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Vol. 9 No. 88

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

. . . putting the people first

Al-Muharram 28, 1434 AH

N150

Govs demand $1bn from excess crude account

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

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Plateau state workers, protesting the non-payment of their salaries, yesterday at Joseph Gomwalk Secretariat in Jos. Photo: NAN

N195bn federal pension funds missing

By Richard Ihediwa

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he Senate yesterday announced that a total of N195 billion pension funds may have gone into private purses as officials in pensions offices of federal agencies have failed to account for the whereabouts of the money.

The amount, Senate said, is made up of unspent pension funds collected in the last five years.

Stakeholders at yesterday’s resumed public hearing of the Sena-

tor Aloysius Etok-led Senate joint committee probing alleged fraud in the handling of pension funds in the country, were shocked when the committee reeled out figures of unspent pension fund that have remained unaccounted for in the last five years.

The missing N195 billion, investigations by the committee revealed, are pension funds belonging to the Police, the Military, CusContd on Page 2

Jonathan wants N167bn for fuel subsidy for 20 days >> PAGE 2

AGENCY

>> PAGE 3

Contd on Page 2

PD INDEX

N44.2bn N23.5bn N26.1bn

$ £ EURO CFA RIYAL

N27.7bn N39.7BN

EURO £ RIYAL $

BUYING 154.76 249.02 201.11 0.2894 41.24

SELLING 155.76 250.63 202.41 0.3094 41.53

PARALLEL RATES

Report of the Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force >> PAGE 22

11th Dec., 2012

CBN RATES

MISSING FUND

Police pension office Military pension office Dept of State Services Customs/Prisons/ Immigration Office of HOS

N4bn fraud: EFCC declares ex-Kogi governor wanted

espite the ongoing dispute in the Supreme Court between the Federal Government and state governments, governors of the 36 states of the Federation have tabled a request for the release of 1 billion dollars to them from the excess crude account.

The request was made yesterday when the National Economic Council (NEC) met for five hours behind closed doors at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa.

The governors had on Monday met under the umbrella of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) at the Rivers state Governors’ Lodge in Abuja to take a decision on how to present the case before NEC which met yesterday.

Presenting their case before the NEC meeting chaired by Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, the governors said the money had to be urgently disbursed to them to take care of their respective new projects and complete ongoing ones.

Fielding questions from State House correspondents after the briefing, the Deputy Governor of

BUYING 207 255 42 157

SELLING 209 256 44 158

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

CONTENTS

N195bn federal pension funds missing

News

Contd from Page 1 toms, Immigration, Prisons, Department of State Services (DSS) and office of the Head of Service, collected, but did not spend, between 2005 and 2011.

Giving the breakdown of the figures, Vice Chairman of the joint committee, Senator Kabiru Gaya, said statistics from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation show that for the Police Pension Office, a total of N131,483 billion was released while only N58,270 billion was spent, leaving the sum of N44,213 billion unaccounted for.

For the Military Pension Board, Gaya said the Accountant General’s report shows that a total of N317,609 billion was released out of which only N294,076 billion was spent leaving the balance of N23,532 billion unaccounted for.

In the same vein for Customs, Immigration, and Prisons Pension Office, he said while a total of N85,249 billion was released, only N27,452 billion was spent while

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Editorial

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Op.Ed

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Letters

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Opinion

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Metro

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Business

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S/Exchange

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Property

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Arts

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the balance of N27,797 billion is yet to be accounted for.

Also the report shows that for the Department of State Service while a total of N34,698 billion was allocated, only N9,413 billion was spent with the balance N26,121billion yet to be accounted for.

In the case of the Office of the Head of Service, the Accountant General’s report indicates that out of the N139,056 billion released, N100,641billion was spent while the balance of N39,783 billion is yet to be accounted for.

The committee vowed to recover all the unspent fund and frowned at the failure of the Chairman of the Pension Tax Team, Abdulrasheed Maina to honour the invitation to appear before it yesterday to give explanations to the whereabouts of the fund. The panel said it would not hesitate to sanction Maina if he fails to appear before it today.

Expressing dismay over Maina’s failure to appear before the committee, Gaya said such has be-

come habitual of him, adding that the committee had to decide to issue an arrest warrant on him before he appeared before it the last time.

He said the missing pension funds belonged to Nigerians and must not be allowed to vanish into private purses.

"This money belongs to the masses and it is expected that it should be accounted for. If everybody is allowed to grab as much as he could get, what are we going to bequeath to our children? Some people feel that because they have godfathers, that no one can bring them to judgement; they should realize that God is watching", Gaya said Ruling, Etok said the committee wants to give Maina the opportunity to come before them and give answers to the issues, cautioning that those behind what he described as Maina’s “arrogance” must know that the Senate will not rest until it gets to the root of the matter.

“We want to give Maina the

last chance and this Committee, which represents the Senate of the Federal Republic is saying that whosoever is behind Maina’s arrogance should know that his time is up and the masses want him to account for his stewardship.

“He should appear before this committee tomorrow (today) at 11 am without fail. If he doesn’t come tomorrow, the committee will proceed to hold the public hearing and we will take presentations from Prison Service, Police and other agencies. We will get all the presentations and make up our case and tell the public what we have discovered in the course of our investigations”, he said.

Those listed to appear today include the Comptroller-General of Customs, Controller-General of Prisons, chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), the chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Director of Pension at the Head of Service, Director, Police Pension Office, among others.

Jonathan wants N167bn for fuel subsidy for 20 days

By Richard Ihediwa & Ikechukwu Okaforadi

P Party deregistration: The issues, the politics, Page 4

Int’l

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S/World

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Digest

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Politics

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Sports

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Columnist

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

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

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resident Goodluck Jonathan has written to the National Assembly demanding approval to spend additional N167.6 billion for fuel subsidy for the next 20 days.

In a letter dated December 5, 2012, which was read on the floor of the Senate by Senate President David Mark, Jonathan is requesting for the approval of a 2012 supplementary budget to provide for a fresh N161.6 billion which would be added to the balance of N7.735 billion in the subsidy account to ensure adequate provision of fuel during the end-of-year festivities.

The President said the N888.1 billion provided for

. . . as 2012 subsidy budget hits N1.4 tr

subsidy in the main 2012 budget was inadequate, adding that a forensic audit carried out showed that it was “underestimated”.

He said already, out of the N888.1 billion, a total of N880.2 billion has been paid out, leaving a balance of N7.735 billion which he said would be inadequate to address the subsidy need in the remaining period of 2012. If the supplementary budget is passed a total of N1.497 trillion would have been approved for subsidy in 2012.

The letter reads: “The Distinguished Senate President will recall that as part of the 2012 budget framework, a provision of N888.1 billion was made for the

payment of fuel subsidy for the nation. I wish to intimate the Distinguished Senate of the fact that, following the forensic audit carried out, the provision for fuel subsidy in the 2012 budget was underestimated.

“As at now, the sum of N880.264 billion has been paid out, leaving a balance of N7.735 billion. In order to accommodate the outstanding arrears resulting from the forensic audit exercise and the remaining period of the year 2012, an additional sum of N161.617 billion over and above what was programmed in the 2012 framework is required.

“Given the need to maintain as steady flow of petroleum

products, especially in the runup to the festive season, it is my hope that the distinguished senators will kindly accord this request their traditional expeditious consideration and approval.”

With the letter, which came barely two days after the mother of the Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was abducted by unknown gunmen, the Senate has listed the supplementary budget for first reading and is likely to accelerate its consideration and passage as the upper house is expected to close for the year next Thursday, possibly after passing the 2013 budget currently before it.

Govs demand $1bn from excess crude account Contd from Page 1 Sokoto state, Alhaji Mukhtari Shagari said the Council was considering the request and would seek legal advice from the Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke considering the fact that the case is presently before the Supreme Court.

Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe state also said during the briefing that Council was briefed on the state of negotiations between the Federal Government and states on the controversies surrounding the excess crude account.

“It was advised that negotiation should continue pending the court decision on the matter,” he said.

The Council was also told that verification of claims by the fuel suppliers is still on-going while payment of up to N881billion has

so far been made after verification.

The Council however said about N100billion was still needed for settlement of outstanding claims.

Council also assured that states will be paid for all works done on federal roads by the Federal Ministry of Works.

NEC mandated state commissioners to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Finance on the guideline and borrowing facilities in earnest Ebonyi state governor, Martin Elechi added that Council was briefed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim on the framework for the Nigerian Centenary Celebration in 2014.

“Council resolved that the Governors should prepare their input to key into the programme

before the end of 2012. They are expected to set up similar planning committees in their respective states to make sure the celebration is uniform and memorable,” Elechi said.

Ekiti state governor, Kayode Fayemi had informed State House correspondents that the National Security Adviser (NSA), Col Sambo Dasuki briefed Council on the establishment of local security outfits (Vigilante groups) in the states as part of measures to improve security across the country.

The Council encouraged state governments to set up the security groups in their domains but with a guideline to guide their activities.

The Council also encouraged state governments to provide grazing land for herdsmen to avoid their frequent clashes with

farmers in some parts of the country.

The Minister of Communication Technology, Omobola Johnson presented a paper to the Council on building a national broadband and ICT infrastructure in Nigeria.

It will also contribute to the increase social welfare and security,” Fayemi said.

The Council set up a committee to look into the issue of multiple taxation raised by telecom service providers.

Governor of Gombe state will chair the committee while governors of Kwara, Kebbi, Oyo, Abia and Edo as well as Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Engr Eugene Juwah, Minister of Telecommunications Technology, Omobola Johnson will serve as members.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

PAGE 3

‘Why $15m alleged Ibori bribe won't be released’

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

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he Federal Government has said that the $15 million (N2.4 billion) James Ibori alleged bribe money being demanded by Delta state government would not be released to the state, apparently to prevent further fraud.

The Federal Government claimed yesterday that the money would be released to Ibori by Delta state government if the Federal High Court in Abuja should concede to the request brought

before it by the state.

In its counter-motion objecting to the request that the money be forfeited to Delta state, the Federal Government further said that it has several documentary evidence of alleged fraud being perpetrated in favour of Ibori by the present Delta state government.

In the motion, the Federal Government claimed that in 2008, a year after Ibori had left office, the Delta state government released N50 million to him to build a 4-bedroom duplex in Warri.

The motion filed by Mr. Rotimi Jacobs on behalf of the Federal Government also alleged that another N50 million was released to Ibori in respect of the same house in 2010.

The motion claimed that Ibori never utilised the money to build any house and instead moved the money abroad where he was arrested and convicted along with his aides for economic related crimes.

Government asserted that it was convinced that the bribe money would be passed to Ibori if

any order of forfeiture should be granted in favour of Delta state.

Counsel to Delta State government, Mr. Charles Ajuyah however said that the burden was on the Federal Government to prove beyond doubt how the money would be returned to the convicted ex-governor.

Meanwhile Justice Gabriel Kolawole, presiding over the case, has adjourned hearing till January 10 next year to enable Delta state react to the fresh issues raised by the Federal Government in the new motion.

L-R: Ekiti state Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Kaduna state Governor, Mr. Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa; and the National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, yesterday at the State House, Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Ndume: Court blasts prosecution for failure to state witness’s qualification

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

A

Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday blamed the State Security Service (SSS) for not stating the qualification of the witness it brought before the court to testify in the on-going trial of the Senator representing Borno South senatorial district, Mohammed Ali Ndume over his alleged links with Boko Haram.

At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, the prosecution witness, Aliyu Usman, who said he is a forensic examiner attached to the Special Investigation Panel Department of the SSS, told the court that he was asked by the head of the panel, James Eze-Izi to carry out forensic exploration of two mobile phones, a Nokia E7 and Nokia 2700, to determine whether there was any communication between the two phones.

The witness, while being led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Mr. Thompson Olatigbe

said the detail of phone conversation between the two phones were forwarded in the form of a document to the leaders of their investigation panel.

When the prosecution sought to tender the report as exhibit, counsel representing the accused person, Mr. Ricky Tarfa objected to the admissibility of the document on the grounds that the witness did not state the academic and professional qualification that makes him a forensic expert.

Tarfa further argued that the evidence which the prosecution seeks to tender was contrary to the provisions of section 142 of the Evidence Act, pointing out also that the prosecution did not comply with section 84 of the Evidence Act. Tarfa argued that under section 84 of the Evidence Act, any expert giving forensic evidence must be able to state his qualification, schools attended and training acquired to attain become a forensic expert.

Senate probes FCT revenue shortfall, rejects CIMAN Bill

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he Senate has opened investigations into the revenue profile of all area councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following revelations of shortfalls in the remitted revenue generated by the councils.

The decision followed findings that Kwali area council declared only N7 million out of the N74 million internally generated revenue it proposed in 2012.

The revelation was made when the council’s officials appeared before the Senate Committee on FCT to defend its 2013 budget and to give account of the 2012 budget.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, Smart Adeyemi, said he suspected that the N7million declared by the area council indicates that either the greater part of the funds generated went into private pockets or the officials did not go into the field to enforce payment of taxes and revenues to government.

Against this background, he said that the Senate will go further to scrutinise the account books of the area councils, comprising both the receipts with which revenue is generated, who paid what and where the fund is being deposited.

Adeyemi regretted that there is no local government across the country that generates as poor as N7million annually, emphasizing that even those local governments whose revenue yielding structures are poorer than that of FCT area councils generate far beyond N7 million annually.

Meanwhile, the Senate yesterday rejected a bill seeking to establish the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants of Nigeria, describing it as a duplication of the duties of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

N4bn fraud: EFCC to declare ex-Kogi gov wanted …I 'm not on the run - Audu

By Lambert Tyem

F

ollowing his alleged escape from arrest by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday, the commission has concluded plans to declare former Kogi state governor, Prince Abubakar Audu, wanted.

Prince Audu, alleged to have fraudulently enriched himself to the tune of over N4 billion while he was governor of Kogi state between 1999 and 2003, reportedly fled when operatives of the commission stormed his 32 Suleiman Barau street, Aso Villa, Asokoro Abuja residence in the early hours of yesterday.

EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, explained that the attempted arrest of Audu followed a Supreme Court ruling of November 23, 2012, which dismissed the ex-governor’s appeal against his corruption trial by EFCC. The Supreme Court ruling

therefore clears the way for his fresh arraignment, EFCC said.

It would be recalled that Audu was arrested in Jos in 2006 after a six-month manhunt by operatives of the commission, before his earlier arraignment at the Kogi state High Court on December 1, 2006, on an 80-count charge of conspiracy, fraud, criminal breach of trust and embezzlement of public funds.

The EFCC had, while the case lasted at the high court, caused the issuance of nolle prosequi (stop prosecution order) by the former Attorney-General of Kogi state, Dr. John Alewo Agbonika and then Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Bayo Ojo on February 8, 2007 at the Kogi State High Court as the commission claimed to have lost faith in the handling of the matter by the State High Court.

But rather than discontinue the matter, the trial judge, Justice Medupin, went ahead and referred two questions to the Court of

Appeal for determination.

In a judgement delivered by Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, the Supreme Court held that the Court of Appeal was wrong to consider the questions referred to it for determination after being aware from the records of Appeal that a nolle prosequi had been filed.

Audu had on December 12, 2011, through his lead counsel, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, filed the stay of proceedings motion supported by 11-paragraph Affidavit.

Meanwhile, Prince Audu yesterday denied allegation that he evaded an attempt by the EFCC to arrest him, saying that he is currently in London where he is receiving medical attention.

Prince Audu spoke through his lawyer, Mr. Abdullahi Haruna on telephone. Haruna noted that his client traveled out of the country last week for medical treatment in the UK after an accident he was involved in on September 28 on his way to Jos, Plateau state.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

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ast Thursday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) took the nation by surprise as it deregistered 28 political parties it considered as moribund. The latest delisting is coming a year and four months after the electoral umpire axed seven parties for not meeting up to the expectations of the law.

While the development has continued to be trailed by series of reactions for and against, anxiety has heightened in the political circles following indications that out of the total of 63 parties that contested in the 2011 general election, only eleven may make it to the 2015 polls.

There are fears that going by the reasons adduced by INEC to back its action, 24 more parties may have to bite the dust in the coming months. In all the delisting, INEC had relied on section 78 (7) of the Electoral Act which provides that INEC “shall have power to de-register political parties on the following grounds; (i) breach of any of the requirements for registration” and “for failure to win presidential or governorship election or a seat in the National Assembly or the state House of Assembly.”

Immediately after the 2011 elections, INEC started a systematic pruning of the parties based mainly on their performance in the elections.

While the dust of the elections was still in the air, INEC applied section 78 (7) and deregistered seven parties following their failure to field any candidate in all the elections in 2011.

The seven parties were the Democratic Alternative (DA), National Action Council (NAC), National Democratic Liberty Party (NDLP), Masses Movement of Nigeria (MMN) Nigeria Peoples Congress (NPC), Nigeria Elements Progressive Party (NEPP) National Unity Party (NUP).

Expectedly, the beheading of the parties led to a legal tussle as many key stakeholders argue that the commission was overstepping its bounds especially in the light of its threats to axe more parties.

While Nigerians were waiting for the ruling on the case challenging INEC’s decision which is scheduled for March, 2013, the commission came out hard last Thursday and delisted 28 more parties bringing the total number of parties in the country to 30.

Those in the recent list include Pastor Chris Okotie’s Fresh Democratic Party (FDP), Balarabe Musa’s Peoples Redeemption Party (PRP) the late Anthony Enahoro’s National Reformation Party (NRP) and Dr. Tunji Braithwaite’s National Advanced Party (NAP).

Others are the African Liberation Party (ALP), Action Party of Nigeria (APN), African Political System (APS), Better Nigeria Progressive Party (BNPP), Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Community Party of Nigeria (CPN), Democratic Peoples Alliance (DPA), Freedom Party of Nigeria

Party deregistration: The issues, the politics Since after the 2011 general election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has embarked on systematic decongestion of the electoral space. Currently it has axed 35 parties and by every indication, many more may go before 2015. Richard Ihediwa examines the issues as they unfold.

(FPN), Hope Democratic Party INEC may further stretch the (HDP), Justice Party (JP) and dragnet of section 78 to whittle Liberal Democratic Party of the number of political parties Nigeria (LDPN). ahead of the 2015 election. By Other are Movement for this calculation only 11 parties Democracy and Justice (MDJ), which have clearly scaled Movement for the Restoration through the huddles of section 78 and Defence of Democracy would survive the impending (MRDD), New Democrats (ND), axing.

National Majority Democratic P a r t y (NMDP), National Movement of Progressive P a r t y (NMPP) and National Solidarity Democratic P a r t y (NSDP).

A l s o deregistered are the Progressive A c t i o n Congress ( P A C ) , P e o p l e s Mandate Party (PMP), P e o p l e s Progressive Party (PPP), People’s Salvation Party (PSP), INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega Republican Party of Nigeria (RPN), United These include ruling Peoples National Party for Development Democratic Party (PDP), (UNPD) and United Nigeria opposition Congress for Peoples Party (UNPP).

Progressive Change (CPC), Many believed that the Action Congress of Nigeria National Conscience Party (NCP), (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party founded by late right lawyer Gani (ANPP), Labour Party (LP), Fawehinmi would have been Progressive Peoples Alliance axed but for the order by the (PPA), Peoples Party of court retraining INEC from Nigeria(PPN), All Progressive deregistering it pending the Grand Alliance (APGA) Accord determination of a suit filed by Party, Democratic Peoples Party the party to that effect.

(DPP) and KOWA Party.

Currently, the promoters of Apart from the 11, only the the delisted parties are fuming newly registered United with anger and have headed to Progressive Grand Alliance the courts to challenge the (UPGA) led by Chief Chekwas commission. But there are fears Okorie, which has not contested that the gathering of the in any general election will be aggrieved may swell following spared. increasing apprehension that The delisting of the parties INEC actually plans to further has been hinged on various decongest the electoral space by factors, especially following delisting 25 more parties. perception by many that the Giving an insight into what political space was overcrowded may happen, the Chief Press by parties, some of which from Secretary to the INEC chairman, the onset did not have any Mr. Kayode Idowu, said, in an ambition to win elections but to interviews “For as long as the act as jobbers and spoilers for provisions of the law subsist, they major parties and now exist more will be applied as and whenever on the papers as their structures deemed necessary by the were dismantled after the commission. No consideration elections. will feature outside the provisions Some of those who formed of the law as we have them.” these parties did so to partake in The deduction here is that the grants that were in the past

released to parties. Many of them had to abandon their platforms while others offered theirs for sale when the grant was stopped with the amendment of the Electoral Act. Many of the candidates fielded by the delisted parties did not even border to campaign but were ready tools in the hand of losers in major parties, to institute frivolous cases against the outcome of elections.

On the whole, many observers saw their existence as a burden to the electoral system as they all have to be captured on the ballot p a p e r , included in I N E C monitoring list and other activities that drained funds from the system.

Based on the foregoing, many felt they should no longer exist.

Since the latest deregistration, stakeholders have been split along the lines of debates on whether or not the commission’s action is justified by law.

Those kicking against the deregistration including front line lawyers and members of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), argue that reducing the number of political parties would deprive Nigerians the needed political room to actively participate in the electoral process adding that such was against the principles of democracy.

They are insisting that the commission has no right under the 1999 constitution to sack any party irrespective of the provisions of the Electoral Act which they contend was not in line with section 36 of the constitution.

A Lagos based lawyer, Ogedi Ogu, said that although the Electoral Act gave wide powers to the commission in handling political parties in the country, the Act is still subject to the Constitution which served as the norm in Nigeria. Mr. Ogu said it

was always better to allow maximum number of political parties in a country to operate, to make room for competition to political positions.

In his own argument, another lawyer, Anthony Makolo, stressed that whether a political party emerged as winner for any political position in Nigeria or not, should have no bearing with the functions of INEC, which has the primary duty to conduct elections in the country.

On its own part, the CNPP condemned the delisting, with its Publicity Secretary, Osita Okechukwu describing it as a breach of the 1999 constitution aimed at disrupting the 2015 elections.

But while those kicking against the delisting continue to demand for reversal, those in support of the action are insisting that INEC acted within the ambit of the provisions of the Electoral Act aimed at sanitising the system.

At the forefront is the ruling PDP which commended the electoral body for its action. Its National Auditor, Bode Mustapha, said in Abuja recently that the exercise would sanitise the polity and create a better footing for democracy in Nigeria. He said the proliferation of political parties in Nigeria was not too healthy for democracy.

He said this exercise would give the political dispensation the ethical and noble instruments needed to give the next generation a proper foundation.

Also, the Chairman of PDP in Enugu state, Vita Abba, said the de-registration was a step in the right direction as it was in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act. Abba said the move would encourage existing parties to work hard to secure victory at elections.

On the whole, political watchers see the development and the debates as very healthy for the nation’s democracy as it would help strengthen the system and eliminate political frivolities ahead of 2015. Pundits see a situation where the delisting will ginger a stronger coalition of the aggrieved to form a formidable opposition against the ruling PDP in the next round of elections.

The stage may have just started unfolding with the determination of major opposition parties such as the ACN, CPC and ANPP to arrive at a coalition that will result in a mega party to face the PDP in 2015.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

PAGE 5

Tambuwal enjoins traditional rulers to join fight against insecurity From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

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L-R: Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Hon. Aminu Shagari; Executive Secretary, NEITI, Mrs. Zainab S. Ahmed; Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Musa Rafsajani; and Chairman, House Committee on Solid Minerals Development, Hon. Isa Hassan Mohammed, during a one-day roundtable on NEITI Process with members of House of Representatives, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

raditional rulers have been called upon to join in the fight to overcome the security challenges faced by the nation.

Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Speaker, House of Representatives, made this appeal at the palace of the Obaro of Kabba, during the presentation/ commissioning of empowerment/ constituency projects in KabbaBunu/Ijumu federal constituency of Kogi state.

Tambuwal disclosed that never has the nation witnessed the level of insecurity facing it now, and challenged the traditional institution to proffer solutions, as they are closest to the people.

While commissioning the Rural Information Technology Centre, Ogidi and presenting empowerment incentives to people of Kabba-Bunu local government area, Tambuwal said the constitutional role of legislators is making laws, but poverty and the peculiarities of

Tanker drivers on strike over killing of colleague by soldier From Mohammed Adamu, Kaduna

T

he Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), have commenced an indefinite strike over the alleged killing of one of its members by the Joint Task Force (JTF) on Sunday night in Kaduna.

When our correspondent visited the petrol depot at the Kaduna refinery, aggrieved drivers were seen hanging around the premises in a mournful state.

Confirming the incident, the chairman, Kaduna state chapter of the PTD, Comrade Gambo Ibrahim Tuge, said: "One of our member, an African Petroleum (AP) tanker driver, a 27-year-old Mohammad Isah from Kamba in Kebbi state, who lifted fuel from Lagos enroute Kamba in Kebbi state was shot dead by soldiers.

He said that “he was to continue his journey to Kamba the next day after discharging 11,000 litres at the AP filling station close to an army checkpoint along Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical (KRPC) junction, Kachia road in Kaduna.

"The manager of the AP filling

station had even introduced the tanker driver to the soldiers after he had instructed him to park the truck with registration number AA352BRK in front of the station.

"Around 8:30pm one of the soldiers even offered him food Sunday night when he told the soldiers that he is hungry and is going to look for where to buy food around.

"Late Isah was alerted late into the night by the soldiers of the fuel leaking from the tanker.

"Late Isah and his motor boy were in the middle of repairing the leakage when one army sergeant confronted them.

"The Sergeant refused to listen to the explanation given by one of

the junior officers at the check point and dismissed the soldier from the place.

"The Sergeant shot late Isah after threatening him and his motor boy to give him (the sergeant) his own share of the deal (concluding that they were stealing fuel from the tanker).

“He shot him on his abdomen after forcing them to a physical punishment and identifying the driver among them.

"The other soldier at the check point rushed to the scene upon hearing the sound of the gunshot and took the victim to Saint Gerald Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.”

A medical certificate on Cause of Death from Saint Gerald dated

10/12/12, made available to newsmen yesterday, indicated that Isah died around 5:05am on Monday morning from a gunshot injury.

When contacted, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations 1 Mechanized Nigerian Army Division, Colonel Sani Usman Kukasheka confirmed the incident saying investigation into the matter has commenced.

“I wish to acknowledge the inquiry of allegation of shooting by our soldiers. I wish to state that the Headquarters, 1 Division is aware of the incident and has commenced investigation with a view to ascertain the cause of the soldier involved to ensure justice is done”, he said.

Soyinka commends Niger for honouring Ekwensi From Iliya Garba, Minna

T

he Nobel laureate, Prof.

Wole Soyinka has applauded Niger state government for honouring the renowned author, Cyprian Ekwensi who was born in Minna, adding that this will bring national unity and promote literary work in the

country.

He made this known yesterday at the inauguration of an e-library constructed in Ekwensi’s memory in Minna by the Niger state government as part of the 2nd Annual Muazu Babangida Aliyu National Literary Colloquium, describing him as a great thinker and lover of the arts.

Soyinka said: “What we are celebrating today is a vocation; it is gratitude for making us know what we do not know”.

Earlier, Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu had said unless Nigerians respect those who teach and those who write, “we will continue in the crime of corruption and ignorance”.

Truck kills two Benue electoral staff A From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

tragic accident involving a cement-laden truck with registration number Katsina AA 551 NGN yesterday crushed to death two young men, Israel Ogbu Odeh and Odeh Ezekiel, said to be adhoc staff of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC), in Otukpo,

Benue state.

An eyewitness narrated that the accident happened at about 3.00pm when the victims were on a motorcycle with registration number BN AAA 131 GTU; the truck had sped through both the zebra and railway crossings but hit the duo while attempting to avoid a pot hole, killing them instantly.

The accident caused a traffic

gridlock as officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) struggled hard to recover the trapped bodies of the deceased from under the vehicle.

The driver of the truck and his companions, apparently for fear of been lynched by irate youths, took refuge in the premise of a nearby bank and later reported themselves at the Otukpo police station.

Meanwhile, the victims’ corpses have since been deposited at the morgue of Otukpo General Hospital.

FRSC Area Commander for Otukpo Mr. Samuel Darakoji, who confirmed the accident, urged commercial drivers and other road users to always certify the effectiveness of their vehicles before driving them.

the nation’s democracy have made most legislators join in alleviating their people’s suffering by economically empowering them.

Also speaking at the occasion, Arc. Yomi Awoniyi, the Kogi state deputy governor who represented the governor, called for partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government, as a way to rapidly speed up development.

In his remarks, Chief Michael Olobayo the Obaro of Kabba, lauded the cordial relationship existing between the Speaker and members of the House of Representatives, as this engenders democracy.

FG owes us N500bn, say pensioners From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

T

he Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), yesterday, accused the Federal Government of owing its members across the nation over N500 billion.

National president of the union, Alhaji Ali Abatcha, disclosed this during the Pensioners’ Day and foundation-laying ceremony of Oyo state Pensioners’ House. At the events held at Onireke Extension, Dugbe, Ibadan, he maintained that the pensioners’ joy was truncated by a series of disappointments, frustrations and deprivation.

The union chief said various categories of arrears of pensioners’ entitlements remain unpaid; thousands of them are not yet on the payroll; many are not being paid their full pension and gratuity; even as there is glaring disparity in the harmonised pension and deliberate yanking off of pensioners' names from the payroll by some officials.

NEITI calls for legislative activism on PIB

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), yesterday charged members of the House of Representatives on legislative activism to measure the proposed PIB fiscal regime against the current regime vis-a-vis fiscal regimes of other oil producing countries, bearing in mind the edge Nigerian oil has over others.

NEITI also wants transparency clauses to be instituted for good practices in licensing, bidding, contracting, acquisition of acreages and payment of royalties and signature bonuses.

The call was made by the Nigerian Programme Coordinator, Revenue Watch Institutes, Mr. Dauda Garuba at the roundtable discussion organised by Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) on the NEITI audit process.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

Why 82 Kwarans did not perform Hajj – Board

L-R: Erelu Olusola Obada, Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Ibrahim, Commander, United States Africa Command, General Carter Ham, President Goodluck Jonathan, and US Embassy Charge D'affaires, Mr. James Mcanulty after a meeting between President Jonathan and General Ham, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja.

T

he Kwara State Muslim Welfare Board said yesterday that 82 prospective pilgrims from the state failed to perform this year's Hajj due to non issuance of visas by the Saudi authorities.

Hajia Fatima Jimoh, the Executive Secretary of the board, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin that the pilgrims were supposed to be part of the 2,563 slots allocated to the state by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.

