Peoples Daily Newspaper, Saturday 11, May, 2013

www.peoplesdaily-online.com weekend.peoplesdailyng.com

VOL. 3 NO. 39

SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

. . . putting the people first

RAJAB 2 - 3, 1434 AH

N150

Nasarawa attack:

We are not running a democracy, what we have is civilian rule —Justice Umaru Farouq Abdullahi (rtd) INTERVIEW pgs 12,13&14

Wonder tree discovered in Ilorin with inscription of Arabic word ‘Allah’

Policeman with link to

NEWS page 40

group arrested

>> Pg 2

Alle ged Alleg $620,000 bribe: F ar ouk/ Far arouk/ Emelo to face trial —Cour —Courtt >> Pg 3

Family of 7 years old, Fati killed by police petitions IGP CRIME CYCLE page 6

Philomena: Blind Kapital FM br oadcaster broadcaster oadcaster,, car ving her o wn carving own niche >> Pg 8 WEEKEND.PEOPLESDAILYNG.COM

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

News Nasarawa attack: Policeman arrested for giving information to Ombatse ...as Al-makura donates N1 m each to family of slain officers

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overnor Umaru Tanko Almakura of Nasarawa state has announced the donation of one million naira each to families of security operatives that lost their lives during an operation to recover illegal arms at the hands of the Ombatse, a militant group alleged to have been behind most communal clashes in the state.

Al-makura made the donation known yesterday, when he addressed the widows of the slain police officers, at the Lafia Government House.

While condoling with the bereaved families, the governor maintained that, “the labours of our hero’s past shall never go in vain...’’, Gov. Al-makura condoled them on their loss, adding that government would ensure the perpetrators are brought to book, to face the full wrath of the law. He prayed that The Almighty might grant them

the strength to bear such a loss.

He said to alleviate any hardship the families may face at the loss of their bread winners, the state government would donate the sum of one million Naira to each of the families of the slain security operatives and the sum of three million Naira to the family of Late Assistant Commissioner of Police ACP Mohammed Mommoh who led the operation.

He reiterated that government would not leave any stone unturned in its efforts to fish out those that committed the act, assuring them that such an act would not go unpunished.

Meanwhile, the Nasarawa state commissioner of police, Abayomi Akeremale, has presented before the governor, one Corporal Enugu, a serving police officer in the command, said to be an informant to the members of the Ombatse, the

militia group that routed the security team that went on an operation in Alakyo.

Though information surrounding the arrest was scanty as at press time, Peoples Daily Weekend, gathered that Cpl Enugu, who took part in the operation but escaped with minor injuries, confessed to have aided the militants with information regarding the recovery operation.

He was said to have confessed that he used a car sticker to identify the vehicle he took to Alakyo so that his accomplices would not attack him and others in the same vehicle.

When he was arrested, it took the intervention of the CP to save the life of Cpl Enugu, following attempts by his colleagues to lynch him out of anger.

The arrested police officer is now cooling his heels at the CID headquarters while undergoing further interrogation.

CPL Haruna Joseph

9 arrested MASSOB members remanded in prison From Obinna Uchendu, Abakaliki

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Former Vice President and founder American University of Nigeria (AUN) Yola, Atiku Abubakar exchanging pleasantries with Bishop Matthew Hassan

Atiku deplores lawlessness urges support for security agents

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ormer Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the deliberate targeting of security men by criminal groups and other gangs that appear bent on dragging Nigeria into a state of anarchy.

In a statement issued on his behalf by his media office in Abuja on Friday, the former Vice President said he was deeply devastated at the incident in Eggon, Nassarawa State, where scores of policemen and officers and SSS operatives were killed in cold blood by the Ombatse cult.

Describing the incident as the worst single attack on policemen and SSS officers in recent times, Atiku Abubakar said the savage attack also poses one of the greatest

dangers to innocent citizens who are supposed to be protected by the police.

As trained security agents to stem or eliminate criminality in the society, the former Vice President said any threats to the lives of the police inevitably pose grave dangers to the lives of fellow Nigerians.

According to Atiku, the uncontrolled emergence of criminal gangs that threaten law and order is a threat that must be collectively confronted by Nigerians rather than abdicating the responsibility to the security agents alone.

He said human intelligence requires public cooperation in helping the security forces to identify, neutralize or destroy

violent groups that have no regard for the sanctity of lives.

The former Vice President while noting that criminal groups are like cancer that grows slowly, suggested they should be exposed early enough by the communities where they operate.

Citizen participation, in the words of the former Vice President, “is essential to effective crime prevention,” adding that security men cannot be everywhere at the same time.

At this period of widening dimension of criminality and lawlessness, the former Vice President said the police force needs every support to succeed, warning that “if the force is vulnerable, then, the entire country is at grave risk.”

i n e out of the 14 members of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign state of Biafra, MASSOB, who were arrested in Abakaliki, by the military were yesterday remanded in the Abakaliki Federal Prisons for allegedly conspiring among themselves to commit felony.

The MASSOB members who were arrested on Tuesday this week, were heading to Onuimo Local Government Area of Imo state for a national meeting in a chartered bus.

The members of the movement were intercepted at Nkwagu district in Abakaliki Local government area of Ebonyi state by men of the Nigerian Army and taken to the Police Headquarters, Abakaliki for interrogation.

In charge No. MAB 334 C/ 2013, the suspects were remanded in prison custody on a three count charge of managing an unlawful society known as MASSOB, plot to commit felony and causing of extreme fear to members of the public with their uniforms and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 516A (a), section 63 of the Criminal code cap 33 vol.1 Laws of Ebonyi state of Nigeria 2009 and section 12 (1)(a) and punishable under section 12 (2) of the Ebonyi state internal Security Enforcement and Related matters Laws Cap 55 Vol.2 of Ebonyi state of Nigeria 2009.

In the case, Commissioner of Police Vs Peter Nwodom, 31, Benedict Nworie, 39, John Enyi, 42, Patrick Onyibe, 35, Ikechukwu Nweke, 32, James Ovu, 49, Pius Nwagwu, 49, Oke Moses, 30, and Igwe Clement, 29, the trial Magistrate, Lazarus Nwokah who

passed the verdict remanding the nine MASSOB members, however, transferred the case to the State High Court for further adjudication.

Meanwhile, the bail application for the suspects by Defence Counsel, Barr. Jerry Ezenyi was rejected by the court even as he called on the police to desist from the illegally arresting innocent citizens of the country and pushing them to court for no just cause.

Nwokah, who argued that his court lacked the jurisdiction to handle the case as it affected the 3rd count charge against the suspects, adjourned the matter sine die.

The court session which took less than 50 minutes was almost marred with rancour as policemen who were detailed to maintain order within the court were seen chasing out journalists, insisting that they get written permission from Magistrate before covering the event. The mobile phone of the Vanguard correspondent was seized and later released to him.

Reacting, the Director of Information of MASSOB, Mr. Uchenna Madu who condemned the verdict, raised alarm over the disappearance of five members of the group who were arrested alongside others. He wondered why they were not arraigned in court and the likelihood of their safety as he called on the state police command to release the remaining 5 detainees without delay.

“There is a limit to everything; there is a limit. Why must they arrest 14 MASSOB members and arraign 9 and keep the other five?

Those yet to be arraigned are Peter Oga, John Ewo, Emeka Agwu, Uche Okoro, and Patrick Egwu. Where are they? What are they planning? These things are making us uncomfortable.

They should stop pushing us to the wall; let them arraigned the other five”.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

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News

Fuel Subsidy $620,000 Bribe: Farouk, Emenalo to face trial —Court A

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

n Abuja High Court yesterday told the former chairman of the House of Representatives' adhoc committee on fuel subsidy regime, Hon. Farouk Lawan and the secretary of the committee, Boniface Emenalo that they have a case to answer in the sevencount charge preferred against them by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) alleging receipt of bribe.

Ruling on the application to squash the charges against the duo, the trial Judge, Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi who dismissed the application for quash brought before him by the accused also added that the charges, as presently constituted does not constitute an abuse of court process as claimed by the accused persons.

Justice Oniyangi who held that the court has jurisdiction to conduct the trial of the accused persons further stated that the prosecution has established prima facie case from the proof of evidence placed before the court.

The court further held that Section 185 of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPC) does not require the prosecution to attach witness statement to the proof of evidence and added that, it was a misconception on the part of the accused persons' counsel to say that the prosecution needed to attach witness statement to the application to prefer charges

against the accused.

Farouk and Emenalo were accused by ICPC of receiving the sum of $620,000 from a Lagos based oil magnet and businessman, Femi Otedola to influence the report of the committee in favour of Zenon Oil and Gas Limited.

They were subsequently arraigned on 7-count charge in which they pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.

At the last adjourned date, counsel to the two accused persons, Ricky Tarfa (SAN) moved an application for quash of the charges preferred against the accused persons on the ground that the court to conduct the trial.

Moving the application Tarfa claimed that the court ought not to have granted the application for leave to prefer the charges because the prosecution failed to provide adequate materials necessary for the judge to grant the application.

Tarfa asked the court to discharge the accused persons since no prima facie case had been established against them, adding that the foundation of the case against them was not legally laid.

According to him, the prosecutor failed to comply with the provisions of section 185 (1)(b) of the Criminal Procedure Code which required that statements of witnesses be attached to the application to prefer charges.

Opposing the application, the prosecutor, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) urged the court to dismiss the application

UK Muslim group urges probe/investigation of Baga massacre

By Abubakar Ibrahim

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h e Nigeria Muslim Forum UK (NMFUK) has called for a full independent investigation of the recent massacre of civilians in Baga, Borno State.

The Ameer of NMFUK Malam Muhammad Sani said in a statement issueed yesterday by the Publicity Secretary, Dr. Musa Aliyu, that only an independent inquiry of the events of 16th and 17th April, which led to the death of more than 180 persons and destruction of over 2275 properties according to estimates

by Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Nigerian Red Cross, would reveal exactly what happened.

Malam Sani further expressed the forum’s sadness over escalation of the violence and the allegations of brutal response of the Joint Military Task Force, which leaves mostly women and children the

victims.

“Residents of especially northeastern Nigeria are now suffering from alleged attacks by both members of the Jama’atuAhlusSunnah lid Da’awatiwal Jihad and the Nigerian military forces that are supposed to protect them”,said Malam Sani.

He also implored the Nigerian government to sincerely pursue dialogue with the sect and to ensure that justice was equitably dispensed to all, so as to peacefully resolve the conflict and other crises in the country.

“Violence,” he continued, “is not our way of life as it does not represent the teachings of our Prophet (SAW). Our creator Allah (SWT) says the killing of an innocent person is like slaying the entire mankind.”

The Nigeria Muslim Forum is a UK based charity. Its services are extended to the wider community in both the UK and Nigeria.

describing it as frivolous and delay tactic to waste the time of the court, as well as an abuse of court process.

According to Awomolo, the Supreme Court had held in many cases that the purpose of seeking for leave of court's to prefer charges was to ensure that frivolous criminal charges were not filed and not to allow the accused persons to see the details of the charges against them.

He therefore argued that the charges remained valid adding that non-attachment of witnesses' statement did not vitiate the legality of the charges.

Count one of the charge reads, "That you, Farouk Lawan (M) and Mr Emenalo Boniface (M) sometime in April 2012 or thereabouts in Abuja within the Federal Capital Territory under the jurisdiction of this honourable court did while acting in the course of your official duties as chairman and secretary (respectively) of House of Representatives adhoc committee on monitoring of fuel subsidy regime conspired between yourselves and with each other to corruptly obtain the sum of $3,000,000 for yourselves from Mr Femi Otedola, chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd, as inducement to remove the name of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd from the House of Representatives adhoc committee on monitoring of fuel subsidy regime's report and did cause the House to remove the name of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd from the said list and thereby

Hon. Farouk Lawan committed an offence contrary to section 26(1)(c) of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other-Related Offences Act, 2000, and punishable under section 8(1) of the same Act." In count two, Lawan was accused of corruptly asking for $3,000,000 from Otedola with the intention of favouring him (Otedola) in the report of the adhoc committee, an offence punishable under section 8(1) of the same Act. While in count three, Lawan was said to have corruptly agreed to accept the $3,000,000, count four indicated that he obtained $500,000 from Otedola Otedola.

In the same vein, count five

accused Emenalo of asking for$3,000,000 for himself from Otedola as a bribe, an offence punishable under section 8(1) of the ICPC 2000 Act. The prosecution alleged in count six that Emenalo was offered bribe by Otedola but he failed to report the offer to any officer of the ICPC, an offence contrary to section 23(1) of the ICPC Act, 2000, and punishable under section 23(3) of the same 2000 ICPC Act. In count seven, Emenalo was equally accused of receiving $120,000 from Otedola.

The court adjourned the matter to June 19, 2013 for commencement of trial.

Skytrax ranking: Nigerian airports will soon top African 10, says FAAN From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

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ollowing the latest ranking by Skytrax in its World Best Airports index which excluded Nigerian airports among the top ten in Africa, the federal government has said the exclusion is understandable because the facilities across the country are currently undergoing massive transformation.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said, the report which has elicited mixed reactions among stakeholders, was at variance with the reality on ground as most of “our airports, is currently undergoing massive

transformation, in terms of infrastructural development and service delivery.”

Spokesperson for FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati said that, well meaning and regular airport users in the country would testify to the visible and undeniable transformation taking place at Nigerian airports today.

He explained that “the airport remodelling project, which has been acknowledged by aviation stakeholders and respectable public figures as the most ambitious airport development project of the Federal Government after the Aerodrome Development Programme of the mid 1970s, is

surely breathing fresh air into Nigerian airports”.

“Keen observers have applauded the concerted and concrete efforts being made by Government to redress the deplorable state of our airports, which has been with us for over 20 years now” he told reporters.

Dati reiterated that one of the efforts aims at improving Nigeria airports to be more customers friendly and commercially viable, is the appointment of Mr. George Uriesi, who served as the General Manager of Cape Town International Airport, as the Managing Director of FAAN in 2011.

NYCN to stage one million match Protest

By Emmanuel Eko

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o u t h s in Nigeria's Niger Delta region plan to stage a one million march to protest what they describe as the high handedness of the Minister of youth affairs MR INUWA ABDULKABIR, who they accused of destroying National youth council of Nigeria. NYCN, the youth under the aegis of Niger Delta Youth Leader Forum said

the minister refused to allow the congress hold because he is afraid that if he allows the congress to hold, NYCN would begin to checkmate his activities and put him on his toes.

In a statement signed by chairman of NDYLF, comrade Sampson Bassey Etim, the youths accused the minister of politicking with the NYCN election with a view to influencing the

emergence of a candidate of his choice, the statement said, "the minister deliberately wants to influence the election. He wants to influence the emergence of a candidate of his choice, preferably one of Northern Extraction who will protect the 2015 northern interest".

It however said it will resist any of such attempt as only a democratic process will be accepted.

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

News Nassarawa killings: 28 policemen alive —Police commissioner

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he Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Akeremale, has confirmed that 28 policemen have been found alive, following the attack by a militia group on May 7.

Mr. Akeremale told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lafia, on Friday that some of the policemen held hostage by the group during the attack were released on Friday morning.

He said that 17 corpses of the slain officers were yet to be recovered, explaining that a total of 93 police men were deployed for the operation out of which 43 were suspected to have been killed.

The police and the state government have blamed a group, Ombatse, in Nasarawa for the killings. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the sect were tipped of plans by the security operative to come dislodge them during an intitiation and oath taking ceremony on Tuesday. The sect

members ambushed the security operatives.

Reliable security sources told PREMIUM TIMES that 65 security officials- largely police officers – were killed in the ambush; a figure which if added to the survivors gives the 93 Mr. Akeremale said went for the operation. Many of the victims were later burnt beyond recognition by the attackers.

The police commissioner said that a suspected member of the militia had been arrested and was in police custody, adding that investigations on the incident were going on.

As at time of filing this report, Mr. Akeremale was making arrangements to visit the Squadron 38 Mopol Base in Akwanga.

The commissioner said the visit was to appeal to spouses and children of the slain policemen who had blocked the Akwanga-Lafia highway in protest over the killing.

Governor Gaidam of Yobe state, left, his Zamfara state counterpart middle, Zamfara Deputy Governor, Ibrahim Wakkalla, in a chat after Governor Gaidam arrived in Gusau for the ANPP, National Convention

COREN solicits review of accreditation scoring criteria

By Miriam Humbe

P

r e s i d e n t of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN, Engineer Kashim Ali has called for the immediate review of the accreditation scoring criteria for the council.

Engineer Ali who re-iterated his preparedness to reposition COREN for efficient delivery of its mandate made the call yesterday in Abuja at a twoday workshop on the Review of Accreditation Scoring Criteria and Benchmark minimum standards for

engineering programmes in Nigerian Universities.

He said the move became necessary following the observations made by various accreditation teams to engineering departments in higher institutions of learning who discovered some discrepancies in the system.

The workshop according to him, was hinged on the process of implementation of the Engineering Act which empowers COREN to determine what standard of knowledge and skill to be attained by persons seeking to become registered

as engineering personnel and to raise those standards from time to time.

“The current criteria were in use a long time ago and there are emerging issues. For instance, we have new areas of engineering practice and there is the need to improve on what we have so as to meet the demands of our present times” he said.

Engineer Ali expressed optimism that soon, members of the other cadres; Engineering Technologists, Technicians and Craftsmen would be involved in subsequent accreditation exercises.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

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News Dakingari flags off 105 km roads, pledges more devt

Kebbi police denies shooting taxi driver From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

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From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

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o v e r n o r Saidu Usman Dakingari, has commenced the construction of 105 kilometer roads in the State.

Flagging off the projects at the Bagudu local government area of the state, the governor said that its aim was to boost the agriculture sector in the state and reduce the suffering of the farmers.

Dakingari added that the 105 kilometer roads that comprise Bagudu, Ka’oje township roads, Zaria-Kalakal Besse, Kaoje-Lafagu kende- Sharabi and Dakingari while Bendu-Maitambari – Bandam road cost N11.7 billion.

He said that contracts for these roads were given to two indigenous contractors , adding that it would also promote the export and import of goods to the two neighbouring countries.

Speaking earlier, the state commissioner for works, Alhaji Bello Tuga said that more of similar roads were done by the present administration.

Also speaking on behalf of the contractors, the Manager Director of Karlphy Construction Company, Mrs. Emeka Okafor assured the Kebbi state government of a good job and promised to deliver according to the contract agreement.

...Kebbi to establish Islamic schools in 21 LGs From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

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ebbi State Governor Saidu Usman Dakingari has ordered the 21 local government councils chairmen in the state to open Islamic Education Schools.

He gave this directive at the closing ceremony on the Qur’anic Recitation Competition Organized

by Zaid Ibn Thabit Islamic School yesterday at the central Mosque in Birnin Kebbi.

He commended the school teachers for their effort in moulding the character of the children to becoming decent leaders of tomorrow.

The governor instructed Local Government Chairmen to ensure that they established a branch of the school in their areas so that the good works of the school would not be limited to the State capital alone.

In his remarks, Head of the School, Imam Adamu Abdullah Danko, commended the effort of the state government and the well-todo in the society for contributing to the development of the school and Islamic education in the state, pointing out that Qur’anic school was a source for good leaders which the country desperately needed.

Almustapha Malami Zauro emerged the overall winner in the 40 Hizibs recitation while Zainab Abubakar in the female category emerged as the winner.

The Project Coordinator of KTAPU, Alhaji Musa Hassan, representing the Special Adviser on Forestry, Alhaji AbdulWahab Sani Store, at the launching of forestry working materials and assistance to Katsina state farmers in Funtua recently

h e Kebbi state command of the Nigerian police has distance itself from the shooting of a commercial taxi driver yesterday at Felende village along the Birnin Kebbi-Argungu road by a patrol team comprising soldiers and policemen.

The Command’s public relations officer, Chukwu Ikechukwu in a reaction to the incident, told newsmen that it was a soldier among the squad that fired at the driver upon his failure to stop for a routine check when asked to do so.

The victim, Malam Abubakar Sahabi currently on admission at the federal medical center, Birnin kebbi told newsmen that on that fateful day he was conveying goods to Argungu when a large number grazing cattle suddenly crossed the highway. He said, in an attempt to avoid crushing them, he knock one down one to death.

“When I got to the check point, I parked my vehicle as I was trying to explain the reason why I sped off from the scene of the incident to where they are, all I heard was a shot on my right hand and I was brought here (hospital)” the victim said.

Mean while the police P.R.O said investigation is on going and details would be made public matter.

Sovereign Wealth Fund: S/Court gives FG last chance

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

T

he Supreme Court yesterday gave the Federal Government the last chance to settle the lingering legal action on the Sovereign Wealth Fund Account out of court.

The apex court told the government’s legal team led by Chief Wole Olamipekun (SAN) that the dispute on the revenue allocation was political and would better be resolved out of court with political solution.

The apex court presided over Thursday day by Justice Walter Onoghen, said that the court would have no choice than to proceed to hear the case should the federal government failed to employ the out of court settlement for the last time.

The legal action instituted by the 36 state governors against the federal government was consequently adjourned indefinitely to allow the two parties reach a compromise on the legal action.

Lead counsel to the state governors Chief Solomon Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) had accused the federal government of foot-dragging and reneging in the implementation of the out of court settlement proposals by the two

parties.

He told the apex court that a committee put in place by the two parties had met and prepared the terms of settlement which he alleged was not implemented by the federal government for reasons best known to it.

However, Chief Olanipekun confirmed to the court that substantial progress had been made on the issue and the a little more time was still needed for a final conclusion.

At yesterday's proceeding, the parties agreed that a case first instituted since 2006 by Bauchi State would be used to determine the rest and that the supreme court decision on it would bind on other states.

The apex court also agreed that a motion seeking to further amendment to the statement of claims by the state governors would be heard on December 2, 2013.

At the last mention after months of intense horse-trading between the Federal Government and governors of the 36 states of the federation over plans by the Federal Government to transfer $1 billion from the Excess Crude Account to a new account to be known as the “Sovereign Wealth Fund,” the parties, had told the

Supreme Court that the out-ofcourt settlement option failed to yield any dividend.

The governors had in a suit they filed before the apex court on October 23, 2011, sought an order declaring the planned creation of the “Sovereign Wealth Fund”, as illegal and unconstitutional.

They are praying the court to issue an order to the effect that all sums standing to the credit of the said “Excess Crude Account” (or any account replacing same by any name howsoever) be paid into court or be otherwise secured as the court may deem fit pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

The governors maintained that unless the order of injunction was granted, the Federal Government would continue to disregard, disrespect and ignore the pending suits before the Supreme Court.

It would be recalled that though the Federal Government earlier expressed its readiness to join issues with the governors, having failed to persuade them to sheath their legal sword, however, on March 26, it re-approached the Supreme Court and pleaded it to suspend hearing on the case to enable the parties to reach consensus on perceived grey areas in the out-of-

court terms of settlement it said was presented to it by the litigants.

The Federal Government had through its lead counsel then, Mr Austin Alegeh, SAN, accused the state governors of mischief, insisting that they equally took part in the deliberation of the National Economic Council where the decision to transfer the $1 billion from the Excess Crude Account to the SWF was taken.

At the resumed sitting yesterday, the Federal Government, through its new counsel, Chief Olanipekun insisted that the case had a political undertone, saying it ordinarily ought not to have been brought to court in the first place.

Even though he sought for more time to enable the parties to explore further possibility of settling amicably, counsel to the plaintiffs, Awomolo, objected, contending that the Federal Government exhibited its insincerity by labelling a matter he said was highly constitutional, as “political.”

After listening to arguments from both parties, the adjudicating panel decided to adjourn the case for hearing, adding that on that date, it would not hesitate to admit any report of settlement .

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PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

(Send your crime stories to pmlcrimecycle@gmail.com) 08138559513 (SMS only)

Crime Cycle Family of 7 year old killed by police, petitions IG From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

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amily of 7 year old girl, Fati Abubakar, who was brutally and callously murdered by a happy trigger policeman at Mandaba village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara state, have petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Mohammad Abubakar, seeking justice.

The petition was copied to the Edet House Police Headquarters, Abuja. The commissioner of Police Sate Command Gusau, Zamfara State; the Chairman Senate Committee on Security; National Assembly Complex Abuja; The chief of Army Staff, Army Headquarters, Abuja.

Others are The Chairman / President Civil Right Congress Katsina Road, Kaduna and The Honorable Speaker Zamfara State House of Assembly, Gusau, Zamfara State.

The petition signed by AkinAjayi and Associates on behalf of the family of the deceased described

the killing of the minor as brutal day light murder.

The petition stated that the unfortunate incident occurred on 11 February, 2013.

"On 11th February, 2013, our client's daughter, late Fati was with Bala Dangida who is her uncle and another girl Aisha. They had all mounted a motor-cycle, while a group of policemen on patrol was going the opposite direction at Mandaba village close to Yan Kurzo in Tsafe Local government area of Zamfara state. In an attempt to give the patrol vehicle more space to pass, one of the mobile policeman shot at the motor bike and hit the passengers which consequently led to the death of young Fati, who was hit on the head, scattering her skull, while the rider and the other girl Aisha, sustained gunshot wounds on their neck and shoulder respectively.

"The unfortunate and destabilizing effect of the shocking news of the daylight murder of our client's daughter has caused the family terrible pains, as one of the

family members, Hajiya Bayi had a stroke and became paralyzed on hearing the sad news," the statement said.

They accused the police of being uncaring as it took them between 5 to 8 hours after the incident to get the victims to hospital in Gusau.

The medical report as stated by the petition, attest to irrefutable claim that late Fati died as a result of the gunshot that shattered her skull.

"The petition is brought to the commission as a precursor towards our client's intention to seek redress if need be at the appropriate forum to serve as a deterrent and reduce the incidence of daily reports of extra-judicial killing of innocent citizens.

It was further gathered that when the incidence happened, angry youth tried to take the law into their hands by attacking the police in the area but were stopped by elders of the town.

Investigation however, revealed that the alleged

Man, 20, in court for allegedly stealing pots, plates

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he police have arraigned a 20-year old scavenger, Zaharadin Labaran, at the Karu Upper Area Court for allegedly stealing household items, valued at N21, 500.

The accused, of no known address, is facing a two-count charge of criminal trespass and theft, punishable under sections 342 and 288 of Penal Code.''

Items stolen by the accused person, according to the police, included a Tiger brand of electric generator, a set of cooking pots and three pieces of plates.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Jerry Tangshak, told the court that

the stolen items belonged to one John Otanwa of Angwan Dadi, Nyanya in Abuja.

Tangshak said Labaran that the broke into the complainant's apartment at about 2 p.m. on May 7, which he admitted stealing the items and selling them for N350.

However, Labaran pleaded not guilty when the charges were read out to him.

He told the court that he would not be able to meet the bail conditions as he had nobody in Abuja to stand as surety for him.

He pleaded with the court to reduce the conditions for the sake of his wife who he said was

pregnant.

In his words: "My Lord, I came to Abuja to look for what to take care of my pregnant wife back home; and since I came two weeks ago, I have been sleeping in a mosque in Mararaba because I have no place to stay."

If found guilty, Labaran could go to maximum jail term of seven years with or without an option of a fine, and or both.

The presiding judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, granted him bail in the sum of N25,000 and a reasonable surety in like sum, before he adjourned the case to July 10 for hearing. (NAN)

IGP Mohammed Abubakar policeman who fired the shot has been dismissed from the force for perpetrating the act. But the father of the deceased was not satisfied as he vowed to seek justice for his late daughter.

A sources close to the family said late Fati's Father, a serving military officer in Kaduna names {withheld) was in Kaduna when he received the sad news of his daughter's death. He noted that dismissing the police man was not enough and the callous officer must be made to face the music.

However, in a counter affidavit a Corporal attached to Criminal Investigation Department, Zamfara state Command explained how the incident occurred.

He said that the team of policemen on crime prevention patrol received an information that the 1st applicant, Bala Dangia is a suspected member of notorious gang of Brigands terrorizing Tsafe and its environs.

"That the 1st applicant was sighted on a motorcycle on 11/02/

Assault: court pardons convicted nursing mother

A

Former Bayelsa state governor, Timipre Sylva being walked out his home by EFCC operatives on Wednesday

at Hayin Alhaji village by the team of Policemen who ordered him to stop for interrogation but he refused. That the patrol team trailed the 1st applicant from Hayin Alhaji village through Takkin kazai an Dogon kawo village, yet the 1st applicant refused to stop," he said.

The affidavit added that it was at Mandaba village when the 1st applicant wanted to escape through a bush path that the 5th respondent jumped down from the patrol vehicle and in an attempt to arrest him, pursued him during which acting on his own without order from a superior, resorted to the use of his gun.

It was gathered that since the 5th respondent acted on his own volition without due regards to rules and regulations guiding him in the performance of his duties, he was investigated, proceeded against in an Administrative proceeding, dismissed and arraigned before a court on FIR for offence of culpable Homicide.

n Abuja Senior Magistrates' Court discharged one Safiya Lawal, 37, was arraigned for alleged assault, who was set free because she is a nursing mother.

Lawal was found guilty of assaulting one Mrs Faiya Nafiu of Church gate, Central Area, Abuja.

Lawal, who was convicted

by Magistrate Chukwuemeka Ubani was later set free because of her eight months old baby and for showing remorse during the court proceedings.

Ubani however cautioned her to desist from making trouble, adding that if she repeated such act, the law would take its full course.

Earlier, the police prosecutor, Pc David Udeh told the court that the accused was reported at the Wuse Zone 3 Police Station, on April 25.

Udeh said that on the same date at about 11 a.m., the accused used pestle to hit the complainant on her stomach which later led to complications as she is five months pregnant.

The prosecutor said that the offence contravened the provision of Section 265 of the Penal Code Law. Section 265 of Penal Code says “whoever assaults or uses criminal force on any person shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine or with both.'' (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

PAGE 7

News

Power tussle brews in NTA, FRCN A

fierce struggle for leadership positions is reportedly sweeping across some major federal agencies, with the operations of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) believed to be adversely affected in the process.

This drawback was said to been brought about not only by serious infighting for the leadership of these media organisations by the major actors, but also the

intense lobby by some powerful personalities who want the coveted seats for their respective candidates.

It was gathered, for instance, that the First Lady, Patience Jonathan wanted a woman to head the NTA and she was alleged to have presented either Eugenia Abu or Moji Makanjuola for the post. On his part, the Senate President, David Mark is alleged to be backing Abu while the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku would not settle for

any of the two but allegedly wants the musician, Onyeka Owenu to head either of the two organisations.

At the NTA, it was learnt, the tussle internally has already cracked the rank of the staff into two warring camps. Loyalists of the Edo-born Musa Maiyaki, who is the present acting Director-General are believed to be pitched against the camp of the Executive Director, Engineering Services, Shuaibu Adama.

NANS cautions leaders against inflammatory statements

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he National Association of Nigeria Students yesterday cautioned political leaders in the country against making inflammatory comments capable of endangering the nation's fragile democracy.

President Special Duties of the apex Nigerian students body, Comrade Ubon Marcus, made this known while reacting to the recent warning issued to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tambuwal by Niger-Delta youths under the aegis of South-South Restoration Forum to forget the thought of investigating the duo of Asari Dokubo and Presidential Adviser on Niger Delta, Mr. Kingsley Kuku over their claims that there would be no peace in Nigeria if

President Jonathan is voted out in 2015.

The student leader emphatically emphasized that at all times, the collective interest of the nation should be made paramount and vigorously pursued by all Nigerians rather than clannish interests.

