Peoples Daily Newspaper, Wednesday 15, May, 2013

www.peoplesdailyng.com

Vol. 10 No. 98

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

. . . putting the people first

Rajab 6, 1434 AH

N150

N67.4bn needed to 2015: Power shift salvage Lake Chad, not negotiable, says Senate >>5 Northern elders >>5

Emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno, Yobe 100 armoured tanks deployed We’re not surprised — Borno govt It’s welcome devt — Gaidam >>2

News Analysis Like Plateau, Ekiti, unlike Adamawa, Borno >>3

Mixed reactions as parties, lawyers, others comment

By Lawrence Olaoye, Ejike Benjamin, Umar Mohammed Puma, Ikechukwu Okaforadi, Abuja, Ayodele Samuel, Lagos & Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

R

eactions trailed the President’s broadcast last night as various sections of the Nigerian society including organizations, political parties expressed divergent views on the development as the Senate threw its wieight behind Jonathan.

A press statement by the Senate Spokesman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, explained that, “the Senate met and agreed that whatever the President does to ensure greater security for lives Contd on Page 2

Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Dieziani Alison-Madueke (left), receiving the Distinguished Leader in Innovation and Transformation Award, yesterday at the Petroleum Industry Award, in Vienna. With her are Mrs. Olayinka Fayomi (middle), and President, Association for the Development of Energy in Africa, Mr. Jean-Pierre Favennec (right).

Vehicle crushes man, wife, daughter, driver to death in Kebbi

>> 6

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

CONTENTS News

2-10

Editorial

12

Op.Ed

13

Letters

14

Opinion

15

Metro

16-18

Business

19-22

Stockwatch

23

S/Report

24-25

Property

26-27

Motoring

28

Arts

29-30

Jonathan declares state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, Page 4

Int’l

31-34

Strange World 35 Digest

36

Politics

37-40

Sports

41-45

Leisure

47

Columnist

48

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

Phones for News: 070-37756364 09-8734478

Emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno, Yobe

By Abdulwahab Isa & Stanley Onyekwere President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday declared a state of emergency in three Northern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, just as the Army authorities deployed no fewer than 100 armoured tanks to major streets in the affected states.

The violent activities by members of the Islamist Boko Haram sect have led to wanton loss of lives and property in the three states since 2009 when the group began launching coordinated attacks in a number of states in the north.

Declaring emergency rule in the affected states in a nationwide address, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan backed his action on powers conferred on him by Section 305 (1) of the Constitution.

He referred to the current security challenges facing Nigeria nation as “criminality which no responsible government will tolerate.”

Reacting to the development, the Borno state government said last night that it was not surprised by the Federal Government action.

Jonathan in his broadcast, recounted steps taken by his administration to curtail the insurgent activities, including engaging notable leaders and political office holders of the region with a view to finding lasting solution to menace of unwarranted destruction of innocent lives and property.

The President regretted that every step taken had been thwarted by members of the Boko Haram group.

However, Jonathan said that all political office holders in the three affected states would continue to function during the emergency rule period while details of the Proclamation is to be transmitted to the National Assembly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

The President terminated a planned trip to Namibia from South-Africa last week on account of renewed attacks by members of Boko Haram in Bama area of Borno state and another attack in Nasarawa state by Ombatse cult members that claimed lives of over 75 police officers and men from States Security Service (SSS).

According to Jonathan, “since I returned to the country after cutting short my visit to South Africa and aborting a planned state visit to Namibia, I have received detailed briefings from our security agencies.

These briefings indicate that what we are facing is not just militancy or criminality, but a rebellion and insurgency by terrorist groups which pose a very serious threat to national unity and territorial integrity.

“Already, some northern parts of Borno state have been taken over by groups whose allegiance is to different flags and ideologies.

“These terrorists and insurgents seem determined to establish control and authority over parts of our beloved nation and to progressively overwhelm the rest of the country.

“In many places, they have destroyed the Nigerian flag and other symbols of state authority and in their place, hoisted strange flags suggesting the exercise of alternative sovereignty”.

Jonathan further justified the action arguing that, the action of the terrorists amounted to declaration of war on the nation and a deliberate attempt to undermine the authority of the Nigerian state and threaten her territorial integrity.

“As a responsible government, we will not tolerate this,” Jonathan said.

Notwithstanding state of emergency in the three states, the President said that current effort of persuasion and dialogue will continue stressing that, “we have a sacred duty to ensure the security and well-being of all our

people and protect the sovereign integrity of our country.

“Therefore, we shall, on no account, shy away from doing whatever becomes necessary to provide the fullest possible security for the citizens of this country in any part of the country they choose to reside.”

Accordingly, he said that the Chief of Defence Staff had been directed to deploy more troops to the affected states for an enhanced and effective internal security operations.

“The troops and other security agencies involved in these operations have orders to take all necessary action, within the ambit of their rules of engagement, to put an end to the impunity of insurgents and terrorists.

“This will include the authority to arrest and detain suspects, the taking of possession and control of any building or structure used for terrorist purposes, the lock-down of any area of terrorist operation, the conduct of searches, and the apprehension of persons in illegal possession of weapons.”

To individuals and groups that may be backing the terrorists, the President declared that, “we want to reassure you all that those who are directly or indirectly encouraging any form of rebellion against the Nigerian state, and their collaborators.

“Those insurgents and terrorists who take delight in killing our security operatives, whoever they may be, wherever they may go, we will hunt them down, we will fish them out, and we will bring them to justice, No matter what it takes, we will win this war against terror.”

Meanwhile, Peoples Daily has gathered authoritatively that Kano and Rivers states would be the next in line of states where state of emergency may be declared, owing to rising tension in those two states.

It would be recalled that over 56 Nigerians were slaughtered in a Lorry Bomb explosion in Kano, which was in addition to the death of over 80 people earlier during an attack on police station in the state late last year.

We expected it – Borno govt Reacting shortly after the President’s broadcast, the Borno state Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, who spoke through his Commissioner for Information, Inuwa Bwala, said government was not surprised pointing out that Jonathan had been contemplating taking that action for a long time.

However, according to Bwala, “we intend to explain the situation to the people so that they understand and remain lawful in order to avoid confrontation with the military personnel.

Yobe govt too The Yobe state government has also justified the President’s action arguing that “the reasons advanced by Mr. President in taking this action are clear.”

A press statement by Abdullahi Bego, the Special Adviser on Press Affairs and Information to Governor Ibrahim Gaidam, said that, “over the past few years, the problems of insurgency and criminality in Yobe state and other parts of the north have led to many deaths and injuries and caused untold hardship to millions of innocent people.

“As everyone knows, there is no alternative to peace and the Yobe state government therefore agrees with Mr. President on the need to take more effective measures to address the problem of insecurity in the country.

“The good people of Yobe state should note however that the proclamation of a state of emergency by Mr. President does not affect the political structures in the state.

“The state government under His Excellency Governor Ibrahim Gaidam will remain focused and committed in the ongoing task of transforming the state through the provision of much-needed social services.

“His Excellency Governor Ibrahim Gaidam therefore calls on the people of the state to continue with their usual support to and cooperation with security agents, support that had proved critical in bringing about the relative peace that the state has enjoyed over the past many months.”

Mixed reactions as parties, lawyers, others comment Contd from Page 1 and property of Nigerians is fully supported.

According to the statement the crises in those states have become unbearable, necessitating the decision by the President to declare state of emergency in the three states.

The statement noted that, “once the President brings the request to the Senate, it will be approved, hence it has become a matter of necessity for peaceful coexistence on Nigeria.”

We're in support, says PDP The People’s Democratic Paerty (PDP) in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, yesterday, said that, “the PDP supports the

President on all actions that will restore stability, peace and progress in the body polity.

“And we commend him for showing effective leadership. You cannot make an omelette without breaking eggs. We are 100% behind the President's action and we call on all responsible citizens to rally round the security officials of the nation at this trying times.

With President Jonathan, Nigeria will overcome our security challenges."

Yahaya Mahmood wants soldiers to abide by rules of engagement Similarly, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Yahaya Mahmud, explained that state of emergency is created to allow

federal government to take over control of security in a state or any part of it to avoid total breakdown of law and order.

He said that unlike the emergency declared in Ekiti and Plateau states during President Olusegun Obasanjo government, the governors and other political office holders were not removed.

Yahaya therefore called on the soldiers to abide by the rules of engagement, and to work hand in hand with governors, local governments, emirs, community and religious leaders toward resolving the crisis in the areas completely.

CPC splits over emergency declaration Officials of the opposition

Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) held divergent views yesterday over the state of emergency declaration by the President.

While the party's National Secretary, Alhaji Buba Galadima, condemned the action, the National Publicity Secretary, Rotimi Fashakin insisted that the action was right.

Speaking on behalf of the party, Galadima said, “our reaction is simply that the PDP and its government said that we are rumour mongers, that there was nothing in place, and now it stands out that we are right that the President was considering declaring state of emergency.

Contd on Page 3

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

PAGE 3

Mixed reactions as parties, lawyers, others comment Contd from Page 1

“In the course of the President’s broadcast, he made mention of some certain states, and most of these states are known to be politically opposed to his style of leadership.

“It is our hope that the president is not using this state of emergencies in some of these states that are not in support of his policies to settle political scores.

“We are also afraid that the

security agencies will not go out of their way to use this state of emergency as a licence to maim, kill and wipe out communities that the president himself feels is opposed to his political ambition. It is our hope that security agencies.

“The states that the president imposed state of emergency are the states that did not support him in his 2011 elections. And from the broadcast the president is giving up himself order than security of lives and property for

all intents and purposes that he did not secure before this state of emergency and those soldiers do not have absolute authority in those states without interferences from the civil authority his 2010 ambition.

But Fashakin who also reacted on behalf of the party called on Nigerians to rally round Jonathan in his efforts to ensure that peace is restored to the region.

He expressed the hope that the decision would bring back

L-R: Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, Chairman and Chief Executive of DITV, Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed, and Malam Salihu Abubakar, all members of the Boko Haram Amnesty Committee, after their meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday at the State House, Abuja.

Photo Joe Oroye

the elusive peace in the region, pointing out that the situation in the affected states is dire and behoves on the citizen to support the decision.

“He (the President) is empowered by Nigerian Constitution to declare a state of emergency in these states.

“The President has full view of things more than any one by virtue of his privileged position,” Fashakin said.

State of emergency’ll worsen the situation – Mike Ozekhome A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Mike Ozekhome, condemned the declaration of the state of emergency in Borno Yobe and Adamawa warning that the development will worsen the problem rather than solving it.

According to Ozekhome, the situation in those three states did not warrant the imposition of the state of emergency.

He said, as the CommanderIn-Chief of the Armed Forces, the President could always draft members of the Armed Forces and the Police to any part of the country where there is insurgency.

Ozekhome said Section 305 of the Constitution of the country prescribes that before a President can declare a State of Emergency, he must have to make a proclamation which must be captured in the official federal government gazette and which must agreed to by the National Assembly, both the Senate and the House of Assembly.

"We are not aware in this case that there is such a proclamation which has been gazetted and

Like Plateau, Ekiti, unlike Borno, Yobe and Adamawa

By Sonde Abbah

S

tate of emergency. Few phrases cause tremor in the polity than this three-inone "punch". In a democratic society in particular, the mere mention of "state of emergency" sends shivers down the spine of all and sundry.

And the reason is not hard to comprehend. Living in a state or nation under emergency rule is more or less like living in chain.

In such a state, the citizenry's rights are significantly abridged, even as the constitution is suspended.

Little wonder, outrage and apprehension pervaded the land when the then - President Olusegun Obasanjo declared emergency rule in Plateau State, and subsequently in Ekiti. Then Governors Joshua Dariye and Ayo Fayose were ousted for the duration of the emergency rule in their respective states.

For a people who had endured decades of military rule until the restoration of democracy in

1999, the omens were not particularly cheery. This was more so as partisanship and vengeance were believed to have been the primary motivation for Obasanjo's actions.

Here we go again. Last night the emergency rule bell tolled again. Not once, not twice, but

week by a group of militants in Nasarawa State, the federal government apparently felt that enough was enough.

Government, according to sources, "felt that drastic actions must be taken without further delay " in order to demonstrate "its resolve to deal decisively with

New Analysis thrice. In one fell swoop, President Goodluck Jonathan declared emergency rule in three states: Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe.

The bell had started to toll for the ill-fated trio following the escalation of violence in those parts even as the activities of the radical Islamic gang, Boko Haram, became increasingly deadly. Witness, for example the mass killings of scores of innocent Nigerians in the now infamous spates of violence in Baga and Bama, both in Borno State.

Following the cold-blooded slaying of tens of Policemen last

all purveyors of violence and their sponsors".

And it so happened that following the series of high level security meetings convened by Aso Rock in the heat of the latest rounds of violence, rumours started swirling across the land to the effect that government was shuffling to enforce emergency rule in some violence-prone states.

Not surprisingly, Borno and Yobe state topped the list of the states rumoured to be ripe for the unwanted pill.

Plateau, Nasarawa and Taraba were the

other states speculated to have been penciled down for emergency rule.

On Tuesday 14 May, 2013 the seemingly inevitable, materialized. In a live broadcast, President Jonathan, invoking the power conferred on him by section 135 (c ) of the constitution, declared state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States.

Apparently to appease the 36 state governors who had kicked against the removal of their colleagues in the event emergency rule is declared in any of the troubled states, Jonathan spared the governor of the three states the fate that had befallen Dariye and Fayose during the Olusegun Obasanjo regime.

Incidentally, the same Jonathan had earlier declared a state of emergency in some local governments in Borno, Yobe and Niger States. Reason: snowballing insecurity. It is a measure of the level of endemic violence in two of those states - Borno and Yobe - that they popped up like bad coins in the latest crack down.

agreed to by the National Assembly", he said, adding also that, under Section 305 (3) of the Constitution, the President can declare a State of Emergency if the federation is at war or in danger or if the governor of a state personally requested for it if the state is under threat.

According to him, the fact that there are disturbances in a state does not mean that the President should declare a State of Emergency, noting there is no evidence showing that the governors of the three states asked for Presidential declaration of State of Emergency.

He said the President should have waited for the report of the Presidential Committee on Amnesty for the Boko Haram.

While declaring that the declaration of the President was ill-advised, the SAN said it is still the masses that will suffer it that will suffer it at the end.

Jonathan’s action backed by constitution — Lawyer In the same vein, an Abuja based legal practitioner, Mr. Eddie Adakole Inegedu told Peoples Daily that the President has constitutional powers to issue a proclamation of a state of emergency in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states pursuant to Section 305 of the constitution.

He said the Section lays down the procedure for such declaration of emergency, adding that the circumstances leading to this declaration is apt and appropriately factual as there is actual breakdown of public order in these states.

He said, there is the need for extraordinary measures to restore peace and security as there are threats to the existence of the Federation.

"It is erroneous for people to push for the removal of constitutional authority in these states as the constitution did not make any such provision or requirement.

"In fact, even the Governor of a state can urge the President to issue such declaration so as to help the state maintain public order in the face of breakdown of law and order.

"So, a state of emergency does not entail the removal of the Governor and the State House of Assembly as Obasanjo did in his time.

“I only advice the President to publish the instrument and transmit the copies of the gazette to the National Assembly for its resolution approving the proclamation.

“Northern youth will resist the declaration emergency” A section of youth from the north said yesterday that they set to resist the imposition of emergency rule in the three states.

According to the Ppresident of African Youth Conflict Resolution Group, Dr. Suleiman Shinkafi, “we were aware for long that the President is working towards the declaration of emergency in parts of the north and now he has executed his plan but let me assure him that he will meet a strong resistance from us.”

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

PAGE 4

Jonathan declares state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states Address By President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR on the declaration of a state Of emergency in Borno, Yobe And Adamawa states In order to restore public order, public safety and security in the affected states of the federation, yesterday.

Dear compatriots, 1. It has become necessary for me to address you on the recent spate of terrorist activities and protracted security challenges in some parts of the country, particularly in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Plateau and most recently Bayelsa, Taraba, Benue and Nasarawa states. These unfortunate events have led to needless loss of lives and property of many innocent Nigerians including members of our security forces.

2.

The recent killing of security operatives by a cult group in Nasarawa state is particularly condemnable. I have directed that no effort or expense be spared in identifying and bringing to justice all those who had a hand in the killing of the operatives.

3.

The activities of insurgents and terrorists have been reprehensible, causing fear among our citizens and a nearbreakdown of law and order in parts of the country, especially the North. We have taken robust steps to unravel and address the root causes of these crises, but it would appear that there is a systematic effort by insurgents and terrorists to destabilize the Nigerian state and test our collective resolve.

4. Since I returned to the country after cutting short my visit to South Africa and aborting a planned state visit to Namibia, I have received detailed briefings from our security agencies.

These briefings indicate that what we are facing is not just militancy or criminality, but a rebellion and insurgency by terrorist groups which pose a very serious threat to national unity and territorial integrity. Already, some northern parts of Borno state have been taken over by groups whose allegiance is to different flags and ideologies.

5.

These terrorists and insurgents seem determined to establish control and authority over parts of our beloved nation and to progressively overwhelm the rest of the country. In many places, they have destroyed the Nigerian flag and other symbols of state authority and in their place, hoisted strange flags suggesting the exercise of alternative sovereignty.

6.

They have attacked government buildings and facilities. They have murdered innocent citizens and state officials. They have set houses ablaze, and taken women and children as hostages. These actions amount to a declaration

President Goodluck Jonathan of war and a deliberate attempt to undermine the authority of the Nigerian state and threaten her territorial integrity. As a responsible government, we will not tolerate this.

7. Previously, we adopted a multi-track approach to the resolution of this problem through actions which included persuasion, dialogue and widespread consultation with the political, religious and community leaders in the

affected states.

8. We exercised restraint to allow for all efforts by both State Governors and well-meaning Nigerians to stop the repeated cases of mindless violence.

9. Yet, the insurgents and terrorists seek to prevent government from fulfilling its constitutional obligations to the people as they pursue their fanatical agenda of mayhem, mass murder, division and separatism.

“

After wide consultations, and in exercise of the powers conferred on me by the provisions of Section 305, sub-section 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I hereby declare a State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

10. While the efforts at persuasion and dialogue will continue, let me reiterate that we have a sacred duty to ensure the security and well-being of all our people and protect the sovereign integrity of our country. Therefore, we shall, on no account, shy away from doing whatever becomes necessary to provide the fullest possible security for the citizens of this country in any part of the country they choose to reside.

11. We have a duty to stand firm against those who threaten the sovereign integrity of the Nigerian state. Our will is strong, because our faith lies in the indivisibility of Nigeria.

12.

Following recent developments in the affected states, it has become necessary for Government to take extraordinary measures to restore normalcy. After wide consultations, and in exercise of the powers conferred on me by the provisions of Section 305, sub-section 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I hereby declare a State of Emergency in

Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

13. Accordingly, the Chief of Defence Staff has been directed to immediately deploy more troops to these states for more effective internal security operations. The troops and other security agencies involved in these operations have orders to take all necessary action, within the ambit of their rules of engagement, to put an end to the impunity of insurgents and terrorists.

14. This will include the authority to arrest and detain suspects, the taking of possession and control of any building or structure used for terrorist purposes, the lock-down of any area of terrorist operation, the conduct of searches, and the apprehension of persons in illegal possession of weapons.

15.

The details of this Proclamation will be transmitted to the National Assembly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. But in the meantime, let me make it clear that within the purview of this Proclamation, the Governors and other political office holders in the affected states will continue to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.

16.

I urge the political leadership in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states to co-operate maximally with the Armed Forces and the Police to ensure that the exercise succeeds. We call on the citizenry to co-operate with our security agencies to ensure a return to normalcy within the shortest possible time.

17. I am again approaching our neighbouring countries, through diplomatic channels, as done in the recent past, for their co-operation in apprehending any terrorist elements that may escape across the border.

18. Nigerians are peaceloving people; these sad events perpetrated by those who do not wish our nation well have not changed the essential character of our people.

19. I want to reassure you all that those who are directly or indirectly encouraging any form of rebellion against the Nigerian state, and their collaborators; those insurgents and terrorists who take delight in killing our security operatives, whoever they may be, wherever they may go, we will hunt them down, we will fish them out, and we will bring them to justice. No matter what it takes, we will win this war against terror.

20. I am convinced that with your support and prayers, we shall overcome these challenges and together, we will restore every part of our country to the path of peace, growth and development.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

PAGE 5

N67.4bn needed to save Lake Chad dry up - Senate

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

D

ocuments from the Senate yesterday revealed that over N67.4 billion is required to save the Lake Chad Basin from drying up, sequel to the reduction of its surface area from 25,000 Sq kilometers to 2500 kilometres due to a combination of natural and human factors.

This was revealed during

Rivers aircraft controversy: Reps order for data on all private jets

the debate on a motion of urgent action to save Lake Chad, which was moved by Ahmed Lawan (ANPP, Yobe North), and supported by 40 other Senators.

Leading debate on the motion, Lawan said that out of the amount, N14 billion would be used on Inter-Basin Water Transfer (IBWT), which will transfer water from Ubangi River in Central African Republic to the Lake Chad.

He also said that 200 million Euros would be used for smooth implementation of the

IBWT which has five years investment plan before the actual water transfer (IBWT) process.

Lawan who pointed out that over 17 million Africans depends on the Lake for their livelihood also expressed fear that if the lake dries up, the whole sub-region would be plunged into unprecedented ecological and humanitarian crisis.

Other senators who supported the motion, said it is necessary to save the Lake from drying up, owing to the economic benefits it has for

Nigeria.

The Senate President, David Mark, in his remarks said for Lake Chad to have reduced to 2500 from the 25000, it had become a serious issue, adding that urgent measure should be taken to address the problem.

Meanwhile, the Senate has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his financial and moral support to the Lake Chad Basin Commission and for showing commitment to ensuring ecological and political stability within the Lake Chad region.

They also resolved to

continue their support for the federal government in its leadership role in the Lake Chad Basin Commission and sustainable resuscitation of the Lake Chad.

Meanwhile, they urged the President, in consultation with the Summit Chairman of Lake Chad Basin Commission, and other leaders, act as tourch bearer for the donor conference where the international communities will donate funds for resuscitation of the Lake, hence Africa alone cannot raise the required funds for the project.

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he House of Representatives yesterday ordered the federal aviation authorities to immediately submit to its committee a comprehensive list of all private jets in Nigeria.

Chairman House committee on Justice, Ali Ahmed (PDP Kwara state) said, “let us have a register of titles of all registered private aircraft in Nigeria, including those on adhoc basis.”

The House, at an investigative hearing on the controversial grounding of a Rivers state-owned aircraft, by the Joint Committee on Justice and Aviation, agreed that the list which must contain identification of all private jets in the country, names of owners, agents, expiration dates of clearances and licenses and other vital data, be made available in two days.

The lawmakers heard conflicting testimonies from Federal Government officials, including the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, and Rivers state officials, led by the Secretary to the State Government, George Feyi.

Earlier in her submission, the Minister of Aviation insisted re-affirmed her earlier position that Rivers state government had not established it ownership of the aircraft, since the plane was registered in the name of a U.S. bank.

Rivers state had claimed the purchase and operational plan it entered into with the Utah bank and Caverton, which the government has cited as reason for banning the plane, was common with other owners of the private jets in the country.

Again, Rivers State’s claim that Caverton Helicopters was in charge of its interest in the aircraft, requesting and securing necessary clearances, was denied by the helicopter firm.

The list is expected to help determine the real motive behind the Federal Government’s action, seen by many as political.

L-R: Yobe state Governor, Malam Ibrahim Gaidam; Borno state Governor, Alhaji Kashim; Secretary to the Government of Borno state, Ambassador Ahmed Jidda; and Principal Secretary to the President, Alhaji Hassan Tukur, during their meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja.

Photo: Joe Oroye.

NEF insists on power shift to north From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

T

he Northern Elders Forum (NEF) yesterday insisted that the presidency should be shift to the region come 2015, as a mark of equity and justice.

Secretary of the NEF, Prof.

Ango Abdullahi, made the remarks when he led other members of the forum on a courtesy visit to Borno state Governor, Kashim Shettima at the Government House in Maiduguri.

Abdullahi, a one-time Vice Chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, (ABU), insisted that if the next elections come, the north will no longer misused its right of producing the presidency as was the case in 2011, blaming such failure to the connivance of some state

governors of the region.

He noted that the north will never again compromise what is rightly belongs to it, saying however that the forum has already already put all hands on deck to see to the successeful return of power to the region.

“I was one of the founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who outlined the zoning formular of presidency between north and south but unfortunately following the demise of former president late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, the formular was immidiately put aside to achieve unjustifiable course”, he declared.

The NEF scribe said the north has the population, resources and all it takes to make them produce the next

president, noting that the forum will liase with relevant stakeholders of the region to ensure that what is rightly taken away from them is return to them.

“Presently we don’t have a particular political party or presidential candidate, rather north is our party and candidate.

We will join forces with anyone willkng to see the restoration of power to the region”, he added.

He noted that the north must rediscover itself to fight through its present predicaments, saying “if the future of the younger generation of the northern people is to be as promising as it was hope to be” “Our fathers had used the resources of the north to make this country what it is today, and those who do not know the

history of this country are now thinking that they can over run us pplitically. Our hands must be put on deck and we must proof to them that we would rise again to glory, because the problem of the north is the north and we must ensure we resolve our differences for the betternment of our children,” Abdullahi said.

Abdullahi also condemned the security challenges confronting the region and the way security forces are handling the issue.

He specifically faulted the Baga killings, describing them as barbaric.

In his remarks, Shettima threw his weight behind the northern presidency saying the region has all necessary requirements to produce next president.

PAGE 6

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

World Bank frowns at FG’s failure to use $300 PPP fund

By Abdulwahab Isa

T

he World Bank has expressed its displeasure over failure by the Federal Government to utilize $300 million provided by the bank for execution of Public Private Projects(ppp),a situation that made the funds to remain idle for three years.

The non- utilisation of the dedicated fund compelled the bank to restructure and scale it down to $25million at the first instance to take care of technical assistance and capacity building while in phase two, it would release additional $85million.

Mr. Paul Noumba said that Nigeria was the first country which the World Bank picked for a pilot project for PPPs but regretted that for three years, funds released for the purpose had been lying fallow.

He said the World Bank team was in the country to find out which agency was capable to handle the fund and apply it appropriately. The World Bank Sector Manager, Finance and Private Sector Development (Western & Central Africa), Mr. Paul Noumba, made the revelation while on a courtesy visit yesterday to the DirectorGeneral of Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Benjamin Dikki.

The World Bank team, was on a fact-finding visit on which government agency was the best

to domicile the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) of the PPPs in Nigeria.

According to him, because of the non-utilisation of the fund, the World Bank had decided to restructure and scale it down to $25million at the first instance to take care of technical assistance and capacity building while in phase two, it would release $85million. The initial ratio was $150 million and $300 million.

A statement issued yesterday by BPE Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Chigbo Anichegbe, quoted Noumba as saying that Bank decided to restructure and scale it down to take care of technical assistance and capacity building.

He pledged the World Bank’s assistance to the Bureau in the areas of advisory services, manpower development and funding in some of its transactions like the commercialization of the Federal Housing Authority, privatization of the Abuja Stock and Commodities Exchange and the eight reform bills being finetuned for presentation to the National Assembly.

Earlier in his Dikki intimated the team on Federal Government’s reforms.

He said that the successful concessioning of the country’s 24 ports by the Bureau was a clear testimony of its capability to handle PPPs.

T

he United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has offered to support Nigeria with N17 billion to address the problem of over 10 million out- of -school children.

The USAID team leader on Education, Dr. Jill JupiterJones, said this yesterday in Abuja when she led a USAID team to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i.

Jones said the American government would continue to support Nigeria to overcome the challenge of meeting the MDG, especially in school enrollment and out of school children.

She said the grant of $410 million (about N17 billion) will be used in between five and seven states states in the northern part of the country where cases of out-of-school

Ogbulafor opens defence, admits collecting N2m donation

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin

F

children is rampant adding that the USAID will partner with other stakeholders to ensure the success of the intervention between the next two to five years.

Responding, the Minister thanked the USAID for being the first to intervene, among the major players in the promotion of better access to education in the country.

She described the USAID intervention as ”unprecedented” and assured that the funds will reach the grassroots. children are to enable government plan towards meeting the MDG target on school enrollment.

She further explained that the government will work with state governments and the relevant agencies on data collection to identify where the 10 million out -of -school children are located as referred to by the UNESCO.

ormer National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Vincent Ogbulafor yesterday told an Abuja High court that he received N2 million only and not the N107 million alleged by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), prosecuting him for using his position as then minister to defraud the Federal Government.

Ogbulafor is standing trial on a 17- count charge bordering on conspiracy and award of fictitious contracts, to the tune of N107 million.

The offence, allegedly committed during his tenure as minister of Special Duties, is contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.

Ogbulafor who opened his defence yesterday, told the court sitting before Justice Ishaq Bello that he received only N2 million from Mr. Emeka Ebila, the 2nd accused person in the matter.

Counsel to the former PDP national chairman, Chief JoeKyari Gadzama (SAN), had earlier told the court that, “the

and driver.

Reports said that Salihu was on his way to Abuja for an official engagement, when the incident occurred at about 12 noon.

A Government House

statement said that the deceased was aged 50 and hailed from Jega local government area of the state.

The statement said that Salihu left behind three other

USAID to support Nigeria with N17b for out of school children

By Maryam Garba Hassan

L-R: Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Education, Hon. Rose Oko, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Aminu Suleiman, and Registrar of JAMB, Professor Dibu Ojerinde, during the committee meeting with JAMB registrar on the recent exams, yesterday at the National Assembly, in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

only witness we have is the 1st accused person (Ogbulafor) himself.”

In the course of giving evidence, Ogbulafor claimed ignorance of all but count fifteen,where he conceded to the fact that he had received from Ebila.

Responding to a question on what he knew about the allegation contained in count 15, he said: “Yes, my Lord,I received N2 million from Emeka Ebila.”

He, however clarified that the amount in question was, “a donation to my campaign as the national secretary of the PDP”, which he said he got on October 25, 2001.

He told the court that the gesture came seventeen days after he tendered his resignation as minister of Special Duties to former President Olusegun Onasanjo.

In the same vein, the 1st accused claimed that as minister, he did not verify “nonexistent contracts”, as alleged by the ICPC. On his relationship with the 2nd accused, Ogbulafor said, shortly after he was appointed minister in 2001, Ebila led a delegation of elders to

Vehicle crushes Kebbi Muslims pilgrims board’s Secretary, wife, daughter, driver to death

A

tipper truck yesterday crushed to death, the Secretary of Kebbi state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Garba Salihu, along with his wife, daughter

wives and 17 children.

Governor Saidu Dakingari prayed Allah to grant the souls of the deceased eternal rest and the family fortitude to bear the great loss.

congratulate him.

He went further to say that after the visit, Ebila wrote him a letter asking him to appoint him (Ebila) into any of the boards, which he was said to have listed in his request letter.

Though,there was no opportunity in any of the boards of his choice, he, nonetheless, said, “I put him in National Economic Intelligence Commission (NEIC).”

Upon the appointment, Ogbulafor disclosed that Ebila was made the committee’s secretary.

Justice Bello adjourned the case to June 6, 2013 for cross examination of witness and continuation of hearing.

It would be recalled that Ogbulafor attempt to stop his trial via a no case submission failed.

Ogbulafor’s counsel, Gadzama, had argued that “there is no credible or convincing evidence to link him with the charge preferred against him.

Gadzama further told the court that the prosecution failed to meet two conditions necessary in criminal trial, one of which is that, “the evidence in examination- in-chief, was not discredited.”

In opposition to Ogbulafor’s prayer, prosecution counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) urged the court to discountenance the no case submission and order the accused person to enter his defence.

A prayer, the court granted and declared that Ogbuafor has a case to answer in the charges preferred against him by the anti-graft commission.

Other accused persons are Emeka Ebile and Joe Nwokolo.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

Briefly Edo sacks 100 casual staff

O

ver 100 casual workers of Edo state-owned media outfits have reportedly been laid off by the state government.

The affected media houses, Bendel Newspaper Company limited (BCNL), publishers of the Nigerian Observer and the Edo Broadcasting Services (EBS) made up of Radio and Television stations alongside undisclosed number of workers of the state of ministry of Information.

