Peoples Daily Newspaper, Wednesday, July 11, 2012

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

Vol. 8 No. 78

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

FOI: Ex-SSG drags Shema, 4 others to court

. . . putting the people first

S/Court awards 76 oil wells to Akwa Ibom state

>> PAGE 5

Shaaban 21, 1433 AH

No mass transfer of corps members, NYSC insists

>> PAGE 6

N150

Edo guber poll: INEC deploys 8 comms, 10 RECs

>> PAGE 7

>> PAGE 37

Outgoing CJN declares:

Salami saga my biggest regret

By Maryam Garba Hassan

O

utgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Dahiru Musdapher, has described the failure to resolve the issue of the suspension of former

President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami, as something “I regret very much”.

Justice Musdapher for whom a valedictory Supreme Court session has been planned for Friday in Abuja, believes “there was no reason for the matter to

have arisen in the first place.”

Speaking to some editors Monday night at his official residence in Abuja, the retiring CJN said he felt personally hurt because the two protagonists – Salami and then CJN Aloysius Katsina-Alu - were both close to

him.

“I felt very sad about it; I wasn’t happy. The two were classmates of mine and they worked under me at one time or another,” he said. About Salami, in particular, Justice Musdapher described him as a “close family

friend.”

However, what appears to hurt him the most was that the two former colleagues of his misrepresented his role in the whole matter, which had to do with governorship election Contd on Page 2

Bauchi goes broke From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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L-R: An elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, representative of FCT Minister, Hajiya Jamila Tangaza, Niger state Deputy Governor, Hon. Ahmed Musa Ibeto, and Chairman of the occasion, former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, during the book presentation, titled: "The Story of a Humble Life of Tanko Yakasai", yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

ith their total dependence on monthly handouts from the federation’s purse, it was only a matter of time before the bubble bursts in some states. And it did yesterday…in Bauchi State.

In a development that might soon hit other states of the federation, especially those in the North, the Bauchi state government yesterday fell short of declaring itself bankrupt, as it announced a massive cutback on statutory official commitments on grounds of financial incapacity.

A letter by the Secretary to the Bauchi state government, Ahmed Ibrahim Dandija, sent to all state government offices yesterday in Bauchi stated: “The current downturn in the nation’s economy is telling on the state government as a result of dwindling resources at its disposal. This has made it very difficult for the government to meet the competing Contd on Page 2

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 2012

CONTENTS News

2-11

Editorial

12

Op.Ed

13

Letters

14

Opinion

15

Metro

16-17

Business

19-22

S/Exchange

23

S/Report

24

Motoring

26

Property

25

Arts

29

Outgoing CJN declares: Salami saga my biggest regret Contd from Page 1

petitions in Sokoto, Ekiti and Osun states.

According to him, he was in the office of CJN Katsina-Alu “at one time when Salami came in (to discuss) the issue of Sokoto election petition. Quite honestly, I left them at that.”

However, to Justice Musdapher’s dismay, “eventually, Salami said I was there when CJN Katsina-Alu asked him to give evidence (in the Sokoto case) in favour of one party.”

On his own part, Justice Katsina-Alu claimed that Justice Musdapher was his number two man at the time of the face-off between him and Salami over the Sokoto election petition.

“I wasn’t number two at the time”, denied Musdapher. “I was number three; Justice Niki Tobi was number two. I wasn’t even a member of the National Judicial Council (NJC)” that sits on issues such as that involving the conflict between Salami and Katsina-Alu. According to him, when he was asked to testify before a committee of the NJC that was investigating the allegations and counter-allegations by Salami and Katsina-Alu respectively, he felt “very very bad”. But then “in my evidence, I spoke the truth as

I knew it.

“I did say that I wasn’t there when Justice Katsina-Alu (allegedly) asked Justice Salami to give judgement in favour of one party in the Sokoto election case.

How can you do that kind of thing anyway?

“At our level, to enter judgement in favour of one person..., I don’t know. But then, you know...I felt very sad about it. I wasn’t happy,” he stressed.

Asked between the Presidency and the NJC, which of them does not want Salami back in his former position, Musdapher said he was in no position to answer the question because he was not

in the picture right from the beginning. “I was away in Saudi Arabia on vacation; I wasn’t there at all, I can’t explain,” he said.

However, he recalled that when he “became number two to CJN Katsina-Alu who was accused of dabbling into the Sokoto election affair and Salami was accused of doing same in Ekiti and Osun, I wrote to them as the number two man to respond to the accusations. I did so as a matter of responsibility.

“When their responses came to the NJC, it decided to set up a committee, headed by former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Umaru Abdullahi. I decided

not to be part of it”, said Musdapher.

But then he was asked to give evidence because both parties mentioned him in their affidavits.

As it turned out, according to Musdapher, the NJC committee did not find any of the two guilty of any offence but it made no recommendations as to the way forward.

“Quite honestly, Salami wasn’t charged with any offence, but what has happened is that it was the Sokoto case that caused his suspension. That’s why the NJC wants him recalled but it had already written a letter to the President to compulsorily retire Ayo Salami”, he explained.

Fresh attacks in Barkin Ladi, Riyom From Nankpah Bwakan, Jos

U

nknown gunmen yes terday reportedly launched fresh attacks on Tse and Shong villages in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government.

The attack was carried out less than two hours before the state government announced the reviewed of curfew eariler imposed on Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Jos North and Jos south LGA.

Member representing Riyom constituency in the state House of Assembly Hon. Daniel Dem confirmed the attack to newsmen in Jos. According to him, “I can authoritatively confirm to you that as I am talking to you now, the same gunmen from top of the mountain attacked two more villages. The houses Tse and Shong have all been set ablaze and no single house is standing in these villages".

The Special Task Force

(STF) media and information, Captain Salisu Mustapha however said he was not aware of the figure saying that in the last attack, residents of those villages deserted them.

He further disclosed that STF heard that some hoodlums invaded the villages and set houses ablaze but were however making efforts to arrest the hoodlums and bring them to justice in order to serve as a deterrent to others.

Bauchi goes broke Contd from Page 1

Constitution amendment to rid judiciary of corruption, says Tambuwal, Page 37

International 31-34 Strange World 35 Digest

36

Politics

37-40

Sports

41-47

Columnist

48

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

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demands being made on it”.

Consequently, Dandija said, the government has suspended all awards of new contracts, foreign trips for training, including overseas scholarship award, medical treatment/check up or other official matters “except where it’s absolutely necessary with express approval given by Governor Isa Yuguda”.

Letter number GO/SS/OFF/S/ 30/V.ll/943 added: “All unnecessary expenses by ministries, departments and agencies must be stopped.

However where there is a critical and urgent need, the affected ministry must seek and obtain his Excellency’s verbal clearance through the secretary to the state government”.

The directive also suspended all requests for review of salaries and allowances by labour unions and reduced allowances for ad hoc – committees by 50% as well as restriction on fresh employment.

Our correspondent gathered that even the supply of newspapers at the Government House has been stopped for over two weeks because of nonpayment of an outstanding debt of about N25,000.

A source even hinted of dry taps in Government House, Bauchi, dried up to last week Tuesday.

The precarious position of Bauchi state, and indeed others in the North, brings to the fore the

recent call by the Northern State Governors Forum (NSGF) for a review of the national revenue sharing formula.

Currently, the revenue allocation formula is 52.68% for the Federal Government, 26.72% for states and 20.6% for local government areas.

Thirteen per cent is also given to the oil-producing states as derivation.

The 13 per cent derivation was introduced in 1999 as part of measures aimed at redressing the long time grievances of oilproducing states of the Niger Delta.

In February, governors from the 19 northern states called for a review of the revenue allocation formula “to reflect current realities.”

Chairman of the NSGF and Governor of Niger state, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, made the call in Abuja while inaugurating the Advisory Council of Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation.

Aliyu described as unfair, a situation where a state like Niger got between N4.2 billion and N4.5 billion as monthly allocation while some other states received 20 times the amount.

The governor said Niger state spends half of its monthly allocation on payment of salaries and other overheads. This, according to him, leaves the state with barely enough to provide infrastructure and other needs of the people.

Aliyu said he and other governors of the region hoped that the revenue allocation would be reviewed before the end of the year.

Also, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, had in an interview with The Financial Times of London last January, decried what he termed the low allocation to Northern states from the Federation Account.

Sanusi had linked violence in the North, particularly the activities Boko Haram, to the uneven distribution of the country’s wealth. He had said that attempts to redress historic grievances in Nigeria’s oil-rich south might have inadvertently helped create the conditions for the sect’s insurgency.

However, governors from the South-South governors faulted claims by their northern counterparts that the North is being cheated by other parts of the country in the revenue sharing formula.

The six South-South governors, at their first ordinary session of the BRACED Commission Governors’ Council for 2012 hosted by the Cross River State Government in Calabar said the clamour for the alteration of derivation and revenue sharing formula by the North “was unfortunate and misplaced”.

In a communiqué read by Governor Liyel Imoke at the end of the meeting, the governors regretted the attempt by their

colleagues in the North to link the increasing insecurity in parts of the country to the issue of 13 per cent derivation.

They also questioned “the rationale of not exploiting other mineral deposits in different parts of the country while depleting the oil and gas reserves of the SouthSouth.”

Critics have also accused the northern governors of unbridled profligacy in the way they spend their ‘paltry’ federation allocations.

Yuguda in particular was accused of “extensive and meaningless overseas travels at the expense of state matters.”

Opposition parties accused him of abandoning the state due to his frequent travels since his inauguration for a second term on May 29. They believed that the development had translated to less democratic dividends for the people of the state under his leadership.

But reacting to the accusations, Yuguda said it was not necessary that the citizens of the state must see his face before he works for the development of the state.

“With or without my face, I will do my job, which I am doing.

The world is a global village and one does not need to be in a particular place to be effective. I can govern the state well from anywhere,” he said.

The northern governors have also been accused of being uncreative in generating more revenues for their states internally.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

Again, Omisore denies involvement in Bola Ige’s murder FG redeploys From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

F

ormer Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Iyiola Omisore, yesterday, exonerated himself from the murder of former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Bola Ige saying that people

who are accusing him should look elsewhere.

It would be recalled that, Chief Ige was killed by yet to be identified gunmen on December 23, 2001 at his Bodija residence, Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

According to him, there is a lie that has gone on for too long

about the death of Bola Ige, in spite of the court judgment on the issue.

Omisore who was guest speaker at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria monthly lecture with the theme: “Dividends of Democracy: Are Nigerians Being Short-Changed”,

in Ibadan said how the former Attorney-General died could not continue to be a matter of insinuations, innuendos and conjectures where facts are available saying that the facts had been scrutinised by appropriate and competent bodies and conclusions had been made.

L-R: President Goodluck Jonathan, Chairman, Presidential Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Ambassador Hamzat Ahmadu, and Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, during the presentation of the council's report to the President, yesterday at the State House in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

5 Perm Secs

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan has approved the redeployment of five Federal Permanent Secretaries who have been given till July 18th to conclude all handing and taking over formalities.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Isa Sali, made the announcement yesterday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Those affected are Mrs. Ibukun A. Odusote moved from Environment to Culture, Tourism and National Orientation; Mr. Taye Haruna moved from Police Service Commission to Environment; and Mr. Linus Awute from Interior to Mines and Steel Development.

Others are Mrs. A. M. DanielNwaobia from Culture, Tourism & National Orientation to Interior; Mr. Ossi George Afamefuna from Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (Special Duties) to Women Affairs; and Dr. Henry E.M. Akpan who was newly appointed last week Wednesday is now the new Permanent Secretary Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (Special Duties).

2 PHCN workers electrocuted in Kano From Bala Nasir, Kano

T Jonathan receives Belgore’s

report on Constitution review ... FG may establish independent local govt system

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan has promised to work towards speedy and fairer administration of justice as well as creation of an independent local government administration as recommended by the Justice Alfa Belgore led committee on the review of Outstanding Issues from the Recent Constitutional Conferences.

Speaking while receiving the report of the committee at the State House, Abuja, yesterday, the President said the presentation of the report signaled a “defining moment in our quest for the consolidation and entrenchment of democratic ideals in our nation’s political and governance processes. It is the duty of government to focus and mediate the different perspectives to our shared vision and forge national consensus and cohesion”.

Commenting on the key recommendations made by the committee, which he said were unanimous, the President said “I also understand that you have worked hard to develop provisions for speedy and fairer administration of justice.

“I am one with you on these issues, as I believe that fundamental rights, security of life and property, the protection of the law, and equitable dispensation of justice

Court dismisses suit challenging take-over of Afribank, Spring Bank, Bank PHB From Francis Iwuchukwu, Lagos

J

ustice Charles Archibong of a Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a suit filed by some aggrieved shareholders of Afribank, Spring Bank and Bank PHB, challenging the forceful take-over of their banks by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

The judge dismissed the suit in the face of a motion asking him to disqualify himself from the matter on the basis of an alleged bias.

The shareholders – Boniface Okezie, Adeyemi Kehinde, Adebowale Bolanle and Cole Alexander had filed the suit on behalf of themselves and all the shareholders of the three defunct banks to challenge the action of CBN and AMCON in purporting to transfer the assets, businesses and operations of their

banks to Mainstreet, Keystone and Enterprise banks respectively.

Other defendants in the matter included Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iwaela.

But the shareholders had petitioned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, asking him to investigate the conduct of Justice Archibong in the matter.

Meanwhile, Justice Archibong has dismissed the shareholders’ suit despite the petition, and another motion asking him to disqualify himself from continuing with the matter. The judge hinged his decision on the grounds that the suit was unsustainable in accordance with Section 53 of Banks and other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA).

must be made real as they greatly influence the average citizen’s sense of obligation and patriotic disposition towards the nation”.

The President added that he was delighted about the need for local government administration to be independent, saying “the greatest asset of our democracy was the commitment of people at the grassroots to the ideals of transparency, accountability and good governance.

ragedy struck yesterday in Kano when two staff of the power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) got electrocuted when they were carrying out some repairs on a high tension line at Yankaba Quarters along Hadejia Road around 6 pm.

An eyewitness told our correspondent that the victims were up on the pole when power was suddenly restored on the line.

He alleged that this action caused the electrocution and they fell down from the pole as a result of which one of them died instantly while the other was rushed to hospital unconsciously.

PHCN spokesman in Kano, Muktar Baffa, confirmed the incident and added that management of the company is investigating the matter and if the problem is caused as a result of negligence, the culprits will be punished accordingly.

Nigeria set to miss ‘Education for All’ by 2015, says minister

By Maryam Garba Hassan

T

he Minister of Education, Prof.

Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, has said that Nigeria is one of those countries that are at risk of being unable to meet the Education For All (EFA) goal of halving illiteracy by 2015 unless urgent and augmented action is taken.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of E-9 workshop on enhancing public private partnership for literacy in the country, Prof. Rufa’i said the Literacy Survey of 2011 by the National Bureau of Statistics, estimates that 40 million adult Nigerians are illiterate with only 500,000 presently enrolled in adult literacy classes.

She said Nigeria is the current Chair of the E-9 Forum, a group of nine most populous countries of the world with the highest rates of illiteracy.

“These realities and other current national and international statistics on illiteracy rates in Nigeria as provided in the Global EFA Monitoring Reports of 2011, have near alarming implications and call for urgent action by stakeholders”.

The minister added that the present administration has demonstrated commitment to increasing access to quality education through series of initiatives including the recent integration of Qur’anic Education into the formal system, yet it is unable to meet the full cost of education like other nations.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

Jang relaxes curfew in 4 LGs …These killings must stop, says Aregbesola From Nankpah Bwakan, Jos & Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

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overnor Jonah Jang of Plateau state yesterday announced the reviewal of the curfew earlier imposed on Jos North, Jos South, Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas (LGAs) following Sunday's attack on Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs. It would be recalled that Senator Gyang Dantong and majority leader of the state House of Assembly Hon. Gyang Fulani were consumed in the attack.

The state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Yiljap Abraham, in a

statement said “following a review of the security situation in the State by the Plateau State Security Council, the Governor, Dr. Jonah Jang has reviewed the curfew earlier imposed in the four LGAs of the state”. According to him, the curfew would now run from 7pm 6am with effect from today, July 10, 2012.

The curfew had spanned between 12 noon and 5pm since the weekend attacks.

Meanwhile Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State yesterday reiterated his call for an urgent end to the wanton killings in the country as he described the death of a senator and a member of the

House of Assembly in Plateau State as “another horrendous dimension to the growing insecurity in the country.”

Specifically, Governor Aregbesola expressed regrets at the massacre of scores of people last Sunday in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau state and the subsequent death of Senator representing Plateau North, Dr. Gyan Dantong and the Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Hon. James Gyan Fulani.

The governor, in a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, called for

an urgent halt to what he described as “mindless destruction of lives and properties.”

The statement noted, “The death of the lawmakers is another sad pointer to us that we have reached the precipice and unless we beat a hasty retreat, we may all be doomed.

“The dastardly murder of scores of people in the first place, remains a sad reminder of how beastly we have turned in our handling of conflicts. And more horrendous was the death of the lawmakers that took place again in the course of the mass burial for the victims of the heinous raid”, he said.

Nigeria insists on Jean Ping for AU Chair

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

T

he Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olugbenga Ashiru has restated Nigeria’s resolve to ensure that Dr. Jean Ping retains his position as the African Union Chairperson.

The election is billed to hold next week during the 19th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Dr. Ping of Gabon is contesting the position of the AU Chairperson with South Africa’s Nkosazana Dlamini- Zuma.

The last election into the position ended in a stalemate as Ping could not get the required 31 votes to emerge winner.

Ashiru told State House correspondents yesterday that the country’s resolve to back Ping was in line with the position of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). “ Nigeria will be there and you know Nigeria is the natural leader of that sub-region," Ashiru noted.

According to him, Nigeria will be presenting a candidate for the position of AU commissionership.

Court warns INEC over moves to deregister political parties From Francis Iwuchukwu, Lagos

A

Bauchi state Governor, Malam Isa Yuguda (left), answering questions from a journalist on the influx of refugees from neighbouring states to Bauchi as a result of crisis, after meeting Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, yesterday at the State House in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Ndume: Court warns FG against delayed proceedings

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

J

ustice Gabriel Kolawale of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday advised the federal government to release Senator Aliyu Ndume if it is not ready to go on with prosecution.

The judge gave the advice when a counsel from the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, A. Idaba, asked for adjournment of the case on the ground that the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mrs.

Olufunmilayo Fatunde who has been handling the matter is personally interested in the case.

Idaba paryed the court for an adjournment of the matter to enable Mrs. Fatunde prosecute the case herself.

Fatunde, through Idaba, sent a letter to the court, asking for an adjournment to enable her appear personally.

In his objection to the letter, counsel to the accused person, Mr. Rickey Tarfa (SAN), told the court that the application for the

leave of court is just a subsidiary one and urged the court to deny the application for adjournment.

In his ruling on the application for adjournment, Justice Gabriel Kolawale, expressed dissatisfaction with the way the AGF is prosecuting the case.

According to the trial judge, the nature of indictment for which the accused person is standing trial is of public interest and should be determined expeditiously.

After advising the

government to release the accused persons if it has no credible evidence against him, the trial judge, Justice Kolawole, reluctantly granted the application for adjournment and directed the prosecution counsel to file all the necessary process and serve the defence counsel.

Further trial has been adjourned to July 16, October 24, 31 and November 1, 2012.

Federal government had put Ndume on trial, for alleged link with the Boko Haram sect.

Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, presided over by Justice Okon Abang, yesterday, warned the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), over alleged plans to deregister some political parties before a suit challenging the legality of such action is determined.

The judge gave the warning in a suit filed by the National Conscience Party and a member of the party, Mr. Agunbiade Tunde.

The court said it would nullify any action taken by the electoral body contravening the prayers of the plaintiffs in an application seeking an injunction against the electoral body.

The plaintiffs had through their lawyer, Mr. Marcus Eyarhono, filed the suit challenging the powers of INEC to deregister any political party.

They subsequently filed an application dated July 3, 2012, seeking an injunction to restrain INEC from deregistering any party while the suit was pending.

However, the judge refused Eyarhono’s request for the application to be heard yesterday.

Insecurity affecting Nigeria's image abroad – Anyaoku

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

T

he Presidential Advisory Council on Foreign Relations has expressed worry over the spate of terrorist attacks in the country which it said, is affecting Nigeria’s standing in the comity of nations.

The committee therefore advised government to intensify

efforts to restore law and order in every part of the country.

Former secretary-general of Commonwealth of Nations, Chief Emeka Anyaoku who is the chairman of the council, made this known yesterday after presenting two books on the country’s foreign policy to President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House, Abuja.

The books are a ‘Compendium on Nigerian Foreign Policy’ and Review of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy.

It would be recalled that the Honorary International Investors Council (HIIC) led by Baroness Lynda Chalker last week noted that terrorism was affecting the flow of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) into Nigeria.

“The extent of the insecurity at home it is a drawback to our foreign policy. But, I believe that the President and Governors are determined to address the issue and my hope is that in due course their efforts will succeed,” Chief Anyaoku told State House correspondents.

President Jonathan therefore, thanked the chairman and

members of “this very noble committee for the work they have been doing over the period.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olugbenga Ashiru, said the focus was now on security in the subregion and the unity of the AU, adding that the foreign policy is now being channeled towards the attraction of foreign investments into the country.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

Nasarawa launches kerodirect scheme From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia overnor Umaru Tanko Almakura of Nasarawa state yesterday launched the NNPC/Capital Oil and Gas KeroDirect scheme in Lafia, the state capital, a Federal Government initiative aimed at selling kerosene directly to the end users in communities across the federation at government approved rate of N50 per litre.

In a speech he delivered at the occasion, Al-makura thanked the Federal Government for including Nasarawa state in the lists of beneficiaries of the scheme, while also appreciating the humane gesture of the NNPC and Capital Oil, which according to him, “will have positive impact on the lives of the common man, particularly at the grass root.”

He said the gesture will go a long way in not only alleviating the suffering of the people, occasioned by the scarcity and rising cost of kerosene, but also help in curtailing the felling of trees used as fire wood, which has resulted in deforestation and environmental degradation.

In a goodwill message, Dr. Ifaenyi Patrick Uba, managing director, Capital Oil and Gas, praised the Nasarawa state government for keying into the kero-direct scheme, saying the programme is meant to alleviate the suffering of the people.

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FOI: Ex-SSG drags Shema, 4 others to court From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

F

ormer Secretary to Katsina state government, Alhaji Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa has sued the Katsina state governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Shehu Shema and four others to court for allegedly violating the provision of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.

Others to appear before the High Court 4 sitting in Katsina include the commissioners of Finance, Works and Housing, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the state AttorneyGeneral.

The applicant stated that his request for information on certain issues was “in pursuance to section 2 (1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2011 which provides that...

The right of any person to Access or request information...which is in custody or possession of any public official, agency, or institution howsoever described is hereby established”.

The applicant similarly stressed that in accordance with section 2 (2) of the Act, he needs to know the banks and account numbers where the Katsina state local government allocations from the Federation Account are being deposited.

The presiding judge, Justice Sanusi Tukur adjourned the sitting till after the court’s vacation and said a date for continued hearing on the case would be communicated to the parties.

From Agaju Madugba, Kaduna

T

here was massive security beef up yesterday in various parts of Kaduna metropolis following what a police source described as “fresh challenges.”

The source who pleaded anonymity declined to give details but hinted that the renewed efforts by security personnel, comprising soldiers and policemen, may not be unconnected with what the source simply called “alerts,” insisting that no amount of

Reps summon NNPC over $329.4m inflated insurance premium

PAGE 5

Kaduna groans under tight security …as Yakowa condoles with Plateau state govt security should be considered too stressful to safeguard the lives and property of citizens.

Unlike in the past few days where security checks at some of the road blocks were merely perfunctory, motorists were taken aback yesterday when they were asked to open their bonnets and booths for scrutiny, a development that resulted in traffic hold up at some of the

major roads in the metropolis.

Commercial motorcyclists and their passengers were the worst hit as they were forced to roll their motorcycles for long distances with the passengers walking behind on foot.

Meanwhile, Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa has condoled with the government and people of Plateau state over the recent killings in parts of

that state.

A press statement by Yakowa’s Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Reuben Buhari, also described the death of Senator Gyang Daylop Dantong, representing Plateau North and Hon. Gyang Fulani, Majority Leader of the Plateau State House of Assembly, and several others, as unnecessary and worrisome.

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he House of Representatives yesterday summoned the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for allegedly inflating the corporation’s insurance premiums paid some insurance companies by $329.4 million.

The House Committee on Finance chaired by Rep Abdumumuni Jubrin which issued the summons during the second day of its public hearing on the insurance of government assets and property, disclosed that the local insurance companies managing NNPC portfolio inflated the account to the tune of over $317.4 million and failed to pay insurance claims worth $12 million due to the corporation between 2007 to 2011.

Official documents released from the office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF) also showed the payment of N7,130,941,041.56 death claims between 2008 and 2011, depicting increase in death rate in the federal civil service.

The sum of N12,582,293,787.55 premium was also paid to 19 appointed insurance companies (underwriters) in 2011 for Group life Assurance scheme for all the federal civil servants across the country.

From the N5 billion take-off grant released by Federal Government for Group Life Assurance for its employees in 2008, the sum of N4 billion was paid to the insurance companies while N1 billion was spent on payment of backlog death claims to 742 demised civil servants.

The HOCSF also paid N1,675,976,061.27 backlog death claims for dependants of 722 officers in 2010; N1.9 billion backlog death claims paid in 2011 while N3,600,973,485.71 death claims have been processed and awaiting payment.

L-R: Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, presenting a copy of the Fifth Alteration Bill 2012 to Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, during the former visit to the National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Asset declaration: Jonathan refers SERAP to CCB From Francis Iwuchukwu, Lagos

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resident Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, directed SocioEconomic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), to seek information about his assets declaration from the Code of Conduct Bureau since the bureau “has the powers and responsibility for addressing the issues.

This followed a request by the group made under the Freedom of Information Act asking President Jonathan to, “provide information on your assets declaration details between May 2007 and May 2012, and to publish widely the information on a dedicated website.”

However, in a letter with

reference number SH/SHC/9/ Vol.6/128, dated 5 July 2012 and signed by Jalal A. Arabi, State House Counsel on behalf of the Chief of Staff to the President, the Presidency said: I am to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 26 June 2012 in which you request Mr. President to urgently provide information on his assets declaration details between May 2007 and May 2012, hinging your request on the provisions of both the 1999 Constitution as amended, and the Freedom of Information Act, 2011...”

Responding, the group’s Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni said, “Firstly, we welcome the response by Mr President as a very positive

development for government’s accountability in this country because it is rare to see this kind of dialogue between the Presidency and civil society.

It would be recalled that SERAP had earlier sent a request to both the president and the Code of Conduct Bureau, arguing that “The disclosure of the information requested will give SERAP and the general public a true picture of the assets of the president from May 2007 to May 2012, and will demonstrate the president’s oftexpressed commitment to transparency and accountability and show that the signing of the FOI was not just a public relation exercise but a public duty done in good faith.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

Kebbi urges FG to promote agric produce From Ahmed Idris, Brinin Kebbi

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overnor Usman Saidu Dakingari of Kebbi state has made a passionate appeal to the Federal Government to promote onion and rice production in the state.

Making the appeal yesterday at the flag-off ceremony of the 2012 Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (e-Wallet Voucher System] in Kebbi state at Kalgo local government area the governor said Kebbi state

is blessed in the agriculture sector and thus the federal government should assist the state in promoting onion and rice production.

"We have the comparative advantage in terms of rice and onion which is going to boost the economy and increase revenue generation for the state'', he said adding that the flag-off of the fertiliser and seeds sale and distribution under the GES scheme in the new Agriculture Transformation Agenda had given premium to the small

scale farmers who produce the bulk of food in the country.

“I have been made to understand that only 76,579 farmers in my state have been captured in your registration exercise'' he told the Minister of state for Agriculture Dr. BukharTijjani at the occasion.

In his speech the minister commended the effort the Kebbi state government in promoting agriculture and pledged the Federal Government's assistance to the state in promoting farmers’ data base.

contractor would handle the Zuru axis while South African and Russian contractors would take the Yauri area.

He explained that with this new development, Kebbi will be rated high among the solid mineral producing states in the country.

Dakingari said that his administration would promote

agriculture and reduce the suffering of the farmers while assuring the people of the state that revenue from removed fuel subsidies, would be invested in agriculture.

"This programme has the capacity of transforming the small scale farmers from subsistence to commercial level'', he said.

...to commence gold mining soon

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overnor Usman Saidu Dakingari has announced plans in Kebbi state to start gold mining in Zuru and Yauri local government areas of the state.

He gave this assurance while flagging-off this year’s Growth Enhancement Support Scheme held at Kalgo local government of the state adding that a Chinese

L-R: Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, Corps Marshal/Chief Executive Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Osita Chidoka, National President, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Chief Abubakar Sadiq, and Chairman, House Committee on Road Safety, Hon. Nasiru Sani Zangon Daura, during the official launch of FRSC Toll-Free Emergency Number 122, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Good procurement practices will curb corruption, says DG From Iliya Garba, Minna

T

he Director General of Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Engr.

Emeka Ezeh, has said corruption will only be stamped out from the system through the good use of procurement practices.

He made this known yesterday at the forth sensitisation workshop on Public Procurement Act to stakeholders in the North - Central Zone held at Hydro Hotels Ltd, Minna, Niger state.

NDLEA lauds Supreme Court judgement on drug baron’s conviction From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

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he Supreme Court of Nigeria yesterday got commendation from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), for convicting a drug baron – John Timothy, who took his appeal to the apex court having been dissatisfied with the judgment of a lower court.

Timothy had taken his appeal to the Supreme Court having failed to upturn his four-year sentence by the Federal High Court in 2005 at the Court of Appeal.

In the same vein, the anti-drug agency told journalists it has also won 743 drug related cases between January and May this year while others are at various stages of prosecution.

The agency disclosed that it has many cases are at various stages of prosecution in the country.

NDLEA Chairman, Ahmadu Giade, said “the Supreme Court judgment is laudable. Let me warn that the Federal Government will enforce the laws of the land against drug culprits. No infringement shall go unpunished.”

According to the agency, Kano and Kebbi states have the highest number of convicts within the period with 79 each while states where it won a larger percentage of the cases include Adamawa with 59 convictions, Plateau 56, with Osun and the Federal Capital Territory recording 46 and 39 respectively.

Others include Lagos with 34, Niger 29, Cross River and Jigawa both recorded 27 convictions with Gombe, Oyo, Kaduna and Akwa lbom recording over 70 convictions.

Be honest or leave, new Zamfara chairman warns staff From Salisu Zakari Maradun, Gusau

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olitical office holders in Bakura local government area of Zamfara state have been sternly warned by the new chairman of the council, to distance themselves from dishonesty and insincerity.

He also urged them to work relentlessly for the benefit of the people who elected them into various

offices so that the confidence reposed on them could be justified.

The newly sworn-in chairman of the local government, Alhaji Bello Dan Gamji gave the warning, shortly after the swearing-in of his councilors in the area.

Dan Gamji explained that the era of deception and embezzlement of public funds has gone, adding that anyone who tried to test the will of the

local government, would be taught an unforgettable lesson.

According to the chairman, local government councils we re no longer places for embezzling public funds and "therefore we must make sure that we serve our people better".

Dan Gamji also disclosed that political officeholders anywhere, should not forget that they were elected by the people who rely on them and therefore, should not be betrayed.

