Peoples Daily Newspaper, Friday 07, June, 2013

www.peoplesdailyng.com

Vol. 11 No. 15

Friday, June 7, 2013

. . . putting the people first

Kano among designated cargo terminals - FAAN >>3

Rajab 29, 1434 AH

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Nasarawa crisis: Death toll hits over 40 >>3

NGF: Aliyu betrayed us — Yuguda B From Mohammad Ibrahim & Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Jang, 13 others shun govs’ meeting

L-R : Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, Jigawa state Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, and Niger state Governor, chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, during the forum’s meeting, yesterday in Kaduna.

reaking his silence since he dumped the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF), Bauchi state Governor, Isa Yuguda, said yesterday that the crisis rocking the leadership of the Governors Forum (NGF) was as a result of the betrayal of the NSGF chairman, Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State.

Yuguda was at the Presidential Villa to confer with President Goodluck Jonathan over undisclosed issues.

He told State House correspondents that the 19 governors who are members of the NSGF had agreed in principle that Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau was their consensus candidate for the post of the NGF leadership.

The subsequent crisis could have been averted if Aliyu had provided astute leadership and direction, he claimed.

According to Yuguda, “my word should be my bond. If I had sat down with 19 of my colleagues and we agreed on something, I should not see the chairman of that forum not coming to protect the integrity of the Northern Governors Forum and by extension the Nigerian Governors Forum and that is why I say all the crisis and all the unfortunate comments made about the governors today, the fault should be traced to the Northern Governors Forum because we are the culprits. And that is why I say on his honour, let the chairman of the Northern Governors Forum come out and tell Nigerians that either we in the forum did not come out with Jang as our consensus candidate or we, 19 governors, picked Jang as our consensus candidate.”

He explained that he decided to quit the NSGF because he felt that leadership is Contd. on Page 2

2015: ‘Wamakko’s suspension’ll affect PDP candidates’ From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

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eoples Democratic Party (PDP), North- West Zonal Chairman, Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure, yesterday described the suspension of

Sokoto state Governor, Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamako, as unfortunate. It will no doubt affect the candidature of PDP in the 2015 general elections.

According to him, Sokoto state is a very important state because nearly 100 percent of its citizens

are PDP loyalists.

In an interview with newsmen in Kaduna, Kazuare said the national leadership of the party should have done a wide consultation before taking the decision to suspend the governor because there are enemies within the party.

He said that though the suspension of the Sokoto state Governor may not affect the party but it will definitely affect the candidature of the party in the next election.

“I am not saying they are wrong and I am not saying what they

have done is wrong, but all I am saying there should have been a wide consultation before the action should be taken.

“For a governor of a state where we have 100 percent PDP supporters from the word up to Contd. on Page 2

Corruption: Ogbulafor floors ICPC in court

>>9

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

News CONTENTS News

2-10

Editorial

12

Op.Ed

13

Letters

14

Opinion

15

Metro

16-18

Business

19-22

Stockwatch S/Report Islam Int’l

23 24-25 26 29-30

Strange World 31

Electricity: Shame of a nation, Page 4

Revue

32-33

Feature

34-35

Digest

36

Politics

37-39

Woman

40

Sports Columnist

41-45 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

NYSC cancels passing-out parade in Nasarawa

T

he 2012 Batch ‘B’ corps members posted to Nasarawa State concluded their service year on Thursday without the usual passing-out parade and fun-fare, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

Nasarawa State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Stephen Alabi, said the ceremony was shelved because of the security challenges facing the state.

“This arrangement will definitely deny most corps members the privilege of benefitting from

invaluable advice and admonition from dignitaries and the opportunity to meet with their colleagues from different local government areas for the last time before leaving,” Mr. Alabi said.

According to him, certificates are being presented quietly to the outgoing corps members simultaneously across all the zonal headquarters in the state.

Mr. Alabi said a total of 2,871 corps members successfully completed the service year and

would be given Certificates of National Service. He said 18 corps members would repeat the service for absconding, while five would have their service year extended for periods ranging from two months to five months for various offences.

The state coordinator also announced that three corps members in the state died during the service year.

He advised the outgoing corps members to imbibe the spirit of entrepreneurship, stressing that the

chances of people getting white collar jobs were getting slimmer every day.

In his remark, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development in Nasarawa, Angama Weibey, congratulated the corps members for their meritorious service.

He assured them that the state government would always provide an enabling environment for those, who would want to start their postservice life in the state and pointed out that various opportunities existed in the state. (NAN)

NGF: Aliyu betrayed us — Yuguda Contd. from Front Page about integrity and honour, and having taken the path of dignity, it would be inconsistent with his status to continue to pitch his tent with Aliyu as a person.

According to him, his deputy would seat on the NSGF on behalf of his state, noting that, “that means as a person, I don’t want to attend their meeting but my deputy can attend on behalf of the people and government of Bauchi State.

“But as a person, I will not. That has always been my position.”

The Bauchi governor said: “Let me assure you that if there is no such code of conduct and ethics in office of a governor, very soon, nobody will want to be a governor.

Go and think and sleep over this and you will confirm that I am right.

“There is honour in leadership and God sanctions leadership. If God has anctioned leadership in our books of faith, I cannot see evil associated with leadership.

So anybody that associates politics with evil and wants to play the evil way is not part of us.

“You are all young men and my heart bleeds for all of you because there must be integrity in governance.

“We, your governors should be men of high integrity, we should be role models and we should not play evil politics because most people associate politics with evil.

If you don’t know how to tell lies, if you don’t know how to betray, if you don’t know how to have double face, you are not a good politician. But me I am not carved out for that.”

Curiously, only five governors attended yesterday’s meeting of the Northern State Governors Forum in Kaduna.

The governors that attended the meeting are the Chairman, Babangida Aliyu of Niger; Sule Lamido of Jigawa; Ibrahim Dankwanbo of Gombe; Tanko Almakura of Nasarawa; and the host governor, Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State. The others were represented by their deputies.

The northern governors in support of Mr. Jang are believed to have shelved the meeting in protest against what they considered a

betrayal during the NGF meeting.

Hours before last month’s meeting and chairmanship election of the NGF, the northern governors had met and reportedly endorsed Mr. Jang as their candidate for chairman.

The result of the election, in which Mr. Jang lost to Mr. Amaechi by 16 votes to 19, however showed that some of the northern governors did not vote for the Plateau Governor.

“I know there was election (NGF) that someone won. We are having problems and we will solve it,” Aliyu said while responding to questions from newsmen yesterday.

The traditional press briefing prior to the meeting proper was unusually shelved.

Aliyu simply asked journalists to leave the venue of the meeting so that the governors could meet.

The meeting started around 11:00 a.m. and ended around 1:30 p.m.

A communiqué signed by the chairman at the end of the meeting expressed concern over the economic problems facing the

nation and the north in particular and resolved to have an economic plan that would emanate from the states, zones and the region to form a basis for economic development.

The governors also promised to send a delegation to the state to condole the government and people of Nassarawa State over the civil unrest and killings of security operatives and colossal loss of lives and property.

The Forum also asked northern states to study the recommendations in the Draft White Paper of the Committee on Reconciliation, Healing and Security and promptly implement them as appropriate in the interest of peaceful co-existence and development of the country.

On the Petroleum Industry Bill, the meeting noted that member states had already articulated and forwarded their various positions on the bill to the National Assembly. The forum therefore resolved to continue to engage members of the National Assembly for the speedy passage of the bill in the overall interest of all.

2015: ‘Wamakko’s suspension’ll affect PDP candidates’ Contd. from Front Page National levels be suspended is sad. This is why I am sad.

“I don’t think his suspension will affect the PDP but it will affect the candidature of the PDP because PDP as a party will remain a party because it is not a club. PDP gets stronger day by day. But the unfortunate thing is that when you train a lion and he began to eat this person and that person.

“By the time everybody is finished then what will happen next. I am calling on our leaders in PDP to please save us from this situation we are in because we have a very strong rival and they are strong.

“The North West is zone is the largest PDP zone in the country

even in the National Assembly.

“We have seven governors in the zone, so it is not a zone you can play with.

“I am sorry for what happened but I hope the leaders will think about it.

“Religious sentiment is out of my dictionary God has already ordained who will be the next president.

“All these we are doing is only God that knows who will be the next president. Not you, not me not even anybody in Nigeria knows that.”

On the clamour by the SouthSouth leadership to retain the presidency come 2015 he said tha, “the South-South that is talking should understand that it was somebody that died and

somebody took it. Do you know what will happen tomorrow? You don’t know.

“Only God knows what will happen tomorrow even if I said you will be the king of your town tomorrow is not possible because we don’t decide the future of this country. Whatever God decides is what will happen.

Reacting to what the PDP National Chairman Alhaji Bamanga Tukur on President Jonathan’s contest in the next election, Kazaure said that, “the only thing is that the leader of party has said his own.

“He only said what he feels like saying and I don’t have right to stop him because he is the leader of the party but the constitution of the party is there.

“When you read the party’s constitution then you will know whether there will be primary or not or there will be consensus or not.

“It is not PDP that will decide because PDP is not a club but a party.

“The people are the one who gather to make a party from South-East, North- South-West if we all decide to say there will be no primary and the constitution says there should be primary then there will be primary,” he said.

On the governors forum crisis, the Kazuare noted that, “as far as we are concerned, there is no Governors’ Forum in the Constitution of Nigeria and there is no PDP Governors’ Forum in the PDP’s constitution.”

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

PAGE 3

News

Nasarawa crisis: Death toll hits over 40 From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

F

resh facts emerging from Rukubi, Nasarawa state, the scene of a violent clash between Agatu tribesmen and Tiv militias, indicate that over 40 people might have lost their lives as a result of the skirmishes. Some 15 houses, seven cars and several motorcycles were also burnt.

Mustapha Danladi Ayaga, an information officer of Ekye development area, told journalists on the entourage of Hon. Dameshi Barau Luka, the state’s deputy

governor who paid a condolence and assessment visit to the trouble spot yesterday, narrated that on the 4th of June, allegedly over 500 Tiv militants, armed with sophisticated weapons, including AK 47 and SMGs, launched a surprise attack on Rukubi, shooting and killing defenseless residents, confirming that at the last count, 35 dead bodies were recovered.

Luka, who arrived Rukubi in company of the traditional ruler of the area, Musa Abari, the Osapa of Akpanaja, condoled the people, urging them to remain calm while

government is looking into the matter with a view to addressing the situation.

After taking an assessment tour of the area, the deputy governor visited the management of the Olam Rice Farm, where he had a closed door session with officials of the company before leaving for Doma, to visit the displaced persons camp at the Doma Central Pilot School.

Danladi Ayaga also confirmed that the attackers, dressed in mobile police uniforms, were mostly Tivs from the neighboring Benue state, allegedly from Daudu, Makurdi

and Gboko areas, who were hired to destroy the area, particularly, the Olam Rice Farm, a private concern said to be the largest rice farm in African.

While describing as a fallacy the claim that the Agatu were harboring Fulani herdsmen i n Rukubi, the information officer disclosed that prior to the attack, residents were on two occasions warned by the Tivs to send the Fulanis residing in the area packing or risk an attack.

“Rukubi is an area that accommodates a lot of people, there are seven different tribes

residing here. We don’t have the right to send anybody packing. The people that come for this attack are from Benue state, we still have Tivs living among us in Idadu and other places. They are focusing on this company but youth in the area reinforced and protected the company,” Ayaga added.

When our reporter toured the town, Rukubi, a small fishing community on a tributary of River Benue, was a ghost town, with only the youth and elderly seen in clusters as they contemplate their fate.

State of emergency won’t affect dialogue, says Turaki

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R-L: Former Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, Speaker, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, and Chairperson, House Committee on Diaspora, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, during the end of 2nd session of the 7th House of Representatives, yesterday at the National Assembly, in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

2015: All votes must count - Tambuwal

By Umar Muhammad Puma

S

p e a k e r of the House of Representatives, Rep. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, said yesterday that for the nation’s democracy to grow, political parties must deverlop a mechanism for Internal democratic process to achieve a genuine development of

democratic culture.

Tambuwal made the assertion at the second year anniversary of the 7th House of Representatives in Abuja, adding that, “as we work and walk towards 2015, we ought to take the vow that all votes must count whether in intra party democratic processes or at the level of inter party contests”.

According to him, true democracy does not happen by accident, “it is therefore our duty as intimate practitioners and beneficiaries of political patronage to be in the vanguard of the deepening of democracy.

The people of Nigeria desire and deserve this, it is right and honourable, we have a duty to deliver these noble expectations”.

residential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North, has said that despite the proscribing of Boko Haram by the Federal Government, it will continue to engage the sect in to constructive dialogue to ensure lasting peace in the region.

Chairman of the Committee and Minister of Special Duties, Alh. Saminu Turaki stated this yesterday in Jos while addressing Journalists shortly after a courtesy call on the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman Joint Traditional Council Plateau State, Da Jacob Gyang Buba.

He said the ban on Boko Haram by the Federal Government does not stop the function of the committee, stressing that they are to constructively engage key members of the Boko Haram; to define a comprehensive and workable framework for resolving the crisis of insecurity in the Country and to development a framework for granting amnesty, to set up a frame work through which disarmament could take place within 60 days time frame.

According to him, the committee is to develop a comprehensive victims’ support programme and to develop a mechanisms to address the underlying causes of insurgencies with a view to preventing future occurrences among others as its recommendation.

Turaki who spoke on the need to safeguard lives of innocent citizens and their properties insist that the committee is still in place “Let’s

me say without missing wards, the prescription of Boko Haram Sect will not in any way fundamentally affects the assignment that the committee have been doing, if you look at what has been happening in other jurisdiction, take South Africa as an example, ANC as it where was a political organisation that was ban, the fact that it was ban by the apathy regime did not prevent them at a point in time to engage them in fruitful discussion even when President Nelson Mandela was in prison, interaction and discussion were been held between him and Apathy regime up to the time when Apathy was dismantle and President Mandela took over.

“The same thing with IRA, even when America was fighting Vedinam and that is the highest pick of conflict that you could talk of, discussion and dialogue were going on. What we are saying is that, government has to take certain steps to ensure that the lives and properties of law abiding citizens are protected.

Turaki maintained that it is the responsibility of government at all level to protect lives and properties of its citizens and insist that his committee is coming up with a policy framework to assist government in that direction.

“Government some times need to take decision that will ensure lawlessness will not be tolerated.

“Our constructive engagement and discussion will still continue, we are going to continue what we are doing and we are in Jos now, we are making consultations with the critical stakeholders.

Kano among designated cargo terminals - FAAN From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

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ontrary to speculation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria yesterday denied claims that Kano is not among the cargo terminals designated to serve as outlets for the export of tonnes of perishable and non-perishable agricultural produce that abound in the country.

Speaking to our reporter in Lagos,

the General Manager, Corporate Communication of FAAN Mr. Yakubu Dati said the Federal Government will provide infrastructure for air cargo villages on a public-private-partnership (PPP) at major international airports and promote Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano as transshipment hubs.

According to Dati, “The FG will provide infrastructure for air cargo villages, which will include multi-

modal transport, cargo terminals, cold storage centers, automatic storage and retrieval systems, mechanized transport of cargo, dedicated express cargo terminals with airside and city side openings, computerization and automation,on a public-private-partnership (PPP) at major international airports and promote Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano as transshipment hubs.

He further explained that the

transformation agenda of the government provides a platform for a dynamic aviation sector with an integrated aviation master plan to develop aerotropolis, cargo villages, initially at ten airport locations in the country and for free exportprocessing zones in Nigeria, in order to maximize the economic potentials of the nation’s goal of being a leading emerging economy in 2020 as air cargo and logistics operations

are vital or competitive trade and investment in Nigeria.

Also, the Minister, Stella Oduah reiterated that effort to boost the cargo business and export in the country alongside the re-modelling and building of airport terminals was responsible for securing N106 billion from the Chinese bank to build about 11 Cargo/Perishable materials terminals, with six of them to be sited at airports in the North.

The Page 4 Report

PEOPLES DAILY, FIRDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

Electricity: Shame of a nation

By Etuka Sunday

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othing has caused Nigeria national and international embarrassments like the issue of epileptic power supply. This is a sector into which several billions of naira has been injected but has forced many small and medium businesses to close shops leading to the high rate of unemployment we are currently facing as a nation.

Bad policies and leadership contributed in no small measure to this abnormality.

Every day one hears of planned improvement, especially from our past leaders which never came to be. As a nation that is blessed with both human and natural resources, any right thinking human being would expect positive things out of it, but is as if Nigeria is in a quick sand, the more it struggles, the deeper it gets itself steeped in the mud.

To put the matter in perspective, it is pertinent to quote the World Bank shocking report published in most of Nigerian dailies on Wednesday, where it described Nigeria as the worst country with high electricity access deficit in the world, revealing further that about 82.4 million Nigerians lack access to electricity.

This report may appear very unfair to the progress so far made by this administration, but the truth must be told in facts and figures to really position our progress as a nation. In an assessment of the worst 20 countries in the world released on the World apex Bank Twitter handle, Nigeria came second to India with a population of 306.2 million people with lack of access to electricity, with an annual increase in access to electricity at the rate of 1.8 per cent.

The report which is to help assess the level of progress of countries under the Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) initiative was launched last year at the 2012 Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development.

Nigeria also came fifth among the 20 countries with the highest deficit in access to non-solid fuel. The report states that in Nigeria, 117.8 million people still use these non-solid fuel including firewood, charcoal and other such cooking sources.

India came top in the rating of the countries with lack of access to non-solid fuel with 705.0 million people.

This is followed by China with 612.8 million people, Bangladesh with 134.9 million people and Indonesia with 131.2 million people.

The report said that, “the achievement of universal access to modern energy will depend critically on the efforts of 20 highimpact countries (Nigeria inclusive).

“Together, these countries account for more than two-thirds of the population presently living without electricity (0.9 billion people) and more than four-fifths of the global population without access to non-solid fuels (2.4 billion people).

“This group of 20 countries is split between Africa and Asia. For electricity, India has by far the largest access deficit, exceeding 300 million people, while for non-solid cooking fuel India and China each have access deficits that exceed 600 million people.

“The access challenge is particularly significant in Sub-Saharan Africa, which is the only region where the rate of progress on energy access fell behind population growth in 1990–2010, both for electricity and for non-solid fuels.

According to Kandeh Yumkella, the UN

60 million Nigerians spend N1.6trillion on generator such as those annually

“

The access challenge is particularly significant in SubSaharan Africa, which is the only region where the rate of progress on energy access fell behind population growth in 1990–2010, both for electricity and for non-solid fuels.

Minister of Power, Chinedu Nebo Secretary General’s Special Representative for Sustainable Energy for All, the initiative seeks to achieve, by 2030, universal access to electricity and safe household fuels, a doubled rate of improvement of energy efficiency, and a doubled share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

“The report’s framework for data collection and analysis will enable us to monitor progress on the SE4ALL objectives from now to 2030,” he said.

On its part, the World Bank expressed fears that Africa faces acute energy challenges with the lowest electrification

rate of all the regions at 26 per cent of households.

In Africa, it said, at least 550 million people do not have access to electricity.

“Without access to energy services, the poor are deprived of the most basic economic opportunities needed to improve their standards of living.

“Access to environmentally and socially sustainable energy is essential to reduce poverty.

Although with the transformation agenda of the Federal Government, especially the Power Road Map launched

by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2010, the story may be changed. The substantial increase in the quantum of power delivery to Nigerians nationwide in recent times was in recognition of that fact, and more is yet to come.

If what the Federal Government is saying is anything to go by, then the country may soon be light up. “The government’s commitment to the generation of 40,000MW by 2020 is resolute as it would make Nigeria become a medium power by 2020”. Government is doing what is necessary to ensure that the capacity of 4, 500MW is maintained, while efforts are being made to deliver the available capacity that could not be delivered due to transmission and gas constraint before the end of the 2013 through improved funding of transmission infrastructures. 10, 000MW may be achieved in 2014 after all the bottleneck must have been addressed.

As a nation, Nigeria and its leaders must learn not to play politics with whatever befalls the nation. A critical sector like power must be given the needed attention so as to save the nation from both national and international embarrassments.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

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News

PDP on disintegration path, says ANPP chieftain

By Emmanuel Eko

F

ollowing some recent developments in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the Adamawa state ANPP Chairman, Alhaji Umar Duhu, has urged Nigerians to be prepared to defend their vote to prevent those planning to trample upon the coming 2015 general election.

Speaking during a press conference yesterday in Abuja, Duhu stated that the current political methods being demonstrated by PDP members show how they violate democratic principles.

“I see no reason why Nigeria should be held hostage by some few individuals who are known to

be corrupt and walking around the country as if they are untouchable.

“We should stand for our rights and work towards electing a credible person that would man the affairs of the country.” he said.

“What they do now is to suspend leaders who are opposed to their ungodly arrangement.

“We know that the suspension of Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers state and Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto state has further shown that Nigerians have to be prepared for the coming election to defend their votes.”

He further stated that the division in the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and the subsequent pulling out of it by some members does not speak well of the PDP.

Re-instated Bauchi lawmaker demands apology from colleagues From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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e-instated female law maker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Hon. Rifkatu Samson Danna, representing Bogoro constituency has demanded an unreserved apology from the house for rejecting the court order that reinstated her to the house.

A Bauchi state High Court had ordered the reinstatement of the female lawmaker after she was suspended by the Assembly in June last year. The court also ordered that she should be paid all her entitlements with immediate effect.

The presiding judge, Chief Justice Ibrahim Mohammed Zango, while delivering judgment said the indefinite suspension of the only female lawmaker in the state was illegal, unconstitutional and beyond the powers of House.

Hon. Danna while briefing newsmen in her Bauchi residence said the action of the house to have rejected the court order is a slap on democracy and the rule of law.

She wondered why her contributions against the relocation of Tafawa-Balewa council headquarters to Bununu engineered the whole problem.

NERC needs N7bn for Kano metering gap

By Etuka Sunday

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igerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has said that N7.9 billion is required to bridge the metering gap in Kano.

The commission, which disclosed this yesterday during the launch of its Kano Forum Office, as a measure to further its commitment to fair regulation for consumers and providers, also revealed that 269, 524 Kano residence have been metered.

The Forum is to handle all complaints by consumers of electricity in Kano, Jigawa and Katsina states respectively, in addition to serving as complaint redress mechanism to resolve customer complaints that are not resolved at Distribution Company level.

Speaking at the ceremony, Secretary to Kano State Government, Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, who represented the Governor, regretted that though Kano is one of the most populous States in the nation and ranks second in industrialisation, more power is distributed to other states.

He lamented the closure of many industries in the state due to lack of electricity, saying this has increased the rate of

unemployment.

He disclosed that Kano state government has signed MoU with German Company to generate 15MW of solar in the state. “Another 35MW is to be generated from Shalawa and Tiga Dams. With these on board, and also what we hope to get from Kano DISCO, we are sure that many industries will function again,” he affirmed.

He pledged the support of the Kano State government in providing the enabling environment that would see the Forum succeeds in its task.

In his address, the representative of the Chairman/ CEO, NERC, Abba Ibrahim Armiya’u, said, “NERC has been active in the discharge of its statutory duties. One of it is to safeguard the interest of its customers, at the same time ensuring that the service providers’ rights are not comprised.

“The well being of our customers is sine qua non to our viability and sustainability in business, therefore, this Forum office has been established to handle all unresolved electrical disputes between this company and aggrieved customers in the three States of Kano, Jigawa and Katsina.

Group Managing Director, Nigerain National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Engr. Andrew Yakubu planting a tree at the NNPC Towers to commemorate the 2013 World Environmental Day on Wednesday.

FG deploys relief materials to Nigerian refugees in Niger Republic – NEMA

By Mohammed Kandi

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urther to the humanitarian response of the Federal Government to communities affected by the security challenges in the country’s North East zone, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has deployed relief assistance to displaced Nigerians who fled into the nearby Republic of Niger to provide them with immediate succor.

NEMA said last week only 126 Nigerians fled to the Republic of Niger.

NEMA Director-General,

Muhammad Sani Sidi, confirmed that the Agency is responding to the humanitarian needs of the displaced Nigerians to alleviate their conditions.

A press statement yesterday

by NEMA Press Officer, Manzo Ezekiel, said the basic needs of the refugees were identified by a special assessment carried out by a team of the Agency that was dispatched to the Republic of Niger country.

The statement explained that the assessment was carried out along with officials of the Nigerian Embassy in Niamey, Nigerien authorities and resident representatives of United Nations

OCHA, UNHCR and the Red Cross.

According to the statement, the relief intervention will also ease the pressure brought on local resources of the host communities by the refugees.

Most of the refugees, he said were found to be in Bosso and its environs in the Diffa region of that country.

The statement reiterated the commitment of the Agency to provide necessary support to Nigerians in distress within and outside the country.

The relief deployed to Niger Republic comprise food, non-food items and medication.

PAGE 6

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

News

APC fails to ratify Akande, el-Rufai as Chairman, Secretary

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eaders of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), failed to ratify the nomination of Bisi Akande and Nasir el-Rufai as the interim national chairman and secretary of the association respectively, at their meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, due to minor disagreements, party sources said.

Approval of the other officers of the association, nominated by their parties, was also put on hold for the same reason.

Opposition parties that resolved last February to dissolve into APC are the Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

The parties had organised a plenary session on Tuesday last week where resolved to ask their leaderships to nominate their preferred members into the interim executive committee.

The session was attended by the members of the Joint Inter-Party Merger Committee (JIMC) and other representatives of the parties.

ACN nominated Mr. Akande, who is its national chairman to play a similar role in the yet-to-be registered APC while the CPC nominated Mr. elRufai, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as the national secretary of the association.

Wednesday’s meeting of the leaders, which was convened to approve the lists sent by the parties, was attended by their chairmen, deputy chairmen and other top members.

Among the leaders reportedly at the meeting were Mr. Akande and his counterparts in CPC and ANPP, Tony Momoh and Ogbonnaya Onu. Others were the national leaders of the CPC and ACN, Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Tinubu, respectively.

Although some of the leaders refused to speak, it was gathered that the meeting could not agree on some of the nominees.

A leader of the ANPP, who pleaded anonymity, said the party would only forward its nominees when it is told about the position available to it, an indication that the sharing of the positions is yet to be concluded.

A leader of ACN in one of the South-South states who attended the meeting, simply told PREMIUM TIMES that “If they said Akande and el-Rufai have been appointed, I won’t doubt it.”

CPC spokesman, Rotimi Fashakin and his ANPP counterpart, Emma Eneukwu in telephone interviews, merely confirmed that the members of the National Working Committees of the parties were not allowed to attend the meeting and therefore would not provide any information on it.

Senate President Senator David Mark (middle), with other senators jointly cutting the cake to mark the end of 2nd session of the 7th Senate, at the National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Kano, Jigawa administrators attend implementation workshop on new WAEC curriculum

By Jamila Nuhu Musa

A

dministrators from Jigawa and Kano states are attending a 2- Day workshop in Abuja, to strengthen the capacity of Ministry of Education and Boards in implementing the New Secondary School Education Curriculum.

The policy was developed by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, (NERC) in order to face the challenges head on.

Despite the glaring issues of lack of qualified teachers, inadequate instructional materials, poor structures and so on, the workshop is to focus on resolving challenges of the new policy which include whether students will still be taking WASCE, SSCE and NABTEB at the end of their 3- year secondary school education, facilities and equipment amongst others.

In her presentation on implication of the new curriculum

for Girl-Child education, senior official of the NERDC, Dr Kanu J. A, said the scope of the curriculum covered all Nigerian children irrespective of sex or geographical location.

She reiterated that the new curriculum takes cognizance of the issue of girl child education because a life transforming curriculum should cater for differences in talents, opportunities, and future roles of individuals as well as gender differences, stressing, “there are

still gender disparities in access to education, economic opportunities and health care in Nigeria, as biases still exist in favour of education for boys, coupled with issues of early marriage, early pregnancy and overriding issues of gender discrimination”.

Consequently, teachers should be abreast of how to make use of modern technologies, being familiar with gender education and actualizing NEEDS and EFA goals.

Wamakko not axed for role in NGF election, say PDP clarifies

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday explained that the Sokoto state governor, Dr. Aliyu Magatakarda Wammako, was not suspended from the party for not supporting its candidate, Plateau state governor, Jonah Jang, for the chairmanship of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) but for pure insubordination and anti-party activities.

The party in a statement released to newsmen by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said that contrary to speculations making the rounds, the party took the action

in its overriding interest.

According to him, the decision was taken after wide and exhaustive consultations in accordance to the provisions of the constitution of the PDP. The party stressed that the reason for Wamakko’s suspension predated the NGF election.

The party scribe also explained that it had earlier suspended the Secretary to Sokoto state chapter of the PDP, Mallam Aminu Bello Sokoto, on the issue before the axe finally fell on Wamakko.

The statement reads, “sometime in early April, the leadership of the Party was concerned with the

statements and conduct of the Governor whereupon the National Chairman placed several calls to draw the attention of the Governor to the matters concerned. “However, it was not possible for the National Chairman to speak with the Governor despite several attempts.

“The National Chairman thereafter vide a letter dated 12th April, 2013 requested an explanation to the NWC within seven days.

“Instead of replying the National Chairman, Governor Wamakko directed the Sokoto State Secretary of the Party, Mallam Aminu Bello Sokoto to reply the National

Gunmen attack Yuguda’s aide, kill son From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

S

ome gunmen on Wednesday attacked the house of Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda’s aide on Youth Development, Alhaji Uba Boris, and killed his son, on Wunti Street in Bauchi metropolis.

The state police command Public Relations officer, ASP Mohammed Auyo confirmed the incident to newsmen yesterday

in Bauchi saying that the incident occurred Wednesday night.

The gunmen were said to have stormed Boris’ home, firing guns but when they could not find Boris in the house, they shot his son dead.

Auyo said the police command was investigating the incident and appealed to residents of the state who have any useful information in respect of the incident to report to the police authority for further

investigation.

A resident who pleaded anonymity said the attack may be connected with the money allegedly given to Boris to share to youths in the state.

Our correspondent gathered that Boris who later confronted the gunmen on his arrival at the house got wounded on his fingers while struggling with the gunmen. He is said to be receiving treatment in a private hospital in the state.

Chairman. “The State party Secretary in a letter dated April 14, 2013 and on the official letterhead of the Sokoto State Government House, replied the National Chairman on behalf of the governor.

“This amounted to gross disrespect and act of insubordination to a National Officer and a lawful organ of the party which is in violation of Articles 58.1 (c ), (h) and (m) of the PDP constitution which prescribed sanctions for any member who (c Wamakko to appear before it on the 8th of May, 2013 to clear the issues thereof. The NWC also wrote to the State Secretary, Sokoto PDP, Mallam Aminu Bello Sokoto, requesting explanations for his actions as a state party officer, in replying the National Chairman. Regrettably, Dr. Aliyu Magatakarda “Wamakko never honoured the invitation and refused to respond in any way despite repeated invitations from the NWC, an action which is in clear violation of Article 58.1 (c), of the PDP.” constitution. In the same vein, the State Secretary, Sokoto PDP also refused to respond to the National Working Committee (NWC).

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

PAGE 7

News

Panel not to destabilize Taraba, says Tukur

By Lawrence Olaoye

N

ational Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, yesterday refuted allegations that he instituted the Senator Hope Nzodinma panel with a view to destabilizing Taraba state.

According to a statement issued on his behalf yesterday and signed by the Special Assistant on Media to the PDP chairman, Prince Oliver Okpala, Tukur said the attention of the Media Directorate to the National Chairman

of PDP, has been drawn to an open letter to President Goodluck Jonathan by a group which called itself southern Taraba Patrotic Front alleging “How Bamanga Tukur plans to Destabilize Taraba state through a Panel”.

According to him, the said panel was a brain child of the PDP, and was set up by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party; insisting that he read out the terms of reference of the panel and inaugurated it in his capacity and position as chairman of the party.