She said the non issuance of visas to them was due to the issue of Muharam (companion) raised by the Saudi authorities at the beginning of the exercise.

Jimoh said the board had met with the affected pilgrims and apologised to them.

She assured them that they would be in the first batch to be transported for the 2013 operation.

The board's boss warned prospective pilgrims from the state not to pay their fares to any agent, stating that the board would not recognise such persons.

Jimoh also said all the 2,418 pilgrims that made the journey from the state returned hale and healthy with their luggage. (NAN)

Veterinary council set to stop quacks

By Mohammed Kandi

P

resident of the Nigeria Veterinary Council, Prof.

Gabriel Ogundipe, yesterday said in line with international best practices, the council is making effort to purge the profession of imposters who are bent on ridiculing the job.

Ogundipe, who stated this yesterday at the council's meeting in Abuja, said the regulatory body would take legal action against those found to be violating the rules.

According to him, "there are guidelines as well as laid down rules for which practitioners are expected to strictly follow and if anyone violates it, then they should be ready to face sanctions in accordance with the provisions of the law."

He also said that the meeting was considering a number of important issues affecting the council's smooth operations including recognition of new colleagues, constitution of new college board, and consideration of the proposed agenda for correction and adoption.

Also speaking, the council's registrar, Markus Avong, said members were making effort to ensure the improved sanitary condition of the slaughter houses across the country.

"As a regulatory body, the vet services are up and doing to ensure citizens get safe meat to eat, especially as the Christmas is fast approaching," he said.

In his remarks, the immediate past President of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. Charles Ibe, noted that quackery in the occupation was not peculiar to only veterinary practitioners but other sectors of the economy.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Jonathan seeks US support to end insecurity

By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan has sought the support and cooperation of the United States in tackling the myriads of security challenges facing the country.

President Jonathan was speaking to the Commander of the United States' Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Carter Ham who paid a courtesy call to the State House yesterday.

The President said Nigeria was facing various security challenges, such as Boko Haram insurgency, policing the nation's extensive maritime borders, crude oil theft and kidnapping, and called on the USA to support the government's efforts to find lasting solutions to these problems.

President Jonathan also briefed Gen. Ham on his visit to Mali and the efforts by ECOWAS to resolve the conflict in that country, adding that the situation could still be

contained if the right steps are taken quickly.

The President commended the United States for its role in global peace and security and congratulated President Barrack Obama on his re-election via a smooth US elections.

Earlier, Gen. Ham said he seized the opportunity to present a paper at the National Defence College and hold talks with security agencies on ways to strengthen the partnership between Nigerian and American

forces.

He said the USA was ready to cooperate with Nigeria in areas such as maritime security, communications, development of civil-military capabilities, and resolving the conflict in Mali.

Gen. Ham commended Nigeria's Defence College for the harmonious working relationship between military personnel and civilians with participants from neighbouring countries on security issues.

Minister demands adoption of FOI Act by states

By A'isha Biola Raji

M

inister of information, Mr. Labaran Maku has called for the complete domestication of Freedom of Information Act. The minister made this call yesterday in Abuja at a workshop on Information Act, with the theme "Openness in Governance: The FOI Act 2011 in Perspective" organised by the ministry in collaboration with the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)

"Domestication" implies the adoption of the Act by State legislatures in order to carry the force of law in their domains.

According to Maku, proper domestication of the act across all levels of government was vital to realizing open governance necessary to improve the development of the country.

He said, "From NUJ account, it appears less than 1/3 of the states have domesticated the act…We call on all state governors, speakers of state house of assemblies and all stakeholders to ensure proper

domestication as it is very important in achieving accountability and transparency".

In his speech, Chairman, House Committee on Information, Hon. Umar Buba Jibril recalled the rigorous process through which the bill went before it was finally passed into an Act 18 months ago.

He said the bill, was a tool required by Nigerians especially journalists in exposing corruption and encourage transparent office holders.

The FCT minister, Alhaji Bala Muhammed, said the media, which

helped in liberating the country from colonial rule with the likes of Obafemi Awolowo and Nnamdi Azikiwe, break the reign of military rule, could also relieve the country of corruption through proper use of FOI Act. Also in his speech, the National President, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Mohammed Garba said the battle for the FOI Act had only been won half way. He however called on stakeholders to liaise with commissioners across the states to speed up implementation of the Act.

Nigeria on the verge of collapse unless…,says Yari From Lawal Sa'idu Funtua, Katsina

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he Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Abdul'aziz Yari has warned that considering the myriad of security challenges confronting the Nigeria, the country is on the verge of destruction unless pro-active measures are taken to arrest the situation.

The governor gave the warning, yesterday in Katsina while speaking at a two-day national forum on security with the theme "Do The Right Thing: Promote Peaceful Co-

existence In Nigeria" organized by the National Orientation Agency,(NOA).

Yari who was represented by his commissioner for commerce and industries, Alhaji Hassan Muhammad Zurmi, noted that fora such as this, would help in addressing some of the concerns but warned that more needed to be done to save the country.

"People are saying there is conspiracy in the insecurity problem. But what have we done collectively as a people to stop it. It shows we are also conspirators in the unfortunate situation" he added.

The governor stated that the

country was larger that any individual and as such"politicians should stop instigating crisis".

"Just because you lost election or you are not happy with the establishment, you can't jeopardize the unity of the country", he said.

Declaring the workshop open, Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema told the participants that security was the collective responsibility of all, calling on Nigerians to respect one another for the stability of the nation.

Shema however stated that "with zeal, commitment, determination, hardwork and

discipline, the issue of insecurity in the land would be a thing of the past.

We must work hard to arrest the dangerous trend'.

Earlier in his address, NOA Director-General , Mr. Mike Omeri noted that the forum was intended to foster cross cultural harmony among traditional rulers in Nigeria.

Omeri added that the forum initiated ways of supporting communities, traditional leaders, religious leaders, youth and women groups to participate in dialogue so as to reinforce the core role of religion in promoting peace.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

Sacked NIMC workers protest at N/Assembly

By Lawrence Olaoye

D

isengaged members of staff of the National Identity Card Management Commission (NIMC) yesterday protested at the National Assembly demanding that the House of Representatives should intervene in their matter based on a petition before it.

The protest is coming on the heels of two others organised by the same group in the last three months.

The other two protests were mild blockade compared to that of yesterday as staff and visitors alike were not allowed to gain entry into NASS. About 200 protesters stormed the complex yesterday morning displaying placards.

They blocked the first entry point of the complex, making it impossible for both human and vehicular traffic to gain entry.

The Police DPO attached to the complex, CSP M. Shehu, alongside Senate Deputy Majority Leader, Senators; Abdul Ningi, the Senate Minority Leader, George Akume, and Abu Ibrahim addressed the protesters.

It would be recalled that the management of NIMC recently laid off over 4000 workers over their inability to meet up with a six-year period of grace to acquire university education.

District head, son, car dealer killed in Borno From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

U

nknown gunmen carried out separate attacks in Borno state between Monday and yesterday, killing a traditional ruler and two others.

In the first incident, the newly turbaned District Head of Dusuma ward in Jere local government area, Kazalla Ali was gunned down alongside his son.

The attack occurred at about 8pm when three gunmen reportedly invaded the residence of the traditional ruler and shot him dead in the presence of the family members.

His 30-year-old son was also reportedly killed, apparently for attempting to grab one of the assailants.

A source at the Borno state emirate council who declined identification, confirmed the incident.

According to the source, the victims died on the spot due to excessive bleeding from gunshot injuries.

In a related development, a Maiduguri-based prominent car dealer, Alhaji Ibrahim Magaji was also killed yesterday morning.

The deceased, who was the Chairman of Magaji Motors, was reportedly shot dead by two gunmen.

L-R: Chairman, Steering Committee on Curriculum Innovation, Prof. Godswill Obioma; Minister of State for Education, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike; and Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa'i; during the opening of West African Regional Workshop on Curriculum Innovation and Teachers Capacity Building, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Nasarawa Assembly throws out impeachment motion against Al-makura From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

N

asarawa State House of Assembly has thrown out a motion threatening to impeach Governor Umaru Tanko Al-makura, saying that the governor has demonstrated substantial compliance with their demand to address the violence that erupted in Agyaragu of Jenkwe development area.

Receiving the report of the House Committee on Information, Security and Special Duties, the Assembly unanimously adopted and passed a motion that threw out the impeachment threat against the governor, while commending him for complying with their resolution to address the crises.

Chairman of the committee, Mohammed Baba Ibaku, informed the House that there

had been arrests of suspected perpetrators of the violence by security agencies, the stationing of security personnel at flashpoints across the state, as well as the relief package being extended to displaced persons.

A motion to stop the impeachment move was then presented on the floor of the assembly, following which the Speaker, Musa Ahmed Mohammed asked that the

recommendations of the committee be forwarded to the governor.

Peoples Daily recalls that the assembly, on November 23, gave the governor seven days to act on their resolutions to end the spate of violence in the state, as well as address the needs of thousands of victims displaced by the development, or they would invoke Section 188 (1) of the constitution to impeach him.

Governors sue FG, NASS over deductions

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

3

6 state Governors have dragged the Federal Government to the Supreme Court over its alleged deductions of revenue accruing to the country between 2007 and now to fund the fuel subsidy regime.

In a civil summons filed on behalf of the Attorneys-General of Abia State and his counterparts from 35 states by a team of six lawyers, including Joseph Bodunrin Daudu and Prince Lateef Fagbemi, the states

contended that the federal Government has no right to make deductions from the nation’s revenue unilaterally.

In the action which has the AGF and the National Assembly as 1st and 2nd defendants, the governors argued that the deductions amounted to a usurpation of the powers of the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency [PPPRA] by giving the agency “illegal directive which made PPRA to honour unverified vouchers from importers of petroleum products to the detriment of all

the plaintiffs”.

The plaintiffs said: “Rather than ensure that all revenue is centrally transferred from the Consolidated Revenue Fund to the Federation Account which is the distributable pool, the 1st defendant through her agency, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) deducts without approval the socalled Fuel Subsidy from source as if same is a first line charge.”

The plaintiffs therefore want the apex court to declare that “the act of the Federal Government in charging on the

Federation Account deductions and expenses incurred by it on or to service the activities and or functions of its agencies or bodies exempted by Section 162 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 before distributing the revenue among the federal and state governments and local government councils in each state, is inconsistent with section 162 of the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), illegal, unconstitutional, unlawful, null and void.”

Protesters burn houses of Plateau commissioner, LG boss

S

ome youths in Langtang South local government area of Plateau yesterday burnt down the houses of a commissioner, a legislator and the council chairman.

The victims included Mr. Bako Famak, Youths Development Commissioner; Mrs. Joyce Ramnap, a lawmaker, and Mr. Nanman Darko, a council chairman.

An eyewitness said the mob allegedly took advantage of the strike declared by the Nigeria

Labour Congress in solidarity with teachers and other local government workers to go haywire.

The local government workers, including primary school teachers, have been at home for eight months to protest the nonimplementation of the N18, 000 minimum wage.

An eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity, said that reason for the attack on the houses was not clear.

He said: “The rioters, had however, accused the victims of

allegedly conspiring with Gov. Jonah Jang to sustain the strike and subject the workers to untold hardship.

“They also claimed that the non-implementation of the wage and the prolonged strike had killed many innocent people”.

While the houses of Ramnap and Darko were completely burnt down, Famak’s residence was only partially burnt.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Abuh Emmanuel, confirmed the

incident, which he described as very sad.

“We have already deployed policemen to restore normalcy to the affected area,’’ he said.

Emmanuel described the action’s of the mob as criminal and uncalled for since the strike itself was illegal.

“There is a court injunction, yet the workers have chosen to embark on strike; we shall not tolerate any act of indiscipline from any individual or group,’’ he said.

(NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

Katsina showers N30m on VVF patients From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

K

atsina state government has earmarked the sum of N30 million for distribution to 3000 VVF patients across the state’s three senatorial zones. This gesture is to enable them setup businesses that would help them integrate into the society.

The state governor’s Special Adviser on Poverty Alleviation, Alhaji Bature Umar Masari disclosed this yesterday in Katsina. He noted that in the first phase 1,500 VVF patients would benefit while an additional 1,500 would benefit in the second phase.

Masari stated that N100 million would be disbursed to petty traders and business associations as soft loans to enable them boost their capital base.

Masari added that N105 million has also been set aside for disbursement to 3,500 selected graduates of skill acquisition centres, BATC, from the 34 local government areas; the disbursement would be in five batches.

Similarly, N49 million has been earmarked for distribution to needy women across all the local governments in the state; some 700 beneficiaries would each collect N3,500 monthly for the next 14 months.

According to him, the programme for the physically challenged persons would gulp the sum of N140 million, which will be disbursed to 14,000 beneficiaries. Each beneficiary would get N10,000 monthly.

28 million children to be immunised in December

By A’isha Biola Raji

I

n its quest to eradicate polio in Nigeria, the Federal Government through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), has concluded arrangements to vaccinate over 28 million Nigerian children. Children aged 0-5, would be vaccinated with Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) against poliomyelitis, during the December 2012 SubImmunization Plus Days (SIPDs).

According to a statement signed by Saadu Salahu of the agency’s Public Relation Unit, NPHCDA is set to work in collaboration with development partners, as well as states and local governments.

The exercise will hold from Saturday December 15 to Tuesday December 18, 2012 in 13 polio-endemic states across the northern part of the country.

The states are Borno, Kebbi, Jigawa, Yobe, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Kaduna and Katsina.

Others are Niger, Bauchi, Nasarawa and Taraba states.

Staff of the National identity Management Commission (NIMC), protesting over their disengagement without benefit, yesterday at the National Assembly, in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Again, doctors down tools in Lagos From Ayodele, Samuel with agencies

E

ssential medical services were yesterday brought to a halt as Resident Doctors at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), IdiAraba, began an indefinite strike.

The doctors, under the aegis of Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), commenced the

strike over the implementation of a new tax law which they described as exorbitant and lacking uniform application.

The doctors alleged that the Management of LUTH had been deducting huge amounts from their monthly salaries as tax.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) found that the Outpatient Ward was desolate.

Jigawa pensioners to get higher pay in January From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

P

ensioners in Jigawa state are to enjoy a monthly raise in their wages as from January 2013. This was disclosed by the state’s chairman of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) Alhaji Musa Ayuba.

Ayuba stated this yesterday at a press briefing to commemorate the World Pensioners Day. He declared that the union had already made a formal request to the state government in view of the recent increase in workers’ salaries.

According to him, “the union had requested for review of pensioners’ salaries as a result of the implementation of the 18,000 minimum wage and I reassure our members that in spite of the fact that our request is under process,

by January the wages would be increased”.

The chairman added: “The jigawa state government has agreed to implement what the Nigerian constitution stipulated in section173 sub section 3 that pensioners’ wages should be increased after every five years”.

German firm to partner Nasarawa for solar energy From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

A

delegation from the Nigeria-Germany Energy Partnership was in Nasarawa state yesterday, seeking to partner the state government to build a solar energy plant that will provide Nasarawa 30 megawatts of electricity.

The delegation, led by Engr.

Abdulkadir Safana, the Chief Executive Officer, Green Energy Network, who is also the project consultant, were at Government House, Lafia on a courtesy visit to Governor Umaru Tanko Almakura.

Karim Megherbi, vice president of RECA, a German energy company, disclosed on behalf of the delegation that they were in the state to explore avenues for establishing a solar energy

plant in partnership with the state government.

He disclosed that his firm is ready to provide the finance, take care of all the legal aspects involved in the partnership as well as ensure that everything is done according to international standards and on time. Katsina, Kano and Bauchi states have already benefited from such partnership, he said.

The delegation later presented some documents and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) relating to the partnership, to the governor.

Responding, Gov. Al-makura expressed gratitude for the visit, saying the new power initiative has been the vision of his administration, “only that we have been seeking for a credible partner to work together”, he stated.

Some patients on admission were seen leaving the hospital premises.

Mr. Ayoola Ogunrombi, the husband of a patient on admission, said he had to get a referral letter to another hospital because the doctors had stopped attending to his wife.

An executive officer of the ARD, who sought anonymity,

said the strike was meant to compel the management of the institution to revert to the old tax system.

“All is not well with LUTH; we feel cheated with the tax deduction imposed on us.

“We do not understand how our income tax is higher and differs greatly from that of our colleagues in similar institutions…” he said.

CPJ demands investigation for journalist’s assault

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), yesterday, called on authorities in Nigeria to as a matter of urgency commence an investigation into Sunday’s attack on a journalist by Akwa Ibom state governor’s security operatives and bring the perpetrators to justice.

CPJ in a statement said three operatives of the State Security Services (SSS) beat to unconsciousness Kazeem Ibrahim, a journalist with The Nation newspapers, at the Akwa Ibom State Government House, Uyo, when he tried to cover Gov. Godswill Akpabio’s birthday celebration on Sunday.

Ibrahim was said to have been denied entry to the hall initially

by SSS operatives but was later allowed after the intervention of the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Anietie Ukpe.

“They came from my back, held my neck, pulled me to the ground and continued beating me.

I lost consciousness at that point,” Ibrahim told CPJ. He regained consciousness after a few minutes, having sustained bruises on his back. The Nation reported that one of Ibrahim’s assailants also threatened governor’s press secretary when he tried to intervene.

Attempts to get the side of the SSS proved abortive as its spokeswoman, Marilyn Ogar, did not respond to CPJ’s calls and a text seeking her response to the incident.

Saddened by the development, CPJ through its Africa Advocacy Coordinator, Mohamed Keita’ in New York called on the SSS to investigate and bring to account everyone responsible, adding that journalists must be allowed to cover public events without fear for their safety”.

Strike: New Plateau police chief calls for dialogue

T

he new Commissioner of Police in Plateau state, Mr. Chris Olakpe, has called for dialogue between the striking workers and the state government in order to end the lingering impasse in the state.

Olakpe, who assumed headship of the Plateau police command yesterday, was confronted by the strike which had paralysed government activities in the state for many

months now.

Olakpe told newsmen in Jos that the best way for the workers to settle the strike was through dialogue. He called on both labour and government to consider this option.

The police chief also said that the new social policing agenda of the Inspector-General of Police, aimed at bringing the people and police closer, would be adopted in the command. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

PAGE 9

corps members in Rep charges Jonathan Borno Benue lament water shortage to sack Okonjo-Iweala From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

T

he chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Pensions, Hon. Ibrahim Bawa Kamba, has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to remove the Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, “fast”.

He made this appeal yesterday while fielding questions from newsmen shortly after donating 1,500 water pumping

machines to his constituency.

Kamba added that the major problem the committee is facing is the way and manner the Finance Minister has been handling pension funds.

“My committee has invited her three times and now I also ordered for her arrest and they said that she has traveled to England; the pensioners are suffering and she refused to release the funds to the various

ministries and agencies for the payment of gratuities”, he said.

He further lamented that the delay in paying the police is being caused by the minister; she allegedly refused to comply with the committee’s directive. “The whole House is tired of her; we in the House want her to be removed and urge Mr. President to do something fast in order to avoid any embarrassment to him and Nigeria as well”, he said.

D

eployed to Borno state but conducting their orientation at a camp in Benue state because of the security challenges in Borno, over 1,500 Batch ‘C’ Corps members have complained bitterly of lack of water at their camp.

The Borno state National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Coordinator, Alhaji Shiitu Morai, disclosed this to the NYSC Director-General during the DG’s visit to the camp.

Morai said the corps members are faced with the challenge of lack of

potable water even as he expressed disappointment that the two boreholes in the camp located in Wannune, Tarka local government area of Benue state, are not functioning.

Morai disclosed that since resumption of camping, the ‘corpers’ have expended over N14, 000 per trip on purchase of water from some towns in Gboko.

The water is bought twice daily, but this is grossly insufficient for the large number of corps members, he explained, appealing to the DG to come to their aid with a view to tackling the problem urgently.

Legion of jobless graduates worry Niger govt From Iliya Garba, Minna

I

L-R Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo, Osun state Governor, Chief Rauf Aregbesola, and Chairman, BUA Group, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, after their meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye

Tribunal upholds three Kano LGA’s census figures

T

he Census Tribunal, yesterday, validated the 2006 enumeration figures of three local government areas in Kano state, as had been released by the National Population Commission (NPC) In a judgment delivered by Tribunal ‘A’, it validated the census figures of Kabo, Kano Municipal and Kibiya local government areas.

In the lead judgment read by the chairman, Mr. Abraham Yisa, the tribunal validated the figures on the grounds that the complainants failed to provide enough evidence to back up their

claims of non-enumeration of some of their localities.

It held that the complainants also failed to prove their case on the preponderance of evidence as the identities of persons they alleged were not enumerated, were not disposed before the tribunal.

It further held that the testimonies of the witnesses called by the complainants were based on hearsay as they all claimed that they were enumerated.

According to the tribunal, the names of persons that the complainants alleged were not enumerated, did not reflect in

their complaints, neither did they appear before the tribunal to testify.

“The complainants challenged the respondent before the tribunal that some of their households were not enumerated during the 2006 census.

“Names of households and persons they alleged not enumerated did not reflect in their complaints. The tribunal, after considering the arguments of the complainants and the respondents, holds that the complainants failed to prove their case on preponderance of evidence. (NAN)

Minimum wage: Zamfara NLC shelves planned strike From Salisu Zakari Maradun, Gusau

T

he Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Zamfara state chapter, has suspended its plan to embark on an industrial action to which it had earlier given two weeks ultimatum to the government should it fail to implement the controversial N18, 000.00 minimum wage to workers in the state.

In a press statement it issued after its meeting in Gusau, capital of the state, the congress said it took the decision of suspending the strike

action following an agreement reached between it and the government of implementing the said N18, 000. 00 and other sectoral salaries.

The statement which was signed by the chairman of the congress and his secretary, Comrade Abdullahi Umar Modomawa and Comrade Isiyaka Sabot Safe respectively, explained that a technical committee to reconcile the work of the assessment and rationalisation committee has been set up by the government in order to facilitate

the implementation of the relative package and other sectoral salaries in the state.

Genuine cases of the affected civil servants, continued the statement, are also to be reviewed, as another committee has been formed by the government in that respect.

The statement called on the entire workers in the state to rededicate themselves to their duties for the development of the state, as government is doing all it can, including consultations, to improve their living conditions.

n spite of its employment drive, the Niger state government has continued to record a huge number of graduates searching for jobs across the state.

A research conducted by the government shows that the number of university, polytechnic and Colleges of Education graduates looking for jobs in Niger are more than 20,000.

It would be recalled that since the inception of the administration of Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu, it has employed well over 14,000 graduates into the mainstream civil service, encouraged another 10,000 to various selfemployment schemes, and assisted others to join the federal civil service and other private organisations.

The Head of the state’s Civil Service, Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed

Matane, disclosed to newsmen in an interview at the end of the state’s executive council meeting last week that although government is determined to continue to employ graduates, the scheme is being hampered by the fact that most of the graduates specialised in the same field.

He cited as an example the case of a legion of Accounting graduates waiting for jobs and those already in the service; this does not make for good utilisation of the professionals. Matane added that government will however ensure that all those with a bias for teaching will be considered first while the screening of others will continue.

Government was determined to engage the unemployed graduates, he emphasized, but the administration would be careful not to take any hurried decision, considering the state’s high salary bill which consumes over 75 percent of its income.

JAMB registration: Business booms for cafes

C

yber cafe operators in Kafanchan, Kaduna state, are making brisk business as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) commences online registration for the 2012/ 13 examinations.

Some of the café operators told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that prospective candidates who could not afford a personal browsing facility have been patronising them in large numbers.

Mr. Kefas Yatai of Jodasym Café, Kafanchan, said he has recorded more patronage this year compared to last year. He said with the commencement of JAMB registration in November, the café had registered over 50 candidates, adding: “Registration this year is N800 per candidate as against N500 charged last year”.

Yatai attributed the increase in patronage to the

fact there are only a few cafés in operation within the metropolis, and the slow network connectivity. Another operator, Mr. Sunday Kasham of Phonix Business Enterprise, told NAN that he recently acquired two more laptops to meet the increasing demand of his customers. “Last year, I had only one laptop but today I can boast of three systems”, he said.

Kasham further disclosed that he makes a minimum profit of between N10, 000 and N12, 000 daily.

Meanwhile, prospective JAMB candidates have lamented the poor business services and high price of café operators in Kafachan. Some of the candidates told NAN that they paid N800 as against N500 paid last year while they spent longer time before completing registration on-line. One of the candidates, Miss Sarah Ibrahim, said it took her over two hours to complete registration due to poor network at the café. (NAN)

PAGE 10

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

Covenant varsity not built from tithes, offerings – Bishop Oyedepo

By Stanley Onyekwere, with agency report

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he General Overseer and founder, Living Faith Church (aka) Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo, has denied ever ripping off church members through tithes and offering to build Covenant University, and living in affluence

while cruising in private jets.

Oyedepo, who made this point at the Shiloh 2012 ministration, said that he has personal accountants managing funds from his businesses, so as not to miscalculate his tithe.

In what appears to be a slam on his critics who accuse him and the church of using money from the poor to build university, which they

cannot afford, Oyedepo revealed that the last time the church paid him any salary was in 1987.

Oyedepo said the university was built within seven months without a kobo of tithes and offerings or donation of any kind.

According to him, his commitment to Kingdom principles of sowing had made him never to be indebted to any

individual or organisation anywhere in the world.

Oyedepo, who queried whether anybody has ever been approached by him for any form of financial assistance adding: “In January 1988, my wife asked me of money for feeding and I told her I had given my salary to God, and that was the last time she ever had to ask for feeding till date”.

Kogi trains 500 youths on public works From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

Y

ouths have been described as the vanguard of the new Kogi state. The state’s deputy governor, Arc Yomi Awoniyi, who stated this at the flag off ceremony of the second phase of the Youth Advancement and Development programe under the SURE-P, said it was little wonder that efforts aimed at empowering them is bearing fruit.

The second phase of the programme, he said, would cater for youths in the public works rather than share money for poverty alleviation, adding that a decent environment is a factor to attracting investment.

Awoniyi described Kogi as a state in dire need of development and lauded the role of citizens in the empowerment drive of the present administration.

In her remarks, the Special Adviser on Youths and Women Development, Temitope Shinkaiye, said the two weeks programme would train 500 youths in sanitation and public works.

8m Nigerians in child labour - NAPTIP From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

T L-R: President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Malam Mohammed Garba, Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, and Chairman, House Committee on Information, Hon. Umar Buba Jibril, during a workshop on the Freedom of Information ACT 2011, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Northern youths laud Clash over tax law leaves minister’s peace initiatives three injured in Benin From Muhammad Adamu, Kaduna

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orthern youths under the aegis of Hajia Hadiza Ibrahim Mailafiya Youth Supporters Forum, have commended the peace initiatives of the Minister of Environment, Hajia Hadiza Mailafiya.

The president of the group, Kabiru Buhari Kawo, in a statement in Kaduna, hinged their commendation on the effort of the minister in organising several fora for the youth across the 19 northern states to embrace dialogue and peace in settling any

issues in the interest of the North in particular and Nigeria in general.

He recalled that during the recent flood disaster across several states of the North, Hajia Mailafiya gave her widow’s mite to youths that were affected irrespective of tribe or religion. This succor, according to Kawo, was a way of promoting peace among the youths because rather than taking to ungodly vices the youths have been placated to through little support by the minister.

From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

T

wo rival groups Monday clashed in Benin City, the Edo state capital, leaving at least three persons wounded.

The Land Use Charge which was signed into law by the State governor, Adams Oshiomhole barely four days earlier reportedly led to blood-letting when a group of Nigerians believed to have sympathy with the government engaged in a free for all with protesters against the charge.

The protesters under the aegis of the Edo Youth Congress had converged on King Square, Benin

City at about 7am on Monday morning to register their discontent towards the “obnoxious policy” of the government where they were whipped by supporters of the law.

President of the Edo Youth Congress whicy is against the new law, Dan Adebame Eichie, said the law was passed without input from the people of the state through public hearing.

Leader of pro-land use law who craved anonymity, said the infrastructural development in the state was a testimony of what the state government was doing with the tax already collected.

he National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and other Related Matters (NAPTIP), has raised concern over estimated eight million Nigerian children engaged in exploitative child labour.

Executive Secretary of the Agency, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba who gave the shocking figure in Benin City at a programme tagged ‘The Community Dialogue on Human Trafficking’, said, “it is worrisome that Edo state has been identified as a source for the recruitment of young females for sexual exploitation”.

Jedy-Agba who was represented by the Director of Public Enlightenment Mrs. Lado Ayegbusi explained that the awareness campaign was meant to proffer ways of tackling trafficking in our communities.

She noted, “The Community dialogue/ sensitisation is a deliberate strategy to sensitize, educate and inform participant about children and women. It is also designed to rub minds on the best ways of collectively addressing these daunting challenges”.

Danbazau leads foundation for victims of child abuse

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

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orried by the increase in child abuse in the country, a nongovernment organisation (NGO), Foundation for the Victims of Child Abuse will Thursday, in Abuja assemble relevant stakeholders to deliberate on how to help abused children in the country.

Addressing journalists on

Monday, the chairman, Board of Trustees of the foundation, Lt. General Abdulrahman Bello Danbazau (rtd) who lamented the sufferings of abused children as a result of societal decadence, said something has to be done to address the problems being faced by abused children.

Danbazau, a former Chief of Army Staff who spoke through his deputy, Dr. Tajudeen Akanji, said victimisation of children has been

recognised internationally as a significant social problem that requires direct and immediate attention.

The foundation said the difficulties encountered in the passage of the Child Rights Act in many states of the federation should be a cause for concern to all Nigerians.

“Child wellbeing means a lot of things. It is about children being safe, well, healthy and happy. It is

about children’s opportunities to grow and to learn. It is about positive personal and social relationships and about being and feeling secure and respected”, he stated.

He observed that there is an increase of accusations of child witchcraft which leads to child abuse in Nigeria and these, he noted are creating a “multicrisis” for already vulnerable children.

“The consequences of child abuse and neglect can be devastating and far reaching and physical injuries can range from bruises, scrapes and burns to brain damage, permanent disabilities and death. The psychological effects of abuse and neglect can last lifetime and may include a lowered sense of self worth, an inability to relate to peers, reduced attention span, and disorders.

PAGE 11

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

How to choose a health-care plan T

he right health insurance plan can both save you thousands of naira and keep you from having to skimp on care when you are sick. Most employees can sign up for health insurance through work. Those who don't have an employer-based option can find plans through affinity groups like unions and membership associations for artists or the self-employed for example or choose to purchase an individual or family health plan.

