of eczema has been discovered by scientists, leading to hopes of fresh treatment.

Researchers at Oregon State University found the condition, which affects millions around the world with dry, itchy and inflamed skin lesions, can be triggered by a malfunctioning protein known as Ctip2.

It was already known that the Ctip2 controls body fats that keep skin healthy and hydrated, but researchers have now discovered that if the protein is not performing properly, it can cause atopic dermatitis, a common type of eczema.

Eczema allows significant loss of fluids through the skin, allowing allergens to penetrate.

The findings, published in science journal PLoS ONE, may pave the way for new approaches to helping sufferers of eczema, which is difficult to treat and has no known cure, researchers claim.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

PAGE 31

Malawi: what went wrong?

Lessons from Malawi's food crisis

Maize farmers in Malawi

ANALYSIS

By Masimba Tafirenyika

O

nce again Malawi finds itself in a tight spot. A food crisis set off by erratic rains, rising food prices and economic hardships is slowly unfolding.

For the first time in several years, the country's ability to feed its citizens is at risk. Sadly and unexpectedly, Malawi has lost its hard-earned status as an agricultural success story - it used to produce enough maize for its people to eat and still provide a surplus to neighbours. Many are now wondering what went wrong and whether there could be lessons for other African countries.

More than 1.63 million people, or 11 per cent of the population, are facing severe food shortages, according to the World Food Programme, a UN relief agency.

Malawi needed $30 million to the end of 2012 to cover the shortfall. Agriculture is the backbone of its economy: four in five people rely on it for income.

Most farmers plant on small plots by hand with little irrigation, and therefore are vulnerable to recurring droughts, notes the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

Malawi is home to Africa's thirdlargest freshwater lake - Lake Malawi - yet less than 3 per cent of the land is irrigated.

Malawi's current troubles might seem surprising. Yet to those who follow events in the tiny, poor and densely populated landlocked Southern African nation, it is less an abrupt change in fortunes than a series

of self-inflicted injuries unfolding in slow motion.

Back in 2004, President Bingu wa Mutharika, who died in office in early 2012, rode into power on a promise to increase farm subsidies as part of his Farm Input Subsidy Programme.

Under the plan, the government gave subsidy vouchers to "smallholders to buy a small amount of fertilizer and seed so that they could replenish the soil nutrients, take advantage of improved seed varieties and at least achieve a livable crop from their tiny farms," says Africa Confidential, a UK-based newsletter. The vouchers were redeemable for seeds and fertilizer at about onethird of the normal cash cost.

The results were instant. In 2005, a year after expanded subsidies kicked in, Malawi harvested a grain surplus of half a million tonnes. In subsequent years it exported grain to Lesotho and Swaziland, as well as 400,000 tonnes of maize to Zimbabwe.

Food experts and advocacy groups took turns at international forums extolling Malawi as an example of Africa's "green revolution." Exploiting his new-found success, President Mutharika called on other African leaders to embrace his policies. Now the tables have

turned, and Malawi is facing severe food shortages.

Ironically, even during the years of plenty, Malawi continued to import large quantities of wheat, maize and other cereals, says FAO, and isolated pockets of hunger remained.

In pursuing subsidies, Mutharika defied donor critics who alleged that the programme was riddled with corruption, ran counter to the principles of free markets and was unsustainable. Indeed, by 2009 the government was spending 16 per cent of its budget on subsidies.

Over time President Mutharika became autocratic, amid charges of corruption and cronyism. In 2009 he spent more than $20 million on a longrange presidential jet.

Worse, he started promoting his brother Peter, then foreign minister, as his successor, further alienating donors, on whom Malawi depends. As the donors abandoned him, the economy tanked and protesters took to the streets, leading to political instability.

Now that a previously successful experiment with an "African green revolution" is unraveling, what are the lessons for others? With a population of more than a billion and

“

counting, will Africa ever be able to produce enough food for its people? The answer to that question is a qualified yes. But for it to happen, certain conditions must exist.

First, an essential ingredient for success in agriculture is strong political will at the highest level. In his book The New Harvest: Agricultural Innovation in Africa, Calestous Juma, a Harvard University professor originally from Kenya, argues that African leaders should make agriculture a key element of all major economic decisions.

Rhoda Tumusiime, the head of agriculture at the African Union Commission, agrees. She notes that while success in agriculture does not have many drivers, leadership is crucial.

"There must be a key political champion at head-of-state level to steer and champion a vision on agricultural revolution," she told the Economic Commission for Africa.

Mr. Mutharika not only had the political will, but tried to lead by example. And his antipoverty policies attracted many advocates.

The director of the New Yorkbased Earth Institute at Columbia University, Jeffrey Sachs, who has worked closely with Malawian authorities to

Mr. Mutharika not only had the political will, but tried to lead by example. And his antipoverty policies attracted many advocates.

fight poverty, is among them.

"We should ... remember a positive legacy of the late president Mutharika, because that legacy holds a key for Africa's future development and escape from poverty," Sachs wrote in an op-ed in the New York Times.

"Until his final two years, Mutharika had actually engineered an agriculture-led boom in Malawi, one that pointed a way for Africa to overcome its chronic hunger, food insecurity, and periodic extreme famines," said Sachs. He credited the late president for standing "bravely against the arrogance of an illinformed foreign aid community back in 2005."

Second, while foreign aid is critical in feeding the hungry and reviving agriculture in Africa, food security is too important to be left to the generosity of external partners.

Food security requires the same seriousness and resources as national security, if not more.

In fact, national security loses its legitimacy if thousands of citizens die not from enemy firepower but from starvation, or risk their lives crossing borders while fleeing from hunger.

And finally, Africa needs a strong food policy backed by resources from African Union members, to be invested in institutions that promote agriculture.

One tangible AU response has been the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), which requires countries that sign up to it to spend at least 10 per cent of their national budgets on agriculture (see page 11).

CAADP itself has a very small budget, but it uses the little it has to strengthen agricultural institutions and build teams of skilled personnel who roam the continent sharing best practices with national authorities.

"There is no doubt that African agriculture needs strong local institutions to avoid the kind of bubble that we saw in Malawi, which was largely driven by external energy," Martin Bwalya, the head of CAADP, told Africa Renewal, alluding to Malawi's dependence on donors for its short-lived success.

CAADP, which is run by the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), the AU's development agency, recognizes that Africa needs institutions whose effectiveness and shelf-life do not depend on the survival of individuals.

Mr. Mutharika tried to follow the path of subsidies and largely succeeded. Countries that have pursued Malawi's lead have "achieve[d] breakthroughs in farm yields and food production for the first time in their modern history," said Professor Sachs.

Mr. Mutharika's successor, Joyce Banda, Africa's third female president, now has to formulate a new food policy, woo back the donors, stabilize the economy and again get agriculture back on track.

Source: allAfrica.com

PAGE 32

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

Sudanese leaders commit to buffer zone

T

Mali crisis paving way for militant attacks on France- judge

T

he insurgency that has seized the north of Mali is paving the way for attacks on France as more French Muslims of African origin are finding a cause in the conflict, Paris's top anti-terrorism judge warned on Sunday.

As Mali's former colonial ruler, France fears al Qaeda's north African arm, AQIM, is cementing a base in the West African state that would provide a launch pad against French political and economic interests at home and abroad.

"We have a very large Malian community in France, but also from sub-Saharan Africa as a whole," Marc Trevedic said in a rare interview with weekly newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche. "These 'black' French Muslims who were suffering from latent racism from 'Arabs' have for the first time found their jihad."

Diplomatic sources have said a handful of French nationals had travelled to the Sahel region to train for Islamic jihad, or holy struggle.

Trevedic said four investigations were open on what he called Malian "terrorist" cells.

"They are young, often dual nationals or who have links with subSaharan Africa," he said. "They get in either through Niger or Algeria, but many are Malians who can go and visit their families and don't need visas."

France has been a vocal supporter of plans for an international operation to try to wrest back northern Mali from Islamist insurgents, who hold eight French hostages in the area.

In December, the U.N. Security Council authorized a Frenchdrafted resolution to deploy an African-led force to retrain Mali's defeated army and support an antiinsurgent mission, although no ground operations are expected until later in 2013.

"All the ingredients exist so that there are repercussions on our soil," the judge said. "France is backing those that want to intervene militarily in Timbuktu. So we are the enemy and are identified as such."

Despite past differences with Washington and London over Middle East policy, France has long been a target for Islamist militants because of its colonial record in North Africa and problems integrating its large Muslim minority.

Numbering five million, France's Muslim community is the biggest in the 27-member European Union but many are marginalized with poor job prospects in grim, violence-ridden suburbs and housing estates.

he leaders of Sudan and South Sudan have reaffirmed their commitment to setting up a buffer zone on their shared border and resuming oil exports.

African Union mediator Thabo Mbeki said both sides had agreed "unconditionally" to implement a deal first struck in September.

Presidents Omar al-Bashir of Sudan and SalvaKiir of South Sudan smiled and shook hands, but made no comment.

The neighbours came close to war after the South's independence in 2011.

