Tuesday, July 7rh, 2015 Edition

www.peoplesdailyng.com

. . . putting the people first

Tuesday, July 7, 2015/ Ramadan 20, 1436 AH

Military releases 182 Boko Haram suspects in Borno

@pmlonline

Death toll in Jos blasts rises to 47

<< pAGE 3 >>

<< pAGE 8 >>

peoplesdailyng

Vol. 16 No. 56 N150

House leader: Dogara may pick Suleiman in defiance of APC >> pg 3

<< pAGE 15 >>

N391bn bailout drains excess crude account l As FG, states, LGs share rescue fund

<< pAGE 2>>

Victims of the Sunday night bomb attacks hospitalised at Plateau State Specialist Hospital, yesterday in Jos.

Photo: NAN

Ekweremadu talks tough, says ‘I won’t resign’ l As police quiz more senators, NASS clerk

page 2

449 Days after Maiduguri airport to commence Will the abducted Chibok schoolgirls ever be rescued?

operations – FAAN

>> pages 14

PAGE 2

News CONTENTS News 2-11 Editorial 13 Op.Ed 14 Letters 15 Politics 16-18 Business Stockwatch

19-22 23

S/Report 24-25 Feature 26 Defence 27 Agric

29

Feature 30

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

N391bn bailout drains Excess Crude Account

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he newly appointed Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris yesterday disclosed that he has been mandated to share the money left in the Excess Crude Account.

Idris who spoke with State House Correspondents after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari said, “The FAAC is going to meet, and we are going to distribute as agreed and directed during the NEC meeting last week; and the position is very clear, what we met on ground is what we are going to distribute.”

On how much was left in ECA vault to be shared, Idris said, “It is hovering between $1.6 to $1.7 billion, and that is what we are going to distribute among all the three tiers of governments: the federal, states and local governments based on the approved formula.”

The figure translates to N391billion in Nigeria currency.

Asked what new idea he would bring on board with his appointment coming at a time the nation’s coffer had been depleted, the Accountant General replied “Well, the general message is clear. Mr. President has a clear direction which we all have to fall in line. Prudent management of resources and identify more alternative ways of generating revenue, which we are set to do and to manage the meager resources we found on ground very efficiently and effectively for the betterment of the economy.”

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Anastasia Daniel Nwobia, has said that the absence of ministers at the head of ministries would not stop the running of government affairs in the country.

Nwobia, who briefed the State House Correspondents

after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, disclosed that she was invited to shed light on certain issues in the handing over notes submitted to the new administration by her ministry under former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala.

Following the meeting, the Permanent Secretary disclosed that she got an inkling on how the President wanted the ministry run.

Asked whether the absence of political heads was in any way affecting the effective coordination of government affairs, Nwobia said “I don’t think it is an issue to bother.

Like I said, government is a continuum. Even if you have political heads there, the engine room of the service is the civil servants, and we have continued to do our work.”

On her mission to the Villa, she said “We are basically here to brief the president on the

activities of the ministry of finance.”

Talking about the present state of the nation’s finance, Nwobia said “The state of Nigerian finances is okay. Our finances are still okay, though we are still going through challenges of revenue stream to government, and this you know obviously is from the oil stock.

The price of oil that has dropped; it has significantly reduced the revenue stream to government.

But we are working in other ways to see how we can shore up the revenue, so that we will be able to meet our expenditure.”

Commenting on payment of outstanding subsidy which has caused serious disagreement between the government and the oil importers, Nwaobia explained that “We did not say that we will not pay subsidy. Like the former minister said, there is a liability on subsidy which is being verified by the CBN, and Budget Office of the Federation. The issue had to do with the Forex differentials which they were claiming and this committee is looking into it. As soon as it is resolved, we will be able to pay the verified amount also when the committee finishes its work.”

democracy and protect the independence of the legislature.

“The Deputy President of the Senate further wishes to assure Nigerians that necessary steps are being taken by the security agencies to beef up security around him.

“He appreciates the nation’s security agencies for their professional handling of the situation so far, and acknowledges with a deep sense of gratitude the numerous youths across the country who have volunteered to provide additional security around him.

“In all these, however, let it be known that no amount of intimidation or harassment will deter Senator Ekweremadu from carrying out the constitutionally prescribed duties, which on June 9, 2015, PDP and APC Senators willingly elected him in the full glare of the world to perform”, it said.

Meanwhile, the Police have met with the Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa, and some principal officers over a petition that the Senate standing rules was substituted.

The Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Abayomi Shogunle, confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the meeting took place in the office of the clerk on Monday.

Shogunle said that a senator had petitioned that the standing

rule was substituted without the authorisation of the Senate.

He said that the meeting where some senators were questioned, followed a request by the police to the clerk to facilitate it.

He also confirmed that the petitioner (senator) had made a statement to the police over the allegation.

Asked whether the petition was specifically targeted at the Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, the deputy force spokesman said it was not but ``against procedure’’.

Shogunle said contrary to reports, the deputy senate president was not invited by the police and declined further comments, adding that the matter was under investigation.

However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) has condemned the police harassment of Senator Ekweremadu under the guise of investigating the alteration of Senate standing rules.

The governors, in a statement by its media office, Patrick Okon, frowned at what it described as the obvious prodding of the police by the Presidency and the APC as a result of their desperation to remove the Deputy Senate President, who was elected by his peers.

They also declared support for

the re-election bid of governors Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa and Idris Wada of Kogi state in the forth coming governorship elections in these states, noting that the people will show their confidence in the performance of their governors by re-electing them convincingly.

The governors also called on the newly appointed acting Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs. Amina Bala Zakari, to relieve herself from the role of acting Chairman because of obvious conflict of interests as a result of her long standing relationship with President Muhammadu Buhari both on family and official levels.

“The honourable thing for Mrs. Zakari to do is to excuse herself of this role as nobody who knows the level of her relationship with the President can believe she will be impartial in her conduct of any matter that the President has vested interest, in this case the success of APC over the PDP in any election especially with the governorship elections coming up in Bayelsa and Kogi states,” they said.

The governors called on Nigerians to hold the APC accountable to all the broken promises so far, claiming that the ruling Party has shown itself incapable of delivering on the change it promised during the campaign.

Ekweremadu talks tough, says ‘I won’t resign’ El-Rufai abolishes joint account, swears in 23 LGA chairmen – Page 4

Metro

32

Int’l 39 S/World

39

Digest 40 Sports 41 Columnist 48

We want to hear from you The Peoples Daily wants to hear from you with any news and pictures you think we should publish.

You can send your news and pictures to: adverts@peoplesdailyng.com pictures@peoplesdailyng.com contact@peoplesdailyng.com

Phones for News: 08142929046 08024432099

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi & Ahmed Abubakar

T

he Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has said no amount of intimidation and false accusation by the All Progressives Congress (APC) politicians will make him to step down as the Deputy President of the 8th Senate.

Ekweremadu, in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Uche Anichukwu, condemned in strong terms the allegation which has linked him with the alleged forgery of the 2015 Senate Standing Order, even as he said he would never be intimidated by politicians.

While acknowledging the calls and messages from well meaning Nigerians, since the matter became a public issue, he assured Nigerians that he will never succumb to blackmail.

He equally observed that various groups and organisations had also expressed utter dismay and concern over the unfolding drama in which his life and liberty are being threatened by desperate politicians.

The statement reads in part, “Ekweremadu wishes to assure all Nigerians and concerned members of the international community that everything is under control and that all democratic steps are being taken to preserve the nation’s

Page 3

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

News

Ramadan Timing Day 20

Jega resumes in BUK From Edwin Olofu, Kano

F

ormer National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Attahiru Muhammad Jega, yesterday returned to take his teaching job at the Bayero University, Kano following the expiration of his tenure at INEC last week.

Jega, who arrived the University around 10 am in the morning amidst rousing reception by staff and students reported to the Vice Chancellor to signify his resumption of duty.

It could be recalled that the former INEC Chairman, had on several occasions disclosed his desire to return to classroom soon after the expiration of

tenure.

Receiving the INEC boss, in his office, the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, said they were happy to have Jega, back whom he described as the institutions great ambassador,/ “Bayero University, Kano is indeed proud of you Professor Attahiru Jega, you are really a good ambassador to this great institution”, said the Vice Chancellor, stressing that, the University’s name has been projected in high esteem by the good work of Jega.”

In his brief address, the former INEC Boss, Professor Attahiru Jega, told the Vice Chancellor that right from the day he set out for the INEC job,

Prof. Attahiru Jega

he went with desire to return after his tenure.

Jega, disclosed that teaching has been one job he cherished and this informed his decision to return to classroom.

UN commences screening of Boko Haram victims for skills acquisition

T

he UN has commenced screening 2,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) for the first phase of providing means of livelihood and early recovery support scheme to victims of Boko Haram insurgency.

The UN Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident Representative, Dr Daouda Toure, said in Gombe Monday while addressing the IDPs that the screening was to ascertain if they were actually victims of

insurgency.

Toure said 500 beneficiaries would be selected from Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, and the UN was partnering with the three state governments to ensure the success of the exercise.

Jos massacre: I’m gutted, heartbroken – Atiku

By Umar Muhammad Puma

F

ormer Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the twin explosions in Jos, the Plateau State capital, which left on its trail scores of fatalities and casualties.

Also, the former Vice President condemned the killings in Maiduguri and Potiskum by those who he described as “blood sucking vermin.”

The former Vice President in a press statement released by his media office in Abuja on Monday said he was gutted by the dastardly penchant of wasting precious and innocent lives.

“I am gutted. I am saddened. I am heartbroken by the murder of scores of innocent souls in Jos late Sunday night,” Atiku is quoted to have said from Saudi Arabia where he is on Lesser Hajj (Umrah).

He bemoaned the bestiality of the terrorists to lay siege on innocent worshippers who were undertaking a spiritual demand of the holy season of Ramadan.

Atiku Abubakar

Father accuses NDA of forcefully drowning his son

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

T

he Father of late Elshadai Kwasu, a Cadet at the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna Hon. Danladi Angulu Kwasu, has accused the Academy of deliberately pushing his late son into a 100 meter deep lake during training session which resulted in his death. He disclosed this while addressing the media in Kaduna yesterday.

Hon. Danladi Angulu

Kwasu who is a retired Wing Commander, with the Nigeria Air Force, and now a member of Kaduna State House of Assembly, KDHA, representing Zangon Kataf State constituency, alleged that the out of negligence, about 20 cadets have died in swimming exercises and NDA is doing nothing to change the situation.

Kwasu said: “My son died on 30th April 2015, as a result of drowning, occasioned by gross negligence

“The NDA took them for a camping exercise (Camp Highland). In the course of the exercise, the NDA staff pushed him into the water of the Kangimi dam (the outskirt of Kaduna) at the deepest part of the dam.

“He was pushed into this deep water from a platform that was very high above the water.

The NDA only tied a rope loosely round his waist with somebody else standing on the platform above the water and holding unto the other end of the rope.

Towns Magrib Alfijr Abakaliki 6.49 6.01 Abeokuta

7.08 5.18 Abuja 6.56 4.59 Akure

6.55 5.10 Auchi 6.56 5.06 Ankpa

6.51 4.59 Argungu

7.13 4.59 Azare

6.49 4.39 Bama

6.34 4.27 Bauchi 6.47 4.48 Benin 6.57 5.11 Bichi

6.57 4.47 Bida

7.00 5.03 Birnin Gwari 6.59 4.58 B/Kebbi Gwandu 7.14 5.02 Calabar

6.45 5.02 Damaturu 6.42 4.32 Daura/Kazaure 6.58 4.44 Dutse 6.52 4.45 Enugu 6.50 6.02 Funtua/Malumfashi 7.00 4.53 Gombe

6.41 4.40 Gumi

7.09 4.59 Gusau

7.02 4.52 Gwadabawa 7.11 4.57 Gwoza

6.34 4.29 Hadejia 6.51 4.39 Ibadan

7.06 5.14 Ife

7.04 5.12 Ilesha Baruba

7.10 5.13 Ilorin 7.06 5.10 Jalingo

6.38 4.41 Jere/Suleija

6.55 4.54 Jos

6.50 4.49 Kabba

6.59 5.05 Kafanchan

6.52 4.52 Kafin Maiyaki

6.57 4.48 Kaduna 6.57 4.54 Kano

6.55 4.47 Katsina 7.02 4.48 Kontagora 7.04 4.45 Lafia

6.49 4.53 Lagos

7.06 5.18 Lokoja 6.56 5.02 Maiduguri 6.37 4.27 Makurdi 6.49 4.55 Minna

6.59 5.00 Missau

6.45 4.40 Monguno

6.37 4.23 Ningi

6.50 4.46 Ogbomosho 7.06 5.12 Okene

6.57 5.05 Onitsha

6.52 5.06 Oyo

7.07 5.13 Port Harcourt 6.50 5.07 Potiskum 6.45 4.35 Sagamu

7.06 5.16 Sokoto 7.10 4.57 Takum 6.41 4.51 Warri 6.56 5.11 Wurno 7.10 5.55 Yola

6.34 4.37 Zaria 6.57 4.52 Cotonnou-Benin 7.09 5.23 Ndjamena-Chad 6.30 4.30 Niamey-Niger 7.24 4.59 Zinder – Niger 6.58 4.40 Garoua – Cameroun 6.20 4.33 Younde-Cameroun 6.30 4.51 (Source: Society for the Propagation of Islam Kaduna)

Recommended DU’A for Day Recommended DU’A for 06 Day 20 Pray an 8 Rak-a’t Salaat.

In every Rak-a’t after Pray a8Rak-a’tSalaat, In every Rak-a’t after thethe recitation of Al-Faatih’ah, recite Suatul Qadr 20 recitation ofAl-Faatih’ah, recite any ither Surah. After times. After Salam, say the following Du’a: salam, say the following:Feehi A’laa Iqaaamati Allaahumma Qawwinee “Allahummaf-Tah leeFeehi feehiabwaabaljinaanwaaAmrika Wa Ad’iqnee H’alaawata D’ikrika Wa Awzia’-Nee Feehi Li-Adaaa-I Shukrika Bikaramika ghliq ‘anneefeehiabwaabanneeran, wawaffiqneeWah’-Faz’nee Feehi Bi-H’ifz’ika Wa Sitrika Yaa fee feehi li-tilaawatil Qur’an Yaamunzilas-sakeenati Abs’aran Naaz’ireen quluubilmu’mineen.”

Meaning: O Allah, on this day, strengthen me in Meaning: O Your Allah,commands, on this day,letopen for me thsweetdoors of carrying out me taste the the havens, and lock the doors of Hell from me, help ness of Your remembrance, grant me, through Your me to recite the Qur’an, the one whoProtect sends down graciousness, that I give O thanks to You. me, with Your protection and cover, O the most discerntranquillity into the hearts of believers. ing of those who see.

PAGE 4

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

News

Corruption: Nigeria heads for humanitarian crisis – Saraki

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has raised the alarm that the corruption in Nigeria is leading the country into humanitarian crisis, even as he vowed that the 8th Senate will uphold zero tolerance for corruption in Nigeria.

He said this yesterday when he hosted the Chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), Ekpo Nta, who led other board members of the commission to brief the Senate on the activities of the anti-graft body.

Saraki lamented that the state of the Nigerian economy has become so bad, such that areas of corruption must be tackled

through every available means.

He lamented that presently, State government are finding it difficult to pay salary to workers, just as he pointed out that the education and health institutions in Nigeria are equally adversely affected by the challenges of corruption in the country.

He said the 8th Senate which he is leading is totally committed to the zero tolerance for corruption position of the Buhari administration and that he and his colleagues would do everything to make the job of the anti-graft agencies easy and successful.

He also said most of the present problems confronting the country were a direct fall-out of the monumental corruption in the system.

He noted that even though the

Senate was officially on recess, there are certain issues that cannot wait, especially issues concerning getting appropriate briefing on the fight against corruption and what needs to be done to intensify the war.

“It is important for us to meet with you, to let you appreciate where we stand on the issue of corruption and to also listen to you for us to know some of the issues that are challenging to you because the ICPC, EFCC and Code of Conduct Bureau remain the most vital institutions in the fight that we are waging against corruption today.

“We want to make the antigraft war a priority for the Senate because we believe that it has got to a stage where it is truly endangering the entire system

and some of the symptoms that we are seeing in the areas where it is affecting our national development is becoming more and more clearer to all of us.

“The message we want you to take away today is that the 8th Senate is ready to work with you. The 8th Senate is not going to provide any safe haven for anybody.

“The 8th Senate wants to work very closely with Mr. President on this very issue and I am sure with the political will, both on the part of the executive and the legislature and the agencies, we might not be able to eradicate it completely, but we can bring corruption to a level that as a country, we can be proud of.

“I am very committed to this and so are a lot of my colleagues

here. The party is over. Everybody needs to know that we need to sing a new song because without it, we have all seen that we are getting into a crisis and we need to admit it,” Saraki said.

He said: “We are seeing it in the state of our schools, the impact on our education. We are seeing it in the state of our health institutions and the impact on maternal and child mortality. We are seeing it in the ever increasing cost of governance, failure of public institutions and infrastructures.

Earlier, the ICPC boss, Nta, said tackling corruption requires that the substructures that support corruption in the system be addressed before going after the “symptoms of corruption.”

Nta said “Public officers have been put through a lot of destabilization during the changes.

They have not had pensions paid and all these had accumulated to the point where they have to resort to self help.

“We discovered that if the civil service is working optimally and the shortcomings are addressed, the issue of corruption would be made unattractive”, the ICPC boss said.

JNI condemns Maiduguri, Yobe, Jos attacks on worship places

L-R; Chairman, National Hajj Commission, Alhaji Abdullahi Muktar Mohammad, Chairman, BOT of TETfund, Dr. Musa Babayo, Accountant-General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Usman Jibrin, and President Muhammadu Buhari, during President breaking Ramadan fast with top government officials, yesterday at the State, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

El-Rufai abolishes joint account, swears in 23 LGA chairmen

From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

K

aduna state governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad ElRufai yesterday formally abolished ‘joint account’ and announced that his government will be remitting ten percent of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to local government councils in the state.

El-Rufai stated this while swearing in Interim Management Committees of the state’s 23 local government councils.

He also warned the chairmen against residing outside their local government areas.

He advised that anyone of them who cannot live in the

local government he has been appointed should vacate the office.

“You have no excuse to fail. Perform and bring real development to our state at the local government level. I am using this occasion to fulfill our campaign promise, during the campaigns we said we will not hold local government funds if elected.

“Therefore, I am happy to inform you that the government under our watch has formally abolished joint account in Kaduna state, there will be no more holding local government funds hostage under the pretence of joint account.

“I also wish to inform you that

the government will do its best to be remitting ten percent of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue to the local government areas of our dear state. Like I said, we must deliver, we can’t let our people down,” he said.

El-Rufai therefore urged them to swing into action and commence carrying out meaningful projects in all the wards of the council.

He already there is a blueprint of proposed development which they will see and work with as a guide to taking development to their communities.

“You must take security serious, partner with traditional rulers and religious leaders and the entire stakeholders. Don’t

be arrogant to your people, you are assigned to serve them and nothing more than that. We will not hesitate to call you to order if you think you will play with our people and the trust vested in you.

“We did not appoint you because of your religion, ethnicity or where you come from. You have been appointed to work and bring positive change. “ He said The governor also asked that the interim local government chairmen should submit within two weeks a list of government assets such as schools and hospitals that have been encroached on by trespassers.

He assured them that they will be supported by able personnel to help them succeed.

From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

J

ama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) yesterday condemned in stronger term the attacks carried out at places of worship such as Tafsir and Iftar sessions in Maiduguri, Yobe and most recently Jos. The religious body described such attacks as barbaric attacks, are utterly condemnable in the strongest terms.

This was contained in a statement signed by JNI Secretary General, Dr Khalid Abubakar made available to newsmen in the state.

According to him, the sad aspect of the attacks is that they are perpetrated in the revered month of Ramadan.

“It is hardly believable that such dastardly acts could occur now, considering several frantic efforts taken in curbing the menace by the Federal Government, thus the JNI is seriously perturbed.” , he said.

PAGE 5

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

News

Gunmen snatch Jigawa governor media aide’s car From Edwin Olofu, Dutse

T

he newly appointed Special Assistant to Governor Muhammad Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa state on Media and Publicity, Malam Bello Muhammad Zaki Sunday lost his official vehicle to a gang of armed robbers that had a field day along Kano-Kazaure Federal highways.

The unfortunate incident occurred at about 6.55pm Sunday when Bello Zaki travelled to his hometown, Kazaure in a company of a friend and his daughter, also caught up with unsuspecting commuters at Yan Bawa plantation in Makoda local council of Kano state.

Security sources that pleaded anonymity revealed that the heavily armed hoodlums in police camouflage stopped dozens of motorists, searched their boots and carted away their personal belongings.

The source further disclosed that the dare devil armed robbers at the end of 45 minutes operations selected five posh vehicles including that of SA Media and headed towards Kano end of the Highway.

However, luck nearly ran out of the rampaging robbers when they had auto-crash with one of the stolen vehicle at Dambatta, abandoned it and escaped with other stolen cars.

It was learnt that villagers that rushed to the scene of the accident for rescue were left astonished on the way and manner they hurriedly disembark and jumped into a waiting car.

The source stated that the curious villagers conducted a search and discovered valuable items that included phones, wallet containing ATM’s, identity cards and other documents.

In a reaction to the unfortunate incident, the SA Media, Bello Zaki confirmed the incident, adding that the experience was traumatic He said, “I was on my way to my country home when the incident occured.

He added that when the robbers ran away with five of the selected vehicle among his own, they had an accident at Dambatta town with one Honda and abandoned it there, saying it was at the scene of the accident some people discovered one of his phone and that of his daughter, his wallet containing his ATM’s, ID cards.

Bello Zaki who spoke at Makoda Police Divisional Headquarters stated that the robbers did not harm any of the motorists but threatened to kill anyone who make any attempt to expose them.

Kaduna sets July 15 as deadline for Hajj fare collection From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

K

aduna State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has set July 15, 2015 as deadline for the collection of hajj fare as it released 2015 Hajj fare for intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Yunusa Muhammad Abdullahi and made

available to newsmen in the state, intending pilgrims are expected to complete payment on or before the July 15.

According to the statement, the state government has approved N772, 942.36 as minimum fare with 750 dollars as Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), N812, 942.36 as medium fare with 1,000 dollars BTA. The statement further urged intending pilgrims to hasten

settlement of their remaining balance in good time to enable the Board pay the NAHCON in good time.

All the intending pilgrims are expected to complete payment in their respective registration centres on or before July 15, 2015 as this would enable the Board complete its arrangements in collaboration with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.

Permanent Secretary Bureau

of Religious Affairs (Islamic Matters) overseeing the affairs of the Board Alhaji Abdurrahman Mahmoud has assured the Board’s commitment towards providing first class services to the intending pilgrims in order to attain an acceptable hajj by all the pilgrims from the state.

He commended the state government for providing all the necessary support to the Board in ensuring the success of the hajj.

L-R: Director of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr. Damilola Niaiyeju, Director, Finance and Accounts in the Ministry, Mr. Mamman Idris, Executive Secretary, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, Professor Baba Yusuf Abubakar, and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Sunday Echono, during a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on activities of the ministry, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Absence of Judge stalls arraignment of IPMAN president, others

By A’isha Biola Raji

T

he arraignment of factional president of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Chief Lawson Obasi and three others over alleged breaking and robbery was stalled due to the absence of the Judge.

Obasi, who is accused alongside Ukadike Chinedu, Augustine Erhabor and Andrew Ashiga, who is said to be at large, could not take their plea yesterday at the Federal Capital Territory High Court Abuja as the judge was said to be indisposed.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mohammed Diri had in March filed the sixcount charge before the Court.

The accused IPMAN members were alleged to have on April 14, 2014 armed with dangerous

weapons such as cutlasses, wood, iron rod, and knives viciously entered the premises of IPMAN located at No 41 Gnassigbe Eyadema Street, Asokoro Abuja.

They were further alleged to have further attacked the headquarters by breaking the doors, windows, lockers, and cardboards of the office and inflicting various degrees of

injuries on the occupants of the offices.

According to the charges, the accused persons allegedly robbed the president of the association, Chinedu Okoronkwo of his Nokia, Samsung Handsets and laptops.

Other officials of IPMAN who allegedly lost their personal belongings and money valued at millions of naira include Danladi

Passali, National Publicity Secretary; Usman Ali, National Accountant; and Baba Abubakar Saliu.

If found guilty, the offences are punishable under sections 1(2) (b) 6(b) of the Robbery and Firearms Act. 2004 and Section 266 of the Penal Code.

The case has been adjourned to September 30 for arraignment.

NGO distributes WASCE forms to 128 indigent students

T

he Renaissance Social Development Group, a NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO), on Monday distributed West African Senior Certificate Examination (WASCE) application forms to 128 secondary school students in Epe area of Lagos State.

The Chairman of the NGO, Mr Abiodun Muritala, said the gesture was to commemorate

Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode’s 52nd birthday, and to assist the beneficiaries from the different wards of the area in their academic pursuits.

He said that the group believed that education was the only pathway to sustainable development.

The chairman described Ambode as an illustrious and outstanding son of Epe, adding that

the distribution of the forms was to highlight the governor’s great passion for education.

Muritala explained that, though, the group started as a social club where indigenes could network socially; the yearnings of Epe indigenes for more development had informed the group’s transforming into a development one.

Tribunal hears petition seeking Gbajabiamila’s disqualification July 27

By Ai’sha Biola Raji

T

he Lagos State National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ikeja, has fixed July 27, 2015 to hear the petition seeking the disqualification of Dr. Femi Gbajabiamila as the elected lawmaker representing Surulere Federal Constituency 1 of the state

in the House of Representatives.

The petitioner, Mr. Tony Ashikodi, and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, are challenging the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission that Gbajabiamila won the the March 28, 2015 election.

INEC had declared Gbajabiamila of the All

Progressives Congress, who polled 21, 715 votes, winner ahead of Ashikodi who garnered 14, 550 votes.

But Ashikodi and the PDP had approached the tribunal, led by Justice C.U Anwuka, with claims that the election was characterised with irregularities and conducted in breach of INEC’s guidelines.

At the Monday’s proceedings,

lawyers for Gbajabiamila and INEC, Dele Adeoti and C.N. Olaitan respectively, applied for the withdrawal of certain applications that they had filed before the court.

Justice Anwuka consequently struck out the applications.

The tribunal thereafter adjourned till July 27 to hear the substantive case.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

PAGE 6

News

Anglican Bishop commends Buhari over plans to rebuild destroyed worship places From Umar Dankano, Yola

B

ishop Marcus Anfani Ibrahim of Anglican communion Yola has commended President Mohammdu Buhari for the plan to rebuild burnt down places of worship destroyed by insurgents in the northeast.

The Bishop who made the commendation in Yola while speaking to newsmen said, the president deserves commendation from all well meaning Nigerian for taking that step.

He said the visit of the vice president, Prof.Yemi Osibanjo to Yola was encouraging to the people of the state.

“Boko Haram has dealt badly to the entire economy of northeast, a serious blow on the people of the region, leaving them homeless and hopeless, some in

twenty years to come they might not recover from the grossing lost”. Anfani said “The coming of the vice president was indeed a big hope for us in Adamawa, it shows Buhari is planning well to take care of us in this state as we are badly been dealt with by the

insurgents”. He added Commenting on his 50th anniversary as a priest, Bishop Marcus Anfani Ibrahim thanked God for giving him the grace to continue with work he has been called to do, as there are plans to ordain many young pastors into the pastoral work of the Anglican

Communion were they better contribute to the rapid spread of the church in northeast Nigeria.

According to him this will make young Nigerians to properly do the work of God not to be brain washed with vain doctrines like that of Boko Haram against the church and our country.

Man, 45, nabbed with Euro 1.25m fake currency at Lagos airport From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

T

he Airport Police Command in Lagos yesterday said it has arrested a 45 year old Mr. Lawrence Agbe who was allegedly travelling with Euros 1,250,000, the equivalent of N274 million discovered to be fake.

Commissioner of Police Airport Police Command, Mr Fredrick Lakanu, told journalists in Lagos that Agbe was nabbed when he was boarding a flight at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos enroute Abuja.

According to him, in the course of Police investigation, a search warrant was executed by a team of detective from the Domestic Airport Division to search the suspect’s printing press in Agege suburb of Lagos where over 2,000 Police statement forms were recovered.

Lakanu explained that upon further interrogation, Agbe disclosed that the confiscated sum belong to one Steve, a resident of Abuja whom the police said is now at large.

Similarly, the Commissioner disclosed that over 30 motorcycles (Okada) were impounded while 35 touts roaming the facility were also arrested.

A statement from the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Assistant Superintendent of Police, Livinus Chukwuma, stated that those arrested had been charged to court for unlawful entry, touting and other similar offences.

Lakanu was quoted to have appealed to members of the public for cooperation to checkmate the activities of undesirable elements at airports across the country.

ASP Chukwuma also urge the media to support the police and other security as they embark on cleansing the airports of touts and other elements inimical to the safety of the facilities around Nigeria.

Traffic on Ikorodu Road at Anthony Bus-Stop, yesterday in Lagos.

Photo: NAN

Edo court workers suspend six months strike From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

C

ourt workers in Edo state yesterday announced the suspension of its six months old strike, which has set awaiting trial inmates on edge, while business activities around the various courts were on the brink of near total collapse.

The relief which is expected to last for one month according to the state leadership of Judiciary Staff Union is to enable stakeholders reach a consensus agreement.

The workers had embarked in a protracted industrial action on January 2, 2015 over the state’s government refusal to obey a court

verdict which granted financial autonomy to the Judiciary.

Apparently worried over the lingering strike action, the Judiciary Service Commission (JNC) last month advised JUSUN members to report for duty or risk losing their jobs.

The JNC also advertised for what it termed vacancies in the State Judiciary at the expiration of the ultimatum.

The striking staff nonetheless defied the sack ultimatum and subsequently sought and secured an Akure industrial Court order barring the government from terminating their appointments or replacing them with new recruits.

However, JUSUNan umbrella body for the workers on Monday directed its members to return to their duty post on July 8, 2015.