Here is how to compare your options: Find your health care style: Choosing between three major types of health plans comes down to personal preferences, and choosing a plan accordingly can be cheaper in the long run. To help choose what level of coverage you need, see what you might spend on various health procedures using life foundation's health care cost estimator.

Go HMO: Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans require patients to choose an in-network primary care physician and cover the care that doctor recommends.

HMOs also have low co-pays and fewer bills later. But seeing a specialist requires a referral, which can take time.

Go PPO: Preferred Provider Organisation (PPO) plans cover some of the costs for seeing out-ofnetwork doctors. Experts say that consumers choose this plan for the added flexibility of seeing a variety of specialists, but may also face paperwork and unreimbursed charges when venturing out of the network. Health plan web sites often host tools to help you find doctors within the network.

Go POS: Think of a Point of Service (POS) health plan as a hybrid of an HMO and PPO. Inside the network, you will get the highly managed HMO care you will designate a primary care physician, get referrals to see other doctors and enjoy simplicity and less paperwork. But you will also have the freedom to see doctors outside the network as you would with a PPO. Of course, your premiums will be somewhere between the other plans' costs.

Consider when and how much you want to pay. The more you pay in premiums, the less you will pay in co-pays and vice versa.

Compare the deductible options: Pay attention to the deductible, the amount you will be responsible for paying before the plan will cover costs. Even if your premiums are low, high deductibles of several thousand

Quote It’s very important for entrepreneurs to be realistic. So if you believe on that first day while you are writing the business plan that there’s a 70 percent chance that the whole thing will fail, then that kind of relieves the pressure of self-doubt. – Jeff Bezos

dollars can be difficult to manage in the event you require a lot of unexpected care.

High deductible plans: High-deductible, high-co-pay plans siphon less from your paycheck each month, but also require higher payments when you visit the doctor. Experts recommend finding a balance on the edge of your comfort level; patients with serious health conditions and frequent doctor's visits might be better off in a plan with higher monthly premiums and less per-visit fees. Use Smart Money's health plan worksheet to

figure out which plan will save you more.

Make it back in taxes: Specialty providers like psychotherapists and chiropractors aren't usually covered and can be expensive, but you may be able to offset the cost with tax savings.

Flexible Spending Account: You can contribute parts of your pre-tax paycheck to a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) which can then be used to cover additional unreimbursed care costs. The money you contribute to this fund expires at the end of

the year, so you will forfeit the income if you don't spend it on care.

Estimate your potential tax savings from your FSA contributions with the savings calculator on FSAFeds.com.

Health Savings Account: Similar to an FSA, a Health Savings Account (HSA) will allow you to deposit a certain amount of pre-tax income into a fund that you can spend on health care costs. The account doesn't expire, so you can roll over your savings year after year and use the money when you retire. HSAs are designed for healthy people who want to save

money by paying lower premiums and banking what they don't spend on medical services, but you can only enroll in a HSA if your regular health plan has a high deductible (over $1200 for individuals and $2400 for families) and meets other criteria.

Find out if your health plan meets the criteria for a HSA at the IRS. What not to do: Enrolling in a plan without fully understanding your options can cost you.

Beware of going out of network: Before signing up for a plan, figure out whether your doctors are in your network. Even PPO plans cover less of the expenses of seeing out-of-network doctors.

Many health plans cover even less than consumers expect, leaving them with sticker shock.

Don't gamble with your health: Don't pay a high monthly premium if you are healthy and confident that you will stay that way, but don't choose a deductible that is so high you couldn't afford to pay it in a worst-case scenario.

Don't coast on the same plan: Health advisors say it's important to reevaluate your health-care plan frequently.

People's needs and health risks change as they age; a plan that requires you to pay more when you see doctors often might no longer be appropriate as people require more care. On the other hand, an extensive plan that covers your children, even when they go outof-state for college, might be more than you need.

Importance of family insurance

L

ife in these modern times is stressful especially with the burdens that medical bills can add. For this reason, many families are now opting to apply for family insurance policies. They provide coverage for many of the medical expenses that a family can incur when a family member becomes sick or hurt.

The advantage of family insurance is that it takes care of the well being of the whole family.

The other advantage of this kind of coverage is that it costs lower than getting a policy for each member of the family unit. It also provides more coverage than individual

policies. For example, it covers the maternity costs that are associated with the birth of a male's child, which cannot be covered in a policy taken by a male.

A family insurance policy often covers the prescriptions and medications of family members rather than just those of the policy holder. This policy is therefore beneficial for those families that have individuals who need to consume a certain type of medication constantly. They are able to save a significant amount of money.

Family insurance policies enable families to offer different

kinds of coverage for their children who cannot be able to afford their own cover. This is beneficial especially when you note that children often need more care than adults. For example, dental care impacts children more than it impacts adults.

Family insurance policies are adjustable and parents can change them depending on the needs of a family. They do not have to purchase a new policy when they get a new child, when children grow up or when they leave the home. The policy shifts to include all the individuals in the family who need the coverage.

Family insurance is very important because it offers excellent coverage to all members of the family. It ensures that their need to access good healthcare facilities is met. Obtaining this kind of coverage is not hard and you can find affordable policies that will provide security and safety to your home.

Advantages of whole life insurance When people think of the benefits of life insurance, they usually only focus on the death benefit. Well, with term life insurance, that's the only thing it has to offer. But with whole life insurance, there are living benefits. There are advantages of whole life insurance available to you when you are alive.

Premium cost is guaranteed A key advantage of whole life insurance is that the cost of the premiums paid to the policy will never increase. The reason why this is important is because with term policies, your rates will rise over time. This is due to the changes in your health and age. As you get older, your chances of dying increase. Since the life insurance company takes on that risk, they increase the cost of premiums.

With whole life insurance, the premium cost will stay the same as long as the policy is in force. Even if you are gravely ill, the cost will never change. It's guaranteed.

Whole Life Insurance, unlike Term Life Insurance, is permanent. You do not have to worry about going out and getting another policy unless you cancel or cannot pay the premiums.

Term Life Insurance, on the other hand, may expire in 10, 15 or 20 years.

Dividends may be issued.

Although not guaranteed, a dividend would increase the value of your policy when the company decides to pay it out.

The policy will build cash value over time that you can borrow against or just let it accumulate and make your death benefit be higher.

Source: www.wealthmanagementexchange.com

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

PAGE 13

Before Lagos molue plunges into lagoon N

By Lekan Fatodu

early a month ago Nigerians were gripped by the chilling gossip that one of the mass transit buses, popularly known as BRT, operated by Lagos State Government, had plunged into the Lagos lagoon; and as a result, all passengers on board had perished in the water.

It was at the height of the increasing permeation of the unfortunate tale which had gone crazy on social media and in some mainstream news outlets that the Federal Road Safety Commission, on whose Twitter handle information about the accident was served to the public, claimed that its Twitter account had been compromised by surly hackers which used its account to distract the public peace by posting the frightening rumour.

Similarly, Lagos State, through its emergency service, also stepped forward to allay the fears of Lagosians and confirmed that the report was a false alarm; that no BRT bus fell into the Lagos lagoon. To me, having travelled across many places in

the country in recent times and witnessed, first-hand, the recklessness on the side of the government as well as everyday Nigerians; and also marvelled by some Nigerian’s callous approach to fellow humans, I have never doubted the possibility of a bus falling directly into the lagoon or swerving into someone else’s bedroom by highly careless reasons.

I was in the gathering of some friends when news of the bus broke I immediately expressed my disgust and said “that would be so sad; maybe the driver was under the influence of alcohol or he is driving a vehicle whose brake pedal is almost completely gone.” Opinions were divided amongst my friends: some said the description I gave was that of Nigeria, or Lagos, I left many years ago while a few of them thought I was right that the government should do more to curb the misconduct of the commercial motorists, either government-managed or privately-run.

Shockingly, on 30th November 2012, just four days after the rumour of the bus crash that rented the air, two

of my friends and I (those who thought my opinion on the motorists was antiquated) were on our way to the Island from Gbagada. As we got on the newly repaired part of the Third Mainland Bridge, right on the Lagos lagoon, just few metres away from the section of the bridge that overlooks University of Lagos lagoon front, my friend hit me by the shoulder and screamed, “Lekan, Lekan see the tyre of the commuter vehicle driving by our side.”

What we saw was unbelievable. It was a whitepainted commercial vehicle, TATA bus (not BRT) with Lagos number plate XZ 353-GGE. The

bus was filled with at least 50 commuters with some standing. The vehicle was doing at least 70 mph, and its driver was driving with one hand on the steering while using the other hand to hold a bottle of what looks like an alcoholic beverage at 10:45 in the morning!

And wait for the final shock, the death-loving driver had two empty plastic bottles of soda drinks (one of Lacasera and possibly Feyrouz) stuck on the vehicle rims to fasten two of the screws to the tyre on the driver’s side! With this instance, and if it continues unabated, it is just a matter of time before many buses will

“

What we saw was unbelievable. It was a whitepainted commercial vehicle, TATA bus (not BRT) with Lagos number plate XZ 353-GGE. The bus was filled with at least 50 commuters with some standing. The vehicle was doing at least 70 mph, and its driver was driving with one hand on the steering while using the other hand to hold a bottle of what looks like an alcoholic beverage at 10:45 in the morning!

start plunging into the Lagos lagoon. Yes, God forbid as we are used to say; but am sure God would also require us to have some preventive measures. This is no-brainer, any responsible government can nip this dreadful occurrence in the bud to avoid an inevitable calamity in the country, and it is even much cheaper to create a solid structure, with the millions of mobile technology tools in people’s hands nowadays, to encourage the public to report such situations that threaten their lives and peace to the appropriate authority in Lagos.

I am sure that with the detailed information provided of the dare-devil commercial bus driver’s exploit and photographs taken, it should help the Lagos state transportation authorities to track the bus operator down in Lagos, appropriate measures should be taken to serve as a deterrent to other ruthless drivers - both commercial and private – and to press home a point that the public is keeping a close watch on them now.

Lekan Fatodu is on Twitter @LekanFatodu

Human Rights Day 2012: All Nigerians must count

By Chidi Anselm Odinkalu

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igeria confronts combined challenges in the protection of human rights and delivery of governance that easily present opportunities for transformative leadership. On International Human Rights Day on 10 December, all in positions of leadership in the country have an obligation to reflect on these challenges, re-imagine our approaches to them and reassure Nigerians that we care enough about their best interests to involve everyone fully in the search for durable solutions to these problems.

The United Nations General Assembly instituted International Human Rights Day in 1950 to commemorate the adoption in December 1948 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

In commemoration of this day, the United Nations identifies annually a unifying theme around which activities are organized. With a focus on inclusion and participation in 2012, International Human Rights Day honours and affirms the work of all persons around the world working to end discrimination in any shape or form. For us in Nigeria, this theme has remarkable resonance in big and small ways.

A country with over 380 ethnic, national and linguistic groups, as well as diversities of faith and sect, we seem collectively determined to manufacture a liability from the unique asset that is our diversity.

Across the country, the one thing that unites Nigerians today is a

shared persecution complex and a Catholic sense of marginalization on narrow identity terms.

Several decades of unaccountable rule have largely rendered public institutions irrelevant to ordinary citizens and our communities. With impunity writ large, we now inhabit a vigilante society in which those who cannot buy or rent security must find some means to protect themselves or risk paying with their lives for being unable to do so. To many people, it now seems that only those who carry guns or threaten to do so are heard, seen or listened to.

Narrow identity is becoming the only metric and mechanism of protection. Inter-communal, inter-ethnic and sectarian conflicts daily claim lots of Nigerian lives with brutal and gruesome regularity. Once celebrated cities, such as Jos and Kaduna, have become by-words for identity-based blood-letting, with different identities garrisoned behind intangible yet impenetrable lines of bad memory. Integrated commercial cities like Kano and Maiduguri tank under interminable siege from combined forces of nihilism and its would-be exterminators.

Increasingly, the only minority of any significance is the Nigerian and the only place for the wannabe Nigerian is exile.

We have become a country of polarities. Indigenes and settlers; northerners and southerners; easterners and westerners; few have and majority have-nots; militants and bombers; Christians and Muslims; male abusers and abused female

spouses; rulers and subjects; oilproducers and oil (revenue) suckers; not to mention a motley crowd of ethnicities.

All these identities are framed in such a way as to exclude rather than unite; to diminish our collective humanity, rather than emphasise, claim or celebrate it.

In this context, it surely seems hopelessly foolish to seek to confront discrimination or to face it down. Many would say this is a fool’s errand for those who have to deal with the evil of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) or the desolation that follows in their wake. Two reasons suggest that we have no other choice.

First, the real story of Nigeria is almost certainly not the enormity of our challenges but the fact that the challenges are not much worse. Around the country daily, quiet heroes and heroines go uncelebrated in acts of exceptional humanism and bravery – a man in Kaduna facing down his sect to save a woman from near certain death from in the hands of apostles of hate giving the Almighty a bad name; neighbours in Lagos braving the unknown to save a woman from blood-letting in the hands of a poor specimen of a man

and a bad excuse for a husband; Christians and Muslims in Kano taking turns to protect one another in their places of worship from agents of a God unknown to all persons of true faith; a family in Onitsha rescuing children from hateful abuse and setting them up for life with free education without asking for a refund; elderly women Ubima rallying around with their wrappers to protect the dignity, health and child of a poor wouldbe mother cramping with labour pains in the middle of the local market. A young, improbable survivor of mass bombing in Abuja deciding that she will help to heal others with her experience rather than wallow in enforced disability. These and similar examples of our shared values and common bonds are what the world asks us to remember, acknowledge and celebrate on International Human Rights Day in 2012.

Second, if we are unable to recapture, celebrate or institutionalize these acts of shared investment in our common humanity, we will not be able to face down those who would blow us apart – pun intended – with IEDs or those

“

Increasingly, the only minority of any significance is the Nigerian and the only place for the wannabe Nigerian is exile.

We have become a country of polarities. Indigenes and settlers; northerners and southerners; easterners and westerners; few have and majority have-nots; militants and bombers; Christians and Muslims; male abusers and abused female spouses; rulers and subjects; oil-producers and oil (revenue) suckers; not to mention a motley crowd of ethnicities

who would wish to serve up collective reprisal for the cowardly acts of hateful nihilists or zealots on a mis-cue. Only by doing so can we forge a common cause among communities, institutions, political leaders and friends and partners of Nigeria internationally that will be required to re-discover the sense that Nigeria’s future is not already behind us.

This International Human Rights Day, therefore, serves up a huge to-do menu for Nigeria, its people and our leaders. We have to find a common memory of shared values; a common narrative for a shared country.

A Nigeria history project that celebrates the contributions of all of Nigeria’s diversities would help.

In the ongoing process of constitutional amendment, we must address the issue and meaning of citizenship in Nigeria and agree a national commitment to equal opportunities backed up by adequate institutional guarantees. We must find ways to end impunity for crimes big and small, including crimes of violence as well as grand corruption and plunder. Above all, on the foothills of a new general election cycle in just over two years, we must agree that all votes must count and be counted equally, for this is the most effective way to guarantee inclusion, participation and nondiscrimination. A country that cannot count votes is almost always also unable to count its people or their money.

Chidi Anselm Odinkalu chairs the Council of the National Human Rights Commission

PAGE 14

By Ogunjimi James Taiwo It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird; it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg.

We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad - C. S. Lewis One of the great liabilities of history is that all too many people fail to remain awake through great periods of social change. Every society has its protectors of status quo and its fraternities of the indifferent who are notorious for sleeping through revolutions. Today, our very survival depends on our ability to stay awake, to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant and to face the challenge of change - Martin Luther King Jr.

C

hange! Change is a word that has become so relevant in this age and time when everything is turning at a fast pace. The dissemination of information, the rate at which customs are evolving, etc. are all pointers to the fact that things are changing, and we must be prepared to either face this new challenge or stay stuck in the past. My thoughts are with Nigeria and the ordeal

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

The challenge of change the entire citizenry has had to have been told so many lies that banquet hall in Africa. E go live with. I look at people who they can no longer see the truth. better, e go better, other have had it rough in the 52 We ask ourselves why with all nations are making policies years of the existence of the these things going on, do people that will ensure their children nation. I look around and see still prefer to either keep quiet are educated, Nigerian people who have been told year or repeat that age-long slogan government is making policies in year out, “things are going that has kept people down “e go that will end the hopes of our to be different this year.” But better”. youths. E go better, e go better, things have always stayed the E go better, e go better, 52 nations are trying to keep same. people off the I see streets and people who empower them, feel betrayed we are ending on all fronts; people’s work Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text t h e i r w i t h o u t messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written traditional p r o v i d i n g contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 rulers have g e n u i n e words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and mortgaged alternatives. a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed t h e i r The challenge to: authority in is simple; we the society either hatch or go for a ‘plate of bad. We either The Editor, porridge.’ speak up or Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, The religious remain silent 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. leaders have forever. We must Email: let ters@peoplesdaily-online.com not only sold be prepared to get SMS: 07037756364 their voices off that high to the horse of oppressors of the people, but years have passed. E go better, nonchalance and join the they actually take part in the e go better, our oil is drying up people who actually want subjugation process. The elected while we have nothing to point things to change. We must leaders have turned political to as achievement. E go better, collectively re-assert our office into personal businesses e go better, other nations are rights to quality and and couldn’t care less about the catering for the needs of their affordable education, security people who risked limbs to vote citizens; we are squandering of our lives and properties, them in. And I see people who money on building the biggest transparency and

accountability.

We must demand that our traditional rulers/community leaders begin their journey back to relevance by refusing to be puppets of the government; they must go back to the times when their decisions alone command fear.

Religious leaders must be reminded that they have an obligation to say the truth without diluting it. There must be an end to the parasitic lifestyle they have chosen. The welfare of the people must come first before allowing themselves unnecessary luxury. As for the elected leaders, we must demand accountability; they must either start caring genuinely or prepare to start losing woefully.

Finally, in a changing world, although our views on issues may change, our perception of situations may differ; our resolve must remain firm and unshakeable.

Remember, a new Nigeria is possible; we must never give up on that dream. God bless Nigerians!

Ogunjimi James Taiwo is on Twitter@hullerj

persons sometimes work in pairs, sometimes they work alone. No matter the circumstance, the goal is constant, the pursuit of personal interest, the despoliation of the carcass.

In other words, recent events in this country appear to compel the conclusion that contrary to the hopes and aspirations of the large majority of the Nigerian population, the minority, who superintend the affairs this nation ironically relate to the latter as a dead animal. The political class relates to Nigeria the way jackals relate to carcasses. Carcasses are dead bodies of animals, or humans or the remains of an entity the substance or character of which is gone.

In Islam, human carcasses or, in medical parlance, cadavers are sacred entities.

They are sacred because they have once partaken of the sacred, of the soul. Muslims are, therefore, under obligation to relate to cadavers as they would to living bodies. We must relate to the dead with the certainty that they shall come back to life.

However, jackals relate to carcasses with complete hatred and negation. They seek to deny unto the latter the very possibility of their resurrection once again.

Majority of the current political class in Nigeria appear like jackals seeking to deny unto this country the chance to rise again. Wherever they go, like jackals, they leave their landmarks for all to see and ponder. Like jackals that leave landmarks with their urine and faeces, the political class equally

charge of supervising the appropriate pricing of petroleum products, budgeted N5.7billion for the payment of around 249 members of staff of the agency and that N4.9 billion had already been released upfront even before it obtains approval of the National Assembly. I could only ask the following questions: Is this country redeemable and can be rescued from this precipice? If indeed our situation is not beyond redemption then the more important question would be: who will save Nigeria from the “jackals,” which have cornered its destiny?

This brings to mind Plato’s perspective. He says, “there will be no end to the troubles of states, or of humanity itself, till philosophers become kings in this world, or till those we now call kings and rulers really and truly become philosophers, and political power and philosophy thus come into the same hands.”

In other words, change will not take place in this country until, like Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) says, “those, who know the affairs are given its charge.”

Let me close with the following from Ibn Qayyim. “Be satisfied with whatever Allah grants you from this worldly life. Walking thereon is like walking in a land that is filled with beasts, and on water that teams with crocodiles. That which causes delight (in this life), usually turns to be the source of grief.

Pain is found in the midst of pleasures, and delights are derived from its sorrows.

Dr. Afis A. Oladosu wrote in from the United States.

WRITE TO US

On democracy, corruption and jackals

By Afis A. Oladosu

H

.L MENCKEN (18801956) is reported to have once said that democracy is a form of religion.

It is the worship of jackals by jackasses. Thus I sought to know the extent to which “jackalism” could be useful as a metaphor for democratic practice.

What I came up with was intriguing.

Jackals are ordinarily “opportunistic omnivores, predators of small- to medium-sized animals and proficient scavengers. Their long legs and curved canine teeth are adapted for hunting small mammals, birds, and reptiles, and their large feet and fused leg bones give them a physique wellsuited for long-distance running, capable of maintaining speeds of 16 km/h (9.9 mph) for extended periods of time. Jackals are crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk.”

Brethren I was fascinated by this finding. Hardly is there an adjective that can adequately qualify the ordinary professional politician, in any clime or time, other than being an opportunistic person. He is that individual who is always ready to take advantage of any situation, be it sacred or profane, to achieve a selfish end.

An opportunistic person is a man or woman of conscience except that with reference to his perfidious search for personal lucre, his conscience is often not his guide but an accomplice.

When an assemblage of opportunistic persons take over the political space, what results,

in line with the Nigerian democratic experience, is a mismanaged nation.

Ernest Hemmingway, the American author and journalist once said that “the first panacea for a mismanaged nation is inflation of the currency, the second is war. Both bring a temporary prosperity, both bring a permanent ruin. But both are the refuge of political and economic opportunists.”

Thus reference to the democratic experience as a form of religion, the worship of jackals by jackasses gains more strength when we contemplate the activities of our politicians.

The professional politician in our midst is a bundle of energy and activities. At dawn he is in business. At dust, he is active.

He dedicates his life to the pursuit of fortune and wealth wherever such may be found even if it leads to the misfortune of the other. In fact, as far as he is concerned, there is more fortune in misfortune than misfortune in fortune.

Thus every tragedy is an opportunity, every situation is key to providence. Or how else do we explain the action of those, who cornered the relief materials meant for thousands of Nigerians, who were displaced by the flood in-between Kogi and Niger Delta States? How else do you explain the action of the Minister who defrauded the government in which he is an active player to the tune of over N2 billion naira in the continually widening corruption-ridden space of the oil-subsidy scam?

Like jackals opportunistic

leaves their landmarks in our villages, on our streets, on our life. Like the urine and faeces of jackals in the jungle, the political class is leaving landmarks of corruption and maladministration.

Thus one feels Shaytan appears not to have a more speedy way and fitter school to work and teach his desire to bring men and women into his share of concupiscence and filthy lusts of wicked whoredom, than in the corridors of governance particularly at the federal level. Aside from the moral contamination incident to political practice, the philosophy upon which civil service is premised appears to glorify morbid attachment to corruption, atrocious patronage of mediocrity and utter malfeasance for quality service delivery.

While majority of the political class have one principle: that of self-interest, the civil service which should ordinarily be the bastion of good governance have been reined into covet one thing too, selfpreservation to the detriment of national salvation. Imam Shafii reflected on this type of situation and said, “I hate those whose trade in sin, though we may have the same merchandise.”

Ironically, those, who trade in sin in this country love one another. They have a cathedral (the palace), a priest (the king), and an unholy scripture, which guide their activities, corruption.

The other day I learnt that the PPPRA, the agency in

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

By Charles Onunaiju

U

nder a government that took its pretence of being anti-corruption seriously, Mr. Doyin Okupe strayed from public affairs management and media consultancy to road construction contractor from which he allegedly fleeced some state governments, including Benue, of millions of naira. Now Mr. Okupe is working for a government, in which corruption actually rules, and theft of public money has actually moved from millions of naira to heart-rending billions and yet the commander-in-chief and head of state could not see any corollary between massive looting of public funds and bad road networks that kill hundreds of Nigerians on a daily basis.

Of course, the appointment of Mr. Doyin Okupe, a political laggard who was said to be broke and in desperate need of rehabilitation last July, drew anger from members of the public who insisted on his sack.

However, asking for Mr. Okupe’s head was plainly misplaced because the question would have been what are his principals actually doing.

At his media briefing last week, Mr. Okupe wondered why the media was not commending President Jonathan for letting the sons of the current PDP national chairman and the previous one, Mr. Bamanga Tukur and

PAGE 15

Doyin Okupe's provocations Ahmadu Ali respectively, stand trial for oil subsidy theft. He described the trials of the duo as rare political courage on the part of Mr. Jonathan for which the public should have commended him. In other words, shielding high profile criminals is a routine statecraft in Nigeria and therefore breaking from the tradition is an act of political courage. Perhaps, having successfully fended of the call for his own trial on account of alleged pilfering of millions from some state governments, Mr. Okupe knew that it takes uncommon courage to arraign suspected high profile thieves.

To paraphrase his unintelligent remark, he said “I am surprised that you refused to acknowledge that the son of the serving national chairman of the PDP has been arrested, has been arraigned and is undergoing prosecution. If President Jonathan does not have the political will, that is a suicidal move.

President Jonathan is a politician by definition and by standing. If for instance, he intends to run in 2015 and Bamanga Tukur is the chairman, if he (Jonathan) does not have the political will, he will not do what he has done. That is an unprecedented act and he deserves commendation”.

Continuing, Mr. Okupe said, “ this is the man (Bamanga) who

will attend to the President if he need something from the party. You are putting his son in the dock. You think that is not political will. Let us be fair to him”.

Nothing else could have confirmed the degeneracy and patent decay in the Presidency than the above irrational and illogical statement by Mr. Doyin Okupe. Stating the obvious that Bamanga Tukur’s son took advantage of his connection to his father to commit the alleged crime, Mr. Doyin Okupe stated Jonathan’s act of “political will”, is in damning the consequences of possible retribution from Bamanga Tukur, who from Okupe’s sentence is not taking it lightly at all that his son is standing trial.

Incidentally, this contradicts with Bamanga Tukur public position that his son acted on his own and should face the consequence of his action. Apart from the patently ludicrous disconnect in the President Jonathan inner circle, the regime’s evident intellectual malnourishment and integrity deficit shows the depth of the abyss they have ostensibly dragged all of us. As if the incoherent blabbing which is in the tradition of the bankrupt regime is not enough, Mr. Okupe threw tantrums to the highly reverend statesman, chief Obafemi Awolowo, drawing parallel to the political

prison sentence of the late sage to the hordes of criminals and ex-convicts that fraternize with the regime. Reminded that Olabode Geroge, Diepreye Alamisieigha and Lucky Igbinedion were all proven criminals duly convicted and have served jail terms for corruption, Mr. Okupe asked if Chief Awolowo has also not gone to jail. One would also add that even former President Mandela went to jail even for longer term.

However, it takes a good measure of irredeemable hollowness to compare the jail terms of Chief Awolowo or Nelson Mandela to that of the Igbenidions, Olabode George or Alamisieigha.

Had Chief Awolowo had the opportunity to provide leadership for Nigeria at the highest level, with consequences for integrity and functionality of the public institutions, almost 60% of the current public office holders would not have find a role in public life, including the likes of Doyin Okupe.

As it expected, Mr. Okupe made a sweeping defence of two ministers currently in the eye of the storm for allegedly dipping hands in the public till. I really do not think there is any other serious reason for which people sought and cling to public office desperately, if not to help themselves especially in the context of the

ruling PDP. Mr. Emeka Wogu said that he successfully sold his company and could not be linked to what the company did thereafter. Very fine legal argument but we all know that one reason to go to public office is to bend the rules for their private fronts. The game is as old as government in Nigeria but became the rule since the NPN days of the second republic. As for Mr. Orubebe, it is a known fact that his love for the good life can only be offered by public office and the largesse that accrues from it.

As Okupe rightly said, if the president fires every minister and every government official that people allege, I doubt whether we will have 50 percent remaining in government”. Of course, Mr. Okupe himself would have been shown the way out.

However, the corruption and the frivolities of Jonathan administration are not only damaging us as a people but are also stealing the future of the next generation, and we can only watch helplessly at our own collective peril. It is a much easier option to agonize and surrender the public space to the regime clowns and jesters, but the imperative of the unusual times we live in, is to organize and take our collective destiny into our own hands.

Charles Onunaiju, a journalist, is based in Abuja.

contradictions attendant on the latter process are not necessarily easily resolvable. In other words, that the point may be reached where dialogue yields to the seduction of aggression. War, in this circumstance, permit the cliché is then nothing but politics by other means. And where parties to this ceaseless dialogue (as with many African states) can neither properly define events and processes that are in their own self-interest, nor muster the will to act in pursuit of these, what should their interlocutors do? As it was in the beginning (with the slave trade, colonisation, and the imperialist phase), so shall it be at the end. China is currently taking advantage of its new found “friendship” with key countries on the continent.

For starters, it is investing (as with past colonial interlocutors with the continent) extensively in infrastructure that support its large and growing appetite for primary commodities, including the conceptually important completion of the Benguela Railway, that long stretch of track connecting the Angolan port of Lobito with the copperbelts of Katanga province, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia. But now

that the Chinese labourers who worked on the latter project have re-trained as entrepreneurs, and settling in places like Angola, the old tension between native Africans and light-skinned settlers have re-emerged.

Angola, incidentally, is a useful example of the confluence of that dissonance that I had earlier referred to between the liberal non-African and the radical native perspective. One of Africa’s more obviously clientelist states, it takes the mickey out of the general charge of corruption leveled at governments across the continent.

What matters anyway to most non-Africans looking in on the continent is that since the discovery of crude oil deposits in commercially meaningful quantities, Angola

has been at the top of annual output growth measures on the continent. It has spent huge amounts re-building infrastructure shattered by decades of war, and bidding to host some of the more prestigious events on the continent’s social calendar.

As was the case with Nigeria several years ago, so many decades post-Oloibiri, Nigeria is failing. Or so the radical native perspective would have our story told. Imagine therefore my shock and consternation at being told at some fancy dinner in the heart of an extremely cold London, late last week, that Nigeria’s corruption levels are just right! Apparently, as countries develop, a certain amount of corruption is necessary. Indeed it would seem that both the United Kingdom

and India, at similar GDP levels as Nigeria, had just about similar levels of corrupt practices. So nothing to worry about? Just keep trudging down this road, and in two generations from now, will be “there”!