He stated that his administration will not tolerate unnecessary spending, but however, explained that only genuine and legitimate cases would be treated. Said he, "my coming to the secretariat of the local government as the chief security officer is nothing other than to make sure that I and the rest of the stakeholders of the council join hands to collectively move it forward developmentally.”

He said the essence of the gathering was to explain to contractors, public servants, consultants, politicians, civil society, non-governmental organisations, professional associations and the general public, the provision of the Act. "It provides an opportunity for interaction with the stakeholders from this zone on how they can take maximum advantage of the law to compete effectively in national procurements".

Engr. Ezeh said that the process of implementing the Public Procurement Act requires the dutiful commitment of all stakeholders who are key entities in the procurement chain and pivotal roles on individual basis.

"The BPP hopes to take Nigeria to a level where best practices in Public Procurement are implemented in the overall interest of national development.

National Development would come if corruption, which mainly takes place through shoddy procurement practices, is eliminated".

Kwankwaso urges parents to invest in education From Edwin Olofu, Kano

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overnor Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso of Kano state has called on parents to invest in the education of their children in building a good foundation for them.

Kwankwaso made the call during the opening ceremony of the second Quranic recitation competition organised by Senator Basheer Garba Lado representing Kano Central senatorial zone.

The governor who was represented by state chairman of PDP Elders committee, Alhaji Datti Wudilawa, noted that education is one of the lasting legacies parents could leave for their children.

He commended the legislator for organising the competition and called on other wealthy Muslims to emulate him.

He also charged parents to ensure good moral upbringing of their children, so as to curb societal menace and bring development to the society.

In his remarks, chairman of the Quaranic recitation committee, Alhaji Salati Indabawa said a total of 145 students from various Islamiyya schools across the 16 local government areas in the senatorial zone were screened for the exercise.

He cautioned the participants to exhibit good moral conduct during and after the programme.

Meanwhile, Senator Lado commended the Kano Emirate Council for the support and cooperation it has been given to the organisers of the competition.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

PAGE 7

Islamic group sues for peace

By Muhammad Sada

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igerians have been charged on the need to embrace peace and dialogue in resolving thorny issues in the polity.

Chairman, Joint Islamic First Aid Organization, Alhaji Safiyanu Usman, made the call at the inauguration of the group’s new leadership at the National Mosque, Abuja.

The organisation urged citizens being used to cause mayhem in the country to embrace peace and opt for dialogue to resolve their grievance, especially in the spirit of the approaching holy month of Ramadan.

It also charged the government to keep its promises to the people and ensure the wellbeing of all citizens irrespective of their status.

Posers as student dies after caning in Zamfara From Salisu Zakari Maradun, Gusau

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passionate appeal has been made to the Zamfara state government to investigate how a 13-year-old, JSS 1 student, Salim Mohammed, died after being allegedly caned by a teacher for failing to turn in his homework.

According to his parents, Mohammed died last Sunday in the course of an illness which struck him after he was allegedly caned in school two weeks ago.

Investigation conducted by our reporter in at the Junior Secondary School, Kwatarkwashi, revealed that the deceased received the punishment alongside his classmates who also failed to do their assignment.

Father of the deceased, Malam Muhammadu Kwarkwashi, explained that his son was hale and hearty before he was caned in school.

Malam Muhammadu said: “When Salim started to behave out of character, we asked him what he was up to because at that time he stopped going to school, choosing to hide away from home. We asked him why he had not been going to school and he said he could not go to school because he was not well after a teacher beat him. A few days later, Salim started vomiting blood, and whatever he ate will not stay in his stomach. He then died on Sunday” At the school, the Principal, Alhaji Sa’idu Sani Gusau, told Peoples Daily that the boy, along with some of his classmates who did not do the assignment given to them, were given three strokes of the cane each as punishment.

Malam Gusau said: “Actually I was not in the office when it happened but I was briefed after I came back”.

People queue to buy kerosene during the inauguration of NNPC/Capital Oil Kero-Direct Scheme, yesterday in Lafia.

Photo: NAN

2013 budget will be ready in September – FG

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

A

iming at a clear departure from the past, the Federal Government yesterday said plans were under way to prepare and present next year’s budget to the National Assembly in September.

In preparing the 2013 Appropriation Bill, the government has also pledged to be transparent, even as it urged Nigerians to make inputs into the proposed budget.

Director General (DG), Budget Office of the Federation, Bright Okogwu, disclosed this yesterday in Abuja at a

. . . Seeks citizens’ inputs

consultative forum on the 2013 budget, which was attended by private sector operators and civil society organisations.

Okogwu said: “We intend to present the budget to the National Assembly by September which is going to be a feat by recent standards. We are therefore encouraging Nigerians to take advantage of this kind of forum to ask questions and suggest solutions to identified challenges.”

However, Okogwu also decried the habit of government

agencies in demanding for more funds each New Year, stating that the budget implementation rate of most of them was questionable.

He hinted that some agencies would not get any capital allocation in the new budget “since their duties do not make it necessary for them to execute projects.”

Okogwu, who said the 2012 budget implementation thus far had been more successful than previous ones, added that government planned to make

more Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) through the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigeria Customs Service.

Also at the event, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, said government was committed to further reducing its debt burden by borrowing less than it did in 2012 to finance the 2013 budget.

She added that the Federal Government would also work hard to stem revenue losses by tackling oil theft and other economic crimes.

FG has failed us, says Plateau Assembly From Nankpah Bwakan, Jos

T

he Plateau state House of Assembly yesterday declared that the Federal Government has failed the state for its inability to protect the people from militia attacks, having taken over the security of the state since 2010.

The unanimous decision was reached by the 23 members of the House who attended yesterday’s emergency session dressed in black.

The lawmakers observed a minute’s silence in honour of late Senator Gyang Dantong and the House Majority Leader, Hon. Gyang Fulani, who died in the attack launched on a mass burial ceremony on Sunday in Maresh, Barkin Ladi local government.

Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Johnbull Shekarau, who presided over the sitting, said it was more painful because the deaths occurred at the time the deceased went to bury members of their constituency killed in an earlier attack.

Shekarau said: “More worrisome to us is the fact that

one of the three senators representing the state in the National Assembly also died in the same attack. The pain is too heavy to bear, this is more than a tragedy, it is a calamity of immense magnitude and I believe the best honour we can do for our slain legislators is to come here, put our heads together to review the state of insecurity Plateau state.”

Hon Istifanus Muansat (Pankshin South constituency) said: “I fear for Plateau state, I fear for Nigeria, I fear that we

are going the way of Republic of Mali where rebels have taken parts of the country. It is high time the Nigeria police and Army confess that they are incapable of securing Nigerians.

On his part, member representing Kanke constituency, Hon. Timothy Golu, said they were finding it increasingly difficult to console the people, stressing that “the people are running out of patience as the innocent are getting killed every day.”

According to Golu, the Federal Government has failed the state in its responsibility of providing security since taking over that function in Plateau.

Hon Zaina Dogo (Qua’an Pan North constituency) urged the National Assembly to summon President Goodluck Jonathan to appear before it to tell Nigerians and the world why he had failed to protect the citizenry of “because the situation is becoming unbearable.”

No mass transfer of corps members, NYSC insists

D

irector General (DG), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen Nnamdi Okore-Affia, has said that corps members were not targets of attacks in troubled spots across the country, hence they should feel free to serve wherever they were posted.

Consequently, Okore-Affia stated that the NYSC would not transfer corps members en masse from the Northern part of the country.

Okore-Affia stated this in Gombe while speaking with

newsmen after inspecting activities at the Gombe state NYSC orientation camp in Mallam Sidi, Kwami local government area of the state.

His words: “We will only consider cases of redeployment based on merit and follow NYSC standard rules for deployment.

“I do not believe that the attacks are targetted at corps members.

Therefore, corps members should avail themselves with the hospitable nature of their hosts and enjoy their service year.

“There are corps members

who are equally serving in other part of the countries facing security challenges. We cannot lose sight of the fact that corps members serving in the SouthSouth, South-East are facing abduction or kidnapping challenges.

However, the NYSC DG said the federal and state governments were doing everything humanly possible to ensure the safety of corps members throughout their mandatory one-year assignment.

PAGE 8

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

L-R: Senior Special Adviser to Kwara governor on Communication and Strategy, Mr Raheem Adedoyin, Speaker, Kwara House of Assembly, Hon. Razak Atunwa, and the state governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, being received on arrival by Mrs Silifat Olanrewaju, yesterday at the venue of Kwara state association of Nigeria, North America’s 6th national convention, in Washington DC United States of America. Photo: NAN.

L-R: Commissioner for Finance and Management Services, Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Mr. Patrick Umeh, Chairman of NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi, and Chairman, Petroleum Subsidy Task Force, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, during NERC interactive forum with stakeholders, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

L-R: National Vice-President, federation of Ahlus-Sunnah Organisations of Nigeria (FOSON), Sheikh Olanrewaju Adepoju, Secretary General of Muslim Ummah of South West (MUSWEN), Professor Daud Noibi, and Amir Sunak, Ijebu Ode, Sheikh Abdurazak Oloruntosin, during a press briefing by FOSON on peaceful co-existence among all religions, yesterday in Ibadan.

Photo: NAN

L-R: Sokoto state Commissioner for Information, Malam Danladi Bako, the state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Shagari, Cross River state Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, Sokoto state Governor, Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Speaker, Sokoto House of Assembly, Hon. Lawali Zayyana, and Alhaji Attahiru Galadiman Gari, during the commissioning of Boding a-Bakale road by Governor Imoke, yesterday in Sokoto.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

Unity schools have enough funds, says committee

By Maryam Garba Hassan

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eports on needs assessment of the Federal Government Colleges in the country has indicated that the funds allocated to the 104 schools by the Federal Government can manage the facilities effectively if properly utilized, even as it admitted that more fund is needed for the schools to function better.

This was revealed yesterday in Abuja by the committee chairmen of the six geopolitical zones in the country, during the formal presentation of the reports and recommendations made by the committee.

It would be recalled that the Federal Government inaugurated the committee on June, 1, 2012 with the aim of assessing unity schools in the nation and to address the various challenges facing them.

According to the report of each of the committees, major challenges facing the unity schools in the country, include lack of equipped laboratories, dilapidated structures, lack of

fence around some of the schools, overcrowded hostels and overpopulated classrooms.

Other problems revealed by the committees’ report also includes lack of qualified teachers, under staffing, abandoned projects, teachers working for 10 years without regularization, promoted teachers not properly placed and paid their salaries for months.

The committee however, recommended that the ministry should have participatory interest in the funds given to the schools and monitor how they are been managed and arrears of those teachers promoted be calculated and paid.

The committee further r e c o m m e n d e d that government should organize capacity building workshops and training for teachers as well as reward deserving teachers to boost their morale.

The report from North West zone however, revealed that, schools managed by female principals are better compared to those managed by male principals.

Lagos Assembly condemns misuse of roads, walkways From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

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he Lagos State House of Assembly has expressed disgust over the misuse of roads as refuse dumps, mechanic workshops, trading spots and dumping grounds for abandoned vehicles by residents and artisans in the state.

Member representing Shomolu 1 Constituency, Rotimi

Olowo who moved the motion on the floor of the House during plenary session, noted that the act contribute immensely to the untidiness of the environments as well as increasing the cost of maintenance of the roads in the state.

He also expressed concern that dumping of refuse, abandoning of vehicles, use of walkways as

trading spots and spillage of chemical products such as grease or lubricants, were part of the factors causing damage to the roads, thereby stunting flow of traffic in the state.

Lending his voice to the matter, member representing Mushin Constituency 1, Adefunmilayo Tejuoso recommended that officials of Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) in the state, should be mandated to visit the affected areas and arrest those misusing the roads.

She also stated that KAI should evict the residents and artisans from the roads.

Borno farmers to get 90,000 bundles of cassava stems, says FG

By Mohammed Kandi

M

inister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Bukar Tijani, has said the Federal Government will give cassava farmers in Borno state 90,000 bundles of cyanide-free cassava stems for planting on 150 hectres of farmland this year.

Tijani stated this yesterday while receiving the executives of the Borno State Cassava Farmers Cooperative Union during a courtesy call on him in Abuja.

He said the gesture was to

assist them in boosting cassava production in the state and contribute to Nigeria's food security.

A statement issued by the ministry's Director of Information, Salisu Na'inna Dambatta, said "the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development would link the Cassava Farmers Cooperative Union to the Bank of Agriculture and the Bank of Industry for credit facilities, and the acquisition of small-scale cassava processing plants, respectively," he said.

The minister also said the

cassava farmers could benefit by accessing the agriculture support aspect of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Scheme (SURE), and funding to support women and youth in agriculture by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) office.

Earlier in his remarks, President of the Borno state Cassava Farmers Cooperative Union, Alhaji Allamin Umar Lawan, who led a 14-member delegation on the courtesy visit, praised the transformation agenda of the administration "especially in the area of agriculture and rural development."

BASAC lacks fund to revive foundry workshop, says GM From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi auchi State Agricultural Supply Company (BASAC) has revealed that the company is inadequately funded to revive its foundry workshop capable of fabricating ox-plough, plough disc, double furrow ridge and school beds.

The General Manager of the Company, Alhaji Usman Dankade stated this at the state MDAs press briefing in Bauchi, saying that although there was an allocation of N15 million in this year’s budget for the company, the funds are inadequate to meet its pressing demands.

Dankade said also that the company’s structures in the headquarters of the 20 local government councils of the state require complete renovation, and additional staff to effectively discharge its functions.

B

L-R: Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-General Azubuike Ihejirika, Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin, Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada, and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke, during a security meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan, on Monday at the State House, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Minister advocates Nigeria-Chile Business Council

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

T

he Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom yesterday called for the establishment of Nigeria-Chile Chamber of Commerce and Nigeria-Chile Business Council to facilitate trade relation between the two countries.

Ortom who made the call when he received the Chilean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ambassador Fernando Schmidt Ariztia in Abuja

yesterday, noted that the visit was a positive way of establishing bilateral trade relations with Chile.

Ortom disclosed that the Federal Government had since commenced efforts toward partnering with the Organised Private Sector (OPS) to further boost economic activities in the county.

He said: “We should work out modalities for the organized private sectors from both countries to work together for mutual benefits. This will help

in professionalizing their activities. There is also the need for an economic agreement so as to know the bounds of the new ties.”

“From available statistics, the trade ties are in favour of Chile and there is need to balance it up. Chile can benefit a lot from Nigeria’s raw materials, agriculture, mines and solid minerals sectors.

Nigeria, with a population of about 167million people is good for business’’, he said.

The minister, who called on

Chilean investors to establish industries in Nigeria, assured that the ministry would give technical and other support needed to make their businesses thrive and profitable in the country.

Earlier, the Chilean Minister, Ambassador Ariztia said the Chilean economy had a 4.6 per cent growth rate, as at 2011, adding that there was great opportunity for Nigerian products to enter its market.

“Economic relations with

Africa are just 0.3 per cent of what Chile xports to the world; and what we import from Africa is just 1.1 percent. We have a $250billion Gross Domestic Product and 80 per cent of our products are related to external trade; which means we depend highly on external trade. “ In three weeks from now, we should agree on our plan of action. Part of this is to send economic missions from Chile to Nigeria and from Nigeria to Chile”, he said.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

Nigeria restates stance on AU Commission post

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inister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Olugbenga Ashiru, has said that Nigeria is still backing ECOWAS’ preferred candidate for the chairmanship of the African Union (AU) Commission.

Ashiru stated this in an interview with State House Correspondents shortly after a breakfast session organised by President Goodluck Jonathan for members of Presidential Advisory

Council on Foreign Relations.

His words: “We have not shifted ground, we are working in concert with the ECOWAS group and we will remain with ECOWAS group.

“Any decision taken by ECOWAS, Nigeria will support and you know Nigeria is the natural leader of the sub-region. So, we’ll prefer to have one united position and we stand by that position which we will take.

“But it is when we get there, to

Addis Ababa, that we will see the ground and will stay where other ECOWAS members would stay”.

It will be recalled that at the last AU Summit in January in Addis-Ababa, ECOWAS had declared its support for the incumbent Chairperson, Mr Jean Ping of Gabon.

South Africa had fielded its Home Affairs Minister, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, as its chairmanship candidate for the AU

Commission.

The election was inconclusive because neither Ping nor DlaminiZuma was able to secure the twothird majority needed to win.

Hence, African leaders at the January Summit shelved the election until the 19th AU Summit initially billed for Malawi, but now to hold in Addis-Ababa.

In a related development, Ashiru said Nigeria had intensified its campaign to clinch the AU

commissionership position zoned to West Africa.

According to the minister, the position will be determined by elections by member-states at the next summit.

He said: “We are doing our campaign round the memberstates and we hope that when we get to the Summit Nigeria will muster enough votes to be able to fill that position of commissionership”. (NAN)

Edo issues ultimatum to FG over road project From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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L-R: Late Senator Gyang Dantong's widow, Hannatu, wife of Plateau state Governor, Mrs. Talatu Jang, and the state Governor, Jonah Jang, during a condolence visit to the late Dantong's family, on Monday in Jos. Photo: NAN

NOA seeks sanctions for parents aiding exam malpractice T

he National Orientation Agency (NOA) yesterday canvassed punishment for parents who aid and abet the involvement of their children and wards in examination malpractice.

Director-General of the agency, Mr. Mike Omeri, stated this in Abuja while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He said the act of supporting

examination malpractice should be deemed a crime and treated as rape or bribery.

Omeri urged teachers who had been subjected to unfair treatments by parents as a result of not lending support to their children and wards on examination malpractice, to speak out.

He said a teacher of values and knowledge should disregard such threats to violate the ethics of his or her profession.

“Any act contrary to qualitative education as a result of your action is a disservice to the child, country and to God,” Omeri said.

He also called on stakeholders and eminent personalities to take up the challenge and speak against the dangers posed by examination malpractice to the upcoming generation.

The NOA chief stated: “Let human rights groups and civil society organisations start mass

Why prisons are congested, by CG

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

C

ontroller-General, Nigerian Prisons Service, Mr. Zakari Ibrahim, has attributed Prisons congestion in the country to the rot in the nation’s education system.

Ibrahim stated this yesterday at the foundation laying ceremony of the Prisons Officers Wives Association (PROWA) Academy in Abuja.

He said rot in the school system has forced many youths to engage in drugs and other criminal activities.

His words: “Criminals are usually the enemies of peace in any society and when arrested, they end up in prisons.

Therefore, there is every need to support any initiative that would mould the

future leaders of tomorrow, instead of watching them being transformed by societal influence into weapons of destruction.”

Ibrahim lauded the PROWA initiative, saying it would contribute to stem deviant behaviours in youths.

On her part, wife of the Minister of Interior, Mrs. Jane Abba Moro, called on well meaning Nigerians and private individuals to support the initiative in order to help in building the future leaders of the country, stressing that “education is the bedrock of every human being.”

President, PROWA and wife of the Controller General of Prisons, Mrs. Ruth Zakari Ibrahim, said the initiative was informed by the desire to uplift the standard of education in the country.

movement against examination malpractice; NOA has started by speaking out for the teachers; let the civil society also speak out.

“Let the parents who lend support to their children in the crime be subjected to some form of punishment by society.”

Omeri decried the state of the nation’s education system, stating that the society had degenerated and was passing its legacy of rot to children. (NAN)

do state Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has issued an ultimatum to the Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolemenmen to construct the Sabo-Sobe road in Owan West Local Government before year-end or the state government will start the construction of the road next year.

The governor, who issued the ultimatum during his re-election campaign at Sobe, yesterday, said if the Federal Ministry of Works refused to do the road, Edo state government will put it in the state’s 2013 budget.

His words: “If the minister of works does not carry out construction of the Sabo-Sobe road, which has always been in the Federal Government budget, it will be provided for in the 2013 budget of the state government and work will start next year.

“If they don’t do it, I will tell them the state government is in charge of the land. From January 1, 2013 Edo State government will take over the road to ensure that our full presence is felt in Edo state.”

The governor told the large turnout at the St. Stephen Primary School, Sobe that the people can see the difference between the projects executed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

“With immediate effect, we will demolish the dilapidated structures of the school built by the PDP and replace it with a new school of modern quality. We have awarded the contract to build the Sobe High School and we will furnish the primary and secondary schools with modern furniture,” he disclosed.

Ogun assures new retirees on pension, gratuities From Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, Abeokuta

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orkers who retired from the Ogun State Civil Service between last December and now and are yet to collect their pensions and gratuities will soon have cause to smile as the state government is doing everything possible to pay them as soon as practicable.

Permanent Secretary, Bureau of State Pensions, Isaac Odunlami, gave this assurance in Abeokuta while speaking with newsmen in his office.

Odunlami disclosed that the immediate past administration in the state left behind a huge debt on the workers’ monthly pension deductions, which should have been

remitted to the new contributors’ pensions scheme.

He stated that the new administration had been remitting the deductions just as it had been consistent in the payment of workers’ salaries and pensioners’ allowances as at when due.

Odunlami added that as part of measures to ensure that pensioners collect their gratuity as they disengage from service, the state government had been remitting 5% bond to the Central Bank to pay those who had been working before year 2008.

The Permanent Secretary therefore urged workers to embrace the new pension scheme as it could guarantee them a happy and comfortable life in retirement.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

Ogun population to explode next year, says NPC boss From Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, Abeokuta

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he National Population Commission (NPC) in Ogun state has disclosed that the state population in the next one year may rise in view of the influx of people, and advised the government to start preparing for budget appropriation to meet up the challenges associated with the growth.

The Federal Commissioner, Seyi Aderinokun-Olusanya, made this known while speaking at a press conference held at Federal Secretariat in Abeokuta, in commemoration of the 2012 World Population Day. She said statistics have shown that many workers in the neigbouring states are now resident in Ogun state.

She assured that the commission would give out regular statistics to help the state project on it needs, but equally called on the state government to always collaborate with the commission.

The commissioner disclosed that total number of 1,724 persons died in 2011, comprising of 1,164 male and 560 females.

Similarly, on the birth record of the same year, 55,113 males and 53,844 females were born. She, however, noted that people are reluctant to give details of births because of ignorance.

PAGE 11

17 years after: Niger Igbo community reconcile From Iliya Garba, Minna

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he Igbo Community Association (ICA) in Niger state has decided to embrace peace after 17 years of leadership crises and vowed to move forward for the interest of peace and tranquility.

Speaking shortly after the

reconciliation meeting which took place at the Dr. Umar Farouk Primary School Keteren-Gwari, the Eze Igbo of Minna, Niger state, Eze Pampas Nwahiwe described the event as very remarkable in the lives of Igbo people in the state.

He told our correspondent shortly after the meeting that with

the final resolution, Igbos from all the Igbo speaking states resident in Niger state have been reunited as one big family.

According to him: “As you can see, today is remarkable, all the factions in the ICA have seen the need for members to co-exist peacefully and harmoniously especially at this time, when the

country is being confronted by security challenges”.

Earlier, the ICA president said: “Today we as Igbo people in Niger state are celebrating peace, no more factions in our fold. We realized that the more we are united the more we can be focused in all that we have set out to achieve as a people”.

L-R: Secretary General, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Obong Ikpe Johnny Obong, Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Albinos in Rufa’i, and NUT National President, Comrade Onem Nelson Onem, during the 81st Founders Day Celebration, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo W/Africa seek Nigeria’s Former LG chair’s aide accused of raping JSS1 student help of two others (names the police, the suspect admitted consent because she is his girlfriend…” collaboration From Yusha’u Alhassan, Jalingo the Also a medical report obtained withheld), pounced on them and having carnal knowledge of the

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he founder of the Albino Foundation (TAF), Mr. Jake Epelle, has said that albinos in the West African sub-region have indicated their interest to collaborate with their Nigerian counterparts to get government's recognition and empowerment.

Epelle told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja that the collaboration would promote awareness on the plight and social exclusion of people with albinism in the sub-region.

According to him, albinos in some countries in West Africa are tapping into the programmes of the TAF in a bid to get empowerment in their countries.

Epelle called for more recognition and empowerment of albinos in West African countries to enable them find their place in society.

He disclosed that albinos in Nigeria had started getting some incentives from government, following the unveiling of the Albinism Support Programme by the Office of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Abino Support Programme and other special projects, designed for vulnerable groups in the country.

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former special adviser to the chairman Zing local government area in Taraba state, Mr. Habu Idi popularly called Habu Gambaye, has been accused of raping a 13-year-old girl (name withheld) who is a JSS1student of Government Secondary School, Zing.

It was revealed that the little girl was on an errand for her mother in the company of one Chindo Zion at about 7:20 pm last week, when the said suspect, with

forcefully took the girl to an unknown destination, ripped her skirt and pant apart and had carnal knowledge of her against her will.

They were said to have dropped the victim in front of the Divisional Police Station, Zing, leaving her with a torn and blood stained skirt and the sum of N400.

The former adviser, who is the prime suspect, was arrested when the police chased after him and seized him.

In his confessional statement to

teenager, claiming that it was with her consent because the little girl was his girlfriend.

A statement signed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in the Criminal Investigation Department, Jalingo, ACP Mohammed Wayah made available to our reporter, said: “The principal suspect, Habu Idi, stated that he conveyed the victim on his motorcycle to a house behind a filling station where he claimed to have had sexual intercourse with her, with her

from the General Hospital, Zing, signed by Dr. Emmanuel Garba confirmed that the girl was actually raped.

The victim who was still in trauma and could not hold back her emotions, sobbed profusely as she narrated her ordeal to our reporter on the phone.

According to the police, a prima facie case of criminal conspiracy, assault, abetment and rape have been established against the suspect.

NGO worried over lack of safe water, sanitation in Bauchi From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

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omen Empowerment Initiative (WEIN), a Bauchi based nongovernmental organisation, has expressed concern over the lack of access to safe water and proper sanitation in all the local government areas and communities in the state.

The state Coordinator of WEIN, Lydia Haruna Tsammani made the observation during the marketing of Local Development Plan (LDP) of Bogoro and Darazo

local government area of the state held at Zaranda Hotel, Bauchi, yesterday. According to her "UNDP in 2006 reported that only 48 percent of the people in Bauchi state have access to safe water supply while only 44 percent have access to sanitation, this picture differs from one LGA to the other. For MDGs to be achieved in the state, there has to be intensive intervention in these sectors.

Mrs. Tsammani advocated for intensive interventions in water sector and access to sanitation in

the state in order to achieve Millennium Development Goals in 2015.

She said: “In the year 2000, Water Aid Nigeria and WEIN went into partnership to work in Bauchi state on water and sanitation to alleviate some of the problems in the sectors. In carrying out these activities, it was found that most LGAs have no planning tools, so the need to develop this planning tool to help the LGAs achieve their developmental goals”.

She therefore solicited for support from donor agencies, state

government and other stakeholders noting that local government alone cannot meet the target if MDGs in 2015 without external support.

In his remark the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Abubakar Faggo, represented by Maigari Emmanuel Gambo, commended effort of WEIN for developing Local Government Development Plan saying their effort will guide the LG administrators in executing development projects in the state.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

PAGE 12

EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

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Are we winning the drugs war?

une 26 was celebrated as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, “despite continued and increased efforts by the international community, the world drug problem continues to constitute a serious threat to public health, the safety and well-being of humanity, in particular, young people, and the national security and sovereignty of states, and it undermines socioeconomic and political stability and sustainable development.”

In Nigeria, the head of its drug buster agency, the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, is worried that drug abuse and trafficking “are compromising our youths and our future.” Indeed, our struggle with the drug problem has been prolonged, with mixed results.

The country’s return to democratic rule, in the late 70s, coincided with a period of political and social decay.

This led to a big credibility gap in governance. There was a wide gap between policy formulation and policy implementation.

By the time the military came back to seize power in 1983, the decay had gone deep into the fabric of the Nigerian society. The environment encouraged many Nigerians to get involved in many illegalities, one of such was drugs.

The public execution by a firing squad of three Nigerians, Bernard Ogedegbe, Bathlomew Owoh, Akanni Ojuolakpe, for alleged trafficking in hard drugs by the Buhari/Idiagbon government was the most clear evidence yet that we had a serious social problem on our hands. Before

then, Nigerians thought of drugs more in terms of Indian hemp than anything else. The coming of cocaine and heroin changed the scenario.

So serious had the problem become that by 1989, the military government was forced to publish a decree to tackle the menace. Named Decree 48 of 1989, it established the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). This agency was saddled with the task of

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there is a need for a comprehensive reorientation of the Nigerian society. Why do people abuse drugs? Why do they trade in them?

The answers to these questions will help in securing victory in this must-win war controlling, interdicting and intercepting the trafficking, peddling and consumption of hard drugs in and outside Nigeria. It was also to educate Nigerians on the deadly effects of hard drugs on individuals and the national economy. It was also the responsibility of the agency to arrest both barons and traffickers and help to rehabilitate addicts. No doubt, the decree gave the agency a very huge mandate.

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”

In the beginning, the agency enjoyed the support of people and government. A Commissioner of Police, Fidelis Oyakhilome, who had a PhD in law and had earlier served creditably as the military governor of Rivers state, was appointed to head it. Even the international community, long suspicious of Nigeria’s capability to fight such social ills, became impressed with his first moves.

Suddenly Jennifer Madike, a Lagos socialite came on the scene to scandalize the drug buster with salacious stories of his alleged links with drug barons and money launderers. Since then, the country’s war against illicit drugs has been hampered by a credibility problem at the agency. More chief executives of the agency have left the place with their image shredded.

The saga of shattered reputations at NDLEA has succeeded in making the point that without a credible leadership at the agency, the war against drugs will fail. Needles to say the government must take extra care in finding the person to entrust with the responsibility of fighting hard drugs. More than that, the crime world of drugs is a highly sophisticated and a fast changing one.

There is, therefore, the need to train and retrain those involved with combating the crime in Nigeria.

Finally, there is a need for a comprehensive reorientation of the Nigerian society. Why do people abuse drugs? Why do they trade in them?

The answers to these questions will help in securing victory in this mustwin war.

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

HEAD, ADVERT/MARKETING HUSSAINI ABDULRAHMAN, CNA

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

By Ike Willie Nwobu

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t was barely a week after close to a 160 people perished in the ill-fated Dana plane crash. In that plane were six pivotal officers of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) who succumbed, or rather melted in their untimely death at the behest of the mindless capitalistic and fraudulently insensitive antics of a few business owners. Just at the peak of the tension and palpable anxiety, there came a vent for the charged milieu in the Governor’s adventure to appear in the office in the resplendent garb of his newly acquired traditional title, the Dan Majen Kano. Flying into Abuja shortly into his break from active work, he was the cynosure of all eyes that day as he received accolades from colleagues and subordinates alike, turbaned round both in head and body in a pose depictive of his proud display of his new title.

Expectedly, this has sparked off quite a sizeable amount of reactions from different quarters, as is the custom of Nigerians. Most people have viewed this experiment of his from the angle of a seeming disregard for his calibre of person, as well as the official and corporate outlook his office and organisation portrays and presents. According to them, he deserved to be sufficiently maligned and sanctioned for perceived undermining of the weight of the position he occupies, by such impunitive demeanours.

PAGE 13

Sanusi’s dress code: What’s the noise about?