The talks in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, followed reports of renewed clashes on the disputed border.

African Union mediators will now lay out a timetable for the implementation of all outstanding agreements, according to an official document seen by the BBC. This is expected to be in place by the end of next week, and if the timetable is respected, a demilitarised buffer zone between the two countries will be set up.

That would allow the resumption of oil exports from the south and of cross-border trade.

"They've... agreed that actions should be taken immediately - or maybe as soon as possible - to

implement all the existing agreements unconditionally," Mr Mbeki said.

"The presidents have also agreed that... the necessary decisions are taken to create the safe demilitarised border zone."

BBC Sudan reporter James Copnall says there appears to have been some limited progress on the disputed Abyei region, including a commitment to set up a joint administration for the area, as well as on several other outstanding issues.

But he adds that in essence both

leaders have simply agreed to implement deals they had already signed - and the fact that this is necessary gives an indication of just how bad the relationship is between the two Sudans.

The South shut down its own production a year ago as part of a row with Khartoum about how much it should pay to export its oil through Sudan.

The flashpoint region of Abyei is claimed by both sides. It lies on their border and is inhabited both

by nomadic herdsmen who are loyal to Sudan and other groups who are closely linked to the South.

Tensions over oil and security brought the two sides to the brink of war last April.

At a meeting in September the buffer zone was agreed and South Sudan said it would resume the production of oil, but the deal was not implemented.

Both sides blamed the other for the lack of progress.

South Sudan's SalvaKiir (right) was greeted by Ethiopia's prime minister as he arrived for talks.

Nelson Mandela 'has recovered from infection'

F

Madiba

ormer South African President Nelson Mandela has recovered from a lung infection and surgery to remove gallstones, the government says.

"President Mandela has made steady progress and... continues to improve," President Jacob Zuma's office said.

Mr Mandela, 94, spent almost three weeks in hospital last month, and has since been receiving treatment at his home in an East Cape province village.

It was his longest stay in hospital since he left prison in 1990.

Mr Mandela served as South

Africa's first black president from 1994 to 1999 and is regarded by many as the father of the nation.

His health has been a cause of concern for many years. He first contracted tuberculosis in the 1980s while detained in Robben Island prison.

He has been admitted to hospital on three occasions in the past two years.

He retired from public life in 2004 and has been rarely seen in public since.

The former president has been admitted to hospital on three occasions in the past two years.

being made and we're hoping the talks will take place, and all parties are being urged in that direction," Khan said.

"The talks are important to reduce tension and de-escalate the situation and look towards diplomatic solutions."

The rebel coalition Seleka, which

means "alliance" in the local Sango language, is made up of four separate groups which had previously fought one another.

Bozize has offered to form a government of national unity but the rebels have questioned his sincerity and are demanding that he relinquish power.

Central African rebels seize one more town

R

ebels in the Central African Republic have taken the southern town of Alindao around 100km from the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, a government spokesman has confirmed.

The military advance on Saturday came after the UN Security Council called on rebels to halt their offensive and withdraw from other towns and cities they had seized earlier.

"There's certainly a big rebel presence in the [Alindao] area and no resistance from government forces," said Al Jazeera's Andrew Simmons, reporting from the capital, Bangui. "[Government troops] have probably moved out of the area altogether, even as more and more [foreign] troops reinforce the government army."

The Council said in a statement that the rebel advances "gravely undermine" the country's security and stability, "constitute a threat to

the civilian population, and hinder the provision of humanitarian assistance".

Rebels calling for President Francois Bozize to step down have seized almost a dozen towns in a month, but they halted their advance on Bangui on December 29 pending negotiations.

The Security Council called on all parties to seek a peaceful solution and engage in negotiations scheduled to be held in Libreville, Gabon, starting on Tuesday "without preconditions and in good faith".

It encouraged the government, armed groups, the political opposition and other interested parties to use the talks "to negotiate a comprehensive political solution".

Pakistan's UN Ambassador Masood Khan, the current council president who read the statement, was asked whether the talks would definitely take place given uncertainty about participation of all the rebels and other groups.

"Right now, preparations are

Rebels wave flags on the streets of Malindao.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

Asia and Middle East

S

yrian President Bashar Assad has outlined a new peace initiative, including a national reconciliation conference and a new government and constitution, but demanded regional and Western countries stop funding and arming rebels first.

The Syrian president was speaking on Sunday in a rare address to the nation, his first since

PAGE 33

Syria's Assad outlines new peace plan June. He spoke to a packed hall at the Opera House in central Damascus, and the audience frequently broke out in cheers and applause.

Assad ignored international demands for him to step down and

said he is ready to hold a dialogue with those "who have not betrayed Syria".

The Syrian opposition, including rebels on the ground, were quick to reject Assad's proposal.

Louay Safi, a member of the opposition group called the Syrian

National Coalition, dismissed the address to the nation as "empty rhetoric".

"He did not offer to step down, which was a precondition to start any negotiation," Safi said.

"He has shown that he is a dictator

India and Pakistan in Kashmir border skirmish

Israel's PM plans to build SyriaGolan fence

I

I

ndian and Pakistani troops have clashed near the Line of Control in the disputed Kashmir region.

Pakistan said Indian troops had raided a military post in the Haji Pir sector of Pakistaniadministered Kashmir, killing a soldier and injuring another.

An Indian army spokesman said it had responded to a "ceasefire violation" but did not cross the Line of Control.

Kashmir is claimed by both nations in its entirety and has been a flashpoint between them for more than 60 years.

Exchanges are not uncommon but rarely result in fatalities.

The Pakistani military said in a statement that Indian troops had "physically raided a checkpost named SawanPatra".

The Haji Pir Pass is just south of the main road from Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir to Srinagar in Indian-administered Kashmir.

"Pakistan army troops effectively responded to the attack," the Pakistani statement said, adding that Indian troops had left behind weapons as they retreated.

One Pakistani soldier was killed and another critically injured, it said.

Indian army spokesman Col JagadishDahiya told Reuters news agency it had responded to a "ceasefire violation" by Pakistan.

He added: "None of our troops crossed the Line of Control. We have no casualties or injuries."

Another Indian army spokesman, Col BrijeshPandey, told Associated Press that Pakistani troops had "initiated unprovoked firing" with mortar shells and automatic weapons at Indian military posts. One civilian home was destroyed, he said.

"We retaliated only using small arms. We believe it was clearly an attempt on their part to facilitate infiltration of militants," Col Pandey said.

There has been a ceasefire in Kashmir since late 2003.

India suspended a peace process with Pakistan following attacks by Pakistan-based militants in Mumbai in 2008. Negotiations resumed in February last year.

Last month, the nations signed an agreement to ease visa restrictions on travel for some citizens.

that we cannot negotiate with. I think he has no desire to relinquish power.

He wants to crush the opposition and he hopes he can stay over for the next forty years like what his father did."

Opposition leaders have repeatedly said they will accept nothing less than the president's departure, dismissing any kind of settlement that leaves Assad in the picture.

President Bashar Assad

A paramilitary soldier stands guard beside a border gate at the India-Pakistani joint check-post.

Binyamin Netanyahu

srael's prime minister has pledged to build a fortified fence along the frontier with Syria, warning that hardline Islamist forces have taken over the area.

Binyamin Netanyahu spoke at a weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad delivered a rare nationwide address in Syria, calling for a national reconciliation conference.

Assad claimed that "terrorists who carry the ideology of alQaeda" were active in his country and demanded that foreign countries stop arming the rebels.

Netanyahu said the Syrian regime was "unstable", and Israel was concerned about the country's chemical weapons capabilities.

He said Israel needed a barrier on its frontier with Syria, similar to a structure it has almost completed along its border with Egypt - which has nearly stopped the flow of African migrants.

Israel has largely stayed out of the civil war that has engulfed Syria and left more than 60,000 people dead according to the UN, but it is concerned that violence could spill over.

Israel worries that Assad might try to draw it into the fighting as a distraction if his situation becomes desperate.

An even greater concern for Israel is a scenario in which Assad is toppled, Islamists take his place and gain control of Syria's stockpile of chemical weapons.

"We intend to erect an identical fence, with a few changes based on the actual territory, along the Golan Heights," Netanyahu said.

"We know that on the other side of our border with Syria today, the Syrian army has moved away, and in its place, global jihad forces have moved in."

"Global jihad" is the term Israel uses for forces influenced by alQaeda, and Syria's rebels include some al-Qaeda-allied groups.

"We are co-ordinating our intelligence and readiness with the United States and others so that we might be prepared for any scenario and possibility that could arise," Netanyahu said.

His office did not say how long it would take to complete the project.

Israel captured the Golan Heights in the 1967 Middle East war and later annexed the strategic plateau, a move not recognised by the international community.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

PAGE 34

Europe and Americas Cameron says UK should 'ask for change on Europe'

Venezuela National Assembly re-elects Chavez ally

B

ritain is "perfectly entitled" to ask for a change in its relationship with Europe, Prime Minister David Cameron has said.