He stressed that the panel is not a vehicle for witch-hunt, pointing out that the idea behind the panel is to identify with the good people of Taraba state in what has become a serious constitutional matter.

Tukur said the PDP has ways and means of addressing complaints and grievances of members and urged the authors to avail themselves and explore those avenues before going to press.

PDP leadership had recently named Senator Uzodinma chair-

man of a seven-member panel to ascertain the health status of ailing Taraba State Governor Danbaba Suntai. Suntai has been hospitalized overseas since last year following an injury he sustained when the plane he piloted crashed near Yola, the Adamawa State capital.

His Deputy, Garba Umar, has been acting as the governor. Suntai was recently said to have been transferred to a hospital in the United States for further treatment but his condition is still subject to speculations.

The PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur told reporters that the party found it expedient to intervene in the situation in Taraba. The terms of reference of the committee include “To find out and report the extent of the political harmony or otherwise among the key stakeholders within the ruling PDP family in Taraba State; Interact and establish the most effective approach to reduce tothe barest minimum the fears of all the contending interests in Taraba State, among others.

NAF partners NAHCO on safe aviation sector

By Etuka Sunday

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Chairman, NAHCO Plc, Alhaji Suleiman Yahyah (2nd right); Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Sabundu Badeh (2nd left); with members of Board of Directors and Management of the company, during their visit to the Chief of Air Staff on Wednesday in Abuja.

RTEAN refutes report on illegal election

By Mohammed Kandi

T

he National Executive Council (NEC) of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has contested media reports that one Musa Shawele Shehu emerged as the association’s newly elected president.

In a statement jointly signed

by the association’s National Secretary General, Com. Abdullahi Mohammed Jabi and the National Publicity Secretary, Com. Abdul WaheedAdeinran, the leadership of the union described as “misleading and fallacious” the publication.

The statement also said: “That the national executive council wish to advise members of the

general public, particularly the Hon. Minister, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity and the Federal Ministry of Transportation to disregard the report.”

It noted that the claims are being instigated by “mischief makers” and reiterated that Dr. AbubakarSadiq, was still thelegitimate president of the RTEAN saying the president who com-

menced his tenure on October 27th, 2011 would serve a four year term according the associations’ laid down rules.

“Therefore, the security agencies are advised to be on alert in all motor parks across the country to curtail the threatening activities and violence action of the mischief makers,” the statement explained.

World red oil production: Nigeria ranks 26, says Minister From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

T

he Federal Government has said that Nigeria ranks 26th in the world production of palm oil and hardly satisfies her domestic demand.

Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Samuel Ortom, made the statement during the stakeholders meeting towards the successful hosting of the 1st International Palm Produce Conference (IPPC) held at the Ministry’s headquarters.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dauda Kigbu, Ortom said that the inability of

meeting local demand in palm oil production was a clear indication that the fortunes of the Palm Oil Sub-Sector have declined significantly.

According to him, “It is in this regard that the National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria (NPPAN), in collaboration with my Ministry, proposed to organize a conference to serve as a Platform for Interaction with Stakeholders in the oil Palm Industry globally.

He said this conference would help the country to review and widen contacts, as well as foster

developmental strategies to address the entire Oil Palm valuechain, with stakeholders in order to resuscitate the lost glory of the oil palm industry in Nigeria.

Ortom said the conference was coming at a time the Ministry was setting building blocks in the transformation of the oil palm industry as a catalyst for economic development and prosperity.

“It is also timely, as the forum intends to send strong signals to investors/Stakeholders of existing opportunities in the palm oil industry in Africa with

participation of more than 40 countries worldwide”, he said.

In his Remarks, the Director, Commodities and Produce Inspectorate, Mr. Joseph Apanishile, charged stakeholders to be committed to the hosting of the international conference which will serve as an avenue to attract investments from investors.

He recalled that before 1965, Nigeria was the world’s largest producer of palm produce, regretting that she has ceased to contribute to the world’s export of the commodity since 1974, except palm kernel.

he Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) have agreed to deepen their cooperation and partnership to improve safety, security and operational capabilities and efficiency of the two organizations in the Nigerian aviation sector.

They made this resolution yesterday when the members of the Board of Directors and Management of NAHCO, led by its Chairman, Suleiman Yahyah, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Austen S. Badeh, in his office in Abuja.

He thanked the CAS for sustaining the long standing cooperation and improving NAF’s support to NAHCO’s operations at challenging times, saying this support has gone a long way in ensuring seamless operations, flight management efficiency and security at cargo operations in Lagos, Kano, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

At this point, he disclosed that the company had embarked on an Africa expansion drive and diversification strategy which is already yielding fruit, adding that the company had been granted a 10-year license to operate in Liberia, under its Africanisation strategy.

He said they would deploy equipments and human resource to Roberts Field International Airport before the end of the year, to provide support to several international airlines and the United Nations peace keeping mission.

On diversification, the Chairman informed the CAS that the company was making steady progress in its power, Energy and free Trade Zone investments, calling for more support and cooperation with NAF in area of training for NAHCO security personnel.

Responding, Air Marshal Badeh thanked NAHCO delegation for their visit and expressed the preparedness of the Nigerian Air Force to improve the level of cooperation with the company so as to achieve Federal Government’s vision as contained in the new aviation master-plan.

He enjoined the Management of NAHCO Plc to continuously liaise with the relevant sections/ departments in the Force on the agreed areas of partnership.

PAGE 8

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

Photos Splash

L-R: Lagos state governor, Babatunde Fashola; the deputy governor, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; former Lagos state governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, and his wife, Abimbola, during an event to mark the 2200 days of Governor Fashola in office, yesterday in Lagos.

Traditional rulers during the inauguration of Code of Ethics Manual and training on conflict resolution, yesterday in Dutse, Jigawa state.

2012 batch B corps members during their passing out parade, yesterday at the Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt.

A classroom block which partially collapsed at Goya Village primary school in Funtua local government area of Katsina state, where one pupil was feared died and two others injured.

L-R: Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) Mr Adeseyi Sijuade, and board chairman of NRC, Alhaji Abubakar Baraje, during a train ride on tour of railway facilities, yesterday in Lagos.

Photos: NAN

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7 , 2013

PAGE 9

News

Jonathan names Agwai new SURE-P Deputy Chairman

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan has approved the appointment of General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd.) as the new Deputy Chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SUREP).

Agwai, a former Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff replaces Major-Gen. Mamman Kontagora who passed away last week.

The highly-decorated General who also held several other military appointments within and outside the country, including Deputy Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone and Force Commander of the African Union Mission in Sudan, has been a member of the SURE-P committee since its establishment by the Jonathan Administration in February last year.

A press statement by Presidential spokesman, dr. reuben Abati, noted that the committee is charged with the responsibility of managing and reinvesting the Federal Government’s share of the savings from the partial removal of the subsidy on fuel in programmes and initiatives that will improve the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.

L-R: Vice president mohammed Namadi Sambo, commiserate with wife of the deceased, Hajiya Ladi Kontagora, during the sevendays Fidua prayer of Maj.Gen. Mamman Kontagora, yesterday at his residence in Maitama, Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

30 Corpers get Edo jobs, cash gifts From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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our Youth Corps members who won the State Government award for distinguishing themselves in service alongside twenty six others through the state Information and Communications Technology (ICT) department yesterday got automatic appointment in Edo state public service.

Making this disclosure during the passing-out ceremony of three thousand and six Batch “B” Corps members deployed in the State, the Governor, also announced a cash gift of N25,000 per corps member who did their primary assignments in the state public schools.

The gesture was in appreciation of their contribution to the development of the state and by extension the nation, according to Oshiomhole, “having worked so hard, I am happy that the NYSC recognizes that beyond sermonizing, one of the things we can do to encourage outstanding performance is to publicly acknowledge those who have distinguished themselves.

“Moments ago I have had the honour of presenting certificates of merit as well as small cash gifts to those of your colleagues who performed in an outstanding manner. In addition to this certificate of merit and the cash, I am so impressed by the narrative of the state Coordinator that government should go beyond the cash and certificate.

“Therefore, I will like to offer to those of you who wish to accept, that those who benefited from this merit award that we will offer them automatic employment in our public service and we will ensure that the terms are competitive such that you will want to stay and settle in Edo,” he noted.

“In addition to that, you are aware that in Edo State we have what we call Edo Youth Employment Scheme called Edo YES and we have a robust ICT

unit where we are training graduates and even non-graduates including those with knowledge of computer science.

“We want to offer through your Coordinator, twenty six openings. I invite you to nominate twenty six, thirteen males and thirteen females, we will offer them employment in addition to the four. We will ask them to join our ICT team, we will give them job training, we will give them the requisite training and exposure and

they will be able to add value to the development of our great state,” the governor said.

He remarked that, “as leaders, we must by our actions demonstrate that we are all one and the same. It is the elite who are bereft of ideas who play up ethnic, regional and other primordial sentiments.

We in Edo state have gone beyond those. The task we have is to make everyone who lives in this state feel at home.”

The Edo state Coordina-

tor of National Youth Service Corp, Mr. Adebayo Somefun who congratulated the batch B Corps members disclosed that twenty Corps members will be punished, of these, fourteen will repeat their service while six will have their service extended. He said the fourteen who are to repeat will do so for absconding from service. Two of those who have their service extended are being punished for engaging in a public brawl during the passing-out parade.

ICPC closes case against Ogbulafor, Ebilah

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

T

he Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), yesterday finished the cross-examination of the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, who is standing trial over an alleged N107 million contract scam.

Ogbulafor, a former minister of Special Duties under ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Mr. Emeka Ebilah, secretary of the National Economic Intelligence Council (NEIC) when Ogbulafor held sway as minister are facing a 17-count charge of conspiracy and award of fictitious contracts to the tune of N107 million.

When the matter came up yesterday before an Abuja High Court, Ogbulafor reiterated his earlier statement that Ebilah (the 2nd accused person) gave him a cheque of N2 million as a dona-

tion towards his (Ogbulafor’s) campaign for the position of national secretary of the PDP. He further told the court that apart from Ebilah, many others made donations towards the realization of his aforesaid ambition through vehicles and other sundry items.

Responding to the allegation that one Chris Nwoke paid some money into his personal account, as a form of gratification or bribe, Ogbulafor said, “nobody paid money into my account”.

Ogbulafor told the court that he and Ebilah are both indigenes of Abia state, adding that Ebilah was allowed to serve as secretary of NEIC, to ensure regional balancing, by virtue of the fact that the chairman of the committee was of northern extraction.

The trial Judge, Justice Ishaq Bello adjourned the case till July 15, 2013 to enable counsel to 2nd accused, Dr. Awa Kalu (SAN),

open his client’s defence.

It would be recalled that Ogbulafor’s earlier attempt to quash the charges via a “no case submission” failed, as the court held that there is a prima facie, linking him to the alleged offense, to warrant his being put to trial.

Two of the amended charges dated June 17, 2010 read: “That you Vincent Ogbulafor (M) and Emeka Ebilah (M) in the Month of March 2001, at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the FCT High Court, being public officers, to wit; Minister In Charge of Special Duties and Secretary/Member of the National Economic Intelligence Council (NEIC) respectively, did use your positions to confer corrupt advantage upon yourselves the sum of N82, 631, 03. 41 from the Federal Government of Nigeria in the name of a company HENCHRIKO NIG. LTD as payment for non-existence contract purportedly executed for the Fed-

eral Government and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act 2000.

“That you Vincent Ogbulafor (m) Emeka Ebilah (m) and Jude Nwokoro (m), in the month of March 2001 or thereabouts, at Abuja within the jurisdiction of the FCT High Court, did conspire amongst yourselves and with Emmanuel C. Bosah (now deceased) to make a false statement to the NEIC contract debts verification panel by agreeing to present fictitious contract documents for verification in support of a nonexistence contract for the sum of N82, 631, 03. 41 purportedly executed by HENCHRIKO NIG. LTD thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 26 (1) and punishable under section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Act 2001.”

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7 2013

PAGE 10

News

June 12 fiction, says Tofa From Edwin Olofu, Kano

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ive days to the commemoration of the June 12 1992 presendential election, former presidential candidate of the defunct National Republican convention (NRC), Alhaji Bashir Usman Tofa, has described June 12 as a fiction.

Tofa, who spoke with newsmen in Kano yesterday, described those who are still celebrating June 12 as riff-raff.

“Those still celebrating a dead issue are riffraff who have nothing to do with their time.

“For those who do not have anything to offer for this country to move forward can still be talking about June 12 presidential election.

“I am not one of those people that celebrate fiction that is the more reason why I do not like to be talking again on June 12 presidential election.”

Tofa, who was a key player in the aborted June 12 election in 1992 said, “if you have learnt lesson out of it good, if you have not, keep quiet, let this country make progress but for one to still be talking about something that occurred 20 years ago is colossal waste of time.’’ “We have more problems than to be talking about this nonsense, we want this country to survive and people were still talking about June 12,” he said.

ACN overrules suspension of Rrivers national officer Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

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he National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has overruled the suspension of a national officer by the Rivers State Executive Committee, saying the action violates the party’s constitution.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said going by the ACN Constitution, no state executive committee can suspend any national officer of the party. ‘’In view of this, the status quo remains and we enjoined all our members to allow peace to reign. If anyone has any grievances, the Constitution of the party is clear on what to do,’’ it said, threatening to sanction any member who fails to adhere to the party’s stand on the suspension.

Meanwhile, the ACN has warned its members in Rivers State to desist from rumour mongering that is capable of tarnishing the image of the party’s national leadership.

The party warned that disciplinary action will be taken against members found to be deliberately spreading such rumours.

L-R: Representative of Minister of FCT, Mr. Emmanuel Okonkwo, Chairman, Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Mr. Sam Saba, and representative of the Head of Service of the Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Mairiga, during the sensitisation workshop for students by CCB, with the theme, “ Youth as Agents in the Fight Against Corruption”, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

5 killed in Bauchi auto crash From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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t least five persons were confirmed killed while six others sustained injuries in an auto crash that occurred at KareKare village, in Darazo local government.

The State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety

Commander,(FRSC), Mr. Sunday Henry Olatunji, who confirmed the incident said that out of the 24 persons involved in the accident, five were confirmed dead while six persons sustained injuries.

According to him, “18 males and six females were involved in the road crash.

“All the five persons that

lost their lives are men while the six persons that got injured are also men. When our officers got the information, they went to the scene of the crash and evacuated all the five corpses to Darazo General Hospital while the injured persons were given medical treatment at the hospital”.

Olatunji attributed the cause

of the accident to dangerous overtaking and over speeding and warned motorists to adhere to traffic rules and regulations.

An eyewitness who said the accident occurred at about 1 pm involving a Nissan commercial bus with registration number AE 372 GJW and a Toyota Hilux van with registration number XA 210 ALK.

that any group that is killing people and causing hurt, its removal from the society could not outrageous.

He observed that the proscription of the group was like secret society in higher institutions in Kwara state which was banned through a law passed in the House of Assembly.

The Speaker, while speaking on ethno-religious crisis in

Nigeria said it was high time Nigerians stopped discrimination against one another other stressing that they should learn how to accept, tolerate, and live peacefully among themselves.

“We should concentrate on what bind us together. We should stop issues, it is time for Muslims, Christians, Northerners, West or Southerners to be President, Governors or this or that. Let us

concentrate on what binds us together”, he said.

On the performances of the House, Atunwa disclosed that the Legislature in the last two years have passed 15 Bills, 30 Motions and 90 resolutions at the floor of the house and added that the peaceful relationship and mutual respect among the Lawmakers made them to sustain harmonious sessions.

Kwara Speaker supports Boko Haram proscription From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

S

peaker of the Kwara state House of Assembly, Abdulrasak Atunwa, has declared support for the prescription of the Boko Haram and Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan.

Atunwa, in an interactive session with Journalists in Ilorin to mark second year anniversary of the current Legislature, noted

First Lady charges women on Sokoto budgets N163 million for Ramadan feeding peaceful co-existence From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

T

he First Lady, Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday in Lokoja called on the National Council of Women Affairs and Social Development to rise with firm resolution to its responsibility of providing an environment where peace and rights will be freely enjoyed without rancour.

Jonathan who stated this at the 15th Regular National Council Meeting on Women Affairs and Social Development said Nigerians must work individually and collectively to address the remote causes of the violence that is threatening the peaceful coexistence in the country.

On 35 per cent affirmation action for women, the First Lady commended the appreciable progress made by various state governments for its enforcement and appealed to state governors to ensure total compliance so that women can participate fully in governance.

Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Zainab Maina, regretted that that environmental challenges had become critical with disproportionate adverse effects on women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons.

She appealed for massive sensitization of women and men on the dangers of bush burning and deforestation, particularly in disaster prone areas.

From: Mahmoud Muhammad, Sokoto.

A

lhaji Aliyu Attahiru, Chairman of the Sokoto state Ramadan feeding programme committee who is also a senior councillor in the Sokoto Sultanate council, disclosed that N163million has been budgeted for Ramadam feeding.

“The programme will be run in over 150 feeding centres in Sokoto metropolis and its environs during the forthcoming Ramadan fast period”, he said.

According to him, “the programme is aimed at providing free Ramadan breakfast during the entire 29 or 30 days of fasting with a view to further alleviating their suffering.”

He said that government had spent N775 million on the

programme between 2007 to 2012.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Prof. Musa Maitafsir, appealed to all the stakeholders to uphold the confidence reposed in them by government.

“This is to ensure the sustenance of the successes so far recorded with a view to achieving the objectives of the programme ,” he added.

Chairman of the state Zakat and Endowment Committee , Alhaji Lawal Maidoki, also said that, the state government’s gesture yearly provides many less privileged people in the state to break their Ramadan fast daily with relative ease.

“The programme is a good omen to all the stakeholders and the beneficiaries , as such , all of us should work and cooperate to ensure its continous success,” Maidoki said.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

PAGE 11

Money Sense

How to track your expenses on a daily basis

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he ability for someone to control his or her finances is a skill that sadly not many of us are taught. However, it is a skill that can be quickly learned and mastered with basic practices and the right frame of mind.

Begin with reminding yourself why tracking your finances is so vital to your current and future wealth. The money you have affects on where and how you live, the car you drive, the clothes you wear, the vacations you take, and the people you are able to assist financially. It is very important to start tracking your finances in order for any of these avenues to change.

If you are unable to manage your current finances, then it will be impossible for you to handle your future wealth, so start tracking where your income is going on an annual, monthly, and daily basis. Tracking can range between the simple act of saving bills and receipts and writing them down in a notebook to the slightly more complicated process of buying and setting up a budget

Money Tip:

Ways to save money

Trade down your car So, you bought an American sports utility vehicle (SUV) that nets 15 miles to the gallon on a whim. Obviously we’re all very impressed - especially by the personalised number plate.

But can you honestly justify the ongoing expense? If not, get rid of it. Then visit a car supermarket, where you can choose from thousands of cars at knock-down prices. If you’re a true money saver, consider an ex-rental model which you can pick up for a fraction of the cost of a new one.

Ask yourself: Do I really need this?

Imagine the scenario. It’s lunchtime and you’ve got an hour to kill. You find yourself in a department store and there’s a sale on. You pick up a beautifully packaged selection of barbecue tools and associated garden paraphernalia. And it’s half price.

Now, stop! Ask yourself: Do I really need this? Exactly. Now, put it down and walk away.

Quote I believe the true road to preeminent success in any line is to make yourself master of that line. - Andrew Carnegie

helping computer program. It is central to be completely honest while tracking, no matter how silly or embarrassing the purchase may seem, because you are only harming yourself and your future wealth.

While you are tracking, take note of the unnecessary places your money is going and cut them out of your spending routine.

Small daily expenses really add up over time so changing your weekly buying habits will greatly affect your annual budget. You will most likely have to limit your spending now in order to expand it later on.

Financial experts say, tracking your finances by living within the budget you create and by cutting up your credit cards. Pay with cash for a while, considering statistics show that consumers spend a good deal less at stores and restaurants when they pay with cash rather than when they swipe a card.

Finally, attempt to save at least ten percent of your monthly income to build a secure financial wall around yourself. Money experts suggest having at least six months worth

of income saved in case of losing job or some other unforeseen disaster. After you have the six months worth of money

stored away, you can use the ten percent, or more, you are saving to invest in different endeavors. Even just letting

your money sit in a savings account accrues interest and allows you to control the growth of your finances.

Is it time to sell your mutual fund?

One of the most difficult things to figure out in investing is when to sell something. The decision to switch things up can be a difficult one to make. What if you get rid of an investment, and it takes off? You’ve just lost out on big profits. Another concern is that you keep an investment that spirals downward, resulting in big losses when you finally decide you have to sell.

When it comes to mutual funds, though, many people don’t even think about switching things out. This is because many mutual funds are held in retirement accounts that don’t get a lot of scrutiny. However, it is a good idea to check your mutual fund holdings periodically to

determine whether or not it is a good time to change things. Here are four situations that might warrant getting rid of a mutual fund: Weak management One consideration is the strength of the fund manager. If your actively managed fund has constant turnover with managers, or if the current manager can’t seem to pull it together, it might be time to switch it up. No fund manager is going to be dead on all the time. There will be periods of poor performance; there is no avoiding that. But a long-standing track record of difficulty for that fund should raise red flags.

Another possibility is to switch to a fund that is not actively managed. You can save on mutual fund fees by going with an index fund that does not require the same type of management seen in actively managed funds. You are more likely to keep more of your money — and see adequate performance.

Get the diversity you want Turnover in mutual funds, along with the possibility that you did not pay much attention in your initial decisions, can lead to less diversity in your portfolio than you thought. Check your mutual funds. Is there overlap in the investments? If so, you may not be adequately diversified

across asset classes, industries and foreign versus domestic investments.

Think about the diversity you want, and switch out mutual funds so that you have the sort of diversity you are looking for.

This is a great thing to do when you are periodically checking your asset allocation, and remember to re-balance your portfolio to reflect changes as your approach retirement too.

Take profits You might have invested in a mutual fund for a particular purpose, because it was a good deal, or it had potential. If it is profitable, and you have made what you want from it (or possibly more than you expected), it could be a good time to sell. If the mutual fund is one that represents volatile investments, it might be a good idea to sell while you are ahead.

If you are unsure that future performance will be as good as what you have so far, take your profits. You can then put that money to work into investments that are less volatile, and fit more with your long-term strategy.

Gain a tax advantage If you have a long-term mutual fund in a taxable account, it might be wise to sell it at a loss to offset some gains.

Run the numbers, and consult a tax professional, to see whether you might actually be better off selling — even though that loss will now be realized. You can take the cash you get and reinvest it in something else (watch out for the wash rule though), or you might even want to put add to your retirement accounts.

PAGE 12

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

EDITORIAL

Kudos to our senators is how Senator Smart Adeyemi, Chairman, Senate Committee on the FCT, put it: “…the proposed appropriation for the construction of the building for the First Ladies’ Mission in Africa has been distributed to meet pressing needs in the area of engineering and satellite towns (in the FCT).

“Furthermore, due to litigation in respect of the proposed plot of land, the money cannot be

“

O

nce in a while, our senators do or say things to suggest that it is not just their fat pay packets and luxury homes that they care about. Wednesday was one such rare occasion when they spared a thought for the poor Nigerian.

That day the senators threw out a princely N4 billion the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Senator Bala Mohammed, had budgeted in January for a white elephant African First Ladies’ Mission secretariat to be built in Abuja.

Most Nigerians have damned the project, calling it misplaced in the face of more compelling needs such as job creation, water supply and health care delivery. But the minister went ahead to include it in the MFCT’s 2013 appropriation estimates.

However, the senators, while debating the FCT budget in Wednesday’s plenary, threw out the African First Ladies’ Mission sub-head. Five months ago, they had condemned the project as “scandalous”. In refusing to appropriate funds for it the senators said they did not consider it a priority. Secondly, they observed rightly that there is ongoing litigation over the piece of land the minister allocated to the project. This

The minister ignored us then. But now he must listen, thanks to the senators accessed this year. Also we cannot appropriate for land that is not available?” The question is if the minister knew that because of the land litigation it would be impossible to get the project started this year why did he put it in this year’s budget? It could only mean one thing: money to be shared!

What the senators have done mirrors our position on the project which we expressed in our

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”

February 6, 2013 editorial. We had observed: “At a time when public utilities in the FCT, like in other parts of Nigeria, are in a shambles it is beyond belief that officialdom’s principal preoccupation is a vain-glorious project like the First Ladies’ House.

“What makes the whole thing repugnant is that a project that is apparently devoted to the interest of African First Ladies is to be bankrolled not even by the federal government but by a ministry, for reasons that are as opaque as they are provocative. It is instructive that ever since Minister Bala ill-advisedly named some streets in Abuja after President Jonathan and proceeded to mount billboards bearing the duo’s portraits in strategic parts of the city, eye service, apparently aimed at currying presidential favour, has been the rule rather than the exception. No less sobering is the fact that provision of essential services in the city and its satellite towns seems to defy the minister’s ‘ingenuity’.”

In that editorial we also advised against “this act of profligacy”, suggesting that the government retrace its step. The minister ignored us then. But now he must listen, thanks to the senators.

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CHAIRMAN MALAM WADA MAIDA, OON, FNGE DIRECTOR/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RUFA’I IBRAHIM MANAGING EDITOR ABDUL-AZEEZ ABDULLAHI

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

PAGE 13

Opinion Nigeria: Waiting for the undertaker

By Abdulrazaq Magaji

T

hreat of two death sentences is ominously hanging over Nigeria ahead of the country’s centennial celebration. The first will be effected, according to its bearer, Mujahid Dokubo Asari, in the unlikely event that security agents swoop on him. Hopefully, this will not happen because the former terrorist and saboteur, now on a self-imposed sabbatical, will not be quizzed for being a jolly good fellow. Of course, the brief respite will provide ample space for nimble-fingered people to exhaust the princely budget of the elaborate, twelve-month-long moneyspinner of a centennial celebration which Nigerians, if they believe the tale, have been told will not cost the government a dime! The second and more ominous death sentence will be launched if Nigerians refuse to be cowed into returning President Goodluck Jonathan to power in 2015. The latter is more ominous because, in a free and fair election, especially in an atmosphere already fouled and polarized

by Asari Dokubo and his ilk, no one can be sure of the outcome of the next election until the last ballot is counted. This raises a big question as to the designs of Dokubo Asari, who recently transformed from being a Jonathan-basher into a man who, on account of President Jonathan’s presidential ambition, has threatened to rewrite the history of Nigeria, redraw its map and

By Ola Onikoyi Jnr

A

fter the 9/11 tragedy and the response that followed it, there has been a surge in the radical Islamist movement and its threats have become more potent than before. The rise of this movement is hardly puzzling given that it emerged in Muslim vs. no- Muslim conflicts that reigned in the 40s. Popular explanation for this phenomenon is that the values espoused by Islam and the spread of the Wahhabi movement are at the foundation of it all. Indeed, the radical movement is a product of national and international politics facilitated by transnational conspiracies.

One of the driving forces of the radical movement and of hostility towards the West is America’s support for the state of Israel – which more often than not contradicts the principles of international law. To the radical movement, this flagrant support for Israel seen as their ‘oppressor’ has undermined the authority and integrity of the United States because such support is seen as unjust and thus justifies the need to work against the peace and interests of the United States and its allies. Yet, all this does not sufficiently explain the roots of the jihadist movement. Thomas Hegghamer in his seminal work explains that the source of global jihad can be traced to the transnational war and the conspiracies that took place in the

repatriate some of its citizens to Futa Djallon!

Amazingly, having realized last December that he was going out of circulation, Dokubo Asari, a Nigerian-born Beninoise citizen, ingeniously took on the president at a well-publicized briefing. He accused the president of being clueless and grossly incompetent in managing the country’s affairs.

Dokubo Asari echoed the feeling of some people from the Niger Delta, who point to the rot in the country to say the president’s mistakes did not belong to the Niger Delta. Indeed, Dokubo Asari barely restrained himself from calling for an abrupt end to a democratically-elected government. He was promptly dismissed as a cheap blackmailer even by opposition politicians but third rate presidential publicists and starry-eyed Ijaw leaders back home saw the matter differently; to them, what Dokubo Asari did was like disrobing a fellow Ijaw in the marketplace! Of course, there is no resisting the pull of lucre and with millions in circulation courtesy of a dubious amnesty programme in the Niger Delta, there would always be enough to silence those who elect to blackmail a system famous for approaching every crisis with bottomless pockets.

If truth be told, the north will continue to be at the receiving end of the philippic tendencies of blackmailers in the mould of Dokubo Asari each time they glibly allude to reinventing Nigeria. This is for

the untenable reason that the north is an albatross and peopled by leechlike destitutes. The impression is firmed by ever-complaining governors and other political leaders of the north who spuriously finger unfair oil-driven federal allocations as the cause of the backwardness of the region. This is a classic case of deficit of transformational leadership, a problem not peculiar to the north but where it is most pronounced. Deficit of transformational leadership has created a situation whereby so-called leaders devise divisive and dangerous means of founding and funding militia groups of red-eyed, adhesive-sniffing and reefer-reeking insurgents and serial killers across the region.

At the heart of the problem is the criminal neglect of agriculture, the main forte of the north, and the dependence on oil revenues which have done little to benefit the average northern Nigerian. This neglect has firmed the negative impression, not about to end, that the north and northerners are incapable of contributing to the nation’s kitty but consume a disproportionate amount of the country’s wealth on account of their population. This is no time for lamentations but this negative impression is clearly at variance with history of modern Nigeria because up until the oil boom era, the groundnut and cotton pyramids of the north contributed handsomely to the federal purse to transform Lagos and facilitate the exploration of oil in the Niger

Delta. Despite this, First Republic northern political leaders never regarded the Niger Delta region as an albatross. Neither did they turn themselves into treasury-hijackers but were God-fearing enough to use what was available to the north, after remitting fifty per cent of earnings to the federal purse, to execute enduring projects across the region.

The reverse is now the case.

The trend today is to engage in the pedestrian and defeatist lamentation of unfair federal allocations as the cause of the backwardness of the region, a lamentation that is as insulting as it is embarrassing to the legacy and memory of the late premier of the defunct northern regional government led by Sir Ahmadu Bello. If truth be told, the defunct northern region was not transformed by parasitic leaders, as their successors have turned themselves into, to depend on the wealth of the rubber and palm oil plantations of the south. Nor did the leader of that government turn the blind eye to the values of good governance with the aim of passing the buck; Sir Ahmadu Bello never consigned the people to a life of destitution and poverty in the hope that other people would come to salvage the situation. Present-day political leaders in the north fail to realize the damage they do to the people of the north by shamelessly crying over lopsided and unfavourable federal allocations in the name of defending some spurious

interests.

2015 is around the corner.

Chillingly for the north, the year may herald the coming of an undertaker if one of its dewy-eyed and colourless governors captures the presidency to further run the region aground as many governors have so far done their fiefdoms.

As part of the grand design, many overwhelmed governors have abandoned governance, not always on their radar anyway, for politics, and some of them have floated and are funding mushroom organizations with public funds, ostensibly to promote and defend putative interests of the north and northerners.

Expectedly, this will not improve the security situation considering the huge amount of state resources being stashed away to prosecute their campaigns.

Bad news first, and this is where governors of the northern states hold the ace: in the vast plain of illiteracy and poverty that northern Nigeria has been turned into, there will be no shortage of voters who will be induced by pitiable hand-outs and large doses of indoctrination to send their conscience on compulsory holiday.

The good news is that, with the right leadership, northern Nigeria has the capacity to avert the fall of a perilously-swinging hammer...and stymie the tantrums of Asari and his ilk.

Abdulrazaq Magaji, a fomer university teacher, is an Abja-based journalist.

70s which sparked the surge of volunteering that gave birth to the pan-Islamic identity movement.

Hegghamer notes that elite international Islamic organisations and Muslim regimes seeking political relevance propagated an alarmist discourse about external threats to the Muslim nation and established a global network of Islamic charities. This “soft” pan-Islamic idea enabled Arabs to invest in the Afghan war in the 80s for the recruitment of fighters in the name of inter-Muslim solidarity. The Arab-Afghan mobilization in turn produced a movement of foreign fighters and

Mujaheedins who still exists today.

