Peoples Daily Newspaper, Monday, June 11, 2012 by Peoples Media Limited

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

Vol. 8 No. 56

Monday, June 11, 2012

. . . putting the people first

Rajab 21, 1433 AH

N150

5 die in Jos bomb attack, reprisal From Mustapha Isa Kwaru, Maiduguri & Nankpah Bwakan, Jos, with agency reports

esterday was another black Sunday as no fewer than 10 persons were confirmed killed in violent incidences in Jos, the Plateau state capital as well as Biu in

As gunmen kill 5 in Biu

Borno state. This came a week after a DANA Airline aircraft crashed in Lagos, killing all 153 persons on board, and at least seven residents at the crash site.

In Jos, a suicide bomber killed himself while attempting to launch an attack on a church, while a reprisal by some residents resulted in the killing of at least four Okada riders, according to official reports.

A source who claimed to be an eyewitness however said he saw at least six bodies of the Okada riders killed in the reprisal attack by some suspected ‘natives’. Similar reports from Borno state

confirmed that five worshipers were killed while several others wounded when unknown gunmen attacked the Eklisiyyar Yan’Uwa a Najeriya in Biu local government area. Contd on Page 2

2012 Budget

Northern senators reject imbalance By Abubakar Ibrahim

enators from the North’s 19 states are poised to battle the Presidency following a report from an independent investigation which revealed downward fiscal adjustments in the allocations for critical projects in the North in the 2012 budget. This is in addition to reports of imbalance in the spread of critical projects to the disadvantage of the region while averring increases in the allocation of similar projects in other parts of the North. Following earlier reports that the region was marginalized in the distribution of the projects, the lawmakers had last month engaged an independent consultant to among other things, analyse sectoral allocation to states and geopolitical zones as well as carry out a comparative analysis of the appropriation bill and the appropriation Act as passed and Contd on Page 2

R-L: Sokoto state Governor, Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, in a handshake with Austrian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stefan Scholz, during the envoy's official visit to the governor, yesterday in Sokoto.

Bribery You need allegation: courage to fix Farouk Lawan Nigeria, cleric faces EFCC tells Jonathan >> PAGE 3

>> PAGE 3

Al-makura sets up panel to probe Assakio killings >> PAGE 4

Cash-less: Banks deploy 100,000 PoS terminals >> PAGE 19

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

CONTENTS News

2-11

Editorial

Op.Ed

Letters

Opinion

Metro

16-17

Business

19-22

S/Exchange

S/Report

Newsxtra

Education

Health

2012 Budget: Northern senators reject imbalance Contd from Page 1 signed by the President. Debate over the content of the budget in the Senate on May 26, 2012, had almost turned rowdy but was doused by Senate President David Mark who opted for an executive session to enable senators get the right facts. Following the incident, Northern senators slated a separate meeting for last week Wednesday to review the report of the consultant, but the meeting was allegedly sabotaged by ‘friends’ of the presidency and Senate leadership among the Northern senators. Meanwhile, the consultants’ report, which is now being considered by the lawmakers as guide for further action, indicated that some major projects in the North had their costs “seriously” slashed down in the budget. Some of them include the Zauro Polder Project in Kebbi state which was slashed from the initial N43.636 bllion to N2.818 billion translating to 93.5 percent cut. Also cut is the allocation for Zobe Water Supply Project in

Katsina state which was reduced from initial N320 million to N20 million translating to 93.8 percent cut. Others are the Biu Water Project in Borno state and the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria Water Supply Project, both of which had initial allocations of N160 million in the budget but were slashed to N20 million representing 87.5 percent cut. Also slashed is the Zungeru Water Supply project in Niger state, which was reduced from N170 million to N30 million and the Kano River Irrigation Project which was reduced from N252. 729 million to N126.364 million. Under allocations for power, the report also alleged cuts in certain critical projects in the North but increase in the allocation of similar projects in other parts of the country. The report averred that three projects that looked alike were actually allocated the same amount of N67.690 million in the draft budget but one was reviewed upwards while two remained unchanged. The projects include 2x60

MVA 132/33 KV substations at Oba and 2x132 KV Line Bays at Nnewi, Anambra state, which was reviewed to N267.690 million. However, other similar projects at Kwanar Dangora and Afam remained unchanged. Under the works sector, the report revealed that projects were lopsided in favour of southeastern states especially Enugu state. It also showed duplication of projects in some instances with different costs. Some of such is the Rehabilitation of SokotoTambuwal-Jega KontagoraMakera road at the cost of N1.584 billion which appeared again as Reconstruction of Sokoto -Jega Kontagora-Makera at the cost of N1.485 billion. Under the ministry of agriculture, the report indicated an omission of N45 million from the capital project for the Federal College of Produce Inspection and Stored Produce Technology in Kano. It said the total should have been N110.828 million instead of N65.105 million. It said a difference of N84 million could not be traced.

However, the report indicated that the North ranked highest in zonal distributions of allocations in some critical allocation. While the North Central got the highest allocation in agriculture (N8.097 billion), North-West got the highest in Education (N14.478 billion). The zone also got the highest in Health (N4.95 billion), while North-Central got the highest in Water Supply (N18.126 billion) after FCT (N18.548 billion). Before commissioning the investigation, some senators from the North last month complained that some projects originally earmarked for the North ended up in the South and blamed Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu for allegedly denying the North its due. It was gathered that this has been the issue behind the series of closed door meetings in the Senate involving lawmakers from the North. The lawmakers, who have been meeting on the report, are expected to table it immediately the Senate resumed plenary later in the month.

5 die in Jos bomb attack, reprisal I’ll remain in ANPP till death – Senator Yarima, Page 7

International 31-34 Strange World 35 Digest

Politics

37-40

Sports

41-47

Columnist

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

Phones for News: 070-37756364 09-8734478

Contd from Page 1 In the attack in the Plateau state capital, the suicide bomber who drove in a saloon car with an improvised device attached to his body, successfully beat the security network and gained entrance into the building of Christ Chosen Church of God along Rukuba Road, Jos. It was further gathered that IED exploded very close to the premises of the church and the impact of the blast brought down the church building and some of the worshippers. According to a statement by the Special Task Force (STF), four cyclists were killed and their motorcycles were also burnt in the reprisal attack along Rukuba road in the town. The STF added that the suicide bomber was among the three killed in the church while the four others were believed to be victims of mob actions. It said in a statement signed by Mdahyelya Markus, that 28 worshippers were injured by the blast that brought down the church building. The STF said that the explosion hit Christ Chosen Church of God on Rukuba Road, Jos, when the suicide bomber drove a saloon car with registration number BSA 36 AA, into the premises. The statement advised members of the public to always allow security agencies to take control of security situations whenever such incidents occurred. “The general public is also warned not to take the laws into their hands as any act of lawlessness would not be tolerated by the security agencies,” the STF stated. Peoples Daily learnt that a sixyear old baby, named Blessing

Francis has been declared missing since the blast. Commissioner for Police in the state, Mr. Emmanuel Dipo Ayeni confirmed that four vehicles and one motorcycle were burnt during the reprisal, explaining that they heard the sound of the blast at exactly 11am yesterday. Pressmen were not left out of the resulting skirmish as security operatives had to intervene and rescue them from the angry youths who attacked them and asked where were they when the suicide bomber attacked the church. Meanwhile, the Pastor of the church, Monday Uzoka, his wife and two children are among the 52 victims affected by the suicide bomb. A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who visited Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), was informed by medical personnel that Uzoka and another church elder were in “very critical situation.” The rest of the 50 victims were on admission at the nearby Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BUTH). BUTH’s Director of Nursing Services, Mrs. Maria Goni told our correspondent that the duo had to be transferred to JUTH “because they were in a serious condition and in dire need of surgery.“ “Right now, we have 50 persons on admission in our hospital. In fact, we are still counting and may have more. When we are through with counting, we shall know the exact figure we have. “We have people with orthopaedic and laceration cases among others, but we are doing our best to treat them,” she said. She said that no death had so far

been recorded among the victims brought to the hospital. NAN observed that among the victims were the elderly, women and children, who had suffered various degrees of injuries from the blast. One of the victims, Mrs. Esther Emmanuel, 35, said that four of her children, Chigozie (11), Victor (3), Ikechukwu (8) and Chidinma (12) were also on admission. Another victim, Mrs. Mercy Francis, 45, said her six year-old daughter, Blessing, had “disappeared” during the blast and called on the authorities to help in locating her. “That is the only daughter I have. Please tell them to help me trace her where ever she may be, especially since I can’t get another child like her at my age now,” Francis cried out. Biu which is about 187 kilometres from Maiduguri, the Borno state capital was among the five local government councils under the emergency rule declared by President Goodluck Jonathan last year. The town has also witnessed several bomb explosions and gun duel between security forces and militants in recent times. The latest attack occurred at about 9.am yesterday when the gunmen stormed the church premises located at Tabra ward and opened fire on the congregation, leaving five persons dead while many others sustained gunshot injuries. Sounds of the gunfire were heard within Biu and environs, as pandemonium rented the air, with motorists and commuters scampering for safety. Similarly, all streets were deserted, while shops, markets and

other commercial centres were immediately shut down. Church services were disrupted and could not hold in other areas as worshippers stayed indoors due to fear and to the heavy presence of soldiers. Witnesses told newsmen that three young men, who drove in the area in a tricycle, might the behind the attacks as they were sighted parking the machine few meters to the church and that later heavy gunfire emanated from their direction. A resident of the area, who preferred anonymity, told our correspondent on phone that he was in his house when he heard sporadic gun shots and when he peeped through the windows he saw three men firing into the church congregation and he saw several people on ground, while stampede pervaded the church. “I was at home trying to prepare to visit a friend living in the neighbourhood, when I heard sporadic gun shots leading to a commotion in the area,” the resident said. Another witness, Mr. Nuhu James, said he was passing through the area to see a friend when he suddenly run into the attack and quickly turned back and hid inside an uncompleted building. The surviving victims were said to have been taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Gombe (FMCG) for treatment, while the five corpses were deposited at the morgue of Biu General Hospital. Spokesman of the Borno state police command, Mr. Gideon Jubrin, however said only one person was killed, three others wounded while three vehicles were destroyed.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

PAGE 3

Kabo Air debunks report on aged aircraft From Edwin Olofu,Kano

abo Air has denied reports making the rounds that some aircraft in its fleet have aged, maintaining that it has long replaced such ageing aircrafts. In a statement issued to newsmen in Kano over the weekend, public relations manager of the airline, Alhaji Aminu Hamza, debunked the claim describing such as the handiwork of their detractors. The statement went on to say that the report erroneously painted a picture that Kabo Air has seven aircraft in its fleet and went on to give the average age of the aircraft L-R: Deputy Governor of Niger state, Hon Ahmed Musa Ibeto, mother of the bride, Hajiya Ramatu Kuta Yahaya, groom, Bashir Mohammed, bride, Ramatu Kuta Yahaya, and father of the bride and Chief of Staff, Government House, Professor Muhammed Kuta Yahaya, when Professor Yahaya gave out his daughter Ramatu's hand in marriage, at the weekend in Minna.

as 35.3 years. He said contrary to the report five of the purported aircrafts are no longer in the fleet of the Kabo Airline and had been phased out for quite a long time. “To correct the misrepresentation of facts the report was out to achieve, the management wishes to state that three of the said aircraft, namely, 5N-JJJ, 5N-PDP and 5N-RRR have been phased out several years ago”. “In view of the mourning mood of the nation as a result of the recent unfortunate air mishap, the company feels that this is not the appropriate time to boast of its credentials”, the statement stated.

You need courage to fix Nigeria, cleric tells Jonathan

Subsidy bribery allegation: T Lawan faces EFCC

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

By Lawrence Olaoye

ndications emerged yesterday that Rep. Farouk Lawan, who is currently facing the allegation of receiving $600,000 gratification from an oil baron in order to exonerate him of complicity in the fuel subsidy probe, may be facing interrogations from the men of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) today. This is coming as the leadership of the House of Representatives may have concluded plans to suspend him in addition to setting up a fact finding committee to ascertain the veracity of his complicity in the alleged bribery scandal immediately the House resumes plenary on the 18th of June. Rep Lawan who chaired the ad-hoc committee charged to investigate the nation’s subsidy regime following the country-wide demonstrations in protest against the removal of subsidy by the

May be suspended government in January, had severally been rumoured to have compromised even before the latest allegation. It was learnt that the allegation of bribery against the committee jolted Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal who immediately confronted Lawan with the tape allegedly recorded while he was negotiating the deal. The allegation came shortly after former President Olusegun Obasanjo referred to members of the National Assembly as rogues. Tambuwal, who it was gathered was thoroughly embarrassed by the allegation, was set to have resolved not to intervene in the matter but allow the affected lawmaker to face the wrath of the law if indeed that allegation proved to be true.

All calls made to the Acting Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, were not responded to and text messages sent to his cell-phone were not replied up to press time yesterday. Responding to the issue, Rep Zakari Mohammed, Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, stated that the House would never take sides with anyone in the matter. In a release made available to newsmen at the weekend, Mohammed said “While we await investigation into these weighty accusations, we wish to state without equivocation that this honourable House will never take sides with corruption and we will always stand on the side of the rule of law.

“The reason we inaugurated the ad hoc committee to look into the controversial subsidy regime in the first place was to expose corruption in the sector, as such, we cannot, for whatever reason, support any underhand dealing from any quarter,” he declared. He however pointed out that the bribery allegation notwithstanding, the committee did a quality work and its recommendations were adopted by the whole House. Mohammed insisted that the House stands by its resolutions on the subsidy probe. “The present House of Representatives will not relent in its efforts to render quality legislation and oversight functions to Nigerians. Today, we are gradually beginning to see the end of this monstrosity that has bedevilled our progress as a nation for so long. “We hope that the Executive will not, because of this allegation, abandon its commitment towards bringing to justice, the culprits already identified in the committee's report.”

he Vicar of St. Stephen's Anglican Church of Otuoke in Bayelsa state, Reverend Mathew Obaze, has advised President Goodluck Jonathan to summon courage and not lose faith in his ability to rescue the nation from sinking. Rev. Obaze was delivering a sermon yesterday at a church service that was attended by the President, his mother, Madam Eunice Jonathan, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa state, his wife and top federal and state government functionaries. President Jonathan took the first reading from 1st Samuel: 4-16 during the service. In the sermon themed: "Hidden blessings" taken from Matthew 43, vs 22, Rev. Obaze expressed confidence that despite what he called the great storm Nigerian is going through, it would not sink in the "river." The Reverend stressed: "fear will sink you but faith will save you".

...Rep denies it all, says ‘we didn’t take bribe’

mbattled chairman of the House of Representatives ad hoc committee on fuel subsidy regime, Rep Farouk Lawan, fingered in a N96 million bribery allegation, has denied that he took a $600, 000 bribe from an oil marketer to remove his name from the list of those indicted for their roles in the fuel subsidy scam involving more than N2 trillion. In a statement issued yesterday night, Rep Lawan said: "I wish to categorically deny that I or any member of the committee demanded and received any bribe from anybody in connection with the fuel subsidy probe and I believe this is evident from the thorough and in-depth manner the investigation was carried out and

the all encompassing recommendations produced therefrom as approved by the whole House". See full text of the statement below My attention has been drawn to several newspapers and internet stories alleging that a prominent member of the House Adhoc Committee on Petroleum subsidy demanded and received the sum of $600,000.00 as bribe from an oil marketer. I wish to categorically deny that I or any member of the committee demanded and received any bribe from anybody in connection with the fuel subsidy probe and I believe this is evident from the thorough and indepth

manner the investigation was carried out and the all encompassing recommendations produced therefrom as approved by the whole House. The general public is hereby reminded that during and after the investigations we have severally raised alarm on pressures on us from different quarters. In particular. I wish to refer to the front page publication in the Leadership Weekend newspaper of 28th April 2012 captioned “Marketers offered subsidy committee plane-load of dollars” where we alerted the public that a marketer promised to fly in a jet loaded with US Dollars which he “intended to share to both the House leadership and members of

the Adhoc Committee” to influence the outcome of the report. This clarification is necessary in order to clear all the insinuations being bandied about and more importantly to enable the government concentrate on the implementation of the report. The present mudslinging is not unexpected in view of the caliber of people whose actions and inactions were found wanting in the report. I am aware that in their desperation to discredit the report and divert the attention of the public from the real issues of large scale fraud in high places established in our report, a video footage displaying a caricature of my person allegedly having a

dealing with a marketer reminiscent of the military era when dignitaries were invited to the villa to watch a video clip of a phantom coup involving Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is already in circulation. I wish to assure all Nigerians that the sanctity of our report remains unassailable and it will be in the best interest of the country if the relevant authorities faithfully and conscientiously implement the resolutions of the House. No amount of redherring and cheap blackmail will affect our resolve to continue to act in the best interest of the country with all the available information at our disposal. No doubt, the last has not been heard.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

PAGE 4

Kano to revoke licence of low standard private schools From Edwin Olofu, Kano

n its effort to boost the quality of education in the state, the Kano state government has threatened to revoke the operating licence of the any private school that is operating below set standards. This was disclosed to newsmen over the weekend by the Chairman of the Education Task Force constituted by the state, Alhaji Baba Umar, who said the committee would also carry out the examination of the existing facilities in private schools and determine their adequacy or otherwise.

Umar said they would equally study the records of all the private schools operating in the state and ascertain their level of compliance in terms of tax payment. The chairman of the task force warned that where it is established that any private school has defaulted in meeting any of its objectives and responsibilities or did not comply with rules and regulations in terms of payment of taxes and levies, they would not hesitate to sanction such school and enforce compliance.

Al-makura sets up panel to probe Assakio crisis From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

overnor Umaru Tanko Almakura has set up a commission of inquiry on the ethnic violence that erupted recently in Assakio, headquarters of Lafia East development area of Nasarawa state. a Inaugurating the panel at the weekend in Lafia, the governor while condoling with the people of the state over the incident,

described the inauguration as a testimony of the determination of his administration to create an environment where sustainable peace and tranquility will prevail as basic requirement for socioeconomic development. While observing that members of the panel were appointed based on their individual merits, Almakura however warned troublemakers in the state that his administration would not create an

environment for them to thrive. The commission which has 30 days to complete its job, has among others as its term of reference; ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the conflict, to ascertain the degree of loss of lives and damage to property during the disturbance, as well as recommend appropriate punitive measures to be taken by government on those found culpable.

Oyo declares June 12 public holiday From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

he Oyo state government has declared Tuesday, June 12, 2012 as public holiday. According to a statement signed by Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Akin Olajide, the government said it declared the day, earmarked as Democracy Day, to remember the anniversary of the June 12, 1993 elections, believed to be the freest and fairest election in the electoral history of Nigeria. The election was generally believed to have been won by late business mogul, Chief MKO Abiola. The government said the anniversary was also in recognition and honour of the martyrdom of Chief Abiola, “who laid down his life for Nigerians to enjoy the democratic dividends of today.”

Victims of bomb explosion at Christ Chosen Church of God Rukuba Jos, receiving treatment at Bingham University Teaching Hospital, yesterday in Jos. Photo: NAN

Medical experts task Nigerians on voluntary blood donation

edical experts have advised Nigerians to voluntarily donate blood in order to save the lives of those in dire need. The Head of the Blood Donor Unit, Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service, Dr Temilola Alayande made the appeal while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday ahead of the World Blood Donor Day. He said a lot of people had the misconception that they would be in danger if they donated blood. Alayande said, “this misconception is a major impediment to having adequate blood in blood banks as Nigerians do not want to donate blood.’’ She said that most people were not properly informed about the process of blood donation, and assumed that the process could be harmful. “They believe that they are endangering their lives by donating blood, and it is necessary to change their attitudes,’’ she said. According to her, the World Blood Donor day is usually set aside to emphasise the need for blood donation, and it is necessary to sensitise the public by creating awareness about the importance of blood donation, particularly among the youths.

Alayande said that donated blood was usually thoroughly screened for Hepatitis B and C, HIV and Syphilis, before the blood could be certified safe for transfusion. She said both male and female, between the ages of 18 and 65, could donate blood up to four times a year, while pregnant and breast feeding mothers are not expected to donate. The Executive Secretary, Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee, (LSBTC), Dr. Umem Oyekan regretted the low quantity of blood available in blood banks in the state. Oyekan said with a large population, Lagos state should have at least 185,000 units of blood per year, and regretted that the state only had 80,000 units. “As a result, people are being asked to look for blood donors when members of their families and friends are in dire need of blood”. She said though there were donor clubs whose members donate blood regularly, more blood was needed for the benefit of the society. “People need to be sensitised. They need to understand that they are doing this to save lives without harming themselves. The World Blood Donor Day is celebrated on June 14 every year.(NAN)

Police deploy 140 peacekeepers to Guinea Bissau

he Nigeria police have deployed 140 personnel to Guinea Bissau for peacekeeping operations, a statement said. The statement, issued by the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Mr Frank Mba, yesterday stated that the personnel were

Islamic movement of Nigeria holds annual lecture By Muhammad Sada

he resource forum of the Islamic movement of Nigeria yesterday, held its annual public lecture on Imam Khomeini at the conference hall of the National Mosque, Abuja. The guest lecturer, Malam Muhammad Muktar Salabi extolled the virtues of Imam Khomeini and his roles in the promotion of religious values and the encouragement of selfless service to mankind. Other speakers at the event also prayed for peace and unity in the country.

from the “Formed Police Unit” (FPU). It said that they were supported by modern crime fighting and peacekeeping equipment, including five Amoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), 12 patrol vehicles, arms and ammunition and crowd control equipment. “The Nigeria police officers are expected to assist the government and people of Guinea Bissau in restoring peace and stability in the country. “The deployment is in fulfillment of Nigeria’s pledge and commitment to assist ECOWAS in restoring rule of law and general orderliness in Guinea Bissau and ECOWAS sub region,” it said The statement said that the contingent was equipped to be self sustaining in terms of food rations and medical equipment. It also said that the contingent was accompanied by a team of medical personnel, comprising two doctors and six nurses. The statement said that unlike what obtained in the past, all the deployed officers had been paid three months allowances in

advance on the orders of the Inspector- General of Police (IG). “This gesture is to boost the morale and allow the Formed Police Unit (FPU) personnel to take care of the welfare of their dependants before departure”, the statement said. It quoted the IG, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, as urging the contingent to exhibit commitment and dedication in the discharge of their duties. It said he also urged them as ambassadors of Nigeria to shun all vice and conduct themselves with the “highest degree of discipline and professionalism ”. The statement said the contingent had since arrived in Guinea Bissau and were received by that country’s minister of internal security and the police chief. The deployment to Guinea Bissau brings to nine the number of countries where Nigerian police officers are currently serving in international peacekeeping operations. The other countries are Liberia, Haiti, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, East Timor, Cote D’Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of Congo. (NAN)

PAGE 6

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

Corruption: SERAP wants FG to prosecute 16 foreign companies over alleged bribery From Francis Iwuchukwu, Lagos

he Socio-economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), yesterday, urged the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke (SAN), to prosecute 16 foreign companies involved in bribery in Nigeria. SERAP said it would seek leave of court for an order of mandamus to compel Adoke to act if the companies are not prosecuted within 14 days. The foreign companies listed are: Halliburton Co Kellogg Brown & Root LLC (KBR); Technip SA; Snamprogetti Netherlands BV; ENI SpA; JGC Corp; MW Kellogg; Willbros International Julius Berger Nigeria Plc; Panalpina; Royal Dutch Shell Plc; Pride International; Noble Corp; Tidewater Inc; Transocean Inc; Shell Nigerian Exploration and Production Co. Ltd; and Siemens AG. The group in a letter dated 7

DANA crash: Gov Ahmed signs condolence register in New York From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

wara state governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, has urged Nigerians to cultivate and sustain the culture of excellence, patriotism and probity in the discharge of their duties for the transformation of the country. Governor Ahmed made this call after signing the condolence register for victims of the DANA Air plane crash at the Nigeria House, Manhattan, New York, United States of America. The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, in a statement issued at the weekend, disclosed that Governor Ahmed who was in the United States to launch the state’s agriculture master-plan, stated that such an approach has the capacity to avert avoidable disasters of different forms that the country has experienced in recent times. Oba quoted the governor to have said that “if we have a functional system that ensures infrastructure of different forms work at optimal capacity, some of these disasters, such as road accidents, collapsed buildings and air crashes would be averted.” The governor, the statement noted advised aviation industry stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria’s airspace is safer as air travel needs not be the death sentence that the country’s airspace is being made into.

June 7, 2012, and signed by its Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, said: “It is well-known that these foreign companies have been involved in acts of bribery and corruption in Nigeria, and have paid huge compensation in their home countries where they have been found guilty of such practices. However, none of these

companies have been prosecuted in Nigeria for those acts. “The Appeal Court in Lesotho in a case involving the award of contracts to certain foreign companies following payment of bribery to official of Lesotho Highlands Development Authorities (LDHA), used the ‘harmful effects’ principle to assume jurisdiction over the

foreign companies in Lesotho. “The Supreme Court of Canada also used the same principle to exercise jurisdiction in similar cases. “Nigeria is a state party to the United Nations Convention against Corruption which mandates it to fight corruption at all levels, public and private. “Chapter III, Article 21 and 30

of the Convention criminalises acts of bribery and implores state parties to prosecute such offences in accordance with the domestic laws of the state parties. ”Under the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act (ICPC) 2000, bribery is a prosecutable offence...” SERAP reminded the AGF.

Families and friends of those who died in the DANA plane crash on Sunday, June 3, at a meeting with Lagos state governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, yesterday in Lagos. Photo: NAN

Taraba warns over Keke NAPEP bribery scam From Yusha’u Alhassan, Jalingo

araba state Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Jonah Agyo, has said the state government will deal decisively with any individual or group which attempts to frustrate the distribution of the tricycles commonly called Keke NAPEP provided by the government for the state. Agyo made the remarks in

Jalingo while reacting to insinuations that the Taraba State Commercial Motorcycle Association (TACOMA), was giving out the tricycles to people above the approved loan of N390, 000 including administrative charges. He warned that anybody who demands gratification from the loan beneficiaries would be treated as a saboteur. Agyo said that the tricycles were brand new purchases from

Farmers association distributes N13 million seeds in Katsina From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

he Katsina State Maize Farmers Association has distributed assorted maize seeds worth N13 million to farmers across the state. The Chairman of the association, Alhaji Bello Abubakar Funtua who disclosed this during a meeting of the association in Katsina, noted that the maize would be sold at 50 percent discount to interested farmers. He stated that the association in the state has at least 2,500 members, adding that apart from the assorted maize seeds the association would also assist farmers with fertiliser and

sprayers. Similarly, Funtua revealed that the association has completed registration with the Bank of Industry for the release of N1billion for the provision of fertiliser to farmers at affordable rates. The association therefore pledged its commitment to supporting the Federal Government maize production programme and Katsina state government commitment to the maize farming programme. Funtua similarly said that the association had enlisted the support traditional institution in the state in mobilising support for the programme.

India with the capacity to last for at least three years unlike the Golf vehicles which could not last long. He stressed the need for members of TACCOMA to register with the association to enable them access the loan. The commissioner reiterated government’s commitment towards cushioning the hardships faced by the masses occasioned by the ban on the use of motorcycles in the state capital.

He said government had subsidized the cost price by N50, 000 to enable interested persons obtain and pay back the loan on time, assuring that more of the tricycles would be supplied. In a separate interview, the chairman, TACOMA, Ibrahim Bako Galadima denied that the association was collecting between N10, 000 and N15, 000 before allocating a tricycle to a beneficiary or sell same above government approved price.

Gunmen kill SSS, customs officers is serving in Kaduna state, in Kano another person who is thought to From Edwin Olofu, Kano

nknown gunmen shot an operative of the State Security Service (SSS) and personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Kano over the weekend. Eyewitness account saida the personnel of the SSS was killed in his residence in Hotoro area of the metropolis while within an hour’s, interval a personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service was equally shot in front of his residence in similar circumstances by two gunmen who arrived the area on a motorcycle. The account added that at the residence of the SSS official who

be a painter was equally shot but was receiving treatment in the hospital as at the time of filing this report. The yet to be identified customs officer killed is of the rank of superintendent and was said to be serving in Lagos but hails from Kano. The Kano state Police Public Relations Officer, Rilwan Mohammed Dutse who spoke on phone confirmed the incident, saying the police are investigating the matter. “Two gunmen shot two officers of SSS and Customs in the same neighborhood and they all died on the spot, the police is investigating the matter to make sure the culprits are arrested”, he said.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

PAGE 7

Corps Marshal/Chief Executive Officer of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Osita Chidoka, signing a condolence register, during his visit to Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Professor Viola Onwuliri, who lost her husband in the recent DANA Air crash, at the weekend in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Former NHIS boss named International Congress Ambassador

he former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Dr. Waziri Dogo Mohammed, has been named among four Congress Ambassadors specially invited to an International Conference on Access to Health Insurance, which held at Erasmus University Rotterdam, The

Netherlands, on June 4- 5, 2012. Strictly an invitation-only affair, the conference was the initiative of H.R.H Princess Máxima of the Netherlands, the United Nations Secretary General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA) and Chair of the Curatorium of the Prince Claus Chair, and Professor Stella Quimbo.