He described the emergence of Dr. Jonathan as President of Nigeria from a region which hitherto used to be considered a minority group as a miracle which should be accorded the highest respect by Nigerians and explained that although he, as a South-South indigene, is happy with the development.

Fellow South-South indigenes as well as those from other regions must realize that His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, is President and

Commander-In-Chief of the entire country and not that of a particular region as justified by the vote of Nigerians which made him President in 2011 noting that South-South votes alone would not have made him President.

He expressed confidence that the same Nigerians would be willing to vote for Dr. Jonathan again if he vies in 2015. Therefore, Comrade Marcus urged Nigerians to silence their dissenting voices and give Jonathan the support he deserves.

He stressed that all the peoples are struggling for is the survival of the country and that if the country disintegrates , there will no where else to live. Marcus therefore rebuked those making statements capable of causing the breakdown of law and order in the country.

Boko Haram gets funding from Algeria, says witness

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

A

Federal High Court, Abuja sitting before Justice Ademola Adeniyi was yesterday told that the Boko Haram Islamist sect, received sponsorship from another terrorist organisation based in Algeria.

A masked prosecution witness in the on-going trial of Kabiru Umar (alias Kabiru Sokoto), alleged to have masterminded the 2011 Christmas day bombing of St Theresa's Catholic Church in Madalla, Niger State, identified as Mr. XYZ disclosed this yesterday while giving testimony before the court.

The witness, who is a police officer attached to the

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Special Task Force on Terrorism told the court how Sokoto was arrested last January at the Borno State government lodge in Asokoro, Abuja and what transpired during interrogation.

The witness gave the name of the Algerian terrorist group sponsoring terrorism activities in Nigera, as Muslimiyama.

He further said in his testimony that the sect not only received funds from the foreign terror network, but also robbed people whenever the need for money arose.

He added that the accused person, in a statement he made on January 14, 2012, confessed that it was in the

process of sharing a particular fund that was received from Muslimiyama, that the Boko Haram sect became factionalised.

Narrating how Kabiru Sokoto was caught, the witness, who told the court that he was a terrorism expert, said the accused person had confessed that he was inducted into the sect by Hameel Abdulrazak in 2007, noting that prior to that time, the accused worked as a laboratory assistant at a Specialist Hospital in Sokoto State.

The top Boko Haram member is facing two counts of terrorism relating to the 2011 Christmas Day bombing of a Catholic church on the outskirts of Abuja.

Inside sources revealed that Maiyaki’s opponents believe that being an accountant, he is illqualified to be made acting director-general.

“In the entire history of the NTA, this is the first time an accountant is made to hold such high administrative position.

The staff are not particularly happy with this development,” the source said.

According to another source, the staffers are particularly unhappy that Maiyaki does not belong to any professional body, which is one of the standing criteria for reoccupying the office he now holds.

On the other hand, supporters of the Executive Director, Engineering insist that since Adama is a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Engineers, he is more competent to hold that position.

Another allegation levelled against the acting director-general is that his office has been a conduit pipe where millions of naira meant for running NTA is been allegedly channelled to the minister of information, Mr. Labaran Maku.

In the case of FRCN, it was gathered that “war” is brewing between the acting Director-General, Dr.

Samson Shuaibu, Ladan Salihu, and Yusuf Nuhu.

Salihu is the Kaduna zonal director of the corporation, and Nuhu is the immediate past DG; he is reportedly seeking a tenure extension.

Also, there is Aliyu Mustapha, who is currently the Managing Editor of Voice of America (VOA) based in Washington DC, United States who is reportedly being supported by the Sokoto state governor, Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko. The governor is said to have thrown his weight behind him to ensure his emergence as FRCN DG. The intense lobby and overbearing influence from the First Lady, the presidency and other notable personalities who want their pawns at the helm of the organisations, it was gathered, is responsible for the disquiet pervading the two organisations.

Sources alleged that the presidency is not disposed to the choice of a woman to head NTA or FRCN but the insistence of the First Lady on a woman for the job was said to have stalled the appointment of substantive DGs for both media stations.

Sometime last month, the Minister of information had, in a press statement

signed by his press secretary, Joseph Mutah, denied any involvement by the first lady in the choice of DGs for NTA and FRCN. He said the report linking the First Lady with the issues of appointment in the Ministry of Information was absolutely untrue.

He said “the report is false and malicious. They neither respect the law of the land nor fear God. They continue to destroy the well-earned reputation of worthy citizens and leaders for selfish reasons,” Maku stated.

With the inauguration of the boards of the two parastatals by the federal government, analysts are now keeping their fingers crossed.

Media mogul and Silverbird Entertainment boss, Ben Murray-Bruce is the chairman of the board of FRCN and the Sunday SUN’s Funke Egbemode, Bola Doherty, Farouk Dalhatu, J. N. Chinedu, Hajia Hauwa Kida, Chief Elvis Agukwe, and Abubakar Sarkin Fawa Damboh as the members of the board.

NTA has Chief Patrick Ogbu as the chairman with Bashir Samaila Ahmed, Daniel Bwala, Ahmed M. Agina, Hon. Dele Fagoriola, Mrs Rose Okoronkwo and Engr Billy Etuk as members of the board.

PAGE 8

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

Media

Philomena: Blind Kapital FM broadcaster, carving her own niche …Tell us about yourself I'm an IFP fellow. Before I went for the IFP study programme actually I had diploma in Mass communication and BSc in Sociology from the University of Jos. I started working as a producer in the FRCN at the Abuja national station, and then when Kapital FM was created in 2002, I was one of the pioneer staff, and I started 'Healthfriendly'. It is a programme basically centered on health issues, where I invited health experts and practitioners who come to address various health issues. Also, I had another one called: 'You and your Dentist', basically talking about our dental care. Then a little drama sketch 'Déjà -vu', just about fifteen minutes package, focused on the pranks the young people play. I was the producer, and interestingly I was also part of the major actors in the production of the drama.

Presently, I'm the controller of programme in Kapital FM. I still do my 'Health-friendly'. Just gone by was World Malaria Day, of which I was an active member. I did a lot there, because I also associate with the National Malaria Control Programme that has a passion for health. I present programmes and oversee my producers and before anything is put out, I have to listen to it first.

My study abroad actually exposed me to a lot of things. Over there is this everyone- to -his or- her -own mentality; maybe that's why there is lot of depression there. So, I found myself in the midst of young people. And especially during my vacations I just go to any settlement where they have young people with problems may be they are into drugs or any other issue.

They are all depressed, and looking for someone to share their problems with.

It's a lot to want to share in another person's problem. Therefore my exposure to these people even drove me into taking a class on health promotion and health behaviour. When I got back in 2008, I started a programme 'Radio physic' that addresses social issues and psychological issues among youths. On

the programme, I feature clinicalpsychologists where we address issues like self-esteem, grief and just name it; issues that you never could think they are problems. So, I have developed passion for these things.

With your condition did you manage to go through different levels of education and how long have you been living with the condition?

I wasn't born blind, but I was born like every other able person. But I had acute malaria, and I was admitted into one of the hospitals in Lagos. This was when I was ten years old. And today I'm a full grown woman. So, with the sight loss, I went to the Paceli School for the blind, Lagos, where I leant to read Braille and to typeset. And it was possible for me to go to an integrated missionary school, Notre Dame Girls' secondary school, in Oro, Kwara state.

After I graduated, then I proceeded to Queens College for my Higher Secondary Certificate. Thereafter, I went to the University of Jos where obtained BSc in Sociology and a diploma in Mass communication, respectively. And just like anybody, I also did my compulsory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). I served in Abuja at Women Affairs Ministry (then it was Social development). Then, I was watching it, and I got selected to go abroad and study. There I studied Communication and Development studies at Ohio University, Athens.

Who is your mentor?

It's from God. I said this, because I wasn't born blind, but I just went blind and with God, I don't even see myself as

Philomena Nneka Nwaeze, is a renowned blind radio presenter and producer with the Abuja's Kapital FM. She became blind at 10, after suffering acute malaria, and she grew up with the condition till date. However, with the determination to succeed and God's help, as well as support from family and friends she obtained a first degree in sociology and diploma in Mass Communication, both from the University of Jos, Plateau state. Through the International Ford Fellowships Program (IFFP), Philomena was sponsored for Maters in Communication and Development studies, at Ohio University, Athens, United States of America (USA), (2006-2008).

She is presently the controller of programme in Kapital FM. In this chat with Stanley Onyekwere, she talks about her passion for health and education, including her experience as IFP fellow. being blind. I don't see anyone better than me; but I always say one thing: I'm blind, and so what? I can do what anybody can do except that I can't see.

I cook, and can still cook. When I was abroad where everyone is to himself, I was able to cook. Then, I was in my own apartment; a room and parlour with kitchen, and I was able to cook my meal and eat. So, it wasn't a problem for me. The only problem is that I can't see; and so what? But life goes on, isn't it? I'm a jolly good fellow and proud blind woman; that's what I would always say. Aside God, what keeps me going is that my family members don't even see me to be blind. And that is what I want anyone around me to see me as such, not as blind but anyone else out there. No pity! I don't need it, because I'm working, I'm earning a living, and I'm training other people.

Are you married?

No, I'm single, and I decided to be so.

As IFF fellow, how has your experience been so far?

“

I went to the United States all by myself.

There is this thing about the foundation; they just challenge you to do something. Today, I'm computer literate as I send mails via the internet

Right from when I was abroad till date, my experience has been good.

Because the selection as beneficiary is by merit, and there is not like you must know somebody in the foundation or society before consideration. It's lovely, and I went to the United States all by myself. There is this thing about the foundation; they just challenge you to do something. Today, I'm computer literate as I send mails via the internet; thanks to IFF programme. It enables me to stay connected. We are told to stay connected; and how do we stay connected? It's a function of social media network. And there is one thing I do; I don't accept defeat, I don't believe I can't do it and it's not even in my dictionary. But because I believe I can do it, I always tell people that you can make it in life.

What would be your advice to other people living with disability or the other especially the young ones and their parents?

Like I said, even if you are blind, you can make it like any other person.

I used the word blind, because I don't want to paint it like most people do.

Somebody would say visually impaired.No, use the word blind, because you are blind, and so what?

This is because as a blind person, the earlier you start getting on your feet, trying to find something to do, to encourage your people, the better. You must encourage your people, because if you fail to do so, in future, you will

become a liability to them and the society. In fact, there might not be anybody to cater for you throughout your lifetime, as even your parent will not live forever.

Now I'm an orphan. My mum died when I was still in secondary school, and my dad passed on, in 2007, when I was in the US for my studies but I can say it doesn't really make too much of a meaning to me, because I can fend for myself. So what, I'm saying is that they should not accept pity or go and beg for alms.How much will they be given?

They should step out; go to women affairs ministry or sports ministry or what have you. This means they should put their ears down and look for ways they can be useful for themselves and the society. And for parents, they provide necessary training for their wards irrespective of the cost. Because to be honest as a parent, the money you would use to train one able child will not be enough to train one disabled child.

For, you need more money to train your blind child, because you have to get that child equipped with the money you will use to train three or four of your able children. As a so-called disabled person, they just stay, but try and keep your head above water by developing yourself, because your parents, brothers and sisters will not be there for you forever; they tell them you can do it.

There are programmes on radio for persons with disabilities and you will get to know where to turn to for help, if your parents don't have money.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

Cover Prologue

The warning signs of revolution

By Jamila Nuhu Musa, Abubakar Ibrahim and Ali Abare Abubakar

E

veryone knows in Nigeria, the blunt manner in which former President Olusegun Obasanjo speaks even if sometimes he jokes about important things.

But he was dead serious when recently, during a programme in Ilorin, he spoke the minds of many Nigerians in warning that the country was sitting on a "keg of social gun powder of revolution". The Governor of Borno state, Alhaji Shettima Hashim after the Baga and Bama onslaughts also cried out loud that the nation may be consumed by a revolution. This is because aside the insurgency and other problems bedeveling the nation, Nigerian youths, most of them jobless in the not- too- distant future may chase our leaders out of this

country. Former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Umaru Farouq Abdullahi (rtd) in his opinion said Nigeria is not running a democracy, but a civilian rule because the country is bereft of leaders who have listening ears. This may have paved way for the various insurgencies not only Boko Haram. The killings few days ago by another militant group in Nasarawa state known as the Ombatse association, attests to this. Ombatse, which is the name of the group, in the local parlance means "This is our time, or our time has come", according to a Nasarawa indigene. The group is assumed to be linked to the ambition of a serving Senator in the area, who has since condemned the killings of the over 90 people in the state including police offiers, thus dissociating himself from the local militia.

There are stages in the life of any individual or a country which calls for sober reflection depending on experiences, a function of living conditions in the past and the present which might to some extent help in predicting the future.

The crisis of insecurity and other crimes we face today is approaching a pervasively chaotic point such that both leaders and the led as well as researchers continue to shuffle reasons out of confusion or prejudices that are often meaningless to their resolution.

As such, to understand the phenomena,

we may relate human behaviour to the capacity to control the environment and live comfortably with the resources within it. But to ensure harmony, state actors create the enabling environment for a rancor-free existence among people and societies including human and material development.

In its chequered history as a nation, Nigerians have comparably poured encomiums on their First and Second Republic leaders often with time-worn words like patriotic, incorruptible, transparent and visionary. This might not be unconnected with the prudence with which they utilized the scarce resources of their time to provide the needed infrastructure-electricity, good roads, industries, transportation systems (road, rail and air) and above, a very sound education system.

The four regions of the immediate postindependent Nigeria competed for glory, endeavours that maintained a stable economy whose vibrant sectors created huge ancillary jobs and social security under a coherent civil service structure.

But all these have vanished to new directions foisted by the ambitious political class, leaving an uncanny cobweb of high population, low mortality rate, poor education, corruption, ethnicity and religion, struggling to strangulate the average Nigerian.

Unemployment, enforced idleness for able people willing to work but cannot find jobs, particularly in the form of graduate unemployment, has become pronounced in the last two decades due primarily to upsurge in the output from tertiary education and inelastic labour absorptive capacity of the Nigerian labour market for the services of university and polytechnic graduates. Sometimes, this issue of unemployment arises as a result of imbalance between the kinds of workers wanted by employers and the kinds of workers looking for jobs. The imbalances may be caused by inadequacy in skills, location, or personal characteristics.

Workers with inadequate education or training and young workers with little or no experience may be unable to get jobs because employers believe that these employees would not produce enough to be worth paying the legal minimum wage or the rate agreed on with the union.

Nigeria is a very rich country in terms of natural resources (including natural gas, petroleum, tin, iron ore, coal, limestone, niobium, lead, zinc, arable land) and wildlife. Nigeria is an oil rich country and one of the leading oil exporters in the world today (the 6th leading oil exporter in the world today).

But corruption, poor management of funds, political instability and poor governance continue to tear Nigeria apart.

Nigeria although not the "most" violent in Africa, remains the most corrupt country in Africa today with very high unemployment rates. Almost all political figures in Nigeria today engage themselves in corrupt activities leaving the average Nigerian with nothing but poverty and despair.

As a result, most able-bodied Nigerians have found psychological succor in sometimes bizarre ideologies that protests the neglect or attempt to command either the immediate or wider environment for survival.

PAGE 9

Ombatse:

How cultural association turned Nasarawa to slaughter slab O

f late Nasarawa state has been in the news, particularly as it relates to frequent communal clashes mostly between farmers and pastoralists.

Events however took a turn for the worst recently, after over 80 security men who had gone on an operation to arrest a man, suspected to be fuelling some crisis in the state, and to recover illegal arms, turned sour as they were waylaid and massacred by members of a militia group. Our reporter in Lafia, Ali Abare Abubakar, has been monitoring the unfortunate saga, and reports.

According to the Nasarawa state commissioner of police, Abayomi Akeremale, reports of members of a supposedly cultural organisation, the Ombatse, abducting people from Mosques and Churches to forcefully administer to them oath of allegiance to the Eggon deity, prompted the police to further investigate the activities of the group, which led to the discovery of a native priest, one Baba Alakyo, said to be behind the administering of the oath, as well as a concoction that would compel obedience to the dictates of the deity. Police investigations according to the CP, also discovered that a large cache of illegal arms have been stockpiled at the shrine where Baba Alakyo administered his oath.

Mr. Akeremale, opening up on the matter of the slain policemen, told journalists at the Lafia Government House, that acting under the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, who ordered them to recover all illegal arms in the hands of the people, the command

“

115 security operatives, comprising of 101 mobile policemen, 10 SSS and 4 SIB operatives, conveyed in 11 brand new Hilux vans, left for the arrest and recovery operation

launched an operation to arrest the Ombatse priest as well as recover the amassed weapons at the shrine.

Investigations by our reporter revealed that 115 security operatives, comprising of 101 mobile policemen, 10 SSS and 4 SIB operatives, conveyed in 11 brand new Hilux vans, left for the arrest and recovery operation.

Unknown to the members of the team, Baba Alakyo and members of his militia had gotten wind of the impending invasion of their shrine and had set about how to not only protect themselves but also vanquish the invaders.

Narrations from a few that survived the carnage were told in bated breath, with the shadow of officialdom forming restraint over the lips of victims, but even more so, the horror of escaping from such grueling experience.

After much attempts by the police authorities to hide the enormity of the carnage, it gradually came to light that out of the number of security operatives that left for the operation, only 9 returned, sustaining various degrees of gunshot wounds, with 9 out of the 11 vehicles burnt completely.

One of the survivors, who spoke under condition of anonymity, narrated that the militia members laid in wait for the arrival of the security team, and waited till the convoy of Hilux vans conveying the team went pass an area before they opened fire on the team from every side of the road.

He disclosed that from all indications, the Ombatse members had prior knowledge of the operation, after which they laid siege on the security operatives on the narrow road leading to the village of Alakyo, some ten kilometres away from Lafia, the state capital.

"We were outnumbered and overpowered as the militia opened fire on us from both sides of the narrow road leading to Alakyo. It was only by the grace of God that some of us escaped as they shot and killed our men who were trapped in the vehicles," the survivor further recounted.

The police officer, who was visibly distraught told our reporter that the militiamen dressed in black shirts and caps, kept approaching amidst heavy gunfire which forced their Hilux vehicle to turn back, being the last van on the convoy.

"Due to the nature of the road and ensuing gun battle our men could not turn

Contd on Pg 10

PAGE 10

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

Cover

Ombatse: How cultural association turned Nasarawa to slaughter slab

Akwanga road: Deserted and barricaded, Senate President David Mark was turned back by widows of police men killed by the Ombatse militants, when he was going to his village through Nasarawa Contd from Pg 9 back and nine of us in our van were able to manoeuvre our way out but not without suffering bullet wounds," he added.

Meanwhile, as of yesterday, over 85 mutilated bodies of the slain security operatives have been deposited at the mortuary of the Dalhatu Araf Specialists Hospital (DASH) in Lafia. Conveyed in six ambulances belonging to the Red Cross Society, the mangled corpses of the policemen were dumped at the mortuary, while others were left in the ambulances, which quickly attracted multitudes who gathered to view the remains and sympathize with the victims.

When Peoples Daily Weekend visited the hospital, our Correspondent saw multitudes gathered round the ambulances, with family members and relations searching to identify loved ones.

The scene was better imagined with women and children wailing, as they viewed the gory sight as they could not believe that their bread winners, who left the house hale and hearty, were no more.

The stench emanating from the decomposing bodies of the dead officers was a barrier to many who chose to peep from a distance.

One of the women, Malama Rakiya Danjuma, not real names, suddenly let out a cry as she slumped to the ground, wailing.

"Oh, Baba Abuja, you are gone!"

Incoherently, she narrated to all that cared to listen, that she was able to recognise the mangled body of her husband, Baba Abuja, as they fondly called him through what remained of his hand and leg.

The woman, as tears poured from her face as she sat on the ground, prayed for the repose of her husband's soul, while

demanding for an explanation over the calamity that befell her and other wives of the dead policemen.

In a briefing shortly after an emergency security council, with the IGP Zone 4, Micheal Zuokumor in attendance, Governor Umaru Tanko Al-makura, appealed to the people of the state to remain calm, as according to him, "government will do everything to make sure that the perpetrators are brought to book."

He condoled both the families of the slain operatives, as well as the federal government for losing such number of personnel who were on their lawful duty

to ensure that there is peace in the state.

Even though he was short of declaring war on the Ombatse members, Al-makura however said measures to be taken against the militia group would border on security matters and would only be made known when it becomes necessary.

The incident no doubt, has sent shivers down the spine of residents, as shown in the town, as Peoples Daily Weekend, when it went into the town, saw people in clusters discussing the matter.

Criminal elements infiltrated Ombatse-CP The Ombatse, previously a cultural organisation, suddenly transmuted into

NSA Sambo Dasuki

IGP Mohammed Abubakar

a terrorist organisation fully armed, with capacity to unleash terror on security operatives in Nasarawa state.

But how did these otherwise poor and deprived youth, who belong to the Ombatse association get the sophisticated weapons which they used in their onslaught against the police? Who is financing them? These were the questions and more, that agitated the minds of the people of Nasarawa state and indeed, Nigerians.

An analyst, who spoke on condition of anonymity, placed the blame at the door step of government, which had earlier proscribed the 'sect', saying it should not have been treated with kid gloves, as according to him, "the governor proscribed the group sometimes back but he is yet to do something about those suspected to be their sponsors. The emergence of the Ombatse is allegedly linked to the planned ambition of a politician in the state who is a serving senator."

According to the analyst in Nasarawa, the failure of government to fully investigate the Assakio crisis, not only led to the formation of the Ombaste but also paved way for the Eggon people to be at logger head with the Alagos, Mighilis and Fulanis, even as they implemented a well planned line of action that would further place their alleged sponsor in position for the 2015 election.

"Look at what is happening in Bassa, where an army captain was killed by rampaging youths, did we ask who sent the army on a mission to Bassa? The state government is not even aware of certain military operations, the army just takes orders from their high command and they come to destabilize us."

He advised that for that for government to be in control, traditional

Contd on Pg 11

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 4 — SUNDAY 5, MAY, 2013

PAGE 11

Cover

How cultural association turned Nasarawa to slaughter slab Contd from Pg 10 rulers must be made to register strangers coming to reside in their areas, "a kind of area registration council", as according to him, "the Ombaste members have infiltrated every community and are ready to unleash more havoc."

Peoples Daily Weekend recalls that Governor Al-makura had recourse to ban ethnic militia groups in the state, following an altercation between members of the Ombatse and some soldiers in NasarawaEggon, which led to the barricading of the Lafia-Akwanga road sometime ago.

Shortly after proscribing the organisation, officials of Ombatse, in a press conference, denied that their group is behind most of the communal clashes across the state as it was being speculated.

Mr. Zakari Zamani, national secretary of the group, told journalists that the Ombatse is a religious organisation, as well as a traditional prayer group, meant to draw the Eggon people closer to God, through time tested traditional beliefs, with members strictly guided by entrenched value systems, which forbade bloodletting among other vices.

Zamani denied any link to the group regarding the various communal clashes that erupted in Assakio, Kwarra and most recently in Agyaragu, arguing that just because an Eggon man was arrested as part of a militia involved in the crisis, does not mean such the person was sent to engage in such crisis by the 'Ombatse'.

Earlier in his office, while briefing

Rampaging youths

newsmen on the Alakyo incident, CP Aboyomi Akeremale, affirmed that initially the police considered the Ombatse as a cultural organization, but that following reported abduction of some Eggon people in Churches and Mosques for forceful administering of oath of allegiance and the taking of concoction by Baba Alakyo, the command now views the group differently, as according to him, "it is clear that some criminal elements have infiltrated the Ombatse."

Baba Alakyo, the native medicine man at the centre of the imbroglio, who is said to allegedly administer concoction that would hypnotize adherents to blind obedience, according to a source, is a well known medicine man who for decades, have been administering local herbs to the sick in Alakyo.

According to the source, Baba Alakyo indulges in mysticism to protect mostly Eggon people from evils and also provides remedy against witches and wizards, so that the Eggon people can progress in life."

The source maintained that people go to the man to seek protection rather than going to him to be fortified in order to cause trouble.

"It is our youths of today, when they receive such help from him; they go about boasting and making trouble." The source said.

Pundits are however of the view that unemployment, poverty and ignorance, among others, fuel insurgency anywhere and unemployed youths, who idle their lives away would always be used to cause trouble in the society. That when such

President Goodluck Jonathan factors combine and cloak themselves in religious, ethnic or other partisan robes, they become ready incendiaries for the most brutal and reckless violence, just like it happened in Alakyo.

Many are of the view that for government to be able to sustain the peace, it must, together with the citizens, attack poverty and ignorance through a comprehensive education, and economic development plan that would create an environment for job creation in the private sector and indivivual self-actualisation strategies so as to reduce the pressure on increasingly limited state resources.

'Sen. David Mark, cannot pass through Akwanga unless he gives us corpses of our husbands' For two days running, wives of the slain mobile policemen have poured into the street, barricading the LafiaAkwanga road, demanding the authorities to make available to them bodies of their murdered husbands killed by militia men last Tuesday, so they can bury them properly.

The angry women, eyes bloodshot and swollen from grief and apparent lack of sleep, Thursday, turned back the Senate President, David Mark, who was on his way to his country home in Benue state, rejecting all his entreaties for the bereaved women to vacate the highway, forcing him to turn back the way he came.

The women lamented that since the

day their husbands were killed, not a single senior police officer or government official visited to sympathise with them, with the decomposing bodies of the policemen dumped at the Specialists hospital.

One of the protesting women, a mother of five and pregnant, Christiana David, weeping, demanded for the authorities to release the bodies of their late husbands, so they can bury them properly.

"They lied to our husbands that they are taking them to Benue to quell a protest, only for the authorities to divert them to a bush in Lafia where they were all killed. Since last Tuesday, we did not see our husbands, where have they taken them to?"

Our reporter, who visited the scene of the protest yesterday, noticed that the road just in front of the 38th Squadron of the Mobile Police Base, was barricaded by the women, using logs and stones.

Commuters who were stranded as a result of the road blockage, resorted to taking a diversion through a back way but soon encountered another problem as Eggon youths along the route, allegedly set up road blocks where they extorted levies ranging from N100 to N200, before being allowed to pass.

One of the commuters who spoke to our reporter shortly after passing the route, disclosed that the youth set up five road blocks along the way, demanding for passers-by to salute them in their Eggon dialect, after which they were made to pay levies before they were allowed to pass.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

PAGE 12

Interview Former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Umaru Farouq Abdullahi (Rtd).

In this interview with JAMILA NUHU MUSA, states that the country is not running a democracy, given the unfolding unsavoury events in the country, majorly, insecurity. He discusses numerous issues, especially concerning the judiciary and expresses worry about the situation of lawyers and judges in Maiduguri, Borno state whose ability to perform optimally is being limited by security challenges.

There has always been assumptions that corruption has permeated the judiciary, now the Nigeria Judicial Council (NJC), has made moves to sanitize it, recently it sanctioned 13 judges. Given your prominent position in the NJC, and the petitions against the judges, would you say the steps being taken are commensurate with the allegations?

Am glad you said allegations. But let's understand one thing, We are all Nigerians, we live in this country and has seen what is happening. There is no disputing the fact that there are a lot of corruption in this country. So it permeates various institutions, settings and even individuals. The judiciary, as a Nigerian institution is managed by Nigerians, so there may be certain incidences that may lend some credence that may be something is wrong somewhere. The fact is that, Nigeria is one institution that is so close to people and being so guarded, there is always a focus on what the judiciary is doing. So a mishap on one Magistrate, Area or High Court Judge can cause a big story and obviously people who read the story will come to the conclusion that corruption in the country is also going on in the judiciary.

So we cannot deny it.

People don't differentiate when a Magistrate has done

'We are not running a democracy, what we have is civilian rule'

something, they say he is judicial officer, they don't know judges in the Supreme court and Court of Appeal are doing their best. We may even find in extreme cases, some bad cases but when you say the judiciary to some people, it means the whole of the judiciary, from the Supreme Court right down.

As I am speaking to you now, it does not mean am speaking to you on behalf of the NJC, because NJC is an established institution by law and they have their own structures, how can people talk on behalf of NJC, am only a member. So I would not want perse that am now talking on behalf of NJCs, but by virtue of my relationship with the judiciary as a retired judge, I have been a judicial officer for many years. I know the inn and out of the judiciary, I have come across many issues that probably could have been treated in a better way, but somehow for some reasons they ended up the way they did.

Mostly you find the problems of the judiciary mostly are election matters during politics and you know very well, that Nigerian politicians do their politics in a 'do or die' affair. If someone wants a seat, he wants it by hook or crook. Now there are a lot of political issues which politicians can sit down and agree upon, talk about issues, but they rather go to court.

So they tackle all those prejudices, expectations and wishful thinking and dump it

“

Now there are a lot of political issues which politicians can sit down and agree upon, talk about issues, but they rather go to court. So they tackle all those prejudices, expectations and wishful thinking and dump it in front of a judge and ask him to provide a solution to them.

Rtd. Justice Umaru Farouk Abdullahi, CON

in front of a judge and ask him to provide a solution to them.

To me, this is not really the best way to help the system.

If there are better judges, there is nothing anyone can do about it. So, this is where the NJC comes in, if a judge abuses his oath of office, obviously the NJC will look at it. If somebody complains, it will look at it if there is any

substance in the allegations, it can be asked to comment and the NJC will look at both ends of the matter.

Sometimes we even call for the files of the judges and see how they have been performing and in this manner a number of things can come up. Under normal circumstances, if there is a matter in court, a judge

wrote a ruling, mostly politicians if they don't like the texture, the tendency is that they will write a petition and send it to the NJC, the NJC will take a very close look at the options open, except if there are allegations of corruption, and if there is, the NJC will Continued on page 13

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

PAGE 13

Interview

... what we have is civilian rule' offence which they could have served early even if they had been found guilty but they stay in jail for 2,3 5 years for an offence they could have served for 6 years, some of them would even become something else.

How can we address this?

We have to start from the scratch, how to address our criminal justice system, we have been talking about this for years but talking is not enough we have talked enough the time to act is now.

But am happy that there are some engineering efforts by the head of the judiciary, and I think she is taking the matter head on, on delays in cases. But sometimes you find that cases take longer time depending on the seriousness of the cases themselves. There are some cases that are naturally complicated like cases of land dispute, I don't see why case dealing with contract can take unnecessary longer because these are things that can be dealt with very quickly. Again, in some case we don't just blame the judges because most of the time you find that those who bring their cases to court have their lawyers, who prepare their papers, they go to court and present these cases, but then if the lawyers are not up and doing or the judge has fixed a case for hearing by next week, the lawyer will not be in court and next week he sends his junior that he wants an adjournment.

From page page 12

be interested and will go into the matter, but if it were just a matter of he did not apply, or he was delaying the matter and so on, then if he loses the case then the better option for him is to appeal against the decision, not to write a petition. The Appeal Court, probably will correct whatever it is. But if there is an allegation that the judge did what he did to pervert the cause of justice NJC will also look at it and ask questions.

The judiciary has a very crucial role to play in resolving disputes between two contending parties. It is the way and manner he follow the procedures he applied and the way he handled the matter that normally arises in discontent

from one of the parties.

Are there ways the bench can fast-track cases, so as to avoid delays in disposal of case?

I think, it is one of the short comings of the Nigerian judiciary. What worries me most is the issue of our criminal justice system. I think it is a shame and should be crashed because we do attend international conferences in developed nations, and we realise that from the papers and submissions made these nations are decriminalizing some offences but here in Nigeria, you discover that people awaiting trial have overwhelmed the system, people can spend 10 times over in detention over an

But is it not possible for the bench and the bar coming together to address the issues?