“This explains why a majority of al-Qaida operatives began their militant careers as war volunteers, and most transnational jihadists today are by-products of foreign mobilizations”. The 9/11 attack and the response of the West such as the invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan, the torture and illegal detention of suspects at the Guantanamo Bay and the drone strikes on ‘America’s enemies’ also sparked a revival of the extremist movement which perceives that the West is waging a war against their religion, culture and interests.

Some of these radicals and many

Muslims in war torn areas allege that their territories are occupied, their children are killed, their men are illegally detained, their women are raped and their mosques are desecrated while their resources are taken away.

All this is happening at a time that the mood of anti - Western sentiments has reached new heights – not only by aggrieved Muslims but equally by other regimes and cultures from around the world. It is in the wake of the 9/11 and the response of the West that jihadists have found a new voice through the revivalist movement in the form of global

jihad to express their hatred for the domination and aggression of the West.

In its new form, the radical Islamist movement has become a global phenomenon whose threat is no more limited to the West.

A group called the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO) has emerged representing interests from jihadist groups in West African states. In North Africa, a group called AQIM is increasing its threat and al-Qaida is becoming sophisticated in its operations in Europe, the United States and elsewhere.

There is need for a change in approach to curb the continuous threat of this movement and the solution must start from the West. It will require the United States to denounce any act of terrorism no matter who commits it - whether the Palestinians or Israel. In the new approach, the US must be impartial in the Israeli/ Palestine question and should show its support for a two state solution. The policies of the US must be even-handed and must do away with the notion of ‘Israeli exceptionalism’, and America must promote the moral and democratic value of equality by ensuring that what is good for Israel is also good for the people of Palestine.

Ola Onikoyi Jnr is on LinkedIn.

Why radical Islam is growing

“

There is need for a change in approach to curb the continuous threat of this movement and the solution must start from the West. It will require the United States to denounce any act of terrorism no matter who commits it - whether the Palestinians or Israel. In the new approach, the US must be impartial in the Israeli/Palestine question and should show its support for a two state solution. The policies of the US must be even-handed and must do away with the notion of ‘Israeli exceptionalism’, and America must promote the moral and democratic value of equality by ensuring that what is good for Israel is also good for the people of Palestine.

PAGE 14

Letters & Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

UniAbuja: When silence is no longer golden

By Abdullahi Yunusa

S

ituations in most of our Ivory Towers paint a gloomy picture of Nigeria’s future. If truly, as often said, education remains the tool for unlocking opportunities, Nigeria is on a different planet.

With the perennial crises rocking Uniabuja, one wonders if students can do any serious academic work. Top most on the list of challenges threatening to bring the university to her knees is the non-accreditation of most of her programmes by the NUC and other regulatory bodies like the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).

The world over, accreditation of courses comes first having overcome the rigours of registering a university. The essence of such accreditation is to ensure that standards with regards to learning and research are maintained.

But what we have witnessed in Uniabuja is entirely different from what is expected of a university.

The authorities, for reason not far from increasing its revenue profile through increased admission slots has on its stable countless programmes that have never been presented to the NUC for accreditation. Sources say this act began from the days of its former VC, Professor Nuhu Yaqub. This accounts for why the problem has become intractable thereby putting the hopes of student in the school in the air.

By Roz Ben-Okagbue

L

ast week the country’s precarious security situation was exacerbated by exchanges of irresponsible utterances from selfish politicians whose sole motive appeared to be to destabilize the polity. The exchange of verbal fire seems to be between two specific ethnic groups, the Ijaws versus the Fulanis and they appear to be drawing us closer every day to the American prediction. It is not clear at what point these two former allies became sworn enemies but the battle lines are clearly drawn and for now the press seems to be the theatre of war. Will it end in just talk or will this prove to be the catalyst that will finally push us off the edge?

Could this be the beginning of the end of the Fourth Republic?

Asari Dokubo, a former militant who boasted a few months ago that he collected huge sums from the government which he invested in Benin Republic for the benefit of his several wives and 18 children, threatened the whole country particularly the North with war in the event that the current president does not win the election in 2015. Calls from the National Assembly for his immediate arrest for questioning enraged him the more. He threatened that Nigeria would cease to exist as a country if he was arrested and called the

silence of critical Many have stakeholders. If expressed for nothing, let’s concern on not allow the the fate of Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, investments of Uniabuja. text messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written parents in their Our ears are contributions should be concise.

Word limits: Letters wards not to be filled with not - 150 words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your wasted. too palatable This grim stories on name and a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be silence is not in happenings in addressed to: the best interest the university. of students of Aside the The Editor, the institution. I challenge of Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, can only imagine accreditation, the pains and we learnt 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. frustrations of the school is Email: opinion@peoplesdaily-online.com undergraduates also battling SMS: 08134607052 spending with vices countless years such as ‘bribe in their resolve to acquire a degree their roots? many have blamed for marks’, impersonation and certificate. It is a minus on the part these problems on the current certificate forgery. These problems of those manning our education management’s lack of sincerity. have contributed negatively system. By this, am not referring While others feel ‘forces’ outside to the institution’s bad rating. to government establishments the institution are playing politics Academic activities have been alone, but all critical stakeholders with the situation. Even though commercialised. It is very easy in the nation’s education sector. It I won’t make needless haste to for undergraduates to pass their appears some of the stakeholders call for the resignation of the Vice courses without breaking sweat! are benefiting hugely from the Chancellor, Professor Sunday Lecturers are at the centre of this ongoing crisis, hence their resolve Adelabu, over the unrest, I think mess. Aside sexual harassment, to maintain sealed lips. To start he has critical questions to answer these lecturers openly demand for with, the Education Ministry if at all we are interested in the money from their students else has failed in its entirety. Close future of hundreds of undergrads they slam them ‘carry overs’. It’s a observation has shown her lack of whose hopes hang in the balance. pity how these acts go undetected political will to call certain people Are we expecting solutions to fall by those concerned. For the ladies, like the UNIAbuja’s VC and other they don’t have to endure the stress from the skies? Or we want the members of management to order. issues to fizzle out overnight? The of reading the prescribed books; While I won’t subscribe to her earlier concerned bodies come out a scheduled visit to the lecturer’s firing them, we demand to see her of their cocoons to painstakingly office will do the trick.That’s all! put these officers on their toes. think the school out of its drumThe question is why the loads of challenges the better. What Two, another culprit is the National Uniabuja unrest has become Universities Commission. As the we are presently experiencing at intractable? Are the challenges regulatory body of universities the university is nothing new, what so gargantuan that even forces in the country, why did it allow is however strange is the grim outside the university cannot trace

WRITE TO US

the university to advertise and subsequently admit students into departments with unaccredited programmes. I smell something fishy in this arrangement. Lastly, critical stakeholders like the ASUU, SSANU, NANS and SUG have failed both the students and the management. I had expected these bodies, especially ASUU, to lead the crusade against admitting students into departments that have not been accredited by NUC! I expect education committees in both chambers of the National Assembly to rise to occasion. It is one embarrassment to many.

If these overpaid and overpampered lawmakers find it almost impossible to address a crisis in a university just a few kilometres away from their base, what would become the fate of a university like UNIMAID should such a crisis erupts there? Its really bad. But like I’ve always maintained, the situation can still be remedied.

Its very simple. Stakeholders should in the interest of students of the institution put aside other considerations and offer valid suggestions on ways of finding lasting solution to the problem on ground. While those of us outside the university community watch from the sidelines, we expect those who are directly in charge to discharge their duties with the fear of God by shunning acts capable of compounding the issue on ground.

Abdullahi Yunusa via profwills@yahoo.com

Those beating drums of war authorities cowards if they don’t arrest him. Interestingly no attempts were made to even question him let alone arrest him.

Following Asari’s explosive video there was initially a deafening silence from the presidency raising questions as to whether this was indeed the position of all Ijaws (including the president) as Asari had suggested in his video. If Asari was beating the drums of war, he did not have to wait long to find dancers as two days later Ango Abdullahi, a member of the Northern Elders Form responded to his tirade by stating that they (the Northerners) have received the president’s message sent through his spokesman Asari, and they are ready for war.

This was followed by more threats and counter threats by other supporters on both sides heating up the polity even more and then finally the Federal Government broke its silence. In a statement issued by Gulak, (a Northern aide to the president) the government dissociated itself from Asari’s position and denounced him in pretty strong terms.

The government’s response seems to have had very little impact though. Firstly, it arrived a tad too late and did not receive

the wide exposure that the video did. Secondly it came from two Northerners, Gulak and Bamanga Tukur (PDP chairman) who in reality were not exempt from Asari’s missiles. The only Niger Deltan in or out of government who has openly taken a position against Asari’s tirade is Tam David West who is known to be a strong supporter of Buhari.

The damage has been done, the Northerners are simmering in silent rage and unless there is some significant measure of damage control, the result of this deepening enmity will be demonstrated at the polls come 2015 regardless of the threats.

The reasons for the rift between these two former allies are not difficult to understand.

In a nutshell, the Ijaws feel that the Northerners who have ruled the country for decades have usurped their oil, excluding them from participating in the benefits accruing from the oil production despite the fact that their environment was damaged in the process and their people impoverished. The Northerners on the other hand feel cheated out of the presidency after the death of Yar’ádua truncated the Northern rule just two years into “their turn” (according to the PDP zoning formula), and

are determined to regain the presidential seat come 2015.

But the Ijaws do not want Jonathan’s term to end in 2015; they have benefitted immensely from this government and they do not want the party to end.

They are prepared they say, to fight to the last man if Jonathan is not re-elected; well you can hardly call it an election if people are coerced into returning him to power. With both sides threatening hell fire and brimstone, what does the rest of the country feel?

Some southerners appear to be sympathetic to the Ijaw position despite their disenchantment with the present government and their disgust with Asari’s crude campaign.

Years of resentment against the tyranny experienced during the military rule which was largely Northern has taken its toll and any suggestion of another Northern ruler seems to put everyone’s back up. Asari and his supporters are counting on this and in fact invoking it to ensure that the presidency remains in the South-south whilst northerners like Kaita and Abdullahi are playing right into his hands by reinforcing in the minds of the southerners, the reasons why they would prefer

to avoid Northern rule. Where will this all end? History records several factors that led to the end of the second republic including a weak political structure, lack of cooperation between the states and the federal government, uprising in the North between the farmers and police, teacher’s strikes and the Yan Tatsine (remarkably similar to Boko Haram) riots in Kaduna, Kano and Maidugri.There was also economic uncertainty due to the end of the oil boom, excessive government spending and high levels of corruption. The problems leading to the end of the first republic were similar and eventually led to a civil war which the country has not totally recovered from thirty years later.

The usual ingredients for a military intervention are all present; political unrest and the attendant tension; badly structured political parties with continuous internal wrangling; corruption has reached dizzying heights and the cost of government is unsustainable; violence and security challenges are stifling our economic development and growth regardless of what the statistics say.

Roz Ben-Okagbue is on Twitter

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

PAGE 15

Comment

A decade of enhancing Nigeria’s investment climate

By Bashir Ibrahim Hassan

D

iscounting some of his political miscalculations, the return to democracy under former President Olusegun Obasanjo laid the foundation for the renewed confidence of foreign investors in Nigeria. In 2007, its investment returns from its Capital Market were the highest among African and Middle East emerging markets with the exception of Zimbabwe (due mainly to its hyperinflationary economy). These growth rates were achieved through the instrumentality of robust macroeconomic policies; and the assemblage of a skilful professional team of technocrats and modern institutional development.

It was the interplay of these three elements that put Nigeria back on the path of economic recovery and real growth after decades of stagnation induced by a succession of military regimes.

The macroeconomics policies were driven by regimes of reforms in key vital sectors of the economy— telecommunication, banking, transportation and power. The technocrats came from rich and diverse backgrounds each bringing his or her experiences shaped by best practices and supported by the right institutions to coordinate and implement the reform policies. It was a painful process with attendant high change management risks but which Nigerians are now enjoying the fruits at last.

By Margaret Kimberley

I

f terrorism can be defined as the wanton killing of innocent people, then there are many terrorists around the globe.

Most of those terrorists are not members of al-Qaeda, al-Shabab or other organizations whose names the corporate media repeat ad nauseam. Neither are they the often decried “homegrown,” “lone wolves” or “free lancers.” Instead they are the otherwise respected presidents, prime ministers and cabinet secretaries who serve the governments in the so-called civilized nations of the world.

The killing and maiming they are responsible for is swept under the rug, known only to those who survive their acts of aggression.

It is important to keep these facts in mind after the killing of a British soldier near his barracks in Woolwich, London. Lee Rigby was first run over by a car and then hacked to death by two men who immediately took responsibility for the killing. Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale calmly spoke to witnesses who recorded them [8] blood soaked and armed with knives and meat cleavers.

The howls of outrage spread from the U.K. to the U.S. The deed was called depraved, sick, disgusting, savage, horrifying, etc. Those adjectives are in fact correct but this killing was no more awful than those committed by the military from the U.S. or other NATO nations. Lee Rigby was decapitated in Woolwich but bombs and bullets decapitate.

Babies in Fallujah, Iraq are

One of those on Obasanjo’s economic team was Mustafa Bello, an engineer who as a young secondary school student and undergraduate set the best West African Examination Council (WAEC) record of the decade in his Government College, Bida, in 1974 and winning the Shell Prize for the best project and thesis of the Faculty of Engineering at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1978.

Bello, who served the Obasanjo regime as minister of commerce from 1999 to 2002, was in 2003 appointed the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), one of the key strategic institutions in the concerted efforts to accentuate the non-oil growth rate of Nigeria’s economy.

Coming to NIPC was like coming to build on a foundation he remotely laid from his position as minister of commerce earlier. Little did he know that fate would bring him to head the NIPC. Bello, back in 2000, driven by sheer patriotism as the minister of commerce, took five strategic actions that were to have direct bearings on the activities of the NIPC. Firstly, he developed a comprehensive 3-year action plan aimed at developing the domestic economy and boosting exports within the framework of Domestic Economic Strengthening Strategy (DESS).

Secondly, he executed Bilateral Protocol that established the Nigerian Trade Office at Shanghai, Peoples Republic of

China. Thirdly, he developed the ‘Wealthy Nigerians Initiative’ project, which aimed at mobilizing wealthy Nigerians in the Diaspora to spearhead the Foreign Direct Investment drive of the FGN. Only two weeks ago, the Federal Government announced that Nigeria received $21 billion as remittances from Nigerians in Diaspora making the country the highest recipient in Africa and the 5th globally.

Fourthly, he developed a new WTO consistent Trade Policy for Nigeria that addressed nearly all Trade – related bottlenecks that hindered the smooth flow of trading activities between Nigeria and its trading partners. In 2011 Nigeria’s foreign direct investment (FDI) stood at $8.8 billion rising from its $6 billion mark in 2010.

Fifthly, he embarked on Corporate Affairs Commission’s online project that was to revolutionize the operations of the CAC and make it possible for its clients or customers to register a company on-line, conduct searches o-line and obtain all other services online using a special payments system.

All these decisions were critical to the success story of the NIPC as the central government agency responsible for the promotion of investment in and outside Nigeria.

Today NIPC is the icing on the cake of the nation’s investment drive through innovative policies and projects such as the One Stop Investment Centre (OSIC),

Development of Sector-Specific Investment Policies as vehicle to accelerate inflow of FDI into the Economy and remove distortions, etc.

What NIPC is to the nation’s investment, One Stop Investment Centre (OSIC) is to NIPC. OSIC is one of the most innovative programmes of NIPC. From the initial apprehensions and resistance to past efforts to establish a One-Stop-Shop in NIPC, it is now the beautiful bride of the commission, attracting no less than 26 participating agencies both public institutions and private concerns. Such public institutions include Corporate Affairs Commission, Federal Inland Revenue Services, Customs, Immigration, etc. In the private sector, we see companies such as New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC), Odu’a Investment Company Limited and Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) The OSIC serves as an investment facilitation mechanism which brings relevant government agencies to one location, coordinated and streamlined, to provide efficient and transparent services to investors. It shortens and simplifies administrative procedures for the issuance of business approvals, permits and licenses and company incorporation thereby removing bottlenecks faced by investors in establishing and running business, and ultimately, reduces the cost

of doing business in Nigeria. The OSIC has contributed immensely to the investor confidence the country is now enjoying.

In addition to initiating and supporting measures which enhances the investment climate in Nigeria for both Nigerian and non-Nigerian investors, NIPC also promotes investments in and outside Nigeria through effective promotional means. This is why today the country has been able to create global brands in the manufacturing, telecommunication and financial services such as Dangote, Globacom and many banks.

In the span of 14 years, first as minister of commerce and in the last 10 years as the Executive Secretary of NIPC, Bello has contributed immensely in the brain work, policy formulation and implementation of economic reforms that have engendered the macro-economic stability achieved over the past few years in Nigeria.

His role in pushing reforms of investment related laws aimed at liberalizing investors’ entry and at strengthening protections for foreign investment would not be easily forgotten; neither would his doggedness in promoting openness and transparency in our investment policies that have made Nigeria investment environments more favourable for inward foreign direct investment (FDI).

Bashir Ibrahim Hassan wrote in from Abuja

Chickens roost in Woolwich born without heads because of the lingering effects of depleted uranium. In Gaza, the Israelis terrorize a civilian population with impunity, killing men, women and children, sometimes killing entire families who are all defenseless.

In the now famous Collateral Murder [9] video revealed by Wikileaks, American troops can be seen running over and crushing an Iraqi they had just shot to death. The soldiers killed eight people in total, two of whom were journalists. They also shot two children and killed their father.

Former American soldier Ethan McCord tells the story of what he witnessed that day. “One guy’s head was off, the top of his head was completely off and his brains were on the ground and the smell, the smell still haunts me every day.

“

I don’t know how to describe it.”

Rigby faced the same fate as the men killed by American troops. He was no more deserving of such a fate, but his death isn’t any worse.

Not only is it important to acknowledge the terror committed by the governments that consider themselves so aggrieved, but there are crucial questions about the killers themselves which need answering. Just as in the recent Boston marathon bombings, the suspects had repeated contacts with their nation’s intelligence service.

One of the suspects in the Woolwich killing, Michael Adebolajo, was arrested in Kenya [10] in 2010 as a suspected alShabab fighter. He told friends and family that he was tortured

by Kenyan security before being

deported back to Britain. After he returned home he and his family were approached numerous times

by MI5 in an effort to enlist him as an informer. One of Adebolajo’s friends, Abu Nusaybah, was arrested [11] at the BBC’s studios after giving an interview about his friend’s experiences.

Adebolajo’s family describes him as a man who came home forever changed and who attempted to get legal help to stop the harassment against him. The MI5s and the FBIs of the world are often given too much credit as creators of grand conspiracy.

Sometimes they just screw up.

Apparently MI5 is no more competent than their counterparts in the United States but like them they are protected by powerful people. The world will hear very

Adebolajo’s family describes him as a man who came home forever changed and who attempted to get legal help to stop the harassment against him. The MI5s and the FBIs of the world are often given too much credit as creators of grand conspiracy. Sometimes they just screw up. Apparently MI5 is no more competent than their counterparts in the United States but like them they are protected by powerful people. The world will hear very little if anything about Adebolajo and MI5.

little if anything about Adebolajo and MI5.

There are young men who go to Somalia to help defend it from the onslaught of violence [12] committed against it by western nations. The United States conspired with Ethiopia to invade that country and in the process killed thousands of people. AlShabab might be labeled terrorist in the capitals of the west, but they have not created the blood bath in Somalia. The respected presidents and prime ministers get the blame for those atrocities.

Violence does beget violence but the violence committed by the state is supported by the media and sadly by the masses of uninformed people. There are now protests in Britain not about that government’s complicity in the destruction of Iraq or Libya but about Lee Rigby. Rigby deserves protest but so do the victims of western state terrorism.

As long as there is injustice with impunity there will be what we call terrorism. Yet it should be remembered that terror comes in all sizes but the worst and biggest isn’t created by any “lone wolf” but by politicians elected to office.

Margaret Kimberley’s Freedom Rider column appears weekly in Black Agenda Report, where this article was first published Ifeanyi Izeze via iizeze@ yahoo.com

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

PAGE 17

Metro

Village head appeals for boreholes in Filindabo

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he village head of FilindaboDei-Dei community, in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of the FCT, Mallam Mohammed Danyibe, has called on the chairman of the area council, Hon. Micah Jiba to provide more boreholes for the people of Filindabo to boost availability potable drinking water in the area.

He also urged the chairman to provide more transformers for the residents to arrest epileptic power supply in the community.

Danyibe, who made the call in an interview with peoples Daily in Dei-Dei, urged the chairman to provide the fertilizers for the farmers on time to enable them to carry out their farming activities in this year’s cropping season.

Also he appealed to the chairman to rehabilitate the dilapidated roads, including the reconstruction of the dilapidated culverts in the area, so as to enable the farmers to transport their farming produce to urban areas for sale.

Danyibe however assured that his leadership would continue to mobilise his subjects towards the government policies and programmes, urged the chairman to carry the traditional rulers along in the scheme of things.

Yoruba leader wants due process in sacking council chairmen

By Usman Shuaibu

Y

oruba community leader in Zuba area of Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chief Wasie Tunwase, has advised the legislators in the six area councils to endeavor to always follow due process in sacking the council chairmen whenever the need arises.

Tunwase, who gave the advice in an interview with Peoples Daily in Zuba, however urged the legislators to remove the council chairmen who engaged themselves in the financial recklessness.

He further urged the councilors to deem it necessary to checkmate the activities of the chairmen in order to know what they are doing with the councils’ funds.

He warned the councilors to be careful not to do what the law had not permitted them to do while carrying out their legislative functions at their various area councils.

In the same vein, Tunwase also charged political appointees and top government functionaries to be transparent in their dealing and allow probity to remain their watchword.

L-R: Chairperson, Federal Capital Territory Area Councils Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) and Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide; Federal Commissioner representing FCT in Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Mr. Philibus Bussa; and Director of Admin and Finance, Area Council Services Secretariat, Alhaji Yusuf Tsaiyabu, during the FCT Area Councils JAAC meeting, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Gwagwalada Council boss inaugurates councillors, others C hairman, Gwagwalada Area Council, Alhaji Jibrin Abubakar, yesterday in inaugurated the council’s Secretary, five Supervisory Councilors and six special advisers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that those inaugurated are Alhaji Usman Yahaya as the Council Secretary and Mr. Yusuf Mohammed as the Works Department’s Supervisory Councilor.

The others supervisory councilors are Sani Musa for the Agriculture Department, Halidu Adamu for Special Duties office, Ismaila

Kunkeri for the Health Department and Ishaq Kaura for the Education Department.

The council chairman, who also inaugurated six special advisers, called on the new appointees to be mindful of their responsibilities as representatives of their respective communities.

“Your contributions toward the welfare of your various people should not be compromised with acts of selfishness and feelings of contentment.

“Let me remind you that you were selected not because you are

the best or most qualified. But you were chosen simply as a mark of recognition of the contributions of your people toward the development of the council”, he said.

Abubakar however said this was not to say that communities which were not represented in the choice of appointments were neglected.

He said that the council administration would run an allinclusive government in terms of developmental policies that would ensure positive impact in the lives of the electorate in the council.

In his remarks, Yahaya, who

spoke on behalf of other political appointees, commended the council chairman for counting them worthy to serve under his administration.

He pledged the commitment of the appointees by putting in their best, adding that the success of the new council administration would be the utmost concern of members of the cabinet.

The new secretary assured that relevant pieces of advice which would ensure a total fulfillment of the electorate’s yearnings would be offered to the council chairman at all times. (NAN)

‘Nigerians consume 266m kg of firewood daily’

N

igeria’s daily firewood consumption stands at 266 million kg., the Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, Sen. Bukola Saraki, said on Wednesday in Abuja.

Saraki said this at the unveiling of the ``Face of the Earth Africa (FOTEA)’’ to commemorate the

2013 World Environmental Day, which has as its theme ``Think, Eat and Save’’.

The senator said such consumption was too enormous for the country’s forests to bear, and could lead to deforestation which could also be dangerous for the uplift of the economy. ``In our context as a nation, it

is obvious that our environment has been stretched and continues to be degraded mostly by our activities and choices.

“From the increasing desertification impacting on the North from the Sahel belt, to the massive gully erosion in the East and the coastal erosion in the West, to the oil spill

degradation in the South-South, it is pertinent to state that much of this degradation has been made worse’’, Saraki said.

He explained that the National Assembly was working with the Ministry of Environment to introduce and promote the use of clean cooking stoves.

Embassy official canvasses environmental clubs in schools

T

he reactivation of environmental clubs in schools will go a long way in ensuring environmental awareness and sustainability for the future, a United States of America (USA) official has said.

Ms Sarah Johnson, the Economic officer at the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, said this on the sideline of the Green Talk Meeting and official unveiling of the Face of the Earth Africa Project ‘, recently, in Abuja Johnson told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that environmental clubs in high schools and colleges

in the U.S. played a vital role in the recycling consciousness of the American people and as such, could be useful in Nigeria.

She, therefore, called on the Nigerian Government to foster the institution of these clubs in schools to ensure a green environment and youth involvement in the development programmes of the country.

“Nigerians can have environmental clubs at the school level and environmental organisations in the universities because this is done in the U.S. and it

has proven to be effective.

“I am aware of clubs in the U.S. that are very functional in creating awareness, so clubs for schools should be a major focus.

“Environmental issues become very necessary when kids get together and learn major concepts like recycling.

“That way, we use the bottomup approach to get kids involved in measures to achieve environmental sustainability,” she said.

The official further commended the initiative of youth organisations in partnering to initiate the `Face of

the Earth Africa Project’ which, when fully operational, would promote environmental issues.

NAN reports that `Say It Loud Africa’ an NGO, in collaboration with other youth organisations, came up with an innovative platform to engage over 10,000 young Africans in the first-ever pan African, ecoadvocacy reality TV show.

The principal idea behind this project is to enlighten and educate over 100 million viewers across the five regions of Africa on the global issues of climate change and global warming. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

PAGE 16

New FCT transport policy: Allaying commuters’ confusion, chaos FEATURE

By Stanley Onyekwere

B

arely a week into the commencement of the total restriction on minibuses popularly referred to as Aaraba, from operating in Abuja city centre, residents and commuters in the FCT and its environs are now faced with confusion and chaotic reality of the initial fallouts of the new transport policy.

These manifest in heightened early morning rush for few vehicles and fare hike, leaving commuters stranded for hours at hithertobustbus-stops and pick- up points in different parts of the territory, resulting in unaccounted manhour los and hardships.

Some passengers complained to have spent about three hours waiting for the buses plying areas with high population density such as Idu -Karimo, Nyanya-Masaka, Gwagwalada, Zuba-Suleja, without succeeding.

Checks revealed that despite the promise of a more efficient and affordable transportation system in the territory at the inception of the policy, transport fares rose by about 60 to 80 percent in most parts of the suburbs, including the city centres.

Worse still, is its damaging impact on businesses and other working environment, because of obvious distortions on the routine flow of activities in these places, as people (actors and spectators alike) now get swallowed up in the ensuing confusion and chaotic hard reality of the much touted novel transport policy.

In spite of the several noticeable fallouts of the new policy, many keen observers, especially those who see the initiative in the transport sector had described the initiative as a welcome development and right steps taken by the Senator Bala Mohammed led-FCT administration, to not only ease the perennial transport challenges, but position the city on path of other modern capital cities in the world.

Prior to the reintroduction of the policy, after its aborted introduction early this year, the FCT administration while allaying palpable fears regarding the policy, also promised and assured relevant stakeholders in the sector, including concerned residents, of adequate, efficient and affordable high capacity buses to carter for the transport need of the territory.

The new policy, restraining mini-buses operations to specified feeder routes outside city limits and in the satellite towns, was delayed from August 1, 2012 following increasing criticism from

Stranded commuters at AYA yesterday, in Abuja. the operators in Abuja.

Areas the mini buses are not allowed to operate in the city include Wuse market to Eagle Square to Asokoro to AYA to Nyanya, Area 3 junction to Tafawa Balewa to Herbert Marcaulay Way to Berger junction to Jabi, Gudu market to Apo quarters to Ahmadu Bello way to Federal Secretariat to Gwarinpa and AYA to Shehu Shagari to Federal Secretariat to Transcorp Nicon junction.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja on the issue, Secretary of the Transport Secretariat of the FCTA, Engr. Jonathan Ivoke, had explained that the policy was formulated to transport people enmass, among others.

He noted that only licensed high capacity buses would be allowed to provide mass transit services whereas the Araba buses would operate at the satellite towns and other area councils of the territory According to him, their operations would terminate at the various interchanges on the Kubwa axis, Yar’ Adua expressway and Nyanya interchange where they are to feed the highway with passengers for the high capacity buses to commute into the city centres.

Also allaying fears about the policy, the FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed had said the ban on mini buses is not meant to cause hardship to commuters.

“We have over 700 high capacity buses in the FCT, the Abuja Urban Mass Transit

Company (AUMTCO) has about 300, the NURTW has about 200, and other licensed operators have about 200.

“But the mini buses will not allow them to work seriously.

You only work on the basis of profitability, you will see the high capacity buses burning their gas without any passenger because the mini bus people will not give them any breathing space, and moreover they are reckless and undisciplined.

“So we want to get a minimal cavity of monopoly for the high capacity buses and routes have been designated for the mini buses and the high capacity buses, this will decongest the traffic gridlock being experienced in the city,” the minister assured.

And on takeoff, the administration through the transport secretariat and key operators promised to deploy not less than 300 high capacity buses

Photo: Mahmud Isa (last Monday), but by early hours of the day, only a very few of the buses were on the road for operation.

And by evening rush hour, the case was not different as passengers got stranded for frustrating hours, and some even trekked long distances before boarding these buses to their respective destinations.

Worried by the unfortunate baptism of chaos and confusion on commuters and residents alike, Human Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HRWAN) has called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), to review the implementation of the new transport policy.

According to the association, complaints from ordinary poor Abuja commuters have flooded the office of the association; and the association therefore urges immediate remedy to the transportation difficulties being experienced by thousands of the poor.”

“

Worse still is the policy’s damaging impact on businesses and other working environment, because of obvious distortions on the routine flow of activities in these places, as people (actors and spectators alike) now get swallowed up in the ensuing confusion and chaotic hard reality of the much touted novel transport policy

It also urged the FCT Minister, Sen. Bala Mohammed, to either reverse the policy or introduce “immediate, workable evidencebased alternative” to the policy, so as to cushion the effect of the policy on the people.

In a recent statement signed by the National Coordinator of the association, Mr. Emmanuel Onwubiko, and the National Director of Media, Miss Zainab Yusuf, the association noted the review of the policy became necessary to meet the demand of the “poor inhabitants of FCT”.

It went further to argue that the ban on minibuses in the FCT is dangerous to the freedom of movement of the poor people with no means of private transportation.

“The coming into effect of the total ban on minibuses is dangerous to freedom of movement of the poor people in the nation’s capital, because the number of alternative high capacity buses provided by the authority is too small to ameliorate the excruciating transportation difficulties encountered by Abuja poor commuters”, it said.

According to them, the policy is against fundamental freedom of the people as enshrined in chapter four of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

It, however, observed that most of the banned public minibus operators hardly complied with basic traffic rules, adding that most times they constituted hazards to the lives of residents.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

PAGE 18

Metro INSIDE FCT COURTS

Theft: truck driver, 19, jailed 135 months

A

Kuje Area Court in the FCT has sentenced a 19-year-old truck driver, Isiaka Ibrahim, to four and half months in prison for theft.

The presiding judge, Mr. Nuhu Ibrahim, who entered the verdict against the convict, who had pleaded guilty to the charges against him, also gave him an option to pay N9, 000 in fine.