It was a gathering of international researchers, practitioners and policy-makers engaged in advancing broader access to health insurance to discuss the dilemmas that affect the availability and sustainability of (micro-) health insurance, particularly in resource-poor and weak states. Those who spoke included Princess Máxima; Professor

Stella Quimbo, the 2011-2013 Prince Claus Chair for Development and Equity at the International Institute of Social Studies/ Erasmus University Rotterdam; Rob Swartbol, Deputy General for International Cooperation of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Professor Jacques van der Gaag of the Brookling Institute/AIID.

Dana crash: NULGE, NUT commiserate with victims’ families By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

he Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), has commiserated with the families of the DANA Air crash victims. In a statement signed by its Head of Information, Com. Shuaibu Muhammad, NULGE

ocoa production in Edo may suffer a serious setback this year, following pest invasion of the farms, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. A check by NAN revealed that farmlands mostly affected by the pest were located in Owan West local government area. Some of the affected farmers told NAN at Sabongida-Ora, the headquarters of the council, that the invasion had affected their means of livelihood. The farmers described the destruction of the crop by the

also urged the victims’ families to take relief in the legacies left behind by the victims. Similarly, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has condoled with President Goodluck Jonathan and relatives of the crash victims, stating that the Union is greatly pained by the fact that most of the victims

were in their prime and have been of immense service to the government. NULGE therefore, appealed to the Federal Government to carry out thorough investigation into the cause of the plane crash and to monitor all airline operators in the country to avoid recurrence of similar disaster in

the aviation sector. “We therefore stress the need for government to take decisive steps to ensure safety in the nation’s airspace and to implement to the letter the outcome of investigation, by sanctioning all persons and agencies found to have been culpable in the crash.” NUT stated.

Cocoa farmers in Edo lament pest invasion insects as devastating. Their spokesman, Mr. Andrew Iwobe, said that the attack would have been averted if the relevant government agencies had assisted them with necessary materials and funds. Iwobe said that the impact of the attack on the crop was such that it might take a long time for the cocoa trees to grow fresh leaves again. According to him, apart from

eating up the leaves, most of the trees were also affected as the pest ate deep into them. “We have never had it so bad with pest attacks. This one is devastating and most painful as we do not know what to do or who to run to,” he said. Another farmer, Mr. Abraham Igbaugba, said besides the magnitude of the pest attack, it happened at a difficult time. “We all know how hard things

are now and we, the cocoa farmers, rely on this crop for our sustenance. “Look at what most of us had to go through to get to this stage and this is happening. “It is very painful because it will not be easy for some of the trees to survive,” Igbaugba said. When contacted, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Abdul Oroh, said that the state government was already aware of the problem. (NAN)

Community petitions Taraba traditional ruler over land From Yusha’u Alhassan, Jalingo

he Lamido of Gassol, Idris Yakubu Chiroma has been petitioned over the confiscation of farmlands belonging to 63 peasant farmers in Kir area of Gassol chiefdom. The petition dated May 31 and signed by one Ismaila Umar Jiru on behalf of the Kir community, was addressed to Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai. In the petition which was made available to the media, the petitioners said the action of the chief resulted in forceful displacement of the affected farmers. They accused Chiroma of habitually confiscating their farmlands for his personal use and allocating some portions to his cohorts. According to them, the chief nearly caused crisis in the area recently when he sent a tractor to plough the farm belonging to a deceased Abdul Tafida without consulting the original owner of the land, Bala Umaru Jiru. The petitioners said since he was turbaned, Chiroma has been encroaching on farmlands belonging to peasant farmers thereby rendering them helpless pointing out that the chief’s attitude was worsening by every year and needs to be checked. The petitioners also accused the chief of passing unjust judgements over land disputes brought before him and cited the dispute between one Ismaila Umar Jiru and one Ahaji Audu where the evidences brought before the chief clearly showed that Ismaila Umaru bought the land from the original owner Jabbo Boka in 1991. They said that the traditional ruler directed one of his cohorts Alhaji Abdullahi to till the land situated near the Government Day Secondry School, Gassol, while the case before him on the land remained unresolved.

I’ll remain in ANPP till death - Senator Yarima From Salisu Zakari Maradun, Gusau ormer governor of Zamfara state, Senator Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura, during the weekend asserted again that he will remain in the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), even if he is its only member. He also stated that no amount of pressure will make him to succumb to calls by other parties to join them and leave his party.

Ahmed Sani said this in Gusau, the Zamfara state while answering questions from newsmen at his personal residence located along Sokoto Road, GRA. Sani who is now a senator, explained that from the day he joined the party, he had never dreamt of leaving it even as some of his contemporaries jumped to other parties under which they were not elected into their respective offices. According to the Senator,

ANPP, which has been the only winning party in the state since the beginning of the present republic, would continue to remain so. “If you look at all the uncompleted projects left behind by the previous administration under PDP, have been or are being completed by the ANPP administration, this is something commendable” he added. Sani expressed optimism that if the people of the state

continued their support to the present government, all problems, be they political or economic, would be solved. On his relationship with the erstwhile governor of the state, Alhaji Mamuda Shinkafi, Sani denied any grudge against him, saying: “not only Mahmuda, but everybody in the state”. “I have forgiven all those who might have offended me one way or the other, and I ask all who felt offended to forgive me, and I

believe we have forgiven each other”, he said According to him, Mahmuda had never been a stumbling block to his success in politics. On merger with other parties, the Senator said, “We can accept merger but not defection. Do not forget that I am ambitious politically to be the president of this country and at the state level, we are trying to consolidate the political gains, which have started to yield fruit.”

PAGE 8

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

Sheikh Qaribullahi Sheikh Nasiru Kabara, Spiritual Head of Qadriyya Sect of Africa (seated right), delivering his speech during the biennial graduation ceremony of the adults’ class for the translation of Sahih Muslim Book at Madrasatu Darul Imam Bukhari, Asibitin Aisami Quaters, recently in Kano.

1 L– R: Former FCT Ministers, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar and Malam Nasir el – Rufai, the celebrant , Mummy Cecilia Nwayiakadiya Umeh – Ujubuonu, Pastor Chinedu Ezekwesili, World Bank African Vice-President, Obiageli Ezekwesili, and Rivers state Governor, Rotimi Ameachi, cutting the 70th birthday cake of Mummy Cecilia Nwayiakadiya, mother of Obiageli Ezekwesili, at the weekend in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Female patients after their cataract had been removed at IBB Specialist Hospital, Minna, as part of activities marking former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s 70th birthday celebration, at the weekend in Minna. Photo: NAN

R-L: Secretary to Edo state Government (SSG), Dr Simon Imuekemhe, in a handshake with President of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Peter Esele, during a visit by members of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), at the weekend in Benin.

PAGE 9

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

Yakowa has been fair to Muslims, says aide From Agaju Madugba, Kaduna

heikh Haliru Maraya, the Special Adviser on Religious Affairs (Islamic Matters) to Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, has said the Kaduna state chief executive’s style of administration has been a source of shock to the Muslim community in the area. “Before he was elected governor, some Muslims entertained the fear that Yakowa was not going to be a just governor, that he was going to be a governor for the Christians only but to their greatest shock, Yakowa has proved to be a just governor,” Maraya told reporters at the weekend, adding that the governor has passed the litmus test and would remain a point of reference in future.

He noted that since the creation of the state in 1976, Yakowa remains the first Christian from the southern part of the state to become governor as successive governors emerged from the predominantly Muslim northern Kaduna state. “That was why some Muslims entertained that fear and some people began to campaign that he should not be elected governor because he is a Christian and that he would not carry Muslims along in his administration”, Maraya said. According to him, “many people had thought that he was going to give the so-called juicy ministries to his Christian brethren but to the greatest shock of the people of Kaduna state, Yakowa made the appointments on merit. “He did not consider

anybody based on religion or ethnic background and he gave the so-called juicy ministries to Muslims, based on their qualifications. “This shows that he is a just human being. That was the first thing he did to allay the fears of Muslims. He gave the ministry of Works and Housing to a Muslim. He equally gave the Ministry of Local Governments to a Muslim. “The Ministry of Science and Technology was also given to a Muslim. Ministry of Education was equally given to a Muslim. Ministry of Lands and Survey was also given to a Muslim as well as the Ministry of Information. These are ministries that are regarded as juicy ministries and they were given to Muslims, on merit”, Maraya said.

Jos blast occurred after prayers against untimely death - witness

osephine Jacobson, a 63year-old Deaconess of the Christ Chosen Church, said yesterday’s suicide attack on the church occurred just after the congregation had finished prayers against “untimely death’’. Jacobson told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos yesterday at the Bingham University Teaching Hospital, that she saw the car when it rushed into the church premises while she was sitting at the altar. “I was wondering who could be driving into the premises with such a speed but before I knew it, I just heard bang and saw that the roof of the church had come down on us. “It was then that I realised we have been hit by suicide bomber.’’ According to her, the blast occurred just after the congregation had finished a

prayer session against “untimely death”. It was by sheer providence that I am alive today,’’ the Deaconess said. Another victim, Mr. Odey Randy, also said that he saw when the suicide bomber’s car entered the church before it went off. Randy, who was hit on his right leg, spoke to NAN at the hospital while waiting for doctors to attend to him. “I saw the car rushing into the church. It was a Toyota Corolla saloon, but the bomb went off just early enough to affect me. “I didn’t suspect that the car belonged to a suicide bomber. I just thought it was driven by one of the church members rushing in to meet the service.’’ NAN reports that the blast killed an unspecified number of persons while 52 others were wounded. (NAN)

Mark mourns Sambo’s brother By Joy Baba

resident of the Senate, Senator David Mark, yesterday, expressed shock over the death of the younger brother of Vice President Namadi Sambo, Mallam Aliyu, in an auto-crash. This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the President of the Senate, Mr. Kola Ologbodiyan. Senator Mark in the statement commiserated with the Vice

President urging him to take heart and accept the death as the wish of the Almighty. Senator Mark said Aliyu’s demise was a painful one adding that, “in a situation like this, we ought to remain faithful to the wish of the Almighty that he alone knows the best. Malam Aliyu was a vibrant young man, his death was so shocking but we are consoled by the good deeds he was known for during his life time.” He also prayed that the soul of the deceased find eternal rest.

GombeAssemblyapproves N34.1bn for LGs in 2012 budget From Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

Vice- President Mohammed Namadi Sambo (2nd right), praying for the repose of the soul of his younger brother, late Aliyu Sambo, who died recently in a road accident, during the Vice-President’s visit to his family, at the weekend in Kaduna. With him are Kaduna state governor, Mr Patrick Yakowa (3rd right), and members of the deceased’s family. Photo: NAN

PCC receives 322 complaints in Kwara within 6 months From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

he Public Complaints Commission (PCC), Kwara state chapter has disclosed that it received a total of 322 complaints between January and May this year. The Director of Investigation of the Commission, Mr. Caleb

Bukoye, who disclosed this in an interview with journalists at the weekend in Ilorin, said out of the 322 complaints received, the commission was able to investigate and resolve 183 successfully, while others are still receiving attention. He noted that the complaints commission since inception has been championing the cause of

administrative and social justice in the country stressing that this has shown in the large number of complaints, it received and resolved on yearly basis. He disclosed that a new Commissioner, Hon. Saba Jiya Timothy from Edu local government in Kwara state has been appointed for the state and is expected to resume soon.

Kwara Assembly wants FG to compensate DANA victims From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

he Kwara State House of Assembly has urged the Federal Government to compensate all the victims of the DANA aircraft which crashed killing over 153 people last week Sunday at Iju, Lagos state.

The Majority Leader of the House, Chief AbdulGaniyu Abdulkareem in a motion without notice at the floor of the House, noted that the crash had caused monumental loss to the families of the 153 victims and to the nation. The motion which was

seconded by a member representing Essa-ShawoIgboidun constitution in Offa local government, Hon Hassan Oyeleke, also described the incident as pathetic and called on the Federal Government to strictly monitor the aviation sector so that such incident would be prevented.

ombe state House of Assembly has approved the sum of over N34.1 billion for the 11 local government areas in 2012 fiscal year. The Chairman House Committee on Appropriation, Muhammad Dan’azumi Adamu, who disclosed this at the House while presenting the committee report on the 2012 budget, said that in the effort to have a focused and purposeful budget for the local government, the committee involved stakeholders during the exercise. Meanwhile, the committee recommended that a uniform budgeting format be adopted by all the 11 local government councils, adding that there should be capacity building for the local government planning and budgeting officers in order to improve their capacity. The chairman said that in order to streamline bank charges for various local government areas, the committee recommended a

stakeholders forum with the banking industry, because bank charges on the 11 local government councils was high. Dan’azumi Adamu said the committee also recommended functional legislative arm of the local governments to truly reflect democratic government at the local government level. The committee further recommended fertiliser subsidy funds allocation to the 11 local government areas for improved food production in the state. The Speaker, Alhaji Inuwa Garba approved the adoption of the recommendation of over N34 billion for the 2012 local government budget estimate and the closed the House for recess for two weeks. He said that the House has achieved a lot in one year of session, passing 26 bills into law while two are still pending, adding that 22 resolutions were passed in 189 sittings as well as 23 oversight functions, public hearings and interactive sessions and he hoped to improve.

PAGE 10

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

Nigeria not governed by sanctions, reward — CWO president From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

he national president, Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), Chief (Mrs.) Felicia Onyeabor, has decried the system of administration in the country which is not governed by sanction and reward, maintaining that this has impeded the development of the nation. Mrs. Onyeabor who made this

lamentation yesterday in Makurdi while speaking with journalists, regretted that ‘our style of government is very defective as it celebrates mediocrity to the detriment of nobility’. She particularly took a swipe at the yearly national award, describing it as ‘cash and carry’ event. “The award is usually given to people with questionable character while those who have

distinguished themselves in their fields of endeavour are not honored. Look at the Halliburton case. Britain and US have sanctioned their nationals found to have been guilty but Nigeria has not done so. In this country, people who are corrupt are allowed to walk the street as free men. They are never sanctioned”, she frowned. The CWO president, who condemned the spate of suicide

bombings targeted at churches in the country, further regretted that women and children are usually the victims. “This is madness and it is usually the defenseless women and children that fall prey to these attacks”. Mrs. Onyeabor noted that the Catholic Church has always been in the vanguard in dialoguing with Muslim brothers on the need for religious peace and harmony,

adding that the organisation has held several prayer/advocacy rallies in Abuja and Benin to sensitise and pray for the unity of the country. “We are also planning Catholic/Muslims Women Dialogue Forum to preach tolerance amongst the two religions”, she intimated. While commiserating with families of those who lost their lives in the recent church collapse in Adamgbe, Vandeikya in Benue state, she urged them to remain steadfast in love and service.

Elite have failed northerners, says former envoy to US From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

Osun state Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbsola (right), receiving an award from former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Muhammadu Uwais (left), during 10th Executive Walimatul-Qur’an and 9th Nigeria Muslim Merit Award presentation, at the weekend in Abuja. With them is the Executive Director, Al-Habibiyyah Acadamy Abuja, Imam Faud Adeyemi (middle). Photo: Justic Imo-Owo

Jigawa ACN chairman petitions PSC over police harassment From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

he chairman of the Jigawa state chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Dr. Abubakar Hassan Fulata has petitioned the Police Service Commission over alleged incessant harassments by the state police. According to Dr. Fulata in a copy of the petition dated 4th June 2012 and copied to the Inspector General of Police Fulata accused the

state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Theophilus Kayode alongside the Assistant Commissioner in charge of Criminal Investigations, Mr. Aminu Kogi, and ASP Isa Dahiru of harassment, intimidation and blackmail. The ACN leader explained that the police have been on his neck since June 2011 when his political party challenged the victory of Alhaji Sule Lamido at the gubernatorial election tribunal.

According to the statement, "on the 9th of June I was physically attacked and rough handled at the very premises of the election tribunal by thugs loyal to the governor under the leadership of his Chief of Staff, the then PDP state chairman, a commissioner in the presence of the police who deliberately failed to protect me", he said. Fulata said after a letter of complaint to the police seeking for their protection against re-

occurence, "I was arrested on the 26th October, 2011 and detained for five hours by A/C CID Mr. Aminu Kogi who later charged me to court for allegedly defaming the name of the governor; I was refused bail until eight days after I was remanded in prison", he said. He said his frequent arrests and detentions by the police is disturbing and portends great danger to the emocracy and national security.

NEMA distributes relief materials to Kwara to use Asa Dam, Owu Falls Adamawa, Taraba displaced persons to source energy From Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

aterials worth N5 million have been distributed to Adamawa and Taraba states’ displaced persons camp at Balanga local government area of Gombe state by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Gombe state Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaji Jalo Abubakar Bajoga who disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Bambam village of Balanga

local government area of the state yesterday, said the beneficiaries were displaced as a result of an attack by pastoralist in their communities in Adamawa and parts of Taraba state. He further said that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and Balanga LGA had equally provided relief materials for the displaced persons. According to him, during the raid by pastoralist in the two communities, over 400 cattle were stolen and farms destroyed.

From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilaorin

he Kwara state government has completed arrangements to utilise the Asa Dam located in Ilorin, the state capital and Owu-Falls at Owu-Isin in Oke-Ero local government area as sources for power generation to the state to relieve Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) customers from epileptic power supply. Towards this end, the state government has contacted experts

from Canada to visit the two rivers to examining the strength and level of the water that could generate the power needed for the project. The Special Assistant to the state governor on Energy, Alhaji Lawal Sanda Muhammed who disclosed this in an interview with our correspondent in his office at the weekend, said the government’s mission is to ensure that the state could also generate its own power instead of relying on the national grid.

ormer envoy to the United States of America, Alhaji Suleman Dahiru Deba, has declared that Northern elite have failed northerners by their woeful failure to use education and their position for the development and progress of the region. The former ambassador was speaking in a paper titled: “Misuse of Education in Northern Nigeria”, at the 80th anniversary celebration Bauchi Unity College former Bauchi Teachers College (BTC), at the weekend. He observed that the northern elites have not used their education which they got for free to uplift the North to the extent that they remain far behind the South. “We have the festering sectarian crises in Plateau, Bauchi, and Southern Kaduna and the Boko Haram phenomenon. Boko is never Haram but what the ‘Yan Boko are doing is certainly ‘Haram”, he said. Deba, also a product of BTC, stated that what Nigerians are witnessing is a rebellion by the ‘Boko Haram’ against injustice, unfairness and misuse of education by the leaders to pauperise and traumatise their people. Dahiru Deba has dispelled the notion ‘Boko Haram’, saying: ‘it is not the Boko that is Haram but what the Northern elites are doing to their people is the ‘Haram’’. Recalling the erudite economist, late Prof. Sam Aluko who once said” “Nigeria had enough for everybody’s need but did not have enough for everybody’s greed”, Deba warned that unless Nigerians wake up to the reality of the situation, they would not be safe in and out of their homes. “When all of us were in primary school, we never sat on the floor or under the tree to learn and we were not more than 30 in a class. Why should we allow our children and our grandchildren in a class of 100-150 pupils to sit on the floor or under the tree to learn?” he queried.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

PAGE 11

Lagos residents want restrictions on trailers

ome residents of Lagos state have called on the state government to ban the movement of trailers during the daytime, following Saturday’s accident involving a fuel-laden tanker near Berger Bus Stop on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the timely arrival of firefighters and FRSC officials prevented what could have been a major fire disaster, as the tanker emptied its content on the expressway. NAN reports that the lone accident caused heavy traffic gridlock on both sides of the highway as firemen made frantic efforts to prevent the spilled fuel from catching fire. Mr. Dele Omogboyega, a civil servant, told NAN at the scene of the accident that most of the accidents on the expressway were caused by heavy-duty trucks. He urged the state government to ban heavy-duty trucks and articulated vehicles from travelling on the highway during the day. “Almost everyday, accidents on this road are caused by tankers and we want government to ban them from moving on the road during the day because we are fed up with this nuisance”, he said. Omogboyega noted that most of the tankers were not roadworthy and urged road traffic authorities to intervene and stop the anomaly so as to prevent continued loss of lives on the roads. However, Mr. Shakiru Ishola, a commercial driver, particularly blamed the accidents on the LagosIbadan expressway on the recklessness of the trailer drivers.

FIDA advises against rape

Minister of State for Health, Dr. Muhammad Pate (middle), with Dean of the Harvard School of Public Health, Dr. Julio Frenk (left), and Dean of the Harvard Kennedy School, Dr. David Ellwood (right), during the Harvard Ministerial Health Leaders' Forum, where the minister received the 2012 Harvard Health Leader Award, recently in Boston, United States of America.

DANA Air donates relief materials to crash victims’ families T

he management of DANA Air has donated relief materials to families of the victims of the plane crash which occurred on June 3 at Iju-Ishaga area of Lagos state. A message, e-mailed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Saturday, said Mr. Gautam Hathiramani, Director of DANA Air, visited the families of some of the victims. “There is no way to sufficiently express our sadness over this tragic

From Iliya Garba, Minna

he coordinator and outgoing secretary, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Niger state chapter, Mrs. FatiTakuma Mu’zu has advised people to shun rape and engage themselves in other meaningful activities that will improve their lives. She gave the advice in Minna at post press briefing by FIDA Nigeria on World Bank/DFID programme; alerting that if FIDA is contacted, it will take up rape matters to a logical conclusion to see that perpetrators are brought to book. Mrs. Mu’zu also advocated special courts to try those who abuse children and advised parents to be mindful of whom they leave their children with, adding that they need special protection from all of us. She lamented that the inability to reach people in remote areas has been one of the challenges confronting the organisation to kick-start the enlightenment campaign to educate people on their rights.

From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

he Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), has warned Nigerians against patronising commercial vehicles as means of delivering their parcels and goods. The Area Postal Manager in charge of Bauchi and Gombe states, Alhaji Dauda Musa, stated this in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi at the weekend. Musa said that the system was inimical to the safety of both the passengers in the vehicle and the parcels in transit. “Recent developments

incident that has brought tears to the eyes of many. “Little children have been orphaned and many have lost their properties to the accident. “Our hearts are with you in this trying period and we will continue to do everything we can to support you”, Hathiramani was reportedly quoted as saying in the message. “We are making arrangements for the accommodation of the occupants of the house which the aircraft

crashed into. We will also ensure that all those who lost their properties in the unfortunate incident get their due”, he added. Hathiramani said that since the unfortunate incident, management officials of DANA Air had made several visits to the crash site to condole with the affected families and the Iju-Ishaga community at large. He said that the airline would make the provision of relief materials to the affected families a

continuous exercise. “The airline has also deployed a team of counselors and psychotherapists to handle and manage the trauma, anxiety and associated ailments of the families affected by the incident”, he said. Hathiramani said that the materials distributed to the families included mattresses, blankets, food items, clothes and kitchen utensils, among others. (NAN)

NIPOST warns against patronising commercial vehicles for parcel delivery around the world and even in Nigeria, show that explosives can be as little or as small as you cannot imagine. We have seen instances where they show us oil filters of vehicles or can drinks that can be packaged to explode”, he said. According to him, “if somebody packages such a thing in a small carton and gives you in a vehicle, and if something happens, you can

only imagine what will happen to the passengers in the vehicle. It’s difficult to beat our network. We cannot sacrifice the safety of Nigerians at the expense of somebody’s interest of sending an item”. Musa attributed the use of commercial vehicles in delivery to lack of patience and the fact that people are not fully aware of the advantages of using the NIPOST

parcel delivery service. He said that NIPOST guarantees safety of the goods as well as ensures that they are delivered to the exact recipient, adding that such is not the case with commercial vehicles. Musa pointed out that NIPOST had departed from its traditional method of operation to that of ICT in meeting customer’s demands.

Freedom of expression dividend of democracy, says pensions boss From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

he chairman, Bauchi State Local Government Pensions Board, Alhaji Danladi Abubakar, has described freedom of expression as the greatest dividend of democracy in the country.

Abubakar stated this in an interview with newsmen at the weekend in Bauchi, saying that it is the most noticeable change since the period of colonialism and even during the military era. He said as a retired civil servant who served the nation for 35 years,

Nigeria has witnessed tremendous change in the improvement of the social and economic wellbeing of its citizens. The chairman said all kinds of views are now freely expressed by Nigerians without let or hindrance, adding that these has led to some changes in the system

of governance as well as the way people perceive leaders. “The way some people speak you’ll think they are more than even the President of the country. Some give constructive views while some are out rightly scandalous. This is one aspect we elders see as needing adjustment.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

PAGE 12

EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

Lagos doctors’ recall a courageous decision

n May 31, Lagos state government reversed itself by recalling all the 788 medical doctors in its employ that it had sacked three weeks earlier. They drew the government’s ire by daring to go on a strike to force the government to implement a new wage package which doctors at the federal level and in other states already are enjoying. The way the government had handled the matter had been rather awkward, to say the least. It had been a crude display of power, something very uncharacteristic of the state governor Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola who, before now , was known as the “people’s governor”. The facelift he has given dirty and chaotic Lagos has not gone unnoticed, even outside the shores of this country. The city is cleaner now and its notorious traffic jam has all but disappeared. In this count, Fashola is held up as one of very few performing governors. However, the governor has not shown similar astuteness in his handling of the state’s human resource. For instance, what is the point of fixing a meeting with leaders of the state’s Medical Guild on a Saturday when the doctors’ dismissal letters had gone out 24 clears earlier? Why did he not consult the leadership of his party, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), before sacking the doctors if

indeed he respected their opinion as he would have us believe? If the governor thought he needed to prove to all that he calls the shots in the state, this time he misfired. His misstep was roundly condemned around the world. In contrast, the sacked doctors got the support of their colleagues working in federal

“

Now that the Lagos state government has been forced to swallow its pride, we at Peoples Daily urge the doctors to return to work forthwith and allow their leaders to thrash out the CONMESS issue with the government. Insisting on recall letters from the government first, as the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) is doing, is not right government –owned hospitals in the state. A nationwide solidarity strike by doctors was only averted by the late tervention of ACN’s national leader and Fashola’s immediate predecessor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Defending his no nonsense stance, Fashola had said that he had nothing personal against the

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

doctors; all his government did was to protect the system from collapsing and ensure the people of Lagos receive better health care. In the event, his dismissal of the doctors achieved just the opposite: public hospitals were deserted and poor Lagosians who could not afford the cut-throat charges of private hospitals kept their sick ones at home to die. Indeed, many did die. It is sad that things had to come to this sorry pass before Fashola’s government saw reason. Or was he forced to see reason? Reports had it that party leaders, led by Tinubu, and traditional rulers in the state as well as national leaders “pleaded” with the governor to be “flexible”. Forced or not, the recall of the doctors is the right thing to do. So also is the government’s willingness to dialogue with the Medical Guild – something it had been unwilling to do. Now that the Lagos state government has been forced to swallow its pride, we at Peoples Daily urge the doctors to return to work forthwith and allow their leaders to thrash out the CONMESS issue with the government. Insisting on recall letters from the government first, as the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) is doing, is not right. This is merely a technicality that can be sorted out while the doctors are at work.

