Peoples Daily Newspaper, Thursday 08, November, 2012 by Peoples Media Limited

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

Vol. 9 No. 64

Thursday, November 8, 2012

. . . putting the people first

Zhul-Hajj 23, 1433 AH

N150

Judiciary, NASS on collision course

. . . Senate orders CJN to swear-in Jombo-Ofo

By Richard Ihediwa

n angry Senate yesterday unanimously directed the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloma Mariam Muktar, to immediately swear-in Justice Ifeoma JomboOfo as a Justice of the Court of Appeal, vowing to ensure that it followed the issue to its logical conclusion. Lawmakers queried the decision of the CJN, who on Monday dropped Jombo-Ofo from the list of justices sworn-in, on the grounds that she was not from Abia state though she is married to a man from that state. The position of the Senate followed the adoption of a motion by Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu which was cosponsored by all the senators. The motion described the action of the CJN as unacceptable and demanded that Jombo-Ofo should be allowed to hold the position they Contd on Page 2

PD INDEX

7th Nov., 2012

CBN RATES BUYING SELLING $ 154.74 155.74 ÂŁ 247.259 248.857 EURO 197.94 199.222 CFA 0.2885 0.3085 RIYAL 41.267 41.5 PARALLEL RATES BUYING SELLING EURO 206 208 ÂŁ 257 258 RIYAL 40 42 $ 157 158

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo receiving copies of Peoples Daily newspapers from the Chairman of the Board of Peoples Media Limited, Malam Wada Maida at the former's residence in Abeokuta, Ogun state. On the right is a Director, Malam Bilya Bala and left is the Chief Operating Officer, Ali M. Ali

FG signs 3,750 MW hydro-electric power contracts By Udenna Orji & Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

he Federal Government on Tuesday signed two hydro-electric power contracts expected to add a fresh

3,750 megawatts of electricity to the national grid. The contracts are for the 700 megawatts Zungeru hydro-

electric power project in Niger state and the 3,050 Mambilla hydroelectric power project in Taraba state. The projects are to be handled by two Chinese companies, China

Okada riders burn JTF escapes blast as two Chinese police post over killing of colleague killed in Borno >> PAGE 5

>> PAGE 6

National Electric Equipment Corporation (CNEEC) and Sinohydro Corporation of China respectively. Sinohydro, one of the leading Contd on Page 2

Jonathan felicitates with Obama over re-election >> PAGE 3

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

CONTENTS News

2-11

Fresh blasts rock Mubi By Richard Ihediwa, with agency reports

Editorial

Op.Ed

Letters

Opinion

Metro

16-18

Business

18-19

S/Report

Earth

wo bombs suspected to have been targeted at soldiers were yesterday detonated by suspected insurgents in Mubi, Adamawa state, killing at least two

Int’l

31-32

Digest

Politics

37-39

Sports

41-47

Columnist

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU The Peoples Daily wants to hear from you with any news and pictures you think we should publish. You can send your news and pictures to: letters@peoplesdaily-online.com pictures@peoplesdaily-online.com contact@peoplesdaily-online.com

Phones for News: 070-37756364 09-8734478

top military officer in the area, Brigadier General John Nwaogu said there “was an explosion that targeted a military patrol team, but the explosion missed the target as none of the patrol vans were affected but two civilians were killed.”

Eyewitnesses said the blast occurred at Kasuwar Shanu (cattle market) and that children were hurt. One of them said a young girl was among those hurt adding that he saw a young boy with both legs blown off.

Judiciary, Senate on collision course Contd from Page 1

Fuel, fuel everywhere, but not a drop to drive, Page 4

civilians. Scores of students were recently slaughtered by unknown gunmen in the town which has very high student population due to the location of several institutions in the area. Confirming the incident, a

insisted she is eminently qualified for. This is the first time in a long time that the federal legislature would be openly reproaching the judiciary for its action and seeking it to reverse itself. Insisting that the CJN erred, the lawmakers pointed out that there were instances where women have taken judicial appointments as well as executive and legislative positions from the states of origin of their husband and wondered why Jombo-Ofo was denied the position due to issues of state of origin. Many of the senators noted that as far as they were concerned, Jombo-Ofo was already a Justice of the Appeal Court as long as she was appointed by the President. Presenting the motion, Ekweremadu observed that it was surprising that the CJN who presided over the processes that cleared Jombo-Ofo could refuse to swear her in alongside 11 others though there was no record of objection to her appointment by Abia state government or her husband. The Deputy Senate

President lamented that the action of the CJN has subtracted from the gains achieved in the quest for higher participation of women in governance and shows that women could be denied their rights in states where they are married as well as their states of origin. Ekweremadu said, “Muktar, who refused to administer the oath of office on Jombo-Ofo, was the same person who presided over the processes that cleared her. The practical implication of the decision of the CJN is that Nigerian women have lost all they have struggled for over the years and Nigeria will be taken 100 years back. “It also shows that once a woman is married outside her community, local government area or state, she cannot aspire to any position (appointive or elective) in her husband’s community. It is also very unlikely that she will secure such position in her place of origin since she has been married out. There is no record of any objection to her appointment by her husband, Abia state government or Abia state judiciary;” he said. All the lawmakers who

spoke criticized the CJN with Senator Uche Chukwumerije saying it was ironic that under the captainship of a female CJN a “woman would suffer the severest and most crude rebuke”. On his own part, Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma Egba, described the development as discriminatory adding that the action of the CJN limits the judiciary to mediocrity and threatens the sanctity of marriage as well as puts career minded women in a position where they have to choose between their career and marriage. Ruling at the end of the debate, Senate President David Mark also lambasted the CJN for her action adding that the Senate will ensure that JomboOfo was allowed to take her rightful position since she had already passed through due process. Mark however described the issue as “a fait accompli,” considering that Jombo-Ofo had already gone through the due process. He said the swearing-in was just a ceremony and if she had no problem during the entire process, there should be no

problem at the point of being sworn in. He said: “There was nothing left again. Swearing-in was just a ceremony and if the issues were not raised before but just at the point of swearing in, it is immaterial.” Mark criticized the CJN for, according to him, crying more than the bereaved since the Abia State Government was not complaining. “I think the judiciary or the CJN is crying more than the bereaved because Abia state is not complaining. They submitted her name and the governor was there. Why should anybody else say she is taking Abia state’s slot; because that is what it meant in effect, if she was not sworn-in?” The Senate President vowed that the Senate would do whatever it could to ensure that Jombo-Ofo was sworn in and to encourage women to continue to remain married and claim their husbands’ places of origin. He said the matter has once more thrown up the issue of indigeneship and place of residence and queried why cannot take up appointments from where he resides.

FG signs 3,750 MW hydro-electric power contracts Contd from Page 1 hydro power contractors in China will work with Nigeria’s Sunrise Power Engineering and Transmission Company on the Mambilla project. Sunrise will act as the local content provider in keeping with Nigeria’s local content policy. The project is expected to be completed in five years. The Mambilla hydroelectric power project comprises the construction of three dams including that in Nya, Sumsum and Nghu with interconnecting tunnels and twelve 254.16 megawatts generating units which will combine to add 3,050 megawatts to the national grid. On the other hand, the Zungeru project which is valued at N163 billion and comprises four 175 megawatts plant units which will combine to generate 700 megawatts of electric power. Newly deployed Minister of State for Power, Mrs. Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi who signed on behalf of the Federal Government urged the contractors to ensure the projects were delivered on time.

On the Mambilla project, the minister said the parties were now working on securing funding through the Federal Ministry of Finance based on debt/equity ratio of 85percent to15 percent development model. The Mambila project, the minister emphasized is a concession that will be built, operated for nine years by the concessionaire before it is transferred to the apex government; while the Zungeru project will be partly, 25%, financed by the Federal Ministry of Finance and the remaining will be provided by a Chinese consortium. She said the debt capital would be from Exim Bank of China while the equity funds would be from the federal government and other private equity funds. Kuchi explained that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Mambila is historic considering that it has been on the shelf for over five decades. “We didn’t only sign a Memorandum of Understanding for Mambila but jerk up its capacity. By this, the nation’s

supply of electricity will be subsequently enhanced,” she told newsmen, adding that she believed that the consortium and consultants on the project will deliver on the deadline of 2014. Meanwhile the The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N7.444 billion for various projects across the country. Julius Berger Nig. Plc clinched the contract for the rehabilitation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament Building in Abuja. A breakdown of the money approved for the projects show that the ECOWAS building, billed to be bankrolled from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) statutory allocation will gulp N3.432 billion while the construction of a 23 kilometer road in Ondo state by the Ministry of Niger Delta will take a total of N3.564 billion. Also the council approved the construction of the Sagbemi-Kirigbo-GadaIgbekibo road in Ondo state, which is slated for completion

within two years while the Ibadan-Oyo expressway got augmentation of N444 million. The Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, flanked by his counterparts in the Ministries of Communications, Ms. Omobolaji Johnson, FCT (State), Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, Power (State), Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi, Niger Delta (State), Mr Darius Dickson Ishaku and Foreign Affairs (State), Prof. Viola Onwuliri, told State House correspondents yesterday that the variation in the contract sum of the Ibadan-Oyo road is based on the desire of the apex government to upgrade the quality of roads in the country. On the rehabilitation of the ECOWAS parliament, Akinjide said the project, which is expected to be completed within a year, is necessary because of the role of Nigeria in socio-economic stability of the sub-region and the fact that the current chairman of the body is the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

PAGE 3

Constitution: Senate joins Reps, to hold constituency hearing By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

he Senate, yesterday, resolved to emulate the House of Representatives as it has decided to conduct constituency hearings in all the 109 senatorial zones in the country to get direct inputs from people in the grassroots in the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution. Consequently, the upper house has decided to suspend all sittings next week to enable lawmakers conduct the hearings in their respective constituencies. While the Senate had earlier resolved to hold hearings in the six geo-political zones, the House of Representatives will conduct hearings in the 360 federal constituencies across the country.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Information and Publicity, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who made the position of the Senate known at a press briefing yesterday, said the Senate will still hold the zonal hearing after the hearing at the constituencies. He said the senate has resolved not to place restrictions on areas where the public should make contributions but that all issues raised would be treated on the basis of merit. On the request by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) that there should be a referendum to effectively reflect the yearnings of Nigerians, Abaribe said both chambers of the National Assembly will adhere to the provisions of the constitution in the conduct of the exercise.

Jonathan felicitates with Obama over re-election By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

resident Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated the United States President, Barack Obama on his re-election. The incumbent, flying the flag of the Democratic Party, defeated Governor Mitt Romney of the Republican Party in a close presidential race which came to an end yesterday morning. “On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan heartily congratulates President Barrack Obama on his success in winning yesterday’s presidential elections in the United States.

“President Jonathan welcomes President Obama’s victory in an intensely fought presidential race as an endorsement by the good people of United States of his leadership, progressive world view and the very good work he has done in the past four years towards ending global economic depression and fostering global peace and security”, a statement signed President Jonathan’s spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati said. The President wished President Obama continued good health, blessings and guidance as he prepares for his inauguration in January for a second term as the President of the United States.

Offer us bribe, go to jail, Kano police From Edwin Olofu, Kano

he Kano state police command has said that any member of the public caught offering or enticing any policemen with money at the various check points in the state risks going to jail. In a terse statement signed by the command’s acting Public Relations Officer, ASP Mustapha Abubakar, in Kano yesterday, the command said it is worried by the activities of some unpatriotic members of the public who are always trying to offer bribe to its

men to evade interrogation at check points. The command reminded the public that it is an offence under section 118 of the Penal Code to offer bribe/gratification to an officer, stating that in the same Act, the giver and the taker are liable to prosecution. The statement added that members of the public should in their own interest and the interest of the state, desist from enticing/ offering bribe to officers on duty, failure of which the command will use resources at its disposal to enforce compliance.

Reps to investigate extortion of job seekers by govt agencies By Umar Muhammad Puma

ollowing series of complaints of extortion/exploitation of job seekers by some government agencies, the House of Representatives, yesterday, mandated it’s committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity, anti-Corruption, National Ethics and Values to carry

out a holistic investigation on the alleged employment racket and report to the House within three weeks. A motion read by Rep. Yusuf Ayo Tajudeen (PDP Kogi state), said the situation has led to officials in government taking undue advantage of the desperation and helplessness of job seekers, causing them to go through hardship before securing employment.

L-R: President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo and National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, during the cocktail party organised in honour of the participants of the regional conference on counter terrorism held yesterday, at the State House, Abuja. Photo: Joe Oroye

Four injured in Lagos train accident From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

he management of Nigerian Railway Corporation yesterday confirmed that two of its trains had a collision at Mushin Railway Station at the early hours of the day. The assistant director of Public

Relations, Mr. David N. Ndakotsu, told reporters that the two trains were mass transit trains, one coming from Iddo to Ijoko and the other from Ijoko to Iddo. “There were no fatalities, however, three out of the four injured persons were treated at

Railway Clinic and have since been discharged.” he said. He disclosed that the NRC Management has since set up a high-level committee to investigate the cause of the accident while normal services have since resumed in on the route.

Momodu, told the Court that Ebila forged documents certifying that three fake companies executed contracts worth N107 million. Ogbulafor and Ebila are being prosecuted by the ICPC on a 16count charge of alleged involvement in N170 million contract fraud. Momodu, a prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of Ogbulafor, told the court that the fake companies were included in the list of contractors being owed money by the Federal Government.

According to ICPC, Ogbulafor, while in office as the Minister of Special Duties in 2001, colluded with Ebila to float three fictitious companies — Chekwas International Nigeria Ltd, Henrichko Nig Ltd and D.H.L. Consultants — with which they perpetrated the fraud. Momodu, who was led in evidence by ICPC counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, told the court that Ebila used the companies to siphon N82.6 million, N11.5 million and N6.2 million respectively in 2001.

ICPC accuses Ogbulafor of defrauding FG By Ikechukwu Okaforadi with agency report

he Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, (ICPC), yesterday told an Abuja High Court sitting in Maitama how the former chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, connived with one Emeka Ebila, to defraud the Federal Government of the sum of N107 million using forged documents. ICPC’s investigator, Basil

NNPC assures of adequate petroleum products nationwide By Muhammad Nasir

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday assured that it has pumped enough petroleum products across the country. This is coming on the heels of recent allegations that fuel scarcity has persisted in spite of the fact that the pipeline that was gutted by fire in Arepo community in Ogun state

last month as a result of vandalisation, has been repaired. However, in a phone interview yesterday, the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs of the NNPC, Fidel Pepple said “Our position has not changed and we have been distributing petroleum products. We have been supplying the products to marketers and appealing to them to continue to sell to the public”. In spite of the FG’s assurances, fuel scarcity has persisted with

queues at few fuel stations dispensing the product. In recent times, the scarcity has led several marketers into selling the product for as high as N145 per litre as against the N97 official price. President of the Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) Alhaji Aminu Abdulkadir said yesterday that the current fuel scarcity was beyond the distribution hiccup but as a result of government’s inability to settle the debt it owed marketers.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Fuel scarcity: Fuel, fuel, everywhere; nor any drop to drive

By Abdu Labaran Malumfashi

ong queues at petrol filling station, while corrupt government officials in the oil industry and their local and foreign accomplices in the private sector smile to the bank, define the life of most users of petroleum products, notably Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Kerosine, in Nigeria, a country producing about 2.4 million barrels per day and is the 14 th biggest producer of petroleum products in the world and the eighth among the 12-member Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), but which, despite a daily consumption of about 33 million litres of fuel, refines next to nothing locally. And some even pay with their lives, while trying to scoop petrol from falling trucks or bust pipes, during which, often fire breaks out. Although perennial, the queues mostly appear either when government is scheming to hike the pump price of the products or on the approach of festivities, such as the two Muslim Eids and Christmas, when many people all over the country travel. Often as the cause however, is the former reason. Early in the year, the pump price of petrol was increased from 65 naira per litre to 141 naira, and then 95 naira in filling stations, and from 100 naira to at least 200 naira on the road-side black market, from which many Nigerians buy their fuel. But all these need not be but

If this line seems familiar, it is because it sounds and, literally, rhymes with the famous line; “Water, water, everywhere, nor any drop to drink,” in the English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s, ‘The Rime of The ancient Mariner’. While the elements were responsible for Coleridge’s despondent lines, Nigeria’s hungry, greedy and heartless elite have the shameless honour of causing the curse of fuel scarcity on their hapless fellow citizens in a country awash with the stuff. for the endemic corruption that has become a byword in the Nigerian oil industry. Although official daily production figure stands at an average of 2.4 million barrels, the amount of oil theft and illegal bunkering is estimated at 400,000 barrels per day. Most of the crude oil produced is exported to be refined abroad because years of deliberate neglect has left the domestic refineries comatose. Consequently, Nigeria imports upward of 70% of its petrol (about 250,000bpd) of petroleum products into the country for local consumption. According to various revelations this year, a mind boggling amount has been lost by the Nigerian treasury from independence to date. According to former Minister and World Bank’s ex-vicepresident for Africa, ObeyEkweselize, Nigeria is estimated to have lost about $400billion in oil revenue since independence in 1960. In April, a report by the House of Representatives revealed that the Nigerian government was shortchanged to the tune of $6.8billion over the last two years in fuel subsidy scam

perpetrated by cronies, fronts and children of those in power. And according to the recently released report of the Nuhu Ribadu-led Petroleum Revenue

Special Task Force, the country has lost $29 billion in the last decade in a gas price-fixing scandal. The report also reveals the loss of another $6 billion

Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke

because of oil theft. Meanwhile, in an all too familiar scenario, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threaten to go on strike if hikes pump price of petrol. Alleging that the government was plotting to increase the price of petrol in a statement, NLC said that it had observed “that for almost two months now, there has been a consistent scarcity of petroleum products in all parts of the country without any cogent explanation from government. In several fuel stations across the country, prices of petrol in particular are higher than the official pump price without any control by government. “Should the appropriate agencies of government refuse to enforce compliance with the official pump prices of petroleum products, the NLC will not hesitate to mobilise workers across the country to picket stations selling above the official prices”. While all too often Nigerians lament the “curse” of oil on the nation, our adversity has blinded us from seeing the larger picture. The curse is in us, as represented by our thieving elite.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

PAGE 5

Sack Okonjo-Iweala over N2.7bn subsidy scam - Melaye By Abdulwahab Isa

ormer member of the House of Representatives and executive director, AntiCorruption Network, Dino Melaye, yesterday led a protest to the Finance Ministry demanding the resignation of the minister for allegedly paying fictitious companies the sum of N2.7billion

…He’s a paid agent of oil barons – Minister fuel subsidy claims. Melaye leading other members of the network, barricaded the entrance to the Federal Ministry of Finance headquarters and reeled out sundry accusations bordering on breach of trust allegedly

committed by the minister. “We are demanding the immediate resignation or sack of Madam Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. I want to educate Nigerians that the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy released a list of 25

is to be undertaken by parties in cooperation with each other and with competent international and regional intergovernmental organisations. On Article 18, it posits that, in carrying out their obligations under the FCTC, they will have due regard to the protection of the environment and the health of persons in relation to the environment in respect of tobacco cultivation and manufacture within their respective territories. ITGA members had however, at the commemoration of its first World Tobacco Growers Day on October 29, said the proposals are not far-reaching enough and would lead to the loss

of 30 million farm jobs. NATT Africa spokesperson, Philip Jakpor said: “Tobacco front groups like ITGA and others across the African continent are only acting out a script which the tobacco industry presents whenever there is a global convergence to reinforce the lifesaving provisions of the FCTC… “We are convinced that African governments are not swayed by the media spin evidently sponsored by the tobacco industry in the lead to the COP and urge them to be resolute and remain focused in their resolve to support and reinforce the proposals on Articles 17 and 18 of the global treaty”, Jakpor added.

Don’t succumb to tobacco industry blackmail, NATT tells African govts From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

he Network for Accountability of Tobacco Transnationals (NATT), has debunked claims of likely job losses by farmers if parties to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) go ahead with the adoption and strict enforcement of Articles 17 & 18 of the FCTC at the fifth session of the Conference of Parties (COP5), billed for Seoul, South Korea from November 12 to 17, 2012. Under Article 17 of the FCTC, parties agree to promote, as appropriate, economically viable alternatives for tobacco workers, growers and, as the case may be, individual sellers. Such promotion

companies after the submission of the report by the Aig-Imoukhuede led Presidential committee on fuel subsidy claims Number 22 on the list of the companies is Pinnacle Construction Nigeria Limited. Pinnacle got N2.7bn tax payers money. “And investigation conducted by the Anti-Corruption Network at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) revealed that the company is not registered with the commission. We are here to ask who approve the payment, who authorise the payment of

the money and the minister must tell Nigerians who are the actual owners of the company? “Pinnacle Nigeria Limited is not known to the Nigerian law. The company is ‘Made in Taiwan’ company. We want to ask, how can the minister of finance pay a company that is not registered by the CAC?” Responding to the protest in a statement, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Finance, Paul Nwabuikwu, said his action was orchestrated by oil barons presently facing prosecution over financial scam perpetuated in the disbursement of oil subsidy.

Reps to investigate operations of Aero-contractors

By Umar Mohammed Puma

he House of Representatives yesterday mandated its Committee on Aviation to investigate the frequent engine failure of the Aero-contractors Airline, and report back to the House within four weeks. A motion read under Matters of Urgent Public Importance by Rep. Robinson Uwak (PDP Akwa Ibom), said there have been consistent reports of engine failure about the airline, so much so that on many occasions, the

airline has to be forced to return after takeoff. He added that there is the need to investigate the airline in order to avoid another air mishap as the country is yet to recover from the Dana Air crash that killed many lives. “On the 17th October 2012, Aero-contractor had to take precautionary measures and return to Lagos where it took off as a result of engine failure, we must intervene now to save lives, we cannot afford to wait until a disaster occurs before we begin to trade blames”, he warned.

FG flags-off capacity building for teachers By Maryam Garba Hassan

L-R: Deputy Corps Marshal Operation, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi, Executive Director, Central of Unity Bank, Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed and Head, Corporate Communication, Unity Bank, Mr. Aliyu Ma'aji, during the presentation of jackets by Unity Bank to the FRSC, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

JTF escapes bomb blast as two Chinese contractors killed in Borno From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri team of soldiers attached to the Joint Military Task Force (JTF), yesterday, morning escaped a bomb attack along Bama road in Maiduguri, Borno state. The first incident occurred at about 8:35 am when a planted improvised explosive device, (IED) went off, shortly after a moving military patrol vehicle passed by the spot. The soldiers were reportedly on a routine patrol in the area when the bomb exploded.

In another incident, unidentified gunmen in the afternoon killed two Chinese contractors working with a construction firm in Benishek town, headquarters of Kaga local government council of Borno state. The two expatriates who were inspecting a road project along the MaiduguriDamaturu highway, were waylaid and shot dead by five gunmen. Witnesses said the contractors had finished inspecting the project and

boarded their vehicle, when the assailants blocked their way and fired several shots in their direction. The deceased persons whose identities could not be ascertained as at press time, died on the spot, while the gunmen made away with the vehicle. Spokesman of the JTF, LtCol. Sagir Musa, who said he was not aware of the killing of the Chinese contractors, however, confirmed that an explosive was targeted at the members of the task force who escaped unhurt.

he Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i, has flagged-off capacity building programme for English, mathematics and science teachers across the country, at the Federal Government Academy, Suleja, Niger state. The capacity building programme which is part of the coordinated approach towards addressing the challenges facing the education sector in the country, according to the

minister, was organised to equip teachers to efficiently communicate the nation’s curriculum and to improve the quality of teaching. The Minister who was represented by the Minster of State for Education, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, said the programme would provide opportunity of better guidance for students and ultimately lead to improvement in their performance in public examinations as well as the output from institutions in Nigeria.

Discipline can fast-track progress in Nigeria - NIPR boss By Nwachukwu Emeka

he president of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Alhaji Mohammed Ahmed Abdullahi, has said discipline is the panacea that can move Nigeria to greater heights. He stated this yesterday at the 19th Annual General Meeting of the institute in Abuja with the theme: “The Role of Public Relations in Fostering National Unity”. Addressing members of the institute, the chairman said the headquarters of the institute will be relocated to Abuja by the end of November. Speaking in a similar vein, the Special Adviser to the FCT Minister on Media, Hajiya Jamila

Tangaza, who represented the minister, made known the intention of the ministry to allocate a plot of land to the institute, saying the landed property will be handed over the institute as soon as the document is registered with the institute’s name. The speaker at the occasion, Prof. Femi Olakunle, defined national unity to be the emotional identification of the average citizen over and above lower levels of identities. Olakunle said the level of national unity depends on the utterances of national and community leaders on national issues. He attributed the factors responsible for low level of national unity as leadership deficies.

PAGE 6

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Okada riders burn down police post over killing of colleague, baby From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

rate motorcycle riders popularly called 'okada', yesterday, burnt down a police post at Kuola area of Apata, Ibadan the Oyo state capital following the death of their colleague allegedly killed by a policeman. Also, a two-month old boy was crushed to death by her mother who was on the motorbike when the said policeman accosted the okada rider purportedly in an attempt to extort money. An eyewitness account said that

the police officer stopped the okada rider simply called Jimoh along Alexander Road, demanded for money from him and when Jimoh refused claiming he had just begun the day's business, it resulted in a heated argument wherein the policeman hit Jimoh on the head with his baton. It was gathered that Jimoh fell down with blood gushing out of his nose, ear and mouth while the woman on his bike who had her two month old baby strapped to her back also fell accidentally on the baby and crushed him to death on the spot.

Jimoh later died while being conveyed to the hospital which led to a violent clash between the few policemen manning the station after which the okada riders mobilised themselves and burnt down the station situated at Kuola in Apata area of the city. Our correspondent gathered that no fewer than 16 detained suspects were set free from the police cell before it was set ablaze. Two lorry loads of armed policemen and 'Operation Burst' personnel were later drafted to the police station which eventually

brought back normalcy to the area. Meanwhile, the acting state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayodele Lanade, has denied the incident saying nobody died. He maintained that the incident was a reaction to the ban on operation of any unregistered motorcycle in the state. "The okada riders just seized the opportunity to express their annoyance over the ban on the use of unregistered motorcycles; the okadaman in question, who carried two passengers tried to escape stop and search and fell, he fainted immediately to escape arrest, while

his colleague gathered to foment trouble and eventually set the post ablaze", he said. However, the police spokesperson identified the name of the deceased okada man as Oreofe Ogundipe and disclosed that over 28 suspects have been arrested and over 42 motorcycles are in CID for further investigation. However, commercial activities were paralysed between Apata, Kuola, Aba Panu and Jankata areas for hours as traders hurriedly closed their shops and fled to their respective homes.

Shema vs exSSG: Court fixes Dec 4 for ruling From Lawal Sa'idu Funtua, Katsina

Chief Magistrate Court 1 sitting in Katsina, has fixed the 4th of December 2012 for ruling on a preliminary objection raised by the counsel of the former secretary to Katsina state government, Alhaji Mustapha Inuwa on his arraignment before the court for alleged criminal charge of injurious falsehood made against him by the state government. The state government had earlier through its counsel, Barrister Uyi Igunma, filed a direct criminal offence against the former SSG over some media interviews he granted which the government feels were false. At the hearing, yesterday, the counsel to the accused, Barrister E.O Ogunadike had raised a preliminary objection over the trial which he told the court, was predicated on two grounds. Ogunadike argued that the ground for his objection to the case was whether the counsel to the plaintiff can constitutionally represent the Attorney-General of the state without an express fiat in writing from the Attorney-General. Similarly, he noted that the objection was also based on whether this purported direct criminal complaint could be allowed or permitted under the law to proceed. Ogunadike noted that the purported letter of authorisation from the counsel to the plaintiff to handle the case was worthless as according to him, the letter presumed to be from the office of the Attorney-General of the state has no reference number, no official stamp or seal. He therefore prayed the court not to entertain the letter of authorisation which genuineness was in question as it was full of discrepancies and could not be relied upon as a document from the office of the Attorney-General. However, in his reply to the objection, the counsel to the plaintiff argued that the mere mention of their appearance in court for their client was enough evidence. He added that all the objections raised by the counsel to the accused are frivolous, lacking substance and abuse of court process.