Ibrahim also ordered the convict to pay N30, 000 in compensation to the complainant.

The police prosecutor, Cpl Ocheche Samuel, had told the court that the matter was reported at the Kuje Police Station by Thomas Leke of Gudaba village, Kuje, on May 28.

Samuel said the convict, who resides at Tipper Garage, Kuje, was charged with criminal trespass, mischief and theft.

He said the convict entered the complainant’s sachet water factory and stole engine parts valued at N50, 000; and during investigation, some parts were recovered from the convict.

Samuel said the offence contravened the provisions of sections 342 and 286 of the Penal Code and punishable under sections 347 and 287 of the Criminal Procedure Act. (NAN)

Furniture maker in court for swindling friend of N1.1m

T

he police have arraigned a furniture maker, Solomon Oreluwa, 35, of Kugbo Furniture Market, in a Karu Upper Area Court of the FCT, for allegedly defrauding his banker friend, KalejaiyeOpeyemi, of N1.1 million.

According to the prosecutor, Sgt. Stephen Eimoga, the accused had claimed in June 2012 to have secured a contract with NNPC to supply chairs and sought financial assistance form

Opeyemi of Gurantee Trust Bank, Area 3, Abuja, to execute the contract.

He said: “Opeyemi then lent N1.1 million to the accused to enable him to execute the contract and promised to pay back the money with interest.”

Eimoga added that Oreluwa disappeared after collecting the money and was arrested on March 29, adding that the offence contravened the provisions of sections 178 and 320 of the Penal Code, respectively.

However, the accused pleaded not guilty, saying: “Truly, I got an NNPC contract to supply chairs and I borrowed N1.1 million from my friend Opeyemi to execute it.

“However, I later discovered that I was duped by the people who claimed to be NNPC staff; and when I discovered that it was a 419, I rushed to Opeyemi’s house and informed him.’’

Counsel to the accused, Francis

Iyohe, therefore applied for bail for his client.

The Senior Magistrate Sharon Tanko granted the bail in the sum of N200, 000 and two sureties in like sum; and one of the sureties must be a civil servant on Grade Level 03 and above, and that the sureties must reside and have a traceable address within the jurisdiction of the court.

She adjourned the case to July 6 for continuation of hearing. (NAN)

Two docked for alleged land document forging

T

he police on Wednesday arraigned one Shehu Abdullahi and one Aminu Umar in an Abuja Senior Magistrates’ Court for forging a land document belonging to one Taribo Williams.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the men are also standing trial for criminal conspiracy, joint act, theft, cheating, criminal breach of trust and attempt to commit an offence.

Police prosecutor Atteh Effiong told the court that Williams, who resides at NUN Street, Danube Close in Maitama, Abuja, lodged the complaint at the Criminal Investigation Department of the FCT Police Command on April 3.

Effiong said that after forging the document, the accused persons

sold the land to one Aliyu Shehu for N25 million, adding that “They have so far collected N15 million as part payment.’’

The prosecutor said the offences committed by the two men were contrary to sections 79, 179, 366, 368, 364, 322, 312 and 95 of the Penal Code.

The duo however pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.

The counsel to Abdullahi, the first accused, Mr. Bello Wali, applied for bail for his client, citing section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which says the accused, is assumed innocent until the determination of his trial.

Wali went further to cite Section 341(2) of the Criminal

Procedure Code (CPC) to support his application.

The counsel prayed the court to consider the bail application as the accused is a family man who also had an aged mother at home.

Similarly, the counsel to Umar, the second accused person Mr. Ganiyu Adegbite, also applied for his client’s bail, saying his application was based on the first counsel’s argument.

He added that the accused would, if granted bail, comply with the provision of Section 341(2) CPC and would not prejudice investigation or jump bail.

In her ruling, senior magistrate Ramatu Gulma said she was granting bail to the two after considering certain conditions

based on the submission of all the parties.

She said the offences were ordinarily not bailable, adding that she was granting it after considering certain factors.

Gulma granted each of them bail in the sum of N5 million with one surety each.

She said the sureties must be civil servants from Grade Level 12, who must deposit with the court a copy of their first appointment letters and their last promotion letters, also must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

According to the judge, the accused persons must also present their statements of account for the last six months, and adjourned the matter to June 20. (NAN)

Magistrate strikes out case of cheating over poor prosecution

M

agistrate Mr. Samuel Idhiarhi, of the Kubwa Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday struck out a case of cheating preferred against a 30-year-old trader, Chukwunonso Okafor, for want of diligent prosecution.

Dhiarhi said the inability of the prosecutor to produce in court the complainant after two adjournments implied that there was no case to prosecute.

Earlier, the police prosecutor, Cpl. Igonor Ocholi, had told the court that the complainant, who is a lawyer, was ``advised’’ not to pursue the case. `”He informed me that he was advised by the Nigeria Bar Association not to pursue the matter,’’ the prosecutor said.

When the case was first mentioned on May 13, Ocholi told the court that the case of cheating was reported at the Kubwa Police Station on Feb. 2 by one Uchebulem Marcel.

“The complainant told the police that sometime

in June 2011 the accused, a trader in Wuse Market, had deceived him into believing that he had goods for sale.

“Upon agreement, the accused allegedly collected N500,000 from the complainant, but failed to deliver the said goods,’’ he had said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ocholi said the offence contravened the provisions of Section 322 of the Penal Code.

NAN reports that the accused pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum, and the case was adjourned to May 17.

However, on May 17, Ocholi told the court that the complainant, a lawyer, had a case in court on that day.

He asked for adjournment and the case was adjourned to June 5 for hearing.

(NAN)

Court acquits 24-year–old man of homicide

A

n Abuja High Court on Wednesday discharged and acquitted a 24-year-old man, EmekaEzeh, of Durumi, who had been standing trial for alleged homicide.

Eze was alleged by the police to have caused the death of one ShedrackDauda, 24, in 2001.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge of homicide.

In dismissing the charges, Justice MudashiruOniyangi held that the prosecutor failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.

Oniyangi said that in a trial under criminal law, the prosecution had the burden of presenting prima facie evidence of each element of the crime against an accused.

“In such a case, this would include evidence that

the victim was in fact dead; that the accused’s act caused the death, and evidence that the accused acted with malice aforethought,’’ he said.

The judge also held that the evidence of the prosecution witnesses were contradictory to what they claimed happened.

“Since there are contradictions of the prosecution witnesses, the court cannot convict the accused based on their testimony, therefore, the accused is hereby discharged and acquitted”,he held.

After the judgment, Ezeh jumped and shouted “praise the Lord.”

Ezeh’s family members also hugged him, thanking God for saving their son’s life. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

PAGE 19

INSIDE

FG assures 75 % reduction in piracy attacks, sea robbery - Pg 20

Enhancing export through Nigeria’s airports cargo terminals - Pg 21

L-R: Representative of Wold Bank, Jens Kromann Kristensen, Chairman, House Committee on Public Account, Hon. Solomon Adeola, Chairman Senate Committee on Public Account, Senator Ahmed Lawan, and Accountant General of Federation, Mr. Jonah Otunla, during a pre-inaugural meeting of the proposed Nigerian Association of Public Account Committees (NAPAC), yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Nigeria’s forex reserves slip to $48.418bn

By Aminu Imam

N

igeria’s external reserves, whose upswing seems to have been subdued by the volatility in crude oil prices, have weakened by $439 million to $48.418 billion as at May 28th.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) website showed that the amount represented a decline by 0.9 per cent compared to the $48.857 billion it was at the beginning of the month.

Brent crude oil for July closed at $104.62 per barrel while the United States crude stood at

$95.75 per barrel last Tuesday.

Global oil prices had declined by six per cent from 107.23 per barrel at the end of the first quarter.

Similarly, Nigeria’s bonny light crude currently stood at $104.5 per barrel on Monday, 9.4 per cent lower than $115.3 per barrel in first quarter of the year. Also Nigeria’s oil output declined to 1.94 million barrels per day in April.

The Financial Derivatives Company Limited (FDC), a Lagos-based research and investment firm, stated in its latest monthly economic

report that the domestic oil output had been negatively affected by several disruptions such as pipeline vandalism, bunkering and force majeure.

“Based on our estimate, the country’s oil revenue declined by 6.8 per cent from $1.85 trillion in first quarter 2013,” the FDC report said.

The National Bureau of Statistics’ (NBS’) economic output report for first quarter 2013 had indicated that growth dipped by 0.43 per cent to 6.56 per cent in the first quarter of 2013, from 6.99 per cent the previous quarter.

H o w e v e r , considering the above statistics and the impact of a decline in oil output, FDC warned that “a further decline in global oil prices to $90 per barrel will be devastating for the Nigerian economy, as the reverberations of the shocks will hamper any form of growth across all sectors of the economy.”

It added: “Given that oil prices, notably bonny light crude, decline to $90 per barrel, Nigeria could see a

further decline in its growth rate by 1.5 per cent. Also oil revenue would immediately decline by 30 per cent or $2.4 billon per month in nominal terms.

“This will cause a rapid increase in government borrowing, adding to the current total government debt of N8.7 trillion and increase the nation’s fiscal deficit beyond the current target of 2.85 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“As the value of the naira falls towards N165/$ at the parallel market and the likelihood for capital flight increases, external reserves would be depleted by about $10 billion - $15 billion from the current level of $48.5 billion.

The resultant $33.5 billion-$38.5 billion will only cover an average of eight months of exports which may lead to increase in the country’s borrowing.”

The world economy is a ticking time bomb - Pg 22

MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY

Think positively about stress

A

re you worried that your high stress level is bad for your performance, your relationships, and your health?

It turns out that believing stress has a negative impact might be the worst part. New studies show that your mindset is the most important predictor of how stress affects you.

If you believe it’s bad for you, it will be. But you’ll be happier,

healthier, and more effective if you see the difficulties and challenges you face as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than as your “daily grind.”

So think about stress differently: It can create mental toughness, increase clarity, and contribute to a sense of confidence.

Source: Harvard Business Review

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

PAGE 20

Economy Company News

Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc

M

obil Oil Nigeria Plc has attributed the decline in its 2012 profit after tax to four key factors.

These include loss of sales in January as a result of the protests which followed the fuel subsidy reduction and security issues which affected its business in some parts of the country.

The company’s profit after tax declined by 29 percent to N2.9 billion, compared to N4.1 billion in 2011, while turnover rose 30 percent to N80.8 billion, mainly due to premium motor spirit (PMS) price increase which did not provide for any margin increase.

Procter & Gamble

P

rocter & Gamble has entered into strategic partnership with BuyCommonThings.com, an online retailer in Nigeria, with a view to making quality consumer goods available to online shoppers in the country.

The partnership is aimed at making P&G’s products easily accessible to consumers of BuyCommonThings. com’s very convenient online retail platform, the firm’s chief executive officer, Olumide Olusanya said.

BuyCommonThings. com, further said that the partnership was a natural fit as online retailing is set to play a critical role in the future of the FMCG industry in Nigeria.

Egi MJG Float Glass

I

n a move to significantly contribute to remedying the shortage of domestically produced float glass, Egi MJG Float Glass, a joint venture between the Egi Community in River state, Mara Group, JS Group and Ghani Group, has announced the groundbreaking for their first float glass manufacturing plant in Nigeria.

Egi MJG Float Glass brings together international groups with complementary sector and local expertise.

Mara Group is a multi-sector conglomerate with operations in 19 African countries.

JS Group is an industrial conglomerate with investments primarily in developing economies throughout Asia, the Middle East and Africa, while Ghani Group is a leading glass manufacturer with plants in the UAE and Pakistan, and a total production capacity of over 300,000 tonnes.

FG assures 75 % reduction in piracy attacks, sea robbery From Olawuni Oladapo, Lagos

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ven though Nigerian water ways are rated as second most dangerous waters next to Somalia, the Federal Government of Nigeria has assured that this status will soon be corrected as the government is currently putting measures in place to ensure that incidences of piracy on Nigerian waters is reduced to about 75% in the next one year.

Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar gave this assurance in Abuja, on Monday, during the presentation of the mid term achievements of the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan in the transportation sector.

The minister assured that security on Nigerian waters has improved as a result of the existing Memorandum

of Understanding (MoU) between the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) even as he assured that both agencies are still fortifying their efforts in this regard.

Umar explained that President Goodluck Jonathan had set up a ministerial committee as a result of the maritime retreat he held with maritime stakeholders recently and that part of the recommendations is to look into the disturbing state of security on the waters.

Speaking matter of factly, he said “part of the recommendations of the ministerial committee working on the presidential retreat is to address the security challenges on our waterways and we have made a very robust recommendation, by the time it is discussed and

approved by National Economic Management Team; I believe that in less than one year the situation will be brought under control by 75%” The minister also assured that three armoured boats are expected in the next few months to complement the existing twenty five boats that has so far been acquired through the Public Private Partnership venture of NIMASA with a private firm; Messrs Global West Vessels Specialist Limited.

While reeling out the achievements of government on stemming piracy in the period under review, Umar said the country recorded three armed sea robbery attacks and was able to evacuate five victims. Five vessels were also said to have been hijacked, seven people recovered while two people died.

He said that one vessel was

intercepted carrying out shipto-ship transfer, and that six marine distress incidents of fire, explosion and oil spill where recorded for the period under review.

According to the ministers’ report, only one intelligence alert on arms importation was recorded and only one intelligence alert on toxic waste which was successfully aborted.

Speaking on the safety and security on the inland waterways, Umar explained that the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has procured twelve security patrol boats during the period under review in order to complement what they had on ground.

ICT has increased FDI by 5% to its GDP- NITDA

By Adeola Tukuru

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L-R: President, Women in Management Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), Mrs. Adeola Azeez, Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, and Handson Strategy and Change Management Consultant, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru, during the 1st Abuja Roundtable Business launch by WIMBIZ, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Indigenous oil companies to lose N15.5bn to bunkering in 2013

By Etuka Sunday

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ive marginal oil field operators may lose as much as N15.5 billion($100million) to bunkering by end of the year, an increase of about 25% from the N11.62 billion ($75 million) loss recorded last year, our reporter gathered.

Consequently, the companies are making moves to establish a 10,000 barrels export refinery which could mitigate the effect of the activities of the oil thieves, which have caused and are still causing revenue challenges to government and the economy.

The oil companies affected are Energia, Pillar, Cross, Platform and Mid-Western Petroleum, which together have the capacity to export 30,000 barrels per day, but are being limited to 21,000 barrel per day because of transportation

challenges.

According to a source close to the companies, each of them transports its crude to the terminal through the Agip facility which is close to their areas of operation.

The operators said unless government declares war on bunkering, just as it has done against Boko Haram insurgents in the northern parts of the country, the crude oil losses would continue.

Also commenting , Managing Director of Energia, Felix Amieyeofori Valentine said the activities of oil thieves had impacted heavily on oil sector revenues and production, to the extent that it had been proposed that one of the solutions to persistent illegal bunkering, was to reduce the amount of crude which goes through the pipelines, by building a refinery that is export oriented, so

as to reduce their loses.

The Energia boss, who disclosed that his company was expected to ramp up field production to more than 10,000 barrels per day in 2014, said another reason why they were thinking of refineries, was to mitigate the effects of the recent policy shift by the United States of America and perhaps China and some European counties, away from crude oil and gas importation, which would certainly affect the Nigerian economy.

He said the nation should start being creative, so that as the external market shrinks, it can start internal consumption and that this can be facilitated by increasing local refining capacity.

“If nobody buys our oil again, shall we not look inward to see what we can do with ourselves?”, he asked.

he Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Prof. Cleopas Angaye has revealed that the massive increase in Internet penetration has increased in foreign direct investment and contributed about 5% to its GDP. Cleopas stated this yesterday, at the ICT capacity building for Senators adding that the investment is already enhancing service delivery and laying a solid foundation for the Nigeria e-government initiative.

According to him, the for Nigeria to further improve, become a global player and achieve the national Transformation Agenda ,there is the need to develop requisite human capital to effectively drive ICT deployment in the country .

He said the essence of the ICT capacity building for Senators is yet another major effort at building ICT capacity in the legislative arm of government in Nigeria.

In his words : “These initiative included the training of Directorate cadre of Federal Public Service, Training of Unemployed youths, scholarship scheme for higher decrees i.e, Masters and PHD in core ICT areas amongst others. The training is another major effort at building ICT capacity in the legislative arm of government in Nigeria”.

The DG further explained that the development of requisite ICT human capital will enhance the capacities of individuals and working teams whilst improving organization systems and process, as well as fostering national development, economic growth and global competitiveness.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

PAGE 21

Business Analysis

Enhancing export through Nigeria’s airports cargo terminals With the emergence of a new cargo development directorate in the aviation ministry, Suleiman Idris examines the benefits derivable from the establishment of cargo villages at the nation’s major international airports, including Kano, as transshipment hubs.

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Malam Aminu International Airport in Kano

argo services have undoubtedly become increasingly important in economic development all over the world. According to a report contained in the new National Civil Aviation Policy by the aviation ministry, market for cargo in Africa in 2010 stood at N300 billion with a 0 % share of that market for Nigeria.

Also, it said the global forecast for air freight for the continent suggests an average annual growth rate of 5.3 % for Africa in the next ten meaning an efficient air cargo and logistics operations is vital for competitive trade and investment especially for country like Nigeria with vast arable land and tonnes of perishable goods which are usually disposed-of due to the absence of storage facilities or export opportunity.

In order to key into the development that has seem airports in neighbouring African countries raking in billions of dollars as foreign exchange, the Ministry of Aviation through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN have embark on a sensitization programme with stakeholders having concluded plans to build cargo terminals at 12 airports across the country to serve as outlets for the export of tones of perishable and nonperishable agricultural produce that abound in the country.

Speaking of the cargo that passes through Nigeria airports, General Manager, Corporate Communication of FAAN Mr. Yakubu Dati said “the present cargo traffic figure for year 2011 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport stands at about 171.6million metric tons per annum, whereas Manchester Cargo Airport in the UK handles about same number at around 170million metric tons cargo annually”.

According to Dati “By the time this project is realised, FAAN would have become a major player in the cargo business comparable to international airports as Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam, Frankfurt Airport in Germany and London’s Heathrow

Airport”.

Statistics have showed that food produced by farmers in the country increased by about eight million tonnes 2012 while projection by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture set a target of 20 million tonnes by year 2015. Experts believe the increase will mean Nigeria could be a net exporter of agricultural as the country now spend over $10 billion to import staple food like Rice, Wheat, fish among others.

Having created a cargo directorate in the agency, FAAN disclosed it is already working with farmers’ groups and airlines to identify which foreign markets that can be efficiently served that will reverse a situation cargo planes from mostly Europe and Asia fly into the country fully laden and go back virtually empty.

Also, the NCAP document explained that the transformation agenda of the government provides a platform for a dynamic aviation sector with an integrated aviation master plan to develop aerotropolis, cargo villages, initially at ten airport locations in the country and for free exportprocessing zones in Nigeria in order to maximize the economic potentials of the nation’s goal of being a leading emerging economy in 2020 as air cargo and logistics operations are vital or competitive trade and investment in Nigeria.

To pursue the objectives, the FG will provide infrastructure for air cargo villages which will include multimodal transport, cargo terminals, cold storage centers, automatic storage and retrieval systems, mechanized transport of cargo, dedicated express cargo terminals with airside and city side openings, computerization and automation, establish cargo villages on a public-private partnership at major international airports and promote Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano as transshipment hubs.

In order to encourage air cargo, it designates it as scheduled or nonscheduled operations while air cargo operators will operate services to

destinations within and outside Nigeria. Aircraft for use in cargo operations will be registered in Nigeria and hold a certificate of Airworthiness for cargo operations.

Also, the Minister, Stella Oduah reiterated that effort to boost the cargo business and export in the country alongside the re-modelling and building of airport terminals was responsible for securing N106 billion from the Chinese bank to build about 11 Cargo/Perishable materials terminals, with six of them to be sited at airports in the North.

Datti told reporters that part of the strategies to fulfill the objective was the elevation of the sector to a full scale directorate, “by this development, the new directorate will spearhead the development of the cargo business which has been under-explored over the years, even though the potentials are enormous”. He said.

According to the spokesman it has done creditably well in generating blueprints for turning the cargo business to a profitable venture and implementing changes and monitoring the application of relevant resources to achieve result.

Albeit, a very low export cargo volume, the authority says it targets over 343.2 million metric tons of cargo traffic through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport by 2015.

When he spoke at a interactive session with representatives of the international cargos airlines and members of the Association of Foreign Airlines’ Representative, Director Cargo Development of FAAN, Rowland Ofulue said the creation of a new directorate of cargo development in the agency was among several strategies adopted by the Federal Government to explore other foreign revenue earning avenue for the nation apart from being an oil and gas dependent economy to a multi-pronged economy that will create more jobs for the citizens.

Ofulue said that the new directorate was poised to create an enabling environment that will boost cargo

Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah development at major Nigerian airports, where more emphasis had been laid on passenger movements and other related businesses.

He further explained that “an agroallied economy can evolve from the development of the cargo terminals being planned nationwide. A lot of perishable food items that are produced in this country could be exported through the airports as it is done in neighbouring countries that rely solely on such exports for the sustenance of their economies”.

Experts are optimistic that the construction of cargo terminals in the country will eliminate challenges local farmers have faced to access the markets for their produce and encourage them to be more productive thereby boosting the economy of the state and the nation at large.

Also they advice that a well harmonized plan to support the farmers and traders in ensuring that produce designated for export meet the usually strict hygiene and packaging standards required in the international market as it will also “provide a window for a renewed effort to strengthen the agriculture value chain through the development of agro-processing industries, especially small and medium scale enterprises, so that we can export not just fresh produce, but processed agricultural products”.

PAGE 22

Business Feature

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

The world economy is a ticking time bomb (and the fuse is burning)

By Richard Eskow

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espected economist and professor at the London School of Economics, John Kay is about to make a public statement which essentially says that the world economy is a ticking time bomb and global markets are a lit fuse.

Kay, a columnist for the Financial Times of London, and the author of a widely-read report on stock market flaws which was commissioned last year by the British government.

Kay says that the world is “waiting for the next crisis.”

He’ll present that conclusion in a keynote speech which was previewed and extensively quoted earlier this week.

Correction Time “Prices are driven to silly levels,” Kay says, “but everyone makes a load of money in the meantime, and then you get a correction.”

What is known as a “correction” in financial parlance is better understood by most people as a recession or depression resulting in lost jobs, wealth, health, and security. The lords of finance have been disarmingly frank about this money-making strategy at times.

“We actually benefit from downturns,” JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon told investors earlier this year. After the 2008 crisis Dimon told reporters he had explained downturns to his seven-year-old daughter by saying they’re “something that happens every five to seven years.”

In case you haven’t been counting, the last crisis occurred five years ago.

Arbitraging the Future Tomorrow’s crisis is already making billions today for bankers and investors.

But then, there’s almost no way for financiers to stop profiting from the next crisis under current conditions.

The Federal Reserve and other central banks have flooded them with cheap money, making it inexpensive to borrow.

That was the right thing to do, but these low-cost loans should have come with strings, especially requirements that the money be used to provide consumers and small businesses with loans that could benefit the real-world economy in which most people live. Instead, as Prof. Kay points out, “(T)he system is geared around trading profits, which

are, in large part, money that is borrowed from the future.

A crisis results from the moment at which this money has to be paid back.”

On Borrowed Time “Margin debt” – money which is borrowed to invest in markets – has soared to pre-crisis levels, according to the New York Stock Exchange. Stocks are running as far ahead of inflation expectations as they did in the run-up to the last two crises.

And yet there is very little sign of dramatic improvement in traditional economic indicators such as employment or consumer confidence.

That has given us the “Truman Show” economy, with an artificial veneer of prosperity for the many – and great wealth for the few.

Prof. Kay says that he considers the Eurozone the likeliest spot for the next disaster. But wherever the spark is struck, disaster seems imminent. In the meantime, bankers are making enormous amounts of money with borrowed money … and on borrowed time.

The Dance Many financially sophisticated investors and bankers will say privately that they agree with Prof. Kay – that it’s only a matter of time until the next crisis comes.

Why do they do it, then?

Chuck Prince, the ousted CEO of failed megabank Citigroup, probably put it best of all. “As long as the music is playing,” he said of the run-up to the last downturn, “you’ve got to get up and dance.”

That’s the paradox of the modern banker, who is both the lord of his or her domain and its servant.

They’re arbitraging the future for short-term gain, making money by laying the groundwork for a massive wave of oncoming misery. But

“We actually benefit from downturns,” JPMorgan Chase CEO, Jamie Dimon told investors earlier this year.

(Getty Images)

they’re also caught in ta fiscal frenzy, as Prince’s graphic description illustrates, jerking back and forth in the grip of forces greater than themselves.

The economy that enriches them is already dead, and their movements are its St. Vitus’ Dance.

Returning to the Real World

“

We’ve replaced the traditional image of economic well-being – which includes well-paying jobs, upward mobility, and consumer confidence – with the speculative, get-rich-quick world of heavy trading.

If these involuntary fiscal movements are the problem, what solutions are available?

The first step is tougher and smarter regulation. A few good people are also trying to instill the banking profession with a better moral conscience. But ultimately we’ll need to fundamentally re-envision our concept of a national and world economy.

We’ve replaced the traditional image of economic well-being – which includes well-paying jobs, upward mobility, and consumer confidence – with the speculative, get-rich-quick world of heavy trading. But, as Prof. Kay notes, it’s no longer clear that stock markets provide real economic value.

Financial intermediaries are capturing an increasing share of monies exchanged, rising from 5 percent in 1980 to 9 percent in 2010, an enormous take for the industry that failed so spectacularly only two years earlier.

Financial-sector

profits have once again soared to their bloated pre-crisis levels, consuming nearly a third of all corporate profits– and after-tax corporate profits haven’t been this high in modern history.

“As long as the music’s playing …”

To paraphrase an old saying: It’s still good to be Prince. (Although he lost his job, he went away wealthy.)

But tens of millions of people – perhaps hundreds of millions – are still suffering the after-effects of the last crisis. What happens when the next one comes along?

It’s a frightening prospect, filled with the threat of even greater tragedies – and perhaps widespread social unrest.

We can learn the lessons of the past and stop stealing from the future, or we can face an uncertain fate so that a few people can keep on dancing. ( S o u r c e : w w w . commondreams.org)

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

PAGE 23

Stock Watch

Report as at Thursday, June 6, 2013

PEOPLES DAILY, FRISDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

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PAGE 25

Special Report

How Nigeria squanders millions on generators its foreign missions don’t need

By RuonaAgbroko-Meyer and Ini Ekott

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efying logic, and objections from lawmakers, the Nigerian government has channelled nearly a quarter of a billion naira this year to fuelling and maintaining electricity generators in its embassies abroad, when many of the missions have no such need, as their host nations provide stable power supply.

These missions include those located in the United States, the United Kingdom as well as China and several dozens of developed, or emerging nations.

Despite paying N523 million for electricity charges in 2013, the embassies will spend an extra N170 million to power generators they have no need for, in a bizarre spending spree that surprises even ambassadors who are expected to deploy the cash.

The figure is expected to cover N117 million for fuelling and N51.9 million for maintenance of plants in some 100 foreign missions.

This is more than double what would be needed if strictly deserving nations were considered as has been done in years past.

An extensive review of previous federal budgets, and interviews with government officials show how the allocation, now part of the 2013 Appropriation Act, brushed aside a policy that previously ensured such funds went only to missions with electricity troublesmainly in Africa, and other third world regions.

That effort saved costs, PREMIUM TIMES investigations show, and officials and lawmakers vigorously pursued it, denying generator funding to missions in African nations with relatively improved power supply like Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt -a restriction that spread across Europe, America, Asia and Australia.

But somehow, in 2013, these same officials have pulled a bazaar of sorts, dishing out millions of naira to every Nigerian mission around the world, from Bangui to Washington, to London, to Russia, to Tokyo to Tehran, for generator servicing and fuelling, even

Generator sales boom in Nigeria even as the nation’s foreign missions squander millions on the product when many of those stations appear unaware of the monies at their disposal, the review shows.

A shocked Nigerian ambassador to the United States scrambled a denial when pressed by PREMIUM TIMES on why the Washington embassy should draw such funding, when it apparently has no need for it.

“I’ve been here for three years and we don’t have

generator and diesel here in Washington. And that means we don’t budget for generator and diesel,” the ambassador, AdebowaleAdefuye, told PREMIUM TIMES last week.

Mr. Adefuye’s denial sheds light into what appears to be a thinly-concealed scheme by government officials to dubiously insert self-serving clauses into the federal budget books.

Two key offices relevant

to giving such funding official approval-the Budget Office of the Federation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairsdenied knowledge of these allocations, stoking that concern.

A spokesperson for the foreign affairs ministry, OgboleOdeh, said while he cannot confirm the allocation or its need, the ministry abides by a government policy that demands unused funds,

should those appropriated for generators turn out to be so, be repaid to the treasury.

“That I can confirm, beyond that I do not know for now,” Mr. Odeh said.

But the nation’s wellknown history of unspent and unremitted budget funds, and the seeming secrecy surrounding the generator funds, cast doubts as to how such refunds may be possible when even the diplomatic

offices that should utilize the funds appear unaware of their existence.

For instance, the Washington embassy, which Mr. Adefuye insisted has no need for a generator and has not been given money for same, received N718, 485 for that purpose this year, possibly unknown to the ambassador. The Atlanta consulate got a triple of that, while Nigeria’s mission in

New York got more than N8 million, also for a generator.

An examination of past budgets confirms the ambassador’s assertion that at least in the past three years, none of those offices got such funding.

Mr. Adefuye speculated about the possibility that the controversial allocation was not for his domain since he knew nothing of the sum.

“Maybe they are talking

about other embassies.

That does not affect us,” he affirmed.

Repeated telephone calls to the Nigerian consulate in New York were unanswered.

An official, who eventually answered the phone after several calls, said the consular general, HabibHabu, and the Information Officer, called I. Jack, were unavailable to comment.

Shocking figures

The US “fuel and maintenance” bonanza are only a part of an extensive, questionable allocations to dozens of missions abroadfunds which can help address pressing projects back home.

London, for instance, has the highest allocation for plant/ generator fuel costs. Despite approving N20.4 million for that mission’s electricity bill, the Foreign Affairs ministry approved practically the same amount (N18.3 million) for running plants/generators in the power-stable capital of United Kingdom.

While the permanent mission in New York has N33.8 million for electricity, it also has over N8 million for generators.

The Nigerian diplomatic post in Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, with no stated allocations for electricity charges, budgets N712, 341 for plant/generators fuel charges; suggesting the office will run solely on generators in 2013.

Similar allocations are spread across all missions abroad, PREMIUM TIMES’ interactive analysis of the budget shows.

Yet, for all its puzzling details, more troubling is a somewhat slapdash placement of the funding for different missions regardless of their peculiar economic realities.

Missions in different capitals in different far-flung continents, with varying currency values and inflation rates surprisingly turned up with same allocations for fuelling and maintenance, many to the last kobo. For instance, Bangkok (Thailand), Bangui (Central African Republic), Athens (Greece) and Atlanta (USA) missions have the same generator fuel costs of N1, 573, 932.

The eerie similarities also showed up for Washington and Windhoek (Namibia) (N518, 611); as well as for Johannesburg and Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) (N1, 445, 921).

For electricity charges, Abu Dhabi, Accra, Addis Ababa and Algiers have the same N9, 899, 409 charge for a year’s supply of electricity.

The same situation applies to Washington and Windhoek (N3, 123, 787); Abidjan and Ankara (N5, 899, 409); Johannesburg and Jeddah (N5, 921, 260); Bangkok, Athens and Baghdad (N4, 445, 486).

The budget for “Maintenance of Plant/Generators” is just

President Goodluck Jonathan

Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru as uninspiring: our foreign missions in Abidjan, Abu Dhabi, Accra, Addis Ababa, Algiers, Beirut and Ankara all need the same fee of N366, 982 to keep the lights in Nigeria’s embassies on.