OUR PEOPLE

OUR VISION

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

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

ACTING EDITOR, WEEKEND RICHARD IHEDIWA

GM PUBLICATIONS ABDULAZEEZ ABDULLAHI MANAGER, ADMINISTRATION HASSAN HAMMANYAJI

HEAD, ADVERT/MARKETING HUSSAINI ABDULRAHMAN, CNA

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

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

By Salisu Na’inna Dambatta

he inauguration of the Presidential Agricultural Transformation Implementation Council (PATIC) on May 14, 2012, by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has elicited joy among farmers, while experts and other sector stakeholders are optimistic that a paradigm shift leading to a national sustainable food security in the country could be within sight. The federal government sees the PATIC as so important and crucial in its overall National Transformation Agenda that it is chaired by the President. It has several state governors, agricultural experts and largescale farmers as members. The influential personalities on board have the authority to take quick decisions which could be implemented down the line to achieve the stated goals of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda. The major goals of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) include elevating farming from a mostlysubsistence stage to a business, money-making and wealth creating exercise that can lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty. Recent figures from the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisaton (FAO) indicate that 27 per cent of the Nigerian labour force is engaged in agriculture, which generates roughly half of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. However, it ironic that 62 per cent of Nigeria’s 168 million is poor, living in rural Nigeria where the bulk of agricultural activities are concentrated, on less than N200 a day. The sector’s transformation will also create at least 3.5 million jobs along the value chains of the priority crops of rice, cocoa, sorghum, cassava By Ogbonna Nnaemeka Henry

he governors of the entire thirty-six states of the federation were all prepared for it, the governments in all their quarters were expecting it, and had their defences and postulations on hand, to prove to the cat-curious populace of Nigeria that they had not made the mistake of handing them the privilege of their coveted positions of leadership and authority. The day came after all, and had every semblance of a smooth running before one snag from the lips of the number one citizen summarily ruined the day, heat up the polity, generated a compendium of controversy and reverberated for more than two days. One of the features that has come to be synonymous with the Jonathan administration is the romance and affinity it has for controversy, for it has trailed him right from the inception of his stay on the number one spot of power till this day, the circumstances surrounding his assumption of the office being no less so. Whether this observation is credited to the manner of

PAGE 13

Jonathan gives teeth to agricultural transformation and cotton for Nigeria’s teeming youths, especially women by 2015. They would be enlightened and enticed to take to agriculture. They will be given incentives and support in various forms to enable them engage in large-scale production of the commodities listed earlier. Already two other key goals of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda, the mechanism for the supply of quality inputs, such as subsidized fertilsers and seeds to farmers, and guaranteed farmgate minimum prices for many crops, have been articulated and put in motion by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. With privately-owned, but state regulated Commodity Trading Boards in place, farmers would be sure of market for their produce at profitable prices. Minister of State for Agriculture, Dr. Bukar Tijjani said in a recent FRCN Kaduna phone-in programme, Hannu da yawa, that the Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES), which is designed to leverage Information and Communication Technology tools to facilitate the delivery of N30 billion worth of fertilsers and seeds to Nigerian farmers in the 2012 cropping season has been successfully deployed in Akwa Ibom, Cross River and 10 other states with an average effectiveness of 60 per cent. One of the central goals of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda is the attainment of selfsufficiency in rice production to end the importation of the commodity worth N1, 000,

000, 000 daily. In a recent speech at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina regretted that “In 2010 alone, Nigeria spent N635 billion on imported wheat, N356 billion on imported rice and N217 billion on imported sugar.” Ending dependence on imported rice is a national priority and the government is determined to achieve that goal. “Before we leave office in 2015, we must stop the importation of rice to Nigeria. There is no reason why Nigeria should be importing rice,” President Jonathan said on August 16, 2011 at a meeting in the State House with the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Dr. Kanayo Nwanze. As it implements the Agricultural Transformation Agenda, the Presidential Council would ensure that cassava production is boosted from the current 44,582,000 metric tons of fresh cassava in 2008 as reported by the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), to 50, 000, 000 metric tons by 2015. This is significant because the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. A. Adesina is certain that the cassava industry value chain alone will generate 1, 200, 000 jobs for Nigerians. Dr. A.A. Adeniji, former Programme Manager, Root and Tuber Expansion Programme in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development: “Cassava

production has moved from subsistence, food-need production to commercial, industrial and export production.” This is significant for an economy, like Nigeria’s, which needs diversification urgently. Dr. Adeniji noted that given the growing demand for cassava both at home and abroad, the 44 million metric tons produced by Nigeria annually was not enough. He said that 50 million tons of fresh cassava is required to satisfy both domestic and export demands. Currently Nigeria is on the verge of exporting 1, 000, 000 tones of cassava chips to China. The cassava transformation component of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda envisages the exportation of cassava products worth N40 billion annually. This is important, but unsurprising for a commodity that has over 300 various uses. Under the Agricultural Transformation Agenda, almost 525, 000 hectres of land would be planted with cassava in eight states of the federation. The states are Ondo, Ogun, Lagos, Edo, Delta, Kwara and Kogi. It is important to note that cassava is grown in varying quantities in all the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. An important component of the cassava transformation initiative is the establishment of over 94 Small and Medium Cassava Processing Enterprises in the selected states for the production of high quality cassava flour. Similarly, around 60 gari and fufu production

The UNILAG hoopla delivery, intention of the deliverer, or the psyche and mindset of the target audience, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is one man that will be loved to be hated and the same time hated to be loved, and his courtship with national discourse is really something. From the Yar’ádua saga, to the fuel subsidy story, to the Boko Haram episode, and now his May 29 faux pas, he sure has had his good share of it. In a well-meaning attempt to immortalize one of the heroes of democracy on the occasion of the anniversary of the country’s transition to democractic rule, President Jonathan renamed the University of Lagos State the Moshood Abiola University, Lagos, and since then, reactions and counter-reactions on this matter have fallen over themselves to gain acclaim, audience and airplay. The students of the affected ivory tower took to the streets for more than two days running, protesting the move and demanding an instant reversal.

While some have found their places on both sides of the equally divided opinion on the matter, the Federal Government has stuck to its guns, insisting that the man needed to be honoured and the institution chosen for such was to be UNILAG, in spite of the agitations of the students and some other people, advocating otherwise. When I decide to sit on the fence on this issue, it is not for the fact that President Jonathan has overly impressed me by this initiative of his, or in fact his entire skill at the steering of the ship called Nigeria in the past three hundred and sixtyfive days. It is not also to infer that I hail the teeming students of University Of Lagos, who left pressing academic commitments and studies to risk life and limb cordoning off major streets of the state over a triviality such as change of name. As a matter of fact, I cannot imagine a conscientious medical or engineering student with a barrage of tests and practicals ahead of him to worry

about and cater for,(judging by the experience I had in my time) having the luxury of the frivolity and fool-hardy jamboree of protesting over a simple nomencular transition. But the question which I thought should have been on the lips of every commenter on this issue is this: what has the change of name got to do with the fact that half-baked graduates who can scarcely defend their certificates are effluenced from these institutions by the year, in their droves? How is this going to stem the tide of the frequent and incessant industrial actions indulged in by the lecturers of these schools, which have had the net result of making studying in Nigerian institutions a colossal nightmare? I am well aware that there are some schools that cannot hand first-class honours to even their genial students, reason being that they cannot compete favourably with their counterparts in other lands, on account of the abysmally poor,

clusters would be opened. In the same vein, over 100 dried cassava chips production facilities would be provided. Other industrial cassava processing facilities in the plan include the starting up of two large mills for starch production, and four plants for the production of ethanol. Intense attention and necessary action are being focused on the commercial production of Cocoa, Cotton and Sorghum as important industrial raw materials, especially for the food processing sector. For instance, the government expects the Cocoa and Cotton Rehabilitation task teams of the Presidential Council to do everything necessary to raise Cocoa production from the current lowly 250,000 metric tons annually to 1, 000, 000 tons yearly by 2015 and Cotton production to at least 1, 000, 000 tons per annum. Already the Federal Ministry of Agriculture has developed a mechanism for supplying highquality, pest-resistant and early-maturing seeds and seedlings of the crops to farmers. Given the calibre of the members of the Presidential Agricultural Transformation Implementation Council, it is safe to assume that sustainable national food security, an end to dependence on imported food products and the overall transformation of the agricultural sector into wealthcreation machinery for Nigerians, are achievable. Salisu Na’inna Dambatta is of the Federal Ministry of Information, Abuja. or total lack of requisite facilities in such institutions. How does a mere change of name weigh, in comparism to this abject need? While I appreciate the noble intentions of Mr President on this matter, I feel that there are better anniversary gifts to hand to Nigerians on occasions as this. Corruption at all cadres and in all ramifications is subtly cancering its way into our national life and the educational sector has not been spared at all. Security challenges are staring us full un the face, and it even seems we are back-pedalling from a head-on confrontation. The gallery-playing and lipservice has gone on for just too long, and the lofty speeches and grandiose plans should start translating into real-time and tangible results. The students who are hankering for a withdrawal should remember that the institution is a federal one and the government reserves the right to do what it deems right with it, consultations or no, Act or no. We are long overdue for the real dividends of this government. Ogbonna Nnaemeka Henry can be reached at henchyman@yahoo.com

PAGE 14

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

EFCC as editor of judicial rulings By Cornelius Dominic

ar from rekindling hope that the war against corruption in the country stands a chance of overcoming the formidable foes lined up in fierce offensives, recent “body language” of the EFCC suggests that the purported arrowhead of the battle is itself so hopelessly corrupted by vested interests that it should be considered a foe. We were supposed to witness a rebirth of a reformed anti-graft agency following the latest change in its leadership, after a series of unsavory revelations of selective probes, manipulations of investigations and even compromised leadership discredited the EFCC in public estimation. From all indications, those who maintained that a mere change of guards was akin to applying cosmetics where a strong disinfectant is required were right. So, as the bemused cynic observed, in the quest for a truly impartial and uncompromising EFCC, there has been a lot more said than done. Classical is the case of the EFCC getting caught in the act of pursuing a vested interest through deliberate acts of contempt of court process in order to pre-empt and prejudice an imminent court ruling in a case it is prosecuting. This was the sickening scenario unveiled in a well-publicized petition from the chambers of Lateef A Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and counsel to former Nasarawa Governor, Aliyu Akwe Doma and two others in case FHC/LF/34/2011 which the EFCC instituted and

By Bashir Bello Akko

his group was made largely of youths who parade deadly weapons and relish a life of dangerous drugs. Many Gombe elders were loud in condemning the scourge of Yan-kalare who gradually grew to a political monster that was consuming the future human potentials of the state. Some even went to the extent of taking records of the murdered in the mortuary, the maimed in the hospital wards, and the monumental property destroyed in the state, publishing such evidence in various print media, but rather than the then government tackling the menace headlong, it only took cosmetic measures and actually promoted the monster behind the scene. All those who were vocal in speaking out were said to be either intimidated to silence, or prosecuted in courts, or even speculated to be assassinated. It was a tragedy of sorts because while the then government in the state was laying what it regarded as valued infrastructure, it was also destroying the very fabric of societal development as represented by the youth. History is a clear judge of such culpable actions of world leaders

is pending before Justice Marcel underbelly of the anti-corruption governor Aliyu Doma and others Awokulehin at the Federal High agency. It is pertinent to point out arraigned before the court whose Court, Lafia. In a nutshell, the that the learned contention of the hopes of an unbiased EFCC through its official Senior Advocate Fagbemi as consideration of their case must spokesman, one Wilson Uwujaren, argued forcefully for over three- have been seriously jolted when deliberately misrepresented the hours before Justice Awokulehin they read in the papers that the last proceedings in the case on is that his clients have no case to judge declared that they have a May 21, 2012 case to answer by issuing a whereas in court press release he never did. which claimed Could it be that that the he later changed Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text presiding his mind even messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written judge declared before the date of that the former adjournment ? contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 governor and Even more words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and o t h e r s distressing must a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed standing trial have been the to: underlying issue had cases to of prejudice of the a n s w e r , The Editor, judge’s intended whereas the Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, ruling based on judge never 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. his own judicial made such a Email: let ters@peoplesdaily-online.com analysis and declaration ! SMS: 07037756364 determination of T h i s the two opposing misinformation applications on which qualifies also as a disinformation in answer and the EFCC charge whether to quash or uphold the propaganda terms, was given the should be quashed. Logically, charges against them. These insinuations and widest news coverage for the EFCC’s counsel led by Deacon were however strange reason that several Adesina, also a SAN argued to the innuendos newspapers dropped their contrary. It has been the usual succinctly taken up in Lateef correspondents’ reports on the practice for presiding judges Fagbemi’s powerful petition case (which should have been confronted with two opposing wherein he observed that since more accurate) in favour of the applications to adjourn the EFCC was represented in court EFCC ‘s contrivance. proceedings for another date to by its counsel it could not have Since the publication of Lateef give his ruling and this was what lacked knowledge of the facts of Fagbemi’s understandably Justice Awokulehin also did by the proceedings which by outraged petition addressed to the adjourning the matter till June extension should have formed the basis for any press release by EFCC “Czar” Ibrahim Lamorde a 11, 2012. fortnight ago, I have waited with The question arising hovers its apparently overzealous bated breath for a rejoinder if not around the inexplicable distortion spokesman Wilson Uwajaren. an outright denial of this of proceedings by the EFCC And even more pointedly, the senior advocate embarrassing episode from the spokesman and it is best learned EFCC but, alas, none was approached from an exploration wondered in his petition to forthcoming as I penned this of a motive from an examination Lamorde “could it be that your piece. It is therefore apt to consider of the impact of such an act of Commission cannot bear to have the contents of the respected commission. Obviously, the these charges decided on the facts lawyer’s petition as being a factual victims, if not targets, of the as they exist and law alone”? In words was the exposure of the wrinkled EFCC’s press release is former other

WRITE TO US

misinformation/disinformation packaged to “intimidate” the judge and “unlawfully anticipate his ruling”? There is no denying the fact that this case will haunt the EFCC’s credibility for a long time to come whatever be the ultimate decision of the presiding judge on the two opposing applications. It will add to the arsenal of its critics who have already assembled a veritable armoury of criticism drawing from previous episodes of apparent selectiveness in the caliber and antecedents of those it invites for questioning and some notoriously sacred cows who always evade its supposedly vigilant radar and even the treatment it gives some of its “guests” some of whom are arrested like dangerous armed robbers while others are literally give the VIP invitation without handcuffs and TV crews. This case further adds to the tendency of EFCC to subject certain persons to a vexatious trial-by-media in which uncharitable aspects of unconcluded investigations are deliberately leaked to the Press long before those targeted are taken to court – if ever they are eventually. The EFCC surely needs a more thorough cleansing and reform if it will ever have its shady spots wiped off and gain the unqualified confidence of the public. The last has not been heard of this matter which has inevitably become a reference point in the misdeeds of an anticorruption agency. God help those who are unfairly targeted by the EFCC! Cornelius Dominic is a law student in Lagos

Dankwambo and yankalare syndrome (II) who now posterity has consigned to the bin of irrelevance. When the late Shah of Iran Rezah Pahlavi ascended power; he was seen as a model of civilization and progress. But he made the mistake of refusing to give his people that valued dignityof humanity. He became a woeful failure that was over-thrown by violent revolution and sent to exile till death. In modern France, Napoleon Bonaparte was tireless in his effort to transform that country and make it shoulders above many. But his greatest assets, people, were jettisoned with a brutal dictatorial rule. He is now a catastrophy of history since he did not build the people but unwittingly only attempted to destroy them. Adolp Hitler wielded so much power of force and propaganda in his days as German leader, deluding himself into believing that crushing his people and larger part Europe will make

him a universal success. Even with the support of masterpropagandist, Goebbels, he crashed to sordid state that today nobody wants to touch his name even with a 10-meter pole. Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo of Gombe State is not known as a historian of remarkable stature, yet he seems to learn positively from it to save Gombe state from the shackles of this dreaded group. From day one in politics, he campaigned against Yan- kalare. In his maiden speech as a governor of the state, he was emphatic that the Yan-kalare syndrome was over in the state. He then followed words with action by outlawing this despicable phenomenon which before his time was elevated to a virtual state religion. Instead of destroying the youths afflicted by unemployment and poverty, he resolved to change them to productive citizens that will be gainfully employed in service to

their fatherland. He recruited the first batch of One Thousand Two Hundred (1,200) repentant YanKalare that surrendered their weapons, and trained them to become Traffic Marshals, Sanitary Aides, and Security Support teams. Today they are gainfully employed on government payroll. The next batch of Two Hundred and Fifty (250) youths are on their way to Leadership Training Institute in Jos, to be trained in administration, after which many more will follow to be trained in Agriculture and other relevant sectors of the economy. It is ideal for a good leader to erect structures and lay infrastructures; but people, not even animals can eat tarred roads or buildings. This is why empowering citizens with skills; especially vulnerable youths, are sine qua non to meaningful development. Secondly, the greatest manpower asset lies with

the youth of any society. They possess the sufficient strength and energy to tirelessly partake in building society. Utilizing these potentials rather than allowing them aimlessly roam about in search of pittance or miserable hand-outs is the most reliable platform of lifting the state to higher pedestal and saving them from becoming victims of circumstance. The Chinese will say, “Teach a person how to catch a fish and you give him food for life, but give him a ready fish, then you have given him only food for the day”. This is why the Dankwambo approach to the Yan-kalare syndrome is among the best policies ever taken by any government for the good of Gombe State which should be a worthy emulation for any state bedeviled with political organized thugs. Concluded Bashir Akko is an Abuja based Journalist.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

PAGE 15

Dame Patience Jonathan and the mob I

n 1787, the French Revolution broke out. As the mob roamed the streets of Paris menacingly, a rumour started to spread about the Queen, Marie Antoinette. According to it, the Queen was woken up from her siesta by the commotion and she asked one of her servants what the noise was all about. Upon hearing that the commoners were revolting because of the high cost of bread, she retorted that the commoners should have made do with cakes! Nobody could swear that he heard this strange callous conversation but the rumour spread like a wide fire. Her husband, Louis XV1 was executed on 21 January 1793, partly on the strength of the unconfirmed indiscretion of his wife. The former queen was plunged into deep mourning. She refused to eat or do any exercise and her health rapidly deteriorated in the following months leading to tuberculosis and uterine cancer. Despite her condition, she was tried by the revolutionary tribunal on 14 October. Unlike the king, who had been given time to prepare a defence, the queen’s trial was far more of a sham. She was given less than one day to defend herself. She was accused of orchestrating orgies in Verseilles, sending millions of livres of treasury money to Austria, plotting to kill the Duke of Orléans, and incest with her son, declaring her son to be the new king of France, and orchestrating the massacre of the Swiss Guards in 1792. The accusations were untrue but the outcome of the trial was

decided by the Committee of Public Safety after two days of proceedings. On the same day, she was driven through Paris in an open cart, wearing a simple white dress. At 12:15 p.m., she was beheaded! Nearer home in Nigeria, and not too long ago, a Nigerian first lady was subjected to a similar but not so tragic public ridicule on the basis of an unconfirmed rumour. In the wake of the hardship brought on Nigerians after the introduction of a structural adjustment programme by President Ibrahim Babangida, a rumour emerged about his wife, Mariam, having unlimited wealth, with assets all over the world. Nobody could confirm this rumour. Tai Solarin, the self proclaimed ‘social critic’ – whatever that means – issued a pamphlet claiming that an edition of Ebony magazine which he claimed falsely was impounded by the Nigerian government had published the story. Arrested and confronted on national television with the said edition of the magazine, the man went blank! But a lot of damage had been done to the image of the lady, her family, the government with a lot of properties destroyed by rioters on the basis of palpable falsehood. Last week, a Dana aircraft crashed in Lagos, killing all passengers and crew on board as well as some people on the ground. Soon a controversy broke out over the alleged closure of the nation’s airspace for a presidential jet carrying the wife of President Goodluck Jonathan, Patience, to land in Lagos on Sunday.

The closure was said to have subordinate the interest of our prevented the pilot of the nation to narrow self-serving distressed Dana Air plane from interests.” So far nobody has contradicted making an emergency landing at the airport. Reports circulated the information given out by the through facebook and BlackBerry first lady’s office. Still, I wish to messenger claimed that although observe that the statement, a the Dana plane had an engine mixture of truth and anger, failure, the distressed aircraft however, missed the point. More could have made it to the airport of this later. On April 12, the visit of Dame if it had not been delayed by the VIP movement. Dame Patience Patience to Lagos state paralyzed Jonathan was, therefore, held social and commercial activities for over nine hours. responsible Traffic congestion was for the caused by overzealous tragedy. security agents who In a cordoned some areas statement because the President’s by her wife was attending an Special event on Victoria Assistant, Island. People working Mr. Ayo in offices located within Osinlu, the the area, groaned as wife of the Emmanuel Yawe they had to make a president 08024565402 detour. described royawe@yahoo.com Even the Lagos the report state governor, as an orchestrated plan to politicise the Babatunde Fashola, expressed his Sunday crash. She said it was displeasure at the First lady’s visit: were terribly “callous, inhuman and devilish” Lagosians for anyone to have thought of discomforted with the traffic jam, wrapping such national calamity needlessly, if I must say. There is in political garb by insinuating the need for public officers generally that the plane crashed because the to be more sensitive to the people airspace was closed to facilitate we serve…It is particularly worrisome because this is not an her movement in Lagos. The statement continued: “It elected person. And I think we all, is surprising that some including the security agencies, mischievous persons will see this must know how they pander to our moment of national mourning as high officers, especially VIP an opportunity to blackmail and movement, at the risk and expense impugn the First Lady’s of citizens and taxpayers whose integrity. money was used to fuel all the “This is the time for all vehicles that we used to block the Nigerians to be sober and pray for roads against those who pay those the repose of the souls of the money. victims and not a time to Not bothered, the first lady

repeated the show in Makurdi, the Benue state capital, the following month. Most streets were shut to traffic on May 7 following the visit of the first lady to the town. Commercial motorcyclists, motorists and commuters had a hectic time reaching their destinations, as there was a traffic jam. Students of some schools were unable to attend classes due to the visit. When people are frustrated, hungry and angry, they embark on mob judgement that may take leave of facts and reason. In Julius Caesar, we read about the story of Cinna who was cornered by an angry mob and mistaken for one of the conspirators who assassinated Caesar. Having identified himself correctly as Cinna the poet and not Cinna the conspirator, somebody observed that he has been writing bad poetry of late. The mob went ahead to kill him for his “bad verses.” Mob actors are particularly cruel to first ladies who refuse to stay on the home front, instead choosing to dominate public space. Try as Ayo Osinlu did to disprove the fact that there was a closure of the airport for her, he could not deny the fact that she was in Lagos at the time. If Patience visits Makurdi today and snow starts falling, residents of the extremely hot town will immediately blame her - given the antecedent of her May visit - for the inclement weather. The image makers of our first lady have done a good job on her of late by improving her spoken English. They can still do better if they change her body language.

Jonathan’s book gift to the Nigerian child (I) By Simeon Nwakaudu

s a scholar, President Goodluck Jonathan understands the importance of books to the development of the Nigerian child. Since becoming the nation’s leader, the President has never hidden his desire to ensure that the Nigerian child gets the right quality of education, necessary to sustain the various development initiatives being promoted by his administration. When the President launched the ‘Bring back the Book’ programme, many social commentators had dismissed it as a flash in the pan. Several people claimed that it was one of those government initiatives that would fizzle out in no distant time. What most of these critics did not consider was the fact that the president as an educationist is concerned about the declining reading culture and its attendant negative consequences on the overall development of the nation. Since commencing this term of office after his victory at the polls, President Jonathan has taken critical steps to revive the nation’s education sector, especially the foundational level, the basic education sub-sector. The president maintains and

rightly so, that it is the right of every Nigerian child to have access to basic education, irrespective of the circumstances of his/her birth. To him, a sound basic education cannot be possible if the children do not have access to books and other instructional materials to enhance their knowledge and become worthy citizens, prepared to advance the cause of the nation. It was on the premise of the President’s love for the dissemination of quality knowledge and information to the Nigerian child that he directed the Minister of State for Education, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike to ensure that all primary school pupils and junior secondary school students have access to textbooks in core subjects of English Language, Mathematics, Social Studies and the Basic Introductory Sciences. For the President, no Nigerian child should be denied the opportunity of building his/her knowledge base on the ground of his/her poor social background. The President’s position is premised on surveys from the Federal Ministry of Education and the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, which indicate that although the present administration’s interventionist

programmes in the basic education sub-sector has led to increased enrolment in schools across the country, there remains the gap of the scarcity of instructional materials and books available to the less privileged Nigerian child. A higher percentage of the children who have been enrolled in public schools in the country are from homes where their parents cannot afford to buy books for them to deepen their knowledge base and enhance their learning skills when they leave their schools for their homes. On Thursday, June 7, President Goodluck Jonathan flagged off one of the most courageous book distribution initiatives aimed at returning the country to the days of qualitative learning with a view to building a critical foundation for the general development of the nation. The flag off which was performed on behalf of the President by the Vice President, Namadi Sambo was witnessed by State Education Commissioners, Chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards, teachers and pupils from the 36 states of the Federation. Vice President Namadi Sambo who represented President Goodluck Jonathan at the event held at the Model Primary School,

Maitama Abuja took time off to personally distribute the books to selected children from the six geopolitical zones from the primary and junior secondary school cadres. From the faces of these kids, one could see their joy and appreciation for the President’s worthy priceless gift to them. In the next few weeks, the Federal Government will conclude the direct distribution of 14million copies of primary one and two textbooks in English Language, Mathematics, Social Studies, basic science and technology. Also to be distributed are assorted library resource materials for junior school pupils totalling 4,929,593million copies. These books are to be distributed directly to benefitting Nigerian children. Many stakeholders have raised the issue of the distribution network of the books. There are fears that like in the past, the books may not get to the intended end user, the Nigerian child. The President personally has instructed that every single book must get to the less privilege Nigerian child at no cost to his/ her parents. To this end, the Federal Ministry of Education and UBEC have put in place mechanisms to check the activities of fraudulent officials in

the supply chain. One of such measures is the setting up all encompassing books’ distribution commitees from the Federal through to the states down to the the local government councils to ensure that the books get to the Nigerian child. Timelines have been given to the committees with the overall supervision by the Minister of State for Education to be assisted by the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr Ahmed Modibbo Mohammed for the direct distribution of the books to the children. At the different levels, independent monitoring schemes have been established to prevent criminal diversion of the books to markets. Another measure introduced is the bold inscription on every school page of all the books that they are not to be sold, but to be distributed free of charge to the less privileged Nigerian child in public schools. Beyond all these, is the involvement of security operatives to participate in the monitoring process. Security operatives at the states and local councils have been detailed to arrest and prosecute any official or trader found to be in possession of diverted copies of the books. Simeon Nwakaudu is the Special Assistant (Media) to Minister of State for Education.

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY,MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

AMAC chair reads riot act to newly elected councillors By Adeola Tukuru

hairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon Micah. Y. Jiba has called on the newly elected supervisory councillors to be responsible, hard working and abide by the oaths they had taken and resist the temptation of corrupt tendencies. Jiba gave this charge when he reconstituted new supervisory councillors that would assist in running the affairs of the area council. He explained that the reconstitution of the supervisory councillors was necessary to fortify the council’s commitment toward serving the people better. His words: “I once again decided to take another bold step to reposition the council’s administrative machinery as an attempt to fortify our commitment to further serve the people”. He added that the council wanted to involve more hands to assist it in handling its affairs, adding that the selection of the councillors was based on hard work, as they have been tested and proven. The chairman applauded past supervisory councillors for their efforts and contributions toward improving the council.

Man, 22, bags three months imprisonment for causing hurt

n Abuja Senior Magistrate’s Court on Friday sentenced a 22-yearold tailor, Salomi Mohammed, to three months imprisonment for causing hurt. The presiding Magistrate, Mr Bashir Alkali, in his ruling, however, asked Mohammed to pay N1,000 fine as option and ordered the convict to pay N6,000 compensation to the complainant. Earlier, the Police Prosecutor, Cpl. Paul Anigbo, had told the court that the case was reported at the Lugbe Police Station by one Mr Adeogun Oluwafemi of LA-CRÈME Hotel, Lugbe, Abuja, on June 3, 2012. Anigbo said that the convict had a quarrel with the complainant after he had used the complainant’s slippers to take a bath. He added that when the complainant asked why he used his slippers, the convict engaged him in physical fight and in the process, the convict hit him on the head with a plank where he sustained an injury. The complainant was rushed to the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Hospital, Lugbe, Abuja, where he was treated and discharged. The prosecutor said that the complainant paid N6,000 for the treatment adding that the offence contravenes Section 246 of the Penal Code. (NAN)

Local brisks moulders at work in Lugbe.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Robbers snatch car at gunpoint in Wuse 2 By Josephine Ella

four-man car snatching syndicate, at the weekend, snatched a 2011 Mercedes Benz E550 from one Mohammed Saleh at gunpoint, along Aminu Kano

Crescent Wuse 2 in Abuja. Saleh, who narrated how the incident occurred to Peoples Daily yesterday, said on Friday at about 10pm, the robbers took him hostage at gun point from the Crescent in the stolen vehicle and drove

him away. He said that his captors, eventually shoved him out of the vehicle, black in colour, with the chasis number WDDHF7CB5AA09351, and registration number MS550 ABC, along the Airport Road,

abandoning him to his fate. He appealed to anyone with useful information on the vehicle or the robbers to contact the nearest police station, promising that a handsome reward awaits anyone who offers any useful clue on this.