L-R: Mr. Bolaji Adebiyi, Project Director, Democratic Governance For Development DGD, Dr. Mourtama Leme and President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Mohammed Garba, during DGD media dialogue with Editors on the constitution amendment process, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Nigeria is free of guinea worm - says Carter Centre

igeria is now free of guinea worm, the Country Representative of the Carter Centre, Dr. Emmanuel Miri, said yesterday in Jos. Miri told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the NGO had waged a war against the disease in the past 16 years and had succeeded in wiping it out of the country. "In the global guinea worm eradication component of our

programme, we have achieved a very rare feat which is the successful eradication of the disease in Nigeria. "Nigeria was at one point in time rated as the most endemic guinea worm country in the world, but through our efforts, the disease has now been completely eradicated. "Anytime from now, a World Health Organisation (WHO) team and former US President Jimmy Carter, will come to Nigeria to

officially certify the country guinea worm-free", he said. Miri said the organisation had offered to pay N25,000 reward to anyone who reports any incident of guinea worm from any part of the country, to the centre. He said that in spite of the prize tag, no one had reported any new case of the disease from any part of the country in the past three years. The country representative said

Community, in Lokoja yesterday. The decision to relocate the people displaced, Awoniyi, explained "will make it possible to have class rooms that pupils can use". Similarly, he said the Ministry of Lands and Housing "has been directed to rehabilitate the free classes within the next two weeks, so that academic activities can resume". Awoniyi added that the assessment of affected houses and farmlands has commenced, stating efforts will be made to assist affected

persons in rehabilitating, relocating and developing shelters. While commending the community for their assistance, Awoniyi noted that people would be discouraged from developing shelters where flood resistant structures have not been built. In his speech, Oba Samuel Adetiba, Oba of Ejuku and leader of the delegation, described the flood as a natural disaster beyond human comprehension, and praised the government for the manner with which it handled the disaster.

Relocate flood victims from schools, Kogi govt tells camp officials From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

ollowing continued closure of schools occupied by flood victims in Kogi state, the state government has expressed concern about the development. To this end, camp officials have been directed to relocate people into rooms in view of the thinning population in the camp. Kogi state deputy governor, Arc. Yomi Awoniyi, stated this when he received 200 tubers of yams from Ejuku Progressive Alliance of Ejuku

the centre had realised its aims and objectives for which it was founded about 30 years ago. He said the objective of the centre was to wage war against diseases globally, to achieve global peace, democracy and poverty eradication in developing countries. Miri said the centre was now focusing its attention on the elimination of onchocerciasis (river blindness), lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), schistosomiasis (bilhazia), trachoma (eyeball disease) and malaria. "In these other cases, we have been testing different strategies in our efforts to eradicate them: this we do by the strategy of deliberate interruption of transmission, a very successful preventive measure. "For instance, we discovered that we can prevent somebody from contracting lymphatic filariasis by just availing him of a treated mosquito net as a preventive measure. "In fact, the Federal Ministry of Health in recognition of our success in this regard, has directed us to stop the treatment of infected persons and focus on the interruption of disease transmission strategy alone", he added. (NAN)

PAGE 8

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Eye patients send SOS to Kebbi govt From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

ye patients at the Hafzat Eye Center in Brinin Kebbi, Kebbi state, have appealed to the state government to pay the Tulsi Chanrai Foundation their allowances and fulfill the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) entered into with Tulsi Chanrai in order to enable the foundation return to the state and continue with its services.

Speaking to newsmen yesterday at the Hafzat Eye Center, the spokesman of the patients Malam Usman Sani Koko, lamented that for the past four to five months, the center has not been working as the Kebbi state government refused to pay the staff their allowances. ‘Kebbi government signed an MOU with the Indian foundation and did not honour the agreement by not paying them their due.

People from neighbouring countries and other states used to come to Kebbi for eye operations but now it is not the case’, he said. Malam Koko said that the foundation is a nongovernmental development organisation (NGDO) who has been offering free services ‘but now I have been referred to Sokoto where I will still meet the same people that were in Kebbi state and left due to the incapacity of the state

government and whicho is not even ready to deliver the dividends of democracy to its electorate”, he said. Responding, the Chief Nursing Officer in charge of the Hafzat Eye Center, Lawal Yusuf Kamba, said Tulsi Chanrai left Kebbi because of the level of insecurity in the country and assured that they will still comeback to Kebbi state and continue with their services.

L-R: Gombe state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Kenedy Ishaya; Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo; Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, and Deputy Governor, Mr. Tha'anda Rubainu, at the inauguration of ambulances, yesterday in Gombe. Photo NAN

FG laments Nigeria’s investment ranking, assures on improvement By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

he Federal Government yesterday decried the recent low ranking of Nigeria in terms of the competitiveness of its investment environment by the International Ranking Organisations. Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom stated this at the 8th National Conference on Investment, (NCI) organised by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), Abuja. Ortom affirmed that “for Nigeria to be able to play more efficiently in the global economy, there is the need to put in place measures that will improve on Nigeria’s business environment”. “For instance, the 2011 Doing Business Report of the World Bank ranks Nigeria as 131 out of 185 countries surveyed, and the 2012-2013 Global Competitiveness Index of World Economic Forum ranks Nigeria as 115 out of 144 countries surveyed”. The minister vowed that “this unsatisfactory performance cannot be allowed to continue if Nigeria must take her rightful position as a major player in the global economy given our natural

endowment”. To change the situation, he said the government has employed several measures to ensure an improvement in Nigeria’s investment environment, including the setting up of Presidential Committee on Doing Business and Competitiveness, and the Presidential Committee on Investors’ Care, among others.

Ortom, while speaking on the role of enterprises in job and wealth creation, called on all stakeholders including the public and private sectors at all levels of government to support the development of small and growing enterprises in the country. In his remarks, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive of NIPC, Engr. Mustapha Bello had

disclosed that the conference was organised to gather relevant investment development and promotion individuals and organisations to provide a road map towards creating an enabling environment to attract more Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) into the country. Bello, who explained the choice of the theme, “Creating Jobs and Wealth through Increased Investment in Small and Growing Enterprises in Nigeria” for this year’s conference, said the twin objectives of job and wealth creation are very critical for national development.

Nasarawa expends N36m as bursary for indigenes attending law school From Ali Abare Abubakar, Abare

he Nasarawa state government has so far expended N36 million in the payment of bursary for its students presently attending law schools across the country. Suleiman Abdulwahab Suleiman, executive secretary of the state scholarship board, disclosed this yesterday in a chat with newsmen in his office, stating that, Governor Umaru Tanko Al-makura, graciously okayed for the board to disburse the funds for indigenes of the state attending law schools in Abuja, Kano, Lagos, Enugu and Bayelsa.

He explained that the about 73 students each received N500, 000 as bursary, which investigations reveal, is the highest amount disturbed to students attending law school in the north. He described the gesture by the state government as magnanimous, adding that it will go a long way in facilitating their studies. On the fate of other undergraduates said to be numbering close to 40, 000, undergoing various studies in tertiary institutions across the country and who are yet to enjoy such facility, the executive secretary stated that

government is looking into their situation with a view to arriving at a solution. Suleiman observed that in as much as the present administration accorded education top priority, certain difficulties inherited from past management of the board, made it necessary for government to review activities of the board and that as soon these are sorted out, regular students will also benefit from the scholarship scheme. “It is no longer necessary, for instance, for the board to peg a minimum CGPA of 2.8 as condition for qualifying for scholarship.”

Kwara Arts Council chase Director over three months unpaid salaries From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin orkers of Kwara State Arts and Culture Council, yesterday morning locked all the entrances to the premises to prevent the director of the parastatal, Alhaji Yunus Kareem, entry the complex. The aggrieved staff who started their protest as early as 7 am staged a peaceful rally within their complex carrying placards. In their placards, they alleged that the director pays them only 50-60 percent of their salaries, while diverting millions of naira purportedly left in the account by the former director of the council. The leader of the workers who spoke with our reporter but declined identification, disclosed that when they asked for the left over percentage of their money, Kareem flared up telling them that they don’t have anything left. Our correspondent who was at the venue of the protest observed all the doors, windows were knocked by the aggrieved worker. The Special Assistant to the state governor on Labour Matters, Comrade Bisi Fakayode who was at the scene of the protest to appeal to the workers, told our reporter that the issue would be resolved it amicably.

Electronic mails have not made NIPOST irrelevant – official

he use of postal services is still relevant in spite of the prevalent use of electronic mails (e-mails), an official of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has said. Mr. Tobenna Egbuonu, a manager in NIPOST, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the ongoing Lagos International Trade Fair yesterday, that the internet had actually brought more businesses for NIPOST. “In fact, we are making more profits since the advent of the internet and the widespread use of e-mails because people buy goods online which they eventually have to send. “Since the increasing use of the internet, we have been sending and receiving more goods from abroad than what obtained in the past”, he said. Egbuonu said the volume of personal mails had, however, dropped. He said that the drop was due to the prevalence of GSM which gave people the opportunity to communicate on line real time. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

PAGE 9

Jonathan tasks UN on light weapons, small arms By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

resident Goodluck Jonathan has charged the United Nations to act more strongly on treaties surrounding the free movement of small arms and light weapons, which find their ways into the hands of nonstate actors in African countries. The President blamed light weapons and small arms for the prevalence of terror attacks and other crimes in Africa and called for a position to be taken on producers on the weapons The President observed that the free movement of these weapons were majorly responsible for most of the crimes including terrorism in Africa. “Apart from explosives, even small arms and light weapons which move freely are responsible for armed robbery, piracy, kidnapping, terrorism and other crimes. The United Nations must therefore come up strongly on the laws guiding the free movement of small arms and light weapons.” Speaking at cocktail party held in honour of the participants at the regional conference on counter-

terrorism, the President said: “The whole world must come together and have a common position on those who produce these weapons. They must be termed as weapons of mass destruction because in Africa they have destroyed more women, children and more men than any material on earth” Thanking the participants and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Col Sambo Dasuki for organising the forum, the President expressed hope that the rich discussions the participants had “will improve our competencies in handling terror issues.” “Terrorism is a threat locally, regionally and globally. Countries like Mali, Kenya, Uganda, Somalia and Eritrea suffer from it in Africa Aside Africa, terror is a global phenomenon,that is why the whole world must unite and come out strongly against it. I believe the United Nations should no longer treat terror issues as local issues .Any terror act in any part of the world is a threat to all of us. “I don’t believe anybody will just kill people in a suicide attack or throw a bomb in a

Interior minister orders board to re-organise recruitment process By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

he Civil Defence , Fire Service, Immigration and Prison Service Board (CDFIPB) is to come up with appropriate strategies that will properly position all agencies under the Ministry to meet current security challenges in the country. This indication was given by the Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, when he met with the Board in his office, in Abuja. A statement issued yesterday in Abuja by the Chief Press Secretary to the Minister, Taye Akinyemi, quoted the minister as saying that, “all hands must be on deck in the effort to combat

terrorist’s acts and gainfully engage the nation’s youth in productive activities”. He assured Nigerians that the strategy, when developed, would encompass employment procedures in the para-military agencies which would be transparent and save teeming unemployed youths from submitting unsolicited applications for non-existing vacancies that have not been declared as witnessed recently. To forestall the activities of the fraudulent individuals who exploit job seekers, he reiterated that applications for jobs would henceforth be on-line after advertisements have been duly placed in the media.

Raid in Kaduna meant to flush out terror gangs, says Army

he Nigerian Army yesterday in Kaduna said recent raids of identified spots in Kaduna is part of security measures adopted to rid the state of terror and criminal gangs. The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Div., Nigerian Army, Col. Musa Usman, said in an interview that the raid was not intended to humiliate anybody. He disclosed that a number of arrests had been made, adding that some of those arrested had been released after thorough screening. “It will be a continuous activity meant to fish out members of criminal gangs in the

city.” The soldiers on Friday and Saturday conducted house-tohouse search at Kwaru and Angwan Yero areas of Kaduna and allegedly arrested more than 70 people, including women. The areas are located within the vicinity of St. Rita’s Catholic Church, where a suicide bomb attack on October 28, killed eight persons and injured more than 145 others including the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Mathew Goni. Usman appealed to residents of the affected areas to cooperate with the soldiers to ensure the restoration of peace and stability in the state. (NAN)

place you don’t even know the victims. There is no justification for that kind of act.” Over 200 participants

representing about 33 countries have for the past 3 days been participating in the first regional counterterrorism conference held in

Abuja. The President was represented at the conference by Vice President Namadi Sambo

The Jigawa State Secretariat constructed by A.G. Ferrero Nigeria Limited was recently commissioned by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Shettima commends NEMA for relief materials From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

overnor Kashim Shettima of Borno state has commended the management of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for coming to the aid of flood victims in three local government areas of the state with relief materials . Receiving the relief materials at the Government House Maiduguri, Governor Shettima who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Amb. Baba Ahmed Jidda said the agency has always been there for the state in

terms of need, especially to victims of the Boko Haram insurgency. The Governor also thanked the Director General of the Agency, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Sidi and appealed to NEMA to extend the gesture to Mobar and Bama local government areas of the state which were also ravaged by the flood. Shettima stated that the state government would work with NEMA Zonal office in Maiduguri and assured that the relief materials would be distributed to the affected victims in the three local governments of Gwoza, Askira/Uba and Hawul. Earlier before presenting the

items to the Borno state government, the Director General of NEMA Alhaji Mohammad Sani Sidi who was represented by the Deputy Director, Relief and Rehabilitation Mr. Micheal Adeyanju said they were in the state to present relief materials on behalf of the Federal Government and to condole the people and government of Borno state over the flood disasters. Items presented included 200 bags of cement, 150 bundles of roofing sheets, 300 pieces of blankets, 300 pieces of planks, 20packects of zincs nails, 30 bags, 100 bags of maize, 100 pieces of mattresses, 100 bags of rice among other items.

Offa, Erin tradition rulers preach peace From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin he. traditional rulers of Offa and Erin-Ile communities are committed to peaceful co-existence in the interest of the development of both communities and the state at large. Olofa of Offa, His Royal Highness, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II and the Elerin of Erin-Ile, Oba Ganiyu Olusokun II gave the pledge during a meeting in Ilorin with the Deputy Governor, Elder Peter Kisira. In separate remarks , both traditional rulers pledged to promote peaceful co-existence between the two communities adding that their subjects would

not be allowed to take the law into their hands. The Olofa of Offa pointed to the cordial relationship existing between him and Elerin of ErinIle as evidenced in their collective resolve for good neighbourliness stressing that their subjects have taken a cue from this and will continue to maintain the peace. He said that given their aspirations for development, the people of Offa recognise peace as the major prerequisite for progress in any community. In his remark , the Elerin of Erin-Ile, while describing the people of Erin-Ile as equally peaceful, said peace was uppermost in his people’s minds, adding that he would do all in his

power to ensure that the harmonious relationship between the two communities was maintained. Earlier in his address, the deputy governor, Elder Kisira, said government was determined to maintain the state’s reputation for harmonious co-existence and charged the traditional rulers to maintain peace between their communities. The Royal fathers, he said, have a responsibility to ensure their subjects refrain from any actions capable of disrupting the peace. Elder Kisira enjoined the traditional rulers to refer any disputes to the authorities to ensure amicable resolution.

PAGE 10

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER, 8, 2012

Nigeria will not attain’Water for All’ by 2015 – FG From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

he Federal Government has raised serious concern about the 2015 ''water for all'' deadline set by United Nations Millennium Development Goal arising from constrains in providing safe

drinking water. Minister of Water Resources, Mrs Serah Ochekpe disclosed this at the 24th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Association of Hydro-geologists (NAH) on Tuesday in Benin City. Ochepke whose address was delivered by the Executive

Director, finance and administration of the BeninOwena River Basin Development Authority, Mrs Ifeoma Idigbe, explained that Nigeria''may not get there in 2015…It doesn't matter how far, but we 'll get there someday''. The minister while dwelling

on the theme: ''Sustaining water Resources management, a veritable tool to socio-economic growth'', identified, intractable lack of access to safe drinking water and poor sanitation. President of NAH, Dr Abubakar Garba Iiya and Director General Hydrological Service Agency, John Ayoade promised to strengthen all Hydrological stations nationwide and partner any group, agencies and other donors in providing the critical human resource professionals.

A'Ibom: Substandard private school licenses to be revoked By Mike Etim, Uyo

n order to sanitise its educational sector and rid it of substandard schools, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Godswill Akpabio on educational matters Dr. Jerry Akpan has implored the State Ministry of Education to revoke the licenses of private schools in the state which were found operating below standard. The governor's aide gave the call when he discovered that some private schools in the state were operating under dilapidated buildings with insufficient classroom blocks for effective learning, thereby falling below the transformation programme of the state government. Addressing principals and proprietors of some private schools during a routine visit to some of them in Uyo, Dr. Akpan frowned at the situation where private school operators were busy building large examination halls to accommodate over bloated number of candidates writing external examination in their schools instead of building more classroom blocks and updating their facilities. He also condemned a situation where pupils were squeezed into an abandoned building or church in the name of nursery school stressing that such condition only encourage examination malpractices instead of laying solid academic foundation for children. He appealed to parents sending their wards to such substandard private schools to reconsider their decisions and instead, send their wards to public schools owned by the state government.

L-R: Special Adviser to the President on Ethics and Value, Mrs. Sarah Jibrin, Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Abuja Chapter, Mr. Ohaeri Osondu and President/Chairman of Council, NIPR, Alhaji Mohammed Abdullahi, during the 19th Annual General Meeting by the NIPR, yesterday, in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Boko Haram: Iredia counsels media outfits From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

former commissioner in defunct Bendel State, under the administration of late Prof. Ambrose Ali, Mr. Sam Iredia, on Tuesday, counseled media practitioners to exercise restrains in their reportage of security matters. Flanked by the Iyama of Okpe Kingdom, Chief Olu Fashanu, shortly before being honoured, as the Obaghayiomwan of Benin Kingdom, by the Oba, Iredia called on journalists to refrain from blowing stories of killings and other atrocities

perpetrated by the Boko Haram extremist group. Iredia, who went short of blaming journalists in the discharge of their duty, said practitioners were not doing their jobs properly. He said,"The media is not playing its role properly; the media should beam the light to the public properly. The media should bring to the public what will unite the people rather than what divide them. That is my own opinion. And the people should learn to report accurately whatever anybody says. "When you report accurately, make sure that

things that tend to divide us, is not reported. If you call it censorship it is not bad, as long as it is in the interest of Nigeria. If you have to censor yourself for the betterment of this country, it will be better for us all." Lending support to calls for dialogue between the Federal Government and the Boko Haram Islamic fundamentalists, he said, "I believe that whatever way we can, we should bring down the menace of Boko Haram, either by negotiation or by force; whatever way possible should be applied."

PHCN suspends strike, restores power to Sokoto From Muhammad Adamu, Kaduna

he Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) has suspended its 5-day industrial strike action in Sokoto state calling on workers to resume work immediately. This was contained in a statement signed by the Assistant General Secretary North-west of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), Comrade Moses Aremu and made available to our correspondent. According to the statement, the intervention of Engineer Bello Sulieman, a one-time Managing Director of the company, the Sultan of Sokoto, some ministers and members of the National Assembly and other spirited individuals; prompted the Union after due consultations, to hereby resolve as follows: "To suspend the industrial action embarked upon since 2nd November, 2012 following the assault of three of our members by the Sokoto state Governor, Alhaji Magatakarda Wamakko on the 20th of October, 2012. "Direct that the power be restored to the state temporarily while consultations goes on and hereby direct members to resume work … 7th November, 2012. "We hereby call on the Sokoto state Commissioner of Police and other security agents to ensure the safety of the staff as they go about their lawful duties," the statement reads. Meanwhile the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDC), yesterday said that the company did not receive N17million from the Sokoto state government for power project as reported in the media. This is coming just as the company disclosed that it has set up a high-powered 5-man committee to investigate the issues relating to power interruption and general power supply to Sokoto state. This was contained in a press release signed by the Head, Public Affairs PHCN-KEDC, Baba Limmy and made available to newsmen yesterday in Kaduna. "The management hereby states unequivocally and without any doubt that all monies meant for the project are routed through the office of the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the company. "After a thorough check through all our records, we make bold to say that the company has not received any money for power project from Sokoto state Government in the sum of N17million as being publicized in the media.

Husband absconds over triplet in Abeokuta

33-year-old mechanic, Mr. Yemi Oyeniyi, fled his matrimonial home in Abeokuta, following a scan revelation that his wife was carrying triplet. The mechanic's wife, Mrs. Esther Oyeniyi, said on her hospital bed that her five yearold marriage had earlier produced two children. She said that her husband absconded since June 3, 2012

when the result of the scan revealed that she was carrying triplet. She described the disappearance of her husband as worrisome, saying that the development had forced her to relocate to Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Oke Yidi in the metropolis. Esther also said that the church members brought her to the state Hospital, Ijaiye, on

Oct.19 and that she was delivered of the triplets on Oct. 29. While adding that her husband's mobile phones had been inaccessible, she said that his compound is located at Iganna town in Oyo State. She said further that the naming ceremony of the three female triplets, organised by the church, took place in the premises of the hospital on Nov.

The triplet's mother appealed to her husband as well as his relations to come to her aid. "If he can't come, I want to beg his family members to come to my aid; this is just too much for me to bear alone. "I teach in a private primary school with a very small amount of salary, I obviously can't cope without assistance now, `` she said. (NAN)

Governor Aliyu Wamakko

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

PAGE 11

Types of hotel businesses that entrepreneurs can invest in small and expand big

otels Business in Nigeria is one of the businesses that guarantee all season profit for the owners, any smart investor who venture into it will have cause to smile in no time. Contrary to some articles online that is tried very hard to explain why you wouldn't make money in hotel business, the truth is that you'll actually make big money. The question is: If there is no money in hotel business in Nigeria, would there be hotels everywhere as it is today? Can you really point any hotel you know in Nigeria that you think is not making money? I don't think so... Even the dirtiest of hotels in Nigeria do make money. Then, if that is the case, investing in hotel business in Nigeria is one smart move any Nigerian Entrepreneur can make. Nigerians are known all over the world as merriment people and that is what hotels in Nigeria is all about. Let's take a look to how hotels are classified based on locations or services they render. Hotels are classified according to their sizes, the locations, the quality of services they render, and names. These classification help hotels to compete according to where they belong. Examples: Airport Hotels: - These are the kind of hotels that typically cater for airport related business clientele, incoming tourist, airline passengers who has overnight travel schedules and cancelled flights. It also target airline personals and airport services executives. One of the attractive features of these hotels is they usually either charges the guest on a daily basis or hourly. Airports hotels might give free transport between hotel and airport. It's also ideal for quick meeting for business men and politicians who do not want much land travels. A very good choice as well for travelers who do not want to miss their flight. Apartment Hotels: -

Quote The critical ingredient is getting off your butt and doing something. It's as simple as that. A lot of people have ideas, but there are few who decide to do something about them now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. But today. The true entrepreneur is a doer, not a dreamer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Nolan Bushnell

Apartment hotels also known as Residential hotels is the types that provides short term, long term, and permanent accommodation the for Guest. These types of hotels are ideal for expatriates and other company's employees on special duties. The company enters into leasing agreement between one month to up to a year or more and subject to renewals. They usually comprises: Living room, bedroom, guest rooms, small kitchen (with kitchen utensils), laundry unit (equipped with washing machine), restaurants, and house attendants for

housekeeping. Bed and Breakfast Hotels: - During the World Cup in South Africa, some schools and homes where converted to Bed and Breakfast Hotels (B&B). These are like makeshift hotels but in most cases are permanent facilities (of course it's a class of hotel). It's usually small, containing 10 to 20 guests at a time. Most Nigeria local hotels falls into these class, only that they fails to provide breakfast which is usually part of these hotels services. Business Hotels: - These hotels are the most prominent

of all the hotel categories and cater for all business travelers' hotel needs, ranging from: facilities like access to business center, and personal computer. Wi-Fi and fax machines are also provided to the guest. Business traveller's hotels are usually located in a business districts or city downtown.

In a condominium hotel, an owner informs the management company if when he she wants to occupy the unit. This type of timeshare hotels is new in the hospitality and hotel industry. Timeshare hotels are the type where guests purchase the ownership of accommodations for a specific period.

Although Business hotels primarily serve business travellers, tour groups, individual tourists and conference groups find these hotels attractive too. Guest amenities at the business hotels may include newspapers and magazines, morning coffee, and breakfast. Although some of these things are served by most hotels these days, business or not.

Conference Hotels: Especially for meeting of any kind and conferences and caters for overnight accommodation for conference participants. These types of hotels provide in addition to the rooms, meeting place equipped with High quality audiovisuals, conference logistics, business services, comfortable seating, digital projectors, flip chart, etc. These types of hotels are mostly located away from the metropolitan areas and usually have other facilities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, spas, golf, tennis courts, etc.

Casino Hotels: - Casino Hotels are built with gambling in mind. They provide gambling facilities to the guest who goes there primarily to gamble. Every service provided at the casino hotels are centered on gambling. The entertainments, the wines and foods, and everything. Condo Hotels: - Popularly referred to as vacation hotels or vacation interval. Condominium hotel are similar to timeshare but the difference between the two lies in the type of ownership. Units in condominium hotels only have one owner instead of multiple owners, each for a limited amount of time each year.

Convention Hotels: - These are similar to conference hotels, the major difference is that Convention hotels are much larger compared to conference hotels and usually have more rooms, like 2,000 and above, sufficient enough to contain the convention attendant. Convention hotels must be very big together with the size of the meeting rooms and exhibit rooms. They usually cater to convention by the states, and international associations of sort.