The same incoherence go for Athens, Atlanta, Baghdad,

Bangkok and Bangui missions, in which each need the sum of N606, 599 for generator maintenance. Find out more for yourself by clicking on our interactive charts.

Source: Times

Premium

PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

Islam and the five mysteries (IV) Allah says: “He knows what is hidden and what is open: too high is He for the partners They attribute to Him!”[al-Mu’minun: 92] And: “He (alone) knows the Unseen, nor does He make any one acquainted with His Mysteries”[al-Jinn: 26]

I

n the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

All Praise is due to Allah!

We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and we seek refuge in Him from our evils and bad deeds. Anyone who is guided by Allah, is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and final messenger to mankind. May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon His last and final Apostle, his Household, his companions and all his followers until the end of time.

Allah says: “Allah is He, than whom there is no other god;- Who knows (All things) both secret and open; He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.”[alHashr: 22] We are still discussing the five mysteries which Allah Himself declared demystifiable by all human races with all their inventions put together, now and in the future! Last episode discussed on the first item, proving that the definite time of the Hour will remain secret of Allah from the intuitive and scientific knowledge of man. The verse once more: “Verily the knowledge of the Hour is with Allah (alone). it is He who Sends down rain, and He who knows what is In the wombs. nor does any one know what it is that He will earn on the morrow: nor does any one know In what land He is to die. Verily with Allah is full knowledge and He is acquainted (with all things).”[Luqman: 34] The second item is that both knowledge and power to send rain water to particular places, at particular times and in particular measure or quantity, remains one of the top and exclusive secrets of Allah till eternity. He says: “Verily... it is He who Sends down rain...” [Luqman: 34] And: “And He who sends down (from time to time) water from the sky in due measure, and We raise to life therewith a land that is dead. Even so will you

be raised (from the dead).” [al- date palms, grapes, and every kind of fruit.)

Zukhruf: 11] “Verily, in this there is This due measure mentioned in the verse contains some indeed an evident proof and a interesting and scientific manifest sign for people who characteristics of rainfall. It give thought.”

“Is not He (better than your is approximated that in one second, 16 million tonnes of water evaporates from the earth and the same quantity of water drops on the earth in the same time

By Husain Zakariyya frame. That means Yawale water continuously circulates in a +234-8052952900 (sms only) balanced cycle islamexplained35@yahoo.com according to a due measure.

Another due measure related gods) Who created the heavens with rain is its falling speed. The and the earth, and sends water lowest altitude of rain clouds is down for you from the sky, from 1,200 meters. When an object which We cause wonderful having the same weight and gardens full of beauty and size as a rain drops, it would hit delight to grow You are not the ground with a speed of 558 able to cause the growth of their km/h. Thus, undoubtedly, any trees. Is there any ilah (god) object that hits the ground with with Allah Nay, but they are such a speed, would certainly a people who make equals (to cause immense damage, not Him)!) [an-Naml: 60].

Similarly, from the same type only to the earth surface but to the buildings, aeroplanes, cars, of water, He makes the earth trains and farm land all around sprout plants with different the falling areas. Consequently, tastes, colours, scents and people would not be able to shapes. For this reason He says, easily walk around without “And He has subjected the night taking necessary hardship and and the day for you, and the sun pains. If this colossal damages and the moon; and the stars are would happen from just an subjected by His command. altitude of 1, 200 metres high, Surely, in this are proofs for can anyone imagine of rain people who understand.” “... falling from that of 10, 000 And all He has created of varying metres?! But Allah, in His colours on the earth for you. infinite wisdom and power, no Verily, in this is a sign for people matter from the altitude rain who reflect.”

The weather radar is today drops, it will only drop at a mere speed of 8 and 10 kilometre per used to discover the three stages hour! The scientific explanation by which rain is formed. The for this is type of due measure, first stage is the “raw material” is the inherent unique form of rain when it rises up into the which increases the friction air with the wind and form the effect of the atmosphere and clouds to finally drop as rains. prevents acceleration during The Qur’an not only contains droping of the rain due to certain statements of scientific facts speed limit. It is said this same concerning clouds and rain, technique was adopted by but remains the chief source of all scientific explorations parachutes.

Another due measure in concerning everything!

The Qur’an’s account of the which rain drops, is that despite the atmospheric layers where it starts to rain, the temperature usually fall so low as 400C degrees. Yet this, rain drops in liquid form, and never turn into ice molecules; this would have been a deadly threat for the living things on the earth! Allah, has made rain water very pure and potable, and pure water hardly freezes even in very low temperatures.

Allah says; “He made it fresh and pure so that they can drink it, not salty and undrinkable. (and from it (grows) the vegetation on which you send your cattle to pasture.) (With it He causes crops to grow for you, olives,

ISLAM EXPLAINED

“

formation of rain refers exactly to this process. A website: http:// www.miraclesofthequran. com/scientific_44.html, gave a detail account of rain formation in the light of the Qur’an. In two verses, Allah gives detail description of the three s t a g e s of rain formations in a manner non can elucidate, thus: “It is Allah Who sends the winds which stir up clouds which He spreads about the sky however He wills. He forms them into dark clumps and you see the rain come pouring out from the middle of them. When He makes it fall on those of His servants He wills, they rejoice.” [ar-Rum: 48] And: “Have you not seen how Allah drives along the clouds, then joins them together, then makes them into a stack, and then you see the rain come out of it? And He sends down from the sky mountain masses [of clouds] with cold hail in them, striking with it anyone He wills and averting it from anyone He wills. The brightness of His lightning almost blinds the sight. [An-Nur: 43] ‘Scientists studying cloud types came across surprising results with regards to the formation of rain clouds. Rain clouds are formed and shaped according to definite systems and stages. The stages of formation of one kind of rain cloud, cumulonimbus, are these: 1. STAGE ONE, Being driven along: Clouds are carried along, that is, they are driven along, by the wind.

(A) Isolated small pieces of clouds (cumulonimbus clouds) (B) When the small clouds join together, updrafts within

Thus, having given this detail account, the challenge remains open till eternity for anyone who can invent a gargantuan machine that can substitute the exclusive right of Allah, or at least serve humanity in the event of drought! Never, and never can human intelligent achieve such feat!

the larger cloud increase. As a result, the cloud is stacked up.

2. STAGE TWO, Joining: Then, small clouds (cumulonimbus clouds) driven along by the wind join together, forming a larger cloud.55 3. STAGE THREE, Stacking: When the small clouds join together, updrafts within the larger cloud increase. The updrafts near the centre of the cloud are stronger than those near the edges. These updrafts cause the cloud body to grow vertically, so the cloud is stacked up. This vertical growth causes the cloud body to stretch into cooler regions of the atmosphere, where drops of water and hail formulate and begin to grow larger and larger.

When these drops of water and hail become too heavy for the updrafts to support them, they begin to fall from the cloud as rain, hail, etc.

We must remember that meteorologists have only recently come to know these details about cloud formation, structure and function, by using advanced equipment like planes, satellites, computers etc. It is evident that Allah has provided us information that could not have been known 1,400 years ago.

These updrafts cause the cloud body to grow vertically and the cloud is stacked up.

This vertical growth causes the cloud body to stretch into cooler regions of the atmosphere, where drops of water and hail formulate and begin to grow larger and larger. When these drops of water and hail become too heavy for the updrafts to support them, they begin to fall from the cloud as rain, hail, etc. This scientific fact was announced in Sura an-Nur: 43, fourteen centuries ago by Allah in this way: “... then [He] makes them into a stack, and then you see the rain come out of it…”’

Thus, having given this detail account, the challenge remains open till eternity for anyone who can invent a gargantuan machine that can substitute the exclusive right of Allah, or at least serve humanity in the event of drought! Never, and never can human intelligent achieve such feat! The beat will remain forever, resting the case forever as no present or future technology will send down the rain! Allah says: “Verily... it is He who Sends down rain...” [Luqman: 34] ....to be continue Husain Zakariyya Yawale islamexplained35@ yahoo.com +2348052952900 (Text only)

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

ANALYSIS

By Noam Chomsky

W

hat is the future likely to bring? A reasonable stance might be to try to look at the human species from the outside. So imagine that you’re an extraterrestrial observer who is trying to figure out what’s happening here or, for that matter, imagine you’re an historian 100 years from now -- assuming there are any historians 100 years from now, which is not obvious -- and you’re looking back at what’s happening today. You’d see something quite remarkable.

For the first time in the history of the human species, we have clearly developed the capacity to destroy ourselves. That’s been true since 1945.

It’s now being finally recognized that there are more long-term processes like environmental destruction leading in the same direction, maybe not to total destruction, but at least to the destruction of the capacity for a decent existence.

And there are other dangers like pandemics, which have to do with globalization and interaction.

So there are processes underway and institutions right in place, like nuclear weapons systems, which could lead to a serious blow to, or maybe the termination of, an organized existence.

The question is: What are people doing about it? None of this is a secret.

It’s all perfectly open. In fact, you have to make an effort not to see it.

There have been a range of reactions. There are those who are trying hard to do something about these threats, and others who are acting to escalate them. If you look at who they are, this future historian or extraterrestrial observer would see something strange indeed. Trying to mitigate or overcome these threats are the least developed societies, the indigenous populations, or the remnants of them, tribal societies and first nations in Canada. They’re not talking about nuclear war but environmental disaster, and they’re really trying to do something about it.

In fact, all over the world -Australia, India, South America -there are battles going on, sometimes wars. In India, it’s a major war over direct environmental destruction, with tribal societies trying to resist resource extraction operations that are extremely harmful locally, but also in their general consequences. In societies where indigenous populations have an influence, many are taking a strong stand. The strongest of any country with regard to global warming is in Bolivia, which has an indigenous majority and constitutional requirements that protect the “rights of nature.”

Ecuador, which also has a large indigenous population, is the only oil exporter I know of where the government is seeking aid to help keep that oil in the ground, instead of producing and exporting it -- and the ground is where it ought to be.

The richest, most powerful societies in world history, like the United States and Canada, are racing full-speed ahead to destroy the environment as quickly as possible.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who died recently and was the object of mockery, insult, and hatred throughout the Western world, attended a session of the U.N. General Assembly a few years ago where he

PAGE 27

International

Humanity imperiled and the path to disaster (I)

Russian built missile defence system elicited all sorts of ridicule for calling George W. Bush a devil. He also gave a speech there that was quite interesting.

Of course, Venezuela is a major oil producer. Oil is practically their whole gross domestic product. In that speech, he warned of the dangers of the overuse of fossil fuels and urged producer and consumer countries to get together and try to work out ways to reduce fossil fuel use. That was pretty amazing on the part of an oil producer. You know, he was part Indian, of indigenous background. Unlike the funny things he did, this aspect of his actions at the U.N. was never even reported.

So, at one extreme you have indigenous, tribal societies trying to stem the race to disaster. At the other extreme, the richest, most powerful societies in world history, like the United States and Canada, are racing full-speed ahead to destroy the environment as quickly as possible.

Unlike Ecuador, and indigenous societies throughout the world, they want to extract every drop of hydrocarbons from the ground with all possible speed.

Both political parties, President Obama, the media, and the international press seem to be looking

forward with great enthusiasm to what they call “a century of energy independence” for the United States.

Energy independence is an almost meaningless concept, but put that aside. What they mean is: we’ll have a century in which to maximize the use of fossil fuels and contribute to destroying the world.

And that’s pretty much the case everywhere. Admittedly, when it comes to alternative energy development, Europe is doing something. Meanwhile, the United States, the richest and most powerful country in world history, is the only nation among perhaps 100 relevant ones that doesn’t have a national policy for restricting the use of fossil fuels, that doesn’t even have renewable energy targets. It’s not because the population doesn’t want it. Americans are pretty close to the international norm in their concern about global warming.

It’s institutional structures that block change. Business interests don’t want it and they’re overwhelmingly powerful in determining policy, so you get a big gap between opinion and policy on lots of issues, including this one.

So that’s what the future historian -- if there is one -- would see. He might

“

also read today’s scientific journals.

Just about every one you open has a more dire prediction than the last.

The other issue is nuclear war.

It’s been known for a long time that if there were to be a first strike by a major power, even with no retaliation, it would probably destroy civilization just because of the nuclear-winter consequences that would follow. You can read about it in the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists. It’s well understood.

So the danger has always been a lot worse than we thought it was.

We’ve just passed the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis, which was called “the most dangerous moment in history” by historian Arthur Schlesinger, President John F. Kennedy’s advisor. Which it was. It was a very close call, and not the only time either. In some ways, however, the worst aspect of these grim events is that the lessons haven’t been learned.

What happened in the missile crisis in October 1962 has been prettified to make it look as if acts of courage and thoughtfulness abounded. The truth is that the whole episode was almost insane. There was a point, as the missile crisis was reaching its

The richest, most powerful societies in world history, like the United States and Canada, are racing full-speed ahead to destroy the environment as quickly as possible

peak, when Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev wrote to Kennedy offering to settle it by a public announcement of a withdrawal of Russian missiles from Cuba and U.S. missiles from Turkey.

Actually, Kennedy hadn’t even known that the U.S. had missiles in Turkey at the time. They were being withdrawn anyway, because they were being replaced by more lethal Polaris nuclear submarines, which were invulnerable.

So that was the offer. Kennedy and his advisors considered it -- and rejected it. At the time, Kennedy himself was estimating the likelihood of nuclear war at a third to a half. So Kennedy was willing to accept a very high risk of massive destruction in order to establish the principle that we -- and only we -- have the right to offensive missiles beyond our borders, in fact anywhere we like, no matter what the risk to others -- and to ourselves, if matters fall out of control. We have that right, but no one else does.

Kennedy did, however, accept a secret agreement to withdraw the missiles the U.S. was already withdrawing, as long as it was never made public.

Khrushchev, in other words, had to openly withdraw the Russian missiles while the U.S. secretly withdrew its obsolete ones; that is, Khrushchev had to be humiliated and Kennedy had to maintain his macho image. He’s greatly praised for this: courage and coolness under threat, and so on. The horror of his decisions is not even mentioned -- try to find it on the record.

Source: commondreams. org

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

PAGE 28

International Britain to compensate Mau Mau abuse victims

B

ritain has agreed to compensate Kenyans tortured during the Mau Mau uprising against colonial rule in the 1950s, Foreign Secretary William Hague has said.

Hague expressed “sincere regret” on Thursday that the abuses had taken place and told parliament the government would pay a total of $30.8m to 5,228 clients represented by a British law firm.

A lawyer for the vicitms had said on Wednesday the settlement had been agreed without disclosing the sum. “[The negotiations] have included everybody with sufficient evidence of torture. And that number is about 5,200,” Kenyan lawyer Paul Muite said.

Negotiations began after a London court ruled in October that three elderly Kenyans, who suffered castration, rape and beatings while in detention during a crackdown by British forces and their Kenyan allies in the 1950s, could sue Britain.

The torture took place during the so-called Kenyan Emergency of 1952-60, when fighters from the Mau Mau movement attacked British targets, causing panic among white settlers.

Peter Greste, reporting from the Kenyan capital, said Britain would also pay for a special memorial to be erected in Nairobi.

He said that since the case was

settled out of court, it would not set a legal precedent for future claims of compensation for abuses during the colonial rule. But he added that it could set a “moral precedent” for other victims to step up.

The $30.8m compensation would work out at $5,891 per claimant in a country where average national income per capita is $821.

The foreign office said in last month’s statement that “there should

be a debate about the past”.

“It is an enduring feature of our democracy that we are willing to learn from our history,” the statement said.

“We understand the pain and grievance felt by those, on all sides, who were involved in the divisive and bloody events of the Emergency period in Kenya.”

In a test case, claimants Paulo MuokaNzili, WambuguWaNyingi and Jane Muthoni Mara last year

told Britain’s High Court how they were subjected to torture and sexual mutilation.

Lawyers said that Nzili was castrated, Nyingi severely beaten and Mara subjected to appalling sexual abuse in detention camps during the Mau Mau rebellion.

A fourth claimant, Susan Ngondi, has died since legal proceedings began.

The Mau Mau nationalist

Kenyan Mau Mau who successfully challenged the British government, from left, Jane Muthoni Mara, WambugaWaNyingi, and Paulo MuokaNzili. Photograph: AP

Ghana arrests Chinese for ‘illegal mining’

A

t least 124 Chinese nationals suspected of illegal gold mining have been detained in Ghana, officials say.

Chinese officials said most of those detained were mining illegally without visas, work and residency permits.

They are negotiating the detainees’ release, a spokesman from the Chinese embassy in Ghana said.

The arrests took place in several

locations around the country following a call by Ghanaian officials to end unauthorised mining by foreigners.

Officials raided a hotel and areas near mines where the Chinese were living, the embassy said.

‘Gold rush’ The arrests are part of an ongoing crackdown on foreign nationals working in small-scale gold mines, reserved by law for Ghanaians, reports the BBC’s

AkwasiSarpong from the capital, Accra.

Ghana is expected to repatriate the miners who were arrested in raids in four mineral-rich regions, he says.

A Ghana immigration official told Xinhua news agency that the detainees “were involved in illegal gold mining”.

They are being held at an immigration centre in Accra,

Chinese officials said.

Yu Jie, spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Ghana, told Xinhua they “have cautioned all the Chinese people in Ghana to strictly abide by the related laws and regulations”.

Most of the detained workers flocked to the “Ghana gold rush” from the impoverished county of Shanglin in China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Chinese media say.

Hollande wins UNESCO peace prize for Mali intervention

President Hollande (L) received the peace prize from UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova

F

rance’s president has received a major prize from the United Nations’ cultural organisation for his decision to send troops to Mali in January.

Francois Hollande was awarded

the annual Felix Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize by Unesco at a ceremony in Paris.

The president of the jury praised MrHollande for the “solidarity shown by France to the peoples of

Africa”.

The decision was criticised by some human rights groups, who noted the continuing unrest in Mali.

Earlier, the Malian army said its soldiers had clashed with Tuareg separatists near the northern town of Kidal, killing several rebels.

‘Solidarity’ The Houphouet-Boigny prize, created in 1989, is intended to honour people that have made a significant contribution to peace and stability.

Other winners include former Irish president Mary Robinson, South Africa’s former leader Nelson Mandela and the first president of East Timor, XananaGusmao.

President Hollande was presented with a diploma, a gold medal and a cash prize of $150,000 (£98,000, 115,000 euros), which he will reportedly donate to two relief organisations working in Mali.

JoaquimChissano, president of the deciding jury, said: “Having assessed the dangers and the repercussions of the situation on Africa and on Mali in particular, as well as on the rest of the world, the jury appreciated the solidarity shown by France to the peoples of Africa.”

Mali’s President, DioncoundaTraore, thanked MrHollande and referred to the “humiliation” suffered by people living in the north of of the country before the French troops arrived.

Benin President Thomas BoniYayi meanwhile told the news agency AFP: “If France had not intervened, where would we be?

God alone knows.”

France has begun to withdraw some of its 4,000 troops from Mali after driving Islamist groups from the main towns and cities of the north.

movement originated in the 1950s among the Kikuyu people of Kenya.

Its loyalists advocated violent resistance to British domination of the country.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission h a s e s t i m a t e d 90,000 Kenyans were killed or maimed and 160,000 detained during the uprising.

London tried for three years to block the Mau Mau veterans’ legal action in the courts, drawing condemnation from the elderly torture victims who accused Kenya’s former colonial master of using legal technicalities to fight the case.

Caroline Elkins, a Harvard history professor who acted as an expert witness in the case launched in 2009, said the settlement would be the first of its kind for the former British Empire.

Tunisian soldiers killed in blast near Algerian border

T

wo Tunisian soldiers have been killed and at least another two wounded in a roadside explosion near the border with Algeria, the army has said.

The incident is the latest in a series of attacks on soldiers pursuing militant Islamists along the border.

“Two soldiers were killed... in the hunt for terrorists,” army spokesman Mokhtar Ben Nasr said.

North African states have been battling to contain militants since secular regimes were ousted in recent years.

The militants - many of them linked to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) - easily cross the region’s porous borders.

In January, 48 foreign workers were killed following a siege at the In Amenas plant in Algeria.

The raid was in response to French-led forces intervening to drive out militant Islamists from the main cities in northern Mali, which borders Algeria.

Since the end of April, around 20 security force members in Tunisia have been wounded by mine explosions blamed on the militants, AFP news agency reports.

In the latest attack, a device exploded as an army vehicle was travelling in the remote Doghra area of Mount Chaambi, Mr Ben Nasr said.

Mount Chaambi is in rugged terrain close to the Algerian border.

A security source in Kasserine, the regional capital, told AFP that one of the wounded soldiers could lose his leg.

Tunisia has had an Islamist-led government since the overthrow of long-serving ruler Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali in January 2011.

PEOPLES DAILY , FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

PAGE 29

International

Asia & Australia Middle East withdraws 380 UN force over T Golan clashes

EU commits another 400 million euros of aid to Syria

“The uncontrolled and imminent danger to Austrian soldiers has reached an unacceptable level.”

UN peacekeeping spokeswoman Josephine Guerrero said the withdrawal would affect the operational capacity of the mission observing a decades-old ceasefire between Syria and Israel.

“Austria has been a backbone of the mission and their withdrawal will impact the mission’s operational capacity,” Guerrero said.

“We are in discussions with them about timing, and with other troop-contributing countries to provide replacement troops.”

Israel’s foreign ministry issued a written statement saying it regreted Austria’s decision and hoped it

would not bring further escalation of violence in the region.

The decision came as UN peacekeeping spokesman Kieran Dwyer said two peacekeepers were wounded from the fallout of heavy weapons fire in the area.

Dwyer did not give the nationalities of the injured peacekeepers, but a written Filipino military statement said a Philippine UN peacekeeper was wounded by shrapnel on Thursday amid fighting between Syrian government and rebel forces.

“He is being treated by medics inside a shelter and is in stable and good condition,” the statement said.

Syria’s official news agency SANA reported earlier that the army had repulsed a group that attempted to seize the crossing in the town of

North Korean guard in 2008. North Korea has since seized assets of the resort’s South Korean operator.

Restarting reunions of separated families could also be discussed, the North Korea statement said, adding: “The venue of the talks and the date for their opening can be set to the convenience of the South side.”

South Korea appeared to welcome the move, saying it “positively views North Korea’s proposal”.

“We hope that South and North Korea can build trust through this opportunity,” the Unification Ministry said, adding that the agenda and schedule would be announced after discussions.

Deciding on the agenda could present hurdles, observers cautioned.

It follows several months of threats and rhetoric from the communist North.

Apparently angered by the US sanctions imposed after its third

Werner Faymann

T

wo UN peacekeepers have been wounded during clashes between Syrian government forces and rebels over control of a border crossing near the Israelioccupied Golan Heights.

The Austrian government decided to withdraw all 380 of its UN peacekeepers from the 900-strong UN mission area on Thursday after the border post was taken by Syrian rebels and then recaptured by government forces during a fierce battle that was still raging.

“We no longer have freedom of movement,” Chancellor Werner Faymann and Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger said in a joint written statement.

Quneitra, near Golan.

SANA quoted an official source as saying that a large number of rebels were killed or injured in the battle.

The fighting followed a claim by opposition fighters that they had captured the crossing.

The pro-opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the situation inside Syria, confirmed that clashes had taken place, but said their outcome was unclear.

Israel Radio quoted Israeli army sources as saying that Syrian tanks and armoured vehicles had entered the demilitarised zone along the border between the Syrian and the Israeli-controlled Golan to push back the rebels from the Quneitra crossing.

North South Korea ‘agree Kaesong talks’

T

he two Koreas appear set to hold talks on a jointly-run industrial zone, weeks after operations were suspended there.

North Korea proposed talks with Seoul in a statement early on Thursday carried by state news agency KCNA. South Korea’s Unification Ministry said it “positively views” the proposal, which follows months of high tension on the peninsula.

The Kaesong industrial zone, just inside North Korea, is a key source of revenue for Pyongyang.

But North Korea pulled out its workers in early April as its relations with the South - and regional neighbours - deteriorated in the wake of its 12 February nuclear test.

Since then operations at the zone, where more than 120 South Korean manufacturers employ some 53,000 North Korea workers, have been fully halted for the first time since the project began a decade ago.

North Korea said late last month it would invite South Korean businessmen back to discuss the resumption of operations but Seoul ruled that out, saying working-level government talks should be held.

The KCNA statement, attributed to the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea, said that hotlines cut during the period of high tension would be reconnected if South Korea agreed to the talks.

“We propose holding talks between authorities of the North and the South for the normalisation of the operation in the KIZ [Kaesong Industrial Zone] and the resumption of tour of Mt Kumgang,” it said.

The Mount Kumgang resort is a joint tourism project that has been suspended since a South Korean tourist was shot dead there by a

nuclear test and annual South KoreaUS military drills, it warned of attacks on regional targets and cut key economic and communications links with Seoul.

In recent weeks, however, tensions appear to have lessened somewhat. Late last month, North Korea sent an envoy to Beijing - seen as having the greatest degree of influence on Pyongyang - for talks, for the first time since its nuclear test.

he European Union will send another 400 million euros ($523 million) of aid to Syria and its neighbors, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said on Thursday, calling Syria “a stain on the world’s conscience”.

Barroso said the EU was already the biggest humanitarian donor in response to the crisis, committing more than 840 million euros to alleviate what he called “the most dramatic humanitarian situation in the last decade”.

“But the worsening of the situation requires extraordinary measures. This is why (we) will deploy a comprehensive package of humanitarian and nonhumanitarian assistance, mobilizing an additional 400 million euros for Syria and neighboring countries, in particular Lebanon and Jordan,” he said.

“We need unrestricted and unconditional humanitarian access and we need a transitional inclusive government. The situation in Syria is a stain on the world’s conscience.

We all have a duty to act,” Barroso added.

A spokesman for the Commission, the EU’s executive body, said non-humanitarian aid meant budget support for states neighboring Syria which have struggled to cope with a huge influx of refugees.

At least 80,000 people have died in the two-year uprising against President Bashar al-Assad. The United Nations refugee agency said last month that more than 1.5 million people had fled Syria, nearly two thirds of them to Lebanon and Jordan. ($1 = 0.7642 euros)

Afghans angry at ‘lenient’ Robert Bales massacre sentence

M

alaysian police have detained dozens of people from Myanmar following four killings in the Malaysian capital in a number of incidents suspected of being linked to sectarian violence in Myanmar.

About 60 people have been held for questioning in recent days, according to Amar Singh Ishar Singh, Kuala Lumpur’s deputy police chief.

The killing of four Myanmar migrants in a number of separate incidents in Kuala Lumpur this past week has raised concerns that tensions between Myanmar’s Buddhists and Muslim Rohingya minority are spilling over to the neighbouring Southeast Asian country, where hundreds of thousands of Myanmar nationals have come to seek work and refuge.

The killings include a man fatally slashed while sleeping in a car wash centre and another attacked by people with sharp objects in a marketplace, according to media reports.

Malaysia’s Bernama state

news agency said the 20-yearold victim was sleeping at the car wash when he was attacked by 10 people.

It quoted police as saying a man and a woman also suffered injuries in the attack.

All the victims were Buddhists from Myanmar, said Singh, the city’s deputy police chief.

“We have a feedback that this may be Myanmar Buddhists and Muslims having a spillover here in Kuala Lumpur,” he said.

“In Myanmar, the Muslims are the victims, over here the Buddhists are the victims.”

Singh said the police had set up a special task force to deal with the violence in Kuala Lumpur and had arrested about 60 Myanmar immigrants this week in an attempt to control tensions.

Anti-Muslim violence in Buddhist-dominated Myanmar erupted in western Rakhine State last year and has spread into the central heartlands and areas near the old capital, Yangon, this year.

Thousands of Rohingya

Muslims have fled from the country to escape the violence and worsening living conditions, many of them making their way by boat or overland to Muslimmajority Malaysia.

Malaysia’s has allowed them to stay but without giving them legal status, meaning that most struggle to find work or access to hospitals and schools.

The total number of Myanmar immigrants in Malaysia is estimated at about 400,000.

The UN refugee agency said about 23,000 Rohingyas are registered as refugees in Malaysia, but groups representing them say the real number of Muslim immigrants is much higher and has surged this year because of the violence.

In April, Muslim and Buddhist refugees from Myanmar clashed at a refugee camp in Indonesia in a riot in which eight people were killed and 15 were wounded, media reported.

Samiullah argues that bereaved villagers feel let down by the US justice system

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

PAGE 30

International

Obama administration defends phone record collection T

he Obama administration on Thursday acknowledged that it is collecting a massive amount of telephone records from at least one carrier, reopening the debate over privacy even as it defended the practice as necessary to protect Americans against attack.

The admission comes after the Guardian newspaper published a secret court order related to the records of millions of Verizon Communications customers on its website on Wednesday.

A senior administration official did not specifically confirm the report, but noted the published

U

S President Barack Obama has named US ambassador to the UN Susan Rice as his national security adviser.

In a second-term shuffle of his foreign policy team, the president also nominated human rights researcher Samantha Power to replace Mrs. Rice.

Mrs. Rice will take over from Tom Donilon, who will step down in July.

She was once seen as a contender for the job of secretary of state, but was forced to withdraw amid opposition from Republicans in Congress.

The criticism - dismissed by the White House - centred on her remarks after an attack on US diplomats in Libya.

Republicans will bristle at Susan Rice’s new job but are impotent to do anything about it.

How the appointment of two liberal interventionists changes the debate about what the US could or should be doing in Syria is harder to gauge.

Samantha Power has a long history of the study of genocide.

Susan Rice is said to have been in the forefront of those arguing for intervention in Libya.

But as the Benghazi “talking points” episode demonstrated, the UN ambassador does pretty much what she or he is told. Mrs. Power won’t be able to get out in front of US policy, even if she wants to.

Mrs. Rice will be in a more critical position.

It would be unwise to expect a sudden change on Syria, but frustrated advocates of intervention will be hoping for a shift.

“Susan is the consummate public servant, a patriot who puts her country first,” Mr Obama said at the White House.

He said Ms Rice was a “fierce champion for justice and human dignity” and praised her defence of Israel and her support for an independent South Sudan during her time at the UN. On Wednesday, Mr Obama nominated Mrs. Power, a Harvard professor and former White House adviser, to replace Mrs. Rice as the US ambassador to the UN. Mr Obama said his national security team was “extraordinarily dedicated to America”.

court order pertains only to data such as a telephone number or the length of a call, and not the subscribers’ identities or the content of the telephone calls.

The order requires the government to turn over socalled “metadata” such as a list of numbers that called other U.S. or international numbers as well as other transactional information on the time and location of calls.

Such information is “a critical tool in protecting the nation from terrorist threats to the United States,” the official said, speaking on the condition of not being named.

“It allows counter-terrorism personnel to discover whether known or suspected terrorists have been in contact with other persons who may be engaged in terrorist activities, particularly people located inside the United States,” the official added.

The revelation raises fresh concerns about President Barack Obama’s handling of privacy and free speech issues. His administration is already under fire for searching Associated Press journalists’ calling records and the emails of a Fox television reporter as part of its inquiries into leaked government

information.

Verizon has declined to comment.

It remains unclear clear whether the practice extends to other carriers.

AT&T Inc had no comment.

Representatives for other major carriers, including Sprint Nextel Corp and T-Mobile, could not be immediately reached or had no immediate comment.

The three-month court order, dated April 25 and published by the Guardian on Wednesday, directs Verizon’s Business Network Services Inc and Verizon Business Services units to hand over daily electronic data until July 19.

…shuffles foreign policy team

Obama (2nd left) said his national security team was “extraordinarily dedicated” to the US.

Mrs. Power, 42, left her White House adviser role earlier this year. Her nomination will require Senate approval.

She was born in Ireland and wrote a Pulitzer Prize winning book on America’s foreign policy response to genocide.

The personnel shift comes as Mr Obama prepares for a summit in California later this week with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Europe and Americas IMF admits mistakes made in Greece bailout

T

he International Monetary Fund hassaidthatitlowereditsnormal standards for debt sustainability to bail out Greece and its projections for the Greek economy may have been overly optimistic.

