Peoples Daily Newspaper, Friday 8, March, 2013

www.peoplesdailyng.com

Vol. 10 No. 50

Friday, March 8, 2013

. . . putting the people first

Rabiul Akhir 26, 1434 AH

N150

Nigeria, UK sign National Hospital National Assembly staff begin immunity Bill goes anti-terror pact indefinite strike through second reading >> PAGE 2

>> PAGE 3

>> PAGE 3

Jonathan dangles amnesty carrot before Boko Haram “Come out of hiding,

then enjoy amnesty”

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem & Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

O

n his first visit to Yobe state yesterday since the beginning of the Boko Haram insurgency, President Goodluck Jonathan re-affirmed the Federal Government's resolve not to grant amnesty to the Muslim sect, Boko Haram, describing its members as faceless.

Damaturu, the state capital and Potiskum, another city in Yobe, have been at the receiving end of several gun and bomb attacks orchestrated by the Boko Haram militants in the last two years.

And, arriving Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, later in the evening, the President made a passionate appeal to residents to link the Federal Government with members of the of the Boko Haram group so that peace talks can hold with the possibility of an amnesty.

Jonathan spoke at the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai El-Kanemi, in Maiduguri, saying that government was ready to grant amnesty to the insurgents but only when they are ready to come out in the open and indicate their readiness to embrace peace.

According to the President, "you cannot declare amnesty for Contd on Page 2

Ezekwesili hits FG again

...says govt evading real issue

F

ormer Minister of Education, Obi Ezekwesili, has once again stirred the hornet’s nest, challening the Federal Government to a public debate on the issue of the nation’s foreign reserve.

According to Ezekwesili in a statement yesterday, “since they (Federal Government) are finally admitting fiscal leakages perhaps, with a debate, we can all learn more.”

The ex-minister declared that: “The Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, more than anyone, knows that my speech stated that the Foreign Reserve was $45 billion and not the $67 billion Foreign Reserve they have been quoting to paint the picture of false accusation and hence manipulate and distract everyone.

“He knows that they are distorting the point of my article by using their straw number of $67 billion which I did not use in my speech.

“My speech stated $45 billion Foreign Reserve and $22 billion ECA and he, more than anyone, knows that Excess Crude Account is a sub-set of Foreign Reserve.

“Sanusi knows that the Foreign Reserve is a composite or aggregate amount of all official foreign exchange belonging to a country. So, I wonder why they are seeking to confuse the point for citizens?

“He knows that I separated the ECA amount in that speech deliberately to make a separate point on the terrible fiscal choices of expenditure that wrecked what was supposed to be "savings for Contd on Page 2

R-L: President Goodluck Jonathan, and Borno state Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, after the President arrived Maiduguri, yesterday for his two-day official visit to Borno and Yobe state.

President Goodluck Jonathan (2nd right), cutting tape to commission the newly built library complex at the Yobe State University named after him, during his official visit to Damaturu yesterday. With him are Yobe state Governor, Malam Ibrahim Gaidam (2nd left), Education Minister, Professor Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa'i (right), and ViceChancellor of the university, Professor Musa Alabe (left).

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

CONTENTS News

2-10

Editorial

12

Op.Ed

13

Letters

14

Opinion

15

Metro

16-18

Business

19-22

S/Exchange S/Report Islam Update

23 24-25 26 28-29

Nigeria, UK sign MoU on counter-terror, maritime security

N

igeria and UK have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral military cooperation to tackle terrorism and maritime insecurity in the country.

Dr Olusola Obada, Minister of State for Defence and her British Counterpart, Hon. Andrew Robathan, signed the pact on behalf of their countries.

Obada said the MoU was necessary in view of increased crude oil theft from the Niger Delta which is taken abroad for marketing and refining as well

Int’l

31-34

Strange World 35 Digest

36

Politics

37-40

Sports

41-45

Leisure

47

Columnist

48

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU The Peoples Daily wants to hear from you with any news and pictures you think we should publish.

You can send your news and pictures to: letters@peoplesdaily-online.com pictures@peoplesdaily-online.com contact@peoplesdaily-online.com

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and partnership in addressing regional and international security challenges.

NAN reports that the MoU is valid for five years with an automatic extension of another five years.

In his remark, Robathan pledged UK's readiness to assist Nigeria in tackling its security challenges, saying that crisis in Mali, as well as Boko Haram were threats to British interest in the region.

Speaking on Maritime security, he said attention had shifted from Somalia, to the Gulf of Guinea, and expressed Britain's desire to provide assistance based on request. (NAN)

Foreign reserve: Ezekwesili hits FG again Contd from Page 1 rainy days".

“He admits fiscal leakage. Well then, is it not proper that we should know the magnitude of that leakage of public resources especially in a democracy?

Continuing, the former Education minister declared that: “Is it not proper that we should learn how it is that our Foreign Reserve depleted and was not growing over a period of at least four years of high oil prices -

True democracy can't survive without certain conditions- General Buhari, Page 40

as pipeline vandalism which resulted in environmental degradation.

“We are here to sign an MoU being the third of such agreements. This particular one is in the area of counter-terrorism and maritime security.

“We in Nigeria need all the support we can get to combat oil bunkering, illegal refineries, vandalism of pipelines as we have a lot of refineries in many parts of the Niger Delta.

“And when they refine this crude they throw away about 30

per cent. So, you can imagine the aMoUnt of degradation that we have in the environment.

“We need all hands on deck to combat this scourge and also tackle maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. People come to our country to steal our crude oil and refine them abroad," Obada said.

The Western Europe correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the MoU is to ensure information and experience sharing on Defence as well as Security matters which are of mutual interest to both nations.

It also include specialised military training for personnel,

double the prices at the time that the $45 billion Foreign Reserve was accumulated?

“Except for a few months in 2009 when oil prices fell significantly but then sharply rose again what explains the fact that our public finance is under stress at a season of Oil Boom which other OPEC nations are relishing?

“Why won’t the Federal Government agree to the public hearing called by National Assembly?

“This serious issue is not about me at all but about Nigeria and how the political class abuses it with impunity.

“I have no personal gain in standing on my now over two and a half decade conviction that good governance is the foundation of any decent society that has ever been built to greatness all over the world.

“The key fact is that even by the time of that crisis when Soludo had to defend the Naira with our

Foreign Reserve, he spent about $15 billion of it and still left behind about $45 billion when he departed as Central Bank Governor in 2009.

“Now imagine that since that time, oil prices have averaged between $95-$100 per barrel and we export an average of 750 million barrels per annum.

“How then can the Foreign Reserve only now be starting to grow back to the same size it was in 2009 after such hefty earnings of the last four years?”

Jonathan dangles amnesty carrot before Boko Haram Contd from Page 1 a ghost; the Boko Haram remains a ghost. The issue of amnesty for the Niger Delta is different, if you call them then you will see them, they are people you know.

"But no one has come openly to say he is Boko Haram, you cannot discuss the issue of amnesty with Boko Haram now, you must first know who we are discussing with.

"Dialogue with Boko Haram will only be possible if members come out of their hiding.

"We need to know who we are going to have dialogue with or whom we are granting amnesty.

Amnesty has components.

"There are sins to be forgiven as they will not be prosecuted for their atrocities and there are trainings to be arranged to rehabilitate them and so on. So, you cannot do all these to those you do not know."

The President recalled that when he was the Governor of Bayelsa state, he led some of the Niger Delta militants to the Aso Presidential Villa and met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo for peace talks, saying such approach should have been adopted in the case of Boko Haram insurgents.

"These people are faceless, with no location or identity. I am appealing to whoever has contacts with the insurgents to summon courage and link the Federal Government with them so that we can persuade them to embrace peace and that and they will be

offered an amnesty.”

Jonathan, however assured that the Federal Government was determined to partner with the state government to find a lasting solution to the security challenges and provide job opportunities to the people, adding that, "we hold Borno dearly in our hearts, not only because of its historical significance but because of its strategic importance to national development."

In his remarks, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Garbai El-Kanemi, urged Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the insecurity, saying Boko Haram members who declared a ceasefire should be engaged in a sincere dialogue.

"Your Excellency there is urgent need for the government to engage the insurgents in a sincere dialogue to restore peace considering the numerous sons and daughters of the state who distinguished themselves nationally and internationally," the monarch said.

He also appealed to the President to consider the integration of Tsangaya schools into formal education system in the state as Borno is home for Islamic scholarship in the country and beyond, with several students being enrolled into the system from various parts of the country.

"Our Tsangaya schools are not well organized, they lack basic infrastructures, teachers, I am appealing to the President to give the system all necessary support," he added.

Speaking earlier during a town hall meetingin Damaturu, Yobe state, the President had equally re-affirmed that amnesty for Boko Haram would not be possible for now because members of the group have remained "ghosts" explaining that no one has come yet in blood and flesh to admit membership of the sect.

According to Jonathan, "you cannot declare amnesty for ghosts because Boko Haram still operates like ghosts.

"So, you cannot talk about amnesty for Boko Haram now until you see the people you are discussing with."

Alluding to the amnesty granted to Niger Delta militants, Jonathan said it was possible for former President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua to do it because the militants surfaced and came to see the President when they were invited but that no leader of Boko Haram has made himself visible for talks to hold.

"When you call the Niger Delta militants, they will come but nobody has agreed that he is a Boko Haram member, no one has come forward.

"If amnesty can solve the situation, then no problem but nobody has come forward to make himself visible," Jonathan said.

According to Jonathan, even the amnesty for the Niger Delta militants was not handled perfectly as there were continuous streams of repentant militants after the deadline had lapsed and the programmed

almost became endless.

He explained that his inability to visit and share in their grief was not because he cared less for their plight but he had visited other places in the meantime.

His Yobe visit was delayed due to the change of the National Security Adviser (NSA) as it had been planned before the appointment of Col. Sambo Dasuki.

Speaking earlier during the President's meeting with emirs and traditional rulers from the state, the Yobe state governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, disclosed that 209 public schools, vehicles and property worth N2.5 billion as well as private buildings estimated at N629 million had been burnt or vandalized by the insurgents.

Gaidam said that his government had spent about N4.8 billion in the process of containing the terrorist insurgency, noting that the state government spends an average of N200 million monthly to maintain the operations of security personnel fighting the insurgents.

According to him, over 150 patrol vehicles have also been donated to the security agencies regretting that the expenditure has impacted on the on the lean resources of the state.

"It is in this regard that I make a special appeal to Mr. President to come to our rescue by allocating intervention funds to the state government to enable it cope with the current security challenges," the Governor said.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

PAGE 3

National Hospital staff begin indefinite strike

By A’isha Biola Raji

S

taff of the National Hospital on Thursday evening commenced indefinite strike over alleged failure of the management to implement the 2010 staff conditions of service.

The strike comes after a threeday work-to-rule warning by workers.

Head of the Medical and

Health Workers Union of Nigeria at the hospital, Otonoku Matthew, said the congress met on yesterday to take the decision of embarking on an indefinite strike action.

According to him, “a letter came from the Permanent Secretary (Federal Ministry of Health), Fatima Bamidele, calling for a meeting.

“If the talk goes in our favour,

we will convey the outcome to congress. If it is the opinion of congress to call off the strike, we will call it off.”

The affected unions include Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives and the Senior Staff Association.

Earlier on Tuesday during a protest, the workers accused the

hospital management of running the hospital “like a private company” while refusing to meet their demands on worker welfare, training and allowances.

Some other demands of the aggrieved workers are that the hospital adopts guidelines set forth in 2010 for training as policy, annual housing allowance in form of rent subsidy which was provided for in the condition of service, full implementation of service scheme for all health workers at NHA and a police post around the hospital premises.

National Assembly immunity Bill goes through second reading

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he House of Representatives yesterday passed for a second reading a bill seeking immunity from prosecution for members of the National Assembly.

The immunity, according to the Bill, is aimed at protecting members from being held responsible for their comments while in office.

When it eventually becomes a law, there will be a guarantee amounting to a shield on lawmakers to enjoy freedom of speech on debates and proceedings in both legislative houses.

They also want none of their verbal or written comments to become capable of being questioned in any court of law including other places outside the parliament.

Sponsored by Ali Ahmed (Kwara PDP) and Raphael Igbokwue (Imo PDP), the Bill which received popular supports was later referred to House Special Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative business.

Tagged: “A Bill to Guarantee Freedom of Speech and Legislative Actions of Members of the National Assembly,” its passage will alter certain provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

Contributing to the debate, Hon. Zakari Mohammed (PDP Kwara state) said there was nothing new about it. He cited instances of about 10 nations around the world where parliamentarians currently enjoy similar constitutional protection.

He argued further that the Bill is not self serving and that the whole essence of it was for the lawmakers to give out their best.

He explained that the House was ready to be guided in ensuring that it embraces the law which he described as a universal convention.

L-R: Senate President David Mark chatting with Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Ronhaar Berend Jan, during the envoy' visit to the Senate President, yesterday at the National Assembly, Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Lassa Fever : JUTH CMD calls for screening centre in Plateau

T

he Chief Medical Director, Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Dr. Ishaya Pam, has asked the Federal Government to establish a Lassa Fever diagnostic centre in Plateau.

“The first case of Lassa Fever was diagnosed in Plateau in the late 60s when some medical staff died after looking after a Lassa Fever patient that came from Lassa in Borno state.

“The state has recorded some cases over time; so it is only very important to establish a diagnostic centre for the ailment here to serve the north.

“We have made a request to the Federal Government and it is receiving attention.

“For us to increase the survival rate of the victims, it is important that we have a diagnostic centre that will serve the middle belt region because quick diagnostic is very key since the symptoms could be that of any other fever until it reaches the stage of hemorrhage and by then it is late,” Pam said in an interview in Jos.

According to him, “JUTH has to rely on the facilities at the Specialist Hospital, Irrua, Edo state, for investigation of suspected Lassa Fever cases.

“The history of the disease is synonymous with Jos, so diagnostic and treatment will be easy if we have a screening centre around here.”

He noted that the waiting period for the specimen to be returned from Edo was usually “long and cumbersome,’’ and pointed out that cases usually get worse during that moment of suspense.

Pam blamed the prevalence of the disease on the presence of rats whose urine, saliva or excretion on foods carries the virus.

He said that rat hunters also contact the disease through rat bites, especially after bush burning.

“Again, most families these days own poultry farms in their compounds; such poultries attract a lot of rats and we must maintain proper and steady environmental

sanitation to keep the rats away,’’ he said.

The physician also advised that food be properly kept and well cooked before consumption so as to destroy any effects of rats’ invasion, and also advised people hooked on rats meat to be “very careful.’’

The Chief Medical Director expressed JUTH’s readiness to conduct more research on Lassa Fever and improve upon already known facts toward combating the ailment.

He described JUTH’s research departments as “one of the best in the country”, pointing out that it had made several breakthroughs especially in the area of care and treatments for people living with HIV/AIDS. According to him, the hospital currently has “more than 20,000 persons enrolled into its HIV/AIDS programme centre,’’ and attributed that to support from Bill and Melinda Gates and the Carter Foundations that had aided the capacity to care for victims.

FCC critical to nation building - Ochekpe

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

M

inister for Water Resources, Sarah Ochekpe, yesterday said the Federal Character Commission (FCC), has a critical role to play in the nation building process of Nigeria.

She stated this while delivering a keynote address during a one-day sensitisation workshop for ministries, departments and agencies of governments, in the land and water resources sectors, which was organised by the Federal Character Commission (FCC), in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, she pointed out that the constant cries of marginalisation by the federating units will be attenuated if the FCC is seen as a strong and impartial arbiter in the distribution of public offices and socio-economic amenities across the country.

She said the commission needs maximum support and corporation of all stakeholders to be able to discharge its responsibilities effectively.

Also speaking, the chairman of FCC, Oba Abdulraheem, said the founding principle of creating the FCC in 1996, was to bring atmosphere where positive efforts and peace would be encouraged in order to provide a lasting and enduring solution to the problem of disunity in the country.

He said this is done through equitable distribution of human and material resources, in a manner to engender sustainable development, adding that the workshop is aimed at fostering closer working relationship between the commission and the MDAs under the supervision of land and water resources committee.

"This workshop is aimed at sensitizing our stakeholders for better appreciation and application of the federal character principle and guidelines of the commission in the distribution of posts, socio-economic amenities and infrastructural facilities in order to bring about peace and unity in the country," Oba said.

Earlier in his address of welcome, the chairman of the FCC committee on lands, and water resources, Obasi Ofia, said it is in furtherance of the noble idea that no part in Nigeria should be marginalised or neglected in the distribution of positions, socioeconomic amenities, and infrastructural facilities that the workshop is being organised.

He commended the ministers of Land and Urban Development, Amal Pepple, and her counterpart in the Water Resources, Sarah Ochekpe, for honouring the invitation, saying that water, land and shelter remains indispensable in every one's life.

PAGE 4

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

Bayelsa helicopter crash, T not sabotage, says Navy

Money laundering: EFCC re-arraigns Nnamani, others

By Joy Baba

T

he Nigerian Navy has ruled out any possibility of sabotage in the NN Agusta Helicopter NN07 that crashed on 15, December 2012 in Bayelsa state killing Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa of Kaduna state,

a former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Awoye Azazi and four others.

This was contained in a press statement signed by the Naval Director of Information, Commodore Kabiru Aliyu.

According to the statement, "the investigation which was conducted by aviation experts in

collaboration with the manufacturers, Agusta Westland , has stated that the cause of the crash could either be human error or material failure or a combination of both."

The statement further said that there would be need to tear down the engine of the helicopter

in order to carry out detailed forensic analysis to determine the actual cause of the crash, adding that this aspect of the investigation will be carried out by Turbomeca, the manufacturers of the engine, the statement added.

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday re-arraigned a former Enugu state Governor, Chimaroke Nnamani, before a Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged money laundering.

Nnamani, his former aide, Sunday Anyaogu, and seven companies, were re-arraigned on an amended 105-count charge.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges. The companies are, Rainbownet (Nig) Ltd, Hillgate (Nig) Ltd, Cosmos Fm, Capital City Automobile (Nig) Ltd, Renaissance University Teaching Hospital and Mea Mater Elizabeth High School. They were first arraigned in 2007.

The re-arraignment was sequel to the transfer of the case to a new judge following the transfer of Justice Charles Archibong, from the Lagos Division. Justice Mohammed Yunusa becomes the third judge to handle the matter after Archibong. The first was Justice Tijani Abubakar. After the re-arraignment, counsel to the accused, Mr Riky Tarfa (SAN), urged the court to allow his clients to continue with their earlier bail granted by Archibong. Yunusa upheld the plea of and adjourned the case to May 28, for hearing.

(NAN)

ACF urges probe of all oil bloc allocations

By Jamila Nuhu Musa

L- R: Accountant General of the Federation , Mr. Jonah Otunla , Minister of Finance , Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala , and Director General , Budget Office of the Federation, Dr. Bright Okogu, during a press briefing on the 2013 Federal Government budget, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa From Ayodele Samuel,Lagos

F

ederal Minister of Finance, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu yesterday said Nigerians are tired of factions, political parties and mergers during or before election, saying "There has to be a coming together to bridge the divisive gap of inequality in the country."

Kalu, speaking at the launch of the book "Financialism- Water From An Empty Well" co-authored by former Lagos State Government, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former American Consul-General in Nigeria, Brian Browne, said the Nigerian people must speak out. "Everyone who has a role to play in the shaping of the country. What is the proper role of government? We started reforms that would shift the country from the public to the private sector; we've gone through a lot of crisis over the past 60 years," he lamented.

He recalled how the country started with agriculture and later the oil and gas, while lamenting that oil had become a curse since it could not result in the

Nigerians don't need mergers - Kalu …says oil now a curse to the country improvement of the country.

Kalu, who chaired the event in his opening address regretted the failure of successive administration to leverage on the groundwork investment done by the nation's founding fathers in the real sector, noting that the nation has continually strayed away from the foundation of discipline laid by them.

"We are filled with slogans, copied lifestyles and values, thinking it will be a substitute for real hard thinking, sacrifice and investment," he submitted.

Tinubu described the book as a product of his love for Nigeria and for the best future of the continent. While taking exception to theory of financialism, Tinubu noted that the principle has grown too large in comparison to capitalism, saying that, "instead of feeding funds to the real sector, it now chokes the real sector."

"In Nigeria today, with our

lack of vital infrastructure, the absence of a concrete industrial policy and with the paucity of long-term funding to fuel the real sector, we ask the economy to do the impossible.

It's like attempting to draw water from an empty well.

"As such, this book is a honest warning against the impending dangers of the encroaching financialism and it identifies that a few safety exits from the burning building," Tinubu added.

While condemning the accumulation of money under the guise of federal reserves, he noted that Nigeria's money must catalyze development enriching the broadest spectrum of people.

"To say we are saving money for a rainy day while everyone is already drenched and wading through flood waters makes no sense to me," he posited.

Reviewing the book, the Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion

University, Professor Osaghae Eghosa eulogised the courage of the authors, saying the book will revamp the financial system of the country.

Prominent personalities who graced the event includes the Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Aliko Dangote, Presidential aspirant of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the last general elections, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Ogun state governor and his counterpart from Oyo and Osun states, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Abiola Ajimobi and Rauf Aregbesola respectively.

Others were the National Chairman of ACN, Chief Bisi Akande , renowned economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, former Managing Director of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, Former Governor of old Kaduna state, Balarabe Musa, former Lagos state governor, Lateef Jakande, members of the National and state Assemblies, politicians and diplomats.

T

he Arewa Consultative Forum called for investigations into allegations on the floor of the Senate that 83% of oil blocs is owned by northerners and the request for the application of federal character in the allocations.

According to a press release issued by the northern socio-cultural group, the constitutional provisions that access to all national resources be equitable in line with federal character, requires the National Assembly to investigate the allegations and publish the distribution of oil blocs according to states together with their volume and from which dates.

It also asked the federal government to institute a commission of enquiries to establish the veracity or otherwise of the allegations.

"ACF is alarmed by the allegations because it is not long ago that the Forbes magazine said eleven Nigerians are now on the list, and that all of them-except Dangote who is a manufacturer-owe their riches to oil. The North had fewer of the rich Nigerians on the list than the South.

We believe knowledge of the correct position of things will help in improving the equitable management of oil blocs in accordance with provisions of the federal character for performance and public good", Anthony N Z Sani, National Publicity Secretary of ACF stated.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he lingering debate on whether the embattled Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) will be read third time on the floor of the senate or not, was yesterday laid to rest, as both lawmakers from Northern and Southern parts of the country who had been at each other's throat unanimously agreed that the bill be passed into law but not without necessary tinkering.

Though the Senators agreed to let the bill off the hook at the second reading, they emphasized that it has a lot of deformities which, as it is, is not in the interest of Nigerians.

They called for a thorough finetinning for the law to stand the test of time.

According to them, the amendments should start with a joint public hearing on the bill by Senate committees on Petroleum Resources upstream, downstream, gas, legal and judiciary, human rights, in order to harmonise the majority opinion on the flashy

PAGE 5

No going back on PIB - senators *Subject to joint public hearing areas, before it is brought for third reading in six weeks time, when the provisions will be considered clause by clause for voting.

In his ruling, Senate President, David Mark, said that aside the constitution review bill, no bill has been as far reaching and as contentious as the PIB bill debate, adding that expectations by many Nigerians were that the debate will degenerate into fisticuffs.

According to him, "I have been here long enough to tell you that apart from the constitution review, no bill has been this far-reaching.

Before the debate, a lot of people thought we were going to fight ourselves. We have ended this debate more united than expected as nationalists and patriots."

He also observed that the unlimited powers given to the

minister is enormous, insisting that should the powers the bill seeks to grant to the President be not adequately checked, such powers could be subject to abuse.

While arguing that the bill should be viewed with nationalistic mind-set, Mark also said that based on the debate so far, majority of the Senators agreed that the Frontier Development Agency should be properly placed to carry out exploration in all parts of the country.

"The bill has both national and international interests and implications. The suggestions in the bill will be subjected to a public hearing and views of the public shall be considered. Notably, over thirty senators spoke on the bill yesterday, but having been debated thoroughly for three days,

the Senators were re-echoing the need to ensure that the host community fund is not just given out to politicians, but that measures should be put in place to ensure that the poor and helpless people for whom it is meant for get the maximum benefits," he said Senator Okadigbo Margarey, Anambra, in her contribution said efforst should be made rto ensure that whatever percentage approves is judiciously used rather than place empahais on the percentage itself.

She explained that the ten percent host community fund should be applied to visible projects such as roads, schools, hospitals, among others, pointing out that these areas will impact more positively on the lives of the people.

Senator Abdulrazeez Usman,

Jigawa, said that PIB is taking advantage of the already disadvantaged mono-economy in Nigeria, saying that if the National Oil exploration Frontier Agency, which the bill seeks to set up is not made independent, it cannot achieve its purpose.

Meanwhile, the bill was passed for second reading and committed to the relevant committees for a joint public hearing, and report back in six weeks time. Senator Emmanuel Paulker, (Bayelsa PDP), who is also the Chairman, senate committee on Petroleum Upstream, will chair the joint committees' public hearing, while Magnus Abe, chairman of Senate Petroleum Downstream, will be his co-chairman.

SSCE 2012 results: NECO records mass failure in English Language From Iliya Garba, Minna

T

he Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of National Examination Council (NECO), Prof. Promise Nwachukwu Okpala, has said there was a general improvement in the 2012 November/December SSCE external examination when compared to previous years but

an analysis of the results showed woeful performance in English Language.

Announcing the 2012 examination results yesterday in Minna, Okpala said there was a clear improvement with a rise from 4.7 per cent in 2010 through 10.0 per cent in 2011 to 33.9 per cent in 2012 in English Language and from 19.4 per cent in 2010 through 44.7 per cent

INTERVIEW The National Youths Council (NYC) needs vibrant leadership, says Danpullo Meet dog Obama, the prayer caller An interesting story of a dog who echoes the call to prayer. Seen in this picture captured by our reporter, Obama automatically joins the lmam of a nearby Mosque to call the Muslim faithful to prayer.

in 2011 to 54.8 per cent in mathematics in 2012.

Giving a further breakdown of the results, Okpala noted that a total of 83.755 candidates registered for the examination but only 75, 623 candidates actually sat for the examination with 33.89 per cent Credit pass in English language, 54.79 per cent in Mathematics, Arabic 78.97 per cent, Christian

Religious Studies 6.51 per cent, Economics 33.67 per cent, Geography 1.63 per cent, Literature in English 0.73 per cent, Biology 22.84 per cent, Chemistry 30.17 per cent and Physics 0.26 per cent.

He credited the leak-proof nature of their examination to the measures put in place by the authorities which include robust logistics strategy for managing

COVER

Nor th: North: Collapsing econom y, economy pr ecarious precarious e futur future SPORTS EX CL USIVE EXCL CLUSIVE Former World champion, ‘Ladi African Tiger’, now the Onidera of Idera in Kwara state

examination materials, the use of officials of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps as external monitors which ensured that candidates conducted themselves responsibly. He said that Taraba state had the highest cases of examination malpractices, accounting for 18.82 per cent, Imo came second with 15.56 per cent and Jigawa with 14.6 per cent.

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PAGE 6

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

Kwara gov visits slain CP's family in Enugu From Olanrewaju Lawal,Ilorin

K

wara state Governor,Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has visited the slain State Commissioner of Police, Mr Chinweike Asadu at the family house in Enugu, the capital of Enugu State.

Ahmed, who described the late Kwara state Police Commissioner as one of the finest police officers he has ever met, said the late Asadu was an exemplary commissioner who operated with remarkable modesty and decorum and respect for the rule of law.

A press statement issued by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Alhaji Oba Abdulwahab quoted the governor to have said that the late commissioner of police played a prominent part in ensuring the security of lives and property of the people of the state, especially during the recent crisis in Offa and Erin-Ile. The widow of the deceased, Mrs Oby Asadu expressed appreciation to the Governor and people of Kwara State for the love and concern shown to the family during the unfortunate incident.

Police, CAN disagree over number of persons killed in Kano attack From Edwin Olofu, Kano

T

he Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Kano state chapter and the Kano state Police Command are in war words over the actual number of persons killed last Saturday by unknown gunmen in Sheka area of the Kano.

The chairman of CAN in Kano, Bishop Ransome Bello had in a press conference said 13 of its members were murdered in cold blood by gunmen.

However, a day after, the Kano state police Commissioner Musa Daura refuted the claim by the CAN chairman, but admitted that eight people were killed in the attack.

Bello said 13 members of CAN who were shot dead in one compound at Sheka Kumbotso local government, has been sent to the headquarters of CAN for further action.

He said all the 13 slain were shot dead around 7.30pm on that fateful day are all factory workers who live in a large compound.

Bello said the only survivor of the attack said the gunmen stormed the compound in two taxi cabs and separated the men from women and children and opened fire on the men, killing 13 of them on the spot.

According to him, a reasonable number of people were arrested and brought to the station for investigation.

L-R: Director, National for Technical Incubation (NBTI), Mr. Isa Yusuf,Sokotostate Commissioner for Information,AlhajiDanladiBako, Special Adviser to the President on Ethics and Value, Mrs. Sarah Jibrin, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Mrs. Sarah Pane, and Author of the books, Barrister Job Dangana, during the public presentation of the author'sbooks, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

How civil servants shortchanged candidate for foreign ministry job

By Abdulwahab Isa

‌It's because he has no sponsor, says official

ecruitment irregularities have continued to rock government agencies and parastatals with the latest case at Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) where officials may have shortchanged a candidate shortlisted for recruitment in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The FCSC last year called for applications from graduates of International Relations and related studies to be employed as officers in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The notice had specified that a candidate will be selected from each senatorial district thus amounting to three slots for each of the 36 states.

One of the applicants, Obajimoh

Mathew, who incidentally was the only candidate from (Kogi Central Senatorial Zone), passed the final stage of the interview but was not considered as the FCSC issued his slot to another candidate who is not from Kogi Central.

In a protest letter sent to Peoples Daily, Matthew who hails from Okehi local government area of Kogi state explained that, "I was shortlisted for an interview into Ministry of Foreign Affairs which I attended at the Umaru Musa Yard'Aua Centre, Abuja on the 12th December, 2012 after I passed the written exam conducted earlier.

"During the interview, I discovered I was the only candidate

R

from Kogi Central Senatorial District, through the interview personal data form filed with Federal Civil Service Commission on the 12th December, 2012.

When the result of the interview was released, candidates were appointed from each senatorial district with a strange name inserted for Kogi Central but I am quite certain that I was the only candidate from Kogi Central who participated in the entire recruitment process."

When our correspondent visited FCSC in Abuja, officials there were reluctant in responding to enquiries and the Commission's Chairman, Deacon Joan Ayo, was said to be away.

Kano to provide feeding, training centers for Almajirai, says Kwankwaso From Edwin Olofu, Kano

G

overnor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano state has disclosed that his government has concluded plans to provide feeding and training for Almajirai and physically challenged persons begging on the streets of Kano state.

Kwankwaso, who was speaking yesterday when the chairman, board of directors Peoples Media Limited, Alhaji Wada Maida paid him a courtesy call at the Government House Kano, said the issue of Almajiri was a serious problem that requires the attention of all stakeholders in the North to tackle.

He said his administration on

assuming the mantle of leadership set up a high powered committee to look into the problem of Almajiri and the committee has submitted its report, which he recommended for the 19 northern governors forum.

Kwankwaso added that the 19 northern governors have formed a committee to appraise the report with a view to adopting it, saying that before the northern governors conclude their assessment of the report, his government have decided to take a step forward because of time constrain to address the issue.

He said that feeding centers would be established by the state government to cater for their needs as well as training centers.

He noted that problem of the Almajiri was a challenge of the past

as a result of poverty, broken homes with children growing up on the streets where they feel abandoned thereafter.

He warned that if the problem was not address, it wold be a recipe for crisis in the future .

Earlier, Alhaji Wada who was accompanied by Alhaji Garba Shehu, a Director of the company, the Chief Operating Officer of Peoples Media Alhaji Ali Muhammad Ali, said Peoples Daily newspaper is a multi -Media Company with the aim of upholding the truth, maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards.

Wada added that he is proud of the governor's achievements, saying that the governor has come back with vigour to deliver services to the people of the state.

The Director of Recruitment/ Promotion, Mr. Oladapo, whose department is central to the recruitment feigned ignorance of the case and referred our reporter to Public Relations Unit where an officer there, Mahmood Aliyu, said that he was not competent to speak on the matter and redirected all enquiries to the Director of Recruitment.

Some officers of the commission who spoke on the sideline with our reporter attested that employment manipulation is a recurring case in the commission.

However, another official who spoke on condition of anonymity hinted that the petitioner did not have a godfather or sponsor explaining why his name was substituted.

According to the source, "what happened in this case is that they discovered the boy has no link and he is a candidate of nobody, they took his slot and sacrificed his future.

"They do it in all recruitment exercises here. My brother, forget it, you can only try but nothing will come out if it."

When contacted, a Deputy Director (Public Communications) at Federal Character Commission, Michael Anago, admitted that the commission has been having running battle with the FCSC on the need to adhere strictly to principle of federal character during recruitment exercises.

According to him, when issue of a breach of federal character principle is brought before the Commission; the civil service officials are quick in putting up defense that states have their representatives as commissioners to defend their employment slot.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

PAGE 7

Jonathan felicitates with Nigerian women on International Women’s Day

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem & Maryam Garba Hassan

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan has sent greetings and felicitations to all Nigerian women as they join others across the world in celebrating this year’s International Women’s Day yesterday.

Jonathan reassured Nigerian women that having already taken very significant steps to fulfill his promise of affirmative action to further empower Nigerian women, his administration will continue to build on its achievements in this regard and do all within its powers to curb violence against women.

According to a statement by presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, President Jonathan believes that Nigerian women can

be equal partners with men in the implementation of his administration’s Agenda for National Transformation and will therefore carry on doing everything possible to ensure that they are politically and economically empowered to contribute even more positively to the national development efforts.