It was gathered that about 50 staff were affected in the Nigerian Observer Newspapers, over 50 in EBS and about 20 in the ministry of Information.

The move came only days after the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) called on the state government to confirm the appointment of all casual staff working in the state establishments, ministries, agencies and parastatals.

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

PAGE 7

Agatu/ Fulani crisis: 10, 000 displaced in Benue From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi & Sam Egwu, Lokoja.

O

ver 10,000 persons have been displaced in Agatu local government area of Benue state following last Sunday's invasion of EkwoOkpachanyi village in Agatu local government area during which 40 people were reported killed.

The Commissioner for Works/Transport Mr. John Ngbede who is also an indigene of Agatu disclosed this to newsmen yesterday in his office stating that more than 13 communities have been sacked.

He said that many people have fled the area while several others are now taking refuge in neighboring Ojantele and

Ugboko villages in Apa LGA. Mr. Ngbede who lamented the attack on his people, maintained that they have never had any misunderstanding with the Fulani people and wondered what could have caused the recent attack.

Commenting on allegation by the Secretary of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Garos Gololo that the Fulani herdsmen carried out the attack in reprisal for their over 550 missing cows, Ngbede denied the claims, saying they were false and mischievous.

"Our people are not thieves. We did not steal their cow", he said but expressed appreciation for the prompt response of the State government in sending relief materials to

the displaced persons and also urged National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to come to the aid of the people with materials to alleviate their sufferings.

The Works Commissioner also called for deployment of more security operatives in the area to avert any further attacks.

Meanwhile renewed violence between the Fulani herdsmen and the Agatu communities in Benue state has caused mass influx of displaced persons to Omala Local government Area of Kogi state, the chairman Hon. Labaran Yahaya Oigebe said.

He therefore called on the Federal Government and the Benue and Kogi

state governments to urgently respond to the humanitarian burden on the local council.

The chairman said that the violence has led to over 10,000 persons from 19 communities in Agatu local government area of Benue state taking refuge in Omala with the fear of outbreak of epidemics and the threat to security.

He stated that the concentration of the refugees in about seven communities in the LGA, has affected food supply and other essential utilities and called for assistance to save the people from starvation.

The chairman said, he has established camps across the communities even as the provision of drugs and foodstuff were running out of stock.

The refugee who migrated to the LGA with their wives and children, he alleged, have already started becoming security threat to the host communities.

"Already our people who have been supporting them with feeding and accommodation have started showing fatigue.

They are complaining of food shortages and the local government palliatives is inadequate", he said.

The council boss urged the Kogi state government to guarantee the security of lives and property by deploying Mobile policemen to the area, against further reprisals.

He called on the Benue state governor, Gabriel Suswam to evacuate the refugees back to his state.

Normalcy returns to school after students' protest

N

ormalcy has finally returns to Government Day Junior Secondary School, Angwar Kudu in Kaduna North Local Government Area of Kaduna State, as the school was reopened yesterday for academic activities after being shot down for one week following violent students' protest against an attack on a security guard in the school by a parent.

Peoples Daily gathered that the school was shot down on May 7, 2013 and all students asked to vacate the school premises after violently reacting to a parent who was not pleased with the security guard for locking out his son for coming late to school.

The father, Usman Matazu was said to have slapped the security guard for refusing to open the gate.

He drove out in anger with a promise to come back and teach the security guard the lesson of his life.

True to his word, Alh. Usman Matazu came back with some thugs who descended on the security guard. This action prompted other security guards in the school to come to the rescue of their colleague and this turned to a free for all fight between the school security guards and the thugs. One of the security guards, Mallam Aliyu was said to have been hit on the eye which started bleeding.

Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

L-R: Executive Director, Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr. David Adulugba, NEPC Governing Board members, Elder Iniobong Jackson, Alhaji Soli Jibia, and Director, Product Development of NEPC, Mr Olajide Ibrahim, during the launch of NEPC publication, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Bauchi CAN worries over non-payment of post election violence victims From Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi

T

he Bauchi state chapter of the C h r i s t i a n Association of Nigeria has expressed concern over the non disbursement of funds released for the compensation of victims of 2011 post election violence by the Federal Government amounting to N1.74 billion.

It urged Governor Isa

Yuguda to without any further delay, commence the disbursement of the funds to cushion the suffering of families of the victims.

The state secretary of CAN, Rev. Ray Maina who made the disclosure while speaking to newsmen in Bauchi said, the association wondered why government through the State Emergency Relief

Agency (SEMA) had commenced procurement of relief materials and inventory of the destruction without involving CAN in the state.

Maina urged Governor Yuguda to immediately release the funds meant for the families of the victims in cash and without engaging SEMA who are not in the clear picture of the destruction recorded during the mayhem.

Rather, he said, CAN and other religious body be involved in the committee.

The CAN scribe described as child play, Yuguda's body language with the invitation of Northern states Christian elders forum into the committee for the disbursement of the funds without contacting the Bauchi wing of CAN. It would be recalled that Bauchi state CAN had

tendered N4.5bn estimate to the Sheikh Ahmed Lemu penal in its sitting in with disregards to SEMA submissions in the state to ensure justice, equity and fairness.

Maina warned the Northern states Christian elders' forum to stay clear of the disbursement committee so as to justify the trust and confidence reposed in them by not joining those with corrupt minds.

PAGE 8

L-R: Chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, Air Marshal Tahir Butt, Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Ibrahim, and chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, during the visit of Pakistani Chief of Air Staff to Chief of Defence, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

Kano state Governor, Engineer Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso (middle), in a group photograph with some delegates at a seminar on the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), yesterday, in Sevres, France. Governor Kwankwaso was the guest Speaker at the event.

L-R: First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, President Earnest Koroma of Sierra Leone, and his wife, Mrs Sia Koroma, during the launch of a national strategy for the reduction of teenage pregnancy, on Monday in Freetown.

Photo: NAN

Chairman, Boko Haram Amnesty Committee and Minister of Special Duties, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki, briefing journalists after the committee’s meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday at the State House, in Abuja.

Photo Joe Oroye

L-R: Head of Service of the Federation, Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri, and Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Dr. Ezekiel Oyebola Oyemomi, during a monthly meeting with Federal Permanent Secretaries on patriotism and ethics first programme, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

PAGE 9

US considers $250m fertilizer plant in Edo

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

C

onsul-General of the United States to Nigeria, Mr. Jeffry Hawkins, has disclosed plans by the United States (US) government to establish a $250 million fertilizer plant in Edo state.

Hawkins who described Edo state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, as one of the most effective governors in Nigeria, made the disclosure during a courtesy call and inspection of projects in the state, yesterday.

The Consul-General said the plant was being planned by the Overseas Private Investment Corporation of the US

government.

According to him, "we are here because we are proud that the Overseas Private Investment Corporation of the US government is involved with the Green Petrochemical Company which is making a $250 million investment and we are happy that this important fertilizer plant will have the support of the United States Government.

"It will create about 1,500 and that is something we are hoping to take a look at when we are here.

"The US has had a long relationship with you way back before your time in politics and your activities as one of Nigeria's

premier labour leaders and we are very happy to continue with that relationship.

"We are happy that people of your state obviously think highly of you and your reelection is what we in America call landslide. "You are someone many people point to when answering the question who is the most effective governor in Nigeria, often the answer is Comrade Adams Oshiomhole."

Oshiomhole thanked the US government for the planned investment noting that, "we trust we can count on your support.

"I am happy for the good news, that a US agency is

supporting a fertilizer plant here and this shows the confidence and we are happy about that."

According to him, "for too long the Nigerian electorate has been taken for granted. This is the only country somebody is elected and has not finished four years in office, you are already predicting you will win the second term as if your performance is irrelevant. When you have a system like that in a democracy you can't be sure of the future."

The Consul General later joined the Governor on a tour of some of the projects in Benin metropolis.

Speaking in an interview

after the tour of projects, the Consul-General said, "I specially want to thank the Governor for his kind heart. We have seen a number of things that he is doing ranging from roads, health, education and drainages. He has worked hard to develop the infrastructure of the state."

The Consul General noted that, "by far the most impressive of the projects are the drainages. It is a high prestige project. In a city like Benin it makes all the difference.

The state government has paid a lot of attention to it and is working very hard to address the issue of flooding."

PSC: Media monitors, ex-MBA boss laud Okiro's appointment

By Sunday Ejike Benjamin, Abuja & Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

N

on-Governmental Organization, Media Monitors for Good Governance, and a former Chairman of Jos branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benson Igbanoi, have applauded the appointment of former Inspector-General of Police, Mike Okiro as Chairman of Police Service Commission (PSC), by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Media Monitors in a

statement yesterday by its National Coordinator, Mr. Olu Folorunsho, described Okiro's appointment as "round peg in a round hole."

The group described as untenable, insinuations that Okiro is not fit for the job because of his alleged membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other previous appointments including that of Special Adviser to Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, National Chairman of the PDP.

On his part, Igbanoi noted that Okiro is qualified for the job, considering his achievements in police service.

Quoting sections of the Constitution, he said that, "simply put, what that proviso is saying is that membership of a political party is not a sine qua non for an appointee to the office of the chairman of the PSC. According to Igbanoi, the fact that an appointee is not a member of a political party should not be used against him

as a point in considering whether or not he is qualified to occupy an office.

"I do not know as a point of fact if he (Okiro) is indeed a member of PDP or any other political party for that matter but Falana's reference to the issue of membership was merely on the basis of Okiro's position as ex-Chief of Staff to the PDP National Chairman.

"But even if he belongs to the PDP, that does not in any way affect his appointment.

"Okiro has no constitutional impediment to be appointed to the office of Chairman of the PSC. "I hold the sincere view that he is eminently qualified as an individual and citizen of Nigeria who has meritoriously served his fatherland to be so appointed.

"If there is any perceived legal lacuna in the Constitution in that regard, let those who are empowered by the law of the land take necessary steps to amend or alter it.

PAGE 10

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

Briefly

L- R: Acting Director General of NCAA, Mr. Joyce Nkemakolam; Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, and Managing Director of NAMA, Mazi Nnamdi Udoh, during the House Committees on Justice and Aviation, investigative hearing on circumstances surrounding the controversial grounding of Rivers state Government Bombardier B700 Global Express Aircraft at Akure Airport, yesterday at the National Assembly, in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Group hails Reps over Amaechi's aircraft

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civil society organization, End Impunity Group, has commended the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Justice and Aviation for its decision to probe circumstances leading to the recent grounding of the Rivers state Bombardier B700 Global Express Aircraft by the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency.

The group in a statement by its Spokesman, David Ugolor, said that the investigation was necessary to avoid a repetition of "such lawless act and forestall the entrenchment of overzealousness on the part of agencies of government."

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

Education: Kogi to partner with private sector

K

ogi state government has announced its decision to enter into partnership with private organizations in order to fastrack educational development in the area.

The Deputy Governor, Yomi Awoniyi, who stated this when he paid an official visit to Salem University in Lokoja, described education as pivot and fulcrum for improved socio-economic development of the nation.

He commended the level of development which the institution has attained within its relative short period of existence, adding that government was ready to support the school towards producing global leaders.

From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

Jigawa gets ÂŁ2.4m DFID heath equipment support

T

he Jigawa state health sector has received a boost of equipment worth ÂŁ2.4 million (N450 million) from the United Kingdom (U.K) Department for International Development, to equip 136 hospitals across the state, according to the Head of DFID in Northern Nigeria Mr. Ben Le Roth.

According to Roth, the support is in response to the urgent need for improved basic healthcare services in the country.

According to him, "everyday, Nigeria loses about 2,300 under five year olds which makes the country the second largest contributor to the infant mortality rate in the world."

From Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse

Anglican Church rejects emergency rule in Borno From Maaji Dandaura, Lafia

T

he Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Nicholas Okoh, on Monday opposed the call for emergency rule in parts of the country affected by armed conflict.

Okoh said this in Abuja at a press conference on the forthcoming 2013 Synod session of the Abuja Diocese of the Anglican Communion.

He said that government should rather support a national dialogue by various interest groups to address the myriad of

problems militating against the country's quest for socioeconomic development.

The Primate advised the Federal Government to pursue a comprehensive security programme to address some of the glaring signs of increasing insecurity in the country.

He said that efforts by the Federal Government to resolve uprising in parts of the country in the past, through emergency rule, did not yield any result hence, the need for a different approach.

"I believe that insecurity

should be addressed comprehensively, the Federal Government had tried this emergency rule in other parts of the country but it did not work.

"Thinking and reflecting is very crucial at this moment, there is need for all of us as stakeholders to meet and reflect about our country.

"Whatever name they want to call it, whether national conference or stakeholders' conference, national dialogue, the point is that, there is need for Nigerians to talk about how

they want to live together."

Okoh, who spoke on a wide range of national issues, also urged the Federal Government to urgently disarm Fulani herdsmen who were terrorizing farmers across the country.

He warned that the situation might degenerate if something drastic was not done to address the menace of clashes between herdsmen and farmers across the country.

The opening session of the synod comes up on Thursday, May 16 and would close on Sunday, May 19.

Abandoned electricity project: Edo House threatens to arrest PHCN boss

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

E

do State House of Assembly on Monday grilled the Chief Executive Officer, Benin electricity distribution of power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), Mr. Effiong Moren for over four hours with a threat to arrest him if he flouts an order of the House.

The Lawmakers accused

him of abandoning of the Ikiriran- Oke, Ayaran Oke, Ikakumo electricity projects in Akoko-Edo local government area of the state even after funds were made available for it.

The House Committee on Energy and Water Resources invited Effiong in connection with a N50 million released by the Federal Government to execute the projects in 1999

and was captured in the 2012 budget for the second time.

Speaker of the House, Hon. Uyi Igbe, mandated the PHCN boss to connect the communities to the national grid within one month.

Moren asked the House to give him four months to complete the projects even as he attributed the delay to vandalism of of PHCN cables and conductors.

Meanwhile, the House also received a letter from the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Julius Ihinvbere, on behalf of the Governor requesting the House to screen and confirm Mr. Washington Osifo who is expected to replace the sacked Commissioner for Secondary and Higher Education in the state, Mr. Ekpenisi Omorotionmwan.

Ex-Councilor donates land to FG for prison in Kaduna community

A

n ex-councilor, Hon. Nuhu Bashir, of Gwantu ward in Sanga local government area of Kaduna state, has donated a piece of land to the Federal Government for the construction of a prison in Gwantu town.

Bashir who presented the land to the Superintendent of Prisons in charge of Gwantu satellite prison, John Gwom Pam, during a ceremony presided over by the District Head of Gwantu, Alhaji Bashir Muhammad, said the gesture was part of his contributions to the development of the local government.

The politician however called on the Federal Government to reciprocate the gesture by hastening the construction of the permanent

site of the prison to address the present inhuman condition in which inmates face.

He said the Gwantu prison which was supposed to have relocated to a permanent site more than 15 years ago seemed to have been abandoned by the Federal Government.

In his remarks, Pam thanked both the ex-Councilor and the District Head for the donation and called on other prominent sons and daughters of the local government to emulate them in order to move the local government forward.

Pam promised to present the

donation to his superiors in

Kaduna and to plead for prompt action on the construction of the permanent site of the prison.

He noted that Gwantu had since 1927 had a mini-prison where offenders used to be remanded until 1974 where it was upgraded to satellite prison.

Ministry of Works gets servicom committee

By Miriam Humbe

M

inister of Works, Mike Onolememen, has inaugurated a Servicom Committee that will ensure that staff render effective and selfless service delivery in the road sector.

Inaugurating the committee, Onolememen urged the staff to be committed to their duties in

order to serve the people better, "and to have zero-tolerance to corruption and corruptible acts as well as demonstrate absolute transparency in all our duties without anybody "nudging" us to do what we are paid to do."

"In order to achieve this mission, the entire staff of the ministry needs to step up their efforts on their respective job positions in order to positively

contribute to better service delivery in the road sector."

The committee is expected to also determine the level of compliance of the ministry to service delivery.

Servicom which means Service Compact Delivery was established in the year 2005 after the Federal Executive Council's endorsement, to coordinate customer service delivery of the public service.

PAGE 11

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

Situations when consumers need to be extra careful

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f you're a trusting kind of person, then chances are you've been ripped off more than a few times. You're not alone, my friend. I've fallen for so many scams, I've almost lost count.

But here's a useful exercise: Do you know who you can trust?

A Gallup survey of honesty and ethics finds that nurses, pharmacists and doctors are ranked the most ethical (in that order).

Also scoring high: teachers, police officers and members of the clergy.

Of more interest to those of us who want to avoid falling for a fraudulent offer is the bottom of the list. Here's who the survey found the least trustworthy, and a few insights on how to avoid being taken advantage of when you're a customer: If you are buying a car Car salespeople ranked dead last in the latest Gallup survey and if you've been to a car dealership recently, I probably don't have to tell you why. The high-pressure sales tactics and

MONEY TIP

Insurance

I

nsurance, at its core, is just a way of managing risk. Life has a way of throwing unexpected curves, so it's important to ensure your financial health isn't interrupted by things that can't always be foreseen. Although wants to expect the worst to happen, we still need to be prepared to handle life's emergencies in a way that will not risk your finances and assets.

Many companies offer disability and life insurance as optional or included packages with employment. If available, these are usually good choices, not only because they provide a guarantee of income or payout in the event of a catastrophe or health problem, but they are also often subsidized in part by the employer.

Other kinds of insurance are beneficial as well for the larger assets, including car insurance, which in most locations is mandatory by law, house insurance, which can not only protect the home itself but it's contents such as appliances, electronics, and heirlooms.

Insurance can also be looked at as a long term savings strategy - in many countries, it can provide the equivalent of a tax shelter in your higher earning years and allow you to draw from the balance after your retirement when your income tax rates are much lower.

Quote "Business is the art of extracting money from another man's pocket without resorting to violence."

- Max Amsterdam

the price games are a total turnoff to customers. Also, the suspicion that your salesperson may not be telling the entire truth never quite fades, even long after you've driven your new or used car home.

The fix: It's possible to bypass the sales department by buying your vehicle online or asking the fleet sales department (those are the folks that sell more than one car at a time, usually to other businesses) to quote a price.

If someone is trying to sell you something by phone The second-worst performance, by just one percentage point, went to telemarketers. Again, your experience probably bears this out. If you get a random call from someone trying to sell anything from magazine subscriptions to a timeshare, you know there's probably something shady going on. What's more, telemarketers usually don't have the best phone manners. They can be insistent and they always seem to have a comeback when you're trying to politely say "no."

The fix: Get yourself on the national "do not call" registry.

When you're seeing an advert, any ad Advertising practitioners are next on the list and that's no surprise. Advertising often relies on too-good-to-be-true claims to achieve its goals instead of presenting a product honestly.

Frankly, consumers have been burned too many times to give this profession any hope of regaining any level of trust they

may have once had in it. That's too bad. Done correctly, advertising could provide a valuable public service and drive sales at the same time. Done incorrectly, it can and will lead you down the road to Scamville.

The fix: Don't believe everything you see, especially if it's an advertisement.

When you're buying stocks Stockbrokers rank low on the Gallup survey, too. The image of a fast-talking broker trying to sell worthless shares to a hapless widow comes to mind. I spent two years working on Wall Street, and while that's something of a clichĂŠ, the role many of these slick salespeople played in the

subprime mess can't be denied. It's also true that even reputable stockbrokers often charge outrageous fees, which they get to keep regardless of how your portfolio fares.

The fix: Buy your shares online and you'll avoid the comeons from these sometimes ethically challenged professionals.

When you're dealing with an executive CEOs and other high-level managers also scored low in the survey. Perhaps the only shocker is that they didn't score any lower than they did. All you have to do is open your local business section to see the latest revelation of an

executive caught lying, cheating, stealing and more often than that, all of the above. There's a Sicilian proverb, "The fish rots from the head down," that's often used to describe the ethical and moral void so often found in the corner office.

The fix: Thinking of appealing your problem to the president of the company? You might want to reconsider and try a VP or middle manager instead.

The Gallup results underscore the importance of staying vigilant as a customer. While there's no need to become paranoid, there are certain times when you should be extra cautious.

Want to buy a used car, ask these important questions

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utomobile dealers say buying a used car is more risky than buying a new one. A used car may have some hidden faults, may have been poorly maintained by its previous owner or may have been involved in an accident in the past. Here are some questions to ask yourself before you buy that used car. Here experts from wisebread.com give insight on key issues car buyers should raise.

Have I done my research?

There are volumes of information online about specific automobile makes and models. If you have a particular car in mind, check out sites like Edmunds.com or kbb.com for expert and consumer reviews that include safety features, performance, dependability, fuel economy, etc. Pay close attention to the qualities that matter most for you and your family.

How much can I really afford?

Determine how much you can afford for your new set of wheels.

Remember to factor in license fees; and any immediate upgrades the car may need, such as new tires. Whether you're paying cash or financing, err on the side of a conservative estimate and always leave room for contingencies.

What best suits my lifestyle?

A great value is always tempting, but don't lose sight of what fits your lifestyle.

Will you be transporting precious cargo (people, or

stuff)?

Do you have older parents or in-laws who may need a car that sits a bit higher and is easier to get in and out of?

Do you have a small business that might benefit from a minivan or small truck?

Explore all the available options and find what suits you best now, with an eye toward the future.

What will the maintenance and repair costs average?

Many people focus only on the upfront costs of buying a used car and don't really consider the unplanned or recurring costs. No car runs perfectly all the time, so factor in repair expenses as you shop for what you can afford.

What are the repair cost

averages in your area for foreign and domestic models?

Would finding a regular mechanic for a non-domestic car require a long commute?

Also, earlier model cars typically have fewer frills and creature comforts, but that means fewer high-tech engineering features under the hood that can be expensive to maintain, repair, and replace.

Take a comprehensive look at the total cost of ownership and decide what works best for you and your resources.

Is the dealership reputable?

If you're buying from a dealership, a bit of research can go a long way. Do some online search to see what customers are saying about their experiences with

a particular used car dealership.

What has the post-buy customer experience been like?

How has the business responded to customer complaints and helped to resolve issues?

Are there any pending legal issues with the business?

Are customers willing to refer friends and family?

Once you know the answers to these questions, you're in the driver's seat and in a much better position to make the right choice.

Remember, a bit of due diligence and strategy ahead of time will help ensure that your new car is a perfect fit now and still a great value when you decide to sell it later. Drive safe!

Share your Money Tip: do you have a business/money idea, and you want to share it with our dear readers? Then, send it to: ikabirsule@gmail.com or (text it to 08091904890)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

PAGE 12

EDIT ORIAL EDITORIAL

B

OAU/AU at 50

y any measure, the founding or establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on May 25, 1963 was a watershed, and of huge significance. The trickle of few African states winning independence from their former colonial masters in the 1950s turned into a huge tide as many African states braced the finishing lines of colonial subjugation and emerged as independent nations beginning from 1960.

With varied colonial experiences and different routes to terminating the obnoxious colonial rule, the independent African states immediately afterwards launched various schemes of cooperation in the belief that only certain measures of functional cooperation could sustain their viabilities as socio-political and economic entities for the pursuit of happiness of their respective peoples. The schemes for cooperation were as varied as the plethora of visions held by individual African leaders who have led their countries to independence.

However, two major blocs in the articulation of continental cooperation and unity was clearly discernible. The Casablanca group led by the Ghanaian fiery and radical leader, Osygafor Kwame Nkrumah, has advocated almost the dissolution of the newly independent states to be submerged in the continental union government, with a viable army. Ghana, which became independent in 1957, became a beehive of continent-wide anticolonial struggle to free the rest of Africa.

In fact, Nkrumah publicly said that Ghanaian independence is meaningless except it was tied to the independence of the rest of Africa. However, Nkrumah's vision of continental unity under a single government did not gain the support of

some of his colleagues. As a counterweight to his position, the Monrovia bloc led by Liberia and Nigeria was formed and advocated for cooperation leading to a continental unity that would preserve the sovereign status of each of the cooperating entities.

The founding of OAU at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on May 25, 1963 integrated the different strands of the project of continental unity. While the several strands

“

African political unity and economic viability cannot just be a slogan or rhetoric.

There should be universal strands of this bold vision which African states must incorporate as a priority in their national policies and visions of African unity were canvassed by their various protagonists, fears were then widely expressed that extra-African powers were leveraging on what appeared as discordant tunes in the project of African unity to further keep the continent in disarray. The period itself witnessed the tense cold war when the major world powers, locked in the ideological contest, were ferociously contesting every available political space for sphere of influence.

Given the tense situation, the founding of the OAU represented a remarkable art of

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”

political compromise in which leaders agreed to modify, adjust and reconstruct their vision for the bolder vision of the African people which was and is still to essentially make the independence worthy of the sacrifices. To that extent, the OAU was a masterful political infrastructure built on the understanding that Africa's future has rested on a solid foundation. In its several years of existence, the organization has a mixed bag of achievements, setbacks and challenges.

The most critical challenge of establishing an economic corollary to political independence led to the transition and transformation of the OAU to the African Union, which began in 1999 and culminated in the union treaty in 2002.

Since then, a new vision of economic viability has been integrated in the early one of total decolonization of the continent. We applaud the bold vision of African founding fathers in articulating the initiative and assiduously worked for the realization of a platform to pursue African unity. We also endorse the new AU mandate in pursuing a course of African economic viability. The current world situation has become complicated and the trend of contemporary globalization did not make the situation any less hazy.

Under circumstance of this type, African political unity and economic viability cannot just be a slogan or rhetoric. There should be universal strands of this bold vision which African states must incorporate as a priority in their national policies.

We salute OAU/AU at 50, but make bold to say that any meaningful unity must address the current socio-economic privations of the majority of the African people.

OUR PEOPLE

OUR VISION

CHAIRMAN MALAM WADA MAIDA, OON, FNGE DIRECTOR/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RUFA’I IBRAHIM ACTING EDITOR, DAILY HAMEED M. BELLO

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MANAGER, ADMINISTRATION HASSAN HAMMANYAJI

HEAD, LAGOS BUREAU ADESOJI OYINLOLA

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

PAGE 13

Oil theft: International community not sincere

By Ifeanyi Izeze

T

he Federal Government to disclose that it has commenced efforts to recover huge oil revenues laundered abroad by companies involved in the growing incidents of illegal oil bunkering and crude theft in the Niger Delta region. This means that at least we have woken up to some genuine seriousness as a nation to the heinous financial crime or more aptly, crime against our humanity which the entire crude oil theft scheme connotes.

Just last week, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said drop in crude oil production in the first quarter of 2013, January to March, caused Nigeria a loss of crude revenue of about $1.23 billion (N190 billion), The corporation said in Abuja on Wednesday that the drop was caused by the incessant theft of Nigeria’s crude oil and vandalism along major pipelines within the region.

Crude oil production during the period fluctuated between 2.1 and 2.3 million barrels per day compared with the projected 2.48m barrels per day as said by the NNPC, though the oil workers’ union NUPENG

By Peregrino Brimah

H

ave you ever killed someone? Have you ever gotten someone killed? Do you think you will ever kill an innocent person or get them killed? If 500 people come from a village and beat your family up, will you encourage a retaliatory attack on that village?

These rather grave questions are the necessary questions to ask in recognizing “Genocidal thinking.” So what is genocidal thinking?

Genocidal thinking is an individual to collective mentality that directly or indirectly results in the death of a person or group of people.

Most of us, hopefully, immediately reject such association. We will never kill an innocent being. We are not killers. We do not get people killed, we quickly say, and reside in comfort zones within our minds, insulated from being genocidal thinkers. But how true is this?

Like you, probably, I used to reject being labelled a genocidal thinker. A great individual I respect, though I can’t claim I always agree with, Dr. Rotmi Adigun, used to tell me that my many statements were genocidal thinking. I strongly and vehemently rejected such ‘preposterous’ accusation.

“They do it to us.” “I am only giving them back a piece of their own medicine,” I used to say of my pronouncements against certain groups or societies.

“They,” is the underlining feature of genocidal thinking. It all starts with the “they,” “that group,” “those people.” The minute we as human beings separate ourselves from others, castigating “others,” as a different “they,” we have entered the realm of genocidal thinking.

The Latin expression, Ei incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat which means: the burden of proof lies with who

maintained production had actually fluctuated between 1.8 and 2.1 million barrels per day during the period under review.

Figures from the NNPC show that 53 break points were discovered along the 97km Nembe Creek Trunkline, that necessitated Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, operator of the facility to declare a force majeure on its Bonny oil supplies and this will further reduce our April and May monthly average and further decrease crude oil revenue by about 554 million dollars (N83 billion) that should have accrued to the Federation Account.

At the Abuja Oil and Gas Conference, the minister lamented that Nigeria loses about 180,000 barrels of crude oil per day to crude thieves. This translates to about $7 billion (N1.05 trillion) annually.

Those who know would agree that the figures given by the NNPC and the minister were gross under estimations as it took account only of the volume of stolen crude oil taken to the international market. It did not factor-in the huge volumes of oil stolen and used as feedstocks for the thousands of illegal drumrefineries that litter the entire stretch of the Niger Delta region,

parts of Lagos and Ogun coastal areas, Anambra and more recently even Kogi states.

We are not even talking of the negative effect of the menace on the environment, companies’ operational costs, and economy of the nation and worst the already not –too-good image of the country.

This is just an idea of the scale of this crime which aptly falls under the purview of international financial crime.

And the disclosure by the Presidency at least shows that we know or suspect some companies (Nigerian and foreign) that are deeply involved in this illicit activity.

The federal government should then start by unmasking them and releasing their names and affiliations-individuals and corporate to the world including Nigerian public.

Stolen crudes from Nigeria are conveyed by marine vessels and tankers registered and flagged in definite countries by known businesses. Even fake flagged tankers can actually be trailed through its navigational pathways to unmask the original identity. Also, the foreign refineries where Nigerian crudes end are obvious accomplices in the crime. Most of the offshore facilities where

Nigerian businessmen and even the NNPC buy the petroleum products they supply for our domestic consumption should be closely monitored as likely accomplices.

So the international community must collaborate with the Nigerian government to stop the illegal trade in stolen Nigerian crude oil abroad just as we are collaborating with some of these countries to check trade in hard drugs and other illicit trades in their own countries.

Criminalizing the illegal trade in stolen Nigerian crude oil would curb this embarrassment to the country if not total at least it will drastically reduce the crime. If the international community has always come down hard on stolen diamonds from Sierra Leone and Congo by labeling them as ‘blood diamonds’, it also needs to take a similar position on stolen Nigerian crude to stop oil theft in the country by labeling it “blood oil.”

Nigerian Government should use every diplomatic means including sanctions and assets forfeitures to stop the thriving market for stolen Nigerian crude abroad even in some ECOWAS countries.

We have to take the fight against crude oil theft to the various countries where

Genocidal thinking declares, not who denies. And is the foundation of the global legal, “presumption of innocence,” principle, which is crucial to appreciating how we get into genocidal thought by easily throwing in that “they.”

Can we, with one hundred percent confidence, substantiate our accusation that all of them do so? That all of them would do such to us. Every last person?

How we love to judge!

But we are ready to have them all punished for what, let’s say, just one of them crusades against, and what in most occasions, only few of them do.

How do we feel that we led to the death of that single innocent person- who begged them at risk of his life – not to go out and ravage our community?

“Guilty beyond reasonable doubt,” and “innocent until proven guilty,” is the standard in law and the standard we should apply. Do we ever?

As genocidal thinkers, we have decided, without much thought, to sacrifice that one innocent person in our fulfillment of our anger towards the supposed majority.

But what of when we are “that innocent person,” in our community who tried our best to stop the majority from going out in ravage? How would it be for us when the “other people,” come over and possibly find “me,” alone, unfortunately, walking alone, and kill me for what I denied and discouraged?

None of us really wants the blood of innocent people on our hands. This is not what we wish to live the rest of our lives remembering. But unless we seriously train and condition ourselves to reject genocidal thinking, these things happen so fast – and we can be among the rioters who rush out to

“revenge,” and in our chaos and commotion, get innocent people killed.

A verse preached by Muslims from the Quran goes: “whoever kills an innocent person, it is as though he has killed the entire human race.” This is very correct. Because for that one person, the world has ended.