Forget about the question: “What part of the corruption/ development relationship is causal, and what part is correlation?”.

I focussed instead, as the night got colder, darker, and sodden, on snippets of an earlier conversation at the margins of the same event. My Caucasian interlocutor wanted to have my take on the medium-term outlook for Nigeria in the light of Samuel Huntington’s prescient call several years back on Sudan’s eventual destiny. Is a carve-up of Nigeria a possible prospect? And how soon? I did not (and still do not) think a break-up of the country is an imminent fact. But like a friend wrote quite recently, a break-down is currently taking place. And the exertions of a succession of corrupt and inept governments have merrily helped this process along.

Corruption in Nigeria is not normal. It is the bane of unsung efforts over the years to make this country a normal place.

Ifeanyi Uddin is on www.facebook.com

The challenge of normalcy

By Ifeanyi Uddin

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orruption in Nigeria is not normal. It is the bane of unsung efforts over the years to make this country a normal place. One of the more specific “ideological” schisms associated with the intermittent discourse on the nature of Africa’s development challenges is the one between the liberal non-African’s take and (what I prefer to refer to as) the radical native perspective.

Of course the more obvious tension is the one between the conservative (until recently “colonial-imperialist”, and then “non-colonial, neoimperialist”) non-African worldview and all the domestic (albeit, largely left-leaning) perspectives that have ever existed. I confess (these days, and only quite recently, too) to belonging to a fringe weltanshauung.

One in complete sympathy with conservative Western thought on these matters. Precisely, agreeing with the sense that the world is a better place if all participants can first delineate what their (usually) collective self-interests are, and then proceed to act either in advancement of these interests, or in their spirited defence.

I imagine that the

“

Is a carve-up of Nigeria a possible prospect?

And how soon? I did not (and still do not) think a break-up of the country is an imminent fact. But like a friend wrote quite recently, a break-down is currently taking place. And the exertions of a succession of corrupt and inept governments have merrily helped this process along

PAGE 16

T

he Padan Gwari Community in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has decried the lack of medical facilities in the community.

A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who visited the community, reports that the only health centre there was constructed by one of the indigenes, Mr Joseph Dogo.

NAN also reports that the health centre is small and cannot cater for the population of the area.

An elder in the community, Mr Shongo Amale, said that the centre, which had one small room as a clinic, was too small for the increasing number of the people in the area.

He said that the situation had forced the people to trek several kilometres to get medical attention at the Bwari General

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

Padan Gwari community appeals for access to health Hospital.

He said that the distance between Bwari and Padan Gwari community was quite long, adding that during rainy season, it usually took a person four hours to get to Bwari.

“Not just that the roads are bad, only commercial bikes and donkeys ply the road, with many accidents recorded during the rainy season.

“In fact we have only one medical personnel that attends to more than 300 patients and he does not visit the clinic regularly,’’ Amale said.

Contributing to the issue, the

Deputy Chairman of the Youth Group in the area, Mr John Dawa, said a lot of women lost their pregnancies and patients suffered before reaching Bwari.

He said that but for the personal efforts of relations, common sickness such as headache and fever could have killed many of them.

Mrs Achi Danladi told NAN that the clinic was constructed three years ago, but that the area council posted a single staff member only two month ago for the number of the people in the area.

The District Head of Padan Gwari, Mr Shewomi Dogo,

complained of the state of the road, and called on the area council to urgently address the situation.

He also appealed to the FCTA and area councils, to help the community by rehabilitating the water system, which had ceased to function for a while.

NAN reports that there are

Polo agency moves to empower women

By Josephine Ella Ejeh

A

n Abuja based Polo Sport Modelling Agency(PSMA), has unveiled plan to organise a Miss Polo Beauty Pageant, with the theme: “Every girl can rise above with dignity” as part of its efforts to empower young girls and women.

Organisers of the event, which targets the female folk, said its underlining objective is to end the ugly trend of prostitution in the Federal Capital Territory( FCT) and other states in the country at large.

Addressing a press conference yesterday at Sharon Ultimate Hotel, Area 3, Garki, Abuja, Managing Partner and Public Relations Officer(PRO) of PSMA, Odafe Atogun emphasised that “our girls and women must be able to aspire for success without being subjected to any form of indignity”.

“Our aim is to leverage on the

Gbagi's traditional drummers entertaining guests in a function, yesterday in Garki, Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

New Nyanya Catholic community organises Christmas carol

By Etuka Sunday head of this year’s Christmas, St. Sylvester Catholic Church New Nyanya in the neighbouring Nasarawa state has organised its maiden edition of Festival of Nine Lessons and Carol to mark the Advent period in the Catholic Calendar year.

The event is usually, a period of thanksgiving by Catholics where songs are rendered to God for his guidance and protection over their lives. It is also a period where catholic communities celebrate with friends and well wishers, especially music lovers.

In New Nyanya on Sunday, the experience was not different as parishioners and some invited guests were trilled for hours with

A

the beautiful songs rendered by the Choristers who were colourfully dressed on Black and red to tell the season.

The host choir which was a combination of English and Hausa choirs started the event with the presentation of songs, followed by three other invited choirs from Oneman village, Nyanya Gwandara and Masaka respectively.

Some of the classical songs rendered were “For Unto Us the Child is Born”, “Glory to God”, “And Glory of the Lord” written

by George Fredrick Handel popularly called Handel Messiah among other songs.

Speaking, Rev. Aloysius Afih who gave the Christmas message on behalf of the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Lawrence

Anyembugu Soja said that Christmas period is a season when Christians all over the world commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ therefore it should be a period of sharing.

He urged Christians all over the world to shun discrimination and extend their hands of fellowship to non-Christians around them especially the poor ones who may not have the resources to celebrate like the rich ones in their neighbourhoods.

Rev. Aloysius warned that the life of stealing, prostitution and drinking to stupor cannot be said to be connected with the celebration.

He therefore, advised Christians especially the ones at New Nyanya Parish to strive to live a holy throughout the period.

five health centres in the area council, which have not been put to use after inauguration two years ago.

NAN also reports that the nonutilisation of the centres has adversely affected healthcare delivery service in the area.

(NAN)

glamour and power associated with the game of polo by organising the Miss Polo Beauty Pageant, to draw the attention of the powers that be to the need to empower the Nigerian girl and curb the ugly trend of prostitution,” he said.

He explained that the agency intend to make the Miss Polo Pageant a regular part of polo tournaments across the country, such that every tournament will produce a ‘Miss Polo’.

“The Miss Polo pageant is expected to leverage on the glamour and power associated with the game of polo to champion the cause of the Nigerian girl through sport modelling.

“It is hoped that the first edition will take place at the forthcoming Port Harcourt polo tournament on January 18, 2013. The polo tournament itself is expected to last from 10th20th of January 2013,” he added.

NTDC partners FCT for tourism development

T

he Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) on Monday in Abuja promised to partner the FCT administration to ensure adequate tourism development in the territory.

Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, NTDC Director General, said this during a visit of a delegation of the FCT Tourism Department led by its Director, Malam Abdulsalam Yahaya.

He said this in a statement signed by Mr Wilfred Orhue, press officer with the corporation, that the establishment of a tourism village in Abuja was of necessity.

He said the village which would be sited in Ushafa village would be one step in the right direction to reposition the FCT as a tourist friendly city.

Runsewe said that South Africa has a similar model called “Lesedi Village” which showcased its cultural uniqueness while generating income for its economy via tourist traffic from around the

world.

According to him, “if we have tourism village built in strategic areas of the city, we will have lots of tourist visiting and this will generate lots of revenue for the administration’’, Runsewe promised to sustain the working relationship with the FCT tourism department especially with the coming of Yahaya as director.

He said that there was need for the tourism department to work in collaboration with the NTDC as the corporation was on the fast lane of tourism development in the country.

Earlier, Yahaya said the visit was to familiarise and seek further cooperation with the establishment.

He promised to consolidate the working relationship between NTDC and his department asserting that they were not competing with NTDC but appealed to be carried along to prosecute the mandate of promoting and regulating tourism.(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

PAGE 17

INSIDE FCT COURTS

Christmas: FCT High Court appoints vacation Judge

T

he Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) High Court, Justice Lawal Gummi has appointed Justice Mamman Kolo of court 32, Wuse II, as vacation judge for the Christmas and New year judicial period.

The appointment was contained in a circular signed by Mrs Ezinne Bilkisu the Director, Litigation of the Court.

The appointment, the circular stated was done in pursuant to order 47 Rule 4 (2) of the court (Civil Procedure Rules).

“This court will as from Monday December 17 to Friday, January 4, 2013 proceed on the Christmas and New Year recess.

“Further to the above, his Lordship Justice M.M. Kolo has been appointed as the vacation Judge during the period,” Bilkisu said The circular, added that the court would resume sitting on Monday, January 7, 2013(NAN).

Driver in court for alleged conspiracy, theft

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he Police Has arraigned a 30-year-old driver, Abiodun Ade, of Fime village, Abuja, before an Abuja Magistrates Court charged with conspiracy and theft.

Police prosecutor, Abdulahi Adamu, told the court that one Ifeanyi Orazulike, of No. 38, Drive 2, Prince and Princess Estate, Abuja, reported the matter to the Wuse Police Station on November 29, 2012.

Adamu said the accused, and another, now at large, stole the complainant’s blackberry phone, ipad, and N20, 000 cash.

He said during police investigation, the said phone was recovered from the accused.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

He said the complainant forgot the blackberry phone in his taxi and he took it.

“It was only the phone I saw.

I did not see any ipad or money,” he said.

The Magistrate, Aminu Abdulahi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 and a surety in like sum.

Abdulahi said the surety must have a reliable address and reside within the jurisdiction of the court.

He adjourned the case to January 9, 2013, for hearing.

(NAN)

A midle-aged man hawing baskets, yesterday in Garki market, Abuja.

Bizman allegedly impersonates SA to Senate President

O

ne Francis Abbah of Golden Spring Estate, Duboyi, Abuja, has appeared before a Karu Upper Area Court in Abuja for alleged impersonation.

He was also charged with criminal breach of trust, cheating and criminal intimidation.

The Police Prosecutor, Sanni Yakubu, told the court that

Sylvester Ikeh of Golden Spring Estate, Duboyi, Abuja, petitioned the Commissioner of Police over the matter.

Yakubu said Abbah introduced himself to Ikeh in June 2011 as the Personal Assistant to the Senate President.

“Abbah offered to supply one tipper, two forklifts, three horse power generators, one compressor,

a pump and industrial equipment for water bottling plant to him.

“The accused was to supply the items to the complainant and two of his brothers namely - Clement Okoroama and Clement Maduako.

“Abbah collected N8.3 million from the complainant and refused to supply the items as agreed,” he told the court.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo Yakubu also said the accused threatened to kill or deal with the complainant when he demanded for the supply of the said goods or the refund of his money.

Abbah pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Counsel to the accused, Chukwuemeka Aluchukwu, applied for bail for the accused person.

The Judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, ordered the accused to be remanded and adjourned the case to January 22 for hearing (NAN).

Sales Rep jailed for misappropriating company fund

By Amaike Beauty with agency report

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Sales Representative of Arrow Nigeria Limited, Donald Akpa, has been sentenced to six months imprisonment for misappropriating N237,000.

Magistrate, Mr. Aliyu Shafa of an Abuja Senior Magistrates Court, who pronounced the six

months jail term for the offence of criminal breach of trust and another six months for criminal misappropriation, said the terms are to run concurrently.

He also said he would not entertain the prosecutor’s application because the value of the item misappropriated was not stated in the First Information Report (FIR).

However, he gave the convict an option to pay N2,000 fine for each offence.

Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Amby Ayuba, had told the court earlier that the matter was reported at the Garki Police Station by one Ferdinand Ojelabi, who works at the same company with the convict.

Ayuba said that the accused

Court dismisses suit against Hyundai Motors Nigeria Ltd

T

he Federal Capital Territory(FCT) High Court has dismissed a case brought against Hyundai Motors Nigeria Ltd by Remi Awe, an Abuja lawyer.

In his judgment, Justice Jude Okeke dismissed the claims made by the plaintiff and ordered her to pay N10,000 as damage to the company.

Okeke said that in elementary law of contract, parties were bound by the agreements of the contract, adding that the plaintiff was unable to prove her claims beyond reasonable doubt.

Awe had sometime in August 2011 bought a brand new Hyundai evolution model from Hyundai Motors Nigeria Ltd at the cost of N4.7 million.

However, one of the front tyres

of the vehicle developed a fault in less than three months after purchase and she took the vehicle back to the company.

She asked the company to replace the four tyres of the vehicle, saying “if the tyre of a brand new car could develop problem in less than three months, then I do not have confidence in the other tyres.”

She then took the vehicle back to the company’s workshop.

Earlier, her counsel, Racheal Ezeanor, had filed a suit seeking the court to order the company to refund the N4.7 million cost of the car.

Ezeanor also wanted an order by the court to direct the defendant to pay N40,000 daily for the duration which the vehicle remained in possession of the

company in the name of fixing the tyres.

She said the delay before the tyre was fixed had deprived the plaintiff the comfort of using the car.

She further asked the court to issue an order of general damages in the sum of N20,000 against the defendant for the untold hardship caused the plaintiff.

The counsel to the defendant, Paul Ekwueme, said that his client had replaced the four tyres of the vehicle but that the plaintiff turned around to complain about the horn of the vehicle which was also changed.

Ekwueme argued that the plaintiff must have plied bad road for the vehicle to develop such a problem. (NAN)

was entrusted with 135 pieces of 300ml Raid insecticide, valued at N46,305, five cartons of 500ml of Raid insecticide, valued at N30,905.

In addition, the accused was also said to have been entrusted with one carton of odourless Raid insecticide, valued at N8,555, two cartons of Merba cookies, valued at N1,233 and one packet of Nixoderm disinfectant, valued at N1,143, among other things.

The products entrusted in the care of the accused were said to be valued at N285,101 and he was to sell them and remit the money into the company’s account.

“Instead of the accused to do as directed by the company, he dishonestly sold some of the goods, valued at N237,000 and diverted the money to his personal used,’’ the prosecutor said.

He added that during investigation, the accused confessed to diverting the money to his personal use, an offence which contravenes Sections 314 and 309 of the Penal Code.

Earlier, the accused had pleaded with the court for leniency, saying “somebody stole the money from my room where I was living’’. (NAN)

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

Vox-Pop Kpeyegi community commend PHCN over power supply, ask for more Following the recent improvement in electricity supply in Kpeyegi , a settlement along Karshi-Orozo road, some residents have commended the Power Holding Company of Nigeria(PHCN) for their efforts towards offering better services to the people of the area. But like Oliver Twist, who always ask for more, in this vox pop conducted by our reporter, Beauty Amaike, they have pleaded with the PHCN authority to sustain the good work and strive harder towards a better service

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oncerning the power situation in this Kpeyegi, a small settlement which I am living, I think I must say that more should be done concerning this power because we are not having constant light the way it should be because sometimes we are in total black out which I believe is a Nigeria problem generally. But it does not mean that we don’t have light compare to other settlements like Jikwoyi, Kurudu and Karishi.

I think PHCN is trying in this area even though it is a small settlement.

But I would like to say that the government can do more because businesses are no longer moving as a result of the power shortage we are experiencing.

The government can help us by providing enough transformers that can handle this power

Joseph Abah, Accountant Vestergaard Frandsen Nig Ltd.

Joseph Abah problem, so that people can go back to their businesses. Although we have two transformers in this area, but they are fairly used and as such their services are not good.

If there is no light, a lot of business will fall and I

believe when the governments do this, people will be happy and business will move fine. I do not forget to commend the officials of PHCN, they are really trying but more should be done in this regard.

Joy Aaron, trader Joy Aaron

Ruth Uzon, hair stylist

T

he situation of power supply in this area is very impressive especially in this period of the year. Because of the constant light in this area, it attracts customers to my shop because I entertain them with my television and it makes them to feel free and happy. Because if there is no light it makes my shop boring and I hardly get money for feeding. But now there is constant light. I no longer spend too much money in buying fuel. I encourage them never to give up in doing what is good to the citizen because that is the way it should be.

Ruth Uzon

T

he Power Holding Company of Nigeria(PHCN) is really doing good work in this area unlike before when they don’t attempt bringing light to us. I must have to commend them.

The constant light in this area keeps my families busy especially the children, they do not disturb if there is light. I appeal to them to keep up their good work and not holding back from their good work.

BUSINESS

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

Email: aminuimam@yahoo.co.uk

By Abdulwahab Isa

F

or Nigeria to attain meaningful growth expected of oil producing nations, it must diversify to non-oil export sector.

The Director, Centre for International Development, Harvard University Professor, Ricardo Hausmann emphasized this yesterday in Abuja at the 4th Economic Policy and Fiscal Strategy Seminar orgainsed by the Centre for the Study of the Economics of Africa.

Using supportive data on Nigeria oil production , Professor Haussmann, a Venezuelan, said Nigeria’s hydro-carbon would be exhausted in the next 41 years if no discoveries are made going by the current extraction and that the nation stands the risk of a bleak economy in the absence of no clear thought-out diversification to non-oil export.

Banks to stop N100 inter-bank ATM withdrawals charge on Monday

By Aminu Imam

T

he Bankers’ Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), yesterday approved the removal of the N100 charge on customers who use the Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) of banks other than theirs.

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Chairman of the Bankers’ Committee, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi disclosed this while addressing journalists at the end of the fourth annual Bankers’ Committee retreat held in Calabar, Cross River state at the weekend.

The Bankers’ Committee said the decision earlier reached to suspend all charges accruing from the use of ATMs of other banks would be implemented from Monday 17th December, 2012.

“We have agreed on a final date of Monday, 17 December, 2012 for the kick-off when every bank will remove the charges.

We allowed some time for banks that have not configured their IT to do so and stop charging and hopefully by 17th of December, you are not going to have any customer pay additional charges,” he said.

Last month, the CBN Bankers’ Committee approved the removal of the N100 charge on customers who use the ATMs of banks other than theirs.

PAGE 19

INSIDE

- Pg 21

Parks and gardens are killing hotel business – HOFA President

Mob: 08033644990

Nigeria’s economic growth’s doomed without non-oil export diversification – Harvard Prof Situating Nigeria’s growth within the ranks of oil producing nations of Iran, Angola, Saudi Arabia and Norway, the Harvard scholar conclusively said that “ no future growth for Nigeria without non-oil export strategy. Nigeria would need a massive export strategy, a major diversification in to nonoil sector to match her oil producing nation’s peers in term of real growth”.

He said agriculture sector remains huge but untapped sector that Nigeria could massively harness to record huge mileage in non-oil export, which he said would also generate the country the huge employment opportunity.

According to him, “Nigeria’s development is in the process of diversification and not in the process of specialization. Your job strategy is in agriculture with 37.5 million hectare arable land”.

In another presentation by Dr. Menachem Katz, formerly of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and currently with CSEA which highlights “the role of fiscal policy in promoting growth “, he faulted lopsidedness of the current fiscal policy framework in which oil and gas revenue

constitutes over 75 percent of the total revenue.

The Federal Government, he said, had little oversight on over half of those receipts which

are allocated to beneficiaries of the Federation Account.

Earlier in his opening remarks at the occasion, CSEA Executive Director, Dr. Ebere

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) recently organised a four-day workshop for officers of the Financial Malpractices Investigation Unit (FMIU) at Golden Tulip Hotel & Conference Centre, Lagos.

The MD/CE, NDIC Alh. Umaru Ibrahim (left) discussing a point with Commissioner of police in charge of the FMIU, Mr. Dele Ogunsakin.

FIRS generates N659bn in 2011

T

he Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) says it collected N659.1 billion as Value Added Tax (VAT) in 2011, representing 400 per cent increase from the N163.3 billion collected in 2004.

Kabir Mashi, the FIRS’s acting Executive Chairman, made this known on Monday during its nationwide VAT enlightenment campaign in Aba, Abia.

He stressed that VAT was the third highest contributor to tax revenues in the past eight years behind Petroleum Profits Tax and Company Income Tax. Represented by Mr Jombo Olasehinde, the FIRS South Zonal Coordinator, Government Business Tax Office (GBTO), Mashi said that revenue from

VAT could still be improved upon.

He said that the review of Nigeria’s VAT Act would cater for any loophole in its current form.

“FIRS is aware of the challenges faced by taxpayers in complying with our VAT laws and this realisation is what is compelling review of our current VAT Act,’’ he said.

Mashi said that more educative forum would be provided for taxpayers on the nation’s VAT laws, adding interactive meetings would be held to proffer suggestions on the best possible way to improve tax administration and compliance in the country.

The FIRS Aba Tax Controller,

Dr Joe Udo-Inyang, who represented Mr Onyedikachi Ihedioha, the FIRS Coordinating Director, Direct Report Group, said that more advocacy about paying ones taxes were still necessary.

He said that in spite of FIRS’s core drive for revenue, the agency still owed the public a duty to educate them on their rights, obligations and about the enabling national tax laws.

“It is in line with this desire that FIRS in 2010 created a Taxpayers Service Policies, Processes and Programmes Department (TSPPPD),’’ he said.

A technical paper with the theme: “Stakeholders Meetings and Educative VAT Forum” was presented during the campaign. (NAN)

Management Tip of the Day

W

Quit your job, for real this time

anting to quit your job is one thing.

Finally walking out the door is another. If you’re fed up with your job but can’t get over the mental hurdle to hand in your resignation letter, these three tips can help: · Do it for the long term. If you’re looking to quit your job just

Uneze recalled the last conference which emphasized the urgency of the sustainable growth through inclusive social policy and economic reforms.

so you can avoid a micromanaging boss or break free of a tedious task, you’re not thinking long-term enough. Quit with a bigger goal in mind. · Don’t wait for your bonus.

Commit to resign on a particular date, not after a reward. Once you have the bonus check in hand, you’ll likely feel better about the

job and lose conviction. · Quit discreetly. While you may be tempted to announce your departure on Facebook, hold back until you’re settled in your new role. Starting something new has risks, too; if you falter or fail, word will spread fast.

Source: Harvard Business Review

Lagos state govt seals 51 companies for tax evasion

T

he Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) says it sealed 51 companies in the last three months for offences relating to tax evasion.

The Head of Distrain Unit of LIRS, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday.

She said that the sealed companies defaulted in remitting a total of N273.6 million.

Coker-Afolayan, who led the enforcement team on the occasions, said that the companies were sealed for not remitting deductions of workers' personal income tax for one to six years.

Coker-Afolayan described the enforcement exercise, which began from Sept. 19, as very successful.

"Enforcement of tax laws enhances tax payment and compliance.

"Enforcement of the laws also encourages companies to remit their workers' taxes on time to avoid being sealed," she said.

Coker-Afolayan said that the payment of tax was a civic responsibility meant to be obeyed by all law abiding persons. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY,WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS Exxon Mobil

E

xxon Mobil Corp. has lifted its force majeure on Qua Iboe crude exports from Nigeria, a company official said.

The force majeure, a legal step that protects a company from liability when it can’t fulfill a contract for reasons beyond its control, has been removed, Paul Arinze, general manager in charge of public and government affairs, said in a statement released today in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital.

The loading halt had been in place since Nov. 20 after a Nov. 9 pipeline leak from an Exxon Mobil offshore facility in the southern Akwa Ibom state spilled crude into the sea. The facility was shut a day after the incident.

First City Monument Bank

T

he board of directors of First City Monument Bank Plc (FCMB) on Monday got the approval of shareholders to take all necessary actions to delist the shares of the bank from the official list of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

The shareholders gave this approval at the bank’s courtordered meeting held in Lagos, a step which heralds an era to list the Holding Company (Holdco) –which will hold the shares in the commercial banking business as well as the current permissible non-banking subsidiaries and investments.

FCMB is one of the few banks that opted for Holding Company Structure (Holdco) following the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) policy aimed at promoting a sound financial system in order to protect depositors’ funds by ring-fencing banking from nonbanking businesses.

NDIC

T

he World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) have acknowledged the importance of deposit insurance and have resolved to use same as a mark of financial stability in African countries.

Speaking at the IADI workshop with the theme, ‘Deposit Insurance Systems and Designs’ in Lagos, the Managing Director, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Umaru Ibrahim said the World Bank and the IMF would help promote the need to establish deposit insurance in these countries. According to him, a lot of the African countries are unaware of benefits of deposit insurance system.

Presently, there are only nine explicit deposit insurance schemes in Africa , a continent of 54 Countries. The nine countries include Algeria , Kenya , Morocco , Nigeria , Tanzania , Uganda , Sudan , Zimbabwe and Lesotho .

We’ll offer a new impetus for charter flight operations in Nigeria – Skyjet Chairman

A

lot of people will like to know why you dare to venture into this terrain having done well in oil and gas and other ventures?

It has been an interesting journey for me for some years now. When l conceived the idea of an airline, I just wanted to run my own private flight, but at some stage l realised that keeping the plane on ground is not money for me; l will pay to keep it on the ground because it is meant to fly. So what l decided to do was to commence the process of obtaining charter operation license from the NCAA so that instead of me keeping those beautiful machines on ground l could use them for charter commercial purposes which will be of benefit to not only me but thousands of people as a result of the multiplying job effect it will generates.

Last Wednesday will remain a memorable one for new entrant into the Nigeria aviation industry, Kaduna-based SkyJet Aviation Service Limited, when the company was issued the Airline’s Operators Certificate (AOC) by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in Lagos. Our Suleiman Idris caught up with the President of Barbedos Group, the parent body of the airline and Chairman, Chief Executive Officer of the company, Alhaji Kashim Bukar-Shettima who revealed what propelled him to take the audacious move into aviation. Excerpts: and the Legend brand of planes. Eventually we will go into maintaining others as time goes on, because it is a process.

Are we expecting more aircrafts in your fold?

Yes, by 2013, we will bring in more aircrafts.

What are the key areas of challenges you think government should address to enhance and ameliorate the burden suffered by operators and also boost the sector in the country?

It can only be imagined what you have gone through to arrive at this stage today....

You are absolutely right; As the process begins, you know it isn’t an easy one all together. I came and met the D-G of NCAA, Dr. Demuren and he told me: “Look, you have to go through the entire process of certifications”; l said l wanted it as quickly as possible but he said there are due processes that l must follow. I took the initiative and challenge that l will do it and l am happy today that we have done it.

So, what is your impression of the industry?

The aviation industry is not an easy one, not one you think you can just make money easily but one that comes with stress and challenges; with huge personnel, aircraft issues and government policies, which we believe the aviation minister is handling very well.

She is on the right track and l have seen that she will take the industry to where it is supposed to be. For instance, the minister has done well with the duty waiver granted the industry by the FG in the 2013 budget.

Nigeria is the only country paying such levies on aircraft.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Skyjet, Alhaji Kashim BukarShettima all they just need is the support and the enabling environment to do it. I believe that before you call an investor to come and invest here, you should show the investor your own people first who are doing it and that investor will be willing to partner with those already on ground. For example, we have in-flight personnel that are here with us today from one of the Embraer facility in London, which is one of the biggest in Europe; they flew with me two days ago into Nigeria to see our facilities because we want to partner with them on maintenance.

the that into

Can you explain where you will be based and the personnel you have assembled to run this business successfully?

I took the challenge because l realised that every time government says we need investors from outside l am not comfortable with it; if government could simply look inward it will notice that there are Nigerians here at home who are willing to invest in every facet of the economy but

We are based in Kaduna; in fact, we already have our ultra-modern head office building and hanger. You have seen the picture of both what we presented to the NCAA this afternoon. We already have five aircrafts in our fleet; we have assembled experienced pilots and engineers both from within the country and outside

What motivating propelled aviation?

was factor you

while all the crew are Nigerians; but the interesting thing to note is that 90% of the workforce are Nigerians.

Aviation is capitalintensive; do you have the wherewithal to sustain this business?

I began this business over six years ago; Having gone through all the drills of certification and other regulatory requirement, l think l am very capable and l will sustain it.

Why do you think feel charter operations suit you in the aviation businesses?

I am not only into charter, l also do maintenance and management, and we will engage in these and also sell aircrafts.

What kind of maintenance?

Right now we do line maintenance; we have got approval of South Africa to do that; now that we have secured the AOC we are moving to the next stage. As at now we are focusing on Embraer, Fokker

Firstly, l think one of the critical areas is infrastructure and the issues relating to maintenance and spare parts.

We are glad that is being given priority by Mr. President. We thank him very well. The second has to do with the huge burden of taxation especially on some of us who operate foreign aircraft; take for instance, l brought the South Africa CAA here in Nigeria and they gave the Nigerian authority oversight on aircrafts registered in their country; NCAA will take care of them. With that l don’t see why l should be considered a foreigner when l am investing money in my country. A facility l invested over $5 million and l am a Nigerian, why should we be paying heavy landing fees; these are things that kill an airline. My staff are made up of 90% Nigerians, the agencies need to look into things like these and sometimes we get inspection to be done by mostly NCAA. It has to be timely as well because the moment you keep an aircraft on the ground, that is money being tied down. It is a cost, whether it is flown or not. So we need to hasten our processes.

Take for instance, if l have an AOG on an aircraft and if l order a part from Europe and it spends two weeks with the Customs at the airport, the aircraft is sitting down on the tarmac. In Europe, an AOG takes 48 hours to clear and you receive the part wherever you are based in the world.

We believe in the industry and we are seeing hope arising from the wonderful policies and actions of the ministry but still there grey areas to be sorted out.

PAGE 21

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

Parks and gardens are killing hotel business- HOFA President F

or the sake of our readers, what does Hotel Owners Forum Abuja stand for?

First, let me explain that Hotel Owners Forum, Abuja was borne essentially to passionately protect the huge investment of owners in the hospitality industry. We are here to protect our investments and to ensure high ethical and professional standards in the industry. As a result of this, over 200 hotels in Abuja alone are under the association. It is imperative therefore, that government should collaborate with us because for now, we are the highest employers of labour. At a time when people are thinking about what to do about unemployment, here we are, an association that controls the better chunk of employable persons in the Federal Capital Territory.

The Abuja carnival was hosted some two weeks ago.

What was the impact on the business activities in the tourism sector, particularly hotels?

