Peoples Daily Newspaper, Thursday, May 10, 2012

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

Vol. 8 No. 34

Thursday, May 10, 2012

. . . putting the people first

Jimadal Akhir 19, 1433 AH

N150

Child prisoner on death row free after 17 years

By Tobias Lengnan

A

31-year- old man who was sentenced to death as a juvenile has expressed his happiness at being released from prison and reunited with his family after such a long time, following a relentless global campaign by Amnesty International.

Patrick Okoroafor was just 14 when he was arrested in 1995 and 16 when sentenced to death for armed robbery, a crime he says he did not commit.

Amnesty International considers Okoroafor’s trial to have been grossly unfair and repeatedly called for his immediate and unconditional release.

Upon his release, he reportedly said: “After Amnesty began its call for my release from prison, and after reading some of the thousands Contd on Page 2

Patrick Okoroafor

R-L: Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms. Arunma Oteh and Executive Commissioner, Operations of SEC, Mrs. Daisy Ekineh during the continuation of the public hearing on the collapse of the Nigerian Capital Market, yesterday at the National Assembly, Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Capital market

Oteh, SEC mgt. team collide over road map >>> PAGE 2

Nigeria has huge Army deploys black market for personnel to crude, claims Shell Kaduna suburb >> PAGE 2

>> PAGE 4

Benue police command arrests arms manufacturer >> PAGE 5

No plan to reshuffle cabinet – Presidency >> PAGE 6

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

CONTENTS

Nigeria has huge black market for crude, claims Shell

News

By Aminu Imam with agency report

2-11

Editorial

12

Op.Ed

13

Letters

14

Opinion

15

Metro

16-17

Business

19-22

S/Exchange

23

S/Report

24

Earth

28

Newsxtra

29

T

here is a “massive” black market for crude oil stolen from Shell’s subsidiary in Nigeria, the company said in a briefing note released yesterday.

Shell declared force majeure on the Nigerian blend of crude oil last week because of what it described as rampant theft from one of its oil pipelines there.

Shell said there were more than 230 cases of oil theft in 2011, compared with 187 reported in 2010.

“We estimate that some 150,000 barrels of oil are stolen from facilities every day. This is a huge amount and the effects of this industrial scale theft are devastating for both the people and the environment,” Mutiu

Sunmonu, chairman of Shell companies in Nigeria, said.

“In 2011, authorities arrested 145 people and seized among others 18 tankers, 22 vehicles, 16 barges, and 35 locally made boats. These almost certainly represent a small fraction of the true scale of the problem,” Sunmonu said.

It could be recalled that in February, Shell, said that Nigeria was losing N2.9 billion daily to oil theft.

Speaking at the opening of the 2012 edition of the Nigerian Oil and Gas, in Abuja Regional Executive Vice President, Sub-Sahara Africa, Shell Upstream, Mr. Ian Craig said production in the region was being hampered by militancy and security issues between 2005 and 2009, as well as massive oil theft, which he estimated at about 150,000

barrels per day.

“There is also a massive illegal refining business based on stolen crude oil,” the Platts news service quoted the company as stating.

“All these have reduced the amount of oil Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria is producing, created environmental and social problems from oil spills and reduced government revenue that could be used to develop infrastructure and services.”

The company said the banditry may be tied to an international syndicate. If it continues, it would be “devastating” to the Nigerian economy as well as its environment.

Shell has blamed oil bandits and saboteurs for a series of oil spills near the Niger Delta region.

The super major is suspected of vastly under-reporting the amount of oil spilled in the region in 2008 and faces a lawsuit in a London court filed by Nigerians impacted by the spills, however.

Meanwhile, ConocoPhilips (COP), a US based oil major, is selling its assets in Nigeria, which include onshore and offshore oil and gas interests as well as a stake in the Brass LNG facility, a company spokesman said, confirming reports late Tuesday.

Conoco is in the middle of a three-year repositioning aimed at improving its balance sheet and making the company more attractive to investors.

The plan includes the sale of $15 billion-$20 billion in assets, large-scale share buybacks and the spinoff of its refining arm.

Oteh, mgt. team collide over road map

By Lawrence Olaoye

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N9.97bn fraud: A prelude to Bukola Saraki’s many troubles, Page 37

International 31-34 Strange World 35 Digest

36

Politics

37-40

Sports

41-47

Columnist

48

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

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

Phones for News: 070-37756364 09-8734478

he management team of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) yesterday openly disagreed with its Director General, Ms. Arunma Oteh, over the existence of a blueprint for catapulting the nation’s Capital Market to world standard.

Executive Commissioners, while testifying before the House of Representatives ad hoc Committee investigating the near collapse of the Capital Market denied ever contributing to the framework.

Asked whether he was aware of the roadmap, the Commissioner in charge of Legal Matters, Charles Udora, said “I do not know anything about the document. Nobody sought my input or attention on the roadmap”, he said.

They criticized Oteh for introducing an alien

management style that has alienated the management team just as they alleged that her attitude has eroded trust and administrative conviviality in the Commission.

The signs of lack of management cohesion became apparent when the Commissioners said they were ignorant of the decision of the SEC boss to have two Access Bank staff seconded to the Commission in the name of providing technical expertise.

This position ran contrary to Oteh’s submission that the decision was that of the entire management.

Before the open dispute, SEC Human Resources Director, Useni Dauda, had told the panel that due process was not followed in the recruitment of some contract staff, saying they were brought on by Oteh upon her assumption of office and were yet to get the

endorsement of the Executive Committee.

However, the SEC DG told the committee that the process of regularization of the contract staff was in the offing even as she argued that hiring contract staff was alien to civil service rules.

The five commissioners also denied being involved in the organization and celebration of Project 50, a Golden Jubilee celebration to mark 50 years of the existence of SEC. One after the other, they described as untrue Oteh’s claim that the celebration which she chaired had the support and participation of the management and staff of the Commission.

The panel queried the SEC DG over the donations received by the Commission during the anniversary celebrations, but Oteh explained that no donation was received, insisting that some organizations merely

partnered with SEC to set up the event.

Daisy Ekina and Udora, both Commissioners, told the committee of the mistrust and infighting in the Commission which they alleged led to low morale among staff.

Udora said, “Our staff are no longer killing themselves for the organization because they feel they are not recognized”.

Although he said that there was nothing wrong in the Commission engaging contract staff, he claimed that they were not being in manner that they would be beneficial to the organization.

Ekina added: “What I can confirm is that morale is low, there is mistrust among the staff”.

Oteh who had earlier apologized to the Committee for her failure to appear before it on Tuesday, explained that she was focused on the transformation of the capital market.

Child prisoner on death row free after 17 years Contd from Page 1 of letters, cards and messages sent to me by Amnesty supporters, I began to hope that I would soon be free in the not too distant future.”

A statement by Amnesty posted online yesterday said Okoroafor featured regularly in its annual Greetings Card Campaign and has received more than 10,000 cards and letters from supporters in the UK and across the world.

Imo state government recently commuted Okoroafor’s sentence to life imprisonment months after the original death sentence was imposed.

In October 2001, a High Court judgement pronounced the sentence of death on him to be unlawful, null and void and

changed his sentence to detention “during the pleasure of the governor” – indefinite detention.

In 2009, one year after Amnesty International launched its campaign to release Okoroafor, his sentence was reduced to ten years.

The following year it was reduced again to two years and he was finally released on 30 April 2012.

In countries around the world including Germany, New Zealand, Cote d’Ivoire and the UK, thousands have taken action for Patrick.

Teenagers from across the UK have taken part in national days of solidarity for Patrick and sent him letters and cards of support.

One14-year-old Eleanor from Taunton told Amnesty: “I am so pleased that Patrick has been able to walk free from prison and can now rebuild his life. It’s so inspiring to see the real impact which Amnesty’s campaigns can have. It’s fabulous news he has been released!”

15-year-old Lottie Rogers, who is a member of Amnesty’s Youth Advisory Group, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to learn that Patrick has been released. I remember being so moved by his situation when we campaigned for him when I was 14, as I simply couldn’t imagine what it was like to be put in prison when just 14. Patrick has always denied committing this crime, so it’s great that he now

has the chance to walk out of prison and to make the most of his life.”

Amnesty International UK Director Kate Allen said: “We’re delighted that Patrick has been released from prison. Patrick was robbed of his childhood and subjected to some of the worst experiences imaginable for any young person.

“Unfortunately, Patrick was just one of many prisoners in Nigeria who hasn’t had a fair trial. Arbitrary arrest and detention, torture and unfair trials features in many inmates’ experience.

“His release is long overdue and we’re glad that Patrick now has the chance to enjoy his freedom.”

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

PAGE 3

ABU threat: Security beefed up in Kaduna tertiary institutions From Lawal Sadiq Sanusi, Kaduna

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Military officers undergoing special training on terrorism and insurgency yesterday at Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna state.

Photo: Agaju Madugba

ecurity has been beefed up in Zaria following fresh threats by unidentified assailants to launch an attack on Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria Security source disclosed that they have a text message that suspected members of the Boko Haram sect were planning to strike the Congo Campus of the University. The source explained that threats were circulated in Kaduna.

Our correspondent’s investigations revealed that security personnel, police in particular, have been deployed to various tertiary institutions in Kaduna state to guard against any possible attack.

Lagos task force recovers arms, Reps hold retreat on charms under Apapa bridge Constitution From Bimbo Ogunnaike, Lagos

T

he Lagos state government yesterday recovered different kinds of guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons under the Ijora-Marine Bridge during the ongoing clearing exercise of the entire axis being carried out by the joint taskforce.

The exercise which commenced on Monday, was

sequel to Governor Babatunde Fashola’s directive to rid the area of all tankers, trucks and other articulated vehicles that were parked indiscriminately along Apapa way, which had being major cause of daily traffic gridlock to motorists and other road users.

The state Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, said the weapons were recovered

by the joint taskforce comprising of federal security and state agencies without any arrest.

Bello who made the remarks during the inspection tour and unveiling of the “Regeneration Programme of Apapa Area,” said the recovered weapons would be handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and action.

Chairman of the state task force

on Environmental and Special Offences, Superintendent of Police, Bayo Sulayman, also confirmed the recovery of the weapons.

The commissioner explained that the ongoing clearing exercise was part of measures by the state government to ensure security of life and properties in the area, which used to be den for criminals and other undesirable elements.

Jonathan arrives Addis Ababa for World Economic Forum on Africa

Defamation: Omisore drags National Mirror to court, demands N1.1bn damages

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan arrived Addis Ababa yesterday for the 22nd World Economic Forum on Africa.

The President was joined in the Ethiopian capital by seven other African Heads of State while more than 700 leaders from business, government, civil society, academia, media and the arts from over 70 countries are expected at the forum which officially kicks off today with the theme "Shaping Africa's Transformation”.

African leaders are expected to use the meeting to pursue measures that will transform the region economically.

The meeting’s agenda, it was also

learnt will integrate three pillars: Strengthening Africa’s leadership; accelerating investment in frontier markets; and scaling innovation for shared opportunities.

The meeting will also afford African leaders an opportunity to bring together pan-African and global leaders to discuss the future of the region.

As part of the programme, President Jonathan will today chair an informal session of world economic leaders titled: “How can African Countries Boost Regional Trade".

He will also partake as a panelist alongside other African leaders in a plenary session titled “Africa’s Leadership” chaired by the Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, Professor Klaus Schwab.

F

ormer Chairman Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Iyiola Omisore has instituted legal action against Global Media Mirror Limited, publishers of National Mirror newspaper and its Osun state correspondent, Mr. Wale Folarin over a publication that Omisore threatened to attack the convoy of the Osun state governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola.

According to writ of summons dated 8th May, 2012 with suit number HOS/52/2012 and signed by the Senior Registrar of the Osun state High Court of Justice sitting in Osogbo, the state capital, Omisore claimed N1 billion as general damages against

National Mirror newspaper and N100 million against Folarin.

The writ of summons obtained reads in part: “You (National Mirror Newspaper and Folarin) are hereby commanded that within forty-two days after the service of this writ on you, inclusive of the day of such service, you do cause an appearance to be entered for you in an action at the suit of Senator Iyiola Omisore”.

Omisore noted through his counsel, Mr. Kehinde Adesiyan that the newspaper and its reporter were on 23rd April, 2012 maliciously, willfully, falsely, recklessly and wickedly wrote, published and circulated false, malicious and most embarrassing and defamatory words quoted out of context concerning and against him.

amendment

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he House of Representatives ad hoc committee reviewing the 1999 Constitution, yesterday, declared that it would hold its retreat between 24 and 27th of May even as it promised to do a thorough job of its assignment.

The committee chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, assured that the lawmakers would be guided by the interests and demands of Nigerians.

Chairman of the media subcommittee, Hon. Eziuche Ubani in a media briefing yesterday in the National Assembly, said the adhoc committee will not hesitate to consider proposals on any area of the constitution as far as such will enhance the review process and bequeath a better constitution to the country at the end of the exercise.

On the contentious issue of immunity for the President, Vice President, governors and deputy governors, Ubani stated that the ad-hoc committee was yet to receive proposals on the matter but promised that it will certainly consider submissions on the issue from stakeholders.

N399m pension scam: Court grants Teidi bail

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

A

Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, granted bail to a former director of pension accounts in the office of the Head of Civil Service, Dr. Sani Teidi for N50 million.

Trial judge, Justice Adamu Bello, declined granting the suspect’s bail application on personal recognition canvassed

by his counsel, Mr. Sunday Ameh.

The court also asked the accused person to produce a reasonable surety that has a landed property in Abuja worth the bail sum and further directed that the title documents of the said property be deposited with the court registry.

The court ordered that the accused person must not travel

outside the country without the permission of the court and that the accused person would be rearrested and kept in prison custody should the court discover that he threatened the lives of prosecution witnesses.

The court specifically observed that the accused did not controvert allegations made by prosecution lawyer, Mr. Godwin Obla that Teidi

threatened the witnesses they intended to call.

In view of the above the court asked him to write an undertaking that he would not indulge in such acts and that any violation of the undertaking would land the accused in prison custody till the matter is decided.

Teidi is being charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside four

companies, Badawalu Ventures Limited, Ebunu Attah Investment, Muha Millennium Motors Limited and Riba-Ile Petroleum Limited.

He is alleged to have conspired with the companies to convert the sum of N399 million to purchase Brifina Hotels Limited, located at Plot 1106 Cadastral Zone B02 Durumi District Area 1, Abuja.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

PAGE 4

Hajj seats: NAHCON has no power over allocation, says chairman

By Maryam Garba Hassan

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he chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, (NAHCON), Malam Mohammed Bello, said that the body has no control over seats allocated to it by the Saudi authorities.

This is coming amidst calls on the commission to increase the number of seats and controversy over the sale of this year’s Hajj forms to intending pilgrims which has sparked allegations of seats racketing and hoarding by some states’ Pilgrims Welfare Boards.

Bello made the disclosure yesterday in Abuja at the 2nd preparatory meeting with the chairmen and secretaries of states Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and agencies.

Lamenting the situation, Bello said the number of seats Nigeria requested from Saudi Arabia was 125,000 “but only 95,000 seats were allocated to us which we had to share among the 36 states of the federation and the remaining 1,188 seats was shared among the National Assembly, which got 500, security agencies, NAHCON staff and related agencies which shared

688 seats.”

He however urged the states pilgrims’ welfare boards to open registers for intending pilgrims to write their names and passport numbers before the sale of forms starts.

With the register, the welfare boards could start selling forms to those who registered until the allocated seats are exhausted and those who could not go that year would stay in the awaiting list for the following year, he said.

However, a reliable source at the commission said one of the factors responsible for the scarcity of hajj seats was the state welfare boards division of the seats allocated to them into two, leaving the state government with 50%, while the remaining 50%,often inadequate, are sold to intending pilgrims.

Bello added that delegates from the commission would visit the states pilgrims welfare boards to monitor seats allocation.

On hajj fare, the chairman said, the commission would soon release the fare for this year’s exercise after looking at components which includes aviation cost, accommodation and transportation.

‘Bomb scare at Lagos airport a hoax’ From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

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he Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigeria Police, Murtala Mohammed Airport Command yesterday described as ruse the suspected bomb alarm purportedly raised at the international wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport late Tuesday evening when airport users, relatives and friends who had come to welcome their loved one scampered for safety as a result of

the apprehension.

Both government bodies said the bomb scare was merely triggered off when the security arm of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) otherwise called Aviation Security (AVSEC) discovered an abandoned carry-on baggage/ handbag which was apparently forgotten by a passenger who arrived the terminal aboard a British Airways flight at about 1948hrs.

According to the NCAA in a

statement, the bag belonging to a British Airways passenger named Salami A. Atolagbe-Aro became a subject of concern when it was left unaccompanied for a long time.

Also speaking on the incident yesterday, Commissioner of Police, MMA Command, Mr. James Olatunji told our correspondent that the whole incident degenerated as a result of panicking around the facility following the manner in which the anti-bomb squad drove into the airport.

Army trains more officers on counter terrorism, insurgency From Agaju Madugba, Kaduna

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he Nigerian Army has churned out another batch of 216 soldiers who received specialist terrorism and insurgency training at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI), Jaji, near Kaduna.

Speaking yesterday at the graduation ceremony, Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), MajorGen. Chukwuemeka Onwuamaegbu, noted also that the institution has equally introduced terrorism courses for its cadets.

Beneficiaries of the programme were drawn from final year cadets of the NDA who

are expected to be commissioned in September this year.

According to Onwuamaegbu, “what we have done is to prepare for terrorism and insurgency.

“If it continues in Nigeria, the gentlemen officer cadets you have just watched this afternoon will be able to offer enough expertise in containing those challenges and that is why they have been here for the past 16 weeks to train for such operations.

“The NDA trains officers for the Armed Forces. What we have done with this group is to train army cadets who will be passing out in September and if the challenge continues, the NDA will continue to train its cadets to confront the challenge.”

…deploys personnel to Kaduna suburb

A

contingent of soldiers and policemen have been deployed to Barakallahu, a Kaduna suburb, to stop women protesters from blocking the Kaduna – Zaria highway.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Aminu Lawan, stated this in Kaduna on Tuesday.

He said that the personnel were deployed to maintain law and order in the community.

Similarly, the Assistant

Director, Army Public Relations Officer, Col. Usman Kukar Sheka, said the army deployed its personnel to help in ensuring peace in the community.

The protesting women caused an eight-hour traffic gridlock on the same road on Monday when they blocked the road from 9 am to 5 pm before they were dislodged.

The women were protesting against alleged forceful invasion of their land by the Nigerian Air Force base, Kaduna.

2 killed in Borno market attack

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t least two people have been reported killed in an attack in Maiduguri market.

The attack happened yesterday in Maiduguri, where the Jamaatu Ahli Sunna Liddaawati wal Jihad known as Boko Haram has been carrying out similar attacks. Witnesses said the gunmen came into the market

and shot two traders dead before fleeing while firing wildly into the air.

Lt. Col. Sagir Musa, spokesman of the Joint military Task Force (JTF), blamed the attack on Boko Haram. He said soldiers later killed one suspected sect member and arrested two others who carried out an attack on a military post.

L-R: Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Peter Orubebe, Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Deziani Alison-Madueke, Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, and Minister of State for Power, Architect Darius Ishaku, during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja.

Phoro: Joe Oroye

UN adopts Nigeria, Argentina for best road safety mgt

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

A

s part of global initiatives towards achieving the United Nations (UN) decade of action on road safety, the UN has adjudged Nigeria and Argentina as best countries where the lead agency model of road safety management can be embraced and harnessed to effectively realize a sustained 50% reduction in road crashes by 2020.

This revelation was made known by the Corps Marshal Osita Chidoka, in a paper titled “Need for

Resuscitation and Revival of Field patrol Activities” during a strategic interactive session with Sector Commanders from the 36 states.

A statement issued by the Deputy Corps Education Officer (DCEO), Bisi Kazeem, said that the U N adoption of road safety model in Nigeria has also initiated a safe corridor project in the country, which it said has thrown up numerous challenges in the area of the Corps redesigning its operational and administrative strategies in order to meet with the expectations of the public in the

next ten years.

He further said that the increase of 7% in road crashes and 15% reduction in fatalities (deaths) at the end 2012 first quarter which calls for regular review and evaluation of the Corps’ policies initiatives/implementation, operational and administrative road map, was paramount to stimulate and enhance growth and improved performance especially in the area of visibility on the highways through intensive patrol, surveillance and prompt response to road crashes.

Workers decry Okorocha’s style of governance From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

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malgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), have expressed concern over what it sees as the authoritarian actions of the Imo state government, especially on issues affecting workers.

In a petition to Governor Rochas Okorocha, secretary general of AUPCTRE, Mr. Philip Agbonkonkon, said the disposition of the present administration in Imo state, “is unorthodox as it borders on the “lord of the manor system” while claiming to be democratic, people oriented and based on separation of powers.”

According to the union, “the underlisted actions of the state government border on not only

disregard for due process, but governance by impunity”.

“These include: Lease of Imo Transport – A commonwealth property of Imo citizens to a Company Global Ginikana Services Limited, ownership of which is family based and cannot be delinked from interests associated with governance in Imo state. Concession of the Imo State Water Corporation for 20 years to West African Utilities Metering System and Services Company Limited, a company whose competence is questionable and represents interests in governance in Imo state. Creation of 4th tier government in the state designated as “Community Governing Council”. In the pursuit of the unconstitutional outfit, the governor has ordered all public service employees in the state to

return to their respective communities and be registered for the takeoff of the 4th tier government”, it said.

“As from April 2012, all Ministries should be deemed as rendering commercial services irrespective of their statutory functions and to fend for themselves.

By this, the concept of appropriation and budgeting by the State House of Assembly was undermined. In all of the above unorthodox developments, the elected representatives of the people of Imo state, i.e. State House of Assembly members, the judiciary and strategic stakeholders like Council of Ndi-Eze, trade unions, political parties, civil society organisations, etc were neither consulted nor reckoned with, the union stated with other grievances.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

PAGE 5

EFCC blames insecurity on corruption

By Lambert Tyem

C

hairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde yesterday in Abuja blamed the current security problems in Nigeria on the high level of corruption in the system.

Speaking while receiving the anti-corruption teaching manuals and guides presented to him by

Inter-Faith Anti-Corruption Advisory Committee (IAAC) set up by the commission, Lamorde observed that fighting corruption is the sure way to addressing security challenges in the country.

He further lamented that the scourge is the bane of development in the country, explaining that when the people are deprived of basic amenities, they tend to follow negative instincts that could have

been checked.

While explaining that the EFCC cannot claim to know every way corruption can be tackled successfully, he noted that interfaith approach to the war against the scourge is strategic.

While presenting the teaching manuals and user guides to the EFCC chairman, the chairman of IAAC, Ishak Oloyode, who is also the Vice Chancellor of University

of Ilorin, explained that the committee was set up at the instance of the anti-corruption agency to enable faith based communities join forces against corruption.

Oloyode, who led a number of professors from the University of Ilorin, Kwara state and University of Maiduguri in Borno state, maintained that while people are losing confidence in political

C’ttee attributes jail breaks to declining prisons system

Rep sued for alleged certificate forgery

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

T

he Ad-hoc committee set up by the Ministry of Interior to look at the recent attacks on Nigerian prisons, yesterday, submitted its report, blaming the myriads of attacks on the moribund nature of Nigerian prisons.

The committee chairman, John Odah, who made this submission yesterday while submitting the report to the minister, Comrade Abba Moro, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Interior in Abuja, added that non-speedy trial of most of the inmates, congestion, and lack of fortification of the prison was largely responsible for the attack.

He also said that the country needs holistic approach for prison reform.

It would be recalled that the minister had set up the committee to look at the attack on the Koton Karfe prison in Kogi state, early this year, where about 112 inmates escaped.

The committee also called on both the National Assembly and the Federal Executive Council members to visit a prison in their constituencies so as to have firsthand information on the state of the country’s prisons. He said what the government has allowed the prisons to become was the direct opposite of the concepts of the prison system.

Responding, the minister thanked the committee for a job well done. He also commended the committee for committing the report early enough to tackle the problem the country is facing in its prisons.

leaders, many still respect religious leaders who are spiritual guides to them.

The manuals which have been written for Christian and Muslim clerics, Oloyode explained, would enlighten on acts considered as corrupt practices, enhance development of negative attitude to corruption and appeal to religious sentiments to help fight the scourge.

From Sadeeq Aliyu, Sokoto

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R-L: Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, receiving books on Almajiri model primary schools from Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’i Ahmed, during the meeting on almajiri schools, yesterday at the State House, Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

79 year-old charged for fraud

By Lambert Tyem

T

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday dragged 79-yearold Clement John Adiamiko Uwemedimo, and his accomplice, Prince Ajamu Sunday Adedayo before Justice Habeeb Abiru of Lagos state High Court, Ikeja.

According to Wilson Uwujaren, Ag. Head, Media & Publicity of the Commission, “they were arraigned alongside their company, Command Clem Nigeria Limited, on a 32-count charge for offences bordering on obtaining money under false

pretences.

“The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the offence when the charges were read to them. Soon after the charge was read, Jeese Daniels Onuigbo, counsel for the defendants, asked the court to grant his clients bail".

He asked the court to take into consideration the constitutional right of the accused persons based on presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

However, Ben Obi, counsel to EFCC, told the court that he was only handed the application for bail by the defence counsel in court, but will not oppose the application as

bail is solely at the discretion of the court.

But he urged the court to impose conditions that will ensure the defendants are present in court for trial.

After listening to arguments from both counsel, the court granted the accused persons bail on the sum of N500,000 each, one surety each in like sum, adding that the sureties must be resident in Lagos State with proven addresses and evidence of tax payment.

The case was adjourned to the 25th and 26th June, 2012 for commencement of trial.

member of the House of Representatives representing Bagudo/Suru Federal Constituency in Kebbi state, Bello A. Ka’oje, has been sued in the Federal High Court, Sokoto, for alleged forgery of school certificates which he presented to INEC before his election into the National Assembly.

In the originating summons of the suit filed by Abubakar Ahmed, he sought the determination of the court to find out whether the first defendant, Bello A. Ka`oje, did not give false information to the second defendant (INEC), in his form CF 001 he submitted to for the purposes of election to the position.

He is also asking the court to determine whether Ka`oje is not liable to be disqualified from holding the position of member representing the constituency in Kebbi state.

In his affidavit in support of originating summons, the plaintiff deposed that the defendant did not pass out of Government Secondary School Ka’oje in 2006 and was also not admitted into Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa in 2004; adding that Ka’oje actually dropped out of Government Secondary School, Ka’oje in 1990.

He also averred that by 2004 when Rep Ka’oje claimed to have been admitted to Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, he had no school certificate that he could have used to secure admission in the said polytechnic.

Benue police command arrests Ogun NDLEA destroys 14,000kg drugs arms manufacturer From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

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he Benue State Police Command yesterday arrested Tyozumgwe Tarvihi, who specialises in locally made sophisticated weapons for armed robbers.

In this same vein, four suspected armed robbers disguised in army uniforms were apprehended during an operation along Gboko/Katsina-Ala federal highway.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Ejike Alaribe, who disclosed this to newsmen, said the armed robbers mounted

a road blocks on the highway with the intent to rob motorists.

He said the police however got a tip off and men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Katsina-Ala stormed the scene, exchanged gun fire with the gang, which led to the arrest of all members of the gang, with one of them sustaining an injury on his leg.

Alaribe said items recovered from the gang include: three locally made pistols, three dane guns, one single barrel gun, one army camouflage, five cartridges, working tools, including fire arms at different stages of completion.

From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

T

he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), yesterday destroyed over 14,000 kilogrammes of narcotic drugs seized by the Ogun State Command at Abeokuta.

The agency disclosed that the drugs consist of 14,022.827kg of cannabis, 557 pinches of cocaine, 101 pinches of heroin and 50 pinches of amphetamines.

Chairman of the Agency, Ahmadu Giade, said the destruction of drug exhibits is in furtherance of its desire to create the needed conducive environment which guarantees the safety of lives and property.

The Ogun state governor, Ibikunle Amosun who donated an operational vehicle to the anti-drug agency commended its

PAGE 6

My daughterin-law is wayward, says octogenarian

M

y daughter in-law is wayward and I want her divorced from my son,'' an 82-year-old man told an Oshodi Customary Court in Lagos yesterday.

Mr. Everest Amonu told the court that the problem between his son, Andrew, and his wife, Ada, had deteriorated to an irreparable level.

“Ada has been a big problem to my son. She has been adulterous for a very long time. She has never given my son any peace of mind. She is not a good woman.

“I felt very sad that she masterminded the imprisonment of my son. I don't think they can keep living together as husband and wife because all efforts that I have made to reconcile them have been fruitless,'' he said.

The petitioner, 37-year-old Ada , had earlier filed a divorce suit against Andrew, alleging assault and the lack of love.

Ada had alleged that her 47-yearold husband was in the habit of beating me.

“He treats me badly. He has been maltreating me since we got married. I was forced to report him to the police who later arrested and remanded him in their custody.

(NAN)

Minimum wage: Judicial staff give ultimatum to Kano government From Edwin Olofu, Kano

K

ano state chapter of the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria, (JUSUN), has issued the state government a 21day ultimatum to implement the minimum basic salary of N7, 357.79 to its members or face industrial action.

The ultimatum, which was contained in a statement signed by the chairman and secretary of the union, Muktari Lawan and Bashir Abdullahi respectively, said the decision was in compliance with the resolution of the union during its executive council meeting held last month.