Armageddon has occurred. And while we go on with our business, and while the global community counts him as just one, or a few victims – not yet a genocide; for him, he is everyone. For his family, things will never be the same again.

Biblical “thou shalt not kill,” is explicit.

Now, I know many of us are still feeling we are not partakers in Genocidal thinking, but have we really considered the impact of our utterances? Have we weighed the implication of the thoughts we spread? Dr. Rotimi cautioned me, “these things you say about them, do you realize that it reinforces the confidence of those who kill them?”

I am still in the process of purifying myself of genocidal thinking. It has been a year since I got sensitized to my genocidal thinking and I can not yet boast of being non-genocidal in thought. But I am happy with my progress. I see beauty in it and recognize how important it is to sanitize ourselves of genocidal thought. Now, I refrain from promoting hatred based on grouping, ethnic categorization, religious affiliation. It is not until you promote murder directly that you are guilty; there is a buildup of negative thoughts towards a particular group, that reinforces the genocidal enactors to commit their atrocities. A Hermatic principle states that a stone thrown into a pond,

generates a ripple that goes on sets a vibration- to affect and change the entire galaxy.

Meteorologists explain that hurricanes in the United States are set off by a mere kicking up of sand, by a girl playing at a beach in far off Africa. This is how interconnected our world is.

Our words here, reinforce the reality somewhere else.

Every individual is ultimately responsible for his actions, but how do we feel knowing that we contributed to the death of a person or people?

Legendary Bob Marley made the following song of late Emperor Halie Selassie’s words: Until the philosophy which hold one race superior? And another? Inferior? Is finally? And permanently? Discredited? And abandoned -? Everywhere is war -? Me say war. You Are the Prophet.

This message is for you. Even though you may believe you will never be responsible for genocidal violence. What of your friends? Every genocide occurred and occurs in communities like ours.

Yesterday two bombs exploded in Turkey, killing over 40 people.

The Turks picked up sticks and went to beat Syrian refugees in Turkey. A day before, had you asked the Turks if they would participate in genocidal thinking, they probably would have said, never. Genocidal thinking happens all over the world, in Nigeria, China, even in the United States, where police are oft called “pigs.”

It takes much desensitizing to learn not to accidentally kill or punish innocent people in moments of anger. And if we have the spiritual development and the training to resist genocidal thinking, what of when tomorrow night one of your

Nigerian government feels some of the country’s crudes are being refined, and where these entities are laundering the funds made as a result of the illegal bunkering. Let’s even make efforts to harass these criminals in their countries by using diplomatic means to insist we recover monies realized from transactions involving stolen crude oil from Nigeria.

After all “The products from oil bunkering are not sold in ECOWAS waters, neither are the financial earnings from them laundered through West African banks. They actually end up in far-flung international fiscal institutions. That is why the federal government is soliciting the assistance of these foreign governments to help recover them.”

Now that President Goodluck Jonathan seems to have expressed genuine worries about crude oil theft in the Niger Delta and the trillions of Naira Nigeria loses by the trade of such crude that he is already seeking foreign assistance to resolve the menace, he should not just stop at that mere political jive.

Izeze is an Abuja-based Consultant and can be reached on: iizeze@yahoo.com friends whispers to you in the quiet of the night that, “he just killed someone,” during a riot.

Could you have prevented this? Did you discuss genocidal thinking with him and encourage him to aspire for all the levels of restraint not to have had that possibly innocent blood on his shoulders? The headline quote, hopefully many Muslims would know of, is from Quran 5 verse 8.

Unfortunately so many act in direct contradiction of such standards. We get pushed by the perceived hate of others towards us to get unjust. And the cycle self-perpetuates.

Wise words: God put us together of different races on earth to “get to know each other,” and our being “better” “is only by our good actions.” Let our only reference to group, ethnicity, religion, culture or country, be for good and never brought up in bad things. These groups we belong to, even religion, are only meant to be institutions of good, for our benefit and the benefit of humanity. But too often we drag them into the bad within us and the bad thoughts we harbor for others. It is better to not have these groups than ever use them for bad.

It is you that must take the message of genocidal thinking to all the people in your life. This is why God put us together on this planet, and not a person -perworld. We are the prophets in our communities. The world is at a time more than ever where we need to aggressively look for the good within us and gather good together to be stronger to challenge the unfortunate evil.

This is what ENDS.ng promotes, this is what I am doing and so also many others.

Shall we put an end to genocidal thinking?

Dr. Peregrino Brimah is reachable via www.ENDS.ng

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

PAGE 14

Note to the unborn Nigerian child

By Ose Oyamendan

M

y dear unborn Nigerian, you must be wondering who the hell is this bugger cutting into your embryonic, sleeping time.

Forgive the intrusion. But I just read something of serious national significance.

I’m writing you today because I’m afraid you guys must have a way of accessing the Internet from the womb or in the assembly line in heaven or wherever it is babies getting their final marching orders.

There’s something called the Internet on earth and it’s turned everything upside down. You can never tell what’s going on these days. I know of a woman of disrepute who accused a man of repute of getting her drunk and taking advantage of her. To prove it, she said had a video ready to go on the Internet if the man plays hard. Ten years ago, they will laugh a woman like that out of town. But, today – you become a star in some countries with the right sex videos. Our man of repute paid off the woman of disrepute so he can preserve his reputation.

I hope that tells you something about my fears on the whole Internet thing. I’m not sure of you’ve read the disturbing report in a sister publication of The Economist

you. about how Whatever Nigeria is the you do, don’t least favorable come into a poor place for a child Peoples Daily welcomes your letters, opinion articles, text home. I know to be born in 2013. I hope the white babies messages and ‘pictures of yesteryears.’ All written around you you’ve not contributions should be concise. Word limits: Letters - 150 may be telling because we words, Articles - 750 words. Please include your name and you stuff like seriously need a valid location. Letters to the Editor should be addressed poor is cool and more kids in to: artistic. You Nigeria.

I can will die of poverty and imagine the The Editor, regret if you panic in the Peoples Daily, 1st Floor Peace Plaza, listen to them. ranks of those 35 Ajose Adeogun Street, Utako, Abuja.

Europe poor is being posted to Email: opinion@peoplesdaily-online.com not African Nigeria. Fear SMS: 08134607052 not, dear poor. There is no welfare, no unborn free health care Nigeria. As and no free education. If you fall they say in these parts, “no Currently, there is agitation for very ill as a poor man, you might shaking”. more states. It may sound as well start digging your own Since you already chose senseless to you. But, you must grave.

Nigeria, I imagine you know how start thinking like a Nigerian.

So, my little unborn child, to game the system. I imagine it’s More states mean more jobs for think wisely – think rich and like being posted to serve in the the boys and girls. You may just think Nigeria. When you have Youth Corp scheme we have here get a rich daddy! money, there is no place better to in Nigeria. If you don’t like where The trick for you is not to try live in the world than Nigeria. you are posted, you try and find and be posted to Europe or You can drive against traffic, slap a big man or woman who can America, just try to be posted to the policemen when they help you get re-posted to a place the womb of the wife of a big question you, loot the of your choice. I can imagine the man. You will be born retired. government treasury, get all the hustle for Switzerland and those I’m not sure if the president is chieftaincy titles money can buy other cool countries is high now. taking applications from any and be rewarded with choice But, don’t despair. You will quarters but, if I were you, I positions in government. love Nigeria. The first thing you would hire a private heavenly You shouldn’t worry too need to know is that the country investigator and find out. That is much about work. Remember is in a flux. In most countries, as good as it gets. The man’s that thing I wrote about retiring they settle on the number of friends will start a trust fund for at birth? I mean it. If for any states a few years after you at birth. The man will take reason you, God forbid, need a independence. Not in Nigeria. care of three generations after

WRITE TO US

job, go for what passes as energy in your time. You just need to show up for work and count your millions. Or, easy still, get oil licenses and re-sell them.

Finally, don’t even think about the African countries ahead of Nigeria on the chart. We are the giants of Africa. People who say we are not are just jealous.

Yes, our infrastructures make you cry and our living standards will kill the weak but, hey, we have to hang on to something.

Just keep chanting it and you’ll believe it. Giant of Africa! Giant of Africa! Giant of Africa!

Just so you know white people are very biased. They only surveyed 80 countries. There are 193 countries in the world according to the United Nations.

So, realistically, Nigeria is in the top 100. You may think that’s an optimistic analysis and you will be right. We are very optimistic in Nigeria. It’s like the pill that gets people out of bed in the morning. But, you won’t need that. You will be born rich.

And, make sure you are born abroad. It’s just an added security your rich parents who are probably misruling Nigeria will chose for you. Hope to see the announcement of your birth and the parties that follow in the media soon.

Oyamendan is reachable via LinkedIn

Fashola: Porting from hero to villain

By Wale Odunsi

N

igeria has 36 federating states with one man atop the governance of each. I admire a few of them for their courage, diligence, forthrightness, hardwork, vision among other delectable traits and one of those is Lagos state governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN. We like(d) him because he obviously knows what it means to occupy a Government House.

Also his grasp of such a complex city confirm that he knew what he set out to accomplish. In a number of instances, BRF has proven that he isn’t one of the many accidental public servants in the country. His beautification campaign, education and healthcare projects and markedly the restoration of sanity in hitherto black spots; prominent is the cleansing of Oshodi which till date amazes everyone.

I recollect Fashola’s address at the commissioning of the Cele Bridge on Oshodi-Apapa expressway. That day, he told everyone in attendance that he dreamt of constructing the link as a little boy. According to him, there used to be an improvised wooden bridge there decades ago and that some miscreants would demand for money before pedestrians were allowed passage. Saddened by the suffering, he promised himself to fix the situation once he has the clout to do so. The bridge erected at the cost of N1.1 billion is three

years old.

In view of the above story and others, the thought that my hero would suddenly become insensitive to the plight of millions of struggling citizens is puzzling.

I arrived in Lagos from Abuja on the first day of May and I stayed for two weeks – busy weeks. It is the classic official trip where you hardly have time for personal parade. Usually when I’m in Lagos and have appointments on the Island (the highbrow places that is), I move round in a chattered cab. My chauffer is Mr. Amos, one of the many erstwhile fans of Fashola.

As he took me to my destinations throughout the period, he brought me up to speed, narrating what the Centre of Excellence has become. He spoke of neglect in his area of Ndike/ Obawole in Ifako-Ijaiye local government; the highhandedness of the many of the state-owned agencies; the bogus rates transporters are forced to

pay et cetera. Amos further lamented the poor state of roads in many parts of the state including the prestigious Victoria Island and Ikoyi, his usual workroute.

Commenting on the issue of ‘Okada’, the hustling father of four, who although supported the ban, alleged that once it is time for elections at whatever level in the state, the administration systematically goes soft on the riders so as to garner their votes.

At a point during his complaint, one would think that the man was paid to castigate the helmsman of Lagos. To convince me his grouse was genuine, he cited instances as though foreseeing I would someday write about it. He added that judging by the present, more adversity await Lagosians, especially the common man. Days later, Amos prophecy came to be reality.

On May 12, I attended an event at Opebi area of Ikeja, the capital of Lagos. It ended around 9pm and unfortunately, there

“

was no luxury of a private car on this occasion. I walked up to the entrance of Salvation Road, about a kilometer from the popular Adebola House. Within the next twenty minutes, only three buses stopped to offload and load waiting passengers. A glance showed we were about two dozen; a few others joined intermittently though. As the frustration grew, an elderly woman was the first to protest discernibly: “All these Keke dey strike?” she asked rhetorically. A middle-aged man in the crowd soon announced that the state government just banned tricycles from the many parts of the metropolis. Reacting, a stranded lady hissed with visible repugnance. She was worried that commuters are now at the mercy of lawless danfo drivers and hoodlums operating in non-public vehicles, disguised as Taxis. And so a public dialogue started; a bus-stop turned into one of the several agents of socialization.

In recent months, the

In recent months, the goodwill Governor Fashola enjoys has been plummeting. This is the honest truth and his aides as well as government officials should be bold to voice out. In case they do not know, enjoying AC’d official cars, offices and millions in personal bank accounts yet ignoring the sorrows inflicted on Lagosians is a great disservice

goodwill Governor Fashola enjoys has been plummeting. This is the honest truth and his aides as well as government officials should be bold to voice out. In case they do not know, enjoying AC’d official cars, offices and millions in personal bank accounts yet ignoring the sorrows inflicted on Lagosians is a great disservice.

But the questions is: In this type of clime, why would anyone leading a municipal of over twenty million people force tricycles out of districts that are not highways? Hasn’t Baba Fash successfully punctured the promise of a better welfare for the populace?

The governor has two vital years left on his contract and I wish he uses them wisely. He does not need a strategist to inform him that his policies henceforth will affect the decision of the electorate in 47 months; he does not need a soothsayer to predict that this latest order will be part of the presupposition upon which hundreds of thousands of residents will decide whether (or not) to support his ‘All Progressives Congress’ platform in 2015.

A personal friend is of the view that the enormous accolades showered on Fashola over the years is probably making him feel cool and acting up; I cannot agree more. But then, one believes that the administration is fully aware that succor is what the people desired when they voted en masse in 2011, not untold hardship. wodunsi@yahoo.com

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2013

PAGE 15

Dokubo, aggression and political posturing

By Muhammad Jameel Yushau

T

he YouTube clip released

by Alhaji Mujahid AsariDokubo recently will surely attract rejoinders from both sides of the Nigerian divides – those uncomfortable with his vituperations and those who see nothing wrong in it. There is nothing new about that. There is also the likelihood that the issues raised will be permeate several contemporary issues in our country – the 2015 elections, the Jonathan presidency, the north and south divide, the zoning arrangement within the People’s Democratic Party, and the future of Nigeria as a nation.

But to fully understand the content of his message, there is need to critically look at the message as a process of the production text. Text here does not simply refer to the written word only; it means the expression of a mental process that produces a meaning. Such text can be verbal, written or sign language. It is also important to note that in order to understand the text in whatever form, we need to move from simple grammatical analysis to the social analysis of language because the text will best be understood when you look at the social, economic, political and the environmental factors responsible for the production of the text.

This approach to the analysis

By Chido Onumah

I

have just finished work on a new book titled Nigeria is Negotiable. Its release is scheduled to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the June 12, 1993, presidential election won by Chief Moshood Abiola.

Many of us know how that experiment under the gaptoothed dictator, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, ended. But that is a topic for another essay.

It is the title of the book that is of interest here. I chose the title deliberately, to stir debate; but it is also a reaffirmation of my conviction about where our dear country is headed and what needs to be done. At no time since I became politically conscious more than three decades ago have I been as worried as I am today about Project Nigeria.

President Jonathan, like all rulers before him, has had occasions to talk about the vexed issue of national unity, the most recent being in September 2012 during the national summit and rally for peace, unity and development, organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

“I agree with other speakers that we cannot talk about cannibalising and balkanising Nigeria,” the president said. “I think those who are thinking that way want to be kings in tiny islands, because I believe from the little I know that Nigeria is still rated as a country to look at globally. It’s not because we produce oil and some people think it’s because of our oil. One small country with less than 10 million population produces more oil than Nigeria. So it is not the oil, it is not the vast land. What is the land space of Nigeria compared to Sudan? So any person who feels that they just want to stay as one nation, just want to be king without hard work. They will not

of language was developed and promoted by key scholars like Teun A Van Dijk in his numerous works such as Elite Discourse and Racism (1993), Discourse, Racism and Ideology (1996), Society and Discourse: How Social Context Influences Text and Talk (2009). This is in addition to numerous works published in the journals edited

by Van Dijk such as Discourse and Society, Discourse and Communication and Discourse Studies. In addition to Van Dijk, the works of Norman Fairclough such as Media Discourse (1997), Analysing Discourse (2003), Language and Power (2001), are important reference materials that will help us to understand the social implication of the text.

Before analyzing the statements made by Mr AsariDokubo, it is important to note that ordinarily he does not deserve a response. But the text he produced is a representation of the interest of the forces behind the text, which should not be ignored. Similarly, conflicts start when communication deteriorates, and peace is achieved when communication improves. The power to exercise political control, or resolve conflict is expressed through the text. Language is used to acquire, promote and strengthen political power.

After his opening the remarks, Mr Asari-Dokubo stated that “If any more attacks are carried out that affect our people,

or we perceive that attacks are going to be carried out, we will carry out preemptive actions, and disproportionate reaction to any attack that is being planned…it is quite unfortunate that the oligarchy in the north, represented by the feudal Fulani’s, who migrated and invaded our land from Futajalo, and continue to show disregard and disrespect for the owners of the country they came into, and people have tolerated them for a very long time, but that will no longer continue…”

As discussed by some of the leading theorists of the text such as Kinstsch and Van Dijk, when a person reads a text he develops a “comprehension process” that helps him to understand the meaning of the text. This process can take three forms, either verbatim understanding, or a “semantic representation that describes the meaning of the text” or “a situational representation of the situation to which the text refers”.

The statement by AsariDokubo, if read without understanding the context behind the speech, i.e. the current political climate in Nigeria, it would likely create two forms of understanding: that the people of Asari Dokubo are under attack as represented by the words and phrases in bold, which they will retaliate disproportionately, and that the people responsible for these attacks (as represented in the

words and phrases in italics) are the feudal Fulani’s who invaded their land.

You see Asari-Dokubo is not the issue here. I do not even think the primary essence of his message is to Nigerian audiences. It is a strategy to galvanize global public opinion against the people Asari-Dokubo considered to be the invaders of their land. What he did basically is to invoke what in discourse analysis is called stereotypes.

Although sometimes it sounds like a cliché, but stereotypes are ways of categorising people, by sorting them into different categories of good and bad, kind and evil. It is a strategy employed to demonize a section of the population so that public opinion will turn against them.

Should there an act of aggression against such people, they will receive little or no sympathy.

This is how dangerous the use of language can be against a segment of the population. What Roger Fowler calls “socially constructed pigeon-hole”. In this case the stereotypes are the “feudal fulanis,’ “the invaders”, ‘from Futajalo”, “the Fulani marauders”. The same strategy was used to demonize Saddam Hussein, Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez etc. Indeed similar approach was used in the Rwandan civil war between the Hutu and the Tutsi.

Mr Asari-Dokubo suggested that “the consequences of my arrest, Nigeria will be history”,

Let’s negotiate Nigeria get it, because Nigeria will not divide’’.

How many times have we heard the glib talk “Nigeria will not divide” or “the unity of the country is nonnegotiable”? Of course, if it were as simple as the president imagined, we would not spend valuable time and space on the issue. It seems people talk about the unity of Nigeria the way it suits them. For many, it is the unity of Jonah in the belly of the whale.

It is our inability to confront this unhealthy unity that is our greatest undoing. There is something troubling about the structure of Nigeria which explains why we cannot achieve much no matter how hard we try to “move the country forward”, to use the weasel words of our politicians.

While not excusing corruption and the perfidy of the ruling class, we can conveniently argue that the monumental corruption going on in the country, the violation of human rights, the contempt for rule of law and widespread injustice are all tied inexorably to the structure of the country. So we need to go back to basics. In a sentence, we need to negotiate Nigeria. This has become imperative in the light of the “clear and present danger”.

Every day, we hear war drums, threats and counter threats. A few days ago, leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force, Alhaji Mujaheed DokuboAsari, while reacting to the faceoff between President Jonathan and Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State vowed that, “There will be no peace, not only in the

Niger Delta, but everywhere, if Goodluck Jonathan is not the president by 2015, except God takes his life, which we do not pray for”.

“Jonathan has uninterrupted eight years of two terms to be president, according to the Nigeria constitution,” DokuboAsari added. “We must have our uninterrupted eight years of two tenures. I am not in support of any amendment to the constitution that will reduce the eight years”.

If this is not a declaration of war against the Nigerian state, I do not know what is. But that is the nature of our democracy.

Our votes do not count; they have never counted. I do not know which constitution Dokubo-Asari is referring to, but the 1999 constitution which President Jonathan swore to uphold does not guarantee an automatic “uninterrupted eight years of two tenures” for any Nigerian no matter where they come from.

In the past, we talked about the hegemony of the three dominant ethnic groups in the country. That is no longer the case. If you thought DokuboAsari was merely being mischievous, perhaps you missed the memo by the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, and chairman, presidential amnesty programme, Kingsley Kuku, who last week warned of “dire consequences in the Niger Delta if President Jonathan is not re-elected”.

Speaking at a session with officials of the U.S. State Department led by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State

(Bureau of African Affairs), Donald Teitelbaum, Kuku was reported to have said, “Only Mr. Jonathan can guarantee peace in the restive region and hence, the compelling need to persuade him to seek re-election in 2015”.

“However, if we allow anything to hurt the peace in the Niger Delta, Nigeria’s economy will be endangered and energy security in Nigeria and even America will not be guaranteed.

The attention and interest of the U.S. in Nigeria must remain the stability of the Niger Delta and the easiest way to ensure this is to encourage President Jonathan to complete an eight-year term,” Kuku said.

What kind of president instigates war against his own people? It is only a president that does not have faith in the country he governs. Of course, if we uphold the right of one group to wage war against the state, we cannot, for any reason, deny same to other groups. That is why the planned trial of members of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) for treason must be resisted.

We may dismiss DokuboAsari, but it is difficult to fault his assertion that “The 2015 general elections would ‘define and decide’ the existence of Nigeria”. That much was confirmed by the statement credited to Farouk Adamu Aliyu a former member of the House of Representatives and the 2011 Congress for Progressive Change, (CPC) governorship candidate in Jigawa State who warned a few days ago that “It is either a Northerner as president in 2015 or there will be

“we will match violence by violence, we will match intrigues by intrigues, bullet by bullet, blood by blood, we are ready for them”, “they are parasites, they are burden on us, they have no reason whatsoever to be with us”, “these invaders must be expelled from our land, and we will follow it to the latter”. He concluded the statement with a threat that if he is arrested there will be no oil. That threat to me summarizes the purpose of the message, drawing the attention of the international community, the West in particular, the largest purchaser of Nigerian oil to once again support the reelection bid of Goodluck Jonathan, as the case was in 2011. With the quick recognition of the election results by the former American Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The writers of the message read by Asari-Dokubo knew why they selected the language used. But they made one mistake; it was read by the wrong candidate, who read from a script. It was clear there was a personality clash between Dokubo-Asari the militant, and Dokubo-Asari the political stooge.

One more lesson, when communicating a political message, dressing is an important component, and I was surprised that Mr AsariDokubo dressed like a “Fulani invader from Futajalo”.

Twitter: @jameelyushau no more Nigeria”.

“Let me also use this opportunity to say on behalf of us in the north that nobody has a monopoly of violence and that on behalf of the people of northern extraction, there shall be no one Nigeria if a northerner is not elected president of this country, because politics is a game of numbers and the Ijaw people are not up to one million or two million or even five million,” Aliyu said.

In “response” to Dokubo-Asari, Aliyu put forward a faulty argument which is as cynical as it is troubling. The fact that the “Ijaw people are not up to one million or two million or even five million” does not in any way vitiate the right of an Ijaw man to emerge as president of Nigeria or reelected as president of Nigeria. What about other Nigerians who are not Ijaws or Northerners? Are they not entitled to be president of Nigeria?

Before now, we heard from people who promised to make Nigeria “ungovernable” if President Jonathan won the 2011 election. Clearly, our problem as a nation is much graver than we are willing to admit.

Rather than worrying about reelection in 2015, President Jonathan can etch his name in history and save Nigeria by facilitating a process for “we the people” to have a meaningful debate about the future of Nigeria.

The president seems fortunate to be in charge when the country celebrates 100 years of amalgamation. What an auspicious moment to negotiate Nigeria. Forget corruption, forget electricity, forget infrastructure.

You need to have a nation for these things to work.

I hope it is not asking too much! conumah@hotmail.com

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

Abaji chair unveils heath care centre in Mamagi

By Adeola Tukuru

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Food vendors waiting for patronage, yesterday in Garki village, Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Meat sellers say security affects meat prices, customers turn-out S ome meat sellers at the Suleja Central Abattoir have said that prices of meat are determined by the security situation which also affects the turnout of customers.

They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Suleja, Niger on Tuesday that difficulty in transporting the meat was also another factor.

A survey by NAN reveals that Suleja abattoir records high patronage mostly at the weekends.

A meat seller, Mr Stephen Ola, said that they slaughtered almost 400 cows daily during the week days and between 500 and 600 at the weekend.

“The price of meat varies from time to time, when Fulani people didn’t come to the market, the prices go up.”

According to him, some of the cows slaughtered at the abattoir are conveyed from Katsina, Kano, Lafia, Chad, Cameroon, but that the security situation in the north is also a factor.

Mr Musa Daudu, another seller, said prices of the cows varied from time to time depending on the security situation and the size.

According to him, they sometimes have cows of N70,000, N80,000, N100,000, N120,000, N150, 000 and N200,000.

Mrs Jane Stanley, a buyer, said she did patronise the market every two weeks to buy large chunk of meat to freeze it at home.

“The weekend prices are always higher than during the week days because more people come to the market on week ends.” she said.

Mr Yinka Oyinlola, a buyer, also said that he came from Abuja to the abattoir every two months to buy meat because of the price and healthy environment of the abattoir.

“Today, being a weekend, it is expensive unlike during the week days. For instance, four cow legs, a head and a tail go for N18,

000, but today they sell for N23,000.”

He said that he believed the security situation in some parts of the northern states was responsible as movement of the animals had not been very smooth.

Another buyer, Mrs Janet Ibro, said she did come to the abattoir to buy meat whenever she had something to celebrate.

“I do not consume much meat, but I find the price of meat much cheaper here than in other places.

“Although the prices and patronage are high, still, it is not comparable to other meat markets,.” he added.(NAN)

Vigilante group task FG to concentrate on grassroots security

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he Secretary of the Civil Security Corps in charge of the Vigilante operations in Suleja, Gurara and Tafa local governments in Niger State, Mallam Badaru Suleiman Badaru, has called on the government to give priority attention to the security operatives at the grassroots level.

He said that if government gives necessary support to the security agents especially the vigilante groups in the country, most of the security challenges

faced by Nigerians at their various localities would be reduced.

Badaru, who made the call in an interview with Peoples Daily during the workshop organised for the vigilante corps in Tafa local government, said that the vigilante corps were better placed to fight criminals than other security agencies in Nigeria, because most of them are indigenes of their various communities.

He said that his leadership would continue to co-operate with the vigilante corps in their

various local governments in order to carry out their duties effectively.

He assured the residents that the vigilante groups operating in the domains would always be geared towards the security situation of their areas all the times.

He commended the Niger State government as well as the royal fathers for providing conducive environments for the vigilante corps to operate in the state.

Badaru, however, advised the youths to desist from any act

of criminality, this, according to him, the parents should endeavour to monitor the activities of their children all the times.

On his part, the Chairman of the Vigilante corps in Tafa Local Government Area, Mallam Abdullahi Dado, called on the Niger State government to support the vigilante corps financially to enable them to carry out their responsibilities diligently.

Dado revealed that his leadership had arrested a lot of criminals the perpetrated evils in the area.

he Chairman of Abaji Area Council, FCT, Hon. Yahaya Musa Muhammad yesterday commissioned a Health Care centre in Mamagi village in the council to improve the primary health care for the people in the grass root.

Hon Yahaya explained that Health care centre build by his administration with the aim of bringing health facilities to the door step of the people of the rural area with the support of the FCT administration.

According to him, the Clinic project is attached with doctors Chalet, where the Health Personnel posted to that area can reside to ease their job.

He however assured the community that a construction of Pandagi/Mamagi road network have been captured in FCT 2013 budget, therefore very soon they are going to witness different developmental project.

Responding, the Youth leader of the community, Yakubu Suleman thanked the chairman for building community health care centre in their village to improve their well being.

In his remarks, the chief of Mamagi Alh. Kolo Mu’azu lauded the Chairman for his good works to the people of Abaji, particularly the community of Mamagi.

He also wished him success in all his endeavors as he steps out the office as the Chairman of Abaji Area Council.

FCT Muslim Pilgrims Board insists on eregistration for pilgrims

T

he Acting Director, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Hajiya Fatimah Gumi, has insisted on e-registration for 2013 intending pilgrims.

She said this in Abuja at a news briefing on preparations for the 2013 Hajj exercise.

According to her, the FCT has introduced the use of biometric data registration for intending pilgrims this year.

She said that the board had trained its staff in preparation for the exercise, noting that three centres had been designated for the exercise.

She said that the centres are AMAC and Bwari Area Council merged as one centre, Abaji and Kwali area councils as another centre, while Gwagawlada and Kuje area councils as a centre.

Gumi said that the board had taken measures to ensure that the permanent Hajj camp in Gwagwalada which was used for the exercise last year was upgraded before the next Hajj camping.

The board had also mapped out plans to educate pilgrims about their religious duties while in the Holy land as well as knowledge of Saudi Arabian rules and regulations.

(NAN)

PEOSPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

Police Court imprisons man for 3 months over joint act, assault arraign woman for allegedly causing hurt

INSIDE FCT COURTS

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n Abuja Grade Two Area Court in Kado, FCT, on Tuesday sentenced one Kabiru Jimoh, 30, to three months imprisonment for joint act, assault and theft.

He was, however, given an option of N3,000 fine by the presiding judge, Malam Ahmed Ado. Police prosecutor, Sgt. Simon Ibrahim, had earlier told the court

that a report was lodged by Insp. Agbo Sunday attached to Kubwa Police Station, Abuja, The case was reported to the Utako Police Division on May 2.

Ibrahim alleged that the convict and two others now at large, stopped the complainant along Berger Roundabout while driving.

He said the convict and his accomplice, entered Sunday’s car, switched off the ignition, removed

the car key and attempted to run away before Jimoh was arrested on the spot.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened the Penal Code.

Ibrahim also recommended that Jimoh should be tried summarily under section 157 (1) of the Criminal Procedure Code.

The section states that “if the accused admits that he has committed the offence of which he

Women and bananas loaded in a pick-up van yesterday, in Kwali, Abuja.

is accused, his admission shall be recorded as nearly as possible in the words used by him.

“But if he shows no sufficient cause why he should not be convicted, the court may convict him accordingly and in that case it shall not be necessary to frame a normal change.’’

The accused, however, pleaded guilty and asked for leniency.

(NAN)

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Eco-Bank manager docked for alleged criminal conspiracy, cheating

T

he operational Manager of Eco-Bank, Negedu Estate, Mararaba, Idris Badmus, 39, was yesterday arraigned before an Upper Area Court for alleged criminal conspiracy and cheating.

Police prosecutor Samuel Okoro explained in court that one Hilary Emeto, of Building Materials Market, Mararaba, reported the matter at the Sani Abacha Police Station on May 9,2013.

“Emeto went to deposit N300,000 into Account No:0027126620 at Eco-Bank on May 8 and a man, now at large and suspected to be a staff of the said bank,

collected the money from him in the bulk room.

“The complainant was kept inside one room, while the person left with the money under the pretence that he wanted to assist him. He never saw the man again.’’

The prosecutor recalled that the court had ordered the accused person to play back the Close Circuit Television recording (CCTV) of that day.

“He was instructed to play back the incident that happened on May 8 to enable the police to complete investigation, but the accused refused, saying that the CCTV did not

work on that day.

“This refusal is an act done to conceal the evidence,’’ Okoro said.

He said the two offences contravened the provisions of sections 97 and 322 of the Penal Code.

The prosecutor said the accused should not be granted bail, as the matter was still being investigated, but the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Counsel to the accused, Adebayo Karimo, prayed the court to grant his client bail.

The presiding judge, Mr Vincent Gwahemba granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 with two

sureties in like sum.

He said the sureties must be responsible and reasonable persons who must be resident within the jurisdiction of the court.

He said the sureties must have landed property with certificates of ownership.

The judge also ordered that the surety must deposit two passport–size photographs with the court’s Registrar and their residences verified.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gwahemba adjourned further hearing in the case to June 5, 2013. (NAN)

T

he police on Tuesday arraigned a 29-yearold woman, Elsie Okpo of Garki, Abuja, in a Wuse Zone 2 Senior Magistrates Court, charged with alleged conspiracy, causing hurt and theft.

The Prosecutor, Mr Abu Okpanachi, told the court that James Malu, of the same address, reported the matter to the Police Area Command, Maitama, Abuja, on April 30.