The IMF was one of a trio of international lenders that in 2010 stepped in to keep the euro zone country from defaulting on its debt and departing the common currency bloc. The IMF pledged about $39bn to Greeceatthetime,outofatotalpackage of $146.2bn.

Some IMF board members and others criticised the fund for giving Greece so much money in comparison to the size of its economy, accusing the lender of being overly swayed by its European members.

At the time, the IMF insisted Greece’s debt levels were sustainable as long as its projections for the economy were accurate.

In a report released on Wednesday thatlookedbackatthebailout,theFund forthefirsttimesaiditlowereditsbarfor Greece, which could reignite concerns about the lender’s impartiality.

TheIMFsaiditssupportforGreece in 2010 was necessary to prevent the nation’s problems from spilling over into the rest of the euro zone and the global economy.

“There was, however, a tension between the need to support Greece and the concern that debt was not sustainable with high probability,” according to the IMF’s evaluation.

“Inresponse,theexceptionalaccess criterion was amended to lower the bar fordebtsustainabilityinsystemiccases.”

After the Greek program was approved,theIMFandtheotherbailout lenders - the European Commission and the European Central Bank - required Greece to immediately cut some of its debt and implement structural reforms.

Supporters cheer defendants at ‘show trial’ of anti-Putin protestors

S

upporters applauded and chanted “We will win” in a Moscow courthouse on Thursday as 12 Russians went before a judge charged with mass disorder during a protest against Vladimir Putin.

The protestors could face long prison terms if convicted over clashes with police in May last year on the eve of Putin’s return to the presidency.

Putin critics liken the case to Soviet-era show trials and say the result will be decided in the Kremlin.

They say the prosecutions are part of a new clampdown on dissent

by Putin, now in his third term as president.

The Russian leader has signed laws activists say restrict freedoms, civic groups are under pressure from the state over their funding and prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny faces 10 years in jail if convicted of theft - a charge he says is Putin’s revenge for his activism.

Most of the 12 defendants, many of whom are in their 20s, could be jailed for eight years if convicted.

Most have been in custody or under

house arrest since their detention.

“This is a Stalin-style trial,” said GeorgySatarov, a former aide to the late President Boris Yeltsin and now head of INDEM, a think-tank. “This

is revenge ... It’s an attempt to use fear to stop the growth of the protest movement.”

The rally on the eve of Putin’s inauguration followed a wave of

peaceful protests that were fuelled by claims of fraud in a parliamentary election and dismay at Putin’s decision to return to the Kremlin after a stint as prime minister.

Defendants facing trial over clashes with the police during an anti-Putin protest last year, stand inside a glass-walled cage before a court hearing in Moscow, June 6, 2013.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

PAGE 31

Strange World

Patch sewn onto the tongue makes solid food intolerable for dieters

Photo: Chugay Clinic

H

ow far would you go to lose weight? In Venezuela, beauty-conscious women who don’t have the willpower to go on a diet have plastic patches the size of a postage stamp sewn onto their tongues, which makes the consumption of solid foods

extremely painful.

The so-called “Miracle Patch” weight loss method was invented in 2009, by Nikolas Chugay, a plastic surgeon from Beverly Hills who wanted to offer his patients an effective way to shed extra pounds without the risks of

The remember ring won’t let you forget another anniversary again

I

f you’re tired of setting up notifications on your gadget in the hope that you’ll finally be reminded about your wedding anniversary on time, rejoice, because things are about to get a lot easier. The Remember Ring is a concept wedding ring that heats up 24 hours before the big day, letting you know it’s time to prepare a nice surprise for the wife.

Are you mad at yourself for never being able to remember your wedding anniversary? Do you wish that just once you could do something nice for your partner on your important day? You’re in luck, because you’d have to be suffering from Alzheimer’s not to remember it with the aptly named Remember Ring from Alaska Jewelry. The useful accessory looks like an ordinary wedding ring but is fitted with Hot Spot technology that makes it heat up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit on the day before the anniversary, making it impossible to ignore by the

wearer. Every hour, the gadget gets hotter and hotter for 10 seconds, until it reaches peak temperature, reminding you the big days is just around the corner. The Rember Ring is fitted with a battery-charged micro-chip clock that converts the heat from your hand into electricity, which means it will never run out of power. “Using a micro thermopile, The Remember Ring converts the heat from your hand into electricity, keeping the battery charged and microchip clock running perpetually,” its makers say.

The Remember Ring is currently in the concept stage of development, so you’ll have to rely on your failing memory for a little bit longer, but its creators say it that when it finally hits jewelry shops, it will be available in 14 carat white and yellow gold in men’s sizes 10 to 13, at a price of $760. Just specify the anniversary date when you order it, and they’ll program it for you.

Source: Alaska Jewelry

invasive surgical procedures. But while it can help people shed up to 30lbs a month, having the patch sewn on the top of the tongue does come with a series of side-effects.

Some patients experience speech difficulties, while others have trouble sleeping, not to mention

the excruciating pain felt when trying to move the tongue after it’s been patched up. The abrasive patch is made of marlex, a material commonly used to repair hernias, and contains pores that make it adhere to the tongue if left on for too long. “The material has pores which allow for in-growth of tissue. If you leave it in for more than a month it starts to become incorporated into the tongue,” says Paul Chugay, who works with his father Nikolas at their Los Angeles practice. After that period, patients consult with nutritionists to keep their weight under control.

The Miracle Patch isn’t as popular as other weight loss techniques in the US, and it’s only available at Dr. Chugay’s practice, but it’s a big hit in Venezuela, where women would do just about anything, even sew a patch on their tongues, to look their best.

Ana Maria Parra of Obesiesbel, one of the first clinics in Caracas to offer this extreme weight loss procedure, told TIME Magazine she has had around 900 clients a month ever since she started offering it two years ago. The low price of $150, compared to

the $2,000 charged in the US, also makes the Miracle patch very appealing. And according to Giovanni Sosa, another Venezuelan doctor who has been doing tongue-patching procedures for nine months, “Venezuelans are very beauty-conscious, so when we offer something that shows concrete results, people will put that before its extreme-nature.

I’ve tried to eat solid food but it’s impossible,” says Yomaira, a woman who opted for the Miracle Patch to shed extra pounds.

“It’s a huge inconvenience, but I’m doing it to feel better about myself. I was very fat.” Her mother approves with her choice, and says that “it teaches you to eat differently and proves that there are alternatives.”

In South America, such alternatives also include insulin injections, syrups that cause vomiting and fasting pacts among friends. Beauty is very important in Venezuela, a country where breast implants are commonly offered as birthday gifts to girls as young as 15, and where banks actually offer plastic surgery loans.

Spanish town mails dog poo back to their owners S ick of having to clean up after irresponsible dog owners, authorities in Brunete, a small town 20 miles west of Madrid, came up with an ingenious way to keep the streets clean. They started sending the dog poo back to their owners in boxes marked “Lost Property”.

The council of Brunete had not approved a budget for the original street cleaning campaign, but advertising agency McCann was willing to do all the work for free.

During the course of a week, more than a dozen volunteers patrolled the streets keeping an eye out for owners who didn’t clean up after their pets. As soon as they spotted an offender, they approached them and sparked up a conversation about their dog, trying to find out its name and breed. ”With the name of the dog and the breed it was possible to identify the owner from the registered pet database held in the town hall,” a spokesman of the town council explained. As soon as the owner left, the volunteers picked up the poo and packaged them in cardboard boxes branded with the town hall insignia and marked as “Lost Property”.

The smelly packages were then delivered by courier to

the pet owners homes, along with a fine warning.

The unique campaign won the ”Sol de Plata” award at the Ibero-American Advertising Festival, and authorities reported a 70 per cent drop in the amount of dog mess found in the streets after the 147 “express poop” deliveries were made. To keep the momentum going, the authorities of Brunete have come up with

a new campaign. Aided by a team of volunteers, they have created remote-controlled pieces of fake poo that crash into dog owners. They come with miniature banners that read “Don’t abandon me. Pick me up.” Most people reacted positively to the council’s initiative, although some said they would prefer the town create special areas where dogs can do their business.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

PAGE 32

Weekend Revue

BBA: How emotional will it get to win $300,000?

Ada Beverly Osu

By Idris Suleiman, Lagos and Tobias Lengnan Dapam, Abuja

T

he recent unveiling of the 28 housemates for the Big Brother Africa Show has set the stage again for another exciting and interesting contest which has attracted a large numbers of enthusiasts from Nigeria and other participating African countries; following the successful outing of Ofunneka Molokwu and the emergence of Kelvin Chuwang Pam, Karin Igho and Uti Nwachukwu as past winners of the show.

Unlike other editions where housemates were expected to be outstanding in the performance, this particular edition sets out to find out how emotionally entangle the housemates will be with their newly found love.

Also, it is a beginning of another chase by 28 housemates for the $300 000 - Big Brother Africa prize, thus ushering in 91 days of eight season on DStv Channel 197 & 198.

The continent’s biggest reality show which has 14 participating countries with two participants from each country is already being aired live from South Africa on DStv with IK Osakioduwa of Nigeria as the usual anchor and Uti Nwachukwu assisted by another Nigerian as compere at the live steaming of the show at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos.

Also present at the live streaming in Lagos was Kelvin Pam and his wife.

Already, the heat is on as contestants all had their first nomination sessions less than 24 hours after meeting each other for the first time.

The reality show produced by Endemol SA and headline sponsored

by Airtel, will see series of elimination to pave way for the winner.

Commenting on the show, Airtel Africa Chief Marketing Officer, Andre Beyers stated that “Airtel is proud to be associated with Big Brother – Season 8. We identify with the diverse audiences watching this remarkable programme in over 50 African countries and the unique opportunity to create awareness of some of our ground breaking services to the audience. The reality show is

also a perfect match with Airtel’s goal of not only offering entertainment but also connecting millions of people through music.”

The show kicked off with South African group Mafikizolo performing ‘Khona’, backed by magnificent dancers from the Mzansi Ballet Theatre. Presenter IK rolled up in style on a motorcycle and promised viewers an exciting three months of television, which will see the housemates playing the game with their eyes firmly on the $300 000 prize.

The show continued with a glowing tribute to Nigerian star Goldie, who passed away earlier this year, the tribute featured Goldie time while at the Big Brother House.

Melvin Oduah

The show kick started with South African comedians Tumi Morake and Kenyan Churchill having the chance to explore the two houses, the Ruby and Diamond houses hosting the housemates this year. Two houses, of course, mean two 24/7 channels, with viewers able to follow the action in either house via DStv Channel 197 or 198.

Boity Thulo was on hand to show viewers how they can interact with Big Brother: The Chase this year.

Last year, Big Brother StarGame captivated the market with 2.3 million website visitors, 140 million page views, over 1 million Facebook likes and 2.3 million TV messages. This year, http://www.bigbrotherafrica. com/ is tailored to whichever device

you view it on, to deliver the best possible user experience. Signing up as a VIP Member will deliver a host of exclusive content that you won’t want to miss out on. Viewers will also be able to use the website or their mobile devices to vote to keep their favourite housemate in The Chase.

The housemates also met with IK, who explained that the ladies would be given the choice of their male counterparts. After being called on stage, they would select a male housemate to join them in the house, based on a picture of their smile, alone. Each of the men would be wearing an element with a particular colour to denote which house the duo would then head into – red for Ruby or yellow for Diamond.

Zimbabwe’s Pokello was the first housemate to be introduced to Africa. She was asked to select a male contestant who will be joining her on the stage from IK’s tablet and she chose LK4 from Uganda. This was followed by Ghana’s Selly who selected Bassey from Sierra Leone.

Dellish (Namibia) was the third lady to take the stage, selecting South Africa’s Angelo, based on the image of his smile on IK’s tablet. Malawi’s Fatima was up next, selecting Tanzania’s Nando to join her.

Kenyan Huddah’s photo selection drew Ethiopia’s Bimp to the stage, before Motamma from Botswana chose Angola’s Neyll.

Ada Beverly Osu the Nigerian female contestant , a model from Lagos who described herself as “smart, sexy, humble, loyal and crazy” picked Sulu from Zambia, followed by Zambia’s Cleo who chose Botswana’s Oneal. Namibian Maria was the next housemate to join IK on stage, joined shortly afterwards by Nigeria’s Melvin Oduah.

Melvin Oduah of Nigerian is not new to reality show as he has participated in Gulder Ultimate search in Nigeria organized by Nigerian Breweries where he gave a good account of himself emerging as a runner up at the Gulder Ultimate Search VI, and also at the 2011 edition of Mr Nigeria, just like Uti Nwachukwu who participated in a movie reality show before going to the Big Brother Show to win.

The unveiling of the contestants continued with IK introducing Natasha from Malawi next, with Angola’s Biguesas, her choice.

Tanzanian Feza was the next housemate to join IK on stage, choosing Ghana’s Elikem to join her. Betty from Ethiopia followed, with Bolt from Sierra Leone joining her shortly after. Annabel from Kenya was next up, with her photo selection giving IK the chance to introduce Uganda’s Denzel to the continent.

South Africa’s Koketso was the final housemate IK summoned to the stage to make her choice, bringing Zimbabwe’s Hakeem up to join her.

IK further told the housemates that Big Brother was on the hunt for housemates who would be making romantic gestures, with a special prize up for grabs for the housemate who brought the most romance into the house. The Head of House also gains new powers. Along with the ability to ‘save & replace’ nominees, the Head of the House will also have the power to switch housemates between houses each Friday during the Airtel Showdown arena games. There’s also a new ‘3 Strike Rule’ for housemates.

Those who commit serious infringements of rules which don’t lead to immediate disqualification will pick up ‘strikes’. Three strikes will see them disqualified from the game, and leaving the house.

South African comedian Tumi Morake will also be hosting a special show on AfricaMagic after each Sunday’s show called Big Brother Hot Room. She will put a satirical spin on the week by taking comic pot shots at the most talkedabout events of the week and re-enact parody scenes with housemates.

The winner of Big Brother will be named after 91 days of headto-head competition where the power to award the $300 000 prize rests completely in the hands of the viewers.

As the chase continues, Nigerians and other African lovers and followers of the live reality show are looking forward to a good outing from participants especially from their different participating countries this year which will be characterized by the usual suspense and intrigues associated with the show.

PAGE 33

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

Weekend Revue L

ionsgate, also kown as Summit Entertainment, has announced release dates for two Sylvester Stallone action films, ‘Escape Plan’ and ‘The Expendables 3’.

Hollywood Reporter said that ‘Escape Plan’, originally slated to hit theaters on 13th September this year has been pushed to 28th October.

It added that the film stars Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger as prison cellmates who work together to escape.

The film, directed by Swedish filmmaker, Mikael Hafstrom, is written

by Miles Chapman and Jason Keller.

The other releases slated for the new October date are horror remake Carrie, Joseph GordonLevitt’s directorial debut, Don Jon and fantasy film Seventh Son. However, it said that the action-adventure franchise film, ‘The Expendables 3’, will open on 15 August, 2014.

Stallone returns as Barney Ross, who leads the group of mercenaries as they undertake seemingly impossible missions. Jackie Chan and Nicolas Cage are to appear in the film. The third installment currently has that date to itself.

Meanwhile, ‘Expendables 2’, starring Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Chuck Norris and Terry Crews, opened on 16th August, 2012, in the U.S., easily topping the box office that weekend with $28.6 million.

The Lionsgate and Millennium Films project has earned $300.4 million worldwide.

‘Expendables 3,’ ‘Escape Plan’ to hit cinema in October

Daniel Craig and Sam Mendes

Major actors of the ‘Expendables’

Taruwa festival of arts holds in Lagos

P

ulse.com has said that Taruwa Festival of Performing Arts in Nigeria [TAF] is currently taking place in Lagos.

It added that the festival which is designed to be a 3day cocktail of rich events, is an annual event kicking off this year on Thursday June 6 and ending on Saturday, June 8, 2013, to paint Lagos all shades of art through music, poetry, theatre, dance, fashion and screening of short films.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the festival, Lydia Idakula Sobogun, CEO of Gbagyichild Entertainment and conveners of the monthly Taruwa event explains “Taruwa has always been about finding true art, true passion and giving it a stage to express, no matter who it is. That is what I want to show you… ” On what attendees should

Lydia Idakula Sobogun organiser of the event

expect, member of the planning committee and Head of Communications to the festival, Bee Azubike, said “The festival is a carefully planned collection of events, and the team wants nothing more than to give everyone an unforgettable experience – which is something Taruwa, over the years has strived to achieve” Pulse.com further said that the festival made a grand opening on Thursday, June 6 with the adaptation of Bobo Omotayo’s bestselling book ‘London life Lagos living’ live on stage with a stellar cast.

The 2-hour show also opened with a musical performance and the one-woman play chronicles of heroin by Ijeoma Grace Agu. The second day of the festival, today, there will be more interesting events which will kick off with a

Children’s show in the morning, after which a screening of short films and Open Mic Theatre will hold, seeing the day round off with a Mega Concert featuring carefully selected acts to thrill the audience with the finest performances in music, spoken word, dance and a dash of fashion.

Tomorrows, the festival will come to a grand close with ‘The ankara ball, a glamorous Ankarathemed night of music, dinner and dance.

Though its first outing, the passionate team at TAF plans for the festival to be the largest and most consistent performing arts festival in Nigeria, attracting visitors from all over the world, and making it a festival of national importance, highly valued as a catalyst for cultural and community development.

Kate Winslet, Ned Rocknroll expecting first child

K

ate Winslet, one of the major characters in the 21st century romantic thrilling movie, ‘Titanic’, is set to give birth to her first child, since she married Ned Rocknroll, Hollywood Reporter has said.

It added that the baby is the third for the“MildredPierce”star,whohadchildren with ex-husbands, Jim Threapleton and Sam Mendes, the director of ‘Skyfall’.

This means that the baby will be her

third child, a rep for the actress confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.

The child is the first for the Mildred Pierce star and husband Ned Rocknroll, who married Winslet in a secret ceremony in 2012.

Winslet has two children, Mia Honey Threapleton, 12, and Joe Alfie Winslet Mendes, 9, with her two ex-husbands, Jim Threapleton and Skyfall director Sam Mendes.

Kate winslet and her husband Ned Rocknroll

PAGE 34

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

Feature

Promoting national unity via cultural festivals

By George Edomwonyi

T

he promotion of national cohesion and development through cultural festivals became a topical issue during the recently concluded Borgu International Gani-Durbar Festival, held in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger.

The carnival exhibited a rare display of horse riding and boat peddling by wards in the Borgu kingdom and contingents from other parts of the country as well as Benin and Niger Republics.

The varying skills displayed by the horse riders and their horses kept the spectators on the edge of their seats throughout the event.

The event was partly organised to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the people’s relocation from Old Bussa to New Bussa in 1968 to pave the way for the construction of the second hydro-electric power generation plant at Kainji Dam. Stakeholders and participants at the event underscored the importance of using the enormous cultural potential of the people to promote peace and economic development of the country.

They argued that that the various challenges confronting the nation would be surmounted if the government and the citizens made pragmatic efforts to promote peace and harmony through cultural activities.

The festival, which is the second edition since its inception in 2009, attracted participants from within and outside the country.

The Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Haliru Dantoro, the chief host, said that the Borgu International Festival was initiated to foster a sense of togetherness among the various ethnic groups in the country.

The traditional ruler, whose entry into the arena was heralded with gunshots by local hunters, said that the ``festival is to celebrate Nigerian’s cultural treasures, while sustaining and deepening the country’s unity, peace and stability. ``We need to nurture our culture as a means of projecting the nation’s cultural values to the world. ``The festival also serves as a potent device to combat extreme poverty, eradicate ideological extremism and entrench peace and harmony across the land,’’ he said.

Also speaking, Vice President Namadi Sambo said that cultural festivals would always boost tourism, while promoting personal interactions.

Sambo said that being a grassroots person and lover of African culture and traditions, he was happy to be associated with the festival.

His words: ``I will always grab every opportunity to participate in festivals of this nature. What we are witnessing here today is a fraction of Nigeria’s abundant cultural potential.

Durbar festival in Borgu ``To our visitors or tourists who have come from far and near, what we are witnessing form part of what makes us distinct and unique as a people. ``It is, therefore, important to encourage all the ethnic groups in our country to preserve their culture and nurture it to the delight and admiration of the international community.’’

Sambo underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming the culture and tourism sector of the economy, so as to boost Nigeria’s economy and promote peace in the country. ``The administration will do all that is required in partnering with necessary stakeholders to develop and improve our cultural activities to make them more attractive to the rest of the world. ``President Goodluck Jonathan will give adequate support to all stakeholders in efforts to achieve a safer, peaceful and secure Nigeria,’’ he added.

In his comments, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar El-Kanemi, said that cultural festivities typically promoted national cohesion, consensus building and peaceful mutual coexistence.

El-Kanemi, nonetheless, called for more institutional support for cultural festivals in the country.

On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, said that cultural festivals often brought together different ethnic groups, adding that such events could also be used to preach peace and unity in the country.

The monarch urged traditional institutions in the country to continue to use cultural festivals as a means of promoting peace and harmony

Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Mr. Edem Duke

among the citizens. ``If a leader decides to do what is right, there will be peace;

violence never pays,’’ he said, adding: There is nowhere in the world where violence brings

“

All in all, analysts suggest that tangible efforts should be made to promote and cement the country’s unity via cultural fiestas.

peace; only dialogue brings peace. ``We must, therefore, endeavour to live together, no matter our ethnic differences,” the sultan said.

In his remark, former Gov. Bola Tinubu of Lagos State said that cultural festivals could be used to promote unity and understanding among the various peoples of the country.

Tinubu, who rode on a royal horse during the festival, expressed optimism that such fiestas would help steer youths away from social vices and criminal activities.

He described the festival as timely, saying that it would enable the youths to tap the potential of the culture and tourism sector. ``Occasions like this provide opportunities for us to come together to rub minds on issues of common interest to our people,’’ he added.

Tinubu pledged to establish an integrated fish farm in the town to boost the economy of the neighbourhood.

Also speaking, Gov. Babaginda Aliyu of Niger stressed that cultural festivals were critical to the nation’s economic development, unity, peace and cohesion.

The governor pledged that his administration would maximise the benefits of cultural activities to stimulate the economic growth of the state and the nation at large. ``I believe that organising cultural festivals will help unite the country,’’ he said.

All in all, analysts suggest that tangible efforts should be made to promote and cement the country’s unity via cultural fiestas.

Source: NAN

PAGE 35

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

Feature

Dying in bits by smoking

By Okeoghene Oghenekaro

D

r Kingsley Osagie, a consultant physician/ pulmonologist at the National Hospital, Abuja, believes that for every stick of cigarette smoked, between five and seven minutes of the smoker’s life are cut.

Alarmist as this may sound, it is quite logical, as health experts also say that whenever a smoker takes a puff on a cigarette; he or she is gradually moving towards the grave.

Osagie says that Nigerian men often start smoking earlier in life than women, adding that it is estimated that a smoker could lose up to seven to 14 years of his or her life-span because of the habit. ``Sixty-five per cent of smokingrelated diseases affect the lungs and hearts; some young people die suddenly of heart attack because smoking has been linked to heart failure. ``Smoking affects every part of the body, the eyes, the ears, the mouth, the lungs, the kidney, the brain; causing chronic obstructive airway diseases which include lung cancer,’’ he says.

Nevertheless, most tobacco addicts tend to be indifferent to graphic warning signs advertised through massive billboards, posters and on cigarette packets.

In spite of warnings such as ``Smokers are liable to die young’’, some of the smokers console themselves with the slogan: ``something must kill a man anyway’’.

But why are several addicts finding it difficult to kick the habit and quit smoking?

Mr Ayoola Smith, a 55-year old businessman, says he has been smoking for over 32 years; adding that even though he is aware that smoking is a dangerous habit, he still finds it extremely difficult to kick the habit.

He concedes that he has been in the hospital now and then for the treatment of cough, believed to be caused by smoking; yet, he has never contemplated giving up smoking.

All the same, smoking is not a habit that is peculiar to males alone.

Ms Tina George, a 31-year-old insurance broker who claims to have smoked for over 13 years, recalls that she picked up the habit because she then felt that cigarette smoking would make her to look ``cool’’. ``I am now addicted to cigarette smoking and I cannot stop. I have tried chewing-gum and nicotine patch, as part of efforts to quit smoking, but to no avail,’’ she says.

In contrast, Mr Sunday Azubike, a civil servant, recalls that he started smoking at the age of 10 but he has been able to quit. ``I often saw my father’s employees smoking and drinking; they sometimes gave little alcohol to drink but they never gave me cigarette. ``Whenever they left the spot, I would pick up cigarette stubs from the floor and go to a corner to try it out because I wanted to know what

Health Minister, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu smoking was all about. ``Cigarette is very addictive, there is something in it that wants you to keep on smoking; luckily, I have stopped smoking for almost a year now. ``I had to summon all the willpower in me and with prayers; I stopped for the sake of my health. ``You do not need anyone to tell you that smoking is dangerous to your health. When you smoke, there is a stage where it starts affecting you; no matter how tough your lungs are, you would start coughing,’’ he said.

In spite of the lackadaisical attitude of most addicts toward the need to quit smoking, the World Health Organisation (WHO) insists that tobacco-induced diseases have been a global health concern.

The global health agency says tobacco-related diseases kill nearly six million people every year, adding that out of this figure, more than five million people are smokers, while not less than 600,000 people are passive smokers.

A lady smoking tobacco ``Approximately, one person dies every six seconds due to tobacco consumption and this accounts for one in every 10 adult deaths. Up to half of the current users will eventually die of a tobacco-related disease,’’ WHO adds.

Corroborating the claims of the WHO, Dr Abdulrasaq Oyesegun, an oncologist, stresses that tobacco smoking remains the major predisposing factor to lung cancer.

He also says that second-hand tobacco smoke causes sudden death of infants and low birth-weight for the babies of women who smoke.

Although Nigeria has yet to have a law on tobacco smoking, Osagie calls for the stricter implementation of extant regulations outlawing smoking in public places so as to save the people’s lives.

Similarly, concerned stakeholders have been calling for increased regulation of tobacco products’ advertisements.

For instance, the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung

“

Comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising and promotions are important steps along the way but the biggest challenge is ending the tobacco industry’s exploitation with a ban on their interference, political donations and corporate social responsibility

Diseases (IUTLD) has repeatedly blamed the tobacco industry for deliberately promoting the smoking habit via its advertisements in the media and sponsorship of events. ``These marketing strategies are designed to lure more people into smoking and hide the deadly truth about tobacco use,’’ the union says.

Dr Anne Jones, the Technical Adviser of IUTLD, insists that every country would require specific legal instruments to end the tobacco industry’s interference in national health policies. ``We can save millions of lives if we move beyond monitoring the tobacco industry to implementing laws based on the approved guidelines. ``Progress has been made in developing model laws and policies but we need governments to show leadership by putting health ahead of the commercial interests of the tobacco industry. ``Comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising and promotions are important steps along the way but the biggest challenge is ending the tobacco industry’s exploitation with a ban on their interference, political donations and corporate social responsibility,’’ she says.

All in all, the stakeholders underscore the need to initiate and strictly enforce all-encompassing laws which ban tobacco advertisements, promotions and smoking in public places.

Such measures will definitely discourage people from picking up the habit of smoking, while provoking those who are already hooked to kick the habit, they add.

Source: NAN

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2013

PAGE 36

Digest

The health benefits of eating low-fat diets based on vegetables, whole grains and fruit include lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol levels Red meat contains ingredients that have been linked to increased risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer

Are vegetarian diets secret to long life?

By Jenny Hope

V

egetarians live longer because of their diet - with men reaping the most benefits, claim researchers.

They found a cut in death rates for people eating vegetarian diets compared with non-vegetarians in a study of more than 70,000 people.

Over a six-year period, vegetarians were 12 per cent less likely to die from any cause, says a report published Online First by JAMA Internal Medicine.

It is thought the benefits come from lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol levels in people eating low-fat diets based on vegetables, whole grains and fruit.

Red meat, especially processed meat, contains ingredients that have been linked to increased risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.

These include heme iron, saturated fat, sodium, nitrites, and certain carcinogens that are formed during cooking.

Eating more vegetables and fruit may also help through their antioxidant effects, combating harmful naturally occurring chemicals in the body.

Official advice from the Department of Health in 2010 said cutting down on red meat could reduce the risk of bowel cancer.

Liz O’Neill, head of communications at the Vegetarian Society said ‘With higher intakes of fresh vegetables, pulses and other plant-foods, it seems obvious to many that balanced vegetarian diets are healthier than those reliant on meat, but we do not need to rely on gut instinct with so much hard evidence of that health advantage, both in the UK and abroad.

‘This new American study is significant because the nature of the community studied (Seventh Day Adventists) means that even the meat eaters included were leading a relatively healthconscious lifestyle.

‘The reported 12 per cent reduction in mortality was directly associated with being vegetarian, rather than having a healthy balanced diet.

‘Similarly UK studies indicate that vegetarians have lower rates of cancer and significantly lower (32 per cent less) rates of heart disease which are major causes of death in Britain.’

Findings from the largest British study of 45,000 Britons earlier this year found vegetarians have healthier hearts than people who eat meat or fish.

They were one-third less likely to need hospital treatment for heart disease or die from it.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Research showed the lifestyle choices of vegetarians help improve life expectancy. People who don’t eat meat proved to be less-

Vegetarians are more likely to live active lives and exercise, increasing their chances of a healthy, longer life

Jonathan’s half-time: The verdict Contd. from back Page

The foregoing litany of failures and underperformance of government in social, political and economic spheres will fill more pages than this column can take.

Things have never been as bad as we have it now and no gloss-paper document can mask the frustration of the people. The few people who praise the performance of this government or the direction it is headed are those who have benefitted inordinately from the skewed opportunities at the expense of the majority. Some of the major sectors of the country’s economy which would make a difference now and for future generations (security, electric power, healthcare, employment and education) are being toyed with for political gains.

It not the President’s duty to ‘try’. After all he make promises during his campaign

which he ought to fulfill. It is his constitutional duty to protect the lives and property of the citizens and it is our right as citizens to hold our leaders accountable. Rather than engage in petty arguments and gloating over marginal improvements in figures as compared to previous administrations, this administration needs to demonstrate its plans to not only halt the slide, but leave a secure future for the next generation.

Instead of taking all criticisms in bad faith, a government that genuinely has the interest of the people at heart should prove critics wrong by improving performance and being accountable to citizens.

In the end, it was a truly shameful spectacle for the president t sing and dance around with a document that does not have basis in reality and claim achievements that few people can see or even feel. Judging

the mid-term (lack of) progress of Goodluck Jonathan does not require any kind of extra-ordinary skills or gifts. Are you better off now than you were three years ago? Are you more secure than you were a few years ago? Can you pay school fees without breaking the bank? Are more people in jobs than they were a few years ago?

Are Nigerians better united today than before Jonathan’s ‘election’?

Do you even feed better than you did two years ago? The verdict is up to you.

On final note, we waited in vain for the much-touted document to be made available online or widely in print as promised by the Minister of National Planning.

As at the time of writing this, we are yet to see the fulfillment of this Jonathanian promise. If and when the Mid-Term Report of the so- called Transformation Agenda is available we will do a point-bypoint analysis.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

PAGE 37

7th House of Reps: So far, so good

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he 7th House of Representatives was ushered in by an intriguing leadership tussle. Against largely unpopular wish of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that holds majority in the House, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Emeka Ehedioha successfully schemed to emerge Speaker and Deputy respectively.

At inauguration, the Speaker Tambuwal told the lawmakers that it would not be business as usual, but business unusual. And from that time, the lawmakers have conducted themselves as being subservient only to the electorates.

With this new resolve, the House has initiated and passed bills that are primarily targeted at making the life of the common man better.