It said, "the executive council at the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) meeting in Kano concur with the resolution of the congress and resolved that "members of JUSUN are enjoying N5, 175. 00 as minimum basic salary now instead of N7, 357.79 even though it is the same JUSUN that negotiated with the government and not the staff of Ministry of Justice" According to the statement, the union has demonstrated maturity after the correspondences between it and the office of the Head of Service and therefore, if at the expiration of the ultimatum, the government refused to implement the minimum basic salary, JUSUN would embark on an indefinite strike effective from June 4.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

No plan to reshuffle cabinet - Presidency

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

C

ontrary to recent speculations in the media about an impending cabinet reshuffle, the Presidency stated yesterday that there was no truth whatsoever in the said reports.

According to a release signed

by Presidential Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, "President Goodluck Jonathan

has implicit confidence in the ability of the current crop of ministers to deliver and has no plan to undertake any replacement at the moment.

There is also no truth in the alleged tension among ministers as a result of the rumoured imminent cabinet change."

This the Presidency alleged, "is a calculated attempt to cause disaffection within the cabinet and divert the attention of members of

the Federal Executive Council (FEC) from their unwavering commitment to the implementation of the Transformation Agenda of the Jonathan administration.

“The speculation about cabinet change is the handiwork of mischief makers who seem bent on frustrating the good intentions of the Federal Government to deliver on the campaign promises of President Jonathan."

L-R: National Coordinator, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Study Circle, Mr. Tola Julius, National President of NUT, Comrade Michael Alogba and Enugu state Chairman of NUT, Chief Chumaife Nze, during NUT National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, Yesterday.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

5 die in Katsina auto crash From Lawal Sa'idu Funtua, Katsina

N

o fewer than five persons died in a ghastly motor accident along 'Yanduna-Maibara road in Baure local government area of Katsina state yesterday.

An eyewitness told our correspondent that the accident occured in the early hours of yesterday when the Volkswagen golf car carrying 11 passengers burst one of its

tyres.

He noted that the driver lost control, after which the car somersaulted and killed the five persons on the spot while the remaining six sustained various degrees of injury.

Corpses of victims who were from Dansadau in Zamfara state were deposited at the Baure General Hospital mortuary while the injured are receiving treatment at

the hospital.

The chairman of Baure local council, Alhaji Sani 'Yanduna visited the surviving victims at the hospital and prayed for their speedy recovery.

Similarly, the FRSC Daura unit commander , Alhaji Abdullahi Galadima confirmed the incident and warned drivers against over speeding and driving with worn out tyres.

FG extends Almajirai programme to South

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

T

he Federal Government is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the 36 state governments on the establishment of intervention schools, aimed at getting begging children off the streets.

Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, who disclosed this yesterday during the review of the Almajiri Model School Programme at the State House, said the Federal Government had resolved to extend the intervention programme to other states.

"It has been recognised that there are several other children out there, throughout the country, who are indigent and cannot afford basic formal education.

"That is why government has risen to the occasion to tackle the challenges posed by this growing phenomenon. Accordingly, a meeting with state governors and traditional rulers has been convened as a Forum to consider and agree on ways of extending the programmes to cater for similar situations in all parts of the country," Sambo said.

The Minister of Education, Professor Ruqqayatu Ruf'ai, added that southern governors would come up with intervention programmes to suit their respective states but which would guarantee basic education for the less privileged.

She also dismissed fears that the Almajiri Model School Programme may not be sustained, saying the ministry was putting arrangements in place to partner with state ministries of education with a view to ensuring its sustainability.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike assured that the Almajirai would embrace the boarding school system. According to him, the boarding schools would provide them free feeding to entice them off the streets.

So far, about 102 Almajiri Model Schools, comprising boarding and day are being constructed by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund under Prof Mahmood Yakubu and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

FEC okays N3bn speed boats for Customs

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

T

he Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved contract for the procurement of two high speed patrol boats to boost the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) marine operations.

The contract awarded in favour of Messrs Kobus Naval Design/Portplus Limited, in the sum of N3,072,653,164.60, is expected to be delivered in nine months.

Briefing State House

correspondents after the weekly FEC meeting presided over by Vice President Namadi Sambo, the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, noted that the purchase would go a long way in complementing other law enforcement agencies in checking smuggling on the waterways.

"An effectively patrolled water front will go a long way in curtailing the huge economic drain and threat the incidence of smuggling pose to the nation's manufacturing sector.

"In view of the above, and

given the current security challenges posed by the rising rate of disruption of economic activities in the nation's maritime environment, Council approved the procurement of 2nos new KND P.249 Aluminium High Speed Boats with Back-up Spare Parts and training of crew members", Maku said.

Maku, who briefed alongside Ministers of State for Finance, Yerima Ngama and Works, Bashir Yuguda, also said a memo seeking approval for the rehabilitation of Owerri-

Umuahia road sections 1, 11 & 111 in Imo state was brought to Council.

The road project was awarded in favour of Messrs Zerock Construction Nigeria Limited, in the sum of N4,207,774,864.51 with a completion period of 24 months. FEC also approved the construction of two bridges along Auchi Polytechnic EkperiAgenebode road in Edo state in favour of Messrs Niger Construction Limited, in the sum of N1,330,416,048.02, with a completion period of 12 months.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

PAGE 7

HURIWA condemns lady-driver training scheme

By Joy Baba

T

he Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has condemned the Federal Government’s newly inaugurated lady-chauffer training scheme. The scheme, HURIWA said, lacks creativity as Nigeria has more pressing needs for women than being chauffeurs.

A statement to the media through its national coordinator, Mr. Emmanuel Onwubiko and the national director of media, Miss Zainab Yusuf, said “the scheme is not a sustainable job creation effort in the 21st century the federal government is initiating”.

The statement further said “the association is worried that at a time India has successfully launched a long range surface to air nuclear missile anchored by an Indian lady, Miss Tessy Thomas, and at an era that developing countries like South Africa, Botswana, Bangladesh

among others, are investing heavily in the training of their women in the technology and aviation industries, Nigeria is

still backward”.

It tasked the Federal Government to introduce a better modern technology-

inclined job creation schemes for Nigerian women rather than waste scarce public fund to produce artisans and

Leprosy rate rises in Kebbi From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

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Military, PROs form forum to fight crime Lamorde warns civil servants on corruption

R-L: First Lady Mrs. Patience Goodluck Jonathan, and wife of Vice-President, Hajiya Amina Sambo, during a national workshop on Leadership and Etiquettei: the Implication of Change for Women, yesterday at National Centre For Women Development, Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

From Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, Abeokuta

A

new forum made up of public relations officers of all security agencies has been formed in Ogun state to maintain vigilance and achieve better policing and sound service delivery.

The forum as part of announcing its establishment, visited the state Commissioner of Police, Okoye Ikemefuna, at the Eleweran Police Headquarters, Abeokuta, with a promise to work towards achieving soundbsynergy among the security outfits across the state.

The body said it would further use its professional skills to showcase and promote the good work of security agencies in the state and equally sought for the support of their bosses.

They further explained that if given the support in all ramifications they would perform their duties as imagemakers in various capacities and bring in innovations that will help promote and sustain the concept of “espirit de corps” amongst the officers and men of all agencies in the state.

The Commissioner of Police Okoye Ikemefuna, in his response applauded the forum’s good intention and tasked them to help security chiefs in the state and see themselves as catalysts in making the state safe.

commercial drivers which are not the pressing needs of most Nigerians.

It also blamed the Federal Ministry of Labor for failing to introduce scientific data base on the population of jobless young graduates several years after such proposal was publicised.

It would be recalled that the Federal Government had on Friday April 4th 2012, inaugurated what it called the Lady Chauffeur Training Scheme (LCTS) aimed at creating 200 driving jobs for Nigerian women.

By Lambert Tyem

T

he chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, has charged public servants to eschew corruption and economic crimes as the commission is beaming its searchlight on the public service.

Lamorde stated this yesterday at the 4th National Retreat on Ethics and Transparency for civil servants at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja.

“EFCC is using the forum provided by this retreat to serve notice to all public servants at all levels of government that we will come after you if you compromise your positions and engage in fraudulent or corrupt practices,” he warned.

The 3-day retreat with the theme “Credible and Transparent Conduct of Public Officers in Nigeria as key to National Transformation” was organised by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation in conjunction with Centre for Economic Research and Policy Development.

Lamorde who was represented at the event by Dr. Jimmy Imo, Chief of Staff to the executive chairman, lamented the decadence in Nigeria’s civil service.

“In those days if you wanted a job done efficiently, especially for the benefit of the citizenry, the Nigeria civil service could be trusted to creditably carry out the job. Today, the reverse

is the case. All that must change if the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan is to succeed.

He regretted that recent development in the country shows that public servants have abandoned the pursuit of excellence on the altar of greed and corruption. “It is because some public servants failed to act creditably that poverty prevails in the land and millions of young men and women who are graduates continue to roam our streets in search of elusive jobs.

“The epileptic power supply, the near total decay of infrastructures in the country, from our roads, pipe borne water, schools and hospitals are

all consequence of the failure to act creditably”, he stated.

Also speaking at the event, Senator Omar Hambagda, who represented Senate President, Senator David Mark, bemoaned the erosion of the country’s value system saying that the people now values money and material things above integrity and hard work.

Also in his remark, Dr. M. Idris who represented the Head of Service of the Federation, Alhaji Isa Bello Sali, said the guiding principles of work ethics and values in the federal civil service include stewardship, trust, engagement, p r o f e s s i o n a l i s m , accountability, leadership, selfishness, integrity, justice and fairness.

algo local government area of Kebbi state has been rated high with cases of leprosy with 26 cases of multibaccilary (MB), and zero paucilbaccilary (PB) cases while Sakaba local government area has the lowest cases with 1 MB and 3 PB in the state.

Given the data of the affected local government areas of the state at a one-day training workshop for the media on how to reduce stigmatisation and discrimination of people with leprosy and other disabilities in the state, tuberculosis and leprosy control officer in the state Ministry of Health, Ibrahim Abubakar said this year alone 19 cases of leprosy has been recorded in five local government areas of the state while Bagudu was also rated second with cases of leprosy.

Abubakar who described leprosy as a chronic infectious disease which affects the skin and peripheral nerves, said “it is caused by a bacterium called mycobacterium leprea’.

Delivering her speech, the Socio-Economic Development Officer of the Leprosy Mission, Mrs. Amanyi Julia Ajuma, said the goal of leprosy control is to reduce the prevalence and socio-economic burden associated with leprosy in Nigeria to a minimum level.

Korean cultural centre to stage K-POP contest

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

A

s part of activities to mark its second anniversary in Nigeria, the Korean Cultural Center is organising a K-POP dancing competition, tagged ‘Dance like you’r K-POP IDOL’, for senior secondary schools and non school participants, which would be drawn from Abuja and its environs.

Addressing journalists yesterday in Abuja, the director of the centre, Suh Jeong Suh, stated that auditioning for participants is scheduled between 8th and 9th of June, at the centre, in Rivers House,

Abuja, while the final and semi final would hold on the 23rd of June, at the Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Abuja.

He also disclosed that the first place winner teams in both categories would be sponsored to South Korea by the centre to participate in the World K-POP dancing competition scheduled in Soul, South Korea and that winners would also receive awards from Samsung Company, in addition to cash prices from the centre, which is yet to be fixed.

He explained that the competition is aimed at building a strong and dynamic cultural heritage between Korea and

Nigeria and to further strengthen the relationship among both countries, pointing out that registration for participants is free and will end on the 13th of May. “K-POP dance is popular in other continents except Africa, and that is why the center seeks to promote this brand of dance in Nigeria. It will also promote entertainment generally in Nigeria.” Suh explained.

The Director of the center also disclosed that on the 24th of May, the center, in collaboration with the Korean Ambassador, will unveil the Traditional Korean Paper craft Exhibition at the center.

PAGE 8

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

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R-L: Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, in a handshake with Kogi state Governor, Captain Idris Wada, during the governor’s visit to the speaker, yesterday at National Assembly, in Abuja.

R-L: Kwara state Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, presenting a souvenir to the leader of Kwara state Association of Nigeria, North America (KSANG) medical team, Professor Olawale Sulaiman, during the team’s visit to Government House, in Ilorin.

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Big Brother Star Game Nigeria’s representatives Chris and Ola, during the opening ceremony, on Sunday in South Africa.

Members of Nigerian Medical Association protesting at the Government House, yesterday in Abeokuta, over the disappearance of their colleague, Dr. Olusola Taibat Otulana, a female opthamologist with Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun state. Photo: NAN

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012

R-L: Chairman, House of Reprsentatives ad hoc Committee on the Investigation of the collapse of the Nigerian Capital Market, Hon. Ibrahim Tukur El-sudi, members of the committee, Hon. Rose Okoh and Hon. Bimbo Daramola, at the continuation of public hearing yesterday at the National Assembly, in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Strike: Health minister seeks dialogue with union ByA’isha Biola Raji

T

he Federal Ministry of Health has expressed surprise over the decision of the Joint Health Sector Union (JHSU) to proceed on strike despite the ongoing dialogue.

The minister, Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu, who said this in Abuja yesterday, urged the joint union to call off the strike in view of the negotiation and meetings going on between the ministry and the body.

He said, “we have been having meetings with them for the past one year, when we received the strike notice, we agreed to meet on Monday which we did and we are still meeting today at the Ministry of Labour and Productivity.”

He stressed that the union’s agitation did not warrant a strike action as its demands were being sorted out though a few are not negotiable.

According to him, the union wants adjustment on salary scale

of non medical practitioners, signing of health bill into law by President Jonathan, review of old laws governing public hospitals, promotion of health professionals from CONMESS 14-15, consultancy and specialty allowance which he said would have to follow due process before approval could be made.

He also said they demanded for duty allowance, review of retirement age and appointment of health ministers within the body, among others.

...‘We did not fail in tackling Zamfara lead he Minister for Health, poisoning crisis’ force, which coordinated Prof.

Onyebuchi

T

Chukwu, has expressed satisfaction with the urgent response of his ministry to the crisis of lead poisoning which claimed lives of about 400 children in Zamfara state two years ago.

The minister, who was represented by Alhaji Kabir Mansur, Director of Public Health at the ministry, disclosed this yesterday at the International Conference on

Lead Poisoning with special focus on the Zamfara crisis, held in Abuja. The conference was organised by Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) in conjunction with Federal Ministry of Health and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

He said the intervention was achieved through urgent set-up of multi-sectoral task

response activities at the national level. He commended all ministries involved at both national and state levels.

Present at the event was the representative of minister of Mines and Steel, Arc. Musa Muhammad Sada, Mr. O C Azubike, Director of Artisanal and Small Scale Mining, he said the conference is part of efforts by Federal Government to arrest problem lead

Give consent to bio safety law, AATF tells Jonathan

By Adeola Tukuru

T

he African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) of Kenya, yesterday urged President Goodluck Jonathan to give assent to the Nigeria Bio-safety law.

The Executive Director of AATF, Dr. Denis Kyetere gave the advice when he led a delegation of the foundation to the office of the Minister of Science and Technology, Prof.

Ita Ewa in Abuja.

AATF is a not-for-profit organisation that facilitates and promotes public and private partnerships for the access and delivery of appropriate proprietary agricultural technologies for use by resourcepoor smallholder farmers in SubSaharan Africa.

Kyetere said that the law was important to enhance its operations and collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) and

the National Biotechnology Development Agency to improve the country’s agricultural production.

He said the foundation was already working with the ARCN on cowpea resistant to pod borer known as Maruca vitrata, which perennially damages cowpea pods on farmers’ fields.

He added that the foundation would soon start working on water efficient rice to boost rice tolerance and nitrogen efficiency in the country.

One feared dead as protesters, task force clash in Kogi From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

O

ne person was feared dead as Igbo traders and the Special Task Force on Sanitation and Beautification of Lokoja Township yesterday clashed following the alleged refusal of the former to obey a relocation order.

Trouble started when the traders, who were asked to move to the international market where shops were provided for them, chose to remain at their roadside structures by the post office.

In protest, the Igbo traders carried the corpse to the office of the state deputy governor, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi who is the chairman of the committee to register their displeasure in poisoning especially in Zamfara state.

In his speech, the governor of Zamfara state, Alhaji Abdul'aziz Yari, represented by Alhaji Abdullahi Tsafe, said Zamfara was proud to be associated with the conference which could present as solution to the prevalence of lead poisoning in the state.

what they termed as inhuman treatment by the task force.

The leader of the protesting traders, who identified himself as Okechuwu Ifeanyi, told our reporter that the deadline issued by the task force for relocation to a temporary site by the government was yet to elapse when the task force came with policemen and an earthmoving machine to demolish their shops leading to the destruction of goods and personal effects.

He denied any assault on the task force alleging that securitymen in the team started beating them despite pleadings to allow them time to look for alternative since many of them could not afford to rent the lock up shops given to them at the international market.

In his reaction, the vice chairman of the task force, Engr Adams Obaje, said the allegations were false and unsubstantiated, stating that the traders had refused to obey the law as well as the agreement entered into with their association which included their relocation to a new temporary site pending when the two permanent sites are completed.

Environmental health teachers advocate dynamic academic structure From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

T

he National Guild of Environmental Health Teachers yesterday called for dynamic academic structure that will take cognisance of myriad health problems confronting the nation.

The national chairman of the Guild in Nigeria, Alhaji Ado Bello, stated this at a press conference marking the commencement of its 3rd annual national conference tagged “Upgrading Schools of Health Technology/ Hygiene to College Status: Prospects and Challenges” held at the Federal Training Centre for

Teachers of Health Sciences, University College Hospital, Ibadan.

Bello said there was need to upgrade and update environmental teaching facilities and personnel alongside with indiscriminate population growth and current societal changes experienced in the country.

According to him, “Time has come to find ways to make teaching of environmental studies more relevant and appreciable in Nigeria, we are here to place in proper prospective the teaching profession in the field of environmental health.” He said.

PAGE 10

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

L-R: Emir of Zamfara, Alhaji Attahiru Ahmad, representative of Zamfara state governor, Malam Abdullahi Tsafe, Director of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Mansur Kabir, and representative of the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Evelyn Ngige, at the international conference on lead poisoning which opened yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

Insecurity: We can’t afford to fail – IGP From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

T

he Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar has said that despite the huge security challenges facing the nation the Nigerian police cannot afford to fail.

The IG who stated this yesterday while on a courtesy visit

to the Katsina state governor at the Government House, Katsina, noted that the police cannot fold their arms and watch charlatans attack them at will.

He added that the Nigerian Police within the short time he assumed its leadership has become a better police force that is now repelling attacks from hoodlums and criminals.

According to him, a police

force that cannot protect people’s lives cannot guarantee the safety of their property, adding that the officers and men of the force must be ready to face new challenges.

The IG therefore called on the public to always assist the police with information, stressing "if you hear of a successful police their success is measured on the level of cooperation they received from the

public".

He praised the support and commitment of Katsina state government to the security and peace enjoyed by the people of the state which, he said, needs to be maintained for the development of the state.

In his remarks, Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema noted that the issue of security is everybody's business and therefore called on

Reps mull merging NSCDC, NEMA, Fire Service

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

T

he House of Representatives has suggested the merging of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Fire Service, to effectively coordinate disaster issues under one umbrella, if the position of the Chairman House Committee on Interior, Umar

Bature, is anything to go by.

Bature, who gave this indication at the headquarters of the NSCDC, where he led other members of the committee on an inspection tour, added that merging the trio as a body would create a strong force in dealing with emergency issues in the country.

“The merger would help in handling emergency and other related issues. We know that the NSCDC has the capacity to lead in

that area, and to ensure effective management of emergency problems in the country.

“We know their short comings, we would also support them in the areas of their needs so that they will perform better in the areas where their service is needed,” Bature said.

The chairman noted that the corps has surprised its critics, owing to the effectiveness of its service in both civil and criminal

issues in the society, saying that the corps stands out amongst other agencies as the most respected in the country by members of the public.

Earlier, the commandant of the NSCDC, Dr. Ade Abolurin, told the members of the committee that the corps would not waver in its responsibility of fighting crime in the country and creating a conducive atmosphere for business activities.

Police assure media organisations of adequate security in Enugu

T

he Enugu State Police Command has assured media houses and practitioners in the state of adequate security.

The Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr Ebere Amaraizu, gave the assurance in

an interview with the News Agency of Agency (NAN) in Enugu yesterday.

Amaraizu said the provision of security was in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police to that effect.

“Since it is a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, we are implementing it to the letter”, he said.

He said adequate measures had been put in place to ensure the safety of media practitioners in the state.

Amaraizu advised the management of the various media organisations in the state to apply to the command for their security needs.

He urged media practitioners to go about their lawful duties without fear. (NAN)

Consider wild animals, plants as common heritage — Minister

T

he Minister of Environment, Hajiya Hadiza Mailafia, has advised Nigerians to regard the wild animals and plants as common heritage for the present and future generations.

Mailafia said this in Keffi, Nasarawa state, at the opening ceremony of a two-day workshop on the review of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1990.

The minister, who was represented by Dr. Ngeri Benebo, the Director-General, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), said that the review of the Act would ensure the survival of endangered species in the country.

“I urge you to take cognisance of the place of wild animals and plants of Nigeria as our common

heritage and an entitlement also of the unborn generation of Nigerians.

“I also urge you to come up with strict regulations for trading in such resources so as to guarantee their survival in perpetuity.

“There is need for due diligence and patriotism in this assignment against the backdrop that these wild species constitute the base of rural livelihoods and the safety net”,

she said.

Mailafia urged participants at the workshop to incorporate guidelines for regulations of both zoological and botanical gardens in the country.

She also advocated laws on wild life management facilities such as wildlife parks, game ranches, captive breeding operations as well as artificial propagation of plants.

people to assist the police with information to nip in the bud any potential threat to peace and security.

The governor who spoke through his deputy, Alhaji Abdullahi Garba Faskari, praised the incumbent IGP for the changes he introduced in the force which he added had improved on the police’ service delivery and image.

Nurses’ association distribute cars to members From Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

I

n an effort to improve the welfare of its members, Gombe state chapter of National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has distributed 25 cars and household items worth N60 million to its members.

The state chairman of the Association, Mr. Dimas Laubayum, disclosed this to journalists in Gombe yesterday.

He said while the household items were distributed before Easter, the cars were given to the beneficiaries about two weeks ago, adding that the items and the cars were distributed on loan in conjunction with the First Bank of Nigeria, Plc. Laubayum explained that the cars cost N27 million while the household items cost N25 million and would be repaid within two years at 27 per cent interest.

According to him, the bank gave the N52 million in buying the cars and items while the association gave a counterpart funding of N8 million for other welfare items to supplement the loan.

According to him, “We have seen the predicament of our members in transportation and other items and we felt we should intervene”, he said.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

PAGE 11

Gummi rates Nigeria’s justice system low

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

T

he Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Justice Lawal Gummi has ranked Nigeria low in efficient formal justice system, just as he noted that lack of timely, predictable and affordable access to justice was having a negative effect on investment drive.

Justice Gummi made the remarks while speaking at the official commissioning of the International Centre for Arbitration and Mediation, Abuja (ICAMA), founded by former Attorney General of the

Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Chief Bayo Ojo. Gummi noted that the establishment of the centre for arbitration and mediation is a positive development, especially now that the number of cases filed in the courts is on the increase, while government is increasing its drive to encourage investment and growth in the economy on the other hand.

“Unfortunately, many developing and transiting countries, including Nigeria rank poorly in the area of the efficiency of formal justice systems.

“Lack of timely, predictable

and affordable access to justice has a negative effect on the business climate because it increases risks for local and foreign investors. Experience has shown that serious businesses are reluctant to put money into an economy where safety of their investment cannot be protected.

This protection includes judicial intervention when disputes arise; obviously, most of these businesses cannot afford to join the waiting list in our courts and that is where a centre like this comes in handy.

“This centre can offer obvious benefits when properly introduced

into a dispute and the process properly managed and some benefits include; faster and less costly resolution of disputes, reduced formality through easier and more accessible process, more efficient dispute resolution in highly technical areas, and reduced backlog of court cases”, the FCT Chief Judge stated.

In his welcome address, Bayo Ojo (SAN) said he conceived the dream of the centre about 10 years ago, saying that, “Precisely in the year 2002, I was privileged to be a member of an Arbitral Panel that sat over a reference between two conglomerates here

in Abuja. One of the parties offered its well-appointed boardroom for the hearing. The other party promptly objected to the use of the said boardroom and we had to look for an alternative venue.

“To my chagrin and surprise, this proved a difficult task indeed as we soon discovered that apart from meeting rooms in hotels, there was no suitable venue for arbitration and mediation hearings in the entire Federal Capital Territory. I then said to myself that I would fill this vacuum in due course. That was the beginning of the dream”.

Obakpolor calls for synergy over radar system usage From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

A

former chairman of the defunct Nigeria Football Association and retired airforce officer, Group Captain John Obakpolor, has advocated a synergy between the Federal Ministry of Defence and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to promote military-civil cooperation in the use of the NAMA’s Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) equipment in the defence of country.

Speaking at a breakfast meeting yesterday in Lagos organised by NAMA to intimate pilots and stakeholders on the availability and capability of the facility and also get feedback from the end usersm, Obakpolor noted that the agency needs to get responses aimed at improving on its Air Navigation Service Provision assignment.

He said the situation whereby intruders-either civil or military trespass Nigerian airspace without being challenged is bad for the economic and defence interest of country.

Obakpolor told the gathering that the way out is for the military, particularly the country’s airforce to key into the radar system of NAMA which came into operations having being commissioned in 2010 by the President.

The TRACON radar system, which is capable of tracking any aircraft within Nigeria airspace and neighbouring countries, he said, will enable the authority deal with any intrusion into the country's airspace.

“It would be possible to not only track the plane at high altitude but also use our jet fighters to intercept such aircraft. But right now, we lack such capability and our airforce should make use of NAMA radar system by keying into it”, he said.

R-L: Osun state Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, state Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Magnus Atilade, and Ekiti state Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, during the presentation of award of Order of Friendship to the governor yesterday at Government House, in Osogbo, Osun state capital.

Lawyer calls for reform of court system From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

A

legal icon, Chief Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN), has called for urgent reforms of the court system to fast track dispensation of cases from the magistrate to appeal courts.

The legal luminary who stated this while speaking with journalists in Ibadan, said the delay in the dispensation of cases is paramount among the challenges facing the judiciary.

Adenipekun, who is the Managing Partner, Afe Babalola and Co Chambers, also identified the failure of the country to

carryout court reforms as one of the major problem facing the judiciary and called for the immediate reforms of the courts to aid speedy dispensation of justice.

He said the reform is to tackle the delay in the dispensation of cases was even more important than any other reforms that anyone may be advocating in the judiciary, noting that in the past many governments have tried to address this problem but they have not achieved the desired result.

In his words, “You can imagine a commercial case, somebody owes N10, 000, and I take it to the High Court; The case is there for about 10 years, imagine the effect that will have on the life of the people."

Why we sacked doctors – Lagos govt From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

L

agos state government yesterday gave reasons for the decision to sack 788 doctors in the state’s employ, saying “it was taken to protect the interest of residents of the state.”

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris who made the remark at the 2012 ministerial press briefing in commemoration of the second term, first year in office of the state governor, described the decision to sack the striking doctors in the state’s employ as painful but necessary.

Idris noted that the primary aim of government is to restore health services to various hospitals and prevent increase in mortality

rate that may be occasioned by the strike action.

The Commissioner stated that as part of the avenues that was employed to resolve the differences, the leadership of the State House of Assembly held a meeting with both parties noting that the striking doctors rather insulted members of the panel and the meeting ended inconclusive.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Aderemi Ibirogba who also spoke at the briefing, stated that it was a surprise that those trained to care for the people and save lives are the ones contributing to the high rate of mortality through avoidable strike actions.

Review of revenue formula unfair to oil communities, says Ondo lawmaker

T

he member representing Ilaje II in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Olugbenga Edema, has described the ongoing review of the revenue sharing formula as unfair to oil producing communities.

Edema told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Igbokoda that

the attempt to review the revenue formula was against the principle of natural justice.

He expressed the belief that the exercise would adversely affect the people of the oil producing areas in the country.

Rather than call for the review of the sharing formula, he

said the agitators should call for resource control which would allow the owners of mineral resources to effectively develop their areas.

The lawmaker, who is also the Chairman of the House Committee on Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Corporation, said oil

spillage in river side communities had adversely affected fishermen in the area.

“Can you imagine that we don’t even get fuel to buy at N97 per litre here; the cheapest here is N100 per litre.

“Now if a fisherman buys 25 litres of fuel to go and fish on the

high sea, the tendency is there that he may return without getting anything because oil spillage has destroyed aquatic life.

“What this means is that the poor fishermen in the river side communities are made poorer because of oil exploration from his community”, he said. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

PAGE 12

EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

Azazi’s untenable position N ational Security Adviser (NSA), General Andrew Owoeye Azazi, penultimate Friday stirred the hornet’s nest again when he made statements that portrayed him as someone bereft of ideas as to how to tackle the rising insecurity in the country. Speaking at the second South-south Economic Summit in Asaba, Delta state, the NSA blamed the fierce competition in the build-up to the 2011 presidential election, which was caused by President Jonathan’s violation of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party’s zoning and rotation policy, for the emergence of the Boko Haram phenomenon. “How come the extent of violence did not increase in Nigeria until the public declaration of the people that were going to contest election by the PDP?” But beyond his diatribe on the PDP’s zoning formula, the retired General laced his speech at the summit with nuances. For instance, Azazi said: “Let’s examine all those issues to see whether the level of violence in the North-east just escalated because Boko Haram suddenly became better trained, better equipped and better funded or something else was responsible…

Some people were wearing white garments 22 years ago and calling themselves Republic of Afghanistan in the North, and some people said they were keeping to their religion and there was nothing wrong. We try to play ostrich and think things will blow over.