According to the statement, “having already broken gender barriers by appointing women to key positions in government including the first female Chief Justice of the Federation and female ministers for very important ministries such as Finance, Petroleum, Communications Technology, Education, Water Resources, Housing, Environment, Power, Defence and the Federal Capital Territory, and authorizing

the admission of women to the Nigerian Defence Academy and their commissioning as combatants in the Armed Forces, the President assures Nigerian women that he is determined to take their empowerment a step forward by working to ensure that they also get better representation in elective offices in future.”

The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is, “A Promise is a Promise: Time For Action To End Violence Against Women.”

Also in her message on the occasion, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina, lamented that the widespread existence and tolerance of various forms of violence against women is a stark indication of the deviation from the constitutional principle

of justice, equality and peace for all.

The Minister said in a statement by the Director Press, at the Ministry, Saghir el Mohammed, that, “the approach to address violence against women involves the enforcement of laws, enactment of new laws with stiffer penalties, instituting rehabilitation programmes and the establishment of shelters for survivors of domestic violence.

“What is urgently required is for an attitudinal change to eliminate gender based violence in our communities.”

The Day is celebrated on March 8 every year as part of global commitment to mark womanhood and highlight efforts of UN member-states to address issues and concerns of women all over the world.

R-L: Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri, presenting the "Do the Right Thing" plaque to Kaduna state Governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, during NOA Director General's advocacy visit to the Governor, on Wednesday in Kaduna.

FG begins implementation of Oransanye report

By Abdulwahab Isa

T

he Federal Government has begun partial implementation of the Steve Oronsanye report that recommended pruning down of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government with overlapping functions, by effecting N100 billion cut in the budget of some MDAs in the 2013 budget.

Similarly, it has made a provision of N13 billion in the 2013 budget to help clear accumulated debts.

Minister of Finance who is also Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, made disclosed yesterday in Abuja at a press briefing on the 2013 budget.

In a presentation that dwelt on priority of 2013 budget whose central focus aimed at bringing down cost of governance and rebalancing expenditure in favour of capital investment, she announced that government has effected a drastic cut in the re- current expenditure in line with the recommendation of the Orasanye report.

According to her, “in the spirit of the Oronsaye report, we have started trimming down allocations to agencies with duplicate functions.

“For the 2013 budget, this resulted in about N100 billion of savings, and we hope to have even greater savings in 2014.

“However, let me add that some of these agencies with duplicate functions were established

legally, and so we will require the support of the National Assembly in reviewing the relevant legislations before we implement the rationalization exercises.

She said government has devised effective mechanism to manage both its domestic and external debt obligations stating that part of the strategy incorporated in 2013 budget include, to progressively scale down both the stock and flow of domestic debts.

“In this regard, we recently paid down N75 billion of maturing debt obligations last week and have also set aside N25 billion in a sinking fund to be used for retirement of maturing debt obligations in the future.

“Government has further

reduced annual domestic borrowing to finance the budget deficit from N852 billion in 2011, to N744 in 2012, and now to N577 billion in 2013 and we are also making concerted efforts to defray the debts of our foreign missions.”

Asked to clarify contentious areas in the budget that that have tended to pitch the Executive and Legislative against each other and especially the zero budget approval for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) the Minister said that, “we are still looking at some these grey areas but the SEC issue is not something that will prevent us moving forward on the implementation of this year’s budget.

NUJ honours Abba-Ogbodo, late The Guardian Editor

By Lambert Tyem

T

he parish Priest of St. Mathew’s Catholic Church, Lugbe, Abuja, Rev. Fr. Tom Edogbanya, has urged everyone to be prepared for death anytime even as John Abba - Ogbodo, is laid to mother earth today.

Speaking yesterday at a wake keeping service for the deceased Assistant Politics Editor of The Guardian Newspapers, as part of a “Night of Tribute” organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abuja Council at its secretariat in Utako, the Catholic priest said that, “there is no sudden death for Christians and no death is accidental because death is a necessary end that will come when it will come.

“Death is so common but so fearsome and it cannot cease to surprise us when it happens.

“We must always remember that it will be our turn at some point and that that is why the life of everyone remains a struggle to be good.

“We have to continuously struggle against the desires of the flesh. It is our power to survive these struggles that makes us good Christians.

“Death is a reminder to stand erect in Christian faith as no one can challenge death and be victorious.

“The death of a beloved one is a mortal injury but it is healed by time though the scar may remain.

“What we owe the dead is to pray to God to forgive them their sins and grant them eternal rest.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the NUJ, Chuks Ehirim, said the gathering was not to mourn Ogbodo but to celebrate his contributions to the journalism profession, adding that as a mark of respect to him, the union would ensure his widow would benefit in the on-going project of the journalists’ village in Abuja.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, urged other journalists to learn from the virtues of the deceased editor, pointing out that, “if we live a good lives, we will be remembered even after death.

“Ogbodo was a friend, a comrade and indeed a compatriot and his death should remind us to do what we have to do today because there may be no tomorrow.”

Managing Director of The Guardian Newspapers, Mr. Emeka Izeze, who said that Ogbodo would be greatly missed

by The Guardian family, urged journalists not to be discouraged by the tragic death of Ogbodo who he said was a true professional.

Ogbodo was died last week in a car accident along the AjaokutaAnyigba road, Kogi state. His remains will be buried today at Okoto Ugboju, Otukpo local government area of Benue state.

PAGE 8

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

A corps member who collapsed during the swearing-in ceremony for 2013 batch ‘a’ corps members, being carried to a health centre, yesterday in Bauchi.

L-R: Commissioner representing Ogun in Public Complaints Commission (PCC), Mr. Wale Banjo; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; and PCC director of investigation in Ogun, Mr. Ademola Aderemi, during their visit to the former president, yesterday in Abeokuta.

Suspected stolen crude oil in containers impounded by the JTF in its fight against crude theft, yesterday in Bayelsa.

L-R: Olugbo of Ugboland, Ondo state, Oba Obateru Akinruntan; Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetonan; and Oni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, during the Yoruba Obas’ meeting, yesterday in Ibadan.

L-R:Benue state governor, Gabriel Suswam; Methodist Archbishop of the North, His Grace, Most Rev. Joseph Job; and former chief justice of Nigeria, justice Muhammed Alfa Belgore, during the Coalition of Civil Society organisations lecture, yesterday in Kaduna.

Photos: NAN

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

PAGE 9

1,550 Corps members Jang seeks task from new deployed to Kebbi corps members on discipline From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

K

ebbi State deputy governor, Alhaji Ibrahim K. Aliyu has told the new Batch ‘A’ male and female corps members that the swearing in ceremony has ushered them into a new phase of service to their beloved father land.

He stated this yesterday at the swearing ceremony of the corps members at the Dakingari camp, adding that during the one year service period, they would be fulfilling the hope and

aspirations of a nation that puts greater premium on the moral and physical developments of its youth for a better tomorrow Speaking earlier, the state coordinator Mr. Tom o.

Unuigboje said that as 2013 Batch ‘A’ corps members began their service year across the country , no fewer than 1550 eligible corps members among whom are 1046 males and 504 females have been deployed to Kebbi State for their one year mandatory service.

From Musa Pam, Jos

T

he 1,500 Batch ‘A’ corps members posted to Plateau state have been charged to respond positively to camp activities and exhibit maturity and discipline.

Governor Jonah Jonah gave the advice in Jos yesterday at the swearing-in-ceremony of the 2013 Batch ‘A’ Corps members

deployed to the state.The corps members consist of 850 male and 650 female.

Jang reminded them that the NYSC Scheme was a vehicle for the inculcation of positive citizenship, leadership values and commitment to the common good of Nigerians.

The governor who was represented by the state commissioner of Youth

Development. Mr. Bako Lohfa charged the corps members to imbibe the enduring legacies of the NYSC scheme which has been a veritable platform for the enhancement of unity, integration and nation building.

Jang donated three cows and six bags of rice for the consumption of the corps members.

Jigawa FMC boss debunks fraud allegation From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

T

he Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kudu in Jigawa state, Dr. Dauda Muhammed Maigatari has refuted allegation levied against him of misappropriating N60 million from the coffers of the centre in 2012.

The Director made the disclosure yesterday while speaking to newsmen in his office describing the charge as untrue, baseless and unfounded as well as “ an attempt to destroy my image.’’.

Dr. Maigatari explained that auditors from the Federal Ministry came recently to conduct their routine auditing

of the centres account, “but they have not indicted me or anybody from the centre for any misapropriation”.

While commenting on the half salary payment to staff of the centre, he said that “ it was only January which we pay half of workers salaries and you all know how January of every year usually happen to be, at times salaries are not being paid in some organisations, did we not even try for pay half?”

Earlier, some staff who preferred anonymity told newsmen that the centre misapropriated the sum of N60 million while salaries of this year were unusually paid in half to all the staff.

Plateau sues UniJos over tax debt From Musa Pam, Jos

T

he Board of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Plateau state yesterday sued the University of Jos over unpaid N3.

8 billion taxes, before a Jos Federal High Court.

The Board accused the University of deliberately withholding the said amount being outstanding unremitted tax liabilities between the year 2005 and 2010.

When the case which is before Justice Ambrose Allagoa came up for mention, counsel to the board, Mr. Philemon Dafi, told the court that the since 2005, the university refused to remit the Pay as You Earn (PAYE) of its employees to the board.

“My Lord, in pursuance to the personal income tax Act 2011 (as amended), we want this

honourable court to compel the institution to pay the accumulated unpaid tax to the board without further delay.

“We pray for imposition of penalty and interest on the institution for its failure to file tax returns and remit the tax collected as and when due to wit within 90 days as required by law, “ he said.

Although there was no counsel in court for the university, a legal officer of he institution, Mrs. Ann Yilsun told the court that they were only served with the writ on Wednesday“ and by the rule of court they have five days to respond to the claims, “.

Dafi who confirmed what Yilsun said applied for another date to enable the institution reply to his application.

Allagoa however adjourned the case to March 13, 2013 for hearing.

L-R: Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, congratulating the winner of Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership, Prof. Wole Soyinka, during the award ceremony, on Wednesday in Lagos.

Yuguda awards N187m scholarship to 1,080 orphans From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

T

he Bauchi State Government has awarded a Special Education Scholarship to 1,080 Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC)worth N187million for six academic years.

Insecurity: Interior Minister tasks Nigerians on positive change

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

G

iven security challenges beclouding the nation, Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, has called on all Nigerians to contribute positively to the development of the country.

Moro, made this call yesterday when the National Association of Nigeria Female Students (NANFS),led by their President, Funmi Farinde conferred an award of good leadership on him.

He noted that Nigeria is faced

with a myriad of problems like insecurity, conflicts, militancy, political violence and terrorism, adding that female students could be tailored to bring an end to the problems.

“I encourage you to continue to drive the course of change in the society..., I believe that you represent the future of the motherhood of this country and so the responsibility to moulding the good conscience of the country”, he said While thanking the student

body for the honour bestowed on him, Moro condemned the penchant of some opposition political parties who he said do not see anything good in the government because it is not run by them.

Speaking on the reason for the Award, National president of the association, Comrade Funmi Farinde, said that they were motivated by the minister’s role in improving infrastructural development and the growth and development of youths in the country.

Governor Isa Yuguda disclosed this while presenting the scholarship resources to the beneficiaries at the Government House in Bauchi.

He said that the idea to create the agency for OVC started in 2007 with the establishment of the unit under the state ministry of women affairs that which coordinates OVC programmes in the state.

The governor said “the establishment of agency…was very challenging because the state lacked the financial resources to fund it… When the bill was presented before the State House of Assembly, it was deliberated upon and passed into law…decided to deduct one percent from the salaries of civil servants to fund the agency because of the dwindling resources of the state” Yuguda expressed his sympathy for orphans and the less

privileged in society, but expressed shock that some civil servants in the state kicked against the deduction of just one percent from their salaries because they felt it was not an obligation.

“Yes, it is true that charity is not mandatory, but we are all stakeholders in the state and these less privileged in society are under our care, If we don’t care for them, who will do it?

The Executive Chairperson of the Bauchi State Agency for Orphan and Vulnerable.

Children (BASOVCA), Hajiya Baheejah Mahmood explained that the state has no less than 750,000 orphans and venerable children.

She said that the scholarship is designed to offer the beneficiaries more access to primary and secondary education without dropping out due to lack of funds.

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

Intelligence gathering will help tame terrorism, says Gen. Ilouga From Iliya Garba-minna

c

L-R: Chairman, Lands and Water Resources Committee, Federal Character Commission (FCC), Mr. Obasi Ofia; Director, Human Resources, Federal Ministry of Land, Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ochapa Ogenyi; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Mr. Godsknows Agali, during the a one-day sensitisation workshop for MDAs in the lands and water resources sectors, in Abuja Photo: Justin ImoOwo

El-Salem slams N1bn suit against CPC

By Udenna Orji

M

ass housing developer, ElSalem Nigeria Limited, has instituted a N1 billion law suit against the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) which last week invaded the developer's Abuja head soffice and carted away files, computers and other office equipment.

A statement signed by ElSalem's Executive Director, Dr. Michael Onyebuchi, said the company, "is claiming the sum of N1billion for the unlawful raid and confiscation of its office files and working equipment.

"It is the contention of El-Salem Nigeria Limited that it was wrong for the CPC to intimidate and harass its staff and customers at gunpoint without any previous

notice or warning of the raid.

"Having cooperated fully with CPC in its investigations, it was illegal for the CPC to carry out a raid on the company without following due process.

El-Salem also said that CPC carried out the raid maliciously in abuse of office because the aggrieved customers whom the CPC pretended to be protecting are either staff or spouses of staff of the

CPC".

Some CPC officials had invaded the Area 1, Abuja head-office of El-Salem last week following a minor dispute a CPC staff member had with the mass housing developer.

The CPC officials alleged that El-Salem did not fulfill its obligations to some people and carted away some of the developer's office equipment.

Committee urges adherence to federal character principles

By Mohammed Kandi

E

xecutive Chairman, Federal Character Commission (FCC), Prof. Shuaibu Abdulraheem has called on Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to apply the principles of unity, equity and justice in the distribution the country's abundant resource among its citizens.

He said this at a sensitisation workshop organised by the commission's Committee on Lands

and Water Resources with the theme Federal Character Principles and National Unity.

Represented by a Federal Commissioner from Sokoto State, Abdullahi Kirjo, the Chairman who said the event was necessary to promote unity in all facet of life, urged Nigerians to "join the Commission in the application of federal character principles in the distribution of harvested vacancies for employment, award of scholarships, provision of the housing need of the nation, water boreholes, location of Dams,

and other developmental projects."

Also speaking, Minister of Water Resources, Mrs Sarah Ochekpe, represented by the ministry's Director of Human Resources, Ochapa Ogenyi, described the forum as apt considering the current sociopolitical challenges facing the country and lauded the FCC for creating such a platform for dialogue.

Ochekpe therefore described the FCC as "most important" Commission that was set up to

entrench constant dialogue on unity, and equity among the diverse and heterogeneous people of Nigeria.

In his remarks, the Committee Chairman, Mr. Obasi Ofia, said "the allocation equity, fairness and justice in distribution of what belongs to all such as public service posts, socio- economic amenities and infrastructural facilities and among the federating states of Nigeria, in order to have stability and national security".

Scrap oil blocs ownership - Utomi, Niger Delta coalition tells FG From Ayodele Samuel,Lagos

U

nited Niger Delta Energy Development Security Strategy (UNDEDSS), a coalition of ethnic and political pressure groups in the region led

by Prof. Pat Utomi has demanded that the Federal Government should scrap ownership of all, oil blocks in Nigeria.

UNDEDSS secretary General, Mr Tony Uranta told newsmen in Lagos that "Nigeria should scrap ownership of all oil blocs and begin at zero point to re-allocate them in the spirit of fairness and equity.

"Oil blocs should now be allocated based on federal character principle since the nation is reluctant to give us either total control or make sure the Niger Delta gets what it deserves", he said.

UNDEDS’s call came on the heels of the division in the Nigerian Senate over the proposed Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which the executive said was aimed at reforming the oil sector.

The division over the passage of the bill was caused by a clause for additional 10 percent to the oil producing community fund which some Senators want expunged when the senate opened debate on it on Tuesday, To counter the northern position, Senator Ita Enang (Akwa Ibom North East) on Wednesday revealed to the Senate that 83 per cent of oil blocks in Nigeria were owned either directly by individuals from the North or companies owned by them.

The UNDEDSS Secretary General said, it was shocking for the Northern Senators to oppose a

bill that would ensure justice and equity to the Niger Delta people who have suffered so much degradation and ill-health from exploration and exploitation of oil in the Region for too long.

"Whilst we talk of derivative principle of 13 per cent to the Niger Delta, we must remember that over 60 per cent of the federal allocation to councils in Nigeria

By Mahmoud Muhammad, Sokoto

G

overnor Wammakko of Sokoto State yesterday approved the redeployment of some permanent secretaries in the State.

According to a statement signed by the stare’s newly appointed Head of Service(HOS) Alhaji Bature Shinkafi and made

go to the North.

"While Bayelsa for instance gets an allocation indirectly derived from the oil it produces for eight councils, Kano gets allocation for up to 44 councils".

According to him, the 13 per cent derivative fund already in practice was not enough to take care of the Niger Delta Region.

ommander, 31 Artillery Brigade, Niger state, Brig.

Gen. Chris Ilouga has said that information gathering is one of the keys to fighting terrorism in Nigeria.

He made this known yesterday in his office while receiving 15 students of the Advanced Defence Intelligence officers course 07/2013,Abuja who visited him.

He said that information processing will help security agents to get to the root of terrorism especially in the Northern states.

The commander advised the students to show dedication to their studies, knowing full well that whatever they learnt, would go a long way to better the security of the nation.

Earlier, the team leader of the students, Col. Samuel Gbenoba (Rtd) said the essence of the tour was to expose students more on how military works.

Fraud: Goje wants trial outside Gombe From David Hassan, Gombe

T

he Federal High Court sitting in Gombe yesterday received an application from counsel to Sen. Mohammed Danjuma Goje, Mr Adeniyi Akintola SAN seeking the transfer of the case to a venue earlier rejected by the court.

Goje who wants a conducive environment in which to attend court proceedings, has been accused of embezzling government fund to the tune of N25 billion when he was the governor of Gombe state between 2003 to 2011.

Counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, Mr. Wahab Shitu filed two applications demanding the court to allow the trial in Gombe since the crime was committed in the state.

Reacting to the application, counsel to Sen. Goje argued that EFCC has no legal right to file two applications to the court at the same time, praying the court to reject the application.

He also accused the EFCC of using the media to intimidate his client saying that media has been the tool of EFCC since the beginning of the case.

The presiding judge, Babatunde Qudri adjourned the case to April12 and 13, 2013 to rule on the application.

Wamakko redeploys Perm Secs available to Peoples Daily in Sokoto, those affected are Permanent Secretary Admin and General Service, Dr. Buhari Bello Kware who is now shifted to the Ministry of Health as its new Permanent Secretary,the former permanent secretary of Ministry of Health, Alhaji Bello Isah Ambarura, now moves to the

Ministry of Water Resources.

Musa A. Gobir of the Ministry of Water Resources takes over at Establishment Department.

According to the statement, all the posting took immediate effect while the handovers should be completed by Wednesday March, 13, 2013.

PAGE 11

PEOPLES DAILY,FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

Share your investment risk ‌ go for Mutual Funds

A

s a retail investor, do you know that through Collective Investment Schemes (CIS) or popularly called mutual funds, you can buy financial instruments that would normally be out of your financial reach if your funds had not been pooled together?

Do you also know that the average collective investment portfolio returns compare favourably with returns from other traditional investment products? Have you also heard that that Collective Investment Schemes are a flexible form of investment which allows you to either invest a lump sum of money or make a regular investment each month?

The need to tap from the potentials of collective investment schemes arises as trend shows that many Nigerian investors suffered losses because they followed the flock without understanding the norms of markets.

Other interesting aspect of

Collective Investment Schemes is that it allows you to spread your risk among many assets -because by investing in a range of underlying assets, risk is spread amongst many assets. It also offers liquidity. In other words, the unit

holder may choose to cash in a portion of the CIS or all of it. This means that your money is always accessible.

Funds are managed by highly qualified investment managers and these Funds are held in a trust

which is separate from other company assets. Income is earned on any distribution of interest or dividend earned by the fund and also on any net increase in the Net Asset Value per share of the fund share. Distributions of dividends to unit holders are not subject to withholding tax and there is reduction in administrative cost as the Fund Manager deals with all of that.

If you have found yourself in this category, you still have chance to recoup part of the past losses if you realise the potentials of Collective Investment Schemes (CIS) which pools funds of several individual and corporate investors, gets a greater bargaining power to obtain higher returns when investing. It is generally not traded on a Stock Exchange but investors buy and sell units to/from the Fund Manager at any time.

Types of Collective Investment Schemes Collective Investment

not managing your finances as well as you could.

It doesn't matter how much money you have if you don't manage your resources so that you're living within your means.

If you don't live within your means now, chances are that you wouldn't live within your means if you had more money. More money is likely to just mean that you experience lifestyle inflation, which also means that you'll still be in debt.

Think of all those wealthy athletes and other celebrities who end up going broke. Their problem isn't that they don't have a lot of money. It's a management issue.

Before you can solve your financial problems, you need to look at your money habits, and the way you manage your financial resources.

Until you start employing sound financial management principles, you'll always have money problems - no matter how much you make.

Take charge of your finances One of the biggest problems with the "more money will solve my financial problems" mindset is that it encourages you to hand over your financial destiny. When you say that you need more money in order to fix your situation, you're relying on outside forces.

You essentially choose to make yourself impotent in your own financial destiny. Instead of taking charge, you're waiting for something else to come and "save" you, whether it's getting a raise or promotion, winning the lottery, or receiving an inheritance.

The idea that more money will solve all your problems is a very passive mindset. Instead, if you really want to tackle the root of your financial difficulties, you need to change your mind set to one that is more active. Recognize that you need to make changes in the way you view your situation and the way you think about money.

Reflect upon what actions you can

Schemes vary in types, combination and asset classes.

Examples of some include Money Market Fund: Funds invest in short-term (less than one year to maturity) corporate and government debt securities such as treasury bills, Guaranteed Commercial Papers, Bankers' Acceptance, Certificate of Deposits.

Others are Fixed Income Fund: Funds invest in debt securities like bonds, debentures or corporate preferred shares that pay regular dividends; Equity Fund: Funds invest primarily in equities of local companies. The goal is typically long term growth through capital appreciation of the asset held; and Balanced Fund: Funds invest in a 'balanced 'portfolio of equities, long-term debt securities and money market instruments with objectives of providing reasonable returns.

take to improve your financial lot in life.

Even if you've experienced an unavoidable financial setback, it's possible for you to take charge of your situation and move forward.

Think creatively about how you could earn more money. Think about how you could work smarter, as well as harder, and how you could put your money to work for you.

Recognize that you can make a change. You don't need to wait around for someone else to grant you a higher income. You are in charge of your own financial future.

Will more money change your situation?

U

p till now, many of us are yet to understand what our problem is, with respect to financial freedom. We have always believed that our current income level is too small to achieve what we want to achieve in life.

And so we are constantly waiting for that time when we will begin to earn double or thrice of what we currently earn.

If eventually that time does not come, then we are finished because the time may no longer be there to move ahead, either that we are near to retirement or almost out of paid job or something else. This believes are what financial experts call "lack of vision" because in the same position so many other people achieved their targets and even greater goals.

Experts say one of the most common financial pitfalls out there is having a poor money attitude. And among the worst money attitudes is the idea that all you need is more money, and that once you have it, your financial problems will be solved.

They said "the harsh reality is that, while making more money can help your situation, chances are that it's not truly a money earning problem you have; it's a money management problem."

How do you manage your financial resources?

There are some situations in which a lack of money really is the issue. If you've lost your job, or had a major and unexpected financial catastrophe, more income will really help. If you already have a steady income, however, your problem might not be that you aren't "rich." It might be that you're

Quote

The golden rule for every business man is this: "Put yourself in your customer's place."

Orison Swett Marden

Setting your financial goals on a working Calendar

T

his is just about the third week of the New Year. It is not yet late to set your financial goals. So the new year is a great opportunity to kick-start your money resolutions or goals.

As most resolutions fall by the wayside, financial planners have come with simple ways you can fine-tune your goals towards accomplishing them.

They put together a comprehensive calendar of all the things you need to accomplish in 2013 to ensure that you reach your financial goals.

LearnVest, a personal finance expert says you can simply set calendar reminders for yourself, and start thinking about your "financial calendar" the way you do your social calendar. There is need for you to treat as important tasks like saving for retirement, preparing for taxes and donating to charity among others.

"We've picked months for each task, rather than specific days, so you can choose the days of the week that work best for your personal lifestyle", she noted in her post.

One of the things you have to

do this year is recreate your budget. Look over your spending from the past year, and decide how you'd like to change your budget, based on such new goals as saving for a big purchase or paying down debt more quickly. When drawing up your budget, make sure that you factor in spending that occurs throughout the year, not just monthly, like car maintenance fees, or insurance premiums.

Secondly, set up new savings account. What are your goals for 2013? Do you want to start saving for a house or a new addition to the family? What about a trip to other countries? Figure out how much you need to save, and then create a separate savings account for these goals, so you can track your progress and hold yourself accountable, she stated.

According to her, if you're not automating your retirement contributions, start now. It is the easiest way to make sure that you get on track for retirement, and you won't be tempted to spend the money if it's automatically transferred to your account.

Furthermore, she advised that

you use your year-end bonus wisely. "We believe in rewarding yourself for hard work. So if you receive a year-end bonus, use 10 percent of it for something fun-and then use the remaining 90 percent wisely, putting it toward a financial priority like building emergency savings.

Travel is one of the most common savings goals and also one of the most expensive. Think about how much travel you'd like to do in 2013 (and when), and then come up with an appropriate budget. Remember that you shouldn't sacrifice your financial priorities like saving for retirement or paying down debt for travel, she

said.

In February, get organised for tax season. By the end of January, you should have received tax forms. Organise them, as well as any other information you'll need.

Check Your Credit Score.

"As we like to say, your credit score is the only grade that matters once you graduate. It can determine your mortgage and other loans. Reviewing it every three months will keep you abreast of how you appear to creditors. And if there's a sudden dip, it will alert you to the fact that something erroneous or fraudulent may have occurred with regard to your accounts, allowing you to take care of it immediately", she said.(Source: MoneyNing)

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

PAGE 12

EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

T

FCT’s burgeoning debt

he announcement two days ago by the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed that FCT is indebted to contractors and other clients to the tune of N420 billion did not really come as a big surprise, given the profligacy of past and, especially present, administrations in the Federal Capital.

After the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, the Minister reportedly told State House correspondents that "over the years, we have a debt profile of N420 billion and I have craved the indulgence of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and she has agreed and Council has noted our recommendation to float an FCT development fund...".

He also spoke about "a concession template for the existing corridors such as the airport road and the outer express way, requiring about N49 billion to complete so that at the end of the day, we will toll them and they would have been self sustaining, rather than waiting for the Federal Government to provide money which would shift the goal post for the completion of the project".

Although the debt crisis, a function of unrestrained expenditure on largely self-serving projects and programmes, is not limited to the FCT, what made the minister's revelation so outrageous, even if not altogether surprising, is the fact that it is coming on the heels

of the universal condemnation of the FCT's proposal to waste N7.5 billion and N4 billion of taxpayers' money on the construction of the Abuja city gate and the so-called First Ladies' Peace Mission Building in Abuja respectively, among other non essential projects.

According to a recent report of Debt Management Office (DMO), "the total public debt of the 36 states rose from

“

The FCT administration would do well to explore more humane and citizensfriendly means of generating revenue so as to make Abuja less hostile to the majority of its residents N1.42 trillion as at December 31, 2011 to N1.86 trillion by June 2012 and that of the Federal Government rose from N4.18trillion as of June 30, 2010 to N6.75trillion as of June 30, 2012.

In our view, succeeding FCT administrations from 2007 to date would seem to have placed greater priority on projects that have little bearing on the requirements of the larger society. Rather, greater efforts and emphasis have been placed on projects that only pander to the ego,

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some may even say over bloated one for that matter, of those controlling the levers of power. From the Vice President's official residence, the First Ladies' Peace Mission Building in Abuja to the Abuja city gates, among other multi-billion naira egomassaging ventures, there is nothing to add value to the depressed condition of the millions of the ordinary residents of the federal capital city.

We also think ill of the FCT's plan to mount toll gates along Airport and Kubwa roads. This, in our opinion, will make life even more unbearable for the teeming Abuja residents than it is already, as this will inevitably lead to increases in the fares of all forms of intra-city transportation, including taxi, bus, tricycle and motorcycles.

The FCT administration would do well to explore more humane and citizens-friendly means of generating revenue so as to make Abuja less hostile to the majority of its residents. We however, support administration's plan "to float an FCT development fund that we can float bond after we have established a sound legal framework with the establishment of FCT revenue Board".

It is simple economics that the inevitable end of profligacy is debt, the burden of which is passed on to posterity to shoulder. And posterity will never forgive any generation which burdens it with debt, the benefit of which is not in evidence.

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HEAD, LAGOS BUREAU ADESOJI OYINLOLA

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

PAGE 13

The futility of border toll gates

By Anthony I. Asiwaju

T

his essay is in response to a statement credited to the Honourable Minister of Interior, Comrade Patrick Abba Moro, to the effect that the Federal Government "is considering entering into private public partnership for border patrol across the land borders". This policy contemplation, which appears to have reached an advanced stage of decision-making process, is to embark on a systematic fencingin of Nigeria vis-Ă -vis its limitrophe neighbours, notably, Benin and Niger in ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), and Cameroun and Chad in ECCAS (Economic Community of Central African States), two of African Union's five principal pillar RECs (Regional Economic Communities).

The Honourable Minister was reported to have explained that the resolve was "to see how we can construct graders, around our borders, because, as it is today, if you go to most of our land borders, you hardly can define when you are in Nigeria and when you are out of Nigeria, and that is because of lack of physical structures that will separate Nigeria from other countries". In a note of an apparent fait accompli, the Honourable Minister was further reported to have asserted that "within this financial year, with the arrangement we have put in place, construction work will start immediately in some of these borders, ...given the resources that will be given to us". The official intention is "to compliment the physical human effort patrolling our borders .... [and] ensure a better border management for Nigeria".

The reported plan to "construct

By Abubakar Usman

P

olitics in Nigeria is not the same as what obtains in other climes. For you to be registered as a political party in Nigeria, there must be structures like the presence of the party in all states of the federation, when you succeed in doing this, you must obtain forms with huge amounts of money from INEC to contest for political offices depending on the position you are contesting; you will campaign, mobilize and even acquire supporters. All these require huge sums of money. How much of this money do the youths have? How much of these financial requirements can the youths raise between now and 2015 to be considered a serious contender for elective offices. I remember telling some people during a discussion that if political parties like the ACN, CPC and ANPP who have built structures over the years and have the financial war chest to prosecute elections are coming together to form alliance, why do we think that the youths who are not structurally on ground can perform better in 2015? The money we see that is flowing with carelessness among political players are not mere contributions of a few thousands by the stock of

...physical structure[s] that will separate Nigeria from other countr[ies]" compels a recollection of a similar policy proposal in 2001 for a systematic fencing of Nigeria's land borders in the tenure of the much lamented Chief Sunday Afolabi, Comrade Moro's predecessor in what was Ministry of Internal Affairs during General Obasanjo's first term as democratically elected President.

The resolve at that time was to launch the project for a systematic construction of border defence and security walls and fences along all of Nigeria's land borders of over four thousand (4000) kilometers (approximately 1000 with Benin; roughly 1500 with Niger; almost 100 with Chad; and about 2000 with Cameroun). The argument was that, had all the preceding Federal Administrations considered the fencing and walling option, the project would have been long accomplished, and all of Nigeria's cross-border security challenges would have become a thing of the past!

The point of this essay is that the alternative reasoning in 2001 has not changed in 2013, which presumably prompted the then Minister of Internal Affairs to drop the border fencing idea, just before appointed contractors could mobilize to sites. If anything, the arguments have waxed stronger about the inappropriateness of border fencing approach to border management in Nigeria of the 21st century. The arguments are in four broad overlapping bands, namely: demonstrable irrelevance to the issues at stake; impracticability and cost ineffectiveness; inconsistency and contradiction with other equally weighty policy commitments of the same Federal Government;

and, finally, obsoleteness.

With regards to arguments of irrelevance, the main issue is in the fundamental mis-match with the inherently structural nature of cross-border flows and exchange which include but are not limited to the socially unacceptable criminal dimension. Boundary is difference and a matter, essentially, of relationship (negative or positive); and international boundaries or borders, in particular, are notoriously predisposed to roles and functions of creators of incongruence: between national economies distinctly operating on their different sides; parallel legal systems; divergent styles of production; different marketing and trading practices; distinct currencies and monetary policies; asymmetric territorial sizes; different range of human and material resources; and unequal levels of development.

Differential policy impacts, such as create familiar-type situations whereby what are forbidden on one side are precisely what are permitted on the other, make clandestine cross-border exchanges and business transactions too attractive for any manner of routine policing measures to succeed, including those of security fencing, however impenetrable they may look. In fact, so compellingly attractive are trans-border business transactions that they are known to have absorbed, directly or indirectly, quite a number of the state functionaries posted to check them. It is, for example, common knowledge, how deeply involved in cross-border business exchanges and transactions are many a Nigerian serving and, more particularly, retired police,

customs, immigration, port health and other related border enforcement officers, many of them having fully nestled in the border areas and socially so nicely blended with the local business communities. There are also the extensiveness of the areas and the daunting logistic challenges to patrolling them effectively, given the generally poor infrastructure in roads and related transportation network. Add the factors of indivisibility and inseparability of local geography and history, featuring the ubiquitous phenomena of cross-border ethnicity and cultural affinities that, wittingly or unwittingly, provide camouflage for transborder flows generally; and it would begin to dawn on us just how irrelevant and unworkable borderfencing approach to border management can be in the face of the realities in the different localities.