It is easier said than done.

I think they have made such attempts, the bar are well aware of their own responsibilities because they are first and foremost officers of the court so they are there to assist the court to arrive at justice not just to make money from their clients. Sometimes though, money is a motivating factor if the man who brings a lawyer to represent him in

court refuses to pay him of course the lawyer will be very slow in moving the case because he has not been paid, so everyone has to play his part. But seriously, I think we have reached the stage where we have to draw the line and make sure that judges when they sit, they should seat and deliver. The reports that we have been getting that some judges, there are some occasions where some judges have to chair a court, so in this situation there is no way you can fast track hearing of cases. If a judge has to sit in the morning, from say 9. 30 to 12 30, and another one will come in at 1 o'clock to 3:30, 4 o'clock by the time the second judge comes in he must be tired waiting. It is task full.

How can we resolve this sort of problem?

The NJC has introduced a system first of all they have established various committees, there is committee of assessment of performance of judges, now if a state has say 15/18 or 20 judges and they had deployed them to various judicial divisions, every 3 months, they are supposed to send a return of the cases they have done in that division to the NJC, the NJC will compile it, all over the country it is not an easy task but it is being done. Now we look at the returns for a particular state, and you find that the judges are not disposing of probably 20 or 30 percent of the cases and you ask why the judges will say maybe the lawyers were not forthcoming, the parties are making things difficult by asking for adjournment most of the time, or witnesses are not being brought and so on and so forth, so this causes delays and judges cannot perform optimally. Now if we realize that it is a recurrent issue for a judge not really disposing of his cases, we can see from the last figure that we have is 25 cases, pending, if at the second quarter you disposed of only 2 or 3 cases but then have 10 additional cases

“

But that is not forthcoming they will not release that money and the independence they are supposed to get, because that money is supposed to go to the judiciary directly as it is being appropriated but the Chief executive will sit on it so the judges will have to go begging cap- in- hand, which is a very pathetic situation, so we still have this problem.

which raises your number of cases higher. If we find this progression going on then we know the judge is not working, the next thing is to issue him a query. But then they will come up with so many things, sometimes they say transport is not available, NEPA is not available. You know the things that will help him to operate as a judge are absent. However, we have tried to make the Chief Judges who are in charge of the various judiciaries to ensure that they obtain these things from the Governors, unfortunately some of these Governors are not forthcoming, this is part of the problem the judiciary is facing. Now if we discover that the judges that are there are not working optimally as they should, if the state comes along looking for additional judges, we will not appoint any such judges, we often tell them, "go and ask your judges to work hard".

This is one of the mechanisms we are using to solve this problem.

When you were in office, you did mention at one point, on the issue of the independence of the judiciary, that there was fair independence at the federal level but that the problem was at the state.

Is judiciary independence still an issue?

It is still an issue, it is just that at the federal level the situation is much better as judges are much better off in terms of facilities, infrastructure and necessary support, but judges at the state level are still struggling and you find that a particular section of the Constitution, I think it is Section 121 sub section 3 of the Constitution, which provides that every year, the judge will submit its budget proposal which will be submitted to the State House of Assembly, and it will look at it and appropriate certain amount of money for the judiciary. But that is not forthcoming they will not release that money and the independence they are supposed to get, because that money is supposed to go to the judiciary directly as it is being appropriated but the Chief executive will sit on it so the judges will have to go begging cap- in- hand, which is a very pathetic situation, so we still have this problem.

There are some judges of some states that are doing much better, I can cite Lagos and River state, and those Continued on page 14

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

PAGE 14

Interview 'We are not running a democracy, what we have is civilian rule' Nigeria is the only country that we have, we have no elsewhere to go, so assist security operatives about necessary information for them to do their job. In the same vein, we should not ignore those making inflammatory statements, those who think they can bulldoze their way and do what they like, this country is bigger than any individual. So people should be responsible and know what to say to unite this country and not to disintegrate it.

Continued from page 13

are outstanding.

When NJC sanctioned some judges, people expected that there would be universal commendation over the judgement, especially in the case of Justice Talba, but surprisingly there was mixed reaction as some people said it was hash decision on Talba because he only used his discretion.

What is 'discretion' in the realm of the judiciary?

Discretion is a fluid expression, fluid in the sense that the law has empowered the judge to sit down and do his cases in accordance with the provisions of the law. And when it comes to punishment that is where they make consequential orders that is where discretion comes in.

There are different aspects of these discretions, both in civil and criminal cases, they are all discretions but then the law says you should exercise your discretion judicially and judiciously. Which means you should not be careless or ignore certain important factors before you exercise your discretion. Talba's case has been too much discussed on the pages of newspapers, by opinion leaders. What Talba did, rightly, is an exercise of judicial discretion but from the facts available after thorough investigation by the NJC, the facts were placed on the table, they even called for his personal file to even see whether he has been doing this kind of thing or not.

The problem area is that the EFCC, which filed the charges initially, filed them under the EFCC Act, under this Act, the punishment there is 14 years without option of fines, but somehow, towards the tail end of the case, the EFCC withdrew those charges under the EFCC Act and substituted them with charges under the Penal code. And under the penal code, the section under which they substituted the charges provided three options of conviction when it comes to exercise of sentence, first option imposes sentence of 2 years without option of fine, second option, 2 years with fine, the third option, 2 years or fine, so what baffled us was , where did Talba, after he said he condemned the actions of the accused persons that they had burgled this country, caused hardship for the people of this country, etc,

Rtd. Justice Umaru Farouk Abdullahi, CON

he went for the last option, to the least one, 2 years imprisonment or fine, and funny enough the section did not limit the amount of fine you can enforce, but in his own wisdom he stopped at N250,000. Because he understood the real issues before him, about the damage that had been done, we would have thought at least he could have given him the 2 years, and if he likes another 2 years with fine also. That was what irked the NJC.

with the situation, he said " Sir, every day we close from court, we look at each other and start wondering, which one of us will come back tomorrow". It's a terrible situation, but they are still working but of cause judges need witnesses, security agencies to come forward with their cases in terms of criminal cases but if they are not there what can they do. I feel sorry for them to have lawyers who cannot go to court, argue their cases.

Lawyers in Borno state find it difficult to do their work because of the security situation. Are you worried about this?

Lawyers and judges in Maiduguri want to work; I have no doubt in my mind about that, but the security situation makes it difficult for them. I was talking to the Chief Judge, a very good person, very forward looking, asking him how he is coping

You are involved in efforts to finding lasting peace in the north, what is your opinion on security situation in the country?

There is the real Boko Haram like we have read, but many interest groups have also come under the cover of Boko Haram to perpetrate crimes.

The security should know how to address this issue. The Governor of Borno has come

out with a very succinct and honest statement, that if we do not come together and address the basic issues that threw up the insurgencies, we are playing with fire. And he mentioned poverty, excruciating poverty and we cannot deny it. And then the politicians the way they go about doing their things, I think they ought to be more serious because when there is trouble they are the ones who should proffer solutions but they are so busy making a lot of noise. When I say the politicians it include those at the National Assembly, State Assemblies, local governments and even the Governors themselves. It should be a collective responsibility to sit down and look at the matter.

Unfortunately there are people who think it is the problem of the north, but it is not it is the problem of Nigeria because if you think you are safe in your village, you never know when it will spread to your place and

Youth restiveness and massive unemployment have been identified as factors that have increased insurgency.

How should government really nip it in the bud?

To me this is a social problem. Our leadership has made a lot of mistakes in the past because some of these youth, that are causing some restiveness are being cultivated by politicians, who introduce them to drugs and use them for political gains. I think it has a basis and we have to look at how it started and at what age did these politicians leave them to take care of themselves after being used and dumped. It is the failure of leadership that has brought about this. Some states have tried to reintegrate them while others have not. We have to look at the social structure and find out what is happening,.

Though we know that our youths are not educated nor do they know any arts or skills, but we need to build confidence in them, for them to know that they are human beings, they can use their brains and can be productive and have decent living.

It is almost 14 years now since our democratic experience; do you think we have reaped its gains?

Talking about our almost 14 years democracy, my honest view, is what we have is civilian rule, not democratic rule because democracy means choices for people, they have a choice to change their leadership after certain number of years if they are not satisfied with what they are doing. It means rule of law, you don't breach their right and they would have no remedy. It is an open air of free speech, people say what their government should do for them and the government listens but when the government is not listening to them, do you call it democracy? I don't think so..

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

PAGE15

Interview

Governors, politicians hijack Hajj seats —IHR boss Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad is the National Coordinator of the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a civil society organization that monitors and reports Hajj activities in Nigeria. In this interview with our correspondent, Mohammad Ibrahim in Kaduna, he explains the effort being made by the organisation to ensure hitch-free hajj operations in the country. Excerpts:

W

hat is Independent Hajj Reporters all about?

Independent Hajj Reporters is a non-governmental and non-profit organisation registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria. It is an umbrella body for experienced and dedicated print, broadcast and online journalists who are interested in reporting and monitoring Hajj activities in Nigeria.

Most of our members have several years experience in Hajj operations.

For instance, I have been participating in hajj exercises since 2005 in official capacity both at the federal and state level. I served four times as member of press crew, three times as welfare/pilgrims guide and last year as member of the Inspectorate, Evaluation and Compliance Committee of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). This applies to most of our members. In fact, most of us are veterans of Hajj operations.

So, we are very conversant with hajj operations as it relates to service delivery to pilgrims and official conduct. It is unfortunate that hajj activities in the country have not its desired prominence in the media.

As journalists, part of our responsibility is to inform, enlighten and hold those in position accountable to the pilgrims. We realized that there is no independent coverage of hajj operations in the country as you can see that most of the journalists that travel to the holy land for the coverage are either sponsored by the NAHCON or the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards. With this arrangement, the reports are always in favour of these sponsors. The pilgrims who paid their money to perform that pillar of Islam are left with nobody to protect their interests – nobody to hold the service providers responsible in terms of service delivery, through media reports.

Some of the challenges facing Hajj operations in Nigeria is the current racketeering and corruption in the sale of hajj seats to intending pilgrims across the states. How is your organisation tackling that?

Frankly speaking, allegation of corruption emanating from sale of hajj seats has been a recurrent decimal recently. Some state pilgrims boards executive secretaries have been removed from office due to these alleged corrupt practices trailing sale of hajj seats. There are many factors

why the problem persists. One, is the political angle to it which is a common phenomenon in Nigeria. Some state governors and top level politicians do hijack large numbers of hajj seats from their respective state pilgrims’ boards and handover some to their army of political hangers-on.

Two, the process adopted in selling these seats also makes it possible for middlemen to hijack the process and exploit the intending pilgrims. It is in view of this that IHR earlier advocated in a press conference the involvement of financial institutions in the sale of hajj seats.

It may interest you to note that some state pilgrims boards claimed that they sold over 7000 seats within 48 hours. This is not only fraudulent but very ridiculous. Unless you handover the sale of the seats to financial institutions and at the same time adopt the biometric system, thereby cleansing it of the influence of middlemen and politicians, the problem will remain.It is as a result of this that we feel Nigerians have the right to know. It is our duty to provide them with the correct information to enable them demand for their rights.

That is even why we are planning a workshop for the public relations officers of the state pilgrims’ welfare boards on the need to be proactive in terms of information dissemination to the public.

The problem associated with the sale of hajj seats has to do with the inadequate number allocated to Nigeria by the Saudi Arabian authorities. Do you see it that way?

That is another fundamental challenge. The hajj seats allocated to Nigeria by Saudi Hajj Ministry is indeed inadequate. In the last four years, the figure was between 95, 000 to 100, 000. In 2009 for instance, the figure was within the range of 95, 000 to 100, 000. In fact, it was only in 2010 that Nigeria was allocated 100,000. The figure dropped to 95,000 in 2011, 2012 and 2013.If you compared this figure with the Muslim population of over 80 million and with over two million people applying for hajj seats every year, you will agree with me that the demand far outweigh the supply.

In situations like this, middlemen are bound to take advantage of the innocent intending pilgrims to exploit them.

But to address this problem, we need to adopt a five year hajj rolling

plan that will allow those who intend to perform hajj in five years to start making their payments now. You will have what it is called a “waiting list” every year, where people in that lists are given preference.

By this arrangement, those who want to perform hajj, say in two years time, can start making deposits now.

It will drastically reduce the racketeering and exploitation of desperate intending pilgrims.Also, balloting system can be introduced to address the problem. Pakistan, for instance, tried this policy and it worked. Biometric registration of pilgrims should be harmonised into a single database. This will reduce anonymous and multiple registrations. It is quite unfortunate that most of the state pilgrims’ welfare boards are still using the manual mode of registration of pilgrims.

In the 2012 hajj, airlines used electronic ticketing system. Now, for the states that are still using manual registration, they will have to create a separate soft copy of their pilgrims’ biodata for air ticket. You can now see that apart from its vulnerability to manipulation, manual registration consumes a lot of resources that could have been channelled to other areas.

Saudi Arabia has completely computerized their hajj activities about three years ago. Both federal and state governments are adopting online biometric payments system to fish out ghost workers. Unified online registration is capable of ensuring that 80 percents of hajj seats are sold to first timers. Now, there is no way you can detect someone who went to hajj through Sokoto last year if he decides to pay through Lagos this year, because NAHCON does not have a comprehensive real time database. This problem can be solved with online unified registration system. We are happy that NAHCON said during the 2012 hajj post mortem meeting held in February in Abuja that it will introduce unified pilgrims registration. We hope they will be able to do so.

How do you see this development?

First of all, IHR is pleased that the president has promised to assist state governments to make hajj camps comfortable for pilgrims. During outbound operation, pilgrims’ first point of call is the hajj camp.

Psychologically, whatever experience they went through in hajj

Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad camp will affect the rest of the journey. Also, pilgrims are kept in the dark as per information regarding their movements which is very unfair.It is part of our strategies to be paying unscheduled inspection visits to selected hajj camps before the 2013 airlift commences.

We are going to also partner with NAHCON and other relevant stakeholders to establish pilgrims complaint centers’ at various hajj camps and embarkation points across the country. It will give us the opportunity to know areas that need NAHCON or state pilgrims boards’ attention and we ensure that the pilgrims complains are attended to promptly.

Generally speaking, what are the progress and challenges of hajj operation in Nigeria?

First, let’s identify the key areas. Hajj operation as you know comprises of two phases; that is the outbound and inbound journey.

There are also two operations handled by two entities from two different countries. You have the NAHCON and Saudi ministry for hajj affairs. The bottomline here is to know who is doing what. For example, during last year’s hajj, Nigerian pilgrims’ tents in Muna were overcome by refuse. Not many people know that while it is true that each and every pilgrim pay for cleaning the tents, it is the Saudi Ministry of Hajj that gets

contractors who keep the tents clean.In the same vein, it is the responsibility of Nigerian hajj administrators whether at the state or federal level to ensure that pilgrims are airlifted according to schedule, provided good accommodation commensurate to what they paid for, their health needs, airlift of their luggage and ensure their safety.You see, timely airlift of pilgrims is also subject to many other factors in Saudi Arabia like availability of screening bay, the time spent in screening pilgrims, the capacity of aircraft used and many other factors.

In summary, there is a noticeable improvement in some areas in last year hajj exercise. For example, 30 percent of Nigerian pilgrims were airlifted directly to Madina for the first time. Upgrade of Nigerian pilgrims tents service in Muna to ‘C’ category. The time spends in King Abdulazeez International Airport awaiting airlift back home has reduced drastically.The introduction of national reception team has boosted the image of Nigeria in Saudi Arabia. However, there are still challenges. The state pilgrims’ welfare boards always negotiated the rates and secured accommodation for their respective pilgrims. With this, there is always wide margin in the quality of accommodation of pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah.

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

Tourism

The healing power of Awhum Waterfall and Cave A

whum waterfall is situated at Amaugwe village of Awhum town in Udi Local Government Area.

This beautiful waterfall is as a result of massive outcrop of granite rock with water cascading over the top forming a stream.

A section of the waterfall is always warm through the season.

Awhum waterfall is 30 metres high and is located close to Awhum Monastery.

The water is said to be curative (have healing power) and capable of dispelling evil or satanic forces if and wherever sprinkled.

It usually takes about some 45 minutes walk from the parking spot to the waterfall.

Ohum is a valley town in Enugu State, South East of Nigeria.

People have been known to inhabit the town for thousands of years. The town is bounded in the north by Okpatu, in the east by Nike, in the south by Ukana and in the west by Egede communities. Ohum has an estimated population of about 25,000.

Coordinates of Ohum Longitude: 7° 25' 0" East Latitude: 6° 32' 0" North Ohum (spelt officially as Awhum) is an historic town in Enugu State, Nigeria. The town is located about 24 kilometeres from Enugu (Coal City) the state capital. The town has a population of about 100,000 according to the 2006 Census. Ohum is a popular tourist and pilgrimage destination, attracting visitors with its waterfalls, caves beautiful streams and monastery, the first in Nigeria.

Origin Awhum is believed to be the

fourth child of Ojebe, who also had six other children including, Ebe, Abor, Ukana, Okpatu, Umulugbe and Umuoka. The town is bounded in the North by Okpatu, in the East by Nike, in the South by Ukana and in the West

by Egede communities. The town is divided into eight villages: Isiogwu, Amani/Ama-abo, Ibite Uwaenu, Umuoka, Obeagu/Amachara, Akparata/Amaudara, Amaofia-niIbite. Ibite has two villages and Enu ohum has three villages, while the others are on their own.

Governance The town is governed largely by the Igwe in council with his chiefs (from the eight villages) and there is the Central Union which is a kind of parliament that decides the general direction and developmental needs. An election is held to elect members into the union and into the Igwe's stool when it becomes vacant. A constitution was drawn up on the various aspects of community life including election into various offices. The 'Igweship' is held for life.

Economy The major economy of the town was farming and hunting. There is a local market (Nkwo Market) that serves the community. The market is situated at Ukwu Akpu and seems to be in the centre of the town. The Nkwo and Orie are the major market days and the trading is usually done in the evening after sun down. Things have changed in recent years with the market trading daily all through the day. The town is known for producing high quality palmwine (wine from the palm tree). The establishment of the monastery changed all that. Tourism and

pilgrimage to the monastery is now the major source of income for the community. The indigenes of the community living outside the community also remit monies home which is a significant amount each year. There is a hotel that serves some of the tourists that visits the town.

Tourism and pilgrimage are now one of the major drivers of economic growth in the community. The waterfall, beautiful hills with erosion scarred valleys and the monastery bring tens of thousands of people each year to the community.

Education The community is served by three primary schools and a secondary school. All the schools are government owned schools.

Religion The main religion is Christianity. Practitioners of Traditional religion are also in the community. The Catholics and Anglicans have churches in the community. There is a monastery in the town run by the Cistercian Monks, which is now a major pilgrimage and prayer centre for Christians in Nigeria.

Transportation The community is divided into three unequal parts by two major highways in an East-West way. .

The first, Enugu - Nsukka highway was built in 1914 and the Enugu Makurdi expressway in 1981 all in North - South direction. The major form of movement within the town

is by commercial motorcycles.

Tourism The town is in a valley and bounded on all sides by beautiful rolling hills covered in grass. There is a waterfall, about 30 meters in height and several caves lining the track to the waterfall. The track itself is actually a small stream with big rocks overhanging in some places along the track. The community also boast numerous pristine lakes, some of them with beautiful white sand beaches.

The numerous streams and lakes are still maintained in their natural conditions. More than 50 different species of fish are found in the streams and lakes of the community and some of the lakes have never been fished on before.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

PAGE 17

Homes

Curtains for sliding glass doors

T T

o d a y , sliding glass doors are a popular option than the regular ones. People all across the globe now give preference to sliding glass doors as they occupy less space than the regular ones as they look elegant and sophisticated. In addition, these doors are very easy to operate and do not require any space to be left on the threshold. The only problem people face is in the selection of the right type of curtains for the sliding glass doors.

Well, frankly speaking, there is literally a world of possibilities for the choice in curtains for the sliding glass doors. Besides the traditional curtains, you have the liberty to explore different innovative techniques and make your dĂŠcor statement.

Below is a list of varied curtain options

you can select for sliding glass doors Valance/Traditional curtains and drapery panels - if you wish your room to wear a traditional look then go for traditional curtains (that is nothing but paneled curtains) that never go out of trend.

You can make your selection from a wide variety of fabrics, textures and colors, in alliance with the dĂŠcor theme of your room.

The rod for hanging the curtains can easily be installed above the unit.

Vertical blinds - vertical blinds are all-time classic window treatments for the sliding glass doors. The window treatment comprises of movable vanes that can be rotated in either direction for exposing the windows. A wand is provisioned to control the movement of

the blinds. Like the traditional curtains, these are also available in a wide variety of slat width, styles and colors. In addition, the slats are also available in varied textures such as matte, high gloss or wood grain look.

Cellular shades - You will be delighted to know that there are cellular shades also available for the sliding glass doors. The cellular shades made for sliding glass doors comprise of vertical cellular tubes and not horizontal. They are available in varied light controls. In addition, there is a duo

also. Two varied materials such as an opaque material and sheer are used on the different sides of the shades so that you can either completely block the light or diffuse it.

Bead curtains - if you wish to impart a retro look to your room then bead curtains would be the ideal selection. A wide variety of bead curtains is available in all the furnishing stores. Alternatively, you may get your own beads and make your unique bead curtains.

Homedit.com

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

PAGE 18

Relationship If you have any relationship story you want to share with our readers, please send to the above address.

Let's share your love story.

Make the first move to resolve conflicts

Heart Matterz With A'isha Biola Raji E-mail: rajia39ishabiola@yahoo.com Phone: 08082071393 (Text only)

I am confused, he just won't communicating

H

ow do you communicate with someone who doesn't want to talk and calls you childish if you bring up a conflict in the relationship? I am so confused, I am thinking of sending a text message to my fiancĂŠ so he can read and realize that, this is what is going on, that our relationship is not on the right track but I am taking my time since I really don't want us to break up.

- Jennifer

He still feels we are not meant for each other

M

C

onflict is not in and of itself a bad thing. In fact, conflicts in relationships can be constructive when used as a vehicle for improving communication.

The following four steps can help you use conflict as a tool for gaining clarity, creating deeper understanding and strengthening relationships.

When you are in the midst of conflict, take the LEAD to manage it respectfully and calmly.

Listen to what is being said: Many times, conflict arises from a simple lack of understanding or miscommunication. Avoid making assumptions about what you hear.

Instead, ask for clarification. For example, "I heard you say X, is that what you meant?"

Explore the feelings that come

up: Sometimes conflict escalates because something about the situation is an emotional trigger for us. If you're feeling upset by the conversation, try to determine where the feeling is coming from.

Take several deep breaths and try to remember that what is happening now is completely separate from the past. You can manage conflict more effectively if you deal only with the matter at hand. When you start introducing memories and past sleights, it will be tough to get past the history of bad feelings to work toward a positive outcome.

Affirm the other person's point of view: You don't have to agree to understand the other point of view.

Simply acknowledging and validating someone's feelings can be

a powerful tool for resolving conflict positively. At the end of the day, most people just want to be heard.

Decide on a fair course of action: Now that you have a clear idea of what the problem is and where the person is coming from, it is time to explore some solutions. Throw out some ideas that you can examine together. Choose the soundest option that you can agree on. Plan to revisit your decision within a specified period of time to see how you are doing and what changes, if any, need to be made.

Due to misunderstandings and misconceptions, relationships ruin between two persons. The lack of real understanding and real knowledge about the thinking ability also may be the reason relationships break.

Relationship tips:

Play together and stay together

L

ife gets tricky doesn't it? The very person whom you love the most can actually drift away if you don't pause and take "fun" time together. A lot of couples come together to discuss money, holidays (the in-laws and the ex-laws), kids and the every busy calendar.

Discussing these things can be stressful and usually doesn't build up your relationship. Instead, you need to play together.

Get a board game, pick up a tennis racket and you can even go shopping, but make sure you do something you both like together.

Playing together lets you laugh, relax, and simply have fun together.

It will bond you and remind you of why you love your one and only so very much!

y ex and I dated for 3 years before we broke up 9 months ago. We decided to give it another try and it has been 4 weeks since we got back together.

Few days back, I received a text from him saying that he feels we are not still back together. I asked him what was wrong and he said that he feels like we are more like casual friends than lovebirds.

After receiving this text, I got angry and I over-reacted. I thought that he was breaking up with me after sending the text and then thought I should send him a text and be honest with him. I replied that, I agree we should break up.

Was I over reacting by thinking he doesn't want me back or have I sounded like a needy girl that has no life and worries too much? I do love him and find it has been hard being independent after being back together. I need help.

- Caroline Re:

R

elationships break when you don't respect your love and the loved one. First try to understand your love and what is lacking in the love. If you are unable to find out, it is better to meet and have serious discussion concerning everything and try not to argue. If you let argument ensue, things will go worse. Control yourself and be a good listener, understand your partner and think before you speak...Nonso

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

Beauty Tips

10 things every woman must have in her handbag A

s i d e from the obvious (wallet, phone, keys) there are a few other in-case-of-emergency essentials that every woman should keep in the depths of their bag.

Save yourself an embarrassing "excuse me, do you have a..." stutter and keep these little saviours on you at all times.

Mints There's nothing worse than bad breath... and there's also nothing worse than a noisy gum-chewer. Keep a tiny tin of mints in your purse to hide that fish filled meal you had for lunch.

Tissues It's something your mother always told you to take but a pack of Kleenex sure comes in handy when you're in the public toilet and you're confronted with your worst fear, an empty toilet paper roll. Trust us on this one.

Nail file Fact: a broken nail will catch on everything. Plus, nail files are pretty handy with picking locks when you've left your keys behind.

Compact mirror Call us vain but you'll thank us later when you're the one to realize you've got some food stuck in your teeth... Or when you need to reassess your make up.

Perfume

Hide a multitude of smelly sins with a sample of your favourite scent... and give people something (nice) to remember you by as you drift past.

Extra slippers It's a bit hard to hold your head up high when your fabulous new stilettos are cutting into your heel. Nip blisters in the bud with some heavy-duty slippers so you can continue to strut your stuff all night long.

Hair tie Sweaty hair plastered to your forehead just isn't a good look. Always keep a hair elastic in your wallet (along with some bobby pins) in case you need to pull together an emergency up-do especially with the heat in these parts.

Painkillers Keep a strip of Panadol or Neurofen in your purse for everything from headaches to abdominal pain‌ you know what I mean.

Red lipstick A ruby-red lippie can instantly take your work ensemble to va-va-voom in seconds. Forget the smokey eyes; a bold red lip will add instant glamour to any outfit.

Sanitary pads Having unexpected flow or a surprise visit on you can be awkward at the best of times, so make sure you're always prepared with pads or tampons.

PAGE 19

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12 MAY, 2013

PAGE 20

Learning

With Emmanuel Eko 08165618872 junioremma419@gmail.com

Book Review

Alif the Unseen I

f somebody's going to write a fantasy thriller that takes modern Islamic computer hackers fighting against State-based repression and entangles that with the fantastical Djinnriddled world of One Thousand and One Nights, how appropriate that it's G. Willow Wilson.

As her previous (nonfiction) book The Butterfly Mosque relates, the author left her allAmerican, Denver-based upbringing to study the Middle East at Boston University, then converted to Islam, and moved to Cairo. Also, she's previously written the Air series of comic books and enjoys playing World of Warcraft. So that's a double check mark vis-àvis Islamic geek cred.

What Wilson's first novel has going for it is the exoticism of Arabian fantasy, a less-trodden path than the European versions of all things Faery. Ditto the religion and modern culture of Islam. And Wilson's pitted her young protagonist Alif, a nonpartisan hacktivist, against a government computersecurity thug who happens to 1) have legally absconded with Alif's fiancee, and 2) be in cahoots with dark forces from the land of the Djinn.

There's an Antique Object To Be Found And Fought For, of course, a book that's putatively the One Thousand and One Nights but from the POV of the Djinn. This text is big juju and somehow (it's quasiexplained with references to the omnidirectional cypherability of the Quran) able to impart Ultimate Coding Power to whoever figures it out.

The characters are, albeit ethnically detailed, mostly convenient to the plot, and their reactions tend to feel not as believable as the more interesting parts of this thrill ride: for example, the faith-exploring bits of conversation between Alif, the fiercely religious Dina, and the Westernconvert-to-Islam (perhaps her name is Mary alSue?) who gets roped into the mission. In fact, never mind Alif; the supporting character Dina is the most engaging person, the most rewarding thing about this story.

But here's a book for summer reading, like a novelization of one of Joss Whedon's best Buffy episodes crossed with a Pathé newsreel of the Arab Spring uprisings. It's a page-turner, alright; the only thing we really have a problem with is one impossible car chase up and down a giant sand dune.

Mission to Paris

B

estselling author A l a n Furst has made a name as the author of spy novels set in the ramp-up to World War II, but the hero of his latest isn't a spy he's a Hollywoodsuave. Born Franz Stalka, A u s t r i a n é m i g r é Fredric Stahl is a film actor who's made a career out of p l a y i n g m o r a l l y upright men ("the knight, not the gigolo") think the unfailing

decency of Fredric March coupled with the continental allure of Paul Henreid. Stahl's roles are not so far removed from the man himself, though he shares the isolationist inclinations of his adopted country. His studio sends him to shoot a picture in Paris - a dicey time to be leaving American soil - and Stahl finds maintaining a neutral stance increasingly difficult when Nazi conspirators and American diplomats alike try to enlist him to their causes.

Paris circa 1938 was a hornets' nest humming toward an irreversible, ruinous rattle, and Furst spangles his book with a sprawling cast of characters standing in for every side of the soonto-be-global conflict.

They're straight out of

Central Casting - boorish French collaborators, oily Nazi propaganda officers, a colorful international film crew, and an orbit of potential lovers for Stahl, including a Soviet double agent and a capricious French socialite with questionable allegiances - and Furst draws these character exceptionally well via dialogue.

Occasionally the action tips toward the cartoonish and, goodness, but aren't the sex scenes one long eye roll - but Mission to Paris shares the same DNA as those golden-age Hollywood productions of which Furst writes so knowingly: Their course may be predetermined, their characters overfamiliar, but that doesn't make either any less satisfying an entertainment.

Campus Life The menace of indecent dressing

By Jacob Kikelomo Blessing

I

ndecent dressing is now very common among students of the higher institutions of learning in Nigeria particularly the female ones. Various reasons abound as the reason why these students dress indecently. They include poor parenting, peer pressure, wrong use of the internet, fading values, as well as demonic influence, among others.

We must do everything possible to stop our students from dressing indecently as it has many consequences.

Sometimes it leads to rape, prostitution, HIV/AIDS and other venereal diseases/ infections, as well as armed robbery, and poor school grades.

Indecent dressing is a social malady that cuts across many countries of the world. This involves dressing in a way that is likely to shock or offend people.

Many people are offended or even feel sexually harassed by exposing of sexual organs, which normally should be covered. For ladies, they include the breast, thighs and their back side. Yet, many campus ladies are prone to wearing skimpy clothes which reveal much more than what should be seen, distracting 'guys' and men alike. And on the part of the Campus guys, in a bid to 'belong', they indulge in tattoos, wear some so called funky shoes, dread locks and sag their trousers.

The indecent dressing and body exposing among male and females in our Polytechnics' campuses in the name of fashion is quite alarming.

However, indecent dressing is rampant among the females compared to their male counterparts.

Nigerian ladies in higher institutions have thrown away their values and our beloved culture as Africans, to embrace western ways of dressing. They seem to have forgotten that a typical African, and indeed Nigerian woman values her culture and is therefore, expected to always cover sensitive parts of her body rather than flaunt them

unnecessarily.