“I believe we should stop the politicization of security issues in Nigeria. I believe we should stop the politicization of the crisis, where some people were assured that they would win 80 per cent and they did not win”, he said. According to him, hardly can anything be done to contain the insurgency by Boko Haram “because the situation that created the sect has not been tackled, e.g. poverty and the desire (of some

“

we believe the General should immediately quit his present position as NSA because he and his principal are not on the same page. His position has become untenable and he should go or be shoved aside northerners) to rule Nigeria”.

Azazi’s remarks in Asaba, besides betraying a misunderstanding of the Boko Haram phenomenon, which goals and objectives are now well known to most Nigerians, exposed his prejudice against northern Nigeria and its people.

What is most unfortunate is that this latest outburst by the NSA was

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”

not the first time he would display clear lack of appreciation of issues surrounding the insurgency by the Islamic sect. In July last year, the General, while admitting that terrorism is a global phenomenon, claimed that it was new in Nigeria, thus deliberately overlooking the terrorist actions of his kith and kin in the Niger Delta, which was only ended with an amnesty package by late President Umaru Yar’adua to control.

In a two-part editorial we wrote last year (published July 25-26), “Misunderstanding or prejudice?”, we lamented that “…it is becoming all too clear, and disturbing, that the General has been proceeding in his job on the basis of either a faulty or a prejudiced understanding of the security threats and the challenges they pose to us, or both”. And no doubt, Azazi’s tirade in Asaba is a clear vindication of our stand in the said editorial.

But what is even worse is that the NSA’s boss, President Goodluck Jonthan sharply disagrees with the security chief’s position on the rising level of the insurgency.

Reacting to the statement credited to his security chief, Jonathan said he did not subscribe to those claims

by Azazi. And it is in this regard that we believe the General should immediately quit his present position as NSA because he and his principal are not on the same page.

His position has become untenable and he should go or be shoved aside.

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OUR VISION

CHAIRMAN MALAM WADA MAIDA, OON, FNGE EDITOR, DAILY AHMED I. SHEKARAU

DIRECTOR/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RUFA’I IBRAHIM CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ALI M. ALI

ACTING EDITOR, WEEKEND RICHARD IHEDIWA

GM PUBLICATIONS ABDULAZEEZ ABDULLAHI MANAGER, ADMINISTRATION HASSAN HAMMANYAJI

HEAD, ADVERT/MARKETING HUSSAINI ABDULRAHMAN, CNA

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

PAGE 13

Enhancing national conversation through social media

By Joseph Mutah

S

ince the return of democracy to Nigeria in 1999, May 29 remains a watershed in our journey to democratization and constitutional rule.

For the past decade, May 29 has been dubbed and marked as “Democracy Day”. It is the day that the reins of power were formally transferred to a democratically elected government by the military for nearly two decades.

Every year, various programmes were usually carried out to mark Democracy Day in order to enforce the people’s confidence in the democratic system and uphold their liberty, freedom of expression and the media as well as participation in the governance process.

The 2012 Democracy Day Celebration is unique in so many respects, due to the array of programmes lined up to commemorate the day. One of the programmes leading to May 29, 2012 is the ministerial media briefings tagged “The Ministerial Platform”.

While flagging off the

By Tony Orilade

I

t was disgusting to the ears when the news broke on May 3, 2012, that a certain Adamu Abubakar who was arrested on March 19, 2012, at Darazo market in Bauchi state while trying to spend a fake N500 Nigerian currency with an orange seller in the market was on May 2, 2012, sentenced by Justice M. T. Salihu of the Federal High Court, sitting in Bauchi. From the news report, Adamu a.k.a. Damina Suruku, 18, was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. He was found guilty on all four count charge for dealing, altering and being in possession of fake Nigerian currency notes; charges which were brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Also recently, another Sani Ahmed was remanded in prison custody by Justice B.O. Quadri of the Federal High Court Gombe, on a two- count charge of Counterfeiting and being in possession of Counterfeit N1000 Naira Bank Note. Ahmed was apprehended at a business centre in Gombe metropolis where he was found to be using a computer printer to scan the CBN N1000 Bank Note which he would print out with the aid of a computer printer then cut and trim to size.

As commendable as the judiciary, represented by Justices Salihu and Quadri seems, in discharging these laudable assignments in the fight against economic and financial crimes, it is disheartening as not a few are of the opinion that the EFCC’s prosecutorial efforts in ensuring that the smaller thieves are sent to jail, is not replicated in the ways and manner high profile cases, where no fewer than two dozen former governors are in various courts in Nigeria, are prosecuted.

Some of the cases involving former governors, spans over a six-year period; yet, some have not progressed beyond the plea stage.

Ministerial Platform on 24th April, 2012, at the National Press Centre, Abuja, Minister of Information Mr. Labaran Maku said: “The Ministerial Platform is designed to provide platform of engagement between Ministers, members of the public and the media on a multimedia platform. This is important, because any democratic government derives its powers from the citizens, hence the need for regular inter-face between the leaders and the led in order to report back on how we have been discharging our mandate”. It was on that note that the ministerial media briefings commenced.

Unlike the regular ministerial briefings where government officials talk at the media and respond to questions, the Ministerial Platform took the form of interactive sessions. It is covered lived on NTA and FRCN and other private radio and television stations in addition to coverage by the print media across the country.

The ministerial platform is equally streamed live on the website of the Federal Ministry of Information, for a wider viewership even outside of the country.

Similarly, there is also minuteby-minute update on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, so that Nigerians both at home and abroad can follow the proceedings and make their own contributions.

There are also dedicated phone numbers and e-mail address open to members of the public to ask questions, offer suggestions or make contributions.

In the cause of the briefings, the social media platforms which are web-based and mobile technologydriven proved to be veritable tools for public participation in the discourse.

The ubiquity of the Internet has significantly revolutionised the direct interactions between the Ministers and Nigerians. On Twitter for example, at least four hundred people tweet per minute with large following on YouTube and update on facebook. There is also an average of 150 text messages pouring in during the briefings, seeking clarification of asking questions.

One of the essential characteristics of the Ministerial Platform is the ability to leverage on the social media to reach millions

of Nigerians across board in order explain to them how the government has fared so far in the last one year, particularly in service delivery and development of infrastructure. Thus, the social media have provided the reach through multiple points, accessibility at little or no cost, usability that requires no any special skills to operate and immediacy in making contributions.

Since the first e-mail was sent in 1971 and the domination of facebook is 2004, the global population using the social media is on the rise.

As the communications landscape becomes more populated, complex and participatory, the population using the social media is given more access to information with greater opportunities to engage in public dialogue, thereby enhancing the ability for collective action. This informed the decision of the Honourable Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku to deploy the social media platforms during the ministerial briefings to enhance public participation in the

national conversation which a long way in consolidating our democracy, national, transformation, peace and development of the country.

However, the full utilization of the social media at the ministerial platform brought out some of the challenges the country faces especially in the ICT Sector. Chief among them is the low bandwidth, which the Ministry of Communications Technology is addressing at the moment. The country needs adequate bandwidth so that there would be seamless streaming of videos on the websites and other social media platforms.

There is also the misuse of the social media by some people especially the youths in their comments. They tend to deviate more from conversation on issues to raining abuses on government officials, which I think exposes the level of moral decadence in our youths.Therefore, more needs to be done by parents, religious and community leaders to arrest the situation from further deteriorating.

Joseph Mutah resides in Kaduna.

High profile corruption burden There is no doubt that unlike the ‘smaller’ corrupt public and private officials who have not stolen enough to secure the services of Senior Advocate of Nigerian, SANs, as defence counsels, the high profile corrupt officials hire as many SANs as possible, pay them millions of naira to bamboozle the judges with legal technicalities and continue to prolong their trial, even when they are convinced that they are on the path of national perdition.

A cursory look at some of the high profile cases that have suffered severe setback from the time of arraignment till date include those of ex-governors Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia State, Abdullahi Adamu of Nasarawa state, Jolly Nyame of Taraba state and Abubakar Audu of Kogi state. On April 27, 2012, the EFCC secured a landmark victory in its suit against former governor of Abia state, Orji Uzor Kalu at the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, when the panel of three justices led by Justice Ejembi Eko, struck out the appeal by the former governor and his company Slok Nigeria. The judge further ruled that the ex-parte order of May 31, 2007, by Abia State High Court, asking the Federal High Court to stay all proceedings against Orji was a racquet suit aimed at frustrating his arrest and subsequent prosecution. “That order was an order at large, personal rather than definite. It was an order made as an ex-parte and not at the course of trial”, the judge said. Kalu has the services of Awa Kalu SAN leading others.

On March 3, 2010, the EFCC arraigned former Governor of Nasarawa State, Alhaji Adamu alongside 18 others on a 149 count charge of fraud to the tune of N15 billion before Justice Ibrahim Buba. Buba was later transferred to Asaba and replaced with Justice Marcel Awokulehin. On Tuesday,

April 27, 2010, controversial Justice Awokulehin voluntarily withdrew from presiding over the fraud case citing personal reasons and in conformity with his conscience. Justice David Okorowo took over the case and the accused filed a motion asking for the quashing of the case against them.

But the judge, in his ruling said the former governor had a case to answer, a development which made Adamu and his co travellers to file an appeal followed with a stay of proceeding motion while the appeal last. On March 3, 2011, the EFCC filed a 15 paragraph counteraffidavit opposing the application for stay of proceedings.

Between May 24, 2011 and September 28th, 2011, the case suffered four adjournments without hearing due to pre-election matters. In appeal number 123/ 20011, the ex-governor is at the Makurdi division of the Court of Appeal, challenging the ruling of the federal high court.

Three times the case was mentioned; three times the judges have not sat to hear it. The case had again been adjourned till June 5, 2012.

It is on record that the Exgovernor Adamu boasts of the services of counsels like Abdullahi Ibrahim, Dr. M.E. Ediru and Onyechi Ikpeazu, all Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

Yet, another is Nyame who was first arraigned by EFCC on July 13, 2007, on a 41 count charge for stealing, criminal breach of trust, diversion of public funds, bribery and misappropriation of funds to the tune of N5.5 billion belonging to Taraba State government. The ex-governor immediately sought to quash the charges against him as he filed an application on October 10, 2007, claiming there was no prima-facie case against him and that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him. But Justice Adebukola

Banjoko dismissed the application for lacking in merit. However, Nyame proceeded to the Appeal Court which equally dismissed the application on February 24, 2010. He further went to the Supreme Court to seek for the same relief. Upholding the ruling of the lower court, the Supreme Court in its ruling read by Justice Olufunlola Oyelola Adekeye, said that the FCT High Court has jurisdiction to try Nyame. The ability to proceed to the Apex court and come back to continue trial at the high court still keeping the services of the SANs is all as a result of the financial war chest of the former governor. The case has been adjourned till May 24 and 25 for continuation of trial at the high court of the FCT, Abuja.

Ex-governor Abubakar Audu of Kogi state was originally arraigned on November 30, 2006 on an 80 criminal count charge of fraud and embezzlement of public fund to the tune of over N4 billion while he was governor of Kogi state between 1999 and 2003. The charge had suffered several setbacks as he had trice, proceeded to the Apex court and returned to the high court of Kogi state where his trial is on-going before Justice Saidu Tanko Husseini. His lead counsel, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, had asked the court to adjourn the case sine-die since the case is before the Supreme Court.

But prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs told the court that Audu has employed several delay tactics to frustrate the case for six years.

Among such tactics, Jacobs said, was a medical letter the defence counsel read to the court on March 31, 2011, purportedly written by the accused person’s doctor that Audu would be hospitalized for 30 days, when in fact he was on his gubernatorial campaign train.

It would be recalled that the court had on January 24, 2012,

refused the application for stay of proceedings in the N4 billion corruption charges against the exgovernor. But at the resumed hearing of the case on April 24, 2012, the court registrar, one Rasheeda came to inform the court that Justice Husseini was indisposed and therefore will not be able to sit for the day’s proceedings. The case now comes up on June 6, 2012, for continuation of hearing.

There is no doubt that the process of bringing high profile corrupt officers to book is not as straightforward as many Nigerians assume it should be. The EFCC is understandably, at its best in the prosecution of high profile cases in Nigeria , in view of circumstantial and environmental challenges being faced. There is congestion of cases or made to be so, particularly criminal cases, in the regular courts at various levels. As it stands, the much talk about Special Court for corruption cases, as being discussed by the leadership of the apex court, remain the only way out as the benefits are self evident.

The initiative, no doubt a novelty, is meant to enhance the war against corruption by facilitating speedy conclusion of corruption cases within a reasonable period. Second, it will restore public confidence in the anti-corruption war and the judicial system under which it is being prosecuted. However, like all public policies and programmes, the success of the initiative will depend on the implementation and Nigerians are waiting and sooner than later, all the former governors who have cases to answer like the former governor of Delta state, James Onanefe Ibori, will be brought to book.

Tony Orilade is in the media Unit of EFCC, Abuja

PAGE 14

By Dr Sani Abubakar Lugga

N

igeria is currently faced with what is popularly called “Boko Haram” crisis as she was earlier faced with a crisis of similar nomenclature and astonishingly of similar birth and growth!

The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) sprang up in the Niger Delta and on May 21st, 1994, a bloody fight ensued between its rival factions where four Ogoni Traditional Chiefs were murdered. The Head of MOSOP, Mr Ken Saro-Wiwa and three other leaders of the movement were arrested and charged for the murder of the Chiefs. They were sentenced to death by the Justice Auta Special Tribunal and the sentence approved by the Nigerian Provisional Ruling Council (PRC) under the chairmanship of the Head of State General Sani Abacha on November 8th, 1995. They were hanged at the Port Harcourt prisons on 10th November, 1995.

The hangings were termed as “judicial murders”.

That triggered the metamorphosis of MOSOP into MEND (Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta).

The Group, Jama’atu Ahlis Sunnah Lidda’awati wal Jihad,

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

Dialogue is the best remedy known as Boko Haram (BH), Federal Government to study the security agencies for using or came into limelight as a result of unfortunate escalation of attempting to use bombs. A much the arrest and “extra-judicial insecurity in the country were larger percentage of Muslims murder” of its Head, Mallam unanimous in their findings that suffer deaths and economic losses Mohammed Yusuf along with “poverty, injustice and in the crises in Borno, Kano, other leaders of the Group while corruption” are the key precursors Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau, in the Adamawa and custody of other affected the Borno states of the State Police federation. So, the Command crisis transcends Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text on 30th Boko Haram as it is messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written July, 2009. multifarious in contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 MEND nature that words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and and BH deserves decisive a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed sprang up in action by the to: identical authorities. fashions and The Nigerian t h e i r Government The Editor, activities should consider Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, escalated the MEND and BH 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. after the backgrounds Email: let ters@peoplesdaily-online.com “murder” of along with the SMS: 07037756364 their leaders frank and downand the t o - e a r t h arrest of their members. Both are to the Nigerian quagmire. MEND recommendations of the Sheik claiming to be fighting against introduced the use of sophisticated Ahmed Lemu Commission that injustice being perpetuated on weapons and bombs in its poverty alleviation measures, their communities by operations and BH followed suit. justice and fairness and thegovernment and its agencies.

Today in Nigeria, bombs are eradication of corruption should While MEND tilts towards the used by armed robbers to blow- be the guiding principles of fight against economic injustice, up bank vaults. Bombs are used governance. Indeed, a much BH tilts towards the fight against by kidnappers. Both Muslims and paying precedence has been set social and religious injustice. Christians have been arrested by the government of late Several commissions set up by the and are in the custody of the Umaru Musa Yar’adua that

WRITE TO US

negotiated and offered amnesty and lucrative incentives to the Niger Delta Militants thereby gaining the peace in that region.

Whatever are the claims of “Boko Haram”, dialogue could bring about a solution. Continued use of force may only worsen the situation leading to more losses of lives and properties. Religious, traditional and political leaders should avoid inflaming the situation by unguarded outbursts and actions. So far, peace and security are eluding Nigeria, her economy being busted and her progress being stagnated and one may even say that the country is retrogressing!

Therefore, the government should listen to the “Boko Haram” and broker peace with them. This type of dialogue has been tested in other countries and has been tested and implemented in Nigeria by the last administration. The rest of Nigerians should continue to pray for peace. But peace, stability and progress can only be achieved through working towards their achievement and not by merely praying.

Dr Sani Abubakar Lugga is the Wazirin Katsina

The NCC, NESREA tango: A revisit

By Sulaiman Daudu

T

here is no doubt that the N i g e r i a n Telecommunication Commission, NCC was solely set up to supervise and regulate on matters concerning the telecommunication sector in Nigeria.

But what is in doubt is that whether it has satisfactorily executed this task. This is arguably because until the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) showed up on the scene to react against the very companies NCC was set up to supervise less than a decade ago not much has been heard from them except for frivolous arguments bordering on who to handle the six billion Naira registration of subscriber users in Nigeria! This has been the case until their feud with NESREA. Since 2009, residents of EFAB Estate in Mbora district, Abuja had been complaining bitterly about a troublesome MTN base station erected dangerously close to some houses. From investigations, the base station fell far short of all health expectations not to mention environmental regulations. It did not meet the required perimeter setback of even the 5 metres NCC claimed and has no Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report. The facility was also not captured in the recent nationwide Environmental Audit of Base Stations carried out

by NESREA, confirming the contempt with which the operators treat their customers. So bad were the complaints coming from the residents, some of whom operate beer palours around the

facility that the Development Control Section of AMAC had to move in and order the site to be pulled down, but this one fell on deaf ears. “We paid regular visits to the owners of the Estate; we even held meetings with the site engineer but all to no avail”, said Aminu Mohammed, a resident.

“Our pleas for intervention were completely ignored by Officials of MTN and NCC”, disclosed another resident Mrs. Christian Uche.

As the tale of woes continued our investigators found out on a repeated visit to the facility that the site manager had also failed to clear the refuse heaps around the facility, despite desperate appeals to do so – another danger to human health. “I do not believe that officials of MTN can operate in this lawless manner in South Africa”, said another resident who owns a Pharmacy shop down the road.

The man who preferred to remain anonymous wondered why NCC had allowed MTN to operate with such impunity as if there were no laws!

But all that changed when complaints reached the ears of NESREA and the Agency in line with the National Environmental (Telecommunications and Broadcast facility) Regulations S.I No. 11 of 2011 promptly moved in and shut down the facility. The Director-General, Dr (Mrs.) Ngeri S. Benebo in doing so charged that the station be sealed to ensure an environmentally sustainable practice at base stations across the country.

The much feared DirectorGeneral had warned that any practice that would not take human consideration into practice would not be condoned and that economic consideration must not

override our health and safety conditions. Observers of the Telecommunication industry saw this as good talk, because it serves no purpose for Nigerians to loose their lives in pursuit of economic gains or whatever! This action by NESREA was the catalyst for NCC to wake from its slumber—and they did so wrongly.

But NESREA has been hailed in wide circles for instilling sanity into the telecommunication sector.

“Nigeria must not be a country of anything goes”, said one Kassim Abraham. “We must learn to call a spade a spade and shun this culture of anything goes”, he declared.

However, as it is, telecommunication operators have continued to flout the Nation’s laws with NCC apparently impotent to do anything. But NESREA has continued to implement the laws to the latter: from Akure, Oshogbo, Lagos down to Enugu the Agency has left no one in doubt as to her ability to enforce all environmental laws and react appropriately to developing situations.

Now to answer critics, NESREA has not only been active in the telecommunication sector as some pundits are wont to say, the Agency has also clamped down big time on operators in the Quarry sector; it has moved in against importers of E-waste and also shut the doors against unscrupulous business men who use Nigeria Ports as dumping ground for hazardous products. Now it is working out strategies to reduce vehicular emissions in Nigeria. It is therefore patently wrong and fraudulent for the President of the Association of Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (AITON) to suggest that NESREA has only focused her striking options on the Telecom sector.

Perhaps frustrated by its inability to act and afraid of being scrapped in the impending Government restructuring of Agencies and Parastatals, the NCC decided to move out of its indolent shell to clash with a sister Government Agency. Instead of seeking cooperation with NESREA, NCC went to town in a botched attempt to undo the excellent work initiated by NESREA. It argued lamely that NESREA has no powers to meddle in its affairs; that NCC laws having been set up in 2003 supersedes that of NESREA established in 2007. “NESREA should focus more on the environment it was set up to regulate”, said Mr. Ephraim Nwokenneya, NCC Head of Compliance and Monitoring. But Mrs. Ronke Soyombo, NESREA’s Director of Inspection and Enforcement countered in a swift reaction while leading NESREA to reseal the facility charged that the site must remain shut because of numerous complaints from members of the public and residents!

However, one Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo acting on behalf of what it called the National Association of Telecommunication Subscribers (NATCOMS) in his own reaction insisted that incessant disruptions of base stations would reduce the quality of service and added that World Health Organisation (WHO) has denied that electromagnetic emission is dangerous to health.

He said the NCC has set guidelines for the installation of Mast and Towers and NATCOM is worried by the indiscriminate closure of BTS sites on National Security and economic activities. He went on to advice NESREA to address

effluent discharges in the country and carbon emissions.

On this level, Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo could be said to be far behind time with regards to the operations of NESREA. Were it not so he would have known that NESREA had long regulated the manufacturing sector on effluent discharges and has even held a national interactive session of Stakeholders on Vehicular Emission Centres in Nigeria.

NESREA has even released 24 new National Environmental Regulations dwelling on major sectors of the economy – manufacturing, food and beverages, chemicals & pharmaceuticals, textile, wearing apparels and leather, pulp and paper, electrical and electronic, plastic, rubber and foam, hospitality and healthcare, base metal, iron and steel not to mention coastal and marine areas, generic resources, etc; no one would need to tell chief Ogunbanjo that his hypothesis are not only selfish but ill motivated.

In fact, until NESREA rose up, NCC has merely been sleeping and playing to the gallery.

The commission lacked the necessary bite NESREA possesses and besides, it has been treating Telecommunication Operators with kid gloves. “Even the so-called registration of subscribers in Nigeria, has been mindlessly bungled”, claimed Mr. Obinna Nwafor a lecturer, in the University of Abuja. According to him NESREA laws supercedes NCC Act since it was enacted in 2007.

Therefore, he says, there is no question about who has upper hand. On the issue of oversight feud, hear Mrs. Ronke Soyombo “It Continued on page 15

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

PAGE 15

Either JAMB or post-UTME, not both J

By Churchill Obinna Okonkwo

oint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar Professor Ojerinde just announced that admission process for the 2012/13 academic year for Nigerian tertiary institution will commence soon.

But rather than settling the nerves of keen observers of Nigerian dysfunctional educational system, the intended harmonization of cutoff points is raising the question of who really is in-charge of admission into Nigerian universities. If cut-off points will soon be ‘fixed’ what then is the relevance of post-UTME examinations conducted by most individual Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education for admission? Why should students seeking admission spend scarce resources on fees and Continued from page 14

is NESREA’s responsibility to ensure environmental compliance and monitoring”. “We are not encroaching on the territory of any sister Agency”, she says.

Now as the argument hots up the Federal Government through the Honourable Minister of Environment, Mrs. Hadiza

transportation for two sets of similar exams? Are Nigerian students being terrorized?

If as established by law in 1978, amended in 1989 and in 1993 JAMB is empowered to be responsible for the: ‘general control over the conduct of matriculation examinations into all universities, polytechnics and Colleges of Education’; why should university administrators extort additional money from students seeking admission to their schools?

Asking students to take JAMB and Post-UTME is like requiring students to make five credits in NECO and WAEC before gaining admission to Nigerian tertiary institutions. NECO was introduced to Nigerian education system as an alternative to WAEC. WAEC is not a prerequisite for NECO as both are independent. But Post-UTME is not

an alternative to JAMB as JAMB is a prerequisite to Post-UTME. So, what’s really the difference? If as claimed by some university administrators that the standard of students being admitted through JAMB is so low that they are ‘un-teachable’ and that universities end up producing graduates that cannot read nor write; then one wonders the type of system we operate. Shouldn’t there be an inbuilt mechanism that ensures that students that do not meet certain minimum standard are asked to withdraw? The last time I checked elaborate essay writing was still part of NECO and WAEC English exams. So, is there really any difference between the content, standard and level of difficulty in the two exams? Has there been any significant improvement in the system since the introduction of postUTME? Is Post-UTME just an avenue

to create an opportunity for university administrators to further extort money from students by promising admission for cash?

It has been reported that JAMB makes about =N= 7 billion a year from examination fees. With a PostUTME fee of between N 2,000 –N 5,000, tertiary institutions in Nigeria will be making between N 2 billion to N 5 billion yearly from the same students. How are these billionsgenerated from JAMB and higher institutions spent? You don’t think this double and needless imposition of examination on Nigerian students is a form of academic terrorism?

The National Assembly members have made a lot of noise (as usual) about post-UTME being illegal and called for its scraping.

But what happened? Nothing!

What is the ministry of education

doing about this double “taxation” of students even when a good number still fail to gain admission?

Nothing!

The cost of training a student in Nigerian higher institutions is so high today that every fee (in whatever form) being paid by a Nigerian student must be scrutinized. That our political office holders and ‘elected’ lawmakers are inept and politically and morally corrupt does not mean we should fold our hands and watch the continued decay and shams in our educational system. I will conclude by expressing the hopes and wishes of indigent parents and students in Nigeria: It is either we go for JAMB or we go for Post-UTME. We don’t need the two.

Churchill Okonkwo is reachable at Churchill.okonkwo@gmail.com

The NCC, NESREA tango: A revisit Mailafia Ibrahim has put matters to rest by announcing its support for the actions of NESREA. The Federal Government it should be known has a transformation Agenda in focus and it is doubtful if the Government would tolerate

any betrayal in pursuit of its stated objectives. “The Government is desirous of achieving results and delivering on its mandate”, said a highly placed Government source.

“Therefore, it must act without recourse to whose ox is gored”, the

source further said. This is a clear message that Nigeria has no place for sacred cows and as Dr Benebo once pointed out. “The safety and sanctity of human life will never be compromised for any economic consideration”. The Director-

General vowed to protect Nigeria’s environmental laws to its latter.

That exactly is what NESREA is doing.

Sulaiman Daudu Plot 1020, Gudu District, Abuja 08104535360

Perspectives on Rashidi Yekini: Why Nigeria can’t be great

By Peter Claver Oparah

P

eople who knew me and have perhaps read some of my blogs over thelast one year would easily point to a very popular analogy of mine where I pointed out that “We Nigerians behave like the Scriptural Jews; who would pray and fast for a Leader, King Messiah, Prophet etc.

But when God foster on us what we demanded, we scuttle everything with prejudicial sentiments”. Now I am all but convinced that Nigerians are becoming even worse than the ‘Scriptural Jews’ of that analogy; and I shall subsequently explain the critical reasons why I believe Nigeria is now heading for a monumental socio-economical ‘abyss’’ because of failures of leadership and followership. Firstly and most importantly in this case, Nigeria never had an Abraham who prayed a generational prayer on his offspring to be successful over time. The influence of Abraham’s prayer and God’s Promise are there for everyone to see today in the State of Israel and Saudi Arabia. Nigeria does not have this privilege; therefore positive divine influence on our activities as a people depend hugely on what we the people put forward to God on the one hand; and servitude to humanity on the other hand. Secondly, the Jews had excellent leadership and guidance during these times historically. It was the followership that doubted, disobeyed and destroyed what was originally ordained. Joseph, Moses, David, Solomon were all good leaders during their days.

For Nigeria however, the leadership and followership are as bad as each other. There is no difference between those sitting and running affairs of the State of Nigeria and the average Nigerian

on any streets. It is only that the opportunity that aided the politicians has not found its way to that neighbour of ours.

So why is all these scepticism vented on a land, where many had concluded owns so much riches; in both natural and human resources? I shall answer this with the misfortune that met with the erstwhile Super Eagles Player, Rashidi Yekini last Friday, May 4th 2012.

Rashidi Yekini was Nigeria’s all time leading goal scorer with 37 goals in 58 games in a National Team career that spanned from 1983-1998. He last played for Nigeria at France 1998 World Cup and quietly eased off public glare after some personally ‘perceived’ injustices on his person during his active days as a Nigerian International. He never solicited for any kind of positions from the Nigerian Football Association (NFF) under any capacity; neither did he attach himself to any politician for political relevance. All these he might have done because of his general knowledge of the system that defines Nigeria.

But Rashidi Yekini retired modestly in contentment of what the work of his hands brought him and lived in Ibadan, Oyo State in South West Nigeria. However, from all indications, it was very clear that Rashidi Yekini never had a successful personal life as he did whilst playing the round leather game. His first marriage only lasted a few weeks after a honey moon in Europe. Yekini chose alienation from people as the solution to what he thought were failures and this on its own potentially caused a series of depression. Perhaps had he still been active as a footballer; he could have managed those times successfully with the game that

brought him personal joy and international fame.

But at that critical period in his life, Rashidi Yekini needed the people around him. He needed the establishments of which he had given so much of his life. Yekini needed Nigeria as the embodiment of all these structures and Nigeria failed him spectacularly.

It is typical of the Country where the reward system favoured the crooks and the kleptomaniacs. The hard workers and those who gave their lives for this Country often die into obscurity. What is the place of the men who wrote and designed the National Anthem and the National Flag of Nigeria in our National lives today? Compare them to the people whose only importance was because they found themselves in a position of authority.

Those who chooses not to serve Nigeria with their talents for better conditions abroad would more than often tell those who did and later got abandoned by Nigeria that; “I told You not to didn’t I?”. It is such a shame really. Just this morning I read that Gateway FC, the last and the most under resourced club that Rashidi Yekini played for will now retire his number 9 Jersey in his honour. Vitoria Setubal the Portuguese Club Rashidi Yekini made a global household name had said they would observe a minute silence for his memory in their last league game of the season. What have you heard Nigeria Football say since Yekini’s death? This is 48 hours after his burial and the nearest blab anybody in that ‘opaque’ glass house said was that “We didn’t know he was ill” I beg your pardon!