How to start dry cleaning and laundry business in Nigeria on small scale (2)

f you're serious about starting business this year, laundry service is one of the business you should give serious consideration. Besides, Dry Cleaning business is a very clean business, full of respect and dignity and still brings good money. That's what makes the business a must for smart guys and ladies. There are many types of laundry businesses, but for the purpose of this post and what I intends to explain, I'm going to focus on "Home Based Dry Cleaning" the type you can start small and eventually expand to something big. You already know what Dry Cleaning is so let's go straight to what you'd need to get started. It is very important for your table to be wide enough, at least to give enough pressing space and

convenience as you will be handling large quantity of ironing. The picture above shows sample of the pressing table you needed for the work. 2. Good Pressing Iron:

stuffing cloths. The picture above is just to give example of that will help you design your locally made hanger. You will need many of this to soak different colors and different types of materials separately. Be careful how you handle people's fabrics so that you don't go about paying for 3. Garment Conveyor:

Good pressing Iron, notice the stand You will need a garment conveyor for hanging finished clothes. Just get a nice local ones made by furniture makers, but let it be wide enough to avoid

A revolving conveyor for finished clothes

garment hanging

damages rather than making profits. Soak Jeans separately from other materials, soak whites separate too. â&#x20AC;˘ Industrial Laundry Detergent: Cleaning is technology; you need to master it with all sense of seriousness. Good cleaning detergent will go a long way to assist you in making thorough cleaning, and they in turn will bring more customers. Do not go for just any washing soap; go for quality and quantities because you will be need much quantity of it. â&#x20AC;˘ Space for Ironing: Spacious ironing space will not only make your job faster and more comfortable, it will give sense of balance and relaxed feelings. Devote big enough part of your home fo r it.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

PAGE 12

EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

Confirm Justice Adamu as Appeal Court President

ome 23 November, Justice Dalhatu Adamu would have completed his fourth tenure as Acting President of the Court of Appeal after which the question of ‘what happens next’ will start all over again. Justice Adamu, it would be recalled, was first appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan to head the appellate court in acting capacity on August 22, 2011 following the suspension of the substantive President, Justice Ayo Isa Salami by the National Judicial Council (NJC) over alleged judicial misconduct. Justice Adamu was reappointed on 22 November, 2011 then 22 February, 2012 and lastly on 23 August, 2012. It would also be recalled that the NJC had suspended Justice Ayo Salami on August 18 for his refusal to apologise to the then Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloysius KatsinaAlu, whom the former accused of trying to influence the appeal court judgment on the Sokoto governorship election case, an allegation that the council said he Salami could not substantiate. President Jonathan had received severe bashing in the media on the assumption that he did not seek or receive the blessings of the NJC before Justice Adamu’s last reappointment. But as it turned out, the President had sought and got the approval of the NJC in his letter to

the body and its reply to him, both of which were sent on 16 August, 2012. That the suspension of Justice Salami has overheated the Judiciary is to state the obvious. The suspension saga has exposed the underbelly of the Nigerian judiciary which, as the most enduring arm of the government, ought to have comported itself in ways more in conformity with its touted role as the last hope of the common man. Although the matter is before the

“

Since the NJC has finally made up its mind on the fate of Justice Salami, we suggest that the President should hasten to confirm Justice Dalhatu Adamu as the substantive chief of the Court of Appeal courts, taken by Justice Salami challenging the constitutionality of his suspension, the role of the NJC, if the truth be told, did not help matters whatsoever. Having made the recommendation for Justice Salami’s initial suspension, the NJC, in May this year, had turned around to recommend his recall, before making a volte-face three weeks ago by asking him to go on an early retirement with full benefits, thus foreclosing any

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

chances of his future reinstatement. Justice Salami is due to retire on October 14, 2013. Meanwhile, as this rigmarole of power play continues, it is the larger society that is inevitably the worse for it because the appellate court has been denied the proper atmosphere within which to operate. Of late, there have been calls on the President and the NJC to move the Judiciary away from the odium of the Justice Salami suspension debacle. We are in total agreement with these calls because it appears that some people are intent on dragging the matter ad-infinitum. The decision, therefore, of the NJC in asking the embattled Justice Salami to go on early retirement is, in our view, a step in the right direction. And since the NJC, which is the statutory body saddled with the responsibility of recommending for the approval of the President persons for appointment as federal judicial officers, has finally made up its mind on the fate of Justice Salami, we suggest that the President should hasten to confirm Justice Dalhatu Adamu as the substantive chief of the Court of Appeal. We cannot afford a lacuna at the top of the appellate court. Indeed, the Judiciary cannot afford another crisis of confidence by replacing Justice Adamu with a subordinate.

OUR PEOPLE

OUR VISION

CHAIRMAN MALAM WADA MAIDA, OON, FNGE DIRECTOR/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RUFA’I IBRAHIM EDITOR, DAILY ABDULAZEEZ ABDULLAHI

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ALI M. ALI

HEAD, ADVERT/MARKETING HUSSAINI ABDULRAHMAN, CNA

ACTING EDITOR, WEEKEND JAMILA NUHU MUSA

MANAGER, ADMINISTRATION HASSAN HAMMANYAJI

HEAD, LAGOS BUREAU ADESOJI OYINLOLA

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

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

PAGE 13

Disaster management in Nigeria and US E By Chiagozie Fred Nwonwu

veryone that has a radio or a TV on at home knows about Hurricane Sandy and how she brought death and destruction to Caribbean nations, especially Cuba and Haiti, how she brought the economy of the east coast of the United States to a standstill, causing death and unprecedented destruction to earth’s first nation. Yes, we should know about Sandy, sweet feminine name and all. We know, though we are thousands of miles removed from that reality, ensconced in what should be our tropical paradise, where hurricanes are only the nightmares of characters in western and Asian movies. We know because the TV tells us, tells us insistently, ensuring we pay attention, that we feel empathy. Though our should-be tropical paradise is one of those places that nature is very kind to, where natural disasters are mild in their rare showings, unpreparedness; outright callousness and the worst kind of Idon’t-careness ensures we suffer these mild upheavals worse than people in places nature is less kind to. As the TV, and the internet, continues to beam ravaging Sandy’s path to our homes and offices, we see destruction, we see human suffering, we see death, but we do not see helplessness.

For anybody who has ever wondered what makes Americans tick tock, the way they responded to Sandy is a pointer. It shows a nation prepared, it shows a nation that is willing to do everything to get things back to normal ASAP, to minimise the suffering of the populace. The American response to disaster, exemplified by the Sandy relief effort, is everything Nigeria’s is not. Immediately, and this is not an exaggerated, the storm passed, even before people had the chance to come out of the places they hunkered down to await the worst of the storm, President Barack Obama was in the air, surveying the damage and commiserating with the American people—GEJ, please write this pointer down. For the last month or so, Nigeria, this land that nature so spoils with love, has reeled from the effect of massive flooding. The flooding, a result of heavy rainfall, was not unexpected. NEMA, Nigeria’s equivalent to America’s heroic FEMA, actually surprised even itself by predicting correctly that there would be massive flooding this year. Now, in any sane society, when you get a warning such as the one NEMA gave, commonsense prevails and the government, in its role as custodian of the people commonwealth, hunkers down and prepares for the coming turbulence.

Na, that is what happens in sane societies such as the USA, Nigeria has not been sane for a long, and this insanity may well prevail. Aside from Lagos, where the state environmental protection agency busied itself with dredging and expanding drainage systems across the state, Nigerian federal and state governments affectively forgot NEMA’s warning—or how else do we explain their appalling response to it? Surely, in the Nigeria way, budgetary allocations would have been made across board to reflect acknowledgement of NEMA’s warning, an allocation eager pockets would have smiled at as they swallowed up—mmmm. The floodwaters, when they lapped at the shores of the River Niger and Benue, did not come with the suddenness of deadly flash flooding— Not with the force of a tsunami at least. I tell you, nature loves this part of the world. It was gradual, almost gentle, as nature chose to give the long-suffering masses a break, granting people the time to escape with their lives and the few worldly possessions they could drag away. Then the river Goddess claimed as much of Ala, the earth God’s domicile as she could capture, albeit temporarily, with fewer deaths than many would have anticipated. The water swallowed the villages along the Niger at Lokoja, then

turned the Bridge across the Niger into another decoration for the River Goddess’s domicile. On both sides of the river, Nigerians were stranded, with chaotic traffic making it impossible to go back when the journey ahead proved impossible. Hungry, dirty, and weary from days without proper sleep, they cried out to the heavens. Don’t ask me why they did not cry out to their government. Sandy, a messenger carrying God’s anger, or so another of those crazy hell-and-damnation preachers in the US said, was not that merciful. She would have killed thousands had the Americans not heeded the warning of their seers. When meteorologists warned of an impending storm, America took notice and prepared. Those that needed evacuation were taken to places presumed to be safer, and when some of those “safe” zones indicated otherwise, they were moved yet again. The TV showed us National Guard trucks ferrying people, distributing sand and sand bags, we saw inflatable boots and determined firefighters and security services performing civic duties in a heroic way. Conversely, Lokoja was a study of a dearth of governance, of a country that exists by the grace of prayers—or why else would our leaders as us to pray about every situation.

In America, the government swung into action, doing their duty to the people for whom they exist. In Nigeria, it took social media and traditional media outrage for government to swing into action. As usual, their action was throwing money at the problem. If we ever hope to be the nation we aim to be, at least I believe every patriotic Nigerian wants to see a nation that works; we need to begin to do the right thing. In America, the president didn’t need to throw money at Sandy’s rage, instead the system, already in place to tackle instances like that, kicked into gear and he jumped into his chopper to ensue everyone is moving his own part of what is essentially a well oiled machine. In Nigeria, our dear president formed committees and appealed for private sector funding to tackle a disaster that was predicted one year ahead. When you think about Sandy and the few days notice it gave America and the fact that anyone one with elementary knowledge of geography knows that water naturally will find its way—from Lokoja to the Sea, inundating communities along the way—you will understand what I am saying: our government had no reason being caught unawares. Chiagozi Fred Nwonwu is on facebook

difference to our lives, can create millions of jobs; can win us new contracts from abroad. This technological drive if smartly adopted can help us to improve efficiency across many industries, prevent thousands of deaths, preserve knowledge, foster innovation, detect corruption and enhance education. But where should we find the inspiration to embark on this drive? I guess we have to find our inspiration from everywhere. Through thinking, unthinking and rethinking. Through the recognition of what works in our society and through ideas from models that exists in other parts of the world. Without following the crowd of the new world of technology - we can create for ourselves what works for our society. We have more than enough youths who can lead this drive; we have the market which is ever ready for consumption and we have the knowledge and ideas to kick start this revolution but we lack the motivation and the resources to get our own Silicon Valley started. We must acknowledge that technologies like every development are built on infrastructures that exist, where there is electricity and a society where there is sanity - but for us technology can be the agency through which we can create all these things. I am very certain that if all our bright young techies and thinkers can converge, within a little time we can create solution to our electricity problem through simple and less costly technology without building another Kanji dam in the middle of nowhere, yet allowing the government to do its work. Experience from Bangalore and

the Silicon Valley’s of the world has shown that all that makes it work are tacit and implicit knowledge which our youths have in abundance and which we can improve through learning. Let’s leave the half baked ones in Nigeria aside; there are thousands of the Nigerian born MIT, Princeton, Stanford, Cambridge, Uxbridge, London and Harvard graduates who alone are exposed to the beautiful world of technology – who have gone through the rigours of solving real life problems through class room case studies and practical experience, who have worked in small tech companies and know what it takes to create one, who have helped others to succeed and who are blazing the trail in their field. These guys need motivation to come back home and be given opportunity to launch the next social media that can help solve multitudes of our social problems, they need to come back home to write codes and build software’s for our emerging financial sector and other industries which could perform better with technology. We need these guys to come and build chips and systems which would help us to be forewarned when the next flooding is about to happen and so people can be prepared. We need these bright graduates to come and

use their knowledge of technology and multimedia to strengthen our next to garbage Nollywood. We also need those in Nigeria whether half baked graduates or dropouts to be part of the revolution by starting to recognise the power of the mobile phone which almost 80 million people have access to and how to harness such power to create the next “paga” (the Nigerian mobile platform where you can make a local money transfer through your phone). We need those in Nigeria to tap into the almost unexploited power of millions of Nigerians who use the internet every day. We need the next generation of Nigerians to start recognising the opportunities that exist in the world of technology and how they can capitalise on these opportunities to make money and solve problems. But we must acknowledge that we also need the government to give the right support to budding and potential developers and entrepreneurs who want to capitalise on the opportunities, I propose the creation of our own tech cities to make the industry more attractive and entry barriers reduced. I see Lagos and Port Harcourt as two major cities that can be used as homes to our new technology hub to stimulate the needed growth. Focusing on Lagos - whichever

government cares (federal or state) can simply identify a reserved, yet central and accessible location and create a plan for it and make it the new tech city. I see Surulere in Lagos as very feasible for a modern tech city. If you don’t know, Surulere is an axis that connects the western avenue, a major Lagos road that links Lagos east and south. Surulere is central and offers quick access to different parts of Lagos. It is a developing locale that already has tons of growing businesses It is also a place with many facilities which attracts youths and which thousands of people can access easily. To create a Surulere tech city, the government can simply implement supportive laws to attract tech businesses by giving tax incentives to new and existing tech ventures. The government can set up a tech fund which will support tech start ups; it can create a tech mentoring program which will be freely accessible in the tech city to young starters. It can set up tech parks that will mainly be a home to young and thriving tech businesses. It can fund or support existing tech academies to train more potential techies, it can create what I call the “tech-fromabroad-program” where our young and bright minds from overseas will be attracted and supported to start their tech ventures in the city if they can commit to create jobs and develop programs that can help the course of development. Like the free trade zones, our tech hubs can also be structured to attract foreign tech companies and individuals who want to capitalise on the opportunities inherent in operating from Surulere. Ola Onikoyi is reachable on olaonikoyijr@yahoo.com

‘Surulere Tech’ City as Nigeria’s Silicon Valley By Ola Onikoyi Jr.

guess we as Nigerians have waited for too long to find solution to our individual and collective problems from the government without paying attention to the world of technology and what it can do for us. Imagine if our young techies can develop a remote sensor technology for our police using radiometers with hundreds of miles capacity to detect elements of bombs under development by the Boko Haram while building a remote disruption system that is capable of destroying such weapons before they can be detonated. How many could we not save? Imagine how many lives we can save if some few who care amongst us can fund developers to design simple but yet sophisticated technology for our police to detect drunk drivers. Imagine if with few of our thousands we can develop mobile phone apps that can help every Nigerian driver to prevent accident thorough early warning and other preventative measures. We can indeed solve many of our everyday problems by using simple technologies that don’t need to be assembled from heaven. We can improve the quality of our graduates, make our farmers manage their produce more effectively, reduce traffic on our roads and improve efficiency of businesses. We might have missed out of the party of the industrial revolutionists of past but we certainly have not missed out of the new technological force. The force that through the creation of simple software’s, chips, semi conductors, biotech and multimedia can make a huge

“

Like the free trade zones, our tech hubs can also be structured to attract foreign tech companies and individuals who want to capitalise on the opportunities inherent in operating from Surulere

PAGE 14

By Reuben Abati

could not turn down the invitation to comment on this subject and express my personal views. US Presidential elections are important for one primary reason: they bear farreaching implications for geopolitics, and since President Barack Obama’s emergence, even for racial relations across the globe. America remains, at the moment, the world’s superior power. Whoever, or whichever political party gains control of the White House automatically influences the levers of geo-politics, for no other reason than that the identity matrix of America’s politics is properly defined and in that definition lies the character of America’s political engagement with the rest of the world, and the other’s responses to its projections. I hasten to add however, that the reasons why the US Presidential election due on Tuesday, are important to the average American living in or outside America may not be and are rarely, the same reasons why the same election is important to non-Americans, outside America, say for example, Nigerians. The only close exception perhaps must have been demonstrated in the By Peter Claver

n a recent visit to my state, Imo, I found out for myself those who are neighing for governor Rochas Okorocha’s throat and the source of their angst. What more, Heartland FM, the Radio Nigeria FM station in Owerri is permanently dedicated to his foes and a certain itinerant jobber is detailed to anchor the hate campaign on him through spurious wave of propaganda passed off as news talk. What beats the imagination is how the radio station could lease its entire broadcast space to such warfare against the governor who seems not to even care if such station exists. This however is an issue for another day. I am more interested in the many sins of Rochas for which he is slated for the slaughter slab. Top on the groups that want the head of the Owelle for dinner is the rump of the PDP, whose twelve years stay in power was truncated by the people’s revolt that swept Rochas to power. As a party, PDP relishes in living off the state and for that purpose, different shades of cabals and amorphous groupings emerged; godfathers, stakeholders, apex leaders, caucus leaders, etc and they were in full bloom for the twelve years PDP reigned in Imo. In these years, state resources were at the disposal of these amorphous groups for free loading and they never disappointed. Conversely, while they fed fat and luxuriated from the common till, every infrastructure and public utility suffered without let. While members of the PDP fed fat on Imo, the state of roads worsened, unemployment ravaged unceasingly, public utilities were interred, the educational and health sectors went into oblivion, local

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Why US elections matter (I) wake of President Barack Obama’s considerations. Still, US elections economy and an isolationist emergence in 2008. Americans continue to matter to the rest of President in power, could wanted change, and many the world. The significance lies in translate into a withdrawal from Africans saw that change in the the influence of America in the global responsibilities in the shape colour of President Obama’s skin. world, and the variegated of reduction in aid. Many African and cultural countries continue to depend on They raised funds, they organized economic US aid, too many s t r e e t economies have campaigns, their fortunes they promoted tied to America’s. t h e candidate…they Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text For the did all of that messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written a v e r a g e although they contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 American, and had no say in words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and there is a lesson the outcome of a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed here for us well the election, to: conveyed by the they were Obama-Romney motivated The Editor, debates, a nonetheless by Presidential the symbolism Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, election is more of hope 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. about difference represented by Email: let ters@peoplesdaily-online.com and ideological the Obama SMS: 07037756364 choices about the candidacy, and future of the its resonance. The evaporation of that global implications of the outcome of the United States and its people. The euphoria today attests to the election. One quick example: the American voter that we have seen temporocentricism of human world economy is linked to the in the run up to the elections was, economy almost in this context, constantly emotions; more so for the America- American with current reminded of his or her centric international audience, umblically; race is not such an important issue unemployment rates and domestic significance. What was signposted in the 2012 US Presidential stress generating doubts about the was the right of the voter to election, and for the American, efficiency of the system, further choose. Thus, when all is said and the morning after there are more urgent existential contraction in the domestic US done,

WRITE TO US

November 6, the final scene of the drama of the last few weeks will be the voter’s choice, with the accent properly placed on the fact that the American people would have spoken. Elections in an established democracy are not won on the basis of the power of incumbency. Witness Barack Obama, a sitting American President having to fight for his shirt, county to county, city to city, state to state, sweating, lobbying, arguing…yet at this moment, the race is so close the leading contenders are losing their voices and pleading with volunteers to help out. The dictatorship of the American voter should matter a lot to the African voter who for the most part is disempowered and discounted. The changing pattern of the public opinion polls has proven further that in this election, as in every other US election, more dramatically shown in the DeweyTruman 1948 debacle, the outcome cannot be taken for granted until the race is over, and the battle is won and lost. Dr. Reuben Abati is Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to President Goodluck Jonathan

Many ‘sins’ of Gov Okorocha government funds became feeding change for apex leaders, stakeholders, caucus leaders and godfathers and in twelve years, Imo State crumbled as the PDP revelled. With the coming of Rochas and with him devoting state funds for massive infrastructural rehabilitation and expansion, the access to free funds has percolated. The godfathers and the apex leaders are hungry and they are sowing insurrection to the effect that Rochas must go. Their grouse is that he is impudent enough to allow Pharaoh’s taskmasters go hungry while investing in public infrastructures and other services to benefit the masses; the wretched of the earth. Another group that wants Rochas’ head at all costs is the civil servants. Many have dubbed civil servants as partners in crime with the politicians in salting away public resources. I don’t know the truism in this but the coming of Rochas in Imo State is exposing the rump of civil servants as servants of self and not of the people. From what I gathered from Imo State, Rochas has plugged every loophole through which civil servants and politicians bleed the state treasury and forced civil servants to live within their means. This is not going down well with the civil servants especially those that work close to the seat of power and for this; they are growing trenchant that Rochas must not survive. Of course, they find company in the sybaritic opponents of Rochas who rue the good old days of free loading and will do everything to bring such happy days back. The third group of implacable foes Rochas has sinned against are the public contractors who were born and bred in the tradition of seeing public contracts as their shares of the national cake. Because this code binds the contract giver

and the contract receiver, it was easy to see why nothing meaningful has happened in Imo State since Mbakwe left. I understand that public contractors are only mobilized after a satisfactory completion of certain percentage of works on a particular contract and if a contractor must get paid for work done, he must have achieved a satisfactory level in the entire contract execution. No more are pseudo contractors leveraged with huge state resources and left to go and enjoy their good fortunes, with the contract unexecuted and I understand this is breeding so much tension with the professional contractors who have indoctrinated the culture of plundering the state with phantom contracts while nothing happens at the end of the day. The fourth group that desires to be served dinner with Rochas’ head are his appointees - yes, his appointees. I understand that those that staged thanksgiving when they were appointed as Rochas’ political appointees are regretting electing to serve with him because he is not spreading the nectars on them. Those who fasted, prayed, lobbied, augured to be appointed into Rochas’ government are reportedly regretting their decision because the

essence of being a political appointee in a Nigerian state has been defeated. Where they expected to be pampered with state resources, as is the culture in Nigeria, they are being restricted to living within their means. This certainly is not what they bargained for when they put in desperate bids to be in his government and I understand that this has bred a rash of grumblings and ill feelings in his cabinet. Many have reportedly voted with their feet while many others have defected to the rank of his opponents to ensure he does not last the distance. But it took my visit to Imo to understand the underlying current with the deadly politics that is brewing in the state at present. Simply, Rochas is becoming a queer governor and a marked man because he decided to shun the courts of the pests and parasites that ensured that nothing worked in the state and embrace the masses who have suffered under these political task masters. I saw the massive roads being constructed in every nook and cranny of Imo, I saw the kind of unimaginable transformation unleashed on Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe in the last one and half years, I saw the new general

“

Top on the groups that want the head of the Owelle for dinner is the rump of the PDP, whose twelve years stay in power was truncated by the people’s revolt that swept Rochas to power. As a party, PDP relishes in living off the state and for that purpose, different shades of cabals and amorphous groupings emerged; godfathers, stakeholders, apex leaders, caucus leaders, etc and they were in full bloom for the twelve years PDP reigned in Imo

hospitals being built in the 27 local councils, most of which are at advanced stages of construction. I observed that free education is progressing so smoothly that pupils of primary and secondary schools in Imo are about to be provided with free school uniforms, books, sandals and other accoutrements that will enhance delivery of free education in Nigeria’s most literate state. I saw New Owerri and the heavy infrastructural renewal that has been wrought there. I saw the brand new government house and many more of such soul lifting works Rochas has done in one and half years to resurrect the hope that has laid in limbo since 1983 when Mbakwe ended his glorious era. What however made my heart leap most gladly for joy were the new model schools that are being built in each of the 305 wards in the state. One needs to see the Township Primary School on Wetheral Road, Owerri, which can rival most state and private universities in Nigeria today in terms of the new structure put up there in just few months. After this, I understand why Rochas’ opponents are spewing the bile they are spewing at present. I understand why his foes are unrelenting. I understand why his sins are unforgiveable. With these projects and many more, how can there be enough for the ancient greed of the apex leaders, the godfathers, the stakeholders and all other sundry groupings that pest on the state for survival? It is a survival war and heaven knows no greater fury than that of a hungry godfather and a rampaging party that feeds fat on public treasury. Peter Claver Oparah can be reached on peterclaver2000@yahoo.com

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

By Todd Moss

frica is more important than ever to the United States. The continent, home to six of the world’s ten fastest-growing economies, is booming. And democracy has become the African norm, rather than the exception. No less than 15 sub-Saharan countries held or are holding elections in 2012. Countries like Ghana and Botswana are successfully combining liberal politics with market economics to become the next target for frontier investors. Huge potential markets like Nigeria and Ethiopia are also showing that modest reforms can be leveraged into big economic opportunities. These trends all suggest a sea change in Africa’s relevance to the United States. At the same time, danger zones across the continent are a growing security concern for Washington. Terrorist groups in Somalia and northern Mali are direct threats. Pockets of weakened governance in West Africa and in the Horn of Africa also allow cross-border problems like narco-trafficking or pandemics to spread. In short, the continent is increasingly a locus of terrorism and other transnational threats. Over the last four years, this mix of thriving economies and alarming security developments should have thrust Africa higher up on the US foreign policy agenda. But instead, President Barack Obama has largely ignored Africa. While the President’s Kenyan heritage meant that early hopes for robust Africa policy were unreasonably high, the administration has failed to meet even the lowest of expectations. Even Obama’s most vocal supporters By Shafii Abdulhamid

he Central Bank of Nigeria’s policy to join other developed economies in operating cashless society had been received with so many commendations from both within and outside the country. In my own candid opinion, the CBN Governor and the Economic Team need to be supported to actualise this great idea and also they should be praise for their foresight and courage to take this bold step. For Nigeria to join the league of cashless economies is something that is inevitable, in short is just a matter of time. So it is better for the country to strategise and join consciously, than to be seated waiting for the wind of change to take us in subconsciously! Technically, a cashless transaction has to do with electronic means of payment through the cyberspace without the use of physical cash as a legal tender. This transaction is usually carried out by the use of credit or debit cards at Point of Sales (PoS), internet banking, mobile banking or even ATM terminals. If a customer wants to make a payment for goods or services, the customer needs to insert his card into a machine or enter his card details including the personal identification number (PIN). Then the money will be deducted electronically from the customer’s account through the networks to the account of the receiver which is residing somewhere in a secure database. No physical cash involve. Everything here is based on trust! Everyone involve in this type of transaction must trust and depend on the system

PAGE 15

A US Africa policy worthy of Africa quietly admit that the president has done much less than his predecessors. To her credit, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has visited 15 African countries on four separate trips. But her presence has been overshadowed by Obama’s absence. The President has set foot on the continent just once, in July 2009 for a mere 20 hours in Ghana where he gave a speech on democracy that resulted in no substantial action. Obama’s neglect appears all the more significant when you consider the Africa record of his predecessors. President Bill Clinton exuded enthusiasm for the continent while his Africa policy was defined by the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which reduced barriers to trade for more than 1,800 products. Partly as a result of AGOA, trade between the United States and Africa has more than tripled since 2000 to over $90 billion. More importantly, AGOA approached Africa like a partner, not just a receiver of goodwill. President George W. Bush went further. He launched the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the President’s Malaria Initiative, and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. These programs all sparked long-term serious US engagement in Africa and have had a major lasting effect. The MCC has developed business-like compacts with wellgoverned countries, including 13 in Africa, to jointly implement projects to boost economic growth. In contrast to his predecessors, most of Obama’s high-profile efforts have been washouts. The Global