Okpanachi said that Malu lived in the same building with Okpo and one Ruth, but that on April 16, Ruth used a plank to block the entrance to Malu’s room, and Malu cautioned her not to do so.

Okpanachi said that Okpo took up the matter and hired thugs who assaulted and inflicted injuries on Malu.

He added that in the process, Okpo and the thugs tore Malu’s shirt worth N10,000 and stole his belt valued at N15,000 and a Samsung Galaxy X2 cell phone worth N95,000.

The prosecutor said a cash of N100,000 was also stolen from Malu’s pocket, an offence which contravened sections 97, 247 and 287 of the Penal Code.

Section 97 of the code stipulates that whoever is a party to a criminal conspiracy shall be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or with fine or both Section 248 states that “whoever causes grievous hurt, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to fine.’’

Section 287 states that “ whoever commits theft shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years or fined or both.’’

However, Okpo, pleaded not guilty to the charges against her.

The Magistrate, Mrs Chinyere Nwecheonwu, granted her bail in the sum of N200,000 with a surety in like sum.

Nwecheonwu said the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction with a fixed address which must be verified by the prosecutor and officials of the court.

She adjourned the case to May 20,2013 for hearing. (NAN)

2 hawkers bag 11 weeks imprisonment for joint act, criminal trespass

A

n Abuja Grade Two Area Court in Kado yesterday sentenced one Adamu Muntari and one Abdullahi Yusuf to 11 weeks in prison after they pleaded guilty to a threecount charge.

Police prosecutor Simon Ibrahim said the convict should be tried summarily under Section 157, sub-section 1 of the Criminal

Procedure Code.

Section 157 (1) states that “if the accused admits that he has committed the offence of which he is accused, his admission shall be recorded as nearly as possible in the words used by him and if he shows no sufficient cause why he should not be convicted the court may convict him accordingly.’’

Muntari, 20, and Yusuf, 18,

both hawkers at Jabi Motor Garage, Abuja, were tried on a three-count charge of joint act, criminal trespass and theft.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the convicts were, however, given an option to pay N3,000 in fine by the presiding officer, Mr Ahmed Ado. The prosecutor had earlier told the court that a report was

lodged by Nnamdi Nnalu of DonP Plaza, Jabi, Abuja, against the duo at the Utako Police Station on May 5.

He said the convicts had gone into Don-P Plaza premises, which was still under construction, and stole some buried cables.

Ibrahim said that in the process, they damaged some cables valued at N120,000,

adding that during police investigation, a sack containing the cables was recovered from them.

He said the offence contravened the provisions of sections 79, 287 and 342 of the Penal Code.

The convicts, who had both pleaded guilty, begged the court for leniency. (NAN)

BUSINESS

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

Email: aminuimam@yahoo.co.uk

By Abdulwahab Isa

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has accredited two companies – Superflux International Ltd and Tripple Gee and Company Plc as authorised printers of cheques and other security paper instruments, thereby delisting 13 firms with the exclusion of foreign printing firms.

In a circular (BPS/DIR/CIR/ 04/2013) to “Deposit Money Banks, Cheque Printers and other Stakeholders on the the Accreditation of Cheque Printers for 2013/14”, signed

by Dipo Fatokun, Director, Banking and Payments System Department of CBN, dated May 9, 2013, the apex said this was in line with the Nigeria Cheque Printers’ Accreditation Scheme (NICPAS) qualification criteria.

It however noted that the accreditation is ongoing with the possibility of more local printers being added to the list in the future.

The circular stated: “In furtherance of its mandate to ensure an efficient Payments and Settlement System, the Central Bank of Nigeria, in collaboration with the MICR Technical Implementation Committee conducted the accreditation and reaccreditation exercise of cheque printers in Nigeria in line with the Nigeria Cheque Printers’ Accreditation Scheme (NICPAS) qualification criteria.

“At the end of the exercise, the following Cheque Printers were accredited to print cheques and other “debit pull” paper instruments for the

Mob: 08033644990

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INSIDE

- Pg 20

Nigeria, Brazil set to resume direct air link

CBN accredits two firms for cheque printing, delists 13 Nigerian Market: Superflux International Ltd and, Tripple Gee and Company Plc. “Foreign based printers were neither accredited nor reaccredited in line with the Bank’s policy to domesticate cheque printing in Nigeria.

Consequently, all banks are by

this circular, reminded to patronise only the CBN accredited cheque printers.

“It is instructive to note that the accreditation exercise is ongoing and more local printers may be added to the list in the future, if they satisfy the NICPAS requirements.

Please be guided and note that henceforth, appropriate penalties shall be strictly applied to erring institutions for noncompliance.”, the apex bank stated.

The development implies that 13 companies have lost their accreditation to print cheques

Gov. Babatunde Fashola (centre), with other officials, who was the Special Guest at the grand finale of the maiden edition of the Lagos 'Power Kids' competition which held in Ikeja Lagos yesterday. Photo: NAN

and other paper instruments in Nigeria.

Before now, there were 15 companies accredited by CBN to print cheques in the country, of which only three are local operators – Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc, Tripple Gee and Company Plc, and Superflux International Limited, as revealed in a CBN circular (BPS/DIR/CIR/01/012) to Deposit Money Banks and Discount Houses on October 24, 2011 signed by G.I. Emokpae, then Acting Director, Banking & Payments System Department.

The remaining twelve were offshore companies, namely: Kalamzoo Seure Solutions Ltd, Birmingham, England; Security Print Solution, UK; CFH Total Document Mgt Ltd, England: Smith and Ouzman Ltd, England; Tall Security Print Ltd, England; A1 Trade print Services, England; Papi Pinting Coy Ltd, UK; Corrinum Continous Ltd, UK; Euphoria Comm. Ltd, UK; and DLRS Group, Ireland. Others are Camelot Ghana Ltd, Accra, Ghana; and Shave and Gibson Group based in South Africa. It would be recalled that the apex bank initiated NICAPS as part of the Federal Government’s local content enhancement policy, and stimulate indigenous entrepreneurship.

Niger Insurance launches Mutual Halal policy From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

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iger Insurance Plc has counseled members of the public to embrace takaful insurance as the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) is striving to ensure that all adults in Nigeria are adequately protected by insurance.

The company’s Managing Director, Kolapo Adedeji made this call during a chat with journalists in Lagos recently, said that Niger Insurance has a policy called Mutual Halal Plan which is based on this Islamic profit sharing and reciprocal guarantee principle of altakaful.

As part of NAICOM’s on-going pursuit to increase insurance penetration in the country and increase the contribution of insurance to the national GDP, the need for Takaful-Insurance was identified following detailed research.

He explained that Mutual Halal is a life insurance scheme with a savings and investment

plan designed for Muslims and other interested parties in the country.

While Mutual Halal aims at encouraging Muslim brother and sisters to save and mobilise fund to meet the financial obligations involved in performing certain religious rites without subjecting themselves to financial hardships, he emphasised that non Muslims can also purchase the policy.

Under this plan, the policyholders can save regularly for a period that is convenient for them and the accumulated amount can be used to finance religious obligations such as performing Hajj, buying of ram for Sallah, Marriage, he noted.

Besides, Adedeji pointed out that the policy could also be used to meet other medium and long term financial obligations such as retirement, purchase of land or house, self and children’s

education, travelling expenses as well as unexpected commitments.

In this regard, he said there is a marriage plan (al Nikah) designed to make sure that people can make their dream about matrimonial bliss come true, while there is a mortgage plan (al Binau) which offers policyholder the life-time opportunity to own a home of his own.

Additionally, there is a

Management Tip of the Day

F

The right way to voice your complaint

or any organization to thrive, employees need to be able to question how things are done and express dissent. But no one wants to hear grievances. If you have an opinion to share, do it carefully: Choose your audience. Your boss may not be able to remedy your situation. Express your ideas to someone who can

actually do something about the problem.

Propose a solution. Rather than simply voicing a complaint or spotlighting a problem, try presenting a way to resolve it.

This makes it more difficult for others to dismiss you as a grumbler. And it saves your audience the effort of solving it themselves.

Use direct factual appeals.

You may feel passionately about the issues, but your colleagues are more likely to listen when you express yourself rationally and have evidence to back up your claims.

Source: Harvard Business Review

pilgrimage plan to enable people fulfill the vital religious obligation of going to Mecca in a stress-free manner, people can use Sallah plan for the celebration, while education plan (al-Tadris) is designed to help people bequeath this legacy to their children and there is a retirement plan (waqifl’amal) to help people look forward to a life of basic comfort in retirement.

The Niger Insurance boss further explained how the plan works saying the installment paid by the participants are credited to a special fund which is segmented into two accounts, namely the participant’s accounts and the participant’s special account.

He added that a substantial portion of the installment is credited to the participants account for the purpose of savings and investment, while the balance is credited to the participants special account purposely to the heirs of participants who may die before the maturity date of the policy.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

PAGE 20

COMPANY NEWS

Consolidated Hallmark Ins. Plc

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eading underwriter, Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc, in a bid to ease the transaction process and procurement of the compulsory third party motor insurance has partnered with Zenith Bank plc for payment across the bank’s counters nation-wide.

With this arrangement, vehicle owners, insurance brokers and fleet operators can now walk into the bank, effect payment and obtain the e-pin for processing of the motor third party insurance cover through either the product portal www.motorthirdpartyonline.com or from the company’s website www.consolidatedhallmark.com The company’s Managing Director, Eddie Efekoha said the company embarked on the arrangement in order to provide numerous clients with additional options of obtaining their genuine insurance, having pioneered the online web portal payment for the product in 2008.

Nigeria, Brazil set to resume direct air link Stories from Suleiman Idris, Lagos

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ineteen years after the Brazilian national carrier, Varig Air halted it direct flight operations into Nigeria, talks between the two countries are in top gear to restore direct air links via the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos.

Also, the Nigeria leading carrier, Arik Air, which the Nigerian carrier designated on the Sao Paulo route, has commenced the necessary processes that will enable it kickstart direct flights into São Paulo, Brazilian commercial nerve centre.

The exercise was re-ignited by the Nigeria’s Ambassador to Brazil, Vincent Okoedion when

he received officials of the airline in Brasilia, Brazil’s capital city.

According to him, the resumption of direct flights into Brazil by Nigeria carriers will open up the vista of investment opportunities for Nigeria and Brazil in areas of agriculture, aviation, power, education and culture.

He said, “Brazil is the hub of the economies of South America, just as Nigeria is the hub of the economies in West and Central Africa. Both countries have always had that desire to see the two economies of West Africa and South America linked by direct flights”.

“Today, Brazil is the sixth largest economy in the world and Nigeria is the fastest growing economy in Africa and the two countries are able to

…as Arik Air applies for slots draw all the economies in their respective regions. So, once you have a direct flight, this flight is not only connecting the two countries but the two regions that are in Nigeria, the whole of West Africa and in Brazil, the whole of South America.

“You can imagine the size of these two regions, that is the size of their economies, and the way it will boost trade. In fact, it will boost the business of the airline that is able to establish this connection” he explained.

Arik Air’s Deputy Managing Director, Captain Ado Sanusi said the visit was a follow-up to the meeting in February this year between Nigeria’s President, Dr. Goodluck

Etihad Airways to increase New York capacity

E

Burger King

B

urger King, the company that gave America the Bacon Sundae opened with a big splash in South Africa - but no bacon.

Burger King South Africa CEO Jaye Sinclair says people lined up for hours at the weekend launch in the coastal resort of Cape Town.

Sinclair said the company respects South Africa’s multicultural society and doesn’t want to limit its customers.

Google

U

p until now, you’ve had to track your free storage on Google products separately. On Monday, the company announced that you’ll now have 15GB of free storage to share between Drive, Gmail and Google Photos.

This falls in line with what Google has been pushing along with its Chromebook laptops, one huge cloud to manage all of your stuff.

The company says that with this change in approach you’ll no longer be limited to a 25GB upgrade for Gmail, meaning if you grab more space for your Google products, it’s shared everywhere.

Jonathan and his Brazilian counterpart, President Dilma Rousseff, where both leaders muted the idea of restoring direct air link between the two countries to boost trade, commerce and cultural ties.

He said the airline is working round the clock to ensure that it completes all its documentation within, as it also plan to take delivery of more wide body aircraft to boost its long haul and international destinations.

Meanwhile, the airline has applied for traffic rights and slot allocation from the Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency (Agency National De Aviacao Civil) and the Department of Air Transport.

A team of Arik Air delegates and officials of Brazilian Civil Aviation Authority during a strategic negotiations to secure traffic rights and flight slots into Brazil, recently.

African govts urged to improve women’s lots

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frican governments, gender-based nong o v e r n m e n t a l organisations and women societies have been enjoined to improve the lots of women in the continent by addressing the poor women educational background.

In an address titled: ‘Repositioning to ensure women’s equal access to and full participation in power structure and police making’ , at the 2013 Women Advancement Forum in South Africa, chairman, House Committee on Aviation, Nkiruka Onyejeocha said women in Africa were educationally disadvantaged as a societal and policy challenge that required urgent attention.

She said any move to address the total lack or low level of education among African women will be a step in the right direction and will tremendously boost the chances of women to fully participate in policy

making, business and economy.

She noted that women contributed immensely to national development in the areas of politics and economy, saying, “In Asia, women are the economy driving force. Their contribution in providing job openings in business sectors continues to rise. They are involved in enterprises at all levels as managers, entrepreneurs, owners and investors”.

She affirmed that, “Available statistics indicate that women dominate the service sector in this region. In Singapore and Taiwan women dominate about 61% of the GNP of said countries. The amount of Asian women employment evidently in quantitative terms has been similar with European countries”.

She maintained that it resulted in growth within the service sector in Asia, culminating into a large working opportunity for women adding,

that it was possible because of the high level of awareness created among women in these areas through mass and qualitative education.

According to the legislator, the feat can be replicated in Africa by both government and nongovernment organizations, civil society groups and gender-based organizations through public policy, in which national governments in Africa should boost women’s access to education, through the introduction of mass and compulsory education targeted at the women and initiation of adult literacy programmes to reach those women that have passed the age of basic education.

She called on governmental and non-governmental organisations to embark on extensive campaign and enlightenment programmes aimed at creating awareness for women in both urban and rural centres of the African continent.

tihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates said it will bring greater capacity to its daily flights between Abu Dhabi and New York with a WiFi-enabled Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on the route, beginning from June 1, this year.

The three-class aircraft will offer a total 328 seats, representing a 36.6 per cent increase in capacity compared with the Airbus A340-500 currently used on the route. The aircraft will be configured with eight Diamond First class, 40 Pearl Business class and 280 Coral Economy class seats.

Since launching flights between New York and Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, in October 2006, Etihad Airways has flown more than 800,000 passengers on the route, including a record 155,000 passengers in 2012 alone.

The aircraft change also makes it possible for the airline to offer “Etihad Wi-Fly” inflight connectivity on every flight to and from New York.

It said Internet connectivity is offered to guests at a nominal cost for Coral Economy and Pearl Business Class guests and on a complimentary basis for Etihad Airways’ Diamond First Class guests.

Mobile telephone usage will be charged based on the international roaming rates of guests’ mobile network providers.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are responding to passenger demand by continuously investing in our fleet and upgrading routes where we see a need for more capacity. The change to the Boeing-777 aircraft, the largest three-class aircraft in our fleet, on the New York route is a demonstration of our commitment to expand our services in the US.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

Ciroma assumes duty as MD NIWA

H

ajiya Maryam Ciroma, on Monday assumed duty as the sixth Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Lokoja, with a call on the staff to support and cooperate with her administration.

Ciroma, a former Minister of Women Affairs, said that the support of staff and other stakeholders was critical in her new position, adding that she

knew almost nothing about marine issues.

The new MD said that the main task before her was how to transform the water transportation sector and make it a major revenue earner for the country.

She promised to attract investors to the sector and ensure that more Nigerians utilised the waterways to transport their goods and services, thereby reducing the

pressure on the nation’s roads.

Ciroma also promised to run an ‘open door’ policy, saying that being a critical parastatal that could fast track the nation’s economic growth, “NIWA cannot afford to fail’’.

In his hand over speech, the agency’s former Managing Director, Alhaji Ahmed Yar‘Adua, mentioned the dredging of the lower part of River Niger as one his major

accomplishments while in office.

He identified inadequacy of qualified staff as a major challenge facing NIWA, and urged the new helmsman to give recruitment of qualified personnel a priority.

Yar’dua also stressed the need for regular training and retraining of NIWA staff to meet with the current challenges in the water transportation sub-sector.

(NAN)

YouTube launches pay-to-watch subscription channels

Y

ouTube has launched a trial scheme for paid channels on its website.

Under the pilot programme, a small number of content makers will offer the channels for subscriptions starting at $0.99 (£0.64) a month.

Each channel will offer a free 14-day trial and many will have discounted annual rates.

YouTube, which is owned by Google, said the launch was part of an effort to enable “content creators to earn revenue for their creativity”.

Although the initial 53channel line-up is fairly niche, one expert suggested the move might ultimately squeeze some smaller rivals out of the market.

For example, the children’s television favourite, Sesame Street will offer full episodes on its pay channel when it launches.

Subscribers can pay using either their credit cards or through Google’s own Wallet service.

The paid channels involved in the pilot are diverse. They include National Geographic Kids, Acorn - which provides episodes from several British TV series -and Fix My Hog Premium, which is aimed at Harley Davidson motorcycle enthusiasts.

“This is just the beginning”, YouTube said on its blog. “We’ll

YouTube says it has about one billion unique users to its service each month be rolling paid channels out more broadly in the coming weeks as a self-service feature for qualifying partners. And as new channels appear, we’ll be making sure you can discover them.”

Two of UK’s most popular YouTube stars talk about paid subscriptions on YouTube The advent of paid channels on YouTube means Google joins Netflix, Hulu and Amazon in offering subscription-based alternatives to traditional pay-

Sony introduces new waterproof Smartphone

By Chris Alu with agency report

S

ony Corporation of Japan, on Monday introduced the Xperia ZR, a dust-resistant and waterproof Android smartphone that is one of only a handful of waterproof Android phones. It can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water (as in, not salt water) for up to 30 minutes.

The Xperia ZR received a waterproof rating by being IP55 and IP58 compliant, which means the phone has been independently tested and passed for protection against water jet spray and against full fresh water submersion. According to Sony, the Xperia ZR has “the highest level of water-resistance for capturing photos and Full HD videos underwater.”

Sony will roll out the Xperia ZR globally in Q2 2013,

although not all markets will have the same launch time.

Pricing for the phone has not yet been set.

The phone’s specs include:4.6-inch HD Reality display; an anti-shatter film on the display; a 13-megapixel camera; Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core 1.5 GHz processor; 4G LTE; dustresistant and Near-field communication (NFC).

Director of Xperia marketing at Sony Mobile Communications, Calum MacDougallwas quoted as saying, “The Xperia ZR pushes the boundaries on where and how consumers can use the full potential of their smartphone.

By combining Sony’s leading camera technology with the highest level of waterresistance, you will never miss another moment”.

TV. Google bought YouTube in 2006 for $1.65bn. The service is believed to generate a small amount of revenue from advertising, but the vast majority of its content has been free-to-watch.

To make itself more attractive to potential advertisers, YouTube has gradually added professional

content, such as full-length films and TV shows, to its vast library of amateur videos.

YouTube says a billion people around the world use the service every month.

“If YouTube were a country, we’d be the third largest in the world after China and India,” the company said in March.

NAGAFF tasks FG on sincerity towards Badagry Port project From Olaseni Durojaiye, Lagos

A

s a consortium, including APM Terminals has announced plans to construct and operate a Greenfield Port project in Badagry, Lagos state, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has charged the Federal Government to lend full support towards the project.

The association wants the government to contribute towards the project by providing support infrastructures which includes a viable rail network, good roads and modern cargo handling equipment in order to address all possible logistics challenges.

NAGAFF President, Chief Eugene Nweke gave this charge last Friday, when he was alongside his wife conferred with the title of Gbobaniyi and YeYe Gbobaniyi of Ilogbo Eremi Town

by Oba Moses Ayinde Olaleye in Badagry, Lagos.

Chief Eugene envisaged that when completed, the Badagry Greenfield Port project and FreeTrade Zone will open up Nigeria’s economy to more development and opportunities, as well as make it a hub port in West Africa.

He also said that it will make cargo movement much easier for freight forwarders within and outside the country.

“It will be easier for any freight forwarder, like myself, to move cargo from here to Abidjan, Chad and so on, provided the government stand by this very vision; not just the Deep-sea port, it must have a corresponding facilities like roads, rail and so on.

Without this, we will be going back to the status quo.

“In order to make Nigeria compete with other maritime nations of the world, the Deep-sea port must have the capacity to handle trans-shipment cargo and bring about even development.

You will agree with me today that going to Apapa from Badagry for maritime activities has become a nightmare” he said.

…as new DG assumes duty at SMEDAN

By Etuka Sunday

T

he newly appointed Director-General/Chief Executive of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Alhaji Bature Umar Masari, on Monday assumed office.

Masari, who was greeted with warm welcome by the senior management of the agency at its corporate headquarters in Abuja, was expected to bring his wealth of experience to bear in his current position as the Director-General/ Chief Executive of SMEDAN. Masari expressed determination to ensure that the agency contributed its quota to the growth of the economy by developing a virile small and medium enterprises sector.

“Our target is to make out what is best for our nation. I will like to be remembered as a man that came to an office, improved on it and left it better off when the time arrives,” he said.

Masari was the former Special Adviser to the Katsina State Governor on Employment Promotion and Vocational Training, promised to bring his experience to bear on the job.

The new D-G, who was in the Poverty Alleviation Ministry in the state until his present appointment, sought the collaboration of the workers to achieve the mandate of the agency.

Cocoa gains as supply may be limited before expiry

C

ocoa climbed for a second day in London on speculation supplies will be limited before the delivery of the May futures contract this week.

Cocoa for May delivery was 31 pounds ($47) a metric ton more expensive than the July contract, reversing a discount of 8 pounds a ton a week earlier, exchange data on Bloomberg showed.

Backwardation, when prices for near-dated contracts are higher than later ones, may signal scant supply. Trading of May futures ends May 15 and the delivery will take place the next day.

There is speculation about limited supplies in European warehouses, Jerome Jourquin, head of agricultural commodity derivatives at brokerage Aurel BGC in Paris, said by e-mail yesterday.

Cocoa price gains are “more closely related to the May expiration in London than much else,” Sterling Smith, a futures specialist at Citigroup Inc. in Chicago, said in a report emailed yesterday. More gains will need to be seen today to confirm a bullish technical trend, he said. (Source: Bloomberg)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

PAGE 22

ITU appoints Dame Patience ‘Child Online Protection’ champion

By Chris Alu

T

he International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has appointed First Lady of Nigeria and president, African First Ladies Peace Mission, Dame Patience Jonathan as ITU’s Child Online Protection (COP) Champion.

Secretary-General of ITU, announced the appointment and the First Lady received her letter of appointment from Brahima Sanou, director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, who met with her recently to discuss issues related to cyber threats and cyber security in the Africa region.

Sanou was accompanied by Datuk Mohd Noor Amin, chairman, International Multilateral Partnership Against Cyber Threats (IMPACT), ITU’s executing arm for cyber security, and Andrew Rugege, ITU Regional Director for Africa.

“It is a great honour for ITU

to have the support of Nigeria’s First Lady,” said Dr Touré. “Her commitment is further confirmation of the key role that ITU is playing as a global catalyst and facilitator in international dialogue and cooperation in the area of cyber security.”

Sanou added that the “COP framework has become a crucial means of creating a safe environment for our children while they are on the Internet.

Both ITU and IMPACT have faith in Her Excellency’s ability to spread this message and push for reforms not only in the Africa region but across the globe.”

Datuk Mohd Noor Amin said Dame Jonathan, who has won numerous accolades for her charitable work involving women and children, will be the perfect advocate for ITU’s Child Online Protection initiative.

“Her Excellency is both a progressive leader and renowned humanitarian, and is the ideal candidate to help

ITU-IMPACT in its mission to push for COP awareness and the need for national online protection frameworks to protect and support the younger generations online.”

In addition to the COP initiative, ITU and IMPACT are

looking at the possibility of setting up a Cyber security Regional Centre in Nigeria which would play an essential role in supporting the expansion of ITU-IMPACT’s network globally, by localising cyber security services to meet the

unique needs of the region.

Nigeria has indicated its interest in hosting a new Regional Centre under the ITU-IMPACT framework.

The proposed Regional Centre would become a vital hub of expertise and constitute an important component of the multi-stakeholder network that must be built to support government, industry and citizens, so that the full benefits of information and communications technology can be assured for all citizens.

Samsung claims world’s first 5G mobile data transmission breakthrough

Cisco lauds ‘Girls in ICT’ Day in Nigeria

By Chris Alu

C

isco has hosted a dedicated corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative designed to help boost the future outlook of young women throughout Nigeria, in line with the International ‘Girls in ICT’ Day. With a focus on equipping female students with Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) skills, Cisco is imparting vocational training to prepare them to become members of the global 21st century workforce.

Twenty female students, drawn from secondary schools across Nigeria, were invited to spend the day with Cisco Nigeria leaders at Cisco offices in Lagos, to gain an understanding of the opportunities the ICT sector holds for their future and a deeper insight into professional fields and courses of study that may be overlooked when choosing a career.

The International Girls in ICT Day is an initiative supported by I n t e r n a t i o n a l Telecommunications Union to create a global environment that empowers and encourages girls and young women to consider careers in the growing field of information and communication technologies, over 48 Cisco offices participated in this initiative across the Europe, Middle East, Africa and Russia (EMEAR) region.

Mr. Imoh Akpan, CSR Manager, English West and Central, Cisco Corporate Affairs, stated that, “Mentoring and training programs aimed at young talented females in Lagos is vital to helping our young

workforce of the future to adapt and secure career opportunities in the global 21st century workforce.

The country’s growing youth population needs to be equipped with the right skills to help them thrive in this ever changing world.”

Now in its third year, Cisco has been participating in International Girls in ICT Day from its inception.

Head of Sales, MainOne Cable Company and guest speaker at this year’s event in Lagos, Mrs. Bolanle Ogundogba, while sharing her experience highlighted the various types of professions in the sector that the female-folk can have rewarding careers in.

Other sessions were delivered via Cisco TelePresence by female and male leaders at Cisco, who shared their background and experiences and discussed how they developed their careers to reach leadership positions. The girls also had the opportunity to test their skills, ask questions, and network with Cisco female employees.

“Our goal is to provide talented young women with a sense of how technology can help to widen their opportunities as well as open a window to the world and give them the chance to be inspired by role models who are already enjoying career success.

“This way, they will feel more comfortable with technology as a means to advance their career prospects. Our activities around the annual Girls in ICT Day, for example, aim to provide a platform for young female students to learn, create bonds, as well as network and share best practices”, he stated.

Samsung suggests its tech could be used in commercial products as soon as 2020

By Chris Alu with agency report

S

amsung technology has developed “5G” mobile networks device that can deliver speeds “up to several hundred times faster than even 4G LTE-Advanced technology”.

“As a result, subscribers will be able to enjoy a wide range of services such as 3D movies and games, real-time streaming of ultra-high-definition (UHD) content, and remote medical services,” it said.

The South Korean vendor plans to commercialise the 5G technology by 2020.

Samsung says its adaptive array transceiver technology

uses 64 antenna elements, making it a viable solution for the radio propagation loss in millimetre-wave bands. The technology can transmit data at a frequency of 28GHz at up to 1.056Gb/s over a distance of 2km.

Chang Yeong Kim said the development of the transceiver has brought Samsung “one step closer to the commercialisation of 5G mobile communications”.

The company hopes it will lead to international alliances and commercialisation of related mobile broadband services.

The industry has already begun jumping on the 5G

bandwagon; last October Huawei and Samsung were amongst companies that gave their backing to development a 5G R&D centre in the England.

Developing the technologies involved in 5G could prove lucrative.

As an industry standard, its inventors would have to license the innovations involved to rivals, but they would be able to charge a small fee for each device that used them.

Discussions about which part of the radio spectrum to use will take place at the UN’s World Radiocommunication Conference, in 2015.

Redistribution of transformers will boost electricity - Expert

A

n electrical engineer, Mr. Abolade Olaniyan, has said that redistribution of transformers that will cater for the electricity needs of communities is the panacea to power generation and distribution problems in Nigeria.

Olaniyan, who was a former Chairman, Oyo state Rural Electrification Board, made the observation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Osogbo, Osun state.

He said that for any intervention to be meaningful in Nigeria’s power distribution, its problems must be properly addressed.

He said that transformers across the country were

overloaded, thus rendering generation meaningless even to those who had power supply.

Olaniyan, who is the current Dean, Faculty of Engineering, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, said: “Transformers are allocated to communities without bearing in mind the development needs of the areas over time.’’

“Within a period of two years, a community with 20 buildings might have increased to about 200 houses that will still be on the same transformer.’’

He said that 75 per cent Nigerians could enjoy regular power supply if the distribution was monitored and controlled.

“Even with the present power generated from the national grid, 75 per cent of Nigerians should

enjoy regular power supply if distribution is monitored and well controlled,’’ he said.

Olaniyan identified mismanagement of electricity by consumers as well as sharp practices by quacks in electrification projects as serious issues that must be tackled.

He lamented that it was unfortunate that nonprofessionals parade themselves as contractors in the process of procurement and installation of transformers and other facilities.

Olaniyan suggested that a 200KVA transformer should be attached to 20 houses as against the 1,000 buildings attached to a single transformer in many parts of the country. (NAN)

PEOSPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

Report as at Tuesday, May 14, 2013

PAGE 23

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

PAGE 24

PAGE 25

Bodies pour in as Nigeria hunts for insurgents outrageous; they bring them in an ambulance, two or three ambulances, loaded,” the security official said.

“Most of them are tortured.”

Overwhelmed morgue attendants sometimes simply flee their post, the official said.

“They just throw the corpses on the ground,” said Dr. Mohammed Ghuluze, the hospital’s medical director.

“Yesterday they came in and just threw five corpses on the ground.”

A top health official said, “Sometimes it’s 20, 30 a day.”

Sagir Musa, a spokesman for the military’s joint task force, acknowledged detentions at the barracks, saying that “many confirmed commanders of Boko Haram have been arrested, and many of their camps have been destroyed,” actions that he said aided the “restoration of law and order.”

But he rejected accusations of widespread killing or torture.

“One cannot rule out the possibility of one, two dying periodically in detention,” he said. But “to say five, no.”

Mr. Musa continued: “There cannot be multiple corpses. We don’t torture people. There is no way we can torture. We don’t even have the equipment to torture somebody in detention.”

One local official described a mass burial of

By Adam Nossiter

A

fresh load of battered corpses arrived, 29 of them in a routine delivery by the Nigerian military to the hospital morgue here.

Unexpectedly, three bodies started moving.

“They were not properly shot,” recalled a security official here. “I had to call the J.T.F.” — the military’s joint task force — “and they gunned them down.”

It was a rare oversight.

Large numbers of bodies, sometimes more than 60 in a day, are being brought by the Nigerian military to the state hospital, according to government, health and security officials, hospital workers and human rights groups — the product of the military’s brutal war against radical Islamists rooted in this northern city.

The corpses were those of young men arrested in neighborhood sweeps by the military and taken to a barracks nearby. Accused, often on flimsy or no evidence, of being members or supporters of Boko Haram — the Islamist militant group waging a bloody insurgency against the Nigerian state — the detainees are beaten, starved, shot and even suffocated to death, say the officials, employees and witnesses.

Then, soldiers bring the bodies to the hospital and dump them at the morgue, officials and workers say.

The flood is so consistent that the small morgue at the edge of the hospital grounds often has no room, with corpses flung by the military in the sand around it. Residents say they sometimes have to flee the

174 young men at the cemetery recently, with bodies dumped in hastily dug graves. He said the military would simply put “30-40 people inside an armored car.

Then they lock the car. It’s suffocation. It’s not good, not good.”

At the back of the hospital, behind a high wall that separates the morgue from a narrow alley of shops, the smell of decomposing flesh was unmistakable. “It’s terrible, 100 percent terrible; the neighbors can’t stay,” said Alhaji Bashir, a satellite equipment vendor on the alley. “You can’t sit outside. In my shop, I bring perfume. Sometimes they bring 80 corpses a day from Giwa. They even throw the corpses under the trees.”