Because the problems posed by cross-border exchanges are structural, nothing short of a structural response would be adequate, and, since it is out of the question to propose the eradication of the borders themselves, given their fundamental functions as markers of national sovereignties, the more realistic solution is in seeking their systematic transformation from colonially inherited roles as barriers to more welcome pro-active functions as bridges between the States, Nigeria and proximate countries in the case under discussion. Happily, the country is signatory to relevant regional and continental instruments, notably ECOWAS Cross-Border Initiatives Programme (CIP) of early 2006 and the African Union Border Programme (AUBP) of mid-2007,

both now being actively implemented. It is such systematic measures and processes, not a detracting outdated "Berlin Wall' strategy, that can match the structural challenges posed by cross-border flows, including the condemnable security leakages.

Building walls and fences along borders falls within the wider framework of the generally technically less preferred 'military/strategy concept' in national security management, widely criticized in relevant literature as not only 'militaristic, state-centred, conventional and hard-lined'; but also as engendering 'high defence cost, military competition, arms race and combat readiness'. The approach contrasts sharply with the more preferred 'non-strategic socio-economic concept that emphasizes 'economic [and human] security and development.' Within Nigeria's lived experience, the military / strategic approach to border security management was what informed the highly infamous border closure by Nigeria vis-Ă -vis all its limitrophe neighours, flagged off in the ultra-nationalist military dictatorship of General Muhammadu Buhari on April 24, 1984 and prolonged into the early months of the succeeding era of the Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, whose regime had to terminate this terribly unpopular regime on March 1, 1986. This followed the presentation of an interim report of a specially commissioned NIPSS (National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies) Border Defence and Security Research Project (1985-1987).

To be continued

2015: Can the youths go it alone? (II) politicians we have today.

As much as I know that a large percentage of this money is stolen from our coffers, they are real money and they play important role in the extent that political parties go.

The place of the youths in the democratic process remains cardinal for the growth of the nation especially in a country like Nigeria where over 60 percent of the population constitutes of youths, but as much as I canvass for the active participation of youths, it will be wrong to think that the youths should solely run the country. Youths championed the revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt, but who are the leaders of the two countries today, Youths?

Part of the reason why Nigeria seems to be what it is today is because the old folks politically alienated and socially excluded the youths from democratically participating in governance. We will only be repeating the same mistake if we do the exact opposite.

The truth is simply that the two must work together. New breed without old breed, breeds greed as we have seen and that is why as the new breed prepares to take

over, we must also involve the old breeds so as to avoid breeding greed.

What I think the youths should be preoccupied with at this point in time is how to make positive impact on who becomes the next president, governors, senators etc in the forthcoming elections, while formulating long term strategies for opening up the space for youths to actively participate in political venture. The youths can set a target date where certain percentage of the governorship, senatorial, house of assembly seats etc will be reserved for the youths

within a political party that we choose to align ourselves with. To achieve this however, we must prove that we are a force to be reckoned with, because nobody will give you anything on a platter of gold. Aside political positions, we must harness our numbers to be able to influence the decision making processes of any institution, political party or government we find ourselves. In a truly democratic setting, young people form their opinions and exercise choices as equal members of a community; this we can only

“

What I think the youths should be preoccupied with at this point in time is how to make positive impact on who becomes the next president, governors, senators etc in the forthcoming elections, while formulating long term strategies for opening up the space for youths to actively participate in political venture

achieve if we belong to that community as a bloc.

Rather than deceive ourselves that youths will take over the governance of Nigeria in 2015 which is just 2 years away, what we should be doing now with post 2015 as the target is to continue to mobilize an army of youths so as to have a structure with which we can participate actively in the process of governance. This mobilization must involve enlightenment and education so as to bring all youths up to speed as the overall goal and benefits accruable when we play active roles.

The process of transfer of leadership is gradual and systematic. If we are able to achieve the above, we will gradually take over the governance of the country and incidences where those who have been in government long before many of us where born remaining in government will be eliminated.

Concluded Usman blogs onAbusidiqu.com and is available for engagement on twitter @Abusidiqu

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

PAGE 14

Hugo Chavez: A Preliminary Tribute

By Jaye Gaskia

I

am one with all the poor, marginalized, exploited, and working peoples of the world, for whom El-Comandante represented hope, in mourning the passing of this extraordinary personality, and in celebrating his life and legacy – the Bolivarian Revolution, whose aim is to build Socialism of the 21st century!

Chavez, the revolutionary movement he led, and the revolutionary process that that movement has unleashed in power are integral parts of the dynamics and dialectics of the global resistance of the world’s poor and working peoples to the ravages of global capitalist system. And as an integral part of that revolutionary process, Chavez, the revolutionary movement he led, and the Bolivarian revolution are also caught up in the contradictions of the process. In that sense there are quite a few things about the extraordinary and iconic personae El-Comandante’ as well as about the process of the Bolivarian revolution that one may disagree with, and which have the potential to limit the process of empowering the mass of the people and building

t h e i r b r a n d e d autonomous ‘Authoritarian’ p o w e r .

Populist!

Certainly the To be sure Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text iconic leader in w h e n messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written becoming the imperialism in contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 symbol of the pursuit of revolution also individual words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and tended quite enemies, who a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed often to were created and to: substitute for the hitherto propped independent up by The Editor, activity of the imperialism, Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, people. decide to wage 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja.

Nevertheless, full scale Email: opinion@peoplesdaily-online.com given where merciless wars SMS: 07037756364 Venezuela was on entire coming from, countries, laying given its history their meager of the brutal domination of the this feat happened in the teeth of a infrastructure to ruins, and oligarchs, the Bolivarian most grueling class warfare waged sending them back into the dark revolution marked a remarkable by the wealthy ruling class who ages, they are not violating human break with that past, and saw their greed, privileges and rights! But when the Bolivarian constitute revolutionary leap unfair advantages being curbed. revolution curbs the nefarious forward.

For investing in accessible activities of monopolies, TNCs and And the revolution did housing, education and healthcare the oligarchs, the revolution is actually transform the lives and for the poor and working people, violating human rights. conditions of the poor, as well as of he was called a ‘Polarising’ figure; When the wealthy ruling class working peoples. No matter what For markedly improving the demolish the homes of the poor and else imperialism may say about living, working and existential evict them from cities as they are Chavez and the revolution, they conditions of the overwhelming fond of doing in Nigeria, they are cannot erase the fact that by their majority of citizens, he was dubbed not ‘Polarising’ figures? When they own evaluation, the Bolivarian a ‘Divisive’ personality; And for criminalise and ban the livelihoods revolution has halved poverty in opening up the political process and means of the poor; chase, harass, relative and absolute terms in governance institutions to the poor brutalise and jail them routinely Venezuela in just 14 years! And and working peoples, he was for trying to earn a living not by

WRITE TO US

stealing; they are not ‘Divisive’ personalities! And certainly they are not violating human rights.

Afterall are the poor humans? So how can their human rights be violated?

What can be polarizing about Fashola’s demolision and eviction spree in Lagos? What can be polarizing about Amaechi’s evictions and demolitions in PH? Or the FCT Minister’s demolitions in Abuja? What can be ‘divisive’ about banning Okada Riders in lagos and Kano? Or about ElRufai’s sojourn in the FCT Ministry? What can be divisive about chasing, harassing and arresting street traders/hawkers across major cities without providing alternatives?

To be sure as we march towards 2015, and as we continue to proclaim our solidarity with the poor and working peoples; as we continue to insist on promoting their interests and transforming their conditions; we shall also be termed ‘Polarising’ figures, and ‘Divisive’ political parties! We know this will come, we welcome and embrace it!

Viva El-Comandante Chavez!

Viva the Bolivarian Revolution!

Viva 21st Century Socialism! Viva Nigeria!

For ‘BOT member’ John Abba Ogbodo

By Wahab Gbadamosi

H

e feigned ignorance of everyone, and all that was happening around him. Seemingly half awake, and indifferent to it all, with his barely cleft eye, John Abba Ogbodo pounced on the man holding the gun, grabbed the armed robber, pressing his two hands to the marauder’s body, with all the might and power within him.

It was like a James Bond movie.

Seven years ago, today, but it remains vivid even now how Ogbodo, single-handedly, disarm the robber. It was in broad daylight, at Area 3 Garki Abuja.

This was, therefore the story of how the shortest man in the crowd, with the smallest physical endowment, laid down his own life to challenge a robber. Such daring, such courage, such self-negation, for the common good, defined the essential outlines of the life of John Abba Ogbodo. Yet, when people sought to confirm the strange encounter with him, Ogbodo in his typical humility, simply made a light joke about it. It was the quintessential Ogbodo.

It is such a cruel irony therefore to hear now that this same hero of a quiet, priceless, community life has been cut short in a car accident. Yet I can go, on and on, recalling the valor and selflessness of this extraordinary man, even though these facts only deepen the pain of his absence today.

Sometimes in 2005, a band of robbers chanced on some information that the son of a former Police Inspector General had some cash at home. But the robbers got more than what they bargained for

as the scion on the former police IG engaged them in a horrendous gun battle for about 30 minutes. This turned Jos Street, in Garki Area 3, the first Fleet Street of Abuja, and its many watering holes into a virtual war theatre. It was about 7: 30 pm.

I watched from the first floor of my office as policemen docked by my car, to escape the robbers’ firepower. Again it was John Ogbodo’s call that saved the day, no sooner had he put a call through to police authorities, than crack anti-robbery policemen from the Police IG squad, arrived to chase away the robbers.

The immense courage of my friend was often defined at the edge of tragic experiences. One cold night in 2008, as l drove through Area 10, l sighted the diminutive Ogbodo, in a heated argument with some policemen at 10 pm on a lonely road. What was Ogbodo’ grouse? A man had driven in a manner dangerous to other road users. The freedom fighter that he was, Ogbodo pursued the ‘big man’ from the Defence Headquarters (Ship House) until both leveled up by the police checkpoint, by the Post Office.

Unwilling to offend the “big man” the policemen turned on Ogbodo in a classic logic of the hunter becoming the hunted. Our man stood his ground in impressive performance! Policemen were confused, wondering why and how a man with no weapon could be taking on four armed police officers, at night of all times. One of them asked that he be warned that he does not try that outside Abuja city!

Such acts of courage against injustice and anything that impinges on his dignity defined the

earthly sojourn of the essential John Abba Ogbodo.

You might disagree on several issues with John Abba Ogbodo, but you could not question his grit, his tenacity of purpose, and his determination to make a success of his journalism career or his life on purely personal terms.

He worked so hard. But he also relaxed on his own terms. After turning in so many copies. Ogbodo’s sport car was a usual site at the receding hours of the day at one of Abuja’s numerous watering holes.

He loved to relax and crack jokes.

Though a political reporter for so many years, he has an acute understanding of issues that shape and define the world.

Over a decade ago when Osama Bin Laden led his ragtag band to humiliate America on her own soil, Ogbodo though sad at the event, located the defeat of the US in the mythological realm: ‘America will never get over that attack. It is psychological defeat. It is God’s punishment for their arrogance.

Empires come and go. At a time, the Greeks dominated the world. At another time, it was the Romans.

The British did too. Americans are misusing their own dominance of the world today. That was why God brought a Bin Laden, he would say.

“After the Americans, world power will go to China, after wards, it will come to Nigeria” he ruled, some inscrutable self-assuredness coursing through his voice, then he poured the last bit of the green bottle and tapped: Gbadamo—as he often called me, we go see tomorrow now.

When you banter and ask about life, Ogbodo was never to be beaten to a riposte, he often shot back: ‘It is not bad. But can you add value?

Two years after I began what looked like a one year sabbatical at the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Ogbodo was one of the few reporters in Abuja wouldn’t mind putting a call through at 9:30 pm on a Friday—just to confirm the second name of an old Peoples Democratic, PDP official or an event that took place five years hence. He was meticulous in ensuring that any copy that adorns his name must be correct.

For over a decade at the PDP Secretariat, -Wadata Plaza in Abuja, Ogbodo was a regular sight, having earned the confidence of his boss, Martins Oloja, who has a knack for smelling a good copy 50 miles away.

In 1997, some American clergymen were in Professor Jerry Gana’s Office at Radio House, Abuja, ostensibly on a troubleshooting mission for Nigeria’s fledging democracy. It was a Federal Government counter move to the havoc NADECO was wrecking on Government’s image in the United States and in the West.

A reporter asked for a list of the clergymen and their affiliations. A perusal at the list and addresses showed many were businessmen.

Ogbodo tormented the hefty men from the US with several questions.

A piece l did: Contractors in Cassocks in The NEWS magazine, opened with the personae of Ogbodo as a short man who often grow tall at press conferences with the quality of his questions.

Though it was some four years later before he joined the ranks of the ‘red-necks’ in Political Reporting in Abuja, –like Jacob Edi and Ben Agande, want to say– in less than three years, he had demonstrated

that the confidence Martins Oloja had in him for giving him a place at the Guardian was not misplaced after all.

This was in the late 1990s, when political reporting in Abuja was a show dominated by Abiodun Adeniyi, late Femi Ojewuyi, Farouk Adejoh Audu, Bisi Abidoye, Tunde Rahman, Nosike Ogbuenyi, Chuks Okocha, Chuks Ohuegbe, Amos Duniya, Tom Chiaehemen, Adamu Muhammed, Osaretin Ihimariyiebo and very few others.

Ogbodo however maintained a unique presence in that crowd.

When you pull a call to him between 5 and 7 pm, he was always quick to quote Debo Adesina the former Editor, The Guardian’s rhetorical question: ”Will you publish that story on your shirt?” Let me turn in my copies first, was always his plea.

A grassroots person, Ogbodo never allowed himself to be swallowed by the trappings of the city. And so when he was to be married to his beautiful wife, he insisted it must be in Benue. And off to Adoka in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue state we all went.

So locked in my brain is the real people we encountered at Adoka, who radiated a humanity so warm that when I ran into Ogbodo at the Senate public Hearing on the Federal Capital Territory Property Tax, some five weeks ago, I was quick to ask that I want to see him do the Agliyen dance steps again.

Gbadamosi, is the Assistant Director of Communications and Liaison at the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Abuja.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

PAGE 15

Nasir el-Rufai's cant and shenanigans

By Jean-Charles Osuji

O

ne does not know, and may never know, what and where this world and life is really taking mankind. The former minister of FCT, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, should realise that his matter with me is between a subordinate and his boss. He even called me a good boy in his fiction of a book. There is a greater punishment for his injustice and lying against me, than fighting and being in imbroglioed with his bosses, presidents, vice presidents, senators, ministers and judges and otherwise very powerful, important and rich people who can defend themselves. I don't belong anywhere near such folks.

When a man you love, respect, a man you can kill and die for, your boss for that matter, runs away from the truth, refuses to come forth with it and then tells unbelievable lies, he has to keep lying to cover up previous lies. It is very dishonest and borders on lunacy for a man to concoct lies in a book and then ask whosoever to go and write his own version. ElRufai says he reported the issue to the then attorney general, Chief Bola Ige, who was ready to prosecute. I was asked to stop work on May 22nd 2001. Dr. Bola Ige was killed late December 2001, a

clear nine months' difference; maybe he was still drafting charges after his demise. Lying and speaking ill of the dead. May his precoius soul rest in perfect peace, amen.

Another lie, maybe both Mrs Abiodun-Wright and Bolanle Onaguruwa were with him all the while his so- called dialogue took place. Calling people who knew next to nothing to come and testify falsely. To Thine Own Self Be True!

If you have not yet read Nasir elRufai's book, "The Accidental Public Servant", I urge you to quickly grab a copy. From pages 108 to 114 and then page 140, you will see the highest form of impunity ever exhibited by man.

A very poor attempt at cognitive resonance. Poor Imagery. First principles: a deputy director commits a so-called "infringement", we assume for the purposes of el-Rufai's book, he gets catapulted straight to the chairman of his board, who orders immediate dismissal of the director. This can only happen in a very bad and wretched kangaroo public service, the type el-Rufai worked in in his eight years or so of so-called public service.

In that public service, there is no disciplinary mechanism in place. No query issued, no reprimand, no warning to the

officer, no interdiction, no indictment, no board or panel to inquire and apportion fault, blame or punishment. Nothing but straight, outright expulsion. This is el-Rufai's public service. And in this matter el-Rufai is the accuser, the accused, the prosecutor, the judge, the jury, the executor and the primary beneficiary.

Meanwhile, he is the accused. Talk of impunity at its worst. El-Rufai's account of what happened never took place. Cognitive resonance at its worst. Second principles, can you in all honesty imagine a deputy director holding that kind of concocted dialogue with his director general and walks away

free, not sanctioned by the DG and the so-called dialogue held at different times and days. That deputy director must be a living legend, assuming he is not outright mad.

Assuming el-Rufai's public service had no disciplinary mechanism, knowing his penchant for and as a so-called “corruption crusader,” why didnt he simply call in the police! He has the nerve and temerity to ask agencies to investigate this one when he had all the chances and time to do so, three clear years in BPE! Please don't forget he was extremely powerful! Hypocrite. I deciphered el-Rufai very early

“

It is only in Nigeria that a man like this can call another corrupt. Holy Ghost fire!

You deserve praise, not prosecution, mallam. I have come to the painful conclusion that it is time to de-construct my former boss. This unbridled hypocrisy and the negative application of supposed "intelligence" must come to an end

when he met me as a deputy director in BPE. This is a man that was in court with NITEL before he came to BPE. He came to privatise that same NITEL. I declined his invitation politely. Least we forget, that privatisation ended up in Pentascope, an unmitigated disaster. He failed woefully twice.

Please this "corruption-aversed" man has been indicted in all post el-Rufai's activities on BPE. The same thing repeated itself in his FCT assigmnment. He is currently being tried for corruption involving N22 billion federal government housing sale.

It is only in Nigeria that a man like this can call another corrupt. Holy Ghost fire! You deserve praise, not prosecution, mallam. I have come to the painful conclusion that it is time to de-construct my former boss. This unbridled hypocrisy and the negative application of supposed "intelligence" must come to an end. At the beginning of these events, El-Rufai had begged me that he was going to give me back my job. He left BPE without doing so. When I challenged him later, he threatened to shoot me. I am ready for that option now. I am in court this week.

Osuji is a former staff of the BPE

Embrace internal democracy O' ye progressives

By Harry Slim Omoakhia Political parties are the expression of political pluralism; they contribute to the formation and expression of the will of the people and are a fundamental instrument for political participation. Their creation and the exercise of their activities are free in so far as they respect the Constitution and the law.

Their internal structure and operation must be democratic.

(Spanish Constitution, Art. 6)

T

here seem to be unending discourse on what really is internal democracy, its merits, limitations, framework and implementation. Pundits believe that a true and workable internal party democracy helps in developing more democratic, transparent and effective political parties. Areas of specific focus include candidate selection, leadership selection, policy making, membership relations, gender, minorities, youth and party funding. These issues are considered within the wider development context: for example the relationship to governance issues, anti-corruption, security and other democracy dividends.

There is no gainsaying the fact that internal democracy is important in nurturing our nascent democracy and delivering its dividends to the masses. However, in the past we have seen little or no internal democracy amongst political parties in Nigeria especially in areas of candidate and leadership selection. The ruling party PDP is the only party which has a

semblance of internal democracy as it relates to candidate and leadership selection. The process is however not transparent and altruistic as members still complain of inducement and sometimes intimidation of delegates to vote a preferred "anointed" candidate. However the pseudo internal democracy in the ruling party is completely absent in the opposition as candidates are imposed under the guise of "consensus" candidate.

The coming together of Nigeria "progressives" under the canopy All Progressive congress (APC), brings to fore the need to address the issue of internal democracy in our polity.

Progressives are generally considered to represent the far left; they tend not to like the status quo and see the current political climate as being dominated by corporate interests. It becomes expedient to embrace internal democracy in the spirit of

progressivism. It will be a pipe dream if the APC believes that it can wrestle power from the ruling party if it continues to do things same old way and expect a different result. Progressives embrace pluralism. Political pluralism is the affirmation of diversity in the interests and beliefs of the citizenry. In a politically pluralistic society, tolerance and mutual respect for divergent thinking tends to develop easily as a way to accommodate diverse aspirations that emerge from the diverse constituencies. It was therefore a surprise when Senator Kanti Bello alluded that the ONLY way the APC (a progressive party) can succeed is by fielding General Muhammadu Buhari as its presidential candidate in 2015. I dont have any problem with the respected general aspiring to be president and if possible give Nigerians the type of leadership it desire, but the diverse aspiration

“

The electoral defeat CPC had in the Kano bye-election recently was attributed to intractable internal division between leaders and members of the party over imposition of candidates. I believe Kanti does not want that to be replicated in APC

of other progressives should not be undermined.

Sen. Kanti’s statement is unhealthy for the yet to be registered party and it is capable of causing disaffection amongst those who may have same aspiration The electoral defeat CPC had in the Kano bye-election recently was attributed to intractable internal division between leaders and members of the party over imposition of candidates. I believe Kanti does not want that to be replicated in APC; with his belief that only Buhari can guarantee APC success in the 2015polls. My question to Sen. Kanti is; if Buhari decides not to contest, does it automatically mean the PDP will win the 2015 elections?.The electoral defeat of ACN in ondo state and the widespread disaffection amongst ACN members in Edo state over nomination and imposition of candidates for the April local govt polls emphasizes the fact that lack of internal democracy is anathema to any progressive political party. Abraham Lincoln aptly captures it when he said " No man is good enough to govern another man without that other's consent". Imposition of candidate in any form breeds disunity within a political party and is one of the reasons for defection and unwillingness by aggrieved members to support the "anointed" candidate during elections and could greatly affect the success of the party at the polls.

It has been emphasized that politics is Nigeria is too important to be left in the hands of politicians alone. A number of activists and

opinion moulders have been calling on men of impeccable credentials and character to join politics and help save Nigeria, the APC should therefore provide a platform for such people who feel they have the wherewithal to take Nigeria out of the present doldrums to aspire to that position without undermining democratic principle such as fairness, justice, transparency, accountability and equal participation. Adhering strictly to due procedures and democratic practices in selecting candidates and leaders of a party will engender intraparty cohesion and members can collectively present an acceptable and qualified candidate to the electorates in the general elections. The sentiment or face saving argument of Chief Bisi Akande of Action Congress of Nigeria on imposed candidacy should never find its way into the APC. "...Because to take away a man's freedom of choice, even his freedom to make the wrong choice, is to manipulate him as though he were a puppet and not a person.”

— Madeleine L'Engle An embrace of true democratic values in APC is capable of making the mega party a darling of change seeking Nigerians, and this in turn can help in sending the nihilistic PDP out of power it has so much misused and abused. Yes! We can.

God bless Nigeria Omoakhia can be reached via harryomoakhia@ yahoo.com facebook/ harryslim twitter/harryslim9

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

PAGE 16

FCTA signs MoU with AMAC on outdoor advertising, signage

By Adeola Tukuru

T

he Federal Capital T e r r i t o r y Administration (FCTA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), as pilot for the takeoff of its new system of outdoor advertising and signages.

The Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, said the existing unregulated, disorganised system of outdoor advertising poses danger to the environment.

According to him, this has not only resulted in accidents as the signages mounted indiscriminately on the streets obstruct vehicular movement but deface the aesthetics of the nation’s capital.

Hence, he said the FCT administration came out with the new advertising policy to entrench best global advertising practices and revenue generation for the administration.

He described the extant practice as “unacceptable for the city”, said the administration “would not condone any act that runs contrary to the good intention of pursuing this new advertising policy”.

However, he said the area councils has so far shown commitment towards the course that it is not business as usual.

The Minister said 60 per cent of the proceeds from all outdoor advertising in area councils of the territory under the new system would go to the area councils.

“20 percent would go to consultants and 20 per cent to the administration”,he added.

He said this is owing to the fact that regulation of outdoor advertising and signages is the responsibility of the councils.

This was as he declared the official establishment of advertisement department in the FCTA towards pursuing the goal.

Senator Mohammed urged residents to give their supports to the department towards ensuring that the policy is achieved towards enhancing the aesthetic of the FCT. The minister thanked the consultant advertising firm, Afro Media PLC for its commitment towards success of the policy.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide,who is the chairman of a committee set up by the FCTA on outdoor advertising noted that the takeoff of the outdoor advertising was made possible by the committee which came up wit an MoU, guidelines and bylaws guiding advertising in fct .

She said there is a subcommitee that would ensure that the proceeds from advertising are judiciously utilised.

Hightpoint of the flag-off was the symbolic signing of the MoU and bylaws by the AMAC Chairman, Hon. Micah Jiba.

In a remark, the AMAC chairman appreciated the minister for the wisdom to embark on this.

Trailer loaded with palm oil brought from the South-East, ready to be off-loaded, yesterday at Garki market, in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Resettlement: Garki indigenes raise 11-man team to work with implementation committee

By Adeola Tukuru

T

he Ministerial Committee on the Implementation of Apo Resettlement Scheme has recorded a major breakthrough in the resolution of the problems that have hindered the successful implementation of the scheme.

The Ministerial Committee, during its meeting, received an 11-man team set up by the Garki Indigenes to represent the four communities of Garki Gbagyi, Garki Hausa, Akpanjenya and Apo in the implementation of the Apo Resettlement Scheme.

Members of the team include: President of Garki Youth Association, Mr. Joel Yezegbe; Youth Leader of Garki Hausa, Mallam Abdulwahab Musa; Mr. Daniel Vundabo representing Apo Community, and Mr. Yohanne Gade representing Akpanjenya Community.

Engineer Josiah Shinkpe, Mr. Ayuba Tanbo and Mr. Christopher Zakka are representing Garki Gbagyi in the Committee; Alhaji Abubakar Musa Liman and Alhaji Danlami Bala are representing Garki Hausa; while Prince Gbaiza Gimba and Mr. Elisha Baba are

representing Greater Gbagyi Development Initiative.

In a letter presented to the Implementation Committee, the Sa-Peyi of Garki, His Royal Highness Alhaji Usman Nga-Kupi and his Council of Chiefs reiterated their commitment to work with other members of the Committee in the realization of its terms of reference.

“We hereby state without any fear or contradiction that we are impress with the job of the Fact Finding Committee. We admit that the recommendations of the Committee were fair and just,” they noted.

Chairman of the Committee, Alhaji Yusuf Tsaiyabu, who received the Garki representatives at the meeting, commended their decision to be part of the committee.

Tsaiyabu stated that the decision was in the best interest of the Communities and a cardinal step towards resolution of the lingering problems bedeviling the scheme.

Meanwhile, the Ministerial Committee on the Implementation of Apo Resettlement Scheme has constituted four Sub-committees in a bid to fast-track the realization of the terms of reference of the

committee.

Tsaiyabu named the Subcommittees as: Policy Implementation Sub-committee, Community Liaising & Participation Sub-committee, Data Verification Sub-committee, and Movement Sub-committee.

The Policy Implementation Sub-committee is headed by the Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, Hon. Micah Jiba, while the Community Liaising & Participation Sub-committee is chaired by Director of Inspection, Planning and Management of Area Council Services Secretariat, Architect Joshua Kaura.

The Director of Resettlement and Compensation, Mr. Francis Okechukwu, heads the Data Verification Sub-committee while the Special Adviser on Lands to Permanent Secretary, FCTA, heads the Movement Subcommittee.

Addressing the Committee members at the meeting on Wednesday, Tsaiyabu said, “I urge all members to see the issue at hand as very crucial and I expect 100 per cent participation by every member of the sub-committees. All the sub-committees are expected to submit their reports by 27 th March, 2013”.

It would be recalled that the Honourable Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, had on February 14, 2013, inaugurated the Ministerial Committee on the Implementation of Apo Resettlement Scheme.

The Implementation Committee is chaired by the Director of Admin & Finance, Area Council Services Secretariat, Alhaji Yusuf Tsaiyabu, with the Special Assistant to the Minister of State on Resettlement, Mr. Benedict Ogenyi, serving as secretary of the committee.

Appointed as Members of the Implementation Committee were the Director of Urban & Regional Planning, Alhaji Suleiman Abubakar (vice-chairman); Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, Hon. Micah Jiba; Director of Security in FCT, Alhaji Bashir Mohammed; Director of Inspectorate, Planning and Management, Area Council Services Secretariat, Architect J.S. Kaura; Director of Satellite Towns Development Agency, Alhaji Tukur Ibrahim Bakori; Director of Development Control, Mr. Yahaya Yusuf, and Director of Resettlement & Compensation, Mr. Francis Okechukwu.

NULGE Chairman advises staff in Gwagwalada on civil service rules

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he newly elected Chairman of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Gwagwagalada area Council, FCT, Comrade Isuwa Asher has called on the staff of

the area council to obey the laid down rules and regulations guiding the civil service all the times.

Asher, in an interview with Peoples Daily in Gwagwalada, said that his administration would operate an open door policy for the benefit of the

members.

He also said his leadership would give priority attention to the welfare of the staff to boost their morale at work.

He called on members to work hand in hand with him for overall development of the Union, saying “We must speak

with one voice to avoid sycophants among us”.

While commenting on the three months arrears owed by the area council, Asher said that the Chairman of the council, Hon. Zakari Angulu Dobi had promised to pay the money before the expiration of his tenure.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

Man in court for criminal breach of trust

By Zainab Ahmed Maska with agency reports

T

he police on Tuesday arraigned Abubakar Yakubu of Banex Junction, Wuse 2, Abuja before an Abuja Senior Magistrates Court for breach of trust bestowed on him by one Adamu Hassan.

The accused is also standing trial for criminal intimidation contrary to sections 312 and 397 of the Penal Code.

Police prosecutor, Sgt. Mohammed Ahmed told the court that the matter was reported at the Maitama Police Station by Hassan of Kado Housing Estate on Feb. 26.

According to the prosecutor, on Feb. 23, the complainant used his Blackberry phone valued at N54, 000 to borrow the sum of N5, 000 from the accused with a promise to pay him back and collect his phone on a later date.

Ahmed told the court that the accused disregarded the agreement between them and sold the phone without the consent of the owner.

“When the complainant returned the N5, 000, to collect his phone, the accused told him he had already sold it and threatened to kill him.’’

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Senior Magistrate Tony Ubani thereby granted him bail in the sum of N30, 000 with a surety in like sum who must present a copy of his or her PHCN and water bills for the month of February, which must have been duly paid.

He adjourned the case to March 28,2013 for further hearing.

PAGE 17

Witness narrates how fake doctor practiced with dead man’s medical certificate

A

Police witness, Chris Ani, on Tuesday told the Karu Chief Magistrates Court, Abuja, how a fake medical practitioner, Mohammed Manga, 52, used a dead man’s medical certificate to practice.

In his testimony, Ani told the court that on Nov. 13, 2012, a case of forgery and impersonation was transferred from Bwari through letter No AR 3100/FCT/ S/Vol 2/100 to Gwarinpa, Abuja.

Ani said that on Oct. 19, the officials of NAFDAC arrested Manga, who impersonated a medical doctor and operated a clinic at Tudun Fulani in Bwari.

He said on his arrest NAFDAC recovered photocopies of medical documents bearing the name of one Oke Oghogho, from Edo but now late.

“After the arrest, Manga was handed to personnel of Medical and Dental Service, FCT, and thereafter, handed to the police by one Dr Evarestus,” he said.

Ani went on to say that police investigation revealed that the late Oghogbo was a 1994 MBBS graduate of University of Lagos.

He added that the Professional Certificate of Medical Practice claimed to be issued by the Medical and Dental Service to operate as a medical doctor was also forged.

Ani said: “the accused confessed to the police that actually his real name is Mohammed Manga from Taraba, but he is impersonating Dr Oghogbo from Edo. “He was once a medical student at UNILAG but drop out at 300 level.

“He also worked with a medical personnel by name Pius in Edo for some time, but later Pius asked him to go far away and operate as a medical doctor.

“Investigation also revealed that it was the said Pius that gave Manga the medical certificate of his late brother, Oghogbo,” he

said.

Ani further said that during investigation Manga was asked to spell ‘laboratory’, he could not do so correctly.

Prosecutor Adams Peter tendered the statement of the accused made at the police station as evidence.

However, Manga’s Counsel, Oyedeji Ayodele, objected that the statement should not be admitted, saying: “the accused was forced to write the statement.

“It was obtained under force and intimidation by the police authority. Before writing the statement, the accused was in detention for two weeks,’’ he said.

Peter objected to Manga’s plea, saying: “I urge the court to admit the statement as exhibit because it was the writing of the accused’’.

Presiding Magistrate Hadiza Dodo, however, admitted the statement of the accused as exhibit ‘B1’, saying: “I have listened to the arguments of the

counsel and prosecutor’’.

Dodo held that the accused admitted that he wrote the statement himself, but could not say how he was forced to write it.

“I, therefore, admit the statement of the accused as Exhibit ‘B1’,” she said.

It could be recalled that Manga was earlier arraigned on Nov. 14,2012 by the police at the same court for forgery and false impersonation.

The prosecutor had earlier told the court that the accused used the name of late Oghogbo to operate a clinic known as Prince Miracle Clinic, Tudun Fulani, Sabongari in Bwari.

He said that the offences contravened Sections 364 and 179 of the Penal Code.

Manga pleaded not guilty and was granted bail to enable him to prepare to face his trial.

Dodo adjourned the case to March 18,2013 for continuation of hearing. (NAN)

Labourer bags 2 months imprisonment for stealing generator

A

n Abuja Grade 2 Area Court has sentenced a labourer, Abbah Lawal, to two months imprisonment for stealing a generator under the guise of assisting a trader to salvage his property from fire.

The trial judge, Ahmed Ado, sentenced Lawal, after he pleaded guilty to the one-count charge of theft.

Ado said the sentence would serve as a deterrent to others who might to engage in such act.

He, however, gave the convict an option to pay N2000 fine.

The prosecutor, Sgt Salihu Mohamed, had earlier told the court that the case was reported at the Utako Police Station on March 5 by Mr Malex Mkpesit of Karimo, Abuja.

Mohamed said the convict was caught while making away with the generator valued at N16,000 when the complainant’s shop was being gutted by fire.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened the provisions of Section 288 of the Penal Code.

