Peoples Daily Newspaper, Thursday, June 14, 2012 by Peoples Media Limited

www.peoplesdaily-online.com

Vol. 8 No. 59

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Gunmen kill 4 in Jos >> PAGE ??

. . . putting the people first

We’re under pressure for choice postings – NYSC DG >> PAGE 8

Bamanga Tukur sacks Habu Fari >> PAGE 39

Rajab 24, 1433 AH

N150

Allegation against Lawan: I have been vindicated >> PAGE 38

Secret moves to unseat Tambuwal As Reps cut short recess By Lawrence Olaoye

ndications emerged yesterday that there are secret moves to exploit the festering bribery scandal surrounding Hon. Farouk

Lawan and unseat the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and his Deputy, Emeka Ihedioha. This is coming as the House cuts short its recess to reconvene

emergency plenary tomorrow to deliberate on the impact that the $3 million bribery allegation levelled against Lawan who chaired the ad-hoc committee that probed the management of fuel subsidy would have on the

report of that committee. Our reporter gathered that a top member of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) has been coordinating efforts to ensure the removal of the principal officers of the

Welcome Dan Maje

House by linking them with the bribery scandal. Unconfirmed sources within the PDP said yesterday that the party was in possession of ‘enough evidence’ to link the Contd on Page 2

Kidnappers abduct governor’s cousin as IG visits Delta By Mohammed Kandi

Deputy Governor (Operations), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Malam Suleiman Barau (2nd left), Deputy Governor, (Policy), CBN, Mrs Sarah Alade (middle), with other staff welcoming Dan Majen Kano and CBN Governor, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (left) to CBN headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, after his turbanning last Friday.

idnappers in Asaba, the Delta state capital yesterday abducted Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s cousin, Pa Sam Uduaghan despite the presence in the state of the acting Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar. Abubakar was in the state as part of his tour of police commands across the country to interact with officers of the Force and other stakeholders on ways to improve the security situation in the country. It was learnt that the Contd on Page 2

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

CONTENTS

DANA crash: LASUTH to run DNA test on identical corpses

News

From Ojebola Matthew, Lagos

2-11

Editorial

Op.Ed

Letters

Opinion

Metro

16-17

Business

19-22

S/Exchange

S/Report

Earth

Newsxtra

ue to the quarrel over identical corpses by families’ of victims of the the DANA airline crash which killed 153 people in Lagos, the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has insisted on running DNA test on identical corpses before releasing them to their families.

This decision was made due to the crisis that happened on Monday when the family of the late Mrs. Jones Ifekanwa and another family, who refused to disclose their identity to newsmen, identified same corpse as their own. While LASUTH insisted on DNA that will take nothing less than six weeks, the families of the victims have refused to comply with this stating no

reason. Our correspondent learnt that an angry relative of one of the deceased had attacked LASUTH officials with a cutlass, though the assault was checked by men of the Nigeria police. However, Chief Medical Examiner, LASUTH and consultant pathologist in forensic medicine, Professor John Obafunwa, had earlier

Akingbola: Judge directs EFCC to seek court’s advice on seized properties From Francis Iwuchukwu, Lagos

he Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, yesterday, advised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to seek court’s directives on the management of attached properties of the former Managing Director of Intercontinental Bank Plc (now Access Bank), Dr. Erastus Akingbola, pending the determination of the criminal charges against him. The court presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, gave the advice on the hearing of a suit brought by Akingbola against the Chairman of the Economic

and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde, and one E.L. Etudo over moves by the anti-graft agency to continue to deny him access to some of his properties that were attached by the court in December 2009. The judge in a short ruling noted that the interim order of court made in December 2009 was for the attachment of the property and not forfeiture. Justice Nyako also noted that the EFCC has no right to deal with seized properties but should approach the court to appoint a receiver manager who is to collect the rents and put them on a dedicated account pending

the determination of Akingbola’s trial one way or the other. According to the judge, the EFCC should have done that immediately it secured the order attaching the properties in 2009. Justice Nyako further adjourned till June 26 for ruling on the matter on the request by Chief Fabgohungbe. Akingbola in an originating summons brought pursuant to order 3 rules 6 and 7 of the court, contended that the attached properties has not been forfeited to the Federal Government.

invited the Ifekanwa family to identify their late brother’s corpse, which they did with some difficulty, unlike last week when he was identified at first sight. The second family also picked same corpse as their late brother, who was also involved in the crash. As contention arose, Obafunwa was forced to deny both families ownership of the corpse, advising them to wait for the DNA result that would be available in about four weeks. Enraged, the two families engaged themselves in verbal war that might have ended in fisticuffs, but for the intervention of security men at the mortuary. It was gathered that while the Ifekanwas were sure of the body they identified, the contending family told Obafunwa they were not sure that the body was actually theirs. Mrs. Jennifer Enanana, elder sister to the late Mr. Jones Ifekanwa, told journalists that the deceased was identified at the crash site, adding that “he wasn’t burnt. He had his identity card with him and some other documents in his pockets, with that they identified him.”

Secret moves to unseat Tambuwal Boko Haram: Lagos beggars get poor returns, Page 8

International 31-34 Strange World 35 Digest

Politics

37-40

Sports

41-47

Columnist

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

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Contd from Page 1 Deputy Speaker with the bribery scandal. But the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, swiftly denied the alleged plot to remove the two principal officers of the House, saying the PDP has no plan to intervene in the internal affairs of the House. He said: “We had no such discussion. What is happening in the House of Representatives is entirely the internal affairs of the House; the PDP as a party will not interfere with the way the matter is being handled. We are going to leave the security agencies involved to do their job. We are not aware of any move to remove Tambuwal or Ihedioha.” Regardless of the PDP’s denial, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) had

also raised alarm yesterday over an alleged plot to use the ongoing bribery scandal involving Lawan as an excuse to oust the current leadership of the House of Representatives. CISLAC, in a statement issued yesterday pointed accusing fingers at both the executive arm of government, in cahoots with some fuel importers which, according to it was never comfortable with the way the present leadership of the House conducts its legislative businesses. The statement signed by the Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani maintained that “An offence allegedly committed by an individual member should not be used as an excuse to create another crisis in the House of Representatives.

“And if indeed those agitating for the use of an individual’s alleged misdeed to oust the present set of leadership of the House are sincere, they should as well call for the resignation of President Goodluck Jonathan for overseeing a regime in which trillions of naira was siphoned in various scams, including the N1.7 trillion subsidy fraud,” the statement said. In the meantime, the leadership of the House met yesterday and resolved to convene emergency plenary tomorrow. Topmost on the agenda to be deliberated upon is Farouk Lawan’s fate. It was gathered that the leadership may suspend the lawmaker and set up an independent committee to investigate the bribery allegation. As at the time of filling this

report, it was gathered that the motion for the suspension of the lawmaker was being drawn to be moved by the Chief Whip of the House, Rep Isiaka Bawa. Sources said Speaker Tambuwal has summoned his deputy to brief him on all he knew about the matter ahead of the emergency plenary tomorrow. Nevertheless, the headquarters of the Nigeria Police has commenced investigations into bribery allegations against Lawan. Police spokesman, Frank Mba said “That case is under investigation.” The police will release details “when we reach a comfortable level in our investigation,” he told a Bloomberg news agency correspondent on telephone yesterday.

Kidnappers abduct governor’s cousin as IG visits Delta Contd from Page 1

kidnappers stormed the residence of the abductee at about 10am with an SUV vehicle without registration number. The news of the kidnap, however, filtered when a security meeting between the IGP, Governor Uduaghan and other stakeholders was on-going at the Government House. Pa Uduaghan, who is almost 70 years old was said to have

been siezed and bundled into his Toyota Camry Car by the kidnappers while he was locking the gate of his house at the popular DLA Road, Asaba. Sources close to the family said that they were yet to receive any call or information about the kidnapping of Pa Sam Uduaghan. Meanwhile, the IGP who presented the rescued former Super Eagles player, Christian Obodo to journalists, said the

Force would continue to do its best to improve security in the state and the country at large. “This is one of the reasons why I am here to be able to assess and evaluate the security situation of the state and to sit down with the command to put strategies of fighting acts of crime and criminality in place,” the IGP Abubakar said. Similarly, Governor Uduaghan, who presented to

the police boss with some vehicles and communication gadgets, said the state government had since 2007 donated 110 patrol vehicles and two armoured personnel carriers (APCs) to the state police command. He said in addition to the 60 patrol vehicles, his administration has concluded plans to buy two additional APCs to enhance crime fighting in the state.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

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Gunmen kill 4 in Jos, as police and okada riders clash From Lawal Saddiq, Abuja & Nankpah Bwakan, Jos

t least three people were left dead when gunmen struck in Bukuru town, Jos North local council of Plateau state yesterday. The gunmen had stormed the area by 2pm and carried out the killing commando style before fleeing. Plateau State Police Command

spokesman, Abuh Emmanuel, confirmed the incident. He said after the shooting, the armed men escaped. He, however, said the police were still trailing them. In another development, four people were injured in violence that followed the clash between the police and motorcyclists popularly known as okada (going in Jos) who were recently banned from operating within the state capital by the Plateau state government.

According to reports, the okada riders who came out to ply their trade yesterday in defiance of the ban were forced to flee the streets by a combined team of policemen and vehicle inspection officers. “At about 10am, the commercial motor-cyclists attempted to protest by throwing stones at the police, but they were dispersed by live bullets shot into the air by the police”, said eye witnesses.

A BBC Hausa Service report monitored in Abuja also corroborated that the motorcyclists were protesting the ban placed on them by the state without providing them with an alternative means of livelihood and the fact that the same matter had been in court and was yet to be resolved. The motorists claimed they were up to 17,000 while government provided only 15 tricycles as substitute to the motorcycles they used in making a living.

Scene of a storey building which collapsed at Apo mechanic village, yesterday in Abuja.

Oteh petitions finance ministry over SEC board’s decision By Abdulwahab Isa

esides taking her case to President Goodluck Jonathan for intervention, embattled Director-General of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms. Arunma Oteh, has followed up with a formal petition to the finance ministry, her close aide confirmed to our reporter yesterday. The aide, who spoke over the said as supervising ministry for SEC and co-organiser of the Project 50 anniversary programme, the basis for which Oteh is being

vilified, it’s natural and expected that the ministry should be properly briefed. The aide who declined identification, said her boss will not leave any stone unturned in her quest to having her integrity and track record intact. He said the board cooked up the resolution asking Oteh to proceed on compulsory leave for their selfish interest, as according to him, the tenure of some members including some Executive Commissioners terminates this Friday (tomorrow). Attempts to confirm the

petition sent to finance ministry were unsuccessful. Mr. Paul Nwabuikwu, Senior Special Assistant to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, did not respond to both calls and text messages forwarded to him. SEC boar chairman, Senator Udo Udoma, could not be reached for comment. It would be recalled that the SEC board on Monday resolved to ask Oteh to proceed on immediate compulsory leave to allow for an unfettered investigation into the allegation of misappropriation of about N3billion said to have been spent on the controversial Project 50 programme organised by the commission in 2011.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Jonathan eulogises Abubakar at 70 By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

resident Goodluck Jonathan has written to felicitate with General Abdulsalami Abubakar as the former Head of State attained the age of 70 years yesterday. In a congratulatory letter to General Abubakar, President Jonathan prayed for hisgood health and many more years of fruitful service to Nigeria. “On the occasion of your landmark 70th birthday anniversary, I write on behalf of my family, the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and on my own behalf, to extend warm felicitations to you. “There is no doubt whatsoever that over the past 70 years, you have lived a richly productive and fulfilled life. Your uncommon diligence, gallantry, loyalty, patriotism, and enduring sense of committed service saw you rise not only to the pinnacle of your chosen military career, but also saw the onerous duty of the political leadership of our nation thrust upon your shoulders at a critical period in Nigeria’s developmental history. “It is to your eternal credit that you acquitted yourself demonstrably well as Head of State and courageously mid-wifed our country’s transition to civil democratic governance in May 1999…”

OPEC divided on oil output quota

he Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) ministers are coming into a meeting deeply divided over how much crude to pump, with Saudi Arabia keen to keep a lid on prices, rival Iran pushing to cut production and Iraq expected to back Iran, its long time foe under Saddam Hussein. The divisions will test the unity of the OPEC, which sees itself as the oil market's prime regulator. The 12-nation group is likely to paper over differences today by deciding to leave output unchanged despite the current overproduction. But the disagreements might be too deep to resolve and the meeting could break up in disarray.

The gathering comes as many of the world's major consuming nations are struggling against a stubborn economic downturn that could be exacerbated by any decision to inflate oil prices by cutting supply. But today's meeting has a significant geostrategic dimension as well. Sanctions levied by the U.S. over Tehran's refusal to curb its nuclear programme have already cut significantly into exports of Iranian crude — from about 2.5 million barrels a day last year to between 1.2 and 1.8 million barrels now, according to estimates by U.S. officials. A European Union embargo on Iranian crude that starts July 1 will tighten the squeeze.

Robbers kill 2 soldiers, civilian, snatch LG salaries in Borno From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri Five armed robbers yesterday afternoon killed two soldiers and a staff of Guzamala local government area of Borno state and carted away millions of naira that was meant for the payment of salaries of the local government employees. Witnesses said the soldiers had

escorted the staff of the Finance Department of the local government who withdraw the unspecified amount of money at a new generation bank in Maiduguri, the state capital, but were intercepted along MagumeriGubio highway. A staff of the local government told our correspondent on condition of anonymity that the armed robbers who drove in a

white saloon car at about 2.30pm, intercepted vehicle carrying the police escort and the local government officials. “They brandished sophisticated guns and shot the victims before they took away all the money that was withdrawn from the bank,” the staff said. Asked if the robbers trailed the victims from the local government, the source said:

“Nobody can tell you from where the gunmen came…the unfortunate thing had happened because lives have been lost and colossal amount of money robbed,” he said. He said top officials of the council have already informed top officials of the Borno state government and security agencies. “We have also recovered the dead bodies for

burial,” he said. Police spokesman in the state, Mr. Gideon Jubrin said he was yet to be briefed on the incident and promised that he will get back to this reporter as soon as he got the details. Field Operations officer of the JTF, Col. Victor Ebhaleme confirmed the incident, saying the two escorts killed were not policemen but soldiers.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

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Policeman killed as new CP resumes in Taraba From Yusha'u Alhassan, Jalingo

s the new Commissioner of Police resumed in Taraba state yesterday, a police officer at the state police headquarters in Jalingo was Tuesday night shot dead by an unknown gunman. A witness, Hassan Abubakar, told our correspondent that he was approaching his verandah when he noticed the police man slump. He said the gunman quickly rushed to the policeman and seized his riffle and took off on a motorcycle through a narrow path. Hassan said the policeman, was rushed to the hospital but was confirmed dead. In another development, three armed robbers have been arrested by the state police command at the outskirt of Zing local government. Investigation by Peoples Daily revealed that the bandits have been linked to the recent robbery of primary school teachers’ salaries in Ardo-kola local government area of the state. Reacting to this development, the Taraba state secretary of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Simon Shimpu, commended the police for their success in apprehending the robbers and called on them to maintain the tempo.

NAFDAC impoundsexpired confectionery worthN.5m

he National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Wednesday impounded expired confectionery worth more than N500, 000 in Onitsha, Anambra state. Mr. Benson Kine, Deputy Director, NAFDAC Special Zonal Office, Onitsha, said the products which were in 22 cartons, expired in March. He explained that the dealer decided to reduce the market price so that people could buy. The raid he said,was achieved by a tip-off by someone whose daughter had consumed one of the products. “When some of the products were opened, some were already decayed while others had maggots. Kine said that with the development, the agency had deployed its enforcement officers to pay unscheduled visits to confectionery factories and depots in Anambra. He called on parents and guardians to educate their children to read and observe manufacture and expiry dates of confectionery and other edibles they buy. (NAN)

Bribery scandal: Farouk Lawan shuns police invitation By Tobias Lengnan Dapam with agency report

he embattled chairman of House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on subsidy payments, Farouk Lawan who is currently trapped in a $620,000 bribery scandal, yesterday, failed to honour police invitation to explain his side of

the bribery allegations. Farouk was asked to report within 24 hours, but did not show up till the end of the ultimatum. The police authorities investigating the bribery allegations and counter allegations between Lawan and billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, reportedly

invited the lawmaker yesterday to explain his involvement in the scam. It would be recalled that Otedola, who accused the lawmaker of demanding a bribe from him in the course of probe of subsidy payments on petroleum products, appeared before the police investigating team yesterday

to make a statement. The business mogul, had earlier told the panel headed by Commissioner of Police Ali Amodu that Mr. Lawan collected $500, 000 in cash and the Secretary of the committee, Boniface Emenalo, collected $120, 000 in two instalments of $20,000 and $100,000 respectively.

L-R: Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Speaker, Niger state House of Assembly, Hon. Adamu Usman, the state governor, Dr. Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu, and former President, General Ibrahim Babangida, during the 70th birthday of General Abdulsalami, yesterday at his Uphill residence, in Minna.

Why DANA air crash victims will not get mass burial Nigerian army to From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

n authoritative source yesterday told our reporter in Lagos that the state government has after due consideration dropped the idea of pressing for mass burial of the victim of the air disaster involving a DANA airline aircraft, penultimate Sunday in a Lagos suburb. Explaining why the state government discard the notion, an official of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), said while the idea of a mass burial has become the norm in other climes, government believed that it is not

the noblest of all taking into account the circumstances in which the 153 on board and scores of others lost their lives in the ill-fated plane. “Though mass burial has been the order of the day in situations of disasters in the country, it is not the best approach to handling crises that involve investigations and probe”, said the official who pleaded anonymity. Again information obtained from our correspondent indicated that the management of the teaching hospital held a meeting with the Lagos state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, with his counterpart from Special Duties, Dr. Wale Ahmed and the Chief

Medical Director, Professor Wale Oke in attendance to deliberate on the latest state of corpses kept at the morgue before they will brief Governor Babatunde Fashola at a meeting scheduled for today. “Firstly, for the sake of relatives of the victims of the DANA crash, every family would love to bury their loved ones that died because it is part of the cultural attachment in our society.” “Besides, a thorough investigation such as autopsy carried on victims would help unravel major cause or causes of death and even help investigate cause of accident by the probe panel”, the source explained.

37 prisoners on death row in Edo From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

hirty-seven convicted prisoners in Edo state are doomed for execution as 31 convicts have been transferred to other prisons for security reasons. Besides, 1,971 inmates are currently in prisons across the state out which 1,654 are awaiting trial. The number includes those who have exhausted their right of appeal among others. Edo state Controller of Prisons, Mr. John Ewulo, represented by Mr. O. Omokaro, gave the figure at a conference organised by Avocates Sans Frontiers, France, in conjunction with the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) with the

theme, “Strengthening the Role of Stakeholders in Addressing the Issue of Death Penalty”. The controller informed the gathering which was made up of legal practitioners, representatives of media organisations and religious groups, that 80 percent of the number were those awaiting trial for capital offences such as murder and kidnapping punishable by death if found guilty. He disclosed that the prison system was experiencing the problem of over population of condemned convicts, insisting that measures must be taken to decongest the population.

Head of Mission, Nigeria, Avocats Sans Frontieres, Celine Lemmel said it was imperative of the lawyers without borders to open up discussion with relevant stakeholders on the need to put an end to the death penalty which she described as inhuman and abuse of the fundamental rights penalty. The Head, Justice Development Peace Commission (JDPC) of the Archdiocese of Benin, Very Rev, Father Francis Arhedo, said Nigeria as a nation should be thinking in the direction of abolishment of death penalty amidst the challenges of terrorism, Boko Haram and kidnapping in the country.

partner Pakistan on military ties

By Joy Baba

igerian and Pakistani army have resolved to partner on areas of professional interest in furtherance of their long standing cordial relationship. This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the Army Public Relations Officer (APRO), Lt. Col. Kingsley Samuel. It added that Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Onyeabo Azubike Ihejirika, who is on a fiveday working visit, met his Pakistani counterpart, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, in Rawalpindi yesterday, to discuss areas of mutual benefit for both armies. The Nigerian army chief considered the visit to Pakistan as timely and rewarding with numerous gains particularly in the area of training, while expressing appreciation to his host for the warm reception accorded him and his delegation. Gen Ihejirika, also met the chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Khalid Shameem Wynne at Joint Staff Headquarters, Chakalala Garrison and the President, National Defence University (NDU) Pakistan, Lieutenant General Agha Muhammed Umer Farooq. The statement further said General Ihejirika will also visit Pakistan Army Dog Breeding and Training Centre and other military facilities.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

FEC approves new visa regime By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

he Federal Executive Council (FEC), yesterday, approved a new visa regime aimed at boosting tourism, Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and opening up the economy for employment opportunities. According to the Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro who briefed State House correspondents alongside his Information counterpart, Labaran Maku after the meeting, the new visa policy was in line with government’s plan to meet up with ‘the realities of time’. Moro noted that the security challenges confronting the country must be tackled from all angles, including proper monitoring and documentation of those entering the country. According to him, visitors especially investors can now be granted long term visa up to 10 years with the new regime. Also, certain categories of visitors can be granted visa at the port of entry. "We now have visa at entry point. So, if a businessman, a tourist or a business delegation or a government delegation has reason to visit Nigeria at short notice to do business with Nigeria and if by any coincidence we don't have embassy in such country, such delegation or group can come to Nigeria and obtain their visas at port of entry particularly at international airports. He explained further that his ministry was working with the Federal Ministry of Labour so that people with certain skills classified as valuable to Nigeria can be granted visas. According to him, meeting with stakeholders will be conveyed at the zonal levels to ensure compliance with the new policy.

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Police recruitments full of corruption, says AIG From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

he Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 1, Mr. Philimon Ibrahim Leha, has expressed disappointment over the recruitment process of the Nigeria police stating that it is full of corruption.

Mr. Leha who said this yesterday while on tour of the state as part of his familiarisation visit to the three states of Jigawa, Kano and Katsina, added that the new management of the Nigeria police will be all out to bring sanity into the policing job with a view to restoring public confidence to the battered image of the force.

The AIG said "it is disheartening with the way and manner new officers are being recruited into the force", noting that, "if we really have to transform the police force we must also change our approach in the process of recruiting officers which is full of corruption and sentiment", he said.

Earlier on a courtesy visit to Governor Alhaji Sule Lamido, the AIG told the governor that the force is all out with a new vision and vigour to transform the police force to wear a human face instead of the old system of intimidation, harassment of the public for many decades which bring about hatred and acrimony among them.

L-R: Minister of State for Niger Delta, Hajiya Zainab Kuchi, Director-General, Bureau for Public Procurement, Chief Emeka Eze, Minister of State for FCT, Chief Jumoke Akinjide, and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, yesterday at the State House, Abuja. Photo: Joe Oroye

DANA crash: Panel is illegal, N2.2bn pension fraud: Bank tenders document says pilot From Adesoji Oyinlola, Lagos

aptain Dele Ore, one of Nigeria’s experienced pilots has declared the investigative panel, set up by the Federal Government to investigate the crash of the DANA plane as lacking statutory power to embark on the task, saying the panel is illegal. Speaking with journalists yesterday in Lagos, the retired pilot said the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), should be allowed to investigate the remote cause of the crash, warning the minister not to dabble into an issue that is considered to be highly technical. “The whole world is watching, we must not do things that will open us to ridicule. I just hope the

world aviation regulator would not give us a red card if we are seen to be taking the wrong steps”, he warned. Continuing, he said it is only the NCAA that is statutorily empowered to set up a panel to investigate incidents of plane crash, admitting that the minister can only be involved in supervisory capacity. “The minister can set up other panels to investigate other matters, not the one that has to do with the technicality of the crash. She can also direct but not take actions concerning the technical aspect by herself”, he explained. Speaking further on the action by the Senate ordering the sack of Harold Demuren, Director General of the NCAA, he said the Senate lacks the power to sack the Director General; rather, it can only recommend his sack to the President.

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

irst Bank of Nigeria Plc. yesterday, tendered documentary evidence before a Federal High Court in Abuja in the on-going trial of the former Director, Pension Administration in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Sani Teidi Shuaibu and others over their alleged involvement in the N2.2 billion check-off dues fraud and defrauding the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP). The President of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Alhaji Ali Abatcha and the General Secretary of the Union, Elder Actor Zal, are standing trial along with Dr. Sani Teidi Shuaibu. At the resumed hearing of

the matter yesterday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), through its counsel, Emmanuel Nonso Egwuagu from Godwin Obla’s Chambers, asked that the bank be subpoenaed to tender documentary evidence that would assist it in the prosecution of the matter to so. The court sitting before Adamu Bello granted the request and an official of the bank, Mr. Chikezie Aguocha produced seven categories of documents, including the statement of account of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners domiciled at the Garki Branch of the bank. Among the documents the bank tendered for the identification of the court are the account opening form, mandate

card, reference form, account update form, payment instruction and instrument of the account. The Assistant General Secretary of the Union, Mr. Njoku Evarestus, a prosecution witness, told the court during cross examination that he has no power to query the president and the general secretary of the union over any spending made with the union’s money as they are the custodian of the account of the union and are also his bosses. After the evidence of the witness, the prosecution asked the court for a short adjournment, a request which the court acceded to and adjourned till October 16, 2012 for continuation of trial and that the bail of the accused persons continues.

Former Ekiti NUJ chair, one other die in Akure-Owo road mishap By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

he former Ekiti state chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Chris Fajemifo and a driver died while five other persons were seriously injured last night in a fatal road crash involving a tanker

and a BMW vehicle along the Akure-Owo highway. The Ondo state Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Mary Wakawa, who confirmed this in a statement, said the tanker (XP197LSD) belonging to Novel Universal Resources Nigeria

Limited, was conveying petroleum products from Lagos to Addo, during a heavy down pour, when it suddenly skid off the road and rammed into the BMW (BF535RSH), pushing its driver and other occupants into a gully. She added that it took the

timely response of the FRSC and support from the Ondo State Commissioner for Transport, Otunba Nicholas Pofowomo, and the use of a heavy duty tow truck to evacuate the vehicles. The statement further said that the FRSC rescue team had been on intensive rescue operation

and traffic diversion since last night at the scene of the crash uptill 10.00am yesterday. However, the injured victims were taken to the Ondo State Specialist Hospital for further medical attention while the corpses were deposited at the mortuary of the same hospital.

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

FG urged Adamawa: Tribunal adjourns hearing to July to establish T agric insurance scheme From Blessing Tunoh, Yola

From Nankpah Bwakan, Jos

he Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Yola has adjourned sitting to 4th July 2012 for adoption of written addresses. The adjournment followed closing of defence in one day out of the thirty days given by the tribunal by the two respondents in the case i.e Governor Murtala Nyako and

the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Peoples Daily learnt that the defendants were given ten days each to open their defence after the petitioners, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and two others closed their submission for the period of two weeks. Counsel to the first and second respondents (Nyako/ Nggilari) Mr. Okun Efut (SAN)

called seven out of the 74 witnesses that earlier deposed their statements before the tribunal for cross examination by the petitioners. While the PDP on its part invited the party's state secretary, Mr. Phineas Elisha as its only witness, INEC did not present a single witness out of the over 200 witnesses earlier proposed but rather tendered forms EC8C and EC8D from the

bar being results of the election which is being challenged. Counsel to the petitioners, A.K Jingi during cross examination confronted the witnesses that appeared before the tribunal on issues of multiple voting, nonaccreditation and over voting with documents such as EC8A as well as voters registers earlier obtained from INEC by the petitioners.

he Assistant Director, Development Finance Office, (CBN), Dr. Garba Kassim yesterday urged the Federal Government to set up Agriculture Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (ACGSF), to be domiciled with the CBN and to guarantee any loan obtained by farmers. Speaking at a training programme for FADAMA II Community Associations in Jos, Dr. Kassim said CBN would guarantee loan obtained by the farmers in Plateau state for agricultural purposes and assured that the bank will pay 75 percent of the loan if the farmer is genuinely unable to repay. Dr. Kassim disclosed that any farmer that pays back his or her loan, CBN will refund 40 per cent of whatever interest charged on the loan into the farmer's bank account, explaining that the 40 per cent bait was meant to encourage farmers to pay back their loans irrespective of the interest rate since 40 per cent of whatever interest charged would be refunded. According to him, the Federal Government under the Agriculture Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund has set aside certain amount of money in CBN and has directed commercial banks to lend money to farmers using the fund in CBN as guarantee.

L-R: Minister of Education, Professor Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa'i, Anambra state governor, Peter Obi, Ebonyi state governor, Martin Elechi, Enugu state governor, Sullivan Chime, during the South-East governorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Visit to the minister, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Alleged impersonation: Benin monarch pardons Igbinedion From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

he father of former Governor of Edo state, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion who was suspended as the Esama of Benin Kingdom by Benin monarch, Oba Erediauwa for allegedly impersonating him

abroad, has been pardoned. Over 98 palace chiefs on the order of the Royal father signed the suspension letter of Igbinedion which banned him from participating in palace activities. Besides, Igbinedion was ostracized from the Palace in 2008 for giving beads to some visiting dignitaries including the

Ashanti of Ghana, an act the palace regarded as a sacrilege. The Oba in a one paragraph statement by Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, said "the general public is hereby informed that the suspension placed on Chief G. O. Igbinedion the Esama of Benin has been lifted".