Health Secretariat contract scandal: FCTA denies allegations By Josephine Ella

he Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Health and Human Services Secretariat has dismissed as false, allegations bordering on abuse of due process by its officials, in award of contracts for cleaning and security services recently, in FCT health facilities. This reaction followed a publication in some national dailies, titled, the ‘Alleged racketeering in FCTA health department’, which among others, alleged that the secretariat engage new security firms without complying with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act. Similarly, the writer alleged that the contracts were awarded to firms owned by some officials of the department while the duly registered security companies that went

through competitive bidding process had their contracts terminated without cogent reasons. Addressing journalists on the issue, the spokesman of the secretariat, Badiru Yakasai disassociated the present administration of the secretariat, under Dr. Demola Onakomaiya from the alleged corrupt practices, saying the publication was orchestrated by the former service providers who lost in the bidding. Yakasai disclosed that the contracts of the former service providers were time bound and had elapsed before the new set of contract were awarded in 2011. He explained that the administration, against whom the innuendoes were made in the publication, came on board only at the end of last year, when the procurement process in respect of the matter in

question had already been completed. According to Yakasai, when the FCT minister, Senator Bala Mohammed assumed office, during his maiden visit to all the FCT health facilities, he observed that the institutions were poorly maintained with porous security coverage and therefore directed that immediate and appropriate steps be taken to remedy the situation. To this end, a committee was said to have been set up for this purpose, which went round all the health institution. ”The committee observed that some of the out-sourced security personnel had turned themselves into beggars and touts with some of them going out of their ways to be collecting medical certificates. Further findings by the committee revealed that the security personnel who indulge in those acts were not being

regularly paid salaries by their employees. “To worsen matters, there were reported cases of theft and vandalisation of facilities suspected o have been perpetrated by the security operatives themselves, the administration therefore, decided to do what was right in the light of those disturbing facts,” he added. Contrary to the allegation, Yakasai said that consequently, advertisements were placed as appropriate, inviting companies for prequalification for cleaning and security services and the contracts awarded to winners of the bid. He said: ”The decision to reaward the contracts yielded the desired results as the security and sanitary condition of our health institutions have greatly improved and are being lauded by patients and other visitors to the hospital”.

PAGE 18

Lawmakers urged to create new senatorial district By Usman Shuaibu

he district head of Zuba in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alhaji Ibrahim Adamu has called on the National Assembly to create another senatorial district in the Abuja South to ensure rapid development in the territory. Adamu, who made the call while speaking in an interview with Peoples Daily in his palace in Zuba, said this, if done would give room for politicians to contest for political positions. He further urged Abuja legislators in the National Assembly to speak with one voice for the development of the territory. Commenting on the state of development in the FCT, the royal father urged the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed to re-double his efforts to provide the needed infrastructural facilities in six area councils. The district head noted that potable drinking water had become a major problem confronting residents in the territory. Adamu then appealed to the minister to always release monthly allocation to the Council Chairmen on time to enable them to work on their blueprint to better the life of their people in their respective area councils.

PEOPLES DAILY,MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

Bauchi bomb attacks: Minister, friends, associates donate N10m to victims By Josephine Ella

he Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed, on behalf of himself, friends and associates, at the weekend donated the sum of N10 million to Bauchi state government to assist in off-setting medical bills of the injured victims of last Sunday’s bomb blast in the state, which killed more than 15 persons,

The cash donation, according to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the minister, Muhammad Hazat Sule, is also to assist the government in burial arrangements of the dead persons and the rehabilitation of the damaged churches. Senator Mohammed, who paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Bauchi in his Palace last Saturday, the statement said, described the bomb attack on some churches in Yelwa area of

Bauchi, as alien and avoidable catastrophe as he prayed that such a tragedy will never happen again. He further, prayed for repose of the souls of the deceased persons, speedy recovery of the injured and for the relations of the victims, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. Responding, the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, was said to have thanked the minister for

the visit and prayed that this unfortunate incidence never happen in his domain or the entire country again. In the absence of the Bauchi state Governor, who was also said to have travelled out of station, the statement said his Chief of State, Alhaji Musa Gumli, had received and accompanied the minister and his entourage to the premises of the devastated churches, where he commiserated with the victims.

Couple allegedly dupe woman of N.9m

31-year-old woman residing at No. 9, Pretoria Close, Wuse Zone 2, Abuja has been arraigned before an Abuja Chief Magistrate’s Court for criminal conspiracy and cheating. Police Prosecutor, Usman Jibrin (ASP) told the court that one Mrs Nkemeka Joy, on February 4, this year, lodged a complaint against the accused person, Mrs Ihunna Nmadi.a “In November 2011, the accused person and her husband, Mr Nnamdi Nkaegbu conspired and collected N900, 000 from the complainant”, the prosecutor told the court, adding that they promised to sell a good car to the complainant but later converted the money to their personal use. The prosecutor said that when the complainant asked for the refund, the accused person and her husband threatened to kill her. The accused person pleaded not guilty to the charge and Chief Magistrate Azubuike Okeagu granted her bail in the sum of N500, 000 and two sureties in the like sum. Okeagu said that the sureties must reside within the jurisdiction of the court and write an undertaken to bring the accused person to court for the next hearing. He adjourned the case to July 11, 2012 for hearing. (NAN)

The Director, Nursing Service of the Health and Human Services Secretariat, Mrs. Stella Eleanya, presenting a cash donation to the wife of the late gardener, Mrs Malata Bayo. She is flanked by the Principal, FCT School of Nursing, Mrs Onyinye Onukwue(left) and the Legal Adviser to the secretariat, Barrister. Yakubu Abubakar(right).

Widow gets cash assistance from secretariat By Josephine Ella

or Mrs. Malata Bayo, the widow of a deceased gardener, it was mixed bag of joy and sorrow at the weekend when the Health and Human Services Secretariat (HHSS) handed her a cash donation. Top officials of the secretariat, led by the Director of Nursing Services of the

HHSS, Mrs Stella Eleanya, had paid the widow a visit to commiserate with her over the demise of her late husband, Mr. Rotis Bayo, who passed on April. Until his death, the deceased was a staff of Al-Fahad Security Agency, attached to the health secretariat as a Gardener. He died on April 18, this year at the Gwagwalada Teaching

Hospital after a brief illness. While presenting the undisclosed amount of cash to the bereaved on behalf of the Health Secretary, Dr. Demola Onakomaiya, the director encouraged the widow to accept the token and take consolation in the fact that the secretariat would always be there for her. Eleanya also advised her to be strong and believe that her husband in resting in peace in the

bosom of the lord as she described the late gardener as a dedicated staff, who was committed to his duty. Responding to the gesture, the widow, who was sobbing intermittently, during the visit, appreciated the secretariat for showing her so much love. “I thank you all for what you have done for me. May the good lord reward you abundantly,” she said in tears.

Man, 20, arraigned for criminal breach of trust, cheating

man, Lucky Mzough, 20, is standing trial at an Abuja Upper Area Court in Karu for alleged criminal breach of trust and cheating. The Prosecutor, Silas Nanpan, told the court that one Ezeani Benjamin reported the incident at the Nyanya Police Station on May

31, 2012. Nanpan said that on May 30, Benjamin entrusted the sum of N60, 000 to the accused of No 16 Divine Express Line, Nyanya Market, Nyanya , Abuja for the purpose of depositing the said money into his account at Fidelity Bank in Mararaba.

He said that instead of the accused to deposit the said money, he rather converted the money to his own use. According to the prosecutor, the offence of criminal breach of trust and cheating contravenes Sections 312 and 322 of the Penal Code.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and Judge Umar Kagarko granted him bail in the sum of N70, 000 with one surety in like sum. Kagarko ordered that the surety must be reasonable and reliable and adjourned the case to July 16, 2012 for hearing. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

Kalangu musicians and a mascot entertaining some guests after a public function at the weekend, in Abuja.

How safe is this for the motorcylist, his passengers and other road users?

You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cheat nature: A man taking a nap on a tree at the Federal Secretariate, recently in Abuja

A groundnut seller displaying her wares yesterday in Garki, Abuja Photos: Justin Imo-owo

PAGE 17

BUSINESS

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

Email: amunuimam@yahoo.co.uk

PAGE 19

INSIDE

- Pg 20

CSR: NYSC boss commends Unity Bank

Mob: 08033644990

Jonathan commissions Dangote’s 5.25m tonnes cement plant By Aminu Imam

he backward integration policy of the Federal Government in the cement sub-sector of the economy is to receive further boost today, as President Goodluck Jonathan commissions additional 5.25 million metric tonnes per annum (mtpa) Dangote Cement’s Obajana plant Line 3 in the march towards freeing the nation

from cement importation. In the same vein, the President is to perform the ground breaking for the fourth line of the plant expected to generate additional 3 million mtpa. With the commissioning of the new line 3, the production capacity of the Obajana plant of the Dangote Cement will be raised to 10.25 million mtpa and by 2015 when the fourth line

Insurance association launches data base From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

nsurance underwriting firms in the country, under their umbrella body, Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA) has announced its plans to launch its newly incepted project, Nigeria Insurance Industry Database (NIID). The launching of the product is scheduled to take place on 26th

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

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

DANA AIRLINES (MON - SUN) LOS-ABJ: 07.02, 08.10, 12.06, 15.30, 17.10 ABJ-LOS: 07.20, 09.36, 13.05, 14.40 ABJ-LOS (SAT/SUN): 13.05, 18.00 LOS-KANO : 08.10 KANO-LOS: 11.25 KANO -ABUJA: 11.25 ABUJA-KANO : 10.08

IRS AIRLINES LOS -ABJ: 9.45, 11.45, 2.45

of this month at Muson Center, Onikan, Lagos. Addressing a press conference in Lagos, the chairman of the association, Mr. Olusola LadipoAjayi stated that NIID is an information technology-based system which will facilitate easy collation and dissemination of statistical and other information relating to insurance on one hand, and also serves as a vehicle for easy identification of genuine insurance documents by relevant authorized persons on the other. According to him, some of the benefits of the project include monitoring and authenticating insurance transactions documents and reducing incidences of fraudulent insurance transactions and policies, most especially for motor and marine insurances. Others benefits comprise of reducing red tape and corruption, by integrating with the vehicle registration system of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), the Police and other relevant government agencies and ensuring easy access to statistical data for effective decision making. Ladipo-Ajayi noted that presently, the association has over 500,000 vehicle insurance policies on the database with a daily average upload of 2,000 records. He further assured that the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and other stakeholders such as Nigeria Police Force (NPF), FRSC and the Nigeria Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) have all signified sufficient interest in ensuring the acceptance of the system as the industry's database. EXCHANGE RATES

CBN CFA • £ RIYAL $

LOS-KANO: 6.15 LOS-KANO (SAT/SUN): 16.30 KANO-LOS: 07.30 KANO-LOS (SUN/SUN): 10.30

BUYING 0.2716 192.2616 237.4942 41.2745 154.8

SELLING 0.2916 193.5036 239.0284 41.5411 155.8

£ RIYAL $

BUYING 243 43 154

SELLING 257 45 159

company was aiming to lead the way in the production of the commodity to meet home demands as well as having excess for exportation. With the continuous expansion of the existing plants in the country and its operations across 14 other African countries, Dangote Cement will remain one of the largest producers in Africa and world over.

Dangote said today’s event marks a milestone, not only for the company but also for Nigeria, pointing out that the Obajana project will make Dangote Cement the power house of cement in Africa. With this development, he emphasised; the era of cement importation into the country is over as manufacturers now have capacity to surpass local demand.

Cash-less: Banks deploy 100,000 PoS terminals From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

n a bid to ensure success of the cashless policy, banks in the country have rolled out 100,000 Point of Sale (PoS) terminals. Head, Shared Services at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Chidi Umeano, who disclosed this in Lagos, said banks are expected to have deployed over 150,000 PoS terminals by the end of this year. Banks have continued to roll out more innovative electronic payment platforms to meet customers’ expectations. Currently, banks have deployed

about 100,000 PoS terminals and before the end of the year, if things go as planned, about 150,000 PoS terminals will have been deployed. “The cash-less project is on course and the initial challenges are being overcome,” he said. Umeano also said the CBN is set to acquire a new fraud prevention system, payments system oversight and anti-fraud system, to tackle fraud in the electronic payment (e-payment) system. He said the goal of the system is to provide the facility to distinguish fraudulent and legitimate transactions based on

redefined checks in online payments. This will allow only legitimate transactions to be processed. The CBN, he said, believes the adoption of the system will boost the cash-less initiative by strengthening the protection against fraudulent payment activities. Fraud has always been one of the biggest challenges of any online payment system. Increasing fraud rates around the world has dampened the growth of electronic payment by exposing merchants to substantial losses and unnerving securityconscious customers.

R - L: Unity Bank’s Regional Manager, Bauchi, Yahaya Aliyu Lere, Chairman, Governing Council, College of Education, Azare, Alh. Aliyu Umar Misau and NYSC Provost, Dr. Garba Ibrahim while donating a bus to the college recently.

Management Tip of the Day

5th June, 2012

PARALLEL RATES

ABJ-LOS: 11.30, 3.45, 4.45

would have been completed, the entire four lines would be having a combine production capacity of 13.25 million mtpa, thus making the plant the single biggest plant in the world. The development is in the fulfillment of the promise by chairman of the Cement Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote last February, during the commissioning of the 6 million mtpa Ibese plant, that the cement

Show your audience your passion

n presentations, excitement is contagious. If people in the audience sense you care about something, they are more likely to care too. Here are three tactics for winning over your listeners: Use an animated voice. Vary the volume of your voice so

your emotion comes through. Whisper at appropriate moments or rise to a crescendo to drive a point home. Match your facial expressions. The expression on your face reinforces your message. Listeners want to see — not just hear — your passion.

Make eye contact and don’t be afraid to smile or laugh, when appropriate and genuine. Make gestures. A fist can reinforce confidence and certitude. Waving a hand or pointing can help draw attention. Source: Harvard Business Review

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS SON clamps down on fuel stations over adulteration

he Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has clamped down on NECCON fuel station on Eleme Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers state, for adulterating Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol, and Automated Gas Oil (AGO).

Union Bank boss makes case for agric financing

he Group Managing Director of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Mrs. Funke Osibodu has called for concerted efforts by banks to make agricultural financing attractive and profitable for shareholders/depositors using a holistic value chain.

Access Bank, Nickelodeon partner on financial literacy for kids

ccess Bank Plc, on Wednesday, launched Nigeria’s first fun-filled interactive financial literacy campaign for kids, parents and educators in a strategic partnership with Nickelodeon a global family entertainment brand.

Gas supply crisis delays evacuation of 1,025MW electricity to national grid

he challenge of gas-topower crisis, which has been assailing electricity generation in the country, may have persisted, going by a disclosure from the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited.

AGOA: Nigeria records N7tr exports to US

igeria recorded $44.3 billion (N7.008 trillion) worth of exports to the United States of America, in the past 10 years, under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

Firm introduces IT solution into West African market

he African SAP User Group (AFSUG) has announced the launching of the first SAP user group in the West African region, known as the West Africa SAP User Group (WASUG) as part of efforts to expand its network base in the region.

Standard Bank chooses Interbank Finacle to increase financial rates stay service efficiency across Africa high on Naira I shortage By Abdulwahab Isa with agency report

nfosys, a global leader in consulting and technology, announced another successful partnership sparked by its recently unveiled Finacle™ digital commerce solution. Finacle™ will power agency banking for Standard Bank and help the bank extend service channels across its markets in Africa. This new alternate channel for the bank will offer value-added financial services to consumers, in Africa, while also reducing cost of operations for the bank. Finacle™ digital commerce solution helps unlock new revenue streams not only for financial institutions, but also telecom service providers and retailers by enabling instant cashless payments and commerce between merchants and consumers. The solution empowers consumers to consolidate payment instruments such as accounts, cash or cards, on a single digital wallet, made accessible anytime, anywhere on their preferred digital channel. Standard Bank, leveraging Finacle™, will onboard and manage agents, using the mobile or Internet channels, to service remote customers cost-effectively.

The solution will enable agents to offer a host of services ranging from customer on-boarding, cash deposits, cash withdrawal and banking transactions, to service requests. Commenting on the partnership, Terry Moodley, Chief Executive, Personal and Business Banking Africa at Standard Bank, said “Mobility is a critical component of our business growth in Africa. Finacle™ digital commerce solution, from Infosys, provides us with the technology

platform to realise our mobility strategy and to positively impact the communities in which we operate”. Finacle™ digital commerce is a multi-channel wallet offering that supports both assisted and selfservice channels such as the Internet, mobile, ATM, kiosks and IVR. The solution is ubiquitously available across mobile platforms, access modes and devices, and is built with robust security at the transmission, application and data levels.

CSR: NYSC boss commends Unity Bank By Aminu Imam

nity Bank Plc has been commended for donating an 18-seater bus to the College of Education, Azare. The Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig. Gen. Nnamdi Okore-Affia, made the commendation after receiving a donation the bank made for the construction of the camp clinic at the Permanent Orientation Camp, Asaya, Lokoja in Kogi State. In a letter signed by the

Inflation rates from May, 2011 to Apr, 2012 Max = 12.9%, Min = 9.3% for period in display. Current Inflation rate = 12.9% Source:CBN

NYSC’s spokesmen, Midala M.S, the DG said the gesture would go a long way in improving healthcare delivery services in the camp and assured of stronger ties between NYSC scheme and the bank. Presenting the original documents of the bus, the Bauchi Regional Manager, Yahaya Aliyu Lere, said the vehicle was meant to assist and ease the college transportation challenges for effective administration. He enjoined the College community to take advantage of the ‘Aim, Save and Win’ savings promo the Bank is currently running where there are numerous prizes to be won including a brand new car. Receiving the donation, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the college, Alhaji Aliyu Umar Misau, while assuring of the appropriate utilization of the vehicle, called on other institutions to emulate the worthy gesture. In a similar development, the bank has also been commended for its contribution towards the development of health care in the country.

Earnings Report for Banks Source:Pro-share Nigeria

igeria’s interbank lending rates inched u p slightly to an average of 14.50 percent this week, up from 14.25 percent last week, as banks funded their foreign exchange and treasury bills purchases, traders said on Friday. Nigeria sold a total of 137.97 billion naira ($848.78 million) in treasury bills ranging from three months to one year at its bimonthly auction, at higher yields than at the previous auction, while a total of $600 million was sold at the central bank’s bi-weekly forex auction this week. Traders said cash outflows to the purchases drained liquidity from the system, creating naira dearth and upswing in cost of borrowing among banks. The market opened with a cash balance of about 10 billion naira ($61.52 million) on Friday, down from about 92 billion naira last Friday, traders said. “The market has remained very tight because of lack of cash inflows,” one dealer said. The Naira has been falling sharply against the dollar in recent weeks, but that has been driven largely by unmet strong dollar demand, rather than readily available naira liquidity. The secured Open Buy Back (OBB) inched up to 14.25 percent, from 14 percent last week, 220 basis points above the central bank’s 12 percent benchmark rate, and 4.25 percentage points above the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate. Overnight placement also closed at 14.50 percent, compared with 14.25 percent, while call money rose to 14.75 percent, from 14.50 percent last week. “We see rates inching up further next week as the market becomes very tight until the disbursement of May budgetary allocations,” another dealer said. Africa’s top crude-oil exporter shares proceeds from oil sales from a centrally-held account every month to its three tiers of government federal, states and local providing liquidity to the banking system. That usually pushes down interbank rates. Allocations for the month of May have yet to be distributed. (Reuters)

PAGE 21

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

NSE index dips by -4.83%, closes below 21,000

nrelenting sell pressure continued to permeate trading activities on the Nigerian bourse. The market closed the week southwards for the fifth consecutive session due to negative outlook witnessed in all trading days of the week while International Energy Insurance Plc announced its share reconstruction exercise with 1 for 5 reverse split. More so, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) closed below 21,000 psychological lines on the last trading day of the week while market YTD performance currently stands at +0.83%. Furthermore, trading activities sustained southwards movement by -0.81% to open the first trading day of the week

pessimistic as sell pressure significantly outweighed bargain activities while the bears continue to exert their grip on the bourse as unrelenting pressure continue to permeate market activities with the key market indicator closing in the red zone, with ASI sliding further by -0.70% after the second session. In the third session, Nigerian Stock Market witnessed intense selling activities to sustain southwards movement by 1.15% as the loss recorded in the share price of Dangote Cement Plc also contributed to the negative outlook while similar outlook was also recorded in the fourth session with All-Share Index recording -1.26% loss. Conversely, trading activities on Friday closed southwards as sentiments

remained bearish. Consequently, the key benchmark indices dips by 1.00% while market closed the week with aggregate loss of 4.83%. Further analysis on acquiring banks since transaction date showed that the share price of Access Bank Plc has recorded 21.82% gain with FCMB recording -13.85% losses while Union Bank Plc leads the chart with 51.67% gain. However, Sterling Bank Plc recorded -13.39% losses while ETI also closed negative with -7.28% loss recorded. The All-Share Index in the week under review moved down by -4.83% to close at20,902.95 as against a decline by -1.21% recorded last week to close at 21,963.87. In the same vein, the

market capitalisation in the week depreciated by N338.33 billion (US$2.25 billion) to close at N6.66 trillion (US$44.42 billion) as against depreciation by N85.62 billion (US$570.83 million) recorded last week to close at N7.00 trillion (US$ 46.68billion). The total volume traded in the week closed at 1.14 billion units valued at N8.86 billion (US$59.05 million) compared with 1.30 billion units valued at N9.45 billion (US$63.04 million) exchanged in 14,792 deals last week. The volume transaction in the week when compared with the previous week data moved down by -12.14% as against downwards movement by -25.23% recorded last week. Weekly value also went down by 6.33% as against negative position of -37.38% recorded last week. (Pro-share)

33 listed companies operate below standards

o fewer than 33 companies currently listed at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) have been stigmatised as operating Below Listings Standard (BLS).

The stigma of ‘BLS’ resulted from companies’ noncompliance with post-listing rules, like late submission of financial statements and unauthorised publications, among others.

T-bills set to regain their appeal

igher yields on Nigerian Treasury bills could lure back foreign investors who had turned their backs on the market in recent weeks. Offshore investors are seen returning to Nigeria’s debt market in the weeks ahead as yields on shorter-dated paper are becoming attractive again, traders said. Foreign investors had been exiting their positions in the face of less attractive yields, rising inflation and the unresolved Eurozone debt crisis. But that could change as yields inch back up. Nigeria sold 137.97 billion naira ($848.78 million) worth of Treasury bills on Thursday, with yields higher than at the previous auction. “There is a gradual shift of attention by investors to the

Treasury bills market due to rising yields in recent times and we foresee more offshore investors returning to take position in the market,” one dealer said. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Thursday sold 32.97 billion naira worth of 3-month paper at a yield of 14.10 percent, compared to 13.50 percent at the previous auction. It sold 45 billion naira worth of the 6-month bill at 14.94 percent, up from the 14.14 percent previously, and 60 billion naira of 1-year paper at a yield of 15.69 percent, from 13.30 percent. Traders said the bond market has remained sluggish as major investors shy away from taking positions, opting instead for short-dated instruments because of the more generous yields. (Reuters)

The Listings Regulation Department of the NSE in a recent X-Compliance report says the NSE has been able to tag companies appropriately to show the listed companies/ equities that are BLS, Awaiting Bank/Insurance Regulatory Approval, under Capital Reconstruction Exercise and companies in delisting process. The Listings Regulation Department says these companies include Ekocorp Plc, IPWA Plc, Premier Paints Plc, Omatek Ventures Plc, Abplast Products Plc, Conoil Plc, Ikeja Hotels Plc, Daar Communication Plc, Afrik Pharmaceutical, Union Venture & Petroleum Plc, Costain (W.A) Plc, G Cappa Plc, Nigerian Wire & Cable Plc, Udeofson Garment Factory Plc, P.S. Mandrides Plc, Union Homes Savings & Loans Plc, West African Aluminum Products Plc. Others are Aluminum Manufacturing Company of Nigeria Plc, MTI Plc, Union Dicon Salt Plc, Jos International Breweries Plc, Stokvis Nigeria Plc, Capital Oil Plc, Rokanna Industries Plc, West African

Glass Industries Plc, Lennards Plc, Afroil Plc, Golden Guinea Breweries Plc, Rak Unity Petroleum Plc, Nigerian Sewing Machine Plc, Mtech Plc and Investment & Allied Assurance Plc. In a related development, the X-Compliance report shows that 22 companies at the nation’s bourse are awaiting Bank/Insurance Regulatory Approval (ARA) –thereby tagged ARA; while one company (Pinnacle Point Group) was tagged as Delisting in Process (DIP). The Exchange presented the 2011 audited result compliance list where it says in the list of 195 companies, “we have only 139 companies with full compliant status, representing 66 percent compliant status of the market as regards to 2011 audited result. “On the other hand, we have 56 listed companies with negative compliant status which are marked red in the list. The group represents 34 percent non-compliant level of bourse as regards to 2011 audited result.” (Business week)

INVESTORS NEWS BEAT

NAHCO gets shareholders’ nod to raise fresh capital

hareholders of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO aviance), on Thursday approved proposal by the board of the company to raise fresh capital to fund ongoing expansion and diversification scheme.

Equity review of Fidelity Bank Plc’s Q1 2012 Results

idelity Bank Plc has reported gross earnings of N22.4bn for 3 months ended March 2012; a 46% YoY growth. PBT and PAT rose 140% and 137% YoY, respectively, to N4.2 billion and N3.4 billion. Topline growth driven by interest income.

Golden Securities Limited announces change of address

olden Securities Limited informed the Nigerian Stock Exchange of its intention to relocate its Lagos address from 52A, Campbell street, Lagos to St. Peters House, (7th Floor) No 3, Ajele Street Lagos Island Lagos, effective 15th June, 2012.

IOSCO unveils final report on international standards for derivatives

he International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) has unveiled final report, which recommended high-level global standards for the regulation of market participants, especially in the area of making a market or intermediating transactions in over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives.

Losses persist as investors’ wealth drops further by N79bn

I Source:Pro-share Nigeria

nvestors’ wealth depreciated further yesterday, on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) as market capitalisation lost N79 billion.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

PAGE 22

Fashola seeks Austrian investors for Lagos From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

agos state governor, Babatunde Fashola on Wednesday hosted an Austrian business delegation led by that country’s Vice-Chancellor and Foreign Minister, Mr. Michael Spindelegger. The governor, who spoke at the Lagos House, Marina with the delegate told them to invest in Lagos, assuring the Austrians that Nigeria is safe for business, despite some of the negative impressions created by the foreign media. “In terms of security, let me assure you that Nigeria is safe. We

have challenges, of course, like any other country of the world but the government is responding to the challenges and to me that is the most critical thing that government, on a daily basis, continues to respond to these challenges”. Fashola said. In wooing the prospective investors, Fashola said, “What we are doing here is to build legal frameworks to support the development of business; the registration of business. We are extremely computerizing in Lagos; we are reviewing our business processes so that our services with the private sector are more business-friendly, more

responsive and more commercially oriented”. The governor made it known that the state was focusing on power, agriculture, transportation and housing as areas where investment was critical. The Austrian Vice-Chancellor and Foreign Affairs Minister said the Austrian business delegation was in Lagos to explore areas of mutual business collaboration with the state government and the private sector, adding that the Austrian investors were interested in building partnerships with their Nigerian counterparts.

PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

The British primary school where pupils speak 31 different languages

The pupils and their languages: Back row (left to right) Tomiwa Solanke (Yoruba), Tekime Kiobo-Bizirhi (Swiss French), Amarah Knox (Arabic), Star Mayenba (Lingala), Laura Siqueira Dos Santo (Spanish), Daniel Horvath (Czech), Daniela Dvorakova (Czech). Third row (l-r) Sami Haroon (Arabic/Dutch/Sudanese), Rebecca Durodola (Yoruba), Courtney Galvin (English/Irish), Makarim Omar (Dutch/Arabic), Julia Luboch (Polish). Second row (l-r) David Liani (Portuguese), Acemea Harris (Jamaican Patois), Erica Plesca (Romanian), Kerene Miasuekama (Lingala), Marek Kubow (Polish), Emran Hamood (Arabic), Amran Faqiri (Pashto), Ben Silva Marytsch (Portuguese). Front row (l-r) Kailash Rana (Nepalese), Fatema Rashid (Khachi), Asmathe Mougamadou (Tamil and French), Navneet Bharaj (Punjabi), Myrah Khan (Urdu)

ts name may hark back to days of the country's history, but English Martyrs school is very much a symbol of a modernday multi-cultural society. An astonishing 31 different languages are spoken by pupils at the school in Sparkhill, Birmingham. Their native tongues range from Polish, Romanian and Spanish, to Arifkaans, Tamil and Arabic. But, despite the challenges posed to teachers, the school was ranked one of the best performing in Birmingham in last year's SATs exams, with 91 per cent of students getting the benchmark level four or above in English, and 89 per cent in maths. Figures obtained by the Birmingham Mail revealed that more than 120 languages spoken across the city's schools Despite being a Catholic school, the majority of pupils at English Martyrs hail from a Pakistani background, with Urdu/ Mirpuri the most common dialect spoken by youngsters in the home. All teaching staff specialise in teaching English as an additional language and the school also uses translators.

Senior teacher Darren Byrne said buddying up new pupils with children who share the same mother tongue was the key to the

school's success. He said: 'We have had many children who have come in with no English whatsoever, and the

first thing we do is pair them with other children, as that is the best way for the language to be introduced to them.