SHOCKED: Governor Kashim Shettima expressed shock over the excessive killings

erupting in this city in 2009, security forces have been accused of extrajudicial killings and broad, often indiscriminate roundups of suspects and sympathizers in residential areas.

The military’s harsh tactics, which it flatly denies, have reduced militant attacks in this insurgent stronghold, but at huge cost and with likely repercussions, officials and rights advocates contend.

No one doubts that Boko Haram, which has claimed responsibility for assassinations and bombings that have killed officials and civilians alike, is thoroughly enmeshed in the local populace, making the job of extricating the group extremely difficult. But as with other abuses, the bodies piling up at the morgue — where it is often impossible to distinguish combatants from the innocent — have turned many residents against the military, driving some toward the insurgency, officials say.

Even the state’s governor,

who acknowledged that he must tread a careful line not to offend the Nigerian military, expressed disquiet at the tactics. “A lot of lives are lost on a daily basis due to the inhumane conditions” at the barracks, known as Giwa, said the Governor, Kashim Shettima. “They do deposit bodies on a daily basis.”

Moreover, the bodies

come in even when there have been no bombings, sectarian clashes or battles between the military and the insurgents, making it unlikely that the dead were killed in combat, terrorist attacks or similar circumstances.

“Mostly they bring the corpses from Giwa Barracks, the J.T.F.,” said one hospital worker. Most of the young

“

Shettima, who acknowledged that he must tread a careful line not to offend the Nigerian military, expressed disquiet at the tactics. “A lot of lives are lost on a daily basis due to the inhumane conditions” at the barracks, known as Giwa, he said

men died “from beating, bullets, maltreatment,” he added. “You can hardly see a corpse here from sickness.

Sometimes it is up to 120 corpses they bring.”

His colleague at the hospital, who, like others, spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution, said: “Every day.

An average of 14 to 15 bodies a day. They accumulate.

Some are swollen. Almost all are emaciated. Some they bring in with their handcuffs still on.”

On a recent blazingly hot Saturday, a convoy of two armored cars and an ambulance barreled into the sandy grounds of the sprawling state hospital, sirens wailing.

Wary Nigerian Army machine gunners flanked the ambulance, and the attendants wore face masks against the odor in the 109degree heat. It was not the only convoy that day, said rights advocates who also observed the scene.

“The numbers can be

“

The military’s harsh tactics, which it flatly denies, have reduced militant attacks in this insurgent stronghold, but at huge cost and with likely repercussions, officials and rights advocates contend

AT MILITARY’S MERCY? A group of insurgents arrested recently neighborhood because of the fierce smell of rotting flesh.

From the outset of the battle between Boko Haram and the military, a dirty war on both sides that has cost nearly 4,000 lives since

One retired civil servant said he had not seen his two sons, 36 and 34, since Dec. 11, when soldiers entered their house at 3 a.m. and arrested them. They were health care workers, he said, accused of treating wounded Boko Haram members.

Other detainees passed word to him that the younger son was already dead, he said.

He hoped the older son was still alive, but, like most others, he had no access to the barracks, where hundreds are estimated to be detained at a time.

Suleman Mohammed, 28, a clothing seller, said he was rounded up in January with six others after a neighborhood school was set on fire by Boko Haram. He said he was taken to Giwa

TRIGGER HAPPY? The military on the prowl in an insurgent-plagued area

barracks.

“They hung me for two days,” Mr. Mohammed recounted, saying he was handcuffed to a pillar, beaten with a truncheon and given one cup of water a day. “They will insist you are a member of Boko Haram, nothing more and nothing less.”

He said he saw many people die at the barracks: “In Giwa, not less than 30 people die every day — starvation, heart attacks. At times, in a single room, 10 people died because of starvation.” He added: “Some go mad. They shout, ‘Water, water.’ “ Boko Haram has shown few signs of giving up — militants suspected of belonging to the group attacked a northern town on Tuesday, killing scores, Reuters reported.

The military has not shown signs of relenting either, officials said. There has been “a very high increase in the number of corpses,” said one of the state’s top health officials. “It was not this bad” several years ago, the official said. “In the last year, it has become so bad.

It has escalated.”

Mr. Mohammed, the clothing seller, said, “I never thought I would see the outside world again.” But he was released, he said, when a neighborhood policeman intervened to say.

Source: Agency reports

PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

Nigeria’s real estate market outlook favourable, say foreign bankers

By Udenna Orji

A

new World Bank report says Nigeria has the potential to become Africa’s foremost economic power, with an average GDP of six per cent per annum, buoyed by a young and growing population of 160 million.

Morgan Stanley, an investment banking institution, has also predicted that Nigeria’s economy would outperform South Africa’s by 2025 to become

the biggest in Africa.

Both institutions say Nigeria’s macroeconomic outlook is favourable. With an expected stable inflation rate, five per cent rural to urban immigration, and three per cent population growth, the financial institutions say Nigeria is a huge real estate market by all standards.

Concurring with the statistics, Mohammed Jibrin, Managing Director of mortgage banker, Sun Trust Savings and

Loans Limited noted that “in the highly developed economies, the average contribution of the real estate and housing sectors to the GDP is 40 per cent. In every economy, there is an engine room for that economy. The Nigerian housing sector can serve as that engine room as we seek to diversify our economic base. The sector has the potential to generate and create huge economic activities. The housing sector needs to consume other building materials and products

such as electrical equipment, furniture, paints, roofing, cement, etc. The sector can help in developing small and large scale production of these key inputs thereby generating employment and increasing the level of national income.

Addressing the housing sector problem is the same as addressing the unemployment problem and one avenue to diversify the economy away from dependence on the oil sector”.

Stakeholders identify obstacles to housing development in Nigeria

C

onstruction stakeholders, including estate surveyors and real estate practitioners who concluded a two-day international conference on housing held at Lagos have identified the following as obstacles to housing development in Nigeria.

Low Income Nigerians have a per capita income of about $1000, about half our National per capital income in 1975. Despite the high oil revenue of the last three decades, poverty has remained with us in Nigeria. Poverty in Nigeria used to be rural-based but between 1985 and 1992, the number of the poor in rural areas fell sharply from 25.3 million to 22.8 million while those in urban centers rose from 9.7 to 11.9. A low income is a big constraint in accessing affordability because mortgage is all about the ability to service loan when due. For this reason the majority of Lagosians live in rooming houses (73 per cent) as

tenants. Singapore which was our peer in the early sixties has managed to house up to 85 percent of its citizens in owneroccupied flats and houses.

Dearth of Long-Term Funds High rates of interest and inflation have been typical features of our volatile economy since the introduction of Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) in 1986. The Naira has suffered extensive depreciation averaging 45 percent per annum between 1987 and 1993, from an exchange rate of N1.0 to $1.0 in 1987 to N120.0 to $1.0. Because most of our building materials have traditionally been imported, the effect of this depreciation has been a rapid rise in cost of construction.

Interest rate has been similarly high at times as high as 72 percent in 1995: became stable around 18 percent after conclusion of the banking consolidation; but now on the rise again as a result of current

global financial meltdown. The combined effect of these has been a sharp rise on the price of homes. The inability of Nigerian banks to harness savings from the people has been a major reason for the lack of long-term funds in the economy. The commercial banks have traditionally served only the mercantile class and lately the oil and manufacturing sector.

The Primary Mortgage Institutions and microfinance teams are recent efforts to harness savings from the masses but they are mainly urban based and operate more or less like banks with very high appetite for quick profit.

High Cost of Construction Our refusal to build houses with locally available materials has been a major cog in the wheel of housing delivery. A look at our urban centers will show that our houses are built mostly of imported materials (cement, iron rods, aluminum roof).

Low Level of Economic Activity

Statistic recently release by Nigerian Insurance Commission indicates that only about 15 million Nigerians are in regular employment. The vast majority are still employed in subsistence agriculture or in menial services like okada riding. The level of industrialization is low so also is commerce which is characterized by street trading. Though the oil industry is strong but it is unfortunately not linked to the local economy. The combination of these factors is that the disposable income of the average Nigerian is low to build a house or qualify for mortgage assistance.

Access to Land The main objective of the Land Use Act was to facilitate access to land by the generality of Nigerians. Unfortunately the act has had the opposite effect.

Though it has made it easier for the elite to acquire land, it has made it much harder for the majority of Nigerians to access land.

Interest rates on mortgage should be below 10% per annum, Says Ozoani

T

he Federal Government has been called upon to develop mortgage policies that will encourage Nigerian banks to grant mortgage loans to Nigerians at a maximum of 9% per annum.

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

Speaking with Peoples Daily on how to boost homeownership in Nigeria and reduce the nation’s estimated 17 million units housing deficit, the Group General Manager of award-winning mass housing developer, ElSalem Nigeria Limited, Mr. Geoffrey Ozoani appealed to government to “come up with very definite policies on mortgage.

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

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

According to him, “there is also the burning need to create awareness to Nigerians about mortgages and Nigerian mortgage institutions. Even contributors to the National Housing Fund (NHF) do not know what they are contributing for. States and local governments should make land available to developers and encourage their workers to get loans from mortgage institutions to buy their own houses. In addition, prices of cement and other building materials keep rising even after you have agreed on a house price with a client. By the time the client pays 10% of say N5 million, the cost of building the house has risen to N7 million.

Besides all these is the difficulty in getting land. A plot of land jumps in prices virtually monthly. These are some of the challenges”.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

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PAGE 27

Home insurance and You

ome insurance is very low in Nigeria due to low insurance penetration in the country. Low insurance penetration has also been blamed for the near absence of a viable mortgage market in Nigeria as the long term fund placements in some categories of insurance are usually used to create mortgages in the developed countries. Learn more about home insurance and instances when it could be beneficial to update your home insurance policy.

Is your home insurance policy up for renewal? You might want to take some time to reevaluate your policy.

Why? Because certain changes to your home - and even your lifestyle - could help you qualify for available discounts.

As a matter of practice, when a homeowner is shopping for insurance or ready to renew a policy, they should always ask their agent or company what discounts they qualify to receive.

Still not convinced it's time to re-evaluate your home insurance policy? Keep reading for some reasons you might want to reconsider that notion.

Reason #1 - You've recently remodeled your home If you've recently completed a home remodel - whether it's expanding your kitchen or adding on a guest room - it may be time to reassess your home insurance policy.

Many home improvements may have just a little impact on the cost of the policy, but if the improvement is not noted in the policy, it may not be covered.

In addition, you risk being underinsured if you don't report the increase in square footage to your insurance company," according to the Insurance Information Institute (III) article, "How Often Should I Review My Policy?"

Remodeling projects also include any new additions to the outside of your home. If you've put in a gazebo or a new shed, for example, consider contacting your insurance agent.

Reason #2 - You've made a big purchase Did you recently get an expensive piece of art or a shiny diamond necklace? After you admire its beauty, be sure to report it to your insurance agent.

And let's not forget about valuable gifts. It is important that you have sufficient coverage for recently acquired gifts - like that sparkly engagement ring.

Just keep in mind that some home insurance policies may include "per item" limits, usually between $1,500 and $2,500, says Moraga.

If you buy a $5,000 giant plasma TV, and your policy per item limit is $1,500, you would only get the $1,500 if the TV were stolen.

So how do you get more coverage?

Talk to your insurance agent about raising

the coverage for your personal possessions or buying a floater/ endorsement - an individual policy that provides higher coverage for your expensive items.

Reason #3 - You've made safety improvements to your home Did you know that making safety updates to your home could help you save money on your insurance policy? It's true.

If the improvement is a safety feature, some insurers may offer discounts.

But what is considered a safety-related improvement?

Automatic fire sprinklers, fireresistant roofs, and burglar alarms tied into a response system are just some examples.

And if you live in an area with high occurrences of natural disasters or windstorms, you could get a discount for making your home more disasterresistant.

For example: You may be able to save on your premiums by adding storm shutters, shatter-proof glass, reinforcing your roof, or buying stronger roofing materials."

Reason #4 - You've made changes in your household or lifestyle Whether it's your child leaving for college or your mother-in-law moving in, if there's been a change in your family dynamics, it could be a

good time to revise your home insurance policy.

Circumstances affecting the number of people living under your roof - divorce, marriage, or adult children/family members moving away or back home - are all reasons to review your coverage needs.

When people move in or move out, they take their belongings with them. And you may need additional coverage if there is a sizable increase in the value of the belongings in your home.

In addition, changes in

lifestyle could also help lower your insurance rates.

Many insurance companies offer discounts to retirees because they know the homeowners will be spending more time at home and be able to prevent many claims from happening. And if you stop smoking, some companies even offer discounts for non-smokers, adds Moraga.

Reason #5 - You have a new furry family member Did you know that your new dog could affect your home

insurance needs? If Fido or Spike bites someone who is legally on your property, extra insurance coverage could help protect you.

Even if you think that your furry friend would never hurt a soul, friendly dogs can attack if frightened - about 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

And when these dog bites occur, more than 50 percent happen on the dog owner's property. Lawsuits Can Take a Bite Out of Your Wallet; Be a Responsible Dog Owner.

With dog bites accounting for more than one-third of all 2009 homeowners insurance liability claims - says the III's "Lawsuits" press release - it's even more important to make sure that you're covered.

The insurance industry pays out about $400 million each year just for dog bites. The good news is that home insurance companies generally cover dog bite liability.

"Most standard homeowners' policies provide policyholders with anywhere from $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage," says the III's "Lawsuits" press release.

"However, once a dog has bitten someone, your insurance company may charge a higher premium or exclude the dog from coverage."

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

Acura RDX offers one of the best compromises

A

lthough the premium small crossover segment continues to see an influx of strong new candidates, the 2014 Acura RDX stands tall as one of the more compelling picks in this class. It offers a smart mix of power, feature content and fuel efficiency that should make it appealing to a broad range of shoppers.

In the past, performance took priority over efficiency in the luxury crossover SUV class, but these days consumers should expect strong acceleration that doesn't come at the expense of respectable f u e l economy.

A n d indeed, t h e 2014 Acura RDX offers one of t h e b e s t compromises in this class. Its standard 3.5-liter V6 engine is rated at 273 horsepower. And not only is the RDX capable of hitting 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, it earns EPA estimates of 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined (front-wheeldrive version).

You should also look for features that reflect comfort, versatility and value. A spacious cabin makes the RDX easy to live with day to day.

Rear legroom and maximum cargo capacity are among the best in its class. Ride quality is also agreeable, as the Acura is endowed with refinement that befits a luxury hauler. Also, the RDX's long list of standard features makes it a value-

oriented choice in a market segment that typically puts little emphasis on value. The RDX includes many standard amenities, including a sunroof and heated front seats, that cost extra on competing models.

Despite its strengths, the RDX won't be the hands-down pick for every luxury crossover buyer.

The BMW X3 is also one of our favorites and offers a sportier driving experience.

Other solid choices include the luxurious Audi Q5, the distinctive-looking Land Rover Range Rover Evoque and the family-friendly Volvo XC60. Most of these European competitors also happen to offer a few more top-shelf optional features, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. Compared to those rivals, this Acura is built for a more mainstream audience: It might not have flashy style or all of the latest amenities, but the 2014 Acura RDX is an ideal choice for shoppers seeking a luxury crossover with solid overall credentials.

The 2014 Acura RDX small

luxury crossover SUV is available in two trim levels: base and base with Technology package. Each is available with front- or all-wheel drive.

Standard features include 18inch wheels, heated

controls, GPS-linked and solarsensing automatic climate control, and a 10-speaker Acura/ELS surround-sound audio system with 15GB of music storage.

Powering the 2014 Acura RDX is a

mirrors, rear privacy glass, automatic headlights, a rearview camera, a sunroof, keyless ignition/ entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats (eightway driver, four-way passenger), heated front seats, leather upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth and a seven-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, Pandora radio interface, an iPod/USB audio interface and an auxiliary audio jack.

The Technology package adds xenon headlights, foglights, a power liftgate, a navigation system (with real-time traffic and weather), voice

3.5-liter V6 with 273 hp and 251 pound-feet of torque. Power routes through a six-speed automatic transmission, and there is a choice between standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive.

In Edmunds testing, an allwheel-drive RDX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, which is respectable for vehicles in this segment. In terms of fuel economy, the RDX is quite good for its class, with the EPA rating the front-drive RDX at 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined. Ratings on the AWD version drop slightly, to 19/27/22.

The 2014 Acura RDX comes standard with antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front

side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. A rearview camera is standard as well.

In Edmunds brake testing, an allwheel-drive RDX came to a stop from 60 mph in 127 feet, a few feet longer than average for this class.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the RDX the highest possible score of "Good" in the frontal-offset, side and roof strength crash tests.

The 2014 Acura RDX's cabin is a pleasant place to be, as it feels spacious and has a straightforward c o n t r o l layout.

A dual-cockpit dash design and two-tone dash/upholstery color schemes add visual flair, and materials quality is high throughout. The RDX's various tech features, including the navigation system, are user-friendly, while the powerful ELS sound system should please most audiophiles with its clarity.

Seat comfort front and rear is very good, with firm, supportive cushions and plenty of head- and legroom. At 38.3 inches, rear legroom is impressive and more comparable to that of a larger crossover. In terms of cargo capacity, the RDX provides 26.1 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats, which is about average for this class. Folding the rear seats down provides 61.3 cubic feet of capacity.

Source: Edmunds.com

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

PAGE 29

Former Minister advises stakeholders to encourage reading, writing among students

D

r Jerry Agada, a former Minister of State for Education, has advised stakeholders not to allow the use of Internet and mobile devices to replace reading among students.

Agada told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that students must be made to understand that there was time for everything; time to read, play and use the Internet.

He said that reading and writing should not be neglected because of ICT, adding that poor reading habit had been blamed for poor performance in examinations.

Agada said that stakeholders must keep-up with the sensitisation campaigns that students must

read books, novels, magazines and journals that would be beneficial to them. ``There should be time for everything, Internet, mobile phones and reading. ``Students should be told that there should be time for everything. You cannot use the Internet to take the place of actual reading. ``Students should know that as much as it is good to be proficient in information communication technology, it is better to read.

"Reading is the cradle of whatever we can think of in education,`` he said.

Agada commended the Federal Government on efforts to increase access to education by planning to

establish six mega universities and more private universities.

He said that lack of access to education was a serious problem in the country and that everything must be done towards increasing access to education.

He said that anything education was expensive and government must be prepared to shoulder part of the responsibility.

The former minister called for production of quality teachers by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).

He said that effort was being made by NCCE to revise the teachers' curriculum to produce qualified teachers who would be able to teach at various levels of education. (NAN

People participating in the maiden edition of the "Tungo hill walk carnival" at Tungo hill in Kaltungo local government area, Gombe State. The hill used to be home of the tangale ancestors before they moved to different villages in the present Kaltungo local government area.

Copyright society unveils plan to create synergy between creative industry, society

T

he Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) said it was working to improve the relationship between the creative industry and the society to project a positive image of the country.

Mr Tony Okoroji, the Chairman of the society, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that an improvement in the relationship would also create an important elixir for tourism in the country.

He said that the society planned to achieve this by organising series of activities tagged: ``COSON week''.

He said that the activities aimed to serve as change agent and positive identifier for the entertainment industry in the future.

Okoroji said that the activities would also bring together Nigerians who live within and outside the country to share ideas, relate and bridge the gap between celebrities and other Nigerians.

He said that the one week event would help to counter-balance the negative images resulting from the country's security challenge and series of kidnappings. ``We are mobilising the entire

music industry, Nollywood, the comedy and business community. ``We are also mobilising the people to make sure that everyone anywhere in the world can see this positive side of the Nigerian nation. ``I can already see the great relationship we are forging between different elements of the Nigerian creative community which had very little meaningful communication before now," he added.

NAN reports that the COSON week is scheduled to take place in Lagos from May 19 to 25. (NAN)

Culture promoter urges Nigerians to respect cultures

M

r Jonathan Obi, an Abuja-based culture promoter has urged Nigerians to respect other peoples' cultures in order to promote national unity.

Obi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the call became necessary to further promote cultural integration in the county.

He noted that children would get the best from two or more cultural traditions and urged parents to expose their children to other cultures.

``This way, children from the minority groups will feel that they are respected and those from the majority groups will also feel they get more interesting experiences,'' he said.

Obi said that the positive effects of bi-culturalism in children would make them comfortable in both worlds. ``This point is important. It shows us that when we talk about culture and teaching, we cannot only focus on children but we also need to cooperate with the parents and the local

society," he said.

Obi, however, called for parental support of what was thought in schools. ``How will they react if children come home speaking a language parents do not understand themselves? ``It is important to develop a mutual trust and a common understanding between home and school on what children should learn. ``Otherwise, the two institutions will combat each other and learning will suffer greatly,'' he said. (NAN)

FR OM THE FROM LIVE ST AGE STA with Patrick-Jude Oteh 0803 700 0496, 0805 953 5215 (SMS only)

Why arts organizations are poor

M

ost arts organizations are poor. They are poor not because they choose to be but simply because that is the nature of our business. I have seen two situations where the promoters of arts organizations take to night vigils, prayers and fasting to save their organizations. The picture is that their income goes away so fast and they conclude that more powerful spiritual forces, enemies of progress, witches and wizards are at work holding up finances.

I have had cause to say that there is nothing spiritual in what is happening. It is simply the nature of the business.

There is always a huge gap between our income and expenses. This gap has always been there. And it will always be there. Let us take a look at our most popular plays - huge cast, the sets are very elaborate, the costumes are colourful and some are outlandish. These plays requiring a cast of over thirty people when they were written will still require the same cast almost fifty years later.

However, the cost of production has gone up way beyond what it was when the play was first written. The performance spaces when we can afford them can only take a limited number of people so our income gets bounded but our costs continue to soar and the main budget item in any production is cast and crew fees and if you have a 'star' in the production you are bound to pay more.

Now we go to tickets - the price you ask your audience to pay for your performances beyond a certain point will no longer attract anybody. If the price of your ticket is too high, a lot of people will resist it and the volume you hope for will simply not happen. What is the point in spending N2m on a production and have only twenty people in the audience and half of them will come because they have complimentary tickets! So you have lost a huge chunk of your investment. If this happens in quick succession, that organization is as good as dead. Ticket prices in the performing arts sector can never cover costs.

Let us take a look at the audience - the arts is not like education, healthcare, food,

clothing, shelter where it is very easy to see what you are spending money on. A lot of people through the ages have had cause to try to find out the value of the arts to their lives.

Then throw in the various contending forces for limited income - the computer, Youtube, films, the internet, religion - and you find that there are many alternatives to the arts. In the minds of some members of our audience, these alternatives are more legitimate than looking at full grown men and women strutting across a decorated space called a stage. If our ticket prices are too high they look elsewhere.

How can we balance this ever looming gap? It is through grants, foundations, corporate sponsorship and individuals.

Sometimes government comes in but our system of government funding for the arts is still not fully developed and even if it was, it will surely decrease with each passing year. In Nigeria, we can count the foundations that give grants to performing arts organizations. On the corporate side, we can also count those that assist the performing arts directly. The individuals are more definite. They know us, they know what we are doing and they are willing to support. It is through them most times that you fill that yawning gap between our income and expenses. It is the passionate belief and commitment of generous donors that sustains the performing arts sector.

In Nigeria, throw in the security challenges and what you have is a potent mixture of arts organizations that are perpetually struggling. It does not mean that we have to stop working. Some organizations choose to stop work while the situation improves. This is what we all pray for but those organizations that continue to work no matter how little are the organizations that will recover faster and better when the situation improves.

To those who still support the arts despite the times, I encourage you not to give up - there are so many profound and compelling reasons for the arts ranging from the social, economic, human and personal benefits. Giving to the arts is not a wasted venture - it gives us all a personal opportunity to make our communities the best it can be in terms of human value and belonging.

PAGE 30

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

Book R evie w Re view

Dyed thoughts: A conversation in and from my country

By Ayodele Olumide Sunday

F

amiliar things happen, and mankind does not bother about them. It requires an unusual mind to undertake the analysis of the obvious" Alfred North Whitehead, (English mathematician and philosopher), Science and the Modern World (1925).

The above assertion better captures the artistry and philosophy of Nwachukwu Egbunike in his collection of essays; Dyed Thoughts: A Conversation In and From My Country. Nwachukwu, through his thought-ridden book, provides discernment regarding past and recent economic, political, academic, and social issues in Nigeria.

Dyed Thoughts is also embedded with critical reviews of policies and propositions about ways to improve the sad lot of our beloved country, Nigeria.

To put it succinctly, the title Dyed Thoughts: A Conversation in and from My Country mirrors the rather journalistic mould of the book.

The personified phrase Dyed Thoughts refers to the author's psyche that had been coloured by his diverse experiences. Its accompanying subtitle, a conversation in and from my country, alludes to the aforesaid tell-tale fact.

The title illuminates the weighty diverse opinion articles that constitute the whole book.

It also foregrounds the fact that intellectuals who live everyday in the country, who feel the pulse of the country are in a better position to discuss issues pertinent to her, than those who prescribe medicine to a disease, from exile.

The book is divided into subjects to which each of the subjects are assigned sub-topics which expounds it.

Dyed Thoughts: A Conversation in and from My Country recounts the numerous affairs that had plagued the country Nigeria for the past eight years of democratic rule. The rather unusual author (a medical laboratory scientist turned journalist) proves with this provocative book that being an 'anti-literati' does not deaden one to the enlightening and humanistic gift of writing. The book is also filled with line drawings that graphically deconstruct the issues embedded in the ensuing articles before them.

The first of the ninechaptered-book, Random Mulling, as the name suggests, is the author's arbitrary reflections about the travails and victory of Nigeria throughout the eight year democratic rule, between 2004 and 2012. The chapter mostly discloses the political decadence of the country. The first sub topic is titled "Weep Mama Anambra" and it recounts the power struggle that ensued between former governor Chris Ngige and his erstwhile benefactors.

Random Mulling contains

fifty-one sub essays, such as "Why are We No Longer surprised", "The More Things Change Nothing Changes", "the Rebranding Rumble"; "Ten Years of Civilian Interregnum", "Mr Rule of Law", amongst others.

All voice point to the omnious signs of the misnomer known as Nigerian democracy.

Nwachukwu also chews on the present national issues such as the withholding power tendency of the PHCN, the norm termed Valentine's Day, the heart threatening state of the nation and the electioneering rigmarole of the country. Also , issues such as malaria, the degradation that characterize the rural areas of the country, the powers and use of the giant known as Facebook, also featured in the book.

economic views. The colourful topics extrays the educational landscape of the country in "PhDs for Sale". It idolises the efforts of the new class of elite in "Sanusi Lamido Sanusi".

Nwachukwu does not also shy away from social issues that are strange inputs on our cultures; the chapter is blunt on issue of pornography, AIDS and same sex marriage.

Through chapters such as "I pledge to Nigeria" and "Why African Economics are Tethering"; Nwachukwu also discusses patriotism and economy.

A new dimension is introduced into section four where Egbunike reviews others prominent writers work. The section he dubbed The Humanities Humanise which is made 13 sub-chapters starts

The second phase of the ninechaptered book is subtitled Factual.

It provides factual sketches of the idiosyncrasies that abounds on roads, workplace and all around us. It is made up of six essays, "Leeches on Our Roads"; one of the essays addresses the presence of touts and the depraved nature of bribery on the Nigerian roads. In "Are We All Going Crazy" Nwachukwu Egbunike states that "we may all have gone crazy if we no longer see anything out of place or choose to remain complacent in the face of stupidities". This singular statement characterises the similar reflections of the sleaze in governance and loss of humaneness that serve as motif for other sub titles.

In the Public Square is the third chapter of Dyed Thoughts: A Conversation in and from my Country and consists of 12 essays of diverse socio-political and

from celebrating Chinua Achebe's artistry in "50 Years of Things Fall Apart and a Pathetic Silence at Home" celebrates Nigerian writers and reveals how they are being lowly acknowledged by government amidst their contributions to good governance in the country.

The author using his predisposition to review the works of different writers as he places their work in socio-political contexts. One of such books reviewed is Attahiru Jega's Democracy, Good Governance and Development in Nigeria, Mark Nwagwu's novel titled Forever Chimes, to the conservatively feminist book, Muslims and Christian Women in Dialogue: the Case of Northern Nigeria by Kathleen McGarvey.

Nwachukwu Egbunike celebrates the artist as a voice in troubling times, loud enough to bring the oppressor's silence to

fear. The sacred artist, Suzanne Wenger, is also celebrated in Iya Adunni in "Gliding through Oshogbo Sacred Groove", as Nwachukwu presents both the socio-political, environmental and spiritual roles that the artist should mould his talent and passion.

Moreover, in section five of the book, Spoofing Scripts which is also made up of five essays; "Letter of Gratitude to Senator Mantu". One essay of interest is "Pharaoh, It's Time to Go!" where the author presents the biblical allusion of ruthless pharoah as an equal mould of Nigeria's democratic-dictators.

The authors uses the brilliance of satire to mock Nigerian leaders.

Here, Nwachukwu is immodest, as he calls for change of leadership attitude, before Nigeria becomes plunged into further developmental stagnancy.

The collection of articles and reviews that make up Nwachukwu Egbunike's Dyed Thoughts; a Conversation in and from My Country is apparently written for the ordinary citizens as well as the political leaders of Nigeria. Therefore the authors style of writing Is suitably informal or rather conversational. Some essays take the shape of exposition while others take the literary shade of a narration. The language, since it is meant for everyone, is decidedly simple.

He also embellishes his writings with pidgin, an indication that the writer is willing to familiarize himself with both the illiterate and the semi-literate.

A pot-pouri of interviews and reportage about the fall of the ethics and brilliance of the nation's educational, cultural and creative systems comprise of the sixth section. The seventh section, Accolades and Farewells, on the other hand, bemoans the loss of the author's mentors and friends. The elegiac chapter takes the reader on a journey of memories and exposes the illtreatment of the dead, given the non-challant administration of graveyards in the country.

Nwachukwu leaves no stone unturned in his book, Dyed Thoughts, a Conversation in and from My Country, where he asserts the role of education and mass media in the eighth section.

In Q and A, he discusses with a teacher about the teacher's triumphs and concerns.

Nwachukwu also analyses the omnipresent eye of Sahara Reporters and the global awareness that Facebook introduces to both social and political decimals in the country.

The concluding chapter, Credo, focuses on the two major religions of Nigeria; Christianity and Islam. In this chapter, the author exposes his catholic thick skin in "A Case of Ingratitude", nevertheless he preaches peace and harmony in "Ramadan Greetings". He presents to the reader, an unbiased appreciation of religions.

POEM OF THE WEEK Rape of Innocence

By Ebele Chizea Bloody Rivers It was Sora who caused the flow Barely a moon ago She played ten-ten in dusty playgrounds Under sunlit skies Groans and Moans The earth's womb threatens to implode Her insides smell like death Flies and vultures ballooned with content Her thighs exposed for all to see That Young butterflies Armed with ak47s Rummage jungles Circling the war mill That feed real life vampires In high places.

Stolen innocence is nothing compared to The rape of innocence I wonder if those perpetuators Were themselves depraved And carried with them the memory Of when their wonderment was forcefully drowned In rivers of blood In being the initiators Do they heal, feel justified in their suffering Pleased at the idea that they shall not be the only generation That cannot remember heaven?

She needs to be sown up Our mother Look at her, don't turn away From her gut wrenching cries No epidurals can silence this pain Manifesting in the souls of her children Forced to perpetuate the illusion Of separation and disharmony So that now when we talk of being real We refer to something sinister - cynical Anything that can prevent us from taking responsibility Or bearing some guilt And so day by day we lose little Soras and male equivalents In the Middle East, in Africa, the ghettos and suburbs of America, Europe Everywhere‌ Moment by moment, flames extinguishing Memories of paradise and magic disappearing‌

QUO TE UOTE I am a literary animal.

For me, everything ends in literature.

-Carlos Fuentes

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

PAGE 31

DIPLOMATIC CIRCUIT The U.S. believes in you – Ambassador McCulley tells Nigeria's women entrepreneurs . . . Pledges security support to the nation

Stories by Abdulkadir Isa

T

he official launch of Nigeria Chapter of the African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program, AWEP Nigeria, on May 9th highlights the importance of Nigeria’s women contributions to nation building and economic growth for the country.