Sound ethical value key to national dev, says ICPC boss By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

he chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Barr. Ekpo Nta, has identified sound ethical values and professional responsiveness as critical By A'isha Biola Raji

igeria has joined the rest of the world in launching the pentavalent immunization vaccine capable of preventing five diseases at once. The over ten million doses of the pentavalent vaccines which were first launched in Rivers state, has been distributed to thirteen more states and FCT in the first phase. This was contained in a press statement signed by the Head, Public Relation Unit, National Primary Health Care Development agency, Sa'adu Salahu. According to the statement, federal government has spent

towards in restoring the corporate culture of public institutions and national development. Speaking during the formal inauguration of the AntiCorruption and Transparency Monitoring Unit of the Federal Road Safety Corps, the ICPC chairman who was

represented by Mr. Justin Kuatsea, said much damage has been done to the corporate culture of public institutions in Nigerian through unethical practices among the workforce, which has impacted negatively on national growth. A statement issued yesterday by the Corps Public Education

Officer (CPEO), Jonas Agwu, said that the ICPC boss enjoined members of the FRSC AntiCorrupt and Transparency Unit to perceive "this inauguration as a turning point and greater impetus in the way things are done in the organisation, beginning from the lowest to the most highly placed officials".

Nigeria introduces Pentavalent vaccine over one billion naira in the last two years to expand the country's cold chain system (storage) at every level in preparation for absorption of pentavalent vaccine into Nigeria's Immunization program. The statement added that the Executive Director, NPHCDA, Dr. Ado Muhammad disclosed this at the launch of the official

incorporation of the vaccine held at Eneka Primary Health Care Centre in Obio-Akpor Local Government of Rivers state. He revealed that over seventeen thousand health workers have been trained to assist in the administration of the vaccine in over eight thousand health facilities. According to him, the vaccine would prevent 396,000 cases of

haemophilus influenza type b and save 27,000 lives annually. Dr. Ado explained that the benefitting states in the first phase of the programme include Jigawa, Kaduna, Adamawa, Bauchi, Kwara and Federal Capital Territory. Others include Plateau, Enugu, Anambra, Rivers, Edo, Akwa-Ibom, Ekiti and Lagos states, with the rest of the country to be covered in the next few months.

AGF boosts lawyersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; welfare By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

he Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke, yesterday, donated two new 18-seater Toyota buses to the lawyers working in the Ministry of Justice. A statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Chief Press Secretary to the minister, Mr. Ambrose Momoh, said the essence of the donation was to ameliorate the transport challenges of the staff. In a brief handing over ceremony at the Ministry of Justice headquarters, the minister promised to ensure that the welfare needs of the staff are looked into at all times adding that there was the need to always partner as one. The minister further facilitated commencement of the use of the buses by releasing a sum of money for their operation and promised to donate two additional ones in due course. Receiving the keys to the vehicles on behalf of the staff, the Director, Solicitors Department, Mrs. O. O. Moore, thanked the AGF and promised that the vehicles would be put into judicious use.

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L-R: Executive Director, Premium Pensions Limited, Malam Ibrahim Yahaya, Chairman, Malam Aliyu Dikko, and the Company Secretary, Malam Kabir Tijjani, during the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Sheath your sword, Northeast leaders tell Boko Haram

From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

he North-east Forum of Concerned Leaders has appealed to members of the Jamatul Ahlis Sunnati Lidawati wal Jihad called Boko Haram, to sheath their sword in the spirit of total submission to the will of Allah. The convener of the Northeast Leaders Forum, Alhaji Bello Kirfi (Wazirin Bauchi), stated this during a meeting

which was held in Fariah Suites yesterday in Bauchi. Bello Kirfi said: “We plead with our brothers and sisters in the Jammatu group to sheath their swords immediately in the spirit of total submission to the will of Allah Subahhanahu watallah and respect for sunna of our beloved Prophet Mohammed (Pbuh ) in order to restore peace and tranquillity”. He said this call was necessary for the North-east

region to prop the framework for peaceful engagement in attending to their grievances and collective disposition. Dignitaries in attendance at the meeting included Adamu Chiroma as chairman, Dr. Yakubu Lame, Hajiya Inna Chiroma, Yayale Ahmed Dahiru Bobbo, Aisha Jummai , Arch Ibrahim Bunu , Aliyu Modibbo, Dauda Birma Mohammed Goni, Adamu Waziri, among others.

Health centre: Community appeals to Shema From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

bdallawa community in Kaita local government area of Katsina state has appealed to the state governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Shehu Shema to come to their rescue by completing the construction of the only health centre in the area. The spokesman of the community, Malam Nabawa Abdallawa who made the appeal in an interview with newsmen yesterday in Katsina, called on

the chairman of Kaita local government to also show concern over the completion of the centre. He similarly disclosed that the contract for the health centre which was awarded seven years ago to a local contractor from the area was abandoned after reaching rafter level. According to him, “we are very sad that the contractor who is from this area abandoned the building even after collecting 70 percent of the contract sum. He should show patriotism by returning to site”. Abdallawa lamented that the

non-completion of the health centre has been posing serious danger to the community as according to him people with health complications in the area have to be either taken to hospital in Kaita, or to faraway Katsina metropolis. “Those who suffer the most are pregnant mothers and children. We usually loss our women on labour before reaching the hospital because we don’t have immediate care in our neighbourhood. For how long can we continue to suffer?” he queried.

NTA College to be upgraded to university status soon – Rector

he Rector, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) College, Jos, Dr. Ayo Fasan, says the college will soon be upgraded to the status of a university. Fasan disclosed this in Jos yesterday when the plateau state Commissioner for Information, Pastor Abraham Yiljap paid a visit to the college in continuation of his tour of media outfits in the state. “We are waiting for the National Universities Commission (NUC) to give us full accreditation. Once that is done, we shall take-off as a full-fledged Television University.

“By the time we take-off, the NTA College will be the first Television University College in Africa,’’ he said. Fasan said that the college began with certificate courses before awarding diplomas, and later degrees in broadcasting. He said that 1,000 students were currently undertaking various courses in the college, adding that some of the students were from other African countries. “I expect more foreign students by the time we become a university,’’ he said. The Rector appealed to the Plateau government to assist the college with

more infrastructure. He said that the administration block, students’ hostel and lecture hall were built by the Bauchi, Delta and Osun state governments. Earlier, the commissioner had told the Rector that his visit was to solicit the cooperation and support of the college for policies and programmes of the state government. He said that the state government was proud of the role the college had been playing in the production of human capital resources for the nation, and promised to work out ways to assist its growth. (NAN)

Land: Dankwambo sets up committee to investigate fraudulent claims From Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

overnor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo of Gombe state has set up a six-man committee to investigate reported cases of fraudulent claims and payments for land compensation including land acquired for the School of General and Remedial Studies, Kumo. This was contained in a press statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar

Sule Bage, and made available to our correspondent in Gombe. The release said that the committee would identify perpetrators of the fraud, adding that if found wanting disciplinary action shall be taken against them. He also said the committee would retrieve all illegal payments made in the last administration and would recommend the payment of compensation to all certified person who own the land.

… To train 1000 youth on remedial studies

n a bid to provide quality and sound education to the people, Gombe state government has established two remedial study centres in Kumo in Akko local government area, and Dukku local government areas of the state. Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo who disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Gombe, said education is the first priority of his administration, adding that the two centres would train 2,500 youths in different disciplines. He said the state government

introduced the two remedial schools as part of the poverty alleviation programme. Dankwambo said that the state government state government is already partnering with the University of Maiduguri for the training exercise of 1000 youth for the school. The governor further said at the end of the programme youths would be able to have another chance for direct admission in to University of Maiduguri when they pass their remedial courses and JAMB.

Jigawa flags-off vaccine against 5 infant The commissioner said the killer diseases vaccine has already been From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

he Ministry of Health, Jigawa state, has launched the formal introduction of a vaccine against the five killer diseases of infants. The Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr. Hassana Hussaini Adamu, explained that the newly introduced pentavalent vaccines into the EPI schedule was conceived after the vaccine was introduced in to the country as a means of accelerating the coverage in the immunisation activities in the country.

incorporated in the EPI schedule at the national level and some few states were selected to commence the introduction among which is Jigawa state. Dr. Hassana Adamu said the effort serves as a landmark and as part of our efforts to improve the health of infants in the state to ensure that whatever we give them will be of benefit to them. “The pentavalent vaccine is not a new vaccine, rather it is an improved version of the DPT3, and the DPT3 is one of the performance indicators for any routine immunisation in the health system”, she observed.

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Dana crash: Fashola offers legal aid to victims’ families From Ojebola Matthew, Lagos

he Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has offered to extend free legal services to families of the victims of the Dana Air plane crash that need to use legal process in pursuit of their rights. While addressing the families as well as top management and officials of the aviation industry and religious leaders, at a meeting, Governor Fashola said the Office of the Public Defender

would be on hand to handle all such legal processes free of charge for those who need the services. He stated, “In terms of compensation issue and all of such issues, they are important to varying degrees, but the Office of Public Defender will provide legal services that you require without charge and you can liaise with them through the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice”. The governor said that the offer was voluntary, said the

head of the legal department of the Office would constitute a legal team with representatives of the families so that the Office would begin to take legal issues and give legal advice to those concerned. On the issue of finding who was wrong in the process of decision making or use of equipment or other issues that resulted in the crash of the ill-fated plane, Governor Fashola cautioned; “To me, and this is personal my opinion, this is not necessary yet. We cannot begin to lay blames

until we know what caused the accident and we cannot do that until we are through with the bodies and related issues. “We have to take it step by step. The result of this investigation or any air plane accident investigation all over the world is not for only one country but for the Aviation industry globally. We must proceed from one step to the other in order not to confuse or complicate the issues”, the governor said.

L-R: Chairman, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Ekiti state chapter, Mr. Jide Awe, Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, and Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, during the flag-off of distribution of empowerment items by Hon. Ojo to people from his constituency, recently in Ekiti.

Boko Haram: Lagos beggars get poor returns From Ojebola Matthew, Lagos

eggars in Lagos have lamented their declining rate at which Christians are giving alms in the areas, saying that situation has worsened since the outbreak of the Boko Haram activities in some parts of the Northern states. Investigation has shown that Christians, who were more generous during religious events, marriages and other social activities, are now less willing to give alms, citing the political unrest, bombing of churches, killing of Christians and the activities of the dreaded

Boko Haram sect. An aged male beggar at St. Sabina Catholic Church, Mangoro, Agege, said “this time around, the returns, even when we line up in the front of churches, are not even enough to feed ones-self for the day; and most of us have families.” Hajia Maryam Abdulkadir narrated how she used to gather enough foodstuff, money, and other gift items which last her for weeks, with enough to send back home. “On Sundays, particularly, if there is a social event, I make money, people would give us gifts, used clothes, shoes, bags,

medicines and items they don’t need. But since this Boko Haram trouble started, people are not giving us anything again. The Boko Haram thing is affecting us negatively. Now I cannot send anything back to Kano and my children are s tarving.” Calling on their brothers in the North to put an end to the bombings and attacks on churches, Bilikisu Umaru, another beggar at the Resurrection Praise Ministries, Navy Town, Lagos, said, “we are the worst hit. We are at the receiving end of the bombings, killings of Christians,

bombings of churches and any unrest that results in the killings of people from the South. Let them stop the bombings. Let government put an end to the bombings and killings.’ “On a Sunday, when I come here after Church service, I realize between N4,000N6,000, depending on which time of the month and the occasion holding in the church,’ said Alhaji Danlami Maigari. He went on, “But today, since this Boko Haram bombings started I hardly realize N1000, even if there is a social event in the church.”

Nasarawa awards N2.2bn contract for digitisation of state broadcast station From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia asarawa state government has awarded a N2.2 billion contract for the upgrading of the state owned Nasarawa Broadcasting Service (NBS) to meet the deadline by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), for all broadcasting stations in the

country to digitalise. General Manager of the NBS, Alhaji Yusuf Musa, made this known while addressing a meeting of the management of the organisation recently, saying contract was awarded to phaseout all the obsolete equipment in the station, which according to him, will enhance productivity, as well as enable the station

operate in accordance with modern trends in broadcasting. He disclosed that some engineers of the station will undergo training abroad for proper handling of equipment to be installed and urged the staff of the organisation to improve on their service delivery in order to complement the effort of government to reposition the

station. The contract which is expected to be completed within three months, besides providing standard studio cameras, transmitters, OB vans among others, will also seek to re-activate the Keffi booster station in order to reach out to its audience in the Western senatorial zone of the state.

NYSC DG decries pressure for ‘choice postings’ By Etuka Sunday

he Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig. Gen. Nnamdi Okore-Affia, has said that a situation where individuals will send in requests for posting of their wards to choice places was contrary to the NYSC posting policy, assuring that prospective corps members would be deployed to the 36 states of the federation and the FCT for National Service. He made this revelation yesterday in his office when the Director-General, Citizenship and Leadership Training Center, Mr. Michael Fawole paid him a courtesy visit. General Okore-Affia thanked the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre for its role in the training of corps members during orientation programme and appealed that uniform template for Man O’ War training activities in all NYSC Orientation programmes be developed to enhance quality of training given to the corps members. Earlier in an address, Mr. Fawole said the purpose of the visit was to thank the management of the scheme for its cooperation and collaborative effort over the years in ensuring that the future leaders are well trained, and to also look at some possible grey areas in order to strengthen them.

Zamfara Attack: Residents flee Dangulbi

hree days after the midnight attack on Dangulbi, Sabuwar Kasuwa, Guru and Biya villages of Maru Local Government Area in Zamfara, the people have continued to flee the area in fear. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that a group of bandits attacked the villages on Monday, killing 26 people, including women and children and left many critically injured. The incident has put fear into the minds of many in the area leading to their exodus for fear that they may be attacked again. One of the survivors of the Monday attack, Malam Lawali Hassan, told NAN in Gusau yesterday that many who survived the incident had fled for safety to Maru community or Gusau. “Anyone of us who would recall that ungodly incident will never wish to remain in those villages because of the level of insecurity and fear that these bandits could attack us any time”, he said. He said that he survived the attack by the whiskers and had since taken refuge in Gusau. “When I was fleeing the village yesterday (Tuesday), I saw several other families leaving the area for a safer environment”, Hassan said. (NAN)

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DANA crash: Allow law to takes its course, says legal practitioner From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

legal practitioner and member of the National Institute, mni, Barrister Timothy Deji Gbadeyan, has noted that the law must be allowed to take its course in investigating the recent plane crash involving DANA airline and 153 passengers including residents of Iju-Ishaga in

Lagos state. Gbadeya who spoke with our correspondent in an interview on Tuesday said if not because of corruption, incompetence of government agencies charges with protection of lives of Nigeria, disbanded planes, unfitted machines and goods would not be imported to the country and allowed to claim

Nigerians lives. “Whoever disobeyed, transgressed against the law must be punish. We have many government agencies schedule to protect lives and properties. But they are bending rules; allow corruption, tribalism, and religious bigotry into the system. “There is nothing stopping all the government agencies to

sample all the goods and aircraft coming to Nigeria before accepting them to transport Nigerians. The Asian countries have taken over our economy because we like those who can play ball when it comes to issue of corruption. He wonder that if the DANA aircraft crash did not attract international attention, there was possibility that government would

have started using religion statement to described the incident and urged Nigerians to accept it as a will of God. The legal practitioner however warned that if corruption continues without any check by the nation’s leaders, it would infect the system like “HIV and AIDS when there would be no measure to cure it.

World Environment Day: Minister wants citizens to partake in Green Economy By Mohammed Kandi

L-R: Representative of the Rector, Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu, Mr. Valentine Adugwu, Etisalat Youth Segment Manager, Mr. Idiare Atimomo, and guest speaker, Mr. Niyi Adesanya, during Etisalat Qlickfest seminar, yesterday in Enugu. Photo: NAN

Bauchi uncovers 5,000 ghost workers in 20 LGCs From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

he Bauchi state government has discovered over 5,000 ghost workers in 20 local government councils of the state. The Chairman Local Government Service Commission Alhaji Ibrahim Musa stated this

during the state ministerial press briefing, adding that some workers still lacked qualification required to work at the councils. He similarly revealed that N11 million salaries were also discovered from the said ghost workers. He explained that the Commission had last year

Business opportunities elude Plateau due to crises – CAN chairman From Nankpah Bwakan, Jos

he Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared that business opportunities have eluded Plateau state owing to the persistence crises that bedevilled the state since 2009 lamenting that the series of attacks on innocent citizens have caused unbearable pains on the populace. Rev. Mwelbish Phillip Dafes, state CAN chairman, who condemned the recent bombing of churches and killing of Christians, declared that the attacks would continue but divine intervention was on the way and warned the attackers to desist. Rev Dafes said the government and security agents lacked information, strategies,

might and will to defend the citizens as well as to address the security challenges confronting the country. He disclosed that the some people identified in the various reports of the commissions of inquiries have not been punished to serve as a deterrent to other because such persons identified appeared to be untouchable but that CAN would continue to draw the attention of government to release and implement the reports of the commission. According to him, the series of attacks on Christians in their places of worship unveiled the fact that churches are under attack by a coordinated team of terrorists who are bend on instilling fear in the hearts of Christians.

established four committees comprising of 166 members for the verification of staff in the 20 local government councils that discovered the ghost workers. The chairman stated that some of the workers have reached retirement age or have bad records in the service, saying the reports of the committees are

being implemented through due process to avoid cases of litigation. Musa lamented over the lack of commitment and dedication of some of the workers at the local government, saying that it is a national menace and a problem of leadership that exist in all the ministries of the country.

Gowon Foundation trains 40 volunteer medics From Nankpah Bwakan, Jos

he Yakubu Gowon Foundation (YGF) on Wednesday began a fourday training programme for 40 medical students’ volunteers on cervical cancer screening at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH). Mr. Dan Tenshak, the Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, said the training was the first phase of an elaborate advocacy and free cervical screening campaign for female students. Tenshak said that the training was being carried out by the YGF in collaboration with Jos University Medical Students Association (JUMSA).

He said that the first free cervical screening exercise for female students would be carried out on June 19 and June 20 at the University of Jos multipurpose auditorium at the Bauchi Road campus. “The choice of female students for this campaign is to ensure that the message on early detection and prevention of cervical screening spreads wide among the most vulnerable and educated segment of the society. “It is believed that the segment of the population will later serve as peer educators to others,’’ he added. He thanked the volunteers for making themselves available in the service of humanity and the fight against killer disease ravaging women in the society.

he Minister of Environment, Hadiza Mailafiya, has urged Nigerians to join the rest of the World, ensuring they contribute towards the growth of the “Green Economy” aimed at improving human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. Mailafiya, who spoke at a meeting marking the World Environment Day (WED) noted that the Green Economy was about the people, and stressed the need for them to find out more about it saying “a green economy can be thought of as one which is low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive.” The 2012 World Environment Day with a theme “Green Economy: Does it include you?” the minister stated, would help to raise awareness on the serious impacts of carrying on with business of engaging governments, NGOs, private sector and individuals in action. Admitting the country's high natural resource potential was threatened by environmental degradation such as deforestation and desertification, pollution, erosion and climate change effects, Mailafiya however noted the WED is to enhance public awareness, knowledge and action towards the importance of conserving and managing the environment. “The day’s agenda is to give a human face to environmental issues; empower people to become active agents of sustainable development; promote an understanding that makes communities change their attitudes towards environment and form partnership to ensure all people enjoy a safe and healthy environment,” the minister explained. To restore the country’s degraded environments, the minister assured that, efforts are on the way towards recovering degraded environment to bring about forests, wetlands and rangelands. “We have re-emphasized public awareness creation, massive tree planting and a renewable programme to maintain our forests, improve the fertility of our soils and ensure that all the industrial, agricultural and other activities that support our economy are undertaken in a sustainable way so as to green the economy,” she said.

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Bauchi Sharia Commission retrieves N233 million From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

auchi state Sharia commission has retrieved the sum of N233 million from Muslims and gave the money back to rightful non-Muslim owners. The Chairman of the commission, Malam Mustapha Baba Illelah stated this at the state ministerial briefing saying that it is in the efforts of the Commission to effectively and efficiently discharge its responsibility to the society. Malam Illela further revealed that the commission also retrieved the sum of N36.4 million and returned to owners the money meant for business and family affairs. According to him, the commission is charged with the responsibility, among others, to teach good morals and forbid bad attitudes/behaviors be it between Muslim and Muslim or Muslim and other believers. He said the commission which shared estate on inheritance valued at N9.3 million, similarly recorded 4,468 cases on mediation/reconciliation, out of which it treated 3, 462, referred 250 cases to court while 750 are still pending. Ilelah stated that the commission received the conversion of 142 new converts to Islam from ten states which included Oyo, Plateau, Gombe and Bauchi who are residing in the state. “It would interest you to know that the commission never at any given time compelled anybody to accept Islam but rather they (converts) voluntarily accepted to join Islam based on their personal in-ward conviction from the education and enlightenment

rendered by the commission on the doctrine of Islam”, Ilelah said. The Chairman explained that the commission was working on the preparation and conduct of marriage of six out of the 88 female converts at different intervals, as it planned to ensure that the noble objectives are sustained without prejudice. He outlined the challenges of the commission as the ignorance of the public about the true meaning of Shariah and the gradual nature of its implementation, as well as inadequate release of funds which remains the major impediments of the commission responsibilities. Ilelah said the commission is also constrained with the lack of legal power to prosecute offenders and enforce certain laws, and the failure of most local governments in the state to implement the directives of the state government to provide logistic support to Hisbah such as offices, transport and working materials.

L-R: Minister of Youth Development, Barrister Inuwa Abdulkadir, receiving a congratulatory card from Secretary General, Unity Schools Old Students Association, Mr. Dauda Iliya, during a visit by the association members to the minister yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Joe Oroye

Suspected cultists stab NSCDC staff to death S

ome assailants believed to be cultists on Sunday in Abeokuta killed an official of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The NSCDC official, Sheriff Elegbede, an inspector, was allegedly hacked to death with machetes and axes. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that Elegbede, who was working in the Oyo state Command of the NSCDC, was killed

on Sunday night at the Oke-Ilewo area of Abeokuta. Some sources, who preferred anonymity, said that the deceased had a scuffle with an unidentified man after a long-drawn argument over a girlfriend. In the ensuing fracas, Elegbede was allegedly attacked by suspected cult members, who were mobilised by the unidentified man. Elegbede was reportedly

rushed to Success Hospital in the Oke-Sokori neighbourhood of Abeokuta, where he was confirmed dead. NAN reports that one suspect, Adetayo Adeyinka, had been arrested and detained in police custody in connection with the crime. When contacted, Mr Olanrewaju Kareem, the Public Relations Officer of Ogun Command of the NSCDC,

confirmed the incident. “I am aware of such incident but the person involved was not serving in Ogun State Command,” Kareem said. Mr Muyiwa Adejobi, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Ogun, also confirmed the death of the NSCDC official. Adejobi said that the arrested suspect was already assisting the police in their investigations. (NAN)

NAICOM suspends Prime Investment Insurance Igala voice group to emerge

he National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) yesterday in Abuja suspended Prime Investment Insurance Brokers Limited from doing business as insurance brokers. A statement issued by the commission’s spokesman, Lucky Fiakpa, said the suspension was effective from June 14. “The suspension of the Akurebased company’s licence would remain until further notice.

“The suspension became necessary following the manner in which the firm handled Ondo state government’s property insurance account. “After a careful study of all issues relating to the account, the commission was satisfied that your company acted unprofessionally without regard to ethical standard expected,” the statement said. It said some of the infractions by the broker included receiving

commission in excess of the maximum prescribed by law. It stated that the firm led a consortium of unregistered brokers and facilitated the deduction of money categorised as Christmas gifts from the premium due to the underwriters. The statement warned the firm against violating the suspension order to avoid cancellation of its licence. (NAN)

this year

From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

ll is now set for the smooth emergence of a sociocultural organisation for the Igala people in Kogi state. Sons and daughters of the ethnic group in Nigeria and Diaspora converged at Amusement park Lokoja, Kogi state and gave June 29 this year as deadline for the emergence of a group that would serve as a voice

of the people. The meeting, according to the chairman, Ahmed Hussein was convened to brainstorm on strategies and modalities to actualise the emergence of the umbrella organisation and discuss other issues that will directly shape the future of the Igala nation. The emergence of an umbrella organisation is necessitated by the perennial problems of material and human poverty in Igala land by the absence of an organised, selfless and credible leadership

Minimum wage: Katsina govt, banks move to ease workers’ difficulties From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

atsina state Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Muhammad Lawal Jari has warned bank managers to find ways of addressing the difficulties faced by the workers in accessing their salaries. The commissioner, who

handed down the warning at meeting with Bank managers aimed at finding solution to the problem, stated that the government would not fold its arms watching workers suffering in collecting their salaries, tasking the banks to immediately device means of easing the problems. Due to the implementation of the new minimum wage for the

34 local government workers of the state, workers rushed to the banks to withdraw their salaries in these banks thereby creating a huge crowd at the banking halls. “You know we have started implementing the new minimum wage to local government staff beginning from the month of May through e-payment. The money for these local government staff and primary school teachers is

almost five billion naira. Therefore you the banks must find ways of reducing these congestions in the banks”. He therefore tasked the banks on employing short term strategies such as deploying more ATM machines, increasing the cash collection points in their branches and opening cash centres in rural areas. Similarly, the commissioner

frowned at a situation of cash-out at the designated ATM machines, stressing that the ministry would raise a team to go round theses banks to monitor their operation. “I will personally visit these banks to test their ATM machines if it is a situation of cash-out i will and if it is any other problem I will also know. We will surely reward banks who performed well,” he added.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

PAGE 12

EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

Stiffer penalty for non-performing telecom companies

he Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the regulatory agency saddled with the demanding task of regulating easily the most lucrative sub sector of the nation's economy and ensuring quality service to consumers of telecom services recently imposed a staggering fine of N1.17 billion on the four leading telecom providers for allegedly failing in their key performance indicators. The non performing culprits are MTN, Etisalat, Glo and Airtel. To drive home the point of its serious minded disposition, the NCC further imposed a daily fine of N2.5 million for failing to pay the sanctions imposed. We welcome these measures. In our considered opinion, these penalties were long overdue. Since the dawn of GSM eleven years ago, these major non performing telecom providers have demonstrated an unusual avarice in their billing system and in the quality of services given to hapless and unprotected consumers. We recall how beneficiary telecom companies that enjoyed the first wave of operating licences in 2001 ripped off consumers via per minute billing for years. During those early years, consumers were mercilessly exploited and made to pay for the inefficiencies of these providers. Drop calls were common place and hidden charges prevalent. One shylock provider even charged consumers for retrieving voice mails in addition to ridiculously high charges on Short Message Service

(SMS).This particular provider even boasted to unamused subscribers that per second billing was unworkable until after five years. By this account, consumers were expected to pay for drop calls at a staggering N50 for a second. This tariff was clearly exploitative. The period between 2001 and 2003 was easily the most harrowing for consumers of telecom services. Drop

“

We commend NCC for wielding the big stick. Though it took years before the penalty came, it is nonetheless heartwarming. We recommend this to similar regulators. But we also recommend that short changed consumers must be refunded. Anything less is unacceptable. NCC should compel the erring providers to realize this factp calls, poor signal strength resulting in low audio quality, inability to recharge air time and frequent hidden charges defined the services of these telecom companies. However, the dawn of the indigenous Glo mobile and consumer friendly tariffs that saw the birth of per second billing forcefully crashed the hitherto exorbitant charges and engendered a healthy competition. For

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

a while the oft bandied phrase 'the customer is king' held sway as these telecom operators struggled to outdo one another in wooing more subscribers to their network. Expectedly in the ensuing cut throat competition tariffs were lowered increasingly resulting in bloated subscriber base without a corresponding increase in network expansion. And with the coming of Etisalat, unending woes of consumers and customers alike were compounded. Billing was arbitrarily done for services not provided. Not too long ago, a telecom company caused national hysteria for its subscribers when it illogically charged them for services not rendered. These substandard services from the dawn of the GSM era compelled many a subscriber to clumsily carry more than one cell phone at a time, an untidy necessity, that has become a well heeled culture 11 years after the advent of GSM. Rather than being a status symbol, carrying multiple cell phones is unedifying confirmation that the telecom service companies are not performing. Against this we commend NCC for wielding the big stick. Though it took years before the penalty came, it is nonetheless heartwarming. We recommend this to similar regulators. But we also recommend that short changed consumers must be refunded. Anything less is unacceptable. NCC should compel the erring providers to realize this fact.