Before the sentence, Mohammed pleaded for leniency, saying that he was a first time offender. (NAN)

Two abled bodymen waiting for almson aroadside, yesterday in Nyanya.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Two Fortis bank staff in court for alleged defamation of character, mischief

T

wo Fortis Micro Finance Bank staff, Wuse,Zone 6, Abuja Olomidare Ayo, 34, and Eneche Samuel, 29, on Tuesday appeared before a Karu Upper Area Court in Abuja for alleged joint act, deformation of character, mischief and theft.

Police prosecutor Silas Nanpan told the court that one Ikechukwu Uzoefuna of Urban Mass, Nyanya Market, Abuja, reported the matter at the Nyanya Police Station on Feb. 13.

“The duo accused Uzoefuna of introducing a man to them who later stood as a surety to somebody who collected a loan from their bank and both the

borrower and the guarantor absconded.’’

Nanpan said the accused started disturbing Uzoefuna to produce the borrower and the guarantor even as he insisted that he did not introduce anybody to them.

“The accused persons damaged Uzoefuna’s show glass valued at N21,000 and five cell phones valued N25,500.

“Uzoefuna went to report the matter to the police, leaving the two accused in his shop. He later discovered that 28 cell phones valued at N340,000 were stolen,” Nanpan said.

He told the court that the

offences contravened the provisions of sections 79, 392, 326 and 287 of the Penal Code.

Section 79 stipulates that when a criminal act is done by several persons in furtherance of the common intention of all, each of such persons is liable for that act in the same manner as if it were done by him alone.

Sections 392 states that whoever defames another shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or be fined or both.

Section 326 states that whoever with intent to cause or knowing that he is likely to cause damage to the public or to any

person commits mischief.

Section 287 states that whoever commits theft shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years or be fined or both.

The accused denied committing the offences, and their counsel, Isiaka Musa, urged the court to grant his clients bail.

The judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 each with one surety each in like sum.

He said the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, and adjourned the case to April 26 , 2013 for hearing. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

PAGE 18

FCT residents are interested in development, says UPP chairman candidate

By Adeola Tukuru

T

he candidate of the United Progressive Party, UPP, Chambas Okorie, for the Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, chairmanship has said residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are interested in the development of the new

chairman who would deliver on roads, health care services, power in the case of deployment of transformers etc.

He maintained that the task of developing rested on the provision of the critical infrastructure by the seating council executive to ensure that the resident have a conducive environment to

develop their individual business.

The distribution of salt and items for soup seasoning by some candidates was not the expectation of Abuja Residents, instead the politicians should show the transformers, roads, healthcare services and water projects planned or delivered upon, he asserted.

Chambas who said these

when he addressed the press at the UPP office in Abuja before the takeoff of the campaign train through the city and 12 wards of the FCT pointed out that the United Progressive Party, UPP is offering the people of the FCT peace and progress in line with the desire of the Nigerian people.

He said that the challenge in the Federal Capital

A scavenger searching for valuables in a refuse dump in Area 2, Abuja

Focus on developmental projects in AMAC, Fulani leader tells Jiba

By Usman Shuaibu

C

hief of Tudun Fulani, Dei-dei in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of the FCT , Alhaji Muhammadu Gwandabe, has appealed to incoming Chairman of the area council ,Hon Micah Y. Jiba to focus on

the developmental projects in the area.

Gwandabe alleged that since the present chairman of AMAC, Hon. Micah Jiba assumed office his leadership had done nothing to boost socio-economic growth of the Tudun Fulani.

He said that the people of Tudun Fulani had been

neglected in the area of electricity supply as well as potable drinking water and urged the incoming chairman to arrest the situation if given the mandate.

Gwandabe, who made the appeal in an interview with Peoples Daily in his palace in Tudun Fulani, urged the

incoming chairman to build a befitting hospital in order to prevent people from travelling to out to seek for medical attention.

The Fulani leader, however called on the incoming chairman to elevate him to the status of the village head to enable him to benefit from the area council.

Territory, FCT was that of good leadership that would improve on the life of the citizens and residents of the FCT who would come out to invested their time and vote for the chairmanship of the FCT to deliver on the mandate with which he has been entrusted.

According to him, the FCT residence of the federal Capital Territory are interested in the development of the new chairman who would deliver on roads, health care services, power in the case of deployment of transformers etc.

He maintained that the development of the Abuja Municipal Area Council rested on the provision of the critical infrastructure by the seating council executive to ensure that the resident have a conducive environment to develop their individual business.

He maintained that the UPP is exploring the inactive voters who have been ignored in the past but have a say in the electorate to decide the vote of the chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council.

Chambas said that he was encouraged by the fact that the people in various communities of the 12 wards of the FCT received them positively and expressed confidence in the candidature of Chambas Okorie and Danladi Iliya for the next council election.

He commended the other contestant for the maturity in the election so far especially as they have not been engaged in campaign of calumny as it was recorded in other parts of the FCT. He noted that the less than five percent of the total population of the FCT voted in the 2010 election, this development places a lot of burden on the politicians are agents of mobilization to reach out to these ignored voters to come out and vote for the UPP for peace and progress in the FCT. He noted that the UPP will contribute to the development to the FCDA by engaging on development of roads and other infrastructure so that the people will have confidence on the FCTA, The AMAC and the leadership of the council for the needed transformation of the FCTA.

FCT NDE trains 655 unemployed youths in 2012

F

CT National Directorate of Employment (NDE), has trained 655 unemployed youths in various vocational skills in 2012.

The FCT coordinator of the NDE, Mr Muhammad Shuaibu disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday.

He said that the participants were also exposed to basic business training that

would enable them manage any new businesses they intended to go into.

Shuaibu said that the NDE intended to increase its capacity in training in the FCT in all programmes, particularly with the vulnerable groups.

“In Small Scale Enterprises (SMEs), we trained 45 people in ecommerce while 50 youths were trained in Special Public

Works Training.

“The training was done in collaboration with a German company and the FCT NDE,” he said.

He said that 60 people benefited from the Graduates Attachment Programme of the NDE while 30 people were trained in Environmental Beautification.

He said that 300 youths were trained in vocational skills development.

Shuaibu said that the training was still ongoing.

“50 persons with special needs training like the vulnerable groups, also benefited in the training,’’ he said.

He said that the agency would improve the in-house capacity of its staff, particularly in ICT for optimum performance.

Shuaibu advised the unemployed youths not to wait

for government for jobs, but rather should go for training in various vocational skills in the NDE centre in Abuja.

“Government alone cannot provide jobs for all the unemployed in the country.

So, I am appealing to the teeming youths to take advantage of our vocational training centres so that they can improve on themselves,’’ he said. (NAN)

BUSINESS

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

Email: aminuimam@yahoo.co.uk

PAGE 19

INSIDE

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NSE All Share Index records 37.45% in 2012

Mob: 08033644990

FG disburses N1, 017bn for capital projects in 2012

By Abdulwahab Isa

T

he Federal Government has put total disbursements for implementation of various capital projects in 2012 Budget at N1, 017 billion.

Of the amount, N739 billion was cash-backed while MDAs unitized only N686 billion representing 92.8 percent, Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minster of finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala confirmed the figures yesterday in Abuja during press briefing on

the 2013 budget.

She also said that the 2012 budget was channeled to fund key important projects including: the rehabilitation of tracks for the Lagos-Kano railway line; the ongoing construction of the East-West Road and dualization of the KanoMaiduguri Highway.

She explained that the 2012 Budget also financed completion of work on the Treatment plant for the Owena Dam, and ongoing work at the Hadejia Valley Irrigation Project.

In addition to these major projects, she said the Ministry of Works, also worked to maintain the nation’s highways during the Christmas and New Year season, an undertaking which she said received very positive feedback from Nigerians.

“The 2012 Budget also helped to energize the Agriculture sector, resulting in an increased output; for example, it helped to boost cassava output to about 1.4 million metric tonnes last year “she added.

The Minister added that the global economy last year had its fairly telling effect on Nigeria's economy but noted that Nigeria economy did pretty well.

“Nigerian economy has been resilient, experiencing a robust growth in 2012 of 6.5 per cent compared with global growth of 3.2 per cent. Inflation is now down to single-digits at 9 percent in January 2013, compared with 12.6 percent in January 2012. Our fiscal deficit is on a downward trajectory, and below our threshold of 3

percent, while the exchange rate has remained stable” she said.

Government, she remarked was building up the necessary savings to cushion the economy against a possible global recession or collapse of oil prices.

She said the balance in the excess crude account has increased from $4.22 billion in August 2011 to about $9 billion at the end of 2012. In addition, we have launched Nigeria’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, with an initial capitalization of $1 billion”.

Airtel launches mobile voice service in Nigeria

By Chris Alu

B

harti Airtel,has announced the launch of the mobile High Definition (HD) voice service for its subscribers in Africa.This is the first step in Airtel’s ambition to make mobile HD voice accessible in all its operations across the continent.

HD voice is the most significant improvement in voice communications in the past two decades. Mobile HD voice offers crystal clear audio quality and will enhance user experience on Airtel mobile networks.It is believed that customers place a high value on HD Voice”, said Andre Beyers, chief marketing officer, Airtel Africa.

“The new service will enrich end-user experience for Airtel subscribers”.Mobile HD Voice enables high-quality voice calls because it reduces background noise often heard on a regular call.Airtel customers on 3G networks will experience a significant improvement in their voice communications as the new service will enable them to hear better in noisy environments.

To enjoy the maximum benefits of this new technology, both the calling and the called party need an HD-Voice compatible mobile phone.However, improvements in call quality are also perceived when using an HD voice-enabled phone to call a non-HD Voice phone.Mobile HD Voice-based on AMR (Adaptive Multi Rate) Wideband technology (W-AMR) operates with nine different bit rates, providing high-quality voice calls.

Compared to the current narrowband speech codec, the WAMR speech-compression algorithm doubles voice bandwidth and produces better results.After years of trials, HD Voice services were launched in 2009 and they are now available in 35 countries around the world.

According to the results of a recent survey, 96% of customers are satisfied with HD Voice calls, hence the rapid pace of commercialization of the services across the globe.Airtel becomes the third operator to launch a mobile HD voice service in Africa.

L-R: Former Minister of Power, prof. Barth Nnaji, immediate past president of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ebonyi, Enugu and Anambra states, Dr. Chike Obidigbo, and his successor, Chief Azubike Okafor, during man's 25th annual general meeting, yesterday in Awka, Anambra.

Photo: NAN

NEXIM Bank, Crown agents to collaborate on capacity building

By Abdulwahab Isa

T

he Nigerian Export Import Bank(NEXIM) and Crown Agents , an international development agency that specialises in working with public, private sector and nonprofit entities have undertaken commitment to collaborate in the area of capacity development for their staff.

The need for two agencies to collaborate in the area of capacity building for staff formed high point of discussion during a courtesy visit by Crown Agents Chief Executive, Mr Terence Jagger to NEXIM Bank Managing Director, Mr Roberts U. Orya in Abuja yesterday.

A statement issued by the

Bank’s Head of Corporate Communication, Mr Chinedu Moghalu said NEXIM boss lauded the expertise of the Crown Agents on the level of expertise and commitment it deployed in improving good governance and capacity for several public finance institutions, commercial and investment banks, supply chains which he said has led to increase in prosperity, and poverty reduction in various communities and economies.

Orya used the occasion to brief the Crown Agents team on the work of NEXIM, as Government Trade Policy Bank, in the formulation and implementation of the Trade and Industrial Policy through collaboration with other institutions such as CBN, NEPC,

NIPC, NDE, SMEDAN, NACCIMA, MAN, Chambers of Commerce, Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NEPC) in organising seminars on trade-related policy issues.

Responding, Mr Jagger thanked Orya for welcoming the team and acknowledging the work of Crown Agents. According to him, the organisation helps governments to reduce poverty, improve health and increase prosperity for sustainable development and growth with expertise extending to banking and asset management services targeted at raising revenue, managing debt and planning equitable expenditure.

He stated that Crown Agents could provide the Bank with

Management Tip of the Day

W

How to write clearly

henever you write an email, proposal, or report, it is up to you — not the reader — to make sure your point is understood. Here are three ways to ensure your ideas aren’t misinterpreted: Adopt the reader’s perspective. Put yourself in the reader’s shoes to assess your

clarity. Better yet, ask a colleague to summarise the main points of your draft from a quick read-through.Keep your language simple.

Strive to use short words and sentences. Aim for an average of 20 words or less in each sentence.

With every one, ask yourself whether you can say it more

briefly.

Show, don’t tell. Be specific enough that readers draw their own conclusions (that match yours, of course), as opposed to expressing your opinions without support and hoping people will agree.

Source: Harvard Business Review

assistance in improving physical infrastructure and building sound organisational, financial and legal structures as well as identifying sources of financing for some of its projects targeted at increasing prosperity for sustainable development and growth through their partnership with funding organisations and clients.

Going forward, the two CEOs agreed to delegate some seniorlevel officers from their organisations to brainstorm and come up with a framework for a mutually rewarding and sustainable human and technical capacity building/strengthening programmes that would be suitable for the needs of both the Bank and its relevant stakeholders.

The Nigerian Export-Import Bank was established by Act 38 of 1991 as an Export Credit Agency with the broad mandate to promoting the diversification of the Nigerian economy and deepening the external sector, particularly the non-oil through the provision of credit facilities in both local and foreign currencies; risk-bearing facilities through export credit guarantee & export credit insurance; business development and financial advisory services etc.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS MTN

T

he December 31, 2012 financial report of MTN Group released Wednesday in Johannesbourg, South Africa, has revealed a drop in the company’s earnings from Nigeria, which “slightly” affected the group’s earnings.

Though, MTN, with operations in about 22 African countries and the Middle East achieved a 15.1 per cent growth subscriber base, in the period under review.The Group however, recorded an increase of 58.5 per cent in profit or R135, 112 million (N2.34 billion) According to the report, though Nigeria’s revenue dipped by 0.8 per cent due to what the Group described as a challenging year, MTN however said that a number of its operations continued to outperform with strong organic revenue growth.

NSE All Share Index records 37.45% in 2012 From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

T

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has stated that the nation’s capital market all share index stood at 37.45% in 2012.

The market as well recorded 20 % appreciation between January, 2013 and March, while the large capitalisation of listed equities closed by 66.73%.

The Director-General, SEC, Ms Arunmah Oteh, who disclosed this yesterday in Lagos while addressing a press conference to review the performance of the sector in the last one year, noted that the market medium capitalization recorded 30 %, resulting in some sectors

attending heights they have never reached in the history of the market.

Food and Beverage sector, according to her, made returns to the tune of 100 per cent, construction sector, 72 per cent while banking 67 per cent, though the downstream oil and gas and insurance did no perform up to expectation, she said.

She noted that fact remained that the international and domestic investors are leveraging on the Nigerian’s capital market as way of participating in the nation’s great opportunities, adding that the market has over the time gained international recommendation. ‘’Our market has been rated

by the financial times as one of the top ten highest performers in the world and the top two in Africa. What gives us great joy is that what we see is first of all the result of the reforms we embarked in 2010. It gives every joy that what we are seeing is based on fundamental recognition by international and domestic investors’’, she said.

Another area that recorded low performance, within the period was the primary market. ‘’Our primary market both equities and bond market did not do well as we expected. Infact we did better in 2011 in terms of new offering than in 2012'’, she lamented.

Consequently, she assured

Oxfam makes case for increased budgetary allocation to agriculture

Simba Group of Companies

By Abdulwahab Isa

W

andel International, part of the Simba Group of companies and sole distributors of TVS King Tricycles has received commendation from the National Automotive Council (NAC) for the training of over 400 mechanics over a three month period.

In a letter sent to the company, the Director-General of National Automotive Council, Engr. Aminu Jalai, on behalf of the Council and the honourable Minister for Trade and Investment, expressed profound appreciation for the nationwide training programme organized for tricycle mechanics by the company.

The training programme, which was conducted in the six geo-political zones of the country,was organized to improve the skills of mechanics and to update them on the latest knowledge in the automotive industry, especially on the maintenance and repairs of the three-wheeler vehicles.

Glo

G

lobacom has kicked off the sale of the new BlackBerry Z10 (BB Z10) at the company’s Corporate Sales Office on Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Glo ambassadors and Nollywood stars, Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha and Desmond Elliot, joined the company’s sales and marketing team to attend to postpaid customers who had earlier preordered for the new handset device during the pre-booking campaign which ended on February 28.

Head, Corporate Sales, Globacom, Kamal Shonibare, said the customers who collected their handsets were those who had booked either at Gloworld or Glo zone outlet or who completed the online pre-booking form.

that the commission is putting in place regulatory measures to remedy the situation.

Highlighting some of measures put in place in the recent times to ensure the market’s growth and sanity, she stated that the commission has since 2009 involved in equipping the market with Collective Investment Scheme, which according to her, assist investors in diversification of risks.

Other measures include involvement of law enforcement agents, to ensure sanity in the market, installation of ICT, involvement of Nollywood stars and the young as way of instilling in them the benefits of savings culture.

A

L-R: Director General, NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, and Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Mahesh Sachdev, during the Indian pharmaceutical products exhibition, yesterday in Lagos.

Photo: NAN

Task Force removing abandoned aircrafts to storm Abuja airport

By Ibrahim Kabiru Sule

T

he Special Task Force set up by the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), to get rid of the Nigerian airports with the abandoned aircrafts is set to arrive in the Nnamdi Azikwe International airport, Abuja in continuation of their assignment.

This was disclosed by the General Manager, Corporate Communication of FAAN, Yakubu Dati yesterday, in Abuja.Dati underscored the importance of removing such abandoned aircrafts, and stated that the Task Force has been able to evacuate about 15 planes in Lagos, while owners of those left have indicated interest to remove them.

“The Task Force is now going

to move in to Abuja, Benin, Kano and other towns to ensure that we clean the spaces, the runways and the terminals of abandoned aircrafts. And we are happy that a lot of Nigerians are stakeholders in healing this wound, because this has been on the drawing board for the past 20 years, but it became almost impossible to effect, but with the support of the minister of aviation, Stella Oduah, we are able to carry out this operation,” he declared.

The General Manager then assured that the exercise will be sustained, adding that “certain measures are being taken to ensure that aircrafts cannot be abandoned, because what we realized, and most people have come to see, is that we don’t wait for the owner; when we came in there and ensure that those

things were broken into pieces and evacuated.

“We are also mindful of the environmental problem some of these abandoned aircrafts provide; that is why we are, in conjunction with the people from the environment, to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), to ensure that whatever we do is standardised and we leave every facility at the tarmac better than we met it.”

He therefore attributed the success in the industry to aviation minister’s road map, saying that “whatever you see happening in the aviation sector, there is a Road Map which was developed by the minister, and which is being followed judiciously to ensure that changes that are coming will not affect operation”.

non-governmental organization, Oxfam has suggested to government the need for increased budgetary allocation to agriculture sector.

By that, it said the fight against poverty and employment would have been won while the current rate of crime is equally contained to a barest level.

Associate Director of the organization, Tunde Ojei made the suggestion yesterday at a press conference heralding award ceremony for small scale farmers who have excelled in the sector across the country.

He said Oxfam foundation focuses more on improved methods of farming to encourage people to develop their skills and enhance their standard of living as well as improve their economic well-being.

He said that the organization works in the area of market development in order to create the enabling environment for poor in the society, especially the women, other small scale traders and farmers alike.

“Our growth enhancement scheme is a major contributor to the development of the Nigerian economy, there is need for more investment into small scale farming and one of our key projects is to make the markets work. If the market is working, definitely the small farmers will prosper and this will trickle down the ladder,” he stated.

Ojei further stressed the need for there to programmes that would woo the youths back to the farm and support the women with a view to creating a virile society void of over dependence on white collar jobs.

“We will like farmers to be looked up to as role models and not a situation where nobody shows any interest in farming activities, it not compulsory that you will carry the hoe and other farm implements, you can farm in the different aspects like poultry, dairy products, preservation, processing of farm produce, among others.”

PAGE 21

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

Issues underlying transfer pricing (2)

By Frank Onero Obaro

A

s earlier stated our transfer pricing regulation is benchmarked against the OECD transfer pricing guidelines. The Transfer Pricing Regulations also provide a “Safe Harbour” which is an exemption from “documentation requirement” of regulation 6 limiting it to when price is in accordance with the requirement of Nigerian statutory provisions and/or when price approved by other government regulatory agencies/authorities established

by Nigerian lawprovided that FIRS is satisfied that the price is at arm’s length.Though this can be tagged as mere “approval in principle” since the FIRS reserves the right to still scrutinize the transactions and ensure compliance to the “arm length” principle. The Regulations also make provision for a dispute resolution panel to serves as an administrative dispute resolution mechanism from issues arising from the provisions of the Regulations.

In effect the Regulations provide an appropriate basis for taxing economic activities of associated enterprises as well as tools for fighting tax evasion.

Provisions of the regulations also reduce the risk of economic double taxation. Also included is a level playing field between MNE and independent enterprises.

The scope of the regulations covers sale and purchases of goods and services, sales, purchase or lease of tangible assets,transfer, purchase, license or use of intangible assets, provision of services, lending or borrowing of money, manufacturing arrangement and any transaction incidental, connected or pertaining to the above transactions.

The Regulations also adopt popular transfer pricing methods such as comparable Uncontrolled Price (CUP), cost plus, resale price, transaction net margin method (TNMM) and transactional Profit Split. In all these, method used must be appropriate to the particular transaction bearing in mind the relative strength and weakness of each method, the nature of the transaction, availability of reliable information and degree of comparability.

The arm’s length principle which is the global benchmark for establishing transfer prices between related parties is recognized in regulation 4 of the Transfer Pricing Regulations. It empowers the Service to make adjustments where necessary to make a controlled transaction consistent with the arm’s length principle. The application of the arm’s length principle assists governmentsto ensure that the taxable profits of multinationals are not artificially or deliberately shifted out of their jurisdiction and that the tax base reported by multinationals in their country reflects the

economic activity undertaken therein. It also limits the risks of economic double taxation that may result from a dispute between two countries on the determination of the remuneration for cross-border transactions between associated enterprises.

Nearly all systems require that prices be tested using an "arm's length" standard. Using this method, a price is considered appropriate if it is within a range of prices that would be charged by independent parties dealing at arm's length. This is generally defined as a price that an independent buyer would pay an independent seller for an identical item under identical terms and conditions, where neither is under any obligation to act.

There are clear practical difficulties in implementing the arm's length standard. For items other than goods, there are rarely identical items. Terms of sale may vary from transaction to transaction. Market and other conditions may vary geographically or over time.

Some systems give a preference to certain transactional methods over other methods for testing prices.

The application of the arm’s length principle is generally based on a comparison of the conditions in a controlled transaction with the conditions in comparable transactions between independent enterprises, referred to as a “comparability analysis”. The OCED Transfer Pricing Guidelines (“TPG”), which has been adopted unchanged by some

FIRS Ag Chairman, Alhaji Kabiru Mashi jurisdictions contain guidance on comparability analysis and a description of five transfer pricing methods which can be used to establish whether the conditions of a transaction between associated enterprises satisfy the arm’s length principle.

The OECD and the United Nations Tax Committee have both endorsed the “arm’s length” principle, and it is widely used as the basis for double taxation treaties between governments.

The rules of nearly all countries permit related parties to set prices in any manner, but permit the tax authorities to adjust those prices where the prices charged are outside an arm's length range. Rules are generally provided for determining what constitutes such arm's length prices, and how

any analysis should proceed.

Prices actually charged are compared to prices or measures of profitability for unrelated transactions and parties. The rules generally require that market level, functions, risks, and terms of sale of unrelated party transactions or activities be reasonably comparable to such items with respect to the related party transactions or profitability being tested.

Most systems allow use of multiple methods, where appropriate and supported by reliable data, to test related party prices. Among the commonly used methods are comparable uncontrolled prices, cost-plus, resale price or mark-up, and the TNMM. Many systems differentiate methods of testing goods from those for services or use of property due to inherent differences in business aspects of such broad types of transactions.

Some systems provide mechanisms for sharing or allocation of costs of acquiring assets (including intangible assets) among related parties in a manner designed to reduce tax controversy.

Most tax treaties and many tax systems provide mechanisms for resolving disputes among taxpayers and governments in a manner designed to reduce the potential for double taxation.

Many systems also permit advance agreement between taxpayers and one or more governments regarding mechanisms for setting related party prices.

Many systems impose penalties where the tax authority has adjusted related

party prices. Some tax systems provide that taxpayers may avoid such penalties by preparing documentation in advance regarding prices charged between the taxpayer and related parties. Some systems require that such documentation be prepared in advance in all cases.

Developing economies are keenly aware of the challenges posed by transfer pricing. Their goal is the same as for OECD countries: protecting their tax base while not hampering foreign direct investment and crossborder trade. The arm’s length principle can help them achieve that goal. The key is to tailor the legislative measures and administrative effort to the strategic needs and resources of each country. Applying the arm’s length principle can become complex and resource-intensive, though policy makers should bear in mind that most OECD countries started modestly and built their transfer pricing legislation and practices gradually over several years.

Indeed, they are still in the process of improving them.

The USA transfer pricing regulations of 1994 and the risk of severe penalties, even in case of non-deliberate deviations from the arm’s length principle have resulted in both the USA and countries revising their transfer pricing methods. Countries with less sophisticated tax systems and administrations run the risk of absorbing the effect of stronger enforcement of transfer pricing in developed countries, and, in effect, paying at least some of the MNEs tax costs in those countries.

In order to avoid?this, many countries have introduced new transfer pricing rules since that time.

Tax authorities in developing countries who wish to implement transfer pricing legislation may focus on the most common types of transactions and sectors in their economy first, for instance the exploitation of natural resources, manufacturing, or service activities. Enforcement objectives should be realistic, given the available capacity, and compliance requirements made reasonable for taxpayers in light of the size of the cross border trade. So-called “safe harbours” are sometimes used to simplify compliance by small taxpayers, or to deal with small and less complex transactions carried ?out by multinational enterprises.?

Given the global, and sometimes controversial nature of transfer pricing, it is important to develop internationally shared principles to help each country fight abusive transfers of profit abroad, while at the same time limiting the risk of double taxation of those profits. This is what the arm’s length principle is for. As more developing countries apply it, new lessons will be learned. This is a key step on the road to building a stronger and fairer world economy.

PAGE 22

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

PAGE 24

PAGE 25

KANO STATE GOVERNMENT

Transforming education in Kano state: Governor Kwankwaso Agenda Kwankwaso administration has established 21 institutes including the second stateowned university, christened North-west University, Kano.

While some have taken up, either at their temporary or permanent site, others are at various stages of completion.

Governor Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso

They are:

T

he realization by Governor Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso of the importance of developing the state's education sector as wells as his resolve to put education to an appreciable position, made it possible for him to come up with number of programmes and physical project in the sector. This, of course, has not come as a surprise because, from day one, he made it categorical in his inaugural speech, shortly after he was sworn-in as the governor of Kano state for the second time on the 29th may 2011, that 'Education is one of the major priorities of this administration, as such, we placed high premium on the revival and resuscitation of the education sector as the most veritable tool for the social and economic development'.

To many, such assertion may not sound anything better than a mere empty political statement, but, as a responsible governor who believes in the principle of prudence and keeping to his words, Governor Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso has taken bold steps within his first few months in office in addressing number of problems facing the state's educational sector.

As the key to societal progress and foundation for any meaningful human development effort, education is certainly at the forefront of Governor Kwankwaso administration's priorities.

The administration's policy thrust in the sector is provision of high quality and functional education for lifelong learning and self reliance through partnering with all stakeholders in ensuring effective coordination, efficient mobilization and judicious utilization of resources. Guided by this mission and vision, Governor Kwankwaso has been able to record modest

Governor Kwankwaso in a group photograph with the 25 youths the state government sponsored to undergo maritime training overseas

Some of the buses procured by Gov Kwankwaso for conveying female students to and from school under the Kwankwasiya Girl Child Initiative achievements at all levels of the sector while in office.

Primary Education: With the inception of the Kwankwaso Administration in May 2011, primary education received a boost with the provision of additional classrooms, procurement of teaching and learning materials, training of teachers, renovation and rehabilitation of infrastructure and improvement of teachers' welfare. Below are some of the major projects executed and programmes under taken by Governor Kwankwaso: •Construction of 768 classrooms across the 44 LGAs in the state at the cost of N3, 085,810,172.16 •Provision of counterpart funding to the tune of N2, 858,863,325 to receive UBE matching grants of N5, 717,726,650.74 as settlement for 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

•Provision of free lunch five times a week and two sets of uniforms to primary school pupils.

A block of 4 classrooms constructed by the state government in each of the 44 LGAs to de-congest primary school classrooms

•Provision of UBE matching grant and other working materials for primary and junior secondary schools (N330, 171,387.36).

•Training of 8,482 primary school teachers using the 2008 UBE matching grant (N249, 729,727.12).

•Procurement and distribution of teaching and learning materials worth N249, 728,927.12 to public schools.

•Establishment of 4 new nomadic schools in Kumbotso and Tsanyawa LGAs. Secondary Education: The government also undertook the following projects with a view to enhancing the quality of education in government secondary schools: •Rehabilitation and conversion of RUWASA workshop and Ministry for Local Governments headquarters into Governor's College and provided with a befitting school bus (N363, 663,600.82).

•Construction of 100 No. Kwankwasiyya Teachers' Lodge in 38 rural local

government areas (N339, 854,454).

•Upgrading of GSS, Bagwai to a boarding school and renamed GSS Dan Hajja (N111, 200,984.54).

•Upgrading of GSS Tsanyawa to a boarding school at Dangwani (N211, 530,529.92).

•Conversion of public building at Yadakunya into GGSS, Janbaki (N228, 205,072.28).

•Prompt settlement of food bills to contractors supplying food items to public schools.

•Provision of buses to transport female secondary school students to and from their schools under the GirlChild Education Initiative.

•Establishment of 17 new junior secondary schools and upgrading of 12 JSS to senior secondary schools.

•Rehabilitation of Government Secondary Schools Gwarzo, Rano, Dala, Jogana, Dawakin Tofa and Dawakin Kudu at the cost of over N2billion.

•Establishment of Craft School in each of the 44 LGAs. •Establishment of Schools of Islamic Studies (SIS) in all the 44 LGAs. •Establishment of a model boarding secondary school in Niger Republic.

•Rehabilitation of most of public schools through CRC (N440 million).

Science and Technical Education: In its bid to promote science and technical education in the state, the

One of the 20 Institutes established by the Kwankwaso administration

administration of Governor Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso initiated and executed, among others, the following projects and programmes:•Conversion of 3 vocational centres to the status of technical colleges •Repairs and renovation of science and technical colleges in the state •Establishment of 44 Technical Schools and supply of instructional tools and equipment worth N200million •Provision of 5nos 16-seater buses to 5 newly established Technical and Science Colleges •Provision of 4nos HILUX vans to facilitate effective inspection of colleges and supervision of projects •Recruitment of additional 342 teachers for the science and technical schools •Training of 1, 500 youths on skills acquisition to reduce social problems and promote self reliance •Procurement and distribution of working tools to participants of the youth skills acquisition programme Higher Education: Under this sector, the government executed the following projects and programmes: •Construction of hostels at Kano University of Science and Techonology, Wudil, (N83, 476,178.81).

•Completion of library complex at KUST (N284,147,834.87) •Completion of Student

hostel at KUST by Asal (N234,492,485.80) •Construction of hostels at Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto and School of Basic and Remedial Studies, Funtua especially for Kano indigenes admitted there (N112,000,000).

• I n f r a s t r u c t u r a l development at the newly established North-west University, Kano (N2.453 billion).

•Construction of Senate Chambers at the North - West U n i v e r s i t y (N855,384,710.00) •Supply and Instillation of ICT components in the ELibrary (N97,311,192.83) •Supply and Instillation of Lap-Top Computers and accessories for the Academic Staff (N66,843,447.30) •Provision of furniture's and equipment for the Academic staff and Library (N98.086,040.00) •Settlement of backlog of students' scholarship grants for 2009 and 2010.

•Spent N346, 000,000 on students' welfare.

•Sponsorship of 501 graduates with first and upper second class degrees for postgraduate studies abroad (N1.5 billion).

•Accreditation programmes of some higher institutions of learning in the state (N500, 000,000) •The Kano State Polytechnic accessed N299, 000,000 2010 and 2010 ETF intervention fund.

Entrance of the newly established Governor's College, Kano

•Completion of Admin block at Sa'adatu Rimi College of Sa'adatu Rimi College of Education, SRCOE (N234,492,485.80) •Sa'adatu Rimi College of Education, Kumbotso accessed N235, 000,000 ETF special interventions, N149, 000,000 normal intervention and N150, 000,000 interventions for 2011.

•KUST, Wudil accessed N445, 000,000 and N250 million ETF fund.

•Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Dambatta accessed N55 million, N55.5 million and N30 million ETF fund for 2008, 2009 and 2010 and N25 million as special interventions.

•Rehabilitation and upgrading of facilities at KUST, Wudil (N695 million).

•Accreditation of courses at Kano State Polytechnics (N82,087,763.2] •Construction of 4No. blocks of 6 classrooms storey building at Aminu Kano College of Islamic and Legal Studies, AKCILS (N84,414,246.68) •Construction of new 4No. blocks at Aminu Kano College of Islamic and legal studies (N84,414,246.68) •Obtained approval for the take off of degree and N.C.E programme at AKCILS (N19,900,669.63) •Construction New School of Remedial Studies at Tudun Wada Local Government Area (N241,386,235.54)

Foreign Studies: Government has so far expended the sum of N2.017 billion on various scholarship programmes e.g.

•Sponsored 501 young men and women to undergo master's and doctorate degrees in 11 countries; arrangements are underway to sponsor a second set of 502 students.

•Sponsored 100 youth to train as commercial pilots in Jordan.

•Sponsored 100 youth to read medicine in various universities abroad.

•Sponsored 100 teachers to China for language classes.

•Sponsored 100 youth to study pharmacy in Nigerian universities.

•Sponsored 100 youth to study at Crescent University, Abeokuta.

•Sponsored 100 youth to study at Bells University of Technology, Otta, Ogun State.

•Paid scholarship allowances to the tune of N590 million.

•Accorded special priority to medical and law students to further boost the state manpower.