But while the sparks are flying off at tangent in different directions on this issue which I would rather term trivial, it would be important to note that the CBN Governor was not on official duty as at the day and time of his ‘August’ visit to the towers of the Central Bank. In fact, there are even speculations, unconfirmed as they are, that he came on the request of some members of staff, who were apparently interested in congratulating him as well as probably treating their curious eyes to what he would look like in the regalia. As a governor who is a leader in the true sense of the word, what would be better than obliging his subjects their little request? This little arguments and standpoints are only embellishments and spices on the dish of the actual truth and fact that the average Nigerian needs comic reliefs in things like this to douse the ever-smouldering environment and ambience.

Every Nigerian at present is daily treated to the heart jump of insufficiency of his earnings to maintain his family on account of low income and sky-high rates of

living, the heart-breaking statistics on daily basis of the soaring unemployment rates with of course its attendant consequences on society, and most currently the fact that one has to look far above and ahead of his shoulder all the time due to the security mess the country has

been plunged into. In a country where the basic needs of food, shelter and clothing have now become the exclusive preserve of the high and mighty, there is a light diversion to lower blood

is no more official than that of the Secretary-General of the Federation, whose igwe dons the traditional red cap with of course the matching outfit, nor the Ministry of Agriculture whose Oba

was forced-deducing from his recent statement-by his late principal, Musa Yar’adua to declare his assets, I took it as nothing because there was little to believe in the assets so declared.

What is usually declared, as in the Yar’adua/Jonathan effort, was usually an infinitesimal fraction of the wholesome loot public office holders purloin from the Nigerian treasury and nothing more. Even at that, a little scrutiny of the so declared assets would have led most of the declarers to jail were we to run an enclave saner than the empire of thieves we have been burdened with in Nigeria.

It therefore becomes worrisome that a man that has not done any other meaningful work apart from teaching before Obasanjo’s mystic ken of roguery discovered him is so reticent to declare his assets. It is so bizarre that a man that the other day, whelped and made so much capital of the fact that he went to school without a shoe is telling us to go to hell rather than he telling us what he is worth. If anything, this fact and the clear indecorous manner it was rendered put an official seal to the reign of vermin, termites, locusts, thieves, vampires, scavengers, treasury cleansers and rodents, which the Jonathan regime has proven to be. That after some year’s brush in government, Jonathan cannot safely declare what he owns is a pointer that Nigeria needs a total cleansing and fumigation from the odious stench which rogue politics, prebendal governance and an official culture of sleaze has

brought on it. Nothing best demonstrates the moral nuisance of those that pretend to rule us than the fact that a man that just happened on governance cannot safely declare what he owns after just a few years in power and speaks of the dire need for a thorough cleansing from the heaven of looters of thieves the country had been turned into most especially since the PDP criminality happened on us and most noticeably since the amoral and filthy Jonathan government wrote a sort of carte blanche allowing all manners of criminals free and unhindered access to the country’s treasury.

One must grant Jonathan some credit. He had never stated or pretended to be bothered about corruption. He had never made any road show of fighting corruption. If anything, he had shown perhaps the most tolerant attitude to corruption and public stealing amongst the bevy of ramparts that have taken turns to rape the country. His attachment to anti corruption has only been to the cosmetic extent that he has turned the anti corruption agencies from pretenders to anti corruption to comic frills as Nigeria sink deep in corruption quagmire. He presides over a regime that supervises multi trillion Naira scandals and is very much at home with this putrid scenario. He had shown perhaps the most protective inclination to known thieves and has even gone out of his way to keep them off harm’s way. Even when it means inflicting mass

privation and torture on Nigerians, like in the ant-infested subsidy scam, he has not shirked from levying the sledge hammer on Nigerians so that his closest confidants, enablers and foot soldiers on corruption do not come to grief. He does not contest his blurred moral carriage and the ethical red herring that weighs down his regrettable regime. For a regime where corruption only competes with cluelessness, it is understandable why he cannot declare his assets and doesn’t even give a damn.

We must even give Jonathan some kudos for admitting he does not believe in asset declaration as he was forced to do the one he did by his late principal. He was being sincere and I place much premium on that. He makes no pretence about his mission in governance which is to promote bizarre stealing and he is only lifting every scintilla of doubt from his commitment to ensure that nothing is left of Nigeria before he rounds off his tenure. We know very well that he has no compunction about rot and public stealing, which hangs on his government like a malignant tumour so he needs not tell us he doesn’t give a damn about asset declaration. He went through the discomfort of declaring his assets during Yar’adua’s reign as a sort of political preservation. He is only showing his true colours now he is calling the shots. With the kind of amoral stealing that has gone under his watch, it would be a miracle if he can even take good stock is his assets before he rounds

pressure and someone will want to deny Nigerians even that little pleasure?

His reasons for that show may range from the spiritual to just a testimony of the normal partying and jollying Northern pastime.

Whatever it is, the Dan Majen Kano should be left alone. His office

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As a governor who is a leader in the true sense of the word, what would be better than obliging his subjects their little request? This little arguments and standpoints are only embellishments and spices on the dish of the actual truth and fact that the average Nigerian needs comic reliefs in things like this to douse the eversmouldering environment and ambience

does not appear any less formal.

That is aside a host of most political office holders who represent their origins of ethnicity so passionately by the day, by way of their appearance. The President himself is rarely seen in any other attire save his traditional Ijaw dress code, yet it has become too commonplace for anyone to make a molehill out of. Why did Governor Lamido’s decided matinee become such an object of discourse, and why is he seen as the only one downgrading his office and person to some huge joke?

Nigerians should forget the peripherals of that day’s show, but look inwards and they will among other things discover that his dressing and appearance that day in that manner has the potential of constituting a tourist attraction with huge and mega investment capacity and potential. Tourism is not only in wild animals and interesting landforms and places, but also in ideologies and even charisma, and there is no telling what, if aptly and adequately exploited, that alone could give to the economy he has sworn to enrich and enbetter.

Continued on page 15

Goodluck Jonathan and his assets

By Peter Claver Oparah

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o President Goodluck Jonathan doesn’t want to declare his assets? And he doesn’t give a damn about it? So the one that went to school shoeless is so sensitive to declare what mother fortune and sleight of political hand had trust on him in the few years he had been blessed to make his lift of the Nigerian treasury? And he was so audacious about it that he had to tell us he doesn’t give a damn about it? There is a contradiction here. Why wouldn’t he just tell Nigerians that the same god that imposed him on Nigeria has blessed him with the totality of Nigerian wealth and it is his to give to whosoever tickles his fancy? Why didn’t he just tell Nigerians that the commonwealth is his and whosoever cares to access his wealth can take a look at the vast estate that is Nigeria and whoever is not home with that ruddy fact can go to hell? That way, his audacity-which one of my friends typifies as the audacity of a foolwould have had better meaning than telling Nigerians that he doesn’t give a damn about declaring the assets he has acquired as President of Nigeria.

For the avoidance of doubts, I give no damn myself about that usually well talcumed but well relegated ritual called asset declaration in Nigeria. It amounts to nothing and leads to nothing in a country besmirched by total, overwhelming and unbridled corruption. Even when Jonathan

off his tenure. I believe what prompts that audacity is the lack of ability to even take stock of what he has made from the looters’ haven he superintends over at present.

By making that unfortunate statement, he was merely living true to his name and the ethos of his government.

He was telling Nigerians that they make such a hefty expectation by thinking he would wake from his long slumber and deal with corruption.

So, it is my opinion that we hanker less on Jonathan’s official confirmation that he is running an unaccountable den of rogues for that is what his refusal to declare his assets tantamount to.

We should rather warm up to the fact that the PDP has, in the last thirteen years, done everything to grow public stealing and the urgent imperative is how Nigeria can free itself from the clutches of this cancerous virus with which the PDP is wrecking the country at present. I don’t know who cares about Jonathan’s assets declaration when he is presiding over a plunderers’ enclave. Our greatest desire as a raped and despoiled nation should be to cleanse this nation of the putrid mess Jonathan and his forefathers in PDP has made of it and this is the only way we can walk away from the doom we face with the increasing audacity with which PDP celebrate corruption and public stealing in Nigeria.

Peter Claver Oparah resides in Ikeja, Lagos and is reachable on peterclaver2000@yahoo.com

PAGE 14

By Emmanuel Onwubiko

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rude oil spills have consistently occupied the front burner as the most disturbing environmental problem in the oil rich but heavily neglected Niger Delta region of our country. Nigeria. I spent the better part of last week asking some senior high school students if they knew what the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency [NOSDRA] is supposed to be doing. Only few said they had ever heard the name. This government agency, according to these respondents, needs to be more involved in sensitization work because its mandate as the manager of oil spills in the country is key to sustainable development.

Over the weekend, a major oil spill of catastrophic dimensions occurred in Sabatoru and IgbetaEwoama communities in Nembe Local Government Area council in Bayelsa state, causing unprecedented panic among the people. Fingers are pointing at Agip, a multinational oil company but the company, in turn, has accused fifth columnists of sabotage of its trunk lines. Agip pipelines and trunk line link oil and gas distribution to the export terminal at the company’s major facility in Twon Brass. The two communities fear that the oil spills would destroy farmlands and

By Abdulla Musa et us start with a cruel comedy. Suppose a Nigerian Government worker had, after a grueling encounter with the Nigerian, blood-sucking, political class, received the minimum wage of N18,000 in a given month. No amount of economizing will make that measly sum finance his monthly subsistence needs. He adjusts by trekking to and from work, and to all other places he has to visit. His diet does not include meat, milk, talk less of fruits.

What would happen were you to come to him and sapy that he has to spend, let’s say N5000 in order to safeguard the value of the N13,000 that would be left in his pocket? Were Chike Obi alive, and you teamed him up with Prof. Iya Abubakar; plus that Yoruba mathematician (Awojabi) made famous by the 122/3 debacle, and asked them to teach the minimum wage earner to understand the mathematics of having to spend his money in order to safeguard its value, he would surely not be willing to understand. I don’t understand it either.

An article I read in an online edition of Business Day newspaper was explaining to us the challenges in managing our foreign exchange reserve as a result of falling oil prices which will affect our forex earnings. The Naira is expected to slide down as a consequence, and CBN will be forced to sell dollars in order to shore it up! And that is my dilemma: A nation’s income (dollars) to be spent to shore up the value of that (Naira) which the gravity of economics insists that it should go down! Is it not then a double tragedy? What of if the Naira were allowed to have a free fall? Well there will result we are

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

Policing oil spills in Nigeria fishing ponds which are their in dealing with oil spillages. They United Nations.

Already, four Ogoni means of livelihood. allow the oil spill to spread to Rivers The chairman of the oil and gas and mangrove forest before coming communities and six families have dragged the Shell Petroleum committee of Nembe Kingdom, Mr. for inspection and clean-up.”

Development Nengi James, who Company said the over an oil communities were spill and not happy with the hydrocarbon response of Agip to Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text fire that the situation, messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written occurred in accused the oil contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 the area in company of words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and 2009.

The adopting delay a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed communities tactics in the cleanto: and families up operation. a r e James said if the The Editor, demanding matter was not Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, N121.7bn as handled properly, it compensation was capable of 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. for the puncturing the Email: let ters@peoplesdaily-online.com damages p e a c e f u l SMS: 07037756364 caused by the relationship spills. between the oil A statement by the communities and the oil company.

Only recently, Nobel laureate “Having visited the affected sites, it professor Wole Soyinka and the spokesperson for the communities, is indeed sad and most unfortunate chairman of the National Human Mr. Bari-ara Kpalap, in Port that in spite of the huge consequences Rights Commission Professor Chidi Harcourt recently, said the occasioned by the oil spill, Agip has Odinkalu lamented the lack of hydrocarbon fire and spillage, failed to liaise with the Oil and Gas response by the federal which was caused by a Shell Committee to discuss how the clean- government to effectively compel manifold facility, occurred in up could be done,” he said. indicted multinational oil firms to 2009 in the oil firm’s Bomu Oil “It is instructive to note that commence clean up exercise Field.

The affected communities multi-national companies around ogoniland in River state operating in the Niger Delta region gravely affected by oil spill which located in Gokana Local have often employed delay tactics even attracted the attention of the Government Area of Rivers State

WRITE TO US

are Kegbara Dere, Kpor, Biara and Deken, while the families are Gberebeedom, Keenom, Dugbor, Keregbor, Biradee and Nkoo/ Gbienga Nbe. The statement read in part, “In the suit (FHC/PH/CS/133/2012 – FHC/PH/CS/142/2012), the plaintiffs are seeking a N121, 703, 992, 208.00 compensation for severe impacts inflicted on them and the local populations.

“The communities are collectively claiming N88, 400,188, 208.00 while the families sought to be paid N33, 303, 804, 000.00 representing general damages (health issues and death of community and family members), and loss of farming rights, shrines and sacred places and air pollution.

“Others are loss of fishing rights and replenishable ponds, economic trees, cash crops, land, swamps and creeks.”

It pointed out that apart from seeking financial compensation, the litigants were also seeking a Declaration that the defendant is under lawful duty to employ lawful and acceptable methods to clean-up the plaintiffs’ environment affected by oil Continued on page 15

CBN and the absurdity of exchange rate management mechanism told, an unmanageable inflation: industrial inputs will cost more; imported consumer goods will cost more; workers will demand higher wages, and the economy will contract or even collapse! But why?

Yes, but why? Why should the currency of a country lose value? If a farmer in Nigeria uses God-given land, rain, sunshine, and even organic fertilizers, to produce crops; should a situation be encouraged where he has to augment the year’s harvest from his barns in order for the current year’s production to sell at the same price as last year, or in order to recoup this year’s investment?

They say an exchange rate is determined by the law of supply and demand. That is, if you desire the currencies of others more than they desire yours; you need their products and services more than they need yours; then the value of your currency will continue declining against theirs. (even your self-worth will surely be declining against theirs).

What is the solution then when you consume more than you earn?

Well the CBN of your country, going by universal practice, should try to shield you from your folly: by ensuring that you keep smoking cigarettes; drinking whiskey; chewing chewing gum, buying used tyres and clothing; drinking soft drinks; buying foreign music, and films, at stable or affordable prices! But why?

‘Yes’, but why? Do average, normal citizens run their daily lives this way? If you have little money which you can either spend to buy foodstuff for your family or buy chewing gum for your use, would

you prioritize chewing gum over the food your family is to eat?

Where do smugglers get the forex to finance their imports: used tyres; used pants and brassieres; used cars; confectionaries; high class brocades and soon? One could have wished they sold something from Nigeria to the Countries from which they imported all the aforementioned trash. But No! Wish not granted.

If an underdeveloped nation is blessed with astute economy managers, and they decide to erect barriers against imported frivolities, the equally ‘astute’ businessmen and women will have factories that will need all sorts of industrial inputs: from raw materials, to spare parts, and even new or fairly used plants. But the devil is in the detail: the allocated foreign exchange will intimately be sold to black market forex dealers (they are now more respectable: Bureau de change!) at a nice margin. The moribund factory owner will earn millions with no sweat, (supervising production of finding market for final products).

And those traders who can only import and cannot export will have forex for used tyres, and even guns in some cases, to fuel interethnic rivalries.

Before going back to our discussion on the management of foreign exchange rate, we may well make the point that a nation such as Nigeria is rigged against those in formal sector employment: government workers, and those who work in established private establishments. This is because ‘Sai an kai ruwa rana’ (a Hausa

expression) before they are able to move their salaries an inch, while prices are allowed to gallop up in feet. Workers of privatized companies may face dismal future as factors such as ethnicity may see them be thrown out in favour of the new owners’ kinsmen and women. Or the preferred investor wanted just to kill competition: he is an importer competing against a local manufacturer. By buying and closing the factory, the consumer has only the imported products to choose from. The government loses taxes; the workers lose employment; the Naira loses value; and the economy weakens due to lack of internally generated growth.

To a nation like Nigeria, crude oil should not be seen as a consumable, it is an asset, though a wasting one. Sold in its crude form, there is little value-addition.

And this is what makes us a laughing stock. Where did I see it written that Spain has 52 operating refineries? I have not looked it up, but I doubt if Spain has Nigeria’s population. So there would surely be no harm if Nigeria has a refinery in each state of the federation. Can we quantify our losses from selling crude oil and importing refined products?

Have we any conscience to prick us as to our guilt that we have been flaring gas for well over forty years, while ordinary citizens cannot afford kerosene to cook their meals?

The value of Nigerian leaders should be allowed to fall hard on ‘concrete of disgust’. But will they care, as long as we cannot stop

them from shoring it up from Nigeria’s treasury?

A nation’s currency is part of the nation’s image. You cannot maintain the value of a nation’s currency by spending the foreign reserves. The nation must first exist in the minds of its leaders.

(Nigeria does not exist in its leader’s minds). The nation must also exist in the minds of the business and working classes.

(Nigeria cannot exist in their minds because it does not exist in political leaders’ minds). How can we know when Nigeria starts existing in the minds of political leaders? We will know when politicians are able to put reins to their ambitions once they threaten the foundation of their nation. But where political leaders encourage sectarianism in order to achieve selfish, political objectives, then one dollar should rationally be equal to at least N1, 000, since you must of necessity give low value to one who does not value the lives of his own people.

As the exchange rate now stands, one American is equivalent to 160 Nigerians! ($1 – N160). (In 1986 it started with 3 Nigerians to 1 American) Does any Nigerian feel that she or he is worth more than that?

Prove it by producing much more than you consume; thereby giving your nation, you currency, and yourself more value. I am masochistically delighted that Ben Benanke of America is 160 times more valuable than our newly turbaned, aristocratic, Banker to bankers!

Abdullah Musa wrote in from 557K-Nassarwa, Kano City.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

I

hate calculations right from my kindergarten days. I was then good at 1+2=3 and some simple multiplications that did not go beyond 2x3=6. Anything that went beyond this looked more of Mandarin to me. I later found myself in a state of cognitive dissonance at Kofar Nassarawa Primary School when figures were slowly juxtaposed with alphabets.

In my college and university days, nothing significantly changed. Maths remained like cockroach me. But by sheer providence of objectives questions, I ‘rigged’ my way to become sophomore when I passed Maths for Social Science with E during my university days. Can you see OBJ’s (read Obasanjo if you like) rigging power? Attahiru Jega (yes, Jega, when he was the VC of BUK) then signed my certificate (of return)!

Today’s discourse is not mainly about Maths but rather about the calculation of loot and setting an agenda for looters. Looting is not alien to Nigeria and Nigerians. It is like a trait in our genetic makeup which makes us vintage Nigerians. A shoe shine boy can rub Stella Pomade on your shoes as Kiwi neutral. A sugarcane seller will palm foamy part of the cane on naive kids as the sweatiest part.

A tax collector will print his personal invoice. Construction companies will tamper with the initial contract specification or use low caliber metal rods on overhead bridge in order accommodate 15 percent kickback. This is how we draw ourselves back.

Now let us steer the discourse back to the issue of calculation. I was amazed recently when I read Continued from page 14

spill.The plaintiffs stated further; “We (the plaintiff) also seek a declaration that the defendant is under lawful duty to provide an alternative source of drinking water for the plaintiffs pursuant to their right to an environment favourable enough for their development” and “a declaration that the defendant is under lawful duty to relocate the Bomu Manifold and pipelines to another location not close to the dwelling houses of the plaintiffs.”

Pauline Tallen, the former Minister of State for Environment is of the view that government cannot afford not to carry out the statutory obligation of ensuring that whenever there is a spill, the environment must be promptly cleaned up to save the inhabitants

PAGE 15

Agenda for looters a tweet revealing the mindblowing power of a billion naira.

The tweet says if a person steals N2 billion, and he is spending N50,000 daily, it will take him 100 years to spend the money. You see, from invective, rumour, humour, down to preaching, one sees all manner of stories in the social media.

When your mind got wounded by a wildest rumour today, you may be healed tomorrow with a dose of fact. Such is the nature of social media.

Despite my congenital numerophobia, I had to make the calculations to erase the doubt in my mind. Here we go: 365 days make a year. Yes. So if you spend N50,000 daily for 365 days, you will spend a total sum of N18, 250,000. Right. When you multiply N18, 250,000 by 100 (years), you will arrive at N1,825,000,000. Still, you have a remaining N175 million. So if one wishes to be fikish, one can add 25 days ‘accrued’ from the 25 leap years in every century. With just the leap year spoil, you can come up with ‘something’ that can drill a couple of boreholes at Ikare-Akoko or build a ward at Yadakunya Leprosy Hospital.

Dear looter, do you know how

many dialysis machines N1 billion can buy? I learn that the cost of one dialysis is in the region of $1500 (N2.4 million) to $6,000 (N9 million). So if you divide 1 billion by 2.4 million, you will arrive at about 416 million units of dialysis machines. Isn’t this amount more than enough to decorate our

hospitals with dialysis and X-ray machines?

Here, a looter who stole N2 billion can save two things: lives and 1 billion naira. If you can withdraw the money from your numerous proxy accounts or haul back your loot from the Swiss vaults, many people with renal problem, who otherwise would suffer to death, can be saved. In Nigeria, you will think buying the equipment is more difficult than buying drones or owning nuclear technology. Why don’t we improve the standard of our hospitals this year, and then focus on another problem the following year?

There are many members of

the National Assembly who can give out N1 billion the way we give N20 donation for mosque maintenance or offertory in church. In the Customs Service, there are many billionaires who can feed millions with just a cup from the kegs of their wealth.

Likewise in the extractive industry and the Civil Service, there are enough billionaires to make life better for Nigerians.

Surprisingly, these billionaires do not only evade charity but also tax. A local council will force a poor roadside vulcaniser to pay tax but cannot collect ground rent from the rich.

Paradox.

If a pension fund looter can be ‘cleaver’ enough to steal Old Age Pensioners’ (OAPs) lifetime saving, I wonder why he couldn’t have the nous to commit some percentage of the money to charity. With Boko Haram killing innocent Nigerians openly in a pocket of attacks, corruption is secretly executing a genocide against Nigerians on a richter scale.

I was recently privileged to see a bill of quantity and cost of building a four classroom block with two offices. The ultra-modern classroom, which was build at the cost of N15 million, has long-span

Policing oil spills in Nigeria

from the environmental hazards.

Her words: “Environmental issues have perhaps attracted more lively discussions than any scientific topics these recent years.

This is because man suddenly realized that his dirty habits are wreaking a terrible havoc on his ecosystem-acid rain, ozone layer depletion, deforestation and desertification, oil spills, erosion, global warming, solid waste, toxic chemicals. These contaminants, pollutions and toxicants in forms of solid, liquids and gasses that are spewed daily by anthropogenic activities, are threatening the very fragile fabric and have

exposed our very tenuous existence and this hitherto beautiful world”.

The federal government, in line with global best practices, has established the National oil spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) under the National oil spill Detection and Response Agency (establishment) Act of 2006 to handle the critical environmental consequences of oil spill and to enforce relevant laws guiding against oil spillage in t eh oil producing communities.

The Jonathan administration is expected to be in the vanguard of the advocacy for adequate funding

and comprehensive legal empowerment of NOSDRA so that these disturbing cases of oil spill in the oil producing communities are effectively tackled. Government is statutorily obliged by section 20 of the Constitution to protect the environment from oil spill. Section 20 of the Constitution provides that “The State SHALL protect and improve the environment and safeguard the water, air, and land, forest and wild life of Nigeria”. The international convention on civil liability for oil pollution damage (1992) and the international oil pollution compensation funds convention

Sanusi’s dress code: What’s the noise about?

Continued from page 13

Sanusi used to appear in the flowery Arabic gown before now.

He only just upgraded to befit his status as the emir-in-waiting. His three major dress-codes: the gown, three-piece suit with bow-tie, and the Marxist tight safari all suit his person. Wherever he went, he strictly restricted himself to these codes of dressing, from important functions to even the presentation of compensation for the Madalla blast victims.

As far as I am concerned, Governor Lamido Sanusi has done no wrong, neither has his recent stir impinged on his performance since he took over as the spearhead

aluminum roofing sheets, suspended ceiling, tiled floor, extrastrong doors, among others. So if these looters can be conscientious enough to give some percentage of their loot to education, the literacy level will improve.

Looter live in castles, while their siblings and relations live in huts or rented multi-room apartments that can pass as pigpen. They take their children to study abroad but they cannot pay the school fees of their nephews and nieces studying at home. Can’t you see how heartless we can be?

Life expectancy in Nigeria is just about 50 years. So this makes it somewhat impossible for a looter to live for 100 year, that is even if he began stealing public funds when he was being pushed in a buggy. The 10 billion Tafa Balogun loot could take him centuries to spend. James Ibori loot will take him up to the new millennium.

Abacha loot, which is calculated in billions of dollars, could even last for eternity.

Apart from our home grown looters, we have these multinationals who feign commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR). According to a blog, injusticefacts.wordpress.com, “the top 200 corporations [in the world] are bigger than the combined economies of 180 countries.” But it’s dismaying to note that most of these corporations made the Bribe Payers Index (BPI). The fact is that if all the bribe givers will refuse to give, there won’t be a taker anymore and life will be better for Nigerians.

I just wish the looters would see logic in my agenda.

of Nigeria’s apex bank. I will advocate in fact, that he treats us to leisure as this periodically. Just like his people want to see him donning the colours of royalty, my people of Anambra will be more than willing to receive such a skilled thespian. We could use a lot of him and his shows.

Sanusi has engaged Nigerians in very unusual intellectual conversations and discourse, starting from his criticism of Yar Adua’s seven-point agenda as being wide and unrealistic, recommending rather two-point agenda at the point of his confirmation in the hallowed chambers of the Senate. He

proceeded to dismantle the leadership of some bankers, branding them as criminals, looters and gangsters. If the government had not taken over the three banks using the bridge banking model, by now they must have been neck-deep in liquidation. He spoke his mind on the running cost of the National Assembly, presenting the danger of their cost. He was summoned and threatened, but he kept his ground. He proceeded to Islamic banking, cashless banking and other reforms. We should not forget his tenure mandate that saw UBA, Zenith and others out of their leadership. Thereafter he turned

his energy into agriculture, putting the bankers where they belong, with almost direct lending to to agriculture through structured finance via the state government. At the moment when the Senate needed to tame him, he went cultural, royal and tourist with his regal appearance to the institution, heart and system of CBN-a major relief to severely traumatised Nigerians.

We need more of him, let him be.

We cannot be celebrating the queen at 60-let us at least have someone to celebrate.

Ike Willie Nwobu’s email address: ikewillienwobu@yahoo.com.

(IOPC), [1992] are major global legal framework that specifically prescribes measures on how to ensure environment that is relatively free of oil spill.

Senator I. S. Martyns-Yellowe, one time chairman of the Senate committee on the environment, wrote thus; “Domestication of these conventions is a sine qua non for Nigeria in its capacity of a leading oil producing and oil transporting country to avail her of direct access to huge compensations from the international oil pollution compensation Fund in case of damages caused by spillages from oil tankers”. Several years after, it is unclear if the Nigerian Government has indeed domesticated the two global antioil spill conventions. To therefore contemplate any measure outside of strengthening NOSDRA charged with the onerous duty of protecting the environment from oil spill is a complete anti-climax from the general expectation of the good people of Nigeria. Nigerian Government must give NOSDRA the legal teeth to more effectively combat oil spill and to carry out media campaign in the same way that such agencies like National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control [NAFDAC] always do because of enhanced financial lifeline.

Emmanuel Onwubiko blogs at www.huriwa.blogspot.com

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

Man remanded in prison for alleged possession of ammunition

A

Gwagwalada High Court on Monday remanded one John Apkavan in prison custody for allegedly being in possession of firearms.

Apkavan, of Nasarawa state,

was arraigned on a one-count charge of possessing ammunition.

The prosecution counsel, Mr Umoh Inah, told the court that the accused was arrested on May 21 at the FRCN headquarters, Abuja,

with 37 rounds of ammunition and two grenades.

He urged the court to take cognisance of the offence and remand the accused in prison pending the conclusion of

investigation.

Justice Balami Mwada granted the application of the prosecution counsel and ordered that the accused be remanded in prison. (NAN)

FCTA sensitises youths against drug abuse, trafficking

By Josephine Ella

Y

Market women display their goods and waiting for customers, yesterday in Masaka market, along Abuja- Keffi Road.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Man arraigned for alleged theft T

he police have arraigned one Ibrahim Sani of Anguwar Beriberi village, Abuja before an Abuja Senior Magistrate’s Court on a one-count charge of alleged theft.

The police prosecutor, Mr Simon Emmanuel told the court that the matter was reported to the Life Camp

Police Station by one Mr Inyang Ate of Efab Estate, Abuja on July 4, 2012.

Emmanuel said that the offence was committed on July 4, when the accused and one, Black, now at large broke into Ate’s house and allegedly stole four speakers and one generator.

He said that the stolen items were valued at N390, 000.

The prosecutor added that during investigations, the exhibits were all recovered from the possession of Sani while his accomplice Black was at large.

He told the court that the offence contravenes Sections 79 and 287 of

the Penal Code.

However, the accused person, however, pleaded not guilty.

The Magistrate, Habiba Bello granted him bail in the sum of N20, 000 with one reliable surety in like sum.

She adjourned the case to July 16, 2012 for further hearing. (NAN)

Avoid shady acts, Judge warns lawyers

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court Judge in Gwagwalada Area Council, Justice Balami has warned the lawyers across the country to shun any shady act capable of tarnishing the image of law profession.

Balami gave the warning while addressing lawyers during

the special reception/inaugural lecture organized by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Gwagwalada branch.

He also urged legal practitioners to be vanguard in the fight against corruption in the country, noting that war against corruption is the responsibility of everybody in our society.

He further advised lawyers against collecting legal fees from their clients before defending them

in the Law Court.

In his remark, the guest speaker, Dr Samson Sani Ameh, who is the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) urged lawyers to use their profession to protect the rights of Nigerians and called on women lawyers to participate actively in the law profession.

On his part, the Chairman of NBA Gwagwalada branch in an interview said that the leadership of the association had apprehended

some fake lawyers who have been operating illegally in the areas.

He said the association would not relent in its effort to fight fake lawyers operating in Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kwali and Kuje area councils.

Commenting on corruption in the country, the Gwagwalada NBA Chairman noted that Nigerian lawyers were in best position to curb corruption in the country.

Two arraigned over alleged threat to life

T

wo persons have been arraigned before an Abuja Senior Magistrate’s Court over alleged threat to life.

They accused persons are Inijamah Jane, 37, housewife, and Okechukwu Okeke, 26, both residents of Dawaki Close, Abuja.

The police prosecutor,

Inspector Clement Egwu told the court that one Dr Nwokoye of Gwarimpa, Abuja reported the case at the Life Camp Police Station on July 3, 2012.

Egwu said that the two accused persons threatened to kill Nwokoye because he reported a case of theft against one

Queendalin Udobi.

The prosecutor said that the offence amounted to joint act and criminal intimidation which contravenes Section 79 and 347 of the Penal Code.

The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty.

The Magistrate, Habiba Bello,

granted them bail in the sum of N100, 000 with one reasonable surety each in like sum.

He ordered that the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

He adjourned the case to July 23, 2012 for further hearing.

(NAN)

ouths have been urged to desist from drug abuse and drug trafficking in order to remain focus on their educational pursuit.

The Secretary, FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat, Dr. Demola Onakomaiya gave the advise at an event organised for selected secondary school in Gwagwalada, Bwari and Abaji area councils to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse.

Organised by the FCT Drug Abuse Control Committee, the event , according to the secretary was aimed at raising the awareness of the youth who are the target population on drug abuse, on the dangers of illicit drug trafficking and drug abuse.