When you have an event like the carnival and the hotels can tell you that they didn’t feel the impact of the carnival as a business venture, that is a very serious statement to make. We didn’t feel the impact in that there was no significant difference between when there was no carnival and when the carnival was hosted viz-a-viz our business. That means something was fundamentally wrong. What we found out was that they had to close secondary schools for one week, send children home so that they could use the schools at this age, to house people. So what have we done? This has been going on year after year and we have complained and apparently, they have with impunity, ignored any plea from us. To assist them, we offered 50 percent discount on all our facilities during that period but they didn’t take advantage of it. The question is: For whom are you organising the carnival? A carnival is meant for the business community and in recognition of this, they are supposed to patronise the existing business facilities in town. But that was not the case. There was no impact on the hospitality industry.

Maybe there was for the other sectors I don’t know, but to the hospitality industry, there was none. Abuja is a very peculiar city. It is an administrative headquarters and everything depends on

The just concluded Abuja carnival was expected to have impacted positively on the tourism industry, particularly hotels, which presently boast of being the highest employers of labour. In this interview with Miriam Humbe, President of Hotel Owners Forum Abuja, Engineer Ekong Onofiok says participants were hosted at school premises instead of hotels which is unethical. He also decries the operations at parks and gardens saying they are sending the hotels out of business. Excerpts: people in classrooms, putting mattresses on floors in classrooms. In other countries, carnivals are times when the business community should feel the impact of the influx of people. It doesn’t happen every day. That synergy between us and organisers of the carnival continues to be absent year after year. We are not happy about this and we believe that the organisers should repent and let’s see how we can collaborate in future to ensure the success of the carnival. On the long term basis, I strongly believe that a carnival is not something that is organised by government.

It should be organised by the private sector and the sooner they think in that direction, the better for us. Of course, government may have their own interests, we the private sector may have our own interests but I strongly believe that for a successful carnival, the private sector should be very much involved but this is not the case with Abuja carnival. The Abuja carnival is driven by civil servants, for civil servants by civil servants.

Engineer Ekong Onofiok government so it makes the business very difficult therefore there is a very strong need for synergy between us and government.

It’s not always that government organises a carnival so when it comes, we expect that they should work with us.

and even the guests who came so we don’t even know where the guests stayed.

Maybe nobody came, I don’t know.

So where is the missing link in all of these?

The missing link is that they will say there is a carnival, we don’t feel the impact. We only hear of it on the day of the carnival. We are not involved in terms of accommodating participants

The situation has gotten worse every year that is why I used the word impunity. Our suggestions do not count when it comes to ways and means of improving on the carnival.

They keep doing the same things they have been doing every year, which is housing

Apart from this year, if you cast your mind back at previous years, what has been the trend?

“

On Christmas day, people will go to the Millennium Park or Wonderland just to wander around. We need leisure spots.

With the festive season fast approaching, some people may want to check into hotels. What should they expect in terms of security measures and services?

Well, I wish people would be checking into the hotels. You know Abuja is a very unique city with no traditional connection so I want to believe a lot of people will be leaving town.

Therefore, we have advocated to the administration of the Federal Capital Territory to create more leisure opportunities. People don’t check into hotels to sleep.

They check into hotels because there is a leisure facility nearby which after visiting those areas, they will end up in the hotel to relax. We are only the last link in tourism. The first line chart in tourism unfortunately, don’t exist in Abuja. On Christmas day, people will go to the Millennium Park or Wonderland just to wander around. We need leisure spots.

Whose responsibility is it to provide these leisure spots?

The leisure is supposed to be with the private sector.

Government has to make

provision for the private sector to be involved and the only way to make provision is to make these facilities available for the private sector to run and manage. Could you imagine that if we had more leisure, we could employ even more people and more people will be better off for it? We are not asking government to build these leisure places but to provide such for us to develop and manage. So what do we have?

We have parks and recreation that are taking over our business. Parks and recreations are sending hotels out of business without any action from government because government are the ones providing these to people. In other places, parks and gardens are places where people relax for recreation but nowadays, they are permanent structures where people sell food and drinks. These people don’t have the overhead cost that hotels have. Most of these gardens have event halls. They are hosting weddings there. It’s not done anywhere in the world.

Weddings and entertainments are not done in parks. Parks are for recreation where we have games. If this continues and many hotels close down, what could be the effect on employment? It is something government need to ponder on.

We cannot continue to pay heavy taxes to government and then we will have a competition next door that is not paying such taxes. Most halls in hotels are being abandoned; most restaurants in hotels are not functioning because of restaurants in parks.

All parks around the world close 7 pm. This is the only country in the world where parks operate 24 hours. It’s not good for security because all sorts of undetected crimes take place in parks. And how do you protect somebody in an open air at 12 midnight? In hotels, all our members are protected

by CCTV cameras, which is not the case in parks. So, it is very difficult for police to investigate any crime or find out what is happening in those areas if things go wrong but in hotels, anything that goes wrong, we can rewind our CCTV cameras and we are able to tell when and how it happened, and who was involved. It behoves on the press to bring to limelight some of these things and above all, for security reasons, parks should close at 7 pm.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

PAGE 22

Report of the Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force, Nov 2012 (IV) Production

S

ample selections were made across the 10 year period in order to verify that the net amounts payable were remitted to the Federation account in CBN. From the selections made it was observed that amounts remitted were most times different from the net payable amount (Table 5 below).

From discussions with the NNPC, the variances were attributed to other miscellaneous receipts from domestic gas sales and NGL supplies which were also included in the remittances to the Federation account by the NNPC. However, further reviews showed that the negative differences were as a result of differences in computation of subsidies.

Subsidies deducted by the

Av. price per bbl (US $)

Year

Volumes lift ed

NNPC per table 4 represent the difference between the PPPRA approved landing cost and the NNPC retail price (excluding margins) multiplied by the PPPRA observed volumes. PPPRA subsidy approvals for the sale of refined products by the NNPC were in excess of deductions made by about N132.7 billion as at 31 December 2011.

At present, subsidy is paid based on the difference between the proceeds from the sale of refined products and the cost of importation of refined products.

In the course of the Task Force's work, we did not receive sufficient justification and basis for the practice of deducting subsidies from the amounts payable to the Federation Account. Indeed this practice does not accord with the law, with particular reference to the Constitution2.

Total value in (US$)

4.3.2.2.

A n n u a l liftings of Domestic Crude Allocations Based on the daily allocation by the FGN of 445,000bbls, it is expected that NNPC would be allocated approximately 162 million barrels annually. Our review of the records received showed an inconsistent pattern in the implementation of this policy with variances found for the ten (10) years reviewed spanning 2002 to 2011 (See Table 6 below).

4.3.2.3.

Discrepancy in the pricing of Domestic Crude The average price per barrel payable by NNPC was compared with the average weekly prices for Nigeria Bonny Light, Forcados,

CBN

yearly average Av. exch exchange rate rate Diff.

(N/$1) (N/$1) (N/$1)

Valuation of difference (N'm)

2002

163,610,046

18

2,944,980,828 110

120

10

29,449

2003

157,454,064

23

3,473,418,919 122

134

12

43,288

2004

151,892,709

37

5,687,518,809 134

133

(1)

(5,688)

2005

159,898,538

54

8,704,165,240 132

131

(1)

(8,704)

2006

151,193,195

64

9,891,404,099 126

127

1

9,891

2007

165,858,741

73

11,531,242,678 124

124

‐

‐

2008

164,723,596

98

15,561,979,536 117

117

‐

‐

2009

161,913,738

62

9,903,033,496 147

147

‐

‐

2010

166,522,807

80

13,228,939,762 148

148

‐

‐

1

18,343

2011 Total

164,276,790

111

18,342,657,598 151

152

86,579

CBN exchange rates used in the conversion of Domestic Crude Oil payments (Source: CBN Website Rates Archives)

Av. price per EIA (US $)

Av. price per bbl (US $)

2002

163,610,046

18

25

7

Valuation of difference (US $’m) 1,145

2003

157,454,064

23

29

6

979

2004

151,892,709

37

38

1

152

2005

159,898,538

54

56

2

320

2006

151,193,195

64

67

3

454

2007

165,858,741

73

75

2

332

2008

164,723,596

98

102

4

659 162

Year

Volumes lifted

Difference (US $)

2009 2010

161,913,738 166,522,807

62 80

63 81

1 1

2011

164,276,790

111

114

3

Total

1,613,607,224

167 493 5,008

An analysis of the prices of Crude Oil per barrel (Source: Energy Information Administration (EIA))

Period

May 2002 June 2002 August 2002 October 2002 December 2002 August 2003 September 2003 October 2003 December 2003 August 2004 June 2005 August 2005 September 2005 November 2005 December 2005 February 2006 August 2006 October 2006 December 2006 January 2007 July 2007 October 2007 December 2007 March 2008 June 2008 September 2008 December 2008 May 2009 July 2009 October 2009 December 2009 February 2010 May 2010 November 2010 December 2010 January 2011 August 2011 September 2011 December 2011

Amount Payable (N‘m) 27,001 26,541 29,686 27,806 28,555 42,189 43,237 67,025 40,889 71,972 87,101 130,958 107,331 117,670 86,045 57,301 109,571 71,590 95,791 50,607 87,276 94,085 133,256 184,233 100,728 102,673 67,732 87,933 69,264 116,303 108,577 96,596 105,388 118,271 192,445 116,440 108,563 197,145 227,005

Amount Remitted Variance as traced to CBN (NGN statement million) (N‘m) 26,541 (460) 148 26,689 29,686 ‐ (3,421) 24,384 27,563 (992) 42,740 551 44,141 904 66,615 (409) 40,914 25 71,956 (16) 88,413 1,312 130,968 10 106,358 (973) 99,889 (17,781) 80,366 (5,679) 604 57,905 109,911 339 71,752 162 96,001 211 51,506 899 87,848 572 204 94,289 398 133,654 184,605 372 100,760 31 103,518 845 68,493 761 96 88,029 69,737 473 116,857 554 110,751 2,175 96,596 ‐ 105,764 377 118,323 52 192,467 21 114,697 (1,743) 108,592 29 197,917 772 227,262 257

Sample of Domestic Crude Oil remittances made 2002 - 2011 (Source: NNPC) obtained from the Energy Information Administration (EIA). It was understood from discussions with officials of the NNPC that the pricing of domestic crude oil during the period under review was based on international prices.

The review revealed that over a 10 year period (2002 2011), showed a difference of an estimated sum of US$ 5 billion.

Enquiries from NNPC revealed that up until October 2003, NNPC was granted fixed price regimes by the FGN for the domestic crude as follows: •1999 - 2001 $9.50/bbl •2002 to July 2003 $18/bbl •Aug/Sep 2003 $22/bbl This explains the wide disparity in prices in the

earlier years.

Further analysis showed specific examples of transaction with disparities in price in later years.

4.3.2.4.

T h e Exchange Rates used to remit payments in respect of Domestic Crude to the Federation Account Domestic Crude Oil is paid for in Nigerian Naira using CBN exchange rates. It was noted that the exchange rates used in arriving at the Naira equivalent of the amounts payable differed from the CBN rates for six (6) of the ten (10) years reviewed. The practice appears to have been stopped in 2006; it also appears to have started again in 2011. The potential underpayment of amounts payable to the Federation Account over the 10year period is estimated at N86.6 billion.

PEOSPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

Report as at Tuesday, December 11, 2012

PAGE 23

PAGE 24

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

07055652553 udennaorji@yahoo.com

We’ll remove bottlenecks to land-titling – FG Pg 26

How poor infrastructure hinders housing development

Pg 27

FMBN, REDAN meet on affordable housing Pg 27

Boosting home ownership through pension funds

Pg 27

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

PAGE 25

Bulls resurface in US housing market The United States housing market is steadily picking up after nearly five years in the doldrums. It was its fall, and the consequential massive default on mortgage payments that led to the global economic meltdown which began in 2008. Last quarter, the United States housing market returned to profit, an indication that the global economy may be recovering from the financial crisis as performance of mortgages held by home-buyers in America has direct effect on world financial markets. About July 2012, the houses below were selling at approximately less 15% of their current price tags. The bears have retreated and the bulls are now returning to the United States housing market. Those who bought homes during the crisis are now laughing their way to the banks.

San Antonio ($255,000) This upgraded single-story home is located in the heart of a popular neighborhood.

The 2,309-square-foot home has an open floor plan with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths.

Destin, FL ($249,000) Two homes for the price of one. This listing contains a 1,630-square-foot main house with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms as well as a detached 1-bedroom, 1-bath guest cottage measuring 729 square

Longmont, CO ($250,000) Centrally located about 15 miles from Boulder and 40 miles from Denver, this Longmont home features mountain views from its back deck. The 1,875-square-foot home has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths.

York, PA ($249,900) Beautiful landscaping and fresh paint mark the exterior of this York home.

The 2,278-square-foot house has 3 bedrooms and 3 baths.

Cincinnati, OH ($249,000) Four bedrooms and 3.5 baths make up this all-brick home in Cincinnati. Measuring 2,049 square feet, the house has a three-car garage and full basement.

Las Vegas, NV ($249,900) This Las Vegas home is located in a neighborhood with community extras such as a clubhouse, pool and basketball court. The 3-bed, 3-bath home has a lower-level master suite and updated kitchen with granite countertops.

PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

Boosting home ownership through pension funds

By Udenna Orji

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ortgage banks and estate developers are currently holding meetings and presenting position papers to the federal government for approval that will enable them access pension funds for mortgage development in Nigeria.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Ama Pepple has also been holding stakeholder meetings with operators in the housing sector to develop strategies for increasing sources of mortgage finance in order to ensure a successful execution of the federal government’s new Housing and Urban Development Policies which were approved by the Federal Executive Council last June.

Speaking on the quest by housing sector operators to tap from the pension fund, Mr. Mohammed Jibrin, Managing Director of Sun Trust Savings and Loans Limited said “the Pension Reform Act, 2004, has made it possible for people to have a contributory pension scheme in place. The pension industry has an estimated N2.4 trillion of pension funds under management. These are mostly long-term funds and are the most qualified to support the mortgage industry in attaining its millennium development goals. But these

funds, understandably, are mostly locked up in government treasury bills and bonds. These (pension) funds have to be unlocked and made available for the real estate sector. This is because the funds are basically, as I pointed out, long-term and you may not have the problem we experience today in terms of mismatch in the maturity profile of the loans we grant, because mortgage loans are long term as against the deposits we take that are mostly short-tenured. If you do an actuarial valuation of the pension funds managed by the PFAs (Pension Fund Administrators), the minimum average number of years the money will remain with the PFAs is about 20 years. This is what we call long term money. This is the type of money you expect should go into the housing and mortgage sector”.

On whether the Primary Mortgage Institutions have been able to sell these ideas to policy makers, Mr. Jibrin said “there have been varied meetings and position papers to this effect. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Ama Pepple has been holding stakeholder meetings with the sector. She has set up committees, she is doing a great job honestly and the Federal Mortgage Bank has

been providing the necessary support to this effect. I am aware that the Minister of Finance and the Coordinator of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, is committed to and looking at the housing sector as a catalyst for growth and employment generation. I know that the housing and finance minister have been working together to ensure that the housing sector is jumpstarted seriously this year. It is on top of their radar. The idea is to create jobs in the economy.

The Central Bank needs to get involved too by providing the necessary funds and credit guarantees to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria in particular and to the sector in general. The Nigerian housing sector is one of the most diagnosed sectors of the economy. The issues that are militating against its development are very clear” Adding his voice to mortgage development, Mr. Elias Ovesuor a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) and Managing Partner, U.K. Ovesuor & Partners has blamed Nigeria’s shortfall of over 16 million houses on “the deficient structures of the mortgage industry in Nigeria”.

In his words, “mortgage financing as an instrument for home financing for now, I can

say we are having problems with it. Only a few people are benefiting from it. 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”.

As a way out of the problem, the Federal Government has been called upon to develop mortgage policies that will encourage Nigerian banks to grant mortgage loans to Nigerians at a maximum of 9% per annum.

Government has also been urged to check the rising inflationary trend in Nigeria as the trend is causing a steady rise in the cost of building inputs in Nigeria, leading to high costs in property development and sales.

Speaking with Peoples Daily on how to boost homeownership in Nigeria and reduce the nation’s estimated 16 million units housing deficit, Group General Manager of mass housing developer, El-Salem Nigeria Limited, Mr. Geoffrey Ozoani appealed to government to “come up with very definite policies on mortgage. Definite

implementable policies on mortgage that make it attractive for commercial banks to offer mortgage loans to Nigerians because most commercial banks are not providing mortgage facilities”.

He noted that “the fear of our commercial banks is how they can recover their money but a mortgage loan is the easiest loan to recover because the house serves as collateral and usually also rises in value over time. The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) loan is at 6% but if all our commercial banks are encouraged through attractive policies to offer mortgage loans at say 8% or 9%, Nigeria’s housing deficit will drastically reduce. Even in Namibia where I recently returned from, the commercial banks pursue people to come and collect mortgage loans because their mortgage system works perfectly.

According to him, “there is also the burning need to create awareness to Nigerians about mortgages and Nigerian mortgage institutions. Even contributors to the National Housing Fund (NHF) do not know what they are contributing for. States and local governments should make land available to developers and encourage their workers to get loans from mortgage institutions to buy their own houses.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

PAGE 27

Tata Housing targets India’s low income earners FMBN, REDAN meet on T affordable housing Stories by Udenna Orji

ata, the Indian company that made worldwide headlines with its $2,000 (about N300,000) Nano car plans to build 1,000 tiny apartments outside Mumbai that will sell for

R

eal Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), has called for a national strategy to boost the development of low cost housing and social housing in Nigeria. Among its proposed options is the need for governments at the various levels to compel estate developers in high brow areas like Ikoyi, Lekki, Asokoro in Abuja, Port Harcourt to incorporate in their schemes, low cost housing for the workers that are serving residents and owners of high end properties in these estates.

This means that ongoing and new developments in high brow areas must make provisions for the low and medium income groups with 10 per cent of houses in such estates set aside for the low income group, another 10 per cent for the medium income earners and the balance of 80 per cent set aside for the high income group.

To achieve this, REDAN is facilitating a meeting of stakeholders, including the Minister of Housing, Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN). According to a REDAN official, Mr. Shola Enitan, the association is also canvassing support for social housing provision whereby people in distress can be temporarily accommodated in decent government houses before they are able to sort themselves out. "Except for the destitute, there must be a place of temporary abode for a family, who may have accommodation crisis, either with their landlords or by other means. No Nigerian should be allowed to spend all his earnings paying house rent to landlords, either private landlord or government for ever, and in a situation by which government is the landlord, the tenants must have the opportunity to buying off the apartment at the long run without much sweat,"

shiny new high rises after profits, but they were also trying to justify their fastaccelerating land costs, especially in and around Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) and other major cities.

But some business

consultants (most prominently renowned management expert, C. K. Prahalad) were arguing that companies would profit handsomely if they target the “bottom of the pyramid” where the bulk of consumers are. It looks like Tata is taking that advice.

How poor infrastructure hinders housing development

President Goodluck Jonathan

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ass Housing Developer and Managing Director of El-Salem Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Ben Gbade Ojo has called on the Federal Government to develop infrastructure in all areas designated for mass housing as a way of achieving government’s target of reducing the nation’s deficit of 16 million housing units.

Mr. Ojo who made the call in a chat with Peoples Daily in Abuja on Friday stated that “without prejudice to the findings and recommendations of the various committees set up by the Housing Minister to identify problems and solutions to Nigeria’s housing sector,

Housing and Urban Development Minister, Ms Amal Pepple including efforts of professional associations and other stakeholders on the way forward for the sector, I wish to call on the Jonathan administration to please tackle Nigeria’s housing problems through concerted development of infrastructure like roads, electric power and pipe-borne water in sites designated for mass housing. Our experience in developing mass housing has shown that the absence of urban infrastructure and escalating cost of building materials have been the bane of estate developers and have effectively stunted efforts at housing development especially on mortgages. While the

country waits for the development of the bond market to finance urban infrastructure, we urge the government to create a temporary and targeted intervention fund that will provide infrastructure for serious private sector estate developers and come up with some other measures that will bring down the cost of building materials in the country”.

He said “as the nation gets poised to provide adequate housing for her citizens, it has become necessary to carry out a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s mortgage sector and mortgage institutions in Nigeria” Mr. Ojo appealed to the

Honourable Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Ama Pepple “to pursue with her legendary commitment, the issues of reviewing the Land Use Act to make land more accessible and to tackle the delays and difficulties associated with acquisition and transfer of property rights” adding that “ElSalem is committed to providing high quality and affordable housing for the generality of Nigerians. We are currently researching on how we can make houses available at N1 million or N2 million. We want to come to a point where with N1 million or N2 million, people can buy houses from El-Salem”.

We’ll remove bottlenecks to land-titling – FG

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FMBN MD, Yau’kumo

$7,800 to $13,400 each. The company plans to roll out lowcost projects outside other major cities. Tata’s housing division is targeting a segment of the market that was largely overlooked during the housing boom. India’s builders were concentrating on building

s housing development stakeholders continue to lobby for the repeal of the Land Use Act to make land more available for housing development, the chairman, Presidential Technical Committee on Land Reform, Prof.

Peter Adeniyi has said the Federal Government has no plan to repeal the Act. In several presentations to the Presidency and the National Assembly, housing stakeholders, including property developers, estate surveyors and valuers had

called for the repeal of the Land Use Act saying the power it gave state governors to control land allocation in their states had politicized land administration and made it cumbersome, expensive and time-consuming to obtain land and title rights for housing development. They had argued that a repeal of the Act would enhance affordable housing development and drastically reduce Nigeria’s estimated deficit of 16 million housing units.

But while speaking with

newsmen at the weekend, Prof.

Adeniyi revealed that the Federal Government would not repeal the Land Use Act. According to him, “It is important at this point to state categorically that the land reform programme of the Federal Government is not intended to repeal the Land Use Act or usurp the powers of the state governors and local government chairmen in land administration or deny individuals or communities the right to their lands”.

While noting that land reform

is critical in achieving President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda, he said the federal government’s land reform was focused on identifying and removing bottlenecks hindering land titling and registration process within the current land administration system in Nigeria. He said his committee was working on pilot schemes in Kano and Ondo states involving identification and registration of title rights that may usher in a new land administration system in Nigeria.

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

Kia Sportage offers admirable balance W

ith its head-turning looks and long list of desirable standard features and options, the 2013 Kia Sportage offers an admirable balance of both style and substance. While the 2.4liter four-cylinder engine under the hoods of lower t r i m levels

average performance.

Despite these admirable qualities, the Sportage does have a couple of notable drawbacks, not the least of which is a ride quality that

i s merely adequate, t h e firm standard suspension makes for responsive handling. The sportier SX model raises things to a new level, with its 260-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and sport-tuned suspension delivering above-

w i l l undoubtedly be a little too firm for some buyers. The interior is also a bit short on passenger and cargo room compared to several of its competitors.

As such, crossover shoppers focused on practicality might want

to compare the Sportage to other, slightly roomier crossovers on the market including the Chevrolet Equinox, 2013 Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

T h o s e looking for a similarly sprightly driving experience will want to

check out the new 2013 Ford Escape and 2013 Mazda CX-5.

Overall, however, the 2013 Kia Sportage is a strong contender in this group thanks to its fun nature and value for the dollar.

The 2013 Kia Sportage is a compact crossover SUV with seating for five. There are a total

of four trim levels available, including Base, LX, EX and SX. Standard features on the base model include 16-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, cloth upholstery, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, cruise control, full power accessories, a tilt-only steering wheel, a trip computer, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a four-speaker sound system with satellite radio, a CD player, an auxiliary audio input jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.

Stepping up to the Sportage LX adds 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, rear privacy glass and keyless entry.

The available Convenience package adds a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, a rear spoiler, roof rack side rails, heated outside mirrors, a tilt-andtelescoping steering wheel and a rear cargo area cover.

The Sportage EX includes all the goodies in the Convenience package along with 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver seat, upgraded cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an easier-folding rear seat, the Uvo infotainment system and an upgraded sound system with HD radio, digital music storage and a small touchscreen interface. The SX model adds a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, a sport-tuned suspension, keyless entry/ignition, upgraded gauges, leather upholstery and distinctive exterior and interior styling details.

Other options include a Premium package that bundles a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery (standard on SX),

heated front seats, a ventilated driver seat, keyless entry/ignition (standard on SX), upgraded gauges and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. A touchscreen navigation system with real-time traffic info is available on all but the base model.

Power for the 2013 Kia Sportage comes from one of two inline fourcylinder engines. Base, LX and EX models come with a 2.4-liter that puts out 176 hp and 168 pound-feet of torque. Base models are only offered with a six-speed manual transmission, while all other versions come with a sixspeed automatic with a manual-shift feature.

Front-wheel drive is standard, with allw h e e l d r i v e offered as a n option on all b u t t h e base model.

I n Edmunds performance tests, a frontwheeldrive Sportage with the 2.4liter engine and automatic accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 9.4 seconds, an average time for this class. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined with the automatic and front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive drops those numbers to 20/27/23.

The SX model gets a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that puts out an impressive 260 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. In Edmunds testing, it went from zero to 60 mph in a very quick 6.5 seconds. EPA estimated fuel economy is 21/28/24 with frontwheel drive and 20/25/22 with AWD, although we've found the Sportage SX struggles to match these numbers in real-world driving.

Standard safety features on all 2013 Kia Sportage models include antilock disc brakes, traction control and stability control, as well as hill descent and hill start control.

Inside are front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.

In Edmunds brake testing, an EX came to a stop from 60 mph in 120 feet -- a better-thanaverage performance for this type of vehicle. The sport-oriented SX was better at 117 feet. In government crash tests, the Sportage received an overall rating of four stars (out of five) for front-wheel-drive models and five stars for all-wheel-drive versions, plus solid five-star ratings for frontal and side impacts. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash testing, the Sportage received the highest rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset, sideimpact and roof strength tests.

Source: Edmunds.com

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

Obi advises parents to inculcate Igbo culture in children

A

nambra state Governor, Mr Peter Obi has called on citizens of the state to inculcate the ideals and values that depict the unlimited cultural potentials of the Igbo race in their children.

Obi made the call at a ceremony to mark the 2012 Children’s Cultural Carnival in Awka.

The governor underscored the need to revitalise children’s attitude towards Igbo cultural values and language.

He urged traditional rulers not to relent in their duty as custodians of Igbo culture and tradition and make the language does not go into extinction.

Obi, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Oseloka Obaze, said the carnival was an opportunity to showcase the unique potentials of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlights of the occasion were cultural parade, masquerading, recitation of Igbo poems and traditional wrestling by children from the 21 local government areas of the state.

(NAN)

PAGE 29

Igbo youths honours Achebe T

he Igbo Youth Movement (IYM) in Enugu has conferred an award titled “The Great Igbo Icon’’ on Prof.

Chinua Achebe, a renowned novelist.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the award was presented at the organisation’s 2012 End of Year Colloquium.

The IYM also gave a leadership award to retired Adm. Ndubuisi Kanu, while it recognised Senator Uche Chukwumerije, as the ‘People’s Hero’.

Its President, Mr Elliot Uko, said in his opening remarks that the award on Achebe was to recognise his truthfulness in his writing.

Uko described Achebe as a great writer who had put the tradition of the Igbo in the contemporary map of the world with his writing.

He said the literary icon was worth celebrating because he portrayed things succinctly as

they occurred, adding that he deserved more than the award.

On Kanu, the youth leader said he was given the award because he championed the cause of the Igbo selflessly and fearlessly.

He also said that Chukwumerije was honoured because he spoke for the people wherever the opportunity arose, describing him as a real hero.

In a paper entitled: “Ndigbo and 2015: An exhortation’’, Chukwumerije said the Igbos were in trouble politically and needed urgent and decisive remedies to tackle the situation.

“Every other national group, big and small, are currently unifying their ranks, realigning their forces, establishing linkages, creating alliances and girding their loins for the great political confrontation ahead.

“What do we witness in Igboland other than disunity, inaction, inertia, silence? We

Iwude Festival kicks off today in Osun

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he Rivers state Government says part of the reasons for the hosting of ECOWAS Peace Pageant is to reposition the Port Harcourt city economically.

The state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Nnabuihe Imegwu, made this known in a press briefing to commence the 2012 ECOWAS Peace Pageant in Port Harcourt.

Imegwu said that Port Harcourt was a city that had not been accorded its rightful place in economic and social development in spite of its position during the colonial days.

He said that the city had rich a foundation and sound historical

P

Prof. Chinua Achebe

Traditional ruler urges FG to build museum in palace to promote tourism

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ba Ismail Adesanya, the Alara of Ilara, Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Epe in Lagos, has urged government to construct museums in palaces to showcase cultures and promote tourism.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Epe, the Oba said most palaces of traditional rulers in the country lacked the place and facilities to preserve peoples’ historical heritage and artifact for generations unborn, tourists and research.

“Our children would want to

know about the culture of their communities but there are no places to preserve these cultural artefact to show to them,’’ the traditional ruler said.

“Tourists and students would also come to the palaces to see the historical monument and carry out research on the culture of the communities if the government build such museums, “ Adesanya said.

He advised the federal government to convert all palaces of traditional rulers to monuments to boost the culture of the people and tourism potential of the nation.

(NAN)

Also reacting, Kanu reiterated his call for a national conference to decide on the country’s federalism, saying that no amount of state creation would solve the imbalance in the system.

He said the ethnic nations existed before the emergence of Nigeria, arguing that the country’s constitution did not emanate from the federating units. (NAN)

Rivers is hosting ECOWAS Peace Pageant to reposition Port-Harcourt

Don tasks movie producers on quality films

T

he Planning Committee of the Iwude Festival says arrangements have reached advanced stage to ensure a smooth take-off today.

The Secretary of the committee, Chief Akindele Ogundipo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Osogbo that the grand finale would hold on Dec. 22.

NAN reports that the festival, which would last 10 days would begin with a press conference to be addressed by the vice-chairman of the committee, Professor Olu Odeyemi.

Ogundipo described the festival as a unifying factor for all Ijesa people to promote peace and unity as well as ward off all evils.

The festival, he said, was the oldest in Ijesa-land and was to remember the community’s ancestors and offer sacrifices to them for peace and development.

“The traditional chiefs are expected to show their loyalty to Owa Obokun while all Ijesa sons and daughters are to pay respect to the monarch and his chiefs,’’ he said.

He said the festival, originally known as Iwude Ogun (named after the god of Iron) in the past, was changed to Iwude Festival to reflect the mood of modern times.

Ogundipo said the grand finale would witness a traditional outing led by Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, the Owa Obokun of Ijesa-land followed by his chiefs.