•Sponsored 25 students for marine training to India and UK in partnership with NIMASA. •Sponsored 917 trainees in various specialized Nigerian institutions across the country.

New Institutes: In an effort to provide the teeming youths and women in the state the opportunity to acquire vocational training through skills acquisition, the

Ongoing construction of a theatre hall in one of the higher institutions of learning in the state

1.Kano Poultry Institute, Dambatta 2.Kano Hospitality and Tourism Institute, Kano 3.Kano Institute of Qur'anic & Western Education, Kano 4.Kano Fisheries Institute, Bagauda 5.Kano Farm Mechanization Institute, Dambatta 6.Kano College of Nursing and Midwifery, Madobi 7.Kano Corporate Security Training Institute, Gabasawa 8.Kano Reformatory Institute, Kiru 9.Kano Film Academy, Tiga Rock Castle 10.Kano Informatics Institute, Kura 11.Kano Sports Academy, Karfi 12.Kano Driving Institute, Kumbotso 13.Kano Irrigation Training Institute, Kadawa 14.Kano Entrepreneurship Development Institute, Dawakin Tofa 15.Kano Post Basic Midwifery School, Gezawa 16.Kano Institute of Horticulture, Bagauda 17.Kano Livestock Institute, Bagauda 18.Kano Development Journalism Institute, Kano 19.School of Basic Remedial Studies, Tudun Wada 20.Kano School of Health Technology, Bebeji 21.North-west University, Kano.

The accomplishment of these modest achievements by Governor Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso since the inception of the second tenure of his administration is indeed a clear proof of his commitment and dedication to the development of all levels and sectors of education in Kano state as the key to societal progress and foundation for any meaningful human development efforts.

With these structures on the ground and many more to come, Kano will certainly be, in a very near future, a force to reckon with in educational excellence

Corporate Security Institute, Zakirai , Gabasawa Local Government, one of the 20 institutes established by the Kwankwaso administration

Free School meal programme…caring for the less privileged at school

A well - equipped chemistry lab at the Governor's College, Kano

Students receiving lectures at the temporary site of the newly established Kano Informatics Institute

Entrance of Sports Institute, Karfi in Kura Local Government established by the Kwankwaso administration and attainment in Nigeria and beyond.

Prepared and sponsored by Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports and Culture, Kano State.

PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

The people of truth... the Allah fearing (V) A

llah says: “It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces towards east or West; but it is righteousness- to believe In Allah and the Last Day, and the angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your possession, out of love for it, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast In prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfil the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient, In pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the Allah fearing.” [al-Baqarah: 177] In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. All Praise is due to Allah! We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and we seek refuge in Him from our evils and bad deeds. Anyone who is guided by Allah, is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and final messenger to mankind. May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon His last and final Apostle, his Household, his companions and all his followers until the end of time.

Our last station we started talking of steadfastness in prayers in accordance with the Islam jurisprudence ruling. We could not complete because of its significance, as well for the need to ginger you to not to slacken in your zeal and enthusiasm in your performance of it on not only at its appoinded times but also with all that makes it complete and inclusive. This week, however, we will continue discussing it because it stands out

be the very heart of the entire positions.

Islam! I stopped at item number 7.

Every tashahhud 10, so the next numbering is the including the final one and that continuation. of the sahwi corrective steps.

11. The sitting between the 8. Every sitting for the two sajadah of each unit or raka'at 12. Sitting enough to say the tasleem 1 3 .

Attaining

By Husain Zakariyya o p t i m u m Yawale tranquillity a n d attentiveness +234-8052952900 (sms only) throughout the islamexplained35@yahoo.com salah.

14. The first tasleem (saying rehearsing of tashahhuds. assalaamu alaikum, just that or 9. Salutation of the Prophet assalaamu alaikum wa of Allah after the last tashahhud. rahmatullaah to the right and 10. Prostration (sujud) on the then to the left). Observing front of the feet, on the palms and proper arrangement of the elbows of the legs. fara'id.

11. Responding to the salaam Sunan: These are the steps or tasleem of the Imam and the that are required to be done one on your left. during the salah and if any is or 12. Extra composure and some are left out due to calmness atop the compulsory forgetfulness they can be one.

13.

Lauding of the compensated for with the prostration of forgetfulness or pronouncement of the tasleem sujud as-sahwi. However, if they concluding the salah.

14. Listening attentively to are deliberately omitted then the salah becomes null and void. the laud recitation of the Imam.

15. Mounting of sutrah or The waajibaat of the Salah obstructing sign post should the are eight. They are: 1. Recitation of a chapter or Imam should there arise any fear verses after the mandatory of passers-by.

If any person remembers Fatiha in first two raka'ats.

2. Reciting the surah or ayats that he or she forgot and while standing for those who can increased or reduced some or any of these sunnan and afford.

3. Loud recitation where it is remembers while still praying, then he or she has to make the to be recited aloud.

4. Secret recitation where it two corrective prostrations for forgetfulness or sujud sahwi. If is to recited secretly.

5. Rehearsing the takbeer at the increase is remembered even every instance with exception of after a long time, the prostration the prelude takbeer declaring for forgetfulness must be the commencement of the salah. performed. but if it was for 6. Pronouncement of Sami decrease, and only remembered Allahu liman hamidah when after a long time, the prayers springing up from the ruku'u remained valid, by the special

ISLAM EXPLAINED

leave of Allah.

To be steadfast in prayers includes but limited to what we have adumbrated above. It involves good purification including its etiquettes and conations. Good ablution with full knowledge of the obligatory, the recommendable and how to avoid mistakes, and where it is made how to redeem them. Above all one has observe the salah with full and unshakeable love of it being Allah's command.

As-salah must be performed as at when due, including all what it entails! The issue of salah in the sight of Allah is so important that He promises torment and anguish for anyone who neglects it. he also promises heaven and sumptuousness for anyone who is steadfast on it, in addition to ruling over the world.

He says regarding those who neglects it: “So woe to the worshippers. Who are neglectful of their prayers. Those who (want but) to be seen (of men).” [alMa'un: 4-6] he says regarding those who are mindful about it: “Allah has promised, to those among you who believe and work righteous deeds, that He will, of a surety, grant them In the land, inheritance (of power), As He granted it to those before them; that He will establish In authority their Religion - the one which He has chosen for them; and that He will change (Their state), after the fear In which They (lived), to one of security and peace: 'They will worship me (alone) and not associate aught with Me. 'If any do reject Faith after this, They are

rebellious and wicked.” [an-Nur: 55] And: “Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish regular prayers and regular charity, will have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall They grieve.” [al-Baqarah: 277] “Those who patiently persevere, seeking the countenance of their Lord; establish regular prayers; spend, out of (the gifts) we have bestowed for their sustenance, secretly and openly; and turn off evil with good: for such there is the final attainment of the (eternal) home.” [ar-Ra'ad: 22] Here are some virtues of performing Salah for the purpose of reminding ourselves as motivation to us.

1. Salah was the first and the foremost thing ordained by Allah, and it shall be the first and the foremost thing to be accounted for on the Day of Judgement.

2. Fear Allah in the matter of Salah! Fear Allah in the matter of Salah! Fear Allah in the matter of Salah!

3. Salah intervenes between man and Shirk.

4. Salah is the emblem of Islam. A person who says his Salah at the fixed hours with sincerity and devotion, observing all its regulations including the Mustahabbat, such a person is surely a Mu'min.

5. Out of all injections that have been ordained by Allah, Imaan and Salah are the most valued that includes all and sundry. If there were any other things better than Salah, then Allah would have ordained it for His Angels, some of whom are eternally on various positions of the salah!

6. Salaat is the pillar of Islam.

7. Salah dispels and disgraces the satan.

8. Salah is the light of every Mu'min.

9. Allah is closest to a person so long as he is engaged in Salah.

10. When a calamity befalls us from Heaven, people frequenting the Masjid are spared and saved for their attachment to Allah through their salahs!

11. Even hell fire is been forbidden to touch those parts of the body which engage in Salah.

12. Salah is the key to Paradise. l3. A person in Salah is like person who knocks at the door of the sovereign Lord, and the doo, of which it will always remain opened for him whenever he knocks!

14. If a person wishes to have his sins forgiven by Allah, he should perform his 'Wudhu' properly, offer at least two Raka'at, and thus his sins against Allah's injunctions will be blotted-off!

15. Salah is the offering of the pious and a line of communication with Allah in times of distress and delectation.

To be continued, Insha Allah

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

ANALYSIS

By Graham Webster

L

ast week, after the Washington Post reported that numerous Washington institutions in and outside government have experienced hacking attributed to China, the Post's excellent political writer Ezra Klein had this unfortunate foray into commentary on Chinese elite politics: The Chinese look at Washington, and they think there must be some document somewhere, some flowchart saved on a computer in the basement of some think-tank, that lays it all out. Because in China, there would be. In China, someone would be in charge. There would be a plan somewhere. It would probably last for many years. It would be at least partially followed. But that's not how it works in Washington.

Coming at these events from a Washington perspective has led to some conceptual and factual assumptions that are emblematic of wider misperceptions of the US relationship with China.

Problem number one: who exactly are "the Chinese" in this paragraph?

The charitable interpretation of this usage is that "the Chinese" here means "the Chinese government", but I doubt a sophisticated commentator such as Klein would so comfortably refer simply to what "the Americans" think.

The less charitable interpretation is that Klein is using an old-fashioned, essentialising term as a crutch for lack of more detailed knowledge of the splits, divides and diversities of the fifth of the human population living in the People's Republic of China. "The Chinese" appears as a collective noun in this short piece seven times. (A similar "silly Chinese!" piece in Foreign Policy resorts to this usage five times.)

Does Klein have some survey data, or one of his famous graphs, to show that the misconception he attributes to Chinese people is actually widely held? Does he have some documents or references showing the government of China works on the assumption of a vast organised conspiracy?

Problem number two (and this one's a doozy): Klein rightly dismisses the assumption that there are effective secret plans in an arena so vast as the US political world, only to give no evidence in asserting that there would be such a blueprint in China's vast Communist Party and state organisations. He hedges, in saying that a Chinese plan would be "at least partly followed", but the error is too deep.

By painting in a single stroke the Chinese people, their government, the Party, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and hackers who may or may not work for one or more of those bodies, this argument misses the first lesson of Chinese politics: An authoritarian system is not necessarily a unified and noncompetitive one.

Problem number three (the one that led to the others): The paragraph above seems not to have been written in an effort to understand or explain Chinese politics, or even really to explain the error of Chinese hackers. Instead, it's a vehicle for Klein's very good point

PAGE 27

Chinese cyberwar and the US ‘myth of scheming’

"If a government official complains to a journalist that some country is breaking into their computers, we should expect follow-ups about that government's own hacking efforts," writes Webster [AFP] regarding US politics - "the myth of scheming": What the Chinese hackers are looking for is the great myth of Washington, what I call the myth of scheming…. This is the most pervasive of all Washington legends: that politicians in Washington are ceaselessly, ruthlessly, effectively scheming.

That everything that happens fits into somebody's plan. It doesn't.

Maybe it started out with a scheme, but soon enough everyone is, at best, reacting, and at worst, failing to react, and always, always they're doing it with less information than they need (emphasis mine.)

What a fantastic point. It's one that I often make with Chinese friends who are not especially well-versed in US politics. But if Klein asked around among people who have dealt with Chinese officials and scholars, I think he would have learned that many Chinese who work on relations with the US are well versed in the chaotic nature of its political system. Indeed, I can't count how many times I've heard or read comments comparing the US logjam to the relative decisiveness of some Chinese decision-making.

Just as Klein diagnoses a Chinese mistake in order to make a point about Washington, I'm discussing his to make one about China: beware

the myth of unitary control.

The US government and various private organisations (including the Washington Post), have recently been more specific than ever in attributing individual attacks to the Chinese government.

As I discussed in this space more than a year ago, many in the US government have been confident for some time that attacks emanate from the Chinese government.

Now, however, more private firms are bringing their grievances into the open.

President Barack Obama included a thinly veiled reference to Chinese intellectual property theft in the State of the Union. And the security firm Mandiant has gone farther in a provocative way, accusing a specific unit of the PLA of culpability for hacking hundreds of computers. But "someone in China" is not the same as "top Chinese decision-makers".

In recent days, the so-called "attribution problem" - the challenge of determining who is behind an online attack - is being brushed aside in favour of direct accusations, at least when it comes to China. But the attribution problem is stubborn, because real understanding requires more detail about who's behind the attacks.

The weakest point in the

“

Mandiant report is its insistence that the specific and detailed hypothesis they present, that a vast body of online activities are physically controlled from a specific building in Shanghai by a specific unit of the PLA, is the only possibility that fits the facts. They give a preposterous alternate hypothesis as a straw man, when from the evidence presented, it is at very least possible that the building in question could be a relay station and not the true headquarters. Any number of other wrinkles could undermine the specific accusation.

But Mandiant's argument is valued precisely because it addresses the details and allows us to discuss them, rather than simply accusing "China". One imagining this kind of specificity might be available in intelligence circles or when firms are trying to defend themselves, but we rarely get to see this kind of detail in the open. If we did, perhaps fewer people would be comfortable blaming "the Chinese" for events, or ascribing to them a single world-view.

In Chinese politics, the myth of unitary control presents a trap in many fields, not just cybersecurity.

The opacity of the Chinese political system makes it hard for outsiders to know who is responsible for what outcomes.

For example, the usual way to

President Barack Obama included a thinly veiled reference to Chinese intellectual property theft in the State of the Union.

think about the top leadership position (the seat Xi Jinping will solidify once he adds the presidency to his positions as the head of the Communist Party and the Central Military Commission this month) is as first among equals at the Politburo Standing Committee currently a body of seven men with varying portfolios and factional ties.

Most of the rest of the system is at least that ambiguous.

If Chinese hackers working for the government are indeed seeking to steal a glance at US political groups, the question of whom they work for, under what state, party, or military authority, is a gaping hole in our understanding - a hole unfilled by the reporting currently available.

The myth of unitary control is nothing new. It was strong in the Mao era, when detailed information on Chinese politics was very hard to come by. In the late 1980s, the political scientists Michel Oksenberg and Kenneth Lieberthal, who at different times served in the US National Security Council, described what they called "fragmented authoritarianism" in China. The Communist Party was not, they argued, a unified leviathan working under the direction of a single leader. Rather, bureaucratic bodies and officials with varying interests jockeyed for influence.

The study of Chinese politics continues to advance, but this core insight still shines bright, even where the fog of secrecy obscures the details.

If different groups have different interests within the Chinese government, why would we assume they all have the same interests and assumptions when looking for information abroad?

Ultimately, the myth of unitary control presents what we could call a "second-layer attribution problem" in cybersecurity policy. Even if a victim of a cyber attack were 100 percent confident on national origin, the question of who's behind the attack is still alive and well. Similarly, China can loom large in the domestic politics of many countries, but it always bears asking what part of China's people, government, military, or economy is really in play.

For now, the cybersecurity discussion gets even more confused when political voices jumble the ideas of cyber attacks, intellectual property theft, online espionage, computer system sabotage and cyberwar. The public discussion on these issues needs an upgrade. If victims of hacking wish to be specific in allocating blame, they should think more specifically than nation-states.

If politicians are developing policy, they should consider the difference between an attack on national security infrastructure, a think-tank, or a major business before assessing the national interest. And if a government official complains to a journalist that some country is breaking into their computers, we should expect follow-ups about that government's own hacking efforts.

More discussion on cybersecurity is good, but only if that discussion gets more detailed.

Source: AlJazeera

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

Kenyan candidate's party alleges polls rigged T

he party of one of Kenya's leading presidential candidates has alleged voterigging and demanded that the count be halted, bringing further complications to the country's elections.

The accusations by Prime Minister RailaOdinga's running mate on Thursday came a day after rival Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta protested at the inclusion of spoiled ballots in the vote count, a process that could increase the chances of a second round runoff.

"We have evidence that the results we have received have been doctored," said KalonzoMusyoka, vice president and Odinga's running mate, adding that in some cases, "total votes cast exceeds the actual number of registered voters."

However, Musyoka urged calm stating that his accusations were "not a call to mass action" and that the party was "committed to the principle of rule of law."

During the 2007 elections, disputed results triggered weeks of deadly ethnically motivated violence.

"Because of these concerns, we as a coalition take the position that the national vote tallying process lacks integrity and has to be stopped," Musyoka said, demanding that "primary documents" from polling stations be used.

Libya interim leader comes under attack

L

KalonzoMusyoka, Odinga's running mate, said that his party was 'committed to the principle of rule of law [AP] Kenyatta's party has also raised major concerns over the electoral process. An official had said that the inclusion of spoiled ballots in the count was motivated by a "sinister and suspect" logic.

Kenyatta, who faces a trial at the International Criminal Court on charges of crimes against humanity over the 2007-08

violence, held a clear lead as counting continued Thursday, with almost half of estimated ballots cast so far tallied.

His running mate William Ruto also faces ICC charges for his role in the aftermath of the 2007 elections.

Al Jazeera's NazanineMoshiri reporting from Nairobi said that

Isaac Hassan, the chairman of the IEBC, told Al Jazeera that the allegations by the coalition court are "completely untrue and the final tallying will continue."

"Now, the only way the coalition can stop tallying the final results from coming out is if they take this to the supreme court, which will be a long process," said Moshiri.

Apartheid death squad boss dies in Pretoria

D

irk Coetzee, one of the most notorious figures of South Africa's apartheid era, has died at the age of 57.

Dirk Coetzee The former police captain ran a covert counter-insurgency unit that detained and killed antiapartheid activists.

It operated in secrecy from Vlakplaas, a farm near Pretoria, recruiting black liberation movement members whom it turned into killers.

He revealed the existence of Vlakplaas in 1989 when he was smuggled out of South Africa to write his story.

Coetzee claimed responsibility for the killings of several African National Congress (ANC) members.

He took refuge in London after exposing the group in an interview with a liberal Afrikaans newspaper.

He joined the ANC, where he was known as Comrade Dirk with allegiance to Nelson Mandela, and

became an assassination target for the white-minority government.

He later returned to South Africa and joined the postapartheid spy service after Mr Mandela became president in 1994.

He was later convicted of murder, but granted amnesty by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 1997 when he publicly confessed to murdering a Durban human rights lawyer, Griffiths Mxenge.

However, Coetzee failed to reveal the place where another activist, SizweKondile, had been buried after being killed and burnt.

Ousted Pistorius detective quits South African police

H

ilton Botha, the former lead detective in the Oscar Pistorius inquiry, has resigned, South African police confirm.

Det Botha was dropped from the investigation in February after it emerged that he was facing attempted murder charges in another case.

He has also been heavily criticised for giving contradictory evidence at the bail hearing of Mr Pistorius.

The Paralympic champion is accused of killing his girlfriend, model ReevaSteenkamp - a charge he denies.

Mr Pistorius says he mistook her for a burglar when he shot

her dead on 14 February.

Ms Steenkamp, 29, died after the athlete fired multiple shots into the toilet of his apartment in a gated housing complex in Pretoria.

Police said the veteran policeman's resignation was accepted with immediate effect but did not elaborate further on the reasons behind his decision.

DetBopha, the first officer to arrive at the scene of the Valentine's Day shooting, was accused of mishandling the investigation after he amended his testimony during fierce questioning by Mr Pistorius's defence lawyers in last month's bail hearing.

He told the court that the trajectory of gunshots through the bathroom door indicated that Mr

Hilton Botha

Pistorius, a double amputee, was wearing his prosthetic legs and shot downwards through the door.

ibya's interim leader has come under attack in Tripoli as he left a chaotic session of the national assembly disrupted by protesters, without causing casualties.

The interior minister said that gunmen in a crowd of Libyans demanding that legislators pass a bill barring former associates of ousted dictator Muammar Gaddafi from power shot at the car of the General National Congress (GNC) speaker.

"The car of the General National Congress speaker (Mohammed Magarief) came under fire as assembly members left in a state of total confusion" AshurShwayel told a press conference.

Mohammed Magarief, a former ambassador to India who had survived a gun attack at his home in January, was unharmed and no one else was hurt in the shooting he said.

The demonstrators who disrupted the session of the General National Congress, the highest authority in Libya, in effect making Magarief the country's interim leader, were armed and some carried explosives, said the minister.

Chaotic scenes Dozens of protesters insisting the national assembly adopt a bill banning from politics associates of former dictator Muammar Gaddafi blocked MPs from leaving the meeting room in a southern suburb of Tripoli.

Prime Minister Ali Zeidan said about 300 protesters had gathered "to put pressure on members to vote on this bill".

The official news agency LANA, quoting an assembly official, said Magarief's car came under heavy gunfire. It was unclear if the attack was "an assassination bid or a collateral incident," the official said.

The bill is controversial because it could put more than 30 members of the General National Congress out of office, including Magarief and even Prime Minister Ali Zeidan.

Proposed in December, the bill would ban from politics all officials of the Gaddafi regime and their associates.

Only earlier on Tuesday, the national assembly building was returned to its members after a month-long occupation by former rebels demanding compensation for injuries in the 2011 revolution that ousted Gaddafi, a security official said.

Insecurity persists in Libya after a popular uprising in 2011, and politicans, state buildings and oil installations have become a focal point of protests as the government struggles to impose order on a vast and divided country awash with weapons.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

Asia and Middle East

N

ajibRazak, the Malaysian prime minister, has rejected the ceasefire offer by leader of rebels in Sabah island, saying only an unconditional surrender is acceptable.

PAGE 29

Malaysia rejects ceasefire in Sabah The Malaysian prime minister, who flew to the region on Thursday to inspect security operations, said he told Philippine president Benigno Aquino by phone the ceasefire offer was rejected.

"I told President Aquino they must lay down their arms immediately," Najib told reporters

in a village near where the army and police were searching for scores of rebels.

"They have to surrender their arms and they have to do it as soon as possible."

"We have given them more than three weeks to surrender and postponed it four times. We only took

action after they killed eight of our policemen, so Malaysia does respect human rights," he said.

At least 31 armed Filipino gunmen have been killed in the latest offensive by the Malaysian troops. That brought the total dead close to 60, including eight Malaysian policemen.

Violent strike continues in Bangladesh

Syria rebels urged to release UN peacekeepers

A

A

t least one ruling party worker was killed during clashes in northwestern Bangladesh as a nationwide strike called by the opposition shut schools and businesses across the country.

The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) enforced the strike to protest at police firing on a rally on Wednesday, when at least two senior party officials were hit by rubber bullets in the capital, Dhaka.

It was the 12th such strike called this year by the BNP and its ally the Jamaat-e-Islami party, in protest at acontroversial war tribunal trying their leaders for crimes during the 1971 war which won independence from Pakistan.

The stoppages hit businesses, deliveries of exports and imports to and from seaports and the transport of farm products from rural areas, among other areas.

Violence broke out between rival political activists from the BNP, Jamaat and the ruling Awami League in the town of Bholarhat on Thursday, local police chief ShahidSuhrawardy told AFP news agency.

JamalulKiram III, a self-proclaimed Philippine spiritual leader, declared a unilateral ceasefire in Sabah.

Release of Arafat death probe results delayed

T

he results of a probe into claims that Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat was poisoned by polonium will not be known until the end of May, the Swiss lab carrying out the tests has said.

The Swiss University Centre of Legal Medicine in Lausanne announced the delay in the results, which were previously estimated to be released in three to four months, after Arafat's body was exhumed in November.

"There are two series of tests that have to be carried out. The first one is complete and we're going to start the second one, so there won't be tangible results until the end of May," said Darcy Christen, spokesman for the Laussane lab.

The tests were partly a result of an Al Jazeera's investigation into the death of the Palestinian leader, who died in November 2004 in a French hospital, which discovered abnormal traces of the radioactive substance, polonium210, in Arafat's personal effects.

JamalulKiram III, a selfproclaimed Philippine sultan, declared a unilateral ceasefire to be effective from 12:30pm local time (04:30GMT) and urged Malaysia to reciprocate, according to a statement read out by his spokesman in the Philippine capital, Manila, on Thursday.

Police shoot rubber bullets to disperse protesters.

Screen grab taken from a video uploaded on YouTube, allegedly shows armed fighters standing in front of a United Nations Disengagement Force (UNDOF) vehicle in the Golan Heights between Syria and Israel.

rmed fighters linked to the Syrian opposition have detained about 21 UN peacekeepers in the increasingly volatile zone separating Israeli and Syrian troops on the Golan Heights.

The UN Security Council and Philippine government demanded their immediate and unconditional release on Thursday.

"The Philippine government is calling for the immediate release of 21 Filipino peacekeepers who are part of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights," a foreign ministry statement said.

Later on Thursday a video was released showing the peacekeepers, with one of them saying they were safe and being cared for.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights posted the video which shows six uniformed members of UNDOF. An officer who identifies himself as a member of the Filipino battalion says he and his men were in "a safe place" and had stopped in the village of Jamla because of bombing and artillery fire in the area.

"Civilian people helped us for our safety and distributed us in different places to keep us safe.

They gave us good accommodation and gave us food to eat and water to drink," he said.

Talks were under way for the release of the unarmed peacekeepers, who were detained on Wednesday, Raul Hernandez, Philippines foreign affairs department spokesman, said.

The foreign affairs department spokesman said that the Filipino peacekeepers were unharmed.

"The apprehension and illegal detention of the Filipino peacekeepers are gross violations of international law," the statement said.

The hostages are part of a 300-member Filipino peacekeeping unit.

Colonel Arnulfo Burgos, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, told Al Jazeera's MargaOrtigas that the abducted peacekeepers are "safe" and being "treated as guests" by the Syrian fighters.

The UNDOF force was established in 1974 following the 1973 Yom Kippur war to monitor the disengagement of Israeli and Syrian forces and maintain a ceasefire.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

PAGE 30

Europe and Americas Obama to release more details on drone policy

Italy's Berlusconi convicted over leaks

A

n Italian court has sentenced former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi to a year in prison over the publication of leaked transcripts from a police wiretap in a newspaper that he owns.

Berlusconi, who faces two more verdicts this month for tax fraud

and having sex with an underage prostitute, can appeal Thursday's conviction which would suspend the sentence under Italian law.

Italian sentencing guidelines indicate that people aged over 75 and with sentences of less than two years do not have to actually go to

prison.

Berlusconi, a billionaire media tycoon, is 76.

He stood accused of violating secrecy laws after his ilGiornale daily published transcripts in 2005 that were widely seen as an attempt to discredit a senior member of the

P

resident Barack Obama will soon reveal more about the administration's legal rationale for using drone strikes, US Attorney General Eric Holder has said.

He told members of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday that Obama would address the issue directly "in a relatively short period of time".

Congress has been seeking access to at least 11 memos produced by the US Justice Department that lay out the legal rationale for using drone strikes to target individuals overseas.

Until this week only four members of Congress had been allowed access to the information regarding the administration's policy on drone strikes.

"I heard you. The president has heard," Holder said. As a result, the administration is prepared to make more materials available, he said.

Earlier, Holder wrote a letter to Republican Senator Rand Paul saying that while drone strikes against Americans on US soil were not anticipated, the Obama administration is not ruling it out in circumstances akin to the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Late into Wednesday evening, Paul took to the floor of Congress in an attempt to block the confirmation of Obama's counterterrorism adviser, John Brennan, as director of the CIA, vowing to continue his opposition until more information is released about the drone program.

The Obama administration has increasingly used drone strikes to target militants overseas. In 2011, for example, strikes in Yemen killed US-born Anwar alAwlaki, accused of being a leader of al Qaeda's Yemen-based affiliate, and his son, also a US citizen.

Civilian casualties from drone strikes have angered local populations and created tension between the US and Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The US has sought to portray civilian casualties as minimal, but organisations that collect data on these attacks put the number of civilians killed in the hundreds.

"We have talked about a need for greater transparency," Holder told senators.

He predicted there "would be a greater level of comfort" about the use of drones after the information is shared.

As part of a deal that led the Senate Intelligence Committee to approve Brennan's nomination as the new director of the CIA, the administration agreed on Tuesday to share two more of the documents with committee members and some staffers.

Senators on Wednesday also questioned Holder over whether the Obama administration would ever countenance using drone strikes to target citizens on American soil.

Former PM, Silvio Berlusconi

centre-left Democratic Party ahead of elections in 2006.

The leaks were about the attempted takeover of BNL bank by insurance giant Unipol.

His brother Paolo, editor of ilGiornale, was sentenced to two years and three months.

The three-time prime minister also faces a verdict possibly as early as March 18 in a trial in which he is accused of having sex with a then 17-year-old prostitute when he was prime minister and then abusing the power of his office by putting pressure on police to release her from custody.

A verdict in his appeal trial against a tax fraud conviction from last year in which he was also sentenced to a year in prison is also expected around March 23.

Italian court dates are often changed at the last minute and Berlusconi's lawyers have tried to slow down all the trials, invoking "legitimate impediment" because of his duties as an MP. He resigned as as prime minister in November 2011 amid debt woes, but made comeback in the last month's elections coming at second place.

UN adopts tough new North Korea sanctions

T

he UN Security Council has unanimously approved fresh sanctions against North Korea in response to Pyongyang's nuclear test last month.

The resolution is targeting North Korean diplomats, cash transfers and access to luxury goods.

It imposes asset freezes and travel bans on three individuals and two firms linked to North Korea's military.

Pyongyang earlier vowed to use its right to a pre-emptive nuclear attack against its "aggressors".

In a 15-0 vote, the council on Thursday backed Resolution 2094, imposing the fourth set of sanctions against the North.

Speaking after the vote, the US ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice, said the document "strongly condemns" Pyongyang's actions.

She said the sanctions would

"further constrain" North Korea's ability to develop its nuclear programme.

And Ms Rice warned that the UN would "take further significant actions" if Pyongyang were to carry out another nuclear test.

"North Korea will achieve nothing by continuing threats and provocations," she stressed, urging the North to comply with the demands of the international community.

China's UN ambassador, Li Baodong, said that "the top priority now is to defuse the tensions" on the Korean peninsula.

Mr Li also said that the six-party talks on the North's controversial programme must resume.

South Korea's envoy to the UN, Kim Sook, described the North's nuclear tests as "grave threat to the peace" on the Korean peninsula and the wider region.

Mr Kim urged Pyongyang to

respond to the concerns of the world community. "North Korea's future rests in its own hands," he said.

Russian ambassador VitalyChurkin, who is the current president of the council, described the resolution as an "appropriate

measure".

UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon said the measure "sent an unequivocal message to (North Korea) that the international community will not tolerate its pursuit of nuclear weapons."

Susan Rice

Russia says kills Chechen rebel leader, two militants

President Putin

R

ussian forces killed the leader of one of the rebel groups fighting to carve an Islamist state out of the North Caucasus and two other militants

on Thursday, news agencies said, quoting Russia's anti-terrorism committee.

One law enforcement officer was killed and another wounded

in a gunfight with the militants in the Vedeno district, one of the regions hardest hit by two separatist wars in Chechnya after the Soviet collapse, they said, quoting the committee known by its Russian initials NAK. The dead leader, Adam Khushalayev, who had adopted the name Abu-Malik, had been a wanted man for over a decade and had taken over as head of a rebel group after its leaders were killed in January, NAK said.

The leaders before him, the brothers Khuseyn and Muslim Gakayev, had been blamed for organizing several high-profile attacks, most recently a suicide bombing that killed four interior ministry soldiers last August, according to NAK. More than a decade after

President Vladimir Putin's government restored control over Chechnya, Islamist insurgents still stage frequent attacks in the region.

The epicenter of violence has spread from Chechnya in recent years to Russia's other mainly Muslim provinces of Ingushetia, Dagestan and KabardinoBalkaria.

Next year's Olympics in Sochi to take place nearby are a sworn target of the umbrella Caucasus Emirate group, which has staged bloody attacks in the Russian heartland.

It claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing at Moscow's busiest airport in 2011 that killed 37 people and twin bombings of Moscow's metro system in 2010 that killed 40 people.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

PAGE 31

Japan’s lonely youth turns to rent-a-friend services M

aking friends is not as easy as most people think, but it seems that for young men and women in Japan it's really, really hard. According to a recent article published in the country's biggest newspapers, some people are finding it so difficult to make people like them that they prefer to pay for rent-a-friend services.

According to surveys cited by the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper, more and more young people have problem making friends in the real world, and resort to actually paying for rented friends in order to avoid being seen alone and labeled as loners by their peers. Tokyo-based company Client Partners offers a variety of unique services like hiring someone to take photos of you at an event, or paying a person to wait in line for you on a gadget's release day, but one of its most popular is the renta-friend. For a hefty fee, you can choose total strangers (men or women) to accompany you and act as your friends. It's not exactly the perfect scenario for a fun night out, but clients say it beats having to face your loneliness, dealing with rejection all the time or being looked down at by your peers. According to representatives of the company, Client Partners has tens of rent-a-

Photo: Client Partners friend requests per month, most of which come from lonely young Japanese who have lost all confidence.

Abe Maki, who works for Client Partners, says: "These people don't

Man wears empathy suit for nine weeks to experience pregnancy

I

n a bizarre attempt to experience "the one thing unavailable to men as parents", writer Benjamin Percy wore an empathy suit complete with a fake belly, for nine weeks. You'd think the efforts of a man trying to go through the hardships of pregnancy would be applauded by women, right? Well, no‌ Although fully aware that he couldn't go through all the stages of pregnancy or experience all the nasty symptoms, Percy thought that by wearing an empathy suit for a condensed pregnancy period of nine weeks would be "a way for me to alter my point of view, deepen my empathy, help me overcome my mouthbreathing-caveman deficiencies." He may never be able to go through child birth, but he wanted to know what it felt like to carry carry one with him wherever he went. To aid him in this "pregnant man" project, the noted

Benjamin Percy

fiction and non-fiction writer used a special suit designed by the Japanese scientist Dr. Takayuki Kosaka of the Kanagawa Institute of Technology. It was made of thick nylon, had a fake belly and fake boobs, but instead of adjusting his wardrobe, Benjamin opted to wear the unusual accessory over his regular clothes. As the weeks passed, he added extra weight to the belly, to match the growth of his imaginary baby. It was a unique experience, but a lot of women aren't exactly impressed with his stunt.