Nevertheless, such menace of indecent dressing exposure has led to all sorts of ills in the society resulting in harassment of women as it has been medically proven that a man can be aroused by merely seeing sensitive parts of a mature lady.

Every culture in Nigeria disapproves of such exposures; but sadly our mothers and elderly women who should be custodians of our culture are now towing the same line. The behaviors of our adorable female celebrities, especially actresses who should be role models to young ladies are nothing to write home about as they have increasingly being promoting seductive and provocative dressing.

Ladies who wear revealing clothes should know that those they think they are trying to impress are not impressed; instead they are helping them to look more stupid even when they appear to be admiring them.

I will therefore recommend among other suggestions, that parents should provide good moral examples for their children; give them attention and regulate the films they watch at home. Also, the mass media must promote good moral values; religious leaders must preach against, counsel and deliver those under demonic influences. In addition, the school authorities would do well to introduce indecent dressing committee in their schools to monitor students and teachers.

Some institutions in Nigeria are trying to curb the menace of indecent dressing on their campuses, and have taken bold steps in enforcing dress code for their students. Among such is the Federal Polytechnic Bida, University of Ilorin, University of Lagos among others. One can only hope that other polytechnics and universities would follow suit in order to bring decency and sanity to our campuses.

Jacob Kikelomo Blessing, is HND 2, student of the Department of Mass communication, Federal Polytechnic Bida

PAGE 21

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

Wellness

Healthy Living

Diet and diabetes management (III)

C A R B O H Y D R A T E COUNTING AND DIABETES MANAGEMENT Carbohydrates are a food group which contributes most to the rise of blood glucose as enumerated from discussion in previous edition in this column.

The term "Carbohydrate Counting" is commonly used when discussion relating to meal planning is tabled amongst people living with diabetes or those who want to prevent diabetes. I will like to thank our numerous readers who have made useful comments and asked questions to enable us enrich this weekly column, ensure not to miss out any edition.

Carbohydrate Counting is a technique of calculating grams of carbohydrates in meals and snacks consumed.

It is important to discuss with your dietician or diabetes health care team before embarking on a new meal plan.

Carbohydrate counting is therefore one of several ways people living with diabetes can manage their food intake to keep blood glucose (sugar) level within range for healthy living.

How much carbohydrate do i eat in a day?

This is not a simple question with straightforward answer.

The response varies from one person to the other. It is not necessarily important to know

“

Depending on the reading, more or less carbohydrate may be eaten. Likewise, insulin may be adjusted based on what the person wants to eat. For example, if you want to eat a much larger meal than usual, carbohydrate counting can help you determine how much extra insulin to take. simply how much carbohydrate to eat in a day, but rather how that carbohydrate is distributed throughout the day in meals and snacks to keep blood glucose in a healthful range. Your healthcare team will work with you to determine the amount of carbohydrate allotted to a given meal or snack based on such things as: " Weight/height " When and how much physical activity you do " What medications you are taking for your diabetes, and when their action peaks " Weight goals " Age " Laboratory values like cholesterol, triglycerides, microalbumin (a measure of kidney function), and A1C (a measure of blood glucose in the

last 3 months) " Personal preferences " Other medical issues " Cultural background and lifestyle Benefits of Carbohydrate Counting.

The benefits that an individual derive from Carbohydrate counting are enormous but the following will be enumerated as it is a good solution to many people living with diabetes who have challenge in meal planning.

Flexibility of meal plan: The knowledge of carbohydrate counting enables one to easily fit in wide variety of foods into a meal plan especially combination foods such as those in frozen dinners.

For example, by checking the grams of total carbohydrate on

With Isaac Yakubu Akogu www.diabetesguidenigeria.blogspot.com, 08176179496, diabetesconcepts@gmail.com

A Diabetes expert, Mr. Isaac Yakubu Akogu, is also Pharmacist with over 16 years experience with specialisation in Diabetes Education.

the Nutrition Facts label on a frozen dinner pack, you can figure out how to fit the dinner into your carbohydrate allotment for a particular meal.

Many people find carbohydrate counting to be much easier than using a more traditional exchange meal plan.

-Tighter Control of Glucose: Another benefit of counting carbohydrates is that it can bring tighter control of blood glucose readings. Being as precise as possible with your carbohydrate intake and medication will help you better manage your blood glucose after meals.

-Freedom to Decide: For people living with diabetes who take mealtime insulin, counting carbohydrates allows you to decide how much carbohydrate you want to eat at a meal, rather than having to eat a certain amount of carbohydrates, even if you do not want to.

Who can use Carbohydrate counting technique in meal planning?

Carbohydrate Counting can be used by anybody living with Diabetes either on Insulin injection or not and persons who will like to prevent Diabetes especially if discovered to have impaired glucose tolerance.

This technique is most useful for people who are using more intensive methods of adjusting insulin to control diabetes. The

amount of meal and snack carbohydrate is adjusted based on the pre-meal blood glucose reading. Depending on the reading, more or less carbohydrate may be eaten.

Likewise, insulin may be adjusted based on what the person wants to eat. For example, if you want to eat a much larger meal than usual, carbohydrate counting can help you determine how much extra insulin to take.

What tools do I need to do Carbohydrate Counting?

1.

The first step in carbohydrate counting is to have a meal plan. A meal plan is a guide that helps you figure out how much carbohydrate, protein and fat to eat at meals and snacks each day. If you don't have a meal plan, meet with a registered dietitian or a diabetes care team to help you get a meal plan.

2.

On getting a meal plan, Second step involves learning which foods contain carbohydrate. Most people know that starchy foods, such as bread, pasta and cereal contain carbohydrates. But other food groups, such as fruit, vegetables, milk, desserts and sweets, have carbohydrates too.

There are three main ways to learn about carbohydrates in foods: Ask for a food choice list from your dietitian.

Learn how to read the Nutrition Facts Label on food containers.

- Purchase a food counts book that provides the number of grams of carbohydrate in various foods.

3. Measuring tools. In order to accurately count carbohydrates, you'll need to be accurate with the portion sizes of foods that you eat. Invest in a food scale to weigh foods such as fruits and bread. Use measuring cups to measure cereal, pasta and rice, and use liquid measuring cups for carbohydratecontaining beverages such as milk, juice and energy drinks.

Conclusion: Counting carbohydrates though allows flexibility in your meal plan, but you can't abandon your meal plan and eat as many carbohydrates as you desire.

Keep in mind your overall goals to keep your carbohydrate intake at a certain amount each day, and keep your glucose as close to normal as possible--and you'll do well. Remember to consult your diabetes care team before making any of the changes discussed here.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

PAGE 22

With Aunty A'isha

Sights and sounds

3rd Mainland: Longest Bridge in Africa

Y

our visit to Lagos is incomplete without riding on this 10km bridge across the Lagos lagoon. 3rd mainland bridge, also known as IBB Bridge (it was built by Nigeria's former military Head of State- Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and commissioned on his birthday!). 3rd mainland bridge is the longest bridge in Africa and it's one of three bridges linking Lagos Island to the mainland.

The Third Mainland Bridge is the longest of three bridges connecting Lagos Island, Lagos, Nigeria to the mainland, the other two being the Eko and Carter bridges.

It is the longest bridge in Africa. The bridge starts from Oworonshoki which is linked to the Apapa-Oshodi express way and Lagos-Ibadan express way, and ends at the Adeniji Adele Interchange on Lagos Island.

There is also a link midway through the bridge that leads to the Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba. The bridge was built

by Julius Berger Nigeria PLC and opened by President Ibrahim Babangida in 1990; it measures about 11.8 km in length.

The 3rd Mainland Bridge is an important connection between Lagos mainland and Victoria Island for commuters especially due to the traffic problems for which Lagos is known. Once the entire street light were gone, the lamps and all and there were no lane demarcations, you can then behold the light on the 3rd Mainland Bridge in Lagos Nigeria! It is always a great sight!

“

The bridge was built by Julius Berger Nigeria PLC and opened by President Ibrahim Babangida in 1990; it measures about 11.8 km in length.

”

rajia39ishabiola@yahoo.com 08082071393.

SHOR T ST OR Y SHORT STOR ORY

Why the bat flies by night

A

bush rat called Oyot was a great friend of Emiong the bat; they always fed together but the bat was jealous of the bush rat.

When the bat cooked the food, it was always very good and the bush rat said, "How is it that when you make the soup it is so tasty?" The bat replied, "I always boil myself in the water and my flesh is so sweet, that the soup is good."

He then told the bush rat that he would show him how it was done; so he got a pot of warm water, which he told the bush rat was boiling water and jumped into it and shortly afterwards, he came out again.

When the soup was brought, it was as strong and good as usual.

The bush rat then went home and told his wife that he was going to make good soup like the bat's, he therefore told her to boil some water which she did.

Then, when his wife was not looking, he jumped into the pot and was soon dead.

When his wife looked into the pot and saw the dead body of her husband boiling, she was very

angry and she reported the matter to the king who gave orders that the bat should be made a prisoner.

Every one turned out to catch the bat but as he expected trouble, he had flown away into

the bush and hid himself.

All day long the people tried to catch him so he had to change his habits and only came out to feed when it was dark and that is why you never see a bat in the daytime.

HIS AND HERS’ CORNER

The world of balloon gown: Short and long

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

With Aunty A'isha

PAGE 23

rajia39ishabiola@yahoo.com 08082071393.

AFRICAN TALES

MODELS OF THE WEEK

The tortoise with a pretty daughter

Lets celebrate your children, send beautiful pictures of your kids to junioremma419@gmail.com

Ugochukwu Derek and Ujuamara Stephanie, twin children of Mr. Nwachukwu, were one year old recently. Happy brithday

ACTIVITIES Using any colourof your choice shade and name the image below. Show your work to your teacher for correction. Cheers!

T

here was once a king who was very powerful. He had great influence over the wild beasts and animals.

Now the tortoise was looked upon as the wisest of all beasts and men. This king had a son named Ekpenyon, to whom he gave fifty young girls as wives but the prince did not like any of them.

The king was very angry at this, and made a law that if any man had a daughter who was finer than the prince's wives and who found favour in his son's eyes, the girl, her father and her mother should be killed.

During this time, the tortoise and his wife had a daughter who was very beautiful. The mother thought it was not safe to keep such a fine child, as the prince might fall in love with her, so she told her husband that

her daughter ought to be killed and thrown away into the bush.

The tortoise, however, was unwilling;he hid her until she was three years old. One day, when both the tortoise and his wife were away on their farm, the king's son happened to be hunting near their houseand saw a bird perched on the top of the fence round the house. The bird was watching the little girl and was so entranced with her beauty that he did not notice the prince coming.

The prince shot the bird with his bow and arrow, and it dropped inside the fence.The prince sent his servant to gather it.

While the servant was looking for the bird, he came across the little girl and was so struck with her form, that he immediately returned to

his master and told him what he had seen.

The prince broke down the fence and found the child.He fell in love with her at once.

He stayed and talked with her for a long time, until at last she agreed to become his wife. The prince then went home but concealed from his father the fact that he had fallen in love with the beautiful daughter of the tortoise.

The next morning, he sent for the treasurer and got sixty pieces of cloth and three hundred rods, he sent them to the tortoise. Then in the early afternoon, he went down to the tortoise's house and told him that he wished to marry his daughter.

To be continued‌

CREA TIVITY CREATIVITY

Homemade bubbles for excellent Weekend

P

laying with bubbles can be so much fun.

You can have your own homemade bubbles to play with.

What you need: Liquid dish soap Glycerin Bucket or dishpan Wire whisk Small bottles What to do: Mix water, liquid dish soap and glycerin in a bucket or dishpan. Stir with a wire whisk until blended.Let mixture sit for 24 hours. Pour bubble mixture into small bottles, depending on size of bubbles

desired.Store unused bubble mixture in a jar with a lid.

If desired, add a drop of food coloring to the mixture to make colored bubbles.

You can experiment by adding more or less glycerin or dish soap to achieve the desired consistency.

If you don't have glycerin, try using the same amount of corn syrup instead.

While you enjoy your bubbles, remember these tips: Use no-tears baby shampoo instead of liquid dish soap if you're worried about bubbles stinging your eyes.

PAGE 24

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

PAGE 25

Entertainment

Kannywood I studied photography in Saudi Arabi – Tage Ahmed Aliyu Tage, also known as Tage, has been a versatile crew member in Kannywood Film Industry for decades. In this interview with Mustapha Adamu, the 42year-old, shares his experience as a Cameraman, and more.

Are you married?

Yes, I am married. I have two wives and many children.

For about 20 years. I started my career in kannywood since 1994.

How many precisely?

Hmm...they (laughing)

What is your role in the film industry?

I am cameraman, artist, producer and director. My major work however, is I work as a cameraman.

children are

many

How long have you been in Kannywood?

What motivated you to engage in film making?

Initially I was a photographer, professional photographer. I learnt photography in Saudi Arabia and established a photo studio in Kano when I returned back.

I had sophisticated equipments which I used in ceremonies. That attracted the attention of the industry which prompted them to begin inviting me to work for them. Eventually, I became completely interested in the film industry.

What is the difference between the training that you acquired in Saudi Arabia and that of Nigeria?

Basically, I learnt photography in a photo company, Al Mansur in Saudi. It

was owned by Indians, and the Indians and Arabians were our teachers. I did not study the course in Nigeria and would not be able to make a distinction between both countries in this regard.

How many film have you featured in so far?

The fact that acting is not my major role, therefore I can't specifically tell you the number of film I have featured in. I can only estimate, they are about 100.

Can you list some of them?

I featured in films like "Na mamajo", I played double role in this film- cameraman and actor, I acted as a mad man.

As a producer, I produced films such as "Bayan rabuwa", "Kowa yaci towo da ni", "Umarnin shaidan", " Hannu daya", among others.

What problems do you face in your career?

Man can never be devoid of problem. We sometimes forget the problem we face in our life, so we forget some luxuries sometimes. But I cannot recall any problem unless the one that normally happen amongst us in the industry and I don't take it seriously because it normally happens everywhere and that is how life is.

How Moses emerged as first male Nigerian Idol

L

agos, Nigeria: May 7, 2013: It took a while in coming, but at last Nigeria now has a male Nigerian Idol. He is Moses Obi Adigwe.

Not m a n y would have guessed it at the beginning, or even in the middle of the s h o w , especially when he was evicted. But as the Etisalat sponsored Nigerian Idol Season 3 gradually m o v e d towards its climax, it appeared to have been written in the stars that the chubbyfaced contestant, fondly called Teddy Bear by his numerous fans would emerge as the 'Idol'. In a stroke of fate, he was brought back by the judges via the Wild Card, and the rest as they say is history. He now joins the likes of Mercy Chinwo and Yeka Onka, winners of

seasons 1 and 2.

As expected, Etisalat Nigeria, lead sponsor of the show in the past three seasons presented to him as promised, a brand new SUV. He also went home with a 7.5-millionnaira cash

prize and a recording contract worth another N7.5 million. First Runner-up, Debbie Rise went home with a brand new Kia Picanto, also courtesy Etisalat Nigeria, and 1.5 million naira

How then do you cope with fans, especially female fans?

This is not a problem to me because I act as a comedian, so I don't have female fans that say they love me directly. They only claim their support and being impressed by my role as I make them laugh.

Who are your favourite actors and actress in Kannywood?

As a cameraman, every actor or actress that doesn't give me problem during shooting is my favourite.

However, I am impressed by an actor or actress, even if I face difficulty in shooting from them and it happens that he or she is the only one that can play that role. Sincerely, all artists in Kannywood are my favourites.

Among your films, what is your most favourite?

I love all my films because most of them are hits. I work as a cameraman by virtually all production companies in Kannywood and most of the films are hits.

Ahmed Aliyu Tage

Have you ever won an award?

Yes, I won the award of best cameraman in Kaduna, along side Abida and Momo, who won best actress and best actor respectively.

Last year, Nigerians resident in the UK joined others in cheering Team Nigeria as they file pass during opening ceremony at the Olympic stadium in London.

whilst second runner-up Safeeyat was rewarded with a one million naira cash prize. The telecom operator also presented cash rewards and devices to the finalists of the top 12 who joined Moses and Debbie on stage.

Speaking at the grand finale of the show, Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat N i g e r i a , S t e v e n Evans, who w a s represented at the event by the Director, PMO a n d Operational Strategy, Ndidi Okpaluba, said the company r e c o g n i s e s Nigerian Idol as a platform for i d e n t i f y i n g young talented Nigerians and a springboard for showcasing the winners to the international audience.

"The Etisalat brand is youthful, dynamic and innovative. We believe all these qualities are associated with the Nigerian Idol brand. Etisalat's promise to you is that we will continue to provide new products and opportunities such as the Nigerian Idol," Evans said.

CEO, Optima Media Group (OMG), Rotimi Pedro spoke in the same vein, and thanked Etisalat Nigeria, for its support over the past three seasons. "We specially appreciate Etisalat Nigeria, who has been with us through the last three years.

Without them we wouldn't have had Seasons 1, 2 and 3. Together, we've built Nigerian Idol to become an international brand. Etisalat is a brand that understands the Nigerian youth culture," he said, adding that the quality of talent on Nigerian Idol 3 has revealed the resilient spirit of its youth as portrayed by the contestants. He also thanked the viewers and followers of this season's show, and disclosed that this season which searched through five cities across Nigeria for the Voice of Tomorrow, has enjoyed over 30 million hits on its website and added 96,000 new friends on Facebook.

On the choice of Moses, music legend and one of the judges, Femi Kuti praised Nigerians for their choice. According to him, "Moses shows there is great potential in Nigeria. I am very impressed.

What we need to do is lay the foundation for them to grow upon," the Afrobeat ace said. Many Nigerians will agree. Now they can't wait for the first single or album of this very talented Nigerian Idol.

"London baby" Paul Okoye's first child- Family Source

T

he paternity imbroglio between Nigerian music star and entertainer, Paul Okoyeof the P-Square brothers and one time beauty pageant contestant and model, ElshamahIgbanoi, has taken another dimension.

A close relative of Mr. Okoye's revealed to the Nigeriafilms.com that the baby born by Ms. ElshamahIgbanoi, a 19 year- old former Miss Plateau State and third year law student at the University of Jos, is in fact the artist's first child.

"Just recently, P-Square had

thrown a party in Atlanta, Georgia to welcome another baby born by a different lover of his", the report said.

However, Mr. Paul Okoye has kept mum, even though some blogs reported that his public relations claimed that the paternity report was a "hoax" and even an "April Fools' joke."

NFC wants film producers to supply pay multiple taxes.

Inland Revenue Service information Federal He however commended the (FIRS) to reduce the amount of

A

cting Managing Director, Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), Mr. Charles TexBenibo, has urged film producers in the country to provide accurate details of their works, so as to enhance the corporation's data base.

Speaking at the inauguration of the quartet of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), in Lagos, Tex-Benibo, the purpose is to have a good data base film production in the corporation and for the industry since Nigeria is the second largest film producing country after India.

"It is the duty of the NFC to document the amount used for a film, how many people that were employed, where the film was shot and other necessary details", he explained.

Tex-Benibo further called on the

taxes paid by film practitioners because the tax levy was high.

He therefore advised FIRS to carry out a proper documentation of tax payers in the country since it was an offence for anybody to

AmakaIgwe

efforts of the Federal Government for approving a N3 billion fund for the Nollywood industry, noting that it would help to build a structure that would grow and develop it.(NAN)

ZebEjiro

Twisted Tale: John Dumelo opens up on 'secret certificate has detailed and my documentary movie I'm marriage' accurate information about him doing for my J.Melo Clothing

A

ctor John Dumelo has granted an interview to peacefmonline regarding his reported secret marriage to US based model, actress and nurse, HarrinaDembele, where vehemently denied the reports and describing it as ridiculous.

Nigeriafilms.com reports that John who is presently in the US said that he was not too surprised when he first saw the story online adding that this is not the first time a story about him getting married has been released.

Reacting to the saga, he said: "Last two years they said I was getting married to one actress, last year they said I was married with two kids. I'm sure in two years they will say I'm the newest grandfather in town" On the alleged marriage certificate which was released on the internet as evidence of his secret marriage, John explained that there is indeed a marriage certificate to that effect but it was used as props for a marriage scene in a new documentary he is currently shooting at different locations in different countries all over the world.

Asked why the 'fake' marriage

and his family, John said the documentary is about him so he played himself that is how come he had to use correct information like his name, age and that of his parents on the certificate.

"I am not married, it's all for

John Dumelo

line. The day will come when I will actually get married" John said documentary movie will be released before the end of the year for everybody to see and understand this whole issue.

PAGE 24

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

PAGE 25

Entertainment

Kannywood I studied photography in Saudi Arabi – Tage Ahmed Aliyu Tage, also known as Tage, has been a versatile crew member in Kannywood Film Industry for decades. In this interview with Mustapha Adamu, the 42year-old, shares his experience as a Cameraman, and more.

Are you married?

Yes, I am married. I have two wives and many children.

For about 20 years. I started my career in kannywood since 1994.

How many precisely?

Hmm...they (laughing)

What is your role in the film industry?

I am cameraman, artist, producer and director. My major work however, is I work as a cameraman.

children are

many

How long have you been in Kannywood?

What motivated you to engage in film making?

Initially I was a photographer, professional photographer. I learnt photography in Saudi Arabia and established a photo studio in Kano when I returned back.

I had sophisticated equipments which I used in ceremonies. That attracted the attention of the industry which prompted them to begin inviting me to work for them. Eventually, I became completely interested in the film industry.

What is the difference between the training that you acquired in Saudi Arabia and that of Nigeria?

Basically, I learnt photography in a photo company, Al Mansur in Saudi. It

was owned by Indians, and the Indians and Arabians were our teachers. I did not study the course in Nigeria and would not be able to make a distinction between both countries in this regard.

How many film have you featured in so far?

The fact that acting is not my major role, therefore I can't specifically tell you the number of film I have featured in. I can only estimate, they are about 100.

Can you list some of them?

I featured in films like "Na mamajo", I played double role in this film- cameraman and actor, I acted as a mad man.

As a producer, I produced films such as "Bayan rabuwa", "Kowa yaci towo da ni", "Umarnin shaidan", " Hannu daya", among others.

What problems do you face in your career?

Man can never be devoid of problem. We sometimes forget the problem we face in our life, so we forget some luxuries sometimes. But I cannot recall any problem unless the one that normally happen amongst us in the industry and I don't take it seriously because it normally happens everywhere and that is how life is.

How Moses emerged as first male Nigerian Idol

L

agos, Nigeria: May 7, 2013: It took a while in coming, but at last Nigeria now has a male Nigerian Idol. He is Moses Obi Adigwe.

Not m a n y would have guessed it at the beginning, or even in the middle of the s h o w , especially when he was evicted. But as the Etisalat sponsored Nigerian Idol Season 3 gradually m o v e d towards its climax, it appeared to have been written in the stars that the chubbyfaced contestant, fondly called Teddy Bear by his numerous fans would emerge as the 'Idol'. In a stroke of fate, he was brought back by the judges via the Wild Card, and the rest as they say is history. He now joins the likes of Mercy Chinwo and Yeka Onka, winners of

seasons 1 and 2.

As expected, Etisalat Nigeria, lead sponsor of the show in the past three seasons presented to him as promised, a brand new SUV. He also went home with a 7.5-millionnaira cash

prize and a recording contract worth another N7.5 million. First Runner-up, Debbie Rise went home with a brand new Kia Picanto, also courtesy Etisalat Nigeria, and 1.5 million naira

How then do you cope with fans, especially female fans?

This is not a problem to me because I act as a comedian, so I don't have female fans that say they love me directly. They only claim their support and being impressed by my role as I make them laugh.

Who are your favourite actors and actress in Kannywood?

As a cameraman, every actor or actress that doesn't give me problem during shooting is my favourite.

However, I am impressed by an actor or actress, even if I face difficulty in shooting from them and it happens that he or she is the only one that can play that role. Sincerely, all artists in Kannywood are my favourites.

Among your films, what is your most favourite?

I love all my films because most of them are hits. I work as a cameraman by virtually all production companies in Kannywood and most of the films are hits.

Ahmed Aliyu Tage

Have you ever won an award?

Yes, I won the award of best cameraman in Kaduna, along side Abida and Momo, who won best actress and best actor respectively.

Last year, Nigerians resident in the UK joined others in cheering Team Nigeria as they file pass during opening ceremony at the Olympic stadium in London.

whilst second runner-up Safeeyat was rewarded with a one million naira cash prize. The telecom operator also presented cash rewards and devices to the finalists of the top 12 who joined Moses and Debbie on stage.

Speaking at the grand finale of the show, Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat N i g e r i a , S t e v e n Evans, who w a s represented at the event by the Director, PMO a n d Operational Strategy, Ndidi Okpaluba, said the company r e c o g n i s e s Nigerian Idol as a platform for i d e n t i f y i n g young talented Nigerians and a springboard for showcasing the winners to the international audience.

"The Etisalat brand is youthful, dynamic and innovative. We believe all these qualities are associated with the Nigerian Idol brand. Etisalat's promise to you is that we will continue to provide new products and opportunities such as the Nigerian Idol," Evans said.

CEO, Optima Media Group (OMG), Rotimi Pedro spoke in the same vein, and thanked Etisalat Nigeria, for its support over the past three seasons. "We specially appreciate Etisalat Nigeria, who has been with us through the last three years.

Without them we wouldn't have had Seasons 1, 2 and 3. Together, we've built Nigerian Idol to become an international brand. Etisalat is a brand that understands the Nigerian youth culture," he said, adding that the quality of talent on Nigerian Idol 3 has revealed the resilient spirit of its youth as portrayed by the contestants. He also thanked the viewers and followers of this season's show, and disclosed that this season which searched through five cities across Nigeria for the Voice of Tomorrow, has enjoyed over 30 million hits on its website and added 96,000 new friends on Facebook.

On the choice of Moses, music legend and one of the judges, Femi Kuti praised Nigerians for their choice. According to him, "Moses shows there is great potential in Nigeria. I am very impressed.

What we need to do is lay the foundation for them to grow upon," the Afrobeat ace said. Many Nigerians will agree. Now they can't wait for the first single or album of this very talented Nigerian Idol.

"London baby" Paul Okoye's first child- Family Source

T

he paternity imbroglio between Nigerian music star and entertainer, Paul Okoyeof the P-Square brothers and one time beauty pageant contestant and model, ElshamahIgbanoi, has taken another dimension.

A close relative of Mr. Okoye's revealed to the Nigeriafilms.com that the baby born by Ms. ElshamahIgbanoi, a 19 year- old former Miss Plateau State and third year law student at the University of Jos, is in fact the artist's first child.

"Just recently, P-Square had

thrown a party in Atlanta, Georgia to welcome another baby born by a different lover of his", the report said.

However, Mr. Paul Okoye has kept mum, even though some blogs reported that his public relations claimed that the paternity report was a "hoax" and even an "April Fools' joke."

NFC wants film producers to supply pay multiple taxes.

Inland Revenue Service information Federal He however commended the (FIRS) to reduce the amount of

A

cting Managing Director, Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), Mr. Charles TexBenibo, has urged film producers in the country to provide accurate details of their works, so as to enhance the corporation's data base.

Speaking at the inauguration of the quartet of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), in Lagos, Tex-Benibo, the purpose is to have a good data base film production in the corporation and for the industry since Nigeria is the second largest film producing country after India.

"It is the duty of the NFC to document the amount used for a film, how many people that were employed, where the film was shot and other necessary details", he explained.

Tex-Benibo further called on the

taxes paid by film practitioners because the tax levy was high.

He therefore advised FIRS to carry out a proper documentation of tax payers in the country since it was an offence for anybody to

AmakaIgwe

efforts of the Federal Government for approving a N3 billion fund for the Nollywood industry, noting that it would help to build a structure that would grow and develop it.(NAN)

ZebEjiro

Twisted Tale: John Dumelo opens up on 'secret certificate has detailed and my documentary movie I'm marriage' accurate information about him doing for my J.Melo Clothing

A

ctor John Dumelo has granted an interview to peacefmonline regarding his reported secret marriage to US based model, actress and nurse, HarrinaDembele, where vehemently denied the reports and describing it as ridiculous.

Nigeriafilms.com reports that John who is presently in the US said that he was not too surprised when he first saw the story online adding that this is not the first time a story about him getting married has been released.

Reacting to the saga, he said: "Last two years they said I was getting married to one actress, last year they said I was married with two kids. I'm sure in two years they will say I'm the newest grandfather in town" On the alleged marriage certificate which was released on the internet as evidence of his secret marriage, John explained that there is indeed a marriage certificate to that effect but it was used as props for a marriage scene in a new documentary he is currently shooting at different locations in different countries all over the world.

Asked why the 'fake' marriage

and his family, John said the documentary is about him so he played himself that is how come he had to use correct information like his name, age and that of his parents on the certificate.

"I am not married, it's all for

John Dumelo

line. The day will come when I will actually get married" John said documentary movie will be released before the end of the year for everybody to see and understand this whole issue.

PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

Hollywood

Tom Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie in for 'Mission: Impossible 5'

A

f t e r his high-flying exploits over the city of Dubai paid off, and quite handsomely, Tom Cruise has opted for yet another go as Ethan Hunt.

The perpetually halfgrinning actor has officially signed on for a fifth movie in the Mission: Impossible franchise, as reported by Entertainment Weekly, banking once more on what seems to be his only remaining fail safe title.

Hollywood .com gathered that Alongside Cruise, rumors have circled director Christopher McQuarrie, who wrote and helmed the actor's 2012 action-heavy folly Jack Reacher. McQuarrie is not yet officially on board, but The Hollywood Reporter names him as the frontrunner for the Paramount five quell.

The modest turnout garnered by Cruise's Lee Child adaptation aside, the studio must be confident in the IMF series' consistent appeal. Cruise and McQuarrie might not have

been able to sell Reacher, but they should be able to handle Ethan Hunt. according to the report, while Cruise's most recent big screen turn, Oblivion, fared well at the box office, the once stalwart movie star has seen some meager releases over the past year and change: nobody wanted to see Tom Cruise as a mountainous renegade in Jack Reacher.

And even fewer people wanted to see him as a rock god in Rock of Ages. But the Mission: Impossible franchise serves as a reliable go-to for Cruise, with Ghost Protocol raking in a healthy $209 million.

"Newly over 50, we're wondering how long the actor can keep up with his secret agent stunts - you can bet he's going to try to top dangling from the Burj Khalifa in No. 5 although this news, plus Cruise's casting in The Man from U.N.C.L.E., indicate that he has no intention of quieting down his act anytime soon", Hollywood.com said.

Lindsay Lohan to spend 90 days at Betty Ford Center

I

n f o r m a t i o n has emerged that after last Thursday's game of musical rehab centers, Lindsay Lohan has settled into the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, Califonia, for duration of full 90 days with no exceptions.

People.com notes that, while most patients are allowed to leave the premises for select meals or shopping, Lohan will not be afforded such privileges.

"According to a letter to Lohan's attorney Shawn Holley filed with the L.A. Superior Court; 'it is understood by the Betty Ford Center that your client is to remain on the premises for the duration of her 90-day stay in treatment."

Turns out Lohan will be getting some special treatment after all.

"However, an intake counselor at Betty Ford clarifies for People, "We can't hold a patient against their will, and we can't stop a patient

from running away. We're not a jail. But we closely monitor patients via security and technicians 24 hours a day", the report stated.

Also, according to People, the document also says that Lohan will be required to adhere to a strict daily schedule from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM

that includes meetings with a physician, nurse, psychologist, case manager, spiritual case counselor, family counselor, dietician, and chemical dependency technician as well as attend daily group therapy sessions and meet with a physical trainer.