This was Nigeria’s all time leading goal scorer we are talking about here. The same man who never snubbed Nigeria when Nigeria needed him most.

Imagine a Rashidi Yekini

unavailable in the must win games against Algeria on July 2 1993 or against Ivory Coast on September 25 1993?

Like the weeping Sunday Oliseh said after his BBC interviewer asked him how much Nigeria’s 1st ever World Cup goal meant to Rashidi Yekini in that famous celebration of his. Oliseh “It was just right that Yekini scored that goal because he took us that far”. Yet the man hardly got a sent forth game after he retired from the National Team in 1998. The irony was that those who did get such honours either organized the ceremony by themselves; like Kanu Nwankwo did when he paid for his friends from around the world to grace his big day in Lagos; or have a Political feel to the whole thing like the Delta State Government did for Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha in 2006. Such is the disgrace of Nigeria’s organization.

Who else failed Yekini? The media did. When news of Rashidi Yekini’s mental state got out through the media; it was a celebration of some sort. “Rashidi Yekini runs mad in Ibadan”.

“Yekini is mad... eats in the streets of Ibadan”. “Is Yekini now insane?”

The sensationalism of the reports was to sell newspapers and not to help the poor man. An alarming headline would have prompted a few good elements of the Nigerian State into action. Like in the case of Coach Yomi Tella; who coached the Golden Eaglets to a World Cup triumph in 2007 in South Korea.

Tella was visibly ill when he went for that tournament and nobody paid attention. When he returned triumphantly, nobody in the NFF (or whatever they are called nowadays) and Nigerians as a whole paid attention; until his wife screamed in the papers 4 weeks

after before the late President Yar’adua took up the case. Few weeks later, Yomi Tella died. I doubt if all of the promises made to him were fulfilled. Neither was those promised Rashidi Yekini and his 1994 African Cup of Nations winning; and World Cup debuting team mates.

Lastly, Rashidi Yekini’s team mates and friends also failed him, especially those who lived with him in Ibadan. Ike Shorunmu, Mutiu Adepoju, Dimeji Lawal, Ajibade Babalade and the much older Segun Odegbami could have done more. They were all privy to Rashidi Yekini’s deteriorating state but instead chose to live with the situation rather than raise the needed alarm. Yekini might have well suffered from postoccupational depression syndrome and was therefore very vulnerable with no help. And what did Nigerians do? We applauded him because his status was now almost at par with the majority of that the people; just as we did when he was our main gladiator wearing the green and white of Nigeria.

Because Yekini’s mental state probably dropped to the level of him being ‘classified as a mad man’; Nigerians celebrated it because he mirrored the economic failures in our lives.

And just as the leadership of the country failed Yekini, the followership also failed him. The culpability of both divide in this case is not any different from how we deal with ourselves in our daily endeavours. The consequence of Yekini’s situation unravels into the mass failure of not only our sporting lives but also; that of our national lives. Nigeria shan’t be great with this attitude and it is not a curse.

Peter Claver Oparah can be reached at peterclaver2000@yahoo.com

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

Gosa inhabitants drag FCT minister to court

By Josephine Ella

O

ver 100 indigenous settlers at Gosa, a settlement along Airport Road yesterday, stormed a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Lugbe, demanding for compensation and resettlement from the FCT administration.

The indigenes, through their counsel, Baba Panya Musa had earlier filed a law suit against the administration earlier last month, over what they described as "unlawful demolition of their ancestral homes by agents of the FCT administration".

Addressing journalists after the court sitting yesterday, Musa alleged that the FCT minister had gone ahead to allocate the area in question to the Nigerian Police Force to build a barracks for mobile police officers.

•••Demand for resettlement, compensation Following this, he further alleged that the Department of Development Control of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), rolled out its bulldozers, demolishing more than 100 houses belonging to the indigenes in the process.

According to him, this was carried out without due compensation and resettlement of the indigenes by the FCT administration.

He said: "As I am talking to you, over a 100 households are been threatened so the matter is a representative action and in the interest of the public we have come in a way of enforcement of their fundamental human rights particularly in regards of Section 23 and 44 of the constitution that

says that if government must take over a private property there must be first of all be a prompt payment of compensation but this has not been done.

"The affected people have been here for over two centuries, Abuja met them here, they didn't meet Abuja here, and it is their ancestral home. What is happening here is great injustice to all the indigenous people that ought to be resettled and compensated".

Continuing, Musa said that: "This people are now living in daily fear and intimidation in the midst of their communities and homes.

Some of them have beacons in their parlours".

Also speaking to journalists, the Youth Chairman of Gosa, Zaphaniah Jehzi said the

community resorted to court action when its representatives at the National Assembly and House of Rep failed to address the issue.

He alleged that neither the chief of the community, members of his cabinet were consulted by the FCT administration before the demolition.

"They came and mark the houses and within three days they demolished the houses. There was nothing like compensation. Over 500 houses were demolished. Some of the victims are sleeping under the rain. This is a very sad moment to Gosa community. We are not happy about what happened. We are appealing to government to compensate us for what happened" he said.

Meanwhile, at the sitting

yesterday, the counsel told the court that 12 days after the case was filed, the defendant failed to serve any form of responses to the allegation.

He submitted that "according to the rules, particularly order 2(6), the respondent is supposed to file a response by way of a written affidavit within 5 days by virtue of order 4(1)".

In his submission, the counsel to the FCT minister, Yusuf B.A told the court that he was unable to file a counter affidavit within the given time due to ill health, praying the court to grant him five days under order 4, rule 2 file the process.

The Justice, A. O Ataluka said the court will be unfair to shut out the defence since the matter is sensitive.

She therefore, gave the defense 3 clear days to defend the accusation, adjourning the case to Monday, May 14, 2012 for definite hearing.

She also ordered the FCTA and the police to stay further action on the demolition pending the determination of the case by the court.

Polio eradication: Kuje council inaugurates committee

By Usman Shuaibu

T

A truck overloaded with goods, women and children broke down recently at Bolingo Junction, Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

NPI records 100 per cent turnout in Bwari

T

he National Polio Immunisation (NPI) Manager in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Abdulkadir Musa said 100 per cent support from residents, was recorded during the Immunisation Plus Day (IPD) in the area.

Musa told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bwari that the level of success and awareness created was encouraging.

"We are very happy to see people bring out their children freely for the immunisation programme with the aim of eradicating the scourge from the council," the

manager said.

He said the level of awareness about polio has improved and people were cooperating in various ways to ensure total eradication.

He commended the council for providing the needed machinery in ensuring the success of the programme, adding that, the virus

could be eradicated from FCT and other areas if certain conditions were met.

He said such conditions included awareness creation, support and total mobilisation against the virus, as he urged community leaders to always mobilise their people for the programme. (NAN)

21 persons jailed for sundry environmental offences

By Josephine Ella

T

he Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration has disclosed that from March 10-April 24, 2012, it has prosecuted and secured the imprisonment of 21 persons for various environmental offences.

The FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, who made this disclosure on yesterday in his office, revealed that apart from those imprisoned, the administration also prosecuted 1,258 persons during the period under review.

According to him, during the period under review, the administration through the Abuja Environmental Protection Board

(AEPB) sealed up 86 premises for various environmental offences.

In addition, the minister said during the same period, a total number of 93 persons were further arrested, while environmental health officers inspected 1,372 premises to ensure that such environments are clean.

"The Abuja Environmental

Protection Board during the period served 1,116 abatement notices with 8 premises fumigated", he said In collaboration with security firms at Jabi and Life Camp, he added that the Abuja Environmental Protection Board arrested some thieves, who are presently being prosecuted and recovered some stolen sewer manhole covers.

he Executive Chairman of Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) Hon. Danladi Etsu Zhin has expressed the readiness of the council towards polio eradication.

Zhin, who made the commitment while inaugurating the Social Mobilization Committee for Kuje Area Council, urged the committee to make sure that every child in the council is immunized.

He assured the committee members that the present administration would give them the necessary support to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

The terms of reference for the committee include, to organise advocacy visit to political leaders to seek political will to support the programme and to conduct community dialogue in various communities.

Other are to handle cases of non-compliant during NIPD as well as conducting Social Mobilisation committee meetings and writing of reports on the committee activities.

Responding, the chairperson of the committee, Mrs. Paulina Zhin, who is also the first lady of Kuje Area Council, promised to work hand in hand with the committee members to achieve their objectives.

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

FCTA presents motorcycles to councils for disease surveillance

By Josephine Ella

A

s part of measures to control outbreak of diseases, especially in the rural communities, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration, through its Health and Human Services Secretariat (HHSS), yesterday, presented seven motorcycles to Disease Surveillance and Notification officers of the Public Health Department in the six area councils of the territory.

Out of the seven motorcycles, two were donated to the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), while Kuje,

Abaji, Kwali, Gwagwalada and Bwari area councils got one motorcycles each.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, at the Public Health Department in Area 3, Garki, the Secretary for HHSS, Dr. Demola Onakomaiya, noted that the World Health Organisation(WHO)-assisted initiative, would no doubt boost the surveillance activities of the secretariat.

"Surveillance is a very important strategy in managing epidemics and controlling diseases.

Distribution of these motorcycles to the area councils will no doubt go a long way in

intensifying our surveillance activities," he said.

He commended the efforts of the WHO for supporting health initiatives of the FCT administration, particularly for donating the motorcycles.

Dr Onakomaiya further expressed the commitment of the FCT administration to ensure that diseases and other causes of suffering to the people of the territory are brought under control.

To this effect, the Secretary revealed that a budget line has been dedicated for Epidemic Preparedness and Response in 2012 Budget of the FCT. "We have also employed

more staff to strengthen our capacity in Public Health activities and are also intensifying our efforts to complete the hospitals that are under construction in various parts of the FCT as this will make health care services more accessible to our people," he added.

He also appealed to residents to avail themselves of the health facilities being put in place and urged the area councils to ensure that the motorcycles are put into the intended use.

In a remark, WHO State Coordinator for the FCT, Dr. Idang Ebong cautioned the area

councils against diverting the motorcycles into uses other than the intended purposes.

While pointing out that in time past, such gestures was misused he further urged the councils to provide an imprest to their surveillance officers for maintenance and fuelling of the motorcycles.

Responding on behalf of the councils, the representative of the Head of Department of health, AMAC, Asipa Liman thanked the FCT administration and WHO for the gesture as he pledged that the motorcycles would be utilised to achieve the intended purpose.

Gwagwalada residents get free prepaid metres

By Adeola Tukuru

G

wagwalada Business Unit of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) has cautioned consumers against tempering with newly installed prepaid metres in their homes.

The Manager, Mr Aminu Bello, who gave the warning during an interactive session with journalists, said the installation of prepaid metres across the business unit, sponsored by World Bank was free.

While urging consumers to embrace the gesture and ensure that the metres were not tempered with, he emphasised that attempt to temper with the metres would amount to total disruption of supply to the particular household involved.

Peoples Daily gathered that the beneficiaries are three phase consumers in the unit, while metres for single phase consumers are being awaited.

Bello pointed out that, consumers who had earlier paid for their metres would not be refunded.

However, he said they would be supplied along with both new and old consumers at zero cost.

Since all households are expected to benefit from the World Bank project, he told consumers in the unit that more power outage during the four months that the exercise would, should be expected.

This was as he told them point blank that available supply would be centred on areas where the metres were being installed at the moment.

Bello said arrangement has been concluded to ensure that vending does not pose problem for consumers in the unit, as he assured that the cards would be made readily available to consumers in the unit.

Motorcycles donated to the FCTA by World Health Organisation (WHO) were presented to disease surveillance officers at the six area councils of the FCT, yesterday, in Abuja.

Photo: Josephine Ella

Bizman held over alleged N.3m fraud

A

32-year-old man, Emeka Ilo was yesterday, remanded in Keffi prison for allegedly, defrauding one Boniface Onuh.

The Police Prosecutor, Atteh Effiong told an Abuja Senior Magistrate's Court which ordered the remand of the accused that, on March 26, one Boniface Onuh

of AC 57 AMAC Market Lugbe FHA, Abuja, wrote a petition to the police commissioner on March 13, against the accused.

Effiong said the accused of Block 1625 No 17 Olarukemi St. Lagos and one Ilo Okudili defrauded him of N300,000 under the pretext to supply Onuh furniture from Lagos to

Abuja.

He added that the complainant paid the said money to Account No. 0020309979 of Eco Bank belonging to Ilo Okudili now at large.

According to the prosecutor, the offence of criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of

trust and cheating contravenes Sections 97, 312 and 322 of the Penal Code.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Senior Magistrate Nkamdimi Buba ordered that he should be remanded in Keffi Prison and adjourned the case to June 11, 2012 for hearing. (NAN)

Bwari chair pledges to accelerate road construction

T

he Chairman, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Peter Yohanna, said roads construction within the area would be facilitated to ease the sufferings of the people during the rainy season.

Yohanna told the News

Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bwari that more than five roads were constructed in the area in the first quarter of the year to reduce the hardship, residents are subjected to.

The Chairman said construction of access roads in the area had ensured easy

transportation of farm produce from the hinterland to the city centre.

Yohanna urged the people to cooperate with construction workers within the area, to pave way for development.

He said construction of access roads in the hinterland

had greatly reduced cases of death among the populace by making access to medical facilities easier.

The construction of the Sabon-gari road axis in Bwari had made it easier for residents to cross to villages for business transactions, he added. (NAN)

BUSINESS

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

Email: amunuimam@yahoo.co.uk

PAGE 19

INSIDE

- Pg 20

NEPC seeks SMEs support to promote non-oil export

Mob: 08033644990

DMO to sell Naira falls to 6-week low on strong forex demand N70bn in T 2017, 2022 Oil falls to near $96 bonds in Asia as US crude

T

he Debt Management Office (DMO) yesterday said it plans to sell 70 billion naira ($444.59 million) worth of sovereign bonds ranging between 5 and 10 years at its regular auction on Wednesday, May 16.

The DMO said it would sell N35 billion each in the 5-year and 10-year paper with term-tomaturity of four years and 11 months and nine years and eight months, respectively.

Both bonds are due to mature in 2017 and 2022 respectively and are re-openings of previous issues.

"The DMO reserves the right to alter the amount allotted in response to market conditions," The debt office said in a statement sent to Reuters by email.

Nigeria, Africa's secondbiggest economy after South Africa, issues sovereign bonds monthly to support the local bond market, create a benchmark for corporate issuance and fund its budget deficit. (Reuters)

Flight schedule AIR NIGERIA (MONDAY - SUNDAY) LOS-A BJ: 07.15, 11.40, 14.00, 16.30, 17.00, 17.20, 18.30 ABJ-LOS: 07.00, 09.30, 10.30, 11.15, 16.15, 19.15, 19.35 ABJ-KANO: 18.40 KANO-ABJ: 08.35 ABJ -SOK (MON): 09.35 ABJ-SOK (FRI): 10.10 ABJ-SOK (WED/SUN): 11.20 SOK-ABJ (MON): 11.35 SOK-ABJ (FRI): 12.00 SOK-ABJ (WED/SUN): 13.20

AEROCONTRACTORS (MON - SUN) LOS-ABJ: 06.50, 13.30, 19.45 LOS-ABJ (SUN): 12.30 LOS-ABJ (SAT): 16.45 ABU-L OS: 07.30, 13.00, 14.00, 19.00 ABU-LOS (SUN): 10.30, 14.30, 19.30 ABU-LOS (SAT): 18.30

DANA AIRLINES (MON - SUN) LOS-ABJ: 07.02, 08.10, 12.06, 15.30, 17.10

he Naira fell to its weakest in six weeks against the U.S dollar on the interbank market yesterday, on strong buying of dollars by some banks to fill their customers' needs and foreign investors selling down Tbills, traders said.

The local currency weakened to 157.85 to the dollar, its lowest since March 28, from 157.55 to the dollar on Tuesday.

"We have a lot of demand in the

IRS AIRLINES

L

eading cement manufacturer, Dangote Cement Plc has reported a profit before tax (PBT) of N31.6 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012. According to the unaudited financial results (PBT) rose by 8.9 percent compared to N27.4biliion recorded in the corresponding period in 2011.

Analysis of the results indicated that operating profits rose by 13.7 percent to N31.6 billion reflecting the higher proportion of locally manufactured cement compared to N27.8 billion in 2011 while gross profits for the group was N36.6 billion in contrast to N28.8 billion.

The group achieved strong EXCHANGE RATES

CBN CFA • £ RIYAL $

LOS -ABJ: 9.45, 11.45, 2.45

• £ RIYAL $

growth in revenue and profits in the first quarter, with revenues rising from N54.5 billion to N64.1 billion reflecting an increase of 17.6 percent.

Speaking on the first quarter results, Chief Executive, Dangote Cement, D.V.G. Edwin, said, “The first quarter of 2012 saw our new capacity at Obajana and Ibese become operational and both plants are ramping up towards higher levels of production.

“The nationwide gas problems affected margins in the first quarter, but we expect some resolution of the problem in the summer that will enable us to achieve the much higher margins associated with gas-fired plants.

“The significant investments we have made in Nigeria have helped the nation become self-

supplies jump

By Muhammad Nasir

O

il prices fell to near $96 a barrel yesterday in Asia, extending a weeklong slump after a report showed U.S. crude supplies jumped more than expected last week, suggesting demand remains weak.

A statement by the American Petroleum Institute late Tuesday, revealed that crude inventories rose to 7.8 million barrels last week while analysts surveyed by Platts, the energy information arm of McGraw-Hill Cos., had predicted an increase of 2.2 million barrels.

It was also noted that Inventories of gasoline fell 5 million barrels last week while distillates tumbled 2.7 million barrels, the API said.

In a related development, crude has also dropped from $106 last week amid signs the U.S. and European economies may expand less than previously expected this year. Despite the recent sharp pullback in oil prices, some analysts say crude still trades above the level supply and demand fundamentals would suggest.

SELLING 0.3083 202.1012 250.9444 41.5289 155.75

BUYING 210 250 40 156

SELLING 212 252 42 158

sufficient in cement and we are confident that when local demand is satisfied, we will begin to export cement to neighboring countries.”

“Our expansion into Africa is progressing well and Dangote Cement is well on the way to becoming Africa’s leading cement manufacturer.”

Dangote Cement’s Obajana plant in Kogi, Nigeria, is the largest in sub-Saharan Africa with 10.25tpa capacity across three lines and a further 3mtpa capacity planned by 2015.

The Gboko plant in Benue state has three million metric tonnes per annum (mtpa) capacity with an upgrade to 4mtpa expected by mid-2012.

It would be recalled that the new six million mtpa Ibese cement plant in Ogun, state, near the key

market of Lagos, was inaugurated in February. An additional lines of six million mtpa capacity is planned for completion by 2015, adding that the Group recently signed a memorandum of understanding for the construction of a 3mt plant in Calabar, also by 2015.

Dangote Cement is Nigeria’s leading cement producer with three plants in Nigeria and plans to expand in 13 other African countries. The Group is a fully integrated quarry-to-depot producer with an expected production capacity of 20mtpa in Nigeria by the middle of 2012, increasing to 32.25mtpa in 2015. The Group plans to build a further 19mtpa of production and import capacity across Africa by 2015.

Management Tip of the Day

9th May, 2012 BUYING 0.2883 200.8036 249.3332 41.2623 154.75

PARALLEL RATES

ABJ-LOS: 11.30, 3.45, 4.45 LOS-KANO: 6.15 LOS-KANO (SAT/SUN): 16.30 KANO-LOS: 07.30 KANO-LOS (SUN/SUN): 10.30

central bank sold $150 million at 155.75 to the dollar, compared with $120 million at 155.75 to the dollar on Monday.

Dangote Cement posts N31.3bn profit in Q1

LOS-KANO : 08.10 KANO-LOS: 11.25 KANO -ABUJA: 11.25 ABUJA-KANO : 10.08

helping to support dollar supply to meet domestic demand.

"Some foreign investors are gradually exiting the treasury bills market and this has exerted pressure on the local currency," another dealer said.

Dealers said the Naira could cross the 158 to a dollar mark this week if there is no significant dollar flow to the market from oil companies.

On the official window, the

L-R: Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Finance, Hon. Abdulmumini Jubril, Acting Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Alhaji Kabiru Mashi, and Deputy Chairman of the committee, Hon. Yomi Ogunnusi, during the Committee's oversight function visit to the FIRS headquarters, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

ABJ-LOS: 07.20, 09.36, 13.05, 14.40 ABJ-LOS (SAT/SUN): 13.05, 18.00

market from some banks filling their customers' requirements and with no significant dollar flow from oil companies," one dealer said.

Traders said some offshore investors were selling a good chunk of their treasury bill holdings.

The naira has seen strong support from offshore investors, investing in Africa's second biggest economy's local debt because of attractive yields,

A

Use pulse meetings to track projects

s a project manager, you need to actively monitor progress to keep your team on the right path. One way to do that is to hold short pulse meetings where team members share brief status updates on their activities. These can be

held face-to-face or virtually.

Limit the meetings to 10 minutes and discuss only the tasks started or finished since the last. If the team identifies any problems or risks, don't try to solve them then and there.

Schedule a separate working

session with the appropriate people to resolve the issue.

Hold pulse meetings on a weekly basis unless your project is in crisis mode. Then, you'll need to take the pulse more often.

Source: Harvard Business Review

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS

Firm targets N4.8bn investment in local tomato production

Ranbaxy plans new plant for Nigeria

R

anbaxy Laboratories Ltd. has revealed it plans to open a new green-field manufacturing plant in Nigeria to further strengthen its presence in the country, CEO and MD Arun Sawhney said in a conference call yesterday.

N

LG Electronics to introduce Google TV

L

G Electronics Inc, the world’s No.2 TV maker, plans to launch Internetenabled TV based on Google’s platform on May 21, as the South Korean firm seeks to gain a larger share of the emerging Internet TV market, a senior LG executive said on Monday.

IFC, MasterCard partnership to expand financial services in Africa

I

FC, a member of the World Bank Group, and the MasterCard Foundation, has launched a partnership, which would see it increase access to financial services for an estimated 5.3 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Investmentlinked policies earns Aiico N18.4bn premium

U

nderwriting firm, Aiico Insurance plc has attributed its growth in 2011 which stood at N18.4 billion premium income and profit after tax of N1.3 billion to increased growth in investment-linked policies, improved cash collection and receivables management, increased patronage from existing customers and increased investment in the company’s major resource.

Resourcery, ASSAI promises 30% reduction in document management

A

n indigenous Systems Integration Company, Resourcery Plc has entered into strategic partnership with Assai Software Services to provide best-in-class document control and management software to the energy and construction sector of the Nigerian economy.

L-R: President, Association of Nigerian Petroleum Professionals Abroad (ANNPA), Mr. Geoffery Onuoha, Executive Director, Corporate Banking, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Mr. Kehinde Lawanson, and Director, Petroleum Resources, Mr. Osten Olorunsola, during a technical workshop on ''Leveraging Nigerian Content for Greater Opportunities in the Offshore Sector'' hosted by First Bank at the Offshore Technology Conference 2012, recently in Houston, Texas, United States of America.

NEPC seeks SMEs support to promote non-oil exports Stories from Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

T

he Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has seek the support of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in promoting non-oil export , pointing out that few of the products have value addition.

NEPC’s Executive Director, David Adelugba said there was the need to step up the value chain, diversify from commodities and empower the SMEs. Adelugba, who was

represented by the Director of Trade Information, Mr. Aliyu Lawal, said the country should in future focus on agro-allied industries and improvement of packing, packaging and labelling standards.

He listed a handful of challenges inhibiting optimal performance of the non-oil export sector, which includes inadequate funding, restricted access to credit facilities, infrastructure deficiency, weak logistics to support supply chain and unrecorded export trade, among others.

As a precaution, he said the

council has embarked on proactive activities to move the sector forward, which includes the export promotion partnership training series in collaboration with University of Abuja and B & B Consultants, to make businessmen exportready.

He added that the council is also operating a human capital development centre in Lagos under Public-PrivatePartnership agreement to build capacity for producing for the US market through Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) agreement.

which are far lower than the Nigeria standard gauge of .20 mm, have shut Nigerian products out of the ECOWAS market thereby grievously harming the Nigerian economy.

According to him, MAN decided to make this call because of a recent stakeholders’ review meeting which considered the gauge levels in Nigeria against what is tenable in other neighbouring countries who are competing in the same market with Nigeria.

The MAN chief noted that the size ranges between 0.12 in Ghana, and much more lower in other ECOWAS countries, adding that such disparity have robbed the country of the sector’s contribution to the nation’ s Gross Domestic product (GDP).

He said thickness does not really have anything to do with the quality of the product, and that this should not used as camouflage to birth or allow policies that would harm the

sector.

He noted that galvanized roofing sheets produced in Nigerian face strong competition in the face of cheaper and lower grade levels from other countries within the region.

Others who spoke about the development argue that reviewing it in view of what it obtainable in other countries would enable the industry in Nigeria to thrive.

According to them, not only has the current disparity been encouraging smuggling, but has actually constituted a threat to the realisation of the Federal Government’s economic agenda in wealth and job creation.

Although a technical committee has to meet, in accordance with the procedures for ratification of standards and fixed the standard gauges at 0.15mm, 0.18mm and 0.20 mm, they said the development would boost access to the products and efforts to achieve affordable housing.

A chairman of the manufacturing group buttresed the MAN view that the quality of the roofing sheet was measured in terms of corrosion, resistance and discoloration.

Operators , FG disagree over high roofing sheet gauges

M

anufacturers in the country have urged the Federal Government to fast-track the implementation of the reviewed gauges for galvanized roofing sheets, to enable the sector maximise its potential and boost trade and employment in the country.

The manufacturers, under the auspices of the Manufactures Association of Nigeria (MAN) made this appeal in Lagos, at the weekend.

MAN president, Chief Kolade Jamodu, said the sector was on the verge of collapse and that urgent attention and action was needed to stem the slide.

He said the threat has come majorly from Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) countries, whose products were penetrating the market because they come in comparative lower gauge level.

He noted that the products,

igeria may begin to export tomatoes, as an indigenous firm, Vegefresh is set to invest about N4.8 billion in local tomato production for global consumption.

Vegefresh Managing Director, Samuel Samuel, said the funds would be deployed on research, cultivation, processing, packaging and marketing of different species of tomatoes.

Samuel, while speaking at the launch of the project in Lagos, said that the project would revolutionise tomato production in the country.

He called on the Federal Government to support homegrown initiatives, saying private investors deserve special incentives to boost the nation’s quest for food security. He said only Nigerians can solve its problems.

Samuel said the national yield of 25 tonnes per hectre was shameful, considering the comparative advantages Nigeria has over other nations in tomato production. He stressed that no effort would be spared to raise the national yield to 70-75 tonnes per hectre.

The tomato plantation, sitting on a 15-hectres land space, was flagged-off at Iyaafin Badagry, Lagos. Apart from the Lagos plantation, the firm also owns farms in Ibadan, Bauchi, Abuja, Kano and Gombe for cultivation and production of different species of tomatoes in pursuit of its National Integrated Tomato Development Programme.

Lagos to crash interest rates to single digit for SMEs From Bimbo Ogunnaike, Lagos

L

agos state government said yesterday that it is currently working out a plan with the Bank of Industry (BoI) that will enable it crash lending rates for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in the state to single digit.

The state’s Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Olusola Oworu, who made this disclosure during a press briefing in Lagos, said it is based on a template currently being operated by the BoI. Her words: “The state government, through the ministry, is partnering with the BoI to create a pool of funds for onlending to SMEs. Under the arrangement, the state government would provide funds which would be matched by the Bank of Industry to create LASGBoI SMEs Fund accessible at a single digit interest rate on convenient repayment terms.”

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

PAGE 21

Capital Market hearing: Search for a lasting solution Against the background of the scandalous revelations at the on-going House of Representatives’ Ibrahim El-Sudi-led ad hoc committee hearing probing the near collapse of the capital market, Aminu Imam, analyses the role of stakeholders over the period 2001 to 2011 and tackles the question of finding a lasting solution for the Nigerian capital market.

O

nly victors write history, yet when the story, events and narratives that defined the ongoing House of Representatives adhoc committee hearing probing the near collapse of the market led

by Hon. Ibrahim El-Sudi, is told, even the vanquished must admit that the key driver of the market demise was a leadership meltdown from those entrusted with the management of the economy and our financial markets.

The capital market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) DirectorGeneral, Arunma Oteh revealed during the prode that Nigeria’s Stock Exchange (NSE) was at the heart of a web of fraudulent accounting that saw share price manipulation, insider trading and billions of Naira misspent on a yacht and Rolex watches amongst others.

Indeed, in a report filed to a parliamentary hearing on the capital market last week, Arunma Oteh said abuses leading to a financial crisis in 2008/09 were still scaring off local investors.

Oteh’s presentation concerned

“

it has becomes apparent that change is no longer a choice.

It is the only response left for the market, nay economy; in need of a philosophical shift that extends to its practices, processes and politics of managing such a change.

a period when Ndi OkerekeOnyiuke was its Director-General.

Replacing her was one of the first things Oteh did when she was appointed SEC head in 2010 in an effort to clean up the capital market.

“The extent and nature of the market abuses carried out between 2006 and 2008 are primary reasons for the continuation of the investor apathy that we see today,” Oteh said in the presentation to the committee.

A close dimension the realities of the market dynamics between 2001 and 2011 helps to contextualize the changing realities and the premise upon which a recovery can be built in order to establish that the capital market crisis that ensued was a financial services sector driven problem i.e. regulators and operators.

The Nigerian capital market, between 2001 and 2004 was characterised by a lack of depth, low turnover and low market capitalisation which picked up under the government reforms announced in 2004.