The father-of-one hoped that his time in the suit would make him a more compassionate dad, a goal shared by Dr, Kosaka, who after the nine-week period invited Benjamin to Tokyo, to test out his most recent of the Mommy Tummy pregnancy suit, which simulates a baby's kicking.

After wearing a pregnancy suit that ended up weighing 33-pounds in the last stages of the experiment, in the hottest months of the year, and suffering ridicule from mothers everywhere, Benjamin Percy summed up his experience with the phrase: "I learned that I'm not man enough to be a woman." If you want to know more about his fake pregnancy, the writer describes everything in detail in the March issue of GQ Magazine.

This isn't the first time men have tried to emphasize with pregnant women. Just a few weeks ago, two Dutch presenters strapped electrodes to their stomachs to experience the agony of giving birth.

have any strong sense of self-worth, so they take more care than is necessary of how others judge them. Still, more often than not, they have a lot of online friends.

That's because online they have one-

directional communication with people, where they don't need to the other person to think well of them".

Kuoichi, is one such person. He told Yomiuri Shimbun reporters about his experience with the rent-a-friend

company: last summer he wanted to go to a popular dance club, but was reluctant to go alone and hated being turned down by acquaintances he had asked to accompany him in the past. So he called Client Partners and ended up paying 30,000 yen ($344) for the friendly company of two girls he had never met before. The bill put a big dent in Kuoichi's budget, but he says it was wirth it. The three of them had fun at the club, and after that they chatted at a restaurant until dawn. "It's a relief that they will just accept you unconditionally. My loneliness was soothed", the young man said. "If you're going to get hurt, it's better to spend some money instead."

Just in case you're wondering, there is nothing sexual about this kind of rent-a-friend service. Lonely Japanese people are just looking for someone to act as their friend in places where they feel it's awkward to be seen alone, nothing more. It's all about keeping up with appearances, and for companies like Client Partners it's very good business. You may say "hey, I'd rather be alone than pay for someone's friendship, that's just degrading", but apparently in Japanese society, it's not so much about you, as it is about what others think of you.

Pregnant woman lets online voters choose baby's name for $5,000

A

26-year-old pregnant woman from West Los Angeles, California, has agreed to allow online voters to choose the name of her child, in exchange for $5,000.

Natasha Hill, a young art teacher from LA, is expecting a baby in September, but she had already started thinking about his/her name.

She considered naming her child Katorah or Winter, but since she couldn't make up her mind, she decided to enter a competition organized by Belly Ballot, a Austin, Texas-based startup that lets parentsto-be crowdsource their babies names with friends and family. According to the online company, voter will be presented with a list of 10 names - five boy names and five girl names chosen by Belly Ballot and sponsors of the contest. The one with the most votes by the time the ballot concludes will be the name Hill's baby will legally have, at least until he or she turns 18.

Belly Ballot founder LaceyMoler assured participants brand names or names that are "too crazy" won't be included in the 10 options.

"I just thought it was a really cool idea," Natasha said. "I'm so excited to have won!" she wrote on the Belly Ballot blog. "The whole Belly Ballot concept is so social and fun, and can't wait to see what everyone votes for!"

But her boyfriend is not as enthusiastic. Despite the ballot company's claims, he's afraid voters won't be able to resist the temptation to choose the craziest, most unusual

Natasha Hill names. The mother to be said she won't be monitoring the results during the March 18-22 contest, afraid she'll pick a favorite name and be disappointed if it doesn't get chosen.The mother-to-be was chosen from 80 entrants, after she said she would use the $5,000 prize money to pay off credit card debts and put the rest away for her child's college fund As you'd expect, this unusual contest has sparked controversy among traditionalists who believe choosing a baby's name is a personal decision of the parents, and not something to be used for financial gains and media exposure. "This is crazy," a person wrote on the Belly Ballot blog "You should all be ashamed of yourselves for even considering this.

What are you going to tell your baby when they ask you how you chose their

name? Don't do it, you will regret this."

Another commenter said:"Don't get me wrong, I could use the money, but this sounds a bit outrageous." the Baby Ballot founder doesn't agree: "This might not appeal to everyone, and we definitely respect parents who choose to keep their name and the baby naming process more private," Moler told She Knows. "However, we are allowing baby naming to become more social, and a lot of parents love being able to include their friends and family in the process."

I wonder if they'll include videogame-inspired names in the list. We already have a Skyrim-named baby, but there are plenty of other cool ones to choose from. If she doesn't like the name, Natasha has the perfect solution: "there's always a nickname," she told NBC San Diego.

PAGE 32

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013 With Tobias Lengnan Dapam 07036990957

Kuti to thrill audience at 2013 Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Award

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

L

egendary Nigerian Afrobeat King, Femi Kuti, will tomorrow be joined by his full band, when the first-ever AfricaMagic Viewers' Choice Awards is screened LIVE to over 50 countries on the African continent, on DStv and GOtv. The event is destined to be a glam night when the stars of Africa will come out to shine, the festivities will begin at 6:00 CAT with an exciting, live, one-hour red carpet pre-show to be hosted by massively entertaining television personality Denrel Edun alongside AfricaMagic hosts, Helen Paul and Uti Nwachukwu (Jara), Dolapo Oni and Eku Edewor (53 Extra), Lawrence Maleka (StarGist) plus Nic Wang'ondu and Sarah Hassan (Mashariki Mix).

The glittering two-hour and 30minute gala is being held in association with MultiChoice and is headline sponsored by Amstel Malta. And if the entertainment for the night is anything to go by, it's destined to be a must-watch extravaganza because joining Femi Kuti on the music line-up is gorgeous vocalist, Tiwa Savage along with award-winning Kenyan Afro-pop outfit Sauti Sol. The energetic charisma of Femi Kuti will be in full force and with hits such as Bang Bang Bang, Dem Bobo, Africa for Africa, I Wanna Be Free, Day by Day and Truth Don Die. His credentials and reputation as one of the most iconic African performers of all time has been secured, following in the legacy of his famous father Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

Meanwhile Tiwa Savage has

Femi Kuti performing with his group risen to fame fast with her popular singles Kele Kele and Love Me quickly establishing her as an African sensation.

Rounding off the trio is the fourmember Sauti Sol whose massive debut single Lazizi ignited their journey to the top of the charts where they have stayed, owing to hits such as Money Lover, Coming Home, Range Rover and Blue

Uniform.

There are some other great performers on the music menu as well but for now AfricaMagic is keeping their identities a surprise.

Also, stars such as Chinedu Ikedieze, Desmond Elliot, Fabian Adeoye Lojede, Funlola AofiyebiRaimi, Gideon Okeke, Genevieve Nnaji, Ireti Doyle, Jim Iyke, Joseph Benjamin, Lizz Njagah, Majid

Michel, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Osas Ighodaro, Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD), Rita Dominic and Stephanie Okereke are all expected to take to the stage to present awards.

In addition, a host of high profile guests from industry insiders to leading captains of industry will also attend the highly anticipated event, with a large contingent of guests jetting into Lagos from Southern,

People should stop marrying me off to men - actress Mcwizu Bhaira Mcwizu

P

etite Nollywood actress and winner of the third edition of Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO) competition, Bhaira Mcwizu, has warned people to stop speculating rumour about her being m a r r i e d , Nigeriafilm.com has said.

"I would like to use this very important medium to tell people to stop marrying me off to somebody. I am not married, I beg you. I see the shock on your face. You are surprised. I'm not married. This ring was made by me. It is a part of my jewelry collection. I am not married. I am happily not married. So that is for real.

"I told myself that if they say I am pregnant, if it's true it will show. If it's not true it won't show".

East and West Africa, specifically to be present this night.

Meanwhile, voting for the awards have since been closed on March 3, it's now time for the AfricaMagic Viewers' Choice Awards which will be available across five AfricaMagic channels ensuring that all DStv and GOtv subscribers will be able to tune in regardless of the bouquet to which they subscribe.

Big Brother Africa announce season 8 auditioning

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

I

n less than three months, new housemates will be revealed in season 8 of AfricaMagic's Big Brother Africa.

Following an overwhelming entry response from the 14 participating countries, AfricaMagic announced that the audition phase is around the corner.

A statement issued yesterday by the body said that auditioning for shortlisted candidates in Nigeria will take place at Protea Hotel Leadway in Lagos from Monday to Thursday 14 March.

It added that entries are only open to persons over the age of 21, who are citizens of one of the participating countries and who either have a valid passport or will be able to obtain one by the end of March.

Producers are looking for persons who are fluent in English, entertaining, open-minded, adventurous, bold and passionate about the Big Brother experience.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

Jos repertory theatre opens stage today in Abuja

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

T

he Jos repertory theater is currently in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to showcase three weeks of theatre performance.

This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the Director of the theatre, Patrick Oteh, adding that the plays will be staged from Friday to Sunday for complete three weeks at the Merit Award House, Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja.

He listed the plays to include; Jitney- March 8th & 9th, Cat on the Tin hot roof-March 15th&16th and Midnight hotel - March 22nd & 23rd.

PAGE 33

Sam Mendes not directing next James Bond Movie A

fter reviving the franchise and delivering the most lucrative film in 007 history, the Oscar winner says he will not return for another adventure.

He's lost Judi Dench's M, and now James Bond will have to deal with the loss of his

strong-willed and legendary real world director.

Sam Mendes, who helped revive the 007 franchise with last November's Skyfall, has opted out of directing a second Bond film.

"It has been a very difficult decision not to accept Michael and Barbara's very generous

offer to direct the next Bond movie," he told Empire Magazine, referring to Michael and Barbara Broccoli, the franchise's executive producers. "Directing Skyfall was one of the best experiences of my professional life, but I have theatre and other commitments, including

The Walking Dead' Game Wins BAFTA Gaming Award

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

J

ourney, described as a visual and emotive game, was the big winner at this year's British Academy Games awards, presented by the British Academy Film and Television Arts.

The game collected nods for artistic achievement, audio achievement, game design, online multiplayer and original music at the awards which held in the British capital.

Hosted by Irish comedian and TV host Dara O'Briain, awards also went to writer and presenter Danny Wallace in the evening's performer category for his voice work as the narrator in Thomas was Alone, a puzzle game.

The Walking Dead, an episodic point-and-click adventure role-playing game, a spin-off from the zombie-themed television series, picked up the mobile and handheld plaudit and story nod at the show.

The Unfinished Swan, a game which explores the unknown, collected plaudits for game innovation and debut game.

Dishonored, the stealth action adventure game saw off all-comers to collect the award for best game.

And the nod for best British game went to The Room, the puzzle adventure game from British developers Fireproof Games, which the jury described as "an engaging, enigmatic, beautiful, slow burn tactile puzzle game."

Far Cry 3, the open world first-person shooter collected the award for best action game while XCOM: Enemy Unknown, the turn-based tactical roleplaying game, took home the award for strategy.

Valve CEO Gabe Newell was presented with the Academy Fellowship for his "outstanding and exceptional creative contribution to the Games industry."

Daniel Craig (James Bond) and Sam Mendes

Chinese Cinemas cancels propaganda film screening

S

everal cinemas in major Chinese cities were forced to cancel shows of a propaganda film celebrating an officially-heralded soldier in the face of major public indifference towards the production, local media reports have said.

It added that screening of Young Lei Feng, a biopic about a revolutionary long immortalized in Chinese official discourse for his reportedly selfless contributions to the Communist Party, were called off at cinemas in the cities of Nanjing and Xi'an because no tickets were sold. Ironically, the cancelation came on the very day the government designated as "Lei Feng Day." Speaking to the Yangtse Evening Post, a staff member from a Nanjing cinema said the venue canceled all four screenings of the film after it opened on Monday.

"Not a single person bought tickets, so we had to pull the screening when the time came - all four screenings hit zero at the box office," he said.

"We are quite surprised, as generally you would sell some tickets for a movie one way or the other." Meanwhile, a report on the sina.com portal said two cinemas in Xi'an also had to pull the plug on all of their Young Lei Feng screenings due to similar circumstances. The film still remains on release -- for now -assuming it starts to sell at least some tickets.

Venue managers were quoted as saying how such propaganda

films have always been a hard-sell, and they expected the film to be taken off screens soon as a raft of more entertaining and profitable releases -- including imports Upside Down and The Iron Lady, and domestic productions such as Runaway Women and The Princess and Seven Kung Fu Masters -- are released towards the end of the week.

Perhaps aware of the challenges of marketing Young Lei Feng and two other similarly themed productions (Lei Feng in 1959, Lei Feng's Smile) to the public, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television issued a communique on Monday instructing party cadres to promote the films through organized group viewings and rural tours, and urged cinemas to come up with proper publicity campaigns to stir public interest in the films.

productions of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and King Lear, that need my complete focus over the next year and beyond."

Mendes' loss could have big financial repercussions; Skyfall was the most lucrative Bond film in history, earning over $1.1 billion worldwide for Eon and Sony due to near-universal acclaim, including The Hollywood Reporter's Todd McCarthy, who called the movie "beautifully made." The film won two Oscars; one for Adele's best original song, and another for sound editing.

Still, the 24th installment of the British super spy's adventures will return Daniel Craig as the gritty agent, and will be scripted by John Logan, who co-wrote the most recent chapter.

Mendes did, however, leave open the possibility that he could return to the franchise.

"I feel very honored to have been part of the Bond family", the director said, "and very much hope I have a chance to work with them again sometime in the future."

Pete Edochie celebrates 66th birth day amidst death rumour

V

e t e r a n Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie, has celebrated his 66th birthday, amidst speculated rumour of his death, Nigeriafilm.com has said.

It added that the legendary actor, is still hale and hearty with no sign of sickness.

Edochie's death hoax seems to be one of the longest on anybody in Nigeria. He has survived many of them.

The actor is highly respected in the movie industry in Nigeria and still remain a force to reckon with in the Pete Edochie industry.

Wachowskis lawsuit: 'Matrix' Filmmakers sued for alleged stealing ideas

T

he Wachowskis were sued for allegedly stealing ideas for "The Matrix."

Andy and Lana Wachowski are being sued by Thomas Althouse for allegedly using ideas from Althouse's unproduced 1993 script "The Immortals" in "The Matrix" franchise. TMZ reports that Althouse -- who didn't see

1999's "The Matrix" or its 2003 sequels, "The Matrix Reloaded" and "The Matrix Revolutions" until 2010 -- is looking for $300 million in damages.

Althouse's issue stems from similarities between "The Immortals" and "The Matrix," though TMZ writes that it's the second and third "Matrix" films which are the subject of the

lawsuit. Althouse submitted his script in 1993, one year before the Wachowskis were signed to a deal with Warner Bros. At the time, the siblings brought two original scripts with them to the studio: "Bound" and "The Matrix."

"The Matrix" films were a huge success for Warner Bros.; the three films grossed over $1.6 billion worldwide.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

PAGE 34

SOCIETY

‘Outdated cultures, women’s bane’ “A young girl with serious menstrual pain will be forced to marry early believing that when she gives birth the pain will subside. Also the female genital mutilation may result into a bad infection capable of keeping the girl out of school,” Mrs. Suswam said.

She said most of the challenges being faced by women are as a result of lack of formal education, adding that priority is often not given to the female gender as a result of outdated customs and traditions.

“African customs and

Andrew Ajijah

O

u t d a t e d customs hinder Nigerian women’s successes.

Dooshima Suswam, the wife of the Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, has said that the 35 per cent women affirmation being flaunted by President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration is a scam and is far from being implemented.

“The 30 per cent affirmation action (is) a mirage in Nigeria,” Mrs. Suswam said The Benue state first lady said this on Wednesday, at the University of Jos, while delivering a public lecture entitled “Empowering women for leadership through education.”

She advocated for gender equality as a means of encouraging full participation in national economic development.

Mrs. Suswam lamented the lack of equal opportunities for women in Nigeria politics saying the trend has slowed down economic development of Nigeria.

The guest lecturer said that women in Nigeria have not been

Dooshima Suswam

“

Dooshima Suswan give equal opportunities to compete favorably with their male counterparts.

traditions have steadfast beliefs, especially when it comes to issues bordering on gender differentiation. Nigerian seems to be holding firmly to that more than other African (countries),” she said.

She said outdated cultures frustrated the female child from excelling in life.

Mrs. Suswam encouraged women who might have lost out in pursing formal education to engage themselves in vocational skills to contribute their quota in economic development.

Source: Premium Times

She spoke in condemnation of certain cultures that hinders the women’s progress.

She said most of the challenges being faced by women are as a result of lack of formal education, adding that priority is often not given to the female gender as a result of outdated customs and traditions.

Service to Humanity, Man's Greatest Fulfillment —Anyembugu Y

o u are the pioneer Parish Priest of St. Sylvester Catholic Church, New Nyanya. What has the experience been like so far?

So far, so good. This is more so as I am barely five years old as a priest. Therefore, to be entrusted with such a responsibility, particularly as a pioneer, is a rare privilege. So I thank God and my church leaders, including my Bishop, for this opportunity.

Also, the people I am working with are good people; we all operate here as a family.

As a parish priest, you have sizeable responsibilities and have to take decisions, no matter who it will affect, provided it is in the best interest of the church.

I pray God to give me the grace to carry on, and to carry on according.

What is your new book, which was launched last Sunday, all about?

The book, SHADOWS OF EXISTENCE, is my second, and it is not just a spiritual book. It has three chapters, and is devoted to pertinent issues that are god for academic purposes.

So, it is of benefit for all and sundry, irrespective of your tribe and religion. As someone recently described it, it is a

On Sunday March 3, 2013 a legion of prominent personalities, including some federal legislators, political and religious leaders, among others, stormed New Nyanya in Nasarawa State to grace the book presentation of Rev. Fr. Lawrence Soja Anyembugu. In this chat with Sonde Abbah, Anyembugu opens up on his new book, his sojourn in the Lord's vineyard, and other pertinent issues, including the essence of rendering selfless services to humanity. treasure trove of insights into various significant aspects of life.

Many were surprised when you organized a free medical programme for your people recently. What motivated the said programme?

Thank you. It was all done to enable the people know their health status. Over the years, I have personally seen a number of seemingly healthy people succumbing to death after a sudden or brief illness. Had they done some medical check-up, some of such people would have identified their potentially fatal ailments before it would have been late.

So, the aim of the said free medical check-up was, in essence, to enable people know their health status. High blood pressure, HIV and sundry others; periodic check-up can go a long way in helping the people to safe

Rev. Fr. Lawrence Soja Anyembugu

guard their health. As such doing the programme for all and sundry (not just for our church members) is a way of helping humanity in my own humble way.

From the people's response to that programme, what's your impression of the whole thing?

My impression, nay experience in rendering such service, is that there is joy in giving, like the Holy Bible poignantly puts it. In fact, in my view, rendering selfless service to humanity is the ultimate; it is one of man's greatest sources of fulfillment.

Let's consider the recent resignation of Pope Benedict. How do you see the action?

I think it was the right step.

His Holiness took the right decision, given his age and his health; I think it was better for him to resign. If you know the stress of the office, no one will complain. He is the second Pope to resign in the history of the Papacy.

His resignation should be an eye-opener and a lesson for our leaders who want to perpetuate themselves in power; who want to die on the throne.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

PAGE 35

NYSC @ 40: The journey so far

By Ifeanyi Nwoko

T

he National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was established in 1973, as part of efforts to heal the wounds of the country's civil war.

The mandatory one-year national service for graduates of tertiary institutions was instituted via Decree No. 24 of May 22, 1973; now an Act of parliament.

Some of the fundamental objectives of the NYSC scheme, as spelt out in the decree, are: ``To inculcate discipline in Nigerian youths by instilling in them a tradition of industry at work and of patriotic and loyal service to the nation in any situation they may find themselves; ``To raise their moral tone by giving them the opportunity to learn about higher ideals of national achievement, social and cultural improvement; ``To develop in them attitudes of mind, acquired through shared experience and suitable training, which will make them more amenable to mobilisation in the national interest.''

After about 40 years of existence, there are divergent opinions as to whether or not the objectives of the NYSC scheme have been achieved Mr Habibu Ahmed, who served in the defunct Bendel State in 1975, recalled that his participation in the scheme was quite memorable. ``I met my wife, then Ufuoma Okafor, during the service year and we later got married in 1979 against all odds. ``I am really happy that I went to Bendel; I met my wife and I got a job, although I was initially reluctant to serve in Bendel State,'' he added.

However, Mr Eric Yashim, a Batch `C' corps member currently serving in Yobe, said that nowadays, many of the corps members were going through some hardship.

He cited accommodation problems and rejection of corps members by establishments as some of the problems.

Mr James Ajani, the President of National Youth Council of Nigeria, stressed that the scheme had not fully attained the objective of promoting the country's integration in its 40 years of existence.

He, however, said that employment should be used a tool of integration, adding that much emphasis should be laid on skills' acquisition during the service year. ``Exposing corps members to various skills is very much desirable, the service year should be a skills' development period,'' he said.

On the lack of accommodation for corps members, Ajani bemoaned a situation in which

former Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon (GCFR) corps members were posted to certain areas without any consideration for their lodging.

He said that since the scheme was mandatory, the provision of accommodation for corps members in their places of primary assignment should also be mandatory. ``Otherwise, there is no reason why I should accept to serve my fatherland and go and suffer. The accommodation issue should be addressed at the highest level. ``It should be made obligatory for the state directorate of NYSC to make sure that accommodation is provided for corps members. ``If the government cannot fund the NYSC entirely, it should seek support from the private sector,'' Ajani added.

All the same, the former Minister of Youth Development, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, once gave an assurance in 2012 that the Federal Government intended to transform the NYSC scheme.

He said that the transformation was designed to make the scheme more advantageous to corps members during the service year.

Abdullahi said that one year was enough to train people in basic entrepreneurial skills. ``We must find other justification for the NYSC beyond national integration, even as important as national integration is. ``There is no point going to

school for four years or five years, then coming out to give one year of your life to the NYSC; a scheme that you consider to be a waste of time. Most young people now feel that the NYSC is a waste of time. ``We have to transform the NYSC into a national service and development, which is the original idea behind the establishment of the scheme. ``When young people serve their country for one year, what do they get in return? We can use that one year to also train them in certain skills,'' he added.

Besides, Abdullahi cited a recent report which indicated that ``only 25 per cent of Nigerian youths see themselves first as Nigerian, while 50 per cent identified first with their ethnic group or religion. ``This makes it imperative that we need to strengthen platforms like the NYSC for

Director-General, NYSC, Brigadier-General Nnamdi OkoreAffia achieving national integration,'' he said.

On the perceptible rejection of NYSC members by some organisations, the Senate has expressed concern about the development.

Sen. Sahabi Ya'u, who condemned the rejection, described it a ``sabotage of the sublime objectives and ideals of the programme. ``If not checked, the routine rejection of corps members would dampen their zeal to serve and provide psychological template for misguided national human capital.''

In his remark, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu underscored the need to initiate some strategies that would ensure the acceptance of corps members by communities and organisations they were posted to.

Due to the current security

“

challenge facing the country, which also led to the killing of some corps members in some parts of the country, some concerned citizens have been calling for the abolition of the NYSC scheme.

However, the DirectorGeneral of the NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Nnamdi Okore-Affia, assured parents that the safety of youth corps members could not be underestimated.

Saying that only the living could render service, Okore-Affia stressed: ``We have not held orientation exercises in Borno and Yobe because of the security situation in those states.''

All in all, observers believe that the NYSC has come of age.

They, nonetheless, urge the government should do everything possible to strengthen the NYSC scheme and make it more relevant to nation-building efforts.

Source: NAN

``We must find other justification for the NYSC beyond national integration, even as important as national integration is.

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

Giving someone the cold shoulder is as painful to you as it is to them- researchers

By Emma Innes

G

iving other people the cold shoulder comes at a painful price to the perpetrator, according to a new university study.

Researchers have warned that individuals who deliberately shun people are as distressed by the experience as the person they shun is.

The researchers, from the University of Rochester in New York, found that excluding someone makes a person feel shame and guilt.

'In real life and in academic studies, we tend to focus on the harm done to victims in cases of social aggression,' said coauthor Richard Ryan, professor of clinical and social psychology at the University of Rochester.

He added: 'This study shows that when people bend to pressure to exclude others, they also pay a steep personal cost.

'Their distress is different from the person excluded, but no less intense.'

Lead author, Nicole Legate,

To capture the dynamics of social rejection, the researchers turned to online game, Cyberball

Excluding someone makes a person feel guilt

a doctoral candidate at the University of Rochester, explained that inflicting social pain makes people feel less connected to others.

She said: 'We are social animals at heart.

'We typically are empathetic and avoid harming others unless we feel threatened.'

During the study the 'ostracisers' who excluded people from a game of toss reported that they felt shame and a loss of autonomy.

By contrast, those who were excluded felt primarily anger.

To capture the dynamics of social rejection, the researchers turned to Cyberball, an online game developed by ostracism researcher Kipling Williams,

of Purdue University.

Each participant tossed a ball with two other players in the game.

The participant was led to believe that the other players were controlled by real people from offsite computers.

In fact, the virtual players are part of the experiment and are pre-programmed to either play fair, and share the ball equally, or to play mean and exclude one player after initially sharing the ball twice.

Before and after the game participants completed the same 20-item survey to assess their mood as well as their sense of auto n o m y , c o m p e t e n c e , and relatedness.

Consistent with earlier research on ostracism, the study found that being s h u n ned, even by faceless

strangers in a computer game, was upsetting and lowered participant's mood.

Mr Ryan said: 'Although there are no visible scars, ostracism has been shown to activat e t h e s a m e n e u r a l pathways as physical pain.'

The results also showed that following instructions to shun someone was equally distressing, albeit in different ways.

The results, write the authors, support selfdetermination theory, which asserts that people have basic human needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness and meeting these hard-wired needs leads to greater happiness and psychological growth.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

2015: The naked dancers and the two-year marathon Contd. from Back Page of the Boko-Haram insurgency.

They also donated N200m to victims of the crisis. So far, the current government has neither been able to curb the insurgency nor has it set up a relief fund for victims of the menace. It would be recalled that President Goodluck Jonathan, once said he could not visit Maiduguri because the 'airport was not in good shape' and just about a month before was 'too busy' to visit and sent his deputy, Namadi Sambo. The APC governors have now shamed Jonathan to visit Maiduguri and recognize Borno as one of the 36 states of Nigeria!

The emergence of the APC, apparent crumbling of the ruling PDP alongside the deregistering of political parties by INEC appears to be gradually paving way for a pan-Nigerian opposition platform capable of ending the PDP's

hegemony. Although the twoparty system may have its disadvantages, it would be advantageous for Nigeria by providing a sturdy check and balance as well as choice for Nigerians. It will also reduce the clutter and confusion created by numerous existing 'briefcase' parties which possess no clout. In fact, some political economists believe that the two parry system leads to political stability and in turn, economic growth.

In spite of the positive direction we are headed with the merger of the major opposition parties, the APC on its part has its work cut out for it to stand as a stronghold in the 2015 elections. It has to ensure that we do not eventually become another failed merger bereft of individuals who truly have the interest of the nation at heart. Individual ambitions have so far been shelved in favor of truly democratic ideals, and this is

encouraging. As APC, we must reach out to the populace at the grassroots and earn their confidence rather than appease the 'godfathers' to ensure political advantage. It is gratifying that the inter-party merger teams led

by Chief Tom Ikimi have focused on these true democratic principles in shaping the APC's birth.

As everything is being set in place for the elections in 2015, the only way more bloodshed would be averted is by ensuring free and fair elections. This is the only way to save our nation and its democracy. Looting in advance of 2015 to buy up votes, militarization and deployment of coercive instruments will not work but only lead to open confrontation and violence. The electorate must be encouraged to vote by providing a safe and serene atmosphere devoid of any intimidation for voting to take

place. If neighboring Ghana has been able to conduct several successive peaceful, free and fair elections, then we have no reason not to better that record, given our vast human and material resources.

It is time for our elites to rise to the challenge and actively engage in the political activities, and encourage the involvement of all citizens in the electoral process, knowing that sovereignty lies with them. It is time for our professionals and Diaspora to move from being armchair or online critics to work towards informing the broader electorate that it is only when we elect people with proven track records of excellence, hard work and integrity that we can truly move forward as a nation. Nigerians must understand that voting on the basis of tribe or religion has never, and will not lead to the emergence of the Nigeria of our

dreams. Those that voted for Jonathan for these reasons can see the unintended consequences of their decision.

As we watch the PDP's naked dancers strut their raw ambitions in public, Nigerians need to appreciate the power of their vote and do all they can to guard it jealously. Knowing that the PDP will do everything under the sun to remain in power at all costs despite growing deteriorating infrastructure, insecurity, poverty and unemployment in Nigeria, it is clear that we must all play active roles in what may be a tough two-year marathon towards 2015. Eventually, it is the power of our vote - how wisely we use it - and the deterrent structures to ensure PDP and its partners do not write and declare fictitious election results, that will free us from the current regime of corruption, impunity and incompetence.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2013

PAGE 37

Abaribe partners with NDE to empower 113 youths in Abia

S

L-R: Former Lagos state Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, National Chairman of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Bisi Akande, Edo state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Ogun state Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, during the launch of "Financialism - Water from an empty well" co-authored by Tinubu and Mr. Brian Browne, yesterday in Lagos.

Photo: NAN

Group wants SAN, Judge probed over compromise in CPC suit

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi A Group, known as Restore Katsina Glory (RKG), has called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to probe the activities of the Federal High Court judge, Justice Gladys Olotu and Yahaya Mahmud (SAN), who are presently handling the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), alleging committal of unwholesome practices against the legal luminary.

The group, according to a statement issued yesterday, and signed by its National Co-ordinator, Alh. Abuabkar Inuwa, expressed surprise at how both Justice Gladys Olotu of the Federal High Court and Barrister Yahaya Mahmud, who is a counsel to one of the factions, are handling the legal case involving the two factions of CPC. Inuwa stated, "We, being the concerned people of Katsina state, after keenly observing the struggle by two factions of our brothers for some positions in the National Assembly, note with utmost dismay the ignoble roles of the Judge of the

Federal High Court, Abuja, Justice Gladys Olotu, as well as the counsel to one of the factions, Yahaya Mahmud who is incidentally a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)."

The statement said that RKG is a non-political and non-religious organization that is not interested in the emergence or victory of any particular group in the struggle, but "we are however concerned about the activities that tend to suggest perversion of justice to the people.

A threat to Justice any where is a threat to justice everywhere. Not only that the attitudes and dispositions of these legal luminary constitute a threat to justice, they have the capacity and tendency to also threaten the fragile peace we have been having in the state owing to the protracted electoral issue that has not been resolved to date."

"Thus, to our utmost chagrin, while most Nigerians who toiled for the day were cooling down to a blissful weekend on Friday, January, 11, 2013 a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, at about 5.45pm delivered a judgment ordering the re-

instatement of a faction of the CPC members who were ousted out of the National Assembly pursuant to a supreme court judgment," Inuwa added.

The group queried the circumstance that could have warranted the delivery of such judgment.

He pointed out that, "We also observed that while the faction of Senators Abubakar Yara'Adua and Hadi Abubakar Sirika, who applied a copy of the weird judgment delivered by justice Gladys Olotu could not be availed to them for over fifty six days despite repeated requests, but the Yandoma group was found to have served the two chambers of the National Assembly with copies of the judgment and court order on the same day of the delivery of the judgment. This, no doubt cast a lot of doubt as to whether the group and their solicitor (Yahaya Mahamud) were privy to the judgment."

"It was also brought to our knowledge that another attempt at pulling the wool over Senator

Yar'adua's eyes was made when, following an appeal for stay of execution filed by his side, the matter was fixed for hearing on February 19th , 2013 without any service to the plaintiff and solicitors, but Yahaya Mahumd mischievously did that to mislead them, who later wrote a letter to the Chief Justice and the Attorney-General of Federation alleging that the plaintiff refused to appear in court, thereby abandoning their appeal.

The group therefore demanded that the National Judicial Council wades into the matter and probe what it described as " questionable roles played by both Justice Olotu and Mahumud, on the grounds that not doing so would naturally encourage such ignoble acts by other lawyers .

It would be recalled that the two factions of CPC have been entangled in the battle for the 10 National Assembly seats, for which the Yar'Adua faction has had the upper hand, being the side recognized by the National Headquarters of the party (CPC) as authentic candidates.

Benue Assembly directs former Chairman to refund N25m

T

he Benue State House of Assembly on Wednesday directed former Chairman, Ukum Local Government Area, Mr David Sevav to refund N25 million, following an audit report which indicted some officials of local government councils in the state..

Sevav is to pay the money into the treasury of the council’s cooperative thrift within one month with evidence of payment to be submitted to the Committee on

Public Accounts.

The House also directed the Sports Officer of Apa LGA, Mr Matthew Ofenkwu to refund N2 million to the coffers of the local government within one month.

The House gave the directive during a debate of the report of the Auditor-General on activities of Local Government Counclis from 2008 to 2010.

The Speaker, Mr Terhile Ayua who announced the resolutions of

the house, stated that Ofenkwu collected the amount to mobilise youths in the area for a sports festival in Makurdi but failed to carry out the task.

The House further directed the Committee on Local Government, Security and Chieftaincy Affairs to liaise with Makurdi local government council to inspect projects in the area to ascertain the level of work done.

The projects are, Mbalagh and

Agan Earth Dams, Tse-Aboh and Tse-Bai roads, Community Health Clinic, Ibume, Zongo Anter Road and Terwase Agbadu Road.

Earlier, Mr Hembadoon Amena, a member of the committee, had stated that the 11 councillors indicted for mismanagement of N11 million, had refunded N10 million, adding that N1 million was not refunded because Mr Matthew Jato, one of the indicted councillors, was dead. (NAN)

en.

Enyinnaya Abaribe (PDP-Abia South), has in partnership with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and Card Technologies, empowered 113 school leavers and graduates in Abia.

Abaribe said at the graduation and disbursement of starter parks to the beneficiaries in Aba on Wednesday that the gesture was aimed at reducing high rate of youth unemployment.

He said the programme tagged: “Entrepreneurship Development Project’’ for participants across the 17 Local Governments, would make the beneficiaries self-employed and contribute to the economic development of the state.