Ambassador Terence P. McCulley applauded the incredible drive and spirit of Nigerian women, and urged them to take full advantage of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to export products to the U.S. He said “AWEP recognizes that women in many ways hold the key to economic growth – the key to the future.”

He told the women that they are the living examples of what will keep Nigeria strong for years to come: “leaders with strong character, indomitable will, and civic responsibility to their homeland.”

Through the AWEP initiative, the U.S. Government has provided African women entrepreneurs with a virtual forum on the Internet to make connections, establish partnerships, develop leadership skills, and receive top-notch training through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

AWEP International President, Mrs. Sylvia Banda, said the Nigeria chapter is the fifteenth to be launched on the continent. The President of AWEP Nigeria is Mrs.Yemisi Iranloye, while Hajiya Ammuna Lawan Ali is Chairperson of the Board of Trustees.

The Honorable Minister of Women Affairs was represented by Permanent Secretary Dr. HabibaLawan, who read the keynote address, articulating the ministry’s support to AWEP Nigeria. The Special Adviser to the Central Bank Governor on Sustainable

Ambassador Terence P. McCulley (R) delivers a speech at the event.

Photo: US Embassy

Banking, Dr. A’isha Usman Mahmood, spoke about funding opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

In a related development, the United States says it values the strong partnership it has with Nigeria and respects the role Nigeria plays on the world stage.

In a press release issued by the U.S mission in Nigeria, the mission stated that”We remain deeply concerned about

increasing insecurity in Northern Nigeria and the potential threat it poses to stability in both Nigeria and the region. The rising cycle of violence is affecting Nigerian citizens the most, with the number of civilian casualties increasing.

The April attacks in Baga, with reports indicating civilians indiscriminately killed and homes and businesses wantonly

burned, demonstrate the extent to which the Nigerian people continue to suffer from this violence”. President Goodluck Jonathan in a response to the latest spate of bombings, declared a state of emergency in some states in the northern part of the country – Borno, Adamawa and Yobe. The statement further read, “Counterterrorism and counterinsurgency campaigns

are complex and difficult. As a partner, we seek to find ways to help Nigeria build its capacity to address multiple threats to its security”.

Hundreds of Nigerians have died within the last two weeks civilians and military men alike. Law enforcement was most hit in Nasarrawa state when Police clash with the Ombatse cult accounting for about a hundred deaths.

growing over the years, and said that his visit was to get primary information about how to build on the already existing relations.

He said ``when two people get together, the momentum that will come up will be much better and will be very rewarding to both countries.''

The air chief marshal said that in spite of the expansion, the Pakistan Air Force had compassion and morale reasons to listen to requests from a

brotherly country like Nigeria. ``We will do this even if we have to sacrifice our requirements to help the Nigerian Air Force. ``So, we will continue discussions to find out what we can gain from each other and help each other and we will try and do all these as tangible as possible.''

His Nigerian counterpart Ola Sa'ad Ibrahim said Pakistan and Nigeria have a lot in

common, adding that the Nigerian Air Force had a very rich history ``as it trains its officers in various parts of the globe''.

He said the Nigerian Air Force was the most visible in the sub-region and had been instrumental to the deployment of forces to many troubled areas.

Ibrahim added that ``what apparently unites us now is what we teach in our colleges, especially in crisis

management. ``A few of the officers who trained with you came home with a lot of experiences and a lot of ideas about how to solve peculiar challenges.''

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, who had earlier received the Pakistan air chief, noted that when he visited Pakistan, he discovered that the Air Force was self-sufficient ``as they do so many things by themselves''.

Pakistan to partner Nigeria in aviation

P

akistan is to partner Nigeria to strengthen ties in the area of aviation and training, the Pakistani Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Butt, has said.

The Pakistan air chief who is on a five-day visit to Nigeria, said this on Tuesday when he visited the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Admiral Ola Ibrahim, in Abuja.

Butt noted that relations between Pakistan Air Force and the Nigerian Air Force had been

PAGE 32

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

Thousands down tool at South Africa mine

Rustenburg mining town.

Al Jazeera's Tania Page, reporting from Johannesburg, tweeted that Lonmin management were unsure about the motives behind the strike, but that protests were peaceful.

The workers were singing and dancing on the streets, according to a witness.

The strikes come amid growing union rivalry in the region where 34 miners were last year gunned down by police during a wildcat strike at

Lonmin's Marikana mines.

Last Saturday, four unidentified men killed a mining union leader Mawethu Steven as he was watching football in a bar in Rustenburg.

Steven was a member of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) which has recorded growing membership at the mine.

The union leader was due to testify at a judicial inquiry into last year's killings by police of

striking mineworkers, an incident which shocked the world and brought back memories of apartheid police brutality.

Meanwhile, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), a rival union, alleged the striking workers were intimidating its representatives.

"There is intimidation and violence. They are singing and dancing and have blocked roads," the group said.

"Cars are being turned away.

It's really bad," Mxhasi Sithethi, a regional coordinator for the NUM, said from Rustenburg.

Gideon du Plessis, deputy general secretary of the Solidarity trade union which represents skilled workers, said he understood AMCU was demanding the NUM close its office at Lonmin.

Police said they were monitoring the situation but there were no plans at this stage to increase their presence. That would change should the protest escalate and spread beyond Lonmin's immediate properties, they said.

"We are just doing our normal patrols," said Thulani Ngubane, police spokesman for the Northwest province, where Lonmin's operations are based.

"At this point there is no march, there is nothing on the streets of Marikana."

AMCU was recently recognised as the majority union at Lonmin and at neighbouring Anglo American Platinum, dislodging the powerful NUM from the top position.

organised by civil society groups, was intended to portray the MPs as greedy.

The MPs are demanding a monthly salary of about $10,000 (ÂŁ6,540).

Kenya's Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has recommended that their salaries be pegged at around $6,300.

Kenya's MPs are among the highest paid in the world, and

their salaries have often triggered controversy.

The average annual salary in Kenya is about $1,700.

"We have spilled the blood of the pigs to show that the MPs are greedy like pigs," said Boniface Mwangi, an organiser of the "Occupy Parliament" march.

He and other organisers were arrested by police, Reuters news agency reports.

Riot police hit protesters and fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, which had marched from Nairobi's Freedom Corner.

The pig and piglets - brought in a truck - did not seem to be affected by the tear gas, and continued licking the blood, our reporter adds.

Earlier, protesters blocked MPs from entering parliament and demanded that they sign a petition rejecting a $10,000 salary.

Our correspondent says she saw only one MP signing the petition, though she is not sure he knew what he was signing.

Tuesday's protest comes just days after newly elected

President Uhuru Kenyatta added his voice to the clamour against MPs increasing their pay and allowances, the Standard reports.

Kenya held presidential and parliamentary elections in March.

Parliament is made up of 416 MPs - 349 in the National Assembly and 67 in the Senate.

Our correspondent says some MPs have threatened to push for the scrapping of the SRC if it failed to yield to their demands.

The MPs say they deserve a $10,000 salary because they work very hard.

They also argue that they spend some of the money on their constituents - sometimes even paying for their school fees, our reporter adds.

MPs in the previous parliament awarded themselves a $107,000 retirement bonus in one of the last sessions before the election.

The package also provided them with an armed guard, a diplomatic passport and access to airport VIP lounges.

Cote d'Ivoire to open embassy in Doha to boost relations with Qatar

C

ote d'Ivoire's President Alassane Ouattara announced on Monday that "soon" his country will open an embassy in Doha to reinforce relations with Qatar.

The Cote d'Ivoire president was speaking during the second day of his 72 hours official visit to Qatar.

A press statement from the Cote d'Ivoire presidency that was sent to Xinhua indicated that Ouattara met on Monday with the Emir of Qatar, CheickHamad Ben Khalifa AlThani, with "whom they discussed the state of relations between Cote d'Ivoire and Qatar, and the need to reinforce the relations."

"In this regard, the president announced that very soon, Cote d'Ivoire will open an embassy in Doha to materialize the reinforcement of the cooperation ties," the statement indicated.

The Cote d'Ivoire president said that he had sought the support of the emir of Qatar for the construction of a road linking Cote d'Ivoire to Burkina Faso and measuring 1,000 km long as well as the increase of electricity production through the use of liquified gas.

After having held talks with his host, Ouattara met with the Qatar economic operators to inform them about the business opportunities in Cote d'Ivoire.

He especially encouraged Qatari investors to invest in Cote d'Ivoire's mining, agriculture, energy, petroleum, commerce and infrastructure sectors.

The Cote d'Ivoire president is scheduled to leave Doha on Wednesday, heading to Bruxelles in Belgium.

The Marikana massacre in late 2012 drew comparisons with apartheid era police brutality [Getty Images]

T

housands of mine workers have downed tools at South Africa's Lonmin mine after a union leader was shot dead in the restive platinum belt at the weekend, a company official said.

"Lonmin operations are suspended this morning due to an illegal work stoppage," Sue Vey, a spokeswoman for Lonmin told, told the AFP news agency on Tuesday, adding that work had stopped at all of the firm's 13 shafts in the northwestern

Nairobi hit by pig protest over MPs pay

P

rotesters in Kenya have released a pig and about a dozen piglets outside parliament to show their anger at newly elected MPs demanding higher salaries.

The animals licked blood spilled by a protester outside the parliamentary gates in the capital, Nairobi, reports the BBC's Anne Mawathe from the scene.

The unusual demonstration,

Botswana ranked 2nd most attractive foreign investment destination

B

otswana has been ranked as the second most attractive location for foreign investment by a famous American magazine.

Botswana's Office of the President on Tuesday quoted the first edition of the Baseline Profitability Index (BPI) issued by the foreign policy as saying Botswana is ranked second in the world in the index.

The Index measure 102 countries and regions on their potential for returns on foreign direct investment.

The rankings are based on the security and rate of return on investment.

The index looks at issues of political stability, good governance and levels of corruption as well as economic growth and levels of opportunity

in the context of three key factors: asset growth, preservation of value, and repatriation of capital.

The BPI compares how local policies and conditions would affect investment. It also assumes that the investor reinvests the asset's returns during the five-year period, then sells the asset and brings all the money home. Source: Xinhua

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

PAGE 33

Saudi Arabia sees more SARS-like virus cases Asia and

S

audi Arabia has confirmed four new cases of the SARSlike coronavirus in its Eastern Province, state media has reported, citing the health ministry.

The health ministry said that one of the four new cases had been treated and the patient had

been released from hospital, while the three other new cases were still being treated, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

On Sunday, Saudi Arabia said it had a total of 24 confirmed cases since the disease was identified last year, of whom 15 had died.

World Health Organisation officials visiting Saudi Arabia to consult with the authorities on the outbreak said on Sunday it seemed likely the new virus could be passed between humans, but only after prolonged, close contact.

The new virus (nCov) can

cause coughing, fever and pneumonia. A virus from the same family triggered the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) that swept the world after emerging in Asia and killed 775 people in 2003.

French authorities

Middle East

announced on Sunday that a second man had been diagnosed with the disease after sharing a hospital room with France’s only other sufferer, who had recently travelled in the Middle East.

Rohingya boats sink off west Burma,dozens missing

B

oats carrying about 200 Rohingya Muslims who were evacuating ahead of a storm have capsized off western Myanmar, killing all but one person, UN officials have said.

The vessels hit trouble on Monday night after leaving Pauktaw township in Rakhine state, said a spokeswoman for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

"They were travelling to another camp ahead of the cyclone," the spokeswoman added.

Kirsten Mildren, who works for the same UN agency, told Al Jazeera there was only one confirmed survivor from Monday's accident.

The victims were trying to escape Cyclone Mahasen which is expected on Thursday and Friday.

The UN has warned the storm could lead to "life-threatening conditions".

Myanmar state television said on Monday that thousands ofpeople displaced by communal violence last year had been evacuated from makeshift camps to safer ground in the event of the storm.

The report said authorities had moved 5,158 people from low-lying camps in the Rakhine state capital, Sittwe, to safer shelter.

But human rights groups said that the government has been too slow to act, and ignored earlier warnings to provide shelter to displaced people.

"The Burmese government didn't heed the repeated warnings by governments and humanitarian aid groups to relocate displaced Muslims ahead of Burma's rainy season," said Brad Adams, Human Rights Watch Asia director.

"If the government fails to evacuate those at risk, any disaster that results will not be natural, but man-made," he said.

Wayne Hay, reporting from

Sittwe, said: "The eye of the storm is not expected to hit Myanmar, but the people in camps - home to more than 100,000 - are extremely vulnerable to conditions we may see over the next few days."

"These include strong winds, heavy rains and a possible surge from the ocean of up to 1.5 metres.

The local government has been moving people ... but people in camps aren't trusting what they are trying to get them to do. Some say they are being asked to move to more dangerous places," our correspondent said.

The state television report said displaced people were moved in 10 other townships in western Myanmar where communal violence flared last year between Muslims and Buddhists, taking hundreds of lives and leaving more than 100,000 people homeless. It did not give the number of people evacuated in those locations.

Myanmar is a predominantly Buddhist country but about 5 percent of its 60 million people are Muslims. They face a growing antiMuslim campaign led by radical Buddhist monks.

Cyclone Mahasen is expected to hit neighbouring Bangladesh on Thursday or Friday.

Images taken by NASA's Aqua satellite on Monday showed the storm's centre northeast of Sri Lanka with it packing winds of up to 50 knots (92km per hour). Those winds are expected to increase to 130km per hour as the storm moves north.

The space agency said it "sees a strengthening" of the storm and forecasts an upgrade to a Cyclone 1 level by Wednesday.

"The current forecast track ... takes the centre of Mahasen just north of Chittagong early on May 17 and into northern Burma," it said.

Officials in the Bangladeshi town of Cox's Bazar near the border with Myanmar said medical teams with as many as 30,000 Red Crescent volunteers were being formed.

Female PKK guerilla fighters

PKK fighters arrive in Iraq under peace deal

T

he 13 men and women arrived in the area of Heror near Metina mountain on the Turkish-Iraqi border on Tuesday and were greeted by comrades from the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in a symbolic step towards ending a three-decades-old insurgency.

They were carrying Kalashnikov assault rifles, light machine guns and rocketpropelled grenade launchers and had rucksacks on their backs.

After the welcome, the apparently-exhausted fighters put down their weapons and warmed themselves at a fire.

"We faced many difficulties because of rain and snow" during seven days on the road, one of the fighters said, adding that they were observed by Turkish aircraft.

PKK fighters began leaving their positions in southeast Turkey on May 8 after a ceasefire declared by Abdullah Ocalan, their jailed leader, in March to end a conflict that has killed 40,000 people.

"We ask the Turkish side to be

sincere with us so we can achieve the common interest," said CigerGewker, who spoke on behalf of the arriving fighters.

"The next step is up to Turkey.

If they deal with our move in a positive manner it will be quicker," he said.

Omar Al Saleh, reporting from Bamerni near Turkey's border, said there was worrying signs among some of the PKK fighters who arrived in northern Iraq.

He quoted the leader of the group as saying that they were "ready for peace" and were obeying the PKK leader's call to withdraw but others were sceptical about whether Turkey would implement the peace deal.

Some 2,000 PKK fighters are based in Turkey and will join several thousand of their comrades in their bases in northern Iraq in a process expected to take several months.

The PKK, designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union, is seeking political reforms to boost Kurdish rights in exchange for bringing the

conflict to an end.

A permanent peace could transform Turkey's impoverished Kurdish-majority southeast, where investment has remained scarce and infrastructure insufficient due to the threat of clashes.

Turkey is believed to be home to the largest single community of ethnic Kurds, who are scattered across Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria.

Iraq's federal government, which has made repeated complaints to Turkey about air and artillery strikes targeting the PKK in its territory, is not pleased that more of the group's fighters will enter the country.

The foreign ministry said in a statement last week that while the Iraqi government welcomes any settlement that ends the PKK-Turkey conflict, it "does not accept the entry of armed groups into its territory".

But it is Kurdish, not federal, security forces (Peshmerga) who man Iraq's border with Turkey and ultimately decide who enters the region.

Philippine polls give president solid control

P

hilippine President Benigno Aquino has won an unprecedented control of the two chambers of Congress after midterm elections.

The victory will boost hopes for his reforms to sustain growth and alleviate poverty.

Unofficial votes tallies on Tuesday showed that Aquino's allies were poised to gain control of the Senate, with his coalition winning nine of a dozen seats up for grabs.

The reformist president also appears to keep an

overwhelming majority in the House of Representatives, becoming the country's only president to enjoy a clear majority in Congress since democracy was restored in 1986.

"This is a strong result and a clear endorsement of Aquino's reform agenda on which he now looks likely to make more progress as he gains control of the Senate," said EubenParacuelles, a Singaporean economist who works with Nomura, an investment bank.

But the political comeback of

ousted former President Joseph Estrada, the leader of the opposition, who won as mayor of the capital Manila, could restrain Aquino's reform momentum beyond his term, which ends in 2016.

Results showed Estrada and his ally, the incumbent Vice President JejomarBinay, remain a formidable force in Philippine politics and could stop Aquino's chosen successor from winning the next presidential elections in 2016.

Aquino, the only son of late

president Corazon Aquino and her assassinated former senator husband, also called Benigno Aquino, won the presidency in 2010 on a platform of good governance and fighting corruption to cut poverty.

With impressive popularity ratings of more than 70 percent, Aquino has overseen a revival of investor interest in the country thanks to strong growth rates, improving public finances and his antigraft drive.

The economy grew 6.6 percent in 2012, the fastest in the region after China. It also narrowed its fiscal gap and earned credit upgrades to investment grade in the last two months.

While allegations of votebuying and fraud, and some incidents of violence, disrupted balloting in some places in the provinces, election organisers declared the vote a success.

The Election Commission expects to announce the winning senators yesterday.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

PAGE 34

Europe and Americas Hospital probes East German ‘human guinea pig’ drug test

A

top Berlin hospital plans to investigate the conduct of drug trials in the former East Germany amid allegations that some patients were used as human guinea pigs.

Communist officials allowed Western firms to test new drugs on about 50,000 people, often without their knowledge, the news magazine Der Spiegel says.

Now the Charite hospital says it will stop shredding old patient records and investigate what happened.

Der Spiegel says it got the information from former East German health ministry records, the old Stasi secret police files, the former state’s pharmaceutical authority and private collections.

Drug companies from West Germany, Switzerland and the US allegedly offered up to 800,000 Deutschmarks (about 400,000 euros; $520,000) per clinical study - foreign exchange that was much needed in the underfunded East German health service.

In a statement, the Charite hospital said that “as a first step, Charite has stopped the usual shredding of decades-old files after expiry of the storage period. This is in order to reconstruct the course of action in particular cases as fully as possible.”

Prof Volker Hess of Charite’s medical history institute said the conduct of the East German clinical trials should be reexamined, to find out the degree of patient consent and how undesirable side-effects were handled. The study should also compare East Germany’s medical procedures with those that were standard in the West at the time, he said.

Germany’s Union of Research-based Pharmaceutical Companies (VFA) welcomed the idea of researching the old East German clinical trials. The VFA’s members account for about two-thirds of the German pharmaceutical market.

“According to our knowledge, the standards for clinical trials in the GDR corresponded to the prevailing standards at the time,” said the VFA’s chief executive Birgit Fischer. “GDR law provided guidelines for clinical tests which were comparable with those of Western states and the US.”

Russia to expel US diplomat accused of spying

R

ussia has detained an alleged American CIA agent working undercover at the US embassy who was discovered with a large stash of money trying to recruit a Russian agent, officials said on Tuesday.

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) identified the man as Ryan Fogle, the third secretary of the political section of Washington's embassy in Moscow, and said he had been handed back to the embassy after his detention.

The foreign ministry said it was summoning US ambassador Michael McFaul on Wednesday for an explanation and slammed Washington for what it described as "provocative acts in the spirit of the Cold War." Photographs published by the state English-language broadcaster RT showed a baseball-capped Fogle being held to the ground face down and having his hands put behind his back for the arrest.

He was then shown being questioned at the Federal Security Service while

Ryan Fogle documents such as his passport and a stack of 500-euro notes along with some letters were displayed.

The FSB footage also displayed supposed espionage equipment including wigs, a torch, compass and even a

mundane atlas of Moscow as well as a somewhat oldfashioned mobile phone.

The FSB said in a statement carried by Russian news agencies that Fogle was carrying "special technical equipment, written

instructions for recruiting a Russian citizen, a large sum of money and means for changing a person's appearance."

In a video that RT said was provided by the FSB, Fogle is seen sitting down as a man, presumably a Russian security officer, tells the suspect about his alleged crime.

He is then accused of offering $100,000 for espionage to a security service employee who is involved in counterinsurgency work in the Russian North Caucasus.

"We did not believe this at first, because as you know the FSB has been actively helping the investigation of the Boston blasts," the officer says as Fogle and three men silently listen with arms crossed.

The incident comes amid a new downturn in Russian-US relations sparked by the Syrian crisis and concern in Washington over what it sees as president Vladimir Putin's crackdown on all dissent.

The last major spy row between the two former Cold War rivals involved the

Oil company offices raided in EU pricing probe

T

he offices of several firms involved in the oil market have been raided by European Commission officials.

The commission said it had concerns that “the companies may have colluded in reporting distorted prices”.

It did not name the firms, and said the raids did not mean the

companies were guilty of any charges.

BP, Royal Dutch Shell, Norway’s Statoil and the pricing agency Platts confirmed that they were working with the authorities in their inquiries.

The investigation relates to the pricing of oil, refined products and biofuels.

The EU called the raids “unannounced inspections”.

They are seen as a preliminary step in an investigation into suspected anti-competitive practices.

Platts said: “The European Commission has undertaken a review at its premises in London this morning in

relation to the Platts priceassessment process. Platts is cooperating fully with the European Commission’s review.”

BP said in statement: “We are co-operating fully with the investigation and are unable to comment further at this time.”

France mulls tax on internet devices

French President Francois Hollande (R) waves goodbye at journalists in the courtyard of the Elysee Palace. he French government is 86m euros (£73m) could be considering introducing a raised per year.

1% tax on the sale of The bid is based on France's smartphones and tablets to help so-called "cultural exception" fund French film, music and policy, which aims to protect images. culture from market forces and The proposal estimates some foreign competition.

T

Broadcasters already pay fees to fund cultural projects but firms like Google and Apple are currently exempt.

The proposal was released as part of a government-funded report specifically examining the rise of digital content.

The study, led by the former CEO of French pay-TV channel Canal Plus, Pierre Lescure, proposed a total of 75 measures to "protect the cultural exception in the face of digital innovation".

The report said taxing internet devices could help fund culture because consumers were spending more money on hardware than on content.

"Today we have extremely sophisticated technological equipment that is extremely expensive to buy, but which contributes nothing to the financing of the works that circulate on that same equipment," Culture Minister AurelieFilipetti said following the release of the report.

"Companies that make these tablets must, in a minor way, be made to contribute part of

the revenue from their sales to help creators."

She added that the cultural exception remained "a battle for France".

Lawmakers will spend the summer reviewing legislation based on the report's recommendations.

The "culture tax" was likely to be included in a budget law to be submitted to parliament in November, Ms Filipetti said.

Last year, France became embroiled in a row with Google over government plans to tax the company's revenue made from posting ads alongside online search results.

The dispute was settled in February after Google agreed to create a 60m euro fund to help French media organisations improve their internet operations.

The cultural exception policy, introduced in France in 1993, asserts that cultural goods are to be treated differently from other commercial goods.

In particular, it is aimed at shielding French culture from the spread of US films.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

PAGE 35

1,500 unwanted Facebook guests show up for girl’s birthday party

F

acebook is one powerful tool, and a 16-year-old German girl found that out the hard way, after she forgot to set her Facebook birthday party invitation as private and had her celebration crashed by 1,500 strangers.

The girl, known only as Thessa, had originally planned to invite only a few friends over at her house in HamburgBramfeld, but mistakingly published the invitation on Facebook so that everyone could see it. Before long, the invitation went viral and around 15,000 people confirmed they would come to the party, even though they didn't even know the girl.

When Thessa's parents found out, they made her cancel the invitation, announced the police and hired a private security firm to guard their house on the big day.

Even though public announcements that the party had been cancelled were made in hamburg, some 1,500 people showed up in front of Thessa's house ready to party.

Some of them had banners asking 'Where is Thessa', others brought presents, home-made cake, and plenty of alcohol, but they were all ready for a good time, and the 100 policemen present on the scene weren't going to stop them. They started singing 'Thessa, celebrating a birthday is not a crime', in relation with the massive police presence on the premises, and although eleven

revelers were detained, a police officer was injured and dozens of girls wearing flip-flops cut their feet on broken glass,

Thessa's party was abig hit.

Unfortunately, the birthday girl didn't get to enjoy her own birthday party, as German

newspapers report she was out celebrating with her grandparents, at an undisclosed location. Photos don't really say

much, but check out the video at the bottom for some real mayhem.

Source: oddditycentral.com

Brazilian company offers fake Facebook girlfriends for $20

D

o you want to make your ex-girlfriend by hooking up with a hot chick on Facebook? Are your parents pressuring you to go out and get a date? Are you tired of being teased about not having a girlfriend? If any of this sounds familiar, know that there's hope for you yet. It's called Namoro Fake, and it's a Brazilian company that offers fake Facebook girlfriends, for a fee.

Just because you couldn't get a girlfriend if your life depended on it, doesn't mean all your friends have to know about it.

What if you could make it seem like you're dating this beautiful woman, who seems crazy about you that she leave romantic comments on your profile every single day? That would probably make you look cool in front of your friends and maybe even score some points with the ladies in real life, right? Well, that's probably all the guys that are using Namoro Fake's services are thinking, anyway.

The Brazilian company offers guys the chance at a fake virtual relationship for as little as $10.

The relationship may not be real, but the girls behind the profiles certainly are. Namoro

Fake hires female Facebook users to act as girlfriends, and apparently splits the proceeds with them. Since you'll be sending them the exact messages you want posted on your Wall, all they have to do is paste the messages and keep their profiles active to make

them seem more real. If you purchase the expensive packages, they'll even list you in their relationship status. Users can choose their girlfriend from various Facebook profiles listed on the company's website.

But why would you want to pay for a fake Facebook

girlfriend? According to Namoro Fake, there are a number of reasons: to make an ex-girlfriend jealous, show people how quickly you've moved on after a breakup, stop friends and family from pressuring and questioning you about a girlfriend, or just to make you more attractive to real

women and boost your selfesteem. The company says their service fixes all of the above problems, but you'll have to fork out some dough for it. The budget plan costs just 10 Brazilian reals ($5), but it will only keep the flame alive for 3 days, and includes just 3 comments from the girl. Then there's the 19 reals ($9) plan which ups the period to a whole week and 5 comments, the 39 reals ($20) girlfriend plan, also valid for a week, but which includes 10 comments and a relationship status. The "Virtual Girlfriend" package costs 99 reals ($48), is valid for 30 days and includes 30 comments and a relationship status. Believe it or not, the service has been so successful that there are currently no fake girlfriends available for hire.Namoro Fake only caters to guys looking for fake girlfriends, but it's working on a similar service for women. The website makes it clear that although there are real women behind the Facebook profiles, info on their real identities will not be provided.

If this seems to expensive to you, there's always the 5$ fake girlfriend service on Girlfriend Hire.

Source: CNBC

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

Reading articles about health and disease can make you feel ill

By Emma Innes

S

care stories about illnesses may trigger symptoms in some people, according to a new study.

Researchers found that media reports about substances that are supposedly dangerous to health may cause 'suggestible' people to develop symptoms - even though there is no objective reason for them to do so.

Researchers studied the phenomenon known as e l e c t r o m a g n e t i c hypersensitivity, which is associated with mobile phone

Symptoms can feel very real even though there is nothing wrong with a person

use.

Doctor Michael Witthvft, of Johannes Gutenberg University in Germany, said: 'There is a considerable body of evidence that e l e c t r o m a g n e t i c hypersensitivity might actually be the result of a socalled "nocebo" effect.

'The mere anticipation of possible injury may actually trigger pain or disorders. This is the opposite of the analgesic effects we know can be associated with exposure to placebos.'

The study illustrates how media reports about health hazards may trigger or amplify 'nocebo' effects in some people.

For example, people who are sensitive to electromagnetic fields report symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, burning or tingling sensations on their skin, after watching or reading reports into the dangers.

Dr Witthvft said: 'Tests have shown that the people affected are unable to tell if they have really been exposed to an electromagnetic field.

'In fact, their symptoms are triggered in exactly the same way if they are exposed to genuine and sham fields.'

As part of the study, 147 test subjects were first shown a television report.

One group of participants watched a BBC documentary, which dealt with the potential health hazards supposedly

Reports about disease and hazardous substances can make people anxious about developing conditions and cause them to develop symptoms associated with mobile phones and WiFi signals.

The other group watched a report on the security of internet and mobile phone data.

Then all the subjects in both groups were exposed to fake WiFi signals that they were told were real.

Even though they were not exposed to any radiation, some of the subjects developed characteristic symptoms - more than half

of the subjects reported experiencing agitation and anxiety, loss of concentration or tingling in their fingers, arms, legs, and feet.

Two even left the study prematurely because their symptoms were so severe that they no longer wanted to be exposed to the assumed radiation.

It became apparent that the symptoms were most severe among the subjects

who had high pre-existing anxiety as a result of viewing the documentary about the possible hazards of electromagnetic radiation.

Dr Witthvft said the study demonstrates that 'sensationalised' reports on potential risks, which often lack scient ific evidence, can have a significant effect on the health of large sections of the population.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

'Friends and fun' reduce the physical pain of breast cancer

By Rachel Reilly

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reast cancer patients who enjoy an active social life are better able to deal with the pain and other physical symptoms of breast cancer.

'This study provides research-based evidence that social support helps with physical symptoms,' said lead author Candyce Kroenke, staff scientist with the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research.

'Social support matters in terms of physical outcomes.'

The study is among the first to examine exactly how social relationships influence quality of life in breast cancer patients.

It also found that help with household tasks and errands was most useful to those with the symptoms of late-stage cancer.

'While hundreds of studies have examined the role of factors influencing cancer risk and prevention, this study is one of a small but growing number that focus quality of life after a breast cancer diagnosis,' Kroenke

The study found that women with a number of good friends experienced less pain - both physical and emotional - when undergoing treatment for breast cancer said.

The study included 3,139 female members of Kaiser Permanente in Northern California who were newly diagnosed with breast cancer between 2006 and 2011.

Within two months of their diagnosis, participants answered detailed questionnaires on their social networks, the kinds of support they received, their emotional and physical

quality of life, and the physical symptoms from their breast cancer.

Women with the highest levels of social interaction with the biggest friendship groups or a number of close

friends - were most likely to report the best overall quality of life during cancer treatment.

Higher levels of social support were also related to better emotional quality of life.

In particular, having fun with friends was seen as the most important predictor of physical quality of life.

Those who had little or no fun with friends were three times more likely to report a low quality of life and greater physical symptoms.

'Positive social interaction was significantly related to every quality-of-life measure,' Kroenke and coauthors wrote.

The impact of tangible support for breast cancer patients - such as doing chores, bringing them to the doctor, or providing food - was also strong among late-stage patients: those with low levels of such support were almost three times more likely to report that their quality of life was worse than average Source: Dailymail.co.uk

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

Eberiye says APC will be the party to beat in 2015

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he former Progressive Action Congress (PAC) governorship candidate in Bayelsa, Chief Eberiye Saturday, has expressed optimism that All Progressives Congress (APC) will rule the country in 2015.

Saturday made the remarks in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.

According to him, Nigerians are already tired because they cannot feel the impact of the dividends of democracy as promised, adding that it was only APC that would rescue the country from its present situation.

He said that political parties in this country had had alliances and coalitions, but not merger, and that was the reason why APC would clinch the power in 2015.

He said that in spite of the initial hurdles facing the merger earlier, APC had come to stay and it would take over power from the ruling party in 2015.

He expressed optimism that APC would do a lot for Nigeria, and it would also change the way politics was being played in Nigeria.

“Politics of personality is divisive; it uses things that divide like religion and ethnic sentiments, but ideas based politics unites everybody.