'We also use pictures, books and the internet. 'But I find a child having a friend and a confidante is the easiest way for them to pick up words and language which is most important for their day-today life at school.' This can include talking to the teachers and knowing the word for 'sir', 'miss', 'please' and 'thank you', through to words for objects and nouns. Latest Government figures show pupils who speak English as their first language are now in the minority at more than a quarter of Birmingham schools. Department for Education records showed a majority of students at 117 of the city's 430 primary and secondary schools listed a different language as their mother tongue. English Martyrs, which recently celebrated its centenary, has moved from having a mainly Irish Catholic roll from the 1950s and 60s through to a majority of pupils from a Pakistani background today. Around 11 per cent of students are currently Catholic, but new head teacher Evelyn Harper said she expected the number to increase with greater numbers of pupils from Poland, Romania and other eastern European countries. Mrs Harper added that parents played a 'huge part' in their child's success in the classroom. She said: 'I only came here seven weeks ago, but already I can't believe the respect that parents and children show teachers and the teaching profession that maybe isn't there from white indigenous cultures. 'Parents really care for their children, they want them to do better and for that reason our results are very, very high.' Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Success: The school was ranked one of the best performing in Birmingham in last year's SATs exams

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

PAGE 27

Kwara, Cornell University sign MoU on agriculture

he Kwara Government and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences of Cornell University, New York, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Kwara

State Agricultural Modernisation Master Plan. Gov. Abdulfattah Ahmed of Kwara signed for the state while Ronnie Coffman, International Professor of Plant Breeding and

Kebbi UBEB chides Edu Secretaries for delayed book distribution

r Gani Gele, a member of the Kebbi Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), has criticised Local Government Education Secretaries in the state for delaying distribution of books to primary schools. Gele, who is the Director of Primary and Social Mobilisation of the board, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi on Friday. He said that the books needed by the schools were being kept in stores away from the teachers and pupils, adding: “the education secretaries have failed in their

duties. ” The director explained that the board dispatched the books to the schools but most of the local governments kept them in the stores. He appealed to the relevant authorities to intensify monitoring of the education secretaries to ensure that schools were provided with the books free. He also called on the headmasters to report to the board, the conditions of their schools’ buildings to enable the board make the schools safe for learning and up to standard. (NAN)

Director of International Programmes of the university, signed for the institution. Prof. AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, Vice-Chancellor, Kwara State University, Mr Razak Atunwa, the Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly and Rep. Mashood Mustapha were present during the signing of the agreement in New York. Ahmed said on the occasion that the state government intended to increase the amount of land under

cultivation, disclosing that plans had been concluded to improve farming input accessibility and mechanisation and ensure farming process re-engineering and re-orientation in the agriculture value chain. He said the master plan would provide the framework for the state to enhance agriculture productivity through availability and accessibility to quality farming inputs and upgrade of the value chain by attracting

investments. He said that by developing the master plan, the state had demonstrated and conveyed its seriousness for various communities of investors, manufacturers and donors to join its efforts. In a remark, Coffman said that with the signing of the agreement, Kwara became the first in Africa to enter into such agreement with the university. (NAN)

PTA VP urges government, parents to promote students’ discipline

he National Vice-President, Parents Teachers Association (PTA), Julius Olaribigbe, has urged the government and parents to encourage corporal punishment of students in schools. Olaribigbe made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure. He stressed that the application of corporal punishment on students would enhance discipline in the schools and engender students’ moral-upbringing. He attributed the current moral decadence among students to the failure of teachers and parents to instill discipline in them via what he called “appropriate

means of punishment”. “These days, our children are neither corrected by their teachers nor parents when they deserve punishment for their misdeeds,” Olaribigbe, who is also the PTA chairman in Ondo State, said. “The government had directed that teachers should not cane students but in those days, we were caned whenever we behaved stupidly. “So, the government should allow a little of corporal punishment like flogging, not beating the students to a point of coma, whenever the need arises. This will definitely make the students to refrain from doing what is wrong,” he said.

NUT urges Ekiti to withdraw proposed teachers competency test By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

igeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has expressed worry over the decision of the Ekiti State government that primary and secondary school teachers in the state should undergo ‘Teachers Development Needs Assessment / Competency Test,’ advising that the proposed test should be canceled. In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, the Secretary General of the Union, Obong I. Obong, said that it is strange and incomprehensible for Ekiti State government to conduct a competency assessment for teachers, who had been professionally certified and duly registered by the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). Against this background, the NUT argued that (TRCN) is the only body legally empowered to determine the competence and suitability of any teacher to teach in Nigeria, adding that the government’s intention to assess the training needs of teachers can sufficiently be achieved through the use of questionnaire.

According to the NUT statement, “Questionnaire is a veritable tool which could be embedded in the annual performance and evaluation report form usually completed by teachers in the service every year.” In addition, the Union recalled with dismay that last year, a similar teacher development Needs Assessment / Competency Test was imposed on all Principals and Vice Principals in Ekiti State, noting that the exercise had a ‘highly questionable outcome’. It also stated that the unjustifiable implementation of the outcome of the exercise resulted in the demotion of teachers, enjoining the teachers in the state to boycott the exercise. “Attempts by the major proponent of this competency assessment Test, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology Dr. Eniola Ajayi to justify this exercise during her advocacy and stakeholders meeting, had exposed its unpopularity as it was evidently rejected by the stakeholders, including the teachers.” NUT stated.

Edo state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, sits with students of JSS 3 of Iyioba Girls College, during the commissioning of the rebuilt school, recently in Benin City.

Rector locked out as workers protest nonpayment of allowances T

wo staff unions of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, were over the weekend, locked out, in addition to the Rector of the institution, Theresa Akande and other staff, to protest nonpayment of their allowances. The unions are the coalition of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnic (SSANIP) and Non Academic Staff Union (NASU) of Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti. The action came barely a week after the Non Academic Staff Union (NASU) of the Polytechnic staged a protest that paralysed academic activities in the institution. The irate workers also declared an indefinite industrial action, to commence on Friday (May 8th), to press home their demands, just as they threatened to unseat the Rector for her alleged highhandedness. The protesting workers locked the main gate of the institution and forced the staff to park their vehicles at the gate and trek almost a kilometer into the

campus. Addressing newsmen, Jegede, the National Secretary of SSANIP, criticised the alleged ‘hard stance’ of the Rector on the payment of 60 months’ arrears of industrial Field trip allowance to the workers. He also criticised the Rector for depriving the workers of their duty and hazard/high risk allowances despite the directive by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) that they should be paid. However, the Rector of the institution, Mrs Theresa Akande, debunked the allegations, saying the Federal Government had not approved the payment of the allowances. She said that she had been prudent in the management of the institution’s lean resources and dispelled the allegation of financial recklessness made against her. Akande said the Minister of Education had informed her that the Federal Government does not have the budget to pay 60 months arrears of the workers’ field trip

allowance as demanded by them. She, however, promised to enter into further negotiation with the protesting workers to enlighten them on the institution’s true financial status. However, Mr Ade Adeniyi, the NASU chairman, denied Akande’s claims, saying that the payment of the allowances had been approved but not effected due to the alleged ‘insensitivity’ of the Rector to the plight of the staff. Adeniyi flaunted a circular dated Oct. 12, 2011 and signed by the NBTE Executive Secretary, Mr Sheriff Sanda, to corroborate his claim. He criticised the Rector and other management staff for embarking on ‘incessant overseas trips’ and turning round to claim that the Polytechnic was not financially buoyant to pay their allowances. Buttressing Adeniyi’s claim, Mr Aderemi Ojo, the leader of SSANIP, alleged that members of the union promoted since 2010 were yet to be paid their entitlements. (NAN)

PAGE 28

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi n Thursday last week, the Federal Ministry of Education, in conjunction with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), at the flag-off of the free distribution of instructional materials and UBE books to schools across the country. The event which was attended by top notches in the education sector of the country, equally witnessed large turn-out of school pupils, from across the Federal Capital Territory. To underscore the commitment of Federal government in bequeathing free basic education to pupils, the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, chaired the ceremony for President Jonathan. Moreover, other important dignitaries at the event were the Chairmen, Senate and House committees on education, Uche Chukwumerije, and Faruk Ahmed Lawal respectively. The Minister and Minister of State for Education, Ahmed Rufai and Ezenwo Wike, were equally present. However, this is obviously not the first time such free distribution is held. It is merely one of the series in the past. This ordinarily highlight how determined the government is in improving the quality of teaching and learning in the basic education. Moreover, it would be recalled that, as part of the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Education had severally reiterated that the present administration is sincerely committed to the goal of providing quality free basic education to Nigerian children. Recently, the Almajiri education was given a boost by the Jonathanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s government, through a mechanism that allowed the Almajiri boys roaming the streets in the north, to be integrated into a formal education system. In pursuant of this goal, classroom blocks were built for the pupils. Other infrastructures and furniture were equally provided. However, the problem in formation and execution of policies in Nigeria, as reflected in the various skepticisms which have been expressed by prominent Nigerians, is the ability of the government, including successive ones, to sustain such lofty programmes. Many have insisted that failure of previous government to sustain similar programmes in the past, will definitely make such free distribution meaningless. They argue that Nigeria is only good in initiating policies, but performs abysmally in sustainability and monitoring. This point was buttressed by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Education, Uche Chukwumerije, during a pre oversight visit to the Executive Secretary of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Muhammed Modibbo. In the visit, Chukwumerije stressed the importance of setting up a monitoring mechanism by UBEC to ensure that the supposed free books do not end up in markets, as repeatedly witnessed in

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

UBEC and the challenges of quality basic education Nigerian markets. From whatever perspective this is viewed, the bottom-line remains that though many wrongs were done in the past, such project by the UBEC deserves eulogy. This is particularly coming on the heels of a recent revelation by Peoples Daily investigation in Kuje Area Council, which, if generalized across the country, indicates that most of the pupils in the rural communities do not have instructional materials and UBE books. In most of the schools visited in the Kuje Area Council, students were seem merely moping at their teachers, who reel out the passages in the teachers guide, irrespective of the fact that the kids do not have the text to follow the teacher accordingly. In addition, many of the teachers who spoke to our reporter lamented that most instructional material needed for the teaching and learning of science subjects were not available, demanding urgent intervention by government. There is no gain saying the fact that in the above atmosphere, where there is no instructional material, and where only the teacher has the UBE text, with the pupils being passive participants; homework will hardly be given, thereby making pupils always dependent on the teachers. Education in such condition is arguably blind and single barrel, rather than the supposed double barrel technique, which allows the pupils to learn independent of the teachers. Fortunately, last Thursday, UBEC intervened to salvage the situation through the commenced distribution of fourteen million copies of UBE books freely to the pupils. Moreover, the teachers at the rural communities would equally heave a sigh of relief, because the instructional materials, which they earlier lamented its gross insufficiency, have now come to make their jobs easier. Speaking during the distribution flag off, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Muhammad Modiboh, highlighted the various efforts being made by the commission to guarantee free, compulsory and quality basic education for pupils, especially in the rural communities. From his statements and looks, it appears like the commission is more than ever, resolute and determined to make a change. However, the avenues that appear untouched are a robust policy that will ensure that the books get to the end users. In addition, there is need for UBEC to ensure that there is equity in the distribution, with regards to communities, local governments and states. This is because there were tales of how similar distribution were politicized, thereby concentrating

Pupils receiving lessons under tree shed in Geita Primary School, Kuje the texts among pupils in the urban centers and shortchanging the rural pupils, who are in dare need for it. This is particularly important to consider, especially against the reality that the books may not go round the pupils across the country. Another important area is the

ability of UBEC to ensure that there are technically qualified teachers to interpret and impart the content of the texts in the pupils. It is a fact that most basic schools, especially those in rural areas, lack qualified teachers. N16.6 billion naira was expended by federal government to procure those books. However,

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

N16.6 billion naira was expended by federal government to procure those books. However, if the requisite teachers who are qualified to utilize the materials are not found in some of the schools, it makes the whole venture futile

if the requisite teachers who are qualified to utilize the materials are not found in some of the schools, it makes the whole venture futile. It is on the basis on this argument that the UBEC should further create a measure to pay inspection visits to schools to see the quality of usage being made of the texts by both pupils and teachers. It is equally advisable for the commission to organize on a regular basis, teachers training, particularly on the UBEC curriculum, vis a vis, the content of the books, to ensure that the UBEC curriculum and the content of the books are married to the teachers, for the overall attainment of the commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goals. Against the background of decayed and dilapidated classrooms in most communities across the country, UBEC should also step up in the provision of infrastructures for a quality learning environment.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

How to deal with bleeding gum (II) Signs that bleeding gums are being caused by gum disease here are some key signs that may tell you if your bleeding gums are being caused by gum disease, they include the following: You have persistently sore gums You suffer from red and inflamed gums Your teeth fit together differently than they used to You notice that the gums seem to be detaching from the teeth (gum pockets) Your teeth appear longer or narrower (receding gum lines) You have teeth that are loose or that shift around in your mouth Gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth Your gums are very sensitive Dangers of not treating bleeding gums It’s important that you take measures to treat your bleeding gums as soon as possible, as this is not something that should be ignored. While most people with bleeding gums may not experience much or any discomfort, bleeding gums are caused by bacterial infection in the gums. This means that if bacteria are coming out of the tissues in your mouth from an infection that other bacteria and pathogens can also find a way to enter into your bloodstream, making you more susceptible to other illnesses and infections. It also means that the existing bacteria that are causing the bleeding gums can spread to other parts of your body can contribute to problems such as: Digestive problems and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Increased risk of heart disease, stroke or even heart attack. Increased risks of contracting certain cancers

Problems with respiratory track Esophageal problems Increased susceptibility to illnesses Increased risk to diabetes Risk of advanced gum disease (periodontitis) Risk of infected teeth, infected gums, tooth decay, tooth loss and gum diseases How to prevent bleeding gums There are some simple daily steps that you can you take to prevent bleeding gums. The following four simple daily steps can help you to enjoy improved gum health. Brush your teeth for two minutes at a time, and in between meals, at least twice per day. Use an antiseptic mouth rinse twice per day after brushing to kill any lingering bacteria in your gums (natural mouth rinses with essential oils can be more effective than alcohol-based or fluoride based mouth rinses). Floss your teeth daily using string floss (natural string floss with antibacterial tea tree oil can further aid in bacterial reduction to treat bleeding gums). Brush or scrape your tongue daily when brushing your teeth to remove any bacteria from it, and to prevent bad breath. Avoid using any tobacco products that can contribute to a myriad of health and gum problems. Reduce your sugar, alcohol and caffeine intake. See your dentist regularly for a full examination and cleaning. Take daily vitamin supplements and vitamin C to avoid deficiencies that have been linked to bleeding gums. Concluded

PAGE 29

MoU: Austria strengthen partnership with Nigeria to re-equip hospitals Stories by A’isha Biola Raji

he Austrian government has pledged to reinforce its support to Nigeria by aiding in its re-equipment program contained in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both countries. The support was demonstrated when Austria delegate led by the Vice Chancellor Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria, Dr Michael Spindelegger, visited the minister of health Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu in his office on Thursday. In his speech, Onyebuchi described the visit as an opportunity for Nigeria to make use of partnership with Austria by way of continued implementation of the MoU. Impressed with the Austrian universal health coverage, the minister said Nigeria is also

working in partnership with VAMED, an Austrian company specialized in rehabilitation and re-equipping of hospitals. “From Health sector, we have brought expertise to re-equip our hospitals in phases, build more as we are already working on the third phase,” he said. In his speech, Dr Michael Spindelegger said his country will continue to work together with Nigeria especially in health sector. “We will continue to work with VAMED to improve hospitals in Nigeria,” he said. The MoU also contain the agreement of training Nigerian health personnel in Austria. “We could train a lot of Nigerians in Austria on how to run a hospital with the aid of our experienced doctors. This is part of the memorandum that we signed,” he added. He expressed his delight at the level of hospitals in Lagos in

terms of equipment. He said, “there is need for more hospitals and medical care in a Nigeria, we are ready to support in any way we can.” Earlier this year, the Chief Medical Director of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Ilorin, Kwara State, Prof. AbdulWaheed Olatinwo, has applauded the initiative of the federal government in procuring VAMED equipment for some teaching hospitals in the country. He noted that, the governmental intervention had reduced the inclination of many Nigerians travelling abroad for medical care. According to him, the VAMED facilities have the capability to take the nation’s health to its required heights. He however warned that the success story could turn sour if nothing is done to improve stable electricity in the country.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs. Fatima Bamidele, Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu and Vice-Chancellor, Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria, Dr Michael Spindelegger during a visit by the Austrian delegate to strengthen MoU signed by the two countries.

Pate receives 2012 ministerial leadership award from Harvard Stories by A’isha Biola Raji

he Minister of State for Health Dr Muhammad Ali Pate has been recently recognized at the 2012 Harvard Ministerial Health Leaders Forum. The award, jointly organized by the Harvard School of Public Health and the Kennedy School of Government, is in recognition of his efforts towards tackling complex global health issues and his track record in health leadership. According to a press statement signed by Tashikalmah Hallah Special Adviser to the minister on Media and External Relations, the honour is the result of his track

record efforts in tackling the menace of polio, addressing routine immunization, and improving access to maternal and child health services in the country. Dr Pate was nominated and honoured on 3rd June, 2012 alongside seventeen other Ministers of Health across the globe by the prestigious institution. The Harvard Ministerial Health Leaders’ Forum is the flagship component of the Harvard Ministerial Leadership in Health programme with the primary goal of recognizing and promoting transformational leadership among ministers of health as an essential element in sustainable

health systems strengthening improved service delivery and better health outcomes. In a unique two phase approach, the programme combines ministerial level support with a customized process tailored to the specific needs and priorities of participating countries. Following the Harvard Ministerial Health Leaders’ Forum, Ministers will be invited to present proposals outlining a low-cost or high-cost return health systems innovation that has the potential to result in more general health systems in improving health outcomes in their countries.

PAGE 30

By Francis Onyeukwu

he harmful effects of smoking on the body and overall health of smokers presented in the list below, only begins to convey some of the short and long term side effects of smoking cigarettes. Quitting makes sense for many reasons but simply put: smoking kills and the effects of second hand smoke are also bad for the health of those around you. Harmful health effects of smoking Every year hundreds of thousands of people around the world die from diseases caused by smoking cigarettes Smoking KILLS. One in two lifetime smokers will die from their habit. Half of these deaths will occur in middle age. Tobacco smoke also contributes to a number of cancers. The mixture of nicotine and carbon monoxide in each cigarette you smoke temporarily increases your heart rate and blood pressure, straining your heart and blood vessels. This can cause heart attacks and stroke. It slows your blood flow, cutting off oxygen to your feet and hands. Some smokers end up having their limbs amputated. Tar coats your lungs like soot in a chimney and causes cancer. A 20-a-day smoker breathes in up to a full cup (210 g) of tar in a year. Changing to low-tar cigarettes does not help because smokers usually take deeper puffs and hold the smoke in for longer, dragging the tar deeper into their lungs. Carbon monoxide robs your muscles, brain and body tissue of oxygen, making your whole body and especially your heart work harder. Over time, your airways swell up and let less air into your lungs. Smoking causes disease and is a slow way to die. The strain of smoking effects on the body often causes years of suffering. Emphysema for example is an illness that slowly rots your lungs. People with emphysema often get bronchitis again and again, and suffer lung and heart failure. Lung cancer from smoking is caused by the tar in tobacco smoke. Men who smoke are ten times more likely to die from lung cancer than non-smokers. Heart disease and strokes are also more common among smokers than non-smokers. Smoking causes fat deposits to narrow and block blood vessels which leads to heart attack. Smoking causes around one in five deaths from heart disease. In younger people, three out of four deaths from heart disease are due to smoking Cigarette smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of low birth weight, prematurity, spontaneous abortion, and perinatal mortality in humans, which has been referred to as the

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

Effects of smoking and how to stop

fetal tobacco syndrome. As mentioned earlier, this list can only begin to convey some of the long and short term effects of smoking cigarettes. We know that smoking kills and that quitting makes sense but what about the effect on others? Effects of second hand smoke Passive smoking (also known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), involuntary smoking or second hand smoke) occurs when the exhaled and ambient smoke from one person’s cigarette is inhaled by other people. Nonsmokers exposed to second hand smoke are at greater risk for many of the health problems associated with direct smoking. Non-smokers living with smokers have about a 25 per cent increase in risk of death from heart attack and are also more likely to suffer a stroke, and some research suggests that risks to non-smokers may be even greater. One recent study in the British Medical Journal found that exposure to second hand smoke increases the risk of heart disease among non-smokers by as much as 60 percent! Passive smoking is especially risky for children and babies and can cause low birth weight

babies, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), bronchitis, pneumonia, and middle ear infections. Many experts believe that moderate, occasional exposure to second hand smoke presents a low cancer risk to non-smokers, but the risk is more likely to be significant if non-smokers work in an environment where cigarette smoke is prevalent. For this reason, many countries (such as Ireland) and jurisdictions (like New York State) now prohibit smoking in public buildings. Many office buildings contain specially ventilated smoking areas; some are required by law to provide them. How to stop One of the main things to do when you quit is keep your mind occupied. A way to do this is to stay busy and keep your mind fixed on other things. Some examples are reading books, going to the movies or visiting an art gallery. It would also help to go to places where smoking is not allowed. Tobacco is a process. It doesn’t happen overnight, but compared to the amount of time most of us spent smoking, recovery from nicotine addiction is relatively short.

Years of smoking taught us to react to literally everything by lighting a cigarette. When we were happy, we’d celebrate by lighting up. When we got angry, smoking would calm us down, or so we thought. Tired? Smoke a cigarette to stay awake, hungry? Feed yourself a smoke. This list goes on and on. Between the physical addiction to nicotine and the mental associations that tie what seems like all of our activities to cigarettes, it can feel as though we’re chained to the habit with links of steel. Successful recovery includes learning how to hear the message behind the urge to smoke and respond with more appropriate choices, such as a nap or a meal, for instance. Have patience with yourself. This skill takes some time to polish, but you’ll get better at it. Eventually, cigarettes will fade as a fix for physical and emotional needs, and you’ll make choices that actually address the signal your body is sending without thinking twice about it. Investigate It is very important to get rid of all the temptations that can lead you back to smoking. Go through all of your clothes, your

dresser, your cabinets and your glove compartment and immediately throw out any cigarettes, lighters, matches or anything else that can cause you to smoke or remind you of smoking. Avoidance There are certain people, places and things that might cause you to think about smoking. For example, you might have hung out with certain people that you used to smoke with or you might have frequented a certain establishment where you used to smoke all the time. The habit of going to these places and seeing these people should also be broken. Gift yourself Over time, the habit of smoking can really add up financially. After you quit, save the money you would have spent on cigarettes. This will give you an incentive to stay on track. You can also buy yourself a present after several months. Support team Quitting smoking is one of the hardest things one can do. For some, it may be the hardest thing they ever do. Setting up a support team of close friends and family members can make this easier. You can then turn to your support team when you need someone to talk to, or if you are about to break down and have a cigarette and you need someone to stop you. Relax Smokers often pick up the habit to deal with high anxiety and stress levels. When you quit, the stress may still be there; it can even be worse. Calm yourself down by partaking in stress-relieving activities like yoga, tai chi and meditative breathing. Dietary adjustments Cleaning up the diet can also be a helpful tactic. Often times, smoking is done in conjunction with the consumption of fatty foods and alcohol. Replacing these foods with more nutrientdense options like fruits and vegetables will help avert you away from smoking. Aids If you are not able to quit cold turkey, there are various quitsmoking aids available. Some examples are nicotine gums, patches, lozenges or prescription medications. All of these help to reduce nicotine cravings. Stay strict When you are quitting, there is no such thing as a reward system, and no hardship or joyous occasion should be used as an excuse to give yourself just one cigarette. This can act as a trigger, sending you into a tailspin and leaving you craving cigarettes again. www.healthmagazine.com

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

PAGE 31

Have you heard of the American Task Force on Palestine? ANALYSIS Cairo, Egypt - The Palestinians are in crisis. Their leaders are weak and self-interested. Opportunists work to fill the void.

any Palestinians haven't heard of the American Task Force on Palestine (ATFP). I only learned about it a few years ago when someone asked me if I'd seen the web pamphlet condemning the one-state solution. I hadn't. Several minutes spent browsing ATFP's website made it pretty clear why. ATFP was built in the best tradition of the Ahmad Chalabi school of Diaspora governance. It is a Washington organisation designed to promote a particular line on Palestine.The group is tasked with feeding the State Department palatable fictions like, "two states for two peoples". In return, organisation heads are invited to dinners with important people. Ziad Asali, ATFP's president, recently attended a celebration of Israel's "independence" where he posed for friendly photos with Israel's ambassador to the United States. While Asali never had credibility among Palestinians, his recent night out secured his status as an object of derision. Palestinians typically "celebrate" the creation of Israel with somber commemorative ceremonies. For most of us the foundation of a Jewish-majority state most strongly evokes the Nakba, the lamentable ethnic cleansing of Palestine. And because Palestinians are still subjected to apartheid and occupation, the anniversary of our Catastrophe has a greaterthan-historical significance. The Nakba is as much about today as it is about what was done 1948. Asali's complete disconnect from history, the current reality in Palestine, and his insensible behavioural norms underscore his alienation from PalestinianAmericans. But that should not come as a surprise. Despite his claims, he never represented the community. oday, thousands of Palestinian political prisoners are in Israeli jails. Roughly fifteen hundred of them recently protested their illegal detention through hunger strikes. The heart of the Palestinian-American community is in Israeli prisons, not Israeli embassy-sponsored parties. Smart analysts at the State Department should take note, even if ATFP failed to. At this moment it is easy to regard ATFP with contempt. But

Ziad Asali (left), the founder of the American Task Force on Palestine, is the object of derision among much of the Palestinian-American community [Case_Foundation]

Asali is not the only party responsible for his embarrassing behaviour. Orengate or Asaligate or whatever is an indication of a broader failure among the Palestinians. Today, there is no credible leadership - not in Palestine and not in the Diaspora. All Palestinians share in that failure. But PalestinianAmericans own more of it than anyone else. he Palestinian Authority has been illegitimate for a long time. "Security coordination" with Israel has enabled the occupation forces to stymie some of the most potent and non-violent challenges to apartheid. Individually, Mahmoud Abbas and Salam Fayyad have been effective at protecting their roles as occupation intermediaries. Only recently, the Palestinian

Authority decreed that Abbas is beyond criticism. Journalists have been jailed for refusing to heed the absurd edict. And activists have been jailed for issuing legitimate challenges to the unelected "leaders" in the West Bank. he Hamas leadership is only marginally better - and only because the organisation does not actively coordinate its activities with the Israeli army. The legitimacy afforded by elections in 2006 has long since worn thin and fallen away. Attacks on non-Islamist groups, the restriction of commonsense freedoms, and a series of fundamentalist decrees have undermined the party's status among Palestinians. In Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, refugees are besieged by unfriendly governments. The

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Ziad Asali does not represent Palestinians or PalestinianAmericans. He does not represent me or anyone I know. And he never did. But his blunder has presented us with a challenge. Our voice has been hijacked and manipulated.

obstacles to their organisational coherence are formidable. In Lebanon and Syria, Palestinian camps have been attacked and razed by the state. In Jordan, refugees are being stripped of their citizenship. Because so many others live in repressive environments, Palestinian-Americans and their counterparts in the Western countries have greater share of the responsibility. Often well-todo, they have failed to do enough. And with no good reason. he reality is that opportunists like Asali can only thrive in an environment that allows excessive self-regard to masquerade as actual achievement. If the ATFP has succeeded in selling a lie to members of the American establishment it is only because Palestinian-Americans have not actively and persistently spoken out. There is no Palestinian

Authority here to guarantee the prominence of the Asali-Israeli line only pervasive indifference. ut the environment is changing. Among young Palestinians the apathy or fear of being marginalised - is gone. A new assuredness has taken their place. More than ever before they are speaking out. Ziad Asali does not represent Palestinians or PalestinianAmericans. He does not represent me or anyone I know. And he never did. But his blunder has presented us with a challenge. Our voice has been hijacked and manipulated. We allowed that to happen. What will we do to take it back? Ahmed Moor is a PalestinianAmerican graduate student of Public Policy at Harvard University and co-editor of After Zionism (Saqi Books, July 2012).

Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas

Israeli Prime Minister, Binyamin Netanyahu

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

PAGE 32

enya's minister for internal security, who once served as the country's vice president, and his deputy are among six people who died when a police helicopter crashed near the capital, according to Kenyan officials. A spokesman said Raila Odinga, the Kenyan prime minister, had been informed of the deaths of George Saitoti, his internal security minister, and Orwa Ojode, his deputy, on Sunday. "We have lost a cabinet minister, his assistant and their bodyguards and the pilots," a police source told AFP news agency. The accident occurred in the Ngong hills on the outskirts of the Kenyan capital, a police source told AFP, adding that the reason for the crash was not immediately clear. Al Jazeera's Peter Greste, reporting from Nairobi, said that the area was notorious for bringing down aircraft and that the weather at the moment was quite overcast. "It wouldn't be surprising if there was some sort of pilot error or mechanical failure," said Greste. Witnesses at the scene reported seeing charred bodies, while images of the cracsh scene showed the helicopter reduced to twisted metal. Saitoti, who was a long-serving vice president under former president Daniel Arap Moi, was expected to be a presidential candidate in elections expected to

Kenya minister among helicopter crash victims Ivory Coast civilians killed in ambush on UN peacekeepers

There is no word on the cause of the crash, in which six people were killed [Al Jazeera] be held by March next year. An ally of President Mwai Kibaki, Saitoti was the leading government voice against alShabab, the Somali armed group against which Kenyan forces have been conducting operations inside Somalia since October. He often visited the scenes of

grenade attacks carried out by alShabab inside Kenya in retaliation and had vowed that Kenya would crush the group. Our correspondent said that while most people in the country were still waking up to the news that Saitoti was dead, he suspected that some would not accept that

his death appeared to have been accidental. "Saitoti was one of the most powerful and prominent politicians in the country... Inevitably [Kenyans] will see this as a political assassination because of his powerful position," said Greste.