Speaking on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show, he said voters would be offered "real choice" on this at the next election.

But he said being entirely outside the EU would not be "right for Britain".

Mr Cameron is due to make a long-awaited speech on Europe this month. Many Tory MPs are urging a referendum.

The prime minister said any vote would happen within five years.

"People should be in no doubt that the Conservatives will be offering at the next election a real choice and a real way of giving consent to that choice," he said.

"What's happening in Europe right now is massive change being driven by the existence of the euro.

"The countries of the euro, they've got to change to make their currency work - they've need to integrate more, they need to make changes to all their systems.

"What that means is they are changing the nature of the organisation to which we belong.

And so we are perfectly entitled, and not just entitled but actually enabled... to ask for changes ourselves."

As part of a series of ongoing EU reforms partially aimed at sustaining the euro, the European Central Bank will be directly supervising around 200 of the largest European banks from 2014 - but will have the right to intervene if smaller lenders are in trouble.

Also during his interview, Mr Cameron said the government was reviewing which powers should be repatriated back to the UK, and highlighted the internal movement of people in the EU and fishing quotas as areas of concern.

Mr Cameron also said he did not think it would be "right for Britain" or in the "national interest" - to leave the EU entirely, pointing out some 50% of nation's trade was with the EU. The UK would have "no say over the rules of the market into which we sell" if it left, he added.

Prime Minister David Cameron

Diosdado Cabello (Right), takes the oath.

V

enezuela's National Assembly has met to choose its leader, a possible standin for President Hugo Chavez who is in Cuba following cancer surgery.

The assembly re-elected the incumbent Diosdado Cabello, a leading ally of Mr Chavez.

Opposition leaders are calling for new elections if the president cannot be sworn in for his new term on Thursday.

In such a situation, Mr Cabello would become caretaker president pending the outcome of the vote.

Vice-President Nicolas Maduro has dismissed the opposition's calls, saying the Supreme Court can swear in Mr Chavez at a later date.

Mr Cabello's re-election was expected in the National Assembly, which is dominated by Mr Chavez's governing United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV).

"The president will continue being president beyond January 10, nobody should have any doubt about that," Mr Cabello said after his election, adding: "We will

never defraud the people."

Mr Maduro watched the vote and debate from the balcony of the chamber.

The BBC's Sarah Grainger in Caracas says Mr Cabello finds himself in a position of great power and influence.

Analysts say he is seen as a political rival to Mr Maduro, whom Mr Chavez has named as his preferred successor.

However, both men have vowed to maintain unity in the PSUV. They both visited Mr Chavez in Cuba earlier in the

week, along with several other dignitaries.

Hundreds of Chavez supporters rallied outside parliament on Saturday following an appeal by Mr Cabello.

Information Minister Ernesto Villegas, who was among the first government officials to arrive for the vote, said: "There is a clear leadership here by Comandante Chavez who is so responsible that he has even studied the worst case scenarios.

"We have a president who has been elected from 2013 to 2019... and that will be perfectly fulfilled.

Chavez is the president of Venezuela. There is no other."

Experts have different interpretations of what it would mean if Mr Chavez misses his inauguration.

Some in the opposition say that if Mr Chavez is still in Cuba, power should pass to the head of the National Assembly and new elections should be held within 30 days.

But Mr Maduro has insisted that Thursday is not a fixed deadline and that there was no reason to declare Mr Chavez's "absolute absence" from office.

"The formality of his swearingin can be resolved in the Supreme Court," he said.

"The president right now is president."

Mr Chavez - who was reelected for a fourth term in October - has not been seen in public since his latest round of surgery more than three weeks ago.

Honduran ambassador sacked after wild party

T

he Honduran ambassador to Colombia has been sacked after a wild Christmas party at the embassy in Bogota.

Ambassador Carlos Rodriguez has been told to resign "to safeguard relations with Colombia", the Honduran Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

An investigation has begun into

reports that two prostitutes had been invited to the party on 20 December.

The two women have been accused of stealing laptop computers and mobile phones from the embassy.

An inquiry committee has been set up in Honduras, while in Colombia the authorities are trying to identify the two sex workers.

An employee close to Mr Rodriguez has been accused of organising the party and hiring the prostitutes.

An embassy vehicle was reportedly used to bring them into the building.

It is not clear whether the ambassador was present.

US secret service agents were

involved in a similar scandal last year, ahead of an official visit by President Barack Obama to Colombia.

They were sent home and disciplined in April 2012 after being accused of taking prostitutes to their hotel rooms on the eve of the Summit of the Americas in the city of Cartagena.

Four killed in shootout in US town of Aurora

F

our people, including a gunman, have been killed following a hostage-taking incident in Aurora, Colorado, police have said.

After nearly six hours of failed negotiations, police killed the gunman as he opened fire on them through a second-storey window of a townhouse where he had barricaded himself, Cassidee Carlson, Aurora police spokeswoman, said on Saturday.

Aurora is the same town where a man shot dead 12 people and wounded 58 more in a movie theatre last July.

It was still unclear from police and media reports whether officers entered the home or shot the man through the window.

KUSA television reported that he was killed after police fired tear gas and entered the home, where they found three more bodies.

The victims were believed to

be related to the gunman, Carlson said.

Around 03h00am (1000 GMT), police notified neighbours of an emergency situation and evacuated several blocks, Carlson said in a news briefing.

One person inside had escaped and alerted authorities, she said.

Around 08h00, the gunman fired on a police vehicle, leading to an exchange of gunfire, KMGH television said.

At that time police saw the first body, the station reported.

Carlson said the gunman, whose name has not been released, died just before 09h00.

A neighbour, Michael Ignace, 46, said he had spoken to the gunman and "he seemed like a reasonable guy, and we talked about motorcycles".

Police entered Ignace's apartment during the night and alerted him, but he chose to stay

in his house, he said.

The same Denver suburb was rocked by the mass shooting in July that had been the deadliest in the United States of 2012 until the December 14 massacre at an elementary

school in Newtown, Connecticut, where 28 died, including the shooter.

In Aurora, the gunman opened fire during a midnight screening of the Batman movie "The Dark Knight Rises".

Wounded medic receiving attention at the scene.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

PAGE 35

California teens drug parents' milkshakes, sneak web time-Police T wo Northern California teenage girls are accused of spiking milkshakes with prescription sleeping medicine to knock out the parents as part of an alleged conspiracy to skirt the family's ban on home Internet use after 10 p.m., according to police.

The incident happened on the evening of Dec. 28 in Rocklin, Calif., a city of about 60,000 people approximately 21 miles northeast of Sacramento.

"The 16-year-old daughter and her (15-year-old) friend were at a house in Rocklin and they say, 'hey mom and dad, how about we get you some milkshakes?' They go to a local fast food restaurant and get some milkshakes," Rocklin Police Department Lt. Lon Milka said Thursday.

The teens then allegedly spiked the shakes with some sort of anti-anxiety medicine, Milka said.

The parents finished about a quarter of the milkshakes -which "tasted funny" and had a "gritty feel" -- before pouring them out, Milka said.

An hour later, the couple "passed out asleep," according to police.

The parents awoke with hangover symptoms, Milka said.

"They kind of put two and

Milkshake two together, and they said their daughters had wanted Internet access after 10 p.m., the time it was automatically cut off at their house," Milka said.

The daughter had described the family's Internet policy as "too strict," according to investigators.

After taking a urine drug test from Rocklin police, the parents

Cat used in Brazil prison smuggling

A

prison official says they caught the cat slipping through a prison gate with a cell phone, drills, small saws

and other contraband taped to its body.

Guards thought there was something suspicious about a

The cat with a cell phone wrapped around it's waist.

little white cat slipping through a prison gate in northeastern Brazil. A prison official says that when they caught the animal, they found a cellphone, drills, small saws and other contraband taped to its body.

Alagoas state prisons spokeswoman Cinthya Moreno says that the cat was caught New Year's Eve at the mediumsecurity prison in the city of Arapiraca.

The O Estado de S. Paulo newspaper reported Saturday that all of the prison's 263 inmates are suspects in the smuggling attempt, though it says a prison spokesman said "It will be hard to discover who is responsible since the cat does not speak."

"believed they got a positive," and brought their daughter in for questioning, Milka said.

The girls, one from Rocklin and the other from Roseville, were booked into Placer County

Thieves try to rob jewelry store, steal from kFC instead- cops

W

hen life gives you lemons, rob a KFC.ABC News reports that two thieves planned to rob Wrights Jewelers in Beaudesert, Australia on New Year's Eve, but they knocked through the wrong wall and ended upinside the KFC next door, cops said.

Dwayne Doolan and Peter Welsh allegedly made the best of their situation, by robbing the Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant instead.

Man claims two in carpool dispute

A

North Bay man purposely drove alone in the carpool lane in hopes of getting a ticket.

He says he hopes to make the legal point that a corporation is a person.

Jean Elle reports.

If you get caught in a carpool lane, you face a hefty fine.

We met a Bay Area man who intentionally drove alone in the carpool lanes in hopes of getting a ticket - not to pay the fine, but to prove a point.