He said drug abuse destroys the future of the youth, who are otherwise very important personalities of tomorrow, urging them to rather focus more on their studies in order to become useful to their families and the society at large.

Speaking at the event, on drug abuse by young people, Professor of Pharmaceutical Technology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Development, Idu, Abuja, Pharm.

Olobayo Kunle revealed that 20 per cent of those arrested for drugs are youths.

He said drug use and abuse have become very prevalent in our society today because information about the availability and types of drugs, methods of ingestion and drug seeking practice are readily available.

Kunle listed experimentation, peer pressure, the bid to reduce stress, build self esteem, the desire to be sociable, drug availability, unemployment and social economic frustration among others, as the factors that drive many youths to engage in drugs.

He emphasised the health and social hazards of involvement in drug abuse as he advised youths to shun the practice.

The professor also expressed appreciation to the FCT administration for organising such an enlightenment and sensitisation program, stressing that the program would impart positively in the life of the youths.

PAGE 18

Principal decry dearth of infrastructure in public schools

By Adeola Tukuru

P

rincipal, Idukoro Junior Secondary School, Idu in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mrs. Aishatu Mohammed Ibrahim has raised alarm over the infrastructural decay in some public schools within the territory.

Aishatu, who lamented the appalling situation at the just concluded 4th graduation ceremony and launching of the school maiden magazine, blamed the poor performance of students in most of the public schools to lack of basic infrastructure.

Ibrahim called on the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in the FCT to come to the aid of her school and other affected schools by providing them with the necessary infrastructure.

In the same vein, Chief Launcher of the occasion, Alhaji Yahaya Asawu also urged the Federal Government to ensure that basic infrastructure are provided to all the schools in the territory and others nationwide.

He commended the principal, staff and students of the school for their zeal which he noted have made the school to stand out among its equals.

Court remands man for assaulting public officers

A

n Abuja Senior Magistrate’s Court has remanded a 35-years-old businessman, Mohammed Kekere in prison custody for causing grievous bodily hurt on two public officials while on duty.

Kekere of House 11, Phase 2, Federal Housing Authority, Lugbe, was alleged to have caused bodily hurt on Bako James, a staff of the High Court, Maitama and Corporal Daniel Musa, a police officer attached to the court.

Presiding magistrate Omolola Akindele ordered that the accused be remanded for causing a lot of injuries on the complainants and adjourned the case to August 7 for hearing.

Earlier, the Police Prosecutor, Inspector Jeremiah Elijah told the court that the case was reported to the Lugbe Police Station by the duo on July 5.

According to him, James and Musa are on official duty to evict Kekere from a house which he was occupying based on a previous ruling by another court.

Elijah told the court that the victims were on admission at Asokoro General Hospital where they were receiving treatment for the injuries.

He said that when questioned by the police, the accused was unable to give any satisfactory account of himself, adding that the offence contravenes Sections 347 and 267 of the Penal Code. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

Street traders, hawkers urged to embrace empowerment programmes

By Josephine Ella

W

orried over the recalcitrant attitude of street hawkers and traders, who despite the ban on their activities continue to flood Abuja streets with their

wares, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) yesterday, appealed to culprits to embrace the empowerment programmes of the administration.

Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters, Senator

Jibril Wowo, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed reiterated the stand of the administration against street hawking, emphasizing that the ban on street hawking still stands.

Although, the minister

A young man searching for kerosene, last Friday at the NNPC Mega Station, in Abuja. Photo: Joe Oroye

commended their sense of economic activity, he condemned the dangerous style they choose to do their business by risking their lives on a daily basis in the traffic.

According to him, “no matter how attractive street hawking may appear to our people who choose to sell in the traffic, the exposure to risk and associated danger of their trade is of serious concern to the administration.

“God forbid, the event of any single loss of life due to mechanical faults or other accidents cannot be compared to the entire profit made by all the traders put together.

It is important that they should weigh the option of safer trade to this dangerous trade they engage in,” he said.

This was as he called on the street hawkers to take advantage of some of the a d m i n i s t r a t i o n ’ s programmes aimed at empowering the economically challenged residents of the territory like the Bwari Vocational and Rehabilitation Centre, for the Physically Challenged Persons, ChildHawkers and Street Kids a platform used by the administration to tackle these social menaces.

He insisted that the overall development of the children is a fundamental right owed them which should be pursued by their parents and the government at all levels.

Contractor, 26, arraigned for alleged fraud

A

contractor, Chinedu Eze, 26, has been arraigned before an Abuja Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly converting N34,534, belonging to his client, to his personal use.

Eze is standing trial on a two-count charge of criminal breach of trust and cheating.

The prosecution said the offences contravened sections

312 and 322 of the Penal Code.

The Police Prosecutor, Mr Jeremiah Elijah, told the court that the case was reported to the Lugbe Police Station by Mrs Ngozi Emeghepo of Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Lugbe, on March 15, 2012.

Elijah said that in January, the complainant gave the accused the money to

supply her with cement.

He said the accused, however, failed to bring the said item and converted the money to his personal use.

The prosecutor added that the accused was unable to give a satisfactory account of his action during investigation.

Eze pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Elijah said in view of the

denial by the accused of the First Information Report (FIR), the court should fix a date for hearing.

Magistrate Tony Ubani granted bail to the accused in the sum of N100,000, with a surety residing within the Federal Capital Territory.

He adjourned the case to July 30, 2012 for hearing.

(NAN)

AMAC chair tasks office holders on health care delivery

By Adeola Tukuru

T

he Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has challenged all political office holders and others in position of authority to brace up to the challenges of charting a formidable course that would offer unfettered access to health care for Abuja residents.

Jiba spoke yesterday, during an event to commemorate the 2012 World Population Day. He noted that the provision of basic healthcare services to the electorate is both a

necessity and a constitutional right of every citizen of Nigeria.

According to him, population in all ramifications is both a blessing and a curse, depending on how authorities and indeed family unit manage it.

“Some critical areas that adversely affect our society is as a result of the negative impact of population, which includes explosion, crimes, squalor, rise in disease and many anti-social vices associated thereof,” he said.

The Chairman assured that AMAC administration is willing to step up its efforts in

adding value to primary health care service delivery system.

“We shall indeed try to domesticate the theme by being more responsive to the rural needs of the people”, he said.

He advised parents to plan their families well, stating that parents and our religious leaders must also continue to preach morality to the multitude they lead.

Earlier the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Mr Eze Festus Odimegwu said that the theme of the 2012 World Population Day is “Universal Access of Reproductive Health

Service”.

He therefore, emphasize the need to re-energize commitment towards universal access to reproductive health services as it has become more compelling in order to meet Goal 5 of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which prescribe improvement in maternal health.

Festus lament that the current maternal mortality ratio of 545 per 100,000 live births is unacceptable, saying, it is disheartening to note that 52,900 women, including teenage girls die every year from pregnancy related causes.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

PAGE 17

A destitute resting in an uncompleted building, yesterday in Garki 2, Abuja.

A middle-aged man preparing to take his breakfast on road side, yesterday in Nyanya.

Young men patronising second hand clothes, yesterday at Garki market, in Abuja.

A young man hawking plantain chips, yesterday at Kudu market, in Abuja.

Women displaying fruits and pepper waiting for customers, yesterday at Kubwa market, in Abuja.

Photos: Justin Imo-owo

BUSINESS

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

Email: amunuimam@yahoo.co.uk

PAGE 19

INSIDE

- Pg 20

SAHCOL to provide ground handling service to Etihad Airways

Mob: 08033644990

MFBs seek one year extension of recapitalisation deadline From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

M

An industrial textile factory once vibrant is now comatose

Kaduna textile industries to resume production soon, says KRPC From Agaju Madugba, Kaduna

W

ith current daily production of 3.5 million litres of petrol, the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) says most of the industries that rely on its byproducts would soon bounce back to business as it has enough stock-feeds to sustain such industries.

The KRPC acting Managing Director, Idi Mukhtar, told reporters in Kaduna at the weekend that, “after rehabilitation and maintenance of our plants, we have been producing at 70 per cent the refinery’s capacity.

“The production of basic fuels comes with other by products which many industries are dependant on.

“This refinery is capable of producing 16 by-products from refining our crude oil and imported crude.

“But unfortunately, with the refinery shut down for almost five years, these industries that depend on them had no choice than to shut down.

“The good news now is that we have produced enough to

By Aminu Imam

S

even Nigerian banks have been featured in a ranking of the Top 1000 banks in the world.

The list is compiled by The Banker magazine, a publication of the Financial Times of London.

The seven Nigerian banks

CFA • £ RIYAL $

SELLING 0.2979 193.0042 242.253 41.57 155.9

PARALLEL RATES • £ RIYAL $

BUYING 207 258 40 165

SELLING 209 260 42 169

are Zenith Bank, First Bank, GTbank, Access Bank, United Bank for Africa, Fidelity bank, First City Monument Bank and Skye Bank.

The banks are ranked according to their tier-1 capital.

According to this metric, Zenith Bank is the No. 1 Nigerian bank on the list with a tier 1 capital of

$ 2.398 billion (Zenith is no.7 in Africa and No.322 Worldwide).

Zenith is followed closely by First Bank’s tier 1 capital of $ 2.262 billion (No.2 in Nigeria, No.8 in Africa and No.338 worldwide). GTBank is third with a tier 1 capital of $ 1.478 billion (No.3 in Nigeria, No.11 in Africa and No.455 worldwide).

Management Tip of the Day

6th July, 2012 BUYING 0.2779 191.7662 240.6991 41.3034 154.9

start getting their supply from here.

“We also have plenty stock of asphalt for road construction and sundry services and the textiles industries in Kaduna that have been shut down because of power problems should breathe back to life because we can now supply them with the much needed Lou Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO).”

7 Nigerian banks ranked amongst world’s top 1000

EXCHANGE RATES

CBN

start supplying them on a sustainable basis.

“We now have enough kerosolvent which thin, clear liquid consisting of a mixture of hydrocarbons for our detergent industries.

“We are just waiting for permission to start allocating them. Also, our Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) plants in Kaduna and environs would

icrofinance Banks in the country have called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to extend the deadline for recapitalisation by one year and also review policies affecting the sub-sector.

It would be recalled that the CBN had given all microfinance banks till December 31, 2012 to comply with the revised policy framework The MFBs however asked the apex bank to extend the deadline to December 31st 2013, so as to allow enough time to either recapitalise or enter into merger and acquisition.

This was contained in a communiqué issued by participants at the just concluded microfinance certification programme of nonexecutive directors of microfinance banks organised by CBN, NDIC and FITC in Lagos.

The communiqué stated, “The fact that the EFCC considers most of the fraud cases affecting microfinance banks to be below its threshold have emboldened perpetrators of fraud against the sub-sector to continue to exploit the endless adjournment in conventional courts.

“There should be further review of some aspects of the regulatory guidelines and policies as follows; sanctions for infringements regarding submission of monthly returns, annual reports etc to be reviewed downward for microfinance banks and to be imposed only after enough warnings have been given, corporate tax for microfinance banks to be reduced to 20 per cent officially with special additional concessions because of the social nature of the business, and single obligor for microfinance banks to be increased to five per cent and 10 per cent for individual and corporate borrowers respectively.”

I

The right way to ask for a new assignment

f you hope to take on new project, don’t walk into your boss’s office and just ask for it. Prepare for the conversation by doing the following: Anticipate concerns. If you’re doing well with your current assignments, your

manager may be reluctant to change things. Or he may feel you’re not the right person for the job. Try to predict these concerns beforehand so you can address them directly.

Make a plan. How will your current responsibilities be handled if you take on the new

assignment? Don’t promise you can do it all. Point out which of your tasks can be passed on.

Be patient. This may not be a one-conversation decision.

Give your boss time to think about it.

Source: Harvard Business Review

Access Bank’s tier-1 capital or shareholders’ funds is $1.054 billion (No.4 in Nigeria, No.15 in Africa and No. 541 worldwide).

UBA is the fifth largest bank in Nigeria, No. 16 in Africa and No. 563 worldwide. Fidelity takes position as the sixth biggest bank in Nigeria, No. 17 in Africa and No. 618 in the world while First City Monument Bank becomes the seventh largest bank in Nigeria, No. 22 in Africa and No. 710 in the world.

Bank of America emerged No.1 on the global list with a tier 1 capital of $159.232 billion, JP Morgan was No. 2 with $150 billion. Four American and Four Chinese banks made the top ten list, with one British and Japanese Bank apiece also emerging.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS SON to begin product registration in September

T

he Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has said it will begin product registration in September.

The registration which will cover all products in the country, according to the Director-General of SON, Mr. Joseph Odumodu.

Niger Insurance marks 50 -years of business with dividend payout

S

hareholders of 50-year old Niger Insurance Plc would have reason to smile again as the company’s board plans to declare dividend during the 42nd annual general meeting of the insurance company, billed to hold in Lagos July 19, 2012.

Access Bank obtains ISO’s security management certification

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arely a year after its emergence as the first Nigerian and indeed only bank in West Africa to obtain the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard Certification, (PCIDSS), Access Bank has again raised the ante in management of security information with its recent certification by the British Standard Institute.

Dangote Flour partnership with Tiger brands pushes stocks to month-high

British Airways opens summer flights with discounts for economy class passengers

By Muhammad Sada

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he British Airways airline has opened up a big and cheap opportunity for Nigerians travelling to the United Kingdom in the economy class for summer.

With a lot of activities going on in the United Kingdom this summer, including Wimbledon, The Olympics and Paralympics, the airline has announced another discount offer for its World Traveller (economy) class customers.

The new offer is coming just weeks after BA rolled out a number of discount promos, namely the ‘Big Holidays, Small Prices’ Promo on its World Traveller, World Traveller Plus and Club World cabins, as well as amazing discounts on its Club World to several North American cities.

According to the airline, BA customers travelling to London from Lagos and Abuja on the World Traveller (Economy) class can now experience unparalleled service within the luxurious

ambience of British Airways cabins for less.

Announcing the new promo, Kola Olayinka, British Airways Country Commercial manager for Nigeria, stated that the offer which is available for sale between June 21 and June 29, 2012, means that BA passengers in the World Traveller class can now travel from Abuja or Lagos to London from as low as $439 and $489, respectively.

He disclosed that outbound travel for the offer runs from 21 June till July 3, 2012. All fares,

he added, are exclusive of all surcharges and taxes, and subject to availability. He said that with the offer, British Airways is providing its customers the chance to start their summer holidays early.

“We provide inclusive fares, a high free baggage allowance on all flights, free seat selection within 24-hours of departure, make no charge for bookings by debit card and we fly to mainstream airports close to the destination you want,” Olayinka said.

The airline said cabin crew and staff at check–in desks and first–class lounges will be equipped with technology to help them meet and greet selected travellers.

According to BA, the aim is to give the airline a more personal touch when serving important passengers, such as chief executives of financial

companies, who may not be instantly recognisable by British Airways employees.

The carrier already identifies such passengers on each flight but until now staff would not have known what they looked like until they checked in but with the new computer they will be able to approachsuch clients proactively.

The “Know Me” system will enable staff “to put a face to the name before the customer sets foot in the airport”. It said.

The programme is able to send messages with information about specific passengers to the iPads of customer service agents and senior cabin crew or update check–in staff via the airline’s computer system.

. . . to deploy tech to find passengers’ face on Google From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

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nited Kingdom carrier, British Airways has said it will install sophisticated gadget on its aircrafts that will enable its staff to identify customers by using a new computer system that searches Google to find images of them.

African ministers call for greater air links across continents From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

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inisters from across Africa countries have affirmed that there is the need for the continent to effect changes in its aviation sector in order to lay a solid foundation for competition in the emerging globalindustry that has seen the continent still miles behind in the areas of liberalisation and competition.

The leaders, who gathered at

the Kempinski Resort Hotel in the Seychelles for the 7th Routes Africa summit said the conference is part of a high level Strategy Forum aim at dealing with key issues inAfrica aviation in Liberalisation versus Competition and the global outlook for Africa and finding the opportunities and challenges inherent on the continent.

They said it is time the aviation industry come together

to fashion and highlight growth and opportunity that exists in the region as a springboard to have a share of the global aviation business.

Addressing the over 300 decision makers for the continent’s aviation sector, keynote speaker and Minister for Tourism and Culture for the Seychelles, Alain St Ange stated that Africa can no longer afford to live on an island in the industry hence the need to

establish partnerships between the sector and others.

Panel discussions and keynote addresses during forum also encourage the need for greater air lift within the region, so that all African countries can glean the economic benefit that air services bring.

The summit affirms that African governments must be committed to a universal e-visa, to encourage tourism and create jobs in the various sectors.

SAHCOL to provide ground handling service to Etihad Airways

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igeria foremost Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL) has been picked as ground handler for new entrant into the country Etihad Airways which began its operations into Lagos, from its home base,

Abu Dhabi in UAE a fortnight ago.

The airline said SAHCOL will be providing total Ground Handling Services for it’s 6 times a week flight operations from and to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Head of Corporate

Communication of SAHCOL, Mr. Basil Agboarumi told journalists the company would be supplying Ground Handling Services to all Etihad Airways operations (passenger and Cargo Aircraft) in/out bound Lagos.

The company currently

provide similar service to Arik Air, The United/Continental Airline, Air France Cargo and Egypt Air while others include Middle East Airlines (MEA), Air Nigeria, Allied Air and AeroContractors Airline among others.

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angote Flour Mills Plc, a Nigerian producer, headed for its highest in more than a month after Tiger Brands Ltd. (TBS) of South Africa agreed to take a majority stake in the miller.

Flour mills profit down 94% over commodity price rise exchange rate losses

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lour Mills of Nigeria Plc has released its audited numbers for the year ended 31 March 2012, revealing turnover grew by a marginal 8.2 percent from the N238.8billion reported for Full Year 2011 to N258.3billion.

Aero links Uyo and Abuja with new flight operations From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

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ero Contractors said it has commenced a daily flight operation between Uyo and Abuja with a Boeing 737 aircraft

which depart either location at 12:45pm on daily basis.

Managing director of the airline Captain Akin George said “We are very excited to be launching these new routes and

frequencies, which give our customers even more travel options to and from Uyo,” said Captain Akin George, Aero Managing Director.

He said “In addition, the

launch of these new routes and added frequencies further underscores the importance of our interest in the dynamic city of Uyo and our commitment to its growth.”

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

PAGE 21

Guild of Tourism Journalists advocate professionalism in students tour packaging Stories from Miriam Humbe

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he Guild of Tourism Journalists (GTJ) has called on the Federal and state government education authorities to regulate and streamline the packaging of students’ tour and excursion in the country.

In a release made available to the news men recently, and signed by Wale Ojo-Lanre, after the inauguration of the body in Akure last week, the body raised

alarm over the increased number of students who lost their lives when on tour and excursions.

“We are not happy with the unwholesome incidences of accidents, deaths and rape which have characterized the story of students tourism packaging in this country. It is a high time for those in education sector to regulate and monitor the conduct of such venture.”

“It is shocking to know that Nigeria has lost over 100 young

stars of tomorrow in the last four years to death by accident, drowning and armed robbery during and when on tour or excursion. This is not a good story for the growth of the sector.”

The Guild pointed out that “Our investigation revealed that most of these ugly incidents were avoidable had it been the school proprietors and managements engaged or hired professional tour operators and mangers who are well schooled in the art of packaging students on tour.”

“While we commend the management and proprietors of education institutions in the country for inculcating the tourism culture in the students in the early stage, we however warn them to be circumspect and careful of those engaged for such a tour in order not to destroy the whole sector in a hurry.”

The body said, “Our investigation also reveale that some unscrupulous school proprietors just embark on students tour for their school, not

out of genuine love for tourism and the students but see it as a means of exploiting the parents.

This make them steer clear of professionals tour operators who will not like to cut corners.

“It is because of this that we the entire Guild of Tourism Journalists in Nigeria passionately advocate the regularisation of the conduct of students tour and excursion in this country. Enough of the tales of death by accident, rape and drowning”, it further stated.

Riyom rock is a typical tourist destination in Jos, the 'Home of Peace & Tourism' Fajuyi Memorial park in Akure

Gamji Gate, Kaduna

Baitil-Atiq Travels to open branches in Kano, Jos, Lagos

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n Abuja-based travels and tours firm, Baitil-Atiq Travels and Tours (Nig) Limited has completed the process of expanding its business, by opening branch offices in Kano, Jos and Lagos as well as introducing tour buses and haulage services to further consolidate on the gains of tremendous performance within six years of operation.

Speaking recently in Abuja, the chairman of the company, Alhaji Umaru Sani said it is

expedient to open new frontiers because of its excellent clientele service performance which has been outstanding and demands by clients to have the presence of the company in virtually every capital city of northern states.

He said “Although we have not been long in the market, our excellent performance with our clients has been outstanding.

Our diligence and hard work had contributed tremendously to our success beyond our dream,

especially in Abuja and in Northern states in general.”

He acknowledged the contribution of the usage of stateof the- art modern facilities to the success of the organisation by saying that “we have the most popular reservation system on the Global Distribution System called Amadeus used by most airlines and travel agents, as well as Galileo reservation system.

We also have Basic VSAT connectivity with dedicated

bandwidth for efficient linkage and service meant for the travel reservation alone.

Alhaji Sani said the organisation since inception of operation has been careful in utilising the services of reputable airlines and charter aircrafts where necessary, to enhance performance to its numerous Federal Government ministries, departments and agencies, state governments, banks and private business concern.

According to him, BaitilAtiq’s clientele list include the Nigeria Tourism Development Commission (NTDC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), National Assembly, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), as well as Kaduna, Plateau and Nasarawa states governments, among others.

PAGE 22

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

FG, worst violator of insurance laws, says Commissioner

By Lawrence Olaoye

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he National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) boss, Fola Daniel yesterday alleged that the Federal Government is the worst violator of insurance laws in the country because government agencies delay in payments of their insurance premiums.

Speaking at a five-day Investigative Hearing on Insurance of Government Assets and Property, put together by the House of

Representatives Committee on Finance, Mr. Daniel said “the government is the major violator of Insurance laws in Nigeria because Section 51 of the Insurance Act provides that premiums should be paid in advance but Government bodies pay 11 months after almost one year into a particular year.”

Speaking further, the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, boss, Mr Daniels said, “We have been imposing sanctions on erring insurance companies

that had violated our laws either through outright withdrawal of their licences or various sanctions to sanitise the sector.”

“So far, the situation has been reasonable in the Insurance Industry but some were dealt with and in the process 8 Insurance companies were sanctioned for operational infractions, 19 companies were penalized for breach of the guidelines for oil and Gas Insurance .”

“38 others were dealt with for failing to submit copies of

evidence of their reinsurance arrangements, 46 for antimoney laundering, 2 licenses of Insurance brokers were suspended for various infractions, 32 licenses of Insurance brokers have been cancelled, 10 Insurance companies are currently under regulatory watch following observed deficiencies relating to solvency.”

Acting Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Kabir Mashi, in his brief presentation said that of all the

60 insurance companies, only 37 are tax compliant others owe various types of taxes and are not willing to pay.

Nigerian LNG cargo due in Rotterdam - Port

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igeria Liquefied Natural gas (LNG) tanker, LNG Port Harcourt is expected to arrive at Rotterdam’s Gate terminal today, port authority arrivals data showed yesterday.

The vessel can carry up to 122,000 cubic metres of the super-cooled fuel and was last seen yesterday in the English Channel, AIS Live ship tracking data showed.

The ship last exited Nigeria’s Bonny Offshore terminal on June 27, according to the same data.

(Reuters)

NASME calls for relaxation of NSE listing requirements

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L-R: A consultant, Professor Joseph Yayock, IFAD country portfolio officer, Dr Ben Odoemena, and consultant, Mrs Margaret Onubanjo, during the 5th IFAD direct supervision mission, on Monday in Port Harcourt.

Photo: NAN

RMAFC plans zonal public hearing on new revenue formula

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he Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) says it will conduct public hearings on the new revenue allocation formula in the six zones of the federation.

The Commission’s Chairman, Mr. Elias Mbam, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

He said that the hearing would provide an opportunity for Nigerians to make input on the new allocation for the three tiers of government.

Under the present revenue sharing formula, the Federal Government gets 52.68 per cent, while states and local governments receive 26.72

per cent and 20.60 per cent respectively.

“There are still many outstanding issues, first, we have collected data from local governments, the next is to analyse those data and we have also received memoranda from Nigerians and that would be analysed.

“We also intend to carry out advocacy tours in all the zones and then conduct open public hearing that everybody would be entitled.

“Those who could not submit memorandum can come there, make submissions, presentations, ask questions and be more enlightened.

“Before then, we intend to

send all our members to states to sensitise them, because they should be concerned about this; we don’t want when it is concluded you start bringing suggestions.”

It could be recalled that state governors have been agitating for a new, equitable and just revenue formula to get more allocations than they presently enjoy.

The agitation intensified in the first quarter 2011 when the bill for a new minimum wage became an Act making it mandatory for states to comply.

Mbam described the process for a new revenue allocation formula as “very sensitive issue with a lot of

implications”.

He said it had “serious implication for the socioeconomic development and unity of the country.”

“We believe that we should handle it with care and do it in such a way that an average Nigerian or majority would see that we are fair, just and equitable. ’’ The cost of the review process was not immediately available, but Mbam noted that the benefits Nigerians stood to gain from the review far outweighed the cost.

“We expect that government would understand the need to fund this issue.

“We are making contacts and believe government would provide all the funds which are not readily available, however we are optimistic that government knowing the importance of this review would provide appropriate funds.’’ (NAN)

rs. Liz Okereke, the Vice President of National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), yesterday called for relaxation of listing requirements of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

She told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that this would enable small medium-scale enterprises to get listed on the NSE. Okereke said that the current requirements were too high for these enterprises to meet.

She said that the sub-sector also needed special banks as microfinance banks could not meet their needs.

According to her, microfinance banks can not lend more than one million naira to individual customers as they do not have the capacity to do so.

Okereke said that the creation special banks for the NASME would help to develop the sub-sector.

She said that the sub-sector could not access the current intervention fund which the government gave to manufacturing industry.

She also said that the commercial banks were not helping matters as they preferred to give short-term loans. (NAN)

PAGE 24

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

2013 Audi takes you off-highway on a whim

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he Allroad is based on the A4, not the larger, heavier A6 that underpinned its predecessor. The new Allroad is 2.5 inches taller, slightly longer and wider, and offers more ground clearance than the A4 wagon (Avant) it replaces. The Allroad is still less of a serious offroader, however, and more of a competent all-weather vehicle than can take you off-highway on a whim.

As with the A4, the 2013 Audi Allroad offers only one choice of engine and transmission: a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder teamed with an eightspeed automatic and all-wheel drive.

But the Allroad's real strength isits cabin. With high-end materials, a thoroughly modern design and a range of upscale features, the Allroad stands out as a wonderful place to sit and motor.

The Allroad's taller ride height and all-wheel drive make it something of anodd duck in the small-wagon class.

The BMW xDrive 328i is its closest competitor, but it lacks the same will to get dirty. A size up, there's the Volvo XC70. It follows the same outdoorsy wagon theme as the Allroad and is roomier and less expensive, but isn't as nice inside and gets lower fuel economy. You can say pretty much the same thing about the Subaru Outback.

Then there's a host of small luxury crossovers to consider, including Audi's Q5, the BMW X3, the Mercedes GLK-Class and the Volvo XC60. These typically provide more cargo room and SUV-like design at the expense of handling. All told, the 2013 Allroad's appeal is pretty narrow. But for the shopper looking to split the difference between wagon and crossover SUV, it's an ideal pick.

The 2013 Audi Allroad is a fivepassenger wagon available in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels.

Standard features on Premium models include 18-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, automatic headlights, cruise control, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, split-folding rear seats, a tilt-andtelescoping steering wheel, eight-way power front seats(with four-way power lumbar) and a 10-speakersound system with CD player and satellite radio. An optional Convenience package adds Bluetooth, an iPod interface and an enhanced trip

computer, while the Lighting package includes bi-xenon headlamps and LED running lights.

All of the above features are included in the Premium Plus trim, along withheated exterior mirrors, a power liftgate, heated front seats, driver memory functions, three-zone automatic climate control and autodimming mirrors. An optional MMI Navigation package adds a navigation system with real-time traffic, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, voice controls, HD radio, a color trip computer screen, Audi Connect Web services and MMI controls located on the center console.

The Allroad Prestige comes standard with adaptive headlamps, keyless ignition/entry, a blind-spot warning system, the Navigation package and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system

(optional on Premium Plus). Options unique to the Prestige includeadaptive cruise control, adjustable settings for steering and transmission, and manual rear sunshades.

The Sport Interior package (also offered on Premium Plus) adds more aggressively bolstered 12-way power seats and a three-spoke steering wheel with transmission shift paddles. Nineteen-inch wheels are also available on both Prestige and Premium Plus, while rear side airbags and wood trim are optional on all levels.

All 2013 Audi Allroad models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The engine is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control and standard all-wheel

drive.

Audi says the Allroad can dash from zero to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, a fairly quick time for an entry-level luxury car. EPA-estimated fuel economy stands at 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.

Standard safety features on the 2013 Audi Allroad include antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. Rear-seat side airbags are optional on all trim levels, while a blind-spot warning system is standard on the Prestige.

In government crash tests, the Audi Allroad earned five stars for side crash protection, but has not yet been rated in overall frontal crash protection as of this writing. The A4 sedan on which the Allroad is based, however, earned an overall rating of four stars out of a possible five. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the A4 its highest rating of "Good" in both frontaloffset and side impact crash testing, as well as roof strength tests, and that was without the optional rear-seat side airbags.

Among luxury wagons, the 2013 Audi Allroad's interior is one of the best in its class. With its modernist design, top-notch materials and standard leather upholstery (an advantage over BMW and Volvo rivals), the Allroad sends a message of sophisticated refinement.

Most MMI infotainment functions are conveniently accessed around the shift lever on models equipped with the navigation system. Cars without navigation, however, have MMI on the dash, which is far less convenient and userfriendly. Navigation-equipped cars also get the newer, improved version of MMI. The Allroad offers 17 cubic feet behind the second-row seats and 51 cubes with the seats folded. These dimensions are average for the class.

And although the Allroad isn't a true off-roader, its stainless steel skid plates, lower body cladding and 7.1 inches of ground clearance provide peace of mind when heading further afield in search of sand, snow, or single-track.

Source: Edmunds.com

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

PAGE 25

By Udenna Orji 07055652553

Why Nigeria may not meet the Millennium Development Goals on Housing

Pg 26

Roofing

Bringing beauty and splendour to roofing‌ With a 50-year guarantee Metrotile Roofing Systems:

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wards have continued to flood the way of Metrotile Nigeria Limited, in recognition of the company's state-of-the-art roofing products, Metrotiles.

Overcoming strong winds, heat from the tropical sun, humidity,

fire and other environmental hazards has always constituted a difficult challenge for roofing experts.

The ability to overcome these problems and at the same time come up with strikingly beautiful and inviting roofs has always been the hallmark of successful roofing.

One roofing system that has been technologically designed to withstand these adverse climate conditions including hazards like fire and at the same time bring beauty and splendour to a building is the metrotile lightweight roofing system. Metro tiles are stonecoated roofing tiles made of

Stone Cladding

aluzinc (aluminum and zinc).

The products are fire proof, extremely insulated against heat and sound, have higher aesthetic value and come with a 50 year guarantee.