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

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

PAGE 13

Dreams of a proud Nigeria By Nwankwo Kanu

s a proud Nigerian footballer, I have scored many goals for my country. But there's one goal I still need to score—I want to help Nigeria kick polio out forever. Growing up in Owerri, I practiced every day from sunrise to sunset in the hope of one day playing for my country. Through years of hard work and dedication, I have been able to fulfill my dream. But some of our children will never have the same opportunities I did—children who fall victim to polio, a devastating disease that continues to threaten our communities. Many polio victims will never walk again, let alone compete on the football field. Today, our country has a tremendous opportunity to show the world that we are committed to protecting Nigerian children – and children around the world – from this crippling disease. We cannot let this opportunity slip away. Last month, Nigerian leaders joined the international community to declare polio eradication a global public health emergency and recommit to ending this disease once and for all. As one of only three countries

where polio has never been stopped, Nigeria has a responsibility to help create a polio-free world. Over the years, our country has made immense progress against polio, reporting fewer than 100 cases in 2010 and 2011. Globally, cases are at an all-time low. We are now more than 99 percent of the way to ending polio forever. Yet, our hard-won gains are at risk of unraveling. The number of children with polio in Nigeria has tripled since this time last year, and the disease is spreading to parts of our country that were previously polio-free. We have a unique window of opportunity to correct course and eradicate this disease. We're at the end of the game and victory is within our reach. Winning the fight against polio would be a historic achievement for our country and a source of pride for every Nigerian. But in order to beat this disease, our country must put forth its very best effort at every opportunity. We need 100 percent commitment to achieve our goal. Doing our absolute best means strengthening Nigeria’s vaccination campaigns to protect the most vulnerable children, particularly migrant families and those who live in hard-to-

reach areas. It also means improving management and oversight of eradication activities at every level. Donor countries must also do their part and help fund eradication efforts. With these commitments in place, success can be achieved, even in the most challenging circumstances. We are already stepping up our game. Traditional leaders and immunization teams are working hard, going door-to-door

are being put in place to improve planning, training and reporting. International partners like Rotary International and UNICEF are working tirelessly with communities to educate families on the importance of vaccination. This important work is not only helping Nigeria beat polio; it is improving the health of children in the poorest and most inaccessible areas of our country. Polio vaccination campaigns are

“

Like my journey back to the football field, ending polio will require commitment and determination. These principles are the foundation of our country and have helped us become the strong nation we are today encouraging parents to vaccinate their children. Satellite technologies are helping to locate communities routinely missed during campaigns. Thousands of additional workers

helping to deliver other lifesaving health interventions like Vitamin A supplements. Eradicating polio will also free up resources to invest in other health challenges, allowing us to

save even more lives. Most importantly, ending polio will allow every child the opportunity to grow up free from this disease. Kicking polio out of Nigeria will be challenging – but great achievements are never easily won. I know this first-hand, having overcome many obstacles to get where I am today. After we won the gold medal at the 1996 Olympics—and made history by becoming the first African team to do so—my football career nearly ended when doctors discovered I had a heart defect. I had to undergo surgery and many thought my footballing days were over. But I refused to accept that my goal of returning to the football field was out of reach. I dedicated myself to a strong recovery and went on to play for more than another decade. Like my journey back to the football field, ending polio will require commitment and determination. These principles are the foundation of our country and have helped us become the strong nation we are today. I call on every Nigerian to help us conquer this disease once and for all. Nwankwo Kanu is a former skipper of the national soccer team, the Green Eagles.

Yobe and the exit of opposition By Abdallah Amin "A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others" - Ayn Rand 1905-1982

or Yobe state and its people, the period between 1999 when it was created and 2007, was most challenging. The near absence of basic infrastructures in its 16 years of statehood promoted poverty, illiteracy, hunger and disease while, massive looting of the state treasury was going on with impunity. The worrisome scenario pushed progressive-minded politicians, including late Senator Mamman Ali, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri and Senator Ahmed Lawan, among others, with the burning desire to change the lives of the people to be at the political center stage of the state . Although, the outcome of the 2007 governorship election which produced Late Mamman Ali and Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam as Governor and Deputy Governor respectively was trailed by series of court actions, the determination of the case by the Supreme Court brought to a halt the lengthy litigations. The duo of Mamman Ali and Ibrahim Gaidam made their position clear that "Change must come to Yobe". As true and committed democrats, they were not carried away by the victory but, the desire to change the state

dominated their focus and therefore, extended hands of fellowship to everyone in the state to join the new train of change. After the Supreme Court judgement, Governor Ibrahim Gaidam declared "there is no victor and no vanquished in this case" so as to give the opposition within the party and, those from other political parties a sense of belonging to be part of the effort of changing Yobe to attain faster development. For Alhaji Mai-Mala Buni, erstwhile state chairman of the Action Congress Party (ACN) and now, Special Adviser to Yobe

infrastructures across the state irrespective of party differences had fizzled out opposition in the state. The ambition of every committed politician is to improve the lives of his people through provision of dividends of democracy. Perhaps this explains why Alhaji Babagoni Machina former PDP governorship candidate, joined ANPP and is now the serving Secretary to the State Governmemt (SSG). Two former PDP chairmen Alhaji Tujani Tumsa and Alhaji Mohammed Lamin, nine

“

The ambition of every committed politician is to improve the lives of his people through provision of dividends of democracy Governor on Political Affairs and Legislative Matters, "there is no point to be in unnecessary opposition if government is improving the lives of the citizenry through provision of basic infrastructures which were denied to the people for decades". He argued that the holistic and equitable distribution of

members of the state assembly and, 10 council chairmen also discovered that opposition in Yobe was very unnecessary and defected to the ruling ANPP. Alhaji Adamu Waziri, a PDP chieftain, former minister of Police Affairs and a key figure in the agitation for the creation of Yobe state, for the first time visited

the government house and identified with the development strides of the Gaidam administration. In Yobe today, there is no part of the state that can cry of marginalization. Every part of the state has benefitted from one or more life-changing infrastructures provided by the Gaidam administration. The opposition is further weakened by provision of infrastructures such as the 233 kilometre Trans-Sahara road connecting over 200 border communities in 10 local government areas. These communities had suffered untold hardship and neglect since the days of the Northern regional government. This road will certainly spur economic activities in these communities, promote self reliance, revenue generation and economic growth of the people and the state. Similarly, the effort to overcome water challenges suffered by the people is indeed is indeed a worthy investment in projects with direct bearing on the lives of the people. The lifesaving water project in Gumsi village, where pipes were laid from Dumar to Gumsi, a distance of 23 kilometers to provide water to the arid community, was a great feat that can only be achieved by committed leaders with true desire to change the lives of the people. Again, the 506 boreholes being

constructed for 330 communities in 10 local government areas are unarguably heart warming dividends of democracy. These facilities are physical. The people have witnessed and benefitted from it, any attempt to claim otherwise by intra or inter party opposition will ammount to swimming against the peoples' tide. Mai-Mala, adored Gaidam for dropping his political differences with others immediately after he was declared winner of the April 2011 election. He argued that this style gave every politician with sincere desire for development a true sense of belonging. The modest achievements recorded in the last five years, now gives Yobe citizens at home and in the diaspora a cause to proudly identify themselves government and the state. The introduction of elders and stakeholders forum by the office of the special adviser on politics to avail government interact directly with the people to appreciate the needs, progress and predicaments of both sides will promote accountability and good governence in the state. The departure from the old order of doing politics with bitterness, to the new era of politics without bitterness in Yobe, is not only encouraging and productive but, it gives hope for unity and desire to move the state forward irrespective of political and cultural differences. Abdallah Amin can be reached at abd.amin34@yahoo.com

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By Ifeanyi Izeze

our Excellency, you may recall that when President Goodluck Jonathan, through his Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke commissioned a task force in January to fast-track a new copy of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), an allegation of the substitution of the document with a doctored version was made in a commentary: “Shell et’al and Covert Hijack Of Jonathan’s New Petroleum Industry Bill.” Now few weeks later, the entire scenario painted in the article is being actualized. And this should be worrying to everybody at the helm of affairs of this country, particularly those of you at the National Assembly. As displayed in the abridged copy of the PIB, the cabal running the oil and gas sector under the evil manipulation of the foreign multinational companies has packaged a document less than desirable for our national interest especially in terms of transparency in accounting for expenditures and revenues from this all-important sector of our national economy. Pedro Van Meurs, who consulted for the Federal government on the PIB, aptly described the expected reactions that would greet the release of this mercenary copy when he said: “I expect the petroleum industry to be happy and many Nigerians to be upset when the latest copy is passed into law.” To remind you, from the onset, the crux of the opposition by the foreign oil operators to the well-intended original copy of the PPIB was that in their thinking, it will create a harsh environment that would materially change the economics of the existing and new operations particularly in the deepwater frontiers. As originally proposed, changes in tax regimes would

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

SOS to Senate President on doctored PIB the Nigerian instigate an increased and corruption in this all- overhauling government take from an average important sector of our national National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). of 73 percent to a projected 82 economy. Foreign oil companies like percent under the original PIB Everything about terms. This calculation was transparency provisions related to Shell, Chevron and Exxon will be derived on projections of a mid-size corporate income tax, relieved that tax changes are deepwater oil field with production hydrocarbon tax and production more favourable compared with of around 50 million barrels a year sharing as originally proposed previous versions. This could be and syndicated on oil price of were deleted in the latest a sticking point with lawmakers seeking a better deal for Nigeria. US$75 per barrel. mercenary copy. Also, the taxes Nigerian foreign firms pay fiscal terms on profits onshore, are currently which will be the most published under l e n i e n t Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text the mercenary compared to messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written PIB, will amount to its peers, contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 a big cut from the particularly words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and taxes that are now the countries a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed levied. with the same Furthermore, geological to: the cut will apply character. both to existing For instance, The Editor, fields and to new Libya has 93 Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, fields, unlike in p e r c e n t 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja. earlier versions of government Email: let ters@peoplesdaily-online.com the PIB which cut take and UAE SMS: 07037756364 taxes only on new Abu Dhabi is fields. The on an average of 94 percent. This is Provisions that would have government could lose 20-50 because recent trends in global forced the government to publish percent of its tax revenue per fiscal terms especially in this era of how much oil it pumps out and all barrel on existing assets which rising oil prices have built-in the payments it receives from oil cover the majority of Nigeria’s mechanisms of increased firms - in an industry where known oil and gas reserves. How can the abridged version government share in windfall secrecy is blamed for corruption propose a new National Oil prices through increased royalty/ have been stripped from the bill. taxes and linkages of royalty/tax The latest copy does not require Company (NOC), which will rates to prevailing oil prices to disclosure of oil sales, of other taxes within three years be partly ensure automatic adjustment of like income and hydrocarbon tax, listed, “as part of the efforts to government share to price nor of payments to the entrench the much-needed increases. But it’s not so in the government, including signature accountability,” while at the arrangements in this country. bonuses even though openness on same time still allows the old It will surprise you to know such subjects is vital to clean up NNPC exist and keep joint that when the long-awaited PIB the fraud and corruption mess in ventures and production sharing finally comes out from the gang the nation’s oil and gas sector. This contracts with oil majors for an packaging it, it will turn out to be is an outright negation of the indefinite period? Won’t there be a charade packaged to solely entire idea of reforms in the oil and conflict of interests and favour foreign oil firms, the same gas sector meant to change supremacy tussle between the group that had championed fraud everything from fiscal terms to proposed NOC and the old NNPC?

Mischievously, the section on NNPC in this copy is both brief and vague. Also the interests of oil producing host communities/ states in the abridged version are also vague and sinisterly brief. This should actually be worrying to every concerned stakeholder in the reform initiative and Your Excellency should take note of this. And here is the big one: Under this mercenary copy, anyone who ‘interferes” with the oil minister will be fined and/or imprisoned. Though this is not a Diezani-only case as it applies to whoever comes after her but is this not a preemptive shield to avert punishing those who have been clearly indicted in the over $7 billion fuel subsidy scam, uncovered in the probe whose findings were released last April by the National Assembly? During his state of the nation address on Tuesday May 29, President Jonathan said the new mercenary PIB would be sent to the National Assembly this month. Despite the lingering dispute between lawmakers, oil minister and foreign multinational oil operators, it is obvious that executive interference may fast track passage of this compromised version into law, and if this happens, there is nothing anybody even the civil society groups can do about it. Also, nobody can talk of prosecuting the petroleum minister and others even if it is established that they were beneficiaries in the $7 billion fuel subsidy scam. Pathetic, isn’t it? Ifeanyi Izeze is an Abujabased consultant on strategy and communication (iizeze@yahoo.com; 2348033043009)

of the panel’s assignment. These should include, but not limited to, the following: I) The panel must be given a free hand and the powers to take any administrative decisions that would enhance and facilitate free access to some needed information from the agencies under investigation. II) Key officers that are perceived to be possible hindrances to the success of the panel should be asked to proceed on compulsory leave pending the completion of the panel’s work and subsequent release of the government’s white paper. III) No individuals or groups may covertly or overtly interfere with the assignment of the committee. IV) The panel should be given adequate funding and logistics support so as to ensure smooth execution of the assignment. Justice delayed is justice denied! V) There is need to reconstitute the panel because some members

vain is to carry out an objective, thorough and honest probe so that such ugly incident does not happen again. The search for the truth must not be subordinated to the narrow interests of any individual or group. Any public officer, who is confident of his actions, would not be scared to go on either compulsory leave or suspension as the case may be since anybody not found culpable at the end of the investigation would be recalled back to continue to serve with all diligence. In other words, sending an officer on compulsory leave or suspension does not translate into automatic guilt/ indictment. In effect, it is the best way of exonerating the affected officer if not found wanting. May the souls of the deceased rest in peace, and God Give their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. Ameen! Alhaji Musa Garba can be reached at garbam39@yahoo.com

WRITE TO US

Dana: Reconstitute that panel

By Alhaji Musa Garba

he initiative taken by the Federal government to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the unfortunate Dana air crash on 3rd June 2012 in Lagos is timely and a step in the right direction. Without doubt, probe panels like the one under reference could go a long way towards unraveling the factors that might have led to the air crash. The probe, if properly, thoroughly and transparently conducted, would put a stop to the unnecessary speculations and theories that are in currency now. Furthermore, it would help both the government and the aviation industry in adopting measures that would re-position the sector to the desired level to meet global best practices in the aviation world. In order to achieve this objective, calculated steps must be taken at the commencement

are currently on the payroll of some of the agencies billed to be investigated in order to avoid any compromises. Such staff would find it difficult to be fair and objective when it comes to issues affecting the organization in which they are working. In the interest of fairness and fair play, the Federal government needs to reconstitute the panel in order to do justice to the exercise. This would ensure credibility of the eventual report and recommendations of the panel. Members of the panel as presently constituted 1) Group Capt. John Obakpolor (Rtd) – Safety Contract officer with NCAA (Chairman). 2) Capt. Austin Omame – Formally of ADC Airline, presently in private life. (Member) 3) Capt. Dele Sasegbon – Formally with COSCAP, but now into private life. (Member) 4) Dr. O. B. Aliu – NCAA Director without portfolio on

leave of absence as Nigerian Representative at International Civil Aviation Organization. Montreal, Canada – (Member). 5) Engr. F. C. Onyeyiri – Seconded to African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) Dakar, Senegal, by the Federal Ministry of Aviation. (Member). 6) Capt. MfonUdom – now into private life – (Member). 7) Capt. Mukhtar Usman – Commissioner/CEO – Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) – (Member) 8) Dr. Tony Anuforom – Director General/CEO – Nigerian Metrological Agency (NIMET) - (Member). 9) Capt. I. Mshelia – Chief Executive Officer – Mishaviation. Accra, Ghana. (Member/Sec.) While this is being considered, we must not lose sight of the lives of those who perished in the crash and the anguish and agony of their families. The only way to ensure that they did not die in

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

By Bamidele Aturu

he allegation that a member or some members of the House of Representatives Committee that investigated and exposed the fraud in the downstream sector of the oil industry took bribe from an oil magnate or marketer is part of the ever unfolding and nauseating story of the pervasive grip of corruption among Nigeria’s thieving elite. While, we cannot as yet afford to jump to any conclusion as to whether there is any substance in the allegation, we can warn that By Collins Uma

he Nigerian news media was agog and there was celebration and clicking of glasses in Aso Rock when on the 18th of April,2012 TIME magazine, a US weekly news magazine, released its annual list of the ‘100 Most Influential People In The World’ for the year 2012. Making this list was our own President Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Mainasara Jonathan. This was, more than anything, a testament to how far the man who ‘had no shoes’ has come. We do not know what parameters were used in determining who made it into the list of ‘100 Most Influential People In The World’ for 2012 but it is believed that just being President of the country with the largest population of

PAGE 15

Subsidy probe and the alleged bribery: A vicious circle of corruption?! the allegation must never under any guise be used as a basis to jettison the Report of the Committee which has been adopted by the House. That will not be acceptable and it will confirm the fear in some quarters that the allegation itself, since we are being told it emanated from a sting operation, might have been orchestrated (not necessarily concocted) to discredit the

report. Sting operations are always to be treated with utmost caution even by courts of law as there may be other less than noble agenda behind them. The EFCC and all the other law enforcement agencies should continue with their investigation and speedily conclude same with a view to prosecuting whoever must have been fraudulently collecting subsidies from our national

treasury. The allegation even when proven in my view does not nullify the resolution of the whole House endorsing the Report. The fact that a member or two of a Committee compromised themselves is not sufficient to discredit the Report of the whole House. But having made this point, the members of the Farouk Committee should also be invited by the EFCC and

thoroughly grilled so that any of them who misconducted himself or herself can be thoroughly dealt with according to law and if it is not true that it was a sting operation the offer of the bribe should know by now that he or she has booked a ticket to the prison. It is now getting worrisome that each time we probe a scandal another scandal emerges. What a shame!

The audacity of hype (I) Blacks anywhere in the world should put one close to the top of any list of influential people. What is however obvious from TIME magazine’s list is that the Goodluck Jonathan we know seems not to be the same person whose citation was read by Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, of Liberia, for TIME. Below is an excerpt from that citation. ....President Jonathan, 54, possesses the qualities needed at this moment of great challenges, come to power at a crucial moment in the history of Nigeria. The country has grown out of its past of corruption, mismanagement and brutality... Makes you wonder if its the

same King Ebele The Clueless she’s talking about, doesn’t it? With the mind boggling scams, and embezzlement of public funds—the highest ever witnessed anywhere in Africa— and the brutality of triggerhappy policemen and officers of the Joint Task Force (JTF), someone can stand and say this? But Madam Johnson-Sirleaf was not done. She went on to say, ....President Jonathan has shown the same dexterity he demonstrated as Governor of Bayelsa, the same ability to find the remedies to the many complexities of running a nascent democracy. He has spearheaded

the fight against corruption and turned Nigeria into an example of good governance. Excuse me?? She concluded by saying, …With leaders like President Jonathan, Africa is sure to move forward with prosperity, freedom and dignity for all of its people. Of all the things that citation by President JohnsonSirleaf achieved, one thing is certain. She, like a lot of people outside Nigeria, still believes the hype about Goodluck Ebele Jonathan that we in Nigeria USED TO believe. Now we know better. Thank God. Goodluck Jonathan was

born in what is now Bayelsa State to a family of canoemakers. This was a common trade among the riverine people of Otuoke, his hometown. Aided by the proceeds from his father’s canoe business he went on to get a B.Sc in Zoology, an M.Sc in Hydrobiology and Fisheries biology and a PhD in Zoology from the University of Port Harcourt. Before venturing into politics, Jonathan worked as an Education Inspector, Lecturer, and EnvironmentalProtection Officer. Collins Uma can be reached on twitter @CollinsUma 08053066564

Sectarian violence: The Bauchi approach as solution By Sanusi Muhammad

he Sunday, June 3, 2012 suicide bombing that rocked Harvest Field Church in Yelwa, a suburb of Bauchi metropolis, is the latest in the spate of suicide bombings that have to date claimed dozens of lives and properties worth hundreds of millions of Naira. On receipt of the unfortunate news, Bauchi state Governor Malam Isa Yuguda promptly acted to control tempers of the aggrieved and to restore hope to those threatened and frightened. An emergency security meeting was summoned to map-out strategies against any reprisal action or attempt by hoodlums to break law and order. Expectedly, in collaboration with the various security agencies, peace was immediately returned to the embattled area. Yuguda’s immediate visit to the injured at hospital and the promise of free medication anywhere and assistance indicate his concern to the plight of his people in times of need. Attacks on places of worship are routinely blamed on the radical Islamist sect, Boko Haram but facts are gradually emerging that suggest other elements are cashing on the notoriety of the sect to unleash mayhem. The lady arrested in Bauchi while attempting to set a Church ablaze, the eight

persons arrested at Miya Barkatai in Toro local government area of Bauchi, the three persons arrested in Gombe, the person lynched at the premises of COCIN headquarters, Jos and the three youth arrested at Zangon Kataf as well as those arrested in possession of IEDs at various locations are example of such criminals using the Boko Haram brand to terrorise the nation. Christians instead of targeting their anger on bad governance and hypocrisy of some Nigerians and possibly the activities of dreaded extremists, tend to blame Muslims who themselves are also victims of brutal attacks particularly in the embattled cities of Maiduguri, Kaduna, Kano, Mubi, Bauchi, Gombe and Jos. When COCIN headquarters Jos was attacked, vandals hiding under the cover of Christianity went to town beating the drums of war against innocent Muslims as reprisal that resulted in the gruesome murder of three innocent commercial motorcyclists. On the other side, Muslims complain that punitive and scattergun security operations in the north intended to target terrorists and their collaborators are also illegally targeted at them by the various security agencies. Misinformation and truthspinning are booming and things are fast getting beyond control. Serious as the threat posed by terrorists and insurgents may

be, sectarian violence across the nation could easily destabilize the country if not quickly nipped in the bud through a combined effort of the government and the people. Security agencies are determined to restore peace and order but that can hardly be achieved without vital intelligent information at their disposal. Such information can only come from those that reside in the midst of the terrorists. His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto had placed the narrative in proper context when he said that there is no war between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria but rather a war between good Nigerians and aggrieved people (terrorists). The important question is, how far has this message of the Sultan traveled to reach those, that is supposed to reach? Unfortunately, comments from some other religious leaders appear to support the theory that Christians and Muslims are at war. This is the message that sometimes emanate from the pulpit to the faithful of both religions. This message is then further amplified by international and some local media for the consumption of the gullible public. Countering sectarian violence is not the exclusive job of government, particularly a government overwhelmed with myriad of challenges like the one we have today. Nigerians must be part of the solution. We have to

start talking across the religious divide. Since such a discussion needs an environment of trust and confidence, each group should give the other the benefit of the doubt. We need to express our fears and disappointment but we also need to create the conditions for hope to thrive. In moving the discussion forward, it is important that we educate each other and begin to debunk stereotypes that have made it difficult for us to forge healthy relationship. Christians should be able to differentiate between extremists and non extremists Muslims, while Muslims should be able to differentiate between political views of Christian hardliners and the genuine desires of the majority of Christians to live peacefully in the Nigeria we all claim to be our home. The risks of unchecked sectarian hostility are not so difficult to imagine. The signs are already there. Exodus of southerners from the northwest and north-east and of northerners in the other direction is illustrative of the simmering crisis and loss of trust amongst groups that should be discouraged as Bauchi state governor is doing. When and how is this going to end remains the question. If we leave the answer to these questions to the voices that seem intent on worsening the tensions, Nigeria will be the

worse for it. This reminds me of the gallant effort put by Governor Isa Yuguda at the heat of the exodus. When he realized that some southerners were checking out of the state to seek for safety elsewhere in case of any eventuality, he quickly extended an invitation to his Imo state counterpart, Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha to visit Bauchi to talk to southerners particularly Ndigbo on the need to remain where they are while assuring them of their safety. “Nigeria belongs to all of us Nigerians. In Bauchi state, we abhor discrimination and put more emphasis on citizenship than indigene ship. Together, we should build a better country irrespective of our imaginary differences. I assure you all of your safety and protection of your properties. Please remain where you are and we shall continue to defend and protect you and your genuine interests no matter the odds. We shall not allow the disintegration of our country. Together, we shall overcome the challenges and forge ahead as a united and stronger people in a prosperous nation”, said Yuguda at the town hall meeting. This bold step taken by Yuguda should be emulated by other governors and leaders. Muhammad was the editor of a Bauchi based weekly Newspaper, The Trumpeter/ Kakaki.

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

I will allocate land to people at the grassrootAMAC chair By Etuka Sunday

Scene from the collapsed story building at the Apo mechanic site in Abuja

Three injured as building collapses at Apo mechanic site By Josephine Ella

hree persons escaped death yesterday, when an uncompleted two storey building at Apo mechanic site in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), collapsed. However, the three men, who were working on the building which went down in the early hours of yesterday morning, sustained various degrees of injury. The victims had remained trapped under the rubble for sometimes, before they were rescued by local volunteers. Confirming the incident, spokesperson of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Yushua Shuaib said: “Three victims were rescued alive and taken to the National Hospital Abuja”

where they are receiving treatment. Peoples Daily gathered that aside the three, who sustained injury, no other person was affected by the collapsed building. Narrating the incident, an eyewitness, Paul Nwankwo said the building collapsed at about 7am when some people were working on it. According to Nwankwo, he was having his breakfast at a local eatery when he heard a loud, only to later discover that the building had caved in. “I heard a loud sound and rushed out then I saw the building collapse. I got there and at the same time, one of the boys who was working there and had gone out to buy something came back and alerted the crowd that had gathered that he left three boys in the building.

“I rushed to my house to get a shovel and digger and together with the other people, we were able to rescue the three victims alive, even though two of them were badly injured,” he said. On what could possibly have caused the build collapse, Nwankwo blamed it on lack of expertise on the part of the building engineer, who he said had been suspected to be a quack. His words:”From the way the work was progressing, we knew this kind of thing was bound to happen because the building did not look like what would stand”. An anonymous respondent, who witness the incident said the foundation of the building had been standing for many years while workers only commenced the building proper

about one month ago. “The boys resumed work this morning and were removing the wood they used to cast the pillars and decking when the building crashed on them. From what you can see of the rubble, it is clear that no iota of professionalism was put into this building. “You can see the loose particles of blocks on the floor and the tiny irons which were used for the pillars,” he said. On his part, the Patron, Old Motor Spare Parts Dealers Association, Apo Mechanic Site, Ikechukwu Aneke attributed the incident to “structural mistakes”, stressing “As you can see, the casting was quite bad, the mixture was also bad. We have experienced this before in other parts of Abuja but people have refused to learn. It is unfortunate”.

FCTA marks International Archives Day By Josephine Ella

he Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Archives and History Bureau will from today, kickoff activities to commemorate this year’s International Archives Day. Speaking yesterday, at a press conference to herald the nine-day event, the Director,

Nnodim Charles said the annual event, usually marked on June 9, worldwide was postponed, following the June 3rd Dana plane crash which killed more than 150 passengers on board. He said this year’s event, with the theme: “Sharing knowledge” by creating awareness on the significance of effective archiving and record

keeping as a prerequisite for good governance, transparency and accountability, was meant to create awareness to the public on the important of archives. “It will create ample opportunity for people to know what we are doing, know what record keeping and management is all about and also identify the difficulties

and challenges facing those in the profession and the benefit of archives for humanity and posterity,” he emphasised. The director explained that part of the programme for the event would be exhibition centred on political development of Nigeria from colonial period to the present time and lectures on the theme and other sub themes like climate change.

hairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Micah Jiba has assured that his administration would consider people at the grassroot in the allocation of land. Jiba, who gave this assurance at an interactive session with newsmen, said that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has given all the six area councils the approval to allocate land. He therefore, said that he would ensure that everybody is considered especially those at the grassroots level. The chairman reaffirmed his commitment towards the successful completion of his tenure. He noted that recently the FCT administration distributed 60 tractors to the six area councils, with each receiving 10 at a subsidized rate. Jiba explained that the initiative was intended to boost agriculture in order to achieve the Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government.

Okada rider bags six months jail term for stealing motorcycle

n Upper Area Court in Abuja has sentenced a 23-year-old Okada rider, Danjuma Yakubu of Nyanya village to six months’ imprisonment for stealing. The convict had pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced by Judge Umar Kagarko for the offence. Kagarko, however, gave them an option of N65,000 fine. Police Prosecutor, Silas Nanpan had told the court that on June 11, 2012 one Evang. Peter Anyanwu, of Jesus Christ Fulfilment Outreach Ministry Jikwoyi Abuja reported the matter to the police. Nanpan said that the convict stole Anyanwu’s motorcycle, which he parked at First Bank Nyanya, and that the security men saw him; pursed and caught him with the said motorcycle. He said that the offence of theft contravenes Section 287 of the Penal Code. (NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

Abuja residents groan as prices of condiments soar

Baskets of tomatoes and onion on display

By Adeola Tukuru

market survey has revealed that prices of foodstuffs and condiments in various markets in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs have hit the roof since the onset of the rains. Peoples Daily investigation showed that the prices of some soup ingredients have increased by an average of 65 per cent. This new development, which is taking its tolls on Abuja residents, was confirmed by traders at Kubwa village market, Wuse markets and Utako market. Asked what possible factor could be responsible for this?, dealers in some food condiments associated the upward movement to limited supply and higher cost of transportation. Our findings revealed that a large woven basket of tomato now sells at an exorbitant price

of between N12, 000 and N17, 000 at markets in Wuse, Utako and Kubwa. Similarly, a medium-size basket of pepper now goes for between N6, 000 and N6, 500 in all the markets surveyed against the former price of N5, 000. The price of onion is, however, relatively stable in all the markets. Although, prices of tomatoes are usually skyrocket during the rainy season, traders said they cannot fathom the rather too high price tag, this particular season as they described the situation as “surprising”. While some traders think the high cost of transportation of good is largely responsible for this, others believe that the uncontrollable crisis continually, rocking some states in the north is responsible for this. These school of thought may not be far from the true because the north account largely for the production of

perishable goods like pepper, tomatoes, onion, potato, to list only a few. Kikelomo Owolagba is one of such trader, who shares this view. She said that the security issues were being compounded by deteriorating roads across the nation and high cost of transportation. Confirming the increment, a tomato seller, Mrs Agnes Alabi noted that the current price of tomatoes was higher compared to last year 2011. According to her, some tomato farmers have attributed the increase to heavy rainfall and flooding of tomato farms. As expected, owing to the exorbitant prices of these condiments, many residents can no longer afford the commodities. A trader, Mrs Rejoice Akugbo confirmed that the high prices had made some customers to avoid the ingredients. “People who were buying N500 worth of tomatoes now

have to pay as much as N700. There is nothing we can do; it’s because of the heavy rain,” she said. While some residents in Kubwa, who saw this development coming, said they quickly stock up food due to uncertainty of the sudden increase in prices of commodities, which they presumed would continue to rise, others have rather resorted to other alternatives. A consumer, Mrs Biola Akinola told Peoples Daily that she now depends on tin tomatoes to support her cooking. She added that she no longer use fresh tomatoes, but rather buys some pepper and then add tin tomatoes to augment. Akinola called on the Federal Government to intervene, to cushion the effect of high cost of food items on residents. Her fears are that if this is allowed to continue, into the matter, many people may

soon begin to go on empty stomach, which at the long run could result to criminal activities. For another resident, Miss Grace Okoro, she has had to do away with the use of tomato in her cooking as five small pieces of tomatoes now go for N100. ”I now use grinded pepper and onion to use for stew and this is what I will be doing, pending when the price will come down again”, she said. Also affected by the increment are protein foods like fresh fishes of all sorts and dry fish. A resident, Goodness Obuah said that a Titus fish, previously sold for N150 now sells between N200 and N250, while Cote, Croker and Shawa now goes for N300 each, against the initial price of N200. Obuah also confirmed that a small plate of fresh tomatoes previously sold for N50, now costs N100 while a bottle of palm oil sold for N200, now goes for N250.