Late Harryhausen's 5 timeless special effects monsters

R

ay Harryhausen, who died on Tuesday, in London at 91, left a vast legacy for generations of special effects artists, because what they do now digitally with computers, the legendary icon did digitally long before but without computers, only with his digits.

It may surprise many to learn that was only credited for his groundbreaking effects wizardry on 13 feature films:

from 1949's Mighty Joe Young to 1981's Clash of the Titans.

According to Hollywood.com, decades before digital painters could create monstrous creatures by

pointing and clicking a mouse, Harryhausen got hands on, painstakingly sculpting tentacled beasts, reanimated skeletons, and scaly dinosaurs himself.

Here are five Harryhausen's greatest monsters creatures that had profound impact on cinema: 5. The Medusa, Clash of the Titans (1981) 4. Dinosaurs, One Million Years B.C. (1966) 3. Sea Monster, It Came From Beneath the Sea, 1955 2. The Goddess Kali, The Golden Voyage of Sinbad (1973) 1. The Reanimated Skeletons, Jason and the Argonauts (1963)

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

PAGE 27

Bollywood 2013 Bollywood hot trailers to be crazy with 1. Gippi Directed by: Sonam Nair Produced by: Hiroo Yash Johar & Karan Johar Cast: Riya Vij, Divya Dutta, Doorva Tripathi, Arbaz Kadwani, Jayati Modi & Taaha Shah

Row over Salman Khan's plan to marry Non-Indian actress

T

he Most eligible bachelor of Bollywood, Salman Khan, who has till now escaped the bonds of marriage is reportedly set to settle in marital bliss with none other than the mysterious girl with whom he has been seen in and around Bandra.

Media sources have it that the girl, a Romanian television actress and anchor Iulia Vantur, whom the actor has known for almost two years now.

According to bollywoodlife.com, the news about the Dabangg actor dating Dubai-based Iulia Vantur spread

like wildfire across 'B-town' two days ago. Latest reports suggest that Sallu has already decided to get married to the Romanian TV actor The report says, ever since a tabloid broke the story of Khan dating firang chick Iulia, gossipmongers haven't stopped speculating and even creating stories, that too with updates; and if the report is to be believed, Salman's marriage with Iulia is scheduled to take place this year.

In the recent past, the Mujhse Shadi Karogi actor has been linked with several B-town babes he has worked with and has also

reportedly developed a soft corner for them, including firang chics like Zarine Khan, Claudia Ciesla, Marigold actor Ali Larter, the most significant candidate Katrina Kaif, who missed out on the shaadi ka opportunity (that's what we think, anyway) and the latest, Iulia.

But, for many of his fans, who expressed doubt about the development, it's quite difficult to believe that Sallu will be marrying a non Indian, as it could be just another round of his dating game, after all.

They wonder why the handsome hunk will settle down

with someone who doesn't belong to his motherland or follow his traditions.

For others, whatever the truth actually is, they are happy for their favourite star if he has finally decided to settle down in matrimonial bliss, but they wish he doesn't disappoint them this time, As it seems, the fact that the duo has been spotted almost every day at a subarban five star hotel in Bandra, may mean that the Dabangg star is quite serious about taking this relation to the next level, as he is very open about this relationship.

Deepak Padukone is most fashionable actress

E

Deepak Padukone

x -supermodel and style diva, Deepak Padukone , who is reckoned to be among those few actresses who experiments with colours, cuts and silhouettes, has emerged as the most fashionable actress in Bollywood, according a recent Poll.

To carry oneself with flair doesn't come easy, but for this dusky beauty, be it her red-carpet appearances or her sultry diva persona in front of the arc lights, she exudes style.

According to filmfare.com, the exsupermodel's unmatched cool sense of style is her perfect 10 figure; and try catching her in something tried-andtested and you'll fail.

Unsurprisingly, Deepika won the poll with 32% votes; Rekha stands second with 24% votes; Kareena Kapoor Khan became third with 19% votes; Sonam Kapoor stays fourth with 12% votes; and Zeenat Aman stands fifth with 8% votes.

Like they say, some stars simply have it all, and to carry oneself with flair doesn't come easy, but for Deepika it's just instinct.

2. Go Goa Gones Directed by: Raj Nidimoru & Krishna DK Produced by: Saif Ali Khan, Dinesh Vijan & Sunil Lulla Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Kunal Khemu, Vir Das & Puja Gupta 3. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani Directed by: Ayan Mukerji Produced by: Dharma Productions Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Kalki Koechlin & Aditya Roy Kapur 4. Raanjhanaa Directed by: Aanand L Rai Produced by: Krishika Lulla Cast: Dhanush, Sonam Kapoor and Abhay Deol 5. Ghanchakkar Directed by: Raj Kumar Gupta Produced by: Ronnie Screwvala, Siddharth Roy Kapur Cast: Vidya Balan, Emraan Hashmi 6. Lootera Directed by: Vikramaditya Motwane and Vikas Bahl Produced by: Balaji and Phantom Pictures Cast: Ranveer Singh and Sonakshi Sinha

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

Cuisine

Pots & Pans

With Hajiya Ramatu Usman Dorayi

Jollof rice with chicken (Dafaduka da kaza)

Ingredients: 1 Large Chicken(kaza) 8 Lamb chops(saniya) 2 Large Onions(albasa) 3 Hot pepper (tattasai) 3 Chilli (atarugu) 5 Garlic cloves (tafaruwa) 1 Packet of mixed vegetable(carrots, peas) 6 spoonful Groundnut oil or sunflower oil (mangyada) 3 cups of long grain rice (shinkafa) 2 Table spoon of salt (gishiri) Curry, thyme, bay leaf, corriander, parsley, (kayan kanshi) Method: Settle Lamb & chicken in pot, chop onions add garlic cloves, curry, thyme & salt to taste and marinate the meat.

Preheat oil for 5 minutes; chop the onions, garlic, chilli pepper & hot pepper.

Fry till golden brown. Pour mixed vegetable and stir fry. Drain meat stock (ruwan nama) and pour stock into mixed vegetable. Allow to boil for 5 minutes.

Wash rice and pour and low heat. Cover pot and allow to cook for 30mins.

Shallow fry chicken and lamb chops.

Cut onions in round shape and deep fry to onion rings. Dress chicken/Lamb with onions; pour half a teaspoon of sugar syrup to give it a taste. Or boil half a table spoon of brown sugar & pour onto meat.

Serving tips: For a simple but tasty lunch, accompany the jollof rice (aka dafaduka) with some salad. Alternatively, serve as a side dish with fried chicken & lamb. Food setting on the floor is preferable. Dining table is not necessary. The Hausa style of eating on the mat is more comfortable.

Lettuce Juice

Lettuce is a vegetable with a lot of nutrients that is added to many vegetable cocktails. Lettuce juice can have vitamin C, calcium and iron depending on the variety used. Butter head and romaine lettuce are good types of lettuce for juice making. Lettuce juice goes well with parsnips, carrots and spinach added to it.

How to prepare: Wash the lettuce thoroughly and shake off the excess water.

Remove any undesirable bits from the lettuce like browning spots or insect holes.

Anything that you don't want to eat shouldn't go in the juicer.

Chop the lettuce up into large pieces.

Feed the lettuce into the chute of the juicer and press it down with the plunger. Do this for all the lettuce you are juicing.

Depending on the variety of lettuce, it may take quite a bit of lettuce to create a small amount of juice.

Add any other vegetables you are juicing to the chute.

Carrot makes a good addition to lettuce juice. By juicing the lettuce first and following with other vegetables, you encourage any remaining lettuce bits to go through the juicer with the larger carrot pieces. Refrigerate and serve.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

PAGE 29

Womanhood laments woman trapped in abusive relationship

He would take my baby and spend late hours with his lover Continued from last week

M

y only reality was David, my son. I lavished all my love on him. I ignored Chris and his girlfriend, Mary, and when the tax centre called to ask if I would return to work, I just agreed. Nothing really changed. I would come home from work and grab my child when he was dropped off like he was a lifeline. We still spent our evenings together, David and I. We slept in my room, he slept on my bed with me, and Chris, of course, stayed in his room.

An incident happened when David was about 6 months old. I was still breastfeeding him, and we would regularly get up every night to feed. I would sit up against the headboard of the bed with about three pillows behind me for support, and then I would use one more pillow as a nursing pillow so that I could have David in my arms with a pillow under him. Well, one night between 2:00 and 3:00 am, I was awakened by the crackling of static on police radios. My landlord at the time was Jasbir, we lived on 85th Avenue, and she had two sons living with her, so I just thought they had had a party and the neighbors had called the police.

Soon after I heard the radios, I heard a loud banging at the door. I got up and made for the front door. I was in my nursing pajama top and bottoms. Chris got to the door before me. He was still fully dressed. Two policemen came in. They wanted to know how many people lived in the house, they went through both rooms; they went into the bathroom. I followed them wanting to know what had happened, and little David, woken up by all the commotion, just started to squeal.

I picked him up in my arms. One of the policemen took us to the bathroom and showed us holes in the wall from the outside, through the bathroom to the bedroom that I shared with my baby.

There was a hole where bullets had passed across the headboard out through to the outside wall. When I realized the implications, my legs just gave way and I fell to the floor in shock still cradling my baby. I was wailing loudly. Chris was still following the police officer outside, and the police officer turned to him and said, “Where are you going? What are you doing? Go pick up your wife! Make sure she’s okay! Go help her!” Chris said, “She’s okay. She always behaves like that. Get up!” He said to me, without moving.

I will never forget my shame when

the policeman came and helped me up.

He sat me on the couch before he went out. I will also always remember the disbelieving look that he gave Chris. It confirmed to me that I was not the only one that thought that he was wicked. So, what had happened was that there was a drive-by shooting – some people had shot a volley of bullets into the front door of the main house, and the garage, and three to four bullets had come through to the basement where my child and I lay sleeping.

After the shooting incident, I was now convinced that there was a kind and a merciful God who was looking after me.

Three things convinced me: One, I am a light sleeper. The slightest noise would wake me up, but now as a mom, I was so attuned to any disturbance or the tiniest sound from my child. So for me to have slept through a volley of gunshots was miraculous to me, considering that I had woken up when the danger had passed, to a crackling radio. Secondly, the time that it had happened was my regular feeding time. I would normally be sitting up against the head board nursing my baby, and the bullets would simply have passed through us both, and thirdly, David also slept through all the noise.

I decided I had to get closer to God. I redoubled my efforts, I studied my bible – I had to know more about this God of the bible, and I soon discovered many comforting and reassuring verses. I like the Psalms a lot. They talked about all kinds of situations. I started to pray all the time. I started to ask God to please save my baby and me from Chris and all other evils. I kept studying.

Amaka and her children I continued to dote on my son. I couldn’t get enough of him. I breast fed him exclusively. I spent every dollar I had on his clothes, his books, and his toys. I started to read to him before he was 4 months old, and David could read by the time he was 4 years old. I also, of course, had to go back to work at the Surrey Tax Centre, after he was 4 months old. My maternity employment insurance benefits were not very much, and I had to think about the baby as well. I was breastfeeding, but we lived only about a 5-minute drive from the Tax Centre, so on my breaks (I had two half-hour breaks), I would run home and feed him.

I did not know at that point about expressing breast milk.

Chris and Mary got even more close at this point, and after Chris had prevented me from going to bury my father, I did not want to stick around the house and watch him and Mary carrying on in front of me, so I figured I better go back to work – and I did.

Mary would spend a whole day at my house. She was working as a support worker at the Community Living Society, and she would have about one or two of her charges in my house. I would leave for work at about 7:45 to start at 8:00 am. I would come for my first break at 10:30 am to feed my child, and when I arrived, she would be there, and when I came home for the 1:30 pm break, she would still be there. I would come home from work at about 4:10 pm, and she would be there still. I always ignored her.

I would just wash up and take my son from Chris in order to feed him and bathe him and spend time with him. This

“

Mary would spend a whole day at my house. She was working as a support worker at the Community Living Society, and she would have about one or two of her charges in my house. I would leave for work at about 7:45 to start at 8:00 am. I would come for my first break at 10:30 am to feed my child, and when I arrived, she would be there, and when I came home for the 1:30 pm break, she would still be there. I would come home from work at about 4:10 pm

continued until David was about 8 months old. He stopped breastfeeding on his own. He was well into his first solids supplemented by formula. It was very hard for me. It was as though we lost a certain connection.

Once, I came home in the morning at about 10:00 am, just before my break, Chris and Mary were on the couch – he was sitting down at one end and she was asleep with her head on his lap. My baby was in his car seat on the floor. I stood outside and I watched them for about 5 minutes. She sat up when I entered the house and I said to her, “Mary, I’m tired of seeing you here. You have been here every day for almost a year now. Please don’t come here again.” And that was the start of Chris taking my baby and spending the whole day at Mary’s. I would return from work and start to call for my baby to be brought home – he was all that I had. Chris would keep saying, “I’ll be home soon. I’ll be back in one hour.” Well, sometimes by 10:30 pm I would not have seen my child.

We had huge fights whenever he would show up, and I got beaten with anything that he could find. I tried to fight him back.

Sometimes when I called Mary to have my son brought home, she would shout at me as well. I was just really affronted. I told her that she could have Chris – I did not want him. I just wanted my son. I told her that she knew my work schedule, that if she sent Chris back with David just to drop the baby off, that I would make sure he came back to her, and strangely enough, she heeded my request. When I returned from work, Chris would bring David home and then he would take off again. I did not really care when he showed up, as long as I had the baby.

We fought on a few more occasions about my watching Ellen show recordings, and he would take David away from me if he stopped by and we were watching. So, I gave it up entirely and we would only watch Jeopardy. Even today, I find it really hard to believe that Chris could be so evil that he would beat me for watching a TV show. Once I asked him about it at a time we were not fighting. He told me that it is called ‘transference of spirits’, and that I or David could get the spirit of homosexuality by watching a gay person. The woman is a comedian, and at that point in my life, anything that could possibly make me laugh and forget my pain for even a minute, was welcome.

PAGE 30

Archives

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013 Do you have old pictures for memories?

Send them to junioremma419@gmail.com

Colonial Masters and their Nigerian slaves

History of Nigerian Hip Hop

L-R: Dr. Filani and Prince Shyllon navigating Nigerian art history, Zarianists, among other issues

Nigerians fight against Royal Nigerdock

Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa at the celebration of “Nigeria at 51”

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

PAGE 31

Leisure WORD SEARCH

Photo of the day

Find the words which are listed at the right side of this page in the Part of the body Word Search grid. The words can be forwards, backwards, up, down, or diagonal. Circle each letter separately and keep in mind that the letters in each words may be used in more than one words name.

Parts of the body word search

EAR HAND STOMACH NOSE MOUTH TEETH

ANKLE BREAST HIPS TONGUE LIPS FEET TOE CHIN

ST 1.

2.

3.

4.

Riddles and Jokes Bugs and insects jokes

5.

6.

7.

Q. When is a baseball player like a spider?

A. When he catches a fly!

Q: What do you call a fly without wings?

A: A walk.

Q: Why wouldn't they let the butterfly into the dance?

A: Because it was a mothball.

A man was looking out his window when he noticed that there was a snail on one of his plants. So he took the snail and threw him as far as he could.

Ten years later the old man heard a tap tap tap on his window, and when he looked up he saw a very cross snail who looked at him and said, "Hey, what did you do that for?"

A man had a pet centipede. He said, "centipede, go get the paper and make it snappy!"

A half an hour later the man went outside and said, "I thought I told you to get the paper a half an hour ago!"

"Well, I had to put on my shoes," said the centipede.

Q: What is totaly funny and makes dogs itch?

A: The Flea Stooges!

Q: Who comes to a picnic but is never invited?

A: Ants.

Q: What do you call a rabbit with beetles all over it?

A: Bugs Bunny.

Q: What letter can hurt you if it gets too close?

A: B (bee)

Q: Why was the ant so confused?

A: Because all his uncles were "ants"!

Q: Why did the fly never land on the computer?

A: He was afriad of the world wide web.

Q: Why are A's like flowers?

A: Because bee's come after them!

Q: What do you call a snail on a ship?

A: A snailor!

Q: What creature is smarter than a talking parrot?

A: A spelling bee!

Q: What is on the ground and also a hundred feet in the air?

A: A centipede on its back!

Q: What is the strongest animal?

A: A snail because it carries it's home.

Q: What do frogs order when they go to a restaurant?

A: French Flies.

8.

9.

10.

Ten Success Tips

Find Inner Serenity by Making it Easier to Find Your Keys. For most people, getting control of clutter brings a greater sense of calm and decreased frustration.

Surround Yourself With Progress. When you complete a list of action steps, your instinct might be to throw the list away. After all, the work is completed!

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Learn the Secrets of the Super-Organized. A few simple habits keep clutter and chaos at bay.

Check Email Once a Day … or Once a Week. Simple tips that will reduce interruption and increase your productivity.

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Learn Lessons from Google About Self-Image. How you think of yourself greatly affects how successful you can be. Google has got self-image down to a science.

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CARTOON

PAGE 32

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

Deadly blast hits government convoy in Mogadishu A

Madagascar election set for July despite mediator's unease

car bomb has exploded near a government convoy in the Somali capital Mogadishu, killing at least seven people, officials say.

A police spokesman told AFP

news agency a suicide attacker had driven a car laden with explosives at an armoured government vehicle.

Eyewitnesses told the BBC a government vehicle carrying

foreign aid workers had been targeted.

The attack comes days before a conference in London on Somalia.

No group said immediately it

F

ailure by Guinea's politicians to reach agreement for a longdelayed legislative poll is stirring up tribal violence, jeopardizing economic gains and raising fears that the military could once again step in.

The election, first scheduled for 2011, is meant to complete a transition to civilian rule after a military coup in 2008, but has been postponed several times as government and opposition parties remain at loggerheads over the organization of the vote.

At least 12 people have been killed and over 300 wounded between February and April during several days of violent clashes between opposition supporters, government loyalists and security forces in the seaside capital Conakry.

The government and its opponents have traded accusations of stirring hatred between the largely proopposition Peul, who account for around 40 percent of the population, and the smaller Malinke tribe loyal to President Alpha Conde.

"The risks for Guinea are enormous," said Christopher Fomunyoh, Africa regional director for Washington-based think tank National Democratic Institute (NDI).

"The ethnic undertones to the political debate in Guinea are growing increasingly polarizing."

For some, like 24-year-old car mechanic AbdoulayeJibril Sow, the risks are already reality. In early March he arrived at his home in Bambeto, an opposition stronghold, when a bullet ricocheted off a wall, sliced through his neck and exited through his left shoulder blade.

Sow did not see who fired the shot, which paralyzed his arm, nor who shot dead a 16-year-old neighbor the same night during an attack on the poor Peulneighborhood by Malinke tribesmen.

The mangled remains of a car could be seen burning after the blast

By Abdulkadir Isa

M

ember states of Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) are to converge on Abuja for the first ordinary Session of the Third Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament to consider various reports of countries even as the Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal is to address the parliament on the opening day.

The meeting, expected to be chaired by Nigeria's deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu will also consider and adopt the draft agenda and work programme for the

Ekweremadu to chair ECOWAS' first ordinary session in Abuja 2013 1st Ordinary Session as well as that of the Ad hoc, Standing and Joint Committees of the Parliament.

A statement from ECOWAS secretariat, Abuja further said the 2-week meeting will hold at the commission's secretariat, where the work programme of the ECOWAS Parliament for the second half of the year and the Draft Report of the February 2013 Extra Ordinary Session would be

considered.

The event, according to the statement, "would feature the presentation of the activities of the Community, Country Reports and consideration of referrals from the ECOWAS Commission."

Chairman of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers who is also the Minister of Integration of Cote d' Ivoire, H.E. Daniel Kabian Duncan, the President of the ECOWAS Commission,

H.E. Kadre Desire Ouedraogo, , President of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, Hon. Justice Awa Nana Daboya and the President of the ECOWAS Bank for Industrial Development (EBID), Mr. Bashir Mamman Ifo would equally give addresses to the parliamentarians.

The Parliament meets twice a year in ordinary session as the First Session holds in May, while the Second is expected to take place in September.

Ethiopian peacekeeper killed, two wounded in Sudanese clash

O

Madagascar president, Andry Rajoelina, who made a volte face to contest in the upcoming election

had carried out Sunday's attack.

The country's main Islamist group al-Shabab, which is part of al-Qaeda, has been forced out of the main cities in the south and centre but still controls smaller towns and many rural areas.

Ten people were also injured by the explosion, BBC reporter Mohamed Ibrahim reports from the city.

Government forces had only re-opened the main roads in Mogadishu on Saturday after a four-day ban on vehicle traffic, he adds.

The ban had been aimed at preventing attacks by al-Shabab.

A Reuters news agency photographer said he could see three people lying motionless near the wreckage of four burning cars.

The London conference will discuss how best the international community can support Somalia's progress.

More than 50 countries and organisations are due to take part when it opens on Tuesday, cohosted by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and UK Prime Minister David Cameron.

The UK recently re-opened its embassy in Mogadishu.

The security situation in city was thought to have been improving after two decades of conflict, despite occasional attacks.

Masked gunmen shot dead the deputy chief prosecutor, Ahmad ShaykhNurMaalin, last month in the city centre.

ne Ethiopian peacekeeper was killed and two others wounded when a U.N. convoy was caught up in a tribal clash in the Abyei border region claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan, the United Nations said on Sunday.

Sudan and South Sudan in March agreed to resume crossborder oil flows and defuse tensions which have plagued them since the South seceded in 2011 after an independence vote.

But they were unable to decide on the ownership of

Abyei, which both the Dinka tribe allied to South Sudan and the Arab Misseriya tribe allied to Sudan call their home.

Kuwal Deng Mayok, the top Dinka leader in Abyei, was travelling with a U.N. convoy when he was killed by members of the Misseriya in a clash on Saturday that risked fuelling new tensions in the flashpoint area.

An Ethiopian peacekeeper was also killed and two others seriously wounded by a Misseriya tribesman, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Kimoon's office said.

"The Secretary-General urges the governments of Sudan and South Sudan and the ... Dinka and Misseriya communities to remain calm and avoid any escalation of this unfortunate event," it said in a statement.

Abyei straddles the border between the neighbors, who fought one of Africa's longest civil wars. It is prized for its fertile land and small oil reserves.

Like South Sudan, Abyei was meant to have an independence vote, agreed under a 2005 peace deal

which ended the civil war between the north and south.

But both countries have been unable to agree which tribe members should participate.

Ethiopian peacekeepers have been running a temporary administration for Abyei since Sudan seized it in May 2011 following an attack on a convoy of U.N. peacekeepers and Sudanese soldiers which the United Nationsblamed on southern forces.

Khartoum later withdrew its forces under a U.N. peace plan.

PAGE 32

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

F

Compiled by Emmanuel Eko

‘Polo’ shirts

A

polo shirt is a type of loose knit, usually cotton, shirt with a collar. The history of polo shirts dates back to the 7th century when the name of the garment itself was the "Pulu", originating from Persia. It was a game in which men on horseback used to hit wooden balls with sticks. The attire that those h o r s e riders

wore is not known, but as this game came to India, during the British occupation, British players used to wear a long sleeved, button down shirt to take part in this sport. Then, in the mid-18th century a tennis star, Rene Lacoste, made a short sleeve version of the earlier polo shirt, to play tennis. Hence, Rene Lacoste is credited with designing the very first, modernd a y polo shirt.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

Asia and Middle East

I

srael carried out its second air strike in days on Syria early on Sunday, a Western intelligence source said, in an attack that shook Damascus with a series of powerful blasts and drove columns of fire into the night sky.

Israel declined comment but Syria accused the Jewish state of striking a military facility just north of the capital - one which its jets had first targeted three months ago. Iran, a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and an arch-enemy for Israel, urged states in the region to resist the Israeli attack.

People living near the Jamraya base spoke of explosions over several hours in various places near Damascus, including a town housing senior officials: "Night turned into day,"

China ships head into 'disputed waters'

T

hree Chinese government ships have sailed into the waters of disputed Tokyocontrolled islands, according to Japan's coastguard.

The maritime surveillance ships entered the 12-nauticalmile zone off the Senkaku islands, which China calls the Diaoyu, around 11am (0200 GMT) on Sunday.

Chinese government ships have frequently sailed around the five islands in recent months, sparking diplomatic clashes with Japan.

In late April, eight Chinese government vessels sailed into the disputed waters, the biggest flotilla in a single day since Tokyo nationalised part of the island chain in September.

The move sparked an angry response, with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe vowing to "expel by force" any Chinese landing on the archipelago, which is believed to harbour vast natural resources below its seabed.

The developments come as China's first passenger cruise made its way to the South China Sea Paracel Islands to which several East Asian countries have laid claim.

PAGE 33

Israel launches more 'airstrikes' in Syria one man said.

Syria's state media on Sunday reported that Israeli missiles struck a military and scientific research centre near the Syrian capital and caused casualties.

The attack, the second in three days, signaled a sharp escalation of Israel's involvement in Syria's civil war.

"The new Israeli attack is an attempt to raise the morale of the terrorist groups which have been reeling from strikes by our noble army," Syrian television said, referring to recent offensives by the forces of Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian president, against the armed opposition.

Video footage uploaded onto the internet by activists showed a huge ball of fire rising into the night sky.

A Damascus resident described the blasts, saying they felt like "an earthquake" and "unprecedented".

A senior Israeli source told AFP that Israel had carried out the airstrike, which they said struck near Damascus airport.

The US State Department

had no immediate comment and the Israeli embassy in Washington declined comment.

The Syrian state media claims, reported by the Reuters news agency, come after Israel confirmed that its air force hit a shipment of missiles in Syria bound for Hezbollah.

Israel has repeatedly said that it is prepared to resort to force to prevent Syrian weapons, including chemical weapons, from reaching Hezbollah or groups.

Syria's rebel Free Syrian Army reacted cautiously on Sunday to the Israeli air strikes, saying their country was already under attack daily by regime war planes.

"Of course the Free Syrian Army and any Syrian is bothered that their country is being bombed, but Syria is being bombed every day by (President) Bashar al-Assad, and by Israel," FSA media and political coordinator Louay Meqdad told.

He spoke after Syrian state media reported that Israeli

rockets struck a military facility outside the capital Damascus overnight, the second reported attack by the Jewish state inside Syria this week.

"We wonder why there are so many missiles and military installations around Damascus when they should be close to the ceasefire line with Israel on the Golan Heights," he added.

"For us, the operations that we carry out every day are not related to Israeli attacks or anything else, and we will continue to fight until the fall of Assad," he said.

The US president, Barack Obama, said on Saturday, before the latest incident, that it was up to Israel to confirm or deny any strikes, but that the US coordinates very closely with Israel.

"The Israelis, justifiably, have to guard against the transfer of advanced weaponry to terrorist organizations like Hezbollah," Obama told the Spanishlanguage TV station Telemundo.

Protesters in Bangladesh clashed with police over demands for a new blasphemy law [Al Jazeera]

India ready to negotiate on Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline extension

I

Salman Khorshid

ndian Foreign Affairs Minister, Salman Khorshid, announced here in Tehran New Delhi's readiness to enter negotiations over the extension of Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline to India, Press TV reported Sunday.

India is ready to participate in the project, Khorshid made the announcement on Saturday in a meeting with AliAkbar Velayati, the senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

On March 11, Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari inaugurated a gas pipeline project in Iran's southeasternChabahar city, which is projected to link Iran's gas pipeline to that of Pakistan.

When the 1,600-km pipeline is completed by mid-2014, as scheduled, Iran is expected to export some 21.5 million cubic meters of natural gas to Pakistan on a daily basis.

Khorshid also expressed his

country's readiness to invest in the development of the Iranian port of Chabahar, according to Press TV. Tehran and New Delhi are expected to ink an agreement to turn Chabahar into a hub for the transit of Indian goods to Afghanistan.

Khorshid arrived in Tehran on Friday to attend the 17th meeting of Iran-India Joint Economic Commission, scheduled to be held in the Iranian capital on May 3-5.

Source: Xinhua

Protesters demand blasphemy law in Bangladesh

T

ens of thousands of protesters demanding a new blasphemy law have blocked major highways to cut off the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka from the rest of the country, police said.

Activists of Hifazat-e-Islam marched down at least six highways, halting traffic on Sunday between Dhaka and other cities and towns.

The areas around Bangladesh's largest mosque in central Dhaka turned into a battleground after police clashed with thousands of stone-throwing demonstrators, police said.

"At least one person was shot dead and 35 people were injured," police sub-inspector Rokon, who goes by one name, told AFP news agency.

Another senior police officer, Sheikh NazmulAlam, said police fired rubber bullets to disperse unruly protesters. Online newssite bdnews24.com said at least 10 small bombs had exploded near the area.

Zain al-Mahmood, editor of The Dhaka Tribune, told Al Jazeera that the protests are happening because "Hifazat-eIslam think the Islamic way of life and culture of the country is under attack."

He went on to say that while "this had been announced as a oneday protest, some leaders had warned that if there was violence they would be prepared to do a sitin. This is also a concern for the government."

The protest was staged as the country was recovering from its worst industrial disaster, with some 600 people killed when a factory building collapsed on April 24.

Hefajat, a newly created radical Islamist group, is demanding the death penalty for all those who defame Islam.

It said it held the mass protest to push a 13-point list of demands which also include a ban on men and women mixing freely together and the restoration of pledges to Allah in the constitution.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched to Motijheel, Dhaka's main commercial district, where leaders threatened to launch a campaign to oust the government unless their demands are met.

No police estimate was available for the total number of protesters. But a senior officer who declined to be named told AFP that between 150,000 and 200,000 attended the rally at Motijheel.

The rally was the latest in a series of mass actions by Hefajat.

Last month activists organised a general strike as well as a gathering of hundreds of thousands of its activists, in what experts said was the country's largest political gathering in decades.

Critics have branded Hefajat's demands as a charter for turning Bangladesh into a country like Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

PAGE 34

Europe and Americas Protest planned to mark Hollande's first year

T

housands are expected to protest in France to mark President Francois Hollande's first year in office, with some accusing him of backing gay marriage and turning the country on the left.

The Communist-backed Left Front is hoping to rally 100,000 people for a march on Sunday scheduled to take place on the eve of the anniversary of Hollande's May 6 win last year over right-winger Nicolas Sarkozy.

The march will start at the Bastille, the iconic square of the French Revolution.

Many are also expected to gather for separate protests in Paris and other cities to oppose the government's plans to legalise same-sex marriage and adoption by gay couples.

The demonstrations come with polls showing Hollande as the most unpopular president in modern French history.

Many voters are angered by an economy on the edge of recession and unemployment hitting a 16-year high.

Jean-Luc Melenchon, the Left Front's firebrand candidate in last year's vote, called the protest in Paris last month at the height of a scandal over Hollande's ex-budget minister Jerome Cahuzac being charged with tax fraud.

In an interview on Sunday with newspaper Le Parisien, Melenchon called on Hollande to "return to the left, where he was when he was elected".

He accused Hollande of contributing to Europe's economic crisis by focusing on "the interests of shareholders, of big business and of European austerity policies, to the detriment of the workers".

Melenchon called for a government reshuffle with himself or Industrial Renewal Minister Arnaud Montebourg - considered one of Hollande's most left-wing ministers - as prime minister.

Opponents of gay marriage are meanwhile to rally in major cities in a bid to force Hollande to back down from signing a bill approved in parliament last month.

The bill, which is also facing a constitutional challenge, sparked months of demonstrations across the country, with some descending into violence.