“We are empowering them, we are giving them the equipment and the tools to be able to be selfemployed because unemployment is one of the biggest problems that we have today.

“So we are assisting in our own little way from what comes from the Federal Government to join with what the State Government is doing to help in ameliorating the problem of unemployment in our state,’’ he said.

Abaribe, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Information, said the programme had been designed to enable unemployed youths to engage in small scale businesses on cashless basis using the point-of-sale technology (POS).

He said they would be provided with a kiosk, a generator set and preloaded money in the machine to commence the business and had also set up monitoring mechanisms.

According to him, the funding is already provided in the budget.

Malam Abubakar Mohammed, the NDE Director-General, commended Abaribe’s initiative to address the challenges of unemployment.

Represented by Mr Kunle Obayan, the Director of Small Scale Enterprises Department, Mohammed said the tripartite collaboration would help boost the economy of Abia.

He said NDE had keyed into the CBN’s league of cashless economy launched in 2011 to introduce Quick-Quick Business Ownership Scheme as well as the Easybiz Business Scheme.

According to him, the best way to fight unemployment is through the ability to create a synergy with all well-meaning stakeholders and assured of the commitment to help reduce unemployment in the country.

Mrs Akudo Ojo, one of the beneficiaries, commended Abaribe, NDE and Card Technologies for the gesture, and assured that the equipment would be used judiciously. (NAN)

PAGE 38

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2013

Group wants NASS to release report of constitution review

D

L-R: First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, being decorated as a patron of Legislators’s Wives Association by the wife of Senate President, Mrs. Helen Mark, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

Nigerians are being denied access to social justice, says NOA DG

D

irector General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Mike Omeri on Thursday said majority of Nigerians lack access to basic social services due to the greed of a few.

Omeri said in Kaduna at a one-day capacity building workshop for NOA’s Social Justice Officers in North-East and North-West zones, that the “social entitlements of citizens” are being cornered by a few individuals, thereby impoverishing the citizenry. “ Despite our enormous resources we are yet to make significant progress in the area of the social entitlement of citizenship. “ The resources of the state are still in the hands of a few people while the vast majority of the populace live in adverse poverty and lack access to justice. “ This obvious wide gap between the rich and the poor, with its attendant frustration and mistrust, often leads to social strife and upheavals thereby heightening conflicts and insecurity.”

The situation, he noted, had left the citizens with no alternative than to

ventilate their frustrations, pains and dissatisfaction on others.

The DG said that the social justice programme was designed to bridge existing gaps and empower citizens to attain justice outside the realm of the courts.

“Our ultimate objective is to engender a peaceful and harmonious coexistence among Nigerians,” he said, adding that the workshop was also to equip the participants with relevant information and skills to mediate among aggrieved citizens.

In a remark, Gov. Mukhtar Yero, respresented by the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Timothy Gandu said the social justice programme would facilitate peace and harmony in the society.

Yero stressed that peace can only be maintained where citizens are treated justly and fairly, irrespective of ethnoreligious differences.

He noted that the programme would not only enhance access to social justice in

the country but also deepen democracy.

“We are aware that rule of law and social justice are the basic essence of democracy. It is therefore a step in the right direction at this time for NOA to embark on such a laudable project of trying to ensure that people are treated fairly wherever they may reside in the country.

“There are numerous victims of social injustice and persecution within our communities that cannot seek redress through the conventional judicial system.

Many of such people have languished silently in pain as they lack the capacity to get justice.’’

He advised the focal officers to pay special attention to issues causing tension within communities and between individuals,so as to reduce the level of conflicts in the country.

The governor pledged to treat all residents of the state equally, adding that “nobody is a second class citizen in Kaduna State, we are all one with equal opportunities”.(NAN)

LP chieftain flays clamour for 2-party system in Nigeria

T

he Labour Party Chairman in the FCT, Mr Adejobi Peter, has said that the emergence of two major political parties in Nigeria would narrow the political space for people of different ideological inclinations.

He made the remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja.

Peter argued that dominance of two major political parties in nearly all elections at every level of government should not construed as the complete elimination of other political parties that command followership at the grassroots level.

“By the time the political space is streamlined into a two-party structure, then some people would be excluded from the scheme of things,” he said.

According to him, existence of many political parties encourages popular participation at all the strata of the society and that the space widens to accommodate all shades of opinion.

He said that if the political space was wide open, those that have “negative tendencies” would not have always upper hand during elections.

“We should not restrict people’s participation in politics for by so doing we will be denying them of their fundamental right to freedom of association.

“By the time people are caged then they are at the mercy of god fathers because you have to belong to the class of the who is who before you matter in the society,” he said.

Peter said that Nigeria had always been a multi-party state except during the

regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.

“Even in the United States it is not a two party system that is practised, it is a multi-party system with two leading political parties contending with each other.”

Peter said the fault lines such as religion and ethnicity had been down played in the present day Nigeria owing to the existence of multiple parties, with different spheres of influence.

“If those at the helm of affairs deliver dividends of democracy to the people, then there will be no recourse to religion or ethnicity of those wielding the reins of power,” he said.

He decried the decay in the nation’s infrastructure and epileptic power supply in the country, and said it was the problem of leadership. (NAN)

eputy General Secretary of Alliance for Credible Elections (ACE), Mr Asuzu Echezona, has urged the National Assembly to publicly present to Nigerians the report of the peoples’ session on constitution review.

Echezona made the call at a press briefing on emerging issues in the unfolding 1999 constitution review process in Abuja yesterday.

He said that it was now about six weeks, when the leadership of the House of Representatives cancelled the public presentation of the peoples’ sessions on the review of the 1999 constitution.

“Up till now, the leadership of the house has not offered Nigerians any cogent reason for cancelling the public presentation of the peoples’ session.

“We, therefore, call on the leadership of the House of Representatives to publicly present to Nigerians the report of the peoples’ session on constitution review,” Echezona said.

He stressed the need for the National Assembly to expedite action on the constitution amendment process in the light of the July 2013 deadline.

“This is crucial, given the need for sufficient time for constituency consultations, technical units, legislative debate and ultimately voting process,” he said.

Echezona advised National Assembly and state houses of assembly to respect the views of Nigerians expressed during the peoples’ session at the 360 Federal Constituencies.

“We reject any attempt by any interest group to truncate the will of Nigerians already manifested at public hearings on constitution review process,” he said.

He said that the civil society organisations had participated in the collation process of the report of the session, and observed that Nigerians were agitating for local government autonomy, among others.

(NAN)

Kaduna Assembly calls for declaration of emergency in education

T

he Kaduna State House of Assembly on Wednesday asked Gov. Muhktar Yero to declare a State of Emergency in the education sector, to save it from total collapse.

The call, followed the adoption of the report of the House Commitee on Education, which was mandated in Dec. 2011 to assess the condition of primary and secondary school education in the state.

Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Yunusa Mohammed, said the sector was facing serious challenges and required special intervention.

Mohammed said that the committee had in the course of its investigation, discovered that 43 percent of teachers in the state were unqualified.

According to him, out of the 38, 800 teachers, 55, 500 are not qualified to teach, while those qualified have been posted to schools in the urban centres.

He said most schools lack adequate teachers, class rooms, offices and furniture, adding that the situation was worse in Sanga and Birnin Gwari local government areas.

On secondary education, the chairman said the 527 secondary schools in the state have only 8,396 teachers and 824 non teaching staff.

He said the number was inadequate to meet the educational needs of students, adding that this had contributed to the poor performance of student in WAEC and NEC0 examinations.

(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2013

PAGE 39

Akala, PDP dare Ajimobi over LG election From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

F

ormer Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, yesterday dared the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) led administration in the state to conduct local government election to test their weight.

The former governor stated this at the Ibadan Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Forum Meeting, held at Jogor Centre described the meeting as “wake up call for the party members in the state”.

Akala specifically challenged governor Abiola Ajimobi led administration to conduct long over due local government election or remain a political coward forever.

The former governor who confidently assured that PDP would win three quarter of the whole 32 councils, if not all, maintained that the party remained the only alternative party for the electorates come 2015.

The PDP chairman Ibadan Zone, Akanbi Nureni lamented over the attitude of the Oyo state government led by Governor Abiola Ajimobi who deprived the PDP from using the Ancient Mapo Hall after paying N210, 000 since the 23rd of February 2013. He said that no one is supposed to be deprived from using the hall knowing that it is for all and sundry.

Honourable Nureni Akanbi said that he personally received a letter from the Ibadan SouthEast Local government and the N210,000 that was paid earlier by the party.

He however described the ongoing transformation of the Ajimobi led government as mishap caused by members of the PDP who failed to support and vote for their candidate during the last general election in the state.

He said all the programme of Senator Abiola Ajimobi are anti-people, saying it is worrisome that no one knows whose shop or home will be demolished next.

The party chieftain then appealed to the people to ensure that such mistake does not reoccur in the forthcoming 2015 general elections in the state.

L-R: Chairman, House Committee on Media and Publicity, Hon. ZakariMohammed, Chairman, House Committee on Power, Hon. Patrick Ikhariale, and Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Media and Publicity, Hon. Victor Ogene, during the press conference on power sector,yesterday at the National Assembly, in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

CPC warns against deployment of soldiers for FCT elections

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

L

ess than one week to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, the Congress For Progressive Change (CPC), has demanded that soldiers should not be deployed at any point in the election processes, emphasizing that no special security threat or condition exists in the entire FCT Area Councils.

Briefing newsmen in Abuja, the Chairman of the CPC special committee to monitor the elections in the FCT Area Councils, Aminu Bello Masari,

pointed out that the use of soldiers in the elections scares and intimidates voters.

He added that it creates enabling environment for election riggers to perpetrate acts capable of frustrating citizens from free participation in the elections.

However, CPC also enjoined both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and FCT Administration to deploy the police as usual, but stressed that their function should be restricted to only curtailing security breach, other than direct involvement in acts of harassment and

intimidation of voters.

“We fervently look forward towards immediate action on these important demands to ensure rancor free elections in this important territory that houses, not only our nation’s leaders, but the most important segment of the diplomatic corps, who are also keenly watching.”

CPC warned.

Meanwhile, CPC monitoring committee chairman disclosed that mobilisation and sensitisation of CPC supporters for effective election has begun in top gear. According to him, CPC has also appointed competent agents, election

supervisors and created its own election monitoring centre in the FCT for the purpose of the election.

He said the committee had already paid an official visit to all the security agencies for the purpose of interrelationship for collectively working for smooth and successful conduct of the election. Nevertheless, he observed that election is a civic duty, noting that INEC and all other agencies of government working on the slated election must ensure that citizens are encouraged to discharge their civic duties freely without inducement and incitement.

Gov Ahmed condoles with slain Kwara CP’s family in Enugu

G

ov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara yesterday condoled with the family of the slain Commissioner of Police in the state, Chinwike Asadu, in his residence at Amorji Nike, Enugu State.

Ahmed, who was accompanied by some top government officials

from the state, met with the family behind closed doors.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor was received by the widow of the deceased, Mrs Obiageli Asadu, and some close family members.

In a message in the condolence register, the governor said the

late police commissioner left an indelible mark in his lifetime.

“He (late Asadu) lived a fulfilled life. You left an indelible mark, sweet in the hearts of all but God loves you more,’’ Ahmed said.

The governor prayed God to grant him eternal rest as well as

strengthen the family to bear the painful loss.

NAN reports that Asadu, who hailed from Amukwa in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, was killed on March 2 by gunmen at his residence at Amorji Nike of the state. (NAN)

Commission adopts Proactive measures’ for Kadunal LG polls

T

he Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission said yesterday that it had adopted proactive measures to improve the conduct of elections in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commission is constitutionally mandated to conduct local government elections in the state.

This is contained in a communique by the Commissioner in-charge of Information and Communication, Alhaji Abdulkadir Aliyu, a copy of which was made available to NAN in Zaria.

The communique came from a three-day post-election evaluation retreat organised by the commission at Saminaka, Lere Local Government Area of the state.

The retreat, tagged: “The media, SIECOM and conduct of Kaduna State Local Government Elections,” drew experts from the media, legal and security sectors.

The communique said the retreat was designed to assess and evaluate the performance of the commission in the last local government election with a view to addressing anomalies.

The Managing Director, Kaduna

State Media Corporation (KSMC), Mrs Tamani Yusuf, called for a review of relationship between the commission and the media.

In a paper at the retreat, Yusuf stressed the need for total engagement of the media in all aspects of electoral process to pave way for transparency and wider acceptability.

On the legal and constitutional framework for the conduct of the

elections, a constitutional lawyer, Mr Festus Okoye, advocated for voter education on the content of electoral laws.

On his part. the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Olufemi Adenaike, said the best ethical standards were exhibited by security agencies during previous elections in the state and promised to improve on the success. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

PAGE 40

True democracy can't survive without certain conditions- General Buhari(II) Being continuation of the insightful speech by General Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, at the Africa Diaspora Conference, London, United Kingdom, on Tuesday, 5th March 2013, The First part was published yesterday 13. Yet Western Governments turned a blind eye to Nigerian elections and an eagle eye on Zimbabwe's and its supposed shortcomings.

No better illustration of double-standards can be cited. Accordingly, in 2011, the international observers, having seen their painstaking work in earlier years completely ignored, took the line of least resistance and concluded after cursory examinations that the elections were okay.

14. So it is quite clear from these brief recollections that many preliminary elements of a democratic set-up are missing in Nigeria namely: level of educational development, level of economic development, homogeneity, level playing field, rule of law, impartial judiciary and free and fair elections.

15. As observed earlier, democracy cannot function optimally without a certain level of economic attainment.

16. Economically, Nigeria is a potential powerhouse, a large population, 167 million by the last official estimate, arable land, more than 300, 000 square kilometers, 13,000 square kilometers of fresh water. In addition, the country has gas, oil, solid minerals, forests, fisheries, wind power and potentials for tourism and hosting of international sporting events. It is a miracle waiting to happen. The lack of leadership and policy continuity has resulted in great under-achievement.

17. Many Nigerians in the audience today will relate to the situation of our countrymen and women. More than 100 million of our people live below $2 a day according to the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics and many internationally recognized estimates. We lack security, are short of food, water, live in poor shelters with hardly any medicare to speak of. Small scale farmers, foresters, micro businesses such as market women, washermen, vulcanizers, tailors, street corner shop-keepers and the like lack both power and meaningful access to small scale credit to ply their trade and prosper.

No wonder, the publication, "The African Economic Outlook 2012" under the auspices of the United Nations lamented that poverty and underdevelopment were on the increase. In fact, GDP figures in the raw or in outline tell little about the spread of wealth, employment levels, infrastructural development and the effect of socioeconomic programmes such as schooling, health care, and security on the generality of the population.

You may sell a lot of oil in an era of high oil prices and boost your GDP and boast about it. But there is nothing to boast about when 100 million of your people are in poverty and misery. Life is a daily

hassle; a daily challenge. It is under these circumstances that many a voter is tempted to sell off his voting card for a pittance on Election Day. Conclusion 18. We now come to crux of the matter by attempting some answers to the very pertinent questions which the organizers of this conference put to me. How stable is Nigeria's economy? The short answer is that it very much depends on the international oil market. The failure over the years to diversify and strengthen the economy or to invest in the global economy has left Nigeria perilously at the mercy of global oil prices.

Instead of using the so-called excess crude account which in other countries goes by the name of Sovereign Wealth Fund to develop major domestic infrastructure such as Power, Railways, Road development, the account has been frittered down and applied to current consumption. There is no magic, no short-cut to economic development. We must start from first principles - by developing agriculture and industries. Sixty years ago, we exported considerable quantities of cocoa, cotton, groundnuts, rubber and palm kernels. There were sizeable incomes to the farmers. Indeed in two years, if I recall correctly, 1951 and 1953, Nigeria produced a million tons of groundnuts. Today, other than a few thousand tons of cocoa, hardly any cotton, rubber or palm products are exported.

19. Until and unless serious budgetary attention is paid to agriculture, the vast majority of rural population will remain on subsistence basis and will eventually wither away by migration to the cities and increasing the stress on urban life.

What is required is applying today's technology, primarily improved seeds and seedlings, irrigation systems, use of weather forecasts, and above all, substantial subsidies and access to cheap credit. In Nigeria, the basic tools for agricultural take-off, the Six River Basin Authorities were wantonly scrapped in 1986 under the disastrous Structural Adjustment Programme. They are the best vehicle for our country's agricultural revival and expansion.

Industries 20. Next to agriculture, government and railways industries are the country's biggest employers of labour. Industries are vital in absorbing urban workforce.

Nigeria's burgeoning industrial growth was brought to an abrupt halt by the Structural Adjustment Programme which massively devalued the naira under IMF harassment and bullying.

Uninterrupted Nigeria's capacity by now would have been able to produce basic machine tools, bicycles, motor cycles, car parts,

General Muhammadu Buhari parts for industrial machinery and the likes. But alas, the car industry is down; tyre manufacturing is down, both Michelin and Dunlop have closed; battery manufacturing and sugar industries are down; cable industries all but down: all in the wake of the Structural Adjustment Programme. The last 14 years have added to the misery due to red tape, high interest rates, power shortages and competition from developed economies under World Trade Organization (WTO) imperatives. Subsuming all these problems is the old and everpresent devil: corruption.

Corruption has shot through all facets of government and economic life in our country. Until serious efforts are made to tackle corruption which is beyond the capacity of this government, economic growth and stability will elude us. On corruption, don't just take my word for it. The Chairman of one of the bodies charged with the task of fighting corruption in Nigeria, Mr. Ekpo Nta of Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offensive Commission (ICPC) was quoted by the Daily Trust newspaper of 14th February, 2013 as saying that there was no political will to fight corruption in Nigeria.

21. A second fundamental question asked by the organizers is: Can Nigeria as presently structured administratively and politically emerge an economically competitive nation? I believe it can.

There is a lively debate going on in our country about the need to re-

structure the country. What shape this reform is going to take is uncertain. Even the most vocal advocates of re-structuring the country, although long on rhetoric seem short and vague on details.

We have tried regions and this was deemed lopsided and a trap to minorities. We tried twelve, nineteen and now thirty six (36) states and there is clamour for more. I firmly believe that state creation has now become dysfunctional, as disproportionate amounts of our meager resources go to over-heads at the expense of basic social services and infrastructural development.

Moreover, I also believe that Nigeria's problem is not so much the structure but the process.

Nevertheless, I believe a careful and civil conversation should be held to look closely at the structure.

22. But how do we go about it?

Go back to the Regions? I do not think this would be acceptable; except perhaps in the old Western Region. Try the present Six Geopolitical Zones as federating units?

I believe there will be so much unrest and strife in South-South and North-Central; this is not to say that there will be no pockets of resistance in the North West and North East as well - the consequence of all these will unsettle the country. Go back to General Gowon's 12 state structure? Here too, entrenched personal or group interests will make collapsing and merging states impossible to operate in a democratic set-up. It is only when

you come face to face with the problem you will appreciate the complications inherent in restructuring Nigeria.

23. However, once a national consensus is reached, however defective, the environment will facilitate political and economic stability. At long last we can look forward to Nigeria finding its place among the BRIC nations and instead of BRIC, the media would be talking of BRINC nations: Brazil, Russia, India, Nigeria and China. I sincerely hope this happens in my lifetime.

24. The third question put to me by the organizers is: Can the present electoral body in Nigeria guarantee and deliver credible elections that will strengthen the nation's democracy in 2015?

25. All the present indications are that INEC as it is presently constituted would be unable to deliver any meaningful elections in 2015. I have gone to some lengths earlier in my talk to describe INEC's conduct in the last decade. The Electoral Body has developed a very cozy relationship with Executive and Judicial arms of government that its impartiality is totally lost. In the runup to the last elections INEC requested (and received with indecent haste) in excess of 80 billion naira (about ÂŁ340m.) a hefty sum by any standards, so that it could conduct the elections including organizing bio-metric voters data specifically for the 2011 elections.

26. But when opposition parties challenged the patently dishonest figures it announced and subpoenaed the bio-metric data in court, INEC refused to divulge them on the laughable excuse of "National Security". INEC's top echelon is immersed deep in corruption and only wholesale changes at the top could begin to cure its malaise. What is required is a group of independent minded people, patriotic, incorruptible but with the capacity to handle such a strenuous assignment of conducting elections in Nigeria. It is not difficult to find such people but whether the Government and the National Assembly have the inclination to do so I am not so sure. The only way I and many more experienced politicians than myself expect the 2015 elections to be remotely free and fair is for the opposition to be so strong that they can effectively prevent INEC from rigging. I would like, here, Mr. Chairman to repeat what I have said time and time again at home in Nigeria with regards to the election aftermath. Some commentators and public figures have wrongly pointed accusing fingers at me for inciting postelection violence. Nothing could be further from the truth. I have been a public servant all my adult life: a soldier, a federal minister, a state governor and the head of state. My duty is to Nigeria first and foremost.

Post-election violence was triggered by the grossest injustice of election rigging and accompanying state high-handedness.

To be concluded on Monday

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

PAGE 41

Super Eagles to face Mexico in the US

A

frican champions, Nigeria will clash with Mexico in an international friendly duel in Texas, USA on May 31.

The general secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Musa Amadu revealed the development.

“The Nigeria Football Federation and its match agent, Eurodata Sport Marketing Sportivo e Culturale, are pleased to announce that the Super Eagles will play against Mexico’s senior team in a friendly match at the Reliant Stadium, Texas on Friday, May

31.

“We are pleased that the reigning African champions will have such high-quality final preparation for the important games that we have in the month of June,” Ahmadu said.

The last time both Nations met was also in a friendly duel at the Estadio Olimpico Benito Juarez in Chihuahua, Mexico in October 2007 and it ended in a 2-2 apiece.

Nigeria currently top Group F in their 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifying games on four points

after two games played.

The Super Eagles will face Kenya’s Harambee Stars in

Nairobi on June 8 before travelling to the Fifa Confederations Cup in Brazil.

In Brazil, the African champions will play against Tahiti, Uruguay alongside world and European champions, Spain while the Mexicans will clash with hosts, Brazil, Italy and Japan in Group A.

Mba’s ownership tussle: Falana storms NFF for Rangers

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lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, accompanied the management of Rangers International Football Club of Enugu to the secretariat of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the ownership of Super Eagles player Sunday Mba. Warri Wolves FC and Rangers are claiming ownership of Mba, who displayed an outstanding performance in the 29 th Africa Cup of Nations competition in South Africa from January to February.

Both clubs and Mba appeared before a-four-man NFA Judicial Panel of inquiry to state their cases.

The sitting was, however, adjourned to Thursday, March 7, for the committee’s final verdict.

Falana told newsmen after the sitting that he was at the Glasshouse to contribute his quota to the development of football in the country.

“I have come here to do my duty, not just as a lawyer, but as someone who is interested in the development of football in this country.

“If there is any inhibition, we have a duty to remove it and allow this player, who is a rising star to achieve and exploit his maximum talent and capability.

“That is why we need to speed up with this matter.

“I don’t go to court if am not sure of my case. It is not about money but as I did make clear to all the parties, we need to determine the fate of this player; we should not allow this case to hang on his head like a sword of Damocles.

“He should be able to move on and exploit his talent maximally in his own interest and in the interest of the country,’’ Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said.

He said he might seek legal action if it was the wish of his client, if the matter did not go in their favour.

The Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission, Amaju Pinnick, said that the commission was waiting for the committee’s

verdict before taking the next step.

“The truth is that they do not know the enormity of damage they are doing to the player’s career because we have written that the full weight of the law should be applied here.

“We tendered the letter Rangers wrote requesting for Mba. We also submitted Mba’s contract paper with us for two years; everything the committee requested from us was tendered.

“I believe the only document Rangers tendered was a document showing that Mba signed a six-year contract with them that ended in 2012.

“The issue is not about Sunday Mba, Rangers or Warri Wolves.

It is all about redefining a focus for Nigerian football. It is about giving us a tomorrow.

“A situation where you see Rangers bringing a Senior Advocate of Nigeria leading four other lawyers does not speak well for football,’’ Pinnick said.

Eagles celebrate after Emmanuel Emenike scored against CIV

Sponsor urges prudent spending of funds

A

grassroots football sponsor, Rasheed Balogun, has urged sports managers for prudent management of funds earmarked for tournament sponsorships.

Balogun, the sponsor of the forthcoming U-17 Tesilimi Akanni “Thunder Balogun Memorial Soccer Cup’’ made this known while presenting a trophy for a memorial tournament in honour of their late father.

According to him, sponsorship of tournaments needs only proper management and not spending

several millions of Naira with no desired results and added that some few millions of Naira with proper management would go a long way in organising a well attended and a more successful tournament.

“Most sponsors believed that without several millions, they cannot organise a befitting grassroots tournament. I can assure you that with few hundreds of thousands of Naira, a grassroots tournament would hold successfully.

“So, sports organisers should

CAF election: Minister raises concern over power blocs

S

ports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, has expressed concern over the type of politics that is being introduced into the forthcoming Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Council seat election.

Abdullahi said that the place of origin of an intending candidate should not be made a major condition for the election adding that such a development could thwart the emergence of the right candidate for the post.

Aminu Maigari, the Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has offered himself for election into the available seat in the West Africa Zone B. The election is scheduled to take place in Marrakesh, Morocco, on March 10.

Maigari is expected to contest the election with Anjorin Moucharaf of Republic of Benin and Hima Souley from Niger Republic.

“What I know is that there are

different interests across the Africa zones and there are also issues of Francophone and Anglophone but it is my hope that we will surmount this.

“For us, the important thing is that we want to have a seat in the CAF Executive Committee.

We will do our best to get it but that is not going to stop anything. “Nigeria stands to benefit a lot if we are able to get the seat,’’ Abdullahi said.

The minister said the Federal Government had thrown its

Aminu Maigari, NFF president

always ensure prudent spending to get the desired results than running after huge sum that may not be released by the sponsors,’’ he said.

Balogun, who did not, however, said how much he would spend for the competition scheduled for later March, said he only earmarked some few millions of Naira for the competition.

Balogun, an engineer and the third child of late Teslim Balogun, said that the competition was to remember his late father popularly called Thunder Balogun during his football playing days.

Late Thunder Balogun played with several local football clubs such as Apapa Bombers, the UAC XI and the Dynamos to mention a few.

During his time, Thunder Balogun, won the defunct Challenge Cup now Federation Cup seven times.

Thunder Balogun also played for three international clubs in the U.K, after which he retired in 1958.

The first African to qualify as a professional coach handled the Nigeria soccer team for the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico. He died in 1972.

weight behind Maigari to signify the importance of the seat to the country.

“We are giving him absolute support.

Personally, I have visited the CAF president and I told him clearly that this is the candidate for Nigeria.

“The CAF president assured me that Nigeria is very important to him; but added that he cannot pitch his tent with a particular candidate but will be fair to all..

“As you know in every election, you have CHANGE OF NAME t o I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS ONYEBOSIM campaign a n d AMARACHI CHINENYE NOW MRS ANIKE m o b i l i s e AMARACHI CHINENYE. ALL OTHER people. We DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC have been m e e t i n g TAKE NOTE. a l m o s t CHANGE OF NAME every day t o I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS GESA strategise on these MAUREEN AKUME, WISH TO BE KNOWN AND i s s u e s , ’ ’ CALLED MRS MAUREEN CANAAN WANDO. A b d u l l a h i ALL FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID. added.

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AKWANGA TAKE NOTE.

PAGE 42

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THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATIONS UNDER PART C COMPANIES AND ALLIED ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.OTI IKECHUKWU -CHAIRMAN 2.CHIDI OGBODO -SECRETARY 3.OKWUDILIANEKE -TREASURER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PROMOTE AND FOSTER BROTHERLY LOVE, PEACE AND UNITY AMONGST MEMBERS. 2.TO SERVE AS A FORUM OF ASSOCIATION AND EASY COMMUNICATION BETWEEN MEMBERS AND OTHER ORGANIZATION. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: CHIDI OGBODO SECRETARY

CHANGE OF NAME

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I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MARGRET ELEY OTU. NOW WISH TO BE CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. MARGARET ELEY ABANG. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

LIKE-MINDS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE ABUJA

SHAMMAH GLORIOUS MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.INEMESIT EMMANUEL UWAH 2.ELVIS DAVID EDOHO 3.EKANEM PAUL OKON AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PROMOTE GOOD AND EFFICIENT GOVERNANCE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

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AUCTION! AUCTION!! AUCTION!!!

AUCTION! AUCTION!! AUCTION!!!

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC ON THE INSTRUCTION OF NIGERIAN AIRSPACE MANAGEMENT AGENCY (NAMA) THAT THERE WILL BE AN AUCTION SALES OF UNSERVICEABLE VEHICLES, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENTS, GENERATORS AND STORE ITEMS, AT THE NIGERIAN AIRSPACE OPERATIONS OFFICE ACROSS THE NATION. THE VEHICLES ARE: PEOGUEPT 504, IZUSU, P/UP, TOYATA BUSS, TRACTORS, AIR CONDITIONS ETC. THE SALES WILL COMMENCE AT FOLLOWING STATES 1.PORT HARCOURT OFFICE ON 12 MARCH, 2013 2.CALABAR OFFICE ON 13 MARCH, 2013 3.OWERRI OFFICE ON 14 MARCH, 2013 4.ENUGU OFFICE ON 15 MARCH, 2013 5.ABUJA OFFICE ON 19 MARCH 2013 6.MINNA OFFICE ON 20 MARCH 2013 7.KADUNA OFFICE ON 21 MARCH, 2013 8.KANO OFFICE ON 22 MARCH, 2013 9.LAGOS OFFICE ON 23 MARCH, 2013 10.IBADAN OFFICE ON 27 MARCH, 2013 11.ILORIN OFFICE ON 28 MARCH, 2013 TIME 10:00AM. FOR ANY INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT THE AUCTIONEER ADEGBENRO FOR ADDIS-ABABA INTERNATIONAL COMPANY.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THERE WILL BE AN AUCTION SALES OF UNSERVICEABLE VEHICLES/EQUIPMENTS AT THE FEDERAL MINISTRY OF POWER, HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA. THE VEHICLES ARE: THREE (3) TOYOTA PRADO SUV AND TOYOTA HILUX P/UP TIME: 10:00AM DATE: 11 MARCH, 2013 VENUE: FEDERAL SECRETARIAT, PHASE I ANNEX III, SHEHU SHAGARI WAY, ABUJA.

THE COMMUNITY RESILIENCE FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.IKECHUKWU IFEYINWA PATRICIA 2.APOSTLE PAUL IKECHUKWU AGBAJAH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL 2.TO RENDER GODLY SERVICE OF HUMANITY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

LOSS OF DOCUMENT THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE LETTER OF GRANT RIGHT OF OCCUPANCY WITH FILE OLD NUMBER -KN 2603/NEW FILE AD 10054 AT KABUSA WITH PLOT NUMBER 1750 C12 ISSUED BY AGIS TO MRS. MARY DLAMA TSALA IS MISING. ALL EFFORTS MADE TO TRACE THE SAID DOCUMENTS PROVED ABORTIVE. IF FOUND PLEASE CONTACT THE NEAREST POLICE STATION, AGIS, FCTA OR DD AZURA & CO. MAITAMA.