BUSINESS

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

Email: amunuimam@yahoo.co.uk

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INSIDE

- Pg 20

SON reviews gauge for roofing sheets to create 1,000 jobs

Mob: 08033644990

L-R: Vice-Chairman, US EXIM Bank, Ms. Wanda Felton, CEO, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema, Executive Vice-President, US Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), Ms. Mimi Alemayehou, Nigeria Ambassador to US, Professor Adebowale Adefuye, and former US Ambassador, Robin Renee Sanders, during a luncheon forum for NSE CEO, recently in Washington D.C., USA.

Non-oil export earnings hit N428bn in 2011 By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem

igeria’s exported non-oil products to 103 countries in 2011, stood at N428billion representing a 19 per cent increase over the previous year’s result. This was contained in a 16point communiqué issued at the end of the 5th National Council on Trade and Investment. (NCTI) meeting in Minna, Niger state on Monday. The communiqué therefore called for increased participation of all state governments across the country in the promotion of nonoil exports as part of deliberate efforts to grow the country’s non-oil export sector. To boost the nation’s non-oil export earnings and increase its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product, it stressed an

urgent need to upgrade the existing states’ export promotion committees to export promotion agencies to complement the efforts of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC)in order to improve value addition of products meant for the export market. It also called on the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) to strengthen its collaboration with state governments in the area of skills acquisition and capacity building in order to create more jobs, generate wealth and transform the nation’s economy. The Council said it recognised the importance of skills acquisition in industrial development, but noted that several agencies appeared to be involved in the establishment and administration of skills

CFA • £ RIYAL $

11th June, 2012 BUYING 0.2753 194.3375 240.6372 41.3012 154.9

SELLING 0.2953 195.5921 242.1907 41.5678 155.9

PARALLEL RATES • £ RIYAL $

BUYING 210 250 40 156

SELLING 212 252 42 158

of Trade and Investment in addressing some of the challenges militating against trade and investment through

Management Tip of the Day

EXCHANGE RATES

CBN

acquisition centres. “The NCTI recognises the critical role Produce Inspection Services ( PIS) plays in export commodities quality control, noting that the function of States Produce Inspection Services resides in ministries other than commerce, industry and investment as the case may be and urged states to ensure that the function of Produce Inspection be appropriately domiciled. ”Council took note of the approval for the upgrading of the Weights and Measures Division to the status of a Department, its ratification by the National Council on Establishment and the consequent change of nomenclature to Legal Metrology,” it stated. While commending the efforts of the Federal Ministry

Keep your employees honest

ou can’t anticipate every conflict of interest employees might encounter. But, you can increase the likeliness that employees act in the company’s best interest if you provide clear guidelines. Try using the following tools:· The Mission. A wellcrafted mission statement serves

as a “true north” for all employees to follow. Make sure all employees understand it.· The Values. What values should guide your employee’s behavior toward customers, suppliers, fellow employees, communities, and shareholders? Being clear about this can help employees avoid

putting the company’s reputation at risk.· Culture. A strong corporate culture clarifies what is not allowed. Emphasize the codes of conduct relating to conflicts of interest, confidential information, bribery, discrimination, and harassment. Source: Harvard Business Review

the implementation of the Investment Climate Reform Programme, the communiqué emphasised the need for increased partnership between the state and Federal Government in order to attract more Foreign Direct Investments, (FDIs) across all sectors of the economy. The Council therefore commended and encouraged the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment to intensify the ongoing consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the establishment of Trade and Investment desks in Nigeria’s Foreign Missions.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS MTN commences nationwide network modernisation

TN Nigeria has commenced a comprehensive network modernisation and swap-out exercise that is expected to cover its extensive network across the country over a span of nine months.

UBA Ghana emerges best bank in loan financing

FG, manufacturers to float N20bn cement institute From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

he Federal Government, in collaboration with the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria have raised about N20 billion for the take-off of the Cement Technology Institute, which is aimed at propelling Nigeria to become a net exporter of cement in Africa. President Goodluck Jonathan disclosed this at the commissioning of 5.2 million metric tonnes Line-3 and ground breaking ceremony of three million metric tonnes Line-4 of the Obajana cement factory in Kogi state.

…tips Dangote as head According to the Presiddent, the institute, to be headed by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, will takeoff next month. He said that the aim of the backward integration in the cement industry has been achieved, adding that “we are now poised to introduce the policy in the automobile, textile, sugar and rice industry”. He commended the Dangote group and pledged the Federal Government’s commitment to providing the enabling environment for manufacturing

to thrive in the country. The Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Joseph Odumodu told journalists at the event that the cement technology institute will give a boost to the development of the cement industry and investment. He added that the industry will have adequate human resources to drive the sector as well as increase service delivering. Odumodu noted that SON mandate is to come up with research findings that can help industrialists to thrive.

n recognition of its value added services and trailblazing initiatives, UBA Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of United Bank for Africa Plc, Africa ’s global bank, has emerged the topmost player in the Ghanaian banking industry. SThe bank was adjudged ‘Best Bank in Short term Loan Financing’ even as it scooped several awards at the recently held Banking Awards in Ghana.

Apple takes on Google with own maps, better Siri

pple Inc took the wraps off its own mobile mapping service and made its enhanced Siri voice-search available for iPads as it rolled out souped-up software and hardware on Monday to help it wage war on Google Inc.

DIL ends importation with commissioning of 5.25mt plant

ollowing the commissioning of the 5.25 million metric tons p/a line 3 cement plant of the Dangote Cement on Monday, at Obajana, Kogi State, cement importation finally comes to an end.

Increased utilisation of cassava points to job creation, forex savings

shift towards the use of locally available ingredients, particularly cassava, by consumer goods manufacturers as a replacement for imported alternatives such as barley and wheat, has moved up the agenda of the potential of cassava as Nigeria’s most valuable cash crop.

SON reviews gauge for roofing sheets to create 1,000 jobs From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

he Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has said that it would, with effect from August, begin the implementation of the reviewed standard gauge for corrugated roofing sheets. Dr. Joseph Odumodu in Lagos said that SON had reviewed the gauges to enable it compete favourably with others from ECOWAS countries. Odumodu said that the 0.20mm gauge, which was the only gauge in circulation in Nigeria had been reviewed into 0.15mm, 0.18mm and 0.20 mm gauges. According to him, SON has observed that local manufacturers are manufacturing at a loss. He noted that gauges ranges between 0.12 and 015mm in Ghana, and much more lower in other ECOWAS countries. He added that such disparities had robbed the country of the sector’s contribution to the nation’s GDP. He said that galvanize roofing sheets produced in Nigerian were facing strong competition in the face of cheaper and lower grades from other countries within the region. According to Odumodu, SON reviewed the gauges to enable Nigeria’s roofing sheets hold sway in ECOWAS markets and contribute its quota to the nation’s GDP.

CICAN to honour SON, BoI, others From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

R-L: Airtel Nigeria’s COO , Deepak Srivastava and Executive Director with Chief Sales Officer, Inusa Bello, at the launch of Airtel 2Good Times, on June 11 in Lagos.

South-West gets W/Bank’s N1.5bn Fadama III project support By Abdulwahab Isa

he World Bank regional office said it had distributed N1.5 billion to South-West zone beneficiaries of the third National Fadama Development Project (Faddama III), as part of efforts to reduce poverty and increase productivity. The zone was allocated $36 million out of which the sum of $19 million was disbursed remaining a balance of $17 million, a World Bank statement said yesterday. It said so far, 735 Fadama community associations and 7,542 Fadama user groups have been supported in the zone through the execution of over 4,135 developmental

subprojects some of which includes, oil palm and garri processing equipments, roads construction and rehabilitation, markets construction and other income generating assets such as pepper grinding machines, knapsack sprayers, and poultry equipments to boost the enterprises of the rural communities. Speaking to beneficiaries and other stakeholders of the project during the 6th joint World Bank and Federal Government Supervision Mission in the zone hosted by Ekiti State Government, the mission team leader, Obadiah Tohomdet, a Senior Communication Specialist of the World Bank noted that

Fadama III Project, which is being implemented in 658 local government areas across the states of the Federation has positively impacted on the lives of over 649, 367 households. Mr. Tohomdet added that the entire project cost stood at $450 million out of which over 150 million dollars were disbursed so far. The mission team leader commended stakeholders of the project in the zone and also appealed to the respective states’ governments to ensure prompt payments of their counterpart funds for speedy implementation, in order for their communities to continue enjoying the project support. During the visit, beneficiaries had interacted well with the mission team and expressed joy and happiness on the project.

he Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Bank of Industry (BoI), Lafarge, BUA and Olofa will be honoured at this year's Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) merit award. The award is aimed at rewarding excellence, exemplary leadership and outstanding contributions of captains of industry to economic development, as well as nation building. Tagged: 'CICACN Crystal Night of Excellence', the award, the 4th edition in its series, is a project of journalists from the print and electronic media covering the real sector of the nation's economy. Scheduled to hold on June 28, 2012 at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, this year's award, like the past editions is expected to attract dignitaries from different walks of life, including the Honourable Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, the Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom and the President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Chief Kola Jamodu.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

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Clipping the wings of the CBN T

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Amendment Bill recently initiated by the legislature (i.e. National Assembly) should not be a surprise to any keen watcher of the frosty relationship between the National Assembly (NASS) and the CBN in the last two years. Without prejudice to NASS power to make or amend existing laws, one will expect that the exercise of such powers should seek to promote financial system stability as well as socio-economic well being of the citizenry. Unfortunately, the proposed amendments to CBN Act 2007, with regard to the composition of the CBN Board of Directors and submission of its annual budget to NASS for consideration seem not to appreciate the unique role of the central bank in the economy. Ordinarily, amendments to existing law should seek to strengthen an institution’s capacity to execute its mandate rather than weaken the institution. If the proposed amendments, which would introduce a part-time chairman, remove the Deputy Governors from the board and compel the CBN to submit its annual budget to NASS are passed, the combined effect would erode the independence of the CBN as well as politicise its operations. In reality, the CBN would be taken to its status in 1990 (that is 21 years backward). As a career staff of CBN spanning 25 years (1974-2009) I lived through the evolution of CBN from bondage to freedom. Before the promulgation of CBN Act 24, 1991 and Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 25 1991, the CBN was under the supervisory purview of the Federal Ministry of Finance. There were instances when CBN’s professional positions were overruled. I will cite a few examples to illustrate the predicament of CBN before it gained independence through the promulgation of Acts 24 and 25 of 1991. Sometimes in 1988 or 1989, the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC) submitted an application for a banking licence which CBN rejected for being inconsistent with NSPMC’s mandate. The CBN was queried for rejecting NSPMC’s application by the Federal Ministry of Finance. There were instances of divergent positions between the CBN and Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF) over exchange rate and interest rate policies with FMF’s position prevailing. Even though the CBN Act 24 and BOFIA 1991 gave CBN autonomy, subsequent implementation reveal certain inadequacies. For example, under BOFIA 1991 CBN had the power to approve the issuance of banking licence but withdrawal of licence was subject to the

Senate President David Mark approval of the Head of State (President). It was not until 1998/99 under General Abdusalami Abubakar’s regime that BOFIA was amended to confer the power to withdraw banking licence on the Board of CBN. In the same vein, CBN Act 2007, strengthened the independence of CBN by addressing security of tenure of the Governor and the bank’s ability to conduct monetary policy in pursuance of financial system’s stability. The foregoing paragraph highlights the fact that previous amendments to CBN enabling legislations sought to enhance its autonomy and capacity to discharge its mandate rather than to weaken it as contemplated in the proposed amendments by NASS. Without the autonomy which CBN had enjoyed over the years, the major reform initiatives carried out such as adoption of universal banking (2000) bank consolidation (2004) and 2009 regulatory intervention could not have been possible. Perhaps a little commentary on the concept of independence would assist our lawmakers to soft pedal on their proposed undesirable amendments. For this purpose I associate myself with the conceptualisation by Marc Quintyn and Michael Taylor in their article entitled: “Should Financial Sector Regulators be Independent?” They took the position that “making central banks independent frees them from political pressure and thus removes the inflationary bias that could otherwise unsettle monetary policy” They then

CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi identified four dimensions of independence namely: regulatory, supervisory, institutional and budgetary. Regulatory Independence: relates to ability to set prudential rules and issue regulations to guide conduct of banking business while Supervisory Independence: entails close monitoring of operations of financial institutions and enforcing sanctions (including revoking licences). The CBN currently exercises its regulatory and supervisory independence under the provisions of BOFIA, 1991. I n s t i t u t i o n a l Independence: entails security of tenure of executive management, governance structure composed of experts, freedom to conduct monetary policy as well as open and transparent decision-making process. Budgetary Independence: involves insulation from political pressure, freedom to staff the agency and prompt response to imminent financial sector crisis but subject to clear accountability framework. The CBN Act 2007 has provisions to ensure institutional and budgetary independence of the CBN. It should be emphasised that budgetary independence is critical to any central bank’s ability to exercise the three other dimensions of its independence. Neither its lender of last resort role nor its financial system stability mandate can be effectively exercised without budgetary independence. Regrettably, the proposed amendments by NASS will effectively erode CBN independence. It is therefore, recommended

that NASS should let the four dimensions of independence enunciated in this contribution guide its deliberations. The lawmakers are urged to appreciate that the four dimensions of central banks’ independence are internationally accepted and Nigeria should not be an exception. To further assist the NASS in its deliberations, the lessons of inadequate independence in some countries are hereby brought to its attention. The 1994 banking crisis in Venezuela provides a classic example. This was succinctly documented in a book entitled “COLLAPSEthe Venezuela Banking Crisis of 1994” by Ruth de Krivoy (Former President, Central Bank of Venezuela) published in 2000. In her words: “I told Velasquez (i.e Venezuela President) of my regret that all of the Central Bank’s attempts since 1992 to inform the government about the banking systems growing problems had gone essentially unheeded .......But we were powerless to correct the bank’s structural problems”. She further stated that “the instability of the financial system led to sustained capital outflows and constant strong attacks on the currency”. One of the numerous recommendations she made relates to law making, which she presented as follows: “Legislature must keep pace with changes in the financial industry. Legislators must stay abreast of changes in the market, and update laws as often as needed to allow banks to remain safe, sound and competitive”. She cited Denmark whose prudential supervision law passed

in 1975 had been amended more than twenty times to keep pace with developments, as a good example. In their review of the East Asian crisis of 1997-98, Quintyn and Taylor noted that lack of independence worsens financial crisis. They cited the case of Indonesia where “when the crisis hit, the central bank procedures for dispensing liquidity support to troubled banks were overridden by the political authority’. Various studies have concluded that central bank independence is “essential to counter the natural preference of politicians for expansionary economic policies that promise short-term electoral gains at the risk of worsening inflation in the long run” On the basis of the foregoing, the irresistible conclusion is that the autonomy currently enjoyed by the CBN should not be whittled down. The benefits of CBN autonomy to the economy and the financial system are very enormous. The NASS is therefore enjoined to deploy its enormous oversight powers to ensure that the CBN is accountable in the exercise of its autonomy. Independence without accountability is objectionable and unacceptable. The CBN on its part, should improve on relationship management with its various stakeholders while NASS should resist the temptation of putting the CBN on a backward march. Ganiyu A. Ogunleye, OFR is former Director of Banking Supervision (CBN) and former Management Director/CEO Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC)

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

Revival of Ajaokuta steel coy panacea to unemployment, says engineer By Abdulwahab Isa

o tackle the intractable issue of unemployment especially on engineering field, federal government has been urged to revamp the moribund Ajaokuta Steel Complex located in Kogi state. The Managing Director/CEO, Adumek Integrated Engineering Services Ltd, Engr. Adu Moses Kayode has proposed in an interview with newsmen.

He said as nations’ engineering hub, resuscitation of Ajaokuta will tackle unemployment challenge facing the country. Engr. Kayode, an expert in elevators, escalators and conveyor belts expressed deep regret that, Ajaokuta complex, which can provide 80% of what is used in the lift industry, is left unattended to for so long. “The complex is not supposed to be dormant. Even if, we can

be producing the rail guard there, it would go a long way and we can be exporting to other countries starting from our African countries,” he explained. He said the complex can produce guard rails, cabins and the wheels for lifts and can provide jobs for thousands of young engineers. He said a lot of peoples undermine the capacity of Nigerian engineer adding that

“as a matter of fact, our engineers are still the brain behind what they do. That I am an engineer and studied electrical andelectronics, all these principles and technology of lifts and elevators are a simple technique of pulling”. He urged the Federal Government to always give Nigerians the opportunity to excel in the engineering field, pointing out that the country has the best hands in the world.

L-R: Rivers state governor, Mr. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, Managing Director, Indomie, Mr. Bebark Singer, and Managing Director, Dufil Prima Food Plc, Mr. Bau Muki, during their visit to the governor, yesterday in Port Harcourt. Photo: NAN

Aso Savings & Loans shelters over 30,000 Nigerians, says executive director By Abdulwahab Isa Muhammad Nasir he number of Nigerians assisted by Aso Savings &Loans plc to own their houses has risen to over 30,000 translating to a robust balance sheet in excess of N40 billion,. The company’s Executive Director in charge of operations, customer service and information technology, Mohammed Inuwa Shehu confirmed the figures during an interview with Peoples Daily in Abuja. Inuwa explained that the zeal to provide Nigerians with shelter is a commitment imbibed by every staff of Aso Savings &Loans, a commitment he said that drives the overall corporate mission of the mortgage firm. “For Aso Savings &Loans, it’s clear and simple. We want to assist each and every Nigerian. This objective is very clear to us; this is what we set out to do and we are very much committed in doing this. We will do everything within our powers to assist people own their houses”, said Inuwa.

The firm is currently in partnership with Oyo state government for the construction of Ibadan transformation estate, while similar partnership arrangement has been concluded with other states. The states listed by Inuwa where Aso Savings &Loans plc currently has partnership

arrangement include, Ondo state which entails construction of ODA housing estate , estate in Calabar, Cross River state and Minna in Niger states. Besides, he said the bank has expanded in terms of branch network to other states as it has presence in more than one location in Lagos state, a presence in Kano,

NUPENG scribe, Okougbo retires By Muhammad Nasir

he one-time General Secretary of National Union of Petroleum & Natural Gas workers (NUPENG), Comrade Elijah Okougbo has bowed out of service after 33 years of meritorious service. He joined the union in 1979 and retired on May 31st , 2012. A statement signed by its Senior Assistant General Secretary, Mr. Adamson Momoh said Okougbo has been reappointed as Industrial Relations Adviser to the President of the Union. Okougbo, a trade unionist and Industrial relations graduate

of the University of Ibadan, had 18 merit awards and two medals during his period of service. He is now back to private life as the Chairman/CEO of Ogo Construction, Industrial and Commercial Services (OCICS) Ltd and Chairman/CEO, New Age Consult, Lagos. NUPENG has appointed Comrade Isaac O. Aberare as the Acting General Secretary. He is a graduate of Public Administration of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. He joined the union in 1982 and rose through the ranks to the position of Deputy General Secretary (Operations) before his new appointment.

Kaduna, Benin and Port-Harcourt. The bank, he said currently has shareholders’ fund in excess of N5billion and expressed confidence that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s new capital base requirement for Primary Mortgage Institutions (PMIs) is never a threat to Aso Savings & Loans Plc.

UBA donates N10m to victims of communal crisis in Nasarawa

he United Bank for Africa (UBA) on Tuesday donated N10 million to victims of the recent communal clashes that erupted at Assakio in Lafia-East Local Government of Nasarawa state. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that crisis broke out between the Alago and Eggon ethnic groups on June 1, leaving scores dead and property worth millions of naira destroyed. Mr John Idoko, the bank’s regional head, presented the cheque on behalf of the bank to the state Deputy Governor, Dameshi Luka. He said that UBA was deeply touched by the recent happenings in its business community and saw the need to assist by providing a token. Idoko said that the bank enjoyed tremendous patronage and support from the people of the state. He said that the bank decided to assist in the peace process by making the donation as part of its social responsibility. He explained that the bank decided to make the donation through government because of its belief that ``the state government is in touch with those affected by the crisis''. Idoko urged the people of the state to embrace peace as the only alternative for the development of the state. Receiving the donation, Luka thanked the bank for finding it worthy to assist the state and its peace initiative through the donation. He said that it would go a long way to ameliorate the plight of the displaced persons at various camps. Luka said the fund would be judiciously spent on the victims of the crisis, and gave the assurance that the state government would continue to partner with UBA. (NAN)

Ambassador decries low volume of trade between Nigeria, Russia

he Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Alexander Polyakov, has expressed concern over the 300 million dollars volume of trade between the two countries. Polyakov, who made the observation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday, blamed the development on the absence of a ‘framework’ that would promote trade and investment. He noted that Nigeria was yet to ratify the agreement on the promotion of investment signed between the two countries three years ago, adding that the neglect

of such an important framework could hamper trade. Polyakov said that the lack of political will and support by both governments, were also among the reasons for the low volume of trade. “Russia is still very cautious about investing in Nigeria, so you see, both nations lack the political will,’’ he said, adding that Russia produces oil and gas, and so did not need to import the commodities from Nigeria. He, however, said that both countries had enjoyed very cordial relations over the past 50 years, with cooperation in education and other technical areas. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

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PAGE 25

Dana Air crash: The air disaster corruption made By Babs Ajayi

ave you seen the photographs of that beautiful mother of four and her wonderful children who died in the Dana plane crash in Nigeria? She was a proud mother and a happy and excited parent. She was Mrs. Maimuna Anyene. Mrs. Anyene, her husband, Onyeka, and their four children were murdered in Nigeria by a corrupt establishment that allows old, rickety and poorly maintained aircraft to fly Nigerians across the country, thereby exposing everyone to danger everyone in the plane and those on the ground. It is all done in a subtle way: A nearly-grounded or stored, worthless and deadbeat plane is procured, repainted, and brought to Nigeria to operate commercial flights in the country. The aviation authority is contacted by the owners of the plane bearing newly procured and doctored documents. The officials who are tasked with the duty of reviewing the plane’s documentation and assessing it ensure they are well rewarded for their troubles, the trouble of having to do what they are paid to accomplish. In other cases it

does not matter whether you have a complete and accurate document, you still must ‘drop’ something to these men and women for doing the work they are paid to do. The men in authority and their political masters are happy to secure financial support from the big boys and quickly issue licenses to planes that are not airworthy and are too old to fly in civilized clime. These are the people responsible for the murder of Maimuna Anyene, her husband and four children. Pain is no longer in short supply and family, friends, well-wishers and onlookers are left in tears and agony; everlasting wounds inflicted on hundreds of thousands of our people. The young children and newly orphaned kids who lost their lives and their parents to corrupt government officials and politicians who collect bribes and say things like, “I did not ask; they just gave it to me to thank me,” or “If I don’t take it others will,” or more heartless, hopeless and hapless remarks like “Do you really want this aviation licence? You are about to start making hundreds of millions and dropping a few millions of dollars for the boys is a wise investment.”

Dana aircraft

Anyone who demand, accept, extort and/or take money to have a deadbeat plane fly innocent people from one city to another is a

murderer. Anyone who signed off on a rickety plane and licensed it to provide service in Nigeria after receiving kickback or other

Distressing: Smoke pours from the wreckage of the plane after it crashed into the building, killing at least 153

favours from the owner of the plane is also a murderer. Anyone who knowingly purchased a troubled previously grounded (stored) and deadbeat plane to use for aviation business in Nigeria is also a murderer or murdererin-waiting. The blood of innocent people is in your hands. Even as we mourn some are already hoping that the upcoming review of planes will bring them more cash and more bribes. Every new plan of government to review the air-worthiness of planes only open doors of new opportunities to extort money and to demand cash from airline operators; even those among the operators with planes that are in good order and air-worthy must pay up. The age of an aircraft is important and many Nigerians are right to worry about the age of the plane they travel in. They also should worry about the maintenance records and service history of the planes they fly in. How often do these planes go through the required checks? Are these checks being carried out or the books just being doctored? An old plane like any engine or equipment ought to be serviced and maintained far more regularly than a new plane. It is better that Nigerians ignore the advice of the media monger of the minister of aviation who told reporters the other day that the age of a plane “may not matter”! It will be nice to find out from this media man if his

lack of aviation knowledge and media craft are enough to make people forget that the average age of planes flying in Nigeria is about 20 years. Some of the Nigerian airlines have planes that are older than 23 years, yet they are in operation. Such planes should be grounded. Even a few of the airlines have planes that are over 30 years old. There is no need for panic? This media monger wants Nigerians to continue taking planes like nothing has happened; he wants Nigerians to ignore the age of the planes. But why did the government ban aircraft that are older than 22 years if age is not an issue? There are planes that are over 25 years and still flying in Nigeria. How regularly do these old planes undergo checks? Most of the planes in Nigeria and most of Africa cannot enter the European or American airspace because they are considered unworthy and without up-to-date maintenance and servicing records. But the unfortunate thing about travel in Nigeria is the fact that there are absolutely little to choose between the air, the road and the rail. The roads are not only very bad and dangerous; they are dens of robbers and criminals. Billions of naira has been spent on paper to build, repair and maintain major roads in Nigeria, but those same roads are in the most deplorable state ever. The federal Ministry of Works has been led and managed by hugely

corrupt ministers and directors. The Lagos-Ibadan, Shagamu-Ore and many others are death traps, unworthy of being referred to as an expressway. In fact, no road in the advanced world is referred to as an expressway yet the roads are several times better, well maintained, regularly inspected and repaired. The last time - and that was recently - I drove on the Lagos-Ibadan not-so-express way, I found there are less than five road signs, the road is deplorable, crooked and bumpy in several areas and for several kilometres at a stretch; there are abandoned vehicles, disused tyres, broken parts and objects on the road, and there are just too many police check points - some within five kilometres of each other - that endanger the lives of people and road users. We need to know what Chief Anthony Anenih (1999 - 2003), Mr. Adeseye Ogunlewe (2003 - 2006), Yahaya Abdulkarim (2006 2007?) and Dr. Hassan Mohammed Lawal (2008 2010) did with the billions allocated to road repairs during their time as Federal Works ministers. What value added did the billions committed to road maintenance in those ten years brought to Nigerians?

Scene of Dana aircraft crash in Lagos

What happened to the $2.85 billion Ogunlewe said was invested into road rehabilitation and upgrading across the nation in 2003? More importantly, what happened to the Senate Committee report that investigated the use of more than N300 billion in the transport sector during the

administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and recommended that Chief Tony Anenih and 12 other former ministers be prosecuted for awarding contracts without budgetary provision? The price of corruption and looting can be as grave as

Rescue efforts: The bodies of victims are carried from the scene of the disaster

death for those who require to use the amenities for which budget was allocated but funds diverted or stolen. Nigerians are doing their best to avoid travelling by road because the roads are better avoided. In a nation where water transportation is not popular and embraced, there is little

hope that people can travel from Lagos to Port Harcourt, Calabar or Warri by water. Let us just forget rail because that is another can of worms altogether; it is a bottomless pit that has yielded so little despite the billions regularly put into it. Culled from Nigeriawatch

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

EMERGENCY UPDATE

Windstorm: Victims laud FG over swift response

he victims of about 500 houses ravaged by the recent windstorm disaster in Boki community in Cross River State have been relieved with building materials worth millions of Naira by the Federal government through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Receiving the materials on The victims, who gathered behalf of the State Governor, in their thousands at Kakwagom village for the distribution however, the Director General, ceremony, described the gesture Cross River State Emergency as â&#x20AC;&#x153;unprecedentedâ&#x20AC;? and assured Management Agency (SEMA) NEMA that the materials would Mr. Vincent Aquah, expressed ameliorate the condition of the appreciations to the Federal government for the gesture. beneficiaries. The Governor recalled that Presenting the materials to 13 local government areas were the victims, the DirectorGeneral of NEMA, Alhaji affected in the recent windstorm Mohammed Sani Sidi said that disaster and that several the sad consequences of the thousands of homes were blown windstorm disaster in the area off. In a remark, the chairman had informed the gesture, of Boki Local Government Area, adding that the relief materials include roofing sheets, nails, Chief Jonas Obi Out, who was represented by his Vice, Hon. wood, cement and zinc nails. Represented by Director of Kyrian Ankoh Okoh said that the Training, Mrs. Clem Aisueni, combined efforts of the Federal Sani Sidi reaffirmed that NEMA and the Cross River State had brought had repositioned itself to exploit government every avenue in disaster succour to the displaced people management and appealed to of the local government Area Nigerians to cooperate with and promised that the materials measured initiated to check the would be judiciously shared to victims of the disaster. adversity. Below are some of the relief materials distributed to the victims

NEMA Director of Training, Mrs Clem Aisueni (representing NEMA DG), handing over relief materials to DG SEMA representative, Andy Akpotu.

DG NEMA centre with students and corps members at Quiz Competition on Disaster Management in Abuja.