Metrotiles come in four varieties; metro bond, metro shake, metro roman and metro shingle. Used in over 80

countries, the products have steadily become the choice of discerning developers and Metrotiles Nigeria received Nigeria's Best Roofing Company Award in 2007 and 2008. Cap your building with quality and durability, beauty and splendour, use metrotiles.

Woodwork

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tone Cladding is back in building designs and is steadily gaining more popularity in Nigeria due to its aesthetic imitation of nature. Globally, there is a challenge to develop eco-friendly buildings and spaces without compromising on visual appeal. Creative individuals now manufacture stones to imitate nature and use these to aesthetically design interior and exterior walls, walkways, bars and gazebos, stairways, fences, sign posts, swimming pools, etc. In the above pictures are stone cladding works

by Nigerian manufactured stone veneer company, Waterock.

Wood works by furniture maker, Wood-et al

PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

Why Nigeria may not meet the Millennium Development Goals on Housing U nless concerted efforts are made to reverse the current state of affairs, Nigerians nationwide will have to wait much longer than other nations before they can enjoy the benefits of the Millennium Development Goals on Housing.

Millennium Development Goals on housing are a global pact to ensure that citizens of nations have access to affordable and decent housing by the year 2020.

The Millennium Declaration was adopted by Member States of the United Nations in September 2000. It contains eight Millennium Development Goals (MDG's) ranging from eradicating extreme poverty to combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases. The MDGs detail out 18 specific development targets, each with a time-frame and indicators designed to monitor the extent to which the target has been achieved.

Specifically, Millennium Development Goal 7, Target 11 assigned the UN-HABITAT the responsibility of assisting Member States to monitor and gradually attain the "Cities Without Slums" target also known as Target 11, which is one of the three targets of Goal 7: To Ensure Environmental Sustainability". Target 11 aims to achieve a significant improvement in the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers by 2020.

By UN-HABITAT definition, a slum household is a household that lacks any one of the following five elements: Access to improved water: (Access to sufficient amount of water for family use, at an affordable price, available to household members without being subject to extreme effort).

Access to Improved Sanitation: (Access to an excreta disposal system either in the form of a private toilet or a public toilet shared with a reasonable number of people).

Security of Tenure: (Evidence of documentation to prove secure tenure status or de facto or perceived protection from evictions).

Durability of Housing: (Permanent and adequate structure in non-hazardous location).

Sufficient Living Area: (Not more than two people sharing the same room).

But the increasing growth of slums in Nigeria, borne out of the nation's estimated deficit of 16 million housing units is causing unease in government circles and among industry operators.

While commending the federal government for the newly approved housing and urban development policies, experts say bills on Land Tenure (the proposed amendments/repeal of the Land Use Decree), Foreclosures, Tax Incentives for

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ms Ama Pepple

President Goodluck Jonathan Housing and Mortgage related transactions still pending at the National Assembly constitute major impediments to the realization of the United Nation's Millennium Development Goals on Housing in Nigeria.

According to mortgage banker, Muhammed Jibrin, Chief Executive Officer of Sun Trust Savings and Loans Ltd, "If you look at the Nigerian economy generally, it is clear that minimum attention has been paid to the housing sector‌ Every body in this country knows that the land tenure system confers the right of title to the governor of the state, making ownership and transfer of title cumbersome. The banks cannot easily foreclose on properties that mortgages have been created on. The foreclosure law has to be passed. The Law concerning tax incentives for housing and mortgage related transactions should also be passed. Unless the National Assembly passes these legislations, the expected Millennium Development Goals in terms of providing decent affordable housing will not be achieved. Government needs to move forward and make sure those bills are passed into law."

Explaining further, he said "the second thing is that you bring in private sector participation. Nigeria today has an estimated shortage of 16 million houses based on Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria figures. Assuming a decent home in the country will cost a minimum of N10 million, to meet 10 million housing units, it will sum up to 100 trillion. So government must provide a

holistic policy framework and the necessary environment to tackle this shortage. Only then can the needed long-term private sector funds to develop the sector be attracted."

A recent World Bank report says Nigeria has the potential to become Africa's foremost economic power, with an average GDP of six per cent per annum, buoyed by a young and growing population of 160 million. Morgan Stanley, an investment banking institution, also predicted that Nigeria's economy would outperform South Africa's by 2025 to become the biggest in Africa. The macroeconomic outlook is favourable. With an expected stable inflation rate, five per cent rural to urban immigration, and three per cent population growth, experts say Nigeria is a huge real estate market by all standards.

Concurring with the statistics, the Jibrin noted that "in the highly developed economies, the average contribution of the real estate and housing sectors to the GDP is 40 per cent. In every economy, there is an engine room for that economy. The Nigerian housing sector can serve as that engine room as we seek to diversify our economic base. The sector has the potential to generate and create huge economic activities. The housing sector needs to consume other building materials and products such as electrical equipment, furniture, paints, roofing, cement, etc. The sector can help in developing small and large scale production of these key inputs thereby generating

employment and increasing the level of national income.

Addressing the housing sector problem is the same as addressing

the unemployment problem and one avenue to diversify the economy away from dependence on the oil sector".

DESIGN MARVEL

Eden Heights, a sturning design byt award winning design firm, Design Union

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

PAGE 27

Low and middle segment property markets on bullish trend as bears grip high end market

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he brisk business going on at the low and middle segments of the property market has continued to surge with such property owners raising rents arbitrarily in cities all over Nigeria especially in Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt.

With the surge in rents, a majority of Nigerians are now calling on the National Assembly to expedite action on the Landlord/Tenants Act which along with other house-related

Acts have been lying at the National Assembly, unattended to.

Analysts say the surging rents are as a result of the absence of a Rent Regulatory Law in the country which the Landlord /Tenant Act is expected to address. The lull in business nationwide due to rising insecurity has put pressure on most families, leading to property owners raising rents arbitrarily to

enable them earn more income to solve their financial problems.

Another reason advanced for the surging rent at the low and middle segments of the property market is that those who bought or rented the high end properties have been buffeted by decreasing earnings within the Nigerian economy and thus forced by financial crisis to scale down and patronize the middle and low end markets, putting pressure on these segments.

But a Property Consultant, Mr. M.I. Okoro blamed the high rents on the low value of the naira and high exchange rate.

According to him, "this is a country where almost 90 percent of building inputs are imported which means that the cost of developing a property has gone up in line with the exchange rate ‌ landlords are not Father Christmas; they too are in business. They would like to recoup their cost of development

and make a little profit."

As the low and middle end property markets boom, gloom is the order of the day at the high end segment where buyers are disappearing and prices falling.

This end of the market is played by the rich and the very rich most of whom have been financially crippled by the global economic meltdown. It costs hundreds of millions of naira, sometimes billions, to play in this segment of the property market.

Ekulu Estate, Enugu

Poor mortgage finance cause of Nigeria’s N16 million units housing deficit T he nation's shortfall of over 16 million houses has been attributed to the deficient structures of the mortgage industry in Nigeria.

Mr. Elias Ovesuor a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) and Managing Partner, U.K. Ovesuor & Partners who made this known said "mortgage financing as an instrument for home financing for now, I can say we are having problems with it because the Federal Government is trying to inject funds into the Federal Mortgage

Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) which is like a CBN to the primary Mortgage Institutions (PMIs).

But the structures are still deficient and the people are not well organized, because of that, what the FMBN is supposed to do, it is not doing. So, as we are talking now, the things that are supposed to be happening in the mortgage sector are not happening. Mortgage finance as far as I am concerned, is not functioning effectively in the country. Only a few people are benefiting from it as opposed to the spirit of the institution which

makes it mandatory for a lot people to benefit. The housing shortage in the country is about 16 million housing units, but in the last ten years, we have not provided up to half a million housing units. So, to get the 16 million housing units that are in shortage, you will then appreciate the problem at hand in respect of housing provision.

Mortgage in Nigeria, to be candid to you, is still as its infancy".

In another development, the reason for the overcrowding and squalor in which many

Nigerians lives was brought to the fore when the House of Representatives committee on Environment and Habitat revealed that Nigeria was in urgent need of 23:33 million more houses to be able to accommodate the nation's 140 million people by United Nations (UN) standard. Estimate show Nigeria has only 6.33 million houses presently accommodating the nation's 140 million people. But U.N. standard says there should be 6 people per house, which means Nigeria needs more than three

times the estimated 6.33 million houses standing in the country today.

"If we must maintain the United Nation's standard of 6 persons per house, then if you consider a population of 140 million people, we actually need about 23:33 million more houses in addition to the 6:33 million that we have today. It is wrong for a former minister to have said we have short fall of only 17 million houses," committee member Hon. Mohammed Sani (PDP Bauchi) said.

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

Mortgage giant, Fannie Mae appoints new CEO as global housing market returns to profit Foreign Markets

President, United States of American, Barack Obama

R

ecovering United States mortgage banking giant, Fannie Mae has appointed Timothy J. Mayopoulos, 53, as President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the bank's board. Mayopoulos who last served as executive vice president, chief administrative officer, and general counsel, will lead the mortgage giant's business transformation agenda.

Mayopoulos assumes leadership of Fannie Mae at a pivotal point for housing finance.

He will succeed Michael J. Williams who announced in January his decision to step down after leading the company's effective response to the housing crisis and the rebuild of the company since 2009. In the first quarter of 2012, Fannie Mae reported a net income of $2.7 billion and did not require funding from Treasury. The company's comprehensive income of $3.1 billion in the first quarter of 2012 was sufficient to pay the first quarter dividend of $2.8 billion. To date, Fannie Mae has paid $22.6 billion to Treasury through dividend payments.

Fannie Mae was set up by the United States Government to expand affordable housing and bring global capital to local communities in order to serve the America's housing market.

Fannie Mae has a federal charter and operates in America's secondary mortgage market to enhance the liquidity of the mortgage market by purchasing or guaranteeing mortgage loans originated by mortgage bankers and other lenders so that they may lend to home buyers.

It was the collapse of the gargantuan mortgage bank, which holds trillions of dollars in mortgages,that led to the global economic meltdown in 2007.

The crash of the housing market

dominated by Fannie Mae and its American rival, Freddie Mac meant that several banks, private equity funds and investors in several countries of the world that invested in the housing market and which funds were guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could not be paid when their funds were due.

This led to foreclosures in the United States and in Europe.

As the economic meltdown worsened, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac took over a foreclosed home roughly every 90 seconds during the first three months of 2010. They owned 163,828 houses at the end of March. The mortgage finance companies, created by congress to help Americans buy homes, had become two of the nation's largest landlords.

Bill Bridwell, a real estate agent in Phoenix was among the thousands of agents hired nationwide by the companies to sell those foreclosures, to recoup some of the money that borrowers failed to repay. In a good week, he sold 20 homes and Fannie sent another 20 listings his way. "We were all working for the government then," said Mr. Bridwell.

For all the focus on the historic federal rescue of the banking industry, it was the government's decision to seize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in September 2008 that cost American taxpayers the most money.

Fannie and Freddie increased American home ownership over the last half-century by persuading investors to provide money for mortgage loans. Their sales pitch amounted to a money-back guarantee: If borrower defaulted, the companies promised to repay the investors. Rather than actually making loans, the two companies - Fannie older and larger, Freddie created to provide competition - bought loans from banks and other originators, providing money for more lending and helping to hold down interest rates. "Our business is the American dream of home ownership," Fannie Mae declared in its mission statement, and in 2001 the company set a target of helping to create six million new homeowners by 2014.

In Arizona, during a housing boom fueled by cheap land, cheap money and population growth, Fannie Mae executives trumpeted that the company would invest $15 billion to help

families buy homes.

As it turned out, Fannie and Freddie increasingly were channeling money into loans that borrowers could not afford.

As defaults mounted, the companies quickly ran low on money to honor their guarantees.

The U.S government, fearing that investors would stop providing money for new loans, placed the companies in conservatorship and took a 79.9 per cent ownership stake, adding its own guarantee those investors would be repaid. The huge and continually rising cost of that decision spurred national debate about federal subsidies for mortgage lending.

With Fannie Mae no longer requiring government funding now, but indeed paying till date, $22.6 billion in dividend payments to Treasury, it is revealing that the mortgage giant and housing markets globally, have returned to profit.

PAGE 24

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

2013 Audi takes you off-highway on a whim

T

he Allroad is based on the A4, not the larger, heavier A6 that underpinned its predecessor. The new Allroad is 2.5 inches taller, slightly longer and wider, and offers more ground clearance than the A4 wagon (Avant) it replaces. The Allroad is still less of a serious offroader, however, and more of a competent all-weather vehicle than can take you off-highway on a whim.

As with the A4, the 2013 Audi Allroad offers only one choice of engine and transmission: a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder teamed with an eightspeed automatic and all-wheel drive.

But the Allroad's real strength isits cabin. With high-end materials, a thoroughly modern design and a range of upscale features, the Allroad stands out as a wonderful place to sit and motor.

The Allroad's taller ride height and all-wheel drive make it something of anodd duck in the small-wagon class.

The BMW xDrive 328i is its closest competitor, but it lacks the same will to get dirty. A size up, there's the Volvo XC70. It follows the same outdoorsy wagon theme as the Allroad and is roomier and less expensive, but isn't as nice inside and gets lower fuel economy. You can say pretty much the same thing about the Subaru Outback.

Then there's a host of small luxury crossovers to consider, including Audi's Q5, the BMW X3, the Mercedes GLK-Class and the Volvo XC60. These typically provide more cargo room and SUV-like design at the expense of handling. All told, the 2013 Allroad's appeal is pretty narrow. But for the shopper looking to split the difference between wagon and crossover SUV, it's an ideal pick.

The 2013 Audi Allroad is a fivepassenger wagon available in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels.

Standard features on Premium models include 18-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, automatic headlights, cruise control, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, split-folding rear seats, a tilt-andtelescoping steering wheel, eight-way power front seats(with four-way power lumbar) and a 10-speakersound system with CD player and satellite radio. An optional Convenience package adds Bluetooth, an iPod interface and an enhanced trip

computer, while the Lighting package includes bi-xenon headlamps and LED running lights.

All of the above features are included in the Premium Plus trim, along withheated exterior mirrors, a power liftgate, heated front seats, driver memory functions, three-zone automatic climate control and autodimming mirrors. An optional MMI Navigation package adds a navigation system with real-time traffic, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, voice controls, HD radio, a color trip computer screen, Audi Connect Web services and MMI controls located on the center console.

The Allroad Prestige comes standard with adaptive headlamps, keyless ignition/entry, a blind-spot warning system, the Navigation package and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system

(optional on Premium Plus). Options unique to the Prestige includeadaptive cruise control, adjustable settings for steering and transmission, and manual rear sunshades.

The Sport Interior package (also offered on Premium Plus) adds more aggressively bolstered 12-way power seats and a three-spoke steering wheel with transmission shift paddles. Nineteen-inch wheels are also available on both Prestige and Premium Plus, while rear side airbags and wood trim are optional on all levels.

All 2013 Audi Allroad models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The engine is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control and standard all-wheel

drive.

Audi says the Allroad can dash from zero to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, a fairly quick time for an entry-level luxury car. EPA-estimated fuel economy stands at 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.

Standard safety features on the 2013 Audi Allroad include antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. Rear-seat side airbags are optional on all trim levels, while a blind-spot warning system is standard on the Prestige.

In government crash tests, the Audi Allroad earned five stars for side crash protection, but has not yet been rated in overall frontal crash protection as of this writing. The A4 sedan on which the Allroad is based, however, earned an overall rating of four stars out of a possible five. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the A4 its highest rating of "Good" in both frontaloffset and side impact crash testing, as well as roof strength tests, and that was without the optional rear-seat side airbags.

Among luxury wagons, the 2013 Audi Allroad's interior is one of the best in its class. With its modernist design, top-notch materials and standard leather upholstery (an advantage over BMW and Volvo rivals), the Allroad sends a message of sophisticated refinement.

Most MMI infotainment functions are conveniently accessed around the shift lever on models equipped with the navigation system. Cars without navigation, however, have MMI on the dash, which is far less convenient and userfriendly. Navigation-equipped cars also get the newer, improved version of MMI. The Allroad offers 17 cubic feet behind the second-row seats and 51 cubes with the seats folded. These dimensions are average for the class.

And although the Allroad isn't a true off-roader, its stainless steel skid plates, lower body cladding and 7.1 inches of ground clearance provide peace of mind when heading further afield in search of sand, snow, or single-track.

Source: Edmunds.com

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

PAGE 29

Tambuwal, Okorocha, others for book launch S peaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Imo state Governor, Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha are expected to be part of the dignitaries that will attend the launching of a book titled "The Secrets That Made Dangote Rich", on Sunday at the Nigerian National Merit Award House, Maitama, in Abuja.

The book, written by Obinna Godwin, an Imo stateborn Chemical Engineer and

publisher, is a must read for entrepreneurs and those who aspire to be successful.

The publication x-rays the success story of one of Africa's most outstanding business moguls, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

The event which comes up at 2:00pm on Sunday, August 15, 2012, would be chaired by General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd).

Other dignitaries expected at the event are Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi state, Deputy Speaker

of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, and Senator Chris Anyanwu as special guests of honour. Dr. David Spencer would be the guest speaker, while General T.Y. Danjuma would be the Chief Launcher.

Also, the book would be colaunched by Alhaji Hussaini Dikko and Barrister S. I. Aheh (SAN), while Elder (Prof) J.A.M. Otubu and Malama Fatima Ogohi would be the father and mother of the day respectively.

Reading Journalism Across Cultures (I) BOOK REVIEW

By Armsfree Ajanaku Onomo

I

N a world where power relation narratives tend to suggest that significant events that shape progress happen mainly in the West, it is sometimes difficult to situate the trajectory of ideas in other parts of the world. Histories of science, ideas and the arts tend to be skewed to create the impression that knowledge and know-how cascade down the hills of Anglo-American and European minds, to the plains of countries in the global south.

This dominant, albeit implied supposition is not helped by the fact that original thoughts, even when they come from citizens of the global south, emanate from Western structures; the universities, the think-tanks and so on. The result of this is that the global firmament of ideas, concepts, and even professions, tend to be seen as offshoots of Western traditions, and as such, a continuation of those traditions.

The global media is one arena where hegemony is perpetuated.

Journalism provides a platform for exchange across the globe, but the question of who comes out better at the end of the exchange of ideas is something of interest to many scholars. There are those who argue that enough has not been done to document the roles, similarities and peculiarities of journalistic cultures that are nonwestern.

In Journalism Across Cultures: An Introduction, Levi Obijiofor and Folker Hanusch attempt to provide a holistic and global basis for understanding journalism, not just of the western strand, but those of marginalised peoples of nonwestern extraction. The mission of the authors is thus clear right from the start of the book: to establish the notion that central journalistic message and the methodology for delivering it is determined by the cultural milieu in which such

The book front cover journalism is found.

The position is also advanced that the pen profession, apart from tilting substantially in favour of the west, and catering for its concerns, has not been inclusive enough to reflect aspirations of the peoples in non-western cultures.

Right from the introduction of the book, the view is canvassed that “although we live in a globalized world, research evidence suggests that news agendas are dominated by domestic news events, a focus on popular personalities, soft news and entertainment-driven content, concentration on regional news or ‘Eurocentrism’, as well as a diminished attention to international news in general…”

The authors contend that journalism in parts of the world other than the west has inhaled the influences of the cultures within which it plays its roles.

They are very enthusiastic about stretching what has been a traditional debate revolving around, and utilising Western journalism as the sole laboratory of analysis of what is effectively a global phenomenon. They, thus, contend that journalism as an art that captures the very events that shape the lives of societies could be understood from a global perspective, wherein the inputs of the various cultural movements could be discerned.

Source: NigerianVillageSquare

FR OM THE FROM LIVE ST AGE STA with Patrick-Jude Oteh 0803 700 0496, 0805 953 5215 (SMS only)

We are in soup!

T

hese are indeed trying times. We have never had it these bad. The kind of times that some people will say ' I am in soup'. I am sure that a lot of us would have tried different things and different tactics.

Some are working and some are not. The times has also thrown up the worst in the arts circuit.

A lot of our artistes or those who have chosen to reside and make a living out of the arts are really behaving badly.

Plato in writing The Republic had a code of conduct for an ideal republic and part of his recommendations included the role of the artiste in any ideal society and a society that strives to be ideal. But here there are so many things that are upside down. Our tribe of artistes are supposed to show the way to good behaviour but sadly that is missing here. More and more of us are getting engaged in it and we think it is the best thing to do. For instance, how can someone contribute money to your program and you never go back to say 'thank you?' We all know that the funding circle is so small. When someone else goes back to that source needless to say what you get is a refusal! Some of us are also in the habit of 'knifing' each other when we get to sources of potential business. What I mean is this - you get to a source and you find that there is already a proposal with that source.

Instead of walking away with dignity and await another time, we proceed to run down the other person or organization and most times we propose a lower budget or what we think is a lower budget and we hopefully will get the job. This works in the immediate but on the long term, it is you that is the loser.

I believe that ultimately we all cannot continue to behave in such indecent manner. For some of us it is the ideal thing to do but this cannot last. My take on this is that it will only last for the short term. For organizations that decide to go this way, it is only a matter of time before they will unravel. I also believe that no matter how hot the present soup is, our society still appreciates decent behaviour.

Farewell Ambassador (Chief) Segun Olusola We lost a very rare gem recently. Chief Segun Olusola.

A rare man. A rare human being and a rare Nigerian. The creator of the evergreen Village Headmaster, he slept at the ripe age of 78. In a society where the life expectancy is put at 43, living to 78 was indeed a landmark. A man of many parts and vast talents, he was a very decent man.

I look back to the days of Village Headmaster. We might not have understood what it was then. We might not have made meaning of the foibles of the characters. But going back to the program then and for those who understood it, it was a revolution in its own time. The precursor of our Nollywood.

Even going back to comments from then, it was a class ahead of most of the home videos we have presently. But we cannot live forever. We salute the life of Ambassador Olusola. We salute the courage with which he lived his life to the full. We salute his artistic decency. We salute the finesse he brought to his work both as Nigeria's Ambassador to Ethiopia and later as the Founder and CEO of African Refugee Foundation. He was Patron of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) for many years. He never shirked a call. He never refused a call no matter how late to the event. If he was in the country, he would be there. He had no airs about him despite his mammoth achievements. He was a very decent man. He was a human being. He was one of our very best.

Rest well Chief and Ambassador. You deserve the rest.

AND A LAST CUT...

For those who have been in government before, please just what is that makes men and women to abandon their friends and sometimes family when they get into the corridors of government appointment? As soon as they get there, they change numbers, they become so busy and I keep wondering what they are busy doing....then they abandon friends, family and make hopefully new friends. But as soon as they leave government.......pathetic and miserable.

PAGE 30

By Hannatu Musawa Is it nothing to you that you bomb-suicide; Whole families in the worshiping house they preside? When you decide to collide where mass people reside, In order to kill them; you’re the devil personified! Is it nothing to you that your faith must have died, Is it nothing to you that our dear children cry; That they sigh and they die in the blink of an eye?

From hunger to strife to a life that’s awry, Nigeria’s kids can barely scrape by!

Is it nothing to you that the world asks us why; We belie a potential that limits the sky?

Whereby, we misapply our abundant supply.

We pry and we lie like the alpha bad guy!

Is it nothing to you that our nation can’t fly; From the depths of destruction, to a renewable high?

As I scribble these words on this day of July, This beautiful land is on the verge of goodbye!

Is it nothing to you that we cannot comply; That we have no ally, we’re on virtual standby?

Nigeria must vie to defy this war cry.

Revert back to basics, renew our strong tie! ______***______ Is it nothing to you that your officers steal?

A classic example is the Malibu Deal!

The wheel given Tompolo is just too surreal; And the Fuel Subsidy bandits are the greatest reveal!

Is it nothing to you that bribery’s not ideal; When friends of your government try to spin bogus spiel?

After their set-up with marked bills for appeal, And recording the transaction with a video conceal!

Is it nothing to you that we do see your zeal; In killing the Subsidy Report with a blatant repeal.

You just want to seal all the crime that is real, The trillions that’s pilfered for the cabal’s sumptuous meal!

Is it nothing to you your achievements are neal?

That the genteel you are ruling have a bad ordeal.

The steel of this government has began to peel, But for the sake of our future, Nigeria must heal! ______***______ Is it nothing to you that you bomb-suicide; Whole families in the worshiping house they preside?

When you decide to collide where mass people reside, In order to kill them; you’re the devil personified!

Is it nothing to you that your faith must have died, When you misuse our religion

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

Is it nothing to you...? quite an unsafe forte!

Is it nothing to you that we have no support?

The world looks at us as a joke, as a wart.

We must pull together; focus our exhort; To clean up our act; bring our crime down to naught! ______***______

Ms. Hannatu Musawa with your much warped misguide?

The words of the Scripture speak of peace side by side.

The words of the Scripture speak of love, patience abide!

Is it nothing to you that your troops cannot hide; From the extra-judicial killings that the JTF applied?

In their stride, innocent bodies have piled nation-wide.

They’re as bad as the terrorists, worse than Jekyll and Hyde!

Is it nothing to you other interests do hide; Behind Boko Haram and commit crime to divide?

Not all of the killings, the bombings or snide; Come from one source or have the same single guide! ______***______ Is it nothing to you that your airlines are old; And millions of Nigerians fly in your coffin mould?

You mortgage our lives to gain abundant Fool’s Gold.

You patch up bad airplanes that are second hand sold!

Is it nothing to you that you must uphold; A global wide standard for airlines controlled?

All the vessel’s information that you do withhold; Must be given to the public to see and behold!

Is it nothing to you that those out in the cold; Are the victims who survived when the Dana Air rolled?

Their houses were bowled; they lost all in a fold.

When to get compensation; they have still not been told!

Is it nothing to you that our options are outsold?

Had we sea or rail travel, we’d feel much more bold.

The aviation industry must of itself get a-hold; So Nigerians can fly feeling safe and consoled! ______***______

Is it nothing to you that you contest elections; By tugging and pulling on people’s affections?

Now you’ve made your connections and are in government sections, The hoard that supported you are part of your rejections!

Is it nothing to you that most have objections; Of the amount that you make from your official collections?

Your allowances and extra-fund injections, Are an affront to a society with little confections!

Is it nothing to you that from all our reflections; INEC, you’re not independent in your past selections?

The interjections and protections of INEC’s predilections, Have exposed their addictions and Jega’s imperfections!

Is it nothing to you that we can change the complexions; Of our future government by making corrections?

2015 is coming, let’s use wise directions; To put into power those who give good projections! ______***______ Is it nothing to you that you sell our land short; When you travel abroad to distort our sort?

All over the World our passport does import; 419 and scams, scarlet ladies and drugs snort!

Is it nothing to you in Chinese jails, in court; Nigerian’s are plenty for the crimes they export.

They beat some; they kill some, a few they deport.

It’s sad that our people don’t abort this contort!

Is it nothing to you that you rob and you thwart; Our freedom, our peace by your constant extort?

Kidnappers and robbers, crime is your blood sport; You’ve resort our homes as

Is it nothing to you when you berate so much hate; On another tribe in Nigeria, it creates a debate?

North, South, East, West or Central, we’re from one estate.

One people, one nation who share one single fate!

Is it nothing to you when in blogs you misstate; An irate dictate that translates to negate?

At the rate we communicate, we can’t interrelate; We’re like enemies in a vessel just lying in wait!

Is it nothing to you that the poverty weight; Is on every Nigerian with no discriminate?

If our nations deflate, no tribe should elate.

We’ll all skate to desecrate; I’m telling you straight!

Is it nothing to you that our leaders who ate; All our money in government are from each ethnic plate?

When they conjugate behind the gate of the Chief of the State; They don’t think about tribe, only their share in that crate!

PEOPLES POEM OF THE WEEK Title: Rose of Eden

By By: Arthur Alexandra Apeh Ojima Oh! Princess!

What an extra-ordinary name With fabulous surface Oh! Daffodil can tell better.

Hey prince What do you see?

Immortal beauty of a dove Dove! Dove!! Oh! Dove!!!

Oh! Perfect oha!

Why do I love everything about thee?

But I have met edikaikong from South Africa with beauty all over, And Editan from India Oh perfect oha!

Even Atama from calaba, White soup from Jerusalem and Afang from Jos! And still, you are unforgettable.

Oh! Oh!! Oh!!! Miss planet!

What? Who?? And where??? Will I compare thee with?

______***______ Is it nothing to you, because it’s something to me; That we’re living in darkness to a constant degree?

Nepa say’s it is working, but it’s real hard to see; Because the lights are always off. I am sure you’ll agree!

Is it nothing to you, because it’s something to me; That our people are screaming like senseless banshee?

Many families can’t eat; some can’t even buy tea; The only one’s living are the peak bourgeoisie!

Is it nothing to you, because it’s something to me; That our motorways are like craters with earthquake debris?

I can tell you for free, our roads are no Grand-Prix; Our maintenance culture’s not as it really should be!

Is it nothing to you, because it’s something to me; That I’m writing this sonnet with not much “Whoopee”?

My prayer for my nations is renewed esprit.

My wish for Nigeria is for our land to be free!

Is it something to you…? It’s not nothing to me…!

Ms. Hannatu Musawa, a poet and public commentator, is a graduate of the University of Bukingham, and a lawyer based in the United Kingdom.

Oh! Disciple of love Is it pacific ocean Which I can drink the whole a minute call?

Angel!

How special is Bill gate, Bill Clinton, Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Good luck Jonathan, Obama or your colleague Queen Elizabeth???

To compare thee with? Oh! I canâ•™t.

Oh! Rose of Eden!

I will set room 101 for thee!

Manchester for your honey moon!

Chelsea for your bachelor Eve and Our kingdom shall be as big as paradise.

Oh! Virgin Mary!

I also wait patiently for thee Source: Online Nigeria

QUO TE UOTE “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”

–– Mother Theresa.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

PAGE 31

Mysterious fatal crash exposes US commando presence in Mali ANALYSIS

By Craig Whitlock

I

n pre-dawn darkness, a Toyota Land Cruiser skidded off a bridge in North Africa in the spring, plunging into the Niger River. When rescuers arrived, they found the bodies of three U.S. Army commandos - alongside three dead women.

What the men were doing in the impoverished country of Mali, and why they were still there a month after the United States suspended military relations with its government, is at the crux of a mystery that officials have not fully explained even 10 weeks later.

At the very least, the April 20 accident exposed a team of Special Operations forces that had been working for months in Mali, a Saharan country racked by civil war and a rising Islamist insurgency. More broadly, the crash has provided a rare glimpse of elite U.S. commando units in North Africa, where they have been secretly engaged in counterterrorism actions against al-Qaeda affiliates.

The Obama administration has not publicly acknowledged the existence of the missions, although it has spoken in general about plans to rely on Special Operations forces as a cornerstone of its global counterterrorism strategy. In recent years, the Pentagon has swelled the ranks and resources of the Special Operations Command, which includes such units as the Navy SEALs and the Army's Delta Force, even as the overall number of U.S. troops is shrinking.

At the same time, the crash in Mali has revealed some details of the commandos' clandestine activities that apparently had little to do with counterterrorism. The women killed in the wreck were identified as Moroccan prostitutes who had been riding with the soldiers, according to a senior Army official and a U.S. counterterrorism consultant briefed on the incident, both of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

The Army's Criminal Investigation Command, which is conducting a probe of the fatal plunge off the Martyrs Bridge in Bamako, the capital of Mali, said it does not suspect foul play but has "not completely ruled it out." Other Army officials cited poor road conditions and excessive speed as the likely cause of the 5 a.m. crash.