The directive was contained in a press statement issued

by Barrister P. Nnamani and Comrade Uyi Ogierhiakhi, legal adviser and Chairman respectively.

The statement attributed its decision to what it described as the intervention of members of Honourable Chief Judge’s committee chaired by Justice P. A Akhihiero, the State AttorneyGeneral, NLC and others.

The statement further reads: “the governor having directed

that the recurrent expenditure of Edo Judiciary shall be released to Heads of Courts; and with concrete assurances by the above distinguish persons that the governor will pay the salary arrears of workers.

“And after due consultation with notional headquarters, Edo JUSUN has decided to suspend the strike action for a period of one month.

“It’s expected that this period of one month would afford this eminent persons and stakeholders the opportunity to conclude the modalities for the Edo State Government to pay the seven months arrears of Edo State Judiciary workers.”

The eye witness account equally disclosed that the accident which occurred at about 5 am at Irepeni village in the central axis of the state, was as a result of head on collision.

He further revealed that the driver of the luxury bus was trying to avoid a barricade mounted by armed robbers and in the process collided with a truck coming from opposite direction.

He said that drivers of the bus and the truck with registration

number Katsina KTN 711 YZ were among the 12 persons that died on the spot.

The state sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Mr Charles Abochi while confirming the accident said that 73 passengers were involved.

He disclosed that 16 persons, 12 men, three women and one female child sustained various degree of injuries during the accident.

According to him, the injured victims were taken to the federal Medical Centre in Lokoja for treatment while the corpses of the departed were deposited at the morgues of the Kogi State Specialist Hospital , Lokoja and Alheri Hospital at Kabba junction.

The sector commander further disclosed that full, investigation to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the accident had commenced.

Auto crash claims 12 lives in Kogi

From Ahmad Ibrahim, Lokoja

T

welve people have lost their lives in a ghastly auto crash which occurred in the early hours of Monday along Okene Lokoja highway in Kogi State.

Peoples Daily reliably gathered that the victims , eight men and four women were occupants of a luxury bus with registration number Lagos KRD 799 LC travelling from Lagos to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja .

PAGE 7

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

News

Police arraign 115 street gang members in Kaduna

T

he Kaduna State Police Command, on Monday said it had arraigned 115 street gang members, locally known as “Yan Sara-Suka” for allegedly terrorising communities in the state.

The command’s spokesman, DSP Zubairu Abubakar told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna that the arraignment followed massive raid of the gangs’

hideouts across the state.

NAN reports that Gov. Nasiru El-Rufa’i recently directed the police to rid the state of the terror gangs that had killed and maimed several people in the state.

Abubakar said 38 of those arraigned before various courts in the state were facing charges of criminal conspiracy and terrorism, 32 for possession of hard drugs and 45 for terrorism and culpable

homicide.

He said that the arrest of the suspects was facilitated by the cooperation of communities, especialy in areas such as Rigasa in Kaduna metropolis.

The police spokesman said special patrols were continuing in areas notorious for criminal activities in the state.

“Kaduna is now very calm, and we need the cooperation of the

general public to make the state safer for all.

“The police will not allow any miscreant to cause unrest in the society. Such person will be arrested and prosecuted instantly.’’

Abubakar appealed to the general public to be law abiding and continue to support the police and other security agencies to discharge their duties more effectively.(NAN)

Man bags 1 month imprisonment for stealing 7 pieces of meat

A

n Ota Magistrates’ Court Ota on Monday sentenced a 28-year-old man to one month in prison for breaking into a shop to steal seven pieces of meats from a pot.

The Magistrate, Miss Temitope Adebutu, however, gave the convict an option of N5,000 fine.

The accused of no fixed address was arraigned on a two-count charge of stealing and burglary.

Prosecutor Rosemary Brown told the court that the accused committed the offences on June 25 at about 6 a.m. at Ire-Akari Street, Ota in Ogun.

She said that the accused broke into the shop of the complainant, Akinola Olamilekan, to steal seven pieces of meats from a pot valued at N700.

Brown said that the offences contravened Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Revised Laws of Ogun, 2006. (NAN)

Representative of Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr. Ben Ogbeha (6th left), representative of Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Brigadier-General Benjamin Sawyer (5th right), and participants, during the opening of NEMA simulation exercise tagged “Operation Utom Kiet”, yesterday in Jaji, Kaduna state.

Photo: NAN

Police arrest 20 suspected cultists, impose curfew in Delta From Osakhare Erese, Asaba

P

olice detectives in Asaba have arrested 20 alleged cultists following the recent robbery incident and cult clash at Oleh community, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State and imposed a 7pm till dawn curfew.

It was reliably gathered that the arrest was made possible by the joint efforts of the Police, Army and Community Vigilante who

were said to have immediately swung into action to apprehend those in the confessional list made by some of the robbery culprits.

It was revealed that the robbery incident happened very close to a drinking joint along IDC road within the week, which later escalated to a cult rampage amongst the different cults who happened to be members of the armed robbery gang that launched attack on their victim, a man (name withheld), who was severely man

handled at gun point, carting away all that were in his possession.

A reliable source, who pleaded to remain anonymous for security reasons also revealed that not only were there machete injuries on the victims involved during the rampage, but parents as well had a taste of the brutal disposition of their wards.

He added further that if not for the timely intervention of the Police, who ran into the scene of ensuing incident in the course

of their patrol after the reported robbery case and other security agents, the situation would have been a whole lot disaster, noting that though some of the suspects are presently assisting the police should leave no stone unturned to bring all perpetrators of this crime to book, including the major source in Isoko environ, who was mentioned as a god father.

Efforts made for confirmation from the Oleh Police command proved abortive.

ACF expresses concern about attacks by insurgents

T

he Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed concern about the recent attacks by Boko Haram on Monguno, Kukawa and Maiduguri in Borno in which many people died.

A statement on Sunday in Kaduna by Muhammad Ibrahim, the National Publicity Secretary of the group, described the attacks and killings by the insurgent group as worrisome. ``ACF is worried and, indeed, Nigerians are worried and disturbed with the recent and frequent attacks on villages and even states capital of Borno and Yobe by the Boko Haram insurgents. ``The renewed direct attack on the people in the Monguno, Kukawa, Maiduguri and many villages in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states is cruel, barbaric and condemnable especially in the holy month of Ramadan. ``This clearly shows that the Boko Haram insurgents are cults in form, character and operation as their claim to be Muslims is untenable. ``Islam enjoined Muslims not to fight during the month of Ramadan no matter the provocation, talk less of attacking and killing innocent people for no just cause,’’ it said The ACF said that the activities of the insurgents posed a serious challenge to the military and other security agencies.

It commended the decision of the Federal Government to move the military operational command from Abuja to Maiduguri and the establishment of the Multinational Military Joint Task-force.

The group also lauded President Muhammadu Buhari’s visits to Niger and Chad and for soliciting the support of other foreign leaders at the G7 and African Union summits in the fight against Boko Haram.

It tasked the frontline soldiers and other security agencies to translate into action the efforts of the president to put an end to the loss of innocent lives.

ACF further urged the security agencies to employ new strategy and intelligence gathering to smoke out the terrorists from their enclaves and hideouts.

Borno residents caution FG against dialogue with Boko Haram

S

ome residents of Borno on Monday cautioned the Federal Government against rushing into dialogue with the Boko Haram insurgents as a way of ending their violent campaign.

Those who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri on Monday advised government to concentrate

on military action against the insurgents.

Shieikh Musa Usman, a Maiduguri based Islamic scholar, advised government to equip the military with the necessary weapons to face the insurgents rather than considering dialogue option. ``We heard in the media that government was considering a

dialogue option with the insurgents following the recent spate of attacks in the North east. ``Why should government dialogue with individuals who are only interested in killing and maiming innocent people? ``Is government saying that it cannot continue with the current anti insurgency war or what?

``Why must we be talking about dialogue when our neighbours are already dislodging the insurgents from their countries?’’ Usman retorted.

Usman urged government to copy from the recent actions of the Chadian and Nigerien Governments in dislodging the insurgents from their countries.

Malam Goni Yahuza, another scholar said that negotiating with the insurgents was a sign of weakness. ``I do not support the idea of dialogue with Boko Haram because Alhaji Mohammed Mala, a businessman, commended the gallant efforts of the Nigeria military in fighting insurgents and urged them to do more. (NAN)

PAGE 8

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

News

N23bn needed to repair B/Haram damages in Adamawa -Committee From: Umar Dankano, Yola

T

he committee set up by the Adamawa State Government to assess the level of damage caused by Boko Haram insurgency in the state has submitted its report indicating that N23 billion was needed to repair damaged public institutions across the state.

Presenting the report in a ceremony at Government

House Yola, the chairman of the committee, Mr Ibrahim Emmanuel who is also the permanent secretary political to the governor said the amount only covered the cost of damage to public institutions in the state adding that he did not factor costs of personal lost incurred by the affected people.

Receiving the report, Gov Muhammadu Jibrilla Bindow lauded the committee for a job

well done and said he would pass same report to the presidency on Wednesday.

Bindow also lauded the federal government for its commitment to repair affected public institutions in the affected areas.

He said that the gesture would lead to the restoration of destroyed health centers, public posts, schools, and other key public institutions destroyed by the insurgency.

Niger govt appoints THISDAY reporter press sec. to governor’s wife.

From Yakubu Mustapha,Minna.

N

iger State Government has approved the appointment of Aisha Wakaso, who is the correspondent of THISDAY Newspapers as the Press Secretary to the Governor’s Wife, Dr. Amina Abubakar Bello.

Wakaso who began her journalism career about 9 years ago was until her appointment

Lagos Dep. Gov,Adebule urges runaway father of twins to return home

L-R: VicePresident Representative, Senator Osita Izunaso, Chief Executive Officer, Fesadeb Communication, Barrister Festus Adebayo, Chairman, Jaiz Bank Plc, Alhaji Umaru Abdul Mutallab, and Senator Isa Galaudu, during the 9th Abuja Housing Show, yesterday in Abuja.

T

Photo: Joe Oroye

NEMA confirms 44 killed, 47 injured in Jos twin blast

From Ado Abubakar Musa, Jos

F

ollowing the twin bomb attacks at Yantaya Juma’at Mosque and Ashashagalinku Restaurant along Bauchi road all in Jos, the city center of Plateau state, the death toll recorded so far has risen to forty nine while scores have sustained various degree of injuries.

The Zonal co-ordinator, North Central Zone, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA),Abdussalm Muhammad on his part confirmed that 44 people were killed and 47 injured.

According to him, those injured were taken to the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos. `` We, however, found that the hospital could not cope with the pressure and decided to move some of the victims to Bingham Hospital and Ola Clinic in Central Jos. ``Most of the victims were left on the bare floor of the wards and we did not think that was proper,’’ he added.

He said that the attack at the mosque recorded more casualties because the suicide bomber fired into the crowd and killed many people before detonating the bomb after exhausting the bullets.

the Niger state correspondent for This Day newspapers.

She attended Federal Government Girls College Bida after which she attended Bayero University Kano where she obtained a degree in Mass Communication and English.

Wakaso further obtained a Masters in Public Policy Administration from Bayero University Kano and a Certificate in broadcasting from the Nigerian Television College, Jos.

``In fact, most of those hospitalised have gun shots wounds. ``At the Specialist Hospital, doctors have been battling to remove bullets from the bodies of the victims,’’ he said.

Mohammed said that the Jos University Teaching Hospital chapter of the Association of Resident Doctors had suspended its strike to help the victims. ``Most of JUTH’s doctors, who reported at the Specialist Hospital to assist, have been deployed to the two other hospitals,’’ he said.

Our correspondent who was at the Sunnah Hospital where the funeral prayer of the victims of the attack held reports that he had counted 44 corpses yesterday morning before they were taken to the burial ground. Also at the Plateau state Specialist Hospital, about 49 unidentified death bodies were recorded.

This is even as the Chairman Ulama’u Council of Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’ah Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) and the the lead preacher of the Mosque attacked who confirmed the number of casualty figure of the blast, said he was not the only target of the attack, added that it was aimed at both himself and all other people

present .

Jingir had previously and variously condemned the activities of Boko Haram, emphasising that the action of the group is not in conformity with Islam.

Although several attacks of such are often claimed to be the responsibility to the dreaded Boko Haram insurgency, but no group is yet to claim the responsibility of the Sunday night twin blast.

The clerk in his words after the blast condemned the act, saying the perpetrators were heartless

and mindless, describing the situation as sad. “ To me the act is an attempt to divide our unity and to distract the recent peaceful co-existence in the state and the country at large,” he added.

The Cleric further called on both the Federal and State government to strategise means of curbing the six years menace which has become the cause of concern and threat to the development of the country, calling on the people in the state to remain calm and be vigilant.

… Lalong condemns act, commiserates with victims, families From Ado Abubakar Musa,Jos

T

he Plateau state governor, Barister Smon Bako Lalong has condemned the unfortunate incidence of the twin bomb blasts that has killed about 44, with many others injured.

Lalong gave the condolence in a press release signed by his

Director of Press and Public Affairs, Samuel Emmanuel Nanle, yesterday in Jos. His words,” I commiserate with all the victims of the heinous act and call on all citizens of the state to remain calm and stand in solidarity with one another in the face of this onslaught by agents of death on our collective resolve to remain as one united people.”

he Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule on Monday called on Mr Citizen Uche to come out of hiding and take up his fatherly responsibilities.

Adebule made the appeal in Ikeja while presenting an undisclosed amount to Mrs Ruth Uche on behalf of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode to support her and her children.

NAN reports that Ruth’s husband, Citizen, had absconded their home after she gave birth to a third set of twins.

Gov. Ambode had on Friday directed that the woman be assisted in raising the children following newspaper publications on her ordeal after her distress visit to the Government Secretariat, Alausa, on Thursday.

The deputy governor said: ‘’On behalf of the Lagos State Government, we present this token to you to rehabilitate and assist you in raising your children. You will be getting a monthly allowance too. ‘’We also appreciate your coming to ask the State Government for assistance.

Some other mothers would have abandoned these babies on the roadside. ‘’An officer has been assigned to pay in the token into an account and all your daily needs would be assessed to alleviate your suffering. ‘’We are calling on Mr Uche to come home to meet his family and take up his responsibility and to also relieve this woman of psychological trauma, ‘’ she said.

The deputy-governor promised that the husband would not be prosecuted if he appeared early.

Mrs Uche thanked the Lagos State Government for the assistance and also begged her husband to return home in peace. ‘’The other children have been asking after their father.

I beg him to come home so we can take care of these children together as parents,’’ she said.

Mrs Uche is a grade 2 teacher at a private school with N10, 000 salary.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

Page 9

News

Crisis rocks Bauchi cattle market over land allocation From Ahmed Kaigama , Bauchi

C

risis has erupted at the Bauchi cattle market as plot owners want to take over their plots already occupied by the cattle marketers in the Market.

The crisis was brew by disagreement when the alleged plot owners went to the market with court officials and security trying to enforce the court order that was passed in their favor, the action that cattle markers disagreed and protested.

The spokesman of the plot owners, Alhaji Babayo Modibbo told reporters in Bauchi that “ the incident lingered in court for about ten years between the plot owners and the Bauchi Local Government that allegedly surrounded the plots together with the market and allocated

the market to cattle marketers as a result of which they sued the local government”.

Modibbo said on 24th May 2010 a judgement was given in favor of the plot owners by the state High Court and after the judgement, the local government appealed the judgement to the Court of Appeal and the owners of land and the council decided to settle out of court.

He said part of the settlement agreement reached was the local government shall give them alternative land within three months of equivalent in size , value and location within the area of the area of the local government jurisdiction which is acceptable to the plot owner Modibbo who came with various court judgments said part of the agreement stated that if within the period of three months , the local government could not be able to

secure alternative land the plot owners shall take full possession of their land the subject matter of the off appeal and the appeal court ordered that the terms of settlement as their judgement.

He said the council gave them land that was not acceptable to them, when they intend to take over their plots of lands there was a serious squabble between the two groups which nearly degenerated into a clash but was prevented by Policemen.

Modibbo appealed to the Bauchi state governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar and all the authorities concern to help to get their lands which they acquired legally with their certificates of occupancy in the interest of Justice and fairness.

Meanwhile speaking on behalf the cattle marketers, Mallam Halilu Musa Firo said though the matter was over since, because

they were aware of the lingering court cases and because the plot was given to them as cattle markets by native authorities , during the Mu’azu administration, the administration built a wall that surrounded the place and during the administration of Isa Yuguda he invited both parties and he revoked the allocations given to the plot owners and reversed the market to the local government.

Halilu said they only saw them with caterpillar , security and court officials trying to destroy their shops while their cattle and other animals were inside that was the reason why their members protested.

The Acting Chairman of Bauchi Local Government Area, Saminu Gidado told reporters that they were in the office when they heard about the incident, they sent policemen to maintain law and order, but on the issue

of the land it was revoked by former Governor Isa Yuguda and re allocated it to the local government in the best of public interest.

Responding the Police Public Relations Officer DSP, Haruna Mohammed said Police only went there to maintain law and order in order to avert crises that will lead to the destruction of lives and properties

Why we didn’t pay LG workers, teachersBauchi govt From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

B

L-R: Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr. Ekpo Nta, member of ICPC, Mrs. Julie Onum-Nwariaku, Registrar/Chief Executive, Joint Admission and Matriculation Examination Board (JAMEB), Professor Dibu Ojerinde, and Director, Quality Assurance, National Universities Commission (NUC), Dr. Noel Saliu, during a workshop on academic procurement integrity for universities, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Gay marriage: Anglican Bishop condemns US, says it’s satanic From Yakubu Mustapha,Minna.

T

he Bishop of Minna Diocese, the Rt. Revd.

Daniel Yisa has condemned the the United States of America (U.S.A) Supreme Court’s ruling that upheld same-sex marriage as a legal right, saying that the decision was satan’s agenda and not of God. Yisa said this while speaking to journalists after the 100 years (centenary) thanksgiving service at the St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral church in Minna on Sunday, that, gay is not a biblical

or an African practice and that “if God hates it, we all must hate it.”

He condemned the same sex marriage approved by the American government recently, admonished Nigerians to hold on to the gospel truth.

“We must know the basic truth of the Bible. As far as we are concerned as Nigerians, same sex-marriage is not our portion. Whoever wants to do that in his country, can do that in his free volition but should not necessarily say that the Bible says so.

“The issue is that, as a nation, we keep calling on God without

meeting God’s conditions. There are certain things we are not suppose to do and there also those we are suppose to do if we have to remain his people.

“We, as Christians and members of the Anglican family, God has remained faithful to us and we as humans should do our best to maintain that relationship with God. We can not continue to wallow in sin and immorality and then claim that He is our God. “He is a righteous God, if we must serve Him, we must try to keep ourselves righteous as He is so that we can maintain that cordial relationship that

He has established from the very beginning. We should not claim privileges without responsibilities” he said.

Bishop Yisa than called on the Nigerian leaders to be firm on moral resolutions, adding that same sex marriage will destroy whoever practices it.

“We should be faithful to God, our families and our nation if we want God to heal our land”, he added.

He further said the essence of his message tagged ‘Ebenezer’ is to establish that God is our helper because He is sustained us as a nation and has not forsaken us.

auchi State Government has explained that allowances of local government workers and teacher’s allowances were not paid alongside their June 2015 salaries due to shortfall in funds.

It could be recalled that that council workers and teachers were paid their basic salaries during June 2015 salaries without allowances.

Comrade Hashimu Gital of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Isa Jana’are of the Nigeria Local Government Employees (NULGE), Bauchi state chapters had on Sunday addressed a press conference condemning the action by the government.

A statement signed by Hamisu Dori, Permanent Secretary, Establishment and Servicom Matters Bureau, made available to the newsmen yesterday in Bauchi said that, “ the total amount received as allocation to the local government service could not settle the whole salaries, allowances, overhead cost, pension and gratuity.

“The Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), inclusive could not meet the requirements needed by local government authorities and the board.

“As a result of this inadequacy, the only viable option, in the circumstances, was to pay only the basic salary and rent allowances in the interim,” it said.

The statement further said that the exercise was done in good faith to enable the affected workers take care of their immediate financial needs.

It, however, said that government has nit written off the allowances not captured in the June 2015 salaries and would be paid to the workers immediately fund was available.

“In the interim, local government employees are enjoined to be patient and appreciate the circumstance of the moment with the hope that the situation improves soon,” the statement added

PAGE 10

News

Benue PFN election: Pastor accuses national officers of mischief

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

A

prominent pastor in Benue state, Pastor Tor Uja has lamented over the bickering in the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN in the state, alleging that certain persons in collaboration with some figures at the national body, are plotting to take over the reign of leadership through evil machination, ungodliness and mischief.

Pastor Uja who made this allegation while speaking with newsmen at the weekend in Makurdi, frowned at the manner the national body is handling the crisis, regretting that there is mudslinging and lack of trust amongst the national officers.

He narrated how some national officers including i lured him to Abuja to conduct a kangaroo election thereby jettisoning the earlier one held in Benue state on October 20th, 2014 that was conducted by Rev. Yakubu Pam, Vice President of PFN North-central and adjudged as free and fair.

Pastor Uja who is a founding member of the PFN in the State since 1987, described as the charade the happenings in PFN and urged the national body to uphold the 2014 election which saw bishop Benjamin Kurudu emerge as chairman, maintaining strongly that they cannot ‘approbate and re-approbate’.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

Church spends N7.6m on IDPs in Adamawa

T

he Deeper Life Bible Ministry said on Monday that it had so far expended about N7.6 million on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Adamawa.

The Overseer of the church in Adamawa, Pastor Adeniyi Hassan, made this known in Yola at a news briefing.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the briefing was part of activities lined up for the July 14 visit of the General

Superintendent and Founder of the ministry, Pastor Williams Kumuyi, to the state.

Hassan said the church was concerned about the plight of the people affected by the insurgency and would continue to do its best to assist them.

Kumuyi, he said, would be visiting Adamawa to strengthen the church and identify with the people of the state over the challenges facing them.

“He (Kumuyi) called and

expressed his passion to visit Adamawa state to strengthen the church as well as identify with the people and the government on our plight.

“He felt the need to come and encourage, impact on the people of Adamawa to be strong and stand so that with his prayers, he believes God can bring solution to the situation in the land,’’ he said.

The state overseer said that Kumuyi would preach in Yola,

Numan and Mayo-Belwa towns.

Hassan said that on arrival in Yola, Kumuyi would hold a special gathering of church members and the people of Adamawa, irrespective of religion.

He said the programme entitled, “It is Now Time for Total Recovery and Restoration,’’ would impact positively on the state.

Hassan urged all stakeholders, including the media, to support the event to ensure it was a success.

Niger Delta leaders congratulate Sylva at 51

From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

N

iger Delta leaders under the Niger Delta People’s Movement, on Monday congratulated former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva on the occasion of his 51st birthday.

In a press release by the Director of Communication of the Niger Delta People’s Movement, Mrs. Ibifuro Thompson Tatua, the leaders described Sylva as a personification of selfless service to Nigeria, particularly Bayelsa

State.

Commending the former governor for putting feelings first and looking at people as humans and responding to their needs with understanding regardless of their appearance, reputation or mood, the leaders said “We not only recognize Sylva’s immense contributions to the development of Nigeria, particularly Bayelsa but can boldly say that Sylva remains an outstanding leader in the history of Bayelsa State as no governor has ever provided development projects in the state

the way he did” The leader advised the former Bayelsa governor to disregard the recent criticism of him by Governor Seriake Dickson.

“Governor Seriake Dickson is the wrong person to raise issues of development and corruption against anybody”.

They also enjoined Nigerians to join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari to build a united, virile and progressive nation “Let us give President Muhammadu Buhari time to

find lasting solution to the problems ravaging the country.

He is committed to the growth and development of Nigeria” the leaders said.

The leaders while wishing Sylva good health and happiness, thanked him for providing purposeful leadership and promoting the interest of the Niger Delta region.

“Explore new opportunities for the people and organize the future of the state by strategizing on how to change the current managers” the leaders advised.

Kebbi govs wife, Zainab Shankafi releases 9 inmates From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

T

he wife of the kebbi State Governor, Dr. Zainab Shankafi Bagudu has yesterday gave prerogative of mercy to nine inmates with minor cases at the Medium Security Prison, Birnin Kebbi.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Garba Rafatu Hammani who represented the wife of the governor, said that the gesture was to ensure that those with minor cases languishing in the prison custody were given a sense of belonging.

According to her, the nine inmates were those sentenced to prison with an option of less than 30 thousand naira, while depending of the various offences they committed.

She assured that the gesture would be a continue process with a view to decongest prisons and salvage the pledge of those with minor offences.

She however, adviced the released inmate to be of good behaviour as they return back to their various destination.

In his remark, the Deputy Controller in-charge of the Medium Prison Birnin Kebbi, Muazu Sanusi Danmusa, thanked the wife of the governor for the gesture, while advising the released inmates to desist from any act for them not come back to prison.

R-L: Managing Director, Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA, Engineer Gabriel C. Amuchi, African Development Bank (AfDB) Consultant, Mr. Riadh Ben Messaoud, AfDB Country Economist, Dr. Alemu Zerihun Gudeta, and AfDB Consultant, Mrs. Zouhour Karray, during a visit by AfDB delegation to FERMA, recently in Abuja.

RTEAN President, Isiwele fetes IDPs in Abuja

By Ochiaka Ugwu

R

eprieve may have come the way of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Abuja when the National President of the Road Transport Employer’s Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Chief Musa Isiwele Shehu distributed gift items to the IDPs mostly displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East Nigeria.

Isiwele also used the avenue

to cal on Nigerians to seek God’s intervention to curb insurgency occasioned by the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, in the country.

RTEAN National President, Alhaji Isiwele, noted while distributing gift items to over 750 Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in their camp, in New Kuchingoro located along the Airport road and behind Games Village in Abuja that Nigerians should embrace love as well as seek God’s intervention towards

surmounting the current security challenges.

He further observed that Nigeria was suffering from lack of love and harmony among her people which has badly affected the unity the country was known for before.

The RTEAN boss opined that the dearth of love among Nigerians had given birth to distrust, intolerance, hatred and unwarranted violence among the citizens of this country.

He also appealed to other highly placed Nigerians to emulate him by giving their widows’ might not considering how small the gesture may be, stating that his action will be a continues one.

Continuing, Isiwele called on the authority to expedite action towards nipping Boko Haram insurgency on the bud to enable the IDPs go home saying that whether East or West, North or South, home is the best.

Page 11

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

EDITORIAL

Resolving the Syrian conflict

T

they could gain a foothold on any he second round of the Even though, so far the talks have not formal state structure. A recent Geneva II conference got anywhere near even a framework report showed how dangerous on the nearby threefor a substantive negotiation, we and disruptive the elements of year-old Syrian urge that the current momentum European and American Jihadists conflict got under way be sustained, since the alternative who have gone off to fight in Syria, recently. The first round of the is an increasing resort to terror by would be, on their return to their talks ended about three weeks the armed insurgents. After all, the home countries. earlier, without any substantial insurgents and their key regional progress except the modest backers-Saudi Arabia, Qatar, The main driver of the Geneva II conference on Syria, Dr Lakhdar agreement to lift the military Turkey-have their hopes dashed Brahimi, a veteran Algerian siege on the city oh Homs to allow for failing to instigate US led diplomat and special envoy of humanitarians relief materials the United Nations and the Arab into the city and also let its elderly League, is experienced and very residents to leave. Even to, the resourceful, with an immense insurgents staged attacks on the capacity to produce results from humanitarian convoys that went a seeming political stalemate. into the city.

The SNC and their regional and No agreement on substantive issues western backers have always like a ceasefire and modalities made a case for a transitional for a transitional authority was government in Syria, without reached. The opposition Syrian president Bashar Assad. This National Coalition (SNC) with is the main crux of their armed its tenuous authority over the insurgency and having lost so various shades of the insurgency much ground in the conflict, it poses the most serious obstacle. is unrealistic for them to expect As the Syrian conflict has spawned to secure at the conference an assorted range of insurgents, table what they could get on including Islamic extremists the battlefield. Successful war affiliated to the al Qeada, it leaders like President Assad is greatly doubtful who the cannot realistically be negotiated Syrian National Coalition really away on the conference table. represents. While the opposition We urge less recriminations and took the lead seat in Geneva to more flexibility by both the negotiate with the government, government and opposition it has itself expressed doubts if they are concerned at whether it could get all Syrian NATO military strikes against the the miserable fate of their opposition elements to accept Syrian regime. The demoralized compatriots, 100,000 of whom any agreement it might reach insurgents have increasingly are already dead and millions with the government. However, resorted to terror tactics to more eke out living in refugee in spite of evident difficulties, compensate for a weakening camps across the region. A getting Syrians of all political military position. The West has once model Arab nation, with persuasions to talk is a significant become increasingly persuaded a reputation for tolerance and mileage in reversing the carnage the disparate opposition would inclusiveness, must not be that has terribly disfigured this not hesitate to ply their trade of allowed to bleed away. pivotal Arab country. terror even in the West, as soon as

“

We urge less recriminations and more flexibility by both the government and opposition if they are concerned at the miserable fate of their compatriots

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”

OUR PEOPLE

OUR VISION

Chairman Malam Wada Maida, Oon, Fnge Director/Editor-in-Chief Rufa’i Ibrahim Hameed M. Bello

Editor, Daily

Chief Operating Officer Ali M. Ali

Deputy Manager, Production Abdul-Rauf Musa

Acting Editor, Weekend Lawal Sabo Ibrahim

Manager, administration Hassan Hammanyaji

Head, Lagos Bureau Adesoji Oyinlola

“To be a reputable, profitable, innovative and technologically reliant media company offering world class services and products”

PAGE 12

Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

Gigantic strides at NPHCDA

By Adamu Galadima

N

igeria has come a long way in providing primary healthcare for its citizens.

Governments at the three tiers have continued to make progress in this regard. Immunization programmes are organised annually across the country.

Nursing and pregnant women are constantly being educated on how to live healthy lifestyles.

Governments also work with international development partners to curb the menace of HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis & polio as well as to reduce maternal and infant mortality across the country. Progress continues to be made in these fronts.

Despite of these successes being recorded, there is, still, a very long way to go in terms of providing adequate healthcare coverage for all citizens, young and old, rich or poor.