Cross section of disaster victims

Vice-Chairman, Boki, distributing relief materials to disaster victims

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

EMERGENCY UPDATE

Bauchi SEMA spends N154.8m on emergency relief in one year

auchi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) spent N154.8 million on emergency relief activities from May 2011 to May 2012, the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Mahmud Garba, has said. Garba made the information known recently in Bauchi while briefing journalists on the activities of SEMA in the last one year. Garba said the agency spent

N19.5 million on assistance to victims of fire disasters, floods, windstorms, road accidents and armed robbery in different parts of the state within the period. He said that the agency also spent N20 million on the purchase of computers, motorcycles and generators which were distributed to Local Government Emergency Committees across the state. Garba said the agency spent

over N39 million on the purchase and distribution of relief materials to victims of disasters. He also said the agency spent N50 million on the upkeep of more than one million Internally Displaced Persons. Garba further said the agency spent N26.3 million on capacity building and training on emergency preparedness and responses for the staff and other stakeholders. (NAN)

NEMA officials presenting relief materials for distribution to victims of the recent Assakio crisis in Nasarawa state.

Assakio Crisis: NEMA donates relief materials to displaced persons in Nasarawa

he National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has donated relief materials to displaced person from Last week’s communal crisis in Assakio, Lafia-East development area of Nasarawa state, which left scores dead and properties destroyed. Presenting the relief assistance to the displaced persons camped at Dunama Primary school in Lafia, Director General of NEMA; Alhaji Muhammad Sani-Sidi expressed worries over the incessant communal crisis in the state. Represented by Mr. Mike Adeyanju, a director in the agency, Sani-Sidi stressed the need for the people to love one another and eschew all forms of violence in order to foster unity and peaceful co-existence. “This is the third time within the last six months that NEMA would be donating relief material to displaced persons of communal crises in Nasarawa state and it does not augur well for development,” he said. “We can see that the crisis has deprived you of your means of livelihood and some have even lost their lives not to talk of the children who have been put out

of schools thereby jeopardizing their future. Even the studies of the pupils in this primary school where you are camped had put on hold,” he explained. He therefore urged the people, especially community leaders and all others stakeholders in the state to vigorously pursue peace building initiatives that would stem the tide of incessant violence clashes. The relief materials donated to the victims include 100 bags each of Rice, Guinea corn and Millet; 200 bags each of Garri, Yam flour and processed Pap (Ogi). Others are 1000 pieces of blankets, 500 pieces of Nylon Mats, 300 pieces of Mattresses, 140 pieces of Bath towels as well as 500 pieces of Mosquito nets. Also presented were; 100 cartons each of bath soap and detergents; 500 pieces each of wax print and Guinea brocade wrapper; and 500 pieces each of plastic plates, cups and spoons. Adeyanju, who was accompanied by the NorthCentral Zonal coordinator of NEMA, Mallam Aliyu Alhassan, explained that the material would be distributed directly to

the affected persons by NEMA officials in collaboration with the state Emergency Management officials. Receiving the materials, Governor Umaru Almakura, represented by Alhaji Salihu Salau, Director of Personnel of the state emergency management agency, said the crisis had become one too many. He enjoined the people of the state to embrace people irrespective of tribal or religious differences, adding that, that would be the only was the state could achieve any meaningful development. The Governor expressed gratitude to the Federal government through NEMA for the gesture, which he said would go a long way to ameliorate the plight of the displaced persons. Almakura further disclosed that the state government had set up a committee of inquiry to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the recent crisis with the aim of finding lasting solution. He therefore urged the people to cooperate with the committee by availing them with truthful information about the crisis whenever the need arose.

YOUTHS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY By Abubakar Jimoh abujimoh01@yahoo.com

Forestalling tanker inferno on Nigerian roads

he recent tanker trucks multiple-explosions on Lagos-Ibadan Express Way has been viewed as one of the devastated inferno that occurred. And the rate of mayhem and economic losses arising from such incidences across the country accelerate annually thereby causing public concern. Over the years, Nigeria has recorded a number of truck explosions that claimed thousands of lives and destruction of property worth millions of Naira. For instance, Ibadan truck (Tanker) explosion, which led to the death of over 200 people in November 2000. There was a similar accident involving trucks in Gombe state in September 2011, killing no fewer than 19 people instantly. Another awful event was recorded when a tanker collided into a 16-seater minibus, resulting in the death of 5 people along the Damaturu-Potiskum road in Yobe state. Again, over 70 people were roasted alive after a fuel tanker crushed a six commuter bus in OnitshaEnugu Express Way in October 2009. While 11 vehicles were burnt at Iwo-Ojoo highway in Oyo state, Ibadan in an auto crash between NNPC tanker and a Coal truck in March 2012. Moreover, many causes of these accidents (explosions) across the country have been attributed to heavy traffic congestions, over speeding, poor vehicle maintenance, brake failure, drivers’ recklessness, late night journey, electrical problems with vehicles, and bad roads. Other factors, observers identified as responsible for such misfortunes include undue overtaking, disobedient to traffic rules and regulations, bad weather condition, poorly designed road sign, insufficient checking of systems, and individuals negligence to attending minor problems with their cars until it degenerates into a major trouble. Meanwhile, in its effort to avert the intensity and reduce a number losses resulting from tanker inferno around the country, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has in different forums proffered several preventive measures. NEMA therefore stressed the need for the Tanker Drivers’ Associations to advise its members, charging them on due responsibility they owe the public or other roads users as well as on general maintenance of their vehicles. These, it said was possible through organization of

seminars, workshops and trainings in various local languages, so as to help to inculcate in them, high level of discipline and diligence in the performance of their duties. Apart from this, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), which is responsible for ensuring accident-free roads in the country, must fully implement all the traffic specification schemes such as the drivers’ experience, drivers’ license, general vehicle maintenance update, and traffic trainings. FRSC should also strive to put under close scrutiny and supervision the rate of speed limit, loading limitations, and offloading requirements, just as it needed to ensure the operating trucks on the highways meet the technical and physical specifications for operation. In this case, massive physical tests must be conduct on every loaded tank truck passing highways in the country. Meanwhile, past experience have shown that most tanker inferno occurred at scene of traffic jams, therefore, there is need for Nigeria law enforcement agent to improve on its traffic monitoring and control across the country. As the number of vehicle lane miles traveled annually continues to increase dramatically, the number of vehicle lane miles constructed yearly must keep a pace to reduce the everincreasing traffic congestion. Perhaps, like what obtains in developed societies, there is need for co-option of some gadgets such as the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), which consists of hardware, software, and operators that allow better monitoring and control of traffic in order to optimize traffic flow. Also, the ITS has been reported to be a cost-effective solution towards optimizing traffic, as it presents a number of technologies to reduce congestion by monitoring traffic flows through the use of sensors and live cameras or analysing cellular phone data travelling in cars and in turn rerouting traffic as needed through the use of Variable Message Boards (VMS), highway advisory radio, on board or off board navigation devices and other systems through integration of traffic data with navigation systems. The roadway network must be put into motorable position with additional communications and control infrastructure to reduce tanker drivers to the devised regulations; and enhance traffic personnel’s skill on road monitoring tactics. Preventing oil tanker accidents

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

Curbing desertification via Great Green Wall programme By Sani Adamu

n an effort to fight desertification, one of grand environmental issues affecting most Nigerian states, President Goodluck Jonathan recently approved the immediate implementation of the Great Green Wall (GGW) Environmental Programme. The programme, which is part of measures adopted by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to combat desert encroachment in Nigeria, particularly in the northern part of the country aims at planting more than 1,500 new trees from Maiduguri (Borno) to Birnin-Kebbi (Kebbi State), a distance of more than 1, 000 kilometres. However, Minister of Environment, Mrs Hadiza Mailafia, said that the programme will be implemented in the 11 frontline states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, Jigawa, Yobe and Zamfara. “The whole concept is that there should be a green area that will run across the 11 frontline states. These are the states that face the desert directly or bear the direct impact; they are the shock absorbers of the desert, they first feel it before we do,” she said. Mailafia further said under the programme, Borno, Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara states, which are most adversely affected, will have a contiguous Green Belt, while the remaining three states of Adamawa, Bauchi and Gombe will have support Green Belts. She said the contiguous belt, which will be 15 kilometres wide, will run from Kebbi to Borno, covering a distance of 1,500 kilometres. Observers, however, noted that the GGW Programme will boost efforts to tackle the growing menace of deforestation and desertification in the country Meanwhile, the environmental problem is considered as very severe; while concerned environmentalists lament that the world’s forest cover has shrunk considerably due to factors such as urbanisation and industrialisation. They note further that by 1950, over 100 million hectares of the world’s forests had been cleared for industrial purposes, recalling that at that point in time, the forests covered about a quarter of the world’s land mass. The experts also said less than 25 years later, more than 200 million hectares of the world’s forests had been destroyed to meet the growing needs of the increasing population. They affirm that the situation continued to degenerate, saying that by 2000, between 600 and 700 million hectares of the world’s forest reserves had disappeared because of the increase in

Tree planting and other means of warfare against desertification in the northern part of Nigeria becomes vital to restore claimed hundreds of hectares of farmland, number of those leaving with hunger, homelessness and poverty unsustainable use of forest resources worldwide. The situation now appears calamitous, as the world’s forests — coniferous, temperate and tropical forests — are all under serious threat, and experts maintain that the destruction of tropical forests is the one which is currently having the greatest impact. This is because tropical forests play critical roles in regulating the global climate, they add. Climatologists on the other hand, stress that tropical forests help in maintaining the balance of gases in the atmosphere by producing a vast quantity of oxygen and using up a vast quantity of carbon dioxide. The forests are also described by environmentalists as a “storehouse of genetic diversity” that provides a wide array of goods and materials for human and industrial uses. But, available statistics indicate that even though tropical forests cover only about 6 per cent of the total land surface of the earth, they are home to more than half of all species of life on the planet. A report of the World Resource Institute confirms the gravity of the situation, putting the annual rate of tropical deforestation at between 16.4 million and 20.4 million hectares worldwide, more than the 11.4 million hectares estimated by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FOA). The most worrying aspect of the study, according to concerned experts, is that Nigeria is losing more than 350,000 sq. km of its forest landmass each year. Again, observers stress that the negative impact of deforestation and desertification has started taking its toll on the lives of humans, animals and plants in the 11 frontline states of Nigeria.

From the records, it was indicated that the survival of more than 5 million livestock in Yobe is under serious threat due to the dearth of pastures occasioned by seasonal droughts. The situation is akin to what obtains in states like Borno, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto and in the northern part of Bauchi state. Incidentally, some records show that Bauchi State alone is losing an average of one kilometre of its landmass annually to desert encroachment, particularly in its northern axis. The state government has attributed the ugly trend to indiscriminate felling of trees for fuel and charcoal business. The government bemoans the activities of a particular syndicate which specialises in the indiscriminate felling of trees, stressing that the trend has seriously exposed the state to the dangers of desert encroachment. It, nonetheless, warns that it will no longer condone the activities of some unscrupulous elements that endanger the natural eco-system of the state. To reverse the trend, the

Bauchi State Government has set up a high-powered committee to check the menace. The committee comprises traditional rulers, police, security agencies, ministries of agriculture and local government affairs To further strengthen efforts to curtail deforestation, the state government recently approved the purchase of more than 10,000 kerosene stoves for distribution to various households to mitigate the overdependence on firewood for cooking. The government said that the stoves have been distributed to households in the northern part of the state where the menace of deforestation and desertification is more pronounced. In Yobe State, the livestock is under a serious threat due to the absence of pastures occasioned by seasonal droughts, while some farmers have lost their ancestral farmlands to sand dunes. Records also indicate that the growing menace of desertification has also affected the source of livelihoods of over one million people in the state. The development explains the

“

The most worrying aspect of the study, according to concerned experts, is that Nigeria is losing more than 350,000 sq. km of its forest landmass each year. Again, observers stress that the negative impact of deforestation and desertification has started taking its toll on the lives of humans, animals and plants in the 11 frontline states of Nigeria

rationale behind the proposal of federal legislators from Yobe State calling for the establishment of a Desertification Control Commission to proffer sustainable solutions to desertification, which is widely described by scientists as the ‘’world’s most cancerous earth disease”. A resident of the state, Bunu Akali said: “The scourge is beyond what the state government can handle, so our legislators have to team up with their colleagues from other states affected by desertification to press for the establishment of the commission.” He added that “the establishment of the commission remains the most assured means to effectively combat the environmental problem and this is a collective challenge to our legislators. Threats by desertification have grossly reduced farming activities across the state; posing threat to food security. Expressing similar worries, the Kebbi State Government claims that the state has so far lost 21 of its forest reserves to desert encroachment. Mr Ishaku Daudu, the state’s Commissioner for Environment, nonetheless, notes that the government is striving to recover the lost forest reserves. He laments that out of the 22 forest reserves in the state, only one is currently viable, adding: “We will, however, recover the reserves, as part of our efforts to reduce the menace of desertification.” Daudu, however, notes that two million tree seedlings have been distributed free to the people for planting, as part of the government’s desert-control measures. In Kano State, the state Afforestation Programme said that it will rehabilitate the existing 50-km-shelter belt, as part of renewed efforts to tackle the menace of desertification in the state. To actualise the initiative, Alhaji Maitama Danbatta, the programme’s Project Manager said, one million seedlings will be planted across the desert-prone areas of the state this year alone. “We decided to produce this number of seedlings in order to check the menace of desertification, particularly in the affected areas. The seedlings will be produced in eight designated nursery centres across the state. “The nursery centres are located in Danbatta, Bichi, Gaya, Karaye, Bunkure, Dawakin Kudu and Takai Local Government Areas, as well as at the Project Monitoring Unit in Kano,” he adds. Environmentalists, however, insist that for the Great Green Wall programme to be more meaningful, the citizens ought to be actively mobilised to imbibe the culture of tree-planting and treenurturing. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

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Eco-terrorism in our rainforests A

ENVIR ONMENT ENVIRONMENT WATCH By Ambrose Inusa Sule, mnes globenviron@yahoo.com 0703-441-4410 (sms only)

new type of terrorism has taken the form of arson, sabotage in a way of illegal logging, trappers of endangered species for pet trade and illegal hunters. Their destructive acts have been called “Eco-terrorism”. At least hundreds major acts of this type occurred almost on daily basis unnoticed in this country. Such acts are considered terrorist acts because they involve violence and illegality. Eco-terrorists often frustrate forest guards if they still exist at all, by hitting remote targets, often at night and leaving little evidence, but charred ruins. Until recently, crimes in the name of ecology has limited, local impact and drew little attention. But targets have grown larger in recent years. To worsen the situation, official corruption has written death warrants for many eco-problems across the country. For a bribe, some dishonest officials have known to give short term concessions to companies that plunder the

timber with no regard for conservation. While criminals damage forests, illegal loggers clandestinely cut valuable trees even those in national parks. Sometimes they saw logs in planks right there in the forest – a wasteful and illegal practice. Local people are paid to carry them on bicycles or even on their heads. Then to avoid checkpoints, trucks take them away on quiet roads after dark. Deforestation and loss of wildlife are not the inevitable result of increasing population. They are often the result of mismanagement, greedy commerce, crime, and corrupt government officials. That being so, what hope is there for conserving the immense diversity of life that is found in tropical rain forests like ours. The diversity of life in tropical forests is often likened to a living library, but it is one in which most of the “books” have yet to be opened. What makes this environmental loss especially sad

is that tropical rain forests are often destroyed for little permanent benefit. What hope is there for the rain forests and their teeming wildlife considering the forces of international commerce, overpopulation, trappers for the pet trade, and illegal hunters and loggers? Researchers are constantly deriving useful products from tropical forests. A large proportion of the medicines now in use, for example, were developed from tropical plants. Experts claim that “forests provided almost a third of the world's population with food, fuel or medicine, as well as acting as a "safety net in natural disasters". It is amazing that we have never heard of anybody that has been convicted on environmental crime in this country, except when street hawkers’ wares are confiscated or fined. It is no gainsaying the fact that collusive corruption and fraud in the forestry sector undermines the rule of law and

significantly hampers efforts to tackle poverty in this country. It’s sufficed to say that capacity building, good governance and increased international co-operation are necessary in order to secure sustainable forest management. Forests that are sustainably managed are becoming an important part of the solution for global climate change and poverty alleviation. In view of the ever increasing eco-terrorism, Interpol and the United Nations have recently joined forces to launch an initiative to tackle global forest crime. Project Leaf, as it is called by the UN, will target criminals involved in illegal logging and timber trafficking and the scheme will also provide support to enforcement agencies in countries with the biggest problems.

The project is said to ensure these global laws are supported by global enforcement and that the criminals responsible are brought to justice - no matter their location, movements or resources. Project leaf (Law Enforcement Assistance for Forests) is a partnership between the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and Interpol, with funding provided by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation. It added that, in order to be an effective force against criminal activity, it would be necessary for any action to be "coordinated, collaborative and transnational". This should be a wake-up call for the federal government to join in the effort to tackle this global forest crime, as illegal logging was no longer an issue that was restricted by national boundaries.

NEWS

clear that when you flare gas, it is wrong and therefore you should pay compensation. It also stipulates fines for those negative tendencies that come from the oil companies. ``These fines are paid to the government and made to be used as compensation to communities and persons that may have suffered pains and faced hazards as a result of the flaring”, he said. He therefore urged the

Federal Government to further address the issue of gas flaring and ensure that sanctions were enforced. ``Revenue from fines for unhealthy activities of oil companies must be used for the communities being impacted by the negative aspects of oil exploration”, he added, while calling on Akwa Ibom Government to develop the oil communities in the state.

Contacted, the management of Mobil declined comment on the gas flaring figure released by the NNPC and the safety concerns raised by the communities. Telephone calls and enquiries sent through e-mail to the company’s Communications Manager, Mr. Nigel CookeyGam, were not responded to after several days. According to the community “this is a

demonstration of the company’s non-compliance with relevant regulations in the oil sector.” News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the latest edition of the NNPC’smonthly “Petroleum Information Bulletin” showed that Mobil’s gas flaring data was the highest in the industry, during the period. It was followed by Chevron and Shell, according to the publication. (NAN)

Gas Flaring: Community expresses concern, calls for sanction on Mobil M

embers Ibeno community, the operational base of Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN) in Akwa Ibom, have expressed concern on the latest figure on gas flaring released by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). They noted that Mobil which operates in the locality had flared 9.85 billion standard cubic feet of gas in January 2012, the highest in the industry. One of the community leaders, Chief Williams Mkpa, said that the figure had corroborated the community’s agitation against the company for its violation of oil industry regulations. Mkpa commended the NNPC for the publication and said that the flared gas had contaminated the environment and affected the health of members of the community with most of them having respiratory related diseases. He urged the NNPC and other oil industry regulatory agencies to invoke necessary sanctions against Mobil for violating standard safety regulations. ``We are aware that there are regulations on it and we are sure that the company has violated them. The laws are

FG deplores indiscriminate waste dumping, commissions DWCP in Ekiti

he Minister of Environment, Mrs Hadiza Mailafia, has said that waste management remains one of the most worrisome environmental challenges facing the country in spite of several efforts by government to tackle the menace. Mailafia, who made this known at the launch of the Demonstration Waste Control Project (DWCP) held at Ilukunwo community area of Ado Ekiti recently, said that the practise of moving wastes indiscriminately from point of generation to all sorts of illegal dump sites including roadsides, open drains and vacant plots of land, was environmentally

unhealthy. “The indiscriminate dumping of refuse is responsible for the contamination of water bodies, proliferation of insects, rodents, diseases and blocked drains, leading to perennial flooding,” she stressed. Mailafia also noted that the project was part of the efforts of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) toward regulating the menace of poor environmental sanitation in the country. She said that the project was being implemented in Ekiti and Rivers, with a view to replicating same in other states

of the federation. The minister noted that the project was aimed at showcasing the possibility of achieving zero waste through segregation of wastes at source. She said it was also aimed at converting such wastes into wealth, create employment, alleviate poverty and promote good agriculture yields through the use of organic manure produced from wastes. The minister identified two project areas in Ado-Ekiti for the segregation phase of the project at Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Estate, OkeIla and GRA at Onigiri. “It is my pleasure to inform you that the project has been

successfully completed in the state,” she said. According to her, the project is expected to inculcate attitudinal change in the communities and reduce the use of chemical-based fertiliser by promoting the use of organic manure for agriculture purposes. In his remarks, the State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, assured the minister that the state government would tar the roads leading to the two project sites to ensure free flow of movement. Fayemi also said that the state government would also ensure regular supply of electricity to the area. (NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

Schoolboy, 6, ‘died’ for 33 minutes after thunderstorm triggered heart attack A six-year-old boy with a fear of loud noises ‘died’ for more than half an hour after a ‘petrifying’ thunderstorm triggered a heart attack. Callum Bryan had just been picked up from school when his heart suddenly stopped as he was sitting his mother’s car, leaving him ‘dead’ for 33 minutes. His lips and face even started turning purple as his body was deprived of oxygen. Doctors believe the attack was caused by a sudden adrenaline rush brought on by fear of the noise of the thunder and hail. His mother performed life-saving CPR before he was taken to hospital. He was put into a medically induced coma to help his body recover, and for a while doctors feared he may have been permanently brain-damaged. He is now home, but needs round-the-clock supervision in case he suffers a similar episode. Medics have compared his neardeath experience to that of Bolton footballer Fabrice Muamba, who collapsed on the pitch during an FA Cup quarter-final against Tottenham in March. Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest and his heart stopped beating naturally for 78 minutes. Callum’s mother Jayne, 41, from Great Barr, Birmingham, said the youngster had been in good health but had always been afraid of loud noises and was ‘petrified’ on May 15, when she picked him up from Greenholm Primary School in Great Barr, during a thunderstorm. The mother-of-three said: ‘He’s always been quite scared of anything loud. At family weddings we have to give him ear plugs and he hates anything like drilling or even rain

coming down on the conservatory roof. ‘That day I picked him up, he was absolutely petrified. There was hail, lightning and thunder, so I ran across the playground to get him into the car as quick as I could. ‘But when we got there, he was absolutely panicked. He kept saying, “where’s my seat?”, because I had moved it to the front of the car. ‘I dashed to get it and when I got to the back of the car again, he was slumped over. ‘In my mind, I thought he was just messing about and I was getting quite annoyed with him. I just picked him up to put him in the seat, but my daughter Nicole screamed, “No mum, he’s ill”. ‘I looked at him and could see he wasn’t breathing and was turning blue.’ Mrs Bryan, who is a trained lifeguard, began cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from the back of her Citroen C4 car, while her 18-yearold daughter called 999. ‘It had been years since I had done any CPR training but it all came flooding back to me,’ said Mrs Bryan, who is married to maintenance engineer Andy, 40. ‘The staff in the ambulance control room were amazing, talking me through every step. But Callum’s lips and face started to turn purple and I became hysterical.’ Mrs Bryan recalled how the 15 minutes passing between calling the ambulance and Callum arriving at hospital “felt like hours”. She said at one point, daughter Nicole, who had no first aid training, had to take over the CPR with control room staff directing her what to do. She added: ‘Alot of people have said to me they wouldn’t have been

Ray of hope: Doctors in China found that blind Marwanijung has a left eye, but it is covered by skin.

Back home at last: Callum was all smiles when he finally left hospital and returned home with his mother Jayne.

Callum Bryan, 6, was 'dead' for 33 minutes after suffering a heart attack, but is now making a good recovery

Slow recovery: Callum was in an induced coma, before slowly getting back to normal following his heart attack. able to do what I did, but I just went into auto-pilot. I knew he needed me.’ Callum was whisked to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where staff continued to battle to save his life. ‘I was in a side room with a nurse who was trying to calm me down, but I was in bits, I kept asking if he was going to die,’ added Mrs Bryan. ‘I was convinced I was going to lose him, but then they managed to start his heart beating again. I was told his heart had stopped beating for 33 minutes, I couldn’t believe it.’ The family was told the devastating news that Callum would have to be induced into a coma as his body had suffered such a horrific ordeal. ‘They said he may never come out of the coma, or even if he did there was a good chance he could have suffered serious brain damage,’ said Mrs Bryan. ‘I was absolutely distraught, but

when they told me he could be brain damaged I thought, I’ll accept that as long as he pulls through that’s all that matters.’ A day later doctors stopped the medication to bring Callum out of the coma - leaving his parents in an agonising waiting game to see if he would wake up. ‘I sat next to him holding his hand and talking to him softly, telling him it was time to wake up now as he had been asleep for too long,’ added Mrs Bryan ‘I said “come on sleepy head... if you wake up we can all go to Disneyland”.’ The mention of Mickey Mouse seemed to do the trick and Callum slowly opened his eyes. ‘When he squeezed my hand I broke down in tears,’ she added. ‘We were asking him questions and he would blink responses. Everyone was amazed that he was alert and

seemed to understand what was going on.’ However, after becoming violently sick and struggling to breathe on his own due to fluid on his lungs, staff put the youngster back into a coma in a bid to give his body a rest from the trauma. ‘It was the longest five days of my life,’ said Mrs Bryan. ‘But even though he was so ill, had an overwhelming feeling he would be alright.’ Mrs Bryan said her husband Andy, ‘went to pieces’ during their son’s hospital stay, while older brother Kurtis, 15, could not bare to return to the family home where he shared a bedroom with Callum and instead stayed with his grandparents. Six days after the heart attack, Callum was once again brought out of his drug-induced coma - and the family were at last ‘overjoyed’ to hear him speak his first words. Source: Dailymail.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

ANALYSIS

awn broke over the northern mountains of Jabal al-Zawiya late last month to find a group of anti-government fighters hiding along a ridge line, waiting for their remote-controlled bomb to destroy an army convoy on the road below. The roughly 100 guerrillas were members of a larger group known as the Sham Falcons. Like many of the hundreds of ad hoc rebel groups that have sprung up across Syria, they are loosely trained but closely knit, and armed only with Kalashnikov rifles, PKT machine guns and a few rocket-propelled grenades. Like other armed fighting groups, they were drawn from local towns and villages that carried fierce resistance to the Damascus government of President Bashar al-Assad and claimed to have suffered from its brutality. Like so many Syrians, they decided to fight back. In the distance, headlights approached. Dozens of government soldiers approached in a procession of pick-up trucks and an armoured infantry vehicle. The night before, the rebels had planted a roadside TNT explosive at a key point on the way to a government position. As the convoy passed below, the designated triggerman detonated the bomb with a converted garage-door opener. The ensuing blast ripped up a massive section of road, but was detonated too soon to destroy the infantry carrier that was the target of the attack. Return fire came within seconds. Mortars and gunfire from the pursuing government soldiers filled the mountains as the rebel fighters ran several kilometres to escape. On this day, the men were lucky. They sustained no injuries, and rebel fighter Hamza Fatalah said the ambush had killed three enemy soldiers. The morning's bombing was a small victory for the Sham Falcons, but its leaders were realistic. "We are using very simple weapons against the highly sophisticated weapons of the regime," said Fatalah, a former Syrian army lieutenant who defected at the beginning of the uprising. Before the revolution many, like Fatalah, worked as police officers or soldiers for the government. Others were students, farmers or taxi drivers. United by the government's alleged atrocities, Fatalah said they

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On the front lines of Syriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guerrilla war

Syrian rebels head out on a mission in Jabal al-Zawiya now fight like brothers. In pockets of resistance across Syria, groups such as these carry out missions against an army equipped with tanks and helicopters. They fight back with homemade bombs, limited weapons and meagre medical supplies. Many of these operations are carried out on foot or on motorbikes, with the occasional pick-up truck concealed beneath trees a safe distance away. After the narrow escape, the men regrouped and returned to their various village bases. In the village of Shanan, the men from Fatalah's unit discussed various aspects of the mission and plans for the next one while they sipped tea under the shade of a large fruit tree. "I'm responsible for planning operations and discussing them with the other fighters," Fatalah said. "Before an operation, we first monitor the location and plan the attack, making sure we have a secure withdrawal."