Health Initiative, launched in 2009, was supposed to broaden American health investments beyond single diseases to cover health systems. But it has largely been abandoned because of overreach and a distinct lack of political support. The Global Climate Change Initiative, which sought in part to expand renewable energy in Africa, was announced in 2010 but has little concrete to show. Small, lesser-known agencies such as the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and the Export-Import Bank have boosted their project portfolios in Africa, but they have been toiling largely behind the scenes and on the margins of government attention. The Obama administration does deserve credit for its work in Sudan, as it undertook vigorous diplomatic efforts to prevent a return to war and helped shepherd South Sudan’s independence. It also launched Feed the Future, a promising but still unproven agriculture program designed to help boost farm productivity in 12 African countries. But the president’s record on Africa largely ends there. Worse, the administration has repeatedly highlighted marginal foreign policy issues that Africans and policy watchers can only interpret as patronizing. To mollify critics, a few months ago the White House released a list of its proudest accomplishments in Africa. Yet the top item was “Engaged Young African Leaders,” citing a series of forums for youth leaders, including one with the president and another

with the first lady. But boasting of a public dialogue as the most prominent accomplishment toward a region speaks to the lack of real, substantive policy over the last four years. It is hard to imagine the administration citing a similar effort as the cornerstone of its Asian or Latin American policy. The Obama approach has not been well-received by African leaders, especially compared with what is on offer from China. Beijing has invested heavily in roads, power, and business projects in nearly every African country. Secretary Clinton, in a veiled attack on Beijing’s activities in Africa, claimed that the United States brings “a model of sustainable partnership that adds value, rather than extracts it.” But instead of lecturing African countries to beware, the administration should instead reflect upon why China seems to be so attractive in a region that is gaining self-confidence. Today’s Africa does not want charity, but instead seeks more investment and a measure of respect. China bashing might be good political theater, but it makes for ineffective policy. Even Democrats on Capitol Hill are getting frustrated. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) introduced new legislation in March 2012 that attempts to force the administration to boost and coordinate its economic policy toward Africa. At the time, he justified the bill because: “Increasingly I am hearing: ‘the U.S. has given up on Africa as a market.’ While we’re building institutions [in Africa], China and others are building

markets and we’re being left behind.” Righting this neglect would begin by recognizing the tremendous economic opportunities in Africa and preparing the United States to engage. One small concrete step in that direction would be to bolster the Overseas Private Investment Corporation with new authorities, such as more flexibility and allowing equity investments. The administration could also consolidate private investment activities on the continent that are currently spread across multiple agencies and operating sub-optimally. For example, a White House effort on electricity or other infrastructure could bring together OPIC and Ex-Im Bank lending, technical assistance from USAID, feasibility studies from the US Trade and Development Agency, along with private capital and expertise. With 7 out of 10 Africans living without access to electricity, this kind of partnership would be in our interest, welcomed by African leadership and American business, and help to reorient US relations with the continent. A reinvigorated Africa policy would also imply high-level engagement, including by the president when appropriate. It means building partnerships based on mutual and hard-headed security, economic, and political interests, not on third-tier soft issues that we do not prioritize anywhere else. And it demands, at a minimum, filling senior positions quickly. Todd Moss wrote from the Centre or Global Development (CGD)

to make the right deductions from the debtor’s account and also remit the right amount into the creditor’s account. You and I have no control over this! But that is not even the issue I want to point out here. Sony which is a purely ICT Company with international reputations lost about $3.2billion which is equivalent to about N512billion after its PlayStation Network and Sony Online Entertainment services were hacked just recently. The personal data from more than 100 million accounts were reportedly compromised in the security breach. This amount is more than the estimated revenue to be generated in Lagos state N399.8billion in 2012. Looking further also shows that the said amount is more than the budget of the same state in the same year, which is N491.9billion. I am using Lagos state as an example because its economy generates more revenue than any other state in the Federation and it was used by the CBN to pilot test the cashless policy before implementing it nationwide. This type of attack occurs every day over the cyberspace, some were reported, some not reported and others even passed unnoticed. But still, someone may wonder, what is it that I am trying to bring out in this write-up? And I can easily answer that in one word; security. This is because you cannot play the game of soccer without a keeper! The target of most malicious hackers is to steal personal information such as credit card numbers, or to conduct banking

transactions without authorized permission. In addition, they could commit identification (ID) fraud by falsely presenting stolen identification to impersonate victims in exchange of goods and services in this virtual cashless economy. These misconducts could cause huge losses and creditability damage to innocent victims. Shhh… before you dismiss this information as being only a foreign trick, you should remember that seated third in the world ranking of cybercrimes for three consecutive years is my beloved country Nigeria! But more importantly, we should always bear it at the back of our minds that the cyberspace does not have respect for national boundaries and is not restricted by geographical locations. A hacker may be relaxing at the comfort of his living room in California or in the Chinese city of Hong Kong and still penetrate the so called secured databases in the CBN at Abuja. Now the question is how secure is our databases and our cyberspace in general to embark on cashless economy? Do we really have the equipments and expertise in cyber forensic and network penetration testing to police and prevent our cashless society? Do we really have adequate laws to prosecute offenders when they are eventually caught? These are the questions that are still begging for answers. Last year, the National Assembly eventually passed into law the Freedom of Information Bill (FoI) and the Nigerian media whom we all know supported it in totality jubilated and sang the victory song. It is of

cause a remarkable achievement, but what many people need to understand is that information is now mostly in electronic form. For example, in a cashless economy, instead of carrying the notes or coins, you carry its equivalent information in a chip. Therefore, to me passing the FoI into law is just half work done. The other half that I consider to be the most important is the Cybercrime Bill, which is there at the National Assembly covered with dust! Unless and until the National Assembly dusted and pass the Cybercrime Bill into law as well, we can not prosecute the criminal minded hackers, and the cashless economy will continue to remain very porous to attacks. It is therefore important to mention here that our present Nigerian laws do not recognise electronic evidence and the only way to prosecute cybercriminals is to use the Economics and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) Act, which has been proven to be not efficient. It is only the Cybercrime Law that can put our judiciary and the CBN out of this misery. It is therefore eminent that the CBN should begin to drum support for this bill because without it we will all be playing the game of soccer with an empty net! It will be a great injustice to roundup this article without proffering some measures that can be used to manage our present predicaments. In a cashless society, financial threats against organizations and individuals are multi-faceted. Hackers and crackers have greatly threatened

information transmission over the virtual world. Many corporations in the advance world have applied multi-layered security solutions to prevent threats. System-layered security solutions include system logs, host-based intrusion detection, file encryption, identitybased or role-based access control. Network and infrastructurelayered security solutions include firewall, virtual private network, public key infrastructure, cryptography, network-based intrusion detection, and intrusion prevention. Physical separation of the networks is seen as the fundamental practice to protecting information assets. We should also try and keep pace with the advances in biometric technology. Good foundation must be laid for every government policy to stand the test of time. This essay is not meant to destructively criticize the cashless policy in other to score cheap political popularity, instead it is meant to point out the loopholes, weaknesses and the enormous challenges that lay ahead, so that we can re-strategise and triumph over it collectively. If any government policy fails, we must first of all look at it as the failure of the nation not the head of that organ alone. We must all come together to help build a better Nigeria for the peace and progress of our dear nation. Shafi’i Muhammad Abdulhamid is writing from Federal University of Technology Minna, Niger state.

A game of soccer without the keeper!

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

FCT records 61% vitamin A coverage for children By Adeola Tukuru

Two herbal hawkers yesterday at Nyanya cadastral bridge Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

60 women get free cancer screening in Gwagwalada By Adeola Tukuru with agency news

o fewer than 60 women got free breast and cervical cancer screening in Gwagwalada Area Council, FCT, conducted by a nongovernmental organization (NGO) known as Business and Professional Women (BPW). The Project Coordinator for FCT, Mrs Yinka Ajibola in an interview noted that BPW was an international organisation with the responsibility of taking care of women from all walks of life. In her words: “We take care of all women from the lowest level to the highest level of society, We take care of them everywhere and we empower them,’’ she said. Ajibola said that BPW Nigeria had chosen to educate and conduct free cancer screening on

women for a period of three years. “For BPW Nigeria every three years we choose something to do. “This triennial, BPW Nigeria has decided to work on cervical cancer and breast cancer screening which is a major problem in sub-Sahara developing countries. “After every three years, BPW Nigeria will choose another way to empower women in the country.’’ Ajibola explained that cervical cancer, like most other cancers, was curable and if detected early could be stopped immediately. She said the major challenge faced by the organisation was funding and lack of adequate personnel to reach many women at the grassroots.

She said the organisation had few cases of breast and cervical cancers, where the patient was advised on what to do. She explained that her organisation also assists in cases where the victims were not able to pay for their treatment. She said that the organisation had established Young Business and Professional Women (YBPW), adding that they were the sponsors of the exercise. Ajibola urged women to always carry out personal monthly check for lumps which could cause breast cancer. Dr Akunna Adejuwon, the Garki Coordinator for YBPW, said it was a young group of women that came together to care for women and children in the society. She said that YBPW started in

Man, 44, in court for duping another of N4.5m By Amaike Beauty with agency news

44-year-old man, Lambert Onwuka, was on Tuesday arraigned by the police before a Karu Chief Magistrates Court, Abuja, for criminal conspiracy, intimidation and cheating. The prosecutor, Sgt. Bulus Samuel, told the court that the accused, who resides at New Layout, Byazhin, Kubwa, Abuja, colluded with one Vitalis Nwamere of Lugbe,

now at large, and collected the sum of N4.5 million from one David Iregbeyen. Samuel said the accused collected the said money sometime in 2010 with the intention of buying a house for Iregbeyen in Apo Resettlement, Abuja. He said that Iregbeyen gave a cheque of N4.5 million to the accused. The police said that the accused promised to get the house ready for the complainant in two weeks time but failed to do so.

The accused pleaded not guilty and his counsel, Mr Peter Udo, applied for bail, arguing that Onwuka was a responsible married man with four children. Chief Magistrate Ahmed Shaibu granted the accused bail in the sum of N1 million with a civil servant, who must be on GL 13, as a surety, adding that the surety, must be resident in the FCT. Shaibu ordered that the accused must attend his trial and adjourned the case to Dec. 18, 2012 for hearing.

July 2012 in the FCT with the intent to bring a lot of young people together and empower them through skill acquisition. One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Debora Issac, said she was delighted at what the organisation had done for women as she could not on her income alone afford to pay to get screened. “I am so happy for what they have done for women, I have long to know my fate on this cancer issue that is going on but could not due to lack of fund. “I want them to extend this kindness to other women because it will help to reduce the number of deaths caused by cancer in our society,’’ she said.

he FCT Primary Health Care Development Board (PHCDB) has recorded about 61 % of the children in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) were administered with Vitamin A in 2012. The Executive Secretary of the board, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed said that 64 % of children in the FCT were also administered with albendazole and 42 per cent were given iron folate. He said the administrations of the drugs were among the intervention measures put in place to curtail maternal and child mortality. “Several studies have shown that Nigeria has a maternal mortality rate of 545 per 100,000 live births. “Infant mortality rate of 75 per 1,000 live birth, child mortality age 12 months to four years is 88 per cent death per 1,000 live births and an overall under-five mortality rate of 157 deaths per 1,000 live birth,’’ he said. Mohammed said the figure was unacceptable, stressing that coordinated effort must be put in place to reduce the figure. He said that emphasis would be shifted from stand alone vertical campaign to a more integrated approach. Also speaking, Dr Mathew Asheikanu, Director, Disease Control of the board, urged participants to embrace all intervention programmes in order to save the lives of women and children. He called on stakeholders to give the FCT maximum support, saying that the government alone could not guarantee the success of the programme.

Kuduru community urges council boss to provide basic amenities By Usman Shuaibu

he district head of Kuduru Village in Bwari Area Council, FCT, Mr. John Kure, has called on the Chairman of area the council, Hon. Peter Yohanna Ushefa to provide social amenities such as electricity, potable drinking water for the people in area. Kure, who made the call in an Interview with Peoples Daily in his palace in Kuduru, begged the chairman to repair the dilapidated roads in the area,as motorists finds it difficult

plying the road . He urged the chairman to consider the royal fathers in the scheme of things at all times and pleaded with him to carry the traditional rulers along in all decision makings. He said that his leadership would continue to support with the council for the betterment of his people. The district head appealed to the entire people of Bwari to desist from act capable of causing disharmony among them and warned the youths against social vices.

PAGE 18

Court remands Man, 38, for conspiracy and cheating By Amaike Beauty with agency news

n Abuja Chief Magistrates Court yesterday remanded a 38 years old man, Joseph Bara, of Jabi, Abuja for conspiracy and cheating. The prosecutor, Mr. Philips Akogwu told the Court that on Oct. 31,2012 one Felicia Omiagbo of House 24, Oluagbabi close, Life camp, Abuja, reported the case at the Life camp Police Station. Akogwu said that the accused and three others, still at large, all of no fixed address, fraudulently persuaded the complainant’s house girl, Ojoma Sunday, through a phone call. The prosecutor said that the house girl stole the complainant’s cash of 4,800 Euro and N30, 000, under the pretext that they would double the money, but failed to do so. He said that Bara was arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and cheating; offences which contravened the provision of Sections 79 and 322 of the Penal Code. The accused pleaded not guilty to the offence. Chief Magistrate, Mr Azubike Okeagwu said that the offence was above bail and ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody. Okeagwu adjourned the case to Dec. 10, 2012 for hearing.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

FCTA orders security agencies, others to enforce new meat haulage regulations By Adeola Tukuru

n the aim to prevent health hazard that may endanger the public health in the FCT, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has directed the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) to

enforce the new meat haulage regulations in the FCT. The FCT minister of State, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide said the aim of these was because the Life of the populace cannot be overemphasized, adding that Meat is a perishable produce, so there is the need for effective enforcement of these regulations is an important thrust in ensuring best practices in meat handling.” She disclosed that the FCT Administration had concluded arrangements with a private

investor to build and operate an ultra modern abattoir in Tungan Maje, where the Abattoir would serve the Federal Capital City and also introduces meat processing and packaging in the territory. Also the Director of Admin and Finance, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Mr. John Obiahu, Madayi explained that the FCT Meat haulage Programme was being operated under a public private partnership arrangement between the Agricultural and

Rural Development Secretariat and Lead Automobile Company Limited. “Lead Automobile Company Limited has been an important key player in the Meat Haulage Policy actualization. The company made a substantial input to the formulation of the policy,” Madayi said. She blamed the lack of alternative means of meat transportation for the shortcoming in addressing early the meat haulage challenge.

Painter, 23, docked for theft, house breaking

painter, Ifeanyi Dumkun, 23was arraigned before a Kubwa Magistrates Court, Abuja, on a three-count charge of theft, house breaking and resisting police arrest. Police prosecutor Sandra Oparaugo told the court that the matter was reported at the Kubwa Police Station on Oct. 9,2012 by one Igietemoh Miminu of Gbazango, Kubwa. Oparaugo said the accused, a resident of Pipeline, Kubwa, Abuja, allegedly broke into the house of the complainant on Oct. 9 and stole one Accer laptop computer. He said the accused also stole two hair clippers, a pair of ladies’ shoes, assorted beverages valued at N113,000 and N80,000 cash. Oparaugo said the accused was arrested on Oct. 23, but escaped before he was re-arrested. She said the offences contravened Sections 346, 246 and 286 of the Penal Code Law, but the accused pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor requested for an adjournment to enable him produce witnesses. In his ruling, Magistrate Ibrahim Mohammed granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 with one responsible surety in like sum.(NAN)

R-L: Director of Admin and Finance, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Mr. John Obiahu, Chief of Staff to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Ya'u Mohammed Gital; Representative of the Minister of State for FCT and Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Mrs. Olvadi Madayi and other dignitaries, during the launch of FCT Meat Haulage Programme at Karu Abattoir, on Tuesday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Man, 24, bags 3 months imprisonment for theft

n Abuja Upper Area Court on Monday sentenced Godfery Nwaneri, 24, of Kado Estate, Abuja, to three months imprisonment for theft. The Presiding Judge, Mr Ado Mukktar, sentenced the convict to three months

imprison without an option of fine after he pleaded guilty to the offence. Earlier, Police prosecutor Clement Egwu had told the court that on N o v . 2 , 2 0 1 2 one Ibrahim Sabo, a security guard of the same address, reported the case at

the Life Camp Police S t a t i on. Egwu said the complainant was on duty on the said date when he discovered that his motorcycle was missing from where he parked and saw Nwaneri riding it.

The prosecutor said the complainant shouted on the accused to stop but he refused, until people around arrested him. Egwu said the offence contravened the provisions of Section 319 of the Penal Code Law. (NAN)

Okada rider docked for breach of trust, misappropriation

he police on Monday arraigned a man, Kabiru Usman, before an Abuja Senior Magistrates Court for breach of trust and misappropriation. Police Prosecutor Jeremiah Elijah told the court that the case was lodged at the Lugbe Police Station by one Mohammed Saidu on Nov. 2, 2012. Elijah said that on Sept.

14,2012, Saidu bought a Boxer motorcycle valued at N110,000 and entrusted it to Usman to be used for commercial purpose. “Four days later, Saidu asked Usman for the motorcycle but he could not give any reasonable explanation as to its whereabouts,’’ he said. The prosecutor said that Usman’s offence contravened sections 312 and 309 of the

Penal Code. Usman, however, pleaded not guilty. Senior Magistrate Hauwa Aliyu granted Usman bail in the sum of N50, 000 with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, she said., “One of the sureties must be a civil servant or should be working with a reputable

organisation,’’ she said. Aliyu said that both sureties must have a definite address which must be verified by the prosecutor and officials of the court. She said that both sureties must affix their passport photograph alongside that of the accused on the bail bond and adjourned the case till Dec. 19, 2012. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

PAGE 17

A man charging phone batteries to make ends meet in Apo, Abuja.

Two boys hawking water yesterday in Durumi village, Abuja.

Elderly women waiting for alms yesterday in Garki village, Abuja.

Students of Federal Government Academy Suleja, entertaining guests in their school, on tuesday.

A cart pusher conveying window frames yesterday in Karu, Abuja Photos: Justin Imo-owo

BUSINESS

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Email: aminuimam@yahoo.co.uk

PAGE 19

INSIDE

- Pg 20

Aganga wants ‘Made in Nigeria’ goods to seize global market

Mob: 08033644990

Nigeria’s oil output recovers as floods recede - Regulator

igeria’s worst floods in 50 years are no longer affecting oil output, an industry regulator said on Wednesday, although foreign oil majors have not yet said their production is back to normal. West African oil traders told Reuters this week there is ample supply of Nigerian crude in the market and loading programmes show December exports are due to be the highest in six months. “Production is back to normal and has been for some time, it was only a brief outage,” a spokesman for the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) said by phone. Nigeria is Africa’s largest crude oil exporter and usually pumps between 2-2.5 million barrels per day (bpd). Widespread oil theft and a lack of accurate statistics means output figures fluctuate from month-to-month. The DPR on Oct. 24 said floods

* Shell, Total still have force majeures in place had cut out 500,000 bpd of oil output in the previous weeks, reducing total production to around 2.1 million bpd, but was back to normal by the time of the announcement. Shell still has a force majeure in place on Bonny Light and

Forcados crude oil grades, after oil theft and flooding cut up to 20 percent of Nigeria’s output last month. The Anglo-Dutch major said on Nov. 1 that floods would hit around 20,000 bpd of its output in the fourth quarter and this

could get worse. It hopes to lift the force majeure on the two Nigerian grades by the end of November. French oil firm Total declared force majeure in midOctober on gas supplies to Nigeria LNG’s liquefaction

plant, saying it had stopped oil and gas production on one onshore block, which was losing 90,000 bpd of oil equivalent, in which it has a 40 percent stake. . It said on Wednesday the force majeure was still in place. (Reuters)

UBA, EIB seal •50m regional financing pact for small businesses By Abdulwahab Isa

nited Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, a leading PanAfrican financial institution with presence in 19 African countries and the European Investment Bank (EIB), Europe’s long-term lending institution have agreed to strengthen small and medium businesses in Africa through a Eur50 million regional funding initiative. The EIB loan will be used by UBA for on-lending to eligible customers in its countries of operation. The initiative will assist UBA to strengthen its African regional network and represents the first time that the EIB has provided such facility to a Nigerian Bank for on-lending to small and medium sized businesses across borders. ”Our expansion across Africa in the last five years has been driven by our commitment to fostering economic integration on the continent and supporting the development of African businesses. The partnership with EIB provides us with an additional source of medium to long term funding and will enhance financial intermediation in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, transport, energy, health, education and, other sectors where long term funding is required” said Phillips Oduoza, Group Managing Director and CEO, United Bank for Africa Plc.

Members of Ogun state association of Table Water Producers (ATWAP) picking empty satchets at Oke Ilewo area of Abeokuta, Yesterday.

Lagos Trade Fair: Dangote fetes consumers with cheap products By Aminu Imam

s part of strategies to expand market share and reach more customers, companies under the Dangote Group at the ongoing 2012 Lagos International Trade Fair, holding at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Onikan, Lagos, are giving their products to consumers at pocketfriendly prices. Companies from the group that are exhibiting at the fair include Dangote Sugar Refinery, Dangote Flour Mill, Dangote Agrosacks, National Salt Company of Nigeria (NASCON), Dangote Pasta, Dangote Cement,

Dangote Noodles and Dansa Foods Limited. Some of the products on display at the fair include Danvita, Alkama (wheat meal), confectionary flour, noodles, sugar, salt, tomato paste, various ranges of fruit juice products and bottled water from Dansa Foods. Dangote Sugar is also offering customers its 500 grammes granulated sugar at the fair. According to Mr. Anthony Chiejina, Head, Corporate Communications of Dangote Group, visitors to the group pavilion at both fairs will have the opportunity of buying products of these companies at reduced prices.

A unique offering from the Group in this year’s Lagos Trade Fair is the Dangote Combo pack. The pack contains products from the stable of different companies within the Group and is offered to participants at the fair at a much reduced price. The economy pack which contains household products like Dangote Noodles, spaghetti, macaroni, sugar packets, and Dansa Fruit juice products range is combined in a pack at a giveaway price. The combo pack offers participants at the fair an opportunity to purchase all consumable products range in Dangote Group in a single buy.

Management Tip of the Day Prepare to answer customers’ toughest questions

o salesperson likes to take a hard question from a skeptical prospective customer. But since providing good answers is often the difference between winning and losing their business, it pays to get it right:· Clarify the question before answering it.

Repeat it back in your own words or ask the customer to explain further. You don’t want to address a question that wasn’t even asked.· Provide an expert point of view. Your customer is more likely to trust a consultant who has intimate knowledge of the industry than an ordinary salesperson who

simply understands how the product works. Show that you can apply your expertise to solve the customer’s problems.· Stay calm. Demeanor speaks volumes. Regardless of the question, be confident and don’t get defensive. Source: Harvard Business Review

Standard & Poor’s raises long-term rating on Nigeria to ‘BB-’, outlook stable

tandard & Poor’s upgraded Nigeria’s credit rating yesterday because of improved financial stability. The ratings agency raised its long-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit rating to BB-, three notches below investment grade, from B+. It cited higher foreign exchange reserves and government reform efforts on fuel subsidies and in the electricity and banking sectors. It noted that foreign currency savings have been boosted this year by the partial removal of fuel subsidies and higher oil prices. Nigeria is among the world’s top 10 crude oil exporters and a key supplier to the United States, China and India and is home to Africa’s second-largest economy after South Africa. (Reuters)

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

PAGE 24

PAGE 25

Niger Delta: Several ex-militants came to Lagos, saw and left disappointed O

n a recent afternoon in Lagos, two half naked, barrelchested men on the second floor of an hotel, in Lekki, leaned out from their window. The shorter of the duo inquired from another fellow who was making his way towards the hotel’s gate if he had received any notification on his mobile phone crediting his bank account. The fellow replied in the negative, releasing a thick cloud of smoke from the mouth, as he strolled out of the hotel. All three men were among the 153 former militants from the Niger Delta region who arrived in Lagos, last June, to begin a 22 week training as Marine Engineering Assistants. The programme was bankrolled by the Post Amnesty Oil and Gas Industry Foundation, a consortium of 14 oil exploration companies, set up in November 2009 to support the Amnesty Programme of the Federal Government through the funding of projects and programmes for the rehabilitation and reintegration of the transformed former militants. Lost in Lagos On June 3, about seven buses bearing ex-militants from Delta, Rivers, and Bayelsa States arrived in Ajegunle, an overcrowded Lagos suburb. “That day we came to Lagos, we suffer better suffer at Ajegunle. No previous arrangement for accommodation. We slept in the buses,” recalled James Odion (not his real name) “When you travel for a long distance, you have to rest. All the hotels, we didn’t like anyone. Till 4 o’clock the next day, we were still looking for where to lay our head. “Just because we are used to the system of hard life, it was not new to us,” Mr. Odion said. Finally, they settled for five hotels including New Arrivals, Comfort, and Chop

This is a tale of disappointed Niger Delta ex-militants who had come to Lagos dreaming to become marine engineering assistants, but the dream died in their heads, reports Premium Times. Life Hotels all in Ajegunle. Mr. Odion said that they lived in the hotel for weeks “without doing anything.” Weeks later, they were conveyed in a convoy of buses to the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, in Victoria Island, where they were put in two classrooms to begin their lessons. “The first day we go school, we agitate say we no go fit learn under this kind of environment. “To worsen matters, our Coordinator come bring letter, that we need to sign an agreement of good behaviour,” said Mr. Odion. “They think say we come beg them to teach us. It is their right for them to teach us,” he added. The students’ ‘agitation’ disrupted lectures for one week; and then they returned to their classes. But the lecturers weren’t showing up for their lectures, according to the students. “After we resolved the problem, we agreed make them learn us, we were willing to learn, we bring down our pride, we begged,” Mr. Odion said. “It’s only one man that is always punctual.” In addition to the overcrowded classrooms, the former militants had other complaints – they had expected to be separated into various groups as well using modern learning equipment. “We have people among us who cannot read and write. At least, you would have made an atmosphere for those people to gain something,” Mr. Odion said. “We were even expecting them to be playing us videos, after the video, you’ll explain. When they teach you like that you must understand.” Instead, on the day they had a practical class on fire fighting, according to one of them, the lecturer brought a

a fight with some cultists near the school after they refused to pay for the Indian Hemps they smoked. One day, when a lecture was in progress, one of the boys reportedly tore a bible – after asking if it was a marine bible – into shreds. When the lecturer accosted him, he told him off, reminding him that he had used the part where Psalm 23 was written to smoke Indian Hemp in the past. Mr. Odion admitted that there are some people in their midst who are “very difficult to understand” because everybody sees himself as a “god.” “Some people when they see something, they’ll say ‘this people have come to marginalize us, let us spoil something.’ “But you have to tell yourself that you have gone through this training and you are supposed to change, you are supposed to develop some diplomacy in your way of addressing issues,” he said.

Ex- Niger Delta militants metal bucket, torn blankets, and gallons of water and fuel to the class. After explaining the three component elements of fire, he poured the water and fuel into the bucket, lighted it, and asked them to use the blanket to snuff out the fire. “We were expecting the Western world kind of teaching,” said Mr. Odion. Enter the militants The former militants said that their Coordinator,

whom they identified simply as Barrister Nathaniel, was never around to receive their myriads of complaints. Instead, Mr. Nathaniel brought a lady, whom they identified as Mrs. Lillian, to oversee to their well being. Ironically, Mrs. Lillian’s arrival burst the bubble, according to them. Their “comfortable” stay in Ajegunle came to an abrupt end after the lady reportedly brought her own ideas.