ICC legal team held over Liberia seals Ivorian Saif al-Islam visit border after attack

ibya has arrested an Australian lawyer and three other members of a delegation from the International Criminal Court for allegedly trying to pass "dangerous" documents to Saif al-Islam, the detained son of slain leader Muammar Gaddafi. "During a visit [to Saif on Friday], the lawyer tried to deliver documents to the accused; documents that have nothing to do with his case and that represent a danger to the security of Libya," said Ahmed al-Jehani, the Libyan lawyer in charge of the Saif al-Islam case and who liaises between the government and the Hague-based ICC. The lawyer, named as Melinda Taylor, was part of a four-member ICC delegation that received permission from Libya's chief prosecutor to visit Saif in Zintan, southwest of Tripoli, where he is being held. Jehani said she is "under house arrest in Zintan, not in prison," and is being questioned by the authorities. The court demanded the delegation's immediate release in a statement on Saturday. "We are very concerned about the safety of our staff in the absence of any contact with them," said SangHyun Song, the court's president. "These four international civil servants have immunity when on an official ICC mission." Ajmi al-Atiri, the commander

of the brigade that arrested Saif, confirmed at a news conference in Zintan on Saturday that there had been "a security breach" during the ICC visit, and that the lawyer had been detained for questioning. He said the delegation came on Thursday and that Taylor visited Saif with a female interpreter, who had claimed to be a nurse and was found to be in possession of a camera when searched by a policewomen. He also said there was an attempt to exchange documents, including a letter from Saif accusing the militia of mistreating him. Al-Atiri said he was "surprised" that Mustafa Abdel Jalil, the head of the National Transitional Council, had called for the immediate release of the

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi. The ICC has appointed a lawyer for Saif in The Hague

iberia has closed a bordercrossing with Ivory Coast, but did not confirm a claim by Abidjan that gunmen, who killed seven United Nations peacekeepers along with eight civilians and a soldier, had come from its territory. Lewis Browne, Liberia's information minister, told reporters in the capital, Monrovia, that investigations were still on-going to determine where the attack came from. "(But) the first measure will be the immediate closure of the Liberian side of the border with (Ivory Coast)," he said on Saturday. The Liberian information minister said the president had ordered the immediate deployment of the armed forces to the border in the wake of the attack. Paul Koffi Koffi, the Ivory Coast deputy defence minister, said that the Friday raid in the town of Tai highlighted the need for Ivorian troops to carry out cross-border operations in Liberia to improve security. "These people came from the other side of the border. They are militias and mercenaries," he said. "We must go to the other side of the border to establish a security zone. We will clean up and secure the zone. This will be done, of course, with the agreement of the two countries."

Brownie Samukai, the Liberian defence minister, said efforts were being made to prevent the use of Liberia's territory as a launching ground for attacks. "We all are surprised by the deterioration of the situation in Tai," said Samukai, adding that it was difficult to yet establish the nationalities of those involved. The UN said it was reshuffling some of its several thousand troops deployed in the zone to protect civilians in the border area. The bodies of its slain Nigerien troops reached Abidjan by late afternoon. The attack highlights simmering tensions and security threats in the west of the world's top cocoa grower despite a year of progress that stabilised much of the rest of the country after months of post-election violence last year. Ivory Coast and Liberia have generally had good relations and have in the past carried out joint patrols with UN peacekeepers along their border. Koffi Koffi said the Ivorian and UN troops were responding to a suspected raid on a village 45 km south of the town of Tai, close to the border, when they were ambushed. The UN humanitarian coordination office, OCHA, said an old woman was among the eight civilians killed. It said hundreds

t least eight civilians died in the ambush in southwest Ivory Coast on Friday which also left seven UN peacekeepers dead, the UN says. The attack near Liberia's border has sparked an "immediate" exodus, Anouk Desgroseilliers told AFP news agency. The government says it will launch a hunt on Monday to find the perpetrators of the ambush believed to be the first to target UN troops directly. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said he was "outraged" by the deaths. UN peacekeepers were deployed to Ivory Coast in 2004 to help end the country's civil war and have stayed through the country's recent political crisis. Mr Ban offered his "deepest condolences" to the government of Niger and urged the Ivorian government to "identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable". The peacekeepers were patrolling in an area between the villages of Tai and Para after hearing rumours of an imminent attack on communities in the region, UN officials said. The Ivorian government says Ivorian soldiers were also killed, but there are no details. Anouk Desgroseilliers, a spokeswoman for the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs, told AFP that a woman was among at least eight civilians killed in the raids. "Hundreds of people have arrived in Tai and one can imagine that thousands of others are on the road," she said. Thirtyfive families had already crossed into Liberia.

UN Secretary-General Ban KiMoon said he was "saddened and outraged"

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

PAGE 33

Spanish PM says deal is win for eurozone

he Spanish prime minister has said that the eurozone's bailout of its struggling banks is good for Spain and Europe, as major world economies praised the deal. Mariano Rajoy said on Sunday the eurozone deal had secured for Madrid a "line of credit" for the country's debt-stricken banks that would ensure the "credibility of the euro". "Yesterday, the credibility of the euro won," he told a news conference the day after eurozone ministers agreed to provide

Spain with up to 100 billion euros ($125bn) to cover losses at its banks. The Spanish leader insisted his government's reforms since taking power in December had averted the need for a broader state bailout. "If we had not done what we have done in the past five months, the proposal yesterday would have been a bailout of the kingdom of Spain," said Rajoy. "What happened yesterday was part of a global plan to clean up the Spanish economy and to

lead to the creation of employment and economic growth," he said. "We have to make these decisions to come out of the crisis." Rajoy said the economic situation in Spain was delicate and that the eurozone member needed serious reforms to make it flexible and competitive. "There have been structural reforms made in order to make more employment available and now we are restructuring our financial system," he said. Rajoy said he would

Jailed Palestinians to stage hunger strike

alestinian prisoners in Israeli jails have said they will declare a oneday hunger strike next week in solidarity with three other striking detainees. Monday's strike has been called on behalf of Mahmoud Sarsak, Akram Rikhawi and Samer Al Bark. The longest on hunger strike is 25-year-old Palestinian national footballer Sarsak - who has refused food for 82 days, followed by Rikhawi at 58 days and Al Bark at 19 days. Anat Litvin, from Physicians for Human Rights Israel, said Sarsak and Rikhawi are in "very severe" condition. Israel's prison

control public expenditure and take further steps to improve the financial sector. S a t u r d a y ' s announcement in Madrid brought protesters onto the streets amid fears that the bailout deal could be contingent on a series of punishing austerity measures. Members of the Indignado movement and their supporters said suffering citizens - rather than financial insitutions should benefit from international aid.

Syrian cities endure intense shelling

Palestinian national footballer Mahmoud Sarsak has been detained without charge or trial since 2009 [EPA] service says they are receiving proper care. The upcoming hunger strike follows the mass strike of more than 2,000 prisoners which ended on May 14. The strike was ended

when Israel signed an agreement which pledged to "facilitate" the detainees' demands. The demands included ending the policies of detention without charge or trial, and solitary confinement.

Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy reacts during a news conference at the ...

iolence is continuing in Syria, with activists r e p o r t i n g government assaults on the southern city of Deraa and Homs in the centre of the country. At least 52 civilians were killed around the country outside Damascus on Saturday, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britainbased activist group. Among them were 20, including nine women and children, who died in heavy, pre-dawn shelling in the southern city of Daraa,

where the uprising against Assad began in March 2011. Six children were among 10 killed by a shell that exploded in a house they took cover in during fierce fighting in the coastal region of Latakia, the group said. The group's figures could not be independently confirmed. Activists in Homs said several neighbourhoods were under intense shelling for the third day in a row on Saturday. They said alKhaldiyeh, Jouret alShayyah, al-Qusour and Old Homs were being bombarded with mortars

and rockets. At least six people were reportedly killed. Military reinforcements were reported to have arrived to the city, including armoured vehicles and dozens of pickups equipped with machine guns. Opposition strongholds in the city have been under shelling for many months, but activists said the intensity had increased significantly in recent days. The nearby town of alQusayr was also said to have endured heavy shelling and a large number of buildings and agricultural areas were burning as a result.

Syria Resumes Heavy Shelling of Homs. Associated Press

...Syrian National Council elects new leader

he main Syrian opposition umbrella group, the Syrian National Council (SNC), has elected Kurdish activist Abdul Baset Saida as its leader at a meeting in Istanbul, a council statement said. Saida, who has been living in exile in Sweden for many years, was the only candidate for the threemonth presidency of the SNC at a meeting of 33 members of the councils' general secretariat on Saturday. He accused the Syrian government of being on its "last legs", and that it has lost

control of several cities. "We are entering a sensitive phase. The regime is on its last legs," Saida said a few hours after he was named as the new SNC president. "The multiplying massacres and shellings show that it is struggling." The 56-year-old succeeds Burhan Ghalioun, a liberal opposition figure who had presided over the council since it was formed in August of last year. Ghalioun, another exile living in Paris, has come under criticism for having had his presidency constantly renewed when

the council was supposed to represent a democratic alternative to the rule of President Bashar al-Assad. The Muslim Brotherhood, the most influential player in the council, had initially indicated it wanted Ghalioun to remain president, but then opted to support Sieda after opposition activists inside Syria raised objections to Ghalioun following a third renewal of his term last month. Adib al-Shihakly, a founding member of the council, had also threatened to resign if Ghalioun remained president.

PAGE 34

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

to license copies of French soldiers killed China patented medicines in Afghan blast C

Majority of France's 3,500 troops currently in Afghanistan are stationed in the eastern province of Kapisa [Reuters]

suicide blast in eastern Afghanistan has killed at least four French soldiers as President Francois Hollande announed France's plans to begin withdrawing its troop from the country next month. NATO confirmed on Saturday that four of its troops were killed in a suicide attack earlier in the day. The soldiers were all French, officials said. In an email, Zabiullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, claimed responsibility for the attack in the Nijrab district of Kapisa province. Five other people were injured in the attack when a man wearing a burqa detonated his explosives after approaching the French forces on foot, a local official said. Hollande said on Saturday that France would pay a "national homage" to the men. He added that the wounded will be repatriated rapidly.

"This morning during an operation in Afghanistan in Kapisa province, four of our French soldiers were killed. Five wounded were evacuated including three in a serious condition," his office said in a statement. Hollande announced that France would begin its troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in July and complete it by the end of the year. The withdrawal of French troops from Afghanistan is one of Hollande's electoral promises. It "will begin in the month of July, will be carried out and end at the end of year 2012," the French president said. "In the meantime, everything must be done for our troops to meet their obligations but with the highest level of security and with the greatest vigilance for the lives of the soldiers. "I am making this

engagement here and I will be the guarantor for this operation," he said. France has 3,500 soldiers in Afghanistan, mostly stationed in Kapisa, and provides the fifth largest contingent to NATO's 130,000-strong US-led force. French troops had previously been targeted in a gun attack earlier this year when an Afghan army soldier killed four un-armed French soldiers and left another sixteen injured. The January attack led to a brief suspension of French training operations in the Central Asian nation. Hollande has continued with his predecessor's calls for an early French withdrawal from Afghanistan. In a surprise visit to Afghanistan last month, he said France would begin the withdrawal of its combat troops this year, two years ahead of the timetable agreed by NATO.

Chavez says cancer recovery on track

enezuelan President Hugo Chavez has said medical tests following his cancer treatment show he is in good health, but provided few additional details about an illness that has become an obsession in the South American nation. The leftist leader's health is seen a key factor in his re-election bid because a serious relapse could limit his ability to campaign ahead of the October 7 vote and potentially tip the balance toward opposition challenger Henrique Capriles. The 57-year-old leader, who has undergone three operations for cancer in the pelvic region, said on Sunday he had taken exams including a CAT scan and a magnetic resonance imaging scan as part of scheduled checks. "This was a few hours ago. Everything turned out absolutely

fine," Chavez said in a chat with reporters at the presidential palace in which he appeared healthy and in good spirits. "After the operation and the radiotherapy, I feel very good." He did not comment on whether he would need more treatment or if he planned to return to Cuba, where he has received the bulk of his medical treatment over the past year. Chavez has steadily increased his public appearances after weeks of keeping a low profile and communicating mostly via Twitter or phone calls to state television as he recovered from gruelling radiotherapy. But this has done little to quell constant speculation about his health among Venezuelans, many of whom believe his self-styled revolution would struggle to survive in its current form without

his charismatic leadership. On Monday, he will officially register his candidacy amid a rally of supporters that is likely to be his biggest since he announced his cancer diagnosis almost a year ago.

Chavez has already undergone three operations for cancer in the pelvic region [Reuters]

hinese intellectual property laws have been overhauled to allow the nation's drug makers to make less expensive copies of medicines still under patent protection. The move by China, considered a vital growth market for foreign pharmaceutical companies, comes within months of a similar action by India. The amended patent law allows Beijing to issue compulsory licenses to eligible companies to produce generic versions of patented drugs during state emergencies, unusual circumstances, or in the interests of the public. For "reasons of public health", eligible drug makers can also ask to export these medicines to other countries, including members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). "The revised version of Measures for the Compulsory Licensing for Patent Implementation came into effect from May 1, 2012," China's State Intellectual Property Office said in a faxed statement to the Reuters

news agency. China is known to be looking at Gilead Sciences Inc's Tenofovir, which is recommended by the World Health Organisation as part of a first-line cocktail treatment for AIDS patients, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. In March India granted a compulsory license to local generic drugs firm Natco Pharma to manufacture Bayer's cancer drug Nexavar, used for treating kidney and liver cancer. China's generic drug makers have been producing the key ingredients or active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) - in medicines for years, exporting them to foreign drug makers, which then sell the patented finished products back to China at prices which the average Chinese citizen often cannot afford. In particular, the government is struggling to provide newer HIV drugs, such as Gilead's Tenofovir, known by its brand Viread and which had worldwide sales last year of $737.9m.

China's overhaul comes only months after a similar move by India that targeted a cancer drug from Bayer [Reuters]

Hollande seeks majority in French vote

oting is under way in the first round of France's parliamentary elections, with recently elected President Francois Hollande seeking Socialist control of the National Assembly to push through his programme of reforms. More than 6,500 candidates are standing for election to the 577seat lower house of parliament in Sunday's vote which comes just weeks after Hollande defeated Nicolas Sarkozy to become France's first Socialist head of state since 1995. The new lower house serves for the next five years, coinciding with Hollande's five-year term, and the results will determine whether the new president is able to rule unfettered as he seeks to reform Europe's second-largest economy. The left already holds a majority in the upper house Senate, which is indirectly elected. Hollande has pledged to steer France towards a growth-led recovery, and his election was hailed by critics of austerity

measures across the eurozone. The 57-year-old faces many challenges such as curbing rising unemployment and erasing a government overdraft without exposing voters to welfare cuts and Greek-style austerity. The new French president needs parliamentary majority as he lobbies European leaders, chief among them German Chancellor Angela Merkel, on the way to handle eurozone crisis. Hollande wants a fiscal responsibility pact signed by Sarkozy to be reworked, arguing that it needs more pro-growth measures as opposed to Merkel's austerity approach. A majority in the assembly will help him in the implementation of his tax-and-spend programme. Prime minister Jean-Marc Ayrault's interim government has taken a series of popular steps, including cutting ministers' salaries by 30 per cent, vowing to reduce executive pay at stateowned firms and lowering the retirement age from 62 to 60 for some workers.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

PAGE 35

57st bride-to-be wants to Royalist squirrel break record for fattest snapped scoffing some woman for wedding day Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Diamond Jubilee trifle

hile some brides-to-be try to shed a few pounds before their big day, Susanne Eman has been gorging to become the heaviest woman in the world. The 360kg (57st) mother of two has tried on her dress which is made of 13.7m (45ft) of chiffon and takes three people to carry - despite not being proposed to by her chef boyfriend Parker Clack. 'When I tried the dress on, it was amazing, I felt like a bride,' said 33-year-old Ms Eman, who is desperate to tip the scales at a record-breaking 725kg (114st). 'Parker hasn't seen me in it but he's seen photos and says I look beautiful. It's amazing to have something specially designed for me. Normally, I just buy my clothes from plus-size stores online.' Ms Eman, from Arizona, met 35-year-old Mr Parker over the internet last year and the couple plan to marry soon. 'I love big women but I do worry about her health and I try to make sure she eats some salad and does her exercises,' he said.

Boy stuck in a fridge for over an hour keeps his cool

ittle James Hunt was stuck in a drinks chiller for more than an hour after a game of hide and seek went wrong before being rescued. The seven-year-old climbed into the can-shaped fridge but got his knees stuck and he couldn't move. His younger brother was quick to raise the alarm, telling his shocked mother Lynsey what had happened. She turned the problematic fridge on its side, pushed and pulled him and even tried warm soapy water to no avail. Miss Hunt told the Manchester Evening News: 'Charlie came in to get me and said James was stuck in the fridge. 'I couldn't stop laughing at first because I thought he was joking. Then I went outside and realised he really couldn't get out of it. 'James had got in the fridge with his legs crossed and then his knees were locked against the side. 'After about an hour I decided the only thing I could do was ring the fire brigade.' It took six firemen to free him but luckily the machine was off. James, from Failsworth, Greater Manchester, promised never to do it again. The youngster added: 'I want to say thank you to the firemen for rescuing me.

cheeky grey squirrel took advantage of some Diamond Jubilee treats on offer at one street party after being spotted tucking into some delicious trifle. The patriotic tree-lover traded in his usual diet of nuts and seeds for something a little sweeter in celebration of the Queen's 60 years on the throne. Jubilee snapper Mike Walker caught the squirrel redhanded as it casually dipped its nose into the cream-topped dessert dish, complete with a decorative Union Jack flag, at a garden party in Portchester, Hampshire. Despite the heavy downpour over the bumper bank holiday

weekend, an estimated 10,000 street parties were attended in honour of Her Majesty. And the greedy squirrel must have had an inkling there would be some leftovers after seizing the opportunity to bag some goodies by sneaking onto a Union Jack-themed garden table. The red and white trifle wasn't enough to fill the hungry squirrel's appetite however and it soon moved on to chomping on a discarded sponge cage. It seems even Britain's wildlife enjoyed themselves, along with the rest of the population, in the overwhelming tide of pageantry and patriotism in celebration of the Queen's reign.

Wide bride: Susanne Eman tries on her white dress (Picture: Barcroft)

Car crashes into portable house that falls off the back of a lorry

Russian motorist received the shock of his life after a whole house landed in front of him while driving along a motorway. While it's usually cars that crash into houses, one unlucky driver had a portable house unexpectedly crash into him. It's likely the delivery man transporting this eco-house could have lost his job after failing to properly secure the huge load on the back of his truck. His poor rope-tying had devastating consequences after the lightweight house fell onto

the road and careered straight into the path of a car travelling in the opposite direction. Unable to move out of the way quickly enough, the car smashed straight through the centre of the unlucky property. The spectacular crash was posted onto YouTube where it has racked up over 30,000 hits in less than 24 hours. One user commented: 'I've always wanted to live life in the fast lane. So I built this house on the highway.' Hopefully the new tenants weren't planning to move in on the day of delivery

Whoops: A lorry sheds its load on the motorway, unfortunately the load was a house (YouTube/ ClaudioPaskuale)

A cheeky grey squirrel tucks into some trifle (Picture: Mike Walker/Rex)

Round two: The squirrel moves onto a sponge cake (Picture: Mike Walker/Rex)

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

Diabetes can double your risk of stroke, so why aren’t patients told to cut their blood pressure?

drian Scott was driving on a dual carriageway at 70 miles per hour when he felt a sensation like an electric shock strike his left side. ‘I managed to pull over using my right hand and leg to control the car,’ recalls Adrian, 60, a broadcasting technology consultant from Alhampton, Somerset. ‘But by the time I came to a stop, I’d lost all feeling in my left side. I immediately realised I had the symptoms of a stroke and called 999 on my mobile.’ Adrian, who is married with two grown up children, was rushed to hospital, where a scan confirmed he had suffered a haemorrhagic stroke, caused by a blood vessel bleeding in his brain. This type of stroke is particularly dangerous — a third of sufferers die within 30 days. Adrian survived his stroke in June 2009, although he has been left with pins and needles and numbness on his entire left side, which cause stiffness and make him tire easily and slur his words. However, he was alarmed when doctors explained what had probably triggered it — type 2 diabetes, a condition he was diagnosed with just a year before, in 2008. The condition more than doubles the risk of stroke because it can increase blood pressure. Unfortunately, while most diabetics are aware of the importance of controlling their blood sugar levels, many don’t appreciate the importance of keeping their blood pressure down, too. Indeed, strokes among diabetics have reached record highs, according to new figures from the National Diabetes Audit — around 16,000 people with diabetes suffered a stroke in

England in 2009/10, a 57 per cent rise since 2006/07. Being overweight increases the stroke and heart attack risk in us all, but people with diabetes are at high risk even at normal weight because the condition is associated with high blood pressure. This is because in diabetes the cells that line the blood vessels and maintain normal blood pressure can become damaged. ‘Diabetes damages the walls of all blood vessels both large and small and so does high blood pressure,’ explains Dr Gerry Rayman, head of services at the Diabetes and Endocrine Centre at Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust. ‘The combination can be highly dangerous.’ It is the damage that diabetes does to the large blood vessels in the brain that causes strokes. These blood vessels either burst and bleed into the brain, causing a haemorrhagic stroke, or become narrowed or ‘furred up’, allowing a clot to form and triggering what is called a thrombotic stroke. This narrowing is made worse by high blood fat levels and high blood pressure — both of which are more common in diabetics — leading to ‘a triple whammy’ effect, as Dr Rayman describes it. This is why controlling blood pressure is so vital. Indeed, the upper target for diabetics is a blood pressure reading of no higher than 130/80, which is lower than the 140/90 target for the general population. A new survey published by the charity Diabetes UK has found over half of the 2.9 million diagnosed diabetics in Britain have erratic blood pressure. This is significantly more than the 30 per cent of the general population who have high blood pressure. Diabetics die up to ten years earlier than non diabetics — this is mainly due to complications including stroke, heart attack and kidney failure. But Dr Rayman says many people with diabetes simply don’t realise the risks. Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition that usually develops in childhood while type 2 is linked to obesity. High blood pressure is a risk in both, although the incidence is greater in type 2. ‘The problem is that some doctors will try to soften the Gauging the problem: Many diabetics do not appreciate blow of a type 2 by the importance of keeping their blood pressure down diagnosis

Hidden danger: People with diabetes are at high risk of stroke or heart attack as well as elevated blood sugar levels

Added risk: Diabetes damages the walls of all blood vessels, large and small, and so does high blood pressure. saying it’s “mild” and not as serious as type 1 which requires insulin injections. Being told that it is “a touch of diabetes” and can be controlled by tablets instantly downgrades perception of the risks. ‘But every case of diabetes should be regarded as serious.’ High blood pressure is the second most important symptom to control in diabetes apart from blood sugar, adds Baroness Young, chief executive for Diabetes UK. She believes high blood pressure is becoming the norm amongst diabetics. ‘Diabetics need a structured education programme so they realise how serious it is and what the risks are and be offered support to manage their condition.’ There is now greater emphasis on controlling blood pressure in diabetics, using drugs such as beta-blockers and angiotensinconverting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. But many patients fail to take their medication. Blood pressure drugs often have side-effects including a dry cough, dizziness and stomach upsets — and consequently research has shown that up to 50 per cent of patients stop taking their drugs within a year. ‘Drug treatment can be tricky in that some people suffer sideeffects, but this can be overcome by trying different combinations of drugs,’ says Dr Rayman. ‘The worst thing patients can do is give up taking the tablets completely.’

Lifestyle changes including losing weight, taking more exercise and reducing salt intake can also have a significant impact. ‘Sometimes just taking a pill on its own is not enough,’ says Libby Dowling, clinical adviser with charity Diabetes UK. Adrian Scott started taking blood pressure-lowering medication after his diabetes diagnosis, but his blood pressure continued to fluctuate. This uncontrolled blood pressure and his weight (at 6ft 6in he weighed 20st) put him at even higher risk of a stroke. Unfortunately, he didn’t appreciate the dangers. ‘I knew my blood pressure was high as my GP would remark there was room for improvement — but I don’t think I realised how big a stroke risk this posed,’ he says. Like most people, Adrian knew what he should be doing to look after himself, but admits: ‘I suppose I never thought a stroke or a heart attack would happen to me. ‘I thought if you took the pills to control your symptoms — metformin for my blood sugar, blood pressure drugs for my hypertension and statins for my cholesterol — everything would be fine. How wrong I was.’ Indeed, when Adrian was admitted to hospital his blood pressure was sky-high, at 180/ 120. ‘Now I think that instead of dealing with individual symptoms I should have addressed the systematic cause — my

lifestyle,’ he says. But as Libby Dowling acknowledges, ‘it can be hard to motivate diabetics to make lifestyle changes. Losing weight can be difficult and lots of patients need support to do this. ‘All diabetics should be referred to dietitians for advice about healthy eating, but there are long waiting lists and sometimes that doesn’t happen.’ Adrian’s blood pressure is now much better controlled due to his efforts to eat fresh, home-cooked food in smaller portions, using an exercise bike and rowing machine at the gym twice a week, and reducing his stress levels by working from home more. ‘I’m still struggling with my weight, but I am taking small steps every day to bring it down. It will be a slow process, but I want to get there.’ Although his GP did mention that he should lose weight Adrian feels he was too polite about it. ‘He should have given me a good telling-off,’ he says. ‘When I saw patients in hospital who had been left very badly disabled by a stroke, I wished I’d had the risks drummed into me more. I had a very lucky escape from something far worse. ‘I don’t blame my GP — my health was down to me. And like a lot of people I was in denial. ‘I just wish I’d taken my blood pressure seriously and maybe I could have prevented my stroke.’ Source: Dailymail.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

PAGE 37

Jonathan has no idea about governance, says Chom Bagu Chom Bagu, is a pro democracy activist and a development worker forged in the furnace of civil society and labour activism. He was part of the formation or in the leadership of major pro democracy groups in Nigeria and also part of the team that gave ideological direction of National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, where he was a key player in the early 80s. In this interview with Danlami Nmodu, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newsdiaryonline.com, Bagu examines President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration and concludes he has no idea of governance, insists that former President Olusegun Obasanjo flouted the Constitution by introducing the privatization policy. He also faulted his colleagues in the civil society organisations for not participating in real politicking even when they fought so hard for democracy. Excerpts:

INTERVIEW

et’s start by taking a look at Nigeria’s democratization [p5rocess since 1999. How has it been given your background as an activist who has been in the process for more than two decades now? A:Well, I think that we have moved since 1999,you know we came in with so much of hope everybody thought that there was going to be a lot of difference in terms of the content and even the process of democratisation. And you know a lot of people. And you know a lot of activists invested their time, resources and their hope believing that that is going to make a change by the military. Unfortunately, you know that most of the people who came into governance, a lot of them have military background. People who came in as governors were people with military background, they produced a military vision of governance. And the few people who were not of military background who came in were not people of conviction, were not people who had any serious conviction about democracy. They got there , most decent, most democratically convinced people refused to participate. So it created a situation where you now have a form of military democracy where the politicians could not really rule democratically and were really twisting the constitution, misinterpreting it and bastardizing the democratic rules of governance. So, that for me, defined what we had during the first two tenures. The change of the new president, people had some hope You are talking about the Obasanjo /YarAdua regimes A:I am talking because I was one of those who facilitated what we called the pre –inaugural conference for those who were elected under the PDP You mean there was a pre inaugural conference for those elected on the platform of PDP Members from the governors up to the president That was in? 1999. After they had been

elected but they had not yet been sworn in. So it was around Apri. Obasanjo himself (at the conference) was the one fighting those who were calling for unrestrained liberalization and privatization of government parastatals and companies. So it was shocking that the first thing they did (after being sworn in) was to create the National Council of Privation. You mean you got the impression that… They said that they were going to be a patriotic nationalist government. And Obasanjo, all the speeches, he intervened against anybody who was talking of wholesome liberalization. People like Adamu Ciroma came in with ethical issues and governance. So people were hopeful. Only for them ,one of the first things they created was the National Council of Privatization which, based on Chapter 2 of the Constitution, is provided that government should ensure that the national economy is not hijacked. So what did they do, they now created a National Council of Privatisation that is totally opposite to that logic of the commanding heights. If you still go to chapter 2, there is a whole issue about commanding heights. It is still there. But commanding height is contradictory to the privatisation policy. Your argument is that our Constitution is essentially one which gives the state a major role to play in the economy and that the democracy we have has somehow reversed what the constitution says. Exactly, because what the constitution says government must do everything to provide free education, it talks about providing employment, it talks about providing adequate health care. And to provide all that , how will you do that? It is that the government must have substantial control of the economy Why is it that our politicians have become carried away by near total privatization, selling national assets to private concerns? That is not what the constitution has provided. In fact it was supposed to create a body that will ensure that the commanding height of the economy remains