During the pre-consolidation phase, there was a steady positive outlook in the market with an average gain of 26.09%, attaining 65.84% uptrend in 2003, while year 2005 closed as its worst performing year with 0.62% gain.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange, once thought to be immune from global developments, witnessed an historic trend reversal as by 2008, its capitalisation plunged by 28.1% from all time high of 13.29 trillion attained during the bubble period to close at N9.563 trillion by year-end.

By April 2008, the market entered a bearish season and witnessed a plethora of interventions, inaction and ineptitude in handling the post crisis issues that ensued. The decline, evidenced by price depreciations in equities and delisting of 19 companies during the period has been attributed to a series of factors – all coming together to expose the underbelly of the market.

SEC D-G, Ms. Aruma Oteh

In 2009, the inevitable downtrend continued as market plunged further by -33.78%, losing another 10,623.61 basis points in the year as investor panic and regulatory inertia further depressed the key benchmark indices lower at 20,827.17.

The financial/banking sector reform by the CBN designed to resolve the crisis in the sector contributed to the bargain trend based on the confidence generated from the intervention by the Asset Management corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to absorb the non-performing loans of these banks.

Market volatility however resumed in 2011, as investors lost appetite for investment in equities all together, while the ASI plunged by 16.31%.

Situations in developed economies continued to have overbearing effects on the bourse as foreign fund managers adjusted positions relative to developments to manage exposure and positions in their respective domiciles.

Similarly, the local institutional investors remained on the sidelines, watching for improvements to the sophistication, liquidity, breadth and depth challenges confronting the market.

It can however be reasonably argued that if the argument that responsibility for the crisis was that of the banking sector with the complicity of the brokers is to be accepted, the financial services regulatory team should by now, through creative or innovative ways, have on the table a common position on how to resolve the outstanding concerns and remove the dark cloud hanging over the capital market.

So far in the year 2012, market has appreciated by 6.65%

as at April 26th, while the m a r k e t capitalisation has increased in value by N 5 0 4 . 8 2 b i l l i o n , representing 8.25% growth w h e n compared with previous year’s close.

This has been built on the back of endorsements from the international community for the b a n k i n g reforms, the efforts of the c a p i t a l m a r k e t regulators and t h e consistency of the advocacy of analysts and experts on the imperative for change.

So why would people still hold the regulators responsible?

The argument has been advanced that for some inexplicable reasons, the SEC and NSE looked on while these companies (either directly or through their financial advisers) effectively ‘duped’’ investors.

In the eyes of the invested public, the case is made that regulatory negligence occurred here and they expect the regulators to establish liability for misapplication and misrepresentation against the financial advisors and / or companies, in the very least.

Be that as it may, Nigerians can at least acknowledge that the experience in promptly tackling the banking crises offers hope that the challenges faced are

surmountable.

With regards to the complexities surrounding the intangibles driving the required paradigm shift, it has becomes apparent that change is no longer a choice. It is the only response left for the market, nay economy; in need of a philosophical shift that extends to its practices, processes and politics of managing such a change.

However, it is almost certain that the talk is no longer about looking for a lasting solution to the capital market in the present tense whilst engaging in a revisionist approach to history.

The signs of a market ready to take the difficult decisions need to manifest, to herald the new dawn are available if only the principal actors can look beyond their prejudices and trust deficit that clouds their actions in the market.

Indeed, analysts have said that we have not gone far enough with the reforms needed, and adopting a single-factor approach to the problem undermines the linkages that exist within the financial system. The analysts further say there is a need to clarify what this transition is and what the new normal would look like.

Whichever outcomes emerges, it is hoped that what should be the overall goal of the current house probe on the capital market is the way forward and not a revisionist approach to the facts established.

The House probe is expected to use its quasi-judicial platform to create a consensus and momentum springboard towards the ‘deepening’ of the equities market and ‘supporting’ the wealth creation initiatives of the NSE and SEC in a manner that allows it reflect and complete the economic loop between key sectors in the economy and market segments on the bourse, beyond its traditional duties.

Former NSE Director-General, Ndi Okereke-Onyiuke

PAGE 22

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

Kogi sets up direct labour agency From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

I

n its bid to stem the tide of deteriorating roads infrastructures, the Kogi state government has concluded stated that arrangement for the establishment of a Direct Labour Agency (DLA).

The state governor, Capt Idris Wada made the disclosure when he paid a working visit to the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency in Abuja, to solicit the agency’s support in the repair of federal roads in the state.

Wada stated that the state needs the support of the agency in the repair of the Obajana, Kabba to Egbe and Lokoja to Auchi road among several others in the State.

Capt Wada drew the attention of the agency to the Kabba bridge that is on the verge of collapse and the repair of the road alignment that is been threatened by erosion The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Arc. Yomi Awoniyi commended the agency for its judicious use of funds amidst several demands for road repairs in the country.

In his response, Managing Director of FERMA, Engineer Gabriel Amochi assured Nigerians of the determination of FERMA, which has just been repositioned to meet the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan in making roads motorable across the country.

The MD disclosed that the

agency recently purchased 38 pothole patchers and distributed one to each state of the federation for road maintenance.

Mr. Gabriel also disclosed

that arrangements are at advanced stage for the repair and dualisation of AuchiOkene-Lokoja road within the next few months.

The MD described the roads

passing through Kogi state as viable, critical and important to the nation development, assuring that his agency is poised to fixing all bad the roads in the country.

Arik Air records revenue drop due to flight cancellation on UK route – Official

A

rik Air said yesterday in Abuja that it suffered a significant drop in revenue following the cancellation of its flight on the United Kingdom route.

The airline’s Station Manager at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Mr. Muhammad Abani disclosed

this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Abani said the cancellation was due to the disagreement between the Federal Government and UK government over the Bi-lateral Air Service Agreement (BASA).

A Bi-lateral air Transport Agreement (also sometimes

L-R: Senior Manager, Bank of Industry Ltd, Uche Nwuka, Head, Investment Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Yewande Sadiku, and Executive Director, Kano state Film Censors Board, Ahmed Dahiru, at a colloquium on infrastructural requirement for Nigerian film Industry, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

called a Bilateral Air Service Agreement or ATA or ASA) is an agreement which two nations sign to allow international commercial air transport services between their territories.

The airline, in its petition to the two committees on aviation in the upper and lower chambers of the National Assembly, accused Britain of stopping Nigerian airlines from benefiting from the BASA agreement.

It could be recalled that Arik Air was temporarily suspended from flying the London route since March 24.

The airline had earlier said it stopped its daily flights from Abuja to London because it was deliberately being prevented from getting arrival and departure slots at the airports in UK. However, it still flies local routes in the country and other international routes such as Accra in Ghana and New York.

At a news conference in Lagos in 2011, Arik Airline had said the British Authority had refused it slots into British airports from Abuja, a development which it said was a violation of the agreement signed between both countries.

Arik, through its Chairman, Sir Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide, noted that both countries had 21 slots each as signed in the agreement.(NAN)

Shell paid N7.2tr oil tax to FG Gold drops below $1,600 G in four years

By Muhammad Nasir

S

hell Petroleum Development Company has said it paid the Federal Government the sum of $46 billion (N7.2 trillion) oil tax revenue in four years, from 2007 to 2011.

The disclosure was made recently in a briefing by the company, noting that it has paid about $38 billion as tax and royalty, while its offshore arm, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO) paid $6 billion during the same period.

The multinational oil company also said it contributed over $164.1 million to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) last year as required by law, and additionally made a total of $76.3 million direct

investment by the company towards addressing the social and economic development challenges in the region.

Shell revealed that its gas flaring dropped by over 60 percent between 2002 and 2011 from over 0.6 billion cubic feet a day to about 0.2bcf/d, adding that flaring intensity was almost halved in the same period, from about 0.80Mscfd/bbl to 0.45Mscf/ bbl.

According to the company, despite the restiveness in the Niger Delta and delays in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) contract approval processes, it installed associated gas gathering (AGG) infrastructure at 36 sites between 2000 and 2011, covering about 65 percent of its associated gas production.

It further noted that 18 of

these facilities were either vandalised or not commissioned because of the crisis in the Delta region between 2006 and 2010.

"In May 2010, following improvement in the security situation in the Niger Delta, SPDC resumed work on additional gas gathering projects. By the end of 2011, seven of the vandalised facilities had been completed and work is underway at 17 new sites’, it noted.

Shell also maintained that the associated gas to be gathered will be available for use in power stations and by industries, adding that when completed, the projects will extend its AGG coverage to more than 90 percent of the associated gas produced in the expected operations, adding that the entire AGG programme will cost over $6 billion estimated by SPDC.

old prices tumbled below $1,600 an ounce for the first time in four months, as investors showed little appetite for the supposed haven amid a broad sell-off in commodity markets.

The precious metal has fallen more than 10 per cent from a peak of $1,790 a troy ounce at the end of February as hopes of a fresh bout of quantitative easing from the US Federal Reserve have faded.

Analysts said that investors remained unenthusiastic towards gold in spite of last week’s weaker than forecast data on US employment, and renewed fears about the eurozone debt crisis in the wake of elections in Greece and France.

“We are in one of these periods when money is going into US dollar assets, in particular Treasuries, and gold’s role as a source of liquidity is working against it,” said Tom Kendall, precious

metals analyst at Credit Suisse.

On Tuesday, the yellow metal dropped 2.6 per cent, touching a low of $1,594.94, the first time it had traded below $1,600 since early January. Other commodities also sold off heavily, with Brent crude oil dropping more than $2.50 a barrel to a low of $110.53 and nickel sliding 2.2 per cent to $17,196 a tonne.

Buyers of physical gold – who often act as a backstop to the market when prices fall – have remained on the sidelines, traders said, with demand in India dented by the weakness of the rupee, which has made the metal more costly for the country’s large jewellery industry.

Other precious metals have also been caught up in the selloff, with silver falling more than 3 per cent to a low of $29.12 a troy ounce, and platinum falling below $1,500 a troy ounce for the first time in four months.

(Source: Financial Times)

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

PAGE 24

PAGE 25

Nigerians outstrip Americans in London fashion spending The U.K. Office for National Statistics estimates that 174,000 Nigerians lived in the U.K. between July 2010 and June 2011, the ninth-largest nationality. That's an increase of 34,000 compared with three years earlier, writes Saraah Shannon for The new Businessworld.com

N

igerian businessman Godwin Patrick took a three-week holiday to the U.K. this month to visit his British-based cousins. It wasn't the only reason for his trip.

"I'm here to shop," the 38year-old said on London's Oxford Street, clutching bags from Marks & Spencer Group Plc (MKS) and Associated British Foods Plc's (ABF) Primark containing

A Department store and luxury brands

underwear and trousers for himself, and dresses for his family in Lagos.

Patrick is a regular visitor to London, where retailers are fully accustomed to Nigerian shoppers.

The African

country was the fourthbiggest contributor to overseas tax-free shopping in the U.K. last year, behind only China, Russia and the Middle East, according to

tourism services provider Global Blue U.K. A growing Nigerian population in the U.K. and more-frequent direct flights between the countries has led to an influx of visitors who have more to spend because of a booming oil-driven economy.

"Nigerian travelers are very particular to the U.K.; you'd never see them as a top10 nationality in other markets," said Richard Brown, vice-president of Global Blue U.K., which runs a network that enables foreign shoppers to claim back value-added tax. In total, Nigerians "spend more as a total business than Americans do," he said.

Visitors from the U.S. are the sixth- biggest shopping group.

Retailers in London are particularly dependent on overseas shoppers. Foreigners account for a third of spending in the English capital's shopping district of Bond Street, Oxford Street and Regent Street and will spend more than 2 billion pounds ($3.2 billion) this year, according to the New West End Co., which represents 600 retailers in the area.

Spending by Nigerians in U.K. shops rose 32 percent last year, according to Global Blue, which declined to disclose their expenditure.

Visitors from the West African country accounted for 6 percent of the U.K.'s foreign retail spending in March, the researcher said.

Union-Jack teapot Unlike mostly luxuryseeking Russian and Middle Eastern tourists, Nigerian visitors also want to spend their money at mass-market chains such as Marks & Spencer and Debenhams Plc, (DEB) where they can obtain better quality products than at home.

"There is a misconception

that they just come here for middle- or lower-value items, but they shop across all brands from mass-market high street right up to department-store and luxury brands as well," said Global Blue's Brown.

Nigerian visitors spend an average of about 450 pounds per individual transaction, compared with more than 1,000 pounds by Middle Eastern customers, Global Blue said.

At Debenhams' store on London's Oxford Street, Nigerians provide the biggest source of overseas spending as they seek out perfume and moisturizer gift sets, Britishthemed products like a 20pound union-jack printed teapot, clothing and shoes, according to spokeswoman Ruth Attridge.

Multilingual signs advertising discounts at the store are printed not only in Chinese and Arabic, but also Hausa, a Nigerian language.

Living in Britain The popularity of the U.K. as a shopping destination for Nigerians partly reflects the growth in the number of people from the country living in Britain. About two-thirds of shoppers are on holiday or visiting family and friends, while a third are travelling for business, according to Global Blue.

The U.K. Office for National Statistics estimates that 174,000 Nigerians lived in the U.K. between July 2010 and June 2011, the ninthlargest nationality. That's an increase of 34,000 compared with three years earlier.

Daily flights from Lagos by airlines such as British Airways Plc are also fueling shopper journeys. The Londonbased carrier allows Nigerian passengers an additional 23kilogram suitcase compared with the majority of its flights.

Air Nigeria plans to start flights to London's Gatwick airport this month.

Pedestrians pass the entrance to a Debenhams store on Oxford Street in London, U.K.

Economic expansion Wealth among Nigeria's elite has increased since the turn of the century as the former British colony has become Africa's top oil producer, spurring economic expansion. The country's gross domestic product grew 7.7 percent in the fourth quarter year over year, according to the Abujabased National Bureau of Statistics, compared with the prior quarter's 7.4 percent gain.

While the African nation may be better off than before it gained its independence from Britain in 1960, its shopping facilities aren't of a standard to compare with the U.K. "In Nigeria, there is very little formal retail," said Siemon Scamell-Katz, global consulting director at researcher TNS. "So in terms of retail, Primark and Marks & Spencer is quite something if you haven't come across much retail before."

That's true of Patrick, who said it's "the quality and the pricing" of London's stores that keep him coming back.

"We don't have the same standard of retailing," he said.

Pedestrians fill Oxford street in London

PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

EMERGENCY UPDATE

NEMA distributes relief materials to windstorm victims in Benue N

ational Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has delivered relief assistance to the families of those that lost their lives to the recent windstorm disaster in some parts of Benue state.

The incident, according to the agency’s spoke person, Yushau A. Shuaib, pulled down a church and killed 22 worshippers leaving many others injured in Adamgbe, Vandeikya Local Government Area of the state.

He also said medicals were provide for the affected persons who are receiving treatment at various hospitals in the state.

Similarly, the agency has delivered building materials to assist in the rehabilitation of the St Finbarr Catholic Church and COCIN headquarters that were affected by separate bomb blasts in Jos, Plateau State, and assorted medicament for the treatment of those injured in the incidences.

Meanwhile, the Director General, NEMA, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Sidi, who presented the relief materials to the Benue state Governor, Mr Gabriel Suswan, at the premises of the damaged church said the items also included building materials to

assist in the rehabilitation of the building.

The DG commiserated with the affected community and said the items were approved to provide succour in complementing the initials response of the state government to enable their quick recovery from the disaster.

He further commended the state government for its response to the incidence before contacting the federal for the additional support.

Responding, Governor Suswan thanked the federal government for coming to the aid of the victims based on the request of the state government.

He assured judicious distribution of the items to those affected and use of the building materials for the purpose they were meant.

The donations in Jos were presented on behalf of the agency by its Deputy Director Relief and Rehabilitation, Mr Mike Adeyanju, to representatives of the churches and the medicaments to Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau Specialist Hospital and Nigerian Air Force Hospital.

In their separate remarks, beneficiaries of the relief items expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the kind gesture.

DG, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Alhaji Muhammad Sani Sidi and the Governor of Benue state, Mr Gabriel Suswan at the presentation of relief assistance by NEMA for victims of windstorm disaster recently at the Catholic Church Adamgbe, Vandeikya LGA, Benue state.

...residents commend NEMA

By Augustine Aminu

D

ifferent groups have continued to commend National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for the donation of relief materials at Adamgbe in Vandeikya local government area in commiseration of the death of 22 parishioners of the church on Easter day by the agency.

Speaking to the press, the Vice Chairman Vandeikya Local Government, Mr. Cletus Abin praised the effort of Nema in what he described as ‘a quick intervention’ and said the people of Vandeikya are grateful to the

Director General of National Emergency Management Agency; Alhaji Sani Sidi whom was on the ground to have a firsthand assessment of the area and to donate relief materials which included cement, nails, wood, roofing sheets, medical drugs, garri and rice.

Also an NGO, Benue Grassroot have praised the effort of its state government, commending the duo of Rt Hon Gaberial Suswam, Executive Governor of Benue State and Alhaji Sani Sidi DG NEMA for its commitment to give succor to the family of those who lost their love ones, the coordinator of the group Michael Tamaka said ‘we appreciate their concern’

NEMA cautioned Niger Delta states over windstorm in 2012

I

n its bid to reach out to grassroot communities in the SouthSouth region in the country, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has carried out a flood sensitization programme in the area.

The event which was held recently in Ughelli, Delta state, focused on traditional rulers and chiefs as well as the Local Government Area Council Chairmen of the state.

In his remarks, the Delta state Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Tony Nnwakka, commended the Agency for giving timely warning against floods.

He also lauded NEMA for using the traditional institution as the vanguard for taking the early warning to the grassroots and urged them to take seriously the task as a duty they owe the people.

Represented by the Zonal Coordinator, South South of the

Agency, Mr. Emenike Umesi, Director General of NEMA, Alh. Mohammad Sani Sidi, called on the people to focus on early warning advocacy saying "Man-induced Disasters can be prevented or even stopped, Natural Disasters cannot be stopped but mans actions could reduce or increase their impact when they do occur".

The Zonal Coordinator further informed that the rainfall pattern for 2012 released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) shows that the 2012 rains in the South South region was likely to be characterized by a lot of windstorm.

He stressed the need for both Government and NGO’s to be fully involved in emergency situations.

He also solicited for the creation of Local Government Emergency Management Committees (LMC), noting that the LMC would aid emergency campaign related programmes in the country.

Mr. Mike Adeyanju Deputy, Director Relief and Rehabilitation, representing NEMA DG presents medicaments to Mrs Chundung Yakubu, Director, Nursing Services, Plateau Specialist Hospital who recieved the items on behalf of the hospital in Jos.

Mr Mike Adeyanju, Deputy Director Relief and Rehabilitation, again presenting 600 bags of cement to Rev Aaron Ndirmbita of COCIN headquarters Jos which was hit by bomb blast recently.

PAGE 27

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

EMERGENCY UPDATE

Tanker inferno: 17 houses distroyed, 38 chickens killed T

he National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that no human life was lost in a massive inferno involving a petrol laden tanker along Kaduna-Abuja Expressway on Saturday.

In a statement issued by the agency’s head of press and public

relations, Yushau A. Shuib, about 38 poultry birds were killed and 17 houses destroyed during disaster.

The incident, which affected a mosque at Gangari Village of Niger state, according to the statement, was caused when a tanker driver attempt to escape a collision with another long

vehicle but fell down before spilling petrol in the area.

But, before the fire outbreak, rescue officers and volunteers were mobilized to the scene where they warned residents and motorists to move away, as they evacuated the old and the weak.

NEMA rescue officer examines house destroyed by the petrol tanker inferno along AbujaKaduna expressway

Rainstorm: 7 killed, 50 injured in Zamfara, says NEMA

T

he National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the death of 7 people and 50 others injured in five different communities during a devastating rainstorm which occurred recently in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

NEMA's North-West Zonal Office in Kaduna having alerted on the incident immediately assigned the agency’s officials to the scenes of the incident for an on-the-spot assessment of damages recorded in those areas.

The affected communities are Maradun, Danbaza, Gidan Kano, Dosara and Bakyasuwa.

The agency also revealed that about 250 houses were affected with 140 houses completely destroyed while not less than 110 houses were partially destroyed by the disaster.

Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Ibrahim, described the incident as trial and urged victims to take solace in whatever Allah has ordained.

Poultry birds were also consumed in their cages by the infernor

YOUTHS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY

By Abubakar Jimoh abujimoh01@yahoo.com

Mitigating windstorm disaster

A

storm has been scientifically described as any disturbed state of an astronomical body’s atmosphere affecting its surface, and strongly implying severe weather. Storm may be marked by strong wind, hail, thunderstorm, rainstorm, strong winds, or wind transporting some substance through the atmosphere as in a dust storm, blizzard, and sandstorm.

Windstorm in this case opens the door for massive amounts of water and debris that cause further damage to a structure which result to negative impacts to lives and property, such as storm surge, heavy rain causing flooding or road impassibility, building devastation.

However, as a result widespread occurrence of the windstorm in some parts of the country, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) recently issued a fresh warning alerting members of the public against predicted windstorms in the Niger Delta and Kwara.

Apparently, windstorm always lead to unpalatable consequences, especially to automobiles, aircraft, skylights, glass-roofed structures, livestock, and most commonly, farmers’ crops including wheat, corn, soybeans, and tobacco. For instance, hailstone is one of the most significant thunderstorm hazards to aircraft when exceed 0.5 inches (13 mm) in diameter, may damage planes within seconds; just as hailstones accumulating on the ground could be hazardous to landing aircraft.

Over the years, windstorm has caused deadly disasters to the global environment. It has been observed that between 1964 and 1985, windstorm has caused no fewer than 26 major civil transport aircraft accidents in the United States leading to 620 deaths and 200 injuries; overt 500 homes were devastated by windstorm in Abi and Ogoja and Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River in August, 2009; while Lagos windstorm had claimed no fewer than 15 lives and millions of property was destroyed in February 2012.

As a result of these socioeconomic damages, NEMA in collaboration with the National Meteorological Agency have provided a number of strategies to help in mitigating the hazards of windstorm in Nigeria. They also advised individuals to evaluate their building and ensure it is protected by strong building codes and enforcement. This range from re-nailing removing roof weaken walls to prevent roof from blowing off, should the wind get under the roof panels and attempt to lift the roof; install all shingles which can be damaged by high winds; and make sure the

sheathing complies with current recommended practices if putting on new roof.

They must ensure that their home are secured at the top of the door frame and the floor by using sturdy sliding bolts in your home, as the exterior walls, doors, and windows are the protective shells of your home; while damage to the shell during a wind storm can pave way for high winds to enter the home and put pressure on the roof and walls, causing serious damage. Use strong doors made with bolt kits that can withstand high winds in your home.

There is need for highly secured garage door fails, windows, walls, and the roof to protect wind from blowing out the doors. Provide a concrete foundation of your building; and make sure it is anchored by certified building practitioners.

Individuals are warned against the use of inferior materials in building construction, and to always construct all new buildings with adequate bracing and materials of adequate strength and rigidity to provide for proper wind and snow load.

Also, landlords are advised to insure their property against windstorm; and this therefore requires a separate premium and deductible.

Meanwhile, windstorm insurance requires separate classification of wind damage in order for the policy to cover damage with annual review of home insurance coverage. Make sure you know what is covered and what is not. Contact your insurance carrier when considering remodelling, additions to existing buildings or new construction.

There is a need for more technical support and adequate facilities toward the National Emegency Managements to help improve the understanding of climate processes for determining the predictability of climate, including its variability and change to identify the extent of human influence on climate; and foster the effective application of climate knowledge and information for the benefit of our nation.

Adequate information and enlightenment on a predicted windstorm is very vital. In this case, weather forecasts and warnings are the most important services provided by the meteorological profession used by government and industry to protect life and property and to improve the efficiency of operations, and by individuals to plan a wide range of daily activities.

Also, comprehensive meteorological report must be made available in local dialects to sensitise individuals and circulating reports on windstorm to wider audience, especially at rural communities.

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

The issue of ambient air pollution monitoring stations

T

he air we breathe is our basic life support system and we depend on it every minute of our life; night and day, asleep and awake. The average human being is said to take more than 500 million breathe in his or her life, if what is inhaled is not as clean as it should be, its effects on lungs and health in general may therefore be multiplied hundreds of million of times.

The effects of acute air pollution are well known. The chronic effects of long term air pollution are less dramatic but probably more insidious and more deadly.

Air pollution affects more than human health. The blackened buildings of many cities now stand testimony both to our failure to control air pollution and to clean up properly after it.

Based on this, in 1998, the then Federal Environmental Protection Agency (now Federal Ministry of Environment) installed an Ambient Air Pollution Monitoring Station at its headquarters in Abuja. The then Director General of the agency who became pioneer Permanent Secretary of the ministry of environment commissioned it, and promised that such stations were to be installed in capital cities across the ecological zones in the country, to identify the sources of air pollution in order to put appropriate control measures in place.

I were reliably informed that after the commissioning of the station that cost the tax payers N200 million, with pump and pageantry, it never functioned for a day since then. But with the creation of the Federal Ministry of Environment, good stock taking was expected.

Till date, air pollution that ought to be a key environmental issue as far as people’s health are concerned have been criminally neglected by those In authority.

The only notable fall-out from the installation of the station was the program initiated by the then FEPA to reduce vehicular emission and safety standards in collaboration with Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) 995. This led to the formation of a Consultative Committee on Vehicular Emission with members drawn from line ministries, Departments, Agencies and Associations like Nigeria Union of Road Transports Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employers Association (RTEAN).

The committee was to sensitize the public on the dangers related to vehicular emission and the need to evolve and enforce safety emission standards for the country. The committee later organized Vehicular Emission Reduction Campaign Rallies in Lagos and

ENVIR ONMENT ENVIRONMENT WATCH

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

Minister of Environment, Hajiya Hadiza Jibril Mailafiya Kaduna.

The exercise was intended to cover the whole country as a major step towards the enforcement of vehicular emission standards in Nigeria.

Under the enforcement strategy, FEPA was to determine and establish pollution-related offences; FRSC would arrest and educate erring drivers, while SON’s responsibility was to ensure that vehicles that come into the country and their accessories for emission control conform to our national standards, if any.

What a laudable program that has been allowed to remain moribund after just two outings in Lagos and Kaduna?

Today, as more than any period, air pollution mostly in urban centers and cities across the country remain one of the most dangerous environmental problems that requires urgent attention from the authority.

Nigeria as one of the most rapidly urbanizing countries in the world deserves some attention from the authority on air pollution control and abatement.

The inadequate public transportation system to cater for the influx of people to urban areas has brought in its wake an unusual pollution problem – air pollution.

Following the increase in urban population with its consequent poor standard of living, due to the rate of unemployment, most people have taken to the use of motorbikes for mass transportation.

This has invariably increased

An air monitoring station

the health risk associated with the gas emission from these poorly maintained motor-bikes.

The exhaust from this transportation system has become one of the major polluters of our cities and urban areas.

They have continued to alter air quality in the atmosphere over the years.

Mostly in Lagos and Kano, air pollution from motor-bikes and other rickety vehicles, is so palpable that one could literally chocked on a busy day. According to an Environmental Health Officer, these gases and particulate have serious effects on people’s health including what he described as neurophysiologic effects.

He said, “The high level of exposure to complex air pollution affects overall quality of life and adversely contributes to asthma, allergies, cancers, neurotoxicity and immune suppression.”

According to reports by the World Health Organization (WHO), “Road traffic is the fastest growing source of pollution in Europe and some other countries;

more people are dying as a result of air pollution than are being killed in (traffic) accidents.”

In the report, 21,000 people in Austria, France and Switzerland die prematurely every year from respiratory or heart diseases that are triggered by air pollution.

In a separate report, it is estimated that in 36 Indian cities over 110 people die prematurely every day as a result of air pollution. In a city such as London that has less pollution, thousands asthmatics to wheeze, 40 to be admitted to hospital with respiratory problems, and 27 excess deaths all within a-3-day period in greater London.

Due to paucity of data in Nigeria, only God knows how many dies or hospitalized on daily basis due to air pollution.

The serious nature of airquality problems can not be overemphasized, as there’s the need for the authority to urgently put in place, effective planning and controls to reduce this environmental problem.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

PAGE 31

The bomb, civilisation, and the human race

Mahatma Gandhi counselled non-violent resistance to nuclear bombardment

ANALYSIS

N

ot so many decades ago, many around the world hoped that the great civilisations and traditions of the non-European world would do better than the West when it came to nuclear weapons.

This was part of a larger idea that the formally colonised peoples would change the character of modern statecraft. They would lead the human race out of the murderous depths of imperialism, total war and genocide into which the West had taken it.

Mahatma Gandhi counselled non-violent resistance to nuclear bombardment. People should get out of their homes and look the pilots in the eye as best they could. With love and prayer, and without hatred for their killers above, they were to offer themselves willingly in sacrifice.

Aircrew were thus given the opportunity for redemption before bombs away, as Faisal Devji tells us in The Terrorist in Search of Humanity.

Clearly, Gandhi hadn't banked on missiles.

He still would hope that the gesture of accepting death would be transformative for those who commit mass murder in pursuit of their political objectives. In the face of such willing sacrifice, the missile operators, their commanders and leaders, and the society form which they came, would decide to be better humans and build a better world.

They would come to regard others as humans equal to themselves, not as "collateral damage" or whatever other euphemism was used to justify killing.

So went one plan by which the traditions of the non-European world were to help remake international

politics in humane ways.

What would Gandhi make of India today, armed to the teeth with the full panoply of modern destruction, including nuclear weapons aimed at Pakistani population centres? India is even building its own SSBN - a nuclear submarine that launches ballistic missiles.

China has an even larger arsenal. Japan could be a nuclear power overnight. North Korea already is.

One doesn't need to only pick on states with Confucian, Buddhist and Hindu traditions - of course the political and military representatives of Islam and Israel behave no differently. Those that don't have the bomb wish they did, while fearing and admiring those who do possess its awesome powers of destruction.