U.S. officials have revealed few details about the soldiers' mission or their backgrounds, beyond a brief news release announcing their deaths hours after the accident.

In many countries, including most in Africa, Special Operations forces work openly to distribute humanitarian aid and train local militaries. At times, the civil-affairs assignments can provide credible cover for clandestine counterterrorism units.

But in Mali, U.S. military personnel had ceased all training and civil-affairs work by the end of March, about a week after the country's democratically elected president was overthrown in a military coup.

The military's Africa Command, which oversees

operations on the continent, said the three service members killed were among "a small number of personnel" who had been aiding the Malian military before the coup and had remained in the country to "provide assistance to the U.S. Embassy" and "maintain situational awareness on the unfolding events."

Megan Larson-Kone, a public affairs officer for the U.S. Embassy in Mali, said the soldiers had stayed in Bamako because they were "winding down" civilaffairs programs in the aftermath of the coup while holding out hope "that things would turn around quickly" so they could resume their work.

Two of the soldiers, Capt. Daniel H. Utley, 33, and Sgt. 1st Class Marciano E. Myrthil, 39, were members of the 91st Civil Affairs Battalion, 95th Civil Affairs Brigade, which is based at Fort Bragg, N.C. For two months after the crash, the U.S. military withheld the identity of the third soldier killed.

In response to inquiries from The Washington Post, the Army named him as Master Sgt. Trevor J. Bast, 39, a communications technician with the Intelligence and Security Command at Fort Belvoir.

The Intelligence and Security Command is a little-known and secretive branch of the Army that specializes in communications intercepts. Its personnel often work closely with the military's Joint Special Operations Command, which oversees missions to capture or kill terrorism suspects overseas.

During his two decades of service, Bast revealed little about the nature of his work to his family.

"He did not tell us a lot about his life, and we respected that for security purposes," his mother, Thelma Bast of Gaylord, Mich., said in a brief interview. "We never asked questions, and that's the honest truth."

U.S. counterterrorism officials have long worried about Mali, a weakly governed country of 14.5 million people that has served as a refuge for Islamist militants allied with al-Qaeda.

With only 6,000 poorly equipped troops, the Malian armed forces have always struggled to maintain control of their territory, about twice the size of Texas.

Repeated famines and rebellions by Tuareg nomads only exacerbated the instability.

About six years ago, the Pentagon began bolstering its overt aid and training programs in Mali, as well as its clandestine operations.

Under a classified program code-named Creek Sand, dozens of U.S. personnel and contractors

were deployed to West Africa to conduct surveillance missions over the country with singleengine aircraft designed to look like civilian passenger planes.

In addition, the military flew spy flights over Mali and other countries in the region with longer-range P-3 Orion aircraft based in the Mediterranean, according to classified U.S. diplomatic cables obtained by the anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks.

In what would have represented a significant escalation of U.S. military involvement in Mali, the Pentagon also considered a secret plan in 2009 to embed American commandos with Malian ground troops, diplomatic cables show.

Under that program, codenamed Oasis Enabler, U.S. military advisers would conduct anti-terrorism operations alongside elite, American-trained Malian units. But the idea was rejected by Gillian A. Milovanovic, the ambassador to Mali at the time.

In an October 2009 meeting in Bamako with Vice Adm. Robert T. Moeller, deputy chief of the Africa Command, the ambassador called the plan "extremely problematic," adding that it could create a popular backlash and "risk infuriating" neighbors such as Algeria.

Furthermore, Milovanovic warned that the U.S. advisers "would likely serve as lightning rods, exposing themselves and the Malian contingents to specific risk," according to a State Department cable summarizing the meeting.

Moeller replied that he "regretted" that the ambassador had not been kept better informed and said Oasis Enabler was "a work in progress." It is unclear whether the plan was carried out.

Since then, however, security in Mali has deteriorated sharply.

After the coup in March, extremist Muslim guerrillas in northern Mali declared an independent Islamist state. They have imposed sharia law and have begun enforcing strict social codes that include compulsory beards for men and a ban on television.

In the fabled desert city of Timbuktu, al-Qaeda sympathizers have destroyed ancient mausoleums and attacked other shrines as part of a religious cleansing campaign.

Western aid workers have abandoned the northern half of the country after a string of kidnappings.

Thousands of Malians have fled to refugee camps in neighboring countries.

The three soldiers riding

“

U.S. counterterrorism officials have long worried about Mali, a weakly governed country of 14.5 million people that has served as a refuge for Islamist militants allied with alQaeda.

US President Barack Obama through Bamako in April had rented their 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser from a local agency, according to written statements provided to The Post by the Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg.

Bast was in the driver's seat and was headed south across the Martyrs Bridge. Preliminary investigative results determined that he lost control of the Land Cruiser, which broke through the bridge's guard rail and landed in the river below.

Also in the vehicle were three Moroccan women, according to the Army's statement. Contributing factors in the accident, the Army said, were limited visibility and "a probable evasive maneuver on the part of the vehicle's driver to avoid impacting with slower moving traffic."

The soldiers died of "blunt force trauma" when the vehicle landed upside down in the shallow river, crushing the roof, the Army said.

The Special Operations Command said it could not answer questions about where the soldiers were going, nor why they were traveling with the unidentified Moroccan women, saying the matter is under investigation.

At least two of the soldiers in Mali had been trained as communications or intelligence specialists.

Bast, the master sergeant, was a ham radio hobbyist who originally joined the Navy before switching to the Army several years ago. An Army spokesman described him as a "communications expert" and said he was posthumously given the Meritorious Service Medal but declined to say why.

Myrthil was a native of Haiti who joined the Army two decades ago. Military officials released virtually no details about his

service record.

Utley, the captain, was a Kentucky native who joined the Army in 2002 to work as a signals and communications officer but later transferred to the Special Forces.

Friends said he had expected to deploy to Afghanistan last summer but received last-minute orders to go to Africa instead. His Mali assignment was scheduled to end this spring but was extended, they said.

Three weeks after the coup, on April 11, Utley sent a brief e-mail to a friend from college, Chris Atzinger, to report that he was all right and that he would write more later.

Atzinger said he and other friends of Utley's were frustrated that the Army hasn't given a clearer explanation of how he died.

"Those little details don't seem to add up," Atzinger said. "All of us are resigned to the fact that we won't ever know."

Utley, a graduate of the University of Louisville, was a McConnell Scholar, part of a leadership program named after Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), the Senate minority leader. Less than a week after the fatal crash, McConnell gave a eulogy to Utley on the Senate floor, calling him "an American hero and patriot."

Gary Gregg, director of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville, called Utley a star student and "just a terrific kid." But he said the official account of the crash didn't make sense.

"It seems really dubious that six people died in a single-car accident.

It's just very fishy," Gregg said in a telephone interview.

Culled from Washington Post.

Dana Priest and Julie Tate contributed to this report.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

PAGE 32

ICC jails DRC warlord over child soldiers Tombs in Timbuktu’s Djingareyber mosque ‘destroyed’

M

uslim fighters in Timbuktu have destroyed two tombs at the northern Malian city's famous Djingareyber mosque, residents have said.

Eyewitnesses said the militants shot in the air to warn people away as they began smashing the shrines.

Timbuktu is a World Heritage site, with centuries-old shrines to Islamic saints, revered

by Sufi Muslims.

The al-Qaeda-linked Ansar Dine group that seized the city in April says they are idolatrous and wants them removed.

The UN Security Council condemned the destruction last week of some shrines, warning it could constitute a war crime.

This means that a case could be referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, whose prosecutor has already condemned the recent destruction of Muslim tombs.

About a dozen militants drove up to the 14th-Century Djingareyber mosque in an armoured four-wheeled truck, armed with guns, pickaxes and hoes, one Timbuktu resident who witnessed the scene told Reuters news agency.

Other residents described how the fighters blocked the two main roads leading to the mosque and shot in the air to scare people off.

"The two tombs are adjacent to the western wall of the great mosque and the Islamists have hoes [and] chisels - they are hitting the mausoleums which are made out of packed earth," another witness told the AFP news agency.

The UN cultural agency Unesco and Mali's government have already called on Ansar Dine to halt its campaign.

The group has destroyed several of 16 listed mausoleums in the city, and has vowed to smash them all.

Thomas Lubanga, left, in front of his house in Bunia, Congo in 2003.

Pakistani army soldiers gather after attack on army camp in Wazirabad, some 180km southeast of Islamabad

T

he International Criminal Court handed down a 14-year jail term to Congolese warlord Thomas Lubanga in its first-ever sentence, after Lubanga's conviction for using child soldiers in a brutal conflict in the central African country.

"Taking into account all the factors... the court sentences Mr Lubanga to 14 years in prison," presiding Judge Adrian Fulford told The Hague-based court, set up in 2002, on Tuesday.

Lubanga, who has been detained in The Hague since March 2006, will however effectively only spend eight years in prison. Fulford said the court had taken into account the time Lubanga has already spent behind bars.

Lubanga, 51, was convicted in March of war crimes, specifically for using child soldiers in his rebel army in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2002-03. Criticised for its slow progress, Lubanga's sentence marks the ICC's first since it started work a decade ago.

Alpha Sesay, the legal officer for International Justice at the Open Society Justice Initiative, a foundation that promotes human rights and accountability for international crimes spoke to Al Jazeera.

"These children were told to kill and rape. That was the education [Lubanga] gave these children " He said that the judge considered a range of issues, but they also considered mitigating

circumstances, as Lubanga had cooperated with the proceedings.

"So the prosecution did not get what they asked for," said Sesay.

"There was dissenting opinion though with one of the judges saying that the sentence disregards the arms so far during the conflict in the Ituri region."

The Hague-based court's former chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo, who has since handed over this position to Gambia's Fatou Bensouda, earlier this month called for a 30-year sentence against Lubanga, saying his crimes were "of the most serious concern for the international community".

"These children were told to kill and rape. That was the education [Lubanga] gave these children," said Moreno-Ocampo.

During the trial, prosecutors told how young girls served as sexslaves, while boys were trained to fight.

Lubanga was found guilty of abducting children as young as 11 and forcing them to fight and commit atrocities in the DRC's northeastern gold-rich Ituri region. NGOs site some 60,000 people killed in the war since 1999.

So far his team has not indicated whether they would appeal his conviction, sentencing or both.

The ICC - the world's only independent, permanent tribunal to try genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity - has issued four arrest warrants for crimes in the DRC since opening its doors in 2003.

Bunagana.

The DR Congo government is moving a US-trained battalion from the north of the country to eastern Goma, the official told reporters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The battalion, previously used in the hunt for Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) fighters, will join about 7,000 troops already in Nord Kivu province, of which Goma is the capital.

The UN mission in DR Congo, known by the acronym MONUSCO, is moving Ghanaian troops and Guatemalan, Jordanian and Egyptian special forces from its 18,000-strong peacekeeping force to the city, said the UN official.

MONUSCO's deputy forces commander, General Adrian

Foster of Britain, has moved to Goma to run the UN operation, as UN troops will help with planning, logistics, fuel, transport and other support.

They have already gone into battle to protect civilians, and one Indian peacekeeper was killed last Friday.

"This is all to ensure that we can strengthen our support to ensure that Goma does not fall and also to provide wider protection of civilians in the area affected by the M23," said the UN official.

M23 broke away from the government army in April complaining about conditions. In the past two weeks its numbers have grown from about 1,000 to 2,000 fighters.

At the weekend, M23 took Rutshuru, which controls a key highway to Goma, and other

smaller nearby towns. But they withdrew again on Monday without any apparent reason.

The UN is also concerned that M23 is trying to form alliances with other rebel groups in the region.

Alongside the reinforcements, the UN will seek to press diplomatic means to defuse the crisis at the AU summit this week.

The International Conference of the Great Lakes Region - which includes DR Congo and Rwanda - is to be held on Thursday focusing on the new troubles.

Security Council powers are also trying to get countries with influence over DR Congo and Rwanda to bring them back from the brink of a showdown, diplomats said ahead of Tuesday's council meeting.

…UN to help troops protect Goma

U

N and Democratic Republic of Congo troops are reinforcing a key city in the east of the country to guard against attack by rebels who have seized ground in recent days.

DR Congo authorities and the United Nations fear that the M23 movement, which took one town on the Uganda border last week and forced 600 government troops to flee, may target the provincial capital of Goma, UN officials said.

"It would be disastrous if Goma was taken," said a UN official who gave details of the reinforcements yesterday.

M23, a group of mutineers led by accused war criminal Bosco Ntaganda, has already briefly taken other towns near its new stronghold in

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

PAGE 33

Egypt’s legislature convenes despite court ruling

E

gypt's Islamist-dominated parliament convened yesterday in defiance of a ruling by the country's highest court and swiftly voted to seek a legal opinion on the decision that invalidated the chamber over apparent election irregularities.

The lawmakers' session was brief - it lasted just five minutes but it pushed Egypt deeper into a potential power struggle between new President Muhammad Mursi and the powerful military, which has vowed to uphold the judicial ruling that led to parliament being dissolved.

The crisis atmosphere has grown steadily since Mursi issued an order Sunday to reconvene the 508-seat legislature.

His executive order said it was revoking the military's June 15 order to disband the chamber based on the previous ruling by the Supreme Constitutional Court.

The court said a third of the chamber's members were elected illegally by allowing candidates from political parties to contest seats set aside for independent candidates.

Parliament Speaker Saad ElKatatni told lawmakers that the legislature met to find ways to implement the court ruling rather than debate it out of respect for the principles of "the

Arafat’s widow to file suit in Paris over death: lawyer

Y

asser Arafat's widow is to file a lawsuit in France following allegations the Palestinian leader died at a Paris hospital in 2004 after being radioactively poisoned, her lawyers said yesterday.

"Mrs Suha Arafat, widow of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, has asked a Parisian legal practice to file suit against an unnamed person under French jurisdiction," lawyer Pierre-Olivier Sur's practice said in a statement.

"Mrs Arafat hopes that the authorities will be able to establish the exact circumstances of her husband's death and find out the truth so that justice can be done," it said.

The move comes after an investigation commissioned by AlJazeera news channel found elevated levels of the radioactive substance polonium on some of Arafat's belongings, suggesting the leader could have been poisoned.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas has said he will ask the Swiss experts who probed Arafat's death to take samples from his body in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah for further tests.

Polonium, which is highly toxic, was used to kill Russian former spy turned Kremlin critic Alexander Litvinenko, who died in 2006 after drinking tea laced with the substance at a London restaurant.

supremacy of the law and separation of authorities."

But he put forward a plan to seek what amounts to a "second opinion" from an appeals court on the ruling.

It was not immediately clear, however, whether the appeals court would accept the legislature's request.

Both Mursi and el-Katatni are

longtime members of the Muslim Brotherhood, the fundamentalist group that has long been at odds with successive Egyptian governments.

In its only public comment on the dispute, the military Monday delivered a thinly veiled warning to Mursi, saying the armed forces sides with the

"constitution, legitimacy and law" - language that means the powerful military will stand by and watch a ruling by the country's highest court ignored or breached.

The military handed over power to Mursi on June 30 after ruling Egypt for 16 months since the fall of Hosni Mubarak.

In the run-up to the handover, the military declared itself the country's legislative authority in the absence of a parliament and gave itself control over the drafting of a new constitution and the national budget. The generals also stripped Mursi of significant powers.

ASEAN seeks to smooth South China Sea dispute

A

s foreign ministers met in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh on Monday, Prime Minister Hun Sen said hammering out a code of conduct with China in the disputed waters was a chief goal for the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Tension over competing claims in the South China Sea promises to be the hot button issue of the meetings, particulary later in the week when Hillary Clinton, the US secretary of state, and her Chinese counterpart are among regional participants for a security-focused regional forum.

ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, a grouping of nearly 600 million people from disparate economic and political systems.

In his opening address, Hun Sen urged delegates to "give emphasis" to working towards a code of conduct in the sea, which will provide guidelines to resolving disputes over a web of conflicting territorial claims involving several member nations.

He said ASEAN should show that it can be a "driving force for the promotion of dialogue and cooperation" on political and security issues.

"Maintaining regional peace and security is indispensable for ASEAN prosperity," said the Cambodian leader, whose country currently holds the rotating chairmanship of the bloc.

Tensions have risen recently in the sea, with both Vietnam and the Philippines accusing Beijing of aggressive behaviour.

Manila is leading a push for ASEAN to unite to persuade China to accept a code of conduct but Beijing has preferred an approach that would deal with the claimants individually.

Senior diplomats attending the meetings in Cambodia said ASEAN was still wrangling over how to approach the issue without offending China, the world's second biggest economy and a major trade partner for many Southeast Asian states.

One diplomat, who asked not to be named, said ASEAN has yet to reach consensus on whether to mention the recent standoff between Chinese and Philippine ships in the disputed Scarborough Shoal in a joint communique.

China claims essentially all of the South China Sea, home to vital shipping lanes and believed to be rich in oil and gas deposits. Taiwan and ASEAN members the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia also have claims in the waters.

Egyptian Parliament Speaker Saad el-Katani presides over a brief session of Parliament.

Kingdom of Cambodia holds rotating chairmanship of the Southeast Asian regional bloc

In this 2004 file photo are the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and his wife Suha.

PAGE 34

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

Mladic war crimes trial resumes testimony

F

This 19, 2008, file photo shows the Russian Admiral Chabanenko destroyer arrives at Havana's harbor.

Russia sends naval flotilla to Syrian port: report

R

patrol ship Yaroslav Mudry as well as an assistance vessel, a military source told the agency.

"The program of the voyage includes a call in the Syrian port of Tartus," the unnamed source told the news agency.

The source said the trip was taking place in line with the plans of military readiness of the Russian fleet. According to Interfax, the source insisted that the deployment "was not linked to the

escalation of the situation in Syria."

"In Tartus the ships are going to top up on supplies of fuel, water and foodstuffs," the source said, adding that their deployment in the Mediterranean would last until the end of September.

Russia has been bitterly criticized by the West for failing to cut military ties with Syria despite the conflict between the regime and opposition rebels that has claimed thousands of lives.

resident Vladimir Putin said on Monday the West's influence was waning as its economy declines but warned Russian diplomats to be on their guard against a backlash from Moscow's former Cold War enemies.

In a b i e n n i a l s p e e c h t o Russian ambassadors, Putin also took a shot at the West by condemning any unilateral actions to solve international disputes and underlined the importance of resolving such conflicts through the United Nations.

His remarks suggested that Russia, a veto-wielding permanent member of the

Security Council, would keep on defending ally Syria at the United Nations over its military crackdown on an popular uprising that has evolved into an armed insurgency.

"Domestic socio-economic problems that have become worse in industrialized countries as a result of the (economic) crisis are weakening the dominant role of the so-called historical West," Putin told a meeting of Russian ambassadors from across the world. He told the envoys, gathered in Moscow, that they should try to influence events where Russian interests were at stake.

"Be ready for any development of the situation, even for the most unfavorable development," he said in the 20minute speech, parts of which were televised.

Putin's speech was sprinkled with the hawkish rhetoric that has made many foreign policy experts predict a turn for the worse in relations with the United States following his return to the Kremlin in May. The economic problems faced by the European Union are the "tip of the iceberg of unresolved structural problems that is facing the entire world economy," he said.

R

anticipated this ruling for procedural reasons. On Friday, 256 of 432 deputies voted to impeach the centre-right Basescu

over claims he improperly assumed the powers of the prime minister when he announced drastic austerity cuts in 2010.

ussia has sent a naval flotilla of six warships led by an anti-submarine destroyer to its naval base at the Syrian port of Tartus, the Interfax news agency reported yesterday.

The Admiral Chabanenko and three landing craft have left their home port of Severomorsk in the Arctic Circle on their way to the Mediterranean where they will be joined by the Russian

ormer Bosnian Serb military chief Ratko Mladic will hear from additional witnesses in the second day of testimony in the long-awaited war crimes trial in The Hague.

Mladic's trial, which resumed yesterday, could result in a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if he is convicted.

The first witness in the Mladic trial described a day earlier of a harrowing escape and scenes of horror in his home village despite a motion by defence attorneys to adjourn the war crimes case for six months.

United Nations judges at International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia said the prosecution could respond to the request on Tuesday and allowed Elvedin Pasic to testify.

Pasic described how in 1992, his family was separated as they escaped the shelling of his village in northern Bosnia by Bosnian Serb troops under Mladic's command. Pasic was just 14 at the time and told of weeks of wanderings with his mother, being turned away from village after village.

Mladic faces 11 charges relating to the massacre in the

enclave of Srebrenica in northeastern Bosnia in 1995, when almost 8,000 Muslim men and boys were murdered by Bosnian Serb troops under Mladic's command. The charges include genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

He also faces charges for the terrorising of the capital Sarajevo during 44 months of shelling and sniping that killed 10,000 people.

Prosecutors also hold him responsible for taking some 200 UN peacekeepers hostage and for allegedly ordering his troops to "cleanse" Bosnian towns, driving out Croats, Muslims and other non-Serb residents.

"Before the war we had a great time," Pasic told the court. "We were playing basketball and football, we used to do everything together.

Muslim, Croats and Serbs, we were all having a great time, respecting each other."

Now 34 years old, Pasic spoke in English, carefully describing how he and his mother eventually circled back to their Muslim village despite a warning from two Serb soldiers patrolling nearby who told them "there is nothing for you to go back to: your home is Turkey, this is Serbia".

‌Putin claims West is on the decline

P

Romanian court approves president’s dismissal

omania's constitutional court has given its approval to parliament's vote to suspend the country's president, but the ultimate will be up to a popular referendum set for July 29.

The court appointed a member of the centre-left ruling coalition to replace the suspended president.

"The court notes that the procedure for the suspension from his duties of Romanian President Traian Basescu has been respected ... and that the function of interim president will be assured by Crin Antonescu," it ruled on Monday.

Most legal observers had

Basescu, a centre-right politician, was sacked for assuming powers improperly in 2010

Former Bosnian Serb commander Ratko Mladic is on trial for war crimes at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.

Assad proposes gradual steps to end Syria violence

S

yrian President Bashar alAssad has suggested ending Syria's conflict on a step-bystep basis, starting with districts that have suffered the worst violence, international mediator Kofi Annan said yesterday.

The former U.N. secretary general met Assad in Damascus on Monday, launching a round of shuttle diplomacy to try to revive his moribund plan for ending Syria's 16-month-old uprising in which rebels are fighting to topple the authoritarian leader.

Speaking to reporters after talks in Iran, Annan said Assad had proposed "building an approach from the ground up in some of the districts where we have extreme violence - to try and contain the violence in those districts and, step by step, build up and end the violence across the country".

Annan, who represents the United Nations and the Arab League, said he needed to discuss the proposal with the Syrian

opposition and could not give further details.

It was not clear how or where he planned to do this with opposition leaders, who say there can be no peaceful transition unless Assad, who tried to crush popular protests by armed force from the moment they began, relinquishes power first.

After talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi, Annan flew to Baghdad. He will present the conclusions of his tour to the U.N. Security Council in New York on Wednesday, according to the French Foreign Ministry.

Syria's major ally Russia proposed what sounded like an alternative to the Western-backed, anti-Assad "Friends of Syria" forum, with an offer to visiting Syrian opposition groups to host regular meetings of Annan's own "action group" of states, which is more balanced between pro- and anti-Assad influences.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

PAGE 36

World’s tallest Lego tower constructed at Legoland Windsor

T A Dutch TV station accidentally gave German chancellor Angela Merkel a Hitler moustache (Picture: YouTube)

Dutch TV station accidentally gives Angela Merkel a Hitler moustache

A

Dutch TV news station accidentally gave German chancellor Angela Merkel a Hitler moustache when studio graphics overlapped part of her face during a report. We're not sure if someone at the station was trying to send a message to the viewers but somehow Mrs Merkel ended up looking like the former leader of the Nazi Party.

The German chancellor was

appearing on Nos television's Six O'Clock news during the weekend when a black line appeared across her top lip.

It was an unintended outcome from the programme's graphics, which inadvertently placed the mark on her face.

Some Twitter users took to the social media site to express their surprise at what they saw. ?@martinenserink wrote:

he world's tallest Lego tower has been constructed by model makers at Legoland Windsor.

Measuring a dizzying 32m (105ft), it took hundreds of volunteers four days to create the toy tower, using over 500,000 Lego bricks.

Groups of Lego enthusiasts helped construct the tower comprising of 160 different coloured sections at ground level before they were hoisted into place using a crane.

The resort's divisional director, Sue Kemp, told ITV: 'We are delighted to reclaim the

'Things you can't make up: Dutch studio set accidentally gives Angela Merkel a Hitler moustache.' ?@a_nnelie saw the funny side to it, and posted: 'Whoops...Dutch NOS television news gives Angela Merkel a 'Hitler' moustache.'

Some Germans may not be too pleased though, with Mrs Merkel having previously been compared to Hitler because of her tough policies.

Going up in the world: The world's tallest Lego tower (Picture: Steve Parsons/ PA)

Meet the twins born in different countries

T

wins are normally born minutes - if not hours apart, but Dylan Joseph and Hannah Rose Fox will be able to say they were born in different countries.

The youngsters were welcomed to the world in England and Scotland last Sunday as their parents, Donna Keenan and Joe Fox, settled down to watch the Euro 2012 final.

With no time to get to the hospital, paramedics were forced to deliver Dyland on the living room floor.

But as the twins were being born four weeks early, medical staff pulled out all the stops to get Ms Keenan to

hospital in time for Hannah's arrival.

The 28-year-old endured an hour-long trip to Borders General Hospital in Melrose, Scotland, before her daughter made an appearance hours later.

'I'm still getting over the shock of what's happened,' said Ms Keenan, of Wooler, Northumberland. 'It's all such a blur.

'Joe and I already have a daughter, Jessica, who's two, and I was in labour with her for 30 hours so never imagined the twins would come so quickly.

'I had already been up to the Borders hospital and come home

record for Britain. We last held it in 2008 when it was a mere 29.26 metres tall.

'We're very grateful to the hundreds of people who helped create the tower, which is made from over 500,000 bricks. It took four days to build and is certainly an impressive feat.'

To complete the record attempt Lego master builder Per K Knudsen finally placed nine Team GB Lego mini figures on top of the tower.

The tower beats the previous record set in Seoul earlier in year and reclaims the record previously held by the resort in 2008.

when I started to feel a bit strange and that's when my waters went.'

Dylan was born at about 8pm, weighing 2.6kg (5lb 13oz), while his sister tipped the scales at 2.2kg (4lb 14oz) when she arrived at 11.40pm.

Mr Fox, 24, who was at his partner's side for both births, said: 'We're still getting our heads around it.

'We knew the babies were going to be born in different countries but there was also a chance they'd be born on different days because it was so late.

'I joked to Donna that she should hold on as long as possible but I only mentioned it once and don't think it went down too well!'

Nine Team GB Lego mini figures sit on the top of the world's tallest Lego tower (Picture: Steve Parsons /PA)

Per K Knudsen places nine Team GB Lego mini figures on the top of the tower (Picture: Steve Parsons/PA)

Hey, baby: Twins Dylan Joseph, left, and Hannah Rose, were born hours apart - in England and Scotland (Pictures: NNP)

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

Glamorous film stars who light-up on screen ‘encourage children to take up smoking’

C

hildren who watch a lot of movies with cigarettesmoking characters are more likely to take up the habit themselves, according to a study.

Recent popular films from the PG-rated Rango to the 12Arated The Help include characters who smoke.

Researchers said the study participants, who were aged 10 to 14, responded to the smoking in films whatever their rating.

Lead author Dr James Sargent, from the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, New Hampshire, said their findings suggest it’s the smoking itself, rather than sex or violence in films for older viewers, that influenced young people.

‘Movie smoking seems to be just as impactful if it’s packaged in a PG-13 movie as opposed to an R movie,’ said Dr James Sargent, from the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

‘I really think it’s a ‘cool’ factor. The more they see it, the more they start to see ways that (smoking) might make them seem more movie-star,’ he said.

Films with an R rating in the U.S are for viewers aged 17 and over unless they have a guardian with them.

Dr Sargent and his colleagues counted how many times a character was seen smoking in each of over 500 box-office hits from recent years. The database including films such as Iron Man, Mission Impossible 2 and Closer.

Then, they asked 6,500 U.S. kids ages 10 to 14 which of a random selection of 50 of those movies they had watched.

The average ‘dose’ of movie smoking was 275 scenes from films rated PG-13 and 93 scenes from R movies, the researchers reported in Pediatrics.

Three subsequent interviews with the children found those who had watched smoking-heavy movies were more likely to pick up the habit themselves.

For each extra 500 smoking shots reported in their initial survey, youth were 33 to 49 per cent more likely to try cigarettes over the next two years.

The effect of on-screen

Glamourising? Scarlett Johansson smokes in a number of her films. She is seen here in the 2005 Lost in Translation

Puffing on a cigar: A smoking scene in superhero flick Iron Man.

Ashtrays grace most tables in the film The Help based in the 1960s.

The PG-rated cartoon Rango was slammed by anti-smoking campaigners with more than 60 instances of characters puffing away.

smoking was not significantly different for PG-13 and R films.

As children tend to see more PG13 flicks, Dr Sargent’s team calculated that if smoking automatically earned an R rating, the number of youngsters who try cigarettes would drop by 18 per cent.

Dr Brian Primack at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, who was not involved in the study, said: ‘At this point, it is established that exposure to smoking in movies is a potent risk factor for actually taking up smoking, especially when the exposures are early.

‘This study goes a step further and suggests that taking smoking out of all PG-13 movies could have a palpable effect on the impact of smoking in the U.S.,’ he added.

However, Matthew Farrelly, from the scientific institute RTI in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, said while a link between on-screen smoking and trying cigarettes ‘makes sense’, he said ‘I just think the relationship has been vastly overstated.’

All the researchers agreed, however, that the new findings mean parents should be paying

attention to what their kids are seeing in movie theaters and on TV. ‘Parents have to treat their kids’ media diet the same way they treat their food diet,’ Dr Sargent said.

That means paying attention to movie ratings and possibly setting TV controls to block out age-inappropriate material, he added.

Sargent recommended youth watch no more than two movies a week and called for ‘no R-rated movies until kids are well into adolescence.’

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

PAGE 37

Constitution amendment to rid judiciary of corruption, says Tambuwal

By Lawrence Olaoye

S

peaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal yesterday disclosed that the ongoing constitution amendment exercise would address the issue of corruption in the judiciary as well as hasten the pace of dispensation of justice in the country.

The Speaker stated this when the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher led other eminent justices of the Supreme court to present "A Bill for An Act to Amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (5th Alteration Bill) 2012" to the House leadership.

According to the Speaker, "This amendments being proposed and judicial reforms will no doubt address many of the problems bedeviling the Nigerian Judiciary. Issues of appointment and removal of judges, expanding the jurisdiction of Nigeria Supreme Court, creating a separate or special court for financial crimes, creating more balance in Nigeria Judicial Council and the Federal Judicial Service Commission will in no doubt rid the bench of corruption and hasten the speedy dispensation of justice.

"As a House we are going to give these amendments all the support we can to see that they become laws, so that people can get speedy and qualitative justice from our courts. As

Hon. Aminu Tambuwal

legislators we are determined to give Nigerians the kind of constitution they deserve and this your professional input would in no small measures help in ensuring that our amendments meets the high standards", he maintained.