Chom Bagu within national ownership. But then they created a body with an opposite mandate Those of you who were involved in this initial interaction with the PDP regime, when these contradictory steps were taken, was there any way by which you intervened to try to draw their attention? We thought after the Uwais (Committee) thing if they had given it to Jibo (Dr Jibrin) Ibrahim I can tell you that there would be a difference. Not that Jibo is publicly more radical than Jega, but Jibo believes in democracy. He will not compromise at all. He believes in it and if you meet Jibo, he lives it. Jega doesn’t. You get the point.Jega doesn’t.If he gave it to Jibo,I would say yes he would try. But you have to understand that people had the impression that Obasanjo was a nationalist; he was a patriotic person; he was anti liberalization; he was anti -IMF. So when these things started emerging, people thought well, may be it is the hawks within the regime that angled for that and therefore we should give him a chance and see how channels were created to deal with that. But

more and more those channels were closed up. People like (Iyorchia) Ayu whom we assumed to be on the left, bought into that (and) became the Deputy Chairman of the National Council on Privatisation An antithesis to his longheld view A lot of people were looking up to thinking that at least they would steer the government towards at least the middle course, gradually they were sucked-in but then thrown out….. What do you make of this politics of deception, denying the truth as provided for by the constitution , using people and dumping them? There is an element of the military. Because military operated by deception. You know Obasanjo is like that. He is like water, he flows wherever there is space. Particularly when he started thinking of the third term you could clearly see that he would play to all sorts of forces We began with the issue of people who were not part of the struggle, assuming office and have been running the affairs. Is it a weakness of the people who are in the pro-democracy activism, that in the struggle for democracy they were not

making provision to take over power? Isn’t there a lacuna in this approach. Is it just to struggle and abandon the process? I don’t think it is abandonment. I think there is really poverty of strategic thinking in the civil society movement. A lot of people came into the civil society movement as a means of livelihood. And I have always argued against that. Immediately you say you are a civil society activist and the main reason why you are there is to put food on the table, there is problem, because gradually what it means is that you want to sustain that food on the table. And therefore you compromise. Naturally, you will do that and you don’t take risks. So what was happening, because we have become career civil activists, then what happened? He is a career civil activist, you abused it, struggling over the small details of election, of governance, we were trying to prove to government that we were one of the activists. You are one of those who are really making headway….What did it end up like? It means that we did not even raise our heads to look and say, we brought this democracy, how come we are not there? So you see a situation whereby we have activists who are more or less trying to please donors rather than trying to see how they could take charge of their environment? Exactly,that is cheap. And that is when you are looking at where the money is coming from; you are not going to be looking at where the governance is going. So look at how people go about elections. Looking at civil society activity and I said we are not on the table when the real issues were determined With regards to what? To elections; what was happening? (Maurice) Iwu just made sure that electoral process was thrown into a security establishment which only the presidency and security officers controlled. So we didn’t know what was happening under Iwu. We were just protesting. And what

Contiuned on page 38

PAGE 38

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

Jega can’t conduct free, fair elections – Chom Bagu Contiuned from page 37 Iwu was doing was to wait for you. You protest, you raised some issues, he used it.. You mean under Iwu Yes, you would raise the issues, then he will see where the lacunas are’; where the gaps are, he moves that way. So in the end…. we did not influence the election. That’s why the elections were so horrible. And it is mainly because we were playing this game: We want to attract the money, but we were not thinking strategically, how we can influence the polity. What is the best approach towards influencing the direction of our democracy in the real sense of it. In the real sense if you want to influence the democracy that you have just snatched from the military, it means what? It means that you have to be one or two steps ahead. What does that mean exactly? It means that we are not going to say we will exclude ourselves….And we did. We created Democratic Alternative. But how many comrades were ready to stick with it.Then we abandoned our party and the few people who decided to go into politics did not go on the platform of DA,t,.yhey went to PDP. So what could be responsible for this? It shows you where their mind was; that they also were trying to play the politics according to the usual practice. So you find that a comrade who wants to go into politics, he comes and asks you to contribute money three months to the elections. And I say that is nonsense. How can you who say you are pro-people come two or three months to the election and you are looking for money. What do you intend to do with the money? For me, you also want to behave like the PDP or the other parties to go and buy votes. Because three months to the elections, no serious grassroots politician will come into play. You should have come there years ago, immediately they open the space that is when you can move .You can move to your constituency, you can move to your local government. I propose for example, let’s all go and contest for local government and I am sure that if twenty of us or thirty of us had won local government chairmanship, we can make a difference because the kind of programmes we would have introduced would automatically create the basis for us to contest for governorship. For example, I was engaged in the (Dr Frederick) Faseun Presidency. We encourage him, even Beko encouraged Faseun to come out. He was the chairman of the Labour Party. Only when he came out, they abandoned him. That is Dr Federick Faseun? Yes, they abandoned Federick Faseun and moved on to PDP That was in 2003? Even 1999. Faseun was a

Bagu candidate, they abandoned him. So I am saying that there is no strategic thinking. And there is a lot of childishness. People quickly, when they see power, they are not looking at how we will get it. If you just want to be in power, you can join any party. But if you want to be in power in particular way so that you can make a difference, so that you can make certain changes possible, you have to get into power in a certain way. You can’t say that when I get there then I will start the process because with whom will you start the process. If I got into power, bought the votes and you elected me Chairman, what are the levers that I will use to mobilize for change? I have to use the contractor class who are the main sponsors of the PDP. But if for example I went to the grassroots and had mobilize and established a constituency that believed in my programmes, by the time I become Chairman, anytime I want to do something and they attempt to intimidate me, I will mobilize the people. The grassroots will come to my defence. Even during the military, Bassey Ekpo Bassey did it in Calabar when he won the Calabar Municipal Council Election and he decided to make certain changes to make sure local government was in charge of sanitation and other things. The state government fought him; he went to court, he won and he was bringing people from all over Nigeria to go to Calabar and sit and strategize on how we can change the nature of local governance. The impression I get from our short interaction so far is that the pro-democracy movement and struggle does not have a clearly defined goal That is what it looks like. We are muddling through because there are all sorts of people in that movement; there are politicians who have no relationship with practice; there are academics; there are cut and paste revolutionaries.

They can come with theories when they are reading papers but in real practice when you see them, they are not really radicals. They don’t really act as people who want change. There is another group who are only interested in power. How that power is used is not important. They argue let’s get to power and if they get to power they will use it just like the PDP will use it. This group also exists in the pro-democracy movement? Of course; there are people who are just angling for power. And if you put them there they will be as bad As PDP? Yes, they will be as bad. Take my friend Labaran Maku. Labaran Maku will use power as terribly as Obasanjo without conscience if he had the chance…The minister of information, he will use power anyhow if you give him a chance. Didn’t they catch him with a rigging machine in his house? In Nasarawa state? Yes.They did the thumbprinting in his house in the last elections. It was reported; so I am saying there are people who are just for power. There are few people who are activists, but these few have limited vision. There are some who believe. We call them workerists. They believe if it is not workers, trade unions trade unions, it is not the struggle. But they

forget that the labour movement has been hijacked long time ago You seem to be feeling frustrated about Labaran Maku. But I thought that he represents a source of hope for the movement, and we even hear that he is also having gubernatorial ambition…Is he not in touch with his constituency? Labaran will hardly get any gubernatorial candidacy. I and Professor Abubakar Momoh, we did a feasibility for him in 2007 for him to campaign for the governorship. We found out that in out of the 13 local governments, only three were going to align with Labaran……So that by 2007 he would be an issue in every nook and cranny of Nasarawa state .He didn’t. We told him that the constituents were saying that he was a surrogate of Abdullahi Adamu and that unless he distanced himself from Adamu there was no way he was going to be elected as Nasarawa state governor. He refused. He told me that you know the issue is that he has to follow Abdullahi Adamu closely. That it is only when Abdullahi Adamu steps aside that he can move in because if he steps aside, Abdullahi Adamu would bring somebody on. That is not somebody who wants power? Let’s go back to this issue you raised that the first two regimes did not perform effectively.. With Yar’Adua, there was some hope because Yar’Adua had some track records. Just that he was sick but he had some track record and there are certain things you know he would not do. That’s Yar’Adua? Yeah. Like this reckless privatization; I know that Yar’Adua is not likely to be too enthusiastic in that. And two, he was somebody who came from a tradition of some public service. Public service as central to governance; providing services to the poor and building an economy that responds to their needs,that is the tradition he comes from. And you could see, it is just that he was sick and he was too slow. He was too slow to have taken charge of the government because he was sick. And then there were all sorts of people who were able to capitalize on that. And of course Jonathan is absolutely clueless. He has absolutely no idea about what governance is all about.

“

So much money has been invested in power and nothing is happening; then you see government people lamenting as if they are not in control of all the machinery of government

Jonathan has no idea what governance is all about? None. My grandmother would do better. As far as I am concerned, the man is just clowning in that position. He doesn’t know what we call government. Look at how they behave. No light, they are talking like NGO people as if they are not the ones in government. They are lamenting. How do you lament when you are in government? So much money has been invested in power and nothing is happening; then you see government people lamenting as if they are not in control of all the machinery of government..Is that how government is run? There is something called responsibility. You can’t be telling me that Bok Haram is on and government security people will start giving us an analysis that you know it is because of PDP formula. I will not listen to that from a security chief because that is not his job. His job is to collect intelligence that can preempt these people before they strike. That is how intelligence organizations work; they are not university professors. So don’t lecture us about factors. It is like you send a soldier to the battlefield and he goes there and he starts giving you theories. He should face the enemies.Today, we don’t know anything about Boko Haram. We just hear stories; how are they organized?…They say there are some concessions, you know it is like Coca Cola concession. There are some local Boko Haram people in different places who are not necessarily part of Boko Haram but they just buy into it and do their own little thing in their own local areas. It is just a theory. They say there are factions. How did they know?….Unless they show us that they understand the movement…and they have for example really penetrated them.Because there is no sign that they have penetrated them.They say they have arrested this one, nobody is sure. They say they have arrested Qaqa, who is sure that they did? And people said he was executed..it is story story story. The Americans went underground and studied Al-Qaeda and understood it. They cracked it in Iraq. They cracked it in Afghanistan. Today, do you have a profile of a Boko Haram? There should be a profile. Because when you do terrorist thing, you must have a profile;his mind, the way he behaves, the way they dress, the way they move. What kind of targets …That is how we will then move to the next step of pre-empting them. Fortunately for us, this was an open public organization before. Boko Haram was not a hidden thing; they were operating in Maiduguri openly. There are journalists who know them. The commander in Maiduguri said he even knew how many they were. He said they were 4000 at the time. It is not a mystery. It is not a group that emerged from nowhere. To be continued

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

PAGE 39

Kwara ACN carpets governor for poor performance From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

he Kwara State Chapter of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday berated Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed for poor performance even as it challenged him to account for close to N50 billion allocation accrued to the state in the last one year. The party in a document signed by its state Chairman, Mr. Kayode Olawepo and made available to our correspondent stated that Ahmed’as administration has failed to provid portable water to the people of the state; no free education as claimed by the government while over 2.3 million of the state could not adequately receive health care

service with just 100 of medical doctors. It observed that the state government was claiming that it had completed “a total of 600 kilometres of roads while another 350.80 kilometres of rural and feeder roads have also been awarded for rehabilitation and construction by the state Government.” The party said “the fact is that in both North and South senatorial districts of Kwara State, we are yet to witness construction of any new road.

“What is being shared in Kwara State is not prosperity but poverty, pains, hardship and hopelessness. If this government deserves to be praised for anything, it is for its ability to make false claims and celebrate corruption. In fact, Kwarans are embarrassed at the shamelessness of our government which, for want of any verifiable achievements, in rolling out the drums for mere unveiling of a new logo, which, together with the empty noisemaking of May 29, cost Kwara people a whopping

N31m. Kwara definitely cannot continue like this, 45 years after it became a state. Our people deserve a better deal! Commenting on the utilization of federal allocation, the party said “ for the past one year, therefore, the government of Kwara State should account for over N50b that accrued to it in the form of statutory allocation, VAT and other grants. This is beside the loans that are already accumulating, with its accompanying dangers for the future of the state. All objective

Bombings: Ndoma-Egba decries loss of innocent lives By Richard Ihediwa

he Leader of the Senate, Senator Victor NdomaEgba, has raised alarm over the rate at which innocent lives are being lost in the country. Ndoma-Egba, in a statement from his office yesterday said that it was appalling to see how mass murder was gradually becoming the order of the day in the country, noting that the killing of innocent worshippers at a church in Jos yesterday, when the people of Nigeria are in a mournful state over the loss of over 160 lives to the Dana airline plane crash, w3as the height of insensitive to human emotions. The statement described yesterday’s attack on worshippers as crime against humanity and the sublime essence of God, saying: “No religious or moral teachings can justify hate and a culture of violence as standard for human behaviour.” It further: “It is appalling to see how mass murder has become the order of the day in our country. Over time, we have narrowed these criminal activities to the dreaded Boko Haram sect. But a time has come when we need to expand our searchlight and come up with fresher theories. Nigeria must move on; and no matter what the grievances of these people are they need to exercise self restraints. I believe that resolving those grievances can only happen when Nigeria is one united country. “The serial killing of innocent worshippers is an action tantamount to crime against humanity and the sublime essence of the Most High God. No religion or moral teaching condones hate and a culture of violence as a standard for human behaviour.” The statement also expressed condolences to the families of those involved in the attack on Sunday, saying that, “only God can console the hearts of such families.”

Edo state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, addressing Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) supporters, during the governor's re-election campaign, at the weekend in Ogida area of Benin City.

analysis of achievements of government should be based on available resources. The Ahmed’s administration has been quiet on this. “The government’s claim on free education is false as parents still pay for their pupils in public schools. Such money ranges from N600 and above. The government calls this money PTA contribution, part of which is retained in the school for maintenance and part goes to the Ministry of Education for only God knows what. While the Ekiti State Government gave laptop computers to teachers and students of public secondary schools under their own free education policy, the government of Kwara State gives “10 free note books per session to senior secondary school students to ease economic burden of educating students on parents and guardians.” “ In fact apart from the supply of 33,000 solar-powered laptops to public schools, school bags are given to students in Ekiti State. In Osun State, students are supplied with uniforms free. But in Kwara State, parents run the schools but government gives 10 exercise books to each students. That indeed is their free education. “While the Ekiti state gtovernment supplied brail computers and other learning equipments to the physicallychallenged schools, government of Kwara State beats its chest for renovating some structures in its school for the physically challenged.”

Alliance: Why we are talking early, by CPC chieftain From Edwin Olofu, Kano

chieftain of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) Alhaji Farouk Aliyu, has revealed that time constraint was responsible for early talks this time with major political stakeholders. The former federal lawmaker who is now the Sole Administrator, Katsina chapter of CPC told reporters in Kano the experience of the past gave birth to the present

scenario adding that “we have time to review our past experience and forged ahead in unity”. He disclosed that the CPC has widened its alliance talk with other stakeholders in the polity, adding that “we are keeping every detail to our chest for now.” He added that apart from the Action Congress of Nigeria, the CPC is also on merger talk with All Nigeria Peoples Party, Labour Party

and All Progressive Grand Alliance. Farouk Adamu Aliyu revealed that “our major preoccupation now is to unite major political parties that shared our dream of bringing to an end the misrule of Peoples Democratic Party in Nigeria”. He added that “No one is talking about who get what now, because we all understand that unity play a key role in the overall success of this dream” Commenting on the

renaming of University of Lagos after Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola the presumed winner of June 12 election in 1991, the former lawmaker stated that “it was a good gesture delivered at a wrong time” Alhaji Farouk Adamu Aliyu however commended the FG for the bold initiative adding that “in all honesty MKO deserve what is being offered by successive government in the country.”

CPC insists on recall of Rep over anti party activities From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

embers of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in DanmusaSafana-Batsari Federal Constituency in Katsina state have insisted on recalling the House of Representatives member, Alhaji Gambo Musa Danmusa over alleged antiparty activities. Speaking with newsmen,

yesterday in Katsina, the spokesman of the aggrieved party members, Alhaji Ahmadu Maigoro noted that they have approached the INEC over the recall process of the lawmaker. “We have got the support of the INEC in initiating the recall of Alhaji Gambo Danmusa. We have collected signatures of about 20,000 people and we are still mobilizing for his recall. We will surely succeed,” he added.

Apart from alleged antiparty activities, Maigoro alleged that since the election of the lawmaker has not been visiting the constituency to know their problems and assist those in need. He alleged “ there was a time he sent a second hand clothes to our area which we outrighly rejected. With the support we gave him during election, we deserve more than second hand

clothings”. Similarly, the CPC members rejected a recent purported meeting allegedly organized by the lawmaker where according to them a hired crowd denounced the effort to recall him. He challenged the lawmaker to visit the constituency to organize a support based meeting if he felt he had the support of the people.

PAGE 40

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

PDP accuses ACN of masterminding A/Ibom violence By Lawrence Olaoye

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday accused the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) of masterminding the violence that erupted in the course of conducting the local government elections in Akwa-Ibom state. The party in a release signed by its spokesman, Chief Olisa Metuh, warned the ACN to desist

from violent acts which he alleged has become their signature. According to him, “CAN has a history of violence which was evident in Ondo state earlier this year when one of their party chieftain, Chief Adebayo Adefarati, publicly threatened the Labour Party with more violence following a day of violent clashes between supporters of both parties in Akure.” He further stated that

“residents of the communities in Edo state can also testify to the threats and abusive statements by Governor Adams Oshiomhole in all his recent rallies during which he repeatedly spits fire and brimstone, assuming the posture of a doomsday prophet and lacking the decency and diplomatic finesse expected of someone occupying an exalted leadership position.” The party also stated that

most Nigerians have become aware that the leadership and members of ACN are always at home with political violence which has often consumed the states where their presence is strong, especially during elections. This culture of violence was evident in Ekiti, Oyo and other ACN controlled states where dozens of people were killed in election related violence in the recent past. Just yesterday the

Amosun demolishes serving lawmaker’s building

Focus on security, group tells NSA

FromDimejiKayode-Adedeji,Abeokuta

gun State Government yesterday descended on a serving lawmaker in the State House of Assembly, Hon Adijat Adeleye-Oladapo, as the authorities demolished her N3million naira worth 2-bedroom apartment under construction. The lawmaker, according to political sources is said to be member of a factional group said to be loyalist of the former governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, while her alleged opposition group are said to belong to the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun’s camp. The building which was an attachment being constructed within the official quarters of the lawmakers according to her was meant for the comfort of Youth Corp members attached to her office. However, the alleged face-off between some of the lawmakers and the executive on Sunday took another dimension as 15 men led by a top government official stormed the residence at about 8.30am when the lawmaker was not at home and pulled down the structure. The men on arrival at the premises broke fence behind the quarters, and in a jiffy commenced the pulling down of the building, just as information got to the victim who was on her way to Lagos with her children. The lawmaker however vowed to approach the court for redress. But Speaker of the Assembly, Hon Suraj Adekunbi, said he was not aware of the demolition. The speaker had earlier visited the scene in his private jeep car registration number AG 76 AYE.. Also reacting, General Manager of Urban and Regional Development, Mr Adewolu said, ‘I am only aware of an illegal structure being built within the house. We have been advised not to speak to the public on the matter’ The victim, while reacting said she would take legal action noting that, ‘they did not come through the gate, and they broke the fence. There is more to the demolition. Civil servants don’t work on weekends’.

ACN senatorial primaries in Ekiti became a platform for its members to exhibit their usual hooliganism through fighting and maiming in a pathetic show of shame. The PDP called on all Nigerians to reject this ugly trend of violence which has always been a threat to democracy in past republics. The PDP continuously promotes peace and fairness in conducting its electoral processes and enjoined the ACN to learn from their great party how to employ civility in political procedures. “We believe that the outcome of the election is not as important as the protection of human lives and that will always remain our focus”.

By Augustine Aminu

L-R: Head of European Union Delegation to Nigeria, Ambassador David MacRae, Chief Whip of House of Representatives, Hon. Isiaka Bawa, and Head of EU Section, National and Regional Development. Mr. Alan Monday, during the EU officials' visit to the National Assembly, recently in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

CNPP holds zonal congress in Jigawa From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

onference for Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), North West zone, at the weekend in Dutse, capital city of Jigawa state, conducted its zonal delegates’ conference and elected the officials that would run the affairs of the association in the next four years in the zone. According to the Chairman of the Conference Electoral Committee, who is also the State chairman African Renaissance Party (ARP) Bauchi State North-East Alhaji Mamman Bauchi, there was no contest in all the positions as there were consensus at all the positions. Those elected include Alhaji Garba Yakasai as Chairman, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammed Vice Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohd Secretary, Alhaji Garba Madobi Treasurer and Alhaji Adamu Isa Indallahi Youth leader of the zone. In his acceptance speech, the new Chairman, promised to unite the members of the

association and also assured that all the political parties under the association atre protected through an open door administration. Yakasai called on Jigawa state governor Alhaji Sule Lamido to construct dams to improve irrigation farming and engage youth in addition to other empowerment programme in the state. According to him, “Jigawa is an agrarian state and irrigation farming would go a long way to help the teeming unemployed youths in providing jobs for the populace”. He however commended Lamido for the infrastructural development across the state pointing out that investment in agriculture especially in irrigation would assist in poverty eradication in the state. He maintained that the governor has done creditably well on road constructions, housing as well as education sector in the state. Also speaking, the newly

elected Youth leader, Alhaji Adamu Isah Indallahi who is also the state chairman of Accord Party (AP) expressed gratitude to CNPP in the zone for selecting the state as venue to hold the zonal delegate conference. Indallahi told the gathering that there was cordial relationship between them and government under Sule Lamido in the state, adding that, “CNPP in this state is watching the government affairs and has been an opposition to correct and challeng government when necessary and government has been heeding to the correction whenever it was made”. He noted that this was only happening in Jigawa state, adding that “this is not surprising ever since we have gone round to inspect some of the projects executed by the PDP government in Jigawa” “We are opposition of the PDP led government; we do not only criticize the party and the government, we commend them when there is need for that,” he added.

he Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Transparency in Governance (CCOTG) has warned that the deteriorating security environment in the country could get worse except those handling security matters such as the National Security Adviser, Owoeye Azazi (NSA) stops distracting himself by non-security issues and focus on safeguarding the country. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, President of the Coalition, Comrade Ibrahim Alih, said that it was worrisome that the NSA now focuses more on the internal workings of government parastatals instead of dealing with the security challenges in the country. He disclosed that the coalition was mobilizing support and building consensus among groups as well as urging Nigerians to prepare for mass action that would demand that Azazi addresses the security challenge and stop distracting himself by interfering in the running of parastatals. Alih said the situation has become worrisome as more Nigerians become victims of the growing insecurity. He noted that "Today, Nigeria maintains a permanent slot on the top 15 minutes of international news channels for the apparent reason of insecurity posed by extremist insurgency. While the terror attacks grab international attention, Nigerians know this is not their only worry." He added "Robberies have taken new dimensions with explosives freely used to blast open banks and their vaults; kidnappers operate freely in some parts of the country as evident in the latest case of Christian Obodo, the international footballer who was kidnapped right in front of a church; ethnic violence also claims lives in several parts of the country; and in addition to this Nigeria remains on the path of the rebellion spawned by Malian Tuareg who are reported to be interested in claiming parts of Nigeria in addition to Mali, Niger and Chad in their quest to form the Azawad nation."

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

PAGE 41

Ikhana recalls Nkwocha, 3 other foreignbased players to strengthen Falcons

n apparent response to the weaknesses he observed in the Super Falcons during their two recent matches, head coach Kadiri Ikhana has called up four foreign-based players to strengthen the squad ahead of the second leg game against Zimbabwe in the 8th edition of the African Women Championship (AWC) qualifiers. The team’s Media Officer, Chisom Mbonu, who disclosed this yesterday in Abuja, listed the players as the Sweden-based quartet of Perpetua Nkwocha, Rita Chikwelu, Faith Ikidi and Helen Ukaonu.

“They are to join the homebased Falcons, who are already in camp for the match scheduled for Lagos on Sunday, June 17,” she said. The team official said Ukaonu who plays for Sunnana SK of Sweden, alongside Falcons’ teammate Nkwocha, will join up with the team for the first time since Ikhana took charge of the team in April. “The pair of Ukaonu and Nkwocha are expected to arrive the team’s Lagos camp on Wednesday morning,” she said. Further, Mbonu said Faith Ikidi, a defender with Pitea IF of

Sweden, was being expected to arrive in the camp tomorrow alongside midfielder Rita Chikwelu. The Super Falcons’ spokesperson also disclosed that defender Onome Ebi has however been ruled out of the match. She said Ebi who plays for Atasehir Belediyesi of Turkey would be missing the match as her Turkish club would be involved in an important league match. “It is a match that will see the winner qualify for the UEFA Championships, and it is on June 14, three days before the match with Zimbabwe,” Mbonu said.

2014 World Cup qualifiers results Guinea 2 Egypt 3 Libya 2 Cameroon 1 Mozambique 0 Zimbabwe 0 Liberia 0 Angola 0 Mali 2 Algeria 1 DR Congo 2 Togo 0 Rwanda 1 Benin Rep. 1 Tanzania 2 Gambia 1 Ethiopia 2 CAR 0 Lesotho 0 Sudan 0

Coach Stephen Keshi

Super Eagles return, head to Calabar tomorrow for Rwanda

Disappointed Malawians pelt Eagles with pebbles T By Patrick Andrew, who was in Blantyre

he Malawians had expected nothing but classic football from the ‘star-glut’ Super Eagles, instead they saw a struggling bunch of players who, apparently, were still grappling with the task of understanding themselves and were far from being a team. Disappointed with the quality of display exhibited by the Eagles and the failure of Nigeria to parade the likes of Mikel Obi, Peter Odemwingie, Taye Taiwo, Joseph Yobo and the other Uche siibling (Kalu) among others, the angry fans opted to pelt the “local Eagles” with sundry objects. The incident forced the Police Escort to break the city’s 40 km speed limit to safeguard the team and other officials from a likely attack on the bus that conveyed the Super Eagles to the Sunbird Hotel in the centre of Blantyre, the industrial nerve centre of the East African country. A couple of fans who later spoke with Peoples Daily Sports in front of the hotel, said they were angry because they had expected to see great performance instead what they saw assailed their sensibilities. Musanga said, “No, we don’t hate your team. But we were angry because you brought your team B to face the Flames. It’s an insult on us. In fact, we were equally disappointed with the Flames because after dominating the match they should have crowned their efforts with victory. “Instead, they needed the god of soccer- if anything like that existsor the amateurish handling of the ball by your goalkeeper to equalise just 30 seconds to the end of the game,” he said. Another fan remarked that what they did was a demonstration of

Vincent Enyeama, whose unprofessional approach gifted the Flames a point in Blantyre

their disappointment with the Eagles for failing to live up to their billing. “We were shocked that your Eagles struggled against a team that has failed to win here in four matches. “Besides, we could not believe that the Flames were actually playing the Eagles and many of us actually thought Nigeria simply brought Kano Pillars and included Vincent Enyeama, John Utaka and Victor Moses to form phony Eagles and then line them up against our national team. You see, that’s an insult.” Meanwhile, The Flames of Malawi Coach Kinnah Phiri said his team created more chances and should have taken them to beat their more illustrious opponents. “We are not satisfied with the draw because we created more chances than Nigeria and should have won this game if we had put them away. Nigeria created very few chances and from that they scored their goal,” Phiri said after the match. Malawi skipper Moses Chavula said the home draw left a mixed feeling of disappointment and elation. “We put up a good fight and equalised on the dot of time. We are happy and at the same time disappointed because we should have won this game,”said the Amazulu of South Africa defender. Nigeria lead Group F with four points from two matches, while Namibia are second on three points after a 1-0 home win over Kenya also on Saturday. Malawi are now third in the standings with two points and Kenya are bottom of the table on a point from the goalless draw with Malawi in Nairobi. The next round of matches in the qualifying tournament will be played in March 2013 with Nigeria hosting Kenya and Malawi taking on Namibia in Blantyre.