“This is the more reason why we have agreed to put an end to the present situation in the country.

“We have leaders of repute coming together from various political parties in the country in an agreement to solve our problems.’’

The former governorship candidate also stressed that the reason behind the formation of the APC was not to compete for political power, but to solve the problems currently facing the country.

Our interest is not just to form government or produce governors and other officers, but we also want to solve the problems of Nigeria.”

On the security situation of the country, Saturday said that the situation called for a concerted effort and not the responsibilities of the government alone.

He, however, urged the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency create jobs for unemployed, especially the youth in order to avoid a situation of restiveness.

He urged the SSS to be more proactive in intelligence gathering as it was the only hope to fighting terrorism in the country. (NAN)

PAGE 37

‘Emergency rule won’t stop insurgents’ P

ublicity Secretary of Civil Liberty Organisation (CLO) in Rivers, Mr Livingstone Wechie, has called for dialogue between government aggrieved parties in troubled spots.

Wechie made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt

recently.

According to him, the call for state of emergency in some Northern states will not solve the problems that have brought about suspicion and mistrust between government and the insurgents.

He argued that any infringement of the people’s

rights, especially freedom of movement, should be rejected.

“It will be very wrong for our government to use the wrong approach in correcting a wrong thing; the insecurity in the North we know is worrisome.

“But we should not go all out to be despotic if we must protect and preserve the integrity of this

L-R: Senate President, David Mark, with Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, after the Senate PDP caucus meeting, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

nation as a democratic state,’’ Wechie said.

The publicity scribe said that the country was not ready to be blacklisted as one of the nations that had no regard for human rights.

He explained that state of emergency would further create more problems for the country than cementing its unity.

Wechie noted that there was serious tension and suspicion already, adding that what we need now is dialogue.

He urged the Federal Government not to succumb to the call for emergency, and said that it could shake the foundation of the nation’s co-existence.

The publicity scribe said that it was imperative for the government to support the Presidential Committee on Boko Haram and other insurgencies in order to come up with some positive measures.

He expressed optimism that the committee would deliver on its mandate, calling on aggrieved Nigerians to have faith in the ingenuity of the committee.

Wechie explained that the committee’s success was dependent upon the nation’s willingness to cooperate with them.

He urged the Northern leaders and other stakeholders to utilise the existing opportunity to bring to an end the present insurgency to further avert the nation’s towards anarchy.

The CLO Publicity Secretary commended the Federal Government for driving people oriented government programmes, adding that they should do more across the nation in terms of infrastructure development. (NAN)

Respect human rights, NBA advises Oyo govt

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he Ibadan chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has advised the Oyo State Government to ensure that its policies do not infringe on the rights of citizens.

The Chairman of the branch, Mr Oluseun Abimbola, gave the advice on Tuesday in Ibadan in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Abimbola warned against unlegislated policies embarked upon by some agencies of the government, saying they were against the rights of the people.

“I urge that before any executive action is taken, there is the need to ensure that executive policies are properly legislated without breaching any existing law and legal rights.

“We have, in our characteristic style as executive of the branch, made several constructive and direct engagements with the state government, ministries and their agencies.

“Regrettably, much has not changed with the several extra-legal policies introduced in the last one year,’’ he said.

Abimbola cited the Land Use Charge Law 2012 in which corporate bodies in the state were served with varying assessment rates for payment as land use charge.

“We addressed the government on this in November 2012, and it got an initial attention with an immediate suspension of implementation.

“However, private business

owners have reached us to intervene as consultants and the ministry charged with the responsibility of implementation has continued to threaten to enforce the policy,’’ he said.

Abimbola, who also reacted to the ongoing urban renewal projects of the state government, said: “No doubt, the state is wearing a developing look; however, one of the enthronement of the rule of law in any clime is not just to prevent tyranny, but to save us from ourselves.

“It is bad enough that in Nigeria, governments are quick to exercise their powers under the Land Use Act to acquire private properties for public purposes.

“They, however, do not show the

same diligence to the computation and payment of due compensation to displaced owners or occupiers leading to numerous unnecessary law suits,’’ he said.

Abimbola warned against setting up of mobile courts by the state Ministry of Environment to summarily try matters considered a breach of environmental law.

He appealed to magistrates to ensure that allegations brought before them constituted a known offence under the state criminal laws.

“We should avoid citizens being wrongly punished for infringing an executive order, as we are yet to know whether this action is backed by any legislation,’’ he said.

(NAN)

PAGE 38

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

Okoh, Anglican Primate, opposes emergency rule

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L-R: Osun state Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and Senator Kabir Gaya, during All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) National Convention, recently in Gusau, Zamfara state.

Nwodo says social security stipend is key to curtailment of insecurity in Nigeria

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hief Charles Nwodo, the former National Chairman of the defunct Progressive Action Congress (PAC), has identified social security as key to curbing insurgency in Nigeria.

Nwodo made the remark in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He said that the rising insecurity could not be divorced from frustration among the marginalised that need social security as succour or rather a palliative measure to widespread hunger and disillusionment induced by abject poverty.

According to him, the huge amount of money being voted for combating insecurity has failed to yield any significant result because the symptoms are being tackled instead of the root cause.

He said that insurgency, kidnapping, pipeline

vandalism and armed robbery, which pervaded the country, would not be tackled by military strategies alone.

Nwodo said that the anger among the citizens stemmed from the pang of hunger among the jobless, school dropouts and even graduates “If people have food to eat, roof over their heads, education and good health, they will have no reason to be violent.

“This is because no one in a comfortable condition will think of engaging in violence, knowing fully well that he or she may end up in prison custody,” he said.

Nwodo said that if Federal Government provided stipends to the unemployed it would ease tension in the land and bring back sanity among youths, who got converted easily as tools of violence.

He commended the Federal Government’s move

towards monitoring of Internet with a view to checking cyber crimes.

Nwodo said it was a welcome development in as much as it did not interfere with people’s privacy.

“The amount voted for the project should be approved by National Assembly in order not to talk of solving one insecurity challenge and creating another problem that will cause insecurity in future.

“This is a very critical moment where those who engage in violent crimes have devised means of hiding behind technology to perfect their nefarious acts,” he said.

He, however, urged the Federal Government to ensure that the proposed Internet monitoring was done in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

He also advised the relevant

agencies handling the installation of the Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTVs) to ensure their functionality.

“The Boston bombing for example, the USA security agents were able to apprehend the perpetrators within 48 hours with the aid of CCTV mounted in the areas.

“This is the type of scenario we want in this country and not just voting huge amount of money for security for its sake,” Nwodo said He also urged the government to give priority attention to education, agriculture, health among others as this attention would go a long way in tackling the security challenge facing the country.

He observed that with good education, availability of healthcare facilities and well paid jobs, people would have no business in engaging in violence and criminality. (NAN)

Okorocha explains dismantling of PHCN installations

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ov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo has explained that the dismantling of PHCN installations on major roads in Owerri is in line with the transformation and beatification of the state capital.

Inspecting facilities under construction in Owerri on Tuesday, Okorocha said arrangements had been perfected to lay the cables

underground to ensure decency in the city.

He urged the citizens of the state to assist the government in actualising the task by complying with the sanitary conditions prescribed by the administration.

At the abandoned Sam Mbakwe dual carriage road, Okorocha urged the Commissioner for Works, Mr Opara Ndudu, to ensure its

completion through direct labor.

The governor said the state executive council had resolved to confiscate equipment abandoned at the site by the Lebanese construction company and urged state’s attorney general to take every legal step to recover unmerited monies paid to the company.

The company had allegedly abandoned the project after

receiving a total of N I. 2 billion from the state government.

The management of the company had accused the former Deputy Governor of the state, Mr Jude Agbaso, of collecting gratification to the tune of N458 million on the contract.

It had claimed that the gratification made the completion of the work impossible. (NAN)

he Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, on Monday opposed the call for emergency rule in parts of the country affected by armed conflict.

Okoh said this in Abuja at a press conference on the forthcoming 2013 Synod session of the Abuja Diocese of the Anglican Communion.

He said that government should rather support a national dialogue by various interest groups to address the myriad of problems militating against the country’s quest for socioeconomic development.

The primate advised the Federal Government to pursue a comprehensive security programme to address some of the glaring signs of increasing insecurity in the country.

Okoh said that efforts by the Federal Government to resolve uprising in parts of the country in the past through emergency rule did not yield any result hence, the need for a different approach.

“I believe that insecurity should be addressed comprehensively, the Federal Government had tried this emergency rule in other parts of the country but it didn’t work.

“Thinking and reflecting is very crucial at this moment, there is need for all of us as stakeholders to meet and reflect about our country.

“Whatever name they want to call it, whether national conference or stakeholders’ conference, national dialogue, the point is that, there is need for Nigerians to talk about how they want to live together.’’

Okoh, who spoke on a wide range of national issues, also urged the Federal Government to urgently disarm Fulani herdsmen who were terrorising farmers across the country.

He warned that the situation might degenerate if something drastic was not done to address the menace of clashes between herdsmen and farmers across the country.

Okoh said that arms-build by local herdsmen and the growing tension in the rural areas was not cheering to anyone who wished the country well.

On the amnesty for the Boko Haram sect, Okoh said that the Anglican Church was opposed to Federal Government’s approach, noting that, amnesty should not be negotiated on the terms of the insurgents.

The primate said that the Boko Haram insurgency should not be seen as a northern or Islamic phenomenon but an issue of national security that required the inputs of as many Nigerians as possible.

According to Okoh, skewing the membership of the committee to a few persons from the north is unacceptable and will be counterproductive.

He said that any form of

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

PAGE 39

Jonathan doesn’t have good advisers, says Tofa INTERVIEW What is your view on rotational presidency? f course it is desirable that the presidency in a country like Nigeria should be going from place to place so that some other people will have the opportunity to have the taste of power. But the down side of it is that it encourages tribalism, sectionalism or regionalism in such a way that some people will just vie for the position simply because they are from a certain part. And this has entered into the psyche of Nigerians who think that unless one of their own is the president, they will never make it in life. But it is all a fallacy; we know that as a fact. And Nigerians can attest to the fact for the reason that a particular person from their religion or tribe becomes president doesn’t improve the lives of all those people from his area. What I think Nigerians need is a Nigerian president who will be fair to all Nigerians irrespective of whom they are or where they come from, so that we can always feel comfortable that we have a leader who cares for everybody and will do justice and who will work for this country in the best interest of everybody.

Therefore, zoning has its ups and downs. The up is that it provides opportunity for everybody but it’s undemocratic, because democracy means that there should be level playing ground.

But to exclude a certain section of the society from aspiring for a particular position is very undemocratic. That is why even in the ANPP we made sure that we didn’t zone the presidency to anywhere. That is why we said let us start zoning after a presidential candidate has emerged from wherever.

Once a candidate is elected, then you can zone the other positions in the best way possible to allow people to have some participation. But to zone the presidency itself I think is one of our problems here.

In other words, you are not in support of the return of power to the north No, no, it’s not that I’m not supporting power to return to the north. What I’m saying is that everybody should be given the chance to vie for the position. Democracy is a game of numbers and if people in the north want the presidency, they know how to go about it. What I’m saying is that if today the presidency is in the north

O

Alhaji Bashir Tofa, former presidential candidate of the National Republican Convention (NRC), and an ANPP stalwart in this interview with Edwin Olofu bares his mind on some burning national issues. tomorrow it will be in be somewhere else. What do we have to say? Do we have to be president all the time? But what I’m saying is that the fact that presidency is from a particular place doesn’t mean that it really benefits the people from that area. The only problem is that this is a very corrupt society.

Like what we have now, the president always want people from his area to have it all. And this is what northern president didn’t do when they were at the helm of affairs. They tried to be fair to everybody. That is why we didn’t have all those things that people have now because those who were president from the north were fair to everybody and that is the sort of leadership we want, people who are just to all.

Is it constitutional for President Goodluck Jonathan to seek re-election in 2015?

Well, constitutionally he is

doubt and advice also that being a president is not a one man job.

It’s not also a very difficult job provided you can get the right people to assist you? If you can have twenty or thirty people who are really capable, patriotic and who really know what they are doing, all you need to do is to manage those people. It’s not really a terribly difficult job but the difficulty is in choosing those people who are the right and capable people to assist you. What Jonathan didn’t do is to choose those kinds of people. You find that his advisers and ministers are not the sort of people that will give him the right advice. We have seen in his actions that he doesn’t have good advisers. But he may be a good man, but unfortunately he doesn’t have good advisers.

Do you think the APC can wrestle power from the PDP 2015?

Well, it depends on many

“

Like what we have now, the president always want people from his area to have it all. And this is what northern president didn’t do when they were at the helm of affairs. They tried to be fair to everybody free to contest if his party nominates him in the convention. And the convention shouldn’t disallow other aspirants to contest with him just like they did it before. If he emerges as the PDP presidential candidate, that is their business.

They know how to campaign for him. I’m not against anybody to be a candidate of any party.

And if the constitution allows such person why not, but I will vote for those I know are better candidates.

But has he performed enough to give him another term?

In the beginning of his term, I used to give him the benefit of

factors. First of all, my advice to the APC is not to zone the presidency per say.

Let everybody, especially the Igbos be given the chance to come to the convention and try their luck. But when once you zone the presidency right now and you say only northerners will contest, then you have automatically eliminated the South-East from that aspiration.

And the Igbos have the aspiration to lead this country and for a new party to say no we will not allow you, I think that is a suicide. The APC should allow all those who have the aspiration to go for the convention and when they

Alhaji Bashir Tofa nominate their presidential candidate, then they can distribute the other positions.

But if they zone it, I don’t think they can make it because Southsouth and South-East will not vote for them.

Secondly, they must be very careful about intra-party squabble and injustice by trying to impose candidates or doing things not properly.

Democracy has to prevail right from the ward level to the top in the APC. If they do that, it will be a very good party capable of winning elections.

There are some things they need to do and I’m sure they are thinking about them and if they do them then they will be successful. You see if you compare the numbers of governors in the APC and that of the PDP, then you may say APC will not win the election, but it doesn’t work that way. It is the people that will decide not governors. If this party becomes very popular irrespective of the fact that we don’t have a number of governors; if the people of this country accept the party, they will go and vote for the presidential candidate and that person will win the election. There is hope that Nigerians are fed up with PDP and will do the right thing when the time comes.

There is this accusation that President Jonathan is been despotic in his approach, what is your view on that?

Like I said before, he doesn’t have good advisers and that is really affecting his image. Take for example what happened in Baga. Up till now, he has not gone there to see. In some countries if such thing happened and the president of the country, is not in his country he will cut short his trip and visit the place. But this man is at home sitting down and 200 hundred people were killed with over 2,000 houses burnt, the whole world is

talking about it, yet he didn’t think that he, as a president, should go and see what happened there for himself. He is giving himself really bad image and that is the extreme side of incompetence. That you, a leader of people, something happened as serious as this you don’t even think you should go there which is a tradition of leaders to come and see when there is a disaster especially politicians and this is a politician and when he went to Borno and said we don’t care about Boko Haram; we don’t know them, they are ghosts; I’m not going to listen to them, he has forgotten also that he is a politician. How can he go back to the same place and campaign for Presidency? How does he expect to be re- elected? And when people like Dokubo come and threatened fire and brimstone if he is not elected, are they going to force people to cast vote for him? And this people are doing more harm to him than good. What he needs to do is to summon all elders in this country, let them meet him in Abuja. Whether they are hundred in number, it doesn’t matter. Let him ask them to tell him the truth on whether he has been doing the right thing or not. And if he will listen to them, I’m sure it will be good for him and the country.

What is your take on the proposed amnesty for Boko Haram?

I agree with Boko Haram for rejecting amnesty because amnesty also encourages criminality. Because people will just say well let me also be a criminal so that I can be called and given amnesty and be paid.

There was a posting of somebody I saw on the internet who is a graduate but he has no job. He posted that doctors, civil servants and teachers earn so much. And the worst he said is that the Niger/Delta militants

Continued on page 40

PAGE 40

NPC rejects council’s claims of inaccurate census

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he National Population Commission (NPC) has rejected claims of inaccurate enumeration during the 2006 National Population and Household Census brought against it by Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta.

The commission’s Deputy Director of Census Department, Mr Moses John, rejected the claims in his defence to a petition filed against it at the Census Tribunal ‘A’ in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the council had filed a petition alleging that the 188,728 population figure declared by the commission was not the true representation of the population of the area.

It also alleged that some of its households and localities were not captured by enumeration official during exercise.

In his defence, John told the court that he coordinated census activities in Delta, stressing that all localities in the council area were adequately enumerated.

He further held that throughout the exercise, he did not receive any complaints of omission from either the council officials or the state in general.

John however tendered 59 certified copies of samples of unused NPC01, samples of enumeration area map, and satellite image map of the area before the tribunal.

He also tendered enumeration area register of the council, state and council’s code 350 and 155 respectively, preliminary report on the return of unused blank NPC01 forms submitted by the council chairman.

Others items submitted as evidence included a follow-up letter of update on the return of unused blank NPC 01 forms from the state and Uvwie area council which the tribunal accepted.

Tribunal Chairman Abraham Yisa, however, adjourned the case till May 24 for adoption of written addresses. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

PDP chairman cautions youths, stakeholders on breeding factions

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lhaji Nasiru Dangane, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina State has cautioned youths and other party stakeholders against factions.

He made the call on Monday at an interactive session organised by the party to strengthen the party’s unity and challenge members on increased loyalty for the success of future elections.

Dangane said that achievements of PDP-led government, at all levels, were enough to attract massive support toward the overall success of the party in future elections.

The chairman also enjoined members to shun actions capable of disrupting party’s unity and embrace dialogue as an amicable way of settling misunderstanding.

He promised that the party leadership would continue to

ensure the existence of peace and unity through consultations, adding that party had become one under a single umbrella in the area.

Musawa commended the governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema, for nominating Alhaji Tanimu Kira, as the Chairman, Transition Committee of the local government.

He emphasised the need for members to work in harmony and support Kira to ensure

L-R: Chairman, House Committee on Aviation, Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, discussing with Chairman, House Committee on Justice, Hon. Ali Ahmed, during the investigative hearing on circumstances surrounding the controversial grounding of Rivers state Government Bombardier B700 Global Express Aircraft at Akure Airport, yesterday at the National Assembly, in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

harmonious working relationship to uplift the people’s living condition.

Also speaking, Kira urged members to remain loyal and supportive of the party leadership as well as ensure the success of its activities.

He cautioned members against actions that could cause disunity in the party and portray it in bad image.

The chairman challenged the electorate to always consider the record of achievements and integrity of candidates before casting their votes, to ensure that such candidates perform to people’s expectation.

Kira said that all party chieftains, political office holders and elders had resolved to work in harmony for the development of the party and the area.

He reiterated his commitment to uplift the people’s lives and commended Gov. Shema for supporting the local government administration.

The transition boss listed some of his achievements to include sinking and rehabilitation of 100 boreholes, upgrading semi urban water supply systems in Musawa and Jikamshi town, building and rehabilitation of mosques, Islamic and primary schools.

Kira said the administration had also constructed six television viewing centres, feeder roads and culverts as well as empowered and sold 900 bags of maize at subsidised rate to people. (NAN)

Kogi APGA supports Mazi Okwu From Sam Egwu, Lokoja

K

ogi state Chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Mr Ben Nweke has said that his group in kogi were in total support of the leadership of Mazi Okwu.

Nweke made the assertion

yesterday in Lokoja while fielding questions from journalists on the controversy over the leadership of the party which was being manipulated

by INEC in favour of Victor Umeh.

Nweke said it was wrong of INEC to impose a candidate on

the people against their wish stressing “it is constitutional and binding that the people make the choice of who should be their leader”.

According to him, in Kogi state APGA’s leadership is not in doubt and nobody is contesting against the popular choice of the

people which is Ben Nweke He said the constitution requires one who is resident in a place for a stipulated time, pointing out that if he contested senatorial election in the state then what disqualifies him from being a chairman of APGA in Kogi state.

Jonathan doesn’t have good advisers, says Tofa Continued from page 39 that earn a thousand times than a graduate and therefore submitted that it pays to commit crime. Amnesty in that sense is not a good thing but paying compensation where it is due; being just to people, releasing those who are unjustly arrested to reconcile the society is what the federal government needs to do and I think that is the thinking which the committee recommended; and I think that is what will bring about peace in the country.

Do you support the

agitation to strip governors of their immunities in the proposed constitution amendment?

I will not support that because of the nature of our society. If that happens, they cannot be able to govern the society. But I will support that they can be indicted while they are in the office for some crimes committed. But as soon as they vacate that position, they can be arrested.

There is also the call to scrap state electoral bodies, do you think that is the right thing to do?

That I have recommended

myself. I said INEC national headquarters should be saddled with the responsibility of conducting council elections.

When you look at what is happening now it is that every party in power in a state will win 99% of the election because they don’t even hold the election in the first place. But another thing I have to add is that it is totally illegal and unconstitutional to appoint anybody to an elective position just like they do in the appointment of local government caretaker; it is illegal because these positions are elective positions. Therefore nobody should be appointed; election

must be held. But INEC, presidency and the court have all kept quiet allowing this illegality to go on and we said that we want to have a society that cares for the rule of law and yet we allow people to illegally occupy positions.

Do you support local government autonomy?

Yes, local government should be a true third tier of government; their allocation should come direct to them from the federation account and not through the state government.

Because as it is now, the state governors are ruling the local government and what is the point

of electing a chairman who has no powers? Instead he is under the commissioner of local government.

What kind of system is that?

It doesn’t make any sense.

What is your take on the fight against corruption by the Jonathan Administration?

They are not fighting any corruption. There is so much corruption in the land.

Everybody in the world knows that Nigeria is so corrupt; the impunity we have here is so much, and the senseless corruption here is something else.

I don’t think anybody is fighting corruption in Nigeria.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

PAGE 41

Sports Federations elections

6 new presidents emerge as Umar, Ndanusa, Ogba, Gumel return

By Patrick Andrew and Albert Akota

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nly six of the 21 presidents elected in yesterday's elections into the boards of the non-concessioned sports federations are new on the saddle.

Most of the incumbents, except Isah Matori and Jonathan Nnaji who did submit themselves for fresh

mandate, retained their seats in the elections which were remarkable for the pre-election intrigues and horsetrading.

Among the incumbents that retained their posts are those of the board of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVF), Engineer Habu Gumel and Tijjani Umar of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, former Minister Sports and president Nigeria

‌ IGP rescues Ojo-Oba, orders arrest of protester

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y sheer bravery the National Sports Commission Deputy Director and Chairman of the Electoral Committee of yesterday's elections into the boards of the 21 non-concessioned sports federations, Dr. Bolaji Ojo-Oba, escaped being arrested by men of the security agents.

The men, a DSP and another officer had said they were detailed from the Presidency to persuade OjoOba to restore the name of a candidate to contest the elections of into the board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation.

Peoples Daily Sports learnt that one of the aggrieved candidates had attempted to get Ojo-Oba whizzed away from the venue of the elections, and thus stalled the exercise allegedly because he (Ojo-Oba) had masterminded his exclusion from the exercise.

The aggrieved candidate and member of an international body had sought to get into the board on the basis of his affiliation to the international body.

However, because the electoral guidelines made provisions for only one of such and a choice had been made, he was disqualified.

The candidate, who flaunted his alleged considerable influence in the presidency and had been a former ADC to an elected governor in one of the South South states, had called out some men of security agents and good number of persons to block the entrance to the stadium thus causing traffic log-jam along the way to the Ring Road (City Gate).

However, the attention of the Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar, was drawn to the ugly development and he immediately ordered the arrest of the fellow responsible for the traffic impasse.

Peoples Daily Sports was unable to confirm whether the order was effected but what was obvious was the sudden disappearance of the fellow and his troop from the scene and the ease of traffic along the congested road.

Olympics Committee (NOC), Sani Ndanusa. They were all unopposed.

Justice Danlami Senchi, incumbent president of Nigeria Badminton Federation (NBF) also retains his position as president as did Yusuf Daudu, who was returned unopposed in spite of the intrigues and counter accusations prior to the election.

The new entrants include former Olympic gold medalist Daniel Igali, who defeated incumbent, Austin Edeze for the presidency of Nigeria Wrestling Federation.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Sports, Enitan Wahid Oshodi, the newly elected president of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) and Timothy Nsirim who also beat

Abdullahi takes N150,000 minimum wage proposal for league players to PDP

By Lawrence Olaoye

S

ports Minister, Bolaji Abdullai, yesterday presented a proposal for N150,000 minimum wage to players plying their trades in the nation's local league to the leadership of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) The Minister, while briefing the chairman of the PDP Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, said the National Sports Commission (NSC) was working to fulfill its major target of improving the lives of the citizenry through sports.

According to him, the commission has begun the moves to take sports in the country to a world -class level and added that plans have been perfected to deregulate sports administration and regulation in the country.

He said with implementation of President Goodluck Jonathan's transformational agenda tremendous improvements have been recorded. Abdullai also told the party leadership that he enjoys tremendous support from the presidency.

The minister also told the PDP leadership that the funding patterns of the nation's 42 sports federation has been modified by adopting what he referred to as the 'Traffic System' where sports are being sponsored based on performance.

He also disclosed that the nation would soon get a High Performance Centre where athletes would be trained ahead of major competitions. Abdullai also told the chieftains that his ministry had succeeded in diversifying sports in the country.

incumbent, Isa Musa Matori for Nigeria Judo Federation (NJF) presidency.

Also, in weightlifting federation, the former Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Chibudum Nwuche emerged president, while Emeka Onyeama secured the mandate of the board of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF).

Folusho Adefemi was elected as the new president of Nigeria Gymnastic Federation.

The most exciting and breathtaking exercise was that involving incumbent Chief Solomon Ogba and his vice president, Ibrahim Gusau which had ended five votes apiece in the round of voting.

However, Ogba edged his

opponents in the second round when he snatched two votes from Gusau to emerge winner on 7-3 votes and thus retained his post for the next four years.

Speaking after the elections, the chairman of the electoral committee, Bolaji Ojo-Oba said the elections were free and fair and added that it enjoyed lot credibility because of the huge interest shown by the persons with necessary clouts.

"The elections were free and clean," he said stressing that there was neither security breach nor incidences that could call to the question the credibility of the exercise.

The respective boards are to be inaugurated on Friday by the Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi.

Coach Obuh celebrate with his players after a goal

Flying Eagles hit Germany ahead of FIFA U-20 World Cup

N

igeria's under-20 men football team, the Flying Eagles, arrived in Germany on Tuesday for camping ahead of the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup finals in Turkey.

The team's Media Officer, Samm Audu, said in a statement in Abuja that the team arrived at the Frankfurt International Airport at 5 a.m. local time on Tuesday.

The statement said the team's second batch of players is expected later this week to join the squad after they would have received their entry visas.

It added that the team trained for an hour and a half later in the evening at the home ground of local side 1.FC 1928 Elfershausen, which is a walking distance from their hotel.

The statement further said

that the team is billed to play its first test game on Wednesday evening.

The Flying Eagles are to feature in the Toulon Football Tournament in France at the end of this month.

The tournament is part of their build-up for the World Cup, where they have been drawn alongside Portugal, South Korea and debutants Cuba in the first round.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

Supersand Eagles will remain African champions, says Ejo C oach of beach soccer national team, the Supersand Eagles, Adamu Ejo, has assured that the team will to retain its position as African Champion in spite of resuming camping latter than expected.

Ejo, who confirmed that he has a full house as at Monday, said preparation for the African Beach Soccer Championship scheduled for El Jadida, Morocco from May 20 to May 26, had begun in earnest.

Coach Ejo said that the team have settled down and was working hard to perfect tactics and stressed that the players appreciate the need to work harder than usual to meet expectation of Nigerians.

The coach had on May 6 invited 18 players to camp that opened in Badagry, Lagos State on May 11 in preparation for the qualifier, which serves as the qualifier for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Tahiti later in the year.

He said, ``We are going all out to retain our position as the champions of Africa and the fact that we just resumed camping will not affect that. ``With the players I have in the team, who are players in the normal football league, we will just have to work on the tactical aspects and go for the competition. ``It is not how long you camp, but how well that matters; I know some people

will say we have not been in camp for long. We already have a team, which is a strong one; I believe only three days of training can take us to where we are going.''

Ejo said that the team would not underrate any team but would do all that was necessary not to disappoint Nigerians. ``Being the first in Africa and the sixth in the world among sixteen nations, expectations of the team are naturally quite high, but we will not underrate any team. ``We will not leave any stone unturned as we have set out to work immediately,'' he said.

The Sand Eagles coach added that the large turnout of the players during the first training meant well for the team. ``As at our first training this morning, we had 16 out of the 18 invited players on ground and we are expecting the others later in the day. ``The large number we had this morning gave us high hopes; the fact that they are in form and most of them still play in the league matches is a plus for us. So we will not have any problem in terms of fitness or any other thing,'' he said.

Coach Ejo, who was one of the participants at the just concluded Beach Soccer coaching course in Abuja, said the course would go a long way to improve the team's performance.

R

He now has 55 career titles with 40 coming on clay, an astonishing record that prompted Wawrinka to describe the Spaniard as a "killer" on clay courts. His win on Sunday was also a 23rd Masters Series title.

Having also won on the clay in Sao Paulo, Acapulco and Barcelona this season, the 11time Grand Slam champion looks well set for a tilt at an eighth French Open crown at

Serena Williams and Rafeal Nadal

Daniel envisages tasking 2nd round women league

C

Isiaka Olawale

Nadal, Serena gear up for French Open afael Nadal and Serena Williams have firmed up their credentials as French Open favourites by sweeping to victory in Madrid.

Nadal eased to his fifth title in just seven tournaments since returning from a sevenmonth injury layoff due to tendinitis in his left knee as he beat Stanislas Wawrinka 6-2, 6-4 in little over an hour to claim his third title in the Spanish capital.

Women's league

Roland Garros.

"It's true these last matches I have been able to reach that goal, that line, that place where I want to be playing, the kind of play that I'm aiming for," he said.

"Since we started playing on clay in Europe, these last two matches are the best I have played. I've realised that my forehand is working again at its highest level and I'm able to open the angles and play a lot of winners.

"I couldn't do that in Barcelona or Monte Carlo; over here I could. I was playing with a lot of aggression."

However, the world No 5 still refused to accept that he is the clear favourite for Roland Garros, which starts in two weeks, and insisted his mind is solely set on retaining his title in Rome this week.

"Next week I will be in Rome and I will be thinking about Rome. I won't be thinking Roland Garros," said Nadal.

Williams, meanwhile, has a second title at Roland Garros firmly in her sights as she claimed a title on the red clay

for the first time since that triumph 11 years ago with a 61, 6-4 win over world No 2 Maria Sharapova.

The world No 1 ranking was also on the line as the two met for the third time already this year, but it was a familiar story for Sharapova as Williams extended her nineyear winning streak over the Russian to 12 matches.

"This court definitely plays more like Roland Garros, so I think that's a plus. It's a little slower than it was last year and plays more like a true clay court so I think it's great preparation," said Williams who now has 50 career titles.

And the 15-time Grand Slam champion is determined to make up for the disappointment of losing in the first round in Paris last year.

"It is the ultimate challenge.

Whether I reach it, I don't know. I'm not going to put that pressure on myself.

"I wanted to last year and I didn't get it. So this year I'm just looking forward to Rome, and then after that Roland Garros, and see what happens."

oach Evumena Daniel of Delta Queens FC says he envisages a tougher second round of the 2012/2013 Women's League especially when teams intensify efforts for the league shield.

Daniel based his anticipation on the fact that only 10 teams would be admitted into the elite league next season.

It would be recalled that the board of the Nigeria Women's Football League (NWFL) had earlier in the year approved three league divisions for the 2013/2014 season, instead of the conventional two divisions.

The Division one, also known as the Elites' league will comprise of 10 clubs, while Division Two, which is the professional league will be divided into three groups, A, B and C. He added that since the 2012/ 2013 season was like a preparatory stage for the next season, clubs are currently struggling to finish the season on a positive note. ``I am very sure that there will be a high level of competitiveness when the second round kicks-off because all the clubs will be fighting to be in the Elite league next season. ``This is because only 10 clubs will play in the elite league next year, so, the clubs want to try their best to put all things together to play better than they did in the first round,'' Daniel said.