“She imposed herself on us. She said that if you want to change somebody, that it is not by bringing the person from a village and dumping him in a ghetto area,” said Mr. Odion. So after about two months Ajegunle, where their air conditioned hotel rooms cost between N3,600 and N6,500 per night; they moved to the more ‘posh’ hotels in Lekki. On arrival at Lekki, they were checked into three

hotels – Home Sweet life and Best Southern in Lekki; and Wadbash Hotels in Ajah. At Best Southern Hotel, lodging costs between N10,000 and N21,000 per night. “The hotels here are much worse than the ones in Ajegunle,” Mr. Odion said. The change in environment seemed to precipitate a hitherto suppressed violence in them. In the first month of their stay, some police officers

flagged down their buses at a Zebra Crossing in Victoria Island, the boys came down from their vehicles, attacked the police officers, tore their uniforms, and chased them away. A police officer at Maroko Police Station confirmed the incident but insisted that further inquiries should be directed to the Police Public Relations Office. The former militants also reportedly engaged in

‘We did our best’ By 2011, the main focus of the Foundation shifted to short term, quick impact activities to increase the overall employability of those participating in the programme. Sule Abiodun, the former militants’ coordinator in school, said that the school did her best for the students. On the claims that lecturers weren’t coming to teach them; Mr. Abiodun, who quickly debunked such claims, said that the students deserved whatever they got. “How will you comprehend a student coming to class and start smoking Indian Hemp? And yet we tolerated all these things,” said Mr. Abiodun, Deputy Director, Academics, at the institute. “They fought with one another to the extent that

they were using guns to pursue one another. “I took major courses with them, I’ve been in the classroom where they’ll bring goat and tie beside a chair,” Mr. Abiodun said. Mr. Abiodun also faulted claims by the former militants that “they did not learn anything” saying that the institute has adequate capacity to train them. “We have about 2,000 students here studying higher courses. How can the college not be able to train 153 people in something as

their lives,” he added. Officials won’t own up All the officials named by the former militants to have been part of their stay in Lagos refused to comment on their claims. When he was contacted, Larry Pepple of the Post Amnesty Office declined to state the reason for shutting down the Lagos training centre when the students have not sat for their examination. He also refused to comment on the claims that the former militants had

“

We have people among us who cannot read and write. At least, you would have made an atmosphere for those people to gain something basic as Quarter Master?” he said. “What they are agitating for is three months extension because of the money they are getting. “If you are here to do a 5 month course, which is Quarter Master, if we extend it by three months, which certificate are we going to give you when you leave? “They haven’t learnt anything but they can take boats out, and each one of them can berth a vessel,” Mr. Abiodun said. “And meanwhile, the regular students, they did not see vessel throughout

been asked to collect their certificates without being examined, adding that he doesn’t talk to media houses “he doesn’t know of.” Mrs. Lilian, who allegedly engineered their move from Ajegunle to Lekki and handled the boys’ accommodation and other welfare matters declined to comment on her role. Mr. Odion had said that they did not know if she was the “spokesperson” for the Oil and Gas Industry Foundation or the Post-Amnesty Office. When contacted, Mrs. Lillian told PREMIUM TIMES to disregard whatever the former militants said, warning that we “should not

write anything about her in the newspaper.” Asked who she worked for, Mr. Lillian simply said that she does not have any relationship with anybody. “If they tell you I’m the one taking care of them, take it like that,” she added. For Barrister Nathaniel, whom they said was their overall coordinator, phone calls were not answered. However, after a text message and a follow up call, a lady picked to say it was a “wrong number.” The former militants also named one Owei Opreye as a representative of the Foundation. When contacted, Mr. Opreye asked for the nature of PREMIUM TIMES inquiry and hung up immediately after he was told. Subsequent calls were not answered. Going home Penultimate Thursday, the former militants embarked on a protest to express dissatisfaction with the ‘treatment’ meted to them. Their destination, the Chevron office in Lekki where they hoped to picket, was deserted as it was a public holiday. So they marched to the head office of Silverbird Television, nearby, where they voiced their discontent. Two days later, a reportedly embarrassed Mr. Pepple arrived Lagos to announce the closure of the Lagos training programme for the former militants. “What they are even doing is against amnesty rules, to go to the press,” said Mr. Abiodun. Their stay in Lagos officially expired last Tuesday. While some have left, some have stayed back “at their own expenses”, according to Mrs. Lillian. Mr. Odion said that everybody would eventually return to the Niger Delta and await the Post-Amnesty office to reabsorb them into the federal government’s programme. “Absolutely nothing we have achieved here,” M r Odion said.

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

EMERGENCY UPDATE

Floods: NEMA canvasses permanent relocation of Victims T

he federal government may permanently relocate victims of the recent devastating floods in some states of the federation from their ancestral homes to

NEMA, others strategise against mass road accidents

guarantee the security of their lives and property. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has sent a proposal on the need for the permanent relocation of the victims to the presidency. The Assistant Zonal Coordinator, NEMA, Abuja operations office, Mr. Slaku Lugard Bijimi, told newsmen in Ilorin recently that a permanent relocation of the victims from the flood prone areas was the best

option. He however said that the federal government must collaborate with the government of the affected states and the victims before taking a final decision on the issue of relocation of the victims. Bijimi spoke with newsmen during a sensitisation and awareness programme on cerebro-spinal meningitis and other flood related diseases organised by NEMA for the

people of Kwara State. The NEMA coordinator, Abuja operations office, Mr. Ishaya Chonoko, had in a keynote address, raised the alarm over a possible outbreak of flood related diseases such as cholera, lassa fever, measles and other skin diseases as a result of the recent flooding. He said that NEMA’s fear was borne out of, “the fact that the flood waters have contaminated other natural sources of water of

various communities.” “The usage of this contaminated water by the flood affected people for drinking, bathing, washing due to shortage of potable water can lead to outbreaks,” he said. He therefore, advised Nigerians to ensure proper ventilation of their homes, adding that “potable water should be well kept and properly covered and periodic washing of hands should be encouraged.”

By Mohammed Kandi

n a bid to forestall massive road accidents in this ember periods, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with some relevant stakeholders that involved in disaster control in Nigeria have organised a simulation exercise in preparations to a coordinated operations to in the 'ember months'. During the simulation exercise in Abuja, some stakeholders including officials of NEMA, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) were seen carrying out demonstrations how best they could synergise to minimise or ensure hitch-free road crashes within these Ember periods. NEMA's Zonal Coordinator in Abuja, Ishaya Isah Chonoko, while addressing the press, urged all road users on the need to be cautious while travelling around the country during the ember months, which are portrayed for multiple road crashes. "This forum is slated for now in order to prepare us on how to manage disaster situations that results from these mass movement of the people from one place to another during these ember months," he stressed. "Therefore, I urge all our critical stakeholders including the media to partner with us to gather necessary support for the FRSC who happens to be the lead agency in road/motor vehicle related disaster in their quest to reducing accident rates in our country," Chonoko said. The Coordinator noted that the forum was meant to convene key organisatons in disaster control and mitigation to brainstorm on ways of improving their operations, by sharing ideas in terms of expanding their capacity while acquiring more training.

A flooded area in Lokoja, Kogi state

Niboro, Lauds NEMA, Uduaghan, Dickson

ormer Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ima Niboro, has lauded the leadership of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) over its timely intervention and handling of the recent floods and other disaster incidents in the country in recent times. Speaking with newsmen in Abuja recently after a visit to some flood impacted areas, the former presidential spokesman said the current leadership of NEMA has lived up to its responsibility and that finally, the nation can boast of a

disaster management structure worth its name. According to him, “Despite the unfortunate floods and other disasters in the country lately, NEMA has risen to the occasion each time and we must commend its leadership for timely initiatives.” “The leadership of NEMA has provided the needed succour that is required at the most critical time. We should encourage agencies like this so that we can bring about the required change in our country,” he added. Niboro also hailed the Delta and Bayelsa state governments

for their swift and robust response to the flood disaster in their respective states. “Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s vigorous response to the floods in the state was heartwarming indeed. He proved himself as a truly compassionate leader. The same must be said of Governor Seriake Dickson”, he said. Niboro praised other emergency support organisations such as the police force, the army, medical services, water and fire services as well as other relevant public and private agencies for assisting impacted

persons during recent disasters. While extolling the Jonathan-led Federal Government for its support to victims of flooding and related disasters, Niboro called for increased support from the federal government for NEMA and sister agencies to enable them function optimally. He also enjoined Nigerians to remain their brother’s keeper in times of distress, expressing optimism that Nigeria will overcome its numerous challenges because “in every Nigerian is a dogged spirit that never gives up,” he said.

PAGE 29

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

EMERGENCY UPDATE Simulation exercise against road-traffic accidents organised by NEMA in collaboration with Federal Road Safety Corps and Nigerian Red Cross Society recently in Abuja

YOUTHS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY By Abubakar Jimoh abujimoh01@yahoo.com

What next after the floods? (I1)

n its efforts to curtail the brunt arising from disaster situations, NEMA has in different occasions encouraged citizens to protect themselves against Cholera and other epidemics, by adhering to proper food safety practices as well as to good personal hygiene. It had also prescribed regular sanitation, essentially for health and wellbeing of every community. Insufficient sanitary systems will definitely result to the epidemic outbreaks. Improper disposal of rubbish in our surrounding results to microorganisms that transform into epidemics that harm thousands. At individual level, personal hygiene is strictly required to help combat epidemic outbreaks. This is vital to prevent spread of the epidemic after the flood. Henceforth, the affected communities and members of public must wash their hands with soap and water before cooking, eating or after visiting the toilet and latrines; wash plates, cups, cutlery and utensils with soap and water before use; boil drinking water and keep it in clean covered containers, or disinfect water with chlorine-food should be cooked before being eaten and it should be eaten hot food; and wash all the fruits thoroughly before eating them. To maintain healthy living, people should drink only tea and coffee made with boiled water and bottled soft drinks served with no ice; eat only foods that have been thoroughly cooked and are still hot; and fruits that a person peels himself just before eating. Also, NEMA advised the affected communities to avoid among other things raw fruits and vegetables undercooked or raw shellfish or fish, foods or drinks from street vendors. Meanwhile, It would be recalled that the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health has stressed three different types of hygiene for safety living; the body hygiene which includes constant cleanness for healthy living, optimal health, sense of well-being, social acceptance, and prevention of spread of illness; while individual personal hygiene practices must comprise adequate medical checkup, regular washing, bathing, and healthy living. NEMA, through its various enlightenment campaigns, advised on the need for individuals to keep their environment clean. It also accentuated the importance of maintaining germ-free atmosphere as capable reducing widespread social related diseases. Another method of enhancing pandemics, according to the medical practitioners across the world, is that an infected person be isolated to prevent contagious diseases from being spread among other patients, health care

workers, and visitors. The use of quaternary ammonium compounds and bleach in hospitals so as to sanitize equipment that may be occupied by patient with influenza symptoms has been recommended by NEMA and Federal Ministry of Health. Also, at home, this can be done effectively with diluted chlorine bleach. This practice can help prevent spread of these diseases after the flood. Governments at all levels should ensure adequate provision of drinkable water supply, especially in the rural areas. For instance in a study conducted by WHO, it was discovered that provision of a safe water supply can decrease Cholera by 73%. Where both toilets and water supplies are provided, the incidence can be reduced by as much as 76%. Inadequate water supply and basic facilities will expose several communities to dangers of Cholera outbreak after the flood. On this note, NEMA must strengthen its partnership with healthcare stakeholders to provide effective sensitization campaign against epidemic outbreaks through adequate education and public enlightenment so that every community can be taught how epidemics can be prevented and cured, immediately they are noticed. Public health measures for the maintenance of adequate control against sources of environmental pollution such as refuse from butchers, slaughterhouses, tanneries, fishmongers, bone boilers, starch makers, clothes dyers, and other nuisance industries that may emerge in the affected states after the flood. Others include, regulating privies, cleaning streets, spreading lime, and removing garbage, dead animals, and stagnant pools of water; and provision for sewer systems, water supply systems to avoid water related diseases across the country. Creating Public Health Boards across the six geo-political zones in the country for the provision of free consultation and sensitization on public health would help in timely prevention and control of chronic diseases; reduction of disparities in healthcare and health status; improvement of grassroots public health infrastructure; boosting the health and well-being of the people; enhancing health workerscommunity collaboration; supporting improved access to preventive and primary healthcare services; educating the public concerning the importance of health promotion and protection policies and programs. The Board will also help in the provision of practical and timely advice to the state governments and state Health Commissioners on public health policy issues; review and promulgation of regulations.

PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Delta Govt. to clean, fumigate floodravaged areas

he Delta State Government will clean up and fumigate the homes of flood victims before they could be allowed to go back to their various communities, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has said. Speaking in Asaba on Tuesday while addressing flood victims at the Saint Patrick’s College camp, Uduaghan said the move was for the victims’ safety. “It will be dangerous for them to go back to their different places of abode when such places have not been fumigated and cleaned up,” he said. The governor, who cautioned that reptiles and other dangerous animals could still be lurking around, therefore urged the victims not to hurry back to their homes until it was safe, to avoid unpleasant consequences. Uduaghan also disclosed that the state government has a package for their resettlement, saying that as soon as the committee set up to arrange for their resettlement submits its report, the state government would provide the necessary materials that would enable them resettle comfortably. “I wish to remind you of a committee headed by Justice Tabai which was inaugurated recently and to say that the committee is working hard to prepare and resettle you comfortably. “But, until that committee submits its report, there is nothing much the government can do to resettle you. It is therefore better for you to wait until the report of the committee is out before you go,” the governor said. He however advised those who were in a hurry to go to feel free to do so, assuring that whatever was due to them would eventually be distributed to them even after they had left. The governor expressed appreciation to God for sustaining them at the moment and called on the victims to continue to be prayerful, especially as God made it possible for them to survive the flood. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the victims, especially the fishermen, had expressed desire to leave the camp and return to their homes. Some of the victims thanked the governor and expressed their appreciation to him for rising to the occasion when they were displaced. (NAN)

Displaced victims of recent flood in Kogi state, taking refuge at Kabawa Primary School camp in Lokoja

Return to your homes if they wish, Kogi Govt. tells flood victims

lood victims who have been living in the 83 relief camps in different parts of Kogi have been asked to return home if they so wish. The state Deputy Governor, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, said this while addressing some of the victims at the relief camp within the St Luke Primary School, Adankolo, Lokoja. Awoniyi said that it was not the intention of the government to keep them permanently in camps and urged those wishing to go back home to do so. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state Government had earlier warned the victims not to go pending the outcome of integrity tests it intended to carry out on submerged houses. Awoniyi, who was at the

camp for an on-the-spot assessment of the condition of the inmates, contended that government did not compel any of them to come to the camp and would never compel them to go. He stressed that they had the option to go or to remain in the camp, citing that the 23 camps in Idah where majority of the inmates had gone home to start life all over again. He also cited the case of the camp at Kabawa area in Lokoja which was now completely empty following the decision of all the 267 victims to return home. Awoniyi said the State Government had been disturbed by the restiveness among the inmates and the seeming leadership crisis rocking the camp at Adankolo.

He said that government would meet with the representatives of the victims to find a way forward. NAN recalls that some of the victims from the Adankolo camp had Nov. 2 trooped to the streets to protest against government’s handling of relief materials and the money donated to them. The deputy governor explained that government had completed the documentation and classification of all the victims according to their different needs. He said that the documents would be used to trace and deliver the relief packages to them. He reiterated that the money donated to the victims by the Federal Government, corporate organisations and individuals was still intact.

Awoniyi also stressed that funds for the maintenance of the camps for the past eight weeks were sourced by the State Government. On the problem of ghost victims, Awoniyi said that the problem had become a huge one for government to manage. He said that some people who should not be in the camp had plugged themselves in. The deputy governor, however, said that government would confront the challenge by following strictly, the earlier list of victims compiled by the State Government, NEMA and the Red Cross. Awoniyi was accompanied to the camp by the state Commissioner for Information, Mr Yabagi Bologi and other top government officials. (NAN)

What is the best way to help our environment? By Mohammed Kandi, with Agency report

here are heightened tensions as well as mountains of concerns over the rate of environmental deterioration around the world. This situation has raised questions of what best possible methods are required to addressing such matters of great concern. Consequently, world leaders, experts, stakeholders and politician have continued to evolve techniques that would rescue the world. The best way to help our environment is to develop global ecological conscience and establish a new set of values where our environment and

nature in general would rank above money and power. However, in a world driven primarily by the hunger for money such ideas are nothing but a nice dream and an utopia. The environmental condition of our planet gets worse by the each day; the negative impact of climate change is already knocking on our door, there’s also a huge biodiversity loss because many plants and animals are going extinct, water and air pollution is killing millions of people across the globe, and our forests, especially rainforests are disappearing. The future outlook looks anything but bright, and by the current looks of it our future generations will likely struggle to

survive. What kind of heritage will we leave to them? Do they really deserve to suffer because of our negligence and our disrespect towards the Mother Nature? World leaders worry only about economy and their political interests, while environmental issues usually end up in “wait for better times” agenda. The world leaders still fail to realize that without the right action there won’t be better times, and that things will soon get totally out of our control. Take for example a climate change phenomenon. If only half of that what scientists are saying is true then we are surely heading for the scenario seen only in movies of disaster.

It certainly looks like the world has opted for the waiting strategy. But where is the logic behind the “waiting for worst to happen” strategy? Or do we still naively believe in some sort of miracle that will remove all environmental issues in the blick of an eye? The time for action is running out, and yet so many people remain ignorant about it. Many people care very little or none at all about what will our planet look like in 50 or 100 years from now. We must ask ourselves what will happen to our children and grandchildren if we remain ignorant about our environment. Their destiny lies in our own hands.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

PAGE 27

Nigeria environmental challenges P

eople in many countries round the world are today on edge over the prevalent environmental disasters that have become a daily occurrence. People have become more willing to see such disasters as the result of bad environmental policies. Despite the very importance of The Environment to our very survival and economic progress, it has never been treated as a central issue during and after elections by political parties in Nigeria. It should be realized that people are becoming worried about environmental issues. The sense of ecological interdependence among nations is today very much pronounced. The policies of a few countries may determine the fate of the rest. Not only do the intractable environmental issues increasingly tend to be international, they often involve irreversible damage. It may take centuries for the hole in the ozone layer to repair itself or the oil in the sea to degrade or the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to full to levels that no longer threaten global warming. In developing countries including Nigeria, economic growth without environmental concern has produced horrific consequences. A survey conducted sometime ago in 14 countries, nine of them poor, found high levels of alarm about pollution of drinking water and of the air and land. In almost every country majorities of people and leaders thought that pollution would get worse; and in all countries large majorities saw a direct link between environmental quality and public health. Given that the grisliest environmental horror stories come from third world countries that may not be surprising. In rich countries, by contrast, 30 years of environmental policies has brought some results. On some measures, rich countries have undoubtedly grown cleaner. Yet, this is not public perception; most people in rich countries believe their environment is continuing to deteriorate. According to former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, “No generation has a freehold on the Earth. All we have is a life tenancy, with a full repairing lease.” It is recognized that only government can ultimately set the terms of that “full repairing lease.” When the Green Party of Nigeria (GPN) was registered along with other political parties before the 2003 elections, it was heartwarming for environmental stakeholders who saw the party as a rally point for environmental advocacy in

the country. Though, the party did not make much impact at that year’s elections, but at least, it had the resemblance of an environmental pressure group. To the chagrin of environmental stakeholders, the leadership of the party had the name of the party changed for God knows why. Today, there is no single proenvironmental political party in Nigeria. It may not be out of place to say that most political leaders in the country do not have the idea that the environment is synonymous with our very existence and sustainability. It is no gain saying the fact that elections in Nigeria were never issues oriented. In 2007, it was expected to a larger extent that that year’s elections would have been issues oriented, but it was not different from other past elections in the country. It is sad that even the 2011 campaign general elections there was no single political party that made The Environment a campaign issue. African Ministerial Council on Environment (AMCEN) in its mission statement says that economic and environmental policies, which do not improve the lives of the poor majority of our people, are not socially or politically sustainable. The overarching goals of alleviation of poverty in our economic development can only be met if we ensure the adequate protection and management of our natural resources. Principle 25 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development states that Peace, Development and Environmental Protection are interdependent and indivisible. Given the global search for practical ways to give expression to the notion of Sustainable Development, Sustainable Development must address the considerable under-development and poverty that plagued most countries round the world, including Nigeria. Section 20 of the Nigeria Constitution mandates the state to protect and development the environment and safeguards the water, air and land, forest and wildlife of Nigeria. In compliance with this obligation and exercise of this mandate, a de novo ministry of environment was established in 1999 at the inception of Obasanjo administration and all the state governments took cue by creating ministries of environment in their respective states. Although, most Nigerians see environmental issues as important objectives, comparatively few articulate their interest through political activism. It is on record that former

president Olusegun Obasanjo as the presidential candidate of the PDP in 1999 general election did not make the environment a campaign issue, but took a laudable step to create the federal ministry of environment as the apex institution on environmental matters in Nigeria. Besides this laudable step core environmental problems remained to be tackled headlong. For years, the federal

ENVIR ONMENT ENVIRONMENT WATCH By Ambrose Inusa Sule, mnes globenviron@yahoo.com 0703-441-4410 (sms only)

Minister of Environment, Hajiya Hadiza Jibril Mailafiya ministry of environment has been running a near zero budget as major environmental problems have remain unsolved. In the United States for example, environmental issues have become central during presidential elections, such as green-house emissions responsible for global warming and climate change. This shows that environmental issues in today’s world have taken the front seat as it is recognized that there can never be a meaningful development without environmental sustainability. Both the Exclusive and Concurrent Lists in the 1999 Constitution is so silent on matters relating to Environment and Ecology such as what would be the most realistic national policy on environment and ecology and what would be the most equitable and balanced sharing of responsibility for Environmental and Ecological Devolution of Power between the central and federating components of government viza-viz the federal, states and

local governments. It is a known fact that every one of the 36 states of the federation including the FCT has environmental/ecological problems of one form or other. It is desert encroachment in the far northern states, gully erosion in the central states and coastal erosion in the far southern states as well as manmade environmental problems occasioned by mining and treefelling activities. That means that each state has its set of environmental and ecological problems to attend to. It is no longer news that 70 percent of our health problems have been reported to be environmentally-related. Diseases such as malaria, diarrhoea, cholera, measles, typhoid fever, yellow fever, among others are all products of unsanitary environment besides the debilitating poverty occasioned by environmental decline. Aggregating all the sources of environmental degradation, the ultimate long-term effect of not redressing the problems has been estimated to be as high as US$5 billion per year as

reported by the World Bank some time ago. Redressing the backlog of environmental problems remains a central concern for both the people and all tiers of government. It is not that there have not been some efforts to protect and develop our environment and its natural resource base in order to achieve sustainable development. In spite of some levels of achievements during the past years, the challenges ahead are quite monumental. We must recognize that there is no ultimate dichotomy between a sustainable economic growth and environmental protection. Today, our cities are plagued with smog and blighted neighbourhoods too dangerous to enter. Highways are congested and noisy, public transportation systems are inadequate and expensive and water and sewage facilities are often antiquated. The air we breathe is laden with variety of toxic and hazardous chemicals, so much that tens of thousands of sick and elderly people must stay indoors many days of the year. Solutions are slow coming and those that have emerged fall far short of the mark. Experts have reported that the widespread of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) has damaged, perhaps irreparably the Ozone Layer. As a result, our vulnerability to diseases is expected to increase substantially in coming decades. Carbon dioxide and other trace gases from factories, power plants and vehicles are altering global climate in a way that we are just beginning to understand. Toxic wastes has infiltrated our groundwater and streams, poisoned our drinking water and fouled our beaches. One of our primary energy sources, oil, is in the headlines almost daily. One accident after another contaminates precious coastal waters with oil and devastates marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Even the food we eat is a matter of renewed concern as people become more alarmed about the pesticides used in its production. Indeed, the widely publicized health risk posed by specific chemicals such as the pesticides alar, are prompting us to examine more generally the hazards associated with what we eat.

PAGE 30

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Governor Wamakko, PHCN face-off: The true side of the story From Sani Umar, Sokoto

he person of the Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko and in fact, the entire people of Sokoto State, are being blackmailed, scandalized, impugned and out-rightly insulted over an alleged physical assault by the Governor on certain officials of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN. From a news report credited to the Acting Managing Director of the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDC), Malam Muhammed Adamu and the ensuing actions and utterances of the leadership of the organized labour in the power sector, one cannot but design a planned and an orchestrated machination of vendetta, slander and libel hatched and built on bare-faced lies and shameless falsification. According to the initial report over which Governor Magatakarda Wamakko has been called all sorts of defamatory names and invectives and, over which the entire Sokoto State has been deliberately shut out of electricity supply, the Governor and his security aides were alleged to have variously beaten three PHCN officials, Engineer Moses Osigwe, Malam Isyaku Dauran and Malam Nurudeen Muhammed. In the quoted words of Malam Muhammed Adamu, Governor Wamakko was said to have “brought out a horse whip and lashed him (Engineer Osigwe) to a pulp. His Excellency’s brutality did not just end with him alone, as he also invited and instructed two hefty mobile police men to continue with the beating spree until the business manager fell to the ground and became unconscious”. For this alleged actions, the national leadership of the National Union of Electricity Employees has demanded a “public apology” from him or, “not only Wamakko (his home town) will be in darkness but his entire state and that includes the Government House”. That threat from the Union’s Secretary General, Comrade Joe Ajaero has since been carried out! All these fretting, impunity, arbitrariness, insults and assaults on the people of Sokoto State are without foundation, logic and sanity. The fact of what happened was that, Engineer Moses Osigwe accompanied by two of his subordinate staff had honoured an invitation by the Governor for explanations on the persistent lack of electricity in Wamakko and other towns of the state for several months. The invitation by the Governor was against the back drop of the strident complaints from people across the length and breadth of the state over the lack of electricity. The dismally poor, erratic and near absence of electricity was particularly puzzling, in the face of the numerous financial and other material assistance given by the state government to the PHCN in the state in a bid by the government to provide electricity to the citizens. Engineer Osigwe who has enjoyed a cordial relationship with the

Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko Governor was in fact, the one who usually requested for such material and financial advancements because in his words, “Sokoto will have to wait for eternity if we are to wait for the National Headquarters to provide our needs”. Specifically, the Governor wanted to know from Engineer Osigwe why electricity had not been restored to Wamakko town and environs close to two years after he had demanded and was given the sum of 17 Million Naira which he had said was the amount required to rectify the problems! To the amazement, and of course, guile of officials of government and visitors present, Engineer Moses Osigwe was not only not forthcoming with plausible, convincing explanations; he was also rude and haughty. His statements were to the effect that, he felt insulted and lowered in esteem for being “bothered over paltry sums of money”. To him, he had honoured the invitation in the “belief that Your Excellency had something much more serious to discuss with me”. The Governor at a point was furious and ordered him out of his sight with the words: “You will have to explain at the appropriate quarters!” Rather than tendering apologies for his lack of

comportment and decorum or, to take his leave, Engineer Osigwe in raised voice, said the Governor could do nothing to him because he was “neither his boy nor an employee of the state government”. On this note, the Governor simply and, in his normal, and well known characteristic calm posture, asked his security aides to walk them out of his sight. It is an ungodly, callous and wicked lies that some people went to town with the heinous tale that, Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko descended so low to the unthinkable level of “using a horse whip to whip Engineer Osigwe” or any of his companions on that occasion. It is equally a patent fabrication that the security aides of the Governor were ordered by him to beat up the PHCN officials. If, and only if there was anything like a physical contact between Engineer Osigwe and the Police aides, such was certainly neither on the orders of the Governor nor did it occur in his presence! In any case, designing members of the public have been wondering about the physical strength of the Governor, the length of time it took him and the type of horse whip used to beat Engineer Osigwe to the point of unconsciousness!

“

Engineer Osigwe who has enjoyed a cordial relationship with the Governor was in fact, the one who usually requested for such material and financial advancements because in his words, “Sokoto will have to wait for eternity if we are to wait for the National Headquarters to provide our needs”. Specifically, the Governor wanted to know from Engineer Osigwe why electricity had not been restored to Wamakko town and environs close to two years after he had demanded and was given the sum of 17 Million Naira which he had said was the amount required to rectify the problems!