NAN reports that construction of pavilions had already begun at the palace of the Owa Obokun while business outfits had started scrambling for space to showcase their products. (NAN)

must take control of our political destiny, we cannot outsource it to any other person or group,’’ the senator said.

He said the Igbos must make an unqualified, unapologetic and uncompromising bid for the Nigerian presidency in 2015.

“Our presidential bid has all the required moral content. It also has a geo-strategic value as well as a demographic force behind it.’’

rofessor Foluke Ogunleye, Head of the Department of Dramatic Art, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has urged movie producers to focus more on quality films rather than quantity.

Ogunleye made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

He frowned at the low quality of films being churned out by movie producers in the country.

“The Nigerian film industry is the third largest in the world. The industry had grown positively to meet international standard.

“To keep this record, our movie producers should focus on quality films rather than quantity,” she said.

She charged the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to ensure that dramatic films that provide positive models to viewers are actively encouraged while immoral ones are denied licence.

Speaking on the just concluded third Ife International Film Festival held at Ile-Ife, Osun, Ogunleye called on government to use the festival as a tourist attraction.

She said the festival was to showcase the country’s cultures and heritage to both local and international tourists.

“The Ife Film School has come of age and it should be submitted to both critical and academic rigour with the view of documenting it through academic publications and activities,” Ogunleye stated. (NAN)

heritage which later degenerated into breakdown of peace caused by absence of job opportunity.

Imegwu added that if the city had grown well with its foundation, it would be competing well with cities like Freetown.

He said that Gov. Chibuike Amaechi’s administration had done a lot to reposition the city, adding that the state Government brought peace, economic and social development among others in the city.

The commissioner explained that institution of the state carnival and hosting of the peace pageant were parts of the efforts to attract investors and improve the state economy.

“Peace pageant serves as one of those platforms we use to encourage visitors into the state; it has always been adding values to the economy of the state.

“It also encourages such values that will promote regional integration; any amount spent on it is a long term investment,’’ he said.

Imegwu, however, did not disclose the amount being spent on the hosting of the event, saying that it was difficult to say as the state was only giving supports.

The Contestant Relations Director, Flossy Menson, explained that the 2012 theme is “The Role of Women in Peace Building’’.

Menson said that theme was selected as a way of encouraging the women to contribute to the peace process in the ECOWAS region, Africa and the globe.

“We need to participate to bring about peace and we want the contestants to know that they can be part of peace,’’ Menson said.

Menson, however, commended Nigerians, especially the people of state, for their hospitality.

“We have heard a lot of things about Nigeria; Nigeria is a peaceful country and every year we come here, we learn a new thing about Nigeria; we are excited to be in Port Harcourt.’’

One of the contestants, Miss Hyeladzirra Banu, the Nigeria representative, who spoke, thanked the government and people of the state for hosting the peace pageant.

Banu said that the essence of the contest was to promote ideas and to prove that “African women had more than just physical beauty.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state has hosted the event five times.

(NAN)

PAGE 30

BOOK REVIEW

By Ikhide R. Ikheloa (Nnamdi)

I

revere Buchi Emecheta, Ola Rotimi, Flora Nwapa, Elechi Amadi, Cyprian Ekwensi, Gabriel Okara, Chinua Achebe, John Pepper Clark-Bekederemo, Vincent Chukwuemeka Ike, Wole Soyinka, and TM Aluko. Together, they raised and nurtured those of my generation who loved the world of ideas and we devoured their works like starved children. We owe much of what we are today to these great owners of words.

So imagine my excitement the other day when I chanced upon a used copy of Clark’s book, America, their America.

As a teenager I had been awed by the audacity of this African that had gone to America, hated her patronizing and condescending attitude, and spat at her faux generosity. I cheered then, when in the end he was unceremoniously ejected from America for being a prickly non-conformist. Clark was defiant to the end. I was a hot headed youth in those days and I loved beret wearing, brandy swilling, cigar chomping rebels, so romantic.

Besides I always liked JP Clark, as we called him in those days. As a playful secondary school student, I appreciated that his poems were always more accessible to me than those of Soyinka. Try this: Read Clark’s Abiku and then read Soyinka’s Abiku. Your headache will ambush you after reading the latter. America their America.

America, their America is an angry book from cover to cover written by a gifted young man that railed against the alienation and sense of loss he felt upon turning the corner and seeing the nightmare that was their America. Clark gleefully deployed muscular prose to settle scores with America. The America he saw was not the America of his dreams. And this young man was not impressed. He spoke truth to their power in prose. It is an important book; I will always include it in a study of Africans in exile, along with Nnamdi Azikiwe’s My Odyssey and Buchi Emecheta’s early books. I still think America, their America is an important book; however, upon re-reading the book recently, I was taken by how angry Clark was in the book. Clark used the novel to settle scores with his American guests. As I read the book again, it occurred to me that I did not know much about Clark beyond his poetry and the book.

Indeed, we do not have a robust culture of writing reliable biographies of our literary heroes.

I am always filled with envy when I read unflinching high quality biographies of folks in the West, most recently of VS Naipaul

by Patrick French. So, I was thrilled to learn that Adewale Maja-Pearce had just written a biography about Clark, titled, A Peculiar Tragedy: J.P. Clark-Bekederemo and the Beginning of Modern Nigerian Literature in English.

I went online to buy the book; with taxes, shipping and handling and other forms of robbery fees, I was looking at $30. Not happening, the economy is bad. Seeing that the book was published in Nigeria (The New Gong), I begged friends to scour bookstores in Nigeria in search of the book. It turns out that The New

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

Triumphing over an imaginary tragedy (I)

Gong publishing company is owned by none other than Maja-Pearce himself and the distribution structure on the ground in Nigeria is non-existent. To cut a long story short, this self-published book is not available in Nigeria. I finally relented and bought the book online. I did not waste our family’s money but I expected more for $30, I really did.

Hagiography or Biography?

So, how did this biography come about? It goes something like this: Maja-Pearce dreams up a proposal to write Clark’s “biography” and applies somewhere for a $63,000 grant to fund the project (don’t ask me why he needed that much to write a book). When he doesn’t get the grant, he approaches Clark who agrees to foot the bill for the “project.”

A flattered Clark readily agrees and pays Maja-Pearce one million Naira (about $7,000) with a promise to pay an additional one million Naira later. There are other perks; MajaPearce is allowed free access to Clark’s records, house and wine bar (and Maja-Pearce admits that he helped himself generously to everything, especially the alcohol). Soon, things go wrong; Clark does not like drafts of the manuscript and balks at the use of a certain letter. The relationship goes south badly. MajaPearce is unceremoniously ejected from Clark’s home and heart and he goes off in a huff to write a stinging tell-all tale.

The conflict of interest inherent in this pay-for-your-hagiography scheme shreds whatever credibility the book has. Clark was right in demanding that the product fit his specifications. Well, think about it, if you commission an artist to paint your portrait wouldn’t you want the portrait to be flattering of your jowls? What doomed the project from the onset, besides the sloppy writing is the loss of credibility.

When someone pays you to write his biography, he is most definitely not interested in an objective tome.

He wants something that will provide a mirror to the side that flatters him the most. Why would you demand payment from someone to do their biography? Who does that? It reads like a shake-down to me. And it was.

What Maja-Pearce has written is not a biography in the real sense.

I am not sure what to call it. Let’s just say that Clark will not be pleased with the book. Wole Soyinka will not be pleased either. Neither will Achebe. Maja-Pearce is an equal opportunity hack savaging the dignity of any and every one in his jaded sight. Which brings me to another point: Sometimes you wonder if this is really about Clark or about Maja-Pearce’s desperate need to put together all his sloppy research about various subjects in one book. He succeeds in that and fails in virtually everything else.

If the aim of the book was to diminish Clark and his generation of writers, Maja-Pearce misses the mark terribly. The reader actually comes away empathizing with Clark at the end of the book. And it was not for lack of Maja-Pearce trying. He expends extraordinary energy toward diminishing the man. Insults and put-downs fly gleefully and no one escapes Maja Pearce’s teasing, especially Soyinka and Clark. It is an unnecessary exercise that merely diminishes Maja-Pearce himself. And as an aside, the notion of setting Clark up as a rival to Soyinka and Achebe is a needless distraction. Maja-Pearce plays up the rivalry between Soyinka and Clark to very tasteless levels. Each writer is different, endowed with extraordinary gifts and if Clark is a literary failure, as Maja-Pearce implies, many of us would like to fail like that. The

bottom line is this: The history of African literature, indeed English literature would be incomplete without Clark’s contributions.

Analysis or Personal Opinions?

Maja-Pearce should have enlisted the help of someone who knows poetry; his analysis of the works of Soyinka, Okigbo and Clark is disgraceful. He readily admits that he knows little about Okigbo’s poetry but he did some work on it because it “was just a job with a modest fee at the end of it.” One thing about Maja-Pearce, he is honest. He presents himself as a hustler lurking in the seamy edge of the literary world scheming to make a quick buck. Here is a man who measures a writer’s worth by the number of google hits: Achebe is more important that Soyinka who is more important than Okri. Who does that? His standard of success is suspect. Biases and prejudices mar the book’s quality and credibility. I would read Robert M. Wren’s Those Magical Years: The Making of Nigerian Literature at Ibadan first before reading this book. The few insightful observations in MajaPearce’s book are inspired, if not lifted from that book.

In this highly disorganized book, Maja-Pierce fails to provide the appropriate context for his thesis.

Who is Clark? Why are we reading this book? The analysis of several weighty issues falls short, for example Maja-Pearce lacks an appreciation for the complicated relationship minorities had among the major ethnic groups leading to and even after the Nigerian Civil war. He concludes that Clark’s decision to side with the Federal government, rather than the Biafran side, was reactionary and self-serving. To ascribe Clark’s decision to side with the Federal side as self-serving is to totally miss the complexities of that unfortunate war. Maja-Pearce does not get it: Clark and Saro-Wiwa especially would never have joined the Biafran side. His analysis of this issue is typical of the strands of his arguments – they are mostly shallow and glib retorts to weighty positions.

Despite all my misgivings, I would still recommend this book.

Maja-Pearce spent a lot of time developing and accessing sources for his book. The cited sources alone are worth the steep cost of the book. It is a gossipy, fairly entertaining and engaging book written in an accessible style. He provides useful insights about the lives of Clark, Achebe, Soyinka and Okigbo. The reader learns for instance about the influence of the CIA on African intellectuals (funding grants, workshops, etc). One learns that Government College Umuahia produced a bountiful crop of great writers: Achebe, Elechi Amadi, Vincent Chukwuemeka Ike, and Gabriel Okara. Clark’s valiant struggle to sustain several high quality literary magazines is nicely documented here.

Source: Africanwriter.com

PEOPLES POEM OF THE WEEK Title: Apocalypse

By Nnaemeka Oruh Pattering on roofs Like defiant horse hoofs The whirlwind; Deafening thunderclaps Dark night seared by The brightest of lightning Harbingers of the deluge The heavens opened Sheaths of rain, linking up with Other sheaths ‘raining’ from underneath Tarred streets turned to streams– at the beginning–and gradually Dry land turned to rivers Bungalows submerged Tall trees and six storey buildings next in line.

Oceans, seas and rivers Have merged, Plants and animals submerged Underneath the deluge, where I battle for breath, A waterproof Holy Book floats And my mind races back to: And God spake unto Noah…

Neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood

QUO TE UOTE “All that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity for development accorded the individual."

– Albert Einstein

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

PAGE 31

08091700949 isaochako@yahoo.com

Trade is engine for lifting countries out of poverty- Florizelle Liser

US Trade Rep Florizelle Liser (left) shakes hands with Nigeria Minister of Trade Olusegun Aganga (right) at 7th TIFA Meeting.

T

he 7th U.S.-Nigeria Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council meeting was held in Abuja, Nigeria on Monday. Assistant U.S. Trade

Representative for Africa Florizelle B. Liser, reminds the continent of America's firm belief that "trade can be a powerful engine for lifting countries out of poverty and

giving people hope for a better way of life."

Mrs Liser also emphasized the principled view of the United States that trade cannot be seen in a vacuum "it is

connected to a number of other issues, such as democracy, good governance and human rights," she remarked.

Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA)

is an important tool the United States uses to strengthen the links between trade and economic development strategies, encourage greater foreign investment, and promote regional economic integration and growth.

Nigeria's Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, who spoke at the opening ceremony, acknowledged the importance of TIFA, the U.S.-Nigeria Bilateral Commission (BNC) and the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) as powerful tools for advancing bilateral trade and investment opportunities between the United States and Nigeria.

Ambassador Adebowale Adefuye, Nigeria's Ambassador to the United States, said his main task is to expand U.S.Nigeria bilateral trade to the non-oil sector.

The United States-Nigeria Trade and Investment Framework Agreement was signed in 2000. It provides a mechanism for regular, highlevel dialogue on enhancing U.S.-Nigeria economic ties and improving coordination on multilateral and bilateral trade and investment.

U.S. Embassy, SIFE Nigeria, FCMB partner to "greenify" Nigeria

I

n response to the challenges and hardship caused by desertification in Katsina state, the U.S. Embassy, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) in partnership with SIFE Nigeria, have teamed up with Service to Humanity, a nongovernmental organization in Katsina state to develop an integrated project (Evergreen) that would address and sustain this problem.

Being the first time the U.S. Embassy is participating in the two-year old project, it said: "We are pleased to partner with the original supporters of this program including FCMB and SIFE Nigeria. Building on the success of last year's and the current program in Katsina state, in 2013 women and youth from Sokoto state will also be participants".

The Evergreen project addresses the challenges of deforestation and desert encroachment by training participants on the production, use and commercialization of briquettes, an environmentally friendly alternative to gas, kerosene and coal.

The environmental challenges presented, pose directly impact on the sources of livelihood, perpetuate poverty in the community and lead to a low quality of life and standard of living for many Nigerians.

Evergreen project presents a unique opportunity to implement an integrated strategy that addresses these challenges whilst providing economic empowerment for

the beneficiaries and encouraging environmental sustainability.

In 2011 when the first phase of Evergreen was implemented, a total of two hundred and fifty (250) project beneficiaries were recruited from ten (10) communities from Kaita and Mai Adua Local Government Areas of Katsina state and trained on the production, use and commercialization of briquettes.

Briquettes are blocks of flammable matter used to start and maintain a fire. Briquettes are made from agricultural waste and are a good alternative to fuel such as gas, kerosene firewood and coal.

The project beneficiaries were also trained on the use and management of the Save80 stoves. The Save80 is an energy efficient stove that reduces the amount of energy consumed by the traditional cooking methods by at least 80 per cent.

At the end of the training sessions, briquette machines and 250 units of the Save80 stoves were distributed to successful project beneficiaries.

This was done to further encourage attitudinal change towards the environment.

To expand the reach and deepen the project impact in Katsina state in 2012 and also, to ensure its sustainability, a "train-the-trainer" approach was applied to conduct training for two hundred (200) new project beneficiaries.

To achieve this, one hundred of the most successful project beneficiaries from the first phase in 2011 were

engaged and trained to serve as facilitators in the training of an additional 200 project beneficiaries (women and youth) in 2012.

In 2013, the Evergreen project will be extended to Sokoto state with the objectives of Implementing an integrating a strategy that addresses the challenge of desert encroachment, loss of livelihood and unemployment in the target community in Sokoto State. It will also look into organizing an environmental campaign and awareness

program to promote environmental sustainability and educate the people about the course and effect of tree felling.

Also training workshops to empower 100 unemployed youths (women) with vocational skills that will make them economically active and financially independent will be organised.the programme will conduct skills acquisition training on the production, use and commercialization of briquettes for the target audience, distribute briquette machines and save 80 stoves as a means of

reducing the dependence on wood as cooking fuel and provide grants for successful project participants to establish small scale businesses as a means of alleviating grass roots poverty.

Sighting the impact of the "train-the-trainer" model adopted in the second phase of the project implementation in Katsina state with respect to community involvement and project sustainability in Katsina state, the train-the trainer model will also be replicated in the seat of the Caliphate.

Minister of state for Foreign Affairs I, Mrs Viola Onwuliri (2nd right) with Deputy Foreign Minister of the Philippines, Erithinda F. Basilio with other members of the Nigerian-Philiphine Joint Commission in Abuja.

PAGE 32

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

Mali prime minister resigns after arrest L

Libya ex-PM alBaghdadi alMahmoudi on trial in Tripoli

Nelson Mandela has lung infection

S

outh Africa's first black President Nelson Mandela is being treated for a lung infection, the president's office has said.

This is the first time officials have revealed why Mr Mandela, 94, was rushed to a military hospital in the capital, Pretoria, on Saturday.

Tests showed a "recurrence of a previous lung infection", presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said.

Mr Mandela is responding to his treatment, Mr Maharaj added.

News of the hospital stay has prompted much concern in South Africa.

The former president is regarded by most South Africans as the father of the nation, having inspired them to fight for democracy.

He led the struggle against white-minority rule before being elected the first black president in democratic elections in 1994.

Despite being imprisoned for 27 years by the apartheid government, after his release he forgave his former enemies and urged South Africans of all races to work together and seek reconciliation.

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

The BBC's Andrew Harding in Johannesburg says news that the frail Mr Mandela has another lung infection is likely to generate considerable anxiety.

The officials who have visited Mr Mandela in hospital since Saturday have all said he is doing well.

He was flown to hospital on Saturday from his home in Qunu village in Eastern Cape province by the military, which is responsible for his healthcare.

Local media reported that the decision to move him was taken so quickly that some family members and his own foundation were initially unaware of it.

Mandela

coup.

"I think it's a way of saying to the prime minister and the interim president - those civilian aspects of the current government - that 'we're still in control,'" Terrie said from Sydney, Australia.

For several weeks, tension has been mounting between the soldiers who led Mali's coup and Diarra.

Last weekend, Diarra organised a demonstration calling for a UN resolution to back a planned military intervention to retake Mali's north from armed groups.

Diarra, a noted astrophysicist who has worked on several NASA space programmes and served as Microsoft's chairperson for Africa, had been due to leave for Paris for a medical check-up, AFP reported.

He cancelled plans to head to the airport when he learned his baggage had been taken off the plane meant to take him to France.

The source said Diarra had recorded a short message which was to be broadcast on state television, but soldiers went to the broadcaster's headquarters to confiscate the tape.

Sanogo, previously unknown, ousted President Amadou Toumani Toure's government as a rebellion by Tuareg separatists was under way in the north.

The coup only made it easier for the rebels and their allies to seize control of an area larger than France.

While Sanogo handed power to a civilian government shortly thereafter, his men have remained influential in Bamako.

ibya's former Prime Minister al-Baghdadi al-Mahmoudi has gone on trial in Tripoli charged with "acts that led to the unjust killing of Libyans".

Mr Mahmoudi and two others are also accused of funnelling about $25m ($16m) of public money through Tunisia to help forces supporting Col Gaddafi.

Mr Mahmoudi fled to neighbouring Tunisia during last year's uprising against Libya's thenleader, but was extradited in June.

He has denied wrongdoing.

He appeared in court on Monday in traditional Libyan dress, speaking only once, to confirm his identity.

His two co-defendants were managers of a company overseen by one of Muammar Gaddafi's most prominent sons, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi.

They are accused of channelling public funds through private accounts in Tunisia to help pay for support to pro-Gaddafi forces.

Mr Mahmoudi's defence lawyer also submitted a list of six witnesses, some of whom are currently in jail and awaiting trial.

The trial is due to resume in mid-January.

Human rights groups had urged Tunisia not to extradite him, saying he could be subject to human rights violations in Libya.

Libya's new government has pledged to treat all detainees fairly.

Mr Mahmoudi served as prime minister from March 2006. He fled Libya when pro-Gaddafi forces lost control of Tripoli.

He is one of four senior officials from the former government being prosecuted in Libya.

stand.

The general prosecutor, who was dismissed, will not be reinstated, and the retrial of former regime officials will go ahead.

Petrol bombs were thrown and shots fired at opposition demonstrators camping in Tahrir Square in the early hours of Tuesday.

Nine people received limb injuries from the unidentified attackers, while another protester suffered a head injury, Al-Misri alYawm newspaper reported.

After the attack, police cars were deployed around the square for the first time this month.

The destination of Tuesday's opposition protests marches will be

the presidential palace, the scene of earlier demonstrations which has now been surrounded with concrete blocks and ringed with tanks.

As crowds gathered at Tahrir Square and outside the presidential palace, hundreds of soldiers stood behind the concrete blocks and metal crowd barriers erected around the palace perimeter.

M

alian Prime Minister Cheick Modibo Diarra has resigned hours after he was arrested as he tried to leave the country, the AFP news agency reported, citing national broadcaster ORTM. "I, Cheik Modibo Diarra, I resign with my government," Diarra declared in a brief speech aired by ORTM. He gave no reason for his decision. Bakary Mariko, a spokesperson for the group of soldiers who seized power in a March 21 coup, said Diarra's resignation after his arrest was not a coup, adding that a new prime minister would be named soon.

"This is not a new coup d'etat," Mariko told France 24 television.

Mariko said Diarra was arrested as he tried to leave the country after "inciting trouble".

Diarra had been the interim prime minister since April when the army handed power back to civilians.

A member of Diarra's entourage told the AFP that he "was arrested by about 20 soldiers late on Monday.

"They said Captain Sanogo sent them to arrest him," he added, referring to the leader of the March coup.

The source, who witnessed the arrest, said the soldiers had "smashed in the door of the prime minister's residence and took him away a bit violently".

Jim Terrie, a former senior analyst with the International Crisis Group, a think-tank, said the prime minister had quit due to pressure from those behind the

Cheick Modibo Diarra

Cairo braced for rival protests E

gypt's capital Cairo is steeling itself for rival rallies sparked by a referendum on a new constitution ordered by President Mohammed Morsi.

The demonstrations have been called by largely secular opposition groups and Islamists backing Mr Morsi.

At least nine people were hurt early on Tuesday when shots were fired at opposition protesters in central Cairo.

President Morsi has called in the army to maintain security and protect state institutions ahead of Saturday's vote.

The opposition wants the referendum scrapped, arguing that the constitution was drafted by an Islamist-dominated assembly, weakens human rights and fails to guarantee women's rights.

The president has tried to calm public anger by annulling a 22 November decree boosting his powers, but has given the army powers to arrest civilians over the next few days.

However, some rulings of his controversial decree - which stripped the judiciary of any right to challenge his decisions - will

Anti-Morsi protesters tried to remove barriers outside the presidential palace

PAGE 34

Asia and Middle East

I

sraeli soldiers have raided the offices of three civil society organisations in the heart of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.

Entering before dawn on Tuesday, troops wrenched open the doors of the Women's Union, the Palestinian NGO Network

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

Israeli army raids West Bank NGO offices and Addameer, an advocate for Palestinians in Israeli jails.

The raids were the first of their kind in a Palestinian city since the West Bank government won an initiative at the United Nations General Assembly on November 29 which recognised a de facto Palestinian state.

"This comes in the context of the UN's decision," Allam Jarrar

of the Palestinian NGO Network told reporters on Tuesday morning, "boycott Israel" leaflets strewn on the floor of the raided office.

"This a message by the Israelis to the Palestinians, saying that when they take decisions or form patriotic organisations to seek their freedom, the occupation will use aggression to try and stop us," he said.

On its website, Addameer said that the raid, in which computers were confiscated and office furniture and equipment were destroyed, is the first raid of the organisation's offices since Ramallah was invaded in 2002.

"At this moment, we are not clear as to what has been confiscated, but in the coming days we will know more about the level of destruction

and damage," the statement read.

The Israeli military did not immediately comment.

The West Bank has seen mounting clashes between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian protesters, leaving two Palestinians dead since the launch on November 14 of an eight-day Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip.

Bahrain activist Nabeel Rajab's prison sentence reduced

Philippine typhoon toll passes 700

he court upheld Mr Rajab's conviction for encouraging "illegal gatherings".

His lawyer, Mohammed al-Jishi, told the Associated Press that he was cleared of a charge of insulting police.

Mr Rajab, head of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, has been a leader of the pro-democracy protests which have rocked the kingdom since February 2011.

The 48-year-old is also one of the most well-known activists in the Arab world, with more than 185,000 followers on Twitter.

Mr Rajab's wife, Sumaya, said she had spoken to him briefly in court on Tuesday after the appeal against his conviction was rejected.

"He told me he was not expecting two years. He was thinking that they would release him," she told the BBC. On Sunday, US Assistant Secretary of State Michael Posner urged the authorities to "drop charges against all persons accused of offenses involving nonviolent political expression and freedom of assembly".

The next day, another activist, Zainab al-Khawaja, was sentenced a month in prison for entering the "prohibited area" of the former site of Manama's Pearl Roundabout - the focus of last year's unrest.

he death toll of Typhoon Bopha in the Philippines has exceeded 700 and hundreds of people are still missing, the government has said.

Typhoon Bopha unleashed floods and landslides across the main southern island of Mindanao on December 4, obliterating entire communities.

At least 714 people were killed, making the typhoon the deadliest natural disaster in the Philippines since a tropical storm killed more than 1,200 people last year.

The civil defence office said that around 115,000 houses have been destroyed, and more than 116,000 people remain in government shelter as they are likely to wait months for new housing to be constructed.

The government said that a total of 890 people remain missing, many of them include at least 313 deep sea fishermen who are feared lost at sea.

Marga Ortigas reporting from the Compostela Valley, one of the worst affected areas in the country's south, said that people there were "overwhelmed" by the typhoon.

She said that evacuation warnings were sounded, but because the area was not used to experiencing typhoons as strong as Bopha, "many people did not understand what the warnings meant".

"By the time many of the people thought to evacuate their homes, it was too late."

On Monday, the Philippines government and the United Nations launched a $65m global appeal for help, as at least 5.4 million people desperately need food and water.

Luiza Carvalho, country officer for the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said that the funds would initially help provide food, water and emergency shelter to 480,000 people in the worst-hit areas.

"This is a scale the Philippines has not previously seen, we're talking about tens of thousands of homes destroyed across southeast Mindanao," Joe Curry of Catholic Relief Service said.

Nearly 400,000 people, mostly from Compostela Valley and nearby Davao Oriental province, have lost their homes and are crowded inside evacuation centres or staying with relatives.

"In my 15 years of service to the Red Cross, I have not seen such great destruction and devastation," Gwendolyn Pang, secretary general of the Philippine Red Cross, lamented.

"Almost everyone there is homeless, there is no clean water ... there is very limited medical care."

Families and fishing companies reported losing contact with more than 313 fishermen at sea.

T

T

Addameer employees found computer hard drives confiscated after a pre-dawn raid by Israeli soldiers.

Death for three plane hijackers in China's Xinjiang

An appeals court in Bahrain has reduced the prison sentence handed to prominent human rights activist Nabeel Rajab from three years to two.

court in China's restive Xinjiang region has sentenced three men to death for attempting to hijack a plane in June, state-run media report.

The court also found a fourth man guilty of the incident and jailed him for life, says Xinhua news agency.

The short report gave no further details of the hijack incident.

In June, state media reported a hijacking in Xinjiang on a Tianjin airlines plane from Hotan bound for Urumqi.

In that incident state media reported that police detained six hijackers, members of the Muslim Uighur minority.

Two of those hijackers were reported by the Global Times newspaper to have died from injuries sustained in a fight as they tried to break into the plane's cockpit.

Almost half of Xinjiang's residents are Uighurs, a Muslim minority group with cultural and ethnic links to Central Asia.

Aerial view of some of the 115,000 homes destroyed by Typhoon Bopha

A

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

PAGE 35

Stolen Porsche headlights in Amsterdam reportedly being used to grow marijuana

A

fter a rash of recent thefts in Amsterdam, many are questioning whether there is a specific reason why thieves are only stealing Porsche headlights, rather than other parts of the vehicle.

One explanation is that marijuana growers are targeting Porsches for their distinctive high-intensity discharge xenon lamps, or HID headlights, which could provide what AutoBlog calls "ideal lighting solutions" for growing the plant indoors.

The energy-efficient headlights are attractive lighting options for marijuana growers since they have the ability the give off high heat while using little power.

According to the Guardian, 35 headlights have been reported stolen from Cayenne and

Panamera models in Amsterdam in recent months. In a video released last month, a man is seen sneaking into a Dutch Porsche owner's yard, quickly disassembling both front headlights and making off with the parts.

While Porsche headlights are not the only xenon lamps being stolen in Amsterdam, they be may targeted because of the ease of theft. In October, a Florida Circuit Court judge granted hundreds of Porsche owners class action in a lawsuit alleging the headlights are too easy to steal.

Under The Netherlands' Opium Act, the cultivation of cannabis is illegal in Amsterdam, even if selling it in cannabis coffee shops isn't.

The Porsche is a leading high performance car globally.

Strange well-dressed monkey storms Ikea A

Dutchman launches lifesized replica of Noah's ark

A

popular furniture store in Canada was the scene of some monkey business on Sunday.

Shoppers at an Ikea store in Toronto were greeted by a tiny monkey in a shearling coat and diaper who caused quite a stir, the CBC reported. Photos of the sighting went viral on Twitter where at least two parody accounts were created on the microblogging site within hours.

"It would start monkey screaming," Ikea shopper Stephanie Yim told the CBC of

the spectacle. "It seemed like it was screaming around for someone it knew."

Fellow shopper Lisa Lin was also caught off guard.

"It was pretty surreal," Lin said. "I thought 'Is that really a monkey?' Who brings a monkey to Ikea?"

The animal was spotted at the store's parking garage around 2 p.m., according to The Toronto Star. The seven-month old monkey had managed to unlock his crate, open his owner's car door and wander around the parking

lot until employees and the police ushered it into the store and waited for animal services to arrive.

"It was pretty scared," Sergeant Ed Dzingala told the CBC. "It was a tame monkey.

Nobody got hurt. The monkey was a little scared, that's all."

Animal services identified the monkey as a rhesus macaque, an Asian specie that is illegal in Toronto. The owners, who came forward to claim the monkey just after 5 p.m., were fined $200 for owning a prohibited animal, the Star reported.

full-scale replica of Noah's Ark has opened its doors to the public in the Netherlands.

Stormy weather Monday could do nothing to dampen the good mood of its creator, Dutchman Johan Huibers.

In fact, the rain was appropriate.

In the Biblical story, God orders Noah to build a boat big enough to save animals and Noah's family while

Earth is covered in an enormous flood.

Johan interpreted the description given in Genesis to build his ark. It measures in at a whopping 130 meters (427 feet) long, 29 meters (95 feet) across and 23 meters (75 feet) high.