One ready explanation for the global desire for nuclear weaponry is the seductive logic of deterrence.

The invasion of Iraq and the air strikes on Libya were possible only because these powers lacked the bomb. A deliverable nuclear weapon promises survival and autonomy, because other countries will not dare to push you too far.

Such thinking is presumably behind Iran and Israel's nuclear weapons programmes, and there is

doubtless some truth to it.

All the same, such thinking equates security for oneself with the mass slaughter of others.

A moral philosopher once compared trying to achieve security with the bomb to the idea of preventing automobile accidents by tying live babies to car bumpers.

Nuclear weapons, it must be remembered, do not belong to familiar traditions of warfare. The instantaneous obliteration of thousands is not a military act even when the strike is aimed at a military target. As with the civilians practicing Gandhian non-violent resistance, the soldiers killed lack the opportunity to display their own virtues and practices of sacrifice.

For reasons such as these earlier generations of political leaders and thinkers came out in opposition to the bomb, demanding nuclear disarmament.

Mass CND campaigns ensued in Western societies during the Cold War. But nowadays, mass campaigns against global threats are waged in the name of the environment.

It would seem that around the world, the whole human race has become comfortable with, even desirous of, the bomb. People everywhere seem to think that nuclear weapons will give them security.

“

They should think again.

For one thing, during the Cold War, the most likely route to nuclear war was that of accident. Even with the sophisticated command, control, communications and intelligence capabilities of the superpowers, the potential for an inadvertent nuclear exchange was unacceptably high.

One reason for this was pressures to "launch on warning" - to fire off one's missiles on warning of an incoming enemy strike, a warning that might later prove to be false.

Given the ability of Western powers to wipe out the Iranian or North Korean or some other small country's arsenal with conventional or nuclear strikes, such pressures will be all the more intense.

And that is without considering the rogue commander scenario, whereby an extremist officer opts for Armageddon by firing off his missiles. Such men were found in the United States Air Force during the Cold War, parodied by the base commander General Jack D Ripper in Dr Strangelove (dir.

Stanley Kubrick, 1964). General Curtis LeMay - who Ripper was modelled on - advocated obliterating Russia before the Soviets could develop a nuclear deterrent.

Do we all want to run these risks again, and in countries with

The invasion of Iraq and the air strikes on Libya were possible only because these powers lacked the bomb. A deliverable nuclear weapon promises survival and autonomy, because other countries will not dare to push you too far.

much less robust traditions of civilian control of the military?

But perhaps most worrying of all is the basic strategic position of a relatively small country trying to deter Western attacks with a few nuclear weapons. During the Cold War, the West sought to deter Soviet conventional superiority with nuclear weapons, as the West never had armies large enough to defeat the Soviets should they have invaded Western Europe.

The problem with this strategy is that nuclear escalation would only have invited a retaliatory strike in response.

Nuclear attacks on Soviet forces or cities would have invited reply in kind, regardless of the conventional military situation.

So for example, a future Iranian leader facing conventional defeat by US and Israeli air strikes might decide to go nuclear. He might consider a US carrier battle group cooped up in the Persian Gulf as a "limited" and "military" target for his nuclear missiles. Amid the din of war, and the cries of his own wounded and dying people, he might fail to realise that such an attack would rain death on families across the US, who would lose brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers serving on those ships.

Turning Teheran into a nuclear waste site for the next century or two would only be the beginning of what any US president would do in reply to such an attack. Americans are a very violent people, and they do not take just one eye for each they lose.

Equally, the US would realise that only a massive retaliation would serve to re-establish deterrence and dominance in other parts of the world.

This is the kind of "security" nuclear weapons buys you, if you have survived the sanctions, the international isolation, and the espionage the West visits on its enemies who try to acquire such weapons in the first place.

Against such outcomes, Gandhi's ideas begin to look rather more realistic. They have the singular advantage of taking the ethical high ground, insisting that these weapons are not on a human scale, and that they must be done away with.

What might be achieved if the non-Western world were to forsake nuclear weapons on moral grounds? The possession and potential use of such weapons by others is what currently justifies Western nuclear arsenals.

Perhaps also, those in global civil society who spend their time protesting environmental doom might remember there are more immediate threats to the human race. They might consider joining the remaining CND activists in the West to finish the business of one of the world's first mass protest movements.

For as of now, against the scourge of nuclear weapons, the human race has little more than the thin line of activists at places like the Faslane Peace Camp. They row out in their little dinghies to board British nuclear submarines in dangerous efforts to remind us all that these weapons are not worthy of human possession.

Culled from Aljazeera.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

PAGE 32

Fighters attack Libyan government HQ A

n assault on the Libyan interim government headquarters has left one guard dead and several others wounded, according to reports.

Fighters attacked and surrounded the building on Tuesday, demanding stipends that the government promised to pay to those who helped oust former leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Nasser al-Manaa, an interim government spokesperson, said the armed protesters, some of them carrying mortars, tried to push their way into the building.

The building was evacuated as the firefight with the security guards ensued, leaving one guard dead and four wounded, he said.

"Many men encircled the building and opened fire against it with weapons including antiaircraft cannons," a government employee present during the attack told the AFP news agency.

Several lorries mounted with anti-aircraft guns surrounded the building in central Tripoli, blocking traffic, witnesses said.

Abdurrahim el-Keib, the interim prime minister, was in the building meeting with his defence minister at the time of the attack, a person who was also inside said on condition of anonymity, fearing retribution.

The prime minister was not hurt.

Al Jazeera's Omar al Saleh, reporting from Tripoli, said the rebels came from the Nafusa

P

The fighters are angry at the decision by the government to postpone stipends over 'corruption and fraud' mountains to surround the building.

He said the decision by the interim government to halt stipends, citing "mass corruption and fraud", angered the former fighters.

"I did speak to the son of the Libyan finance minister who said his father was at the building at the time of the attack," our correspondent said.

The fighting lasted between one and two hours with heavy ammunition being fired, he said.

The headquarters has previously been attacked, but our correspondent said that one of the fighters he spoke to described Tuesday's attack as the most serious.

Al-Manei said some of the several hundred protesters were demanding their delayed salaries

while others demanded compensation for the wounded and more efforts to locate those missing since the civil war last year, and earlier in Gaddafi's prisons.

"We didn't stop giving salaries, but we have postponed (paying) salaries so we can apply a new mechanism that ensures no corruption is involved and no money is wasted" on fake claims, al-Manei told reporters.

repelled by security forces.

"This afternoon, the building of the council of ministers came under attack by outlawed gunmen pretending to be revolutionaries, but they are not," said Mr Keib.

"These outlaws claimed that their attack was for getting some cash allocated as rewards for the real revolutionaries."

He added: "As the government asserts that it will deliver on its promises, it also announces that it will not give in

to blackmail or to outlaws and will not negotiate under the threat of force."

Three other security guards and one of the gunmen were also injured in the battle, Tripoli security official Khaled Besher said.

Fourteen of the attackers had been arrested, he added.

Government spokesman Nasser al-Manaa said that a group of demonstrators had gathered outside the offices on Tuesday morning.

By noon, the crowd had grown to 200 people including gunmen from the western town of Yafran backed by about 50 trucks mounted with anti-aircraft guns and rocket launchers.

Yafran is a town populated by members of the Berber ethnic minority located about 100km (60 miles) south-west of Tripoli.

The demonstrators aired their grievances but then some of the gunmen forced their way into the building and opened fire, Mr Manaa said.

More than 200,000 people are in dire need and elderly and children are already starting to die in the Blue Nile state, Malik Agar said.

A deal was signed earlier this year by the UN, African Union and Arab League to allow food into such conflict areas.

Many thousands have been been displaced along the border with South Sudan.

More than 70,000 civilians from Blue Nile are being cared for by the UN refugee agency in South Sudan, which gained independence last July.

Tensions between the two neighbours, who fought a long civil war which ended in 2005, have ratcheted up over the last month, with fears of an all-out war.

Wednesday is the deadline set by the UN Security Council for both sides to pull their forces from the border and activate a joint monitoring mission.

Mr Agar called for urgent

international assistance for about 200,000 people in Blue Nile state, just north of the border with South Sudan.

"The situation is catastrophic and the vulnerable, the elderly, pregnant women and children, are dying on a daily basis," Mr Agar, the chairman of the SPLM-North told the BBC. He warned the fastapproaching rainy season will worsen the situation.

Humanitarian groups, including Samaritan's Purse, have visited the area and say homes have been bombed and families, prevented by the fighting from farming, have been reduced to eating leaves and roots.

Many people live in caves in the hills to avoid aerial bombing, which happens day and night.

… Attackers are outlaws, says Libya PM

L

ibyan Prime Minister Abdurrahim al-Keib has branded gunmen who attacked his office in the capital Tripoli as "outlaws".

In a televised speech he said the men had "pretended" to be rebel fighters to claim cash handouts offered as rewards for helping to topple Col Gaddafi.

One security guard was killed when about 200 armed men, some carrying mortars, tried to storm the building.

They were eventually

Sudan ‘blocks aid’ to civilians in rebel-held Blue Nile

S

udan is blocking aid to a rebelcontrolled area, putting the lives of the population at risk, the head of the SPLM-North rebels has told the BBC.

South Africa seizes $7m in ‘rhinopoachers’ assets

There are warnings the fast-approaching rainy season will worsen the situation for the displaced Continue reading the main story

olice in South Africa have confiscated assets worth nearly $7m (£4m) from three suspected rhino poachers.

The men, two of whom are vets, are already facing 1,872 charges of racketeering.

Large syndicates are often involved in the multi-billion dollar illegal rhino horn trade, exporting the horns to parts of Asia and the Middle East.

Despite the recent deployment of extra troops to South Africa's borders, 210 rhinos have been killed this year.

The Kruger National Park - one of the world's largest game parks has been worst affected losing a total of 127 rhinos since January, government figures released on Tuesday showed.

Police spokesman Col Vishnu Naidoo said the seized assets are believed "to have been acquired through criminal activities".

The security forces had decided to seize the assets to "preserve" them until the case - one of the biggest wildlife cases in South Africa - is finalised, he said in a statement.

If the three suspects are convicted the proceeds will be used "to continue with the combating of crime", Col N "We call for assets of every person arrested to be scrutinised and where possible, seized," he said.

"Generally, those that commit such crimes will serve their sentences but still come back to a life of luxury. By seizing assets, criminals have no worldly possessions to enjoy and this certainly helps send out a clear message that crime does not pay."

Since January, 99 people have been arrested for rhino-related matters country wide, the police spokesman said.

Last year, a record 450 rhinos were killed in South Africa.

The numbers have soared in recent years to meet the demand for their horns in Asian traditional medicine, especially in China and Vietnam, where they are thought to have powerful healing properties.

South Africa has the largest population of rhinos in the world Continue reading the main story

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

PAGE 33

Red Cross, UN appeal for Palestinian hunger strikers

T

he International Committee of the Red Cross called on Israel on Tuesday to transfer six Palestinians who have been on hunger strike for weeks to hospital and allow visits from their families.

All six are in prison under Israel's long-standing policy of detaining people it suspects of security offenses or plotting attacks in a closed military proceeding between security forces and military judges rather than after a formal trial. Prison terms for "administrative detainees" are renewable for six months at a time.

In a statement, the humanitarian agency said that the six are in "imminent danger of dying," although it upheld their right to choose whether or not they wanted to receive treatment.

"We urge the detaining authorities to transfer all six detainees without delay to a suitable hospital so that their condition can be continuously monitored and so that they can receive specialized medical and nursing care," said Juan Pedro Schaerer, head of the ICRC delegation in Israel and the Palestinian territories.

The six have refused food for between 47 and 71 days, and are among more than 1,600 detainees who have been on hunger strike for some three weeks, according to the ICRC. "Their main demands are for a resumption of family visits from Gaza and for an end to solitary confinement in Israeli places of detention," it said.

The fate of the hunger strikers has touched a raw nerve in the Palestinian Territories with daily demonstrations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip to support the protest.

In an interview with Reuters on Tuesday Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad said there would be serious repercussions if any of the prisoners died.

"The most tragic thing is if you look at the list of demands they have presented Israel ... they are generally related to the basic rights of prisoners," he said in the West Bank city of Ramallah. "There is a clear violation of the Geneva conventions."

The ICRC's Shaerer stressed that the strikers' right to fast is protected by international conventions.

"While we are in favor of any medical treatment that could benefit the detainees, we would like to point out that, under resolutions adopted by the World Medical Association, the detainees are entitled to freely choose whether to consent to be fed or to receive medical treatment," he said.

"It is essential that their choice be respected and their human dignity preserved," he said.

On Monday, Israel's Supreme Court turned down an appeal by two Palestinians who have been on hunger strike for the past 70 days, to free them from detention without trial.

But in its decision the court said security authorities should consider freeing them for medical reasons.

The scope of the hunger strike has posed a new challenge to Israel, which has come under international criticism over detention without trial and could face a violent Palestinian backlash if any of the protesters die.

The office of United Nations High

Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay also voiced concern on the strikers' fate.

"International law is clear: administrative detention should only be used in exceptional cases and only

for imperative reasons of security.

Administrative detainees have the right to challenge the lawfulness of the detention," spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told a news briefing.

Independent UN investigators and

UN rights bodies have raised concerns about Israel's frequent and extensive use of administrative detention, including of children, infringing on detainees right to a fair trial, Shamdasani said.

In this May 6, 2012 photo, Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad visits a tent in the West Bank town of Nablus that was set up in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike in Israeli jails.

Interpol seeks arrest of Iraq vice president

G

lobal police body Interpol called on Tuesday for help in arresting fugitive Iraqi Vice President Tareq Al-Hashemi on suspicion of planning and funding attacks in Iraq.

Hashemi, a Sunni Muslim politician with the Iraqiya bloc, fled Baghdad in December when the Shiite-led government accused him of running death squads, a dispute that risked upsetting a delicate power-sharing agreement.

The vice president, who is in Istanbul, has denied he was involved in murdering six judges and other officials. He says the charges are politically motivated and has refused to stand trial in Baghdad.

"My defense lawyer will present an appeal to Interpol in the next few days," Hashemi said in a statement. "I won't submit to pressure and blackmail."

The case strained Iraq's fragile coalition of Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish political blocs and generated fears of a return to the broad sectarian violence that wracked the country during the darker days of the war in 2006-2007.

Syrian truck blast near UN monitors’ convoy

A

File picture shows Iraq's then vice presidential nominee Tareq al-Hashemi speaking at a news conference in Baghdad.

Major General Robert Mood, the head of the UN mission, was in the convoy but escaped unharmed

roadside bomb struck a Syrian military truck near Deraa, wounding six soldiers just seconds after a convoy carrying the head of the UN observer mission passed by.

An Associated Press reporter who was travelling in the UN convoy said the explosion blew out the military truck's windows and caused a plume of black smoke. Vehicles in the UN convoy were not hit.

Major General Robert Mood, the head of the UN mission, was in the convoy but escaped unharmed along with 11 other observers, said an AFP photographer travelling with them.

The Norwegian general said the attack was "a graphic example of violence that the Syrian people do not need".

"We were driving behind the UN convoy as protection when a roadside bomb exploded, wounding a first lieutenant and five troops," a soldier who asked to be identified only by his first name, Yahya, told AP at the scene.

At least three bloodied soldiers were rushed away.

The blast went off after the head of the UN observer mission headed into the southern Syrian city with a team of observers and a convoy of journalists.

The explosion was more than 100 metres behind the convoy. It was not clear who was behind the blast.

Al Jazeera's Rula Amin, reporting from neighbouring Lebanon, said: "We heard some news coming from Free Syrian Army claiming responsibility for the attack, saying they did attack a military vehicle in Deraa but it was a vehicle with no UN observers."

PAGE 34

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

Putin promises strong Russia on world stage

P

resident Vladimir Putin, speaking in Moscow's Red Square with military generals at his side, said he would promote Russia's might on the world stage in a patriotic speech yesterday glorifying the Soviet victory over Germany in World War Two. Two days after being sworn in for a six-year term that has drawn protests against his return to the Kremlin, Putin used the address to troops and war veterans at the annual military parade on Red Square to reinforce appeals for national unity.

Putin faces a battle to reassert himself after the biggest protests since he rose to power in 2000 and the detention of hundreds of protesters this week to keep a lid on dissent.

"Russia consistently follows a policy of strengthening global security and we have a great moral right to stand up determinedly for our positions because our country suffered the blow of Nazism," Putin said on a podium flanked by military chiefs bristling with medals under the Kremlin's red walls.

He did not refer to any enemy other than evoking the victory over Nazi Germany in 1945 at a great human cost, including millions of Soviet victims, at a parade in which goose-stepping troops, tanks and trucks carrying missiles filed past

him.

"Barbarians were plotting to destroy whole nations," he said. "The inevitable happened - responsibility and common resolve prevailed over evil.

Putin, 59, has often used tough statements on foreign policy to rally people and resorted to anti-American rhetoric in the run-up to the March 4 presidential election. The tactic was also used by Soviet leaders, and featured prominently on national holidays such as Victory in Europe day.

During the election campaign, Putin accused U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton of stirring the protests against his 12-year rule by encouraging "mercenary" Kremlin foes.

A Russian general also warned last week that Moscow could carry out preemptive strikes on future NATO missile defense installations. NATO called such threats "unjustified" and said the system posed no threat to Russia's security.

Putin has said he is ready to go a long way to develop ties with the United States, Moscow's former Cold War enemy and its fellow veto-wielding member of the United Nations Security Council, but has made clear it must be on equal terms with Washington.

Russia has already reasserted itself on several fronts, opposing Westernpromoted sanctions aimed at Moscow's

long-standing allies Syria and Iran.

It has emerged as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's main foreign supporter in the conflict there, a stand that has created tension with Western powers.

Putin was flanked by former president Dmitry Medvedev on Red

Square, one day after the lower house of parliament approved his ally as prime minister, completing a job swap that has upset many Russians.

Opposition leaders Sergei Udaltsov and Alexei Navalny were among several hundred people

detained in the past few days, including more than 400 after clashes with police at a rally on Sunday. Both remained in police detention on Wednesday.

Udaltsov said through a lawyer that he had started a hunger strike in protest at his treatment.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and former President Dmitry Medvedev walk after the inauguration ceremony at the Kremlin in Moscow on Monday.

‌44 feared dead in missing jet in Indonesia

A

Russian Sukhoi Superjet 100 on a demonstration flight with at least 44 people on board is missing south of the Indonesian capital Jakarta, according to Indonesian search and rescue officials.

"The plane disappeared from the radar around the Bogor area. We are still looking for it and we are uncertain whether it crashed," said Gagah Prakoso, spokesman of the national search and rescue agency.

Russian news agency Ria Novosti reported that the airliner was on a demonstration flight for potential buyers when it disappeared off the radar.

The Indonesia military said the plane "fell" from the sky. The aircraft was carrying Indonesian businessmen and Russian embassy officials, the transport ministry said.

Journalists were also onboard.

Search and rescue teams were heading to the area, said Bambang Ervan, a spokesman for the ministry of transportation. Bad weather, however, forced at least two helicopters to turn back.

The jet, made by the Russian company Sukhoi, radioed a distress message before disappearing. The Ria Novosti news agency said there were at least eight Russians among the passengers.

Al Jazeera's Step Vaessen, reporting from Jakarta, said: "The flight should have lasted just 30 minutes in the area around Jakarta, but it never returned.

"They [ground control] lost contact after the Russian pilot asked to descend from 10,000 feet [3,000m] to 6,000 feet [1,800m] and then they never heard from the plane again.

The brand new Russian-made Sukhoi Superjet 100, made a test flight on Wednesday morning

"This was a brand new plane from Russia. It came into the country just yesterday and took people onboard for an earlier test flight this morning. That all went well."

The Sukhoi Superjet 100 is a new passenger plane built in Russia in a bid to lift its civil aviation industry from a postSoviet crisis.

The plane is considered crucial to Russia's hopes of becoming a major player in the modern aviation market and improving the image of

an industry scarred by frequent crashes of ageing Soviet-era jets.

The demonstration flight in Indonesia was part of a tour dubbed the "Asian Roadshow" aimed at promoting the aircraft abroad that started May 3 and earlier took in Kazakhstan and Pakistan. It was due to go on to Laos and Vietnam.

In August last year, Indonesian regional carrier PT Sky Aviation agreed to buy 12 of the planes, with deliveries due to begin in 2012.

Greek leftists in anti-bailout coalition bid

T

he leader of a Greek leftist bloc opposed to the country's austerity measures is set to meet leaders of the debt-stricken country's main parties in the latest attempt to form a coalition government.

Alexis Tsipras, whose Syriza bloc holds 52 seats in the Greek parliament, is demanding that any agreement to form a government would need all parties to agree to reject the

country's EU/IMF bailout deal.

He said Greek voters had "clearly nullified the loan agreement" in Sunday's elections in which support collapsed for the country's two main parties, which had both backed austerity measures.

Syriza came second on Sunday, while the centre-right New Democracy and centreleft PASOK, which between them had 77 per cent of the vote

President Karolos Papoulias, right, has given Alexis Tsipras, left, three days to form a coalition government

just three years ago, saw their combined share fall to just 32 per cent and PASOK reduced to third place.

Both PASOK and New Democracy had backed the

terms of a second EU/IMF deal agreed by Lucas Papademos, who was appointed last year to lead a coalition government tasked with rescuing the country from its debt crisis.

Al-Qaeda underwear bomber ‘was undercover agent’

A

would-be suicide attacker in a foiled "underwear bomb" plot was an undercover agent, reports from the US say.

US officials are quoted as saying that the person dispatched

by Yemen-based al-Qaeda to attack a US-bound plane had infiltrated the group.

In an apparent intelligence coup, the agent left Yemen with the device and delivered it to the CIA. Meanwhile, the Pentagon says it is sending military trainers back to Yemen to help counter alQaeda militants.

US intelligence learned last month that militants with alQaeda in the Arabian Peninsula

(AQAP) in Yemen planned to attack a plane with a more sophisticated version of a bomb hidden in a passenger's underwear, similar to one used in a failed 2009 attempt, the Associated Press news agency reported.

Officials told US media that the would-be bomber had been recruited by Saudi Arabia's intelligence agency and sent to Yemen where he infiltrated the militants' cell.

The infiltration of an agent into the ranks of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula provides a rare insight into the shadowy world of counterterrorism and the problems for both intelligence agencies and al-Qaeda in knowing whom to trust.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

PAGE 35

Weed’s gone to my head..

Now that’s one joint that’s bound to get everybody jumping...

A

reveller with a green cannabis leaf design shaved into his hair holds a massive spliff during a demo calling for home-grown marijuana to be legalised.

Protesters in the Colombian city of Medellin claim it would help to put vicious drug trafficking gangs in South America out of business.

Thousands took to the streets in other marches in Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Guatemala and Argentina on Saturday.

Head case protester

March in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Flame-eating beauty queen hopes to get Miss England judges hot under the collar with dazzling fire show

B

Suck, blow this joint's a giant

Grief-stricken pet owner, 44, killed himself ‘because he couldn’t get over the death of his beloved cat’

A

grief-stricken pet owner killed himself because he struggled to cope with the death of his beloved cat, an inquest heard.

Bachelor Michael McAleese, 44, was devastated after 13-year-old tabby cat Sophie died in his arms after suffering a stroke.

The recluse - who was not known by his neighbours - was so traumatised by the loss that the dead cat 'slept' on his bed for three days afterwards.

Hello kitty: A close up of Kitty that was included in the montage of images on YouTube

Mr McAleese then told a man who came to collect Sophie for cremation that he would kill himself.

Five days after the cat's death Mr McAleese posted a moving video in the moggy's memory on YouTube, which featured pictures of her backed with sad violin music.

Unemployed Mr McAleese captioned the video with: 'This is in her memory. She was such a wonderful little cat.

'This is a montage tribute to my beloved Sophie cat. I loved her so much and still do.'

Mr McAleese's body was found eight days later on December 21 last year at his rented lodgings in Poole, Dorset.

A post mortem examination revealed Mr McAleese had taken an overdose.

However, pathologist Dr Sherie Haider said toxicology tests showed the level of one the drugs had been within a safe range and she was unable to ascertain an exact cause of Mr McAleese's death.

eauty queens usually like to wow the judging panel with their spangly outfits and good looks.

But one contestant vying for the title of Miss England 2012 hopes her talent for firebreathing will turn heads.

Jessie Palmer, 20, from Bishop Burton, East Yorkshire, plans to showcase her extreme skills at the live semi-finals at the end of the month, where she will have just minutes to shine on stage.

The pretty brunette, who is also studying criminal psychology at the University Of Hull, admits she is not a stereotypical pageant goer.

She said: 'I may not be your typical beauty queen but I like to think I can break the mould and help quash stereotypes.

'On the night, I am just going to get up there, enjoy myself, give the best performance I can and hope it is enough.'

Miss Palmer believes her performance will give her a competitive edge over the other girls, as many will choose tried and tested routines.

She first started training with Sarah Knowles, a professional fire-breather who is regularly hired to perform at events.

Miss Palmer added: 'I was really scared to play with fire at first. My trainer rolled the flaming sticks down my arms and I had to close my eyes.

'It seems quite dangerous but it's really thrilling and my family thought it was typical of me to do something different.

Her mother, Sue, said although she was a little dubious of her new-found skills, she is now proud of her daughter: 'The family will be supporting her all the way.'

Miss Palmer, who already scooped the title of Miss Hull and District 2012, will battle it out with 55 other semi-finalists on May 30 in Leicester.

After four rounds, only 14 girls will go through to the

Not your conventional beauty queen: Jessie Palmer demonstrates her fire-breathing skills

Hot stuff: 'I may not be your typical beauty queen,' says Jessie who also has a passion for sports

PAGE 36

M

ost of us are keen to preserve our health and when a new product comes on to the market that claims to do just that, the temptation can be great.

But which of these are true health essentials and which are just hype, destined for the back of the bathroom cabinet?

A recent report in the Drug And Therapeutics Bulletin claimed that even insect bite creams — a staple of most people’s first aid box — are a waste of money. The researchers said there was little evidence these products work and suggested people use a cold flannel to treat a bite instead.

Here, we look at other popular products to see if they are worth buying — and the simple, homemade alternatives that work just as well.

TONGUE CLEANERS These plastic hand-held devices are marketed as a way to keep the mouth clean and the breath fresh. Most have a circular loop on the end that you drag across the tongue to remove the furring — debris and bacteria — that may build up there.

‘They aren’t really necessary,’ says Professor Damien Walmsley, science adviser to the British Dental Association.

‘There are a number of different causes for bad breath, such as having a dry mouth — which allows bacteria to concentrate around your teeth — or not cleaning and flossing correctly, but having a dirty tongue is not high on the list.’

What to use instead: ‘For most people, brushing the teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day to remove any bacteria around the tooth or the gum line will be enough to keep the mouth fresh,’ says Professor Walmsley.

If you really want to de-fur your tongue then gently run your toothbrush over it after brushing, he adds.

VITAMIN C TABLETS ‘Double dose’ or ‘high dose’ vitamin C tablets are a common sight on the pharmacy shelves.

Vitamin C is needed to keep cells and connective tissue healthy.

Adults need around 40mg a day but many supplements contain 1,000mg or more, and some people take them believing they will maximise their chance of fighting off colds and other infections.

‘The problem is that the body cannot store vitamin C so taking extra does not give any benefit — it will just get passed out of the body in urine,’ says Neal Patel, of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

‘In fact, in 2007 the respected Cochrane Collaboration reviewed the evidence from 29 trials involving more than 11,000 participants and concluded that vitamin C does not reduce the incidence of colds in most people. Therefore, taking high doses as a preventative measure was not justified.

‘Although it is an essential nutrient, vitamin C does not stop you getting a cold.’

The Department of Health recommends that only children aged six months to five years need take supplements due to

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

Anyone for a tongue scraper or a light to stick up your nose? smaller appetites and fussy eating habits.

What to use instead: Eat a diet with a variety of fruit and vegetables. An adult can get the recommended daily amount of 40mg from one medium-sized orange.

ALLERGY LIGHT PROBES Costing in the region of £30, light probes consist of two probes which are inserted up the nose and emit a red light at a special frequency. This is said to help overcome allergic rhinitis — an allergy to, for example, cat hair, pollen or dust mites that leads to sneezing and a runny nose.

The idea is that you insert a probe in each nostril for around five minutes a few times a day.

It’s claimed the light affects the metabolism of the cells in the nose, slowing down the immune response and reducing the release of histamine, the chemical that triggers allergic type symptoms.

‘I have been dealing with allergic rhinitis for more than 20 years and I cannot see anything about these that would indicate they would work,’ says Dr Adrian Morris, a specialist at the Surrey Allergy Clinic.

‘They do claim to have trials that show they are effective but I would think there is probably a big placebo effect. These would not affect the release of histamine and even if they did, the effects of these probes would, at best, be local to where the light is shining.

‘There are lots of nooks and crannies up the nose — the sinuses are like a system of caves — and I don’t see how shining a light in one spot could desensitise the whole area to an allergen.’

What to use instead: ‘Antihistamines are effective — and if, in the case of hay fever, you take them early in the season, before the symptoms start and regularly, then they will work,’ says Dr Morris.

‘The other alternative is a nasal filter. These are like tiny corks that you put up your nose that contain a small filter to prevent allergens getting into the nose.’

BATTERY-POWERED TOOTHBRUSHES These promise extra cleaning power with more convenience than an electric toothbrush, which needs to be kept charged

Mouth about that: Tongue scrapers are a waste of time, said one expert by the mains.

‘The problem is that they don’t have enough power,’ says Professor Walmsley. ‘An electric toothbrush will give a more thorough brush.’ The other issue is that as the battery starts to run down, the power will fade, but not enough for you to notice it, meaning you don’t clean as well.