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) is the government agency that is responsible for developing national primary health care (PHC) policy. It also guides and support states and Local Government Areas (LGAs) to implement the policies.

Some of the major objectives of the agency include: Improve access to basic health services; To control

preventable diseases; Improve quality of care; Develop a highperforming and empowered health workforce across the country and to Strengthen institutions in the healthcare system;. Other key goals of the agency are to strengthen partnerships and engage with communities regularly to get feedback.

Although the agency has been executing these tasks over the years, its current Executive Director, Dr, Ado J.G. Muhammad has taken the mission to greater heights. Since his coming on board in 2011, Dr. Muhammad has further reorganised the agency for effectiveness and efficiency. This has resulted in significant improvements in its activities, which has in turn led to improvements in how states and local governments tackle key health challenges such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, polio, infant maternal mortality. The result is that more people have become healthier.

But there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure universal primary health care coverage and access to all citizens. Dr. Muhammad’s NPHCDA is currently implementing plans to ensure increased private sector participation in the provision of primary healthcare. Private sector participants have hitherto shied away from focusing on primary

healthcare. This is because primary healthcare mostly involves low income earners in rural areas.

Since, private sector healthcare providers are profit oriented, they have little motivation to move into this sub-sector.

Nevertheless NPHCDA, under Dr. Muhammad is currently working with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to address the financial barrier to achieving universal coverage.

Once this is addressed, the NPHCDA plans to lead states and local governments towards the new direction of getting coverage for the country’s most vulnerable - the poor.

Speaking during an interview last year on Channels television, Dr. Muhammad noted that the NPHCDA was working towards enrolling millions of school children. This will allow them access to basic health services which had hitherto eluded them.

The figures would continue to be increased on a year by year basis until the last child in school gets adequate primary healthcare coverage.

It is important to note that one of the factors responsible for the current strides being made

by NPHCDA is the new approach of using results-based budgeting.

This helps the agency achieve allocative efficiency. This means that available funds are directed

more to the health issues that are more pressing at any point in time.

These little but highly creative tweaks in the approach at the agency have helped propelled the NPHCDA to greater successes in the past three to four years.

In recognition of these outstanding achievements, President Goodluck Jonathan honoured Dr. Muhammad with the National Award of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on September 29, 2014.The award of OON, which is one of the country’s highest national honours, was confered on him by the president in appreciation of his outstanding efforts to drive the process of providing primary healthcare to Nigeria’s poor and most vulnerable citizens.

But Dr. Muhammad is not new to awards. In 2013, he emerged as winner of the Public Administrator of the Year Award, PAYA, which is organized annually by the Centre for Policy Development and Political Studies, Lagos. The centre Mohammed scored 3,025 votes, which made up over 50 percent of the total votes cast. The NPHCDA CEO was praised for his efforts in “eradication of poliomyelitis; reduction in maternal and infant mortality; impressive initiatives in addressing human resource challenges in the primary health care, PHC, sub-sector; integration and decentralization of HIV/AIDs

intervention in PHC services in over 1,500 PHC facilities;…..”

The Executive Director also won the highly revered Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award and Africa Leadership ICON 2014.

He was unanimously endorsed winner of the leadership award for the year, at the 71st Conference of AASU, held, in Accra, Ghana.

Despite these awards, Dr. Muhammad is not resting. He wants to break his own records and do even more. In this regard, he said in that Channels TV interview, he is working hard to break the barriers of geography that mitigate against efforts to reach distant villages with primary healthcare. “We have about 10,000 political wards in this country. We have more than 16,000 primary healthcare centers. But because of equity issues, some wards have 3 or 4, (while) some wards don’t have any. So we need to address that issue of equity.”

Dr. Muhammad believes that bringing in the private sector will greatly enhance efforts to reach more people with primary healthcare coverage, especially in rural areas. As he strives to take primary healthcare to greater levels, it is increasingly becoming obvious that indeed, history will be kind to him when he leaves office.

Mr.Galadima wrote from Maitama, Abuja

in

The CIA’s creation of “Islamic Terrorism” on American Soil

By Dr. Paul L. Williams

I

slamic paramilitary camps have been set up in the United States and Canada to train African American Muslims in guerilla warfare. After months of training on firing ranges and obstacle courses, the black Muslims are sent to Pakistan where they receive advanced training in explosives.

Many never return.

Stories about these camps are not new. They have been reported by the main stream media, including Fox News.

The origin of these compounds for would-be jihadis dates back to 1979, when the Agency sent hundreds of radical Islamic clerics to the United States in an effort to recruit African American Muslims for the holy war against the Soviets in Afghanistan.

The Tablighi MissionariesBy and large, these missionaries hailed from Pakistan and belonged to Tablighi Jamaat, a Muslim movement with 150 members in 213 countries. Upholding a strict interpretation of Islamic law (shariah), the Tablighi were united in their resistance to Western culture; their insistence that Muslims should avoid contact with all those who do not share their beliefs; and their approval of jihad by sword (jihad bin saif) Members of the movement gathered every year for three days in the small Pakistani town of Rai wind.

In 1979, Sheikh Mubarek Ali Gilani, a Tablighi missionary

from Lahore, Pakistan, arrived in Brooklynwhere he called upon members of Dar ul-Islam, a notoriously violent street gang, to take arms in the great jihad. Scores answered his call and were headed off to Pakistan with payments of thousands of dollars in cash and promises of seventy hou ris in seventh heaven, if they were killed in action.[ Welcome To Islamberg By 1980, the Agency realized that considerable expense could be saved by setting up paramilitary camps under the supervision of Shiekh Gilani in a rural area of the country. An ideal location was located near Hancock New York at the base of Point Mountain, where the east and west branches of the Delaware River converge to form the headwaters that flow through Pennsylvania and New Jersey to the Atlantic Ocean. The rocky terrain was infested with rattlesnakes, and the woods were home to black bears, coyotes, wolves, and a few bobcats. Islamberg, a seventy acre complex, came into existence.

Firing ranges and obstacle courses were set up in Islamberg along with a massive underground bunker and a landing strip. The residents lived in single-wide trailers that lined the hillside. The settlement contained a small shack that served as a laundry facility; a claptrap community center; a tiny grocery store, and a masjid.

A sentry post was placed at the entranceway.

The sound of gunfire and explosions emanating from the

property alarmed local residents, who filed complaints with local and state law enforcement agencies. But a marked law enforcement vehicle never appeared at the compound.

Islamberg was off-limits to police inspection on the spurious grounds of “national security.”

The camp also came to contain an illegal cemetery where bodies were buried in unmarked graves.

This alone should have warranted a raid by the New York State Police.

But not even dead bodies could prompt a police investigation.

When Islamberg was established, Gilani presented himself as an employee of the CIA and the future jihadis, who resided in the compound, called themselves CIA operatives. Few in law enforcement doubted the professed credentials of the Muslim newcomers.

Communities of the Impoverished Islamberg was a great success. Hundreds of African American Muslims made their way to Afghanistan and joined the ranks of the mujahedeen. Several were killed in action. Others, including Clement Rodney Hampton-El, returned to the U.S. to plot the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center in New York.

Under the CIA’s directions, a host of other paramilitary camps were established in such places as Red House, Virginia; Commerce, Georgia; York, South Carolina; Dover, Tennessee; Buena Vista, Colorado; Macon, Georgia; Squaw Valley, California; Marion, Alabama; Talihina, Oklahoma; and Toronto, Ontario.

Gilani placed Islamberg and the

other camps under a governing organization called “Jamaat ulFuqra” or “the community of the impoverished.” He established the headquarters of this “charity” in Lahore. The American arm of Jamaat ul-Fuqra became the Muslims of the Americas,” a taxexempt corporation with Gilani’s mosque in Brooklynas its address.[ Increased Need of Radicals The Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989 did not spell an end to the CIA’s support of radical Islam. Throughout the 1990s, Dr. Ayman Zawahiri, al Qaeda’s second in command, travelled at the expense and bidding of the CIA throughout Central Asia, where he cultivated new armies of jihadis to destabilize the newly created republics. His efforts resulted in the uprising of the Chechens against the Russian Federation, the attempted toppling of the government in Uzbekistan, and the insurgence of the Uigurs in the Xinjiang province of China.

A dutiful operative, Dr. Zawahiri met regularly with U.S. military and intelligence officials at the U.S.embassy in Baku, Azerbaijanto plan the Balkan operations in which the CIA worked with al Qaeda to overthrow the government of Slobodan Milosevic for the creation of “Greater Albania,” encompassing Albania, Kosovo, and parts of Macedonia.

These operations, particularly in the Balkans, required the recruitment of more and more jihadis. Gilani’s camps continued to prosper. And more and more of his African American recruits

appeared among the rank and file mujahedeen in various theaters of warfare throughout the world.

Dr. Zawahiri’s help was so valuable that he was granted permanent U.S. residence by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service in January 2000.

The Rise of ISIS After 9/11, the Agency continued to cultivate Islamic holy warriors to maintain the “strategy of tension” in the Middle East, the Balkan states, and Central Asia and to mount new uprisings in Africa to expandU.S.hegemony. The grand purpose of these enterprises was US economic and political control ofEurasia. Zbigniew Brzezinski, former Secretary of State and leading strategist for the Council on Foreign Relations, writes: For America, the chief geopolitical prize is Eurasia ,now a non-Eurasian power is preeminent in Eurasia and America’s global primacy is directly dependent on how long and how effectively its preponderance on the Eurasian continent is sustained to put it in a terminology that harkens back to the more brutal age of ancient empires, the three great imperatives of imperial geo strategy are to prevent collusion and maintain security dependence among the vassals, to keep the tributaries pliant and protected, and to keep the barbarians from coming together.

Dr. Paul L. Williams is the author of Operation Gladio: The Unholy Alliance between the Vatican, The CIA, and the Mafia.

PAGE 13

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

Comment

Senate beyond the noise

By Yusuph Olaniyonu

I

t is just three weeks since the Eight Senate was inaugurated on the proclamation prepared

by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Since then, a lot has happened within the institution which under normal circumstances should have attracted positive attention from members of the public, including the ardent critic of the nation’s legislature. However, all the developments in that upper chamber of our legislature had been overshadowed by the din emanating from the circumstances in which its leadership emerged.

The quest and hunger for sensationalism and controversy by the press and its audience as well as the deliberate propaganda by a power group in the polity has made it impossible for people to see the Senate beyond the externally propelled and inspired schemings, quarrel and struggle for power that attended the election and selection of its leadership.

After the June 9 inauguration in which Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki was elected Senate President, he has continued to articulate the issues which he believed should be the focus of the eight Senate.

The man had talked about the need for the Senate in particular, and the National Assembly, as a whole, to be prepared to support the programmes, policies and projects of President Buhari with enabling laws, motions and moral force necessary for their

accomplishment. The President had spoken about addressing the issues of security, unemployment, corruption, development of agriculture and mining as ways to diversify the economy, improving on power and fuel supply, among others.

The Senate President therefore believe there is need for the federal legislature to develop a legislative agenda which will complement the identified direction of the Presidency.

There are two indicators that can give anybody the direction that Saraki is already nudging the Senate. One is the various groups that the Senate President has hosted so far. Another one is the committees that he has set up and the address to the visitors and the committee members.

The Senate President had deliberately opened his office doors to visitors who can be of help to the realisation of his plans. First to visit was the civil society. They visited Senator Saraki exactly a week after his election as Senate President.

Their visit was to open discussion with the Senate President on how to create an open, transparent and just process in the affairs of the federal legislature.

In his address to the group under the aegis of Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Saraki said the 8th Senate has an agenda to bring the lawmaking process through broader participation. ” We

are determined to have a more focused legislative session that will prioritise on bills that will help us deal with revenue leakages, inculcate accountability, reduce impunity and ensure prudence in our public governance through a concerted oversight function”.

He enjoined the civil society to help “galvanize civil support and provide field feedback that will enrich the deliberation and implementation of these agenda”.

“We believe that this will further enrich our democratic process, guarantee public buy-in and ultimately empower our people”.

The ultimate aim of engaging with the civil society is “to help the government of the day to actualise its policy agenda of reducing unemployment, infrastructure renewal, improvement of the business environment, power generation, justice delivery and agriculture”.

By June 24, the next critical group of visitors were the National Executive Council members of the Nigeria Bar Association led

by Mr. Augustine Aleghe (SAN).

The Senate President believe there is need for partnership between the bar and the law making institution so that the instrumentality of the law can be used to effect the positive change that APC promised Nigerians in the last general elections. He told the senior lawyers that ” the NBA has been at the forefront of advocating and advancing legal and political reforms in Nigeria

(and) the change that our people voted for is in line with the ideals the NBA has consistently advocated over the years : better justice system, accountability, improved business environment , reform of the criminal justice system and the advancement of our people’s rights and opportunities”.

He said the federal legislature under his leadership aim to help the executive plug the loopholes in the revenue mobilization and management systems which have made accountability of public funds very weak, leading to brazen corruption and mismanagement in the system.

From now on, he said the Senate will improve on the budgeting process to make it easier for scrutiny, interrogation and accountability.

Saraki appealed to the NBA to help the Senate to achieve a reform of the justice system to improve justice delivery system, strengthen alternative dispute resolution systems, reduce delay in courts, improve our people’s confidence in its processes and incentive arbitration and remove regulatory bureaucratic bottleneck.

Then, the oil sector operators gathered under the umbrella of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce to discuss with the Senate President.

The Senate President used the occasion to articulate the objective of the Eight Senate which included partnering with the government on how to deal with the common

challenge of falling price of oil in the international market.

“We are desirous of having an oil industry comparable in structure, systems and output with international best practices…The oil and gas industry in Nigeria needs to evolve . We know the importance of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) in making this happen”, the Senate President’s speech directly posed a challenge to the team led by Mrs Elisabeth Proust, the Managing Director of Total Oil. As he told the OPTS, the Senate President in an earlier speech while receiving the delegation from Shell Production and Development Company led by the MD, Mr. Osagie Okunbor stated that the falling oil price presented a golden opportunity for the oil companies to retool and become much more efficient and proactive.

“It is high time we eliminated gas flaring in the country, deal with oil spills and third party related spills in a manner that is responsible and just to those affected”, he said.

He expressed the willingness of the Senate to work with operators in the oil industry to ensure that the PIB is passed into law to stimulate investment in the industry.

“We are open to your suggestions and opinion on how we can move the industry forward so that investment decisions are not tied down.

Olaniyonu is Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to the Senate President

Requiem for excess crude account: Solution for bail-out(II)

By Biola Sobowale

F

rom mid-2013 till now, the three tiers of government had relied on the ECA to augment the declining current revenue for each month until November last year when the account dwindled to $4.1bn. In January 2015 another $2bn was withdrawn and shared which brought the balance to $2.1bn found by the NEC. Those governors in office in January should ask their Commissioners of Finance about the allocation.

While that last statement might be construed as a defence of the former Finance Minister, let me quickly point out that the ECA is an illegal account whose management was deliberately made mysterious.

In fact, the determination of how much to declare as “Excess” was left almost at the total discretion of the Minister. This is unacceptable.

Q U E S T I O N A B L E MANAGEMENT Because “a week is a long time in politics”, according to Harold Wilson, British Labor Prime Minister in the 1970s, it is fait to declare that once upon a time the Excess Crude Account had balances over $45 billion; today, the politicians and Dr OkonjoIweala are at daggers drawn over how $2.1 billion vanished between December 2014 and now. To more serious observers, they are like people trying to find out how only two cows are left in the barnyard out of 45 in 2008.

What makes the ECA a rogue account can easily be explained and the NEC will discover that they will need to go further back to probe that account – as far back as 2004.

Let me explain.

There was a rising balance in that account every month from 2004 to the first withdrawal from it for allocation to states. Governor El-Rufai, then Minister for the FCT, recently told us that it was agreed that the Federal Government was required to tell all the states the balances in their favour in the ECA. So, when it was $45 billion, Abia, for instance, should have known its share of that amount. But, that was never done. When Obasanjo’s government decided to withdraw funds from ECA to fund the Power Project, each state should have been told what was its own contributions to that fund. Lagos State, my state by the way, which consumes close to 40% of power supply generated, should have been told it was contributing 40% of that amount. Other states, like Taraba, should have chipped in less. That was not done. But, those are small issues compared to custody of the $45 billion.

Who had custody and where was the $45 billion kept? Was it, incredibly kept in an interest-free account? That would not only be foolish; it would be criminal.

Was it invested in interest paying securities? If so, who deiced where to place the funds and was it done without benefit to the officer authorizing the placements? And,

who collected the interests paid on the $45 billion? Strictly speaking, it belonged to all the three tiers of government. Has this ever been reflected in the reports rendered to the Finance Commissioners of the States or was this something the Federal Government kept to itself?

Without mincing words if the truth must be told, the operation of the ECA, from the start was as transparent as mud; and OkonjoIweala knows it. It was a con game played according to the rules as determined by Aso Rock and the Ministry of Finance.

MYSTERIOUS ENTRY IN 2014 Only in July was revenue generated in excess of budget for 2014. For the rest of the year, the nation ran a deficit. This accounted for the rapid depletion of ECA last year. And, the account would have been totally exhausted if two things did not occur. First, the Federal Government tapered the amounts being withdrawn by mid-year. But, even then that did not stop the tendency of the account to zero.

From absolutely nowhere $1 billion increase was noticed in the account in the third quarter of last year. Till today, given the culture of immunity and impunity which characterized Jonathan’s administration, nobody bothered to explain to the Finance Commissioners the origin of the mysterious $1 billion.

So when Dr Okonjo-Iweala, in her emotional reaction to the NEC’s announcement boasted of transparency, one can only politely use her own words for rejoinder –

it’s a lie Madam. Nothing had been transparent about ECA. WAY FORWARD IS GO BACK The Minister of Finance and Obasanjo were told in 2004 that ECA was not only illegal, it would eventually get bogged down in corrupt practices. That we are now arguing about how it got down to $2.1 billion has vindicated those of us who argued against it in 2004.

If the ECA had not been created, the steady decline in revenue from crude oil from 2013 would have been noticed by all the tiers of government. Loans taken since then might have not been taken; projects embarked upon might have been shelved. The ECA created a false sense of security even as the ships of states were sinking.

The only way forward is to share the remaining $2.1 billion and to close the account permanently. It is an experiment which has failed miserably.

But, ECA is not the only account which should be closed.

Professor Monye, former Special Adviser to Jonathan on Monitoring and Evaluation, live on Channels Television, told us that Jonathan left $1.5 billion in Sovereign Wealth Fund, SWF, and $2.09 billion in Excess Crude. If Monye is expecting applause for this disclosure, then he must assume his Fellow Nigerians are fools. The $1.5 billion in SWF, which was imposed on the nation in 2011 was financed from mysterious sources; some of us believe it was stolen from the ECA. So much for the

chest-beating on SWF. Even Monye, given his apparent disdain for the intelligence of Fellow Nigerians, must admit that a President who inherits over $40 billion in ECA in 2010 and leaves behind only $2.09 billion in 2015 cannot by any stretch of sane peoples’ imagination be judged to have done well. So SWF too will have to go.

Professor Monye, despite his puerile defence of utter failure by the Jonathan administration had inadvertently provided a way out of the accumulated salaries by states. Many people had been upset by the seemingly lackadaisical manner with which President Buhari dismissed the request for bail-out by the states at the meeting with the governors.

We now have a plausible solution which should be satisfactory to all concerned.

The $1.5 billion in Nigeria’s SWF is, by global standards, a cruel joke. With a population about 170 million, Nigeria among nations maintaining the SWF has the lowest. In 2012, when the SWF was first proposed to be started with US$1 billion, I wrote e three part series on the SWF --PROSPECTS AND PROBLEMS. In that series I pointed out that unless we have developed the will to steadily increase the investment, it would amount to a silly joke. Concluded Sobowale is reachable at biolasobowale@yahoo.com

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

PAGE 14

News

Maiduguri Airport to commence commercial operations - FAAN

T

he Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr Saleh Dunoma, says the just reopened Maiduguri International Airport is now free for commercial operations.

This is contained in a statement issued by the FAAN’s General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr Yakubu Dati, in Lagos, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.

The statement assured Nigerians and airport customers that security had been beefed up within and outside the airport for passengers’ safety.

NAN reports that operations at the airport were suspended in December 2014.

Subsequently, the joint military task force took over the airport following a raid on nearby military units by Boko Haram.

Dunoma, in the statement,

assured staff working at the airport, of management’s support as they operated in the midst of security challenges.

The FAAN chief urged them to keep supporting the federal government, especially the armed agencies that were using their facilities.

“I urge FAAN workers to remain committed to successful operations as the Maiduguri Airport opens for commercial

operations,” he was quoted as saying in the statement.

It also quoted Dunoma as commending the staff for ensuring that facilities and equipment of the authority were maintained throughout the period the airport was shut down.

The statement called on them to make safety, security and passenger comfort, their key objectives in line with the mandate of the Authority. (NAN)

Afonja leader behind 2001 aborted Ilorin invasion-Kwara OPC alleges From Olanrewaju Lawal,Ilorin

O

dua Peoples Congress(OPC) disclosed that its National

Coordinator,Leader,Otunba Gani Adams was not behind aborted invasion of Ilorin in year 2001,but one of Afonja Descendant leader,Alhaji Olola Kasumu.

The Kwara State Coordinator of OPC,Comrade Maruff Olarewaju Salman who stated this in a statement made available to journalists in Ilorin on Monday, said Kasumu was not among the nine co-founders of OPC and urged the general public to disregard his claims.

Salam also urged the general public to disregard the claimed of the Afonja leader that he dumped Adams for Dr Faderick Fashue faction.

“We would have ignored his statement by Olola Kasumu because of his present condition but because of general public and to put the record straight and to let public aware that he is a great liar.

“Olola kasumu joined OPC in 1998 the same year I joined OPC, he was not among of the 9 (nine) people that formed OPC in 1994.

In the year 1998/99 Olola kasumu started his hanky panky game and his dubious character by calling himself baba Odua, when he failed to gain the position, he ran to Dr Fredrick Fasheun faction of OPC in 2001. “ He was the man who masterminded the Ganmo crisis in 2001 by invited Fasheun OPC to invade Ilorin on October 4, 2001, when the mission’s failed, he was declared wanted

, he ran to Shagamu and later he was arrested but he was not prosecuted because of intervention of then Kwara state governor late Alh. Muhammed lawal who happens to be his brother.

“Later he was sent out of Fasheun OPC and he joined “ORA”. Upon all this attitude Otunba Dr Gani Adams has helped Olola kasumu financially during his father burial ceremony, when he lost his only child, I personally took him to Lagos time without numbers whenever he is in need of financial help, not only him in a Afonja family likewise the late Baba Isale of Ilorin and Alh Saadu Usuman”.

The Kwara OPC Coordinator also said that his organisation has been reformed and repackaged

by Otunba Gani Adams and it has

gone beyond the imagination of people like Olola Kasumu.

“The entire OPC and Otunba Dr Gani Adams acknowledged the struggle of Afonja people but they need to caution Olola kasumu on his fallacy and reckless statements because of the family image.”

He added that OPC has gave birth to many organisations like Oodua progressive union (OPU) which is now in 58 countries, Olokun festival foundation (OFF) the organisation that promote about 18 festivals per year, Gani Adams foundation (GAF) the organisation that gives scholarship to students of various institution, above all is Oodua Economic Empowerment Initiative (OEEI) that assist the common people in improving their living standard.

L-R Ag. HOD General Studies, Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Mrs. Mauren Popoola, Students Affairs Officer, Mrs. Patricia Kalesanwo, Admin. Officer, Mr. Toye Olori, Asst. Gen. Sec, Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mrs. Mary Atolagbe, NGE Vice-President (West), Mr. Steve Ayorinde, presenting a cheque to NIJ Provost, Mr. Gbemiga Ogunleye, member Standing Committee, Mr. Ken Ugbechie, Social/Publicity Sec, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, General Sec, Ms Victoria Ibanga, NIJ Deputy Provost, Mr. Jide Johnson, during a visit by the delegate of NGE to NIJ, at the weekend in Lagos.

Group condemns Aregbesola over proposed workers’ salaries cut

By Doyin Ojosipe

A

human rights activist and Executive Chairman, Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice (CHRSJ), Comrade Adeniyi, Alimi Sualiman has strongly condemned Osun State governor, Mr. Rauf Adesoji Adesola over his plan to reduce

the monthly wages and salaries of state workforce, noting that the move has exposed the level of insensitivity of the present administration on the workers’ plight in the State.

Comrade Sulaiman, while reacting to the media report on the State government proposed plan to reduce the State workers’

salaries, through a signed statement, which a copy was emailed to the Peoples Daily in Abuja, faulted the State government over the plan to cut the workers’ salaries by 50 percent, urging Aregbesola to rescind its decision on the proposed anti-workers policy in order to avoid wrath of the people.

CHRSJ boss who doubles as Chairman, Civil Societies Coalition for Emancipation of Osun State (CSCEO) ,maintained that the Governor Aregbesola was planning to increase the pains and existing untold hardship being faced by the by workers and by extension, the good people of the State.

Unilorin approves establishment of energy centre From Olanrewaju Lawal,Ilorin

T

he Management of University of Ilorin(Unilorin) has approved the establishment of Renewable Energy Centre (UREC) at the institution.

This approval manifested at the University Senate’s 247th, followed the recommendation by the Business Committee of Senate (BCOS), which considered the report of a three-man Committee on the project, led by Prof. C. O. Akoshile of the Department of Physics.

Other members of the Committee are Dr. T. B. Ajibola of the Department of Physics and Dr. A. O. Olaoye of the Department of Biosystem and Food Engineering.

The Unilorin Renewable Energy Centre (UREC) will conduct research and training that will enhance the development and application of renewable energy resources as important component of alternative energy sources that is desired for realising a stable and reliable energy sector in the country. According to the report of the Prof. Akoshile Committee, “the Centre shall be charged with the responsibility of organising and conducting research and development in renewable energy resources management and technologies”.

Other mandates of the Centre include; identifying and assessing all renewable resources in the country; acquiring basic data and preparing an inventory of potential renewable energy resources of the nation; promoting renewable energies development with the aim of making rural areas self−sufficient in energy and food production; serving as a centre for training of high level manpower in renewable resources technology, and researching into environmental problems associated with the development of renewable resources and management.

The Centre will also serve as a resource centre offering advisory and research facilities for renewable resources development; cooperate with institutions and organisations engaged in similar activities; appraise set of equipment for exploiting renewable energy; serve as a Centre for equipment development in the renewable resources sector.

The Centre according to the Committee report will also conduct research, development, production and marketing into research energy − with a view to disseminating appropriate technologies and equipment for exploiting solar, wind and biomass energy (with particular reference to generation of renewable or alternative energy; disseminate the results of Research and Development (R&D) through public awareness programmes; conduct training and supervision of groups of craftsmen and promote small and medium sized industries and businesses in the energy sector; and perform any other functions as may be directed by the University Administration / Federal Government.

PAGE 15

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

Lawmaker urges Niger gov to ensure equity in appointments

L-R: Bauchi state Deputy Governor, Mr. Nuhu Gidado, Bauchi state Governor, Alhaji Muhammed Abubakar, and Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ahmed Suleiman, during the swearing-in of the Secretary to the State Government, yesterday in Bauchi.

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

S

Photo: NAN

Rep Sulaiman set to emerge House leader

By Umar Muhammad Puma

I

ndication has emerged that the former chairman House committee on education, Rep Aminu Sulaiman may emerge as the 8th Assembly Majority Leader, when the Green Chamber resumes from their break, July 21.

A lawmaker close to the Speaker, informed our correspondent that already the position of the principal officers of the majority party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been zoned to the north-west and that Rep Aminu Sulaiman (APC, Kano), was popularly favored to occupy the position.

According to him, the lawmakers have also agreed that the position of the Deputy House

leader should go to the north central and Rep Jibril Buba (APC, Kogi), was favored by the caucus to become the next Deputy House leader, while Rep Pally Iriase (APC, Edo) from south-south was also favored as Chief Whip.

The source disclosed that the immediate past Minority Leader of the House, Rep Femi Gbajabiamila (APC Lagos), lost out because he and the Deputy Speaker hail from the same south zone, and as such he could not come from the same zone and occupy the position even though the office had been zoned to North West.

When asked what will be the fate of Rep Femi Gbajabiamila, who was earlier reported in the media that he could be the preferred

choice for the House leader in the spirit of reconciliation, the source debunked the media report, saying, various zonal caucuses have meet and have elected their preferred lawmakers for various principal offices zoned to them.

“If you said you are considering south-west again to produce the House leader, what will be the fate of the north-central? Traditionally those positions are normally zoned within the six geopolitical zones, so there is no way one zone will occupy two positions at the detriment of the others.

As lawmakers we have to respect federal character principles”.

When further asked as to what this will entail on the ongoing reconciliation to avert the repeat of what happened at the plenary, he

replied, “we have moved pass that stage, anybody who tries to create problems, the law will be applied.”

Recall that the House of Representatives have failed to elect leaders as members went into a rowdy session over issues bothering on a letter from the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

However, issues got out of hand when other members obviously averse to the reading of the letter came out in support of the Speaker which provoked Rep Aliyu Sani Madaki (APC, Kano), who made for the mace, the symbol of authority of the House with the intent to cart it away. The resistance from other members threw the entire House into uproar making plenary to be suspended for a long time.

PDP vows to reclaim power in 2019 - Committee From David Hassan, Gombe

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Sub-committee for Post Election Review Committee in the North East subregion has expresses confidence to reclaim power in the next four years.

Alhaji Shu’aib Oyedokun, Chairman of the committee and the former Deputy National Chairman of the party stated this while briefing newsmen on the excise in Gombe yesterday.

He said that after the excise

they would re-strategize their plans by 2019.

“We have the confidence that if you put it right you will get it right, PDP is not dead what happened is some of us went for sabbatical and they will be back, PDP is still the best so we have the confidence.

“We are here to consider and review what happened in the general elections we held and why the party performed below expectation and also to proffer ways and means to improve on our performance next time around”, he said.

He said at the end they would all assemble in Abuja for proffer analysis and final recommendation to the party.

According to him, the exercise was in partnership with International Republican Institute which provides the technical support for the excise.

Oyedokun said they have their template and they are treating each items according to the template since from the primary elections to the proper election as well as the issues of tribunal.