San Rafael's Jonathan Frieman is now fighting a ticket he received for driving alone in the carpool lane, saying that he did have a passenger at the time he was pulled over. That

passenger was his corporation papers, which he carried with him in the passenger's seat.

Frieman sees the ticket as a chance to legally comment on the definition of a corporation as being a person.

He got the ticket back in October, but he claims he wasn't really driving alone because he had his corporation papers with him and a corporation is a person under the law.

Frieman says his fight isn't about traffic, but about corporate power.

"I'm just arresting their power and using it for my service to drive in the carpool lane," Frieman said.

USF law professor Robert Talbot

says the point is a little bit of a stretch.

Talbot said the point of the carpool lane law is to get cars off the road and Frieman is steering away from the intent of the law.

"A court might say well it says person and a corporation is a person so that'll work for the carpool lane it's possible but I doubt it," Talbot said.

Frieman said he is hoping to take his case well beyond a Marin County traffic hearing, which is scheduled for Monday.

He wants corporate personhood and the protections corporation have to be debated in a higher court. He says he wants to turn that legal definition on its head.

Juvenile Hall on suspicion of willfully mingling a pharmaceutical into food and conspiracy.

The teens' names were not released.

KFC restaurant

The men threatened workers with a metal bar and one of the employees opened a safe where about $2,600 was held, according to a statement on the Queensland Police siteand the Courier-Mail.

The alleged thieves then fled on foot, but were soon apprehended by police.

Welsh is charged with armed robbery, stealing, burglary and attempted burglary.Doolan is charged with robbery and stealing.

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

Nasarawa 2013 Budget: An Appraisal

By Rayyanu Bala

A

ppropriation bills, otherwise known as Budget till date remains the must difficult aspects which must of our leaders in government find it difficult to implement. Indeed lack of budget implementation has become notorious to most governments. Budgets have in fact lost its essence and meaning, hence it became only but rituals. Some governments failed to implement budget deliberately just, to siphoned money while to others it was only circumstances that compels them not to.

In Nasarawa state however, 2012 appropriation bill which was the first full blown budget to be presented by Al-Makura led administration received wide acclaimed from the people of the state for its rich in content as well as determination, demonstrated by Al-Makura to implement the budget in full. Unfortunately however, immediately after appropriation by the state House of Assembly, the much expected revenue which the entire budget was built upon refused to come by owing mainly to unprecedented drop in the federal allocation to the state, good performance of internally generated revenue not withstanding. Al-Makura admitted this much while delivering 2013 appropriation bill to state House of Assembly on 12/12/12, when he blamed the inability of his government to implement 2012 budget to its fullest on among other things: drop in allocation from the federation account, the inability of government to access grants and loans totally N10billion which initially government anticipated its receipts and enforcement of Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) on obligations to which the state was committed consequent upon contractual agreement entered into by the previous administrations which stand at about N350million monthly as well as monthly payment of N209million to Plateau state in respect of Paris Club refund.

Al-Makura's admission of shortcomings in 2012 budget performance, were in fact mark of a good leader. And as the saying goes 'man proposes God disposes' of-course as human beings, perfections is one thing that can hardly be achieved in this man world. It is worthy of note that the inability of AlMakura to implement 2012 budget in full were not his making, taking into account the factors enumerated above. It therefore about time that we must say it loud and clear that this slavery that we were subjected to by the previous administrations through these agreements must be investigated, especially the Paris Club refund which we were made to be parting with N209million monthly to Plateau state. This refund to Plateau state which Al-Makura is paying since he assumed office in May 2011 would continue till May 2014 However, despite these shortcomings, the Al-Makura led administration was able to achieve some significant progress in the state through the instrumentality of 2012 budget.

Although as at the end of October 2012, only about N37.734billion of the proposed N104.868billion estimated revenue was realized, yet Al-Makura, through transparency in the management of resources of the state, he was able to executive some capital projects across the state.

Amongst the projects executed by Al-Makura under 2012 budget include; massive construction of urban road in Lafia, the state capital and other major towns across the state, government was also able to make a significant impact in areas of healthcare delivery which as a result, visitations to private clinics by the people was reduced by 45%. Other sectors which significant impacts were recorded in last year budget were in the area of education, water/power supply and integrated rural development. These achievements as highlighted above, were not gimmicks as even the Minister of Information Mr Labaran Maku has to commend Al-Makura for the giant strides made in the state when he visited

Nasaraw State Governor

UMARU TANKO AL-MAKURA Nasarawa in the caused of his good governance tour to the state, some time in September last year.

While assuring the people of Nasarawa state of the resolved of his administration to pursue vigorously the development of the state in 2013, Al-Makura however revealed that 2013 fiscal appropriation was targeted specifically to achieve the objectives of government on completion of all projects already started in the state and enhancement of Internal Revenue Generation (IGR) as well as provisions of Social services. Other areas which Al-Makura made a solemn pledge to pursue in 2013 includes; Market development; Housing infrastructure; Value reorientation; rural roads network; Capacity building and enhancing monitoring and control systems through due process mechanism as well as Creation of enabling environment for PPP projects in the state.

This is in addition to Al-Makura's pledge to reduced overhead expenditures and robust Youth Empowerment; sports and Agricultural development.

Since the projects billed to be implemented in 2013 budget are enormous with serious financial implication, Al-Makura announced a total sum of over N107 billion as anticipated revenue receipts for 2013 with a marginal increase of over N3 billion

“

Amongst the projects executed by AlMakura under 2012 budget include; massive construction of urban road in Lafia, the state capital and other major towns across the state, government was also able to make a significant impact in areas of healthcare delivery which as a result, visitations to private clinics by the people was reduced by 45%

above 2012 budget.

As 2012 budget, 2013 appropriation bill was tagged budget of redemption 11, in the spirit of commitment of AlMakura's led administration fulfillment of its covenant with the people of the state which hinges on salvaging them from stranglehold of want, deprivation, squalor, disease and hopelessness.

Being a government which places high premium on transparency, AMakura went ahead and gave a breakdown of the basic assumption of 2013 budget to include; N1billion as opening balance/ saving transferred to consolidated revenue funds to c a p i t a l development funds, N35billion as expected statutory revenue allocation from the federation account, 10billion as expected excess crude oil receipts and N7billion as expected share of the state from value added tax (VAT).Other basic assumptions of 2013 budget are; N16.3 as internally generated revenue (IGR), N4.6billion as Grants and N10 billion as loans while N4billion as miscellaneous receipts and N20billion as Bonds. Out of these figures however, over N42billion, representing 40% of the entire budget will go as recurrent expenditure, while over N65billion is to be set aside for capital projects.

In view of the concern by Al-Makura led administration for infrastructural development in the state, works and transport got lion share of over N15billion closely followed by housing and urban development with over N13billion.

Indeed, what gladdens the hearts of the people at the 2013 budget presentations before the state House of Assembly by governor Al-Makura was his appeal to members on the need for both of them to work together in the interest of the state. He added 'let us rededicate ourselves to the actualization of the aspirations of our people by vigorously pursuing the rapid development and progress of our dear state. This is the duty to which this budget proposal beckons all of us.'

Al-Makura did not only stop at appealing for cooperation and understanding from the law makers, but also went ahead to remind them that nothing works better than cooperation and understanding so as to move the state forward.

At this juncture, while I will also like to add my words for the speedy passage of this budget, it however became incumbent on us all in the state to sheave our differences aside and work for the interest of the state.

We don't have any state that we can call our own except Nasarawa state therefore we must team-up and salvage it together. The 2013 appropriation bill otherwise tagged budget of redemption 11 requires our support for it to become a reality.

Bala wrote from Lafia, Nasarawa state <rayanubala@yahoo.com>

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

PAGE 37

It's not difficult working with Akpabio, says CPS INTERVIEW

I

t is believed that Governor Akpabio is a difficult person to work with. What have been your challenges working with him as his Chief Press Secretary?

Anybody who says Governor Akpabio is a difficult man to work with does not understand "Jack" about the governor. The governor of the state is a very simple person, he is a kind hearted person, he cannot see troubles and work away from it and he is a very tolerant person. I am enjoying my work with him despite some challenges.

Although the governor is generally known as a promise keeper, but he seems to have failed in his promise in human development. He promised to establish one industry in each of the 31 local government areas since 2011. Do you think he will fulfill this promise before his tenure runs out in 2015?

When you want to do something as grandiose as the governor wants to do, you have to engage professional to handle such jobs. Most at times the planning stage is more difficult than the finishing state.

You also talked about capacity building. I believe you are talking about employment. There is something we need to know, the civil service or public service cannot employ every unemployed persons. If you do that, there will be an explosion. You need to determine how many people you need to bring to the system. What government does all over the world is to bring business opportunities for people to be employed.

The programme of the state government in terms of industrialization and infrastructural development has led to employment of Akwa Ibom people. I don't know whether you know that Akwa Ibom people are supplying sharp sands, granites and material needed by these companies for road construction.