Huibers says he realized a 20-year dream to educate people about history and faith. The ark has received permission to receive up to 3,000 visitors a day.

Johan Huibers, bottom right, poses, after being asked by a photographer to go outside, with a stuffed tiger in front of the full scale replica of Noah's Ark in Dordrecht, Netherlands.

Woman takes picture of herself on mobile phone stolen at nightclub then unwittingly sends it to owner

A

The monkey in a parking lot wearing a coat and diaper.

woman has unwittingly taken a picture of herself on a stolen iPhone that has then been sent to its rightful owner.

With a downloaded app, the owner was able to take a photo of the woman as she tried to unlock the ÂŁ319 mobile phone, as well as map the phone's location after it was stolen from the Coalition nightclub in Brighton, East Sussex earlier this month.

The owner, armed with the information and the photo emailed to them by the app, called Sussex Police.

The dark-haired woman appeared

to be sitting in a car as she tried to access the white iPhone 4.

Suspected thief

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

Harmattan: Medical practitioner urges people to keep environment warm

D

r Hamza Jatto, a practitioner with Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kudu in Jigawa, has urged residents to keep their environment warm during the harmattan to avoid respiratory

infections.

Jatto told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse that harmattan was usually associated with extreme cold and haze which often caused respiratory tract infections.

“Harmattan exposes people to all forms of respiratory infections such as pneumonia, sinusitis, bronchitis and common cold and other cold related diseases.”

The medical practitioner

advised people to wear warm clothing, keep windows and doors closed as well as form the habit of taking warm and moderate temperature of food and drinks.

He enjoined parents to dress

their children properly because they were more susceptible to infections arising from cold.

Jatto stated that children’s temperature regulation was poor when compared to that of adults. (NAN)

the condition, according to the report.

The excess risk is much higher among people with rarer Type 1 diabetes, which accounts for 10 per cent of all cases of the disorder.

People with the more common Type 2 diabetes have a 36 per cent excess risk.

Charity Diabetes UK has urged the NHS to take urgent action to prevent diabetes-related heart disease on the back of the findings.

Chief executive Barbara Young said: ‘The finding that people with diabetes are almost 50 per cent more likely to have a heart attack is shocking and this is one of the main reasons many thousands of people with the condition are dying before their time.

‘It is a tragedy that a large proportion of these thousands of extra heart attacks could have been prevented simply through better education, treatment and care.

‘We hope this report spurs the NHS into action to improve the current situation where fewer than half of people with diabetes meet the recommended

cholesterol levels and a significant minority are not even having it measured.

‘We want everyone with diabetes to get their cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose

checked once a year, and for this to be the start of a process of supporting the person to achieve healthy levels of these,’ she said.

‘Unless this happens, people with diabetes will continue to be

at much greater risk of heart attacks.’

Professor Peter Weissberg, medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said the figures showed the biggest problem with diabetes was the condition’s ‘devastating’ effect on the heart and circulation.

He said it was necessary to tackle increasing levels of obesity in British society in order to help prevent diabetes from occurring in the first place.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: ‘People with diabetes should be able to expect excellent care from the NHS and they will get it more consistently in future.

‘I know there has been progress, but there is still unacceptable variation and we are determined to put that right.

‘We want to make sure that people living with diabetes are given the care and support they need, and this audit will help us do this,’ he added.

In the UK, there are 3.7 million people with diabetes, including an estimated 850,000 people who have Type 2 diabetes but do not know it.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Diabetics are almost 50% more likely to have a heart attack

P

eople with diabetes are almost 50 per cent more likely to have a heart attack than those who do not have the condition, new research has shown.

Almost 14,500 diabetics suffered a heart attack in England and Wales between 2010 and 2011 - 4,700 more cases than expected.

The National Diabetes Audit also revealed sufferers are at greater risk of heart failure and other potentially fatal conditions including angina and strokes.

The report - which shows the extent to which people with diabetes are dying earlier and developing more health problems than the rest of the population - suggests diabetics are 48 per cent more likely to have a heart attack, and 65 per cent more likely to have heart failure.

Between 2010 and 2011, 17,900 diabetics suffered from a stroke, 9,800 needed a kidney transplant or dialysis and 1,700 needed a ‘major amputation’, figures indicate.

Diabetics were also at a higher risk of death than people without

Risk: Diabetes sufferers are almost 50 per cent more likely to have a heart attack than people without the condition, a new study has shown

Cognitive behavioural therapy ‘can reduce depression’

C

ognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can reduce symptoms of depression in people who fail to respond to drug treatment, says a study in the Lancet.

CBT, a type of psychotherapy, was found to benefit nearly half of the 234 patients who received it combined with normal care from their GP. Up to two-thirds of people with depression do not respond to antidepressants.

Patients should have access to a range of treatments, the charity Mind said.

CBT is a form of talking psychotherapy to help people with depression change the way they think to improve how they feel and alter their behaviour.

The study followed 469 patients with treatment-resistant depression picked from GP practices in Bristol, Exeter and Glasgow over 12 months.

One group of patients continued with their usual care from their GP, which could include anti-depressant medication, while the second group was also treated with CBT. After six months, researchers found 46% of those who had received CBT reported at least a

50% reduction in their symptoms.

This compared with 22% experiencing the same reduction in the other group.

The study concluded CBT was effective in reducing symptoms and improving patients’ quality of life. The improvements had been maintained for a period of 12 months, it added.

Other options

Dr Nicola Wiles, from the Centre for Mental Health, Addiction and Suicide Research at the University of Bristol, said: “While the addition of CBT was effective for patients who had not responded to anti-depressants, not everyone who received CBT got better. These patients had severe and chronic depression so it is unlikely that one treatment would be effective for everyone.”

“We need to invest in other research to find alternative treatments for patients whose symptoms have not responded to treatment with antidepressants.”

The patients who did benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy spent one hour a week with a clinical psychologist learning skills to help change the way they think.

Chris Williams, professor of psychosocial psychiatry at the University of Glasgow, and part of the research team, said: “The research used a CBT intervention alongside treatment with antidepressants. It confirms how these approaches - the psychological and physical - can complement each other.

“It was also encouraging because we found the approach worked to good effect across a wide range of people of different ages and living in a variety of settings.”

Paul Farmer, chief executive at the mental health charity Mind, said there was no “one size fits all” treatment for people with mental health problems.

“We welcome this research because it recognises that patients should have the right to a wide range of treatment options based on individual needs,” he said.

“Initiatives such as the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme has helped to ensure that more treatment options are available for conditions such as depression, however, we know that there still is a huge difference between what treatment people want and what they actually get.”

Source: BBCNews.com

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

PAGE 37

Yuguda is surrounded by praise singers, says Narabi INTERVIEW

W

hy have you remained silent on the political development of Bauchi state since the emergence of Governor Isa Yuguda in 2007?

My role in the revolution materialized and I had to return to my professional calling. In the revolution, I was given a specific assignment which I accomplished with pride. I was not interested in participating in the Yuguda administration even though, I was offered a political appointment at the beginning which I turned down and opted out. Since then, we have been watching as events unfold themselves.

I have no regrets for the role I played in 2007. My role was in the interest of Bauchi State.

Are you satisfied with the performance of the administration?

Well to an extent yes, because majority of those that staked their lives for the revolution are grumbling and expressing their feelings on its performance. In as much as we are not regretting our action, but we are not fully satisfied with the way things are going. We are aware of the determination of Governor Yuguda to excel but we suspect his aides are derailing his efforts.

The administration has achieved a lot within its first tenure perhaps due to the commitment of some of his aides at that time who have now deserted the a d m i n i s t r a t i o n .

Unfortunately before the 2011 elections, things started falling apart as if the centre can no longer hold. Political parasites and miscreants had their way into the administration without the consent of the Governor.

These include those we defeated at the 2007 elections who planned all sorts of evils against our cause.

They have systematically reemerged at the scene and hijacked the administration to their advantage.

In such a situation, things can never improve because of the presence of pretenders and opportunists. The situation has not improved since then.

Babangida Muhammed Isa-Narabi, a journalist, who worked hard for the emergence of Governor Isa Yuguda in 2007 in this interview with our Buachi Correspondent, Ahmed Kaigama, appraises the administration of the Bauchi state governor and submits that he surrounds himself with political bootlickers who are not helping him in the delivery of democratic dividends to the people. affairs. Let Governor Yuguda take a cue and effect the necessary corrections at this material time. As 2015 draws closer, Governor Yuguda should be mindful of his exit and prepare for it adequately.

But I fear, if the present team is retained to the end, his exit may not be smooth as I see things.

Were you part of the administration at any given time?

Yes I was. At the beginning, I was a Special Assistant to the governor on Youth Affairs. I resigned the appointment within two months and returned to where I rightly belong to practice my profession.

Not that I suspected anything but I felt I was not the right person for such an appointment. I had to resign to return to what I was trained to do.

Babangida Muhammed Isa-Narabi,

Are you suspecting any foul play?

Definitely there must be.

The governor battles every hour of the day to correct certain wrongs artificially created by some of his aides to derail his efforts. Yuguda has over the years suffered several humiliations created by the very people that are expected to support his efforts. Several loopholes were blocked by the governor against those with itchy hands.

I pity the governor for not having the real people to support his efforts. At any rate, he has justified his mandate. We are proud of his achievements.

But

what

are

you

suggesting as the way out?

Honestly, if I may suggest, he should re-organize his administration and flush out those pretenders that surround him. Most of those surrounding the Governor are bereft of ideas to support his dream to reality. As a leader, he is not expected to be surrounded by praise singers and yes men. What he needs are serious minded technocrats who possess the experience and zeal to serve; not political opportunists and praise singers. We are living witnesses to how Governor Mu'azu was deceived and treated at the end of his administration by some of those that sung his praises when he was at the helm of

Were you one of those who fought Mu'azu?

Yes I opposed Mu'azu and the PDP in 2007 as a point of patriotism because of the imposition of a candidate against the wish of the majority. My service was engaged by the Yuguda Campaign Organization and I played my part well and left when the ovation was loud. I had no grudge against the Mu'azu administration only that I was engaged by the Yuguda organization for a specific assignment which tallied with my ideology in politics. Mind you, it was not a monetary engagement but ideological engagement. I was convinced with the ideology of Yuguda organization and the sincerity exhibited by most of those in the fore front of the struggle.

Were you all in the struggle compensated?

Some of those involved were compensated by the administration. While some are still occupying positions in the administration. As the administration progressed, some resigned and opted or were flushed out for incompetence or otherwise.

As 2015 draw nearer who is your prospective gbernatorial cndidate Several gubernatorial aspirants have already indicated interest for the 2015 race but from the list so far, it appears the serious ones are yet to declare. What we have for now are jokers in such of recognition. Some of them are spoilers on a mission. Let us wait for the real time. But from my own personal assessment of the situation, Bauchi State has no room for political jokers and errand boys. The race is for serious politicians that have excelled in service delivery over the years. There are many of such politicians in the State.

Who are those jokers and the serious ones yet to declare?

It may not be wise to declare any person as a joker on the pages of a newspaper at this stage but I have seen some funny posters pasted along major streets in Bauchi metropolis and other towns of possible aspirants. If those seen are gubernatorial aspirants, we are definitely waiting for the serious ones.

Who do you think is enjoying Yuguda's support among the contenders That I cannot say because Yuguda has kept his support to his chest. We have been trying to know his direction but it is still a secret. We shall know it later perhaps when it is ripe.

Will the youth support Yuguda's choice?

That depends on the person involved but definitely we shall not support imposition. We have to be convinced beyond doubt of the credibility of the anointed. Yuguda's choice may not be the right one. But we are sure he may not attempt to impose any person for the race since he was a victim of such injustice in 2007. We are monitoring events.

PAGE 38

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

Shekarau responsible for ANPP failure in Kano, says Dan-Agundi From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

A

L-R: Director General of NESREA, Dr Ngeri Benebo, Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Hon. Uche Ekwunife, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mr Taye Haruna, during 6th NESREA stakeholders forum, recently in Abuja.

2015: Senator tasks ACN members on unity From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

T

he Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Senator Ayo Adeseun, has charged members of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Oyo State to unite and make the party stronger ahead of the next general elections.

Senator Adeseun gave the charge yesterday while speaking at the formal inauguration of the new executive council of the party

in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

According to the Senator, it is only with unity and cohesion that the party can be put in a good stead to perform more brilliantly in the forthcoming elections in the state.

Also speaking at the occasion, a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Fatai Buhari, assured the people of the state to expect more dividends of democracy, given the calibre of political office holders and their

brilliant performance.

The State Chairman of the party, Chief Akin Oke, called on party faithful at the occasion held at Jegbe Town Hall in Ikoyi-Ile, headquarters of Oriire Local Government Council, to support the new executive members.

Earlier, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the local government, Mr. Jacob Bamigboye commended the party leaders in the state for their conduct, calling on party

members to continue to support them.

At the event, a Toyota Camry Car and a N250,000 cheque were presented by Senator Adeseun to the outgoing party chairman in the council, Alhaji Husseni Alao for his contributions to the development of the party.

The party executive is headed

by Mr. Ismaila Adetunji, with Messrs. Kamaldeen Alao and Thomas Areo as Deputy Chairman and Secretary respectively.

We are too focused to be distracted- Wada From Sam Egwu, lokoja

T

he governor of Kogi state, Captain Idris Wada, has said he would not be distracted by what he described as baseless allegations against his administration, targeted at derailing him.

According him, "My team is focused on bringing about a better Kogi state that can compete favourably with any other state in Nigeria" adding, "we are too focused to be distracted" Wada who disclosed this during

an interaction with the correspondent chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalist, in Lokoja, listed the major policy trust of his administration to include agriculture, semi and medium scale industrial development, investment in road rehabilitation/ construction and comprehensive youths and women development programmes.

He warned that his administration would not take kindly to issues of corruption and wastages in government and called on Kogi indigenes both at

home and in diaspora to join hands with him to build a more prosperous state.

"As for me I would not be corrupt. I want to once again assure the people that I would not take kindly with any reported cases of corruption irrespective of who was affected, so I call on all our people to join me to build a more prosperous kogi state" Wada stated.

Speaking further, Wada promised better working relationship with journalists in the state through continued support

by way of creating an enable environment for their practice.

He said while his administration welcomes constructive criticism which is aimed at bringing development to the state, he noted that the recent orchestrated media war on him was uncalled for.

According to him, the 2013 appropriation was realistically put together to meet the yearning and aspirations of the Kogi people who are craving daily for development, good governance and better welfare packaged.

Group urges Judge to hasten judgment on Katsina CPC, Nass dispute suit From Chris Alu, Katsina

J

ustice Gladys Oputu of the Federal High Court 3 has been urged not to delay the judgment on the suit brought before it by members of the Senator Lado faction of the CPC who were removed from office by the leadership of the National Assembly in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Act INEC based on the Supreme Court Judgment of December 16th 2011 whose interpretation they

believed, did not justify their removal from office.

National President of the Katsina Good Governance Forum, Farouk Ismaila, said any delay in the judgment which was scheduled to have been delivered Tuesday 4th December, will be misinterpreted by a lot of people in the state who are pained by the time the case is taking, hence the need for the Judge not to delay in making her judgment known.

Ismaila also said the legal

issues surrounding the National Assembly seats in the state was taking its toll on proper representation of Katsina in the National Assembly saying that the state has never had it this bad.

The Katsina Good Governance Forum said it is regrettable that this ungodly conspiracy hatched by the Masari faction alongside some elements of the PDP should be allowed to stay.

He also stressed their belief that the judiciary will do a good job so as to show its desire to ensure that the will of the people

will always prevail. The Forum also said that it is regrettable that despite all the efforts the Lado group put in to build the party in the state, persons who wouldn't have won the elections are now occupying the parliamentary positions.

The group also said the representations in the Nass today is pitiable ''especially considering the fact that they know that they came to office not through popular will but through the conspiracy of a microscopic few'' said Farouk Ismaila.

lhaji Baffa Dan-Agundi, a chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN ) in Kano has said that the former governor of Kano, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau, should be blamed for the failure of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) to win the governorship seat in the last 2011 elections in the state.

Dan-Agundi, who spoke to this reporter in Kano, said that the dearth of internal democracy in the ANPP was the sole reason the party performed woefully in the 2011 elections.

The former ANPP chieftain in the state said though a painful decision, he was forced to leave the party because of Shekarau's refusal to allow fairness in electing persons that should fly the party's flag in the 2011. He alleged that the 2011 ANPP Presidential candidate didn't allow internal democracy to flourish in the party because he has a candidate.

"You see the ANPP was the party I belonged to before I decamped to the Action Congress of Nigeria due to injustice meted on us. All interested candidates bought their forms to contest including the former Deputy Governor, Engnr. Abdullahi Tijjani Mohd Gwarzo. The then Governor of Kano state, Ibrahim Shekarau, refused to allow free and fair primary elections to be conducted in the party. They even refused to obey the directives given to them by the National Headquarters that delegates to elect governorship, state House of Assembly and House of Reps be elected by open congress.

"All our delegates were not allowed to even purchase forms which is bad. Like I told you that Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau insisted he wanted Salihu Sagir Takai as a governorship candidate. Even though he has the right to support Takai, but we said that he should allow free and fair election to take place but he refused. They replaced the delegates they know would not vote for Takai with the ones they believed would vote for him and eventually that was what cost them the election. The party (ANPP) failed everywhere; the party that used to have the majority in the state Assembly and House of Representatives are now in the minority and their votes are not needed in the Assembly because PDP already has more than 2/3. This is due to injustice done on itself by the leaders of the party," he stated.

Dan Agundi frowned at the those clamoring that INEC be vested with the powers to disqualify a candidate, saying that instead INEC should be deeply involved in the processes that brings a candidate and should disqualify a candidate if the processes are flawed.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

Poll: Ekweremadu hails Mahama, Ghanians

By Richard Ihediwa

S

peaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Ike Ekweremadu has commended the people of Ghana for once again living up to their rating as a beacon of democracy in the West Africa subregion.

The Senator stated this in a congratulatory message to the winner of Ghana's just-concluded presidential election and incumbent President, John Dramani Mahama.

Ekweremadu said: "I warmly congratulate you and the good people of Ghana for making the sub-region proud, once more, by re-enacting a peaceful, free, fair, and credible election.

"This success however goes beyond who won since it is neither an individual victory for Mr. President nor for Ghana alone, but a victory for democracy and integration for the entire people of West Africa.

"This, coming on the heels of a similar democratic consolidation in Sierra-Leone, counts as an additional momentum for democracy and a bold statement to the entire world that democracy and good governance has indeed come to stay in our sub-region," he declared.

While urging President Mahama to carry all Ghanaians along for the progress of the country irrespective of political inclinations, Ekweremadu congratulated the opposition for figting a tight race for the office of the President and charged them to join hands with President Mahama to continue to move their country forward.

Ex-Deputy gov. wants office scrapped

A

former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom, Mr Chris Ekpenyong, has called on the National Assembly to scrap the office of deputy governor.

Ekpenyong, who made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo on Tuesday, said that scrapping the office would eliminate the acrimony and bitterness between governors and their deputies.

Ekpenyong, who served as deputy governor during the administration of Obong Victor Attah, said that "governors are power-drunk and do not want to share their office with their deputies".

He said that those who drafted the 1999 Constitution never thought there would be a problem between governors and their deputies, noting that the aim of the makers of the constitution was that governors and their deputies would share duties without problem.

"That is why the constitution says you cannot be elected governor or president, unless you have somebody as an appendage as deputy or vice as the case may be," he said.

The former deputy governor said that a situation where a deputy governor must wait for the governor to assign responsibilities to his office was the major cause of the problem between the two offices.

He suggested that responsibilities should be spelt out for the office of the governor and his deputy in the constitution review process, or that the office should be scrapped forthwith.

PAGE 40

INEC out to kill PPA, Chairman cries out

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he National Chairman of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), Chief Ken Gbaligha Gbalikuma, yesterday raised that alarm that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has perfected plans with some estranged members of the party to kill it.

Briefing newsmen in Abuja yesterday, Gbalikuma alleged the INEC is encouraging factions in the party so as to enable it to be deregistered.

He alleged that in spite of the fact that he was the duly elected

Chairman of the party through a congress, the INEC has refused to call a certain Nkere who has been parading himself as the Chairman to order.

He said "A National Convention was initially scheduled to be held in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, but was rescheduled to Kaduna state following security concerns raised by chairmen of the 19 northern states. INEC was duly notified in writing at all stages of the planning up to the point of holding the convention, and all letters were acknowledged by the electoral body.

It is therefore disheartening that INEC is keeping quiet today in spite

of claims top the PPA leadership by Nkire."

He alleged that the INEC, in a bid to cause disaffection in the party allowed another special convention where it supervised activities in 2011. Gbalikuma wondered why INEC should allow such congress when it was actually the agency that supervised the convention that produced hm as the chairman.

He said "The electoral body is aware of the pending Abuja High Court Suit No FCH/ABJ/C5/781/ 2010 of November 11 2010 in which we sued a staff of the party who locked us out of the National Secretariat. We are still in court and INEC is a party

in the suit."

Asked whether the party would receive its founder, former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu back into the party having been rejected by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Gbalikuma said he would have to fulfill all constitutional requirements to be received back into the party.

While describing INEC's meddlesomeness in the party's activities as the manifestation of the Nigerian Factor, the chairman said it did not matter who registered that party in the first place as it has now achieved a life of it own and must be so treated.

L-R: President, Canadian Parliamentary Centre, Mr. Jean-Paul Ruszkowski, Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Khris Scooter, and Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, during their visit to the Deputy Speaker, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Enugu Assembly Speaker says Gov. Chime's prolonged absence normal

M

r Eugene Odo, the Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, says the prolonged absence of Gov. Sullivan Chime from the state is normal and constitutional.

Odo, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Tuesday, said the constitution was very silent on the number of days a governor or president could be absent from duty.

According to him, there is nothing in the constitution that stipulates the number of times a governor could be absent from office.

He noted that the constitution envisaged the possibility of a governor or president staying away from office, which led to the provision for the deputy governor or vice president who ordinarily stands-in for the former.

``The governor transmitted a letter before proceeding on vacation and the letter was accordingly read on the floor of the House as against the various speculations written in the media on which of course I'm not ready to join issues with anybody. ``So that is it. As regards what you are saying about the limit or number of days expected to stay, the constitution is very silent on that, so there is nothing in the constitution that stipulates the number of times the governor could be absent. ``But as it is in Enugu State, a letter was transmitted to the House where upon the House was asked to give necessary cooperation to the deputy governor, who is now acting as the governor.

``And accordingly, the deputy governor, who is now the acting governor has been acting; so the law presumes that once the governor is not there, the acting should be there, so that there will not be a vacuum in government and of course that is what is happening in Enugu State.''

He urged the people of the state to cooperate with the acting governor to provide democracy dividends and protect lives and property since the state does not belong to any individual alone.

On the autonomy of the legislature being canvassed in the ongoing constitutional amendment, Odo said the conference of speakers was championing the agitation to ensure that state legislatures were

autonomous.

He expressed the hope that with the support of all the 36 state assemblies, the agitation would be enshrined in the constitution since it had no negative impact on Nigerians.

The speaker said the conference of speakers had held workshops and meetings with members of the National Assembly on the matter and intended to meet with the governors' forum to solicit their support.

Odo said that in the last one legislative calendar year, which started from June 6, the assembly had passed 17 motions with some receiving the attention of the executive and others ignored while seven out of the nine bills passed have been assented to by the governor.

Abia Assembly summons 2 officials over publication

T

he Abia Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dr Eze Chikamnayo, and the Chief of Staff to the governor, Mr Cosmos Ndukwe, have appeared before the state assembly for alleged negative media reports.

The duo was invited to explain their roles in an alleged scandalous publication in a news magazine which portrayed Chikamnayo as a fraudulent and reckless government official.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the State Security Services (SSS) had earlier detained an Umuahia-based vendor, Mr Victor Onukire (alias Vimo) in connection with the circulation of the magazine.

A statement from Mr Martins Azubuike, the member representing Isiala Ngwa South, also invited one Uche Aja, the nominee for the Chairman of the transition committee in Ukwa East council, and Chika Ekpe, the Editor of Details magazine, to

appear before the assembly.

Mr Chidiebere Nwoke, the Chairman of the ad hoc committee handling the investigation, disallowed newsmen from covering the session, saying press coverage was not required at the commencement stage. ``This is an investigation by members of Abia House of Assembly.

We do not want the press from the first day of this meeting. ``If at this starting stage the press begins to write, the publication might

affect our investigations,'' he said.

The four-man committee includes Mr Mezie Nwaubani (PDPUkwa West), Mba Ukaha (PDPOhafia South) and Martins Azubuike (PDP-Isiala Ngwa South) who will serve as the secretary.

Some members of the Abia Patriotic Forum, a nongovernmental organisation, had petitioned the lawmakers over the publication. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

PAGE 39

Shettima fights insecurity with “green” guns

By Victor Izekor

W

“

ar has achieved nothing and will never achieve anything”.

Discuss”. This was one of the topics in the General Paper question sheet in the Higher School Certificate (HSC) examination conducted by the Cambridge University, London in the year 1967 in which was a candidate. The General Paper though at subsidiary level but, is compulsory for all candidates. With regards the above topic I glossed over it for another.

Wisdom demands of me to play safe not because the topic is a difficult one, but I chose not to dabble into a debate that is endless for or against. If war has achieved something, at what cost? If war has achieved nothing, then why the war in the first instance? Why not jaw, jaw and jaw instead of war, war and war. In most cases wars could end up in treaties and truce that are not permanent as either of the parties could subvert or renege depending. In short, any war or conflict that simply end up in treaties or truce without addressing the fundamentals that culminated into war or conflict is postponing the evil day as further chaos is evident.

Today, it is a public knowledge that Borno State, a one time “Home of Peace and Hospitality” is at war in various fronts with Governor Kashim Shettima and the people at the receiving ends.

There is the war from the Boko Haram insurgents, a perceived war of political colouration from a section of the political class and a war visited on the state and the people by the criminals or hoodlums. In all these Borno is worst off as hundreds if not thousands of lives have been lost and property worth billions of naira has been destroyed with ray of hope not readily in sight.

Governor Shettima believes that poverty, illiteracy and poor leadership were the main causes and catalysts that fuelled the security challenges. In short, the insecurity or wars that have bedevilled the northern states and Borno in particular is the resultant effect of the bane of the society. Therefore, to get at the meaningful solution to the existing problem, the cause or causes must be fully identified, appreciated and nib in the bud without prejudice to the carrot and stick approach presently in vogue to curing the effect. Without diagnosing the cause of the disease, the effective cure of the same might be illusive.

While the Federal Government has adopted the carrot and stick approach in addressing the present security impasse in the northern states, Governor Shettima is in addition adopting holistically a dialogue and “GREEN” guns approach to achieving the same goal in a more stable and permanent form. Shettima, a banker, politician, teacher, a graduate of agricultural economics and farmer strongly believe that an effective assault on poverty and ignorance will in turn reduce to minimal the present security challenge as most of the participants, especially the youths used by the unscrupulous groups or individuals to forment troubles would no longer be there for the unholy acts. According to Governor’s aide, “Shettima is of firm opinion that governance is about making sure citizens are economically empowered to create wealth for themselves, their families and then contribute to the overall economy of the society through value chain, in which wealth will spread from one productive person to another. By that, in the long

turn, no one would perpetually go and others on this venture. As the hungry and no one will be ready to government is planning an all year become a hired thug or an agent of agriculture, the Rain Fed Agriculture social vice” Shettima shared the view where rice and other crops would be of the experts that agriculture is the planted would commence by April/ greatest employer of the labour all over June 2013 when the wheat must have the world besides the assurance of food been harvested. Apart from employing security. With this conviction, thousands of youths in the farming of Governor Shettima since assumption of office has adopted which is now generally known as a “Green” guns approach to fighting insecurity in Borno. The “green” guns approach is a strategy for fighting poverty and by extension insecurity through agriculture instead of fighting the same with AK47 riffles and other assorted weapons. He fights the battle from the arable land of Borno as he deploys various arsenals into it via agriculture.

Shettima who pointed out on several occasions that Borno State has no business with poverty in the light of its fertile land and inexhaustible potentials has initiated on coming into office multi dimensional skills - acquisition schemes and various agricultural programmes and projects that are all Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state embracing targeting the farming population but, with emphasis various crops, the government insists on youths empowerment. Realizing that they must be exposed to the that some youths might have aversion techniques and farming procedures towards agriculture, the government since they have to be on their own has introduced various incentives to sooner than later.

Similarly, the state government has lure many into this sector. These include allowances during training sent the first batch of 50 graduates on a programmes and take of grants for self three month training on integrated agriculture in Kasetsat University, – sustain projects thereafter.

From the onset, Governor Thailand. While in Thailand, the Shettima constituted a 23 man students are expected to undergo Agriculture Transformation Team courses in vegetable farming, rice consisting of seasoned farmers, farming and processing, water technocrats, academicians and management and irrigation, pest agricultural scientists to overhaul and control and organic production as reinvigorate the agricultural sector of pesticides, fish farming and processing, the state. The team has so far proved poultry farming and bio gas electricity its worth as the members continued to generation and cassava plantation and advice and visited many countries all preservation. On coming home, each with a view for transforming the sector. graduate is expected to train at least 10, The state government went into 000 Borno citizens on his or her areas partnership with Chad Basin of specialization. This project cost the Development Authority by giving the government N80 million. Another establishment some heavy equipments batch of graduates is expected to leave and trucks of diesel to power machines for Egypt and Republic of Benin for for 2011/2012 cropping season. This similar courses. They will come back to resulted in the production of over 10, impact the knowledge so gained on 000 bags of wheat and thousand of thousands of Borno citizens. Borno state bags of onions which the government government has not lost sight of home bought over from the farmers at rates facilities as some of the youths are being advantageous to the famers. The wheat exposed to some of the established will be used as seeds to cultivate further agricultural institutions or farms in the 7, 000 hectares of wheat through the country. An example is Murtala Nyako’s same partnership with CBDA. In this Farms where about 100 Borno youths venture, thousands of youths were were trained in Agriculture. engaged. Similarly, for the 2012/2013 Within the state itself, The Poultry cropping season over 5,000 hectares Project Union (PPU) of the Government of land for wheat is expected to be has concluded entrepreneurship cultivated. Each family made up of at training of 220 youths in basic poultry least five members is expected to be keeping and management. The given 1.6 hectare of land for wheat government has pledged to assist them planting. While 3,5000 families are in starting their own small poultry expected to benefit, over 20,000 youths business. The PPU has been restocked are being employed for the exercise. and government has procured poultry 150,000 tons of wheat is expected for production equipment to boost poultry the 2012/2013 cropping season which farming in the State. The government amount to 5, 000 trailers of wheat. So has acquired a modern intermediate far, the state government has spent Fish hatchery and fish production unit.