According to him, they talk

about the issues of funding, campaign, publicity, the Election Day activities, recruitment of party agents among other issues and they were receiving responses.

“We also talk about third parties in the election, INEC, observer on what they do right and wrong as well as security agent and the social media activities”, he said.

He further said that they would also go on for general observation which would include factors that mitigate against their success and to come out with recommendations for future elections.

enator David Umaru (APC, Niger east) has charged the Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello to ensure equity in the sharing of political appointments among the three senatorial zones of the state.

The senator representing Niger East insisted that the governor was short changing the people of his senatorial district in the allocation of appointments done without recourse to the principle of federal character.

Umaru made the declaration yesterday in Minna while briefing journalists, explaining that the present administration has not given position of substance to the people of zone B of the state in the appointments done so far.

“What we are having now is that our people are being short changed.

The appointment of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) from the governor’s home compound of Kontagora is what everybody knows.

“There is no position that has been given that is of substance to our people. I want to warn that we represent these people who are bitterly complaining against this injustice. Their patience is being dragged too far. I therefore advise the government and those who are responsible to immediately make redress”, the lawmaker said.

Umaru said the development is disheartening noting that the administration has not shown equity to the people of Niger East also known as zone B despite the fact that the zone produced the greatest number of votes during the presidential and governorship elections.

“During the period leading to the election, we had understanding that all of us have to go out to ensure victory for our party at all levels. We did all that was humanly possible to ensure victory at the poll. I used all my energy and efforts to ensure that we got the result we got. In the process of doing this we made promises to our people among which was that there was going to be equity in the sharing of positions and that we were going to bring meaningful change to our people”, he explained.

He explained that it required the convocation of relevant stakeholders before sensitive political appointments are made adding that the issue of federal character which is well enshrined in the constitution must also be adhered to strictly.

“Everybody must have a feeling of belonging in a government particularly this government that so much had the goodwill and the support people, particularly the people of zone B. I want to advise that government should have a rethink, go back to the drawing board and Wright this wrong that has been done to our people”, he said.

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

Politics

Why PDP supported Dogara - Hon. Igbinedion From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

O

via Federal House of Representative member in Edo, Hon. Lady Omosede Igbinedion says the horse-trading which surrounded the speakership position of the 8th Assembly was “the choice of Peoples Democratic Party”.

The PDP legislator clarified

that though the All Progressives Congress (APC) Speaker of the 8th Assembly, Hon. Yakubu Dogara enjoys her support been the only option for her party to pull through the huddle, yet, she has no plan to dump her party for (APC) despite the roles she played during the election of principal officers of the Lower House.

Addressing members of her constituency and party supporters

at the weekend in Benin, Omosede described the opportunity to serve her people as fulfilling in the democratic history of the country.

“I am a party person. I supported the Speaker who was a PDP choice.

I have PDP blood in my veins. I have PDP in my DNA and as a loyal member of the party, voting for Dogara was the only choice.

“My father is a PDP member and he was one of the founders

of the party...My Elder brother, former governor is also a strong PDP member...I will never defect to APC...” she said.

According to her “my election was a paradigm shift from the unsubstantiated claims in the past that the National Assembly is not for young people”.

Similarly, Oredo Federal House of Representatives member in the state, Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide

L-R: Kaduna state Governor, Malam Nasiru el-Rufai, presenting the certificate of oath to new Special Assistant to the Governor on Job Creation, Muhammed Hafiz Bayaro, during the swearing-in ceremony, yesterday at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, in Kaduna.

I.D Gyang, Plateau Rep, condemns attacks in Jos

By Ali Abare Abubakar

M

Photo: Bashir Bello

PDP again vows to reclaim power from APC in 2019

By Ahmed Abubakar

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has once again restated its strategy to wrest power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general elections holding in 2019.

Part of the efforts to reclaim power was the post election committee set up by the party to look into the remote cause of why

PDP lost to the APC in the last election.

The post election committee headed by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has reiterated its commitment to correct whatever led to the party’s poor performance during the just concluded 2015 general elections.

Addressing journalists at a meeting with North-central members of PDP, Chairman of

the North-central sub-committee, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, said that the mistakes that led to the party’s poor performance in the elections were being corrected to reposition the party for future victory.

He said: “The party cannot afford to lose in some states elections including Kogi state, which is expected to hold next year.”

Explaining why the committee was setup, Ihedioha said that much

is expected from the committee, which was set up to address issues of post elections’ grievances, why the party lost amongst other issues.

He noted that much was expected from the party as some governorship elections were around the corner, but however lamented the party’s lost both at the Presidency, the Senate and House of Representatives as well as states to APC.

Guber race: Aspirant promises total liberation in Kogi State

By Albert Akota

A

s campaign for the governorship position in Kogi State kicks off, an aspirant under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Prince Rotimi Yakubu Obadofin, has promised to liberate the state from the state of underdevelopment and poverty.

Obadofin who hails from Aiyegunle Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of the state gave the assurance when he took his campaign at the weekend to Mopa-

Hama, has assured a purposeful representation for his constituents.

“My constituents believe in my ability to serve and provide a purposeful representation, which I’m indeed grateful to God almighty for. I will make laws that would affect my people positively and ensure oversight functions are delivered to achieve the aspirations of the people.

“Challenges are normal, but what is important is that we would put strategy in place to interface with the people by setting up a constituency office.

“Oversight functions would receive the boost. We do not want to sink boreholes”, he said.

Amuro, Yagba East and Yagba West local government areas.

He said his government if voted in will work to rescue the state from being a failed state as he will work to develop the potentials of the state such that internally generated revenue will be sufficient to run it.

He lamented the current state of things in the state, saying with the development potential of the state, especially with its proximity to the federal capital, it is disheartening that government in the state could not muster any idea to create jobs and generate revenue.

Obadofin who was a former Senate President, National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS), urged party stakeholders to support him for the party primary election, promising to make the party proud.

Reacting to his declaration of intention, Comrade Amodu Ibikunle Abubakar said: “The time for liberation is now. It’s fundamental and very much essential for the good people of Kogi State to enjoy the dividends of democracy. The change has finally come for the masses to have good

sense of belonging in governance.

“There must be a sense of equity, fairness and justice in Kogi State. The progressive people of the state from Central, East and West Senatorial districts are solidly in support of Prince Rotimi Yakubu Obadofin because of his track records,” he said.

He said Obadofin is the most consistent, competent and one who is sound in the theory and practice of good governance, adding that market men and women, students, farmers and other peer groups came out massively in solidarity.

ember representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Istifanus Gyang yesterday, strongly condemned the attack by terrorists on Da-lo Memorial College Foron in Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State, in which two students were brutally killed.

The representative, who equally condemned the twin bomb attacks in Jos metropolis on Sunday night, said no words are strong enough to condemn the cruelty and brutality of these incessant attacks on his people which he always described as “terrorism.”

This was contained in a press statement issued in Jos signed by the lawmaker.

The member expressed unhappiness over the attacks which came barely two weeks after he moved a motion on the floor of House calling on the federal government to intensify security arrangements in communities within Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs due to the constant attacks.

He noted that the terror attacked in Jos which targeted worshipers at a mosque reveals that the terrorists have no respect for creed or kin.

Gyang, who said the attack is inhuman and must be condemned by every Nigerian, especially by the political leadership of the country, hoped for speedy eradication of terrorism and extremism from the country.

The representative said “all efforts at peace building are being impeded by the terror attacks.

He again appealed to the President to strengthen the security arrangements especially of schools, places of worship as well as vulnerable communities and soft targets.

I.D Gyang, prayed for those who lost their lives, expressing sympathies with the bereaved families in Jos and Da-lo Memorial School community.

PAGE 17

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

Politics

Masari appoints SSG, others From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

G

overnor Aminu Bello Masari has announced the appointment of All Progressives Congress, Katsina State chapter chairman, Alhaji

Mustapha Inuwa as the Secretary to the State Government.

The appointment which was contained in a statement by the state Head of Service, Alhaji Muhammad Lawal Aliyu also said a former chairman of Charanchi local government, Alhaji Dikko

Umar Radda was appointed as Chief of Staff.

Similarly, the statement added that a former editor of Peoples Daily Weekend, Alhaji Abdu Labaran Malumfashi was appointed as Senior Special Assistant Media while Alhaji

Mustapha Saulawa was appointed Senior Special Assistant Protocol.

Others are Alhaji Shamsu Sule Funtua, as Senior Special Assistant, Special Duties and Alhaji Aminu Balele Kurfi, Senior Special Assistant, sports while Alhaji Haruna Musa was appointed as

Senior Special Assistant, Social Media and Engineer Salisu Abubakar as General Manager, Housing Authority.

The statement congratulated the appointees and hope they would discharge their duties with the fear of God.

Group commends Buhari for appointing Amina as INEC chair From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

T

he Network for Positive Democracy in Nigeria has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing Hajia Amina Zakari as the acting National Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission.

The group stated this in a press statement signed by Barrister Moriss Odeh and Otunba Olusegun Folounso, Chairman and Secretary respectively after a meeting held in Kaduna, yesterday.

The group said it observed that the appointment was that of a round peg in a round hole because Hajia Amina Zakari has the ability and capability to pass the integrity test set by the milestone achievement of the immediate past National Chairman of the commission Professor Atthiaru Jega The statement added the “forum wish to commend President Muhammadu Buhari for making history as the first Nigerian leader to appoint a woman to head the nation electoral body in the history of Nigeria thereby giving the Nigerian women a participatory sense of belonging”.

On the controversy and instrumentation being peddled against Hajia Amina Zakari appointment by some politicians, the group described them as uncharitable rantings of failed politicians who have forgotten that the new INEC boss was appointed as national commissioner in 2010 by the former president, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and not President Muhammadu Buhari whom they are accusing of nepotism.

“The Network for Positive Democracy in Nigeria consequently wish to appeal to all political parties and civil societies organizations to give Hajia Amina Zakari the necessary support to excel in her new duties”.

The group also resolved to work in collaboration with other stakeholders to ensure that all deliberate impediments put on her way do not succeed in line with our statutory duty as proactive agents of democratic change in Nigeria.

President Muhammadu Buhari (right), in a handshake with a member of House of Representatives, Hon. Magaji Da’u Aliyu (left), during the president’s meeting with members of House of Representatives, recently at the State House, in Abuja. With them are Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo (2nd right), and other members of the House.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Lawmaker assures of cordial working relationship with Al-makura From Gambo Ahmed, Lafia

T

he member representing Obi II constituency at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Honourable Luka Augustine Zhekaba has said that the 5th state assembly members are fully committed and ready to work cordially with the Governor Umaru Tanko Al-makura administration for peace and unity to reign as well as enable the citizens derive the dividends of democracy.

The lawmaker gave the assurance while answering questions from newsmen in his residence at Bukan Sidi Lafia the state capital.

According to him “We started

with the governor initially in good footing with him recently during our first meeting. And he told us to see him as our elder brother. With this good beginning with him, we are counting on what he promised us. And we too have assured our readiness to work with him mutually as representatives of the grassroots.

On his plan of action, Honourable Luka affirmed that as soon as constituency allowances are release, his topmost priorities would dwell on the provision of boreholes, healthcare services and the grading of feeder roads to enable his constituency benefit and enjoy the dividends of democracy as according to him the people gave

him the mandate by voting him to represent them.

“The people gave me their mandate and I am expected to pay back whatever is meant for them. That is what is obtainable in democratic system” the lawmakers maintained.

Speaking extensively on the security instability which has grossly affected his constituency, while lamenting the ugly development, the lawmaker called on the state government to adopt measures to put an end to the proliferation of communal crisis erupting between herdsmen and farmers as well as tribal uprising which have graduated to the loss of lives of innocent citizens and

property.

“First and foremost I would call on the chief executive to see reason by inviting all traditional rulers of each chiefdom, farmers and herdsmen to a round table dialogue for the interest of peace.

Once if there is peace, development can easily strive and free movement of goods and services”.

He added that if crisis between farmers and herdsmen persist, definitely Nasarawa State will one day find itself in a food crisis situation which according him will emit a bad signal to the state.

“I call on the state government to create an avenue of maintaining peace and order amongst the ethnic nationalities” he noted.

Gbagyi youth block major road protesting appointment of LG chairman From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

T

he peaceful town of Kujama in Chikun Local Government Area was thrown into a state of pandemonium and confusion yesterday as Gbagyi youth blocked major roads leading to the secretariat of the local government in protest of the appointment of Hajiya Hadiza Yahuza as interim Chairman of the local government.

This is just as the protesters accused the state Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai of marginalization and injustice against the people of

Chikun LG who are predominantly Gbagyi.

The protesters led by the state chairman of Gbagyi youth, Amos Isah and another leader Yakubu Waziri had last week ambushed their member, Honourable Markus Zarmai Yari at his residence and demanded explanation for what they described as a “slap on their faces by appointing an unpopular person as sole administration of their local government”.

Yesterday’s protest allegedly sent bad signals across the state because it attracted heavy traffic jam in all

the roads from town leading to the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) and to town as workers was prevented from accessing the road to their work places.

According to some of the protesters who spoke to our correspondent, “The governor’s appointment of a non indigene of the state, a woman and a Muslim to our local government is deliberate and meant to anger us, why did he not send a Christian and a woman to Zaria, Makarfi or Sabon Gari as Chairman if he is sincere?” they queried.

In a move to curtail the situation policemen were immediately deployed to the troubled area to disperse the angry youths.

The leader of the protesters, Yakubu Waziri while speaking to journalists at the NUJ Secretariat said five protesters suffered gunshot wounds but three have been treated and discharged while two are still in a hospital opposite KRPC junction. . But in a sharp reaction the Police Public Relation Officer, Kaduna Command, DSP Zubairu Abdullahi refuted the allegation and said nobody was shot by the police.

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

Politics

Buhari‘ll deliver - Audu From Ahmad Ibrahim, Lokoja

F

ormer governor of Kogi State and stalwart of the All Progressives Congress, Prince Abubakar Audu has expressed confidence that the country would witness accelerated development under the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

Speaking in an interview with newsmen in Lokoja, the former governor said it is too early to assess the ruling APC government, saying that contrary to the position of the opposition PDP, Nigeria would definitely get better under the Buhari administration.

He pointed out that the level of devastation and mess met on ground by the new administration is not something that can be sorted out in one month, assuring that the APC led government would not only fix the problems, but would take the country to another level of development.

The former governor further pointed out that they are not afraid of making mistakes, but what they are afraid of is doing something that would make Nigerians to lose confident in them, saying with Alhaji Buhari on the saddle, things would surely get better.

He strongly condemned the renewed attacks on innocent Nigerians by insurgents, attributing the problem of insecurity to unemployment, which had made the youths to become vulnerable in the hands of some self seeking individuals.

Prince Audu however expressed confidence that the terrorists would be defeated by the Buhari led government, and stressed the need for Nigerians to fully co-operate with the present administration in its determined efforts to tackle the ugly trend.

On his governorship ambition, Prince Audu said his decision to join the race is stemmed from the fact that the state is in bad shape,noting that only an experienced personality can fix the numerous challenges confronting the state, and subsequently put it on sound economic pedestal.

He pointed out pressures are on him to contest the forthcoming governorship poll because the electorates strongly believed in his ability to change things for the better, saying having done well before, he has all it takes to reposition the state, and restore its lost glory.

L-R: Asagba of Asaba Obi Professor Joseph Chike Edozien, and Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, during his visit to Obi’s palace, yesterday in Asaba.

Ortom vows not to tamper with LG funds From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

B

enue State Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state has vowed that his administration will not tamper with funds meant for the third tier of government as a way of instilling financial discipline in the system.

Ortom who stated this yesterday during the swearing-in of local

government caretaker committee chairmen at the Benue Peoples’ House,Makurdi, intimated that his government will carry out local government reforms in order to strengthen the system.

He explained that the reforms aim at plugging financial leakages, restore discipline and effectiveness so as to ensure that the councils deliver on their mandate.

While expressing concern over the dwindling federal allocation, the governor charged the new chairmen to be prudent and transparent in their financial dealings and assured that his administration would soon embark on staff verification to eliminate ghost workers.

“Our administration will respect the local government institution and ensure that funds meant for them

are not only delivered but also used for the development of the areas”.

“We shall carry out reforms in the system and as soon as the financial fortunes of the state improve, conduct local government elections. Furthermore, the reforms will strengthen the system, plug financial leakages especially padded wage bills and restore discipline”, Ortom said.

PRP backs Buhari, govs’ decision to merge MDAs, delay appointments From Osakhare Erese, Asaba

T

he leadership of the Peoples Redemption party (PRP) in Delta State has demanded that all Nigerians who truly desire a positive change in Nigeria and a halt to the old retrogressive ways of governance should support the decision of President Buhari and the governor not to hasten in the appointment of ministers, commissioners and other appointees.

The state Chairman of the party, Engr. (Comrade) Emmanuel

Igbini who stated this in a press statement to our correspondent in Asaba, said the party fully approved the decisions of President Buhari and state governors to merge some ministries, departments and agencies and to scrap many unproductive ones.

Engr. Ignini, who was the immediate past Director General of Delta State Direct Labour Agency (DLA), said the party appreciates the need for appointments of ministers, commissioners and public officers to assist the President and Governors in the execution of laws and policies

of the government, saying the President and governors’ decision to delay these appointments do not violate any section of the Nigerian Constitution, 1999 as amended.

“While we appreciate the need for appointment of Ministers, Commissioners and Public Officers to assist the President and Governors in execution of Laws and Policies of the government, we however wish to state unequivocally that the President and Governors’ decision to delay these appointments do not violate any section of the Nigerian Constitution, 1999 as amended.

“Moreover, given the current near collapse of the economy of Nigeria due to mismanagement, looting, misappropriation and fiscal rascality alleged by majority of former Ministers, Commissioners and Political Appointees, there is justification for us (PRP Delta State) in supporting President Buhari and the Governors to delay appointments to enable a holistic and comprehensive review of the sad past and ensure appointments of only men and women with record of proven integrity and incorruptible”, Engr. Igbini noted.

“Be diligent, selfless in service”- Gov Okowa urges political leaders From Osakhare Erese, Asaba

D

elta state Governor, Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has urged political leaders to be diligent and selfless in service so as to justify the position they occupy.

Governor Okowa who stated this at the weekend during a thanksgiving service in honour of

Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya, Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly held at the Bethel Baptist church, Sapele said that political leaders must always render selfless service to God and humanity and be of good conduct so as to gain eternity.

While urging the celebrant and other political leaders to take the day’s sermon seriously,

he stressed that the key points of the service which emphasised courage, integrity and being prayerful were too salient to be undermined by all.

Okowa made it very to Deltans that governance would no longer be business as usual, assuring that with courage the state would overcome.

Rt. Hon. Igbuya, who expressed

gratitude to God for his election as speaker, thanked Governor Okowa and other political leaders in the state for their support.

He disclosed that the completion of Sapele Main market project and the dualization of the Sapele Main Entrance road would be realised under the Okowa administration.

The officiating priest, Reverend

Supo Ayokunde in his sermon charged Rt. Hon. Igbuya to be discreet like the Biblical Daniel and diligent in service to the people and meet the demands and pressure of his office.

Top government functionaries and political leaders across the state led by Governor Okowa joined the celebrant in a thanksgiving to appreciate God.

Page 19

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

L-R: Director of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, Stella Toluwase, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Anastasia Nwaobia Daniel, and Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, jointly briefing journalists after their meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on the state of finance sector, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Philips launches campaign to tackle USD 250bn counterfeit products From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

R

oyal Philips has launched a campaign it said form parts of the company plans to highlight the existence of counterfeit products in Nigeria and the West Africa sub-region as well empower consumers to identified fake products in the market.

The company disclosed that current statistic suggests that World-wide, cross border trade in physical counterfeits alone cost the global economy USD

250 dollar annually and said it is poise toward rooting out such harmful products in Nigeria.

Dubbed “Buy Original”, it explained it is an informative multi-year outreach aimed at protecting consumers by creating awareness about counterfeit products in the market and educating them on how to identify original products versus counterfeits.

Speaking in Lagos, General Manager-Personal Health, Philips West Africa, Chioma

Iwuchukwu-Nweke said “while there is no reliable industry wide statistics on the number of products that are counterfeits; from market feedback we receive, we know that this issue is very severe.

Philips wants to work alongside consumers, government authority, other MNCs and relevant organizations to see how we can collaborate to enlighten and inform the consumers on matters relating to counterfeiting.”

She said “we urge the public

to become more vigilant and question products that seems to be unusually cheap, appear poorly made, or have generic packaging; especially when shopping at more traditional trade stores.”

The firm told journalists that consumers in most instances aren’t even aware that they are buying counterfeit products.

Philips therefore wants to put consumers in a position where they are confident that they are purchasing an original Philips product.

A genuine product is subject to quality and safety controls and will protect the consumers and their families. Original Philips and AVENT products also come with after-sales guarantee and the assurance that the after-sales commitment will be honored,” the company said in a statement.

It reiterated that the campaign will therefore introduce effective measures for consumers to be able to easily identify and verify Philips original consumer appliances and lighting products.

Honda begins production of Accord sedans in Nigeria-CEO

H

onda Motor Co’s says it has begun the building of cars in Nigeria by retooling part of its factory that previously made motorcycles.

The firm’s new chief executive, Takahiro Hachigo, said this at his first news conference since taking the helm in June, on Monday in Tokyo.

Hachigo said the company, which began production in July (this month), planned to produce 1,000 of its Accord sedans annually at the plant.

The new chief executive

said Honda would boost the production if the local market grows, adding that the plant would service other African countries.

Meanwhile, Hachigo says it has no plans for now to provide financial aid to Takata Corp, the air bag supplier at the centre of a costly global air bag recall.

However, Hachigo said Honda had set aside enough to cover the cost of recalling over 2 million cars with potentially faulty air bag parts made by Takata.

“We have money budgeted for quality-related costs, as we did last year, and we think we can respond within this allocated amount,” Hachigo told reporters. ast month, Honda revised its operating profit for the year ended March to 606.88 billion yen ($4.92 billion) from the 651.68 billion yen it reported in April to account for expanded recall costs.

At 55, Hachigo, begins his stewardship of Japan’s thirdbiggest auto maker with a mission to restore the firm’s reputation

for quality.

In the Takata air bag safety scare regulators have linked eight deaths to the component, all in cars made by Honda.

Hachigo’s predecessor Takanobu Ito and other executives took a pay cut last October, following a fifth recall of its Fit hybrid subcompact in a year, which had quality glitches unrelated to Takata-made inflators.

In total, tens of millions of cars carrying Takata-made parts have been recalled around the

world by a range of auto makers.

Some Takata air bag inflators have exploded with too much force, spraying shrapnel inside vehicles, regulators have found.

As Hachigo seeks to develop business, he said the company remained open to alliances with other automakers - as long as such tie-ups were of benefit to Honda.

In one such deal, the Japanese firm already has an alliance with General Motors Co, to develop hydrogen fuel-cell technology.

(Reuters/NAN)

Page 20

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

Energy 5 ships laden with petroleum products arrive Lagos ports

F

ive ships laden with petrol and diesel have arrived Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports in Lagos waiting to berth at the oil terminals.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) stated this in its daily publication `Shipping Position’ made available to newsmen in Lagos yesterday.

The document indicated that three other ships with frozen fish and bulk rice had also arrived and waiting to berth. NPA stated that 35 ships were expected to sail into the ports from July 6 to July 18.

According to the document, the contents of the expected ships are containers, general cargo, buckwheat, frozen fish, crude palm oil, bulk sugar, bulk salt. It stated that other expected ships contained used vehicles, kerosene and diesel.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 20 other ships are in the ports discharging buckwheat, bulk soya, steel products, gypsum, general cargo, bulk bauxite, bulk urea, bulk rice, containers. The document also indicated that the ships were discharging kerosene, diesel, petrol, aviation fuel and base oil. (NAN

Don’t Kill the PIB - ERA/ FoEN warns FG, APC From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

A

report by the All Progressives Congress (APC) asking the Muhammadu Buhari administration to discard the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) is not only unfortunate but is one that will also embolden oil multinationals to continue their impunity which has polluted the Niger Delta and eroded Nigeria’s revenues, the Environmental Rights Action/ Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has warned.

The APC, had in the report confirmed by its Policy Director, Kayode Fayemi said the president should discard the PIB and replace it with a new reform bill that is based on discussions with international oil companies to “ensure all perspectives are adequately considered”.

ERA/FoEN in a statement issued in Lagos, however described the call as “very

disturbing” in light of the support the PIB has garnered in the last four years from civil society groups and Niger Delta communities that have suffered degradation and neglect.

ERA/FoEN Executive Director, Godwin Ojo said: “We are perplexed at this call coming at a time that Nigerians are demanding environmental accountability and a say on how oil multinationals operate in the environment”.

Ojo noted that while the APC made some positive recommendations which included a review of audits and corruption allegations against the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), however, “calling on the government to discard the PIB will amount to government lacking the political will to hold oil multinationals accountable for their human rights violations, environmental degradation and the application of the polluter pays principle.

“The APC government should not set a bad precedent by disappointing the expectations of the Niger Delta people who remain shell-shocked by the rigmarole of the immediate past administration of Goodluck Jonathan in pushing a strong legislation through.

That government also failed to implement the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Assessment on Ogoniland. We believe that a strong PIB will promote the interest of local communities and the protection and preservation of the Nigerian environment.

The ERA/FoEN boss recommended that “the Buhari administration must sieve the recommendations and show good example by listening to the voice of the people which is overwhelmingly in support of a strong PIB. “It is now time to stop paying lip service to environmental sustainability and hold those

Power Plant

who violate the environment of the Niger Delta accountable.

Nothing short of the peoples demand for a strong PIB is acceptable”, Ojo insisted.

NNPC pledges to sustain Annual National Quiz Competition

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has pledged to continue to sponsor its Annual National Quiz Competition among secondary school students in order to encourage the study of science based subjects in the country.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, NNPC, Ohi Alegbe.

In the statement, the Corporate noted that it would continue to impact positively on the lives of secondary school students through the annual quiz competition, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The Corporation stated that the Grand Finale of the NNPC 2015 Annual Quiz Competition scheduled for July 7th, 2015 draws on finalists from Akwa Ibom, the Federal Capital Territory, Gombe, Anambra, Katsina and Lagos States who are expected to compete in the English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology and General Knowledge.

The Corporation pledged that it would continue to ensure that Nigerians benefit from the abundant hydrocarbon resources in the country stressing that the various Strategic Business Units of the NNPC also donate laboratory equipment and instructional materials to various schools around their areas of operations.

Oil falls more than 3 percent after Greek ‘No’

O

il prices fell more than 3 percent yesterday after Greece rejected debt bailout terms and China rolled out emergency measures to support its stock markets, adding to concerns about demand at a time of global oversupply.

The result of Greece’s referendum put in doubt its membership in the euro, pulling down the single currency EUR= against the dollar. [FRX/] A strong dollar tends to pressure commodities as it makes fuel more expensive for holders of other currencies.

Commodities were also sucked into market turmoil that has seen Chinese shares .CSI300 fall as much as 30 percent since June due in part to the economy growing at its slowest pace in a generation.

“Uncertainty over Greece is bearish for oil. It adds an extra negative factor on top of the turmoil in Chinese financial markets, the recent rise in U.S. drilling rigs, and a potential increase in Iranian oil supply,” said Olivier Jakob, senior energy analyst at Petromatrix in Zug, Switzerland.

Benchmark Brent crude oil LCOc1 fell $2.04 a barrel to a low of $58.28 before recovering a little to around $58.75 by 1145 GMT (7:35 a.m. EDT). U.S. light crude CLc1 fell as low as $53.91, down $3.02 from its close on July 2. July 3 was a U.S. holiday.

Both crudes hit their lowest levels since mid-April.

With markets already nervous due to the turmoil in Europe and China, fundamentals were also bearish.

U.S. drilling increased for the first time after 29 weeks of declines, the strongest sign

yet that higher crude prices are coaxing producers back to the well pad.

Production in Russia and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries is also at or near records. Analysts say OPEC is now pumping around 2.5 million barrels per day (bpd) more than demand for its crude, filling inventories worldwide.

“Demand is good, but supply is better,” said Bjarne Schieldrop, chief commodities analyst at SEB in Oslo.

Putting further pressure on oil markets was a possible nuclear

deal between global powers and Iran, which could add more oil to oversupplied markets if sanctions on Iran are eased.

“Reports increasingly suggest a deal is likely before July 9,” Morgan Stanley analysts said in a report.

“With a deal, some supply could creep from floating storage.

More material exports (500,000700,000 bpd) would likely come in late 2015 or early 2016, which could delay the recovery in oil prices and U.S. production by 6-12 months.”

(Reuters)

Page 21

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

ICT

Nigeria to attend ITU Telecom Hungary conference in October

N

New-latest-lg-prada-2-kf900-mobile-phone-1

Airtel Nigeria to train 100 journalists Stories by Chris Alu

A

irtel Nigeria has made plans to train over 100 journalists in multimedia within one month across the country.

The initiative which was organized by Airtel in collaboration with journalist clinic foundation, is billed to start in Lagos on 27 July, through selection which will be trained on media tools and techniques to make their content more compelling to the vast audiences

who now, more than ever before, consume news and other content on digital platforms.

An international trainer and specialist in online, mobile and social media, Dan Mason, will be the lead facilitator of this fastpaced hands-on workshop which, apart from Lagos, will be held in Ibadan (3-8 August); Abuja (10-17 August) and Port Harcourt (17-21 August).

According to Segun Ogunsanya, the chief executive officer and managing director of Airtel Nigeria, said the

initiative is a glowing testimony of the company’s commitment to creating empowerment platforms which will enrich the lives of all its critical stakeholders including the media.

“The epic growth of smart phones and social media has turned news upside-down. To stay ahead, journalists need to create compelling stories which would not only be shared on social but also easily accessible on mobile devices. It is our delight to support journalists in Nigeria to perform optimally in this mobile

age. Media audiences will also get better engaged while media owners should expect increased traffic to their platforms. It’s a win-win for everyone,” said Ogunsanya.

Also , Mr.Taiwo Obe, the founder of journalist clinic said: “Participants, who will be drawn from print, electronic and online media, through nominations by editors and managers of news media platforms, will learn how to approach, plan and create multimedia stories that shout ‘share me!’ on social media.