The Sham Falcons of Jabal al-Zawiya claim to number about 2,000 armed men, broken down into eight 250man battalions. Of the 36 villages that form the Jabal al-Zawiya region in the province of Idlib, eight are currently under rebel control. These opposition villages form the core of the Sham Falcon network, bases that control security, conduct checkpoints and carry out missions in the surrounding areas against Assad's forces. Most are sniper operations or roadside bombs, the Sham Falcons' leaders said. Sometimes they launch fullscale attacks on government checkpoints and weapons caches. "At first, we used our own money to buy hunting rifles," said Sham Falcon commander Ahmed al-Sheikh. "Some businessmen began to donate money for weapons, but anyone supporting the revolution was targeted by the regime and many became scared. Now, most of our weapons we capture during

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

operations like this." Al-Sheikh said of the weapons and ammunition purchased, the majority is brought from the regime itself. Corrupt officers sell government weapons stocks at inflated prices. Kalashnikov bullets that once sold for $0.40 a piece have risen to $4 each. "These men are mercenaries," he said of his suppliers. "Their only belief is in money." Back in the village of Shanan, the fighters gathered for lunch on the floor around a spread of falafel, hummus and vegetables. The majority of the men are fathers with families living nearby. Since the uprising, their lives now centre around the fight and most of their meals are shared at the base. On any given night, around half of the men sleep at the base with rotating shifts to stand guard and man the radio. As he dipped bread into a bowl of hummus, unit commander Asad Ibrahim said their meals are basic, but hearty. "We eat this every day. It

The majority of the men are fathers with families living nearby. Since the uprising, their lives now centre around the fight and most of their meals are shared at the base. On any given night, around half of the men sleep at the base with rotating shifts to stand guard and man the radio.

gives us fast legs so we can run from the enemy," he joked. The following day, that mobility was definitely in order. Government helicopters found the men during a meeting in an area that offered only the feeble cover of olive trees, and strafed them with heavy fire. Helicopter attacks are frequent in these mountains, the men said. In the neighbouring village of Kafr Ruma, the smoke from air and artillery shelling rose in columns for three days. Al Jazeera witnessed as two helicopters circled the area, the deadly spray of their indiscriminate gunfire echoing in the distance. Among those killed in the attacks were an eight-year-old boy and his father, who were shot en route to the government hospital, where the man's wife had just given birth to their second child. In this same hospital, a 15-year-old girl lay in critical condition, injured by tank fire. Village leaders say 80 more were injured in the attacks. Government crackdowns like these have led many men to leave the army and join the Sham Falcons in their fight to topple the Assad regime. For Mohmoud Tara, who defected six months ago to the Falcons, it was one scene in particular that convinced him to leave his post in Aleppo. "We were ordered to shoot the protesters demonstrating at Aleppo University," he said. "Most of the time I would shoot in the air, but many of my colleagues would use excessive force, hitting, cursing and humiliating those arrested. They dropped one student from the top of a six-storey building onto the grounds of the university. They continued as if nothing had happened. It was a horrible feeling. I felt pity but I could say nothing or I would be treated like those students." Tara soon defected and joined the rebel forces. Al Shiekh said the goal of the Sham Falcons and other rebel groups operating throughout Syria is simply to protect the Syrian people, to end the bloodshed and insure a fair and democratic political system is installed. "We want the people of the world to understand us as people, to see our revolution from a human prospective," said Al Sheikh. "The Syrian people can not turn back. We must fight until victory." Source: Al-Jazeera.com

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

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A Ugandan women go to court over maternal mortality

ore than 100 women die during childbirth each week in Uganda, a heartbreaking statistic that has energized activists to go to the Supreme Court in a bid to force the government to put more resources toward maternal health care to prevent the wave of deaths. The activists say they want the country's top judges to declare that women's rights are violated when they die in childbirth. Activists say a declaration favoring the women activists would shame the government into action that drastically reduces mortality among childbearing women in Uganda. Uganda loses 16 women in childbirth daily. Most of these deaths happen in villages where bad roads and poverty make it difficult for women to reach health centers. Even when they get there, some say, the available care is poor. The activist groups presented the bid to the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

Israel to fly out South Sudanese immigrants

e have about 150 so far [for Sunday's flight]," Sabine Hadad told the AFP news agency on Wednesday. "We want more planes during the week." On Tuesday, the authorities arrested 100 illegal immigrants, while another 300 people agreed to be repatriated voluntarily, she said, without saying which countries they were from. The arrests bring the total number detained for deportation since Sunday to 240, most of them South Sudanese. Many of the mainly African immigrants have been rounded up in the Red Sea town of Eilat, close to where they originally crossed into Israel through the porous border with Egypt. Those who agree to leave Israel voluntarily will receive free airline tickets and a grant of $1,250, but the offer is "only on the table for one week," Haddad said. Official figures show there are 60,000 Africans living in Israel illegally, most of whom live in rundown neighbourhoods of south Tel Aviv.

fter marathon negotiations that exposed the deep rift between ascendant Islamist parties and the country's secular forces, Egyptian lawmakers on Tuesday night appointed a panel that will draft the country's new constitution. Several liberal and secular parties boycotted the process, saying that Islamists would be overrepresented in the 100member Constituent Assembly. Their absence raised the prospect that many Egyptians will question the validity of the document the panel produces. The establishment of a new charter is among the most important elements of Egypt's transition to democratic rule, coming after the three-decade reign of autocratic President Hosni Mubarak and the turbulent period of military rule since his ouster on Feb. 11, 2011. Among other things, the new constitution is expected to outline the powers of the presidency and parliament in post-revolutionary Egypt. It also will determine the extent to which Islamic law will be the guiding source of lawmaking and governance. Liberal politicians questioned Tuesday night whether the body would be seen as legitimate. "I don't think this is representative of the country," said Mohamed Abou el-Ghar, the founder of the Egyptian Social Democratic Party, one of the groups that walked away from the process. "It is not representative of the different

Egypt forms constitutional body after lengthy battle

Stringer/Egypt/Reuters - Members of the two chambers of parliament pray during a meeting to elect a 100-member constituent assembly in Cairo recently. ideas, the different minorities. I don't know how it will work." The Muslim Brotherhood, the dominant bloc in parliament, had said it was committed to the formation of a representative body. In the end, though, liberals felt that the Islamist group and lawmakers from the dogmatic Salafist Nour party were trying to stack the charter-writing committee with conservatives. The names

were released late Tuesday on the Web site of the Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party, but the list did not include complete biographical information, making it hard to immediately gauge its members' political leanings. The body has six months to draft a constitution that will be submitted to voters in a referendum.

The first attempt to form a panel failed in April amid similar bickering. This time, lawmakers were acting under pressure from Egypt's military rulers, who gave them a deadline to finalize the process. Failure to do so would lead to constitutional amendments made unilaterally by the generals or reactivation of the Mubarak-era constitution, the junta leaders warned.

ECOWAS Parliament, IPU to tackle child trafficking, labour By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

he Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Ike Ekweremadu has called for concerted efforts among national and regional parliaments to combat the menaces of child trafficking and child labour. Ekweremadu made the call at the opening of a regional seminar themed "Joining the Initiatives and Experiences of National Parliaments for Effective Campaign against Child Trafficking and Labour" hosted in Abuja for national and regional parliamentarians of West Africa.

Speaking during the joint seminar by the ECOWAS Parliament, the InterParliamentary Union, the Sahel and West Africa Club and Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Ekweremadu described child trafficking and child labour as two sides of an ugly coin. He maintained that both child trafficking and child labour go hand-in-hand since the demand for and availability of one naturally fuels the other, describing child labour as the "the ugliest and saddest form of enslavement". The Senator raised an alarm over the number children

between 5-14 years trapped in child labour globally which he said the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund put at about 250 million. He warned that the menace of child trafficking and labour were realities and portended grave danger to not only the future of the young ones, but that of West Africa as a sub-region if not urgently tackled with vigour. Meanwhile, the InterParliamentary Union (IPU) has reassured of its commitment to championing the legislative interventions and partnerships needed to checkmate the twin evil of child trafficking and labour.

The Secretary-General of IPU, Mr. Anders Jonhsson, gave the assurances while speaking at the opening of the seminar. Represented by Martins Chungung, Johnson called for global efforts at stamping out the scourge, adding that IPU would continue to partner with national and regional legislative bodies to ensure the safety of children and good governance. Also speaking, the President of the Pan-African Parliament, Hon. Bethel Amadi, said economic integration remained a reliable and easy way of stemming the evils of childtrafficking and labour.

Tunisian court sentences Ben Ali to 20 years for inciting violence

Tunisian military court has sentenced the ousted dictator Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali to 20 years in jail in his absence for inciting violence during a police attempt to smuggle his nephew out of the country during last year's revolt. Ben Ali, who fled to Saudi Arabia as protests engulfed Tunisia on 14 January 2011, has already been sentenced to decades in jail - also in his absence - on charges ranging from corruption to torture, and he faces more charges. Last month, a Tunisian military prosecutor demanded that the death penalty be imposed on the former

strongman for his role in the deaths of protesters in the towns

where the Arab spring began last year.

The former Tunisian dictator Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, who fled to Saudi Arabia during the Arab spring uprising. Photograph: Fethi Belaid/AFP/Getty Images

There was, however, little indication that Riyadh would be willing to extradite Ben Ali. No senior officials have so far been convicted for the deaths of more than 300 people in last year's uprising, angering the families of the dead and raising pressure on the Tunisian government to ensure justice was done. Tunisia's government has faced persistent criticism over its failure to persuade Saudi Arabia to hand over Ben Ali and his wife, Leila Trabelsi, a former hairdresser whose lavish lifestyle and clique of wealthy relatives came to be seen by many Tunisians as a symbol of the corrupt era.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

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Aung San Suu Kyi departs Burma on Europe trip

ung San Suu Kyi has departed Burma to visit Europe - a place she last saw in 1988 when the Berlin wall still stood and her own country was under military rule. The Burmese opposition leader set out on Wednesday on her first European trip since 1988 to make a longawaited acceptance speech for

the 1991 Nobel peace prize she has until now been unable to collect. For 24 years she was either under house arrest or too fearful that if she left Burma the former military regime would not let her return. She stayed put even

as her British husband was dying of cancer in England in 1999. Her visit comes as Burma's president, Thein Sein, struggles to contain deadly sectarian violence in western Burma that has pitted ethnic Rakhine Buddhists against

Rohingya Muslims. Twentyone people have been killed since Friday. At Yangon's airport, Aung San Suu Kyi waved to journalists and passengers as she headed to the departure lounge. Asked about her trip, she said: "Each country will be

Dismembered bodies found in Mexico

he dismembered bodies of at least 14 people have been found in an abandoned pickup vehicle in the eastern Mexican state of Veracruz, authorities say. Veracruz is the scene of a violent drug turf war. Alerted by an anonymous call late, authorities found the vehicle parked on a road in the town of Tuxpan near the border with the state of Tamaulipas, the state prosecutor's office said. Local media quoted witnesses as saying the victims were mostly men in their 20s whose dismembered body parts had been stuffed into bags. A message found at the site suggested the killings were linked to strife within the Zetas drug gang, created by elite anti-drug commandos who deserted and went to work for the Gulf cartel in the mid-1990s as hired guns. They later split to form their own cartel. The northern border state of Tamaulipas is a stronghold of the Zetas, who been locked in conflict with both the Sinaloa cartel and the Gulf cartel. The discovery of the bodies reflects a growing trend - the numbers of homicides of this nature have risen sharply since early 2011, with bodies often dumped in public places. On June 7, 14 dismembered bodies were found in an abandoned vehicle, which was illegally parked near city hall in Ciudad Mante in northeastern Mexico. On May 4, 14 mutilated bodies were discovered in the Tamaulipas city of Nuevo Laredo, on the border with Laredo, Texas. Earlier that day, nine bodies had been found hanging from an overpass in Nuevo Laredo. Nuevo Laredo and the roads leading to the border town are key smuggling routes, as 40 per cent of all cargo crossing northbound into the US from Mexico goes through the city.

Aung San Suu Kyi arrives at Yangon airport in Burma on her way to Europe. Photograph: Nyein Chan Naing/EPA

different. I will know how backward [Burma] is when I reach the other countries." She has just finished a fiveday tour of Thailand and the European trip will be filled with high-profile events. The first stop is in Geneva to address Thursday's annual conference of the UN's International Labour Organisation. Then in Norway she will accept her Nobel prize. She will briefly stop in Dublin to personally thank U2 frontman Bono for his support over the years. They will share the stage at a Monday concert in her honour organised by Amnesty International. In London, Aung San Suu Kyi will receive the rare honour of addressing both houses of Britain's parliament and will accept an honorary doctorate at Oxford, where she studied and later lived with her husband and their sons, Alexander and Kim.

Falkland Islands plans referendum on status

More than 50,000 people have been killed in Mexico since a war on drug gangs was ordered in 2006 [Reuters]

Officials said the referendum would "eliminate any possible doubt" about their desire to remain under British rule [EPA]

he government of the Falkland Islands has announced plans for a referendum next year on the political future of Britishowned South Atlantic archipelago claimed by Argentina. Speaking on Tuesday, Gavin Short, the chairman of the islands' legislature, said he hoped the referendum would "convey a strong message to the outside world,'' about Falklanders' desire to retain ties to London. The announcement comes shortly before the 30th anniversary of the end of the brief 1982 war when British forces reclaimed the islands following an Argentine invasion. Buenos Aires is once again vigorously pressing its claim to the islands, known in Argentina as "Las Malvinas", with Argentinian President Cristina Fernandez planning to press her country's case at a meeting of the UN's decolonisation committee later this week But Short said: "We are holding this referendum not because we have any doubts about who we are and what future we want, but to show the world just how very certain we are about that." He said that he had no doubt that the people of the Falklands "wish for the islands to remain a self-governing overseas territory of the United Kingdom.''

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Scores killed in Iraq attacks

t least 57 people have been killed in a series of bombings and shootings across Iraq, with many of the attacks targeting Shia pilgrims during a major religious festival, police and hospital sources say. One of the deadliest blasts on Wednesday occurred in the Kadhimiyah area of north Baghdad, where tens of thousands had gathered to mark the anniversary of Imam Moussa al-Kadhim's death. "A group of pilgrims were walking and passed by a tent offering food and drinks when suddenly a car exploded near them," said Wathiq Muhana, a policeman whose patrol was stationed near the blast. "People were running away covered with blood and bodies were scattered on the ground," he said. Three other blasts targeted pilgrims in Karada district, raising the total death toll in the capital to at least 30. The annual pilgrimage sees hundreds of thousands of Shias converge on Baghdad on foot to commemorate the 8th century death of Imam Moussa alKadhim. Two nearly simultaneous car bombs also killed seven pilgrims and wounded 34 in the Shia town of Balad, north of Baghdad, officials said. In the southern mainly Shia city of Hilla, two bombs, including one detonated by a suicide car bomber, exploded outside restaurants frequented by police, killing 22 people and wounding 38. "When a minibus packed with policemen stopped near the restaurants, a car exploded near the bus," said Maitham Sahib, owner of a restaurant in Hilla near the blast. "It's heart breaking. It is just sirens, and screams of wounded people." Separately in the capital, three federal policemen were assassinated by unknown gunmen at their checkpoint in Saidyiah district. Another person was killed in the northern city of Kirkuk when three more bombs exploded, one of them outside the political office of a prominent Kurdish leader. The attacks made Wednesday the deadliest day in Iraq since 68 people were killed in Iraq on January 5. The attacks on Shias were the third occasion pilgrims were targeted in a week. On Sunday at least six people were killed when two mortar bombs struck a Baghdad square packed with Shia Muslim pilgrims.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

Top UN envoy in unresthit western Myanmar A

top United Nations envoy is in western Myanmar after an outbreak of religious violence that has left dozens dead. Vijay Nambiar, UN chief Ban Ki-moon's special adviser on Myanmar, flew into Sittwe, the capital of restive Rakhine state, on Wednesday. Nambiar will later visit Maungdaw on the border with Bangladesh -- where the latest spate of violence began on Friday. "We're here to observe and assess how we can continue to provide support to Rakhine,"

Ashok Nigam, UN resident and humanitarian coordinator, told AFP news agency. The UN has evacuated most of its foreign staff from Maungdaw, which is its main base in the state and has a large population of stateless Rohingya Muslims. About 25 people have been killed and a further 41 people were wounded in five days of unrest, an official said. That death toll does not include 10 Muslims who were killed on June 3 by a Buddhist mob in apparent revenge for the

rape and murder of a woman, which started the violence in Rakhine. On Wednesday, New Yorkbased Human Rights Watch urged Bangladesh to keep its border open to people seeking refuge from sectarian violence in western Myanmar. The group said in a statement that Bangladesh should also allow independent humanitarian agencies free and unfettered access to the border areas. It expressed its concern after Bangladesh on Tuesday turned away three boats carrying 1,000

Muslims fleeing violence in neighbouring Myanmar. "By closing its border when violence ... is out of control, Bangladesh is putting lives at grave risk,'' said Bill Frelick, Refugee Program director at Human Rights Watch. "Bangladesh has an obligation under international law to keep its border open to people fleeing threats to their lives and provide them protection," Frelick said. It also urged other governments to provide humanitarian assistance and other support for the refugees.

Pakistani singer, Mehdi Hassan, dies U stad Mehdi Hassan, Pakistan's legendary classical singer who captivated millions of music fans across South Asia, has died. He was 84. Hassan, known as Shahenshah-e-Ghazal, or the king of classical singing among Urdu speakers across the world, died in the Aga Khan hospital in the port city of Karachi on Wednesday. His son Asif told reporters outside the hospital that his father had been suffering from multiple lung, chest and urinary tract conditions. Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani expressed his condolences, calling Hassan "an icon who mesmerised music lovers" for decades. Indian singing legend Lata Mangeshkar, who once likened his songs to the "voice of God", has called Hassan's death "a great loss to the music industry". Mangeshkar also took to her twitter account to honour to honour the ustad, master, saying "there was only one Mehdi Hassan and his presence will always be missed in the world of music". Shreya Ghoshal, the playback singer for films such

Pakistan PM Yousuf Raza Gilani called Hassan 'an icon who mesmerised music lovers' for decades [Al Jazeera] as Devdas and recent hit Bodyguard, called Hassan "the voice, who made many music lovers and lovers find an expression of their hearts' stories" on her twitter account, saying the void left by the maestro's death can never be

filled. Ghazal, an ancient pan-Asian poetic form popularised in Hindi, Urdu, Persian and, Pashto, is comrpised of rhyming couplets and a refrain. Each line will share the same metre. A traditional love poem

expression put to music, it frequently rang out across markets, buses and homes across the sub-continent and beyond. Ghazals also served as the soundtrack to more than 300 films from Pakistan's Lollywood film industry.

minister, over his handling of a 2010 military raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla of aid ships which left nine Turks dead,

including one Turkish-American. "In the process of decision making, which was led by the prime minister and under his responsibility, over the handling of the (flotilla), there were significant shortcomings," said a report published on Wednesday by State Comptroller Micha Lindenstrauss. The 153-page report criticised the decision-making process which led to the botched pre-dawn raid on a sixship flotilla on May 31, 2010, which was headed by the Mavi Marmara, a Turkish ferry carrying more than 600 people. The bloody raid triggered a diplomatic crisis between once-close allies Israel and Turkey, with Ankara demanding a formal Israeli apology and compensation for the families of

the victims. Netanyahu, the report said, had not held a formal discussion with top ministers about the flotilla, and had only held separate talks on the issue with Defence Minister Ehud Barak and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman. "The prime minister did not order integrative staff work regarding the necessary policy to deal with the flotilla, instead there were personal, separate meetings, between the prime minister and the defence minister, and between the prime minister and the foreign minister, which were not documented or summarised, and there was no discussion between the prime minister and any group of ministers," the report said.

Israel PM criticised over flotilla assault

srael's state watchdog has criticised Binyamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime

Vijay Nambiar arrived in Rakhine state after sectarian violence left dozens dead and forced hundreds to flee

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

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Big Issue sellers murder man, hide body in a suitcase, claim his benefits D

rug addicts, Tracy Hurrell, 32, and David Hardman, 51, kept Lionel Morl's decomposing body for several weeks. Mr Morl's remains were only discovered after police noticed foul smells coming from Hardman's flat in Openshaw, Manchester Pair continued to collect Mr Mort's benefits cheques after the killing Two drug addicts have been found guilty of murdering a transvestite and keeping his rotting body in a suitcase in a squalid flat for several weeks. Big Issue sellers Tracy

Hurrell, 32, and David Hardman, 51, were convicted of Lionel Morl's murder after a month-long trial at Preston Crown Court. Police found Mr Morl's body decomposing in the suitcase in Hardman's flat in Manchester after noticing foul smells during an unrelated visit to a property next door. A post mortem found that the victim, who went by the name of Suzie and wore women's clothes, had been dead for several weeks after being violently attacked. Killers: Drug addicts David Hardman (left) and Tracy Hurrell (right) were convicted of Lionel Morl's murder

Crime scene: Police discovered a dirty bed on the floor of one room, with grime on the walls

A jury heard that Hurrell and Hardman 'preyed' on Mr Morl, 49, to get money to feed their addictions to heroin, crack cocaine and alcohol. They then attacked and murdered him, stuffed him into the case and continued to collect his benefits cheques. The murder inquiry began on August 11 last year after Mr Morl's body was discovered in grim circumstances. Police were called to Hardman's neighbours on Victoria Street, Openshaw, to investigate a separate incident.

Squalid: Police searching Hardman's flat found empty bottles of alcohol and many dirty mugs and plates

Pictured moments before their wedding day was ruined: Couple arrested in front of 50 guests, held for five hours after ‘sham marriage’ probe blunder by police

couple wrongly suspected of a 'sham marriage' had their wedding day ruined when police arrested them in front of 50 guests moments before the ceremony was about to begin. Neil McElwee and his pregnant Chinese fiancée Yanan Sun were held for five hours despite officers allegedly realising they had made a mistake within 40 minutes of the

Happy moment: Neil McElwee and his bride Yanan Sun pictured on their wedding day moments before police arrested them

swoop. Miss Sun, 20, was left in tears as she was forced to remove her prized wedding gown and put on a special forensic outfit instead. Chef Mr McElwee, 25, and his fiancée were kept for an hour and a half in separate vehicles outside the Guildhall in Londonderry before being taken to cells. They were finally released without charge when their solicitor, Karina Breslin-Carlin, got involved. They were married the next day in Castlederg in July last year. Yesterday, the three officers who led the swoop were disciplined after the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland upheld a complaint that they had 'unlawfully arrested and detained' But Mr McElwee, from Strabane, said the findings of the report and actions against the officers involved in his case did not go far enough. 'We could only have that day once in our lives, yet it was taken away from us,' he told the Derry Journal. 'The police could have done their jobs right and saved us a lot of trouble.' Their solicitor will continue to fight for the ombudsman to uphold the allegation that there

But the smell coming from Hardman's flat next door was so awful that officers went to search it. They found the remains of Mr Morl, who lived in nearby Brade Close, in the suitcase on the bathroom floor. Photographs taken inside the flat show how officers found many empty bottles of alcohol inside, with filthy mugs and plates filling the sink. The court heard that Hurrell had been living at Hardman's flat until October 2010, but had moved out before returning to Openshaw in May last year. She moved in with Hardman but after a row she became homeless and befriended Mr Morl. Hurrell moved in with Mr

time, it was torment. 'We try to forget what happened on our wedding day. We never ever talk about our wedding. 'My wife has not been the same since,' he added. Ms Breslin-Carlin, the McElwee family's solicitor, said: 'The police had time to redeem this situation so the couple could have carried on with their day, but they did not. 'This was a farce. A bridal couple were kept in a car park for an hour and a half in separate vehicles. 'They were then detained in separate cells for two hours. This is not good enough under any circumstances.'

Relief: The couple and their friends outside Strand Road police baracks in Londonderry after their release was an 'unecessary delay' in police releasing the couple. Revealing how their wedding was ruined, Mr McElwee, who became a father six months ago, told BBC News: 'We were excited and looking forward to getting married. 'We were so happy when we saw each other at the Guildhall. 'Then everything just changed. Our day crumbled in front of us, it was awful. 'We had no reason to think anything sinister would take

place. 'The room was full of plain clothes police officers. 'In front of all our guests they came in and said they had reason to believe it was a 'sham marriage'. 'They based the operation in an anonymous tip-off letter. 'They held us for five hours. Within 40 minutes they knew they had made a mistake. 'The officers have been disciplined but I'm not satisfied. We went through such a bad

Happier: The couple after finally getting married

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

Less than 6 hours sleep increases risk of stroke

f you need an excuse for a long lie-in, this could be it. Those of us who regularly get fewer than six hours of sleep a night are at significantly increased risk of stroke, a study suggests. Researchers found that those in middle age who skimped on sleep were more likely to suffer stroke symptoms than those who got at least nine hours of shut-eye – even if they were a healthy weight and with no family history of stroke. More than 5,000 participants, who were between 45 and retirement age, were monitored for three years as part of the US study. Those who slept for fewer than six hours were most likely to

experience symptoms such as numbness or weakness down one side of their body, dizziness, loss of vision or a sudden inability to express themselves verbally or in writing. Scientists at the University of Alabama said the impact of sleep deprivation was a major one, even after taking into account age, weight and other known risks such as high blood pressure. The participants were divided into five groups according to how many hours a night they slept. They were asked to report their symptoms every six months. Co-author Virginia Howard, a professor of epidemiology, said: ‘Many people can have these symptoms and not recognise them as a precursor to having a

Make sure you get your 40 winks: If you have a habit of sleeping less than 6 hours it could lead to a stroke.

A study by Warwick University showed that lack of sleep is linked to stroke and heart disease.

stroke, and perhaps not even mention them to their doctor. ‘Sleeping habits can exacerbate the potential for these symptoms, which are internationally recognised as putting people at extraordinary risk of subsequent stroke.’ It is already known that sleep apnea – a breathing problem which produces poor quality sleep – is linked to strokes. A study of hundreds of thousands of participants by Warwick University last year also

linked lack of sleep to increased incidence of both strokes and heart disease. But the latest study focuses on the early symptoms of strokes, which are often ignored. Professor Howard’s team plan to continue monitoring the participants for several more years. She said: ‘It will be very interesting to see what the stroke rate is, and whether early detection may have helped.’ Dr Megan Ruiter, lead author of the study, which will be

presented today at the American Association of Sleep Medicine’s annual conference, speculated that lack of sleep could be a precursor to more traditional stroke risk factors. Dr Clare Walton of the Stroke Association said: ‘Previous studies suggest that regularly getting fewer than six hours or more than nine hours of a sleep a night can increase your chances of having a stroke but much more research is needed.’ Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Infertility, birth defects linked to chemicals in water bottles and food packaging (II)

hich is why many people are deciding to simply write plastics out of their lives. Juliette Scarfe says: ‘I know so many women who are having difficulties conceiving and I am convinced it is because of hormones in the plastics around us. My partner and I plan to start a family, so I’m steering clear of them as much as I can.’ Thirty-six-year-old singer/ songwriter Daniella Hunter is another turning her back on plastic. ‘It’s a work in progress, but as anything plastic wears out, I’m replacing it with glass, wood or ceramics,’ she says. Daniella says she began to have doubts about the safety of plastics when her oldest son, 11year-old Luca, was instructed by his school in Camberley, Surrey, to take a particular polycarbonate water bottle into class each day. ‘It had that horrible plastic smell and when I washed it I thought it stank. Later, when I researched Bisphenol A and phthalates, it really worried me and I threw it out. ‘When my five-year-old Kai started school, I refused to use the school-issue bottle and got him a stainless steel flask. This issue has slipped below most people’s radar because we take plastic for granted, but we should be asking about the health implications.’ So, can we get some clarity from the bodies that exist to give

but these levels of exposure are not considered to be harmful. ‘Independent experts have worked out how much BPA we can consume without coming to any harm, and the amount people absorb from all food and drink is significantly below this level. ‘Independent studies have shown that even at high levels, BPA is rapidly absorbed, detoxified and eliminated from humans and, therefore, is not a health concern.’ B u t

potential effects of BPA on the brain, behaviour, and prostate gland of foetuses, infants and children. FDA also recognises substantial uncertainties with respect to the overall interpretation of these studies and their potential implications

Harmful phthalates have been banned from certain types of food packaging. us advice? In the UK, the guidance from the Food Standards Agency is unequivocal: ‘Very small amounts of BPA can transfer from packaging into food and drinks,

in the U.S., where most of the research has been done, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is far more cautious, warning: ‘Recent studies provide reason for some concern about the

Dangers: Too much physical exercise can cause musculoskeletal trauma and cardiovascular stress.

for human health effects of BPA exposure.’ Of course, the plastics industry says time has proven that its products are safe. The British Plastics Federation says: ‘Bisphenol A and phthalates have been the subject of extensive scientific testing and governmental reviews worldwide. ‘Based on the overwhelming weight of evidence, these assessments have consistently concluded that human exposure levels to both compounds are low and within the safe limits set by government authorities. This fails to convince the critics. So until scientists can agree on the safety of plastics, what should you do? If you are concerned, you could avoid plastic mineral water bottles and use glass or stainless steel bottles filled from your tap or purifier. You could microwave meals in ‘microwave safe’ glass or on a plate instead of plastic containers. And if you want to store food in plastic containers, hunt down those that are labelled as BPA-free. Most of all, you could avoid processed and packaged meals, tinned food and canned drinks. Use fresh produce and fruit juice instead - regardless of whether the dangers of plastic containers are real or imagined, it can only do you good. Concluded Source: Dailymail.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

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‘If empowered, traditional leaders can make insecurity a thing of the past’ His Royal Highness, Igwe Kris Onyekwuluje, Eze-Nya 1 of Umunya, and Chairman, Oyi L.G.A Traditional Rulers Council, Anambra State, spoke to some journalists about the recent bill by the Senate seeking constitutional roles for traditional rulers and other national issues. Augustine Aminu was there for Peoples Daily. Excerpts:

INTERVIEW Sir, how would you react to the recent Dana Airline plane crash? irst of all, I want to commiserate with the families, government and people of Nigeria over the recent Dana air crash. May God grant the bereaved the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. I advise the owners of such airlines to always carry out due diligence and daily maintenance in respect of the air craft to ascertain their air worthiness because it could have been anybody. What role do you envisage for traditional rulers? The federal government should empower traditional rulers by giving them constitutional roles beyond what they have today. So that they can have more say in the affairs of our people, empower them, so that they can have a good understanding with the local government, police, security apparatus in their domains; check the excesses of political leaders or any security breach and gather relevant information for peaceful co-existence. When they have the necessary empowerment, the issue of insecurity will be a thing of the past. We want to go beyond the advisory role. What exactly are the royal fathers clamoring for? We want to be integrated into the machinery of governance. We want to have a say in local government. We want to have a say in our national discourse and those that represent us at the national level. Most of us use our private funds for various projects in our domains; we want to be empowered so that we can do more mostly in the area of security. We want to be involved in projects that directly affect our people for monitoring and a whole lot of reasons for the common good. Do you think when given the roles, it is not going to clash with those of the politicians? Not at all. A lot of my brother traditional rulers are educated, enlightened and well travelled. There is no way we will meddle in the affairs of politicians but rather to tell them to deliver on their promises of dividends of democracy. We will now do more than to advise by working handin –hand with the politicians for the greater good of our people so

that development can percolate to the localities and grassroots. That is why any palace you go to in Nigeria today, they preach the same thing, peace. From the Ooni of Ife to the Sultan of Sokoto, to the Obi of Onitsha and to my palace, the word is the same, peace. So, we are the custodian of our people’s culture and traditions and so understand them better than anybody. How has the government of your state been working with the traditional institutions? We work in tandem with His Excellency and he consults us on every issue that concerns security and also acts on our advice. He has also been very helpful when it comes to security. He is a very security conscious person. It is often said that it is only when there are crises that traditional rulers are called. What is your reaction to this? I do agree. But you see times and seasons are changing. We need to carry the royal fathers along in everything we do in this country. Look at the developed nations like England, Malaysia, Singapore, etc. They carry their royal fathers along in every thing they do. Just like Ghana, our next door neigbour, you will agree that they are also well ahead of us because they have a council of traditional rulers that is enshrined in their constitution. So, we should do the same and not the fire brigade approach. You recently received an award; can you tell us about it and the impact you made on your people? I have attracted a lot of development now and in the past in the areas of markets, scholarships, drainages. I have also assisted in the grading of some of the roads, sending youths to skills centres and that was why I was honoured in 2009 as the best traditional ruler, Southeast of Nigeria, by the Nigerian Royalty Awards. Just of recent, Rotary International, Enugu gave me the 2011 community service award and several others too numerous to mention for bringing development to my domain which has also spurred other rulers to do same. Based on your interaction with your people as a community and traditional ruler, what are the yearnings of your people as regards empowerment? I am part of the community and the yearnings of my people are basically the same with other climes. Which are the basic

Igwe Kris Onyekwuluje necessities of life and other basic social infrastructures which the present government is aware of and is doing every thing in its power to meet. I know for sure, given the encouragement, the governor will do more because he is a grassroots man and a mobilizer of men to the core. We have primary health care facilities spread all over the domain. But government needs to do more with the rapid development and growth in population. Though a lot of the health facilities are functional and drugs distribution within my locality is very adequate. We do not have any major challenge for now because of the ongoing sensitization and awareness campaign being carried out by government in conjunction with my palace and during the (Olusegun) Obasanjo Presidency, I did every thing possible when Prof. Lambo was Minister of Health to upgrade and commission a health care centre to Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital Annex in my domain and we are really enjoying their services. Social infrastructure is a big challenge in developing countries and societies around the world; how is it your domain? I have said it before that the government is trying and doing all it can. We can not just meet all the needs of the people in one swoop but it requires concerted

efforts from my palace, the government and the people. We will hopefully get there as the present government is putting basic amenities in place. The Umunya people are very cooperative and appreciative of this. Incessant youth restiveness in your domain, how have you been able to curtail it? Sacrifice! When you take up a position of leadership, you lead by example and people follow your foot steps. I have consistently engaged the youths in dialogue and acted in a father to children relationship. They appreciate my level of commitment and readiness to listen to them at all times and we are all working together for the common good of Umunya. How will you rate the governor of your state in regards to development? The governor is pragmatic, not an antagonist. He has a model of politics of carrying everybody as one no matter your political affiliation or party. He is a friend to everybody. How are the schools in your domain faring technologically? I have tried in education by creating the needed environment for peace and development to thrive. The government of Anambra State has done so well in the areas of education and providing infrastructure but I am

urging them to do more now that the world has gone global; they should look at ways to empower my people technologically also. What advice do you have for government as regards the security challenges faced across the country? I want to thank Senator David Mark for what the National Assembly is doing. We need nationalists like them to move the nation forward. The President should be encouraged to do more because any good thing takes time. Change does not come immediately. It will take some time to manifest. I do think that the government is proactive and progressive. Our people should be security conscious, give information to the relevant security agencies so that we can nip in the bud these challenges What advice do you have for other traditional rulers? They should abstain from partisan politics and anything that will drag the name of the institution into the mud and should be a father figure to any party without being biased. We are the pulse of the people so we must be careful not to dabble into anything that will inflame the polity. But at the same time, they should also know those representing the interest of the people and before giving out chieftaincy titles to individuals, they should look at the character of the people before such titles are given because we do not want to bastardize the institution. So we must be careful with individuals seeking tittles. What lies ahead in the future for traditional rulers? The future is bright for traditional rulers, as I see a good working relationship between government and the institution. I also foresee a more united nation and a people united in culture and traditions of the common heritage. I also want to encourage the presidency and the National Assembly seeking for constitutional roles for traditional rulers. It is a welcome development and a very bold initiative of the government. We are proud of them. Sir how long have you been on the saddle of your forefathers? By the Grace of God, I have been on the throne of my forefathers for fifteen years now and this year is so important because I will be celebrating my 50th birthday anniversary and my Ofala festival. So, we have a lot to thank God for.