It has been one of the most controversial reforms of Hollande's first year in office, with right-wing opponents demanding the issue be put to a referendum.

French M51 missile self-destroys shortly after launch: media A French M51 ballistic missile self-destructed off the coast of Brittany during a test on Sunday, according to media reports.

The missile "self-destructed during its first propulsion phase...

for an unknown reason," Lieutenant Commander Lionel Delort, a spokesman for the Atlantic Naval Prefecture, was quoted by AFP as saying.

"It was a failure, the reasons will be determined by an

investigation," said the spokesman.

The test-fire was carried out from the Vigilant strategic nuclear submarine in the Bay of Audierne at 0730 GMT. The missile was not carrying a nuclear warhead and landed in the ocean after its

Source: Xinhua

Japan signs nuclear plant deal with Turkey

J

apan and Turkey have signed a deal to build a major nuclear power plant on Turkey's Black Sea coast, a milestone for the Japanese nuclear industry as it recovers from the 2011 Fukushima disaster.

On Friday, Turkish Prime Minister RecepTayyipErdogan hailed the $22 billion contract as a "very important step" that would transform bilateral relations with Japan into a "strategic partnership."

A Japanese-French consortium won the giant contract to build Turkey's second nuclear plant, Japan's first successful bid on an overseas nuclear project since a tsunami wrecked the power station in Fukushima.

Turkey weathered criticism for teaming up with Japan in light of the catastrophe, but "despite that, we have taken this step," Erdogan said.

"What happened at Fukushima upset all of us," he said, adding that "successful steps are being taken now with the use of improved technology."

Like Japan, Turkey lies in a part of the world that is prone to

Japam PM, Abe with Turkish counterpart RecepErdogan inspect a guard of honour in Ankara. earthquakes, making it essential that nuclear plants are designed to resist the effects of such events.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who arrived in Turkey as part of a larger

Middle Eastern tour, said that Japan had learnt important lessons from the 2011 catastrophe.

"Japan will share its experience and the lessons it has learnt and will contribute

Anti-Jewish rally in Hungary

Party chairman Gabor Vona told the rally Hungary was "not for sale"

H Opponents of gay marriage, who have previously protested, will rally in major cities [Reuters]

destruction.

The M51 was put into operation in 2010 after five successful test launches and has a range of 8,000-10,000 km.

ungary's far-right Jobbik party has staged a rally in central Budapest in protest at the capital's hosting of the World Jewish Congress (WJC) on Sunday.

Several hundred supporters took part, despite attempts by the government to prevent it going ahead.

Jobbik said the rally was a protest against what it said was a Jewish

attempt to buy up Hungary.

The party, which says it aims to protect Hungarian values and interests, is the third largest in parliament.

It regularly issues anti-Semitic statements.

The event in Budapest on Saturday was billed as a tribute to what organisers called the victims of Bolshevism and Zionism.

"The Israeli conquerors, these investors, should look for another country in the world for themselves because Hungary is not for sale," party chairman Gabor Vona told the rally, according to Reuters news agency.

MartonGyongyosi said Hungary had "become subjugated to Zionism, it has become a target of colonisation while we, the

to the improvement of nuclear security at the highest level," Abe said in comments translated into Turkish.

Abe and Erdogan also signed an agreement covering the peaceful use of nuclear energy. indigenous people, can play only the role of extras".

Last year, Mr Gyongyosi had sparked outrage by saying all government officials of Jewish origin should be officially listed, as they might be a "national security risk".

Some of those taking part in the rally were wearing the black uniform of Jobbik's banned paramilitary wing, the Hungary Guard, which has been accused of vigilante action against Roma (Gypsy) communities.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban had ordered police to ban the march, but a Budapest court overruled the ban, saying it had been based on "unfounded presumptions".

Mr Orban instead instructed the interior ministry to use all lawful means to prevent the event, which goes against the constitution".

Security was tight around the rally, with police blocking several streets, but there were no reports of unrest.

The WJC usually hosts its assembly in Jerusalem, but has chosen Hungary this year to highlight what it says is growing anti-Semitism in Europe.

The focus of its summit this year will be on the "alarming rise of neoNazi political parties and antiSemitic incidents in several European countries, including Hungary", it says on its website.

PAGE 34

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

Interview

‘Govt owe Nigerians free legal aid’ The Legacy Aid Council (LAC) appears to be an unsung institution among those established to administer justice to the poor and downtrodden in the society with jurisdiction over criminal matters. It has completed 7,000 cases and has direct access to prison as well as offices in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In this interview with newsmen in Kaduna, the Director General of the Council, Mrs. Bob-Manuel spoke on its relationship with the police and prisons in the role of assisting vulnerable persons including women and children, saying that the Federal Government owe its people free legal aid just as it owes them free health and education. She said "even if you are poor you can go up to Supreme Court free of charge". Our correspondent, Femi Oyelola was there.

W

hat is the history of Legal Aid Council? It appears that the ordinary Nigerian has not really understood that institution.

Legal Aid Council (LAC) has been i n existence since

was amended and assented to by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011. When it was started with a number of states, thoughts on rule of law were not in place during the military era and only one lawyer was stationed in each state. So when there were 12 states, there were 12 lawyers, and as the states increased, it went on like that. It was only recently in the new democratic era things started improving a bit.

I came in at the end of 2010 and actually started at the beginning of 2011 and met 80 lawyers. We have since improved to 280 and because of the awareness, all the agencies that are necessary to give approval have extended to have more lawyers. You can see that it was because of the time, we were fighting for democracy and a lot of things were pushed to the background. It is now that we have the rule of law and with the media going along with us that we can

Femi Oyelola

1976, which is 35 years ago. When something comes into being during the military era, you don’t expect so much to be known about it, because it was not very easy to address a press conference like this. Also remember that it was a new institution brought about by a very passionate legal luminary, Chimezie Ikeazor, Chief Solomon Lar and Chief Ume Ezeoke. They convinced General Olusegun Obasanjo by actually pushing him to a prison where somebody was languishing for five years for stealing a Louvre blade. He had compassion and that was the first Act in 1976. The Act was amended twice. We now have a better Act that

say we are having better service. You can imagine the number of cases with one lawyer per state, progressing to a few lawyers and to 250 lawyers. Now, we have over 7000 cases that have been done and completed. If you visit our website www.legalaidcouncil.gov.ng, you can ask for any information. We have a lot of records.

On your jurisdiction and mandate...

The first Act in 1976 gave us the jurisdiction over criminal matters. So it is not true that our council is not extended. Do not confuse it with civil jurisdiction. We are in Federal Secretariat Kawo, Kaduna. Our offices are in 36 states and

Federal Capital Territory (FCT). We are in the Federal Secretariats or otherwise at High Courts in states without Federal Secretariats. So, our main mandate was to take up criminal matters.

We have a lot of agencies in criminal justice sector. We have the police, ministry of justice, prison service. We are all in the same criminal justice and if it is a case to be taken by LAC, the prison is our most important stakeholder. They have it in their schedule to send us the number of awaiting trial persons (ATP) in their prison every month. If you go to any Legal Aid Council office, the Zonal Director will give you the returns of the prisons, so we have good record. We have direct access to the prison. The lawyers visit the prisons to know their legal status. Some are represented by their own family lawyers. A lot of them are not. We represent such people. It is true that people can be innocently incarcerated.

You can’t know until you bring the matter to court. It is because of the bureaucratic processes that we have a lot awaiting trial persons. On our own there are initiatives. Legal Aid Council is working in cooperation with some other donor agencies. One of them is that we are stationed in police stations. We have that project in Kaduna called Police Duty Solicitor Scheme (PDSS). We make sure that a lot of cases that should not come there are resolved. We have MOU with the police.

How do you handle issues of vulnerable persons, women and children?

A lot of press reports have been going on these issues and this is laudable. It is when the press hammer on these issues that we are happy doing our job. We at the LAC, represent anybody, but we will never stand against justice. Once a rapist is found guilty, he must serve his term. One of the misconceptions about LAC is that we represent criminals. It is not so. Once a court concludes that you are a criminal, a lawyer must represent you and the case done, the better for the convict. You know you are in to serve.

But for the awaiting trial, we just have to separate the chaffs from the grains, the innocent from the real criminals. So, lawyers are essential or otherwise any magistrate or judge can never listen to a case where the person is not represented by a lawyer.

How do the people access your services?

We also appeal to the press to be our partner for people to know their right. It is the fundamental right which Nigeria owes its people, just as it owes free education, free health. Access means, even though you are poor, you can go up to the Supreme Court free of charge. People don’t know their right.

If you know that your brother is in the police cell, contact the LAC office near you. The legal officer will help you apply and follow that case to the logical conclusion. But because, we don’t know our rights, we always seek help from wrong quarters. Everybody that comes as an offender has a right to a lawyer. Once the offender is with the police, let the relative go to LAC office and get a lawyer. We even have offices being opened in local government areas and we have about 15 today. On publicity, we have a lot of problem.

Last year, we carried out national awareness in market places, motor parks, on the same day and

areas where vulnerable people are and our cases increased.

What are the challenges you are facing?

One big challenge facing Legal Aid Council is funding. We need youth corps members.They do not work with you if you don’t give a corper N10,000 extra every month. We were managing well when we used to pay salary.

Now salaries are paid through the Accountant General’s office. So, we are finding it difficult to pay corpers extra. We look for donor agencies, those who can support. We are still waiting for agencies like the Swiss government which has just said they will help us. Donors that helped us last time are also sourcing for funds to help us because it was quite successful in the past. For police to ask, do you have a lawyer? It is magical.

It is a miracle in Nigeria. We have Police Duty Solicitor Scheme (PDSS) in five police stations here. There is a conference in The Gambia. They have asked us to come and present our story on PDSS programme which is quite laudable. We are helping our police system to help us reduce the number of offenders behind police counters.

Would LAC assist any group to campaign state pardon for people like Alamieyeseigha and Major al-Mustapha since your organization is interested in criminal matters?

It is beyond my jurisdiction to speak on the pardon. But out of my jurisdiction everybody have an opinion as a Nigerian. So, I am speaking as Mrs Bob-Manuel. I am not speaking for LAC. As you know, the constitution allows the President to do what he did. Whether it is in good faith or in bad faith remains to be seen. So, as a lawyer I tend to think constitution and let us see where it goes from there. We in LAC don’t represent such cases. On the al-Mustapha case, he is not within our purview of 18,000 Naira and below and I don’t think he has approached us. The Federal Government is paying for the services because it is a free service like in free education.

On capacity building of nongovernment organisations (NGOs) We need these NGOs as our foot-soldiers. If we want women, (for example in divorce cases) to listen to people working in the grassroots and who speak their dialect to help tell people that in these local governments, you can see a lawyer there to help you know your right. We have to cope with the good, the bad, the ugly, but World Bank has a method of ensuring that NGOs come on board and that is why we have not been able to train them. We were able to get seven and this was because they were not up to 10 organisations. But they said we better get those who know how to sensitise and who know how to do advocacy and can bring the knowledge of the programme to the grass roots. I agree that a lot of Nigerians misuse opportunities, as they join NGOs for what they gain. We are trying not to join the line of those who are not sincere.

What is the total cost of this your programme?

The proper amount comes through Federal Ministry of Finance. They control the money.

They have a grant of $2.5 million. We have spent $500.000. The balance of two million is still with them. The ministry on their own called us because of their zero tolerance for corruption as a lot of NGOs contested. They told us they want this programme to go on till 2014. The money is never in LAC account. It is in their account. As we progress, they release funds.

You should not be surprised at what Dr Okonjo Iweala is doing. For example, our accountant who works for the World Bank project has to go for series of training.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

PAGE 35

Business News Kano spends N508m on youth empowerment (Left) Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyor, FCT Chapter, Mohammed Abba Tor receiving a complimentary Sourvenir from the Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri (Right), while the aides of the DG (Paul Odenyi and Chika Mekamkwe) watch when senate members of the Institute paid a courtesy visit to the Corporate Headquarters of NOA, in Abuja, recently.

SURE-P to recruit 17,000 youths for road projects

N

o fewer than 17,000 additional youths are to be recruited by the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency-Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme-(FERMA-SURE-P), to help in road maintenance in the country.

A Committee Member of FERMA-SURE-P, Mrs. NgoziOlojeme, made the disclosure t in Abuja on Thursday while inspecting road projects along the

Abuja-Keffi road.

According her, the recruitment became necessary, due to the high unemployment in the country and the number of projects the programme planned to execute.

She explained that 34,000 km of 33 federal roads needed to be rehabilitated and the only way SUREP could achieve enhanced delivery was to recruit youths from the six geopolitical zones to execute the projects.

Olojeme said that more than

4,000 out of the 10,000 youths initially planned to be recruited had been engaged.

"We need patriotic Nigerians willing to work. We don't just get people who will not contribute or deliver, we are carefully selecting,'' she said.

She re-affirmed the committee's commitment to sustaining maintenance of all federal roads nationwide under the Rapid Road Recovery Programme.

She said that FERMA SURE-P had completed several intervention projects, including bridge repair and reconstruction, shoulder washouts as well as potholes and cracks through direct labour.

Among projects she inspected were vegetation control and de-silting of drains by workmen under the FERMA SURE-P Public Works scheme and cutting and patching of potholes along the Abuja-Keffi road.

(NAN)

Stakeholder wants FG to provide incentives to boost tourism

T

he Managing Director, De Next Hotel International, Lagos, Mr.Nosirudeen Bello, has appealed to the Federal Government to provide incentives for tourism investors to expand the nation's tourism scope.

Bello told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview in Lagos that such idea would help to exploit tourism potential and also help to increase internallygenerated revenue (IGR).

He said that the government ought to have been generating huge amount of revenue from the sector, if proper attention were given to it.

According to him, if Kenya, South Africa and some other countries are depending on tourism as their major source of revenue; then it is high time the Nigerian government shifted its attention from the oil sector to

tourism, because the country is blessed with enormous tourism potential to depend on.

Stressing the need for the Federal Government to give incentives to tourism investors, he said it will enable them to broaden the tourism scope, upgrade centres, and to identify and exploit its potential to help create employment opportunity for the masses.

"The incentives could be capital; it could be provision of good roads to tourist centres,

involvement of private sector in the development of tourism.

"Others incentives could be recruitment of professional personnel, enlightenment and sensitisationprogrammes on the importance of tourism and adequate budgetary provision for the tourism sector."

Similarly, he urged government at the different levels to identify and exploit its tourism potential to make the country a foremost tourist destination in Africa for foreign and domestic tourists. (NAN)

Ogidan said that the traders were facing challenges, such as conducting their trades in the open market.

"The traders are facing a lot of challenges in the market. We are trading in an open place.

We don't have shades; and the little shades in the market are local structures that cannot stand during the rainy season.

"We don't have water, no toilet and the market generally is empty and this is affecting the progress of the market; but the market has enough land and enough space, it is even

larger than Gwagwalada Market but nobody is concerned about our plight," she expressed.

While calling on the relevant authorities to intervene to rectify the problems, she also urgedthem to build an International Market in Kwali, tofurther boost the sources of revenue for the development of the FCT, for the benefit of government and the people.

Earlier, the Commissioner representing the FCT in the c o m m i s s i o n , Mr.ObunikeOhaegbu, said the

aim of the visit was to find out areas where the traders needed partnership with the commission.

Ohaegbu said the mandate of the commission was to receive complaints from members of the public, promote effective and efficient service and respond to the needs of citizens.

On his part, the Managerof the Market, Mr.ShazinMadaki, said that the management of the market was not silent on the challenges facing the traders but was making efforts to address them. (NAN)

Kwali traders seek govt support on amenities

T

raders in Kwali Market, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT hasappealed to the Federal Government to providenecessary social amenities lacking in the market, so as to improve the physical development of the place.

Mrs. Florence Ogidan, the Leader, Market Women Association in Kwali Area Council, made the call in Abuja when officials of the Public Complaints Commission paid a visit to the market.

T

he Kano State Government said on Thursday that it spent N508 million on youth empowerment and training programme, as part of the government's effort to fight poverty through promoting a sustainable entrepreneurship in the state.

The Governor of the state, AlhajiRabiuKwankwaso, made the announcement at the graduation of 800 youths, trained under the "LafiyaJariProgramme", a youth empowermentprogramme of the government.

According to the governor, the participantsand beneficiaries were selected from the 44 local government areas of the statereceived training in traditional and modern barbing, pedicure, hairdressing and patent medicine business. (NAN)

NAFDAC rewards 19 students of Consumer Safety Club

T

he National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has rewarded 19 students from ten schools under its Consumer Safety Club (NCSC) competition for secondary schools in Delta state.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), each of the students got a travelling bag, texts books and other gift items.

Some of the students who were rewarded in Asaba included OnyekwereIkechukwu of Santa Maria College Ogwhasi-Uku, and Blessing Monye of Federal Government College, Ibusa.

OgorchukwkaOkonkwo of Demonstration Mixed School, Asaba and SamantaEwunema of PHCN Secondary School Ogorode, Sapele, were also among the recipients.

Speaking at the occasion, NAFDAC Director-General, Dr Paul Orhii, said that the NCSC award was an annual event where students who had excelled at their various schools in the competition were honoured.

Orhii, represented by NAFDAC Zonal Head, South South, Mr Benson Kine, said that he was always delighted to see young people put in hard work, commitment and enthusiasm in their endeavours.

According to the DG, membership of NCSC was not just for the purpose of participating in annual competitions, but an opportunity for the youth to make positive difference in all aspects of their lives.

The D-G reiterated the determination of the agency to sustain its fight against counterfeit drugs, unwholesome and other substandard regulated products in the country.

In her remarks, Ms Esther Aburime the State Coordinator of NAFDAC, said that the organisation adopted the initiative of "Catch them Young'' in 2002.

She however, appealed to NCSC coordinators in the state to start grooming their students for the next examination which is slated for October. (NAN)

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 24, MAY, 2013

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See you at the polls, Mr. Asari Dokubo Re: Sovereign wealth fund

By Chiechefulam Ikebuiro

T

here are so many questions begging for answers in our dear country. So many of them.

Since the creation of Nigeria successive governments, both military and democratically elected have promised to tackle corruption, accusing the previous government of being corrupt. The question then is, why is Nigeria still ranked amongst the most corrupt countries in the world till today? Why are there still graduates loitering the streets searching for nonexistent jobs?

Why is the unemployment rate so high? Why are people still dying as a result of road accidents, accidents caused by negligence of the roads by government? Why can I not be guaranteed that the little back ache I have will be cured when I visit the general hospital? Why do my leaders and their families still jet out abroad to get treatment for illness as little as catarrh, while our hospitals are left below standard?

Why was Alamesigha granted pardon? Will he contest in 2015?

Picture Alams in the senate in 2015.

Why do we still have corrupt politicians representing us- the people, in government? Why are we suffering in the midst of plenty? What has changed since the removal of fuel subsidy and the subsequent increase of fuel price at the beginning of 2012? Were we not assured of significant change after the subsidy must have been removed?

Where is the change? What does Boko Haram want? Is granting them amnesty fair? How about the dead and their families? Is there any compensation whatsoever for them?

Will Boko Haram even accept the amnesty in the first place? Where and when will they strike again? Is the JTF

WRITE TO US

Peoples Daily Weekend welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed to: The Editor, Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja.

Email: opinion@peoplesdailyng.com intelligent enough? If they are, why are there more casualties on the side of the civilians than on the insurgents?

Why does the Aso rock budget have such a large amount of money for food and miscellaneous? Is the food made in heaven? Money that can put to better use for the good of the ordinary man?

What is security vote? What in the world is the money used for? Why should one lawmaker in Nigeria earn more than the president of the USA? Why is there erratic power supply even after promises of improved power supply? Why do we not have a single functioning refinery?

Why are we even solely dependent on Oil? What effort is being made to develop the other sectors? Why are the elderly dying on the streets, protesting for their(stolen) pensions? Why should they suffer in their youth and suffer even more in old age?

Do we have a national carrier? Why are our international airports not up to standard compared to even smaller countries? Why do we still claim to be the giant of Africa? Why is the average life span of a Nigerian just 52 years of age? Why does everybody want to run away from Nigeria for greener pastures?

Ghana is now becoming a better option.

Remember when Shagari chased Ghanaians away? The (In)famous Ghana must go? Now we are running back to their country in search of a better

life?

Why are there massive failures of JAMB and WAEC? Why will the current president want to monitor the internet users in Nigeria?

Is that necessary? Will that put food on the poor man’s table? Talk of misplaced priorities? Why should the government pay such amount to a firm in another country, even if it had to monitor the people? Money that will have benefited the ordinary man if put into good use.

Why should the government even hand such project to a foreign entity? Is that not like handing over your security to another country?

Finally, I want to ask what Mr. Asari Dokubo’s problem is? Some of us supported your cause when Niger Delta was being sidelined. Why, we asked, should the Niger Delta still be very underdeveloped when it provides Nigeria’s revenue? Recent altercations from Mr. Dokubo are not acceptable.

What is giving him the guts to threatening the existence of Nigeria? It is so disgusting that in the face of happenings in Nigeria, one individual is coming to add salt to injury. An individual that has been ‘’settled”. What other relevance does he want?

Why don’t you enjoy what you already got? What is the state of the Niger Delta since the current government took over if I may ask? Are there any

improvements in the lives of the people of Niger Delta? He was quoted as saying the militants will return to the creeks if the current president does not win a second term. Have they not been paid off in the name of amnesty? In this light, one is tempted to think Boko Haram will one day threaten Nigeria again after they must have been granted amnesty(if they accept). It was also reported that he boasted about the reduction of oil production to ZERO if he gets arrested.

That Nigeria will become history if he is arrested. Talk of being above the law? Who are his backers? On what grounds exactly should the current president get a second term? Is it solely because he is from the Niger Delta?

That’s not good enough Mr. Dokubo.

Have you asked the man on the streets what they want come 2015? Have you taken time to find out the impact of the current government on them? Do you know if they are happy. Please stop being selfish! Why incite violence with such statements? Nigerians now know better.

They made the mistake of voting by sentiments in 2011, you think they are willing to make the same mistake. We are in a one man one vote era. If Mr. Dokubo wishes to vote the current president, fine. Will he bring down Nigeria if the people decide they do not want the current president come 2015? Let the will of the people prevail. Let the people freely chose who they want to rule them come 2015. If they chose the current president, fine. It’s a democracy after all-The government of the people, BY THE PEOPLE and for the people. Please quit this I-will-destroy-Nigeria-IfJonathan –Does-Not-Win-A-SecondTerm Nonsense!

See you at the polls. thalynxis@yahoo.ca

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

PAGE 37

Opinion NAFDAC and the challenge of drug hawking Haruna Isa

I

t is an eyesore when one walks into a typical Nigerian market and sees drugs sold openly as if they are common merchandise like clothes and cosmetics. This attitude betrays an acute lack of understanding of the nature of drugs and the obvious fact that those peddling them are not professionals who are authorized to handle such sensitive products. But the practice has continued to thrive nevertheless, aided in part by the patronage of the public who have indirectly continued to sustain the practice.

The practice of selling drugs in the open market has not only affected the general efficacy of drugs by exposing them to extreme temperatures that make them expire early, but has also provided avenue for drug counterfeiters to market their dangerous products to an unsuspecting public, away from the eyes of regulatory agencies like NAFDAC. The major culprit is the chaotic drug distribution system that has seen charlatans jumping on board to sell prescriptive drugs even when they lack the authorization to do so. These charlatans have grown so bold in the recent past that some of them run their practice in the form of a clinic where personnel hand out drugs indiscriminately to sufferers of various ailments.

The result is what we are unfortunately confronted with today as patients take medicines that fail to cure their ailments because the active ingredients have been lost to poor handling or counterfeit drugs have been sold to them because they sourced for their medicines from unauthorized outlets.

This has led to fatalities and various forms of injuries to the health of the public. This has equally presented a disturbing trend that must be arrested as it threatens the efforts of the Nigerian Government to provide quality healthcare for its citizens

and improve its human capital base that will sustain its dream of becoming one of the top economies of the world by the year 20-20, in line with the visions of the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

It is in realization of this fact that NAFDAC stepped up efforts in markets spread across the country to arrest the trend by apprehending culprits found openly hawking drugs, and at the same time confiscating such drugs so as to effectively take them out of circulation. I have been a participant in the various stakeholders forum and workshops organized by the Agency to further sensitize the public about the menace of the open hawking of drugs and the sale of drugs in the open market. The sensitization programmes are eye openers about the dangers of the menace and has helped me appreciate the efforts the current Director General of the Agency, Dr. Paul Orhii has been making in ensuring that counterfeit drugs are eradicated completely from the Nigerian drug distribution system.

Drug hawking is a major problem in the north, especially perpetrated by foreigners coming in from countries like Niger and Cameroon. Two years ago NAFDAC arrested 44 foreigners in Sokoto who are itinerant hawkers with little knowledge of the drugs they are selling to the public. To address this trend, the Agency has been liaising with the various embassies of these countries, applying diplomatic approaches so the countries will warn their nationals.

In Taraba, Adamawa and Benue the Agency has arrested people who operate itinerant mobile clinics where often the drug they sell to the public carry labels not written in English. Those found mostly defaulting here are Cameroonians whom the Agency has arrested.

The Nigerian market is vast and very difficult to police, yet with just the few dedicated staff of the Agency and a low budget, the NAFDAC DG has been able to accomplish quite a lot, not only in the area

My Thoughts With Ayodele Samuel 08074420617 (SMS only)

A

t this historic moment and time, Nigeria is undoubtedly replicating the era when Israel was in the wilderness. Though the journey was tough then, Israel knew with certainty that she was heading for the Promised Land - Canaan.

Sadly, Nigeria does not yet know where her own destination lies even at 100. After 100 years of amalgamation, 53 years of political independence, 15 years of unbroken civil rule, Nigeria still gropes in the dark; walking without a definite direction.It is pathetic as the world daily watches the acclaimed giant of Africa helplessly moving about with the whirlwind of unfortunate circumstances.

of providing sensitization about this dangerous trend but also making the full weight of the law to fall on the merchants who are hell bent on profiting at the expense of the health of Nigerians. I believe his effort is something that should be supported by our various state governments and the generality of Nigerians as this is not a burden that should be shouldered by an individual only.

The Agency’s efforts to address this problem has also led its officers to various motor parks and markets to further sensitize the public about the danger of buying drugs from the open market. It is heartening to note the surprise on the face of ordinary Nigerians as they absorb the information that buying drugs from unlicensed outlets constitute a health hazard. The motor park driver, the okada driver and the market woman who makes

“

The practice of selling drugs in the open market has not only affected the general efficacy of drugs by exposing them to extreme temperatures that make them expire early, but has also provided avenue for drug counterfeiters to market their dangerous products to an unsuspecting public

it a daily habit to buy various forms of analgesics from drug hawkers are now being educated by NAFDAC to understand the grave implication such practice constitutes to their health. If sustained over the long term, especially with the active support of Nigerians, NAFDAC’s goal of completely eradicating drug hawking and arresting the incidence of drug counterfeiting would be achieved.

Another concern emanating from the practice of selling drugs in the open market is the avenues it provides for prescriptive drugs to be abused. The spectacle of Nigerians, young and old, who have become addicted to medicines like codeine, tramoldine and others, is an eyesore that challenges stakeholders within the health system to rise up and address what is threatening to become a common occurrence. NAFDAC has been showing the way forward by sensitizing the public about the dangers of abusing medicines and have been coming up with various measures that will restrict their availability to the public.

The public should follow suit by passing across the message of the Agency to their friends, neighbours and relatives so as to effectively discourage the practice.

It is time Nigerians become aware that medicines cannot be treated like ordinary commodities but are poisons which should be handled with care. It is commendable that the NAFDAC DG and his team have not relented in their efforts at providing sensitization to us about the grave implications poor handling of medicines have on our health, but have also been making sustained efforts to arrest the hawkers who continue to peddle such drugs to the public.

The Agency’s efforts at sanitizing the drug distribution system should be seen as another intervention to safeguard the health of Nigerians and make our nation greater by ensuring the greater health of our citizens.

Isa, a public health commentator, writes from Wuse Zone 3, Abuja

Let's weep for Nigeria Let us weep and mourn for the wasted years.

T h e Nigerian experience

100 years ago has indeed been a story of lamentation on all sides. Visions and targets set for development by our founding fathers 100 years ago have all woefully failed. And yet there is no end in sight to further failure, with the present government,infact, not offering any hope.

As the nation continues its journey to destiny, she certainly needs a way forward, a breakthrough from a place where poverty reigns supreme in the midst of plenty, a country that is known for production of and renowned for export of crude oil but import refined and finished petroleum products to the detriment of its economic and political progress; a country where clueless leaders

rule with impunity,a country where 50 million of its youth are jobless, a country with failing moral standard, a country where the masses are denied basic necessities of life.

This is a country where 70 percent of it citizens live below 150 naira per day but award more than 70 percent of its annual budget to salaries and allowances of political office holders . It is no more news that basic infrastructure in the country are in deplorable conditions. No good roads, no basic educational structures, our hospitals have become transit point to the mortuary due to inadequate healthcare facilities. Unemployment is increasing as the economy gets worse. Industries have closed down due to unabated high cost of production as a result of unreliable power supply.

As we go into another celebration of 15 years of democratic rule , Nigerians should think of when we shall get out of this shameful situation wickedly imposed on us by selfish leaders over the years.

What is the way forward?

We should use this moment to reflect soberly on achieving the true Nigeria dream, both the leaders and the led must reflect soberly on the state of the nation.

We can’t continue to be led by visionless leaders, who neither have the mental capacity nor patriotic desire to move the country forward.

At this moment, Nigerians must wake up from their slumber to reality.

Nigerians must decide on true leadership.

Nigerians must vote and ensure that their votes are not counted for the wrong candidates. Nigerians must tell the wicked, self imposed leaders to go into political oblivion. It is time to rescue our country from the visionless and corrupt leaders while they bow out shamefully.

For a nation like Nigeria to be great again, it will start from somewhere mostly important which is credible and transparent elections. When there is a free, fair election, we must all lay our hands on the plough afresh towards building a nation we can all be proud of in OUR GENERATION!

PAGE 38

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

Online comments Power sector: FG concludes plan for robust, affordable electricity – Perm. Sec. Too much noise in this country about nothing! Get the electricity to work first before talking about the modalities of usage. You old men with little brains never learn from the past and that is why Nigerians are no more taking you seriously. You are all failures as far as politics is concerned.

– Fatty Army begins assessment of Baga killings The underlying problem can never be poverty because other parts of the country have the same problem and their youths have not taken arms against the people who didn't contribute to their state of poverty.

– Adegbe Sam Agencies collaborate to tackle menace of flood A lot of workshops have been organised by the National Emergency Management Agency

(NEMA) and its state equivalent, SEMA. It's time to act and stop talking.

Flood is looming again and nothing has been put in place to accomodate victims. Where are the silos and accomodations to cushion displaced persons. NEMA should live up to its name.

—Ngozi P. Osuchukwu

SON begins review of standards for LPG cylinders This is the kind of stuff I live for reading. Keep up the good work!

– Marine How long to keep your tax records?

Relative to the realities in Nigeria, this article is not only inappropriate but also worthless and useless. Where did the author COPY the article from? You guys should be doing responsible journalism not junk.

If you must write anything about taxes, why not write on a part of the Nigerian tax laws and regulations,

instead of writing of something that has no relevance to your audience?

– Iphy

Jonathan's government despotic – ACN Opposition is a welcome development in any serious democracy.

It makes leaders to sit up and also provide credible alternative to the real king-makers; the voting masses.

However, when opposition becomes unruly, no government that knows its onions will allow unguarded utterances aimed at inciting the masses against it.