Nigeria Computer Society urges Buhari to appoint ICT experts in ministries/parastatals

T

he Nigeria Computer Society has called on President Muhammed Buhari to pursue inclusive development through information communication technology by appointing experts in ministries, departments and parastatals.

Speaking at the NCS 12th International Conference in Akure, Ondo State, Professor David Adewumi, said the federal government need to comply with the computer professionals in appointing ICT experts into various boards and parastatals; while all boards of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, especially those that depend on ICT to perform and fulfill their mandates, must have at least one ICT expert s a member.

According to him, setting such ICT agenda for the present government is expedient, particularly for rapid economic

development of the nation.

He explained that previous administrations paid little attention to this by not including IT experts in project designs, and executions and to a large extend did not achieved the desire result.

He said NCS believes, in addition to the Cybercrime Act, legislation should be enacted to foster the development of ICT and IT enabled activities and growth of the IT industry and profession.

The NCS President said, “The usage of IT in Governance and Security needs to be improved through more widespread adoption of IT professionalism in the private and public sectors.

NCS and its members can play a major role in improving the state of security nationwide, combating terrorism, enhancing public service delivery and accountability and boosting job creation.

Coming under the theme,

“Information Technology for Inclusive Development”, Prof.

Adewumi who doubles as the Dean, School of Science and Technology at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), added that the Conference is intended to provide a forum for Policy Makers, Public and Private Sector, Information Technology Practitioners and the Academia to keep up-to-date with technology trends in Nigeria and world at large.

The Conference, according him, “will provide opportunities for the delegates to exchange new ideas, establish business or research relations, and find global partners for future collaborations.

It will also focus on subthemes such as smart city & broadband penetration; innovation and Leadership in IT; cashless society & e-payment systems; critical information infrastructure protection (CIIP); cloud computing & Big data; social

networks and next generation networking and the internet.

Other areas for discuss include, IT human capital development (Mentorship); e-Health/eEducation/e-Agriculture/eTourism/e-Government; entrepreneurship development in the IT sector; software technologies/local content issues; mobility for Inclusion; funding Nigerian IT industry and marketing and selling Made-inNigeria software.

“As the member-driven professional body that serves the entire IT community under one umbrella, NCS is continually listening to the needs of members and doing its best to help meet those needs.

The conference, AGM and elections enable members to influnce where NCS, the internet groups and IT industry and profession as a whole directs their energies and efforts,” the NCS President said.

igerians will be among those that will attend the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), conference in Budapest, Hungary October 12-15.

A Committee has been constituted made up of officials of Ministry of Communications, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Galaxy Backbone, Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd (NigComSat), Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), and Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) among others to put together plans for Nigeria’s participation.

Mr. Tony Ojobo, chairman, Media and Publicity SubCommittee and Director, Public Affairs NCC, said, in a statement that Nigeria wants to make a big statement in this year’s participation when a large number of SMEs will be on ground to dwell around the theme of this year’s event: Innovation To make Lives Better and Faster.

He said Nigeria’s participation will build on the reality that regulatory robustness has led to a spiral growth in voice telephony and look beyond that by coming out with innovative products to improve the lives of the citizens.

ITU on its part has listed five key reasons why countries, Individuals, Corporate organisations should participate in the Hungary event.

Besides exceptional knowledge sharing, opportunities, ITU Telecom World 2015 will focus on accelerating innovation and growth of SMEs and innovative networking opportunities. Of particular interest is the role SMEs play in driving national economies.

One of the key concerns of the Hungarian government is to provide abalanced and predictable business environment where SMEs can easily find support or exploit business opportunities. This is what the country wants to share with participants in Budapest.

And Nigeria will share in this, Ojobo explained in the statement, adding that the Nigerian SME ecosystem will be guided by the experience they share through ITU Telecom World 2015 from October 12-15, 2015.

The event will focus on the crucial role of innovation and entrepreneurship in the fast growing ICT ecosystem, covering a broad-based international audience with specific outreach to SMEs and startups from across the world, as well as leading global ICT players, policy makers, regulators, industry experts and investors.

Page 22

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

Business

Association wants Buhari to revive Ajaokuta, other steel coys

T

he African Iron and Steel Association has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to revive Ajaokuta, Delta, Jos and Oshogbo steel rolling companies.

Dr Mohammed Sanusi, the Secretary General of the association, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja, He said that the revival of the companies would promote industrialisation and employment generation in the country. Sanusi particularly appealed to government to complete the Ajaokuta Steel Company as it was primarily conceived as a strategic steel plant aimed at spurring economic development in the country.

He said that if these companies commenced production, they would form the nucleus of efforts to produce made-in-Nigeria vehicles, while stimulating the onset of the country’s industrial revolution.

He said that Nigeria had abundant steel raw material deposits from which the country could mass produce automobile items and other equipment if well-harnessed.

Sanusi said that Ajaokuta was projected to produce 1.3 million tones of steel per annum in the first phase, 2.6 million tonnes in

the second phase and 5.2 million tonnes in the third phase.

He advised government to either take full charge of the companies after their revival or consider the possibility of running them via public-private partnership arrangement.

The association secretary also advised government to engage persons with technical and financial capabilities to manage the companies.

He said that the National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe, should remain with Ajaokuta Steel Company as it was primarily established to feed Ajaokuta with iron ore.

Sanusi said that Delta, Jos and Oshogbo Steel Rolling companies had not produced one kilogramme of either iron or steel since they were sold by the Federal Government in 2005.

He advised government to rehabilitate Delta Steel Company before privatising it, stressing that government should engage experts with proven trackrecords to do the job.

He alleged that Delta Steel Company had been cannibalised by the Indian company which bought it for 30 million dollars.

Sanusi said that the Oshogbo Steel Company, which was sold in 2005 under a liquidation exercise, was still under lock and

key since then.

He urged the Federal Government to put in place necessary measures to reposition the three steel companies to begin operations.

The association secretary said that Nigeria had large deposits of assorted mineral resources of which 44 were in commercial quantities.

He advised government to adequately fund the National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency and Research Centre at the National Metallurgical Development Centre to complete investigations on identifying coking coal deposits. ``All steel making raw material deposits have been

identified. So far, it is only coking coal that is not yet identified, though some grade of it has been identified at Obi in Nassarawa State. ``Initial investigation has confirmed this deposit can be used to blend imported coking coal in the ratio of 40 to 60 per cent. ``Lack of funding is what stalled the investigation to identify the volume and spread of the deposit. Other raw materials identified include iron ore, dolomite, limestone, metallurgical and clay.’’

Sanusi urged government to address pertinent issues like insecurity, corruption and inadequate electricity supply, among others.

According to him, addressing the challenges will foster peace, industrialisation and employment opportunities in the country.

He also advised the government to look into ways to develop sustainable energy sources such as gas and other fuels to provide solid platform for the country’s industrialisation.

Sanusi said that there was the need to improve the power supply situation in Nigeria, stressing that the success of the country’s industrialisation efforts was contingent on steady electricity supply.

He urged government to give priority to the country’s industrialisation plans. (NAN

Traders protest alleged harassment over store rentage in DELTA From Osakhare Erese, Asaba

T

raders at the temporary market located by the side of the multimillion naira Ogbe-Ijoh Market Project in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State yesterday protested alleged harassment over store rentage by officials of the market committee task force and appealed to the State government to come to their aid.

The protesters had also protested the alleged regular harassment and molestation in the hands of people of Ogbe Ijoh community, headquarter of Warri South West Local Government Area over the payment of store rentage just as the people of Otovwodo (Agbassa) Community, Warri South Local Government Area have appealed to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to intervene on the matter in order to avoid a breach of the peace in Warri metropolis.

Speaking to our correspondent in their protest at the resident of High Chief Edmobnd Okene, the Unuovwodo (the representative of the Ovie of agbarha Kingdom Warri of Otovwodo (Agbassa) Community in Warri South Local Government Area, a spokesperson of the traders (who are mainly women), Mrs. Grace Akaye alleged that they have been suffering regularharassment and molestation in the hands of Ogbe Ijoh people over the payment of stall rentage of 24,000 and another two thousand naira for annual bonus.

Mrs. Akaya, who disclosed that police authority in Warri have long been informed of their alleged plights stated that their present trading site was given to them by the Warri South Local Government authorities pending when the Ogbe Ijoh Market project will be completed and that the Warri South Local Government authorities asked not to pay any money to any community, adding that the site is owned by the Warri South Local Government Council.

“But inspite of this, we were daily harassed and molested by the youths og Ogbe Ijoh community.

They even assigned land lords/ land ladies to each of our stalls, who we pay N24,000 to including a N2,000 annual bonus”.

Meanwhile, residents of Asaba, Delta State capital and environs, count their losses as Sunday morning’s rainfall, flooded many roads and streets, resulting in the breakdown of many vehicles along the roads, also for fear of environmental hazards, many parents allegedly stopped their children from going to schools for safety.

The rainfall which started at about 5am, made many roads and streets in Asaba and environs in accessible and caused the breakdown of many vehicles, especially does taking their children to school, thus, compelling teenage students to rummage through the dangerous rampaging flood water bare footed.

L-R: Managing Director, YTGO Limited, Mr. Richard Morgan, Managing Director, Pinnacle Project, Mrs. Abigael Oyewobi and Branch Manager, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Dipo Akinyemi, during a workshop organised by the bank, recently in Lagos.

Investors lower Samsung Electronics Q2 expectations amid S6 doubts

D

oubts over the sales prospects of Samsung Electronics Co Ltd’s new flagship smartphones are damping expectations of a rapid turnaround for the South Korean giant, even though profit likely continues to recover from last year’s troughs.

After peaking in mid-March as favorable reviews for the new Galaxy S6 models boosted earnings hopes, the company’s stock price has languished and was down nearly 6 percent for the year as of mid-day trade on Monday. Supply shortages for the curved-screen S6 edge and economic headwinds in Europe and China have lowered expectations.

“After the first-quarter results the consensus for second-quarter earnings was somewhere in the high 7 trillion won ($6.22 billion), but now I think so long as the first digit doesn’t start with a six it won’t be a shock,” HDC Asset Management fund manager Park

Jung-hoon said.

The average forecast from a Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S survey of 39 analysts tips AprilJune operating profit at 7.2 trillion won, the same as a year earlier and up from 6 trillion won in January-March. Of those surveyed, 20 have cut their forecasts in the past 30 days by an average of 3.9 percent.

Samsung is expected to guide its second-quarter revenue and profit on Tuesday, with full results to follow at end-July.

To be sure, analysts say the trend of gradual earnings recovery remains intact. The Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S survey tips 2015 profit to recover to 27.8 trillion won from the three-year low of 25 trillion on in 2014.

Third and fourth-quarter profits this year are expected at 7.3 trillion won and 7.5 trillion won, respectively, posting significant gains in annual terms.

Samsung expects the new phones to be their best-selling

devices to date. Data from researcher Counterpoint released in June showed that Samsung sold 6 million S6 smartphones from the April 10 launch to the end of the month, outpacing the previous S5 model in the same time frame.

But analysts say Samsung’s failure to anticipate demand for the S6 edge led to a missed opportunity. Though the firm says it now has enough capacity to meet demand for the curvedscreen model, its flagship phones will soon need to compete with new Apple Inc iPhones that analysts expect will launch as early as September.

“As the smartphone market matures, the period of time that consumer demand for a high-end product lasts looks to have gotten shorter,” KTB Investment analyst Jin Sung-hye said in a report, cutting her 2015 Galaxy S6 shipments forecast to 45 million from 49 million previously.

(Reuters)

PAGE 23

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

Stock Watch:

Monday, July 6, 2015

Peoples Daily, tuesday, July 7, 2015

PAGE 24

PAGE 25

Special Report

Why are African presidents addicted to titles?

I

simply couldn’t resist it after the announcement from the Office of the Gambian President that another title was being added to the already absurd long list of titles held by the president. According to an official release, the Gambian leader will now be known formally as “His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh Babili Mansa”.

Babili Mansa, we are told, means Bridge Builder, or Conqueror of Rivers, in the Mandika language.

Since the figurative building of bridges or making peace is not one of President Jammeh’s known characteristics, I take it that it is more

In our series of letters from African journalists, Ghanaian writer Elizabeth Ohene, a former government minister and member of the opposition, returns to one of her favourite subjects: Africa’s love of titles. the Conqueror of Rivers that the new title of Babili Mansa is meant to indicate.

The President of the Republic of the Gambia, Commander in Chief, Sheikh, Professor Alhaji Dr etc etc Yahya AJJ Jammeh might think he is treading new ground; but unfortunately, we have seen it all before.

The practice of acquiring a long list of titles started with our earliest presidents as soon as independence came.

That, after all, is how

our traditional chiefs are addressed and the new presidents saw themselves as big chiefs - that probably explains why they couldn’t come to terms with term limits and wanted to be presidents for life.

Exactly why the title of “Dr” had to be an obligatory part of that list, I haven’t worked out.

Ghana was the first sub-Saharan country to gain independence and our first president got himself suitably impressive titles, with the

“

Those of us of a certain age can recall that there used to be His Excellency the President, Ngwazi Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda-Life President of the Republic of Malawi. If you missed out a comma, you got into serious trouble.

Again, the Life President bit turned out to have been over-optimistic because he was forced out of State House before he died

Joseph Mobutu gained the title “The Warrior who Goes from Conquest to Conquest Leaving Fire in his Wake” but kept the same hat

obligatory unearned “Dr” and with that started the practice.

He was addressed: Osagyefo, (a chief’s title, said to mean Redeemer) Dr Kwame Nkrumah - Life President of the Republic of Ghana.

The Life President bit was aborted when he was overthrown in a coup d’etat.

The sergeant-majorturned-president of Zaire, now Democratic Republic of Congo, Joseph Mobutu, took the trend a scale higher.

He became Mobutu Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu Waza Banga, meaning The Warrior who Goes from Conquest to Conquest Leaving Fire in his Wake. Those of us of a certain age can recall that there used to be His Excellency the President, Ngwazi Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda-Life President of the Republic of Malawi. If you missed out a comma, you got into serious trouble.

Again, the Life President bit turned out to have been overoptimistic because he was forced out of State House before he died.

Then of course there was a certain

Gambia’s president added a title to his name which translates as “conqueror of rivers”

embarrassment in Uganda; he had to be called: Field Marshall Dr Idi Amin Dada MC DSO CBE (Conqueror of the British Empire)-Life President of Uganda.

Once more, the Life President bit turned out to have been optimistic and he was chased out,

Ghana’s first president was the man who started the trend for presidents to add Dr to their title

much to the relief of everybody in 1979.

In Zimbabwe, state TV refers to: His Excellency, The President, Robert Gabriel Mugabe and Commanderin-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.

But at social events, ministers

often add: Patron of War Veterans, First Secretary of the Party and Chancellor of State Universities.

And even: Supreme Leader, First Citizen of the Nation, Honorary Black Belt and Professor of Diplomacy.

He remains in post at the age of

Malawi’s “life president” was forced out of office three years before he died

Her Majesty, Elizabeth II has “by the Grace of God” and “Defender of the Faith” in her full title, which is too long to fit in this caption

91 and continues to befuddle all his opponents.

The obsession with titles as I have pondered in previous columns, is not reserved for only our leaders, it seems to be an African disease. Or so I thought until a friend of mine

pointed out to me recently that it is not unlikely that it is something that we inherited from the British colonialists.

Indeed who else has all these Sirs, Dukes, Duchess, Baroness, Viscounts, OBEs, CBEs etc etc?

We have probably simply been trying to

The CBE in the letters after Idi Amin’s name stood for Conqueror of the British Empire

emulate them.

The official full title of the Head of State from which we got our independence is: Her Majesty, “Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms

and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith”.

Try matching that!

The Bridge Builder or even Conqueror of Rivers doesn’t quite have the same ring to it.

Source: BBC

His Excellency, The President, First Secretary of the Party, Head of State and Government, Commander-in-Chief of Zimbabwe Defence Forces remains in power

PAGE 26

Feature

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

Why is China’s female prison population growing?

Her long grey hair hanging down her back, Ding Yuxin wept in a Chinese courtroom last December. Following a one-day trial, she was sentenced to 20 years in prison for bribing government officials.

Ding Yuxin: Grey haired and weeping at trial

Chinese prisons do offer some education programmes

W

hen the verdict was announced, Ding wobbled on her feet and was steadied by security guards. Tears rolled down her face.

With only a primary school education, Ding Yuxin built an empire hinging on lucrative government coal and railway deals.

Many were secured by greasing palms, netting Ding more than $325m (£207m: €290m) in contracts.

She’s a particularly flashy example of a new kind of Chinese prisoner: a woman put behind bars for a non-violent crime. It’s an unlikely symbol of how China is changing.

Female prisoners on the rise Overall, the number of women held in Chinese prisons is soaring, up 46% in the last decade. That is in contrast to a 10% rise in the number of male prisoners, says Dui Hua, a US-based prisoners rights organisation.

Women comprise just 6.3% of China’s prison population. If trends continue, within five years, China will imprison more women than the United States, home to the world’s largest prison population.

China’s prison statistics are slightly misleading: they don’t include the estimated hundreds

of thousands of women being held in China; in juvenile detention, mandatory drug rehabilitation and forced education camps.

Even so, why is the number of women increasing so quickly?

“A major reason is that China is undergoing transition. In the past few years, we’ve seen an increase in non-violent crimes involving women such as drug trafficking and telecommunication fraud,” explains Dr Cheng Lei, deputy director of Renmin University’s Centre for Criminal Procedure and Reform.

China’s anti-corruption campaign is having an effect on prison populations too. More women are also being convicted of taking bribes, because the number of women working in the Chinese government has also gone up.

According to Dr Cheng, violent crime is not responsible for the increase in female prisoners.

“In the past, a lot of women in prison were victims of domestic violence and had committed crimes in relation to that,” Dr Cheng says.

“But that figure has stabilised.”

Life in prison Chinese prisons must take the growing number of women prisoners into account.

Prisons in China offer some benefits for prisoners that are unavailable in some Western countries, Dr Cheng says. Prison

guards are forbidden from shackling a woman who is giving birth, or keeping a small child behind bars with a mother who is serving a prison sentence.

However, Chinese prisons are also rife with problems.

The number of prisons serving women is quite low. On average, there is just one female prison for every Chinese province.

“It is difficult for family members to visit the prisons, since the family often has to travel a long way to reach the prison,” Dr Cheng explains. “A lot of China’s prisons are newly-built, and most of them are in remote suburban districts.”

Limited contact with family members was a key issue in a prison survey conducted by Professor Cheng in 2013. All prisoners commonly request more family meetings, but this issue is of greater concern for women, who are often the primary carers of their children.

Even when they can visit, glass barriers in prison meeting rooms often prevent parents from holding their children.

Simply put, many women behind bars are also mothers, prison researchers point out. It is this fact the Chinese authorities will need to consider as more women are deemed criminals.

Source: BBC

“

Even so, why is the number of women increasing so quickly?

China has one of the fastest rising women’s prison population in the world.

Chinese prisons must take the growing number of women prisoners into account.

Prisons in China offer some benefits for prisoners that are unavailable in some Western countries, Dr Cheng says. Prison guards are forbidden from shackling a woman who is giving birth, or keeping a small child behind bars with a mother who is serving a prison sentence.

PAGE 27

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

Defence

Military releases 182 Boko Haram suspects in Borno From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

T

he military yesterday released 182 Boko Haram suspects detained for alleged link with the insurgent group in northeast Borno state.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah while

handling over the suspects to the Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shettima at a military base, saying the suspects have been cleared by military authority.

“We have over 100 detainees who were suspected to have link with Boko aram. They are 100 men, 24 women, 40 underage boys and 18 children.They have been cleared, we have decided to

hand them over to the Borno state government.

“They have been thoroughly investigated and acquitted of any involvement in the activities of Boko Haram or connected with the group,” Minimah said.

The army chief was in Maiduguri for the army day celebration. He said the event was “to project achievements, capabilities and

prospects of the Nigerian Army” as well as boost troops fighting Boko Haram in the northeast states.

Governor Shettima while receiving the released detainees commended the military for respecting the rights of the suspects. He said government will assist the suspects to return to normal life.

Chief of Army Staff, General Kenneth Minimah

Nigerian Troops Recover Vehicle Loaded with Bomb

A

jeep full of Improvised Explosives Devises was among the weapons re c o ve re d b y t ro o ps conducting Cordon and Search Operations after suicide bombing attacks on Zabamari Muna near Maiduguri. The jeep along with 2 hilux vehicles being used by

terrorists were destroyed in the course of pursuit and encounter with a group of terrorists trying to escape after simultaneous attacks on targets in the communities Thursday and Friday.

A total of 6 suicide bombers had detonated themselves around the garage killing scores of people

while some people were also wounded. A soldier also died.

Military Explosives Ordinance experts backed by Police Bomb Disposal Units are continuing with vigorous search for any bombs that might have been hidden or left unexploded in the area.

Meanwhile, all other offensive operations of counterterrorist campaign against terrorists continuing in various fronts.

Additional deployment of men and equipment to enhance the scope of the mission both within the country and at borders are also continuing.

Insurgency: 1.4 million persons displaced in North East - Report

A

t least 1,385,298 million persons have so far been displaced as a result of insurgency and communal clashes in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa Gombe and Taraba according to June 2015 Displacement Tracking Matrix released by International Organisation for Migration in conjunction with National Emergency Management Agency.

The report revealed that Borno state has the highest number of IDPs with (1,002,688) followed

by Yobe (125,484) and Adamawa (113,437). Bauchi has (76,504), Gombe (16,984) and Taraba (20,501).

The report indicated that there was slight decrease in the number of IDPs compared to the last report released in April 2015 due to movements of return observed

on the ground, most especially in Adamawa State where the IDP population has decreased. In contrast, in Borno state the IDP population has increased since April 2015 and has reaching over a million.

According to the report, 92% of IDPs live with host communities while 8% live in camps or camplike sites. The survey further shows that 52% of the IDP populations are female and 48% are male.

Children of less than 18 constitute 56% of the IDP population and more than half of them are 5 years old or younger.

The report highlighted that, 95% of the displacement was due to the insurgency while 5% as smaller number was forced to leave their place of origin because of communal clashes.

Regarding needs and

assistance-received assessment, majority of the internally displaced persons mentioned food as their primary need while others mentioned shelter and employment. However majority declared that they have either received food and Non-food items or shelter assistance and small numbers have also indicated they have never received.

Vast majority expressed desire to return to their places of origin but security was the main condition and improvement of economic condition of their areas.

The Displacement Tracking Matrix program is being carried out to support the Nigerian Authorities and the humanitarian partners on the ground to undertake IDP assessments in a unified and systematized manner with the objective of establishing

a comprehensive profile of the IDP population and advising the humanitarian response.

The DTM activities are being implemented according to the methodology endorsed by stakeholders, the teams composed of members of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Nigerian Red Cross Society and International Organisation for Migration. Humanitarian partners on the field are also participating in the assessment on an ad hoc basis.

The project is funded by the Office of Disaster Assistance of the United States Agency for International Development and the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department.

Culled from PRNigeria

Over 600 Terrorists Killed as Nigerian Military Intensifies battle

E

ven as there is little information flowing from the military about their ongoing operations against terrorism in the NorthEastern parts of the country, several sources have confirmed to PRNigeria that over 600 Boko Haram terrorists must have been killed in the last one month while other insurgents are finding life extremely difficult.

A top security officer said: “While the terrorists have engaged in guerrilla tactics of using vulnerable girls and young men for suicide attacks on soft targets, we ensure that their fighters do not escape as they continue to meet their Waterloos in the hand of the troops.”

In their desperation to create fear among the citizens, the terrorists are now deliberately targeting remote villages where their former members who had renounced the sect membership were taking refuge. On the guerrilla tactics employed by the terrorists, the security source said “The major challenges we face is that of suicide bombers who might be operating with insiders within the communities. There is no way, as security personnel we can identify potential terrorists or suicide bombers from their faces or movements. Some of them look as innocent as new born babies.”

The Officer therefore urged the residents to muster the courage by exposing suspects, strange objects or movements to the relevant authorities. The source added that since the emergence of new administration of President Muhammadu Buhari no single territory in Nigeria is being occupied or proclaimed by the terrorists as their Caliphate even as their leaders are either being killed, captured or on the run.

One particular senior military source disclosed that “both the army and air force personnel are not relenting in the battle to rid the region of terrorism and are daily dealing ruthlessly with the enemies by killing them and destroying their vehicles, especially in Borno State.” It was however learnt also that relentless campaign against the Nigerian military by Amnesty International (AI) was a serious nuisance as it dampened troops’ morale. “Nonetheless, very senior officers and military psychologists have revved up their efforts in assuring combatants that AI reports were meant exactly to achieve that same negative objective of dampening morale and so, they must never allow the enemies of Nigeria to win”, a source disclosed.

The Nigerian air force continues to conduct their regular missions while soldiers conduct raids on suspected terrorist’s hideouts.

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

Agriculture Farm input:Kano to subsidize price of fertilizer at N3,500 K

By Doyin Ojosipe

ano state Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Nasir Yusuf Gawuna has revealed plan by government to purchase and distribute about 50,000 tonnes of fertilizer to farmers at subsidized rate.

Speaking during a courtesy call

by Kano state Farmers Association, Dr Gawuna said the plan was in a bid to assist farmers and relieve them of cost of farm input and further creating a way for them to benefit directly from the state government.

The Agric Commissioner, who disclosed that purchase of the

fertilizer was already approved by the state executive council also revealed that supply of 50,000 tonnes of fertilizer has since begun.

He said a bag of fertilizer which was purchased for N5,500 is to be sold to farmers at N3,500, adding that sale of the farm input will be done through various established wards.

In a the same vein, Kano state Wheat farm farmers have been advised to locate their various wards for purchase of the fertilizers as Government was no longer making use of the mobile method to contact them.

The state ministry of Agriculture and natural resources disclosed this in a statement made available to Peoples Daily.

It reasoned that there was not much time left as the rainy season has already begun.

“The fertilizer will be distributed directly to farmers at various wards in the state considering the urgent need to distribute the commodity as the rainy season has already set in,” the statement reads.

Bayelsa fertilizer company to generate 25% of Nigeria’s proposed 10M metric tonnes

By Doyin Ojosipe

D

eputy Managing Director, Bayelsa Development and Investment Corporation (BDIC) Mr Tam Alazigha has revealed the intention of the state government to site a $3.5 billion fertilizer and petrochemical project at Odioma local governs met area of the state.

Speaking with press men in an interview, at Yenagoa, Alazigha said the project was not only to ensure that farmers have fertilizer through out the planting season, but to also generate about 25% of the country’s annual domestic demand of up to 10 million metric tonnes.

He said,“This humongous project will ensure availability of high-grade fertilizer for farmers throughout the planting season and meet 25% of the country’s projected annual domestic demand of 10 million metric tonnes.

The BDIC is take up a 10% equity stake in the project.”

Alazigha also added that the project is expected to generate about 5000 metric tonnes of methanol, 2,200 metric to ones of Ammonia and 7,700 metric tonnes of Urea per day for both domestic and export markets.

Highlighting the benefits of the fertilizer plant, the director said the project which also include export of its products will advertise the state to the foreign world while creating job opportunities for Bayelsans. “the $3.5 billion Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical project at Odioma is expected to generate over $1.5 billion and employ about 30,000 Bayelsans”, he said.

Typical fertilizer distribution centre in the northern part of Nigeria

Rice production: CBN policy on importation stifles sale

S

ome rice dealers on Monday urged the Federal Government to introduce policies to regulate price of locally produced rice to make it more available and affordable.

According to them, the price of locally made rice is higher than those imported and this is partly responsible for the low patronage of home grown rice.

They spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos against the backdrop of the new foreign exchange restriction to rice importers by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

NAN reports that the CBN in

June banned official sale of foreign exchange to importers of certain goods, including rice.

The rice dealers said it would amount to contradiction for the FG to roll out policies that would discourage rice importation when the price of locally produced rice was higher than the imported ones.

Mr Uche Okonkwo, a rice dealer, said that his customers thought that the price of rice would drop after some days, so they decided to be buying in small quantities.

He said that to their disappointment, the price of the commodity had soared due to the inability of the importers to access

foreign exchange at the official rates.

Mrs Titilayo Ogundele, another dealer, said that before the CBN policy, a bag of rice was sold at about N7, 300, but had gone up to N8, 500.

“Governments should work on the price of Nigerian rice so that it would not affect the final consumers.

“We are experiencing low sales because of this policy on forex restriction.

“Home grown rice sells for N8, 900 per bag,’’ she said.

Mr Chukwuma Obi, a major dealer, said that they were used to selling one trailer of 600 bags of rice

within two weeks, but it was taking them one month to sell now.

“We are supposed to be busy selling but the market is dull.

Customers are finding it difficult to buy rice at the new price.

“If the new policy is to hold water, the FG should make policies that will increase the quality of home grown rice, and make it more affordable and available,’’ he said.

Another dealer, Mrs Kemi Afolami, urged the Federal Government to take proactive measures to stabilise price of locally produced rice as many Nigerian families relied on rice as their daily staple. (NAN)

Page 29

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

Agriculture Restoring agriculture as E mainstay of Nigeria’s economy

By Mbadiwe Okwor

conomists recall that agriculture remained the mainstay of the country’s economy before the discovery of oil in Nigeria.

They note that the discovery of oil affected agriculture so much that people played down agricultural activities to the detriment of the nation’s economy.

On the other hand, they observe that what is heartwarming is the new crave to return to the farms to once more move up the country’s revenue in the face of dwindling global oil fortunes.

According to them, this development, perhaps, informs the new focus on commercial agriculture with the establishment of different funds to revive some of the moribund agricultural programmes.

Some of the crops on focus are cocoa, cotton, oil palm, groundnuts, pineapple and food crops such as rice cassava and corn, among others.

They observe further that pineapple growing in commercial quantity was done by small-holder farmers who tried to meet local demands as it was not considered an export crop as at that time.

Pineapple farmers, however, note that the decision of Enugu State to collaborate with San Carlos Enterprises Ltd. to set up a pineapple farm has put Nigeria on the world map of pineapple growers.

The company, a joint venture between the state government and a private investor, is a Nigerian registered company.