It is pertinent and very auspicious here, to tell the world a bit of how Engineer Moses Osigwe has been conducting himself as the head of the PHCN in Sokoto all these years. Under him, the people of Sokoto have been made to shoulder the costs of repairs and installation of electricity facilities just as, they have groaning under the heavy tariff charged for, in all cases, services not rendered. He has made it a character of talking down and passing derogatory remarks about the people of Sokoto State. For instance, on the people’s complains over the high bills from PHCN, Engineer Osigwe has been reported to always retorted: “please let me be: why should they be complaining when paying electricity bills is about the only contribution of Sokoto State to the National coffers. What else does Sokoto contribute?” Engineer Osigwe’s response to the Governor on the occasion in reference, was in that frame of arrogance and disdain for the people and everything about Sokoto. The status of the Governor notwithstanding and the financial advancements he had regularly received on his so frequent requests personally from the Governor and officially from the state government could not even temper his attitude toward the Chief Executive of the State. It is not the least surprising that Engineer Osigwe has since embarked on a game of falsification, campaign of calumny and vendetta because, in retrospect, it is now clear that he had a prepared script to play out in the event of being asked to answered questions of probity, diligence and efficiency. What is however, perplexing is the way and ease with which Engineer Osigwe seems to have been able to convince some people to buy into his tell tale and infantile story. The action of the National Union of the Electricity Workers is particularly worrisome because, assuming for the sake of argument that, Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko actually and indeed went as slow as he is being portrayed, where is the common sense, where is the logic, where is the justice and equity in the action of PHCN in throwing an entire population of over five million into darkness? How many children and the poor needing medical attention in hospitals and those in schools are being made to suffer for an action they knew nothing about? One is forced to conclude that the whole episode has a political undertone. In which case, only the Osigwes and disgruntled elements especially those in the position think that they are succeeding. Take a vox populi in Sokoto today on the state of darkness and you will find out that more than ever before, Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko has not being painted in the colours the perpetrators taught and hoped would be the outcome of their machination. From where should apologies be demanded? SANI UMAR S.A. Media Government House Sokoto

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

PAGE 31

ANALYSIS

hat's really happening in Greece is ripping off the European welfare state and the re-fabrication of social and economic relations based on the values of fiscal discipline and private economy. Greece seems to be the guinea pig in the experiment for Europe to come, as many argue. It is no accident that the means used for this experiment have so far been the construction of collective guilt, political blackmail and much social pain. Or at least, that was the story until some time ago. For the past few months, I dare say, things are reminding us of the escalation of tension that preceded the fall of the regimes in the Arab world, in analogy: The suppression of freedom of speech, a significant increase in the state violence against protestors which has already caused an international outcry, and the street terror by far-right extremist thugs who are going after immigrants and their properties, is changing the image of European Greece. The suppression of freedom of speech became evident when investigative journalist Costas Vaxevanis was taken to court after publishing a list of possible tax evaders in his magazine Hot Doc. The infamous "Lagarde List" consists of 2,000 names of holders of bank accounts in the Swiss branch of HSBC. It was handed over by the French authorities to the Greek officials in 2010, in order to be scanned by tax authorities for tax-evasion. However, while other European countries proceeded to the control on the taxation of wealthy nationals who had taken their money to Switzerland, it was lost by two Greek finance ministers in a row, according to their own testimonies in a parliamentary committee, which questioned the case. Vaxevanis argues that this list maybe the proof of corruption in the political system that is running the country for more than 30 years now. Politicians, who are eager to cut pensions and wages, are not ready to touch their powerful friends. Soon after Vaxevanis's prosecution, Kostas Arvanitis and Marilena Katsimi were taken off air from a Greek state television channel for reporting on the case of 15 antifascists being tortured at police headquarters. Attacks on immigrants Despite the strong evidence presented publicly and international organisations like Amnesty International adopting the claim, the Greek government is refusing to prosecute those responsible for the offences. At the same time, "Corpus Christi", a provocative theatrical play that presents Jesus Christ and the apostles as a company of gay men, was cancelled following protests from the neo-Nazi Golden Dawn party and other religious groups. In a similar case, the author of the satirical page "elder Patitsios" on Facebook was prosecuted for breaching a law against malicious blasphemy. Elder Paisios was a Christian orthodox monk who was believed to have the gift of prophecy, although the church never declared him to be a modern-time saint. His page criticised the exploitation of people's religious faith by far right-

Anti-fascist rallies have become more and more common these days in Greece [EPA]

Fear politics European style wing media. And soon after, a citizen journalist was arrested because he posted pictures of a Golden Dawn gathering in the island of Corfu. On Ochi Day October 28 - which commemorates the resistance of the Greeks during the Second World War following the Italian army's invasion in 1940, the citizen journalist took the pictures of anti-fascist groups confronting a Golden Dawn gathering next to the official parade and posted them on Facebook. Along with the suppression of speech came the suppression of protesting. More than 200 workers were arrested in just one week in October for participating in demonstrations against the austerity measures. Now, anti-fascists know very well that they will have to face the police when confronted with the Golden Dawn members. On September 30, 15 demonstrators were arrested and tortured for demonstrating on motorbikes and trying to defend members of the Tanzanian community who were being attacked by extreme far-right men. Again, the story captured

the attention of people worldwide, but failed to change the Greek government's tolerance to racist crimes. Racism and fascism are becoming a trend now. In downtown Athens and in the troubled area of Agios Panteleimonas, the whole neighbourhood went through two days of tension. Racist thugs attacked immigrants and ransacked their properties in retaliation to a barber's murder. A local barber was stabbed to death by an unknown assailant and the racists believed the culprit to be an immigrant. Three immigrants were stabbed and shops were completely destroyed, while in different parts of the city, Golden Dawn members attacked the gay community and leftists. Egyptians, Nigerians and Pakistanis were forced to close their shops early and go into hiding to avoid more violence. Fear politics As hate crimes are being "legitimised", the instances of them

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

are on the rise. On November 4, a young immigrant from Egypt was found beaten and tied with a heavy chain by his neck to a tree in the island of Salamina, near Athens. His employer - the immigrant was employed at a bakery surrendered to the police and admitted beating and chaining him because he suspected his employee of theft. The very same day, another immigrant from Bangladesh was chased and stabbed in the leg by three Greek offenders for no obvious reason. This is the picture of a country where the standard of living is deteriorating and radical consensus cannot be achieved anymore. When consensus is not reached with persuasion, then it is being forced with coercion. Official or unofficial, power structures are exercising fear politics just like what we saw in the Arab world before the revolutions, but this time it is European style. And again it would be wrong to portray Greece as a country where fascism and racism dominate. A few days ago, an anti-fascist solidarity concert was held and thousands of Greeks gathered to protest against racist attacks on immigrants and rising tide of far-

Egyptians, Nigerians and Pakistanis were forced to close their shops early and go into hiding to avoid more violence.

right extremism. On many occasions, people have expressed solidarity with the weaker sections of society regardless of colour, race or sexual orientation. Anti-fascist rallies have become more and more common these days in the country. In this atmosphere, Greece is entering one of its most intense political periods since the austerity programme started in 2010. The three-party government is voting in parliament today on cutting 18 billion euros in the next two years from wages, pensions and social benefits. The austerity measures also include: Laying off 150,000 public workers over the next two years, a two-year extension of the retirement age from 65 to 67, drastic cuts in unemployment benefits as well as all pensions above 1,000 euro per month. These measures are not just quantitative expressions of the financial crisis. They will not only impoverish the Greeks even more, but also drag the economy further down the path of recession. They will have a qualitative effect on society which has spread fear and anger in the population. They will create more room for the politics of fear. The workers are trying to change the agenda once again by bringing to the fore the need to protect the welfare state as the guarantor of the democratic system, which is in the historical core of the European project. While entering the scene this week with continuous general strikes and demonstrations against the new measures, they will try to stress that no ruling elite has the right to just kill it. It might be the case that the worker's struggle is not just for labour rights, but for Greece's own European identity. And if so, then it is also for Europe's European identity. Matthaios Tsimitakis is a journalist based in Athens. Source: Al Jazeera

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

PAGE 32

All together: US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle celebrate onstage with Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden at McCormick Place in Chicago

Voter's on queue to cast their vote Emotional moment: A supporter cries as Barack Obama speaks during an election night party on Wednesday in Chicago after the President defeated Mitt Romney

A potential voter being instructed on how to use the voting machine

In the spirit: Second-graders Brayden Gentzyel, left, as Obama and Harry Perkins, right, as Mitt Romney, from Valley View Elementary School in the York, Pennsylvania lead a parade of students around the school to encourage people to vote

Stepping up: Mitt Romney, with his wife Ann at his side, casts his ballot for the U.S. presidential election in Belmont, Massachusetts.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

PAGE 33

PAGE 34

Megaupload sequel faces Gabon's suspension order setback

fforts to create a follow-up filesharing service to Megaupload have been dealt a blow after Gabon blocked access to its intended web address. The West African nation said it was worried the Me.ga site would host copyright infringing files. Kim Doctom - the tech entrepreneur behind the scheme said the move was a result of a "bad faith witch hunt" being carried out by the US government. The 38-year-old faces charges of money laundering and fraud, which he denies. He is currently living in New Zealand and engaged in a legal battle to prevent his extradition to the US, where he faces a jail sentence of up to 20 years if found guilty of earning about $175m (ÂŁ109m) through illegal means. Mr Dotcom detailed his plans to launch a Gabon-based service last week. He said the product would be launched on 20 January, a year to the day since he was arrested alongside others who had worked at Megaupload. He said that uploads to the site would be encrypted to ensure their contents remained "confidential", and had suggested that basing the site at Gabon's .ga domain, rather than in the US, would "avoid another takedown". However Gabon's Communication Minister, Blaise Louembe, said he had acted to block the site before the service launched in order to "protect intellectual property rights". "Gabon cannot serve as a platform for committing acts aimed at violating copyrights, nor be used by unscrupulous people," he said. Mr Dotcom suggested the decision had been taken as a consequence of pressure from the US and the media group Vivendi. "Don't worry. We have an alternative domain," he posted on Twitter. In a later tweet, he ridiculed the move, saying: "Gabon Minister used time machine to analyze legality of the future Mega. Verdict: Cyber

Details of the Mega project are still available online at an alternative website

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Explosion rocks Somali parliament A

large explosion has rocked the Somali capital Mogadishu, killing one person, the AFP news agency reported citing its own reporter who was at the scene of the blast. The cause for Wednesday's explosion was not immediately clear. The blast, believed to be a car bomb set off close to the parliament, is the latest in a string of attacks in the warravaged Mogadishu. A body of a Somali government security official dressed in military uniform could be seen following the explosion. "The explosion went off outside the Somali parliament. We don't know if it was a suicide bomber. Police are here and they've surrounded the area," a witness told the Reuters news agency.

No group claimed responsibility for the explosion but previous attacks have been blamed on al-Shabab fighters [EPA] No group immediately claimed responsibility for the blast, but the al-Qaeda-linked fighters with the hardline group alShabab have

conducted a series of guerrillastyle attacks in the capital since pulling out of fixed positions there last year. Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-

Zawahiri this week urged all Muslims to support al-Shabab, who want to overthrow the embattled federal government and replace it with Islamic law. In recent months, they have suffered major setbacks, with African Union troops wresting several strongholds from them. The insurgents have vowed to topple newly elected President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who took office in September after being chosen by the country's new parliament, bringing an end to eight years of transitional rule. An offensive led by the 17,00-strong AU force alongside Somali forces has stripped the Shabab of most of the towns they held. But analysts have warned the group are still a dangerous force, reverting to guerrilla tactics and carrying out targeted attacks.

Rohingya refugee boat sinks off Bangladesh

round 85 people are missing after another boat carrying Rohingya refugees towards Malaysia sank off Bangladesh, the second such tragedy in less than a fortnight, officials have said. Bangladesh Border Guard commander Lieutenant Colonel Zahid Hasan said the vessel was carrying around 110 passengers when it went down off early on Wednesday around 15km off the southern Cox's Bazaar coastal district. "We have now rescued 25 survivors with the help of local fishermen and a search and rescue operation is underway," Hasan told AFP. "The boat was heading to Malaysia illegally," he added. Hasan confirmed that at least two of those who had been rescued were Rohingya and that they were

all being kept in custody. Lieutenant Badruddoza, a commander in the coast guard who uses only one name, said that a search and rescue operation was being conducted in conjunction with the Bangladesh navy. The latest tragedy comes after a boat carrying some 135 passengers, mostly Muslim Rohingya refugees who had fled unrest in neighbouring Myanmar, sank in the Bay of Bengal on October 28. Only around half a dozen made it to safety. Hundreds of thousands of Muslim Rohingya have fled Myanmar in past decades to escape persecution, often heading to neighbouring Bangladesh, and recent unrest has triggered another exodus. Since the unrest erupted, Bangladesh has been turning away boatloads of fleeing Rohingya. The policy has been criticised by the

United Nations but Bangladesh said it was already burdened with an estimated 300,000 Rohingya. Myanmar's 800,000 stateless Rohingya, described by the UN as

among the world's most persecuted minorities, are seen by the government and many Burmese as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

Hundreds of thousands of Muslim Rohingya have fled Myanmar in past decades to escape persecution [AFP]

Ghana department store collapses in Accra

multi-storey department store has collapsed in Ghana's capital, Accra,

with many people believed to be trapped inside. Rescue efforts are under

It is feared that dozens of people could be trapped underneath the rubble

way, with reports that least three people have been killed. Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama said he has suspended his electoral campaign for next month's poll. Accra's mayor, Alfred Oko Vanderpuye, is reportedly at the scene in the Achimota neighbourhood of Accra with rescue workers who are trying to clear the rubble and get oxygen masks to survivors. "I was very close to the mall because I was going to buy something only for me to see the building coming down," resident Ama Okyere told the AFP news agency. "I had to run for my life. I was so terrified. I believe there

are lots of people trapped under this because this is a heavily patronised shopping mall in the area." Our correspondent says it is feared that up to 200 people could be trapped. Family members have been trying to call relatives feared trapped beneath the rubble on their mobile phones, AFP reports. Another witness, John Owusu, said he heard a bang before the building collapsed. President Mahama, in a tweet moments after the building collapsed, said: "My prayers are with the workers, shoppers and others who are trapped in the rubble of the Achimota Melcom building."

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

PAGE 35

Now whose a clever boy then? Figaro the cockatoo makes and uses tools F igaro the cockatoo has learned how to fashion tools out of sticks with his beak in order to get at food that is just out of reach. The captive-reared bird from Vienna, Austria cuts twigs to the right size and shape to poke through the bars of his cage. 'After making and using his first tool, Figaro seemed to know exactly what to do,' said Professor Alex Kacelnik from Oxford University. The cockatoo is not known for an ability to make tools in the wild, and scientists believe Figaro is the first bird known to do so. The professor from the University of Vienna, who led the study in partnership with Oxford, said: 'Figaro was playing with a small stone. At some point he inserted the pebble through the cage mesh, and it fell just outside his reach. 'After some unsuccessful attempts to reach it with his claw, he fetched a small stick and started fishing for his toy.

Figaro is able to cut twigs to the right size to grab nuts outside his cage (Picture: PA/ Alice Auersperg) 'We later placed a nut where the pebble had been and started to film. To our astonishment he

did not go on searching for a stick but started biting a large splinter out of the aviary beam.

He cut it when it was just the appropriate size and shape to serve as a raking tool to obtain

the nut,' she added. The bird was hand-reared in Austria (Picture: PA)

Witch doctor calls election for Barack Heart attack voter 'comes Obama after analysing shells, bones back to life' to cast US elections ballot paper

voter 'died' after collapsing as he filled out his ballot paper - only to come back to life to make sure he'd had his say. The e l d e r l y m a n ' s h e a r t stopped suddenly as he cast his vote at a polling station in Detroit. Nurse Ty Houston, 48, explained how she performed CPR on the unidentified voter, who was accompanied by his

John Dimo's village, Kogelo, is the ancestral home of US President Barack Obama

witch doctor from the Kenyan village where Barack Obama's father is buried has predicted a landslide for the US president in Tuesday's election. John Dimo used shells, bones and other items outside his tent in Kogelo, western Kenya, to call a winner in the race between Mr Obama and Republican rival Mitt Romney. And Mr Dimo, who claims to be 105, says that the mystical items dispute news that the election will be a close call. Pointing to a white shell, he declared: 'Obama is very far ahead and is definitely going to win.' Kogelo is Mr Obama's late father's home town and expectations of another victory for him are high. Most Kenyans consider Mr

Obama, the son of a white mother from Kansas and a black father from Kenya, as one of their own. He has five Kenyan half-

brothers and a half-sister. Dimo, about 115-years-old, says he knew Mr Obama's father, who was buried in the village in 1982.

Dimo says that these mystical artefacts represent Obama and his Republican rival Mitt Romney (Picture: Reuters)

wife. 'He was dead,' she told The Detroit News. 'He had no heartbeat and he wasn't breathing. I started CPR, and after a few minutes, he revived and started breathing again. 'The first question he asked was "Did I vote?"' S h e a d d e d : ' I t w a s God's divine word that I be there. 'Originally, I was just going skip the ballot and just go to lunch that day.' When the man woke up he told his wife he cared about two things: 'That I love you and that I finished what I came here to do... vote.' V o t i n g station clerk Sharon Tischler added: 'It was great there was someone around to render aid.' Meanwhile in Illinois, Chicago, a woman in labour made a quick stop off at her local polling station to place her vote for p r e s i d e n t Barack Obama.

Millions voted in the US election (Picture: AP /Jeff Chiu)

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Brain of neglected child is much smaller than that of a normal three-year-old

ou comfort them over a skinned knee in the playground, and coax them to sleep with a soothing lullaby. But being a nurturing mother is not just about emotional care - it pays dividends by determining the size of your child’s brain, scientists say. Both of these images are brain scans of a two three-year-old children, but the brain on the left is considerably larger, has fewer spots and less dark areas, compared to the one on the right. According to neurologists this sizeable difference has one primary cause - the way each child was treated by their mothers. The child with the larger and more fully developed brain was looked after by its mother - she was constantly responsive to her baby, reported The Sunday Telegraph. But the child with the shrunken brain was the victim of severe neglect and abuse. According to research reported

by the newspaper, the brain on the right worryingly lacks some of the most fundamental areas present in the image on the left. The consequences of these deficits are pronounced - the child on the left with the larger brain will be more intelligent and more likely to develop the social ability to empathise with others. But in contrast, the child with the shrunken brain will be more likely to become addicted to drugs and involved in violent crimes, much more likely to be unemployed and to be dependent on state benefits. The child is also more likely to develop mental and other serious health problems. Professor Allan Schore, of UCLA, told The Sunday Telegraph that if a baby is not treated properly in the first two years of life, it can have a fundamental impact on development. He pointed out that the genes for several aspects of brain

Shocking: According to neurologists the sizeable difference between these two brains has one primary cause - the way were treated by their mothers.

Crucial: A mother's love is fundamental to how a child's brain develops

function, including intelligence, cannot function. And sadly there is a chance they may never develop and come into existence. These has concerning implications for neglected children that are taken into care past the age of two. It also seems that the more severe the mother’s neglect, the more pronounced the damage can be. The images also have worrying consequences for the childhood neglect cycle - often parents who, because their parents neglected them, do not have fully developed brains, neglect their own children

in a similar way. But research in the U.S. has shown the cycle can be successfully broken if early intervention is staged and families are supported. The study correlates with research released earlier this year that found that children who are given love and affection from their mothers early in life are smarter with a better ability to learn. The study by child psychiatrists and neuroscientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, found school-aged children whose mothers nurtured them early in life have brains with a larger

Drugs for high blood pressure and diabetes could also be used to treat DEMENTIA

edications used to treat hypertension, diabetes and skin conditions could also treat dementia, according to new research. The study by King’s College London identified four existing drugs and one drug class which could reduce the risk or slow down symptoms of the disease. The Alzheimer’s Society, which funded the research, said the use of drugs already available could be a cheaper and quicker way of tackling dementia. But the charity admitted more work was needed to understand how the drugs could work for sufferers. The report’s lead author, Professor Clive Ballard, who represents King’s College London and the Alzheimer’s Society,

said: ‘Defeating dementia is one of the biggest challenges facing both medicine and society as a whole. ‘Developing new drugs to treat the condition is incredibly important, but comes with a huge price tag and, for those affected by dementia, an unimaginable wait. ‘This study identifies existing treatments and shows the potential to identify other similar drugs which are safe and if effective in clinical trials could be used to treat Alzheimer’s disease in 10 years or less. We are urgently working to take this work forward to start making a difference to the lives of people with dementia.’ The report concluded that there was ‘strong evidence regarding the potential value’

of calcium channel blockers substantially reducing the risk of dementia. Dr Ann Johnson, 59, from Manchester, who lives with Alzheimer’s disease, said: ‘Access to drug treatments has made a huge difference to my life. ‘Before I was prescribed them I knew what I wanted to say but I couldn’t find the right words. I had low self-esteem and used to dread getting lost. It was terrifying. Now I’m able to live life to the full. ‘I’m lucky that I’ve found an Alzheimer’s drug that works for me. However, these drugs don’t work for everyone so we must continue the search for more and better options.’ The report will be published in the Nature Reviews Drug

Discovery journal. THE POTENTIAL ALZHEIMER’S TREATMENTS The drugs or classes of drugs identified as potential treatments are: High blood pressure medications including Nilvadipine, from the calcium channel blockers family. Diabetes medications exenatide and liraglutide, which have been shown to stimulate the brain. Minocycline, an antibiotic used to treat acne. Acitretin, a drug used to treat psoriasis which researchers found modifies the way proteins linked to dementia form. Source: dailymail.co.uk

hippocampus, a key structure important to learning, memory and response to stress. The research was the first to show that changes in this critical region of children’s brain anatomy are linked to a mother’s n u r t u r i n g , Neurosciencenews.com reports. The research is published online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Early Edition. Lead author Joan L. Luby, MD, professor of child psychiatry, said the study reinforces how important nurturing parents are to a child’s development. Source: dailymail.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

PAGE 37

Alleged N29b fraud: No rot in Niger Delta ministry - Orubebe INTERVIEW Godsday Orubebe, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, in this interview with journalists, refutes the allegation of N29b fraud levelled against him by the Executive Secretary of Anti-corruption Network, Dino Melaye even as he explains why the ministry finds it difficult carrying out its mandate in the troubled region. Our correspondent, Ikechukwu Okaforadi was there. Excerpts:

eople are worried that you have several projects and money not provided for their implementation in the budget. Is it a confirmation of the claims by National Assembly on poor budget performance? Like any other ministry, when you are given a budget you operate within the ambit of the budget. This ministry came into being since 2009 and we had a budget. I will say these are the projects we want to realise and it was based on what was in the budget that contracts are awarded and then every year, this ministry will say this is what we need to fund projects and it is sent to the National Assembly. What they appropriate is what the ministry will use to handle the projects that are ongoing. We all know that the ministry of Niger Delta has always been talking about funding issues. We also explained the proposal put forward on how funding can be reasonably made adequate for the Ministry of Niger Delta. Of course government is a process. Until those funding arrangements are met, there is no way we can have the needed fund for the development of the Niger Delta. Every Nigerian knows the involvement of this ministry in the processes that led to amnesty and how we have gotten to this level. In 2009, oil production went down to about 700 barrels a day. I was the minister that led government officials to go round the creeks. Today we are talking of about over 6 million barrels a day. All we are saying is that we need 6 percent of that to support the Ministry of Niger Delta to effectively carry out the duties. Of course, you know we have the Executive, we have the National Assembly. It is a process, it is not something Orubebe will decide here and that is why we have not gotten the needed funding and that is why the projects that we have

in this ministry are begging for funding. As an interventionist ministry for the Niger Delta region, how many projects have been completed since you came on board? Our flagship project is the East-West Road project and this is taking over 50 percent of the resources of this ministry and we went into building nine Skill Centres which will train our youths in oil and gas, in commerce, tourism, agriculture. As we speak, almost five of them are completed and I just finished a meeting with the consultants that are set to equip the Skill Centres with the aim of putting them into use latest by the second quarter of next year and when that takes place, we hope that a lot of our youths that are now being trained outside this country will be trained in Nigeria. The youths that are being trained outside this country, a lot of them are being trained in oil and gas, in maritime, ICT. So these are the world class institutions that we have built to take care of the training of our youths. We have also taken care of eleven road projects now ongoing. Out of these 11 road projects that are going on, about five of them are environmental projects, three of them have been completed. We have the ambition of training about 15 thousand youths as approved by the President but because of fund constraints, we have only trained about 725 and these are non-militant youths. We trained 725 youths in oil and gas, in agriculture, in ICT and maritime. We have also been able to bring together, for the first time, a framework that will bring all the stakeholders in the Niger Delta together so that we can coordinate and work in a system that would save fund; that would cancel duplication of projects. And so we are working with the UNDP, the European Union and other donor agencies. We have been able to create a council of Niger Delta which is

Godsday Orubebe supposed to be meeting ones in every year to formulate policies that would enable use take decisions on the best way to develop the Niger Delta. Today as we speak, we have been able to build over 350 housing units in various locations, particularly, in those places where there are conflicts between the youths and government, where some communities were destroyed and we have been able to rebuild some of the communities for them. The other day the FCT minister was reportedly apologising for failure to the people of FCT, would you say you have failed as a Minister who is responsible for the rot in the ministry? I want to let you know that we have not failed because this ministry is on course. There is a framework that has been provided meaning that tomorrow if I am not here as a Minister in this ministry, there is a framework for development in this ministry that has been realised. What is required is for fund to be injected into the ministry. Also, like I said earlier, we are coming from nowhere to where we are today. The money everybody is talking about comes from 6 million barrels crude that is produced every day. The ministry of Niger Delta played a key role in bringing about the resources you are talking about

in this ministry. The ministry of Niger Delta played a key role achieving peace in the Niger Delta. Today, I just highlighted the projects that we have done. You can only be talking about failure when you have money in your hand and you don’t know what to do with that money but today, the little money that was given to us we have used it judiciously and the projects are there for people to see and we are saying give us more money and we are going to do more for the people of the Niger Delta. I think generally we have done very well with the money that is being given to us. Our performance in terms of the money that is allocated to us is close to 100 percent. If you check the statistics of the ministry of Finance, what is given to us and our implementation in terms of the projects is over 96 percent. At the ministry of Niger Delta we have done very well and all what we need is the fund because the structure, the capacity is there: What is not there is the fund and we have made the proposals to the appropriate quarters to generate fund. It is also important to mention in a gathering like this that developing Niger Delta is very key. A developed Niger Delta will mean a very peaceful Niger Delta; a very peaceful Niger Delta will mean increased oil production, a peaceful Niger Delta will mean enough resources for development of the

entire country. That is why even people who are not from the Niger Delta have come up to say over and over that money should be made available for the development of the Niger Delta and that is why we are working round the clock to ensure that funds are made available. Let me correct this impression, there is no rot in the Niger Delta Ministry. Ministry of Niger Delta is a very clean ministry in terms of initiation of projects, in terms of awards and in terms of implementation. This is one ministry since I came to government in 2007 to date where files don’t stay on the table for more than 48 hours. This is one ministry where we deal with files and not with contractors and I make bold to say it anywhere that I deal on files and not with contractors and there is sanity in this ministry; things are done decently in this ministry. I think what the NGO did was to express their right but you seem to have gone personal? I think I have not gone personal; I am addressing the Secretary of the NGO. It is my name that is quoted in all the papers and I am also calling him as secretary of that organisation that he does not deserve to be called that name because he a political tout and I stand by that statement. He has no integrity; he is hired by anybody and I am not going to hire him to do any dirty job for me because I key into the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan. That agenda talks about transparency, that agenda talks of reforming Nigerians and I key into it. The name Orubebe is a name of integrity. I have built that name. I told you that I am an Elder in the church; I go to church to preach the word of God and so I cannot compromise the teachings of the Master, Jesus Christ, with fraudulent people like him. I am not personal, I am only saying that if there should be an organisation that will be called Anti Corruption Social Network, it’s not people like Honourable Dino Melaye that should be heading that body and I am saying that Nigerians should forget the character. There are credible Nigerians. If these facts are not there, I will not come here and authoritatively be quoting these facts. If the facts are not there, I won’t sit down here and say go to these places and verify.