The inter-ministerial direct labour programme has constructed over 4000 projects. All these projects were given to A'Ibom people. You also have to consider the influx of people to the state for various conferences. When these people come to the state, they shop in the state. Why is tourism the 5th top earner in Israel? The reason is that when you go to Israel as a pilgrim, you don't give money to the Israeli government but by simply shopping and buying things, the Israeli's are making money. When they come on conference in Akwa Ibom, they shop in Akwa Ibom,

The Chief Press Secretary to Akwa Ibom state governor, Godswill Akpabio, Mr. Aniete Ukpe, in this interview with out Correspondent, Mike Etim, in Uyo clarifies the notion that it is difficult working with the governor, made comments on the politics of the state ahead of 2015 even as he explains why certain developmental projects in the state are yet to be implemented . Excerpts: It simply means that the ball is in the court of Akwa Ibom people. The beauty of democracy is that, there is always an opposition. It doesn't matter what good things you have done, you will always have people that will oppose you. It is the way you go about it that becomes a problem. When the opposition operates outside democracy, it becomes a problem.

Democracy is not a do-or-die affair and that is the problem with opposition in Nigeria. They think being in the opposition means doing everything to destroy the ruling party. It is not right. The thing to do is to join hands with the ruling party. And when you have disagreement you just have to see eye-to-eye to work it out.

Mr. Aniete Ukpe they buy in Akwa Ibom, therefore human capacity is being taken care of. There are some other areas you can look at when you declare free and compulsory primary education, you leave more money in the hands of the child's father because the money the man would have used to pay school fees would be used for something else. If you grant a free health care for pregnant women, children and for aged, it also preserve funds for these category of people to use it for something else. All these amount to human capacity building.

The Governor has said that Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District is excluded from the 2015

gubernatorial race. Does that mean he has someone in mind for 2015? And how do you feel about the opposition despite his good works?

To your first question, I don't know how you arrived at such conclusion. The man was simply saying in fairness that Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District has occupied power and that there should be a shift. That is the kind of statement you expect from a statesman. I don't know how you can interpret the statement to mean that he has somebody in mind. The governor does not have anybody in mind for 2015. He had stated that choosing someone for 2015 is the prerogative of Akwa Ibom people.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

There is something we need to know, the civil service or public service cannot employ every unemployed persons. If you do that, there will be an explosion.

Why did the Governor immediately receive the resignation of his deputy sometimes ago? Could it be that such had been anticipated?

If a man says he is resigning, you cannot force him to stay in office. Even in football if a player puts in a letter for transfer, the club is bound to put him in the transfer market even if you are Lionel Messi. Immediately you demand a transfer it is the duty of the club to put you in the transfer market. You know why - that player would not put up his best after that.

There are allegations that Governor Akpabio has deliberately neglected Oron LGA in his trans\formation programme. What is the government doing to correct this perception?

I know that they have done urban roads in Oron; I also know that the wave of development is going through all parts of the state.

Let me say that what the present administration is doing is enormous. They are intervening in so many projects in the state.

Oron is not left out contrary to what you have said; a lot have been done in Oron. One of the major projects of this administration is the Ibom Industrial City and the Ibaka Deep Sea Project planned for Oron.

The state government also intends to build a rail line from Ibaka in Oron to Aba. The Ibom Industrial City is going to have Oil and gas and a salt factory and many other facilities. The design is awesome and fortunately for us, the Federal Government has agreed to partner with the state government in developing the Ibaka Deep Sea Project. When the

Ibaka Project is completed, it is going to attract more ships to the port. The Ibaka Deep Sea Port is one of the deepest Seaports in the country. Most Ocean liners cannot access some ports in the country.

The small ocean liners that visit these ports have to be led by pilot ships so that ship might not be stuck in mud. The Ibaka Deep sea port is so deep that even an Aircraft carrier can berth on it without sinking. I know that this government has a lot of plans for Oron local Government. Don't look at the negative; look at the positive.

The state government recently played host to a carol night tagged "9999", a collection of nine thousand nine hundred of ninety nine singers from all the local government Area of the state to sing together at the same time. Is this programme going to be an annual event and does the government have the intention of upgrading the event to look like the Calabar Xmas Carnival that will attract revenue to the state?.

You must understand that the basic concept of the Carol Night is different fr o m t h e C a l a b a r carnival. The Carol Night was not conceived with profit in mind. It was not conceived as purely commercial programme. It was conceived as the governor said, for spiritual rebirth, for the strengthening of bond between people, for the strengthening of love and unity. It was conceived for people to come together and celebrate the love of God. The emphasis was on transforming people spiritually. Therefore you will not think of it in the line of the Calabar carnival. All the same whatever is done well will attract people. You will remember that speaking at the carol night, the Man of God Pastor Enoch Adeboye said something instructive. In his word "the world needs to see this" which in a way is stressing the fact that it needed to attract tourist, and it should appeal to people all over the world. Like I said it was never the intention of the government to commercialize it. Whatsoever God does brings benefit and "whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world".

PAGE 38

From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

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he Action Congress of Nigeria (AC N) gubernatorial candidate in Kwara state in 2011 April Mohammed Dele Belgore SAN has accused the governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of proposing an unfriendly but patronizing budget in 2013.

Belgore in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Rafiu Ajakaiye said "Mr. Belgore is against retrenchment of, or untimely payment of all entitlements due to, workers. What (he) meant in specific terms is that Kwara fund is being used to run a patronage system that does not benefit the masses.

That this patronage system takes precedence over provision of basic infrastructure/amenities is what should alarm all Kwarans".

But the state government through the Chief Press Secretary to Governor, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba said the governor was politically and morally obtuse to contemplate retrenchment in a state largely populated by civil servants.

Governor Ahmed, according to the statement was committed to full implementation of its Shared Prosperity Programme which places emphasis on human capacity development, emphasizing government's commitment to youth job and wealth creation in the new year.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

Kwara ACN accuses governor of proposing patronage budget Belgore had in the message flayed the government for floating a 2013 budget in which recurrent expenditure, estimated at N51b, far outweighs the (productive) capital expenditure pegged at just N42.6b.

Both the government and the PDP characterised Belgore's comment to mean a call for mass retrenchment of workers.

Ajakaye said in a statement recently that the Senior Advocate abhors engaging people in gutter language, adding that Kwarans get to know of the much-vaunted giant strides of the PDP government only on the pages of newspapers and

on television screens.

"Urbane and tough advocate of issue-based politics; Mr Belgore would not engage the PDP in gutter language, as has become the habit of its spokesman, in the name of politics. Also, the jury is out about the so-called achievements of the PDP government which our people see only on TV screens and on the pages of newspapers.

"However, for the purpose of setting the record straight, we wish to state the following: Followers of Kwara politics know our stand on what has become a culture of late payment of workers' salary and

shabby treatment of the work force.

Instead, it is KWSG that is retrenching workers in a wicked and dubious way by orchestrating the sack of LG workers without giving any official confirmation. It is the height of deceit especially after Ahmed swore no such thing would happen.

"That KWSG is about the worst culprit of ghost worker syndrome as it has no verifiable official data on its workforce, deliberately creating avenue for corrupt PDP officials to rip off the state. Nothing exposes this than the fact that several months after it ran a sham

verification of workers, the exercise remains inconclusive.

"That we challenge KWSG to tell the world how much it spends monthly from public fund on bailing out the tottering Shonga Farm which the white farmers admit has 'passed its sell-by date' out of the cobweb of debts, even when we are told that the state now owns just 25% in an investment built largely with Kwara resources. It is all of these, amongst other wastages, that really eat away the state's meager resources, not the paltry sum being paid the poor civil servants who deserve their wage."

Rep attracts N200 million projects to constituency From Lawal Sa'idu Funtua, Katsina

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member of the House of Representatives from Katsina State, Alhaji Suleiman Salisu, has disclosed that he attracted development projects worth N200 million to his Jibia-Kaita constituency.

Salisu who made the disclosure while briefing newsmen at the weekend in Katsina noted that the projects includes provision of facilities worth N100 million at Jibia dam site and the construction of boreholes worth N70 million in both Jibia and Kaita.

According to him, the solar powered boreholes were 20 in number where 10 were constructed in Jibia and 10 in Kaita local, stressing the six of such boreholes were completed in each of the two local governments.

Similarly, the lawmaker added that solar powered street lights worth N35 million would be erected in, Jibia, Magama-Jibia, Kaita and Dankama towns, adding that this would enhance security in the areas.

Salisu further stated that he had single handily secured employment for seven persons in his constituency into various federal government establishments while also supporting a day secondary school in the area with English and Mathematics teachers by paying their allowances.

The lawmaker expressed worry over the deteriorating security situation in the country where he said ' the situation is worrisome because we are in a situation where nobody is safe. Both the rich and the poor

L-R: Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Lawal Ngama, Minister, Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Peter Orubebe, and Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, during a recuit Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, at the State House, in Abuja. Photo: Joe Oroye

Dabiri-Erewa leads delegation to India Diaspora Conference

By Lawrence Olaoye

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hairperson, House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Rep Abike Dabiri-Erewa, will today be at the head of the Nigeria delegation to the 11th edition of India Diaspora day celebration holding in Kochi, India.