Enugu State owns 40 per cent while the private investor, a Mexican, owns 60 per cent.

Mr Obiora Ugwo, the General Manager of the company, said it acquired 3,400 hectares of land from six communities in the state in 2012.

The communities are Agbudu, Ihe and Enyimba in Awgu Local Government Area; Ama Nkpunato and Achi in Oji River Local Government Area and Umabi in Udi Local Government Area.

Ugwo said that the company had only cleared 300 hectares of the land and actually planted pineapples in 250 hectares with each hectare holding 50,000 suckers.

He said that the company deployed more than 200 workers to the farm in the second quarter of 2013, explaining that 95 per cent of the workers was from the contributing communities.

He said that the farm started test-harvesting in October 2014 and started exporting to Europe in December.

The general manager said that the European market was very large, especially during the summer and that the company had been meeting the demand the customers.

He, nonetheless, observed that in the recent time, the company had not been able to clear new grounds in the acquired land because the original land owners became agitated over non-settlement of their compensation claims.

Ugwo said the land owners

Agricultural produce in commercial quantity

became restive when they realised the end of the immediate-past administration. ``They were afraid that a new government might not continue with the negotiations for the compensation,’’ he said.

A member of Ihe community in Awgu Local Government Area, who did not want his name in print, said the state government had refused to pay the compensation after a committee it set up concluded “enumeration of the valuables.

“We are not complaining about the land but they have to compensate us for our trees and crops they are destroying.

“They have done enumeration, we want our money because the new government will come and start all over again.’’

Ugwo admitted that the state government disagreed with the committee that enumerated the valuables and had not made payments to the land owners.

Some members of the community noted that before the end of the immediate-past administration, the Agbudu and Enyimba communities protested the non-payment of the compensations by marching to the State House.

They claimed that the state government allegedly lured them to open accounts with a commercial bank for the payment but that nothing was paid thereafter.

Irrigation on a typical rice farm

“

On the other hand, they observe that what is heartwarming is the new crave to return to the farms to once more move up the country’s revenue in the face of dwindling global oil fortunes.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

Feature

Page 30

B

ut the 50,000 or so people who live in this hilly district of small trading centres and scattered homesteads have been part of a high-profile aid initiative over the past nine years.

It is one of the locations across Africa chosen by the US economist Jeffrey Sachs to establish Millennium Villages - intended to be a model for accelerating the end of global poverty.

The Millennium Villages concept has been backed by the United Nations, preparing a string of summits this year as the world marks a transition from the Millennium Development Goals to broader and more ambitious Sustainable Development Goals.

The UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, says the Millennium Villages are “showcasing how effective an integrated strategy for education, health care, agriculture and small business can be”.

It is when you reach the ridge where Ruhiira’s main trading centre has developed that you get a sense of how the area is changing.

Clustered around a crossroads, there are now several small grocery stores, shops selling medicines, hardware stores and eating places.

There is a bar with a well-used billiards table on the veranda.

There are shops where you can draw money with a mobile phone.

And there is a co-operative bank with customers queuing up for loans but, for now, with all too little capital to meet the demand.

There was scarcely any electricity in this area a few years ago. Then solar power started to make an appearance and now the grid is extending into the area too.

A large water tank at the Ruhiira trading centre - fed by piped water shows progress, too, in the critical area of providing more people with access to clean and safe water.

Mr Sachs said that at the peak, the Ruhiira project was investing around $60 (£40) per person per year on health, education, water, sanitation, agriculture etc.

Ruhiira in numbers: Proportion of population living on less than $1 a day down from 58% to 10% from 2006-2011.

Improved access to clean water rose from 8% to 42%.

Proportion of births attended by skilled health workers up from 8.5% to 79%.

Fast-tracking development: A Ugandan village’s experience As you climb up the winding reddish-coloured gravel road to Ruhiira past endless dense plantations of matoke bananas - it can feel at first sight as if it is a world largely unchanged from when I was first working in Uganda close to 50 years ago.

Villagers are profiteering from the agric initiative

“

There was scarcely any electricity in this area a few years ago. Then solar power started to make an appearance and now the grid is extending into the area too. A large water tank at the Ruhiira trading centre - fed by piped water - shows progress, too, in the critical area of providing more people with access to clean and safe water.

Proportion of pupils who complete primary school has risen from 30% to 80%.

(Source: Millennium Village project) The funding is due to drop down to zero by the end of this year. But

School children enjoying quality education

Mr Sachs believes even modest resources, if very well directed, can make a “huge” difference.

But the Ugandan government is stepping up its spending in the area, with the help of some funding from Islamic Development Bank and they

are negotiating with other agencies.

Some people say they have seen far-reaching change in their lives during the period of the Millennium Village project.

Take Robert Nkunda, a 35-yearold farmer. He has been able to build a more substantial home and has wooden sheds for his livestock.

In the fields around he grows maize, bananas, coffee and beans. But he could have felt that he had no future in this part of Uganda.

“That is the reason I didn’t go far in education. But I worked hard to buy this land where I am farming.”

He hopes his children won’t forget the land.

In the past many children used to drop out of primary school - girls, in particular.

Nyakamuri primary school packs 580 children into its single storey classrooms - one of which is now a solar-powered computer room.

The head teacher, Florence Kakiiza, describes the everyday challenges her pupils face: “Most of them have to walk long distances,” she says. “They don’t have light to do homework

and most don’t have enough food at home.

“It is still a struggle but we are moving a bit on education… nearly every child is going to school.”

Ms Kakiiza says one of the biggest challenges in education now is to see more girls in impoverished rural areas like this going to - and staying in - secondary school.

“Most rural girls still drop out of secondary schools,” she says. “They get married when they are very young. They have many children from as early as 14.”

The Community Health Workers who now provide a “front line” of health care across the Millennium Village area include family planning in the advice they give to villagers as they do their rounds - on bicycles.

But where they appear to have had most success is in helping in the effort to bring down once notoriously high levels of child and maternal mortality.

They have modern technology on hand for this - carrying smartphones with a special app to feed in data when they visit a pregnant mother or a newborn infant.

The Ugandan government has been investing about $8 per person in the health sector of the country, says David Siriri, a development expert working for the government.

“We came with a proposal that we invest at least $30... If the government mobilised its resources and prioritised it well that money can be got”.

He said one thing already translated into policy at the national level is that the government is willing to pay more to doctors in rural, hard-to-reach areas.

This helps to keep them working there, and is already happening and paying dividends in Ruhiira, he added.

Critics of the Millennium Villages maintain they have achieved little in narrowing deeply rooted inequality, which is often exacerbated by the amount of land people have.

Project officials argue that they are showing the way to reducing inequality - and that progress is as much about changing mindsets as it is about aid.

The Millennium Voice radio station in Ruhiira airs villagers’ concerns and offers advice and help.

The Millennium Village projects have provoked much debate. They will clearly prove their value by whether their achievements are sustained and shared by everyone - and are taken up elsewhere.

Source: BBC

PAGE 31

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

NGO offers free facial surgery to 502 patients

A

n Abuja-based Nongovernmental Organisation (NGO), Cleft and Facial Deformity Foundation, has operated on 502 patients in across communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its adjourning states of Niger, Kogi and Nasarawa respectively.

According the Director of the NGO, Dr. Seidu Bello, who disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, the beneficiaries were out of over 800 patients that attended free cleft surgical outreaches from 2012 to date.

He said patients with facial deformities, such as facial clefts (Cleft lip and Palate), facial tumour and swellings and locked Jaw (TMJ Ankylosis) received free surgery from the foundation.

He explained that Cleft Palate refers to the opening at the roof of the mouth; it remains a challenge because even though not obvious, the patients can never speak well.

“It is advisable to repair before two years to allow for development of normal speech in children,’’ he said.

He said the outreach had experienced the drastic reduction of adult cleft in and around the FCT. “In the early stages of the outreach, adult cleft was predominant with an average of 14.2 years.

“At the last edition outreach in the FCT, apart from one isolated 30-year-old, the oldest cleft lip patient was three years.

“This brings Nigeria at par with the rest of the world where cleft surgery is essentially for the children,’’ he said.

Bello said the foundation is working towards the establishment of a Facial Deformity Care Hospital in the FCT for the surrounding states.

“The hospital aimed at providing free surgical care for the less privileged in the society and the well to do could also have access to quality modern care,’’ he said.

He said government alone could not solve all the problems of every Nigerian citizen, it is imperative therefore; those genuine private initiatives are encouraged and supported.

Bello lamented that the only hospital with facility that address cleft and facial deformity is NOMA hospital established in Sokoto by NOMA Foundation, which is a foreign based NGO. “Recent security situation in the country has crippled the activities in the hospital which is another wakeup call that we can’t rely on foreigners forever.

“I have visited the hospital and it is a sorry state for poor Nigerians that had to travel a long distance with uncertain appointment dates for the operation,’’ Bello said. (NAN)

Farmers working in a farm, yesterday at Jikwai, in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Motorists warned against ‘unwarranted clashes’ with VIO officers

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he Transportation Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration has decried the increasing disregard to the traffic rules and regulations by some motorists which has led to the many ‘unwarranted brushes’ with officers of its Directorate of Road Traffic Services otherwise known as Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO).

According to the Scretariat, the officers of the VIO and

other law enforcement agents have been mandated to strictly enforce all the FCT Traffic Rules and Regulations for the safety and security of residents in the nation’s capital.

This is coming against the recent protest by the painted taxi drivers in the FCT, demanding for scrapping of the VIO over what they perceived as high handedness of the officers in the discharge of their duties.

However, Head, Public Relations, Transportation Secretariat, Ifeanyi Ughamadu,

in a statement yesterday, said the taxi drivers demand was “uncalled for and amounts to sheer ignorance of the FCT Road Traffic Act, Cap 548, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (1990).”

Ughamadu restated that the FCT Traffic Rules and Regulations have not ceased to regulate the traffic operations in the Territory; hence the ban on Okada operation, restriction of mini buses and Keke NAPEP as means of public transportation within the Federal Capital City is still in force.

“The FCT Administration had created bus terminals, taxi ranks and bus stops at designated points across the city fir bus and taxi operators to pick and discharge their passengers and will not fold its arms and watch these operators flaunt the rules.

“The Transportation Secretariat therefore calls for the understanding and cooperation of all road users in our efforts to achieve a seamless flow of traffic and make the Federal Capital City a livable place for all,” the statement added

FCTA kicks off free health care week for women, children

By Stanley Onyekwere

I

n furtherance to its effort at bolstering the health, wellbeing and survival of women and children in Abuja, the nation’s capital, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), yesterday flagged-off the first round of July2015 Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Care Week (MCHCW), with the theme “A package for a lifetime of better health for the family.”

The exercise, which is being carried out through the FCT-Primary Health Care Development Board (PHCDB), is to last for 5 days (July 6 to 10), would simultaneously provide women and children in all the area councils of the FCT, with integrated life-saving services.

Speaking at the mini flag off ceremony of the July 2015 MCHCW, at Area 2 Primary Health Clinic, Garki, Abuja, the

Executive Secretary, FCT PHCDB, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, said during the week, the Board is going to carry out the several free health services and community awareness at various primary healthcare facilities across the six councils.

He noted that the emphasis has shifted from stand-alone vertical campaigns to a more integrated approach like the MNCH week, which exposes caregivers, and children to key interventions that improve health status, and enable them thrive through both the existing health system and outreach strategy.

“This round of the MNCH week will provide health facilities based activities like routine immunization against preventable diseases for children 0-11 months.

“Other package of care are Growth monitoring and promotion and food demonstration, vitamin A supplementation for

children 6-9months, deworming of children- 12-59 months, nutrition screening of children 6-59 months, birth registration, family planning services and hand washing demonstration.

“Also, there would be distribution of oral rehydration salts, long lasting insecticide nets to eligible mothers, in addition to focused ante natal care for pregnant women with iron folate as well as antimalarial administration,” he stressed.

He used the occasion to reiterate the urgency and need for all of us to embrace the programme, calling on members of the society to take up the role of MNCHW ambassador, to encourage and mobilise women, caregivers and children to health facilities, outreach and temporary fixed posts closet to them, to avail themselves the interventions provided for the week.

In the same vein, Director,

Public Health department, FCT Administration, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, said that the programme provides an ample opportunity to further create awareness on maternal, newborn and child health issues.

She called on the residents of the FCT to ensure that every eligible mother and child gets access to available healthcare in the Territory.

In a goodwill message, a representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Ferera Zakari, commended the commitment of the FCTA to increase access to life saving critical health care interventions, which have been shown to be cost effective, of high impact in the Territory’s health sector.

Highpoint of the event was the tour to the various intervention stands and delivery of care interventions packages to selected children by the dignitaries.

PAGE 32

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS ON ANY EMERGENCY Council endorses the useful phone numbers submitted by the security agents for easy access in case of any emergency on the metropolitan roads. Accordingly, the general public may easily Contact KAROTA for: Breakdown of Vehicle(s), Traffic Congestion, Accidents, and Illegal/Wrong Parking to kindly Call KAROTA through the following numbers on – 08091626747. Similarly, the State Police Command could be contacted on – 08032419754, 08123821575. In addition, the State Fire Service can be contacted on – 07051246833, 08191778888.

2nd KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL INAUGURAL MEETING 24th JUNE, 2015 (7TH RAMADAN, 1436AH) Kano State has indeed undergone unprecedented transformation in the last four years as evidently testified by the numerous mega physical infrastructural projects that dotted the landscape in addition to human capital development programmes that add value to the living standard of the people and propel the state to greater height and improved socioeconomic development. Equally important is the fact that all these were realized without any recourse to foreign or domestic loans, as is the case with other states, but through judicious utilization of funds, impressive boost in IGR and plugging of all leakages and loopholes through which financial resources of the state were frittered. With the assumption of the incumbent Governor, Dr.Abdullahi Umar Ganduje OFR, after his party’s resounding victory during the recent general elections, he pledged to consolidate on the phenomenal successes recorded so far by completing all inherited projects and initiating new ones.

This commitment has no doubt indicated that Gov. Ganduje and the immediate past administration are on the same page on the resolve to make Kano great within a very short period.

for the training of the 159 trainees and revalidation of the earlier approval of N9,791,925:00 granted at the Executive Council meeting held on 22nd January, 2015 but was not redeemed. The Council noted and approved both amount.

Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, OFR

b) Request for Funds for Ramadan Gesture to Six (6) Rehabilitation Centres The request was submitted by the Chairman of the Council, the Governor, inviting the Council to recall the age-long tradition of providing foodstuffs to rehabilitation centres in the state during the Holy Month of Ramadan to improve the condition of the inmates during the fasting period. These centres are Dorayi Rehabilitation Centre, Goron Dutse Remand Home, Old People’s Home, Shahuci, Kurmawa Prison, Goron Dutse Prison and Children’s Home, Nassarawa. The Council was requested to approve the sum of N2,400,000:00 for the purchase of 120 bags of rice for distribution to the six (6) social homes as part of the humanitarian gesture of the state government to the inmates. Approval was graciously granted by the Council.

During the sitting, the esteemed Council c) Request for the Ratification of approved the following memoranda presented As further testimony to these determined before it after exhaustive deliberations: Administrative Approval for the Provision efforts, the Kano State Executive Council of Take-off Grant and Monthly Overhead under the chairmanship of Dr. Abdullahi Umar a) Request for Funds for the Cost to the State Private and Voluntary Ganduje OFR, in its second sitting on 1st July, Retraining of 5th Batch of Graduates of Institutions Board 2015/14th Ramadan, 1436AH, deliberated on Kano Reformatory Institute, Kiru and The request submitted by the Chairman, many issues geared toward the development Revalidation of Earlier Approval for the the Governor, is for the provision of take-off of the state. The Governor in his opening Empowerment Package for the 4th Batch grant of N1,981,950:00 and monthly overhead remarks emphasized the need for proper The memorandum from the state Ministry cost of N1,120,000:00 to facilitate the smooth sanitation of public places especially health of Women Affairs and Social Development operation of the Kano State Private and facilities charging the management of all invited the Council to note the existence of Voluntary Institutions Board saddled with the MDAs to ensure adequate sanitation of their the Youth Drug Rehabilitation Programme responsibility of regulating the activities of the premises and warned civil servants against undertaken by the ministry through the Kano over 3,000 private and voluntary institutions laxity and other misconducts. Specifically, Reformatory Institute, Kiru being carried out spread across the 44 local government areas Audu Bako Secretariat was designated as a in batches by a consultant, Messrs Combat and of the state. However, the Council considered ‘Green Area’, to be maintained by the state General Services International. So far, four and approved the sum of N1,000,000:00 as Ministry of Environment as Ministry of Water (4) batches of the rehabilitation programme take-off grant for the Board.

Resources was directed to provide at least two have been successfully executed culminating (2) boreholes to water the vegetation while in the graduation of hundreds of former drug d) Request for Funds for the Renovation Refuse Management and Sanitation Board addicts who received treatment, basic skills and Furnishings of VIP Guests Chalet at (REMASAB) should open an office to take acquisition training, counseling and advanced Central Hotel, Kano care of the general sanitation of the secretariat training at ITF Skills Acquisition Centre, The memorandum is from the Ministry complex. He also emphasized the need to Kano. Under the fifth batch, 159 youth are of Works, Housing and Transports seeking explore more sources of internal revenue currently being trained and they will be the approval of the Council for the release generation to enable the administration meet graduated at the end of this month. of N5,105,942:10 for the renovation and the yearnings and aspirations of the teeming To this end, the ministry requested the furnishing of the chalet owned by the state people of the state.

Council to approve the sum of N12,720,000:00 government within the premises of Central Contd on Page 33

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

Hotel, Kano to provide decent accommodation to its VIP guests. In view of the urgency of the project, the Ministerial Tenders Board at its sitting recommended the award of the contract at the cost of N5,105,942:10. The Council considered and ratified the administrative approval for the award of the contract to the construction firm at the quoted cost. e) Request for Funds for the Revalidation of Approval in Respect of Teaching Skills Programme (TSP) This request is from the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) inviting the Council to reconsider the earlier stepped down memorandum in respect of the Teaching Skills Programme (TSP) in view of the relevance and validity of the programme which is a tripartite commitment between UBEC TPD Fund, ESSPIN and the State Government.

UBEC (TPD Fund) and ESSPIN have already honoured their respective commitments while that of the state government is being awaited.

Under the programme, 2,000,000 pupils, 16,085 teachers, 5,362 head teachers and 823 school support officers are expected to benefit. Already, the federal government has contributed N140,000,000:00 (TPD Fund), ESSPIN committed N150,000,000:00 for the printing of lesson plan booklets for classes 2, 3, 4, and 5 apart from consultancy fees, production of training manuals and cash contribution amounting to N41,000,000:00 while the state government will provide N61,000,000:00 under the tripartite arrangement.

In view of the above, the Council was invited to consider and approve the revalidation of the earlier approval granted for the release of N61,000,000:00 to the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to enable it execute the project which approval was readily granted. f) Request for Funds for the Procurement of One 18-Seater Bus for the Established Independent Communication Network For Security Agencies The Council was invited to refer to Council Extract dated 26th May, 2015/8th Sha’aban, 1436 AH conveying approval for the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to provide one 18-seater bus to the Committee on Independent Communication for Security Agencies in the state following which quotations were obtained from two reputable companies for the supply of the vehicle. The Council approved the release of the sum of N8,600,000:00 for the supply of the 18-seater bus. g) Request for Funds for the Conduct of the 2015 Drainage Clearance Exercise The Ganduje administration has accorded great importance to environmental sanitation culminating to declaring a week-long sanitation exercise tagged ‘Keep Kano Clean Campaign’, immediately after assuming office last May. The submission of this

PAGE 33

memorandum by the state Ministry of Sarkin Tsafta ” State Chairman of Self-Help Groups Environment is a continuation of this laudable ” effort to ensure clean environment for a Commandant of Vigilante Group healthy citizenry. In order to avert flooding ” with the attendant loss of lives and property, Managing Director of REMASAB the Council was requested to approve the release of N39,613,519:45 to the Ministry of - Secretary Environment for the conduct of the exercise, UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES OF THE which the Council granted.

2ND EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SITTING ` h) Request for Funds for the Conduct MONTHLY SANITATION EXERCISE of the Three Rounds of Polio Immunization Council noted the successful conduct of Plus Days (IPDS) Campaign The state government has not wavered in the last Saturday, 27th June, 2015 monthly its commitment and zeal to wipe out polio sanitation exercise with commendation to virus and improve the quality of health care all stakeholders who contributed towards delivery in all the nooks and crannies of the success of the exercise. Council urged Kano State. This memorandum from the state all contractors/companies handling road Ministry of Health requesting the Council to construction projects in the State to provide approve the release of N18,147,000:00 for free services of their plant (vehicles) at every Polio Immunization Plus Days Campaign to subsequent monthly sanitation exercise within be conducted between July and September, the metropolis as part of their corporate social 2015 is a continuation of this commitment. responsibility.

The Council graciously approved the amount BRIEF BY COUNCIL MEMBERS requested.

ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THEIR i) Request for Funds for the Payment MINISTRIES Council noted the briefing made before it by of Outstanding Bonus for Technical Crew and Players of Kano Pillars Football Club the newly appointed Commissioners as they The darling team of Kano State, Kano assumed duty at their respective ministries.

Pillars FC, has made history by clinching The briefing was centered on the outcome the National Premier League in three of meetings with Directors at the ministries consecutive seasons due to the policy of the and familiarization visits to parastatals under state government toward sports development. their supervision highlighting problems, Likewise, Kano Pillars Basketball Club challenges and possible ways forward. has brought glory to the state thanks to the UPDATE ON THE ON-GOING government’s unceasing financial and moral OF RING support. In order to maintain this enviable CONSTRUCTION position in the national football scene, the TYPE DRAINAGE SYSTEM AND AT EIGHT Ministry of Information, Youth, Sports and INTERLOCKING METROPOLITAN LOCAL Culture requested the Council to approve the (8) release of N41,054,600:00 for the payment GOVERNMENT AREAS Council noted the progress so far on the of outstanding bonus for technical crew and players of the club as well as honour other on-going construction of Ring Type Drainage commitments which the Council readily System and Interlocking at the eight (8) Metropolitan Local Government Areas with granted approval. appreciation, details of which are as follows:POLICY ISSUE The Council approved the setting up of a 13-member Committee to map out modalities for a monthly sanitation and provision of awards to the Best Performing Local Government Areas as well as recruitment of “Dakarun Tsafta” with the following composition: Hon. Commissioner of Environment - Chairman Hon. Commissioner for Local Government - Member Hon. Commissioner of Water Resources ” Hon. Commissioner of Health ” Hon. Commissioner of Women Affairs ” Hon. Commissioner of Information ” PREPARED BY: Representative of KNUPDA ” COUNCIL AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE, Representative of Hisbah ” OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE Representative of the Emirate Council STATE GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KANO. - ”

PAGE 34

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

Money Sense

How to buy a new phone: The CNET smartphone buying guide (II)

By Jessica Dolcourt and Brian Bennett

Many phones; such as those from HTC and Microsoft (formerly Nokia); ship with fancy image processors, that promise high image quality, plus the horsepower to drive the camera and auto focusing systems faster. The end result is nimble shot-to-shot times with minimal shutter lag.

Optical image stabilization is becoming increasingly important for phones, too.

Samsung’s Galaxy Note 4 and the iPhone 6 Plus are two that include the physical component for steadier, clearer photos.

With the rise of social network sharing, front-facing cameras are more important than ever before. In addition to seeing higher-resolution topside cameras, vendors are also concentrating on more software dedicated to the art of selfies. The HTC Desire Eye and Sony Xperia C3 even come with a flash.

Key consideration points Screen size Large screens (5 inches or greater) martphone are getting bigger, that part is undeniable.

A 5-inch screen (measured diagonally) used to be considered massive, but on today’s sliding scale, that’s at about the bottom of the Big Phones bucket. Even Apple has gotten into the “phablet” game with the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus. A 6.4-inch device is the largest we’ve seen, but most people consider the 6-inch Google Nexus 6 and Nokia Lumia 1520 to be about as large as they’d really want to palm.

S

Medium screens (4.5-4.9 inches) Phones in this middle category are more portable, but also tend to be more midrange, like the 4.5-inch HTC One Mini 2. One benefit: phone owners can grip with one hand while their thumbs comfortably reach all portions of the display.

Small screens (under 4.5 inches) Thanks to the increasing number of gargantuan Smartphone hitting store shelves, compact cell phones are a shrinking segment of the mobile handset market. That said some people still place portability highest on their list of phone features. Unfortunately, options are slim. Most phones in this size category are entry-level

Apple’s iSight camera improves year after year, though its megapixels remain at 8. The iPhone 6 Plus has optical image stabilization besides. CNET

Smartphone or feature phones with low screen resolutions, like the straightforward 3.2-inch Pantech Vybe.

Processor The beating heart of any phone is its processor, or CPU. It provides the computing power to churn through various tasks, like opening and running applications. A fast processor also has a big impact on overall

performance, such as how smoothly a phone handles flipping through menus and running home screens.

Traditionally, clock speed, listed in gigahertz, has been the quick way to judge CPU power. These days a chip’s architecture, specifically how many computing cores it has, is becoming a more reliable predictor. Another factor is that older processors tend to use less efficient designs, making them worse performers while being harder on batteries than their newer counterparts. We talk more about processors below.

Camera A phone’s camera quality depends on a whole host of variables. More megapixels will always sound better on a fact sheet, but we know some good 8-megapixel cameras that take better photos than a bad 13-megapixel shooter.

Also important are the lens quality, which could aid the sensor by exposing it to more light. The sensor itself might also offer a lower pixel count, but be more sensitive to illumination, resulting in better performance in lowlight conditions.

Battery If your cell phone battery conks out, all the snazzy features in the world won’t be able to help you. Manufacturers have begun to recognize the critical importance of battery life and are squeezing greatercapacity batteries into their phones. Typical phone batteries start in the neighborhood of 1,700mAh and go all the way up to 3,500mAh. Manufacturers list battery performance in terms of talk time, standby time, or how many hours you can expect a device to perform tasks such as playing video and music.

Wireless carriers Choosing a wireless carrier is a less difficult prospect than it used to be, with more phones sold across carriers and the higher prevalence of contract and contract-free options. Still, it requires a lot of time and math to puzzle out exactly which operator offers you the best deal. It’s worth the time.

That said, when selecting a carrier, first on your list of criteria should be coverage.

You’ll want a carrier with decent coverage in your home and at work, and all the places in between.

Figure out if you’ll be sticking to urban centers or trekking through rural areas often. Perhaps you won’t even leave your home neighborhood much or, conversely, you plan on doing plenty of international trips. With your wireless usage in mind, settle on a carrier that offers broad coverage.

Alternatively, you may be

satisfied with a regional carrier that covers a limited area.

Feature deeper dives Want to know more about some of the features mentioned above? Read on for a deeper analysis.

Mobile networks and 4G data The wireless network technology at the backbone of your Smartphone is a veritable alphabet soup of acronyms and industry buzzwords, and you could spend an eternity studying how cellular infrastructure is built and works. Here’s a basic overview of what you need to know.

CDMA CDMA stands for code division multiple accesses, but more importantly it’s a method by which cellular radios transmit and receive voice and data.

This standard is found mostly in America and to some extent Asian countries such as Japan and Korea. For example, major US carriers that use wireless networks based on CDMA are Verizon and Sprint.

GSM GSM, aka the Global System for Mobile Communications, first referred to in French as Groupe Special Mobile, is a standard created for use in Europe. GSM then spread to other corners of the world, with carriers operating GSM networks across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. It’s the most widespread. The two technologies are incompatible, so phones locked to CDMA networks won’t work in GSM areas, and vice versa.

Page 35

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

International Syriza’s lies and empty promises international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

ANALYSIS

By C J Polychroniou

I

n his televised address to the nation just a few days before yesterday’s so-called bailout referendum, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras appealed to voters’ emotions and their national pride and urged them to say “No”. In turn, he assured them that he will personally find a solution with Greece’s creditors, even though he failed to do so after five months of non-stop negotiations.

Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis continued in the same vein, promising a better deal within 48 hours if the country votes against the bailout package proposed by the eurozone officials on June 25, although he resigned (or was asked to resign) the day after the referendum in an obvious attempt on the part of the Tsipras’ government to send a conciliatory message to Brussels and Berlin.

Apparently, political rhetoric worked its magic again with Greek voters as the “no” vote prevailed by a very wide margin in a ridiculous referendum over a proposal that was no longer on the table and while the bailout programme had already expired.

Master of lies Indeed, in so doing, Greek voters seem to have forgotten that the Syriza government has evolved into a master of lies and deception.

At the June 22 euro summit, the leftist Greek government submitted a proposal that was very much in line with the logic of the infamous troika’s bailout programme , although both Germany and the IMF still found it “insufficient” and placed demands for more blood and tears.

In addition, a few days after the decision for a referendum had been made, the Syriza government sought to get approval for a new two-year bailout programme, in exchange for 29 billion euros ($32bn), only to be turned again by the eurozone’s hegemon, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel stating rather laconically that there can be no further talks before the referendum.

But this is typical of how the Syriza-led government has been approaching negotiations with Greece’s creditors for the past five months: defiance one moment and capitulation the next.

The latest gimmick of the Tsipras’ government, ie, to call a referendum, was made so the government would not collapse as many of its own MPs had stated that they would not support an agreement with the creditors that reinforced austerity and antisocial policies that have shrunk Greece’s GDP by more than 20 percent in the last five years, raised unemployment rates to stratospheric levels (over 25 percent), lowered standards of

Political rhetoric worked its magic again with Greek voters, writes Polychroniou.

Greece’s Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis

living significantly, and brought the public healthcare system to its knees.

So what happens next? Will the Greek government be able to reach an agreement with its creditors as quickly as Tsipras and Varoufakis believe, or have the odds of a systemic risk default (Greece has already failed to make a 1.5 billion euro - $1.7bn - payment to the IMF) and a Grexit increase dramatically because of the “No” vote?

Uncharted waters Indeed, while Varoufakis was telling Greeks that an agreement with the creditors could be clinched in a day or two following a “No” vote, a few hours before the referendum he was hinting that the government is getting ready to face

war-like situations.

But as already noted, lies and deception are Syriza’s main tactics since it came to power in late January.