The coach noted that some clubs have started plotting their strategies on how they would prosecute a hitch-free campaign in the second round. ``Already, the league is agog with permutations on teams that may make it to the top 10. ``For now, teams that don't have the funds will want to do all they can to raise funds to honour their remaining matches, because there are measures already put in place to sanction those that fail to honour their matches. ``They will be out of the league completely, so no club will want to suffer that setback,'' he said. ``One major problem I have with the league because of lack of sponsor is the win-at-all-costs factor which is really affecting the matches. If you go to some match venues, you see teams struggling and manoeuvring how they will win. ``Though officiating was bad in the past, it is getting worse these days and I don't want to put the blame on the doorstep of the referees alone. ``The home teams are guilty of the irregularities because they want to do all they can to win, just for them to remain among the top 12 teams,'' he said.

At the end of the first round which featured eight matches, Delta Queens and Rivers Angels topped Groups A and B with 16 and 17 points, respectively.

PAGE 42

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNSEDAY, MAY 15, 2013

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THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CLUBS HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANY AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANY AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. OKOH JACKSON IDAMUDIA - CHAIRMAN 2. BAKARE SARAFADEEN OWOLABI - SECRETARY 3. RAMANU ISAAC 4. AMIEKHAMHE PHILIP EKPE 5. OSAGIE AGBOSUAN 6. EGWAKHIDE ITSEMEKHAI

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. CHRISTIANA OYERONKE THOMAS -PRESIDENT 2. AYODIRAN IREOLUWA GIDIGBI -SECRETARY 3. SUNDAY OYETUNJI THOMAS 4. FLORENCE YETUNDE THOMAS

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEDGED IN THE SOCIETY.

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED; SECRETARY

SIGNED; SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHANGE OF NAME

FREELANCER CASTING AND BUILDERS ORGANISATION

I, FORMALLY KNOWN AS MRS. SHUNDAN NGUWASEN NANCY, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS MISS AKUME NGUWASEN NANCY. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANISATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANY AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. FELIX OMOKHAFE JOHNSON - PRESIDENT 2. BABAO ALI - SECRETARY 3. PHILI JOHNSON - NAT. COORDINATOR 4. GABRIEL JOSEPH - WELFARE 5. IFEANYI UBAYINOR 6. BAYO CHULCKS 7. SUNDAY UMEZURIKE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1. PROMOTING THE QUALITY OF CASTING AND BUILDING. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT,AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

GLOBAL AID FOR THE SURVIVAL OF VULNERABLE WOMEN CHILDREN FOUNDATION

WOMEN OF JUBILATION FOR ALL NATIONS OUTREACH

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. IVUOMA IVY EZE (MRS) 2. NNENNAYA AVUNANYA 3. LINDA ENEBLY 4. OSBORNE NWAKO EZE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1. TO PROMOTE ASSISTANCE TO THE NEEDY AND LESS PRIVILEGE. 2. EMPOWERING THE NIGERIA WOMEN TO FIGHT ALLEVIATE POVERTY. 3. AWARENESS CREATION ON ISSUES AFFECTING WOMEN 4. MORTALITY IN CHILDREN. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT,AGUIYI IRONSI STREET,MAITAMA,ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1. TO UNDERTAKE YOUTH, HEALTH AND COMMUNITY DEVELPMENT PROGRAMMES

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT,AGUIYI IRONSI STREET,MAITAMA,ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; P. O. NWANKWO ESQ

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANY AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1. TO ACT AS A PRESSURE GROUP ON BEHALF MEMBERS AT STATE AND NATIONAL LEVEL. 2. TO OFFER ADVICE TO THE GOVERNMENT ON NATIONAL AND STATE ISSUES.

SIGNED; SECRETARY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANISATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANY AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. EVANG. KEMI CECILIA ISHOLA 2. GRACE ADEBAYO EISAPE 3. CECILIA OMOLADE AINA 4. RUTH IBILOLA ELIJAH 5. ANGELA GIDEON IBRAHIM 6. MARY OMOZELE DANIEL 7. OLUWANIFISHE ELIJAH OKUWATOSIN 8. TOYIN MUSA YAHAYA THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1 TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS AS AT IT'S IN THE BIBLE THROUGH EVANGELISM. 2. TO REACH OUT TO WOMEN, ORPHANS AND THE LESS PRIVILEGE IN OUR SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL,CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT,AGUIYI IRONSI STREET,MAITAMA,ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; GRACE ADEBAYO ELSAFE

CHANGE OF NAME I, FORMALLY KNOWN AS MISS AMMEH HELEN LADIDI, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS MRS HELEN LADIDI OGUCHE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. STATE EDUCATION BOARD KAGARKO LGA, KADUNA STATE AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME I, FORMALLY KNOWN AS SAMAILA BARAU SINGIRY, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS BITRUS GIZAKI GRACE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BOGORO L.G.A BAUCHI AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME I, FORMALLY KNOWN AS HANNATU J.BAHAGO, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS TANI MAILAFIYA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. STATE EDUCATION BOARD KAGARKO LGA, KADUNA STATE AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

THIS SPACE IS FOR SALE

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNSEDAY, MAY 15, 2013

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PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

RECONNECT HEALTH DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

ASSOCIATION OF OMAMBALA PROFESSIONAL

ASSOCIATION OF TRAVEL AND TOURS AGENTS

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INTIAITVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART 'C' OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART 'C' OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1.ANYOKWU SAMUEL 2. SEGUN OLAOYE 3. ONWUZURIKE JUDITH UJUUNWA 4. NICHOLAS EDMOND OHALE 5. ODION JAMES

SIGNED; BARR. DEJI KAJOGBOLA

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART 'C' OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1.. BARR. ODIELI UCHE NICHOLAS CHAIRMAN 2. BARR. OLUCHUKWU UDEMEZUE MEMBER 3. SURV. CHINEDU EMOH SECRETARY 4. BARR. CHUKWUDEBELU IKECHUKWU MEMBER THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1. . TO PROMOTE UNITY AMONG PROFESSIONALS IN OMAMBALA 2. TO PROMOTE BROTHERLY LOVE AND UNITY AMONG PROFESSIONALS IN OUR AREA. 3. TO PROMOTE ECONOMIC & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF OMAMBALA AREA. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; ODENYI E. (SOLICITOR)

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1. . TO PROVIDE A CONDUCIVE AND PROFICIENT BODY OF PROFESSIONALS VOID OF TOUTS AND AID INDIVIDUAL IN THEIR TRAVEL PROSPECT. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

NKPOR DEVELOPMENT UNION-LAGOS

LORD IS HERE EVANGELICAL MINISTRY INT’L

ALBARKA CHURCH OF RECONCILIATION

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. DR. VINCENT UDENZE 2. DR. ISA SHAFFI 3. MS MARVA CLARKE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1. TO FIGHT DRUG ABUSE ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED UNION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REMOVAL AND ADDITION OF TRUSTEE FROM THE ORGANIZATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE; 1. MR MICHEAL ANIGBOGU 2. MR EDWIN ODDIH 3. MR LOUIS UMERAH 4. MR CHUWKULOZIE FELIX 5. MR EMMANUEL MOLOKWU

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1. TO FOSTER THE SPIRIT OF ONENESS AMONG ALL THE PEOPLE OF KPOR IN AND AROUND LAGOS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REMOVAL AND ADDITION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; IFEOMA A. A. OKEKE 08037065872

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; CHUKWUNENYE OKPARA ESQ (07038733013)

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. REV. DR. NELSON TAURARU DUNA 2. ELDER HAMIDU MAGAJI LODEYA 3. ENGR. USENI YAKUBU MUSA 4. REV. ABRAHAM GARBA 5. EVANG. ASTIRA DUNA 6. MR NATHAN NELSON THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1.TO RECONCILE LOST SOULS TO CHRIST AND TO PREACH THE GOOD NEWS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; BARR. (MRS) EMILIA CHUKWUOCHA SOLICITOR

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

OLAFEM FOUNDATION

TWO FEET STAND TO CARE FOUNDATION

KINGDOM CARE FOUNDATION CAC/IT/NO. 18155

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. PROF. OLUWAFEMI AJELE 2. OLAITAN IDOWU AJELE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1. TO TAKE CARE OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN ESPECIALLY, WIDOWS AND ORPHANS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; ONUGWU EJIKE HENRY ESQ. 07067209102

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1.TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEGE IN THE SOCIETY. 2. TO ENHANCE SOCIAL WELFARE OF THE MEMBERS. 3. TO ENCOURAGE SOCIAL INTEGRATION OF THE MEMBERS.

SIGNED; SECRETARY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANIZATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR CHANGE OF ITS TRUSTEES UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE; 1. MR CHIDOZIE NWANKWO 2. MRS CHRISTIANA NWANKWO 3. PATIENCE IFEOMA NWANKWO REMOVED TRUSTEE 1. PATIENCE IFEOMA NWANKWO NEW TRUSTEE 1. MR OBINNA WILSON NWANKWO CURRENT TRUSTEE 1. MR CHIDOZIE NWANKWO 2. MRS CHRISTIANA NWANKWO 3. MR OBINNA WILSON NWANKWO THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1.TO RECONCILE LOST SOULS TO CHRIST AND TO PREACH THE GOOD NEWS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS CHANGE SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; CHIDI NWACHUKWU ESQ (08035454541)

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE NEW TRUSTEE 1. CHIEF FIDELIS MOLOKWU REMOVED TRUSTEES 1. MR EMMANUEL MOLOKWU

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. EVANGELIST SAMUEL EZEMAH 2. EVANGELIST MRS FAVOUR SAMUEL 3. BRO. TUNDE ALFRED 4. BRO OKEY NWACHUKWU

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. IORNEM FANEN EMMANUEL 2. DESMOND TERHEMEN UGBA 3. BABAMUDA JAMES

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

BLESSED KINGS CLUB OF ABUJA

CHRIST WORD & GRACE MISSION

IFE PROGRESSIVE FORUM

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CLUB HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. UGWUANYI FESTUS OGBONNA CHAIRMAN 2. UGWUAFIA JOEL EJIKE SECRETARY 3. ISIWU EMEKA MEMBER 4. EZEUGWU CHIMEZIE MEMBER 5. UGWU OGBONNA MEMBER

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MISSION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANIZATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1.TO CREATE A FORUM FOR ASSISTING MEMBERS. 2. TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF MEMBERS. 3. TO PROMOTE PEACE, UNITY AND UNDERSTANDING AMONG MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; SUNDAY UCHENNA ADANI ESQ (SOLICITOR)

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. PASTOR ADEDAYO ONI 2. UBUEME EDDY GODDY 3. PASTOR BECKLEY FRANCIS OLUWOLE 4. PASTOR (MRS) OLAYEMI OLANIKE 5. KAYODE OGUNFODUNRIN THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1.TO PROPAGATE THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; SECRETARY

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE; 1.MR BELLO MOSES ELUWANDE 2. ADEMILUYI HENRY ADENRELE 2. OLAYODE JULIUS OLUGBENGA 4. CHIEF SAMSON OLUWAGBEMIGA FALOPE 5. AROGUNDADE LAWRENCE TAIWO THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1.TO FOSTER UNITY AND PROGRESS AMONG THE IFE PEOPLE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; BARR. OLAYODE J. OLUGBENGA

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PAGE 45

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

SUNNAH MOSQUE

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT COLLEGE, WUKARI OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

ASSOCIATION OF TIPPER OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF IFELODUN

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE; 1.BELLO MAGAJI 2. AISHATU BELLO MAGAJI

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE; 1.HON. JUSTICE BALKISU BELLO ALIYU 4. ANTHONY AUDU ZING 2. YAKUBU AUDU 5. HAUWA IDRIS 3. DR. LAWAN HAMIDU 6. FUNSHO OLUGBEMI

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1.TO PROMOTE ISLAMI. 2. TO ENLIGHTEN MUSLIMS ON PROPER ISLAMIC TEACHINGS AND ENCOURAGE ITS APPLICATION IN PROFESSIONAL AND GENERAL PRACTICES. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1.TO PROTECT THE WELFARE OF MEMBERS. 2. TO UNITE ALL MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION 3. TO PROMOTE THE PRESTIGE OF THE SCHOOL AS AN EDUCAFTIONAL INSTITUTION. 4. TO PROMOTE AND SUPPORT THE PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE SCHOOL ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; SECRETARY

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE; 1.ALHAJI YEKEEN BUSARI CHAIRMAN 2. AZEEZ BIBIRE VICE CHAIRMAN 3. ABDUL-ROSHID IGE SECRETARY 4. AZEEZ YINUSA FINANCIAL SECRETARY 5. ALHAJI YEKEEN BADMUS TREASURER 6. ABDULLAHI OPELOYERU AUDITOR 7. RAZAK AHMED POLICE 8. ADENIYI SIKIRU P.R.O 9. TUNDE ISHOLA EX-OFICIAL THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1.TO FOSTER UNITY AMONG MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; BARR. SOLOMON C. ORJI (08069793367)

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

LINUS OCHAI FOUNDATION

APANAALOAGBAYE PROGRESSIVE UNION ETSAKO WEST LGA, EDO STATE (ABUJA BRANCH)

ALMUHAJEER GREEN RELIEVE FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANIZATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE; 1NICHOLAS AGBARUMHI CHAIRMAN 2. EMMANUEL UDO 3. ATANAZA DELE 4. PATRICK AGBATSUGHIE 5. RAYMOND OKHEMESIMI SECRETARY THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1.TO FOSTER UNITY, UNDERSTANDING AND TO SEE TO THE WELFARE OF EVERY MEMBER OF THE UNION. 2. TO MOBILIZE THE MEMBERS FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION SO AS TO ACHIEVE MEANINGFUL DEVELOPMENT. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; SECRETARY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE; 1. ABDUL SULE ABDULLAHI 2. HAMZA IBRAHIM BABA 3. MARSHUKUR MOHAMMED BUHARI 4. ABUBAKAR MUSTAPHA ABUBAKAR 5. MUHAMMAD BASHIR IBRAHIM 6. ADAM MUHAMMED ARDO 7. DR. SHAMSUDDEEN LAWAL 8. IBRAHIM RILWAN MUHAMMAD 9. NAJIYYAH AAMIR 10. BILYAMINU ALIYU THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1.TO CARTER FOR THE WELFARE OF STUDENT ALMAJI. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSOCIATION OF ICE FISH SELLERS DUTSE ALHAJI

VIRTUOUS WOMEN CLUB OF PORT HARCOURT

PROVIDENCE CENTRE FOR BETTER LIVING

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANIZATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE; 1. LINUS BALA OCHAI 2. FLORENCE SHOLA OCHAI THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1.TO EMPOWER ORPHANS, WIDOWS AND OTHER VULNERABLE GROUPS THROUGH THE PROVISION OF SHELTER, ACCESS TO POTABLE WATER, EDUCATION, SKILL ACQUISITION, FREE HEALTHCARE. 2. TO BUILD THE LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT CAPACITY OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS. 3. TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF HEART ATTACK AND HIV AIDS THROUGH FREE CPR TRAINING AND HIV AIDS EDUCATION, TESTING AND COUNSELING. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; BIMBO AGBOGUN 19, MAHATMA GANDHI STREET ASOKORO ABUJA (08067702223)

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE; 1. ELIZABETH OKORIE 6. PATIENCE SOLOMON 2. BEAUTY SAMUEL 7. FLORENCE SUNDAY 3. VICTORIA ODOYA 8. JUSTINA STEPHEN 4. CATHRINA OGBONNAH 9. AUGUSTINA UGWU 5. QUEEN EJUYA 10. MARIA IGBO THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1.TO WORK TOGETHER FOR THE PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE MEMBERS AND TO INSTALL DISCIPLINE ON MEMBERS. 2. TO ENCOURAGE THE MEMBERS TO SELL AT A PRICE THAT WILL BE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF MEMBERS AND CUTOMERS. 3. TO ENCOURAGE MEMBERS TO HAVE THE SPIRIT OF MUTUAL BENEFIT AND TO ENCOURAGE THEM IN UPLIFTING THEIR BUSINESS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; BARR. JENNIFER STILO-OGBONDA (08039394480)

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CLUB HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

SIGNED; SECRETARY

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CENTRE HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE; 1. BABATUNDE DAWODU 2. OMOWUNMI DAWODU 3. OLUWASEUN DAWODU THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1.TO HELP THE POOR AND THE LESS PRIVILEGE IN SKILL ACQUISITION ACTIVITIES TO ENABLE THEM BE SELF EMPLOYED. 2. TO GROOM THE YOUTHS IN ORDER TO MAKE THEM MORE PRODUCTIVE TO THEMSELVES. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; H.O. AKINTOLA ESQ SOLICITOR

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSOCIATION OF MORTGAGE BROKERS PRACTITIONER

THE JOYTHRONE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH

REVEALED WORD OF GOD GLOBAL MINISTRY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE; 1. MR ELISHA JASPER 2. DR. LAURA OLUSAYERO 3. PROF. SONNI TYODEN 4. MR EBENEZER ISAAC THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1.TO PROTECT THE WELFARE OF MEMBERS. 2. TO ENCOURAGE MEMBERS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTIVITIES THAT WILL PROMOTE THE GROWTH OF THE NATION. 3. TO SOURCE FOR SUPPORT AND INFORMATION THAT WILL PROMOTE THE STANDARD OF SERVICES PROVIDED. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; SECRETARY

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE; 1LOLO ENGR. ANGELA A. NGANWUCHU 2. MRS GAINI ARUBISOU 3. MRS IJEOMA OPARA 4. MRS ALICE A. NNADI 5. MRS FLORENCE OBASI THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1. TO CARE FOR THEIR MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE; 1PST. OLOKO DAREME 2. CONSTANTINE KUAMI DARE-OLOKO 3. ABIE WALTER HART 4. BLESSING WOKO 5. REV. DR. OKECHUKWU AKIRI THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1.TO WIN SOULS FOR CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; BARR. VINCENT O. ENEMOSAH 08100351451

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE; 1. PASTOR DR. ADEOLU AFOLABI-SETMAN 2. PASTOR DR. (MRS) TINUADE AFOLABI 3. PASTOR OLUSOJI ADIO 4. PASTOR EZEKIEL AYINDE 5. PASTOR DAVID AMUSAN 6. DR. MRS PEJU ADEGOKE 7. PASTOR AKIN AFOLABI 8. DR. SADE ADIGUN 9. BRO. SUNDAY ADEGOKE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST TO ALL NATIONS OF THE WORLD HOLDING STRICTLY TO THE BIBLE AS HER UNERRING GUIDE IN MATTERTS OF CHURCH ORGANIZATION AS WELL AS IN ALL MATTERS THAT PARTAIN TO THE GOSPEL. 2. TO OPEN FELLOWSHIP BRANCHES AND DISCIPLESHIP CENTRES, SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT WHEREVER THERE IS OPEN DOOR TO IMPART AND EDUCATE LITERATE AND ILLITERATE STUDENTS IN THE WORD OF GOD. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; H.O. AKINTOLA ESQ SOLICITOR

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNSEDAY, MAY 15, 2013

PAGE 47

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE LORD’S PATTERN MINISTRY

HEAVENLY RUSHING POWER OF GOD MINISTRY

LEGAL NOTICE

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE; 1.REV. MOSY MADUGBA 2. REV. DR. UMAH UKPAI 3. REV. STEPHEN OLUWOLE AKINOLA 4. LILIAN CHUKWUKA 5. PEACE LUCY CHUKWUKA 6. PHILIP CHUKWUKA 7. NKECHI CHUKWUKA THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1.TO SPREAD THE LOVE OF GOD. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; IFUNANYA OJIAKO 08037051537

THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE; 1.PASTOR ERIC EKEMU OLOMA - PRESIDENT 2. PASTOR BIMBO DAVIES- GENERAL SECRETARY 3. SIS. MIRACLE OLOMA- MEMBER THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ALL OVER THE WORLD 2. TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN MISSIONS IN NIGERIA AND ABROAD 3. TO SEEK AND SAVE LOST SOULS AND ESTABLISH THEM IN THE KINGDOM OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST 4. TO PRODUCE AND EQUIP MISSIONARY FOR HUMANITARIAN WORKS 5. TO ENHANCE HEALTH CARE SERVICES BY ESTABLISHMENT OF HOSPITALS AND CLINICS 6. TO ESTABLISH MISSION SCHOOLS FROM PRIMARY TO TERTIARY ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DAY OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; PRESIDENT

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CRYSTALLADIES EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION

QUDRI FOUNDATION FOR PEOPLE EMPOWERMENT

GRACE RESTORATION CENTRE MINISTRY INT’L

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE; 1.MRS QUDRAT OMOLARA DADACHAIRPERSON 2 MR TIJANI FESOJAIYE DADAVICE CHAIRMAN 3 MRS TEMI JUSTIN IJEH SECRETARY 4 MR OLALEYE BABATUNDE DADAMEMBER 5 MR ABDULRASHEED LEKAN DADA MEMBER 6 MR ABDULQUADRI OLAKITAN DADA - MEMBER THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1.TO ESTABLISH AND TRAIN PEOPLE IN SKILLS 2 TO BUILD HOMES FOR AGED PEOPLE AND HOMELESS 3 TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE ABOVE OBJECTS ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; HARFORD NDUBISI OBIORA

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE; 1.REV.DR OLALEKAN ISHOLA OLUWAKAYODE BABALOLA (GENERAL OVERSEER) 2. REV MRS ABIGAIL OYENIKE BABALOLA (RESIDENT PASTOR) 3.MR ADETUNJI FOLORUNSHO SAMUEL (GEN SEC).

4.MISS AGAPE OLUWATOBILOBA BABALOLA 5. MRS ADEKUNBI ADEYINKA OMITOOGUN (TREASURER).

6. PHILOMENA ASHINZE 7. MR OBAFEMI PHILIP FIJABI. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1.TO WIN SOUL AND PROPAGATION OF GOSPEL PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; SECRETARY.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE; 1.NGOZI NWAIZU 2. JULIET ELIKWU 3. EGEONU SANDRA NKIRU 4. CHINYERE RUWHUOMA PAUL THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE; 1.TO EMPOWER WOMEN ECONOMICALLY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED; OBIOMA EZENWOBODO ESQ 08064999866

Manny may fight on Sunday morning in Macau

M

anny Pacquiao and Brandon Rios may fight on a Sunday morning when they meet in Macau later this year.

No final decision has been made on the time of the November 24 fight between the Filipino hero and his American opponent, but it could start during the morning to hit Saturday night TV audiences in the United States.

The unusual start time could copy the strategy used in 1975 for the "Thrilla in Manila" when Muhammad Ali fought Joe Frazier from 10:45 am in the Filipino capital.

The fight between Pacquiao and Rios has huge implications for everyone concerned.

With Pacquiao following Chinese star Zou Shiming to the glitzy casino haven near Hong Kong, Macau looks set to copy Las Vegas by becoming a boxing capital. Promoters are eyeing a huge potential audience in China.

Years ago Macau snatched the title of the world's biggest gambling hub from Las Vegas.

Now, it wants a slice of the boxing action too.

The bout between Pacquiao and Rios in the semi-autonomous territory will be the biggest professional fight yet on Chinese soil. Not surprisingly, it will be financially advantageous for all concerned.

Pacquiao, 34, once regarded as the world's best boxer, pound for pound, but now battling back from two straight losses, saves a fortune in American tax. He has not fought outside the United States since 2006.

Macau, and especially The Venetian, the giant casino-resort where the fight will take place, gains more visitors, a higher profile, and an image diversified away from gambling.

American promoter Bob Arum brings another big event to China, which he calls the "new destination for big-time boxing".

Zou's win against Eleazar Valenzuela last month drew an estimated 300 million TV viewers in the country.

Macau's gambling profits overtook those of Las Vegas in 2006 and Glenn McCartney, assistant professor of gaming and hospitality management at the University of Macau, says it now needs to diversify.

"Historically it's been labelled as a gaming destination," he says. "In Vegas 15 or 20 years ago they realised they could make money from other leisure tourism or business streams.

Arum tested the waters for Macau as a big fight venue in April, when China's Zou fought in his professional debut.

Signing up the country's most successful amateur was a shrewd move

by Arum, founder and chief executive of Top Rank promotions, who can clearly smell the big money to be made in the country of 1.3 billion people.

Two-thirds of the 15 000 seats in The Venetian's Cotai Arena venue were filled for the four-round bout in which Zou beat Mexican Valenzuela on a unanimous points decision.

Arum, 81, said at the time: "It's a country where people are just starting to have the opportunity to sample what we in the West are used to, like professional boxing.

"If it's done right, this will be the premier audience for the sport of boxing in the world."

In a bid to attract Chinese fans, Arum has pledged to continue airing bouts on free-to-air television in the country, hoping to hook a segment of its large and increasingly affluent

audience.

The Pacquiao fight will come just a week after the Macau Grand Prix, the world's only street racing event to feature cars and motorcycles.

Brandon Rios

In recently years, mixed martial arts, tennis exhibitions, international golf, badminton and basketball and the East Asian Games have also been held in Macau.

Manny Pacquiao

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013

SPORTS LA TEST LATEST

Hazard out of Europa League final

E

den Hazard is out of the Chelsea side for today's Europa League final in Amsterdam, interim manager Rafa Benitez has confirmed.

The Belgian suffered a hamstring injury during the Londoners' 2-1 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday, and will not recover in time to play.

However, Benitez said Chelsea was continuing to assess John Terry's ankle injury, also suffered against Villa.

Terry, 32, missed Chelsea's Champions League final win over Bayern Munich last season through suspension, and now faces the prospect of having to sit out a second European showpiece.

But Hazard's injury means Frank Lampard - who, like Terry, would not have been a guaranteed starter today in any case - is more likely to play, especially because John Obi Mikel is also a doubt with a hip problem.

If Terry is ruled out, Lampard is likely to captain the Blues just days after becoming their alltime record goalscorer thanks to his brace against Villa.

Roma racist fine not acceptable, says FIFA

F

IFA President Sepp Blatter has criticised the decision to merely fine Roma for their fans' racist chanting during a Serie A match with AC Milan.

Play in Sunday's 0-0 draw was stopped for about two minutes when chants were aimed at Milan's black players.

The Italian Football Federation fined the club 50,000 euros (£42,000).

The game was temporarily brought to a halt at the start of the second half after an announcement was made to supporters, ordering them to cease their behaviour.

Roma released a statement on Monday condemning the actions of their supporters, saying the club was "committed to facing this issue head-on.

However, Blatter was not happy with the response from the Italian Football Federation.

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QUO TABLE Q UO TE UOT QUO UOTE Politics without an opposition is like business without competition.

— Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, National Chairman, All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) on the emergence of an opposition coalition party, APC.

The opposition sends a message T

he mega opposition party moved from fantasy to reality with the completion at the weekend of congresses by three different parties to ratify their merger into a new, formidable opposition party - the All Progressives Congress, APC. Before this time,2 gullible Nigerians had been duped by these same political characters, promising to give the nation a welldeserved opposition party but failing to do so at every critical point.

It is a settled question that this country needs a strong opposition to check the arrogance of power of the ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. With more than a decade in power at the centre, the PDP has shortchanged Nigerians with a democratic dictatorship. They have given us a mantra of democracy but there is no democratic spirit. Fourteen years down the road, the nation has democracy in structure and form but the malcontents are overwhelming.

Only the arrogance of power proceeding from the dominance of a single party can give a vast country populated by 170 million as we have, a leader who will say I am tired and disinterested and at another time, a dying man whose preoccupation in office was his health, not the people he leads.

Only a single party system can give a country a president not fit for the job and a dictator who unleashes the state's instruments of coercion upon just anyone who disagrees with him. Single party rule has given several countries, Nigeria inclusive, a leader who knows next to nothing; a leader who does not even know the strategic importance of the country he or she leads. We are, perhaps the only country on the continent who don't even know the clout, purpose and the mission of Nigeria in Africa.

These days, even the political parties, when they open up to talk, admit that the country's problem is leadership. Yet until now, the opposition seemed uncommitted to doing anything to change the unwanted situation; the opposition until now seemed to say as the British do, that we all talk about the weather but there is nothing we can do about it.

There is no country in Africa with our endowments in all respects. When you reckon with

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MUSINGS By

Garba Shehu garshehu@yahoo.co.in

President Goodluck Jonathan the others, they pale into insignificance in comparison our country. Look at the intellectual resources, the intelligentsia, the scholarly Nigerians, the skillful Nigerians, the artists - all of those Nollywood and Kannywood characters - not even South Africa is a match to Nigeria. How many professors of reckoning do they have in Kenya, Ethiopia, Namibia or The Gambia?

Sadly for us here, equity, hard work, honesty and the culture of love of the neighbor have been in a retreat for a long time in this country. Today in Nigeria, religious and tribal militant groups in Northern Nigeria in tandem with some loose cannons of our politics have nearly overrun the police and the army at least in the North-East and North-Central sub-regions.

Kidnapping is everywhere in the South. Even government(s) is/are openly being accused of patronizing this systemic form of violence as an instrument to win at all cost, the up-coming state, legislative and presidential elections in 2015.

The good thing about this historical merger is not necessarily that PDP should be thrown out office although, really, they need not to be spared if they go on

messing things up. The ruling party needs to have someone shadowing them. It is important for this and any other democracy that there is an opposition party, robust and agile to which the given country can give power. Without an opposition ready to take power, no ruling party is impelled to give its best to the people that put it in office.

Of the three major political parties in the new formation, the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN is the most robust and successful and therefore a senior partner in the APC whether anyone concedes to this openly or not. The ACN, whose popularity is concentrated in the South-West, has been returned victorious in all but one of the six states in the sub-region. It is mostly populated by the Yoruba. The Congress for Progressive Change, CPC on the other hand gained a lot of ground among the Hausa-Fulani in the North-West and the NorthEast in the run-up to 2011 general elections, which they on their own mismanaged. It has a strong leader, General Muhammadu Buhari who, it is widely believed, did not sully his hands while in office as military Head of State.

The All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP is only next to the ACN in

the number of Governors, state and federal legislators anyone is bringing into the alliance. But the ANPP is perhaps the country's most unfortunate political party when it comes to knowing what to do.

They have been showing signs of mental exhaustion to rejuvenate themselves.

The All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA should ideally be irrelevant in the new party but has to be mentioned because a bright politician, Governor Rochas Okorocha keeps showing up at every event.

How has ruling party, the PDP reacted to this political typhoon threatening to sweep them out of power? Going by all recent reports, the PDP is not taking any lessons from the emerging political landscape. The party is in a state of total disarray in large parts of this country. Thanks to a President who insists on his pound of flesh, the turmoil in the South-South in the PDP, his own home region appears to be worse than you have in other sub-regions. The authorities appear to have hit up a ploy to destabilize the party and government in any PDP state where a governor shows any signs of presidential ambition.

Tribal leaders between Ijaw patriarch, Edwin Clark and the youthful ones behind them such as Presidential Adviser Kingsley Kuku and ex-militant Alhaji Asari Dokubo have openly called for violence in the country without a hand raised against them by our often over-excited security officials.

They (Ijaw leaders) may as well have the implicit blessings of their political mentors in Abuja.

With all of these things happening across the landscape, one thing that keeps most Nigerians going is their tireless confidence in the resilience of their country. That's reason why everyone including the PDP members are saying welcome to the new opposition alliance.

Nigeria has a way of solving the worst of crises that anyone could imagine for a country.

It is not possible at this time to predict what lies ahead for the country in the face of the new party alliance and the civil war going on in the ruling PDP, except to say that the country has the resilience to outlast the swelled up crises outlined and the uncertainty that accompany them.

Published by Peoples Media Limited, 35, Ajose Adeogun Street, 1st Floor Peace Park Plaza, Utako, Abuja. Kano office: Plot 3, Zaria Road, Opposite Kano State House of Assembly. Lagos Office: No.8 Oliyide Street, off Unity Road, Ikeja, Lagos. Tel: +234 814 292 9046. Cell: +234 082 443 2099; 803 7007 759. e-mail: contact@peoplesdaily-online.com; pmlnewsdesk@gmail.com ISSN: 2141– 6141