TEL: 07035262139

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CORRIGENDUM GOMBE STATE NOTICE ADVERT PUBLISHED ON PAGE 42 PEOPLES DAILY WEDNESDAY 13TH FEBRUARY, 2013, REFERS. HOWEVER, THERE WAS AN ERROR ON THE NAME OF APPLICANT FOR GRANT TO DECEASED NO. 8 WHICH SHOULD READ AS: RAHANATU ADAMU ALI (WIDOW) UMARU ADAMU ALI (SON) AISHATU ADAMU ALI (DAIGHTER) ALL OTHER PARTICULARS REMAIN THE SAME

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR A CHANGE OF TRUSTEES UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATERS ACT NO, 1 OF 1990.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE: 1.REV. FR. JOSEPH CHUKWUWYERE OKWU 2.REV. FR. JAMES DAMAN 3.REV. FR. ALEXANDER LONGS THE NEW TRUSTEES APPOINTED ARE: 1.VERY RED. FR. JOHN ABUBAKAR, OSA 2.REV. FR. AUGUSTINE GARBA, OSA 3.REV. FR. PETER ULOFU, OSAA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE AUCTIONEER: ALHAJI IBRAHIM MOHAMMED TEL: 08033570566

CHANGE OF NAME I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MICHAEL AYOOLA ODAMEJIEKUN. NOW WISH TO BE CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS CHIEF AJAYI ODAMEJIEKUN MICHAEL AYOOLA BORN OF IDO-EKITI, IDO-OSI L.G.A., EKITI STATE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS ORIGINAL RIGHT OF OCCUPANCY (R-OF-O) WITH OLD FILE NO. BN 159 IN RESPECT OF PLOT NO, 1208 OF ABOUT 1140M2 LOCATED AT CADESTRAL ZONE B02 OF DURUMI ABUJA WITH NEW FILE NO, BN 20007, DATED 12/08/04. BELONGING TO FLORENCE OLUFEMI DARE. ALL EFFORT MADE TO TRACE THE SAID MISSING DOCUMENT PROVED ABORTIVE. IF FOUND, PLEASE CONTACT THE NEAREST POLICE STATION. GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS INYANG OGO. NOW WISH TO BE CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. UGO STEPHEN UVARA ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. FEDERAL UNIVERSITY, LAFIA AND PUBLIC TO NOTE

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.PASTOR LUCKY OSARETIN IYEN -PRESIDENT 2.EVANGELIST MRS. GEORGETTE IYEN-SECRETARY 3.PASTOR OWEN EKHOSUEHI -MEMBER 4.BROTHER IMARIABE OROBATO-MEMBER 5.MRS. PAT IGHODARO -MEMBER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL. 2.TO WIN SOULS FOR CHRIST. 3.TO PRINT, PUBLISH AND DISTRIBUTE RELIGIOUS LITERATURES. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: LUCK OSARETIN IYEN (PRESIDENT)

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.MAL. UMAR FAROUK MUSA 2.MRS. MARGARET I. ABAZIE-HUMPHREY 3.DR. USMAN MOHAMMED 4.MR. NDIFON OBI NEJI 5.MR. NATHANIEL MSEN AWUAPILA, MIAM AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.BE COMMITTED TO RESEARCH AND COLLABORATION WITH KEY AGENCIES RESPONSIBLE FOR ADDRESSING FACTORS CONDUCIVE TO THE INCREASING LEVEL OF HUMAN RESILIENCE CAPABILITY CHALLENGES IN NIGERIA AND ACROSS AFRICA. 2.DEVELOP METHODS AND STANDARDS FOR MITIGATING AND PREVENTING THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL SHOCKS AND EMERGENCIES ON COMMUNITIES. 3.DESIGN AND PROMOTE MEASURES TO ADDRESS DEEPENING EFFECTS OF HUMAN RESILIENCE CAPABILITY CHALLENGES IN THE SOCIETY. 4.PROMOTE WAYS BY WHICH SOCIETY CAN ENGAGE POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE TOOLS TO ADDRESS RISKS AND THREATS TO THEIR COLLECTIVE RESILIENCE CAPABILITY. 5.DESIGN AND PROMOTE MEASURES TO ADDRESS DEEPENING EFFECTS OF HUMAN RESILIENCE CAPABILITY CHALLENGES IN THE SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: MR. NATHANIEL MSEN AWUAPILA, MIAM

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GATE OF LIFE GLOBAL MINISTRY THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MRS. OGEH MARTINA NNEDINMA (CLERGY) 2. MR. OKERE ELIJAH UZOCHUKWU 3. OGBONNA EDWIN. O. 4. OGBONNA EDWIN CHIZOMA 5. OGEH BLESSING AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 2. TO REACH OUT TO LOSS SOULS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR. FAGBE MORENIKE.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

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SIKIRU AYINDE BALOGUN MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

WORD ADDICTION CHURCH INT’L

AFRICAN CHILD ORPHANAGE AND MOTHERLESS BABIES HOME

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1) BISHOP YEMIOWEI KELTEEN SUBAI 2) REV.(MRS) CHARITY KELTEEN SUBAI 3) EVANG.DAVID SUNDAY KIRI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES (1) TO PREACH THE WORD OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANIZATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OMONAYAJO IBRAHIM 2. OMONAYAJO SAKIRAT ABIOLA 3. TIAMIYU BOLATUMI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO ASSIST AND CARE FOR THE LESS PRIVILEGE. 2. TO PROVIDE HUMANITARIAN SERVICES FOR THE ORPHANAGE CHILDREN. 3. TO RELIEVE POVERTY AMONG VULNERABLE CHILDREN.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

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KINGDOM CITIZEN’S FAMILY CHURCH

HOUSE OF DYNAMIC FRIENDS CLUB

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. RAZAQ ISHOLA BALOGUN CHAIRMAN 2. SULAIMAN BALOGUN GENERAL SECRETARY 3. MAROOF BALOGUN 4. SAMSONDEEN BALOGUN 5. OLASHILE BALOGUN 6. FEMI BALOGUN 7. CHIEF (DR.) BUARI ABU-OLOTO 8. ALHAJI ADISA OSI-EFA 9. ALHAJI SHAMSIN ADELE 10. OTUNBA ADISA RILWAN ONIFADE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO CATER FOR THE LESS PRIVILEGED MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY. 2. TO PROMOTE UNITY, PEACE AND CORDIAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE FAMILY OF LATE MUSICAL ICON AND HIS FANS. 3. TO PROMOTE THE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL WELFARE OF MEMBERS OF THE FOUNDATION AND THE COMMUNITY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR. ADEOLA MAGNUS ARAULENE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PROPHET ABEL OHI ADEYINKA 2. PASTOR (MRS) NUCY OMOLARA ADEYINKA 3. PASTOR OLUREMI ADESINA AREMU 4. SAINT EMMANUEL OLA ONI 5. BRO. GBENGA OBA OPADIYA 6. PASTOR ABRAHAM OLATUNJI 7. DEACONESS HELLEN BOLATITO AREMU AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF GOD. 2. TO DRAW PEOPLE VERY CLOSE TO GOD. 3. TO EQUIP THE PEOPLE FOR THE WORK OF EVANGELIST.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CLUB HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. EZEIFE UCHE(CHAIRMAN) 2. UKAEJIOFOR OKECHUKWU(SECRETARY) 3. OGBALU CHUKWUNONSO VICTOR 4. CHUKWUDI ONWUGHALU AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROMOTE UNITY AND PEACE AMONG THE MEMBERS 2. TO ASSIST THE LESS PRIVILEDGED IN THE SOCIETY.

LATTER TIME POWER MINISTRY THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. BISHOP PHILIP DAVID NWOGBE, JP RESIDENT 2. DR. CHUKS NZEKA SECRETARY 3. PASTOR KISABO BULUS, JP MEMBER 4. PASTOR UKONU IGEW UKONU MEMBER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST AND REVEAL THE BEAUTY OF HIS GRACE TO ALL NATIONS. 2. TO WIN SOULS INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD THROUGH THE PREACHING OF THE WORD OF GOD. 3. TO MINISTER HEALING, DELIVERANCE AND RESTORE FREEDOM TO THE CAPTIVES. 4. TO PRINT AND PUBLISH TRACTS, RELIGIOUS BOOKS, MAGAZINES AND DISTRIBUTE SAME FREELY TO SCHOOLS, PRISONS AND REHABILITATION CENTERS. 5. TO ESTABLISH BRANCHES, CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP AND MISSION FIELDS FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL OF JEUS CHRIST. 5. TO REVEAL THE AGENDA OF GOD THROUGH PROPHETIC UTTERANCE ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

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CENTRE FOR MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH AND INITIATIVE

MARANATHA CHAPLAINCY INTERNATIONAL

CLEMENT PADA SPORTS FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ABIODUN OLUGBENGA ADEWUYA 2. PROFESSOR ROGER OLATOKUNBO MAKANJUOLA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY THROUGH INITIATIVE RESEARCH. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

TRUSTEES 1. PRECIOUS HONOUR AKAM 5. UTIBE MARK UDOAKPANANWADA 2. MRS. GLORIA PRECIOUS AKAM 6. OKON ALFRED UDOH 3. UBONGABASI PRECIOUS AKAM 7. YOUNG UDOKO OFUM 4. ATTAH OKON BASSEY 8. JAMES JONES UMOH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST 2. TO RENDER HUMANITARIAN SERVICES TO THE LESS PRIVILEDGED MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY IN AREA OF FREE HEALTH SERVICES, EDUCATION AND NATURAL DISASTERS 3. TO COOPERATE WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS TO PROMOTE HUMAN RIGHTS, RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE OF ALL ETHNIC AND RELIGIOUS GROUPS AND TO PROMOTE RELIGIOUS AND ETHNIC TOLERANCE IN NIGERIA 4. TO PARTNER WITH GOVERNMENT AND ITS AGENCIES, INCLUDING INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES TO ADVANCE PEACE, EDUCATION, HUMAN RIGHTS, RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE, CHARITY, SKILL ACQUISITION, CAMPAIGN ON HIV/AIDS AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING 5. GRASS ROOT EMPOWERMENT OF WIDOWS AND ORPHANS

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: IKECHUKWU K. ODOH, ESQ. PEARL PARTNERSHIP, PLOT 21 NIAMEY STREET, WUSE ZONE 2, ABUJA, 08032613839

SIGNED: SECRETARY

TRUSTEES 1. PADA CLEMENT CHAIRMAN 2. IKPEH OBAM GABRIEL ABI SECRETARY 3. PADA KAUNA MEMBER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROMOTE SPORTS AMONG THE YOUTHS 2. TO SUPPORT SPORTS DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA 3. TO NURTURE YOUNG SPORTS TALENTS IN NIGERIA 4. TO PROVIDE SPORTS EDUCATION 5. TO FINANCE SPORT AND SPORTING ACTIVITIES ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: IKECHUKWU K. ODOH, ESQ. PEARL PARTNERSHIP, PLOT 21 NIAMEY STREET, WUSE ZONE 2, ABUJA, 08032613839

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DIOCESE OF BARI ANGLICAN COMMUNION KANO

AL-UMMAH ORPHANS FOUNDATION

THE ABUJA LITERARY SOCIETY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

TRUSTEES 1. RT. REVD IDRIS ADO ZUBAIRU DIOCESAN BISHOP 2. MR. SA’IDU DAUDA REGISTRAR 3. MR. ISYAKU BALA BARI TREASURER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO SPREAD THE WORD OF GOD 2. THE CHURCH IN THIS DIOCESE HOLD ITSELF BOUND TO TAKE IT FULL SHARE OF THE LIFE AND WORK OF THE STATE IN NIGERIA

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR APPOINTMENT OF ADDITIONAL TRUSTEE UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

NEW TRUSTEE 1.

ALHAJI MAI ALIYU MUHAMMAD OLD TRUSTEES 1.

SULEIMAN AHMED ZAZZAGAWA 2.

SENATOR LAWAN GANA GUBA 3.

HAJIYA MARYAM MOHAMMED TAHAN 4.

SALEH ADAMU KWARU 5.

MOHAMMED SANI BABA 6.

TAJUDEEN MOHAMMED ADIGUN 7.

ISHAQ YUSUF ZANGO 8.

DR. AHMED RUFA’I AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAINS THE SAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS CHANGE SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANIZATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR A REMOVAL OF A TRUSTEE AND ADDITION OF NEW TRUSTEES UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

OLD TRUSTEES ARE: 1. CHIEF FERDINARD AGU RETAINED 2. JUSTICE UZO NDUKWE-ANYANWU RETAINED 3. DR ADA OKWUOSA RETAINED 4. DR. (MRS) LIZZY IHEANACHO RETAINED 5. DR. EMMANUEL JENKWE REMOVED 6. SIR VICTOR ANOLIEFO RETAINED 7. DR. IKE ANYA RETAINED 8. MR KEN OKERE IKE RETAINED 9. MR CLEMENT ILOBA RETAINED NEW TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR DEJI FISHO 5. MRS ADEDAYO BENJAMINS LANIYE 2. BAR. (MRS) CHINYERE OBI-OBASI 6. BARR. ANTHONY OJO 3. MR ZUBAIRU AYOJIDE ATTA 7. LADY MARYANNE ANOLIEFO 4. SIR NNAMDI OKOSE 8. MR PATRICK ETIM THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME ANY OBJECTION TO THIS CHANGE SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

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VICTORIAN CARE HOMES

RECYCLING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE OF NIGERIA

FOUNDATION FOR PASSION AND GENUINE HOPE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANIZATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OGOCHUKWU ANTHONIA ORJI CHAIRMAN 2. MS. FRANCISCA UZOAMAKA OBIKE SECRETARY 3. MR FRANCIS OGAGHE AWUSA 4. MR SIMEON MOJU AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEGE AND TO CARRY OUT CHARITABLE WORKS. 2. TO PROMOTE PEACE AND LOVE AMONG CHILDREN OF DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR. ERIAMIANTOE OSASU FOR SU TINA SOLICITORS 07062433867

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1 TERSEER UGBOR PRESIDENT 2. UGAR AMBUNDE UGAR SECRETARY 3. YEMI ADELANWA MEMBER 4. ESTHER ITODO MEMBER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO ENCOURAGE RECYCLING OF USED MATERIALS AND IMPROVE ENVIRONMENT AWARENESS TO THE GAINS OF RECYCLING. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MRS NNEKA ATUANYA 2. MRS IFEOMA ACHIGBU 3. MR CHUKWUMA ATUANYA 4. CHIEF HANDEL OKOLI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROMOTE THE RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES AND GENERAL WELFARE OF WIDOWS IN THE SOCIETY REGARDLESS OF TRIBE, CREED OR RELIGION 2. TO PROTECT, PROMOTE AND DEFEND THE RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES AND WELFARE OF VULNERABLE AND PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED CHILDREN IN THE SOCIETY. 3. TO HELP THE POOR THE NEEDY, THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED AND THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: UGAR UGAR & ASSOCIATES.

SIGNED: NWACHUKWU CHIDIEBERE (08035454541)

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

REKINDE HOPE INITIATIVE

SELINAH’S ROYAL CROWN FOUNDATION

ALMIGHTY FAVOR FIRE MINISTRY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR DESTINY INEGBE EKUKU 2. MRS BELLA DESTINY EKUKU 3. MR OVIRI MOSES 4. MRS COMFORT OKOFOH 5. MRS. SAMUEL ENARUNA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. 2. TO SERVE AS A PLACE OF WORSHIP FOR BELIEVERS IN CHRIST JESUS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1 DR. FIDELIS NKAMA ISU CHAIRMAN 2. MRS GRACE UGO EREGE VICE CHAIRMAN 3. MRS DORATHY AKWUGO ISU SECRETARY/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 4. MRS MARGARET EBI ONYIA 5. ENGR. VINCENT ALAZU ELOY 6. MRS PHILOMENA IFEKA NWADIAJU 7. BARR. AMINATU EKEMMA IBE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTH CARE FOR THE RURAL INDIGENT CITIZENS. 2. TO EMPOWER THE POOR AND LESS PRIVILEGED WITH THE AIM OF IMPROVING THEIR LIVING CONDITIONS. 3. TO PROMOTE PEER EDUCATION AND POSITIVE BEHAVIOUS CHANGE AMONGST YOUTHS ESPECIALLY YOUNG WOMEN AS IT RELATES TO ADOLESCENT REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH ISSUES. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR. AMINATU IBE HAMDALLA CHAMBERS, ABUJA (08033137990)

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. EVANG. PRECIOUS GREAT IJEOMA 2. PASTOR GARBA MOSES 3. PASTOR MERCY GRACE IJEOMA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROTECT, PROMOTE AND DEFEND THE RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES AND WELFARE OF VULNERABLE AND PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED CHILDREN IN THE SOCIETY. 2. TO HELP THE POOR THE NEEDY, THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED AND THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR. LAWRENCE ILOH 12, AGADEZ STREET, WUSE 2, ABUJA (08063725518) ILOHCHIJIOKE@YAHOO.COM

SIGNED P. I. OMORUYI ESQ 08055227941

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHRIST SANCTUARY EVANGELICAL CHURCH

JONEST EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION

NDOKWA NEKU UNION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR FINTAN NWAUDA - GENERAL OVERSEER 2. PASTOR (MRS) EMILIA NWAUDA 3. CHUKWUMA AMAJUOYI 4. ANTHONY ANABA 5. OBIOMA NWAUDA 6. DR. JAMES NWOSU AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROPAGATE THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST. 2. TO EVANGELISE AND WIN SOULS TO THE SERVICE OF GOD ALMIGHTY. 3. TO ESTABLISH LOCAL BRANCHES FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL WORLDWIDE. 4. TO ORGANISE OUTREACH, CRUSADES, SEMINARS, WORKSHOP AND REVIVAL SERVICES FOR THE WORK OF THE GOSPEL. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANY AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.MR. OLUWAFEMI OLUSEGUN AKINRELE -CHAIRMAN 2.MRS. BELLO TAIBAT OLABISI -MEMBER 3.MRS, REBECCA DISU -MEMBER 4.MRS. TINUKE AYANTOYE -MEMBER 5.MR. CLEMENT ALEGU -FINANCIAL SECRETARY 6.

MRS. ESTHER AKINRELE -EXECUTIVE SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: (A)TO ASSIST THE NEEDY AND THE POOR IN THE SOCIETY. (B)TO EDUCATE THE LESS PRIVILEGED OF THEIR RIGHTS ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA DISTRICT, ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: LIVINUS N. CHIADIKAOBI (ESQ.) (SOLICITOR)

SIGNED JOHN ALI ESQ

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED UNION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART 'C' OF THE COMPANY AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 2004 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.HRM JOHN ULLU -CHAIRMAN 2.PHARM. PAUL OSOGBE ENEBELI -MEMBER 3.CHIEF JOSEPH OLISE -MEMBER 4.CAPT. FRANCIS ASHIKODI ADONE -MEMBER 5.MR. HENRY OKECHUKWU -SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: (A)TO PROMOTE SOCIAL CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF NDOKWA COMMUNITIES. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA DISTRICT, ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: MR. HENRY OKECHUKWU SECRETARY)

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

DEVELOPMENT WATCH AND COMMUNITY SAFETY AWARENESS INITIATIVE

THE EFFA EMMANUEL MINISTRY

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANIZATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANY AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 2004 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.EMMANUEL OKUCHUKWU IWEBEMA -PRESIDENT 2.PRAYER HARISON IWEBEMA 3.JOSEPH UBOH -SECRETARY 4.ROSEMARY UBOH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: (A)TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY SAFETY AND AWARENESS. (B)TO ENGAGE IN REHABILITATION, SOCIAL WORK, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, CHILD AND WELFARE SCHEMES AND OTHER SIMILAR ACTIVITIES. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA DISTRICT, ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : BARR. YUSUF SURAJUDEEN (SOLICITOR)

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. EFFA EMMANUEL 2. EFFA ELIZABETH THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST 2. TO MAKE DISCIPLES OF EVERY NATION 3. TO BUILD SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, ORPHANAGES ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED; BARR. CLARA OHAJUBA 08034532465

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

NORTHERN MEDIA FORUM

ANIOMA INDIGENES INITIATIVE ON INFRASTURAL DEVELOPMENT

JESUS CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD MINISTRY

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. NWABUOKEI AWELE 2. ODEKPE CURTIS (CHIEF) 3. OBIDI SAMSON 4. NWOKOLO PETER 5. UBAKA JOHNNEY 6. IWEBUNOR COLLINS THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO FOSTER THE WELFARE OF MEMBERS OF THE ABOVE ASSOCIATION ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION, SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. PROPHETESS (DR) FELICIA ABOSEDE ADELEKE - GENERAL OVERSEER 2. MRS. FELICIA IDOWU TOLUHI 3. DR. JOHN OGBADU 4. MR JOHN OLUSOLA BANDELE - SECRETARY 5. PASTOR PAUL AKANNI ADELEKE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO PROPAGATE THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION, SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION

SIGNED: ARMSTRONG UKWUOMA ESQ. 08032269934

SIGNED ; OKEKE DOMINIC OKECHUKWU 08036224737

SIGNED; SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

CENTRE FOR DEVELOPMENT AND RIGHTS ADVOCACY

SURULERE BAPTIST CHURCH

OJODU PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FORUM HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. DAN AGBESE 2. SAM NDA-ISAIAH. 3. WADA MAIDA 4. KABIRU YUSUF. 5. ZAINAB SULEIMAN OKINO. 6. MOHAMMED HARUNA. 7. JONATHAN ISHAKU. 8. DR. HAKEEM BABA-AHMED, OON. 9. GARBA SHEHU. 10. LAWAL YUSUF SAULAWA. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE AND COMMON INTERESTS OF THE MEMBERS. 2. TO COORDINATE A NETWORK OF NORTHERN MEDIA OWNERS, WRITERS, EDITORS AND MEDIA PRACTITIONERS IN GENERAL TO HARNESS AND DEVELOP THE POTENTIALS OF YOUNG MEDIA PRACTITIONERS IN NORTHERN NIGERIA AND IN THE FEDERATION OF NIGERIA IN GENERAL 3. TO PROMOTE PROFESSIONAL MEDIA AND JOURNALISM PRACTICE IN NORTHERN NIGERIA AND IN THE NIGERIAN FEDERATION IN GENERAL.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ADVOCACY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT (C.A.M.A.) 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. DR. JOHN DANFULANI 2. YATES PHILIP 3. CHRISTY ANDREW 4. ZIACHAM BAYEI ESQ. 5 SAMUEL ARUWAN 6 SAM ADAMU 7 ALEXANDER MBAKA 8 JEREMIAH ADAMS THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. CREATING AWARENESS ON FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AS ENSHRINE IN THE NIGERIAN CONSTITUTION. 2. ADVANCING THE CORE VALUES OF DEMOCRATIC OBJECTIVES. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET, P.M.B. 198, MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: ZIACHAM BAYEI ESQ. JAMES KANYIP & CO. 08025722689

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,ABUJA FOR CHANGE IN TRUSTEES UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANY AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

OLD EXISTING TRUSTEES: 1. WILLIAM ADELANI SANYAOLU - REMOVED 2. CHIEF WILLIAM LADEGA - REMOVED 3. REVD. SAMUEL OLORUNLOGBON DARAMOLA - REMOVED 4. DAVID BABARINDE BABAJIDE - RETAINED 5. JOSHUA OLUBOBOYE BABATUNDE - RETAINED 6. MRS. DEBORAH BAMIDELE GBOLAGUNTE - REMOVED 7. MRS. ELIZABETH OMOWUMI NWAEZE - RETAINED. NEW APPOINTED TRUSTEES AS ADDITIONAL TO RETAINED TRUSTEES: 1. PROFESSOR SOLOMON AKINBOYE 2. MRS. ADEBOLANLE OLUBUNMI ARABA 3. OTUNBA ABIODUN ANJONRIN-OHU. 4. MR. ADEDOKUN ADISA OKUNLOLA. AIM/OBJECTIVE: TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST TO THE WORLD. ANY OBJECTION TO THE CHANGE IN TRUSTEES SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT,AGUIYI IRONSI STREET,MAITAMA,ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; SECRETARY

THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ONI OLANREWAJU ANTHONY CHAIRMAN 2. LAWANSON OLAYINKA ABIODUN VICE CHAIRMAN 3. ABASS ABIODUN SHAKIRU SECRETARY 4. TAFARKI UJU ESTHER FINANCIAL SECRETARY 5. JOHNSON OLUWAFEMI ADEYINKA THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE 1. TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF THE MEMBERS ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: ABASS ABIODUN SHAKIRU: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHERS ASSOCIATION OF LAGOS STATE

ESTHER’S PRAISE INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY

FEEDING AFRICA INITIATIVE

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES: 1.OGUNRAYI BUSUYI-PRESIDENT 2.ADEKOLA SAMSON-V.PRESIDENT 3.ADEKOLA MUHIDEEN R.-GEN.SECRETARY 4.YUSUF SULAIMON-ASSIST GEN. SECRETARY 5.AROWOGUN GIDEON-FIN. SECRETARY 6.PRINCE ADEAYO ADEDAMOLA-TREASURER 7.GODWIN OZOBOH-P.R.O. 8.YINUSA BALIKIS-WELFARE 9.ATEWOLOGUN STEPHEN OLUWAFEMI -CHIEF WHIP 1, 10,AZEEZ TUNDE JELEEL-CHIEF WHIP 2.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: TO ENCOURAGE MEMBERS TOWARDS PROFESSIONALISM IN THE DELIVERY OF GRASSROOT PHOTOGRAPH FOR BRIGHTER FUTURE IN THE INDUSTRY. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B. 198, GARKI, ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO 1 OF 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1. REV. (MRS.) AZUKA GBOGBOADE 2. REV. (DR.) WOLE GBOGBOADE 3. MR. ADENIRAN EZE GBOGBOADE 4. MISS ADEFUNKE OBIAGELI GBOGBOADE 5. MR. OLISEMEKA ADETORERA GBOGBOADE AIMS: 1. TO EQUIP PASTOR’ S WIVES FOR EFFECTIVE MINISTRY 2. TO DISCIPLE WOMEN WITH LEADERSHIP POTENTIALS SO AS TO MAKE THEM EFFECTIVE IN THE LORD’S SERVICE 3. TO SUPPORT QUALITATIVE EDUCATION TO THE LESS PRIVILEGED CHILDREN. 4. TO INTERCEDE FOR NATION’S AND CHURCHES 5. TO MINISTER TO THE NEEDY, ESPECIALLY WIDOWS AND ORPHANS

SIGNED BY: SECRETARY

SIGNED: OLUWASINA OLADEJI & CO

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE PROBATE DIVISION BIRNIN KEBBI, KEBBI STATE

DIVINE FAMILY CHURCH INTERNATIONAL MIRACLE CENTRE.

Whereas the person/persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column.

And whereas the person(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the GRANT LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of the personal property.

Notice is hereby that the said letter of Administration be granted to such person(s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT” the grant thereof is field in the probate Registry of the above named court within TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE DECEASED NAME & ADDRESS INSP. UMAR DAUDA The Nigeria Police Force Kangiwa division Kebbi State Command.

APPLICANTS FOR GRANT SANI UMAR Sabongari Yeldu Area Area Local Govt., Kebbi State.

Who died on 20th day of July, 2012.

Dated at Birnin Kebbi on the 5th day of March, 2013.

ABUBAKAR SIDDIQ BELLO PROBATE REGISTRA

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B. 198, GARKI, ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANY AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES: 1.MRS SANDRA ESTHER BOLANLE OWODUNNI 2. HON. BAYO ADESANYA 3. MRS RACHAEL ONIGA 4. MR KAYODE ADEAGBO 5. MR PAUL ODUJOKO 6. MR MOSES OLUFEMI OLUSOPE 7. MR SEGUN ADEAGBO THE AIMS & OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROVIDE FOOD FOR THE AFRICAN LESS PRIVILEGE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND ADULT WHO CAN NOT AFFORD TO BUY FOOD 2. TO EMPOWER THE LESS PRIVILEGE IN AFRICA THROUGH EDUCATION, ENTREPRENEURIAL/SKILL TRAINING, FARMING/AGRICULTURE, SEMINARY, MENTORING, COACHING. 3. TO ENGAGE AFRICAN IN THE FIGHT TO END HUNGER IN OUR SOCIETY ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT,AGUIYI IRONSI STREET,MAITAMA,ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: GENERAL SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE DIVINE FAMILY CHURCH INTERNATIONAL MIRACLE CENTER

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO 1 OF 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE: 1. APOSTLE (DR.) RUFUS PETER MBA -GENERAL OVERSEER. 2. PASTOR IKECHUKWU MBA. 3. PASTOR (MRS.) SANDRA PETER MBA. 4. MRS. LOVETH NKECHI JOHNSON MBA. 5. MRS. CHIMNOYELUM LINDA NNAJI GENERAL SECRETARY. 6. PASTOR DAVID OBENG. 7. EVANGELIST VICTOR CHINWEUGWOLU JOHN. AIMS & OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST 2. TO EVANGELISE THE LOST SOUL AND TO RAISE STANDARD LIVES & SOULS FOR CHRIST 3. TO CARRY OUT MISSIONARY WORK AND GIVE ALSO TO THE NEEDY. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B. 198, GARKI, ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANY AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE: 1. APOSTLE (DR. RUFUS PETER MBA - (GENERAL OVERSEER).

2. PASTOR IKECHUKWU MBA. 3. PASTOR (MRS.) SANDRA PETER MBA. 4. MRS. LOVETH NKECHI JOHNSON MBA. 5. MRS. CHIMNOYELUM LINDA NNAJI (GENERAL SECRETARY).

6. PASTOR DAVID OBENG. 7. EVANGELIST VICTOR CHINWEUGWOLU JOHN AIMS & OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST 2. TO EVANGELIZE THE LOST SOUL AND TO RAISE STANDARD LIVES & SOULS FOR CHRIST 3. TO CARRY OUT MISSIONARY WORK AND GIVE ALSO TO THE NEEDY. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT,AGUIYI IRONSI STREET,MAITAMA,ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: MR. M. O EKUNDAYO (07085665062)

SIGNED: MR. M. O EKUNDAYO (07085665062)

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

PAGE 47

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FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

SPORTS LA TEST LATEST

AC Milan president jailed

A

C Milan president and former Prime Minister of Italy, Silvio Berlusconi, has been sentenced to a year in jail over an illegal wiretap after a court found him guilty yesterday.

Berlusconi, 76, had been accused of arranging for a police wiretap of a political rival which was then published by the Il Giornale newspaper run by his brother Paolo, who has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison.

The conversation was reportedly between Piero Fassino, the head of the former centre-left Democratic Left (DS) party, and Giovanni Consorte, the former chairman of Unipol, an association of insurers, and related to the 2005 banking scandal.

Berlusconi, who has denied any wrongdoing, will seek to have the decision overturned before a court of appeal, while he is also waiting to hear whether his appeal has been successful over a one-year sentence imposed on him for tax fraud in October last year.

In another separate incident, the former Prime Minister is also awaiting a trial concerning allegations that he paid for sex with an underage prostitute.

QPR debts rise to £89 million

Q

ueens Park Rangers' debt has risen from £56 million to £89 million, accounts covering the club's first season back in the Premier League reveal.

The QPR Holdings Limited data, which covers last season Tony Fernandes' first as chairman - shows Rangers made a £22.6 million loss during the campaign, despite turnover increasing from £16 million to £64 million after promotion from the Championship.

QPR's wage bill, which covers all club employees, rose from £26 million to £51 million after promotion. Rangers spent £25 million on new faces last season and have spent a further £30 million more in the last two transfer windows, bringing in players including Christopher Samba and Loic Remy, meaning another hefty loss is likely in the next set of accounts.

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QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE Muslims are still being denied their constitutional rights to practice their religion unhindered and are even being persecuted in some instances as recently witnessed in some parts of the country.

— Jama’atul Nasril Islam

2015: The naked dancers and the two-year marathon I

n a functional democracy, the arguments and divisions currently wracking the People's Democratic Party (PDP) would be seen as a sign of the healthy debates and disagreements that are critical to democratic progression and the constant alignments and realignments that are permanent features of the electoral process.

But Nigerians now know better because the people currently in control of the PDP have no altruistic guiding principles and ideology to shape the party and promote good governance. The PDP's top brass: President - Goodluck Jonathan, former president and BoT chairman - Olusegun Obasanjo, National Chairman - Bamanga Tukur, former and new BoT Chairman - Tony Anenih, Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum - Rotimi Amaechi and a number of Governors have been engaged in a naked dance that amounts to exhibition of little more than raw and unbridled ambition.

At the root of the argument is not about which approach to adopt to tackle the enormous challenges confronting Nigeria.

No one is talking about how to address the problem of our 20 million youth who have no jobs and are losing hope, or how to improve our collective security.

None of the naked dancers is interested in seeking solutions to the problems of growing poverty, de-industrialization, deteriorating infrastructure, rising inequality, falling standards of education or decaying healthcare.

None of the combatants in the PDP's disagreements is concerned with tackling Nigeria's mind-boggling corruption, impunity or even how to prepare for the day when our oil revenues will dry up. The one and only thing on the minds of these PDP apparatchiks is personal ambition, the pursuit of power and the senseless looting and primitive accumulation associated therewith.

In essence, what should be a public debate between and among the ruling party members to chart the path of progress for the country it has ruled since 1999 and has promised to govern for at least 60 years has been reduced to a voluble public fight about who gets what, where, how, and knowing the PDP for what it has become, how much! Eventually, because the fight is not predicated

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NASIR EL-R UF AI EL-RUF UFAI ON FRID AY FRIDA elrufai@aol.com

Alhaji Bamanga Tukur on any ideological or principled stand, whether by the instrument of the EFCC or the sheer need to remain on the corridors of power, all the gladiators will fall back in line at the right moment in order for the party to continue its nuclear war on the Nigerian people.

A year or two ago, it would have gotten away with it, too.

Except that things are beginning to change, and a two-year marathon that would determine the future of Nigeria's 170 million people is beginning to take shape and form: From mysterious campaign posters appearing overnight, PDP governors that have gone missing for months, trillions of stolen fuel subsidy and

pension funds, unneeded and unsolicited 10 million cell phones for farmers, the first lady's death and resurrection, endless political intrigues, revelations and long knives within the PDP - up to the emergence of a new opposition political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), the tone for the 2015 elections seem to be taking shape.

Now, the issue is: what does the current situation and evolving developments entail, and what are their possible implications for the 2015 general elections, if we ever get there? Does the current discord within the ruling party signal the beginning of the end of its existence? Will the formation of the APC which is the merger of the four major opposition parties ACN, CPC, ANPP and parts of APGA, signify the emergence of a 'new' and better Nigeria for the over 125 million Nigerians below the age of 35? Will the new party, APC survive its teething challenges and emerge with a manifesto and truly representative yet formidable candidates that will sweep away majority votes at the poles?

As all parties gear up towards 2015, we need to ask: Is President Jonathan capable of participating in the election without deliberately dividing the country along ethnic and religious lines for

“

What does the current situation and evolving developments entail, and what are their possible implications for the 2015 general elections, if we ever get there?

Does the current discord within the ruling party signal the beginning of the end of its existence? Will the formation of the APC signify the emergence of a 'new' and better Nigeria

his short-term political gain? Is INEC willing, able and capable of delivering free, fair and credible elections in 2015? Can we trust INEC not to be what the opposition perceives it to be - a mere tool and toothless subsidiary of the PDP? How do we as individuals and stakeholders contribute our quota to ensure that we do not remain pawns in the hands of selfish politicians? Can we see through the antics of the false prophets who promised fresh air and transformation, only to lead us to the path of division and destitution?

There is no gainsaying that the PDP is in turmoil and chaos at the moment. On the surface, it began in January with the call by PDP governors for the sack of the party chairman - Bamanga Tukur due to the latter's interference in the Adamawa PDP politics. This was followed by the move against Obasanjo's henchmen in the party which led to the sack of its National Auditor Chief Bode Mustapha and his replacement by Alhaji Fatai Adewole Adeyanju while National Vice Chairman, South West, Segun Oni and National Secretary Oyinlola, were somehow also removed.

Following the above, the PDP set up its own Governor's Forum with Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom emerging as chairman in an attempt to polarize the already existing Nigeria Governor's Forum which has the 'stubborn' Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers state as chair. As stated, the whole saga is indicative of PDP's desperation to hang on to power and not allow democracy take its course. It has been alleged that this new forum was set-up to trim down the influence of Amaechi who is seen as too independent and nonconformist for the current PDP leadership. Those who know the PDP well will tell you that the quarrels can easily be resolved as soon as some of the excess crude, the looted fuel subsidy and pension funds are released and redistributed - and the gravy train that is the PDP will begin to roll again. But that is another matter for another day.

For now, the newly formed APC seems to have a grasp of what they are doing. Just a week ago, the opposition governors in the APC made a bold statement by holding the party's third meeting in Maiduguri - the capital and base Contd. on Page 36

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