In a statement in Abuja, the convention known as ``Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2013 will be held in Kochi, India between January 7-9.

Dabiri-Erewa, who was invited in recognition of her proactive roles in Diaspora affairs in

Nigeria, is slated to deliver a paper on ``Diaspora and Heritage'' This is the first time, a nonethnic India, is being invited to deliver a paper at the conference.

The India Prime minister Manmohan Singh is expected to declare the convention open at Hotel Le-Meridian on Jan. 8, while President of India will deliver the valedictory address on January 9.

A large number of central ministers, including external affairs minister Salman Khurshid and overseas Indian affairs minister Vayalar Ravi will also participate.

The Diaspora Day in India

commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa on Jan. 9.

The PBD 2013 is being conducted in partnership with the Kerala government and has as its theme `Engaging Diaspora: The Indian growth story'.

Other highlights of the convention include pre-PBD seminars related to development issues such as skill development, pure sciences, tourism, youth and Non Resident Indians (NRIs) in the Gulf.

It also includes plenary sessions on 'India's growth: greater opportunities', 'Overseas Indians: safe environment', 'Engaging

Jigawa CNPP warns members against abuse of office From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

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he Jigawa state chapter of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has warned its members to desist from using the cover of the chapter to derive personal benefits without its consent.

The warning was contained in a five point communique issued at the

end of its meeting held in Dutse.

The communique signed by the chairman of the chapter, Alhaji Garba Mohammad Madobi, said the election into the leadership of the chapter should be based on zoning in accordance with the three senatorial constituencies.

It also agreed that the National working committee of the CNPP be held monthly.The communiquĂŠ

gave the list of the newly members of the chapter. They include Alhaji Garba Madobi chairman, Alhaji Bashir Ringim vice chairman one, Alhaji Ibrahim DPP vice chairman two and Sardauna Yero Yalleman secretary.

Others were Ibrahim Buwa treasurer, Alhaji Ibrahim Kazaure PRO , Shehu Birnin kudu auditor and Auwal Ahmed financial secretary.

young overseas Indians' and 'Investment opportunities in States.' ``Since the country is celebrating the centenary of the Gadar Movement in 2013, the PBD Oration this time will be on the Gadar Movement.'', the statement said.

Over 2,500 delegates from 50 countries are expected to grace the 2013 convention of the India in the Diaspora conference with Nigeria being the only invited country in Africa.

Rep Abike Dabiri-Erewa-led delegation was among the delegates that witnessed the 10th edition of India Diaspora Day celebration in Jaipur, India in 2012.

The Special guest of honour, Ms Kamia Persad Bissessar, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, also, a non-resident India, were among the dignitaries in 2012.

It was jointly put together by Confederation of Indian industry (CII), Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and Government of Rajasthan, with its theme ``Global Indian-Inclusive growth''.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2012

PAGE 39

Oshiomhole retires Perm Sec for dereliction of duty, warns DPO

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R-L: Ekiti state Governor, Dr KayodeFayemi,with Speaker, State House of Assembly, Hon. AdewaleOmirin, during the signing of the 2013 Appropriation Bill into law, recently in Ado-Ekiti.

Wamakko wants North, South to close ranks over terrorism

By Lawrence Olaoye

S

okoto State Governor, Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, has called on stakeholders from the northern and Southern parts of the country to close ranks in order to address the challenge of terrorism in the country.

The governor while reacting to questions from newsmen over the weekend said the challenge of terrorism should not been seen as that of the northerners alone but that of the entire nation.

Wamakko pointed out that there could be no reasonable developmeht in the country if any of its parts is weighed down by the challenge of insecurity. According to him, it was time for the rest of Nigerians, most especially the southern states rally round the north in addressing the knotty problem of terrorism which has been afflicting the zone in the interest of national unity.

Wamakko stressed that the north at this time requires the logistics and spiritual supports of the southern states to end the menace of terrorism in the country, as according to him, the north rallied round the south when it was afflicted with activities of militants in the Niger Delta area, separatists movement (MASSOB) in the southeast and that of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) in the south-west.

The northern governors, he assured have not been resting on their oars in ensuring that terrorism comes to an end in the northern part where it has been most prevalent adding that efforts were on to network with their colleagues in the south on how to collectively resolve the challenge.

Expressing appreciation to the understanding Nigerians have been showing in the face of provocation by some terrorist groups, the Sokoto State governor urged clerics

…sets to hold mother of all Durbar this year generally to continue to preach peace, unity and understanding among Nigerians as part of efforts aimed at drawing down the strength of terrorists in the country.

He said his government over the years has been showing examples by encouraging harmony and peaceful co-existence among the people of the state in which case, nonindigenes have been enjoying their

stay without any form of molestation while they operate under the same law as others unrestrained.

He said to promote the value of peace and progress in Sokoto state and the rest of the north, his government was intensifying efforts on how to host a mother of all Durbar in the state later in the year, meant to attract tourists from across the

Eze wants Nsukka man as governor of Enugu in 2015

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en. Ayogu Eze (PDP- Enugu North)on Saturday canvassed for an Nsukka man to be the governor of either Enugu State or the proposed Adada State in 2015. Eze, who is the Chairman of Senate Committee on Works, made the remark during the launch of Nsukka calendar produced by Ordinary People of Nsukka (OPON), an NGO at Nsukka on Saturday.

He said that in 2015, a person of Nsukka extraction should occupy the 'Lion Building' in Enugu or get elected as the first governor of the proposed

state, if created before then. ``It is sure that come 2015, Nsukka man must be governor. ```We should start now to mobilise maximum support for whosoever that will emerge from Nsukka zone as governor of Enugu State or Adada state in 2015.'' He appealed to leadership of OPON to ensure that its interest did not clash with that of PDP in the zone. ``I commend the initiative of the pioneers of OPON but urged the leadership to ensure the interest of the organisation did not clash our party.

world if only to show-case the value of Sokoto State in Islamic services, as a place of peace and harmony.

The Durbar, he noted, would be held annually, being the first of its kind in Africa south of Sahara, just as the event being planned would always attract the attention of tourists and world investors to Sokoto and the northern parts of the country.

Kogi Depuity Gov. cautions ACN against calumny campaign From Sam Egwu, lokoja

K

ogi State Deputy Governor, Yomi Awoniyi, has advised the Kogi State Chairman of Action Congress of Nigeria ACN, Alhaji Hadi Ametuo not to embark on a mission of calumny that is detrimental to the progress of the state.

Awoniyi stated this when he received members of the State House of Assembly from the five Okun speaking areas of the state who were in his office on a sympathy visit on the recent auto crash involving the State Governor, Capt Idris Wada in which he lost his

Former commissioner tasks agencies on corruption

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lhaji Nurudeen Mohammed, a former Commissioner for Finance in Kwara, has urged the nation's anti-graft commissions to intensify their efforts at tackling corruption to engender development.

Mohammed, who stated this in Ilorin, appealed to the EFCC and ICPC to live up to their mandates of ridding the menace of corruption, which he said had reached an alarming rate. He

pleaded with the judiciary to ensure quick dispensation of justice, especially in matters that related to corruption.

The former commissioner, who is the Tafida of Kaima in Kwara, urged Nigerians, irrespective of religion and social cultural background, to work with security agencies in their bid to ensure a crime-free society.

Mohammed also answered a question on budget, saying that

ov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo has ordered the immediate retirement of Mr Alhassan Ikeloa, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Public Utilities, for alleged dereliction of duty.

The governor announced Ikeloa's retirement in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof.

Julius Ihonvbre, on Saturday in Benin.

The statement said that the sack order followed the governor's onthe-spot inspection of some parts of the Benin metropolis on Friday. The places he visited included the National Museum on Oba Ovoramwen Square, where he lamented the filthy nature of the area.

The statement stated that the governor was visibly angry over the heaps of refuse at the museum and surrounding areas and traced the problem to the Permanent Secretary's dereliction of duty. According quoted Oshiomhole as saying that the board of the state Civil Service would be informed of Ikelao's retirement for ratification.

The governor also ordered the seizure of wares displayed by traders along walk-ways on the newly constructed Oba Market roads, the statement added.

Oshiomhole, who ordered the towing of vehicles impounded by the police, warned the Divisional Police Officer of the station in the area to desist from parking such vehicles along the road. (NAN)

a quick passage of the nation's budget by the National Assembly would go a long way in accelerating the government's desire to execute its capital projects.

The former commissioner called on all tiers of government to find a lasting solution to the poor road network in the country. He said it would save many lives who would have died in motor accidents. (NAN)

ADC,ASP Mohammed Idris.

The Deputy Governor described the utterances of the state Chairman of the ACN regarding the state of health of Capt Idris Wada as misleading and unhealthy for the State.

He appealed to him to always cross check his facts before going to the press so as not to run foul of the law. Awoniyi disclosed that the absence of the Governor has not in any way slowed down government business.