One major step in this direction was the swift response of the House to the controversial move by the Federal Government to totally withdraw the subsidy on petroleum products enjoyed

by Nigerians. Responding sharply to the announcement of the removal of the subsidy, Tambuwal convened an emergency session to attend to the serious crisis the country found itself in.

That historic day was a Sunday, when most of the lawmakers were expectedly at Church services.

But out of a rare respect for the leadership in line with their earlier commitment to the electorate, the members honoured the invitation.

The House sat on that day and took a unanimous resolution that eventually led to the subsequent review of the contentious prize hike to the current slightly subsidized rates.

After public investigation into the management of fuel subsidy that was closely monitored by Nigerians, the House committee presented its report that outlined endemic corruption and inefficiency in the subsidy scheme.

Rep. Aminu Sulaiman (PDP Kano state), while commenting on the mid-term performance of the House said, “this House is not the kind of Assembly that we are used to in Nigeria; this Assembly is working for the people because for the first time, our people have come to believe that this Assembly is people-oriented, where the interest of the people matters most.”

The House, in another dynamic response to the yearnings of Nigerians for a review of the operational 1999 Constitution, organized People’s Public session; first of its kind in Nigeria’s history with the aim of promoting grassroots participation in the process.

Reiterating the commitment of the legislators, Tambuwal, while delivering his speech at the presentation of the report said:

Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal “to all Nigerians, let me seize this opportunity to assure, on behalf of the House of Representatives, that all views and opinions offered at these Public Sessions as well as those forwarded through written memoranda, which constitute the substance of this report, will be carefully and fairly considered in fashioning the proposed amendments to the Constitution.

“Our resolve to meet the yearnings of Nigerians for a more acceptable ad functional constitution remains firm and I assure once again that you can count on us.”

Going by this renewed resolve, the new leadership of the House was able to sustain peace and tranquility among members in the last two years, free of reports of violent behavior as was the case with some lawmakers in the previous Assemblies.

Similarly, the lawmakers in this dispensation, irrespective of party affiliation, have been able bring themselves to debate bills and motions without the usual rancor obviously because for the first time, there was a clear attempt at equitable distribution of committee chairmanship among members and between political parties.

Within the period under review, the House has also successfully, through investigation committees, ad-hoc committees, as well as oversight functions, discovered some irregularities, especially within the ministries, department and agencies of government (MDA’s).

Due to this renewed vigour, the House transparently processed the 2013 budget, which unearthed

the true position of government revenues.

The House also undertook several probes of nonremittances to the Federation Account by more than 60 agencies.

The probe, according to the Speaker, was necessary to avoid the trend of deficits in national budgets and to hold these agencies accountable to the public, in line with section 162 of the 1999 Constitution.

However agencies such as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) fought back tenaciously, insisting that by the Acts establishing them, they were to generate income and spend same on salaries and other expenses. But such agencies had to budge to the superior argument of the House that the Constitution, as the organic and superior law of the land, subsumed their individual Acts.

Preparatory to the budget presentation, the House approved $80 crude oil benchmark which according to the lawmakers is attainable and vowed not to rescind that decision.

Chairman House Committee on Media and Publicity, Rep. Zakari Mohammed, pointed out that those canvassing for $75 benchmark had neither convincing arguments nor technical grounds.

The strong recommendations by the executive arm of the government that crude oil benchmark in the 2013 budget be maintained at 75 dollar per barrel, however persuaded the House to back down and pegged the oil benchmark at $79 a barrel as against the $75 proposal submitted

by President Jonathan.

The Federal Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), had earlier recommended that the 2012 projection of 75 dollars per barrel be maintained through 2013, citing the fluctuating nature of the international oil market, as well as some economic crises in the Euro zone as reasons for the position.

After a heated debate, on December 20, the House approved N4.987 trillion budget for 2013 fiscal year; representing N63 billion increase on the N4.924 trillion estimates submitted by President Goodluck Jonathan on October 10, 2012 before a joint session of the National Assembly. The increment was done across board.

The 2013 appropriation comprised of N 387.976 billion for statutory transfers, N591.7 billion for debt services, while N2.386 trillion is for recurrent non-debt expenditure, N1.621 trillion for contribution to the development fund for capital expenditure. The House also pegged the oil benchmark at $79 a barrel as against the $75 proposal submitted by Jonathan.

Presenting the report of its joint committee on finance and appropriation, which was unanimously adopted and approved, chairman of the appropriation committee, Hon. John Enoh (PDP, Cross River) noted that the country is still in the throes of a “worrisome infrastructure deficit across the length and breadth of the nation, which should be of huge concern to all.”

However, two chambers of the National Assembly had resolved not to entertain anything from Securities and

“

Going by this renewed resolve, the new leadership of the House was able to sustain peace and tranquility among members in the last two years, free of reports of violent behavior as was the case with some lawmakers in the previous Assemblies

Exchange Commission (SEC) after investigations into the near collapse of the Capital Market, until the head of the commission Ms Aruma Oteh was relieved of her appointment.

The House Committee on Finance rejected the 2013 budget defense by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), led by the Director of Finance of the Commission, Abatcha Bulama who represented the Director General.

The House insisted that President Jonathan implement the resolution of the hallowed chambers by removing Ms. Arumah Oteh from office on grounds of non possession of the minimum professional qualification prescribed in the Securities and Exchange Commission Act for appointment to the office of Director- General.

In a motion titled “Blatant Disregard of the Resolution of the House of Representatives,” read by Rep. Garba Datti ( CPC Kaduna state), said most of these resolutions, though products of motions, hinged on fundamental public duty placed on public officers by the Constitution under the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy.

He noted that the motion urging the removal of Ms Arumah Oteh, for instance, was hinged on the fact that her appointment as Director -General of the Securities Exchange Commission was a gross violation of the Commission Act as she does not possess the minimum professional qualification prescribed for appointment to that position.

On the 9th of April this year, the House constituted an ad-hoc committee on Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). Immediately after, the committee swung into action and conducted a zonal public hearing for the six geopolitical zones with the aim of taking the process down to the grassroots so as to enhance consultations and broad-based participation.

The House Committee on Public Accounts had in April ordered the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC to refund a sum of N326billion to the Federation account within one month as contained in the query of the Auditor-General of the Federation which it failed to defend before the Committee despite several invitations to that effect.

The Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Solomon Adeola (ACN Lagos state), gave the order at the resumed session of the Committee where the Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Mr Andrew Yakubu was billed to appear along with the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Petroleum Products Pricing Agency, PPPRA, the Accountant General of the Federation among others over the Auditor -General query on the fuel subsidy regime.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

PAGE 38

Politics

Relationship with the Executive is our major challenge - Reps Minority Leader INTERVIEW

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ow would you rate the performance of the House and its leadership in the last two years?

Let me first of all thank God who made it possible for me to be part of the leadership of the House in the last two years. I think this is the first time that the opposition got it right in the House of Representatives. From 1999 to date, this is the first time the leadership of the House leads the 360 members irrespective of party politics. We’re doing everything together for the best interest of the nation. There is no interference from our political parties. Therefore, it clearly shows that our democracy has come to stay, and we reached a stage where we can say Alhamdulillah.

How would you assess the leadership style of the Speaker?

Yes, he has been carrying all of us along. He is a team player. You know opposition played a major role in the way and manner he came in as the speaker, We’re around 160 together with PDP members, over 100, who voted for him. Therefore, he is the Speaker of the House of Representatives and he is leading the members without any interference from any quarter.

From the appointment of committee chairmen and their deputies, it was pro rata; it was according to the strength of the party in the House. This is the first time we achieved this.

Again, at any given time when the House decides to form an ad-hoc committee or arrangement in the House, you will see that it reflects the interest of each and every political party. There is no discrimination when you need to contribute in any matter arising. The open door policy of this leadership is commendable.

The way and manner the membership of the House, especially the PDP members, reason with the opposition or minority members is also commendable. We must commend PDP members of the 7th Assembly.

Is it true that it was because the opposition helped the Speaker defeat the PDP preferred candidate, he is paying them back?

No, it is not like that. From 1999 to date, the opposition most of the time played a key role. During Ghali Na’Abba, the opposition members, AD and ANPP, were solidly behind the leadership of the House, supporting anything that came from him. The same thing obtained during Masari, Etteh and Bankole’s leaderships.

But we need a serious cohesion; we need an understanding. You can’t drive a house where you are 360, and exclude 160 in taking any decision.

You need to have the support of at least tow-third of the total number of members.

What do you think should

As part of the mid-term review activities of the House of Representatives, Umar Muhammad Puma engaged the deputy minority leader of the House. Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, representing Sumaila/Takai federal constituency of Kano state, on sundry issues regarding the performance of the House in the last two years. Excerpts: be done in the next two years and what are the challenges?

Our relationship with the current Executive is the major challenge. This is the first time we are facing serious challenge from the Executive, that is we the opposition in the House.

There was no time in the history of parliament from 1999 to date where the leadership of the opposition was excluded in taking decisions when it comes to national issues that the attention of the leadership of the National Assembly was needed except now.

This is the first time when the leadership of the minority is excluded, that is almost 40 percent of the House. Whenever there is a meeting, they call only PDP members. They stopped calling us for meeting. Whenever they have any issue, they resolved not to discuss it with us. During Obasanjo, there was serious engagement and the same thing during Yar’adua, which was the best. Even when Jonathan came as acting subsequently substantive President, he used to consult us.

But this time around, he is running the affairs of this nation, excluding the minority leadership of the entire National Assembly, not only the House, which at least constitutes 40 percent of the total number. Let me give you a scenario.

There was a time when Late President Yar’adua invited the leadership of the National Assembly

Hon. Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila in the Senate and 10 in the House, and the opposition has four in each chamber. Therefore, we have eight versus 12. If not because of the mutual respect and understanding that exists between the chairman of the National Assembly, David Mark, his deputy, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and the rest of the PDP

“

The executive powers given to Mr President are too much. We are also thinking of ways to reduce our powers too as members of the National Assembly where members of a constituency can easily recall a member if he is not doing well to a meeting in his house that was under Etteh. She thought it was only PDP invitation, not knowing that it was all inclusive when they met Mr President with their team, the PDP, he asked of the opposition, and they said they thought it was PDP meeting, then he said ‘let us cancel the meeting. Go and inform others in the opposition and let us meet together.’ So our challenge is the leadership style of President Goodluck Jonathan, because he refused to recognize the existence of the over 40 percent opposition members. We are 360, but the opposition controls 160 in the House.

Even in the leadership, we are 20, 10

leaders in the House, we will not at any time think the same way.

Let me give you three examples.

This issue of emergency is a national one, which needed 2/3 of the House, and the PDP members alone are not up to that. But he (President Jonathan) invited only the PDP members to go and discuss without thinking that we must complement their efforts. They are 200, but he needs 240 to pass it and even in the Senate. This is the major challenge we are facing.

On the issue of budget, he never invited us to discuss it. All what he does is to invite the PDP members.

There was a time that he invited

us for a meeting to discuss two issues, the issue of Bakasi, when he intended to brief the leadership of the National Assembly. They invited us, and we knew it was because of the magnanimity of the Senate President and the Speaker that we went. We reached a decision, although he went against what we all agreed. From our understanding and belief, Mr President and the current Executive are not ready to work with the National Assembly, because you cannot work with one party without carrying the opposition.

This is a serious disaster in our democracy. If not because of our national consciousness, we would have not passed the state of emergency. This is the danger he is facing, and I assure you he is not in control of 1/3 of the members of the House, because he does not have any business with the members. One of our major constitutional responsibilities is budget appropriation. This is the first time that we reached March without budget. We experienced on two of such from 1999 to date. The first one was in 2005. It was as a result of that that Mr President then, Obasanjo, fired Okonjo-Iweala. He realized that she was not serving the nation but her masters overseas.

Therefore, he chose to go along with Nigerians who were his major constituency where he derived his authority. Jonathan is therefore a serious threat to this democracy. We are respecting the personality of the Senate President and the Speaker.

They are trying their best to show us the reason for doing everything, but Mr President is fighting Nigerians.

Nigerians are not in the same page

with Mr President at all. We are parallel, because you cannot run an exclusive government; it must be an inclusive one, and you exclude more than 1/3 of the National Assembly from taking decision. That is the reason why each and every day if anything from Jonathan comes to the floor of the two chambers, it does not go through, because it is a game of number.

The House recently passed a bill seeking to simplify the impeachment process, and now you’re saying all these, don’t you think that people will interpret it that you are targeting President Jonathan?

No, it has nothing to do with Jonathan. We want to enhance this democracy we need to give it a human face. The executive powers given to Mr President are too much. We are also thinking of ways to reduce our powers too as members of the National Assembly where members of a constituency can easily recall a member if he is not doing well. Another bill is on the way. So, it is beyond Goodluck Jonathan.

What were the differences between the administrations of Obasanjo and that of late Yar’adua?

Late President Umaru Yar’adua gave a timetable that he would meet us and gave a time table for that from his house, Senate President’s house, the Speaker’s house, all the leaders would host him just to have peaceful and smooth running of government and good working relationship. We started from the Senate President’s house, the entire leadership of the house came there rub minds and get better understanding of each other.

The president called Speaker Bankole, call all of us by our names, President Jonathan cannot call us by our names only 20 of us and Obasanjo and Yar’adua leadership style of arranging breakfast and dinner meetings with us even the committees used to meet with Obasanjo and Yar’adua. I was in Disaster management committee.

Obasanjo even used to meet with the House committee on Special Duties that is responsible for over sighting the Villa cracking jokes. But Jonathan, when we sent invitation to him that the House Committee on Special Duties is coming for oversight functions they closed all the doors to the villa. When the committee get to the gates they were turned back but only allowed the staff of the villa that were allowed in. He has forgotten that it was the House and the Senate that approved the so call ‘Doctrine of Necessity’ and he is not appreciating it. The way our president is behaving is scary.

My dad use to say, “this too shall pass”.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

BRIEFS AD threatens court action over Lekki bridge concession

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agos state chapter of Alliance for Democracy (AD) on Thursday threatened to go to court if the Lagos State government went ahead with the planned toll on the newly constructed Lekki/ Ikoyi Bridge.

In a statement, the Lagos chairman of the party, Chief Kola Ajayi, gave two weeks ultimatum to the government to retrace its steps on the planned toll failing which the party will go to court.

While commissioning the bridge on May 29, 2013, Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) announced that the bridge would be tolled.

From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

PAGE 39

News Extra Group set to inculcate moral values in children

By Etuka Sunday

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n a bid to inculcate the right values and attitudes in Nigerian children, a group, Cynosure Communications, would hold the 2013, “Nigeria of My Dream Competition and Event” for schools in the Federal Capital Territory.

In a pre-event press briefing to herald the grand finale of the “Nigeria of my Dream Competition” for schools in the FCT on Wednesday in Abuja, the Director General, National

Lottery Commission, Mr. Peter Igho, said elders should be held responsible for the action of children.

“Many times, I hear people talking about children of these days in a negative sense.

“Newspapers publish all kinds of things, television is there, radio is there, internet is there.

“They can go to any website and watch anything they want to watch.

Speaking earlier, Managing Director, Cynosure Communications, Ngozi Alichi

explained that her organisation was spurred to hold the programme as a way of helping to restore the values of the Nigerian child.

“In my daily interaction with children, I see some missing links.

I see that there is an erosion of values and ethics which we have all known.

“We also know that there is an essence in them that needs to be filled up and that is where the values, the morals comes in.

Looking at what is happening in our nation today; we see the

FG trains 1000 Gombe youths From David Hassan, Gombe

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Kaduna House commences 3rd legislative session

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peaker of Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon. Usman Muazu Gangara, has commended the legislators for their dedication and commitment to duty.

He made the commendation in his address during the commencement of the third legislative session yesterday.

“Despite the many challenges bedevilling Kaduna state and the nation at large which are either natural or manmade, the House has maintained the standard expected for legislation and other parliamentary duties,” he said.

He said that the House sat for 202 days during the concluded second legislative session.

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Oyo ACN commends police for quizzing Ladoja

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he Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Oyo state has commended the Police Command for quizzing the Accord Party leader and former Governor of the state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja.

The party in a statement noted that the move was an indication that the truth of the actual perpetrators of the violence which attended a public function of the Accord Party recently would soon be unveiled.

The ACN lauded the police for not looking at personalities in the process of investigating the violence, stating that this would avail the police investigators the opportunity to get to the root of the mayhem.

From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

more urgent need to revive our values for our fatherland. I will want to see every Nigerian child be able to live with one another with transparency, with love in its truest sense of it. That is the Nigeria of my dream”, she said.

Alichi disclosed that 13 schools would compete in the event.

“This is our contribution towards instilling a sense of pride, patriotism and love for fatherland in our future leaders while encouraging competitiveness which is the hallmark of excellence,” she added.

L-R: Country Representative, Konrad- Adenauer- Stiftung (KAS), Mrs. Hildegard Behrendt- Kigozi; Guest Speaker, Dr. Paddy Njoku; and Director, Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, Reverend Fr. George Ehusani, during a conference on Vision Nigeria, Ethics, Violence and the Civic Education System in Nigeria, organised by KAS, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

ICPC blames corruption on poor mechanism From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

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onal head of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Mr. Hassan Mohammed, has contended that corruption will continue to thrive in the country because of the weak mechanism put in place to check the menace in different sectors of the nation’s economy.

Mohammed who made this observation yesterday in Makurdi when the Commissioner representing Benue state at the Federal

Character Commission, Mrs. Margaret Icheen, paid him a courtesy visit, also identified nepotism and tribalism as clogs militating against the effort to kick corruption out of the Nigeria.

Nigerians, he said must eschew these twin vices and to support efforts by anti graft agencies to effectively stem and prosecute corrupt persons in the country.

“The ICPC is taking its task farther with the introduction of integrity based subjects in our schools’ syllabus from next year, this will, to a large

extent create the necessary awareness among our youths and upcoming leaders on the dangers of corruption and its consequences on the socioeconomic development of our country,” Hassan said.

Icheen who regretted that corruption has continued to constitute a major impediment to the growth of the nation, called for a synergy between the ICPC and the Federal Character Commission in order to ensure the equitable distribution of the nation’s resources and also check corrupt practices in all sectors of the nation’s economy.

he Bauchi state office of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has commenced a training exercise for 1,000 youth, on National Industrial Skill Development Programme (NISDP) in welding, tiling and plaster of Paris in Gombe state.

Speaking at the flagging-off ceremony of the programme yesterday in Gombe, Mrs. Khadija Mudi, Head of Training, ITF Bauchi zonal office, said the exercise would last for three months.

Mudi said the youth being the most active group and higher percentage of the country’s population, need to be engaged to curb restiveness and be productive in the society.

According to her, the training is a collaborative effort between ITF and the state government, adding that the state will provide environment for the programme as well as resource persons while ITF will fund the programme.

She said the Bank of Industry (BOI) was mandated to give the trainees loans after the exercise to enable them start their businesses.

In his key note address, Director General of the ITF, Prof. Longmas Wapmuk, said the trainees would be given N5, 000 each monthly for the period of the training as allowance.

Longmas who was represented

by Alhaji Inuwa Samaila, Bauchi ITF Zonal Coordinator the programme was the second phase of the training which commenced in 14 states of the federation.

He said the first training which was conducted in December 2012; youths were drawn from Abia, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Kano, Oyo, Plateau and Abuja.

Group commends Kaduna First Lady over polio, maternal mortality

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he Yero Frontiers Movement has commended wife of the Kaduna state Governor, Hajiya Fatima Mukhtar Yero, for her pragmatic step in addressing the issues of maternal mortality and poliomyelitis which pose serious

threat to the lives of children in the state.

The group in a statement in Kaduna yesterday said Hajiya Yero had shown so much commitment towards sensitizing parents on the importance of the polio vaccine immunization, adding also that the effort has

made Kaduna a polio free state.

According to the statement, “prior to this administration, Kaduna state was one of the leading states in the north that has the challenges of polio and other children’s diseases but with her commitment and zeal, all such things have become

things of the past.”

The group urged her not to relent in her efforts until she realizes her dream of polio-free Kaduna state.”

The statement called on the people to rally round the Kaduna First Lady to enable her achieve her objectives.

PAGE 40

Today’s Woman

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

‘I am determined to bring back NCWS’s lost glory’ Chief Mrs. Nkechi Okemini Mba is the National President of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS). In this interview with Maryam Garba Hassan, she talks about the controversial elections that brought her into office the success recorded by her regime, and her passion for the common cause, among other issues.

Can you give us a brief history of your life? was born in London in 1966 by a diplomat father and an academician mother who is now a retired school Principal, because of my father’s postings we were moving from one country to another, therefore, I attended Corona Primary school, Ikoyi, Lagos for some years before we went back to UK and on our return to Nigeria I continued with my primary education at Fountain school.

After the end of my fathers’ diplomatic career, he joined the Nigerian Airways until his retirement when we relocated to Owerri where he got a job as a consultant. For my secondary school, I went to St. Catherine Secondary School, and I was later transferred to Owerri Girls Secondary School, where I completed my secondary school education, from there I went to Alvan College of Education, now Federal College of Education for two semesters before I left the country for West Ministers College in UK to study marketing and later went to Dublin to finish up. I met my husband who was a lecturer in Alvan University during my days as a student in the UK. We returned to Nigeria in 1987 and got married then returned to UK to continue with my studies. I was shuttling between UK and Nigeria because my husband was living in Nigeria.

I finally returned to Nigeria in 1994. I have four children out of which three are graduates while the last born has just finished her Junior Secondary School examinations.

Three years after my return from the UK, I joined Okada Airlines as an air hostess for 6years before they got grounded and I later returned to Owerri and joined politics under the plat form of ANPP but later decamp to PDP and served as supervising councilor.

From there, I worked with the local government for about six years then joined the NCWS where I became the Owerri chapter President. It was when I was there that the immediate past National President of the council visited my state and picked me as her Personnel Assistant. That was where I started dreaming of becoming the national President.

Steering the affairs of NCWS and performing your role as a wife and a mother is not easy. How do you juggle the demand of

I

each?

I would say the best thing that has ever happened to me is my kind of husband who has always been supportive of whatever I do. We have never stayed together for a year at a stretch from the time we got married because I was in UK while he was in Nigeria, but we always had that understanding and he helped me a lot all through which motivated me to have the heart to leave my house to work as air hostess and even joined politics. Since my emergence as the national President of the council, I left my home in Owerri and relocate to Abuja.

While my children were growing up they were always in the boarding school. Now I go home every two weeks to spend four days before returning to Abuja and we alternate.

In what way did studying abroad and growing up with a diplomatic father and an academician mother influence some of the decisions you took in life?

I thank God for the kind of mother I have, who is a displinarian. We were brought up well and not given that chance to misbehave simply because we spend most part of

Chief Mrs. Nkechi Mba you say is your biggest achievement?

When I was campaigning with my 15 executive members, we agreed that we have come to bring back the past glory of NCWS and to leave legacy behind despite the fact that, we are not given salvation which the past Presidents of the council enjoyed with the exception of the immediate past President,

”

Avoid peer group. When I was growing up I never had a peer group. Everyone around me was my friends but I never had close friend. I never relied on any one even when I am working as a team; I always have my work plan in case the team’s fails our lives abroad. At tender ages we were prepared for what we want to be in future and we were supported in everything we do to help us actualize that dream.

People were amazed when they heard that I am into politics because of my background and the kind of person I am. They think that I cannot do it because I am an introvert but, I know what I want because I have a vision.

It’s been almost two 2years since you became the national President of the council, what can

Hajiya Ramatu but we try to get money to make sure the council exist and the first lady once in a while support us financially.

One other success we have recorded is bringing together other umbrella bodies to speak with one voice. Secondly, we went round the states and offices were established in the 14 states that had no offices.

Another major feat we have achieved is getting a C-of-O for our land which we agreed to use in building a day care centre for women. We did a fund raising for the building two months

ago, and a bout N800m was raised. What is delaying us now is getting the approval for the plan from the AGIS. That is my greatest achievement so far.

Apart from the issue of fund, what other challenges are you facing as a leader of Nigerian women?

It is not easy dealing with my fellow women but it depends on who you are. If you have a listening ear,women are the most easy going people you can work with. For me, working with women has never been a challenge because I have a listening ear that is why whenever a suggestion was made, I table it before my executive members during our meeting, that is if the issue is important but it is not going to work, I will tell you out- rightly that it cannot work. A leader should be firm and transparent.

There was controversy surrounding your emergence as the President of the Council, as it was alleged that you were not qualified for the post. Can you shed light on that?

Like I said earlier, I was into politics before I became the national President of the council. It is only natural not to be liked by everyone when one is in politics and there is a group of people with ‘pull her down syndrome’. One should expect such things in life and because of my upbringing I know I can do it. How can I live in UK for ten years, brought up by an accountant by profession father and an academician mother and you say that I am not exposed and enlightened? I am not the

noise making type and because I know there was no truth in what they said, that was why I didn’t reply them.

In what way have you been able to alleviate the suffering of women, particularly with the current insurgency in some parts of the country?

I know that we have done a lot under my regime but because we don’t have the money to go to the media and blow our trumpet, we are not heard of.

We empower women almost every day with N200,000 to 300,000 particularly the widows who have been rendered homeless by the recent demolition exercise in some parts of the FCT. They always run to the council for help because they believe we can address some of their problems and for those whose problems we cannot solve, we refer them to the Ministry of Women Affairs or other related organisations.

As a member of the council at the state level, you were said to have supported the council financially. Do you still extend that support?

Well, then I was paying for the accommodation of our states’ Presidents and Secretaries and even pay their transportation whenever we come for our NEC meeting. But that has been stopped because of the financial constraint of the council which is now run by me.

I pay staff salary of the council from my personnel pocket. Every month I pay nothing less than N800,00 as salaries but, I know with time when things normalize I will get back my money.

Who gave you the most support in life?

God gave me the most support because without Him, I wouldn’t have made it in life.

Secondly, my husband also gave me all the support to actualize my dreams.

Who is your role model?

The late Maryam BabanGida and the First lady of the federal republic of Nigeria. When I got close to the first lady, I reliased that she has similarities with the late Mrs. BabanGida.

What is your advice to the young generation?

Avoid peer group. When I was growing up I never had a peer group. Everyone around me was my friends but I never had close friend. I never relied on any one even when I am working as a team; I always have my work plan in case the team’s fails.

PEOPLES DAILY| FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

PAGE 41

Super Eagles must remain wounded, says Amao

E Stephen Keshi

Libya comes alive as team faces DR Congo

L

ibya will enjoy home advantage today in a competitive game for the first time since 2010 when they continue the quest for a maiden World Cup appearance.

The civil war that ended the four-decade rule of Muammar Gaddafi prevented the national team playing in the country since winning an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Zambia.

But despite having to stage ‘home’ games in Mali, Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco, the ‘Mediterranean Knights’ were ranked 13 in the May FIFA Africa rankings.

Now the oil-rich North African country have their sights set on topping Group I, winning a play-off and claiming one of five places reserved for Africa at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Democratic Republic of Congo are the opponents this weekend and having forced a 0-0 draw in Kinshasa last March, Libya can be justifiably confident of securing maximum points.

The ‘Knights’ trail fallen giants Cameroon by one point in a four-team mini-league despite having beaten the sixtime World Cup qualifiers 2-1 in Tunisia last June.

And they face the ‘Indomitable Lions’ again this September in Yaounde, hopefully as group leaders after home fixtures against DR Congo, and Togo on June 14 in Benina outside Benghazi.

While the ‘Knights’ enjoy home advantage on successive

weekends, Samuel Eto’o-less Cameroon are away to Togo in Lome Sunday and DR Congo on June 16 in Kinshasa.

Libyan football authorities are taking no chances ahead of the clash with the Congolese ‘Leopards’ at the 60 000-capacity national stadium in capital Tripoli.

Police and soldiers will man checkpoints outside the match venue in a city where postuprising armed violence and lawlessness can flare.

Libya played a warm-up game last weekend in Tripoli, outclassing Uganda 3-0 with goals from Mahamed alGnadoudi, Salem Ablou and Faisal al-Badri, and it passed off without incident.

A hamstring injury rules record four-time African Footballer of the Year Eto’o out of the visit to Togo, but new German coach Volker Finke hopes the star will be back for the Kinshasa match.

Other big names missing this weekend include strikers Didier Drogba of Ivory Coast, Demba Ba of Senegal and Mohamed ‘Geddo’ Nagy of Egypt and midfielder Andre Ayew of Ghana.

Drogba is out of favour, although coach Sabri Lamouchi told the national football federation website this week that he planned to recall the Ivorian talisman this year.

Ivory Coast, one point ahead of Tanzania at the top of Group C with an anticipated strong Moroccan challenge failing to materialise, meet modest Gambia Saturday in Bakau.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of the loss of Original Certificate of Occupancy No. 2012W-125A0-471BR-78DBU-10 dated 29/10/2008 with file No. S0 11208 in respect of plot No. 278 at Gwarinpa 1C02, Abuja belonging to SHEHU RUNGUMI of block 32, flat 2, Area 1 Garki, Abuja.

All efforts made to trace the said document proved abortive. If found, kindly return to the nearest police station. General public to please take note.

x-international, Fatai Amoo, has charged the Super Eagles to remain wounded ahead of next week’s 2014 World Cup qualifying game against Namibia in Windhoek.

The Eagles only midweek stunned the Harambee Stars 1-0 at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, Nairobi, Kenya to assume the leadership of Group F with two clear points and goals advantage.

Amoa, newly appointed Technical Adviser of the Sunshine Stars, wants the Eagles

to keep the momentum by beating the Brave Warriors of Namibia on June 12 to make their surge for the final phase of the 2014 World Cup campaign unassailable.

“It’s great that Nigeria have consolidated their leadership of the group with two clear points.

It’s good for us and our dream qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. “It would have been a tensed atmosphere if the outcome had gone awry. Now they must intensify their preparation to finish what the job started in

Nairobi in Windhoek, Namibia.

“They must keep the momentum and never allow the lead at the top to slip off their hands till they cement the World Cup ticket. “The win against Kenya is a morale boost going into the game against Namibia. That game against Namibia is winnable and they should go there to wrap it up.

The Eagles must avoid any form of complacency and never underrate the side.

“I congratulate the Super Eagles on the victory against Kenya and the smiles they’ve

brought to the faces of Nigerians,” said the former Super Eagles assistant coach to supersport.com.

The Eagles will head to Namibia to confront the Brave Warriors in another must win encounter. The African champions’ last group game will be a home tie against the Flames of Malawi in September.

Group F winners will qualify to feature in one of the five playoff matches over two legs that will determine Africa’s five representatives to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Jonathan makes Physical Education compulsory in schools Says rhythm ‘n’ play to revolutionise sports NSC targets 2m grassroots athletes in 2yrs

By Patrick Andrew

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan has directed that physical and health education and participation in sports activities be made compulsory for all pupils and students.

Giving the directive yesterday at the launch of the new initiative tagged “Rhythm ‘N’ Play”, the president expressed the belief that it would revolutionise grassroots development in the country and largely boost the physical and mental wellbeing of youth.

Speaking at the National Stadium Abuja where

he launched the programme, an initiative of the National Mobilisation Campaign For Grassroots Sports (NASCOM), Jonathan reiterated government commitment to grassroots sports development noting that his administration wishes to capitalise on the potency of sports to mobilise for national growth. ‘”Rhythm N’ Play,’ the programme that we are launching today, is aimed at providing young Nigerians under the age of 17 years, with structured programmes that combine sports and play as critical learning and development tools.

“As the biggest campaign for youth participation in sports ever launched in our country, this

initiative will revolutionize grassroots sports in our dear nation. Our target is to introduce 2 million additional children to sports over the next two years.

“Through this targeted effort, our administration intends to bring physical education back to our schools, and make participation in sports activities compulsory for all pupils and students.

“We are not unaware of the fundamental constraints facing this initiative, such as inadequate sporting facilities and qualified coaches in the majority of our educational institutions,” he said stressing that sports remains a vehicle for sociomobilisation.