PAGE 38

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Dickson decries number of federal roads in Bayelsa, denies collecting N17 billion River’s money ByLawrenceOlaoyewithagencyreports

L-R: Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mrs. Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, and Osun State Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Apostle Samuel Adeyemi, during NOA Executives courtesy visit to the Governor, on Tuesday in Osogbo, Osun state.

Emulate Americans, eschew politics of bitterness, PDP tells politicians By Lawrence Olaoye

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday enjoined the nation’s political actors to eschew politics of bitterness by conceding to defeat after elections instead of indulging in endless litigations. Drawing from the lessons of the recently concluded Presidential election in the United States of America (USA) where the Republican candidate, Mitt Romney, congratulated President Barrack Obama over his reelection without delay, the

party charged political actors to learn from the event. The party in a release signed by its National Publicity Secretary stated “the swift manner of congratulations and the graceful conduct of the defeated candidate is a shining example of patriotism and submission to the overall will of the people”. “This act is one of the elements that have made America’s democracy the envy of all nations”. According to the party “the greatest threat to the stability of our democracy is the reckless

bickering that happens after elections in Nigeria. A lot of time and energy is decimated on frivolous legal suits and the pursuit of bitterness which indeed affects valuable time for the delivery of electoral promises”. The PDP congratulated the American people on the successes of this election and expressed confidence in President Obama‘s ability to lead America out of the current economic challenges bedeviling the entire world. The party said it was particularly delighted at the

conciliatory posture of President Obama and his emphasis on the values that unite America rather than the divisions that manifested during the campaign. “President Obama’s constant reference to patriotism and a sense of duty to America by Americans in his acceptance speech is another lesson we must imbibe in our quest to build our democracy. With this election, America has once more blazed the trail in overcoming its internal stratifications for the overall benefit of their country” he concluded.

Suswam warns aspiring LG chairmen against truancy From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

enue state governor, Gabriel Suswam, has sternly warned aspiring local government chairmen in the State to desist from been truants. The governor, who gave

this warning at a recent rally during which flags were presented to Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) candidates, frowned at the attitude of most local government chairmen in absconding from their domain and being resident in

Makurdi, the State Capital. He noted that his administration would not condone such behaivior, reminding the candidates his government would not hesitate to sanction any erring chairman on recommendation of the Assembly.

Suswam advised the intending chairmen to endeavor to provide the dividends of democracy to their people as promised during their electioneering campaigns and urged the electorates to vote all PDP candidates at the November 24th 2012 election

Lawmaker plans to tackle water scarcity in 3 communities in Kebbi

lhaji Buhari Aliero (PDPAliero) representing Aliero constituency in the Kebbi House of Assembly, says he has earmarked N5.6 million to tackle water scarcity in his constituency. Aliero told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Aliero yesterday that the amount would be used to provide three boreholes at Sabiyel,Kashin-

Zama and Aliero towns. He said that the gesture was in fulfilment of his campaign promises. “I will not relent in improving the living conditions of the people in my constituency.” He said committees would be appointed to ensure proper maintenance of the boreholes in the beneficiary

communities. Meanwhile, Aliero,said he had also set aside N500,000 for the purchase of Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms for suitable candidates, as part of his efforts to improve the standard of education in the constituency. He also expressed his intention to disburse N10,000 as bursary

allowance to students from the area in tertiary institutions, adding that a committee comprising educationists from the area would handle the exercise. He said he had facilitated the release of N1 million as assistance to enable people suffering from various ailments to receive medical treatment. (NAN)

ayelsa state governor, Henry Seriake- Dickson has expressed displeasure over the number of federal roads in the state. This is coming as the governor yesterday dismissed Rivers Government’s claim that the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMFAC) wrongly paid N17 billion from the escrow account to it. Dickson decried the road situation when he received officials of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) in Yenagoa yesterday. He said that with less than 200 kilometres of federal roads, Bayelsa had the least kilometres of federal roads in the country. “That is not a statistics we should be proud of. I am aware that there are states that have as much as 1,000 kilometres, others have 2,000 kilometres and above, and we are in one country. And may I remind you that most of the resources with which these roads are built are derived from this land,” he said. Citing the difficult terrain of the state, the governor said Bayelsa was in dire need of critical infrastructure. He said that the few available roads and bridges in the state had been washed away by the floods thereby making movement of people and goods within the state difficult. Dickson urged the Federal Government to register its presence in the state through the construction of more roads. While commending FERMA for its efforts at maintaining roads across the country, the governor expressed his administration’s intention to establish a similar agency in the state. Similarly, the governor denied the allegation made by RMAFC that it received N17 billion River’s oil money at the inauguration of a14-man state Boundaries’ Committee. Dickson said that at no point in time did RMFAC wrongly paid any amount from escrow account to Bayelsa Government. He also called on the law abiding people of the affected Nembe and Kalabari kingdoms not to allow the unity of the Ijaw nation to be affected by the antics of the people who want to play politics over the disputed oil wells. He said that was a deliberate falsehood that had been put out there to create an impression of bias on the part of a hardworking, impartial federal agency that is doing their work. “The truth, however, is this: last year, the government of Bayelsa made some claims against Rivers on the account of revenue collection due Bayelsa in respect of some disputed wells. The government of Rivers and its officials duly defended this claim and at the end of it, there was a reconciliation of figures,’’ he said.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Rivers House of Assembly summons education commissioner over teachers’ recruitment

he Rivers House of Assembly on Tuesday invited the Commissioner for Education in the state, Miss Alice Lawrence Nemi, to appear before it yesterday. She is to explain the circumstances surrounding the ongoing teachers’ recruitment exercise by the state Ministry of Education. The invitation followed a motion by Mr Ibiso Nwuche, representing Ahoada-East constituency, on the issue. The assembly asked the commissioner to explain why her ministry decided to hijack the functions of the Universal Basic Education Board and the Senior Secondary Schools Management Board by conducting the exercise. It warned that the lawmakers would not entertain any excuse for non-compliance to the resolution. The Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Otelemaba Amachree, also directed the suspension of the ongoing teachers recruitment exercise handled by the ministry. “I want us to amend prayer two and I want prayer two to read thus;, the Commissioner and her team plus the Permanent Secretary and the directors should appear before the House tomorrow morning ,10 am. “Make sure you convey the resolution of the House to her immediately. We will not entertain any excuse. Tomorrow, she must appear before the house at 10.00am.” Nwuche had, in his motion, prayed the House to suspend the ongoing teachers’ recruitment exercise in the state. He said the exercise ought to have been handled by the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) and the Senior Secondary Schools Board and not the ministry. The lawmaker noted that for the ministry to hijack the exercise, it had rendered redundant the two boards from carrying out their statutory functions. NAN reports that all the lawmakers unanimously supported the motion for the suspension of the exercise and the invitation of the commissioner and her team. (NAN)

PAGE 39

Kwakwanso emerges Housing/ Development governor of the year By Lawrence Olaoye

ano state governor, Dr. Rabiu Kwakwanso, has been nominated as the Housing/Urban Development governor of the year by a specialized monthly magazine, Housing Circuit. This was revealed in a statement signed by the magazine’s publisher, Mr. Seun

Jegede, in a statement made available to newsmen yesterday. Jegede said the governor was nominated as the best governor in housing and urban development in the country based on his excellent performances in the sector. According to him, the magazine’s award dinner is designed to honour and celebrate excellent

performances among professionals in the building and construction industry. He disclosed that the VicePresident, Arc. Namadi Sambo will be the Special Guest of Honour at the award night scheduled to hold in Transcorp Hilton Abuja on the 4 th of December while the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Bala Mohammed would give

the dinner talks. Other professionals nominated for awards alongside the Kano governor include Arc. Terver Gemade, Mr. Ike Ojih, Dr. (Mrs.) Hanatu Fika and Hassan Musa Usman. Others are Surv. Gaius Assor, Mr. Akande Omoniyi, Mrs Olabisi Lasisi-Oladele, Dr. Yahaya Yusuf and Surv. Olabode Adeaga.

The Nigerien Delegates presenting an award to Kano State Governor Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso during their visit to Kano to discuss the proposed Kano-Niger Republic Secondary School in Niger Republic.

Kogi NULGE brings LG Chairmen to their knees From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

ational Union of Local G o v e r n m e n t Employees, NULGE, Kogi state chapter, yesterday succeeded in stamping their authority that sundry money deducted from the local government account must stop. Such deduction from the source which brought Capt Wada and his Liason Officers on

a collision course recently with NULGE was capable of bringing industrial disharmony in the 21 Local Government of the state. Briefing newsmen in Government House Lokoja, the NULGE President, Comrade Tom Abutu, noted that though the issue of back-log of salaries and arrears were not addressed, but the Liason Officers were warned not to deduct money at source.

Abutu reiterated that with a clear directive from the governor concerning the money of the local government, they were satisfied, but however posited that issue of screening which had been rumoured were real noting that it had helped in fishing out ghost workers at the local government level. The Chairman of Liason Officers in the state, Mr

Farouk Adejo, said the issue of screening was germane as some people staying in Abuja were claiming to be working at the local government thereby over loading the wage bill It would be recalled that the state governor while addressing the Liason Officers in Government House, Lokoja a couple of days ago told them that reports

House Leader commends Akpabio over appointment of female D/Governor By Lawrence Olaoye

he House of Representatives Leader, Rt. Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola yesterday described the appointment of Mrs. Valerie Ebe as the first Female Deputy Governor of Akwa-Ibom state as a plus for female politicians in the country. The Leader in a statement

issued in Abuja also commended the Governor of the state, Godswill Akpabio ,for appointing Ebe as his deputy, saying that such gesture would further strengthen the female politicians in contributing their own quota to the development of the state. Akande-Adeola equally enjoined female politicians in the state to render their unflinching supports for the

deputy governor saying, “the deputy governor is our own and we have to give her the necessary support she needs to succeed in this all important assignment”. She added “the appointment of Mrs Valerie Ebe as the first female deputy governor of the state, by His Excellency, Governor Godswill Akpabio has further shown that the Peoples Democratic Party,

PDP as a political party is committed to 35 percent affirmative action for women”. The House Leader who noted that the action of the governor to appoint Mrs Ebe as number two citizen of the state would further embolden women to be more proactive to politics, however charged her to be good ambassador of women in the discharge of her duties and work hand in hand

wither boss in providing dividends of democracy to the people of the state. She also enjoined all the nation’s political parties to, as a matter of priority, give women in politics chance to contribute to the development of the country, stressing that, “women in politics have shown that they are good leaders in their own right”.

PAGE 40

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Bauchi to generate 20,000 jobs in 2013, says Commissioner

R-L: Vice President, Mohammed Namadi Sambo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, Head of the Federal Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Isa Bello Sali and Chief of Staff State House, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe, during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the State House Abuja yesterday. Photo: Joe Oroye

We are working harmoniously with Jonathan, Tambuwal tells PDP By Lawrence Olaoye

peaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, yesterday told the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the re was no rift between the House and the executive headed by President Godluck Jonathan. Tambuwal told the party's National Working Committee (NWC) chaired by Alhaji Bamanga Tukur that this becomes more evident as the House has never turned down any executive bill emanating from the Presidency but affirmed that there were situations where there would be disagreements between the two arms. Such disagreements, the

Speaker maintained, are beauties of democracy aimed at ensuring good governance at all levels. He said "'On our part in the House of Representatives, we shall continue to do what is good for good governance of the country. We are working harmoniously with the Executive arm of government, for the benefit of the people of Nigeria. I want it to be on record that there is no bill from the Executive arm of government that hasn't passed through the floor of the House of Representatives. "Of course, debates must be taken, issues must be raised, policies must be criticized, bills must be criticized, but at the end of the day, we get to the desired destination, of ensuring that the programmes of our

government are passed. "So, we are working with our Executive arm of government harmoniously, in the end for the benefit of the people of Nigeria. That should be quite re-assuring to you, as the leader and father of our party and to our NWC. Whatever it is that you might have been seeing, it has to go that way, because that's what democracy is all about. Members of the National Assembly, particularly members of the PDP are very much committed to the manifesto of our party and we are aware of what the manifesto of our party," he assured. Tambuwal clarification is however coming on the heels of seeming acrimonies between the two arms of government over poor budget implementation by the government. The disagreement

between the arms recently degenerated to a point that some notable members of the House mulled the idea of commencing impeachment process against the President. The PDP Chairman in his welcome address to the leadership of the House commended the lawmakers for making laws for good governance in the country. He however charged the PDP lawmakers to continue to propagate the party's manifestoes and its 12 point programme across the country. Tukur also assured the House leadership of the party's support at all times just as he added the PDP would ensure that they continue to enjoy supports in the constituencies for as long as they remain focused and committed to the party's ideals.

Institute seeks ANPP's collaboration on political roundtable By Umar Muhammad Puma

he Governing Council of the National Institute for the Legislative Studies has called on the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), other political parties and stakeholders to collaborate with it on the forthcoming roundtable on party politics in the country.

Leaders of the Council, Senator Akin Odunsi and the Director General of the Institute, Dr. Ladi Hamalai, made this known during their courtesy visit to the ANPP national headquarters in Abuja yesterday. Odunsi said that the Institute was established to help in developing the democratic institutions in the country and

to train the legislators, their aids, state legislators and other stakeholders that are involved in a democratic process, because the Nigerians legislators are the most underdeveloped, adding that the roundtable will be hold from 12-13th of this month. Commending the institution for making sure that Nigeria democracy grows, the party

National Chairman, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, explained that for democracy to grow in the country, there must be a provision for free and fair elections that will produce credible leaders. He called on the National Assembly to quickly pass into law amendments to the Electoral Act to save Nigeria from electoral fraud.

he Bauchi State government will create additional 20,000 jobs in 2013 to cater for unemployed women and youths, Alhaji Aminu Hammayo, the commissioner for Finance, has said. Hammayo made this known in Bauchi at a roundtable discussion with stakeholders on the state's 2013 budget. He said the jobs would be created through the public works programme, whcih had been adopted as a model by the Federal Government in the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P). ``The Bauchi experiment with the public works where we engage women and youths in different skills acquisition programme have been adopted by the federal and some state governments. ``The programme basically involves engaging unemployed youths in community activities like sanitation, beautification of gardens and parks. ``Next year, we intend to engage these people for eight straight hours and pay them. The social and economic implication of this cannot be over-emphasised.'' Hammayo also said that various measures would be taken to curb over spending on overhead cost and other recurrent expenses in 2013. The commissioner said that the savings from such measures would be channeled to sectors such as water, healthcare as well as new access roads for rural farmers. ``We have some outstanding proposals in this year's budget, which we may not be able to meet due to non-realisation of our revenue targets. As you know, the budget was based on certain parameters. ``These include the fact that we target some amount from the internally generated revenue and the proceeds from the federation accounts.'' ``The expected revenue was not forthcoming as you all know. This, therefore, affected our projections and plans in critical areas.'' The commissioner said the 2013 budget would focus on health, education, road, water supply and youth empowerment among others. He said that measures had been taken to reduce the number of political appointees in order to create more viable options of employment for others. ``No doubt, the issue of political appointees became an issue, but, surely, it was a necessity that the period demanded then. ``That is part of actions that any responsive government must take. Now, we are working out options to provide permanent employment for our people in the 2013 budget.'' Hammayo said that the budget would also lay emphasis on the completion of ongoing projects as contained in the contract agreements. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the final draft 2013 Appropriation Bill will be sent to the State House of Assembly soon. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

PAGE 41

Gaiya denies Obafemi, Apam, Lawal return to Eagles, NSC bill in NASS 2013 Nations Cup

as Keshi calls up Ameobi for Venezuela INVITED FOREIGN PROS:

Stories by Patrick Andrew

evante forward and former “weapon of mass destruction” Martins Obafemi, Onyekachi Apam of Rennes FC, France, have been handed a recall to the Super Eagles. Also, Newscatle forward Shola Ameobi has been given his maiden call up under Keshi-led Eagles to lace boots for Nigeria, just as Raheem Lawal, who scored a spectacular goal in Blantyre, has been given the nod to return to the fold. The quatet were part of the 11 foreign-based Eagles asked by Keshi to join the domestic league players for the international friendly duel against Venezuela on November 14 in Miami, USA. Keshi, who named the players yesterday, had previously planned to tackle Venezuela with only local players but opted to expand the squad to give some others chance to prove their mettles and thus earn recall to the main team for the Nations Cup. Also included is Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, his club mate Victor Moses and Brown Ideye, who has yet to earn a place in the team in spite enjoying several call up under “big Boss”. However, skipper Joseph Yobo and Osaze Odemwingie have excused from the team during to injury for Yobo and wife’s pregnancy for Osaze. In the same vein, the duo Papa Idris and Reuben Gabriel, who are recuperating from injury were equally excused from the trip.

Goalkeeper: Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel) Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (FC Braga, Portugal); Onyekachi Apam (Rennes, France) Midfielders: Mikel Obi (Chelsea, England); Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Raheem Lawal (Adana Demirspor, Turkey) Forwards: Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kiev, Ukraine); Victor Moses (Chelsea, England); Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England); Obafemi Martins (Levante FC, Spain).

Onyekachi Apam

Shola Ameobi

… Sidney Sam now Nigeria player as Eagles camp opens December 17

Martins Obafemi

ayer Leverkusen of Germany midfielder, Sidney Sam, has finally accepted to play for Nigeria and wants to team up with the Super Eagles for the Nations Cup in South Africa, next January. Eagles head Coach, Stephen Keshi, who disclosed this yesterday, said Sam finally opted to play for his fatherland after being convinced that his international would have better prospect with Nigeria than Germany. “He’s keen to join up with

us, so we will wait and see how he responds when we open camp for the Nations Cup. But I have spoken to him and he sounded very enthusiastic to be part of the setting.” Meanwhile, the final phase of the Eagles camping programme ahead of the Nations Cup finals will formally kick-start on December 17. Keshi, who disclosed this said it would be an open camp as planned but confirmed that it would not be an all comers affairs. He said that new players

to hit the camp would be carefully selected because of the lack of time for experimentation. Meanwhile, the Super Eagles will this morning trade tackles with exciting Abuja amateur side, Abuja Football Academy at the Training pitch of the Abuja National Stadium. The match is scheduled for 8am and its one of the tune up games for the team ahead of its international friendly against Venezuela in Miami, USA on November 14.

National Under-17 Youth Games to debut next year, Sports Minister says

he quest to regenerate fresh talents in sports would begin in earnest next year with the introduction of a new sports competition for youths under the age of 17. Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, revealed on Tuesday while inuagurating the reconstituted board of the Nigeria Academicals Sports Committee (NASCOM) Abdullahi said it was the intention of the Federal Government to breathe life into the moribund grassroots sports development by instituting a fresh competition that

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the General Public of the loss of original acknowledgement letter of Plot No. 531 of land of about 1066.969sqm located at Jahi District, Abuja. Belonging to CHIEF DR. PIUS MUOGHALU M. All efforts made to trace the said missing document proved abortive. If found, please kindly return to the nearest police station, AGIS or contact: 08037863807.

would create an opportunity for the abundant fledgling talents to be identified and then groomed for future use. According to the minister, such fresh talents should in the near future replace the aging athletes who are well past their peak and therefore performing dismally at international sports events. “It is part of our resolve and commitment to ensuring that we uplift our sports, and there is no other way of doing this other than through the youths,’’ the minister who is also Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), said. Abdullahi who had same day inaugurated the newlyconstituted board of the Nigeria Academicals Sports Committee (NASCOM) said the new national youth competition would debut from next year. He said athletes discovered from the competition would graduate to the next level and form the pool of those that would be utilised for future international games. The minister assured that government would create the enabling environment and act as facilitators for the country to take her rightful position in the scheme of things in sports internationally. “I will, however, appeal for understanding from Nigerians as government cannot provide everything needed to uplift our sports. But with the support of the corporate world and other individuals, the country will definitely get it right,’’ he said.

odfrey Gaiya, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Sports, has denied the existence of any bill by the executive arm of government in the name of National Sports Commission (NSC) for consideration by the National Assembly. Gaiya, who was reacting to comments made in respect of the purported NSC bill said to be before the lawmakers, dismissed any such bill stressing that the existence of such bill was only in the figment of some persons’ imagination. Peoples Daily Sports learnt that the alleged NSC bill seeks to give the commission the powers to hire professionals it deems fit to administer sports in the country as well as dismiss those it found to have fallen short of professional and m a n a g e r i a l requirements. Gaiya, who was quoted by a news agency yesterday, admitted to the existence of a bill for the repeal of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) Act of 2004 and enacting the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Act. According to him, the NFF bill seeks a better administration of football and related matters. “The NFF put their house together and brought a proposal to the committee and the committee took it upon itself to sponsor it on the floor. It went through first, second and third reading. We have also done our public hearing. “What we are doing now is to get a clean copy for the whole House to accept and then, we will pass it to Mr President for his signature. We will achieve this before the end of this tenure,’’ he said. It would be recalled that name change became an issue in Nigeria football when some persons challenged the legitimacy of the NFF insisting that the law only recognises the NFA and as such the existing leadership and whatever actions taken by that leadership were null and void.

According to Gaiya, whatever bill hitherto presented by whoever and whatever arm of government to the NASS in the past dispensation died with that era, and therefore would require fresh bill to meet its yearnings. He said this response to reminders that a bill that sought to brreathe life into the NSC and its activities had been presented during the sixth assembly, and stressed that the commission ought to have represented a fresh request in that respect, especially since little was done to get it passed. “The NSC has brought no bill. They have brought no proposal. It is not us that will bring the document for them to work with. They are policy implementers; they cannot just come and say this is what we want. “Don’t forget that we have two sources of bill; the executive and private member bill. The NSC bill is an executive bill and we cannot bring it as a private member bill. “We cannot do that because it is encompassing, it is a policy trust that a private member cannot speak for the government. So, let the government go and get us a bill, make it an executive bill to the parliament and we will work on it. “As far as I am concerned, anybody that tells you that the NSC bill is pending with the National Assembly is talking about history. It was there in the sixth assembly, today we are in the seventh,’’ he said.

Chief Patrick Ekeji, DG, NSC

PAGE 42

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

2012/2013 Football season: 600 referees participating in fitness test - President

Chelsea to host women’s UCL final

EFA said Chelsea will host the Women’s Champions League final at their Stamford Bridge stadium. The 41 000-capacity venue will stage the match on May 23, two days before the Champions League final at Wembley Stadium for the second time in three seasons. Last season, more than 50 000 people at the Olympic Stadium in Munich saw Lyon beat Frankfurt 2-0 in the women’s final. Two days later, Chelsea won the Champions League by beating Bayern Munich in Allianz Arena. Lyon are two-time defending women’s champions having beaten another German club, Turbine Potsdam, in the 2011 final at Fulham’s Craven Cottage stadium watched by 14 000.

Super Eagles worried over visa date for U.S. friendly

he U.S. embassy has asked the players and officials listed for the friendly match against Venezuela in Miami, U.S., to come for visa interviews on November 9, according to a statement. A statement by Ben Alaiya, the Super Eagles Media Officer, said that the team planned to travel to the U.S. on Sunday for the November 14 encounter. He said the closeness of the dates was giving the team concern, adding that the fear was that the visas might not be issued on that day and that might upset their travel plan. All the 24 home-based players invited for the Venezuelan friendly are now in camp following the arrival in camp Gambo Mohammed and Uzoenyi Ejike, who were out for tourney in Niamey for the former and trial in Europe for the latter. Meanwhile, Chief Coach Stephen Keshi has ruled out the likes of Gabriel Reuben, Papa Idris, Joseph Yobo and Osaze Odemwingie from the trip due to injuries and club commitment. “We don’t want to rush them back into the national team because we already know what they can do. “Let them heal well and then we hope they will be in good shape for the Nations Cup championship proper,” Keshi said.

Ahmed Maude, president NRA

o fewer than 600 referees are participating in the 2012/2013 fitness test at the National Stadium, Abuja, an official said yesterday. Ahmed Maude, the President, Nigerian Referees Association (NRA), who disclosed this in Abuja, said the referees were drawn from the six geo-political zones. Maude said the five-day event, which started on Tuesday, was meant to test the level of fitness of the referees “who will officiate in the 2012/2013 football

season’’. “This fitness test is for referees who will officiate in the 2012/ 2013 season of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) and the Nigeria National League (NNL). “We decided to categorise the referees under six geo-political zones and we are expecting a total of 600 to be tested from the six zones. The test starts today with the South-West zone, which a total of 152 referees. “Those who will officiate in the Nigeria Nationwide League

(NNWL) will be tested at their various zones,’’ he said. Maude said the fitness test was aimed at finding out the health status of the referees when the season starts. “The test is to know the level of their fitness so that we will know if they will be able to cope when the season starts. Any referee that did not pass the test will not be allowed to officiate in the coming season,” he said. The 2012/2013 fitness test will hold from Nov. 6 to Nov. 11

Volleyball Federation set to develop game in South-South, says official

he Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVF) says it is set to develop the game in the South-South region. Dr Ebenezer Marokinyo, Vice President of the federation, gave the assurance at a press briefing to mark the opening ceremony of the 1st South-South Volleyball Championship in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. Marokinyo said that the competition was aimed at discovering talents and to take the youths off the streets. The competition was organised in conjunction with Master Energy Oil and Gas Ltd and Mr Dakuku Peterside, a member of the House of Representatives, representing Andoni/Opobo federal constituency. “We have six male teams and three female teams on ground. The teams that are on ground are: Rivers, Edo, Bayelsa and Delta and then we have Nigerian Police Force and Shell Volleyball Club. For the female, we have the Rivers, Bayelsa teams and Shell club. “The vision for this championship is to bring the youth together in such

a way they will be able to use their energies in constructive ways and to take them off the street; and so they will not be participating in nefarious activities. “And also, we have the vision to develop the game of volleyball in the South-South where we have abundance of volleyball talents. “And we hope that through this championship, we will be able to discover new ones apart from the ones that are already participating for the national team; we will be able to discover new talents that will be nurtured, developed and bring them to the national team and wear national colour.” He said that the federation would not relent in its effort at supporting any platforms for youth development in the country. Marokinyo urged the youth in the region to embrace sporting activities as a way of combating social vices in the society. He assured that the talents discovered in the competition would be groomed for future national and international competitions.

Ronaldo of Brazil

Lionel Messi

‘Ronaldo was my hero’ says Messi

arcelona striker Lionel Messi, widely considered the best player in the world, has revealed that Ronaldo was one of his heroes but not his Portuguese rival. “Ronaldo was my hero,” Messi was quoted as saying in the

latest edition of British football magazine FourFourTwo, referring to the Brazilian Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima, not Real Madrid’s Cristiano, with whom he is vying for the Ballon d’Or. “I loved watching players like

(Zinedine) Zidane, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo but Ronaldo was the best striker I’ve ever seen,” he added. “He was so fast he could score from nothing, and could shoot the ball better than anyone I’ve ever seen.”

Messi, 25, is tipped to pick up the Ballon d’Or award for the world’s best footballer. Like Ronaldo, who also played at Barcelona, and France legend Zidane he has won the prestigious accolade three times.

No Christmas, New Year break for Eagles, Keshi insists

here will be neither Christmas nor New Year break for members of the Super Eagles, who will be having the final phase of preparations for the 2013 Nations Cup finals, scheduled to kick-off from January 19, in South Africa. Accordingly, the team will toughen their battle readiness in Faro, Portugal, where the NFF has existing agreement to use the facility for preparation.