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

Bribery scandal: I have been vindicated by bribery allegation against Lawan, says Etteh By Lawrence Olaoye

he former speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Patricia Etteh yesterday stated that the allegation of bribery against Hon Farouk Lawal never came as a surprise, stating that at last she had been vindicated. Etteh whose removal as the Speaker was instigated barely

five months into the Sixth Assembly by the Integrity Group chaired by Lawan declared that Nigerians are now at liberty to judge who actually is corrupt in the parliament. The former speaker who is currently in United Kingdom spoke through Hon. Dino Melaye in Abuja explained that what happened was not a surprise because Lawan who is currently

facing allegation of bribery of over $600,000 was leader of corrupt lawmakers in the House. According to him, “It is a big shame, it has further ridiculed the image of the House; basically, what we read in the newspapers does not come as a surprise having had relationship with him for a very long time, he was the leader of the cartel”

She maintained, “I did not steal any money, what happened when they were calling for my removal was a mere anticipatory spending, no money was missing before Hon Dimeji Bankole whom Hon Farouk installed spent over N400 million to renovate his official quarter which I wanted to renovate with just N40 million and sold it to himself for

L-R: IPAS Country Director, Dr Ejike Oji, Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Eugene Odoh, and member, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye, during IPAS/Enugu state Legislators' Forum, yesterday in Enugu. Photo: NAN

Subsidy report: Alleged bribery must not stop implementation, ACN warns From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

he Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has warned that the allegation of bribery involving the chairman of the House of Representatives ad hoc committee on fuel subsidy management, Hon. Farouk Lawan, must not be allowed to scuttle the implementation of the committee’s report. In a statement issued in Lagos on Tuesday by its

National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party expressed deep concern at the timing of the allegation to coincide with the period that Nigerians expect the government to be dealing with the issues raised in the report. It said Nigerians generally believe, going by published reactions to the report, that the committee carried out a thorough job in exposing the massive mismanagement and the sleaze involved in the fuel

subsidy issue. ‘’Therefore, the allegation of bribery making the rounds should not be used as a reason not to allow all those indicted by the report to have their day in court,’’ ACN said. The party said while the bribery allegation must be thoroughly investigated and anyone found culpable dealt with according to the laws of the land, any attempt to cast aspersion on the report, to say it has been tainted by the bribery allegation, should be resisted by

the House of Representatives. ‘’We are concerned that this case is eerily similar to what happened after the House’s probe into the $16 billion reportedly spent in the power sector during the Obasanjo regime. Instead of implementing the report of the committee, the man who presided over the probe was slammed with corruption charges. Till today, that report was never implemented and Nigeria remains in darkness,’’ it said.

Oshiomhole, sacked aide bicker over abuse of office From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

do state governor Adams Oshiomole has described the sack of his former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr.Onumidun Idehen, as good riddance to bad rubbish. This is coming as the sacked official replied through a telephone

interview said “the truth of the matter is “there is a character the governor has been exhibiting…the office did not mean anything to me anymore.” She denied any involvement in financial recklessness. Dr. Idehen, according to government accounts was sacked on order of the governor to “enable an

administrative panel investigate thoroughly allegations of gross misconduct against her, including unauthorized closure of orphanage homes and unwholesome interference in the running of other charity institutions”. Inumidun said “I did not know how they arranged it; I did not get any money; I was

only asked to address the women. All these allegations is summarized in the fact that they are accusing me of wanting to work with the PDP.” Consequent upon her sack on Monday, Mrs Idehen has been directed to hand over all government property in her possession to the Permanent Secretary, Women Affairs and Social Development.

N100 million. Bankole who is a stooge of Farouk bought cars for over N400 million and it is evidence today and that he is why is facing charges in court”. “I was removed not for stealing money but three different groups sacked me for their selfish reasons. The first group was led by Hon Farouk Lawal who was annoyed that he was not given appropriation committee; the second group was the Islamic fundamentalists who would not like to bow down to the authority of a woman and the third group who believed that Senate President is a Christian therefore, leader of the House must be a Muslim. All these groups joined forces together to fight me” “But now, God has vindicated me, all of them have been caught in one corruption web or the other and they were disgraced out of National Assembly through Appeal Court on election matters; but Hon Farouk Lawal is the last man standing and God has revealed the truth”, she added. The former speaker however called on the Speaker of the House, Hon Aminu Tambuwal, to stand on the path of truth, honesty and transparency on this matter and that he should isolate the issue of Farouk Lawan from the report of the fuel subsidy

Sokoto PDP gets new chairman

he Sokoto state chapter of the PDP yesterday endorsed the nomination of AlhajiAbubakar Yabo as the new chairman of the party. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Yabo was endorsed at the State Executive Committee meeting of the party in Sokoto. It was attended by Gov. Aliyu Wamakko, his deputy, Mukhtar Shagari, legislators and members of the state cabinet. The post became vacant following the death of the former chairman AlhajiTukur Bodinga. Yabo, who was a former PDP chairman of Yabo Local Government Area in 2007, promised to return the party to its past glory. He called on the 23 Local Government PDP chairmen in the state to begin its revival from the wards to the state level to strengthen it. Yabo, who is a pioneer PDP member in the state since 1999, commended members of the committee for endorsing his nomination

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

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Nigerians must fight for June 12, says Kwara CPC From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

he Congress for Democratic Change (CPC), Kwara state chapter, has urged all Nigerians to fight for the recognition of June 12 general election which was believed to have been won by Late M.K.O Abiola as a democracy day. The party in a statement by Ismail Muhammed, Director General of Campaign Organization for Air Commodore Ayuba Buhari (Rtd), noted that politicians are just reaping from the efforts of late business who sacrificed his life for the sustenance of the nation’s democracy. “We agree that June 12 is without doubt the undeclared “Democracy Day” in Nigeria’s political history. The major beneficiaries of the June 12 struggle are ingrate politicians and pretenders. Apart from reaping where they did not sow, they continually insult the sacrifice of genuine democrats and Nigerians whose struggle enthroned democracy and on whose back they rode to power. “All Nigerians must come together to fight for the recognition of June 12 as the real and official “Democracy Day” in Nigeria. This and only this will give credit to whom it’s due (the Nigerian masses). If the Nigerian masses stood up against the military junta, giving rise to the popular June 12 struggle and the resulting civilian government as we have it today, why can’t we rise up to fight the undemocratic system that is entrenching the electoral practice of “victory by rigging”. “Nigeria cannot afford this to continue. True democrats are celebrating June 12 and clamouring for its official declaration as democracy day. We join in this clamour as much as we believe in it. We strongly believe that for the ultimate sacrifice of our fellow democrats (Nigerian masses) in the June 12 struggle not to be in vain, we must rise up and ensure that hence forth “rigging” is vehemently opposed. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s much maligned statement is very relevant, appropriate, timely and awakening. All hands must be on deck to ensure “riggingfree” elections going into 2015 and beyond. Any opposition to this is undemocratic”. The party added that “Bashorun MKO Abiola and all our June 12 struggle heroes and heroines, some of who paid the supreme price, had played their own roles by enthroning democracy. Because of their sacrifice, survival of democracy in its real practice and all that democracy stands for, we must all stand up to ensure we have a truly “rigging-free” 2015 election and beyond”

L-R:Oyo State Chief Judge, Justice Badejoko Adeniji, the state Deputy Governor, Chief Moses Adeyemo, the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, and Speaker, state House of Assembly, Hon. Monsurat Sunmonu, during the governor's address to the house as part of activities marking his one year in office, yesterday in Ibadan. Photo: NAN

Tukur sacks Habu Fari over conflict with Oyinlola By Lawrence Olaoye

he National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Bamanga Tukur has sacked his Principal Secretary with immediate effect. Fari lost his job owing to his clash with the National Secretary of the party, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola. The former Principal Secretary to the PDP National Chairman had recently confronted Oyinlola over the latter’s observation that he was usurping his functions as the National Secretary of the party. Habu Fari had also drawn the

ire of other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party as he had been forcing himself on the NWC, attending meetings and making attempts to make contributions just like an elected member of the highest administrative organ of the party. Complaints by members of the NWC, most especially, Oyinlola, according to sources did not sway Fari who got bolder by the day. The issue degenerated to a point that it caused disharmony in the party, a development that got to the notice of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The national leadership of the PDP on Tuesday admitted the existence of the crisis within its NWC, which it attributed to “administrative lapses” in the national secretariat of the party. Addressing newsmen at the PDP national secretariat, the national Publicity secretary, Olisa Metuh, owned up to the subdued rift and explained that the elected NWC members and the aides of the national chairman are still green horns in the national secretariat and needs time to settle down. Tukur in a letter he personally signed dated June 12, told Fari of his

(Tukur) decision to sack him because of his (Fari) conflict with Oyinlola. The Chairman said he regretted the actions taken by Abu Fari especially, his exchange of correspondence on behalf of the party with corporate bodies and organisations without his (Bamanga) knowledge. He also chided Fari for equating himself with Oyinlola, an elected national officer of the party, a situation Tukur said, had caused great havoc to the party. He, thereafter, ordered him to vacate office with immediate effect and handover all party properties in his (Fari) possession.

Edo CP warns against convoy, use of aides on election day

he Commissioner of Police in Edo, Mr Olayinka Balogun, yesterday warned against the use of convoy and aides during the July 14 governorship election. Balogun, who gave the warning when he visited the Nigeria Union Journalists

(NUJ) centre in Benin, threatened to treat any politician that flouted the order as a common criminal. He said that no politician would be allowed to go about with police orderly or be escorted to any of the voting centres with political aides.

``We will treat as a common criminal anyone, who disobeys this electoral guideline,'' he said He, however, gave the assurance that the police would provide adequate security coverage to both men and materials during the July

14, election. He also advised youths not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs, saying that ``anybody who has no business to do with election should stay clear of the polling stations. On bail application, Balogun said: ``bail is free''.

Edo Polls: Tukur charges Sambo to deliver Edo By Lawrence Olaoye

hairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday charged the Chairman of the Edo Governorship Campaign Committee, the Vice President Arc. Namadi Sambo to deliver Edo state in the forthcoming July 14th governorship election. While inaugurating the Committee, the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, charged "Your excellencies, the history of our great party cannot be complete without Edo state. PDP and

Edo state are interwined, as very important founding fathers of the party are from the state. "The relationship between the party and Edo state from its unique perspective has therefore positioned the state as a must-have PDP state. He added "Your excellencies, as you are aware, this is the first election to be conducted under my watch as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party. I wish to reiterate my commitment and determination to ensure this election as a major victory for the party. I have been a winner in business, I have been a

winner in politics and Insha Allah, we shall win the forthcoming elections in Edo state." Responding Sambo assured the party National Working Committee that his team would work assiduously to return the state to PDP, as according to him south-south has always been for PDP. ''This committee that is tradition of PDP, we shall proceed from here, work hard and deliver Edo state. South-south zone of the Federal Republic of Nigeria belongs to PDP; it shall continue to belong to PDP. Mr. Chairman, you have all the people

and we have all the time and we shall deliver.'' Sambo also told the gathering that the federal government would ensure that the Edo election was free and fair. ''We shall continue to have free and fair election. This coming election shall be one-man-one -vote. It will be free and fair for the people of Edo state to choose the normal people that they want which is always PDP. Nobody would be allowed to go to the old style of creating destruction, in the conduct of election, not only in Edo state but in Nigeria in general."

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

Police take over ACN’s secretariat in Ogun From Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, Abeokuta

olice in Abeokuta yesterday took over the Secretariat of Ogun State Chapter of Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN), located at Moshood Abiola Way, as a result of planned protest by party members who accused the governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, of imposing candidates for the forthcoming July local government polls. The protesters had earlier on Tuesday evening carried similar protest to the home of Chief Olusegun Osoba, former

governor of the state and the party leader and chieftain, located at Government Reservation Area (GRA), Ibara, Abeokuta. However, police having got wind of the planned protest to the party secretariat and moved ahead of them by taking over the Secretariat, a development which came as shock and surprise to the protesters. They came with various anti Amosun placards, but were dumbfounded on sighting the policemen. As at the time of filing this report, party executive have gone underground to avoid

attacks from the aggrieved party supporters. The gate leading to the premises was wide opened, while the main entrance to the offices was under lock. The party Chairman, Alhaji Tajudeen Bello, had during the stakeholders meeting which took place on Monday said the candidates were selected following a rigorous exercise conducted by consultant after going round all the twenty local government areas of the state. Bello therefore advised the candidates to abide by the party rules and regulations as

well as contents of the undertaking signed with the party to remain committed to its ideals, pledging that the party would not disappoint other aspirants who failed to get the tickets for the elections. Amosun similarly said "ACN is a party of ideas not known for any form of violence. All of you are eminently qualified but it is not possible for two people to occupy the seat of the chairman. Therefore, we must come together before and after the election as one family and join hands with those elected to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people'

Terminate agreements with Ladoja, others, ACN orders Ajimobi From Inumidun Ojelade, Ibadan

he leadership of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Oyo state chapter yesterday ordered Governor Abiola Ajimobi to terminate any personal agreement with opposition members in the state

immediately. The leader of the party and the former governor in the state, Alhaji Lam Adesina who gave this order during ACN first year interactive session held at Lafia Hotel, Ibadan maintained that political offices "should be evenly distributed among those loyal

to our party as of right and not privilege". The former governor further directed that all political offices given to the opposition party especially the Accord Party as a result of the agreement be withdrawn forthwith. Lam who spoke along with

Rashidi Ladoja

chieftains of the party in the state, warned against intra-party conflicts rearing its ugly heads among members of the party in the state. "It is normal in politics for the opposition to try and break the ranks of the ruling party but it is left for you all to be vigilant and act as one indivisible entity". The former governor further told the gathering which included the governor that the only antidote to continue to stay in power is good performance saying that gone were the days when party slogans and personalities win elections. "We must resolve to work hard and create enabling environment for the voting populace to enjoy the dividend of democracy so that they will not be deceived by the propaganda machinery of the opposition in the state". He declared "I am not unaware that there are some acrimonies and miss-understanding among political office holders which must be allowed to die naturally in the interest of peace and good governance which is the hallmark of the ACN". Lam Adesina advised all the chieftains of the party to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness and over-look individual shortcomings as we are human beings and therefore valuable.

$3m bribery scandal: Lawan, victim of corporate blackmail, PDP chieftain By Augustine Aminu

chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief James EgbeEgbara, had said that the Chairman of the House of Representatives ad hoc subsidy committee, Rep Farouk Lawan, currently facing $3 million bribery allegation was a victim of corporate blackmail.

He said the embattled Lawan was merely paying the price for daring corporate greed and other vested interests. He accordingly asked Nigerians not to lose sight of the big issue of “massive corruption in the oil sector, which necessitated the Lawanled House probe in the first instance.” The former National

Auditor of Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), in a statementsaid: “The times do not call for silence, and every lover of Nigeria, democracy and due process must speak out. So from the look of things, the source of the allegation, the timing, it is evident that Hon. Farouk Lawan is being assailed by the ugly face of capitalism, in fact, he is a

victim of corporate blackmail and terrorism.” The statement further read “The fact is that there is massive stench in the oil sector on account of mind-boggling corruption being perpetrated by the cartel. So why we keep our eyes on the ball, we must ask and receive answers to some of these very disturbing questions.

Assembly can’t suspend me, says Bauchi lawmaker From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

member of the Bauchi state House of Assembly, Hon. Rifkatu Samson Danna, yesterday said her colleagues lacked the constitutional power to suspend her. This followed the accusation by members of the House of Assembly that she made uncomplimentary statement bordering on the purported relocation of Tafawa-Balewa council and district headquarters. She said that the Assembly lacked the constitutional right to disengaged her since she was duly elected by her people to represent them except if they demand her recall, pointing out that she may head to court if the situation demands. Danna who is the member representing Bogoro and the only female law-maker in the 31- member House, made the u-turn while talking to newsmen in her residence in Bauchi. According to her, "My decision to withdraw the apology initially tendered was to safe-guard and ensure the survival of the nascent democracy against unconstitutional actions of her colleagues. According to Danna, democracy demands that people are free to express their views for the development of the nation and her position as a legislature give her the constitutional right to express her view in order to carry the people along. She said "It's undemocratic when the House insisted on suspending me after all I have apologized on the floor, apart from tendering a letter in line with the resolution of the committee on ethics and privileges headed by Hon. Dayyabu Chiroma, member representing Darazo constituency without exhibiting sympathy in my capacity as the only female legislature who can't stand against the power of 30 members." The Female lawmaker said that since February 2012, the Assembly has denied her all the appropriate entitlement attached to her office as legislator deliberately to frustrate her efforts, saying her democratic view had no any political, religious and tribal inclination. She then called on the women and people of her constituency to remain calm and law abiding with a promise to stand by her word.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

PAGE 41

Abdullahi wields the big stick against NFF Stories by Patrick Andrew

t last, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has wielded the big stick against the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) by stopping the recruitment of Tom Saintfiet, whom the football federation had appointed its technical director, since March. Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi was said to have directed the NFF reconsiders the decision to recruit the Belgian as the federal government was not favourably disposed to a foreigner

Tom Saintfiet

occupying a position that several Nigerians are well qualified to assume. Peoples Daily Sports recalls that the former Ethiopian and Namibian manager had been considered ahead of several qualified and experienced Nigerian coaches, who took subsequently took up the matter to the then supervising Minister of Sports, Mallam Abdullahi, who later appointed the substantive minister in charge of the commission. Members of the Nigerian Coaches Association led by Shuaibu Ahmodu had vowed to take the matter to the Presidency and later did petitioned the Presidency through the NSC and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation as well as the National Assembly where they demanded that a stop to the employment offer to Saintfiet. Peoples Daily Sports also recalls that the NSC declined to assent to the request from the NFF for letter to the Nigerian Customs and Immigrations for work permit to be issued to the Belgian and the climax yesterday's directive for outright halting of all matters relating to Saintfiet's taking up the appointment. Whenever, Peoples Daily Sports sought confirmation of the development from the NFF, none of the officials were willing to speak on record, but one said the leadership alone would react to whatever position the NSC has taken in respect of appointment of NFF technical director. Meanwhile, Saintfelt has reiterated that he has a valid agreement with the NFF and that he had already embarked on organising the structures and plans for development. "I am surprised about the news that the Minister of sport decided that a foreign technical director was not needed. I had an agreement with the Nigerian Football federation, spent three waiting, started already to make and organise structures as well as plans for development" "In this period I got several offers of countries and clubs, even who play Europa League football and I said no to them because of the deal with Nigeria."

Rwanda warn Nigeria, say they’re not here for sightseeing

wanda have warned they are not tourists here for a good time on arrival in Nigeria yesterday day ahead of a crucial Nations Cup qualifier. “We are not tourists here on a sightseeing tour, we are here to win the ticket to the next round of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series,” said Rwanda coach Milutin Sredojevic aka Micho. Nigeria were held to a goalless draw by hosts Rwanda in the first leg match in February. The overall winners of

this match-up will advance to the final qualifying round of the 2013 AFCON between September and October prior to the tournament proper to be hosted by South Africa early next year. Rwanda flew into Lagos yesterday afternoon aboard Rwanda Air flight. The contingent, made of 25 players and 11 officials, is scheduled to be airlifted from Lagos to Calabar aboard an Arik Air flight this morning. The players and officials will stay at Channel ViewHotel in Canaan City.

It is eight years ago since Rwanda’s senior team clashed with the Super Eagles in a competitive match in Nigeria. On June 5, 2004, in a 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying match played at the National Stadium, Abuja, Obafemi Martins’ two goals gave Nigeria a 20 win. The NFF also confirmed yesterday that Referee Nomandiez Doue from Cote d’Ivoire and his assistants will fly into Nigeria on an Arik Air flight from Accra tonight, before proceeding to Calabar on Friday morning.

Ahmed Musa, Uche Kalu, on sung new kids on the block

Keshi may drop Moses, Utaka, mulls Kalu, Musa option against Rwanda

uper Eagles Head Coach Stephen Keshi wants nothing more than deadly offensive upfront and may have opted to drop the duo of Victor Moses and John Utaka, who have both fired blank in two games to the chagrin of 'Big Boss', as Keshi is fondly called. The former Togo and Mali manager, who literally begged the Eagles to rain goals on their opponents starting with the Amavubi Stars of Rwanda on Saturday's Nations Cup qualifier, has been working on the attacking pair of Ahmed Musa- for pace, and Uche Kalu-for the Enyimba's fearless and daring attacking approach. Kalu pepped up the attack when he came on against Namibia while Musa's intelligent cross was all that the Eagles needed to break the deadlock against the Flames of Malawi even though Vincent Enyeama's unprofessional approach to lob into his two metres box gifted the hosts unexpected equaliser that denied Nigeria the maximum points in last weekend's 2014 World Cup qualifier. Now, Keshi is mulling the duo in his starting lineup and has concentrated on them since they resumed training ahead of Saturday's must-win game. Instead of the reserved team role the duo had been

deployed previously, Keshi used them in the would-be main team and they impressed in the three training sessions both in Abuja and Calabar. An official, who hinted Peoples Daily Sports yesterday, also revealed that Keshi had thought of deploying Godfrey Oboabana to right of defence to allow skipper Joseph return to the centre of defence and to pair Azubuike Egwekwue. But this is unlikely because Yobo is yet to resume with the team two days from match day. "From the training since on Monday, Keshi is mulling handing Uche Kalu and Ahmed Musa shirts in the starting lineup against Rwanda. Of course, he has not been happy with the pair of Victor (Moses) and John (Utaka) who have drawn blanks in two games. What is even more worrisome is the fact they have failed to impose themselves on the two games that they have played. "Now, he wants to redirect the attack by giving responsibilities only to those he believes have shown enough resolve to perform, and based on names and last season's performance and big stage experience which had largely influenced his decision to select the two foreign-based ahead of their more livelier Kalu and Musa," the official said.

... Skipper Yobo out of Rwanda duel

oseph Yobo is yet to rejoin the Super Eagles in Calabar rising fears he may not be available for Saturday's crucial game against the Amavuvbi Stars of Rwanda in the 2013 Nations Cup qualifier. Yobo, who plies his trade in Greece, had been expected to hit the camp yesterday, he was nowhere to be found forcing officials to consider other options. Though he was said to have spoken with coach Stephen Keshi and had expressed his readiness to play subject to doctors confirmation, the official said last night that reports from the player was not quite positive. "Well, his situation is not quite like that of Nnamdi Oduamadi who has been ruled out of the game. But as at this evening (yesterday), we have yet to get any favour report from Yobo's doctor. Of course, he needs a clean bill of health that will ascertain that his muscles tear has sufficiently healed for him to feature in Saturday's game. "You know, we cannot afford to field half fit players in such a crucial game. It means then even if Yobo were to show up tomorrow (today) it would most unlikely be part of the playing squad against Amavuvbi Stars. So it seems safe to that Yobo is out of the duel," the official said.

Joseph Yobo, Nnamadi Oduamadi, both out of duel against Rwanda

PAGE 42

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

Oboabona assures Nigerians of Eagles victory in Calabar 18th NSF:

odfrey Oboabona, Super Eagles’ central defender, on Tuesday in Calabar assured that the team had put behind it last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Malawi in Blantyre. The Sunshine Stars’ defender who has become a regular in the national team said the team was ready to win against Rwanda on Saturday in Calabar at the U.J. Esuene Stadium. “We are not boasting but we know we are a better team and we will show that on Saturday when we face Rwanda,” he said. Oboabona who arrived in Calabar with the team on Tuesday afternoon from Abuja was part of the squad when they drew 1-1 with Malawi’s The Flames on June 9. The match played at the Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre was a Matchday Two fixture in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Africa Zone Qualifying Group F. They now face The Wasps of Rwanda on Saturday, June 16 in Calabar in a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying Second Round Second Leg fixture. They had played a goalless draw in the first leg encounter in Kigali on Feb. 28, and need a win on Saturday to advance to the final round of the qualifiers. Oboabona however urged all Nigerians to continue with their support for the team by trooping out to Calabar on Saturday for the match. “Nigerians should just come out en masse to cheer us,” he said.

Godfrey Oboabana

Falcons confident of victory over Zimbabwe, says Ukaigwe

he Super Falcons Coordinator, Henrietta Ukaigwe, says the team was confident of victory over Zimbabwe in the return leg of their Africa Women Championship

Helen Ukaonu

(AWC) qualifier on Saturday in Lagos. The Falcons had on June 2 in Harare defeated their Zimbabwean counterparts 2-0 in the first leg of the first round of the qualifiers and need Saturday’s victory to seal qualification to the AWC. Ukaigwe said that the Falcons had been training since April 15, adding that Nigerians should expect nothing less than a repeat of the feat they achieved in Harare. “The girls are highly motivated, the camp is bubbling with excitement and I guarantee Nigerians that the players are 100 per cent confident of victory over Zimbabwe. Nigerians will see the Falcons explode against Zimbabwe on Saturday,” she said. Ukaigwe confirmed that four

foreign-based players had been invited by Coach Khadiri Ikana to strengthen the team ahead of the decisive encounter. “The coach has brought in four foreign-based players to strengthen the team and that goes to tell how determined we are for victory,” she said. The players are Perpetual Nkwocha, Helen Ukaonu, Faith Ikidi and Rita Chikwelu. She added that the away matches played against Zimbabwe and South Africa which the Falcons won 2-0 and drew 1-1 respectively had set them in perfect mood for Saturday’s showdown. “The matches against Zimbabwe and South Africa have really exposed the team and have created better understanding in

terms of team work. “As such, we are very positive of a win because we have been training on a synthetic pitch and we all know the pitch in Lagos is synthetic,” Ukaigwe said.