Reuben Gabriel, the scorer of Eagles’ goal

he Super Eagles will resume training tomorrow in Calabar, the Cross River state capital ahead of Saturday’s 2013 Nations Cup qualifier against the Wasps of Rwanda at the U.J. Esuene Stadium. The Eagles, whose momentary lost of concentration forced them to drop two points with just 30 seconds remaining in the 2014 World Cup qualifier against the Flames of Malawi but remain top of Group F, would hope to intensify preparations to ensure they collect the maximum points. It would be recalled that the Eagles were forced to 0-0 draw by the Amavubi Stars in Rwanda last February and need to beat their quests to be comfortable in the race to South Africa 2013. The team’s Media Officer, Ben Alaiya, confirmed that the team would leave Abuja tomorrow morning for Calabar, stressing that the other domestic league players including the foreign-based Nnamdi Oduamadi will rejoin the team. “The team needs to immediately start its preparations for the match against Rwanda, but it will not be able to do this until Monday (today). The players and officials need to rest a little in Abuja after the tiring trip to Blantyre. “But in view of the importance of the task ahead, that of qualifying for the 2013 Nations Cup in South Africa, the team cannot afford to delay longer than necessary. “This is why there will be light training on Monday morning, and full training on Monday evening in Abuja, before the departure for Calabar on Tuesday,” he said. Also, Alaiya said the team planned to, on arrival in Calabar, hold training on Tuesday evening to kick-start its preparations for the Rwandese. “The team plans to train in the evening on Tuesday in Calabar, so as to work according to its programme and at the same time achieve the desired success,” he said.

PAGE 42

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

Beaten Manny demands Bradley November rematch

Ghana FA to petition FIFA over players assault in Zambia

Timothy Bradley

cclaimed pound-for-pound world best, Many Pacquiao, could face Timothy Bradley again in November after losing his WBO welterweight title to the American on Saturday night. The Filipino demanded for a rematch following a controversial split 2-1 decision in favour of the Bradley in Las Vegas. Pacquiao, who said he was in shock over the verdict, immediately called for a rematch, a challenge the American promptly accepted. Insisting on the rematch, the former champion said, It would make me, “become a warrior in the ring. And next time. I don’t want to finish the whole twelve rounds.” And the American responded thus, “I heard all the boos at the end of the fight, which is okay because we need to do this again. Let’s make this more decisive. “I’m happy to be the new welterweight champion but I definitely would like to do this again,” he said noting that he was motivated by the boos he received from the crowd after the result was announced. He spoke to the media while sitting in a wheelchair before being taken to hospital to have a check on his ankles, which he said he had twisted during the second round. The former champion said he was “100 per cent” confident he had won the fight and was looking forward to a rematch on November 10 at a venue yet to be decided. But the three judges delivered from Pacquiao. The first gave 115 113 while the others each scored Bradley 115-113 to give the WBC Welterweight title to the American.

Manny Pacquiao

Malawians celebrate draw with Eagles in World Cup qualifier

layers and supporters of The Flames of Malawi were jubilant throughout Saturday in Blantyre following the 1-1 draw with Nigeria’s Super Eagles in a 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifier. In separate interviews in Blantyre moments after the match played at the Kamuzu Stadium, some Malawians said they were happy to have frustrated the Eagles and were even surprised the Eagles turned out to be less verocious on the pitch. “It is a well-deserved result for us and we are really happy. We will actually celebrate all night even though it is a draw,” goalkeeper Nthara Simplex. He said the Nigerian side was a good and dangerous side they had feared before the game and had prepared to frustrate their game in order to achieve a good result. “We know the Nigerian side to be very dangerous, especially on the attack. But we closed them down and frustrated all their moves,” Simplex said. John Banda, who scored his team’s goal, was more expressive, saying the draw was a result they would be cherishing for some time. “We know the Eagles to be good and we knew that we must do well to get a good result. But our determination helped

us and we therefore deserved it. “The Nigerian goalkeeper (Vincent Enyeama) would not have been able to stop us from scoring. However, I am very proud to have saved my team, even though a loss would not have been a humiliation for us,” he said. A fan, who identified himself as Mike Chimango, was very happy, saying The Flames played well to deserve a draw and the feat was going to be well celebrated. “Our team did well, and we are proud of them. Even though some big players are not in your team today (Saturday), but we deserve our draw and we are happy with it,” he said. The Flames’ goal sent the Malawian crowd into wild celebrations, coming just about three minutes after the Eagles had stunned them with their goal. Some Malawians who had started to leave the stadium after the Eagles’ goal returned to join their compatriots in celebration and they later poured onto the streets. A good number of them trailed the Eagles’ bus to their Sunbird Hotel abode, shouting “Malawi”, a sign of their happiness at the result.

he Ghana Football Association, (GFA) says it will petition FIFA after two of its players claimed they were assaulted by Zambian police men after Saturday’s 2014 World Cup qualifier. Midfielder Derek Boateng and unused striker Ben Acheampong are reported to have been punched by security personnel after a post-match melee. “The judgement is there for all of you to make. You saw what happened on the pitch but we want to put on record that we to view the tapes of what happened after the match and if two of our players Ben Acheampong and Derek Boateng were punched, we will have to take it up to CAF,” Ghana FA spokesperson Ibrahim Sannie-Daara said the post match conference. “This is unacceptable in African football. The Zambians were very nice to us until the game. Also, some officials were not allowed entry into the VIP lounge and that did not go down well with the Ghana FA. “Officials of the Ghana Football Association were put in the midst of supporters. It is unfair,” Daara added. “We didn’t come to war, we came to play football and you won the game, well it’s good but the underhand dealings and the way we were treated is utterly unfair. “I mean the board members of the Ghana FA were put into the crowd is unfair. We wouldn’t do that to Zambia in Accra. “ Ghana has lost to the Chipolopolo twice in four months after a semi-final 1-0 defeat at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

Obodo kidnappers want $188,000 ransom

T Christian Obodo

he family of abducted Nigeria star Christian Obodo has confirmed kidnappers are demanding about $188,000 for his release. The spoke person of the Obodos, Kenneth Obodo, told ANSA news agency that the kidnappers are asking for a ransom of about $188,000 after the midfielder was abducted Saturday morning in Warri. Obodo Brother Kenneth, who plays for Pisa in Italy, said the

family has been in touch with the kidnappers. He added that Obodo is not in danger, but his family is concerned since they were only able to get $125,000 to free the player. His abduction has been on lips in Italy following a statement posted on Udinese’s website that reported the player was taken away to an unknown destination by armed men over the weekend outside Warri. Obodo, 28, played last season for now relegated Lecce on loan from Udines.

Derek Boateng

RESULTS Malawi 1-1 Nigeria Botswana 1-1 South Africa Zambia 1-0 Ghana – Uganda 1-1 Senegal Gabon 1-0 Burkina Faso Congo 1-0 Niger Namibia 1-0 Kenya Equatorial Guinea 2-2 S/Leone Cape Verde 1-2 Tunisia Morocco 2-2 Côted’Ivoire

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

Madrid dismiss Silva bid

eal Madrid has decided against pursuing their interest in Manchester City’s David Silva, but look set to take on Chelsea for the signature of Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini.Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has made strengthening his title-winning side’s midfield a priority for the summer transfer window, prompting speculation he would launch a raid for City’s Spanish ace Silva. Mourinho still hopes to land a Premier League midfielder this summer, but his target is Everton’s Fellaini. The former Chelsea boss is impressed by the Belgium international’s tough-tackling approach and ability in the air, and apparently sees him as a strong candidate for a central midfield role at the Santiago Bernabeu. Chelsea is also keen on the 24-year-old and are rumoured to be planning a £20million bid. The Spanish champions will allow Everton to push the price up, should Toffees manager David Moyes decide he is ready to cash-in on a player he signed from Standard Liege for £15million in 2008.

Spurs step up for Marseille £16m tag

purs are set to step up their summer transfer activity by making a £16million bid for Marseille striker Loic Remy. Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp was keen to land Remy in January,butthe French club’s asking price was too high. The situation has changed and financial problems mean Marseille are now actively seeking offers for their top players, including the 25-year-old forward. Marseille chairman Vincent Labrune is likely to reject Tottenham’s initial offer, but the price will not have to go much higher for a deal to be agreed. The France international cost £12million when he moved from Nice in 2010 and that transfer included a clause that entitles his former club to 25 per cent of any profit from a future sale. Labrune hopes Marseille will finish up £4million to the good on Remy, so needs to find a buyer willing to pay in the region of £17.5million for the France international.

Transfer

The season is over. Clubs are counting their blessing as well as losses and would like to make amends and even beef up their squads where noticeable lapses exist. And the transfer market is agog barely 24 hours after major European leagues dropped the curtain. And so to keep abreast with latest rumours, we begin daily doses of movements within the market both for players and coaches like.

Villa boss wants to cage Canary, Ayala, Holt

aniel Ayala and Grant Holt are being lined up to follow their former boss to Villa Park Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert is set to make a double raid on Norwich. Lambert wants central -defender Daniel Ayala as well as striker Grant Holt from his former club. He is also keen to snap up Leeds ace Robert Snodgrass and Blackpool forward Matt Phillips as part of his Villa Park revolution. Lambert has given Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner a list of targets to steer the club away

from another relegation battle. With a transfer fund of around £20million, he knows he must find value for money. Holt, who scored 15 -Premier League goals last season, has asked to leave Norwich and Villa is -preparing a £5million bid. New Canaries boss Chris Hughton also faces a battle to keep central defender Ayala , who Lambert signed from Liverpool last year. Injuries meant Ayala made just seven appearances last season, but Lambert rates the 21-year-old Spaniard.

United swoop for Everton star

Loic Remy

Chelsea sign Musonda

helsea has beaten Arsenal and Manchester City to sign one of Europe’s most highly-rated teenagers by snapping up 15-year-old Charly Musonda from Anderlecht. The attacking midfielder reportedly held talks with Arsenal in London last month and has frequently been watched by City scouts after being tipped to make as big an impact on the game as his compatriot Eden Hazard, who joined Chelsea for £32m last week. Musonda has decided to follow former Lille midfielder Hazard to Chelsea, who have wrapped up a deal for him and his two brothers, Tika and Lamisha. All three are Belgium youth internationals, but Charly Jnr, whose father played for Zambia as well as Anderlecht, where he still works as kitman, is far and away the outstanding prospect.

Ramires in shock Chelsea quit threat

fter celebrating with his Chelsea team-mates as the club became European champions, midfielder Ramires has revealed he wants to return to former club Cruzeiro. The Brazil international joined the Stamford Bridge club for £17million in August 2010 and played an integral part in their historic domestic and European double last term. But instead of looking forward to his long term future in west London Ramires has vowed he wants to return to his former club one day. Ramires, 25, said: ‘If Cruzeiro is interested, it’s possible for me to go back. ‘Although it’s not a decision I can make and difficult because my price is very high. If Cruzeiro could raise the money, I would go back for sure. ‘I was happy at Cruzeiro and felt an obligation to return at some point as the club offered me a chance to launch my sport career in Europe. ‘I still follow their matches on the internet. The fans were always good to me and named me “Ramires the Warrior”. ‘I still keep all the videos of when I played at the club and in difficult moments at Chelsea I watch them to increase my morale.’

QPR, West Ham battle for Bhoys star

Victor Wanyama

PAGE 43

ondon rivals Queen’s Park Rangers and West Ham United are set to bid for Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama. The 20-year-old Kenyan international has stunned the Scottish Premier League champions by telling them that he wants to test himself in England’s top-flight after a successful first season at Parkhead. But Celtic will slap a £7million fee on Wanyama, a bargain £900,000 buy from Belgian outfit Beerschot AC last summer, as he still has three years to run on his contract. Now QPR’s Mark Hughes and Hammers boss Sam Allardyce will go to head-to-head to try and lure him to the Capital. Wanyama’s preferred position is central midfield anchor man but he also starred in defence when Celtic boss Neil Lennon used him as a centre back.

nited swoop for Everton starManchester United’s bid to sign Leighton Baines has been boosted by the news Everton have made plans to recruit Republic of Ireland international Stephen Ward. Having snapped up midfielder Shinji Kagawa from Borussia -Dortmund, United -manager Sir Alex Ferguson is now keen to secure a deal for England left-back Baines. Everton are understood to be -demanding £15million for Baines, but United hope to reduce that fee by -offering players for loan as part of the deal. United will be encouraged to find out Everton have already starting looking for -replacements by joining the race to sign Wolves left-back Ward. Like Baines, Ward is in Poland and Ukraine on Euro 2012 duty but the 26-year-old is expected to quit Molineux this summer. The thought of losing Baines is troubling -Goodison Park boss David Moyes. Moyes has discussed extending his contract, which has 12 months to run. But he has asked for assurances that he would not have to cash in on his star players to raise money for recruitments.

Last summer, Everton lost Mikel Arteta in a £10m deal to -Arsenal, and it wasn’t until Moyes was -allowed to recruit Darron -Gibson and Nikica Jelavic, then bring back Steven Piernaar on loan, that the Blues recovered to -finish a respectable seventh.

Leighton

City set to lose over £50m on flops

mmanuel Adebayor, Roque Santa Cruz and Wayne Bridge could cost the Sky Blues dear Manchester City will have to write off more than £50million to get Emmanuel Adebayor, Roque Santa Cruz and Wayne Bridge out of the club. The Premier League champions were ready to sell Adebayor to Tottenham in a cutprice£10million deal and were also hoping to get some cash back on Santa Cruz and Bridge. Adebayor scored 18 goals in 37 games during a year-long loan spell at White Hart Lane and is keen to make his move back to London permanent. The£25m recruit from Arsenal is also looking for a £5m pay-off to compensate for cash he will lose when he is forced to take a cut in his £150,000-a-week wages. Adebayor has two seasons left on the fiveyear deal he signed, worth around £7.5m. So City may be forced to use any fee they earn to pay off the player. Santa Cruz spent last season on loan at Real Betis. They want City to give them the £17.5m striker for free to save paying his £90,000-aweek wages for the final year of his deal.

Emmanuel Adebayor

Bridge, 31, also has a year left on a £90,000a-week deal and City will have to finance any move to offload the left-back, who cost £10m from Chelsea in 2009.

Arsenal set to buy back Nasri as City open offer

anchester City boss Roberto Mancini is reportedly ready to listen to offers for Samir Nasri, opening up the possibility of a return to Arsenal. The France international left the Gunners in a £25million transfer last August and went on to help City win the Premier League title. However, Mancini was not happy with Nasri’s performances and has doubts about his role in the team, reports L’Equipe. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who remains one of Nasri’s biggest fans, but a section of the Gunners support, would not be keen to see the midfielder return after he made a series of unflattering comments about the club. The Etihad Stadium board is reluctant to help strengthen their rivals by selling players to top English clubs, so would prefer Nasri to move overseas. Inter Milan were keen on the midfielder last summer and may renew their interest if they cash-in on Wesley Sneijder. Samir Nasri

PAGE 44

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

ix-time champion of the French Open, Rafael Nadal was at the verge of his seventh Roland Garros conquest when persistent rain forced organisers to suspend the match till today. Defending champion Nadal was leading world number one Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-3 2-6 1-2 when organisers stepped in to order suspension of play because of torrential downpour. The players will resume play today 12:00 BST. Though Djokovic was in the ascendancy at the time of the suspension having won eight games in a row to secure the third set and an early break in the fourth, he however trailed Nadal by 2-1 sets. It means that both would have to wait until today to discover who between them will etch his name in the history books. Nadal, who equalled Bjorn Borg record of six French Open title wins hopes to surpass the record by winning a seventh title at Roland Garros, Djokovic, seeking to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win a fourth straight major. Six unforced errors in the opening three games from the usually faultless Djokovic racquet suggested history

French Open: Rain stops Nadal’s race to victory over Djokovic was weighing heavily on the Serb’s shoulders. There were flashes of wizardry from Nadal as he burst into a 3-0 lead but by the fourth game, just as umbrellas were mushrooming around Philippe Chatrier, the world number one was back on song and soon level at 3-3 thanks to a series of crushing forehand winners. Djokovic’s serve needed fine tuning however - 52% of his first serves were off target during the opening set and a double fault on break point in the seventh game gave Nadal the upper hand, with the Spaniard wrapping up the set in under an hour. A double fault in the opening game of the second set gifted Nadal an early break but, once again, Djokovic fought back, an irretrievable backhand winner followed

Sharapova savours French Open win over Sara Errani

by a deft lob bringing the set back on serve at 2-2. The initiative was soon with Nadal once again as the 26year-old broke either side of a 35-minute rain delay for a two-set lead. Djokovic’s hopes seemed as bleak as the Parisian weather as the Serb faced the daunting task of becoming the first man to overhaul a two-set deficit against Nadal on clay. But the 25-year-old, who had saved four match points in his quarter-final against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, went on to win six games on the trot to clinch the third set. And the Serb’s winning streak continued as he broke in the opening game of the fourth before play was suspended with a rattled Nadal trailing 2-1. The last time the French Open did not finish on a Sunday was back in 1973, when Ilie Nastase’s victory over Niki Pilic ended on the Tuesday.

Maria Sharapova

aria Sharapova says winning the French Open was a bigger achievement than claiming her first Grand Slam at Wimbledon as a 17-year-old in 2004. Sharapova beat Sara Errani in Paris for a first major since careerthreatening shoulder surgery in 2008. “When I won Wimbledon at 17, I thought that would be the most cherished moment of my career,” she said. Sharapova was outside the top 100 after shoulder surgery. She reached the quarters of the French that year but a thrashing by Dominka Cibulkova exposed her limitations on the clay. Sharapova’s win at Roland Garros meant she became the 10th woman to win all four Grand Slams in her career, as she added to her Wimbledon crown, US Open win in 2006 and 2008 Australian Open victory. She has also lifted herself to world number one after dropping to 126 following her shoulder injury. Italian Errani will move into the top 10 in the world rankings following her surprise run to the French Open final, and she believes a mixture of nerves and Sharapova’s big-hitting resulted in her defeat.

Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic

Murray faces Garcia-Lopez, Mahut at Queen’s Club

ndy Murray will face Spain’s Guillermo Garcia-Lopez or Nicolas Mahut of France when he opens his Aegon Championship defence at Queen’s Club. The Scot, who will play on Tuesday or Wednesday, admitted

he needs to work on his fitness before Wimbledon. Britons Jamie Baker and Oliver Golding face each other, Liam Broady plays Gilles Muller, and James Ward takes on Kevin Anderson. Murray’s participation in this

Gay triumphs on his return to action in New York

y e a r’s e v e n t , w h i c h s t a r t s today, had been in question due to a back problem that troubled him at the French Open. But the 25-year-old top seed, who also won the tournament in 2009, has recovered in time

to get his grass court season under way at Queen’s Club. “It’s great to be back on the grass and I’m looking forward to the Aegon Championships,” Murray said. “It’s meant a lot to win the title two out of the last three

x-world champion Tyson Gay competed for the first time in a year as he won the 100m B race in 10.0 seconds at the Diamond League meeting in New York. Gay, the second fastest man ever over 100m with 9.69s, had been out with a hip injury since June 2011. Having run into a headwind of 1.5m/sec, Gay said: “For my first race in a while, that’s not a bad time.” The 24-year-old claimed third place in a time of 1:44.61, which was 0.75s faster than his previous best. There were season-best times for Christine Ohuruogu , who was fourth in 50.69s and Shana Cox , who was seventh in 51.54s, in the women’s 400m. Marilyn Okoro came third in the women’s 800m in 1:59.37, while Jemma Simpson finished sixth with another season-best of 2:00.97. Robbie Grabarz finished second in the men’s high jump on 2.36m, only losing out to winner American Jessie Williams, who jumped the same height, due to one failed attempt at 2.25m. Samson Oni came sixth with a best jump of 2.25m. Lawrence Okoye took fifth spot in the men’s discus with 63.87m. Goldie Sayers came fifth in the women’s javelin with a throw of 59.23m Jamaican Yohan Blake, expected to be one of Usain Bolt’s main rivals at this summer’s Olympics, won the featured 100m race in 9.90 secs, just holding off a strong finish from Trinidad’s Keston Bledman. Tyson Gay

years. To do well here is always the best possible preparation in the lead-up to Wimbledon.” If Murray overcomes GarciaLopez or Mahut, his potential third-round opponents include Broady, Muller and Grigor Dimitrov.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

PAGE 45

PICTORIAL A. Rory McIlroy drops a shot off the pace at the St Jude Classic after firing a twoover 72 in windy conditions in Saturday's third round. B. Lewis Hamilton is expecting a tough time keeping up with rivals Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso in the Canadian GP. C. Timothy Bradley claims the WBO title by ending Manny Pacquiaoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sevenyear unbeaten run in a controversial split decision in Las Vegas.

D. England lose three wickets after Tino Best breaks the Test record for the highest score by a number 11 in West Indies' 426.

E. Goalkeeper Iker Casillas has admitted to nerves ahead of Spain's opening Euro 2012 game against Italy. F. Tyson Gay wins his first competitive race in nearly a year at the Diamond League meeting in New York.

G. Defending champion Rafael Nadal takes on world number one Novak Djokovic in the French Open final.

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

. . . putting the people first

MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2012

SPORTS

LA TEST LATEST Police rescue Obodo

he spokesperson to Delta State police command ASP Charles Mouka last night disclosed that the kidnapped former youth international and Super Eagles midfielder, Christian Obodo, has been rescued by Men of the Nigeria Police in Enevor area of Delta state. According to SaharaReporters Mouka confirmed the positive development over the phone and added that some of the kidnappers were also arrested. The Assistant Superintendent of Police said his men tracked the kidnappers to a forest and in an ensuing battle that lasted for about 1 hour 30 minutes, the gang was overpowered and Obodo was rescued and driven to Warri where Mr. Obodo was kidnapped on Saturday. The kidnappers of the Lecce player had demanded for $170,000 in ransom money shortly after the kidnapping.

UERO 2012: Spain slam 'dry' pitch after Italy draw

pain complained the Gdansk pitch was too dry and slow after the world and European champions were held to a 1-1 draw by Italy in their UEFA Euro 2012 Group C opener yesterday. Against a well-organised Italian side, the Spanish struggled to get their zippy passing game going on a surface that appeared heavy and officials were out mowing the grass immediately after the match. "A pitch that is so dry does not do football or the spectators many favours If the pitch had been a bit quicker it would have been better for both teams and a better match ," Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said after the match. Spain needed a 64thminute Cesc Fabregas equaliser to rescue a point after substitute Antonio Di Natale had fired Italy ahead four minutes earlier. Results Spain 1 Italy 1 Ireland 3 Croatia 1

ADVERT: BUSINESS: NEWS: LAGOS:

0803 0805 0803 0805 0803

QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE The holy passion of friendship is of so sweet and steady and loyal and enduring a nature that it will last through a whole lifetime, if not asked to lend money— Mark Twain

This elusive drawing board Truth exists; only lies are invented — G. Braque, 1882 1963

arely 24 hours after the influential cleric, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, claimed that he had been mandated by the Federal Government to negotiate with the Jamaatu Ahlil Sunnah Lidda’awati Wal Jihad (JASLIWAJ) and that he was already on talking terms with the sect, it released a statement repudiating his claim, and closing the door against any future negotiations with the government. The JASLIWAJ warned the cleric, who has quite possibly the largest following among Muslim clerics in the North, to stay clear of its conflict with the Nigerian state, and not to allow his revered name to be dragged in the mud. The statement confirmed what the Sheikh denied, which is that Dr. Datti Ahmed did initiate some mediation which later collapsed. The blaze of publicity which announced the entry of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi into the tricky waters of relations between JASLIWAJ and the Nigerian government had raised hopes that the crippling confrontations between the insurgent group and the government may abate soon. Perhaps the manner the Sheikh chose to announce his involvement, with a torrent of details and a tinge of doctrinal celebration, should have alerted people knowledgeable in these matters that it was all too good to be true. Certainly, a letter from a state government official and a press conference in which the Sheikh bared all was highly unlikely to build confidence. In fact, the press conference itself was held amidst one of the longest and most bloody confrontations between the JASLIWAJ and security forces in Maiduguri which reportedly claimed lives on both sides. It was held one day before the assassination of a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police in Kano took place, for which the group later claimed responsibility. For good measure, JASLIWAJ says it will continue to attack the “who is who” in the country. Ordinarily, you would say we are back to the drawing board. But is there a drawing board, and if there is one, who is drawing what on it? The federal government has not confirmed that it mandated Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi to negotiate on its behalf; and it is most unlikely to, particularly since

311 689 606 327 454

7458 1765 3308 1969 0344

FIFTEEN MINUTES with Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed drbabaahmed@yahoo.com

Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi

its security spokespersons and ministers keep telling the nation that the back of the JASLIWAJ has been essentially broken, which is why attacks and bombings are becoming less frequent. The statement which denied that the Sheikh has the ear of the JASLIWAJ was concluded in the usual combative language of the sect, with claims of unreported victories over security forces and threats to media organizations which show bias against the group. Now we have two outstanding and respected Muslims who have got their fingers burnt. These are the ones we know. Our traditional rulers are engaged in unending meetings and contacts which they hope will limit the damage of the insurgency, but there are no results to show for these efforts. Only two weeks ago, a powerful northern group of elders demanded that President Jonathan reins in his rampaging security forces, and re-opens negotiations with JASLIWAJ. That visit was the clearest statement they could have made to the effect that northern elders have no solution to this crippling insurgency. Northern governors are limited to mouthing meaningless platitudes and throwing bits and pieces of relief at victims of the conflict because they are themselves prime targets of the insurgency. They spend huge amounts in support of security task forces, but have no

influence over how they operate. Citizens do not look up to governors to protect them either against the insurgency or security forces. They bear the brunt of a conflict without recourse to relief or restitution. What about the Muslim clergy, then? The fundamental basis of the JASLIWAJ dispute with the Nigerian state is doctrinal. The insurgency is preeminently a repudiation of mainstream Muslim doctrines which essentially accept that it is possible to be both a good Muslim and live in a secular nation. Once in a while, these tensions have resulted in uprisings and other forms of conflict. They have, in fact, become a permanent feature in the history of Muslims in the north of Nigeria. These tensions are what produced the Maitatsine and similar uprisings, and they were behind the attempts to expand the scope of Sharia in the North. The deep-seated sectarian divide in the North as well as the weakness of the Muslim clergy in mainstream political activities have precluded a comprehensive approach to understanding the nature of these tensions, and how they should be approached. The JASLIWAJ is the worst case scenario for a weak Muslim leadership. Now you have a movement which has its roots in abuses by a secular State, and a historical tradition which periodically charts a course for Nigerian Muslims. How should the leadership of Nigerian Muslims react to this insurgency, if it can react at all, that is? Does it have the capacity to take on the sect at the doctrinal level, and provide a lead in the manner Nigerian Muslims relate to it? Right now, a relatively small group of young Muslim men and women has taken the centre stage and are putting forward an agenda on behalf of Nigerian Muslims. Even if he can - and the records so far show that he cannot - President Jonathan is not likely to be the best source of resolving

this problem. The response of the Nigerian state will continue to be to meet force with force, and simple, God-fearing Muslims and Christians pay the price. How long will people in the North live like this? On the other hand, if the doctrinal basis of the activities of JASLIWAJ is valid, then it also needs wider support among Muslims, certainly more support than just those who use bullets and bombs. If JASLIWAJ is fighting a war all Nigerian Muslims should identify with, it should not be an armed struggle by a small but highly-motivated group of young men and women. It should be a struggle that should find resonance across the length and breadth of the Muslim Umma, and in a nation where Muslims are the majority, it does not need to involve massive bloodshed. The real tragedy in the JASLIWAJ – government confrontation is that virtually everyone who should raise his voice one way or the other is retreating. The arena has been abandoned to combatants of the insurgency and security forces. Hundreds of innocent Muslims and Christians die, or suffer constant and debilitating damage to their lives and livehood. Security forces behave as if all communities which habour insurgents are the enemy, perhaps encouraged by the assumption that at best they are guilty by association; and worst, active collaborators in a war against them. The only way this type of conflict can end is if one side achieves an outright victory, at an extremely high, but avoidable cost. There is an alternative. It involves the active and voluntary involvement of religious leaders who have respect and clout in the search for answers to questions which the JASLIWAJ is forcing on the Muslim Umma. The lesson to be drawn from the brief incursion of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi into this conflict is that Nigerian Muslims must be more actively involved in engaging both the Nigerian state and the JASLIWAJ. This business of waiting to be assigned a mediatory role before you act is both dangerous and opportunistic. Muslim clergy should close ranks and find the courage to take up the basic doctrinal issues which appear to feed this insurgency. There is a drawing board, but no one is working on it.

Published by Peoples Media Limited, 35, Ajose Adeogun Street, 1st Floor Peace Park Plaza, Utako, Abuja. Lagos Office: No.8 Oliyide Street, off Unity Road, Ikeja, Lagos, Tel: +234-09-8734478. Cell: +234 803 606 3308. e-mail: contact@peoplesdaily-online.com ISSN: 2141– 6141