The Eagles had used that facility under Clemens Westerhof. Chief Coach of the team, Stephen Keshi, revealed yesterday even as he said that the November 14 international friendly duel between Nigeria and Venezuela will not throw up selection headache. Keshi, who spoke at the weekly media parley yesterday in Abuja, said that

the team will commence its break immediately after the Venezuela friendly, adding that the team will reconvene on December 17 in Abuja before the final preparation. Keshi, who gave reasons for his choice of Portugal as the teams’ training camp, said that he decided to take the team to Faro because the weather in Portugal and that of the South African cities will be similar.

We chose Portugal because of its sunny weather condition which is almost the same with the city where we will play in group C. We need to soak ourselves in the heating sun in Portugal to be in great shape before the championship begins” keshi noted. On the form of the players the coach said. “Yes, the Eagles are good shape for now. Unlike during the last camping, their top form could be because they

had already started training with their clubs before the invitations. I am very happy with their form. “After the Venezuela friendly, we will have a little break, but the team will reconvene on December 17 before we move to Portugal for the final lap of the training. I have made all my players to forget about Christmas and New Year celebration because that is not in our agenda.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

PEOPLES DAILY

PAGE 43

CLASSIFIED NASCOM’s schools’ sports development mandate renewed, says Minister

ports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi has said that the newly inaugurated board of the Nigeria Academical Sports Commission (NASCOM) has mandate to reposition school sports in the country. Speaking at the inauguration of the reconstituted board of NASCOM, the minister said the new board has the been tasked with the original mandate President Goodluck Jonathan gave its predecessor when it was initially inuagurated on April 11, 2011. Then, the board was handed the responsibility of reviving academicals sports in all Nigerian secondary schools, but was dissolved board last week because it failed to meet its target. “What we are trying to

Bolaji Abdullahi, Minister of Sports

do with this new board is to renew the mandate and broaden the intensity of the responsibilities given to NASCOM. “The reconstitution of the board of NASCOM is part of this administration’s efforts and strategic plan to reposition sports at the secondary school level. “This is in order to facilitate the discovery of young budding sports talents from our school system and the National Sports Commission (NSC), therefore selected responsible men and women of high integrity. “The board also includes representatives of relevant MDAs and youth organisations for the revival of sporting activities in our secondary schools,’’ he said. The minister, who doubles as the Chairman of NSC, named Yemi Idowu as the Chairman of the board to be supported by twelve members. The members are: Fela Bank-Olemo, Ibrahim Muhammed, Olabisi Joseph, Dr Nasiru Gawuna, Mr Kola Olepoju, Lawrence Oduah, Felix Awoogu, Ohima Amaize, Victoria Kayode, Ayotunde Adelakun and Lizzy Onyenwenwa. Abdullahi read the terms of reference for the board to include: to review and evolve a structure and

organise Academical Sports Competition in the relevant sports disciplines. “To determine and adopt rules for academicals sports competitions in the country and liaise with the other sports stakeholders and agencies so as to ensure proper synergy in operations. “To seek sponsorships for competitions, carry out effective Diaspora grassroots talent discovery and nurturing in the relevant academicals sports,’’ he said. Abdullahi, however, charged the board to assist in restoring the old era of effective sports participation and competitiveness in the schools from where future athletes could be sourced. Idowu promised that the board would strive to achieve the objectives set for it with regards to participation of people of school age in competitive sports. He said the board would work with other stakeholders already working but needed a proper structure that would coordinate what everyone was doing to get measurable results. “We will go as far as inter-house sports, interschool sports, state sports, regional sports to get what we actually want,’’ he said.

Williams sisters arrive in Kenya

.S. tennis superstars and Serena and Venus Williams on Tuesday began visits to schools and charities in three provinces in Kenya at the start of a tour of the East African state. The Williams sisters arrived on a flight from Nigeria on Monday night and flew to the western town of Kisumu to visit a school and meet orphans and women widowed by HIV/AIDS. A source close to the delegation, who was not authorised to speak to the media, told PANA that Care International was involved in the organisation of the humanitarian visit. U.S. marines are in charge of their security in Kenya, which includes a convoy of 10 vehicles, carrying her handlers. They were due to visit charity projects yesterday, before arriving at the city’s poorest neighbourhood in Kibera, one of Africa’s largest informal settlement schemes. They would meet visit the Sadili Ovals Sports Academy, which offers key tennis and football lessons to children from poor households. Sadili Ovals Sports Academy is regarded as part of Kenya Football Federation’s talent development. It is financed by the Williams to help children aged 12-16 years to receive training from the best coaches to become marketable. Through the Sadili Ovals, international sports personalities roundly pay to better the lives of children from Kibera Slum’s Katwekera village, apparently influenced by the success of the Williams sisters on the tennis court. Apart from the local tennis academy, the Williams are also financing school projects for poor children in the heartland of Masailand, near the world famous Masai Mara Game Reserve. Through the Build Schools Initiative, the Williams have financed the construction of Ololoi Matui school and Supet in Narok, 150 km outside Nairobi. The schools were built to lessen the suffering of girls, who have to walk over long distances, risking attacks by elephants and lions along the route.

Abimbola, ex-F/Eagles coach gets Sunshine Stars job

unshine Stars have appointed former Flying Eagles coach Samuel Abimbola as their new coach. Abimbola, who assisted John Obuh with both the U17 and U20 national teams, was picked ahead of Wikki coach Ladan Bosso. Other coaches who were considered by Sunshine were Flying Eagles handler John Obuh, who is away in the United States of America on holidays, and Kennedy Boboye from Sharks. Abimbola replaces Segun Ogunbote, who quit his post last week. Abimbola has worked for several lower league clubs including Gateway FC and COD FC of Lagos. Sunshine Stars reached the semi-final of this year’s CAF Champions League. They finished fifth on the NPL table this past season.

PAGE 44

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

2013 Nations Cup finals

Eagles alter training for Miami heat

T Chipolopolo on the mabels

Who’s hot Jacob Mulenga: or a second successive week, the FC Utrecht striker has hit high marks as he continues on his comeback trail. Mulenga on Saturday scored a brace for his Dutch club in their 51 away win at Willem II. Kennedy Mweene: The Zambia number one goalkeeper on Saturday redeemed himself to Free State Stars fans after their 4-0 away loss to Platinum Stars on October 27. Mweene relieved his Africa Cup and Kampala moment to make two crrucial staves in in Free Staes 3-2 post-match penalty win over Bidvest Wits in the Telkom Cup quarterfinals following a scoreless. Who isnt Isaac Chansa & Christopher Katongo: The duo played the full 90 minutes for demoted Chinese Super League side Henan Jianye but failed to go down fighting with a win after lost 2-0 away to Shandong Luneng on Saturday. Collins Mbesuma: The recalled striker had a subdued Telkom Cup quaterfinal outing for Orlando Pirates who lost 5-3 on post-match penalties to Bloemfontein Celtic after the latter rallied to finish 3-3 after extra time. Mbesuma, who is expected his 11-month exile for Zambia against Bafana-Bafana on November 14, was substituted with 20 minutes remaining on the clock. Aaron Katebe: The 20-year-old and his fellow defenders where blamed by Hwange coach for the 1th placed sides 1-0 away loss after failing to stop Joel Ngodzo from getting a late winner for host FC Platinum on sunday. The defender has been recalled to the zambia fold and is in the B team heading for a two-week training camp in India from November 19-30.

Jacob Mulenga

Palancas Negras group pix

Angolan government to assist team

he Angolan government says they are committed to helping the country be successful at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. Palancas Negras were dumped out of the 2012 event in the first round after successive quarterfinal finishes

before that, and the Minister of Youth and Sports, Gonçalves Muandumba says they are ready to help. The Angolan embassy in South Africa has looked into security accomodation for the team and will even help ensure they have the correct food at the event.

“We are all engaged so that the participation of Palancas Negras is successful, and thus improve the previous standing in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon,” the minister said. Angola have been drawn in Group A along with hosts South Africa, Morocco and Cape Verde.

he Super Eagles now train in the early morning so as to cope with the heat in Miami when they tackle Venezuela in a friendly on November 14. From Tuesday morning the team now leaves its training camp at the Bolton White Apartment in Zone 7 every morning at 6:30am, and returns to the hotel at about 9:30 am. “It’s all in a bid to ensure that the match time for the friendly against Venezuela and the sunny nature of the weather that is expected when the two team clash in the United States is followed,” said top team official Dayo Enebi Achor. The match time has been scheduled for 8:30pm Nigerian time yesterday, which is 2am CAT, but it’s expected to be very sunny on the day. The team will train throughout this week in the early hours and are expected to jet out by the weekend for the friendly, which is part of their build-up for the Nations Cup in South Africa.

Azubuike Egwuekwe

Renard rejoices over Mulenga’s form

erve Renard is excited to see striker Jacob Mulenga hitting peak form at FC Utrecht after a long injury layoff. The 28-year-old Dutchbased striker has played 270 minutes since mid-October, scoring three goals in that same period in his first season back after a long-term injury layoff. Renard confirmed that he hoped Mulenga will stay in good health to make the 2013 Africa Cup team. “He needed time to come back after his big injury it was for this reason that he was not part of the game when we played at home against Uganda (In October),” Renard said. Mulenga also missed Zambia’s return leg 2013 Africa Cup qualifier against Uganda on October 13 due to a family bereavement. “He was not fit enough and maybe he didn’t have enough confidence. I

am always in touch with him and to congratulate him. It is very good news for us,” Renard said. Renard said Mulenga’s return will also ease his options in attack. “The more you have a different profile of players the more interesting for the coach to manage tactically during a game or to choose another option,” Renard said. “Jacob has a different profile. We don’t have a lot of players like him in Zambia. He is very strong, very fast, that means he will be very important for us. I hope he will stay fit until the Africa Cup like this. We are very happy to see him back.” Meanwhile, Mulenga is likely to make his long awaited return to the Zambia fold on November 14 when the African champions face BafanaBafana in the Nelson Mandela Challenge at Soccer City.

LOC kicks off ‘celebration week’ with prayers

he South African 2013 Nation’s Cup organisers kicked off pretournament “Celebration Week’’, with a prayer session at the Freedom Park in Pretoria yesterday. The LOC, Communication Officer, Sipho Sithole told newsmen that the prayer session is for the successful hosting of the tournament. He said the interfaith ceremony would be attended by LOC, CEO Mvuzo Mbebe, members of the LOC board and representatives of the foreign missions of the 16 participating teams. “The ceremony will be held at Isivivane, situated on the eastern side of the hill at the Freedom Park. “It is regarded as the resting place of the spirits of those who died in the struggle for freedom and equality. “The concept of Isivivane is derived from the word ‘viva’,

which means ‘to come together in a group,’’ he said. According to Sithole, as South Africa celebrates AFCON Week, religious leaders will gather in Tshwane and Rustenburg on Wednesday and Thursday to pray for a seamless and high quality tournament. He said the ceremony at Freedom Park would be inclusive of all the country’s religious denominations. “As Africans united in diversity, we reach out to God in more ways than one and we need to recognise the importance of African spirituality expressed in its various formations. “Therefore, the gathering at Freedom Park is intended to bring together all the elements of African spirituality so as to seek blessings for a successful soccer tournament,’’ he said. He said after the prayer at the Freedom Park, the delegation to be

led by Mbebe, will depart to Hammanskraal, North of Pretoria, where they will visit the learner from Dikgorwaneng Primary who won the competition to choose the tournament Mascot, Takuma. Sithole said the Rustenburg interfaith ceremony will be held at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Phokeng, on Thursday. “There will also be a flag raising ceremony for all Group ‘D’ teams that will play their group matches at the venue. The teams are Cote d’Ivoire, Tunisia, Algeria and Togo,’’ Sithole said He said on Friday, all host cities - Mbombela, Nelson Mandela Bay, Durban and Johannesburg, will host flag raising ceremonies of the teams that will be based at their respective cities for group stage matches. “Other cities will also activate the Magnificent Friday programme in which the whole

nation is urged to wear their football jerseys every Friday until the end of the tournament,’’ he said. Sithole said on Saturday, Polokwane football fans will be treated to what is expected to be an exciting international match between South African legends who won the 1996 Nation’s Cup and the German legends at Peter Mokaba Stadium. “On Sunday, we are urging the whole country to say special prayers for the LOC to host a successful 2013 AFCON tournament,’’ he said. Nigeria’s Super Eagles will play in group C at the Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit, Mpulanga, alongside the defending champions, Zambia, Ethiopia and Burkina Faso The bi-ennial football fiesta will take place in five centre between Jan. 19 and Feb. 10. 2013.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

PAGE 45

PP II CC T T O O R R II A A LL

1\Joseph Yobo, the Super Eagles has been excluded from the squad that will face Venezuela on November 14 because of recurrent injury problem. 2\...Shadrack Kemboi broke the Soweto Marathon record on Sunday, crossing the finish line in two hours, 16 minutes, 28 seconds (2:16:28), and Mamorallo Tjoka bagged an unprecedented seventh title in the women’s race. 3\The 300-acre training facilities site for England national teams as well as centre of excellence to improve coaching in the country in 2004 when works were halted because of financial worries, but was the projected was resurrected in 2008. 4\Chelsea are set to sign Fluminense right-back Wallace for •5.5 million. Brazilian news outlet Globo Esporte had reported the deal yesterday, but Chelsea are refusing to make any official comment at this stage, ESPN sources have confirmed that there is an agreement in place.

5\Arsene Wenger has berated his charges for lacking self confidence. The Gunners’ manager whose squad were forced to 2-2 draw by Schalke 04 on Tuesday night wants mental rejig for his players.

PAGE 46

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

Djokovic beats Murray in ATP World Tour Finals YSFON has not disappointed, says N President

he Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) has been living up to its responsibilities of bringing up Nigerian youth sports talents, the federation’s National President, Dr Nasiru Gawuna, has said. He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja that the organisation had done its best within the limits of available resources and opportunities. “Right now, we have seven of our players in the starting eleven of the current Golden Eaglets team, while four others are among the substitutes. So, it is clearly evident that we have been performing our role of talent-hunting,’’ Gawuna said. He said this had been possible through the organisation of regular competitions through which the federation had unearthed many young talents. “Though we don’t really have the resources, but we have organised some competitions regularly through the benevolence of our sponsors. “We have judiciously managed these competitions to bring out these talents for the development and growth of the game in the country,’’ the YSFON president said. He however said the YSFON leadership as well as other members have been instrumental to the success of the federation by making lots of acrifices. “A lot of our members have been doing well in terms of sacrifices through personal and financial contributions, and this has really helped us to forge ahead,’’ Gawuna said. He said YSFON was hopeful of maintaining its status as the main production line for Nigerian football talents, disclosing that the federation’s leadership was already working towards organising its 2013 competitions. “Specifically, we are working towards having the Ramat Cup in its traditional home of Kano, as well as the President’s Unity Cup in Kano. “we have been talking with our sponsors and other stakeholders, and we are hopeful of having these competitions as scheduled,’’ the YSFON president said.

Abitova handed twoyear doping ban

ormer European 10 000 metres champion Inga Abitova has been handed a two-year ban for breaking anti-doping regulations, the Russian athletics federation (VFLA) said yesterday. Abitova, 30, who won gold at the 2006 European championships in Gothenburg, was banned for an “abnormal haemoglobin profile in her biological passport”, the VFLA said on its website. The Russian also won silver over the same distance at the 2010 European championships in Barcelona and finished second at the London marathon that year. She came in fourth in the 10 000 metres at the 2008 Beijing Olympics but failed to make the Russian Olympic team this year. The VFLA has annulled Abitova’s results from October 10, 2009 while her suspension began on October 11, 2012. In July, the VFLA handed two-year bans to three other leading female Russian long-distance runners, including 2010 European marathon champion Nailya Yulamanova.

ovak Djokovic fought back from a set down to earn his fourth win of 2012 over Andy Murray and move closer to the ATP World Tour Finals’ last four. The Serb won 4-6 6-3 7-5 at London’s O2 Arena, keeping the world number one top of Group A in the round-robin stage. Djokovic will qualify for the semi-finals if JoWilfried Tsonga beats Tomas Berdych in the late match at 19:45 GMT. Murray’s fate will be decided in Friday’s final group

match with Tsonga. The Briton beat Djokovic to win his first Grand Slam title at the US Open in September but had since lost an epic final in Shanghai to the Serb. The result was in doubt until the very final moment as Djokovic had to save two break points before serving out, but Murray was made to pay for a few sloppy games. It was the seventh time the pair had met this year, with three wins apiece before Wednesday’s clash, and Murray appeared well set to make it four when he broke serve straight away with a forehand winner.

Andy Murray

Novak Djokovic

2012/2013: It’s Heartland year of victory, says Nkwopara

eartland FC of Owerri are repositioning with the objective of eventually clinching the 2012/2013 Nigeria Premier League (NPL) trophy, according to the club’s Chief Media officer, Cajetan Nkwopara. Speaking on the team’s preparations for the new season, Nkwopara said that the club would ensure that only the right type of players are signed to fortify the team for the gruelling task ahead. “In Heartland we are preparing well, I won’t like to use the word seriously, we are preparing as we should, and you can call it backroom preparation. “We are requiting new

Nigeria make FIFA rankings progress

igeria have bounced back into the top 10 of African football after surging up six places in the latest FIFA rankings to 57. The Super Eagles had in last month’s rankings dropped five places, but have now picked up. Côte d’Ivoire remain Africa’s top-ranked team, picking up one place to improve to 15th in the world. Algeria move up 5 places to displace Mali on second while Ghana go to fourth.

Zambia round up Africa’s top 5. 15 1 Côte d’Ivoire 19 2 Algeria 28 3 Mali 29 4 Ghana 39 5 Zambia 40 6 Egypt 46 7 Tunisia

52 8 Central African Republic 52 9 Gabon 57 10 Nigeria 59 11 Libya 61 12 Sierra Leone 62 13 Cameroon

63 14 Cape Verde Islands 71 15 Guinea 72 16 Morocco 73 17 Togo 75 18 Senegal 77 19 Benin 79 20 Angola

players to complement the players we retained after the end of last season and luckily for us most of old players renewed their contracts. “Some top strikers from the league have being training with us; some are even captain of their teams, this season our club is set to conquer the league and not only the Federation Cup,’’ he said.

When asked about the identity of the players currently on trial with the club, he refused to divulge their details and urged NAN to wait until the relationship with the players has being formalised. “At the last count we have about seven players from some premier league sides that want to join us; some are even captains of

their clubs. “We are not disclosing their names at this stage because we are still negotiating with their clubs,’’ Nkwopara said. NAN reports that Heartland had ended the 2011/2012 in the eight position with 51 points from 38 matches played. The 2012/2013 NPL season is scheduled to kickoff on Dec.1.

Commissioner says Rivers fine tuning plans to begin football academy

ivers Commissioner for Sports Fred Igwe said in Port Harcourt on Tuesday that the state was working hard to start a football academy. Igwe, who disclosed this at a forum with the Rivers Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), said the move was part of efforts being made by the government to promote the development of sports. He said that when the academy takes off, “it will engage many youths and move forward sports development’’. Igwe said that there would be coaches in the

communities to ensure that the people participated in sports. He said the state had made giant strides in the provision of sporting facilities for volleyball, football, basketball and swimming. “We have also started the development of community sports centres and all the 23 local governments in the state have taken up the project. Igwe said that sport was in the government’s development agenda, and commended Gov. Chibuike Amaechi for the ongoing renovation at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Sports Complex.

Gov. Rotimi Amaechi

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

PAGE 47

Say what?

Source: Reader's Digest

FACTS

Quick CrossWord (65)

* Thirty-five percent of the people who use personal ads for dating are already married.

ACROSS 1 Made flawless (9) * It is possible to lead a cow upstairs...but not downstairs. 6 Given help (5) 7 Loutish lad (3) * A duck's quack doesn't echo and no one knows why 8 Long country walk (4) * The reason firehouses have circular stairways is from the days when the engines were pulled by 10 Door lockers (4) horses. The horses were stabled on the ground floor and figured out how to walk up straight 13 Gunge (3) staircases. Source: Weird facts 14 Eccentric (5) 16 Become rich (4,5) * The three most valuable brand names on earth: Marlboro, Coca-Cola, and Budweiser, in that order.

PHOTO OF THE DAY

DOWN 1 Juicy summer fruit (5) 2 Get __ of, discard (3) 3 Terminate (4) 4 Shrubby culinary herb (5) 5 Name, call (3) 9 Rap at a door (5) 11 Bashfully (5) 12 Glide lightly over (4) 13 Chewing __, sweet (3) 15 Have (3)

Yesterdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s answer

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

. . . putting the people first

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012

QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE PDP has been hijacked by cabals who now run the place. It's a question of cash and carry. There is just no discipline. – Achike Udenwa, former governor, Imo state

SPORTS Has change come, this time? LA TEST LATEST AWC: Banyana in historic win over Super Falcons

outh Africa have created history after a 1-0 win over Nigeria in the semifinals of the 2012 African Women’s Championship in Equatorial Guinea. Banyana Banyana had never beaten the Super Falcons before in almost 20 years of trying, but have finally succeeded thanks to a first half goal from Janine van Wyk. The Nigerians have long been the queens of African football, but South Africa can challenge that, especially if they go on to win the tournament. Banyana also qualified for the 2012 London Olympics while Nigeria stayed at home. Both teams had earlier played friendly international duel which ended in draw. Before then, the Falcons had held the bragging rights as the Banyana Banyana had never beaten nor forced them to draw. All that changed yesterday. The South Africans were more composed and defended stoutly against the on surge of the Falcons, who though were bereft of ideas for most of the match. The decisive moment of the game came on 24 minutes when Van Wyk picked up the loose ball and fired in a shot that looped over the Nigerian goalkeeper from distance. The victory meant that coach Kadiri Ikhana has failed to meet one of his contractual conditions, which was to retain the AWC. He also has to reach the last four of the FIFA Women World Cup, a trophy he boasted he would win for Nigeria. South Africa will meet hosts Equatorial Guinea in the final on Saturday, a repeat of the 2008 tournament decider that was won 2-1 by the latter. Banyana also lost to Equatorial Guinea 1-0 in the opening match of this competition, but have got stronger as the competition has gone on. UEFA C/L results Chelsea 3 v Shakhtar Donetsk2 Celtic 2 v Barcelona 1 Bayern Munich 6 v Lille 1 Braga 1 v Man Utd 3 Benfica 2 v Spartak 0 Valencia 4 v BATE 2 Juventus4vFC Nordsjaelland0 CFR Cluj 1 v Galatasaray 3

ADVERT: BUSINESS: NEWS: LAGOS:

0803 0805 0803 0805 0803

t’s over at last. President Barack Hussein Obama has won the 2012 United States (US) presidential election. Going by CNN’s monitoring of twitter with over 6000 tweets being sent per second at one point, much of the world has been transfixed. The greatest country on earth, Obama reminded us in his acceptance speech. He, like many Americans and lovers of that great country will tell you that it is the workings of its democratic system as much as its economic prowess that makes America special. Yes, everything from the slick campaign adverts; the emotionally draining debates to the fairly efficient voting machinery deployed left us green with envy. No violence, no unchallenged lies, halftruths, or overtly criminal incitement, no overbearing national elections commission, no pretend politicians who are really just jobless thugs... Democracy for the many or the few? The American dream if you think about it – life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness – is a powerful set of desires which can resonate with all people, whatever their system for changing government. There are many who will tell you the Electoral College system which underpins the US system is not really that democratic. In 2004, clumsy and contentious voting technology exposed some of the underlying inconsistencies. In times past socialists would tell you there was little difference between the two main parties because power still remained in the hands of a powerful business elite who controlled universities, the media, churches, foundations and even hospitals. So the democratic change from Republican to Democrat and back was actually, mostly illusion. Recession and demographics Whatever the case, what is certain, and what has been amplified by this 2012 election is that things are changing rapidly. That world of a powerful, monolithic business elite tele-guiding American politics has contracted. This is not least because of what economist and Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz calls the ‘worst global recession since the 1930s’. It is also because of the demographics. America has

311 689 606 327 454

7458 1765 3308 1969 0344

CAR TEL OPIA CARTEL TELOPIA By Aisha Yolah ayolah06@yahoo.com 08086296783 (text only please)

President Barack Obama changed. The Democratic party has been more openminded and understanding of this reality. They have moved with the times. Beginning with Bill Clinton (Remember how he was called America’s first Black president?) and now with the incredible feat of a Black man of Kenyan ancestry retaking the White House for another four years! Stuck in the past In contrast the Republicans seem to have got stuck in the past: A past personified by the audience that I watched weeping profusely at the realisation that Mitt Romney had lost. I did not see any Black or Asian face. Who would have thought it: that the day feared most by xenophobic white supremacists has already come! Obama was swept back into power by the votes of women and Black people! Only 40% of Whites – and most of these being young, female or urban city dwellers - voted for Obama. The majority of white, male, rural America, 60% of

them, voted for the Republican contender, Mitt Romney. The maths is astounding: 93% of the Black, 71% of the Hispanic vote went to Obama ! Divided country and congress This demographic division in voting pattern is compounded by the fact that Congress is divided along party lines too! The Senate has stayed with the Democrats and the House is predominantly Republican. A country divided across race and by sharp partisanship in government requires a statesman to make things work. Obama has clearly understood the scale of the task before him. His insistence that the US will always be the united states of America in his acceptance speech despite the cynics and the pessimists hinted at his full understanding of the implication of this election result. Part of the genius of the Democratic party under first Clinton and then Obama is the

movement away from the traditional left to the centre, thus undercutting some of the ground from the Republicans. For me, an African Muslim, this Obama disguised as Republican is evident in his foreign policy – what with drones, targeted killings and so forth. It is left to be seen whether he will move in a more constructive direction in this his 2 nd and final term. Maybe those Pentagon hawks will have read the international demographics… In need of change I was reminded of Nigeria’s situation at the end of the 2011 General Election. An artificially contrived division along religious lines led to a sharp demarcation between North and South in voting patterns that had never happened before. As far as I am concerned that election ‘strategy’ if it can be called one will forever remain a major and most terrible contribution to our underdevelopment by President Goodluck Jonathan. Since then rather than try to reverse this culture of parochialism he has reinforced it, seemingly unable to rise above his own limited understanding of the world. It is truly sad.

Questions for Abubakar, Dasuki & Co...Part 2

eactions to last week’s questions for our Security Chiefs included a number of additional questions for them. I humbly present a selection with the hope that our will be one day a more dependable, reliable and efficient security infrastructure like those in Niger or Ghana. 1. Why do our security services work so differently from other police and investigative services by requiring evidence after arrest, rather than evidence before arrest? 2 . How come anybody can phone up journalists and say he is Boko Haram without the security services being able to either authenticate or confirm the identity of the caller as we see in old TV shows where calls are traced? 3 . What measures are there to protect informants and how effective have they been, if they exist at all? To be continued.

Published by Peoples Media Limited, 35, Ajose Adeogun Street, 1st Floor Peace Park Plaza, Utako, Abuja. Kano office: Plot 3, Zaria Road, Opposite Kano State House of Assembly. Lagos Office: No.8 Oliyide Street, off Unity Road, Ikeja, Lagos. Tel: +234-09-8734478. Cell: +234 803 606 3308. e-mail: contact@peoplesdaily-online.com; pmlnewsdesk@gmail.com ISSN: 2141– 6141