Rather than seek cheap popularity, Awoniyi urged the ACN Chairman to be humane in his utterances adding that it was an accident which could happen to anybody. Awoniyi thanked God for the Governor's speedy rate of recovery within a short time and commended the initiative of the legislators for the visit.

Earlier in his speech, Hon Henry Ojuola who spoke on behalf of the lawmakers described the loyalty of the Deputy Governor to his boss as unflinching, unalloyed and unconditional pray God to grant the Governor speedy recovery to enable him return and continue with his transformation agenda for the state.

Highlight of the legislators visit was prayers offered for quick recovery of the State governor, his Deputy the family of the late ADC and the state in general.

PAGE 40

2015: Group calls for credible candidate

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group, under the aegis of Concerned Arewa Patriots (CAP), has called for the fielding of a credible candidate from the north to contest for the country's Presidency in 2015. The North-West Co-ordinator of CAP, Mr Maiyaki Idris, made the call in Kano on Sunday while briefing newsmen. ''CAP hereby appeals to the North to passionately address the crucial choice of a presidential candidate with credible standards devoid of ethnic, political and religious sentiments,'' he said.

The group appealed to politicians from the north to ensure the selection of a candidate who is ``incorruptible, sellable, reliable''. It said the candidate must be someone whose track record of nationalism and performance could never be in doubt to vie for the presidency in the next general elections. Idris said the group had set the machinery in motion to mobilise all well-meaning Northerners, including all former Heads of state in galvanising support for the idea. ` `We also have in mind the federal and state legislators, both present and past ones, and we believe they can support the idea,'' he said. The co-ordinator said the group would focus on programmes aimed at promoting the region's socioeconomic and political growth, as well as its development and that of the nation as a whole.(NAN)

Association lauds Al-Makura for appointing 2 blind men into cubinet

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he Nigeria Association for the Blind, Nasarawa chapter, has applauded Gov. Umaru Al-Makura appointing two physically-challenged men into government positions. Mr Hassan Adogo, chairman of the association, gave the commendation in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lafia.

The chairman said that the appointment of Mr Mohammed Idris, a cripple, as the state's Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, had shown that Al-Makura ``is truly the governor of all". He also commended the appointment of Mr Yakubu Obama, also a cripple, as his Special Assistant on Disabled Matters. ``Gov. Al-Makura has done a lot to improve the lives of the citizens of the state,'' Agogo said. He reiterated the association's commitment to giving the governor total support to enable him to transform the state and improve the lives of the people. He called on the governor to appoint more physically-challenged people into state government positions to give them a sense of belonging.

The chairman also called on the stakeholders, politicians and citizens of the state to give the governor the much-needed support to enable him to take the state to ``the promise land''.

(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

2015: Northern youth group kicks against Jonathan

By Umar Muhammad Puma

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orthern youth groups from nineteen northern states under the aegis of the Northern Youth Assembly (NYA) (Majalisar Matasan Arewa) yesterday at Arewa House, Kaduna said they will resist any attempt to impose President Goodluck Jonathan on the nation even though they did not oppose his right to

contest the 2015 presidency.

Speakers at the National Youth Dialogue meeting themed "Challenges of Sustaining the Nigerian Democracy and the National Unity -The Role of Nigerian Youths and the Way Forward" were unanimous in asking the crop of present Northern leaders to leave the stage for the youths to lead the quest for Northern Presidency in 2015.

Chairman of the occasion, Rep Aliyu Ibrahim Gebi, while speaking said Nigerian and especially Northern youths have been marginalized by the same people who attained leadership position in the youthful ages due to the benevolence of leaders like late Sardauna Sir Ahmadu Bello, but are not willing to allow the present crops of youths to realize their potentials

and contribute to development of the region.

"It is our mandate and our right to decide who leads us. If President Goodluck Jonathan likes he can contest a million times as much as the constitution allows, but for anyone to try to impose anybody on us will not be acceptable, never again, it will not happen never again," Gebi said.

He also said the northern youths are not subjects to anyone but bonafide members of the society with the right to dignity guaranteed for other Nigerians in the Constitution.

National chairman of the NYA, Mallam Ibrahim Waiya, said Northern youths had series of bitter experiences including the recent 2011 general election where some people created illusive popularity in the pretext of championing the cause of the North with no reasonable and responsible representation of the majority of Northerners.

Aregbesola unveils Oriolokun in Ile-Ife

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L-R: Member, House of Representatives,Hon. Halliru Zakari Jikan Toro, Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, and Hon. Bashir Adamu, exchanging pleasantries, during their visit to Hon. Halliru zakari's house, recently in Borgu, New Bussa in Niger state.

Group advises Kogi to set up budget monitoring body

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he Kogi Government has been advised to set up an independent budget monitoring body to effectively track budget implementation.

The call was contained in an 11point communique issued on Friday in Lokoja at the end of a one-day meeting of the Kogi State Economic Literacy for Budget Accountability in Governance (ELBAG), facilitated

by ActionAid Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the communique was signed by Mr Victor Adejoh of Participation Initiative for Behavioural Change

in Development on behalf of ELBAG and Mr Mattaga Gerald, the Community Coordinator.

The document said that the body would assess the budget performance of the state's Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as local government councils in the state. It pointed out that in spite of government's good intensions and plausible budgetary provisions, an appraisal of the 2012 budget showed that it did not make positive impact on the lives of the poor in the state.

"The MDAs in the state have not been accountable and transparent

in budget implementation in the past year as no MDA clearly accounted for any capital projects in 2012."

The communique also recommended capacity building training for members of the state's House of Assembly to sharpen their oversight function skills in ensuring that budgetary provisions were strictly adhered to and implemented. Budget staff of the MDAs, the communique added, also required training to develop their expertise in budget and budgeting processes. (NAN)

Don't be deterred by criticisms, Obasanjo advises Okorocha

F

ormer President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday advised Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo not to be deterred by criticism of his performance. Obasanjor gave the advice at the wedding of the governor's first daughter, Uloma, and husband, Mr Uche Nwosu, at the Holy Cross Catholic Church, Aladinma, Owerri.

Nwosu is the Imo Commissioner for Lands and Survey. Obasanjo, who said that Okorocha was bound to receive criticisms, urged him to remain focused on the programmes and policies of his administration aimed at developing the state. He reminded the governor that

the more good he did, the more criticisms he would attract, citing Jesus Christ as an example.

The former president noted that Jesus was an epitome of goodness, yet he was crucified by his enemies. He commended Okorocha for believing in and preaching the unity of the country, an attitude he said was the hallmark of a progressive leader.

Obasanjo prayed God to bless the couple, and urged them to love each other. Earlier, Okorocha stressed the need for unity in the country, adding that the support he had received from people from all parts the country

showed that Nigerians were becoming more united. ``I received supports and gifts from almost all the governors, including those that were represented. ``In fact, Nigeria is matching forward and very soon we will become the greatest nation in mankind if we continue like this," he said. In his sermon, the officiating priest, Rev. Fr. Julius Emegwa urged the groom to love his wife "as Christ loves the church" and the bride to be submissive to her husband. Emegwa also enjoined them to tolerate and love each other, and noted that without love, marriage would not stand. (NAN)

ov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun on Saturday in Ile-Ife unveiled an Ife ancestral monument, popularly called Oriolokun, as part of activities marking the inauguration of Ori-olokun garden. The governor performed the unveiling of the huge Ori-Olokun sculpture at the Ori-Olokun Roundabout, formerly Mayfair Roundabout in Ile-Ife. He described the monument as a precious heritage of the Yoruba race, and urged the people to protect and preserve it. Mr Taiwo Olaiya, the Executive Secretary, Ife Central Local Government, under whose jurisdiction the garden is situated, also described the monument as the most famous in history. According to him, Ori-Olokun monument was discovered in the early 20th century

by German explorer Leo Frobenius. ``Frobenius could not imagine that such works were of African origin and came up with the theory that this great art was evidence of the lost Atlantis of the Greeks. ``He further declared that the Yoruba deity, Olokun, was the same god as the Greek Poseidon. ``The monument was further identified as a modern sand casting of a brass, which comprises copper and zinc. ``The name, Olokun, attached to this head refers to the fact that it was dug up in the late 19th century in the Olokun Grove and used in annual rites to honour Olokun ,'' he said. An Ife priest, Chief Faloba Fagbenro, described Olokun as the goddess of the sea and patronage of bead making, which makes glass bead working an important industry in IleIfe. He recalled that the head of Olokun (Ori Olokun) remained in the hands of the family responsible for the Olokun cult until Oni brought it to the palace for safekeeping in 1934. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

PAGE 47

Say what?

JOKES Engineer as a Designer of the Human Body Three engineering students were gathered together discussing the possible designers of the human body.

One said, “It was a mechanical engineer. Just look at all the joints.”

Another said, “No, it was an electrical engineer. The nervous systems many thousands of electrical connections.”

The last said, “Actually it was a civil engineer. Who else would run a toxic waste pipeline through a recreational area?”

The Genie

SUDOKU Getting Started Each sudoku puzzle is a 9 by 9 grid of horizontal and vertical rows, evenly separated into 9 squares with 9 spaces each.