Justice Musdapher in his comments said, "When I assumed office in September 2011, public perception and confidence in the Judiciary was generally adjudged to be low. There were serious concerns regarding our

ability to dispense justice to the satisfaction of the citizenry.

Consequently, in a bid to address these issues, I expressed grave concern regarding the current state of affairs at several fora and communicated a resolve to take corrective measures to reform the Judiciary.

"With the hope that our efforts so far have served to improve the perception of the judiciary among the citizenry, I am glad to state that this Bill is an important step in our

comprehensive plan to reposition and reform the judiciary to meet the expectations of Nigerians", he said.

On the amendments being sought by the apex court, the CJN highlighted that the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court has been altered by providing that appeals from the Court of Appeal on Interlocutory decisions and other matters shall only be by leave of the Supreme Court.

"The composition of the National Judicial Council and the Federal Judicial Service Commission has also been altered to ensure greater balance; the process of removal of judicial officers has also been streamlined to ensure a greater degree of fairness and the old section 295 regarding reference on questions of law has been deleted as it has been identified as a means to stall the swiftness of the trial process.

"The jurisdiction of the Supreme Court was also expanded to include an Advisory Jurisdiction on application by the President or a Governor on questions of law or fact that are of such importance that it is expedient to obtain an opinion of the Supreme Court on it," he added.

He continued that the amendment "were borne out of the reform process and are expected to address many serious issues affecting the Judiciary today.

As the custodian of the Constitution, I believe the Judiciary has a duty to point out to the Legislature deserving areas

requiring legislative intervention some of which are obvious concerns of the public dissatisfaction with the administration of justice, which makes our proposed amendments most imperative".

He added that, apart from the Bill as presented before the House, "there are many other proposals coming from the Judiciary. For instance, there are consequential amendments to the existing Supreme Court Act, Court of Appeal Act, High Courts Acts, and the National Judicial Institute Act. These shall be brought to you shortly".

In addition, he said, "we are also introducing new legislation, to wit, the National Judicial Council Act and the Federal Judicial Service Commission Act. These new Acts shall provide more detailed provisions regarding functions, structure and a robust administrative framework beyond what is already contained in the Constitution.

"It is also hoped that in the near future an Act to create an independent institution to cater specifically for judicial discipline and removal shall be submitted to the National Assembly for consideration. This shall also require the submission of a few more alterations to the Constitution. We are of the opinion that this all important issue requires a separate institution to perform the functions more effectively than the National Judicial Council", he noted.

Abia Speaker assures of speedy passage of bill on illegal bunkering

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he Speaker of Abia House of Assembly, Ude Chukwu, has assured of speedy passage of the bill on illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism to boost the economy of the state.

Chukwu told newsmen in Aba on Tuesday that the House was already waiting for the state government to formally present the bill for it to work on it and pass it into law.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Chief Theodore Orji had, at the reopening of the NNPC depot at Osisioma, near Aba on July 9, said government would soon send a bill to the House.

According to him, the bill will make it an offence punishable by death for illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism in the state.

The governor also urged the traditional rulers, as the custodians of tradition in their various communities, to help in ensuring that such economic sabotage was not allowed in their domains.

Chukwu said that the reactivation of the NNPC depot had brought back economic activities to the South East Geopolitical Zone and Abia in particular.

He commended the efforts of President Goodluck Jonathan, the governor, management and staff of the NNPC and PPMC and other stakeholders who ensured the depot,

shut in 2006, was back on stream.

The speaker also commended the lawmakers at the state and the national assemblies for working tirelessly to make the re-opening of the depot a reality.

He said that the state had remained without economic benefits from the depot in the last six year, stressing that many of

people who made a living from it had suffered untold hardship.

Chief Gilbert Nwoke, Chairman of IPMAN in Aba depot, said the rehabilitation would not have been achieved without the support of the state governor and other stakeholders.

He appealed to the NNPC and PPMC to also pump diesel and

kerosene to the depot.

Nwoke commended them for the 30 million litres of petrol already in the depot for distribution.

“We want the pumping of products to Aba depot to be sustained so that we do not go back to the ugly experience of the past,’’ Nwoke said.

INEC deploys 8 National Commissioners, 10 RECs to Edo for governorship poll

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NEC has deployed eight National Commissioners and 10 Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to Edo for the July 14 governorship election.

The REC in Edo, Mr Kassim Gaidam, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin yesterday.

He added that new Electoral Officers (EOs) had been redeployed to take over from the old EOs ahead of the election.

Kasssim said the new EOs were posted from states across the six geo-political zones.

``I can confirm that the names of the National Commissioners have been sent to me and I am awaiting their arrival any moment from now. ``Each Local Government Area is expected to be supervised by either a national commissioner or a REC. ``I can also confirm to you that the new 18 EOs selected from across the six-geopolitical zones have been redeployed to Edo and have since taken over from their old colleagues. ``I have met with them and

told them what is required of them as EOs,'' he said.

Kassim said the commission has distributed all nonsensitive materials to the 18 local government areas of the state while all vehicles to be used on Election Day were on ground.

“From what we have on ground, we are going to deploy three Hilux and four-wheel drive vehicles to each of the local government areas.''

On the handling of logistics in areas identified as difficult terrain,

he said ``we have made adequate arrangements to that effect.''

Kassim confirmed that INEC Chairman Attahiru Jega was being expected in Benn yesterday.

He added that Jega would immediately address staff of the commission at the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Hall in Benin and meet with stakeholders on Wednesday.

The REC also said that the Acting Inspector General of Police was being expected to assess the security situation.

“So, we are not leaving anything to chance at all.''

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

Oba sacks rebellious chief, demands apologies from 8 others F

or claiming to be a traditional ruler, the paramount monarch of Efon, Ekiti state, the Alaaye of Efon, Oba Emmanuel Aladejare, has removed Chief Jacob Adelowo as the Alahun of Obalu Quarters, Efon-Alaaye, with effect from July 6.

The monarch is also demanding written apologies and letters of allegiance from eight other chiefs in the town for joining Adelowo to revolt against him.

The eight chiefs are Ojo Segun (Oisawe), Joshua Omoniyi (Ejemu), Matthew. Oke (Oloro), Kola Johnson (Okunato),Tope Obere (Eleejofi), Folorunso Omole (Osolo), James Adekanle (Saloro)

and Abiodun Olajubu (Olukotun).

Furthermore, the Oba has asked 15 men and women installed as chiefs by Adelowo to stop parading themselves as such in the town or face sanctions.

Addressing newsmen in AdoEkiti yesterday on behalf of the Alaaye-in-Council, High Chief Jacob Elekolusi, said the council took the decision following Adelowo’s intransigence after being duly queried by the council and even warned by the Ekiti state government.

Elekolusi said Adelowo was installed the Alahun by Aladejare on Nov 20, 2007 and presented with a letter of appointment duly signed by the monarch.

He said that soon after, Adelowo started agitating to become an Oba. Elekolusi stated that Adelowo started wearing the regalia of an Oba and went about parading himself as one.

To forestall any breakdown of law and order, the chief said a meeting of all stakeholders in the town was held on Nov 10, 2008 where Adelowo was present and he was asked to stop parading himself as a traditional ruler.

Dissatisfied with the decision, Adelowo petitioned the Ekiti State Government and asked to be recognised as a monarch.

On the strength of Adelowo’s petition, the state government set up a panel of enquiry that looked

into his claims.

Based on the findings of the panel, the state government, through the Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs, in a letter P& E/CH/118/ 10VOLVI/128 titled: Re: Alahun Chieftaincy Crisis and dated March 14, 2012, addressed to Adelowo and copied the Chairman of Efon Local Government, dismissed Adelowo’s claims of having the pedigree of an Oba and warned him from parading himself as one.

The letter, signed by Emmanuel Abejide, for the Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs, requested Adelowo to abide strictly with the content of the letter, adding that any unwholesome

Members of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Ogun women wing, protesting against alleged marginalisation of woman aspirants by the party in the forthcoming local government election in the state at the state assembly complex ,yesterday in Abeokuta.

Kogi Assembly divided over swearing in of new member From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

Photo: NAN

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Ogsiec to engage over 6,000 for LG poll From Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, Abeokuta

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total of 6,666 field workers are to be engaged by the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) as it is getting prepared to conduct the local government poll in the state on Saturday, 21st of this month.

They are made up of 3,205 Presiding Officers, 3,205 Poll Clerks, 236 Returning Officers and 20 Electoral Officers Chairman of OGSIEC, Alhaja

Risikat Iyabo Ogunfemi made this disclosure in her office while hosting the management team of the Nigeria Television Authority, Abeokuta station during a courtesy call on her.

Alhaja Ogunfemi stated that the Commission in collaboration with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, (IFES) had already conducted extensive trainings for both Electoral and Returning Officers who in turn will embark on training for Presiding Officers and Polling Clerks.

She noted that the training will go a long way towards achieving a credible and successful election, appealing to all and sundry, most especially the youths, not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of thuggery and destruction during the coming election.

While urging them to come out enmasse to cast their votes, Alhaja Ogunfemi admonished that after casting their votes, they should move to a reasonable distance away from the polling booth, adding that when the votes are to

be counted, they are allowed to come around to witness the counting.

Speaking earlier, The General Manager, Nigeria Television Authority, NTA, Abeokuta, Pastor Dele Oke commended members of the Commission and urged them to remain focused in order to carry out their assignment as expected by citizens of the state.

Pastor Oke stated that on its part, the station would do the needful to create necessary awareness about the activities of the Commission.

NGF to find a lasting solution to country‘s security challenges

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overnors under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors‘ Forum (NGF) are to meet today to find a lasting solution to the country‘s security challenges.

A source, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on grounds of anonymity, said the meeting was being convened by the chairman Gov. Chibuike Amechi of Rivers.

behaviour from his end would be seriously viewed by the state government.

Elekolusi said that in spite of the state government’s warning, Adelowo did not stop parading himself as an Oba. He said the Alaaye then issued a query to Adelowo, followed by a reminder when he refused to answer the first query within the stipulated time.

He said Adelowo sent a belatedly reply straight to Gov. Kayode Fayemi and copied the Alaaye among others.

Aladejare later informed the state government of the stance of Adelowo and the state government, in a letter entitled “Re: Intransigencies and threats of Chief Jacob Adelowo, the Alahun (Alias Oleyo) dated May 16, 2012, said the matter had been concluded and that if any act of insubordination was noticed on the part of Adelowo, the Oba should notify the law enforcement agencies.

The meeting is expected to also discuss the issue of constitution review and the eradication of polio from the country.

The governors had in their earlier meeting of June 25, condemned the spate of insecurity and violence in the country and called for a multi-dimensional approach in tackling the situation.

They had stressed the need for enhanced coordination and

collaboration among security forces, effective use of technology and intelligence, value orientation and sincerity of purpose to addressing the situation.

The governors also stressed the need for a special intervention fund from the Federal Government particularly for states that were mostly affected by insecurity.

This they argued had become necessary because state

governments were currently overstretched in funding security.

The governors also emphasised the need for state police, which, they said, had become necessary to combat insecurity at the state level.

The NGF formed after the American Governors‘ Association is an association of the 36 elected governors of the federation irrespective of party affiliation.

he hurry to swear in new member, Mr Yunisa Olofu, without Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has torn Kogi state House of Assembly apart.

While some members were not happy that without Certificate of Return it was illegal to swear in any member, others said they were under pressure from a higher authority to swear in the new member.

According to an impeccable source, a member from Ankpa state constituency who is assumed to be loyal to the rule of law was refused a position meant for a second term member.

He was described as being recalcitrant despite his second term in the Assembly not to listen to people who are close to the higher authority and can make things work.

While the Majority Leader, Yunisa Yakubu, described as erroneous the removal of Deputy Chief Whip, Habibat MohammedDeen, who was described 'as working at cross purpose' with the chief whip, she was at plenary yesterday reinstated.

A good number of people who got the surprise news of the return to Deputy Chief Whip seat by the former occupier of the seat wondered what happened to the Chief Whip seat when it was said that both committed same offence.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

PAGE 39

Executive, legislature, judiciary shop measures to tackle corruption in Nigeria

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, signing condolence register opened for late Senator Gyang Dantong, who died during in mass burial at Barkin Ladi area of Plateau state, yesterday at the National Assembly, in Abuja.

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resident Goodluck Jonathan summoned the heads of the three arms of government to an unprecedented meeting to work out a national strategy to fight corruption in the country.

Briefing State House correspondents after the two-hour closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), said the meeting deliberated on how the three arms of government could work together to tackle corruption.

He said the meeting received important insights from each arm of government and would meet again to review issues that arose and the way forward.

‘The President is obviously worried about the incidence of corruption and from discussions we had, all the arms of government are indeed worried about the incidence of corruption in our society.

“And we looked at what the challenges were prosecuting the fight against corruption, some of the issues are constitutional. The National Assembly will take another look at these issues. The judiciary also gave its own insight into the constraints, all of those will be addressed.

“The issue of funding of the agencies especially the EFCC and the ICPC was also discussed, all of those issues will be addressed.’’

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Mohammed Adoke (SAN), who was also at the briefing, said the report of the House of Representatives Committee probe on 2011 fuel subsidy claims was not discussed.

He also said assurances were, however, given that as soon as the EFCC concluded its assignment, his office would begin prosecution of culprits.

“You will begin to see prosecution probably in the next one week; we will begin to prosecute because the EFCC has gone very far.

“So, Nigerians should rest assured that this is not an issue that will be swept under the carpet. We have gone this far because we want a proper and painstaking investigation done so that when we charge people to court there will be no lapses or loopholes for lawyers to exploit.’’

Representing the executive arm at the meeting were the President, Vice-President Namadi Sambo, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Ali Sali, the CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Adoke.

From the Legislature were, the Senate President, Sen. David Mark, the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal and NdomaEgba.

Photo: MahmudIsa

NASS reiterates commitment to norms of democratic process S en. Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy President of Senate and Chairman, Senate Committee on Constitution Review, on Tuesday reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to the norms of democratic process.

Ekweremadu made this known at a National Conference on Advancing the Role of the Media in Constitution Review Process organised by Democratic Governance for Development (DGD) Project in Abuja.

He noted that legislative due process; the principles of transparency, accountability, inclusiveness and popular participation were the driving force of the constitution review processes. “ Let me reiterate that the National Assembly remains committed to the norms of democratic procedures, including legislative due process and principles of transparency and accountability. “ We will ensure that our individual members mobilise to every nook and cranny of their constituencies so that as many shades of opinion as possible are

adequately taken into account.

“Constituency tours, town hall and village square meeting would be fully exploited to mobilise and guide Nigerians, including those at the grass roots to own the project and take full responsibility of the end product,“ he said.

According to him, the committee will fully involve the media, civil society as well as professional bodies to drive the process.

He stated that the Nigerian media represented one of the most critical stakeholders and key drivers of both the constitution review project and indeed democracy in its entirety.

Speaking on the theme: “Advancing the role of the Media in the Constitution Review process“, Ekweremadu observed that “the media have done very well as bastions of Nigerian democracy. “ “This conference is a veritable platform for the media and stakeholders to review the past efforts of this important sector in the constitution review project learn from mistakes and strategies for the task at hand. “

He said the committee had articulated an array of priority areas in the current constitution review process which include the devolution of powers, state creation, giving constitutional backing to the six geo-political zone arrangements.

Others are constitutional role for traditional rulers, local government reforms, fiscal federalism, immunity clause, the Nigerian police, gender and special group, mayoral status for the Federal Capital territory and residency and indigene provision. “ It will interest you to know that these priority areas are mainly derived from submissions by Nigerians in the 6th Assembly because we see the constitution review project as a continuum.

“Others factors that informed these priority areas were emerging realities in the polity as well issues set on the front burner by the media.

Ekweremadu called on the media to be most objective in conveying information and analysis issues on the constitution review process.

“ I urge you to dissect issues on their own merit and avoid any action capable of aggravating our fault lines as a nation.

“Feel free to approach us at any time for more information or clarifications on any matter, you can be rest assured that our doors will always remain open.

“He urged Nigerians to take advantage of the subsequent public hearing that would be coming up at the national and zonal levels to make inputs into the project.

Earlier, Mr Daouda Toure, the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident representative, noted that durable democracies depended on respect for constitutionalism, rule of law and freedom of press.

Toure said that the media played a crucial role in keeping citizens engaged in the business of governance, adding that “healthy political process requires pluralism and open communication”.

“By providing a vibrant and free environment for communication, debate and deliberation, the media helps to establish good governance.

NTP calls for increased citizens’ participation in political process

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oard of Trustees of the N a t i o n a l Transformation Party (NTP), Mr John Dara, Chairman, yesterday called for increased participation of citizens in the country’s political process.

Dara made the call in an interview with the News

Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

“More citizens should be involved in the process of governance; citizen participation is the cornerstone to democracy.

“The people should be conscious, mobilised and involved that is when there is

true democracy,’’ he said.

Dara said that increased participation of the people in the democratic process was fundamental to the sustenance of democracy.

“A situation where people can do anything and get away with it cannot be described as democratic.

“Once there are laws that are not discriminatory then every one will fall in line and am sure it will get better in this country,’’ he said.

Dara, however, stressed the need to reduce corruption to the barest minimum for democracy to be sustained in the country.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

APGA crisis: Why we endorsed Umeh – Chairman

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he Chairman of APGA in Anambra, Chief Mike Kwentor, has said that the 36 states chairmen of the party passed a vote of confidence on their National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh.

Speaking with newsmen in Awka, Kwentor explained that during Umeh’s reign, the party had enjoyed a national identity. ”Our national chairman has done enough for this

party. Many parties that started the journey with us had fallen by the way side but we are waxing stronger, in spite of odds.

“Our national chairman has not only consolidated APGA leadership in Anambra, he has expanded the frontiers to Imo and other South-East states.

“We are today in majority in the Anambra State House of Assembly and had made inroads into the National Assembly.

We will not

allow anybody to truncate his regime,” Kwentor said.

He expressed confidence that Umeh would successfully come out of what he termed “APGA family crisis”, saying “nobody can impeach him. “That is why the 36 state chapters of the party passed a vote of confidence on Umeh’s leadership last week,” he added.

The chairman noted that the party had made advances to reconcile opposing camps in

the party, assuring that the party would be stronger in the end.

According to him, those who show remorse will be pardoned as the interest of the party is paramount.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that three members of the party who called for its restructuring and removal of Umeh as the national chairman were expelled.

Senate President David Mark, answering questions from journalists after signing condolence register opened for late Senator Gyang Dantong, who died during the mass burial in Barkin Ladi area of Plateau sate, yesterday at the National Assembly, in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Aregbesola urges ACN, NCP merger

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ov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun has called for the merger of the National Conscience Party (NCP) and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Osun.

Aregbesola made the call in Osogbo at the seventh National Convention of the NCP. The convention's theme was ``People’s Democracy: Need for Genuine Participation’’.

The governor, who was the special guest of honour at the event, said the request was because the

two parties had the same ideology of abolishing poverty and social injustice.

Aregbesola expressed appreciation for the contributions of NCP members to his election.

Mr Femi Aborisade, the Coordinator of the Centre for Labour and Development Studies, urged NCP members to uphold the fundamental principles they were known for by Nigerians.

According to him, the NCP is a source of hope for the liberation of

Nigeria.

He listed the main objectives of the party as the actualisation of the June 12 election as a basis for termination of military rule and a first step for the introduction of genuine democracy in Nigeria.

He said that others were to provide a platform for genuine change-seeking elements in Nigeria for the freedom of the masses.

Former National Chairman of the party, Mr Femi Falana,

described the governor as a humble and intelligent man.

He, however, said that the merging did not mean that the NCP would totally dissolve into the ACN. The newly-elected executive members include Mr Yanusa Tanko, National Chairman; Mr Ayodele Akerele, National Secretary General, Ms Amina Molid, National Financial Secretary and Mrs Funmi Tanigbola, National Women Coordinator.

SNC a good platform for national discourse, says don

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n Islamic scholar, Dr Ishaq Akintola, on Monday in Lagos advocated a Sovereign National Conference as a panacea to the country’s socioeconomic, security and ethnoreligious challenges.

Akintola told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the conference remained the “viable solution’’ to the various challenges confronting the country.

“There is an urgent need for a Sovereign National Conference

where every group and religious body will come forward to say exactly what they want.

“The conference is capable of dousing the tension and violence that have pervaded the nation,’’ he said.

Akintola, who teaches Islamic religion at the University of Lagos, recently, renamed Moshood Abiola University, called for true federalism in the country.

He said the 1999 constitution should be amended to ensure devolution of powers among the three

tiers of government.

“Nigeria’s present constitution has many defects. The people should be allowed to prepare their own constitution.

“The system needs urgent reform.

We must sit down and talk,’’ the don added.

Akintola urged the Federal Government to dialogue with the Boko Haram sect without further delay.

“Government should set the machinery in motion for sincere

dialogue with Boko Haram.

“The state governments in the north can initiate the dialogue for and on behalf of the Federal Government, ’’he said.

Akintola appealed to the mass media not to heat up the polity by ensuring objective reporting of activities and events, particularly security issues.

The don, however, called for tolerance and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians and adherents of all the religions in the country.

Mukhtar's nomination marks new phase in judiciary, says Reps Leader

By Lawrence Olaoye

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ajority Leader, House of Representatives, Rt.Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola, has said that the nomination of Justice Mariam Mukhtar as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) signaled the beginning of a new dawn in the nation’s judiciary.

Akande-Adeola's commendation was contained in a statement issued on Sunday and signed by her Principal Information Officer, Mr. Austen Adesoro.

She said Muhktar’s nomination would further deepen the country’s nascent democracy.

The first female Majority Leader in the National Assembly described Jonathan as a gender motivator and the most woman friendly leader in the country.

Mukthar's nomination was in conformity with section 231(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended which gave the President power to appoint a Chief Justice of Nigeria on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council.

When confirmed, Mukhtar would be the 13th and the first female CJN in Nigeria.

Ajaokuta LG boss assures even development

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he Head of the Interim Management Committee of the Ajaokuta Local Government Council, Mr Alloysious Okino, has promised to executive programmes that would engender peace, unity and development of the area.

Okino who made the statement on Sunday in Ajaokuta shortly after a prayer session organised for him and other members of the committee said that without peace, no meaningful development could be achieved.

He regretted that the Local Government had over the years suffered neglect and underdevelopment, due to corruption and bad leadership, promising to make positive change by running an inclusive government devoid of corruption and nepotism.

He thanked the organisers of the special prayer session, the traditional ruler of Eganye District, Alhaji Muhammed Achuja for his love and fatherly role in the council, calling on other people to emulate the traditional ruler by supporting him.

Achuja in his speech, called on the people to support the new government, saying that Okino and other members of the committee had been tried in the past and could still be trusted.

The Sole Administrator of Kogi State Investment and Property Development Ltd., Mr Moses Okino, urged the people to shun sentiment and work for the progress and development of the community.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

PAGE 41

Keshi identifies Liberia’s Laffor as Eagles’ main threat

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ead coach of the Nigeria national team, Stephen Keshi has identified Anthony Laffor as the main threat his side will face when the Super Eagles face Liberia’s Lone Star in the final round of qualifying for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

Both nations go head-to-head over two legs of the final qualifying round for a ticket to the 2013 Afcon. Laffor plies his trade in the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) with Mamelodi Sundowns and Keshi believes the 27-year-old must be kept quiet if the Super Eagles are to make it to South Africa next year.

“I know (Laffour) very well and I can say he is a good player. He has been doing well in the PSL I

have watched him severally,” Keshi said.

Laffor scored 14 goals in 62 appearances for Jomo Cosmos between 2005 and 2009 before going on to have his most successful season so far at SuperSport United scoring 24 goals in 85 appearances.

Keshi however claims that the Lone Star are not just all about Laffor insisting that the entire Liberian side would not be underrated. “(The Lone Star) is not all about Laffor and we must show all the Liberian players respect and play in the right way if we are to qualify for South Africa,” he said.

Keshi’s first game in charge of the Super Eagles was against Liberia.

Olympics: Egbunike hopeful of medal in Women’s 4x400 relay

By Patrick Andrew with agency report

T Blessing Okabgare

La Liga ‘Clasicos’ set for October, March

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eal Madrid and Barcelona will meet in the opening La Liga "Clasico" of the season on the weekend of Oct. 6 to Oct.7 at Barca's Nou Camp stadium, according to the draw held at the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) headquarters in Madrid on yesterday.

Champions Real will then host Barca, who finished second last season, on the weekend of March 2

to March 3, the RFEF said.

The great rivals also meet over two legs next month in the Spanish Super Cup, the traditional season opener that pits the league champions (Real) against the King's Cup winners (Barca).

Real begin the defence of their title at home to Valencia, third last term, on the weekend of Aug. 18 Aug.19, while Barca are at home to Real Sociedad.

IAAF World Junior Championship

Nigeria may tourney as Spain deny athletes visa

Idara Otu

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ome 24 athletes and 10 officials who were to represent the country at the IAAF World Junior Championships may miss the event as the Spanish Embassy in Lagos has denied the athletes visas to participate in the competition. The event, which was scheduled for Barcelona, is to run from yesterday (July 10) through July 15.

A statement released by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) spokesman, Duro Ikhazuagbe said the federation lodged the visa applications a fortnight ago with the Spanish Embassy in Lagos, but regretted that the officials of the embassy had “kept dribbling the athletes and officials’’.

The team was scheduled to travel on Sunday but trip had to be shelved because the visa were yet to be issued. It said officials of the embassy insisted that the visas could not be issued because the officers, who were supposed to stamp the passports were not on seat.

The athletes and their officials were then asked to report yesterday, without any definite assurances they would be issued the visas.

“We gave them our passports two weeks ago. We were supposed to travel on Saturday, but they assured us that visas will be issued by Monday, only for them to fail,’’ the statement quoted some of the officials as saying.

Coach Yusuf Ali, a former long jumper, expressed disappointment at the decision of the Spanish Embassy to deny the athletes travel visas.

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he four clubs in Group A of the 2012 Federation Cup, Enyimba, Warri Wolves, Lobi Stars and Samba FC have threatened to boycott the Bauchi centre for fear of insecurity.

The teams are expected to contest for two quarterfinal tickets from the group with the first round of games scheduled for July 17.

Tosin Oke

eam Nigeria Athletics Chief Coach, Innocent Egbunike, is optimistic that Nigeria will pick a medal in the 4x400 metres relay at the London Olympics.

The former quarter miler said yesterday in London that Nigerian women have the depth to challenge for podium honours at the Games and was particularly delighted that the women have in recent times demonstrated their potentials.

Though, Nigeria posted some disappointing results at the just concluded African Athletics Championship held in Port Novo, Benin Republic, she topped the medal thus giving indications of positive prospect at the London Games.

“The women’s team is capable. In Blessing Okagbare, we have one of the best female sprinters in the world and we have others, so when they come together as a team, they can put it out there and our goal is that they get a medal”, Egbunike, a 1984 Olympic medallist said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in London.

Egbunike said that Team Nigeria was in London to give their best as they had worked hard to qualify, adding, “ these women have become an inspiration to me.”

“The biggest goal is to have the athletes at the possible level of fitness and for them to make the finals of their events; when they get that far it’s anybody’s race.

“Many of them have sacrificed a lot to get to this level and some of them have been away for three, four and five months; we believe they’ll do very well”, Egbunike said.

Also, Quarter miler, Idara Otu expressed optimism that she and her teammates would make Nigeria proud. “I’m expecting us to make the medal stand”, Otu said.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Olwatoyin Lawal, Deputy Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom has urged the team to be disciplined and avoid scandal during the fiesta. Lawal made the remarks at a reception organised by the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (CANUK) to welcome the Team Nigeria and officials to London.

“Representing Nigeria come with a lot of responsibility; as flag bearers, you owe Nigeria a duty to be scandal free,’’ Lawal said.

Also, Engr. Sani Ndanusa, President of Nigeria Olympic Committee, said more than 50 athletes qualified for the London Olympics, an indication that Nigeria was not only a football loving nation.

Earlier, Mr Bimbo Folayan, CANUK Chairman in his welcome address assured the team of “home support’’ from Nigerians in the UK.

Insecurity: Enyimba, Warri Wolves, 2 others threaten to boycott Bauchi centre Wolves have already filed an officially complaint to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), organizers of the oldest competition in Nigeria.

Spokesmanof the club, Timi Ebikagboro said Wolves would not travel to Bauchi for the

matches because the city is not safe.

“There have been reported cases of bombings in the northern part of the country and asking us to go to Bauchi which is a core northern Nigerian city is not safe.

“We have already written

formally to the NFF through the Delta Football Association (DFA) telling them that we will not travel to Bauchi,” Ebikagboro said yesterday.

He also revealed that the other three clubs drawn to play in the Bauchi centre, Enyimba, Lobi

Stars and Samba have also stated that they won’t be in Bauchi for the round of 16 games.

“We have been in discussions with officials of the three clubs and I can confirm that this is not a unilateral decision by Wolves. The other clubs have also stated that they won’t be in Bauchi because we don’t think the city

PAGE 42

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

Rivers honours Dolphins, Rivers Angels with cars, cash

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ivers Governor, Mr Chibuike Amaechi has presented cars and cheques to players and officials of Dolphins and Rivers Angels football clubs respectively for winning the league titles in the 2010/2011 football season.

Dolphins won the Premier League title, while Rivers Angels won the female league title in the 2010/2011 season.

Amaechi presented the car keys and cheques for N1 million each to the coaches of the two teams and a car key and cheques for N500,000 to each player of the teams.

Amaechisaid he was happy fulfilling a promise made to the Dolphins and Rivers Angels teams and added that the gesture was aimed at making the teams win more laurels for the state.

Dolphins FC

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he Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) will this week begin the distribution of N25 million worth of equipment to schools across the country, an official said yesterday in Abuja.

Niyi Beyioku, the federation's SecretaryGeneral,said that the move was aimed at popularising the sport at the grassroots.

“The essence is to further entrench the sport in their psyche, by way of making it a household game in the country and for everybody to be able to play it,'' he said.

The secretary said the federation's aim is to rejuvenate the programme through the distribution of balls and nets to 20 secondary schools in Abuja on Friday.

“Abuja will be the launching pad for the programme. Thereafter, we will identify some key states in the geographical zones of the country to do same.

“This will be done through the Coordinators of the Zonal Offices of the National Sports Commission (NSC), and we are already in contact with them.

NVBF to donate free balls, nets to schools, says official “From there, we will go to the states, picking schools at random through the state education authorities for the volleyball-at-school programme tagged “Operation Catch Them Young,” he said.

Beyioku added that the Abuja event was slated for the Package B of the National Stadium with the presentation of equipment to be done by the Ministers of Sports, FCT and Education.

“The event will be graced by the ministers as well as some other important dignitaries, such as the NVBF President and IOC member, Alhaji Habu Gumel.

“Already, the 20 schools have been asked to come with 20 students, and they will witness a demonstration of how to use the nets and how the game is played. ``Thereafter, there will be a test match between two teams, made up of players picked at random from the 20 schools present,'' he said.

Further, the NVBF official

said that the federation had enough balls and nets at its disposal for the exercise. ``It will help to further popularise the sport at the

grassroots, where it will help more people to create a future for themselves and further get empowered,'' he said.