Lai Mohammed has made himself an unnecessary distraction and he's gradually losing credibility. He should watch his utterances against the person of the president. Let there be some respect for that office and the institution President Jonathan represents.

– Pastor Oti

Baga: CPC accuses Jonathan of insensitivity President Jonathan inherited a lot

of problems. The opposition should not expect him to solve these problems in one day. I expect that at least the opposition would reason constructively and objectively on serious national issues and do less of capitalizing on any negative occurrence in the country to blackmail the President. Do they believe in the progress of Nigeria? If yes, I expect them to advise the President constructively and even pray that he succeeds.

– Mbang Egbai 2015: I'll declare my presidential ambition soon – Kwankwaso Madness. The born to rule Kano/ Katsina cabal thinks Nigeria is for them alone. Let's watch and see – Chinaka You have not been able to prevent Boko Haram from operation in just one state talk more 36 plus FCT but dying over Ameachi. Wake up from sleep and end Boko Haram first, oga on top.

—Em

'Diabetic since age 7, Nkiru managed disease for 25 years' Contd from 40

which I went into hypoglycaemic coma made me a constant visitor at the Accident and Emergency.

Are you the only diabetic in your family?

In my family, the disease ison the high side more from my maternal side and my paternal side as well. Both my parents are diabetic - Type 2 diabetes and I have uncles, aunts and even grandparents who died from diabetic complications so it's a genetic disorder from my family.

Apart from being diabetic, you studied medicine and majored in cardiovascular medicine & Diabetes management. Did your ailment influence your career?

Yes! After secondary education, I opted for the medical profession to help equip myself and other people living with diabetes and this has paid off in the sense that, the knowledge and passion I have for diabetes management has wheeled me to thresholds of people living with the ailment where we share ideas on better management practice.

Looking back now, I can see how the diagnosis of diabetes has represented a new direction for my life. Since the day of the diagnosis, my insatiable thirst for diabetes knowledge has grown tremendously and this led to my chosen career path in the field of research diagnostic medicine. This has not only strengthened me but increased my desire to help people living with diabetes by encouraging and educating them on the best self-care management practices and sharing recent evidence-based diabetes education.

What were the daunting challenges?

The whole diabetes thing has not been easy. Asides the health challenges, growing up and passing through secondary school a diabetic was challenging in the sense that I had to adopt a new life style.

Adapting at a very young age was demanding. For example, when I was writing my SSCE, I never expected flying colours because after each paper, I was rushed to the hospital to get body fluid for

Carbohydrate supplement owing to the lack of knowledge, then on diet. Reading and sitting for exams was epileptic most times, I fall into a hypoglycaemic shock which made me forget most things that I had read. The support my family gave me made all the difference.

But the major challenge I faced living with diabetes is that of having a relationship. Most people are under the impression that a female diabetic cannot bear children and that being with hear is something too much to cope especially on issues where she is unable to take her medication at a certain time demanding that the partner has to help administer.

I have gone through such, and this notion is actually wrong because diabetes is not actually a communicable disease and can be managed without much stress and most importantly, diabetes has nothing to do with the reproductive organs, meaning a diabetic can have very healthy babies diabetes free.

You make diabetes management sound simple, affirm this.

My living with diabetes has been made easier thanks to science and research. My insulin management tool - needle, injections have been made stress free now.

I don't even feel that I am undergoing any form of stress, and as the day goes I strife to help people with diabetes to help change the notion that "living with diabetes is a death sentence". A diabetic can live a healthy life as any normal person contrary to the wrong information about the ailment and its management.

When you have diabetes, you may think that there are certain meals you cannot eat. This is certainly not the case, as learning to make the right food choicescooking and eating habits will help you to manage your diabetes more efficiently and live life to the full with reduced diabetic secondary complications.

Diabetes management is basically about discipline, exercise, eating the right food and taking the medication as at when due.

Living with diabetes has been quite a struggle and consequently made me a

stronger person. I grew to study and know the disease on my own, garner more knowledge and fend for myself better, considering the fact, professionalism on diabetes as at that time was quite low.

Can you elaborate more on family and child bearing for a diabetic woman?

The only task for a diabetic woman is to make sure she checks her sugar level before meeting her partner to ensure it's at the right level so as not to go into a hypoglycaemic episode.

You've been engaged in diabetes awareness, how can you rate the level of information in the public domain?

What we have come to realise in the medical institutions is that, not enough time is dedicated to educated people on what diabetes is all about and what needs to be done correctly including the right food to eat, how to take the medication and when to take the medication.

Presently I am in partnership with renowned physicians with wealth of experience in diabetes and we are trying to set up a one stop service called The Diabetic Concept and we have incorporated the major cardinal rules for proper diabetes management so that we can encourage better diabetes care for people living with the disease.

But generally more and more people are coming in with questions and we have reached a good number of people. The most patronised medium we've used so far isvia mail thediabeticconcept@gmail.com, Facebook.com/ the diabetic concept, and twitter @thediabeticconcept and to God be the glory, the impact is being made.

We encourage people to reach us for advice because diabetes care is selfmanagement based and one needs to be in tune with the best practices, these we know and are willing to offer at no cost.

What is the response rate in Nigeria?

Honestly it is not encouraging because a lot of people are still in the dark.As a member of the American Society of Nutrition (ASN), I have

attended and presented a paper in the first African Diabetes Congress Scientific sessions in Arusha, Tanzania, recently, I attended the 2nd American Society for Nutrition (ASN) Middle East Congress, 20-22 February, 2013, in Dubai, UAE.I have also done some volunteering works with Diabetes UK and Diabetes Association of Nigeria, Abuja Chapter; my encounter simply tells me Nigeria is lagging behind.

Earlier on you spoke about your diabetes help project, tell us more.

The diabetic concept is designed to offer a primary health care centre, a diabetic kitchen where our major emphasis will be on glycaemic index - carbohydrate and calorie count which is quite important for diabetic management and then a fitness centre where we will encourage patients to exercise because it's also another vital role in management and then an accessory shop to cater for replacement parts for diabetes testing machines and test ribs and offer consultation and training to health care professionals on latest diabetes management practice.

The Diabetic Concepts Ltd, specializes in providing service in the area of Diabetes Kitchen, Diabetes Accessories, Education, Training and Consultancy services to persons living with Diabetes and persons who needs to prevent Diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases like Hypertension, Heart disease among others. We have carried out Diabetes Awareness and screening program in corporate and private organizations including market places, motor parks, religious places like Churches and Mosques. We also conduct regular monthly Diabetes Education class for persons living with Diabetes and relations of persons with Diabetes in Wuse General Hospital, Abuja free of charge to help empower and encourage persons with Diabetes to live a happy and healthy life. We also engage services of seasoned professionals like Doctors, Pharmacists, Nurses, Nutritionist, Biomedical Scientist among others to achieve our aims and objectives.

PAGE 39

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

International Woman pulled alive from rubble in Bangladesh 17 days after Dhaka factory collapse

R

escue workers at the site of a garment factory collapse in the outskirts of the capital Dhaka, Bangladesh, that killed over 1,000 people have pulled a survivor from the wreckage 17 days after the disaster.

Army officials ordered workers to stop clearing the site today so they could use handsaws to cut a woman who could be seen waving out of the rubble.

Crowds, who had earlier been engaged in the grim job or removing decomposing bodies from the site, cheered as she was freed before being rushed to a military hospital.

Soldiers at the site said her name was Reshma and described her as being in remarkably good shape despite her ordeal.

According to the independent.com, it is thought she had been trapped buried inside what was a prayer room.

Abdur Razzak, a warrant

officer with the military's engineering department who spotted her in the wreckage, said she was OK and could even walk.

Workers at the site began tearing through the nearby wreckage looking for other survivors.

The crowd had earlier raised their hands together to pray to Allah for the woman to be freed alive. A man on a loudspeaker led the supplicants: "Allah, you are the greatest, you can do anything.

Please allow us all to rescue the survivor just found.

"We seek apology for our sins. Please pardon us, pardon the person found alive," he said.

Meanwhile, the army officer overseeing the operation on the site, Brigadier General Siddiqul Alam Sikder, told AFP that the death toll now stands at 1,035 after dozens more remains were discovered overnight.

Rescue workers at the site of a garment factory of the capital Dhaka, Bangladesh

Ex- Anglican archbishop denies sex abuse cover-up

A

former Church of England archbishop, David Hope, has denied claims that he covered up allegations of child abuse against a senior clergyman, which were revealed in Friday's Times newspaper.

Sexual abuse complaints against a Church of England cleric were not referred to police by then Archbishop of York, David Hope, it has emerged.

Hope who served as Archbishop of York between 1995 and 2005, said he "strongly resisted" accusations that he withheld from police claims made by choirboys and school pupils against Robert Waddington, a former Dean of Manchester Cathedral, in order to protect the church.

According to the joint report carried out by the London Times

David Hope

and The Australian newspaper, Hope was told of the claims in 1999 and again in 2003.

Waddington, who died in 2007, was stripped of his right to conduct church services but the claims were not passed on to police or child protection agencies, the Times reported.

"I didn't report to the police," Hope told the Times. "With hindsight, probably there ought to have been (a report). He (Waddington) was in such a fragile and frail state.

"I would strongly resist any suggestion that I was in the business of covering up anything. I would absolutely deny that. There's no way I was interested in any cover up," added Hope, who was the secondhighest ranking bishop in the Anglican church at the time of

the claims.

Hope argued that procedures in place in the Church at the time meant he was not obliged to report the case to the authorities.

But Greater Manchester Police said they were concerned they had not heard of the allegations until after Waddington's death.

The force became aware of the claims last October when Eli Ward, a former Manchester choirboy, filed a report to officers.

"After so many years of suffering alone, I find myself in a position where the more research I do, the more shocking the coverup of the Church," Ward said this week.

Ward, 40, claims that he was groomed and abused by Waddington in the 1980s when he was a chorister.

Turkish Airlines reverses stewardess lipstick ban

T

urkish Airlines has reversed a ban on air hostesses wearing brightly-coloured lipstick following accusations it was trying to Islamise the company under government influence.

The airline's chief executive officer Temel Kotil announced the move in the Turkish media accusing overzealous lowerlevel airline executives of having imposed the ban.

"Staff can use the colour they want. This measure was not approved by the hierarchy," Kotilo said, according to Hurriyet and Milliyet newspapers.

Earlier this month, the airline defended the ban, saying in a statement that "simple make-up, immaculate and in pastel colours, is

preferred for staff working in the service sector."

In recent months the booming airline -- 49 percent state-owned -- has also stopped serving alcohol on internal flights.

Numerous women had posted pictures of themselves wearing bright red lipstick on social media websites to protest at the measure.

The liberal media had accused the airline of seeking to Islamise the company under the influence of the conservative government.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyin Erdogan's Islamist-rooted Justice and Development Party, in power for over a decade, have been often accused of creeping efforts to coerce the country to be more conservative and pious.

Uk withdraws staff from Libya amid concerns

T

he United Kingdom Foreign Office has temporarily withdrawn some staff from the British Embassy in Libya in response to the "ongoing political uncertainty" in the country.

But the mission in Tripoli remains "open as usual", including for consular and visa services, a Foreign Office spokesman said.

The decision to withdraw some staff on security grounds follows armed groups disrupting access to a number of government ministries in Tripoli.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "Given the security implications of the ongoing political uncertainty, the British Embassy is temporarily withdrawing a small number of staff, mainly those who work in support of government ministries which have been affected by recent developments."(AP)

Over 500,000 dead people on voting rolls in Chile

S

antiago: More than 500,000 dead people are still on the voting rolls in Chile, according to a member of the country's election board.

Patricio Santamaria said during a meeting on Wednesday that there are "between 500,000 and 600,000" dead people on the voting rolls, El Mercurio newspaper reported.

Election officials "don't have the authority to purge the voter register" because current law would not permit it and an amendment to allow such a procedure remains on hold along with the rest of a new electoral statute declared unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court, Santamaria said.

PAGE 40

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

Digest Wonder tree discovered in Ilorin with inscription of Arabic word ‘Allah’

The tree with Arabic inscription in Ilorin.

From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

O

n the May 2,2013 another wonder emerged in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital as a tree which had existed for few years now, was discovered with an inscription of Arabic word, ‘Allahu’.

Peoples Daily Weekend gathered that a meeting of artisans was scheduled to be held at a popular Filling Station along Sango on that day but to the surprise of members, the bark of the tree fell when two friends laid their hands on it during a conversation under the tree and they saw the inscription and a new one growing.

When our correspondent visited the scene, many people were seen trooping in to see the inscription and to confirm it.

It was observed that the inscription grew with the tree while the new one is still developing under the bark.

Speaking on the issue, Chief Imam of Elelu Jumaat Mosque, Murtala Muhammed way, Ilorin, Mallam Aliyy Kamal Abubakar who also witnessed the development, described it as part of signs of Almighty Allah.

He observed that since there was no indication of human capacity to write on tree bark and carve it, shows the greatness of Almighty Allah and power that nothing was impossible.

Also speaking, few observers at the scene wondered when the tree grew there as nobody knew about it. They concluded that there are many things beyond the comprehension of man.

'Diabetic since age 7, Nkiru managed disease for 25 years'

Inscription on the tree.

Crowd watching the tree along Sango Area, Old Jebba Road, Ilorin, Kwara state.

administered glucose infusion which was supposed to give me energy and replenish lost nutrients. The major symptoms I

Nkiru Oradiegwu, a diabetic since she was 7 years old, is now a specialist in diabetes management. She spoke to Abdulkadir Isa on her battle against the disease and how she is championing diabetes awareness in Nigeria, and reaching out to the vulnerable in the society.

T

ell us briefly, about yourself My name is Nkiruka Vivian Oradiegwu. I am a co-founder and Executive director of The Diabetic Concept, a registered limited liability company based in Abuja, FCT, Nigeria, established to build better diabetes care by offering a one-stop holistic diabetic care service.

Born to the family of the Oradiegwu's, I am from Anambra state. I have been living with Type 1 diabetes for 25 years which was diagnosed at age 7. I studied

Biomedicine at the University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom and majored in cardiovascular medicine & Diabetes management.

You've been diabetic from the age of seven. This is quite a strange case; please share with us your experience.

It was quite a traumatic experience. At first I noticed I was emaciating and my parents assumed it was malaria or typhoid and I was taken to a hospital in Jos where I was admitted. I was

Nkiru Oradiegwu

was having then was malaria and typhoid which was not attributed to diabetes. Eventually I went into a diabetes coma and was

transferred to Jos University Teaching Network (JUTH) where I was pronounced dead and transferred to the mortuary.

My twin sister insisted, God told her I was still alive. Her persistence forced the doctors back to the mortuary to dismiss her fears and luckily for me, when they got there they noticed that I had a pulse and I was brought out of the mortuary and taken to another doctor.

It was this doctor that was able to ascertain my second breath which is also the first form of type 1 diabetes for a person who is in a comatose stage. So he found out that I was diabetic and then administered me with saline drip and insulin. The coma lasted for five days.

After I regained consciousness, I was traumatised because I was under the impression that diabetes was a sickness for the old.

But with the doctor's help and encouragement, I later understood the disease but that didn't help me much as I went into a state of depression owing to change in diet with no form of carbohydrates. The frequency at Contd on Pg 38

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 21, MAY, 2013

PAGE 41

Weekend NSC, NFF, others mourn `Jossy Lad'

Emenike offers Super Eagles $.5m to beat Harambee Stars T

The Super Eagles jubilating with the AFCON trophy after beating the Stallions of Burkina Faso in the final.

Injured Emenike is offering $50,000 to his colleagues to seal the World Cup ticket.

A

FCON Golden Boot winner, Emmanuel Emenike, has pledged to donate $50 000 to his Super Eagles teammates as motivation for them to beat Kenya and Namibia to qualify for the 2014 World Cup. The bullish forward, who has been sidelined due to injury, was initially included in Stephen Keshi's provisional 30-man squad to prosecute the double header against the Harambee Stars of Kenya and their Namibian counterparts in the last group phase 2014 World Cup campaign.

However, he had to withdraw from the squad to undergo a surgery which he had successfully done and would be out of action for at least two months.

Accordingly, Keshi has named Joseph Akpala to replace the rugged attacker in the forthcoming World Cup qualifying games against Kenya and Namibia as well as the FIFA Confederation Cup in Brazil.

"I am disappointed that I won't be able to play and help the team.

But I have confidence in the boys that they can do it.

"Since I can't be there for now, I want to give them my support and I will give the team $50 000 if they qualify for the World Cup," he told a wire service.

The player though hopes to be back training in July, and expects to be fully fit for the start of the new season and may be available for the final World Cup game against

Malawi in October.

"It is a good time for me to

N

igeria coach Stephen Keshi has opted to now pay his Togolese assistant Valere Houandinou, who was affected by a backroom shake-up.

Valere, who also worked with Keshi to qualify Togo to the 2006 World Cup, was laid off by a broke Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) recently.

"Keshi has decided to shoulder the burden of paying Valere's salary after the NFF said it was running low on funds to carry the huge wage bill of the Super Eagles," Keshi's brother and manager Emmanuel Keshi confirmed.

"The decision by the big boss is to support the NFF through this difficult time because NFF president Aminu Maigari is a good man who has been very sincere and supportive in ensuring that the Eagles succeed.

"As part of the efforts towards moving forward, Keshi has resolved to use his goodwill for the NFF, remember President Goodluck Jonathan gave him a blank cheque upon his return from South Africa,

recover and get ready for the new season, and I want to take my time

so that I will be hundred recent when I get back."

Keshi intends to cash that cheque now by appealing to the President to support the NFF. "You would agree with me that the burden on the NFF is huge, the U17, U20, Super Eagles all preparing at the same time."

Meanwhile, Keshi has assured he is fully focused on leading the country to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and not bother about Nigeria's current FIFA ranking.

Nigeria improved by two steps to 28 position and third in

Africa but Keshi said the progress would not distract him from working towards securing the World Cup finals ticket.

"We are focused on the important task of qualifying Nigeria for the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals, and also to ensure that we do well at the FIFA Confederations Cup because we are representing the whole of the African continent," he said stressing that whatever progress the team have made in FIFA ranking should not hinder further improvement.

he National Sports Commission (NSC), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) among others joined several sympathisers to mourn the death of former Super Falcons Coach, Joseph Ladipo, aka, Jossy Lad, who died on May 9, at Ibadan, the Oyo capital.

Steve Olarinoye, the Zonal Coordinator, National Sports Commission, South -West Zone 1, said that the death of Jossy Lad was a sad development to the country's football. ``The news of the death of Coach Jossy Lad is a rude shock.

This is in spite all the efforts by the government and private persons to rehabilitate him," he said.

Demola Olajire, Media Officer of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) also said that the news of the death of Jossy Lad's took the federation unawares. ``After some members of NFF board visited him on his sick bed at UCH, he was said to have been discharged. We, then felt that he was recuperating, only to hear of his death," he said.

Ojolowo Kehinde, Secretary of the Oyo State Football Association said that Jossy Lad served both Oyo State and Nigeria meritoriously and would be missed by all.

While he (Jossy Lad) was at the defunct African Continental Bank (ACB) FC of Lagos, he monitored my progress until I was at Iwuanyanwu, when he made his move to come for me.

The late Ladipo played for 3SC, but became more associated with the female national team, the Falcons, in his later years as a coach.

Late Jossy Lad

Team Nigeria set for Davis Cup glory

A

fter intense preparations for the forth coming.

Nigeria hope to do well at the forthcoming Group 111 of Africa Zone of Davis Cup Championship slated for Cairo, Egypt from May 13 to 18 at the Smash Tennis Academy in the North African country.

Accordingly, efforts are being geared towards ensuring that the 5-man delegation maximised the intensive preparations ahead of the fiesta.

Nigeria will feature along with

13 other countries.

Already, the team had shaped up at the Ibadan Recreation Club for the tournament and eye promotion for the Europe/Africa Zone Group 11for 2014.

The Outdoor clay event has Abdul-Mumin Babalola, Lawal Shehu, Clifford Enosoregbe, Henry Atseye, Benson Isichen (captain) as representatives of Team Nigeria.

Nigeria will battle for one of the two slots against hosts Egypt,

Algeria, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d´Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Morocco, Namibia, Rwanda, Zambia and Zimbabwe in a round-robin format.

The format will have fourteen nations in four pools and will see Nigeria get promoted as one of the top nations in pools A and B drawn to play off against top nations in pools C and D. The two winning nations will advance to play in the Europe/Africa Zone Group II for 2014.

PAGE 42

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

IBF title: Fingers seeks to change 2000yrs Doncaster history H

istory beckons on Jamie McDonnell today as he takes Julio Ceja in a IBF bantamweight If he wins, the Briton will become the first boxer from the town of Doncaster in Yorkshire to win a "world" title.

Doncaster's history goes back almost 2 000 years but the town has never produced a world boxing champion. McDonnell, 27 years old, could change that at The Keepmoat Stadium with a victory.

He has won British, Commonwealth and European titles and is rated at No 1 in the division by the IBF. He has won 20 lost two and drawn one of his professional fights; nine inside the distance.

His opponent in the fight for the vacant title is only 20 years old and has won 22 of his 24 professional fights inside the distance. The IBF has him at No 3 on the rankings list.

McDonnell, at 1.73m tall for a bantamweight, lost to Chris Edwards in December 2007 and to Lee Haskins in March 2008, both on close decisions.

He beat Ian Napa for the British and Commonwealth bantamweight titles and Jerome Arnould for the European bantamweight title and last year won against Ivan Pozo (32-6-1) and Darwin Zamora (21-6-1),

both inside the distance.

Ceja, the WBC Fecarbox champion, had seven fights last year. He stopped former WBO champion Cruz Cabarjal in the third round, Ronal Barrera in the fourth and Luis Melendez in the sixth. In February this year he knocked out Henry Maldonado in the fifth.

It should be an entertaining bout between the taller local hero, who as a good jab and has fought better opponents than the Mexcican, who will rely on his knockout power.

On the undercard, Commonwealth bantamweight champion Stuart Hall, 33, meets Sergio Perales, a 25-year-old southpaw from Texas, for the vacant IBF intercontinental bantamweight title. Hall has a record 14-2-1; 7 and Perales stands at 22-1; 14.

Meanwhile, in Toluca, Mexico, Adrian Hernandez makes the second defence of his WBC lightflyweight title when he faces Yader Cardoza of Nicaragua tonite.

Hernandez, 27, who will be fighting in his hometown, has been a professional since March 2006 and won the title on April 30 2011 when he stopped Gilberto Keb Baas in the eleventh round.

In his first defence he knocked out South African Gideon Buthelezi, the IBO light-flyweight

Jamie

champion, in the second round.

But he lost the WBC belt to Kompayak Porpramook of Thailand when he was knocked out in the tenth.

He regained the belt in a return match when he stopped Porpramook (46-3) in the sixth round. In January this year he

retained it against Dirceu Carbarca, winning on points to take his record to 26-2-1; 16.

The 24-year-old Yader (15-4; 5) has been given a questionable No 10 ranking by the WBC. It will be his first fight outside Nicaragua.

He lost only once in his last 14 fights but only seven against opponents

Serena edges Medina into Madrid was serving at 3-4 down. semifinals However, it was

Medic course will bridge W basic gaps, says NSC

T

he National Sports Commission (NSC) has said its proposed sports medicine course is meant to provide sports medicine training in line with international practice.

A statement from the commission's Sports Medicine Department said the training would be in form of lectures in areas of diagnosis and management of sports injury, among others.

The training is scheduled for May 14 to 16 at the National Institute of Sports (NIS) auditorium, Package B, National Stadium Abuja. `` The main objective of the course is to provide basic sports medicine training in form of lectures in the areas of diagnosis and management of sports injury as well as prevention. ``Other issues to be discussed include assessing athletes' fitness through conduction of pre-competition medical assessment, issues relating to exercise in heat and fluid replacement. ``Also to be discussed are doping

in sports and the need for further training for good practice in line with international best practice,'' the statement read.

The statement added that the training, which would be an annual programme, would serve as an interactive forum between the sports medicine department and the medical personnel of state sports bodies. ``The department wishes to make it an annual programme, considering the vital role of sports medicine in sports development. Moreso, no school in Nigeria offers sports medicine as a course at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. ``In addition, the training will be an interactive forum between the sports medicine department of the NSC and states' medical personnel. ``This is with the view of finding out the latter's challenges, especially medicare during sports festivals and the way forward,'' it said.

According to the statement, ``the course shall have as

who had won more fights than they had lost.

In an IBF junior welterweight title eliminator in Miami, Oklahoma, Dierry Jean (24-0; 16) meets Cleotis Pendarvis (173-2; 6). Dean is from Haiti but fights out of Montreal in Canada.

Pendarvis is from Los Angeles.

participants two medical personnel, one of which shall be the Chief Medical Officer, drawn from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT''. ``It will also involve staff of the NSC sports medicine department and sports medicine practitioners under the umbrella of NASMED."

orld No 1 Serena Williams withstood a sterling effort from 30year-old wildcard Anabel Medina Garrigues to book her place in the Madrid Open semifinals with a 6-3, 0-6, 7-5 victory yesterday.

Williams had cruised through to the last eight without so much as dropping a set and she did enough to edge a tight opening set against the World No 63 with just the one break of serve when Garrgues

the Spaniard who blew Williams away in the second as she charged into the 15-time Grand Slam winner's serve to break three times and was never under any pressure on her own serve as she amazingly took the set 6-0.

Williams appeared to have regained control early in the third as she got off to a 2-0 lead, but Garrigues came soaring back again and broke in successive games to move ahead 4-2.

...Partners tennis club for talent hunt programmes

T

he National Sports Commission (NSC) is partnering with Aso Table Tennis Club to discover talented players ahead of the 2015 Youth Olympics, official said.

Mr Opeyemi Aminu, the Assistant Director, Grassroots Sports Development of the NSC said this at the 10th Aso Table Tennis Club National Championship in Abuja.

Aminu, who represented the Minister of Sports, Mr Bolaji Abdullahi, said 10 years ago, table tennis was a vibrant sport in Nigeria and had represented the country at the Olympics.

But he lamented that 10 years after the standard of the game had dropped as it no

longer enjoys automatic selected by NSC to participate in Olympics.

He stated that a player represented the country in table tennis in six Olympic games because no new player was discovered, adding that it was very bad. ``Ten years back if NSC was picking sports for the Olympics in the midst of sports priority, table tennis would always be listed but 10 years after, table tennis has no place in the list which is very sad," he said.

He charged officials to ensure that players were within the age bracket, adding that the best players in each category would be camped for

further training ahead of the Olympics.

Dr Olusegun Ajuwon, the former Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital in his remarks said the annual championship was organised to mark his 59th birthday.

Ajuwon said that the championship started in 2004 with eight players, adding that this year's edition has 26 states participating with the aim of empowering youths. He called on individuals and private companies came together to sponsor and organise more championship for the game.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

PAGE 43

Bayern lift title today, expect Euro win

B

ayern Munich will collect their first silverware for three years today when they are presented with the Bundesliga shield and Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insists it won't be the last trophy they lift this season.

After hosting Augsburg at Munich's Allianz Arena, Bayern will be handed the league trophy having won the Bundesliga title at the start of April, a record six games before the season's end with a massive 20-point lead.

It was Bayern's first trophy success since May 2010 as rivals Borussia Dortmund dominated the league for the next two seasons.

They could name squad against relegation threatened Augsburg team as Bayern focus their attentions on the Champions League final against Dortmund at Wembley on May 25.

This will be Bayern's third Champions League final in four seasons with Rummenigge insisting they have learnt the lessons from defeats to Chelsea last year and Inter Milan in 2010.

Before the Wembley showpiece, Bayern plan to celebrate their 23rd German title in style.

Coach Jupp Heynckes, who celebrated his 68th-birthday on Thursday, steps down at the end of the season, to be replaced by Pep Guardiola.

But before he goes, he hopes to lead Bayern to the first ever treble of European, league and cup titles by a German side.

Chelsea eyeing Champions League spot

C

helsea will look to secure their spot in the top four of the Premier League standings when they visit Aston Villa at Villa Park this Saturday.

The Blues are currently in third place with 69 points from 36 matches and a win would guarantee their place in the top four and with it qualification for next season's Champions League.

Rafa Benitez' men could have achieved this on Wednesday night when they hosted Tottenham Hotspur, but they gave away their lead twice before playing to a 2-2 draw.

Aston Villa on the other hand will be looking to guarantee their stay in topflight football as they are not yet safe from relegation.

The Villans are currently in 13thplace with 40 points, five ahead of relegation-threatened Wigan Athletic with two matches left to play.

Paul Lambert's side go into the game on the back of morale-boosting wins as they thrashed Sunderland 6-1 before edging Norwich City 2-1 in their last outing.

With second-place in the Bundesliga and next season's Champions League place secured, Dortmund travel to midtable VfL Wolfsburg looking to keep their first-choice side free from injury.

Defensive midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is nursing a leg knock from last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Bayern in Dortmund, while reserve centre-back Patrick Owomoyela is out for the season after injuring his hip.

Fourth-placed Schalke 04 can move a step closer to securing a spot in next season's Champions League when they host Stuttgart having extended the contract of promising Germany

midfielder Julian Draxler until 2018.

There is plenty to play for at the foot of the table with Werder Bremen, Fortuna Duesseldorf, Augsburg and Hoffenheim all battling to stay up.

Bottom side Greuther Fuerth are already relegated and they can avoid an unwanted Bundesliga record if they pick up their first home league win of the season against Freiburg.

No other team has ever gone a whole Bundesliga campaign without at least one home win and Fuerth are desperate to finish their debut season in the top flight without the most unwanted of records.

Thiago Silva being mobbed by teammates after a crucial goal for PSG

PSG can win title at Lyon

P

SG can win title at Ligue 1 leaders Paris St Germain will clinch their first title since 1994 if they keep their nerve and win at third-placed Olympique Lyon tomorrow.

PSG could even be crowned before they take to the pitch if second-placed Olympique Marseille, seven points behind going into the weekend, lose against mid table Toulouse today.

A PSG victory, with two matches remaining after the weekend, could also secure a second-spot finish for archrivals Marseille, who can go seven points ahead of Lyon if they beat Toulouse.

The top two sides qualify for the Champions League group stage with the third-placed team going into the third preliminary round.

Marseille are unbeaten since losing 2-0 at PSG in late February and can count on in-form striker Andre-Pierre Gignac, who has scored nine of his 13 goals at home.

While Lyon still covet second spot, they will have to watch their backs with Nice and St Etienne seeking Champions League qualification.

Surprise package Nice, who trail Lyon by three points on 60 in fourth, visit third-from-bottom Evian on Sunday (1500), while St Etienne, fifth with 59, travel to Lorient (1200) before high-profile matches at home against Marseille and at sixth-placed Lille.

Lille, the 2011 champions who have 57, take on lowly Stade Reims on Friday (1830).

Barcelona out to secure league title

B

arcelona will look to secure the La Liga title in style when they visit Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon tomorrow night.

The Catalans remain at the top of the standings with 88 points, eight points more than second-placed Real Madrid with a game in hand. But they could win the title without kicking a ball should Madrid fail to beat Espanyol tonite.

However, should their big rivals manage to rack up their seventh straight league win, Barca will have to take matters in their own hands.

Lionel Messi has been nursing a hamstring injury but it quite likely that he will be back in the starting lineup against tougher opponents like Atletico.

The Rojiblancos have been in great form throughout the season barring a few matches where they dropped points unnecessarily.

Diego Simeone's men defeated Celta Vigo 3-1 on Wednesday to secure a top three finish and qualification for next season's Champions League.