L-r: Chairman, senate committee on sports, senator Adamu Gumba, chairman, Nigeria academicals sports committee, Mr Yemi Idowu, president Goodluck Jonathan, minister of sports, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, general, national sports commission, Mr Gbenga Elegbeleye, with members of the rhythm n’ play club, during the launch of rhythm n’ play, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Joe Oroye

Akwa FA wants NFF to investigate stalling of midweek match in Uyo

T

he Akwa Ibom FA, has urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abandonment of a midweek match between Akwa United and Warri Wolves by referee Henry Ogunyamodi.

Peoples Daily Sports learnt that Ogunyamodi, from Ogun, had declined to continue to officiate a midweek professional league match in the second half, alleging attack from Ibom fans. As at the time he called off the game at the Uyo Township Stadium, Akwa United were leading 2-0 in

the first half.

On resumption, Ogunyamodi refused to continue with the officiating of the match, alleging that he was beaten up by some fans when he went to ease himself at the changing room during the 15 minutes half time.

The referee’s action angered the spectators and Akwa fans who said his action was suspicious.

The Chairman, Akwa Ibom FA, Effiong Johnson, said in Uyo yesterday that Ogunyamodi should be investigated for stalling the match.

Johnson said the referee refused to heed to pleas from the match commissioner, Ijeoma Nwosu, to continue with the match. ``These are the people that dent the management of NPFL and I call on the NFF to do proper investigation on this match and previous matches officiated by Ogunyamodi. ``You know some of these referees reach agreements with clubs so that at the end of the tournament they are paid for officiating in their favours. How can the fans of a winning team beat up a referee? It is unheard of,’’ Johnson said.

PEOPLES DAILY| FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

PAGE 42

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DORCAS VERITAS HUMANITARIAN FOUNDATION

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THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE: 1) TEMIWUMI LAURA TOPE-BANJOKO 2) OLUWATOBILOBA ALERO TOPE-BANJOKO 3) TIWATOPE EYITUOYO TOPE-BANJOKO 4) OJIMI OKOME. AIMS: TO PROVIDE TEMPORARY SHELTER FOR WIDOWS THAT HAS BEEN EVICTED FROM THEIR HOMES DUE TO INABILITY TO PAY THEIR RENTS OR CULTURAL BELIEF ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

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TRUSTEES ARE: (1) SAMUEL OSEH (2) AUGUSTINE EZEH (3) IFEANYI NWOKE (4) FRANCIS ODOH (5) EMEKA NNAJI AIMS 1. TO RENDER ASSISTANCE TO EACH OTHER ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR ANN CHINWE ESSIEN 08063644967.

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TRUSTEES ARE: 1, DR. ANGELA UWANDU CHINAEDOZIAKU 2, DR KINGSLEY DINNEYA NWABUNWANNE 3, DR. OKOROAFOR UGOCHUKWU SAMUEL 4, MR. WILFRED UWANDU CHUKWUMA 5, BARR. OLEIKA MADUAKO AIMS TO ASSIST THE PHYSICALLY & PCHOLOGICALLY CHALLENGED PEOPLE WITH ELDERLY TO BE USEFUL TO THEMSELVES & SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CLUB HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE: 1. EMMANUEL IKENNA MONU 5. ROSELINE DAVID 2. JIMMY USMAN 6. EVANG. JULIE OKI 3. TONY EMOEDUME 7. EVANG. CLARA AKENRELE 4. FAITH T. AKINTUNDE 8. MRS. MARY ATANDA AIMS 1. TO MAKE SPIRITUAL IMPACT IN THE LIVES OF PEOPLE IN OUR GENERATION ESPECIALLY THE YOUTH, FOR THE PURPOSE OF PREVENTING AND REDUCING THE FOLLOWING: DRUG ADDICTION, ALCOHOL, UNWANTED PREGNANCY, WAYWARD LIVING, PROSTITUTION AND LACK OF VISION 2. TO REACH OUT TO THE NEGLECTED PEOPLE IN OUR SOCIETY (I.E.) THE PROSTITUTE THROUGH GOSPEL OF LOVE & TO EMPOWER THEM WITH THE FOLLOWING: THE WORD OF GOD, EDUCATION, TRADE, PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, SOCIAL INTERACTION, TO ENABLE THEM REGAIN THEIR SELF-ESTEEM 3. TO REACH OUT TO ORPHANS, WIDOWS, HOMELESS CHILDREN, ABUSED CHILDREN IN OUR SOCIETY AND THE WORLD AT LARGE. 4. TO EMPOWER THE YOUTH IN OUR SOCIETY AND THE WORLD TO BE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN SOUL WINNING ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

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TRUSTEES ARE: 1. BARR. NEBO OLIVER PRESIDENT 2. MR ANDREW CHIME SECRETARY 3. MR JAPHET MBAH FINANCIAL SECRETARY 4. ENGR. EMMANUEL ONWOH TREASURER 5. CHIEF ISAAC EGU EXECUTIVE MEMBER 6. CHIEF EUGENE UGWU PATRON 7. CHIEF HYACINTH OKAFOR MEMBER 8. MR UDE CHRISTIAN EXECUTIVE MEMBER 9. MR AMBROSE ANIAGU EXECUTIVE MEMBER 10. ENGR. (DR) BONIFACE UDEH ADVISER AIMS: 1. TO DRAW TOGETHER UNDER ONE BROAD UMBRALLA THE PEOPLE OF ISU-AWAA TOWN. 2. TO PROMOTE THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNAL EFFORT IN SEEKING THE WELFARE AND PROGRESS OF ISU-AWAA ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OZIOKO MARTIN IKENNA CHAIRMAN BOT 2. OZIOKO NKEMDILIM EZE KATE 3. OKENYI ERNEST CHINAZOR 4. ASOGWA THADDEUS CHIJIOKE AIMS: 1. TO EMPOWER THE YOUTHS AND LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY TO BE ECONOMICALLY FREE FROM POVERTY, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT 2. TO MAKE BIKE CONSCIOUSNESS A SPRING BOARD TO LEND INTO OTHER SPORTS FOR HEALTH, ESCAPE FROM POVERTY, FUN AND ADVENTURE 3. TO USE BICYCLES, MOTORCYCLES ETC AS A MEANS OF EXERCISE, TRANSPORT AND EMPLOYMENT AND RECOGNITION 4. TO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO USE SPORTS TO SOLVE HEALTH, UNEMPLOYMENT, LOW SELF ESTEEM, ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN THE SOCIETY USING BIKES. 5. TO MAKE RIDE TO FREEDOM FROM POVERTY FOUNDATION A TRADE NAME IN DEVELOPING SPORTS TALENTS IN NIGERIA; TO CREATE EXERCISE AWARENESS AMONG THE GENERAL POPULACE, HARNESSING STREET TALENT TO WORLD CLASS ATHLETE AND SOLVING EXERCISE RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS IN THE SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR. V.C. OKOROCHA; SUITE 15 UTURU PLAZA, PLOT 653, T.O.S.BENSON CRESCENT, UTAKO ABUJA, F.C.T; 08067074772

ALUMNI FELLOWSHIP OF LIGHT BEARERS COMMUNITY, ENUGU STATE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

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ISAAC ADAMS EDUCATION FOUNDATION

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TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REV. RUFUS OMONUWA OGUNMAYIN 2. AP. OMOMOWO OLORUNGBONJU 3. EVANG. AJEMITALE KEHINDE 4. AP. AMUWA PIUS 5. AP. ENIKUEMEHIN BLESSING ABIYE 6. BARR. BENSON AMUWA AIMS 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF GOD 2. TO PREACH SALVATION TO MANKIND ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

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TRUSTEES ARE: 1. BARR. ISAAC YAKUBU ADAMS 2. MRS. MARIA PEACE ISAAC 3. ENGINEER ADAMS YAKUBU 4. LT. SAMUEL YAKUBU ADAMS AIMS TO PROMOTE AND PROVIDE EDUCATION FOR THE LESS PRIVILEGED

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TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ALH. USMAN TANKO MOHAMMED CHAIRMAN 2. COMRADE DAVID EZE 3. MRS MARY ASIODU 4. REV. MATHEW IGO 5. MR AGBELESE OLA SECRETARY 6. MRS OLUFEMI CECILIA AKHE 7. PRINCESS OLUFUNMILAYO ABEBOLA 8. ALH. AGBOMOLA 9. ALH. AHMED LAMDO KATSINA 10. MR SUNDAY OGWU AIMS: 1. TO HAMONIZE PEACE AMONG THE PEOPLE OF KURUDU COMMUNITY. 2. PROPAGATION OF DEVELOPMENT IN KURUDU ABUJA.

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TRUSTEES ARE: 1. COMRADE ELIJAH OLU ABIALA 2. ELDER GEORGE SINA OLUFADE 3. MR BANJI OGUNTAYO 4. MRS OLABIMPE RABIU 5. ELDER DAVID SHINA ADEBAYO 6. PASTOR BOLARINWA OLADEJO 7. BARRISTER AKIN LADIPO AIMS: 1. PROMOTION OF FAMILY HEALTH & SPIRITUAL WELFARE 2. PROMOTION OF FAMILY EDUCATION AND PUBLICATIONS 3. REACHING OUT TO THE LESS PRIVILEGED, HOMELESS & ORPHANS AND WIDOWS. 4. MEDIATION OF FAMILY DISPUTES. 5. PROMOTION OF CHILDREN CHRISTIAN UPBRINGING AND YOUTH CARE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public of the loss of Original Offers in respect of plot No. 102 Cadastral Zone 04-07 G/Lada compensation layout old Kutunku Compensation Layout Cadastral Zone 04-07 FCT Abuja bearing MRS E. O. OBI MAKINDE. All efforts made to trace the said document proved abortive. If found, kindly return to the nearest police station. General public to please take note.

This is to inform the general public that the original document of allocation of estate plote No.1. zone A at Gidan Mangoro Relocation site along karshi Road Abuja allocated to CYKATE NIGERIA LIMITED On 29th March 2007 by Abuja Metropolitan Management Agency is missing.

The said document got missing in June 2010, and all efforts made to locate the said missing document proved abortive. This publication is made for record purposes.

SIGNED: CHIEF C. A NWOKOROBIA. MANAGING DIRECTOR CYKATE NIGERIA LTD

CHANGE OF NAME I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ABDULLAHI I. IDRIS NOW WISHED TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS IBRAHIM IDRIS ZAKSHI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, DRIVING SCHOOL AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS HAMISU ISAH NOW WISHED TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SUHAILU ISAH. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, BILYAMINU USMAN COLLEGE OF AGRIC, HADEJA AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE. BUYERS BEWARE This is to inform the general public of the loss of FHA Letter of Consent of Transferring Ownership in respect of plot No.12, Blosck 11, C-close, 15(B) road, Maitama belonging to N. ASIYA RODRIGO-LEMU of No. 7 Thomas Sankara Street, Asokoro Abuja.

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PEOPLES DAILY| FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

PAGE 44

Sports Juan Mata will be one of Spain’s players to watch at the forthcoming FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013. The versatile attacking midfielder, who recently picked up a UEFA Europa League winner’s medal to go with his UEFA Champions League one from 2011/12, is uniquely talented on the pitch and intriguingly different off it.

The former Valencia and Real Madrid man spoke to FIFA.com about life, his love of the English capital and his objectives for Brazil 2013.

2013

Juan Mata of Spain

FIFA CONF. CUP

Winning in Brazil would be fantastic, says Mata

I

t’s not long until Spain’s first game at the FIFA Confederations Cup [against Uruguay]. How are you feeling?

I’m really excited and feeling very up for it. I want to experience another Confederations Cup. I’ve been working very hard all season to help make sure things go well.

Does the fact it’s taking place in South America make it a special challenge, since European players rarely get the chance to compete there?

Yes, because it’ll be my first time in Brazil and we’ll be playing competitive matches in the Americas which is something we’ve not done before. It’ll also be good to know more about the country that’s hosting the World Cup. We’ll get to see what the stadiums are like, have a taste of the atmosphere which I’m sure will be great, and also start preparing for next year’s competition.

Is there anything you’re particularly excited about ahead of this new

experience?

When you’re going to play in Brazil, the Maracana always comes to mind.

It’d be fantastic if we could reach the final there and win it.

Spain have won the last two UEFA EUROs and are the reigning world champions. What kind of behaviour do you see from opponents that suggests a level of respect and awe for La Roja?

The main things are the comments people make before a game and sometimes on the pitch during a match too. Spain are enjoying the greatest period in their footballing history and of course our opponents want to knock us off our perch.

But it makes us feel proud when we experience this, that playing against us is seen as special. One of the lads said that a club-mate of his, ahead of a friendly match against their national team, asked him to tell us not to go all-out against them, because we were playing really well.

Why do you think you’re an automatic starter at Chelsea but not yet with La Selección?

I think it’s because with La Selección there are loads of us who are important players at their clubs, but then only 11 can start and so the competition is very fierce. But I’ve already enjoyed experiencing three major tournaments and my only goal is to keep being involved.

Are you still known by the nickname ‘Jonny Kills’ (a literal translation of Juan Mata) in the Chelsea dressing room?

(Laughs) Not so much now, because it was [Daniel] Sturridge who used to call me that and he’s gone to Liverpool. The rest of the lads call me Juan, in Spanish. Well, they try, but there are not many that can pronounce it properly. Nearly all of them say it like the English number ‘one’ it’s impossible for them to pronounce the ‘jota’ sound!

Footballers tend to live in the outskirts of cities, whereas you live in the heart of London. Why’s that?

It’s generally those players that have children who live in the suburbs, as everything’s quieter out there. It depends on the stage of career you’re at. I’m still young and in the early years of mine, so I like to get to know the place I’m living: walking around, grabbing a coffee in the city... Things like that.

Which places do you enjoy most?

Something that’s phenomenal about London is that is has a lot of cities within the city, loads of different environments. I really like the Chelsea area, there are a number of good places to buy clothes in Camden, Notting Hill has some very cool and different things... London is cosmopolitan and it’s different to where I’ve been used to living.

Would you describe yourself as having a curious mind?

Yes, I’d maybe say restless too. I’m

Mata of Chelsea

always keen to learn about the city that surrounds me: where I live, what makes it tick, local customs... It’s something that runs in the family.

My sister is always travelling too and ever since we were little we’ve always had an interest in seeing different perspectives on life. I’ve been backpacking with friends, I’ve been to the Greek islands, not long ago I went to the West of the United States... I wanted to see the cities and what they were like.

Did you choose to play in Chelsea so you could live in London?

I made the decision to come here because I wanted to play at a top-level club like Chelsea, one that was in the running for silverware, but it is true that the chance to come to this city did make the decision easier.

Could you imagine playing for a club in a place you didn’t find interesting?

I don’t know. It is true, though, that when you’re happy where you’re living you’re more at ease with everything around you which helps you train, perform and play well. It’s important that your city can give you the opportunity to unwind the way you want to. Perhaps towards the end of my career I might be able to pick a club purely on where it’s based.

Do you miss Spain?

Sometimes I miss my home, my family, the quality of life in Valencia and having the beach close by. But I’m so happy here. Experiencing something like this moving countries, learning new things has helped me to grow, to have other points of view about how to live life and to become more mature.

What’s the best lesson you’ve learned so far from your time in England?

About being brave enough to take

this kind of decision, it would have been easier for me to stay in Spain, but I could sense that I needed a stimulus, a change. I’ve learned about the courage needed to take a decision and, when it comes off, it makes you feel really invigorated.

Were you scared?

I was respectful [rather than scared]. I didn’t know how well I’d adapt to English football or to living here, but deep down I believed that things were going to go well. I’m young but at the same time quite mature.

Do you still have a child-like side to your character?

I think that you’ve always got to conserve some of that innocence and enthusiasm that kids have. If you lose that, it’s not a good thing. We footballers have to live with a lot of responsibility from a very young age and that makes you grow up faster than others your age.

But there are other times when you can’t be too serious and need to let yourself get carried away. You get those people who have a ‘good-guy face’ but never stop taking the mickey.

How do you manage to combine your university studies with your football commitments?

It’s difficult but not impossible. I like the world of marketing, publicity and new technology and there’s no reason why playing football can’t be compatible with those things.

Since I came to London it’s got a bit trickier, but I’m still enrolled in INEF (Physical Activity and Sport Sciences) and Marketing. I’m in touch with my tutor, although trying to find times to chat that suit us both is difficult.

The most important thing in my life right now is my football, but I do expect to finish my degree. I’m not hurrying, but I’m not giving up either.

PEOPLES DAILY| FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

PAGE 45

Sports

Blake, Gay, Gatlin join 12 London Games champions in Lausanne‘war’

J

amaican sensation, Yohan Blake, will lead a rich field of talented speedsters against defending champion Tyson Gay in the men’s 100m at the Lausanne Diamond League.

It will be an interesting meet as the men’s 100m promises to be one of the highlights of the evening of July 4. Five events will feature the whole podium of the last Olympic Games.

He will battle with his American compatriot Justin Gatlin, the bronze medallist in London and already a double winner in IAAF Diamond League meetings this year, in Doha

and Eugene, as well as Jamaica’s Asafa Powell, whose best result on the Pontaise track is a phenomenal 9.72.

Blake set the Pontaise Stadium on fire in 2012 by not only by setting a new meeting record, but by becoming the equal second fastest 100m performer ever with a run of 9.69, with Gay and only behind Usain Bolt.

The fiesta in Lausanne comes exactly one month before the 38th edition of Athletissima, an IAAF Diamond League meeting, and no fewer than 12 London 2012 Olympic Games champions and more than 25 medallists from last summer have

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already confirmed their attendance.

In the 400m Hurdles there is Felix Sanchez, Michael Tinsley and Javier Culson, the Pole Vault has Renaud Lavillenie, Bjorn Otto and Raphael Holzdeppe, the Shot Put has Tomasz Majewski, David Storl and Reese Hoffa, the Javelin features Keshorn Walcott, Oleksandr Pyatnytsya and Antti Ruuskanen while the women’s Long Jump can boast of Brittney Reese, Yelena Sokolova and Janay DeLoach Soukup.

“I am looking forward to returning to the Lausanne Diamond League in 2013. Sprinters know when they compete at the Olympic Stadium there they can expect great track fans and fast times. I want to improve both my time and my finishing place from 2012,” said Gay as he prepares hard to sustain his growing reputation at the meet.

“Ever since I ran in Lausanne, and I ran the meeting record and my PB of 9.69, I fell in love with the fans, the atmosphere and that fast track. I have not stopped thinking about that night, and returning to Lausanne on July 4th, will give me the opportunity to do, what I do best, and to once again unleash,” said Blake, who is still recovering from a slight injury sustained earlier this summer.

Woods tops Messi, Federer, Bryant in Forbes’ rich athletes list T

iger Woods returned to the summit of golf ’s world rankings in March - and now the American is back on top of the Forbes 100 Highest Paid Athletes list.

The American had held both positions for several years until misdemeanours in his private life were made public and he took a self-imposed exile from the

Tiger Woods

sport in 2009.

But a successful comeback, which has included seven wins in 18 months and the return of several sponsors, has seen the 37-year-old return to the top of the rich list.

Woods spent 11 years at the top of Forbes’ prestigious list until 2012, when he was replaced by tennis star Roger Federer.

But last year Woods banked $71.8 million (£50.7m) from earnings, sponsors and business ventures, including his golf course architecture company.

Federer drops to second in the list for 2013 having earned $71.5m (£46.4m), which includes an impressive portfolio of endorsements, with ten sponsors collectively

Leonel Messi

In 2012, the men’s High Jump provided a great show to the spectators on the first curve.

Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim delighted the fans by equalling the then Asian record of 2.39m. “My ultimate goal is the world record”, he was quoted at the time.

Last Saturday in Eugene, he got closer to his target by clearing

2.40m, a performance no athlete had achieved outdoors in the last 13 years.

His progress may well continue in Lausanne, where he will be pushed by the London medallists, Great Britain’s Robert Grabarz and USA’s Erik Kynard.

On the other curve, a fantastic 200m women is expected between the USA’s 2012 Olympic champion and triple World champion Allyson Felix and her

fellow American Carmelita Jeter, who won three medals in London including a bronze over 200m.

Last, but certainly not at least, in the 110m hurdles, the USA’s current World champion Jason Richardson and Jamaica’s Hansle Parchment, the London silver and bronze medallists, will face the USA’s David Oliver and the young Cuban talent Orlando Ortega, who finished sixth in London.

DeGale promises to ‘destroy’ Froch’s career

J Yohan Blake

Forbes 100 Highest Paid Athletes: Top 10 1. Tiger Woods (Golf) $ 78.1m 2. Roger Federer (Tennis) $ 71.5m 3. Kobe Bryant (Basketball) $ 61.9m 4. LeBron James (Basketball) $ 59.8m 5. Drew Brees (American Football) $ 51m 6. Aaron Rodgers (American Football) $ 49m 7. Phil Mickelson (Golf) $ 48.7m 8. David Beckham (Football) $ 47.2m 9. Cristiano Ronaldo (Football) $ 44m 10. Lionel Messi (Football) $ 41.3m

paying the Swiss ace $65m (£42m) a year.

Basketball stars Kobe Bryant and LeBron James follow, just ahead of American football players Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers. A second golfer, Phil Mickelson, also makes the top five.

The highest paid Brit is David Beckham in eighth.

The former Manchester

Kobe Bryant

United and Real Madrid midfielder collected $47.2m (£30.6m), while fellow footballers Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi make up the top ten.

In the top 100, baseball is the most represented sport on the list with 27 stars present. The list is made up of athletes from 11 different sports, hailing from 23 different countries.

ames DeGale has no doubt he has the capacity to beat Carl Froch if the current IBF and WBA super-middleweight champion agrees to test his against him in the ring.

De Gale is also certain he has a superior technical savvy which when combined with his style will hands him the perfect edge to counter Froch’s threat.

Froch is currently plotting his next move after defeating Mikkel Kessler in London last month. DeGale hopes to get to world title level soon, and will fight Croatia’s Stjepan Bozic tomorrow as he takes another step towards that target.

A domestic bout between Froch and DeGale or the former Olympian’s long-time rival, George Groves has long been discussed in the press.

DeGale believes he would have too much for ‘the Cobra’ if the fight ever materialised, believing he is similar to the counter-attacking boxers Froch has had trouble with throughout his career.

“He’s a good fighter Carl Froch, a very good fighter, but my style is all wrong for him,” DeGale told Sky Sports News. “Look at the fighters that have given him trouble (Andre) Ward, (Andre) Dirrell, (Jermain) Taylor move, speed. I think I’ll be all wrong for him.

“I’m here if Carl Froch wants the fight. If the boxing fans want the fight, I’m here. I would have it next week, but I’m not too sure what he wants to do.”

Froch has made little secret of his contempt for the upstart British fighters that have shown him little respect in recent weeks, warning Groves that he could “freeze him out” from ever fighting him if he continues to be insulting in the media.

DeGale appears not to have heeded that warning, however, expressing his confidence that he would “destroy” Froch’s career.

DeGale added: “I’ve heard he said if he fought me, he would destroy my career. I think it’s the other way around. If I fought him and beat him, how could he lose to me?”

PEOPLES DAILY| FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

PAGE 46

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FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013

SPORTS LATEST

Hyundai to sponsor FIFA U-20 World Cup with 112 vehicles

H

yundai Motor Company, the official automotive partner of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Turkey 2013 has supplied 112 vehicles to the Local Organising Committee to be distributed between the seven host cities.

The vehicles will provide transportation for FIFA and Local Organising Committee officials, refereeing teams and tournament officials in the international tournament which takes place between 21 June - 13 July.

The vehicle handover ceremony took place in the Turk Telekom Arena which will host the Turkey 2013 games played in Istanbul.

The event was attended by Local Organising Committee (LOC) President Servet Yardimci, Kibar Holding Chairman Ali Kibar, Hyundai Assan Turkey Managing Director Umit Karaarslan along with other Turkish Football Federation and Hyundai Assan representatives.

Hyundai made a major investment in Turkey this year with the construction of the Izmit factory. The company is brimming with excitement at the prospect of Turkey 2013.

In order for the tournament to run as smoothly as possible we have provided premium vehicles which are high in quality, adhere to our strict safety standards and are environmentally friendly.

Hyundai will also host Turkey 2013 events at the 71 authorized dealerships and 80 authorized service stations throughout the host nation.

Hyundai has sponsored every international FIFA event since 1999 and will also sponsor the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and 2014 FIFA World Cup, both of which will be held in Brazil, as well as the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter

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QUOTABLE QUOTE We cannot appropriate (funds) for a piece of land that is not available.

— Senate on why it cancelled a N4 billion budget for the African First Ladies Mission building in Abuja

Jonathan’s half-time: The verdict T

h e mid-term review of the Goodluck Jonathan administration was celebrated with much pomp and pageantry. To an onlooker or a visitor to the country, the review of the administration’s performance was right on course and almost believable. The paradox is that the same people who set the examinations, sat for them and graded themselves. Sadly, contrary to the current administration’s celebration of success, the grand ‘economic’ figures that were reeled out mean nothing to the ordinary person. The President, proudly with the midterm review document in hand, has asked that we score him. That is what exactly will be covered by this concluding piece of mid-term assessment; not from the perspective of the government but from the angle of the perceived ‘beneficiaries’ of the various schemes and policies that have been enacted since 2011.

Considering the macro-economic issues which have been celebrated by the current government, the fact is several notable aspects of the economy which the government claims to have improved, only impacted a few beneficiaries. The government claims credit in a GDP growth of about 7%. It also beats its chest on the renovation of airports and the resumption of a weekly train service between Lagos and Kano, having been off the lines for nearly twenty years. The government also touts its award of several contracts for infrastructure, especially roads.

Finally, the Jonathan government is very smugly proud of its socalled power sector reform and the corollary privatization of several distribution and generation companies.

In the area of providing safety and security for citizens, the government has just recently declared a state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States, while at the same time ratcheting up the military onslaught at the Boko Haram insurgency, particularly in those three states. Prior to these actions, the government had all but capitulated to all manners of security challenges in all parts of the country, from the kidnappings, to piracy, communal and inter-ethnic clashes, the potentially explosive grazers/ farmers relationship all over the country, armed robbery, to all other strains of dissidence. And, of course, the government’s own pretense at, and overlooking serial human rights violations and repeated extra judicial killings of innocent citizens by the security forces.

In the two years since the election of President Goodluck Jonathan, poverty has reportedly declined by 2% (48% to 46%) according to the World Bank’s vice president for Africa. Worthy of note is the fact that it was also mentioned by the World Bank chief that a GDP growth rate of 8% is insufficient to reduce poverty

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NASIR EL-RUFAI ON FRIDAY elrufai@aol.com in the country. In practical terms, while there appears to be a minute improvement in the numbers, how significant is a 2% reduction in poverty when about 60% of the population is poor? What does this reduction in poverty mean to the rural dweller who cannot afford the minimum of a dollar (about 160 naira) to cater to his daily needs of feeding, transportation and other human engagements?

Beyond all the trumpets being blown by the current administration for its performance, poverty still abounds greatly in the country which by all standards and measures should not be, given Nigeria’s vast natural and human resource endowments. According to the Revenue Watch Institute, Nigeria is recognized and ranked 40th among 58 natural resources-rich nations.

But because these revenues are not properly accounted for and managed terribly, they benefit only a few who have access to the funds at the detriment of the citizenry.

Inequality is on the rise as attested to by Rev. Jesse Jackson who was invited for the democracy day celebrations. His analysis of the Nigerian situation, however grim, is so true. He mentioned that there would be continuous agitations and unrests in Nigeria until the country’s system was able to guarantee economic justice and equality to the people, stressing that poverty in the midst of plenty was unacceptable.

Sadly, Nigeria, as at the end of 2012 ranked as the 35th most corrupt country in the world. Ridiculously, the government attributes the marginal improvement of moving four places from its ranking of 2011 to the Federal Government’s resolve to fight corruption head-on. The government also responded to the ranking by saying, “it shows clearly that Nigeria is gradually but steadily coming out of the cycle of most corrupt countries”. At this pace, the only thing obvious is the fact that the nation is nowhere close to being taken off the corruption list.

The debt stock of the nation keeps soaring and has currently doubled what it was in 2007.

According to statistics available on the Debt Management Office (DMO) website, the external debt stock as at 1999 was about $28bn;

by March 2007 was $3.3bn, $5.7bn

by December 2011, $6.5bn by

December 2012 and $6.7bn by March 2013. What does the Nigerian government have to show for its massive external borrowing? Is it the erratic power supply or the weekly train services which service an insignificant fraction of the population? Government borrowing ought to inject needed cash into the social sector of government by funding critical priority areas such as health, basic education, water, and roads. Can we proudly say we have seen considerable improvement in these sectors?

Incidentally, barely a week after Jonathan’s celebration of ‘achievements’, two of his ministers – Zainab Kuchi and Labaran Maku, admitted in public that 120 million Nigerians still lived in darkness.

This clearly indicates that either this government is not reading from the same script, or those that authored Jonathan’s brandished ‘achievements’ live in another planet.

It may also be that the government has been caught up in its own web of lies, because however carefully managed a lie is, the truth will always come out in the end.

Those brandishing figures to say that unemployment in Nigeria is on the decrease probably live in another country. Unemployment in Nigeria has grown from about one in five people in 2010 to about one out of every three willing and able to work but jobless in 2013.

Many youths beg to differ with these figures stating that these are more likely to represent the employment rate rather than unemployment.

While You-Win and Sure-P may be conceptually steps in the right direction, they have remained meaningless slogans as it will take a lot more than them to get the teeming unemployed population off the streets. Most of the youth simply have no hope in what the future holds for them. The truth is that most of the insurgency being experienced in the country in its various forms from Boko Haram to kidnapping and Niger Delta militancy is a direct offshoot of the idleness and unemployment among restless youths.

What is clear though is that not only is President Jonathan determined that he has passed his mid-term exams with flying colors, he has also declared that he has passed the final 2015 exam too, and will promote himself to

a second term whether we like it or not. His surrogate voices like Kingsley Kuku and Dokubo have already announced the results of the next presidential elections that we all hope will take place in 2014!

These voices have made it clear that mayhem will be visited on the rest of Nigeria by the Ijaws if Jonathan does not contest and win the next presidential election.

Jonathan has also embarked on a journey of annihilating any source of dissent within his toxic party, the opposition and the country in multiple fronts. within the PDP, he has procured the suspension of Governors Rotimi Amaechi and Magatakarda Wammako for daring to oppose his choice to lead the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).

By endorsing Jonah Jang - the pathetic and hapless loser of election of the NGF which every citizen saw on video with Rotimi Amaechi as the clear winner, Jonathan has descended to even lower moral standards. Seeing these old people going round shamelessly refuting what we all saw clearly on video, I sometimes wonder how people like Jonah Jang and Olusegun Mimiko sleep at night! Opposition leaders like General Muhammadu Buhari and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu are being constantly attacked in the media by Jonathanian surrogates while the constitutional rights of citizens are regularly violated to frustrate the merger and emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In the light of all these, it is clear that when Jonathan loses the 2014 presidential elections (not in 2015 as most people assume), he will pull a Laurent Gbagbo stunt, dig in and declare that he has not lost, with his surrogates unleashing violence on anyone perceived to be in disagreement. The next two years will be therefore a period of great challenge to Nigerians during which round-the-clock vigilance must be the watchword of all those that care for our nation and its people.

We all need to be proactive in insisting that the next elections be free, fair and credible. To ensure this, INEC must eliminate human intervention and manipulation of election results by ensuring that polling unit-level results go to a computerized collation centre via encrypted technology on INEC’s VSAT and the nationwide public telecommunications network, thus eliminating paper-based Forms EC8B to F, as well as the collation centers of electoral fraud, manipulation and corruption. The opposition political parties have already recommended that the next elections should all be held on the same day to reduce the logistic and material costs and the like, and eliminate the multiple sources of rigging and manipulation, among others.

Contd. on Page 36

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