Beyioku gave assurance that the move to popularise the sport and further develop the game at the grassroots would be sustained on an annual basis. FIVB has promised that such donations of balls and nets will be an annual event," he said.

Jarma FC to play its outstanding matches on Sunday

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arma FC of Kano will begin playing its outstanding matches on Sunday, the secretariat of the Nigeria Nationwide League (NNWL) has said.

Executive Secretary of the league Emmanuel Adesanya told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the club still had nine outstanding matches.

He said that the outstanding matches were because of the club’s earlier suspension from the ongoing 2011/2012 season.

It would be recalled that the suspension followed an outbreak of violence by the club’s supporters in Kano on April 2, after a match with visiting DSS FC of Kaduna.

The club’s fans, after a Division One D, Week Five match was lost 1-2 by the team, attacked match officials from the FCT. The team’s suspension was lifted recently by the Appeal, Organising and Disciplinary Committees of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Adesanya said since the team’s suspension

Sharapova is Russia’s Olympic flag-bearer

Maria Sharapova

The governor urged Dolphins to work hard and retain the league trophy by closing the gap between them and the current season league leaders.

He said his administration would reward outstanding sportsmen and women who had done the state proud.

In his speech, the Commissioner for Sports, Mr Fred Igwe, said Dolphins and Rivers Angels did the state proud during the 2010/2011 football season.

He said Rivers Angels, in particular, had 21 players in the female national team, the Falcons and Falconets.

Dolphins Manager, Mr Stanley Eguma, commended Amaechi for the gesture and added that the teams would do their best to get good results.

He promised that Dolphins would work harder to retain the league trophy and appealed to the governor to provide cars for the Dolphins and Rivers Angels to assist them travel for their matches.

F

had been lifted, and that they would have to play all outstanding matches to enable them be at par with the other clubs in Division 1.

“They will be playing on Sundays and Wednesdays till they finish and all other week 18 matches have been put on hold.

“In order not to give undue advantage to Jarma, we have to stop all week 18 matches and accommodate every other match that has to do with Jarma.’’

He said the teams to play against Jarma FC are Boro United FC, Court of Appeal FC, VON FC, Apa FC, FC Lokoja, DSS FC, Bida FC and Nigerian Prisons FC. The team will play two matches (home and away) with VON. Adesanya said the team might be made to play some of its matches outside Kano to deny the fans the joy of watching their team play.

He said that further sanctions would be meted to the team by the Appeal, Organising and Disciplinary Committees of the NFF, but these were yet to be determined.

ormer tennis world number one Maria Sharapova will be Russia’s first female Olympic flag-bearer at the London Games later this month, the national Olympic committee confirmed on Tuesday.

“Sharapova will carry our flag,” president of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) Alexander Zhukov told reporters following the ROC’s executive board meeting. “She was the most worthy candidate among all our athletes. In June she claimed her fourth grand slam title (French Open).” Russia broke with tradition by naming Sharapova, who also won Wimbledon (2004), U.S. Open (2006) and Australian Open (2008) titles, for the rare honour.

Since the Russians first took part in the 1952 Summer Games in Helsinki as part of the Soviet Union this great honour was traditionally given to famous male athletes such as Greco-Roman wrestler Alexander Karelin and swimmer Alexander Popov, who have won numerous Olympic titles.

“I am so honoured, and especially excited as it will be my first Olympics in my career,” the Florida-based Russian said on her official website when she first heard the news about her nomination last month. “I have had to keep this hush hush for two weeks and keeping secrets is not my best quality!”

The 25-year-old will be making her Olympic debut in London after failing to qualify for the 2004 Games in Athens and missing the 2008 edition in Beijing with a shoulder injury.

Fed. Cup: Enyimba looking beyond group stage

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nyimba of Aba are looking beyond the group stage of the Federation Cup, which begins today, according to its Spokesman, Farriel Allaputa.

Enyimba are to face three other clubs in the Group A of the tournament scheduled for the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi.

They are two premier league clubs, Warri Wolves and Lobi Stars of Makurdi while Samba FC of Enugu is the only non-league side in the group.

Allaputa disclosed that Enyimba, last year’s runners-up, hoped to advance beyond the group and eventually get to the final.

“We are leaving for Bauchi from Makurdi after playing Lobi Stars in a rescheduled Premier League game on Wednesday (today).

“Our ambition is to get to the Federation Cup final and perhaps lift the trophy. We narrowly lost to eventual winners, Heartland FC, last year in Lagos,’’ Allaputa said.

Heartland of Owerri are in Group D in Port Harcourt alongside Gombe United and Plateau United, two premier league sides, as well as second-tier National League’s Nasarawa United FC. In Group B at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, are Kwara United FC of Ilorin, Kano Pillars, Crown FC of Ogbomosho and ElKanemi Warriors of Maiduguri.

Confluence Stadium, Lokoja, will host Group C matches involving Enugu Rangers, Sharks FC of Port Harcourt, Prime FC of Oshogbo and Dynamite Force of Edo, a Nationwide League club.

The group stage of the competition will hold between July 16 and July 20.

Austin Eguavoen, Enyimba coach

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

Roma confirms Liverpool bid for Borini

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oma sporting director Walter Sabatini has admitted that the club are currently considering a bid from Liverpool for forward Fabio Borini.

It has been speculated that the proposed transfer could go through before the end of week but Sabatini explained that Roma has yet to make a decision on the forward’s future.

“There is real interest in the player,” he told reporters at a press conference yesterday. “We are evaluating the offer with (general manager Franco) Baldini.”

Sabatini went on to admit that Roma is giving serious thought to parting company with the player, who netted nine times in 24 Serie A appearances last season.

“It’s an option that we have,” the 57-year-old mused.

“We’ll see how we work it.”

Borini, who was included in the Azzurri’s Euro 2012 squad, spent four years at Chelsea. But he joined Parma last summer after a successful loan spell at Swansea, where he worked under new Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers.

Meanwhile, the Reds are likely to seal a deal with Clint Dempsey before the week runs out. The American scored 17 times Fabio Borini last season for Fulham.

Juan Manuel Flores

•Born: 6 March 1987 in Cadiz, Spain •Position: Defence •Played for: Cadiz, Portuense (loan), Barcelona B (loan), Almeria, Genoa, Mallorca (loan) Honours: Three caps for Spain Under-21

Abdoul Wahid Sissoko again loaned to Brest

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bdoul Wahid Sissoko (22 years old), the young Franco-Malian midfielder from Italian club Udinese, will once again be loaned to Brest this season.

After enjoying little game time for the Breton club last season (ten matches with only five selections), Sissoko will have the opportunity to improve this season.

The younger brother of Malian international, Mohamed Sissoko, will be trying to land himself a position in the starting line-up of Stade Brestois.

Yartey set to quit Benfica, set to move

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shmael Yartey set to leave Benfica for a new clubIndemand Ishmael Yartey is set to quit Benfica in the coming hours to join an unknown club in the coming hours. This comes after he was replaced in the Portuguese giants’ squad for pre-season yesterday as the team prepared for pre-season in the French town of Evian.

He was part of coach Jorge Jesus’ squad for next season but has been left out indicating that an agreement for join another club has been reached. The Ghanaian has many offers in the table after recent impressive showing and the midfielder was on loan to Servette last season where he turned out to be one of the best players in the Swiss top-flight.

With interest from Swiss giants Sion and an unknown French side and German Champions League campaigners Moenchengladbach, Benfica look to have reached a deal to sell Yartey. He has been replaced in the Benfica squad by central defender Roderick, who will join the squad from the club’s second team.

Benfica’s revised squad for pre-season: Goalkeepers: Artur, Paulo Lopes and Mika; Defenders: Maxi Pereira, Luisão, Garay, Jardel,

Miguel Victor, Roderick and Louie; Midfielders: Javi García, Matic, Carlos Martins, Witsel, Bruno Cesar, Nolito, Enzo Perez, Pablo Aimar, Nico Gaitan, Hello John and Melgarejo; Forwards: Cardozo, Saviola, Rodrigo Mora, Yannick, Hugo Vieira Michel and Kardec.

PAGE 43

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.

Valencia is interested in signing Strootman

K

evin Strootman could be on his way out of PSV this summer as Valencia is keen to secure the services of the versatile midfielder, the player’s agent has revealed.

The Primera Division side are hoping to add some fresh blood to its squad ahead of the new season, and it supposedly sees the 22-yearold as a valuable addition to its squad.

“It’s correct that Valencia have asked me information about him,” agent Chiel Dekker stated to Eindhovens Dagblad.

Los Che face stiff competition in the race for Strootman’s signature, though, as many clubs have Kevin Strootman inquired about the midfielder’s availability. “More clubs have been in touch to ask about his situation,” added Dekker.

Strootman has previously been linked with Manchester United, AC Milan and Inter. He has a contract with PSV that runs until the summer of 2016.

Demba Ba wants to hush rumours

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enegalese international Demba Ba wants to put an end to the rumours that he is joining a new club every week. Reacting on his Twitter account, the 27-year old player seemed to contradict the information circulating on the subject of his future.

“So many things are being said about me. Rumours are rumours. So don’t forget that,” he tweeted.

Demba Ba was announced very shortly at Liverpool, Tottenham and even Arsenal, but he confirmed that he is still a Newcastle player.

The former Mouscron and Hoffeinhem player has a clause in his contract allowing him to leave for 7 million Euros, a price well below his value. The Senegalese international (fifteen selections, four goals) is in fact estimated at 15 million Euros on the market.

But after 31 July, the clause will no longer apply and Newcastle could demand much more to transfer their best striker of last season.

Liverpool seek offers for Carroll

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ew Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted that striker Andy Carroll could go out on loan to another club.

The Daily Telegraph quoted Rodgers as saying that though no offers have been received for the 23-year-old England striker, it was always an option. “It’s something I would have to look at, I have to be honest,” Rodgers said.

“I’m not going to sit here and say I will never let anyone go on loan, then come in here in two weeks and a player’s gone, and you’re saying ‘you said you wouldn’t let them go’. “There are many things to going on loan. Is it going to be beneficial for the club, that’s the most important thing?

“Sometimes a player going out on loan in general, not just Andy can benefit the club in the long term.

“It gets them game experience, and they come back a better player, a more confident one. Certainly, more so than if they’ve been sitting on the bench for the majority of the season.

“Andy’s always going to be linked with clubs, whether he was here or not. I have spoken to him on his holidays, he knows exactly where he stands, but I have had no inquiries about him.”

Carroll joined Liverpool for 35 million pounds (54.3 million dollars) 18 months ago but has struggled to establish himself as a firstchoice striker.

Andy Carroll

Swansea City hook Spain defender Flores

S

wansea City have completed the signing of defender Jose Manuel Flores from Genoa for an initial £2m. Flores completed a medical on Monday and agreed a three-year contract, subject to international clearance.

The 25-year-old Spanish player is Michael Laudrup’s first signing as Swansea City manager.

Centre-back Flores, known as Chico, also played for Juan Manuel Flores Laudrup at Real Mallorca during a loan spell in Spain’s top division.

“I know I am joining a club that has been growing over the last few years and is still ambitious to go even higher,” Flores told Swansea’s official website. “Having played in La Liga and Serie A, two great leagues, it’s a dream come true to play in the Premier League, one of the best, if not the best in the world. “I have been studying Swansea on the internet and I know I am joining a club with passionate supporters who are very close to the players.”

Flores began his career with Cadiz and spent loan spells with Racing Club Portuense and Barcelona B before joining Almeria in 2008.

In July 2010 Flores joined Genoa in Italy and spent the 2011-12 season on loan at Mallorca during Laudrup’s time as manager. The defender has won three caps for Spain’s Under21 side and was a member of their squad at the 2009 Uefa Championship. Villarreal midfielder Jonathan de Guzman is also close to joining Swansea on a season-long loan.

Midfielder De Guzman, a Netherlands Under-21 international born in Canada, also played under Laudrup at Mallorca. The 24-year-old joined Villarreal for an undisclosed fee, believed to be around £7m, in August 2011. Born in Ontario, Canada, De Guzman moved to the Netherlands as a youngster when he joined Feyenoord’s youth academy and played over 100 games for the Rotterdam club.

In July 2010, he joined Mallorca on a free transfer and made 38 appearances before being sold to Villarreal. De Guzman opted to represent the Netherlands after he gained Dutch citizenship in 2008. He has won four caps for the Netherlands Under-21 side and also played at the Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008.

Man United close in on £16 m deal for Everton’s Baines

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an United are closing in on a £16m deal to land England and Everton star Leighton Baines after Sir Alex Ferguson made Baines one of his main summer targets and hopes to complete the deal before the end of this week.

Fergie views Baines as United’s long-term successor to Patrice Evra at left-back and is hoping to sign him in time to take him on the club’s summer tour of South Africa and China next week.

It’s understood United will pay an initial £12m for Baines, which could rise by another £4m depending on add-ons.

Toffees boss David Moyes is reluctant to sell Baines, but knows he cannot turn down such a tempting offer or persuade the defender to stay at Goodison Park.

Moyes could now use some of the cash to make a move for Juventus -left-back Reto Zeigler, who spent three years at Tottenham, as Baines’ replacement. Baines, 27, will become Fergie’s third signing of the summer following Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell.

City, Juventus, Inter alerted as Nani opens talks with United

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ity rivals and defending champions of the EPL Man City are on red alert as Nani drags abit on new contract with Man United. Already, Juventus, Inter Milan, Benfica and Borussia Dortmund are interested in him, but Fergie is keen to keep the player.

The Portugal star still has 18 months of his current £60,000-a-week deal to run. But he wants a pay hike to put him alongside the highest earners at the club and has so far stopped short of -confirming that he will -definitely stay.

Nani, 25, said: “I am very happy at Manchester United and have been here five years and won every title. ‘‘The manager has great faith in me and that’s what is important. Right now my agent is negotiating and we will see what -happens.”

PAGE 44

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

Al Ahly’s win was hard fought, says El Badry

Ogunbote: Sunshine will rise above defeat to challenge for semi-final ticket Sunshine Stars coach Olugbenga Ogunbote revealed after the match that his side will rise above their 2-0 defeat to Esperance and mount a renewed challenge in the Orange CAF Champions League campaign.

W

Gbenga Ogunbote

hat is your assessment of the match?

It was a difficult game, playing against the defending champions is not easy. It is unfortunate that we lost this game being the very first game of the group stage. I won’t blame my players but we respected our opponents too much in the first half and that cost us a lot.

First game first defeat, how do you intend to turn this around to ensure qualification from this group?

We will recover from this set back and step up our game. Like I said earlier we had too much respect for them in the first half. We can go there (Tunisia)and defeat them on their ground just as they did to us today. We have other teams in the group to play and hopefully we will win matches from these.

What are your chances in this group now that you have lost your first match at home?

We still have hope. It’s too early to write us off. We have to buckle up and rise above this defeat and aim to get an away victory. The mini-league stage has just started and there is still plenty football to play.

What did you tell your boys during the break after going down 2-0 in the first half?

I told them we were showing too much respect to the opponents and this was affecting our game plan. I encouraged them to go all out and turn the game around and you could see how different we played in the second half. It wasn’t that our tactics was wrong but we missed too many chances in the second half.I think we lost the match in the first half.

PUBLIC NOTICE

CLEMENT OBIESIE AGUKWE STAR FOUNDATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

Houssam El Badry manager of Egyptian side Al Ahly saw his charges snatch a late goal to beat visiting DR Congo’s TP Mazembe 2-1 on Sunday in an Orange CAF Champions League Group B fixture. El Badry told Cafonline.com after the game that he was delighted with the victory and said that Ahly worked hard to collect maximum points from the difficult encounter.

H

ow did you see the win over TP Mazembe?

The game was very difficult against a tough and strong opponent. We had a well deserved victory under a difficult situation. Everyone knows Egyptian football is struggling because of the football activities stoppage. I was also concerned of the national team players’ state of mind after missing out on qualifications of the 2013 AFCON but they were up to their responsibilities and produced a good game.

How do you feel about your team’s performance?

I’m very satisfied. Al Ahly deserved to win because we looked for victory from the first whistle, even if the winning goal was scored late in injury time.

For Mazembe’s goal it seems more could have been done defensively to stop it is that how you saw it?

This is football and mistakes are part of the game. Goalkeeper Ikramy had a good game and mistakes happen. He should not be blamed alone for this mistake.

Ikramy is a talented and very good goalkeeper.

You adopted a 4-4-2 strategy for this game. Is there any chance that you might switch to another formation later on?

I don’t think so. My players played well to this tactic and they are playing this way with the national team for more than 2 years. I don’t intend to alter this format.

You made 3 attacking substitutions into the game. How do you explain this?

Our changes were meant to cope with our attacking strategy, as we were looking for victory and collecting all three points and we did just that. Mohamed Abou Treika was replaced because of injury, and I hope it’s not serious because he is a very important player for the team. I believe our changes were successful and played a role in Ahly’s victory.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MRS ENYIOMA AGUKWE 2- MR CLEMENT NNAMDI AGUKWE 3- MR. EMMANUEL EMEKA AGUKWE. 4- BARR. TOSIN KAYODE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO ENCOURAGE YOUTHS TO STUDY. 2.TO PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE NIGERIAN STUDENTS

What did you tell your players after the match?

I praised them for their performance, but I also asked them not to get carried away by celebrating too much.

We’re still at the first step of the group stage, and we have a difficult match against our arch rivals Zamalek in a fortnight, so we should start preparing for this match immediately. Ahly is a champion team with great players, and our only goal to get victory in every match.

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B. 198, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN TWENTYEIGHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION.

Godfrey Oboabana

SIGNED: TOKILEGAL -08033282945

PUBLIC NOTICE

SIR HENRY UZOMA NWANERI FOUNDATION THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. OBINNA NWANERI 2. ADAEZE NWANERI 3. VICTORIA NWANERI 4. CHUKWUKA NWANERI 5. KEM NWANERI 6. AZUBIKE NWANERI 7. MRS ESTHER UJU OKORO THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL AID FOR POOR STUDENTS ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: OMOTAYO OJO

CHANGE OF NAME I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS. NADIA MOHAMMED ABBA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. NADIA ALIYU ISAH AHMADU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. PLEASE, GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

“

Everyone knows Egyptian football is struggling because of the football activities stoppage. I was also concerned of the national team players’ state of mind after missing out on qualifications of the 2013 AFCON but they were up to their responsibilities and produced a good game.

Houssam El Badry

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public of the loss of the origional copy of the certificate of statutory right of occupancy dated 7th January, 2990 issued by Ondo State Government duly executed and registered as No 50 at page 50 in volume 832 of the state’s land registry office, Akure on 16th February, 2009 belonging to the Nigeria Police.

All efforts made to trace the said document proved abortive.

If found, please return to the nearest police state.

“

We still have hope.

It’s too early to write us off. We have to buckle up and rise above this defeat and aim to get an away victory. The minileague stage has just started and there is still plenty football to play.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

PAGE 45

Didier Drogba, who has been on vacation in the USA since the signing of his contract with Shanghai Shenhua and is set to arrive in China on 14 July.

The former Marseille player, who helped Chelsea to clinch the UEFA Champions league will be presented on the evening of his arrival at the Stade de Hongkou.

Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini has confirmed that Liverpool is looking to sign Italy striker Fabio Borini.

Chelsea captain John Terry denied he had snapped and used a racist obscenity after being taunted by another player in court yesterday.

5. Britain's first Wimbledon doubles champion for 76 years, Jonny Marray, hopes his success can help his Davis Cup hopes.

6. Former England manager Fabio Capello and exTottenham boss Harry Redknapp are among the candidates to be Russia's next manager.

Gavin Rees hopes to fulfil his dream of being a two-weight world champion by taking the vacant WBA lightweight title.

7. Premiership side London Wasps complete the signing of versatile Italy international back Andrea Masi from Aironi.

5

6

7

PAGE 46

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

Coach canvasses inclusion of scrabble in schools curriculum T

he Chief Coach of Ogun Scrabble Association, Rotimi Odulele, yesterday canvassed for the inclusion of the sport in schools curriculum.

He spoke at the ongoing Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) Games at the Alake Sports Centre, Abeokuta, where he insisted that inclusion of scrabble would not only ginger the sporting zest of pupils but broaden their grasp and scope of

vocabulary.

According to him, scrabble plays an important role in the learning of the English Language just as it helps in the improvement of vocabulary among students, adding that exposure to the sport would boost Nigeria’s chances at international tournaments.

“Scrabble should be taken to schools nationwide. We want to emulate the former USSR and

their chess history; they ruled the chess championship circle for over 100 years because they took it to the schools. If we emulate that in scrabble, within four to five years, we will see the result,” Odulele said.

The asoociation’s Secretary, Mr Dele Ogunjobi, said efforts were underway to include scrabble in schools curriculum in the state.

Ogunjobi said some privately-

owned schools were already showing interest in the initiative while their public counterparts were yet to do so.

“We still want to break the jinx by getting the programme across to the public schools. We are making efforts through the Ministry of Education,” he said.

According to Ogunjobi, the PASAN Games has provided the platform to realise the dream as the event involved virtually all the states of the federation.

He said Ogun had an academy where younger scrabble players were being groomed to take over

Sato beats dangerous Filipino

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Flying Eagles’ captain upbeat on qualifiers

ota Sato retained his WBC super-flyweight title by beating Sylvester Lopez in Yokohama on Sunday. The Japanese fighter won by unanimous decision – 118-110, 116-113 and 119-109.

“Lopez is ranked at the top and has 19 wins and 15 KOs. He is really a strong fighter, so I was nervous in the first round. I will fight more aggressively in my next title defence,” the 28-year-old Sato said.

“I’m not satisfied with the way I fought today, but I promise I

will improve a lot for my next match,” he added.

Lopez, from the Philippines, looked passive in the first round, allowing the champion to connect with an array of right hooks. Sato also fired a couple of effective right hooks in the third round and led 40-36, 39-38 and 40-36 after the fourth round.

Sato’s combination of left jabs and right hooks lifted him up to 79-73, 78-75, 80-72 at the end of the eighth round.

Lopez became aggressive in

A

WBC title: Vitali set to imitate Wladimir September 8

fter Wladimir’s victory over Tony Thompson on Saturday night, Vitali is set to defend his WBC title. So, it’s back to the other Klitschko, who are dominating the world heavy weight class and are proud owners of all the titles.

Wladimir retained his WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles in Berne on Saturday

Vitali Klitschko

night by stopping Thompson in the sixth round after putting the challenger on the canvas with a big right hand near the

Manuel Charr

the next few rounds but stopped a right to the face in the tenth and a right hook in the 11th, allowing the Japanese to safely keep the lead.

It was Sato’s first defence of the title he wrested from Suriyan Sor Rungvisai of Thailand in March, improving his record to 25 wins, including 12 KOs, against two defeats and a draw.

The 24-year-old Lopez’s record was reduced to 19 wins, including 15 KOs, against four defeats and a draw.

end of the fifth round.

The 40-year-old American southpaw never recovered.

When the Ukrainian dropped

from the older ones.

On Team Ogun’s chances at the forthcoming National Sports Festival tagged “Eko 2012”, Ogunjobi expressed confidence in the prowess of the state’s scrabble contingent, saying “we are battle-ready to storm Lagos and do Ogun proud.”

At the end of the first round of the scrabble event, Adebayo Olanrewaju from Ekiti Assembly defeated Odo Christopher from the National Assembly 2-0 while Ndagi Abdulkadir from Niger lost to Anya Chukwuma of Imo Assembly 2-0.

C

Yota Sato

him again in the sixth, referee Sam Williams gave Thompson a standing count before stopping the fight at 2 minutes 56 seconds.

After the fight, Klitschko led the 25 000 crowd in signing Happy Birthday to his trainer, Emanuel Steward, who turned 68 on Saturday.

“Tony Thompson is hard to hit, “ Steward said. “He was watching Wladimir’s right hand all night.”

A cagey opening round was followed by a scrappy second, as Klitschko twice wrestled Thompson to the floor.

Thompson briefly stepped up his cautious tactics when landing a left to Klitschko’s face in the third.

But Klitschko finally landed a long, straight right in the fifth and the round ended with Thompson struggling on the ropes.

The champion cornered Thompson toward the end of the sixth, and landed punches to the head though no single blow appeared to cause serious damage.

“I got caught but I’m OK,” Thompson said in the ring.

“He’s strong and he’s world heavyweight champion for a reason.”

Klitschko extended the domination of the heavyweight ranks he shares with his elder brother. Vitali will defend his WBC title against Manuel Charr of Germany in Moscow on September 8.

hukwuneye Ukani, the captain of the Flying Eagles, has expressed the hope that the team would win their forthcoming qualifiers.

He said in Abuja where the team is camping that victory would be made possible with the type of training they are receiving in camp.

“We lost the invitational tournament in South Africa due to lack of training and little time to prepare for it.

“We had not trained together; we only trained for three weeks before going for the tournament.

The Ghana side we played against said they were in camp for three months.

“It was so unfortunate that we lost all our matches. I believe that with the new players and the training we now have in camp, we will win.”

Ukani said with the training and experience they were having in camp, they would perform better and win forthcoming matches.

He commended the coach for inviting more professional players to camp.

“With the new players, there will be changes. We will do well and win all our forthcoming matches in the qualifiers.”

In a bid to fortify the team, Coach John Obuh has invited five overseas-based players led by striker Olanrewaju Kayode ahead of 2013 Africa Youth Championship qualifier against Tanzania.

Olarenwaju Kayode

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

. . . putting the people first

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

SPORTS

LA TEST LATEST Okocha canvasses for Mikel's Eagles recall

F

ormer Nigerian player, Austin Okocha has said Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel is key to Super Eagles' 2013 Afcon campaign.

Super Eagles are paired with the Lone Star of Liberia in a two-legged final race of the biennial football fiesta in South Africa next January.

Okocha told SuperSport.com that Nigeria cannot afford to shut out one of the nation's best players in the race for South Africa 2013 showpiece.

“I think we’re looking at improving with every game and bringing Mikel back, of course, is a plus for us. Mikel is about one of our best players, no matter what we think about it, we still need him. He is an important player, I think it's a good goal to have him,” said Okocha.

The former Super Eagles’ captain also spoke of the Liberian opposition.

“I think it’s a good draw for us, we've a team that can beat Liberia. I don't think they can stop us, I believe Eagles will go through. Well, my confidence is based on the fact that we don't concede lot of goals.

“If you don’t concede goals you have only one option to score and win. Even though we’re struggling upfront, we’re on the good way in getting a team that will take us to where we want to be,” the former Paris St Germain and Fenerbahce man remarked.

The midfield maestro believes that a blend of the domestic and foreign-based players is a positive path to success.

Okocha said we need not lose sleep trying to know the makeup of the Liberian team.

“The key for me is getting it right on the matchday, do our home work well. Aside that we don't need to bother ourselves about our opponents,” he said.

John Obi Mikel

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MTN: Raking profits and floundering I

am not a frequent traveller but whenever I happen to go outside this country, I use my local MTN phone. This is so that I don’t miss my calls. My last three trips in September, last year; in March and June this year, make me wonder whether it is worth staying with the biggest carrier in the country, the MTN. Is their explosive growth of traffic difficult to sustain?

In my local use of their line, I have noted in my frequent travels that there are many black spots as you travel the Abuja-Kano road. You are in and out of their network such that you are hardly connected continuously for half an hour.

Whenever the connection comes on, you will notice that you are limited to one, two or three bars – hardly all five bars – signifying a weak connection. On this road in the past, the MTN maintained a wall-to-wall coverage.

Nigerians laugh at the MTN when the automatic answering machine tells them that the man sitting next to them is not in the service area or his phone is shut when that is absolutely not the case.

In my last two trips outside Nigeria, I got calls in the UK and somehow, managed to receive calls and to call others. On the other, the blackberry and the sms worked on one occasion and failed on the other.

In the USA, one had in the past enjoyed a flawless connection using the MTN through AT&T and T-Mobile. In the last week of June this year, my blackberry powered by MTN did not work.

SMS to and from this phone failed.

It took a miracle to make a successful call- perhaps two or three on a lucky day. It was a totally frustrating experience.

Getting the MTN to listen to customer complaints is even more frustrating. I have called the number 180 to complain and have presented complaints at service centres. A standard response is that on such matters, the customer should present him/herself at their customers’ forum.

These meetings held at the six geopolitical zonal locations. I do not, at this time, remember how long ago I read of such meetings

311 689 606 327 454

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MUSINGS By

Garba Shehu garshehu@yahoo.co.in

advertised in the press.

In the light of this experience, one feels safe to say that the telecoms revolution ushered in by the sale of licenses to carriers that has enabled more than 100 million Nigerians to access the phone, has now frozen on its tracks – if not, in fact, regressing.

The continuing deterioration in service manifested by the absence of connection or repeated cuts – and this applies to all the networks – is so pervasive that it is hard to sustain a single unbroken conversation in

daytime or at night. The absence or failure of network has given Nigerians a line to hold in explaining their failure to return calls. In the face of deteriorating service, it is amazing how the MTN has been amassing money going up to three trillion Naira turnover, out of which N857.6billion was accumulated as profit over a ten year period.

(ThisDay 28th August, 2011).

Analysis of MTN’s group profit after tax for the year 2010 showed that the West and Central African operations, made up mainly of Nigeria and Ghana contributed N269billion or 71% of the group’s profit after tax.

Analysts say this is likely to translate into the likelihood of Nigeria contributing to not less than 70% of this profit, amounting to about N188billion, making it the most profitable company in Nigeria.

(Businessday March 10th, 2011).

What is even distressing is the non-challance of the Nigerian government to the telephone woes and saps Nigerians suffer. The regulatory body, the National Communications Commission,

“

One feels safe to say that the telecoms revolution ushered in by the sale of licenses to carriers that has enabled more than 100 million Nigerians to access the phone, has now frozen on its tracks – if not, in fact, regressing. The continuing deterioration in service manifested by the absence of connection or repeated cuts – and this applies to all the networks – is so pervasive that it is hard to sustain a single unbroken conversation in daytime or at night

NCC, is one white elephant with an established habit of allowing the networks to get off lightly with poor quality service.

Our citizens know for sure that the telephone companies provide extraordinary perks to government officials, legislators and regulators so they can sit pretty exploiting the ordinary citizen. How else do they not get overlooked when they let politicians, regulators and their families get free airtime, fund wedding and birthday events? It is perhaps the need to do all these shenanigans that the cost per minute is sky-high in Nigeria.

The government that should reduce or eliminate excessive charges in the face of worsening services knows only how to tap crude oil, tax the GSM companies and swindle the citizen by eating away the money.

But, a simple survey will reveal that it isn’t just the MTN alone which is the biggest of them that is scamming Nigerians through the active collaborations of their government. They are all in it. How did we allow ourselves to be duped and sucked paying so much for so poor a service?

A patriotic government can end the woes of Nigerians by embarking on a radical reworking of telecommunications policies and to, in particular, impose higher standards and holding them to account. Enough of the vice hold on ordinary Nigerians.

In Western societies, companies and other service providers are held accountable, however rich or powerful they seem to be. That is possible because leaders are publicminded. Here, however, our leaders look the other way while GSM service providers exploit customers frequently without deterrent punitive measures. A former member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Yarima from Yobe state, was once suspended for blowing the whistle on how GSM network operators bribed lawmakers with free airtime at the expense of customers. The selfish attitude of our leaders feeds the impunity of our network service providers.

But for how long will the network continue to be bad for Nigerians?

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; pmlnewsdesk@gmail.com ISSN: 2141– 6141