The truth of the matter is that the outcome of the referendum has put Greece and the eurozone in uncharted waters.

The ECB, which convenes today to take note of the latest developments in Greece, is highly unlikely to increase Emergency Liquidity Allowance (ELA) limits for Greek banks, which are already on the verge of collapse, but it is also most unlikely that it will make a decision to pull the plug on the Greek banking system so quickly.

Either way, Greek banks are expected to remain closed this week, thereby intensifying the

agony for millions of depositors and bringing the economy under greater pressure.

The “No” vote will also strengthen the hand of those who prefer to see Greece out of the euro - and that includes primarily German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble.

The Greek government’s belief that a “No” vote will force Europe’s leaders to become “softer” towards Greece reflects a journey into selfdelusion, thus making the Syriza government not only thoroughly incompetent but also dangerous.

If the pseudo-leftist government in Athens was serious in its desire to put an end to the five-year-old ordeal of the Greek nation caused by the austerity-driven dogma behind the bailout programmes, it would have called a referendum on whether or not Greece should remain in the eurozone.

As things stand, if the creditors continue to play hardball with the Tsipras government after the referendum, and Greek banks collapse, the transition to a national currency is simply inevitable.

However, the process of setting up a new currency could take months, and the Syriza government has no such plans in place, which means the Greek people will experience unspeakable pain and suffering, particularly the poor, the working class and the most vulnerable segments of the population.

Referendum as experiment Indeed, indicative of how dangerous this government really is, one of its own MPs assessed the banking situation in Greece, where capital controls are in place,

limiting withdrawals to 60 euros ($66) a day, as one which is in the process of being “stabilised”, and then went on to say that it will become even more stable as Greeks “get used” to the current situation.

In turn, the Greek minister of productive reconstruction, environment, and energy did not hesitate to describe the referendum that just took place as an “experiment”.

Yet, an uglier truth is that Greece is in a real a mess and even debt restructuring will not be enough to get its economy going again. Aside from facing a severe competitiveness problem and mass unemployment, its pension system is on the brink of collapse.

In addition, Greece is a country with a uniquely rapidly ageing population while many of its best and brightest young people are leaving.

The country also needs to undertake deep reforms in its public sector institutions whether it stays in the euro or returns to a national currency.

These are issues and problems which any government would have to face regardless of its ideological orientation, and surely will not be solved on account of Sunday’s referendum.

C J Polychroniou is a political economist/political scientist who has taught and worked for many years in universities and research centres in Europe and the United States.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial policy.

Source: Al Jazeera

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

Page 36

International

Kenyans to Obama: ‘Spare us the gay talk’

Zimbabwe elephants flown to China

says it has too many elephants - unlike in some other African countries

A

t least 20 elephants from Zimbabwe have arrived in China after being flown there from the capital, Harare.

They were sold for around $40,000 (£26,000) each after their controversial capture last year.

The sale has raised money to help run the Hwange National Park and also slows the growth of the elephant herd, Zimbabwean officials say.

There are concerns elsewhere in Africa that poaching may lead to elephants becoming endangered.

The capture of the animals was criticised by the Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force (ZCTF) last year.

In a statement it said that the elephants would be “sentenced to a life of inhuman treatment”.

ZCTF chairman Johnny Rodrigues added that the transported elephants were between two-and-a-half and five years old not old enough to be weaned.

The elephants are due to be taken to the Chimelong Safari Park in Guangzhou, southern China, which is home to 20,000 rare animals,according to its website.

Zimbabwe’s Environment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere defended the sale to Bloomberg news agency, saying that “there is nothing irregular with this export, this is part of elephant conservation”.

There have been concerns that Zimbabwe’s growing elephant population was threatening the vegetation in the Hwange National Park and damaging the crops of nearby human settlements.

The authorities have said that exporting the animals is a better than a cull.

But the ZCTF disputes the official figures for the elephant population and has called for a scientific census before any more elephants are transported.

Kenyans, some of whom are members of a Christian lobby group, protest against homosexuality in Nairobi on Monday. Online, several have been urging President Obama to avoid talking about gay rights when he visits the country later this month.

P

resident Obama is likely to have a packed agenda when he visits east Africa later this month, but Kenyans are already using Twitter to advise him on what he should - or shouldn’t - be discussing. #KenyansMessageToObama is trending in the country, with nearly 3,000 tweets in just a few hours Monday morning. One prominent topic of conversation is gay rights. “Spare us the gay talk,” one user comments, while another tweets: “That gay vibe should remain in America.”

Last month the US Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage is legal across the country, a decision that was hailed by Obama

- although he had expressed opposition to gay marriage in the past. More broadly, Obama has used previous trips to Africa to urge governments to decriminalise homosexuality. Gay sex is illegal in Kenya, and punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Anti-gay activists held a protest in Nairobi on Monday morning. Most of the messages mentioning gay rights under the #KenyansMessagetoObama tag are anti-homosexual, but a few Kenyans do offer an opposing view.

“Gays are part of our society,” one says, “we need to give them some space.”

Gay rights, while a popular topic of discussion, isn’t the only

suggestion for the official visit.

Several encourage the US president to try local delicacies, for instance a type of sausage: There were more than a few jokes at the expense of a lawyer who plans to offer 50 cows, 70 sheep and 30 goats as a bride price for Obama’s elder daughter, 17-year-old Malia.

“Owing to increasing demand of Kenyan men on Malia,” tweets Nathan Murgor, “You’re advised to have her keep you company.”

Litein is a small town in western Kenya - this mocked-up ID card shows the surname of Felix Kiprono, the lawyer who says he’ll ask for Malia Obama’s hand in marriage

But a number of more serious issues are also suggested. “Avoid Kenyan politicians,” advises one activist. Others decry the fact that neglected roads will be spruced up for the occasion. “Kindly visit every county so that there can be beautification and cleaning everywhere,” tweets @jacksonjaxo. “#KenyansMessageToObama hash tag reflects a popular African trend,” laments Martha Rose. “Clean house only because visitors are coming.”

And one of the most retweeted messages is an apparent reference to the frantic pace of construction in the Kenyan capital. “When you land, ask to use Jogoo Rd,” said@ Ma3Route. “Mombasa Rd will give you false impression.”

Moroccan women in Inezgane court over dress

T

wo women have gone on trial in Morocco for obscenity after wearing skirts during Ramadan thought

to be indecent.

The two were arrested in Inezgane last month, after a market trader drew attention to

People protested outside the court ahead of the court case.

what they were wearing and a crowd gathered round, reports say.

An internet petition calling

the arrest an attack on personal freedom has attracted thousands of signatures.

There was controversy in May when a Jennifer Lopez performance in Morocco was considered “sexually suggestive”.

The two women, 23 and 29, are being tried under an article in the penal code which says that anyone found guilty of committing an act of “public obscenity” can be jailed for up to two years.

The trial is to continue into a second day, but the judge has already indicated that there was a procedural problem with the case, suggesting the two women may be released.

Page 37

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

T

he jubilant young man’s arrival brought an abrupt halt to the card game contested by the turbaned group sitting under the tree.

He thought he had good news for them: “I’ve been blessed with a baby girl!” he announced proudly.

The response was not what he expected - the group’s shock quickly turned to ridicule.

“Why didn’t you get her killed in the womb?” came the collective cry. “Did you not get a gender determination test done on the foetus?”

Such a test is illegal in India, but this reaction - discovered during an undercover investigation by Al Jazeera in the village of Bibipur - is a reflection of prevailing malechauvinistic attitudes in the country.

The deep-seated cultural preference for sons has skewed India’s 1.2 billion population’s gender demographic, particularly in the western states of Haryana, Rajasthan, and Punjab.

In Haryana’s Jind district, where Bibipur is located, the sex ratio is 871 females per 1,000 males, compared with the national average of 940, according to the 2011 census.

It has prompted men from these areas to hunt for brides in impoverished regions such as West Bengal and Bihar, and even as far away as Kerala in the south.

But it hasn’t changed their attitudes: Even the brides brought in are forced to abort their baby girls, thus perpetuating the cycle of imbalance - as in Bibipur.

One of the cardplayers - whose own conservative family had broken strict social norms and bought him a teenage bride from West Bengal due to the scarcity of girls in

International

Female foeticide, India’s ‘ticking bomb’

I

In India, daughters are often seen as a burden because tradition requires that a bride’s family pay the groom’s family a large dowry of cash and gifts.

Haryana - was quick to boast about his experience with female foeticide.

“My wife was already three months pregnant when we got to know about it,” said the 40-year-old, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals.

“We immediately got an ultrasonography test done on her.

Reports suggested that it was a baby girl, but the doctor refused to

abort the baby, saying that it could endanger the life of both the mother and the baby,” the cardplayer said.

Undeterred, the man’s family and friends gave him “a list of doctors and clinics in Haryana and Rajasthan where hassle-free abortions are done”.

The next stage involved fooling the 19-year-old wife into thinking she was going to a distant relative’s

wedding in Jaipur.

“We took her to a predesignated clinic in the city,” explained the husband.

“Since it was not possible to abort the baby, the doctors put a pill in her genitals. In the morning, the game was over as my visibly shaken wife confirmed the news that the ‘bits of the baby’s body parts came out while passing urine’,” the man said.

Iran nuclear talks: John Kerry says ‘hard choices’ needed

U

S Secretary of State John Kerry says “hard choices” are needed if a deal over Iran’s nuclear programme is to be made by Tuesday’s deadline.

Mr Kerry warned that the two sides were “not where we need to be on several of the most difficult issues”.

His Iranian counterpart said “still nothing is clear”, as ministers were set to continue talks in Vienna.

Six world powers and Iran extended the deadline to Tuesday, after missing an earlier self-imposed cut-off point.

Speaking to reporters in the

Austrian capital on Sunday, Mr Kerry said a deal was still possible.

Media captionThere are still several issues to reconcile before a nuclear deal can be reached Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said that “some differences remain and we are trying and working hard”.

EU’s foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini agreed that the atmosphere at the talks was “constructive, positive”.

The so-called P5+1 group - the US, UK, France, China and Russia plus Germany - wants Iran to scale back its sensitive nuclear activities to ensure

that it cannot build a nuclear weapon.

Iran, which wants international sanctions that have crippled its economy lifted in exchange, has always insisted that its nuclear work is peaceful.

Sticking points are still reported to be how sanctions are lifted and the amount of nuclear capability Iran is allowed to keep.

On Friday, Mr Zarif said that Iran was ready to strike a deal and negotiators had “never been closer to a lasting outcome”.

But in a video message he also called for an end to “coercion and

pressure” at the nuclear talks.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say on all Iranian state matters, last week rejected some key demands of the P5+1, insisting Iran would only dismantle its nuclear infrastructure if the sanctions were lifted first.

The deadline for reaching a comprehensive agreement on Tehran’s nuclear programme has already been extended from 30 June.

Once agreed, a deal has to be reviewed by the US Congress before President Obama can agree to lift US sanctions.

Teen’s death highlights Israel abuse of West Bank youth

I

n the living room of the alKasba family home, a large commemorative poster occupies an entire wall, depicting the portraits of two boys against a faded background of Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque.

It says that Yasser and Samer alKasba, 12 and 16, were killed 40 days apart from each other during the first year of the second Intifada.

This is where women have now gathered to mourn the death of their younger brother,Muhammad Hani al-Kasba, 17, shot dead last Friday morning by a senior Israeli army officer near the Qalandia army checkpoint separating Jerusalem from the current seat of the Palestinian government, Ramallah.

The Israeli military issued a statement saying that Israel Shomer, an army commander identified by the media reports to have shot the Palestinian teen, fired warning shots in

Asia & Middle East Syrian children paint life in Saddam’s Kurdistan prison

the air before aiming at the teen.

Two bullets hit his abdomen and face, Dr Assef Jawadeh of the Palestinian Medical Centre in Ramallah told Al Jazeera.

Qalandia refugee camp is part of the Jerusalem municipality, but because it lies on the West Bank side of the separation wall, many residents have West Bank IDs and can only cross the checkpoint with permits.

Because of his young age, Muhammad wouldn’t have qualified to cross. But near the town of al-Ram, locals say there is a shaky ladder that many climb.

At the beginning of Ramadan, Israeli authorities eased restrictions on movement for Palestinians.

Earlier this week, however, hundreds of entry permits to Jerusalem were revoked due to a spate of recent attacks, which, since the start of Ramadan, has left two Israelis dead.

Two other Palestinians were killed in the same period by Israeli security forces at checkpoints.

Israeli military spokesman Peter Lerner told Al Jazeera that the case is undergoing a military police investigation. But an Amnesty Internationalreport published last year said these investigations lack transparency and are “neither independent nor impartial”.

Between September 2000 and June 2013, only 16 investigations into cases of alleged excessive force by Israeli military personnel resulted in the indictment of Israeli soldiers.

The recent closure of a case involving the death of four boys playing football on the beach during the Gaza war last year, without any indictment, sparked an international outcry.

According to data provided by the UN Office for the Coordination

of Humanitarian Affairs, 299 minors were injured by live ammunition last year, excluding the summer war.

In the West Bank, teenagers may face arrest without warning, military courts, and physical violence at the hands of the Israeli forces. According to the DCIP, 500 to 700 children each year are arrested and come into contact with the Israeli military detention system in the West Bank.

Children and minors are reported to suffer the most physical violence during the first 24 to 48 hours in military custody, arrest, and interrogation.

Over half of the arrests take place during raids on homes in the middle of the night. Children are routinely blindfolded and have reported being beaten, insulted, and threatened with rape.

They are often made to sign documents in Hebrew, a language they do not understand.

n a dimly lit room with high ceilings and no furniture, the brightly coloured paints, spattered onto Soleen Smael’s T-shirt and jeans, look out of place. She is describing the murals that she and other children have painted onto the walls of the refugee camp they live in since they fled Syria with their families two years ago.

The room that Soleen lives in with her family used to be a prison cell that, under former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, was part of a complex that held political dissidents. Soleen fled ISIL fighters’ advances with her family and 14,000 other Syrians from Qamishli in northern Syria, to Akre in Iraqi Kurdistan.

They have found a temporary home in the town’s former prison, nestled beneath the mountains between Erbil and Dohuk. Iraqi Kurdistan is home to more than 2 million displaced Iraqis and Syrian refugees, according to UNHCR. Every Friday, Soleen and at least a dozen other children who live in the old prison, now known as Akre refugee camp, gather in the midday sun to paint bright murals onto the drab walls of the former prison where more than 240 Syrian families share the cells.

Lucy Tyndell, from New Zealand, is the programme manager of Castle Art, an Erbil-based NGO that began supporting the children’s artwork at the camp in April 2014.

Tyndell says the project’s goals are twofold: To improve the atmosphere of the camp and support the children’s artistic expression. “At our very first session, the students brought drawings they had already done. Twothirds of their pictures were of death and destruction, people being shot, just horrendous scenes,” recounts Tyndell.

Volunteer Valeria Bembry says Castle Art children are encouraged to bring original designs each week to paint on the camp’s walls. “They are sort of given homework, so they produce some drawing and then when we show up on Friday, they show the drawings to us, then we pick a wall, find the paint, and say ‘get to it’.”

In the year that the children have been painting their designs, swaths of the camp’s walls have been covered.

“I wanted to see how big we could go, how big the kids could express their ideas. And when you say to one of the kids, ‘You know this is actually your sketch,’ taking up an entire wall, they’re really taken aback,” Tyndell says.

Castle Art does not identify as an art therapy project, but the designs on the camp walls are a testament to the children’s experiences as refugees and their shared memories of Syria.

Even before the ancient Syrian city Palmyra fell to ISIL in May, the project had begun designing a huge rendering of the city, which would showcase the city’s tall columns and the surrounding scenery as the children remembered it.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

Page 38

International

Records smashed as Europe’s heatwave continues

T

his European summer could end up witnessing the continent’s third significant heatwave of the century, following on from 2003 and 2006.

On Monday, the heatwave continues in much of Europe, with high temperature warnings issued in Poland, Hungary, Switzerland and the province of Cordoba in Spain.

There will be a resurgence of heat into northwest Europe later this week.

Last Monday, June 29, Madrid’s

G

reek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis has resigned after Greek voters delivered an overwhelming “No” vote in a referendum on whether to accept more austerity measures in return for new bailout cash.

In a statement published on his personal blog on Monday, Varoufakis said he was stepping down to allow Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to reach a new deal with European creditors.

“Soon after the announcement of the referendum results, I was made aware of a certain preference by some Eurogroup participants, and assorted ‘partners’, for my … ‘absence’ from its meetings; an idea that the Prime Minister judged to be potentially helpful to him in reaching an agreement,” Varoufakis wrote on his blog.

“For this reason I am leaving the Ministry of Finance today.

“I consider it my duty to help Alexis Tsipras exploit, as he sees fit, the capital that the Greek people granted us through yesterday’s referendum.

And I shall wear the creditors’ loathing with pride.”

Al Jazeera’s John Psaropoulos, reporting from Athens, said the decision to step down was expected and not a surprise.

“Many times since he took office in January he’s said that he’s not in it for the long haul, he said that he’s not a politician, he’s a technocrat, an academic,” Psaropoulos said.

The announcement came as European Union leaders scrambled for a response on Monday, following the overwhelming “No” vote in Sunday’s referendum.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande were expected to meet in Paris on Monday, after calling for an emergency eurozone summit in a

international Airport reported 40C, a first for June in records dating back to 1945. Cordoba, in southern Spain, reached a sizzling 43.7C on the preceding day.

Last Wednesday, the temperature at London’s Heathrow Airport nudged 36.7C - a July heat record for anywhere in the UK. Meteo-France says three French locations chalked up all-time highs last Wednesday, records that have already been reset in at least one of

the previous 21st century heatwaves.

In Boulogne-sur-Mer, 35.4C beat the previous record of August 11, 2003 (34.8C); in Dieppe, 38.3C beat the previous record of July 19, 2006 (37C); and in Melun, 39.4C beat the previous record of August 12, 2003 (38.9C).

The 2003 European heatwave led to the hottest summer on record in Europe since at least 1540.

This heatwave was the first extreme weather event to be attributed

to the human influence on the climate, with research suggesting it was made more than twice as likely because of climate change.

The 2006 European heatwave arrived at the end of June, mostly in central and northern countries. July 2006 was the warmest in Poland since the beginning of meteorological measurements in 1779. The UK Met Office declared that the extended summer of 2006 was the hottest summer ever recorded in Britain.

Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis resigns phone conversation after the result of the vote became apparent on Sunday.

EU President Donald Tusk said that the summit would be held on Tuesday, according to the AFP news agency.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker - who had said a Greek “No” would be “no to Europe” was expected to speak to the European Central Bank (ECB) and eurozone finance ministers on Monday.

Martin Schulz, the president of the European parliament, told Al Jazeera that the “No” vote had created a difficult situation, but the will of the Greek people must be respected.

“Ordinary citizens, pensioners, sick people and children in kindergarten should not pay a price for the dramatic situation ... therefore, a humanitarian programme is needed immediately,” Schulz said.

“I hope that the Greek government will, in the next few hours, make meaningful and constructive proposals, allowing that they are meaningful and possible to renegotiate. If not, we are entering into a very difficult and even dramatic time.”

Greek voters overwhelmingly rejected international creditors’ tough bailout terms, sparking fears that the cash-strapped nation was on its way

out of the euro.

Voters had been asked on Sunday whether to accept or reject the country’s multibillion euro bailout deal with the EU that called for more austerity in exchange for rescue loans.

Figures released by the interior ministry showed the final tally at 61.31 percent voting “No” and 38.69 percent voting “Yes”. Participation stood at 62.5 percent.

Thousands of pro-government supporters cheered and hugged each other in central Athens in celebration, although some other Greeks expressed pessimism that Tsipras would be able to deliver on his promises.

Francis chose to visit Ecuador, Bolivia and Paraguay because they are among the poorest nations in South America

Pope Francis begins South America trip in Ecuador

P

ope Francis has arrived in Ecuador, in his first visit since becoming pope to the Spanishspeaking part of South America, bringing a message of solidarity with the poor in the region, while trying to rally his church amid dwindling numbers.

Francis, history’s first South American leader of the Catholic church, arrived in the capital Quito at 19:40 GMT on Sunday for a weeklong tour of the continent, which also includes stops in Bolivia and Paraguay.

Crowds had begun gathering on Sunday morning along the route from the airport to the papal nuncio’s residence, where Francis will be staying.

More than a million Roman Catholics are expected at mass in Quito on Tuesday.

Francis, already seen by many as “the pope of the poor”, chose to visit Ecuador, Bolivia, and Paraguay specifically because they are among the poorest and most marginal nations of a region that claims 40 percent of the world’s Catholics.

He is skipping his homeland of Argentina, at least partly to avoid papal entanglement in this year’s presidential election.

Francis had previously visited Portuguese-speaking Brazil in 2013.

Falling world prices for oil and minerals in Ecuador threaten to fray the social safety net woven by President Rafael Correa, who has been buffeted for nearly a month by the most serious anti-government street protests of his more than eight years in power.

While in Ecuador, Francis will also be forced to confront a sex

abuse scandal which has tainted the church, said Al Jazeera’s Lucia Newman, reporting from Quito.

Dr James Hamilton, one of the sex abuse victims, told Newman that the church’s punishment of paedophiles is an insult.

Francis is also likely to raise environmental concerns with Correa and the leader of Bolivia who have promoted mining and oil drilling in wilderness areas - given his recent encyclical on the need to protect nature and the poor who suffer most when it is exploited.

In that document, Francis called for a new development model that rejects today’s profitat-all cost mentality in favour of a Christian view of economic progress that respects human rights and safeguards the environment.

In a video message on the

eve of his departure, Francis said he wanted to bring a message of hope and joy to all “especially the neediest, the elderly, the sick, those in prison and the poor and all those who are victims of this ‘throwaway culture’.”

Francis’ other stops will include a violent Bolivian prison, a floodprone Paraguayan shantytown and a meeting with Bolivian rubbish pickers, the sort of people he ministered to in the slums of Buenos Aires as archbishop.

Crowds are expected to be huge.

While the countries themselves are tiny compared to regional powerhouses like Brazil and Argentina, they are fervently Catholic: 79 percent of the population is Catholic in Ecuador; 77 percent in Bolivia; and 89 percent in Paraguay, according to the Pew Research Center.

Europe and Americas

Calls for Australian constitution racist clauses to go

A

senior Australian Indigenous leader has called for racist clauses in the nation’s constitution to be changed.

Pat Dodson said on Monday there was no point introducing constitutional recognition for Indigenous people unless those changes were made.

Politicians met with 40 Indigenous representatives in Sydney to discuss potential changes to the constitution.

Indigenous Australians are not mentioned in the Australia’s founding document.

However, two so-called “race provisions” allow the states to disqualify people on the basis of their race from voting, and allow laws to be made based upon a person’s race.

Mr Dodson - a highly respected Indigenous leader from Western Australia who has won the Sydney Peace Prize - said constitutional recognition for Indigenous Australians would not be worth pursuing if a non-discrimination clause wasn’t added to the constitution.

“These are complex moral and ethical issues for some people but I don’t think we should be discriminating against anyone in this nation, and certainly not against Aboriginal people,” he told reporters.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has pledged to hold a referendum in 2017 that could see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people recognised as the first Australians.

Opinion polls show there is widespread community support for the change.

However, there is still disagreement over the wording of any amendments.

Dozens of people protested outside Monday’s meeting and said the participants did not have the authority to represent all Indigenous communities.

Mr Dodson said protections against discrimination needed to be strengthened.

“Two hundred years of discrimination is about as much as we can bear, quite frankly,” he said.

Other leaders have expressed concern that any changes would be purely symbolic.

Mr Abbott and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten hosted Monday’s meeting.

“Today was not a day to rule particular things in or out,” Mr Abbott said later.

He said the next step would be to hold a series of community conferences later this year where the public could have their say on proposed changes to the constitution.

An Ipsos Fairfax poll released on Monday showed 85% of Australians were in favour of a clause being added to the constitution to recognise Australia’s first people, up from 77% in 2013.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

Page 39

Strange World

Purr-fect for a catnap: Owners snap cute pictures of their moggies sleeping in miniature beds made for dolls

O

wners snap adorable pictures of pets as they sleep in miniature beds.

Craze started in Japan but has got worldwide following. Dolls beds come from Ikea and cost as little as £16 including bedding It’s the new cat-napping craze that is proving the ultimate in creature comforts for pets.

Felines across the globe have been kicking dolls from their beds so they can slumber in snug surrounds.

Owners have been taking photographs of their contented pets as they snooze in the pintsized beds, intended for children’s toys.

The Ikea furniture seem the purr-fect size for moggies who

can sprawl out until their heart’s content.

The cute series of pictures show three cats on bunk beds and another of an overweight tabby called Sam, looking very relaxed as he casually hangs a paw over the side.

Adorable Sue and Larry are pictured with their beds together, lying side by side under their own mismatching blankets.

The beds measure approximately half a metre and come complete with bedding from furniture giants IKEA, with prices starting from £16.

Beware they could leave other pets feeling like they are in the dog house.

Are you awake? These two cats have a rest in their doll beds, lying side by side

Comfortable: A cat looks incredibly relaxed as it lies on its little bed, complete with checkered blanket.

Adorable Sue and Larry are pictured with their beds together, lying side by side under their own mismatching blankets

Unsure: This feline looks set to pounce as it lies on the blue bed sheets while accompanied by two rats Three storey: These three moggies look content with their choice of bunk in this adorable picture

Adorable Sue and Larry are pictured with their beds together, lying side by side under their own mismatching blankets

Page 40

Digest

By Richard Gray

T

here are few things more restorative than a refreshing walk in the country air, but there may be a surprising explanation for why this makes us feel healthier - it is slightly poisonous.

Professor Michael Moore, a toxicologist at the University of Exeter and the Plymouth Marine Laboratory, has developed a new theory for why a ramble through the woods or along the coast can be good for us.

He claims that the country air is filled with a plethora of particles and chemicals released by plants, fungi and bacteria, which may help to prime our bodies’ natural defences.

He says phytochemicals – compounds that produce colour or strong tastes or flavours in plants and algae - can be toxic at high concentrations, but exposure at low levels can be beneficial.

Writing in New Scientist, Professor Moore said: ‘During the course of human evolution our ancestors were exposed to a legion of phytochemicals, through inhalation and their diet.

Air pollution is linked to a higher risk of stroke and is also associated with anxiety.

Scientists at Edinburgh University recently analysed 103 observational studies covering 28 countries and looking at gaseous pollutants including carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and ozone.

The results showed an association between carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide (1.4% per 10 ppb) and stroke-related hospital admissions or death. The weakest association was found for ozone.

In addition, particulate matter - made up of particles in the air such as dust, pollen, soot and smoke - were linked with hospital admissions or deaths.

The first day of air pollution exposure was found to have the strongest association.

A second study also found exposure to particulate matter was linked to a higher risk of anxiety.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

Why a dose of country air is good for you

A walk along the coast, like that above, brings more than simply an escape from the pollution in a city centre, according to toxicologist Michael Moore. He says it exposes our bodies to low levels of toxic compounds released by plants and algae, which can trigger repair mechanisms to help improve the way our bodies work

‘In fact, exposure to low levels of these toxins can be beneficial due to the mild stress they induce, which triggers repair mechanisms and enhances tolerance to bigger doses – an effect known as hormesis.’

His theory may help to explain why walking in the countryside can have such a radical impact on mood and health in people.

While man-made pollution, such as car exhaust fumes, can cause a range of health problems including increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, biologists have never been able to satisfactorily explain the Professor Moore suggests it may even be possible to ‘bottle’ some of the benefits of green countryside like that above by pumping natural phytochemicals into our homes, offices and shopping centres.

For most a walk in the countryside can simply be a way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, but recent research has suggested it may be beneficial to our immune systems and lower levels of stress.

The new theory suggests biochemicals in the country air may also be acting to make us feel healthier

boost a walk in the country can provide.

Recent research has shown that people living in coastal locations take much more exercise than those inland.

Other findings have shown walking in the country can lower blood pressure and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol compared to walking in the city.

It is also thought that pollution can interfere with the way the immune system responds, making inflammation more likely.

Professor Moore said urban areas also lack the diversity of biologically derived molecules and this may also help to explain why the countryside can have such a beneficial effect when we go there.

He believes that phytochemicals may play a role in inhibiting a biochemical pathway known as mTOR, which controls many aspects of cell function and growth.

He claims they can also alter other key biological pathways that play a role in monitoring

energy levels in cells.

Together with colleagues at the University of Exeter, Professor Moore plans to study the effects of exposure to low concentrations of phytochemicals in mice in an attempt to prove his theory.

He said some airborne phytochemicals are already known to interact with cell signalling pathways to cause hypersensitivity in the immune system and airborne algal toxins can induce asthma.

He said: ‘Take a stroll by the ocean or in the woods, and you can smell the difference compared to a town or city. It’s more than just a lack of pollution.

‘What you are sensing is an airborne plethora of particles and chemicals produced by plants, fungi and bacteria.

Outlining his theory in the journal Environmental Research, Professor Moore said if the theory is supported by data it might prompt urban planners to rethink the amount of green space they offer inhabitants.

He added: ‘Is it possible to effectively “bottle” the benefits of natural green-blue space?

‘Perhaps this could be facilitated by adding natural phytochemicals to aerosols in the home, and in large public spaces such as shopping malls, theatres and cinemas.’

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

SporT 41 Page

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

>>>Pg 42

sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

>>>Pg 46

USA win third NFF may face a Women’s World dance of absurd Cup title after Japan after Keshi’s sack defeat

>>>Pg 43

Nani signs for Fenerbahce

Why NFF must probe Taye Taiwo’s national team call-up allegation

By Albert Akota with agency report

T

aiye Taiwo blossomed into the national scene in 2005 as a member of the Flying Eagles team that won the Africa Youth Championship that held in Cotonou, Benin Republic that year.

He was named a member of the team that took part in the World Youth Championship now FIFA U-20 World Cup in Netherlands same year. The team placed second behind Argentina. Shortly afterward, he was invited into the Super Eagles where he was capped 54 times.

Since losing his place in the team shortly before the 2010 World Cup, he has remained in limbo.