What to use instead: A handheld toothbrush used correctly is just as good as a battery-powered one, says Professor Walmsley.

‘I always say it’s not the cost of the toothbrush that matters, it’s how you use it.

‘However, studies show that an electric toothbrush with a round head that works with a rotation/oscillation effect [where the brush head spins a quarterturn in one direction, then a quarter-turn in the other] is slightly better than a manual one.’

ANTI-BACTERIAL SOAP There is no doubt that hand washing is an important way of insuring yourself against illness.

Many of us fork out for antibacterial soaps or hand gels that can be used without water, which claim to contain antibacterial agents that kill germs.

‘When you wash your hands it is the detergent action of the soap and the agitation of rubbing your hands together that is most

Smiles better: A manual toothbrush can be just as good as an electric one if used properly, said one dentist.

Expert view: Dirty tongues generally don't cause bad breath. effective at removing dirt and cleaning your hands,’ says Dr Ron Cutler, director of biomedical science at Queen Mary, University of London. ‘And so you don’t really need to use antibacterial soap.’

Furthermore, antibacterial gels without water generally won’t help to dislodge the dirt, he says. ‘And in the case of something like colds or norovirus — the cause of the winter vomiting bug — these are viruses and not bacteria so can’t be eradicated by antibacterial products.’

What to use instead: ‘Just use a normal bar of soap and warm water as soap works best in warm conditions,’ says Dr Cutler. ‘Rub your hands together for 20 seconds, rinse, then dry them thoroughly. If you leave your hands damp, this enables bacteria left on your hands to flourish.’

INTIMATE WASHES Body washes have become popular among women as a way

to deodorise and keep clean — some are also marketed as a gentler way to wash as they maintain a healthy pH balance, unlike soap.

However, not only are these not necessary, but they could do more harm than good.

‘The inside of the vagina naturally has some bacteria but if you wash these away you create an imbalance,’ says Dr Hugh Byrne, a consultant gynaecologist at the Lister Hospital in south-west London.

‘Without these bacteria to keep their numbers in check other organisms such as the yeast that lead to thrush can then take hold. These products are pretty pointless.’

What to use instead: ‘Just wash the external surrounding skin on the upper part of your legs as you shower or bath but don’t worry about doing any more than that,’ says Dr Byrne.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

PAGE 37

N9.97 billion fraud: A prelude to Bukola Saraki’s many troubles ANALYSIS Dr. Bukola Saraki, to some people, is a leader par excellence, home and abroad. He has made history as the first civilian to have governed Kwara state twice. In this analysis, our Correspondent in Ilorin, Olanrewaju Lawal, examines Saraki’s ordeal in N9.97 billion fraud allegation as well as other petitions against him at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) vis-àvis his political future in Kwara in particular and the nation in general.

D

r. Bukola Saraki, the immediate past governor of Kwara state, now a Senator, has not been himself of recent due to the allegation of fraud leveled against him by the Police Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Lagos over the waiver of N9.97 billion loan by former Intercontinental Bank Plc. Senator Saraki, who had just step into his father shoes as the political leader of Kwara state at the age of 49, was also director in the distressed Society Generale Bank, where money belonging to orphans, organizations and thousands of customers went into ‘thin air’. There are insinuations too that the former Chairman of Nigeria Governor’s Forum (NGF) was also involved in shady deals with a road construction scam in 2004 when the late General Abdulkareem Adisa was the Works Minister under in the late General Sanni Abacha’s regime.

It was rumoured that Bukola never returned the money he allegedly collected to execute the ciontract but the then minister insisted that he must do so in spite of the fact that he equally hailed from Ilorin. It was learnt from the reliable sources that it was his father, through one of his friend who linked up with late Adisa and returned the said money into the coffer of federal government then.

Despite his brilliant performance in making policies and designing programmes, Bukola is perceived by the opposition as a businessman who is not concerned about the future of the people of the state, but concentrates more on how his own empire would flourish beyond the shores of the country.

The SFU had on 18 April 2012 pulled-in Mahmud Lai-Alabi over a petition from a certain relative of a deceased whistleblower who had discovered some financial malfeasances allegedly perpetrated by him in favour of Saraki. The mystery whistleblower was

believed to have been assassinated by hired assassins as a way of dismissing all the vital documents and evidences against the suspect.

Alabi was accused of writing-off loans totaling N40bn under questionable circumstances, in breach of banking rules and procedures. Curiously, the same loans had been classified as “good” and “performing” by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, examiners in 2009. But it was later discovered that Alabi had written them off.

And rather than the bank selling off the property for default and recoup its money, Alabi was reported to have released the title documents to Saraki after the former governor had made a paltry repayment of N2.3b It could be recalled that Mr. Erastus Akingbola, the former Managing Director of the acquired Intercontinental Bank Plc. in the petition dated August 3, 2010 addressed to the office of Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, said, “Mr. Mahmoud Lai Alabi was appointed by the CBN as the new CEO of Intercontinental Bank Plc. Mr. Alabi is an employee of Bukola Saraki as chairman of Shonga Farms and several development funds in the state.

“On resuming, his first task was to write off Dr. Saraki’s loan to the tune of N8.115 billion (papers and letters attached). He also wrote off loans totaling N32 billion to friends of Dr. Saraki; all this, in a bank that they were meant to be rescuing.”

Akingbola said that all the written-off loans had been classified as ‘good’ and ‘performing’ by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, examiners and had been secured with properties in Ikoyi (Lagos) Victoria Island (Lagos) and Abuja.

The CBN examination report of May 2010 complained about this massive loan or ‘cash gift’ to Dr. Saraki.

The petition which further chronicled how the Sarakis and his friends “created the crisis in the

Intercontinental Bank with the sole aim of taking over the bank” said, it was obvious that both Dr. Saraki and his friend in the CBN used the opportunity of the worldwide financial crisis of 2008 to 2009 to jump into certain banking institutions and take them over.

Akingbola added, “The crisis had been acknowledged and was being well-managed by Professor Chukwuma Soludo, the former CBN governor. The entire industry was affected, as other worldwide.

The Nigerian economy was hit by four economic catastrophes.”

The former bank Chief Executive Officer who is currently being tried by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for alleged financial crimes, said the new CEO of the Intercontinental Bank had recruited former Society Generale Bank staff as Executive Directors and Loan Manager, like Mr. Gbenga Alade.

“Mr. Alabi proceeded to sack the entire senior management of IB Plc and replaced them with former Societe Generale staff. It is clear, from these actions, that I was removed to smoothen the take-over of the IB Plc for Dr. Saraki,” Akingbola stated.

The SFU spokesperson, Ngozi Isintume, on 20 April, explained that Alabi granted “a controversial waiver of N9.97bn, representing about 82 per cent of N11.97bn indebtedness in February 2010” to companies allegedly promoted by Senator (Dr.) Bukola Saraki between 2004 and 2009. Isintume further disclosed that the loans facilities were used to purchase shares of blue chip companies and choice landed properties in Lagos and Abuja. The Police Fraud Unit later on 23 April, invited Saraki for questioning but the embattled former NGF ignored the invitation, and sought a court order restraining the police from arresting him.

Saraki’s lawyer, Rafiu Lawal Rabana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), on 25 April, filed the motion before Justice Gladys Olotu of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Dr. Bukola Saraki He asked the court to determine if his accused client could be invited by the police to help in investigating a matter in which he had no link.

Contrary to the Court injunction, one of the Saraki’s aide, Fatigun Akintoba went to town with news that the judge had granted the injunction. The Police, however declared Senator Saraki.

Addressing journalists in Ilorin recently, the leader of Kwara Freedom Network, Chief Iyiola Oyedepo said the embattled Senator hands were not clean based on his antecedent at the Society Generale Bank and his alleged misappropriation of fund when he was the governor of the state.

Oyedepo explained to journalists that the loan he was alleged to have sought for when he was the governor was allegedly used to buy properties at Abuja and later used them as collateral security for the same bank. “ Dr Abubakar Bukola saraki, the erstwhile Governor of Kwara state, now a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria used his four companies namely Linkers, Datrade, Sky View properties and Joy petroleum to secure a loan of about N11.97 billion from Intercontinental bank(Nig).

He later got from the bank under the leadership of his crony and stooge, Mr. Mahmoud Lai-Alabi, a whopping waiver of the sum of N9.97 billion. Literary, N11.97 billion became N2.3 billion. The bank has a gift of N9.97 billion to

“

Despite his brilliant performance in making policies and designing programmes, Bukola is perceived by the opposition as a businessman who is not concerned about the future of the people of the state, but concentrates more on how his own empire would flourish beyond the shores of the country

Senator Bukola saraki’s companies!

“The money so given could not have been any other than the depositors’ money in the custody of Intercontinental Bank Nig Plc. With the payment of N2.3 billion from N11.97 billion, the Senator had four of his properties in Abuja and Lagos used as collateral for the loan returned to him”.

Probing further, Oyedepo group explained “ this is a familiar turf for the Senator as towards the collapse of the Society Generale Bank Ltd (SCBN) while Dr. Bukola Saraki was the Executive Vice Chairman.

Depositors fund was used to recapitilize the banks by purchase of shares for his family members; the owners of the failed Bank. The Bank was found to have been over exposed with N30 billion negative capitals; it could not stand alone and is not fit to merge with other banks.

“The Saraki’s bank went under. The waiver of N9.97 billion to companies linked with Senator is the well known method of the crippling of thriving banks.

Society Generale Bank (Ltd) is a standard example. On the face of it, the above are the information for which some explanations are expected on the allegations”.

While condemning his tactic to dodge SFU, the group insisted that Saraki must not be treated with glove hands stressing that ‘he who must come before equity, must come with clean hands’.

The group maintained that the embattled Senator could not claim ignorance on the waiver for the mentioned companies.

In another petitions obtained Dr. Bukola Saraki which was forwarded to Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), the group want the anti crime agency to investigate his eight year administration in the state when it alleged that funds and projects were not appropriated accordingly.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

PAGE 39

Shettima directs Those indicted in oil subsidy probe will face justice – Tambuwal completion of he Speaker, House of in Lokoja during a courtesy decided to do things differently urged the governor to tap into Representatives, Alhaji visit on Gov. Idris Wada of Kogi. to solve the nagging problems the abundant natural hospital Aminu Tambuwal, said The Speaker added the probe bedeviling the country, resources in Kogi to transform Wednesday that the House into the administration of oil promising that it would not the socio-economic activities of renovation before on would take necessary steps to subsidy was constitutional, disappoint Nigerians. the people. ensure that those indicted in saying that “anybody who held Tambuwal,who was He advised the governor to Democracy Day

T

G

ov. Kashim Shettima of Borno has directed the state’s Ministry of Health to complete all renovation work in the general hospitals, ahead of the May 29, Democracy Day celebration.

Shettima gave the directives shortly after inspecting renovation work at the Mafa General Hospital, in Mafa Local Government Area of the state.

He explained that completing the renovation job would enable government to equip the hospitals and inaugurate them during the celebration.

Shettima expressed satisfaction with the level of work done and commended the contractors for a job well done.

He directed the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to provide a 27 KVA power generating set for the Mafa General Hospital, to address the problem of power supply.

Shettima also directed the Mafa Local Government Council to deploy 10 security guards to the hospital to prevent the vandalism of all the facilities.

He appealed to the caretaker chairman to convince his Maiduguribased medical doctor son to return home and work in the hospital.

Shettima gave the assurance that government would supply an ambulance and other equipment needed for the smooth operation of the hospital.

The governor also inspected work at the Marte General Hospital in Marte Local Government Area of the state.

Shettima also urged the contractor to drill additional bore hole to take care of the new trees that will be planted in the hospital.

The Permanent Secretary in the Health Ministry, Dr Bukar Usman, told the governor that the hospital was being expanded from a 50 bed capacity hospital to a 75 bed capacity hospital.

Involve traditional leaders in antiterrorism fight, group advocates

T

he Aliyu Magatakarda Advocacy Group has urged the Federal Government to involve traditional leaders in the fight against terrorists’ activities in the country.

Alhaji Abubakar Yabo, the Secretary of the group,) made the call on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto.

Yabo said that royal fathers were better placed to mobilise their subjects to offer intelligence reports for the arrest of those involved in terrorism and others criminal activities.

He argued that the involvement of traditional rulers would also complement the efforts of security agencies in the task of building a safe society for the country.

the oil subsidy probe faced justice.

Tambuwal announced this

contrary view should come to the floor of the House to say so’’.

He said the House had

accompanied by the Chief whip, Mr Ahmed Moukthar and seven other members,

Edo state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, addresses a crowd to flag off his re-election campaign, at the Kings Square, in Benin City, the state capital.

establish a mini cement plant in the state and take decisive steps on the reactivation of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex and the National Iron Ore mining Company, Itakpe.

He noted that both companies were originally established to serve as spring board for the country’s industrialisation.

“I urge you to look inward to ensure that something positive is done so that Kogi can answer its name in the comity of states; don’t wait for foreign investors to do it,’’ he said.

In his response, Wada lauded the Speaker for the quality of debate in the house under his leadership.

He, however, urged Tambuwal to help the state by ensuring that Ajaokuta Steel Complex was reactivated in line with the promise made by President Goodluck Jonathan to the people of the state in December 2011.

He also solicited the support of the House for the completion of the N7.8 billion BaganaGuto Bridge which was inaugurated in February 2007.

PDP, ACN disagree over sack of striking Lagos doctors T From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

he Lagos state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the recent sack of doctors in the state as “fascist, oppressive and insensitive” urging all well meaning progressives must condemn completely.

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has however expressed regrets over the turn of events regarding the Lagos doctors’ strike, saying Lagos doctors forced the Lagos state government to do the needful by disengaging their services.

Lagos PDP Publicity Secretary, Taofik Gani, in a statement urged the state government to call back the sacked doctors. “We demand

immediate recall of the sacked doctors. The fact that the matter was pending in court and that the doctors commenced negotiation with the authorities on Sunday were enough reasons for Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) to have shelved the idea of total sack of experienced 788 doctors in the name of employing another young inexperienced 350 doctors who surely will put the lives of millions of Lagos residents at risk.”

ACN in the state said that it would be irresponsible of the government to continue to allow itself to be held by the jugular by the striking doctors while the lives of Lagosians are exposed to grave danger as a result of the strike.

Gani urged every progressive in the state to condemn the action and hold the governor responsible for every death resulting from this “draconian sack.”

He added that “this is serious crime against humanity and we shall consider the option of a suit for every death recorded as a result of this action. There is no other time for Lagos residents to know that this Government is pseudo-democratic and actually anti-masses. Indeed the masses will bear the brunt and this fact does not seem to appeal to the Governor.”

He said it was evident that the governor has exhausted his ideas about governance and he is surrounded by bad advisers who all should resign

immediately.

In a release in Lagos, signed by the Lagos State Publicity Secretary of the ACN, Joe Igbokwe, the party said it felt sad that the intransigent attitude of the doctors led the Lagos State government to wield the big stick but that it was a necessary way of saving the Lagos health sector from collapse which the doctors strike was meant to inflict on it.

While wishing the disengaged doctors the best in their future endeavours, the party said doctors in general should realise the importance of their professional oaths and not subject the interest of their patients to the desire for perks and perquisites, which should be secondary to their calling.

Monarch backs agitation for constitutional roles for traditional institutions

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he traditional ruler of Obu-Gad Iduu, Eri Kingdom, in Anambra, Chief Augustine Chukwuemeka, has expressed support for the agitation to assign constitutional powers to traditional rulers.

Chukwuemeka told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that constitutional roles were crucial if traditional rulers

would carry out their responsibilities more effectively.

According to him, such move will enable traditional rulers, as custodians of culture and tradition, to perform better.

“We have been talking for years that there is a need to give traditional rulers a constitutional role in Nigeria to enable us perform our duty.

“So let us do our work

properly because we know all the nooks and crannies in our various domains as grassroots leaders.’’

A two-day workshop on security issues was recently organised for traditional rulers and local government chairmen by the National Institute of Cultural Orientation.

The workshop that ended in

Abuja on Tuesday was aimed at identifying the roles of traditional rulers and council chairmen in addressing the country’s current security challenges.

The workshop had the theme: “Culture, Peace and National Security: The Role of Traditional Rulers and Local Government Chairmen.”

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

PAGE 41

Warri Wolves optimistic of road success, depart for South Africa Kalu upbeat

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igeria’s CAF Champions League representatives, Warri Wolves are confident their trip to South Africa for the decisive return leg game against the Black Leopards will not be in vain.

The Nigerian team, who departed last night for Jahnnesburg, take a 3-1 lead to the Lidoda Duvha Stadium in Polokwane on Sunday where they are scheduled to tackle the hosts for the ticket to the third round of the fiesta.

Warri Wolves’ manager, Maurice Cooreman said that it be Herculean for the hosts to overhaul their two goals in spite

By Patrick Andrew

K

ano Pillars’ dreamed return to the top of the Nigeria Premier League suffered another temporary setback yesterday following Enyimba FC of Aba spirited runs that forced the hosts to drop two points.

The Aba-based former CAF Champions League back-to-back winners came from behind to to force a delectable equaliser that brought the game to 2-2, a result that left the team from the former groundnut pyramid enclave reeling in pains. Rangers beat Dolphins to remain tops.

Enyimba took the lead through their captain Josiah Maduabuchi, before Rabiu Ali drew level for Pillars to end the first half 1-1.

Pillars then took the lead through a counter attack when striker Gambo Mohammed scored his eighth goal of the season in the 63rd minute.

their away goal and stressed that Wolves will be working hard to score in South Africa to brighten their chances of qualification.

Two nil against the Nigerian side at the Peter Mokaba stadium, Polokwane will see the Absa premiership relegation threatened side advance to the next stage of Africa second tier club competition but the Nigerian side manager said the hosts will not get a scoring chance.

“Yea, we’re ready and have trained very hard for the game in South Africa. No injury worry, everybody is fit to battle for the qualification ticket.

“We’ve got our match plan spelled out, we won 3-1 in Nigeria but against the expectations of

Azubuike Egwueke of Warri Wolves

many that we should sit back to cover our lead, we’re going out there to get goals.

“Bidvest Wits and Black Leopards played a barren draw in the Absa Premiership game on Tuesday night in Johannesburg,that result is a psychological boost going into the Sunday’s game.

The first fixture in Nigeria saw the Absa Premiership side go forward through Raymond Monama while striker, Augustine Amutu levelled up for Wolves and later grabbed the second goal before Gift Atulewa wrapped up the day for the Maurice Cooreman tutored side.

Enyimba stall Pillars’ ascent to summit Enyimba fought for the equaliser and got a penalty in 55th minute, which Maduabuchi ballooned into the sky.

On the stroke of full time, Markson Ojobo equalised for the home team from the penalty spot to end the explosive encounter at 2-2.

The result means Pillars’ dream of edging out Rangers on the top remains a mirage even as Enyimba’s title aspirations equally received a big setback, but goalkeeper Richard Ochayi insisted this was only a temporary slip.

“It is unfortunate we drew the game. It was a tough game and we

did all to win it. The result is a temporary setback to our title ambition but we will bounce back.

I am sure we will get those points from away games.,” Ochayi told a wire service after the match.

An elated Kano Pillars coach Baba Ganaru, who acknowledged the depth and experience of the visitors, lauded his squad for taking up the guantlet by lifting their spirit to draw level at the time the match was almost slipping out of their hands.

He appreciated them for responding positively to instructions as well as not letting their teeming fans down.

“It was a tough game as we

envisaged, but we have it at the back of our mind while we were going for the match that we must win it. We almost did that if not for the dying minute penalty awarded them. I commend my boys for their determination and for playing to instructions,” he remarked.

The coach said he believed the cash paid to the players was a big boost ahead of the game.

“The money paid to them last weekend motivated them to go the extra mile. We will take every game as they come because we are aiming for the title. We know it won’t be easy but we are prepared for it.”

Qualify for AWC, get jumbo bonus, NFF promises Super Falcons

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embers of the Super Eagles have been promised a 75 percent bonus increase if they qualify for the African Women Championship in Equatorial Guinea.

NFF Executive Committee member announced the incentive to the players after watching them post an impressive 3-1 win over an Abuja All Stars team which included former Plateau United star Anietie Ukoh.

Rivers Angels forward Ameze Aighewi opened the scores for the Falcons before veteran goalkeeper Precious Dede gave up a penalty against Ukoh, who dusted himself up to put the ball away.

But Delta Queens Akudo Iwuagwu, who provided the assist for Ameze’s goal, restored the advantage just before halftime, and Abosede Olukayode sealed the victory.

The Super Falcons, holders of the African Women Championship title, will play off against Zimbabwe in a two-legged fixture for a place at this year’s finals, scheduled for Equatorial Guinea in November.

Zimbabwe will host the first leg of the fixture on May 27 with the return leg in Nigeria on June 16.

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Kenya after they failed to confirm their participation following the general crisis that has rocked the country’s football.

The tournament will draw eight top teams including world champions Brazil, African champions Nigeria, Argentina, Japan, Cameroon, Ghana and hosts South Africa.

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are defending champions of the competition.

By Albert Akota

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he home-based Super Eagles forward Uche Kalu is upbeat about the upcoming international friendly duel against Peru in Lima on May 23.

The Enyimba FC of Aba player said yesterday during a media parley with sports journalists in Abuja, that they were in sound mood and ready for the game which is one of the build -up matches meant to keep the team in tune for the World and Nations Cups qualifiers, next month.

The player, who was full of praise for Stephen Keshi and members of his technical crew for believing in the domestic league players, said they were being tactically tuned up for the friendly and other matches.

“The most important thing for us is to win our matches as long as we do that; we will win the confidence of the technical crews who believe in us as well as Nigerians.

“The coach always tells us to play as if we were playing a normal game like we have done in our career but with seriousness, I want to assure you that we have a good team and there is no need to worry about what happening in Peru.

“He always said he believes in us and I also realized is a game of football especially after playing against six times Africa champion Egypt scored a goal, my brother I must tell you, that goal gave me a different experience and confidence to face any opponent without being intimidated,” he said.

“

Members of Super Falcons jubilating after winning a game

U20 tourney: Flying Eagles to tackle Kenya igeria’s Flying Eagles and defending champions of the 8-Nation Invitational Tournament may tackle their Kenyan counterparts who have replaced Egypt in the fiesta to be hosted by South Africa in Cape Town from May 24.

Organisers disclosed that the Egyptians, who reached the Round of 16 at last year’s FIFA U20 World Cup in Colombia, were replaced by

ahead of Peru clash

They plan to use the invitational to prepare for a 2013 African Youth Championship second round qualifier against Tanzania on July 28.

In the meantime, Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has tasked players of the country’s U20 team to do everything to improve themselves individually.

Keshi was part of the FIFA WIAWA Coaching Course who were at the FIFA Goal Project in Abuja to follow

a practical demonstration with the Flying Eagles as the course material.

“Players like Henry Nwosu, Edema Benson and myself were the founding members of the Junior Eagles, but even then some of us were already playing for the Super Eagles,” Keshi told the players.

“You should therefore not limit yourself to just playing for the U20s, but rather do everything to improve yourself inside and outside the

The most important thing for us is to win our matches as long as we do that; we will win the confidence of the technical crews who believe in us as well as Nigerians. group. There must be a personal commitment from you to be excellent.”

He added: “As the national team coach, I will continue to be interested in players from the Nigeria league like you and as such you must aim to be part of my team very soon.”

Former Tanzania coach Jan Poulsen is the instructor of this coaching course which is being attended by the various national team coaches as well as coaches from the Nigeria Premier league.

The course will run for a week.

PAGE 42

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

18th NSF: Delta inaugurates 18-member committee

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he Delta Government has inaugurated an 18-member Central Organising Committee to ensure adequate preparation for 18 th National Sports Festival, tagged “Eko 2012” in Lagos.

Inaugurating the committee in Asaba on Tuesday, the state’s Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama, said its primary function would be to oversee the preparation of “Team Delta”.

Utuama said the committee was expected to determine the financial implications of the state’s participation and to ensure adequate provision of sports equipment and kits for the athletes.

He said that the objective was to ensure successful participation of Team Delta with a view to reclaiming its prime position at the event holding from Nov. 27 to Dec. 9.

“You are expected to determine the financial implications of the state’s

participation and to ensure adequate provision of sports equipment and kits for the state’s athletes.

“Most importantly, you are to

ensure the successful participation of Team Delta with a view to reclaiming its prime position,” he said.

The deputy governor charged

School athletics

members of the committee, whom he described as distinguished professional sports organisers, administrators and Deltans with proven integrity, to handle the assignment with the patriotic zeal it required.

He said the committee members were chosen to assist the government in discharging the enormous responsibility of preparing the state’s contingent that would represent Delta credibly.

“You are, therefore, expected to prepare a contingent that will be going to Lagos to conquer by returning the state to its number one position in the country,” Utuama said.

Utuama cautioned the committee, chaired by the Chairman of the State Sports Commission, Mr Amaju Pinnick, to avoid over-confidence in preparing Team Delta, noting that over-confidence was a forerunner of failure.

He appealed to youths, communities and the private sector to cooperate with the committee to ensure its success.

Sponsor gives N4m for U-18 athletics championships

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olomon Ogba, the President, Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), has said that the sponsor of the 2nd National U-18 Athletics championships, has doled out N4 million for the competition.

Ogba disclosed this on Tuesday in Lagos at a news conference for the competition scheduled for between May 11 and May 12 at the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos.

He said the sponsor, Dr Daniel K. Olukoya, the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and

Miracle ministry (MFM), gave out the sum to ensure a successful outing. “I commend the effort of Dr Olukoya for helping us to organise this championship because he has shown great support.”

According to Ogba, the federation is keen in the discovery and grooming of talents at the grassroots and would not relent in its effort.

He expressed the belief that great talents would be discovered at the competition, adding that they would later beat records of

some former athletes.

“It will not be too long before these discovered talents will surpass the records of Falilat Ogunkoya and Henry Amike,” he said noting that the federation would not allow the use of over age players and para-military athletes at the championship.

“We will ban any athlete from the para-military because the competition is strictly meant for U-18. We will use the international passport of registered athletes to detect age cheat, because IAAF also relies on passport.

“We will rely on physical appearance to also detect any para-military athlete. Any over age athlete caught will be summarily disqualified because we want to catch them young.”

Yusuf Alli, the coordinator of the programme, said that there would be no cash prize, being an age group competition.

“He said that winners at the competition will not receive any cash prize in accordance with IAAF set rule, but assured that every participant would be well catered for.

Inter-local government basketball tourney dunks off in Kano

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o fewer than 44 teams from the 44 local government areas of Kano State are participating in a week long basketball tournament organised by the government.

Opening the tournament at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Monday, Alhaji Adamu Dangoni, the Chief of Staff to the governor, said the aim was to revive interest in the game.

Dagoni said that the tournament, which was expected to be an annual event, would help to boost development of the game and discovery of new talents.

He tasked teams participating in the tournament to be disciplined and be good ambassadors of their respective local government areas.

In the opening match, the Madobi local government team defeated their opponents from Ajingi local government area 73 – 11.

“

What we see in Nigeria is that individuals are now running outfits they call academies to make their own money. The problem about our football academy is that everybody wants to run an academy without knowing the real meaning of what an academy is in the first instance

Coach laments lack of central table tennis training camp

London Olympics soccer: Kanu sad over Nigeria’s absence N N

wakwo Kanu, former Super Eagle striker, on Tuesday expressed sadness over the non-qualification of the Nigerian soccer squad for the 2012 London Olympics.

Kanu captained the Nigerian team that won gold at the 1996 Olympics, and scored two late goals in the semi-finals against Brazil to overturn a 2–3 score line into a 4–3 win in extra time.

Nwankwo Kanu

Aminu Maigari

“In fact, the world is not happy that Nigerian team will not feature at the London Olympics football fiesta.The challenge thrown at us is that we should now go back to the drawing board and start preparing for the next Olympics,” Kanu said.in London.

Kanu, who expressed concern about the declining state of the country’s football, appealed to those administering sports, especially football, to sit up and put their act together.

He said that as the country aspired to be among the best on the global stage, “those administering our football must be seen to be committed by putting the nation first rather than self”.

“The world is very concern about the dwindling state of our football so everyone needs to come on board and be committed in moving the state of our football forward,” he stressed.

Kanu, who also spoke on the state of football academies in the country, said there was no standard academy in the country.

“What we see in Nigeria is that individuals are now running outfits they call academies to make their

own money. The problem about our football academy is that everybody wants to run an academy without knowing the real meaning of what an academy is in the first instance,” he said.

Kanu appealed to the government to intervene by putting in place proper guidelines for setting up academies, adding that the current situation was not healthy for sports development.

“You can’t put up a team of 18 to 20 players and charge them money with no future plans for them and you can call it academy.

One has to know what is good for his or her environment and people; if the federation is the one running an academy, then let it be under their control,” he said.

Kanu, who also spoke on his plans for football, said he planned to groom young talents to be able to produce many more Kanus.

“I tell you currently, there are better players than Kanu out there just waiting to be discovered; we have to go fishing out for them. If you cannot go fishing, you can’t have a catch; there are a lot of them (Kanus) out there,” he said.

asiru Bello, the national coach, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), has criticised the lack of a central camp for the training of players to the 2012 London Olympics.

Bello disclosed in Lagos that players training in different countries had made it difficult to monitor them.

“There is a need for players to be close to the technical team in order for the coaches to monitor their progress as they train. And players training separately affects the quality of play when they go for tournaments,” he said.

The coach said that the call for a central training camp was necessitated because sometimes players are economical with the truth that they are training while they are not. “Some of the athletes tell lies that they are training hard while they are not,” he said.

Bello deplored the attitude of some athletes towards training and called for a change, stressing that adequate preparation was essential for success in sports or any endeavour.