Rita Chikwelu

FA chief applauds Lagos teams

eyi Akinwunmi, Chairman of Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), yesterday commended the preparations of the state’s teams, ahead of the 18th National Sports Festival (NSF) holding in the state. Akinwunmi said at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium, Lagos that he was impressed with the crop of players selected from various football groups in the state. “I am glad to see an improvement in the choice of players the coaches picked, to represent Lagos State in the forthcoming National Sports Festival. I’ve just watched a training session of both teams, and I must say that the coaches have been doing their work. “Although, we are still picking more players, as the team building is still in progress. We hope to bring out the best out of these boys, who will go for more screening exercise. “Hopefully, by the end of the screening exercise, they will go for a close camp, where they will have a tight schedule in training. By the end of three weeks in a close camp, before the state close camp, we would hope to reveal our team,” Akinwunmi said.

Professional facility managers best to maintain Abuja National Stadium, says Ekeji P

rofessional facility managers would better maintain facilities at all federal government-owned stadiums, Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Patrick Ekeji, said on Tuesday in Abuja. Ekeji said this while answering questions from members of the Senate Committee on Sports who were on an inspection of the Abuja National Stadium. He said this was becoming imperative in view of the increasing need to properly manage existing sports facilities for the enhancement of sports development in Nigeria. “Professional sports managers are the best for us in the situation we have found ourselves of recent. This is because government funding for us is becoming limited, and it is essential that we must maintain these facilities for proper sports development,”he said. He said the NSC had sometime in the past contemplated having such facility managers, saying this would be through a Public Private Partnership (PPP). “ICRC can help in this regard, and they had been contacted before to help drive the PPP. We had before now carried out the commercial viability assessment of all the six stadiums owned by the federal government, and we realised they can be viable. “The private facility managers will

run the infrastructure professionally and this will help to attract even international matches to the stadiums,” Ekeji said. He however said the NSC had in the interim started making plans to ensure the Abuja National Stadium’s pitch is restored to its former quality. “With the rains now, the grass will grow better, while we will soon be putting in more men to tend the pitch,” Ekeji said. The NSC Director-General however called for more support from the Senate Sports Committee in improving the sports facilities across the country. He asked for more funds for the commission to help in maintaining sports facilities. “We need the support of the National Assembly for extra funding for sports facilities. “If we have the funds, we will be able to put more people to work here to put the place in shape,” Ekeji said. Responding, Chairman of the committee, Sen. Adamu Gumba, said the National Assembly was committed to ensuring that the Abuja National Stadium particularly, among the six Federal Government-owned stadiums, was put back in shape. “We really want to put the stadium in Abuja back in shape, because we are not comfortable with the fact that it can’t be put to use. So, we

need regular maintenance at this stadium, as well as the others. “What we now need is for the NSC to give us the estimates of what is needed, as well as the staffing needs.

This must be done to put the place back in good shape towards a possible concessioning,” he said. The the committee’s delegation comprised seven members, including

Abuja National Stadium. Insert Chief Patrick Ekeji, DG, NSC

Gumba. Others on the delegation were Abdul Ningi, Heineken Lokpobiri, Awesu Kuta, Nkechi Nwaogu, Mudashiru Oyetunde and Abdulkadir Jajere.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

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

Juve, Milan battle City star

uventus are in battle with Inter Milan to sign Manchester City’s Aleksandar Kolarov. Nasri dreams of doubling up Italian champions Juve are keen to sign the left back, 26, on loan. City wants to recoup some of the £18m they paid for the Serb in 2010 and that could allow Inter to make their move. West Ham offer £4million for Jarvis West Ham has tabled a £4million bid for Wolves’ England winger Matt Jarvis. The Hammers made an official move last night to offer Jarvis a quick return to the Premier League. Irons boss Sam Allardyce is keen to start building a team fit for the top flight after clinching promotion. Jarvis, 25, earned his first England cap in a friendly against Ghana last year, and scored eight goals for relegated Wolves last season.

Aleksandar Kolarov

PAGE 43

Sigurdsson set for Anfield

wansea's Icelandic loan-star will join Liverpool for around £7m - but wants to explain himself to the Welsh club's new boss first Gylfi Sigurdsson will join Liverpool, but not before he has offered Swansea the courtesy of meeting their new manager. The Iceland international, which made such an impact on loan at the Liberty Stadium last season, has made clear his desire to go to Anfield following the appointment of Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers as the new boss. The attacking midfielder had all but agreed a permanent £6.8million move from Hoffenheim to Swansea at the end of the season, but didn’t sign the deal as it became clear Rodgers was being courted by the Merseyside club. Sigurdsson confirmed last week that he was having second thoughts about a move to Wales from the German club. Swans chairman Huw Jenkins has been busy looking for Rodgers' replacement and is expected to unveil a new manager within the next week, with former Denmark star Michael Laudrup the overwhelming favourite. Giroud desperate for Arsenal move The Montpellier and France striker is on the verge of a £12million move but Wenger doesn't see him as Van Persie's replacement Olivier Giroud is desperate to join Arsenal - and is ready to complete a £12million move

to the Emirates. Rene Girard, coach of the France striker's current club Montpellier, says the Gunners have come in for the 25-year-old. Girard told French radio: "Arsenal is very interested and Giroud wants to play in England. "If Arsene Wenger agrees with the president Louis Nicollin, he will sign for them."

Gylfi Sigurdsson

West Ham N swoops for £4m Di Matteo appointed Sochaux striker Roberto permanent Chelsea manager I’ll decide Newcastle move after Euro

ewcastle target Mathieu Debuchy has insisted his club future will be decided after Euro 2012. The Lille defender has dropped a major hint that he may be planning to swap Ligue 1 for the Premier League when France’s participation in the tournament is over. The 26-year-old put in a rampaging display as Les Bleus drew 1-1 with England, showing

est Ham is leading the chase to sign Sochaux striker Modibo Maiga. Maiga, 24, almost made a move to Newcastle back in January, but saw the deal collapse after they had concerns over a knee problem. The Mali forward is confident there will be no problems this time around and is also attracting interest from Stoke. Despite his injury concerns, Maiga has a formidable goalscoring record for Sochaux and is ready to show he can compete at the highest level. Reports in French newspaper L'Equipe claim West Ham is in pole position to land his signature and is set to make a £4m bid. Sam Allardyce is looking to bolster his forward line following the club's promotion into the Premier League and would like to bring in his new signings before preseason gets underway at the start of July.

Modibo Maiga

helsea have appointed Roberto Di Matteo their permanent manager on a two-year contract. Di Matteo was made interim coach following the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas in March, leading the club to Champions League and FA Cup victories. "Roman Abramovich may have wanted to appoint former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola as the permanent successor to Andre Villas-Boas as Chelsea manager - but who can argue that Roberto Di Matteo deserves a two-year deal after winning the Champions League and the FA Cup? "The Italian brought order to Chelsea's tactics and unity to a fractured dressing room. He brought the so-called 'old guard' back onside after the turbulence of the Villas-Boas era and produced the finest reference he could by beating holders Barcelona in the Champions League semifinal then winning the trophy against Bayern Munich in their own Allianz Arena. "Di Matteo now faces the different challenge of a long-term appointment. He can approach the task with the confidence his successes have given him and with the goodwill of fans given the highest high by Chelsea's Champions League success." "We all achieved incredible success last season that made history for this great club. Our aim is to continue building on that and I'm already looking forward to the squad's return for pre-season," said the 42-yearold Former MK Dons and West Brom manager Di Matteo lost just three of his 21 matches in charge, and several of the club's senior players voiced their support for him as permanent boss following the Champions League final success over Bayern Munich

exactly why Alan Pardew is keen on making him the latest Frenchman among Newcastle’s ranks. Debuchy remains adamant the speculation will not distract him giving his all for his country. "Right now, I'm focused on the Euros," he was quoted as saying by L'Equipe. "I have wishes, but we will discuss them later."

and FA Cup final victory over Liverpool. Di Matteo joined the club as a player in 1996, signing from Lazio, and scored 26 goals in 175 Chelsea appearances before retiring because of injury at the age of 31. The midfielder's first season at Stamford Bridge had ended with him scoring in the first minute of the FA Cup final against Middlesbrough as Chelsea won their first major trophy for 26 years. He also found the net in a League Cup final win over Middlesbrough in 1998 and in the 2000 FA Cup final against Aston Villa. Di Matteo became a manager for the first time at third-tier MK Dons in July 2008 and the following summer he moved up a division to West Bromwich Albion. He took the Midlands club into the Premier League at the first attempt before leaving in February 2011 after a run of 13 defeats in 18 games.

Roberto Di Matteo

PAGE 44

ussia have been given a sixpoint deduction, which will be suspended, from their next Euro qualifying campaign following the improper behaviour of their fans at Friday's Czech Republic match, UEFA has said. They have also been fined •120,000. UEFA said in a statement: "The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body have yesterday decided to impose a deduction of six points on the Football Union of Russia (RFS) in the qualifying round of the next UEFA European Football Championship. This decision is suspended for a probationary period running from now until the end of the play-offs of the next UEFA European Football Championship (UEFA Euro 2016). Disciplinary proceedings have also been opened against the Football Union of Russia (RFS) for setting off and throwing

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

UEFA Fine Russia •120,000, six-point deduction fireworks, displaying illicit banners and the invasion of the pitch by a supporter.'' UEFA said the incidents would not impact on Russia's suspended six-point deduction and that the new cases would be dealt with on Sunday. Varela steals all three points for Portugal at the death A goal three minutes from time by Varela earned Portugal an important win over Denmark at the Lviv Arena on Wednesday night in a Group B UEFA Euro 2012 encounter. Portugal had taken a two-goal lead through Pepe and Helder Postiga, but Nicklas Bendtner drew the Danes level up until the dying minutes of the match. In the 19th minute Portuguese

superstar Ronaldo had his first chance to run at the Danish defence. From around 40 yards, he came forward with the ball, played a one-two with Raul Meireles and then attempted to shoot at goal. The effort, though, was a poor one, and went well wide. In the 24th minute, Real Madrid centre-back Pepe sent the Portuguese faithful into raptures. A free kick was whipped in by Veloso, but was headed out for a corner by Kjaer. From the subsequent set piece, Moutinho this time curled it into the near post, where the defender rose the highest to head home, 1-0. In the 36th minute it was 2-0 to Portugal. Postiga had a chance to silence his critics and justify his

Portugal celebrating goal against Denmark yesterday

selection. Nani, on the right-hand side of the area, crossed the ball across the box, and into the path of the Real Zaragoza man, who buried it into the top right-hand corner of the net from eight yards out. But five minutes later the Danes were in the match when they halved the deficit through the head of Niklas Bendtner on his 50th international appearance for Denmark. A cross from Jakob Poulsen went to Krohn-Dehli on the lefthand post, who headed it back across goal for Bendtner to nod in from two-yards out. From absolutely nothing, the Danes were back in the match. Four minutes after the break Portugal should have restored their two-goal lead. Ronaldo was played through on goal, and shot from the edge of the area on the left-hand side. Andersen though, got down well, and saved to his left. In the 79th minute the Real Madrid superstar missed another glorious chance. He was played through by Nani and was all alone, with just Andersen to beat. The Real Madrid man decided to hit it early, but his was shot went wide. It was dreadful finishing from Ronaldo who seems to have the weight of international expectation on his shoulders. The Portuguese were made to pay a minute later by Bendtner again when he equalised. A cross deep from the right by Jacobsen went towards the head of Bendtner at the far post. The Sunderland man peeled off the back of Pepe, and headed home off of the post. It was now 2-2 with

England wants striker paired with Welbeck

lan Shearer has urged England boss Roy Hodgson to pin his faith in Andy Carroll, insisting Euro 2012 is "made for" the Liverpool striker. A fine end to the season with Liverpool earned Carroll a place in England’s 23-man party for the European Championship, but he was left a frustrated spectator for the tournament opener with France as Danny Welbeck was deployed in a lone striker role. Welbeck performed with credit as he had little to work with as France dominated the contest. With Sweden up next, the onus is on the Three Lions to attack and

Shearer feels Hodgson should go for the greater physical presence of Carroll in tandem with Welbeck. What about us getting those balls in at the other end? Joleon Lescott’s execution with his head for our goal was superb. But, right now, this tournament is made for Carroll. Every defence seems to be struggling with the aerial threat. I would not have him in there at the expense of Danny Welbeck either - but alongside him. Simply did not have enough support to do anything in front of goal. But he didn’t half work to help relieve the pressure at the back.”

EURO 2012

Winning mentality as important as discord for players

icente Del Bosque has said Spain could again line up without a recognised striker when they face Republic of Ireland today. Del Bosque was criticised for fielding a front three of Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta and David Silva in the 1-1 draw against Italy, with Fernando Torres, Fernando Llorente and Alvaro Negredo all on the bench. Fabregas scored Spain's equaliser, but his side was able to fashion a series of chances after the introduction of Torres as a late substitute and some felt they looked a more dangerous team. Del Bosque, though, says he will not be swayed and may keep faith with the tactic. "Against Ireland we will play a No.

9 - though it depends what you understand by a No. 9," he said. "David Silva is a forward. Andres Iniesta plays like one; so does Cesc. We have four options: the three everyone is aware of (Torres, Llorente and Negredo) and then

that of Cesc. Those are all very good attacking solutions. I am not unhappy with the options we have. Athletic Bilbao’s Javi Martinez has said the players are not concerned by the public clamour for Spain to field a striker.

Cesc Fabregas

Fernando Torres

“They are debates for the bar, for the press, for the street,” he said. “We don’t think about those things. We have a coach, and what he says and thinks is what is important to us. We’re okay and I think the team is fine.” Torres also came in for criticism after missing two gilt-edged chances against Italy, but Martinez is confident that the Chelsea man will not be affected. “Fernando has been a professional for ten years,” Martinez said. “He knows how these things work. The criticism about not scoring a goal in the first game will turn into praise if he scores one or two against Ireland. Then he’ll be the best in the world again. Footballers know how to cope with these things.”

ten minutes remaining. But any fairytale finish the Danes hoped for was to no avail, as Portugal stole all three points with three minutes to play. Substitute Varela scored with virtually his first touch of the match. A cross from the left by Coentrao went to the feet of the Porto man, who struck it on the half-volley with his right foot into the back of the net. The win means that Portugal joins Denmark on three points and will keenly watch the match between Germany and the Netherlands.

Police arrest 140 after Polish, Russian fans attack each other

olice have made over 140 arrests in connection with clashes between Poland and Russia fans in Warsaw and expect to add to that number as investigations continue. Euro 2012 co-hosts Poland drew 1-1 with Group A rivals Russia at the National Stadium on Tuesday night, but the game was surrounded by violent incidents in the city. Prior to kick-off, thousands of Russian fans marched on Poniatowski Bridge to mark Russia Day - considered a provocative gesture by some Poles, whose nation was subjected to decades of rule by Moscow. Flashpoints occurred there and at the designated Fanzone in Plac Defilad Square. Police are understood to have deployed water cannon and rubber bullets in response. Officers from the Anti-Riot Unit and the Criminal Department are involved in the ongoing operation, and the police said they expected the number of arrests to grow. A statement from the Polish police, released via www.policja.pl, said: "There are more than 140 hooligans caught by the police because of disorder in Warsaw - firstly during the march to National Stadium, and secondly in the Fanzone in Plac Defilad Square. "Among the kept persons, there are fans of both teams - Russian and Polish. All the incidents took place before the match. There are 10 persons,who are injured: seven Polish, two Russians and 1one German - their lives are not in danger. "The police operation is still ongoing. The police officers are checking the surveillance system, police cameras and [plan to] identify the hooligans who took part in the disorder. Further arrests are planned.'' It has since been revealed that there were lesser incidents of violence while the match was being played and that the injury toll had risen to 15. Trouble flared despite a huge security operation in the Polish capital, where authorities had been extensively trained in antiriot operations prior to the tournament.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

PAGE 45

i p i c t o r i a l i. Portugal substitute Silvestre Varela scored in the 87th minute to hand his side a vital 3-2 win after a brace from Denmark's Nicklas Bendtner had seen the Danes come from behind.

ii. David Millar moves closer to competing at the Olympics as he is named in the provisional list for the Team Britain road cycling squad.

iii. Recalled England flanker James Haskell claims his experiences playing overseas have made him a better player. iv. British heavyweights David Haye and Dereck Chisora vow to behave outside the ring before and after their controversial fight.

iii

v. Ferrari president Luca Di Montezemolo urges Formula 1 to take immediate action to cut costs because of the European financial crisis.

vi. Andy Murray starts his Wimbledon preparations as he takes on Nicolas Mahut in his opening match at the Aegon Championships at Queen's. vii. Rory McIlroy says his confidence is returning as he prepares to defend his US Open title in San Francisco this week.

vii

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

Adepoju applauds officiating of NPL matches so far

utiu Adepoju, the Manager of 3SC FC of Ibadan, on Tuesday said that officiating in the ongoing Nigerian Premier League (NPL) has improved tremendously. He, however, called for more referees’ clinics so that their officiating could get better, stressing that there had been some

errors in the past, which were now being corrected. “It is getting better as the league progresses. Officiating in the NPL has improved. I am quite impressed at the results so far. “There have been cases of bad judgments, which are normal since referees are humans. Some of the observed lapses have been managed

carefully,” he said. The manager said 3SC was focused on ending the season on a good note. “We officially have nine more matches before the league ends and we are focused on ending it on a good note. “However, we should be expecting a formidable team from the club next season, because we have been using

Rafael Nadal with the French Open trophy

Mind over matter helps Nadal rule on clay I

t is not the high looping bounce that sits up perfectly for his vicious top spin forehand that makes Rafa Nadal the King of Clay - the Spaniard says it is his sheer mental toughness. Nadal beat world No 1 Novak Djokovic on Monday to usurp Sweden’s iceman Bjorn Borg with a record seventh French Open

title, a staggering feat considering it came in only his eighth Roland Garros campaign. His only blemish in an otherwise perfect record on the red Parisian dust was a shock defeat to Robin Soderling in the last 16 in 2009 - and that was when he was struggling with tendinitis in his knees. This year’s run to the title was

Bjorn Borg, whose French Open six title wins was surpassed by Nadal on Monday

a lesson in how to be a psychological bully as he took on some renowned claycourters and left them gasping for breath. Players brought up on the beaten red brick surface, like Argentina’s Juan Monaco, and Spaniards Nicolas Almagro and David Ferrer, all came and swiftly went as he moved ominously forward without dropping a set

this ongoing season to try re-build,” Adepoju said. He said that the team had steadily improved with each game, adding: “we have been learning from each mistake, we are getting better with each new game.” The club is currently occupying the 7th position with 45 points after 30 games. and losing the fewest games he ever has en route to a grand slam final. He was only broken once before playing Djokovic and that was in his first round against Simone Bolelli when he was still cranking into gear. “My mental part is one of the most important things, especially on clay,” he told reporters with the Musketeers’ Cup perched by his side. “More than with the rest of the surfaces, because you have to run, you have to suffer sometimes, you have to play with more tactics, because you have more time to think, to do things. “The reason is probably because I am always scared to lose. That’s why I go on court every day against opponents with the full respect, knowing that you can lose and you can win. “I think I have been very focused for the last eight years, because winning as much as I did on this surface is not because I played great every time. “It is impossible to play great every time but when I played soso, I was there mentally. The mental part was there 100 per cent.” Few would now doubt that the Mallorcan battler is the greatest player to have ever played on this surface - except maybe the man himself. “I don’t know if I am the best or not. I am not the right one to say that. The only thing is I have probably the best results ever on this surface, and for me this is great. “For me it is a really emotional day to win another time here. Sure, the seventh is important because I am the player who has the most today,” he explained after the game. He needed every morsel of that mental resilience to keep Djokovic at bay as the rain started to fall on Philippe Chatrier Court in the evening gloom on Sunday. Before the match was suspended for the night, the Serb had won eight straight games to claw his way back from two sets down to trail 2-1 with a break in the fourth. The Spaniard had started to lose his cool as playing conditions worsened in the rain, visibility deteriorated and heavy balls turned brown as they soaked up the damp clay. In anger he tossed one at the umpire to make his point that it was time to call it a night. “It was clearly a good thing for me to stop yesterday, because with those conditions, well, seriously, the last couple of games, the condition of the court was not right to play a final of a grand slam. We had to stop.

Tosin Oke

AFN appeals to athletes to attend championships

he Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has appealed to athletes whose performances fall within the International Amateur Athletics (IAAF) standard to attend the 66th All Nigeria/CRS Athletics Championships. Yusuf Alli, a board member of AFN,said yesterday in Lagos that the championships would mainly serve as trials for the London 2012 Olympic Games. He added that athletes who had met the IAAF and Olympic standard would stand better chance of being picked in the championships. The 66 th All Nigeria/CRS Athletics Championships is scheduled to hold from June 19 to June 21 in Calabar, Cross River. Alli, a 1990 Commonwealth long jump champion, told NAN that the invitation was open to all Nigerian athletes who were interested in representing the country at the Olympic Games. “Our objective is to select the best athletes, and the criteria we have decided to adopt is to look out for the IAAF standard. All Nigerian born athletes are free to come, even those discovered at the U-18 AFN/Dr Olukoya meet. “Though some of them have not met the standard but they are free to participate because they would be able to mingle with older colleagues who will fly in from different parts of the world for the meets. “After the trials we would have a clearer picture of the team that we would be taken to the Olympics and by then we would be able to rate our chances with other countries,” he said. Alli listed Blessing Okagbare as one of the 30 athletes who had met the IAAF and Olympic standard. The Olympian said that the accepted record for long jump was 8.20m for A standard while 8.10m is for B standard.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

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THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012

SPORTS LA TEST LATEST

Pillars hold on to top spot

ano Pillars yesterday maintained leadership of the Nigeria Premier League after a 1-1 draw at Niger Tornadoes. Coach Baba Ganaru-led team drew the first blood in the sixth minute, when skipper Gambo Mohammed hit the back of the net. Pillars were cruising home with victory before league hotshot Sibi Gwar drew level for the hosts in the 88th minute for his 14th goal of the season. Pillars now have 50 points from 31 games after both close rivals Rangers and Enyimba lost their away games to stay on 49 points apiece. Rangers fell 1-0 at Warri Wolves and ABS stunned Enyimba 3-1 at Ilorin. Pillars coach Baba Ganaru said they actually went for the three points which they missed at the tail end but he said he believes his team will be crowned champions. "We are motivated by the fact that we can win the trophy and that we have been working towards. We came to Minna for the three points and we almost got them. We scored first and unfortunately we lost two points at tale end of the game,”said the coach. “To win the title we have to be 100% at home and get points on the road and that is what we did in Minna. I am sure we will get the title at the end of the season." In Ijebu Ode, Sunshine Stars beat Dolphin by a lone goal scored by Dele Olorundare after 65 minutes. The Jazzy Stars FC of Jos discovery has now scored nine goals. The survival battle by Jigawa Golden Stars suffered a setback when fellow strugglers Kaduna United held them to a barren draw at the Hadejia Stadium. NPL Results Tornadoes 1 Pillars 1 ABS 3 Enyimba 1 Warri Wolves 1 Rangers 0 Sunshine 1 Dolphin 0 Akwa 1 Rising Stars 0 Sharks 2 3SC 1 Ocean Boys 2 Kwara 1 Heartland 2 Wikki 0 Jigawa 0 Kaduna 0

ADVERT: BUSINESS: NEWS: LAGOS:

0803 0805 0803 0805 0803

QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE It is to y our eter nal cr edit tha ou your eternal credit thatt y you acquitted yourself demonstrably well as Head of State and courageously mid-wif ed our countr y’ s tr ansition to mid-wifed country’ y’s transition nance in Ma y ci vil democr atic g over May civil democra go ernance 1999 — Jonathan to Abdulsalami @ 70

No emergencies here O

n November 10th, 1935 a house in London's Wimpole Street caught fire. London, the crowded capital of the United Kingdom had an efficient fire service. After all this was the great city of London which has survived all manner of disasters since it's founding by the Romans, including the great fire of a memorable nursery rhyme that is echoing in my head even as I write. A next door neighbour used his telephone to try to call the attention of the city's firemen. This being 1935 England, meant the phone system was still being operated through an exchange operator. You would call the operator who would then connect you to your destination. The good neighbour's call was put on a queue. By the time the operator could attend to him the fire had spread irredeemably. Five women died. Enraged, he wrote a strongly worded letter to the editor of The Times which resulted in a government enquiry. Thus the world's first emergency line 999 was eventually set up. (Wikipedia) I say 'eventually' set up because the system, technology and even the numbers (digits) that would constitute this emergency line were the result of a rational and logical process looking to the greater good. 'The choice of 999 was because in the dark or in dense smoke, 999 could be dialled by placing a finger against the dial stop and rotating the dial to the full extent three times. This enables all users including the visually impaired to easily dial...' It started with the death of five women by fire and the anger of a concerned neighbour, whose sense of compassion and civic duty spurred him into action. The action - publication of a 'mere' letter - was sufficient information to galvanise action by those in authority whose mandate to work in public interest is real. Most of the rest of the world's nations have of course, followed suit with setting up emergency call lines- except for the most backward and poor of countries. Since that day in 1935 who knows how many lives have been saved, helped or rescued the world over, through the establishment of emergency response systems that use the telephone. All because a good neighbour and rational politicians really 'sprung into action'! (E.g. Australia - 000, Brazil - 190, 192,China 110,Europe (most) - 112,India 100)

311 689 606 327 454

7458 1765 3308 1969 0344

CAR TEL OPIA CARTEL TELOPIA By Aisha Yolah ayolah06@yahoo.com 08086296783 (text only please)

President Goodluck Jonathan British politicians in debate at the House of Commons always give one a sense of how much effort - intellectual and emotional - has gone into creating the Western democracies that we so admire. Their political and intellectual class strove to evolve systems, processes and a society that works well for them. (Current economic troubles prove only that there are no perfect human systems and that therefore a functioning society is always a 'work-inprogress'). This way of always aspiring for better and working hard towards it, has worked so well that even my countrymen have been migrating to Britain and the West in droves. And what have most African Politicians been doing? Many have worked hard. There countries are functioning 'worksin-progress'. For instance, Ghana has a number of emergency lines for ambulance, Fire Service and Police, namely 193,192, and 191 respectively. South Africa uses a single line : 10111. Note:an emergency line is simple, easy to remember, generic and toll-free. Multiple digits, long or personalised GSM numbers are not emergency lines. Commonsense and good intention can make all the difference as it has for countries where the ruling class have these attributes. The British welfare system the unparalleled National Health Service - did not just happen by accident or a fluke. As the former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar would say, good things

don't just happen, they are made. This, his 2011 campaign slogan, did not resonate with his own party who seemed to prefer the sing-song 'goodluck to me, goodluck to you' of the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. President Jonathan won the party's nomination and is today running Nigeria. His general election campaign slogans offering 'fresh air and transformation' I suppose were more ...tantalising. Seriously though, what I am trying to say is that leadership requires responsible action, not jamboree. My country, Cartelopia does not have a functioning emergency line - not because Cartelopia is too poor to afford one or too backward to figure one out. There was an emergency line once - 199. I remember using it about ten years ago; Even though the policeman at the end of the line hung-up on me when I informed him that our house had just been attacked by armed robbers. At least there was a system in place even if it was not working very well. (The police complained that they did not have transportation to come to our rescue, let alone catch anyone.) Today, apart from armed robberies, fires, building collapses, other possible crises, Cartelopia is beset by an epidemic of kidnapping, bombings and a hideous terrorist insurgency. People are dying in numbers everyday. Unknown gunmen take human life as though they were shooting pigeons - even in provinces where a so-called state of emergency (?) has been 'declared' for months and months. In November 2011 there were whispers -given the generalised state of insecurity - that emergency call centres would be set up. We are in June 2012, nothing. Perhaps the political / businessmen ruling class, believe ordinary residents of Cartelopia (ordinary Nigerians like me) do not have emergencies. An emergency is defined as a sudden crisis requiring action. Clearly our leadership does not want to bother with action Late last year this column lamented at

length that it was a little cynical for all our security forces -from the secret police to the armed forces to be constantly pestering Nigerians for cooperation and information (Finally, SOS on Security). Given the nature of the insurgency, it is patently obvious that anyone giving out information on 'terrorists' in their neighbourhood puts his or her life in danger. Until this security disaster befell us the police in particular have never really cared to facilitate communication with the public. We ordinary people did our best to stay clear of the police preferring to rely on neighbourhood surveillance (vigilantes), gates, guards and prayers. Now , for nigh on two years they have been telling us that 'security is everybody's business' and that we should 'inform' them whenever we see or hear anything resembling a terrorist threat. As the Minster of the Interior ,reechoed this week ' we should share intelligence...so that together we can be secure.' As all public services and goods have crumbled so has the concept of public safety. The reality is that billions have been spent on security 'gadgets' that have little or no relevance in an environment where even the most basic building blocks of public security are missing. Yet the minister of defence proudly tells us Cartelopia has agreements signed with no less than 17 other countries to help 'secure' us. This is what one of those 17 countries tells its own about Cartelopian security: 'Avoid all but essential travel to the Niger Delta states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers; the Southeastern states of Abia, Edo, Imo; the city of Jos in Plateau State, Bauchi and Borno States in the northeast; and the Gulf of Guinea because of the risks of kidnapping, robbery, and other armed attacks in these areas. Violent crime committed by individuals and gangs, as well as by persons wearing police and military uniforms, remains a problem throughout the country. ' 'Since January 2009, over 140 foreign nationals have been kidnapped.... Local authorities and expatriate businesses operating in Nigeria assert that the number of kidnapping incidents throughout [the country] remains underreported. ' (http:// travel.state.gov/travel/ cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_5669.html)

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