Instead of word clues, each puzzle’s solution is determined by the pattern of the numbers already filled in you. You solve the puzzle by filling in the missing digits so that, when completed, each row and each square will have all the number from 1 to 9; each number will appear in exactly nine spaces within each puzzle.

A blonde was walking along the beach when she finds an old bottle floating in the water. The blonde goes over and picks it up and notices a cork in the top of the bottle. She pulls out the cork and a genie pops out.

“Thankyou for letting me out after 10000 years, stuck in that bottle and to say thankyou I will give you 3 wishes.

The blonde thinks for a little while and finally decides on her first wish.

“I would like to be 10% smarter” The genie does her magic and she is turned into a red head.

“I don’t think I am smart enough yet, I would like to be 100% smarter than what I am” So the Genie does her magic a second time and she turns in to a brunette.

“I don’t think I am smart enough yet I would like to be 1000% smarter than what I am” So the genie turns her into a man!

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Yesterday’s solution

Serene: With its eyes shut and one flipper outstretched, the seal appears almost as if it is practicing yoga moves by balancing upon a rock in the middle of the sea off the coast of Estonia.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

. . . putting the people first

MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013

SPORTS LA TEST LATEST

NFF closes AFCON door on Ameobi

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igeria Football Federation (NFF) has closed the Africa Cup of Nations door on Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi after he failed to arrive over the weekend at the team training camp in Portugal.

Ameobi preferred to skipper a depleted Magpies team that slumped 2-0 at second-tier Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday to make a shock FA Cup third-round exit.

The 31-year-old striker made his senior international debut against Venezuela two months ago and was set to be included in a 23-man Super Eagles squad for the Cup of Nations between January 19 and February 10.

But once Ameobi was chosen in a provisional Nigerian squad, Newcastle manager Alan Pardew said the player would not be going to South Africa for the tournament without giving a reason.

Although it emerged that a clause in the contract of Ameobi allowed the English Premier League club to retain his services during the tournament, Eagles coach Stephen Keshi did not drop him from the squad until this weekend.

“The chapter concerning Ameobi is now closed and we are looking ahead to the announcement of the final 23man squad this week," Nigeria team spokesman Ben Alaiya told reporters at the camp in Faro.

Alaiya added that the squad to face defending champions Zambia, Burkina Faso and Ethiopia in Rustenburg-based Group C could be named tomorrow, a day before Nigeria play a warm-up match against the Cape Verde Islands in Portugal.

The Eagles will be hoping to build on an impressive first warm-up last Wednesday when an experimental team that started with seven local players drew 1-1 in Spain against a Catalonia side containing several Barcelona stars.

Shola Ameobi ADVERT: BUSINESS: NEWS: LAGOS:

0803 0805 0803 0805 0803

QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE In addition to China, India, and Brazil, regional players such as Colombia, indonesia, Nigeria, South Africa and Turkey, will become especially important to the global economy.

— United States National Intelligence Council (NIC) report on Global Trends 2030

Posters and posers If voting changed anything, they'd abolish it — Ken Livingstone

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he reactions to the deluge of posters in Abuja hinting, in effect, that President Jonathan intends to remain President beyond 2015 were varied and amusing. The presidency itself pulled out all stops to denounce the intention and the act of plastering the face of the President in glossy, expensive posters in a bid to warn away ambitious opposition from daring to dream of Nigeria without Jonathan as President in 2015. All that energy was wasted. The legion of the presidential spokesmen who distanced him from the posters failed to recognize that the ploy is a time-tested Nigerian political tradition, and while you meekly do say that the face in the poster is not the inspiration for it, you also say it is the right of every citizen to express a political preference. If some people, you also say, want Jonathan to contest again in 2015, it is their right to say so in an open democratic manner, with or without his consent. The goal, of course, is that the point would have been made. Nigerians now know that the 2015 project is real, and there are likely to be other strategies to keep the message alive.

No one believes that thousands of posters plastered in Abuja in the middle of the night were the handiwork of detractors or people who want to force the hands of the President. Just think: if those posters had the face of President Jonathan above captions such as "2015: Never Again, Jonathan"; or "Go Home in 2015"; or "Please Go Now, Jonathan"; or any of such slogans, would presidential spokesmen, police, SSS or any of the army of security personnel or the thousands of young people from the south-south who have now made Abuja first homes and paint it red until the wee hours of the morning have left them there, and claimed that they had no knowledge of who pasted them? At the most minimal level, it must taken at least 100 people armed with posters, glue, smearing equipment, lights and some elaborate intelligence over strategic posting positions, working over a period of at least 4 or five hours to paste all those posters. The printers would have required at least 36 hours and elaborate logistics to print and distribute. If the posters carried patently subversive messages, such as "Support Boko Haram", or "End the Nigerian Nightmare"; or even less offensive slogans like

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FIFTEEN MINUTES with Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed drbabaahmed@yahoo.com

President Jonathan "Replace Jonathan with Dokubo", would they still have been printed and pasted without any detection or resistance?

There are in fact serious issues to consider in the poster saga. The security angle is the most serious.

It is perfectly understandable if President Jonathan's people disown the people behind the campaign. But it would be reassuring to hear from the security agencies that they were aware of the printing, movement and pasting of all those posters in the middle of the night. They should also say if they know who was behind them, since they apparently broke no laws, except perhaps defacing public property.

Nigerians need to hear this because feigning ignorance, or claiming not to know anything about the posters would alarm a nation already on edge. People who had all the time to move posters and pasting material to many parts of Abuja and work unchallenged could also have been involved in more harmful exercises in very sensitive areas. So it is important to hear the view of the police and other security agencies. Even if it is to assure citizens that they knew when the posters were being posted, and who was behind them.

Whatever other information they give to the President in confidence should not be of public concern.

The amusing angle to the poster saga is the indignation of opposition

parties over the episode. Everyone is running around shouting as if this post-your-poster-and-disclaimit strategy is new in Nigerian politics. Everyone knows that President Jonathan is a very likely candidate in the 2015 elections.

Politicians have put out posters to warn off oppositions with 'No Vacancy' since President Obasanjo's campaign managers made it popular. Politicians have routinely printed and published posters of opponents as aspirants to political offices to pitch them against occupants many times in the past. Vice President Namadi Sambo's posters were plastered all over Kaduna some time last year, announcing his candidature for the Presidency. He duly denounced it as the handiwork of detractors.

Posters are put out to test the waters, to pollute waters, to cause confusion. They are put out by friends and enemies, and sometimes they are pasted and torn down within a few hours by the same interests to make political points.

It is perfectly legal and legitimate to warn off opposition.

The language of 'No Vacancy' used to offend Nigerians, because it suggested that even popular elections will not replace occupants. This has changed since the standard ethics of Nigerian politics came crashing down many notches. If President Jonathan's supporters cannot find less abused phrases to say he is in the race, the most serious accusation that can be labeled against them is laziness.

And there is plenty of evidence of laziness all around the political terrain. Opposition is getting all worked up over posters, when it should be involved in a life-ordeath discussions over alliances and mergers. It even has time to comment on the President's New Year message to the nation, a document that should be saved by historians as evidence over how low competence in governance levels can descend in Nigeria. The demand that people who printed and pasted all those posters should be arrested and prosecuted is almost laughable. They are

detractors, we are told, people who want to divert Mr President's attention and energy from making 2013 a truly transformative year. If the hundreds of suspects who were involved in spectacular bombings have been arrested, according to the President, but have not been prosecuted, does the opposition seriously expect arrest and prosecution of people who pasted posters campaigning for President Jonathan? After all, everyone who had anything to say, tells us that they are unknown. Pretty much like the JASLIWAJ (a.k.a.

Boko Haram) who are faceless, even though many of their major operatives are now in custody.

The hoopla over the campaign posters of President Jonathan remind us of the sorry state of Nigerian politics. Here you have a President with neither time nor trust, battling massive problems which mount by the day, and desperately hoping for a miracle that things will automatically turn round. He cannot say he will run again in 2015 because he does not have enough ammunition to fight that battle. He cannot say he will not run because he will be permanently crippled by people who see their future without him.

So he or his people fly kites, and even these are shot at by an opposition which cannot work at a more serious level to challenge him now, and in 2015.

If, to be charitable to President Jonathan, he truly does not know, or approve of the people who put out those posters, he needs to pay closer attention to his immediate political circle. The recent criticisms of this circle by a (former?) insider, Asari Dokubo should tell him that he has many problems close to home. He may do well to heed the warning that you keep your friends close, and you enemies closer. If he had no hand in the posters, his close enemies may be at play.

If the posters were kites testing the waters over the President's popularity or ambitions towards 2015, one will only hope that there are people around the President competent enough to give him a fair feedback. If this feedback is anything other than an irritated, hostile reaction, they must be deluding him. President Jonathan needs to work a lot harder to earn the confidence of Nigerians. The opposition needs to work even harder to ensure that those posters are not signals that whatever they or the electoral process do, President Jonathan will be in the Villa after May 29, 2015.

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