It would be recall that four players will represent Nigeria in the singles event at the London 2012 Olympics from July 27 to Aug. 12.

In the men’s singles are Segun Toriola and Aruna Quadri while Funke Oshonaike and Edem Offiong will compete in the women’s event. The four athletes qualified for the Games at the 10th All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

PAGE 43

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t has been an interesting week at West Brom, with Roy Hodgson becoming the new England manager. What have the players made of it all?

First and foremost, we’re delighted for him. We know how much pride he takes in being English and I think it has always been one of his ambitions to coach the national side. He’s a great manager and he thoroughly deserves to get his chance now. The only downside for us to that is that he’ll obviously be a big loss to us.

I wasn’t here when he first arrived, but the team was fighting relegation at the time. He turned things around and the team ended up finishing 11th.

This year, we’ve kicked on again and were well safe from relegation a long time before the end of the season - that’s never been the case at West Brom in previous years.

What are his main strengths?

He knows everything about every position. He’s been in the game such a long time that he’s been there and seen it all, so he can stop training at any time and point out different things for certain positions. The things he says are so obvious when you stop and think about them, but they make such a difference. Even in meetings, he’ll pick out little details that might seem small, but which go a long way. It all makes sense in the end but it takes a man of his stature to bring it all together.

Would you fancy meeting up with him again at the EURO? (Laughs) That would be nice. If we finish top or second in our group, we’ll meet a team going through from England’s group, so it’s a definite possibility. That would be interesting playing against him for a change. But if we get through, I’d be happy to take whoever comes along.

Even now, is the tournament uppermost in your thoughts?

Definitely. Ever since we’ve been safe from relegation, you do your best to concentrate on the next game, but I think everyone associated with Ireland has been thinking about the EURO. I just can’t wait for it to come along now. It’s an exciting time for Ireland and my big hope is that we can do ourselves justice. It’s been too long since we made it to the EURO – I was only one the last time we qualified (in EURO 1988) – so this is long overdue.

I think that’s why everyone is so excited about this year and, as players, we know that we can create some history in Ireland if we do well. Hopefully we can do the country proud out there and at least get through what is a very tough group.

You’ve landed in a section with Croatia, Italy and the world champions, so the draw hasn’t exactly been kind. What did you make of it?

Honestly, there were teams in there I would have preferred to avoid. But all I would say is that we tend to do well against the big countries. Most people won’t expect us to come out of this group but I think it suits Ireland being the underdogs, so hopefully that will work in our favour. And I don’t think anyone will fancy playing against us because we’re tough to beat.

We defend well, and not just the in back four – right from the front, we’re very hard to break down. Plus, we’ve got players who can always pop up with a goal or two on the break. We have a good balance there, and the fact we went eight or nine games without conceding during the qualifiers is no

‘Hodgson is visionary, has depth, focus, good for England’ coincidence. I think we can cause a few upsets.

We’ve spoken about Roy Hodgson, but what is Giovanni Trapattoni like as a manager?

It’s the same kind of story with him as it is with Roy really, in that they’ve both been in the game for so long and managed so many teams in so many different countries. He knows what he’s doing. He’s a manager who doesn’t complicate things too much and he plays to a system that, with the players on board, always seems to work. You can’t argue with his record.

You’ve become a starter up front under Trapattoni and have been playing alongside someone, in Robbie Keane, who’s Ireland’s record goalscorer and arguably the country’s greatest ever striker. How have you found that experience?

He’s so gifted and you can do nothing but learn from a guy like him. I’m still amazed at some of the things he does in training and, when you look at his goal record, it’s amazing. He’s even overtaken what Bobby Charlton did for England, so that says it all really.

He has a good two or three years left in the game too, and you can see in the likes of him, Shay Given and Damien Duff – the guys who played at the World Cup in 2002 – how much it means to them to get to another major finals. I’m sure Robbie won’t let this one pass without giving it a great shot.

What are your own standout memories of the Republic at major tournaments?

My main ones are from the World Cup in 2002. What sticks out for me are Damien Duff’s celebration, bowing to the Japanese crowd, and obviously Robbie’s late goal against Germany. The whole country went ecstatic, so moments like that always live with you. I remember what it was like with all the fans shouting the team on, so I know how much it means to everyone to see Ireland do well and I don’t want to disappoint anyone.

What would be success for the Republic at EURO 2012?

Getting out of the group stage. Spain are obviously going to be big favourites to top our group, and rightly so, but our aim has to be to get that second spot. Getting results against Croatia and Italy is going to be vital in making sure that we qualify. If we can start with a positive result against Croatia, that will set us up nicely for the next two games.

And who do you see winning the tournament?

It’s hard to see past Spain. The way they play football, it’s so tough to play and defend against. You’d think it should be between them and Holland again, but there’s always a team that comes in every year and causes an upset. So who knows? That could be any one of us.

“

Shane Long

Hodgson...The things he says are so obvious when you stop and think about them, but they make such a difference. Even in meetings, he’ll pick out little details that might seem small, but which go a long way. It all makes sense in the end but it takes a man of his stature to bring it all together

Roy Hodgson

Throughout this season, Roy Hodgson and Shane Long have shared an objective. Now, with that goal of Premier League safety for West Bromwich Albion long since achieved, it is a destination they have in common.

Both will soon be heading for UEFA EURO 2012 in Poland and Ukraine, although on this occasion they will be on different sides, with Hodgson in the England dugout and Long lining up in attack for Republic of Ireland.

Player and manager could even find themselves reunited in the quarter-finals should their teams qualify from their respective sections and, should that happen, mutual respect is assured.

Hodgson, after all, paid a club record £6.5 million to sign the 25-year-old from Reading last August, while Long has nothing but the highest esteem for the man who last week succeeded Fabio Capello.

Indeed, while the vast majority of English pundits had tipped Harry Redknapp for the job, Long believes the FA could not have picked a better man than the diligent and vastly experienced former Switzerland coach.

Speaking to exclusively to FIFA.com, the striker outlined the attributes that make Hodgson a first-rate coach, reflected on his impact at West Brom and gazed ahead to a European Championship that could, he hopes, create new Irish legends.

PAGE 44

Samsung Diamond League in Doha: Top 10 duels to watch

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

1 million Olympic tickets to go on sale tomorrow

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Pamela Jelimo

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t’s true that athletics is not a team sport where two squads are facing each other but there are many examples in sport’s history when the centre of attention is focused on a rivalry between two male or female athletes in a specific discipline.

At the kick off Diamond League of the season in Doha on May 11 and in every different event the line up is as strong as that of a World Championships final. That doesn’t erase the fact though that there are also many disciplines where the expectations of a duel between two of the event’s greats are pretty high, The list with Top 10 duels, in a random order, that will surely thrill the fans at Qatar Sport Club in Doha, is as follows: No. 1 -Men’s 100m Asafa Powell (JAM) vs Justin Gatlin (USA) Powell beat Gatlin in January at a 50m indoor race, although Gatlin further improved and won the World title in March.

The American leads the score by 6-3 wins in 100m. The Jamaican has a better PB (9.72 to 9.85) No. 2 -Men’s 400m LaShawn Merritt (USA) vs Angelo Taylor (USA) Taylor is more a 400m hurdler but he is a keen 400m runner as well. The overall score favors Merritt who has won 15 out of 16 races against Taylor. Merritt’s personal best is 43.75 while Taylor has run 44.05.

No. 3 -Men’s 800m David Rudisha (KEN) vs Mohammed Aman (ETH) This rivalry is pretty new and emerged in September 2011 when Aman surprisingly beat Rudisha in Milan. Rudisha is up by 3 wins to 1 and is faster according to PBs (1:41.01 to 1:43.37) but the 18-year-old is progressing rapidly.

No. 4 -Men’s 1500m Asbel Kiprop (KEN) vs Abubaker Kaki Khamis (SUD) Both are equally fast in 800m and 1500m. Kiprop is better in 1500m though while Kaki prefers the 800m. They have met once in 1500m with Kiprop the winner, and twice in 800m with the spoils being shared. Kiprop’s PB is 3:30.46 and Kaki’s 3:31.76.

No. 5 -Men’s 3000m Kenenisa Bekele (ETH) vs Augustine Kiprono Choge (KEN) It’s hard for everyone to beat Bekele! The Ethiopian won their only clash in 3000m. He was also better than Choge in one 1500m race and three 5000m races. Bekele’s PB is 7:25.79 and Choge’s 7:28.76.

No. 6 -Men’s High Jump Mutaz Essa Barshim (QAT) vs Jesse Williams (USA) Mutaz has yet to win Williams in six outings but is working hard on in. In their last clash the American won on countback. Both have jumped 2.37 in their best ever day with the Qatari having registered his PB indoors this season.

No 7 -Women’s 100m Campbell-Brown (JAM) vs Allyson Felix (USA) The Jamaican is running 100m and 200m while the American specializes in 200m and 400m. In 100m Campbell-Brown leads 5-0 and in 200m Felix is up 6-4. As far as the PBs are concerned Campbell-Brown has run 10.76 and Felix 10.93 (in Doha).

No. 8 -Women 800m Pamela Jelimo (KEN) vs Janeth Jepkosgei (KEN) The two Kenyans have many ups and downs in their career so far. In the races between them Jelimo leads by 9-6 wins, but Jepkosgei won all last six. Jelimo’s PB is much better, 1:54.01, compared to Jepkosgei’s 1:56.04.

No. 9 -Women 3000m Meseret Defar (ETH) vs Vivian Cheruiyot (KEN) Defar is in front (7-1 wins) but he last beat Cheruiyot on March 2010. The Kenyan won their most recent duel (July 2010). In 5000m Defar leads 12-4 although in the most recent score the Kenyan leads 3-1. Defar’s PB is 8:23.72i and Cheruiyot’s 8:28.66.

No. 10 -Women Javelin Throw Maria Abakumova (RUS) vs Barbora Spotakova (CZE) One of the fiercest field rivalries, with the most memorable moment being their clash in Daegu. In as many as 24 duels Spotakova won 13 times and Abakumova 11. The Czech owns the world record with 72.28 while the Russian has hit the second best ever, 71.99.

Janeth Jepkosgei

Allyson Felix

Veronica Campbell-Brown

David Rudisha

lympic fans, who missed out on tickets for the London Games, will get another opportunity on Friday, including a chance for high-demand seats to the opening ceremony or 100-meter final.

Olympic organizers said Tuesday they are putting nearly 1 million tickets on sale, with priority given to those people who were unsuccessful in previous rounds.

The 900,000 tickets will be available on a first-come, firstserved basis to the nearly 1 million people in Britain who applied previously but came up empty handed.

The tickets will go on sale online - at the official website www.tickets.london2012.com - starting at 11 a.m. local time on Friday.

Organizing committee chief executive Paul Deighton said about 5,000 tickets would be available for the men’s 100meter final on the evening of Aug. 5 that is expected to feature reigning Olympic champion and world record-holder Usain Bolt. Also on sale will be the remaining 5,000 tickets for the opening ceremony and 5,000 for the closing ceremony.

First priority will be given to the 20,000 people who failed to secure tickets in the initial ballot last year and missed out again in a second sale.

Those customers will be given 31 hours exclusive access before the 1 million people who applied unsuccessfully in the initial ballot will then have their own exclusive 5-day sales period. All customers will be limited to applying to one session and a maximum of four tickets.

Buyers can expect 20 minutes of ‘’queuing’’ on the website in the expected crush for tickets, Ticketmaster’s managing director Chris Edmonds said.

Any tickets that remain unsold will go back on general sale May 23. The sale of 8.8 million total Olympic tickets began last year, with most snatched up in the early rounds.

Organizers are trying to raise about $704 million from ticket sales, a quarter of their operating budget.

Coe said 75 percent of the tickets go to the British public, with 25 percent to foreign fans, national Olympic committees, sponsors and other groups.

Organizing committee LOCOG is on target to meet its ticket revenue target and ensure that ‘’all our venues are packed to the rafters with passionate fans,’’ Coe said.

Being sold separately are 1.4 million soccer tickets. So far, 1.1 million have been sold for the soccer tournament, which kicks off two days before the opening ceremony with a women’s match between Britain and New Zealand in Cardiff, Wales, on Aug. 25. Only 11,000 tickets have been sold so far for that game.

LOCOG has faced considerable criticism in Britain for its ticket policy, with buyers and watchdog groups complaining of a lack of transparency over the sales and the computer system dogged by glitches and huge demand.

Also Monday, organizers announced that 70,000 tickets will be sold allowing access to the Olympic Park to watch the events on big screens, mainly in the first week before the track and field starts. Those tickets - which do not offer entry to the competition venues - will sell for 10 pounds ($16) and 5 pounds ($8) for those under 16 or over 60.

Also on sale will be tickets to the ‘’Orbit,’’ the 375-foot tower in the center of the Olympic Park designed by Londonbased artist Anish Kapoor. The full-price 15 pound ($24) tickets are only for those who have tickets for the park or competitions in the park.

Going on sale May 29 will be tickets for the start of the cycling road race at Box Hill in Surrey and the individual time trial start at Hampton Court Palace. Full priced tickets will run 15 pounds ($24). Tickets to the grassy hill at Wimbledon to watch Olympic tennis matches on the big screen will cost 10 pounds ($16).

“

Mohammed Aman

Any tickets that remain unsold will go back on general sale May 23. The sale of 8.8 million total Olympic tickets began last year, with most snatched up in the early rounds.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

PAGE 45

Pictorial A. Manchester City manager D

Roberto Mancini says they have ''two fingers on the trophy'' but will ensure that his side focus on beating QPR to seal the title this weekend.

B.

Rory McIlroy targets victory at the Players Championship and admits he was wrong not to play at Sawgrass last year.

C. Shaun Edwards is to join London Irish as the club's defence coach, but will continue his work with Wales.

A

D. Chelsea interim manager

E

Roberto di Matteo has sprung to the defence of captain John Terry after questions were asked about the defender's form.

E.

Wladimir Klitschko believes the heavyweight clash between David Haye and Dereck Chisora will be a "freak show under freak rules".

F.

Alison Williamson will compete in her sixth successive Olympic Games this summer after Team GB confirms her selection.

G. Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell says he would relish the chance to coach at international level.

F

B

G

C

PAGE 46

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

Coach urges adequate preparations for Olympics

A

table tennis coach, Dotun Omoniyi, has advised the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) to ensure adequate preparation of players for the 2012 London Olympics to guarantee excellent performance.

Omoniyi, a coach with the Ondo State Table Tennis Association, said that the players require a minimum of two months to be together for intensive training and close monitoring before the Games.

The coach, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria

(NAN) yesterday on telephone, blamed Nigeria’s poor performance at the World Team Table Tennis Championships in Dortmund,

Gov. Fashola of Lagos

Lagos Rugby Football Union League season begins May 12

L

agos-based “Friends of Rugby,” on Wednesday said that it had concluded plans to kick-off the 2012 Lagos Rugby Football Union League season on May 12 with nine accredited officials.

He added that the competition would hold at Ntiense Williams, the secretary of the group, said yesterday in Lagos that the season, which would end in November and would formally begin at the the main bowl of the National Stadium, Lagos, would be held fortnightly.

“We are happy that the league is finally going to hold this year, after a one year break. We are disturbed when we could not host the league last season. This was due to the expectation of a unified programme from the newly elected board of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation,” he said.

He said that nine of the 11 members of the Lagos Rugby Referees Society who underwent written and fitness test scaled through and received officials badge for the season adding that they would be officially decorated on the day of the kick-off. He noted that the league would feature five Rugby Clubs from Lagos and a new entrant, Kwarabased Rugby Club called Ilorin Rugby Football Club.

The Lagos clubs are Lagos Rugby Football Club, Young Lions Rugby Football Club, Gosar Rugby Football Club, Police Rugby Football Club, and the defending champions - Cowrie Rugby Football Club.

Williams said that the Lagos Rugby Union and the Northern Rugby League would battle for supremacy at the end of the season in December. According to him, each participating club would receive a set of brand new customised jerseys, courtesy of the chairman of the group, Mr Kelechi Mbagwu.

Other programmes to be organised by the group for this season he said, included the traditional rugby tournaments, Independent 7’s Rugby Tournament, Rakia 10’s Rugby Tournament and Tri-Regional Challenge Championship.

He added that there would be special focus on female folks with the first ever Women’s Rugby Championship to be hosted in the South-South zone of the country later in the year.

CORRIGENDUM

FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, P.M.B. 2041, KATSINA 8th April, 2012

Germany to inadequate preparation.

“Two months is a reasonable time to prepare players for competition and also affords the coaches time to supervise them, observe their area of lapses and effect corrections,” he said.

It would be recalled that team Nigeria would not be featuring at the teams’ event at the 2012 London Olympic Games, because it failed to qualify at the World Championships held in Germany in April.

“Nigeria is blessed with skilled players and good

coaches but the federation has to give priority to the training and preparation of these players especially before major international events,” Omoniyi said.

The coach said that players that had qualified for the singles event of the Olympic Games ought to be training in camp now.

According to him, the early camping will enable the players come together and go through a comprehensive training programme that will lead to brilliant performance at the Games.

Omoniyi advised that

players’ welfare should also be taken seriously to put the in the right frame of mind and commitment to excellence.

Chief Patrick Ekeji, DG, NSC

18th NSF: Lagos approves training grants for athletes

T

he Lagos State Government has approved training grants for its athletes that had participated in the just-concluded open camping in preparation for the 18th National Sports Festival (NSF), to be hosted by Lagos from November 27 to December 9.

The camping, aimed at sharpening the skills of athletes for the festival, was held from April 2 to April 30, at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Yaba.

Kally Isaac-Agogo, Head Coach, Lagos State Sports Council (LSSC), who confirmed this said the allowances were meant to encourage the athletes to put in their best. “It is to cover transportation and feeding while at the camping site”.

Isaac-Agogo also said that each athlete completed forms with their accounts details and that the allowances would be paid into each athlete’s accounts. “The allowances due to each athlete that participated will be paid directly into their accounts,” he assured.

He explained that said that the

camping was not the final selection adding that the allowances and documentation of athletes will forestall poaching by others states.

Meanwhile, Babatunde Fatayi-Williams, Chairman/Technical Director of Lagos State Sports Festival, tagged, “Ibile Games” said all was set for the Games.

He said the technical department had installed all technicalities for hitch-free Games, which would run from May 14 to May 21 at various venues in the state.

He noted that preliminaries for team sports started since May 7 across schools, the 20 Local Government Areas and the 37 Local Council Development Areas of the state.

“The stage is set for the Ibile Games, intended to prepare the best athletes to represent the Lagos State at the NSF,” he said. The Ibile Games will feature 20 events to hold at the Yaba College of Technology, the University of Lagos, Mobolaji Johnson Sports Council and the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

T

he Nigeria Nation-Wide League (NNWL) has shifted by one week the resumption date for the second round of the 2012 Division Two competition. It will now begin on May 18 instead of May 11 earlier announced.

NNWL secretary, Emmanuel Adesanya, confirmed this yesterday in Abuja stressing that the change in date was necessitated by teams’ involvement in the Federation Cup. “We had earlier planned to have the league resuming on May 11, but fresh developments have given us the need to move the date forward,” he said.

The 2012 season for the 44club league started on March 30 and had gone on midseason break after April 27.

“All the clubs in the league were involved in the Federation Cup competition in their respective states, with most of them qualifying for the semi-finals and the finals.

“As a result of this, the rest period which they should have had during our midseason break could not be utilised for the intended purposes.

“We, therefore, felt we should give the clubs one more week to rest, so as to be fresh for the second round of the league,” he explained.

It would be recalled that the league is in eight groups, with five clubs each in four groups and six clubs each in the other four groups.

Abimu still eyes CBN senior tennis tourney title Eight teams

T

ournament’s number one seed, Fatima Abinu, yesterday renewed her confidence to lift the Ladies Singles trophy of the ongoing Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Senior Tennis Open Championship in Lagos.

Bubbling with confidence after defeating her archrival Blessing Samuel, who is seed number five, 6-2, 6-4 in two straight set to qualify for the quarterfinals, Abimu said boasted that nothing would stop her from clinching the ladies’ trophy.

“I am fit and battle ready

for any opponent that comes my way. I am ready for my next match. I have just defeated a strong contender in the tournament, although it was not easy playing my opponent because she is very experienced and skillful.

“I played her with my reserved experience, and I did not give her a chance to win the first set because I had studied her game over time.

I increased the tempo of the game so as to disorganise her and I also put my ball to the side and baselines to

make her run more for the ball,” Abinu said.

In the men’s singles, third round, Henry Atseye, seeded one, defeated Destiny Ford Da-Silva, seeded 15 at 6-3, 62, while number two seed, Babalola Adbulmumuni beat Kehinde Alade, 6-1, 6-0.

Nonso Madueke, seeded three, defeated unseeded Addulahi Hamidu, in two straight set, 6-3, 6-1.

The competition holding at the tennis courts of the National Stadium, Lagos and sponsored by CBN is ending on May 12.

RE-INVITATION FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION OF CONTRACTORS FOR THE YEAR 2011 TEFUND BOT-SPECIAL INTERVENTION PROJECTS OF THE COLLEGE: Reference to our earlier Advertisement in the Peoples Daily and Compass Newspapers of 23rd April, 2012 on the above subject matter, our attention has been drawn by the Industrial Trust Fund on compliance with the requirements of Section 6(i-iii) of the Industrial Training Fund Ammendment Act, 2011.

It is in view of the above that all interested bidders are hereby informed that: Evidence of compliance with section 6(i-iii) of the Industrial Training Fund Ammendment Act, 2011 is now added to the COMPULSORY DOCUMENTS to be submitted in order to qualify for pre-qualification.

All those that have already made submissions are therefore advised to withdraw same and comply with additional requirement above then re-submit.

The closing and opening that of 22nd May, 2012 remains Any inconvenience this might have caused is sincerely regretted please.

Signed: ALH. ABDULLAHI ABUBAKAR Registrar

Nationwide league resumes May 18

Nigerian table tennis players in action

hit Adamawa league quarter-finals

E

ight out of the 20 teams participating in the Adamawa State Football League have qualified for the quarter-finals of the competition.

The are: Yola United FC, Kings FC, Demsa United, Hamajam United, Lamorde United, AYT FC, Adamawa Feeder and Fombina FC .

Mr Umar Hamidu, the Secretary, Adamawa Football Association,said in Yola shortly before the quarterfinal matches kicked off yesterday. The league would be completed by the weekend.

Hamidu said that in the first match Adamawa Feeder FC will take on Fombina FC at the Yola Township Stadium He urged football fans in the state to turnout en masse to cheer the teams and also implored the players to exhibit a high level of discipline to ensure a hitch free competition.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

PAGE 47

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THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

SPORTS

LA TEST LATEST Nigeria tumble for the third time in FIFA ranking

F

or the third consecutive month, Nigeria slumped to 63 in the FIFA rankings released yesterday, the worst by the country in the monthly FIFA ranking, as the country dropped three places to occupy number 63 in the world and 12 in Africa.

The country was ranked 60 in last month’s edition of the monthly ranking exercise by world football ruling body.

Rwanda, Nigeria’s opponents in the June 17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier maintains number 26 in Africa and 105 in the world; while Namibia, Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier opponents on June 3 are a distant 35 in Africa and 120 in the world.

But this is hardly consolatory as she crashed three steps downward from her 60th position in the immediate past rankings.

Cote d’Ivoire remain Africa’s top team, occupying number 15 in the world, with Ghana in the second spot, while Algeria and Mali occupy number 3 and four in the continent.

The most improved African country on the ranking released yesterday is South Africa, who climbed four places to occupy number 67 in the world and 14 in Africa.

The other African countries in the top ten are Zambia, Gabon, Libya, Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco in that order.

Meanwhile, Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, seems unconcerned with the slump following his insistence that the Eagles are undergoing a rebuilding process adding that whatever their position now commands little or no import before them.

At the global level, Spain maintained her lead Germany, Uruguay, Netherlands and Portugal occupied the second, third, fourth and fifth positions respectively.

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A man may be so much of ever ything tha erything thatt he is nothing of anything — Samuel Johnson

Ibori: A lesson for Nigerians

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he 17th of April penultimate month marked the culmination of all the hoopla that rent the airwaves and cyberspace on speculations of the fate of erstwhile Delta State governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori on the corruption charges leveled against him; he bagged a thirteen year concurrent jail sentence. The British law enforcement agencies and organisations also went further to make hogwash of Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign, as their own version of icing on the lawful cake of punishment and sanction.

There has been so much hue and cry about how mindless and primitive stealing has become the second occupation of our government officials, about how these ill-gotten funds do not even have the glorifying capacity to be invested in the shores of the country, and so on and so forth, but the truth of the whole matter is open and bare to those who know, and know it through: there cannot be a dance of such a magnitude without a drummer, immediate or remote, for that matter. What we call corruption here is simply outplay of interest groups who play chess and tango with our national funds and life, with so much relish and glee. My sympathy goes out first to the children and younger generation around him who are being raised in the midst of such scandal, for without the help of the Almighty, it is only a matter of time before the careless transfer of wrong values and outlook to life will birth more dare-devil and ingenious versions of him. There is urgent need to refine and rehabilitate them, possibly educate them on the evils of toeing the murky path of their father.

When my head shakes with pity for people who willfully fall into this kind of calamity, it is neither for the gruesome smear of character which sticks to them like parasitic leeches, nor the palpable punishment they have to undergo at the instance of the law for their transgressions. It is simply that with the cycle of events which even the Bible book of Ecclesiastes conclusively enshrined far before they began to unfold, whether in Nigeria, Libya, Liberia, and indeed the world over, it is either that the juice in such ventures make them willfully refuse to learn, or they feel smarter than that vicious Karmic cycle, and that probably emboldens them to take the risk.

Anyone who makes himself or herself a stooge at the behest of some agenda or interest, particularly when it is more inordinate than not, certainly has

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GUEST COLUMNIST

By Ike Willie Nwobu ikewillienwobu@yahoo.com

James Ibori a life span of relevance, and when that point is attained, occurrences and pitfalls as this are only a tip of the iceberg. Ibori is a man that has little or no history, no structure, a mere shop attendant who by providence or rather human design, came to grips with billions, and from there, the tick of time only led him closer and closer to prominence and the corridors of power. The fact that even with his criminal record in and out of the shores of this country, he was able to floor the Ibrus, and the likes of the Oyoberes, (people who were cemented in a solid educational, academic and professional background dating back to 1874), in his desperate dash for the seat of Delta power, speaks decibels of masked enhancement. He has no reference, no history, no record, not even record of a failed business, yet he manned the reins of power

in Delta State for eight pilfering years. He has neither written any known article nor organized any seminar, yet he was in firm control of power up to the State House, even as a governor.

The ineptitude and naivety of most people who hold the reins of power in this part of the world is the sole cause of their problems, and contribute in no small measure to the way they end up after their sojourn in the driving seat of public service. Because they have no clear-cut ideologies to adopt and on ccount of their summary lack of experience, they resort to governing the best way they know how: perfecting the art of transaction, brokerage and integration. Ibori was neither a warlord nor a freedom fighter, and on account of his shabby pedigree with power, he failed to know the limit of his importance. He failed to learn his lesson from AlMustapha who was Abacha’s creation just like he was.

At this point, James Onanefe Ibori should be viewed not as the black sheep of the Nigerian family that has rubbished her personality, but as a most prized asset in information regarding all that happened in this country in his hey days. He has a stockpile of information regarding the death of YarÁdua and the politics and game playing that held sway before he was finally bundled into the country as a corpse. Just like Muammar Ghaddafi’s son Saadi

“

Ibori knew the workings of the Abacha government, how he died, and the power game that followed his death. He was also in the know of the circumstances and situations of Yar’adua’s health and death, including all the sense and nonsense, delusion and deception that happened. To a reasonable extent, he was also a major power index in the Obasanjo government; he activated the support that enthroned Uduaghan

is a major asset to the interest groups in Libya, in the midst of all the agitations to send him to The Hague, Ibori has privileged information which we cannot afford to have in the hands of the British. Our national pride, brand, defence security must not be compromised by allowing him sell the country out by the way of those pieces of information regarding our historical secrets, else the British, being who we know them to be, will eventually use him against us.

Ibori was a creation of Abacha just like Andy Uba was a creation of Obasanjo, and he has a lot of story to tell regarding the demise of that late military leader. Instead of all the name-calling and tagging, let the anti-graft agencies go back to Ribadu to find out the underpinning behind the 15 million dollars gratification which Andy Uba ‘’expertly’’ delivered.

From the foregoing, it is clear that he either outlived his usefulness, simply fell out of favour or refused to keep politically abreast by aligning with the current interest.

Those who plotted his escape to Dubai never did that with Ibori’s interest at heart; it was simply a ploy to safeguard and perpetuate their own intentions. The plea bargain he entered into was also a suggestion of these interest groups, who are unfortunately not too far away in this government.

By way of summary and reference, Ibori knew the workings of the Abacha government, how he died, and the power game that followed his death. He was also in the know of the circumstances and situations of Yar’adua’s health and death, including all the sense and nonsense, delusion and deception that happened. To a reasonable extent, he was also a major power index in the Obasanjo government; he activated the support that enthroned Uduaghan. We should not forget that Solomon Lar supervised the electoral process that produced him, apart from the criminal tendencies that are common to all of them; his undoing was that he was timid and ignorant in the ways and means of money laundering. He is an artist, who did not know the limit of his habitation. He has information that will help our history, and enrich it. Nigeria needs the Ibori insight.

I believe his parents had something in mind when he was christened James. He should go back to the name, carriage and character of the man James in the Bible, along with his antecedents, and he will surely be the better for it.

Published by Peoples Media Limited, 35, Ajose Adeogun Street, 1st Floor Peace Park Plaza, Utako, Abuja. 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 ISSN: 2141– 6141