N300 million excluding tractors, N50 This unit is capable of producing million on seeds excluding fertilizers millions of fingerlings for easy access to

farmers who hitherto had to wait for a longer period to obtained some for restocking of their farms outside the state. The fish/farm hatchery was used to train 211 of the youths recently who would soon be assisted to start their own small fish farm business.

As the government plans all year farming season, the existing dams are being put more effective to use, more being built while more sophisticated drilling machines for boreholes have been acquired for desert northern Borno. Within the first 100 days in office, Kashim administration drilled 100 boreholes and has since maintained the tempo.

Similarly, 500 youths are undergoing training in hydroform bricks making and assembling, roofing tiles making and assembling and interlocking tiles making and assembling aimed at building of classrooms and housing schemes. Practical training centers with hydroform and tiles making machines have been established at Gidan Mandara, Yerwa Girls College and the proposed State University along Kano road all, in Maiduguri. The trainees who are motivated have built ten classrooms at Yerwa Girls College in the State Capital from bricks they produced. They are currently building additional 10 more classrooms in Government College, Maiduguri and are expected to build more classrooms across the state. Also 120 youths have been trained on trycles repairs and provided with tools and are now employed. The newly established skills acquisition centers in Gubio and Maiduguri Metropolitan Councils have trained 135 and 200 youths respectively in tailoring, embroidery, knitting, carpentry, building, electrical works, wielding and hair dressing. Additional 600 fresh trainees have come on board in August 2012. So far over 4000 youths have been trained and equipped in various schemes with many still to benefit.

Side by side with the various government programmes on poverty alleviation is its policy through of providing a healthy and attractive agricultural atmosphere thrust provision of all round inputs at either subsidized rates or free to farmers to boost agriculture and ensuring food security. This is in addition to other liberal conditions to access funds for agricultural purposes.

Realizing that the farmers in the state are loosing heavily as a result of lack of equipments in the processing of most of the goods or raw materials produced in the state, Shettima administration has embarked on purchase of assorted equipments or machines that will help in the production of some raw materials to finished goods. This the administration believe will not only enhance food security, provide employment, boost production but will create awareness and interest in agriculture in addition to other multiplier effects. To this end, government has purchased about 600 units of assorted rice mills from the Republic of Thailand at the costs of N399, 916, 500 and other farm implements from Tanta Motors, Cairo in Egypt which include harrow,

ploughs, rotary slasher and others at the cost of N222, 402, 399. Besides, government has now made it a policy that any institution or organization, especially the technical ones that needs its patronage must where necessary establish a workshop in Maiduguri to train the indigenes as well provide employment. According to the governor’s aide, “the process of bringing in more machines and facilities that will encourage locally the production of finished goods is a continuous process”.

Today and barely eighteen months in office the “Green” guns approach of Shettima is gradually yielding dividends and there is a positive pointer or indicator that “all is well that ends well”.

Apart from massive mobilization especially of youths, the acceptance by the youths concerned to embrace various agricultural poverty alleviation programmes of the administration is indeed an impetus or catalyst galvanizing the administration of Shettima into further action and outlets to engage the willing youths. If this well articulated “Green” guns revolution continues in the upward trend as presently obtained, sustained and maintained, politicians in future elections looking for thugs will be disappointed for the recruits might not be available. Similarly, others with ill motive who want to engage the services of the innocent youths to commit crimes will have to look beyond Borno as sooner than later, the youths would have their hands full – thanks to Governor Shettima poverty alleviation drive.

The “Green” guns disposition of Shettima’s administration is yielding dividends and receiving applause from various institutions, organizations and individuals. For example, Chief Audu Ogbeh, the former national Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Minister for Agriculture as well as a renowned agriculturist pointed out that Governor Shettima has adopted stratified measures to build Borno economy and create jobs in the state through agriculture. He noted that the measures would in the long run engage restive youths and curtailed the disposition for violence. Chief Ogbeh who was speaking in Abuja declared “I can speak for Borno, that perhaps there is more hope than many other states because what the governor is doing and in which I am involved creating wealth through agriculture and agro processing. And I think that programme of his if pursued faithfully for the next two year will create changes that will amaze Nigerians. Here is a governor who is starting a programme to cultivate 150, 000 hectares of rice in partnership with farmers in the state.

Here is a governor who is starting a massive groundnut oil production in the state”. Ogbeh added that he was in Borno on several occasions and know what the government is working on. In his own remarks, Mr. Patrick Asago, a Legislator in the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Technical Sub Committee on Health Investigating the VAMED project said in Maiduguri that Shettima is working despite security challenges.

He commended the governor for “living above board” despite the obstacles. In his words “we have seen well laid out streets and rehabilitation works going on. We know what the (Federal) allocations are.”

Victor Izekor wrote from Maiduguri <v.izekor@yahoo.com>

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

PAGE 41

Mikel eyes another Chelsea history

Ambrose brings Xmas Portugal aim to win cheer to hospital Copa Lagos

B

razil has been considered the planet’s finest beach soccer side for years now, in pure talent terms Portugal are not far behind.

Indeed, it was the Portuguese who inflicted Brazil’s only defeat in FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup history, when sinking A Seleção at the semi-final stage of the inaugural 2005 tournament.

In 2001 Madjer, Alan, Hernani and Co also became the only side apart from Brazil to win the competition’s predecessor, the Beach Soccer World Championship, with A Verde e Amarelo taking the title at the nine other editions.

Portugal boasts a lethal combination of talent and vast international tournament experience in the trio of Madjer, Alan and Belchior.

Euro Beach Soccer League champions in 2010 and runners-up at European qualifying for Ravenna/Italy 2011 where they were beaten 4-2 by Ukraine in the final coach Ze Miguel’s charges are definitively among the contenders for this year’s global crown.

The special skills and talents of Madjer and Alan make them indispensable to the cause.

With one eye on the future, an effort has been made to start blooding younger players such as Rui Coimbra and 20-year-old attacker Jordan.

Nigeria will need to be at their best to overcome Portugal at Copa Lagos 2012.

Nigeria international defender Efe Ambrose has delivered Christmas gifts at the Yorkhill Children’s Hospital in the spirit of the season.

“It’s a thing of joy for me to put a smile on the faces of patients in the spirit of Christmas. I love children and making them happy excites me. It was a wonderful atmosphere. I believe this visit will hasten their recovery,” Ambrose said.

Former Ashdod of Israel defender was among Celtic players like Captain Scott Brown, Joe Ledley, Kelvin Wilson, Adam Matthews, Emilio Izaguirre and Lassad who toured round the wards.

During their visit, the players met with patients and their friends and family while handing out early Christmas presents.

Every year, the Celts make the journey to the Glasgow hospital to meet the young Hoops who don’t have the chance to make it home for Christmas.

M Efe Ambrose

NPL congress fire Baribote, pick Feb 16 as kicks-off date Stories by Albert Akota

T

he Nigeria premier league (NPL) congress have sacked the Victor Baribote board and proposed February 16 as the kick-off date for the new season.

The congress bemoaned the poor state of the NPL, executive rascality, gross incompetence and lack of sponsors.

In place of the board, the secretariat headed by executive secretary Tunji Babalola will run the affairs of the league body.

The congress also said the traditional pre-season tournament, the Super Four, will be hosted by Kano and reversed the expulsion of Ocean Boys from the league.

The ban on NPL executive Akin Akinbobola has been quashed, so also the lifting of

the suspension of Okey Kpaloku of Sharks and Farouk Yarma from Gombe United.

The congress of the NFF in Port Harcourt tomorrow is expected to ratify these decisions.

Victor Baribote

The congress, which met with 19 of the 20 clubs represented, had Nigeria Football Federation executive committee members Shehu Adamu, Yahaya Kwande and Emeka Inyama in attendance as observers.

Niger Tornadoes were the only club not represented at the congress.

The meeting of the league clubs was held under tight security at the Prixair Hotel in Zone 6, Abuja.

This was a day after the NPL board announced that the congress will no longer take place.

The board instead directed that Baribote step down as NPL chairman with vice-chairman Shehu Gusau to act as chairman, while a three-man committee is to probe the crisis of confidence that has plagued the league body.

ikel Obi has said he wishes to win a firstever FIFA Club World Cup with Chelsea in Japan.

‘The Blues’ will take on Monterrey of Mexico in the semi-final of the Club World Cup tomorrow.

The Nigeria midfielder was in the Chelsea team who won an historic UEFA Champions league in May and he now wants to add another page to the history books.

“I am happy to be in Japan with my team to compete in the Club World Cup. This is the first time Chelsea is playing in this competition and I hope to win it with them. I ready to contribute my quota to making another history here in Japan,” he said.

Mikel said he was overwhelmed by the rousing welcome Chelsea enjoyed on arrival in Japan for the competition.

“It was a great experience.

They really appreciate us. It was a good welcome, we will do our best to make these fans happy as we aim to win the trophy,” Mikel said.

Besides winning a first-ever Champions League trophy with Chelsea, Mikel has also won a league and FA Cup double with the London club.

The Nigeria international is serving out a three-match ban in England, but that does not affect his participation in the Club World Cup.

NFF satisfied with NPL congress

T

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed satisfaction with yesterday’s Nigeria Premier League (NPL) congress held in Abuja.

One of the three observers from the NFF, Emeka Inyama

said that he is content with the procedure and organisation of the NPL congress.

He added that the NFF observing team, which included Shehu Adamu and Suleiman Yahaya Kwande, will report back to the football federation.

“Well as an observer I don’t think I have much to say. The communique for the NPL congress is already out and we just did our jobs as observers.

But I’m satisfied with the procedure of the (NPL) congress as witnessed.

Alhaji Aminu Maigari

Maigari contests CAF exco post

T Alan, Hernani

he President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Alhaji Aminu Maigari will contest for a place on the CAF executive committee next year.

According to CAF, Maigari is one of three candidates who will seek to replace outgoing

Amos Adamu at next year’s ordinary general assembly.

The other candidates to contest against Maigari are Benin FA boss Anjorin Moucharafou and his Niger counterpart, Hima Souley.

Maigari is on his second-term

on the executive committee of the NFF. The vacancy is for West Africa B, which has Benin, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Togo, Burkina Faso and Niger.

CAF president Issa Hayatou is the only candidate for his

position at the next general assembly, while South Africa’s Danny Jordan will again attempt to get on the CAF board after he failed to do so previously.

Hayatou was first elected CAF boss in 1988.

PAGE 42

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

NPL congress declares 2011/2012 season worst in history

T

he Congress of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL), yesterday passed a damming verdict on the league, concluding that it was the worst in the history of the competition.

The body’s position was contained in a communiqué read by the Chairman, Communiqué Drafting Committee, Salihu Aluko, at the end of the 7 th Congress of NPL in Abuja.

The congress noted that the 2011/2012 season was the worst organised since the inception of the league in 2005.

“The congress deliberated on

Dominic Iorfa, vice chairman Lobi star of Makurdi

12-12 Polo turf club unveil 5 trophies today Stories by Albert Akota

A

buja residents and environs will witness the unveiling of the 12-12 Polo and turf club’s five trophies today at Gwarinpa

Hill.

The club which is the first of its kind in the city of Abuja and the country has since been rated among the best clubs in the world.

According to a released signed by Nuhu Sani, said the club’s ground consist of Polo field,

a race track, stables, a club house and offices which will serve both local and International polo and horse racing events.

The statement further said that the second face of the 12-12 polo and turf club include a training polo field, horse riding academy, an equestrian centre with a gymnastic house, restaurants, café, lounges, swimming pool, Squash court, veterinary centre, shops and staff quarters and when completed the club will be a major employer of labour in the capital.

Abuja 2012 Polo tournament

the state of the league, especially the just-concluded 2011/2012 season and agreed that it was the worst organised since the inception of the NPL in 2005.

“Congress frowned at the management style of the current board and expressed total disappointment in its inability to positively react to series of allegations against it,’’ he said.

Aluko said that the board was accused of managerial recklessness, executive rascality, high handedness, disrespect for clubs, refusal to call for congress, failure to secure a title sponsor for the league and gross incompetence.

Aluko said that the congress invoked Article 22(n) and unanimously resolved that the board which was an organ of the NPL as constituted be dissolved immediately.

The board mandated the acting executive secretary to take over the affairs of the league pending further directives from the Nigeria Football Association,’’ Aluko

said.

He also said that the decision of the board to expel Ocean Boys FC from the league lacked due process and was reversed by the congress.

Aluko described the congress’ nullification and suspension of Okey Kpalukwu and Malam Farouk Yarma by the board chairman from NPL activities as not being in line with the NPL statutes and declared it null and void.

He added that it formally admitted the three newly promoted clubs El-Kanemi Warriors FC, Nasarawa Utd FC and Bayelsa Utd FC, expressing optimism for a hitch-free 2012/2013 season.

The chairman said that the 2012/2013 league season should commence on the Feb. 16, 2013 with the pre-season activities, noting that the draws would hold in Kano at a date yet to be announced.

The 19 premier league clubs that took part in the 2011/ 2012 league were in attendance and three executive board members of NFF.

Polo club plans to empower girls through beauty pageants

T

he Polo Sport Modeling Agency (PSMA) yesterday said the agency would use beauty pageant as a strategy to empower girls so as to dissuade them from prostitution.

Mr Odafe Atogun, Managing Partner of the club, while briefing newsmen in Abuja, said information available to the agency suggested that must young girls were lured into prostitution without knowing it.

He also identified poverty as a driven force that promotes the trade.

“It is not difficult to trace the cause of the drift that ultimately claims their future, it is simply poverty.

“While many Nigerian girls are pitiably poor, only a few have the strength of character to rise above poverty to become successful in life.

“For the countless numbers that are trapped by the destructive drift into prostitution, we have a simple message, every girl can rise above poverty with dignity, which forms the theme of the pageants,’’ he said.

Atogun said the club

intended to reach the less privileged and would ensure that they were not exploited.

He said the agency aimed to make Miss Polo Pageant a regular part of polo tournaments across the country, such that every tournament would produce a “Miss Polo.

He said the pageant was expected to leverage on the glamour and power associated with the game of polo to champion the cause of the Nigeria girl through sports modeling.

Atogun said that the first edition of the polo pageant would take place at the forthcoming Port Harcourt Polo Tournament on Jan. 18, 2013.

He pledged the support of the agency to end the ugly trend of prostitution in Nigeria, stressing that girls and women must be able to aspire for success without being subjected to any form of indignity.

Peoples Daily Sports learnt that Polo is currently played in over 77 countries, and its origin dates back to ancient Persia, where it was invented and popularized.

We need Adebayo for AFCON – Ayite

T

ogo midfielder Floyd Ayite says the return of striker Emmanuel Adebayor to the fold helped them to qualify for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Hawks have struggled since the Tottenham striker retired from international duties following the gun attack at the

2010 edition of the competition in Angola.

Adebayor returned to the fold last year to help the side qualify for next month’s tournament in South Africa.

Ayite says the striker’s talent and inspirational qualities was instrumental in Togo’s return to

Africa’s flagship football competition.

“The return of Emmanuel Adebayor has allowed the group to play at its best,” the Francebased midfieldersaid.

“His influence was felt in our last three games, during which we played well and we did not

lose. “Sheyi brings his vast experience, his habit of challenge in matches and his thirst for victory. “It is a pleasure to play with a player who is this talented.

Togo is in a tough group for the Africa Cup of Nations as they will face Ivory Coast, Tunisia and Algeria.

Emmanuel Adebayor

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

PAGE 43

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

PFA calls for player protection

P

FA chief executive Gordon Taylor has said that the football authorities have to devise a system of protection for players in the wake of the ugly scenes in Sunday’s Manchester derby.

The boss of the players’ union came in for criticism yesterday for his suggestion that netting should be installed to stop incidents such as Rio Ferdinand being hit just above the eye by a coin thrown from the crowd at the Etihad Stadium.

Relatives of victims of the Hillsborough disaster were among those most vocal in their opposition to such an idea.

However, Sunday’s incident was the latest in a string of onpitch incursions by fans this year which threatened the safety of players.

In October, Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Chris Kirkland was struck in the face after a Leeds fan ran onto the field during the 1-1 draw at Hillsborough. The fan was jailed for 16 weeks.

In May, former Leeds star Alan Smith had to be rescued by police after he was mobbed by Huddersfield fans at the final whistle of MK Dons’ visit to the Galpharm Stadium.

Taylor believes that protection

for players is now of paramount importance, and a great deal of debate is needed to come up with a method acceptable to players

and fans alike.

PFA chairman Clarke Carlisle echoed Taylor’s sentiments, claiming that football’s authorities should not wait until someone is seriously hurt before decisive action is taken.

T Rio Ferdinand

Sports shops count gains after festival

S

ports shops at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos said yesterdayday that they made good sales as they started counting their gains from the just-concluded 18 th National Sports Festival (NSF).

Some of the attendants who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews said that they had not enjoyed such sales in recent times.

Arinze Okoli, Sales Manager of S.O.O. and Bros Ltd., said they had not enjoyed such sales in the last two years and lauded the Lagos State Government for staging such a memorable festival.

“We have not made good sales in the last two years as we had it during the festival. And it was very encouraging for our business,” Okoli said.

Kingsley Nwanosike, Sales Manager of VCN Sports Plaza, said

that his company recorded a huge increase in sales, with a lot of customers besieging their shops to demand for various sports items.

“We recorded a significant increase in our sales; the patronage was very high because many people who came for the festival purchased some of their sports items from us,’’ he said.

Chioma Anyanwu, a sales girl with Sebob Sports Ltd., said that they made up to N100, 000 daily from their sales during the 14-day fiesta.

“The festival had a positive impact on our business; we always made daily sales close to N100, 000 and above throughout the period of the festival,” she said.

The festival, tagged “Eko 2012,’’ which started on Nov. 27, ended on Dec. 9.

Court stops Baribote from taking over Dankat FC From Edwin Olofu, Kano

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High court sitting in Kano has given an interlocutory injunction to embattle chairman of the Nigeria Premier league (NPL) Chief Rumson Victor Baribote from taking over Dankat FC of Kano pending hearing and determination of a substantive case brought before it by the owners of the club.

The presiding judge of the Court, Justice Wada Umar Rano

gave the order yesterday, after the plaintiff Counsel Barrister Mohammed Yahaya asked the court not to vacate the interim order pending the determination of the case.

Barrister Yahaya had prayed in November 22, 2012 that the court give an interim order restraining Baribote from changing the name of club, not to elevate the club, and the presiding judge granted the request.

Dankat FC had drag Baribote

to court in November after he bought over the newly promoted premier league team Dankat, over claim that Baribote had offered one Nembe City FC which was allegedly found not registered with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Hearing on the substantive case was adjourned to 7 th January 2012, but none of the defendants, Baribote, Nembe City FC, NFF, and NPL have file a counter affidavit or statement of defence.

Chief Rumson Victor Baribote

Developing sports at grassroots inevitable for success, says commissioner

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he Cross River Commissioner for Sports, Patrick Ugbe, has said that for the country to regain its lost glory in sports, it should develop the sector at the grassroots.

Ugbe said this yesterday in an interview with newsmen on the performance of his state at the justconcluded 18th National Sports Festival in Lagos.

He said that performances at the Games, tagged “Eko 2012’’, should spur states to develop sports at the grassroots.

On whether Cross River Commissioner for Team Cross River Sports, Patrick Ugbe

Referees can promote female football with good officiating — Fans

met its projections before the festival started, Ugbe said the state’s objective at the Games was to do well.

Cue in audio “Definitely if we really want to do well in sports if we want to get back the lost glory, we need to go back to the grassroots that’s where you will discover the talents.

“That’s where you begin to groom them to become the world stars and the ones that will take the name of Nigeria to the highest level; you cannot do that by poaching.

“But if we don’t have a programme that is meant to groom them then you obviously cannot succeed.

“When I was asked of our prospects before the festival, I said we plan to do well at the festival.

“They said number of medals, I said I don’t do such projections; I only say that we will do well.’’

Cue out audio The state finished eighth on the medals table with 12 gold, 14 silver and 23 bronze medals as against its 15th position at the 17th edition of the festival in Port Harcourt in 2011.

Cross River will be hosting the 19th edition of the festival, tagged “Paradise Games’’ in 2014 in Calabar.

he female football competition of the 18th National Sports Festival, tagged “Eko 2012’’ at the Agege Stadium ended with Team Lagos lifting the golden trophy, above 10 other teams that featured in the event.

Reports have it that Lagos scored 19 goals in all, after winning five of their matches and drawing goalless in one, to dominate the female football event.

Akwa Ibom was second and Edo third in the event which commenced on Nov. 26 and ended on Dec. 8.

Team Akwa Ibom settled for the silver after losing 4-0 to Lagos, while Edo got the bronze after defeating Osun 2-1, in the third place match.

Other states that featured in the biennial Games were Ogun, Osun, Kaduna, Taraba, Enugu, Imo, Benue and Adamawa.

But beyond the thrills of the matches, fans of the teams who spoke with newsmen agreed that an atmosphere devoid of strife pervaded the Agege Stadium arena because of the fairness in officiating.

The fans said that the officiating was fair because the referees carried out their duties without fear or favour and upheld the ideals of the festival, which was founded in 1973 after the Nigerian Civil War, to promote the unity of the country.

They urged the referees to sustain the good officiating for the good of football development, especially female football which, they believed, had yet to have good support.

The fans, who turned up at the venue in large numbers, also praised the skills of the players and expressed the hope that with adequate exposure, the teams in the forefront at the tournament could carry the country’s burden in female football.

Chioma Okoli, a resident of Agege, said that the football event was peaceful because of good officiating.

“No match was disrupted because the referees did a good job.

Football competitions are always disrupted because of poor officiating,” she said.

Tokunbo Alade, a football scout, said that the quality of the officiating had encouraged more people to come out and watch the competition.

“If what I have seen so far can be emulated in other football competitions and the Nigeria Premier League, our referees will soon get their due recognition globally,” he said.

Victor Osagie, a security man, said the referees displayed attributes that good referees exude.

“Unlike what we usually experience in competitions, the officiating at the festival was good.

They have been upright in the discharge of their duties,’’ he said.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

PAGE 45

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[1] Local Chelsea supporters are rolling out the red carpet for the European champions at the FIFA Club World Cup, and hope they can help boost the club's profile here in the Far East.

[2] Firdose Moonda on the incredible story of Mohamed Aboutrika as he stars again in the Club World Cup.

Rory McIlroy wins the 2012 Golf Writers' Trophy ahead of Europe's Ryder Cup team and Ian Poulter.

[3] Kick It Out chairman Lord Herman Ouseley accused the Premier League’s big clubs of having “very little morality” in the battle to eradicate racism from football.

Amir Khan says his fight with Carlos Molina is 'make or break' as he tries to repair a reputation damaged by two defeats.

2

3

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

PAGE 47

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Instead of word clues, each puzzle’s solution is determined by the pattern of the numbers already filled in you. You solve the puzzle by filling in the missing digits so that, when completed, each row and each square will have all the number from 1 to 9; each number will appear in exactly nine spaces within each puzzle.

4 Egg-producing bird (5)

3 Hair-washing liquid (7) 5 Wart on the foot (7) 6 Percolate (5) 7 Price (3) 12 Males of good breeding (9) 14 Seer (7) 15 Very recent (baby) (7) 17 Episode (5) 18 Exhume (3,2) 21 Reader’s instruction (inits) (3)

PHOTO OF THE DAY

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They are too young to walk and talk but tiny twins William and Ellenita Trykush can swim a length of a 25-metre pool at just nine months old. Source: Dailymail.co.uk

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

. . . putting the people first

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE The apparent slow pace of the criminal justice system, particularly the corruption that permeates the system, has been identified as the main reason why citizens take laws into their hand — Minister of Justice Mohammed Bello Adoke

SPORTS When government owns the public LA TEST LATEST

13 clubs ‘back standing scheme’

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hirteen English league clubs support reintroducing standing at football grounds, according to a fans' group.

The Football Supporters' Federation is hoping to win the backing of MPs for its plans for a small-scale trial at Premier League clubs.

It believes the pilot scheme would show standing outlawed after the Hillsborough disaster in 1989 - is now a safe way to watch football.

But a Premier League statement says they will "not be encouraging the Government to change the law".

But MP Roger Godsiff has tabled an Early Day Motion calling for government approval of a pilot scheme.

The FSF says the idea has the support of Aston Villa and the Scottish Premier League plus 12 Football League clubs, including Peterborough United, Cardiff City, Crystal Palace, Derby County and Hull City.

A panel of industry experts containing Villa's chief executive Paul Faulkner and West Midlands Police Force Superintendent Steve Graham will present a case for allowing standing at matches at Portcullis House in Westminster on Tuesday.

Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive Gordon Taylor said yesterday that clubs might have to introduce netting around pitches to protect players.

Taylor was speaking after Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand was hit by an object as his side celebrated the winning goal against Manchester City on Sunday.

Rio Ferdinand ADVERT: BUSINESS: NEWS: LAGOS:

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rear mirror view of the socalled public hearings on constitution amendment shows that nothing of a national consensus was achieved on any serious issue. Whether it is the much talked about structure of the federation and the serious issue of revenue sharing or frivolous ones like state and local government creation, we just ended up hearing a cacophony of tribal and sectional voices. This was shadow boxing at its lowest. Would anyone risk saying that Nigeria has spoken from the outcome of the merry-goround? No. The short shrift given to public opinion by the National Assembly makes you wonder whether they truly set out to carry the people along. The whole exercise took the country to a point halfway between democracy and fascism. The fascist politician swears his love for the people but in reality, he bows before an allpowerful political leader. We are half-way between democracy and fascism because the executive arm of the government under President Jonathan is, in all fairness, relatively liberal but the same cannot be said of all the other arms and even more notoriously, the Governors in the states who govern as if they are emperors with iron hands. The procedure adopted by both the Senate and House of Representatives ruffled so many political feathers, such that a crosssection of the country’s labour and civil society movements cried foul.

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA shouted the loudest against the hurried and disjointed arrangements. They argued that these were clustered and unwieldy and, therefore, deliberately designed not to carry the Nigerian people along.

The National Assembly spanked the NBA and proceeded haughtily with their schemes, in a way suggesting that it was up to the public to take advantage of the little window opening or lose everything. It is as if the people belonged to the government, not the other way round. With this alone, you need no further evidence that the political class has never been so cut off from the common citizen as it is today. The signs of this are all around us. People are being treated as the property of the ruling parties and governments. We elect people who behave as our rulers not servants.

Unless this mentality is changed, it is hard to imagine this attempt at constitution amendment having a happy ending. It was evident that the top-down way of doing things is the method they have chosen. This never worked in the past and it is not likely to succeed at this time. The Senate

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MUSINGS By

Garba Shehu garshehu@yahoo.co.in

Speaker Aminu Tambuwal brought a handful of people to a public forum in Sokoto, pretending that this was an assembly of the 30-40 million people residing in the North-Western zone. You need no further evidence this was a scheme to shut out the people.

A British scheme to restructure and re-order their society began and succeeded beyond the imagination of even those who conceived the idea because it was well planned and executed.

Upon a national consensus in 1978, that government embarked upon a programme of extensive national consultation tagged “The Bare Knuckles.” The big idea was to rediscover “what is Britain? And who are we?” It was their equivalent of the constitution

amendment in which we in Nigeria are pretending to be rendering. The British are governed by laws and conventions, being a country without a written constitution.

This programme was televised on BBC. It was anchored by Anthony Simpson, famous for “Simpson’s World" on the BBC and now of the Aljazeera network. A cross-section of the length and breadth of the British society was asked the tough question about what has gone wrong, and what can be done to right it. It was the question of Britain not of personality or political party or a section of their country. Compare this with the emotion-laden sectional and selfish demands that dominated the fiasco called public hearings we are talking about here. Of the more that 200 demands for state creation before the Senate and House committees, Dr. Abubakar Mohammed of the ABU reported that one zone alone asked for 100.

From the beginning, all the British political parties bought into their own version of this project, so it was a non-partisan scheme. And because it was the question of Britain, not a section thereof, parties agreed beforehand that they would abide by the outcomes of the nationwide consultation.

They even resolved to draw their manifestoes therefrom. At the end of this exercise, it was agreed by all

“

I have already reached the conclusion that the constitution amendment going on as spear-headed by the National Assembly cannot save this country. Quite apart from burdening the country’s harassed and harangued people with a lot of unwanted emotional rubbish, the modus operandi is one that engenders division and acrimony instead of consensus and social harmony

that “Britain had spoken”.

Among the questions that were resolved was that Britain would overcome its imperial hangover, much loved as it was. They voted that the state would no longer harbor the sentiment of an empire.

They said much as there was value to the special relationship between Britain and Europe on the onehand and Britain and the United States on another, it was important that these be redefined.

Britain also resolved to change community and family values and to in particular accept diversity and pluralism as features of the British society. This meant a place for the Asians, the growing black population and all the others who took to residency in the United Kingdom. Again, compare this with the on-going struggles of the white-dominated American Republican Party following their the recent loss of the presidential elections to the Obama-led Democratic Party. It is significant that the British society foresaw a multi-cultural future for Britain, a matter that the Americans are trying to understand or address nearly 35 years after. In that Bare Knuckles exercise, Britain also laid the broad framework for dealing with Scotland and Northern Island as well as the country’s future relationship with Europe. From here, Britain moved forward with the framework for driving the process of the agreed changes.

I have already reached the conclusion that the constitution amendment going on as spearheaded by the National Assembly cannot save this country. Quite apart from burdening the country’s harassed and harangued people with a lot of unwanted emotional rubbish, the modus operandi is one that engenders division and acrimony instead of consensus and social harmony. The ill-effects of these negative traits have already started to stress the fabric that holds the country as one. When you all add these tensions to the volatile and destructive war waged between government and the Boko Haram, Nigeria looks more and more like a glorified Somalia or Afghanistan.

A perceptible federal government should read the writing on the wall by ending this expensive jolly ride and refocusing the nation on the basic issues of security, the right to life and infrastructure. This constitution amendment has only succeeded in driving the country further apart.

If no on cares to do this, the common people of this country will come together to fight these malicious people for the common good of Nigeria.

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