When the two sides met earlier this season Barcelona came back from a goal down to secure a comfortable 4-1 win.

WEEKEND FIXTURES Bundesliga B? Munich v Schalke 04 v B?Leverkusen v VfL Wolfsburg v Werder Bremen v Hoffenheim v Mainz 05 v Greuther Fuerth v Duesseldorf v Serie A Juventus Catania Sunday Chievo Fiorentina Genoa Lazio Napoli Udinese Parma AC Milan

v v

Augsburg VfB Stuttgart Hanover 96 B/Dortmund E/Frankfurt Hamburg B/M'gladbach Freiburg Nuremberg Cagliari Pescara

v Torino v Palermo v Inter v Sampdoria v Sienna v Atalanta v Bologona v Roma

Lique 1 Juventus Catania

v v

Sunday Genoa Fiorentina Chievo Udinese Lazio Napoli Parma AC Milan

v v v v v v v v

EPL Aston Villa

v

Chelsea

Sunday Stoke Everton Norwich QPR Sunderland Fulham Man Utd

v v v v v v v

Tottenham West Ham West Brom Newcastle Southampton Liverpool Swansea

NPFL Sunshine Stars Sharks Heartland Rangers Nasarawa Utd Enyimba Nembe City Warri Wolves Kaduna Utd Kwara Utd

v v v v v v v v v v

ABS F.C. 3SC Akwa Utd Bayelsa Utd W/Tourists Kano Pillars Lobi Stars Dolphins Gombe Utd El-Kanemi

Cagliari Pescara Inter Milan Palermo Torino Atalanta Sampdoria Siena Bologna Roma

Allegri eyes CL spot

A

C Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri is looking for a potentially job-saving victory against Roma tomorrow, knowing that would be enough to clinch Serie A's final Champions League spot.

Allegri has dragged Milan from the abyss of their worst ever Serie A start to the brink of Europe's premier club competition, but speculation in the press suggests his job depends on pushing his team over the finishing line.

Milan took a giant step towards claiming third place, which offers Champions League football through a preliminary round, with a 4-0 rout of Pescara on Wednesday.

With a four-point lead over fourth-placed Fiorentina and just two games left, the Rossoneri can cement third with a win. And with his job likely to hinge on such a scenario, Allegri is taking nothing for granted.

PAGE 44

P I C T O R I A L

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND, SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

In front of more than 14,000 fans, the 75th edition of the Blue Stars/FIFA Youth Cup once again served up top-class football. FC Zurich successfully defended their crown after comfortably beating Botafogo FR 5-0 in the final.

David Moyes first task as Manchester United manager could be to settle the future of striker Wayne Rooney, who is reportedly seeking an exit from Old Trafford

Yaya Toure aims to continue City's winning ways at Wembley in today's FA Cup final, Richard Jolly writes.

New Zealand opener Hamish Rutherford hit an unbeaten 116 on day one of the four-day tour match against England Lions at Leicestershire's Grace Road.

Jamie McDonnell says he is not intimidated by Julio Ceja's knockout record ahead of their world bantamweight title fight today.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

PAGE 45

News Feature

Monguno: Dubious kidnap, barren release

By Ibrahim Kabiru Sule

B

a r e l y less than two weeks to the alarm raised by the Joint Task Force in Maidugri about the new tactic of kidnap employed by the Boko Haram sect, the shocking news of Shetima Ali Monguno last week Friday broke, an incident that would have lent weight to the already started warning of kidnapping in the state.

The Nigeria's pioneer petroleum minister during the Yakubu Gawon regime was said to have been carried to an unknown destination, shortly after saying his Juma'at prayer at the Mafoni Central Mosque in Maiduguri, the state capital, at about 2pm by some yet-to-be revealed identities, who, according to an eye witness account, stormed the mosque, wearing T-shirts on a tricycle, popularly known as 'Keke NAPEP'.

In what seemed to be a bowing out to the outcry that trailed the elder statesman's kidnap, the news of his surprising release came out Monday, even as "no ransom was given for his release". as good as the regaining of freedom story was, so the question of who called to give the information of his release, and subsequently, pointed out the Kirenoa, a border town near Niger Republic, where he was to be picked. But up to this moment, the identities remained unknown.

Many Nigerians had, after a repeated rolling out of the attitude of the octogenarian, his philanthropic interest and his elderly approach to the issue of granting amnesty to the sect, especially during the visit of President Jonathan, quickly began to distance the sect from the kidnap of the man, who exudes respect even from Boko Haram.

As heavily linked to Boko Haram, one is confronted with the unusual thought of what then was this sect going to do with the old man? Have they run into broke after more than three years of seamless financial capabilities by the sect? How is the kidnap of Monguno going to influence their aspirations?

Certainly, these begging questions would not have a ready answer. Hence, the thinking has to look for the other direction, which is the source where the prior warning came.

This is even more so when one listened to an interview granted to the Radio France International, Hausa service, less than 48 hours after the kidnap incidence.

A top Boko Haram member also questioned those attributing the kidnap case that how can the sect be involved in such act, when "Monguno was among the recognised personalities endorsed by the sect"?

An eye witness told Guardian newspaper that "We were shocked and terrified, when four gunmen dressed in T-shirts and flowing gowns pulled out pistols from their waists and forcefully dragged Dr. Shettima Monguno into the station wagon vehicle that brought him for the Jumat prayers at the mosque, and zoomed off to unknown destination of

Maiduguri metropolis."

Despite the presence of the JTF at arguably every cranny of Maidugri, the Borno state capital, even residents' premises, as confirmed by the people in the city, the rushing convoy of JTF only made it to the scene of the abduction 10 minutes after the gunmen had left the area. Hear it from someone at the scene: ""The soldiers of the Joint Task Force (JTF) rushed to the Mosque 10 minutes after the gunmen had fled with the elder statesman."

However, early hours of Monday, reports said some members of Boko Haram set free the kidnapped Monguno, whose return to his residence at the GRA, near government house, Maidugri, witnessed the thronging of thousands of sympathisers, including the State Governor, Kashim Shettima. Monguno, while addressing the visibly elated crowd in front of his house, soberly urged them not to cry."They did not kill me, so don't cry".

"We thank the Almighty God for releasing our father and elder statesman from the hands of Boko Haram sect members in far away Kirenoa, after holding him captive for three days. The sect members had heeded to my persistent appeals and consideration in releasing our elder statesman today. The prayers of people and other stakeholders had also assisted in releasing Dr Monguno today." Shettima then appealed to the crowd to let him have some rest and not disturb him for at least 24hours.

The governor therefore dismissed any possible payment of ransom to the abductors, saying that "No ransom was paid by either the Borno State government or family members.

Monguno is very poor."

Going by what the state governor disclosed concerning ransom payment, one could all but be forced to swallow the difficult-to-believe confession, especially in view of similar denials by government officials on sundry kidnapping sagas, but surprisingly turned out to be the other way round.

Worthy of mentioning here was the recent release of 7 kidnapped France nationals, who were set free a fortnight ago, without any ransom. But a foreign media reported that kidnappers received ransom in condition for setting the France nationals free.

Moreover, the mother of Nigeria's finance minister, an Octogenarian, Sociology Professor Kamene Okonj, whose daughter, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, addressed

Alh. Shetima Ali Monguno

journalists shortly after the release of her mother, where she maintained that the reported money demanded by the

“

This is even more so when one listened to an interview granted to the Radio France International, Hausa service, less than 48 hours after the kidnap incidence.

A top Boko Haram member also questioned those attributing the kidnap case that how can the sect

kidnappers was not paid. Yet, not long after that, one of the abductors was arrested in a bank as he attempted to deposit part of the marked ransom money. he confessed to the police that they collected N13m as ransom before the 83-year-old was released last December.

Whether ransom was paid or not in the build up to the release of Dr. Shettima Ali Monguno remains to be ascertained.

However, while the family of Monguno and of course Nigerians at large are still in joyous mood over the development, there is still an unanswered question of who actually kidnapped Monguno, as the family revealed that it's not Boko Haram sect?

PAGE 46

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

Strange world Beaver bites man to death on fishing trip

Y

ou won't like the beaver when it's angry. Earlier this month, a man in Belarus was killed by a beaver after trying to take its photograph, according to news reports.

The man was on a fishing trip with two friends at Lake Shestakov, when he spotted a seemingly innocuous beaver on the side of the road. The animal then jumped onto him and bit him in the leg, severing an artery, reported Sky News.

He then bled to death.

Beavers are usually shy and most attacks are suspected to come from rabid animals, scientists say. However, attacks aren't unheard of. "Last year in the U.S. two girls were mauled by a beaver in a lake in Virginia as they swam," Sky News reported. "They suffered serious bite and scratch injuries. A man was also attacked in New York and an elderly woman in Washington."

Male black widows flip sexual cannibalism

B

lack widow spiders get their names from the belief that the female devours her partner after sex.

But this gruesome ritual doesn't always happen after mating and sometimes, the roles are even reversed, researchers say.

For choosy female black widows, sexual cannibalism is an extreme way to assert their partner preference, with less desirable males more likely to be chased down and eaten after they insert their sperm-coated palps into a female.

But in the species Micaria sociabilis, males are more likely to eat the females than be eaten, a new study found.

A team at Masaryk University in the Czech Republic studied how different pairings of the spiders interacted in a lab, making sure the creatures were wellfed to rule out hunger-driven cannibalism.

Males ate the females typically after the spiders' first contact and before any mating, with the culprits most often males from the summer generation, the researchers found. These males tend to be larger than their counterparts born into the spring generation, suggesting size matters in aggression.

Meanwhile, age might be a dooming factor for the female Micaria sociabilis. There was a peak in reverse sexual cannibalism when males from the summer generation encountered older females from the spring generation, the researchers found.

House cats bred with wild animals sell for $35,000

A 4-month-old F1 Savannah cat

T

he ancient Egyptians domesticated cats some 4,000 years ago, but a modern taste for all things exotic is working to undo that with the introduction of half-wild cats.

Breeders bored with mixing plain old domestic mousers for new

designer blends (hello, poodle cats) have taken to mating house cats with medium-size wild cats to create new animals that will prowl your shag carpet as if it were the grasslands of Africa.

According to The

International Cat Association (TICA), the first effort to breed a wild cat with a domestic feline was in 1963 when Jean S. Mill "invented" the Bengal by crossing a house cat with the Asian leopard cat to create an animal with, "the loving nature

of a favored fireside tabby and the striking look associated with leopards, ocelots and jaguars."

Since then, a whole menagerie of "living room leopards" has been spawned, including the Bristol (domestic cat/margay), the Chausie (domestic cat/jungle cat), the Cheetoh (Bengal/ocicat), the Jungle-bob (Pixie-bob/jungle cat) and the Pantherette (Pixiebob/Asian leopard cat).

And perhaps the most popular of all, the Savannah half domestic cat, half African Serval.

The first known Savannah was born April 7, 1986, when a female domestic cat gave birth to a kitten sired by a Serval, an African wildcat that weighs up to 50 pounds and eats everything from birds and hares to deer and gazelles. TICA accepted the Savannah breed for registration in 2001, and the Savannah was accepted for Championship status by TICA in 2012.

Joyce Sroufe is generally recognized as the founder of the Savannah breed, and her catmaking business, A1 Savannah Cattery, is not only the world's first Savannah cattery, but also the one responsible for breeding the largest domesticated house cat documented in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Plant parts release sperm when squeezed

W

hen squeezed too hard, pollen tubes, like those in this scanning electron micrograph of two germinated Camellia pollen grains, burst and release their sperm.

When it comes to sex, plants and humans have more in common than one might think.

During plant reproduction, the male sex organ, called the pollen tube, grows in length as it plows through tissue on its way to the female organs. And when the tube encounters too tight a grip, it bursts and releases sperm, a new study reports.

But unlike its human equivalent, the pollen tube is a single cell. It's the fastest growing cell in the plant, and like all plant cells, it has a cell wall. As the tube - which contains the sperm cells drills through the tissue of the female plant, the internal fluid pressure pushes out on these walls, keeping them rigid.

"It's essentially like a balloon that you blow up and it swells," said study co-author Anja Geitmann, a biologist at the University of Montreal in Canada. As it grows, the pollen tube encounters resistance from the cells of the surrounding tissue. "How does the tube actually generate the forces necessary to penetrate the cells?"

Geitmann wanted to know.

To find out, the researchers

developed a special chip to measure the forces a pollen tube encounters as it grows. They tested the growth of pollen tubes of the Japanese Camellia (Camellia japonica) in a microscopic obstacle course where they had to navigate a maze of narrow openings.

Because pollen tubes are so small - between 5 and 20 micrometers wide (less than a fifth the width of a human hair) - microsystems technology was required to measure the miniscule amount of force they exerted on their surroundings.

The tube must maintain its

shape as it creeps through the tissue, as any kinks or collapses would prevent the sperm from passing through freely.

The microscopic channels of the obstacle course were made of an elastic polymer material, and were made narrower than the width of the pollen tubes.

PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

PAGE 47

From the Pulpit Who are you listening to? (I) “

S

otheadministratorsandprinces went to the king and said, 'Long live King Darius! We administrators,prefects,princes,advisers, and other officials have unanimously agreed that Your Majesty should make a law that will be strictly enforced. Give ordersthatforthenextthirtydaysanyone who prays to anyone, divine or human except to Your Majesty - will be thrown to the lions. And let Your Majesty issue and sign this law so it cannot be changed, a law of the Medes and Persians, which cannotberevoked.'SoKingDariussigned the law." (Dan 6:6-9 NLT) Different people have spoken into your life in the past, and many others will still. They will talk to you about yourself in relation to others or give you information and advice about others. Not everything people say to you is correct especially within the context of the Word of God. People usually have motives for saying what they say and have objectives they want to achieve which, many times, they hardlyreveal.Sometimestheymeanmore than what they say or mean the opposite of what they say. So you must be careful who you listen to and what you make of whattheytellyou.Youmustlistentowhat they say and what they are not saying in ordertobeabletomakeacorrectdecision!

In the Scripture above, King Darius listened to the presidents, governors and princes in his kingdom who flattered him tomakehimequatehimselfwithGod. He shouldn't have listened to them because theywereonlyusinghim;theirtargetwas Daniel, and they hid this from Darius.

Darius signed the law because he was blinded by flattery. Not many people rise above the flattery of men. Darius only discovered later that Daniel was their target."Thentheytoldtheking,'Thatman Acts 3:1-26

T

h i s chapter reveals the power and authority of the Name of Jesus. "In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

And he leaping up stood, and walked."

"And His Name through faith in His Name hath made this man strong... yea, hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all."

The Apostles and disciples who were recently baptized in the Spirit made new discovery: the Name of Jesus, who was crucified, who died and was buried, who rose from the dead, who ascended to heaven, who is now exalted and glorified, now has equal power and authority to the power and authority that He, Himself exercised when He was on earth. That Name, the exalted Name, the glorified, the mighty and powerful Name, the conquering Name, the wonderful Name, the great Name of Jesus, recognized in heaven and on earth, can save and transform sinners, heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons, deliver the oppressed, move mountains, overcome Satan and produce every desirable miracle.

The Name of Jesus in the heart and mouth of every true believer works miracles. God is a miracle worker.

Jesus, Himself, is a miracle - from His conception to His coronation, everything about Him is a miracle. His supernatural Name has been given to all believers in all generations to work miracles and lead sinners to the Lord and Saviour. The Name of Jesus lifts every believer to the realm of the supernatural.

1.

THE PREVAILING POWER OF HIS WONDER-

Daniel, one of the captives from Judah, is paying no attention to you or your law.

HestillpraystohisGodthreetimesaday.'

Hearingthis,thekingwasveryangrywith himselfforsigningthelaw,andhetriedto find a way to save Daniel. He spent the rest of the day looking for a way to get Danieloutofthispredicament."(Dan6:1314 NLT) Having signed the decree, the king succumbed to pressure to execute it and throw Daniel to the lions' den. The king did,prayingthatGodwoulddeliverDaniel.

"The king said to him, 'May your God, whom you worship continually, rescue you.'"(Dan 6:16-17 NLT) An uncomfortable and troubled king returned to his palace spending the night fasting and refusing his usual entertainment; he couldn't sleep throughout the night. But he would have saved himself this trouble if he had been more careful listening to the presidents, governors and princes in his kingdom.

How eager he was in the morning to know the fate of Daniel, and how glad he wastohearfromDanielthathewasalive!

"Thekingwasoverjoyedandorderedthat Danielbeliftedfromtheden.Notascratch wasfoundonhimbecausehehadtrusted in his God. Then the king gave orders to arrest the men who had maliciously accusedDaniel.Hehadthemthrowninto the lions' den, along with their wives and children. The lions leaped on them and tore them apart before they even hit the floor of the den." (Dan 6:23-24 NLT) Darius wanted the accusers of Daniel toexperiencewhattheyhadmadeDaniel go through because he knew they conspired against him out of envy. But Darius should have been more circumspect when they came up with the idea of the decree.

Be careful who you listen to. Listen to what people are saying and what they are notsaying.Don'tlistentowhateverybody says and act on it only for you to regret later. Thank God He was there to thwart theplotofDaniel'saccusersandtheking's regret was minimized. In some cases, the consequences could be irreversible so be careful so that you don't end regretting or lamenting. It is not everybody talking to you who means well; many have ulterior motives or selfish reasons.

Enmity between Saul and David Apparently the enmity between Saul andDavidwascausedbySaullisteningto some people telling him David wanted to harm him and take the throne. 1 Sam 24:9 says, "And David said to Saul: 'Why do you listen to the words of men who say, 'Indeed David seeks your harm'?"

(NKJV) So Saul was acting on rumours chasingfromtowntotownandfromcave to cave David, who had helped him and Israel earlier kill Goliath and deliver Saul and the nation from reproach.

The truth was that David had no intention of harming or killing Saul. He knew he would become king at God's appointed time though he had been anointed king by Samuel. There, in a cave in the wilderness of En Gedi, David had opportunity of killing Saul, and he was encouraged by his men to do so but David refused. The Bible says, "'Now's your opportunity!' David's men whispered to him.'TodayisthedaytheLORDwastalking aboutwhenhesaid,IwillcertainlyputSaul into your power, to do with as you wish.'

ThenDavidcreptforwardandcutoffapiece of Saul's robe." (1 Sam 24:4 NLT) If David hadlistenedtohismen,hewouldhavekilled Saulbuthedidn'tactonwhattheysaideven when they tried to spiritualize it. There is

GREEN PASTURES

By Pastor T.O. Banso cedarministryintl@yahoo.com GSM: 08033113523 norecordofwhenGodsaidwhattheysaid He said - that He would put Saul into David'spower,todowithhimashewished.

Thatprobablywastheirdevice.Daviddidn't listentothemlikeSaullistenedtothosewho said David wanted to harm him. His conscience even began bothering him because he had cut Saul's robe. He said he shouldn't have done it because it was a serious thing to attack the LORD's anointed. David sharply rebuked his men not allowing them kill Saul. He chose to overcome evil with good. (Rom 12:21) Hear what David told Saul later after cuttinghisrobe,"Thisverydayyoucansee with your own eyes it isn't true. For the LORD placed you at my mercy back there inthecave,andsomeofmymentoldmeto kill you, but I spared you. For I said, 'I will never harm him - he is the LORD's anointed one.' Look, my father, at what I have in my hand. It is a piece of your robe!

I cut it off, but I didn't kill you. This proves that I am not trying to harm you and that I have not sinned against you, even though you have been hunting for me to kill me.

TheLORDwilldecidebetweenus.Perhaps theLORDwillpunishyouforwhatyouare trying to do to me, but I will never harm you." (1 Sam 24:10-13 NLT) Saul was merely on a wild goose chase. In verses 10, 11, 12 and 13, David reiterated the fact that he would never harm Saul and he never did. The Bible records two occasions that hecouldhavekilledSaulwhilethekingslept,

but he refused to do so.

Don'tlistentorumourmongers.Don't listen to backbiters. Don't listen to those who want to cause enmity between you and someone else, and are giving you unsolicitedinformation.

I'll stop here today, and talk more on Saulnextweek.BeadoeroftheWordand not a reader alone.

TAKE ACTION! If you are not born again, kindly say this prayer now: "0 Lord God, I come unto you today. I know I am a sinner and I cannot save myself. I believethatJesusistheSonofGod who died on the cross to save me and resurrected the third day. I confess Jesus as my Lord and Saviour and surrender my life to him today. I invite Jesus into my heart today. By this prayer, I know I am saved. Thank you Jesus for saving me and making me a child of God" Ibelieveyouhavesaidthisprayerfrom yourheart.Congratulations!Youwillneed to join a Bible believing, Bible teaching church in your area where you will be taught how to live your new life in Christ Jesus.Ipraythatyouflourishlikethepalm tree and grow like the cedar of Lebanon.

May you grow into Christ in all things becoming all God wants you to be. I will begladtohearfromyou.MaytheLordbe with you.

The supernatural power in Jesus' name WORKING NAME Acts 3:1-10; 4:7-12; 14:8-10; 16:1618; 19:13-16; Luke 10:17-20; John 14:12-14; 15:16; 16:23,24; Ephesians 1:20-22; Philippians 2:9-11; Mark 16:17,18.

"Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer." The apostles, though leaders, went to the prayer meeting at 3pm. At the gate of the temple, they saw a helpless, hopeless man who was lame from birth. Instead of writing him off as a helpless, hopeless, unfortunate wretch, they saw him as one in whom the mighty power of God might be demonstrated.

The human race is like this poor, hopeless, lame man, with no standing before God. They stumble and fall through life. The very best person in the world, outside of Christ, is a hopeless spiritual cripple; born that way, each man is a spiritual beggar. The impotent man lay at the gorgeous gate of a dead religion, a proud religion that could do nothing to help or transform him.

"Look on us", said Peter, to redirect the beggar's thoughts from his rags and from his religion to the Redeemer. The man wanted money but what he needed was a miracle.

"Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk." The mighty Name of Jesus set him free. He was no longer chained to charity. He received a miracle, he walked and leaped. As he praised God, he followed them into the temple, to the place of fellowship and prayer.

That is always a good sign of a life

FAITH DISCOURSE WITH

Pastor W. F. Kumuyi touched and transformed by the Name of Jesus. This man who had been carried to the gate of the temple every day was a familiar sight. All the people knew him. They could not deny that a mighty miracle had taken place.

2.

THE PASSIONATE PLEA IN HIS WONDERFUL NAME Acts 3:11-18; 2:22-24,32,36; 13:3039; Luke 24:26,27,44; 1 Corinthians 2:8; Ephesians 1:19-21; John 1:12; 20:31; 1 John 5:11-13; Acts 16:31.

"All the people ran together" when they saw the lame man "walking and leaping and praising God". Their amazement and wonder brought them from different parts of the temple and provided the opportunity for Peter to preach to them. Peter first diverted the attention of the people from the healed man and from the Apostles.

The explanation of the miracle was not to be found in any of them. The true Source and Author of the miracle was Jesus. The Name of Jesus had healed the man, proving that the risen Christ was still alive in heaven exalted,

honoured and glorified by God. Jesus, the One they had denied and crucified, had been raised from the dead and given a Name above all names on earth and in heaven.

The same mighty Name that healed the lame man gave holy boldness to Peter. Peter's boldness was remarkable as he charged the people that (1) "delivered up" Jesus to the Gentiles for trials, (2) "denied Him in the presence of Pilate", (3) "denied the Holy One and the Just", (4) "killed the Prince of life". This Jesus, God raised up and glorified. His glorious Name has now been given for our salvation, justification, redemption, healing, deliverance, sanctification, power and spiritual strength. These sinners who denied and crucified Jesus were guilty and must repent to be reconciled to God. Christ now offered Himself to them as Lord and Saviour.

3.

THE PRESCRIBED PREACHING IN HIS WORTHY NAME Acts 3:19-26; Luke 24:46,47; Acts 5:30,31; 17:30,31; 20:20,21,26,27;

26:16-20; Revelation 2:4,5,20-26; 3:13, 17-22; James 5:19,20; Matthew 18:3; Psalm 51:6-13; Deuteronomy 18:15-19.

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted". After revealing the great evil of their sins to them, they were called to repentance. For their repentance to be meaningful and acceptable, there must be a definite change of mind concerning their sins, a practical turning away from their sins, a decisive separation from sinners with whom they sinned, a hatred for all sins and a whole-hearted faith and trust in Christ as Saviour and Lord.

Christ had commanded that repentance be preached in His Name,

by His authority, as He preached it, following His example, emphasizing conversion - bringing forth fruit meet for repentance, that is, definite proof and evidence of repentance.

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord".

The "restitution (restoration) of all things" is also promised if there is genuine repentance. As for the nation of Israel, so also for the individual: no repentance, no refreshing; no repentance, no restoration of all things.

True repentance before God and faith in Christ will grant us remission (Luke 24:47), regeneration (Titus 3:5), reconciliation (Ephesians 2:14-16), redemption (Ephesians 1:7), refreshing (Acts 3:19), resurrection (Colossians 3:1-4), righteousness (Romans 10:9,10).

BIG PUNCH “While Nigerians are fervently praying for peace in the country, some Nigerians are already sowing seeds of discord amongst the people. The statements (credited to Asari Dokubo and Kingsley Kuku) are capable of creating disunityand disaffection among the good people of Nigeria”.

—Ali Sani Madaki (PDP, Kano) on the statements by Dokubo and kuku that there would be crisis in the Niger Delta if President Goodluck Jonathan was not re-elected in 2013

SATURDAY 11 — SUNDAY 12, MAY, 2013

Flood of human bodies A

dam Nossiter, tells the world about what he saw and heard when he visited the government hospital in Maiduguri, Borno State, in The New York Times [7/5/13].

He writes on what, to him, amounts to a flood of human bodies flowing steadily to the morgue: A fresh load of battered corpses arrived, 29 of them in a routine delivery by the Nigerian military to the hospital morgue here.

Unexpectedly, three bodies started moving. "They were not properly shot," recalled a security official here. "I had to call the J.T.F." - the military's joint task force - "and they gunned them down." It was a rare oversight. Large numbers of bodies, sometimes more than 60 in a day, are being brought by the Nigerian military to the state hospital, according to government, health and security officials, hospital workers and human rights groups - the product of the military's brutal war against radical Islamists rooted in this northern city. The corpses were those of young men arrested in neighborhood sweeps by the military and taken to a barracks nearby. Accused, often on flimsy or no evidence, of being members or supporters of Boko Haram - the Islamist militant group waging a bloody insurgency against the Nigerian state - the detainees are beaten, starved, shot and even suffocated to death, say the officials, employees and witnesses. Then, soldiers bring the bodies to the hospital and dump them at the morgue, officials and workers say. The flood is so consistent that the small morgue at the edge of the hospital grounds often has no room, with corpses flung by the military in the sand around it. Residents say they sometimes have to flee the neighborhood because of the fierce smell of rotting flesh.

The military's harsh tactics, which it flatly denies, have reduced militant attacks in this insurgent stronghold, but at huge cost and with likely repercussions, officials and rights advocates contend.

Even the state's governor, who acknowledged that he must tread a careful line not to offend the Nigerian military, expressed disquiet at the tactics. "A lot of lives are lost on a daily basis due to the inhumane conditions" at the barracks, known as Giwa, said

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the governor, Kashim Shettima.

"They do deposit bodies on a daily basis." Moreover, the bodies come in even when there have been no bombings, sectarian clashes or battles between the military and the insurgents, making it unlikely that the dead were killed in combat, terrorist attacks or similar circumstances. "Mostly they

President Goodluck Jonathan bring the corpses from Giwa Barracks, the J.T.F.," said one hospital worker. Most of the young men died "from beating, bullets, maltreatment," he added.

"You can hardly see a corpse here from sickness. Sometimes it is up to 120 corpses they bring."

"The numbers can be outrageous; they bring them in an ambulance, two or three ambulances, loaded," the security official said. "Most of them are tortured." Overwhelmed morgue attendants sometimes simply flee their post, the official said. "They just throw the corpses on the ground," said Dr. Mohammed Ghuluze, the hospital's medical director. "Yesterday they came in and just threw five corpses on the ground." One local official described a mass burial of 174 young men at the cemetery recently, with bodies dumped in hastily dug graves. He said the military would simply put "30-40 people inside an armored car.

Then they lock the car. It's suffocation. It's not good, not good." Suleman Mohammed, 28, [a former Giwa inmate] said he

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President Goodluck Jonathan saw many people die at the barracks: "In Giwa, not less than 30 people die every day starvation, heart attacks. At times, in a single room, 10 people died because of starvation." He added: "Some go mad. They shout, 'Water, water.' " The Army, though, has its own explanation. As Adam Nossiter reports, Sagir Musa, spokesman for the military's joint task force, acknowledged detentions at the barracks, saying that "many confirmed commanders of Boko Haram have been arrested, and many of their camps have been destroyed," actions that he said aided the "restoration of law and order." But he rejected accusations of widespread killing or torture.

"One cannot rule out the possibility of one, two dying periodically in detention," he said. But "to say five, no." Notice the remorseless, arrogant, zeroconscience, zero-compassion tone and the blatant falsehood! Notice also the utter lack of respect for human life - 'one, two dying periodically in detention', Sagir says disdainfully of human

beings and fellow compatriots who, as the Army may deem fit, can be tortured, starved, suffocated until they die! Never is there a sense that Sagir's 'one, two dying' could be related to some other human beings as breadwinner, father, mother, son, daughter, wife, husband and a host of other relationships which cement the human society.

This, then, is the graphic picture of the strange and utterly tragic war that has been raging on the Nigerian soil for the last two years or so. It is a war completely outside the law, conducted with an unprecedented brutality and impunity, by an army that is proving itself to be mindless, brainless, savage, just as it proving itself incompetent to defend the homeland. The Army decides who is the enemy - 'they will insist you are a member of Boko Haram, nothing more and nothing less,' Muhammad, a Giwa detainee told Adam Nossiter - when and how he should die, how and where his body should be disposed, in a

morgue, under a tree or in a mass grave. The enemy, mark you, could be an insurgent or one who looks like him; the enemy could be a unarmed, a woman, a child, or just about anyone who happens to be around. The enemy could even be a baby hidden in its mother's womb!

The former American ambassador to Nigeria, John Campbell, observes on May 8th, 2013, [blogs.cfr.org] that Nigeria's security services have gone completely out of control.

'Many of us have heard reports similar to Nossiter's from Nigerian contacts for some time.

Human Rights Watch also issued a report that, in effect, argued that the International Criminal Court should investigate both Boko Haram and the security services for crimes against humanity,' he writes. 'For a long time I have heard that the security services round up large numbers of young men who simply disappear. They are never formally arrested, prosecuted, tried or, if convicted, punished.

They simply disappear, outside the justice system altogether. I had assumed that most so detained were quietly released after a time, in part because there were few reports of mass graves. To some extent, that may be true. But, Nossiter's grim report confirms what many local people say; that in fact, many are murdered. The disposal of so many corpses is posing a problem.' Campbell goes further to say that: 'The security services, an arm of a state with democratic aspirations, must be held to a higher standard than vicious insurgents. Boko Haram terror is no justification for what Nossiter and others report the security services are doing. And the government's stonewalling is counterproductive.' In fact the insurgency does not fight for Nigeria, the Army does. That precisely is the difference.

America has expressed its 'deep concern' over Nigerian Army's extrajudicial killings, prolonged detentions, disappearances, and indiscriminate force approach excesses which it believes are tarnishing Nigeria's global reputation as an emerging leader. Excesses for which Nigeria will pay very very dearly.

Can human blood flow as flood, so unremittingly, in vain?

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