But last week, he caused a stir when he said that players pay their ways to the national team, though exonerating himself from the dastardly act.

“Unlike others, I didn’t offer gifts to the Nigeria coach to be selected,” he told Football Africa 365.

“Unfortunately, it’s still happening.”

Former Super Eagles coach, Clemence Westerhof, in 2013, caused uproar when he alleged that players bribed their way into the national team.

He made the allegation in an interview, saying, those players who did not merit a place in the team got call-ups after giving money to the selectors.

“We had a situation where we had the wrong people in the wrong places, even in the (Nigeria) FA. “We had cases where players paid $15,000 to the coach and say ‘I want to play for the national team’ and the coach would accept. They bought their way into the national team and it was an unbelievable situation. I know these things,” Westerhof said.

Even before Westerhof made his allegation, Coach Adegboye Onigbinde, who coached the team to the 2002 World Cup in Japan, was believed to have rejected a $30,000 offer from a player’s agent for a player who later made the team to the 2010 World cup in South Africa.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Learning FC of Bukuru Jos, Mr. Emmanuel Dabo charged the management of the Nigeria Nation-wide League (NNWL) to brace up to the challenges which last matches of the season pose.

Dabo in an interview with nigerianationwideleague. com over the weekend in Jos, commended the management of the NNWL for a well organised league that will come to an end this week.

Learning FC is currently topping division one D 2 table with 14 points in eight matches, while Yarmalight FC of Gombe is second with 13 points but with a game in hand. A win for Yarmalight FC in it last game away to Zebgai in Baucchi will guarantee them one of the promotion slot, but a draw or outright loss to Zebgai will give Learning FC an automatic promotion slot.

Mr. Dabo however, is confident that his club will pick the available promotion slot, saying that Zebgai Fc is one of the strongest side in the group therefore, cannot afford to lose the game to Yarmalight who became second in the table as a result of a walk over of TEAP FC last week in Gombe.

Meanwhile, the battle for promotion and relegation would be up amongst the entire groups in division one of the NNWL later this week.

Taye Taiwo

Wilkie backs Murdoch for Rio 2016 success >>>Pg 44

PAGE 42

Sport

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

NFF never trust Keshi, says Amiesimaka

A

former Green Eagles winger, Adokiye Amiesimaka said that he was not surprised at the removal of Coach Stephen Keshi because the current Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board never believed in him.

Amiesimaka said in Port Harcourt that the termination of Keshi’s two-year contract because he applied for the Ivorian job, would not come to many Nigerians as a surprise.

“It is clear that the moment he was employed and after winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, it was obvious they did not want him.

“Keshi was not wanted by the NFF. After winning the cup, Keshi ran into different problems with the federation.

“Some top NFF officials made it clear that they wanted a foreign coach; they were merely looking

for excuse to throw him out,” he said.

Amiesimaka, a former Chairman of Sharks FC of Port Harcourt, said it could have dawned on Keshi that his employers did not want him.

“I saw it coming, Keshi should have seen it coming, I am sure other Nigerians too should have seen it coming, he was never their choice,” he said.

On Shaibu Amodu as replacement for Keshi, Amiesimaka said the same Amodu was removed in the past because he lacked technical depth.

“Amodu qualified the country twice for the World Cup in 2002 and 2010 and was sacked for a lack of technical expertise.

“I believe Amodu is not the real choice, I think they will prefer a foreign coach. Let’s wait and see how things will go,” he said.

Why I dropped Iheanacho from Olympic qualifiers- Siasia explains

Stephen Keshi

USA win third Women’s World Cup title after Japan defeat

C

arli Lloyd became the first woman to score a hattrick in a World Cup final as she inspired the United States to a 5-2 demolition of defending champions Japan.

The United States, winners in 1991 and 1999, became the first nation to win the crown three times and avenged their loss to Japan on penalties in the 2011 final.

Lloyd, 32, scored a 13-minute hattrick opening with her first after just three minutes on the pitch at Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium with the second coming two minutes later, and her third after 16 minutes.

Yuki Ogimi got one back on 27 minutes for the Asian champions

with their second coming thanks to a 52nd-minute own-goal by US defender Julie Johnson, in what was the highest-scoring final ever in the women’s tournament.

It was the third meeting between the two teams in a major championship with the Americans winning the Olympic gold ahead of Japan in 2012, when Lloyd scored both goals in a 2-1 win.

Wearing the captain’s armband Lloyd, who was one of three US players to miss a penalty in the 2011 final, got her first two goals from set pieces as she delivered a performance that saw her presented with the Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player.

Kelechi Iheanacho

By Albert Akota

D

ream Team VI chief coach Samson Siasia who released a list of twenty five players that would prosecute the Olympic qualifying match against Congo has stated unequivocally that Manchester City of England midfielder, Kelechi Iheanacho does not fit into his plans for now.

Speaking with newsmen in Abuja, Siasia however stressed that he has not ruled him out of the team completely but maintained that his services is not needed for the match against Congo.

He argued that he has invited the players he needed for the match which he said would complement those who have been in camp with him all the while.

‘The fact is that i do not need Iheanacho in this team for now.

He does not fit into my game plan and so there is no need inviting a player that i do not have need of.

‘But if he had come on his own just like some of the players did maybe, he would have played himself into the team. Maybe after we qualify for the Olympic i may deem it necessary to invite hm.

But he is still in my plan for the future,’ Siasia said.

On why he dropped Dele Alampasu, Siasia noted that it was not because of the outcry from some section of the public who said the player has been clubless, but because the player failed to meet up with the deadline which he gave for all the U-20 players to report to camp.

Golden Ball to Lloyd

To euphoric chanting of ‘USA, USA, USA’ from the 53,341 fans in the packed stadium, Holiday got a third just before the quarter hour mark with a volley after a weak defensive header from Azusa Iwashimizu.

Japan coach Norio Sasaki said he had tried to warn his players of the danger posed by midfielder Lloyd, who was playing up front alongside Alex Morgan, but his shouts were drowned out by the crowd.

Veteran Christie Rampone, at 40 the oldest player in the tournament and the only player remaining from the 1999 squad, came on for the last five minutes of the contest.

Sport

Page 43

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

Nani signs for Fenerbahce Liverpool in high race to sign F Arsenal, Spurs target Christian Benteke enerbahce have announced the signing of Nani from Manchester United.

The Portugal international arrived in Turkey to undergo a medical with a view to finalising a deal after the Super Lig side had agreed a fee with the Red Devils.

And the club have now confirmed that they will unveil the 28-year-old winger as an official Fener player on Monday at 17.00 CET at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, inviting fans and press to attend the ceremony.

Nani spoke of his joy at the prospect of playing in Istanbul after he was met at the airport by a large group of fans.

“I see this as a new opportunity in my career. This is an opportunity for me to show myself. I want to be successful.

Nani, who spent eight years at Old Trafford, was on loan at Sporting Lisbon during the 201415 season, making 27 Primeira Liga appearances.

B

Nani

Liverpool expect new Manchester City bid for Sterling - report

L

Raheem Sterling

iverpool are expecting Manchester City to come back with a third bid for Raheem Sterling this week as they look to resolve his future before embarking on their preseason tour of Asia, sources said.

City’s owners had given the green light to make a third bid in the region of £50 million to finally convince Liverpool to sell Sterling after seeing two previous bids rejected for the England international.

Liverpool are reported to be holding out for £50m for the England international, who has no plans to sign a new deal and wants to leave Anfield.

The 20-year-old is due to report for preseason training at Liverpool’s Melwood training ground on Monday.

City is keen to make advances in a potential deal as soon as possible to prevent Sterling Liverpool is also keen to resolve the matter ahead of the new season and, while they will only sanction a departure on their terms, they could now decide to sell to allow them to pursue a move for Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke.

Liverpool have already made a number of signings this summer, including James Milner, Danny Ings, Roberto Firmino and Nathaniel Clyne

rendan Rodgers will this week match the £32.5million buy-out clause in Christian Benteke’s Aston Villa contract to continue his summer spending spree.

Liverpool is set to meet Christian Benteke’s £32.5m release clause Rodgers took the number of new signings at Liverpool to six last week when he paid Southampton £12.5m for England international right back Nathaniel Clyne.

And he shows no sign of letting up with Villa’s Belgium international the next player he wants to arrive at Anfield.

Benteke, 24, has scored 49 goals in 101 appearances since arriving at Villa Park from Genk for £7m almost three years ago.

He has since emerged as a

target for Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool - who are set to win the race with Benteke setting his heart on a move to Merseyside.

Liverpool have struggled to replace Luis Suarez since he moved to Barcelona last summer and Rodgers believes Benteke could provide the goals they’ve lacked since then.

Benteke is poised to be Rodgers’ seventh summer signing and takes Liverpool’s spending past the £80m mark.

Roberto Firmino James Milner, Danny Ings, Joe Gomez, Adam Bogdan and Clyne have already completed moves to Merseyside.

Meanwhile, former Reds defender Glen Johnson is in talks with West Ham over a return to Upton Park after he was released this summer.

Roma lead Chelsea in race to land Baba

I

talian giants AS Roma have reportedly jumped in front of the race to land the much-talked about Ghana defender Baba Rahman.

Italia has reported that Roma director Walter Sabatini has outbid Chelsea with an improved €2.2million per season wages for five years to land the left-back from German Bundesliga side Augsburg.

The English champions who all along have been favourites to land Baba are reported to have offered €400,000 less (€1.8m) in wages.

Both clubs however still fall short of Augburg’s demands. The Germans had initially placed a minimum €20million price tag on the Ghana international but are now reportedly said to want €5m more.

According to reports, the Stadio Olimpico side have made an offer of €18million including bonuses to Augsburg while Chelsea’s bid is said to be €15million.

Baba who recently turned 21 has four years left in his contract with Augsburg.

Benteke

Inter Milan criticises Fiorentina after Mohamed Salah transfer link

F Baba Rahman

iorentina have disassociated themselves from remarks made by one of their directors after he criticised Inter Milan for making an approach for Mohamed Salah, who has declined to return to Florence next season.

The Viola sent Salah a letter by recorded delivery last week, reminding him that he is contractually obliged to join them for preseason training on July 13.

That was after their offer to improve his wages for the duration of the final 12 months of his loan spell was rejected with the player’s agent saying he has no intention of returning to Florence.

An argument broke out between the Serie A club and Salah’s agent about where the Egyptian will be playing next season.

Meanwhile, Inter Milan and Roma have both been linked with a move for the winger, who is contracted to Chelsea.

Fiorentina responded with a statement published on their official website, distancing themselves from Panerai’s remarks.

Salah published a tweet on Sunday evening which appeared to be aimed at Fiorentina fans for their support during the second half of last season.

Sport

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

Page 44

Wiesberger beats Morrison to emerge French Open

B

ernd Wiesberger finished three shots ahead of England’s James Morrison to become the first Austrian winner of the French Open.

The 29-year-old carded six birdies - including five in six holes on the front nine - in a final round of 65.

Morrison’s four-under round of 67 on Sunday left him two ahead of overnight leader, South African Jaco van Zyl. German former world number one Martin Kaymer ended his round with a double bogey to finish fourth on seven under.

Italian Francesco Molinari carded a par final round of 71 to

finish among a group of players on four under, along with England’s Andy Sullivan.

Home favourite Victor Dubuisson, who began the day four shots off the lead in fourth, had a disappointing final round, dropping four shots, including a double bogey on the 18th and a triple bogey on the seventh to finish two under.

Sunday was all about Wiesberger, who began with three pars before the threat of lightning forced a delay of an hour.

The two-time European Tour winner birdied five of the next six holes to reach the turn in 31 and move into a four-shot lead.

Britons

Wilkie backs Murdoch for Rio 2016 success

F

ormer Olympic champion David Wilkie is tipping fellow Scotsman Ross Murdoch to win a medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

But he thinks London 2012 silver medallist Michael Jamieson will find it tough to make the British team.

Murdoch beat hot favourite Jamieson to the 200m breaststroke gold at last year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

“I think it mentally destroyed Michael for a while and he had to go away and take stock and work out where he wants to be,” said Wilkie.

There was disappointment for both Murdoch, 21, and Jamieson, 26, at April’s British Swimming Championships in London, with the former third and the latter sixth in the 200m breaststroke final.

Murdoch did, however, make the GB team for next month’s

World Championships after finishing second to a world record time from Adam Peaty in the 100m event.

But Jamieson signalled a return to form by beating Murdoch to win the 200m title at last week’s Scottish Championships.

Wilkie, 61, also picked up the 100m silver medal in 1976, adding to his 200m silver from the 1972 Games in Munich.

Langford set for WBO Intercontinental middleweight title

B

Bernd Wiesberger

Higgins beats Gould to retain title at Australian Open

J

ohn Higgins secured his 27th ranking title with a 9-8 win over Martin Gould in the Australian Open

final.

The dramatic victory draws Higgins, 40, level with Ronnie O’Sullivan and to within one of Steve Davis’s total for ranking tournament wins. Fellow Scot Stephen Hendry leads the way with 36.

England’s Martin Gould, 33, playing in only his second ranking final, made a break of 138 in the 11th frame.

But Higgins held his nerve in

the decider to take the £36,000 prize.

World-ranked 26 Gould, also helped by a break of 101 in the third frame, led 4-2 before the pair reached the interval locked together at 4-4 with Higgins managing a 112 in the seventh frame.

The Scot, ranked 13 in the world, then took three of the first four frames in the evening session.

Gould hit back to make it 7-7 before the next two frames were shared with the Londoner taking it into a final frame.

irmingham-based boxer Tommy Langford hopes to move up the world rankings on Saturday when he fights for the WBO Intercontinental middleweight title.

Unbeaten in 12 professional bouts, the 25-year-old Devonian will go into the WBO’s top 10 for a world title shot if he beats Mexican

Julio Cesar Avalos.

The former Birmingham University student believes that it was leaving Devon that gave him his big break.

After a talented amateur career in Devon, Langford found himself sparring with Birmingham’s Frankie Gavin at a training camp at the age of 16, ahead of the 2006

Commonwealth Games.

He could not lay a glove on Gavin and resolved there and then to find out where he trained and start going there himself.

Langford, whose parents are both teachers, decided that his best way forward was to get his A-levels and apply to study at the University of Birmingham.

McIlroy sustains major ankle injury ahe4ad of Scottish Open

Rory McIlroy

W

John Higgins

orld number one and defending champion Rory McIlroy is a doubt for the Open after totally rupturing an ankle ligament playing football with friends.

The 2015 Open begins in nine days’ time at St Andrews in Scotland.

McIlroy, 26, wrote on Instagram: “Total rupture of left ATFL (ankle ligament) and

associated joint capsule damage in a soccer kickabout with friends.

A spokesman for McIlroy, who will have further scans on his ankle over the next 48 hours, said he has not yet ruled himself out of the Open.

McIlroy, who has won four majors so far in his career, was set to play in the Scottish Open this week in preparation for the Open.

He could also miss the chance to defend his US PGA

Championship title in midAugust.

McIlroy has had a mixed season so far, finishing fourth at this year’s Masters back in April, and joint ninth at last month’s US Open - both tournaments were won by Jordan Spieth.

He missed the cut at the Honda Classic in March, but won the World Golf Championships Match Play and the Wells Fargo Championship in May.

Sport

Page 45

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

P-i-c-t-o-r-i-a-l Usain Bolt, who missed the Paris meet through injury, also withdrew from the Diamond League race in Lausanne on 9 July because of a pelvic injury, but the 28-yearold says he will defend his 100m and 200m titles at Augustâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World Championships in China.

The second round of group stage fixtures for the 2015 CAF Champions League will be played this coming weekend, and African football fans will be wondering whether more surprises are in store from the premier continental tournament.

Lloyd, who plays her club football for Houston Dash, scores the second of her three goals

The winners of the pool containing England, Wales and Australia will reach the 2015 World Cup final, says ex-Wales centre Tom Shanklin.

Tennis experts analyse the Williams sistersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rivalry before their fourth-round match at Wimbledon yesterday.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

Sport

Page 46

NFF may face a dance of absurd after Keshi’s sack “Having thoroughly reviewed the reports/ findings of the NFF Disciplinary Committee and NFF Technical and Development Committee, as well as having reviewed the actions and inactions of Mr. Stephen Keshi, in the performance of his duties as Super Eagles’

Head Coach, which we found to lack the required commitment to achieve the Federation’s objectives as set out in the Coach’s employment contract.

“To this end and pursuant to the provisions of Clause 4.3 of the Employment Contract between Mr. Stephen

Shuaibu Amodu Amaju Pinnick

By Albert Akota

T

he Nigeria Football Federation played the joker that has been up its sleeve for a long time they sacked Stephen Keshi for a third time on Saturday night as the drama that began last year after the World Cup turned full circle.

There has always been insinuation that it was former President, Goodluck Jonathan, who acted as the coach’s Voltron but since the change in power in May, the knives have been out for the Auchi-born manager.

But many would not have been caught by surprise by the sudden pronouncement of the football house led by Amaju Pinnick.

Mr. Pinnick has never

been Keshi’s fan and the debacle that ensued before Keshi was finally given a two-year contract last month bears testimony to the fact.

Pinnick gave a damning verdict on Keshi at the World Cup in Brazil, when he had not yet ascended to the NFF presidency.

Hear him on an interview he gave on Channels TV after the Eagles 0-0 result against Iran. “I like Keshi as a person, but the Eagles run-up to the World Cup and their first game has proved to me that Keshi has reached his limit.

“He is a national hero.

I celebrate him for all he has achieved with the team in such a short time, but it appears he can’t move the Eagles forward unless he improves on his abilities.”

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as miss. odiah janet onyeayana now wish to be addressed as mrs. iwarere janet onyeayana. All former document remain valid. the general public should PLEASE take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as miss. mercy thomas kwada now wish to be addressed as mercy musa shalangwa. All former document remain valid. the general public should PLEASE take note.

That prompted the widely held belief that Pinnick was arm-twisted into offering a contract to a coach he did not believe in but like a Yoruba adage says – A person that they are looking to roast has gone on to rub palm oil on his body; Keshi simply offered the NFF board the leeway to get out of a contract they did not want to offer him in the first place.

Keshi was finally given a contract to sign on April 21 and at the signing ceremony, Chairman of the Technical Committee of the NFF, Felix Anyansi-Agwu, said Keshi was given the two-year contract without any undue pressure.

“We want Keshi to take the Super Eagles to new height, that’s why the executive committee, willingly, without any pressure, reappointed Keshi.”

“We have confidence in you Mr. Keshi and I’m extremely delighted to present Mr. Keshi to the nation,” Anyansi-Agwu added.

But just weeks after that, Pinnick, who became president of the NFF in September 2014 in controversial circumstances, said in another television

interview that Keshi would be severely punished if it was found to be true that he actually applied for job as Cote d’Ivoire manager.

And it all came to a head in the statement released on Saturday, July 4, to announce the sacking.

NFF Vice President, Seyi Akinwunmi, revealed that Keshi was found guilty of pursuing another job while at the helm of the Super Eagles.

The statement said:

Keshi and the NFF (The Contract) and the various clauses therein, the Nigeria Football Federation has decided to exercise its option to summarily terminate the employment contract of Mr. Stephen Keshi with the Federation with immediate effect.”

Akinwumi added that the decision was taken in the interest of Nigerian football.

Meanwhile Salisu Yusuf will take temporary charge

Stephen Keshi

of the team, assisted by the new head of the technical Committee, Shuaibu Amodu.

But one thing stands out: Going by Saturday’s development, Keshi may have finished his stint with the Super Eagles and may have become the most sacked manager in the country’s national team history.

However, the opera that is the Nigerian football house continues.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESday, JULY 7, 2015

Some Interesting Facts 1. In Singapore, it is illegal to sell or own chewing gum.

2. The shroud of Turin is the single most studied artifact in human history.

3. Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the U.S. treasury.

4. Every Swiss citizen is required by law to have a bomb shelter or access to a bomb shelter.

5. Pearls melt in vinegar.

6. The sperm count of an average male compared to thirty years ago is down thirty percent.

7. Leonardo Da Vinci never dated or signed his most famous painting, the Mona Lisa.

8. Babies start dreaming even before they’re born.

9. The odds of being born male are about 51.2%, according to the census.

10. Fried spiders taste like nuts.

11. Close to two million people who go to the hospital in the U.S. for one ailment wind up catching another.

Page 47

Leisure

12. Even a small amount of alcohol placed on a scorpion will cause it to go crazy and sting itself.

13. All babies are color blind when they are born.

14. Only 55 percent of Americans know the Sun is a star.

15. The USA bought Alaska from Russia for 2 cents an acre.

16. Nazi leader Adolf Hitler had only one testicle.

17. Earl Dean designed the bottle for Coca-cola.

18. All coffee is grown within 1,000 miles or the equator.

19. Smiling releases endorphins in the body, which makes people feel better.

20. When he was only 13, Johnny Depp lost his virginity to a girl slightly older than him.

Say what?

SUDOKU

SUDOKU EASY 264

SUDOKU SOLUTION 263

Buhari: The revert as democrat Contd from Backpage

F

or their personal selfaggrandizement, and at the expense of party unity and cohesion, a tiny minority of the APC got so brazenly self-destruct as to give a dying enemy-PDP a political kiss of life; it was like fellow men of God going behind the biblical David to give a dying Goliath cardiovascular pulmonary (mouth-to-mouth) resuscitation.

Just now you had the enemy hemorrhaging and about to die, and then all of a sudden a renegade one of you seditiously go behind to stop the bleeding and to restore the enemy back to life. You have to prepare to kill the enemy all over again!

And thanks to that, now the nimble-witted nitwits at the Wadata Plaza have suddenly got their political groove back; their Irish wolf, the notoriously un-

circumspect Olisa Metuh has suddenly found his howl again; and Jonathan -deep from beneath the prehistoric garbage compost that Buhari’s victory had buried him under, is now resurgent and was recently emboldened even to send an epistle of ‘good tiding’ with his usual signature of snake in the habiliments of a dove.

But on the whole what seems more monumentally ironic about the mutiny at NAS is that it now takes President Buhari –a recent convert to democratic ways of life- to lecture so called democrats about the democratic virtues of respect for party supremacy as against pandering to the cult of groups or personality. Isn’t it funny that it now takes a former dictator and so called subverter of the democratic liberties of men to tutor politicians about the primacy of ‘public good’ over and above ‘group’ or ‘sectional

interest’?

Suddenly it has to take a man trained all his life in the doctrines and the art of warfare to now teach so called high ranking politicians about the democratic necessity to conciliate whenever there is conflict; to ‘agree to disagree without being disagreeable’ and to uphold the democratic principles of dissent without dissension.

Thus you may ask is: how much forward have we moved, or how much backward have we retrogressed in this enterprise of our so called democratic learning process? Have we done well so far simply because our system has suddenly turned a soldierdictator into a reverent democrat, or have we done poorly so far because after over fifty years of theory and practice we still have to be taught by a soldier-revert to the democratic ways of life?

www.peoplesdailyng.com

. . . putting the people first

tuesday, july 7, 2015

QUOTABLE QUOTE We heard that pensioners petitioned EFCC about alleged mismanagement of N2 billion by former governor of Kano, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso. This is not true because Kwankwaso has no right to use pension money for any investment. . .

– The permanent member of the board, Alhaji Alassan

SPORTS Buhari: The revert as democrat latest

Fasting during Ramadan make me fit – Khan

A

mir K han insist s on training throughout Ramadan 30 consecutive days of fasting for 17 hours while eating and drinking only at night make him fit more.

Khan, who shot to fame as a 17-year-old by winning a silver medal at the 2004 Olympics, explains why he is confident of being in tip-top condition in time for what would be the biggest fight of his professional career.

Ramadan ends on 17 or 18 July that gives me enough time to finish Ramadan and then go into hard training. I’m very confident, I think that fight could definitely happen - I’m just waiting for that phone call.

As one of the five pillars of Islam, fasting is obligatory for all healthy Muslims - a test of patience and endurance whilst refraining from eating and drinking and sexual activity.

“If I get the big fight with Floyd Mayweather, I’ll be more than ready for it. Ramadan is not going to make a difference!”

Former light welterweight world champion Khan usually eats five meals a day, but during Ramadan he reduces that to only two.

Khan started fasting when he was eight years old, and believes his faith goes glove-in-glove with his sport.

“My faith drives me, gives me that motivation and that push.

I see a lot of people around the world, Muslims and non-Muslim who have a lot of belief in their faith. They’re the people who get far in life - if you have belief you can definitely get far.

Amir Khan

Advert: 0806 business: 0704 news: 0814 lagos: 0805 0803

‘IS THIS OUR DO-NOTHING CONGRESS?’ was a piece I wrote in the ‘MY TAKE’ Series way back in Dec 25th 2009. And even now it seems like a piece you could post for all the Parliaments Nigeria has been ill-fated to elect. I have used the first half of that material as preamble to today’s piece titled: ‘BUHARI: THE REVERT AS DEMOCRAT’:

Preamble uritan lawyer and twelvetimes Massachusetts Governor, John Winthrop was credited with the paraphrase of the biblical text which asserts that “A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid”. Said he about political leaders “the eyes of all people are upon us so that if we shall deal falsely with our God in this work we have undertaken….. we shall be made a story and a byword”.

This sermon came to be a source of moral suasion in American politics, deriving, as it did, from the metaphor of the elevated ground as an in-obscure spotlight and a conscience spot for those who aspire to lead society. President J F Kennedy and Ronald Reagan were said to have drawn frequently from the “city on a hill” metaphor in many of their speeches.

The morale is even more so for those who are conferred with the power of law-making because they are as well ‘political leaders’ as they are the ultimate ‘sovereigns’ in their own legislative rights. The legislature is uniquely positioned as the veritable Winthrop’s “City on a hill” which ‘cannot be hid’ because it is conceived to be the ground above all grounds; the board above all boards and without doubt even in the system of checks and balances, it is the veritable check of all checkers.

The legislature is the proverbial moral high ground atop which although even scum buckets can rise to, only men of noble character should reside.

The eyes of all people are upon the residents of this ‘hill-top’ so that if they deal falsely with God in the work which they have undertaken, they should be made a story and a byword.

And speaking about this arm, Ronald Reagan once said that “This institution –the legislatureis the lengthening shadow of all men and women who have…. voted to send representatives here.” Meaning that the elected representatives of the people are a proximate mirror of ‘the people’; they are to radiate the humble, servile disposition of ‘the people’ in and outside their chambers. It is in that -and not in the tallness of their pride or the sensitivity of their ego or yet in the brazen

TuesDAY Column Mohammed Adamu (08035892325 sms only)

dankande2@gmail.com

P

564 385 292 327 454

8620 9705 9046 1969 0344

President Buhari disdainment of public opinion to accomplish selfish ends- that they are truly ‘distinguished’ or ‘honorable’!

Talking about the high station of the legislature, Barbara Jordan, herself a former member of the American Parliament, once asked rhetorically “who can so properly be the inquisitors for the nation as the representatives of the nation?” But the question is: have our law makers ever been faithfully stationed on this ‘hill’; have they ever given a damn about “the eyes of people” upon them, let alone deal faithfully with God in “the work (that) they have undertaken” to be the true representatives of the people?

Never!

The most effective application of “power”, Arthur Burns wrote, is the power of moral example.

But we have always seen that collectively Nigerian legislators have always failed to demonstrate this power of moral example.

From the furniture allowance imbroglio of the Ghalli NASS to the many legislative inanities of past and current assemblies, Nigerians have come to believe that they are always stuck with legislatures that are unworthy of the moral high ground on which

they put them!

It is said that ‘power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely’; but like Arthur Burns would say “it is not power that corrupts; rather it is men without morality that corrupt power.” From what our various legislatures have always selfishly chosen to edify and what they have always elected to ignore, it is hard to say that we have ever had a legislature that has truly been the “lengthening shadow of men and women” who have voted to send their representatives to parliament; nor have we ever had any that have been genuine“inquisitors for the nation”.

Mutinous minority And today the Eight APCdominated Assembly, in spite of being a child of popular revolutionary circumstances, has added a heady dimension to the repertoire of legislative inanities that the NASS is famed for -and that public opinion has grown undeservedly accustomed to.

Now a tiny mutinous minority of the ruling APC majority in the Parliament, driven by personal greed and lust for power is teaching parliamentarians a new

species of legislative mischief; namely sleeping with the enemy.

A measly self-serving, renegade minority has added treason and sedition to abiding roguery at the Legislature.

These bi-facial, politically unconscionable, fair weather and sunshine democrats, once under the umbrella of PDP, had taught the nation the rogue-arithmetic of sixteen being greater than nineteen.

And now as hay-seeking unfaithful reverts to ‘democratic progressivism’ these incorrigible rogue-teachers now in APC are still deftly perfidious in their Devil’s brand of arithmetic.

We have seen in the Senate for example how about nineteen of them by cheaply sleeping with the enemy become the ultimate majority even in defiance of party directive and against the wish of majority of the people.

What took place at the Senate was a mutinous orgy of sort involving 19 hot-panted, bitchy APC dogs shamelessly rump-ed up by 49 street-wise, prodigal PDP dingo-sons-of-bitches. And ironically these PDP dingo-sonsof-bitches, for their excellent randy services, even got paid in the end with the position of Deputy Senate President.

Long before the Buhari inauguration I had warned when I wrote ‘Before we crucify Buhari’ that Parliament especially in Nigeria is often a bitchy woman of easy virtue. Then I was referring to the usual whoredom whereby a prostitute gets laid for a fee; but the Sarakis have taken legislative whoredom to the sordid height of the prostitute now paying her way to get laid. They have slept with the enemy to get the Senate presidency, but in truth they have slept with the enemy to raise him back from the dead!

Cond on Page 47

DAN GAYE

Police to quiz Ekweremadu over ‘forged’ Senate rules – News

Yawa don de gas oh!

Published by Peoples Media Limited, 35, Ajose Adeogun Street, 1st Floor Peace Park Plaza, Utako, Abuja. Kano office: Plot 3, Zaria Road, Opposite Kano State House of Assembly. Lagos Office: No.8 Oliyide Street, off Unity Road, Ikeja, Lagos. Tel: +234 814 292 9046. Cell: +234 802 443 2099; 803 7007 759. e-mail: contact@peoplesdailyng.com; pmlnewsdesk@gmail.com ISSN: 2141– 6141